It seems a lot of comic creators are having tough times these days when it comes to healthcare and related issues. Colorist Moose Baumann is the latest on the list.

Baumann, colorist on covers of Green Lantern, 52, Flash Rebirth and more, is looking for help to get himself and his wife out of an extraordinary $90,000 in debt from medical expenses. Baumann recently spoke with Newsarama about his plight. Here’s what he told us:

A few years back my wife had breast cancer. She had chemo and a partial mastectomy, and we thought things were good. A year later we found out that it had spread, and she went in for more chemo and surgery. Several months prior she had lost her job and her insurance, and because of her “prior condition” she no one else would insure her. So we’ve been working on paying off the full cost of her medical bills for the past two years, just north of $90 grand.

Right now work is scarce and money is super tight, and on June 1st it looks like we may lose our home because of all of this. I’m trying to sell some prints of my work online to make some quick cash, and hopefully keep my home. I’m reluctant to ask for help, it’s embarrassing, but I’m at the end of my rope.

Baumann is currently selling prints of his work which you can preview here. People can email the artist at moosebaumann [at] mediacombb [dot] net to place orders. He’s accepting both Paypal and money orders. If you’ve enjoyed any of his work, please consider helping the guy out.

Science rules! Or at least, that’s what I took away from five seasons of Bill Nye the Science Guy. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showed you some unique hand carved wooden superheroes, this week my inner science geek is showing itself. Take a gander at these scientific items I found on Etsy…

Ok, so technically this first one is more math related than science but it was too awesome to pass up. This Pi Cuff Bracelet has the first 480 numbers in Pi etched in brass. User KarlaWheelerDesign created the look for $50. She’s also got one with binary code for $60.

Need something to snazz up that boring ol’ lab coat? How about some Lab Coat Bling? User ShopGibberish created this pin out of three scrabble tiles with the periodic table used to spell out the word “geek.” The user is willing to create whatever phrase you’d like out of the elements. $18.

When you need to dress up, why not say it with science? You’ll look impressive sporting one of these DNA Helix ties for sure. Your choice from user projector, $25. The shop also has a few other science-minded ties you can check out here.

The first law of thermodynamics is you don’t talk about thermodynamics. Wait. Strike that. How about a First Law of Thermodynamics Formula Handstamped Necklace made from sterling silver to show your devotion to the law? “The first law of thermodynamics states that although energy can be transformed, it cannot be created or destroyed,” writes user nikhajewelry, “A sterling silver tag has been handstamped with the simplest form of [the] formula.” Yours for $16. If you’re a geologist, I suggest taking a look at the “Gneiss Schist” necklace as well.

And last but not least, something that caught my eye on Etsy a while ago and was waiting for a chance to show you all. Now’s as good a time as any I guess. It’s a Phrenology Helmet. For $250, user bellehemets will give you this item. “This bicycle or skateboard helmet is one-of-a-kind and hand-painted by DJ Baskin,” writes the user, “The design is based on an old diagram of the late Nineteenth Century pseudoscience.” Also available? The Brain Helmet for $120.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

I’m just going to say this: Chris Samnee is one of the best comic artists out there right now. The daily(?) sketches he posts on his blog not only prove that, they also make you wish that someone could clone him so that every single comic could be Samnee’d. Seriously, check these out and tell me that you’re not in awe: (more…)

Last week’s Etsy Made Me Do It focused on the Mighty Blonde One, Thor. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. This week I decided to showcase one Etsy user whose crafts I found particularly delightful. His username is spandexsplinters and I give you his wooden superheroes and villains.

“The Joker. Batman’s long time arch enemy. Not sure if he runs in fear or from The Joker’s Halitosis,” writes spandexsplinters. This Sinister Hand Carved Wooden Joker is 5.5 x 1 inch, carved out of basswood and finished with acrylic paints. $25. (more…)

Um, wow. This page of Frank Miller/Klaus Janson art from Batman: The Dark Knight #3 just sold at auction for a record-breaking $448,125.

The page was sold through Heritage Auctions to a private bidder. From the auctions description:

This splash page is to our minds the single most memorable image from the entire book and the greatest image from the decade ever to come to market — as well as one of the handful of most desirable pieces of original comic art from any era to come to market. A perfect stand-alone image of Batman and Robin (Carrie Kelley, the first female, full-time Robin) soaring high above Gotham City, an icon symbolizing the entire storyline — this one has everything going for it.

As demonstrated by the fact that we’ve only offered two Dark Knight panel pages previously — and the fact that no splash page, much less a such an undeniably classic image, has never been offered at auction — artwork from the famed series is much scarcer than anything else from the period. This gem has been locked away in a single collection since being purchased upon the series’ original publication and is the definition of “fresh to market.” And unlike many pages from the series, where differences between the original art and the published version are evident (as a result of Miller making changes on pasteovers), no changes were made to this artwork for publication, and the original contains no paste-ups or stats — it’s pure art, just the way it appeared in print.

The art comes from page ten of the story, “Hunt the Dark Knight” in the now-famous arc and according to the website had fifteen bidders vying for the chance to own it. The Hollywood Reporter says, two other pages, page 2 from issue #4 and page 2 from issue #3 sold for $41.8K and $13.1K respectively. Previously, page #8 from Amazing Spider-Man #50 with art by John Romita Sr.  sold for $88,500. This sale shatters that record.

While a staggering number (I wonder how Miller feels about it), I’m not surprised a piece of original art went for this much, I’m just surprised it hadn’t happened sooner. After all, classic issues themselves now sell for $1 million plus easy.

Do you think $448,125 for a page of art from this issue/artist is justified or outrageous? What piece of comic art have you always had your eye on? If you had unlimited funds, what could you see yourself paying for it?

Next Wednesday, artist Dennis Calero will host an event at the Society of Illustrators in New York featuring three huge names in comics: Joe Quesada, Walt Simonson and Jim Steranko.

Called “Drawing the Line,” the lecture will allow the artists to speak about the art of drawing as it pertains to comic books.

“When I was approached by the Society of Illustrators to put together an event,” said Calero, “I tried to think about what the mandate of the Society is, which is to promote illustration as not just a commercial function, which it is, but also as an art.”

“When the fans discuss the art of comics,” he continued, “it is often ‘reduced’ to serving the function of telling a story.  But obviously, the quality of comic illustration goes beyond just serving the needs of the story. The drawing matters.”

Calero said this is a great opportunity to talk about just that with three legendary artists, “all of who’s drawing, in my opinion, go beyond just telling the story and captivate with their artistry.”

Tickets are $15 for non-members, $10 for members and $7 for students and you must RSVP to the event. It will take place Wednesday May 11 from 7-9 p.m. at the Society of Illustrators building at 128 East 63rd St. in New York City. For more information visit the Society of Illustrators’ website.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showcased some snazzy geek glassware to wet your whistle, this week it’s all about the Mighty Blonde One. Marvel’s Thor hits theaters in the U.S. this Friday so in honor of the Thunder God I’ve found some items on Etsy worthy of his (or your) usage.

If you have no interest in owning a Flaming Thor Helmet there’s something wrong with you. Sure, you could potentially burn your house down but you’d look wicked awesome doing it. User MegaPlow has created this piece, complete with stand, for $400. Although he states in the listing, “I can not suggest you wear it, I recommend you never wear it, as its dangerous!” Verily.

Need a place to store a card? Try this Thor Recycled Comic ID, Bus or Metro Pass, Library Card Holder from user Japip. The comics are posted on black paper then covered in vinyl and sewn together to create this item which sells for $4.

Just imagine all the information you could fit in Thor’s head. Approximately 4GB thanks to this Thor USB Flash Drive! User Monstoes created this and several other cool USBs from vending machine toys. Sells for $29.95

Even Thor needs to wear a suit sometimes, right? When he does, I’d like to think he wears Mighty Thor’s Hammer Mjollnir Cufflinks. User TheCrossings has these made from pewter and hand paints them. $35.

I’m not sure it would be entirely fair for Thor to play golf but that doesn’t mean you can’t play golf WITH Thor. Hence, the Thor Golf Club Cover. “Sized to fit clubs from the number 1 wood to your tiny putter, made out of acrylic fiber to prevent damage and it is machine washable,” says user TraceyKnits. This one is just $29 with many other superhero and geeky characters available.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

In a very cool graphic showcase, one YouTube user has taken a slew of Batman’s symbol designs through the years and morphed them from one to the next. Beware: U2′s “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” from Batman Forever plays in the background.

User Antupainamku includes the details of each symbol which for some are film or television credits while others are specific comic book cover or interior designs. The first comes via Detective Comics 1942, “Batman with Robin, The Boy Wonder,” the last comes from “Superman & Batman vs Alien & Predator” from DC and Dark Horse in 2007. It’s far from complete of course but definitely cool to see a good chunk of them put together.

No, not the ones your wear on your face, the kind you drink out of. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I did a special extended edition of the column to celebrate the Season 6 premiere of Doctor Who and emptied your wallets in the process. I’ll try to go a little easier on this week. Sort of. Not really. There’s been lots of neat promotional glasses through the years (the Star Wars Burger King ones come to mind) but I’ve found some really cool, handmade geek glassware on Etsy I think you’d enjoy drinking your favorite beverage out of.

No matter which seat you sit in on the bridge, I’ve got a Star Trek Wine Glass for you. For $60 user ImpulsiveCreativity will give you a set of handpainted glasses. You’re choice of either these wine glasses shown or red or white wine, martini, champagne, pilsner, stemless, shot, tumbler or juice glasses. Also check out this Frosted Trekkie hiball glass from user JackGlass for something more subdued, $17.99.

What orc, troll or tauren wouldn’t want to drink out of a World of WarCraft Horde Mug? The famous political symbol from the MMORPG is etched on the 20 oz. glass by user harleyquinn86, $15.

Sure, they weren’t made to be geeky but these Vintage Zombie Glasses would be perfect for your Walking Dead premiere party this fall, don’t you think? Especially if you serve, as user beautifulandhorrible suggests, actual zombie drink recipes in them. The set of 5 for $45.

What could be more appropriate than this Iron Man Tumbler? If it had Tony Stark passed out on the other side perhaps? Either way, user aradiadiane says, “You can show your love for Iron Man by using one of these 16 oz. glasses instead of drinking straight from the bottle.” $15

Such a cool idea! A set of 4 Piranha Plant Short Champagne Glasses. User CrossP has handpainted this set for $35 and promises they don’t bite. S/he also has several other Mario themed glasses. Another favorite of mine? The Mario Mega, Bee, Boo, and Mini Mushroom Glasses for $55.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

The sixth season of the longest running sci-fi show on television is premiering Saturday on BBC America (concurrent with the UK!). I’m speaking of course about Doctor Who. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. And I’ve been waiting patiently to do this one. Last week I found some wacky Portal related objects on the crafting site but this time around, it’s all about the Doctor. And his companions. And his enemies. And the TARDIS. Yes, it’s a special extended edition of Etsy Made Me Do It. (I apologize to your wallets in advance.)

Without further ado…ALLONS-Y!

There’s been a lot of Doctor Who novelization over the last 47 years, not to mention a good number of DVD releases. Well how would you like to hold them up in style with these Doctor Who bookends? They’re pretty epic if you ask me. User TheophilusSaxe made them out of hard engineering-grade plaster with a resin TARDIS and felt bottom. Just $49.99. Or, if you’d prefer just to stare at something awesome that serves no other purpose, check out his Doctor Who dioramas: Ice Box, Knock knock who’s there, and Boxed Lunch, $19.99 each. (more…)

I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords. As should you. Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers and last week I focused on the delightful, yet scarce, Batgirl finds from the site. This time around I’m giving our metal brothers and sisters a chance to shine. Why? Because this past weekend I was served alcoholic beverages by a few at BarBot in San Francisco and I wish to keep them happy.

I purposely steered clear of movie or television robots because that’s a whole other category for another day. Here’s some great robot finds from Etsy.

Now here’s an item name that roles right off your tongue, Anti Boredom Flat Pack Puzzle Robots in Deployment Pod. It may sound complicated but it isn’t. User Tinkeringproductions created this set of puzzle robots for $10 out of laser cut hardboard. Tinkeringproductions says they can do boring tasks for you like distribute business cards, hold other small stiff pieces of paper, hold pens, and pen like objects as well. You’ll never be bored at work again.

Meet Billy the Robot. He’s part of a family of robots. As you can see, he enjoys:
figure skating, pudding pops, epic fantasy and dislikes: insult comics, turnips and cigarette smoke. Sounds like my kind of guy. User sweetmealine has created this robot in a frame out of tiny bits of watch pieces, cogs, gears, electronics, jewelry findings, and other found objects for $20. And make sure to check out the rest of the family.

This one should have creeped me out but it’s too darn cute to be scared of. It’s a MilliBOT Sculpture from user JunkBOT. Measuring just 2.5″ long, this little robot bug was made out of 20 electrical components and capacitors. It stands on a small wooden base with a hand stamped nameplate. $12.

You’ll be able to clean a lot with Mr. Robotic Clean Fun set of 8 soaps. User Melsfunsuds recommends giving them out as party favors. For $14.75, each robot soap also comes with its own key. Various colors and scents are available.

If you’re nice enough, maybe this guy will let you wear him around your neck and even help you with directions. It’s an antique bronze robot with compass and clock from user fashionjewel. It’s only $4.99 and yes, batteries are included.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I tried something new by focusing on just one Etsy user and her delightful Gotham Chic prints. I’m going back to basics this week though and showing some love to one of my favorite characters – Batgirl. Surprisingly, there really wasn’t that much Batgirl product on Etsy, so here’s my call to all you craftsters out there: MAKE MORE. Thank you.

Goodness gracious. I almost fell over from the cuteness of this one. It’s the Cupcake Eatin’ Batgirl bottle cap necklace from user anilineblack. For $16 you can gaze at Barbara Gordon really enjoying some cupcakes. And let’s face it, who doesn’t? Also available, Cupcake Eatin’ Batman. Hehe!

Holy glitter Batgirl! (I know, I’m just luring the guys in this week, aren’t I?) This pin-up style Batgirl Glitter Art will definitely brighten up any living space. User tigergalindo has this for $35. There’s also a Wonder Woman piece and several other comic characters from both DC and Marvel available.

Comic book decoupage is a popular craft on Etsy. One day, my whole house will be filled with it. Until then, perhaps you’d like this Batgirl Plate by erindara for $35? Or, if you’d prefer to wear Barbara, a Batgirl bracelet from Customcomix for $17.

Also falling in the adorable category this week, a set of four Super Gals Magnets. User greenbeanbaby also includes Spider Woman, Smurfette, Wonder Woman in the set for $6.25.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I celebrated the Irish by highlighting green comic book characters, this week I’m focusing on prints. Not only is Etsy fantastic for craft items, there’s a lot of really amazing art there as well. From time to time I’ll showcase one users artwork that really jumps out at me. For my first go-around, it’s artist Amber Lynn Seegmiller, known on Etsy as ambird.

Ambird has a series of Gotham Chic artwork that plays off Batman and his Rogues Gallery. The first that caught my eye was this one of “Batman.” She also has the other half of the Dynamic Duo, Robin. All prints are $10. (more…)

It is always good when those who can, do.

Recently, famed Gothamite artist Dustin Nguyen, posted on ebay a seriously super piece. It’s an 11 x 17 watercolor and acrylic painting which was the variant cover for Superboy #3. Nguyen talked to Blog@ about the piece and the fact that all proceeds are going to the Japan relief and the Red Cross. “One of the very few times I’ve strayed away from Gotham. I was aiming for something a bit iconic and striking in palette,” Nguyen said. “I just want to raise as much as I can for the cause.”

Another known artist is the ever-popular Adam Hughes, who will be taking donations, with a minimum of $5 for a head sketch on Saturday and Sunday for the first hour of C2E2 this weekend. All proceeds going to aid Japan. He will also be there at WonderCon the following week, with the same stipulation.

I love when the comic community can come together like this and aid those who could really benefit. I won’t make it out to C2E2, but I will definitely be at WonderCon for Hughes’ line.

Update:

Artist Kenneth Rocafort (Velocity, Madame Mirage, Action Comics) has posted in his blog that he is running an auction for a rare sketch with all the proceeds going to benefit those who have suffered from the Japan tragedy. All the details are on the mentioned link and the winner gets the sketch as well as a receipt from the Red Cross. The auction will run until the 23rd of March and will be dealt similarly to how the Haiti relief auction was handled. The Dr. Strange above is a sample of the work the winner would receive.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I showcased poor, neglected Luigi. This week it’s all about the St. Patrick’s Day spirit! And what better way to celebrate than going green with shamrock shaded comic book characters?

For the Emerald Archer fans out there, heres some Green Arrow Comic Tags for gift-giving, bookmarks, etc. User ZombiepieceTheater has put these together for you out of recycled comics and kraft cardstock, $3 for a set of 5. You can also check out the other characters s/he has available.

Looking to share a highball with Highball? Why not do it out of these Green Arrow/Green Lantern Glasses? Just $12 for the set from user erindara, who has lots of other decoupage comic items for sale as well.

Show off your Green Lantern pride with this set of seven Green Lantern Corps buttons! User mutantcactus has button-fied Sinestro, Hal Jordan, Kyle Rayner, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kiliwog and the Green Lantern Symbol all for $5.

Granted, this is not a handmade craft but a vintage item, I just couldn’t pass showing this one off. It’s a full deck of Original 1966 GREEN HORNET Playing Cards w/Action Pics. User GreatOldStuff has these for $28.50 and they’re pretty sweet if you ask me.

You think Jen Walters would wear a bracelet of herself? My thought is, yes, she most certainly would. This is a Vintage She-Hulk Comic Book Bracelet from user Customcomix for $17. Lots of other cool, less green, characters from this user as well.

I’d be remiss in leaving out the largest green guy out there. How’d you like to look at the Hulk every time you turn on the lights? The Hulk Wall Place Light Switchplate Cover is just $5 from user savagejesse. Interesting placement for the screw hole…

(I know, I left out the Green Goblin. I fully intended on including him but there weren’t too many items on Etsy for him. Unless you’re interested in a Green Goblin Ball Macbook Decal…yeah, didn’t think so.)

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

Have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

Ok, this is just too awesome for words. Up for bid on Ebay for the next six days, a custom tattoo designed personally for you by comic artist Cliff Chiang and inked by artist Brian Stringer at C2E2. The best part? Proceeds go to the Hero Initiative.

Here’s the gist: “The winner will have the unique opportunity to have Chiang draw, in advance of the show, any character of their choice or any other subject matter that can be agreed upon, as an 8″x10″ illustration. Then, this artwork will be tattooed by Brian Stringer at C2E2.”

And not only to you get the tattoo of your choice out of it, you get to keep the original illustration too. Of course you must have a valid state ID and be 18 years or older in order to win. Also, according to the listing, “The tattoo will be black and gray, any color work at tattooer’s discretion. No cover-ups, text, or logos. Any character head shot, bust, or action pose, up to 8″x10″. Up to 4 hours of tattooing. No neck or face tattoos.”

I’m planning on bidding but I’m worried it’s going to get too rich for my blood by the time the six days are up. I will try though. This is such a cool, original idea and a rare opportunity. Not to mention a great deal. And as I mentioned, 100% of the proceeds go to Hero Initiative so it’s a good cause too.

I think it was Garfield who said it best – “I hate Mondays.” So I’m attempting to infuse a little beginning of the week cheer with another cartoon cat who’s known for being slightly more chipper. I’m talking about Hello Kitty. DeviantArtist Katie Dreyer has put together an adoption centers worth of the disgustingly cute Sanrio character dressed up like DC heroes and villains. Enjoy!

From our neighboring Mars and the much farther Zamarron comes Miss Martian and Star Sapphire!

Seems like a bit of a contradiction to have the Birds of Prey dressed up as cats but hey, it works.

Catman didn’t have far to go but Bane Hello Kitty? Priceless. In fact, the entire Secret Six this way seems like some sort of twisted alternate world torture I could see writer Gail Simone forcing upon them down the road.

Everyone knows the ultimate Gotham villain pairing isn’t Harley Quinn and The Joker, it’s Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy! Although a Catwoman Kitty is sorely missing from the pack.

Stephanie Brown as Batgirl, Stephanie Brown as Robin, take your pick.

And the group wouldn’t be complete without the Trinity. Sure, Superman is taking the day off but Supergirl looks significantly cuter.

Dreyer has one Marvel character so far in her Hello Kitty menagerie and it’s one of the least likely candidates – Deadpool.

Along with the “killing me with cuteness” section of her DeviantArt page, Dreyer also dips her hands in some prop and costume work. She herself has cosplayed as Renee Montoya, has put together some sweet DC masks (the Oracle one is now in the possession of Gail Simone apparently) and made a Kryptonite sample out of rock candy.

Once a week I sift through the millions of Etsy listings to find the best in geek chic for Blog@ readers. Last week I focused on video game daydreamer Scott Pilgrim, this week it’s all about the man, the myth, the legend…Mario.

When I first saw this, I thought it was a gigantic wall hanging. Turns out, they’re much easier to display. User Aristomatic created these Super Mario Brothers Sprite Magnets out of birch wood. A steal at $45 I say, especially since you can arrange them however you see fit.

We’ve already got Mario on the brain, why not have him on our head? Check out these adorable Super Mario 3 Tanooki barrettes from pixelparty. Or if you prefer, he’s also got Froggy Mario bobbypins, both sets, $14 each.

Mario’s Overalls, your Nintendo DS is naked without them. User ellesroom created this truly original case for your DS Lite for $19. Complete with two back pockets to hold games!

I love all of Mario’s power-up outfits but by far, Kuribo’s Shoe has to be my favorite. Also known as Goomba’s Shoe and called Kuribo’s Boot by myself, the first and only appearance of this delightful ensemble was in Super Mario 3, World 5-3 and user gamerpaige liked it enough to make this nifty Kuribo’s Shoe Perler Bead Magnet. Also available, Statue, Raccoon and several other Mario outfits, all for $4 each.

For the extra fancy gamer out there, how about a Swarovski Crystal Super Mario cover for Apple iphone 4? User IcyIcyBlingCouture did this one, which can be yours for a mere $169.99.

As always, bear in mind, since Etsy is a craft website and not a commercial, mass-market dealer, items are almost always one-of-a-kind or in very limited availability. When you see something you like, buy it. It may not be there the next time you surf round. (Yes, it’s a very dangerous site for your wallet.) Also, since most items are created individually, many sellers are willing to customize something specifically to suit your needs. Just ask!

I need a Doctor…Who t-shirt. Or five.

Today the internet has blessed us with some fantastic new Doctor Who inspired t-shirt designs. Hurry though, some of these are only up for one day.

From artist ZeroBriant comes “The Whos.” Or more appropriately, The (Doctor) Whos. Classic British show, classic British rock group. Makes sense to me. Via Teefury.

From New York City’s Anna-Marie Jung comes this spacial bending image called “Who Needs Gravity?” I believe if the Doctor ever goes back in time to visit M.C. Escher, this is what it would look like. Bonus points for adorable Doctors. Via Woot.

From the birthplace of Doctor Who, the U.K.’s Billy Allison gives us “Crack,” the opposite view of what we saw all through Season 5. And there’s a discount on this one thanks to Doctor Who News! Via Qwertee.

TheOneTrueBix has late night talk show host Craig Ferguson to thank for inspiring this one. As shown in this lost cold-open from the show, this is what makes the Doctor, the Doctor. Via MySoti.

Perhaps this one wasn’t meant to include a Doctor Who reference but I’m taking the liberty of crossing the fandom streams here and calling it an overt Star Wars joke with a subtle nod to “bowties are cool.” From D4N13L comes “Imperial Bowtie Fighter.” Via Ript Apparel.

Image Comics is sponsoring a fun contest with Threadless (you know, the t-shirt company that steals all your money with their awesome products).

“The challenge is to create an amazing comic based off of Threadless designs,” says Lance Curran, the warehouse director and founder of Threadless Comics-On Tees. Their last contest winner, Ben Foot, created the comic above from the t-shirt design, “What Did I Ever Do to You?” by David Schwen.

“I’m obsessed with comics and I’ve always felt that designs on Threadless could make great comic characters,” Curran told Newsarama. “Lucky for us, Image Comics thought so too!” Contestants have 30 days to submit their entry at which time Image will choose the winner.

Besides recognition on the website, the winner will this prize pack of books:

Orc Stain Vol 1
The Fantastic Worlds of Frank Frazetta
Morning Glories Vol 1
Popgun Vol 4 (anthology)
Liquid City Vol 2 (anthology)
Phonogram Vol 1
The Nightly News
San Diego ComicCon 2010 Yearbook (art book)

The winner will also receive a $25 Threadless gift certificate. “Threadless has such a talented and inspiring community I knew this challenge would be full of win,” said Curran. “I’m always looking for ways to combine my love of comics with my love of Threadless.” You can enter now at Threadless.com.