Baby Daddies of the Inner Chambers

I read Ôoku: The Inner Chambers, Vol. 3 (Ooku: The Inner Chambers)

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 30 2010

DC COMICS
APR100176 ACTION COMICS #890 $3.99

APR108171 ACTION COMICS #890 VAR ED $3.99

APR100163 BATMAN BEYOND #1 (OF 6) $2.99

APR108255 BATMAN RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #2 (OF 6) 2ND PTG $3.99

APR100235 BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #18 $2.50

FEB100181 BATWOMAN ELEGY DELUXE EDITION HC $24.99

MAR100272 CARTOON NETWORK 2-1 POWERPUFF GIRLS FOSTERS TP $12.99

APR100151 FLASH #3 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

APR100172 GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #13 $2.99

APR100141 GREEN LANTERN #55 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

APR100158 JOKERS ASYLUM CLAYFACE #1 $2.99

APR100149 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $3.99

MAR108045 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #46 (BRIGHTEST DAY) VAR ED $3.99

APR100196 JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #40 $2.99

FEB100278 STOLEN HEARTS VOL 02 $9.99

APR108122 SUPERMAN WAR OF THE SUPERMEN DOUBLE FEATURE #2 $4.99

APR100202 TEEN TITANS #84 $3.99

FEB100280 TERU TERU X SHONEN VOL 07 $9.99

APR100204 WEB #10 $3.99

APR100134 WONDER WOMAN #600 (NOTE PRICE) $4.99

NOV090182 WONDER WOMAN ARCHIVES HC VOL 06 $59.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 30 2010

MARVEL COMICS

APR108128 AGE OF HEROES #1 OF(4) 2ND PTG DJURDJEVIC VAR $3.99

APR100546 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS AMERICAN SON #2 (OF 4) $3.99

DEC090544 ASTONISHING X-MEN #34 $2.99

APR100567 CAPTAIN AMERICA #607 HA $3.99

APR100568 CAPTAIN AMERICA 1940S NEWSPAPER STRIP #1 $3.99

APR100652 DEADPOOL CORPS PRELUDE PREM HC $19.99

APR100527 DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #892 $2.99

APR100530 DEADPOOL WADE WILSONS WAR #2 (OF 4) $3.99

MAY100586 DEATH OF DRACULA #1 $3.99

APR100571 DOOMWAR #5 (OF 6) $3.99

APR100655 FANTASTIC FOUR BY HICKMAN PREM HC VOL 02 $19.99

APR100512 HERALDS #5 (OF 5) $2.99

APR100592 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 $4.99

APR100597 IRON MAN EXTREMIS DIRECTORS CUT #4 (OF 6) $3.99

APR100564 IRON MAN KISS AND KILL #1 $3.99

APR100672 LIST TP $19.99

APR100615 MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #4 (OF 5) $3.99

JAN100647 MMW ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES HC VOL 03 $59.99

JAN100648 MMW ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES HC VOL 03 DM VAR ED 140 $59.99

APR100643 MMW DAREDEVIL TP VOL 01 $24.99

APR100644 MMW DAREDEVIL TP VOL 01 DM ED VAR 17 $24.99

APR100563 NEW AVENGERS LUKE CAGE #3 (OF 3) $3.99

APR108133 NEW MUTANTS #12 3RD PTG VAR (PP# 922) $2.99

APR100557 SECRET AVENGERS #2 HA $3.99

APR100678 SECRET WARRIORS TP VOL 02 GOD OF FEAR GOD OF WAR $14.99

APR100541 SPIDER-HAM 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 $3.99

APR100694 SPIDER-MAN JACKPOT TP $14.99

APR108130 THANOS IMPERATIVE IGNITION #1 2ND PTG WALKER VAR $3.99

APR100619 THOR #611 HA $3.99

APR100688 TOMB OF DRACULA TP VOL 01 $24.99

APR100654 ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS PREM HC NEXT GENERATION $24.99

APR100669 ULTIMATES TP ULTIMATE COLLECTION $34.99

APR108134 UNCANNY X-MEN #523 3RD PTG VAR $2.99

APR100523 X-CAMPUS #1 (OF 4) $4.99

APR100524 X-CAMPUS #1 (OF 4) MEDRI VAR $4.99

APR108131 X-FORCE #26 3RD PTG VAR $2.99

APR108129 X-FORCE #27 2ND PTG CHOI VAR $2.99

MAR108051 X-MEN CURSE OF THE MUTANTS SAGA PI

APR100635 X-MEN FOREVER 2 #2 $3.99

APR108132 X-MEN LEGACY #235 3RD PTG VAR $2.99

APR108135 X-MEN SECOND COMING 3RD PTG VAR $3.99

APR100645 X-NECROSHA HC $39.99

IDW, Image and Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 30 2010

IMAGE COMICS FEB100410 ANGELUS #4 (OF 6) $2.99

NOV090415 DARKNESS ORIGINS TP VOL 02 $14.99

JAN100459 ELEPHANTMEN #26 $3.50

MAR100453 VELOCITY #1 (OF 4) CHRISCROSS CVR B $3.99

MAR100452 VELOCITY #1 (OF 4) ROCAFORT CVR A $3.99

MAR108131 WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK #1 2ND PTG $3.99

DARK HORSE COMICS
APR100054 ABE SAPIEN ABYSSAL PLAIN #1 (OF 2) DAVE JOHNSON CVR $3.50

AUG090056 HERBIE 7 INCH VINYL FIGURE $39.99

MAR100029 NEXUS ARCHIVES HC VOL 11 $49.99

APR100012 PREDATORS #4 (OF 4) $2.99

OCT090098 STAR WARS DARK TIMES #17 BLUE HARVEST PT 5 (OF 5) $2.99

APR100066 STAR WARS INVASION RESCUES #2 (OF 6) $2.99

APR100067 STAR WARS LEGACY #49 EXTREMES PART 2 (OF 3) $2.99

MAR100077 STAR WARS LEGACY TP VOL 09 MONSTER $17.99

APR100041 USAGI YOJIMBO #129 $3.50

JAN100205 USAGI YOJIMBO 12 INCH PLUSH $24.99

IDW
APR100395 ARMY OF TWO #6 $3.99

APR100381 BRAM STOKERS DEATH SHIP #2 $3.99

APR100394 DRAGON AGE #2 $3.99

APR100336 GI JOE HEARTS AND MINDS #2 $3.99

APR100378 LAST UNICORN #2 $3.99

FEB101017 LUCKIEST BOY GN (RES) $12.99

MAR101016 SHERLOCK HOLMES HC VOL 02 $17.99

APR100367 STAR TREK BURDEN OF KNOWLEDGE #1 $3.99

APR100391 TANK GIRL ROYAL ESCAPE #4 (OF 4) $3.99

APR100353 TRANSFORMERS ALLSPARK ALMANAC TP VOL 02 $19.99

APR100386 TRIBES DOG YEARS GN $24.99

APR100358 YOURS TRULY JACK THE RIPPER #1 $3.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for June 30 2010

WIZARD
MAY100714 WIZARD MAGAZINE #228 GREEN HORNET CVR $5.99
MAY100713 WIZARD MAGAZINE #228 SECRET JAM CVR $5.99

COMICS
MAR101241 100 GREATEST LOONEY TUNES CARTOONS HC (RES) $24.95

APR101049 AFTER DARK #0 $1.00

FEB101104 APPLE ANTHOLOGY GN VOL 04 $34.95

MAR101129 ATOMIC ROBO REVENGE O/T VAMPIRE DIMENSION #4 (OF 4) $3.50

MAY101113 BANIMON #1 (OF 3) $2.50

APR101115 BATTLE SMASH VS SAUCER MEN FROM VENUS $3.25

MAR101137 BB WOLF & 3 LPS HC (NOTE PRICE) $12.95

APR100744 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #182 $3.99

APR101080 BIZENGHAST GN VOL 07 (OF 7) $10.99

MAR100717 CASPER & THE SPECTRALS #2 (OF 3) (RES) $2.99

APR101112 CHI SWEET HOME GN VOL 01 $13.95

DEC090643 CHIMICHANGA #3 (OF 3) $3.00

MAY101099 CHOLLY AND FLYTRAP HC CENTER CITY (RES) $24.95

MAR101300 CULT TV BOOK FROM STAR TREK TO DEXTER SC $15.95

APR100941 DF RED SONJA #50 ADAMS SHE-DEVIL RED EX CVR $14.99

APR100838 DISNEYS ALICE IN WONDERLAND GN $9.99

APR100839 DISNEYS ALICE IN WONDERLAND HC COLL ED $19.99

FEB100748 DO ANDROIDS DREAM DUST TO DUST #2 (OF 12) $3.99

MAR100790 DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #12 (OF 24) $3.99

APR101074 DOT HACK LINK GN VOL 01 (OF 2) $10.99

APR100910 EXPENDABLES #3 (OF 4) $3.99

APR101077 FATE STAY NIGHT GN VOL 08 (OF 10) $10.99

APR101052 FVZA TP $14.95

MAY101075 GERONIMO STILTON HC VOL 05 GREAT ICE AGE $9.99

MAR101105 GHOST PROJEKT #3 (OF 5) $3.99

MAY101071 GRAYLIGHT GN (O/A) $12.95

MAY100928 GREEN HORNET PARALLEL LIVES #1 $3.99

APR101083 HAPPY CAFE GN VOL 03 (OF 14) $10.99

MAY101041 HERO COMICS HERO INITIATIVE BENEFIT BOOK $3.99

MAR100904 HONEY CHOCOLATE GN $12.95

APR100745 JUGHEAD AND FRIENDS DIGEST #38 $2.69

FEB100762 KILL AUDIO HC VOL 01 $24.99

APR101066 KRAZY KAT CELEBRATION OF SUNDAYS HC $100.00

APR100924 LAST AIRBENDER MOVIE ADAPTATION GN $8.99

APR100718 LAST ZOMBIE #1 (OF 5) $3.99

APR101084 MAID SAMA GN VOL 05 (OF 8) $10.99

MAR100678 MEN OF MYSTERY #82 $29.95

APR100919 MIDNIGHT BLOOM GN $12.95

FEB100861 MILLENNIUM PRIME MINISTER GN VOL 04 (OF 4) $12.95

APR100752 MINDFIELD #1 CVR A ALEX KONAT $2.99

APR100753 MINDFIELD #1 CVR B PHIL NOTO $2.99

APR100846 MUPPET SHOW #7 $2.99

APR101086 NG LIFE GN VOL 06 (OF 9) $10.99

FEB101026 PHANTOM CAPTAIN ACTION #2 (OF 2) $3.99

FEB101029 PHANTOM GENERATIONS #13 $3.99

APR100889 PRINCE OF PERSIA #1 (OF 4) $3.99

FEB100920 PRINCE VALIANT HC VOL 02 1939-1940 $29.99

FEB100821 PROJECT SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER TWO #10 $2.99

APR100899 RED SONJA #50 ART ADAMS RED FOIL CVR PI

APR100904 RED SONJA WRATH OF THE GODS #5 (OF 5) $3.99

APR100711 ROYAL HISTORIAN OF OZ #1 $1.00

APR101079 SGT FROG GN VOL 19 (OF 19) $10.99

APR100810 SIMPSONS SUPER SPECTACULAR #11 $2.99

APR100748 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #214 $2.99

APR100757 SOULFIRE VOLUME TWO #6 CVR A MARCUS TO (RES) $2.99

APR100758 SOULFIRE VOLUME TWO #6 CVR B NICK BRADSHAW (RES) $2.99

MAR101235 STINGERS #5 (OF 5) (RES) $2.99

JAN100840 TOY STORY #4 $2.99

MAY101073 VATICAN HUSTLE GN (O/A) $11.95

APR100750 VERONICA #201 $2.99

APR100974 WEREWOLVES OF MONPELIER GN $12.99

APR100856 WIZARDS OF MICKEY #6 $2.99

MAR100830 WIZARDS OF MICKEY SC VOL 02 GRAND TOURNAMENT $9.99

MAY101074 YEAR OF LOVING DANGEROUSLY HC (O/A) $18.95

APR101021 ZOMBIES VS CHEERLEADERS #1 $3.99

MAGAZINES
APR101195 ALTER EGO #94 $7.95

MAY101291 DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 38 $14.95

APR101248 LONE RANGER MAGAZINE MAY 1937 $14.95

FEB101209 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #27 $8.98

MAY101293 SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 39 $14.95

APR101250 STAR TREK MAGAZINE #27 NEWSSTAND ED $6.99

APR101251 STAR TREK MAGAZINE #27 PX ED $6.99

APR101256 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG #5 DARTH MAUL $14.00

MAY101301 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG #7 TIE ADVANCED $14.00

MAR101321 STAR WARS VEHICLES COLL MAG #5 STAR DESTROYER (O/A) $18.00

APR101244 STARGATE MAGAZINE #35 $6.99

APR101245 VIDEO WATCHDOG #157 $8.95

MAY101763 WHITE DWARF #366 PI

MAR101213 YEN PLUS MAGAZINE VOL 3 #7 JULY 2010 $8.99

Digital Manga Editions from TOKYOPOP and Zinio

TOKYOPOP and Zinio Announce the Launch of Digital Manga Editions

Dozens of volumes now available to download to your computer

TOKYOPOP, the leader of the global manga revolution, and Zinio, the world's top digital publishing distribution service, today announced a partnership that offers more than fifty volumes of manga, available immediately for digital download to your PC and Mac by visiting www.Zinio.com/tokyopop.

The debut list of titles for sale includes the bestsellers Bizenghast, Dramacon, and Princess Ai; manga-adapted-to-film series such as The Dreaming and Van Von Hunter; the groundbreaking shonen-ai hit Gravitation, and Jim Henson's Return to Labyrinth and Legends of the Dark Crystal. Release dates for future titles, including Min-Woo Hyung's Priest, inspiration for the Spring 2011 3-D film from Sony/Screen Gems, will be announced and made available for digital download soon.

Stu Levy, TOKYOPOP's founder, producer of the upcoming films Priest and The Dreaming and director of Van Von Hunter, each based on the company's manga series, says, "I have always been a strong advocate for digital-in fact, my DNA is made entirely from 0's and 1's. The manga lifestyle is rapidly moving online and we are committed to finding the best experience possible in that medium. Zinio offers the top online reading experience, and their team is committed to providing a 360º accessibility."

For consumers, Zinio enables the ability to shop for, search inside, read, share, and save digital content to your computer. Similar to thumbing through the print edition at a local bookstore, readers of TOKYOPOP digital versions can preview pages of each manga, free of charge.

"More than a decade ago, TOKYOPOP introduced manga to America, building a category that has been embraced by millions of teens," says Rich Maggiotto, President & CEO, Zinio. "We're thrilled to have a partnership that will offer loyal and new manga readers these digital editions."

Initially, most manga on the launch list will sell for a material discount, $5.99 per volume, while some larger volumes, such as the Gravitation collection--a two-volume omnibus edition--are priced at $7.99. For a complete list of titles, please visit www.Zinio.com/tokyopop.

I Reads You Review: AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER 1

Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko with Aaron Ehasz, Peter Goldfinger, and Josh Stolberg (writers) and Nickelodeon Animation Studios (art)
Publishing Information: Del Rey Manga, Color, paperback, 94 pages, $7.99 (US), $9.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-0-345-51852-1 (ISBN-13)

Avatar: The Last Airbender was an animated series that first ran on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. With the upcoming film adaptation of the series, entitled The Last Airbender, debuting in theatres in July, Del Rey Manga is releasing manga tie-ins to the movie.

One of the releases, simply entitled, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a film comic and is actually not a new release. In regular comic books or manga, the art is, of course, drawn by one or more artists. In a film comic, still images from animation or live action film is used as the art. TOKYOPOP calls its film comics, “Cine-Manga” (a trademarked term). Four years ago, TOKYOPOP began publishing Avatar: The Last Airbender Cine-Manga using images from episodes of the Nickelodeon series. In fact, TOKYOPOP’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Volume 1 Cine-Manga sold over half-a-million copies, according to the publisher.

Now, Del Rey Manga is republishing, Avatar: The Last Airbender volume 1 (sans the Cine-Manga label). This film comic adapts the first episode of the animated series, entitled “The Boy in the Iceberg” (Season 1, Episode 1 – Book One: Water).

For those who don’t know: Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place in a world divided between four nations: the Water Tribes, Air Nomads, Fire Nation, and Earth Kingdom. Fire Nation has destroyed the harmonious balance among the four nations. These dire times are just when the Avatar, the master of all four elements, is expected to bring balance to the world, but he has been missing for a century.

Teenaged siblings, Katara and her brother, Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe, rescue a boy who has been frozen in a sphere of ice for one hundred years. The boy, named Aang, is indeed the long-lost Avatar and also the last airbender. Katara and Sokka must help Aang, whose training was never completed, master the four elements in order to fulfill his destiny. But the determined Prince Zuko of Fire Nation also wants the Avatar.

This is probably the best film comic that I’ve read thus far – even better than my beloved film comic of The Secret Saturdays that Del Rey published last year. Perhaps, its goodness is a result of the high quality of the source material, the original animated television series. The highest recommendation that I can give this is to say that I’m eager for future volumes, and that I will pass this on to my nephew because I know he’ll love it, as will other young readers. This is an excellent read.

A-

"Scratch9" #2 Now Available for Preorder

Scratch9 #2
(W) Rob M. Worley
(A) Jason T. Kruse

Scratch has escaped Dr. Schrodinger but his friends are still in the clutches of the C.R.U.E.L. Corporation. Can even his past incarnations as Bektah (the Pharaoh's cat) and Ichirou (the Shaolin cat) save them? And what's this? Not all his other lives are from the past! New paw-sibilities this issue! (JUL10 0753)

Isle of Forbidden Love Somewhere in Time

I read Isle of Forbidden Love

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated its iPhone app).  This is a yaoi manga title from BLU, a TOKYOPOP imprint.

Dame Darcy at Fantagraphics Bookstore July 10th

Renaissance Woman Dame Darcy at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, July 10.

Multifaceted cartoonist, musician, performance artist, fortune teller and neo-Victorian culture maven appears at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on July 10 to celebrate the publication of MEAT CAKE, a collection of stories from the first decade of her popular comic book series of the same name. The event features an exhibition of Dame Darcy’s original comic art and other creations, an enchanting music recital and a fortune telling session with each book signed.

MEAT CAKE is like a peek into an imaginative, deranged dollhouse filled with fractured fairy tales. An expanded version of the long out-of-print hardcover book, this new paperback assembles the very best of Darcy’s work from the first 11 issues of the beloved comic (including “Hungry Is the Heart,” the legendary collaboration with Watchmen creator Alan Moore). According to the New York Times, “Darcy's comics are aesthetic manifestos… Darcy is a star. Meat Cake will prevail, as luxury takes over America. And the world beyond.” The Los Angeles Times observes, “[Darcy] has created a childlike, otherworldly realm, a land that hovers in the twilight space between the whimsical and the macabre. Ghosts and goblins, foul-tempered stepmothers, lovesick mermaids and charmed forests are all rendered in Darcy's distinctive hand, loose and flowing lines reminiscent of the work of Edward Gorey.”

Dame Darcy’s appearance on Saturday, July 10 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM coincides with the colorful Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack featuring challenging visual and performing arts presentations throughout the historic industrial arts corridor. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport way S.) only minutes south of downtown Seattle. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.

Listing Information:
Dame Darcy’s MEAT CAKE
Art exhibition, book signing and performance
Saturday, July 10, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Exhibition continues through September 8, 2010

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.)
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone 206.658.0110
Open Daily 11:30 – 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM
http://www.fantagraphics.com/

The Last Airbender the Comic Book

I read The Last Airbender

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated its iPhone app).  This an OEL manga adaptation of the upcoming movie based upon the Nickelodeon series, Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The Luna Brothers at ALA this Saturday

THE LUNA BROTHERS TO APPEAR AT ALA

Creators of GIRLS and THE SWORD to sign at the American Library Association’s annual conference

Image Comics is thrilled to announce that Jonathan and Joshua Luna, creators of THE SWORD, will appear at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Image Comics is exhibiting with Diamond Book Distributors, booth #2453. The Luna Brothers will be at the booth for an exclusive signing from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Complimentary copies of THE SWORD, VOL. 1: FIRE trade paperback will be available during the signing. Image will also distribute copies of various Image Firsts titles throughout the convention.

The Luna Brothers are the creators of ULTRA, GIRLS, and THE SWORD (all Image Comics). Their works also include SPIDER-WOMAN: ORIGIN (Marvel Comics), written by Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed. The Luna Brothers were born in California and spent most of their childhood overseas. They returned to the United States in their late teens. Writing and drawing comics since they were children, they both graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with BFAs in Sequential Art.

Don't miss The Luna Brothers during their one-day-only appearance at ALA on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C. 20001).


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Bluewater Comics for July 2010

Political Power: Arnold Swarchenegger: IN STORES: 21st

Author(s): Justin Peniston
Artist(s) Matt Filer
Cover Artist(s): Deborah Max

From bodybuilder to movie icon to Governor of California, the man formerly known as the Conan the Barbarian and the Terminator is truly living the American Dream. From his humble beginnings in Austria to having realistic goals of being the first immigrant in the White House, Schwarzenegger has proven the power of popularity. Experience his climb to the top in this comic book biography.

Rock 'N' Roll Comics: The Runaways with Joan Jett and Lita Ford IN STORES: 21st
Writer: Spike Steffenhagen, Jay Allen Sanford
Pencils: Joe Paradise, Larry Nadolsky
Cover Artist(s): Michal Szyksznian

"Rock 'N' Roll Comics, Joan Jett” She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock N' Roll". This one shot tells about her life from when she was in the “Runaways” to when she broke off to her iconic solo career.

Violet Rose GRAPHIC NOVEL IN STORES: 21st
$9.99
Writer: Emma Davis & CW Cooke
Pencils: Brian Hess & Erik Thompson
Cover Artist(s): cover: Erik Thompson

Violet Rose is a self-proclaimed sixth grader super-sleuth, a foster child who discovers that many of the people in her normal suburban town are actually supernatural beings hiding in seemingly ordinary lives. With best friends, Lindsey and Ciara, a spirit from a Renoir painting, Violet is a little detective that never gives up. Solving cases after her homework is done while learning about the magical gift her grandfather gave her before he passed.

Vincent Price Presents #19 IN STORES: 28st
Writer: Brent Schoonover
Pencils: Brent Schoonover
Cover Artist(s): Brent Schoonover

Popular radio show couple BENNY and BETTY have hit a snag in their off-air relationship. Low ratings and a new romantic interest threaten to put BENNY out of a job for good. With the stress building, BENNY'S inner turmoil finally surfaces in a horrific fashion. Will this be enough to silence the voices in BENNY'S head for good?

Gearz Graphic novel IN STORES: 28th
$17.99
Writer: Dan Rafter
Pencils: Thiago Silva
Cover Artist(s): cover: Rantz

From the creator of the 10th Muse comes the newest female group of unlikey heroes. Lonely high-schooler Karen Chugg just wanted a dog. Instead, she got three of the most powerful, deadliest and hippest robot bodyguards to hit the sleepy town of Westville.The good news? Karen's three robots -quickly become her best friends. The bad news? Someone very high up, Oval Office high up, wants those robots back. And he won't stop at anything. Can an ordinary, if slightly unpopular, teen survive killer robots, super-powered school custodians, snotty classmates, chemically boosted monsters and hooded assassins while staying on track to become class valedictorian? Karen Miller's about to find out.

Female Force Anne Rice IN STORES: 28th
Writer: Scott Davis
Pencils: Various
Cover Artist(s): cover: 2 covers Juan Mar and Vincent Deporter

Anne Rice's uniquely gothic, sensuous, and existential approach redefined the modern vampire mythology. Shaped by personal tragedies, critical successes and failures, and a fervent rediscovery of her Catholic roots, Rice has penned over 27 novels from the supernatural to historical tomes, erotica and religious themes. But Anne Rice's life is just as interesting as the tales she spins.

Tony & Cleo #1 IN STORES: 21st
Writer: Kenton Daniel & Ken Cottingham
Pencils: DaFu Yu
Cover Artist(s): 2 covers: Dafu and Luke Roman

Conjured from the pages of Legend of Isis, Bluewater introduces its newest female force --- Cleopatra. From the swirling mists of time, emerges an ancient queen besieged by a host of modern problems. The clock is ticking as Cleo and her hard as nails bodyguard, Tony, discover a murderous plot by a mysterious threat. Meanwhile, a demented killer makes his presence know in the bowels of the city.

FAME: Taylor Swift IN STORES: 28th
Writer: CW Cooke & PR McCormack
Pencils: Erick Adrian Marquez
Cover Artist(s): 2 covers: JuanMar Studios & Erick Adrian Marquez

Millions of fans, numerous Grammys, and a load of good press, Taylor Swift's meteoric rise has given her the sweet taste of fame at a very young age. Her fans love her, radio and television adore her, and young men everywhere wish they could date her. Join us for a look at her life, from the very beginning all the way through today.

10th Muse: Cover Lost Issues IN STORES: 28th
Writer: Darren G. Davis
Pencils: Roger Cruz
Cover Artist(s): Roger Cruz

In this lost issue of the 10th Muse by X-Men artist ROGER CRUZ. This issue starts as Randy Green's "The Dollz" are hunting Trident and calls on the 10th Muse for help. This last issue is illustrated by Roger Cruz and features the Odyssey!

Zuko's Story

I read The Last Airbender: Prequel: Zuko's Story

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated its iPhone app).  This is an OEL manga, which is a prequel story to the upcoming movie.

Rabbit Nabokov

I read Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys, Vol. 9

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated its iPhone app).

Archaia Press for June 23 2010

MOUSE GUARD: LEGENDS OF THE GUARD #2 (of 4)

Retail Price: $3.50
Page Count: 24 pages
Format: saddle bound, 8” x 8”, full color
On-sale date: June 23, 2010
Writers: David Petersen, Alex Kain, Terry Moore and Lowell Francis
Artists: David Petersen, Sean Rubin, Terry Moore and Gene Ha
Cover: David Petersen
Rating: All ages

MOUSE GUARD: LEGENDS OF THE GUARD is a continuing anthology series with artists and storytellers handpicked by MOUSE GUARD creator David Petersen.

Inside the June Alley Inn, located in the western mouse city of Barkstone, mice are in the midst of an enthralling tall tale-telling competition. In this issue, Sean Rubin (REDWALL) and Alex Kain tell the story of what it takes to be a member of the Mouse Guard. Terry Moore (STRANGERS IN PARADISE) relates how two Guard Mice cleverly wriggle out of a potentially lethal situation. And Gene Ha (TOP 10) and Lowell Francis chronicle the legendary exploits of Worley, a stubborn mouse banker who stumbles upon danger...and a mink!


FRAGGLE ROCK #3 (of 3)
Retail Price: $3.95
Page Count: 32 pages
Format: saddle bound, 8” x 8”, full color
On-sale date: June 23, 2010
Written by Adrianne Ambrose, Grace Randolph and Bryce P. Coleman
Illustrated by Joanna Estep, Whitney Leith and Michael DiMotta
Cover A: Joanna Estep
Cover B: Whitney Leith
Rating: All ages

The Fraggles are back, but where have all the Doozers gone? They’ve disappeared from the Rock, and it’s up to the Fraggles to find them! Adrianne Ambrose and Joanna Estep (ROADSONG) bring us an exciting lead story that finds the Fraggles searching for their tiny friends, and discovering them in the most unlikely of places! Then, learn how to “Party, Doozer Style” in a lively backup tale written by Grace Randolph (MUPPET PETER PAN) and drawn by newcomer Whitney Leith! Finally, find out why Junior Gorg wants to catch a Fraggle so badly in writer Bryce P. Coleman and artist Michael DiMotta’s story, “To Catch a Fwaggle.”

Welcome to Gestalt

I read Gestalt, Vol. 7

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated its iPhone app).

Ryan Kinnaird Presents "Next Gen Warz"

NEXT GENERATION CONSOLE CONFLICT

NEXT GEN WARZ battles for your disposable income in September

Forget waiting in line for the next game system -- get in line for Ryan Kinnaird's NEXT GEN WARZ, a hilariously satirical take on anthropomorphic video game systems! The first issue of the miniseries from Image Comics will hit stands September 22.

"Next Gen Warz is a fun and satirical look at the world of video games," says Kinnaird. "From those who play them, to those who create them, and to those who make the machines the games are played on."

In NEXT GEN WARZ, writer/artist Kinnaird (X-Men: Phoenix - Legacy of Fire, PSM) pens a titillating comedic tale. A hardcore gamer replaces his broken console while it is in the repair shop. When he brings home his repaired console to meet his new console, the female-embodied video game consoles battle for supremacy. The greatest conflict for disposable income begins!

NEXT GEN WARZ #1 (of 2), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores on September 22, 2010.


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit http://www.imagecomics.com/.

I Reads You Review: 20TH CENTURY BOYS, VOL. 8

Creators: Naoki Urasawa with Akemi Wegmüller (English adaptation)
Publishing Information: VIZ Media, paperback, 216 pages, $12.99 (US), $16.99 CAN, £8.99 UK
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4215-2343-9 (ISBN-13)

20th Century Boys, a science fiction adventure series from famed manga creator, Naoki Urasawa, began with Kenji Endo. A hardworking, honorable man that some considered a loser, Kenji ran the family business (a convenience store). Some people, including his big-mouthed mother, thought that he wasn’t doing that well at it. Kenji also took care of Kanna, the infant daughter his sister abandoned before she disappeared. Kenji may have considered himself a failed rock musician, but he turned out to be the most important man in the world. Someone from his past was behind the rise of a bizarre religious cult called the Friends that was planning millennial doom.

On December 31, 2000, Bloody New Year’s Eve brought the world to the brink of destruction. Fourteen years later, Neo Tokyo is a thriving multiethnic, metropolis that lives under the shadow of the worldwide cult of the Friends. Now, Kenji’s niece, Kanna, finds herself caught in another Friends’ plot.

In Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, Vol. 8 (entitled Kenji’s Song), the narrative focuses on Koizumi Kyoko, a student at the high school Kanna’s attends. Because of her history project on Bloody New Year’s Eve, Koizumi has earned herself an extended stay at the surreal, hellish theme park/re-education camp, Friend Land. There she meets a former friend of Kenji’s, which leads her even deeper into the secrets of the Friends. Meanwhile, still more of the events of Bloody New Year’s Eve and an incident from Kenji’s youth are revealed in two separate flashbacks.

As is usual with a Naoki Urasawa manga, 20th Century Boys is an absolutely fantastic read. Once you start, you won’t want to stop. Naoki spins this narrative from the point of view of multiple protagonists and antagonists, which can sometimes be confusing. The suspense, action, and breakneck speed of the narrative, however, delivers such joys that the reader will work hard not to be confused by the menagerie of characters. This manga jumps off the page like a summer potboiler.

A+

Second Volume of "Liquid City" Due in September

LIQUID STATE

Image Comics to release second volume of critically acclaimed LIQUID CITY anthology in September

In September, you'll be able to explore the mutable landscapes of LIQUID CITY, VOL. 2, an anthology collecting work from celebrated Southeast Asian creators. Editor Sonny Liew promises unforgettable tales of cities and the people who live in them.

LIQUID CITY, VOL. 2 once again brings together creators from Southeast Asia to offer an amazing diversity of stories. From Lat's vignette of a soccer game in Malaysia, to Ivan Song's poignant near-future tale of childhood memories, to Vietnamese artist Nguyen Thahn Phong's account of his adventures in South Korea, this collection showcases an incredible variety of styles and genres. War, fantasy, drama, road trips and Robot Rabbits -- you'll find it all and more in LIQUID CITY, VOL. 2.

"The name itself -- LIQUID CITY -- is meant to suggest the fluidity and ever-changing nature of cities," relates Liew. "The second volume of LIQUID CITY features both established creators, as well as new voices, offering a fascinating glimpse of the exciting work in comics coming out of Southeast Asia."

LIQUID CITY, VOL. 2, a 312-page full-color trade paperback from Image Comics, will be on sale for $29.99 on September 29, 2010.


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Booty Man

I read I've Moved Next Door To You (Yaoi)

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated it iPhone app).  This is a yaoi manga from 801 Media.

Skullkickers Coming from Image Comics

KICK TO THE SKULL

Image Comics revives fantasy-fueled action comedy with SKULLKICKERS

In September, Image Comics brings you fantasy as you like it -- hilarious and action packed -- with SKULLKICKERS, an all-new ongoing series. Written by Jim Zubkavich with art by Edwin Huang, Chris Stevens and Misty Coats, SKULLKICKERS promises to turn any fantasy motif on its head.

"I love sword and sorcery novels and role-playing games," says Zubkavich, "so I wanted to use those as a jumping off point and marry them with a slightly sarcastic self awareness of fantasy clichés. At its core, the book is about fun characters and wild adventure, with witty banter thrown in to keep it all clipping along at a healthy pace."

SKULLKICKERS is fantasy action-comedy. Two mercenaries are entangled in a high-class assassination plot and nothing -- not werewolves, skeletons or black magic -- will stop them from getting paid. If you love tabletop fantasy RPGs, buddy stories involving a big guy and a dwarf, or movies like ARMY OF DARKNESS, SKULLKICKERS is the book for you!

SKULLKICKERS #1, a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores September 22, 2010. Readers can get a taste of Skullkickers in POPGUN, VOL. 2 (MAY082176) and POPGUN, VOL. 3 (JAN092368). Follow the Skullkickers blog at www.skullkickers.com.


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Archaia Press for September 2010

ARCHAIA ITEMS SHIPPING IN SEPTEMBER 2010

DAYS MISSING: KESTUS #1 (OF 5)
MOUSE GUARD: THE BLACK AXE #1 (OF 6)
FEEDING GROUND #1 (OF 6)
LUCID #2 (OF 4)
CRITICAL MILLENNIUM: THE DARK FRONTIER #4 (OF 4)
THE KILLER: MODUS VIVENDI #5 (OF 6)
THE SECRET HISTORY BOOK FOURTEEN
PRIMORDIA HC
OKKO VOL. 3: THE CYCLE OF AIR HC

OFFERING 1
DAYS MISSING: KESTUS #1 (of 5)
Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 32 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Phil Hester
Illustrated by David Marquez
Cover by Alex Ross

Archaia and Roddenberry Productions are proud to present the thrilling sequel to the critically acclaimed series DAYS MISSING. DAYS MISSING: KESTUS continues the saga of The Steward, a mysterious being whose ability to “fold” days of time has resulted in critical human events being absent from our historical record. Their existence is not remembered…but the occurrences of these days have forever changed the course of our evolution.

Since humanity’s birth, The Steward has stood as a guiding force for our species. But now, he is not alone! The emergence of the ancient being, Kestus, may put everything he knows in question, and the future of those he means to protect in jeopardy.

T +13 (Contains material suitable for teen readers age 13 and above)

OFFERING 2
FEEDING GROUND #1 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 48 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Swifty Lang
Illustrated by Michael Lapinski
Cover by Michael Lapinski

This new series is ripped right out of the real-life drama unfolding on the Mexico-Arizona border. FEEDING GROUND reaches a large and diverse audience no matter tour personal POV on the issue. In this factious story, a famine caused by Blackwell Industries drives Diego Busqueda, a noble “coyote,” to lead a band of Mexican border crossers across the unforgiving Devil’s Highway, a desert cursed with blistering days and deadly nights. Back home, Diego’s daughter Flaca discovers that something hungrier prowls the factory fields. Stalked and persecuted, can the Busqueda family maintain their dreams of immigration or will the horrors of the desert tear them apart? Also included is 24 pages of bonus content in Spanish!

T +13 (Contains material suitable for teen readers age 13 and above)

OFFERING 3
MOUSE GUARD: THE BLACK AXE #1 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.50 U.S.
Page Count: 24 pages
Format: saddle bound, 8” x 8”, full color
Written by David Petersen
Illustrated by David Petersen
Cover by David Petersen

The Eisner Award-winning MOUSE GUARD returns with THE BLACK AXE, a third volume to be told in six bi-monthly issues. Set in 1115, this prequel to MOUSE GUARD: FALL 1152 fulfills the promise the wise oldfur Celanawe made to Lieam the day his paw first touched the Black Axe: to tell the young warrior about the mouse who first wielded the deadly weapon. The arrival of distant kin takes Celanawe on an adventure that will carry him across the sea to uncharted waters and lands, all while unraveling the legend of Farrer, the blacksmith who forged the mythic Black Axe.

All ages

OFFERING 4
LUCID #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 24 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Michael McMillian
Illustrated by Anna Wieszczyk
Cover by Anna Wieszczyk

Things are heating up at the House at Dupont Circle. What is the Prophecy of the Pendragon? What Occult weapon threatens the fate the United States... for the second time? And what exactly is an Astral Amplifier?! LUCID #2 takes you one more giant leap into the strange world of Matthew Dee as the novice Combat Mage races against the clock to prevent President’s Day from becoming a National Day of Mourning!

Written by “True Blood” actor Michael McMillian and illustrated by newcomer Anna Wieszczyk, LUCID is Archaia’s first title published in association with Zachary Quinto (“Heroes,” “Star Trek”) and his production company, Before the Door Pictures.

T +13 (Contains material suitable for teen readers age 13 and above)

OFFERING 5
CRITICAL MILLENNIUM #4 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 40 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Andrew E. C. Gaska
Illustrated by Daniel Dussault
Cover by Daniel Dussault

The dramatic conclusion to the first miniseries! The gravitic drive vessel Black Rabbit is on the pad for its earthborn launch to new worlds! Prime Minister Blacklytter bans public transmission of the lift off! The Wraith infiltrates the launch bay with the intent of hijacking the starship! Young John Adams makes a stand for his beliefs, and pays the ultimate price! Disaster strikes New Bombay, heralding the end of Hope itself! Angel Rei stares long and hard into a bottle of sleeping pills! Countess Watwani races to stop her husband from committing genocide! All this, and Coney, Eryc and Pandita find their flight out-system blocked by a police force! As all points converge, will Thomm finally realize his grandparents’ dream of a new beginning for mankind, and a future amongst the stars?

Mature Readers (Contains Adult Content)

OFFERING 6
THE KILLER: MODUS VIVENDI #5 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 32 pages
Format: saddle bound, 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Matz
Illustrated by Luc Jacamon
Cover by Luc Jacamon

In Venezuela, our Killer has made a pact with the Cubans, leading a campaign of assassinations against a military junta. It’s a crusade of sorts, and well out of character for a stonehearted executioner. So has the Killer finally woken to the world, to a cause? Or, as his buddy Mariano suggests, is his heart just being manipulated by the bewitching Cuban officer, Katia?

Mature Readers (series contains Nudity, Graphic Violence and Adult Content)

OFFERING 7
THE SECRET HISTORY BOOK FOURTEEN
Retail Price: $5.95 U.S.
Page Count: 48 pages
Format: perfect bound, 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Jean-Pierre Pécau
Illustrated by Igor Kordey
Colors by Leonard O’Grady
Cover by Manchu & Olivier Vatine

The Watchers. 1945. The two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki seem to have put an end to the evil plots of William of Lecce. In liberated Paris, Daniel Rosenthal, a survivor of the death camps, learns how to live again. He owes his survival to a “star,” a strange tarot card given to him by the surrealist poet Robert Desnos in the Terezín concentration camp, who also told him about the mysterious cabaret, L’Arcane 17. Daniel begins a descent into a world he did not know existed and into a story that the textbooks do not teach: the secret history.

Mature Readers (series contains Nudity, Graphic Violence, and Adult Content)

OFFERING 8
PRIMORDIA Collected Hardcover Edition
Retail Price: $19.95 U.S.
Page Count: 128 pages
Format: hardcover with dust jacket, 6.625” x 10.25”, full color
Written by John R. Fultz
Illustrated by Roel Wielinga
Colors by Joel Jason O’Chua
Cover by Roel Wielinga

A pair of human infants are abandoned in the depths of an ancient forest and adopted by the strange creatures called Woodfolk. Driniel (Moon) is the night-wanderer, dancing with the Darkling spirits of the deep groves, summoning demons for his arcane pleasures. Alleyar (Sun) is the flame of valor, rising to esteem in the ranks of the Woodfolk hunters and taming a fierce beast with his sorcery. The Woodking's daughter, Princess Vega, must choose between her twin lovers as they are exiled into the savage world of Man. More than human, less than gods, these misfit brothers will change the worlds of Gods and Mortals forever as they uncover the secrets of their own past and parentage.

Mature Readers (series contains Mild Nudity, Graphic Violence, and Adult Content)

OFFERING 9
OKKO VOL. 3: THE CYCLE OF AIR Collected Hardcover Edition
Retail Price: $19.95 U.S.
Page Count: 108 pages
Format: hardcover with dust jacket, 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
Written by Hub
Illustrated by Hub

It is the Spring of 1110 in the official calendar of the Pajan Empire. Okko is called upon to assist the daughter of Lady Mayudama, who has retreated into a profound silence. The best doctors have been unable to provide even a diagnosis of her condition. Okko may prove to be her last resort. But a strange force that has been prowling around the region for over a week has also arranged a meeting with the ronin for a duel of incomparable violence... Collects all four issues of Okko: The Cycle of Air miniseries.

Mature Readers (series contains Nudity, Strong Sexual Content, Graphic Violence, and Adult Content)

Science Dog Gets Comic Book

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE. FIGHT EVIL WITH SCIENCE

SCIENCE DOG gets his first collection from Image Comics

Half man, half dog and all hero, Science Dog gets his first collection in SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, coming this September from Image Comics. He's INVINCIBLE'S favorite comic book character. Soon, he'll be yours as well!

"In the INVINCIBLE universe, Science Dog is a superstar -- comic books, movies, action figures -- the works," says writer Robert Kirkman. "This is a step toward making him the superstar he should be in our universe!"

"It's exciting to finally see Science Dog in his own book," adds artist Cory Walker. "The character is front and center in SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, where he belongs."

SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1 collects the never before reprinted Science Dog back-up stories from INVINCIBLE #25 and #50. This story leads right into the senses-shattering back-up story contained within INVINCIBLE #75. If you're only reading INVINCIBLE in collected form, this is what you've been missing! Don't miss out a second time!

SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL #1, a 32-page full-color comic book collecting the Science Dog backup stories from INVINCIBLE #25 and #50, will be available for $3.50 on September 1, 2010.


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Mike Gagnon's Dream Comes True with Marvel Comics

Small Press Creator Makes Mark with Marvel Comics

Writer and comic fan Mike Gagnon has achieved a lifelong goal, having his work published by entertainment giant Marvel Comics.

Gagnon is a professional writer who has also worked as a publisher, editor and graphic designer for various publishers in his decade long career. Gagnon has produced several small press graphic novels, including the all ages humor comic titled Monkeys and Midgets, but his work with Marvel is his debut credit with a major comic publisher.

Gagnon recently achieved his goal of writing for the worlds largest comic book publisher when he joined the team of writers for Marvel’s series of character handbooks, with his work appearing in “The official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Updates A-Z” and “Deadpool Corps: Rank and Foul” and will soon appear in “The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Premiere Hardcover Vol. 14”.

“It was a great experience, I can’t thank editors Jeff Christiansen and Jeff Youngquist enough for giving me the chance to contribute to the Marvel Universe in my own small way.” said Gagnon.

It was his lifelong love of comics that led him to choose a career in writing, and his work can now be found in some of the titles he enjoyed reading as a kid.

“I always enjoyed reading and collecting Marvel comics including the series of handbooks as a kid, and Deadpool has been a long time favorite character of mine, so getting to contribute to a book devoted to the character is very rewarding” Gagnon added.

Over the years Gagnon has written for a number of pop culture and art themed magazines, such as Back Issue, published by TwoMorrows publishing. More details on his work can be found at www.mikegagnon.ca.

The new edition of the Marvel Universe Handbook featuring Gagnon’s writing was released in February. The Deadpool Corps: Rank and Foul one-shot was released in May and can still be found on comic racks and in specialty stores, although many retailers report the title selling out quickly thanks to the popularity of the feature character. Check with your local comic shop for availability and shipping dates for the Premiere Hardcover edition.

More Image Firsts Including Mage, Wanted

TRY SOME, BUY SOME

Image Comics reprints the first issue of classic series in IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO

This Fall, Image Comics is re-presenting 10 first issues as an introduction to some of its most acclaimed titles. Each debut acts as a perfect primer to its corresponding ongoing series and collected editions. Starting September 1, 2010, and continuing through November, each reprinted first issue will be available for only $1.

"Response to Image Firsts has been phenomenal," exclaims Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. "So, we are expanding the line with a second wave of IMAGE FIRSTS. Image Firsts is a fantastic way for readers to discover new titles and for retailers to introduce customers to Image's unsurpassed backlist."

IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE 2 shipping this September include:

IMAGE FIRSTS: THE DARKNESS #1
story GARTH ENNIS
art & cover MARC SILVESTRI
SEPTEMBER 1

IMAGE FIRSTS: LIBERTY MEADOWS #1
story FRANK CHO
art & cover FRANK CHO
SEPTEMBER 8

IMAGE FIRSTS: WANTED #1
story MARK MILLAR
art & cover J.G. JONES
SEPTEMBER 15

IMAGE FIRSTS: I KILL GIANTS #1
story JOE KELLY
art & cover J.M. KEN NIIMURA
SEPTEMBER 22

IMAGE FIRSTS: MAGE #1
story MATT WAGNER
art & cover MATT WAGNER
SEPTEMBER 29

Discover some of Image Comics' best series in September with IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO, re-releasing the first issue of THE DARKNESS, LIBERTY MEADOWS, WANTED, I KILL GIANTS and MAGE for only $1.

Be on the lookout for more IMAGE FISTS in October and November!


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

David Beckham Latest Subject of Bluewater Comics' "Fame" Series

SOCCER STAR DAVID BECKHAM THE SUBJECT OF LATEST BLUEWATER BIOGRAPHY COMIC BOOK

He may be the most famous soccer star in the world. He's married to a Spice Girl. He is, by any measure, an international sex symbol. And now soccer player David Beckham has become a comic book hero. This September, Beckham will star in Fame: David Beckham from comic book publisher Bluewater Productions.

Writer Pete Rogers and artist Pablo Martinena bring Beckham's amazing career to life, from his earliest days on the soccer field, when he dreamed of playing for Manchester United, to the challenges of his soccer days in the United States.

“Working on the Beckham book was quite different from any other comic I've worked on to date,” Rogers said. “Telling someone's real life story was quite a challenge, and I tried to find as many ways as possible to ensure that it was visually interesting and not just a case of 'he did this and then he did that'.”

Rogers wasn't content to simply read about Beckham and his life when researching his script. He spoke to a wide range of people about what Beckham means to them and the sport of soccer.

“One of the reasons I enjoyed working on the comic so much is that I got the chance to go down memory lane myself, not just to pivotal moments in David's life but also back to my own childhood, as some of the first comics I ever read were actually football comics,” Rogers said. “I used to pick up titles like Tiger (with Billy's Boots and Hotshot Hamish), Roy of the Rovers and Football Picture Story Monthly without fail. When I wasn't reading comics I was playing football, and I used to spend the school holidays training with local professional side 'AFC Bournemouth' at their Summer Soccer School. Getting the Beckham pages back from brilliant artist Pablo Martinena has taken me back to reading those comics on long hot journeys to Dean Court in the back of my Dad's car."

Fame: David Beckham is just the latest installment in Bluewater's popular series of biography comics tracing the lives of influential movie stars, sports heroes and musical icons. Past issues have featured Lady GaGa, Twilight star Robert Pattinson and pop sensation Taylor Swift.

Fame: David Beckham retails for $3.99 and can be found online at Amazon.com or in comic book shops across the country.

“David Beckham is the first sports star we've featured in a Bluewater comic,” said Darren Davis, president and founder of Bluewater Productions. “Of course, Beckham is much more than simply a sports star. He's also an international celebrity, as famous for his looks as he is for his soccer abilities, so he's a perfect fit for our Fame line.”

To order the book contact your local comic book store by going to www.comicshoplocator.com or go to Amazon.com.

For more information about Bluewater Productions and its wide variety of comic books and graphic novels, visit the company online at www.bluewaterprod.com.


About Bluewater Productions:
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

Pain Revealed in Naruto 48

NARUTO MEETS THE TRUE FACE OF PAIN

The Gripping Next Installment of the Hit SHONEN JUMP Manga, NARUTO Volume 48, Now Available!

VIZ Media invites fans to continue the adventure with their favorite ninja in NARUTO Volume 48, now available in stores! NARUTO is rated ‘T’ for Teens and carries an estimated retail price of $9.99 US and $12.99 CAN.

Naruto, a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief and a wild sense of humor, is completely serious about his mission to be the world's greatest ninja! In this volume, Naruto is finally face-to-face with his ultimate nemesis, and finds out there's way more to the true Pain than he could have ever imagined. As the consequences of the tumultuous politics of the past come to light, an unexpected turn of events puts a new ninja in power in Konoha - the first act by the new leader will change Naruto's world forever.

Also included in this exciting volume as a special bonus is an exclusive collectible NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Collectible Card from Bandai America, featuring Sakura Haruno. Part of an exclusive three-card promotion, fans can collect the first card featuring Naruto Uzumaki, included in Bandai’s Series 17 Hobby Booster Boxes, and the third card featuring Kakashi Hatake, included in the August issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine (the best selling monthly manga anthology in North America), hitting retailers on July 6th.

NARUTO depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja, and through his exciting adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right versus wrong. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga, and more than 100 million copies to date have been printed. The manga series has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

For more information on NARUTO please visit www.NARUTO.com.

The Old Adventures of New Hitler?

I read Afterschool Charisma, Vol. 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has updated its popular iPhone app).

Dark Horse Presents DH:HD

THE FUTURE OF COMICS HAS ARRIVED!

DARK HORSE, TOSHIBA, AND USA TODAY PROUDLY PRESENT DH:HD

Three leaders in pop culture have come together for a groundbreaking new program to bring comics to your desktop, doorstep, and digital TV! Following up on the success of USA Today’s Wednesday Comics program, it was announced today that the nation’s top-selling print newspaper will bring comics to the forefront of culture yet again. The program will showcase exclusive and all-new original content from Dark Horse Comics’ top properties and creators across a variety of media platforms.

“As an entertainment company, Dark Horse prides itself on pushing the boundaries with groundbreaking creators and content,” said Mike Richardson, president and publisher of Dark Horse Comics. “We're excited to continue this tradition by showcasing some of our most exciting stories in this all-new program with these great partners."

“As a leader in home entertainment built on Toshiba’s rich 130-year history of groundbreaking technologies, we are proud to associate our products, including our new LED HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players, with the compelling and legendary Dark Horse brand,” said Maria Repole, vice president of communications for Toshiba. “This truly exciting campaign will help Toshiba build a connection with a passionate group of consumers eager to experience fresh content in innovative ways.”

“USA Today is excited to be partnering with Toshiba and Dark Horse on this innovative program. It’s a terrific example of how USA Today can take exclusive content and turn it into a compelling cross-platform reader experience,” said Susan Lavington, senior vice president of marketing for USA Today.

The DH:HD (Dark Horse: High-Def) program kicks off today with an exclusive look at best-selling author Janet Evanovich’s first graphic novel, Troublemaker, in USA Today. The newspaper and Toshiba will maintain momentum by continuing to showcase Dark Horse’s content online, in print, and at the Comic-Con International in San Diego and New York Comic Con. In October, Dark Horse will roll out a series of all-new stories created exclusively for the program.


About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and bestselling prose author, Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as The Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, their highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Mass Effect, Tim Burton, Serenity and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry's leading publisher of licensed material.

About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. (“TACP”) is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. TACP markets and sells a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TVs, Hi-Definition Blu-ray Disc players, TV/DVD Combination products and portable devices. TACP is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information, please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com or www.toshibatv.com.

About USA TODAY
USA TODAY was founded in 1982 with a mission to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its flagship newspaper and popular Web site, USA TODAY engages the national conversation and connects readers online through social media applications. USA TODAY, the nation's number one newspaper in print circulation with a total average daily print circulation of more than 1.8 million, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper Web site which launched in 1995, reach a combined 5.9 million readers daily. The USA TODAY news and information brand also includes: USA TODAY Education, USA TODAY Mobile, and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

“Blu-ray Disc” and “Blu-ray” are trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association.

New "Hack/Slash" Gets Second Printing

HACKING AND SLASHING TO A SELL OUT

HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC #1 sells out at the distribution level

Tim Seeley's first release since bringing cult classic Hack/Slash to Image Comics -- HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC #1 (of 4) -- is officially sold out at the distribution level. Image Comics is taking it to press for a second printing.

"I'm so pleased that Image gave me a chance to reach a whole new audience," exclaims Seeley. "Thank you readers, new and old!"

"We're thrilled that Hack/Slash is getting the attention it deserves," adds Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Tim & co. are doing stellar work on this book, and with a new ongoing slated for the end of this year, we hope to create an ever-growing audience for Hack/Slash."

HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC is an all-new miniseries that explores Cassie's first case! 16-year-old Cassie Hack has just been forced to kill her mother, the undead murderer known as the Lunch Lady! Now faced with overwhelming guilt, she must decide if she can make a life with her foster parents or use her new-found slasher killing skills to save other screaming teenagers! But does the apple fall far from the tree?

HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC #1 Second Printing (MAY108016), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.50, will be available July 14, 2010, the same day as HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC #2 (MAY100478).


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

"Magic Tree House Series" Become e-Books

The Complete Magic Tree House Series Launches Today as Random House e-Books in North America

NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Random House Children's Books (www.randomhouse.com/kids) is launching the complete Magic Tree House series in e-book today, making the entire series available digitally for the first time, it was announced by Chip Gibson, the company's President and Publisher. All 43 titles currently available in the beloved and bestselling Magic Tree House fiction series will now be available in the U.S. and Canada wherever Random House e-books are sold.

With the addition of the e-books, Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House series is published by Random House, Inc. divisions (Random House Children's Books and Listening Library) in the now-customary three platforms -- print, audio, and digital.

"Magic Tree House is one of the bestselling series of children's books in publishing history," said Gibson, "It's very exciting that these beloved and extraordinary books can reach an even wider audience in the expanded world of digital publishing."

Mary Pope Osborne's celebrated Magic Tree House series has sold 70 million copies in North America and has been translated into 28 different languages in 31 countries. First published in 1992, the series continues to be widely regarded among children, teachers, and parents alike for its power to instill a passion for reading. For more information about Mary Pope Osborne and the series visit http://www.magictreehouse.com/.


Random House Children's Books is the world's largest English-language children's trade book publisher. Creating books for toddlers through young adult readers, in all formats from board books to activity books to picture books, novels, and e-books, the imprints of Random House Children's Books bring together award-winning authors and illustrators, world-famous franchise characters, and multimillion-copy series. The company's website, kids@random (www.randomhouse.com/kids) offers an array of activities, games and resources for children, teens, parents, and educators. Random House Children's Books is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, a leading international media company.

Alice Hotwire - the Hot Girl

I read HOTWIRE: Requiem for the Dead Volume 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Be Aware of The Creeper Book

I read The Creeper by Steve Ditko

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  This is a hardcover collection of all The Creeper comic book stories that Steve Ditko drew (and often wrote).  There are 16 all together including one presented to the general public for the first time.