I Reads You Review: KULL: THE CAT AND THE SKULL #4

KULL: THE CAT AND THE SKULL #4
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: David Lapham
ART: Gabriel Guzman
COLORS: Garry Henderson
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt
COVER: Jo Chen
28pp, Colors, $3.50 U.S.

Kull the Conqueror (also known as Kull of Atlantis) is a fictional character created by Robert E. Howard (who also created Conan the Barbarian). Marvel Comics published the first comic book adaptations of the character in 1971. Now, Dark Horse Comics has the license to published Kull comic books.

The publisher’s latest Kull comic book miniseries is Kull: The Cat and the Skull. This story is an adaptation of a Kull short story first published in 1967, “Delcardes’ Cat” (also known as “The Cat and the Skull”). The series revolves around Kull’s encounter with Delcardes, one of the most beautiful women in the Seven Kingdoms, and an even more interesting creature, Delcardes’ traveling companion, the cat named Saremes. Because it is rumored that Saremes is of the old race, Kull is anxious to hear her counsel, as he takes on a serpent cult that is rallying under a powerful and mysterious wizard.

As Kull: The Cat and the Skull #4 begins, Kull’s trusted ally, Brule, returns to the palace, as Queen Igraine lies stricken. Meanwhile, the great serpent carries Kull to the world beneath the Forbidden Lake, where he encounters an ancient people enraged at his trespass. However, it is here where Conan will learn more about the fortune-seeing cat. Also, the identity of his true enemy is revealed.

I did not read the first three issues of this miniseries. I had forgotten about its existence until Dark Horse Comics was nice enough to send me a box of comics and books for review, and Kull: The Cat and the Skull #4 was among the books. First, I must say that the art by Gabriel Guzman and Garry Henderson (colors) is quiet pretty. It has an old timey feel that recalls Burne Hogarth’s Tarzan comic strip and Alex Raymond’s work on Flash Gordon. Thus, Guzman and Henderson’s work looks as if it belongs to the era when the Robert Howard short story, upon which this comic book is based, was written. [“Delcardes’ Cat” was first published three decades after Howard’s death.]

As for the script for this issue, it offers what amounts to at least two issues worth of story, yet there is no tension and little sense of conflict. Writer David Lapham presents every confrontation here as a chance for conversation. Seriously, everyone talks, threatens, begs, or makes grand proclamations. It’s so odd… and a little boring, and that’s a shame. There are imaginative scenarios and scenes here and some interesting soap-operatic subplots, but it all sort of dribbles away to anticlimax.

C+

Review: STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI – Force Storm #1

STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI – FORCE STORM #1 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.] 

STORY: John Ostrander and Jan Duursema
SCRIPT: John Ostrander
PENCILS: Jan Duursema
INKS: Dan Parsons
COLORS: Wes Dzioba
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Gonzalo Flores - variant (Jan Duursema – main cover)
36pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe timeline, there is a period known as “Before the Republic.” This era occurs from 36,000 to 25,000 years before the Battle of Yavin, the climatic battle in the 1977 film, Star Wars, in which Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star. Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi is a new series of comic book miniseries situated in the “Before the Republic” age.

The first miniseries is Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force Storm. It takes place a few centuries before that time, 36,453 before the Battle of Yavin (also known by the acronym, BBY). The series takes readers back to the beginnings of the Jedi, then known as the Je’daii. On the planet Tython, in the center of the galaxy, these Je’daii (a word in the Bendu language that means “mystic center”) form an order of warrior monks that strives to maintain peace and to balance the mysterious power known as the Force.

In Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force Storm #1, Je’daii Master Ketu recounts the birth of the order to two of his students. This includes the first great conflict in which the Je’daii must take an active role, The Despot War (a conflict that takes place 12-years before Ketu tells the story). Meanwhile, on the lush world of Tatooine, Predor Tul’Kar of the Infinite Empire culls Force sensitives with the help of his Force Hound, Xesh.

I was surprised when Dark Horse Comics sent me a copy of Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force Storm #1. It must be obvious to them (and even some of you, dear readers) that I enjoy reading Star Wars comic books. I certainly enjoyed reading the Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force Storm comic book.

The first 11 pages of issue #1 recount the beginnings of what would become the Jedi Order (thus, the term, “Dawn” in the title). I expected a different story. To me, at least, it lacks grandeur, as if this was something Stan Lee and Steve Ditko cobbled together for Strange Tales back in the 1960s. The story that is set in the present (Infinite Empire) is more interesting, and the character, Xesh, seems like a budding star.

The art by Jan Duursema is good, looking as right for Star Wars as any other comic book art. The storytelling is good, though a bit calm for Star Wars, but the Ostrander-Duursema team is a good one for Star Wars comic books.

[This comic book also includes a 4-page preview of Conan the Barbarian #1 by Brian Wood, Becky Cloonan, Dave Stewart, and Richard Starkings & Comicraft, with cover art by Massimo Carnevale.]

I Reads You Review: THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE #4

THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE #4 (OF 4)
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Cole Haddon
ART: M.S. Corley
COLORS: Jim Campbell
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
32pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

The Victorian suspense thriller, The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde, unites the real-life Whitechapel Murders and this event’s most famous player, Jack the Ripper, with characters from the novella, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by author Robert Louis Stevenson. This comic book miniseries from writer Cole Haddon and artist M.S. Corley comes to an end with the fourth issue.

The narrator and central character of The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde is Inspector Thomas Adye of Scotland Yard. Assigned to discover the identity of the Whitechapel Murderer, Jack the Ripper, Adye seeks the help of Dr. Henry Jekyll, who is also Mr. Edward Hyde. Apparently, Jack the Ripper is using the same formula Jekyll created and subsequently used to turn himself into Hyde. The formula makes the Ripper a physical marvel and a nearly-unstoppable monster – perhaps stronger than even Hyde.

As The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #4 begins, Adye and Jekyll race to Whitechapel to apprehend the man who has been revealed as Jack the Ripper, Dr. John Utterson, Jekyll’s old friend and confidant. Adye hopes they are in time to save ginger-haired prostitute, Mary Jane Kelly, from becoming the Ripper’s next victim and ghastly art piece. But to stop the Ripper, Adye may have to allow Jekyll to ingest his serum, and that would mean the return of Hyde. Soon, Adye will find himself caught in the middle of a battle between two horrible monsters, and he will have to be the most cunning if he is to survive.

The final issue of The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde gave me the slam-band ending I was expecting from what has been one of the best comic books I’ve read in the last year. Part Guy Ritchie/Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes and part Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde is a high concept Victorian thriller with a lively narrative.

Writer Cole Haddon is inventive in the way he executes this series because every scene offers a surprise. At least as I read it, Haddon usually does the opposite of what is expected, and the resolution is filled with surprises and promises of more good things to come. As far as I’m concerned, Hyde’s fate is a happy ending.

Artist M.S. Corley is Haddon’s equal. His woodcut-like drawing style offers quirky graphics and solid storytelling. This gives the story the visual appearance of being from the past, as if this comic once existed in a 19th century magazine. Style aside, however, the art brings to life this pop confection of murder investigation most foul and Victorian fiction and culture. Corley can take pride in the fact that his work stands out in a way that much comic book art does not.

A

I Reads You Review: THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE #3

THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE #3 (OF 4) DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Cole Haddon
ART: M.S. Corley
COLORS: Jim Campbell
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
32pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Published by Dark Horse Comics, The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde is a four-issue comic book series from writer Cole Haddon and artist M.S. Corley. The series connects Jack the Ripper with characters from the novella, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by author Robert Louis Stevenson, to create a riveting suspense thriller and Victorian murder mystery.

The narrator is Inspector Thomas Adye of Scotland Yard who is trying to catch the Whitechapel Murderer (Jack). He seeks the help of Dr. Henry Jekyll, who is also Mr. Edward Hyde, because the man who is Jack the Ripper is apparently using the same formula that turns Jekyll into Hyde.

As The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #3 opens, London is made aware that Leather Apron, the man whom Inspector Adye arrested for the Whitechapel murders (in the second issue), is not the culprit. Jack the Ripper dares Adye to attend a party at the Griffin House, the London residence of Lord Griffin, a personal advisor of the Prime Minister.

Certain that he will need help handling the monstrously strong Ripper, Adye brings Dr. Jekyll with him to the party. However, Adye comes to believe that the Ripper has tricked him or has he? And the Ripper’s identity is revealed.

The third issue of The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde is practically a Victorian buddy movie and action comedy. The bawdy humor is as smooth as it is salacious. The action comes in novel set pieces that are bloody, but equally inventive.

Many readers probably saw the results of the big reveal that comes at the end of this issue at least earlier in this issue. Writer Cole Haddon seems to believe that the fun of reading is in getting to revelations rather than picking through clever tricks to hide the truth. Artist M.S. Corley’s quirky graphics and solid storytelling bring this fun to life in a way that makes you want to read your favorite passages over and over again.

A

I Reads You Review: THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE #1

THE STRANGE CASE OF MR. HYDE #1 (OF 4)
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Cole Haddon
ART: M.S. Corley
COLORS: Jim Campbell
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
32pp, Color, $3.50

The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde is a recent four-issue comic book published by Dark Horse Comics. The film weaves together the Jack the Ripper legend with characters from the novella, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde, by author Robert Louis Stevenson. Ultimately, the series pits Hyde against Jack the Ripper.

The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde #1 focuses on Thomas Adye, an inspector with the Metropolitan Police Department. It is 1888, and London is in a state of fear because of the murder of several prostitutes. Ayde, who uses the most modern methods and science of police work, has been brought in to more or less save Scotland Yard.

During his investigation, Ayde uncovers evidence that suggests these murders are similar to the Edward Hyde murders from 5 years earlier, but Hyde is dead. Or is he? Ayde takes a trip deep into the bowels of Scotland Yard to meet with Hyde’s creator, Dr. Henry Jekyll, where he may have to make a deal with the devil.

To put it simply, The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde is a great read. Two things stand out. First, is the stunning art by M.S. Corley, which stylistically combines Kevin O’Neill’s work on League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and woodcut engraving. With Jim Campbell’s colors, Corley’s work seems perfect for a comic book offering a Victorian murder mystery.

The second powerful element here is the writing by Cole Haddon, especially the character writing. In terms of personality and dialogue, the characters are well drawn and propel this intense, but evenly paced story. Ayde is perplexing, but ultimately intriguing, and Haddon’s Dr. Jekyll easily surpasses Alan Moore’s Jekyll in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. If the rest of this series lives up to this first issue, The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde will be fantastic.

A

Leroy Douresseaux on SOLOMON KANE: RED SHADOWS #4

SOLOMON KANE: RED SHADOWS #4 (OF 4)
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Bruce Jones
ART: Rahsan Ekedal
COLORS: Dan Jackson
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
PIN-UP: Jim and Ruth Keegan
COVER: Guy Davis with Dave Stewart (Variant cover by Gregory Manchess with Dave Stewart)
32pp, Color, $3.50

I’ve just read my first Solomon Kane comic book in quite awhile (well over decade, for sure). I’m looking forward to more.

Solomon Kane is a fictional character created by author and pulp fiction writer, Robert E. Howard, who also created Conan. Kane is a Puritan who operated in the late 16th and early 17th century as a destroyer of evil in all its forms – human, inhuman, and supernatural. Kane first appeared in the short story, “Red Shadows,” which was published in the legendary pulp magazine, Weird Tales (August 1928).

Solomon Kane also appeared in several comic books and comic magazines published by Marvel Comics, from 1973 to the mid-1980s. There was even a miniseries, The Sword of Solomon Kane, which reprinted earlier Marvel Solomon Kane comics with some new stories. Dark Horse Comics returned the character to comics a few years ago.

Solomon Kane: Red Shadows is a four-issue comic book miniseries which adapts the short story of the same name. Seeking to avenge the death of a young girl in France, Kane travels to Africa to find her killer, Le Loup, a feared swordsman. Kane discovers that Le Loup has fallen in with Songa, a powerful leader of an African village. Kane finds an ally in N’Longa, a frail, ancient magic man, whose authority Songa usurped.

As Solomon Kane: Red Shadows #4 opens, Le Loup makes his move to kill Kane, but the shaman N’Longa has a few surprises still in store. Soon, it’s just Kane and Le Loup, left to settle their dispute like gentlemen – sword to sword.

While a comic book miniseries is a good format in which to adapt a short story, some individual issues of a miniseries may seem less like a chapter from a story and more like a brief collection of a few scenes. The fourth issue of Solomon Kane: Red Shadows reads as if it were mere leftovers from the foregone conclusion that is the end of this story.

Luckily (for the readers), scripter Bruce Jones delivers a fistful of violence in this last issue that gives the story some pungency and potency. By the end of the Kane/Le Loup duel, many readers will feel a little twinge of regret that it is all over so soon. Jones captures the madness, violence, and crazy magic that infuse Robert E. Howard’s work. Artist Rahsan Ekedal and colorist Dan Jackson transform Jones’ active script into gripping visual and storytelling.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

-----------------------

Leroy Douresseaux on CONAN ROAD OF KINGS #6

CONAN: ROAD OF KINGS #6
DARK HORSE COMICS

WRITER: Roy Thomas
PENCILS: Mike Hawthorne
INKS: John Lucas
COLORS: Dan Jackson
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
COVER: Doug Wheatley
32pp, Color, $3.50

Conan: Road of Kings is the third ongoing Conan series from Dark Horse Comics, following Conan (50 issues, 2004-2008) and Conan the Cimmerian (25 issues, 2008-2010). Scheduled to run 12 issues, Conan: Road of Kings is written by Conan storytelling legend, Roy Thomas.

Road of Kings follows Conan as he travels from the easternmost edge to the westernmost shores of the map of the Hyborian age (drawn by Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan). To reach his destination, Conan must trek the fabled Road of Kings that winds its way through the civilized kingdoms. Along the way, he helps people fight against monsters, malevolent magic, and the power-mad, while also protecting his own skin.

As Conan: Road of Kings #6 begins, our favorite sullen-eyed, dark-haired barbarian is in the capitol of Ophir, specifically in the palace of King Kennak. There, he prepares to rescue the king’s daughter, Olivia, from a death sentence pronounced by her own father! The real culprit, however, is Olivia’s stepmother, Queen Sophonesba, whom Olivia believes killed her birth mother. Conan may have met his match, as Sophonesba has a mystic ring and the powerful astrologer, Necrodemus, on her side. Meanwhile, the sword-handed assassin, Gamesh, awaits Conan.

Roy Thomas is the most famous and prolific writer of Conan’s comic book adventures. One issue of a Roy Thomas Conan comic book is like three of another writer’s, because there are multiple subplots. This sixth issue of Road of Kings seems to be three tales: the rescue of Olivia, the guard Captain Jemal, and Olivia’s kidnapper Fharos; the royal family drama; and Conan’s battle against Gamesh. Honestly, while these stories are entertaining, they’re not slam dunk-exciting like Conan: Island of No Return, although the Gamesh battle offers a hot finish.

The art by penciller Mike Hawthorne and inker John Lucas is dynamic and clean, with excellent coloring by Dan Jackson. The art, however, looks like a better fit for an adventure comedy set in the sword and sorcery genre. The art is more slick than dramatic, although it does give the bloodletting an edge and also seems to work for the Gamesh battle at the end of this issue.

B+

Elephantmen "Jump-on" Issue Coming in March 2011

ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN

 

A perfect jump-on issue!

SFX Magazine praises the world of ELEPHANTMEN, calling it "a future gone wrong made to look nightmarishly beautiful," and Comic Book Review Power Rankings says "ELEPHANTMEN is continually one of the most engaging and beautiful books on the stands." The critically praised series that Comic Book Resources calls "subtle, smart and succinct" is seeing a slew of new releases in 2011, particularly during March!

In March 2011, comics fans will get a special treat with ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1, an INVINCIBLE RETURNS-style one-shot that will please current readers and garner new fans for the series. It's a perfect jump-on issue!

Readers will also get an advance sneak peek of MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN in Robert Kirkman's THE WALKING DEAD #82!

This stand-alone oversized issue from Image Comics, written by Richard Starkings and drawn by Axel Medellin, will feature variant covers by Starkings, Ian Churchill (MARINEMAN, Supergirl) and Ed McGuinness (Superman, Deadpool). It will also feature a special retailer incentive cover by the incomparable J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl, Fairy Tale Fantasies), the first of triptych of covers that will continue with issues #31 and #32 of the ongoing series.

March 2011 also sees the release of ELEPHANTMEN, VOL. 4: QUESTIONABLE THINGS, a gorgeous hardcover that collects issues #24-30 and features art by Möritat (The Spirit), Medellin, and Marian Churchland (BEAST).

Starkings explains, "We just rounded out our fourth year of publication with Image Comics in 2010, so it's fitting that we move into 2011 with our fourth hardcover collection, featuring the first issues by our new regular artist, Mighty Axel Medellin. After contributing a page to our All Star 25th issue, his first complete issue was #27 and since then he's consistently blown me away with his versatility on each and every issue. He has been a fan of the series from the get-go, and it shows on every page; his work on MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN will make you lick every page -- and I still think I've barely scratched the surface of his abilities. I'm very happy to be starting our next story arc with Axel and a special number #1 issue!"

Adds Image Publisher Eric Stephenson, "Richard has a fantastic eye for talent, and after introducing the world to the stellar work of Möritat and Marian Churchland, he's found another winner in Axel Medellin. If you haven't been picking up ELEPHANTMEN before, now is definitely the time to get hooked on one of the most original and exciting series in comics!"

The Elephantmen are the survivors of genetic engineering experiments by a sinister organization that sought to create biological weapons of mass destruction. Freed and rehabilitated, the Elephantmen now live among the people they were designed to destroy, continually treated with suspicion and contempt except by a handful of trusted allies.

ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1, a 40-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores March 30, 2011. ELEPHANTMEN, VOL. 4: QUESTIONABLE THINGS HC, a 312-page full-color graphic novel, will be in stores March 23, 2011. Both books can be ordered through the January issue of Previews.

Also out in early 2011: ELEPHANTMEN: WAR TOYS, VOL.2: ENEMY SPECIES OGN (January 26, $9.99, NOV100423), an all-new 104-page full-color graphic novel by Starkings and artist Boo Cook; and ELEPHANTMEN: COVER STORIES #1 (February 16, $5.99, DEC100455), a 64-page full-color collection of covers and sketches by Ladrönn and Boo Cook that features a flip cover by Cook.


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 five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound 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: Ryder on the Storm #0

RYDER ON THE STORM No. 0

RADICAL PUBLISHING

WRITER: David Hine
ARTIST: Wayne Nichols
COLORS: Feigan Chong and Sansan Saw of Sixth Creation
LETTERS: Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt
COVER: Francesco “Matt” Mattina
16pp, Color, $1.00 U.S.

Ryder on the Storm is a supernatural-detective comic book from Radical Publishing. Written by David Hine and drawn by Wayne Nichols, the story focuses on Ryder. He is a private eye hired by mysterious beauty Katrina Petruska to investigate the horrifically bizarre suicide of her lover, Michael Hudson.

According to information provided by Radical, the case will lead Ryder to discovering that daemons walk among humanity. He will have to team up with the last daemon hunter, Charles Monk, to end the reign of ancient evil that rules over the city, while discovering terrifying truths about himself.

Ryder on the Storm #0 is a 16-page preview of the upcoming series, and there is just enough to remind the reader that the occult detective has been done to death. In fact, I can’t find anything in this preview to make me want to read more except…

I am a believer in David Hine, so I’m willing to read more before I get all judgmental. I do like the art by Wayne Nichols with colors by Feigan Chong and Sansan Saw of Sixth Creation. The art has a visual mode that is perfect for this occult detective tale and that would probably be perfect for DC Comics’ Hellblazer.

Elephantmen Volume 1 Gets a New Edition

THE ELEPHANT IS BACK IN THE ROOM!

Image Comics publishes revised and expanded ELEPHANTMEN VOL. 1

November sees a new edition of the critically acclaimed ELEPHANTMEN VOL. 1: WOUNDED ANIMALS TP.

Currently out of print, the new printing of the ELEPHANTMEN VOL. 1 trade paperback has been expanded and revised to include the series' sold out zero issue, painted by LADRÖNN, as well as an all-new sketchbook section by Moritat and the ENGLISH & MEDIA STUDIES back matter from the single issues!

The scribes behind the issues in this epic new edition include RICHARD STARKINGS, JOE CASEY (OFFICER DOWNE, Avengers: The Origin) and JOE KELLY (I KILL GIANTS, Amazing Spider-Man). In addition to LADRÖNN, artists MORITAT (The Spirit), HENRY FLINT (Judge Dredd), TOM SCIOLI (GØDLAND), DAVID HINE (THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN, Detective Comics), and CHRIS BACHALO (Sandman, Amazing Spider-Man) all lent their pencils and pens to this collection, and BOO COOK (Judge Dredd) has provided a dazzling new cover.

ELEPHANTMEN creator, Richard Starkings is overjoyed: "Revisiting our first seven issues -- EIGHT when you count the origin issue illustrated by Ladrönn -- made me proud. We've come so far, but so much of what we set out to do four years ago is perfectly encapsulated in this first volume. In addition to the new trade dress, which now matches the sleek and sexy graphics of volumes 2 and 3, we've added over 80 pages of back matter from the original, increasingly hard-to-find back issues, and my fellow countryman, BBC radio and TV personality and TURF co-creator Jonathan Ross has kindly provided a whole new introduction for us, so just about everything in this first collection feels new again."

"There really isn't another book like ELEPHANTMEN on the market, and that's something I'm exceptionally proud of," added Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Richard has assembled a crack team of creative talent to produce one of the most unique comic book reading experiences available, and this collection is the perfect introduction to this rich and endlessly fascinating world."

ELEPHANTMEN VOL.1: WOUNDED ANIMALS Revised and Expanded TP, a full-color 312-page trade paperback collecting issues #0-7 of the ongoing series, will be in stores November 3, 2010. The hardcover edition of VOL. 1 (JAN071927) is now available, as are ELEPHANTMEN VOL. 2: FATAL DISEASES (HC: AUG082238; TP: OCT090372) and ELEPHANTMEN VOL. 3: DANGEROUS LIAISONS (HC: FEB100355; TP: FEB108471).


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 five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound 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/.

Image Firsts: Wave Two Titles

ALL THAT FOR A DOLLAR

Image Comics reprints the first issues of classic series in October's continuation of 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 in September and continuing through October, each reprinted first issue will be available for only $1.

IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE 2 shipping this October include:

IMAGE FIRSTS: ELEPHANTMEN #1
story RICHARD STARKINGS
art MORITAT
cover LADRÖNN
OCTOBER 6

IMAGE FIRSTS: MADMAN #1
story MIKE ALLRED
art & cover MIKE ALLRED
OCTOBER 13

IMAGE FIRSTS: GODLAND #1
story JOE CASEY
art TOM SCIOLI
OCTOBER 20

IMAGE FIRSTS: HACK/SLASH #1
story TIM SEELEY
art & cover TIM SEELEY
OCTOBER 27

IMAGE FIRSTS: DEAD @ 17 #1
story JOSH HOWARD
art & cover JOSH HOWARD
OCTOBER 27

Discover some of Image Comics' best series in October with the continuation of IMAGE FIRSTS: WAVE TWO, re-releasing the first issue ELEPHANTMEN, MADMAN, RISING STARS, HACK/SLASH and DEAD@17 for only $1.


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.

Elephantmen to Be a Movie

ELEPHANTMEN HEADING TO THE BIG SCREEN


Zucker Productions adapting ELEPHANTMEN for major motion picture

Comicraft/Active Images is proud to announce the option of their Image Comics series ELEPHANTMEN by Zucker Productions for major motion picture development.

The treatment for the movie is being drafted by Richard Starkings, creator and writer of ELEPHANTMEN. Starkings shares, "I'm very pleased to be working with producer Janet Zucker and everyone at Zucker Productions. Janet has a wonderful instinct for story and totally understands the more subtle tones of the ELEPHANTMEN series."

"Richard has created a world of implausible ideas and impossible characters, a world where transgenic animals and human beings come together in a dark, yet hopeful universe," says Janet Zucker. "Jerry (Zucker, Director of GHOST) and I can't wait to bring the stories of Hip, Horn and Sahara to life on screen in a way that will simply take your breath away

Starkings was approached by a number of companies and directors interested in optioning the project, but until recently he brushed them away, preferring to concentrate on putting out a good book. "On the road to the creation of ELEPHANTMEN, I talked to everyone else in the business and listened to their advice. It's taken a very long time to build the series -- I created these characters fifteen years ago -- and I'm very grateful for our loyal readers and the incredible professional support that the book has received." says Starkings. "I didn't set out with a movie in mind, but I am grateful that this opportunity has come along and allows me to continue to write something that is very dear to me."

ELEPHANTMEN is an Eisner Award winning series first published in 2002 under Starkings' Active Images imprint. In 2006 Image Comics approached Starkings to bring the book under their umbrella. The story of the Elephantmen takes place in Los Angeles in the not too distant future -- in a world where human/animal hybrids were created to fight a war between Africa and China. Scarred by their experiences in war and seeking to somehow find their own humanity, the Elephantmen are now scattered throughout the world amongst the humans they were created to kill. ELEPHANTMEN is a brilliant commentary on racism, miscegenation, global warming, stem cell research and warfare. Created and written by Starkings, the series features artwork by Ladrönn, Moritat and Boo Cook.

ELEPHANTMEN #25 (DEC090405), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores on April 21, 2010. Collections of the ongoing series include ELEPHANTMEN 01: NO SURRENDER, ELEPHANTMEN 02: WOUNDED ANIMALS and ELEPHANTMEN 03: DANGEROUS LIASONS. Also available: ELEPHANTMEN: HIP FLASK: UNNATURAL SELECTION, ELEPHANTMEN: HIP FLASK: CONCRETE JUNGEL, ELEPHANTMEN: CAPTAIN STONEHEART AND THE TRUTH FAIRY and ELEPHANTMEN: ART OF LADRÖNN.

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.

Image Comics News From WonderCon 2010

IN THE KNOW AT THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW

Image Comics announces exciting new projects at WonderCon 2010

Image Comics took its show on the road -- across the Bay that is -- to make big announcements at its hometown show, WonderCon. On Saturday, THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW presented a slew of ongoing and upcoming projects from Erik Larsen, Frank Cho, Jonathan Ross, men of action Joe Casey and Steve Seagle, and Richard Starkings.

EMPEROR LARSEN
Erik Larsen discussed the upcoming story arc for SAVAGE DRAGON, entitled EMPEROR DRAGON. Following the events of the DRAGON WAR, Savage Dragon remains his evil self, Emperor Kurr. Without the opposition to stop him, the ex-cop, ex-superhero makes a play to conquer the planet.

Also announced: SAVAGE DRAGON FUNNIES, a 12-issue series of backup stories that starts with May's SAVAGE DRAGON #160. A select and talented group of artists contributed short tales representing their take on the Dragonverse. Creators include Michel Fiffe, Andrew Dimitt, Kiel West, Delsante and Freire, Ulises Farinas, Chris Sanderson, Conoro Hughes, Kat Roberts, Hyendo Park, Pedro Camargo, Jason Thibodeaux, and Joe Keatinge and Deep 6 Studio.

FIFTY ON CHO
Frank Cho reported on 50 GIRLS 50, an all-new miniseries masterminded by Cho and co-writer Doug Murray (THE 'NAM). Newcomer Alex Medellin, the winner of a talent search curated by Cho and Murray, is illustrating based on designs by Cho. The series will be launching in August.

DOWNE WITH CASEY
Joe Casey announced his new one-shot, created with Chris Burnham: OFFICER DOWNE. A lone Badass With A Badge takes on the scourge of the criminal underworld, and this is one cop that'll keep coming back for more...even from beyond the grave! OFFICER DOWNE will be available in July.

ON A CRUSADE WITH SEAGLE
Steve Seagle announced the collection of THE CRUSADES, his incredible tale of an enigmatic 11th century Crusader that renders terrible justice on 21st century San Francisco. This remastered volume collects - for the first time - the macabre Vertigo series created by Seagle and artist Kelley Jones. THE CRUSADES vol. 1, collecting THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE and issues #1-9, will be available in July.

Also announced: FRANKIE STEIN, an adorable full-color oversized children's book drawn by Marco Cinello (SOUL KISS). Frankie Stein is just another kid, growing up the way kids do. Except Frankie has green skin, bolts in his neck, and lives in a giant castle. FRANKIE STEIN will be available Fall 2010.

ROSS ON AMERICAN TURF
Jonathan Ross made a rare American appearance and discussed his new five-issue miniseries TURF, which is drawn by Tommy Lee Edwards. Ross discussed the transition from eternally popular UK television host and long-time comics fan to comics creator. Issue #1 is available April 7, but a convention exclusive variant is available at the Image Comics booth, #407.

STARKINGS MAKES A MOVE TO THE SCREEN
Richard Starkings had huge news for the crowd: ELEPHANTMEN has been optioned for a movie! He also discussed ELEPHANTMEN #25, a special issue in which the story is told by a series of guest artists in astonishing splash pages. Artists include Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), Tim Sale (BATMAN: LONG HALLOWEEN), Pia Guerra (Y: THE LAST MAN), and more! ELEPHANTMEN #25 will be available later in April.

Elephantmen #25 is a Jam Comic

A MAMMOTH SPECIAL ISSUE

Some of the industry's best artists contribute to ELEPHANTMEN #25
Richard Starkings' ELEPHANTMEN turns 25 (issues, that is) in style! Each page of the issue is drawn by a profoundly talented guest artist, representing some of the best talent in comics.

The superstars contributing to ELEPHANTMEN #25 include (in order of appearance in the issue): Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween), Moritat (Elephantmen, The Spirit), Gabriel Bautista (Popgun), Duncan Rouleau (Metal Men, The Great Unknown), Sheldon Vella (Kill Audio, Supertron), Dave Gibbons (Watchmen, Martha Washington), Dougie Braithwaite (Justice), Gary Erskine (Dan Dare), Steve Buccellato (Battle of the Bands), Whilce Portacio (Spawn, Image United), Ian Churchill (Hulk), Shaky Kane (The Bulletproof Coffin), Raul Trevino (Final Incal), Boo Cook (Judge Anderson), Paul Grist (Jack Staff), Ladrönn (Final Incal), Marian Churchland (Beast), André Szymanowicz (Sushi Nachos), David Hine (The Bulletproof Coffin, Strange Embrace), Chris Burnham (Nixon's Pals) and Aaron Kuder, Brandon Graham (King City), Dan McDaid (Jersey Gods), Tom Scioli (Godland), Pia Guerra (Y the Last Man), Axel Medellin (50 Girls 50), and Rob Steen (Flanimals).

ELEPHANTMEN #25: THE BIG PICTURE is told entirely in splash pages and chronicles the history of the Elephantmen from one man’s point of view, making it a great jumping-on point for new readers!

ELEPHANTMEN #25 (DEC090405), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores on April 21, 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.

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Radical Publishing Releases FVZA #3

FVZA: FEDERAL VAMPIRE AND ZOMBIE AGENCY #3 (3 of 3)

Writer DAVID HINE
Penciler WAYNE NICHOLS
Layout Artist ROY ALLAN MARTINEZ
Painter KINSUN LOH and JERRY CHOO
Letterer RICHARD STARKINGS and COMICRAFT’S JIMMY BETANCOURT
48 pgs, FC, $4.99

The final showdown between the living and the undead! When Hugo Pecos and the FVZA discover the plans of the European vampire council to infect the United States, they quickly locate the underground headquarters of the vampires in the city. As Landra and Vidal split into two squads to thwart the sinister plot of the undead, they realize that there is far more to their mission than simply extermination. A stunning revelation, a tragic death and a shocking betrayal await Landra as she journeys into the belly of the beast to battle the bloodthirsty and ruthless Chaucer and the queen vampire herself - Yaelis.

Featuring covers by Clint Langley and Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic.

FVZA #3 cover A: by Clint Langley–Diamond Code: OCT091058
FVZA #3 cover B: by Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic–Diamond Code: OCT091059

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