Review: SUCKER: Book One: Living After Midnight

SUCKER: BOOK ONE: LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT
COMIXOLOGY/Polite Strangers

Kickstarter campaign to support Sucker is here.

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

PLOT: Jason McNamara and Tony Talbert
SCRIPT: Jason McNamara
PENCILS: Tony Talbert
INKS: John Heebink
COLORS: Paul Little
LETTERS: Jason McNamara
EDITOR: John Heebink
MISC. ART: Brian Wood (logo); Tony Talbert with Stephen Buell; Justin Greenwood with Paul Little; Greg Hinkle; Tony Talbert and John Heebink with Paul Little
ISBN: 978-1-5323-8060-0; paperback (July 2018)
66pp., Color, $9.95

Age: 17+ Only / Mature Readers

Sucker is a vampire comic book series published by comiXology as part of its “comiXology Originals.”  Sucker: Book One is written by Jason McNamara (plot/script) and Tony Talbert (plot); drawn by Talbert and John Heebink (inks); colored by Paul Little; and lettered by McNamara.  The series follows a band of vampire hunters forced to suddenly reunite when a powerful, ass-kicking vampire reawakens.

Sucker: Book One – Living After Midnight opens on the upper east side of Manhattan.  Two clownish thieves accidentally awaken a slumbering vampire, Douglas Jacobs, once upon a time a successful stock trader in the 1980s.  He had not been seen since 1988, but now he is back for a mysterious reason bigger than his own wants.

Enter hard-ass vampire hunter, Clyde Benton, and fellow vampire slayer, the brass knuckle-wielding priest, Father Harrison.  They have been called back into service by “Frontier Innovations” and its taciturn Director Sullivan to take down Jacobs.  This time, however, this hugely successful vampire-smashing unit faces a monster that is (1) most resourceful and (2) very hard to kill.

Don't think of Sucker: Book One as some kind of small press, indie, or self-published comic book.  Think of it as what it is – highly-polished, high-octane genre entertainment.  Its script is probably of better quality than any Syfy original horror films, and is as good or even better in some cases than the writing on straight-to-DVD, VOD, and streaming horror entertainment.

In the case of Jason McNamara's script, I can trot out many of the slang declarations used to describe exciting action movies:  hellraisin', rip-snortin', balls-to-the-wall, etc.  When it comes to the story's internal mythology, McNamara drops it here and there throughout this first book in a way that both teases and intrigues.  However, the action is so frenetic that the reader will have other things to occupy his attention.

That artist Tony Talbert co-plots this first issue shows in the page-by-page and panel-by-panel flow of the explosive action scenes, which are thrilling to behold and bracing to read.  Talbert's graphical storytelling and graphic design of individual pages are advanced enough to make me wonder why he has not produced more work for the bigger publishers.  John Heebink's precision inking seems to streamline some of the wildness in Talbert's storytelling, while directing its power right at the reader.  For instance, the characters' emotions are wild and aggressive, but it reads as being genuine rather than as being over the top.  Heebink's inking also sharpens the inventiveness in Talbert's illustrations.  There are some exceptionally visually striking images in Sucker: Book One (especially those involving the vampire's “union” with vermin).  They are clear, rather than impressionistic.

It would be a sin to not acknowledge the coloring by Paul Little, which is often spectacular in this first book.  Sometimes, it is muted and reminds me of the coloring in DC Comics' 1970's horror comics, (House of Mystery, Swamp Thing).  Other times, Little's hues have the rich and vibrant quality that a talented artist can get using modern coloring techniques.

I must admit that I only sought out Sucker: Book One because I am a fan of inker John Heebink's work going back to Metacops! (Fantagraphics Books), an odd, sci-fi comic book he drew back in the early 1990s.  My fanboy inclinations were rewarded, as I am shocked by how much I like Sucker: Book One.  I practically tore through it once I started reading.  It is one of the best of the recent vampire comic books, along with Jonathan Maberry and Tyler Crook's Bad Blood (Dark Horse Comics).

I recommend Sucker: Book One – Living After Midnight without reservation to fans of horror comic books, especially to fans of vampire comics and fiction.  One might even say I now have a blood lust for Sucker: Book Two.

9 out of 10

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

http://jason-mcnamara.com/
John Heebink: https://twitter.com/JohnHeebink

By Sucker Volume 1 at comiXology.

The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #24

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 24
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Pramit Santra
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: Kevin Wallace
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015; digital release date – September 7, 2016)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Pink, Part 2 of 2”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It is creation of B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “The Pink,” which finds the Chaos Campus trio and other zombie riot survivors in a house fighting an invisible enemy that arrived in a meteor.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Pramit Santra; colored by Russell Vincent Yu; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #24 opens as Doctors Kim and Hollinger attempt to create a serum for the alien parasite that infects Pete.  Their next patients will be Jamie, Paige, and Brittany, and as the parasite increases aggression and gives the infected amazing abilities, curing the girls will not be easy.  Now, the infected Chaos trio can and want to deliver fatal beat-downs.

The “Pink” story line has been a nice change of pace, and since creator-writer B. Alex Thompson is often spoofing or parodying pop culture, the reader can play a game of naming the works of film and entertainment Thompson is referencing.

I see elements of the science fiction horror film, Species (1995), and the 1987 film, The Curse (which is also known as The Farm).  I am also remind of the film version of Stephen King's 1976 short story, “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill,” which appeared as a segment of the 1982 film, Creepshow.

Thompson continues to expand the emotional range of the characters, so this gives Chaos Campus a sense of character beyond the comedy and parody.  Pramit Santra's graphical storytelling here is good, and her jagged style fits the aggressive mood of the story and the infected characters tendency to tear their victims apart.  Russell Vincent Yu's coloring serves this sense of aggression and flesh rending quite well.  Plus, the ending bodes well for the next story arc.

7.5 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #24 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #2

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 2 (OF 4)
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2017; digital release date – January 3, 2018)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries from Approbation Comics.  It tells the story of Marcus Wright, a young man who visits an oceanic research facility directed by his childhood friend, Anton Parker, who has a business deal to offer Marcus.  The facility has captured a mermaid-like creature, and Marcus finds himself caught in the mystery of this creature and of its captivity.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #2 opens with Marcus engaging in an extensive conversation with the mermaid, who eventually gets the name “Becca.”  Anton warns Marcus that “it,” as he calls Becca, has the ability to “mess” with his mind and to manipulate people.  To squash Marcus' admiration for the creature, Anton reveals some of the events that occurred before he arrived.

The first issue of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is one of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date, and the second issue is equally pretty.  The cover for both issues #1 and #2  feature gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz.  The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin gets better with each chapter, as his cleanly drawn line art reveals a confident storyteller.  In fact, Cviticanin's graphical storytelling conveys the range of emotions writer B. Alex Thompson depicts in this issue.

Among independent comic book creators, B. Alex Thompson is one of the best at writing naturalistic dialogue for genre comic books, including fantasy and horror tales.  Writing naturalistic dialogue makes the characters seem like personalities rather than being props (in fantasy) or victims (in horror).  The conversation between Marcus and Becca makes it seem as if they are two twenty-somethings on an apparently successful first date.  I had to remind myself that they were actually a human and a creature of fantasy on a futuristic research facility.

The second half of this issue does indeed offer genre intrigue and mystery.  I have to say that I am surprised, although I should not be.  B. Alex Thompson usually delivers high-quality genre storytelling, and he certainly delivers in Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #2.

8.5 out of 10

Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #2 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #23

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #23
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Pramit Santra
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu and Schmerys Baal
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
COVER: Kevin Wallace
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015)

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“The Pink, Part 1 of 2”

The long-running Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It was created by B. Alex Thompson and is published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jaime Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “The Pink,” which finds the trio and other zombie riot survivors in a house that holds a surprise.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Pramit Santra; colored by Schmerys Baal and Russell Vincent Yu; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #23 opens in the wake of the “Smart Zombies” conspiracy.  On the run with four other survivors of that debacle, Jamie, Paige, and Brittany come upon a strange meteor after an even stranger meteor shower.  Then, the group finds a house that is perfect as a shelter because it has not one, but two generators.  However, Jamie has been acting strange since her encounter with the meteor, and the house also holds a shocking connection to her past.

In the “Smart Zombies” story line, creator/writer B. Alex Thompson threw a left-hook at readers.  Chaos Campus is a humorous spin on comic books, and it is a comic take of the zombie apocalypse.  But (and its a big but) Chaos Campus offers good characters and an intriguing, evolving narrative.  With the arrival of a smart zombie, Thompson showed that Chaos Campus will defy genre expectations by whatever means necessary and unnecessary.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #23 is funny, and I'm assuming that it is spoofing the Species film series.  I really like the personal reveal, which is one more example of Thompson evolving our fearless zombie fighters.  This remains a fantastic comic book, and I enjoyed reading it, although I am not crazy about the artist.  Pramit Santra's graphical storytelling is good, but the technical aspects of the art is wanting, I must say.  Still, I am ready for issue #24.

8 out of 10

Buy Chaos Campus #23 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #1

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 1
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: “M” for Mature

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries from Approbation Comics.  It tells the story of a young man who visits an oceanic research facility where he discovers a creature of fairy tales and myth that should not exist.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #1 opens with the reunion of childhood friends, Marcus Wright and Anton Parker.  Parker is in charge of an expensive ocean research facility, so Marcus assumes that he and Anton will catch up on old times before Anton makes a business proposal to him.  However, Marcus soon discovers that Anton has a mermaid trapped inside the facility, and the revelation of this creature of myth could change, ruin, or end Marcus's life.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #1 is one of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date.  The cover for the first issue features a gorgeous illustration and shimmering colors by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz.  The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin is well-drawn and cleanly drawn line art, which results in strong storytelling, especially in conveying how what is said by one character affects another.  The colors by Santtos also reflect a clean and clear science fiction aesthetic.  In a way, the coloring here recalls the sparse but evocative color photography of the film Ex Machina.

This first issue also offers some of B. Alex Thompson's most effective dialogue writing; it is fun to read the conversations between the characters.  One can be forgiven for thinking that this is a Brian Michael Bendis script, but, no, it's Thompson's.  He is a polished veteran comic book writer, and he makes this first issue an effective tease for the rest of this series.  And I want more... of that hot mermaid!

8 out of 10

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #1's ComiXology page.

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: CHAO CAMPUS #22

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES No. 22
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Bernard Gita and Luis Arellano
COLORS: Russell Vincent Yu and Alex Rayn
LETTERS: Elisa M. Coletti
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
COVER: Kevin Wallace
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: Teen 13+

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Smart Zombies, Part 2 of 2”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a long-running horror-comedy and zombie apocalypse comic book series.  It is created by B. Alex Thompson and published by his company, Approbation Comics.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jaime Schaeffer, brainy Paige Patton, and sexy Brittany Miller.

The current story line is “Smart Zombies,” which is set at a luxury hotel where a group of scientists hide a major secret.  This story is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Bernard Gita and Luis Arellano; colored by Russell Vincent Yu and Alex Rayne; and lettered by Elisa M. Coletti.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #22 finds our intrepid trio meeting a talking zombie!  His name is Lucian and he maintained his intelligence through the process of death and zombie resurrection.  Jamie detests Lucian, but Paige is willing to hear what he has to say.  Also, the girls find that not all the scientists want them around, although one male scientist wants to... turn the page... so to speak.  Meanwhile, Lucian tests the limits of weird science and plots a new apocalypse.

It has been at least three years since I last read an issue of the main Chaos Campus series, although I did read the special issue, Chaos Campus: Extra Credit #6.  In the years since I first read an Approbation Comics title (well over a decade), I have noticed that B. Alex Thompson has become a stronger comic book writer and that has served Chaos Campus quite well.

The series, which tends to spoof just about every corner of American pop culture, still throws in a reference, here and there.  However, Chaos Campus has become a highly-polished horror comics gem.  The dialogue is sharp, and the action and drama are solidly constructed and written.  Thompson is also quite good at writing single-issue and two-issue stories.  I also think that Lucian looks to be a good, long-term adversary of our chaotic heroines.

So zombie fans should apply for admission to Chaos Campus; it is actually easy to start reading this comic book.  You can enter at practically any point in the series.

A-

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

Chaos Campus #22's ComiXology page.

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Juniors October 2017 - Update #59

Support Leroy on Patreon.

From BleedingCool:  Tim Sale, known for his Batman work, especially "Batman: The Long Halloween," is talking about returning to Batman and is eyeing two projects.

From BleedingCool:  Liam Sharp is drawing an ongoing Batman/Wonder Woman comic book.

From DailyJSTOR:  An article about Ezra Jack Keats, the man whose "Snowy Day" book helped diversify children's books.

From BleedingCool:  Bryan Talbot's new graphic novel, "Grandville: Force Majeure," uses anti-spoiler technology.

From PREVIEWSWorld:  Grant Morrison talks about his BOOM! Studios comic book, Klaus and The Cris in Xmasville #1.

From Crunchyroll:  Shinobu Ohtaka's manga, "Magi," is nearing its end.

From TheNational:  Japan's manga sector gets a tech makeover.

From CBR:  Writer Matthew Rosenberg talks about why "The Punisher" is moving into the "Marvel Legacy" era as "War Machine."

From BleedingCool:  Rick Remender really wants you to read his comic book, "Black Science" (Image Comics).

From MangaTokyo:  "Fullmetal Alchemist" creator finally made her first TV appearance.

From ComicBook:  The surprising comic book origins of "Playboy."

From NewPressNow:  A local poet laureate produces a graphic novel.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #140 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #140 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Liam Sharp has a new comic book coming out in February 2018.  It's a mystery.

From IndianapolisRecorder:  Tyeesha Bradley is creating comics. [Beautiful art. - Leroy]

From BleedingCool:  Rob Liefeld vs. Diamond Comic Distributors.

From CBR:  Was "The Walking Dead" comic book going to feature aliens?

From FocusTaiwan:  The government of Taiwan plans on spending the equivalent of $33 million US over the next four years to develop its manga sector.

From TheHypedGeek:  "Saint Seiya: Next Dimension" returns next spring.

From BleedingCool:  Avatar Press announces January 2018 solicitations.

From Crunchyroll:  The "One Piece" manga has sold 430 million copies worldwide.

From BedfordandBowery:  "The Unquotable Trump" puts President Trump's words in the mouth of actual comic book villains.

From Mainichi:  The "Lost Manga" of Edo period artist Katsushika Hokusai is published.

From BleedingCool:  Lion Forge Comics announces its January 2018 comic book solicitations.

From BleedingCool:  Raina Telgemeirer's new graphic novel, "Drama," has been banned by an entire educational district in Texas.

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet episode #139 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet episode #139 in French.

From CBR:  Three characters from the hit "Wonder Woman" film join the Wonder Woman comic book.

From BleedingCool:  Warp Graphics of Richard and Wendy Pini and "Elfquest" fame has applied for a trademark for the name, "Futurequest," similar to DC Comics' "Future Quest."

From GizmodoUK:  The horror manga of Junji Ito will become an anime anthology called, "Collection."

From BleedingCool:  [One of my favorite writers - Leroy] Jim Zub answers a loaded questions about how he broke into Marvel Comics as a writer with class and perfection.

From TheVillageVoice:  The 41 freakiest cosplayers of New York Comic Con 2017 - according to the Voice.

From Philly.com:  Ta-Nehisi Coates ("Black Panther") is joining artist Jen Bartel to produce a new comic book starring the X-Men's "Storm."

From BlackEnterprise:  The business of Black comic books, comics produced by creators of color.

From ABC2News:  From Annapolis, Maryland, a profile of local boy Rodney Barnes who is writing Marvel Comics' "Falcon."

From PawhuskaJournal:  Nonprofit promotes literacy through comic books.

From CBRBlog:  The death of one character in "The Walking Dead" comic book will be used for another character on the "The Walking Dead" TV series.

From KARE11:  Students use comic books to teach cyber bulling awareness.

From WordBallon:  The blog features a podcast interview in which NBA legend and Hall of Fame basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, talks about being a lifelong comic book fan.

From BleedingCool:  So Spider-Man was Jack Kirby's idea, so says Mark Evanier.

From Previews:  Dynamite Entertainment has gained a license to produced comic books based on the 1988 horror film, "Pumpkinhead."

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #138 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #138 in French.

From BleedingCool:  There has been a fire at the Charles Schulz Museum.

From FlickeringMyth:  Titan Comics will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic British TV series, "The Prisoner," with a new comic book.

From ComicBook:  VIZ Media announces two new Pokemon manga.

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP announces that it will produce original comics based on Walt Disney properties and will release English editions of Japanese manga based on Disney properties.

From RollingStone:  Square Enix turning manga in VR comics.

From BleedingCool:  Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici announce a new comic book from Image Comics, "Oblivion Song."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Marvel Comics announces "Old Man Hawkeye."

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will feature to longtime writer/editor Len Wein in the comic books on sale today, Wed. Oct. 4th.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #137 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #137 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Nnedi Okorafor and Andre Lima Araujo will launch a Black Panther digital comic book, "Black Panther: Long Live the King."  It will be available on comiXology and Kindle beginning December 13th.

From ComicBook:  The live-action play based on the manga, "Blue Exorcist" releases its first visual.

From JakartaPost:  Hiro Mashima looks back on his recently ended epic fantasy manga, "Fairy Tail."

From MangaTokyo:  A Tokyo airbnb features a house with 2500 volumes of manga.

From BleedingCool:  At the upcoming 2017 New York Comic Con, you can have lunch with comic book artist J. Scott Campbell for the price of $455 or $1495.

From ComicsBeat:  Kwanza Osayjefo, the co-creator of the comic book series, "Black," talks about that comic book and its past, present, and future.

From SyFyWire:  A thief was arrested trying to sell vintage copies of Amazing Spider-Man #1 and X-Men #1 that he stole.

From DiversionsoftheGroovyKind:  An essay about Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson's Batgirl and Robin splash pages from the late 1960s.

Stephan Franck's "Silver #5" Due July 8th

Issue #5 of Award-Nominated Stephan Franck's SILVER Coming July 8, 2015

Los Angeles, CA – Dark Planet announced that “Night Of The Duvaliers”, the 5th issue in Stephan Franck’s acclaimed mini-series SILVER, will become available on ComiXology Submit on July 8th (https://www.comixology.com/Silver/comics-series/10508).  ComiXology recently ranked SILVER number 2 on its well respected “ESSENTIAL READS” list (http://dark-planet-comics.com/blog/2015/5/17/silver-makes-comixology-submits-essential-reads-list).

A direct continuation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula universe, set forward 50 years into the pulp/noir era of the 1930's, SILVER introduces James Finnigan, a con man, who endeavors to separate the vampires from their precious silver.  Personal entanglements and character comedy ensue, as Finnigan assembles the team of talented but broken misfits needed to pull off a heist for the ages.  Released last year, the first volume in the series earned Stephan Franck a 2014 Russ Manning Award nomination at San Diego Comic Con.

While the new 31-page extended issue continues the series’ trademark character explorations, in particular the inevitable bonding between Finn and Tao, it is also an exciting feat in WORLD-BUILDING. As the train reaches its final destination, we enter the hidden world of vampires--a culture of intrigues, vanity, decadence and ancient traditions.

“I couldn’t wait to present my take on Dracula’s legendary castle and to start lifting the veil on our unique mythology” says Franck, “everything we’ve seen and heard so far in the story has been leading up to this.”

Since the series’ inception, SILVER has been noted for its strong female characters, in particular troubled vampire-hunter and fans favorite Rosalynd “Sledge” Van Helsing. In issue #5 we  discover vampire princess Liilian, described by Finnigan as “A real troublemaker, someone with an agenda. A bonafide nutball”, with whom Sledge is on a collision course.

As with previous installments in the series, comic books luminaries have been vocal supporters of Franck’s storytelling:

“With SILVER, Stephan Franck cuts right to the bone of the story and masterfully drives his narrative home. A breath of fresh air in the world of comics!”--TOMMY LEE EDWARDS (Marvel 1985, The Question, Turf)

“Why was I not reading this before?  Why? Why? Why?  It’s everything I love about comics.  And everything I miss about a lot of comics these days. Hey Stephan Franck, I want more.” — JIM KRUEGER (Earth X, Justice, The Runner)

Single issues SILVER 1 to 5 as well as SILVER Vol. 1 (which compiles the first 3 issues) are available digitally on ComiXology. The trade paperback print edition of Silver Volume 1 is available at comic shops everywhere, on Amazon, and from the Dark Planet Webstore (http://dark-planet-comics.com/shop-1/). Print editions of all Dark Planet products are available from the Dark Planet booth at comic book conventions (http://dark-planet-comics.com/dates/) across the US, where the company maintains a dynamic presence.

While the digital edition debuts same day as print, Franck we be signing and drawing original sketches inside the print copies of the book at San Diego Comic Con, at the Dark Planet booth (2204).


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stephan Franck is an award-nominated animator/writer/director/comic book creator. He was a supervising animator on the cult classic THE IRON GIANT, and contributed story to DESPICABLE ME. He co-created the animated TV series CORNEIL & BERNIE (Nicktoons - Hub Network), and received an Annie Award nomination for Best Director In a TV Program for the special SMURFS: THE LEGEND OF SMURFY HOLLOW, which presented the Smurf for the first time in 2D animation at a feature-animation level of quality. Stephan’s graphic novel debut, SILVER Volume 1 earned him a nomination for the prestigious Russ Manning Award at San Diego Comic Con 2014, and landed on ComiXology Submit’s ESSENTIAL READS list.

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"Halloween Man" Scares comiXology

After thirteen strong years as a cult-favorite webcomic, "Halloween Man" is rolling into comiXology and Monsterverse with a new ongoing series. After a decade of smashing the troupes of Gothic Horror and Weird Science, our half-dead hero is taking on High Fantasy! Sailing through outer space in a Viking warship and arriving on ape-back, the dwarf king has come to burn Solar City to the ground. It's the undead vs. the under-sized as Earth's Weirdest Superhero rushes to save the day.

This offbeat, action-packed story is brought to you by series writer/creator Drew Edward, artist/graphic designer Sergio Calvet (Magic of Myths, The Dark of the Forest), and editor Russell Hillman (Fast & Frightening -- A Comic About Roller Derby).

Featuring back-up comics pulled from Halloween Man's long webcomic run and packing more thrills than a big budget blockbuster, this is your must read digital comic this week.  All for the low-price of $2.99! Brought to you by Monsterverse!

Check MONSTERVERSE: http://monsterverse.com/ and find HALLOWEEN MAN on Comixology https://www.comixology.com/Monsterverse/comics-publisher/388-0

Richard Sala's "Violenzia" a Digital Exclusive Comic from comiXology

Fantagraphics Books Partners With ComiXology to Debut Violenzia

Fantagraphics Books’ First Digital Exclusive Comic

Fantagraphics Books, publisher of the world’s greatest cartoonists, partners with comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform, to debut Fantagraphics’ first original, digital exclusive comic book: Violenzia. Written and illustrated by acclaimed creator Richard Sala (Delphine, Cat Burglar Black), Violenzia is an all-new, full-color, $5.99, 50-page one-shot exclusively available today across comiXology’s entire platform including iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and comiXology.com.

"Let there be no mercy or forgiveness for they have shown none." With these words, whispered into the wind, a mysterious young woman leaps into action with wild abandon, twin automatics blazing. Is she a brave and reckless heroine taking on a monstrous evil? Or is she a deranged angel of death? One thing is clear, whether she is dropping from a high window into a crowd of red-robed fanatical cultists, or facing down a horde of psychotic hillbillies, you don't want to get in Violenzia’s way.

"This is a new model for us," said Fantagraphics Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds. "Not a better model, but a different model. Richard Sala is one of our most beloved authors, and recently he has built up a considerable and new following online, via his Tumblr and other social media, so when he proposed Violenzia it seemed like the perfect opportunity to experiment with a digital-only release."

"We’re thrilled that Fantagraphics partnered with us to bring Richard Sala's beautiful and hilarious Violenzia to comiXology and our worldwide audience," said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. "Readers and fans will also be treated to experiencing this amazing work in comiXology’s cinematic Guided View reading technology."

A fast moving, self-contained story, Violenzia is a blast of pulpy fun, told in scenes of audacious action and splashes of rich watercolors. With elements of golden age comics and old movies mixed with Sala's trademark humor and sense of the absurd, Violenzia is serious fun, a bloody enigma masked as eye candy, a puzzle box riddled with bullet holes.

Violenzia is the latest story by Sala featuring heroines (or anti-heroines) who are quirky, mysterious and unpredictable — such as Peculia (PECULIA , PECULIA AND THE GROON GROVE VAMPIRES), Judy Drood (MAD NIGHT, THE GRAVE ROBBER'S DAUGHTER), and K Westree (CAT BURGLAR BLACK), and features the same distinctive mixture of mystery, violence and humor as his books THE CHUCKLING WHATSIT, THE HIDDEN and DELPHINE.

Look for Violenzia out today on comiXology: http://www.comixology.com/Violenzia/digital-comic/50915?app=1

About Fantagraphics
Fantagraphics Books has been a leading proponent of comics as a legitimate form of art and literature since it began publishing the critical trade magazine The Comics Journal in 1976. By the early 1980s, Fantagraphics was at the forefront of the burgeoning movement to establish comics as a medium as eloquent and expressive as the more established popular arts of film, literature, poetry, et al. Fantagraphics quickly established a reputation as an advocacy publisher that specialized in seeking out and publishing the kind of innovative work that traditional comics corporations who dealt almost exclusively in super-heroes and fantasy either didn’t know existed or wouldn’t touch: serious, dramatic, historical, journalistic, political, and satirical work by a new generation of alternative cartoonists (including now-legends like Peter Bagge, Daniel Clowes, Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, Joe Sacco and Jim Woodring) as well as many artists who gained prominence as part of the seminal underground comix movement of the '60s, such as R. Crumb and Kim Deitch. Fantagraphics has since gained an international reputation for its literate and audacious editorial standards in publishing the best cartooning from all eras and regions with exacting production values.

About comiXology
ComiXology has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View™ reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become one of iTunes' top 10 grossing iPad apps in both 2011 and 2012. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from the top 75 publishers, and including independent creators as well, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan. A privately held company, comiXology is based in New York City. For more information visit www.comixology.com.

Dark Planet Comics Has "Silver #2" at comiXology

COMIXOLOGY RELEASES SECOND CHAPTER IN DARK PLANET COMICS'  ACCLAIMED “SILVER” MINISERIES 

Dark Planet Comics is happy to announce the wednesday 10/30/2013 ComiXology release of the second issue in writer/director/comic book creator Stephan Franck's acclaimed 12-issue mini-series SILVER.

SILVER, which extends the original Bram Stoker universe 50 years hence into the pulp era of the 1930’s, has been embraced by comics fans, pulp fans and die-hard Dracula fans alike… “My favorite fan letter in Silver #2 comes from the Count Dracula Fan Club,” says Franck, “and yes it is a real one, and yes, there is such a thing as a Count Dracula Fan Club--which is either awesome or terrifying.”

Introducing pulp-era master-thief James Finnigan, SILVER #1 was released in May 2013 to rave reviews. Ain't It Cool News wrote "Franck knows his customers, what they expect, and he gives it to them in spades." Studio System News named SILVER in its article: "Comic-Con and Trickster 2013: Top Picks For Movies and TV".

In Silver #2, the paradigm shift continues for Finn, as he seeks out Rosalynd "Sledge" Van Helsing, who he hopes might help him authenticate Jonathan Harker’s ledger. As it turns out, Rosalynd carries on her grandfather’s handy work, and could very well be too much woman for Finn to handle. "We basically spent the first issue showing-off Finn's nerves of steel, and establishing that he's a master manipulator," Franck says. "In SILVER #2, It’s a lot of fun watching him lose control of his reality--not to mention having to deal with a woman who's even more of a rebel than he is."

With SILVER, Franck brings the combination of light tone and character depth that has made him first-call in the animation industry. “Silver is about misfits;” Franck says, "people whose soul is broken, each in their own way. Some of them use irony as a coping mechanism. Others...well, they'll just drink your blood."

The ComiXology release of Silver #2 adds to a very productive year for Franck. THE SMURFS: THE LEGEND OF SMURFY HOLLOW, which he directed for Sony Pictures Animation, aired last weekend on ABC Family, as part of the “13 Nights Of Halloween” block, garnering excellent reviews, and earning him a mention in Animation Magazine as one of the current "Rising Stars In Animation".

SILVER #1 & #2 ComiXology link: http://www.comixology.com/Silver/comics-series/10508

Silver #1 and #2 are also available to order in print edition from the Dark Planet Comics website: http://www.darkplanetcomics.com/store

For additional contact and information, visit http://www.darkplanetcomics.com

Like our page of Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DarkplanetComics

About Stephan Franck:
Stephan Franck is a writer/director/animator who has worked for Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Bros, Universal, Columbia Pictures, and Sony Pictures Animation. He was a supervising animator on THE IRON GIANT, and contributed story to films such as DESPICABLE ME. He is the co-creator of the cult TV show CORNEIL & BERNIE (AKA WATCH MY CHOPS) (TF1, BBC, ABC Australia), that runs in over 60 countries and is in production on a second season. He’s had the giant out-of-body experience of being personally hired by George Lucas to direct a movie so cool and crazy it had to be abandoned, and just directed THE SMURFS: THE LEGEND OF SMURFY HOLLOW for Sony Pictures Animation, which was selected in official competition for the 2013 ANNECY INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL in the Best TV Special category. He will be appearing November 1-3 at Stan Lee's Comikazee in Los Angeles and November 23-24 at the Long Beach Comic Book & Horror Convention.

About Dark Planet Comics:
Created in 2013, Dark Planet Comics is the home of Stephan Franck ’s original comic book properties. “Having a comic book imprint has been a dream of mine,” Franck says, “it’s about authorship. It’s about the commitment to put my stories out into the world in the way they were intended to be.”

www.darkplanetcomics.com

DC Comics Announces New Titles on comiXology and Google Play

DC Entertainment Continues Digital Dominance with New Graphic Novel and Collected Edition Distribution on comiXology and Google Play

Publisher has Broadest Digital Distribution Reach in Comics Industry

Extensive Line of Bestselling Titles Including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Sandman and DC Comics – The New 52 Collections Available for Download Today

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment, the #1 comic book publisher in the U.S. and home to iconic Super Heroes including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, announced today an extensive line-up of graphic novels and collected editions are now available for download from comiXology and Google Play. This expansion in distribution brings bestselling DC Comics and Vertigo titles, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Sandman, Y the Last Man and an assortment of DC Comics – The New 52 collections, among many others, to an even broader audience of digital readers.


“This expanded distribution furthers DC Entertainment’s goal to offer our readers convenience and choice,” stated DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. “ComiXology is a clear leader in delivering digital comics, while Google is one of the biggest mobile content brands in the world. We’re very excited to bring bestselling DC Comics and Vertigo graphic novels to their customers.”

Broad digital distribution has remained a cornerstone of DC Entertainment’s business, leading to extensive growth in both digital and print sales over the past three years as digital availability attracts new readers and comic fans alike. DC Entertainment has the widest digital distribution of any comic book publisher and was the first publisher to make its entire line available same-day digitally with the launch of DC Comics – The New 52 in Sept. 2011. That launch is widely seen as reinvigorating the comic book industry.

Visit comiXology.com or Google Play to download the latest graphic novels and collected editions from DC Entertainment. The full list of graphic novel titles now available on comiXology and Google Play includes:

All Star Batman & Robin
All Star Superman
American Vampire Vol. 1-5
Animal Man Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Aquaman Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Batgirl Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Batman & Son
Batman and Robin Series
Batman Earth One
Batman Inc Vol. 1 (Deluxe)
Batman Inc. Vol. 1 (New 52)
Batman Knightfall 1-3
Batman RIP
Batman The Complete Hush
Batman Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Batman Year One Deluxe
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Dark Victory
Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Batman: Night of the Owls (New 52)
Batman: The Black Mirror
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes
Batman: The Dark Knight Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Long Halloween
Before Watchmen Series
Blackest Night
Catwoman Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Daytripper
Death of Superman
Dial H Vol. 1 (New 52)
Earth 2 Vol. 1 (New 52)
Fables Vol. 1-18
Fables: Werewolves in the Heartland
Final Crisis
Flash Rebirth
Flashpoint
Green Lantern Rebirth
Green Lantern Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Identity Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Justice League Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Kingdom Come
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Vol. 1-2
Nightwing Vol.1- 2 (New 52)
Punk Rock Jesus
Red Hood and the Outlaws Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Sandman Vol. 1-10
Superman Earth One (Vol. 1-2)
Superman Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Superman: Action Comics Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Superman: Birthright
Superman: For Tomorrow
Superman: Last Son of Krypton
Superman: Secret Identity
Swamp Thing Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Teen Titans Vol. 1-2
The Flash Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Vol. 1-2
The Joker
Unwritten Vol. 1-7
V for Vendetta New Edition
Watchmen
Wonder Woman Vol. 1-2 (New 52)
Y the Last Man Vol. 1-10

About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes — a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes — to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Dark Planet Comics' "Silver #1" at ComiXology

COMIXOLOGY PICKS UP “SILVER”, ANIMATION VETERAN’S COMIC BOOK DEBUT

DARK PLANET COMICS is proud to announce the digital release of its very first title: SILVER #1, now available for download on ComiXology. Silver, a 12-issue miniseries, marks the comic book debut from animation veteran Stephan Franck (The Iron Giant, Despicable Me).

Set in a direct 1930’s extension of Bram Stoker’s universe, and steeped up to its eyeballs in the pulp tradition, SILVER introduces James Finnigan, a witty but (figuratively) soulless con man, who sets out to separate the living-dead from their silver. As Finnigan assembles the crew of talented but broken misfits needed to pull off the heist of the last ten centuries, personality conflicts, emotional entanglements and character comedy abound.

With SILVER, Franck brings the combination of light tone and character depth that has made him first-call in the animation industry. “Silver is about fathers;” Franck says; “It’s about sons. Sons who had bad fathers, and who carry the fear of not knowing how to be good into manhood. Ultimately, it’s about greed and emptiness versus the elusiveness of feeling alive.”

Comic book luminaries have been enjoying Franck’s debut comic:

“With SILVER, Stephan Franck shows how much excitement can be packed into a fast-moving, thrill-filled story...dynamic, unfussy, black and white art, all in the service of speed and momentum...a really, really fun ride.” — Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween; Batman Dark Victory; Superman For All Seasons)

“A beautifully drawn and masterfully told noir/heist story with a teasing side of the supernatural that constantly kept me surprised with it’s reveals. I was particularly taken aback by the creative camera angles and use of shadows. I was kinda blown away, really.” — Takeshi Miyazawa (Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane; X-Men Unlimited; Runaways)


ABOUT STEPHAN FRANCK:
Stephan Franck is a writer/director/animator who has worked for Disney, Dreamworks, Warner Bros, Universal, Columbia Pictures, and Sony Pictures Animation. He was a supervising animator on The Iron Giant, and contributed story to films such as Despicable Me. He is the co-creator of the cult TV show, Corniel & Bernie (ADA Watch My Chops) (TF1, BBC, ABC Australia), that runs in over 60 countries and just got picked up for a second season. He’s had the giant out-of-body experience of being personally hired by George Lucas to direct a movie so cool and crazy it had to be abandoned, and just directed THE SMURFS: THE LEGEND OF SMURFY HOLLOW for Sony Pictures Animation, which is selected in official competition for the 2013 ANNECY INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL in the Best TV Special category.

ABOUT DARK PLANET COMICS
Created in 2013, Dark Planet Comics is the home of Stephan Franck’s original comic book properties. “Having a comic book imprint has been a dream of mine,” Franck says, “it’s about authorship. It’s about the commitment to put my stories out into the world in the way they were intended to be. ComiXology’s amazing platform makes this kind of independence possible.”

Silver #1 on ComiXology: http://www.comixology.com/Silver/comics-series/10508

In addition to digital downloads, Silver #1’s print edition is available on the Dark Planet Comics website: www.darkplanetcomics.com

2013 Harvey Award Nomination Ballots Available

2013 HARVEY NOMINATION BALLOTS AVAILABLE!

ONLINE VOTING NOW AVAILABLE!

NOMINATION BALLOTS DUE MAY 6!

BALTIMORE, MD (March 13, 2013) -- The Executive Committees of the Harvey Awards and the Baltimore Comic-Con are proud to present the official Nomination Ballot for this year's Harvey Awards, honoring work published in the 2012 calendar year. Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, one of the industry's most innovative talents, the Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art. The 26th Annual Harvey Awards will be presented Saturday, September 7th, 2013 as part of the Baltimore Comic-Con.

For the first time, Harvey Awards nomination ballots may be submitted using an online form. If you are a comics professional, you can vote online at harveyawards.org/2013-nomination-ballot/. This will enable an easier and faster method for the professional community to submit their nominees! Ballots are due for submission by Monday, May 6th, 2013.

Additionally, if voters would prefer, ballots may be downloaded from the same page, completed, and sent via postal mail or e-mail. All methods of submission are permitted.

Nominations for the Harvey Awards are selected exclusively by creators - those who write, draw, ink, letter, color, design, edit, or are otherwise involved in a creative capacity in the comics field. The Harvey Awards are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.

In addition to being available on the website, ballots will be sent to all major publishers and distributed at comic conventions. We look forward to your participation and input in this process, and we look forward to seeing you at the Baltimore Comic-Con and the Harvey Awards.

The Harveys would not be possible without the generous sponsors of the Awards. Sponsors for the last year's 2012 Harvey Awards included The Baltimore Comic-Con, Boom! Studios, Captain Bluehen Comics, Cards, Comics and Collectibles, ComicMix, ComicWOW!, ComiXology, DC Entertainment, Geppis's Entertainment Museum, Insight Studios Group, Painted Visions Comics, Cards, & Games, Richmond Comix and Games, Steve Conley's Bloop, and Write Brothers Inc.

Companies and individuals interested in sponsoring the 2013 Harvey Awards may do so by contacting us at harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 7-8, 2013. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 8th. Additional details about the Harvey Awards and the awards ceremony will be released over the next few months.


About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 26 years, the last 8 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in 22 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 7-8, 2013. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

DC Comics Now Available at iBookstore, Kindle, and NOOK Stores

DC Entertainment Digital Comic Books Now Available on Kindle Store, iBookstore and NOOK Store™

DC Comics’ Entire Line-up, Including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Many Others, Now Available for Direct Download from All Major e-Bookstores

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment, the #1 comic book publisher in the U.S., announced today its entire line of periodical comic books are now available for download from the top three e-bookstores including Kindle Store, iBookstore and NOOK Store™. The precedent setting new digital availability brings bestselling DC Comics and Vertigo periodical titles, including JUSTICE LEAGUE, BATMAN, SUPERMAN, DETECTIVE COMICS, ACTION COMICS, BATGIRL, WONDER WOMAN, GREEN LANTERN, FABLES and AMERICAN VAMPIRE, among many others, to an even broader audience of digital readers.

“As e-readers and tablets continue to explode in popularity it’s important for us to offer consumers convenience and choice in how they download digital comics and graphic novels and these new distribution deals with the top three e-bookstores do just that,” said Jim Lee, co-publisher, DC Entertainment. “We’re very excited to work with Amazon, Apple and Barnes & Noble to bring bestselling DC Comics and Vertigo periodicals to their e-bookstores.”

DC Entertainment is now the only comic book publisher to offer its periodical line-up across all major e-bookstore platforms. The deals reinforce a long track record of digital comics industry leadership and innovation from DC Entertainment that dates back to its game-changing decision to make its entire line available same-day digital with the launch of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 in Sept. 2011. That launch is widely seen as reinvigorating the comic book industry, and has led to increased sales of both digital and print comics.

Lee continued, “We were the first to offer our entire comic book line same-day digital and now we are the first to offer fans the convenience of multiple download options.”

In addition to now being available for direct download through the top three e-bookstores, DC Entertainment will continue to deliver periodical comics online at www.readdcentertainment.com, through the DC Comics and Vertigo apps, and all comiXology platforms.

Prior to this announcement only DC Entertainment graphic novels were available through the top three e-bookstores.


About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Comixology to Distribute Fantagraphics Books Titles

FANTAGRAPHICS and COMIXOLOGY ANNOUNCE DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

Love and Rockets: New Stories #1-4 Available Now To Help Celebrate 30 Years Of The Hernandez Brothers’ Groundbreaking World

July 14th, 2012 – San Diego, CA. / New York, NY. — Today in a wide-ranging panel celebrating the 30th anniversary of publishing the Hernandez Brothers’ groundbreaking Love and Rockets series co-publisher Gary Groth, president of the 36 year-old publishing house, announced Fantagraphics Books’ entrance into the digital age through a brand new digital distribution agreement with comiXology, the revolutionary digital comics platform with over 75 million comic downloads to date and a library of more than 25,000 comics and graphic novels.

To mark the occasion, Fantagraphics Books and comiXology have immediately made available the first four issues of the Hernandez Brothers’ phenomenal Love and Rockets: New Stories. Groth also announced that following Comic-Con, comiXology will debut Love and Rockets: New Stories #5 on the same day as the print release is available in comic book stores this September. Subsequently, Fantagraphics will begin to release certain titles from their extensive front list and back catalogue across the entire comiXology platform.

“Fantagraphics Books is one of the longest running, independent comic publishers around with an incredible array of titles. I’ve been chasing them for three years to be a part of our platform and am thrilled not only to bring their books to the digital world, but also to be a part of celebrating the 30th anniversary of Love and Rockets," said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. "I’ve long been a fan of Hernandez Brothers’ work, and couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our new relationship with Fantagraphics. There are many happy people in the comiXology offices today.”

"We’ve been exploring our digital options for a few years now, and the more I learned, the more I kept coming back to ComiXology," said Eric Reynolds, Fantagraphics Books Associate Publisher. "Seeing these first four issues of Love and Rockets: New Stories in comiXology’s Guided View is exciting.”

Fantagraphics and comiXology worked closely together to acquire the highest resolution source material to make sure these volumes of Love and Rockets: New Stories look great in comiXology’s new high–definition comic format — CMX-HD — for Love and Rockets fans that are reading on the new iPad.

In early May, comiXology revealed they had crested 65 million comic and graphic novel downloads since the beginning of the platform, with 15 million of those downloads happening in 2012. ComiXology recently unveiled that only one month later in June they had hit 77 million downloads — an addition of 12 million downloads — continuing on a trajectory of record-shattering growth.


About Fantagraphics Books
Fantagraphics Books has been a leading proponent of comics as a legitimate form of art and literature since it began publishing the critical trade magazine The Comics Journal in 1976. By the early 1980s, Fantagraphics found itself at the forefront of the burgeoning movement to establish comics as a medium as eloquent and expressive as the more established popular arts of film, literature, poetry, music et al. Fantagraphics has since gained an international reputation for its audacious editorial standards and its exacting production values and continues to expand the comics medium by releasing the highest quality books.

About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web — comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently chosen as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.

ComiXology to Offer New and Classic Valiant Comics

VALIANT AND COMIXOLOGY ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

All-New Upcoming Valiant Titles To Be Available Same Day As Print

Get X-0 Manowar #1 Digitally Today At ComiXology.com

Classic Valiant Titles Also Available Today!

Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce that it has reached an exclusive digital comics distribution agreement with comiXology, the world's largest digital comics platform available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web with over 60 million comic and graphic novel downloads to date.

Beginning May 2nd with the release of the all-new X-O Manowar #1 by New York Times best-selling author Robert Venditti (The Surrogates) and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (Conan), comiXology will offer same-day as print digital releases for all of Valiant's upcoming titles. Additionally, Valiant's expansive back catalog of classic content will also be exclusively available via comiXology.

"There's tremendous excitement around Valiant's return, and they're bringing with them one of the greatest libraries of comic characters and stories in comics," said comiXology CEO and co-Founder David Steinberger. "We couldn't be more proud to partner with Valiant in the digital marketplace. We're sure to see the original Valiant fans energized by making these great comics available across the globe, while also bringing in a whole new generation of readers."

Set for a much anticipated summer 2012 relaunch, Valiant will soon return with four new series, all of which will debut as same-day as print digital releases on comiXology - X-O Manowar #1 on sale today, Harbinger #1 on June 6th, Bloodshot #1 on July 11th, and Archer & Armstrong #1 on August 8th.

Moreover, in conjunction with the today's release of X-O Manowar #1, comiXology is adding the first-ever digital editions of three classic storylines from Valiant's vast archive of best-selling comics to comiXology's library of more than 20,000 issues:

X-O Manowar (1992) #0-6 by Jim Shooter, Bob Layton, Barry Windsor-Smith & Joe Quesada


Harbinger (1992) #0-6 by Jim Shooter & David Lapham


Bloodshot (1993) #0-4 by Kevin VanHook & Don Perlin

"For the first time, through comiXology's platform, Valiant Comics will be available anywhere in the world," said Valiant CEO Jason Kothari. "With Valiant's return now in full effect with today's release of X-O Manowar #1, the timing couldn't be better to remind people once again of the incredible characters and stories that made Valiant a household name."

As part of the exclusive agreement, Valiant Entertainment titles will also be available through comiXology's Digital Retailer Storefront program. This enables retailers to sell Valiant's digital comics through their own website while comic book fans can purchase digital comics from their local comic store's digital storefront with a portion of each purchase going directly to the retailer.

Future digital releases on comiXology will delve deeper into the Valiant catalog, and feature classic series including Archer & Armstrong, Rai, Ninjak, Shadowman, Eternal Warrior, and Quantum & Woody.

In the meantime, today fans everywhere can now add all-new Valiant material to their digital comics libraries with X-O Manowar #1, from writer Robert Venditti and artist Cary Nord, available now on the Comics by comiXology platform - available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web.


About Valiant Entertainment
Valiant Entertainment is a character-based publishing and licensing company that owns and controls some of the most cherished comic characters ever created across all media worldwide. Since their creation in 1989, Valiant characters have sold 80 million comic books and have been the basis of a number of successful video game franchises. Valiant's extensive library includes over 1,500 characters, such as X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, and Ninjak. Visit www.valiantentertainment.com.

About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology - in just five short years - has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform - available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web - comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon's Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.

Arcana Has Comics App

ARCANA COMICS now available for the iPad and iPhone

VANCOUVER (July 5, 2011) - Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, is excited to announce that an app is now available, showcasing all of the amazing books Arcana has to offer.

Joining in with the digital revolution, Arcana Studios has been looking for the best way to offer their readers access to their substantial library of over 150 comic book titles on smart devices. Using the comiXology platform, Arcana has developed an app bringing their books into the hands of the masses. Available now as a free download for the iPad and iPhone, Arcana's app will allow readers to download any of a large number of books for some of the most competitive prices in the industry. The app features a number of free comics available for download and other titles are $5.99 each. The majority of these downloads are full length graphic novels! View screen shots of the app and download a free copy at http://appshopper.com/books/arcana-comics.


About Arcana Studios:
Since 2004 Arcana Studios has established itself as an innovative leader in developing content in numerous mediums. Arcana owns one of the world’s largest libraries of graphic novels and comics, and has adapted this library into live action feature films, stereoscopic 3D animated features, episodic television series and toys. Arcana focuses on a transmedia approach to the scaffolding process of developing brands and intellectual properties.

Arcana's primary method for establishing new brands has been through comic book publishing since their inception, Arcana Comics has published over 150 original intellectual properties in nearly 200 graphic novels reaching sales of over 2,000,000 units. Arcana is found on 15 different countries and translated into seven languages across the globe. Winning the Shuster Award for Top Publisher, the Moonbeam Award for Top Children's Graphic Novel, Foreward Magazine’s Top Graphic Novel at Book Expo America, BIV's Top 40 Under 40 Award and the Top 40 Under 40 in Canada are just a few of the accolades that Arcana has achieved. Arcana has also been awarded the Digital Readiness Grant from BCFilm, a development fund from Telefilm, the Digital Springboard Program from NMBCA, the CME’s Top Export Award and BIV’s Top Fastest Growing Companies Award.

Each graphic novel showcases the high quality branded entertainment that contains over 5000 characters. These characters and storyworlds transcend gender, age, cultural and geographic boundaries. Arcana’s focus towards new media platforms has kept it ahead of the industry’s curve providing customer choice for distribution and format of content.

Our History:
Completing our debut title Kade, we had great success with the gothic hero and began to see the potential we had uncovered. Ant was Arcana's follow-up title and completely sold out in less than 9 days, an unprecedented feat for an independent publisher. Ezra and 100 Girls went on to be featured as one of the top 12 books of the year in Wizard's Secret Stash. Arcana Studio is an official Disney vendor, and has been hired by Disney, Sony Animation, Spike TV, MTV, HBO, CAPCOM, NBC, Warner Bros, Mattel, American Girl, the National Hockey League, Harley Davidson, THQ and more to establish new worlds, characters, stories and brands.

Arcana is a transmedia company that has aggressively pursued establishing brands through engaging storytelling and compelling art. With a strong foothold in the print publishing world, Arcana continues to be a premier content provider. Arcana owns one of the world’s largest libraries of graphic novels and comics, and has adapted this library into live action feature films, stereoscopic 3D animated features, episodic television series and toys.

Arcana Studio Inc. remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Arcana Studio is currently in production of the stereoscopic 3D animated feature, The Clockwork Girl. Arcana is also partnered with Gale Ann Hurd (“Terminator”, “Aliens”) on Gearhead, Alexandra Milchan (Sylvestor Stallone’s “Head Shot”) on Blade of Kumori, Hans Rodinoff and Hollywood Media Bridge (“Lost Boys: The Tribe”) on Raise Kane, Scott Milam (“Mother’s Day”) on Gauze, Ben Magid (“Hack/Slash”) on Trout, Jar Productions (“Hidden Howie”) on Philosopher Rex, Terry Dougas (“The Invention of Lying”) on The Tower, Doc Wyatt (“Napoleon Dynamite”) on 100 Girls, JC Spink (“The Hangover”) on Continuum, Adrian Askarieh (“The Hitman”) on Amnesia and also is producing a three slate at Codeblack/Universal for Light’s Out, Ant and Blam!

"Vampire Hunter D" Manga Debuts on iPad

Digital Manga Publishing brings Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D Manga to ComiXology

DMP’s flagship manga title makes its debut on the iPad.

Kansas City, MO /NY, NY/ Gardena, CA (June 8, 2011) – Digital Manga Publishing, one of the manga industry’s most unique and creative publishers is proud to announce the partnership with comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, to digitally release their flagship manga title Vampire Hunter D to the comiXology storefront for the iOS, Android and Web. Volumes 1-3 will make its debut, while volumes 4-5 will be available in the following weeks.

Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D print edition manga was launched in 2007 by Digital Manga Publishing, adapting the well renowned series of prose novel series, which began in the 80’s. Kikuchi mixed elements of gothic horror, science fiction and romance with the classic Western to produce a wholly original, post-apocalyptic vision of the distant future, where humanity is ruled by vampires and tormented by a host of creatures including demons, werewolves and mutants, as well as half-human, half-vampire ‘dhampirs’ like the series’ namesake, D.

“Manga has been in the brick and mortar comic book shops for several decades and Digital Manga Publishing would like to carry on that tradition to the digital frontier,” said Fred Lui, VP-Production of Digital Manga. ”We are partnering with comiXology because of the ubiquitous platform that they have built and the amazing reading experience they are able to provide.”

The Vampire Hunter D manga and novels have an international fan base, having sold more than 17 million copies around the world. The property has also been adapted into two anime movies, an audio drama, and a video game. The entry of the Vampire Hunter D manga into the digital edition arena will prove to be equally successful, especially with the reading experience when delivered through comiXology’s Comic App.

“The addition of Digital Manga’s Vampire Hunter D with it’s rich story telling is a great addition to our platform,’ said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “The manga looks especially vibrant in our Guided View format on the iPad and we look forward to adding more of Digital Manga’s titles to our platform in the coming months.”

Through this partnership Digital Manga Publishing will be releasing more of their acclaimed titles through comiXology platform.

All volumes of Vampire Hunter D will be available on the comiXology platform for $9.99 each with 20 pages of the first volume can be read for free. You can find their dedicated web storefront at http://comics.comixology.com/dmp and all purchases are buy once, read anywhere.


About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 9,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace. http://www.comixology.com/

About Digital Manga Publishing
Located in Gardena, CA, Digital Manga Publishing is one of the industry’s most unconventional and innovative companies, specializing in building corporate and cultural bridges from Japan to the Western Hemisphere - specifically through the licensing, importation and localization of anime (Japanese animation), manga (Japanese comic books) and related merchandise for the North American mainstream and subculture markets. In this capacity, Digital Manga Inc. serves as a catalyst for the expansion of Japanese pop culture institutions into global arenas. The company’s diverse manga imprint line includes high profile manga/anime titles such as Vampire Hunter D; popular romance titles–Only the Ring Finger Knows; classic iconic titles–Speed Racer Mach GoGoGo; and award nominated titles–Itazura Na Kiss (Young Adult Library Service Assoc.) and Antique Bakery (Eisner Award). Digital Manga Publishing also caters to the young audience with a vast array of educational and instructional line of books with their Edu-Manga series and Let’s Draw Manga series.

For more information about Digital Manga Publishing, visit http://www.digitalmanga.com/, as well as:

http://www.emanga.com/
http://twitter.com/digitalmanga
http://www.youtube.com/user/junemanga
http://www.youtube.com/user/801media
http://www.youtube.com/user/digitalmanga
http://www.facebook.com/DigitalMangaInc

Skullkickers: More Sell-Outs and Reprints

COMPOUND SKULL FRACTURE

Like first two issues, SKULLKICKERS #3 sells out at distribution level

The main characters of SKULLKICKERS can't be put down, and readers can't put the book down either -- the third issue of the riotous action-comedy series has already sold out at the distribution level!

Image Comics has ordered a second printing of Skullkickers' side-splitting third issue. It will be in stores alongside the fourth issue on December 22, 2010.

Written by Jim Zubkavich (POPGUN, Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki) and illustrated by the talented team of Edwin Huang on interiors and Misty Coats on colors, SKULLKICKERS plays fantasy tropes to the hilt with all the black-hearted comedy and bombastic action any comics fan could want.

"Everyone on the Skullkickers creative team is working hard," says Zubkavich, "so getting this kind of back-to-press boost three times in a row is incredibly gratifying. Please keep reading and enjoying because we intend to keep delivering frantic fantasy fun throughout the holidays!"

In SKULLKICKERS, two mercenaries are entangled in a high-class assassination plot, and nothing will stop them from getting paid. The third issue sees our heroes tripping the light fantastic with pilfered poison stew and undead antagonists aplenty. This one has something for everyone -- including a special recipe for Skullkickers Stew for comic culinary enthusiasts!

SKULLKICKERS #3 Second Printing (SEP108188D), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in December 22, 2010, the same day as SKULLKICKERS #4 (AUG108190).

Follow the Skullkickers blog at http://www.skullkickers.com/ for sneak peeks and more. You can download a free preview of SKULLKICKERS using the Image Comics app from comiXology.


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/.