Sequart Launches a Year of Warren Ellis

PRESS RELEASE:

Sequart is excited to announce that 2011 is the YEAR OF ELLIS — as in celebrated comics writer Warren Ellis. Throughout the year, we’ll be offering three books and a documentary film on Ellis, exploring his major works, his overall career, and why he deserves his status in the top pantheon of comics writers.

First up will be Keeping the World Strange: A Planetary Guide, edited by Cody Walker. This book of essays will study the exhilarating collaboration of Ellis and artist John Cassaday. It features essays by CBR’s Chad Nevett and Timothy Callahan (Grant Morrison: The Early Years), Julian Darius (Improving the Foundations), Patrick Meaney (Our Sentence is Up), legendary comics scholar Peter Sanderson, and many others. The book is scheduled for May 2011 publication.

Our second Ellis book of 2011 will be Shot in the Face: A Savage Journey to the Heart of Transmetropolitan, edited by CBR’s Chad Nevett. This book of essays will study the riveting collaboration of Ellis and artist Darick Robertson. It features essays by Greg Burgas, Johanna Draper Carlson, Julian Darius, Sara K. Ellis, Ryan K. Lindsay, Patrick Meaney, Jason Michelitch, Chris Murphy, Chad Nevett, Kevin Thurman, Brett Williams, and Sean Witzke.

Our third Ellis book of the year will be Voyage in Noise: Warren Ellis and the Demise of Western Civilization, authored by Kevin Thurman. This book examines Ellis’s entire body of work for common themes, discovering philosophical perspectives and parallels that illuminate contemporary society.

To top it all off, 2011 will see the premier of the documentary film Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts, directed by Patrick Meaney and produced in association with Respect! Films (Amber Yoder, Jordan Rennert, and Patrick Meaney). It’s executive produced by Sequart (Julian Darius and Mike Phillips) and F. J. DeSanto, with creative consultant Kevin Thurman. This follow-up to Respect! and Sequart’s popular Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods features interviews with Ellis and a plethora of other comics professionals. It’s tentatively scheduled for late 2011 release.

Although 2011 is the Year of Ellis, that doesn’t mean Sequart won’t also be releasing other works. In fact, even before any of our Ellis titles, we’re offering Classics on Infinite Earths: The Justice League and DC Crossover Canon, authored by Julian Darius. The book examines classic Justice League stories and universe-wide DC crossovers, arguing that they constitute a literary canon. Along with this book, other non-Ellis projects are in the works, and we’ll be making some major announcements on those in the coming months.

Thanks for your support, and be sure to tweet and post about the Year of Ellis! [THE END]

Image Sends 27 #2 Back in Stores

DRUM ROLL

 

After spectacular sellout of first issue, 27 #2 also heads back to press for second printing

Ain't It Cool calls Shadowline and Image Comics' new hit 27 "intriguingly surprising," and The Outhouse calls it "easily the most unique comic of the year." The folks at Graphic Policy "can't wait to read issue two," and apparently fans can't wait either -- 27 #2 has sold out at the distribution level!

Shadowline and Image are rushing a new printing to press, which will be on store shelves and in the hands of fans on February 9, the same day as the third issue of the hit miniseries, which is written by Charles Soule (Strongman) and illustrated by Renzo Podesta with lavish covers by W. Scott Forbes.

"It's fantastic that so many people enjoyed the first issue of 27," says Soule, "and I'm glad fans have enjoyed the second issue as well. I can't say it enough that this wouldn't be possible without the support of the fans -- this encore is for you!"

"27 is having a stupendous run, following in the footsteps of MORNING GLORIES and other great Image titles with multiple sellouts," adds Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. "As the miniseries continues, you can expect more rock and roll, more intrigue, and more crazy fun!"

In 27, the "27 Club" admits only the most brilliant musicians and artists -- and kills them dead in their 27th year. Will Garland is a famous rock guitarist, secretly unable to play for months due to a neurological disorder afflicting his left hand. He's also 27. With mad scientists, long dead rock legends and cosmic entities in his way, can he make it to 28?

27 #2 (of 4) Second Printing (NOV108244), a 32-page full-color comic book in the Golden Age format, will be in stores January 5, 2011, alongside 27 #3 (NOV100455). For the latest info on 27, follow Soule's blog at http://charlessoule.wordpress.com/.


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of 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/.

Afterschool Charisma Chapters 7 to 12

I read Afterschool Charisma, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

InuYasha Comes to an End

FATES ARE SEALED IN A FINAL SHOWDOWN AS EPIC MANGA ADVENTURE INUYASHA CONCLUDES

 

VIZ Media has announced the release of the final installment of Rumiko Takahashi’s longtime bestselling manga (graphic novel) series, INUYASHA, on January 11th. Fans won’t want to miss even a single page of the action in Volume 56, Curtain of Time, which is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. INUYASHA is published under VIZ Media’s Shonen Sunday imprint.

Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is pulled into Japan's ancient past! There, her destiny is linked to a dog-eared half demon named Inuyasha. Together, they battle evil demons who seek to acquire the shards of the legendary Shikon Jewel and wield its incredible power. But can Kagome and Inuyasha stop feuding with each other long enough to save the feudal or modern world--let alone both?

In the climactic showdown, the demon Naraku's true intentions are finally revealed! Then, Kagome is swallowed up by the Meido. Is she finally beyond her friends' reach? And will the final battle over the Shikon Jewel draw Inuyasha and Kagome together...or pull them apart forever?! Find out in the exciting concluding volume!

The spotlight on manga creator Rumiko Takahashi began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another – MAISON IKKOKU ran from 1980 to 1987, RANMA ½ from 1987 to 1996, and INUYASHA from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include MERMAID SAGA, RUMIC THEATRE, and ONE-POUND GOSPEL. These, as well as her newest manga series, RIN-NE, are also published in North America by VIZ Media.

Also catch INUYASHA anime episodes – for free – on VIZAnime.com.

More information on INUYASHA, or other Shonen Sunday titles from VIZ Media, is available at http://www.shonensunday.com/.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 12 2011

DC COMICS

NOV100247 ALL NEW BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #3 $2.99

NOV100175 BATGIRL #17 $2.99

NOV100169 BATMAN AND ROBIN #19 $2.99

OCT100263 BATMAN JOKERS ASYLUM TP VOL 02 $14.99

NOV100174 BIRDS OF PREY #8 $2.99

NOV100207 BOOSTER GOLD #40 $2.99

OCT100317 CHILL TP (MR) $12.99

NOV100213 DOC SAVAGE #10 $2.99

OCT100265 DOOM PATROL BROTHERHOOD TP $17.99

NOV100192 GREEN LANTERN EMERALD WARRIORS #6 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

NOV100158 JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #17 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

NOV100258 KANE AND LYNCH #5 (MR) $2.99

NOV100170 KNIGHT & SQUIRE #4 $2.99

NOV100218 REBELS #24 $2.99

NOV100173 RED ROBIN #19 $2.99

NOV100219 SECRET SIX #29 $2.99

NOV100179 SUPERMAN #707 $2.99

NOV100180 SUPERMAN #707 VAR ED $2.99

SEP100257 SUPERMAN LAST STAND OF NEW KRYPTON HC VOL 02 $19.99

NOV100220 THUNDER AGENTS #3 $2.99

NOV100210 TITANS #31 $2.99

NOV100280 UNWRITTEN #21 (MR) $2.99

NOV100260 VICTORIAN UNDEAD II HOLMES VS DRACULA #3 $2.99

NOV100152 WONDER GIRL #1 $2.99

DC COMICS/DC DIRECT
MAY100294 BLACKEST NIGHT SER 7 PI

MAY100298 BLACKEST NIGHT SER 7 BLACK LANTERN SUPERMAN AF PI

MAY100299 BLACKEST NIGHT SER 7 BLACK LANTERN TERRA W SCAR AF PI

MAY100295 BLACKEST NIGHT SER 7 PI

MAY100300 BLACKEST NIGHT SER 7 RED LANTERN MERA AF PI

MAY100301 BLACKEST NIGHT SER 7 SINESTRO CORP ARKILLO AF PI

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 12 2011

MARVEL COMICS

OCT100567 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #651 BIG $3.99

OCT108132 AVENGERS ACADEMY MEET NEW CLASS MUST HAVES (#948) $3.99

OCT108126 AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE MUST HAVES (#948) $4.99

JUL100682 AVENGERS COMING OF BEAST PREM HC $19.99

JUL100683 AVENGERS COMING OF BEAST PREM HC DM VAR ED 56 $19.99

NOV100572 AVENGERS POSTER BOOK $5.99

NOV100580 BLACK PANTHER MAN WITHOUT FEAR #514 $2.99

NOV100544 CAPTAIN AMERICA KORVAC SAGA #2 $2.99

NOV100543 CAPTAIN AMERICA MAN OUT OF TIME #3 $3.99

NOV100623 CASANOVA GULA #1 (MR) $3.99

NOV100570 CHAOS WAR DEAD AVENGERS #3 $3.99

OCT108133 DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE EMPIRE MUST HAVES (#948) $3.99

NOV100583 DAREDEVIL REBORN #1 $3.99

NOV100642 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER JOURNEY BEGINS PREM HC $24.99

NOV100522 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER LITTLE SISTERS ELURIA #2 $3.99

NOV100593 DEADPOOL #31 $2.99

NOV100661 DEATHLOK TP DEMOLISHER $19.99

JUN100669 FANTASTIC FOUR RESURRECTION GALACTUS PREM HC $24.99

OCT108165 HEROES FOR HIRE #1 2ND PTG WALKER VAR A $3.99

OCT108166 HEROES FOR HIRE #1 2ND PTG WALKER VAR B $3.99

NOV100581 HEROES FOR HIRE #2 $2.99

NOV100582 HEROES FOR HIRE #2 TOLIBAO VAR $2.99

NOV100532 I AM AN AVENGER #5 $3.99

NOV100568 INCREDIBLE HULKS #620 $3.99

NOV100665 KOOKABURRA K TP (MR) $19.99

NOV100655 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS THOR DIGEST TP $9.99

NOV100646 NEW AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS PREM HC VOL 01 $24.99

NOV100644 ORSON SCOTT CARDS ENDER IN EXILE PREM HC $24.99

NOV100667 SIEGE DARK AVENGERS TP $19.99

NOV100577 SUPER HEROES #10 $2.99

NOV100546 THOR MIGHTY AVENGER #8 $2.99

NOV100564 WIDOW MAKER #3 $3.99

OCT108127 WOLVERINE WOLVERINE GOES TO HELL MUST HAVES (#948) $4.99

OCT108128 X-23 KILLING DREAM MUST HAVES (#948) $3.99

NOV100676 X-FACTOR TP VOL 10 SECOND COMING $14.99

NOV100620 X-MEN FOREVER 2 #15 $3.99

Dark Horse from Diamond Distributors for January 11 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV100025 BPRD HELL ON EARTH GODS #1 PT 1 GUY DAVIS CVR $3.50

NOV100024 BPRD HELL ON EARTH GODS #1 RYAN SOOK CVR $3.50

NOV100030 LET ME IN CROSSROADS #2 PHOTO CVR $3.99

NOV100029 LET ME IN CROSSROADS #2 SEAN PHILLIPS CVR $3.99

NOV100021 STAR WARS KNIGHT ERRANT #4 AFLAME PT 4 $2.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 12 2011

IMAGE COMICS

NOV100428 DARKCHYLDE TP VOL 01 LEGACY & REDEMPTION (MR) $16.99

NOV100420 HACK SLASH ME WITHOUT YOU (ONE-SHOT) CAMPBELL CVR (MR) $3.50

NOV100419 HACK SLASH ME WITHOUT YOU (ONE-SHOT) LEISTER CVR (MR) $3.50

NOV100460 HALCYON #3 $2.99

NOV100406 INFINITE VACATION #1 $3.50

NOV100469 SAVAGE DRAGON #168 $3.50

DEC090346 SPAWN #200 FINCH CVR B $3.99

DEC090347 SPAWN #200 JIM LEE CVR C $3.99

DEC090348 SPAWN #200 LIEFELD CVR D $3.99

DEC090345 SPAWN #200 MCFARLANE CVR A $3.99

DEC090349 SPAWN #200 SILVESTRI CVR E $3.99

DEC090350 SPAWN #200 WOOD CVR F $3.99

NOV100411 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #2 (MR) $2.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for January 12 2011

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV101013 ASTERIX TP VOL 06 ASTERIX & CLEOPATRA $9.95

NOV100829 DONALD DUCK AND FRIENDS #362 $2.99

NOV100766 FEVRE DREAM #10 (MR) $3.99

NOV100767 FEVRE DREAM #10 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

OCT100743 GOLD DIGGER #124 $2.99

OCT100959 GREEN HORNET GOLDEN AGE REMASTERED #6 $3.99

OCT101179 KUROZAKURO GN VOL 02 $9.99

SEP101118 NIGHT & FOG TP $17.99

OCT101059 ON THE CASE WITH HOLMES & WATSON GN VOL 04 ADV DANCING MEN $6.95

AUG100945 ROBERT JORDAN WHEEL OF TIME EYE O/T WORLD #1.5 $3.99

OCT101087 SIXTH GUN TP VOL 01 $19.99

NOV100816 STAN LEE STARBORN #2 $3.99

OCT100906 UNCLE SCROOGE LIKE A HURRICANE TP $9.99

MAGAZINES
NOV101124 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1230 PI
NOV101133 DODGEM LOGIC MAGAZINE #6 (MR) $7.00
OCT101757 WHITE DWARF #372 $9.00

BOOKS
NOV101160 BUFFY IN CLASSROOM ESSAYS ON TEACHING WITH VAMPIRE SLAYER $35.00

Leroy Douresseaux on Ryder on the Storm #2

RYDER ON THE STORM #2

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
56pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Before you read this review, let me offer this SPOILER ALERT: don’t read this if you have not read #1.

Ryder on the Storm is a supernatural-detective comic book from Radical Publishing. It blends elements and/or styles of Aliens, Blade Runner, Hellblazer, and Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden.

Written by David Hine and drawn by Wayne Nichols, the series focuses on Ryder, a private eye hired by mysterious beauty Katrina Petruska to investigate the horrifically bizarre suicide of her lover, Michael Hudson. The crime is apparently tied to the Daemons, an ancient race that once ruled over the entire world.

As Ryder on the Storm #2 opens, Ryder is still dealing with the fact that he is a Daemon. The last Daemon hunter, Charles Monk tells him the history of the Daemon (the condensed version, of course). However, there are more secrets galore, as Ryder learns about the “Abaddon” and meets Rebecca Danton, who is not only the matriarch of the Daemon clan, the Dantons, but also so much more.

While I can describe Ryder on the Storm as many things, I can best describe it as good comics. Writer David Hine delivers something that is gritty and edge with gore, but is strangely smooth and silky. Hine weaves a good back story and lore for the narrative, but builds intensity and also anticipation for the horror that is coming.

Perhaps, artist Wayne Nichols is the one who provides the smooth. His clean drawing style and crystal clear storytelling reveals all the darkness Hine creates. The colors by Feigan Chong and Sansan Saw of Sixth Creation create the ambience of a storm quietly building – the calm before the sure-to-be-fun ending.

A-

http://www.radicalpublishing.com/

Image to Release "Carbon Grey" in Early March

SISTERS AT WAR

 

Image Comics goes to war this March with CARBON GREY

 

At the birth of the industrial age, a great war is raging. Sister hunts sister as gods are betrayed and enemies ascend to power...

In March, Image Comics enters the maelstrom with the release of CARBON GREY #1, a stunning foray into our world's secret history. Hoang Nguyen (Punisher War Zone, Metal Militia), Khari Evans (Shanna the She-Devil), Paul Gardner, and Mike Kennedy (Aeon Flux, Lone Wolf and Cub 2100) pen the thrilling tale. The indescribably gorgeous artwork for the series is courtesy of Nguyen, Evans, and Kinsun Loh.

"CARBON GREY has been an eight-year journey, a true labor of love," says Nguyen. "We've been consumed with this project, and we're so happy that Image Comics is helping us get it into readers' hands. I hope readers will feel the same passion we do for the book."

Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson adds, "I'm really happy we're finally releasing CARBON GREY. Jimmy Palmiotti introduced me to Hoang at WonderCon last year, and I picked the book up on the spot. The amount of dedication and craft on display in the pitch was nothing short of astounding: The beauty and detail in the art, the freshness of the story -- it just blew me away -- and I'm thrilled that a year later, we're able to share this wonderful project with fans everywhere."

For generations, the Sisters Grey have protected and counseled the Kaiser, ruler of Mitteleuropa. As civilization spirals into its first truly global war, Giselle Grey stands accused of assassinating the man she was born to protect. Pursued by her sisters, including twin Mathilde, and hunted by the enemy, Giselle must unravel the prophecy of the Carbon Grey before history itself is rewritten.

CARBON GREY #1 (JAN110554), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores March 2, 2011.


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/.

Moonstone Books' "Rotten" a BINnie Honoree

If you visit the Comic Book Bin, the website for which I've been writing for over 7 years, you know that the site launched the BINnies, a new comic book award that are the Academy Awards of comic books.

Moonstone Books took notice that one of the Bin writers, Pat Oliver, chose their horror comic book, Rotten, for a "Best New or Miniseries" award.  Here, is the press release:

Moonstone Entertainment, Inc. announces that the wildly eclectic, genre busting comic 'ROTTEN' from writers Mark Rahner and Robert Horton and Artist Dan Dougherty continues to receive accolades and notice, this time from writers at the Comic Book Bin (http://www.comicbookbin.com/). Writers for the comic book centered site instituted their own awards this year. Calling them 'The Binnies', writers established several comic book oriented categories and then chose the winners for each category. ROTTEN was named as one of the six winners of Best New or Mini Series for 2010. Comic Book Bin writer Pat Oliver selected the Moonstone title for this recognition and wrote-

I quite liked Rotten (Moonstone) this year. Created by Mark Rahner and Robert Horton, with artwork by Dan Dougherty, it evoked memories of the old TV series Wild Wild West, and was a nice new twist on both the western and zombie genres. Its two main protagonists are likeable, ethical men and experts in their own fields. One may be more cerebral than the other, but neither is a stranger to action, both being army men. It is a many layered comic book. For instance, it can be read as a good adventure horror story with thriller elements, or it can viewed as holding up a mirror to events in Modern society. Zombie Detective piece or political allegory, either

This excellent description and recognition of this trail blazing tale exploring new frontiers in both genre and comic storytelling is the latest in a series of compliments and praise for ROTTEN and its creative team. Others include-

"A super-cool approach." FANGORIA

"A must-buy ... 5 George Romeros out of 5." Ain't It Cool News

"One of the strongest and strangest concepts I've ever heard, executed with horrific precision." ED BRUBAKER

"It's Deadwood by way of Stephen King. It's Undeadwood. It's witty, it's disturbing, and it's a must-read." MARK WAID

ROTTEN also made #5 on the Top Ten Comics of 2010 list at Pop Culture Zoo! (http://popculturezoo.com/2010/12/pop-culture-zoos-best-of-2010/)

ROTTEN is a multilayered event that at times is a western, a zombie tale, a detective story, an exploration of conspiracies, a horror masterpiece, and even a satirical comment on modern politics. This fantastic comic adventure is now available in trade paperback from Moonstone! Order from your favorite comic retailer today or order directly from Moonstone Entertainment, Inc. at http://www.moonstonebooks.com/

It's time for you to get ROTTEN.

ROTTEN
Story by Mark Rahner and Robert Horton
Art by Dan Dougherty
Single Issues and ROTTEN TPB #1 available now!
http://www.moonstonebooks.com/ [END]

Go to the BINnies home page here.

Top Shelf Announces 2011 Lineup

From Chris Staros:

Top Shelf announces 2011 lineup!

Hey friends,
Happy new year to you all! We hope your 2011 is off to a great start. Here at Top Shelf, we have a wonderful year planned -- and after much preparation, we're finally ready to announce our complete 2011 lineup!

It's a wide assortment that includes new books from your favorite Top Shelf authors (including Alan Moore, Jeffrey Brown, Robert Venditti, and Nate Powell), amazing new authors from all over the world (including Ludovic Debeurme, Jessica Fink, Jennifer Hayden, Kagan McLeod, and Eric Skillman), and a huge number of all-ages books to celebrate the official launch of the Top Shelf Kids Club!

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
In fact, we're so proud and excited about these books, we decided to share some of the fun with you as well! That's why we've whipped up a special treat: the 2011 Top Shelf Tribune. So, not only is our complete 2011 line of books available for browsing and pre-order in our web catalog, but all year long we'll be giving away the tongue-in-cheek Tribune at conventions and through your local comic shop! It's packed with news, jokes, charts, facts, teaser images, and more, all about the Top Shelf books & authors coming out this year. And the whole thing is up on our web site as well, for you to enjoy and share with your friends! The 2011 Top Shelf Tribune : Real Books. Fake News.

NO GROWN-UPS ALLOWED! WELL, MAYBE IF YOU BEHAVE YOURSELVES...
For years, some of our greatest books have been graphic novels for all ages: Owly, Korgi, Johnny Boo, and more. In 2011, we're taking the plunge and expanding that line in a big way, with the official launch of the TOP SHELF KIDS CLUB! Our Free Comic Book Day book will kick things off in May (featuring Owly, Korgi, Johnny Boo, as well as the all-new Okie Dokie Donuts, Pirate Penguin vs. Ninja Chicken, and Upside Down: A Vampire’s Tale ), followed by an amazing EIGHT new releases for kids! You can meet them all on page 3 of the Top Shelf Tribune, or visit them online in the Top Shelf Kids Club section of our web catalog!

I Reads You Review: CHAOS CAMPUS SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #10

CHAOS CAMPUS SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #10
APPROBATION COMICS

WRITER/LETTERS: B. Alex Thompson
ARTIST: Cary Lee Baker
COLORS: Schimerys Baal
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: S.W.O.L. Unlimited
COVER: Quinton Bedwell
24pp, Color, $4.99

“Patient X”

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is a comic book series from Approbation Comics and creator B. Alex Thompson. Chaos Campus is a horror comic that follows the adventures of Jaime Schaeffer, Paige Patton, and Brittany Miller, who are three members of a sorority named Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY).

The terror begins on the night of a volleyball tournament between EAZY and its partner, Alpha Zeta Zeta. Zombies invade the EAZY sorority house. Jamie, Paige, and Brittany escape only to discover that zombies have taken over The City, and the trio is probably humanity’s only hope to end this zombie apocalypse. Since their escape from the sorority, the girls have been on a series of crazy adventures that strangely resemble such classic horror movies as The Evil Dead and Hellraiser.

After escaping the clutches of the gamer demon, Nihilism, Brittany, Paige, and Jamie begin Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #10 on a lush world full of zombie corpses?! Muscular slasher Kurtis Kasey (created by Phantom Avri) still stalks them, but now they also have to deal with “Patient X.”

As usual, B. Alex Thompson and company have produced another winning issue of Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies. With art by Cary Lee Baker and references to Aliens, Dead of the Dead (1985), Resident Evil, Chaos Campus #10 finds a way to freshen a “Dead” concept. Chaos Campus is the kind of thing that isn’t often done very well (certainly not done as often as some would thing). That thing is comic horror (or horror comedy), and these are zombies I enjoy seeing on a regular basis.

B+

http://www.approbationcomics.com/

Wizard World New Orleans to Feature 12 Eisnter Winners

Press release:

Twelve Eisner Award Winners, Nominees To Attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Jan. 29-30

Rob Guillory, John Layman, Kevin Maguire, Terry Moore, Cameron Stewart, Bill Sienkiewicz, Tony Harris Among Top Writers And Artists At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, December 27, 2010 – Twelve Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards winners or nominees are among the more than 90 comic creators already scheduled to attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, January 29-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Superstar artists and writers who have won the prestigious Eisner Award who will be on site include Rob Guillory (“Chew”), John Layman (“Chew,” “Puffed”), Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential,” Cameron Stewart (“Batman & Robin,” “Catwoman”), Tony Harris (“Starman,” “Ex Machina”) and Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra”).

Eisner nominees scheduled to appear include Kaare Andrews (“Astonishing X-Men,” “Iron Man,” John Dell (“JLA,” “Adventure Comics”), David Mack (“Kabuki”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Superman/Batman”) and Dexter Vines (“Ultimate Thor,” “Superman/Batman”).

The creators will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and sketch. Many Louisiana-based artists will be in attendance as well.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are considered the "Oscars" of the comic book industry. Established in 1987, they are named for renowned cartoonist Will Eisner (creator of "The Spirit" and several award-winning graphic novels).

New Orleans Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Among the celebrities scheduled to attend are James Marsters, Julie Benz, Louis Gossett Jr., Ray Park, Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams and Peter Tork.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located at 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. New Orleans Comic Con is the first stop on Wizard’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled. Hours are Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/neworleans.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($30 on site); two-day weekend tickets are $40 ($45 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.


About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a New Orleans Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Full Lineup of "Indie Comics Magazine" Announced

Aazurn Publishing has announced the full lineup of the first edition of the new Indie Comics Magazine, scheduled for preorder in Diamond Comic Distributors' January 2011 Previews catalog and available ONLY through Previews.

"We've been saying that Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators," said Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "The first issue proves that assertion with a talented lineup that reads like a who's who of the indy comic movement."

Appearing in the first issue is Tom Kelly (DC's Zuda), Tim Vigil (Faust), David Branstetter (Straw Man), K.J. Kolka (The Cardinal), Gary Scott Beatty (Jazz: Cool Birth), Anthony Cacioppo (Kaso Comics), Terry Cronin (Students of the Unusual) and Douglas Paszkiewicz (Arsenic Lullaby).

The cover to #1 features a full color painting by Marcus Boas (Heavy Metal).

"We're different than other books," Beatty explained. "We feature done-in-one stories so readers can get a feel for what these creators can do. Short biographies and contact information are included with the stories so readers can easily seek out more of the creators' work. These details make Indie Comics Magazine a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of independent comics."

The number of comic books, graphic novels and online entertainment available today can be overwhelming to a casual reader, said Beatty. "We help readers cut through the reviews and hype to experience these creators' raw talent."

Beatty said he's pleased with the variety of art styles and mix of genres in Indie Comics Magazine. "We were lucky to land different creators with a diverse range of storytelling styles. This is a real cross section of indy comic book genius!"

Indie Comics Magazine is available ONLY through the Previews order magazine at your local comic shop. The first issue is offered in January, 2011's Previews. Information about Indie Comics Magazine is online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/.

Jolly Rogue Studios to Publish New "Sky Pirates" Miniseries

Press release:

 

Jolly Rogue Studios Set to Publish Sky Pirates of Valendor

 

Everett Soares, creator and writer of the small press comic book title Sky Pirates of Valendor, announced today that Jolly Rogue Studios will assume publishing responsibilities for the upcoming 6-issue second chapter, set to launch January 14, 2011.

 

As Uncle Ben wisely once said “With great power comes great responsibility,” Soares has made some big decisions in a short amount of time. Among them, Sky Pirates of Valendor will be simultaneously released digitally as well as print. The release event, timed with the studio’s first convention appearance of 2011, will take at Arisia, a Boston-based science fiction convention. The digital release will occur on drivethrucomics.com. Additionally, mobile device users will be able to download upcoming issues of Sky Pirates of Valendor very soon. The creative studio turned publisher is currently in the contract-signing stage with two different vendors, with announcements coming shortly.

 

Back in 2007, Soares was faced with one of the biggest decisions of his life. Having spent the previous 5 months engrossed in an intense competition for comic book creators, Soares finished Small Press Idol in 2nd place, just a few votes shy of a 4-issue contract with Dimestore Productions. Where would Soares take the series now?

 

For the sake of the series, Soares did not wait very long to answer that question. With Brian Brinlee as penciler, Michael W. Kellar as inker and Jet Amago as toner, Soares received the opportunity most creators dream of – Sky Pirates of Valendor would be published by Free Lunch Comics. Three years later and a full miniseries of Sky Pirates completed, Soares faced another major and life-altering decision. Free Lunch Comics informed Soares they would not be extending their publishing contract for another miniseries. After briefly considering the option of finding another publisher, Soares along with his creative team, now consisting of Alex Rivera as inker, made the decision and commitment to publish Sky Pirates of Valendor under the studio name created back in 2007.

Sky Pirates of Valendor, an ongoing fantasy comic book series, recounts the adventures of Captain Tobin Manheim and the crew of the Rogue’s Revenge in the shattered world of Valendor. Riddled with political intrigue, death warrants and high adventure, Sky Pirates of Valendor appeals to fans of multiple genres and mediums. For more information on Sky Pirates of Valendor or its creative team, visit their website at www.skypiratesofvalendor.com.

Jolly Rogue Studios, formed by Everett Soares in September 2007, is best known for its flagship title, Sky Pirates of Valendor. The studio was formed as a result of Soares’ successful completion of Small Press Idol 2007. Jolly Rogue Studios currently employs three series artists, as well as numerous freelance artists for the purpose of producing high-quality comics. In addition to its flagship title, Jolly Rogue Studios plans to release Barbed Wire, a multi-genre anthology involving over 20 artists and writers.

I Reads You Review: VANILLA, VOL. 2 (YAOI)

Creator: Riyu Yamakami (cartoonist); Sachiko Sato (translation)

Publishing Information: June Manga/DMP, paperback, 200 pages, $12.95 (US)

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-56970-755-5 (ISBN-13); 1-56970-755-3 (ISBN-10)

 

Drama/Romance; Rated “M” for “Mature 18+”

Originally published in Japan in the late 1990s, Vanilla is a yaoi graphic novel from creator Riyu Yamakami. Under its Juné Manga imprint, Digital Manga Publishing released Vanilla in two trade paperbacks a few years ago. Vanilla is the story of a high school student, 17-year-old Ichiro Morio, who falls deeply in love with a new teacher, Yoshitaka Saeki, who doesn’t believe in declarations of love.

As Vanilla, Vol. 2 opens, Morio has broken past Mr. Saeki’s rough exterior, or has he? They knocked boots, but afterwards, Mr. Saeki is as callous as ever. Now, Kazuki Nakajima, a former lover of Saeki’s, has decided to make things even more difficult between Morio and Saeki by hitting on Morio!

This volume also includes a Vanilla Extra Episode, entitled “Pink Diamond.” This story takes place after Vanilla and tells the tale of how Kazuki Nakajima and Saeki’s butler, Yajima, became the pair known as the “Jima Duo.” Both discover that two people who seem to be very different are actually quite similar.

After a strong start, Vanilla doesn’t race to a passionate conclusion. It skips to a soft happily-ever-after ending. It’s still fun to read about the lovesick student pining away for his aloof, lover boy teacher, but as I read this, I got the idea that it was too short and that something was missing. What? I don’t know, perhaps, some heat. The chapter that leads off Vol. 2, “Scene 5” starts off with some passion, but the narrative quickly cools. The “Pink Diamond” novella is a bit livelier, mainly because Nakajima is so petulant and stubborn – in a charming way.

Vanilla isn’t exactly vanilla. In some ways it works like a romance novel, but there is just enough nuttiness and crunchiness to make Vanilla a bit different from everything else.

B+

Image Comics to Publish Advanced 3D Comic Book

EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL

 

Image Comics comes in three dimensions this February with CAPTAIN WONDER 3D

This February, you'll be able to enjoy an extra dimension with the release of CAPTAIN WONDER 3D from Image Comics -- a comic book featuring the most advanced 3D ever used in the medium!

This 48-page one shot is from comics superstars Brian Haberlin (WITCHBLADE, SPAWN, ARIA) and Philip Tan (Green Lantern, X-Men, SPAWN), who share writing and art duties in this thrilling superhero tale. 3D glasses are included!

"With CAPTAIN WONDER, we developed an all-new 3D process, making this hands down the best 3D in comics," exclaims Haberlin. "We're sure we put the wonder back into comics with this book, and comics fans of all ages will not be disappointed."

Tan says, "Working on Captain Wonder was so much fun, creating a world, new villains, new heroes... It was a blast to work on, and it's a blast to read. So much new stuff out there is dark these days -- it was great to help create something that was fun and light!"

Captain Wonder is the superhero of this world -- he's saved millions of people during his 24-year career. But now everything is going to Hell in a hand basket: Captain Wonder has been missing for the last two months, and the harmony he so carefully protected is beginning to crumble. What happened to Captain Wonder, and when will he return? The answer may lie with Billy Gordon, a 10-year-old boy who may be in danger himself and may be the world's only hope!

CAPTAIN WONDER 3D, a 48-page full-color one-shot featuring the most advanced 3D technology in comics and the glasses to view it, will be in stores February 16, 2011, for $4.99.


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/.

Death Note (Always Bet on) Black Edition

I read Death Note Black Edition, Vol. 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

I Reads You Review: MILESTONE FOREVER #2

MILESTONE FOREVER #2

DC COMICS

WRITER: Dwayne McDuffie

PENCILS/INKS: John Paul Leon (framing sequence)
PENCILS: Denys Cowan, ChrisCross
INKS: Prentis Rollins, Rob Still
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano
COLORS: Snakebite
COVER: Admira
48pp, Color, $5.99

Milestone was an imprint of DC Comics, active in producing comic books from 1993 through 1997. It was the creation of Milestone Media, a collective of African-American comic book creators. Milestone focused on comic books featuring minority characters, specifically African-American superheroes. Several titles appeared under the imprint, including Hardware, Icon, and Blood Syndicate. One of them, Static, was developed into an Emmy Award winning animated series, Static Shock.

After Milestone Media shuttered the imprint, Milestone’s characters mostly disappeared, although some made appearances in various DC Comics series. In the summer of the 2008, Dwayne McDuffie, a Milestone Media co-founder, announced that the Milestone characters would be merged into the DC Universe. That was a business decision, involving legal matters. Published early last year, Milestone Forever dealt with the fictional matters. It was a two-issue miniseries that provided the fictional depiction of Milestone’s universe, the “Dakotaverse,” merging with the DCU.

Milestone Forever focuses on a character named Dharma, the god-like being who initiated the “Big Bang,” the event that gave characters like Static their superpowers. Dharma believes that one of the Dakotaverse stars is the superhero who can save existence, thus, keeping Dharma from doing something dreadful. But which hero is the savior? In Milestone Forever #2, Dharma looks towards Hardware and Static. One is at a crossroads, however, and the other is having an adventure through his future.

As much as I liked the first issue of Milestone Forever, this second issue is a big improvement over the first. The first issue came across as a nostalgic piece of 1980s superhero fight comics, but #2 just seems nostalgic, a sentiment I share. The Hardware story, drawn by the incomparable Denys Cowan, and the Static story, drawn by the underrated ChrisCross, simultaneously celebrates the two characters in a low key way and pines for what was and will likely never again be.

Cowan’s art, great on its own, takes flight thanks to Snakebite’s fiery colors, and the art once again testifies to the potential that the Hardware comic book not only had but reached. Snakebite’s dazzling array of hues make the ChrisCross drawn story a tale that recalls both Static’s four-color foundation and its gritty take on it.

But Dwayne McDuffie must always get his due. He is a thoroughly underrated writer, and here, his magic is not in merging two universes, but rather in affirming that Milestone superhero comic books weren’t a stunt. They were the real fucking deal.

A-

M.A.J.A.K. Returns

Welcome the New Year with a little M.A.J.A.K.tm

Welcome the New Year with the team of MAJAK: Multiethnic American Judicial Attack Korps' A great new team of International heroes devoted to Freedom !!

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 01, 2011 – A great group of New American Heroes is coming to the action entertainment scene, with the introduction of M.A.J.A.K., the team of multiethnic American fighters for freedom!! Originaly test marketed with products in the nineties such as posters and merchandize like Betras Plastics water bottles, MAJAK was researched and developed, and will now be officially released in 2011 with brand new products and stories!!

The main story and characters are about a group of heroes from the diverse American cultural scene. With new characters and storylines, these freedom fighters strike a blow against evil doers and villians that threaten America and her allies; they try to foster the cause of peace and goodness in our often troubled world.

The leader of M.A.J.A.K. is Aaron Majac, an American of African and European descent. Aaron's father was a General in the United States Army. His mother, the modern, exotic, beautiful princess of the ancient African Kingdom of Avinaka.. Aaron Majac, a magician and escape artist, founded one of the greatest communication networks in history, and uses his profits to support the Team MAJAK.

Joined by some of the most fantastic heroes and associates, Aaron blazes a trail of hope and perseverance as he leads Team MAJAK on adventures beyond belief!!

James and the Giant Nib Pen

NIBBUS MAXIMUS Debut Performance at Gage Academy of Art Jim Woodring Unveils The Giant Nib Pen

 

Seattle cartoonist Jim Woodring, author Frank Comics and the acclaimed Weathercraft, has built a seven-foot-long pen-and-penholder, a giant version of the steel dip pen nib and wooden handle used by artists and calligraphers. The pen will make its debut in the Skinner Auditorium of Gage Academy of Art on Sunday, January 9 from 1pm to 4pm.

The nib is sixteen inches long and made of brass-pated, hand-engraved cold-rolled steel. The handle is lathe-turned poplar, painted with black lacquer. The ink is a specially formulated acrylic blend. A vase functions as an inkwell.

When this project was announced earlier this year it was met with heavy skepticism. Many felt a pen this size could not function because the relationship between scale and fluid dynamics. Woodring was convinced it could be done and the nib has performed well in tests with prototypes. This will be the first public demonstration of the finished product.

Woodring will be making large ink drawings (up to 4 x 6 feet) on a specially built drawing board and conversing with the audience as he works. Regulation pen-and-ink supplies will be on hand for interested audience members to use; members of Seattle’s Friends of the Nib will provide instruction for beginners.

The Giant Pen was built with finds raised through United States Artists Special Projects, 2010. Free paper, pen and ink supplies provided by Dick Blick on Capitol Hill. Special thanks also to Saint Mark’s Cathedral.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 5 2011

DC COMICS

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MARVEL COMICS

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JUN100649 WOMEN OF MARVEL SEVEN DECADES OMNIBUS HC DM VAR ED $125.00

NOV100618 X-FACTOR #213 $2.99

IDW from Diamond Distributors for January 5 2011

IDW PUBLISHING

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OCT100435 COMPLETE LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE HC VOL 06 $49.99

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NOV100355 GI JOE ORIGINS TP VOL 04 $17.99

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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 5 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

OCT100020 BILLY THE KID GHASTLY FIEND LONDON #4 ERIC POWELL CVR $3.99

JUN100104 DEXTER COLOR CHANGING MUG $14.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 5 2011

IMAGE COMICS

OCT100505 27 (TWENTY SEVEN) #2 (OF 4) $3.99

OCT108112 ADVENTURES INTO MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE VAR CVR 2ND PTG $3.99

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NOV100463 MARINEMAN #2 $3.99

OCT100470 PAOLO PARENTES DUST WARS TP VOL 01 $16.99

NOV100403 WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? #1 $2.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for January 5 2011

WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT
NOV100682 WIZARD MAGAZINE #234 $5.99

COMICS
OCT100780 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #187 $3.99

SEP101149 BOONDOCK SAINTS HEAD OF THE SNAKE #2 (OF 2) $3.99

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OCT100861 DRACULA COMPANY OF MONSTERS #5 $3.99

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MAGAZINES
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BOOKS
JUL101312 COMP HIST OF RETURN OF LIVING DEAD SC $24.95


NOV101162 CRITICAL HIST & FILMOGRAPHY OF TOHOS GODZILLA SERIES 2ND ED $55.00

NOV101174 EARLY KUTTNER COLL ED HC VOL 01 TERROR IN HOUSE $40.00

NOV101173 EDMOND HAMILTON COLL ED HC VOL 01 METAL GIANTS & OTHERS $40.00

OCT101239 ELRIC TP NOVEL SWORDS & ROSES $16.00

Now Called xxxHOLiC Ro

I read xxxHOLiC 16 (Xxxholic (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Slam Dunk Unstoppable

I read Slam Dunk, Vol. 13

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Leroy Douresseaux on Abattoir #2

ABATTOIR #2 (OF 6)

RADICAL PUBLISHING

CREATOR: Darren Lynn Bousman

CONCEPT: Michael Peterson
WRITERS: Rob Levin and Troy Peteri
ARTIST: Bing Cansino and Rodell Noora
COLORS: Andrei Pervukhin and Drazenka Kimpel
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
COVER: Tae Young Choi
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Like quite a few Radical Publishing titles, the new horror comic book miniseries, Abattoir, is the creation of someone involved in the filmmaking industry.  Abattoir is the creation of screenwriter and movie director, Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-IV).

Set in the late 1980s, Abbatoir takes place in a sunny Middle America that is also home to hidden darkness and brutal murder.  The lead character is cop turned real estate agent, Richard Ashwalt. Struggling to sell the Mitchell house where a brutal massacre took place, Richard meets a very strange old man, Jebediah Crone, who wants to buy the house before even before it is finished being cleaned. Richard’s problems mount when he learns that he is the subject of a homicide investigation.

In Abattoir #2, Jebediah Crone continues to push Richard into selling him the Mitchell house by visiting Richard’s own home for dinner. Richard also learns that he is definitely tied to a brutal murder by physical evidence. He comes to believe that Crone is the reason for the strange turn his life has taken and begins an investigation of the old man.

Although it is as ghoulish, if not as brutal, as Bousman’s Saw films, Abattoir is turning out to be an exceptional horror comic book. As the American comic book market needs some diversity in genre, Abattoir is perfect for readers looking for something different in comic books. Gothic, macabre, and mysterious, Abattoir, with this issue, slowly creeps into Lovecraft territory, with its ghastly dreamscapes and a sense of an overwhelming, but mysterious supernatural.

While the writers get all the genre bits right, they don’t seem to be as committed to the characters, all of whom are either shallow or just types. Still, the writers and artists have come together as one twisted creative unit and have presented a horror mystery that is a dark and tasty spin on the whodunit while staying true to the scary.

It seems from the get-go that Abattoir is determined to give its characters and readers scary story fun. Fans of horror comics will love this kind of hell.  I like this second issue more than I liked the first, and I'm certainly looking forward to the next issue, which is scheduled to ship in February.

B+

Todd McFarlane to Celebrate Spawn #200 at Golden Apple Comics

TODD McFARLANE CELEBRATES SPAWN #200 AT GOLDEN APPLE

 

SPAWN creator signs at the store that helped launch the hit series in 1992

 

In 1992, Todd McFarlane co-founded the world's greatest creator-owned comics company, Image Comics, and released his own best-selling comic book, SPAWN. On January 12, 2011, SPAWN becomes only the second independent series in history to reach the 200-issue mark!

To celebrate, McFarlane will be signing at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles, the same store where McFarlane launched the first issue of the groundbreaking SPAWN series.

"On June 2nd, 1992 I sat in a store called Golden Apple Comics and launched the first issue of my new series, SPAWN." says McFarlane. "That day literally set the stage for all the success this book has had since. To honor that monumental beginning, I'll be returning to my roots, so to speak, with the release of the 200th issue of SPAWN, almost 18 years later."

Fans of SPAWN and McFarlane's work can meet him on January 12, 2011, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Golden Apple Comics, 7018 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. The signing will be limited to two items per person. The signing will also feature an array of special surprise guests!

Golden Apple Comics Manager Ryan Liebowitz adds, "I am so excited to have Todd back at Golden Apple, 18 years after we hosted the premier event for issue #1. This will truly be a historic day for the comic industry!"

Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane, creator of SPAWN, is the force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America's top action figure manufacturers. McFarlane became a true comic book superstar in the 1980s as a result of his work on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man franchise. With the 1992 launch of SPAWN, McFarlane created one of the most popular heroes of the 1990s. The title's hugely popular debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies -- an unprecedented feat in independent comics.

The comic became an Emmy Award-winning animated series on HBO and a live-action feature film from New Line Cinema that grossed $100 million. A whirlwind of growth and expansion followed: more comics, action figures, and award-winning entertainment projects.

The breadth of McFarlane's awards span from two Emmy Awards, a pair of MTV Video Music Awards, and a Grammy Award, to hundreds of international awards for his work in the arts and action figure industry. Todd McFarlane Entertainment continues to develop projects in the video game, film, television and music industries.

Golden Apple has been the premier comic book and pop culture store in Los Angeles since 1979. For over 30 years, the shop has been featured in nearly every local and national media outlet including print, television and the Internet. In addition, this world famous store boasts celebrity clientele, high-profile events and is a hub for entertainment and comic industry professionals alike. Always cutting edge and proactive in the community, the two generations of owners have strived to keep their finger on the pulse and a firm grasp on the marketplace.

Don't miss Todd McFarlane and special guests, signing the landmark 200th issue of SPAWN at Golden Apple Comics (7018 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90038; 323-658-6047) on January 12, 2011, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.


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: VANILLA, VOL. 1 (YAOI)

Creator: Riyu Yamakami (cartoonist); Sachiko Sato (translation)

Publishing Information: Juné Manga/DMP, paperback, 192 pages, $12.95 (US)

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-56970-754-8 (ISBN-13); 1-56970-754-5 (ISBN-10)

Drama/Romance; Rated “M” for “Mature 18+”

Vanilla is a yaoi graphic novel from creator Riyu Yamakami. Originally published in the late 1990s, Vanilla was published in two trade paperbacks by Digital Manga Publishing under its Juné Manga imprint a few years ago. The story focuses on a high school student just starting to accept his gay inclinations when he falls deeply in love with a teacher who does not believe in confessions of love.

Vanilla, Vol. 1 introduces high school student, 17-year-old Ichiro Morio, who is just one of the boys, except that he really isn’t. Morio’s friends are always talking about the girls they would like to “get with.” Morio is not really crazy about dating girls. He has his eyes on the new chemistry teacher, the cold and callous Yoshitaka Saeki.

Morio notices that Saeki is also indifferent towards the girls who throw themselves at him. Saeki, however, is not into romance and sentiment, so can the romantic Morio melt his teacher’s cool apathy?

Readers who prefer their boys’ love to be deeply romantic will love Vanilla. The lead character, Ichiro Morio, is old-fashioned in that he believes that romantic love must absolutely come before physical intimacy. He is practically scandalized by one-night stands and recreational sex in general. Thus, Riyu Yamakami gives the readers page after page of Morio thinking about love, his schoolmates’ lusts, and, of course, his aloof teacher. This is romance-shojo masquerading as yaoi because it is about young love more than it is about hot sex.

While this volume only has brief graphic depictions of sex between male lovers, the passion and yearning slowly simmers, constantly building up anticipation. In fact, whenever the characters share some physical contact, the narrative seems to explode with a burst of energy. I look forward to the next volume.

A-

http://www.junemanga.com/

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Happy New Year and a Brave New I Reads You Frontier

Welcome to I Reads You, my blog about the things I read (mostly comic books, comics, and related books) and about the things I come across worth reading (mostly about comic books, politics, and entertainment). Sometimes I’ll comment on “real” books and the mass media.

I’m Leroy Douresseaux, and I have another blog: http://www.negromancer.com/. I also write for the Comic Book Bin (which has smart phones apps).

We just finished our first calendar year, and we look forward to another one - thanks to you, dear reader.

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