Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 10 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN110012 BALTIMORE CURSE BELLS #1 MIKE MIGNOLA CVR $3.50

APR110029 BILLY THE KID OLD TIMEY ODDITIES TP VOL 02 FIEND LONDON $15.99

APR110045 BORIS KARLOFF TALES OF MYSTERY ARCHIVES HC VOL 06 $49.99

JUN110017 BPRD HELL ON EARTH MONSTERS #2 (OF 2) $3.50

DEC100056 CHRONICLES OF CONAN TP VOL 21 BLOOD OF TITAN $17.99

JUN110031 DOLLHOUSE EPITAPHS #2 (OF 5) PHIL NOTO CVR $3.50

APR110046 FLASH GORDON COMIC BOOK ARCHIVES HC VOL 04 $49.99

APR110038 GANTZ TP VOL 18 (MR) $12.99

JUN110015 HELLBOY THE FURY #3 (OF 3) $2.99

FEB110022 MAGNUS ROBOT FIGHTER TP VOL 01 $15.99

APR110044 SPACE FAMILY ROBINSON ARCHIVES HC VOL 01 $49.99

JUN110025 STAR WARS INVASION REVELATIONS #2 (OF 5) $3.50

APR110011 STAR WARS LONG TIME AGO OMNIBUS TP VOL 04 $24.99

JUN110026 STAR WARS OLD REPUBLIC #3 (OF 5) LOST SUNS $3.50

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 10 2011

IMAGE COMICS

MAR110511 ARTIFACTS #9 (OF 13) CVR A LEON $3.99

MAR110512 ARTIFACTS #9 (OF 13) CVR B KEOWN $3.99

MAR110513 ARTIFACTS #9 (OF 13) CVR C CHRISTOPHER $3.99

JUN110532 BLUE ESTATE #5 (MR) $2.99

JUN110533 BREED III #4 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99

MAY110460 HAUNT IMMORTAL ED HC VOL 01 $34.99

NOV100507 MAGDALENA TP VOL 01 $14.99

APR110515 MORNING GLORIES #11 (MR) $2.99

JUN110553 RED SPIKE #4 (OF 5) $2.99

JUN110554 RED WING #2 (OF 4) $3.50

JUN110555 REED GUNTHER #3 $2.99

JUN110560 SPAWN #210 (RES) (MR) $2.99

JUN110564 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #32 (MR) $2.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for August 10 2011

COMICS

JUN111138 BAD ISLAND GN $10.99

JUN111137 BAD ISLAND HC $24.99

MAY110826 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #193 $3.99

MAY110814 BLAM GN $14.95

JUN111245 BLANKETS HC $39.95

JUN111192 CLASSICS ILLUS DLX HC VOL 04 ADV OF TOM SAWYER $17.95

MAY110889 CRITTER #1 (OF 4) $3.50

MAY111095 CROW SPECIAL ED TP $18.00

APR110747 CRYPT OF HORROR #12 $29.95

MAY111123 DELTORA QUEST GN VOL 01 (MR) $10.99

MAR111086 EDUARDO RISSO BORDERLINE TP VOL 04 $19.99

APR118234 ELRIC THE BALANCE LOST #1 2ND PTG $3.99

JUN110864 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS VOL 2 #2 CVR A FRANCISCO $3.50

JUN110865 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS VOL 2 #2 CVR B GREEN $3.50

JUN110939 FARSCAPE #22 $3.99

JUN111326 FLY #3 A CVR EBAS (MR) $2.99

JUN111327 FLY #3 B CVR ROBERTSON (MR) $2.99

JUN111328 FLY #3 C CVR ERIC J (MR) $2.99

MAY110784 FORMING HC $29.95

MAY110811 FREAKSHOW TP VOL 01 $14.95

DEC100888 GREEN HORNET YEAR ONE #11 $3.99

JUN110828 GUNNERKRIGG COURT HC VOL 03 $26.95

JUN111164 HOCUS POCUS GN $16.95

JAN110917 HOW TO DRAW & BATTLE ALIEN INVASIONS TP $24.99

MAY111124 I AM HERE GN VOL 02 $17.99

MAY111242 IKIGAMI ULTIMATE LIMIT GN VOL 07 (OF 7) (MR) $12.99

MAY111253 INU YASHA VIZBIG ED GN VOL 08 $17.99

NOV100900 JIM BUTCHER DRESDEN FILES FOOL MOON #3 $3.99

APR110773 KAGAGI THE RAVEN GN (MR) $14.95

MAY111251 KEKKAISHI GN VOL 27 $9.99

JUN111215 KIDNAPPING KEVIN SMITH GN $10.95

JUN111160 KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 32 $12.99

MAY110816 KORD & HARLEY GN $19.95

JUN110970 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #8 (MR) $3.99

JUN110971 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #8 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

JAN111102 LAST PHANTOM #8 $3.99

MAY110829 LIFE WITH ARCHIE #12 $3.99

JUN111039 LIVING CORPSE EXHUMED #1 (OF 6) $3.99

JUN111165 LUZ SEES THE LIGHT GN $8.95

JUN110832 MANY ADVENTURES OF MIRANDA MERCURY HC $24.95

MAY111266 MAOH JUVENILE REMIX TP VOL 06 $9.99

MAY110830 MEGA MAN #4 SPAZ CVR $2.99

MAY110831 MEGA MAN #4 VAR CVR $2.99

MAY111238 MEGA MAN GIGAMIX TP VOL 02 $12.95

MAY110817 MWUMBA GN $7.95

APR111003 NIPPER TP VOL 02 1965-1966 $16.95

APR110774 PISTOLFIST GN (ARCANA) (MR) $14.95

APR111060 POTENTIAL GN VOL 01 TWO PERCENT HERO $16.95

JAN110926 RETURN TO PLANET O/T LIVING DEAD $3.50

FEB110732 SECRET HISTORY BOOK 16 (MR) $5.95

MAY111250 SHONEN JUMP SEPTEMBER 2011 $4.99

MAY111285 SINBAD GFT DREAM EATER ONE SHOT (C/O PT 8) EBAS CVR (MR) $2.99

MAY111286 SINBAD GFT DREAM EATER ONE SHOT (C/O PT 8) GARZA CVR (MR) $2.99

MAY110962 SITA DAUGHTER OF EARTH CAMPFIRE GN $12.99

JUN110926 SPONGEBOB COMICS #4 $2.99

APR110776 SPY SCHOOL GN $14.95

JUN110957 STAN LEE STARBORN #9 $3.99

APR111260 TALES FROM NEVERLAND #3 (OF 3) FRANCHESCO CVR A (MR) $3.99

APR111261 TALES FROM NEVERLAND #3 (OF 3) FRANCHESCO CVR B (MR) $3.99

JUN110899 TALES O/T ABYSS ASCH BLOODY GN VOL 01 $10.99

MAY110780 TERRY MOORES ECHO COMPLETE ED SC $39.99

JAN111386 TEZUKAS BLACK JACK TP VOL 15 (RES) $16.95

MAY110837 VERONICA #208 (VERONICA PRESENTS KEVIN KELLER #2) VAR CVR $2.99

APR110910 WAR GODDESS #0 (MR) $3.99

APR110912 WAR GODDESS #0 GORE CVR (MR) $3.99

APR110911 WAR GODDESS #0 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

APR110777 WOODY & THE NOBLE GN $14.95

APR110928 WRIGHT BROTHERS CAMPFIRE GN $9.99

MAY111154 YI SOON SHIN WARRIOR & DEFENDER #1 (OF 8) (MR) $2.99

MAGAZINES
MAY111319 ALTER EGO #103 $7.95
MAY111320 BACK ISSUE #50 $8.95
APR111279 CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #152 DESTINY $14.00
MAY111331 DC BLACKEST NIGHT FIG COLL MAG #10 BLEEZ $14.00
MAY111329 DC BLACKEST NIGHT FIG COLL MAG SPECIAL NEKRON $32.00
APR111293 DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG #86 MAGOG $14.00
APR111294 DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG #87 AMBUSH BUG $14.00
MAY118254 FANGORIA #306 SEP 2011 $9.99
MAR111437 G FAN #96 $5.95
MAY111334 JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #57 $10.95
MAY112023 KOBOLD QUARTERLY MAGAZINE #18 $7.99
MAY111318 NON SPORT UPDATE VOL 22 #4 $5.99
MAY111351 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #114 $9.95
FEB111327 STAR WARS VEHICLES COLL MAG #78 CATAMARAN $18.00

Ikigami: Electric Boogaloo

I read Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit, Vol. 7 (See all Manga)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A

Diego Chi on THE SIXTH GUN VOL. 1 - Cold Dead Fingers

The Sixth Gun, Vol. 1 – COLD DEAD FINGERS
ONI PRESS
Review by Diego Chi

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ARTIST: Brian Hurtt
ISBN: 978-1934964606; paperback
160pp, B&W, $19.99 U.S.

Who doesn’t like a good, old-fashioned Western? The freedom of the open range, the sound of hooves at a full gallop, mystical guns, spirits and zombies– hold on, what? At least, that’s the type of Western Cullen Bunn (The Damned, Fear Itself: The Deep) and Brian Hurtt (Queen & Country, The Damned) envisioned in their creator-owned series, The Sixth Gun. Fresh off the heels of an Eisner nomination for Best New Series, Best Writer, and Best Artist (not to mention a recent deal to become a SyFy series), the Sixth Gun series is worth a closer look.

Plot:
Described as a Western horror story, Bunn creates an engrossing world of mysticism and legend surrounding six magical revolvers. These guns are sought after by former Confederate General Hume, who leads a band of vicious scoundrels (including his wife), and by Drake Sinclair, whose motivation for getting involved remains a mystery. Caught in the middle is Becky Montcrief, daughter of a preacher who possesses one of the six guns. The story sets off at a fast pace and continues all the way through the climactic final battle at the end of the volume.

Writing:
Cullen Bunn’s revitalization of the Western genre is engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable. The plot is thick with mystery and riddled with subtle revelations that keep the reader engaged. Though Becky is the catalyst that begins the course of events, her character felt underdeveloped, at least in this arc. This is in stark contrast to Drake Sinclair, who plays the role of anti-hero. His interesting character revelations seem to demand your attention. General Hume is a cruel and sinister adversary, really centralizing the evil and terror in the story. The goose bumps caused by Hume are only second to his extremely creepy wife (for the mettle of a man is truly revealed in his choice of woman). However, the secondary villains in this arc seem to come and go fairly quickly, which is somewhat disappointing as many held promise of being great long-term foes. While the plot events sometimes overshadow the character development, Bunn clearly proves he knows how to take an old fashioned genre and revamp it into a great story-telling platform.

Art:
Brian Hurtt fills the pages of the Sixth Gun with enough action to match a Clint Eastwood movie. His drawings feel well paced and fluid to couple character expression alongside massive gunfights. The coloring is vivid and really brings Bunn’s vision to life. His character designs are a bit cartoony, but perhaps that is to emphasize the horror elements. Hurtt creates some pretty disturbing panels throughout (keep an eye out for some gruesome deaths and resurrections), though the art does not evoke terror so much as mystery and suspense, especially for a self-proclaimed “Horror-Western.” Still, there is clearly synergy between Bunn and Hurtt in their storytelling– which should be no surprise since they worked together before on another Oni Press title, The Damned.

Verdict:
The Sixth Gun is a very pleasurable read from start to finish. It’s a lot of fun, filled with action, and the supernatural elements feel surprisingly at home in the Wild West. Bunn and Hurtt present a strong launch to their series, leaving high expectations for what is to come. Definitely put these guys in your pull list.

Diego Chi is a guest writer.

Tegami Bachi: The Lighthouse in the Wasteland

I read Tegami Bachi, Vol. 6: Letter Bee (Tegami Bachi, Letter Bee)

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

Tickets for 2011 Harvey Awards Dinner Available

Harvey Awards Dinner Tickets Now on Sale!

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 4, 2011 - On Saturday night, August 20th, the comic book industry, including professionals, retailers, and fans, will gather at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore to honor the 2011 Harvey Award Nominees for 2010 comic work and present the Harveys to their recipients. This is an exciting evening, highlighted by our host Scott Kurtz and a special appearance by Stan Lee!

Harvey Awards tickets are on sale NOW! Tickets to the event, which includes full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner (featuring a Baltimore Crabcake!), awards ceremony, and a gift bag, are now available for $125. Tickets are available at our website via credit card or Paypal at baltimorecomiccon.com/harvey-awards.

The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. The Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards both nominated by and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.

Additionally, the Hero Initiative will present 2 awards to outstanding members of the comics community!

The Hero Initiative was established to aid comic creators with a financial safety net when in need of emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. In the years since its inception, the board has created an award to recognize those individuals in the industry that have dedicated their talent over the lifetime of their careers to the comic book community at-large, achieving the status of Hero. Previous recipients include John Romita, Joe Kubert, Nick Cardy, Neal Adams, and George Perez. Who will be this year's lifetime Hero?

The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will also be presented at the Harvey Awards Banquet. Giordano, who passed away in early 2010, was part of Hero Initiative's Board of Directors. He was also a legendary artist, a guiding force at Charlton Comics and DC Comics for many years, a mentor to his colleagues, and a friend to all who knew him. His legacy epitomizes the caring and commitment Hero Initiative strives to achieve. In his honor, the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will recognize one person in comics each year who has demonstrated the generosity and integrity Dick brought to the charity, and to the comic book community at large.

In the coming week, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baltimore-Comic-Con/165007083536280), and MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics) pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 20th.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th 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 August 20-21, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

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 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 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.

Leroy Douresseaux on THE PURPLE SMURFS

THE SMURFS GRAPHIC NOVEL #1: THE PURPLE SMURFS
PAPERCUTZ/NBM

CREATOR: Peyo
WRITERS: Peyo, Ivan Delporte
ARTISTS: Peyo, Peyo Studio
TRANSLATION: Joe Johnson
LETTERS: Janice Chiang
ISBN: 978-1-59707-207-6
56pp, Color, $10.99 U.S., $12.50 CAN

The recently released summer film, The Smurfs, from Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation, has made those blue elves, the Smurfs, hot again. People who know the Smurfs likely know them from the animated Saturday morning television series, The Smurfs, produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and aired on NBC from 1981 to 1989. Since its cancellation, the series has appeared on various cable networks and currently airs on Boomerang.

However, the Smurfs began life in comics, created by the late Belgian comics artist, Peyo (the pen name of Pierre Culliford). The Smurfs debuted in 1958 in Peyo’s Johan and Peewit comics series, in the storyline, The Flute with Six Holes (now entitled, The Smurfs and the Magic Flute). The Smurfs were immediately popular and started appearing in their own comics series in 1959.

Eventually, those Smurf comics were reprinted in graphic albums (novels), and the first was Les Schtroumpfs noirs (The Black Smurfs). Although the Smurfs graphic albums were eventually published in English in the United States, they had long been out of print. In 2010, Papercutz, the all-ages graphic novel wing of NBM, brought the Smurfs back to American comics.

The first release is The Smurfs Graphic Novel No. 1: The Purple Smurfs. This is an English edition of The Black Smurfs, but with the black Smurfs re-colored purple. The Purple Smurfs contains three stories: “The Purple Smurfs,” “The Flying Smurf,” and “The Smurf and His Neighbors.” There is also a preview of The Smurfs Graphic Novel No. 2: The Smurfs and the Magic Flute, as well as an after word by Papercutz Editor-in-Chief, Jim Salicrup.

I’ve wanted to read the original Smurf comics for over two decades, and even after that long wait, I am not at all disappointed. These are delightful children’s comics, but there is an oddness and an eccentricity about The Smurfs comics that will make them enjoyable for older readers.

The Smurfs are at once tribal and social, but are also fiercely independent. Most of the time, they refer to one another as Smurf (as in “Hey, Smurf” or “Find that Smurf”), but they also clearly recognize each other’s individualism and unique personalities.

The Smurfs are little problems solvers, but they often make their own problems. The lengths to which the Smurf who wants to fly is willing to go to fly yields comedy gold. The title story (“The Purple Smurfs”) is surprisingly a thriller dressed as slapstick comedy. “The Smurf and His Neighbors,” an ode to the yearning to escape the noise of civilization for the quite and solitude of the wild, is like a little morality tale. I can’t pick a favorite of these three stories; each is fantastic in its own right.

This little hardcover, the size of a standard comic book, is the kind of comic book to pass on to new, young readers. The stories within, however, will inform readers why the Smurfs have such staying power. Longtime comics readers who are looking for a reminder of why comics are fun to read will want The Purple Smurf.

A

http://www.smurf.com/
http://www.papercutz.com/

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 3 2011

DC COMICS

JUN110247 ADVENTURE COMICS #529 $2.99

MAY110207 BATMAN ARKHAM CITY #4 (OF 5) $2.99

JUN110233 BATMAN BEYOND #8 $2.99

JUN110227 BATMAN GATES OF GOTHAM #4 (OF 5) $2.99

DEC100322 BATMAN INCORPORATED BATMAN AF PI

DEC100323 BATMAN INCORPORATED DAMIAN AS ROBIN AF PI

DEC100320 BATMAN INCORPORATED KNIGHT AF PI

DEC100321 BATMAN INCORPORATED MAN OF BATS AF PI

JUN110264 DC COMICS PRESENTS SHAZAM #2 $7.99

JUN110208 DC RETROACTIVE BATMAN THE 80S #1 $4.99

JUN110216 DC RETROACTIVE THE FLASH THE 80S #1 $4.99

JUN110212 DC RETROACTIVE WONDER WOMAN THE 80S #1 $4.99

JUN110200 DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #13 $2.99

APR110202 FIRESTORM THE NUCLEAR MAN TP $17.99

JUN110175 FLASHPOINT #4 (OF 5) $3.99

JUN110182 FLASHPOINT BATMAN KNIGHT OF VENGEANCE #3 (OF 3) $2.99

JUN110187 FLASHPOINT DEATHSTROKE THE CURSE OF RAVAGER #3 (OF 3) $2.99

JUN110183 FLASHPOINT SECRET SEVEN #3 (OF 3) $2.99

JUN110185 FLASHPOINT THE WORLD OF FLASHPOINT #3 (OF 3) $2.99

JUN110174 GREEN LANTERN SUPER SPECTACULAR #2 $7.99

MAY110281 HISTORY OF VIOLENCE TP NEW ED (MR) $14.99

JUN110348 HOUSE OF MYSTERY #40 (MR) $2.99

JUN110352 IZOMBIE #16 (MR) $2.99

MAR110355 JACK KIRBY OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 STARRING GREEN ARROW $49.99

JUN110251 JONAH HEX #70 $2.99

JUN110334 LOONEY TUNES #201 $2.99

MAY110298 SCALPED #51 (MR) $2.99

JUN110332 SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #12 $2.99

JUN110254 SECRET SIX #36 $2.99

JUN110241 SUPERBOY #10 $2.99

JUN110239 SUPERMAN #714 $2.99

APR110206 SUPERMAN GROUNDED HC VOL 01 $22.99

JUN110359 SWEET TOOTH #24 (MR) $2.99

DEC100328 VIOLET LANTERN 1/4 SCALE POWER BATTERY & RING PROP $35.00

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 3 2011

MARVEL COMICS

JUN110672 15 LOVE #3 (OF 3) $4.99

FEB110642 ACTS OF VENGEANCE CROSSOVERS OMNIBUS HC DAVIS CVR $99.99

FEB110643 ACTS OF VENGEANCE CROSSOVERS OMNIBUS HC DM VAR ED $99.99

JUN110596 AVENGERS ACADEMY #17 FEAR $2.99

MAY110735 AVENGERS ACADEMY PREM HC VOL 02 REAL WORLD $24.99

JUN110709 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BATTLE OF TULL #3 (OF 5) $3.99

JUN110776 ESSENTIAL SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 01 NEW ED $19.99

JUN110594 FEAR ITSELF POSTER BOOK FEAR $6.99

JUN110585 FEAR ITSELF WOLVERINE #2 (OF 3) FEAR $2.99

JUN110600 HERC #6 FEAR $2.99

JUN110602 HEROES FOR HIRE #10 FEAR $2.99

JUN110601 HULK #38 FEAR $2.99

JUN110648 IRON MAN 2.0 #7 POINT ONE $2.99

JUN110669 MARVEL SUPER STARS MAGAZINE #6 $7.99

MAR110771 MIGHTY AVENGERS HC DARK REIGN $44.99

JUN110665 MOON KNIGHT #4 $3.99

JUN110682 MYSTIC #1 (OF 4) $2.99

MAY110741 OZ MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ GN TP $19.99

JUN110657 PUNISHER #1 $3.99

JUN110638 RED SKULL #2 (OF 5) $2.99

MAR110775 ROCKET RACCOON GUARDIAN PREM HC $24.99

JUN110680 SHIELD #2 $2.99

MAY110761 SPIDER-MAN BIG TIME TP $14.99

JAN110817 SPIDER-MAN NEWSPAPER STRIPS HC VOL 02 $39.99

JUN110671 SPIDER-MAN POWER COMES RESPONSIBILITY #5 (OF 7) $3.99

JUN110640 THOR HEAVEN AND EARTH #2 (OF 4) $2.99

JUN110603 THUNDERBOLTS #161 FEAR $2.99

JUN110611 ULTIMATE COMICS FALLOUT #4 (OF 6) DOSM $3.99

MAY118207 ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #160 2ND PTG BAGLEY VAR (PP #978) $3.99

JUN110697 WOLVERINE #13 $3.99

JUN110696 X-23 #13 $2.99

JUN110691 X-FACTOR #223 $2.99

MAR110777 X-MEN FALLEN ANGELS PREM HC $29.99

MAR110778 X-MEN FALLEN ANGELS PREM HC DM VAR ED 73 $29.99

MAY118147 X-MEN SCHISM #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG CYCLOPS VAR $4.99

MAY118146 X-MEN SCHISM #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG WOLVERINE VAR $4.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for August 3 2011

IDW PUBLISHING

JUN110434 30 DAYS OF NIGHT NIGHT AGAIN #4 (OF 4) $3.99

APR110385 CANIFF HC $49.99

JUN110443 CRYSIS #3 (OF 6) $3.99

MAY110402 DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS #9 $3.99

JUN110383 GI JOE VOL 2 ONGOING #4 $3.99

APR110357 HERO COMICS 2011 (ONE SHOT) $3.99

MAY110421 SPINECRAWLER GN $17.99

APR110374 SUICIDE GIRLS #4 (OF 4) (MR) $3.99

JUN110437 THAT HELLBOUND TRAIN #3 (OF 3) $3.99

MAY110324 WALTER SIMONSON THOR ARTIST ED HC PI

JUN110462 WYNONNA EARP YETI WARS #4 $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 3 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR110066 CARDCAPTOR SAKURA DARK HORSE OMNIBUS ED VOL 02 (RES) $19.99

FEB110044 DOMO & FRIENDS FIGURE SET $17.99

MAY110041 KULT #1 (OF 4) $3.50

MAY110017 STAR WARS DARK TIMES OUT O/T WILDERNESS #1 (OF 5) CORREA CVR $2.99

MAY110046 USAGI YOJIMBO #139 $3.50

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 3 2011

IMAGE COMICS

JUN110522 50 GIRLS 50 #3 (OF 4) $2.99

APR110486 68 (SIXTY EIGHT) #3 (OF 4) CVR A NAT JONES & JAY FOTOS $3.99

APR110487 68 (SIXTY EIGHT) #3 (OF 4) CVR B NAT JONES $3.99

MAY110504 DAOMU #6 (MR) $2.99

MAY110506 DRUMS #3 (OF 4) $2.99

JUN110542 GREEN WAKE #5 (MR) $3.50

JUN110473 INFINITE #1 $2.99

JUN110477 INFINITE #1 DELUXE ED $5.99

MAY110464 META 4 COMPLETE SERIES TP (MR) $14.99

JUN110550 MORIARTY #4 $2.99

MAR110597 SAVAGE DRAGON #172 $3.50

JUN110557 SCREAMLAND ONGOING #3 $2.99

JUN110488 SEVERED #1 (MR) $2.99

MAY118257 SUPER DINOSAUR #3 VAR CVR 2ND PTG $2.99

JUN110563 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #31 (MR) $2.99

MAY118278 WITCH DOCTOR #1 (OF 4) VAR CVR 2ND PTG $2.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for August 3 2011

PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS
JUN110001 PREVIEWS #275 AUGUST 2011 PI

COMICS
MAY111258 AI ORE GN VOL 02 $12.99

MAY111244 BAKUMAN TP VOL 06 $9.99

JUN110841 BEST OF ARCHIE COMICS TP $9.99

MAY110825 BETTY #193 $2.99

JUN111412 BIG BOOK OF ADVENTURE STORIES SC $25.00

MAY111248 BLEACH 3-IN-1 ED VOL 02 $14.99

MAY111245 BLUE EXORCIST GN VOL 03 $9.99

JUN111002 BOYS #57 (MR) $3.99

MAY111304 BRIMSTONE #3 A CVR EBAS (MR) $3.25

MAY111305 BRIMSTONE #3 B CVR MYCHAELS (MR) $3.25

JUN110859 BROKEN PIECES #0 CVR A KANESHIRO $2.50

JUN110860 BROKEN PIECES #0 CVR B FABOK $2.50

APR110825 CALIGULA #3 (OF 6) (MR) $3.99

APR110826 CALIGULA #3 (OF 6) WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

APR110759 DIARY OF A ZOMBIE KID TP $14.95

JUN110937 ELRIC THE BALANCE LOST #2 $3.99

MAR110857 FEEDING GROUND #6 (OF 6) (MR) $3.95

NOV100742 FLASH GORDON INVASION O/T RED SWORD #3 $3.99

DEC100754 FLASH GORDON MERCY WARS #1 LTD VAR ED $3.99

MAY111254 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST 3-IN-1 ED VOL 02 $14.99

MAY111263 GIN TAMA TP VOL 23 $9.99

JUN111213 GOODBYE CHUNKY RICE PANTHEON ED (O/A) $12.95

MAY111292 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #62 (MR) $2.99

MAY111260 HARUKA BEYOND THE STREAM OF TIME GN VOL 13 $9.99

JUN110949 IRREDEEMABLE #28 $3.99

MAY111257 KAMISAMA KISS TP VOL 04 $9.99

MAY111259 KAZE HIKARU GN VOL 19 $9.99

JUN111298 KOBATO GN VOL 04 $11.99

DEC100719 MEGAMIND #3 $3.95

JAN110928 MEGAMIND #4 $3.95

APR111262 MHSG CASE FILES SASQUATCH #1 A CVR RIO (MR) $4.99

APR111263 MHSG CASE FILES SASQUATCH #1 B CVR QUALANO (MR) $4.99

JUN110987 MULTIPLEX ENJOY YOUR SHOW TP VOL 01 (MR) $19.95

MAY111255 NATSUMES BOOK OF FRIENDS TP VOL 08 $9.99

MAR110907 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD DEATH VALLEY #3 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99

MAR110908 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD DEATH VALLEY #3 (OF 5) GORE CVR (MR) $3.99

MAR110909 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD DEATH VALLEY #3 (OF 5) WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

MAY111249 NURA RISE O/T YOKAI CLAN GN VOL 04 $9.99

MAY111261 OTOMEN GN VOL 11 $9.99

FEB110715 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR TP VOL 02 WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER $6.95

MAY111157 PETROGRAD GN $29.99

MAY111252 POKEMON ADVENTURES TP VOL 14 $7.99

JUN111286 POKEMON BLACK & WHITE GN VOL 01 $4.99

JUN111287 POKEMON BLACK & WHITE GN VOL 02 $4.99

MAY110779 RACHEL RISING #1 $3.99

JUN111045 RED SONJA TP VOL 09 WAR SEASON $16.99

JUN110963 ROGER LANGRIDGE SNARKED #0 $1.00

MAY110832 SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH ANIMATED SERIES TP VOL 01 $9.95

MAY111256 SAKURA HIME LEGEND OF PRINCESS SAKURA GN VOL 03 $9.99

MAY111265 SEIHO BOYS HIGH SCHOOL TP VOL 07 $9.99

MAY111264 SLAM DUNK GN VOL 17 $9.99

MAY110833 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #227 $2.99

DEC100986 STEVE CANYON COMP COMIC BOOK SERIES HC VOL 01 $49.99

MAY111262 STORY OF SAIUNKOKU GN VOL 04 $9.99

MAY110804 STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY FUN #1 (OF 4) $3.95

MAR111224 TANK TANKURO HC W/ SLIPCASE $29.95

MAY111246 TEGAMI BACHI GN VOL 06 $9.99

JUN111331 TERMINAL ALICE GN $9.99

MAY110796 VICTORIAN SECRETS SUMMER CATALOG ONE SHOT $3.99

MAY110998 WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS #5 $3.99

FEB111046 WILLIE & JOE BACK HOME HC (RES) $29.99

FEB111045 WILLIE & JOE WWII YEARS GN $39.99

MAY110835 WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #9 $3.99

MAY111247 YU GI OH GX GN VOL 07 $9.99

MAY110942 ZOMBIE TALES OMNIBUS TP (RES) $19.99

MAY111017 ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #1 $3.99

MAGAZINES
JUN111381 FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #257 $9.99
MAY111108 HEAVY METAL SEPTEMBER 2011 (MR) $6.95
MAY111192 STAR WARS CLONE WARS MAGAZINE #6 $4.99

Leroy Douresseaux on THE VAULT #1

THE VAULT #1 (OF 3)
IMAGE COMICS

WRITER: Sam Sarkar
ARTIST: Garrie Gastonny
COLORS: Sakti Yuwono
COVER: Bagus Hutomo
28pp, Color, $3.50

Published by Image Comics, The Vault is a new comic book from writer Sam Sarkar and artist Garrie Gastonny (the team behind Caliber: First Canon of Justice). The three-issue miniseries focuses on a small team of treasure hunters struggling to excavate a dangerous treasure pit before a massive storm arrives. Nothing can prepare these people for what they are about to unleash.

The Vault #1 introduces archeologists and treasure hunters, Dr. Gabrielle Parker and Dr. Michael Page. The duo has spent most of their academic and professional career trying to unravel the mystery of the Oak Island Treasure Pit. Now, Oak Island finds lead them to another treasure pit at Sable Island, known as the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic,” but the new dig requires the latest high tech equipment. Enter a new partner who is demanding more, but that money will lead to something extraordinary.

First, I should say that I really enjoyed reading The Vault. I bet this will be a hoot to read in a collected edition. It reminds me of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Abyss, as well as any of those movies about a small band of folks going after underwater treasure.

Writer Sam Sarkar is a veteran in television writing and film production, and this experience shows in The Vault’s solid storytelling structure. Sarkar has created strongly developed characters in the leads (Parker and Page), in the supporting players, and even in the extraneous characters who will probably end up in the meat grinder. Artist Garrie Gastonny and colorist Sakti Yuwono turn in truly high-quality work – solid compositions and storytelling from Gastonny and some beautifully colored pages from Yuwono.

The Vault #1’s cover by Bagus Hutomo is the perfect book cover, promising chills and thrills inside the book. And here, you can judge a book by its cover, because The Vault is a hell of a read, promising even more hell to come.

A-

Gin Tama People Almost Always Fight on Trips

I read Gin Tama, Vol. 23

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

Leroy Douresseaux on ABATTOIR #6

ABATTOIR #6 (OF 6)
RADICAL PUBLISHING

CREATOR: Darren Lynn Bousman
CONCEPT: Michael Peterson
WRITERS: Rob Levin and Troy Peteri
PENCILS: Wayne Nichols
COLORS: Andrei Pervukhin
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
COVER: Tae Young Choi
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Radical Publishing’s Abattoir comes to an end.

This is the horror comic book miniseries created by Darren Lynn Bousman (the director of three films in the Saw franchise). Set in the late 1980s, Abattoir follows real estate agent, Richard Ashwalt, who was struggling to sell a house where a brutal massacre took place. Richard falls into a murderous conspiracy involving a strange old man named Jebediah Crone, who buys the house in spite of Richard’s tremendous efforts to stop him.

In Abattoir #6, Richard has finally discovered Crone’s Abattoir. Crone wants Richard to be the curator of this monstrosity. To say no could mean the end for Richard and for his wife and daughter.

While the sixth and final issue of Abattoir has pretty much the same vibe and mood, as well as characters, plot, and settings as the rest of the series, I am disappointed. I don’t like how it ends, although most of this issue is quite good. Actually, this is the ending that I expected, and Bousman was bound to leave an opening for a sequel, just as he did in his three Saw films.

Overall, this is a riveting, scary tale that doesn’t skimp on the blood, gore, and brain matter. And yes, it does matter that Vertigo and IDW not be the only big publishers (relatively speaking) that publish horror comics. So I go for Radical Publishing’s Abattoir. It is a real deal true bloody horror comic book.

B+

It's an August Occasion at I Reads You, Too

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 (http://www.comicbookbin.com/).

All images and text appearing on this blog are copyright © and/or trademark their respective owners.

Let's celebrate reading with

Tim Truman and Son Bring "Hawken" to Baltimore Comic-Con

Timothy Truman Brings the Weird West to 2011 Baltimore Comic-Con

Legendary comics artist and writer Timothy Truman will give East Coast fans an exclusive first look at artwork, covers, and designs for Hawken, his highly-anticipated western horror series, at this year's Baltimore Comic-Con , August 20-21, 2011, at the Baltimore Convention Center , 1 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Co-created with his 28-year-old son, writer Benjamin Truman, the new project tells the tale of ghost-haunted pistolero Kitchell Hawken and his blood-drenched vendetta against the men who scalped and tortured him then left him for dead. The first issue ships in November from IDW Publishing.

Renowned for his work on such titles as hard-hitting action titles as Grimjack, Scout, Wilderness, Hawkworld, Turok, Jonah Hex, and Dark Horse Comics' Conan, Timothy is hardly a stranger to the BCC. "Baltimore is by far my favorite convention every year," Truman says. "I attended my first show several years ago, after I decided to take the day off and check it out as a 'civilian.' I was immediately impressed. Baltimore Comic-Con made me feel like a 'fan' again. I haven't missed a show since." To mark the Baltimore preview, Tim and Ben are preparing limited edition Hawken BCC t-shirts and prints especially for the appearance.

In his featured blog for the pop-culture site The Morton Report, journalist Bill Baker gave readers a taste of what to expect from the new tale:

"Over the course of his long and storied career, writer-artist Timothy Truman has had brushes with all manner of killers and antiheroes. But his latest encounter with the darker side of humanity, in the supernaturally-charged Western miniseries features Hawken, a character that he freely admits is perhaps the worst of the lot.

"According to Truman, the titular character, Kitchell Hawken 'has been many things in his day: Scout, tracker, trader, scalp-hunter, raider, hired gun.... But mostly, he's been a nasty son-of-a-bitch.'

"Each issue of the six-part tale follows the aged Hawken as he wreaks bloody vengeance upon the very men he used to work for, a cartel of corrupt politicians and arms merchants called the Tucson Ring. Along the way readers learn more about Hawken's reason for turning on his former employers and the many horrors that the haunted gunman has committed over the course of a blood-soaked life.

"And just to be clear, 'haunted' literally describes Hawken's situation, as the remorseless killer's accompanied throughout his vendetta by the ghost of every person he's killed, all unwilling companions forced by a curse to assist the gunslinger with his vengeance.

"Truman, who's become known for his ability to portray unlikable loners in convincing manner, freely admits, 'Folks would be hard-pressed to find a character as ruthless as Kit Hawken. He has good reasons for his rampage, and believe me, a rampage it is. For once, the bad guys have truly messed with the wrong man.'

"And while anyone might be hard-pressed to describe the proceedings as family fare, it is, in fact, a family affair. That's because Tim Truman's creative partner on this project is none other than Ben Truman, his son.

"Ben, who's scripting the series, works as a teacher in Tucson, AZ. As he describes it, the character and his sordid tale arose almost by chance during one of his parents' visits to the area last year. The younger Truman recalled that 'while driving through Crater Park I asked Dad if he's ever seen any accounts where a man had survived a scalping. Somehow, that kicked it off.

"'Hawken grew out of the landscapes of each new place we visited: His name in Flagstaff, his past in Bisbee, the curse in Tempe, his vendetta in Tombstone. By the time we left San Xavier Mission, the first issue was plotted.'

"The elder Truman gained widespread notoriety with his first two major efforts, Scout and .Grimjack These comics were some of the most critically lauded independent comics of the '80s, fan-favorites that catapulted Truman and his various creative partners into the upper echelons of the mainstream comics industry."

Each of the six issues of Hawken will cost $3.99 and contain 32 pages printed in antiqued duo-tone. The book joins such popular IDW titles as 30 Days of Night, Hasbro's Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek, Toho's Godzilla, HBO's True Blood, and the BBC's Dr. Who.

For more information, visit Tim's website or visit IDWPublishing.com.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 21st.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th 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 August 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/.

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 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.harveyawards.org/.

Dark Horse Comics Celebrates 4 Eisner Award Winners

DARK HORSE COMICS EISNER WINNERS!

CONGRATS TO MIKE MIGNOLA, RICHARD CORBEN, DAVE STEWART & JUANJO GUARNIDO!

July 27, MILWAUKIE, OR— The Eisner Awards took place on Friday night of Comic Con International. These prestigious awards honor the best of the best within the comics world. With the madness of San Diego Comic-Con behind us, Dark Horse Comics looks forward to an amazing fall publishing schedule ahead. But first, we’d like to congratulate our Eisner Award winners!

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot):
Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil, by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (Interior Art):
Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad

Best Cover Artist:
Mike Mignola, Hellboy, Baltimore: The Plague Ships

Best Coloring:
Dave Stewart, Hellboy, B.P.R.D., Baltimore, Let Me In (Dark Horse); Detective Comics (DC); Neil Young’s Greendale, Daytripper, Joe the Barbarian (Vertigo/DC)

The Eisner Awards are part of, and underwritten by, Comic-Con International, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of comics to art and culture.

Well done, boys! Well done!

Leroy Douresseaux on STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC – The Lost Suns #2

STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC – THE LOST SUNS #2 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE BOOKS

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

SCRIPT: Alexander Freed
PENCIL ROUGHS: Dave Ross
PENCIL FINISHES: George Freeman
INKS: Mark McKenna
COLORS: Michael Atiyeh
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Benjamin Carré
32pp, Color, $3.50

I’m not really into that part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe known as Star Wars: The Old Republic, but I like the comic book. Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Lost Suns is a comic book based upon the LucasArts online game, Star Wars: The Old Republic. While Dark Horse has published two previous series set in the Star Wars: The Old Republic time period, this is the first one set concurrent with the game.

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, the Old Republic is the time period 1000 to 25000 years before the Battle of Yavin (abbreviated at BBY). For those that don’t know, the Battle of Yavin is the climactic battle in Stars Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, during which Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star.

Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Lost Suns is set in 3632 BBY and focuses on Theron Shan, a spy working for the Republic Strategic Information Service. Theron’s superior sends him on a mission to find Ngani Zho, the great Jedi who may have important information. Theron has strong ties to the long-missing Jedi, as Zho trained Theron’s mother, Satele Shan. Darth Mekhis, an old enemy of Satele’s, also wants Zho.

As Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Lost Suns #2 opens, Ngani Zho reveals the dark history of the Republic’s war with the Sith and the tragic peace accord. Theron finds Zho, but both his and Zho’s past complicate their mission.

While I’m only vaguely familiar with the whole “Old Republic” universe within a universe, I am enjoying The Lost Suns. The script for the second issue by Alexander Freed, a senior writer on The Old Republic online game, is more streamlined than the one for the first issue. Freed seamlessly weaves back story and the present action to create an engaging, enjoyable read. The art, with its clean compositions and no-frills design, makes it easy to comprehend this story, which is steeped in arcane Star Wars stuff.

B+

Dark Horse Comics Announces $1.00 Comics

DARK HORSE COMICS RELEASES FALL PUBLISHING SCHEDULE PRICING DETAILS!

FIRST ISSUES OF ORCHID, HOUSE OF NIGHT, AND THE STRAIN ARE $1.00!

July 27, MILWAUKIE, OR — Dark Horse Comics announced Preview night at San Diego Comic Con that its fall publishing schedule will include three major heavy hitters in the writing-talent department.

Tom Morello’s Orchid, P. C. Cast’s House of Night, and Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain will be joining the Dark Horse roster. These titles are sure to keep your eyes on the comics.

The first issue of each of these new series will be priced at $1.00 in comic stores, giving every fan something to talk about and a great starting point to begin reading these amazing new stories!

If you’re a comics fan who’s made the jump to digital, every issue of each comic will be available on release date through Dark Horse Digital for $1.99.

With prices like that on titles like these, expect a high demand and expect to read the whole series. They are not to be missed!

Tom Morello’s Orchid is on sale October 12.

P. C. Cast’s House of Night is on sale November 9.

Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain is on sale December 14.

Naoki Urasawa Gets Eisner Award - About Damn Time

VIZ MEDIA’S NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS WINS A 2011 EISNER AWARD

Manga Masterpiece Recognized With The Comic Book Industry’s Most Prestigious Award

San Francisco, CA, July 28, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, is proud to announce that NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS was recognized with an Eisner Award in the Best U.S. Edition of International Material - Asia category during award ceremonies held at the recent Comic-Con International event in San Diego, CA. NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS is published in North America by VIZ Media’s Signature imprint. Volume 17 of the series will be released in August.

20th CENTURY BOYS is the story of a group of boys who try to save the world. Humanity, having faced extinction at the end of the 20th century, would not have entered the new millennium if it weren't for them. In 1969, during their youth, they created a symbol. In 1997, as the coming disaster slowly starts to unfold, that symbol returns.

For Kenji, a simple convenience store manager who once dreamed of becoming a rock 'n' roll musician, a host of memories from his past come rushing back when one of his childhood friends mysteriously commits suicide. Could this new death be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult that's been implicated in several other murders and disappearances? Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunites with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it all.

“We’re elated to have NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS recognized by the comic book industry such a prestigious award,” says Andy Nakatani, Editorial Director at VIZ Media and editor for the title. “Urasawa‘s tense and dramatic storylines have firmly established him among the very top echelon of manga creators. With this, and other acclaimed series such as NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER and PLUTO: URASAWA ´ TEZUKA, Naoki Urasawa continues to push the boundaries of the manga genre, and we look forward to this award bringing his work to the attention of many new fans across North America.”

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are considered the "Oscars" of the comic book industry [Utter foolishness - Leroy] and are named for renowned cartoonist Will Eisner (creator of The Spirit and several award-winning graphic novels). The awards are handed out each year in a gala ceremony at Comic-Con International in San Diego, the largest and oldest comic book convention in the United States.

Naoki Urasawa's career as a manga artist spans more than twenty years and has firmly established him as one of the true manga masters of Japan. Born in Tokyo in 1960, Urasawa debuted with BETA! in 1983 and hasn't stopped his impressive output since. Well-versed in a variety of genres, Urasawa's oeuvre encompasses a multitude of different subjects, such as a romantic comedy (YAWARA! A FASHIONABLE JUDO GIRL), a suspenseful human drama about a former mercenary (PINEAPPLE ARMY; story by Kazuya Kudo), a captivating psychological suspense story (NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER), a sci-fi adventure manga (NAOKI URASAWA’S 20TH CENTURY BOYS), and a modern reinterpretation of the work of the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka (PLUTO: URASAWA X TEZUKA; co-authored with Takashi Nagasaki, supervised by Macoto Tezka, and with the cooperation of Tezuka Productions). Many of his books have spawned popular animated and live-action TV programs and films, and 2008 saw the theatrical release of the first of three live-action Japanese films based on NAOKI URASAWA’S 20TH CENTURY BOYS.

No stranger to accolades and awards, Urasawa is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award, a two-time recipient of the Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize, and has received the Kodansha Manga Award. Urasawa has also become involved in the world of academia, and in 2008 accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University, where he teaches courses in, of course, manga.

For more information on NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS and other VIZ Media manga titles, please visit www.viz.com/manga.

Natsume's Friends

I read Natsume's Book of Friends, Vol. 8

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

Leroy Douresseaux on FRAGMENTA 3: On the Record

FRAGMENTA 3: ON THE RECORD
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS

WRITER: John Ira Thomas
ARTISTS: Carter Allen, Jeremy Smith
56pp, Color, $7.00

I am a big fan of the comics, graphic novels, and various publications put out by Candle Light Press. Go read Zoo Force/Not Zoo Force.

In recent years, Candle Light Press and its leading man of letters, John Ira Thomas, have published small mooks (magazine/book) collecting odds and ends concerning CLP’s comics, graphic novels, aborted projects, etc. Those include Fragmenta: The Art of the Writer and Fragmenta 2: Cross Nurses & Agile Clothes.

Fragmenta 2, from Thomas and artist Will Beard, focused on stories that never made it all the way to finished form as a comic book or graphic novel. Thomas also shared his aborted attempts to create horror comics that capture the feel of cheap movies, especially horror/exploitation movies. It’s a must have.

Now, comes Fragmenta 3: On the Record. It’s a bit different. Fragmenta 3 is part script book, part history, and part transcripts based on recordings (record LPs). The material inside is based on real creators, real events, and fictional characters from actual comic books and graphic novels. The content of Fragmenta 3, however, is not necessarily based on actual published works.

Readers who are familiar with CLP’s comics and graphic novels will love Fragmenta 3. The opening two pages are a history of and manifesto about comic book creators dealing with Hollywood. It’s fun to read, and makes a lot of good points about staying true to the characters and what that means for creators, fans, and media rights holders. For me, reading the scripts was like experiencing old time radio programs, but since I am a fan of old time radio, perhaps, I’m just projecting my favorite things onto Fragmenta 3.

Like most anything Candle Light Press publishes, Fragmenta 3: On the Record is smart, funny, engaging, and simply a good read.

A-

Visit the CLP store: http://candlelightpress.com/shopper/
http://www.candlelightpress.com/

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

Leroy Douresseaux on STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #3

STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #3
DARK HORSE BOOKS

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

SCRIPT: Scott Allie
ARTIST: Mahmud Asrar
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Stéphane Roux
32pp, Color, $2.99

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is a recently launched Star Wars comic book series from Dark Horse Comics. It is set during “The Rise of the Empire” era, which is essentially the time period of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. This particular story takes place two decades before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

In Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side, the Jedi Council sends Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, his headstrong Padawan Xanatos, the beautiful Jedi Master Tahl, and the Padawan Orykan Tamarik (whose master is deceased) to the planet Telos IV. Their assignment is to quell the unrest caused by the mysterious death and possible assassination of High Priestess Liora.

As Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #3 opens, Qui-Gon attempts to bring peace between Xanatos and his father, Lord Crion, the ruler of Telos IV. Father and son have a difficult relationship, made even more difficult by Crion’s pride and Xanatos’ stubborn ways. Xanatos’ sister, Nason, also tries to bring her brother and father together, but she may be endangering herself. Meanwhile, the dissidents on Telos IV grow bolder, and the mysterious Jedi figure that may be behind the planet’s troubles is revealed to Qui-Gon,

Writer Scott Allie has turned Star Wars into a high-quality court drama and conspiracy thriller. This is more like a summer potboiler prose novel than a comic book. Artist Mahmud Asrar does his best work in depicting the Jedi in action. His art captures the jumping, flipping, cart-wheeling Jedi of The Phantom Menace in still pictures that don’t lose the energy of the moving image originals. I didn’t think that I’d like this, but I’m actually looking forward to more, especially because Allie presents a richly characterized version of Qui-Gon.

A-

Matt Taibbi on the Great Corporate Tax Holiday/Scam

The great Matt Taibbi. Go. Read.

Imagine the uproar if Barack Obama, in the middle of this historic revenue crunch and "We're so broke the world is going to end tomorrow!" debt-ceiling hystgeria, decided to declare a second “one-time tax holiday” for, say, unwed single mothers, or recipients of public assistance? Middle America would be running through the streets, firing shotguns out its truck window, waving chainsaws in mall lobbies, etc.

Complete List of 2011 Eisner Award Winners

2011 Eisner Award Winners List

Best Continuing Series
Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory (Image)

Best Short Story
"Post Mortem," by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark, in I Am an Avenger #2 (Marvel)

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot)
Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil, by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben (Dark Horse)

Best Limited Series
Daytripper, by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá (Vertigo/DC)

Best New Series
American Vampire, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and Rafael Albuquerque (Vertigo/DC)

Best Publication for Kids
Tiny Titans, by Art Baltazar and Franco (DC)

Best Publication for Teens
Smile, by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic Graphix)

Best Humor Publication
I Thought You Would Be Funnier, by Shannon Wheeler (BOOM!)

Best Anthology
Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, edited by Paul Morrissey and David Petersen (Archaia)

Best Digital Comic
Abominable Charles Christopher, by Karl Kerschl, www.abominable.cc

Best Reality-Based Work
It Was the War of the Trenches, by Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best Graphic Album—New
Return of the Dapper Men, by Jim McCann and Janet Lee (Archaia)
Wilson, by Daniel Clowes (Drawn & Quarterly)

Best Graphic Album—Reprint
Wednesday Comics, edited by Mark Chiarello (DC)

Best Adaptation from Another Work
The Marvelous Land of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young (Marvel)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips
Archie: The Complete Daily Newspaper Strips, 1946–1948, by Bob Montana, edited by Greg Goldstein (IDW)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books
Dave Stevens' The Rocketeer Artist's Edition, edited by Scott Dunbier (IDW)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material
It Was the War of the Trenches, by Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia
Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys, by Naoki Urasawa (VIZ Media)

Best Writer
Joe Hill, Lock & Key (IDW)

Best Writer/Artist
Darwyn Cooke, Richard Stark's Parker: The Outfit (IDW)

Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team
Skottie Young, The Marvelous Land of Oz (Marvel)

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art)
Juanjo Guarnido, Blacksad (Dark Horse)

Best Cover Artist
Mike Mignola, Hellboy, Baltimore: The Plague Ships (Dark Horse)

Best Coloring
Dave Stewart, Hellboy, BPRD, Baltimore, Let Me In (Dark Horse); Detective Comics (DC); Neil Young's Greendale, Daytripper, Joe the Barbarian (Vertigo/DC)

Best Lettering
Todd Klein, Fables, The Unwritten, Joe the Barbarian, iZombie (Vertigo/DC); Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom (WildStorm/DC); SHIELD (Marvel); Driver for the Dead (Radical)

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism
ComicBookResources, produced by Jonah Weiland (www.comicbookresources.com)

Best Comics-Related Book
75 Years of DC Comics: The Art of Modern Mythmaking, by Paul Levitz (TASCHEN)

Best Publication Design
Dave Stevens' The Rocketeer Artist's Edition, designed by Randall Dahlk (IDW)

HALL OF FAME
Judges' Choices: Ernie Bushmiller, Jack Jackson, Martin Nodell, Lynd Ward
Elected: Mort Drucker, Harvey Pekar, Roy Thomas, Marv Wolfman

Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award:
Nate Simpson

Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award:
Patrick McDonnell

Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Book Writing Award:
Del Connell, Bob Haney

Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award:
Comics & Vegetables, Tel Aviv, Israel - Yuval Sharon, Danny Amitai

CHEW Wins "Best Series" Eisner Award

Wilson and Dapper Men Tie for Best Graphic Album at 2011 Eisner Awards

IDW Garners Five Trophies

SAN DIEGO – The 2011 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, presented by Comic-Con International (Comic-Con®), ended on an unusual note Friday night with the Best Graphic Album-New category going to two winners: Jim McCann and Janet Lee's Return of the Dapper Men (published by Archaia) and Dan Clowes's Wilson (published by Drawn & Quarterly). The awards, considered the "Oscars®" of comics [Considered by whom? Morons? - Leroy], were presented in a gala ceremony at the Indigo Ballroom of the Hilton Bayfront. The "Eisners," which honor comics' best and brightest, were held as part of Comic-Con, the world's largest comic book and popular arts event in the Western Hemisphere.

The Graphic Album category is somewhat comparable to "Best Picture" in the comics industry [What a ridiculous thing to claim - Leroy]. Other notable winners included horror novelist Joe Hill for Best Writer (Locke & Key, IDW), Chew (Image) by John Layman and Rob Guillory for Best Continuing Series, Daytripper (Vertigo/DC) by Brazilian brothers Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon for Best Limited Series, and American Vampire (Vertigo/DC) by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and Rafael Albuquerque for Best New Series.

Creators who received multiple awards were Hellboy creator Mike Mignola (Best Cover Artist, Best Single Issue for Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil, published by Dark Horse), famed French cartoonist Jacques Tardi (Best Reality-Based Work and Best U.S. Edition of International Material for It Was the War of the Trenches, published by Fantagraphics), and artist Skottie Young (Best Adaption from Another Work and Best Penciller/Inker for The Marvelous Land of Oz, published by Marvel).

The publisher taking away the most awards was IDW, with five total, including two for Dave Stevens' The Rocketeer Artist's Edition, in addition to Joe Hill's Best Writer nod and Darwyn Cooke's win for Best Writer/Artist. DC Comics had four winners plus two shared, along with bragging rights for the Best Comics-Related Book: 75 Years of DC Comics, by Paul Levitz. Dark Horse had three winners (including the two for Mignola) plus two shared. Marvel Comics received three trophies, while Archaia and Fantagraphics receive two. Other publishers taking home trophies included BOOM!, Drawn & Quarterly, Image, Scholastic, and VIZ.

The evening was presided over by Bill Morrison, creative director for Matt Groening's Bongo Comics. The evening was divided into three segments, each with special hosts. It kicked off with writer/actors Ben Garant and Tom Lennon (Reno 911, Night at the Museum), who acted out their script for a multimillion-dollar Eisner Awards opening number. The second segment was hosted by Comic-Con special guests Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan, creators of the steampunk bestseller Boilerplate: History's Mechanical Marvel. The host for the final segment was actor/voice actor Phil LaMarr (Pee Wee's Playhouse, Futurama, Samurai Jack).

Presenters during the evening included actor/author Lance Henriksen (Millennium, Aliens); bestselling author Glen David Gold (Carter Beats the Devil); British talk show host and comics author Jonathan Ross; Eisner nominees Gerry Alanguilan, Ian Boothby, Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez, Greg Rucka, and Jill Thompson; and Comic-Con special guests Dave Gibbons, Joëlle Jones, Patrick McDonnell, and Walter and Louise Simonson.

Sergio Aragonés once again presented the Hall of Fame Awards. The eight inductees and their acceptors were: Nancy creator Ernie Bushmiller (accepted by Denis Kitchen), MAD cartoonist Mort Drucker (accepted by MAD art director Sam Viviano), underground comix pioneer Jack Jackson (accepted by his son, Sam) Green Lantern co-creator Martin Nodell (accepted by his son, Spencer), autobiographical comics writer Harvey Pekar (accepted by his wife, Joyce Brabner), comics writer/editor Roy Thomas, pioneer graphic novelist Lynd Ward (accepted by his daughter, Robin Ward Savage), and comics writer/artist Marv Wolfman.

Among the other awards given out over the evening were the Comic-Con's Clampett and Manning awards. The Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, presented by Bob's daughter Ruth, went to Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, for his efforts for animal welfare. The Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award went to Nate Simpson (writer/artist of Nonplayer, published by Image Comics) and was presented by past Manning recipient Chris Bailey.

The seventh annual Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing was presented by Mark Evanier to 93-year-old Del Connell (prolific Dell Comics/Disney writer, Space Family Robinson), accepted by his son, Brady, and to the late Bob Haney (Metamorpho, Brave & the Bold, Doom Patrol), whose award was accepted by Ramona Fradon. Maggie Thompson (editor of Comics Buyers Guide) introduced the special In Memoriam video salute.

The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, given to a store that has done an outstanding job of supporting the comics art medium both in the community and within the industry at large, went to Comics & Vegetables of Tel Aviv, Israel. Baby Tattoo, publishers of books for kids and adults, sponsored the retailer award.

The title sponsor for this year's Eisner Awards was Advanced Micro Devices which gave away a free computer to a lucky audience member. The principal sponsors were Gentle Giant Studios and Lebonfon Printing. Supporting sponsors were Alternate Reality Comics of Las Vegas; Atlantis Fantasyworld of Santa Cruz, CA; Diamond Comic Distributors; Flying Colors and Other Cool Stuff of Concord, CA; mycomicshop.com; Strange Adventures of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Warp 1 of Edmonton, Alberta; and Mel Thompson and Associates.

The Eisner Awards are part of, and underwritten by, Comic-Con International: San Diego, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of comics to art and culture.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 27 2011

DC COMICS

MAY110188 ACTION COMICS #903 (DOOMSDAY) $2.99

NOV100304 AME COMI BATGIRL V.1 BLACK SUIT VARIANT PVC FIGURE $60.00

NOV100303 AME COMI CATWOMAN V.2 BLUE SUIT VARIANT PVC FIG $60.00

MAY110286 AMERICAN VAMPIRE #17 (MR) $2.99

MAR110348 BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM HC VOL 03 HOUSE OF HUSH $22.99

MAY110201 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #4 (RES) $2.99

APR110195 BLACKEST NIGHT RISE OF THE BLACK LANTERNS TP $19.99

APR110196 BLACKEST NIGHT TALES OF THE CORPS TP $19.99

MAY110182 BRIGHTEST DAY AFTERMATH SEARCH FOR SWAMP THING #2 (OF 3) $2.99

MAY110274 CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #62 $2.99

MAY110238 DC COMICS PRESENTS SHAZAM #1 $7.99

MAY110194 DC RETROACTIVE GREEN LANTERN THE 70S #1 $4.99

MAY110196 DC RETROACTIVE JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA THE 70S #1 $4.99

MAY110191 DC RETROACTIVE SUPERMAN THE 70S #1 $4.99

MAY110200 DETECTIVE COMICS #880 $2.99

MAY110288 FABLES #107 (MR) $2.99

MAY118213 FLASHPOINT ABIN SUR THE GREEN LANTERN #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG $2.99

MAY110181 FLASHPOINT HAL JORDAN #2 (OF 3) $2.99

MAY110179 FLASHPOINT KID FLASH LOST #2 (OF 3) $2.99

MAY110177 FLASHPOINT LOIS LANE AND THE RESISTANCE #2 (OF 3) $2.99

MAY110180 FLASHPOINT PROJECT SUPERMAN #2 (OF 3) $2.99

APR110231 GEARS OF WAR #18 (MR) $2.99

MAY110211 GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #25 $2.99

MAY110222 GREEN ARROW #14 $2.99

MAY110158 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #62 $2.99

MAY110160 GREEN LANTERN EMERALD WARRIORS #12 $2.99

NOV100297 HEROES OF THE DCU BLACKEST NIGHT ATROCITUS BUST $70.00

NOV100301 HEROES OF THE DCU HAWK BUST $70.00

MAR110354 JUSTICE HC $39.99

MAY110223 JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #53 $2.99

NOV100298 RED LANTERN 1/4 SCALE POWER BATTERY & RING PROP $35.00

MAY110231 TEEN TITANS #98 $2.99

NOV100302 WOMEN OF THE DCU SER 3 DOVE BUST $70.00

MAY110218 WONDER WOMAN #613 $2.99

MAY110234 XOMBI #5 $2.99

MAY110272 YOUNG JUSTICE #6 $2.99