Boise State Football Team to the White House?

Sounds like a good idea from Senator Orrin Hatch, as related in this Fanhouse article.

Paul Cornell, Andy Diggle and More at Forbidden Planet

Press release from Forbidden Planet:

TOP COMICS TALENT SIGNING AT FORBIDDEN PLANET

Forbidden Planet London is the flagship of comics retail industry, the mecca of geek and the largest store of its kind in the world.

And we’re delighted to be welcoming: -

Thursday 28th January 6 – 7pm: PAUL CORNELL signing Captain Britain
Thursday 4th February 5:30 – 7pm: THE 45 EVENT from Com.X
Friday 25th February 6 – 7pm: ANDY DIGGLE & JOCK signing The Losers

In Captain Britain and MI13: Vampire State, Paul brings us the tale of the King of the Vampires – and he’s back! What does he want with Spitfire? And how will an election help his cause? Surely Captain Britain and the rest of MI13 have a way to defeat him! Plus: Meggan is Captain Britain's wife, an X-Man in Hell. she get back to Earth in time to help her husband turn back Dracula and his evil invasion?

Our ‘45’ event brings together Andi Ewington and an all-star creator-cast for one of our famous and trademark free-form signings – no tables, no queues. With an array of fantastic Com.X titles on hand, this event blows away the barriers and gives readers and fans a change to mix and chat on a less formal level, grab some great sketches, and really find out what goes on in the world of comics!

Needing no introduction, The Losers was winner of the Best New Comic, National Comics Awards 2004, and nominated for the Best New Series, Eisner Awards 2004 – and it’s now a major motion picture. Come and meet the creators!

Some of the biggest names in Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comics and Cult Entertainment have come to the FORBIDDEN PLANET London Megastore for signing events, including: Sam Raimi, Guillermo del Toro, Terry Gilliam, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, William Gibson, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett and Stephen King.

For more news about our signings please go to: http://forbiddenplanet.com/events/ [END]

Bluewater Comics Shipping in April 2010

Press release from Bluewater Productions:

Bluewater Comics for April 2010


Logan's Run #4
Artist(s): Daniel Gete
Cover Artist(s): Matt Bellisle & Greg Hiatt

WELCOME TO HELL! Logan and Jessica’s flight to Sanctuary takes them to the farthest reaches of the North, a thousand miles of dead glare-ice wilderness. Here they must face off against the ruthless Warden and his horde of cannibalistic prisoners as well as a half-crazed cyborg named Box who may or may not have altruistic intentions for the runners.

FAITH SERIES: JESUS CHRIST
Author(s): Don Smith
Artist(s): TBD
Cover Artist(s): Mike S. Miller

Bluewater Productions has pioneered and popularized the "bio-comic" genre with its series "Female Force" and "Political Power." Now Bluewater will make history again as it tackles the life of, arguably the most famous person in history, Jesus Christ. The book highlights different aspects of the life of Christ to show that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a great man in history, but proof of a providential force at work in the universe.

The Claw and Fang
Writer: Mike Kutcher
Artist(s): Matias Basla
Cover Artist(s): A - Dan Brenton, B - Matias Basla, C - G.M.B Chomichuk, D - Steven Babb

A warrior king will be reborn! Hunted to extinction by a renegade Demon, the Firewoman is the last of her kind. She survives driven only by the hope she can bestow her power upon the one person able to restore balance, but the one she seeks has given up on life in the real world preferring a virtual one.

Roger Corman's: Battle Amongst The Stars #2
Writer: Martin Fisher
Pencils: Ben Hansen
Cover Artist(s): Ben Hansen & Azim

On the planet Olphen, a small group of alien defenders are preparing its people for the possible attack by the Malmori as they seek their reproductive technology. Meanwhile Zed and Corin are captured by Remlar, and he charges Sador to get the location of the Olphen planet from them, by any means necessary.

The Legend of Isis #12
Writer: Aaron Stueve
Pencils: Pedro Ponzo
Cover Artist(s): Jossie Lara & John Lam from IMAGE COMICS

Gaia reveals the truth to Isis . . . Isis doesn't take it well. Meanwhile, Scarab Queen and Lynx return to cause havoc in L. A., and Mr. Frederick figures everything out as "The Machinations of Dr. Love" comes to its climactic ending.

Female Force: Sonia Sotomayor
Author(s): Robert Schnakenberg
Artist(s): Cesar Feliciano
Joshua Labello with Azim

The Supremes have a new member! Meet the latest justice to don the black robes of America's highest court. Sonia Sotomayor rose from humble beginnings in a Bronx housing project to become only the third woman and the first Latina to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. Relive her historic journey in a comic book biography that's ripped from today's headlines.

Political Power: Rush Limbaugh
Author(s): Don Smith
Artist(s): J.B. Fernandes
Cover Artist(s): Jim McDermott

He has been called "the most dangerous man in America" as well as "the leader of a vast Right Wing Conspiracy." And many politicians, news pundits and commentators have asked, "Is he good for America?" Those questions are discussed, as well as the revealing story of how a simple football fan from Missouri changed not only the faces of the news industry and radio industry, but with the help of 20 million listeners a week, Rush Limbaugh changed the face of modern politics.

William Shatner Presents: Man O' War #3
Author(s): C.J. Henderson
Artist(s): Pat Broderick
Cover Artist(s): Pat Broderick

Benton Hawkes finally makes it to Mars, but the mystery that dragged him there only deepens. While trying to hammer out an agreement between the workers there and the Earth government, he barely escapes two more attempts on his life, only to discover that one of few people he has come to trust since leaving Earth is the main assassin assigned to kill him!

Vincent Price Presents #18
Author(s): Paul J. Salamoff
Artist(s): James Reekie
Cover Artist(s): Bill Zahn from PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS

A journey past a forbidding cornfield transforms into a nightmare for 9yr old Bobby Hollister when the local bullies force him to retrieve the mask from the nightmarish Scarecrow that watches over the crop. But things aren't always what they seem in this new tale of terror from Vincent Price because stuffing and straw are not the only thing sheathed beneath the scarecrow's mask. With a special cover by PIXAR artist Bill Zahn!

VSS Nemesis Rising (GRAPHIC NOVEL)
Author(s): Terrence Griep
Artist(s): Nadir Balan
Cover Artist(s): Nadir Balan

They say it takes a thief to catch a thief, and the glamorous field agents of VSS put this tenant to the test when they allow their newest member, the American sneak-thief Scarlet, to take point on her first full mission: hoping to derail on imminent coronation, an unknown scoundrel has stolen the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. It's up to Lark, Raven, Brooke, and Scarlet to steal back these vibrant symbols of the monarchy they have be paid to protect. But which of her teammates is spying on Scarlet? And why? It's thief versus thief and spy versus spy in this high-impact thriller produced by creator Darren Davis who joins writer Terrence Griep and artist Nadir Balan. [END]

Mothers and Sons

I finished reading Vagabond, Volume 31 (Vagabond (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review on the Comic Book Bin.

Moonstone Books Announces "The Phantom: Unmasked"

From Moonstone Books:

The Phantom: Unmasked #1 (of 2)

Story: Martin Powell
Art: Hannibal King
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Covers: Franchesco, Jahbulani Ori
32pgs, color, $3.99

A dying billionaire induces a brilliant investigator to bring back proof of Life after Death, worth a million dollar reward. She encounters rumors of the legendary Ghost Who Walks, perilously pursuing his secrets into the Deep Woods. Little does she realize that her billionaire benefactor is playing them both, with a sinister agenda, and a vicious vendetta, against the Man Who Cannot Die!

(Franchesco cover=75%, Ori=25%)
*RETAILER INCENTIVE: any order of 4 or more, & receive one free copy. [END]

Top Shelf Production Announces New Investment Deal

Apparently, Top Shelf Productions has new investor/owners, as the following press release states.
Press release from Top Shelf Productions:

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT DEAL WITH JOHN S. JOHNSON AND PRODUCER ANTHONY BREGMAN


Co-Publishers Chris Staros and Brett Warnock of independent graphic novel and comic book publisher Top Shelf Productions (www.topshelfcomix.com) announced today that it has entered into a capital investment deal with new media entrepreneur John S. Johnson, and independent film producer Anthony Bregman.

Johnson, and Likely Story, Bregman's film production company, have purchased a 33% interest in Top Shelf Productions, Inc. Johnson will join the board of Top Shelf, and Likely Story will get a first-look deal for all new Top Shelf publications for possible film and TV development.

This deal represents a supportive investment in the company; one that leaves Chris Staros and Brett Warnock as majority stockholders (and firmly in control of the company), but also brings to bear the resources, skills and connections of John and Anthony in helping the company expand and grow over time.

The first project slated for development by Likely Story is Alex Robinson's critically acclaimed "Too Cool to Be Forgotten," named one of Amazon.com's Top Ten Graphic Novels of the Year and considered his best work to date.

TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN tells the story of a 40-something father of two who undergoes hypnosis therapy to quit smoking, only to transport back to 1985 and his formative years as a gangly, awkward teenager. Forced to live through his high school years with all the knowledge of his later life; uncertain whether he is destined to relive the mistakes of his past or if he has been given a second chance to get things right.

Publisher Chris Staros elaborates on the history of the deal:

"I've personally been friends with producer Anthony Bregman for over five years, and have looked up to him as a mentor and advisor over those many years. Every time we'd meet in New York or talk on the phone -- despite the 'two zeros' difference in our budgets and revenues -- we recognized the fact that we were kindred spirits, shepherding projects to the world that we simply believed in. Top Shelf and Likely Story [Bregman's production company] both put art before commerce, but also celebrate those magical moments when art meets commerce, and a project that was built from the ground up becomes a success.

"Two years ago, I casually mentioned that while I loved every aspect of running Top Shelf, Brett and I were starting to get worn out with being the 'personal banks' for the company, and by the stress that this brought during the rocky periods that publishing undergoes. Coincidentally, at that time, John S. Johnson, a long-time friend of Anthony's (and big fan of literary graphic novels) mentioned to him that he was toying with the idea of graphic novel publishing, to possibly make it a part of his other new media interests. Anthony suggested we all meet, and over the last couple of years, our mutual friendship, common interests and goals, and respect for each other developed to the point that we decided to work together as partners in the future of Top Shelf.

"Behind the scenes, Top Shelf has been presented with several investment proposals over the years, but most of them were either proposals to buy out the company, purchase a controlling interest, or use the name of the company to do something different than what we had built our reputation on. What we really wanted, and what we have now, are people who believe in what we do and want to help it grow without changing what we are doing. The deal that is in place now leaves Brett and me firmly in control of the company, and simply adds the capital, resources, and connections for new media and film that John and Anthony bring to the table.

"As a result, Anthony Bregman will get a first-look at all new Top Shelf publications for possible development in Hollywood, and John S. Johnson, as the primary financier of the deal, will become a member of the Board of Directors (along with Brett and I), and the key link to all the online and other new media applications for the Top Shelf line."


TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS is the literary graphic novel and comics publisher best known for its ability to discover and showcase the vanguard of the comics scene. Founded by Co-Publisher Brett Warnock in 1995, and partnered by Co-Publisher Chris Staros in 1997, Top Shelf has produced over two hundred graphic novels and comics that have helped to revitalize interest in comics as a literary art form. Most notably, Alan Moore's FROM HELL, LOST GIRLS, and THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN; Craig Thompson's BLANKETS; Andy Runton's OWLY; Robert Venditti & Brett Weldele's THE SURROGATES, Jeff Lemire's ESSEX COUNTY, and Jeffrey Brown's CLUMSY & UNLIKELY, all of which have garnered critical accolades from the likes of Time Magazine, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, Publishers Weekly, The New Yorker, and the New York Times Book Review.

JOHN S. JOHNSON is the founder and chairperson of the Pacific Foundation, which funds innovation in the arts, environment and social justice. He is co-founder of buzzfeed.com, a startup company that tracks the viral web in real time. Johnson conceived and founded, EYEBEAM, a MacArthur and NEA funded, pioneering art and technology center for hackers, artists, and educators that facilitates workshops for the general public, artist residencies and research fellowships. He is also the founder of The Screenwriters Colony, an all-expense-paid retreat and workshop on the island of Nantucket that offers promising screenwriters in the early stage of their careers a place to work and live under the guidance of established film professionals. Johnson is executive director of the Harmony Institute, a research center studying the application of behavioral science to mainstream media. Johnson is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.

ANTHONY BREGMAN, producer, founded the New York City-based production company Likely Story in the fall of 2006. Bregman and Likely Story have two films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this month: PLEASE GIVE, written and directed by Nicole Holofcener (starring Catherine Keener, Rebecca Hall, Amanda Peet and Oliver Platt); and THE EXTRA MAN, written and directed by Bob Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman (starring Kevin Kline, Paul Dano, John C. Reilly, and Katie Holmes). Bregman produced SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK, written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, which Roger Ebert recently named "The best film of the decade"; SLEEP DEALER, written and directed by Alex Rivera, which won prizes at the 2008 Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals; the Academy Award-winning ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, FRIENDS WITH MONEY, THUMBSUCKER, THE EX, LOVELY & AMAZING, HUMAN NATURE, THE TAO OF STEVE, CARRIERS, LUMINOUS MOTION, and LOVE GOD, the world's first digital film. Previous to Likely Story, Bregman was a partner at This is That for four years, and spent ten years as head of production at Good Machine, where he supervised the production and post production of over thirty feature films, including SENSE & SENSIBILITY, EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN, WALKING & TALKING, WHAT HAPPENED WAS..., THE WEDDING BANQUET, and SAFE. Bregman also teaches producing at Columbia University's Graduate Film School, and is on the board of the IFP. [END]

The Phantom and Captain Action Union Concludes

Press release from Moonstone Books:

PHANTOM-CAPTAIN ACTION #2 (of 2)

Story: Mike Bullock, Art: Reno Maniquis
Cover A: Art Thibert, Cover B: Mark Sparacio,
40pgs, color, $4.50

The over-sized conclusion!

Together again for the first time! The Phantom and Captain Action were forever united in the 1960s when the original Captain Action toy was released with a Phantom costume, allowing Cap to “transform” into the Ghost Who Walks. Now, the two timeless titans collide in the first concussive crossover ever created.

Captain Action and Diana have tracked down the Phantom’s kidnappers, but when the bullets start flying, and their plan is shot full of holes, the entire world may come crashing down around them before their mission is accomplished. Guest Starring Lady Action!

(Cover A = 85%, Cover B = 15%)
**RETAILER INCENTIVE: for every 5 copies purchased, you can purchase one copy of the Art Thibert b/w close up virgin variant, retail = $3.99 [END]