Eagle Awards Announces Talent Competition

LONGRUNNING COMICBOOK AWARDS LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE TALENT SEARCH

THE EAGLE Awards committee is to offer untried talent a chance to demonstrate their abilities before a global audience.

Unveiled at last weekend’s Bristol International Comics and Small Press Expo, the Eagles Initiative provides a unique platform from which the next generation of writers and artists can promote their storytelling ability in an increasingly competitive market.

"I've always thought the Eagles could take a far more progressive and proactive role in the comics industry, especially within the UK which has such an untapped and unsupported pool of talent," explains Initiative director Barry Renshaw. "When I was asked to rebrand the Eagle Awards themselves last year, I pitched the idea of the Initiative to the committee and it soon snowballed into something far more expansive."

Eagle Awards chair Cassandra Conroy commented, "When Barry came to me with the idea I thought it was the best way to expand and relaunch the Eagles brand; considering the Eagles receive global recognition I believed this would help the industry discover new talent not just from here and the USA, but from places we wouldn't perhaps expect."

In what is an unprecedented global talent search, entrants will be asked to submit an original self-contained illustrated story. The thousands of projected entries will be assessed by a hand-picked jury of comics readers, which will present a final dozen to the panel of judges comprising many of the comics industry's top talents. Among those who have already agreed to participate are Peter Bagge, Karen Berger, Chris Claremont, David Finch, Dave Gibbons, Geoff Johns, Gilbert Shelton, Jeff Smith, Bryan Talbot, Ethan Van Sciver, Mark Waid and Brian Wood.

The judges will select a top three from the final 12 with the winner be awarded a £1,000 cash prize. The runner up will win £500 with the third place submission being given £250. All three stories are to be included in the Initiative Anthology, which will be released as a print publication and in multiple languages across the digital media.

"The Initiative is the first stage in a several year plan to reform the Eagles into a tool for developing new talent, for educating young people about the potential in the medium, and to help connect the many disparate elements of the comics industry together," added Renshaw. "As an example, we have creators, editors, publishers, journalists, festival organisers, distributors and academics from across the world among our judges.”

Established as an annual event and with the emphasis very much on storytelling, the inaugural competition aspect gets underway on July 1, 2010, when the Initiative will open for submissions.

Expressing his support for the Eagle Initiative, BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Mark Waid said, “This medium is nothing without new talent, young blood, and fresh perspectives.

“It's our responsibility to nurture the next generation of creators and share what we've learned – and, in return, learn from and be energised by them. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get into this,” added Waid whose numerous writing credits include Kingdom Come, The Flash, Impulse, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Irredeemable.

A fellow judge, former Wonder Woman and Avengers artist Mike Deodato Jr said, “Getting a foot in the door of any business, in addition to talent and skills, is often a matter of ‘who you know’ – or, more important, who knows you. Some people do it through attending art schools. Others are lucky enough to land savvy agents who teach as well as trawl for jobs. Many don't get such opportunities. If the Eagles Initiative can get more fresh talent into the sights of editors and fans, that's a great thing – for the talent in particular and for our industry in general.”

For further details on the Initiative, a full list of judges and complete submission guidelines, go to http://www.eaglesinitiative.com/. For press enquiries, contact director Barry Renshaw: editor@enginecomics.co.uk. For further details on the Eagle Awards, contact Cassandra Conroy: eagleawards@gmail.com.


ABOUT THE EAGLE AWARDS:
Introduced in 1976, the Eagles are the comics industry's longest established awards. Unique in that they reflect the people's choice, they are awarded by fans who vote for their favourite in each category of the awards. They are named after the fondly remembered 1950's British comic anthology Eagle, and were originated by two British fans, Mike Conroy and Richard Burton. The awards proved to be successful, with American publishers such as Marvel Comics announcing their victories with pride. They have relaunched in 2010 with a new look, a new mandate and a new vision for the future.

ABOUT BARRY RENSHAW:
Barry Renshaw has been an active creator in the UK independent comics industry for over a decade, as publisher of his own Engine Comics imprint, the award winning Redeye Magazine, and the popular How to Self Publish - A Rough Guide, as well as running or appearing at various workshops, seminars and panels over the years. He was asked to join the Eagle Awards committee in 2009 to help reinvent the brand, and saw an opportunity for the Awards to play a more progressive and proactive role in the comics industry. The Initiative is the first part of that expanded role.

ABOUT CASSANDRA CONROY:
Cassandra Conroy has been a regular presence on the UK convention scene for several years. In 2008, her father Mike Conroy handed over the running of the Eagle Awards to Cassandra, who has worked on Eaglemoss’s Classic Marvel Figurine Collection and DC Comics Super Hero Collection.

Welcome Back!

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.

My name is Leroy Douresseaux, and I have another blog: http://www.negromancer.com/. I also write for the Comic Book Bin, which has its own iPhone app

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

Slam Dunk Meets Allen Iverson

I read Slam Dunk, Vol. 10

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (iPhone app available).  Allen Iverson is the back feature in this volume.

New Issue of George Perez Magazine Now Available

from publisher Tony Lorenz:

PACESETTER: THE GEORGE PEREZ MAGAZINE #10

After a year and a half since the last issue, a new issue of PACESETTER is now available. This marks the 10-year anniversary of The George Pérez Newsletter/PACESETTER magazine. 13 issues in total have been published over the last 10 years.

This issue of PACESETTER #10 is an Avengers-themed issue, 72-pages, perfect bound format with glossy full color cover that retails for $9.95. PACESETTER gets major inspiration from the Kirby Collector magazine. Each issue has articles, artwork (many never-before-seen images... and in this issue you get over 20 penciled pages of George’s work on the Avengers), interviews (this issue as the legendary artist Pablo Marcos), theme checklist, trivia, news and much more….

There is one major change to PACESETTER: with this issue it will sadly be no longer available through Diamond's PREVIEW catalog. Like many other Americans that have been affected by the economy, I can no longer afford to go through Diamond at this time. But thanks to the relatively new print-on-demand option, it breathes new life into my magazine. To order copies of PACESETTER #10 you go to the following link below. At Lulu.com, they even offer a free summer shipping option, and accept payment via PayPal and credit cards.

http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/pacesetter-%2310/10993644

Next issue is the Teen Titans anniversary issue. I’m looking for artwork for the gallery section. For more info on how to contribute, drop me an e-mail at TLorenzp@yahoo.com. Everyone that contributes gets a free copy of the issue that your material appears in, plus credit in the issue, and George receives every issue. I am looking for material for future issuse, because my magazine is only as good as the contributions. Again, drop me an e-mail at TLorenzp@yahoo.com.

We go by the simple motto: FOR PEREZ FANS, BY PEREZ FANS

Megan Kelson at Fantagraphics Bookstore

Megan Kelso’s ARTICHOKE TALES at Fantagraphics Bookstore on June 12

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery hosts an art exhibition and book launch party for Seattle-based cartoonist Megan Kelso’s new graphic novel ARTICHOKE TALES on Saturday, June 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

A graduate of alternative cartoonist breeding ground The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, Megan Kelso burst onto the comics scene in the early 90s with her provocative self-published zine Girlhero. She has since proved herself a master of the cartoon short story with Queen of the Black Black (1998) and The Squirrel Mother (2006), in addition to the weekly serial “Watergate Sue” published in the New York Times Magazine (2007).

ARTICHOKE TALES is a coming of age story about a young girl whose family is caught between the two warring sides of a civil war. Kelso’s visual storytelling, combining delicate line work with rhythmic page compositions, creates a dramatic tension between intimate character studies and the unflinching depiction of the consequences of war, lending cohesion and resonance to a generational epic. The widespread critical acclaim afforded Kelso’s previous work makes Artichoke Tales one of the most eagerly anticipated graphic novels of 2010.

The reception on Saturday, June 12 coincides with the colorful Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack featuring visual and performing arts presentations throughout the historic industrial arts district. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street at Airport Way S. in the heart of Georgetown. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110. Please join us on June 12 to celebrate the work is this remarkable artist.

Listing Information:
MEGAN KELSO: ARTICHOKE TALES
Artist reception and Book signing Saturday, June 12, 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Exhibition continues through July 7, 2010

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.)
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone 206.658.0110
Open Daily 11:30 – 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM
http://www.fantagraphics.com/

Vampire Knight the Battle of Cross Academy

I read Vampire Knight, Vol. 10

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an update of their iPhone app).

Steve Scott at AdventureCon

From Eva Ink:

Steve Scott Heads Off for Adventure!-- AdventureCon that is!

You won't find a more beautiful spot for a convention than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, so why wouldn't you want to head there this weekend and join the Adventure-- AdventureCon that is! X-Men and Indiana Jones artist Steve Scott sure is!

Known for his work on "Razor" for London Knights, Indiana Jones for Dark Horse, X-Men for Marvel and most recently a Green Lantern special project for DC Comics, one of Steve's favorite venues is AdventureCon.

"I always look forward to coming back to this show that has an awesome legion of fans, and hospitable promoters," says Steve. "In an unbelievable location."

In his illustration career, Steve has had the pleasure of penciling numerous titles including: "New Warriors," "Hourman," and "JLA" just to name a few. In addition, he is the only artist tapped by DC to do any work for the "Batman Dark Knight" movie featuring the now legendary Joker turn by Hearth Ledger. Steve's work and rendition of this actor as the Joker can be found in the exclusive blue-ray package of the hit movie!

Other projects at Marvel Comics, and DC Comics include working with industry legends Louise Simonson and Chris Claremont on the titles "Magik" and "Exiles." As well as titles in the successful Marvel Adventures line including: Fantastic Four, Avengers, and the Hulk. In addition to this ever growing list of published comics, cards, and other related illustrations, Steve also penciled "Kyle XY" for Disney/ABC with writer Jeff Parker.

If you are a fan of the television show, "Smallville," you no doubt have also seen Steve's flash animation work used in that shows production, as well. Steve is currently working on a new flash animation project to be announced soon!

It's no wonder that Steve has the distinction of having his work owned by numerous collectors worldwide, including director George Lucas himself!

Scott will be at the convention all three days of the show available for signing and sketching, as well as offering several exclusive prints! So come on by.

Held at the Pigeon Forge Convention Center at the Grand Resort Hotel, May 28th-30th, this year's AdventureCon promises to offer tons of excitement with a guest list that includes, in addition to Steve Scott: Marv Wolfman, Arthur Suydam, Gary Friedrich, Tom Feister, Billy Dee Williams, Charisma Carpenter, and many more, in addition to celebrity guests, independent film pros and even some awesome celebrity vehicles for you to take your pic with!

For more information go to: www.adventurecon.com. For more information on Steve Scott, contact Eva Ink Artist Group at evaink@aol.com