Friday, October 1, 2010

New Okko: The Cycle of Air Now in Stores

OKKO: THE CYCLE OF AIR #3

Retail Price: $3.95 U.S.
Page Count: 32 pages
Format: 6.875” x 10.25”, full color
On-sale Date: September 29, 2010
Written, illustrated and cover by Hub

Left for dead after a terrible duel, Okko lies abandoned in the countryside as the Celestial Winds rise and the season of kamikaze cocoons begins. His traveling companions have but one thought: to avenge their friend and master. But can they, even together, hope to defeat that killing machine, the dread demon hunter known as Kubban Kiritsu?

Teen + 13 (this series contains material suitable for (Teen Readers 13 and above)

Todd McFarlane Art Book Coming in December



THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
 
Image Comics presents the perfect holiday gift this December with THE ART OF TODD McFARLANE

When you're writing your holiday wish list, don't forget to include THE ART OF TODD McFARLANE: THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS -- Todd McFarlane's first-ever art book!

This oversized hardcover showcases for the first time Todd McFarlane's unique art style, which forever changed the landscape of comic book art when he burst onto the scene in the 1980s. THE ART OF TODD McFARLANE features art from original comic art boards; rare, never-before-seen sketches; and images from McFarlane's work on Batman, Spider-Man and the Hulk (amongst many others), as well as McFarlane's own top-selling creation, SPAWN. The book also includes selected commentary by the artist himself.

"This book is 20 years in the making and follows my decades of trying to learn this craft of drawing and comics," relates McFarlane. "I'm hoping this book will be an inspiration to young artists, not so much from my advanced pages, but from the raw, undeveloped drawing I entered the industry with. It took me quite a few years to go from adequate to someone who wasn't afraid of where the next job would come from. I'm hoping this art book shows the evolution of my style, and will be a positive message to those that have aspirations to be in this industry. I also hope it will be entertaining to those who have followed my career, seeing that I didn't come out of the shoot fully formed artistically."

THE ART OF TODD McFARLANE: THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS, a 300-page full-color oversized hardcover for $64.99 (OCT100465), will be in stores December 1, 2010. The regular edition will be limited to 5,000 copies while the signed and numbered edition, which retails for $100 (OCT100466), will be limited to only 300 copies. Don't miss your chance to get the perfect gift, whether for a loved one or for yourself!


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit http://www.imagecomics.com/.

Welcome to I Reads You October 2010

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

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

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

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Radical Comics Offers Prizes for Reviews

Press release:

REVIEW AND WIN WITH RADICAL

Sept 22nd, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – If you’re a Facebook fan of Radical Publishing, you could easily win free signed comics from both Rick Remender and Clint Langley. All you have to do is read and post a review on Radical Publishing’s Facebook Fan page for DRIVER FOR THE DEAD #2, on sale September 29th. The reviewer with the greatest number of both “likes” and “comments” will win:

- One copy of THE LAST DAYS OF AMERICAN CRIME #1 signed by Rick Remender
- One copy of HERCULES: THE KNIVES OF KUSH #1 signed by Clint Langley

Created and written by John Heffernan with illustrations from Leonardo Manco, DRIVER FOR THE DEAD has already received overwhelming praise since the first issue hit the stands.

"If you’re looking for a fun ride, look no further. DRIVER FOR THE DEAD #1 literally puts the pedal to the metal, plows through anyone (or anything) in its way and never looks back." - Fangoria

"... Writing and visuals that are virtually cinematic in caliber and scope." - Philadelphia Daily News

"Hang onto your seats because DRIVER FOR THE DEAD promises to take you on a helluva ride." - Buzz Focus

"... A fun story and kick-ass art. Simply put, it's one cool comic." - Player Affinity

Each Facebook account is limited to one review and the deadline for reviews is 12:00 A.M. PST on October 5th. Contact your local comic book retailer to reserve your copy of Driver for the Dead #2 and inspire your network of friends to help you win.


About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (producer for Hercules, Caliber, Freedom Formula, Shrapnel, Abattoir, Oblivion, The Last Days of American Crime, Legends, Damaged, Earp: Saints for Sinners and executive producer for the in-development Rex Mundi movie for Warner Bros., written by Jim Uhls and starring Johnny Depp) and entrepreneur Jesse Berger (executive producer for Hercules, Caliber, Freedom Formula, Shrapnel, Abattoir, Oblivion, The Last Days of American Crime, Legends, Damaged and Earp: Saints for Sinners).

For their quality and excellence in 2008, Radical Publishing was granted the Gem Award for “Best New Publisher of the Year” from Diamond Comic Distributors. Radical brings the best writing, storytelling, and fully painted cover and interior art to the global comic book market and currently has production deals with Spyglass Entertainment and Peter Berg’s Film 44 for Hercules, with Johnny Depp's Infinitum Nihil for Caliber, New Regency and Bryan Singer’s Bad Hat Harry Productions for Freedom Formula, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment for Legends, Dreamworks, Sam Raimi’s Star Road Entertainment and Mandeville Films for Earp: Saints for Sinners as well as Walt Disney Pictures for Oblivion. For more information, visit http://www.radicalpublishing.com/.

Bluewater Does Mark Zuckerberg Bio Comic



“MARK ZUCKERBERG: CREATOR OF FACEBOOK” A DIFFERENT KIND OF COMIC BOOK BIOGRAPHY FROM BLUEWATER
 
In December, Bluewater Productions is publishing a biographical comic book called "Mark Zuckerberg: Creator of Facebook", a 48 page giant sized issue priced at $6.99. Written by Jerome Maida and penciled by Sal Field, with cover art by Michal Szyksznian, it will be available from comic book stores and online retailers.

Who is the real Mark Zuckerberg? The answer, of course, is somewhere in between and Bluewater Productions is announcing it is filling that gap and exploring the background of the website's founder in the medium of comic books.

The young billionaire and creator and CEO of Facebook who announced recently that he is generously donating $100 million to public schools in Newark? Or the cold-blooded businessman who walks over people to get what he wants - the way he is portrayed in the critically acclaimed movie "The Social Network".

"This is a fascinating story" says Maida. "I enjoyed researching it because it's extremely compelling. Think about it. Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire on the planet and created something that has already had a profound impact on the world. Yet hardly anyone knows much about him. It's amazing."

The road to success, Maida says, was not preordained nor was it always a smooth ride.

"Mark was offered loads of money at a young age and turned all his suitors down because deep down he knew he had higher goals than to work for someone else", says Maida. "Bill Gates offered Mark a million dollars while Mark was still in high school to work for him and Mark turned it down. I mean, how many high school kids will ever be made an offer like that? Very few. And how many would have the confidence to turn it down and pursue their own path? Very few, if any. But that's what Mark did."

Of course, Mark wasn't able to do everything on his own. He received help to various degrees and in different capacities from others. Many of these business relationships did not end well.

"Rightly or wrongly, Mark dealt harshly with some people on his way to where he is today", says Maida. " As we see, he left many people feeling betrayed. I try my best to be fair here. No one is totally innocent in this story. I try to represent each of the major players' point of view."

“Bluewater is looking to tell unique stories that are just not about celebrities”. Said publisher Darren G. Davis “The 1st biography one shot we are doing is about Father Yod and The Source Family and Mark Zukerberg will follow the next month. These books are not only good reading to get to know the subjects but are also being used as a tool in schools and libraries. ”

"Mark Zuckerberg: Creator of Facebook" will hit shelves in December but will be available to order at bookstores, comic stores or online at www.tfaw.com.


About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

Following its commitment to green publishing, Bluewater comic books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. FSC certification guarantees that the paper used in Bluewater books contains fiber from well managed and responsibility harvested forests that meet strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.

For more information, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/.

Crack Comics #63 Appears 61 Years Later

THE NEXT GOLDEN AGE

Image Comics continues the NEXT ISSUE PROJECT with CRACK COMICS #63

In December, another Golden Age classic will get its next issue with the NEXT ISSUE PROJECT: CRACK COMICS #63.

The NEXT ISSUE PROJECT: CRACK COMICS #63 picks up where Quality Comics' CRACK COMICS #62 left off in 1949, with all-new stories by modern day creators. The all-star line up includes ALAN WEISS (Captain America, Amazing Spider-Man, Tom Strong), ERIK LARSEN (SAVAGE DRAGON, Amazing Spider-Man), HERB TRIMPE (The Incredible Hulk, BPRD: The War on Frogs), PAUL MAYBURY (POPGUN, COMIC BOOK TATTOO), TERRY AUSTIN (Uncanny X-Men, Superman Adventures, Green Lantern), ADAM McGOVERN (Dr. Id), PAOLO LEANDRI (Dr. Id) & CHRIS BURNHAM (OFFICER DOWNE, ELEPHANTMEN). Weiss provided the cover, and MIKE ALLRED (MADMAN) contributed a gorgeous variant cover.

"The NEXT ISSUE PROJECT is for any fan of comics, not just fans of Golden Age books," says editor Erik Larsen. "Often, the promise of Golden Age comics -- where creators were making up the rules as they went along and were blazing new trails -- was more exciting than the reality of Golden Age comics, where creators were essentially mimicking some of the same dull formulaic writing found in other mediums at the time. Everyone who contributed to CRACK COMICS #63 was intent on fulfilling the promise of the Golden Age and delivering a book that was more than a mere homage, but also a thrilling glimpse of what comics could be -- if only creators were allowed to run wild with the characters they were handed! These creative dynamos jumped at the chance to present their own take on these Golden Age heroes and demonstrate comics' true potential!"

NEXT ISSUE PROJECT: CRACK COMICS #63: Captain Triumph! The Clock! Spitfire! Molly the Model! Alias the Spider! Space Legion! Some of the greatest creations from yesterday are brought back to life by some of the greatest creators of today! Fans have marveled over the years as, one by one, characters from comics' Golden Age have been revived for a modern audience. The NEXT ISSUE PROJECT is an ongoing series that continues a classic discontinued title for a modern audience! All stories are complete, self-contained and cool as all hell! All books are Golden Age sized, but these aren't simply an homage to Golden Age comics: They're updated classics by modern masters for a new generation!

NEXT ISSUE PROJECT: CRACK COMICS #63 (Weiss: OCT100451; Allred: OCT100452), a 48-page full-color Golden Age sized comic book for $4.99, will be in stores December 22, 2010. Previous issues of Next Issue Project -- NEXT ISSUE PROJECT #1: FANTASTIC COMICS #24 (OCT071967) and NEXT ISSUE PROJECT #2: SILVER STREAK COMICS #24 (OCT090364) -- are available now.


Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit http://www.imagecomics.com/.

The Walking Dead Creator Visits New York Comic-Con

ROBERT KIRKMAN AT NEW YORK COMIC-CON

The Walking Dead Creator’s Panels, Signings and Projects

Robert Kirkman, creator of comic series The Walking Dead, will be appearing at New York Comic-Con from October 8 – 10; below please find details on his scheduled panels and signings.

PANELS

Image Comics: The Writers / Friday, October 8th / 4:30-5:30pm / Room 1A14
Some of Image Comics’ favorite writers get together to describe the writing process for their books, from inception to publication. Join juggernauts Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Nick Spencer, Ron Marz and Steve Seagle for a discussion about writing, followed by Q&A.

AMC: The Walking Dead / Sunday, October 10th / 2:15pm- 3:45pm / IGN Theater
Moderator Eric Moro of IGN.com will lead panelists (including Robert Kirkman, series stars Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden and Steven Yeun, and producers Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd) in a discussion about their experience shooting the “The Walking Dead,” and the process of bringing Kirkman’s comic book to life on the small screen, among other topics, followed by Q&A.

SIGNINGS
Friday, 3:00- 4:15pm, Booth 1647
Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm, Booth 1647
Saturday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Booth 1647
Sunday, 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Booth 1647

MERCHANDISE:
The newest Walking Dead books: The Walking Dead: The Covers hardcover, and The Walking Dead Book Six hardcover. Additionally: New Invincible and Walking Dead t-shirts, a limited edition convention exclusive Walking Dead plush doll (with removable head), Walking Dead baseball and bucket hats, as well as the buttons, t-shirts, and tote bags released for San Diego Comic-Con. The Comic-Con preview of SKYBOUND’s Witch Doctor will also be available exclusively at NYCC.


ABOUT Robert Kirkman:
Robert Kirkman is a New York Times bestselling author known for being the cultural zeitgeist of the comic book industry. He maintains one prerogative in every undertaking: quality. It is Kirkman's belief that good people who produce good writing and good ideas make comics people love. Kirkman was recently made partner at Image Comics and continues to revive the industry with refreshing new characters. AMC is adapting his bestselling series, The Walking Dead, into a TV series (in production over the summer of 2010), and his books are among the most popular on the comiXology iPad and iPod Touch app.

About SKYBOUND:
A division of Image Comics founded in July 2010, SKYBOUND is helmed by Robert Kirkman, who handpicks and publishes up-and-coming comic creators for publication and development. Kirkman and SKYBOUND management maintain an active role in the promotion and expansion of their talent pool’s projects, and artist and company alike will be fully vested in the development of their properties into new mediums (e.g. television, film) globally. The first SKYBOUND Original, Witch Doctor, will be published in early 2011, and will be followed by a collaboration between Kirkman and Nick Spencer (Morning Glories) entitled Thief of Thieves. More via SkyboundEnt.com.