Leroy Douresseaux on Ryder on the Storm #2

RYDER ON THE STORM #2

RADICAL PUBLISHING

 

WRITER: David Hine

ARTIST: Wayne Nichols
COLORS: Feigan Chong and Sansan Saw of Sixth Creation
LETTERS: Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt
COVER: Francesco “Matt” Mattina
56pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A-

http://www.radicalpublishing.com/

Image to Release "Carbon Grey" in Early March

SISTERS AT WAR

 

Image Comics goes to war this March with CARBON GREY

 

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Moonstone Books' "Rotten" a BINnie Honoree

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

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

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

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

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

"A super-cool approach." FANGORIA

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

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

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

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

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

It's time for you to get ROTTEN.

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

Go to the BINnies home page here.

Top Shelf Announces 2011 Lineup

From Chris Staros:

Top Shelf announces 2011 lineup!

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

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

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

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

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

CHAOS CAMPUS SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #10
APPROBATION COMICS

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

“Patient X”

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

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

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

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

B+

http://www.approbationcomics.com/

Wizard World New Orleans to Feature 12 Eisnter Winners

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Full Lineup of "Indie Comics Magazine" Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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