Sunday, November 21, 2010

Gay Super Team Takes on Gay Celebrity Zombies


CELEBRITY GAY ZOMBIES VS WORLD’S FIRST ALL-GAY SUPERHERO TEAM!

Spandex, the world’s first all-gay superhero team and stars of their own award-nominated comic, are back! And in the brand new issue, things take an unexpected turn, when the team face a whole horde of …celebrity gay zombies!

Spandex Comic creator Martin Eden comments: “I was doodling one of the pages and I thought it would be fun to cram in as many famous gay people as possible – as zombies! It’s a bit of a who’s-who of LGBT people in the media – they just look a bit scarier…”

The new Spandex issue, entitled ‘…If you were the last person on Earth’, is a one-shot sci-fi/horror story, where the world’s population is enslaved and turned into the living dead by an alien creature called Nadir.

It may sound like a bizarre premise but, all quirkiness aside, Eden is also looking at more serious issues with this story. “On one hand, the story is fun and over-the-top, but on the other hand, it explores mental health issues. One in four people are affected by depression, anxiety, and similar problems, and it is becoming an increasing issue in the LGBT community. The storyline explores this.” Eden will offer a list of helpful resources with this new issue.

Since its launch in November 2009, Spandex comic has earned an Eagle Award nomination for Best British Comic, and gained national radio, television and newspaper coverage, including appearances in The Sun and The Metro.

This new issue hits comic shops on 20 November, with a special launch event at The Leeds Thought Bubble Convention this weekend. A teaser trailer to promote this new issue is available on YouTube.

Spandex comic issue #3: On-sale 20 November

For more information on how to purchase Spandex comic, visit: http://www.spandexcomic.com/

"Dapper Men" a Hit

Press release:

‘RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN,’ THE IT-BOOK OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, SELLS OUT IN RECORD TIME, SECOND PRINTING RUSHING TO STORES

COPIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT LOCAL AND ONLINE RETAILERS BUT SELLING OUT FAST!

Los Angeles, CA (November 18, 2010) – Hailed in the press and by reviewers everywhere as an “instant classic” and the perfect gift for any reader this holiday season, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN has sold out its initial run of 10,000 copies at the distributor level within the first 24 hours of being on sale.

Created by Jim McCann and Janet Lee and published by Archaia, this modern fairytale has been gaining buzz for months based on its breathtaking art and unique yet timeless story. Already on many Holiday Gift Guides, including Publishers Weekly and The New York Times, Archaia is rushing a second printing to meet the incredible demand and ensure that RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN will be available through booksellers everywhere during this holiday season.

“Reaction to the book has been just incredible, to say the very least,” says writer Jim McCann. “Janet and I are absolutely blown away and extremely humbled by the outpouring of support.”

The overwhelmingly glowing reviews for RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN have certainly helped to drive interest.

· “Some of the writing is lyrical and reads like a forgotten fairy tale…The artwork is often stunning, with a texture and depth.” – New York Times (2010 Holiday Gift Guide)

· “It’s an instant classic, combining steampunk, science fiction and fantasy with an impeccable fashion sense.” – USA Today

· “This book is everything the hype promised it would be…a mind-opening, eye-shutting book that sings to your dreams and dreams of your songs.” – Comic Book Resources (CBR)

· “Return of the Dapper Men is something extraordinary, something that makes that little light inside of each and every one of us burn brighter…Jim McCann and Janet Lee set off fireworks…can be compared to many children’s fantasy tales but is utterly unique in each and every aspect.” – Newsarama

· “Beautifully packaged title…It may be the first steampunk fairytale I’ve ever read, and hopefully it won’t be the last…gorgeously illustrated story.” – USA Today Pop Candy

· “I have never had the privilege of seeing a classic being made from the ground up. That is, until now…This is a story that dares to challenge the reader to dream and follow a different path…These pages can’t be duplicated and each one is a bona fide work of art.” – Ain’t It Cool News

While RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is currently sold out at the distributor level, there is at least one week’s worth of copies available at local and online retailers wherever books are sold. Be sure to pick up or order your copy today!

A visual tour de force, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (hardcover, full color, 128 pages, 9.5” x 11”, $24.95), is the debut graphic novel from the minds of award-winning writer Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and critically acclaimed gallery artist Janet Lee. A modern twist on classic fairytales, this is a story about growing up, childhood fears and examining the origins of a world and the things that inhabit it. The incredible decoupage art style combines steampunk fantasy and science fiction with Art Nouveau for a truly unique and groundbreaking book, all sharply dressed in a pinstripe suit and a dapper bowler hat. The book also features a Foreword written by the original Dapper Man, Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”), and a collection of pin-ups featuring works by Adrian Alphona and Christina Strain, Joyce Chin, John Tyler Christopher, Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, David Mack, Dave Perillo, Mike Perkins, Evan Shaner, Mark Smylie, Tom Whalen and Skottie Young. RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is available now wherever are books are sold. To order a copy, use ISBN code 978-1932386905.


About Archaia
Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, Johnny Recon, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, A Tale of Sand, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, and Tumor.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/ArchaiaEntertainment) and Twitter (twitter.com/archaia).


X-ed Out is Out

I read X'ed Out

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  This is the new Charles Burns graphic novel.


Saturday, November 20, 2010

Introducing Micaela Mone: Behind Closed Eyes



Micaela Mone is a local author and poet, and she is holding her first reading and book signing today.  I'm currently reading her first book of poetry, Behind Closed Eyes, for a review at the Comic Book Bin.  Check out her webite at http://www.micaelamone.com/home.cfm or get more info on Behind Closed Eyes at www.createspace.com/3478250

Friday, November 19, 2010

Bluewater Comics Closes Out November with Fame and More

The Deathsport Games #1
Writer: Mark L. Miller
Pencils: Roy Stewart

In the near future, three teens find themselves thrust into a twisted version of the Olympic Games against a horde of vicious Sportsmen and a blood-thirsty crowd of onlookers! David, Carrie, and Dean play a game where winning and losing are matters of life and death from Ain't It Cool News' Mark L. Miller!

Nanny & Hank #2
Writer: Mark L. Miller
Pencils: Steven Babb

After the terrifying events of last issue, Nanny & Hank attempt to pick up the pieces and deal with the fact that one bite from a vampire has changed their lives forever. Plus the vampire O'Neil wakes with a hangover and realizes what he's done. You've never seen vampires like this in this comic filled with horror and heart.

Vincent Price Presents: “PAWNS" #24
Writer: C. Edward Sellner
Pencils: Manoel Moreira

In an original tale of the macabre, it's a story of heroes, monsters and damsels in distress. But in this tale nothing is quite what it seems. When a young biker comes to the rescue he finds himself caught up in a fight for his life. Can he save the girl? And if so, who will save him? PAWNS, a stand alone, thrill a minute run through the woods!

FAME: The cast of Glee
Writer: C.W. Cooke and Patrick McCormack
Pencils: Beniamino Bradi

From the sold-out Fame series comes the story all Gleeks were waiting for: the biography of the cast and creator of Glee. From Ryan Murphy to Lea Michele and more of the cast, Fame takes a look at how all of these men and women became part of a global phenomenon. From the hit FOX series, it's your turn to be a Gleek. You know you want to.

Female Force: Betty White
Writer: Patrick McCray
Pencils: Todd Tennant
Cover Artist(s): 2 covers: Adam Ellis & Juan Mar Studios

Betty White: GoldenGirl Goes Platinum traces the amazing life of the actor, writer, wit, and humanitarian who has also been Hollywood's most enduring “it girl" for over sixty astounding years. From the earliest days of television to the cutting edge of Facebook and SNL, Betty always makes the scene!

Creature Entertainment Presents "Forgive My Father" for iPad and iPhone



Press release:
FORGIVE ME FATHER” comic book on your IPAD/IPHONE
First issue of a Critical Series on Passion, Faith, and Crime
Miami, Florida – November 11th, 2010 – Creature Entertainment, South Florida-based publisher of the web comic “Zombie Years” and graphic novel “The Gun”, and creators of such films as “The Gun”, “Killswitch Billy” and “Zombie Years: Thanks Grandpa”, now releases a new comic book drama series entitled “Forgive Me Father” on the Graphic.ly comic book reader platform for iPhone, iPad, and computers everywhere.

“Forgive Me Father” is a crime novella that tells the story of three different characters bound by a singular fate. What happens when the shepherd loses his flock? When Father Pedro’s faith in his God and church is lost after the violent death of a young friend, he finds himself alone with a despair and anger that can barely be contained. He dreams of finding solace in the arms of a runaway girl. Is she his angel of redemption or a fantasy he’s made-up? Will helping her break the chains of her past be a path to true salvation… or damnation?

This newly-inked deal with Graphic.ly allows Creature Entertainment’s books to be distributed on various computers and smart phones using Graphic.ly’s digital platform.

“The rise of devices like smart phones and iPads,” says Editor-In-Chief Juan Navarro, “gives our readers many choices for how to receive and experience our content. It only makes sense to go with a company like Graphic.ly, which has such a cool and usable reader application.”


About Graphic.ly
Graphicly is a cutting-edge digital content delivery system and community platform for the publishing world. Graphic.ly’s first product, which focuses on comic publishers, creators and enthusiasts, provides an immersive social experience and marketplace around digital comics and associated merchandise. The company looks to expand its community and¬¬ content platform and become the de facto solution for print media. For more information, please visit www.graphic.ly.

About Creature Entertainment
Creature Entertainment is a group of artists, animators and filmmakers based in Miami, publish graphic novels, produce short and feature films.

Creature Entertainment is embracing new media, video, and good old print to create a unique niche in the market for their stories. They work on a modest budget as most independent publishers/filmmakers do and have a grassroots approach to putting their product into the hands of the comic book and film aficionado. For more information, please visit http://www.creatureentertainment.com/.

“FORGIVE ME FATHER” comic book on your IPAD/IPHONE: http://www.creatureentertainment.com/2010/11/11/forgive-me-father-comic-book-on-your-ipadiphone/

Female Force Returns to Sarah Palin



SARAH PALIN RETURNS TO BLUEWATER'S PAGES IN NEW COMIC BOOK
 
Bluewater Productions made headlines in 2008 when its Sara Palin biography comic sold out. Now Palin is returning to Bluewater with a sequel.
 
Female Force: Sarah Palin, Act 2 focuses on Palin's life after the 2008 presidential elections. The book examines the reasons behind Palin's increasing celebrity, and the threat that she might pose to both Democrats and mainstream Republicans should she decide to run in 2012.

“You can't help but admire Sarah Palin for her tenacity and her ability to find the spotlight wherever she goes,” says Dan Rafter, the writer behind Female Force: Sarah Palin, Act 2. “The reaction she received for her big Tea Party speech is just one example of the passion that Palin ignites in her fans. It's hard for me to imagine someone like Mitt Romney generating that kind of electricity.”

Female Force: Sarah Palin, Act 2 will be available at comic shops and from online retailers such as Amazon.com in December. The 32-page issue features interior art from Nathan Carson.

Darren G. Davis, president and founder of Bluewater Productions, said that only a small number of the celebrities and politicians that the comics company has profiled merit sequels. Singer Lady Gaga will join Palin in getting her sequel later this year.

“You just can't ignore Sarah Palin,” Davis said. “Even those who'd never vote for her can't deny that the woman has an amazing charisma. She can get away with missteps that other politicians can't afford to make.”

As an example, the Bluewater comic references the speech in which Palin had jotted notes on her palm. Her critics savaged her. But Palin, much like Ronald Reagan did throughout his political career, used humor to turn a potential mistake into a victory when she showed up at a later speech with the words “Hi, Mom” written on her palm.

Bluewater Productions has generated a steady stream of press for its biography comics. These often controversial works have gotten Bluewater's name into everything from the New York Times to USA Today.

The comic company's biography titles, carried under the Female Force, Political Power and Fame banners, are not the only comics that Bluewater produces. The company also publishes superhero, science fiction, horror and young adult comics. Many of these comics, including Nanny & Hank, a tale of elderly vampires, have received critical raves.

"Female Force: Sarah Palin: The Sequel" can currently be ordered at bookstores and comic book shops. To find a comic book store near you go to http://www.comicshoplocator.com/. It is also available online on Amazon by clicking here: http://amzn.to/dlhvsk. It retails for $3.99 a copy and hits shelves in December.

Also being released this week is a comic book biography called “First Families: The Clintons”. This special edition comic book featuring the first family biographies is now together for the first time in this 48-page one shot.

Both the Female Force and Political Power biography comic book series strive to present even-handed stories of prominent individuals responsible for shaping the political and cultural landscape.

For more information about the company, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.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.