New Stephen King Book Due from Cemetery Dance

Cemetery Dance Publications Announces Blockade Billy by Stephen King Surprise New Book Coming Next Month

Cemetery Dance Publications, the world's leading independent publisher of collectible horror and suspense books, has just announced Blockade Billy by Stephen King, an original, never-before-published novella that only the King of Horror could have dreamed up. The Cemetery Dance exclusive hardcover will ship mid-April.

"I love old-school baseball," Stephen King said, "and I also love the way people who've spent a lifetime in the game talk about the game. I tried to combine those things in a story of suspense. People have asked me for years when I was going to write a baseball story. Ask no more; this is it."

Cemetery Dance and Stephen King kept Blockade Billy under tight wraps so it could be a surprise publication for the beginning of the baseball season. Even diehard baseball fans don't know the true story of William Blakely, but in just a few weeks readers will be holding this dark tale in their own two hands.

"As a lifelong baseball fan -- and long suffering Orioles' fan -- I can't think of a better way to open the 2010 season than publishing Blockade Billy," said Cemetery Dance Publisher Richard Chizmar. "Stephen King and I have corresponded about baseball and books for almost 20 years now... So to combine the two is a dream come true for me."

Chuck Verrill, King's agent, said: "Any time a Red Sox fan, an Orioles fan, and a Yankees fan can cooperate on something, the result is bound to be fantastic."

For a very limited time only, Cemetery Dance Publications will include an authentic William "Blockade Billy" Blakely baseball card with every copy of the trade hardcover.

Please visit http://www.BlockadeBilly.com or http://www.CemeteryDance.com for more information.

Cemetery Dance Publications is widely-considered the world's leading specialty press publisher of horror and dark suspense. Now celebrating over twenty years in business, Cemetery Dance magazine has won every major genre award and the Cemetery Dance Publications hardcover imprint has published over 200 affordable and collectible Limited Edition hardcover books from the genre's most acclaimed authors. These authors include Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury, William Peter Blatty, Peter Straub, Graham Masterton, Richard Laymon, Michael Slade, Douglas Clegg, Jack Ketchum, William F. Nolan, Joe R. Lansdale, and hundreds of others, along with the best new writers in the genre.

Kim Deitch in Baltimore

CARTOONIST KIM DEITCH TO SPEAK AT JOHNS HOPKINS APRIL 26

The Homewood Art Workshops wraps up its 35th anniversary celebration with a slide talk by legendary cartoonist Kim Deitch on Monday, April 26. Deitch’s talk, “The Search for Smilin’ Ed and Other Tales,” will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the F. Ross Jones Building, Mattin Center, on the Homewood campus at 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

Along with Robert Crumb, Bill Griffith and Art Spiegelman, Deitch transformed the art of cartooning in the psychedelic late 1960s. Combining a love of early 20th century comic strips and animation with the media-savvy satire of mid-century MAD Magazine, these artists gave a raucously subversive jolt to a nearly moribund medium.

Deitch, 65, began doing comic strips for the New York underground newspaper, the East Village Other, in 1967. Since then, his work has appeared in dozens of publications, including RAW, Pictopia, Details, Nickelodeon Magazine, and Little Lit. Among his groundbreaking comic books and graphic novels are Hollywoodland, The Mishkin Files, A Shroud for Waldo, The Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Alias the Cat! His latest book, The Search for Smilin’ Ed, will be published by Fantagraphics in June. Deitch will sign advance copies of Smilin’ Ed at the Johns Hopkins Barnes & Noble, 3330 St. Paul Street, on Sunday, April 25, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Deitch has been recognized with the comics industry’s highest honors, including an Eisner Award, an Inkpot Award and a retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in 2008. He lives in New York City with his wife, Pam.

“The Search for Smilin’ Ed and Other Tales” is co-sponsored by Homewood Art Workshops and Homewood Arts Programs. Visitor parking on campus is available in the South Garage, 3101 Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore, Md. 21211. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 410-516-6705.

I Reads You Review: Ultimate X #1

ULTIMATE X #1
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Jeph Loeb

PENCILS: Arthur Adams

INKS: Aspen MLT’s Mark Roslan

COLORS: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigerwald

LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne

Last year Marvel Comics brought an end to its Ultimate Comics line with a big event called Ultimatum. Never one to let its suckers… I mean customers keep a few extra bucks in their wallets, Marvel has relaunched the line and Ultimate X-Men is now Ultimate X.

Ultimate X #1 introduces readers to shirtless Jimmy Hudson, the adopted son of trailer park denizens, James and Heather Hudson. In the regular Marvel Universe, the Hudson’s were part of Alpha Flight. Here, James is a redneck sheriff and Heather is a home-bound harpy. Their little Jimmy is actually the spawn of Wolverine and some unnamed female. It’s a good thing that Bill Jemas and his regime of “realistic” comic book stories no longer reigns at Marvel or Jemas would make Jimmy’s mother an actual Wolverine.

The rest of the story (Chapter One: “His Father’s Son”) involves Kitty Pryde showing up to tell Jimmy all the secrets he should know. God forbid that he could learn that on his own and give this story a little more drama and action.

When I first heard of this comic, I was excited because I am a long time fan of artist Art Adams. I figured that it would be hit or miss with Jeph Loeb, and it is all miss. I’ve often wondered why Loeb is so acclaimed and popular. He has written some good comics, but most of his work is so stunningly mediocre. I figure that Loeb gets so many writing assignments because (1) people like him and (2) he is good at kissing ass, brown-nosing, and/or bee-jaying. The script for Ultimate X #1 is so dull that it is practically a strong dose of sleeping pills. Obviously, it is not good, but it isn’t so much bad as it is flat. In fact, even when Loeb attempts to create intrigue, it comes out as the opposite of intrigue.

As for Adams, he’s good enough to keep me coming back. I think Adams best days are behind him, having peaked in the 1990s around the time of his work on Monkeyman and O’Brien and his work with Wildstorm. Peter Steigerwald’s colors are professional, if not inspired. The coloring on Jimmy’s jeans, however, really stands out for some reason. Overall, I don’t see myself paying $3.99 per issue for Ultimate X, unless there is improvement, but I’ll continue to read it even if I have to shoplift a copy or download a pirated copy.

C

[This comic also includes a preview of New Ultimates #1.]


Buy Ultimatum

Bluewater Productions Announces July 2010 Titles

Bluewater Comics for July 2010

Vincent Price Presents #20
Writer: Brent Schoonover
Pencils: Brent Schoonover
Cover Artist(s): Brent Schoonover
Popular radio show couple BENNY and BETTY have hit a snag in their off-air relationship. Low ratings and a new romantic interest threaten to put BENNY out of a job for good. With the stress building, BENNY'S inner turmoil finally surfaces in a horrific fashion. Will this be enough to silence the voices in BENNY'S head for good?

Gearz
Writer: Dan Rafter
Pencils: Thiago Silva
Cover Artist(s): cover: Rantz
From the creator of the 10th Muse comes the newest female group of unlikey heroes. Lonely high-schooler Karen Chugg just wanted a dog. Instead, she got three of the most powerful, deadliest and hippest robot bodyguards to hit the sleepy town of Westville.The good news? Karen's three robots -quickly become her best friends. The bad news? Someone very high up, Oval Office high up, wants those robots back. And he won't stop at anything. Can an ordinary, if slightly unpopular, teen survive killer robots, super-powered school custodians, snotty classmates, chemically boosted monsters and hooded assassins while staying on track to become class valedictorian? Karen Miller's about to find out.

10th Muse: Gallery
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Pencils: Roger Cruz, Randy Green, Andy Park
Cover Artist(s): Ken Lashley with JD Smith
10 years ago this book from IMAGE COMICS blasted onto the scene as the 6th highest selling comic book. Covers by famed comic book artists like Chris Bachelo (X-Men) , Andy Park (Tomb Raider), Randy Green (Witchblade), Roger Cruz (Spiderman) were published. Now in one place you will find the best of the best of 10 years of covers. Greek mythology has documented the nine Muses, the inspirational daughters of the almighty Zeus. But history forgot one--the 10th Muse. Come celebrate 10 years with a cover by Ken Lashley and JD Smith.

Female Force Anne Rice
Writer: Scott Davis
Pencils: Various
Cover Artist(s): cover: 2 covers Juan Mar and Vincent Deporter
Anne Rice's uniquely gothic, sensuous, and existential approach redefined the modern vampire mythology. Shaped by personal tragedies, critical successes and failures, and a fervent rediscovery of her Catholic roots, Rice has penned over 27 novels from the supernatural to historical tomes, erotica and religious themes. But Anne Rice's life is just as interesting as the tales she spins.

The Claw and the Fang #3
Author(s): Mike Kutcher
Artist(s) Matias Basla
Cover Artist(s): 2 covers - all equal: A: Matias Basla B. Steven Babb
Noc rescues Justin from the clutches of the Four and the eternal adventure is realized when Justin begins to comprehend the power given to him by the Firewoman. Eremon, the warrior king that once was, is once again and must now save both Earth and the Spirit World from the evil demon Noro.

Political Power: Presidents
Writer: Various
Pencils: Various
Cover Artist(s): cover: Azim
A spin-off series from the popular FEMALE FORCE line comes Political Power. Political Power, a new title that focuses on past and present American politicians. This new graphic novel features the Presidents of the United State, Backark Obama, Bill Clinton, George Bush and Ronald Reagan.

Logan's Run #6
Author(s): Paul Salamoff
Artist(s) Daniel Gete
Cover Artist(s): Daniel Gete
Logan's life has led him to this moment. A decision that goes against everything he was born and bred to be. But can a man conditioned to kill to protect the system, kill to destroy it? As Logan's run comes to an explosive end who will be left standing on Lastday?

Political Power: Arnold Swarchenegger
Author(s): Justin Peniston
Artist(s) Matt Filer
Cover Artist(s): Deborah Max
From bodybuilder to movie icon to Governor of California, the man formerly known as the Conan the Barbarian and the Terminator is truly living the American Dream. From his humble beginnings in Austria to having realistic goals of being the first immigrant in the White House, Schwarzenegger has proven the power of popularity. Experience his climb to the top in this comic book biography.

Violet Rose: Graphic Novel
Writer: Emma Davis & CW Cooke
Pencils: Brian Hess & Erik Thompson
Cover Artist(s): cover: Erik Thompson
Violet Rose is a self-proclaimed sixth grader super-sleuth, a foster child who discovers that many of the people in her normal suburban town are actually supernatural beings hiding in seemingly ordinary lives. With best friends, Lindsey and Ciara, a spirit from a Renoir painting, Violet is a little detective that never gives up. Solving cases after her homework is done while learning about the magical gift her grandfather gave her before he passed.

Rock 'N' Roll Comics: Joan Jett
Writer: Spike Steffenhagen, Jay Allen Sanford
Pencils: Joe Paradise, Larry Nadolsky
Cover Artist(s): Michal Szyksznian
"Rock 'N' Roll Comics, Joan Jett” She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock N' Roll". This one shot tells about her life from when she was in the “Runaways” to when she broke off to her iconic solo career.

Roger Corman Presents: Battle Amongst The Stars #4
Writer: Martin Fisher
Pencils: Ben Hansen
Cover Artist(s): Ben Hansen
“The battle concludes! The Malmori press their assault and get closer to their target, the Oztem replication technology. Zed and the resistance forces face their greatest choices. Are they willing to lay down their lives to stop Remlar and his forces? Who will survive at the end to tell the tale?”

Legend of Isis/ Black Scorpion - One shot
Writer: Aaron Stueve
Pencils: Dahar L. Butler
Cover Artist(s): Azim & Dahar L. Butler
In a stand-alone issue, Isis runs away from her problems in L.A. to the opposite side of the country where she meets up with Roger Cormen's Black Scorpion! While in Black Scorpion's stomping ground of Angel City, Isis comes across a foe from her past and now that she is developing new god-like powers, she deals with him with more finality than ever before! Leading up to an explosive story-arc, this issue is a CAN'T MISS!!

I Reads You Review: HAPPY CAFÉ, VOL. 1

Creators: Kou Matsuzuki with Lianne Sentar (English adaptation) and Lori Riser (translation)
Publishing Information: TOKYOPOP, B&W, paperback, 192 pages, $10.99 (US), $13.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4278-1730-3 (ISBN-13)

Happy Café stars 16-year-old Uru Takamura, a clumsy girl who chose to live on her own because she thought that she was in the way of her mother and 29-year-old stepfather. Not only is she clumsy, she’s also prone to misunderstanding.

In Happy Café, Vol. 1, Uru talks her way into a job as a waitress at Café Bonheur, located in Happiness Town. Her colleagues are Ichiro Nishikawa, an unsociable waiter who needs a snack shoved into his mouth every time he falls asleep, and Shino, the equally unsociable manager. Between dishing out sweets to customers and annoying each other, they just may find happiness and maybe… love.

With the pretty art one would expect of a shojo manga (comics for teen girls), Happy Café is a standard workplace romantic comedy. It even has a hook similar to the popular and acclaimed shojo manga, Love*Com, a relationship between a tall person and a short person. What makes this work? I have a hard time putting my finger on why I like this. Happy Café comes across as one of those “sparkling romances,” and maybe that is why it is a pleasant read. It is a familiar story that entertains, and like its title suggests, Happy Café is a place readers can go to feel happy.

B+

Buy Happy Cafe Volume 1

Maid Sama! Courses 10 Through 15

I read Maid Sama! Volume 3

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

I Reads You Review: Nemesis #1

NEMESIS #1

MARVEL COMICS/ICON

WRITER: Mark Millar

ARTIST: Steve McNiven

COLORS: Dave McCaig

LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos

COVERS: Steve McNiven and Leinil Francis Yu

Nemesis is the new comic book miniseries from the team of writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven. The duo produced the hugely popular Marvel event series, Civil War, and the graphic novel, Wolverine: Old Man Logan (originally serialized in Wolverine 66-72). Nemesis is a planned four-issue series that is being published under Marvel Comics’ Icon imprint.

As Millar has stated in press coverage for this comic book, Nemesis #1 introduces a Batman-like character, called “Nemesis,” who uses his skill, resources, and whatever super powers and abilities he has for evil rather than for good. What if this cool billionaire with all those planes, cars and gadgets, put on a mask and waged war on the forces of law and order, Millar asks. The story begins with Nemesis dispatching a famous police chief in Tokyo. Afterwards, Nemesis heads to Washington D.C. to engage his next opponent, Chief Blake Morrow, the Chief of Police of the nation’s capitol.

The cover of Nemesis #1 carries a large caption that reads “MAKES KICK-ASS LOOK LIKE $#IT.” I don’t know about that. Kick-Ass, Mark Millar’s previous Icon comic book which recently concluded, is some pretty deranged $#it AND very entertaining, but I am already a fan of this new comic book. I rooted for Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight and I love a great villain, especially one who has the pigs… I mean, law enforcement quaking in their boots.

It’s a fun read. Millar paints the characters in broad strokes, and in police Chief Blake Morrow, Millar has created a Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry type who deserves to be taken down a peg or two or ten. Steve McNiven’s art is acceptable, though it makes me wonder why he is so acclaimed. Dave McCaig’s coloring is horrid. Still, I really like this comic book and can’t wait for the next issue.

B+