I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an iPhone app).
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Peter Bagge, James Sturm at Fantagraphics Bookstore
Peter Bagge and James Sturm at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on April 17!
Two of the most accomplished cartoonists in America, Peter Bagge and James Sturm, will speak and sign copies of their newly minted graphic novels at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, April 17, 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Seattle’s Peter Bagge is the architect of the ubiquitous alternative comics genre. His compelling comic book serial HATE chronicled the exploits of Buddy Bradley and his gang of lovable losers through the rise and fall of the grunge era. Going beyond mere satire, Bagge’s observations helped fashion the aesthetics and attitudes of the only significant youth movement to emerge from the Pacific Northwest. A contemporary review by Bruce Barcott in the Seattle Weekly stated, “Twenty years from now, when people want to know what it was like to be young in 1990s Seattle, the only record we’ll have is Peter Bagge’s HATE.”
Happily, in the years since the series ended, Bagge provides periodic updates on the lives of Buddy Bradley and his crew. HATE ANNUAL #8 finds Buddy and beau Lisa back home in New Jersey dealing with the responsibilities of parenthood while trying to cling to their carefree youth. The results are predictably hilarious. Bagge will also premiere his new full-length graphic novel OTHER LIVES on DC’s Vertigo imprint. The book follows the fantasy lives of high tech nerds as they collide with harsh reality.
James Sturm was among the cadre of creative cartoonists that relocated to Seattle at the dawn of the grunge era. He co-founded The Stranger and created his comic popular comic Cereal Killings for Fantagraphics Books. He later co-founded the Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) in White River Junction, Vermont and instructs students in their two-year program. In MARKET DAY, published by Drawn & Quarterly of Montreal, Sturm draws a quiet and reflective portrait of Eastern European culture in the early 1900s – bringing to life the hustle and bustle of an old-world market place on the brink of the Industrial Revolution. MARKET DAY is a timeless tale of how economic and social forces can affect a single life. Sturm will speak briefly on his experiences starting the Stranger, the CCS, and his work in comics.
The Peter Bagge and James Sturm event on April 17 coincides with national Record Store Day at neighboring Georgetown Records. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport Way S.) in the heart of the historic Georgetown arts community. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.
Two of the most accomplished cartoonists in America, Peter Bagge and James Sturm, will speak and sign copies of their newly minted graphic novels at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, April 17, 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Seattle’s Peter Bagge is the architect of the ubiquitous alternative comics genre. His compelling comic book serial HATE chronicled the exploits of Buddy Bradley and his gang of lovable losers through the rise and fall of the grunge era. Going beyond mere satire, Bagge’s observations helped fashion the aesthetics and attitudes of the only significant youth movement to emerge from the Pacific Northwest. A contemporary review by Bruce Barcott in the Seattle Weekly stated, “Twenty years from now, when people want to know what it was like to be young in 1990s Seattle, the only record we’ll have is Peter Bagge’s HATE.”
Happily, in the years since the series ended, Bagge provides periodic updates on the lives of Buddy Bradley and his crew. HATE ANNUAL #8 finds Buddy and beau Lisa back home in New Jersey dealing with the responsibilities of parenthood while trying to cling to their carefree youth. The results are predictably hilarious. Bagge will also premiere his new full-length graphic novel OTHER LIVES on DC’s Vertigo imprint. The book follows the fantasy lives of high tech nerds as they collide with harsh reality.
James Sturm was among the cadre of creative cartoonists that relocated to Seattle at the dawn of the grunge era. He co-founded The Stranger and created his comic popular comic Cereal Killings for Fantagraphics Books. He later co-founded the Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) in White River Junction, Vermont and instructs students in their two-year program. In MARKET DAY, published by Drawn & Quarterly of Montreal, Sturm draws a quiet and reflective portrait of Eastern European culture in the early 1900s – bringing to life the hustle and bustle of an old-world market place on the brink of the Industrial Revolution. MARKET DAY is a timeless tale of how economic and social forces can affect a single life. Sturm will speak briefly on his experiences starting the Stranger, the CCS, and his work in comics.
The Peter Bagge and James Sturm event on April 17 coincides with national Record Store Day at neighboring Georgetown Records. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport Way S.) in the heart of the historic Georgetown arts community. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.
Image Comics News From WonderCon 2010
IN THE KNOW AT THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW
Image Comics announces exciting new projects at WonderCon 2010
Image Comics took its show on the road -- across the Bay that is -- to make big announcements at its hometown show, WonderCon. On Saturday, THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW presented a slew of ongoing and upcoming projects from Erik Larsen, Frank Cho, Jonathan Ross, men of action Joe Casey and Steve Seagle, and Richard Starkings.
EMPEROR LARSEN
Erik Larsen discussed the upcoming story arc for SAVAGE DRAGON, entitled EMPEROR DRAGON. Following the events of the DRAGON WAR, Savage Dragon remains his evil self, Emperor Kurr. Without the opposition to stop him, the ex-cop, ex-superhero makes a play to conquer the planet.
Also announced: SAVAGE DRAGON FUNNIES, a 12-issue series of backup stories that starts with May's SAVAGE DRAGON #160. A select and talented group of artists contributed short tales representing their take on the Dragonverse. Creators include Michel Fiffe, Andrew Dimitt, Kiel West, Delsante and Freire, Ulises Farinas, Chris Sanderson, Conoro Hughes, Kat Roberts, Hyendo Park, Pedro Camargo, Jason Thibodeaux, and Joe Keatinge and Deep 6 Studio.
FIFTY ON CHO
Frank Cho reported on 50 GIRLS 50, an all-new miniseries masterminded by Cho and co-writer Doug Murray (THE 'NAM). Newcomer Alex Medellin, the winner of a talent search curated by Cho and Murray, is illustrating based on designs by Cho. The series will be launching in August.
DOWNE WITH CASEY
Joe Casey announced his new one-shot, created with Chris Burnham: OFFICER DOWNE. A lone Badass With A Badge takes on the scourge of the criminal underworld, and this is one cop that'll keep coming back for more...even from beyond the grave! OFFICER DOWNE will be available in July.
ON A CRUSADE WITH SEAGLE
Steve Seagle announced the collection of THE CRUSADES, his incredible tale of an enigmatic 11th century Crusader that renders terrible justice on 21st century San Francisco. This remastered volume collects - for the first time - the macabre Vertigo series created by Seagle and artist Kelley Jones. THE CRUSADES vol. 1, collecting THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE and issues #1-9, will be available in July.
Also announced: FRANKIE STEIN, an adorable full-color oversized children's book drawn by Marco Cinello (SOUL KISS). Frankie Stein is just another kid, growing up the way kids do. Except Frankie has green skin, bolts in his neck, and lives in a giant castle. FRANKIE STEIN will be available Fall 2010.
ROSS ON AMERICAN TURF
Jonathan Ross made a rare American appearance and discussed his new five-issue miniseries TURF, which is drawn by Tommy Lee Edwards. Ross discussed the transition from eternally popular UK television host and long-time comics fan to comics creator. Issue #1 is available April 7, but a convention exclusive variant is available at the Image Comics booth, #407.
STARKINGS MAKES A MOVE TO THE SCREEN
Richard Starkings had huge news for the crowd: ELEPHANTMEN has been optioned for a movie! He also discussed ELEPHANTMEN #25, a special issue in which the story is told by a series of guest artists in astonishing splash pages. Artists include Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), Tim Sale (BATMAN: LONG HALLOWEEN), Pia Guerra (Y: THE LAST MAN), and more! ELEPHANTMEN #25 will be available later in April.
Image Comics announces exciting new projects at WonderCon 2010
Image Comics took its show on the road -- across the Bay that is -- to make big announcements at its hometown show, WonderCon. On Saturday, THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW presented a slew of ongoing and upcoming projects from Erik Larsen, Frank Cho, Jonathan Ross, men of action Joe Casey and Steve Seagle, and Richard Starkings.
EMPEROR LARSEN
Erik Larsen discussed the upcoming story arc for SAVAGE DRAGON, entitled EMPEROR DRAGON. Following the events of the DRAGON WAR, Savage Dragon remains his evil self, Emperor Kurr. Without the opposition to stop him, the ex-cop, ex-superhero makes a play to conquer the planet.
Also announced: SAVAGE DRAGON FUNNIES, a 12-issue series of backup stories that starts with May's SAVAGE DRAGON #160. A select and talented group of artists contributed short tales representing their take on the Dragonverse. Creators include Michel Fiffe, Andrew Dimitt, Kiel West, Delsante and Freire, Ulises Farinas, Chris Sanderson, Conoro Hughes, Kat Roberts, Hyendo Park, Pedro Camargo, Jason Thibodeaux, and Joe Keatinge and Deep 6 Studio.
FIFTY ON CHO
Frank Cho reported on 50 GIRLS 50, an all-new miniseries masterminded by Cho and co-writer Doug Murray (THE 'NAM). Newcomer Alex Medellin, the winner of a talent search curated by Cho and Murray, is illustrating based on designs by Cho. The series will be launching in August.
DOWNE WITH CASEY
Joe Casey announced his new one-shot, created with Chris Burnham: OFFICER DOWNE. A lone Badass With A Badge takes on the scourge of the criminal underworld, and this is one cop that'll keep coming back for more...even from beyond the grave! OFFICER DOWNE will be available in July.
ON A CRUSADE WITH SEAGLE
Steve Seagle announced the collection of THE CRUSADES, his incredible tale of an enigmatic 11th century Crusader that renders terrible justice on 21st century San Francisco. This remastered volume collects - for the first time - the macabre Vertigo series created by Seagle and artist Kelley Jones. THE CRUSADES vol. 1, collecting THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE and issues #1-9, will be available in July.
Also announced: FRANKIE STEIN, an adorable full-color oversized children's book drawn by Marco Cinello (SOUL KISS). Frankie Stein is just another kid, growing up the way kids do. Except Frankie has green skin, bolts in his neck, and lives in a giant castle. FRANKIE STEIN will be available Fall 2010.
ROSS ON AMERICAN TURF
Jonathan Ross made a rare American appearance and discussed his new five-issue miniseries TURF, which is drawn by Tommy Lee Edwards. Ross discussed the transition from eternally popular UK television host and long-time comics fan to comics creator. Issue #1 is available April 7, but a convention exclusive variant is available at the Image Comics booth, #407.
STARKINGS MAKES A MOVE TO THE SCREEN
Richard Starkings had huge news for the crowd: ELEPHANTMEN has been optioned for a movie! He also discussed ELEPHANTMEN #25, a special issue in which the story is told by a series of guest artists in astonishing splash pages. Artists include Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), Tim Sale (BATMAN: LONG HALLOWEEN), Pia Guerra (Y: THE LAST MAN), and more! ELEPHANTMEN #25 will be available later in April.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Shojo Beat's Stepping on Roses Due Next Week
A GORGEOUS TRANSFORMATION TO A LADY IN NEW VIZ MEDIA MANGA SERIES STEPPING ON ROSES
Heartwarming Rags-To-Riches Story With An Unexpected Twist From The Creator Of TAIL OF THE MOON
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings the romantic fun of Rinko Ueda’s shojo manga series – STEPPING ON ROSES – to readers on April 6th. The new release, to be published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.
Poor Sumi Kitamura… Her irresponsible older brother Eisuke keeps bringing home orphans for her to take care of – even though they can barely afford their own basic needs! Just when Sumi's financial problems become dire, wealthy Soichiro Ashida enters her life with a bizarre but intriguing proposition: he'll provide her with the money she so desperately needs if she agrees to marry him. But can Sumi fool high society into thinking she's a proper lady? Moreover, is it worth giving up everything for this sham of a marriage?
“Rinko Ueda captured the adoration of U.S. fans with her manga series, TAIL OF THE MOON, and this latest creation continues to show her skill as an artist and storyteller,” says Leyla Aker, Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “STEPPING ON ROSES puts a new twist on a classic story, and readers will delight in this over-the-top romantic masquerade. We look forward to new and veteran manga fans discovering its fun story.”
Rinko Ueda is the creator of Ryo, a series based on the Japanese legend of Gojo Bridge, and Home, a story about love crossing national boundaries. Her romantic ninja comedy, TAIL OF THE MOON, and TAIL OF THE MOON PREQUEL: THE OTHER HANZO(U) are published in North America (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by VIZ Media.
For more information on this title and other shojo titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.shojobeat.com/.
Heartwarming Rags-To-Riches Story With An Unexpected Twist From The Creator Of TAIL OF THE MOON
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings the romantic fun of Rinko Ueda’s shojo manga series – STEPPING ON ROSES – to readers on April 6th. The new release, to be published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.
Poor Sumi Kitamura… Her irresponsible older brother Eisuke keeps bringing home orphans for her to take care of – even though they can barely afford their own basic needs! Just when Sumi's financial problems become dire, wealthy Soichiro Ashida enters her life with a bizarre but intriguing proposition: he'll provide her with the money she so desperately needs if she agrees to marry him. But can Sumi fool high society into thinking she's a proper lady? Moreover, is it worth giving up everything for this sham of a marriage?
“Rinko Ueda captured the adoration of U.S. fans with her manga series, TAIL OF THE MOON, and this latest creation continues to show her skill as an artist and storyteller,” says Leyla Aker, Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “STEPPING ON ROSES puts a new twist on a classic story, and readers will delight in this over-the-top romantic masquerade. We look forward to new and veteran manga fans discovering its fun story.”
Rinko Ueda is the creator of Ryo, a series based on the Japanese legend of Gojo Bridge, and Home, a story about love crossing national boundaries. Her romantic ninja comedy, TAIL OF THE MOON, and TAIL OF THE MOON PREQUEL: THE OTHER HANZO(U) are published in North America (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by VIZ Media.
For more information on this title and other shojo titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.shojobeat.com/.
Friday, April 2, 2010
I Reads You Review: DEADMAN WONDERLAND, VOL. 1
Creators: Jinsei Kataoka (writer) and Kazuma Kondou (artist) with Ray Yoshimoto (translation) and Bryce P. Coleman (English adaptation)
Publishing Information: TOKYOPOP, B&W, paperback, 246 pages, $10.99 (US), $13.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4278-1741-9 (ISBN-13)
After his classmates are slaughtered before his very eyes, 14-year-old Ganta Igarashi is sentenced to death for the murders. Ganta is imprisoned at Deadman Wonderland, Japan’s only fully privately owned and operated prison. Deadman Wonderland is also a tourist prison, where visitors can enjoy the spectacle of inmates competing in death sports. The prison guards are brutal, and the other inmates are the worst of the worst.
But Ganta is innocent, and the real killer, the mysterious “Red Man,” has also found his way to Deadman Wonderland. How and why is Ganta connected to this shadowy figure? Aided by a mysterious albino girl named Shiro, Ganta may live long enough to answer that question.
Just the fact that Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 1 is set in a prison is enough to give a reader the chills, but the execution of this story also delivers chills and thrills. Deadman Wonderland (originally published in Japan’s Shōnen Ace) combines elements of the dystopian science fiction sports film (Death Race 2000, Rollerball) and the prison drama – unusual elements for a comic book (or maybe not strange in the world of manga).
As executed by creators, writer Jinsei Kataoka and artist Kazuma Kondou, Deadman Wonderland is a story that is both a quest for survival and a journey of self-discovery, with requisite shonen action and super powers. Kataoka composes his script as an exercise in dropping just enough crumbs to keep his readers chasing after the mysteries of Deadman Wonderland; the action scenes, fights, and confrontations are candy to satisfy and keep us interested. Kondou’s art is stylish, but has plenty of substance. The compositions are strong, and the contents of each panel are designed for maximum dramatic impact. In a John Buscema-like way, Kondou is looking to grab the reader with this story.
Deadman Wonderland is a high-quality shonen manga. It is dark without being too edgy and has enough imagination to deserve the word “Wonderland” in its title.
A-
[This book also contains a preview of Hanako and the Terror of Allegory, Vol. 1.]
Publishing Information: TOKYOPOP, B&W, paperback, 246 pages, $10.99 (US), $13.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4278-1741-9 (ISBN-13)
After his classmates are slaughtered before his very eyes, 14-year-old Ganta Igarashi is sentenced to death for the murders. Ganta is imprisoned at Deadman Wonderland, Japan’s only fully privately owned and operated prison. Deadman Wonderland is also a tourist prison, where visitors can enjoy the spectacle of inmates competing in death sports. The prison guards are brutal, and the other inmates are the worst of the worst.
But Ganta is innocent, and the real killer, the mysterious “Red Man,” has also found his way to Deadman Wonderland. How and why is Ganta connected to this shadowy figure? Aided by a mysterious albino girl named Shiro, Ganta may live long enough to answer that question.
Just the fact that Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 1 is set in a prison is enough to give a reader the chills, but the execution of this story also delivers chills and thrills. Deadman Wonderland (originally published in Japan’s Shōnen Ace) combines elements of the dystopian science fiction sports film (Death Race 2000, Rollerball) and the prison drama – unusual elements for a comic book (or maybe not strange in the world of manga).
As executed by creators, writer Jinsei Kataoka and artist Kazuma Kondou, Deadman Wonderland is a story that is both a quest for survival and a journey of self-discovery, with requisite shonen action and super powers. Kataoka composes his script as an exercise in dropping just enough crumbs to keep his readers chasing after the mysteries of Deadman Wonderland; the action scenes, fights, and confrontations are candy to satisfy and keep us interested. Kondou’s art is stylish, but has plenty of substance. The compositions are strong, and the contents of each panel are designed for maximum dramatic impact. In a John Buscema-like way, Kondou is looking to grab the reader with this story.
Deadman Wonderland is a high-quality shonen manga. It is dark without being too edgy and has enough imagination to deserve the word “Wonderland” in its title.
A-
[This book also contains a preview of Hanako and the Terror of Allegory, Vol. 1.]
Buy Deadman Wonderland Volume 1
Radical Publishing Releases "Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost" #2
ALADDIN: LEGACY OF THE LOST #2 (2 of 3)
Writer IAN EDGINTON
Series Illustrators STJEPAN SEJIC and PATRICK REILLY
Letterers RICHARD STARKINGS and COMICRAFT’S JIMMY BETANCOURT
64 pages, FC for only $4.99
After his descent into the perilous caverns for the sorcerer Qassim, the thieving rogue known as Aladdin has reappeared in the city of Shambhalla. He is no longer a pauper, but a rich and decadent prince, transformed by the power of the Djinn of the Lamp! However, when Qassim exposes Aladdin and kidnaps the lovely Princess Soraya, there’s only one man Aladdin can turn to: Sinbad, the mariner of legend. With Sinbad’s help, Aladdin must journey to the hidden depths of the city to parlay with the world’s deadliest sovereign. She’ll help the duo track Qassim… but for a price far beyond even Aladdin’s imagination.
Featuring covers by Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), Lucio Parrillo (Hulk Monster-Size Special) and a special 1:10 incentive cover from Clayton Crain (X-Force).
Aladdin #2 cover A: by Arthur Suydam – Diamond Code: DEC090980
Cover B: by Lucio Parrillo – Diamond Code: DEC090981
Writer IAN EDGINTON
Series Illustrators STJEPAN SEJIC and PATRICK REILLY
Letterers RICHARD STARKINGS and COMICRAFT’S JIMMY BETANCOURT
64 pages, FC for only $4.99
After his descent into the perilous caverns for the sorcerer Qassim, the thieving rogue known as Aladdin has reappeared in the city of Shambhalla. He is no longer a pauper, but a rich and decadent prince, transformed by the power of the Djinn of the Lamp! However, when Qassim exposes Aladdin and kidnaps the lovely Princess Soraya, there’s only one man Aladdin can turn to: Sinbad, the mariner of legend. With Sinbad’s help, Aladdin must journey to the hidden depths of the city to parlay with the world’s deadliest sovereign. She’ll help the duo track Qassim… but for a price far beyond even Aladdin’s imagination.
Featuring covers by Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), Lucio Parrillo (Hulk Monster-Size Special) and a special 1:10 incentive cover from Clayton Crain (X-Force).
Aladdin #2 cover A: by Arthur Suydam – Diamond Code: DEC090980
Cover B: by Lucio Parrillo – Diamond Code: DEC090981
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