Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Leroy Douresseaux on "Aya: The Secrets Come Out"



AYA: THE SECRETS COME OUT
DRAWN & QUARTERLY

WRITER: Marguerite Abouet
ARTIST: Clément Oubrerie
TRANSLATION: Helge Dascher
LETTERS: Rich Tomasso, John Kuramoto
ISBN: 978-1-897299-79-1; hardcover
144pp, $19.95 US, $22.95 CAN, Color

In their graphic novel, Aya, writer Marguerite Abouet and artist Clément Oubrerie transported readers back to the African country of the Ivory Coast. Set in the late 1970s, Aya introduced a cast of characters that lived in and around Yopougon, also known as Yop City, a working class neighborhood in the city of Abijan. The star of this colorful ensemble was Aya, a studious, middle class girl whose levelheaded ways were in stark contrast to her contemporaries.

In the second graphic novel, Aya of Yop City, Aya is the calm eye of a storm of personal calamities. Her friend, Adjoua, struggles with being a single mother, and her other girl friend, Bintou, ignores her friends to chase a mysterious Parisian lothario. The biggest bombshell of all is that Aya’s father, Ignace, has two children by another woman, and his mistress, Jeanne, arrived at the family’s doorstep with the two children in tow.

In the third (and final?) graphic novel, Aya: The Secrets Come Out, clandestine desires, conspiracies, secrets, and lies are brought to light. This time, Aya manages to be counsel to almost all and problem solver for many.

Aya is one of the great graphic novels of the first decade of this century (2001-2010). Aya of Yop City was a good, not great work, but as I said in my review, “it is great that something like it is available to comic book and graphic novel readers in North America.” Aya: The Secrets Come Out delivers a wonderful comic, character drama that completely justifies the subplots and set-ups offered in Yop City.

Like Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez were over a quarter-century ago, Marguerite Abouet is a greatly needed fresh voice in comic books, spinning tales about people who are different from the cookie cutter characters and culture offered by North American comic books – from superhero comics to yes, alternative comics. Her keen insight into human motivation with its changeability and fickle nature allows her to create characters that are uncanny in their resemblance to real people.

Artist Clément Oubrerie uses vibrant colors to bring his quirky cartoons to life. He gives his characters faces that capture a wide range of human emotion, feeling, and expression. His backdrops and sets are what really capture the sense that these stories take place in a different world.

Together, Abouet and Oubrerie have created something that is not only delightfully refreshing, but is also magical in its ability to make an African-set story universal. The only bad thing about Aya: The Secrets Come Out is that this excellent conclusion is the end. Encore!

A


Morning Glories TPB to Have Special Introductory Price



Image Comics and Shadowline thank MORNING GLORIES fans with specially priced trade
 
Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. But behind its hallowed doors, something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be!

MORNING GLORIES VOL. 1: FOR A BETTER FUTURE TP (DEC100470), a 192-page full-color graphic novel for the special introductory price of $9.99, will be in stores February 16, 2011. MORNING GLORIES #7 (DEC100486), a 32-page full-color comic for the new low price of $2.99, will be in stores February 23, 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/.

Marcus Boas Covers Indie Comics Magazine



Marcus Boas Paints Cover for the New Indie Comics Magazine
Indie Comics Magazine Editor Gary Scott Beatty announced today that a Marcus Boas painting will appear on the first issue of the new comic book, scheduled for preorder in Diamond Comic Distributors' January 2011 Previews catalog and available only through Previews.

From paperback book covers to movie posters to Heavy Metal magazine, Marcus Boas has been leaving his mark on sword and sorcery illustration since the 1970s. Boas' style is defined by a skill and tension reminiscent of the pulp magazines and movie posters of the '40s and '50s.

"Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators," said Beatty. "It's only fitting that an illustrator with such a long history of impressive genre painting should appear on the cover of our new book."

Just out of art school, Boas painted for Calvin Beck, publisher of Castle of Frankenstein magazine. Influenced by Frank Frazetta and Jim Steranko, Boas illustrated fantasy, adventure, romance and Western paperbacks, and Kung Fu movie posters. Comic book conventions in the '70s and'80s brought him comic book cover work.

Boas is particularly adept at depicting strong, gorgeous females, as on the premiere Indie Comics Magazine cover. Each issue of the comic will feature eight full stories from eight different independent comic book creators, said Beatty. Short biographies and contact information are included with the stories so readers can easily seek out more of the creators' work.

Boas posters and prints, and his latest book, "Enter the Worlds of Heroic Fantasy - Paintings by Marcus Boas" is available at KasoComics.com.

Indie Comics Magazine is available only through the Previews order magazine at your local comic shop. The first issue premieres in Previews January, 2011. Find your local comic shop at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://www.comicshoplocator.com/. Information about Indie Comics Magazine is online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/.

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Monday, November 29, 2010

Savage Dragon #166 Promises Big Things



EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Image Comics has a secret... and that secret is the cover and contents of SAVAGE DRAGON #166
It's an event so unexpected -- so shocking -- that nothing will ever be the same. And we can't tell you a thing about it!

Prepare to have your senses shattered this Wednesday with the release of SAVAGE DRAGON #166 from Image Comics -- it's unlike anything you have ever read or imagined! Savage Dragon has reverted to his original identity, the evil Emperor Kurr, and...

...and...

...but that would be telling.

"There was a time when readers didn't know what to expect from the next issue of their favorite comic book," says Savage Dragon creator Erik Larsen, "There were no sneak peeks, no previews or online news sources spelling out, in excruciating detail, what was going to happen in the comic books that were going to be released -- and I think that's taken away a lot of the excitement of going to the comic book store. I want to bring that excitement back!"

Make no mistake: SAVAGE DRAGON #166 and #167 contain huge, cataclysmic Earth-altering events. Your mind will be blown! Your senses will be shattered! But just this once, we'd prefer not to spell out the how, when and why -- we'd prefer you find out about it in the pages of the comics themselves.

"Since stepping down from his roll as Publisher a couple years back, Erik has quietly been producing one of the most uncompromising comics on the market," adds Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Where a lot of comics offer the illusion of change, SAVAGE DRAGON has continued to push boundaries and the events of these two issues take Erik's forward-looking approach to its ultimate conclusion. If you've ever been interested in this title, you definitely do not want to miss these two issues."

SAVAGE DRAGON #166 (SEPT100496), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores November 24, 2010. SAVAGE DRAGON #167 (OCT100515) continues the shattering finale on December 22, 2010.


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/.

Papillon Butterfly Needs Bullet Wings

I read Papillon 5/6

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Leroy Douresseaux on Radical Premiere's" Damaged/Hollow Point"



DAMAGED/HOLLOW POINT FLIPBOOK
RADICAL PUBLISHING

DAMAGED
CREATORS: Michael Schwarz and John Schwarz
WRITER: David Lapham
ARTIST: Denis Calero
COVER: Alex Maleev

HOLLOW POINT
CREATOR: Ron L. Brinkerhoff
WRITER: David Hine
ARTIST: Elia Bonetti
PAINTS: Ong Chew Peng
COVER: Tamas Gaspar
28pp, Color, $1.00

Radical Publishing has published a preview of two upcoming series as a “flipbook” under the Radical Premiere imprint. Damaged is a crime comic created by Michael Schwarz and John Schwarz of Full Clip Productions, a venture with actor Sam Worthington (Avatar).

According to Radical, Damaged focuses on “two brothers committed to justice in different ways – one inside the law, one violently beyond it.” The 12-page preview of Damaged introduces Capt. Frank Lincoln, who, while investigating a slaughter of Russian mobsters, discovers that a ghost from his past may be behind the massacre.

The second preview is of Hollow Point, a crime comic created by screenwriter Ron L. Brinkerhoff (the Kevin Costner-Ashton Kutcher film, The Guardian). Hollow Point focuses on an assassin who survives a near fatal gunshot and according to Radical, “…begins to experience disturbing visions from beyond the grave. He soon realizes the bullet meant to kill him has opened a third eye into the spirit realm.” None of that happens in this 12-page preview.

Both series are intriguing, which I think is the whole point of these “Radical Premiere” comic books – pique the interest of as many readers as possible. At the cover price of $1, readers can discover a title they might like, especially if they are fans of a previewed title’s genre, for little financial risk. Radical Publishing is certainly good at genre, for instance, matching a quality crime writer with an artist whose graphic style and storytelling is ideal for crime comics.

Honestly, I will probably read Hollow Point… because I’ll probably get a review copy. I wouldn’t seek it out otherwise, although I am intrigued by what I read. Damaged, however, I am ready to read now (although it isn’t due until next summer). It looks like a gritty, brutal, violent tale with some elements similar to The Punisher. I like how the dialogue colors some of the characters as cruel and cynical. The art by Dennis Calero is solid, but I like how Calero twists and distorts the faces and figures to embellish mood and character.

In the final analysis, Damage/Hollow Point successfully previews two new crime series that intrigue.

------------------------------------

 

CLiNT #1 Goes Back to Press with New Cover



MARK MILLAR’S CLiNT #1 SELLS OUT, SECOND PRINTING ANNOUNCED BY TITAN!
 
The first issue of Mark Millar's brand new comic anthology, CLiNT, has sold out! To meet retailer demand, Titan publishing has announced a second printing with a fabulous new Kick-Ass cover, that is sure to become a collector’s item.

CLiNT is the brand new 100-page monthly magazine from Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar and leading entertainment publisher Titan, showcasing brand new comics alongside news, features and interviews, with a mix of celebrity contributors and hot new talent.

CLiNT #1, which launched early September, boasting the first-look at Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.'s Kick-Ass 2, has flown off shelves. This first hit issue also includes the start of Nemesis, by Millar and Steve McNiven, and sees two of the UK’s most outspoken TV personalities present their comic debuts.

Turf, by Jonathan Ross and acclaimed artist Tommy Lee Edwards, mixes vampires, aliens and gangsters in a slick period thriller. While Rex Royd, by comedian Frankie Boyle, introduces “The Renaissance Man of Madness” in a spectacular supervillain strip.

Retailers will be able to order copies of the second printing of CLiNT #1 with this fabulous new Kick-Ass cover from this weeks PREVIEWS Plus and December’s Diamond PREVIEWS. For more information visit www.previewsworld.com.

Orders for CLiNT issue #6, which includes the latest installment of Kick-Ass 2 is also listed in December’s Diamond PREVIEWS and retailers are advised to increase their orders to meet the anticipated demand.

For more information on CLiNT, visit: http://www.clintmag.com/

CLiNT #1 trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCRL5PLM7Yo

Connect with CLiNT: http://www.twitter.com/CLiNTmag and http://www.facebook.com/CLiNTmag

Li'l Depressed Boy Begins in February from Image Comics



BETWEEN A (LI'L DEPRESSED) BOY AND A GIRL
 
Image Comics collects cult favorite web series this February
 
He found a home first on the Internet. Now, Li'l Depressed Boy comes to print with LI'L DEPRESSED BOY #1, out this February from Image Comics.

LI'L DEPRESSED BOY follows the adventures of a ragdoll as he goes about his ordinary life. In the first issue, Li'l Depressed Boy meets girl, with all the romantic and stylish lovelorn charm that characterizes movies such as (500) Days of Summer.

The cult favorite web series was created in 2005 by S. Steven Struble, a comic colorist (CHEW, Kick Drum Comix) and nationally competing slam poet, who continues to write the series. Early Li'l Depressed Boy strips were drawn by comics luminaries such as Sam Keith (THE MAXX), Jamie McKelvie (PHONOGRAM), Jim Mahfood (MIXTAPE), and more. Sina Grace took over art duties on the acclaimed web comic in 2008. His illustrations can be seen in various publications, most recently in Among the Ghosts, a young adult novel written by Amber Benson (Tara on Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

"The Li'l Depressed Boy comes from so many personal experiences, which I think correlates to why people relate to the story," says Struble. "We've all been that quiet person who can barely muster a smile. With Sina as the regular artist and our first story arc together under the Image 'I,' it's a dream come true."

Adds Grace, "When I started drawing the Li'l Depressed Boy, I was so excited to be collaborating with someone who wanted to tackle comics the same way I did: with earnestness, fun, and a touch of self-deprecation. After all these years, I'm happy to say that the work we are presenting with Image Comics maintains those core values."

LI'L DEPRESSED BOY #1 (diamond code), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores February 9, 2011. Meet the Li'l Depressed Boy by visiting www.lildepressedboy.com.


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/.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Morning Glories #7 Begins New Story Arc


WORTH EVERY PENNY
 
Image Comics and Shadowline thank MORNING GLORIES fans with specially priced trade and price drop
 
The fans have spoken, making MORNING GLORIES a bestseller! Each issue of the series has been a sellout, and to thank fans, Shadowline and Image Comics are dropping the cover price from $3.50 to $2.99 with issue #7!

For those of you who may have missed an issue of the hit series -- written by Nick Spencer (FORGETLESS, EXISTENCE, SHUDDERTOWN) and drawn by Joe Eisma (EXISTENCE) with covers by Rodin Esquejo -- Image is also releasing the first trade for the special introductory price of $9.99! The trade collects the first six issues of the hottest series of the year and will be in stores February 16, 2011, one week before MORNING GLORIES #7.

"Issue 7 starts a new story arc, making it the perfect jumping-on point for new fans," says Spencer. "The combination of the specially priced trade and the lower price for issues is a boon, both for myself and the fans. I get to keep telling an electrifying story while fans get to enjoy all the thrills at a more affordable price!"

Adds Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino, "We wanted to thank the dedicated fans of MORNING GLORIES for all their support. We wouldn't be able to drop the price of the comic if they hadn't embraced the series so whole-heartedly. So, thank you, and stay tuned for more twists as the Glories take on the Academy!"

Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. But behind its hallowed doors, something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be!

MORNING GLORIES VOL. 1: FOR A BETTER FUTURE TP (DEC100470), a 192-page full-color graphic novel for the special introductory price of $9.99, will be in stores February 16, 2011. MORNING GLORIES #7 (DEC100486), a 32-page full-color comic for the new low price of $2.99, will be in stores February 23, 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/.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Leroy Douresseaux on After Dark #2



AFTER DARK #2

RADICAL PUBLISHING
CREATORS: Antoine Fuqua and Wesley Snipes
WRITER: Peter Milligan
ARTIST: Leonardo Manco
PAINTS: Kinsun Loh, Jerry Choo, Sansan Saw
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
COVER: Francesco “Matt” Mattina
56pp, Color, $4.99

After Dark is a Radical Publishing comic book series created by director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and actor Wesley Snipes (Blade). This science fiction series is actually written by Peter Milligan (Hellblazer).

After Dark is set in the future on an Earth that exists in a state of near-perpetual darkness. Civilization is mostly confined to domed cities, with Solar City being the most populated. Some of the populace lives in a drug-addled stupor; others riot either because they have a cause or because they are bored. The rulers of Solar City decide that Angel, a messianic figure who hasn’t been seen in decades, can tame the populace. They enlist Omar, a Bedouin drifter, to guide a rag-tag team composed of specialists and known criminals into the wilds outside the city to find Angel.

After Dark #2 opens in the disastrous aftermath of Omar’s mission to save the ill Trooper Jones. Now, the Bedouin is left in the darkness with Ana, a femme fatale, and the gang brawler, “Monster” Monclare. The trio eventually rejoins the mission and the group resumes the trip to Angel’s last known location, Archipelago City, where they find more than they expected.

This second issue of After Dark is a much better read than the first. For one thing, Peter Milligan does something at which he is immensely good: write character drama for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and After Dark is a blend of all three. Getting to know these characters makes the story a much better read, and, combined with the interesting plot twists and quirks, the characters make After Dark that much more attractive. As usual, anything drawn by Leonardo Manco is good graphical storytelling, and the paints by the team of Kinsun Loh, Jerry Choo, Sansan Saw bring out Manco’s best artistic traits.

Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction comic books and Peter Milligan’s work will want to try After Dark.

B+

Angelina Jolie the Latest Subject of "Female Force"



BLUEWATER TACKLES THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF ANGELINA JOLIE
 
Movie star. Defender of human rights. Tireless mother. Tabloid fodder. All of these describe Angelina Jolie. Yet not one of them paints a complete picture of this talented and often controversial actress.

Independent comics company Bluewater Productions will do its part to fill in the blanks surrounding Jolie's life when the publisher debuts its latest biography comic this January, Female Force: Angelina Jolie.

The 32-page comic, written by Brent Sprecher with pencils by Nuno Nobre, will be available in comic shops and from online retailers such as Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. The comic will retail for $3.99.

Female Force offers a broad examination of strong women in our society. Past issues include Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Oprah and Hillary Clinton.

Writer Sprecher says that even long-time fans of Jolie's work will be surprised at what they learn about the talented actress. “I learned a great deal about her struggles and triumphs as an award-winning actress, mother and humanitarian,” Sprecher said. “Often painted as an edgy, slightly dangerous movie star, what is often not revealed about Ms. Jolie is her tireless commitment to charity work and her dedication to the plight of refugees around the world as a Goodwill Ambassador with the United Nations.”

Bluewater Productions is no stranger to biography comics. The company, which publishes the Political Power, Fame and Female Force series of biography comics, has made headlines for its features on such personalities as Lady Gaga, Sarah Palin, Justin Bieber and J.K. Rowling. The company plans to release future comics on Danica Patrick, Beyonce, Bill O'Reilly and Betty White.

Bluewater president and founder Darren G. Davis says that he has a simple goal with his company's bio comics: introduce a new generation of readers to the wonders of sequential storytelling.

“We're focusing our biography titles on the most intriguing celebrities, world leaders and artists,” Davis said. “This is by design. We want to bring new fans to comics. One way to do this is to publish biographies on celebrities that already have strong and dedicated fan bases.”

For his part, Sprecher hopes that his contribution to the Female Force lineup will shed some new light on an often misunderstood actress.

“My hope is that this biography, in some small way, inspires others to follow Angelina Jolie's example and make helping those in need a part of their daily lives,” Sprecher said.

Bluewater Productions is a leading independent publisher of comics. In addition to its biography comics, the company publishes a full line of fiction stories, everything from superhero tales to young adult comics to mysteries and science fiction.

For more information about Bluewater Productions, visit its Web site at 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.

The Time is Right for Indie Comics Magazine

Indie Comics Magazine Fills a Need for Indy Comic Fans, Creators

The new Indie Comics Magazine Editor Gary Scott Beatty was reading a comic book review when he had an idea. There are countless places independent comic book readers can see news and reviews. Why not offer a source for quality stories from indy comic book creators?

The result was Indie Comics Magazine. The first issue is scheduled for preorder in Diamond Comic Distributors' January 2011 Previews catalog and is available only through Previews. Each issue will feature eight full stories from eight different creators, said Beatty.

"The steady growth of independent comic book publishing since the 1960's underground movement, the 1980's black and white explosion and the 2000's online revolution has led to a staggering number of titles," he explained. "Quality work often never reaches a wide audience. There are so many titles competing for our attention many brilliant creators are simply overlooked."

That is why Beatty, who colors and letters comics and is a Xeric grant winning author and illustrator, brought up the possibility of a monthly indie publication with his many friends in the industry. Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators. Each issue will feature eight full stories from eight different creators.

"They couldn't believe no one had thought of it before," he laughed. "Readers can use our magazine as presented, to enjoy the range of talented writers and artists in it, but they can go one step further and visit their favorites online to learn more about what they do and, maybe, buy some of their work."

Short biographies and contact information are included with the done-in-one stories so readers can easily seek out more from their favorites.

Advancing technology is bringing with it an onslaught of entertainment choices, said Beatty. "It can be overwhelming. We can help readers cut through the noise and find indie comic creators who are definitely worth a second look."

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

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Skullkickers: More Sell-Outs and Reprints

COMPOUND SKULL FRACTURE

Like first two issues, SKULLKICKERS #3 sells out at distribution level

The main characters of SKULLKICKERS can't be put down, and readers can't put the book down either -- the third issue of the riotous action-comedy series has already sold out at the distribution level!

Image Comics has ordered a second printing of Skullkickers' side-splitting third issue. It will be in stores alongside the fourth issue on December 22, 2010.

Written by Jim Zubkavich (POPGUN, Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki) and illustrated by the talented team of Edwin Huang on interiors and Misty Coats on colors, SKULLKICKERS plays fantasy tropes to the hilt with all the black-hearted comedy and bombastic action any comics fan could want.

"Everyone on the Skullkickers creative team is working hard," says Zubkavich, "so getting this kind of back-to-press boost three times in a row is incredibly gratifying. Please keep reading and enjoying because we intend to keep delivering frantic fantasy fun throughout the holidays!"

In SKULLKICKERS, two mercenaries are entangled in a high-class assassination plot, and nothing will stop them from getting paid. The third issue sees our heroes tripping the light fantastic with pilfered poison stew and undead antagonists aplenty. This one has something for everyone -- including a special recipe for Skullkickers Stew for comic culinary enthusiasts!

SKULLKICKERS #3 Second Printing (SEP108188D), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in December 22, 2010, the same day as SKULLKICKERS #4 (AUG108190).

Follow the Skullkickers blog at http://www.skullkickers.com/ for sneak peeks and more. You can download a free preview of SKULLKICKERS using the Image Comics app from comiXology.


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/.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Bluewater Publishes Danica Patrick Bio Comic Book in December



BLUEWATER REACHES TO NASCAR NATION WITH DANICA PATRICK COMIC
 
Bluewater Productions has already brought new readers to sequential storytelling with its Political Power, Female Force and Fame comic book series. Now the independent comics company is reaching out to the members of NASCAR nation with its latest comic: Fame: Danica Patrick.

Bluewater's latest biography comic traces Patrick's rise through the male-dominated ranks of auto racing. It also explores the fascination that the public has with Patrick.

Writer CW Cooke, who has also penned Bluewater's top-selling Taylor Swift biography comic, said that even the most devoted of fans will learn something new about Patrick after reading this book.

“We've all seen the pictures and heard the gossip about her,” Cooke said. “But digging into her story and learning about her really focused me on the fact that she's a real person and not just a pin-up model or a one-note person.”

Cooke hasn't created a white-washed version of Patrick's NASCAR performances, either. The comic covers the critics who say that Patrick hasn't had enough success on the track to deserve all the attention that she gets.

Fame: Danica Patrick will hit comic book shops and online retailers like Amazon in December. The 32-page comic will retail for $3.99.

Artist Valerio Giangiordano handled the art for Patrick's story. Cooke, who was thrilled when he received his sample pages, said that fans won't be disappointed in the job that Giangiordano turned in.

“I just can't wait until you get to see this,” Cooke said. “The art was knocked out of the park on this one. One word breathless”

Darren G. Davis, publisher and founder of Bluewater Productions, said that the company's biography comics, which have generated reams of coverage from mainstream media, have brought a new stream of readers to the world of comic-book storytelling.

Davis said he expects that to continue with the introduction of the Patrick comic.

“I don't know how many Danica Patrick fans are already into comics, but I hope that Fame: Danica Patrick will show NASCAR nation that reading comics can be extremely entertaining,” Davis said. “I'm proud that we are helping to increase the number of comic fans. We all know that the industry needs new readers to truly thrive.”

Bluewater's 1st sports icon to be transformed into a comic book is David Beckham which will be in stores October 13.

Bluewater Productions is one of the leading independent comics companies in the country. In addition to its line of biography comics, the company publishes a series of science-fiction, horror, superhero, young-adult and drama comics.

For more information about Bluewater, visit the company's Web site at 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.

"Essex County's" Canada Reads Journey Continues

Press release:

The CBC's Canada Reads, a nationwide book club program in which 5 books compete (each championed by a Canadian celebrity) to be named the #1 book of the year, has officially announced the final 5. Jeff Lemire's phenomenal Essex County has made the cut, becoming not simply the first Top Shelf book, but the first graphic novel ever, to be in Canada Reads! This year, the Canada Reads program bears the theme "the essential Canadian novels of the past decade," so the honor is even more prestigious.

The celebrity champion of Essex County has also officially been announced: indie rocker Sara Quin, one-half of the award-winning band Tegan and Sara ! Along with Sara's spirited defense of the book in the Canada Reads broadcasts, we can expect plenty of attention on author Jeff Lemire, ranging from this QandA to a variety of podcasts, interviews, and more!

The selection of Essex County for this program is a huge honor for Jeff Lemire, Top Shelf Productions, and the comics industry at large. It poses an opportunity for an entire country to discover the power of Jeff's work, and to debate its values against four other excellent books. Our deepest congratulations to Jeff and the other finalists!

Canada Reads encourages everyone to spend this winter reading all 5 books, with various programming allowing readers to get to know the finalists better, all building up to the official competition in February 2011. Happy reading, and may the best book win!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 24 2010

DC COMICS

SEP100184 ACTION COMICS #895 $3.99

MAR100342 AME COMI JADE PVC FIGURE $60.00

MAR100343 AME COMI STAR SAPPHIRE PVC FIGURE $60.00

SEP100166 BATMAN AND ROBIN #17 $2.99

SEP100178 BATMAN BEYOND #6 (OF 6) $2.99

SEP100170 BATMAN ODYSSEY #5 (OF 13) $3.99

SEP100162 BATWOMAN #0 $2.99

JUL100194 BOY COMMANDOS BY JOE SIMON AND JACK KIRBY HC $49.99

JUL100221 CARTOON NETWORK 2 IN 1 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE SAT TP $12.99

SEP100274 CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #54 $2.99

SEP100242 DC COMICS PRESENTS SUPERMAN #2 $7.99

SEP100243 DC COMICS PRESENTS YOUNG JUSTICE #2 $7.99

APR100303 DC DYNAMICS SUPERGIRL STATUE $195.00

SEP100165 DETECTIVE COMICS #871 $3.99

SEP100288 FRINGE TALES FROM THE FRINGE #6 (OF 6) $3.99

SEP100173 GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #17 $2.99

JUL100192 GOTHAM CITY SIRENS SONG OF THE SIRENS HC $19.99

SEP100208 GREEN ARROW #6 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

AUG100208 GREEN LANTERN OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 $75.00

AUG108201 GREEN LANTERN SECRET ORIGIN HC NEW ED $19.99

SEP100214 JLA THE 99 #2 (OF 6) $3.99

SEP100198 JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #14 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

SEP100215 JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #45 $2.99

OCT100292 MAD SPECIAL SPY VS SPY #1 $5.99

SEP100177 OUTSIDERS #34 $2.99

AUG100201 OUTSIDERS THE ROAD TO HELL TP $14.99

SEP100335 RETURN OF BLACK ADAM DVD SHAZAM MAQUETTE $99.99

MAR100345 SUPERMAN BATMAN SUPERGIRL COLLECTORS SET $39.99

SEP100219 TEEN TITANS #89 $2.99

SEP100279 WILDCATS #29 $2.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 24 2010

MARVEL COMICS

SEP100574 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #649 BIG $3.99

SEP100709 ANITA BLAKE TP BOOK 03 LC EXECUTIONER $16.99

SEP100545 ASTONISHING THOR #1 (OF 5) $3.99

SEP100592 AVENGERS & INFINITY GAUNTLET #4 (OF 4) $2.99

SEP108103 AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE #1 (OF 9) 3RD PTG CHEUNG VAR $3.99

SEP100690 AVENGERS ORIGIN HC $24.99

SEP108104 AVENGERS PRIME #1 (OF 5) 3RD PTG DAVIS VAR (PP #943) $3.99

SEP100593 AVENGERS VS PET AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) $2.99

SEP100608 BLACK WIDOW #8 $2.99

SEP100611 CAPTAIN AMERICA #612 $3.99

SEP100600 CHAOS WAR ALPHA FLIGHT #1 $3.99

SEP100561 DEADPOOL #29 $2.99

SEP100691 DEADPOOL HC WADE WILSONS WAR $19.99

SEP100560 DEADPOOL PULP #3 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP100559 DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #887 $2.99

SEP100619 FANTASTIC FOUR #585 THREE $2.99

SEP100703 FRANKLIN RICHARDS TP SON GENIUS ULT COLL GN BK 02 $19.99

SEP100711 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY TP VOL 04 REALM OF KINGS $19.99

SEP100622 INCREDIBLE HULKS #617 $3.99

SEP100624 INCREDIBLE HULKS ENIGMA FORCE #3 (OF 3) $3.99

SEP100629 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #32 $3.99

SEP100635 KLAWS OF PANTHER #3 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP100685 MMW DOCTOR STRANGE TP VOL 01 $24.99

SEP100686 MMW DOCTOR STRANGE TP VOL 01 DM VAR ED 22 $24.99

SEP100664 NAMOR FIRST MUTANT #4 $2.99

SEP100667 NEW MUTANTS #19 $2.99

SEP100584 SECRET AVENGERS #7 $3.99

SEP100650 SECRET WARRIORS #22 $2.99

SEP100606 SHADOWLAND BLOOD ON STREETS #4 (OF 4) SL $3.99

SEP100607 SHADOWLAND POWER MAN #4 (OF 4) SL $3.99

SEP100705 SIEGE TP BATTLEFIELD $19.99

SEP100637 SPIDER-MAN #8 $2.99

SEP100625 SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #14 $6.99

SEP100725 SPIDER-MAN OSBORN IDENTITY TP $14.99

SEP100719 THOR ACROSS ALL WORLDS TP NEW PTG $29.99

SEP100646 THOR MIGHTY AVENGER #6 $2.99

SEP100647 THUNDERSTRIKE #1 (OF 5) $3.99

SEP100563 ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 3 #4 (OF 6) $3.99

SEP100565 ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #150 $5.99

SEP100695 ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN CHAMELEONS PREM HC VOL 02 $24.99

SEP100657 UNCANNY X-FORCE #2 $3.99

SEP100665 UNCANNY X-MEN #530 $3.99

SEP108106 X-MEN #4 2ND PTG MEDINA VAR (PP #943) $3.99

SEP100731 X-MEN BY M DJURDJEVIC POSTER $34.99

SEP100663 X-MEN CURSE OF MUTANTS SPOTLIGHT #1 $3.99

SEP100671 X-MEN FOREVER 2 #12 $3.99

SEP100668 X-MEN LEGACY #242 $2.99

IDW from Diamond Distributors for November 24 2010

IDW PUBLISHING

JUL100371 ARCHIE BEST OF STAN GOLDBERG HC VOL 01 $24.99

SEP100397 DEAD SPACE SALVAGE TP $17.99

SEP100398 ETERNAL DESCENT #5 $3.99

SEP100375 LOCKE & KEY KEYS TO THE KINGDOM #3 (OF 6) $3.99

SEP100358 TRANSFORMERS BEST OF GRIMLOCK TP $19.99

SEP100359 TRANSFORMERS SECTOR 7 #3 (OF 5) $3.99

SEP100365 TRUE BLOOD #5 (OF 6) $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 24 2010

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB100092 BARB WIRE 12 INCH FIGURE $119.99

SEP100050 BILLY THE KID GHASTLY FIEND LONDON #3 ERIC POWELL CVR $3.99

SEP100011 CONAN LEGACY FRAZETTA COVER #6 (OF 8) $6.99

AUG100040 CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #25 $2.99

APR100079 DEXTER LTD ED BUST $69.99

AUG100048 GUILD TP VOL 01 $12.99

SEP100009 KULL THE HATE WITCH #1 (OF 4) TOM FLEMING CVR $3.50

SEP100092 STAR WARS BLOOD TIES TALE JANGO & BOBA FETT #4 (OF 4) $3.50

SEP100102 TERMINATOR 1984 #3 (OF 3) $3.50

SEP100107 USAGI YOJIMBO #133 TAIKO PT 2 (OF 2) $3.50

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 24 2010

IMAGE COMICS

MAY100508 ARTIFACTS #1 (OF 13) COLLECTORS ED S/N $29.99

SEP100455 ELEPHANTMEN TP VOL 01 WOUNDED ANIMALS REVISED ED $19.99

OCT100443 FIREBREATHER VOL 3 #1 (OF 4) HOLMGANG $3.99

JUN100508 MAGDALENA (ONGOING) #4 $3.99

MAR100458 PILOT SEASON STELLAR #1 SGN ED $19.99

SEP100496 SAVAGE DRAGON #166 $3.50

SEP100497 SKULLKICKERS #3 $2.99

AUG100406 WALKING DEAD HEAD STAB T/S LG $24.99

AUG100405 WALKING DEAD HEAD STAB T/S MED $24.99

AUG100404 WALKING DEAD HEAD STAB T/S SM $24.99

AUG100407 WALKING DEAD HEAD STAB T/S XL $24.99

AUG100408 WALKING DEAD HEAD STAB T/S XXL $27.99

AUG100411 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S LG $24.99

AUG100410 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S MED $24.99

AUG100409 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S SM $24.99

AUG100412 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S XL $24.99

AUG100413 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S XXL $27.99

JUN100514 WITCHBLADE REDEMPTION TP VOL 01 (DIRECT MARKET ED) $4.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for November 24 2010

PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS
OCT100001 PREVIEWS #267 DECEMBER 2010 PI

COMICS
SEP101148 25 TO LIFE #3 (OF 3) $3.99

SEP100870 28 DAYS LATER #17 $3.99

AUG101177 7 BILLION NEEDLES GN VOL 02 $10.95

SEP101052 ALCHEMIST HC $22.99

SEP100872 AMORY WARS KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH 3 #6 (OF 12) $3.99

SEP100783 ARCHIE #615 $2.99

SEP100789 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #186 $3.99

SEP101200 BLACK GOD TP VOL 11 $11.99

SEP101132 BTX GN VOL 16 (OF 16) $12.99

AUG101082 CAPTAIN ACTION SEASON TWO #3 $3.99

SEP100757 CHIP SECOND CRACK #2 (OF 3) $3.99

AUG100888 DARKWING DUCK #1 SDCC CVR $9.99

SEP101130 DEMON SACRED GN VOL 03 (OF 11) $10.99

JUL100991 DF INVADERS #1 EXCL ROSS SGN CVR $29.99

SEP100875 DO ANDROIDS DREAM DUST TO DUST TP VOL 01 $9.99

AUG100855 DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #17 (OF 24) $3.99

SEP100877 DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP HC VOL 01 (OF 6) (O/A) $24.99

SEP100879 DRACULA COMPANY OF MONSTERS #4 $3.99

SEP101135 EENSY WEENSY MONSTER GN VOL 01 (OF 2) $10.99

OCT101235 ENEMIES & ALLIES NOVEL OF WORLDS FINEST TEAM MMPB $7.99

SEP100848 FAME TWILIGHT TP $14.99

JUL100846 FEMALE FORCE TP WOMEN OF THE MEDIA $15.99

SEP100867 FUTURAMA COMICS #52 $2.99

SEP101140 GAKUEN ALICE GN VOL 14 (OF 21) $10.99

SEP100976 GHOST HUNT GN VOL 11 $11.99

SEP101018 GI JOE VS COBRA FALL SPECIAL VACATION I/N SHADOWS $4.95

SEP100755 GOLD DIGGER #123 $2.99

OCT100957 GREEN HORNET PARALLEL LIVES TP $19.99

AUG101117 HOLLOW POINT DAMAGED FLIP BOOK $1.00

SEP100977 I AM HERE GN VOL 01 $16.99

SEP108019 ICHIROH GN VOL 03 $10.99

SEP100883 INCORRUPTIBLE #12 $3.99

SEP100968 JOHN MOORE PRESENTS DEAD SOLDIER #3 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP100790 JUGHEAD #204 $2.99

SEP101201 K ON GN VOL 01 $10.99

SEP100939 KEVIN SMITH GREEN HORNET #10 $3.99

JUL101126 LENORE COOTIES HC COLOR ED $17.95

JUL100849 LOGANS RUN TP $14.99

SEP101139 MAID SAMA GN VOL 07 (OF 10) $10.99

SEP100906 MICKEY MOUSE & FRIENDS #302 $2.99

AUG101093 MISS DONT TOUCH ME GN VOL 01 (O/A) $14.95

AUG101092 MISS DONT TOUCH ME GN VOL 02 $14.99

SEP101202 MY GIRLFRIENDS A GEEK GN VOL 02 $10.99

SEP101203 NABARI NO OU TP VOL 05 $10.99

SEP100979 PAPILLON GN VOL 05 /06 $17.99

SEP100858 POLITICAL POWER RUSH LIMBAUGH FOIL CVR $9.99

SEP100980 PSYCHO BUSTERS GN VOL 06 /07 $17.99

SEP101205 RAIDERS GN VOL 04 $10.99

JUL100937 RED SONJA #53 $3.99

SEP100859 ROCK N ROLL COMICS TP LED ZEPPELIN $17.99

AUG101087 ROTTEN #8 $3.99

SEP100861 S E HINTON PUPPY SISTER GN $9.99

AUG100727 SALIMBA GN $9.99

SEP101206 SASAMEKE GN VOL 01 $20.99

SEP100982 SAYONARA ZETSUBO SENSEI GN VOL 08 $10.99

SEP101131 SGT FROG GN VOL 20 (OF 20) $10.99

SEP100869 SIMPSONS WINTER WINGDING #5 $4.99

SEP100793 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #219 $2.99

JUN101002 SPECIAL EXITS HC $26.99

SEP101207 SPICE AND WOLF GN VOL 03 $12.99

SEP100889 STAN LEE TRAVELER #1 $3.99

JUL100949 STARGATE DANIEL JACKSON #4 $3.99

SEP101273 STINK OF LOVE PEPE LEPEW GT L AMOUR $9.95

SEP101208 SUMOMOMO MOMOMO TP VOL 06 $10.99

SEP101209 TIME AND AGAIN GN VOL 04 $10.99

SEP101019 TRANSFORMERS TIMELINES FALL SPECIAL GENERATION 2 REDUX $4.95

SEP100983 TSUBASA GN VOL 28 $10.99

SEP100927 VAMPIRELLA #1 $3.99

SEP108120 VAMPIRELLA #1 MADURIERA BLOOD RED VIP ED $3.99

SEP100756 VERY ZOMBIE CHRISTMAS #2 $3.50

JAN100843 WALL-E HC VOL 01 RECHARGE $24.99

JUN101061 WAR IS BORING GN $12.95

SEP101125 WWE HEROES #7 TIMEQUAKE UNDERTAKER #1 $3.99

SEP101091 YO GABBA GABBA BOARD COMIC GABBA BALL $7.99

SEP101092 YO GABBA GABBA BOARD COMIC GOOD NIGHT GABBALAND $7.99

SEP101141 YOUR AND MY SECRET GN VOL 07 (OF 7) $10.99


MAGAZINES
AUG108021 DISNEY PRESENTS TANGLED MAGAZINE SPECIAL (PP #938) $4.99
SEP101293 DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 42 BAMA CVR $14.95
SEP101292 DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 42 REG CVR $14.95
SEP101295 SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 43 $14.95
SEP101298 STAR TREK MAGAZINE SOUVENIR SPECIAL $14.99
AUG101296 TORCHWOOD MAGAZINE #24 SPECIAL $9.99

You Can Only Hope to Contain "Morning Glories"

MORNING AGAIN

MORNING GLORIES does it again with distribution-level sellout of fourth issue

Newsarama says the fourth issue of MORNING GLORIES feels "like a high-stakes poker game," and readers must be all in along with Newsarama -- the fourth issue of the critically acclaimed and best selling series from Shadowline and Image Comics is already sold out at the distribution level!

Image Comics is rushing a second printing of MORNING GLORIES #4, written by Nick Spencer (FORGETLESS, EXISTENCE, SHUDDERTOWN) and drawn by Joe Eisma (EXISTENCE) with covers by Rodin Esquejo (FRACTURED FABLES), to press. The new printing will be in stores December 22, 2010.

"This fourth consecutive sell-out prior to release continues the unprecedented winning streak both Image Comics and Shadowline have been experiencing in recent months, and I couldn't be prouder!" notes Shadowline publisher Jim Valentino.

Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. But behind its hallowed doors, something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be! In the fourth issue of this best-selling series, the Glories come together secretly and hatch a plan to rescue one of their own -- and to escape from the sinister clutches of the Academy!

MORNING GLORIES #4 Second Printing (SEP108187), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores December 22, 2010, the same day as MORNING GLORIES #5 (OCT100513).


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/.

Indie Comics Magazine Debuts

Indie Comics Magazine Premieres in January Previews

"Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators," Editor Gary Scott Beatty announced today. "It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of independent comics."

Each issue will feature eight full stories from eight different creators, said Beatty. The first issue is scheduled for preorder in Diamond Comic Distributors' January 2011 Previews catalog and is available only through Previews.

"It's important to read done-in-one stories," said Beatty, "to 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.

"The sheer number of comic books, graphic novels and online entertainment available today is overwhelming," Beatty explained. "We help readers cut through the reviews and hype to experience these creators raw talent."

Indie Comics Magazine will present a variety of art styles and genres, said Beatty. "Adventure, superhero and ninja tales will appear side-by-side with comedy, romance and mystery. We plan a real variety show format." He laughed. "Just call me the Ed Sullivan of indy publishers."

Indie Comics Magazine is available only through the Previews order magazine at your local comic shop. The first issue premieres January, 2011. Find your local comic shop at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://www.comicshoplocator.com/. Information about Indie Comics Magazine is online at http://indiecomicsmagazine.com/.

Image Comics Announces Young Adult Graphic Novel, "Poseurs"



WEST COAST GOSSIP GIRL
Image Comics parties noir with February release of POSEURS
Los Angeles nightlife. It's all Hollywood parties and glitterati, right? The graphic novel POSEURS paints a different picture as it plays with the idea of who's real and who's rented in the LA party scene.

Available this February from Image Comics, POSEURS follows the lives of three distinctly different teenagers as they navigate both the seemingly glamorous and underground party scenes of LA. Traversing all corners of LA, from the graffiti-tagged streets of LA's eastside to the bloated mansions of Bel Air, POSEURS takes a satirical look at the LA party scene through the eyes of three teens who get in over their heads.

Writer Deborah Vankin has the pedigree to back up her tale -- she's covered arts, culture, entertainment, and nightlife in LA for nearly 10 years, writing for publications such as the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and Variety. Rick Mays (KABUKI VOL. 6: SCARAB) brings a pen as sharp as Vankin's wit and experience to the project, perfectly capturing the aesthetic of the LA party scene, whether the pretty dream or the ugly truth.

"It's a young adult novel aimed at teens, but I think older audiences will appreciate the satire that permeates the story. There's a kidnapping, a few shady characters, and some love interest. And it's shot through with photographic and literary references -- so it's fun, but smart, too."

POSEURS OGN (DEC100454), a 152-page black & white graphic novel from Image Comics, will be in stores February 16, 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/.


Bluewater's Mark Zuckerberg Comic Optioned as a Film



“MARK ZUKERBERG: CREATOR OF FACEBOOK” COMIC BOOK OPTIONED AS AN FILM
 
Hayden 5 Media and Bluewater Productions team up to create the animated film based off the comic book for Mark Zuckerburg: Creator of Facebook.

“When we found out that Bluewater was releasing this comic, we knew we had to get on board,” says Todd Wiseman, President of Hayden 5 Media. “We saw a great opportunity to re-tell the story of Mark Zuckerburg post Social Network in a brighter, animated form that could be enjoyed and understood by a broader audience.”

Much like the technique used in the film A Scanner Darkly, the production of Mark Zuckerburg and The Found will begin with live action filmmaking in a digital medium, followed by the use of interpolated rotoscope. The result will be a cross between real characters and animated surroundings seamlessly integrated for a unique, comic book aesthetic.

The comic book is written by Jerome Maida and drawn by Fritz Saalfeld. It is described as the brains and driving force behind Facebook Mark Zuckerberg has become the youngest billionaire in the history of the planet. As this comic reveals, the road for the success for both his creation and him personally was not preordained nor was it always a smooth ride. He would be tempted with unimaginable amounts of money and have to deal harshly with people along the way - many of whom would later feel betrayed. Read how a young man's frustration with women helped spark an idea that would have him dating Victoria's secret models and how socially inept young man wound up creating a company that has revolutionized the way hundreds of millions of people all over the globe socialize with each other.

The comic book hits stores in late December. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming comic book is $6.99. To make sure you get your copy, contact your local comic book store to pre-order it. To find a comic book store near you go to www.comicshoplocator.com. The comic can be ordered online by clicking here: http://bit.ly/c2IkZN

“This will not be the last retelling of the Marc Zuckerburg story,” says Milos Silber, Executive Producer at Hayden 5 Media. “We're just aware of the profound impact of Facebook, and with over 500 million users, we're bound to have an audience. One that is more willing to watch a shortened, visually captivating summary of this short epic online, or on their favorite network.”

While Hayden 5 Media predicts the film will bring back the same audience intrigued by Social Network, Marc Zuckerburg and The Found will shed new light on the controversial story of the creators life and bring a completely new look and feel than that of the feature film.

Bluewater Productions publishes a wide range of comics, from superheroes to horror to children's tales to its much-discussed line of biography comics. Past biography comics from Bluewater have focused on the lives of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, George Bush, Betty White, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.

For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit the company's Web site at http://www.bluewaterprod.com/.


About Hayden 5 Media
After graduating Tisch Film School at NYU in the Fall of 2008, Todd Wiseman and Milos Silber started Hayden 5 Media in their East Village apartment with the goal of starting a unique creative production company. Years later, Hayden 5 Media has become a highly sought after production unit based out of their production studio in Chelsea and operating around the country in the fields of film, television, commercials and music videos.

Today, Hayden 5 Media creates commercials in conjunction with major ad agencies and has produced over 20 music videos for artists like Benny Benassi, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Alexa Ray Joel, Trapt, and more. Hayden 5 Media was contracted to produce the first 50 part web series for The Economist, operates the first nationwide Man with a Cam service, and is currently in negotiations on the sale of their first television show to a major network.

Shifting gears to focus on film and television, H5M has compiled its slate for 2011, which includes several feature films, television series, and one-offs that include the historical documentary, The Life of Ty Cobb and the animated short Mark Zuckerburg.

See the work of Hayden 5 Media at http://www.hayden5media.com/.  Contact them at 212-871-9316

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/.

FireBreather Movie and New Comic Get Same Day Release



DOUBLE DOSE OF FIREBREATHER
 
First issue of new FIREBREATHER miniseries gets variant cover from Cartoon Network movie
 
The FIREBREATHER movie debuts on Cartoon Network on November 24, 2010, and FIREBREATHER VOL. 3: HOLMGANG #1 is getting both a variant cover and an early release on the same day to celebrate!

Advance reviews for the movie version of the critically acclaimed Image Comics series have been stellar, and HOLMGANG #1 is a great place for new fans to jump onto the series. The variant cover features exclusive artwork from the TV movie and will be in stores November 24 alongside the regular cover.

Teenager Duncan Rosenblatt has a human mother and a giant, city-stomping, kaiju father. He also has all the worries of a normal high schooler, from bullies to girls to fitting in. Written by Phil Hester and drawn by Andy Kuhn, FIREBREATHER VOL. 3: HOLMGANG picks up where FIREBREATHER VOL. 2 left off: Duncan deals with not only losing his father but with keeping his father's death a secret, even from his mother. But Duncan's mysterious extended family may not let him keep that secret -- or his life -- much longer.

"We are super excited to have the first issue of our new Firebreather mini-series hit stores the same day the animated film debuts on Cartoon Network," says Kuhn. "The film's director Peter Chung really knocked it out of the park, and the Cartoon Network variant cover is a great looking piece of art that really gives you a vibe of what to expect in the movie. Please watch it, you won't be disappointed, AND buy the comic, because it's insanely awesome!

Hester adds, “I'm excited that people will get a glimpse of the gorgeous treatment Peter Chung and company have worked up for Duncan on this alternate cover. The 24th is a chance for fans new and old to get a double dose of classic and animated Firebreather. The best of both worlds!”

FIREBREATHER VOL. 3: HOLMGANG #1 (of 4) (OCT100443), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores November 24, 2010, with a cover by series artist Andy Kuhn and a variant cover featuring artwork from the Cartoon Network television movie. Catch up on Duncan's adventures with FIREBREATHER VOL. 1: GROWING PAINS ($14.99, APR090360) and FIREBREATHER VOL. 2: ALL THE BEST HEROES ARE ORPHANS ($16.99, AUG082239), available now. Finally, don't miss the FIREBREATHER movie, premiering on Cartoon Network on November 24, 2010!

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/.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

I Reads You Review: NINJA GIRLS, VOL. 4



Creator: Hosana Tanaka; Andria Cheng (translation and adaptation)
Publishing Information: Del Rey Manga, paperback-B&W, 202 pages, $10.99 U.S., $11.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-0-345-51245-1 (ISBN-13)

Rating: “OT” for “Ages 16+”

Ninja Girls is a shonen manga series from creator Hosana Tanaka. It follows the journey of a boyish young man named Raizō and his posse of kunoichi (female ninja) to restore a great family.

The horn growing from Raizō’s forehead marks him as a member of the Katana family. Actually, Raizō is the lost, illegitimate son of the most recent feudal lord of the Katana family, who apparently committed suicide. Kagari, Kisarabi, and Himemaru are three, loyal and sexy female ninja who have come together to protect Raizō. He is their new master, and they are scheming to elevate his status and to return the Katana family to greatness.

As Ninja Girls, Vol. 4 opens, Raizo is having dreams that are either hints at the future or clues about the past… or both. Next, Tsukioka Azami, a demure young woman, suddenly appears and claims to serve the Katana family. She certainly is a whiz at the domestic arts, but Kagari is suspicious of her… or is that jealous of her? When Kagari leaves Raizo and her comrades, it begins an adventurer that will land the entire group in the clutches of Katana family enemy, Kabuki Seigan.

It seems as if Hosana Tanaka is less interested in Ninja Girl’s lead character, Raizō, and more interested in the supporting players, who are very colorful and quite interesting. That’s actually a good thing for the reader when a comic book is filled with characters that are appealing and have engaging back stories. Even the villains are attractive.

The mixture of action and comedy with a healthy dose of character development will keep readers engrossed with Ninja Girls. The intrigue and fanservice will catch any stragglers.

B+


Captain Obese Returns



Press release:
 
We may not like to admit it but there are fat people roaming the earth.

It is true!

They are not just a few pounds overweight, either. These people are huge, three-hundred, four-hundred, even five-hundred pound folks that are so fat they pose a danger to themselves and the people around them.

Every day more of them show up as America struggles with an obesity problem that is epidemic. Over 30% of Americans are obese making the good old USA the fattest country in the world.

So let's not be ignorant. Pretending that fat people don't exist is like pretending that there are no such things as black people, gay people, or women that are more than sex objects.

Fat people are real. Real people with hopes and dreams, fears and joys, loves and hates. Look in the mirror. You may be one.

So please do not get pious and all politically correct when you read the following:

CO2 Comics announces that CAPTAIN OBESE by Don Lomax will be the latest feature added to the popular webcomic site http://www.co2comics.com/!

That's right.

CAPTAIN OBESE is a comic about a morbidly obese superhero that was previously published in the 1980's by Warp Graphics and disappeared from the comics mostly because it is politically incorrect to notice fat people in popular media unless you are trying to shrink them back to normal size.

It is OK for shows like Biggest Loser to capitalize on fat people because it's objective is to get rid of them by teaching them the healthier ways of the thin world.

I'm sorry, but CAPTAIN OBESE is fat and he is making no apologies for his size.

He is fat, proud, and most of all, he is back!

What makes CAPTAIN OBESE special. His creator, Don Lomax.

Don is, without question, graphically and literally, the most brutally honest comic creator I can remember ever seeing in print.

His Harvey nominated Vietnam Journal which is currently published by Transfuzion Publishing and his work on the Marvel comic The 'NAM is testimony to his ability and willingness to tell it like it is. Don lays it out on the page, panel after panel and pulls no punches. Don draws from experience, having served in Vietnam and it shows in the work which is described as the most accurate graphic depiction of the Vietnam War, ever.

Whether it is war comics or the tremendous volume of adult comix that Don has created in his four decades as a comic artist, one thing is certain, Don is not timid when it comes to laying down the ink. His images are exquisitely rendered and often openly raw.

Of all Don Lomax's works, CAPTAIN OBESE may be one of his most tame and easily digested by the faint of heart. That still will not prevent people from being uncomfortable with the idea of a fat guy in long underwear and a cape throwing his weight around for truth, justice, and the American way.

My suggestion to those dissenters, "Get over it!"

There's a new superhero in town, his name is CAPTAIN OBESE, and he is fat.

Too Bad! Go eat a cheeseburger or two.

DarkBrain Announces Kickstarter Campaign

Press Release

DarkBrain.com Announces Fundraising Campaign

November 16, 2010: After publishing over 300 pages of web comics since February of this year, DarkBrain.com is about to bring one of its popular stories to a crashing completion. “Mirror, Mirror” is the story of the workplace dominatrix haunted by her dead sister, Mirriam. On the heels of the fifth and conclusive issue, the web comic featuring the voice talents of adult film star Tabitha Stevens has much more story to tell, but the web publisher needs the help of comic fans to continue the series to a second volume.

To raise funds to continue the popular series, DarkBrain.com is launching a Kickstarter campaign beginning November 17th. Kickstarter is a unique website designed to help projects like DarkBrain.com acquire funds that either helps launch projects, or help them continue on. Through a series of pledge incentives, DarkBrain.com hopes to raise $6000, the cost associated with producing one issue of a web comic on the popular web comic site.

For the planned 60-day fundraising campaign, DarkBrain.com is offering the following rewards for pledgers:

• PLEDGE $10 OR MORE: SUPPORTER – Free one month membership and the contributor’s name in the list of sponsors in the sponsor's page IN the comic.

• PLEDGE $25 OR MORE: FRIEND – Free one month membership, a signed photo of Tabitha Stevens, and the contributor’s name in the "Sponsored by" page IN the comic.

• PLEDGE $50 OR MORE: BENEFACTOR - Free one month membership, a free poster, and the contributor’s name in the "Sponsored by" page IN the comic (and link-out).

• PLEDGE $100 OR MORE: CHAMPION - Free six month subscription, three free posters (Mirror posters SIGNED by Tabitha Stevens!), the contributor’s name, link AND a small photo in the "Sponsored by" page IN the comic.

• PLEDGE $250 OR MORE: SILVER - A QUARTER PAGE sponsor's advertisement in the comic itself.

• PLEDGE $500 OR MORE: GOLD - A HALF PAGE sponsor's advertisement in the comic itself! OR appear IN the comic in a cameo shot with art done for the contributor (contributor also receives the original art!) and the contributor can supply his/her OWN VOICE for his/her line.

• PLEDGE $1,000 OR MORE: PLATINUM - A FULL PAGE sponsor's advertisement in the comic itself OR the contributor’s own full-page comic developed by DarkBrain and included IN the comic!


In addition to the Kickstarter campaign, DarkBrain.com has also opened an online store featuring 11 x 17 posters from the various comics DarkBrain produces. In the coming weeks, fans of the web comic publisher will also be able to pre-order THE ART OF DARKBRAIN.COM, a 100-page print publication celebrating the accomplishments of DarkBrain’s first year online. DarkBrain’s new store can be found at http://www.darkbrain.com/.

Fans interested in pledging to DarkBrain’s Kickstarter campaign can do so by visiting http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darkbraincomics/mirror-mirror-6-webcomic-with-art-voice-over-and-m