Saturday, November 21, 2009

Friday, November 20, 2009

That Venomous Comic Called Deadlocke


This week, Dark Horse Comics released, Deadlocke, the comic book tie-in to the young adult novel, Venomous, which is also apparently currently being adapted into film. This must be a big deal, because not only has Dark Horse done press for this comic book, a media relations company, Razzle media, has also been sending out press releases for Deadlocke, including the following:
About Deadlocke: In modern-day New York City, a ragtag group of rebellious teens throws its annual raucous Weimar bash filled with debauchery, booze, and bloody knuckles. Going for the first time is Locke Vinetti, a newcomer to this band of bored rich kids--a loner who usually prefers to escape into the world of his alter ego comic book creation, Deadlocke.

Under the tutelage of the group's charming but unpredictable ringleader Casey, Locke has learned to express his art, and his angst, in ways he never thought possible. As the violent energy of Deadlocke continues to storm up inside of him, Locke must learn to control his newfound strength at the risk of losing Renee, the darkly beautiful girl of his dreams. Determined to prove that Deadlocke's rage will overpower Locke's love, Casey provokes Locke in a brutal rooftop battle where their lives, and their souls, hang in the balance.

Based on the Simon & Schuster young adult novel Venomous by Christopher Krovatin, Deadlocke teams comic writer Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi, Kull) with Nick Stakal (Criminal Macabre) in a story of a young man coming to terms with his own demons in a search for his true identity. [END]

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Orion Books to Release Joshua Smeaton's Haunted


Press release from Joshua Smeaton:
Haunted, the Xeric winning debut graphic novel by Joshua Smeaton is now available for preorder from Orion Books.

What did you do for Halloween when you were 12? Trick-or-treat, bob for apples or run from a psychotic ghost bent on ripping out your soul?

It was supposed to be a night of carefree fun for a group of jr. high friends. All they had wanted was to sneak into the high school Halloween party thrown at an abandoned mansion. Unfortunately they aren’t the only uninvited guests.

Haunted is an adventure story about a group of kids that get trapped in a mansion with a murderous ghost. The story is a fantastical thrill ride with moments of calm made all the more enjoyable with its colorful vibrant art.

Haunted is a 104-page full color graphic novel priced at 12.95, ISBN 978-0-615-31563-8. Scheduled to be released January 2010. It is available in the November Previews catalog. Order Code: NOV090896.

Boys' Love Supernatural

I finished reading Night Head Genesis 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.


The Boy Dylan Illustrated Songbook

I finished reading Bob Dylan Revisited

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I Do So Want a Copy of The Polar Express

Press release from Business Wire:

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Celebrates 25th Anniversary of The Polar Express

Interactive holiday calendar marks 25th year of holiday classic

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced the 25th anniversary of award-winning children's book creator Chris Van Allsburg's classic book, The Polar Express. This first-person narrative of a magical Christmas Eve journey, richly illustrated with Van Allsburg's lush artwork, tells a heartwarming story of childhood faith that has become a cherished part of millions of families' holiday traditions.

To honor this landmark anniversary, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has created an interactive online Polar Express Activity Calendar, based on the book, to count down the 25 days until Christmas. The calendar's daily family-friendly delights include a recipe for Polar Chocolate Nougat Caramel Squares, reindeer craft instructions, online games and mazes and the chance to win holiday bells and signed books. A free Calendar widget, embeddable on blogs and websites, is also available at http://www.polarexpress.com/.

"We couldn't be more proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic picture book," said Betsy Groban, senior vice president and publisher of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group. "After all these years, I still get goose bumps every time I read it. Happy anniversary to The Polar Express and to its genius creator, Chris Van Allsburg."

The Company has also published an anniversary hardcover edition of The Polar Express that includes a letter from the author, companion CD with narration by actor Liam Neeson and a new keepsake ornament featuring Van Allsburg's first-ever full-length illustration of the story's Conductor.

In the quarter-century since The Polar Express was first published, this simple story of belief and hope has sold millions of copies worldwide, received a Caldecott Medal and been adapted into a feature film. Most important, it remains a steadfast reminder to readers young and old of the true magic of Christmas.

To view the Polar Express Activity Calendar, share family holiday traditions, and preview Van Allsburg's works, visit http://www.polarexpress.com/. For author information, visit http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/.

About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company is a global education leader and the world's largest publisher of educational materials for pre-K–12 schools. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of best-in-class educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards — based assessments for students and educators. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit http://www.hmhpub.com/. [END]

Full Meal Alchemist

I finished reading Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 21 (Fullmetal Alchemist (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.