The Plaid Avenger in "Battle for Burma"

The Plaid Avenger is back, and I reviewed the second issue over at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an iPhone app).

This time around, this charming masked man heads to Burma to rescue a real world hero, Aung San Suu Kyi, from the clutches of real world villain, Senior General Than Shwe.

New Reliable Press Announces New Crime Anthology

NEW RELIABLE PRESS READY TO TAKE ON THE BIG BOYS OF CRIME COMICS

Acts of Violence explores mob loyalty, vigilante justice, drug addiction and dirty cops

New Reliable Press, one of Canada’s most versatile comics publishers, has just released Acts of Violence: A Crime Comics Anthology, a collection of sequential crime fiction told in the pulp tradition.

“Crime comics are in the midst of a revival,” says Ed Brisson, founder of New Reliable Press and co-creator of Acts of Violence, citing examples like DC’s Vertigo Crime line, Ed Brubaker’s Criminal, Marvel Noir, and Dark Horse’s recently released crime comics anthology.

And true to the nature of characters in crime fiction, the small, scrappy upstart is ready to go toe-to-toe with the big boys.

“Our promotional campaign is as well planned as a bank heist,” says Brisson. “Postcards have been sent to more than 500 comic shops in North America, and the creators are working the phones and social networking to connect with retailers and comic fans.”

Over the month of April, Acts of Violence creators have called more than 350 comic shops in North America, with more calls to be made before the end of the month. The creators feel this grassroots promotion is what is ultimately going to drive interest in the anthology.

“We’re not going to bust any kneecaps, but we will bust our asses to get the word out about our book,” says Brisson.

Featuring the talents of Toren Atkinson, Ed Brisson, Chad Boudreau, Dino Caruso, Damian Couceiro, Todd Ireland, Kevin Leeson, Manoel Magalhaes, and Marvin Mann and cover art by Fiona Staples, Acts of Violence unveils a roster of new voices in hard-boiled crime comics.

In “The Three Princes”, a trio of young friends is schooled on the alcohol and blood soaked streets of Prohibition era America. A rookie lawman must protect a killer from the desperate and despairing parents of a murdered girl in “Six O’Clock Noose”. A drug addled ten-time loser seeks to break the chains of misery that bind him in “Reggie-Town”. And in “The Orchard”, two cops take a late night drive into broken morals and violence.

Novelist and comics writer Mike Carey called Acts of Violence “a dark, rich anthology… [with] strong creative voices, using the comics medium to do ambitious things.”

A 20-page preview of Acts of Violence can be found at http://www.actsofviolencecomic.com/.

The anthology is being distributed by Diamond Comics, and has been solicited in the April edition of Previews. A PDF that you can print and bring to your local comic shop to let them know you’d like to order the book can be obtained at http://newreliable.com/AoV_PDF.pdf. The PDF contains all the info your retailer will need for Acts Of Violence.

Contact edb@newreliable.com for interview requests or general inquiries. Visit http://www.actsofviolencecomic.com/ for more information about Acts of Violence.

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Gestalt the Return of Ouri

I read Gestalt, Vol. 6

I posted a reveiw at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an iPhone app).

"Political Power" Has Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER GETS COMIC BOOK TREATMENT IN JUNE

Is he the embodiment of the American dream? Or is he simply a man lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time? That's the question Bluewater Productions tackles in its newest biography comic, Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Due to hit comic shops on June 30, Bluewater's latest bio comic traces Schwarzenegger's life as he rises from obscure body builder to movie star to governor of California. It's a career path few would have predicted. Then again, defying predictions is a common theme for Schwarzenegger.

Few, after all, would have predicted a movie career for Schwarzenegger. And fewer still would have predicted that the former body builder would become Hollywood's top action star. But in movies such as Terminator, Predator and True Lies, Schwarzenegger brought untold profits to the movie studios smart enough to cast him as their leading man.

Written by Justin Peniston with interior art by Matt Filer, Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger continues Bluewater's successful line of biography comics. Bluewater launched the Political Power line last July with a comic on former Secretary of State Colin Powell. It has since presented the stories of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Al Gore. Like its sister title, Female Force, the series has a simple goal: to tell even-handed stories of the individuals responsible for shaping the American experience.

Peniston said that even hardcore Schwarzenegger fans will be surprised at some of the revelations in Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“The crazy thing is, as something of an action movie buff, I probably tended to dismiss Arnold's accomplishments more than I should have,” Peniston said. “I didn't realize, living in a culture that allows people to become famous for any old thing these days, how difficult it was for Arnold to make the jump from bodybuilding to acting. I didn't know that he was a millionaire before he was a successful actor. I didn't know that he's been following a plan that he's had in place all along. I guess I'm saying that I knew he was a self-made man; but I didn't know what that really meant until I took on this project.”

Darren G. Davis, publisher and founder of Bluewater Productions, said that Schwarzenegger was a natural choice for the Political Power line.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor of the most-populated state in the country,” Davis said. “He is undeniably an important man. He was also the most sought-after action movie star for more than a decade. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly deserves his own comic.”

Interviews and high-resolution images are available upon request. For more information about Political Power and Bluewater Productions, visit www.bluewaterprod.com. In stores later this month "Political Power: Al Gore" and "Political Power: Rush Limbaugh"


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 www.bluewaterprod.com.

Bluewater Productions to Reprint Sold Out Ellen DeGeneres Bio Comic

BLUEWATER’S ELLEN DEGENERES BIOGRAPHY COMIC SELLS OUT, 2nd PRINTING ON ITS WAY


Just as she sells out venues across the country, Bluewater Productions’ bio comic on daytime talk show host and veteran comedienne Ellen DeGeneres has also sold out one week after its release. A second printing, with a new cover is already in production.

“I can’t say I’m surprised given Ellen’s enormous fan base and wide appeal,” said Bluewater president Darren Davis. “But I’m always gratified and thankful when the demand for a book exceeds our projections.”

The issue written by Sandra C. Ruckdeschel and penciled by Pedro Ponzo, has received national attention being featured in such mainstream publications as MTV, People Magazine, US Weekly and E! Entertainment Television.

Recently the issue, for which Bluewater is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Humane Society of the United States at Ellen’s request, came under scrutiny by a pro-hunting organization.

“They have threatened to boycott the issue because we put gratis advertisements for the Humane Society in our book.” Davis said. “Our official response to them is although we respect their right to disagree with the aims and goals of the Humane Society we do not share their concerns.”

Ellen DeGeneres is a well-known animal rights proponent.

According to Davis, many of the personalities featured in the Bluewater’s biography comic book series request the company make a donation to their favorite charity. This is typically done with free advertising space for the non-profit and/or a donation of a portion of the proceeds.

Female Force: Ellen DeGeneres, released last week, follows the comedienne from her youth in Louisiana, through the endless smoke-filled comedy club circuit, to her breakthrough sitcom and finally as an Emmy-winning daytime talk show host.

The issue also delves into Ellen’s personal life as an openly gay performer and an advocate for gay rights. “It is part of who she is and any telling of her story without acknowledging the importance she places on her identity would be disrespectful to her accomplishments,” said Ruckdeschel.

The new cover for the second printing was drawn by Michal Szyksznian.

According to Ruckdeschel, fans of Ellen will be able to revisit several of the entertainer’s most iconic moments including her 1986 appearance on the Tonight Show, the 1997 episode of her sitcom where her character announces she is gay, her entrance as host of the 2006 Oscars, and even her “trademark” dance moves. It evens covers the recent announcement of Ellen joining the judging panel for American Idol.

Female Force offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture. In past issues, the monthly series has featured Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Stephenie Meyer, JK Rowling, Barbara Walters and others.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming trade paperback is $3.99.

Female Force individual issues are also available on Amazon.com, where they have been ranked among the site’s top 300 books. The ISBN number for the Ellen issue is 978-14507-0017-7. To find a comic book store near you go to www.comicshoplocator.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.

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 www.bluewaterprod.com.

Torchwood Magazine Has Torchwood Comic Strip

Torchwood character resurrected for comic

The new issue of the official Torchwood magazine – on sale 15th April – plays host to an exclusive Torchwood comic strip penned by Torchwood star and fan-favourite, Gareth David-Lloyd!

David-Lloyd'’s character, Ianto Jones, who died in Captain Jack’s arms in the recent Torchwood five-part series Children of Earth, gets a new lease of life and takes centre stage once again in this exclusive comic strip - a move that will delight all fans of the criticallly acclaimed Doctor Who spin-off.

Talking exclusively to the official Torchwood magazine, David-Lloyd said, "I feel I know this character implicitly. The narrative of this comic focuses predominantly on Ianto, and integrates a number of characters who have been missed by Torchwood'’s ardent followers."

The story, titled 'Shrouded', is made up of two parts and is as diverse as it is thrilling. Ianto, who struggles with his tumultuous feelings for Captain Jack from the offset, has his world turned upside-down by the visit of a familiar face from the future. Additionally, he is set a mission that could alter the course of life, as he knows it, forever...

'Shrouded' is illustrated by Pia Guerra, the critically acclaimed artist of Vertigo Comics' ground-breaking series, Y: The Last Man and more recently, ‘Doctor Who: The Forgotten.’ Pia won ‘Outstanding comic book artist for 2006’ at the Joe Schuster Awards.

Torchwood Magazine #21
On-sale 15th April 2010
On-sale May 11 in the US

For more information or to subscribe, visit
http://titanmagazines.co.uk/torchwood
http://www.facebook.com/TorchwoodMagazine

Hayate vs. Winnie-the-Pooh

I read Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 14

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an iPhone app).