DarkBrain, LLC Seeks to Change the Face of Webcomics
DarkBrain, LLC, an innovative new webcomics publisher, released today Cortex #3. The company, which is founded and run by Andrew Zar, opened its virtual doors on February 6, 2010. Producing 12 original series of comics, each has graphic novel quality art and a great story - but also includes voice-over narration, original music, and user choices and preferences that change the story itself. In addition to the monthly online magazine, DarkBrain also features four regular ongoing comic stories with new pages every Friday.
Cortex, an online magazine featuring full length comic stories, debuted in April with a free inaugural issue comprised of two full length stories and a series of short strips. In June, DarkBrain offered Cortex #2 at the cost of $4.99. July’s issue showcases two full-length stories including the pirate adventure “The Vat Vol. 2,” illustrated by Marvel and DC veteran Ernie Chan. In this issue readers learn more about the mysterious genie who appeared in Volume 1 and the history of Brainstorm’s captive, Velouria. Joining “The Vat Vol. 2,” Cortex #3 also features dramatic new art talent Renato Camilo illustrating The Butcher #1 "Reckoning." The Butcher is a brutal tale set in 230 BC and covers the expansion of Rome interests in Cisalpine Gaul. Rounding out the magazine is a short comic called Grace Comes Home #1 "Arrival" where Grace makes a dramatic return to Earth, seven years after her abduction. She is a little "different" now, and is also being hunted by a fire-spewing alien. Readers at DarkBrain can purchase Cortex #3 for $4.99 or get a magazine "six pack" that will include over 300 pages of art, voice and music for only $24.95.
DarkBrain produces edgy content designed specifically for PG-13 and R+-rated audiences, yet with a unique feature. The site utilizes a state of the art preferences system where readers control how intense they wish their viewing experience to be. DarkBrain.com was established to be a pro-artist studio, with artists both being paid for work up front in addition to receiving royalties. 50% of all sales go back to the artists. The business model is designed to break down the barrier of entry for independent comic authors and to have artists participate in growth right from the start.
SJS Comic Promotions is owned and operated by Promotions Consultant, Susan Soares. Opening its doors officially in 2009, Soares has been working in the comic book industry since 2007 as a part of Jolly Rogue Studios. The purpose of SJS Comic Promotions is to provide support and guidance to comic book creators in the areas of marketing and promotions of their properties. Currently SJS Comic Promotions represents Dandelion Studios, Fallenmage Productions, Big Bone Studios, Mustard Seed Comics, Dark Brain Comics, Jolly Rogue Studios and Three J Productions LLC. Soares is also a novice comic book writer with three short stories to be published within the next year.
For more information on DarkBrain, LLC or to become a member, visit http://darkbrain.com/.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Michael Goldent and Mark Texeira at Comic-Con International
Golden and Texeira SDCC Bound!
Eva Ink Artists in Two Locations
The big show is this week, and Michael Golden and Mark Texeira are confirming their attendance at the mind-numbing event that has become the big SDCC!
After taking a break last year, Golden is back for what may end up being a rare SDCC appearance. This year he'll be making the SDCC debut of his new sketchbook: "Michael Golden's MORE Heroes and Villains," the follow-up to the successful sketchbook "Heroes and Villains" of last year. "MORE" features new sketches and old favorites, without repeating any work from previous books!
Signed copies of the volume as well as sketch editions will be available. In addition, Golden will be selling a limited amount of original art, NEVER before made available to the public. (If you'd like to see any of it before the show, contact Renee at the address below as well.)
Michael Golden will be at the Naked Fat Rave Booth, #4601, along with Arthur Adams, Joyce Chin, J. Scott Campbell, Bruce Timm, Phil Noto, Amanda Conner, Renee Witterstaetter, Skottie Young and David Finch.
Fine art painter and illustrator, Mark Texeira, will also be returning to San Diego, and this year will be sitting at the Big Wow Art booth, #4902. Mark will be sketching and selling his sketchbook, "Babes and Brawn."
For more information on either artist and their sketches or sketchbooks, contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com
Eva Ink Artists in Two Locations
The big show is this week, and Michael Golden and Mark Texeira are confirming their attendance at the mind-numbing event that has become the big SDCC!
After taking a break last year, Golden is back for what may end up being a rare SDCC appearance. This year he'll be making the SDCC debut of his new sketchbook: "Michael Golden's MORE Heroes and Villains," the follow-up to the successful sketchbook "Heroes and Villains" of last year. "MORE" features new sketches and old favorites, without repeating any work from previous books!
Signed copies of the volume as well as sketch editions will be available. In addition, Golden will be selling a limited amount of original art, NEVER before made available to the public. (If you'd like to see any of it before the show, contact Renee at the address below as well.)
Michael Golden will be at the Naked Fat Rave Booth, #4601, along with Arthur Adams, Joyce Chin, J. Scott Campbell, Bruce Timm, Phil Noto, Amanda Conner, Renee Witterstaetter, Skottie Young and David Finch.
Fine art painter and illustrator, Mark Texeira, will also be returning to San Diego, and this year will be sitting at the Big Wow Art booth, #4902. Mark will be sketching and selling his sketchbook, "Babes and Brawn."
For more information on either artist and their sketches or sketchbooks, contact Renee at: evaink@aol.com
"Freakshow" Preview at Comic-Con International
Ape Entertainment announced today that it will provide attendees at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con with an advance look at FREAKSHOW, a new title co-created by David Server & Jackson Lanzing with art by rising star Joe Suitor (Spider-Man: Fear Itself, GI Joe: Helix).
The three-issue limited series follows the story of five mutated survivors after a devastating chemical explosion, which has left the world’s only superhero dead and his city trapped in a dangerous and mysterious quarantine. In the wake of the disaster, these five refugees must decide whether to use their powerful but defective new abilities to save the remains of the city or extract their revenge on those responsible.
“As readers, we’ve always gravitated towards the creatures and outsiders in comics, and this story comes from wanting to deconstruct those archetypes,” says Server. “When you’re born out of the most nightmarish origin you can imagine, where does that leave you? If your identity is ripped away and you’re left a monster, what might anyone be capable of?”
“While we're playing with the iconography of superheroes, our characters aren't traditionally ‘super-heroic,’” adds Lanzing. “They're freaks, survivors of literally apocalyptic trauma. What we're trying to do is let the reader into the mind of these damaged characters and challenge their expectations. FREAKSHOW is about finding heroism in yourself, even when it seems like there's nothing left to save.”
Though the series won’t arrive in stores until early 2011, advance copies of FREAKSHOW #1 will be available for purchase at the Ape Entertainment booth (#2104) on the convention floor. The issue features a cover by Suitor, as well as a special variant cover by comic industry legend Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys).
For up-to-date information on Freakshow, please visit http://www.freakshowcomic.com/
For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://www.apecomics.com/
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E Erwin. Home to such popular titles as GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, SUPERHUMAN RESOURCES, BLACK COAT, ATHENA VOLTAIRE, and THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS, it is also the North American publisher for Dreamworks Animation licensed properties SHREK and THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR.
Scratch9 to Debut at Comic-Con International
All-New Young Readers Comic SCRATCH9 To Debut at Comic-Con
Nine out of Nine Cats Approve of Ape Entertainment/KiZoic title!
Ape Entertainment and KiZoic announced today that the all-new young readers title SCRATCH9 will enjoy an early debut at Comic-Con International in San Diego this week.
Created by writer Rob M. Worley and illustrated by Harvey Award nominee Jason T. Kruse, SCRATCH9 is a four-issue series which features the adventures of a rascally house cat who gains the ability to summon any of his nine lives to his side to aid him in his adventures.
Issue #1 arrives in comic shops this August, but fans who stop by the KiZoic booth (#1703) at the convention will be able to pick up an advance copy of the fun-filled new title, complete with a cover by superstar artist Mike Kunkel.
"SCRATCH9 has been a dream project of mine for so many years. We've gotten such a positive response to the previews and I'm so excited that people will actually be able to see the completed first issue for the first time at Comic-Con," Worley said.
Here's what people are already saying about SCRATCH9:
"An adventure for all ages, Scratch9 is what we need more of in comics." -- Jimmy Palmiotti, writer of Supergirl and Power Girl.
"Scratch9 is a book to get behind not only for its lovable nature but also for its wit and upbeat attitude." -- Avril Brown, Comics Waiting Room
"The art is lively, the characters have a lot of personality, and this looks like it will be a really fun series" - Brigid Alverson, Robot 6 at Comic Book Resources
"Scratch9 Rocks!" -- Art Baltazar, writer and artist of Tiny Titans
"Adult readers will enjoy a level of sophistication that kids won’t realize exists. Kruse’s animation-style art is playful and sweet." -- Karen O’Brien, Comics Buyer’s Guide
"Scratch9 is a perfect 'read-together' comic for both child and parent." -- Eric Anderson, The PullBox.com
Convention Activities:
Worley and Kruse will be signing copies of issue #1 at the KiZoic booth (#1703) on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:15pm. Kruse will also be signing at the booth on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The creative team is also conducting a "How To" panel on Saturday at 4:30pm in Room 18
Finally, the New Children's Museum of San Diego is hosting a week-long exhibit of artwork from Ape Entertainment's KiZoic titles, including original art from Scratch9. The museum is located at 200 West Island Avenue, just a few blocks from the convention center and the exhibit is free to anyone carrying a comic-con pass.
Interested readers who can't make it out to this year's Comic-Con are encouraged to ask their local comics retailer to make sure they have copies of the book in August. The Diamond Distribution ordering code is JUN10 0739 (for issue #1) and JUL10 0753 (for issue #2).
For up-to-date information on Scratch9, please visit http://www.scratch9.com/
For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://www.apecomics.com/
Scratch9 Gets New Look
Scratch9 Gets A Wondrous New Look For the 21st Century!
Ape Entertainment and comics creator Rob M. Worley announced today that Scratch, the lead character in the soon-to-be-top-selling-someday comic SCRATCH9 is about to undergo one of the most dramatic changes in his yet-to-be-started publication history.
"When he makes his debut in August, Scratch will be pretty much wearing the same outfit for four full issues," Worley said. "Which is to say, he's completely clothing-free throughout. I mean, he's a cat, so he's kind of resistant to putting on clothes."
Worley continued, "The publishers and I talked it over. Scratch is going to be participating in adventures and antics and tomfoolery --"
"Don't forget hijinks," series artist Jason T. Kruse added.
"Right. Hijinks too," confirmed the writer. "With all that going on we've decided that, after the upcoming mini-series, Scratch will need a wondrous new costume for the 21st century."
The result is a new look designed to be taken seriously as a warrior cat and in partial to answer many cat fans who wonder how he can adventure about with his furry bum showing.
"Besides what cat goes without clothing for his entire career?" Worley asked hypothetically.
"Most of them, actually," Kruse offered.
"So a new costume it is then!" Worley proclaimed.
Scratch's new costume is very versatile. He can open the jacket up for hijinks, or close it up to pass unnoticed as a cat in woman's clothing. The look incorporates the classic design -- he's still completely nude underneath – while adding a tough, elegant, street-fighter look.
"Nothing says street-fighter to me more than a cat wearing a tiara," exclaimed Kruse.
While modeling the new costume Scratch, the star of the book, seemed at a loss for words and simply lay on the ground moaning piteously.
Accompanying the new look is a SCRATCH9 continuity fix. After four issues things are bound to get a bit confusing for fans. Unchecked cat stories can breed out of control. In fact, the growth in the population of cat stories will rapidly outpace the number of good homes for them.
"Fixing SCRATCH9 is the responsible thing to do," said Worley.
The first issue of SCRATCH9 arrives in comic shops this August! (#JUN10 0739, #JUL10 0753)
For information on spaying and neutering, please visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/
For up-to-date information on Scratch9, please visit http://scratch9.com/
For the latest on Ape Entertainment’s KiZoic line, please visit http://kizoic.com/
For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://apecomics.com/
About Scratch9
Scratch9 is a four-issue comic book series for young readers featuring a cat who gains the ability to summon any of his 9 lives to aid him in his adventures. Created by Rob M. Worley, with artwork by Jason T. Kruse and covers by Mike Kunkel, the comic is published by Ape Entertainment under their KiZoic imprint. The first issue debuts in August!
About Ape Entertainment
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of comics devotees David Hedgecock and Brent Erwin and is home to such popular titles as, GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, SUPER HUMAN RESOURCES, BLACK COAT, ATHENA VOLTAIRE, SULLENGREY and THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS. Ape Entertainment is devoted to the production of high-quality original graphic novels, comic books, and illustrated fiction.
Ape Entertainment and comics creator Rob M. Worley announced today that Scratch, the lead character in the soon-to-be-top-selling-someday comic SCRATCH9 is about to undergo one of the most dramatic changes in his yet-to-be-started publication history.
"When he makes his debut in August, Scratch will be pretty much wearing the same outfit for four full issues," Worley said. "Which is to say, he's completely clothing-free throughout. I mean, he's a cat, so he's kind of resistant to putting on clothes."
Worley continued, "The publishers and I talked it over. Scratch is going to be participating in adventures and antics and tomfoolery --"
"Don't forget hijinks," series artist Jason T. Kruse added.
"Right. Hijinks too," confirmed the writer. "With all that going on we've decided that, after the upcoming mini-series, Scratch will need a wondrous new costume for the 21st century."
The result is a new look designed to be taken seriously as a warrior cat and in partial to answer many cat fans who wonder how he can adventure about with his furry bum showing.
"Besides what cat goes without clothing for his entire career?" Worley asked hypothetically.
"Most of them, actually," Kruse offered.
"So a new costume it is then!" Worley proclaimed.
Scratch's new costume is very versatile. He can open the jacket up for hijinks, or close it up to pass unnoticed as a cat in woman's clothing. The look incorporates the classic design -- he's still completely nude underneath – while adding a tough, elegant, street-fighter look.
"Nothing says street-fighter to me more than a cat wearing a tiara," exclaimed Kruse.
While modeling the new costume Scratch, the star of the book, seemed at a loss for words and simply lay on the ground moaning piteously.
Accompanying the new look is a SCRATCH9 continuity fix. After four issues things are bound to get a bit confusing for fans. Unchecked cat stories can breed out of control. In fact, the growth in the population of cat stories will rapidly outpace the number of good homes for them.
"Fixing SCRATCH9 is the responsible thing to do," said Worley.
The first issue of SCRATCH9 arrives in comic shops this August! (#JUN10 0739, #JUL10 0753)
For information on spaying and neutering, please visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/
For up-to-date information on Scratch9, please visit http://scratch9.com/
For the latest on Ape Entertainment’s KiZoic line, please visit http://kizoic.com/
For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://apecomics.com/
About Scratch9
Scratch9 is a four-issue comic book series for young readers featuring a cat who gains the ability to summon any of his 9 lives to aid him in his adventures. Created by Rob M. Worley, with artwork by Jason T. Kruse and covers by Mike Kunkel, the comic is published by Ape Entertainment under their KiZoic imprint. The first issue debuts in August!
About Ape Entertainment
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of comics devotees David Hedgecock and Brent Erwin and is home to such popular titles as, GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, SUPER HUMAN RESOURCES, BLACK COAT, ATHENA VOLTAIRE, SULLENGREY and THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS. Ape Entertainment is devoted to the production of high-quality original graphic novels, comic books, and illustrated fiction.
Robin Zander of Cheap Trick at Comic-Con International
Cheap Trick Frontman To Sign At Ape Entertainment Booth
Robin Zander on hand at SDCC to support new graphic novel
Robin Zander, lead singer of the seminal American rock band Cheap Trick, will be signing copies of his original graphic novel, The High Priest of Rhythmic Noise, at the Ape Entertainment booth (#2103-05) on Thursday July 22nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Premiering at Comic-Con, The High Priest of Rhythmic Noise follows Sam, a pirate radio DJ who lives in the near future where one company runs the entire entertainment industry. Being without a proper license, he is arrested and thrown in jail only to escape and discover that there is more to this company than meets the eye, including the Dream Police, whom he must battle in a last stand of epic proportions.
Formed in 1974, Cheap Trick’s career has spanned more than three decades and countless hit songs, including “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police,” and “The Flame.” Their latest album, Latest, was released in 2009.
For more information on Ape Entertainment, visit http://www.ape-entertainment.com/.
Robin Zander on hand at SDCC to support new graphic novel
Robin Zander, lead singer of the seminal American rock band Cheap Trick, will be signing copies of his original graphic novel, The High Priest of Rhythmic Noise, at the Ape Entertainment booth (#2103-05) on Thursday July 22nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Premiering at Comic-Con, The High Priest of Rhythmic Noise follows Sam, a pirate radio DJ who lives in the near future where one company runs the entire entertainment industry. Being without a proper license, he is arrested and thrown in jail only to escape and discover that there is more to this company than meets the eye, including the Dream Police, whom he must battle in a last stand of epic proportions.
Formed in 1974, Cheap Trick’s career has spanned more than three decades and countless hit songs, including “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police,” and “The Flame.” Their latest album, Latest, was released in 2009.
For more information on Ape Entertainment, visit http://www.ape-entertainment.com/.
Jane Wiedlin and Bill Morrison at Comic-Con International for "Lady Robotika"
ANNOUNCING CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED EDITION JIM SILKE COVER PREVIEW!
WHO:
Lady Robotika, the inter-galactic rock 'n roll sexy cyborg heroine, is the brainchild of Jane Wiedlin (legendary guitarist for the Go-Go's) and Bill Morrison (Eisner Award-winning creator behind The Simpsons Comics, Futurama Comics, Roswell, Little Green Man and Heroes Anonymous). The new super-heroine debuted last week to great reviews with Lady Robotika issue #1: Slaveship to the Stars!
Grammy Award-winning album art director and famed comic and pin-up artist Jim Silke (www.jimsilke.com) has created a limited-edition convention-exclusive Lady Robotika cover for Slaveship to the Stars!, available for the first time during San Diego Comic-Con at the Image Comics booth for $10.
WHAT:
Jane Wiedlin, Bill Morrison, and Jim Silke will be attending San Diego Comic-Con, hosting Lady Robotika autographing/meet & greets, attending various parties/events, and closing out the weekend with a bash at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood.
WHEN & WHERE:
Friday, July 23
Jane Wiedlin, Bill Morrison & Jim Silke autograph-signing
11:00am - Noon
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Image Comics booth #2729.
Saturday, July 24
Jane Wiedlin, Bill Morrison & Jim Silke autograph-signing
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Image Comics booth #2729.
Monday, July 26
Meltdown Comics Annual Comic-Con After-Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
7522 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood, CA)
About LADY ROBOTIKA
Lady Robotika is a full-color 32-page comic published by Shadowline and Image Comics. Earthly rock star Jane Wiedlin is abducted by a rock 'n roll-loving evil alien emperor and implanted with nanobots meant to enslave her. His plans backfire as our guitar-slinging heroine learns to control the nanites and transforms into the super-powered cyborg galactic liberator Lady Robotika! With sexy sci-fi rock and roll space adventures to ensue...
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