Wizard World New Orleans to Feature 12 Eisnter Winners

Press release:

Twelve Eisner Award Winners, Nominees To Attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Jan. 29-30

Rob Guillory, John Layman, Kevin Maguire, Terry Moore, Cameron Stewart, Bill Sienkiewicz, Tony Harris Among Top Writers And Artists At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, December 27, 2010 – Twelve Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards winners or nominees are among the more than 90 comic creators already scheduled to attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, January 29-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Superstar artists and writers who have won the prestigious Eisner Award who will be on site include Rob Guillory (“Chew”), John Layman (“Chew,” “Puffed”), Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential,” Cameron Stewart (“Batman & Robin,” “Catwoman”), Tony Harris (“Starman,” “Ex Machina”) and Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra”).

Eisner nominees scheduled to appear include Kaare Andrews (“Astonishing X-Men,” “Iron Man,” John Dell (“JLA,” “Adventure Comics”), David Mack (“Kabuki”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Superman/Batman”) and Dexter Vines (“Ultimate Thor,” “Superman/Batman”).

The creators will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and sketch. Many Louisiana-based artists will be in attendance as well.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are considered the "Oscars" of the comic book industry. Established in 1987, they are named for renowned cartoonist Will Eisner (creator of "The Spirit" and several award-winning graphic novels).

New Orleans Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Among the celebrities scheduled to attend are James Marsters, Julie Benz, Louis Gossett Jr., Ray Park, Adam West, Burt Ward, Billy Dee Williams and Peter Tork.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located at 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans. New Orleans Comic Con is the first stop on Wizard’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled. Hours are Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Tickets are available in advance or by calling 1-866-882-5860 and online at www.wizardworld.com/neworleans.html at up to a 15% savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($30 on site); two-day weekend tickets are $40 ($45 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.


About Wizard Entertainment:
Gareb Shamus founded Wizard Entertainment in 1991. Today, Shamus publishes consumer magazines Wizard, ToyFare, FunFare and numerous books about pop-culture’s top talent, comic books and toys. Shamus also produces a North American Comic Con tour. Wizard World Comic Con – The Pop-Culture Capital of the World!

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a New Orleans Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Full Lineup of "Indie Comics Magazine" Announced

Aazurn Publishing has announced the full lineup of the first edition of the new Indie Comics Magazine, scheduled for preorder in Diamond Comic Distributors' January 2011 Previews catalog and available ONLY through Previews.

"We've been saying that Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators," said Editor Gary Scott Beatty. "The first issue proves that assertion with a talented lineup that reads like a who's who of the indy comic movement."

Appearing in the first issue is Tom Kelly (DC's Zuda), Tim Vigil (Faust), David Branstetter (Straw Man), K.J. Kolka (The Cardinal), Gary Scott Beatty (Jazz: Cool Birth), Anthony Cacioppo (Kaso Comics), Terry Cronin (Students of the Unusual) and Douglas Paszkiewicz (Arsenic Lullaby).

The cover to #1 features a full color painting by Marcus Boas (Heavy Metal).

"We're different than other books," Beatty explained. "We feature done-in-one stories so readers can 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. These details make Indie Comics Magazine a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of independent comics."

The number of comic books, graphic novels and online entertainment available today can be overwhelming to a casual reader, said Beatty. "We help readers cut through the reviews and hype to experience these creators' raw talent."

Beatty said he's pleased with the variety of art styles and mix of genres in Indie Comics Magazine. "We were lucky to land different creators with a diverse range of storytelling styles. This is a real cross section of indy comic book genius!"

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

Jolly Rogue Studios to Publish New "Sky Pirates" Miniseries

Press release:

 

Jolly Rogue Studios Set to Publish Sky Pirates of Valendor

 

Everett Soares, creator and writer of the small press comic book title Sky Pirates of Valendor, announced today that Jolly Rogue Studios will assume publishing responsibilities for the upcoming 6-issue second chapter, set to launch January 14, 2011.

 

As Uncle Ben wisely once said “With great power comes great responsibility,” Soares has made some big decisions in a short amount of time. Among them, Sky Pirates of Valendor will be simultaneously released digitally as well as print. The release event, timed with the studio’s first convention appearance of 2011, will take at Arisia, a Boston-based science fiction convention. The digital release will occur on drivethrucomics.com. Additionally, mobile device users will be able to download upcoming issues of Sky Pirates of Valendor very soon. The creative studio turned publisher is currently in the contract-signing stage with two different vendors, with announcements coming shortly.

 

Back in 2007, Soares was faced with one of the biggest decisions of his life. Having spent the previous 5 months engrossed in an intense competition for comic book creators, Soares finished Small Press Idol in 2nd place, just a few votes shy of a 4-issue contract with Dimestore Productions. Where would Soares take the series now?

 

For the sake of the series, Soares did not wait very long to answer that question. With Brian Brinlee as penciler, Michael W. Kellar as inker and Jet Amago as toner, Soares received the opportunity most creators dream of – Sky Pirates of Valendor would be published by Free Lunch Comics. Three years later and a full miniseries of Sky Pirates completed, Soares faced another major and life-altering decision. Free Lunch Comics informed Soares they would not be extending their publishing contract for another miniseries. After briefly considering the option of finding another publisher, Soares along with his creative team, now consisting of Alex Rivera as inker, made the decision and commitment to publish Sky Pirates of Valendor under the studio name created back in 2007.

Sky Pirates of Valendor, an ongoing fantasy comic book series, recounts the adventures of Captain Tobin Manheim and the crew of the Rogue’s Revenge in the shattered world of Valendor. Riddled with political intrigue, death warrants and high adventure, Sky Pirates of Valendor appeals to fans of multiple genres and mediums. For more information on Sky Pirates of Valendor or its creative team, visit their website at www.skypiratesofvalendor.com.

Jolly Rogue Studios, formed by Everett Soares in September 2007, is best known for its flagship title, Sky Pirates of Valendor. The studio was formed as a result of Soares’ successful completion of Small Press Idol 2007. Jolly Rogue Studios currently employs three series artists, as well as numerous freelance artists for the purpose of producing high-quality comics. In addition to its flagship title, Jolly Rogue Studios plans to release Barbed Wire, a multi-genre anthology involving over 20 artists and writers.

I Reads You Review: VANILLA, VOL. 2 (YAOI)

Creator: Riyu Yamakami (cartoonist); Sachiko Sato (translation)

Publishing Information: June Manga/DMP, paperback, 200 pages, $12.95 (US)

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-56970-755-5 (ISBN-13); 1-56970-755-3 (ISBN-10)

 

Drama/Romance; Rated “M” for “Mature 18+”

Originally published in Japan in the late 1990s, Vanilla is a yaoi graphic novel from creator Riyu Yamakami. Under its Juné Manga imprint, Digital Manga Publishing released Vanilla in two trade paperbacks a few years ago. Vanilla is the story of a high school student, 17-year-old Ichiro Morio, who falls deeply in love with a new teacher, Yoshitaka Saeki, who doesn’t believe in declarations of love.

As Vanilla, Vol. 2 opens, Morio has broken past Mr. Saeki’s rough exterior, or has he? They knocked boots, but afterwards, Mr. Saeki is as callous as ever. Now, Kazuki Nakajima, a former lover of Saeki’s, has decided to make things even more difficult between Morio and Saeki by hitting on Morio!

This volume also includes a Vanilla Extra Episode, entitled “Pink Diamond.” This story takes place after Vanilla and tells the tale of how Kazuki Nakajima and Saeki’s butler, Yajima, became the pair known as the “Jima Duo.” Both discover that two people who seem to be very different are actually quite similar.

After a strong start, Vanilla doesn’t race to a passionate conclusion. It skips to a soft happily-ever-after ending. It’s still fun to read about the lovesick student pining away for his aloof, lover boy teacher, but as I read this, I got the idea that it was too short and that something was missing. What? I don’t know, perhaps, some heat. The chapter that leads off Vol. 2, “Scene 5” starts off with some passion, but the narrative quickly cools. The “Pink Diamond” novella is a bit livelier, mainly because Nakajima is so petulant and stubborn – in a charming way.

Vanilla isn’t exactly vanilla. In some ways it works like a romance novel, but there is just enough nuttiness and crunchiness to make Vanilla a bit different from everything else.

B+

Image Comics to Publish Advanced 3D Comic Book

EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL

 

Image Comics comes in three dimensions this February with CAPTAIN WONDER 3D

This February, you'll be able to enjoy an extra dimension with the release of CAPTAIN WONDER 3D from Image Comics -- a comic book featuring the most advanced 3D ever used in the medium!

This 48-page one shot is from comics superstars Brian Haberlin (WITCHBLADE, SPAWN, ARIA) and Philip Tan (Green Lantern, X-Men, SPAWN), who share writing and art duties in this thrilling superhero tale. 3D glasses are included!

"With CAPTAIN WONDER, we developed an all-new 3D process, making this hands down the best 3D in comics," exclaims Haberlin. "We're sure we put the wonder back into comics with this book, and comics fans of all ages will not be disappointed."

Tan says, "Working on Captain Wonder was so much fun, creating a world, new villains, new heroes... It was a blast to work on, and it's a blast to read. So much new stuff out there is dark these days -- it was great to help create something that was fun and light!"

Captain Wonder is the superhero of this world -- he's saved millions of people during his 24-year career. But now everything is going to Hell in a hand basket: Captain Wonder has been missing for the last two months, and the harmony he so carefully protected is beginning to crumble. What happened to Captain Wonder, and when will he return? The answer may lie with Billy Gordon, a 10-year-old boy who may be in danger himself and may be the world's only hope!

CAPTAIN WONDER 3D, a 48-page full-color one-shot featuring the most advanced 3D technology in comics and the glasses to view it, will be in stores February 16, 2011, for $4.99.


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/.

Death Note (Always Bet on) Black Edition

I read Death Note Black Edition, Vol. 1

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

I Reads You Review: MILESTONE FOREVER #2

MILESTONE FOREVER #2

DC COMICS

WRITER: Dwayne McDuffie

PENCILS/INKS: John Paul Leon (framing sequence)
PENCILS: Denys Cowan, ChrisCross
INKS: Prentis Rollins, Rob Still
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano
COLORS: Snakebite
COVER: Admira
48pp, Color, $5.99

Milestone was an imprint of DC Comics, active in producing comic books from 1993 through 1997. It was the creation of Milestone Media, a collective of African-American comic book creators. Milestone focused on comic books featuring minority characters, specifically African-American superheroes. Several titles appeared under the imprint, including Hardware, Icon, and Blood Syndicate. One of them, Static, was developed into an Emmy Award winning animated series, Static Shock.

After Milestone Media shuttered the imprint, Milestone’s characters mostly disappeared, although some made appearances in various DC Comics series. In the summer of the 2008, Dwayne McDuffie, a Milestone Media co-founder, announced that the Milestone characters would be merged into the DC Universe. That was a business decision, involving legal matters. Published early last year, Milestone Forever dealt with the fictional matters. It was a two-issue miniseries that provided the fictional depiction of Milestone’s universe, the “Dakotaverse,” merging with the DCU.

Milestone Forever focuses on a character named Dharma, the god-like being who initiated the “Big Bang,” the event that gave characters like Static their superpowers. Dharma believes that one of the Dakotaverse stars is the superhero who can save existence, thus, keeping Dharma from doing something dreadful. But which hero is the savior? In Milestone Forever #2, Dharma looks towards Hardware and Static. One is at a crossroads, however, and the other is having an adventure through his future.

As much as I liked the first issue of Milestone Forever, this second issue is a big improvement over the first. The first issue came across as a nostalgic piece of 1980s superhero fight comics, but #2 just seems nostalgic, a sentiment I share. The Hardware story, drawn by the incomparable Denys Cowan, and the Static story, drawn by the underrated ChrisCross, simultaneously celebrates the two characters in a low key way and pines for what was and will likely never again be.

Cowan’s art, great on its own, takes flight thanks to Snakebite’s fiery colors, and the art once again testifies to the potential that the Hardware comic book not only had but reached. Snakebite’s dazzling array of hues make the ChrisCross drawn story a tale that recalls both Static’s four-color foundation and its gritty take on it.

But Dwayne McDuffie must always get his due. He is a thoroughly underrated writer, and here, his magic is not in merging two universes, but rather in affirming that Milestone superhero comic books weren’t a stunt. They were the real fucking deal.

A-