ComicBitsOnline.com

It seems as though every internet comic book site,comic news service and magazine has an ‘exclusive’ on the new DC series Countdown:Arena.   So,CBO announces it’s exclusively low-key news on the series!

Keith Champagne,best known recently for his writing work on DCs Green Lantern Corps and the World War III tie-in to the 52 series, was formerly best known for his inking work but will now be writing an oversized four-issue weekly mini-series called Countdown: Arena.

The series will see battles between “some of the greatest heroes from throughout DCs 52 universe”.

Which confuses me because isn’t DCs “52 Universe” part of the regular-continuity-all-over-the-place universe??

Anyway,in the series,the megalomaniacal Monarch gather the greatest heroes from several parallel Earths with the idea of convincing them to destroy the Monitors.  But there is a twist of sorts.

Perhaps not such a good idea but,in September,fans will be given the chance to vote on the outcome of some of the battles.  Oh boy. 

Covers will be by Andy Kubert while series art is by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens.

It can be said that the atmosphere was pure negativity as erstwhile publisher Terry Hooper met with the writer and artist of the proposed Outlaws 4025 series today.

When asked about the scripts for the other three issues of the Outlaws series,writer Darron Northall responded:”There aren’t any! I didn’t really want to do this in the first place!”

Artist Paul Brown,when asked about the still unfinished pencil work for issue one responded loudly with:”Comics are just ****!  Who really ******* cares about something thats not written or drawn -its just comics!”

At one point it looked as though the meeting might escalate into more physicality so it was suggested the two men get their act together and get to work on the series.  Brown promised the full artwork for issue one by the end of September while Northall offered November as the date for all three out-standing scripts to be completed.

 

FINAL CRISIS..I have a certain ennui [a world weariness]when it comes to comics.  But I jump from a jet fighter and plummet to earth without a parachute when I hear “Final Crisis”!

Maybe I’m a little too jaded and ought to give DC a chance?  Anyhow,people keep asking me about this series so I thought I’d quote DC themselves:

“In case you didn’t know it, that’s what COUNTDOWN has been, well, counting down to. Now normally an announcement like this would come with an unprecedented amount of hype and hoopla. You know, something like…

“Greatest Maxiseries Ever!”

“The Crisis To End All Crises”

“The One Story They Dared Not Tell, Until NOW!!”

Sounds like fun, but actually, we have no plans to promote it that way. No need to, the title speaks for itself. But before we discuss the end, let’s go back to the beginning.

It was a story not with the same size and scope of the Crisis stories that preceded it, but one of a very personal nature. IDENTITY CRISIS forced each hero to examine the reason they became heroes and more important, why they remained heroes. With this series we felt a tonal shift in how the DC heroes were perceived by their peers and the world. It was the start of darker times and greater challenges, and our heroes were ready to meet them head on.

Then came INFINITE CRISIS, and stories returned to the grand and cosmic scale that DC was best known for. Our heroes were pushed to their limits, friends had become foes, there was dissension among the heroes, and the universe was torn apart just to be born anew. Old concepts were reintroduced and reimagined in new and exciting ways. There wasn’t just one brave new world, but 52 of them. It seemed like an ending with a new beginning, but in fact, it was just the close of the second act of the grand epic that encompasses the DC Universe.

With COUNTDOWN, or should I say, COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS, we enter into act three, the final act. The stakes are raised once again, and everything put into motion over the last five years will come into play. Time is still broken, the multiverse is unstable, and heroes are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.

There is no turning back now. This is one story we dared not….. oops, sorry, got a little carried away. Said that wasn’t going to happen, but, hell — with a story this big, sometimes you just can’t help yourself.

To be continued…”

Will I be buying the series?  Hmm.  Let’s wait and see.

Okay,okay. I’ll come clean here -I am not a big fan of the TV series Smallville.  That said,it’s gone on for,what -7 seasons? The actors are okay but just not into it.

Now,Laura vandervoort  will be joining as “Supergirl”.  Yep,she’s attractive. She’s “buff” -which is probably why she got the job!  Even villains have to be good looking in Smallville after all and teens won’t watch a chubby teen Supergirl [probably because they’ve been brought up wrong!].

So,for those wanting to drool:a photo of Laura.

Now,if you want to get gossip,rumour & news you need to check out Kryptonsite.  the link for that is:

http://www.kryptonsite.com/news.htm

For many of us,though,there is only one Supergirl:Helen {sigh} Slater.  Talented actress and singer and looking really hot as “The Maid Of Steel”!  Only fair we have a photo of here,right?

And you can find out more about Ms Slater and her singing career [yes,she sings] at:

http://www.helenslater.com/HELENBIO.html

 The young generation,hmm!

You know,I had no idea there was a new Flash Gordon TV series debuting on the US Sci Fi Channel this month!

You can get a sneak behind-the-scenes preview & info clip here:

http://www.scifi.com/flashgordon/video/index.php

If you’ve seen the first episodes let me know what you think!

If you are Canadian and want to check out Canadian Golden,Silver and Bronze Ages comics as well as Undergrounds then this Yahoo group owned by Phil Latter is the place for you -hey,even if you are not Canadian you can join,huh?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canadiancomics/

Josh Roberts of Zeroes 2 Heroes Media used Comic Space to make the following statement:

“Do You WANT the Revolution to be Televised?

Nobody has ever asked you that… but Zeros 2 Heroes Media thinks they should. When it comes to comic properties, the fans are the real experts. And Z2H is committed to making sure that YOUR voice is heard.

Z2H’s first big initiative is with Rainmaker Entertainment. They’re bringing back the classic animated show, ReBoot. And they’ve convinced them to try it in a new way:

Rainmaker has chosen five undiscovered writers looking for their first big break. They were teamed up with pros from Rainmaker’s animation studio and asked to come up with fresh ideas to bring the series back to life. With no constraints, no studio notes, no preconceptions… and no corporate agenda other than being true to what made the original ReBoot great.

But only one idea will go into development. This is where ComicSpace members can make a difference.

On www.zeros2heroes.com, you can read the raw stories, check out the updated art direction, and review every aspect of the new concepts. Then watch them change in real time over the next few weeks as the teams incorporate your feedback.

Which pitch will be the winner? That’s not up to some high-priced suit at Rainmaker… it’s up to you. So get in there: mix it up with the producers, talk it up with other fans, and get behind the team whose idea is the future of ReBoot.

If this one works – and Z2H thinks it will – Zeros 2 Heroes will be creating more opportunities to help shape the stories that matter most to you. They’re going to make sure your clicks count.”

In a mailing to myself,today,Roberts has up-dated the previous statement:

“Rainmaker Entertainment is working with Zeros 2 Heroes to bring back the classic ReBoot television series.  As part of this campaign, Zeros 2 Heroes will be creating a new comic based on ReBoot.

Here’s the twist: the art team will be picked solely from online submissions: essentially users upload a sketch, painting, even lettering work for one of the ReBoot characters.  These sketches are then voted on by the ReBoot fans, with the winners being called on to make up the art
team.

So, it’s an unpaid audition, but it will be a paid gig starting in
September.  The winner will be announced at FanExpo in Toronto on August 26th.

If you’ve got the time/interest, here’s how to get involved:

(1)  Go to www.zeros2heroes.com and join the site.
(2)  The ReBoot pitches are found here
(http://live.zeros2heroes.com/content/view/87/118/) - you need to be logged in.
(3)  Launch the Flash viewer by clicking on any of the pitch
thumbnails.
(4)  Browse through the pitches and pick the CHARACTER or WORLD you think is the most interesting
(5)  Upload a sketch using the UPLOAD button

If you haven’t got the time to get involved in this process (or you don’t really think ReBoot is your thing), no problem.  But you may want to join the site anyway… Zeros 2 Heroes will be hiring a LOT of artists in the next few months to work on a number of upcoming projects.

Thanks for your time,
Josh Roberts
josh@comicspace.com”

As with anything of this nature it is up to the individual whether he/she gets involved but I’d always urge caution and to check everything out first.

I find it hard to believe that with all the interest in Manga/Manhua/Manhwa that Dr Master books are not in UK shops -unless someone knows different?

Chinese Hero by Wing Shing Ma is a classic by now,first seeing print in English in the Jademan comics of the 1980s,not that we ever saw the series completed!

I’m going to just run down some of the titles available or being published in 2008 by Dr Master.  Check out their site at

http://www.drmasterbooks.com/index.html
 

Stray Little Devil volume

by Kotaro Mori

b&w Paperback  208pp  $9.95

release date 27th October,2007

Upon learning of Aregna’s death, Linfa gives in to the dark side and transforms into the ancient queen of angels, Ishtar. Abducting Storm Genie En-Zu from Pam, Ishtar invokes Enuma Elish, a chaotic recreation of the Spirit World. Can Pam save Zu, Linfa, and the Spirit World? It’s the grand finale of Stray Little Devil, an ode to those who love ditzy little devils in hot pants and a snobby angel who’s too proud to show her sentimental side

The King Of Fighters vol 4

Authors Win Yang/King Tung

128pp Paperback Colour  $13.95

available 25th March 2008

The 10th “King Of Fighters” top four teams battle officially starts on the “Highway Star Express”. The first battle was Team Ka versus The High School Girls Team.

The guest present is the former leader of NESTs development department -The Phantom Pain-Kirameki Kannaduki.  What will happen to Team Ka?

On a sail boat on the River Nile,the second battle of the Top Four:Hero Team vs Wolf Team.  Shen-Woo versus Terry Bogard will see the fighters pull out all the stops and the battle will rock the world. 

METRO SURVIVE vol.1

Creator: Yuki Fujisawai

192pp B&w  $9.95

available:25th Feb.,2008

How will people survive when an earthquake hits mega metropolis Tokyo?  This book focusses on ten survivors trapped in the Metro system with no outside contact.

 also available..

Chinese Hero:Tales Of The Blood Sword

creator:Wing Shing Ma

paperback   colour

As a child, Hero’s family was attacked and killed by a practitioner of Northern Mantis kung fu. This assassin was tasked, by the affluent head of a local triad, to retrieve Hero’s family heirloom - the legendary Blood Sword. Barely escaping with his life, Hero has now reached adulthood. He’s mastered several forms of kung fu to aid him in his one lifelong endeavor-to safeguard the family treasure. But now his enemies turn their gaze to his newborn son.The tales of Blood Sword begin here. One of the most intricately woven action adventure stories ever told returns, completely remastered and digitally rendered. Artistry wizard Wing Shing Ma’s (Storm Riders) meticulous illustrations erupt with mind-bending kung fu action, nearly identical to the best Hong Kong action sequences.There are currently four of these 200+pp classics available in English and if you are unfamiliar with Wing Shing Ma and his work you really should be checking out my yahoo! chinesecomics group or Chinese Comics website.A set of 90mm action figures retailing for $24.95 each are available from Dr Master.HERO [Yin Xong Hua] of course

INVINCIBLE the Ultimate villain.

GHOST SERVANT a horribly disfigured man of few words and loyal to Hero

 Mike Mignola

With Mike Mignola scheduled to appear at the  BICS

this October,I thought it might be worth looking at what

is currently available –you can check out you local comic

shop or favourite internet site! Firstly,let’s look at some of

the man’s achievements:

 

 

*Winner 2000 Harvey Award:Best Artist –

Hellboy:Box Full Of Evil

 

*Winner 2002 Eisner Award:Best Limited Series –

Hellboy:Conqueror Worm

 

*Winner 2003 Eisner Award:Best Humour Publication-

The Amazing Screw-On Head

 

*Winner 2004 Eisner Award:Best Comics-Related Book-

The Art Of Hellboy

 

 

B.P.R.D.: Killing Ground #1

Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Guy Davis
Cover Artist: Guy Davis

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Genre: Horror, Action/Adventure

The B.P.R.D. is changing. Abe’s encounter in Indonesia has brought a new member to the Bureau and Johann finds himself in possession of a very valuable commodity. But not all the changes are for the better, and the B.P.R.D. will need all of its new resources to handle the sinister forces that have wormed their way into the heart of the Bureau’s headquarters as the line blurs between the hunters of the supernatural and their prey.
B.P.R.D.: The Killing Ground immediately follows B.P.R.D.: Garden of Souls. Written by John Arcudi and Hellboy and B.P.R.D. creator Mike Mignola, and drawn by acclaimed series artist Guy Davis.

This series will leave the Bureau and its members

forever changed!

B.P.R.D.: Killing Ground #2

Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Guy Davis
Cover Artist: Guy Davis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Genre: Action/Adventure, Horror

Something wicked has come to the B.P.R.D. as Liz’s apocalyptic visions escalate and Daimio continues to withdraw from his teammates.

B.P.R.D.: The Killing Ground immediately follows

B.P.R.D.: Garden of Souls. Written by John Arcudi and Hellboy and B.P.R.D. creator Mike Mignola, and drawn by acclaimed series artist Guy Davis, The Killing Ground will leave the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense and its members forever altered.

Publication Date: Sep 12, 2007
Format: Full color, 32 pages
Price: $2.99

B.P.R.D.: Garden of Souls #5

Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Guy Davis
Cover Artist: Mike Mignola
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Genre: Horror, Action/Adventure

As events in Indonesia rise to a climax, Abe and Daimio race to stop the apocalyptic plans of the bizarre figures from Abe’s past.

Mike Mignola provides a stunning cover illustration!

Publication Date: Jul 11, 2007
Format: Full color, 32 pages
Price: $2.99

Abe Sapien Qee

Dark Horse has the extraordinary opportunity to offer these great little Chinese Hellboy toys. Originally packaged exclusively with the Chinese editions of the Hellboy graphic novels, we are now offering the 2 1/2 inch, articulated figures in a unique blister pack, including a keychain attachment and collector’s postcard designed specially for this product. By special arrangement with Hong Kong publisher Imprezzion, in conjunction with red hot toy manufacturer Toy2R, whose popular “Qee” line inspired these toys, we bring Mike Mignola’s top two creations into the twisted but fun look of modern “art toys.î

Despite their stoic expressions, you will be astounded at the cuteness of these diminutive comic heroes. Hellboy and Abe have never looked like this before, and, frankly, we’re happy to see them taken down to size!

Order your own pocket-sized pal now!

Publication Date: Jul 26, 2006
Format: 2 1/2″, articulated figures
Price: $7.99

Having seen one of the Hellboy animated features at the Comic Expo in May,I can highly recommend them.

Hellboy Animated Vol. 2: The Judgment Bell

 THE JUDGEMENT BELL80 full color pages
Written by: Jim Pascoe & Tad Stones
Art by: Rick Lacy & Tad Stones
Release Date: June 6, 2007
Price: $6.95In “The Judgment Bell,” written by Jim Pascoe (Kim Possible, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and drawn by Rick Lacy (Venture Brothers), a figure from Dr. Broom’s past wreaks havoc on the children of a small Polish village. And in a backup story written and drawn by Hellboy Animated creator Tad Stones, a young Hellboy is once again stirred to heroism by the radio adventures of Lobster Johnson.

With a cover by Eisner award-winning Goon creator Eric Powell and an original pinup by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, this book is the perfect bridge between the comics and cartoon worlds of the World’s Greatest Paranormal Detective.

The second Hellboy Animated DVD Blood and Iron is set to release in May 2007 and will include a custom Hellboy comic from Dark Horse and features a cover from Goon creator, Eric Powell!

- Dark Horse

And the excellent live action movie with the VASTLY under-rated Ron Perlmann is still out there -as is the official movie site!

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/hellboy/

And,of course,you can GAME Hellboy!  Yes,those folks over at Wizkids have even though of the BPRD.  Check out these figures!
 

HEROCLIX Dark Horse

The question asked by BICS is:”Can You Save The Planet In Two Pages?

Before someone asks -NO,I do not get a commission for including BICS onsite!  But any other convention wants to send news…

“The Birmingham International Comics Show (BICS) in partnership with Peters the Booksellers and TBK Magazine recently launched the National Comic Art Competition. 

Kids across the UK and beyond have been invited to tell a two page comic story about how they would save the world.

“This can be a real threat like global warming or something outlandish like an alien invasion!” said Shane Chebsey, one of the organisers behind BICS.

The only requirements, and that the children create their own characters rather than use existing ones like Spider-Man and Dennis the Menace, and that there be at least six panels on each page Fellow BICS organiser James Hodgkins added: “One of our remits is to reach outside of the usual fan base and try to bring in new readers, especially kids.” To that end, the competition has been split into categories to keep things fair, one for the 9-13 age group and the other for 14-16 year-olds.  

Full details on how to enter the competition can be found at the BICS 2007 website (wwww.thecomicsshow.co.uk) and in copies of TBK Magazine, available free in all good public libraries and schools in the UK and English-speaking schools overseas. Educational authorities and Art councils are invited to join those already involved and spread the word even more! 

The competition has got off to an excellent start with promotional flyers being handed out at various media events since Spring, and Paul H Birch’s public announcement of the competition during the popular BBC Blast Roadshow when it rolled onto Victoria Square in front of Birmingham Town Hall this June. It has subsequently been reported on BBC Radio with TV interest expected to follow. 

Prizes include comic books from publishers including Dark Horse and Markosia, art supply manufacturers like Letraset, original pieces of art donated by creators, and a very special prize for the overall wining school entry that will be offered a free comic class by comic book professionals  

The winners names will be announced live on stage at the Birmingham International Comics Show 2007 on October 13-14^th at the Thinktank, Millennium Point. Fun and festivities are guaranteed all weekend at the show with an all-star line-up of international comic book celebrities and publishers, the finest dealers with excellent bargains and a jam-packed programme of extra-special events with competitions prizes and give-aways to be won all weekend long! 

Additional Information: For BICS 2007 news & updates email: paulhbirch@yahoo.com 

To enter the National Comic Art Competition and order advance BICS 2007 tickets visit:

www.thecomicsshow.co.uk