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65 years of comic publishing and Archie have never sold out.  Yet why are they still mostly ignored by the comic press?  Not here,though. Oh no,CBO fully supports the company and to prove the point let’s see what Archie PR Rik Offenberger has sent us!

This week as part of Archie Comics First Look program, we have a look at BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #178 & SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #180.  

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #180

“Preparations for War”: Enerjak, the ultimate evil is reborn!  His return may result in an unlikely alliance as Sonic and Eggman consider a truce… at least one long enough to prevent the destruction of the entire planet!   

PLUS: “Sonic Rush Adventure”: Straight from the thrilling new Sonic video game of the same name, Sonic and Tails embark on an action-packed adventure and face a mysterious new threat!  SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.  ART: Tracy Yardley (pencils & cover) and Jim Amash (inks). 

Shipping Date: September 19th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 26th, 2007On

Sale on Newsstands: October 9th, 2007  32-page, full color comic $2.25 US  

 

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #178

“The Big Secret”: Veronica is harboring a deep, dark secret… and it’s in her shoe cabinet!  Can Betty help her get back on the “right foot?”  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!   

 Shipping Date: September 19th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 26th, 2007

On

Sale on Newsstands: October 9th, 2007 

Full color digest format

$2.49 US

 

 

 

 

 

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #115

“From the Ground Up”: Inspired by TV’s home makeover shows, Archie and his friends endeavor to restore historic Pickens General Store and turn it into a museum.  But can they overcome their lack ofconstruction experience, not to mention opportunistic politicians who want to exploit the situation for their own gain and fame?  Don’t miss the first story written by longtime Archie collector/historian Jeffrey C. Branch – a poignant addition to the fabled canon of Riverdale lore!  SCRIPT: Jeffrey C. Branch.  ART: Rex Lindsey.Shipping Date: December 19th, 2007On

Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 26th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: January 8th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.    

ARCHIE DIGEST #240

“Arrow Talk”: The new cupid in town gets a lesson from the retiring one – when it comes to love, there’s no more star-crossed place than Riverdale!  How else to explain one boy who just can’t seem to choose a girl, another who prefers hamburgers to honies, and a third who finds no more stunning beauty than that which stares back at him from the mirror?!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: December 12th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 19th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: January 1st, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 US. 

BETTY & VERONICA #232

“Pairing Off”: With Archie’s car problems making him perpetually late and in danger of detention after detention, the girls present alternatives: Betty urges Archie to take the bus in with her, but Veronica offers to pick Archie up in her sports car!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Jeff Shultz.  “Lost”: Some folks get lost the moment they get behind the wheel of a car, but Veronica doesn’t even get that far – she’s still working our way out of her labyrinthine closet!   SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.  ART: Jeff Shultz.  “Backstage Pass”: When the girls get backstage passes to the “Tumbling Boulders” concert, they’re surprised to learn that offstage the band is more “mild” than “wild!”SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Jeff Shultz. 

Shipping Date: December 12th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 19th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: January 1st, 2008

32-page, full color comic$2.25 US.  

 BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #180

“Love Can Be Nasty”: Cheryl Blossom is tired of competing with Betty and Veronica for Archie’s affections.  Likewise, Reggie is tired of competing with Archie for dates with Betty and Veronica.  Guess it’s time for Reggie and Cheryl to form an alliance to solve this once and for all!  But will putting their heads together result in their heartscoming together, too?  It’s the romantic jigsaw puzzle of the year, asonly the matchmakers (and breakers) at Archie Comics could conceive it!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.    PLUS: Other new and classic tales, including the “animated”Sabrina!  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: December 5th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 12th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: December 26th, 2007

Full color digest format $2.49 US.   

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #157

“You Ain’t Got No Elegance”: Both Betty and Archie are abuzz when they learn Veronica’s got a hot date with a high class gentleman!  Isthis finally the answer to Betty’s prayers, or merely the beginning of Archie’s nightmares?  The answer will melt your heart!  SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.   BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: December 19th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 26th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: January 8th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69

 

JUGHEAD #186

“The Big Sleep”: The annual ice shuffleboard championship is on, but Riverdale’s star player Jughead is in deep hibernation!  Will his teammates be able to revive him before they’re “iced?!”,”To Beach His Own”: Jughead discovers how to beat the crowds at the beach – go in the dead of winter! “Chilly Reception”:  When a girl gets tangled in Hot Dog’s chain, Jughead untangles her and treats her at Pop’s.  The question is, will their hearts get tangled, too?  SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman.  ART: Rex Lindsey.

Shipping Date: December 5th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 12th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: December 26th, 2007

32-page, full color comic$2.25 US.   

 JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #136

“His Hidden Talent”: Jughead discovers a hidden talent – although he hates to work himself, he devises a way to find work for others… a way that results in free snow removal AND free pizzas!  Just what is Jughead’s marvelous new method for avoiding work?  Be sure to read this issue to find out!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: December 5th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 12th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: December 26th, 2007

Full color digest format $3.69 US.   

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #90

“Hidden Worlds, Forbidden Power”: After discovering the “Duality Wands,”Sabrina finds once forbidden powers and abilities are opening up to her.  While attempting to grasp this new, unbelievable power, she discovers one of her new powers is the ability to create portals into hidden worlds – worlds filled with magical treasures!  Entering these hidden worlds results in at least two consequences: separated from her boyfriend and other loved ones, Sabrina is left to face the unknown alone; and with nothing else to do but continue trying to control the power of the “Duality Wands,” she doesn’t realize that it is the power that is controlling her!  SCRIPT:  Tania del Rio.  ART: Tania

del Rio & Jim Amash.

COVER: Tania del Rio & Jim Amash.  

Shipping Date: December 5th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 12th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: December 26th, 2007

32-page, full color comic$2.25 US.   

SONIC X #28

“Green Eyed Monster!”: The world is embracing “green”energy to reduce cost and help the environment, and Sonic’s adopted city,Station Square, is no different. But some choose to use eco-friendly means toward eco-unfriendly ends!  Namely the evil Dr. Eggman, who uses his new ‘bots powered by the sun, wind and water to devastate the city and leave Sonic and friends on the defensive!  Now Eggman is free to pursue the biggest natural energies ever, the Chaos Emeralds and the Master Emerald.  With these power sources in hand, Eggman will be in control of more power than the world has ever seen. Will Sonic be literally  powerless to stop Eggman this time?!  SCRIPT: Tracy Yardley!  ART: Steven Butler.  Green ‘n Mean cover by eco-friendly Spaz! 

Shipping Date: December 26th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 2nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: January 15th, 2008

32-page, full color comic$2.25 US.      

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #183

“Desperate Times”: Sonic and Julie-Su have been abducted byKnuckles’ father, Locke, who wants them to find the one weapon that will destroy Enerjak.  But why don’t our heroes want to use it?  And can they even get a shot in edgewise as Enerjak and Dr. Eggman’s army square off?  It’s a clash of the villainous titans that’s sure to rock Sonic’s world!  “Ashes and Dust”: This is it, the answers you’ve beenwaiting for!  Learn the dark secrets behind Enerjak,Angel

Island, the Guardians, the Dark Legion… and more!  SCRIPTS: Ian Flynn.  ART: Tracy Yardley! & Jim Amash.  Total chaos cover by Tracy Yardley! & Ben Hunzeker!

Shipping Date: December 12th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 19th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: January 1st, 2008

32-page, full color comic$2.25 US.   

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #26

“A Warming Effect”: Reggie gives a “chilly reception” to his eco-friendly pals’ concerns over global warming, but an even more“chilling” dream soon “cools”  his objections!SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: December 26th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 2nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: January 15th, 2008

Full color digest format $2.49 US.   

VERONICA #186

“Isn’t It Romantic?”: Betty and Veronica become enraptured by the latest “hot” romance story, but due to a clever pseudonym, little do they realize the author is really someone they know quite well! Is it one of their classmates?  A parent?  One of the faculty?  The  answer to this intriguing question will astound you!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  

 Shipping Date: December 26th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 2nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: January 15th, 2008

32-page, full color comic$2.25 US.     

BACKLIST: All backlist titles shipping: December 5th, 2007

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 12th, 2007

On Sale on Newsstands: December 26th, 2007

 FUN PACKS ARE A TERRIFIC COMIC BOOK VALUE! Due to many requests, we are making these affordable FUN-PACKS of Archie-published titles available once more.  Each features 3 fun-filled,full color, 32-page Archie titles for the perfect reading value!  They make the perfect stocking stuffers! 

ARCHIE FUN-PACK(3 Comics), $3.59. 

IT’S GIANT-SIZED THRILLS GALORE WITH SONIC SUPER SPECIALS! 

Archie is proud to make these action-packed, 48-page specials available once more: 

SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #3: SONIC FIRSTS, $2.25 US.  Relive the first appearances of Sonic, Knuckles, Bunnie and more! 

SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #4: RETURN OF THE KING, $2.25 US.  It’s King Acorn vs. Uncle Chuck – which side will Sonic & the Freedom Fighters choose? 

SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #5: SONIC KIDS, $2.25 US.  Giant-sized thrills from pint-sized heroes! 

SONIC SUPER SPECIAL #6: SONIC 50 - DIRECTOR’S CUT,  $2.25 US. Special expanded edition of the landmark “Endgame” finale!

Mohit Kumar has sent news on the latest Raj releases.  My sincere thanks to him for his efforts for CBO!

 

 

September 2007 Raj Comics Set

Release date – 08 August 2007-08-17

Total Price – INR 110

RC Website link for Set - http://www.rajcomics.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=878&Itemid=115&limit=1&limitstart=0

 

 

Haran Kand – Nagayan (The chapter of Abduction)Comic No. 2280

Principle Character – Nagraj &Super Commando Dhruva

Price - INR 40

Story – Anupam Sinha & Jolly Sinha

Graphics - Anupam Sinha

Pencil Finishing – Abhishek Malsooni, Sunil Pandey

Calligraphy & Colouring – Sunil Pandey

Inking – Vinod Kumar

Colour effects – Nagendra, Sahil, Vishvajaya & Shashank (4 guys )

 

 

 

M.M.S. Dada (MMSes from Grandfather)

Comic No. 2274

Story Segment – Thrill, Horror, Suspense

Price - INR 20

Conceptualisation – Vivek Mohan

Writer - Tarun Kumar Wahi

Graphics – Vinod Kumar

Calligraphy & Colouring – Sunil Pandey

Editor – Manish Gupta

 

  

Kumbh Ka Mela (The Kumabha Fair)

Comic No. 2278

Principle Character – Banke Lal

Price – INR 20

Writer - Tarun Kumar Wahi

Conceptualisation – Vivek Mohan

Graphics - Prem

Calligraphy - Anu

Inking – Priya ‘Shikha’

Editor – Manish Gupta

Colour Coordination - Rinku

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kobi Prem (Kobi’s Love)

Comic No. 2276

Principle Character – Kobi & Bheriya

Price – INR 30

Writer – Tarun Kumar Wahi

Conceptualisation – Vivek Mohan

Graphics – Adil Khan

Calligraphy & Colouring – Sunil Pandey

Inking - Jagdish Kumar

Colour effects – Sahil, Vishvajaya, Nagendra & Shashank (4 guys )

Editor – Manish Gupta

 

 

The following press release offers a profile of a company which,even if based in India,offers reading material that can help English speaking children a chance to learn -or even adults trying to learn English. In case the word “lakh” confuses -it means “thousand”.

A sample strip,”Dumma’s Day”,is included after the profile.

“Khushi Comics, as the name suggests is our commitment to bring joy to life. This we believe is a fundamental expression to be nurtured at the young and tender age of school aged children.

Over the last Four years Khushi has established itself as one of the leading providers of interesting value added moral stories comics in India.

Khushi has released 10 titles so far with combine sales of 40 thousand copies all over india.

Khushi designs and produces original kids stories. The stories are consciously kept to be Indian to promote the Indian values and culture.We strongly believe that good books are an integral part of children’s personal awareness and educational development.

Khushi attempts to help the child to recognize the need to practice basic human values of Truth, Right-conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence. Through the powerful medium of comics, we aim to convey the child the values of our society.

The stories in Khushi are rendered in an informal, conversational style that can be easily comprehended by children. Using excellent illustrations, we aim to install a sense of basic right and wrong elements, foster love for fellow beings and respect for moral values, which is the main aim of our stories.

Khushi is focusing on e-books and has launched www.kidskhushi.com first multilingual comic portal from

India. E-comics can be read in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada for free. www.kidskhushi.com has crossed 2 lakh visitors within 100 days. Khushi has more than 150 stories and working on indigenous content for serials in movies. Team Khushi is headed by Anil T.S, He has 12 years experience in animation industry. Content and Editing is by Savitha who has written popular series of Teja stories and Jungle Jodi. V.G. Venugopal leads the team of dedicated animators. “

Press Release: Sweatdrop Studios releases ‘Rising Stars of Manga’ podcast.  

This month’s Sweatdrop podcast is a special event, as each of the four presenters were previously winners of Tokyopop’s “Rising Stars of Manga” competition.  They talk about how they prepared and planned their comics, and what they went through whilst producing them. They also offer tips and advise for anyone that is entering Rising Stars of Manga or any other short manga competitions.  Sweatdrop Studios have been releasing podcasts for a while now, with three previous episodes covering UK events, San Diego Comic Con, and various Sweatdrop Studios members, as well as interviewing

UK manga industry personalities such as Helen McCarthy.

 

Sonia Leong’s “Fatal Connection” won 2nd place in “Rising Stars of Manga: UK & Ireland 1″.

Emma Vieceli’s “Between the Lines” was a runner up in “Rising Stars of Manga: UK & Ireland 1″.

Selina Dean’s “Poison” won 2nd place in “Rising Stars of Manga: UK & Ireland 2″.

Morag Lewis’ “The Homecoming” was a runner up in “Rising Stars of Manga: UK & Ireland 2″.

Joanna Zhou’s “Happily Ever After” was a runner up in “Rising Stars of Manga: UK & Ireland 2″.

 Hannah Saunders’ “Beyond” won 3rd place in “Rising Stars of Manga: UK & Ireland 2″.  

Right click and save, for Direct MP3 Download:http://www.sweatdrop.com/podcast/sweatdrop-podcast-04.mp3 (14.6MB, 64 minutes long) 

Click for RSS Subscription:http://www.sweatdrop.com/podcast/rss.xml 

Click for iTunes Subscription:itpc://www.sweatdrop.com/podcast/itunes.xml 

Click here for to listen to the Podcasts in your browserhttp://odeo.com/channel/449203/view 

More information at the Sweatdrop website:http://www.sweatdrop.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8890  

About Sweatdrop Studios: Sweatdrop Studios is a group of over twenty UK-based manga artists which has been operating for more than five years. Sweatdrop has published a number of anthologies such as “Cold Sweat and Tears”, “Blue is for Boys” and “Pink is for Girls”, as well as original titles such as Looking for the Sun (Morag Lewis) and Fantastic Cat (Selina Dean).  Sweatdrop members Emma Vieceli and Sonia Leong also recently released “Hamlet” and “Romeo and Juliet” respectively with ‘Self Made Hero’, as well as working on original titles with Sweatdrop. Visit www.sweatdrop.com for further information.  

Contact:Hayden Scott-Baron podcast@sweatdrop.com 

– SONIA LEONG - manga artist & illustratorsweatdrop studios  

Mobile: +44 (0)7775 888380

Email: sonia@fyredrake.netSweatdrop Studios website: www.sweatdrop.com

Personal Website: www.fyredrake.net        

oooh.  I have staff??

Erm,anyway,as the internal ructions at SBC continue and more people leave I’m happy to announce that at least three former SBC writers will be joining CBO over the next month or so.

Who?  Wait and see.

And for those who ask why my name is not yet on a certain Manga site as Interviews Editor…well,as far as I can see it was nothing short of a con-trick by SBC staffers. 

Interviews have been provided and so far nothing has appeared -not a response to my emails since early August. 

I have to admit I’m far from concerned because CBO has taken off so well that it needs constant ‘feeding’!  So,we’re here to stay and it shoukd be fun!

Terry

KOTAR & SABUTA 

script:Terry Hooper        Art:ROCKER

My two crusty old Third Level Sorcerers who appeared in Blacl Tower Adventure #1 waaaay back in 1984!  This strip was up-dated by South American artist Rocker this year for the slightly delayed A Little Midnight Horror.

But just look at this incredible artwork!!!

All characters & story [c] 2007 Terry Hooper/BTCG

Artwork [c] 2007 Rocker

 I think that Archie Comics have always been vastly under-rated over the last 15-20 years.  I can recall letters and articles in British and US fanzines of the 1980s about how “old fashioned” and “out of date” Archie Comics were and how things would be better without them [never understood that last point].

Leap ahead 20 years and Marvel and DC have hits the gutter,climbed out,and tried all sorts of gimmicks to keep sales going -DC perhaps dragging as much out of an empty barrel as possible.  Those fanzines are..oh. Gone.

Archie Comics,however,have developed marvellously.  And the company has never shied away from a very unique tongue-in-cheek humour.  Sadly,I missed Archie and The Punisher [I never dreamed that,did I?] and now we have a universe rocking crisis!  Yes,the Archie Universe will probably never be the same again….

CIVIL CHORES!!

Hey,I wonder if the company knows that sounds like “Civil Wars” the Mar– erm. Right.

This looks great fun and that is probably why Archie are still going -FUN!

Now,all I need is the announcement that The Mighty Crusaders will be returning!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MAMARONECK , NY – September 10, 2007

Civil Chore Strike Update As the “Civil Chore” expands through Riverdale, Riverdale High student Chuck Clayton comments “It’s like all of Riverdale has been divided by this Crisis!”  From most recognizable kids in the Riverdale High student body to the lesser know students everyone is choosing sides.

Look at this aerial photo of the streets of Riverdale taken directly from page two of Tales From Riverdale Digest #24 and you will see virtually every teen in Riverdale. Can you identity all of them? 

Archie Comics has sent Ace Reporter Fernando Ruiz to the scene to sort out which students are involved. This report is not in the comic itself! For his exciting internet exclusive report look below as Fernando identifies the students on strike.  

Civil Chore Who’s Who 

  

Veronica’s cousin, Marcy

Raj Patel Jason Blossom Chuck Clayton Cheryl Blossom Bingo’s Drummer, Buddy Fernando Ruiz’s Fiancé, Carrie Josie McCoy Tough Teddy Tough Archie Andrews Betty Cooper Veronica Lodge Dilton Doiley Alison Adams Frankie Valdez Bingo Wilkin Midge Klump Reggie Mantle Samantha Smythe Fernando Ruiz Maria Rodriguez Nancy Woods Debbie January McAndrews Trula Twist Wendy “Double W” Weatherbee Hot Dog Big Moose Mason Sabrina the Teenage Witch Ethel Muggs Jughead Joanie Jummp Now is the time to join the kids in Riverdale and choose your side too! Are you with Archie or are you with Jughead? In support of the monuments split between best friends Archie Andrews and Jughead Jones the two rival camps have opened up the Official “CIVIL CHORE” store.

To show your support for Archie, you can purchase your own “I’m with… Archie” products at

www.cafepress.com/archiecomics/2882797.

If you are a Jughead supporter, you can purchase your own “I’m with… Jughead” products at

www.cafepress.com/archiecomics/2882801.

The exciting conclusion comes to you next month in… TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #24 

“Civil Chores Part Three”: Yes, you read that right – Part Three!  Originally conceived as a two-issue tale, the ramifications grew so epic that a third part was inevitable!  The last two issues have turned Riverdale upside down, with half the town’s kids on strike for a better allowance, and the other half opposing them! 

Of course, the “nays” all have ulterior motives of their own.  Now the mysterious figure who claimed they could stop the fighting will be revealed… but will Archie and Jughead’s friendship be forever affected? 

It’s another issue chock-full of guest-stars from Archie Comics’ past and present, and you can’t afford to miss it!  SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.   

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups! 

Shipping Date: October 3rd, 2007 

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 10th, 2007

 On Sale on Newsstands: October 23rd, 2007 

 Full color digest format  

$2.49 US 

 

  

MAMARONECK , NY – September 10, 2007

   

ARCHIE COMICS CONTINUES TO INTRODUCE NEW TALENT: MEET ARCHIE COLLECTOR/HISTORIAN-TURNED-WRITER JEFFREY C. BRANCH! 

  

Archie Comics is at it again!  In 2003, after winning a cherished slot in Tokyopop’s “Rising Stars of Manga” anthology, Archie hired writer-artist phenomenon Tania del Rio to give Sabrina the Teenage Witch a manga makeover…

   

In 2006, Archie held a “try-out contest” at the San Diego Comic-con, and a young man named Bill Galvan – wearing a homemade Jughead t-shirt and wielding a pencil full of talent – soon found himself becoming Archie’s newest artist-extraordinaire… 

  

This year, Archie gives another deserving talent a big break.  The recipient this time is longtime Archie Comics collector and historian, Jeffrey C. Branch.  Jeff has been championing Archie Comics in print for years – with text articles in such diverse outlets as grass roots fanzines, established magazines like Comic Book Marketplace, and even the official Archie Comics website.  He made his most recent splash with an introduction to ARCHIE DIGEST #236, a very special issue that reprinted the original ARCHIE COMICS #1 from 1941 in its entirety. 

  

With his reverence for and encyclopedic knowledge of Archie Comics, who better to write new Archie tales to vie for their own place alongside the classics? 

Judge it for yourself when you read “From the Ground Up,” in ARCHIE & FRIENDS #115.  Inspired by TV’s home makeover shows, Archie and his friends endeavor to restore historic Pickens General Store and turn it into a museum.  But can they overcome their lack of construction experience, not to mention opportunistic politicians who want to exploit the situation for their own gain and fame?  It’s a poignant addition to the fabled canon of Riverdale lore, rendered with panache by Archie fan-favorite Rex Lindsey. 

  

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #115 

“From the Ground Up”: Inspired by TV’s home makeover shows, Archie and his friends endeavor to restore historic Pickens General Store and turn it into a museum.  But can they overcome their lack of construction experience, not to mention opportunistic politicians who want to exploit the situation for their own gain and fame?  Don’t miss the first story written by longtime Archie collector/historian Jeffrey C. Branch – a poignant addition to the fabled canon of Riverdale lore!   

SCRIPT: Jeffrey C. Branch.  ART: Rex Lindsey. 

Shipping Date: December 19th, 2007 

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 26th, 2007

 On Sale on Newsstands: January 8th, 2008

 32-page, full color comic 

$2.25 US.      

Rik OffenbergerPublic Relations CoordinatorArchie Comic Publications, Inc.

riko@archiecomics.com

Joe Gordon over at Forbidden Planets Blog just posted this to Eurocomics [http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/eurocomics]:

“Hi, guys, 

We’ve got a rare treat beginning tonight on British TV - a seasonon comics, which kicks off at 9pm tonight on BBC4 with the first partof Comics Britannia, a three-part series of one hour episodes lookingat different parts of British comics culture, starting with the launchof the Beano and Dandy in 1937 and coming right up to Alan Moorediscussing V for Vendetta and Lost Girls in the third episode. I’vehad an advance look at the series and posted a review (or preview Isuppose) on the FPI blog (http://forbiddenpla net.co.uk/ blog/?p=5031)along with a short Q&A with the series producer/director.  

The legendary Leo Baxendale, creator of the Bash Street Kids andMinnie the Minx among many others, is featured heavily in tonight’sepisode, which is a special treat - Leo shared some of this thoughtson being involved in the show with me and kindly gave permission tostick them up on the blog too

(http://forbiddenpla net.co.uk/ blog/?p=5047).

 

The BBC has a site up to support the season (which will also include more comics shows such as one on Modesty Blaise and another on Steve Ditko) here:

 

http://www.bbc. co.uk/bbcfour/ comicsbritannia/ .

 

The BBC site also has video clips of Leo and Alan Moore you can watch as well as art and details of the shows. Several hours dedicated to comics, well done the BBC! 

Joe” 

 

 

 

Terry: Kate,I guess that I ought to ask you something along the lines of  what comics have influenced you to get involved in the industry?

Kate: I’ll list the top three: Calvin and Hobbes for it’s amazing storytelling and beautiful art, the Havok and Wolverine: Meltdown series because it was the first painted comic I saw as a kid, and most importantly: Teddy, by Ethan Persoff. It’s an online comic, but before I read this it hadn’t really occured to me that comics can really be whatever you want them to be.

I’m drawn to fine arts and illustration, and Teddy really opened my eyes to the fact that I didn’t have to seperate the two in order to do comics.

Terry: When did you first start trying to draw comic strips -in fact,when did you first think “I’d like to try drawing comics”?

Kate: Waaayyyyy back. I don’t even think I was born yet when I started drawing comics. In fact, I don’t even think I was concieved. I think it was really just automatic for me–I ‘ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil, and i’ve been reading comics just as long so to mimic that art form was never decided, it just kind of happened.

Terry:And at which point did you suck in a breath and decide “I am going to draw comics!”?

Kate: At the exact second I read the phrase “Dear Ms. Glasheen, we regret to inform you that we are not allowed to hire people off the street to pilot our space shuttles.” I haven’t forgotten about that, NASA. I’m just biding my time.

 

 

Terry: Do you think you have an artist who,perhaps,influences your art style?

Kate: Absolutely. A few of many are Bill Waterson, Kent WIlliams, Edward Gorey, Ida Applebroog, and Donny Miller. I learned how to draw gore from Stephen Gammell from the Scary Stories series as a kid, and I still draw blood and guts almost exactly the same as I did back then.

Terry:Any fears or concerns from your family when you told them you were going to draw comics -it’s not the securest of occupations!

Kate: Hahaaha–No one is more worried about my future than me. My family has been so supportive. My parents and brother have nothing but encouragement for me, and even my cousins , aunts, and uncles go above and beyond by coming to shows when I have them. I don’t think this would be possible for me without such strong support. I’m sure they worried then, and continue to now, but I think everyone knows that this is what I should be doing.

And I don’t specifically mean comics–I mean art in general. It’s a huge risk to get into it but I don’t think it’s possible for artists to be doing anything else and be happy, unless that anything else includes a Nintendo and Limeade.

 

Terry:You’ve chosen a wonderful title tostart with -”Hybrid Bastards”! Is this your first full comic?

Kate: I actually have a few other full lengths, but this is my first officially published book. If anyone is interested in the others, they can find them in a drawer in my room or through Amazon. Oh wait–no, not through Amazon.

Terry:I know you have a degree in Fine Arts? So I’m guessing colour work wouldn’t be a big hurdle to you but it is a big project for a first time full comic to be published in colour -any problems or did it go smoothly?

Kate: Wow, I really don’t know where to start with this one. I did all of the Bastard books at once, one task at a time, so when I got to the coloring stage I was basically looking at doing 66 full paintings. I’m not a good multi-tasker, so I knew my life would be on pause until I finished all those pages.

I set up a metal wire that stretched from one wall in my studio to another and hung every page up. I then went through the entire series one color at a time as my attempt at an assembly line. Sitting down for 14 hour stretches drawing is definitly hard work, but it’s also so exciting and enjoyable. I just don’t get the same satisfaction or enjoyment from coloring. I don’t mean to downplay a colorist’s position by any means–for me specifically, coloring is more of an afterthought since my work is so linear, and as a result, more of a chore then a pleasure.

Long story short, there were many all nighters and several boxes of wine. Yes, boxes.

Terry:Archaia Studio Press I have never heard of before so I’m assuming they are a small Indie publisher?

Kate:Well, Archaia was a smaller company a few years ago, but between this year’s lineup and next year they’re practically doubling their output. They also have some hefty titles under their belt, such as Mouse Guard, The Killer, Artesia, The Lone and Level Sands…there are several award winning books on their roster which is both awesome and intimidating at the same time.

I’m actually hiding under a chair while I type this.

Terry:There’s almost a Matt Howarth “Amazing Post Bros” look to the art and I wonder whether your styles is changing the more comic work you do?

Kate: I’m sure it is, although by this point I’ve been practicing and training for so long that I’ve hit a point where the changes are very minute and gradual. I like how I just described my evolving style like it was a war. It’s not really a war. And then a grenade goes off to my left and disconnects me from the internet and my arm from its socket.