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Some of today I was at the home of one Paul Ashley Brown,Bristol Artist In Residence.  Poor boy could not get onto the South Park site so one of the things we ended up looking at was the…

Brian Bolland Gallery!

If you want to see some of the most incredible cover artwork ranging from The Flash,The Atom,Batman,Wonder Woman,The Invisibles,Justice Society,etc.,then this is for you.

This site is crammed with oodles and oodles of the sort of art you might wish you could draw yourself!

You want the link?  Huh? Huh?!

Okay:

http://brianbollandgallery.com/

You don’t like Bolland art -GET OUTTA COMICS!

Hi Folks–I will be accepting a limited number of pre-ordered commissions for both Mark Texeira and Michael Golden to be done while at the Pittsburgh Comic Con. Let me know if you are interested.

Regards,
Renee
Eva Ink Artist Group

The Avengers – The Invaders 

I’m very surprised by the number of people stating they have heard nothing about the up-coming Avengers-Invaders 12 part series.  Well,news was first released in 2007 and at the time there was lots of speculation about the Steve Rogers Captain America appearing and how it would be handled since he was murdered by Agent 13 during the “Civil War” storyline.

 

 

Paul Brown is now clutching his head and going into spasmagobbic seizure!

 

 

Poor boy simply does not understand and I have not even gone into how many Captain Americas there have been according to Marvel history…or that this depends upon whether that info is still valid considering how many times the Marvel Universe has been destroyed and re-created!

 

 

Hurm,maybe I went off-track a little there!

 

 

 

 

There was the recent rather,well…awful version that died a death quickly.  Thankfully. 

The Invaders were the creation of Rascally Roy Thomas,Master Scribe at Marvel Comics,and the wonderful Sal Buscema — sadly,like Don Heck,vastly under-rated—in The Mighty Avengers volume 1,no.71,for December,1969.  Our heroes were flung back to World War 2 where they confronted The Invaders comprising of Captain

America [with original triangular shield],the Sub-Mariner and original Human Torch. 

Paul Brown’s blood vessel just blew!

 

 

 

 

In 1975 The Invaders got their own series,written by creator Thomas.  But there was a Golden Age super team from Marvel’s predecessor,Timely.

 

 

That team was The All Winners Squad.  Only two stories –All Winners Comic #19,1946 and #21,1947.  One of the stories at least was reprinted in the 1960s. The members were Sub-Mariner,Human Torch,the Whizzer,Captain America et al.

 

 

 

 

 

Mind you,in The Invaders #5 & 6 [March and May,1976] and continuing over into Marvel Premiere #29 and 30 [April and June,1976],introduced another World War 2 group featuring old Timely heroes –The Liberty Legion.

Paul Brown is now a trembling,dribbling half man.

 

Of course,the Blazing Skull is now a new Defenders member –having survived the previously mentioned awful 2000s Invaders series and,yes,I know there was another Invaders mini-series in the 1990s –which was fun.  And it had the original vision in!

We cannot comment on what the new series is like but if you are in the dark regarding The Invaders try this links:

 

 

Wikipedia The Invaders

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invaders_(comics)

 

 

 

Want to find out about The All Winners Squad then go here:

 

Wikipedia The All Winners Squad

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-Winners_Squad

 

 

 

And if you want to find out anything –and I do mean anything—go to the highly recommended Avengers Forever site which is available in Italian and English:

 

Avengers Forever

 

http://www.avengersforever.net/

 

 

And once you’ve filled your cavernous intellects,have fun.  Contact Paul Brown and explain to him how Henry [Hank] Pym was Ant-man [but isn’t now because at least two other people have been Ant Man] who became Giant Man before leaving the Avengers to return as Goliath before having a breakdown and becoming Yellowjacket before he…

 

Maybe not. Leave the cruelty up to Hipster Hooper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  

April 18th, Bristol UK – Three weeks and counting until the UK’s biggest comics convention at the British Empire & Commonwealth Exhibition Hall on 10th and 11th May 2008, and this week we reveal more of the new books, offers and EXpo EXclusives on show.

The Bristol International Comic Expo website www.comicexpo.net will be updated this weekend with these details and more on the panel rundown for the weekend.  In addition, the Virtual Bristol Anthology returns this year – http://virtualbristol.monkeyswithmachineguns.com - a chance for readers to preview some of the new books available at Bristol, and reserve a copy in advance or order a copy if you sadly can’t make it this time.

  

Time Bomb Comics are first-time exhibitors, launching their second title ‘Dick Turpin And The Restless Dead’, a one-shot blend of Highwaymen, Zombies and Mayhem.  They’ll also have their first title available - the ‘Ragamuffins:Stitches In Time’ one-shot, sample pages and cover image can be found at www.comicspace.com/timebombcomics

  

Planet Ruskin bring their London-based comedy horror book, The Zombies Ate My Chilean. The story begins with four friends (Rich, Alex, Ricky and Greg) waking up to discover that they can’t remember what had happened the night before. As it was Rich’s birthday the night before, there were more friends involved in going out that night. It soon turns out they don’t remember either. But while getting some hangover food, Rich gets a creepy call from a friend Dave. It turns out that Dave is the only one who does remember! Before he gets a chance to explain the phone cuts and leaves the gang startled. They soon race to Dave’s house to find Dave dragged out of his house in two body bags with most of his body eaten! It’s now up to the remaining fourteen to discover what happened on Rich’s birthday before the rest of them turn out the same way as Dave.  This book brings a new element to the Zombie genre as its storyline is set to step where zombie stories haven’t gone before. It’ll be a completely new direction with a witty modern script already mentioned by various fans of the book.  Issue three will debut at Bristol, but the first two will also be available: this comic is based on ACTUAL UNDEAD EVENTS!

Self-Made Hero bring their Manga Shakespeare series to the Bristol Expo, with Paul Duffield signing and sketching with his book, The Tempest, and Kate Brown hers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Paul will also bring along the Expo Exclusive Artbook, containing a full colour version of Sojourn (as seen in Best New Manga 2) and Kate has her Expo Exclusive mini-comic featuring Day at the Beach and The Monster in the Well.   Add in Freakangels and free sweets…

  

Bristol sees the first foray into comics by video games concept artist Ross Burt, in the form of the premiere issue of crazy graffiti space adventure series ‘Astrofunk’ – with posters and t-shirts also available.

The Underfire Comics table at the Bristol Expo this year will have ‘Underfire Comics Presents: Rock Night’, and ‘The Human DK Dynamic! Part 1′ by Dan Cox and Bob Molesworth. Rock Night will have exclusive convention-only postcard sets available too.

As well as the 18 previous Banal Pig publications by Steve Tillotson and Gareth Brookes, brand new for the Bristol Expo will be the full colour Banal Pig Funnies comic, 32 pages of 3 panel humour strips by Steve Tillotson with guest strips by Oliver “Trains Are Mint” East, Dan Lester and Jim Medway amongst others.

  

Inspired by others, comics podcasts (http://comicspodcastsuk.wordpress.com/main-page/) from a

UK perspective were created. So whether you’re looking for a guide through the murky world of geekdom (Geek Syndicate), a trans-Atlantic view on comics from the women of (Birds of Geek), the true antidote to the average comic book podcast (Quiet! Panelologists at Work), another view of comics from a woman’s perspective (Comic Racks) or some hidden gems from the world of independent comics (Comic Book Outsiders), the UK comic book podcasts group has it all.  Hosts from all of the UK comic book podcasts will be appearing on a panel on Sunday to answer your questions about podcasting and comics.

  

Fried Brain Productions and creator George Terran will bring two main projects to the Bristol Expo: Chimera and Altered

State.  Chimera is basically a traditional Film-Noir but with Supernatural qualities. It is a story set in Paris 2022 and follows Gabriel “Gabe” Vaugn - an agent of InterPol as he investigates the death of his brother and the mysterious suicides that are occurring in Paris. Along the way, Gabe finds out about a new drug that is about to hit the streets called, Chimera - a drug that allows the user to actually experience Heaven. The first issue will be launched at the Expo, with the artist Nathan Kilburn also in attendance.  Altered State is a 6-issue mini-series, set about 100 years in the future and is about the tug-o-war social and political struggle of the English society when Mankind begins its next stage of evolution.  As well as this story-line, Altered

State has a bigger brother called Altered State Community Comic. This is an online comic where new writers and artists can come on board and produce a short story based in and around Altered

State. The tag-line for the Community Comic is: “Everyone has their story to tell”.  Altered State Community Comic is an opportunity for new writers and artists to get their work produced and released into the world. It also means that the world of Altered

State will continue to grow as new teams come in and produce stories.

  

Simia Comics will be at the Bristol Expo, bringing along their “Ape In A Spacesuit” comics to giveaway free, gratis and for nothing … this is the demo version of the full comic with placeholder art, and Simia will review portfolios and talk to interested artists who would like to come on board for the full series.  So bring your work to Colin at Simia Comics and the gig could be yours…

  

Steve’s Black Bat Comics are a first time Bristol Expo dealer, specialising in old comics – they’ll be bringing loads of great old Marvels, DCs and indies, including issue one of the Avengers, X Men and Silver Surfer, as well as some old British comics and some old carded superhero figures.

  

Urban Rivals is the world’s busiest online trading card game (www.urban-rivals.com) and at the Bristol Expo they will launch their “Search for an Art Star” contest. They’re looking for 2 freelance character artists for the UK and US (www.urban-rivals.com/special/artstar) and will have packs available for interested artists, the deadline for submitting artwork is May 31st 2008.

  

Captain Bristol is a full time super hero with no time for a secret identity. With his trusty, well available sidekick Miss Splendid, he fights crime, protects the week and beats up Chavs. His mission is to free the city of the towny scum and make this fair city a better and safer place to live. Carrying his CB-branded shield of Justice, rope and razor sharp, lightning fast wit, he foils the schemes of the wicked and is a paragon of honour (www.myspace.com/captainbristol).  Captain Bristol badges, t-shirts, posters and comics will be at the Bristol Expo, along with his creator, Alex Morgan, and the latest copy of Bristol’s Suit Yourself magazine.

  

NCsoft Europe will be at the Bristol Expo for their fourth year running, and for the third year running they’ll be hosting the Draw the World Together team, the charity project started by Andrew Wildman. As in previous years, visitors to their stand can get anything and everything they want sketched by the DTWT artists in exchange for a charitable donation. This year they’ll feature Neil Edwards and Simon Williams on the stand for the entire weekend, with Andrew joining on Sunday. They’ll also no doubt have some special ‘guest appearances’ by Andie Tong, Mike Collins and probably plenty of other folk. Their biggest exclusive this year, launching at the Bristol Expo, is the first Draw the World Together/NCsoft Sketchbook, featuring characters from our games City of Heroes/City of Villains. Visitors will be able to pick up the sketchbook (32 pages black and white interiors) for just a £5 donation to Draw the World Together’s chosen charity, EveryChild. There are only 500 copies of the sketchbook available so it’s strictly limited and will go fast no doubt! Finally as last year, they’ll be selling bargain priced games on the stand including best-sellers such as the Guild Wars trilogy, City of Heroes/City of Villains and Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa.

  

In July 2008 Insomnia Publications (www.insomniapublications.com) will release “Cages”, by amazing Australian duo, Xander Bennett and Melanie Cook with an awesome cover by Jonathan Hickman of “The Nightly News” (Published by Image) and foreword written by “30 Days of Night”, “Fell” and “Wormwood’s” Ben Templesmith. Insomnia will have proof copies of the 120 page full color book on sale at their table at the Bristol Expo but, be advised, they are in limited supply of only 20 copies.

Layer Zero Graphic Novel will also be on sale. With over 30 creators involved; including some famous names in the industry including Simon “Cy” Dethan, Paul Green and Thomas Mauer (the Eagle award-nominated Starship Troopers) along with talents such as Paul Cartwright, Alasdair Duncan, Luke Hinchley, Mike Webster, Robert Robinson, Thommy Melanson and many more; and diverse creative styles on themes of Insomnia and Time, this 120 page, full colour book is not to be missed.

Free copies of Daemon issue one will be available to the first 1000 people on the Saturday morning in the Bristol Expo’s goodie bag; Alasdair Duncan’s novel, The Kill Cell, will be on sale along with a selection of posters by Paul Cartwright and Paul Green.

Insomnia Publications will also be previewing a book currently in production due for release later in the year, Cancertown. The first chapter can be viewed at the Insomnia Publications stand. Cy “Starship Troopers” Dethan writer of the book, Stephen Downey, incredible Irish pencil and ink talent, and Nic Wilkinson, lovely letterer, will all be present at the show.

Over the weekend Insomnia Publications will be reviewing creator portfolios. They will have a board with times on the days so please be sure to look at this first thing to avoid disappointment. Artists and Letterers, please bring samples for on the spot review and cards or work examples for Insomnia to take away; Writers, please submit packs and pitches including concept art if possible; Creative teams, please provide a full pitch with first ten pages complete.

 Crawford Coutts, Managing Director of Insomnia Publications said: “I am very excited about this show as we have come a long way since last year and proud to present our new line up of comics. This is just the beginning.”

The Bristol International Comic Expo 2008 will be held over the weekend of 10th and 11th May 2008 at the British Empire & Commonwealth

Museum and the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Bristol, England, with an early bird film night on Friday 9th May.  Full details are available on the official website, www.comicexpo.net – including ticket ordering details, just £6 for adults for each day, accompanied children free, ages 12-16 just one pound. 

In the next update – Tony Lee vs Geek Syndicate – Rock And Roll Romance – Best New Manga 2 – Crikey! – Peckerwood – A Legion of Stupid Heroes – ImagineFX – Velica – Zip Gun Comics – And More – Not to mention finally, finally: the exact details of the special Expo Children’s Area are revealed – aka the Comics Village Fete, it’s suitable for children of all ages, including those of more advanced years who are just young at heart….

For up to the minute information and a complete listing of guests please contact.  Graphics are available upon request. 

  

Gavin Jordan 

Telephone: 0797 274 4567 

Email: jordanx@comicexpo.net

  

Or visit the Comic Expo website www.comicexpo.net

Just realised that in my item on comics people being cheerful I said Panini were not producing new material. 

Well,”yes” and “no”.

My old pal Jon Haward was drawing Spider-man for them and there is the Dr Who strip.

What I should have said is that there are no new titles featuring British characters set in the UK and written-drawn by British creators.

Sadly,the odd mistake gets made when you write so much!

I guess the old American addage:”Make Britain American” has come true to a degree.

Oh. Just realised.  Classical Comics -MacBeth and Henry V are all UK characters based in the UK..damn. Uh,well,give me 24 hours and I’ll worm out of this one as well.

T

This Press Release from Pow! Entertainment.

  

Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee and his POW! Entertainment Inc. (Pink Sheets: POWN), along with Brighton Partners, have joined forces with Rainmaker Entertainment to launch the new superhero property “Legion of 5,” it was announced today by Warren Franklin, CEO of Rainmaker. Rainmaker, a leading CG animation producer,will develop and produce the feature length film properties.

  

From the mind of Stan Lee, famed creator of “X-Men,” “Spiderman,” “The Fantastic Four” and “The Hulk,” comes an exciting new animated superhero franchise entitled “Legion of 5.” The property, owned jointly by Rainmaker, POW! and Brighton, will initially be launched through a series of CG animated films, supported by traditional and electronic comics, games, merchandising, and online and mobile releases.

  

“What a kick to be partnered with the top CG animation company in the biz! I can’t wait to have Rainmaker take my newest set of superheroes and work their animated magic on them. Between Rainmaker and POW! we hope to offer the public a visually exciting, thrill-a-minute, new type of entertainment that’ll knock the viewers’ socks off!” said Stan Lee, Chairman of POW! Entertainment.

  

“We are thrilled to be partnered with Stan Lee, POW! and Brighton on the ‘Legion of 5′ property,” says Warren Franklin. “These superheroes will reach incredible heights both creatively and visually.”

The partnership was arranged by Rainmaker’s Aaron L. Gilbert, who will serve as an Executive Producer on the property alongside Rainmaker’s Executive Vice President Paul Gertz; Stan Lee, Gill Champion of POW!; and Cord Beatty of Brighton Partners.

  

“The partners at Brighton are extremely pleased to be working with the legendary Stan Lee, POW!, and the incredible talent at Rainmaker. These companies coming together bring strength and credibility to an exciting new property in ‘Legion of 5,’” said Cord Beatty,

Brighton’s Managing Partner.

  

The three companies will be together at this weekend’s New York Comic Con where Stan Lee will receive the inaugural “New York Comics Legend Award” at a special VIP party at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square.

 

 

About Rainmaker Entertainment 

 

Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. is one of the world’s most successful and prolific producers of CG animation and currently has over 350 employees based in Vancouver, Canada. Originally established in 1993 as Mainframe Entertainment, Rainmaker has produced close to 40 feature-length films based on top international brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Spider-Man, Casper, Popeye, Tony Hawk, Stuart Little and Inspector Gadget and more than 250 half-hours of CG animated television including ReBoot, Transformers: Beast Wars, Action Man and Heavy Gear. Rainmaker has produced projects for Sony, Mattel, Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Electronic Arts and MTV. In addition to garnering many prestigious awards for their work, Rainmaker productions have generated more than $500 million in video sales. Currently in production at Rainmaker: Escape From Planet Earth, a theatrical feature with The Weinstein Company: an animated sequel to The Nutty Professor; and new installments in Mattel’s Barbie and Max Steel franchises. www.rainmaker.com

  

About Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment 

POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc. (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company with a first-look deal with Disney, was founded by world-famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman, Esq. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW!, capitalizing on this combined expertise, specializes in franchises for the entertainment industry, including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with other individuals and entities of entertainment’s top echelon, including studios and networks, in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises. www.powentertainment.com

 

About Brighton Partners LLC: 

Brighton Partners is a Salt Lake City based finance and project development group, active in the media, entertainment, technology, and infrastructure industries for more than 25 years. With a background in event promotion, television, film and music finance, Brighton principals managed and/or promoted concerts and tours for such artists as The Beach Boys, Shawn Colvin, Rick James, Chad Brock, Tonic, Pam Tillis, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Ringo Starr, Merle Haggard and The Oakridge Boys.

Brighton is currently leading the financing efforts for several public entertainment and technology companies, while focusing its attention on the development of live-action and animated film and television and their attendant ancillary merchandising and music rights.

Jim Beard over at Marvel.com has been giving the “skinny” [as we rather bulky comic hacks like to say] on the much rumoured about Avengers-Invaders series.  The rumours have it that Steve Rogers as Captain America returns and that was the least of the rumour-mills out-pourings.

I did mention,in my review of The Twelve #4,that I wondered how characters such as the original Black Widow would fit into the current confused Marvel Universe?  Well,I caught a glimpse of the Avengers-Invaders sketchbook today in Area 51 –about the only thing I could reach over the boxes!  Looks interesting.

But let’s read what Mr Beard has to say!

 

“On May 7, the might of the Invaders slams headlong into the majesty of the Avengers in AVENGERS/INVADERS #1. Just another meeting of time lost super teams, you say? No way! If it involves Marvel’s greatest and original heroes, its history in the making!

Let’s talk Invaders—without them there would be no Modern Age of Marvel heroes, no example to aspire to, and no precedent for the pursuit of justice. Marvel’s Golden Age greats paved the way for champions like Spider-Man and Iron Man.

In the late 1940’s, issues #19 and #20 of ALL WINNERS COMICS first brought the Invaders together, though they weren’t yet known by that famous moniker. It wasn’t until AVENGERS v1 #71 in 1969 that legendary writer Roy Thomas began to declassify the adventures of Captain America, the Human Torch, and the Sub-Mariner as a team and endowed them with their unforgettable title.

Those three heroes knocked heads and took names in a markedly different manner than the costumed cut-ups of today, exhibiting a grit and gristle that may surprise some modern fans. In that light, we thought we’d give everyone a small taste of the Invaders then—and now.

PRINCE NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER

The product of a romantic liaison between a human man and Atlantean woman, Namor found his destiny early in life, as seen in MOTION PICTURES FUNNIES WEEKLY #1. Sent on a mission of Atlantean vengeance to the surface world, the young prince’s name soon became something to be feared. In his youth, Namor rained destruction down on the cities of America, until another path presented itself.

Brash, quick to anger, prejudiced and fiery, the Sub-Mariner tore down buildings and bridges with a gleam in his eye and a smirk on his face—thank goodness he came to hate Nazis more than the rest of humanity. As an Invader, his energies burned towards halting the German war machine and his teammates learned that the Avenging Son proved as much a hero as any battlefield soldier.

Namor’s one of only two Invaders who could possibly encounter his present day self in AVENGERS/INVADERS. The Sub-Mariner of now has tempered his inner flame with a cloak of icy nobility, a regal personage personified by concern for the safety and well-being of his beloved Atlantean people. Namor might actually be amused at his younger self, a fun-loving hellbender who has yet been tainted by the surface world’s most evil despots, nor taken and lost a beautiful queen.

CAPTAIN AMERICA

From the moment he debuted in CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1, Steve Rogers, super-soldier serum coursing through his veins, exemplified patriotism. Fighting for his country at home and abroad, he spread justice as he went and led the Invaders with an optimism that the others envied; a source of strength even at such a young age.

Following his defrosting by his Avengers in modern times, Steve retained his love for his country. However, that love weathered many a disappointment through the years as crisis after crisis that stretched Cap’s patriotism to its limits; yet he never forgot that energetic youth inside him. The current Avengers will see that brighter light in the eyes of the younger Steve Rogers and remember the friend they have lost all the more fondly.

THE HUMAN TORCH

An android before such things were commonplace, the original Torch could be called anything but human. Prideful and sometimes hot-headed, the Human Torch of MARVEL COMICS #1 blazed into battle against criminals and evil-doers. Taking an official position with the NYC police force, the Torch’s fire became a symbol for liberty when darkness gathered. He and the Sub-Mariner struggled mightily to contain their natural rivalry and eventually the champions of fire and water entered into friendship.

After spending many years in a kind of hibernation, the original Human Torch didn’t see much action as a crime fighter in the modern age. Adopting the name of Jim Hammond, the Torch aided teams like the West Coast Avengers and even a new incarnation of the Invaders, but eventually lost both his powers and his artificial life battling the machinations of the Red Skull. The Torch always retained his heroism and could be counted upon for his strength and force of will, despite ever yearning for a quieter life.

BUCKY

The boy-sidekick of Captain America, Bucky defined youthful exuberance at the time of his public debut. Stumbling upon the secret of Cap’s dual identity in CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #1, an entire new world of adventure opened to Bucky Barnes and he proved himself a dependable partner on many occasions. Some of Steve Roger’s commanding presence must have rubbed off on Bucky as he himself took point on his own short-lived team, the Young Allies. Alas, a flying bomb ended both his childhood and his partnership with the Sentinel of Liberty.

In the present, Bucky stands as the most substantially changed Invader of all. One would be hard-pressed to find the joyful, playful Bucky in the hardened warrior known recently as the Winter Soldier and today as the new Captain America. Should he meet his younger self in AVENGERS/INVADERS, the former Bucky himself might not even recognize the domino-masked boy of his youth.

TORO

First seen in HUMAN TORCH COMICS #1, the incendiary mutant child known as Toro thrilled to fly at the side of the original Torch during the days of World War II and loved life as a hero. However, after the Torch became deactivated in the 1950’s, Toro’s flame died down and he chose the simple life of husband and father.

Modern times brought more trouble than Toro could bear. Drugged and hypnotized by the Mad Thinker, the former sidekick flamed on once more and battled his old Invader ally the Sub-Mariner. It would be his last adventure. Once in his right mind the now-enraged Toro sought revenge on the criminal genius and perished in its aftermath.

What will these war-era champions discover when they encounter the Avengers of today? Will they recognize in them kindred spirits—or warriors of a different stripe? Will the Avengers recognize their sacrifices? The answers will be found in AVENGERS/INVADERS beginning May 3!”

But there is more…yes,more!  You can read an interview with artist Sadowski at Marvel.Com via the following link:

http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.1480.Avengers%7Eslash%7EInvaders%7Ecolon%7E_Sadowski_Speaks

Seriously,not a lot I can say until the series appears but I think my fondest memories of Avengers and the Invaders series are the Roy Thomas stories.  I am just hoping that it’s a lot better than The Twelve,though I think it has to be better than Project Super Powers!

We’ll see.

Author and comics afficionado Paul has been busy as usual!  Hopefully he won’t mind my quoting his newsletter to fill you all in on what he’s doing –including his appearance at the up-coming Comic Expo in May!

 

“The massive MANHUA! CHINA COMICS NOW show, which I curated and Peter Stanbury designed, is all taken down now. The response from the public as well as LCC students and tutors and the media and guests has been very positive. It was a special thrill to have the guests from Beijing and Hong Kong attend, talk about their work and demonstrate their techniques. Luckily a lot of this was filmed and photographed and there will soon be more photos and info from this on the permanent Manhua subsite. Plans are afoot to possibly tour part or all of this first ever exhibition of contemporary Chinese comics to other UK venues. When that happens, you’ll hear about it first right here. 

 LIVE FROM KIRBY PLAZA Comica event at the ICA which went really well. Huge demand for tickets meant a packed house for the great guests, both live and in person -Chrissie Harper, from Jack Kirby Quarterly, who came up with the whole idea and impressive sound and picture presentation of Kirby’s life and career,plus our guests Paul Gambaccini and Kim Newman - and “virtual” guests linkedby the wonder of Skype and the “Boom Tube”, namely Mark Evanier, John Morrow and Randolph Hoppe over in the States. And to top it all off, a room of rare exquisite framed Kirby originals from the collections of Chrissie and Jonathan Ross. 

Couple of highlights coming up:

 This Saturday I’ve written an article on superheroes and their role as propaganda for the Guardian Guide. This ties in with the Iron Man movie looming, and the story of the United Nations working with Marvel on a comic book with their superheroes to show what the UN does.

www.guardian.co.uk/theguide

 

On Sunday morning April 20th, 11.15 to 12 noon pm BBC Radio 4, I’ve been involved with and interviewed for The Reunion, a fascinating series bringing people together to recall past events. In this case it’s the heydays of The Beano and Dandy - the Beano being 70 this July. The main interviewees are artists Bill Ritchie (of baby Crockett fame) and Jim Petrie (who drew 2,000 Minnie the Minx episodes) and writers Walter Fearn (at The Beano during the 1950s notably on Jonah with Ken Reid) and Dave Torrie (another ex Dandy editor). There are also archive quotes from Leo Baxenedale, Tony Robinson,Jacqueline Wilson,  A N Wilson, Michael Rosen and others. It’s repeated Friday April 25th at 9am.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thereunion/pip/37xhj/

 

Also on Friday 25th, at 6.15 I’ll be introducing the first ICA screening of DEATH NOTE, the live-action movie version of the gripping Shonen Jump manga serial published by Viz.

 

http://www.ica.org.uk/Death%20Note+16357.twl

 

Tuesday 29th brings the brilliantly deranged and disturbing Marseille graphists Le Dernier Cri to a Comica event at the ICA, where Pakito Bolinoand accomplices will perform in the Theatre to a projection of their mind-exploding movie Les Religions Sauvages, as well as displaying some of their astonishing silkscreened books and prints - unmissable, adults-only,extreme!

http://www.ica.org.uk/Les%20Religions%20Sauvages+16372.twl

 

Into May, on the 8th I’ll be chairing a discussion at the Centre for Recent Drawing on Diary Drawings, as part of their exhibition of autobiographical and journal comics. See this for more details:

www.c4rd.org.uk

 

And I’m making it to the Bristol Comics Expo only on the Sunday May 11th,where I’ll be in conversation from 4-5pm with Bryan Talbot and his cheeky Cherubs collaborator Mark Stafford.

http://www.comicexpo.net/events.html

 

Hope to see some of you at one or more of these do’s in the coming weeks.Meantime, Peter Stanbury and I are completing not one, but two new books.

 

For more details of the first of these, THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF BEST CRIME COMICS, please visit the site where our webwizard Tim Webber will be adding news and sneak peeks from this criminal anthology!

 

www.paulgravett.com

  

Wishing you all the very best 

Paul” 

www.paulgravett.com

www.greatbritishcomics.com

 

 

ARCHIE COMICS IS TAKING THE

NEW YORK COMIC CON BY STORM 

  

Join Publisher Michael Silberkleit, Editor-In-Chief Victor Gorelick, and Managing Editor Mike Pellerito along with many of your favorite Archie Comics Creators at the Archie booth #1821. 

  

Stan Goldberg,will be signing at the booth from 4:00pm to 5:00pm on Friday signing comics. 

  

Bob Smith,will be signing at the booth from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday signing comics. 

  

Alex Simmons,will be signing at the booth from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Saturday signing comics. 

  

Barbara Slate,will be signing at the booth from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Saturday signing comics. 

  

Dan Parent,will be signing at the booth from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday signing comics and can be found at table E7 in artist ally. 

  

Angelo DeCesare,will be signing at the booth from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday signing comics. 

  

Joe Staton,will be signing at the booth from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Sunday signing comics and can be found at table I11-12 in artist ally. 

  

Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante,will be signing at the booth from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Sunday signing comics. 

  

Fernando Ruiz, will be signing at the booth from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday signing comics. 

  

Ron Dante,the voice of Cartoon Archie will be singing the hit song “Sugar Sugar” live at the Archie booth. Ron will autograph copies of an Archies coloring page. 

  

Also, live appearance of Archie, Jughead and Sonic the Hedgehog.  

Plus giveaways, prizes, contests and free comics. 

  

Join the Archie staff and creators at the following fun filled panels on Sunday, New York Comic Con’s Kids Day 

  

Sunday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Kids Room 1E02 

GROWING UP WITH ARCHIE 

Join the creative staff who will share inside perspectives on the creation of Archie, how Archie Comics has evolved, why it dominates the newsstands and the super markets in comic sales. Panelists include: Michael Silberkleit, Chairman/Publisher; Victor Gorelick, Editor-in-Chief (his 50th year with Archie Comics); Fred Mausser, VP Sales; Mike Pellerito, Managing Editor, Dan Parent, Betty & Veronica writer and artist, Barbara Slate, Betty & Veronica writer, Fernando Ruiz, Tales from Riverdale writer and artist, Alex Simmons, Archie & Friends writer and rising new Archie Comics writer Misako Takashima. The panel will be moderated by Rik Offenberger, Public Relations Coordinator. 

  

Sunday 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Kids, Teen Room 1E02 

COMICS FOR GIRLS 

This panel will answer all the questions you’ve ever had about finding the perfect comics for girls. Join Barbara Slate (Angel Love, Archie, Barbie), Mike Pellerito (Archie), Allison Barrows (Pre-Teena, Goofyfoot Gurl), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Buzz Dixon & Marlon Schulman from RealBuzz Studios (Serenity, Goofyfoot Gurl), Raina Telgemeier (The Babysitters Club) and moderated by Christine Norrie.  

 

 

 

RIK OFFENBERGER | Public Relations CoordinatorArchie Comics Publications, Inc.

325 Fayette Ave.

|

Mamaroneck, NY

10543Tel: (914) 381 - 5155 | Fax: (765) 381-2332

E-Mail: RikO@ArchieComics.com

 

Visit us @: www.archiecomics.com

 

Okay,CBO has just had its biggest hit at 120,812.  Not bad,eh?

So things should be looking cheery?  For some,yes.

Manga/Manhua/Manhwa has been a constant big-hitter and this doesn’t just mean Dr Master or Udon [though not heard from the latter in a looong time!] but UK Manga creators such as Sonia Leong or Emma Viecelli  and Sweatdrop Studios.

Then we have creators such as Kate Glasheen of Hybrid Bastards fame from Archaia.  Still getting regular hits,though I’ve heard nothing of issue #2 and the promised copy of #1 from Archaia still hasn’t turned up.  Guys?

Image and Dark Horse are two regular hitters on CBO and I’d like to thank Image for joining our little club -hi,guys!

Cinebook -The 9th Art is doing well and I hope to meet Olivier Cadic and the team at the UK Expo in Bristol during May.  Cinebook,as a UK based publisher, has produced some of the highest quality books from Europe I’ve ever seen and they’ll be worth checking out if you go to the Expo.

Classical  Comics has now produced two great books of which any publisher could be proud.  Along with Cinebook they have shown that the UK can produce quality books.  Classical Comics will be worth visiting at the Expo.

Willie Hewes and Vanessa Wells have both produced great series/books in the form of Amaranth [Hewes] and Shrouded -both will be attending the may Expo -you did know there was an international comic expo in May,in Bristol?

Yishan Li,another attendee,is certainly getting the recognition she justly deserves  and her fellow Manhua artist,Jian Yi and Wang Peng,are scoring success in France with some truly beautiful art.

Archie Comics are still riding high and making more frequent appearances in UK comic stores -I notice our Indian members are very keen on the latest company news -Archie is BIG in india after all.

Graphic Classics was a new publisher on me but this US company is also producing some fantastic books -sadly,I don’t believe they’ll be at the Comic Expo.

But mainstream UK comic-wise?  We have 2000 ad,which at least improved by getting John Cooper to draw Armitage -I’m hoping the promised John Cooper interview will be on site soon.

D.C. Thomson showed that it could produce action strips with Billy The Cat and the 2007 Annual Billy The Cat vs General Jumbo.  Dandy vanished into an insert which was sad news.  Perhaps Thomson needs to realise just what it is youngsters want in a comic today by looking back at its old editions?

Panini [Marvel UK] is doing well,but there is no new material just reprint of US comics.

All-in-all it looks cheery to a degree but surely someone out there has the cash and guts to publish a new UK comic for the news stands?  If there is someone –get in touch!

 I would like to hear more about your views and maybe a few comments but if you’re shy,you can always get in touch at:

hoopercomicsuk@yahoo.com

As a man once said:”Be seeing you!”

T