ComicBitsOnline.com

Green Manor vol.1 - Assassins and Gentlemen

Authors: Bodart - Vehlmann

Age: 12 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Paperback

Number of pages: 56 colour pages

Publication: May 2008

ISBN: 9781905460533

£6.99

A cup of tea? A drop of milk? A spoonful of poison?

At first sight, nothing would make the very select club called Green Manor stand out from any other English club. Yet behind its thick walls, sunk into its deep chairs, hides the biggest bunch of con artists, bandits and murderers that Queen Victoria’s

England has ever seen.

This is the book that ay Comic Expo in

Bristol. Why? Because it is brilliant! When I first saw the rather cartoony art style I was put off. However,I then realised that the artwork was far from “cartoony” –it would be quite wrong to use that term. “Unique” might be a better word.

The costumes are accurate and the backgrounds to the various interior and exterior scenes are,as you might expect,very well rendered. The colouring technique is very atmospheric and lends itself well to the Victorian feel.

Art-wise it cannot be faulted. But the stories?

Obviously I am not going to give away any plots or story details because you will enjoy them. What I can tell you is that there are some very nice twist endings – POST SCRIPTUM in particular!- and the characters are well developed.

I can see why this book would sell out and –please- if you cannot find the book in your local comic store try the local bookstore or even order directly from Cinebook! And if you think the book is good…

Coming Soon :Green Manor Part 2 - The Inconvenience of Being Dead [£9.99]

Buy a copy of volume 1 because if you don’t –yooooou’ll be so-rrry!

I.R.S. vol.1 –Taxing Trails

Authors: Vrancken & Desberg

Age: 15 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Publication: April 2008

PAPERBACK

ISBN: 9781905460519

£9.99

Larry B. Max is an unusual specialist from a little-known branch of the I.R.S. (Internal Revenue Service), the all-powerful tax-collecting agency of the

United States.

Reading into tax-evasion and money-laundering rings the way a virtuoso pianist would read a sheet of Mozart, Max has every technological method at his disposal to find links between high finance and high crime. In the first album, he must look into a particularly delicate file belonging to a rich Jewish-American, known for his involvement in recovering items that were confiscated by the Nazis. Dissecting this billionaire’s accounts, Max embarks on a dangerous journey to find the mysterious origins of the man’s immense fortune….

This two-volume book includes “The Hagen Strategy.”

Another one of those Expo high interest books. Slick art and slick stories and no shyness when it comes to gun-play for a man who is to the IRS what James Bond is to MI6! The Hagen Strategy begins in 1943 and its violent conclusion is reached decades later.

Bernard Vrancken is also the artist of The Black Blood and his work cannot be faulted. Stephen Desberg also writes The Black Blood,The Scorpion and other books and his writing is likewise excellent. This leaves me with that eternal question of “will Cinebook ever publish a book I won’t like?” I suspect the answer is “Never!”

If you prefer modern crime style action thrillers then I.R.S. is the one for you –two books in one for just under £10 so you can’t go wrong!

Thorgal vol.2 –The Three Elders Of Aran

Authors: Rosinski & Van Hamme

Age: 12 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Publication: September 2007

PAPERBACK

ISBN: 9781905460311

£9.99

In these new adventures, Aaricia is crowned Queen, and Thorgal will have to face many difficult tests to track down his beauty. Then they spend some happy days together in the countryside… Their first child is announced. But, alas, everything is turned upside down into horror by the jealousy of Shaniah, a teenager turned away by Thorgal. Prisoner on board the Black Galley, Thorgal becomes a plaything in the hands of Veronar, a degenerate tyrant…

This two-volume book includes “The Black Galley”.

Although I was a big Buscema “Conan The Barbarian” fan,I have to admit that I much prefer the Thorgal series. The wonderful blend of the mysterious,mythology and Dark Ages action is just superb. The characters and scenes are drawn magnificently and the use of colour –as I think I’ve mentioned before?- to set a scene is done with great skill –as though you might expect anything else! Murder,quest and intrigue.

And The Black Galley has a great Thorgal fighting a leopard cover –and the actual fight in the story is great.

I just cannot believe that Thorgal is relatively unknown outside of

Europe. Olivier Cadic and Cinebook have provided us with a real treat.

But there is more…

Thorgal vol.3 –Beyond The Shadows

Authors: Rosinski & Van Hamme

Age: 12 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Publication: February 2008

PAPERBACK

ISBN: 9781905460458

£9.99

Taken aback by Aaricia’s disappearance, Thorgal is only a shadow of his former self. Eaten away by remorse, the young Shania accompanies him and protects him, begging his pardon… Approached by two strangers, Worgan and Galathorn, they discover that Aaricia is still alive but held captive in the court of Brek Zarith. Ready to do anything to keep himself in power, the illegitimate master of this kingdom, Sharder, uses and abuses his evil sorcerer powers. Despite all this, Thorgal will try, alone, to penetrate the impregnable fortress of Brek Zarith to save his wife and his son, Jolan.

This two-volume book includes “The Fall of Brek Zarith”.

The opening page to this volume is simply brilliant. I’ve stared at it a few times and just love it [yeah,I’m that sad]. Myth,mysticism and..time travel –so you get to see some dinosaurs! Possibly one,if not the,strangest Thorgal adventure to date.

The Fall Of Brek Zarith is another great story and I’m wondering if any RPG gamers have cottoned on to the Thorgal series yet? It has everything any gamer could ever want for scenarios or a “World Bible” to base games on.

And soon volume 4 –The Archers will be available. These double albums/books are classics and if Thorgal deserves better recognition then his books deserve to sell more and more copies because they are pure adventure and fun.

Would I love to interview Rosinski and/or van Hamme? YES!!!

Scared To Death –The Vampire From the Marshes

Authors: Vanholme & Mauricet

Age: All ages

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Publication: March 2008

PAPERBACK

ISBN: 9781905460472

£5.99

This series showcases the strange adventures of two adolescent friends, Robin and Max. All of the classic fantasy themes are touched on: sorcery, fairies, werewolves, ghosts… a must for fans of suspense and terror. In the first album, while secretly consulting the medical files of his father (a forensic scientist), Robin discovers the photo of a man whose body is pierced by hundreds of holes. Persuaded that this death is the work of a vampire, Robin and his friend Max go after the suspected murderer…

Remember [probably only applies to British men over a certain age] when you got that boys annual at Christmas or for a birthday? There are certain books I get that feeling over even at [can I lie about my age?],uh,my age. Scared To Death is one of those books and I’ve opened it and read it a few times now.

 

Robin and Max are like those characters in old British adventure books but with a Scooby Gang twist. There are the nice little twists and some atmospheric art and a great “villain”. The series should appeal to young and older readers because European creators have not lost that sense of fun –something missing a lot from US comics.

 

Might be a bit early but give your kids a treat;buy them Scared To Death,Melusine and maybe Thorgal as a bumper Christmas present.

And check out the Cinebook web site because there is so much more!

THE ACTION & EXCITEMENT OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG’S CLASSIC ADVENTURES LIVES ON IN SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9!

 

In November, 2006, Archie Comics offered Sonic readers both new and old the opportunity to relive the earliest adventures of their favorite hero with the release of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #1.  Now, here we are on the eve of the release of the 9^th volume, and everyone agrees: this new classic reprint series is a hit!  Fans are jumping at the chance to travel back in time to where it all began.  Back in 1993, Sonic the Hedgehog sped his way from video games to comic books.  Almost 200 issues later, “the blue blur” can lay claim to having the most successful comic book career of all video game heroes.  Now, SONIC THE HEDEHOG ARCHIVES, a thrilling series of upscale reprints, lets you revisit Sonic’s early days in a premium yet affordable format.  These special 5 x 7 & ½ inch editions contain 112 action-packed pages, faithfully re-colored and printed on superior stock, with a low cover price of only $7.49 US!  Picking up where the SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #8 left off (which reprinted the original Sonic series issues #29 through #32), SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9 brings fans these classic tales from issues #33 through #36 – including exciting events like the origin of the Chaos emeralds, the return of King Acorn (sort of!), and other historic occurrences!  Stories include: 

• “Let’s Get Small” (issue #33): Robotnik gives everyone more ogida than usual – literally – by introducing a microbiotic infection into Knothole Village ’s food supply! 
• “The Big Picture” (issue #33): A mysterious figure is monitoring Archimedes, Knuckles and the Floating Island.  Who could it be?
• “Sonic Shot” (issue #33): A friendly game of hockey between the good guys and bad guys goes from slapshot to cheap shot when Robotnik intervenes!
• “To ‘Bot or not to ‘Bot” (issue #34): Sonic and Rotor valiantly try to de-roboticize Uncle Chuck and Muttski, as a new Combot Army rises to eradicate the Freedom Fighters. 
• “A Sense of History Part One” (issue #34): Knuckles tries to piece his past together – but the trouble is, a comet blew his past into pieces years ago!
• “Ring of Truth” (issue #35): A tale of intrigue as Sonic is transported to another dimension, encounters the Ancient Walkers and is challenged to solve the Riddle of the Rings! 
• “A Sense of History Part Two” (issue #35): Knuckles memory reveals more about his tumultuous upbringing and family, friends and foes! 
• “Heart of Darkness” (issue #36): It’s the long-awaited return of King Acorn… MAYBE!   
• “A Sense of History Part Three” (issue #36): The ultimate destruction of the Floating Island is finally revealed!

 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9

SCRIPTS: Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders & Mike Kanterovich. 

ART: Art Mawhinney, Dave Manak, & Ken Penders. 

Colossal cover by Pat “Spaz” Spazinate!

Shipping Date: September 24^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: October 1^st, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: October 14^th, 2008

112-page, full color graphic novel

$2.25 US.

VERONICA #189

“Carrying the Torch”: Veronica agrees to carry the torch at the “Riverdale Games,” but the only thing “burning” is Veronica when she spots Archie with his “old flame,” Cheryl Blossom! 

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. 

“No Contest”: Veronica ponders how Betty can be so rich in spirit when she’s so not-rich in wealth! 

SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Dan Parent. 

“Dream Vacation”: Veronica finds the yellow-brick road is paved with gold as she falls asleep reading “The Wizard of Oz!” 

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: June 25^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 2^nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: July 15^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

 

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #162

PART 2 OF A 5-PART, INTERACTIVE STORY WHERE THE READERS DECIDE THE OUTCOME! 

“And the Winner Is… Part 2 of 5”: 2008 is an election year, and Archie Comics is no exception as we present a special election of our own: your chance to vote for Cheryl Blossom’s new boyfriend!  Last issue, Reggie and Cheryl broke up, and Cheryl wound up on the TV show, “The Lonely Hearts Club” in search of a new beau.  Three hot contestants have stepped up for the challenge, and you the reader will witness each of their dates with Cheryl and vote for who you think Cheryl should choose online at www.archiecomics.com!  In this issue, Cheryl goes on a date with Austin .  He’s quite a hunk, but perhaps too much of a nutrition and fitness fanatic for Cheryl’s health… unless your votes decide otherwise!  Don’t miss out on the Archie Comics event of the summer – be sure to reserve every issue! 

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  

PLUS: “Choose or Loose”: Betty and Veronica just can’t decide which outdoor activity to partake in on such a beautiful day.  Can they decide before the rain clouds set in? 

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Bob Bolling. 

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. 

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 25^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 2^nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: July 15^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

PRESS RELEASE - TORI AMOS DEBUTS COMIC BOOK TATTOO AT COMIC CON!

Tori Amos debuts the upcoming COMIC BOOK TATTOO in both a panel and signing at this year’s Comic Con International!  26 June 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Tori Amos will appear at this year’s Comic Con International, taking place at the San Diego Convention Center, to debut her upcoming anthology, COMIC BOOK TATTOO.  

Amos’ Comic Con plans begin with LIVE FROM COMIC-CON, TORI AMOS & COMIC BOOK TATTOO, hosted by comics and music critic Douglas Wolk, on Saturday, July 26 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM.  The signing will be held the same day at 2PM. Fans wishing to meet the acclaimed songwriter can receive tickets to her signing, limited to two hundred fans, by purchasing a copy of COMIC BOOK TATTOO at the Image Comics booth (#2729).  

Tickets will be made available in increments with twenty on Wednesday, seventy five on Thursday, another seventy five on Friday and thirty on Saturday.   

COMIC BOOK TATTOO, a 480-page anthology available in hardcover and softcover, will be in comic book stores July 23rd and everywhere July 29th. For more specifics about the release dates please visit www.toriamos.com .  San Diego Comic Con International will take place July 23rd to 27th. For more information, please see www.comic-con.org . 

   

PRESS RELEASE - SHADOWLINE PROVES THE M-THEORY!Shadowline/Image bring science fiction back to its roots with M-THEORY!  25 June 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This September Shadowline/Image Comics brings back robots, spacemen and dames to their pulp roots with the three-issue mini-series, M-THEORY! “It’s long overdue for sci-fi pulp fiction to get back to its roots,” said co-writer Dwight L. MacPherson. “My cohorts, Bruce Brown and Mark Barentine, are also massive fans of the genre and cannot wait to go all out!”  The three issue mini-series, co-written by Dwight L. MacPherson and Bruce Brown with artist Mark Barentine, is an action-packed romp exploring every facet of science fiction featured in the golden age of pulp novels. In the first issue alone, a government scientist receives a startling transmission of extraterrestrial origin leading to terrifying discoveries leading them to the outer reaches of our galaxy and a shocking nemesis like none other! 

Shadowline President Jim Valentino added, “Pulp fiction has received its due in film, so it’s a real pleasure to see Bruce, Dwight and Mark really go at it with such a high level of passion and vigor in the comic book format. I’m really looking forward to the results.” 

M-THEORY, a three-issue 32-page full color mini-series at $3.50, will be in stores September 17th. 

Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com. 

I’m gradually getting through the backlog of reviews and interviews left over from the ISP problems.  More to come,though.

If I promised I’d get in touch to interview you or arrange an interview bear with me.

This week has been our Archie Creators week thanks to Rik Offenberger.  I know there are a lot of Archie Comics fans out there so I hope you enjoy those.

Graphic Classics has just sent more books so those will be reviewed asap!

I need to vent my spleen here and just mention that I have totally given up on Forbidden Planet store in Bristol. Very long story but since Chris was pushed out of his job there the place has become a mess!

Ahh,for someone with money to back a new comic shop here!

So,keep popping by and thanks to all those who have been pushing CBOs hit rate higher!

Off to eat!

T

This is it!  The third of our trio of interviews with creators from Archie comics –thanks to Rik Offenberger for the work he put in on these.

 Dan Parent is our third interviewee.  And why?  Well,this is the Archie Age of Comics! 

 

Comic Bits Online: Let’s start with the biggest question. Comics are a celebrative effort. The editor approves the story; they are written and drawn, go to the colorist, letterer, and printer before they get to the customer. How is there time for fans to read Betty & Veronica Double Digest #164 and vote before you write the story and draw Betty & Veronica Double Digest #165?

 Dan Parent: The whole story is complete, except for the last page which reveals the winner.  We’ll have time to rush that page into production without any problems. 

Comic Bits Online: Cheryl has been out of the limelight for a while, how did her big resurgence come about?

Dan Parent: She’s always been a fan favorite.  She was hugely popular when she returned during the love showdown storyline in the 90’s.  Even when her popularity wanes a bit and she goes away, she always comes back with a vengeance!  

Comic Bits Online: Has Cheryl found a permanent home in the Betty & Veronica Digest comics?

Dan Parent: For the next year or so, there will be a lot of Cheryl in B&V Double Digest.  It’s a good place to do a continuing storyline since the book comes out so frequently.  But you never know where she’ll appear next.

Comic Bits Online: Why were some of the Cheryl Blossom stories reprinted as Ginger Lopez stories?

Dan Parent: There was a period where we didn’t know what to do with Cheryl, so Cheryl stories were altered to fit in Ginger, who we introduced earlier this decade.  It wasn’t a very good idea, since the fans (myself included) didn’t like the altering of classic stories. Plus, Ginger and Cheryl have totally different personalities, so the stories didn’t make much sense. 

  

Comic Bits Online: What does Cheryl add to the cast that makes her a unique addition to the cast?

Dan Parent: Everybody loves a good villain. And veronica is too complex to be a totally bad girl, so Cheryl fits that bill.

Comic Bits Online: Getting back to the Game Show, who are each of the dates and what makes them unique?

Dan Parent: Austin is an eco-friendly jock, but shows Cheryl a side of life she’s not used to. 

Brandon is a techno-geek who is Cheryl’s total opposite, but is intrigued by him.  George is a no-nonsense chef, who speaks his mind and won’t put up with Cheryl’s antics.  She’s attracted to him because he’s one guy who stands up to her.

Comic Bits Online: Will the winner be featured prominently as a supporting character in the Cheryl Blossom stories going forward? Dan Parent: That’s the idea!  

 

Comic Bits Online: With the stories focusing more on Pembrooke, will we be seeing less of the Riverdale characters in up coming Cheryl stories?

Dan Parent: I like the classic Riverdale vs. Pembrooke battles.  So I don’t think we’ll be seeing less of the characters, just in different settings.

 Comic Bits Online: After the “You Pick Cheryl’s Date” storyline what is planned next?

Dan Parent: We want to use that character, plus continue with the storyline planned for Cheryl in 2009.  But we don’t want to give away that scoop just yet!  

   
 

Comic Bits Online: Is there any chance for Cheryl to get her own comic back?

Dan Parent: That would be great.  It all depends on response to these current books.  She did support her own books for awhile back in the nineties, so you never know.

LONDON, UK - June 23 2008 - A comic book described as a   “horror Curb Your Enthusiasm” will be distributed by Diamond   as a full colour print title almost two years after starting   life as a black and white web comic. 

 London Horror Comic #1 is a 32-page horror-comedy anthology   and is available to order from July’s Previews catalogue from   the 25th June 2008. 

The print comic has been praised in advance reviews as a   “horror Curb Your Enthusiasm” by Sfx Magazine, the UK’s   leading science fiction and fantasy magazine. 

The comic comes from writer-creator John-Paul Kamath who   launched a web comic of the same name in August 2006. 

 The original web comic drew praise from inside and outside   the field of comics from luminaries such as Jamie Delano   (Hellblazer) and Lee Hill (BFI Modern Classics’ Easy Rider). 

The print title, which features new stories, keeps the   sinister vibe that made the online comic popular, but now   includes comedic tales, which poke fun at traditional   ‘horror-with-a-twist’ style anthologies. 

   “The London Horror Comic #1 approaches the horror genre from   every angle, ranging from dark comedy to social commentary,   clever jabs at the medium and the industry, and some   downright chilling and disturbing work,” said horror review   web site Fatally-Yours.com. 

Kamath explained how the original web comic was received and   how the new print edition came about: 

 “We wanted to provide readers with an easy in-road into the   types of work we were producing and that’s where the web-   comic fitted-in. It took the risk away from readers trying   something new - essentially, taking a chance on our work and   us. We received an average of 700 visitors a month, which   meant we were doing something right,” he said. 

“But because the web comics we were doing at the time worked   as free downloads, we found we couldn’t justify the cost of   lettered or coloured work in the long term, which limited the   stories we wanted to tell. So we focused our efforts on   producing all-new stories with an eye for print. We’ve pulled   out all the stops on production and hope our fans enjoy it,”   he said. 

 An eight-page preview of one story from the print comic is available to view on-line for free at:

   www.londonhorrorcomic.com/preview.htm.

 

Readers can order the first issue from comic stores with the   Diamond order code JUL084146. 

The book retails at $3.99 and features self-contained full-   colour stories. Richly rendered by the talents of Lee Ferguson (Black Canary Wedding Planner), Marc Deering   (Miranda Mercury), Matty Ryan (New X-Men), Hi-Fi Design   (American Virgin) and writer John-Paul Kamath (Trailer Park   of Terror), this book delivers the goods like four flavours   of ice cream in one cone. London Horror Comic Ltd publishes London Horror Comic.

From Loch Ness to Riverdale, Seamonster & Samurai’s Chad Allan Thomas stopped by Comic Bits Online for an exclusive interview about his work on Archie Comics’ Sabrina.

Comic Bits Online: You graduated from Savannah

College in 2003. Were you friends and family supportive of you getting a degree in Sequential Art?

Chad Allan Thomas: Absolutely.  I’ve been drawing since I was very young and my parents saw something in that that they really wanted to nurture.  When I started collecting comics at eight, I pretty much decided myself that comics and illustration was the route I was interested in going.  After all that it was just a matter of finding a good place to help refine and develop those skills and everyone around me couldn’t have been more supportive.

Comic Bits Online: What comics have you been working on since graduation?

Chad Allan Thomas: Well I actually took a year or so off after graduation before I really got into the swing of things.  I did some short back up stories with Image in both Noble Causes and Hero Camp, and a slew of other illustration projects around the country.  It really wasn’t until I sat down and started doing mini comics for myself did things artistically and professionally really begin to click.

 

Comic Bits Online: How did Seamonsters & Samurai come about?

Chad Allan Thomas: I honestly don’t remember the original place for it.  But I think it came about from a discussion with friends about really weird ideas that just involved the things we really loved from growing up.  I always loved the Loch Ness Monster myth when I was a kid.  I totally understood that Bigfoot and all the “never-seen-but-exist” monsters were fake but when it came to Nessy I just lived the lie and totally bought into it.  I have no idea why I just wanted to!

But I’ve always loved samurai’s and medieval Japan and thought why not combine the two?  So Seamonsters & Samurai came about.  It’s an all ages book about a line of Scottish samurais who protect the Loch Ness Monster and keep it hidden from all prying eyes.  I’m doing the book with Viper Comics, and the guys over there couldn’t be more patient.  I completed the first chapter and suddenly got engaged and purposely took on an over abundance in jobs to keep us afloat before the wedding and our recent move.  I’m finishing the last bit of those up now so the plan is to kick that back into gear soon.

Comic Bits Online: What about Sushi Bar, is that an autobiographical comic?

Chad Allan Thomas: Ha!  No but that would be neat huh?  Actually girlfriend at the time, and now wife, and I had a rotating sushi bar near our apartments in

Nashville, and we joked about what a great commercial that would make.  A few weeks later I surprised her by drawing a comic about it for her.

Comic Bits Online: Both of these are mini-comics, were they done as art samples to show editors or were they designed as a serious project to make money?

Chad Allan Thomas: Man it would be nice to make mini comics for a living.  But no, they were intended for people to enjoy and to hopefully get it into the right hands whether that was an editor, or just someone who’s now a fan of my small amount of work is fine by me.  I just hope people like it.

Comic Bits Online: How did you get the job on Sabrina?

Chad Allan Thomas: Like most jobs that have come my way, it kind of landed in my lap!  I’ve been really blessed so far that I haven’t had to do a lot of digging for work.  But I’m sure I’ll go through times like that.  But this time I was lucky enough for Mike Pellerito to drop me a line and ask if I had room to do two issues for them.  I have no clue how he found my work but I’m glad he did.

Comic Bits Online: Were you a Sabrina fan prior to getting the job?

Chad Allan Thomas: I can’t say that I was.  I knew of course that it was out there and that it had recently changed styles to what Tania del Rio is doing now but I hadn’t gotten the chance to look at it.

 

Comic Bits Online: What is it like working with Tania?

Chad Allan Thomas: Easy?  Tania was pretty hands off and super supportive of everything that I was doing on the book which was really nice.  She pretty much gave me the thumbs up and a few pieces of reference and then said have at it.

Comic Bits Online: Is it easier of harder working with a writer that is also the series artist?

Chad Allan Thomas: There was never a point where I think either of us were frustrated with the process.  I found it to be easy in this case.  I hope she enjoyed the little break!

Comic Bits Online: What is “Salam’s Secret” about?

Chad Allan Thomas: To my knowledge it’s the first full story about Salem before he turned into a cat and ties into Tania’s previous arc on Sabrina. 

Salem is on the hunt for a powerful wand to achieve his goal of world domination and gets a taste of the good life if only for a moment.  From the past issues of Sabrina I’ve caught up on I think it’s safe to say there will be somethings in the story Tania may bring up again later on.

 

Comic Bits Online: How do you think Sabrina fans will react to two issues of Sabrina without much of Sabrina in them?

Chad Allan Thomas: I hope they like them for sure!  It was definitely different than most Sabrina comics before it and that was what really drew me into the project to begin with.  I didn’t have a lot of interest in drawing Sabrina and Harvey to be honest, but when I heard the pitch I was really intrigued.  Seamonsters, as you know I love, pirates, elves, magic towns and psychic bat ladies?  I really had fun drawing a lot of it.

Comic Bits Online: Are there any more issues of Sabrina in your future?

Chad Allan Thomas: You never know.  There’s nothing on the horizon at the moment.

Comic Bits Online: What else are you working on?Chad Allan Thomas: I work with a children’s band in Nashville called the Lads and I do a lot of branding and character work for them.  Seamonster & Samurai is about to kick back into full gear and there are a few other creators and publishers I’ve been talking to about getting something going for awhile now.  We’ll see what comes next….even I don’t know sometimes.

Well,it seems that our friends over at Classical Comics are planning to take a big stride into the Japanese comic market!  Don’t believe me… 

Classical Comics reverses the flow! Graphic novels of literary classics to be published in Japanese!  

Coals to Newcastle!

Against the tide of Japanese inspired graphic novels hitting western shores,Classical Comics have signed a deal with Ittosha Incorporated of

Japan to translate and publish their series of graphic novel adaptations of literary classics in Japanese. 

The in­fluence of Manga on western media art is unquestionable, and the style is hugely popular amongst British teenagers in particular. This trend is not new -even Monet was in­uenced by Japanese artwork that he saw exhibited in the late nineteenth century. With the popluarity of series like Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! that have helped form multi-media standards amongst today’s youth, it’s easy to see how the Manga phenomenon has taken hold in the UK. 

Although the word “Manga” is merely the Japanese word for comic book art, it has come to represent a style of drawing, typi‑ed by abstract features of large eyes and small mouths, so often seen across the globe in today’s media-rich society; which makes this particular deal all-the-more interesting as it goes against the established east-to-west culture ­flow. 

Chairman of Classical Comics, Clive Bryant said,  

“Our multiple text versions of well-loved classic literature have already proven to be a huge success around the globe, particularly with students and teachers who welcome this vibrant, colourful way of introducing these wonderful books.

 

Language translations are a natural extension to this. Not only are we exporting Great British literature, but we’re also delivering part of our deep culture at the same time. Just as westerners ­nd the Japanese culture intriguing, we think that there are many people in Japan who will be equally fascinated by our heritage.”

  

Terumasa Hirano, Chairman and Executive Editor of Ittosha Inc. added,  

“When we fi­rst came across the Classical Comics range, we immediately saw the potential for a Japanese translation. While the artwork is very different to what we see over here, that is part of their appeal and helps to deliver these famous stories.”

  

Ittosha Inc will launch the winter 2008 season with the ‑first two Shakespeare books in the series: Henry V and Macbeth. Jane Eyre (Brontë), Frankenstein (Shelley), Great Expectations (Dickens), and A Christmas Carol (Dickens) will follow, as will all of the titles published by Classical Comics in the UK and the US.  

-Ends  

Classical Comics are UK publishers who are creating engaging versions of literary classics, by converting the timeless stories into stunning, full colour graphic novels.

  

Spearheaded by Clive Bryant, Chairman, following his successful exit from a business start-up, he was joined by Karen Wenborn as Managing Director in May 2007. The core team was cemented when Jo Wheeler became Creative Director soon afterwards.

  

As well as meeting the criteria of being strong in colour, dynamic in action, vibrant, engaging and exciting, the books have a myriad of applications in education across all ages and skill levels. Their pioneering multiple text levels not only allows the teaching of classical literature to children as young as ten, but also facilitate inclusive teaching for differentiation in classes of mixed abilities. Their approach has been embraced by teachers across the globe -their free downloads for the Year 9 SATS English test received over 150,000 downloads !

  

The team of scriptwriters include teachers, playwrights and novelists, while the artists range from newspaper stalwarts to Spiderman creators and Eagle award winners.