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What on Earth can you say about Joe Staton?  The man in a comic book legend and E-Man was one of my favourite comics from the Charlton days to First Comics –I should say the series still is a firm favourite! 

When Rik Offenberger,Archie Comics’ PR man and possibly their greatest non-comic book asset,asked if I wanted a Joe Staton interview how could I say anything but “yes!” 

So here it is and my thanks to both Joe and Rik!

Terry

  

Comic Bits Online: You are primarily know as a super hero artist, what brought you to Archie?

Joe Staton: Victor asked me to give it a shot and I’m generally up for a challenge.  I may be mostly known to some as a superhero artist, but I’ve done relatively little superhero work for the last five or six years.  There is one generation to whom I am mostly known for drawing a big dog.  And over the years, I’ve drawn almost everything from six different versions of Batman to Elfquest to Rugrats.  Within the trade, lots of people think of me as the guy who can tackle any genre and still meet a deadline. 

Comic Bits Online: With Archie having such a standard house style, what are the challenges of creating a new look? 

Joe Staton: Basically, I’m just doing an Earth-II version of the characters.  I’m recasting them into a style more like my own, while keeping the recognizable elements intact,just distorted.

Comic Bits Online: Did they let you do whatever you want with the characters look?

Joe Staton: There were definite parameters.  I think I understood that the characters couldn’t really be corrupted or ridiculed and there were times when I was told to moderate my approach, though. Mostly it fell to my pal Al Milgrom to trim things back on occasion.  (“Archie’s head is too angular,” I was told.  “Al can fix that,” I replied.) 

Comic Bits Online: Many of the characters have distinctive features, such as Jughead’s nose. How do those features translate? 

Joe Staton: I went overboard on Jug’s nose.  I really did make him a “needlenose.”  “Al can fix that,” I said. 

 

Comic Bits Online: What are the visual character elements that you have to carry forward to be true to each character?

Joe Staton: Aside from the obvious “trademarks” like Archie’s hair and Jug’s nose, you have to keep their known attitudes and postures recognizable.  A lot of that comes out of how they relate to each other. 

Comic Bits Online: The fans were very vocal about the last new look. Did you take that into account when accepting this assignment? 

Joe Staton: If the fans are vocal, that means they’re paying attention, so I looked to their reactions as part of the job. 

Comic Bits Online: What have the fans said about your version of the kids from Riverdale?  

Joe Staton: Mostly, they say variations of “Not as bad as it could have been.”  One review I saw said that I proved that comics artists have no fashion sense.   

Comic Bits Online: Is there any change of a Jughead/E-Man cross over? 

Joe Staton: Unfortunately that probably won’t happen.  The perfect Multiverse crossover for me would be Jughead, Shaggy, Maynard G. Krebbs, and Michael Mauser go out for lunch.  The collector’s edition would come presoaked in rancid fry oil.     

Comic Bits Online: What do you have lined up after Jughead? 

Joe Staton: I’m doing my FEMME NOIR miniseries with Chris Mills for Ape Entertainment and a new E-MAN one-shot from Digital Webbing.  My wife and I are doing a kids’ comic teaching about celiac disease for Children’s Hospital in Boston .

And good luck to Joe with his future projects and Archie work!

 

Ahh,those Tarzan cartoons.  In fact,apart from Battle Of The Planets,Marine Boy and Gigantor,I think most of the cartoons I watched when a clean-shaven pup were Filmation.

 

This new book from Twomorrows ought to interest anyone with fond childhood TV memories or those interested in animation

 

Lou Scheimer:Creating The Filmation Generation - $19.95

Sale: $16.96Save: 15% off 

 160 page Trade Paperback - Edited by Andy Mangels 

Hailed as one of the fathers of Saturday morning television, Lou Scheimer was the co-founder of Filmation Studios, which for over 25 years provided animated excitement for TV and film. Always at the forefront, Scheimer’s company created the first DC cartoons with Superman, Batman, and Aquaman, ruled the song charts with The Archies, kept Trekkie hope alive with the Emmy-winning Star Trek: The Animated Series, taught morals with Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, and swung into high adventure with Tarzan, The Lone Ranger, and Zorro. Forays into live-action included Shazam! and The Secrets of Isis, plus groundbreaking special effects work on Jason of Star Command and others. And in the 1980s, Filmation single-handedly caused the syndication explosion with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and its successors. Now, Lou Scheimer tells the entire story to best-selling author Andy Mangels, including how his father decked Adolf Hitler, memories of the comics of the Golden Age, schooling with Andy Warhol, and what it meant to lead the last all-American animation company through nearly thirty years of innovation and fun! Profusely illustrated with photos, model sheets, storyboards, presentation art, looks at rare and unproduced series, and more—plus stories from top animation insiders about Scheimer and Filmation’s past—this book will show the Filmation Generation the story behind the stories! 

ISBN-13: 978-1-893905-96-2ISBN-10: 1-893905-96-9 

 

The book ships on 29^th October 2008 so get that money ready!

Michael Golden’s Hulk and Spidey Rumble at HeroesCon, Charlotte!

Con features Golden give-a-way poster!

Charlotte, N.C.– Leave it to Michael Golden to get Hulk’s blood-a-boilin’! After a jam-packed year of gallery exhibitions in Barcelona, Gijon, New York and Belgium, along with “Guest of Honor” nods from numerous shows throughout this past year (including last weekends Knoxville AdventureCon!), Michael is heading back to one of his favorite places–HeroesCon–and he’s bringing a bit of Hulk and Spiderman with him!

Co-Creator of X-Men’s Rogue, Bucky o’Hare and Spartan X, HeroesCon is honoring Michael at their 2008 show, June 20-22, by featuring Golden artwork on the back of their program book, AND as the official convention premium poster. Be sure, Michael will sign every copy put before him!!

Just another little bit of fan appreciation from the show founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s “Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find” comics shop. Since then HeroesCon has become famous for its comics-first and family friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeoresCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from every region of the county to the Charlotte Convention Center.

As for featured artist Golden–as you can see by his schedule–Michael’s return to the convention circuit, has also  brought a great deal of interest in his artistic legacy, noted by numerous new books and DVD’s on the artist, including: “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden,” from Vanguard Productions–which has sold out and is going into a second printing with a new Vampirella cover; “Modern Masters Vol.12–Michael Golden” tradepaperback from TwoMorrows Publishing; “Modern Masters in the Studio with Michael Golden DVD”; the upcoming two disc set “Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden” from Woodcrest Productions and Eva Ink; as well as the upcoming sketchbook “Michael Golden Heroes & Villains” from BrandStudios and Eva Ink, debuting at SDCC. You can also see new Michael Golden covers on “Exiles,” “Demon’s Regret,” “Wolverine,” and more!

Michael  will be on hand all days of HeroesCon, along with other comics  creators: Michael Bair; June Brigman; Scott Campbell; Nick Cardy; Tommy Castillo; Frank Cho; Darwyn Cooke; Amanda Conner; David Finch; Dick Giordano; Craig Hamilton; Cully Hamner; Adam Hughes; Robert Kirkman; Michael Avon Oeming; Jimmy Palmiotti; Jason Pearson; Steve Saffel; Steve Scott; Brian Stelfreeze; and Mark Texeira among many others.

In addition, look for some Golden original work, in the legendary art auction Saturday night!!!  Want to know more?

Check out: www.heroesonline.com

For more information on Michael Golden and his work, go to: www.evaink.com

 

Mark Texeira Offers Three Fine Art Prints in Limited Numbers for show.

Charlotte, NC. –Fine art painter and comic book illustrator Mark Texeira will be attending HeroesCon June 20-22 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

And even better news for fans: To mark the occasion, he’ll be unveiling three new art prints as well!Known for his stunning interiors on “Ghost Rider” and “MoonKnight,” and his fantastic cover work on “Red Sonja,” “Vampirella,” “Ghost Rider,” and more, Texeira has always been a fan fave at showsand on the book stands. Not to mention that his convention commissions are always wildly popular! Just check him out on www.comicartfans.com and you’ll see why!

A featured guest at last weekend’s Knoxville AdventureCon, Tex will also be at Heroes Charlotte all three days of the show signing and sketching. He will have a limited number  of his new prints–all three of which are full color on Irish Linen, archival paper, signed by the artist.

For those of you waiting on the book about the artist, you can also own more of Mark’s stunning work in the upcoming art book “Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira–The Artist’s Great Escape” from Vanguard Productions, written by Renee Witterstaetter with Texeira; and the new “Creator Chronicles” DVD on the painter from Woodcrest Productions, both due out later this year.

Texeira will be on hand all days of HeroesCon, along with other fantastic comics creators: Michael Bair; June Brigman; Scott Campbell; Nick Cardy; Tommy Castillo; Frank Cho; Darwyn Cooke; Amanda Conner; David Finch; Dick Giordano; Michael Golden; Craig Hamilton; Cully Hamner; Adam Hughes; Robert Kirkman; Michael Avon Oeming; Jimmy Palmiotti; Jason Pearson; Steve Saffel; Steve Scott; and Brian Stelfreeze among many others.In addition, look for some Texeira original work, in the legendary art auction Saturday night!!!  Want to know more? Check out: www.heroesonline.com

For more information on Mark Texeira and his work, go to: www.evaink.com

I’ve been asked a few times about the ” English woman supposed to be writing Dr Strange”.  Actually,she’s Scottish. No news yet on when the series should start but here is a newspaper item featuring writer Muriel Grey -hope it enlarges well enough!

17 June 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This upcoming weekend, Charlotte, NC’s HeroesCon once again plays host to Image Comics, with guests and panels galore!

 

“HeroesCon is a darned fine funnybook show,” Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen said. “In an age when outside media like movies and video games have taken over most conventions, Shelton Drumm and his dedicated team consistently keep Heroes focused on what matters most to those of us in the world of contemporary pictorial literature - a bona-fide COMIC BOOK convention that’s fun for the whole family!”

 

 

In addition to the overwhelming number of Image creators attending, Image will be spotlighted on a total of three panels including the State of the Industry Discussion, Friday at 1:30, featuring Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen in room 207. Saturday brings Tori Amos’ COMIC BOOK TATTOO panel at 12:00PM and The Image Comics Show at 4:00 PM, both in room 217BCD. This Image Comics Show’s HeroesCon debut  features Erik Larsen, THE WALKING DEAD’s Robert Kirkman, THE NIGHTLY NEWS’ Jonathan Hickman, PERHAPANAUTS’ creators Todd Dezago & Craig Rosseau and a number of announcements, including the first word on Whilce Portacio’s other big project.

 

 

HeroesCon will take place June 20-22 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Image Comics can be found at booth 320.

 

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently four partners in Image Comics (Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central). 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.

 The following press release might interest CBOers.  However,as CBO has a policy of NOT reviewing pdfs we’ll have to wait and see if a printed review copy turns up. Though I’m confused that a “new” series starts with #3?!

PREMIERE ISSUE OF DEAD MAN HOLIDAY, A NEW SELF-PUBLISHED COMIC SERIES, TO BE RELEASED IN JUNE 2008

New genre based indy comic to be released simultaneously as pamphlet and free digital download

Sarasota, Florida- June 18, 2008- Despite the near non-existence of the once popular format of genre based self-published comic books, a new ongoing comic book series named Dead Man Holiday (www.DeadManHoliday.com), by first time writer/artist Colin Panetta, will have it’s first issue released on June 25th, 2008. This will be the premiere issue of Dead Man Holiday, although it says # -3 (number negative three) on the cover. The issue will be released via Mysterious Transmissions, the author’s own publishing company. Dead Man Holiday is a science-fiction/ action comic, with storytelling sensibilities firmly rooted in independent film and small-press genre comics of the eighties and nineties. Dead Man Holiday # -3 is entirely black and white, with hand painted grey tones throughout, and runs 36 pages. The issue features guest art by Brandon Dawley (TheDawl.com) and Jeremy Gregory (HereThereBeRobots.com), available only in the print version. It will be made available in two formats simultaneously in June 2008; as a traditional pamphlet comic book, printed by POD comics printer Ka-Blam, and as a PDF download from DriveThru Comics, offered free of charge.

 

Plot: Dead Man Holiday # -3 introduces Thad Planck, a low-rent security guard in an imagined future where a section of the city he lives in has been flooded and abandoned. Thad is in charge of patrolling this area, referred to as Little Atlantis, and has a mysterious supernatural encounter with a bizarrely-dressed, living skeleton there. A Mexican wrestler, classroom violence and canine defecation also factor into the plot of this issue.

The plot and look of Dead Man Holiday is meant to emulate 80s genre films such as Evil Dead and Mad Max, but told from a much more personal perspective. This direction is borne of the artist’s dismay over most recent genre comics on the market being too superficial, and more personal comics being too mundane.

 

This is writer/artist Colin Panetta’s first self-published comic book, although he did previously produce the webcomic The X-Heroes. He is keeping a detailed journal of his experiences self-publishing Dead Man Holiday # -3 on his blog Hot Wax Mealworms, the specific entries of which are available.

 

 

ARCHIE #589

THE FRESHMAN YEAR SAGA CONTINUES THIS ISSUE! 

“Freshman Year: Winter Term”: In the tradition of “Batman: Year One,” “Superman: the Man of Steel” and the Marvel Ultimates comes the biggest Archie Comics event since the “Love Showdown!”  The third full-length issue of the “Freshman Year” saga finds Archie reflecting on the term just past, pining over Veronica and lamenting how she went away during the holiday break.  Hoping to stay close to Veronica, Archie joins the drama club – the perfect indoor activity during the frosty winter months.  But being part of such a large club is hardly the way to gain exclusive quality time with Veronica.  Will their reunion be everything Archie hopes, or will the eternal love triangle get off to a rollicking start with friction between Betty and Veronica instead?  And will Moose ever be introduced to Midge?  Other surprises in store for the gang this second term include some new faculty members as well as the departure of the expelled school bully, Jared McGerk.  It’s the funniest first year of high school ever, courtesy of fan-favorite writer Batton Lash of “Wolff & Byrd” and “Archie Meets the Punisher” fame, along with “Scrapyard Detectives” creator and popular Archie artist/writer Bill Galvan.  SCRIPT: Batton Lash.  ART: Bill Galvan.

Shipping Date: September 17^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 24^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: October 7^th, 2008

32-recycled pages,

full color comic

$2.25 US.    

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #123

“A Tune in Tinsel Town”: Now that the smoke has cleared and all the bad guys have been dispatched, Archie and his friends can finally concentrate on the film deal that brought them to

Hollywood in the first place.  Citing the Archie’s popularity and the high profile of their adventures in Europe and Africa, a big-time

Hollywood producer is certain the teens’ notoriety will translate to box office gold and plans to star them in a series of movies called “Mayhem Musical High.”  Now that they’ve saved half of

Hollywood’s biggest stars (see issue 122), the kids are even hotter properties!  Along with that red-hotness comes offers of solo contracts for the players.  Will visions of individual fame and fortune strike a sour chord with the band, or can the Archies’ love of music and friendship ultimately overcome ego and greed?  SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.  ART/COVER: Fernando Ruiz (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).

Shipping Date: September 3^rd, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 10^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 23^rd, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #192

“Video Idiocy”: Archie’s latest scheme to make spending cash: have Jughead video his constant klutziness to enter in TV home video competitions!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  “The Prince of Green”: Archie learns the hard way that you have to expend personal energy to conserve the world’s energy!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  “Fits Like a Glove”: A brand-new Little Archie tale by Bob Bolling!  This latest Little Archie adventure has all the hallmarks of his classic tales, with a modern ecological twist.  Can Little Archie and his friends keep both the Animal Rescue Foundation headquarters and their own clubhouse from being torn down?  Not before some hair-raising adventures, including an unplanned ride down the roaring rapids!  SCRIPT AND ART: Bob Bolling.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!   

Shipping Date: September 17^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 24^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: October 7^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

 

BETTY #176

“The Many Charms of Luck”: For someone who claims not to be superstitious, Betty sure has a lot of good luck charms!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Stan Goldberg.  “Fitness Quiz”: Betty learns the secret of her mother’s physical fitness: being a housewife!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Stan Goldberg.  “Breath Taking”: Everyone loves how Betty’s new cheese dip goes down… it’s just the halitosis aftermath they can do without!  SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.  ART: Stan Goldberg.  “Wedding Blistered”: Attending her cousin’s wedding gives Betty an opportunity to observe several married couples… and witness the “good times and bad” firsthand!   SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Stan Goldberg.     

Shipping Date: September 24^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: October 14^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #85

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN ISSUE!  “An Axe to Grind”: It’s a dark and stormy night… a fitting night for Betty and Veronica to stay inside and have a scary movie festival!  But things go from “reel” to real when Archie, Jughead and Reggie try to crash the girls’ private party… and come face-to-face with an axe-wielding maniac!  Is everything as it seems, or is it just a case of the boys’ imaginations running wild?  Guest-starring Veronica’s truck driving-aunt, Tessie!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. 

Shipping Date: September 10^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 17^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 30^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #164

PART 4 OF A 5-PART, INTERACTIVE STORY WHERE THE READERS DECIDE THE OUTCOME! “And the Winner Is… Part 4 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!  Three issues ago, 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 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!  This issue, Cheryl goes on her final date with master chef George.  George really knows how to heat things up, both in and out of the kitchen.  Can Cheryl handle the competition from all the culinary school cuties lining up for cooking lessons?  Not to mention Jughead, who wants to monopolize her man for endless meals?  Your vote decides whether George is the main entrée or merely an appetizer.  Don’t miss this pivotal issue leading up to the final chapter where your votes… and Cheryl’s final choice for new leading man… will be revealed!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  “Tired & Re-Tired”: Betty and Veronica’s day is full of activities, but they refuse to be tired until they’re REALLY tired!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Tim Kennedy.  “Bionic Babes”: Betty and Veronica fantasize about what it would be like to be stronger… faster… better than before!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: September 3^rd, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 10^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 23^rd, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

JUGHEAD #191

“The Show Stopper”: Jughead decides to try community theater – but is the community ready to try Jughead’s brand of theater?  “Juggie’s Utility Belt!”: With his “food utility belt,” Jughead is ready for any emergency craving!  “Cart Smart”: When Jughead goes to the grocery store, is he a kid in a candy shop or a bull in a china shop?  You decide!  SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman.  ART: Stan Goldberg.     

Shipping Date: September 17^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 24^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: October 7^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #125

IT’S ANOTHER NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE “REALISTIC STYLE” – AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE’S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!  “Break-up Blues, Part I”: First came Betty and Veronica’s “Bad Boy Trouble,” followed by Jughead dealing with a bunch of “Matchmakers.”  Now, the latest story to portray the famous Riverdale teens in a realistic style is here… and it may spell the end of one of the longest-running romances in Archie Comics history!  Feeling confined by Moose’s possessive nature, Midge decides to try an experiment – namely, dating Reggie!  We all know this will make Moose fly off the handle, but this time it won’t have an “all’s well that ends well” resolution.  Can Archie and his friends help pick up the pieces of this shattered relationship, or is it better to leave them where they lay?  2007’s “Bad Boy Trouble” set the comics world on its ear as the teens were depicted in a realistic style.  This year’s “Matchmakers” continued the look and kept people talking.  Now veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that look in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!  SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan.  ART: Tod Smith (pencils) and Al Milgrom (inks).  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: September 24^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: October 14^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

SONIC X #37

“Switcheroo!”: Dr. Eggman attacks the President and Sonic saves the day!  Simple as that, right?  Then why is Sonic thinking about world domination?  Why is Dr. Eggman racing to save the world?  And when S.O.N.I.C.X. gets into the mix, you know you’re in for one wacky ride!  SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.  ART: James Fry (pencils) and Terry Austin (inks).  Double-crossing cover by Pat “Spaz” Spazinate! 

Shipping Date: September 17^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 24^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: October 7^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #192