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PRESS RELEASE - IMAGE COMICS GOES BACK TO BALTIMORE!

Image Comics returns to Baltimore with a massive guest list and the promise of announcements galore!

 

24 September, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This upcoming weekend the world’s greatest creator-owned and operated publisher, Image Comics, makes a big return to the Baltimore Comic Con.

 

“Baltimore is a favorite show of mine, I can’t wait to attend that show again, it’s always a blast,” said Image Comics partner Robert Kirkman. “This may be the biggest collection of Image creators outside of the San Diego Comic Con, but at a show where one-on-one face time with them is prime. Plus, I hear we’re bringing a massive slate of announcements to this years’ Image Comics Show! It’s going to be a great year!”

 

Kirkman will take part in two panels at the show, first on Saturday for the long-awaited debate on the future of comics between him and POWERS’ Brian Michael Bendis, Saturday at 2:45 PM in Oa room (upstairs, room 307). Then Sunday, The Image Comics Show will take place from 12-1 PM in Earth 53 (upstairs, room 307) and will be the epicenter of announcements for the weekend, with highlights including Kirkman being joined by special guests BACK TO BROOKLYN’s Jimmy Palmiotti, ELEPHANTMEN’s Richard Starkings and SAVAGE DRAGON’s Erik Larsen as well as the public debut of IMAGE UNITED art and the very first word on a number of titles. 

 

In addition, the Baltimore Image Island will feature a massive guest list of Image Creators, including Kirkman, SAVAGE DRAGON’s Erik Larsen, LIBERTY MEADOWS‘ Frank Cho, THE SWORDS’ The Luna Brothers, ELEPHANTMEN’s Richard Starkings, PVP’s Scott Kurtz, RED MASS FOR MARS’ Ryan Bodenheim and MICE TEMPLAR’s Bryan J.L. Glass. In addition, many other Image Creators will be in attendance, such as BACK TO BROOKLYN’s Jimmy Palmiotti, THE PRO’s Amanda Conner, SPECIAL FORCES’ Kyle Baker, INFINITE HORIZON’s Phil Noto, AMERICAN FLAGG’s Howard Chaykin and PERHAPANAUTS’ Craig Rousseau & Todd Dezago. 

 

Image Comics can be found at booth #110 during The Baltimore Comic Con, Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, at the Baltimore Convention Center. For more information, please see http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/.

PRESS RELEASE - SHADOWLINE GOES ONLINE WITH ALL-NEW WEB COMICS COMMUNITY! 

Shadowline establishes web-comics community with fan favorites and newcomers alike!

23 September 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - The digital comics revolution continues as Image Comics‘ Shadowline expands their web comics division with a number of titles from fan favorites and the newest generation of creators!

“While my first love comes in the traditional comics format, there’s no denying the massive amount of new ideas and talent coming from the online world,” said Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. “It’s become a way for creators like PLATINUM GRIT’s Trudy Cooper to gain recognition or established names like FINDER’s Carla Speed McNeil to get their work to a wider audience. We’re thrilled to bring these creators together in one collective.”

Shadowline’s continued diversity will be reflected in the web comics, as the line will vary from the science fiction of FINDER to the political intrigue of Len Kody & Jenny Frison’s CHICAGO: 1968 and even the oft-kilter superheroics of ACTION, OHIO by Neil Kleid and Paul Salvi. The lineup also currently includes newer titles like HANNIBAL GOES TO ROME, and the long-running YENNY and BRAT-HALLA. Future contributions include the web comic hit, PLATINUM GRIT by Trudy Cooper and Danny Murphy, and the upcoming LI’L DEPRESSED BOY featuring art by Jim Mahfood, Sam Kieth and more to come!

More information can be found at www.shadowlinecomics.com/webcomics.

 I have to admit,ducks,that I’ve been keeping a secret.  No,not that one!  This is a guilty pleasure of mine [no,Mr Brown,not that one either!].  It’s InkPlosion -what I would call Germany’s top online comic.  My favourite strip,before it ended [BRING IT BACK!] was “Versus”.  Superb.

You don’t speak/read German -I understand there is an English translation available of the site.  But check it out. It really is a nice online comic.

www.INKplosion.de

Verfluchtesaubanders unite!

Jennica Harper Named Screenwriter of Clockwork Girl Film! Arcana Comics is proud to announce that Jennica Harper has been named the screenwriter of the upcoming animated Clockwork Girl film, which recently received funding from Telefilm Canada.

 
 
Jennica Harper was born in North Bay, Ontario, grew up in Brampton, and now lives in Vancouver, BC. She works as a screenwriter and story editor in the Canadian film industry, and is also a published poet and occasional stand-up comic. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and a BA in English from the University of Toronto.
 
She will adapt The Clockwork Girl, the smash hit all ages comic series from Arcana created by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, for the big screen. The comic tells the tale of a nameless robot girl and her friendship with an amazing mutant boy. The series was the first release from Arcana’s new Arcana Kids imprint and has received critical acclaim for its artwork and touching story.  The Clockwork Girl hardcover book can be found at your local comic book store or book retailer (ISBN: 0-9809204-1-8).

http://www.arcanacomics.com  

 

Koni Waves: First Wave TPB

With the 2nd installment of Koni Waves on the way, now’s the time to see where it all started. Koni Waves: First Wave (APR07 3381) is chock full of all the tiki goodness you can handle. Meet Koni Kanawai and friends as they take on killer Tiki monsters, surf vampires, alien jewel thieves, and armies of the undead. This collection includes all three issues of the cult mini-series and the rare full length New York Comic Con exclusive story, The Headdress of the Undead! Featuring brand new artwork from series artist, Stephen Sistilli and pages from the out of print Koni Waves ashcan from 2001.

A must have for any serious kahuna.As well, you can catch all of the latest Koni Waves news at http://www.koniwaves.com/.  

Buy the book now:

 http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/  

This month in Previews, for items shipping November, Arcana will be publishing Greatest American Hero #1 (SEP08 3720), Gauze #1 (SEP08 3721), Koni Waves GN Vol. 2 Ghouls Gone Wild (SEP08 3722), and Rama: The Legend TP (SEP08 3723)  

Shipping This Month

September is a big month for Arcana with the release of Grant Chastain’s Corrective Measures GN (JUL08 3654), Aaron Thomas Nelson’s Marlow One-shot (JUL08 3655), and Penance: Trial of the Century #3 (JUL08 3656).    

Interview with Corrective Measures’ Grant Chastain

 This month, Arcana’s Head of Marketing, Jimmy DaSilva interviews Corrective Measures writer, Grant Chastain. JD: Grant, by now Corrective Measures his hit the
shelves at comic shops. The internet reviews about it
have been very positive.What can you tell us about Corrective Measures?
 
GC: First of all, I have nothing but awesome appreciation for anyone that’s picked up Corrective Measures, and I hope everyone really enjoyed the beginning of this story.  I mean, the reviews have been fantastic… but what I enjoy most is just talking to someone visiting or working at a comic shop that says, “Man, this book is really great!”
 
Corrective Measures is ostensibly the story of Jason Brody, who is a correctional officer and family man, and his decision to accept a position at a prison called SanTiburon Federal.  San Tiburon, he discovers, is a prison specifically designed to incarcerate superpowered criminals.  Jason is definitely the primary lead in the story, but we try to open up the prison more by introducing you to some of the people that live there, some of the people that work there… hopefully by the end you feel significantly invested in these people.  You want them to do right.
 
JD: Who worked on the book with you?

GC: The book in its current form was a collaborative effort with my artists JuanFran and Jay Moyano, as well as my lettering artists Mike Storniolo and Brant W. Fowler.  I can easily say each of these guys added a significant amount of depth to the story and really helped shape the universe of San Tiburon.

JD: This is a very unique idea, where did you come up with the idea?

GC: Oddly enough, the germ of this idea began about 5 years ago while I was working on another project – but it all started out as a riff I had on Arkham Asylum.  Arkham, for those who don’t read Batman, is a “mental hospital” where all of the Dark Knight’s rogues get sent after they’re apprehended.  The problem is that for a long time, Arkham has basically existed as the ultimate deus ex machina – criminals basically break out of Arkham just in time to exact their revenge on Gotham .  It’s more like a holding pen than an actual facility.  (laughs)So I kind of went the other way on that idea, which was, “What would a prison really need to look like if it held these guys?  How do you remove their powers, defang and declaw these things that could kill you as soon as look at you?”  I wanted a place where prison breaks just flat-out weren’t going to happen.  At the time, I was also watching a lot of HBO’s “Oz” and FX Network’s “The Shield”, so you can definitely spot some of those influences in there, too.So in a way, it’s all Batman’s fault.  If he could keep the doors locked, I might never have had the idea!

JD: How many versions did you have to go through before you were happy with the story?
 
GC: Wow – great question.  Corrective Measures saw a lot of changes from the written page to the final product.  Even from the first draft of the script through the final, these characters and situations were still being refined.  Scenes were added and cut, and characters sort of made their way from the foreground to the background and back again.
 
The best example I can give is when Jason first arrives at the prison, and we witness a heated exchange between the character of Payback and another character named Diamond Jim.  Diamond Jim was intended to do quite a bit more in the opening drafts of the book, but unfortunately stronger characters ended up kind of taking away his moment in the spotlight.  Rest assured, you’ll see more of him in the future… but that’s actually a good problem to have.  There are 185 prisoners at San Tiburon and nearly 400 employees, and each of them has a unique story that could potentially be told.  It’s this nearly endless bench of stories, in a way.
 
I’d say the only character that didn’t undergo a lot of radical changes was Jason Brody.  Jason was always designed as a deeply flawed individual trusted with an unthinkable burden.  If these prisoners get out, or hurt someone, he would take that very personally as his own failure. JD: Is there a plan for a second volume? Maybe more?

GC: Because I’m such a rabid TV junkie, Corrective Measures was always designed in terms of “seasons,” with each season lasting for 12 issues.  The first graphic novel contains the first 6 issues, so you can certainly expect me to finish up the first season.  I hope that’s good news for the people that got to the end of the first graphic novel and said, “NO!  You can’t end it like that!”  (laughs)  I got some tortured e-mails about that, but that’s how it was always designed.  San Tiburon hooks in you that way!Just like TV, the popularity of the first season will dictate whether or not the “show” goes on.  I would love to continue working on the series for as long as I can.  With the right level of support, I could definitely see doing this for a good long time.  These characters are just ridiculously fun to write.

JD: What other projects do you have coming down the pipeline?

GC: I’m always writing.  In addition to working on the next edition of Corrective Measures, I’m also contributing to a Ronin Studios project called Hope: The Hero Initiative, which is a charitable anthology book dedicated to helping comic book creators in need.  At the same time I’m developing a new limited series about military contractors, and I’m hacking away at a slew of other smaller ideas.  It’s a busy time. JD: Do you collect comics?  What are some of you favorite titles/characters? What is your favorite indy comics out there right now?
 
GC: I do read comics – calling me a “collector,” though, would somehow suggest I take care of them, which is completely false.  (laughs)  I’m a little bit all over the place in my tastes – I’m not a “strictly superhero” or “strictly indie” fan.
 
In truth, I tend to skew a little bit towards the human condition.  The mainstream books I read are things like The Punisher and Daredevil, which to me explore the darker side.  I enjoy Vaughn and Harris’s Ex Machina series, I like Brubaker’s Criminal.  I really enjoyed The Exterminators, which I understand is now going to be a series on Showtime.  I also tend to follow my favorite creators around… guys like Alex Robinson, Zander Cannon, Peter David, Garth Ennis, Mark Millar, Warren Ellis.  Those are the kinds of guys that make me want to be a better writer.

JD: Thank you for taking time out for answering some questions for the fans. Before we go, is there anything else you would like to say?
 
GC: I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support and kind words – they mean a ton to me.  I hope everybody gets a chance to check out the book.  Your support means everything.
 
Also, for the people thinking of getting into the biz as a writer, I’d encourage you to check out Peter David’s Writing For Comics book.  Peter has forgotten more about comics than most people will ever learn, and it’s a great primer for people with ideas that don’t know where to begin.  I didn’t read it until I’d already written  my first 10 scripts, and doing so would have saved me a lot of rewrites.  Above all, though… just keep writing and fleshing out your ideas.  The easiest way to set yourself apart as a writer is to finish what you start.  So persist!  

PRESS RELEASE - BARACK KEEPS BRINGING IT!

Savage Dragon’s endorsement results in yet another printing for SAVAGE DRAGON #137!

 

22 September 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - The world’s only super powered presidential endorsement keeps lighting up the headlines as SAVAGE DRAGON #137, featuring the titular character’s endorsement of Barack Obama, sells out at a distribution level yet again, resulting in a third printing!

 

“Believe me, we’re trying to keep it in stock,” said SAVAGE DRAGON creator Erik Larsen. “We’ve been printing much more than we predicted needing and the demand just kept growing. I’m thrilled to know that whether people agree or disagree with Dragon, they’re extremely passionate about what may be the most important US Presidential election yet.”

 

SAVAGE DRAGON #137 has been talked about the world over, from within comic book communities like Comic Book Resources, Newsarama, ICV2 and iFanboy to  the wider world of pop culture with the New York Times, Huffington Post, IMDB, UGO and many, many more. This heat has resulted in what has been the best selling issue of Dragon in several years and a third printing, featuring another variation on the cover colors. 

 

SAVAGE DRAGON #137 3RD PTG (AUG088060), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores October 15th, 2008.

ARCHIE COMICS ARE THE SURE CURE FOR DECEMBER DOLDRUMS!

 

As you may have noticed by now, 2008 was the year Archie Comics pulled out all the stops with one intriguing storyline after another.  From Alex Simmons’ thrilling mysteries in the pages of ARCHIE & FRIENDS, to Jughead’s and Moose & Midge’s forays into the “realistic style” in JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST and PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST respectively, to the readers voting for Cheryl’s new boyfriend in BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST, Archie readers have enjoyed plenty of stories that play up the classic personalities and relationships of everyone’s favorite comic book teens!

 

Just because the year is ending doesn’t mean the excitement is dying down.  Archie Comics has several stories of note to keep you laughing and intrigued, and best of all on a cold winter’s day, tales that will warm your heart as well!  Remember, not only are Archie Comics the best holiday stocking stuffers, they’re the perfect cure for December doldrums, too!  Be sure to check out these awesome stories:

 

 

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126,

FAN-FAVORITE WRITER ALEX SIMMONS RETURNS FOR A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE!  

“The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part One: Gnomes & Stick Figure Funnies”: Chuck Clayton takes center stage in this special storyline.  Chuck is asked to teach an after-school program in cartooning to elementary school kids… and it isn’t long before he learns the kids can be more hyperactive than his doodles!  Can Chuck ultimately connect with the kids and help them create the next comic book classics?  Will his temporary teaching gig lead to bigger and better things, or is his tenure soon to be terminated?  The answer’s just a splash panel away!  This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children’s art advocate, and organizer of the world’s only “Kids’ Comics” convention, Alex Simmons. 

SCRIPT: Alex Simmons. 

ART: Fernando Ruiz.

Shipping Date: December 3^rd, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: December 23^rd, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

 

ARCHIE DIGEST #250

“The Archies in Beverly Hills ”: When pop star Jessica Simmers asks The Archies band to play her high school reunion, the teens are headed for the California sun!  While there, they partake of the many Hollywood sights and meet other celebrities, too!  This star-studded story comes courtesy of famed “pop archaeologist” and celebrity news columnist Hal Lifson. 

SCRIPT: Hal Lifson. 

ART: Rex Lindsey. 

Cool-ifornia cover by Rex Lindsey, inspired by the famous Beatles’ “ Abbey Road ” album cover! 

Shipping Date: December 17^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: January 6^th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.49 US.

 

 

 

BETTY & VERONICA #239

“Good Bye Paparazzi!”: The paparazzi follow Veronica home to Riverdale from a movie premiere, and it isn’t long before most of her friends are vogue-ing for the cameras, too!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Jeff Shultz.   

Shipping Date: December 10^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: December 30^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #190

“Coming to the U.S.A. ”: This poignant tale details Kumi and her family’s arrival in the United States and their introduction to American life and culture.  Not to mention Kumi’s first day at Riverdale High and how she met Archie and his friends.  It’s a very special day for Archie Comics’ newest superstar!  

SCRIPT: Misako Rocks! 

ART: Jeff Shultz.

Shipping Date: December 10^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: December 30^th, 2008

88-page, full color digest

$2.49 US.

 

 

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #167

“Get Out of Town”: You can take Cheryl out of Riverdale, but you can’t take Riverdale out of Cheryl… especially when Archie visits Pembroke to remind her! 

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: December 31^st, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 7^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: January 20^th, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #127

THE THIRD PART OF A NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE “REALISTIC STYLE” – AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE’S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE! 

“Breakup Blues, Part 3”: The unbelievable has happened: Midge and Moose have broken up!  Now Midge is seeing Reggie while Moose is dating Judy Johnson.  Needless to say, the status quo of Riverdale High’s circle of friends has been shaken, but the former couple’s friends aren’t giving up hope.  In this latest installment, Betty and Archie have a plan to get Midge and Moose talking again.  Will it bring the former lovebirds back together or drive a further wedge between them?  They say the road to regret is paved with good intentions… are Betty and Archie just what the doctor ordered or have they gone too far?  Now the stakes are higher, as not just romantic relationships but lifelong friendships hang in the balance!  It’s romantic intrigue served up in the “realistic” art style that made both Betty and Veronica’s “Bad Boy Trouble” and Jughead’s “Matchmakers” some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years!  Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style 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: December 3^rd, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: December 23^rd, 2008

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.

Golden is Back in Baltimore!
“Creator Chronicles” supports Harvey Awards

Baltimore, MD– Golden is back in Baltimore! After a jam-packed two years of gallery exhibitions in Barcelona, Gijon, New York, Paris and Belgium, along with “Special Guest” nods from numerous shows throughout this past year, including the Barcelona Comic Con, Michael is heading back to the place that started that return to the convention trail full force–the Baltimore Comic Con –and he’s bringing a few Heroes and Villains with him!

The renowned comics creator will be taking a weekend off from his current projects–both comic and film– to sign and do some sketching at Baltimore, as well as offer fans his new hardcover sketchbook, “Michael Golden’s Heroes and Villains.” The new book is 48 pages, full color, and will be available in Artist’s Alley at Michael’s table while supplies last.

One of the most influential storytellers of the last few decades, Michael will also be featured in one of the give-a-ways for this years Harvey Awards.

Courtesy of Woodcrest Productions and Eva Ink, producers of the “Creator Chronicles” documentary series on industry greats, a preview DVD will be going into every gift bag for all Harvey Award attendees. These special edition discs will only be available at the Harvey’s and will feature interviews with Golden and other renowned comic book professionals. Other subjects for the “Creator Chronicles” series include George Perez, Bill Sienkiewicz, Joe Jusko, Joe Sinnott, Matt Wagner and many more.

Both Woodcrest, Eva Ink and Golden himself are happy to support the Harvey Awards, which are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in over 20 categories, ranging from Best Artist to the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame. They are the only industry awards both nominated by and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. The event takes place September 27th. Contact the show to get your tickets now.

As for other Golden news, numerous new books and DVD’s on the artist have been hitting the stands, including: “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden,” from Vanguard Productions–which sold out and has gone into a second printing with a new Vampirella cover; “Modern Masters Vol.12–Michael Golden” tradepaperback from TwoMorrows Publishing; the “Modern Masters in the Studio with Michael Golden DVD“; as well as the recently released “Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden,” documentary, which is a comprehensive look at the artist and his influences as seen never before in any format.

Michael will be on hand both days of the Baltimore Comic Con, September 27-28 at the Baltimore Convention Center, along with other comics creators:  Bernie Wrightson; Brian Bendis; Jim Lee; Mike Mignola; Mike Oeming; Frank Cho; Howard Chaykin; Tim Sale; Amanda Conner; Jimmy Palmiotti; Mark Waid; Ron Garney; David Finch; Robert Kirkman; David Mack; Darwyn Cooke and Adam Hughes among many others.

For more information on Michael Golden and his work, go to: www.evaink.com, and for more information on the Baltimore Comic Con and the Harvey Awards visit:
www.comicon.com/baltimore

 

Manga, Manga, everywhere! Invading bookshops, libraries and art galleries. On TV shows and films, in live action and animation. Manga appeals to everyone and sells in their millions. So how have comics become so massive in Japan and why are their fame spreading like wildfire around the world?

Paul Gravett, the author of the NEO award-winning book Manga: 60 Years of Japanese Comics, invites you to discover secrets behind their most dazzling creators and characters. How can you read manga to enjoy them at their fullest? What gives these stories such power? What’s a good manga in English to start with? Whether you are new to the subject or a serious otaku, this is a fascinating multi-media presentation for everyone to enjoy.

All ticket-holders will receive a 20% discount on Gravett & Stanbury books purchased from the book table.

When:
Thursday, 23rd October 2008, 7pm to 9.30pm
There will be an interval with light refreshments.

Where:
St Albans Centre, Leigh Place, Baldwin Gardens, London, EC1N 7AB
Tube: Chancery Lane. Venue web-site here. Map available here.

Tickets:
£10.00 available in advance, only from this website.

www.paulgravett.com

I tend to rarely get to visit other web sites on comics because work and running CBO is enough. I was a little shocked when someone told me that Mick MacMahon had quit comics after arguing with Alan Grant. I wondered whether that was why there was no news of Tank Girl from Titan?

I checked the link today to find out that my ’source’ was a twit. Not MacMahon but Ian Gibson,that other great British stalwart was the individual involved!  And this all happened late last year!

Called a “grumpy old man” I have to say that the item quoted is far from a miserable old git moaning. It makes sense.

MY GOD IT TRULY MAKES SENSE!!

No bottom-licking to DC or Marvel or even those self-styled ‘celebrity’ [or is that “celery brained”?] creators.  It’s a year old now but I think it worth reading.  Very few people working in comics have the guts to be honest or else they end up like me -out of work!

Check it out:

http://www.denofgeek.com/comics/3706/ian_gibson_the_economics_of_comics.html