ARCHIE COMICS CREATORS ARE ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Jeff Shultz and Joe Staton will be attending the Super Mega Show & Comic Fest this weekend. The Show’s 10th anniversary is a comic book and pop culture extravaganza,  with celebrities, wrestling stars, comic book artists and a costume contest. The Convention will be held at…

Super Mega Show & Comic Fest
Ramada Conference Center
130 Route 10 West
East Hanover, NJ 07936
(973) 386-5622
www.supermegashow.com
Show hours:
Saturday, December 6th 10:30am-7:00pm
Sunday, December 7th 10:30am-5:00pm

Dan Parent will be signing books and doing sketches on Saturday, December 6th from 12-4 at Bob’s Collectables as part of their Grand Re-Opening.

Bob’s Collectables
3640 Rt. 94N
Hardyston, NJ 07419
(973) 827-2627
Saturday, December 6th 12:00pm-4:00pm

Alex Simmons will be on local NYC radio show BronxTalk, with host Gary Axelbank, on Monday December 8th. Alex will be talking about the fun and power of comics for kids on. As well as his latest Archie & Friends mini series, “The Cartoon Life Of Chuck Clayton”.

http://bronxnet.org
Monday, December 8th

Lady S - Here’s to Suzie

Aymond & Van Hamme

Age: 15 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Paperback

Publication: November 2008

£9.99

ISBN: 9781905460724

Adopted daughter and principal collaborator of James Fitzroy, roving ambassador, special correspondent for the American Secretary of State in Europe, Susan is a clever, multilingual young woman, in full bloom and perfectly happy in the eyes of an attentive father.

But this too-perfect happiness hides many faults, sorrows and mysteries. Trapped by her past, Susan will have to play her most dangerous role in a life already rich with adventure: Lady S, high-class spy in a diplomatic environment.

This two-volume book includes “NA ZDOROVIE, SHANIOUCHKA!”

Lady S is a totally new series to me and in this Cinebook you get two volumes in one for just £9.99 –now that just cannot be topped rspecially when you consider we are talking work by Van Hamme!

I could go on but I think that anyone knowing of Van Hamme’s art will know that it is superb and cannot be faulted and the colour work –wonderful!

It’s difficult to some times remember to not give away any of the plot –but only bad reviewers do that!

If you like Modesty Blaise then you’ll love this. If you like all the twists and turns and double –triple!- dealings of espionage books then you’ll love this. If you don’t like either of those then you’ll still love the great writing of Aymond and you’ll still love Van Hamme!

BIGGLES:SPITFIRE PARADE

F. Bergese

Age: 8 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Paperback

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Publication: November 2008

£5.99

ISBN: 9781905460540

End of summer 1940. Biggles has been given command of the 666th Fighter Squadron, which consists of officers who do not take too kindly to discipline. We meet Lord Bertie Lissie, George ‘Ferocity’ Ferris and Tex O’Hara. Another pilot, Tug Carrington, arrives and immediately shows his abilities by shooting down a German Junkers bomber.

Angus Mackail is flying down to join the 666th Squadron, but, due to bad weather, he is forced to land in a field. Later, in a farmhouse, he meets a jealous Canadian pilot called ‘Nutty’ Armand who takes him on a ride to remember. When both arrive at the 666th Squadron, ‘Nutty’ finds that he is going to be joining the Squadron as well.

The Europeans are keeping the great air-adventurer Biggles alive! How crazy is that?

Good? Excellent!

If you are a Biggles fan then this is a must for you,but also if you are a fan of those 1940s/1950s war films. Forget Wildstorm’s “Battler Britton” series. The aircraft in this book are superbly drawn and the dog-fights as good as you can get –and the side incidents between battle help develop each of the characters.

Not glorifying war. A good solid read.

Aldebaran 2 - The Group

Authors: LEO

Age: 15 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Paperback

Publication: October 2008

ISBN: 9781905460700

£9.99

We return to Aldebaran, the planet where the first human colony in the solar system was founded. Mark and Kim, teenagers whose village was annihilated, have met a woman named Alexia during their escape. She is a biologist and a friend of Driss, the man who knows a lot about the catastrophe.Alexia shares Driss’s secrets. The government is very interested in her and sends soldiers to pursue her. While trying to help her, Mark is arrested and languishes in prison for 3 years. It’s the mysterious Mr. Pad, an odd character Mark has already met, who helps him escape from prison…

This two-volume book includes “The Photo.”

Already a winner with me. Story is intriguing and keeps you hooked while the art just hits you with that “Wow” factor. Understandable why this book –in this case “books”- is getting so much attention and picking up fans.

Aldebaran is not just for science fictions fans. If you have never seen the work of LEO before then this will hook you.

Yakari in the Land of Wolves

Derib - Job

Age: 6 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Paperback

Publication: November 2008

£5.99

ISBN: 9781905460298

Tormented Wolf, a warrior from Yakari’s tribe, has an obsession: to take his revenge on the wolf who attacked and injured him three winters before. This wolf limps… Yakari has crossed the path of Three Legs. He is afraid, but a dream and the intervention of Great Eagle, his totem, encourage him to join the wolves. He will earn the trust of the pack’s leader…

Your children will love this. I think there are more than a few adults who will love this!

A combination of cute art –and I do not mean that in a derogatory way because it is well executed art- and entertaining story. This is the first Yakari I’ve seen and I’ll be recommending it to anyone who wants a quality comic album for their youngster.

The Bluecoats 1 - Robertsonville Prison

Authors: Lambil & Cauvin

Age: 8 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Paperback

Publication: November 2008

£5.99

ISBN: 9781905460717

“The Bluecoats” is a humorous comic-book series starring Sergeant Chesterfield and Corporal Blutch, soldiers in the Union army during the Civil War. Our two heroes are captured by the Confederates and taken to Robertsonville prison camp, from which Blutch and the Sergeant try to escape five times. The camp commandant despairs, and Chesterfield and Blutch make a final attempt…

Robertsonville Prison was inspired by the Andersonville prison camp situated in Georgia, which operated from mid-1863 to mid-1864.

Another series I’ve only ever seen in German and I do like the way humour,the cartoony style art and serious stories are combined. It’s something European creators have done well for decades now.

It’s just good old fun!

Blake & Mortimer 3 -The Mystery of the Great Pyramid Part II

Edgar P. Jacobs

Age: 8 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 56 colour pages

Paperback

Publication: January 2008

£6.99

ISBN: 9781905460380

Captain Blake having been assassinated at Athens Airport, Olrik seems to have won the first round. A furious Mortimer swears that he’ll never stop trying to avenge his friend. He goes on the hunt for Olrik, but information is scarce. Sheik Abdel Razek, an old man with mysterious powers, protects him against Doctor Grossgrabenstein’s crew. The doctor is a devoted Egyptologist who has undertaken excavations not far from the Great Pyramid. Strange happenings occur and Mortimer may sometimes feel like he’s losing his way in this investigation that will lead him into the darkest depths of the Great Pyramid.

At last I know what happened!! This is great fun and the mystery and intrigue are so well written and drawn that it’s easy to see why this series has had such a long life.

Very atmospheric and the fact that the story is set decades ago does not harm it because it is from that period –clothes and settings are perfect and the magical element keeps you guessing. There is style and more but what else do you expect –this is Blake & Mortimer!

I sit back some times and wonder how the incredible Mr.Cadic can pick such top series and then publish them successfully? Am I complaining? NO!!

It’s just difficult to understand why UK comic companies used to license their wares in Europe and elsewhere but,apart from a brief run in comics of Lucky Luke and Asterix,no other European strips were imported?

Cinebook should –should- get some kind of major recognition at UK conventions because Olivier has not just proven that European comic albums will sell,but that the British comic buyers will purchase them –despite what everyone said originally.

The titles chosen are the best. The printing quality is the best. The cover prices are incredible. Shouldn’t there be an Eagle Award for Cinebook – The 9^th Art? If not:why not?!

Like Classical Comics,our friends at Cinebook face the same prejudices from an industry barely surviving but in which heavy promotion of US comics is the top priority.

But Cinebook,like Classical Comics,has shown us that despite all the over-hype of the 675^th ongoing major DC/Marvel event of the year,the British comic buyers are letting their money speak.

I’m sure that Cinebook is already the major publisher of comic albums/graphic novels in the UK,add that to the company’s ongoing success overseas,and I think you’ll find that Olivier has created something that will go on and on.

In short:buy a good fun read –buy Cinebook The 9^th Art!

” RETURN OF THE MAC, ER…UMBRELLAS !”

The Umbrella Academy in: The Jungle, Part 1: Dallas
Dark Horse Comics Issue 1 of 6. 36 pages colour $2.99

Well, the not-very-long-at-all wait is over, thank goodness ! No, sadly i’m not talking about the delay in Mick McMahon’s Tank Girl art chores( How I wish I was !!! ), but the joyous return of the only comic besides Love & Rockets I felt an actual compulsion to buy ! Yes, Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba are back with a new adventure for our favourite dysfunctional super-hero family of orphans, and it picks up where it left off last time, right down to a deja-vu beginning for both us and the team. Thankfully, familiarity doesn’t breed contempt , and I feel this is a deliberate formulaic plot pattern Gerard Way is using here. Indeed, the whole structure of this issue seems geared towards a perfect assimilation of How-To-Start-Your-Sequel that could conceivably be every film or comic you’ve ever seen/read, from the intro via the dead Simian Sidekick (yeah, that sounds typical !), to the cliff-hanging hint-at-what’s-to-come whisper of one of our main protagonists. Yup, you have indeed seen and read it all before, but has it ever been this much fun?

You see, the thing I loved initially about The Umbrella Academy was just that. It was fundamentally a great big old fashioned superhero team comic. Yes, it had some lovely quirky touches, neat, sharp, funny humour, and some really great action set-pieces, as well as some really engaging characters, and wonderfully ridiculous villains. Everything you’d want a comic to be, really. It was really well written, and wonderfully drawn. It also had some beautifully rendered cover artwork. Why it seemed to work so very well, to my mind, was in the beauty of it’s seeming simplicity. It didn’t try too hard by having some overwrought, overcomplicated plot, or tiresomely overworked and badly observed artwork. It did everthing with a neat, straightforward sensibility, without attempting to be overtly clever, or nauseatingly sophisticated.

 Thankfully, the second series seems to be following the same sense of fun, clarity and simplicity. Gerard Way’s writing and plotting is as direct, neat and straightforward as before, running along with the loose plot threads of the first book (the return of the Temps, the portent of doom that clouds the team, and the World’s future ), as well as a nifty re-introduction of the Academy Members, revealing the shifts in their fortunes and characters, and the repercussions of their successful mission in saving the world the last time round. Alongside Gerard Way, Gabriel Ba’s artwork is again a delight to behold. His observational drawing skills are evident throughout, his zippy, kenetic artwork wonderful in every panel. There’s no clutter, no excess, and he tells his story visually with superb ease and confidence. Once again, Ba is aided and abetted brilliantly by Dave Stewart’s terrific colouring work , enhancing the mood of each sequence with perfectly chosen palettes of thoughtful and considered colours.

 So, here we are again, on familiar but utterly enjoyable territory. If you’ve still not read the first series, go buy the collected book version NOW ! Then go buy this issue. Then get the sew-on patch, the T-Shirt, and the Umbrella obviously ! There is an Umbrella, surely ? And maybe a pet talking chimp companion ! But definitely go get the cookies !

Paul ” Parasol Comprehensive ” Brown

This in from Joe Gordon:

“Thought you might like this, its from Richard who does the regular Propaganda review column for the blog – he’s doing a special on the DFC all this week and today its an interview with his wee girl Molly so we get to hear what a kid thinks of the DFC and not just us boring adults going on about it: http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/?p=10344. “

Okay,he refers to Aquaman,Prince Namor and other comic characters occasionally,but could the rudest,most offensive and funniest comedian around be..a..geek?!

Brother Mike found the link -see for yourself [oh yeah -you,too,Mr Brown!]:

http://www.frankieboyle.com/

 (

THE BOMB

 

by STEVE MANNION

 

(

Los Angeles) Steve Mannion, creator of Fearless Dawn, Brownhole Jones and many other characters has inked a deal with Asylum Press to publish the collected edition of THE BOMB, a four issue mini-series that was originally publish through Atom Bomb Comics.

 

This trade paperback collects issues 1-4 of Steve Mannion’s The Bomb mini-series as well as the special beach bound pin-up issue.

 

The book is 176 total pages; 160 black and white pages with a 16-page color section. The book has been described as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” meets “Mad Magazine” with a dash of Stan Lee thrown in for good measure!

 

Steve Mannion’s signature brush style, colorful characters and witty gag-writing have already netted the artist a solid underground following as well as foreign and domestic licensing deals. This huge compilation features Steve Mannion at his unfiltered best spinning yarns of his favorite creations: Fearless Dawn, Sea Goin’ Lil, Brownhole Jones, Helga Von Krause and Jungle Chick and the Dinosaur.

 

When Terry Pavlet suggested I look at the preview pages on the Asylum Press site,I was in two minds.  The strict CBO policy is no reviews based on pdf only on hard copy.  However,I can preview and give the link out.

Which is a good thing because this looks great!

It’s funny,very well drawn and I just hope it gets into UK stores [but,apparently,NOT my local one?!]. Visit the site and enjoy this lovely black and white work.

Asylum Press url:

http://www.asylumpress.com/index2.html

Jim Gherkin has just been in touch with an up-date:

“Hey there everyone,

if you’re interested in having a table here are the details:

the costs will be fifteen pounds for a whole table (old school table size roughly 1.25metresX80cm) for those with lots of stuff/ distros/ collectives etc

seven pounds fifty for a half, new to the scene/ small books etc

please confirm asap with peter lally who will send details on how to pay etc

peterlally@gmail.com

thanks

jimi

also, please link to the blog below on your websites, forums, blogs etc etc”

comicsandzines.wordpress.com

THIS FEBRUARY, ARCHIE TAKES SONIC FANS FULL CIRCLE WITH THE NEW “SONIC UNIVERSE” SERIES!

For over 15 years Archie has been as important a part of Sonic’s mythology as the various video games and animated series that bear his name.  In fact, in many of the various spin-off comic series, from the mini-series to the 48-page specials to the ongoing monthly series, Archie both adapted famous characters and storylines from the video games and animated shows as well as added a unique spin to each.  Furthermore, Archie Comics also added new characters and situations to the canon.  For many Sonic fans, the Archie Sonic comics are considered the glue that holds the various interpretations of their hero together.    

This February, Archie Comics’ role as definitive guardian of the canon will be truer than ever, as everything comes together in a new series called SONIC UNIVERSE.  This series will unify the various Sonic continuities as never before, tying up loose ends and making connections for a cohesive, unified continuity.  Along the way, we’ll deliver some of the popular supporting cast from the many Sonic video games, including many who have never appeared in the comics before! 

To underscore Archie’s importance to Sonic continuity, there is a major tie-in between the first issue of SONIC UNIVERSE and the latest installment of the SONIC ARCHIVES reprint series, also shipping in February.  SONIC UNIVERSE #1 starts with a bang.  In the story “Living Weapons,” Shadow and Metal Sonic continue their series-spanning fight and wind up in a whole new dimension!  As we continue to re-envision Sonic’s future, fans can also look to the past by picking up SONIC ARCHIVES #10 to revisit classic Sonic stories, or read them for the very first time. It truly brings things full circle for fans!    

Meanwhile, things are as chaotic as ever over in the regular monthly SONIC THE HEDGHOG series, as issue #197 finds Sonic with his hands full dealing with Scourge the Hedgehog, Sally being accused of treason, a lockdown of zones and a new threat that looms on the horizon.  These events will have an impact upon the events that transpire in SONIC UNIVERSE, providing a unified and ongoing continuity as the storylines and cast of characters expand.  If ever there was a time to jump on board and become a Sonic reader, that time is now!  Be sure to order these February-shipping issues:

 

SONIC UNIVERSE #1

BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT: A THRILLING NEW SONIC SERIES THAT RAISES THE STAKES & EXPANDS THE COMIC BOOK WORLD OF SONIC! 

“Living Weapons”:  This is the comic the fans have waited for – an ever-expanding, all-encompassing series revolving around Sonic’s many friends and foes whose continuity aligns with the regular monthly Sonic comic.  Along the way, we’ll deliver some of the popular supporting cast from the many Sonic video games, including many who have never appeared in the comics before!  The first issue of “Sonic Universe” debuts with a story that’s out of this world – literally – as Shadow and Metal Sonic continue their series-spanning fight and wind up in a whole new dimension!  And things are bound to heat up when Blaze the Cat and a Chaos Emerald enter the mix!  Don’t miss the explosive beginning of this universe-spanning series! 

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn. 

ART: Tracy Yardley!  

Dimension-defying cover by Patrick “Spaz!” Spaziante

Shipping Date: February 18^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 25^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: March 10^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US. 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #10

The thrilling new series that lets fans relive classic Sonic stories continues!  Volume 10 presents issues #37 through #40 of Sonic’s ongoing comic book series in a special 5 x 7 & ½ inch edition.  These stories continue the artistic change to a more “dramatic” tone, better aligning the series to the hit Saturday morning animated series then on the air.  The emphasis is on the chaos that ensues in the wake of a cataclysmic earthquake, with Robotnik trying to cope with the compromised security of Robotropolis and continue his reign of terror.  An even greater threat looms with the rise of Mecha Sonic during the epic “Mecha Madness” story arc, which leads to court martial proceedings for wrongfully accused Sonic!  Each story is meticulously restored and printed on high-grade paper, so you can feel like you’re zipping right alongside the cobalt champion as he saves Knothole Village !  Stories include: “The Day Robotropolis Fell” and “Bunnie’s Worst Nightmare” (issue #37), “The Rise of Robotropolis…The Fall of Sonic” and “Bedtime Tails” (issue #38), “Rage Against the Machine” (issue #39), and “Court Martial” (issue #40). 

SCRIPTS: Angelo DeCesare, Rich Koslowski, Kent Taylor, Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders & Mike Kanterovich. 

ART: Brian Thomas, Rich Koslowski, Manny Galán, Patrick “Spaz!” Spaziante, Ken Penders & Dave Manak. 

Colossal cover by Patrick “Spaz!” Spaziante

Shipping Date: February 25^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: March 4th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: March 17^th, 2009

112-page, full color paperback

ISBN #: 978-1-879794-39-9

$7.95 US.

 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #197

 “Consequences”: Sonic is traversing the Cosmic Highway to the Multiverse with Scourge the Hedgehog in custody, but he doesn’t get far before he learns that all the zones are in lockdown.  What threat has caused such drastic measures, and can Sonic defeat it?  Meanwhile, a hearing is underway to determine whether Princess Sally is guilty of treason.  All this, plus a development of cataclysmic proportions that could well mark the beginning of the end as the countdown to issue #200 continues! 

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn. 

ART: Tracy Yardley! and Matt Herms.  

Cosmically cool cover by Tracy Yardley!

Shipping Date: February 4^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: February 11^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: February 24^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US. 

Pens, Pencils and Photocopiers:

ALTERNATIVE PRESS FAIR

St Aloysius Social Centre,

Phoenix Road,

Euston,

NW1 1TP

Bringing together the worlds of alternative comics, zines, self-produced art-books, poetry and diy/punk culture  for one amazing day, like a great colourful blacmange that you can’t eat.  Meet the artists, see their work, buy some if you like it.  THEN relax and enjoy an exciting evening of music, song and melody, starring the Singing Sensation of the Nation, Mr. Trent Miller (& The Skeleton Jive).

This event is FREE to all good men and women everywhere.

A day to live long in the memory - come along.

When?    Sunday 1st February 2009, 12pm to 6pm (music to late)Where?  St. Aloysius Social Centre, 20 Phoenix Road, NW1 1TA

How do I get there?  Alight Euston Station, venture up Eversholt Street on your right is Phoenix Road and a modern church - we’re in the basement.

For more info  Contact:  jimigherkin@yahoo.co.uk  or peterlally@gmail.com or check http://comicsandzines.wordpress.com/ for the latest news