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Arcana Takes San Diego By Storm The San Diego Comic Con is just around the corner and Arcana Comics will be on hand located at booth 2514, a spectacular 20ft by 20ft booth with duel signing areas for giving fans twice as many chances to catch their favorite Arcana creators.

The San Diego Comic Con runs July 24^th to July 27^th at the San Diego  Convention Center.

Joining us will be special guests Don Bluth and Gary Goldman for a Dragon’s Lair Hardcover signing, as well as Greatest American Hero star William Katt in honor of the new Greatest American Hero comic book series from Arcana Comics and Catastrophic Comics!

In addition, other Arcana creators on hand will be Sean O’Reilly, Mark Poulton, Adam Gallardo, Todd Demong, Camilla d’Errico, and many more. Plus, Saturday July 26^th fans are in for a real treat as model Ruby Rocket will be on hand dressed as Arcana’s own Eve: Vampire Diva! Creator Signing Times and Dates:

Thursday July 24th

noon to 1:30pm - The Gwai’s Pedro Delgado (right side)/Burn’s Camilla d’Errico (left side)

2pm to 3:30pm - 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo & Todd Demong (left side)

4pm to 5:30pm - Koni Waves’ Mark Poulton (right side)/Rhino & Heaven’s Echo’s Siike Donnelly (left side)

6pm to 7pm - Fafnir the Dragon’s Asta G (right side)

*Sean O’Reilly (Kade/Clockwork Girl) appearing throughout the day

Friday July 25th

10am to 1pm - Dragon’s Lair’s Don Bluth & Gary Goldman (right side)

1:30pm to 2:30pm - The Gwai’s Pedro Delgado (right side)/Marlow’s Aaron Nelson (left side)

3pm to 4pm - Greatest American Hero’s William Katt and Robert Culp (right side)/Helen Killer’s Andrew Kreisberg (left side)

4:30pm to 5:30pm - 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo & Todd Demong (right side)/Burn’s Camilla d’Errico (left side)

6pm to 7pm - Grunts’ Matt Jacobs (right side)/Rhino & Heaven’s Echo’s Siike Donnelly (left side)

*Mark Poulton (Koni Waves) and Sean O’Reilly (Kade/Clockwork Girl) appearing throughout the day

Saturday July 26th

10am to 11am - Marlow’s Aaron Nelson (right side)/Burn’s Camilla d’Errico (left side)

Noon to 2:30pm - Greatest American Hero’s William Katt and Robert Culp (right side)/Rhino & Heaven’s Echo’s Siike Donnelly (left side)

3pm to 4pm - Koni Waves’ Mark Poulton (right side)/Helen Killer’s Andrew Kreisberg (left side)

4:30pm to 5:30pm - 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo & Todd Demong (right side)/The Gwai’s Pedro Delgado (left side)

6pm to 7pm - Grunts’ Matt Jacobs (right side)/Gauze’s Gerrin Tramis (left side)

*Sean O’Reilly (Kade/Clockwork Girl) and model Ruby Rocket appearing throughout the day

Sunday July 27th

10am to 11am - The Gwai’s Pedro Delgado (right side)/Gauze’s Gerrin Tramis (left side)

11am to 12:30pm - Greatest American Hero’s William Katt & Robert Culp (right side)/Helen Killer’s Andrew Kreisberg (left side)

1pm to 2pm - Burn’s Camilla d’Errico (right side)/100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo & Todd Demong (left side)

2:30pm to 3:30pm - Rhino & Heaven’s Echo’s Siike Donnelly (right side)/Fafnir the Dragon’s Asta G (left side)

*Sean O’Reilly (Kade/Clockwork Girl) appearing throughout the day

SDCC Exclusives

Arcana will have plenty of exclusives on hand including advance copies of books that will not be on stores shelves for months including Koni Waves: Ghouls Gone Wild! and Marlow. Preview books and a poster of the upcoming Greatest American Hero comic series and the new horror series from Arcana, Gauze, will also be available. In addition, we’ll have limited prints of the popular Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves boxing posters.  

Dragon’s Lair HC

The classic video game comes to the pages of Arcana Comics, as the six issue Dragon’s Lair series is collected in one beautiful hardcover edition. The book includes NEVER before seen drawings, original sketches and behind the scenes look at the Dragon’s Lair video game…this is one graphic novel video game lovers don’t want to miss.

Diamond Order Code: APR083548 $19.95

Penance: Trial of the Century #1

Just in time for SDCC comes this new Arcana series featuring a stunning Greg Horn cover! Lt. LJ McCloud is assigned to a powder keg case when she has to investigate the homicide of a costumed criminal perpetrated by a masked superhero named Penance. As she begins the investigation, the media circus surrounding the case could leave the city of Atlanta and the entire south hanging in the balance, especially when a mob of vigilantes come seeking vengeance at the police station.

Diamond Order Code: MAY083596 $3.95

Interview with Dragon’s Lair’s Don Bluth and Gary Goldman

Arcana’s VP of Operations recently had the chance to interview Don Bluth and Gary Goldman before their upcoming SDCC appearance on their thoughts of Dragon’ Lair and why it has endured all of these years. Don and Gary will be on hand Friday, July 25^th from 10am to 1pm signing at the right side of the Arcana booth.

MP: First off, how did the two of you become involved in the Dragon’s Lair game? Was it an idea developed by you or were you hired to work on the game?

GG: We were approached by Rick Dyer of Advanced Micro Computers who had the original idea to do this linear game. He had been developing the idea and contemplating the use of laser disc as the delivery systerm. He saw our film, “The Secret of NIMH” and decided that we were the ones to partner with on the venture. He and arcade distributor, Jim Pearce of Cinematronics approached us in October of 1982. It was to be a three-way partnership, we just had to raise the money for each of our parts. And, ours was going to be pretty hefty, $1.3 million. So, no. We weren’t hired.  

MP: Early on, did you know you were working on something as special and enduring as the game has become?

DB: We didn’t have a clue. In fact it was confusing and we had to figure out how to cut the scenes for continuity and branching to the death scenes. So, we just tried to have fun with it.

MP: What are some of your fondest memories of your involvement working on Dragon’s Lair?

GG: Probably that it didn’t create the stress that a feature film does. We were flying blind and we had to be extremely creative to help keep the budget down. There was some stress at first, because we didn’t have any funds to even get started, so we borrowed from friends and family. The editor, Dan Molina was the voice of Dirk, with all those grunts and screams and Danny also did the sound design (sound effects). Vera Lanpher Pacheco the head of animation cleanup was the voice of Daphne. Chris Stone the music man was the son of friends of Don’s and he gave us a great price on the music for Dragon’s Lair, Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair II: A Time Warp. The best memory was the call for Rick and Jim in Chicago at the Gaming convention in March of 1983, with just 3 sequences, or rooms, completed with game play programming – Dragon’s Lair was THE hit of the show! I think Jim wrote up over $8M in purchase orders. Whew! What a relief, the rest of the production of the game would be paid for by the sales. Can’t get any better than that.

MP: Dirk the Daring and Princess Daphne are two of the most recognizable characters in gaming and animation. Were these characters inspired or modeled after any one?

DB: Well, I’m guilty party here, because I designed them. Dirk is sort of a take-off on the character Kay in Sword in the Stone. Kind of an athletic build, but clumsy, and very small of brain – oversized hands and feet. We imagined him as a Charlie Chaplin type, silent, except for a few screams, grunts and moans. He is our “everyman”. He wants to be the knight and save the princess, but, as all of us, has to give 150% to be successful.

MP: Dragon’s Lair is just one of many projects (An American Tail, Secret of NIMH, Space Ace, Anastasia, Titan A.E.) the two of you have worked together on. Do you feel you bring out the best in each other’s work?

GG: Sort of. After 36 years of working together, we have learned the dance. It’s knowing where the potholes are, and the emotional buttons to avoid. We try to leave each other space to be creative. We share the front end, but I give him the lead. We share the start of actual animation production but once we agree that it’s working, he gives me the lead. Don usually moves on to the next production, while I oversee the post-production (and squeeze in meetings on the next production), complicated, but it works.

MP: This year sees the release of Arcana Comics Dragon’s Lair trade paperback collection almost 25 years after the Dragon’s Lair arcade game was created. Why do you feel fans have had such an undying love for the game and characters?

DB: I tend to think that it was because it was such a milestone in the graphics in video games and those that played or just watched while others played were entranced by it, maybe even blown away by it. We get fan mail everyday on our ask us page at donbluth.com  and I’m always amazed by the comments and absolutely loyalty to the game and the animation in the game. There are fans who buy every new version of the game and even collect every form of the arcade version (from around the world). Even the cel prices of the animation from these games has doubled and tripled in the past 2 years, according to what we see on the internet. But then, it could be because we donated the rest of our animation archive to the Savannah College of Art and Design in late 2005.

MP: What are your thoughts on the initial comic series? Would you like to see Dirk and Daphne’s further adventures continue in comic books?

GG: The graphics are great and so is the content and the color, Arcana and MV Creations have done a terrific job. The pencils, done by Fabio Luna are right on model and he is so diligent at getting it right. As far as future comic book stories, that’s up to Arcana and MV Creations and whether they will enjoy brisk sales of the books.

MP: Have the two of you had any thoughts of developing new characters for your own comic book series?

DB: Actually, our focus is on animation and characters for animation. We’re not that knowledgeable when it comes to comics and the distribution of them. I actually started storyboarding “Dragon’s Lair: The Movie” in a comic book, panel format, blocking it out on pages and included it in my first attempt at publishing with “Don Bluth’s ToonTalk” magazine. It’s not as complex, nor as expensive as the film business, but without distribution you going to die!

MP: Outside of comics, what does the future hold in store for Dragon’s Lair?

GG: We are determined to get this film made. So, hopefully, it will generate a similar excitement and start the next chapter for these characters.

MP: Honestly, who’s better at the arcade game?

DB: Not me. I’m terrible at all electronic games.

GG: My children, who are all adults now, were pretty good at the games, but then, they read the scripts.

Special thanks to Don and Gary for taking time out of their busy schedules for interview. Be sure to join them this year at the SDCC for a special Dragon’s Lair Hardcover signing (booth 2514)!

Sequential Art: The Universal Language
July 16 Opening Reception–4:00-8:00 PM

Illustration House is pleased to present “Sequential Art: The Universal Language” a special exhibition of Flemish Cartoon and Comic art, which will run from July 19 to August 20, 2008. The exhibition will present over 100 paintings, illustrations, comic strips and book art by the five selected artists debuting in the United States: Jan Bosschaert, “NIX”, Ilah, Judith Van Istendael, and Olivier Schrauwen.

The show is curated by Carl Wyckaert and organized by his company Graphic Novel Art. In 2006, he invited five American artists to have their works shown at a premiere exhibit in two cities in Belgium–including renowned comics creators Michael Golden and Joe Jusko, booked via cooperation with Eva Ink Artist Group. Graphic Novel Art was born as a result of this show, and “Sequential Art: The Universal Language” is Wyckaert’s reciprocal event showcasing Belgian artists in the United States.

Belgium is the historic cradle of European comics, and it still generates talented artists. The show provides an introduction to the wide variety of contemporary Flemish illustration and comic culture. The current selection of artists, who have all been published overseas, range from paintings by Jan Bosschaert to the highly sarcastic comic strips of “NIX”. Ilah’s character Cordelia would blend in nicely with the women of “Sex and the City”. Van Istendael’s psychological narratives blend the illustration and comic book genres, and Schrauwen’s work for “My Boy” shows that Europeans also find inspiration in American classics like Winsor McCay, but with their own peculiar view point.

The opening will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Illustration House from 4:00-8:00 pm, and the artists will be present. Illustration House is located at 110 West 25th Street in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. For further information, contact Zaddick Longenback at 212-96-9444 or info@illustrationhouse.com

More details will be posted at website www.illustrationhouse.com as the opening date approaches.

Renee has just been in touch regarding Texeira and Golden commissioned drawings for San Diego Comic Con: 

“Hi Folks–

I’m opening up the sketchlists for Golden and for Texeira for San Diego Comic Con.

Here’s what’s going on with the boys:

Michael’s focus at SDCC will be on signing the “Naked Fat Rave” Group Portfolio, available at our booth–#4601. We’ll also have a new hardcover sketchbook called “Michael Golden’s Heroes and Villains Sketchbook” which is offered signed for $40. and with a head sketch for $100. These can be ordered in advance if you want one set aside for you…

He will only be taking a limited number of other commissions to be done at the show. So, if you want something different, in a book etc. get to me fast. Also, for these commissions, you have to be personally present at the show to pick it up to be fair to everyone. And, FYI, Michael’s take home list is still capped at this time, until he completes his current at home commission list.

For Tex, his rates are $125 head; $175 bust; $250 full figure. Painting commissions start at 2.5k. As you can see on ComicArtFans.com, he’s been turning out some great, great sketches for his fans. So, again, get to me early.

FYI–If any of you have received sketches from Golden and/or Tex and kindly said you’d scan it for me. Would love to get those!! 100%, 300 dpi is cool.

Thanks, and see you at SDCC.

Regards,
Renee”

Andy  Winter has been in touch to let me know that he has set up a site dedicated to that great book -reviewed here on CBO a while back.  The url is:

http://www.britainisbroken.com/

Give it a visit!

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

 

Arcana Donates To Boys and Girls Club of America’s REACH for Literacy Program!

Arcana Comics, the home of Kade, Koni and Dragon’s Lair, recently donated thousands of Clockwork Girl comic books to the Boys and Girls Club of America. 

The Clockwork Girl, the smash hit comic series from Arcana written by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, 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 Boys and Girls Club of America is a national organization whose mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. It offers many life enhancing programs with caring, adult professionals that provide kids with a fun and educational experience, as well as a safe after-school environment. Headquarters are located in Atlanta , with regional offices in  Chicago , Dallas , New York City, and Los Angeles .

Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton said, “The Boys and Girls Club of America and Arcana Kids seemed like a natural fit under the REACH Literacy Program. It is great to work with such a worthy organization and have these comics go towards their main goal of literacy while entertaining and benefiting children.”

 

For more information, please visit them at:

 

http://www.bgca.org/ 

http://www.arcanacomics.com

 The Art of ReBoot

ReBoot the first full-length, completely computer-animated TV series was ahead of it’s time.  Co-created by Gavin Blair with writing from current DC Comics Senior Vice President, Dand Didio, ReBoot won several industry awards including the Gemini Award for Best Animated Program Series for three straight years between 1995 and 1997. Now fans can relive the magic and go behind the scenes with The Art of ReBoot, the most comprehensive collection of art from the groundbreaking CGI animated series. The book features conceptual design illustrations from  UK legend, Brendan McCarthy (Judge Dredd, Shade the Changing Man, Solo), as well as illustrations from Scott Lee (PITT Crew) and Dean Ormstrom (Lucifer). The Art of ReBoot also features a 10 page section of new artwork from leading industry artists. It is a must-have for any ReBoot and animation fan!

As well ReBoot, Rainmaker and Zeros 2 Heroes were recently the recipient of winning the PopVox Digital Marketing Award. 

But the book now: http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping August, Arcana will be publishing Burn #4 by Camilla D’Errico, Dwight MacPherson’s Dead Men Tell No Tales TPB, Tales of Penance #2 by Sean Wise and Paul Gilligan, and The Gwai #3.

 

 

Shipping This Month

June is a big month for Arcana with the release of the Kade Box Set featuring a gorgeous Greg Horn box (APR083550). In addition, this month sees the release of the Dragon’s Lair Hardcover collection, Camilla d’Errico’s Burn #2 (APR083547), and Helen Killer #3 (APR083549). Finally, Arcana Kids releases the second sensational issue of The Gwai #1 (FEB083462).

 

Interview with Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Dwight MacPherson

This month I got the chance to interview Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Dwight MacPherson. Dwight gives the lowdown on the next installment of Dead Men, as well as what extra pirate booty one can expect in the upcoming Dead Men Tell No Tales TPB.     

MP: The Shadowline releases of The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo and Archibald Saves Christmas have been well received by comic fans. With your recent success, was coming back to work on DMTNT something you always had in mind or were you approached for a 2nd volume? DM: I actually finished writing Dead Men: Decimation in July of 2006 after being approached by Sean about a sequel. To be quite honest, this is something I wanted to see happen much sooner. I love the “Dead Men Universe” and would really like to expand it. Whether that happens or not is entirely up to Mr. Sean O’Reilly.MP: Speaking of the next installment how is Dead Men: Decimation coming along? What can you tell us about it?

DM: To my knowledge, we are in need of an inker to finish issues 2 and 3. The pencils for all three issues are complete and–I believe–the entire first issue is inked.

I can tell you that Dead Men: Decimation takes place in present times. Blackbeard and every other undead pirate have been chasing the Holy Grail since we last saw them and this volume brings that great chase into present times and finally brings an end to the curse once and for all.

MP: I hear there is also a DMTNT tpb that collects volume 1 in the works. Is there any extra pirate booty in this treasure chest of zombie goodness? DM: Yes! In fact, it will be in June’s Previews… finally. [laughs]

There are some extra goodies, sure. We’ve been able to include more pin-ups, pirate prose goodness, and a forward by B. Clay Moore. The graphic novel itself is absolutely gorgeous! When you see it, you’re really going to flip. I’m extremely happy with the complete package.To read the rest of the interview, please visit http://www.arcanacomics.com/newsletter/ 

DRMASTER PUBLICATIONS & FLASH FRAME OMAKE PROUDLY PRESENT THE YASUSHI SUZUKI ART EXHIBIT

SAN JOSE, CA – May, 2008 – DrMaster Publications Inc., DGN Productions Inc. and Flash Frame Omake are proud to present the Yasushi Suzuki Art Exhibit. This event in itself is a milestone in the career of this highly regarded video game concept designer, as it marks the first time that his art work will be displayed publicly outside of Japan. The exhibit is being hosted by Anime North, one of North America’s largest and highly attended anime conventions.

Yasushi Suzuki is a widely recognized name in the video game industry, due to his work as a concept designer at TREASURE, one of the most respected video game developing companies from Japan. His art has been used in a number of high profile gaming titles which include Radiant Silver Gun, IKARUGA and Sin & Punishment, just to name a few. Sin & Punishment, a game that was originally released on the Nintendo 64, in 2000, has seen a resurgence in fandom, due in part to Nintendo making the game available for download off their Wii Virtual Console. Yasushi Suzuki’s concept design work on video games garnered him a lot of attention and praise from fans in Japan, and it was not long before his name began to ring bells with people overseas.

In search of more freedom and flexibility with his craft, Yasushi Suzuki decided to go freelance after a number of years of work at various gaming companies. His decision could not have been made at a better time, as he was now both mentally and artistically prepared to venture into new areas with his art. Under the pen name “D-Suzuki”, he has been an active graphic designer and illustrator in Japan, lending his talents to a number of different forms of media.

He collaborated with Softbank Creative on two short comic series, Phantoms: Soul in the Cage and Phantoms: Fiery Twin Souls. The unique gothic art style of Phantoms pleased the appetites of his current fans, while winning over new ones that had previously not been exposed to his work. In 2007, DrMaster Publications announced that Yasushi Suzuki was creating an entirely original work, titled Purgatory Kabuki. The project was to be his first full–length manga; so naturally, fans and industry alike were very excited about the forthcoming publication. What was even more surprising than the announcement itself was news that DrMaster was planning to publish Purgatory Kabuki in English first, which is unheard of in the manga industry.

His work has also graced the covers of various fantasy and sci-fi novels in Japan, for authors such as Kazma Sinjow, Hidehiko Maki, Tatsuaki Ishiguro and Kyoko Hino. Suzuki-san also provided cover illustrations for the Japanese version of A Song of Ice and Fire, by New York Times bestselling author, George R.R. Martin. Konami, a powerhouse in the video game industry, contracted Suzuki-san to do promotional art work for their PlayStation 2 title, Zone of Enders: The Second Runner. Those who are unfamiliar with his work will also find quite a few illustrations by him in the Duel Masters trading card series, which is known globally as one of the most popular trading card games.

In the summer of 2007, DrMaster released The Art of Yasushi Suzuki. The publication was a full-color, soft cover art book that consisted of a total of eighty-four pages. It compiled various art works throughout his career as a graphic designer and illustrator. A number of original illustrations were included in the art book, as well as these extras; a foreword by Dave Halverson (Editor in Chief of Play Magazine), a sneak peak at Purgatory Kabuki, as well as interviews with Yasushi Suzuki. The art book is still widely available, and for fans of his work, or rather anyone who appreciates great art, this publication is a must have!

The Yasushi Suzuki Art Exhibit will be the feature attraction at the 12^th Annual Anime North Art Show. The art pieces featured in the exhibit are taken from various works by Yasushi Suzuki, and include his artistic and design contributions to video games, as well as other media he has illustrated for. There will also be exclusive illustrations from the recently announced Goths Cage on display. Since this is the first time that Yasushi Suzuki’s art work is being displayed outside of Japan, it is a must see event for anyone planning to attend Anime North!

Special Thanks To:

Yuki Chung (DrMaster Publications)

A-run Chey (Flash Frame Omake)

David Federman and Joe Markovic (Anime North)

About Flash Frame Omake:

The average anime fan has a healthy appetite for all things related to Japanese pop culture, which also include video games, printed media like manga and art books, music such as JPOP, anime and game soundtracks, and merchandise like figures and toys. Flash Frame Omake is an online publication, based out of Toronto, Canada, with the goal of promoting all things related to Japanese pop culture, through unique and original news coverage, as well as exclusive organized events.

About DrMaster Publications, Inc.:
DrMaster Publications Inc. is a uniquely quirky publishing company that was started in 2004. Specializing in bringing interesting graphic novels from Japan and China, across the Pacific for American audiences, DrMaster Publications offers a myriad of titles to cater to its various niche readers. The company is what some may call a boutique publisher, which tailors each its titles to suit every reader’s unique desires. Ranging from side-splitting comedies and heart-wrenching dramas to explosive action adventures and enchanting fantasies, DrMaster books provide a glimpse into a new realm as seen through the eyes of the authors and artists. You don’t just read a DrMaster book-it jolts you to life, as you are propelled through the pages.

Please visit www.drmasterbooks.com for information on our current and upcoming titles. And feel free to tour the site. Regular updates will follow as our line of “masterful” comic series expands.

About DGN Productions International:
DGN Productions (Digital Graphic Novel Productions) is a newly-formed production company and studio made up of industry veterans within the comics and video game industries. Through strategic licensing of key comic book titles and the use of recognized industry professionals within the fields of animation and video game development, DGN Productions International is dedicated to producing cutting-edge video games, comics and animated features adapted from some the biggest and brightest in Hong Kong, Japanese and Korean comic book properties. DGN Productions International was founded June 2004 and is based in Fremont, California

Once They Meant Something…

 

I’ll admit that I do not bother much with awards. The Eagle Awards seem to be getting so popularist that if we were in,say,

Zimbabwe,I’d ask for a recount and to see all the votes!

Matt Brooker –well,justly deserved. But “How To Date A Girl In 10 Days”? Where the hell did that come from?  I’ve not even seen it or heard it mentioned amongst comic folk or stores!  I think Eleventh Hour were cheated!!

Just who do you have to sleep with to get an Award now?

Favourite Comics Related website –the ones where people work hard to bring you news and interviews?  Nah.  Marvel.com.

MARVEL.COM??!!???

Where was the envelope with cash handed over? 

I WANT A RECOUNT!!!!

I guess these awards mean something to someone though if we don’t start seeing Cinebook or Classical Comics there next year…

Anyhow,enjoy the laugh.

 

 

2007 Awards (Held in May 2008) Results

Favorite Newcomer Writer
MATT FRACTION

Favourite Newcomer Artist
DAVID AJA

Favourite Comics Writer
ALAN MOORE

Favourite Comics Writer/Artist
ALAN DAVIS

Favourite Comics Artist: Pencils
FRANK CHO

Favourite Comics Artist: Inks
D’ISRAELI (MATT BROOKER)

Favourite Artist: Fully-Painted Artwork
ALEX ROSS

Favourite Colourist
LAURA MARTIN

Favourite Letterer
DAVE GIBBONS

Favourite Editor
THARG (MATT SMITH)

Favourite Publisher
MARVEL

Favourite Colour Comicbook - American
HELLBOY: DARKNESS CALLS

Favourite Colour Comicbook - British
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN

Favourite Black and White Comicbook - American
THE WALKING DEAD

Favourite Black and White Comicbook - British
HOW TO DATE A GIRL IN 10 DAYS

Favourite New Comicbook
THOR

Favourite Manga
DEATH NOTE

Favourite European Comics
REQUIEM, VAMPIRE KNIGHT

Favourite Comics Story published during 2007
CAPTAIN AMERICA 25-30: THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA

Favourite Comics Cover published during 2007
WORLD WAR HULK 1A (DAVID FINCH)

Favourite Original Graphic Novel
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMAN: BLACK DOSSIER

Favourite Reprint Compilation
ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOLUME 2

Favourite Comics Hero
BATMAN

Favourite Comics Villain
JOKER

Favourite Magazine About Comics
WIZARD

Favourite Comics-Related Book
OUR GODS WEAR SPANDEX: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes (Chris Knowles)

Favourite Comics-Based Movie Or TV
300

Favourite Comics Related Website
MARVEL.COM

Favourite Web-Based Comic
THE ORDER OF THE STICK

Roll of Honour
MIKE MIGNOLA 

Mark Texeira Confirmed For

San Jose Super-Con! 

Fine Art Painter at Bay Area Show; Original Art in Auction

 

 

San Jose,CA. Making a much-anticipated return to one of his favorite shows, it’s been announced that painter/writer Mark Texeira is returning to the San Jose Super-Con this weekend– his fine art style sure to add a bit of New York know-how to both the convention and the legendary Sunday afternoon art auction as well!

 

 

“It’s still under wraps”, says his agent at Eva Ink Artist Group, “But Tex will have a piece in the art auction on Sunday. Im just not sure if he’s working on the Michael Golden piece or the Adam Hughes piece? It’s a surprise.”

 

 

In case you haven’t heard, San Jose Super-Con is well known for their annual inking panel, where featured artists provide a penciled piece, and other talents try their hands at inking or painting the artwork. This year’s selections have been provided by Golden, Hughes and Ernie Chan. The resulting art auction is always high energy and one of the highlights of the show! And, on last years Frank Cho piece, Texeiras painted version brought in the highest bid!

 

 

And, it’s no wonder! Known for his stunning interiors on “Ghost Rider” and “MoonKnight,” and his fantastic cover work on “Red Sonja,” “Vampirella,” “Ghost Rider,” and more, Texeira will also be taking a limited number of commissions to be done at the show!!

 

 

In addition, Mark’s work is the focus of two new projects: The art book “Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira” from Vanguard Productions, with text by Renee Witterstaetter; and the new “Creator Chronicles” DVD on the artist from Woodcrest Productions, both due out later this year.

 

 

Mark will be available all days of the SJSC in the Eva Ink Artist Group section, along with legendary artist Michael Golden.  Other comics and media luminaries making their presence known at this fantastic show include Frank Cho, Travis Charest, Jorge Garcia (Lost), Greg Horn, Adam Hughes, SanJulian, Joe Jusko, Craig Hamilton, Tone Rodriquez, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti,  and Don McGregor among many others.

 

 

The San Jose Super-Con takes place May 17th and 18th in

San Jose, CA. For more information, check out: www.super-con.com

 

 

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