ComicBitsOnline.com

“Naked Fat Rave” Portfolio to Debut at SDCC–

Adams, Campbell, Chin, Conner, Golden, Johnson, Noto, Sale, Timm, Wagner!

San Diego, CA – The “Naked Fat Rave” artist contingent will once again convene at the SDCC in their action-packed , heavy-hitter booth! But this year, the must-go-to destination is even more so, as the artists offers their exclusive limited edition portfolio featuring ten plates–signed by all the creators–for the very first time!! Published by Eva Ink , the portfolio includes one plate from each renowned artist– Art Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Joyce Chin, Amanda Conner, Michael Golden, Dave Johnson, Phil Noto, Tim Sale, Bruce Timm and Matt Wagner.

The Naked Fat Rave Booth is located at #4601, the price of the portfolio is $65.00. ISBN: 1-978-60643-0545.

Get there early to meet all the creators at NFR. Portfolios available while supplies last!

Contact Renee at evaink@aol.com for more details. And see you in San Diego!

Arcana have just sent out this press release and there’s some interesting news!

Arcana is proud to announce that Telefilm Canada, the federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian audiovisual industry, has provided funding for the Clockwork Girl animated film.

 

 

 

 

Clockwork Girl tells the tale of a nameless robot girl who has recently been given the gift of life from her creator. While she explores the wonders of an ordinary world she meets an amazing mutant boy and they share a friendship that must overcome their warring families. Created by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, the series was the first release from Arcana’s all ages division, Arcana Kids. Debuting in July 2007 the book received critical acclaim for its astounding artwork and timeless love story. 

Telefilm  

Canada is a Crown corporation reporting to Parliament through the Department of Canadian Heritage. Headquartered in Montréal, Telefilm provides services to the Canadian audiovisual industry by means of four regional offices located in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and

Halifax. Telefilm’s main goals are celebrating the telling of unique Canadian stories, actively championing a sustainable Canadian audiovisual culture, reward performance, encourage new thinking, and promote diversity.

When recently asked about the Clockwork Girl film, co-creator Kevin Hanna said, “I’m not sure how much I can say, other then I am thrilled that things are going as well as I ever hoped they could be.  Working in Hollywood, I know that adaptations are a gamble that often taint the source material.  So far everything is going right with Clockwork Girl, the people involved really understand the spirit of the book and the characters. I think fans of the book will be very happy with where this ends up.”  

For more information on Clockwork Girl and Arcana Comics, please visit:  

www.arcanacomics.com

Mark Poulton Named VP of Operations 

Arcana is pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Poulton as Vice President of Operations. Mark began his career at Arcana in the Fall of 2005 when he brought his series Koni Waves to the publisher. Since then he has created several titles for the company including the upcoming Avengelyne vs Koni Waves and Club Vampire. Prior to the promotion, Mark served as Head of Marketing and in his new position, Mark will help Arcana with its continued growth and expansion in the industry. Sean O’Reilly said, “For me to hand off any part of Arcana’s operation is difficult but Mark has proven time and time again, that he is reliable, honest and one of the hardest working guys I know. Some of his first work in this role will be at the San Diego Comic Convention, booth 2514, so be sure to check out his hard work as it’s simply awesome.” 

Kade Box Set

 

 

 

 

Arcana’s most popular character, Kade, the gothic demon hunter is recognized in the first-ever collected commemorative box set! This limited edition box set includes his first appearance in Kade: Identity, featuring a Humberto Ramos cover as well as the set of Kade: Sun of Perdition #1-4, which introduced the comic world to the artistic talents of Stjepan Sejic. But that’s not all! If you really want the ultimate Kade Collection, this is the box set for you, all wrapped in a high-end Greg Horn box!  

Buy the boxset now: http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

  In Previews 

  This month in Previews, for items shipping Septemeber, Arcana will be publishing Burn #5 by Camilla D’Errico (Diamond Code JUL08 3653), Grant Chastain’s Corrective Measures GN (Diamond Code JUL08 3654), Marlow Soul of Darkness #1 (Diamond Code JUL08 3655) and Tales of Penance #3 by Sean Wise and Paul Gilligan (Diamond Code JUL08 3656). Pre-order them with the Diamond Codes today from any comic book retailer in the world through the Diamond Previews catalog. 

  

Shipping This Month 

  

 July sees the release of Burn #3 (Diamond Code MAY08 3594), The Clockwork Girl hardcover (Diamond Code MAR083433) and Hellen Killer issue #3 (Diamond Code APR083549). And just in time for the San Diego Comic Con, Arcana will have the debut of two new titles: Tales of Penance: Trial of the Century #1 (Diamond Code MAY08 3596) and Wingman #1 (Diamond Code MAY08 3597).  

  Interview with 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo 

This month Mark Poulton interviews 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo. Adam gives us an update on the next installment of 100 Girls, as well as his other projects, and the lowdown on Simon Pulse’s 100 Girls release.       

MP: How did you come up with the idea for 100 Girls? 

AG: I was working at Dark Horse Comics at the time and had just started pitching ideas to the publisher, Mike Richardson, so I was definitely trying to catch a commercial vibe. I’m not sure to what extent I was successful, I guess we’ll have to see how the Simon and Schuster edition is. Beyond purely commercial concerns, some of my influences were the films and TV work of James Cameron and Joss Whedon. Both of these guys have stories featuring strong women who resist being classified as either vixens or victims, roles into which most traditional comics want to force female characters. It was important to me to have a strong, central female character. But one with vulnerabilities, of course. 

MP: Simon Pulse is releasing a 100 Girls tpb this summer. Does the collection contain all of the issues to date? Is there any bonus material? 

AG: All seven issues of the first series are collected in the Simon Pulse edition, but without any extras material. That was a little disappointing to me, but I can live with it. Maybe, if sales warrant it, we can talk them into doing a “Art of 100 Girls” type book. Keep your fingers crossed. 

MP: Is the Jenna/100 Girls oneshot still in the works? 

AG: This might be a question for our illustrious publisher. I wrote the two-part series about two years ago, and the art has been done for almost that long. When, or even if, it will see the light of day, is unknown to me. I’d like to see it at some point. Maybe as a value-added bonus in the “Art of 100 Girls”?(Publisher’s Note: with Narwain closing their North American arm, the rights situation of Jenna became a little bit difficult but I’m still talking with Alessandro and I’m hoping to have this problem overcome)  

MP: Who would you like to see play Sylvia in a 100 Girls movie? 

AG: If some theoretical producer out there wanted to make the movie, I could see it going a couple of different ways. If they keep Sylvia the age she is in the comic, I could see either Dakota Fanning or Abigail Breslin from “Little Miss Sunshine.” If they feel the need to age her up, maybe Emma Roberts. Or we could switch things up and get Masiela Lusha from “George Lopez”.  

MP: Are you working on any new projects? 

AG: I’m currently writing the second volume of “Gear 

School ” for Dark Horse Comics. And not too long ago, I sent the script for the next installment of “100 Girls” to Todd! 

MP: Before we go, do you have any last words for fans? 

AG: I swear that “100 Girls” WILL be back.

 

3 July 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - The all-new, all-different YOUNGBLOOD from the creative team of GØDLAND’s Joe Casey and CONNER HAWKE’s Derec Donovan gets collected this July in time for issue five’s jumping-on point!

 

“FOCUS TESTED is the opening salvo of the new YOUNGBLOOD assault that Derec and I have planned,” Casey said. “The stories in this collection are just the beginning of a much larger epic that, for fans of the YOUNGBLOOD concept, should give them exactly what they’ve been wanting for years.  It’s pop superheroics on a grand scale, not to mention media and celebrity worship at its most obnoxious.  All this, plus the grand soap opera and the big explosions that superhero team books do so well. This one’s got it all!”

 

YOUNGBLOOD: FOCUS TESTED not only features the first four issues of the new series, but is backed up by a plethora of extras including an introduction by INVINCIBLE and WALKING DEAD’s Robert Kirkman, an interview with Joe Casey detailing the process behind Youngblood, an exclusive feature in which Casey and creator Rob Liefeld discuss their favorite comics and Casey’s never-before-seen first pro sale - a Youngblood script circa 1995. 

 

Donovan added, “Where YOUNGBLOOD goes after the trade has me more excited about the book than I’ve ever been. An old YOUNGBLOOD favorite, Televillain, returns in full-on serial killer mode, gunning after the a brand new YOUNGBLOOD team I can’t wait to draw. All this plus I can’t believe who we’re bringing back from The Golden Age! It’s a good time to be a YOUNGBLOOD fan.”

 

YOUNGBLOOD: FOCUS TESTED TPB (MAR082088), a 104-page full color TPB for $9.99, will be on sale August 3rd, 2008. 

 

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. 

 

RYU, KEN, AND CHUN-LI RETURN TO COMICS WITH STREET FIGHTER® REMIX #0 

New Street Fighter® Comics Launch with Special Prelude Issue 

Toronto,ON –June 30,2008 –Street Fighter® is back! After a nearly two-year absence from monthly comics,UDON is bringing Capcom’s Street Fighter video game franchise back to the four-color page. The new Street Fighter comics begin this August with Street Fighter® Remix #0,a one-shot prelude issue featuring three all-new stories,each of which leads into a new UDON comic book series. 

The first of these stories is Street Fighter II Turbo,with art by the ultra-dynamic Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz(Sinbad: Rogue of Mars]. Continuing UDON’s core Street Fighter storyline begun in the studio’s previous Street Fighter and Street Fighter II comics,Turbo brings the world’s fiercest fighters together for what might be the most important tournament of their lives. And with M. Bison running the show,you know the stakes will be high! 

Next up,UDON makes its first venture into the world of Street Fighter III in a story drawn by Joe Ng (Transformers, Red Sonja]. Featuring a whole new cast of characters including burly pro-wrestler Alex,the towering giant Hugo,and sexy she-ninja Ibuki,Street Fighter III fast-forwards to several years after the Street Fighter tournament. Plus, alongside the original Street Fighter III cast,you’ll also find out what some classic Street Fighter characters are up to in this new Street Fighter era. 

The final Remix story is a lead-in to the 4-issue Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li mini-series,focusing on the early exploits of Street Fighter’s loveliest female fighter. Long time UDON artist Omar Dogan (Street Fighter Legends: Sakura, Robotech) brings to life the adventures of a young Chun-Li,freshly recruited into the ranks of Interpol. The series will reveal for the first time the tragic events that sent Chun-Li on a collision course with the evil Shadaloo organization, as well as fill in the histories of several other important Street Fighter characters. 

Between the upcoming live-action Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li film and the new Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix video games,this fan-favorite fighting game property has never been hotter. Street Fighter’s 20th anniversary begins with the comics,as Street Fighter Remix #0 arrives at comic shops everywhere August 27,2008. 

 

STREET FIGHTER REMIX #0Release Date:   August 27, 2008 32pp   Full Colour   $3.95 US

Blake Bell,famed Steve Ditko expert and fan sent this item via email:

 
“Great news everyone! Diamond Distributors has confirmed that my book,
“Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko,” will make its debut in 
comic stores this week! Presumably that is tomorrow in the U.S.,but maybe 
Thursday for Canadians since we have our official national holiday today.
It appears the book will also debut in “regular” bookstores next week,so 
hopefully that means on-line retailers will get moving on shipping out 
copies sooner than the July 21st date I’ve seen on the Amazon web site. 
We’ll keep the details pouring in as they come!
 
 


Also,truth not be told, but our secret goal of writing the book was to 
turn die-hard Kirby fanatics into Ditko maniacs! Looks like we have our 
first victim in top-notch blogger Valerie D’Orazio who’s written a great 
piece that can be found here…”
 


http://occasionalsuperheroine.blogspot.com/2008/06/ten-reasons-why-i-like-steve-ditko-just.html
 
Good luck with the book Blake!

July 1 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - As announced at Wizard World Chicago this weekend, Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen is stepping down from his current position and will be replaced by Executive Director Eric Stephenson, effective immediately. 

“Being the publisher has been a blast, but it’s long past time I put my focus on what matters most to me - creating new comics,” said Larsen. “We accomplished the goals I set out for the company, and it’s long past time for me to go back to doing what I do best. Even more so, I feel Eric deserves the position as he’s completely instrumental in our company’s recent success. It’s an honor to hand him the reins.” 

Stephenson’s background with Image goes back to the inception, as Jim Valentino’s assistant. He later went on to work as the managing editor of Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Studios before returning to Image as Director of Marketing in 2001. Stephenson became Executive Director in 2004.  

Stephenson added, “Even after over sixteen years of working with Image off and on, I’m more excited about the company now than I’ve ever been. The unprecedented variety of creators, genres and formats we’ve been publishing really reflects what I love so much about this medium, and I’m looking forward to carrying on and growing upon this tradition.” 

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 bya collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has goneon 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 <http://www.imagecomics.com/

INVINCIBLE #50

2 July 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Even with all-time high initial sales leading to a series record print run, INVINCIBLE #50 has sold out at a distribution level and a second printing is on the way.  “Fans sure do love it when the book hits the fan,” said Kirkman. “Issue fifty altered the series in a way we haven’t seen since Omni-Man’s true nature was revealed and people have really taken notice. I think a lot of people will be even more surprised by what’s next.” INVINCIBLE #50 was an oversized issue, featuring an extended lead and bonus stories revealing the origin of a Cecil Stedman and an all-new edition of Science Dog with art by INVINCIBLE co-creator Cory Walker. The limited edition second printing will be highlighted with a modified logo, emphasizing the cover’s blood-splattered aftermath of the series altering battle. In addition, #51, the debut of the series’ all-new direction and INVINCIBLE’s new costume, will be supported by an overship, in an effort to ensure new found fans can obtain copies.  INVINCIBLE #50 2nd printing, a 48-page full color comic book for $4.99, is due in stores this July. 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 ACTION & EXCITEMENT OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG’S CLASSIC ADVENTURES LIVES ON IN SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9!

 

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

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

 

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES #9

SCRIPTS: Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders & Mike Kanterovich. 

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

Colossal cover by Pat “Spaz” Spazinate!

Shipping Date: September 24^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: October 14^th, 2008

112-page, full color graphic novel

$2.25 US.

VERONICA #189

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

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. 

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

SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Dan Parent. 

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

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: June 25^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: July 15^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

 

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #162

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

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

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  

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

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Bob Bolling. 

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

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 25^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: July 15^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

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

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

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

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

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

   

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

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

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

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