ComicBitsOnline.com

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  

April 18th, Bristol UK – Three weeks and counting until the UK’s biggest comics convention at the British Empire & Commonwealth Exhibition Hall on 10th and 11th May 2008, and this week we reveal more of the new books, offers and EXpo EXclusives on show.

The Bristol International Comic Expo website www.comicexpo.net will be updated this weekend with these details and more on the panel rundown for the weekend.  In addition, the Virtual Bristol Anthology returns this year – http://virtualbristol.monkeyswithmachineguns.com - a chance for readers to preview some of the new books available at Bristol, and reserve a copy in advance or order a copy if you sadly can’t make it this time.

  

Time Bomb Comics are first-time exhibitors, launching their second title ‘Dick Turpin And The Restless Dead’, a one-shot blend of Highwaymen, Zombies and Mayhem.  They’ll also have their first title available - the ‘Ragamuffins:Stitches In Time’ one-shot, sample pages and cover image can be found at www.comicspace.com/timebombcomics

  

Planet Ruskin bring their London-based comedy horror book, The Zombies Ate My Chilean. The story begins with four friends (Rich, Alex, Ricky and Greg) waking up to discover that they can’t remember what had happened the night before. As it was Rich’s birthday the night before, there were more friends involved in going out that night. It soon turns out they don’t remember either. But while getting some hangover food, Rich gets a creepy call from a friend Dave. It turns out that Dave is the only one who does remember! Before he gets a chance to explain the phone cuts and leaves the gang startled. They soon race to Dave’s house to find Dave dragged out of his house in two body bags with most of his body eaten! It’s now up to the remaining fourteen to discover what happened on Rich’s birthday before the rest of them turn out the same way as Dave.  This book brings a new element to the Zombie genre as its storyline is set to step where zombie stories haven’t gone before. It’ll be a completely new direction with a witty modern script already mentioned by various fans of the book.  Issue three will debut at Bristol, but the first two will also be available: this comic is based on ACTUAL UNDEAD EVENTS!

Self-Made Hero bring their Manga Shakespeare series to the Bristol Expo, with Paul Duffield signing and sketching with his book, The Tempest, and Kate Brown hers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Paul will also bring along the Expo Exclusive Artbook, containing a full colour version of Sojourn (as seen in Best New Manga 2) and Kate has her Expo Exclusive mini-comic featuring Day at the Beach and The Monster in the Well.   Add in Freakangels and free sweets…

  

Bristol sees the first foray into comics by video games concept artist Ross Burt, in the form of the premiere issue of crazy graffiti space adventure series ‘Astrofunk’ – with posters and t-shirts also available.

The Underfire Comics table at the Bristol Expo this year will have ‘Underfire Comics Presents: Rock Night’, and ‘The Human DK Dynamic! Part 1′ by Dan Cox and Bob Molesworth. Rock Night will have exclusive convention-only postcard sets available too.

As well as the 18 previous Banal Pig publications by Steve Tillotson and Gareth Brookes, brand new for the Bristol Expo will be the full colour Banal Pig Funnies comic, 32 pages of 3 panel humour strips by Steve Tillotson with guest strips by Oliver “Trains Are Mint” East, Dan Lester and Jim Medway amongst others.

  

Inspired by others, comics podcasts (http://comicspodcastsuk.wordpress.com/main-page/) from a

UK perspective were created. So whether you’re looking for a guide through the murky world of geekdom (Geek Syndicate), a trans-Atlantic view on comics from the women of (Birds of Geek), the true antidote to the average comic book podcast (Quiet! Panelologists at Work), another view of comics from a woman’s perspective (Comic Racks) or some hidden gems from the world of independent comics (Comic Book Outsiders), the UK comic book podcasts group has it all.  Hosts from all of the UK comic book podcasts will be appearing on a panel on Sunday to answer your questions about podcasting and comics.

  

Fried Brain Productions and creator George Terran will bring two main projects to the Bristol Expo: Chimera and Altered

State.  Chimera is basically a traditional Film-Noir but with Supernatural qualities. It is a story set in Paris 2022 and follows Gabriel “Gabe” Vaugn - an agent of InterPol as he investigates the death of his brother and the mysterious suicides that are occurring in Paris. Along the way, Gabe finds out about a new drug that is about to hit the streets called, Chimera - a drug that allows the user to actually experience Heaven. The first issue will be launched at the Expo, with the artist Nathan Kilburn also in attendance.  Altered State is a 6-issue mini-series, set about 100 years in the future and is about the tug-o-war social and political struggle of the English society when Mankind begins its next stage of evolution.  As well as this story-line, Altered

State has a bigger brother called Altered State Community Comic. This is an online comic where new writers and artists can come on board and produce a short story based in and around Altered

State. The tag-line for the Community Comic is: “Everyone has their story to tell”.  Altered State Community Comic is an opportunity for new writers and artists to get their work produced and released into the world. It also means that the world of Altered

State will continue to grow as new teams come in and produce stories.

  

Simia Comics will be at the Bristol Expo, bringing along their “Ape In A Spacesuit” comics to giveaway free, gratis and for nothing … this is the demo version of the full comic with placeholder art, and Simia will review portfolios and talk to interested artists who would like to come on board for the full series.  So bring your work to Colin at Simia Comics and the gig could be yours…

  

Steve’s Black Bat Comics are a first time Bristol Expo dealer, specialising in old comics – they’ll be bringing loads of great old Marvels, DCs and indies, including issue one of the Avengers, X Men and Silver Surfer, as well as some old British comics and some old carded superhero figures.

  

Urban Rivals is the world’s busiest online trading card game (www.urban-rivals.com) and at the Bristol Expo they will launch their “Search for an Art Star” contest. They’re looking for 2 freelance character artists for the UK and US (www.urban-rivals.com/special/artstar) and will have packs available for interested artists, the deadline for submitting artwork is May 31st 2008.

  

Captain Bristol is a full time super hero with no time for a secret identity. With his trusty, well available sidekick Miss Splendid, he fights crime, protects the week and beats up Chavs. His mission is to free the city of the towny scum and make this fair city a better and safer place to live. Carrying his CB-branded shield of Justice, rope and razor sharp, lightning fast wit, he foils the schemes of the wicked and is a paragon of honour (www.myspace.com/captainbristol).  Captain Bristol badges, t-shirts, posters and comics will be at the Bristol Expo, along with his creator, Alex Morgan, and the latest copy of Bristol’s Suit Yourself magazine.

  

NCsoft Europe will be at the Bristol Expo for their fourth year running, and for the third year running they’ll be hosting the Draw the World Together team, the charity project started by Andrew Wildman. As in previous years, visitors to their stand can get anything and everything they want sketched by the DTWT artists in exchange for a charitable donation. This year they’ll feature Neil Edwards and Simon Williams on the stand for the entire weekend, with Andrew joining on Sunday. They’ll also no doubt have some special ‘guest appearances’ by Andie Tong, Mike Collins and probably plenty of other folk. Their biggest exclusive this year, launching at the Bristol Expo, is the first Draw the World Together/NCsoft Sketchbook, featuring characters from our games City of Heroes/City of Villains. Visitors will be able to pick up the sketchbook (32 pages black and white interiors) for just a £5 donation to Draw the World Together’s chosen charity, EveryChild. There are only 500 copies of the sketchbook available so it’s strictly limited and will go fast no doubt! Finally as last year, they’ll be selling bargain priced games on the stand including best-sellers such as the Guild Wars trilogy, City of Heroes/City of Villains and Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa.

  

In July 2008 Insomnia Publications (www.insomniapublications.com) will release “Cages”, by amazing Australian duo, Xander Bennett and Melanie Cook with an awesome cover by Jonathan Hickman of “The Nightly News” (Published by Image) and foreword written by “30 Days of Night”, “Fell” and “Wormwood’s” Ben Templesmith. Insomnia will have proof copies of the 120 page full color book on sale at their table at the Bristol Expo but, be advised, they are in limited supply of only 20 copies.

Layer Zero Graphic Novel will also be on sale. With over 30 creators involved; including some famous names in the industry including Simon “Cy” Dethan, Paul Green and Thomas Mauer (the Eagle award-nominated Starship Troopers) along with talents such as Paul Cartwright, Alasdair Duncan, Luke Hinchley, Mike Webster, Robert Robinson, Thommy Melanson and many more; and diverse creative styles on themes of Insomnia and Time, this 120 page, full colour book is not to be missed.

Free copies of Daemon issue one will be available to the first 1000 people on the Saturday morning in the Bristol Expo’s goodie bag; Alasdair Duncan’s novel, The Kill Cell, will be on sale along with a selection of posters by Paul Cartwright and Paul Green.

Insomnia Publications will also be previewing a book currently in production due for release later in the year, Cancertown. The first chapter can be viewed at the Insomnia Publications stand. Cy “Starship Troopers” Dethan writer of the book, Stephen Downey, incredible Irish pencil and ink talent, and Nic Wilkinson, lovely letterer, will all be present at the show.

Over the weekend Insomnia Publications will be reviewing creator portfolios. They will have a board with times on the days so please be sure to look at this first thing to avoid disappointment. Artists and Letterers, please bring samples for on the spot review and cards or work examples for Insomnia to take away; Writers, please submit packs and pitches including concept art if possible; Creative teams, please provide a full pitch with first ten pages complete.

 Crawford Coutts, Managing Director of Insomnia Publications said: “I am very excited about this show as we have come a long way since last year and proud to present our new line up of comics. This is just the beginning.”

The Bristol International Comic Expo 2008 will be held over the weekend of 10th and 11th May 2008 at the British Empire & Commonwealth

Museum and the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Bristol, England, with an early bird film night on Friday 9th May.  Full details are available on the official website, www.comicexpo.net – including ticket ordering details, just £6 for adults for each day, accompanied children free, ages 12-16 just one pound. 

In the next update – Tony Lee vs Geek Syndicate – Rock And Roll Romance – Best New Manga 2 – Crikey! – Peckerwood – A Legion of Stupid Heroes – ImagineFX – Velica – Zip Gun Comics – And More – Not to mention finally, finally: the exact details of the special Expo Children’s Area are revealed – aka the Comics Village Fete, it’s suitable for children of all ages, including those of more advanced years who are just young at heart….

For up to the minute information and a complete listing of guests please contact.  Graphics are available upon request. 

  

Gavin Jordan 

Telephone: 0797 274 4567 

Email: jordanx@comicexpo.net

  

Or visit the Comic Expo website www.comicexpo.net

GRAPHIC CLASSICS vol. 8 

MARK TWAIN

Second Edition 

144 pages,

b&w, color cover

Retail price $11.95 

SECOND EDITION – WITH 38 NEW PAGES! 

Featuring an all-new comics adaptation: 

• Tom Sawyer Abroad — Mark Twain’s sequel to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in a first-time-ever graphic novel adaptation illustrated by George Sellas 

And returning from the first edition: 

• The Mysterious Stranger - a celestial visitor befriends threeyoung friends in an adaptation by Rick Geary 

• The Facts Concerning the Recent Carnival of Crime in Connecticut - Mark Twain confronts his conscience in comics byAntonella Caputo and Nick Miller • Is He Living or Is He Dead?-a tale of artistic captalism adapted by Simon Gane 

• A Dog’s Tale - an allegory stylishly adapted by Lance Tooks 

• The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras

County -

Twain’s famous fable, in comics by Kevin Atkinson • The Legend of Sagenfeld - a fairy tale illustrated by Evert Geradts 

• A Curious Pleasure Excursion - a science fiction travelogue by William L. Brown 

• Plus Mark Twain’s Advice for Little Girls, illustrated byShary Flenniken, Mary Fleener, Kirsten Ulve, Annie Owens,Lesley Reppeteaux, Toni Pawlowsky and Florence Cestac,with a new addition by Lisa K. Weber 

Well,that’s the company blurb and there are a couple of  things I need to get out of the way first.

 

 

Firstly,again,another top quality book in both printing,paper stock quality and colour cover.  And yet –LOW PRICE! 

 

 

Secondly,WHY have I not heard of this company before?!  Paul Brown –Bristol artist-in-residence- tells me he has seen the latest volume.  Obviously hidden away on some Forbidden Planet shelf so as not to cause severe trauma to the fan-boys buying Gag-Boy #7 or some X-Men comic.  That is a shame.  This sort of book MUST be promoted more.

 

 

The cover by George Sellas is,as we are wont to say in Bristol,”gert lush” [Bristol speak meaning “great” and “luscious” a major compliment not heard from my lips since the last gert lush Goth chick I saw!]. There is almost a 3D quality to it.  Sellas certaintly knows how to create perspective.  I’m actually going to use the cover as my desktop background!

 

 

What surprised me is that this is not just another Mark Twain “Tom Sawyer” book.  I had been fooled by the “Graphic Classics” header into thinking this was along the lines of “Classics Illustrated”,or a Dell Comics adaption of a book.

 

 

WRONG!

 

 

As you will have seen from the company blurb this is an anthology.  And what an anthology!  The thing is that there are so many different artistic styles so you don’t think after page 63:”how many more pages are there?”

 

 

Lisa K. Weber,who works in the fashion industry designing prints and characters for teenage girls pyjamas,does a lovely illo on page 2 to go with Twain’s “Advice To Little Girls”! 

Sellas re-appears to illustrate Tom Pomplun’s adaption of “Tom Sawyer Abroad”.[pp.4-40] –the story giving us that cool cover.  This time,however,we see that Sellas can do stripwork  and knows how to use grey-tone as well as colour.  This is really nice and yet I usually hate the “cartoony” style.

 

 

Kevin Atkinson,provides a lovely and strange back cover illo linked to his adaption of,deep breath:”The Celebrated Jumping From Of  Calaveras County”! Phew. This is black and white with some nice uses of  cross-hatching for shading purposes.  His art style is almost –almost—Underground Comics  in look  and full of quirkiness.

 

 

Now,anyone who knows my work knows I’m “Old School”,preferring solid black on white work.  So,when I saw Lance Tooks adaption of “A Dog’s Tale” my eyes sighed.  There is some grey-tone in the background and even tiny famous head photos used as a montage,but this does not detract from the great usage of black.  Like to see more of Tooks work.

 

 

These are story titles I love! Antonella Caputo provides the script while Nicholas Miller provides the art for [deep breath]:”The Facts Concerning The Recent Carnival Of Crime In Connecticutt”  Again,great artwork.

 

 

I can’t really go into every strip but I can mention Rick Geary,whom I interviewed on CBO about his work on Gumby,who does a very good job.  So,too,does Simon Gane and there are superb illoes to other pieces of advice from Twain to “Little Girls” –Mary Fleener does her own unique stuff as does Annie Owens [brilliant!];Florence Cestac,Kirsten Ulve and others.

 

 

Right,if you really,really wanted to try something in “graphic novel” form forget Marvel Civil War.  But this and see how much more fun there is in comics outside of tights and capes [and I am a super hero fan]!

 

Ten stars out of Ten! 

FANTASY CLASSICS 15

144 pgs,

7 x 10″, paperback,

b&w, 4c cover,

$11.95 retail 

Now on sale — only $10!! 

Wizardry, dreamworlds and… Frankenstein!

Fantasy Classics presents Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” adapted by Rod Lott and Skot Olsen, with a prologue illustrated by Mark A. Nelson. Plus H.P. Lovecraft’s epic fantasy “The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath,” by Ben Avery and Leong Wan Kok, and “Oz” author L. Frank Baum’s “The Glass Dog,” by Antonella Caputo and Brad Teare. Also Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” adapted by Lance Tooks, and “After the Fire,” a poem by Fantasy Master Lord Dunsany, illustrated by Rachel Masilamani. With a dramatic cover painting by Skot Olsen.

 

 

Awriiiight!  Now,having grown up on the old Marvel horror comics –and those from Charlton- this is more “me” [you’d think].

 

 

I’ve mentioned quality already so we’ll take that as a “given”.  And a special offer price!  Ye Gods –do they have to give away Frankenstein action figures before you’ll buy?!

 

 

Rachel Masilamani illustrates Lord Dunsany’s “After The Fire” and it looks good –but sadly only a one pager! 

Rod Lott adapts while Mark A. Nelson illustrates “Fantasmagoriana” –A prologue to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.  This is drawn in an almost woodcut style and page 9 is wonderful to look at.

 

 

Rod Lott also adapts Shelley’s Frankenstein which is drawn by Skot Olsen from page 11-57.  Olsen also provides the front cover.  A bit too cartoony for me at times but it work and I have to wonder whether this strip was originally done in colour then grey-scaled?

 

 

Lance Took is back drawing a lengthier strip –Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Rappaccini’s Daughter”.  Nice.

 

 

Now,the back cover carries a colour illo that was in a style I thought I vaguely recognised.  And the same artist also illustrates Ben Avery’s adaption of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Dream Quest Of Unknown Kadath”.  The artist is Leong Wan Kok,or,as I thought,better known to Asian comic readers as “Puyuh”. This is really worth checking out.  I liked this –very stylish!

 

 

Everything I said before applies here. Give this book a try –I know there are a lot of H.P. Lovecraft fans out there who collect comics based on his works and this is for you –ditto the Frankenstein fans out there.

 

 

If you do not see these books in your local shop get them to order it.  If they offer excuses then order direct [it’s the shop’s loss!].  The link for everything Graphic Classics-wise is:

 

http://www.graphicclassics.com/

 

 

Please try these books:they deserve to be a hit!

 Whereas “Banksy” is world famous for being “Bristol’s Urban artist” [!] the rather superior Paul Brown uses brush,pen,ink and paints rather than a stencil and spray cans!

And you can now see a selection of “The Bristol Rembrandts” work -and buy books and more at OSNAP.  The link is:

http://www.osnap.co.uk/profile_pb.htm

And in May,coinciding with the Bristol Comic Expo.there is the Bristol South Bank Arts Trail which features some of Mr Brown’s more recent work.

 If you are serious about art and don’t have a Paul Ashley Brown piece -you ain’t serious [I’ve several piueces]!

ARCHIE #583

“The Big Draw”: Archie stumbles upon a new trick to get dates: have Chuck draw portraits that Archie presents as gifts to the girls!  

 SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.  ART: Stan Goldberg. 

“Truck Stop!”: When Archie offers to personally deliver a huge piece of art to the Lodge home for Mrs. Lodge’s birthday, it’s Archie himself who once again proves what a work of art he is! 

SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare.  ART: Stan Goldberg. 

“Smooth Talker”: A weekend at Mr. Lodge’s lake resort is sunk for Reggie, unless he can talk his way out of the special job he promised to do for Coach Kleats. 

SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.  ART:  Stan Goldberg. 

“Big Man on Campus”: When Archie dreams, he dreams big – so big that he dreams he is a giant! 

SCRIPT:  Angelo DeCesare.  ART: Stan Goldberg.   

 Shipping Date: March 26th, 2008

On

Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: April 2nd, 2008 On Sale on Newsstands: April 15th, 2008 

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

 BETTY #173

“Fantasy Girl”: The girls imagine what it would be like to have extraordinary powers… instead of extra ordinary powers! 

SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Stan Goldberg. 

“Unstable Table!”: It’s service with a smirk for Archie when he shows up at a restaurant with a new date… and Betty as his waitress! 

SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.  ART: Stan Goldberg. 

“Getting the Message”: Modern technology has given today’s teens numerous ways to communicate – except for direct communication, that is! 

SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Stan Goldberg. 

“Decision Maker”: Betty learns that when springtime arrives, plans become as unpredictable as the weather! 

SCRIPT: Mike Pillowslip.  ART: Stan Goldberg.

Shipping Date: March 26th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: April 2nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: April 15th, 2008 

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

 PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #120

“Future Shock”: Betty and Veronica find a “Mr. Predicto” toy at a flea market – and it doesn’t take a fortune teller to predict they’ll soon be mistaking coincidences for predictions! 

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Bill Galvan. 

“The Image”: Archie is exasperated by his fellow band members, who don’t leave their ego’s at the door but invite them up on stage instead! 

 SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy. 

“The Gadget Man”: Dilton shows off the latest gadgets he’s invented for his friends and faculty – but with friends like these, some of the gadgets are more science fiction than science! 

SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Bob Bolling. 

Shipping Date: March 26th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: April 2nd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: April 15th, 2008 

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

Darn. I’m writing headers in Bristolian now!

Gilbert may be great but I am really missing my doses of the superbly fantastic Jaime! 

Now,if you have not gotten into Los Bros Hernandez or L&R or even Berto’s Eros comic Birdland [oh! Gilbert producing a porn comic -I blushed!] then check out Fantagraphic Books site for a list on what is available and a very special offer on issues of volume 2!

The link is:

http://www.fantagraphics.com/index.php?keyword=love+and+rockets&Search=Search&Itemid=62&option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse

Hmm..I wonder whether Gilbert or Jaime would be interested in doing an interview?

Herbert Jonas Kerby [known to his mates as “Herby”] passed away over the weekend.

Herby began an art scholarship from a charity in Norwich at the age of 15 -though he pointed out that the charity also provided a scholarship in art for a 12 year old who “went on to become a very famous fine art painter…buggered if’n I can even remember his name now!”

At 17 years of age,Herby began drawing cartoons and illustrations for various magazines based in London.  On a Summer trip to Dundee in 1938,Herby met one of the Thomson family and by December 1938 was working for D.C. Thomsons & Sons [Dundee Editions]. 

In 1940,Herby helped Sam Fair out by inking some pages of Addie & Hermy,understudied Jack Glass on The Amazing Mr X and even “moonlighted” for Amalgamated Press.

In 1941 [age 26] Herby joined the Merchant Navy but the ship he was on was torpedoed and sunk on its first night out.  “I was buggered if I was gonner let them Nazies get away with that!” he recalled rather angrily in 1998,”So I joins the Royal Navy only I had to serve on a motor launch -a month after I joined the crew we went out looking for an RAF chap that had been hit by Jerry fire.  We rescued him but we got our stern crushed by a German bomber that had been hit by flak!”  The launch sank.

After several more scrapes,Herby was “honourably discharged” after a piece of shrapnel was removed from what he laughinly called his “chutney wagon” [uh,his bottom!].

Back in comic strip drawing,Herby did work for Gerald Swan and worked with Len Fullerton [”Nat Brand”] on a strip but also worked for Thomson and them Amalgamated Press again -until a Thomson editor mentioned to an AP editor friend over lunch that Herby was a fast worker.  The AP man,being an idiot,responded,”Oh,I’ve a fellow working for me called Herbert Kerby -we call him “Herby!”

Thomson black-listed Herby.

‘John Spencer’ and Swan as well as a few other post-war publishers dabbling in comics kept Herby in work.  There had been an opportunity to work with Frank Hampson but Herby was non-too-keen on the “space padre” idea being a confirmed atheist -this “space padre” was Marcus Morris’ idea and it later evolved into Dan Dare and The Eagle!

Training disabled ex-servicemen to paint and draw using their toes or mouths to hold pens or brushes,Herby hit on what he thought would be a great gag.  He drew an entire Western strip for Amalgamated Press using only his feet! He handed over the art and was stunned to be praised “Your work is really improving” he was told.

Having lied about his age to new management,Herby continued drawing until he was 67 but then had to retire.  Eye sight problems and arthritis finally taking its toll.

His son Jack has a list of strips Herby worked on plus a few old comics with the strips in.  Hopefully,as time permits,this can all be properly catalogued.

 As some of you might know,the old Yahoo Alan Class,John Spencer and Gerald Swan group had to be temporarily closed due to “flamers” [people of very low IQ] spreading spam,attempting to imbed viruses and alse stealing large chunks of my work on Class -just google and you’ll find them!

Well,the group is now re-opened.  The link is:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alanclasscomics/

And a big THANK YOU to Darron Northall for donating three new issues to the Class Archive!

So,pop over and join -and learn!

T

Two new writers join Archie Comics, and bring with them two new students to Riverdale High. Jesús Gil Holguín, is one of the best known comic book professionals in Mexico, where he has been translating American comics into Spanish, and editing the Mexican editions of American comics for the past 25 years. He started at Editorial Novaro, the most important comic book publishing company in Latin America. He was a regular collaborator in a weekly radio show about comics, and has given a series of conferences about comics throughout Mexico.

In 2005, Jesús started publishing Spanish Language editions of Archie Comics in Mexico. Jesús is writing his first script for Archie Comics. The story will feature the first Mexican addition to Riverdale High when Toño Diaz is introduced. Toño was born in Mexico, and assists his parents, Adrián and Rosa in their party planning business.

Rosa handles Public Relations and the administrative part of the business, while Adrián is responsible for the creative and labor portions of the family business. Toño enjoys helping them with gardening and decoration, but the part he likes the most is cooking. He wants to become a great chef when he grows up.

 

The Diaz family has been hired by Mr. Lodge to plan events for the city of Riverdale. As a result, the family has relocated to Riverdale. Join Toño and his entire family for their first Riverdale adventure in Pals ‘n’ Gals #123 on sale in July, 2008 Toño’s first appearance will be released simultaneously in the United States and in Mexico. 

Misako Takashima developed a love for comics and manga at an early age, and drew her first comic at the age of 13. She moved to New York in 2001, and worked as a puppeteer, face painter, animal balloon maker and art teacher, while still developing her own work. She’s been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including Elle Girl and the New York Times, and the BBC recently featured her in a documentary about comic book creators. Misako currently lives in

Brooklyn. Kumi Tamura is a shy, cute and goofy Japanese girl. She doesn’t think she’s goofy or funny. However, when Archie, Betty and the others meet her, they think she is very funny. She wants to be taller, so every morning she drinks a lot of milk, believing this will help her grow. She likes reading Japanese girls’ comics and believes that someday she will meet a gorgeous boy in

America. She arrives in Riverdale with her younger sister, Ami Tamura. Compared to Kumi, Ami is outgoing, fun and a positive girl. Ami and Kumi often have fights and usually Ami wins. Ami goes crazy for cute boys, and she is excited to meet a lot of tall American boys!

When she finds something/somebody who she really likes, she usually doesn’t give up until she gets it, or them! Oh boy… Kumi’s Mom is very kind and sweet… but she’s obsessed with keeping their home clean. Therefore, when the kids have fights or make a mess, she gets crazy and looses her mind!! Kumi’s Dad is an engineer. Even though he’s busy, he tries to make time for his girls as much as he can. When Mom gets crazy, he’s really good at calming her down. 

Kumi and her family will be moving to Riverdale shortly.

ARCHIE COMICS SHIPPING JUNE 2008 

ARCHIE

AMERICANA SERIES: BEST OF THE SIXTIES BOOK 2

By popular demand, we’re pleased to serve up a second helping of 1960s fun and frolics for the many readers who enjoyed the original ARCHIE AMERICANA SERIES: BEST OF THE SIXTIES!  Witness Archie’s awkward entanglements in the eternal love triangle!  Behold Archie incurring the wraths of Mr. Weatherbee and Mr. Lodge!  Feast your eyes on Betty and Veronica’s sensational sixties’ fashions and hair styles!  Learn yoga, catch up on the latest beatnik beat and join the peace rally with Archie and his friends!  You’re sure to “make the scene” with these comedy classics!  Each story is meticulously restored and re-colored to match its original brilliance.  

SCRIPT AND ART: Various. 

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 25^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

96-page, full color square-bound paperback

$10.95 US.   

ARCHIE #586

“One Click Away”: Archie decides to date other girls while Veronica’s out of town, but while Archie flirts away, Veronica’s spies click away on their camera phones!  SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.  ART: Stan Goldberg.  “Teen Tycoon”: Mr. Lodge has a dream… make that a nightmare… about Archie becoming a millionaire!  SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare.  ART: Stan Goldberg.  “No Parking Zone”: Archie finds the beach has gone to the dogs… especially when a little puppy follows him there.  Trouble is, it’s a “no dogs allowed” beach!  SCRIPT: Angelo DeCesare.  ART: Stan Goldberg.

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 25^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #120

THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE FOUR-PART EPIC! 

“Archie World Tour Part 4 of 4: The Who Stole My Girl Affair”: When Archie and his friends set out on their quest to see five cities in ten days, they looked forward to getting as many sightseeing thrills as possible.  Little did they know they’d get a heaping helping of suspense and intrigue as well!  Now, Veronica’s been kidnapped and the race is on to find and rescue her before it’s too late.  This leads to a whirlwind trek from Rome to Zurich in pursuit of the mysterious “Green Man” and his minions.  Along the way Archie and friends will befuddle the Italian police, trash a movie set, stowaway on a jet, frustrate the Zurich police, storm a fortress, confound half the criminal underworld – and somehow still come off as good ambassadors of the United States!  Don’t miss this hysterical, fast-paced, action-packed salute to super-spy films everywhere, as Archie finally unravels the Green Man’s plans and discovers a plot that could bring

Europe to its knees (and imagine how much that will hurt)! 

SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.  ART: Rex Lindsey.

Shipping Date: June 4^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 11^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: June 25^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

ARCHIE DIGEST #245

“Bare Essentials”: Things get “hairy” for Archie and Jughead when Reggie convinces them they’ll go bald just like their fathers!  Can Dilton’s hair growth formula or the internet’s “cure” help our heroes tackle their “mane” concern?  SCRIPT AND ART: Pat Kennedy.  “The Big Chase”: When Archie agrees to umpire a girls’ softball game, his eye is on more than the bats and ball!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Tim Kennedy.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 25^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

Full color digest format  

$2.49 US.  

 BETTY & VERONICA #236“Past Problem”: It’s déjà vu all over again for Veronica when she flirts with a lifeguard only to find he’s interested in Betty!  It’s shades of Nick St. Clair, the mysterious stranger who caused so much “bad boy trouble” for Veronica in last year’s epic story of the same name.  And speaking of Nick, wait until you read the surprise ending of this story!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Jeff Shultz.  “The Switch”: When pretty exchange students from Norway invite Betty and Veronica to their country, Veronica turns the girls down to avoid all the mountain climbing… until she learns they’ve asked Archie and Jughead to go in their place!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Jeff Shultz.  “On the Outs”: When the gang congregates in the Lodge’s entertainment room to play the latest video game, Mr. Lodge enlists Betty to use her smarts… and her knowledge of her friends… to lure them all outside!  SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.  ART: Jeff Shultz.

Shipping Date: June 11^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 18^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: July 1^st, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #185

A VERY SPECIAL ISSUE CELEBRATING BETTY & VERONICA’S VERY FIRST ISSUE! 

First, Archie reprinted PEP COMICS #22 and ARCHIE COMICS #1 to celebrate Archie’s 65^th anniversary in ARCHIE DIGEST #236.  Then, Jughead got the same treatment in JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #138.  Now, to commemorate the anniversary of ARCHIE’S GIRLS BETTY & VERONICA #1 from 1950, Archie is pleased to present this very special issue that reprints that first issue in its entirety.  And just like in the ARCHIE and JUGHEAD issues, it also includes a brand-new tale that finds the girls facing the past in a way they never expected!  Yes, in “Betty & Veronica Meet Betty & Veronica,” the Betty & Veronica of 2008 find themselves face to face to face to face with the Betty & Veronica of the 1950s!  SCRIPT: Fernando Ruiz.  ART: Jeff Shultz!  PLUS: Classic stories!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  It’s one historic issue you just don’t want to miss!    

Shipping Date: June 11^th, 2008

On

Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 18^th, 2008

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 1^st, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 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.    

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #141

THE EPIC SAGA OF JUGHEAD’S NEW LOVE LIFE… AND NEW, REALISTIC LOOK… CONTINUES! “The Matchmakers Part 3”: After “setting up” Jughead and Sandy, matchmakers Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica are surprised at how well their plan is working.  Especially when studious, athletic

Sandy starts neglecting both her studies and her girls’ softball team in favor of spending time with Jughead.  Make that Forsythe, as he now prefers to be called.  Exchanging his trademark “crown” hat for a typical baseball cap, it seems like

Sandy is having quite the influence on the once unique soul.  Unless of course it’s all a big put-on.  The gang isn’t so sure when they see how well Jughead and Sandy interact as partners in the couples’ competition at the school picnic!  It’s another intriguing chapter in this 4-part epic!  Last year’s “Bad Boy Trouble” set the comics world on its ear as the teens were depicted in a realistic style.  Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom carry on that look, handling pencils and inks respectively, in what is sure to be one of the more intriguing Archie stories of the year!   SCRIPT: Melanie Morgan.  ART: Joe Staton.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 11^th, 2008

On

Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 18^th, 2008

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 1^st, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US.   

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #122

“Bowled Over”: When a gang of street toughs try to intimidate Archie and his friends from using the local bowling alley, the two sides square off in a bowl-off for the right to play in the alley!  Will Archie and his friends “strike” out in victory, or end up in the “gutter?”  SCRIPT: Stephen Oswald.  ART: Pat Kennedy (pencils) and Joe Giella (inks).  “Cry Me a River”: Ginger’s cousin Martina wears her emotions on her sleeves… and on her slacks… and on her shoes…. etc.!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  “Mr. Big”: Reggie proves once again that his ego puts the “I” in “The Archies!”  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!  COLLECTORS ALERT: The cover and select interiors of this issue are inked by legendary artist Joe Giella, who worked on such Golden Age characters as Fawcett’s Captain Marvel, Timely/Marvel’s Captain America, Sub Mariner and the Human Torch, DC’s Silver Age Batman, Green Lantern and Adam Strange, and newspaper comic strips including Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Mary Worth, which he draws to this day.

Shipping Date: June 4^th, 2008

On

Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 11^th, 2008

On

Sale on Newsstands: June 25^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

SONIC X #34

“Fool Party”: When Chris’ father holds a charity auction with the top prize being a personal pool party at Thorndyke Manor, guess what egg-shaped no-goodnik places the highest bid?  Sonic and Tails make the scene to make sure Eggman doesn’t steal it… or more precisely, doesn’t steal one of Grandpa Chuck’s special motors!  Hopefully Eggman won’t find out that Sonic can’t swim!  SCRIPT: Ian Flynn. ART: David Hutchison and Terry Austin.  Splish-splashin’ cover by  Pat “Spaz the Pool Boy” Spaziante!