ComicBitsOnline.com

Karen from Classical Comics,one of the bright jewels in the reviving of British comics and exporting their cultural works overseas [plug out of the way],wrote:

“And that would be a crying shame. We send review copies for a number of reasons. One being we appreciate Terry’s opinion whether public or otherwise. Another that full unbiased reviews are like hens teeth. Our next books will be printed next month. Terry will be receiving them all. (His postman hates me, they weigh a ton). Come on everyone, lets not lose this great blog.”

My thanks also to Terry Pavlet from Haus of Design for his support and offer of promotional help.

Very much appreciated -THANK YOU!

Terry

As I’ve mentioned Hexago before I thought I’d add this piece about forthcoming titles.  Check the site out!

FORTHCOMING:

 

  

 

 

 

 

STRANGERS: JAYDEE

by Danilo Grossi,

cover by Manuel Garcia. 

Contents: - Foreword by TBA- Introduction by Jean-Marc Lofficier- Classic Jaydee #1-#8 by Danilo Grossi- Epilog by Jean-Marc Lofficier & Fernando Pasarin- Starknight #1-#2 by Danilo Grossi- Dick Spade #1 by Danilo Grossi- Bonus pages by Jean-Marc Lainé 

Story: A mysterious orphaned treenager has the power to turn into any beast he chooses. 

ISBN # TBA5 x 8″, 260 pages, Fall 2008US$ 20.95 + $3.00 p&h         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRANGERS: STARLOCK

by Luciano Bernasconi,

cover by Manuel Martin Peniche. 

Contents:- Foreword by TBA- Introduction by Jean-Marc Lofficier- Classic Starlock #1-#7 by Luciano Bernasconi- The Return of Starlock by Jean-Marc Lofficier & Luciano Bernasconi - The Origins of Starlock by Jean-Marc Lofficier & Mariano De La Torre- Bonus pages by Fernando Pasarin 

Story: A super-powered alien stranded on Earth shares bodies with an astronaut. 

US$20.95/GBP 12.99 - 5×8 tpb, 252 p. - ISBN: TBA.         

 

 

 

   THE TIME BRIGADE (Volume 1) by Claude Legrand &

Edmond Ripoll, cover by Timothy II. 

Contents: - Foreword by TBA- Introduction by Lofficier- Time Brigade #1-#5 by Claude Legrand &

Edmond Ripoll- Bonus pages by Timothy II 

Story: The time patrol from the 41st century monitors the past. 

ISBN # TBA5 x 8″, 252 pages, Winter 2008US$ 20.95 + $3.00 p&h           

“WE’LL RRRRIP-BANG-WAAHHHHH THE PIGEON, CHIEF !”

PIGEONS FROM HELL 4
by Joe R.Lansdale, Nathan Fox & Dave Stewart
Dark Horse Comics

If you’ve been paying attention out there in CBO viewing land, you’ll be aware I had glowing things to say about issues 2 & 3 of this Robert E.Howard adaptation, and I stated I’d be looking forward to seeing how this story concludes.So, here we are with the final issue, and the question is, does it live up to the quality of the previous episodes ? Well, let me say that after reaching the final panel of this comic, I think the series reaches a satisfying conclusion. In relation to the story and writing, Joe R.Lansdale’s adaptation ticks all the right boxes again, re:pacing and plotting.It’s once again interesting to look at what would now be considered the all too obvious cliches being played out(and being played out well) in the winding up of the story, the resolutions perhaps expected, but no less satisfying.As much perhaps, because it’s what we expect, those of us brought up on the glut of late- seventies/early eighties cinema horrors.

As to the art, well, once again some really good Nathan Fox artwork, although I must admit on my initial reading of the final instalment, I did have one or two problems with the artwork in places. In places I felt I was getting somewhat confused visually.Whereas in the previous issues, Fox’s meticulous cramming of detail per panel was a delight, in a number of panels here, there is a problem with clarity, a slight difficulty in making out exactly what is going on. It’s partly caused I think by some small panels, and also partly by the way Nathan has rendered the main evil protagonist of the story as their monstrous incarnation.While visually it’s a very interestingly constructed beast, it’s ahem,flaky, wavy,bark-like lineated form doesn’t help in a clear definition at times.Perhaps it’s simply that Nathan is putting so much into each panel(and in doing so, mostly succeeds in creating a very solid, real enviroment in which the story unfolds, making the house as much a character of the story as our female protagonists, and evil beastie), that actually what was a strength becomes a problem.

The other difficulty is that the action in the majority of the pages takes place within a dark, unlit space, so depends on creating that atmosphere through the use of black and essentially very sombre or low-key colours.For the most part I really like how Dave Stewart has coloured the book throughout, though again here, in these paticular sequences within the house, the use of colour creates a certain problem.While I understand the combinations used, and stylistically they do make sense, I think they were too close to each other tonally (For the confused among you, this relates to a sequence of pages coloured mostly using blues greens and purples).What may have been interesting would be to have taken a more expressionist direction, and actually using very heightened colours against sombre ones. Despite my seeming protestations, this is a minor gripe to my enjoyment of this series. And actually, Stewart’s colouring of the final pages here is a very lovely contrast colour-wise, to the mayhem that’s gone before.

So, despite my wittering on about visual and stylistic problems, all in all I recommend you get yourself down to your local comic-geek parlour and purchase Pigeons From Hell before they flee the nest. Hopefully, like that other fab series, The Umbrella Academy, this will see a collected version later in the year.

Paul “Klunk” Brown

And if Mr Brown wants to buy his own copies there is the Trade Paper Back!

I was asked why reviews were so thin on the ground at CBO recently.  And where are all the interviews? 

Well,hits for CBO have hit 227,000.  That’s a heck of a lot of hits for a comic site that does not publicise Marvel or DC.  My policy has always been that CBO is here to cater for those with a more Independent comics slanted mind.

Independent Comics,Small Press –you’ll find it here.  Fair and honest reviews.

I publish Press Releases promoting books and events. I up-date these with up-dates and even interviews.  Links to publishers sites are given.  Publishers say that they see their own site stats go up after items on CBO.  Fair deal for publishers you’d think?

Yes.  But it seems that fair deals for publishers in a world where they have to struggle to get publicity because other sites want just the “Big Two”,stop there.  Out of all the publishers and projects publicised on CBO only about four publishers send material for review.  Actual books. 

So,when someone says “Why is there so much from Archie/Classical Comics?” my response is:”Because they send material for review”.

If CBO was simply about publishing Press Releases then life would be easy and there are sites that do that.  But CBO is not just here for PR news. 

I do not,as has been stated over and over,review based on pdfs –comics don’t go to print and I look like an idiot or am involved in some scam.  Reviews are only based on hard copy –actual printed comics.

Publishers promise that printed comics will be forwarded. Nothing.

The problem is then exacerbated by the fact that,up until May this year,I used to come out of my local Forbidden Planet store with 12-15 titles,a good few Independents such as Image.  Now,I come out of the store with 4-5 titles because,as the only story in a major city,it is dictating what you can buy and read –“Independents don’t sell”.  So,Perhapanauts #2 I missed –as well as other titles I followed and reviewed.

It has to be realised by publishers that sites like CBO involve a two-way deal.  Yes,we’ll publicise but it is sheer madness to think that I am going to trawl shops or the net to buy copies of titles to review.  It just does not work like that.

If you are a publisher and you are serious then you will –or should- have a certain number of copies for review purposes.  Time and again I’ve been told “Hey,sure. You can buy a review copy from us…”  No. Doesn’t work that way.

I have already dropped a number of publishers who have adopted this “you want to review our books then buy them”.

I need to really emphasise that I do not make money from CBO.  No one wants to pay for advertisements and no one wants to sponsor the site.  So,everything falls to me.

Considering how so many people visit the site and how much publishers praise CBO what I’ve decided to make policy is not easy. 

I can no longer just push out press release after press release.  It’s a bore.  If CBO promotes and publicises your books and titles then it is only fair that CBO receives copies on release.

So,please bare this in mind.  If you don’t want to send review items because you just want free publicity then it means you don’t think much of CBO.  So why should CBO be interested in you?

By December I’m hoping that companies will be sending review copies. If not,then January,2009 will see CBO vanish. It isn’t a joke.  CBO supports and promotes publishers but CBO needs the publishers to support it.

Don’t believe I’d close CBO down?  That’s what other people said about yahoo groups I owned with high memberships but no aqctivity from members who just wanted downloadable scans.  I closed them.

A pity but why go to all the effort if the people you try to help don’t care?

So,the changes start here.

 

 

Archie for November August 23, 2008

ARCHIE COMICS SHIPPING NOVEMBER 2008

ARCHIE #591THE SCHOOL YEAR WINDS DOWN AND SO DOES THE “FRESHMAN YEAR SAGA” IN THIS THRILLING CONCLUSION!

“Freshman Year: Spring Term”: As the first year of high school winds down, the teens anticipate the summer break… but not before having a “Spring Formal” to send off the school year. But a few uninvited guests have crashed the dance – an unwelcome band of bikers who have an axe to grind with the school, especially a freshman named Archie! Who are they and what is their problem? Plus, the spy in Riverdale is finally revealed. Will Mr. Weatherbee prevail? It’s a thrilling way to end the school year, courtesy of fan-favorite writer Batton Lash of “Wolff & Byrd” and “Archie Meets the Punisher” fame, along with “Scrapyard Detectives” creator and popular Archie artist/writer Bill Galvan. SCRIPT: Batton Lash. ART: Bill Galvan.

Shipping Date: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 9^th, 2008

32-recycled page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #125THE SECOND PART OF A TWO-PART TALE BY POPULAR “WJHC” WRITER JANE SMITH FISHER! “Battle of the Bands, Part Two”: In the aftermath of their rockin’ contest performance, the Archies face a new challenge: a sponsor who will only cover half their prize travel expenses! Now the group must get jobs quickly to raise the money… except Reggie and Veronica of course, who are riding on their parents’ dimes. But will that free ride last? The rockers learn a valuable lesson about earning their own “fun money”… and the value of good work ethics in the process! Not to mention how important it is to help those in need. A longtime advocate for kids’ comics, writer Jane Smith Fisher has devoted her career to telling age-appropriate stories in series such as “Cybernauts” and the highly popular “WJHC,” about a group of teens who start their own high school radio station. Jane has been embraced by librarians and schools across the nation. Now she brings her special voice for both young and female characters to Archie Comics in this rock ‘n’ rollin’ storyline. SCRIPT: Jane Smith Fisher. ART: Stan Goldberg. Shipping Date: November 5^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: November 25^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

ARCHIE DIGEST #249“Dream Scene”: What’s the perfect remedy to being stuck in class on a cold winter day? When you’re Archie, it’s daydreaming of beach balls and bikinis, of course! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Randy Elliott. “Stop Watch”: Mr. Weatherbee welcomes the inevitable first mishap of the semester – once Archie, Jughead and Reggie get in trouble, the school year can officially begin! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Tim Kennedy. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 2^nd, 2008

88-page, full color digest

$2.49 US.

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #194“The Voting Game”: It’s a case of dueling campaign posters when Archie and Reggie run against one another for class president. SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Tim Kennedy. “Fame Game”: Archie learns that fame is fleeting when he fumbles a football. SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Pat Kennedy. ALSO: Little Archie and his friends are back in “The Riverdale Elementary School Musical”: Little Archie and his friends prove that high schoolers aren’t the only ones who can put on musicals in this tuneful tale! SCRIPT AND ART: Dexter Taylor. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 3^rd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 16^th, 2008

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.

BETTY #177

“The Big Battle”: Betty and her friends compare their energy conserving dates… and how their boyfriends did or didn’t comply! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Down Memory Lane”: Thumbing through her diary takes Betty back to Christmas when she was 9 years old. SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg. “Secret Shopper”: Tired of all the attention Veronica draws when they go shopping together, Betty decides to make a solo shopping trip… and has all the sales clerks competing to sell something to “Veronica’s friend!” SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg. “The Dilemma”: Can Betty find a way to get her boyfriends Archie and Adam to see eye-to-eye? SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.

Shipping Date: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 3^rd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 16^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #86SPECIAL HOLIDAY ISSUE! “Jingles All the Way”: The Sugar Plum fairy is convinced that Betty and Veronica are being manipulated by Archie; while Jingles the Elf thinks Archie would be better off without the girls. They each decide to take matters into their diminutive hands – by adopting human forms to distract the teens! Will their diversions dismantle the love triangle for good, or will there be a merry… and romantic… Christmas for everyone after all? SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 2^nd, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #189“The Present”: Betty tries to live for the “here and now,” but Veronica is only interested in it “every now and then!” SCRIPT: Barbara Slate. ART: Pat Kennedy. “The Party”: After accidentally gobbling up goodies meant for the Orphanage Christmas party, Jughead finds a way to redeem himself and keep the Christmas spirit alive. SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Jeff Shultz. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: November 5^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: November 25^th, 2008

88-page, full color digest

$2.49 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #166“Back to Basics”: Cheryl gets a surprise visit from her friends from Pembrooke Academy…and that’s not all that’s returning… by story’s end, there just may be a “reversal of fortune” for the whole Blossom family, and perhaps a new beginning, too! SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. “Girls’ Night Out”: With their boyfriends otherwise engaged, Betty, Veronica, Midge and Nancy plan a girls’ night out… but plans are made to be broken! Will the gal pals get a chance to bond, or will the boys get back in the picture? SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg. ALSO: Little Betty in “A Real Sport”: Little Betty becomes a gridiron gal and helps the boys defeat the South Side Serpents in a football face-off! SCRIPT AND ART: Dexter Taylor. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 9^th, 2008

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.

JUGHEAD #192

“On Demand”: For his mother’s birthday, Jughead creates a coupon book filled with chores he’ll do for her – but when it falls into the wrong hands (namely, Reggie’s), Jughead finds himself toiling for everyone but his mother! “Knees Freeze”: Shorts in the winter? It could only be Jughead! “The Hideaway”: Jughead loves napping on sofas and sleeping on beds… wait until he discovers sofa beds! SCRIPTS: Craig Boldman. ART: Rex Lindsey.

Shipping Date: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: December 3^rd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 16^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #145“Pizza and Good Cheer!”: Take Jughead, some pizza pies, a giving heart, mix it up with good cheer and what have you got? A yuletide tale that will warm your heart… and your belly! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Fernando Ruiz. “Tree Fortified”: Archie searches for the perfect Christmas tree, but the only problem is the perfect Christmas tree is also the perfect cover for woodland creatures! SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Stan Goldberg. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: November 5^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: November 25^th,2008

176-page, full color digest

$3.69 US.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #98“The Final Battle, Part 1”: The countdown to the 100^th issue continues…and so do the preparations for battle, as enemies are revealed and new allies arise! With the Magic Realm dying and Hemlock revealed as a traitor, Sabrina takes her rightful place as one of the Four Blades. They band with Batty Bartholomew and all the ex-Blades, and even Hilda, Zelda and Salem join the cause. Sabrina, Shinji, Llandra and Narayan also seek out the Four Elementals and convince them to join up through a series of tests. Vosblanc, meanwhile, prepares his own army and gets members of the Magic Council to side with him. Battle lines are drawn, and tensions rise in this thrill-packed issue!

SCRIPT: Tania del Rio. ART: Lindsey Cibos (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks). Shipping Date: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 9^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

SONIC SELECT VOLUME #2THE NEW SERIES OF SONIC COLLECTIONS FEATURING CLASSIC TALES FROM SONIC SUPER SPECIALS CONTINUES!

Following in the smashing success of the Sonic Archives series, Archie continues the proud tradition of reprints with Sonic Select! These fully restored and re-mastered 6×9 inch graphic novels feature the best stories taken from the original Sonic Super Specials! Volume 2 presents stories from such classic specials as “Knuckles’ Chaotix”, “Super Sonic vs. Hyper Knuckles”, “Mecha Madness”, and “Sonic Live!” Now these hard-to-find stories are conveniently collected in this handsome volume, allowing fans from today and yesterday to add to their stash of Sonic comics, or start a whole new collection! Join the fun and become a part of Archie-Sonic history! SCRIPTS: Mike Gallagher, Ken Penders, Kent Taylor and Mike Kanterovich. ART: Art Mawhinney, Patrick Spaziante, Ken Penders, Harvey Mercadoocasio and Rich Koslowski. Super-terrific cover by Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante! ISBN #: 978-1-879794-36-5

Shipping Date: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 2^nd, 2008

128-page, full color graphic novel

$11.95 US.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #194“Otherside, Part Two”: Sonic’s plan to find help on the mirror world of Moebius backfired and now he’s fighting for his life! Back home, the Suppression Squad has had enough – but are two teams enough to stop King Scourge? All this, plus you won’t believe who makes his big debut this month! Surprises abound in this issue! SCRIPT: Ian Flynn. ART: Tracy Yardley! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks). Pulse-pounding cover by Tracy Yardley! & Jason Jensen.

Shipping Date: November 5^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: November 25^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

SONIC X #39

“Big Trouble in Little Station Square, Part Two”:Look out below! Vectorzilla is on a rampage – or is he? When a super-sized Bokkun shows up to save the day, things go from bad to worse! It’s up to Sonic and Espio to find the cure before G.U.N. steps in. It’s all the action and laughs you’ve come to expect from SONIC X, and then some! SCRIPT: Ian Flynn. ART: Steven Butler (pencils) and Terry Austin (inks). Utter chaos cover by Kaiju-crunchin’ Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante!

Shipping Date: November 19^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 26^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: December 9^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

Backlist:All backlist titles…Shipping Date: November 5^th, 2008On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: November 12^th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: November 25^th,2008 Holidays are a time for good will and cheer,and this month’s backlist titles are no exception! In the pages of Archie’s Christmas Stocking, fans can relive classic Christmas tales in these 48-page specials! Archie’s Christmas Stocking #7, $2.29 US. Archie’s Christmas Stocking #6, $2.25 US. Archie’s Christmas Stocking #4, $2.00 US. Meanwhile, over in Archie’s Holiday Fun Digest, carol with Archie and the gang with these 96-page yuletide bonanzas, which reprint Archie holiday stories from days of yore!

Archie’s Holiday Fun Digest #12, $2.49 US. Archie’s Holiday Fun Digest #11, $2.49 US. Archie’s Holiday Fun Digest #10, $2.39 US. Archie’s Holiday Fun Digest #9, $2.39 US.

Jusko and Texeira Put a Little Icing on DragonCon!
Both talents featured in painting panel Sunday
Atlanta, GA. — DragonCon is already known as the Mardi Gras of Atlanta! So, what could you possibly add to that array of outrageous colorful costumes, top celebs, live music, charity auctions and eye-popping art? We’ve got an idea, and so does DragonCon! Adding to the festivities this year, the mainstay convention welcomes talented creators Joe Jusko and Mark Texeira–Metaphorically putting the icing on their cake of fine art painters and illustrators that always make up this popular show.In fact,

Mark Texeira’s illustrative style always adds a bit of “New York know-how” to any show he attends, and at DragonCon, Mark will be unveiling six new prints for the occasion as well, some with room for remarks. Known for his stunning interiors on “Ghost Rider” and “MoonKnight,” and his fantastic cover work on “Red Sonja,” “Vampirella,” “Ghost Rider,” “Conan” 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, due out in October; and the new “Creator Chronicles: Mark Texeira” DVD on the artist from Woodcrest Productions/Eva Ink, will also debut this year.Renowned creator

Joe Jusko is virtually a household name to anyone who loves painted covers, revered for his realistic depictions of comic characters, babes and barbarians, Jusko is also the subject of an upcoming “Creator Chronicles: Joe Jusko” DVD, in which Joe sits down to talk about his prolific career from his start at “Heavy Metal” to Conan, Marvel Masterpiece, ERB and Tomb Raider. Also, for the first time on camera, Joe gives an exclusive and entertaining art lesson as he paints an entire piece from start to finish! All from one of the very best to ever pick up a brush. The DVD can be pre-ordered for $29.95, or via the Diamond Catalogue in the Little Eva Ink section, ISBN: 978-1-60643-801-5In addition, Joe is also the focus of a new art book on the horizon “The Art of Joe Jusko” due out in December. This book offers readers a chance to witness his immense career in a generous 300 pages, offering glimpses of previously never-before-seen material from his files and sketchbooks, his enormously popular comic work, covers and illustrations from his book publishing career, as well as beautifully reproduced images of his personal favorites and insights into his life and creative process.Jusko

and Tex will be available all days of DragonCon in Artist Alley, along with writer Renee Witterstaetter, whose recent books include “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden.” The two painters will also be part of a “Painting for Comic Covers” panel on Sunday of the show.  Other comic talent appearing at the convention  include Mark Brooks, Tommy Castillo, Peter David, Francesco Francavilla, Cully Hamner, Eva Hopkins, Joseph Michael Linsner, David Mack, Nathan Massengill, Steve Rude, Steve Scott, Brian Stelfreeze, William Stout, Bernie Wrightson, and many more.DragonCon takes place August 29-September 1st in Atlanta, GA. For more information, check out: www.dragoncon.org
For more information on the artists, contact: evaink@aol.com

 This just in:

“Hi Folks–Just a quick note to let you know that Mark’s sketch list is open for Dragon Con. Let me know if you ‘d like to order a sketch.

Regards,
Renee”

Eva Ink Artist Group

 

ALPHA –THE EXCHANGE

Authors: Jigounov & Renard

ISBN: 9781905460595 Age: 15 years and upSize: 18.4 x 25.7 cmNumber of pages: 96 colour pages

Publication: July 2008

£9.99

Assia Donkova is a young Muscovite, idealistic and very attractive. As manager of an art gallery, she visits Paris museums and exhibitions in search of new Western talents. In front of a Monet work one day, she meets painter Julian Morgan. Very quickly the young woman falls under his spell, and they meet again. But is Julian only an aspiring painter? Why does he spy on Assia’s slightest moves? And what are the mysterious appointments Assia keeps? Russian mafia and powerful financial organizations are at the centre of a diabolical machination… one that could eventually present grave danger to the new global balance… 

This two-volume book includes “The Bogdanov Clan.”

It would be interesting to know what the blurb about certain scenes in these Cinebook editions having been changed refers to.

That said,I find I really have run out of words to adequately describe this book.  In fact,I’m sure that Olivier is the mastermind behind some huge secret French plot to bring style and quality to the UK…the world!

Art,colour,story..FANTASTIC.

Honestly,if you have not picked up a Cinebook title I feel very sorry for you. You are missing huge treats that will get you hooked –and at very reasonable prices.  Put down the Marvel and DC comics and BUY a Cinebook title!

  

ALDEBARAN -1:The Catastrophe

Authors: LEO

PAPERBACKAge: 15 years and upSize: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 104 colour pages

ISBN: 9781905460571

Publication: June 2008

£9.99

In Aldebaran’s Worlds, you’ll live one of the most fantastic sagas ever written by man. The author tells the story of humanity’s first attempts to colonise distant planets. In their travels, Kim and his companions will encounter strange creatures and face the dangers of unknown worlds. They’ll witness the destruction caused by the madness of mankind. In the first album, Kim meets Mark, another teenager who has survived the annihilation of their village. Together they set out to find explanations for this terrible catastrophe…

This two-volume book includes “The Blonde.”

There is nothing,initially,that says “science fiction” about this book. Then the odd “intrusions” occur –the reaction of Messrs.Northall and Brown to these was “WHAT??” 

I have seen glimpses of the art before but seeing the complete book is a treat.  If Olivier Cadic and his efforts with Cinebook to bring marvellous books like this to the “great unwashed” does not get an Eagle Award then the whole system must be corrupt.

Aldebaran literally brightens up the UK comic book scene.

 

 LARGO WINCH -2:Takeover Bid  

Authors: Francq & Van Hamme

PAPERBACKAge: 15 years and upSize: 18.4 x 25.7 cmNumber of pages: 96 colour pages

Publication: July 2008

ISBN: 9781905460588

£9.99

A veritable secret war for power takes place behind the scenes in big financial groups. One of the most common methods of attack is the takeover bid: A would-be buyer offers to acquire all available shares of a rival at a determined price in order to control it. The W group is attacked by FENICO, a business conglomerate. As if this were not enough, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service also takes on Largo Winch. Will he lose his entire fortune? 

This two-volume book includes “Business Blues”.

Awful.  Absolutely awful.  Nah,can’t carry through with that!  Again,another great book with art work that leaves me drooling and wishing I was half as good!  And the cover…oh,the cover! That is one wonderfully rendered woman!!

How could I not recommend this book?  If you like crime thrillers,action and more that Largo Winch MUST be on your Christmas wish-list!

 

 YOKO TSUNO -3:The Prey And The Ghost

Author: Roger Leloup

Age: 8 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Publication: July 2008

ISBN: 9781905460564

£5.99 

While driving on a road in Scotland, Yoko barely manages to miss a girl who is absolutely hysterical and being followed by a pack of dogs… The girl, Cecilia, is an orphan who lives in a genuine Scottish castle. Yoko and her friends soon realize that oddities surround the girl. A mysterious castle, ghosts…A whiff of the supernatural floats around the young Scotswoman…or will she be the victim of an odious conspiracy?

Somehow I never got volume 2 which is a pity because this is a great title and everything from the characters to scenery is well rendered.  If you want a good book for kids as well as adults you cannot go far wrong with Yoko Tsuno!

  

  

PURI PURI volume 6  

Author: Chiaki Taro ISBN: 978-1-59796-106-6Date Published: 7/29/2008Format: Paperback / B&W Number of pages: 192 Rating: 15+ Price: $9.95 

One step closer to becoming a priest, Kamioda is asked to reside in a local church and help out the presiding priest, as a priest-in-training. But a sweet and devilish troublemaker named Emily awaits him, testing his determination with her ripe body. Ayano is concerned that Kamioda is being seduced by Emily and her big boobs, and tries her best to attract Kamioda by enlarging her chest size (with the help of Eri and Rumi). Can Kamioda handle the pressure and continue down the road to becoming a good priest?

DARK EDGE volume 8  

Author: Yu AikawaISBN: 978-1-59796-028-1 Date Published: 7/25/2008Format: Paperback / B&W Number of pages: 208 Rating: 15+ Price: $9.95  

In order to save his sick sister, Tetsuzou has been working on a plan to gain the secret of eternal life from the Nosferatu teachers, and tonight he is finally going to execute his plan. After the principal erases Kikuchi’s memory, he opens the school gates and tells Kurou and gang to take her out before she witnesses more bloody rampages. Tetsuzou secretly stays behind and goes to see the vampire Nosferatu Satou-sensei, to turn himself into one of them in order to save his sister from leukemia. But Sato-sensei turns the tables when he realizes how good Tetsuzo’s blood tastes and decides to drink until he drains him of his last drop of blood!

Again I have to say that these books are quality and very enjoyable –particularly Dark Edge. 

What really annoys me is that these books still are not available at the local Forbidden Planet.  Any CBOers out there know shops where Dr Master books ARE available?  Or a UK mail order service selling them?

Other than that you can always order via Dr Master’s own web site.