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PRESS RELEASE - SILVERLINE MISSES THE BOAT THIS DECEMBER!

All-ages graphic novel reveals the final fate of the forgotten Churamane!

 

1 October 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Shadowline’s all-ages Silverline book imprint expands this December with the story of the one species too lazy to get on Noah’s Arc, MISSING THE BOAT.

 

“MISSING THE BOAT is a project I knew we had to publish based off the concept alone,” said Silverline Publisher Jim Valentino. “The idea of a species so lazy they doomed themselves to extinction really caught me, but Justin Shady’s [aka Wayne Chinsang] story combined with Dwellephant’s innovative art style really brought the whole thing together.” 

 

MISSING THE BOAT solves the riddle of what happened to the Churamane, a particularly lazy and not too terribly bright species that lived a long time ago and vanished without a trace. Intelligently written with wonderfully vibrant art, this story will delight adults as well as children and, if you’re not looking, may even teach a lesson or two.

 

MISSING THE BOAT (OCT082310), a 96-page hardcover graphic novel for $18.99, will be released December 17th, 2008. For more information, please see www.shadowlinecomics.com/silverline.

For those still interested the Euro Comics group is still open to members but,yes,you have to join! The link is:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eurocomics/?yguid=192631557

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #30

“For Monsters Only”: Can it be true?  Have Archie and Jughead really stumbled into a Halloween party where the guests are not in costume but are actual, real-live monsters?  Find out for yourself if this tale is a “trick” or a “treat!”  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  “The Pies Have It”: Move over, Gordon – it’s a real “kitchen nightmare” when cafeteria cook Miss Beazly loses a ring in a pot pie!  SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.  ART: Bob Bolling.  “The Promise”: Mr. Weatherbee promises to perform as a clown if the students improve their reading averages, leading some to ask, “What else is new?!”  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy.   PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: September 24^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: October 14^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 US.

Classics Illustrated:[1]The War Of The Worlds

Classic Comics Store Ltd

52pp

colour

£2.99 UK

Initially,the cover reminded me of certain old Indian publishers titles -probably where they got the idea! And my other thought was “brilliant”.  In retrospect I should have picked up the childrens Snow White And The Seven Dwarves because the colour was much more subtle.

In fact,if I have to,I would say that the colour sucked big time.  It was just awful. It looked as though someone had used the IGrafix programme on their computer and did a basic colour job. That might have succeeded and been passable.  But,no,it just couldn’t be left at that. The old novice ‘good idea’ of adding splodges of line or pools of colour to give what they must have thought would give toning was used..  It didn’t. It looks a mess.

And what hammers home the problem is that four people worked on the colouring so it goes from “hmm,not really that awful” to “Yugh!” in a page.

I’d also suggest that the people at Classical Comics Store [thankfully nothing to do with the superb Classical Comics] also visit the online Blambot site where they can download free speech/thought balloons because the very basic ones they used [hey,I learned from my mistake and so have others!] stick in your eye like a splinter of wood from an exploded tree.

And text? Well,uuugh. It was a chore -never ever use coloured caption boxes if you can help it. Awful. I’d also suggest that rather than using a font that really does not set the dialogue aside from captions and will at least look different,Comic Sans font be used.  Only a prat with minimal brain capacity screeches on about “eugh! Comic Sans!  Its awful! It needs obliteration!”  My response to that? Go **** off.

I really,really,really hate being negative about a new comic from a new publisher,especially from the UK,but this title shows just “How Not To”.

I will pick up the Snow White book but for me TWOTW fades beside the work of D’Israeli on the Dark Horse books.

Buy a copy and see if you agree.

You can check out their website at:

www.classicsillustrated.co.uk

There is,for some of us,a fascination for early British comics and the characters/creators.  Ally Sloper and Steve The Horse I have tried to deal with on my Yahoo British Comic Books Archives group.

 

And,about five years ago I used pages of art sent to me by the late comic historian Denis Gifford to produce an A5 tribute publication to Roland Davies creation,Steve The Horse –“Come On Steve”.

 

I knew Davies had been involved in animation and had produced features.  However,I guessed that I’d never see these as buying 9.5mm 1930s film seemed like a fantasy.

 

Until,quite by accident,I was looking for more Davies info when I came across a site run by Grahame L. Newnham and well worth checking out if you have an interest in Pathe or other old films:

 

www.pathefilm.freeserve.co.uk 

 

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I was an advertisement of Newnham’s for “Come On Steve!”—a complete collection of the character’s animated features on a DVD.  And the price was perfect!

 

Sadly,ill health put all idea of buying a DVD out of my mind. However,when I recovered and realised that I hadn’t ordered it -I did!

 

The disc includes:

 

Steve’s Treasure Hunt  [1936]

Steve Steps Out       [1936]

Steve Of The River  [1937]

Cinderella Steve   [1937]

Steve In

Bohemia  [1937]

Steve’s Cannon Crackers  [1937]

Bal Costume [French Silent version] 1937.

 

 

With a wonderfully vintage sound track it might be that some would find, in these somewhat ridiculously over the top politically correct times,Steve Of The River a little “racist” in its depiction of African natives.  But I am totally opposed to retro censorship of historical images [such as using computers to remove the cigar from the mouth of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel!]. This was the 1930s and the truth is that not everyone was racist!  This was the easiest way for a cartoonist to depict natives in a comical film.

 

So be warned!

 

The quality for 70+ year old films is great.  I loved some of the wacky scenes featuring things such as a police gyrocopter! 

 

If you don’t like black and white animation then it’s not for you.  But if you have any interesting the history of British comics,the creators and animation you’ll LOVE this! And Grahame included some nice info fact sheets with background and all for £9.95 + 75p p&p!

 

Check out the website and contact Grahame for current price in case it’s altered. You won’t be sorry in adding this to your DVD animation collection!

 

Terry

 

 

Again,I can only sadly report that no one from Zack has gotten back to me but if you speak German check the site out at:

http://www.zack-magazin.de/zack/index.php?parent=1&sub=yes&idcat=1&lang=1

Out at the moment is:

 Zack nr.112,September issue

Doha’s The Great Catsby vol.1

And the latest volume in the Michel Vaillant series -has the popularity of this series never diminished in the last 30+ years of German editions?!

 

So check the site out and try a bit of German for a change!

Didn’t check the CBO stats last week but did so today -258,292!

I have to admit that 258,292 staggers me somewhat. I know I often complain that no one,or very few,people leave comments but I have to say that if I had to approve over 200,000 comments I’d go insane!

All I can say to you good folk in comic fandom  is THANK YOU.

To those retailers who read and act on what CBO reviews -THANK YOU!

To those people who don’t think CBO is worth bothering with -a huge rasberry.

Thank you one and all.

Now please tell me how I can make money out of this!!!

Terry

NEPHYLYM, MAMORU THE SHADOW PROTECTOR & THE FOUR CONSTABLES AVAILABLE NOW!

SAN JOSE, CA – September 2008 – DrMaster Publications has announced the release of the new fantasy-action manga Nephylym vol. 1 by Rei Kusakabe, Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2, the comedy manga series by Sai Madara, and The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger vol. 2, the kung fu action-packed, brilliantly colored manhua series by Andy Seto and Tony Wong.

 

Nephylym vol. 1

Shun has a unique power to electrically charge metal materials. A mysterious winged angel-like being named Air picks up on his powers and chooses him to become her partner, thus enhancing Shun’s powers. Shun soon finds out that his classmate Sanari (the class hottie), also has a winged angel partner of her own, named Blissful. She explains to Shun that these beings are called Nephylym, and they choose suitable humans to be their “Answerers” to help them purify evil elements (Noirs). Together with Sanari and Tsukasa (Shun’s rival in love and an Answerer as well), they battle alongside their Nephylym against Noir that possess human beings.

 

Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2

Mamoru Kagemori is a dull high school boy who’s not handsome, athletic, or intelligent. But he is actually the eldest son of the 400-year-old Ninja clan specializing in protecting their neighbors, the Konnyakus. And the object of Mamoru’s protection is none other than their only daughter, Yuna Konnyaku, a natural born accident-prone troublemaker. When Yuna enters an idol contest and makes it to the finals, despite her hilariously bizarre performance, Mamoru has to go all out with his ninja skills in order to fend off perverted judges and crazed fans! But if Yuna becomes an idol will Mamoru still be able to protect her?

 

The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger vol. 2

Emotionless and Yuan-Shan Lan are engulfed in an intense battle, when they discover a spy with evil intentions… While Iron Fist and Cold Blooded fight for their lives as they get closer to finding the evil mastermind behind all the vicious killings. Who is he? And what machinations does he have planned? The plot thickens as more secrets are revealed… You don’t want miss out on all the kung fu fighting action!

Availability

Nephylym vol. 1, Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2, and The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger vol. 2 are ALL AVAILABLE NOW. Nephylym vol. 1 and Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2 are each priced at $9.95. The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger vol. 2 is fully-colored and will be priced at $13.95.

       

About DrMaster Publications Inc.:

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

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

About DGN Productions International:

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

 

CONTACT:

Ian SharmanManaging Editorian@orangutancomics.co.uk 

 

ORANG UTAN COMICS STUDIO SLAMS INTO

BIRMINGHAM!New artist announcement as OUCS attends BICS! 

Fresh from the success of Eleventh Hour Vol 1 hitting the number one spot on WOWIO, Orang Utan Comics Studio are today announcing an exciting new addition to the creative team of The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam Ridley as they prepare to take the Birmingham International Comics Show by storm this weekend. 

The adventures of the space adventurer, Slam Ridley, were previously set to be illustrated by the highly talented Simon Wyatt. However, Simon and the OUCS team felt that his vast talents would be better suited to some of their other upcoming projects, including the Viking tale

Valhalla, written by Peter Rogers, and further adventures of the unfortunate medieval hero, Danick Drakesbane. This, of course, left a huge hole to be filled in the creative team on what OUCS hopes to be one of its flag ship titles. Thus, the search began for a new artist to take on the task of illustrating the adventures of the rugged hero, Slam Ridley, and his robotic companion Dan. 

It gives Orang Utan Comics Studio huge pleasure to announce that the new artist on The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam Ridley will be the immensely talented Craig Yeung. Craig is probably best known for his inking work on various Marvel Comics books, including Runaways and X-Men: First Class, and is also a highly accomplished penciler. Series creator and plotter, Ian Sharman, said, “While we’re sad to see Simon leave the book, and want to publicly acknowledge the huge amount of time and effort he put into helping us develop the world of Slam Ridley, we couldn’t be more excited about having Craig on board as the new artist. We drew up a wish list of artists which included a lot of very talented people who were all working for the big two publishers. To be honest, we weren’t expecting any of them to say yes. Craig was right at the top of the list and we were stunned when he accepted the job.” 

Series script writer, Peter Rogers, added, “Craig seemed to ‘get’ the idea behind The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam Ridley right away and instantly understood the look that we were going for. I’m really looking forward to working with him.” 

Orang Utan Comics Studio are making this announcement to coincide with their attendance at the Birmingham International Comics Show held from 4^th-5th October at the Think Tank in

Birmingham. OUCS are really pleased to be returning to BICS after a very successful show last year. Co-founders of the studio, Peter Rogers and Ian Sharman will be on hand all weekend to sign copies of their critically acclaimed anthology Eleventh Hour, answer any and all questions about the studio and review portfolios. Several of the studio’s artists, including Simon Wyatt and John Charles can also be found at the OUCS stand throughout the weekend, signing comics, sketching and giving advice to aspiring artists. 

For more information on Orang Utan Comics Studio visit them online at www.orangutancomics.co.uk  

 

Further Information
Orang Utan Comics
 Orang Utan Comics Studio began life in 2007, bringing together rising talent from across the World.  Since coming together to form the studio OUC creators have worked on titles including Contraband, Starship Troopers and Kong.  Their Eagle Award Nominated Anthology “Eleventh Hour” was recently picked up by AAM/Markosia.  They are also developing a number of new comic projects including Slam Ridley, Young Gods, Mamluk and 5^th Outlaw.. For more information about Orang Utan Comics visit www.orangutancomics.co.uk. 

The Intergalactic Adventures of Slam RidleyIf you like Star Wars and Firefly then you’re sure to enjoy the adventures of Slam Ridley and his metal skinned sidekick, Dan. Set one thousand years into the future, where humanity has already used up two Earths and is well on its way to using up a third. Elections have been suspended by the Galactic President in order to preserve freedom in the face of terrorist attacks. Created by Ian Sharman with a killer script by Peter Rogers and eye meltingly good artwork by Craig Yeung, this four part mini-series is bound to be a smash hit (we hope!).Sound interesting? You can find out more about Slam at his official website.

Birmingham International Comics Show 20084-5 October 2008, Think Tank, Millennium Point,

BirminghamThe Birmingham International Comics show is the

UK’s largest dedicated comic book event, with more comic book fun and excitement packed under one roof than any other show.www.thecomicsshow.co.uk

 

 

LUCKY LUKE no.12 –The Rivals Of Painful Gulch 

Authors: Morris & Goscinny

Age: 8 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Paperback

£5.99

ISBN: 9781905460601

Publication: August 2008

Two rival families live in Painful Gulch: the O’Timmins clan, who have big noses, and the O’Haras, who have big ears. They’ve been fighting for decades and don’t even know why anymore. Lucky Luke is appointed mayor in order to bring peace back to the town. But the men and their thick-headed sense of honour will wreck all of Lucky Luke’s plans for reconciliation. Our hero must find a solution!

You see –I get Lucky Luke though I’d prefer Melusine! Ah well,luck of the draw. That said,although Lucky Luke has not tickled my funny-bone for a long while I can certainly appreciate the art style and effort that goes into producing it.  And Morris drew the character from 1946 until his death in..2001 and over 60+ years later the albums and character are still going strong and as far as I’m concerned that kicks any criticism out the stadium!

Kids will love Lucky Luke and I know that there will be many,many –many- adults included.  Certainly the series seems very popular in India and I can’t see the series ever failing!

And look out for the following coming from Cinebook soon:

A Lucky Luke Adventure - The Dashing White Cowboy £5.99

A Lucky Luke Adventure - The Tenderfoot £5.99

But,can Lucky Luke really be “The man who shoots faster than his own shadow”?  I asked Prof. Stephen Hawking and so far no response!

 

IZNOGOUD 2 –The Caliph’s Vacation 

Authors: Goscinny & Tabary

Age: All ages

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 52 colour pages

PAPERBACK

£5.99

ISBN: 9781905460618

Publication: August 2008

Legend has it that in Baghdad the magnificent, a great and particularly dark-minded vizier, who answers to the name of Iznogoud, works on his ambition to steal the throne of Caliph Haroun al Plassid. Thus his favourite saying: “I want to be caliph instead of the caliph!” Iznogoud, seconded by his faithful servant Wa’at Alahf, goes on vacation with the caliph…in the desert! Of course, his goal is to get rid of him by any means necessary…

Oh,this is just lovely.  I looked through it about three times before even reading the text!  Again,kids are going to love this and I’m sure a few adults are going to be yelling “OUCH!” at some of the puns in the book.  It’s something to sit back and just thumb through on a cold Autumn or Winter evening and enjoy. 

Actually,it reads a lot better in English than it does in the German versions I read,though that may be down to translation.

Put it on your,or the kids,Christmas gift list!

 

 CEDRIC 1 –High-Risk Class

Authors: Laudec & Cauvin

Age: 8 years and up

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 48 colour pages

Paperback

£5.99

ISBN: 9781905460687

Publication: September 2008

Cedric is a little 8-year-old boy, a grumbler with a big heart, who shares his life with his parents, his grandpa, his school, his mates, and Chen, the love of his life, to whom he doesn’t dare declare his feelings. It’s not easy being a little boy! But Cedric works hard to preserve the peace. Luckily, Grandpa is always there for the hard knocks and the blue moods…

I’ll admit that,though I have heard the title mentioned I have never seen a copy of a book featuring Cedric.

Loved the cover –which leads onto the frontispiece!!!  Says it all.

“Driving Under The Influence Of Laughter”,”Nurse Mum” and “First Sip” are great and the style is wonderfully rendered and if I was cornered and had to give my opinion I’d say “I have no doubt we’ll see a Cedric Vol.43!”  Young or old,you will enjoy this and I think it great that a book intended for children can cross the age-gap in a way Lucky Luke,Iznogud and now Cedric can.

Smile!

 

THE SCORPION 1 –The Devil’s Mark

Authors: Marini & Desberg

Age: 15 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

PAPERBACK

£9.99

ISBN: 9781905460625

Publication: August 2008

Rome the beautiful is dying, the symbol of civilization falling, the empire burning. Hidden from massacres and looting, a strange meeting is held by nine families who share the

Roman Empire. To retain their power, they decide to support a new religion—Christianity—as well as its representative, the pope. But who are these 9 mysterious families?

Later, much later, it’s the Renaissance. Christianity prospers. A brigand called “the Scorpion” makes a living by unearthing relics in the depths of the Roman catacombs, which he sells at high prices to princes and bishops. Trebaldi, a powerful cardinal, takes an interest in this Scorpion, who is either a creature of the devil… or a witness to a cursed era who must disappear …

This two-volume book includes “The Pope’s Secret ”

About,what,eight years ago now,I had a feature in Comic Bits and raved about the art I had seen on a book titled “The Scorpion”.  And when Olivier Cadic told me that Cinebook were going to publish the title in English I was more than a little excited.

Now I have the book. Or,rather,the books because in that great Cinebook tradition you get two books in one for £9.99!!

The cover is slick and stylish.  But let’s skip straight to the interior of the book. 

Stephen Desberg’s writing skills are beyond question –see IR$ for a look at his more modern set story telling skills.  So you get what you expect:good dialogue,solid stor-telling and twists and surprises.  A great read.

And Enrico Marini’s art?  I can’t think of enough words to do it justice.  “Incredible to the Nth degree!”  Still doesn’t do it justice. Neither do my  sadly usual “lovely”,”superb”,etc..  The scenery and backgrounds alone would make any comic stand out but the craftsmanship in rendering firearms and weapons of the period as well as the truly lush costumes are..ooh,”incredibly lovely and superb”!  The figure work is exemplary and there are 96 pages of this!!

The Scorpion knocks the bejabers out of most US mainstream comic work.

If you buy US comics and were even tempted to buy a top quality European comic album[s] then this is it.  If this doesn’t sell out the comic industry is ****!  Sorry,but I feel I can’t express it any other way than that,or…

BUY THE SCORPION-IT’S INCREDIBLE!!

Deep breaths,Terry.  Deep breaths.

 

 GREEN MANOR 2 –The Inconvenience Of Being Dead

Authors: Bodart - Vehlmann

Age: 12 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Paperback

£9.99

ISBN: 9781905460649

Publication: September 2008

A cup of tea? A drop of milk? A spoonful of poison?

At first sight, nothing would make the very select club called Green Manor stand out from any other English club. Yet behind its thick walls, sunk into its deep chairs, hides the biggest bunch of con artists, bandits and murderers that Queen Victoria’s

England has ever seen.

Well,we know that volume 1 sold well enough!  And I was impressed by the style and content.  I wondered whether vol.2 would be as good.

But with a cover illo that has tongue placed firmly in its cheek how can it go wrong?  I’ve heard of “skeletons in the cupboard” and even “sweeping away the evidence” –but under a carpet?!  A very nice piece of artwork in itself.

And a title that could have come straight from an episode of The Avengers TV series just has to get you hooked!

In 1899,a man escapes from an insane asylum and Dr Thorne is called upon to negotiate with the man who holds a couple hostage while he..dusts the room. Er,well,that may have given away who the escapee is if you read vol.1!

“Child’s Play”,”The Mark Of The Beast”,”Voodoo Night” and more tales will have you in stitches but maybe a little confused.  You see,some pages from “Mark Of The Beast” and “Voodoo Night” are printed twice!  Hmm. Odd but it adds a certain eccentricity to the book!  Seriously,no major problem but it does make you think you’ve flipped back a few pages!

No doubt that will be sorted out though.

My conclusion on Green Manor II [which also contains Green Manor III]?  Brilliant. As excellent and funny as volume I and I’m sure it will sell just as well.

 

THORGAL –The Archers

Authors: Rosinski & Van Hamme

Age: 12 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

PAPERBACK

£9.99

 ISBN: 9781905460670

Publication: September 2008

Jolan has become a robust kid who is interested in everything. The strange signs he draws without knowing their meaning thoroughly intrigue his parents. During one escapade, he makes friends with a boy his age. The child seems to be lost and is terrified of adults. Along with being deaf and mute, he cannot answer questions raised by his mysterious presence.

Surprised by a storm, Thorgal has been taken in by an old couple. Without boat or money, he can’t return to his village. Perhaps an archery competition will allow him to buy a new boat. Of all the competitors, the beautiful Kriss de Valnor is without any doubt the most formidable…

This two-volume book includes “Alinoe”.

“Alinsoe” is almost spine-chillingly scarey at points. I love this blending of folklore/myth in this series and at points you just cannot believe there is any way out for the protagonists.  Worth £9.99 in itself!

The Archers.  Hey,twists and turns and a really nice plotline keeps this story flowing and the art is up to the usual high standards.  Colour is used to great effect and I still say that Thorgal deserves as much recognition as Conan gets.

Whether to read a great historical story,enjoy action or be a little bit scared[!] this book is for you.  And,again,I need to point out that wargamers and fantasy gamers will find inspiration here!

A few points here. My local Forbidden Planets store,bad enough in many ways as they are since Chris left [at least he knew about comics!],hides anything Cinebook or European on a shaded column shelf.  When I asked the,uh,”comic guy” if they would be getting any new Cinebook titles he just stared blankly.  I explained. “Never heard of them.  Can’t get them” –never heard of them but can’t get them?!!