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Classical Comics win an award at  the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

 

Yes,with their very first book,Classical Comics have won an award:

 

43. Graphic Novel/Drawn Book- – Drama/Documentary

Gold: Shortcomings, by Adrian Tomine (Drawn & Quarterly)

Silver: Henry V - The Graphic Novel, by William Shakespeare (Classical Comics)

Bronze: Images from the Neocerebellum: The Wood Engravings of George A. Walker (The Porcupine’s Quill); Strangers in

Paradise – Pocket Book 6, by Terry Moore (Abstract Studio); Lost Raven, by Darren G. Davis (Bluewater Comics)

 

A Silver Award for a first book is incredible and shows,I hope,that there are people with taste out there.

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the team!

 

 ARCHIE COMICS SHIPPING AUGUST 2008

    

ARCHIE #588 THE FRESHMAN YEAR SAGA GETS IN FULL SWING THIS ISSUE!

“Freshman Year: “Part Two”: In the tradition of “Batman: Year One,” “Superman: The Man of Steel” and the Marvel Ultimates comes the biggest Archie Comics event since the “Love Showdown!”  The first full-length issue of the “Freshman Year” saga finds Archie and his friends just starting the fall semester.  Having survived a summer that saw the departure of Jughead and bickering parents, the gang arrives at high school… to find elementary school Principal Mr. Weatherbee has now become the high school Principal!  But it’s not just about reunions at Riverdale High.  Archie also makes a new friend in Pencilneck G., although he prefers his more laid-back buddy Jughead.  He also makes some new enemies in Jared McGerk and his band of bullies!  Along the way the other classic faculty members are introduced, as well as Pop Tate and his Choklit Shop!  It’s the funniest first year of high school ever, 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: August 13th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 20th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 2nd, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

    

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #122 “California Dreaming, Part Two”: Last issue, the news of Archie and his friends’ worldwide, mystery-solving adventures led to a major movie contract and a trip to Tinseltown!  While at a swank Hollywood party, the gang is kidnapped along with dozens of celebrity guests, and trapped in a ballroom with wall-to-wall food!  That may be fine for Jughead, but the others are determined to break both themselves and their famous fellow prisoners free.  The crazy climax features a thrilling “cat and costumed mouse” chase as the teens pursue the lead culprit racing through the Catalina Comic Convention!  It’s one explosive finish (did we mention the fireworks?) you can’t afford to miss!

SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.   

Shipping Date: August 6th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 13th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: August 26th, 2008 32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

  

  ARCHIE DIGEST #247  “A Date to Remember”: The town newspaper offers a cash prize for the couple who goes on the most interesting “cheap date!”  This is one contest wherein Archie has the advantage!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  “Just Chute Me”: Archie gets away to a secluded spot where he can think about anything BUT school during his summer break… until a few familiar faces “drop in” to remind him!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Henry Scarpelli.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups! 

Shipping Date: August 27th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 3rd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 16th, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 US.

     

ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #191  “A Sign of the Times”: Archie has a commercial conundrum – everywhere he turns, he sees an advertisement!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  “Wet and Wild!”:  A ride down a mammoth water slide becomes a slippery slope for Archie – literally!  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  “Turnabout is Foul Play”: The passing of the school budget means many improvements in extracurricular activities… but with summer vacation in full swing those activities will have to wait!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: August 6th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 13th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: August 26th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US.

 

BETTY & VERONICA #237  “Welcome Back to Riverdale”: Last issue, the memory of “bad boy” Nick St. Clair was evoked by a lothario lifeguard… and lingered like the crumb of a fish sandwich Jughead left behind!  This issue, Nick himself is back for sure… but for how long?  The seemingly “new and improved” Nick makes sure to apologize to everyone he wronged in the popular “Bad Boy Trouble” story, but not everyone is convinced that he’s changed…  Until he saves Betty from a rough gang of bikers!  Will this lead to a brand-new romance for Betty?  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Jeff Shultz.   

Shipping Date: August 20th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 27th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 9th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #187 “Bright Idea”: Betty and Veronica are content to lounge pool side, but Mrs. Lodge comes up with plenty of alternatives.  Will the girls soak up the possibilities or merely continue to soak up the sun?  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Bob Bolling. “The Surfing Whirl”: Archie would love to make waves with Betty, but she keeps postponing his dates to surf the waves!  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: August 20th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 27th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 9th, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 US.

  

  JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #29  “Action Hero Figures”: When marketing research shows teens are overscheduled and overstressed, Mr. Lodge decides what his company needs is an IN-action figure… and what better model for it than Jughead?!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Bill Galvan.  “A Turn in Fortune”:  Jughead’s reached the bottom of his pockets… and even his pockets’ holes have holes!  But good fortune is around the corner, in the form of a comic shop giving away cash prizes!  Guest-stars the owners and employees of Hi De Ho Comics!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Fernando Ruiz.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: August 6th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 13th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: August 26th, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 US.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #143 “Mow Money”: Jughead’s dad insists he take a job mowing a neighbor’s lawn, but Jughead just isn’t “cut” out for work!  SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.  “The Passionate Rival”: After an ineffectual picnic date with Jughead on the beach, Ethel decides she’d be better off dating a robot… and Dilton’s robot obliges!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Tim Kennedy.  “The Paws that Refresh”: When Jughead enters Hot Dog in a dog surfing contest, Reggie ends up “all wet!”  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Bill Galvan.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: August 20th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 27th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 9th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US.

KATY KEENE SPECIAL #1Yes, it’s another great entry in the ARCHIE GRAPHIC NOVEL series, now with a new 6 x 9 trim size and increased page count of 112 pages!  Our focus this time is that queen of chic, KATY KEENE.  Since the 1940s, fashion model supreme Katy has enthralled audiences with her own self-titled series as well as KATY KEENE PIN-UP PARADE and KATY KEENE FASHION BOOK MAGAZINE. Readers have long thrilled to her adventures on the runway as well as her intriguing romances.  Best of all, Katy Keene was one of the first interactive comic book series, inviting readers to send in fashion suggestions of their own that were turned into pin-ups and paper dolls that they could cut out and keep!  In 2005, Katy returned in a big way in the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY entry for that year.  By popular demand, Katy soon began appearing again on a regular basis in the pages of ARCHIE & FRIENDS.  Her new adventures were charted by writer-artist Andrew Pepoy, and were filled with the same adventure and romance Katy fans had come to expect, served up with a modern-day twist of course.  Now these popular Katy stories are collected together for the first time.  This handsome, fully colored edition features not only every KATY KEENE story from ARCHIE & FRIENDS #101 through #110, it also includes an ALL-NEW story from Pepoy that charts Katy’s whirlwind career!  In “Katy’s Diary,” readers will discover how a Michigan girl went from a Chicago University student to a sensational celebrity supermodel!  You won’t want to miss the high fashion hijinx!  SCRIPT AND ART: Andrew Pepoy.    

Shipping Date: August 13th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 20th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 2nd, 2008

112-page, full color graphic novel

$10.95 US.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #124 “The Big Prize”: An energy conservation contest energizes Riverdale’s teens, who come up with clever and creative ways to keep the town environmentally friendly.  Features the return of the “Goodwill Girls” – the group spearheaded by Betty to spread goodwill to needy people and animals everywhere!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Jeff Shultz.  “The Rivals”: Tired of competing with Adam for Betty and Reggie for Veronica, Archie befriends a new girl… and now must contend with her big “little” boyfriend!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  “Heads Up Play”: You know what they say: life’s a foul ball… and then you get hit by one! 

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Pat Kennedy.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: August 13th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 20th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 2nd, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #96 “Remebrance”: A trip back to the lagoon Sabrina discovered back in issue #90 leaves her and Llandra with flying carpets and masks that transform the wearer into different creatures!  Perhaps this will come in handy for facing the monsters that are terrorizing the Magic Realm.  Something must be done… the monsters are running so rampant that a mandatory curfew has been enacted.  This means bad news for Sabrina, as the nightly Charm School shuts down, and Sabrina isn’t allowed to visit Batty Bartholomew for evening tutoring. She knows she could use her powerful wands to destroy the monsters that are in the realm, but she dares not – especially knowing that using that wand too much will make her evil again.  As if that weren’t enough, the Magic Council has gotten wind of the new Four Blades movement and is posting signs everywhere warning people to be vigilant and urging people to report suspicious behavior… where will this all lead?  It’s adventure and intrigue as only Sabrina can deliver! 

SCRIPT AND ART: Tania del Rio.

Shipping Date: August 20th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 27th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 9th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

    

SONIC X #36  “Pet-astrophe”: If Sonic thinks he has a hard time with Eggman, wait until he sees the trouble Chris’ rival Milan Ramada dishes out!  This spoiled daughter of a rich businessman could give Veronica Lodge a run for her money (literally)!  Determined to win the title of “richest kid in town,” Milan travels in style in a souped-up limo made of special components her father’s company dreamt up.  Eggman promptly steals those components to build a new robot, but still needs a chaos emerald to complete the task.  Lucky for him, first prize in the pet show is chaos emerald-encrusted collar!  Can Bokkun dressed as a cat really win the judges’ hearts in any category other than “worst in show?!” 

SCRIPT: Joe Edkin. ART: David Hutchison (pencils) and Terry Austin (inks).  “Fine furry friends” cover by Pat “I brake for fuzzy animals” Spaziante! 

Shipping Date: August 20th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 27th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 9th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #191“Metal and Mettle, Part One”: The Council of Acorn is dragging its feet to take back Freedom HQ, and Sonic’s not the kind of guy to wait!  Our hero is ready to rumble – but is he ready for King Scourge and the newest Metal Sonic?  Meanwhile, Knuckles is still haunted by his time as Enerjak.  Can his bond with Julie-Su take the strain?  All this, plus a surprise newcomer joins the fray! 

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn. ART: Tracy Yardley! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks). Pulse-pounding cover by Tracy Yardley!

Shipping Date: August 6th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: August 13th, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: August 26th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

VERONICA #190“Makeover Madness”: Veronica decides to become a fashion expert for a business class assignment… and proceeds to give everyone “the business” by giving everyone a makeover!  “Get Your Geek On”: Veronica dreads going to the comic convention with her fangirl cousin Marcy… especially since she insists that Veronica go dressed as an alien queen.  But her protests don’t last long, as for every queen there is a king!  “Tech-No, Tech-YES!”: Mr. Lodge tries to institute “technology free” nights at the mansion… but finds that even “free” comes at a cost! 

SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: August 27th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: September 3rd, 2008

On Sale on Newsstands: September 16th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

..That’s Two In One Week!!

I have to say that,having now read The Twelve #5 ,from Marvel Comics,and Project Superpowers # 3,from Dynamite,I really don’t care about either that much anymore.

The Twelve has become a typical J. Michael Straczynski comic. You can read each issue in around a minute and when you put it down you think “What was the point of that?”  In such great TV series as Babylon 5,Straczynski’s style worked well -dialogue and action being well paced [and I still say it was far superior to Star Trek:The Next Generation].  However,each issue of The Twelve seems almost repetitive as though the writer has lost his way or realised that his original concept really isn’t going to go 12 issues naturally.

We were told that a mystery killer was killing off the time-lost heroes.  We saw the Blue Blade dead at the end of #1 but that’s it. 

Where’s the mystery killer and the dead heroes?

The series has good artwork but it is being affected by the sheer repetitiveness of what has to be shown.

I don’t really care whether these characters all die or not.  If they do then I’m sure that secret Nazi clones of them,or another cosmic universe-shattering event will take place and they’ll be back.

It is sad to say that many years after Roy Thomas wrote The Invaders,Liberty Legion and more involving Golden Age characters,whether Marvel or DC,it has come down to this mess.

I really,really looked forward to The Twelve but I just think that buying food would have been better than buying these.

As for Project Superpowers,I have to say that this really is the most disappointing comic around.  The Alex Ross sketches within the comic look great. The covers aren’t that bad -but nothing to write home about. “Plot and art direction” are down to Ross and I have to say that I wish Ross had actually written and drawn this!

The story seems almost all over the place and the art is fair-to-middling at best and the colouring technique used is really a turn-off.

As with The Twelve I think that Straczynski and Ross might just as well have made up Golden Age characters.  These are,after all,not the real Golden Age characters but twisted and distorted versions.  You almost have to ask whether those working on the comics actually know or have read the original comics featuring ,what they term themselves,these “beloved characters”?

Of course,with Project Superpowers Synamite has the joy of Public Domain characters -something a lot of people now seem to want to jump on the band wagon with.  But if The Twelve and Project Superpowers are how GA characters are going to get treated I’ll stick with the original comics.

The Avengers-Invaders #1 comic was one I thought might be good because the art looked great but how soon hopes are shattered.

The first thing I noticed was that I had to read through the comic 3-4 times to sort out what was going on -Marvel lack of   continuity being what it is.  The art seemed very cluttered and at points I had trouble identifying characters because of the clutter.

In fact,it all read very much like The Twelve and Project Superpowers!  I thought it was me but then I noticed on a couple of comic group sites others noted their confusion when reading #1.

I’m going to see what #2 is like but…

Oh,it was nice seeing the WW II Steve Rogers Captain America after the modern one was killed but ib the latest issue of Captain America the WW II Steve Rogers is unfrozen.

Whether my Monday migraine was due to trying to make sense of all this I don’t know.  Didn’t help,though.

The one thing I find lacking on comic store shelves these days are those titles that made going to these shops fun. The Independents such as the late lamented Strangers In Paradise or Love & Rockets.

It’s all the same bland,dark and samey thing -The Umbrella Academy being the last really good short series.  Companies such as Ape Entertainment,Image,Archaia Studio,Orang Utan,Markosia,Dr Master,etc., should -should- be on the shelves next to Marvel and DC.

But,Diamond is the UKs only comic store distributor and it’s big money-spinner is Marvel and DC and they ensure stores know it and follow their lead.  “It’s difficult to get these independent books” my ass.

Turnaround offer many of the books from Dr Master and others that “are not available in the UK”.  However,the stores I’ve phoned this week tell me that they can only order from the distributor “head office” goes with..Diamond!

A monopoly adding to the staleness of comic stores and selections.  Eleventh Hour vol.1 “we can’t get hold of” -I have to stop referring to my ass.  There is absolutely no reason why your local store cannot get this british book which deserves to be on shelves.  No reason other than a closed monopoly.

If there is anyone out there willing to finance an Independent comic store -get in touch!

Wizard of the West Comics

20 May 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Just in time for the summer blockbuster season, LOADED BIBLE writer/creator Tim Seeley and digital artist Crank! have teamed to produce an all-new trailer for June’s LOADED BIBLE BOOK ONE TP! 

“LOADED BIBLE is the craziest summer movie never made,” said Seeley. “Crank! has put together one of the finest trailers - comics or otherwise. Of course, having the gorgeous art of DC COUNTDOWN’s Mike Norton,CAPES’ Mark Englert, INVINCIBLE’s Nate Bellegade and Sono Morti’s musical talents to work with certainly helps, but he’s a major talent in his own right.” 

LOADED BIBLE begins as humanity’s survival hangs by a thread in the aftermath of a nuclear Holy War. When vampires invade the last surviving stronghold of New Vatican City, the Church turns to their deadliest weapon - the clone of Jesus Christ. In addition to all three one-shots, the collection also features a massive amount of bonus materials including an extensive sketchbook, pinups galore and the original LOADED BIBLE short story by NEW UNIVERSAL’s Steve Kurth. 

LOADED BIBLE, BOOK ONE TP (APR082179), a 168-page book for $16.99, will be in stores June 25th. The trailer can be seen at

 

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=34503867

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently four partners in Image Comics (Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Thanks To:

Yuki Chung (DrMaster Publications)

A-run Chey (Flash Frame Omake)

David Federman and Joe Markovic (Anime North)

About Flash Frame Omake:

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

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

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

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

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Mike Western died late on Tuesday, 13 May,2008  at the age of 83.

Known as “The guv’nor” by his contemporaries,Mike was a legend in British comics drawing strips such as “The Wild Wonders”,”Captain Phantom”,”The Avenger”,”HMS Dreadnaught” and “D-Day Dawson”.  There are,of course,many,many other strips that old British comic fans will remember and have fond memories of.

I have,for a while now,been up-dating the John Cooper - Mike Western site and I’m hoping I can add much more to it over the next few weeks.  I’d already added The Leopard From Lime Street pencilled page I’d inked. Mike’s pencils were sheer perfection.

I interviewed Mike twice for Comic Bits magazine and he was kind enough to draw the “Darkie’s Mob” illo below.  

We have,over the last couple of years,lost Massimo Belardinelli,Jack Edward Oliver [JEO] and now Mike. A sad time for fans but we have the happy memories of his work.

My condolences go to his family.

It is a fact that Bristol is one of the largest citys in the UK.  It has a huge student population and one of the best mixes of ‘ethnic’ populations you can find.

Indian,Bangladeshi,Pakistanese,Bhutanese,Malayan,Sri Lankan,Korean,Chinese,Japanese,Russian,Italian,Czech, French,Turkish,Polish -and the list goes on.

There is a large enough population of 16-50 year olds which is targetted by businesses.  This age group encompasses the core of comic book buyers.

In the 1970s-1980s Bristol had Quicksilver Comics,three Forever People stores and a couple of Independent stores.

Going back about 3 years we had Forbidden Planet,Area 51,Kathy’s Comics and Travelling Man. 

Comic prices were evening out.

All stores were in great locations but Kathy’s Comics closed despite being in the prime City business location of The Galleries.  It seemed almost impossible to believe that a store in such a location could fail.  The problem seemed bad management and,like other stores,Standing Orders meant little [you might/might not get your order] and it seemed getting enough copies of new titles was a problem.

The same is true of Travelling Man.  great staff but Standing Orders were hit or miss and at one point it was in a far better geographical location than Forbidden Planet.  Most of us know the problems but the result was closure.

Area 51 has a huge chunk of the city to itself,however,it is primarily interested in gaming and comics seems an add-on. Now that is how the owner wants it and,therefore,cannot be criticised for not running a comic shop.

So,we are left with Forbidden Planet which is not my favourite any more.  Standing Orders?  I’ve missed so many issues and heard excuses that I just don’t care any more. From a good store with a competent man keeping an eye on stock and orders it’s sunk low.

So why is it that no one comes along with a long term plan to set up a store and make it work?  It isn’t that difficult and,to be honest,if I had the money I’d set one up myself.

The monopoly of Forbidden Planet is rather like the monopoly Diamond Distributors have in the UK,it makes things very stale and it’s a case of “take this deal or **** off!” The loser is the comic fan/buyer.

I’ve noted how,like others,I’ve been told “We can’t get hold of Dr Master” or how it’s “Difficult to get Cinebook or Classical Comics” -sheer and utter bull!  I think that,having seen the Turnaround Catalogue,offering Manhua,Cinebook and more,that there is a deliberate stranglehold on what we as customers are being allowed to see/buy.

Look at what Cinebook have published -and yet,in Bristol,you’ll only find 3-4 titles tucked away on a dark shelf because “there is no interest”.  No interest probably because no one can see them -Cinebook did very well at the Comic Expo and I noted a lot of those going to the table were from Bristol!

What is needed is a well positioned store which does not just pander to Marvel or DC [though you cannot ignore them] but that also stocks a range of up-to-date Independent Comics,Undergrounds,Cinebook,Classical Comics and even Small Press titles.

Will it ever happen?

I can dream.  We just seem to have lost the common sense to understand that customers read all sorts of books and if you supply and promote you can’t really lose.

Now,where’s my copy of Northern Lightz?

Once They Meant Something…

 

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

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

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

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

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

MARVEL.COM??!!???

Where was the envelope with cash handed over? 

I WANT A RECOUNT!!!!

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

Anyhow,enjoy the laugh.

 

 

2007 Awards (Held in May 2008) Results

Favorite Newcomer Writer
MATT FRACTION

Favourite Newcomer Artist
DAVID AJA

Favourite Comics Writer
ALAN MOORE

Favourite Comics Writer/Artist
ALAN DAVIS

Favourite Comics Artist: Pencils
FRANK CHO

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

Favourite Artist: Fully-Painted Artwork
ALEX ROSS

Favourite Colourist
LAURA MARTIN

Favourite Letterer
DAVE GIBBONS

Favourite Editor
THARG (MATT SMITH)

Favourite Publisher
MARVEL

Favourite Colour Comicbook - American
HELLBOY: DARKNESS CALLS

Favourite Colour Comicbook - British
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN

Favourite Black and White Comicbook - American
THE WALKING DEAD

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

Favourite New Comicbook
THOR

Favourite Manga
DEATH NOTE

Favourite European Comics
REQUIEM, VAMPIRE KNIGHT

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

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

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

Favourite Reprint Compilation
ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOLUME 2

Favourite Comics Hero
BATMAN

Favourite Comics Villain
JOKER

Favourite Magazine About Comics
WIZARD

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

Favourite Comics-Based Movie Or TV
300

Favourite Comics Related Website
MARVEL.COM

Favourite Web-Based Comic
THE ORDER OF THE STICK

Roll of Honour
MIKE MIGNOLA 

Mark Texeira Confirmed For

San Jose Super-Con! 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Astounding Ganjaman no.1

Numb Skull Comix

Black & White & Colour

 36pp

£3.00

Yes,Alan Grant [writer] and Jim Stewart [artist] bring you a Ganjaman story titled “Tar Wars”.  Accompanying the weedy one areEinstein and Devinchi,his rat side-kicks,and special guests M-Girl and H-Man.

Flesh-eating zombies and an evil plot by Dr Bong -are they connected? Is there a link with Tarrymore Cigarettes? If anyone can find out the weedster can!

Alexander provides a fantastic Ganjaman pin-up page which I may make into a t-shirt eventually!  It’s that good.  That said,Jon Haward also provides a Ganjaman pin-up!!

And the Z-Men star in a colour two-pager!

This is great fun and..hang on -this isn’t anything to do with Collie Herb?  Nah.  Silly me.

Read this with Black Slate or Steel Pulse blasting away over your headphones!

And if you’d like to see more from Big Jim Stewart get over to his ComicSpace site -until the Ganjaman web page goes up -let’s see Ganjaman or Dr Bong go up on The International Hero site!

http://www.comicspace.com/jimstewart/

If you can’t find a copy of this or Northern Lightz try writing to:

Northern Lightz

PO Box 25059

Glasgow G3 6WE

Scotland

And PLEASE enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope for a reply!