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 Pigeons From Hell #1 

Writer: Joe R. Lansdale

Artist: Nate Fox

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Genre: Horror 

Joe R. Lansdale puts a new spin on an old classic with this four-part adaptation of master-storyteller Robert E. Howard’s classic tale of terror Pigeons from Hell. Set in the deep south, Pigeons tells the story of a damned house with a wicked past whose vile form casts a shadow of death on all who dare to enter. At dusk, as the sun slumps below the horizon, scores of pigeons can be seen flocking from the house in waning sunlight. The pigeons, they say, are the souls of the damned escaping from the very bowels of Hell itself.

Joe R. Lansdale (author of such works as Bubba Ho-Tep, The Nightrunners, and The Drive-In) is no stranger to comics, having worked on Batman, The Lone Ranger, Jonah Hex, and Robert E. Howard’s Conan. He is joined by comics newcomer Nathan Fox. Together Lansdale and Fox are a powerhouse of visual storytelling, perfectly suited for the dark and dismal world of Robert E. Howard’s horror classic Pigeons from Hell.

Legendary horror aficionado Joe R. Lansdale puts a new spin on an old classic!

 

Format: Full color, 32 pages Price: $2.99  

This was one of the titles I had on my Standing Order at Forbidden Planet and which,yet again,never appeared –thanks,FP.  However,I bumped into old pal Piers Hazel and as we talked he saw a couple issues hiding behind other comics –score.

 

With a title like Pigeons From Hell you might assume the story is based in Bristol! Though I have no problem with pigeons –some of my best friends were pigeons [I’d not let my sister marry one,though].

 

 

The first thing that struck me is Nathan Fox’s art style which has an odd look to it but this works.  No problems there –and the scenes are well executed. However,there is the added dimension of Dave Stewart’s colouring.  This gives the whole book a really strange feel to it and adds more to the rather spooky ending to this issue.

 

Considering this is an old Robert E. Howard story,Lansdale has done a good piece of adapting,though from start to finish this was laid out and written almost like a film. 

Hmm. Dark Horse turning a comic into a movie?  Nah. Me and my mind!

 

I would genuinely recommend this to you if you are into horror or just looking for something other than super heroics.

 

But pigeons.  Really!  Never heard that myth and if it were Bristol would be The City Of The Weird…..

oh

April 25th, Bristol UK – There’s just two more weeks until the UK’s biggest comics convention at the British Empire & Commonwealth Exhibition Hall on 10th and 11th May 2008, and this week we showcase the final set of new books, offers and EXpo EXclusives on show, plus reveal details of the elusive Comics Village Fete, the event for kids of all ages. The Bristol International Comic Expo website www.comicexpo.net has the full details of all guests and panels over the weekend. 

In addition, the Virtual Bristol Anthology continues to go from strength to strength with ever more content – http://virtualbristol.monkeyswithmachineguns.com -  a chance for readers to preview some of the new books available at Bristol, and reserve a copy in advance or order a copy if you sadly can’t make it this time.  

Clash of the Titans? Tony Lee vs Geek Syndicate! In this one off and, potentially, explosive mix the boys of the Geek Syndicate podcast (www.geeksyndicate.co.uk) go head to head with the infamous Tony Lee (www.tonylee.co.uk) in a one off interview in which… 

* There can be only one!  Place: Sunday May 11th at the

Bristol Comic Expo. 

* Note any similarity between the tagline found here and the tagline from the Highlander movies’ is purely coincidental (well kind of). During their time doing the podcast the guys have interviewed Paul Cornell, Esad Ribic and Adi Granov, reported on several comic conventions and fought off three Skrull invasions (ok the last part was a lie, it was only one and at it was more of a punch up than an actual invasion). They have also (as far as they know) hosted the first live comic related podcast at the 2007 Birmingham International Comic Show. They were also nominated in the best entertainment podcast category in the 2007 podcast awards. Dave and Barry will be at their table during the weekend so feel free to stop by, pick up a free promo CD of some sample episodes and have a chat with the guys about the show or podcasting in general.   

Marc Ellerby will be exhibiting alongside Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie and John Cei Douglas, bringing along copies of his rock and roll romance book Love The Way You Love that he draws for Oni Press, and also a slew of mini comics including brand new releases, Ellerbisms and Speed Trail. These are autobiographical slice of life stuff and previews of which can be viewed at www.marcellerby.com

  

Ilya, the editor/manga wrangler of “The Mammoth Book of BEST NEW MANGA” (www.bestnewmanga.com) will bring the latest volume of this book to the show, along with various contributors to sketch and sign for readers - Fredrik Stromberg should be bringing Sofia Falkenhem from Sweden, various members of Sweatdrop, Sean Michael Wilson, and Yishan Li will be around all weekend too.  

Sequential Media are presenting issue five of Crikey! Magazine (The Magazine of Great British Comics - http://www.crikeyuk.co.uk/index.html) as well as launching their brand new title, “Superspies and Secret Agents.  Two further titles will also be announced, these are still being planned and titles to be determined.  

Ablaze Media will have their new graphic novel, Peckerwood: 24 Minutes at the Bristol Expo, and will be launching a new weekly web comic called Planet Peckerwood. Tozzer / Peckerwood creators Rob and Pete will be signing their books, and entertaining the crowd with their mind-numbing anecdotes. There will also be a new range of hilarious, and possibly offensive merchandise, including “Terrorism Weapons And Tactics” mugs, prints, T-shirts and baseball caps.  

The Midlands Comics Collective (MC2) will be premiering their new comic “A Legion of Stupid Heroes”, 32 pages of all-new strips featuring irreverent and sometimes unexpected takes on the “guys in tights” genre. MC2 is a collective of professional, semi-professional and doing-it-for-a-lark comic artists and writers based in the Birmingham area. “A Legion of Stupid Heroes” , along with MC2’s previous titles and lots of welcoming grins and/or tired smiles (depending on the time of day), will be on offer on the MC2 stand.  

ImagineFX is the magazine for fantasy, sci-fi and comic artists – at their stand and they’ll teach the secrets of top digital artists… and will present live painting demos from: Liam Sharp (2000 AD and Mam Tor), Emma Vieceli (Sweatdrop Studios), Lee Carter (2000 AD), Dave Kendall (Wizards of the Coast), Jamie McKelvie (Suburban Glamour), Frazer Irving (2000 AD, Gutsville).   The latest issue of ImagineFX will be available; this issue is a comic book special and comes with a free comiczine that’s packed full of the art from new breed of artists at Marvel, including a world-exclusive look at Adi Granov’s concept art on the Iron Man movie… and much, much more!   

Velica (www.velica.co.uk), the exciting new super heroine for 2008, makes her long awaited debut at the Bristol Expo. Follow the first 4 nights of her role as a super hero as she battles cunning crime boss Domino and his right hand man, Syxx, as they try to continue their strong hold on Ashton

City. Velica must get into his inner circle and stop him before it is too late. Ken Johnson, the creator of Velica, will be on hand to discuss this new character in greater detail and answer questions as well as fitting in few sketches in between chats.  

Zip Gun Comics will present the latest issue of “Square Eyed Stories” (www.squareeyedstories.co.uk), the longest running small press humour comic in the UK. Over 10 years without stopping! They are hard at work on issue 21, featuring all the usual craziness from Jim McGee, Arthur Goodman and David Goodman.  Also, the Banana of Space lands on a planet and the magic sun gives life to twins…The Banana Brothers!  “The Banana Brothers” collects several strips, new and previously published, by Jim McGee: this book appears for the first time at the Bristol Expo.  Finally, Zip Gun will also premiere “Bahala Na! 07″ (www.bahala-na.co.uk), the annual collection of comic strips by David Goodman. No other comic can offer you juvenile delinquents, conspiracy theorists, galactic dictators, child entrepreneurs, ronin samurai and heaps of catgirls.  

Galleon 43 also launches at the Bristol Expo, written by Lewis?!?! and illustrated by Jacob Phillips, it follows Chris Scullion as he is kidnapped by galactic pirates in the future. The book boasts a cover by Tim Perkins and an introduction by Bryan Talbot, and has a promo accessible here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD-MrX6oiqU

Chris Scullion is put to work on a space craft upon capture, and is joined by two very mysterious characters, Martin Brady and Mike Clarke. Martin Brady is keeping an online journal while on board the Galleon 43 craft, and has made it available to people of all time periods: http://thebradyjournal.blogspot.com/

Illustrator Sally Jane Thompson will be bringing copies of Little Thoughts, a self-published comics collecting several short stories about fruit juice, funerals and friendship, as well as accessories from her new line of Koomos character merchandise. Keep an eye on her blog for pre-con updates (www.corvinecrayon.blogspot.com).

“Team Mobius” are back for their second year – they’re a loose collective of artists who just happen to know each other from Uni and clubbed together to have somewhere to keep their coats for the weekend - Chris Gould, Mathew Alan Smith, Zak Simmonds-Hurn, Andy Silver and Rob Garrett will be playing musical chairs behind the table over the two days, and waving mini comics and sketchbooks at anyone daft enough to show a passing interest - and with a bit of arm twisting (and shiny things) they can probably be persuaded to draw things live as they happen for anyone interested in some artwork   

Underfire Comics are a small press publisher with a track record of consistantly high quality, with stories and art from creators like Nick Dyer and Al Ewing who have since found work with 2000AD as well as underground stars like Cosmo White and Dan Cox.  Their newest release, Rock Night, is available at the Bristol Expo at a special price of £6, but is also available for those unable to make the Expo for this special price at the online Underfire Comics Shop – pre-ordering also nets purchasers a free set of six Rock Night art postcards (also available at the Bristol Expo).  The shop can be visited at www.underfire-comics.com and is also stocked with the Underfire back catalogue, including the well received 5 issue run of Zarjaz edited by Colin Dinnie. Secure payment by credit/debit card or paypal account is offered, with free delivery for all orders over £10.  

Comics

Village FeteAs revealed by Andrew Luke earlier this week in his interview with Bristol Expo organiser Mike Allwood (http://comicsvillage.com/column.aspx?ArticleID=237) and as featured on the Comic Expo website (www.comicexpo.net), on the Saturday of the Expo there are a range of events specifically designed to get kids involved in comics, as part of the Comics Village Fete.  Opening at noon on Saturday and running all afternoon, events inside the Fete are as follows:- Free Face Painting - get yourself made up as your favourite superhero…. Stack O’Comics - free entry to this competition - guess the number of comics in the towering stack o’comics, and if you’re closest by the closing time: you win the lot. Free sweet for every attempt! Treasure Hunt - Hidden around the Expo, on various tables, are twelve

Comics

Village beanie baby bears…can you track them down and fill in an entry form? Multiple winners will be selected from the correct answers, and will be given their choice of prizes from hardback graphic novels, to t-shirts, to comics, to even more stuff, kindly donated by table holders at the Expo. Design-A-Character Competition, sponsored by Diamond

UK - put your creativity to the test: design a brand new character, or a new interpretation of an old favourite, colour in the template and have it pinned on the wall. The judges will pick their favourites and the winners can choose from a large selection of prizes kindly donated by Diamond

UK. Colouring pencils and templates will be provided at the Fete, and prizes will be awarded in various age categories, so under 8s will have the same chance as 9-13s, as those slightly older people still in touch with their inner child! Bric-A-Brac - a random selection of old comics and graphic novels available at rock bottom prices, the cupboards have been cleared out and the shelves are now bare. Superheroes, manga, SF, from hardcovers to paperbacks, it’s a chance to sample something different, to try something new, for a low cost. Please note that all events are primarily designed for the young, but the young-at-heart are more than welcome to give it a shot!   

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

Museum and the Ramada Plaza Hotel in

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

Next Time:  The final wrap-up, with just a week to go, what’s new and just what are the BBC going to be doing at the Bristol Expo, and how can YOU get involved? For up to the minute information and a complete listing of guests please contact.  Graphics are available upon request. 

  

Gavin Jordan 

Telephone: 0797 274 4567 

Email: jordanx@comicexpo.net

 

 

Or visit the Comic Expo website www.comicexpo.net

With the International Comic Expo in

Bristol approaching quickly,I thought I’d offer a few tasters from Classical Comics.

 

If you are going to the Expo pop over to their table,say “Hi!” and BUY some of their books.  If you are not going to the Expo then check out the web site at this url:

 

 

http://www.classicalcomics.com/

 

If we have anything comic-wise to be proud of in the

UK than Classical Comics is it!

Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte

 

The Bronte classic from 1847, is brought to vibrant life by the artist John M Burns. His sympathetic treatment of the classical romance will delight any reader with its strong emotions and wonderfully rich atmosphere. 

Script Adaptation:  Amy Corzine Artwork:  John M Burns Lettering:  Terry Wiley    

UK Publication Date: September 2008 Format: 144 pagesfull colourpaperback246×168mm Versions:(click here for info) Original Text (abridged)Quick Text(2 different books)

Cover Price: £9.99

 

Great Expectations
Charles Dickens 

“I never saw my father or my mother,

and never saw any likeness of either of them.”

 

 

 

No classical collection would be complete without at least one Dickens title; so we thought we’d tackle the greatest of them all first! The wonderful tale of Pip, Miss Havisham, and the spiteful Estella is retold here with fresh enthusiasm contained within Victorian ambience. If you know the story already, you must buy this graphical novel - and if you don’t know the story, then this book is the best way to enjoy one of the greatest works of literary history 

Script Adaptation:  Jen Green Pencils:  John Stokes Inks:  John Stokes Colour Finishing:  Jason Cardy & Kat Nicholson Lettering:  TBA    

UK Publication Date: November 2008 Format: 160 pagesfull colourpaperback246×168mm Versions:(click here for info) Original Text (abridged)Quick Text(2 different books)

Cover Price: £9.99

 

A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.” 

 

The original Christmas Tale set in victorian

england. Highlighting the social injustice of the time we see one Ebeneezer Scrooge go from oppressor to benefactor. 

Our second Dickens title is probably his best-loved story. Scrooge gets a rude awakening to how his life is, and how it should be. Full of Christmas Spirit(s), this is a book that you’ll read all year round! 

Script Adaptation:  Sean Michael Wilson Pencils:  Mike Collins Inks:  David Roach Colouring:  James Offredi Lettering:  TBA    

UK Publication Date: October 2008 Format: 144 pages (approx)full colourpaperback246×168mm Versions:(click here for info) Original Text (abridged)Quick Text(2 different books)

Cover Price: £9.99

Frankenstein
Mary Shelley 

 

“Cursed be the hands that formed you!” 

True to the original novel (rather than the square-headed Boris Karloff image from the films!) Declan’s naturally gothic artistic style is a perfect match for this epic tale. Frankenstein is such a well known title, yet the films strayed so far beyond the original novel that many people today don’t realise how this classic horror tale deals with such timeless subjects as alienation, empathy and understanding beyond appearance. Another great story, beautifully crafted into a superb graphic novel. 

Script Adaptation:  Jason Cobley Pencils:  Declan Shalvey Inks:  Declan Shalvey Art Direction:  Jon Haward Colouring:  Jason Cardy & Kat Nicholson Lettering:  TBA    

UK Publication Date: September 2008 Format: 144 pagesfull colourpaperback246×168mm Versions:(click here for info) Original Text (abridged)Quick Text(2 different books)

Cover Price: £9.99

A couple of new books to look at from Olivier Cadic’s Cinebook –The 9^th Art.  As usual I have the ‘hard task’ of reading and reviewing –but no spoilers!

 

 

LARGO WINCH –THE HEIR

PAPERBACK

Authors: Francq & Van Hamme

Age: 15 years and up

Size: 18.4 x 25.7 cm

Number of pages: 96 colour pages

Publication: March 2008

£9.99

ISBN: 9781905460489

 

 

Largo Winczlav, born in Yugoslavia, is an orphan. Thousands of miles away, one of the richest men in the world will change Largo’s destiny. He has the same name, but slightly different: “Winch.” This man, Nerio Winch, wants to find an heir to his empire and adopts

Largo, offering him the best education. When his adoptive father disappears under dramatic circumstances,

Largo inherits the W Group, the biggest conglomerate of multinational enterprises ever possessed and managed by a single man. From now on, he will be worth $10 billion. Which is not to everybody’s taste, as he is about to find out…

 

This two-volume book includes “the W Group”

 

 

Jean Van Hamme’s work I first read in the 1970s in ZACK 2000. If you are new to his work you can find out more at:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Van_Hamme

 Van Hamme offered Phillipe Francq work on a book he had written the basis for in 1990. The  series was Largo Winch. And it became a hugely successful series with initial sales of over 600,000 copies per album in French alone.  It is now the only series Francq works on at a rate of one album a year.  Living in the South of France,who can blame him?!

Paul Brown’s reaction was “why do all these women have to look gorgeous?” Well,D’uh!

 

 

In fact,the book,or rightly “books”,start with Winch senior’s rather brutal murder and from there on in it’s high octane actin –car chases,jail fights,shoot-outs and more,including the beautiful women!  You can see why this series is so successful:the use of great colours and varying scenery adds to this comic “eye-candy”.

 

 

Over the years Van Hamme has proven his skill as a writer and nothing is lost in Luke Spear’s translation.

 

 If you want a good read and visuals then Largo Winch is for you.

 

 IZNOGOUD –THE WICKED WILES OF IZNOGOUD

PAPERBACK

Authors: Goscinny & Tabary

Age: All ages

Size: 21.7 x 28.7 cm

Number of pages: 52 colour pages

Publication: March 2008

ISBN: 9781905460465

£5.99

 

 

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 lay claim to the throne of caliph Haroun al Plassid. Thus his favourite saying: “I want to be caliph instead of the caliph!”

 

Seconded by Wa’at Alahf, Iznogoud tries ever more diverse and even crazier means to reach his ends – in vain, of course!

 

 

Probably not as well known in the UK as Goscinny’s other work,Iznogoud was another book I first saw in German.

 

I actually find this a lot fresher than,say,Asterix.  If you want to try your kids on something other than Asterix then this has to be the title to try.  Same goes if you’ve been an Asterix fan.  There are plenty of gags and slapstick –as in “The Time Machine” and if you are a big Euro comics fan then this will be an excellent addition to your collection.

 

There are some really great books coming from Cinebook and if you check out their site you’ll find info on Cedric,Melusine,Yakari,Yoko Tsuno,Lucky Luke,Blake & Mortimer,Biggles,Lady S,Alpha and many other titles –sign up for their e-newsletter:

 

 

http://www.cinebook.co.uk/index.asp

 

 

And if you are going to the May International Comic Expo pick up the 32 pages catalogue and say “Hi” to the folks at the table.

Olivier Cadic has really revitalised comic book reading in the

UK.

Michael Golden Helps Make-A-Wish in

Pittsburgh!Golden Art Wraps-up Collectible Program Book 

Monroeville,PA–Fresh back from a slew of honors and gallery exhibitions in Barcelona, Michael Golden hardly has a minute to rest before he heads to this weekend’s Pittsburgh Comic Con, to meet fans at one of the regions favorite shows. 

In celebration of the comic creator who strives to recreate himself with each new endeavor, the PCC is honoring Michael as a spotlighted guest at their 2008 show, April 25-27, by featuring Golden artwork on their wrap-around collectible program cover. And be sure, Michael will sign every copy put before him. 

Needless to say–as you can see by his schedule–Michael’s limited return to the convention circuit, has brought a great deal of interest in his artistic legacy, noted by numerous new books and DVD’s on the artist, including: “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden,” from Vanguard Productions–which has sold out and is going into a second printing with a new Vampirella cover; “Modern Masters Vol.12–Michael Golden” tradepaperback from TwoMorrows Publishing; “Modern Masters in the Studio with Michael Golden DVD”;  the upcoming two disc set “Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden” from Woodcrest Productions and Eva Ink; as well as the upcoming sketchbook “Michael Golden Heroes & Villains” from BrandStudios and Eva Ink.  You can also see new Michael Golden covers on “Exiles,” “Demon’s Regret,” “Wolverine,” and more! 

It’s no wonder that the Pittsburgh Comic Con scheduled Golden for an appearance at this years show as well! Michael will be on hand all days of the PCC along with other comics and media luminaries:  Sal Buscema; Tommy Castillo; Tom DeFalco; Al Feldstein; Mike Grell; Joe Jusko; Michael Kaluta; Joseph Michael Linsner; David Mack; Tim Truman; and Billy Tucci among many others. 

In support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Michael will be offering a limited edition giclee of his program cover art for the conventions charity auction, signed and numbered for the occasion. The piece will also feature an original sketch by Golden as well!! 

For more information, check out: www.pittsburghcomicon.com

 

For more information on Michael Golden and his work, go to: www.evaink.com

 

 

 

Some sad news but here’s hoping Josh recovers.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE - JOSH MEDORS BENEFIT AUCTION AT UPCOMING

EMERALD CITY COMIC CONAuction to benefit Josh Medors’ fight with cancer at this year’s Emerald City Comic Con 

 

23 April 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Unknown to the general public, FRANK FRAZETTA’S SWAMP DEMON, RUNES OF RAGNAN, WILLOW CREEK, GI JOE and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT artist Josh Medors has been fighting cancer for the past several months. In his time of need, Image Comics and Frazetta Comics have stepped in organize an auction with all proceeds going straight to Josh. 

 

“Josh is a good friend, father and artist. With the support from the comic industry that he loves so dearly, we can all help with costly medical bills and ease his pain just a little would be most appreciated,” said Frazetta Comics Editor/Artist Jay Fotos. “We are under a crunch, for the show is just a few weeks away, so anyone that would like to donate please contact me as soon as you can so we can get your donations there for the auction in time, we are also taking PayPal donations as well that go directly to Josh.” 

 

Many of the industry’s finest are donating items to auction, including Frank Frazetta himself. Any other creators interested in donating are encouraged to contact Jay Fotos at jayfotos@cox.net.

 

 

 

The Josh Medors Benefit Auction will take place Saturday, May 10th at the Emerald City Comic Con. If you would like to make a PayPal donation, please do so to jmedors1@insight.rr.com.

 

 

 

Contributors thus far: 

 

Frank FrazettaJerry BeckBrian HaberlinTom BelandMark KidwellTodd McFarlaneNat JonesTony MoorePeter BergtingRichard StarkingsSteve NilesKody ChamberlinJay FotosRick RemenderChristian BeranekAhmet ZappaImage ComicsIDW PublishingZenescope Entertainment 

 

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. 

Joe KeatingePR & Marketing Coordinator

Image Comics

And he’s packin’ pencils and paint brushes for the PCC!

Monroeville,PA– That’s right! The Pittsburgh Comic Con has announced the late addition of renowned illustrator Mark Texeira to their already stellar guest lineup, and his fine art style is sure to add  even more excitement to both the convention and the Saturday night charity auction as well!

  

Known for his stunning interiors on “Ghost Rider” and “MoonKnight,”  and his fantastic cover work on “Red Sonja,” “Vampirella,” “Ghost Rider,” and more, Texeira has always been a fan fave at shows and on the book stands. Not to mention that his convention commissions are always wildly popular–just look at the lines at last weekends NYCC!!

  

And, hey if you missed that craziness, check out the con photo updates at:

 

http://buncheness.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-york-comicon-images-from-floor.html

 

Now, thanks to the PCC, there’s still a chance to get caught up in the convention madness, as Tex will be on hand all days of the show to sign copies of his work, sketch….and, you might even see him taking part in a not-to-be-missed “Win/Lose/Or Draw” on Friday. In addition,

Tex is offering a limited edition giclee in the Make-A-Wish auction Saturday night. The piece will be signed and numbered by Mark, and will also feature an original sketch by the artist.

 

 

 

Want more? You can also catch Mark’s work in the upcoming art book “Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira” from Vanguard Productions and the new “Creator Chronicles” DVD on the artist, both due out later this year. 

The Pittsburgh Comic Con is taking place April 25-27 and also features such great talents as: Sal Buscema; Tommy Castillo; Tom DeFalco; Al Feldstein; Michael Golden; Mike Grell; Joe Jusko; Michael Kaluta; Joseph Michael Linsner; David Mack; Tim Truman; and Billy Tucci among many others.

  

For more information visit:

www.pittsburghcomicon.com

For more information on Mark Texeira and his work, contact:

 

EvaInk@aol.com

 

   Graphic Classics Volume 4:H. P. Lovecraft 

GRAPHIC CLASSICS:

H.P. LOVECRAFT

Second Edition

144 pages, b&w, color cover

Retail price $11.95

Only $10

 

 

Firstly,let’s get on to the company info about this book:

 

 

SECOND EDITION – WITH 75 NEW PAGES!

Featuring three new comics adaptations:

 

• The Shadow Over Innsmouth — one of HPL’s greatest stories,

adapted by Alex Burrows, and illustrated by Simon Gane

 

• Dreams in the Witch-House — witchcraft, mathematics and a talking rat by Rich Rainey and Pedro Lopez

 

• Sweet Ermengarde — a rare Lovecraft comedy,

scripted by Rod Lott, and illustrated by Kevin Atkinson

 

And returning from the first edition:

 

• Herbert West: Reanimator — presented in four chapters by Richard Corben, Rick Geary, J.B. Bonivert and Mark A. Nelson

 

• The Cats of Ulthar — illustrated by Lisa K. Weber

 

• The Terrible Old Man — illustrated by Onsmith Jeremi

 

• The Shadow Out of Time — adapted and illustrated by Matt Howarth

 

• Plus illustrations by Jim Nelson, Gerry Alanguilan, Skot Olsen, Maxon Crumb,and a terrific cover painting by Italian artist Giorgio Comolo

 

 

The package containing the latest treats from what must be one of the best U.S. Independent comic publishers arrived Monday morning.  Just as I was leaving for the occasional meeting at Paul Brown’s pad –Darron Northall was there and as he plays a part in what I’m about to write I have to mention him.  Or this won’t make sense.

 

 

I unwrapped the three books [keep reading to learn about the other two!] and asked whether anyone might care to review?  Mr Northall flicked through the books briefly,not even enough time to read them.  “I can’t see the point” he announced.  I asked what he meant?

 

 

It seems that Mr Northall cannot see the point in adapting H. P. Lovecraft stories into comic strip form unless the story is altered to be ‘new’ in some way.  He simply could not see why Lovecraft’s narration had to be used –“they might as well go out and buy his books!”

 

 

At this point the conversation got very heated. I left the room twice.  It was that or strangle,uh,”someone”.

 

 

The almost “late” Mr Northall could not understand that you cannot criticise a book without reading it and that these creators have taken the time to adapt and draw the Lovecraftean works..while we are waiting for part 2 of his “Outlaws” story.  My anger,I think,was justified after reading the book.

 

 

Giorgio Comolo’s cover is simply beautiful.  A real work of art that,as a long time horror comic fan,I can appreciate.  There is another great black and white illo by Gerry Alanguilan for “A Memory”. 

Alex Burrows adapts “The Shadow Over Innsmouth” and this is drawn by Simon Gane. This one had me page-turning in a frenzy.  A really good and gripping story with an art style that added to the mounting horror.  Worth the book price for this one alone!

 

 

The other story that kept me gripped was,again drawn in a unique style,was “Dreams In The Witch House”.  Adapted by Rich Rainey and illustrated by an artist new to me –Pedro Lopez.  This was wonderful stuff!

 

 

Kevin Atkinson draws,while Rod Lott adapts,a humourous tale:”Sweet Ermengarde”. A nice treat after the dark horror up to that point.

“The Cats Of Ulthar” has been adapted by Tom Pomplun and the art is just WONDERFUL –thanks to Lisa K. Weber,who I believe I mentioned in my last GC review.  Whether these are colour illoes that have been grey-scaled I’m not sure but it is worth looking at a few times.

 

 

Matt Howarth adapts and draws in his unique and great style,”The Shadow Out Of Time”.  Pure joy.

 

Adapted by Tom Pomplun,”Herbert West:Reanimator” is drawn in four parts by four artists –Richard Corben,Rick Geary,J.B. Bonivert and Mark A. Nelson.  Of which,old Undergrounder [comics] here,Corben has to be my favourite –a class act.

 

 

I could go on but I think you’ve gotten the point?  This is 144 pages of horror comic that might –might—get you interested enough to go out and buy Lovecraft’s books or even try your hand at a horror strip!

Quality of printing,of course,doesn’t need to be raised.  It’s quality from cover-to-cover and would make an ideal Christmas or birthday present for someone you know with a comic or horror comic interest.

 

 

 

 

 

HORROR CLASSICS

Graphic Classics Volume Ten

144 pages, b&w, color cover

only $10 

Stories from the original masters of horror in comics.

 

EDGAR ALLAN POE -Some Words with a Mummy Poe’s satiric tale adapted by Rod Lott and illustrated by Kevin Atkinson

 

H.P. LOVECRAFT -The Thing on the Doorstep Obsession, possession and terror by Michael Manning

 

 

SAKI- The Open Window An impressionable man meets The Bad Seed, illustrated by Gabrielle Bell

 

 

W.W. JACOBS- The Monkey’s Paw Nothing comes for free, as illustrated by John Pierard

 

BRET HARTE- Selina Sedilia A gothic farce from the great Western author,adapted by Antonella Caputo and illustrated by Nick Miller

 

JACK LONDON -Keesh, Son of Keesh Terror on the Tundra, illustrated by “Johnny Jihad” creator Ryan Inzana

 

OLIVE SCHREINER -In a Far-Off World  A nightmare fantasy by the South African author, illustrated by Jackie Smith

 

HOWARD GARIS-Professor Jonkin’s Cannibal Plant

The precursor to “Little Shop of Horrors” from the creator of

“Uncle Wiggly”, rendered in comics by Onsmith Jeremi

 

 

HONORE DE BALZAC-The Thing at Ghent A horrific tale retold in one page by Mark Dancey

 

FITZ-JAMES O’BRIEN-A Day Dream A simple “what-if” goes to extremes, as pictured by Milton Knight

 

AMBROSE BIERCE-The Mummy A tribute in verse, illustrated by Brandon Ragnar Johnson

 

CLARK ASHTON SMITH -The Beast of Averoigne Medieval terror adapted by Rod Lott and illustrated by Richard Jenkins• With a stunning cover painting by Mark A. Nelson

 

You have all the info and credits there so let’s get into this.

“The Thing On The Doorstep” is presented to us by Michael Manning.  There is much about this ‘strip’ that would be familiar to readers of pre-1940s comics.  Illustrations in amongst the text so there is no set panel layout.  Very nice art style indeed.

 

 

Kevin Atkinson illustrates Poe’s “Some Words With A Mummy” with a very nice humourous art style that works well. 

Jackie Smith,Mark Dancey,Saki,Milton Knight and Ryan Inzana are also notable contributors.

 

John W. Pierpard contributes “The Monkey’s Paw” which is incredibly stylish and a major highlight in this anthology. 

Mark A. Nelson’s cover is,as you might expect,up to the usual Graphic Classics standards but he also contributes an absolutely incredible black and white piece of art within the book.  I wonder what his comic strip work might look like?

 

 

You might think that books of this quality would be in every comic book store.  But they are not and I have wonder if it’s just because they are not full colour and featuring the latest Marvel or DC hero?

 

 

Well,I highly recommend Graphic Classic books and,if your local store participates in Free Comic Book Day [1^st May] you have a chance to check out a give-away.

 

Want to know what’s in it?  Well…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graphic Classics:Special Edition will present five new comics adaptations of some of the favorite authors from the regular Graphic Classics series:

 

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat

adapted by Rod Lott and illustrated by Gerry Alanguilan

 

Ambrose Bierce’s Diagnosis

adapted and illustrated by Mark Dancey

 

Arthur Conan Doyle’s John Barrington Cowles

adapted by Alex Burrows and illustrated by Simon Gane

 

Mary Shelley’s The Dream

adapted by Antonella Caputo and illustrated by Anne Timmons

 

Lord Dunsany’s A Narrow Escape

adapted and illustrated by Milton Knight

 

 

Artist Signings —

• Two of the artists from Graphic Classics: Special Edition will be signing copies of the book at stores on Free Comic Book Day:

 

• Anne Timmons, artist for Mary Shelley’s The Dream will be appearing at Excalibur Comics,

2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland Oregon

. Stop by and meet her if you are in the area.

• Gerry Alanguilan, cover artist, and artist for Poe’s The Black Cat will be appearing at Comic Odyssey in Robinson’s Galleria, Edsa corner Ortigas, Metro Manila, Philippines. The event will be webcast live on Filipino fansite Azrael’s Merryland. Thanks, Azrael!

 

 

If you see a copy grab it.  If you see either of the books reviewed here and you have a taste for classy comics –I don’t think “comics” is adequate— buy them.  See why they are called “Graphic Classics” and why that should,as with the UKs Classical Comics,recommend the books to schools or libraries and,hopefully,get kids or older folk the impetus to get the text versions and check out.

 

 

This is the Educational Age Of Comics!

Tel Sed!

 I raved after seeing Suzuki’s Purgatory Kabuki #1 and thought the preview pages on Dr Master’s site of  The Art Book of Yasushi Suzuki.  So read this –and check out the company site and ask your local store –Forbidden Planet included- to get copies in! 

  

DRMASTER PUBLICATIONS PRESENTS 

YASUSHI SUZUKI’S GOTHS CAGE 

  

SAN JOSE, CA – April, 2008 – DrMaster Publications proudly announces the production of the highly anticipated picture book by internationally acclaimed video game designer Yasushi Suzuki (a.k.a. – D-Suzuki), Goths Cage (previously titled Phantoms).

   

Goths Cage is an enchanting manga-esque picture book anthology of three short stories with a malicious twist of love and romance. It is based on Yasushi Suzuki’s art series that was previously released online in Japan under the name Phantoms KADAN. Suzuki-san re-adapts his art series and transforms it into a bewitching picture book with entrancing grace and charm. Each of his gothic tales is exquisitely crafted with elegant detailed illustrations that transport readers into an enchanted world of gothic glory.

   

In his first story, Glass Magic, Suzuki-san does a twisted take on the classic Cinderella tale.  An ugly corpse-like servant girl wishes to fall in love with a prince and become a beautiful princess. Then a sinister old witch offers her a magic potion that can grant her heart’s desires, but in order for the magic to work she must abandon her soul. She gets rid of her memories, her face, and her master to become a cruelly beautiful glass princess.  

  

In another of Suzuki’s splendidly dark tales, the shop keeper of an enchanted barbershop attends to his beautiful victim under the moonlight. He snips away at her thoughts and memories, mystically cutting away all her painful memories that scar her heart. However, because she is sapped of her thoughts and memories, all that is left is her pitiful empty body. 

  

Prepare to be mesmerized by Yasushi Suzuki’s spine-chilling tales of love and entrancement this Fall 2008, because this enchanting collection of spellbinding illustrations and twisted tales is a must-have! 

  

About the Creator: Yasushi Suzuki is a world renowned video game conceptual designer and animator. His work on IKARUGA (Sega), Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), Radiant Silver Gun (Sega), and so many other games, mainly under the gaming development giant TREASURE GAMES, has earned him a following few other conceptual designers can match. He has also meticulously compiled a stunning cache of his own work history in an art book – The Art of Yasushi Suzuki, which showcases nearly 100 images, some of which were designed specifically for the collection, including art from the video games Ikaruga (Sega), and Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), as well as cover art from the Japanese language version of George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire. 

 

Availability Goths Cage will be available October 2008, and will be priced at $12.95. All 32 pages of the hardcover book will be printed in full-color. 

         

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.   

 

 

 

 

The Art Book of Yasushi Suzuki  

Author: Yasushi Suzuki

ISBN: 978-1-59796-069-4

Date Published: 6/27/2007

Format: Paperback / Color

Number of pages: 84

Rating: All age

Price: $26.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purgatory Kabuki volume 1  

Author: Yasushi Suzuki

ISBN 13: 978-1-59796-070-0

Date Published: 12/27/2007

Format: paperback / B&W

Number of pages: 144

Rating: 15+ Price: 

$9.95 

 

 

Following a question on my Yahoo American Mysterymen group re. the recent events in the Marvel Universe,I found myself answering at length. To quote that great comic store owner,I realised “My life has been wasted!” But the response might solicit some response from fellow Comic Geeksters out there. 

Take a deep breath here. 

 

 

Just before/during the Marvel “Civil War” which was,basically,caused by Tony [Iron Man] Stark,there was a short series titled The Illuminati.  This revealed how Prof.Xavier,Black Bolt,Sub-Mariner,Dr Strange,Iron Mand and Reed Richards had been meeting for years and keeping one another up-dated on the heroe community,etc.. Spying on their own. 

 

 

At one point they travelled to a duplicate Earth where The Beyonder [!] had Earth heroes-villains re-enacting fights.  They also got captured on the Skrull Home World where they were experimented on but escaped too easily. 

 

 

Stark gets in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. after Nick Fury is hounded out and vanishes. 

 

 

Stark creates the Civil War.  Everyone fighting one another. 

 

 

So,you have the following: 

 

 

1] In The Illuminati did the real heroes escape so easily or mind-swiped Skrulls -as in some that have been revealed so far? 

 

 

2] Was Nick Fury aware of this “Invasion Of The Body-Snatchers” event but realised he needed to set up a resistance -so vanished? 

 

 

3] Even without the Civil War,the trusted heroes could replace group members close to them as with Sue Richards [Invisible Woman],etc. 

 

 

4] With the “Registration Act” Stark,if a Skrull,would know every heroes details -including those that had “slipped the net”.  Those not signing up left the country or went underground so were not in a position to realise there was Skrull activity. 

 

 

5] The more Cosmic space heroes were off fighting their own major “Annihilation” storyline so were out of the way. 

 

 

6] And the most powerful being in the MU -The Hulk- is exiled into space BY The Illuminati for some dumb reason while he saves the Earth!  Space Phantom and others have tried to take Hulk’s place/mind over and failed. You don’t want him in the way. And his return softened up a lot of the “opposition”! 

 

 

7] So all of this -The Illuminati,Death Of Captain America [a Nation rallying figure if there was an invasion],Civil War and the World War Hulk situation created BY The Illuminati all seem to be part of a long drawn out plan.  Coincidence or is it just luck that it reads that way? 

 

 

8] Captain Mar-Vel returning from the past to the future?!  Really?  How many times has the Marvel Universe been destroyed,altered or rebuilt since his death?  How can this be the same CM turning up at this vital point?  A Super Skrull or -out on a limb here- The Beyonder?   

 

 

The “Captain Marvel flies to the future” scenario seems a nonsense. 

 

 

If this is all connected out in advance then we have a genius,or very good creative team working this all out a few years ahead of the event. Or they simply slide together -luckily? 

 

 

 

 

I recall,with great joy,The Kree-Skrull War masterpiece and even the Dire Wraith threat [anyone remember Rom:Space Knight?].  

 

 

Secret Invasion makes sense.  In the Kree-Skrull War it was Rick Jones who stopped both races galaxy-wide [buy the book!].  Invasion Armadas stopped dead. Armies paralysed. And the heroes have foiled both races in the past.  So: 

 

 

[1] Outright attack –DUMB! 

 

 

[2] Softly Softly One At A Time then Strike –Brilliant strategy. 

 

 

However,the question is this:how can Marvel top this? 

 

 

How about something happening at the vital moment that saves Earth but then reverses everything that has taken place…The Beyonder? 

 

 

All guessing.  Let’s wait and see. 

 

 

One final very important question:should I get a life? 

Terry