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Yes,folks!  It’s just about to hit shop shelves!  SPEAK OF THE DEVIL #5 is due on 26th March [or,due to UK delivery this Thursday,27th].

Yes,another issue from the GREAT Gilbert Hernandez!  I can’t wait to see the twist in this issue after the last one!

Now we just need Love & Rockets back!!

But,onto #5…

 

Speak of the Devil #5

High schoolers Paul and Val, with Val’s stepmother Linda, continue their aimless murder spree across the US. But when one of the group decides to abandon the others to return home will the others tolerate the defection or turn their murderous rage on the defector?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thomson black-listed Herby.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So,pop over and join -and learn!

T

“Demon’s Regret” Offers Fiendishly Clever Twists and Michael Golden Covers!First time for Brown/Torres/Golden Team-up in tale of Evil vs. Evil 

 

Atlanta–Take some fallen angels, a bit of fire and brimstone, a disgruntled immortal, a plan to out-deceive the Great Deceiver himself; throw in a slew of Michael Golden covers; and you’ve got the upcoming, highly anticipated mini-series Demon’s Regret nailed on a spike. 

Germinating in the brain of writer Mitch Brown for over two years, the plot of Demon’s Regret tags along with the 1/3 of the fallen angels who decide to follow Lucifer in rebellion and war with Archangel Michael. But what happens to those angels that choose the path of evil rather than good? No pathway to salvation, no way of turning back once the dye is cast?! 

And, what happens if one of those fallen angels–demons–regrets his decision? 

The story focuses on one such angel, Asmodeus, who, although he can never give up his demon status, chooses to assist with the commission of lesser evil to stop greater wrongs as an expression of his anger toward Lucifer. He has done so throughout history….as the reader will soon discover! 

But what transpires if/when the boss discovers the ruse? 

With shrewd dialogue and story structure from Brown, the interior art is provided by talented creator Wilfredo Torres, who made his first foray into comics on Terminus Media’s series of Evolution books. After being selected as a Top Ten finalist on Comic Book Resources–CB13, Wilfredo went on to work for Mark Waid on Boom! Studio’s limited series,

Salem: Queen of Thorns.  His fine line work is an inspired choice to take us into the underworld and beyond. 

Cover duties go to comics mastermind Michael Golden, who, with recent work on Iron Man, Exiles, Heroes for Hire, Wonder Woman, Wolverine, and G.I. Joe, seems a perfect choice to bring some devilish dealings to the Demon’s Regret frontage. Touted for his groundbreaking work on The ‘Nam, Micronauts, Dr. Strange, Batman, and Nightwing, recent art projects on Golden include such titles as Modern Masters–Michael Golden; Modern Masters: In the Studio with Michael Golden DVD; Excess The Art of Michael Golden, (going into a second printing), and the upcoming Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden Sketch Cover DVD. 

Published by Digital Webbing, Demon’s Regret is a unique anti-hero tale that fits in nicely with Digital Webbing’s themed books such as “Bloodrayne” and “Bleeders,” while also reminding us of some other anti-heroes in the comics lexicon who too sometimes use evil to combat evil… Unlike the guy with the skull on his chest and the AK47, however, Asmodeus has no choice. 

Come along for the riveting ride! 

For information on interviews with the creators contact: evaink@aol.com  

 

Saturday 22nd March 2008 sees the official launch of Factor Fiction’s The Girly Comic and Violent! as webcomics. Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed that an archive of strips has already been building up on a daily basis since the beginning of the year.

To celebrate the launch, a brand new full colour comic strip Sisters of the Head will start on The Girly Comic site on Saturday. It has been penned by Doctor Who novelist Daniel O’Mahony, and illustrated by small press supremo Terry “Sleaze Castle” Wiley. 

We will also be visiting The London Underground Comics Camden Market Stall, and The UK Web & Mini Comix Thing to promote the new site. Both webcomics will debut new strips, threaded alongside our ongoing project to put the entire Factor Fiction strip archive online. Going online will enable us to continue our mission to bring new and established comic creators to a wider audience. 

For those who have never picked up a copy of Violent!, you’ll be able to read serials such as The Flatworm, Spare Parts, MageWorks and Knuckles from the beginning. Plus we’re featuring a brand new four panel strip series: The Silent Service  by Jay Eales and Paul McCaffrey: http://factorfictionpress.co.uk/violentwebcomic/category/silent-service/

Small press and Girly Comic fans will be aware that all sixteen print issues of The Girly Comic include work by autobiographical comic goddess Lee Kennedy, and we are very proud to be compiling an online archive of her work as part of The Girly Comic website. Those who are unfamiliar with her work should check it out now: http://factorfictionpress.co.uk/webcomic/category/lee-kennedy/

We’re also excited to announce that over the coming months we’ll be making all the Oddcases strips by Alistair Pulling & Bevis Musson available on The Girly Comic site. This will not only be the stories published in the comics, but also the early uncollected Oddcases strips, and hopefully some new ones: http://factorfictionpress.co.uk/webcomic/category/oddcases/

Fans of print shouldn’t worry though, as part of our overall plan we will also be producing book collections, including The Girly Comic Book, an as-yet unnamed Lee Kennedy Collection and compilations of the new strips featured on the sites. In the meantime, you can still buy copies of issues 1-16 of The Girly Comic and 1-13 of Violent! from our online store: http://factorfictionpress.co.uk/shop.html

In 2008, our eighth year of trading, Factor Fiction mutates again, and is ready to take on the world. We hope you’ll join us. Jay Eales and Selina LockFACTOR FICTION

http://factorfictionpress.co.uk

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Kumi and her family will be moving to Riverdale shortly.

An Interview With Frank Byrns 

What? You have no idea who Frank Byrns is?!  Oh,callow youth!                                

Luckily for you CBO regular Ric Croxton is about to educate you! THANKS.Ric!

RC:First off, what got you into writing comic book heroes as prose novels?

FB:That’s a bit of a misconception.  My stories feature superheroes, true.  I believe that superheroes can exist outside of comic books, just as comic books exist without superheroes.  In other words, not every comic has superheroes; why should every superhero appear in comic books?  I’d say that the millions of people who watch Heroes every week on NBC agree with me; so do the giant crowds that head out to the theater to see a Spider-Man movie.  The numbers don’t lie; if every person who reads the Spider-Man comic on a monthly basis saw the movie ten times each, it would still be a colossal bomb.  Clearly, people who don’t read comics like superheroes.  So why not feature them in prose stories?

RC:What writers influenced you in your own writing?

FB:Probably every one that I’ve ever read, at least on a subconscious level, and I’ve read a lot.  Some of my favorites:  George Pelecanos, Richard Price, Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Flannery O’Connor, Elmore Leonard, Jonathan Lethem, Charlie Huston, Larry McMurtry, Greg Rucka, Michael Chabon, Edward Wright, Jefferson Parker, Giles Blunt, Ken Bruen, Walter Mosley, Cormac McCarthy.  Just to name a few.  As for comics, I’ll buy anything Ed Brubaker writes.  Bendis.  Busiek –Astro

City is my favorite comic ever, and a big influence on my own view of superheroes.  Vaughn.  Tons more.  I read a lot.  J    

RC:What books have you written?

FB:I have two collections of short superhero fiction:  “My Father’s Son” and “Requiem”.  Both of them are available for order wherever fine books are sold.  There are stories and excerpts from each available at my website (www.frankbyrns.com). 

I am also writing a superhero webcomic, The Order of Valor, over at Drunk Duck, collaborating with talented artist Joe Jarin.  We’re into the third issue now, featuring a time-traveling Viking Horde.  I know you’re interested now.  J  You can check it out at

www.drunkduck.com/the_order_vol_1  

And, this past year, I installed myself as the editor and publisher of “A Thousand Faces.”

RC:What is “A Thousand Faces”?

FB: A Thousand Faces is the quarterly journal of superhuman fiction.  Four times a year, we publish some of the best original superhero short stories around, from some of the finest up and coming writers around the world.  We also have reviews, articles, and interviews related to other superhero fiction that’s being produced and read at a ever-growing rate.  The April issue will feature interviews with Christopher Bennett, author of “Spider Man:  Drowned in Thunder”, and Rob Rogers, who wrote the upcoming “Devil’s Cape”.  I received an advance copy of Rob’s novel, and it is phenomenal.  Well worth checking out. Our primary form of delivery is our website

www.thousand-faces.com 

but we also produce a print edition of each issue, for old-fashioned folks (like myself) who prefer to hold what they’re reading in their hands.  I know we’re a dying breed, though.   

RC:Where can fans buy it?

FB:The print edition is available through our website.  The online edition, of course, is absolutely free. 

RC:Who are the writers for “A Thousand Faces”?

FB:We take open submissions from writers around the world.  Just this week I received an excellent story from a writer in Australia, which we’ll publish later this year. Some of our “repeat offenders”, i.e. writers who have appeared in multiple issues, include Gilbert Stack, with his Guardian Spirit stories; Andrew Salmon, who has crafted several adventures featuring Project X; and Scott Harper’s vampire series. 

RC:Any plans on making any of the characters into comics?

FB:That would be up to the individual writers; they own all the rights to the characters that appear in A Thousand Faces.  I think that there are several that would make for interesting comics, though.  I hope to see some one day. 

RC:Do you plan to add illustrations to “A Thousand Faces”?

FB:I don’t think so.  The premise of the magazine was to show the world that superheroes could exist outside of comic books, and are just as viable a storytelling engine as detectives, or spies, or any other type of character you see in genre fiction.  I think adding illustrations would only weaken that argument.

RC:Will any of the characters have its’ own novel?

FB:Again, that would be up to the individual writers. 

RC:When you created “A Thousand Faces” , were you influenced by the Wild Card series?

FB:Definitely.  George Martin’s Wild Card books are a touchstone for anyone who’s ever written or read superhero fiction; they were the originals.  I haven’t read them all, but I own several of the novels.  Walter Jon Williams’ “Witness” in the first volume is one of my favorite stories in any genre.  We hope to have a review / retrospective of Wild Cards in a future issue.    

RC:Are any of the characters told in different eras like the past or future?

FB:Thus far, all of our stories have been set in the modern age, the recent past or future at the very most.  But I think a look at some past heroes would be very interesting, something with a Golden or Silver Age feel.  Anybody have something like that they’d be interested in sending our way? 

RC:Are you looking for more writers for “A Thousand Faces”? 

FB:Sure.  We are open for submissions 365 days a year.  Details and guidelines are available on our website.

RC:What does the future hold for “A Thousand Faces”?

FB:We just finished our first year of publishing, and I am very proud of the four issues that we produced.  My hope and belief is that the next year’s crop will be even better; the quality of the fiction submissions has grown leaps and bounds.  I think the addition of more nonfiction features – the interviews, reviews, etc – will help us grow to the next level, whatever that may be.  It should be interesting. 

 

ARCHIE COMICS SHIPPING JUNE 2008 

ARCHIE

AMERICANA SERIES: BEST OF THE SIXTIES BOOK 2

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

SCRIPT AND ART: Various. 

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

96-page, full color square-bound paperback

$10.95 US.   

ARCHIE #586

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

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #120

THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE FOUR-PART EPIC! 

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

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

SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.  ART: Rex Lindsey.

Shipping Date: June 4^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: June 25^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

ARCHIE DIGEST #245

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

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

Full color digest format  

$2.49 US.  

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

Shipping Date: June 11^th, 2008

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

On Sale on Newsstands: July 1^st, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #185

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

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

Shipping Date: June 11^th, 2008

On

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

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 1^st, 2008

Full color digest format

$2.49 US. 

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #162

PART 2 OF A 5-PART, INTERACTIVE STORY WHERE THE READERS DECIDE THE OUTCOME!  “And the Winner Is… Part 2 of 5”: 2008 is an election year, and Archie Comics is no exception as we present a special election of our own: your chance to vote for Cheryl Blossom’s new boyfriend!  Last issue, Reggie and Cheryl broke up, and Cheryl wound up on the TV show, “The Lonely Hearts Club” in search of a new beau.  Three hot contestants have stepped up for the challenge, and you the reader will witness each of their dates with Cheryl and vote for who you think Cheryl should choose online at www.archiecomics.com!  In this issue, Cheryl goes on a date with

Austin.  He’s quite a hunk, but perhaps too much of a nutrition and fitness fanatic for Cheryl’s health… unless your votes decide otherwise!  Don’t miss out on the Archie Comics event of the summer – be sure to reserve every issue!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  PLUS: “Choose or Loose”: Betty and Veronica just can’t decide which outdoor activity to partake in on such a beautiful day.  Can they decide before the rain clouds set in?  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Bob Bolling.  PLUS: Other new and classic tales!  SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.  BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 25^th, 2008

On

Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 2^nd, 2008

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 15^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US.    

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #141

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

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

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

Shipping Date: June 11^th, 2008

On

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

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 1^st, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US.   

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #122

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

Shipping Date: June 4^th, 2008

On

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

On

Sale on Newsstands: June 25^th, 2008

Full color digest format

$3.69 US. 

SONIC X #34

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

Shipping Date: June 18^th, 2008

On

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

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 8^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #189

“A Bold New Moebius Part 1: Unwelcome Guests”: The Freedom Fighters face an unexpected challenge when the Suppression Squad drops by… and they haven’t come over for tea!  Meanwhile, Sonic, Knuckles and the Chaotix are in New Megaopolis keeping Eggman’s New Dark Egg Legion at bay.  Includes an appearance by Anti-Rotor, now known as “Boomer” – a name that will be familiar to long-time Sonic comic fans!   SCRIPT: Ian Flynn.  ART: Tracy Yardley (pencils) & Jim Amash (inks).  Explosive cover by Tracy Yardley & Josh Ray.  

Shipping Date: June 4^th, 2008

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

On

Sale on Newsstands: June 25^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.  

VERONICA #189

“Carrying the Torch”: Veronica agrees to carry the torch at the “Riverdale Games,” but the only thing “burning” is Veronica when she spots Archie with his “old flame,” Cheryl Blossom!  SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.  “No Contest”: Veronica ponders how Betty can be so rich in spirit when she’s so not-rich in wealth!  SCRIPT: George Gladir.  ART: Dan Parent.  “Dream Vacation”: Veronica finds the yellow-brick road is paved with gold as she falls asleep reading “The Wizard of Oz!”  SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.  ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: June 25^th, 2008

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 2^nd, 2008

On

Sale on Newsstands: July 15^th, 2008

32-page, full color comic

$2.25 US.

ELLIUM: BLOOD RED SNOW serialized online! 

  A brutal murder brings the world’s deadliest living weapon, a human cyborg named Samantha Snow, face to face with her past and the madman who destroyed her life. 

  ELLIUM S1: BLOOD RED SNOW, written by Matt Krizan with art by Jason Moser, is presented FREE online at Asylumink.net every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting March 10 and continuing throughout the year with LITTLE DEATHS, DIAMOND MINE, and SWORDPLAY.  

  In addition to presenting ES1 weekly, the entire season of Ellium can be downloaded from wowio.com for immediate viewing as PDFs, with convenient links directly from Asylum Ink to each issue.  

  Jason Moser, creator and artist of ELLIUM commented: “Publishing on the web has been attempted by many companies over the years with varying results.  Wowio.com has provided a practical means of digital publishing to North America where viewers can be entertained for no cost.  Eventually I believe Wowio will be available outside

North America , but until then, viewers worldwide can enjoy ELLIUM weekly at AsylumInk.net”.   

In addition to season 1, ELLIUM SEASON 2 is preparing to launch with the first issue expected to hit in April on Wowio.com and airing on AsylumInk.net at the conclusion of season 1. 

  

  ABOUT ELLIUM: 

ELLIUM tells the story of a secret society determined to save the world, whether we want them to or not! Prepare to enter a futuristic world of espionage, secret societies and the occult. Where the true powers behind puppet governments are factions vying for control of humanity with only the members of ELLIUM to stand in their way!   

ABOUT ASYLUM INK: ASYLUM INK (asylumink.net) was founded in May of 2006, with the stated goal of quality entertainment at an affordable price, Asylum Ink is working with some of the finest creators in the entertainment industry and continues to strive for excellence with its flagship creation, Ellium. For additional information, Jason Moser and Asylum Ink can be reached via email at contact@asylumink. net.