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Texeira Takes Kansas!

March 20, 2009 – 8:57 am

I know I refuse anything to do with Marvel or DC on CBO but this comes from Renee Witterstaetter so it pushes past the rules!

Texeira on way to a Rib-ing in Kansas City!
Mark Tops Guest List for Planet Comicon

Kansas City — We can debate all day about who might have the best BBQ–and we often do–but when it comes to having one of the finest guest lists in comics, it would be hard to concoct something better than what’s on the platter at the upcoming Planet Comicon! And, to make it even more spicy, the show has just announced the addition of fine art painter and sequential storyteller supreme, Mark Texeira!!

Artist on “Ghost Rider,” “Moon Knight,” “Black Panther,” “Vampirella,” and much, much, more, Tex will be bringing his own flair and flavor to the fast growing show!! In fact, this will mark the second appearance of Texeira, whose fine art style has expertly graced numerous album covers, magazine covers, paperback books, movie tie-ins, and gaming merchandise. His clients include such companies as Def Jam Records, Marvel Entertainment, Dynamite, Harris, Wizards of the Coast, DC Comics… and pretty much every publisher we could name. His brush has brought life to such characters as Jonah Hex, Conan, and Batman as well as his creator-owned character Pscythe. And, be looking for the release of his just completed “Wolverine Special” for Marvel Comics too!

Other projects in the works on Texeira include the “Creator Chronicles: Mark Texeira” DVD from Eva Ink and
Woodcrest Productions, which is a comprehensive interview with Tex as well as a painting tutorial; AND “Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira–The Artist’s Great Escape,” a retrospective art book from Vanguard Production. In addition, Eva Ink plans to publish a sketchbook of Texeira material later this year, hopefully to debut at the SDCC!!

As mentioned, Planet Comicon is indeed the Kansas City area’s largest comic book and pop culture event, held annually at the Overland Park International Trade Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The 2009 show offers approximately 40,000 square feet of entertainment over a two day period. This year’s show takes place March 28th and 29th! In addition, Planet Comicon and Michael Golden are teaming up this year to offer a show exclusive version of “Uncanny X-Men #507″ !! And you can get a copy for your very own at the convention, get it signed and meet all the great talent in the room!

Other amazing guests adding to the mix at Planet Comicon in addition to Tex include: Michael Golden, Jason Aaron, Nathan Fox, Matt Fraction, Joe Jusko, Brian Pulido, Eric Shanower, Ron Wilson, Skottie Young, Arthur Suydam, Tommy Castillo, Gary Friedrich and many more.

Texeira will be available in Artist’s Alley all days of the convention, signing and sketching, with special panels planned as well–check you schedule for time and place! And, whatever you do, be sure to set aside an evening for some o’ that famous Kansas City BBQ! We know we are!!

For more information on the show, visit www.planetcomicon.com
For more information on Mark Texeira, commissions and his work, contact: evaink@aol.com

Hay -how about review copies…..nicey please?

Terry |

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Les Contes Du Boudoir Hante -Yishan Li

March 18, 2009 – 12:45 pm

I’ve been meaning to mention this book for a loooooong time now and my apologies to Li for being so slow [I am quite old,though].

Adapted by Jean David Morvan,this book is published by Delcourt and,much as I love certain French singers,I cannot speak or read French. That said,I thought that the artwork conveyed the story very well and Li’s art,style and colour work is simply superb.

Now I need to ask a question.

WHY IS YISHAN LI NOT BETTER KNOWN OR PROMOTED IN THE UK?!

I apologise for shouting. This is a hardcover book measuring roughly 24 x 30 cms [9.25×12 ins] so the pages will really show Li’s art off and I have to say that it’s a pity Olivier Cadic at Cinebook has his schedule mapped out because this book needs to hit an English audience.

May is still a ways off but,if you buy a copy from Delcourt,Li might sign it for you if you ask. Or see if there are any copies at the Comic Expo itself.

You can check Delcourt out at:

http://www.editions-delcourt.fr/

Terry |

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FAL-CON

March 18, 2009 – 12:08 pm

FIRST ANNUAL SPRINGFIELD FAL-CON
The Only major comics and sports collectibles show in Western Mass

The Springfield Falcons, proud members of the American Hockey League, announced today that the first annual Springfield Fal-Con will take place on March 21st, 2009 before and during the home versus the Hartford Wolf Pack.

“The Springfield Fal-Con will be an exciting and unique event for sports collectors and fans of comic books and other pop culture phenomenon”, said Mike Thompson, Falcons Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “Not only will some of the best sports and comics collectibles dealers be at the MassMutual Center on March 21st, but the Hartford Wolf Pack visit Springfield for the last time during the regular season.”

The Springfield Fal-Con will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 21st and continue through the Falcons-Wolf Pack game that night. Approximately 25 different vendors will be exhibiting on the MassMutual concourse throughout the event, including New England Comics, the largest comic store chain in Massachusetts. Chris Famulari, manager of New England Comics, said “We are proud to announce that New England Comics, Massachusetts’ biggest & best comic book retailer, will be attending the 1st annual Springfield Fal-Con. It is a great opportunity to reach a brand new audience as well as long time fans of comic books & collectibles. It looks to be great fun for collectors & hockey enthusiasts alike!”

THE FIRST 1000 KIDS RECEIVE A FREE ARCHIE COMIC!

For more Springfield Fal-Con information, contact Mike Thompson at

MassMutual Center
45 Falcons Way
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-3344
mthompson@falconsahl.com
www.massmutualcenter.com

Terry |

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THE DARK Karen Rubins!

March 18, 2009 – 10:20 am

Below:Karen and an over melodramatic Anna Rubins

A few years ago,at a Bristol Comic Expo,I walked into a side room to find two very Goth-like young ladies selling something titled “Dark”. I may have imagined it but I’m sure a sword was involved! Anyhow,I bought a couple of issues which were later,uh,’borrowed’ [a common problem when sharing comics!].

But apart from seeing a couple back-issues in Area 51 [the Bristol comic shop and not the highly guarded,top secret US military development site in Nevada],I heard no more of Karen or Anna Rubins.Then Bristol’s Queen of Comics,Willie Hewes mentioned a book titled “The Witch” –and one of the artists was Karen Rubins. So,I decided that now was the time to find out what happened with The Dark,more about “The Witch” and other projects.

Terry:Okay,Karen,before we get into the nitty-gritty,what inspired you into becoming a comic book artist –was it a specific comic or something else?

Karen:Well, I always loved comics from a young age. Probably the biggest influence when I was a kid was Elfquest – monumental and epic, with loads of slightly subversive life-lessons, totally original and also extremely pretty! On the other side was Oink, a poo-obsessed, pun-laden kids’ comic. Then for a while, being a comic book artist went out of my head – at school they expected us to have respectable careers - but when I started doing my Art Foundation, I got back into comics through a friend whose brother had vast stashes of Love and Rockets, Stray Bullets, Tank Girl and other mad indie stuff. Then I realised it had always been my secret ambition to be a comic book artist. So, I drew some comics!

Terry: Elf Quest was great and the Pinis deserve much praise! And Love & Rockets –it’s just superb! You graduated from Middlesex University so I’m guessing that this was in something visual? And was there any comic work going on while you were at Uni? Karen:Yes, I did Visual Communication Design (Illustration), and thankfully, the tutors were very receptive towards us making comics, as long as they were done well. I drew Dark 1 as my second year major project and Dark 2 as my third year major project. Dark 1 was printed on my Uni’s litho printer – spoiling us with ultra-nice quality for the first 100 books. There were about three of us in the class (of around 30) who made comics. I also made my rare limited edition Gangster Fairies comic as part of a Uni project, it’s called “The Dust” and was only about 7.5X6 cm, and came with a magnifying glass and glitter. I think there’s only about 10 or 15 copies in existence. I always wanted to do a sequel but haven’t so far… maybe one day.

Terry:I’m going to assume that both you and Anna had a similar interest in comics –or did one of you get into the comic medium first?

Karen:Well, I suppose, technically Anna did, since she’s older, but we did both read the same comics growing up. Literally the same ones! 2000 AD, Xmen, Teen Titans, Oink, Elfquest of course, Asterix and Tintin. I was totally obsessed with Asterix in a way that Anna wasn’t, but we were both huge fans of Elfquest.

Terry:At what point did the two of you decide to work together on a comic and what was the thinking behind Dark?

Karen:Anna wrote a short story that was the basis of DARK, and I suggested to her that it would make a good comic. Then I realised that I had three months to do an Illustration project about whatever I wanted, so Anna wrote a script for DARK 1, we edited it back and forth and came up with thumbnails together. The rest is history. Anna came up with the idea for the premise of DARK while on a journey, watching the sun set through the window and imagining as she passed from day into night that the places she passed might stay in those times. Some of the characters in DARK were based on people Anna knew (not mentioning any names) and it has semi-autobiographical elements. I just drew the pictures, ha ha.

Terry:For those not familiar with the title,and those of us that lost complete track of it [!],can you explain what the Dark was about and how many issues it lasted –I believe it has quite a cult following?

Karen:DARK was a four part series that began in 2001 and ended in 2005. It’s a self-contained story, and each of the issues are also self-contained and can be read separately if you don’t mind being a little confused! (If you like I can send you the issues you missed out on, Terry!) Currently, I’m looking at making it into a graphic novel, with help from Willie, who is going to re-letter it for me.

It’s a surreal road-trip story, based on a premise of times of day being different places. The main characters begin their story in Night, and travel around the “Day” until the conclusion in Sunset. Michael is a student with a nocturnal lifestyle writing an endless thesis who realises that he hasn’t seen the sun in a long time. His friend Helen takes him on a journey in which they meet all kinds of peculiar individuals, and try to discover why Michael is so confused.

There’s no need to lose track of it! I will be keeping everyone posted on www.kazmantra.co.uk and will probably re-launch darkplace.co.uk when the GN comes out. If any of your readers need copies of 3 or 4 they can mail order them from me. £3.00 each plus postage which will be let’s say.. around 50p.

A cult following! That’s great. I always wanted to start a cult… DARK did get a lot of good reviews and a solid fan-base. I hear we inspired some of the young generation who are now professionals, such as John Aggs. X-D He won’t mind me saying that, I’m sure. DARK did get tipped as one of the fifty best comics of the year in Comic International, and we were interviewed in lots of different places while DARK was out.

Terry:I need to ask what materials you work with –pens,inks,brushes and board or computer –or have you used both?

Karen:I’ve done a lot of experimenting with materials. Tsuchigumo was drawn entirely in pencils on cartridge paper, for example. Mainly I use pen and ink, and draw the traditional way, on paper or board. I do use computers to tidy things up, letter, and add tones and spot blacks, but I don’t like drawing on the computer, I like the visceral feel of paper. It seems more “real”. My favourite item for drawing is a 0.5 mechanical pencil with a blue lead. I use brush pens, Rotring art pens, fineliners and all sorts for line work.

Terry: Ah,a good old fashioned art girl! I’d say to any artist NEVER draw using a computer. Lettering,yes. Drawing –NO!

Your artwork in The Witch shows that you have improved and developed since those first issues of Dark I saw. Do you do a lot of sketching –are there stacks of sketch books in a room somewhere with yet to be seen masterpieces?

Karen:Oh my god, yes to the sketchbooks, no to the masterpieces. I have tons and tons of sketchbooks and I’ve kept them all, despite the obvious fire hazard. I do a lot of drawing, and I also try to make sure I draw from life a lot. It’s the only way to really learn how to draw, and the best way to practice. In the sketchbooks you’re more likely to see random fan-art from anime series and pictures of role-playing game characters than masterpieces I assure you. X-D

Terry: “Draw from life” –exactly! I told the police that was what I was doing outside the girls school during volley ball practice but…oh.

I know you have been working on other projects such as Ghost Light,written by Andy Smith –I believe a runner-up in a Manga competition? What can you tell us about that?

Karen:Tales by Ghost Light. Yes, we came joint seventh, and the exhibition of the ten winners and runners up is currently on at the Japanese Embassy in London until 3^rd April. It’s open to the public and free, so come along and support manga and international relations!

TbGH is a cute, funny, horror story about Japanese monsters telling stories of their greatest hauntings. It marks a turn away from screentones and spot greys which were starting to annoy me with their slightly mass-produced look, and back to good old cross-hatching with a pen. Andy has never written a comic before, so he’s pretty chuffed that we came in the top 10. He and I both like our Japanese mythology and history.

It’s published in ITCH’s “Leek and Sushi’s Manga Show” along with lots of other entries from the Manga Jiman competition. It’s a wicked book, I recommend your readers to buy it.

Terry:Obviously,I’ve missed a lot because your Spiders ‘n’ Samurai strip was published in The Mammoth Book Of New Manga 2 [2007] –how come I’ve never seen these books?! Anyhow,what was this story about and,obviously,being in The Mammoth Book it’s given you a wider readership?

Karen:Ah yes! Tsuchigumo is a story about Spiders ‘n’ Samurai, and also about love, dreams and duty. The story is based somewhat on a Japanese legend, and involves a samurai who seeks to save his master from a demon spider that has poisoned him. The story came partly from a dream I had, and involves sword fighting and hallucinations. There are slight shounen-ai (boy love) overtones to it. Hopefully it’s given me a wider readership! It means I can now claim to be a professional comics artist. In the comics world at large, things have moved on a lot from the time of DARK, and one of those big changes is in manga. In the past, I used to bill my work as “manga-influenced”, nowadays you can get away with saying that you’re a manga artist, if you like. The cross-over territory between comics and manga is starting to be explored a bit more now, and so yes, I think the readership for all comics is expanding, not just mine.

Terry:And what are you currently working on?

Karen:Ah… currently I’m working on a project with Dan Hartwell and Anna too, which has been in the works for quite a while, but will definitely be finished this year. It’s a story about a shaman living in a city and her ability to interract with and influence people via their animal spirits. You could probably describe it as a supernatural action comedy. It’s called Urban Beasts, and we’ve been touting it about for ages. We’re likely to release it in two parts with part 1 being on sale at Bristol Expo this year. I also have ideas for stories I would like to do in the future, there are a couple of writers who I might get around to working with, and there will be a sequel to Shinagami – which was one of the other stories in the Witch.

Terry:And anything planned with Anna?

Karen:Urban Beasts! And the DARK GN. Anna is working on a prose novel. Watch this space.

Terry: Oookay. Bit intense there. Feeling like a raging novelist are you?! Advice:write but ignore the seven bottles of vodka!

How would you like to see your artistic career developing in future and will there be more work for ITCH?

Karen:In the immediate future it should be developing quite a bit. From July to December I’m going to be at the V&A museum as their Comics Illustration Artist in Residence. It’s insanely exciting, and I’m really hoping this will help me mature into the beautiful butterfly of a professional comic book artist!

Itch are going to be publishing the DARK graphic novel, and most definitely some other stuff. Watch this space.

Terry:Hopefully,I’ll catch up with you at a future Comic Expo but here’s looking forwardto certainly seeing more of your work

Karen:I hope so too! Thank you.

Terry |

Comic Creator Interviews |

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The Uncanny Michael Golden

March 18, 2009 – 8:32 am

Michael Golden makes “Uncanny” appearance at Planet Comicon!
Kansas City’s largest pop culture convention offers Golden exclusive March 28th and 29th!

Kansas City, KS– To mark Michael Golden’s first appearance at the area’s largest pop culture and comic book convention, Planet Comicon and Michael are teaming up to offer a show exclusive version of Uncanny X-Men #507 !! And you can get a copy for your very own at their upcoming show!

Only available from Planet Comicon, by special arrangement with Marvel Comics, this exclusive variant cover by Michael Golden provides the frontage to an issue written by Kansas City area writer Matt Fraction as well! And –to make this even more exciting–with both Michael and Matt at the show, this is indeed a GREAT opportunity to have this exclusive cover double signed by both creators!

It’s no wonder that Planet Comicon singled Michael out for this cool collaboration! Co-creator of X-Men’s Rogue character, Golden is certainly no stranger to the X-Men team, not to mention he’s also the co-creator of many other projects, including Bucky O’Hare and Spartan X, among much more, including several NEW projects in production even as we type. Welcome news since Michael is renowned for a whole plethora of groundbreaking books that have influenced our industry at various pivotal points–”Dr. Strange” #55; “The ‘Nam,” “Avengers,” “Micronauts,” “Batman” and “G.I. Joe” …the list goes on and on!!

Recent projects focusing on the creator have documented this storytelling and design influence on our industry, including: the “Michael Golden: Heroes and Villains Sketchbook” from Eva Ink; “Modern Masters in the Studio with Michael Golden” and the “Modern Masters” trade from TwoMorrows; the “Creator Chronicles: Michael Golden” DVD and tutorial from Eva Ink and Woodcrest Productions; and of course “The Art of Michael Golden” from Vanguard Productions, which has sold out and gone into a second printing! All are available at Planet Comicon.

And more good news for sketchbook and art collectors. Future projects include the upcoming retrospective: “Michael Golden–Dangerous Curves,” featuring the girl art of Golden!!! Look for the debut at the SDCC!

Other amazing guests for Planet ComiCon in addition to Michael include: Jason Aaron, Nathan Fox, Matt Fraction, Joe Jusko, Brian Pulido, Eric Shanower, Mark Texeira, Ron Wilson, Skottie Young, Arthur Suydam, Tommy Castillo, Gary Friedrich and many more.

Michael Golden will be available in Artist’s Alley both days of the show to meet fans, sign copies of the limited edition “Uncanny X-Men #507,” and also do a little sketchin’ while at the venue. Check the schedule for special panels as well! But whatever you do, get there early and have your own unique and “Uncanny” experience.

For more information on the show, visit www.planetcomicon.com
For more information on Michael Golden and his work, contact: evaink@aol.com

Terry |

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Archie June Releases

March 17, 2009 – 2:30 am

ARCHIE COMICS SHIPPING JUNE 2009

ARCHIE #598

“The Volunteer”: Archie volunteers to spend time with an elderly man at the

seniors’ home, and learns he’s not the only one caught in the middle of an eternal

love triangle!

SCRIPT: Barbara Slate

ART: Stan Goldberg

“Tree’s Company”: Archie enjoys the tree in his backyard… until Reggie reminds

him how much work it will bring come fall!

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski

ART: Stan Goldberg

Shipping Date: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 7^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #132

“One Nation, Under Archie, Part 1 of 2”: Archie and his friends head for Washington,

D.C. to take part in a living history festival – where everyone dons costumes of their

favorite historical figures! Does Archie have what it takes to portray a Revolutionary

War hero? Will Betty and Veronica fight over who will wear the Medieval Princess

gown? Can Jughead rustle up some grub as a wild west cowboy? What kind of

scoundrel will Reggie dress as? It’s a trip through history filled with laughter and

learning, as only the Archie gang can deliver!

SCRIPT: Arie Kaplan

ART: Pat Kennedy

Shipping Date: June 3^rd, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 10^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 23^rd, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

ARCHIE DIGEST #255

“Double ‘W’ Date”: When Mr. Weatherbee’s away, the boys will play…and their

game of choice is “who will ask Wendy Weatherbee out first?!”

SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz

“Wave Rave”: Archie rides the waves on a surftastic day…but will he keep his

eyes on the foamy waves or wavy forms of the bikini babes watching?

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Bob Bolling

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 7^th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.69 US

BETTY & VERONICA #242

“Fashion Detectives”: When big-name designers seek someone to help them

expose counterfeit merchandise in stores, they turn to a true expert: Veronica!

She’s recruited both Betty and Nancy to help her, but what they uncover is more

than faux fashion! Don’t miss the high-fashion fun and intrigue!

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Jeff Shultz

“Scenery”: The story that proves one person’s (Mr. Lodge’s) idea of a private,

peaceful beach is another’s (Veronica’s) idea of an isolated, boring beach!

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski

ART: Jeff Shultz

“Pets Rule”: The beach has gone to the dogs – literally – as the girls convince the

town to reserve a special area of the beach for people’s pooches!

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Jeff Shultz

Shipping Date: June 10^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 30^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #195

“Betty in Wonderland”: Betty reads “Alice in Wonderland” to the kids she’s

babysitting and realizes the characters are just like her friends in Riverdale.

Deciding to tell the story from her point of view, she casts Veronica as “The

Queen of Hearts” and offers Archie readers a chance to watch the whole Archie

gang “through the looking glass!”

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent

“Growing Pains”: Betty and Veronica reminisce about how Veronica just had to

have all the best, most expensive toys as a child…so what’s changed?! Features

“Little Archie” flashbacks from fan-favorite Bob Bolling.

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 10^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 30^th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.69 US

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #172

“My Father’s Betrayal, Part 3”: The latest “New Look” saga has rocked Riverdale,

with Veronica and her friends facing off against Mr. Lodge and his constituents as

the teens try to keep a beloved nature preserve from becoming an industrial park!

This issue, the debate rages on. Factory or forest? New jobs and low taxes or clear

streams and tall trees? Now the protest hits the pavement as both sides hit the streets

to march and counter-march. What will happen when both sides meet in front of Lodge industries? It’s the story you just can’t afford to miss, served up in the “realistic” art style that made Betty and Veronica’s “Bad Boy Trouble,” Jughead’s “Matchmakers,” and Moose

and Midge’s “Breakup Blues” some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Famous superhero art team and Eisner Award nominees Rick Burchett and Terry Austin

lend their formidable penciling and inking talents to this intriguing tale, brought to you by “New Look” scribe Melanie J. Morgan.

SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan

ART: Rick Burchett and Terry Austin

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 8^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 14^th, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.99 US

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #33

“The Screen Test”: Bow wows mean big box office, so when a film crew scouts Riverdale

for pooches with personality, Jughead and Hot Dog make the “scene”…and plan to stay

as long as craft services keeps dishing out yummy chow!

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Jeff Shultz

“A Reel Pain”: When a “reality” show crew comes to Riverdale, the gang learns that things aren’t always as “real” as they look!

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski

ART: Fernando Ruiz

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 8^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 14^th, 2009

88-page, full color digest

$2.69 US

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #151

“The Big Meltdown”: Jughead pretends to date Ethel to keep himself stuffed with

her delicious homemade cookies, but he’s mortified when photos of Ethel feeding him

spread across the internet. Will his pride lead to a “breakup,” or are his cravings for

sweets too strong?

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Pat Kennedy

“The Flip is a Flop”: When Archie asks Jughead how to choose between Betty and Veronica, Jughead suggests he flip a coin…and flip some burgers in exchange for the advice!

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Bob Bolling

“Fish Food”: Jughead and his dad go on a fishing trip, and manage to catch a lot of snack food along the way!

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: June 10^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 30^th, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.99 US

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #132

“The Collectors”: Dust off that knick-knack shelf – the gang is “collecting” their thoughts on the things they like to collect!

SCRIPT: George Gladir

ART: Jeff Shultz

“Test of Characters”: Chuck and Nancy set out on a nice, peaceful stroll where they can be all alone…if only their friends didn’t turn up around every corner!

SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski

ART: Jeff Shultz

“Pop Goes the Ringtone”: Frankie, Maria and Brigitte record a catchy jingle for Pop’s Chocklit Shoppe…and the burger biz has never been better!

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent

PLUS: Other new and classic tales!

SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents

BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!

Shipping Date: June 3^rd, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 10^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 23^rd, 2009

176-page, full color digest

$3.99 US

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #103

“Finders Keepers, Part Three”: THE SALEM SAGA CONTINUES! Things have gone from bad to worse for young Salem and his scruffy Uncle Mort. The wizard Todicus has been restored, but that spells even more trouble for our heroes! It’s a race against time as Salem and Mort try to escape the Lizarmyn army. The question is – does everyone make it out? The answer may surprise you!

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn

ART: Chad Thomas

Massively magical cover by Chad Thomas!

Shipping Date: June 10^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 30^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #201

“Change in Management”: Sonic and his friends are ready to relax after the series-shaking events of #200, but their plans soon change with the explosive arrival of an old villain! A villain who brings grim tidings of a new threat that’s claimed the world! Who are the new faces of evil? Will Sonic rise to the occasion, or will he be busy fighting a mystery guest star? “Devotion”: Espio the Chameleon gets a visitor of his own, and news that will change his standing in the Chaotix forever!

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn

ART: Tracy Yardley!

Shipping Date: June 3^rd, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 10^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: June 23^rd, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

SONIC UNIVERSE #5

THE LATEST HIT SONIC SERIES RETURNS WITH THE BEGINNING OF AN EPIC

“MOBIUS: 30 YEARS LATER” TALE!: “Five Years of Peace”: By popular demand, we’re going back to the future! It’s now thirty years down the line and King Sonic is on the throne. He has his hands full with the tiny royal twins, but fan-favorite Lara-Su is there to help. As the world prepares to celebrate the new royal family, a deadly plot is hatched from the shadows…and you’ll never guess who shows up at the end! It’s the action and adventure you’ve come to expect from “Mobius: 25 Years Later” tales…not to mention all your favorite good guys and bad guys! The future has never been more frantic…and it’s up to Sonic to make sure it’s infinite!

SCRIPT: Ian Flynn

ART: Tracy Yardley!

Shipping Date: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 7^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

VERONICA #195

“Archie or Archie”: Veronica jets off to Paris on a month-long trip and is reunited with Lady Smitty, a family friend who accompanied Veronica on several trips over the years. It isn’t long before Veronica meets Lady Smitty’s nephew who just happens to be a hunk named Archie! The French Archie shows Veronica all the sights – the shops along the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Louvre museum and more! But what will happen when the Archie back in the U.S. finds out about Veronica’s new friend? It’s a tale of international love and adventure as only Veronica can get into, and the perfect lead-in to this month’s VERONICA’S PASSPORT trade paperback collection spotlighting Veronica’s most famous trips with her friend Lady Smitty!

SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent

Shipping Date: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: July 8^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 14^th, 2009

32-page, full color comic

$2.50 US

VERONICA’S PASSPORT VOLUME ONE

Pack your bags and renew your passport – it’s time to take a trip with Veronica! Several, in fact! Traveling is a way of life for this jet-setting rich girl, and now you can relive some of Veronica’s most memorable journeys in this trade paperback collection. Just make sure you’re ready for anything – in addition to seeing all the great historical sites and tourist attractions, Veronica’s been known to get involved with mysteries and adventures…not to mention a local boy or two! It’s worldwide romance and intrigue with Veronica, Mr. Lodge, family friend Lady Smitty and special guest stars. Thrill to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in France! Marvel at the Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome! Tour a Bollywood studio and the city of Bombay in India! Scale the heights of the Empire State Building and cross the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City! These are just a few of the marvelous landmarks you’ll learn about as you share hilarious travels with Veronica! Includes fabulous pin-ups of fashions from each destination!

SCRIPTS: Hal Smith, George Gladir, Kathleen Webb, Chris Allan and Mark Waid

ART: Dan Parent.

Shipping Date: June 17^th, 2009

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: June 24^th, 2009

On Sale on Newsstands: July 7^th, 2009

96-page, full color trade paperback

$9.95 US

Terry |

Comic News |

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Rival Schools Online

March 17, 2009 – 2:03 am

CLASS IS BACK IN SESSION FOR THE CREW OF RIVAL SCHOOLS™!

UDON Releases Free Rival Schools™ Comics Online

Toronto, ON – Mar 16, 2009 – One of the questions most asked by UDON readers is, “When will the Rival Schools™ comics be back?” Well, fans of the Street Fighter® tie-in property need wait no longer, because UDON has just begun the release of all-new Rival Schools comics online… for free!

Based on the cult-hit Capcom® video game series, Rival Schools showcases the students of various Japanese high schools throwing down to prove who’s fighting skills rule the school yard. But when mysterious disappearances start happening all over, the kids must put their differences aside, and team-up to track down the kidnappers. Featuring the energetic, ultra-stylized artwork of Corey “Rey” Lewis (Sharknife), Rival Schools is a whirlwind of non-stop action and fast paced street brawls.

The online Rival Schools serialization has already begun, with the first two chapters (totalling nearly 80 pages) available in full on UDON’s website. An all-new page will be added every day, until the full four-part story has been completed. UDON is inviting all Capcom and fighting game fans to visit the UDON website and give Rival Schools a try!

Read Rival Schools comics online at:http://www.udonentertainment.com/rivalschools/

Terry |

Comic News |

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Thought Bubble

March 17, 2009 – 1:53 am

You can now book tables for Thought Bubble: The Leeds Sequential Art Festival 2009.

The event will take place at Saviles Hall, Leeds on Sat 21st Nov.

Small press and proffessional tables are £40 for the day, retailer and publisher tables are £60.

For more information and to get our booking form go to http://thoughtbubblefestival.com/08exhibitors.asp
You can fill the booking form in and send it with a cheque via post or pay via paypal using the email thoughtbubble@hotmail.co.uk

If you pay via paypal please can you still post us your booking form and write on it that you have paid via this means.

Hope you can all make it this year!

Any questions send me an email or give me a call on 01943 435588

Thanks

Lisa

Terry |

Comic Events |

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Hello -Still Here!

March 16, 2009 – 3:23 pm

Don’t panic,folks! Uncle Tel is still here!!

I had to finish typing my manuscript then working on a chapter about gorillas for the second book. I then got embroiled with an Australian university in identifying ‘big cat’ tracks from Australia and discussing leopard sub-species with the Sri Lankan government..you thought I just up-dated CBO every day?!?

So stand by for a review and interview this week.

Now,I need to chat with those ***** rats in my garden.

Terry |

EDITORIAL |

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Leeds Sequential Art Festival

March 12, 2009 – 2:59 pm

Hopefully you will of heard of the Thought Bubble festival by now, for those of you who haven’t here’s a little bit of information.

Thought Bubble will be in it’s 3rd year this year and will run from the 20 - 22 November with a one day convention event on Saturday 21st at Saviles Hall Leeds, England.
Throughout this years event we will hold workshops, talks, comic related film screenings and a huge book crossing.
In our 2009 book crossing we will attempt to turn Leeds in to one massive comic store, by leaving graphic novels all around the city for people to pick up in our goal to promote literacy though sequential art.

We are a none profit making organisation dedicated to spreading the word of comics and manga though free workshops for children and adults and other comic related activities.

If anyone is interested in helping, appearing or finding out more about this years event just send me an email.
Our table prices for this years one day con on Sat 21st Nov are

Small Press £40
Professional £40
Retail and Publisher £60

More infomation will be available on our new site over the next few days www.thoughtbubblefestival.com

The attendance at last years one day comic con was 1600. We are hoping to grow this number year on year so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks for taking time to read this email.

Lisa Wood
Director
www.thoughtbubblefestival.com