As promised, here’s the second daily preview of Wednesday’s release of The Art of Top Cow Hard Cover.
Zeke Deadwood: Zombie Lawman Review
Having been somewhat perplexed by Slave Labor Graphics’ recent Strange Eggs Jumps The Shark anthology, I was pleasantly surprised at the entertainment value in this western/zombie/comedy mash-up. Zeke Deadwood: Zombie Lawman is created by T.A Boatwright and Ryan Rubio, and the title of this one-shot pretty much tells you what it’s all about.
It begins with an old-time radio show as an earnest narrator tells tha tale of the titular gun slinger, or as he puts it: Whenever innocent blood is spilled upon the sand of the American West, a foul wind blows in across the frontier – signaling the arrival of justice!
It opens on a nameless town filled with the kind of bandits and desperadoes seen in many 1950s TV shows (or The Three Amigos) before a brave sheriff makes his last stand. Then in rides a skeletal figure to rescue the people from the wild shooting in the streets. Zeke makes his presence known at the church and tavern, and makes a rotten impression due to his undead stench, and then seeks the leader of the bandits for a good old fashioned shoot out.
Boatwright’s pencils are simple, but the inks really make it stand out. The black and white art fits perfectly with the rough atmosphere and it’s an entertaining enough one-shot. It’s certainly not hilarious, but it’s pretty harmless too. The 3 pin ups in the remaining pages by T.J Kirsch, Havard S. Johansen (see below) and Guy Davis are simply awesome and I’d love to see a Zeke Deadwood series done by any one of them.
Zeke is basically a zombie Clint Eastwood or Gary Cooper, but with a penchant for singing and falling off his horse, though not at the same time. There’s nothing revealed about his origins, or any deep themes. Zeke Deadwood is just a streamlined approach to a novel concept.
There’s an interesting interview with Boatwright here, with a look at some interior pages too. I hope we see more of Zeke. As we all know, zombies work in any genre, and this one has the potential to be another winner.
The Art of Top Cow Preview Part 1
The Art of Top Cow Hard Cover is released on Wednesday July 22. It’s a full colour coffee table book with an impressive 352 page count from the likes of Marc Silvestri, Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic, Michael Turner, David Finch and many more. Top Cow describes the mammoth tome thusly;
The Art of Top Cow is a gigantic collection that combines The Art of The Darkness, The Art of Witchblade and The Art of Marc Silvestri, plus select additional pieces drawn by some of the best artists to have graced the pages and covers of Top Cow titles. This is the definitive art collection for the ultimate art fan.
This over-sized 10” x 12” coffee table book will feature a beautiful dust cover with a unique poster printed on the inside of the dust cover.
I thought I’d share a few random pages a day with you every day until its release, because any excuse is a good one to show great art. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous artwork below. Consider it a gallery of babes and brutes.
Superman/Batman #62 Review
There was a time when this title and JLA were among my favourite DC series. They were always reliable. However the last 2 or 3 years, like any monthly book, has seen its fair share of ups and downs, creatively speaking. This issue is a return to form though I gotta say. Anytime I see Michael Green and Mike Johnson’s names under the writing credit I know I’m in for a treat. The duo have catapulted this series back to where it belongs with their handful of issues together.
Since Batman is dead and has been replaced by the original Robin, and Superman is hanging out on New Krypton, this series has either had to focus on out of continuity tales, or place greater support on the multitude of great satellite characters that both titular heroes have acquired over the years.
This issue focuses on Robin (TIm Drake) and Supergirl and right from the …bat I noticed something was a little off. Tim is wearing his awesome red and black costume, which he gained in DC’s One Year Later stories after Infinite Crisis and before Final Crisis. However as this is touted as his first team-up with Kara, he should be in his green and yellow costume. Yes, I notice these things. I’d expect DC too as well. That’s a minor hiccup though.
Rafael Albuquerque’s art is just superb here. He really plays of the youthful energy by the two teenaged leads and depicts their interactions with a light touch. What did surprise me was the menace and horror with which he shows Joker and later, Mr. Zsasz. Basically the story has the costumed pair quelling a riot at Arkham Asylum, while Supergirl learns for the first time what dread Gotham holds. When Joker is introduced he’s standing in a doctor’s coat holding a freshly amputated leg in his hands, causing the Kryptonian to smack him around, which doesn’t help matters. A few pages later Tim has the same reaction when they meet Mr. Zsasz surrounded by sliced corpses bathed in an eery red light. Despite the manga flavour of the pencils, Albuquerque really sells the terror of Arkham and its inhabitants tremendously well. He makes Killer Croc a monster and Poison Ivy a babe.
There’s no real surprises here. We don’t know why Batman and Superman leave their partners, apart from a JLA mission, and they don’t return, and it’s a standard beat up the bad guys adventure. What elevates it somewhat are Tim and Kara’s interactions out of costume in a coffee shop talking about working with their respective mentors. The differences between the pair shine through in their crime fighting approaches too, with Kara’s naivete and Tim’s seen-it-all attitude being shown in a subtle way.
It’s a simple, done in one story with delicious pages and a streamlined approach, and sometimes in the world of comics, that’s more than enough.
John Fultz Interview
Now up at Broken Frontier is my interview with writer John Fultz. As well as being an English Language Arts teacher, Fultz has a healthy respect for classic literature, which he brought to his Archaia fantasy series Primordia. You can read the interview here.
Iron Man 2 Pics
Thanks to Entertainment Weekly’s Comic-Con special, we have two new pics of Iron Man 2. The sequel stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Mickey Rourke as the Russian bad guy Whiplash and Scarlett Johansson as the sleek spy Black Widow. The film opens on May 7 next year.
Was Superman A Spy?
Brian Cronin’s excellent column for comicbookresourecs.com continues to be fascinating reading. This week it’s all about those popular creatures of the night – vampires. Read it and astound your Twilight loving friends with some fascinating trivia. Where else will you find Bob Hope, a cross dressing Frankenstein and a Japanese animated movie based on Marvel’s Tomb of Dracula?!
On a related note, Cronin’s new book, Was Superman A Spy? is a very interesting read. Like his column, but structured without the false/true clarifications, it focuses on Marvel, DC and other publishers and all the weird legends that surround their storied history. It’s comprised of new and previously published (on his CBR column) material and is a brisk, informative read that serves as an engrossing reminder of the strange and wonderful history of the comic book form. I picked up an extra copy for a friend who hasn’t read comics regularly in about fifteen years and he lapped it up. It really is a great book.
I also reviewed Cronin for the last issue of Extra Sequential about the book (starting on page 18.) Go here for my interview with Cronin and here for his latest Legends column.
Marvel’s Comic-Con 09 Panels
There’s just not enough hours in the day, especially at Comic-Con. Marvel’s schedule below.
Marvel is proud to unveil our complete panel schedule for Comic Con International in San Diego . Sure, you’ll be visiting our booth on the convention floor (that’s booth #2429, True Believer!), but now you can enjoy the world-famous Marvel Panels! Swinging off the stands, flying onto the big screen, smashing through televisions, blasting into game consoles, and ruling the web, Marvel Entertainment is the one company where you can find the best in comics, films, animation, games and digital media. Now we’re bringing it all to San Diego for you, the fans!
“Marvel has the best fans in the world and we’re excited to provide them with the best panels in the world,” said Mike Pasciullo, Vice President of Merchandising and Communications, Marvel Entertainment Inc. “If you’ve never experienced a Marvel panel live, make sure to stop by for Q&A with your favorite creators, major announcements and, as always, big surprises!”
Please note, all guests, times and rooms are subject to change.
Thursday, July 23
1:00 – 2:00 Marvel: Mondo Marvel – From the Marvel U to the Ultimate U and everything in between, we’ve got the top talent on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! Panelists include Jason Aaron (Wolverine: Weapon X), Dennis Calero(X Men Noir), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Paul Tobin (Models, INC), Frank Tieri (Dark Reign: Lethal Legion), Steve Wacker (Spider-Man Editor), Jim McCann (New Avengers: The Reunion), and more as they take on all questions! Room 6DE
3:30 – 4:30 Marvel: Breaking Into the House of Ideas – Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking “I could do that…if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Talent Liason, and special guests writer Jeph Loeb (Ultimatum), Marvel editor Charlie Beckerman, artist Mike Choi (X-Force), colorist Christina Strain (Runaways), and more to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door at every level in the creative process and how to make your job MARVEL! Room 6DE
Friday, July 24
11:00 – 12:00 Marvel: X-Men – The streets have erupted in violence and the safe haven mutants thought they’d found is in turmoil. The Dark Avengers have put Daken in Wolverine’s place, and there’s an all-out war tearing through space and time with a certain red-haired green-eyed girl at the center of it. You’ve got questions & these people have answers! X-Men group Editor Axel Alonso is joined by a host of creators to lay out what’s going on and resurrect a beloved…—well, that would be telling! You need to hear it for yourself! Panelists include Matt Fraction (Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia),Craig Kyle & Chris Yost (X-Force), Marjorie Liu (Dark Wolverine), Daniel Way (Deadpool), Jason Aaron (Wolverine: Weapon X), and more for this all-new, all-DEADLY panel! Room 6DE
2:00 – 3:00 Marvel: Cup O’ Joe – This is it, Mighty Marvel fans- the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full of surprises panel you wait all year for, and it’s here! Marvel’s EEK (Editor-in-Chief) Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room 6BCF
4:30 – 5:30 Marvel Animation –The new age of Marvel animation is here! Marvel’s President of Animation Eric Rollman and General Manager of Nicktoons Network Keith Dawkins are joined by the creative minds behind the new hit series Wolverine and the X-Men, and Iron Man: Armored Adventures. Head Writers Greg Johnson (WatX), Chris Yost (IMAA), Supervising Producer Craig Kyle (WatX, IMAA), Voice Director Jamie Simone (WatX) and the voice of Wolverine, Steve Blum, discuss each series and what the future holds. Then stay tuned for a first look at Marvel Animé from acclaimed Japanese animation studio Madhouse, featuring Madhouse President Masao Maruyama (Gotham Knight, Tokyo Godfathers), and writer Warren Ellis (The Authority, Astonishing X-Men). Also expect sneak peaks at the upcoming next Marvel Animated Feature from Lionsgate. You don’t want to miss this panel! Room 6BCF
The Marvel Animation panel is linked to talent signing events at the Marvel Entertainment booth (#2429) on the convention floor. The talent behind Iron Man: Armored Adventures and Wolverine and the X-Men will be signing from 3-4pm. Masao Maruyama and Warren Ellis will be signing from 6-7pm.
5:30 – 6:30 Marvel Digital Comics…And Beyond!. Be there for the world premiere of Marvel Motion Comics! Join Joe Quesada, Dan Buckley, members of the Marvel Digital Media Group and SURPRISE GUESTS as they unveil the next phase in graphic storytelling. Also, catch the world premiere of the Marvel.com original video series, Marvel Super Heroes: What The–?! episode 4. Plus, get jacked into the rest of the digital dynamite—from Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited (the greatest collection of Marvel comics ever assembled online) to casual games, original streaming video and the future of Marvel’s ever-growing digital endeavors! Room 6DE
Saturday, July 25
10:00 – 11:00 Marvel: “Hero Up” with The Super Hero Squad Show! – Marvel’s first action-comedy series is a manic, mind-blowing, all-ages romp through the Marvel Universe. Coming to Cartoon Network in September, the animated show is loaded with superstar voice talent. Join several of the actors, previewing their characters in a live performance: including Tom Kenny (Spongebob) as Iron Man & MODOK, Charlie Adler (Cow and Chicken, Transformers features) as Dr. Doom, Steve Blum (Wolverine and the X-Men) as Wolverine, Grey DeLisle (Fairly Oddparents, Clone Wars) as Ms. Marvel, andStan “The Man” Lee as The Mayor. Supervising Producer Cort Lane (Iron Man: Armored Adventures), Matt Wayne (Justice League Unlimited), Supervising Director Mitch Schauer (Freakazoid, Angry Beavers), Exec. Producer Joe Quesada (Marvel Editor-In-Chief) & Exec. Producer Eric Rollman(President, Marvel Animation) share series secrets, a world premiere clip and a preview of THQ’s epic Super Hero Squad video game. Followed by Q&A! Room 6BCF
At 2:30pm The Super Hero Squad Show panel will be followed by a signing event at the Marvel Entertainment booth (#2429) featuring much of the cast, including Tom Kenny, Charlie Adler, Steve Blum, Mikey Kelly (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature), Dave Boat (Ultimate Avengers 1 & 2) and Travis Willingham (Fullmetal Alchemist).
11:30- 12:30 Activision: Ultimate Alliance 2 Room Indigo Room
11:30 – 12:30 Marvel: Dark Reign – The Cabal has taken over the Marvel Universe and forever changed it. Now, Norman Osborn has his LIST and is taking everyone down who stands in his way. What lies on the horizon? Find out here as the creators behind the madmen & women putting the Marvel Heroes through their paces answer your questions and let you in on what happens next! Join Joe Quesada, Rick Remender (Dark Reign: The List), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Jason Aaron (Dark Reign: The List), Frank Tieri (Dark Reign: Made Men), Joe Casey (Dark Reign: Zodiac), Marvel editor Alejandro Arbona and more as they shed some light on DARK REIGN! Room 6A
4:00 – 5:00 Marvel Studios/Paramount: Iron Man 2 Movie Panel – Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the sequel to the blockbuster film based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero ” Iron Man. ” Directed by Jon Favreau, “Iron Man 2″ stars Robert Downey Jr. Joining Downey in the cast are Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Clark Gregg, John Slattery, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson. Hall H
Sunday, July 26
11:00 – 12:00 Marvel: The Women of Marvel – One of the most talked about panels from last year is back! Forget Storm & She-Hulk, meet the real Ms. Marvels of the comic world! Join women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel to hear what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and how you can join them. Say goodbye to the so-called “Boy’s Club,” these ladies are busting down the four-color ceiling! Guests include New York Times Best Selling author Marjorie Liu (Dark Wolverine), Christina Strain (World War Hulk), Colleen Coover (Marvel Adventures), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Emily Warren (Secret Invasion) and more! Room 7AB
12:45-1:45 Marvel: The Next Generation of Marvel Video Games – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Super Hero Squad and Iron Man 2. Join us for trailer previews, discussion and Q & A on the next wave of Marvel Games from publishers Activision, THQ, and SEGA. Writers Matt Fraction , Mark Hoffmeier, and Evan Skolnick will be on hand along with the game developers Kyle Brink, Robert Blackadder, Dan Tanguay and TQ Jefferson to discuss views on how story and design can come together to make licensed games that don’t suck. Room 6A
Harry Knowles Gets Radical
This is a rather impressive coup. The man who made film reviews interesting, and pop culture loving acceptable will be hosting a Radical Publishing panel at next week’s Comic-Con in San Diego. Press release below.
At SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2009, Radical Publishing will be featuring an all-star panel with top talent from both the comic and entertainment industry. Hosted by Ain’t It Cool News’ founder and head geek, Harry Knowles, the Radical Creators Panel will treat fans to a preview of upcoming Radical projects as well as the opportunity to hear some exclusive announcements on Friday, July 24th from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. in Room 4. Guests who arrive at the panel will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a pair of passes to the Radical Event at the Hard Rock Hotel. The lucky winner will be announced at the end of the panel.
The Radical Publishing Creators Panel will include comic book legend Jim Steranko, cover artist for Radical’sHercules: The Knives of Kush; Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), creator and writer for Cholly & Flytrap: Center City; Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), creator and writer of City of Dust: A Philip Khrome Story; Jimmy Palmiotti(Jonah Hex), creator and co-writer of the upcoming Radical series Time Bomb; David Hine (Civil War: X-Men), writer of FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency; Rick Remender (Punisher), creator and writer of Radical’s upcoming futuristic crime thriller The Last Days of American Crime; Nick Simmons (A&E’s Gene Simmons Family Jewels), son of rock legend Gene Simmons and creator, writer and artist of Incarnate, which debuts at Comic-Con; Zombie Studios CEO Mark Long, Nick Sagan (writer of the Idlewild trilogy) and M. Zachary Sherman (SOCOM: Seal Team Seven) of the critically acclaimed science fiction epic Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising; Sam Sarkar, creator and writer of Caliber, soon to be a major motion picture produced by Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil; and Steve Pugh, writer and illustrator of the supernatural detective series Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead, based on a story by Warren Ellis.
“This is a panel that’s sure to live up to the hype,” said Radical President and Publisher Barry Levine. “We’re proud to be hosting a collection of the best in the business at our San Diego Comic-Con panel this year and we’ll be announcing some of our most exciting projects to date that will implement the new Bigger Books! Bigger Value!format. This is something you won’t want to miss.”
Top Cow’s July Freebies
Top Cow’s latest freebie initiative launches across 25 comic shops in the U.S and Canada. Details below, and perhaps your comic shop (see the link below).
CYBERFORCE/HUNTER-KILLER #1 HEATS UP JULY’S “LET US WIN YOU OVER” PROMOTION
Publisher unveils 25 participating retailers for month of July
Top Cow Productions, Inc. revealed today the names of the participating retailers in their “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative for July and the next free issue in the program – Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1.
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and a portion of July’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO. Top Cow reminds retailers that any direct market retailer with a Diamond account is eligible to participate and should contact their Diamond Customer Service representative for information on signing up.
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 marks the return of two of Top Cow’s most popular teams to the forefront of the Top Cow Universe and the first time the two teams have met. When the Hunter-Killer team zeroes in on Cyberforce as rogue Ultra-Sapiens, a brutal melee erupts. But who is manipulating the two teams into conflict and to what end? Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 is written by Hunter-Killer co-creator Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Amazing Spider-Man) and drawn by artist Kenneth Rocafort (Astonishing Tales, Madame Mirage). Series artist Rocafort provides two connected covers each featuring one team and the hot art team of Mike Choi & Sonia Oback (Uncanny X-Men, X-Force) provide covers for Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 and retails for $2.99.
“It’s no hyperbole on my part when I say that this is Top Cow’s biggest event series for 2009. We’ve been building towards this for well over a year and so it was a natural step to include the launch issue in the “Let Us Win YOU Over” program,” said Filip Sablik, Top Cow’s Publisher.
“ ’Let us win YOU over’ should be renamed ‘THANK YOU Top Cow’. Two hundred FREE copies to give to customers is the type of promotion I hope to see more of from all comic publishers,” added Ryan Liebowitz of Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles, CA, “It’s a win-win scenario for everyone and a total no-brainer!”
A list of the participating retailers during the month of July (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative –www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase Berserker at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the retailer they wish to visit for specific details:
Tyrese Gibson Signing
Tyrese will be singing copies of the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen comic books based on the blockbuster smash movie now in theaters, as well as discussing his upcoming comic book collaboration, MAYHEM!, with local superstar and Image Comics founder, Todd McFarlane who had this to say, “With the current state of the comic book industry, any new infusion of excitement or customers would be a welcome relief. Tyrese brings both of those to the table along with his unbridled enthusiasm. Image is looking forward to having a long sustained run with him on MAYHEM and some of the other ideas he’s talked about for the future.”
Megastar artist Jim Lee is also excited about MAYHEM, “There’s nothing more compelling about a bold, original character than an impassioned team of creators. MAYHEM’s boundless energy starts from the top as whirlwind dynamo creator Tyrese Gibson singlehandedly makes you love the character as if he were your very own betrayed, tragic son seeking redemption. MAYHEM is fresh, fun and most importantly, from the heart.”
Because of time contraints and to help ensure as many fans as possible have the opportunity to meet Tyrese, fans can only obtain autographs on one comic book purchased from Atomic Comics at the event, plus one personal item.
All fans who have prepaid for MAYHEM! #1-3 for only $10 will have a backing board signed as well, and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a limited signed copy of this hot new comic!
Tyrese’s talented comic book posse will be at Atomic Comics Chandler as well: Mike Le, Will Wilson, Percy Carey (Eisner Award nominated writer of the groundbreaking graphic novel, Sentences), and artist Tone Rodriguez.
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? #1 Review
The opening page of this issue from BOOM! Studios states that, “this series is the complete text of Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, presented in graphic form.” It’s an interesting message to those who may be expecting these pages to show Harrison Ford running around in the dark getting beaten up by androids. I recently watched the ultimate edition of Blade Runner, the 1982 film directed by Ridley Scott that loosely adapted Dick’s novel, so the differences are fresh in my mind.
I must say that BOOM! have the most diverse range of licensed titles on the shelves. From Pixar properties such as Cars and The Incredibles, to Warhammer, The Muppet Show and Die Hard they offer something for every type of reader. This mammoth 24 part adaptation of the 1968 sci-fi novel is another bold string in that curious line-up.
From the first page it becomes jarringly obvious that this is no ordinary reading experience. Not surprisingly it lies somewhere between a novel and a traditional comic book. These days readers are more accustomed to reading captions that reveal the inner thoughts of the characters. The captions here are initially of an omniscient narrator, as is to be expected. With no writer’s name on this comic the enormous effort of bringing a forty year old story from prose to sequential art hangs on the brave shoulders of artist Tony Parker and colourist Blond.
I’d imagine that Parker and editor Ian Brill would’ve spent many hours discussing the finer points of Dick’s original text, and how to work with it in pictorial form. With word balloons followed by caption boxes stating, “He said gloomily,” and so on it breathes like a unique media hybrid. Deckard’s discussion, with caption narration switching perspectives, goes on for 6 pages, but within these 6 pages a few facts present themselves, such as the reason for the unusual title, the fact that most of the city has left earth thanks to World War Terminus, and that the city’s gases occasionally create “specials” (read: mutants) in the populace.
This first issue opens with android hunter/killer Rick Deckard waking, and arguing with his wife Iran over before going to their respective “mood organs” to decide what their emotions will be. It’s a great start that shows what sci-fi does best; the integration of seemingly absurd technological ideas in an ordinary context.
The next 6 pages show Deckard conversing with his neighbour about their respective animals. It is by this point that most readers will decide if this series is for them or not. As is to be expected, this is more wordy than an average Brian Michael Bendis title. For some it may be a trudging read, but it’s obvious that Dick is a revered writer for a very good reason. He creates this world with depth and clarity. There are points of mild bewilderment, particularly with the sequence focused on the special John Isadore but at least for a $4 comic, you get a lot of reading material in this extra-sized ish. This one won’t be hurried through on the average daily commute.
The afterword, or “backmatter,” by fan fave writer Warren Ellis gives some truly fascinating insight in to Dick’s upbringing and talent and the literary weight of “Androids.” It’s a nice touch and puts Dick, and his most famous work, in context, and perhaps will help some readers justify BOOM!’s decision to publish the novel word for word. Let’s face it, if you’re going to publish a book exactly as is, why bother with pictures? However, it’s exactly that kind of choice that make BOOM! the unique publisher they are. I can’t imagine any other comic book company toying with this idea, and it does highlight the strengths, and perhaps weaknesses of the sequential art form. Tony Parker’s art decides for us what we see, rather than imaging it on our own if we were to read the novel.
Not a lot happens here, but things end when Deckard receives a new case, so perhaps things will pick up next issue. It is somewhat plodding but fans of Philp K. Dick, or those that want to see where Blade Runner took its cues, will be satisfied. After reading this debut issue, I can see why the entire tale will take 2 years to tell. It has already sold out before hitting shelves, so there are obviously plenty of curious readers out there.
Owly Toon Debuts At Comic-Con
Top Shelf’s cute owl who stars in his own silent adventures springs to life in animated form at Comic-Con. Press release below.
Owly Animated Short to Debut at Comic-Con!
Top Shelf Productions and Sprite Animation Studios team up to bring beloved graphic novel character to life.
Owly, the kindhearted star of the award-winning graphic novel series by Andy Runton, will come to life in an animated short at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 23-26.
It was jointly announced today by Chris Staros, Publisher of Top Shelf Productions and Junichi Yanagihara, Executive Producer at Sprite Animation Studios that the loveable Owly and his unlikely best friend Wormy will be animated in a brand-new original segment directed by Moto Sakakibara and storyboarded by creator Andy Runton. Prominently featured will be Runton’s innovative “Pictomation,” a storytelling device in which the characters’ thoughts and feelings are animated with iconic and expressive images rather than dialogue, enabling fans of all ages, languages, and backgrounds to enjoy the show.
“I’m absolutely overjoyed to be working with the entire Sprite team. Over the past months, we’ve worked very closely to make sure Owly was faithfully translated to 3D. Every little detail was important to them, and the end result blows me away! They’ve created an animation that captures the pure essence of Owly in ways I never thought possible. It’s amazing to see Owly and Wormy come to life like this. The level of artistry at Sprite is incredible.” said creator Andy Runton.
“I am very passionate about the world of ‘Owly’ and its pure, honest, and adorable star. It is such a blessing to be able to bring Owly to new audiences who have not yet been touched by these wonderful stories,” said director Moto Sakakibara.
Fans can visit the Top Shelf Productions booth (#1721) during the convention to see the short and to speak with members of the Sprite and Top Shelf teams, as well as meet Andy Runton, who will be there signing graphic novels, doing sketches, and talking to fans from around the world.
Owly’s foray into animation comes at a time of big changes for the little “bird of play.” Following the re-release of all five Owly trade paperbacks with newly painted covers; a new line of T-shirts; a new supply of plushies; a brand new American Library Association poster and bookmark celebrating Owly’s support for libraries nationwide; the creation of an extensive collection of lesson plans for the use of Owly in classrooms; the release of all five Owly trade paperbacks on Amazon’s Kindle, and the announcement that Top Shelf and Andy Runton have entered into an agreement with Simon & Schuster to publish two Owly picture books, starting with Owly & Wormy in Friends All Aflutter in 2011, Owly is on the move.
Coheed And Cambria Kills Audio With Boom
Press release below about a new comic from the increasingly diverse BOOM! Studios, written by Claudio Sanchez of the band Coheed and Cambria. The book launches in October but a preview book, and vinyl figure will be available at next weekend’s Comic-Con at San Diego.
Claudio Sanchez, the celebrated creator of the COHEED AND CAMBRIA mythology, including the best selling sci-fi mini-series, THE AMORY WARS, is back with an entirely new concept! One of the most unique and powerful minds in rock and comics unleashes possibly the most provocative new comic of 2009: KILL AUDIO!
Shipping this October from BOOM! Studios, fans can get a first look at KILL AUDIO this July at Comic-Con International, when Claudio Sanchez signs the KILL AUDIO PREVIEW BOOK available only at the BOOM! Studios Booth #2543. In addition to the KILL AUDIO PREVIEW BOOK, fans will also get a chance to purchase the monotone variant of the KILL AUDIO VINYL FIGURE, limited to 1200 pieces. The KILL AUDIO VINYL FIGURE will only be available during signing times.
“This is disturbing work, and I mean that as a compliment,” BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid said. “Anyone who’s a fan of THE MAXX or of Robot Chicken should check this out.”
KILL AUDIO follows the adventures of an immortal little troll who struggles to find purpose in a land where creativity is a controlled substance. When musical creativity spirals into chaos, KILL AUDIO discovers his life mission.
Supported by a wildly eccentric posse and a nemesis hell-bent on proving his mortality, KILL AUDIO takes on non-sensical musical sub-genres while traipsing across a vivid landscape, all of which could only come from the intense mind of Claudio Sanchez.
The KILL AUDIO PREVIEW BOOK and the KILL AUDIO VINYL FIGURE* will be available at the BOOM! Studios booth (#2543) with Claudio signing on Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 5pm.
Written by Claudio Sanchez and Chondra Echert, KILL AUDIO features mind-melting art by Harvey Nominated Mr. Sheldon with covers by Mr. Sheldon and Kristian Donaldson of DMZ fame. The KILL AUDIO PREVIEW BOOK will sell for $5 while the limited edition monotone variant KILL AUDIO VINYL FIGURE will sell for $40.
*Please note the Vinyl Figure will only be available during signing times.
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