September | 2009 | comicbookjesus

Awakening Interview

Described as an “existential horror,” the slow-burn zombie series, Awakening from Archaia recently launched the Trade collecting the first few issues. I interviewed writer Nick Tapalansky and artist Alex Eckman-Lawn at Broken Frontier here. While you’re there check out the latest news about the creators’ tour in the States and your chance to get a peek at Awakening Volume 2, due for release next year.

It’s a pretty entertaining book and more like a thriller than a full throttle action series. Plus, the art is suitably creepy.

September 21, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, Interviews, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Archaia . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Darkness: Accursed Vol. 2 Preview

On sale Wednesday September 23 from Top Cow is the 160 page Trade collecting a few recent issues of The Darkness. This is how the Cow describe it, and underneath that are a few preview pages.

The Darkness: Accursed Vol. 2 Trade Paperback

Phil Hester (A) Jorge Lucas, Michael Broussard, Joe Benitez, Dale Keown, Ryan Sook, Steve Firchow, Lee Carter, Matt Timson, Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Michael Broussard

Weakened and battered after a conflict with The Darkness itself, Jackie Estacado flees Sierra Muñoz and heads back to the States. But the road home is no easy journey as he runs afoul of Mexican witches, wannabe gangsters and even Aphrodite IV! Jackie soon discovers his battle with The Darkness cast his soul into Hell while leaving his body and mind on Earth. Enter The Sovereign, an arch-demon who promises to reunite Jackie’s body and soul, but at a price that may be worse than Hell itself. Plus, witness a possible future ruled by The Darkness run amok in a spectacular story drawn by a list of all-star artists!

Collects The Darkness Vol. 3 #7-10 and the double-sized The Darkness #75 (essentially issue #11 before the Legacy Numbering took effect), plus a cover gallery and behind-the-scenes extras!

“Bold, uncompromising and utterly thrilling. Under the skillful direction of Phil Hester, Michael Broussard and Jorge Lucas, The Darkness has risen to the top of my read pile.” – Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible)

September 21, 2009
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: Jorge Lucas, Phil Hester . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

This Week’s Ramblings

comiXology is giving away over 30 free comics for use of your iPhone, as part of its new comics by comiXology application. Go here to see what’s available.

The new Batman and Robin team continue to entertain in the DCU. Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen are also a great pair on their Streets of Gotham series. The third issue focuses on the man known as The Broker and his shady acquisitions of properties to be used as hideouts for Gotham’s criminals. This is a mature issue, as The Broker questions his morals and mentions that the Mad Hatter is, “aside from the little girl thing, a prince.” He also shows a place to the new look Mr. Zsasz who buys the abandoned property and promptly wheels in tiny cages holding kidnapped children. All that, plus the Manhunter co-feature starring a skinless woman make this one gruesome issue. It also has a cameo by The Great White Shark bad guy seen in the excellent Batman: Arkham Asylum game.

Image’s tale of eternal brothers Olympus series is finished, with #4 now out. I picked up the finally released TPB of Pax Romana this week, and the comparisons between Jonathan Hickman’s design sense and Olympus’ artist Christian Ward seem obvious to me. Go here to see some Olympus pages to know what I mean. Both men use the page as their own template for a new kind of approach to visual storytelling. They’re not afraid to be bold and use negative space to great effect. The last ish of Olympus is probably the best looking and I hope Ward has another outlet soon. Writer Nathan Edmondson is sure to be going places too.

So the new Justice League has been announced, as seen in this week’s DC releases. The roster has had more changes than ever in the last few years. Writer of the current mini-series Cry For Justice, James Robinson is teaming up with artist Mark Bagley (Trinity) but the character selection isn’t doing a lot for me. I miss the days of Grant Morrison and the Big Seven. At least, there’s still DC’s Trinity, or at least stand-ins for Superman (Mon-El while Supes is on New Krypton), Batman (Dick Grayson replacing the dead Bruce Wayne) and Wonder Woman (one-time Wonder Girl Donna Troy). Check out this informative Newsarama post that examines if the new members are worthy of being in the JLA.

The new 3 ish mini Anti-Venom: New Ways to Live is off to a rollicking start. Pure, hard-core entertainment with another ending 6 pages after the one you think it is. Focusing on the original Spider-Man foe Venom, Eddie Brock is now a good guy as the Anti-Venom and is dedicated to cleaning up the streets and the people in it. Writer Zeb Wells showed in the recent Dark Reign Elektra mini that he knows how to write full throttle action and does so again here. I’ve never seen anything by artist Paulo Siqueira but man, I’m very impressed. With superb pacing, fluid action and scenes of horror oozing darkness onto the pages I’m definitely picking up the next 2 issues.

September 19, 2009
Categories: Ramblings, Reviews . Tags: Anti-Venom, Christian Ward, JLA, Nathan Edmondson . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Dan Brown’s “Best”

So Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame has a new book out, called The Lost Symbol. Now I can honestly say I’ve never read any of his books, but I have read more than enough excerpts from critics. Having done that, I see no reason to pick up any of his novels, unless perhaps I want to learn what not to do. However, Brown has obviously hit something on the head with millions of fans worldwide now devoted readers. In “celebration” of Brown’s success the Telegraph in the UK has a great article entitled Dan Brown’s 20 Worst Sentences. Below are my two faves with Telegraph commentary almost as funny as Brown’s quotes included.

16. The Da Vinci Code, chapter 4: A voice spoke, chillingly close. “Do not move.” On his hands and knees, the curator froze, turning his head slowly. Only fifteen feet away, outside the sealed gate, the mountainous silhouette of his attacker stared through the iron bars. He was broad and tall, with ghost-pale skin and thinning white hair. His irises were pink with dark red pupils.

A silhouette with white hair and pink irises stood chillingly close but 15 feet away. What’s wrong with this picture?

15. The Da Vinci Code, chapter 4: As a boy, Langdon had fallen down an abandoned well shaft and almost died treading water in the narrow space for hours before being rescued. Since then, he’d suffered a haunting phobia of enclosed spaces – elevators, subways, squash courts.

Other enclosed spaces include toilet cubicles, phone boxes and dog kennels.

September 19, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: Dan Brown . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Lee Covers Liberty Comics #2

The recent first issue of Liberty Comics was a great anthology and raised funds for a worthy cause – the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Next month’s second issue has more great contributors and a variant cover by Jim Lee. Press release, and said cover, below, and if you want to see a few more perty pics by Lee, from his story with Neil Gaiman, check out CBR’s look at Lee’s artistic process.

Image Comics Founder Jim Lee provides gorgeous rendition for the CBLDF anthology’s limited edition cover!

JIM LEE, the fan favorite artist of Batman, X-Men & WildC.A.T.s, provides the Image Comics published Comic Book Legal Defense Fund benefit anthology, LIBERTY COMICS #2 with an all-new, limited edition 1-in-25 variant cover based off his collaboration with Sandman writer NEIL GAIMAN.

“Jim has long been a true Defender of Liberty with his ongoing support of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and his cover goes above and beyond the call of duty,” CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein said. “We’re very thankful for his generosity.”

LEE and his story with NEIL GAIMAN, ‘100 Words’, lead off an all-star ensemble of industry greats in the all-new second volume of LIBERTY COMICS. Passionate comic book storytelling, all in service to an important cause, the incredible contributions list includes a Painkiller Jane story by JIMMY PALMIOTTI and JIM RUGG; a new Mr. Gum adventure from MIKE ALLRED, DAVE JOHNSON and JAMIE S. RICH; The Apocalypstix by RAY FAWKES and CAMERON STEWART, a return to Channel Zero by BRIAN WOOD; a preview of Choker by BEN MCCOOL and BEN TEMPLESMITH; and a special Martha Washington piece by DAVE GIBBONS, alongside exclusive material by PAUL POPE; KATHRYN & STUART IMMONEN; CHYNNA CLUGSTON; PAUL GRIST; and JASON AARON & MORITAT. LIBERTY COMICS already features two covers, one by Batman: The Long Halloween’s TIM SALE and a new Kick Ass image by creator JOHN ROMITA JR.

LIBERTY COMICS #2 (AUG090303), a 48-page full color comic book for $4.99, will be in stores October, 14 2009.

September 18, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Jim Lee . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

See The Marvel Offices

There’s a short, but nifty video right here in which Marvel head honcho Joe Quesada gives a casual tour of the offices including their walls of covers, and licensed products, digital studio and a rather unimpressive kitchen. It’s one of the newest videos on Slate.com’s Cubez series.

September 17, 2009
Categories: New To Comics? . Tags: Joe Quesada, Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Spider-Woman And Wonder Woman

The third episode of the popular original Spider-Woman motion comic from Marvel is now available on iTunes. Here’s what Marvel say about it:

The chart-topping, ground breaking Marvel sensation is back– Spider-Woman Motion Comic continues with the debut of Episode 3 on iTunes today! The New York Times Best-Selling team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev (Halo Uprising) present the next exciting chapter of Jessica Drew’s mission to hunt down the aliens who destroyed her life. But just what lies next for the newly anointed Agent of S.W.O.R.D.?

Click here right now to purchase the third episode of Spider-Woman on iTunes now!

And sticking with the female superhero theme, Wonder Woman and Secret Six writer Gail Simone has teamed up with comicbookresources.com to launch Wonder of Wonders, a new feature with guest contributors and a busy forum all dedicated to discussing the superhero alter geo of Diana Prince, Wonder Woman. Simone has a few interesting things to say about fans in the launch post, namely, if you’ve never read a comic of Spider-Man or Superman or whoever, but love the films and buy all the merchandise, can you still call yourself a fan? She says absolutely, but I’m not convinced. It’s a great read though, and an even greater idea, and BTW, the photo below is of cosplayer Margie Cox. Wow.

September 17, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: Gail Simone, Spider-Woman, Wonder Woman . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths Pics

Two teaser images have been released for the next DC animated film arriving next year. The setup is this: a heroic Lex Luthor arrives from an alternate earth requesting the help of the Justice League in defeating their evil counterparts on good Lex’s home planet. Below are pics of hero Lex in gold armour surrounded by “our” Justice League, and a pic of the bad League’s version of Batman, namely Owlman.

With a story that seems to be based on 2000’s graphic novel, JLA: Earth 2 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely and the introduction of the Multiverse into the DC animated films, this will be yet another one to watch. Here’s the official skinny.

An original story from award-winning animation/comics writer Dwayne McDuffie (Justice League) rooted in DC Comics’ popular canon of “Crisis” stories.

Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Green Lantern) is executive producer. Lauren Montgomery (Wonder Woman, Green Lantern) and Sam Liu (Superman/Batman: Public Enemies) are co-directors.

In Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, a “good” Lex Luthor arrives from an alternate universe to recruit the Justice League to help save his Earth from the Crime Syndicate, a gang of villainous characters with virtually identical super powers to the Justice League. What ensues is the ultimate battle of good versus evil in a war that threatens both planets and, through a diabolical plan launched by Owlman, puts the balance of all existence in peril.

All-star voice cast led by Mark Harmon (NCIS) as Superman, James Woods (Ghosts of Mississippi) as Owlman, Chris Noth (Sex and the City, Law & Order) as Lex Luthor, William Baldwin (Dirty Sexy Money) as Batman, Gina Torres (Serenity, Firefly) as Super Woman and Bruce Davison (X-Men) as the President.

September 16, 2009
Categories: Cartoons, New To Comics?, News . Tags: JLA . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

comiXology Buys PopShopOnline

Popular comics site comiXology has not only helped bring comics to the digital landscape, including the iPhone, but have now also just acquired the online comics retailer resource, PopShopOnline. Details below.

comiXology, makers of Comics by comiXology digital comic app for the iPhone, announces the acquisition of PopShopOnline, the leading provider of comic book retailing e-commerce sites.

comiXology.com provides information on new releases and connects comic fans with local retailers who can fulfill their “pull lists.” Its Comics by comiXology app enables iPhone users to view their comic books in vibrant color and connect with local retailers via the app’s Retailer Locator feature. PopShopOnline powers brick-and-mortar retailers’ web sites, including content management and online fulfillment.

“The acquisition of PopShopOnline demonstrates our continued dedication to the comic book retailer market,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology.com. “This strengthens our unique position in the online and digital comics market, being able to connect consumers, publishers and retailers unlike anyone else.”

“comiXology was the clear choice when deciding what to do with the PopShopOnline service,” said Lee Bissonnette, creator of PopShopOnline. “I know these guys are uniquely positioned to expand the offering, treat my clients right and grow it to the next level in a way that no one else could. I look to see PopShopOnline become bigger and better because of their ownership.”

About comiXology

Since 2007, comiXology has been exposing more people to the world of comics through comiXology.com and related applications. comiXology.com, comic book retailer tools, iPhone and Blackberry apps and digital comics are all connected through the comiXology platform. The Comics by comiXology app for iPhone and iPod touch delivers a fresh approach to digital comic books through its guided-view reader technology, in-app purchasing, and Retailer Locator which enables users to find nearby comic book retailers. For more information, visit http://www.comixology.com.

September 16, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: comiXology . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Halo 3: ODST Trailer

Remember when Halo 3 came out and they had those awesome live action trailers? Well, Bungie are doing it again, and this time there’s actual fighting, Brutes, and cool helmets. This should convince anyone how great a Halo film could be. Halo 3: ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers) is a stand-alone FPS and is released for the XBOX 360 on September 22. You won’t play the Master Chief, but that’s no biggie. Shooting baddies will still be fun.

September 16, 2009
Categories: Games . Tags: Halo . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Clips

The next DC Universe animated film is Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and it arrives on September 29. Below are two clips; one involving Supes meeting President Lex Luthor and fighting Metallo and another involving the titular superheroes fighting Major Force and Captain Atom. I’m excited about this film and it looks good.

September 15, 2009
Categories: Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: DC comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Bluewater’s December Goodies

Bluewater Productions continue to create diverse products and their biographical comics seem to be garnering attention. Next up is J.K Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter. There’s also a George W. Bush one-shot with a cover that is kinda freaking me out. Perhaps the best new series though is Distortions Unlimited by Daniel Crosier, who created the unique wood burning art in the Bartholomew of the Scissors mini-series. The 3 ish mini is based on the full scale animatronics from the titular company (that’s gotta be a first for comics!) and is centred on a scary mine.

September 15, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Bluewater Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel Comics On Sale 16/9/09

Here’s 3 nice covers from the batch of new Marvel goodies being released this week. The full list is below the covers.

Continue reading →

September 15, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Marvel comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Super Hero Squad

Marvel’s new animated series with kid-friendly versions of their characters has now debuted on the Cartoon Network. Below are the details, including the impressive voice talent involved.

On Monday, September 14, The Super Hero Squad Show makes its Marvel-ous debut on the Cartoon Network with an action-packed sneak peak you can’t miss! Experience the adventures of Iron Man, Captain America , Thor, Silver Surfer, Wolverine, Storm and all your favorite Marvel Heroes like never before! The greatest heroes in the universe unite against the deadliest villains in an exciting, family friendly Super Hero team up unlike any in history! The Super Hero Squad unites to protect Super Hero City for VillainVille, as they must stop Dr. Doom and his allies from gathering pieces of the powerful Infinity Sword, or the bad guys will rule the universe! Luckily, the City is filled with Marvel Super Hero guest-stars to help out in a pinch. These brave heroes totally deliver the action – but with plenty of humor on the side as they “Hero Up!” to save the day.

The Super Hero Squad Show features superstar talent playing the roles of the series’ memorable characters, including:

Tom Kenny (Spongebob)

Charlie Adler (Transformers 1 & 2)

Steve Blum (Wolverine and the X-Men, Hulk Vs.)

Grey DeLisle (Fairly Oddparents and The Replacements).

And when it comes to guest-stars, The Super Hero Squad Show features the greatest characters—and talent—including:

Wayne Knight (Seinfeld)

LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow, Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl, 17 Again, Buffy)

Greg Grunberg (Heroes)

Lena Headey (Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, 300)

Adrian Pasdar (Heroes)

Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galatica)

Jennifer Morrison (House)

Tamera Mowry (Twitches and Sister, Sister)

Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street films)

Stan Lee as the Mayor of Super Hero City .

September 15, 2009
Categories: Cartoons, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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