Sea Lion Books Previews

Relatively new publisher Sea Lion Books seem to be flying under the radar, which is unfortunate, as they have some good looking comics on the way. Here’s a few to show what I mean, starting with the release of this week’s Hush, Hush, which is a 120 page OGN and is described thusly…

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She”s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora”s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can”t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen – and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life!

Writer(s): Becca Fitzpatrick & Derek Ruiz

Artist(s): Jennyson Rosero, David Pinos, Mel Joy San Juan

Available in August is the OGN Mortifera.

When fighting the unhallowed legion, you give ‘em hell.

Sea Lion Books announces the publication of the graphic novel MORTIFERA, from acclaimed game designer Stephan Frost and video game concept artist Sarah Partington.

“I would rather take aid from the most feared demon in hell than allow this blood to fall into the hands of a corrupt soul, or worse. . . Kanisus.”

From the imagination of Video Game Designer and Producer, Stephan Frost comes MORTIFERA. The story follows demon hunter Catherine Gregor, her brother Ethan and the demon Durin. The three are in pursuit of the demon Kanisus, who has stolen the power to return his fallen brethren to Earth and slaughter humanity.

The MORTIFERA are an order of knights that are venerably versed in using the dark arts against the damned. From the green, mythical hills of Ireland, land of legend, an archaic rivalry culminates in a battle between the demon Kanisus and Elias Gregor, founder of MORTIFERA.

When Ethan and Catherine discover their slain father, not only are they faced with his death, but the knowledge that Kanisus has possession of vast quantities of demon blood. . . which will allow him to raise demons from hell.

Catherine, Ethan and Durin must wage war with the damned as well as combat earthly rivals to survive. In desperation Catherine summons Durin, an infamous demon from the Dark Ages to aide in their quest to kill Kanisus and his followers. Thus begins their quest for revenge and salvation of Europe from another demonic invasion. . .

Finally, here are two OGNs which I’d be most likely to pick up, the upcoming The Stereotypical Freaks, which is the first in a planned trilogy, and the second volume of Pariah. Although I haven’t read the first volume I am a fan of Brett Weldele’s art, as seen in The Surrogates, and The Light, and Philip Gelatt has done great work for Oni Press, with the two volumes of Labor Days, and Petrograd.

Kids who aren’t perfect, don’t get straight A’s, drive a cool car and couldn’t possibly get a date with a cheerleader or the homecoming queen.

Jacoby Nukik is an exchange student from Canada, with a spirit and wisdom well beyond his age. Jacoby and three other, very disparate, high school seniors come together to compete in their school’s Battle of the Bands. They are The Stereotypical Freaks, and their world is coming to life in a new graphic novel from Sea Lion Books.

The main character, Jacoby was inspired by a real life teen, John Challis, says writer Howard Shapiro. “John was a teenager dying of cancer who faced his death with courage, dignity, and a never-quit attitude that changed how I went about my daily life. So much so, that I was inspired to create Jacoby to help honor John’s memory and his message of ‘Courage + Believe = Life.'”

The Stereotypical Freaks is about the Battle of the Bands that the main characters enter, but at its heart it is a story about friendship, the power of music and how we deal with loss. The power of music brings them together… the power of friendship, creativity, and determination takes them on a journey that will inspire the rest of their lives.

The story line is vividly detailed in the artwork of Joe Pekar. Artwork with “an otherworldly ability to infuse characters with feeling and emotion simply by their body language, the look in their eyes or their facial expressions.”

They’re not super powered, they’re just super smart.

In this issue, the Vitros find themselves imprisoned in an abandoned and outdated space station, any hope of them truly uniting seems lost. But when it becomes clear that the station has been rigged for destruction by some unknown foe, the Vitros must toss aside their difference and face an ever escalating series of challenges and choices if they hope to survive.

If you’ve missed the first 4 issues of Pariah. You can now download and read them on your iPhone, iPad, or android devices from:

– iVerse

– comiXology