Released on September 9 is the last issue of Image’s Olympus mini-series from writer Nathan Edmondson and artist Christian Ward. Below is a sneak peek of Ward’s great art, free of text.
Supergirl Cries For Justice
Justice League: Cry For Justice by writer James Robinson and painter Mauro Cascioli continues, with its third issue arriving this week. You can see a preview here. For the interest of discussion, I’ve posted the first few pages below. I’m sure you can guess which page has fanboys and frustrated fangirls talking. This page was first revealed a few months ago in the back of a few DC titles. I know DC cop a lot of flack for their treatment of female characters. The main sore points would be the stuffing of Green Lantern Kyle Rayner’s girlfriend into a refrigerator and the lack of a memorial in the Batcave for the assumed-dead Stephanie Brown Robin. However, since then DC have made some good strides I reckon. Brown is now back, as the new Batgirl. They’ve put more females such as Vixen, Dr. Light and Zatanna in the ranks of the Justice League, and have even given Supergirl briefs to conceal her modesty, as she does wear a short skirt and fly around a lot.
The page in question, below, seems to put the focus on Supergirl’s teenage chest. The character is portrayed in sultry poses more often than any other character and this page would seem to continue that somewhat controversial trend. However I don’t think that’s the point of this page (though the assumed menage a trois Hal Jordan had last issue isn’t helping the cause of this series). I recall during the awesome, and mammoth Death and Return of Superman storyline, that similar panel compositions were used. The Superman family is large, and expanding. There are more characters with “S” shields on their chest in the DCU than ever before. That “S” is what citizens look up to and respond. They see the “S” first. It’s a symbol of power and hope, and an artist can use that to their advantage. I could just be clutching at kryptonite straws here, and although Supergirl’s team-mates seem to be staring at her bosom, she’s not the kind of girl who uses her sexuality like that. She wasn’t raised that way by the Kents. Then again, a midriff baring costume probably isn’t the best choice either, but at least it gives her room to move, and punch baddies who may be distracted by her…”S.”
It is a good composition and obeys the rule of thirds and all that, and if Superman were to replace Kara in the same position, no-one would bat an eyelid. But by reading the dialogue, it becomes clear that both creators are using the scene to reinforce what the reader is thinking (ie, “That Supergirl sure is perty.”) and having the male characters agree. Perhaps it’s just a matter of page design supporting a certain mood in the story and in that way, it works.
The Absolute Death
On sale October 14 from Vertigo is The Absolute Death – a 360 page oversized, slipcase hardcover for $99 collecting, well a bunch of stuff starring the popular Neil Gaiman character. Here’s all the info you need to know, plus Jeff Smith and Adam Hughes pin-ups from the gallery included in the hefty book.
Written by Neil Gaiman; Art by Mark Buckingham, Chris Bachalo, Jeffrey Jones, Dave McKean and Mark Pennington; Cover by Dave McKean
“The landmark comic-book series that actually made Death seem . . . cool.”
— ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY on THE SANDMAN
From the pages of Newbery Medal winner Neil Gaiman’s THE SANDMAN comes the young, pale, perky, fan-favorite character Death in a new Absolute Edition collecting her solo adventures! Featuring the miniseries DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING #1-3 in which Death befriends a teenager and helps a 250-year old homeless woman find her missing heart. Also included is the DEATH: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE 3-issue miniseries featuring the story of a rising star in the music world wrestling with revealing her true sexual orientation just as her lover is lured into Death’s imminent realm. And enjoy a plethora of extras including the DEATH TALKS ABOUT LIFE AIDS pamphlet, stories from VERTIGO: WINTER’S EDGE #2 and THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS, the short story “The Wheel” from the 9-11 tribute book, SANDMAN #8 and #20 and extras from the DEATH GALLERY one-shot along with an intro from Amanda Palmer, the lead singer of the hit musical group The Dresden Dolls! It’s all combined right here for the first time in one volume. This Absolute Edition slipcased hardcover is also the perfect companion for THE ABSOLUTE SANDMAN and ideal for fans of Gaiman’s sprawling, intimate comics work!
Detective Comics #856 Preview
Out today is the third part in the Elegy story arc in the new-Batwoman-focused Detective Comics, by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III. Seeing as the bad girl is an Alice in Wonderland inspired villainess, it’s fitting that William’s luscious art is trippy.
The Darkness/Pitt #1 Preview
Below is a 6 page preview of Top Cow’s three issue mini-series x-over between The Darkness and Dale Keown’s classic Pitt character. Details, and pretty pics, below.
The Darkness/Pitt #1 (of 3)
Paul Jenkins (A) Dale Keown (Cov) Keown, Stjepan Sejic
Dale Keown’s classic hero Pitt makes his return to comics! What else do you need to know?
When Tim and Pitt’s mission to track down those infected by an alien virus brings them to Jackie’s stomping ground in New York, they are invariably drawn together. Both attract the unwanted attention of the Federal Government and mayhem ensues!
The crossover reunites The Darkness writer Paul Jenkins (Captain America, Mythos) and Pitt creator Dale Keown (Hulk: The End) and features two covers by series artist Keown and a variant cover by Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade).
The Anchor #1 Preview
This new monster mash, and smash, series by Phil Hester and Brian Churilla isn’t out until October, but BOOM! Studios is feeling generous, so below is a hefty 10 page preview, plus character designs by Churilla. It looks like a series with equal parts fun and sincerity. This is what BOOM! Have to say about it:
THE ANCHOR. Holy warrior, unholy war. Freak of nature, beast of burden, hulking outcast, medieval prize fighter, Viking raider… God’s own leg-breaker.
One thousand years ago a hulking outcast sought refuge in the crumbling ruins of an ancient monastery and offered in return the one thing he had to give – his fists. Transformed into an immortal warrior monk standing at the gates of Hell itself to keep our world free from its invading armies, The Anchor is mysteriously tricked into centuries of slumber. But today, this holy warrior rises to battle all the unholy monsters unleashed during his slumber.
Cataclysmic action, quirky humor, and profound pathos for fans of HELLBOY and THE GOON. A new BOOM! ongoing series, brought to you by Eisner Award-nominated writer/artist Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW, SWAMP THING, THE COFFIN, FIREBREATHER, THE DARKNESS) and fan-favorite artist Brian Churilla (REX MUNDI, THE ENGINEER, CREEPY).
Pre-Order at Your Local Comic Shop by August 25th, 2009! Diamond Code: AUG090716
Olympus #4 Covers
Image’s series Olympus by new writer Nathan Edmondson and artist Christian Ward is kind of like another Image series – Viking. Both series really came from nowhere with a unique premise, a even more unique artistic approach and a bunch of well deserved critical praise. Below are the two covers for Olympus #4, which arrives on September 9. The variant cover is by Tony Harris and the main cover is by Christian Ward. This is the conclusion of this arc and the last issue. Hopefully, not for long though.
100 Wolverines
Some would say 100 Logans just isn’t enough, and they may be right with art like this. The Hero Initiative aids comic creators in financial crisis and as they”ve done with similar projects with Spidey and Hulk, they’re now unveiling 100 different Wolverine covers created by a who’s who of comic artists to raise funds. Press release below, as well as covers by Nick Bradshaw, Josh Medors, Brandon Peterson and David Finch doing what looks like a great Simon Bisley impression. Awesome stuff.
In the last two years, The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, has enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight artists to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project and The Hulk 100 Project, collections of 100 original covers featuring great Marvel characters. This year, Hero reprises the program with Marvel’s most popular mutant.
Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of the new Wolverine: Weapon X #1 to Hero. The call has gone out to create The Wolverine 100 Project, and dozens of artists are putting pen to paper. Artists involved include well-known stars such as Neal Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Frank Cho, Gene Colan, Ron Garney, Dale Keown, Adam Kubert, Leinil Yu, and John Romita Sr. and Jr.
“Fasten your seat belts. From what I’ve seen, this is the craziest 100 project to date,” said Hero Initiative Board member Brian Pulido. “The artists are very good at what they do and what they do is very awesome! They are pulling out all stops to deliver the goods on Marvel’s marauding mutant. You won’t be disappointed.”
“Marvel fully supports the Hero Initiative and its mission, and is proud to offer one of our premier characters in Wolverine to help their efforts,” said Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley. “The amazing outpouring of support and creativity we see from the artists in this is a wonder to behold as well.”
All 100 original Wolverine covers will be published in a book slated for release in November 2009, and a public viewing of all covers will be scheduled as well.
In conjunction with the official announcement of The Wolverine 100 Project, Marvel.com is also hosting a 5-minute informational video on the Hero Initiative. The video can be viewed here.
We The People Review
We The People has an intriguing promise and cover, but what happens between the pages is a slight letdown. From new publisher Outlaw Entertainment this one-shot is written by its Editor-In-Chief Jason M. Burns. Burns is one of comics’ most prolific scribes and from his start in the business with Viper Comics until his launch titles with Outlaw (such as the far superior Praetorian) he knows how to craft a solid story. The problem with We The People is that it feels like a TV pilot that doesn’t have the room to leap off the floor.
The initial concept is a good one and could almost be considered something of a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-lite. It centres around three young protagonists, each of whom is a descendant of a famous fictional character, but in this world, these well-known heroes were obviously more than legends. Robin Hood, Sinbad, and Zorro actually existed and their talents have passed on through the generations. That may sound like a hokey idea, but when you think about it, a lot could be done with that as a beginning.
It’s not all bad though; far from it in fact. Burns does the best with the few pages he’s given, but the concept from publisher Ricardo A. Villa needs fleshing out. It’s actually a strong start and has a lot of potential, but it demands a mini-series, rather than 112 pages. The art by Joe Eisma reminds me of 90’s Green Arrow penciller Rodolfo DiMaggio (who is now doing illustrations for big films BTW). It’s crisp and natural, with few lines. He handles emotions and body language with a natural fluidity and brings a quiet grace to each page. It’s all quite pleasant on the eye, and the spot on colouring by Giuseppe Pica sells each scene.
Apart from the need for more pages, though I guess that’s a compliment really, the other main disappointment of this tale is the “big bad.” He’s not that big, or bad. He’s a mayor who wants to clean up his streets by getting rid of all the homeless. Again, a concept that needs something more, like a Kingpin-type figure with his own army of soldiers and perhaps a reborn actual historical villain, like Jack the Ripper. However, there is a sense that Burns doesn’t want to turn this into yet another superhero book. There’s no sign of super powers and even the costumes are realistic, though they do look great. This is a street level approach to crime fighting, not the overly complicated approach of the Big Two.
Some may find Xavier’s (AKA Z – for Zorro) remarks annoying. With his sex jokes he seems like a more restrained character from a Kevin Smith film but at least Burns manages to give each of the three protagonists a distinct personality.
Flashbacks to the original heroes of lore, more wrestling from the three leads with the concept of destiny and more team dynamics is what this tale needs. I’m sure Burns knows that and probably wishes he had the extra pages to do so. Unfortunately any new publisher already has their work cut out for them and launching a series of one-shots rather than multiple mini-series is more viable. Perhaps if this outing does well, more tales of this trio of urban heroes will be forthcoming.
It is an entertaining enough comic for a newbie, as it’s easy to follow, looks good and is not too far ‘out there’ as a concept. Plus it’s 112 pages for only $8 and that’s a classy deal.
FVZA #1 Preview
Coming in October from the always reliable Radical Publishing is a new series by writer David Hine and artist Roy Allan Martinez. I saw a preview at Comic-Con and it seems Radical-esque, ie, dark, scary and nice to look at.
RADICAL LAUNCHES THE FEDERAL VAMPIRE AND ZOMBIE AGENCY THIS OCTOBER
Radical Publishing is proud and excited to announce the October 2009 debut of its newest miniseries FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency written by popular comic writer David Hine (Civil War: X-Men, Spider-Man Noir).
“Hine has the unique ability to take familiar horrors and turn them into new terrors. FVZA is David Hine at his best. Prepare for a bloody fun ride.” Steve Niles
Based off of the popular website, FVZA.org, created by Richard S. Dargan, FVZA chronicles a world where a deadly disease, representing a new threat of global terrorism, transforms innocent victims into Zombies and a long dormant government task force is called into action: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency. Throughout history, from the Civil War to World War II, the FVZA protected humanity from the blood-sucking and flesh-eating hordes — until a cure was discovered that sent the undead to their graves. When a new incurable strain of the virus ravages a small town in America, Agent Landra Pecos must call upon her lethal skills to eradicate the threat. But as Landra delves deeper into her investigation of the undead menace, she uncovers shocking secrets that will forever change her family, her world and her life.
“FVZA is a cutting edge reinterpretation of American history and Radical is excited to bring it to life,” said Radical Publishing President and Publisher Barry Levine. “David Hine is just a phenomenal writer who is taking a fresh mythology to new heights. Longtime fans of the website as well as new readers won’t be disappointed with David’s amazing take on the FVZA.”
The three-issue miniseries will be the next title in Radical Publishing’s new 64-page, bookshelf format, with a low $4.99 price point. Also featured in issue #1 is a special preview of The Last Days of American Crime by Rick Remender (Punisher, Fear Agent) Radical’s next bookshelf title, on sale December 2009.
Mice Templar: Destiny
This is a series definitely worth following. Mixing elements of The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and epic battles involving talking mice in medieval garb. Don’t let that last part fool you though – if Walt Disney and Tolkien had a love child…actually, no, forget that. Ewww.
Mice Templar is a thoroughly entertaining read. The second volume, entitled Destiny has just begun and the third ish hits on September 2 – all for only $2.99, despite what the cover says. That’s good value for a 32 page comic. There’s a recap in each issue in case you’ve missed one, and it’s obvious that writer Bryan J.L. Glass has thought about the lore here. There’s a rich tapestry unfurling involving visions, prophecies, all manner of vicious creatures and a young mouse called Karic. With lines like, “Long ago, beneath the great dimmed eye of Wotan,” and “what glorious, self-righteous wretches we were,” Glass shows his skill at the craft of building an invigorating fantasy. It’s all very bloody, and Oeming’s work is nothing short of remarkable. This, and Rapture, his current Dark Horse series with his wife displays his diversity extremely well. His battle scenes jut out from the page and make you feel like you’re in the thick of the action, with limbs flying, and claws slashing, and his watercolour pieces are just as superb.
Mice Templar is a series that demands commitment and is better enjoyed as a TPB. The first series is available as such now, or you can check out 100 (!) gorgeous pages from it at the MT site.
28 Days Later #1 Preview
Press release and art below about Boom! Studios’ adaptation of the film, 28 Days Later.
First Issue of New Ongoing Series Features Covers by
Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips & Brett Weldele
Finally, the wait for the End of the World is over as BOOM! Studios’ 28 DAYS LATER #1 will hit stands Wednesday, August 26th.
The first arc will be firmly based in 28 DAYS LATER continuity with the story focusing on Selena. Bridging the gap between 28 DAYS LATER and 28 WEEKS LATER, the series will focus on the question: what happened to Selena after 28 DAYS LATER?
The film franchise has grossed over $145 million globally and been named by the cable channel Bravo as having one of “The 100 Scariest Movie Moments.” Empire Magazine honored it as one of the “500 Greatest Movies of All Time.” The New York Times called it “Bracingly smart.”
28 DAYS LATER #1 is an ongoing series written by Michael Alan Nelson (FALL OF CTHULHU, HEXED) and drawn by red hot newcomer Declan Shalvey. The first issue features three covers by Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips and Brett Weldele in a 50/25/25 split with a Cover D Incentive by DNA Films shipping 1 for every 25.
Spider-Woman #1 Preview
Hitting shelves on September 23 is the long-awaited first issue of Spider-Woman’s own ongoing series. Writer Brian Michael Bendis has been a fan of the character for many years, and now teams up with his former Daredevil partner Alex Maleev, to focus on Jessica Drew’s new adventures. Here’s what Marvel have to say about it, followed by a text-free preview of next month’s debut ish.
She’s been kidnapped, impersonated and turned into public enemy number one—now Spider Woman wants revenge! Spinning out of New Avengers and Secret Invasion, Spider-Woman #1, from the Eisner-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev (Halo: Uprising), begins Jessica Drew’s mission to reclaim her life—but how do the enigmatic Agent Brand and the S.W.O.R.D. agency figure into her plans? Even if Spider-Woman succeeds, can she find a reason to keep going? This issue features covers by Maleev and superstar Alex Ross!
In August, no comic book fan can afford to miss the debut of Marvel’s first ever original motion comic on August 19th, as Spider-Woman hits iTunes! The first episode debuts exclusively on iTunes at a special price of 99 cents for the first two weeks—after this period, all episodes will be $1.99 each. These five episodes of Spider-Woman provide a groundbreaking new look at the Marvel Universe, with art not seen anywhere else! For more information on motion comics please go here.
Marvel On Sale August 19
You gotta admit Marvel have some very perty covers. They seem to have really lifted their game this year, perhaps it’s because it’s their 70th. Below a selection of some of this week’s gorgeous covers, is a link to the complete list of Marvel goodies going on sale this week.
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