As always, there’s a bunch of new comics coming out from the House of Ideas on Wednesday (in America at least). Here’s a look at but some of them. The ones with the prettiest covers of course. For the full list of releases, see the link below.
Flinch Now
The new 120 page anthology from Perth publisher Gestalt has arrived. It’s described as “a collection of engaging stories by established and emerging creators, all playing on their interpretation of ‘flinch.'” The impressive creators involved include the likes of Shaun Tan, Justin Randall, Skye Ogden and Mel Tregonning. The trailer for Flinch is below and you can see a preview of some of the stories here. Flinch, and Gestalt in general, have been getting some pretty impressive mainstream news coverage as of late, and have some interesting books on the way. It’s great to see such talent coming from my humble home town.
Last week I picked up a couple of self published mini comics that impressed me. A Bird With Crossed Wires by C.S. Markle was completed at the 24 Hour Comics Day in 2007 and features a crazed, car smashing bird who is offered friendship by one of his victims. It’s actually quite delightfully simple and mature with a touch of black comedy. Dead By 30 by Andrei S. Buters is a different affair. Artistically, its more complex and plays with rock, death, magic and friendship to great effect. Both black and white comics are well made and give me hope for the future of my little town. It’s already given the world Ben Templesmith, Ashley Wood and Shane McCarthy and I’m thankful that the two main comic shops in Perth (Quality Comics and Comic Zone) have shelves devoted to the work of local writers and artists.
Pencilling Opportunity
Consider this a community service announcement to all you budding artists out there. Jaran Studios, the company behind Dawn of the Dread Force (who featured on pages 26-31 of Extra Sequential #2) are looking for an artist for a potential new web comic. It doesn’t even have to be mech-related. Details are below and more info can be found at the Dread Force website. This is a great opportunity for artists looking for a break.
We’re currently looking for a talented penciller for a potentially upcoming DREAD FORCE web comic, so if you’ve got too much spare time on your hands and are looking for a very low-paying, but rewarding, job working with us, drop us a link to your sequential samples, and we’ll be in touch. Thanks in advance!
War of Kings #4 Sneak Peek
If you haven’t been reading Marvel’s War of Kings mini-series, you can catch up here. It’s a well written space opera, which is surprisingly easy to follow. The 4th issue, of 6, is out on June 3 and is scripted by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, otherwise known as DnA, with art by Paul Pelletier. Below you can see some text-free pages, with stunning covers from Brandon Peterson and Jae Lee.
Fusion #1 Review
It’s been a while since the comics biz had had a good x-over. In the 90s we couldn’t get enough of them. Batman teamed up with everyone. Spider-Man teamed up with everyone. Punisher and Archie teamed up with each other.
Now the concept is back. In grand fashion. Two teams from Marvel and two teams from Top Cow in the same book is a great way to start. Of course, Top Cow artists have been doing cover and interior work for the House of Ideas recently, so this is no big stretch. Fusion debuts spectacularly, with plenty of cool costumes and powers to please any fan of superheroes. This issue primarily focuses on the Mighty Avengers and Ripclaw, but with two more issues to come, the balance should be restored.
It begins with a lone man named Ellis (from Hunter-Killer) sitting at the ancestral home of Ripclaw (from Cyberforce) before taking us to the Quinjet where we meet the Mighty Avengers, who in this time frame, have only been together for a week. Setting this between Civil War and Dark Reign was a smart move on the part of frequent writing partners Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. Out of the four teams in this series, The Avengers have the most complicated recent history. They wisely steer away from assuming readers are familiar with the happenings of this assortment of characters, and the two page intro for each costumed character is a welcome aid.
In the Quinjet, where the word “celebritard” is introduced, Wonder Man, Ms. Marvel, Wasp and Black Widow of the Mighty Avengers get attacked by a mad Ripclaw before leading them to an investigation focused on the who and why.
Not much happens in this issue, but it’s impressive that for a series that will contain over 20 characters, this first ish isn’t complicated or overbearing. Abnett and Lanning keep things simple. After the fight with Ripclaw, the Thunderbolts watch the aftermath from a distance, before attacking Ripclaw after another Hulk-out. Then the Mighty Avengers venture to a lighthouse that isn’t what it appears to be before seeing Ripclaw again. I can only assume that there’s more than one crazy Ripclaw out there, due to the absence of time and place transitions, and I guess the Hunter/Killer crew is involved in that.
As is to be expected, the fighting begins right away as the heroes – or at least Ripclaw, isn’t his usual self. Perhaps the two of the teams will join up and fight the other two, or all four teams will become allies and take the battle to a new enemy.
The book looks suitably fast paced and daring. Tyler Kirkham’s style may have early “Image house style” written all over it, but it works, and the use of three different inkers doesn’t show. There’s also no desperate attempt at trying to explain away how these teams meet through a parallel universe or some such, so ths story can focus on lots more pummelling. For fans of any of these teams, or those who know none of them, this superhero smorgasbord is a good entry into two vibrant companies properties.
Sherlock, Soulfire & Daredevil
Over at the new, and very spiffy, Broken Frontier my interview with writers Leah Moore and John Reppion over their new Sherlock Holmes series is up. As is my interview with writer Alexander Irvine about his Daredevil Noir. Lastly, my review of Soulfire: New World Order #1 is also at BF, and you can also check out a nifty commentary of that very issue with artist JT Krul.
Female Bucky Returns?
Another teaser image was released from Marvel yesterday. These images seem to be working, as fanboy tongues get wagging each time. To celebrate the release of Captain America #600 on June 17, this image lays hints as to what’s next. The issue is written by Ed Brubaker, Mark Waid, Roger Stern and Stan Lee. That’s some of the best writers Cap has had over the decades. The art will be supplied by a bunch of people too including Butch Guice, Luke Ross and Howard Chaykin. I knew the character in the promo looked familiar, before I picked it – the female Bucky from the controversial late 1990s Heroes Reborn saga. Perhaps the issue will be an anthology issue with looks at Captain America from different eras, like the current Hulk: Broken Worlds series. Either way, it appears that something big is stirring in Cap’s world, as also evidenced by the 5 issue series entitled Reborn (from Brubaker and Bryan Hitch) that hits in July. That’s all we know for now, as Marvel have only released the white word, “Reborn” on a black background as a teaser for that series. Maybe Steve Rogers will be reborn, or perhaps it an allusion to Heroes Reborn, with the female Bucky teaming up with James Barnes, the original Bucky and current Cap. Who knows?
Dead Romeo #2 Review
As promised, I have given this series another shot. I’m glad I did. This issue is slightly better than last month’s debut. Unfortunately one of the areas DC falls down compared to Marvel, is their lack of an introduction page. So, if you haven’t read Dead Romeo #1, this won’t mean much of anything to you. However, here’s the skinny: Romeo is a vampire recently revived from far too long in hell. He’s now trying to avoid going back there,which means avoiding satisfying his bloodlust. The white haired hero meets a sassy virgin, Whisper and falls head over heels for her far too quickly, though he does wonder why at least. Romeo’s old gang also return from the grave and they’re a motley crew of nasties. They want Whisper too. Now Romeo must make a choice -kill her and save himself, or save her and kill himself. Last issue we were introduced to the man characters, while this issue is effectively a 22 page run and fight feature, bringing him closer to a fateful decision.
There’s more blood, some predictable gangsta speak and not much characterisation. There’s 4 more issues to go, so Romeo and Whisper have to fall in love and defeat the baddies while somehow living to live a happy life. Of course, writer Jesse Blaze Snider may just manage to avoid those cliches and pull out a few surprises. Let’s hope so. Thus far, it’s a mix of Blade, Twilight and The Crow with it’s vampire in love battling fellow vamps while trying to avoid damnation flair going on. Those influences aren’t obvious ones however,and Snider, along with artist Ryan Benjamin, has put considerable time into making each character distinct. I only hope it pays off in the long run.
For a preview of this ish, go here. 
Secret Six #9 Preview
Secret Six is a great series. Sure it helps if you’re somewhat familiar with the villains and rogues of the DC Universe, but it’s splendid entertainment regardless. Next week’s #9 is by the usual team of writer Gail Simone and artist Nicola Scott. It’s like a manic road trip/sit-com/bad guy and girl mash up. The latest ish ties into Battle for the Cowl, with 2 of the 6 setting their sights on the Dark Knight’s cowl, with the creepy stick figure that is Ragdoll aiming to be the replacement Robin. Hilarity and horror ensue.
Punisher and Eminem Team Up
Well if The New Kids on the Block can have their own comic, I guess Eminem can too! And he’s taking The Punisher along for the bullet ridden ride. This new venture is a bold one, but hopefully it brings new fans to comics. Press release below.
EMINEM/PUNISHER: KILL YOU
All-new 16-page story to be featured exclusively in the June issue of XXL magazine and on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited
Marvel Comics has teamed up with Eminem and XXL magazine to celebrate his anticipated upcoming album Relapse with an all-new story featuring the renowned rapper and Marvel’s notorious vigilante, The Punisher, in Eminem/Punisher: Kill You.
Back from a three-year hiatus, Eminem is set to grace two XXL covers posing as The Punisher for the magazine’s June issue on stands May 5, two weeks before his fifth solo album, Relapse, hits stores May 19.
A special collector’s edition, the magazine also includes the first part of an exclusive collaboration between XXL, Shady and Marvel Comics — Eminem/Punisher: Kill You — a special edition Punisher comic book starring Eminem and created by Marvel Comics.
This all new story written by Fred Van Lente (Amazing Spider-Man) with art by Salvador Larroca (Invincible Iron Man) takes place in Detroit after Eminem performs on stage and gets involved in a conflict with The Punisher and his old foe Barracuda. The first half of the story will be featured as a bonus eight page special edition comic printed in the June issue of XXL magazine, with the eight page conclusion available exclusively on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited (www.marvel.com/eminem) for free starting May 5th.
“When we learned that Eminem is a fan and collector of Marvel comics, we could only imagine what would happen if The Punisher and Slim Shady met up in the Marvel Universe,” said Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada. “This was a unique partnership and the team had a blast working with Eminem and incorporating the rapper into the Marvel fold.”
For fans of the Punisher, Eminem and those wanting to own a part of the action, visit your local newsstand to purchase the magazine on May 5, 2009 and then be sure to visit www.marvel.com/eminem to experience the second part of the story.
FCBD’s Best
There are almost 50 different free comics being offered around the world as part of FCBD. Here’s the best.
FCBD stand for Free Comic Book Day – the most original concept to happen to the comics biz since gorillas on covers. Launching in 2002, hot on the heels of the new Spider-Man film, only a trickle of titles from the major publishers were available at the time. As its popularity continues to grow, even indie publishers are now getting in on the action. Now there really is something for everyone, including not only reprints, but original issues made specially for the one day event. So, if you’ve just seen Wolverine at the cinema and want to know more about the world superheroes inhabit, or would like to see what all the fuss about comics is, or you’re a fanboy/girl who wants to make the most of the opportunity to invite a friend into the wonders of sequential art – then step right up. First things first though. Not every comic shop is participating and you can’t just go in and grab any issue you like and wave your gratitude as you flee. Visit www.freecomicbookday.com to see if a shop near you is taking part. Then peruse the available titles to see what takes your fancy. Each shop has different limits, so don’t expect to be walking away with a trolley full of freebies, but as FCBD is always popular, it’s good to remember your Boy Scout training and “be prepared.” Every publisher’s offerings on FCBD are just a tiny sample of series that they regularly produce. Larger companies such as Marvel and DC have more than one free issue available, but every publisher uses the day for the same reason. It’s a showcase of their best, created for the regular reader and newbie alike. The aim of FCBD is to open eyes and minds to what comic books are about and hopefully, make lifelong devotes in the process.
DC’s Blackest Night is, and will be for some time, the event of the moment. Space opera superheroes at their best. Writer Geoff Johns is DC’s Midas. Every title he touches turns to gold. With art from Ivan Reis and Dough Mahnke it not only breaks down the recent deaths in the DCU, but looks very perty too. #1 pick for fanboys.
Dabel Brothers Showcase. Samples from The Dresden Files, Take A Chance and The Warriors are diverse enough to include a novel adaptation, a butt-kicking mother and a revisit to a cult film. Also included is a 7 page preview from Del Rey’s new Star Wars novel, Outcast. # 1 pick for novel readers.
Sonic: Evolution of a Hero. From Sega and Archie comes the look at the inexplicably popular blue haired game character. There’s no story, just pages filled with info on all the Sonic characters. #1 pick for Sonic fans.
Resurrection. Oni Press’ series centered on the world after an alien invasion has gained many fans. Now you can see why. There’s also a mildly humorous Tek Jansen preview. #1 pick for alien lovers.
G.I. Joe/Transformers Animated. IDW are the latest publisher to carry this pair of much loved franchises. With new Transformers and Joe films just around the corner, this flip book which features both ‘80s properties will get a good response. #1 pick for Gen Xers.
The Avengers. If you don’t know if you like your Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to be New or Dark, this slightly smaller format comic gives you both. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, with great art by Jim Cheung it has many spandex wearers fighting in the snow, but not each other. Also included is a twist on the Fastball Special and breakdown of the Dark Avengers. #1 pick for Avengers curious.
Archie Presents The Mighty Archie Art Players. Four short stories with cartoony art and kiddie humour. Exactly what you’d expect, but with Jughead in a Superman costume and Archie as Indiana Jones. Also – Betty as a mermaid. #1 pick for Archie fans.
Owly and Friends. One of Top Shelf’s most popular series is Owly. His wordless adventures are always delightful and here he’s supported by two other tales, featuring Korgi ,and Johnny Boo by James (and son Eli) Kochalka. #1 pick for parents who want to read with their kids.
DC Kids. Mike Kunkel’s Shazam!, Batman and Blue Beetle teaming up and Tiny Titans, plus a few games from the Super Friends series. #1 pick for Fanboy Jr.
John Stanley’s Melvin Monster/Nancy. Classic adventures from the good old days, presented in authentic faded colours by the faithful Drawn & Quarterly. #1 pick for old timers.
Savage Dragon. This reprint of SD #148 by creator Erik Larsen and Image features almost forgotten hero, Daredevil (the red and blue hero from Project Superpowers, not Matt Murdock). Also included is a history of Daredevil and a recap of the finned one’s journey thus far. #1 pick for Larsen loyalists.
Wahammer Online: Prelude to War. BOOM! Studios have some impressive properties. This is one of them and shows lots of swords and ugly creatures marching through swamps. Also – acid vomit. #1 pick for fantasy gamers.
Worlds of Aspen. One of the best looking FCBD issues, this offering from Aspen MLT shows previews from Executive Assistant: Iris, Soulfire: New World Order, Fathom and Soulfire. #1 pick for lovers of pretty girls and pretty art.
Aliens/Predator. Dark Horse have excelled with these two creatures for years. This flip book looks great, is faithful to the original films and is an action packed primer for their upcoming series. #1 pick for AVP fans.
Bongo Comics Free-For-All! No publisher wears their geeky heart on their sleeve quite like Bongo. Some Simpsons superhero-centred adventures, plus a Futurama tale involving shopping. Not hilarious, but amusing enough. #1 pick for Simpsons fans.
Wolverine. This and the Blackest Night will be the first to go. Penned by Fred Van Lente it may answer a few questions for Logan fans. #1 pick for young ‘Snikt’ers.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Then again, this issue based on the TV series will undoubtedly be popular too. It also features Indiana Jones, Emily the Strange, Beanworld and Usagi Yojimbo. #1 pick for fans of kid-friendly variety.
Shonen Jump Special. This mostly black and white comic features a rundown of SJ titles and Ultimo Chapter 0 by Stan Lee and Hiroyuki Takei. Don’t forget to read it from right to left. #1 pick for manga fans.
Wonder Woman Sneak Peek
Wonder Woman #31, from DC Comics goes on sale this week. Diana battles Achilles, Zeus’ choice to replace her. The battle of the sexes is on. Written by Gail Simone (Secret Six), with art by Bernard Chang (not Aaron Lopresti despite what DC’s website says), this issue continues the Rise of the Olympian storyline.
Mr. Stuffins #1 Review
Think of this title as Reverse Chucky. Instead of a doll terrorizing children, and adults alike, we have a teddy bear helping them.
From Andrew Cosby and Johanna Stokes, who have written the excellent BOOM! series Eureka and Station, respectively, comes this impressively cuddly debut. It had me smirking and fondly recalling my own carefree days of playing with my He-Man figures and G.I Joes. Ah, good times. This is a boy’s own adventure – literally, but it does have a healthy dose of dark humour and adventure. Like BOOM!’s other series, such as The Incredibles, or The Muppet Show Comic Book, this is something parents could read with their kids, with both getting enjoyment from it.
It begins with a scientist running from the agency he works for. Upon creating Artificial Intelligence, he flees from his nefarious employers and runs to the closest toy shop, where he swaps his CD with that of an interactive teddy bear. At the same time, David, a bath salesman recently separated from his fed up wife, is taking his son Zach out for a bit of shopping. After waving masculine gifts infront of his face, Zach decides to go for Mr. Stuffins instead. The rest of the issue is focused on Zach as he discovers his teddy’s unique skill set and gets frustrated with his lack of singing and bed-time story telling abilities. After all, that’s what the box promised! It’s like a premise of a classic 1980s film that was never made.
I could hear Mr. Stuffin’s gruff, take charge voice every time he spoke. He ties up a lifeless pink bunny for interrogation, beats up school bullies and mocks Zach’s parents. Yet he’s a loveable rascal. While elements of Buzz Lightyear and the 1998 film Small Soldiers may be apparent to some, this is still a refreshing concept. Zack is old enough to know that a teddy bear with military skills is not normal, yet young enough to just accept him as a new, though reluctant, friend.
I can see why this was a sell-out when it first appeared, and now that it’s returned with new art by Axel Medellin, it will surely garner new fans. Medellin draws with great expression. His figure work is simple, yet fluid enough and from the moment Mr. Stuffins’ eyes alight and he sits up, fully aware, I was sold on the approach. It has some great pacing and truly witty lines, that I won’t do the disservice of spoiling here. Let’s just say that I haven’t been entertained with cuddly toys for many years, yet I now want a Mr. Stuffins for Christmas.
Get Wired
The tech-mag Wired appears to be ramping up its comic book cool factor lately. You can check out an interview with Neil Gaiman on his delayed conclusion to the Batman’s farewell, Whatever Happened To The Caped Crusader? Now, the interviewer describes these final two Batman-centric issues of Detective Comics as “hilarious” for some odd reason, but then again Gaiman’s issues, which either discard or embrace continuity, depending on your point of view, are somewhat intriguing. They’re also slightly maddening as a send off to the legendary man in the cowl. The interview is worth a read though, as Gaiman discusses Alan Moore, the Watchmen and Sandman films, and more.
Also, you can read an interesting piece in the latest issue of Wired, by guest editor J.J. Abrams about his frustration over the internet hating his attempted 2002 Superman script (the one where Krypton doesn’t explode, Lex Luthor is a Kryptonian and Jimmy Olsen is gay). Um…yeah, there’s many reason why fandom didn’t embrace your script, Mr. Abrams.
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