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Milk Shadows Books Launch

Melbourne based publisher Milk Shadow Books are launching two new comics at All Star Comics in Melbourne on Saturday October 12. The two comics are Dillon Naylor’s Da ‘n’ Dill-The Showbag Years, and Ben Constantine’s Squirt-Stone-The collected Plump Oyster volume 1. Both creators will also be there.

You can find out more about the event right here, and here is where you’ll find more of Milk Shadow’s unique creations, and below is the official lowdown of the event.

Milk Shadow Books, All Star Comics Melbourne and Madman proudly invite you to celebrate the launch of Dillon Naylor’s Da ‘n’ Dill – The Showbag Years and Ben Constantine’s Squirt-Stone – The Collected Plump Oyster Volume 1.

Come along and be part of the long-awaited return of the cult children’s comic creations , Da ‘n’ Dill, and the first mega collection of the amazing, alternative Plump Oyster comic series.

In a rare appearance, both of the artists will be in attendance – signing, sketching, and discussing their work – with you!

For a limited time, the books will be packed into their own showbag with lollies, and other gifts courtesy of Madman Entertainment Australia.

Plus there will also be signed limited edition art prints for sale by both Dillon and Ben!

AND… two people could find the LUCKY TICKETS, which entitles them to a page of original Da ‘n’ Dill art or a piece of art by Ben Constantine.

Come along and see some of the strangest and best work that the Australian comix community has to offer!

September 22, 2013
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Australian comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Devotion of Suspect X

I’ve been trying to read more novels lately. Here’s a brief review of the latest one.

I picked up The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino as it was a recommendation from the owner of a small bookstore owner. (I always like to support the non-chain bookstores).

I did notice a handful of grammatical issues, especially in the early pages of the book, which I found surprising. Sure, it’s been translated from Japanese, but this 2011 English version has also been nominated for two awards for its translation.

Set in contemporary Japan, it focuses on Yasuko, a quiet single mother who has moved to escape her former husband. However, when he shows up at her apartment one night, it doesn’t end well for anyone, and when her neighbour Tetsuya Ishigami offers his genius-level maths approach to assisting the young family, the stakes are raised, and the plot becomes complicated, but thankfully, still easy to follow.

It’s the third book featuring the Detective Galileo character, known as Manabu Yukawa, who is an old college friend of Ishigami and whose investigation, coupled with his knowledge of Ishigami’s eccentric behaviour, leads to the novel’s intensity in the latter half. I haven’t read the other two books featuring the detective, and it wasn’t an issue. This is a stand-alone novel that you can delve right in to.

The first half is a bit slow, but it certainly picks up in the last half, and as I got down to the final chapters, I couldn’t wait to finish it. There are surprising developments which work splendidly in raising questions about various characters’ integrity and true motivations.

There are two film adaptations out already, (a Japanese, and South Korean version), with a third American remake on the way. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of one novel spawning that many international adaptations in such a short amount of time.

Although there are crime elements, seeing as it is a murder mystery, it never becomes gory or gruesome. It is a story about murder, sure, but it is more about the exploration of unusual relationships, the line between respect and romance, and the depths one can sink to to rationalise horrific acts, as well as the effects of loneliness and social isolation.

September 17, 2013
Categories: Reviews . Tags: novels . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Top Shelf Massive $3 Sale

Indie publisher Top Shelf continue to produce awesome comic book goodies, and their annual sale bonanza has returned. Make the most of this opportunity to get some great stuff for yourself or friends. All of it is a safe bet, but here’s my review of God Is Disappointed In You. Official details below.

THE 2013 TOP SHELF MASSIVE $3 SALE!

For the next two weeks — thru Friday September 27th — Top Shelf is having our annual $3 web sale. When you visit the site, you’ll find 150+ graphic novels and comics on sale — with over 100 titles marked down to just $3 & $1!

Each year Top Shelf uses this sale to help spread the word about our incredible new releases, and raise funds to “kick start” a full rollout for next year. With your help, we’ll keep publishing some of the most beloved graphic novels on earth — from award-winning masters and exciting new talents (and yes, even Members of Congress!). Now’s your chance to support a great independent publisher and expand your graphic novel collection at the same time.

To go directly to the list of sale items, just click here:
TOP SHELF’S MASSIVE $3 SALE ITEMS!

**We accept PayPal, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover (all secure).**

And retailers, this sale is GOOD for y’all too! Certain minimums apply, so email me, Chris Staros chris@topshelfcomix.com for details.

September 14, 2013
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News, Top Shelf Productions . Tags: Cheap comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Zombie Cities Violence vs Compassion Review

I reviewed the second Zombie Cities anthology from Australian publisher, Silver Fox Comics, here at Broken Frontier.

September 6, 2013
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: Australian comics, zombies . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Man of Steel Blu-Ray and DVD on November 12

The latest Superman reboot, which I reviewed here will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on November 12, with a host of extras. Although the film had some issues, I’m looking forward to watching it again, and even more curious to see the 2015 sequel starring Ben Affleck as Batman. Official press release and images below.

“‘Man of Steel’ soars high.”

– Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

A HERO WILL RISE WHEN

Man of Steel

ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAY 3D COMBO PACK,

BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, DVD 2-DISC SPECIAL EDITION, 3D LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION and DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ON NOVEMBER 12 FROM

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Blu-ray Combo Packs include nearly 4 hours of special features

All disc versions feature UltraViolet

The fate of mankind is in the hands of one man when “Man of Steel”Ô arrives onto Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD 2-disc Special Edition, 3D Limited Collector’s Edition and Digital Download on November 12 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. In “Man of Steel,” Clark Kent is forced to confront his extraterrestrial past and embrace his hidden powers when Earth is threatened with destruction.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes “Man of Steel,” starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Kal-El under the direction of Zack Snyder.

The film also stars four-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams (“The Master,” 2012), Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road,” 2008), Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves,” 1990), Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (“Unfaithful,” 2002), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It,” 1993), Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator,” 1992).

“Man of Steel” is produced by Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters served as executive producers.

“Man of Steel” will be available on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95, on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99, on DVD 2-disc Special Edition for $28.98, and as a 3D Limited Collector’s Edition for $59.99. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition and standard definition; the DVD 2-disc Special Edition features the theatrical version in standard definition; and the 3D Limited Collector’s Edition features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition, and also includes a limited release metal “S” glyph with lucite glass stand. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD 2-disc Special Edition and 3D Limited Collector’s Edition include UltraViolet* which allows consumers to download and instantly stream the standard definition theatrical version of the film to a wide range of devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

SYNOPSIS

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Man of Steel” Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and 3D Limited Collector’s Edition contain the following special features:

· Journey of Discovery: Creating “Man of Steel” – This immersive feature-length experience allows you to watch the movie with director Zack Snyder and stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane and others as they share the incredible journey to re-imagine Superman.
· Strong Characters, Legendary Roles – Explore the legendary characters of the Superman mythology and how they have evolved in this new iteration of the Superman story.
· All-Out Action – Go inside the intense training regimen that sculpted Henry Cavill into the Man of Steel and Michael Shannon and Antje Traue into his Kyptonian nemeses. Includes interviews with cast and crew.
· Krypton Decoded – Dylan Sprayberry (Clark Kent, age 13) gives the lowdown on all the amazing Krypton tech, weapons and spaceships featured in “Man of Steel.”
· Planet Krypton – The world’s first exploration of Krypton and its lost society.

“Man of Steel” DVD 2-disc Special Edition contains the following special features:

· Strong Characters, Legendary Roles
· All-Out Action
· Krypton Decoded

August 24, 2013
Categories: Comics, DC Comics, Movies, Reviews . Tags: Man of Steel, Superman . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel Fact Files In Australia

The weekly publication that informs the curious about the Marvel Universe has been available in the UK for some time, and now it’s available in Australia, thanks to Eaglemoss Collections.

You can get a rundown of what it’s all about here, but it’s essentially a newbie’s guide to the characters and events of Marvel’s storied history. After reading the first issue, I can confidently say that it’s pretty good, in an educational, easy to read way, and will serve as a good introduction to what curious cinemagoers see of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The first issue is only $3, while future (of the planned 100) issues are $7 each. You can subscribe and get a few goodies, such as a calendar, t-shirt and 2 figurines. Each issue is 32 pages and features timelines, character summaries, timelines and heaps of cool art.

August 17, 2013
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Gestalt Comics Documentary

Yay! An actual (and excellent – see my review here) about Australian comics publisher Gestalt is airing on mainstream TV. That’s a big deal! Here’s the official press release.

‘Comic Book Heroes’ documentary

Screening on ABC1 – Tuesday 13th & 20th August 2013 at 10.00PM

A two-part documentary series that tells the inside story of two ambitious Australian comic book creators and their battle to penetrate the American market.

Best friends Skye Walker Ogden and Wolfgang Bylsma are talented Australians with a crazy dream.

For eight years these Perth men have been producing mature, ground-breaking Australian comic books through their company Gestalt Publishing. They are publishing the likes of Academy-Award® Winner Shaun Tan and Aurealis-Award Winners Justin Randall and Tom Taylor, with other top-tier writers and artists from around the world clamouring to work with them.

But the guys are getting older and real life is confronting them with financial, emotional and health realities that they can no longer afford to ignore. With limited readership for graphic novels within Australia and no real profits in sight, they are now forced to grow the business fast. Their best bet is to travel 9,000 miles to the heart of the comic book industry – San Diego Comic-Con International in California. This annual comic convention presents an opportunity for the outsider Australians to showcase their wares to the 120,000 plus people that walk through its doors, as well as meet with reps from Hollywood, keen to snap up the rights for the next big graphic novel adaptation.

Along the way to the U.S. Bylsma and Ogden must navigate the tyranny of distance, logistical mix-ups, health breakdowns and financial stress. When they finally arrive at Comic-Con, they encounter thousands of costumed punters and many famous industry faces including film director Kevin Smith (‘Clerks’), 23-million Bestselling Sci-Fi Author Kevin J Anderson, a producer from ‘The Walking Dead’ TV series and the comic book master himself – Stan Lee. Will this trip to the States be the gamble that pays off for the struggling comic book publishers?

Comic Book Heroes tracks the joy and heartache of doing what you truly love. It follows these passionate mavericks and their talented team of artists and writers as they set out to take on the American comic book industry – Australian style.

Comic Book Heroes is Created, Written and Directed by Nicholas Dunlop. It is produced by Little Star and Wild Fury in association with Screenwest, Lottery West, Screen QLD and ABC TV.

Gestalt Publishing’s graphic novels are distributed by Madman in Australia and New Zealand.
www.madman.com.au/gestalt

Comic Book Heroes official Facebook page
www.facebook.com/comicbookheroesmovie

Gestalt Publishing official website
www.gestaltcomics.com

August 8, 2013
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Gestalt Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Comic Book Heroes Review

Marvel and DC Comics are the two biggest English language comic book companies in the world, and it is their varied superheroic creations that have dominated cinema screens for the last few years. The comic industry as a whole has benefitted from such exposure, but for every character that is now a household name, there are dozens of small publishers trying for their big break.

Gestalt Comics is one such publisher. Founded in Perth in 2005 by Wolfgang Bylsma and Skye Ogden, the pair have managed to increase their output and get the attention, and praise, they deserve along the way, but it certainly isn’t an easy journey, as Comic Book Heroes, a new documentary reveals.

Conceived by director Nick Dunlop, and airing on Australia’s ABC on August 13 and 20, it is a fascinating, and sometimes painful examination of the cost of following one’s dreams. Not just the credit card breaking financial cost either. The physical and emotional turmoil that is experienced by the pair, especially, Bylsma is at times harrowing, as frustrations rise and expletives fly.

Bylsma lives in Western Australia, and Ogden in Japan and both men have given Dunlop access to their varied, and harried, lives. It is beautifully shot, making the most of the locations of sunny Perth, sunny San Diego, and crowded Tokyo. The divergence between two guys in the suburbs and those same two guys rubbing shoulders with 125,000 other people at the pop culture perfect storm that is San Diego Comic-Con, means Comic Book Heroes is a delight to witness. For comics readers and those who aren’t, the film is an intriguing, informative and inspiring examination of what it really takes to pursue a specific ambition. There are the highs such as winning awards, and gaining appreciative readers, but there are also lonely times in hotel rooms, distanced from loved ones, the sleep depriving commitment of multi-time zone conversations online and the moments of sheer panic and disappointment that surface when depending on others.

There are moments of humour too, especially with the glimpses of Ogden’s life in Japan, living with his wife and in-laws, but primarily it is a refreshing, raw and honest look at aiming, and achieving, success in the comics industry. It is a world that most people don’t ever witness, and Bylsma and Ogden serve as two likeable, relatable guides, inviting us in to the world of deadlines, travelling and stress. It’s impossible not to witness their unpredictable trials and feel sympathy, and to somehow offer encouragement through the screen, as their resolve and determination faces continual opposition. For anyone who wants to know what it really takes to follow one’s vision, Comic Book Heroes is a must see, as it breaks the barrier between pleasant daydreams and cold, hard reality.

Dunlop followed Gestalt for two years, primarily throughout San Diego Comic-Con in 2011 and 2012, and the majority of the publisher’s talented creators are along for the journey, discussing and promoting the products of their hard work. This crew includes writer Tom Taylor (The Deep) who has also had success, with gigs for Dark Horse and DC Comics, Christian Read (The Eldritch Kid: Whisky and Hate), Emily Smith (Unmasked) and Justin Randall, whose two volumes of Changing Ways have piqued the interest of some of the producers of TV’s The Walking Dead.

Gestalt’s already impressive artwork from their established work looks even more beautiful with subtle motion added, and colouring bleeding to black and white pages. This effect, plus the multiple locations means that Comic Book Heroes is much more than a series of talking heads. Well edited and fast paced, it is a riveting portrait of the maddening dedication, as well as the personal victories and personal sacrifices, of bringing creativity from the suburbs to the international stage.

August 8, 2013
Categories: Comics, Movies, Reviews . Tags: Gestalt Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Ghost Volume 1 Review

A superheroine from the ’90s is back in the latest volume collecting the adventures of Ghost. You can read my review right here.

August 4, 2013
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: Dark Horse Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Gestalt Comics Documentary

The talented team behind Western Australia’s Gestalt Comics have been going from strength to strength in the last few years. They may be a small outfit from Perth, but their ambition knows no bounds and the diversity of their goodies is most impressive. From the upcoming animated series based on The Deep, written by Injustice’s Tom Taylor, to working with noted novelist Kevin J. Anderson, Gestalt are the local (to me, anyway) guys done good.

Documentarian Nick Dunlop has seen the work they’re doing and is bringing their efforts to the small screen in a new documentary entitled Comic Book Heroes, which follows Gestalt founders Wolfgang Bylsma and Skye Ogden over two years, as they travel to the wonderful madness of San Diego Comic-Con, and generally experience the highs and lows of a small comics publisher making it on the international stage.

The doco screens on ABC1 here in Australia on Tuesday the 13th, as well as the 20th, of August at 10pm. Here you can see the tantalising trailer.

August 4, 2013
Categories: Comics, Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Australian comics, Gestalt Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

God Is Disappointed In You Review

Don’t be put off by the title. This new novel from Top Shelf is actually rather funny and genuine.

Read my full review right here.

July 24, 2013
Categories: Christian comic books, Comics, New To Comics?, Reviews, Top Shelf Productions . Tags: God, Jesus . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

DC Comics Necessary Evil Trailer

Now that San Diego Comic-Con is only hours away, expect more announcements like this. Well, this DC Comics documentary focusing on its supervillains was announced a while ago, but here is the first trailer, and it’s looking good, er…evil.

July 17, 2013
Categories: Comics, DC Comics, Movies . Tags: supervillains . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

BOOM! Buys Archaia, Relaunches Site & Signs George Perez

BOOM! Studios surprised the industry two weeks ago by announcing they had purchased independent, and critically acclaimed publisher Archaia, which you can read more about here. Now they’ve unveiled their shiny new website. Official lowdown about that below. Oh, and they’ve also just announced that they’ve signed legendary artist George Perez to an exclusive deal. Wow.

BOOM! Studios is pleased to unveil their newly redesigned website (boom-studios.com) today. Beginning today, fans will find a fresh, modern look with an easier-to-navigate interface along with more social media integration.

The new boom-studios.com was designed by At Play Creative, the same design agency responsible for the redesigned BOOM! Studios logo that debuted earlier this year. The design team, led by Founder and CCO Gary M. Smith, worked closely and collaboratively with BOOM! to deliver a design that showcased the comic art first and foremost. At Play clients include ABC, Disney, and Hasbro among others.

In addition to a comprehensive online store, the relaunched website incorporates live feeds from BOOM!’s Twitter, Facebook, and BOOM!Pen Tumblr on a new Trending page with spotlighted Featured posts. The site includes information for Press and Retailers, with more to be added in the future. An Events page adds an easy reference point for all BOOM! convention appearances, signings, and launch parties.

July 9, 2013
Categories: Comics, News . Tags: Archaia, Boom Studios, Georeg Perez . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Clip

After seeing the featurette on DC/Warner Bros’ latest animated film, Flashpoint on the just released Superman: Unbound Blu-Ray I’m eagerly awaiting its release, which we know now is July 30. Very soon! Official details below regarding the dark, alternate version of the DC Universe, as based on the great 2011 mini-series from Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert. A few screenshots, and the first clip from the film is also below, in which Cyborg (who I think has a metallic sounding voice for the first time, which makes sense) attempts to recruit Batman.

The film will have its World Premiere at Comic-Con in San Diego on Friday, July 19 from 7:30-9:30pm in Ballroom 20. The premiere/panel description with anticipated participants is below. Panelists are
subject to change (which could include additions!)

Fans can also meet and get autographs (on a Comic-Con exclusive mini-poster) from the panelists on Saturday, July 20 from 11:00am-Noon at the Warner Bros. Booth.

“Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox” will be released as a Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD on July 30, 2013.

Here is the premiere/panel description:
Friday, July 19
7:30-9:30 World Premiere of Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox –
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation invite you to be the first to experience Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the highly-anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. When time travel allows a past wrong to be righted for Flash and his family, the event’s temporal ripples prove disastrous, creating a fractured,
alternate reality where the Justice League never formed, and even Superman is nowhere to be found. Amidst a new world being ravaged by a fierce war between Wonder Woman’s Amazons and Aquaman’s Atlanteans, Flash must team with a grittier, more violent Batman and government agent Cyborg to restore the continuity of Flash’s original timeline.

Come for the film, but stay for the star-studded panel that features Grey’s Anatomy stars Justin Chambers and Kevin McKidd as Flash and Batman, respectively, along with C. Thomas Howell (Southland), Cary
Elwes (The Princess Bride), Sam Daly (The Daly Show) and a few surprise voice cast members, plus the filmmaking team of producer James Tucker (Superman: Unbound), director Jay Oliva (Batman: The Dark
Knight Returns), dialogue director Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), screenwriter Jim Krieg (Green Lantern: The Animated Series) and character designer Phil Bourassa (Young Justice).
Moderator Gary Miereanu will add to the fun with a special announcement of the 2014 DCU movie slate, as well as exclusive, cast-autographed prizes for a few lucky fans. Based on the landmark mini-series by Geoff Johns & Andy Kubert, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox will be available as a digital download on July 19, 2013 and a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack on July 30, 2013.

Above are Batman, Cyborg, Flash, Lois Lane, Reverse Flash and Wonder Woman.

July 7, 2013
Categories: Cartoons, Comics, DC Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: Aquaman, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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Milk Shadows Books Launch

The Devotion of Suspect X

Top Shelf Massive $3 Sale

Zombie Cities Violence vs Compassion Review

Man of Steel Blu-Ray and DVD on November 12

Marvel Fact Files In Australia

Gestalt Comics Documentary

Comic Book Heroes Review

Ghost Volume 1 Review

Gestalt Comics Documentary

God Is Disappointed In You Review

DC Comics Necessary Evil Trailer

BOOM! Buys Archaia, Relaunches Site & Signs George Perez

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Clip

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