Image’s new superhero team debuts as a six ish mini on August 25. It’s written by Robert Kirkman and Benito Cereno with art by Ransom Getty. Below is a humorous teaser image, but obviously not all those on the cover will make the final cut.
Marvel, Capcom and More Marvel
Feast your eyes on a bunch of Marvel previews, and official details, below. First up is Steve Rogers in his new Capatin America duds, and mini-series.
Your First Look At STEVE ROGERS: SUPER-SOLDIER #1
Marvel is proud to present your first look at Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier #1, from award-winning scribe Ed Brubaker and red-hot artist Dale Eaglesham. In this sequel to the chart-topping Captain America : Reborn, Steve Rogers must face dark secrets from his past that threaten the future of the entire world. No fan can afford to miss this landmark limited series with far-reaching consequences for the Marvel Universe!
STEVE ROGERS: SUPER SOLDIER #1 (of 4) (MAY100612)
STEVE ROGERS: SUPER SOLDIER #1 (of 4) FINCH VARIANT (MAR10829)
STEVE ROGERS: SUPER SOLDIER #1 (of 4) SKETCH VARIANT (MAR10830)
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Penciled by DALE EAGLESHAM
Cover by CARLOS PACHECO
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
Sketch Variant by DAVID FINCH
Rated T …$3.99
FOC – 6/17/10, On Sale – 7/8/10
Next year’s Marvel vs Capcom 3 game has just unveiled 8 new screenshots. See them all, plus commentary here.
Lastly, here’s 3 great covers from the multitude of new Marvel comics this week. See the full list under the pics.
Supanova Perth
For the third time, the Claremont Showgrounds in Western Australia will be filled with a happy assortment of proud geeks. The weekend of June 26-27 will be the time for pop culture goodness. This year, Perth has the honour of celebrities such as Eliza Dushku (Buffy, Dollhouse), Lou Ferrigno (TV’s Hulk), Tom Taylor and Colin Wilson (Star Wars: Invasion), Justin Randall (Changing Ways) and many more. Check out all the info and see the mag right here.
On a related note, artist Shaun Tan (The Arrival) is speaking at the Subiaco Library on Friday June 11 , but you have to book. I’ll be there! Info here.
Plus, Gestalt Comics’ excellent books, The Example and Rombies can now be ordered from the latest issue of the Previews catalogue. Yep, it’s a good time to be a Perth geek.
Radical’s Earp
Official details below about the new mini-series, Earp: Saints for Sinners coming soon from Radical Publishing.
EARP: SAINTS FOR SINNERS
Creators MATT CIRULNICK & DAVID MANPEARL
Writer M. ZACHARY SHERMAN
Artist MACK CHATER & MARTIN MONTIEL
Colorist KYUSHIK SHIN
Cover BORKUR EIRIKSSON
32 pages, FC, $1.00
From Matt Cirulnick and David Manpearl comes a modern-day reimagining of the classic western hero, Wyatt Earp, in a special $1.00 issue #0 preview of the upcoming, 3-issue miniseries.
In a world where the American economy has all but collapsed to the levels of the Great Depression, infamous bandits roam the country and the law is as corrupt as the criminals its sworn to stop. Yet one lawman remains a steadfast moral compass for the people: WYATT EARP. Earp has collared more most-wanted men than anyone in history – but after a violent assignment claims the life of his brother, Wyatt sets out to forge a simple life in the only boomtown left: Las Vegas. With gorgeous women and free-flowing money on endless tap, Sin City attracts more people than a modern gold rush. Though Earp no longer wears a U.S. Marshall’s badge, his past is about to catch up to him. With nearly everything to lose, Earp will have to beat the odds stacked against him in order to bring old-fashioned justice to Sin City.
500 International Hyper Roads of Summer
500 Days of Summer. Man, Juno has a lot to answer for, as my mate Mladen will gladly tell you. Though I did enjoy the film, I’m also unsurprised at its numerous imitators. 500 Days is very much one of them. It stars Zooey Deschanel, who amps up her irresistably cute girl shtick and indie star of the moment (and possible future Joker, though I hope Batman 3 moves to a different villain) Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Zooey plays arty, flighty and frankly selfish girl Summer who JGL seems drawn to. He is nowhere near as charismatic or as interesting as her, but she takes him into her heart, or her version of one anyway, and the film then flashes to and fro the titular number of days their ill-defined relationship goes through. I hoped for more from this film, but it appears to be a cobbled together script from a bunch of inspired art students who just want to make a quirky film. Yes, there’s songs from bands you’ve never heard of to add arty credence, “witty” dialogue and scenes like playing house in Ikea that get dangerously close to making this film what it should’ve been, but alas, the two leads just have no chemistry, and the finale makes Summer quite the dislikeable character. Then again, it does have a great dance number, complete with an animated blue bird and an interesting approach, but that’s undone by the obvious attempt at cool points. I seem to be one of the rare people who didn’t like it however.
The Road. Another film I’ve been looking to seeing, and one that didn’t disappoint. Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel, The Road is directed by John Hillcoat (great Aussie flick, The Proposition). It has little dialogue and rests on the weary shoulders of Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhhe, who both do a fine job as father and son in this inhospitable world. Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce appear as unrecognisable survivors, and Charlize Theron is seen only in flashback. The pair travel the wasteland that is now America thanks to some great war. Ash, empty buildings and falling tress fill the dangerous landscape, which dad and kid must navigate with fear and caution to find food and avoid the roaming gangs of armed cannibals. It’s like Mad Max by way of Lord of the Flies. Gripping, scary and edge of your seat stuff.
Viggo carries a gun at all times, ready to kill his only son if need be, rather than give him up to the cruel flesh eating killers that roam the land, and aims to get all naivete out of him so he can fend for himself when the time comes. It’s a stripped back film, with minimal action and direction, but is extremely effective, and at times depressing, though the end offers a glimmer of hope.
Uncity Nation. I have my younger brother to thank for expanding my musical horizons as of late. I never listen to the radio, and though I was involved in community radio for 5 years, those days are long behind me. Discovering a new band I like is therefore quite similar to picking up a new comic on a whim; it gives me the pleasure of discovering something fresh, and the fact that many, many people may have discovered it before me only really adds to the satisfaction. Good artists deserve an audience, no matter their choice of media.
French band International Hyper Rythmique consist of 3 siblings with an impressive and diverse background in all manner of art forms. They’ve been performing since 2007. Uncity Nation is their first full length album. Now, I’m not a music critic, but all I can say is that it’s perfectly chilled out, serene listening, and yes, it’s in English. Plug your ears into their site to hear more from their 11 song debut.
Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant Covers
Press release below about the latest variant covers with great interpretations of Iron Man.
Marvel Unveils New Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant Covers!
Marvel is proud to unveil even more Iron Man By Design 2.0 variant covers, featuring stunning new interpretations of Iron Man by one of the animation industry’s most acclaimed talents, and one of pop-culture’s most influential forces.
Avengers #2 features the art of Alan Aldridge on a variant cover that’ll take you for a trip! Best known for the design and production of artwork of album covers for The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John, Aldridge is also famous for his extensive work with The Beatles and brings his psychedelic style to the Armored Avenger!
Power up with Invincible Iron Man Annual #1, and the multiple Emmy award-winning creator of Dexter’s Laboratory and Samurai Jack, Genndy Tartakovsky! Bringing his unique vision to this variant cover, Tartakovsky delivers one of the most unique Iron Man covers you’ve ever seen.
Get a look at Iron Man like you’ve never seen him before! Don’t miss the Iron Man By Design 2.0 variant covers!
AVENGERS #2 (APR100547)
AVENGERS #2 ROMITA JR VARIANT (APR100548)
AVENGERS #2 IRON MAN BY DESIGN 2.0 VARIANT (APR100549)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Variant by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant by ALAN ALDRIDGE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—6/3/10, On-Sale—6/23/10
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 (MAR100546)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 IRON MAN BY DESIGN 2.0 VARIANT (MAR100547)
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
Iron Man By Design 2.0 Variant by GENNDY TARTAKOVSKY
Rated A …$4.99
FOC—6/10/10, On-Sale—6/30/10
Get The Light
Press release below about a great opportunity to get on board the new Image series, The Light. You can get the first two issues in collected form on June 9, and pick up #3 on the same day. If you’re new to comics, or want some solid storytelling in your diet, then make sure you pick it up next month.
SEEING THE LIGHT
The first two issues of Nathan Edmondson and Brett Weldele’s THE LIGHT sold out at the distribution level
Image Comics announces the distribution-level sell out of THE LIGHT #1 and #2, written by Nathan Edmondson (OLYMPUS) and illustrated by Brett Weldele (SOUTHLAND TALES, THE SURROGATES). The two sold out issues will be collected under an all-new cover. Release of THE LIGHT Bumper Edition will coincide with the release of THE LIGHT #3 on June 9, 2010.
“We’re excited to see that THE LIGHT is burning brightly out there,” exclaims Edmondson. “This is an opportunity to let this story glow in the hands of more readers — and we’re ecstatic about that!”
THE LIGHT: In Oregon, a mysterious virus infects anyone that looks into an electric light. An abusive father blindfolds his daughter and together they escape town as people are burning alive from the inside out. A fierce, action-packed and gritty tale of survival, THE LIGHT is 28 DAYS LATER meets 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.
THE LIGHT bumper edition (APR108074), a full-color 48-page comic book collecting THE LIGHT #1 and #2, will be on sale June 9, 2010, for $4.99. THE LIGHT #3 (APR100463), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99 will arrive in stores the same day.
Some praise for THE LIGHT:
“One new Image series that shouldn’t be overlooked.” — The A.V. Club
“…many critics are calling for Nathan Edmondson’s (OLYMPUS) newest horror laced offering THE LIGHT to be nominated for an Eisner Award” — Bloody Disgusting
“THE LIGHT #1 is a great opening to an exceptionally spooky horror series that gets you right into the greatest scares that you can get.” — Comics Should Be Good
“The Light #1 is magic, a gripping, chilling tale that is ambitious and promises to be complex.” — Comic Book Bin
“Edmondson and Weldele have created a fascinating meditation on the warp speed with which we now exchange and ingest information.” — Pop Matters
“When you’ve read this book, there’s no way you won’t be curious about what happens next.” — Broken Frontier
Death and the Frenemy’s Claw
Here’s a quick look at some new indie series.
Death Ship from IDW is a 4 issue mini-series based on an untold story from Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula. Behind Cliff Nielsen’s spooky cover I was pleasantly surprised to some equally moody art. Being printed on slightly rougher paper, with muted colours by Dom Regan, means that Death Ship will carry you to its 1897 setting with ease. Stuart Sayger’s artwork is like a more refined Bill Sienkiewicz or Klaus Janson. His work is suitably sketchy, yet equally enchanting and fits beautifully within the old world setting, which is filled with tough as nails sailors with manly beards. Sayger knows when to fill the pages with simplicity, which adds great tension to Gary Gerani’s script. The first few pages initially seem like a bland tale of sailors vs the sea; the kind of film you catch in black and white on a lazy Sunday arvo on TV, but it soon reveals itself to be something more, as a sinister force lurks about their vessel. There’s a boy, a tough veteran, a wise captain and a scared priest, but it all works well, plus the art is awesome. I’m thankful for comic moments like this, when I pick something by blind faith and it proves to be better than expected.
The Claw and the Fang. This new series has great covers, and that’s what intrigued me. That, plus the preview art looked unusual – in a good way. Bluewater Productions have become known as of late for their bio comics on stars of the moment, but that’s not all that they produce. This issue begins with Justin, a hardcore gamer losing his job before crossing to Outer Mongolia where a witch summons a huge, hooded demon to serve her. From then on it moves quickly, as Justin gets fed up with the MMORPG he’s invested his life in, and the supernatural world and his dull existence collide. There’s a slight awkwardness, as this hurriedly takes place and it would’ve benefitted from an extra few pages, but this debut ish has laid enough seeds to hopefully bear fruit in the remaining issues. Michael Kutcher’s script is filled with great captions that carry the tale without revealing too much just yet, and Matias Basla’s angular art lends a refreshing design to the pages. The sparse use of colour is a great addition to the mainly earthen look too.
Frenemy of the State has its Hollywood tongue planted firmly in its cheek and is an unashamedly fun adventure. It’s written by actress Rashida Jones (The Office, Parks and Recreation), Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis and comes to us from Oni Press. Opening with a quick account of protagonist Ariana Von Holmberg’s life in the spotlight (via Twitter snapshots) as she attends an Alice in Wonderland theme party, we soon learn that she’s not just a dumb heiress, but a well educated woman. She also seems to know her way around hi-tech security systems, but with all those skills, she’s still not above seeking revenge on a cheating lover. The script is rather obvious from that point on, as she becomes a C.I.A recruit. The odd flashback transition comes from nowhere, when all that’s needed was a simple caption, but otherwise, the issue is fine. It’s not a remarkable debut, but the central concept leaves a lot of room for story possibilities. Jeff Wamester’s art is light, with a slight Kevin Nowlan approach and the simple feel adds to the bubbliness of the story. It’s not hilarious by any means, but fans of pop culture with an awareness of celebrity obsessed media will find this likeable enough.
Scratch9 #1 Preview
Below are a few pages from the latest all-ages series from Ape Entertainment, and here’s the official description.
SCRATCH9 is the all-new, all-cats comic for young readers coming from Ape Entertainment and KiZoic (the same folks bringing you the SHREK and PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR comics).
The book focuses on a cat who gains the ability to summon any of his nine lives to help him out in his adventures. It was written and created by Rob M. Worley, with artwork by Jason T. Kruse and covers by Mike Kunkel.
SCRATCH9 #1 is available in the June Diamond Previews catalog for titles shipping in August (JUN10 0739).
Fringe’s Alternate Universe DC Covers
What a brilliant idea. Now, I’ve never seen an episode of Fringe, but after reading this, I just might have to. As part of an alternate universe within the show’s plot, a few Easter Eggs were shown, parodying famous DC Comics covers over the years. Jonah Hex in the Justice League? The Death of Batman? Awesome.
The Light #2 Review
Nathan Edmondson and Brett Weldele make for a formidable duo on this new mini-series from Image. The writer of Olympus and artist of The Surrogates really do work well together, and there is a brave story being told within these pages. Yes, this issue has been out for 2 weeks now, but in order to catch up you can read the entire first issue for free here and Edmondson’s commentary on the same issue here.
The “elevator pitch” is that there’s a mysterious infection making contact with anyone who looks into a light source, killing them instantly. In this mad panic are thrust bad dad Cole and his initially skeptical daughter Avery. It may appear to be an unpublished Stephen King story, but the creative duo behind the series make it their own. The first issue was a remarkably bold exercise in dramatic storytelling. The status quo was set up with great economy before father and daughter woke up to their dangerous new world. Here, the confusion and running continue. The cliffhanger from last issue is not resolved yet, but I know it will be before the remaining 3 issues hit shelves.
The scale is larger here, while still remaining the simple glimpses of humanity that give The Light its appeal. The first few pages reveal Avery and Cole on the run, or rather drive, and arguing about Avery’s mother, before almost being destroyed by an airplane seeking a desperate landing. This sequence is handled particularly well, in that it’s not directed like a scene from an action film, but with a subtlety that lends genuine surprise. After wondering what their next step is, the pair find an understandably shocked survivor who seems genuinely unaware of the catastrophe around her.
Edmondson’s great afterword focuses on heroism, whereas it focused on interconnectivity in the debut issue, and it’s those two elements that are at the core of this engaging series. Whenever we are offered a glimmer of hope, The Light snuffs it out with reckless abandon. It’s the kind of page turner that we don’t have enough of in today’s comics, and I can already see myself grabbing the TPB as well as the individual issues, so I can share it’s raw magic with others.
Edmondson reveals superb skills at pacing within this taut tale and Weldele’s sketchy yet enchanting art is the best of his career and a perfect fit for the story of the darkness within the light.
The Frontiersman #3
Broken Frontier’s new, weekly digital mag has just released its third issue. It’s all about The Avengers, and has lots of nifty features. Check it out right here.
Fraggle Rock #1 Sells Out
Much loved and fondly remembered kid’s shows from the past seem to be the flavour of the moment for indie publishers. BOOM! have Mickey Mouse and The Muppets, Ape have Shrek and now Archaia have Fraggle Rock. It seems to be working so far. Details below regarding the sell out of the first issue.
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY’S ‘FRAGGLE ROCK’ #1 BY ARCHAIA HAS SOLD OUT!
SOON-TO-BE-RELEASED ISSUE #2 ALSO NEAR SELLOUT AT DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL
Archaia proudly announced today that copies of Fraggle Rock #1 have sold out at the distributor level. (Copies may still be available at local comic book shops.) Additional copies of issue #1 are being sent to Diamond Comic Distributors now to meet the demand.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the positive response to Fraggle Rock, and I’m so excited that the first book of the Archaia/Jim Henson Company partnership has flown off the shelves so quickly!” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “Archaia is focused on long-term, generational brand building, and Fraggle Rock is one such property that allows us to bridge the gap between the generation that grew up with the original TV show and a new generation of kids, some of whom have never read comics before. Working with The Jim Henson Company is a thrill and an honor, and we hope to continue this success with future Henson comic books, including The Dark Crystal.”
Readers are clamoring for the Fraggle Rock comic after Archaia and The Jim Henson Company re-introduced the property as part of the Archaia Free Comic Book Day flip book issue, which also featured the Publisher’s popular all-ages series, Mouse Guard. Adults who grew up watching the classic “Fraggle Rock” TV series are happily introducing the property to their children, as evidenced by the large number of families present at Archaia, Lionsgate and The Jim Henson Company’s Fraggle Rock celebration held at Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles during Free Comic Book Day. The original TV show is making its return to the small screen this fall as part of the inaugural lineup of Hasbro’s new children’s network, The Hub, and Lionsgate has recently released new DVD collections of all four seasons of the series.
Copies of issue #2, which go on sale May 26, 2010 in comic book shops, are also near sellout at the distributor level. Issue #3 goes on sale in June, followed by a hardcover collection in August.
Hotwire: Deep Cut
Woo hoo! Writer/artist Steve Pugh’s wild sci-fi series Hotwire is retruning to shelves in July. The gorgeous TPB collecting the first series is now out, and below is all you need to know on the next mini-series starring Alice Hotwire, Detective Exorcist.
HOTWIRE: DEEP CUT #1 NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER THROUGH DIAMOND PREVIEWS
Detective Exorcist Alice Hotwire is back in a brand new adventure! Radical Publishing is proud to announce that the first issue Hotwire: Deep Cut, follow-up to the acclaimed Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead, is now available for order through Diamond Previews. Written and illustrated by Steve Pugh and co-created by Warren Ellis, Hotwire: Deep Cut delves further into the life and mind of the city’s only supernatural investigator, Alice Hotwire.
Directly following the explosive events of Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead, Alice Hotwire is taking some much needed R&R. But when a ghost from her storied past appears at her door, it sets off a series of events that lead Hotwire and her partner, Mobey, across the city as they try to stop a secret government project from turning the city into a living nightmare. In Hotwire: Deep Cut, Steve Pugh takes readers on a new supernatural adventure that will offer a glimpse into Alice Hotwire’s past, as well as her future, with a host of familiar faces including the unsettling Coroner Love and the rest of the Metro Police.
“Iconic characters like Alice Hotwire deserve to have their stories told,” said Radical President and Publisher Barry Levine. “With Requiem for the Dead just released in trade paperback, we felt it was time to continue the story that Steve and Warren began. This time around, Steve has upped the ante for Alice and I can’t wait to see how the fans react to some of the surprises he has in store.”
Hotwire: Deep Cut #1 is the first of a three-issue miniseries and is listed in the May 2010 edition of Diamond Previews, shipping July 2010. Hotwire: Deep Cut #1 is 32-page comic retailing for $3.50.
Fans are encouraged to visit the Radical Publishing website at www.radicalpublishing.com for more information.
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