Next month, another Image series with a high concept launches. Grim Leaper is from Kurtis J. Wiebe, the writer of the acclaimed Green Wake, and Peter Panzerfaust. The name, and cover are cool too.
SHADOWLINE TAKES A LEAP
GRIM LEAPER, new series from PETER PANZERFAUST creator in May
At the beginning of the new Image Comics series GRIM LEAPER, Lou Collins has died thirteen times, and he can be sure that grisly death #14 is just around the corner. This may seem like a weird way to find romance, but that’s just what Kurtis J. Wiebe (PETER PANZERFAUST, GREEN WAKE) has in store for Lou in his new series debuting in May, drawn by Aluisio Santos.
Every time he dies, Lou jumps into a stranger’s body, and just as he’s learning something about his new host, another gruesome accident sends him leaping to the next one. Lou wants to escape the violent cycle and find eternal rest — that is, until he meets another “leaper” named Ella.
“This is the gory love story you’ve been waiting for, a buckets of blood romantic comedy for the ages,” said writer Wiebe.
“Grim Leaper is a story about that person you’ve always wanted to date but never had the chance to,” added Santos. “Except now your bad luck is a killer.”
GRIM LEAPER #1 (MAR120418), published under Image Comics Shadowline imprint, will be in stores on May 30. It’s a full-color comic book for $3.50. It is available for pre-order now in the March issue of Previews.
They’ve been publishing the official Buffy adventures for years now, and recently created the Angel and Faith series. Now, Dark Horse Comics are giving blonde vampire Spike (in space?!), and witch Willow a new home. Both series were just announced at the C2E2 convention. Lowdown below, and covers by Jo Chen and David Mack.
Dark Horse Comics announces a brand-new Spike miniseries slated for release this summer!
Written by Victor Gischler (X-Men, Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth)and drawn by Paul Lee (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Devil’s Footprints), Spike promises to be the series all Joss Whedon fans will be talking about.
Spike ventures off world in his bug ship in order to get away from some personal frustration on terra firma, and winds up sucked into a demonic plot to take advantage of the absence of magic on earth.
“What I love about working with Dark Horse on Buffy-related material is that they take great care to capture the feel of the characters and stories from the television show, of which I was a huge fan. Getting my hands on the characters I’ve loved so much over the years is a dream come true,” said Gischler.
Spike #1 will be on sale August 22, 2012!
Willow gets her own miniseries!
Written by Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts, Agents of Atlas) and drawn by Brian Ching (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Witchblade), Willow tells the story of the witch’s obsessive journey to recover her magic.
Willow is on a quest to bring magic back to the world, and she’ll do anything to make it happen, including forming some unhealthy alliances after cracking the code to travel to other dimensions—something thought impossible since the destruction of the Seed.
Yay! Pretty pictures. First up, here’s a text-free look at next month Avengers vs X-Men extravaganza from Marvel.
Your First Look At AVX: VS #2– An AVENGERS VS. X-MEN Tie-In!
Marvel is proud to present your first look at, AVX: VS #2, the explosive, no holds barred, action packed tie-in to the smash-hit blockbuster event of the year – Avengers VS. X-Men! From acclaimed creators, Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca & Steve McNiven; catch the cover to cover battles – featuring unimaginable chaos as Spider-Man takes on Colossus & Captain America faces off against the ragin’ Cajun, Gambit! Don’t miss out on all the pulse-pounding action in AVX: VS #2, available in comic shops worldwide and on the Marvel Comics app this May!
Which team will reign supreme? Join the conversation on Twitter with #AvX!
Sticking with Marvel, there’s a bunch of new pics from the film, which we in Australia get on April 25! Woo hoo! It’s also the Anzac Day public holiday so he opening day will do gangbusters. Many more pics (43 actually) right here.
Finally, here’s a preview of this week’s Nightwing #8 by Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows. I’m not a fan of DC’s New 52, but I do like Dick Grayson, AKA the original Robin, AKA Nightwing, although his new red costume does remind me of Chris O’Donnell in Batman and Robin. See what I mean?
Here’s the official lowdown of the ish.
The “Night of the Owls” has begun! Following the shocking revelation (SPOILER ALERT!) that Dick Grayson was originally intended to be a Talon, Nightwing must work to save both his name and Mayor Hady from The Court of Owls’ assassin targeting him. But when Grayson arrives to City Hall only to find innocent blood has already been shed, will he have failed his mission before it’s even truly begun? And how does turn-of-the-century era Gotham factor into all of this?
This was one of those items I saw in the Previews catalogue 2 months ago and ordered on a whim. Hopefully it benefitted from a few nice words at Bleeding Cool and Diamond, and others did the same.
Freedom is published by Potato Comics and created by Seamus Heffernan. It’s also the recipient of a grant from the lovely people at the Xeric Foundation who generously support unique voices in independent comics.
Printed in a larger format, this 76 pager is presented as a black and white relic from the era in which it’s set – the American Revolution. Visually, it’s a standout, with detailed etchings like something from a wood-cut printing, and the loose lettering and fonts used in the acknowledgements and gallery intro, also giving it an old-timey feel.
It opens in the “colony of Massachusetts” in 1779. Young Adam has just woken from a bad dream, and before he can enjoy breakfast his two brothers charge in fighting about the redcoats, with the younger Connor shouting, “Death to the king!” for all to hear. Connor takes Adam to Boston so he can learn a trade, but on the way Adam’s feisty nature gets the better of him, leading to his almost demise at the hands of soldiers before a captain notes his honour and saves him and his older brother.
The dialogue beams with authenticity, and Connor’s moral strength in contrast with Adam’s hotheadedness brings forth great scenes of familial bonding and stern guidance. Needless to say, the art does wonders too. Heffernan paces the tale well, allowing us to care easily for the two protagonists, and creates hectic motion when needed, such as during a chaotic and passionate bar fight, and he makes just two colours come alive, such as in the last few pages, with great shadow play and explosive light.
This is the first of a planned trilogy and the cliffhanger and fate of the brothers indicates that it’ll be an even wilder ride in future issues.
Thankfully there’s a lengthy preview PDF so you can see some of this wonderfully crafted and intriguing debut for yourself.
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:
64 mins. We dedicate this show to supporting cast members who had their day in the sun, but haven’t been seen for some time. It’s time for misty eyed fondness as we remember some of our favourite characters who never had their own series, but fulfilled a special role. Also Dr Marvin Monroe as Batman, the importance of butlers, and crotch sniffing.
UK publisher Com.x (45, BlueSpear, Seeds) next project is Monster Myths. It’s in the current Previews catalogue (catalogue code APR120985) for release in June and is by John Lupo Avanti who has done work in the diverse fields of animation, tattooing and fine art. Here’s the official description. Monster Myths is a 120 page OGN, with black and white interior pages and a full colour gallery section. As a first time comics work with an intriguing plot and distinct visuals, this could be another winner for Com.x.
Alfredo, a recovering felon turned working stiff, resides in Lower Scabo where working-class people live under the tyranny of the evil Cannibals Motorcycle Gang. After being beaten and left for dead by the gang, Alfredo decides to recruit a group of graffiti writers to instigate a war between the riff-raff of Lower Scabo and their neighbors in the well-to-do community of Northview. In doing so, Alfredo transforms from a two-bit perp into an iconic rebel, determined to free Lower Scabo from the control of those seeking power. An over-the-top, dark comedy pitching biker gangs against clean-cut, real estate developers and, in the middle, an unlikely hero stirring the pot in the hope of saving his neighborhood.
G-MAN creator gives classic Image characters a make-over
On April first at Emerald City Comicon, Robert Kirkman and Chris Giarusso revealed a new project: THE WALKING DEAD for Kids. A panel-by-panel recreation of the original issues using Kirkman’s scripts, THE WALKING DEAD for Kids would be drawn in an art style with kid appeal by G-MAN creator Giarusso.
The project, of course, was yet another April Fool’s Day prank on a day that saw a few “announcements” come out of the convention. But the image is part of a series of special limited edition variant covers that Image Comics will be releasing in the upcoming year.
In commemoration of Image’s 20th anniversary, Giarusso will re-create twelve classic first issue covers. First to get the too-cute treatment is YOUNGBLOOD, the very first Image title. The cover will ship in limited quantity as a variant for YOUNGBLOOD #71 (FEB128256), the relaunch of the Rob Liefeld Extreme Studios title written by screenwriter John McLaughlin (The Black Swan, Parker) and drawn by John Malin (AVENGELYNE) and Liefeld. YOUNGBLOOD #71 will be in stores on May 23.
The covers are Giarosso’s tribute to his youthful love of Image Comics. “Twenty years ago, I was eagerly anticipating the launch of Image Comics,” said the artist. “Maybe it was partially due to my upcoming high school graduation, but it felt like the whole world was changing. I vividly recall the excitement of seeing the Image books on the shelf for the first time. It was a new era, and these cover images were instantly iconic. The opportunity to pay tribute to these classic Image covers is an honor and a privilege, and I couldn’t be more excited about my role and participation in Image’s 20th anniversary celebration.”
Look for more Giarusso tribute covers in the coming months!
62 mins. It’s the 20th anniversary of Image Comics this year, so in honour of the young upstart publishing company, we look at our fave Image tales covering drama, comedy, adventure and more. Also, the wonder of ’90s fashion, and Aussie TV actresses.
April Fools’ Day shenanigans including Stephanie Brown, Mars Attacks!, and George Takei
Triplets (the Twins sequel), and He-Man at DC Comics
11:10 THEME – IMAGE COMICS
A brief history of the Marvel walkout that led to one of the most successful indie publishers and the giant steps they’ve made in the last two decades.
Swancon, or Doomcon as it’s known this year in keeping with the apocalyptic theme, is an annual sci-fi/fantasy convention here in Perth, Western Australia. Here’s how they describe it:
If you’re thinking anything from Douglas Adams to Dr Who, or Accelerando to Atlantis, you’re on the right page!
This Easter join amazing authors, pop-culture experts and fellow lovers of fantastic tales at the longest-running speculative fiction convention in the southern hemisphere.
Our amazing guest authors are Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time conclusion,Mistborn series) and Marianne de Pierres (Parrish Plessis series, Burn Bright series) and they’ll be on hand for presentations, discussion and a little mingling. Joining them as our fan guest of honour is the inimical Chris Creagh.
From April 5th to 9th, five days of literature, laughter, games and dance. Come with friends, meet new ones and enjoy it all in the luxury of the pre-apocalyptic Pan Pacific Hotel.
It’s mainly a novels and gaming weekend, but the comics focus is getting bigger, and this year, it includes little old me! I’ll be a panellist at two panels on Friday, which will cover comics for beginners, and the DC relaunch, and then on Sunday night I’ll be taking part in a live podcast event. I’m looking forward to it.
Here’s the programme and it’s only a gold coin donation to come on Friday, so come on by and say hello if you’re in the area!
UK publisher Com.x may not publish a lot, but what they do is worthy of your time. Their next project is a new edition of a classic work. Here’s the official lowdown.
Exactly 8 years after its publication by Com.x in 2004 as a trade paperback, we are proud to announce the DIGITAL publication of The Last American.
Originally a four-issue comic-book mini-series released under the Marvel Epic Comics imprint in 1990, The Last American was written by John Wagner (Judge Dredd, A History of Violence) and Alan Grant (Judge Dredd, 2000AD) with art by Mike McMahon (Judge Dredd, ABC Warriors, Slaine). Innovative and groundbreaking on its initial release, its message and tone are still completely relevant in today’s political and social climate.
Eddie Deighton from Com.x comments:
“We are so pleased to finally be bringing this amazing book back to market, albeit in digital format only. Readers may or may not be aware, but as the book was created in the 1990’s it precedes digital technology, so the pages only exist in their original form or as reprographic film separations. We’ve spent the last six months painstakingly scanning the pages from our printed collected edition, retouching them and boosting the colours for today’s mobile devices whilst retaining the wonderful quality of Mick’s line-work and colouring technique.
Unless you were lucky to pick up a (much sought after) copy of our collected edition, or copies of the original 4-issue mini-series, this is the best opportunity you’ll get to own and read a book that was way ahead of its time.”
“…for me this is one of the very best comic-books ever published… Pilgrim has a gallery of nightmares to face beyond
anything mere science-fiction or horror could offer. But he also finds hope, in the story’s last and most affecting sequence,
and that – perhaps – is The Last American’s greatest surprise.”
GARTH ENNIS
“Under the editorial guidance of the late greatly missed Archie Goodwin, with darkly funny scripting by John Wagner and Alan Grant, Mike fashioned some of his finest pages. Here are all the elements that characterise his work. His idiosyncratic vision, his command of storytelling, his sense of humour, his sense of drama and his sheer good craftsmanship.”
DAVE GIBBONS
“…Reprint, please…”
FORBIDDEN PLANET INTERNATIONAL
“…Our pick this week…”
MICHAEL RYAN, COMIC VAULT
“It’s funny, it’s sad, it’s incredible, it’s almost unbelievable. But it retains enough realism that it could happen… Order it today… I don’t care how you get it. Just get it.”
CRAIG JOHNSON, COMICS BULLETIN
The Last American is available on ComiXology, Graphicly and iVerse on 4th April 2012, priced at $4.99 for 128-pages.
An upcoming OGN called Overrun has been getting some well deserved attention lately, and the book is currently looking for a publisher. Overrun is by Andi Ewington, the writer of Com.x’s unique 45, with Matt Woodley and artist Paul Green. Check out the just launched website for heaps of great artwork, and the teaser video and official description are below.
The city is at breaking point. Living space is running out.
Those in power are forced to execute a desperate measure – introduce a poison to wipe out a huge part of the population.
This is no ordinary city, however.
Overrun takes the reader into the heart of their own computer. Citizens are files. There are .xls business people, sexy .jpegs, hip musician .mp4s.
The space which is running out is memory – the poison a computer virus.
Political intrigue and epic action scenes take place inside the brilliantly crafted world as we follow a group of friends, forgotten computer game heroes, as they fight their way through the virus infection which is transforming their fellow citizens into memory sucking zombies.
Woo hoo! West Australian publisher Gestalt is getting the distribution they deserve, thanks to the fine folks at Madman. Details below.
MADMAN TO DISTRIBUTE ‘GESTALT’ GRAPHIC NOVELS
Madman is proud to announce it will be officially distributing for Gestalt – Australia’s leading independent graphic novel publishing house, beginning April, 2012.
Gestalt’s endeavour is to showcase the unique works of Australian graphic novelists and artists to the world, and since its inception in 2005, has released books with input from talent such as Shaun Tan (The Lost Thing, The Arrival), Tom Taylor (Star Wars graphic novels, DC Comics), Justin Randall (30 Days of Night, Silent Hill) and many more.
The Gestalt catalogue launches April 10, 2012, featuring a 16-title strong line-up – including: new adventure series, The Deep: Here Be Dragons (Vol. 1); the Roman Empire meets zombie apocalypse, Rombies (Issues #0 & #1); the “quasi-sequel” to Alex Cox’s cult film Repo Man, Waldo’s Hawaiian Holiday, and Justin Randall’s atmospheric psychological horror and 2011 ‘Best Illustrated Book/Graphic Novel’ Aurealis Award-winner, Changing Ways (Vol.1).
“Having followed Madman since their inception, I’ve been consistently impressed by their approach to business and the quality of the materials they deal with,” said Wolfgang Bylsma, Gestalt Editor-in-Chief. “I’m delighted that Gestalt has found a distributor in Madman, who share a similar ethos and the attention to detail that is inherent in everything we do. I look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship with Madman.”
Titles from the Gestalt launch line-up have also received nominations for the prestigious 2011 Aurealis Awards. Tom Taylor’s The Deep: Here Be Dragons (Vol. 1) has been nominated for two awards, ‘Best Children’s Picture Book’ and ‘Best Illustrated Work’. Also nominated in the ‘Best Illustrated Work’ category are ‘reverse werewolf’ story, Torn and supernatural Western, The Eldritch Kid: Whisky & Hate (Vol. 1).
“It’s fantastic to receive a nomination for The Deep. And with four nominations for Gestalt in all, I’m thrilled to see Australia’s premier speculative fiction literary awards recognize the quality and wonderful storytelling Gestalt has produced,” said Tom Taylor, author of The Deep: Here Be Dragons.“While my Star Wars and DC Comics works are top-sellers in the U.S., nothing would make me happier than seeing The Deep, and Gestalt in general, being embraced by every book, comic and pop culture store in Australia. I believe this partnership with Madman can make this a reality.”
65 mins. We finally get to this topic! The history of minority characters within comics, superheroes who are replaced by minority characters, or changed when adapted to other media. We also throw a few gnarly questions at one another.
Black Manta, Black Lightning, Black Racer (he’s on skis!), and Black Vulcan
Asian characters like Amadeus Cho, James Woo, Green Arrow Connor Hawke, Batgirl Cassandra Cain, Katana, Lady Shiva and Nico Minoru from Marvel’s Runaways.
and many more characters.
As an added bonus, here’s the “Bruce Lee” film from 1977 that Mladen mentions.
If you’re heading to the Emerald City Comic Con this week, you can also meet some great creators, go bowling, and get a chance to win some original art (on a bowling pin! Go Plastic Man!). Awesome. Details below.
Hero Initiative the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need is heading to Emerald City Comic Con March 30 through April 1 in Seattle, Wash. at the Washington State Convention Center. We have many special guests, and we are going BOWLING!
That’s right! We’re bowling to raise money for our cause on Friday March 30 at 8pm! There are 24 spots to bowl with a special guest including Jim Valentino, Francis Manpul, Barry Kitson, Tony Parker and more at Garage Billiards at 1130 Broadway in downtown Seattle! (http://www.garagebilliards.com) For $40 you get 2 games with a special guest, shoe rental, a drink ticket and five raffle tickets to win a bowling pin designed by artists such as Joe Linsner or Matt Wagner!
And if you don’t want to bowl, come and have some fun! The custom bowling pins can be won by ANYONE who shows up! Raffle tickets are $5 each, and tickets will be sold all day Friday at booth number #807 and all evening at the event. Winners MUST BE present.
Of course our special guests at the booth will be signing and sketching for us. Check it out!
Friday, March 30 (hours 2-8)
200-300: Keu Cha
300-400: Scott Morse
400-500: Mike Oeming
500-700: Bill Willingham
Saturday, March 31 (hours 10-7)
1230-130: Jim Valentino
130-230: Adi Granov
430-630: Chrissie Zullo
Sunday, April 1 (hours 10-5)
1030-1130: Steve Lieber
1130-1230: Matt Fraction
About The Hero Initiative
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit http://www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.
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