61 mins. We focus on genre mash-ups in comics. The movie trailer marketing for the DC 52 Relaunch, writer Brian Wood leaving DC, the workings behind film-rights at Vertigo, the Death of Hellboy, and our quick thoughts on the new Conan the Barbarian & Iron Man: Extremis motion comic. Also floating moustaches, zombie cows and Herman’s Head.
We yak about various properties that either ‘meet’ or ‘vs’ each other. Superman, Batman, Aliens, Predator, Tarzan, Judge Dredd, Frankenstein, Abbott and Costello, zombies, robots and many more.
Fans have had their say over the last few weeks about DC Comcis’ superhero line wide relaunch in September. Now artists have their say – using artistic interpretations of new titles. I’d buy most of them based on the cover for sure, and the new Teen Titans costumes are much better than DC’s versions.
The ad to be shown in cinemas, that is. The ad itself isn’t that cinematic. It’s all part of DC’s plan to get next month’s onslaught of 52 new series in front of the face of comic book newbies. It of course makes sense. The execution however, is lacking. The music and lack of any info is what’s been most criticised, and rightly so, though individual comic shops will have the option of putting their info at the end of these ads shown at their local cinema apparently. I don’t know if these will be shown outside of America though.
Giving the comic art a slow motion look is an obvious choice, but more info would’ve been much better. There’s also an un-embeddable 2 minute version, but it’s more of the same and suffers from the same music/info-less direction. There’s no mention of creators, or DC’s digital releases, or even who the characters are, though they do use well-known superheroes. It’s a great step in the right direction, but what will this really mean to the intended audience, ie, people who haven’t read a comic in years, or ever? It does look pretty at least, but will that be enough?
As part of Broken Frontier’s Brits on Top series of articles this week, there’s a contest to win some 2000AD goodies. Yay! Here’s the lowdown.
As part of our Brits On Top! event spotlighting the rich traditions of the British comics scene, we’re giving away five graphic novel packs, graciously provided by the fine folks at 2000AD/Rebellion. Creative talents on these books include Frazer Irving, Frank Quitely, Robbie Morrison, John Wagner, Charlie Adlard, Henry Flint and more!
The Prize
5 graphic novel packs consisting of Nikolai Dante: Too Cool to Kill, Hondo City Law and Judge Death: The Life and Death of…
What do you have to do for a chance to win?
It’s easy! Simply follow us on Twitter and retweet this message to your followers:
It’s #britsontop at @brokenfrontier and I want to win a bloody cool @2000AD graphic novel pack! http://bit.ly/aFMPdZ (RT to participate)
We’ll announce the winners right here in this space on Monday, August 22, 2011.
Image have been putting out so many widely praised new series lately that I find myself Trade waiting instead of ordering a bunch of new #1s. Moriarty is on my Trade list, as it’s had nothing but thumbs up all round, and has an intriguing premise (as detailed in the trailer below.)
Image Plots Collected Edition of Moriarty
Moriarty Gets Collected in September
MORIARTY is an exciting new science fiction adventure series from Image Comics that follows the misdeeds of the original supervillain, Professor James Moriarty, arch nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. From the grimy streets of London to the haunting British countryside, underground lairs and superscience labs, Professor Moriarty must forge has way through a world without Sherlock.
This September, Image Comics proudly presents the first trade paperback volume of MORIARTY, entitled MORIARTY: THE DARK CHAMBER, collecting the first four super-sized issues of the ongoing series. MORIARTY is written by Daniel Corey (PROPHET), with art by Anthony Diecidue (Stan Lee’s TIME JUMPER), colors by Perry Freeze and letters and design by Dave Lanphear.
It is 20 years after the death of Sherlock Holmes, and Professor James Moriarty is a lost man. MI5 blackmails Moriarty into finding Holmes’ long-lost brother, Mycroft, but what at first appears to be a routine case leads to a web of intrigue that involves a psychic box and its creator, a woman from Moriarty’s past, as well as a new villain that threatens to be greater than Moriarty ever was! See how Moriarty deals with love, loss, war and death rays in the critically acclaimed Image Comics series MORIARTY.
Here’s what reviewers and influential comic creators are saying about MORIARTY:
“MORIARTY is a book that should be mentioned in the same breath as THE WALKING DEAD, CHEW and HACK/SLASH when it comes to the best comics coming out of Image.” — Horror Haven Reviews
“I love MORIARTY. Most of all, I loved how in a world without Holmes, that it’s only in the mystery, the unanswered questions, that life for Sherlock’s arch enemy can begin again. Insightful, exciting and cool – with gritty, atmospheric art to match.” — Jim Krueger (EARTH X, JUSTICE, FOOTSOLDIERS)
“MORIARTY: THE DARK CHAMBER is irresistible. Professor James Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes’ arch-nemesis, drawn from retirement and off on his own death-defying adventure? It’s one of those simple, perfect ideas you kick yourself for not thinking of first, and Corey and Diecidue carry it off in fine style.” — Scott Tipton (ILLYRIA: HAUNTED, STAR TREK: INFESTATION)
“Even with characters that lead a pretty sad existence, there is a drive for something greater or at least a sense of discovery. It moves the piece along at a thrilling pace that respects, but expands upon Sir Arthur Canon Doyle’s fiction in a way that is thrilling and smart.” — The Daily Blam!
“Corey spins a wonderful world of conspiracy, despair, and even science fiction.” — IGN
“…this is a perfect example of a great collaboration of story and artist.” — Newsarama
“[MORIARTY] takes an intriguing look at that relationship between good and evil.” — USA Today
“…this is a damn good comic book.” — Bloody-Disgusting.com
MORIARTY: THE DARK CHAMBER, VOL. 1 TP, a 128-page full-color paperback, will be on sale in stores September 14th for $14.99 and is available to order in the July 2011 edition of Diamond Previews (JUL110470, ISBN: 978-1-60706-450-3). For more information, please visit www.professorjamesmoriarty.com and www.facebook.com/daniel.corey.
All week at Broken Frontier will be a veritable treasure trove of articles and interviews focused on British comics, and creators. Saucily called Brits on Top, there’s already an interview with editor Calum Laird about 50 years of Commando Comics, a few creators reminiscing about great British comics (Bananaman! Yay!), Pat Mills talking about 2000AD and oh, so much more. Keep checking in to see what other goodies will show up.
There’s always cool stuff to be found on funding site Kickstarter. I have it bookmarked to see what unique, arty and ambitious projects are getting attention and money to make them spring to life. American Dark Age is one such project I discovered, amongst the plethora of cool comics vying for attention. It has until Sunday September 4 to reach its goal of $2600. So far it has $2470 so its promising. Below is the lowdown on the project and here’s where to discover more. Oh, and here’s where to see some preview pages.
Megabrain Comics brings you the first series in their neo-medieval, apocalyptic trilogy; AMERICAN DARK AGE which takes place in a near future when a mysterious event renders all combustion based machinery, weapons and electrical technology impotent and useless. The story focuses on Katherine Brody, a young punk singer from Oregon and her rise as an unlikely warrior in a world that no longer recognizes itself.
AMERICAN DARK AGE thrusts the reader in to this archaic landscape and asks not only who you were before “The Blackout” but who will you be after, with so much righteous destiny and sinister opportunity laid before you to be picked at with the tip of a sword.
Brody’s journey takes her and a small band of Marine Corps “Knights” from the bloody shores of California across the now harsh and lawless landscape of the United States to an end that will change the face of a nation forever.
Filled with political intrigue, character drama and ultra-violent sword clashing battle scenes, AMERICAN DARK AGE takes a new look at the American spirit and what people can achieve and destroy when they set their mind to it.
The story by Jean Michel is epic!
The art by Jacqueline Taylor is bloody amazing!!
The production by Megabrain Comics is slick!!!
But, this much awesome isn’t free, people.
We need $2600 to get issue #1 off the ground and on to the shelves, but exceeding our goal will allow us to put additional content in the book or print variant covers. Plus we’ll be able to offer more rewards and one-of-a-kind goodies.
That is why we’ve come here today to give you, stalwart Kickstarter philanthropist and you, loyal and ravenous Mega-Fan, the opportunity to be a part of all the magic…with your money.
Here’s a bunch of stuff I’ve seen and read recently that I recommend checking out.
Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Cooper plays a lazy writer lacking motivation, until an encounter with and old friend gives him access to a super drug that unlocks his brain’s full potential. Better than it could’ve been, it starts with a Fight Club-like approach with its visual trickery and subversive attitude, has a predictable middle, and then ramps up for an exciting conclusion.
Secret Six #36. It’s sad to see this series starring a bunch of baddies (Bane, Ragdoll, Catman,etc) go, but this is a satisfying farewell from Gail Simone and Jim Calafiore. Having pretty much all of DC’s big heroes show up in the stand off that ends the ish is cool, especially with Calafiore’s pencil behind them. I hope we see these characters again soon though in DC’s new plans.
The Punisher #1. I’ve been an occasional follower of the surly Frank Castle and thankfully the creators attached to him have always pulled him past his one-note potential. This (yet another) relaunch for the ex-Marine by Greg Rucka and Marco Checcheto is as gritty as any of Castle’s previous series. It’s a great set up for a new tale, and even though the titular gun lover hardly shows up, and doesn’t even speak, the moody art and unique story approach (a silent wedding massacre opener, and a police interview closer) make this issue stand out.
Tucker & Dale vs Evil. Two loveable hillbillies are mistaken for psycho killers by a group of attractive college students. Hilarity, and accidental bloodshed, ensues. It’s such a great genre-nixing set up. Unfortunately the trailer has the best bits, though the chemistry between leads Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine results in some great dialogue and comedic moments.
DC Retro-Active-1980s. This series of one-shots by DC is a good idea, and will go some way to quelling the discontent from nostalgic superhero readers. They’ve done the ’70s and next up is the ’90s (which I’m looking forward to, as that’s when my comics habit became serious) and getting the original creators from that decade is awesome. Each issue also includes a reprinted tale from the time period. Flash stars Wally West (always my fave speedster) and is by William Messner-Loebs and Greg LaRocque. Flash rescued a girl from the clutches of the Trickster a while ago and she’s fallen hard for her hero and steals his enemies’ weapons to get his attention. The backup tale doesn’t make much sense as its from the middle of a story arc, but reminds us that colouring techniques these days are much better. Batman’s trip down memory lane features the return of the baddie Reaper from the Year Two storyline (a tale of which is the reprint) and features Jason Todd as bare legged Robin, Batman calling him, “chum,” and a genuine mystery about who the new Reaper is.
X-Men Schism #2. I thought I’d grab the latest issue of this mini-series as it has art by Frank Cho and that’s always a good reason. Wolverine and Cyclops are still yet to fall out and go their separate ways, so the remaining 3 issues must be pretty intense. Cyclops really looks like his nickname, “Slim,” when Cho draws him.
Nerdcore duo Kirby Krackle have just released the first video from their third album, Super Powered Love. The song is Nerd Core and has a great, “if I won the lotto, I’d buy…” approach to it.
They’ve also created the theme song for Marvel’s official Who Watches the Watcher? online news, and here’s the video for that too.
The ASA (Australian Society of Authors) is holding a master class for those interested in creating, or knowing more about, comics. Colleen Doran (Sandman, A Distant Soil) is the guest speaker and it’ll be held in Sydney on November 19 and 20.
In response, the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) has invited world-renowned comics creator Colleen Doran to Australia to run a weekend comics masterclass in November 2011, designed to jump-start the careers of aspiring comics creators and to accelerate the careers of Australian comics professionals. It’s also an ideal opportunity for multi-platform creators, educators and book editors to learn more about the medium and to become proficient in deconstructing comics and graphic novels.
My favourite magazine, the film focused Empire is running their Big Screen expo again this year. It’s this weekend and it’s in London. Apart from film stuff, they have a bunch of comic stuff as well, with panels discussing the greatest superhero, and guests like Mike Carey, Mark Millar, Adi Granov and many more.
This looks kinda cool, from the creator of Kane, and Jack Staff. Not that I’ve read much of either but this sounds like an entertaining combination of superheroics and drama.
HIS NAME IS MUD
Acclaimed Cartoonist Paul Grist Brings New Superhero to Image Comics in Mudman
After self-publishing for much of the ’90s, Paul Grist brought two critically acclaimed original titles to Image Comics in 2002: the crime drama KANE and then the eclectic superhero series JACK STAFF. Recently, Grist has been using his sparse, signature style to develop a new superhero that will be introduced to the world this November with the debut of MUDMAN.
“This is my ‘Back to Basics’ superhero comic,” explained Grist. “It’s not about alien menaces or cosmic powers (though they may pop up once in a while); it’s all about growing up and finding your way in the world, and how the decisions that you make can affect others. In a way, it’s probably the most autobiographical comic I’ve ever done. But with added mud.”
“Paul has been one of my favorite creators since writer Robert Loren Fleming turned me onto KANE back in the ’90s,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “His style looks deceptively simple, but he’s a master of his craft, capable of some of the cleverest storytelling in comics. It’s a big thrill for me that Paul’s part of Image, and I can’t wait to see what he does with MUDMAN.”
In MUDMAN #1, the new school year is just beginning, and it isn’t starting off well for teenager Owen Craig. His day just keeps going from bad to worse: He gets run over, he gets detention, and then he learns his father has actually been taken hostage by armed bank robbers. But that’s only the beginning of his problems. Now his body appears to be turning into mud!
50 mins. We focus on two very different comics this week, in Gestalt’s The Deep and Top Shelf’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century: 1969. Also, comic shops in Sydney, ping pong balls, The Rock and more.
From Tom Taylor and James Brouwer comes this fun all-ages adventure about the Nekton family.
Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill bring us the latest, and certainly not all-ages, instalment in their increasingly strange League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series.
This week is a huge one for Hellboy. Creator Mike Mignola and publisher Dark Horse have been quietly spreading the word that this is going to be one of those, “things will never be the same” stories that we read so much about. However, this time, it actually means something.
He’s already lost his eye, and now he’ll lose a lot more. Below is a snazzy preview of this week’s finale, along with an official description.
The word is out that today’s release of The Fury #3 will rock the comics world to its very core! With word leaking out over the last week that big changes are in store for Dark Horse’s most recognizable character, this third issue has sold out before even arriving on shelves.
In response, Dark Horse has rushed through reprints of all three issues of this critically acclaimed story arc. These reprints are available for reorder now, with an on-sale date of August 17, just one week after Hellboy: The Fury #3 goes on sale.
Hellboy: The Fury marks the dramatic conclusion to the epic story line by Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo that began in Darkness Calls back in 2007. This final three-issue story pits Hellboy against the Queen of Blood one on one, leaving behind a war-torn battlefield strewn with the bodies of monsters and knights. In this dramatic conclusion, the fate of the world, and of Hellboy himself, lies with the Ogdru Jahad, his greatest foe, culminating in one final battle for the ages.
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