I Love Trouble

And the express train of new talent and fresh ideas from Image Comics continues. Here’s the official skinny on I Love Trouble, which lands on shelves in December.

SUPERPOWERS LEAD TO SUPER PROBLEMS IN I LOVE TROUBLE

New Image Comics series debuts in December

Felicia Castro, the protagonist of the new Image Comics series I LOVE TROUBLE by Kel Symons andMark Robinson, debuting in December, doesn’t have much going for her. A New Orleans grifter on the run from a mobster, Felicia has to flee the Big Easy to hide out in the Midwest. Then her plane crashes.

Instead of it being the end for the Felicia, the crash turns out to be a new beginning. Felicia discovers she has the ability to teleport, a power she thinks will be an easy fix to all of her problems. But Felicia is someone who follows trouble, and her power opens up a whole new world of crime and exploitation.

“I imagine her as someone who was always on the run from one thing or another in her life — came from a broken home, had terrible experiences with relationships — and when things got bad she just picked up and left,” said writer Symons. “So the idea of teleportation fed into that.”

The premise of Felicia’s power being tied with her personality was what artist Robinson said won him over. “Kel’s ideas were crisp and sharp,” said Robinson. “The book is supposed to be more about the person than the power. Kel’s scripts leave me a lot of room to do my thing visually, which I am grateful for.”

The breathing room has allowed Robinson to shine, said Symons. “There’s a uniqueness to what Mark’s doing — you can just see he’s working on another level, that he takes what’s in a script and finds something you didn’t even realize was there and runs with it.”

Robinson names Will Eisner as one of his primary influences in drawing I LOVE TROUBLE. “It’s not a superhero story, yet it needs to capture the same excitement and sense of the fantastic that Eisner puts into his work,” he said. “I want people to see the characters do things in this book that puts them right in the middle of a scene from their own life.”

Symons was a producer of The Dungeon Masters, a documentary about Dungeons and Dragons players, and also produced and directed the documentary Excavating the 2000-Year-Old Man. He was involved, as a development executive, in the film adaptation of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan noveI The Sum of All Fears. He also developed the feature films Sahara and Invictus. I LOVE TROUBLE is his first comic book series.

Robinson has been drawing comics professionally since 2001 and is best known for his work on the IDW series Storm Shadow and the Marvel series Hulk and Skrull Kill Krew.

I LOVE TROUBLE is a full-color, ongoing comic book series. Its first issue will be in stores on December 5 and is available for pre-order in the December issue of Previews.

Geek Girl #0 Review

This indie comic is a recent reprint, but is still worth your time. Here’s my review.

Seizure Comic Competition

Seizure is a relatively new Australian magazine, and they’ve just started a comics competition. Here’s the official lowdown.

So Seizure’s arty director and printer both love comics, and when they put their heads together David and Andrew came up with this competition.

One of the first stumbling blocks for would-be comic makers, just starting out, is getting your comic printed. Why? Because it costs serious moolah which not many of us have.  Once you’ve got it printed, then you can start showing it around, take it to zine fairs, give one to your mum.

That’s why we’ve started this prize where the winners get their work printed and a little cash on the side.

So if you’ve got 24 pages ready to go, or can pull it together before the deadline, simply submit a PDF via this link and you will be in the running for one of our three prizes.

First Prize:  100 printed copies and $150 AUD (Total value $1000 AUD)

Art prize: 50 printed copies and  $75.00 AUD (Total value $775 AUD)

Story prize: 50 printed copies and  $75.00 AUD (Total value $775 AUD)

All prizes are courtesy of specialist comic printers OMNE www.omne.com.au

Open for submissions now via Submittable: Submit to OMNE Comic Comp

Closing 2 February 2013. Winners will be announced by 1 March 2013.

Get printed people!

Professor X’s Farewell

Marvel have doen their usual thing and spoiled a huge plot point in an upcoming storyline to a mass media outlet. All the details below. It seems rather daring that Marvel would show the actual pages in question too, but here’s an interesting chat with writer Brian Michael Bendis about the ish.

Professor Xavier Makes The Ultimate Sacrifice in Avengers VS. X-Men #11, On-Sale Now!

In the move that shocked and saddened comic book fans worldwide, beloved super hero Professor Charles Xavier meets his demise today in Avengers VS. X-Men #11. In the penultimate chapter of the biggest comic book story in 2012, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel rally the forces of the Marvel Universe against the final two members of the seemingly all-powerful Phoenix Five—Cyclops and Emma Frost. But as this epic battle rages, Cyclops makes a decision that not only takes the life of the man who formed the X-Men and raised him like a son, but that also may damn both the Avengers and the X-Men!

“When we first crafted Avengers VS. X-Men, we didn’t set out to kill any characters but as the story progressed it became obvious that this had to be the last stand of Charles Xavier”, said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “He’s one of my favorite characters and while like all fans I’m sad to see him perish, both Brian and Olivier deliver a powerful, dramatic conclusion to his story. Rest assured his death will reverberate across the Marvel Universe, leading into major launches like Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men this fall.”

Then, on October 3rd, the dramatic conclusion to the series arrives in Avengers VS X-Men #12, as the remaining Marvel super heroes launch their final assault on the Phoenix Five and the force that threatens to consume all of reality. Once this battle ends, nothing with be the same for the Avengers, the X-Men or anyone else in the Marvel Universe.

Plus, Join the Marvel ReEvolution as Marvel brings fans even more value to their comics reading experience. Every issue of Avengers VS. X-Men comes packaged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app and with exclusive, behind the scenes extras via the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma.

Don’t forget to get your copy of Avengers VS. X-Men #11, the comic everyone’s talking about, on sale now in comic shops everywhere, on the Marvel Comics app, and the all-new Marvel Comics Webstore!

For more on Avengers VS. X-Men, please visit http://avx.marvel.com

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #11 (JUL120528)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

ON SALE NOW

 

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #12 (JUL120535)

Written by JASON AARON

Penciled by ADAM KUBERT

Cover by JIM CHEUNG

ON SALE – 10/3/12

 

Huge Top Shelf Sale

Top Shelf is one of the best indie comics publishers around, and they also have regular sales, which is great. Here’s their latest one, including a bunch of $3 and $1 goodies. Yay!

THE 2012 TOP SHELF MASSIVE $3 SALE!

For the next two weeks — thru Friday September 28th — Top Shelf is having its annual $3 web sale. Check out the list below, and you’ll find 170 graphic novels and comics on sale — with over 100 titles marked down to just $3 & $1! Shipping & handling is a flat fee regardless of how much you order, so load up and save big!

Each year we use these funds to help clear the decks on our current amazing releases, and “kick start” a full rollout for next year. So, thank you in advance for your support, as we wouldn’t be here without you!

But here are a few sample sale items:

— Slashed Prices: The Underwater Welder, Lost Dogs, League 2009/1969, and more!
— Slashed Prices: From Hell, Blankets (HC&SC), Carnet de Voyage, and more!
— Slashed Prices: Wizzywig, Lovely Horrible Stuff, Any Empire, Clumsy, and more!
— Slashed Prices: Chester 5000, SuperF*ckers, Moving Pictures, and more!
— Slashed Prices: Alec, American Elf, The Ticking, Far Arden, and more!
— Slashed Prices: Owly, Korgi, Johnny Boo, Dragon Puncher, and more!

— $3 Titles: Ax, Lucille, Undeleted Scenes, and more!
— $3 Titles: Gingerbread Girl, The Homeland Directive, Liar’s Kiss, and more!
— $3 Titles: Incredible Change-Bots, Night Animals, Underwire, and more!
— $3 Titles: Voice of the Fire, The Playwright, Fingerprints, and more!
— $3 Titles: BB Wolf, Three Fingers, The Surrogates (V1&V2), and more!
— $3 Titles: Pirate Penguin, Okie Dokie Donuts, Pinky & Stinky, Yam, and more!

— $1 Titles: Sulk (Vols 1, 2, & 3), SuperF*ckers #1-#4, and more!
— $1 Titles: The Surrogates #1-#5, The Sketchbook Diaries #1-#4, and more!
— $1 Titles: Lower Regions, Feeble Attempts, Conversations #1 & #2, and more!
— $1 Titles: Comic Diorama, The Man Who Loved Breasts, Doublecross, and more!
— $1 Titles: Tales/Great Unspoken, Black Ghost Apple Factory, Dang!, and more!
— $1 Titles: Mephisto & The Empty Box, Hey Mister, Yearbook Stores, and more!

**Please note that Top Shelf accepts PayPal (as well as Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover — all secure), and that this sale is good for retailers as well (and comic book shops will get their wholesale discount on top of these sale prices).

Thun’da #2 Review

At Broken Frontier you can find my review of the second issue of Dynamite’s new series, Thun’da, which is based on a classic series about a soldier who loses his memory but finds himself in a dangerous new world.

Daredevil: End of Days #1 Preview

This mini-series that looks at the final days of blind lawyer/superhero Daredevil has been in the works for ages now and it’s almost upon us, and with a star studded roster of creative talent to boot! Text-free preview of next month’s debut issue below.

Your First Look At DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #1

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Daredevil: End of Days #1, from the creative tour de force of Brian Michael Bendis, David Mack, Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkiewicz and Alex Maleev! When Matt Murdock’s greatest secret remains a mystery – there is only one man who can uncover it, investigative reporter Ben Urich! Witness the end of the Man Without Fear this October inDaredevil: End Of Days #1!

DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #1 (AUG120637)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & DAVID MACK

Art by KLAUS JANSON, DAVID MACK, ALEX MALEEV & BILL SIENKIEWICZ
Cover by ALEX MALEEV

FOC – 9/17/12, ON-SALE 10/10/12

 

 

Three DC Comics #0 Reviews

It’s been a while, so here’s a triumvirate of reviews form DC Comics this week, specifically their #0 issues that aim to unveil the backgrounds of characters in time for the one year anniversary of The New 52 relaunch. The last time DC tried this was back in the mid-90s after the Zero Hour reboot. Okay, on to some quick thoughts.

The Phantom Stranger #0. Surprisingly this sold out at my comic shop, so thankfully I ordered it ahead of time. Written by President Dan Didio, who tried his hand at writing with the cancelled O.M.A.C series, and teamed with artist Brent Anderson (Astro City) this looks into the origins of one of DC’s most powerful supernatural figures. The cloak clad mystery man has been around since 1952 but his background has never been revealed. That has changed now, and will continue to, since he’s getting his own series. Here’s he presented as Judas, (yes the one who betrayed Jesus Christ) and upon hanging himself goes to an afterlife where he meets a council of wizards. As punishment for betraying Christ for 30 pieces of silver, he is given powers and returned to earth, with the cloak of Jesus, and the coins made into a necklace to bear. It’s an interesting origin, and one that has been touched upon in the decades of Stranger stories, but now it seems to be the status quo of The New 52 version.

The tale is told by Stranger’s frequent monologues, as he meets angry cop Jim Corrigan who becomes The Spectre all too quickly, and it looks like in future issues The Phantom Stranger will deal with the mystical forces of the DCU. This issue also hints at the upcoming Trinity War, which looks to involve Stranger, the female Pandora, and The Question. These few pages aren’t enough to delve into the origins of one of DC’s most elusive figures, but it’s a good starting point for hopefully slightly better adventures than this one.

Green Lantern #0. We’re introduced to yet another human bearer of a power ring, in the form of Arab-American Simon Baz (who has his own action figure already!). He has the word “courage” in Arabic on his forearm, and carries a handgun (at least on the cover) which seems redundant when you have one of the most powerful weapons on your finger. Writer Geoff Johns and artist Dough Mahnke do a fantastic job of introducing Simon. We see his tough life, his love for his family and his desire to do what is right, even when it’s not easy. Thanks to stealing a van, unknowingly with a bomb inside, he’s taken in for questioning before a power ring breaks him free.

There’s hints at Johns’ larger work in the GL series, with cameos from Batman, Cyborg, Hal Jordan and Sinestro and although we never see Simon in his new green costume, it’s obvious he’ll play an important role. Grab this one if you’ve been following the events in any of the Green Lantern books.

Detective Comics #0. The only Batman series I’ve been reading since DC’s relaunch last year is Batman and Robin, so I thought I’d see what’s going on in ‘Tec and Tony Daniel’s art continues to improve. Gregg Hurwitz writes this ish, with Daniels on art duties. Reminiscent of certain scenes in Batman Begins, the bulk of this issue is set 10 years before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, as he learns from a husband and wife team in the Himalayas about how to cope with emotion, how to meditate and of course, how to fight. We see Bruce grapple with love and loss, and although the ending is somewhat melodramatic, it’s a good display of the transition between man and Batman.

Also included is a back-up tale called The Long Wait by James Tynion IV and Henrik Johnson that centres on Alfred’s patience in Wayne Manor waiting for the missing Bruce to return home after his mysterious years abroad. It works very well and shows a side of Alfred that I don’t think I’ve seen in a comic before.

Overall, these #0 issues are a good idea, to introduce new and lapsed readers, and the inclusion of one page Who’s Who entries in each ish is a nice bonus.

Big Hitters #1

I’ve never heard of Contraband Comics, but this looks pretty cool and vibrant.

 

BIG HITTERS #1 DEBUTS AT 99¢

Contraband Comics Proudly Announces

Newest Release Through Exclusive

Partnership With iVerse Media

Big Hitters #1, the first issue in a new sci-fi action/adventure series from creator-owned comic book publisher, Contraband Comics, is now available for purchase in iVerse Media’s Comics Plus app.

Created by writer Jon Goff (SpawnBlindsideHalo Evolutions) and illustrator Travis Sengaus (The Adventures of Spawn), Big Hitters blends elements of noir, science fiction and action/adventure to tell the story of two government-sanctioned hitmen as they navigate the seedy underbelly of a post-war galaxy.

Big Hitters #1 is available now in the Comics Plus app, with both a FREE 11-page preview and a $0.99 26-page Standard Issue release. As an added bonus, the free preview of Big Hitters #1 includes the animated short “Gettim!,” directed and animated by series artist and co-creator, Travis Sengaus.

“With Big Hitters, Travis and I are looking to capture the epic fun and sense of adventure you get from Star Wars, but set against a backdrop that has more in common with the darker side of sci-fi films like Bladerunner,” Contraband Comics founder, Jon Goff, said. “At the end of the day the book is meant to be entertaining, but buried within the visuals and the somewhat off-beat nature of the story, you’ll find a lot of heartbreak and a deeper mythology than may be apparent at first glance.”

Joining Goff and Sengaus on the Big Hitters creative team are colorist Fco Plascencia (BatmanSpawnInvincible) and the master craftsmen at Richard Starking’s Comicraft lettering and design studio.

To view Contraband Comics titles available in the Comics Plus app, including Big Hitters and Blindside, visit:

http://digital.comicsplusapp.com/group_comics.php?publisher_id=106

 

I Draw Comics Sketchbook

Crowd funding site Kickstarter is always worth a look to see people’s ideas vying for your attention (and money), and here’s one that’ll make novice comic artists sit up and take notice.

Here’s the blurb, and here’s where you can get more info.

The I DRAW COMICS Sketchbook & Reference Guide is the ultimate tool for practicing the basics of Comic Book illustration, page design and the art of storytelling.  We’ve designed the ultimate Comic Book Artist Field Guide by combining commonly used industry reference materials and 100+ sketching templates into a ubiquitous and iconic molelskine sketchbook form.

Babble from Com.x

UK publisher Com.x (Monster Myths, Seeds, 45) has an intriguing new OGN coming out in December called Babble. Below is the cover and synopsis. It’s a full colour 128 pager written by Lee Robson, with art by Brian Coyle. Look for it in October’s Previews catalogue, which will be out at the end of September.

Carrie Hartnoll is a girl lost in a life going nowhere fast. A chance encounter with an ex-boyfriend affords her the opportunity of a new career in Ivy League America, working as part of a research team attempting to resurrect the language of Babel – a language, it is theorised, that can be understood by any human, from anywhere in the world. As Carrie pieces together her fractured personal life, she becomes embroiled in the mystery surrounding the apparent suicide of the project’s original team leader, which propels her to uncover the horrific truth about the language and why it was written out of the history books…

Avengers #30 Preview

 

A brief, text-free preview of next month’s Avengers issue below.

Your First Look at AVENGERS #30 – An AVENGERS VS. X-MEN Tie-In!

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Avengers #30!  With Cyclops and Emma Frost more powerful than ever, it’s looking more and more like the end of the world for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! But amidst all the chaos and battling, can the budding romance of Hawkeye and Spider-Woman survive the strain? The creative team of superstar writer Brian Bendis and legendary artist Walter Simonson bring you high-stakes action and drama this September in Avengers #30, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop.

AVENGERS #30 (JUL120545)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Pencils by WALTER SIMONSON

Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

FOC – 8/27/2012, On Sale – 9/19/2012

 

 

Sequential Summary

For the last few weeks I’ve been contributing weekly round-ups of the comic book news over at SciFiPulse.

Check out my previous posts of Sequential Summary right here.

Kingstone Media and Jackket Knightmare

It’s always encouraging to see a new publisher appear in the pages of the monthly Previews comics catalogue. You can find 6 new comics from Kingstone on pages 319-320 in the current Previews. Kingstone is a Christian publisher and what I’ve seen of their diverse offerings has impressed me, so I recommend checking them out. They have OGNs based on Bible stories and historical figures, as well as sci-fi stories such as 2048 and dramas like Echoes of Eden.

 

 

Another Christian (self) publisher I’ve been meaning to mention for ages is American creator C. Souba Reyes and her work on the Jackket Nightmare series which follows a trenchoat clad avenger. It’s been great to see how her work has progressed in leaps and bounds in the 3 issues released thus far, which you can find here.