Broken Frontier’s digital magazine, The Frontiersman has returned. In its latest issue you’ll find, along with many other good features, my interview with writer/artist Nate Powell. Powell’s last OGN, Swallow Me Whole won the 2009 Eisner Award, and his latest, Any Empire is just as powerful and entertaining.
You can grab The Frontiersman #26 for only $1.49 right here.
53 mins. It’s International Read Comics in Public Day so we discuss the hows and whys of doing so. Also, the definition of geeks, Dan Brown, and cheering superheroes.
LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON iTUNES
You can email us at kris (at)extrasequential(dot)com and befriend us on the NEW ES Facebook page.
1:22 NEWS
Superman’s film costume loses his red undies
Rolling Stone talks to Grant Morrison
Hero Complex talks to Dan DiDio
A freaky Korean webcomic
Comics documentary on Kickstarter
Shaun Tan wins a Hugo Award
22:37 THEME-INTERNATIONAL READ COMICS IN PUBLIC DAY
We talk about reading comics in public – the what to read, what not to read and general suggestions into making new comics friends. Handy hints galore! Also comics that we’re too embarassed to read, the novels that we see people read on public transport.
Here is a collection of pics all over the world of people participating last year.
This is a good time to be comic-curious, with a slew of #1s coming in the next few weeks. Here’s another one.
SMASH!
This October, Incredible Hulk #1 smashes into stores courtesy of Marvel Architect Jason Aaron & legendary artist Marc Silvestri, featuring all-new variant by acclaimed artist Ladronn (Planet Hulk)! Prepare for an Earth-shaking brawl for the ages that no fan of the Marvel Universe can miss—Banner vs Hulk!
Can’t wait to see what Aaron and Silvestri have planned for the Jade Giant? Join the conversation on Twitter with #HULK!
INCREDIBLE HULK #1 (AUG110584)
INCREDIBLE HULK #1 LADRONN VARIANT (AUG110587)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by MARC SILVESTRI
Variant Cover by LADRONN
ON SALE THIS OCTOBER!
Time flies. DC’s relaunch of its entire superhero line is now only days away, with the new Geoff Johns and Jim Lee Justice League #1 coming at us on August 31. Then September sees the remaining 51 #1 issues arrive. If you’re on Twitter, or even if you’re not, you may’ve seen some sneak peeks at some of DC’s new titles, and here’s what ‘s been released thus far, including pages from Nightwing, Teen Titans, Hawk and Dove, Animal Man and a few others.
An article at Hero Complex says the orders for Justice League #1 have reached 200, 000, making it the year’s most ordered single issue. Six other DC #1s have topped 100, 000. That’s good news, but of course it doesn’t really mean anything just yet. The important numbers will be what sales the second, and third, and so on, issues get.
“The walk-in, casual fans have gotten away from us,” DiDio observed. “We are down to just the die-hard buyers.”
Comic-book stores have become increasingly barren, with sales dropping consistently over the last three years and down an additional 7% so far in 2011.
Theories abound as to why. Some blame convoluted story lines, while others point to cynical publicity stunts like killing key characters only to bring them back a few months later. But the main culprit more likely lies beyond the page: Today’s youth is far more interested in spending its leisure hours in the digital worlds of YouTube, Xbox and Twitter.
The generational shift is not lost on DiDio and his associates at DC. For the first time, the comic-book company will now make each of its issues available on digital devices such as iPads the same day it arrives in stores — a jarring departure for many retailers that only have to look at the fate of record stores to see the dangers that digital downloads present to brick-and-mortar merchants.
The Harvey Award winners were announced at Baltimore Comic-Con. Blacksad, Scott Pilgrim, Daytripper, Darwyn Cooke. There’s some worthy victories. Get the full list here.
Finally, who doesn’t like a good logo? Check out all of DC’s new 52 logos here.
Who doesn’t love a good, nostalgic list? We fanboys and girls sure do.
Here’s Newsarama’s list of so-called 1o Most Important Relaunches, including Valiant, Star Wars, Vertigo and more.
This 120 page, black and white OGN from Aussie publisher Gestalt (Rombies, The Deep) puts a good twist on the werewolf tale. Sure, I know you’ve probably heard that before, but I actually found myself enjoying the simplicity and barbaric, full on take on offer here. Written by newcomer Andrew Constant, and with art by Joh James (whose work you may have seen in the new series I.C.E from 12 Gauge Studios), this reminded me of the kind of films I grew up loving in the ’80s. It’s bold and unapologetic and lets us know who the baddies and goodies are straight away, urging the reader to cheer for he sympathetic hero as he serves out toothy justice.
Nicola Scott (Secret Six) does the art for prologue and even though it features a half naked man, and a bloody battle, it all looks very pleasing to the eyes. Having James provide the bulk of the book’s art is an interesting choice, as his frenetic, hard edged line work is in spectacular contrast to Scott’s delicate pencils. It makes sense though, as Torn is, as the title suggests, a rip roaring action/adventure story. James’ slightly rough, sketchy style uses the page creatively and he creates diverse layouts and dynamic action scenes rather well. He uses things like texture, silhouettes, and a flowing design that doesn’t often rely on traditional approaches to panels in sequential storytelling. It’s a dirty, harsh world in the pages of Torn, but it looks great. I wouldn’t want to live there though.
The cast of characters is streamlined, meaning Constant can focus on the also streamlined story. There’s some deft discussions on identity as the lead character, whose narration guides us, loses someone he loves, before being changed from a lycanthrope to a long haired man, and discovering the dangers of the new city he inhabits. The wolf/man meets Sarah, a young homeless girl and gets embroiled in the danger and dirt of her life before his past claws its way back to him. Even though he hardly speaks, the pair hit it off and he begins to see the power of friendship and humanity, with the memories of death and brutality that he’s witnessed not far from his thoughts. It could’ve easily been over the top and soppy, but Constant keeps the dialogue grounded and although it’s often bleak, it’s not depressing.
Given the thumbs up by scribes Greg Rucka and Gail Simone, I hope this catches people’s attention on the shelves. Sure, I’m a sucker for Australian made comics, but Torn is another good example from Gestalt, in showing that horror, action and drama can all sit together in an entertaining brew.
Check out some great preview pages from Torn here. Also out now from Gestalt is the Western OGN, The Eldritch Kid: Whisky and Hate.
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.
LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON iTUNES
You can email us at kris (at)extrasequential(dot)com and befriend us on the NEW ES Facebook page.
1:19 NEWS
The DC Comics ad at cinemas
Why Brian Wood’s DMZ didn’t become a TV show
Colleen Doran speaking at Sydney in November
Farewell Hellboy! (sort of)
Cola-Con – Comics and hip hop together at last
Ridley Scott directing another Blade Runner film
16:29 THEME: GENRES MASH-UPS
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.
Image’s Cowboy Ninja Viking
Geof Darrow’s Shaolin Cowboy
Abraxas and the Earthman
Heavy metal film – submit your ideas!
Robots vs Zombies
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Antarctic Press’ Pirates vs Ninja
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.
Go here to DC Fifty Too! and bask in the awesomeness.
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?
I can’t say that I’ve heard of this snack here in Australia, but if you see it at your LCS (local comic shop) next month, make sure to buy some as 25c from every one sold goes to the Hero Initiative to aid comic creators in need. More info here.
Starting September, 2011, Bonomo Turkish Taffy is donating 25 cents for every bar of its product sold through comic shops to Hero Initiative! It’s available in four great flavors, so encourage YOUR favorite store to order a box through Diamond Comic Distributors using order codes:
AUG111925 J BONOMO BANANA TURKISH TAFFY
AUG111926 J BONOMO CHOCOLATE TURKISH TAFFY
AUG111927 J BONOMO STRAWBERRY TURKISH TAFFY
AUG111928 J BONOMO VANILLA TURKISH TAFFY
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.
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.
Go here for the full details.
comicbookjesus 