Essex County Film

This is good news as this is one of those comics that deserves a wider audience. Official details below.

Variety broke the news this morning that Academy-Award-winning visual effects designer John Dykstra (Star Wars, Spider-Man 2, X-Men: First Class) plans to direct a film based on Tales From the Farm, the award-winning first volume of Jeff Lemire’s much-acclaimed Essex County trilogy!

The film, currently using the working title “Super Zero,” is adapted from Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel by John Carr, and will be produced by Steven Gilder and Alec Chorches as well as Top Shelf Productions. Jeff had this to say: “I’m excited about the news and optimistic that John Dykstra will make an entertaining film that stays true to the heart of Essex County.”

Tales From the Farm is the story of Lester, a 10-year-old boy coping with the death of his parents while isolated on his uncle’s farm, escaping into fantasy games with retired hockey pro Jimmy Lebeuf. The book memorably launched the Essex County trilogy by winning the American Library Association’s prestigious Alex Award (and instantly selling out its first printing). Essex County would go on to win the Doug Wright Award, the Joe Shuster Award, and a top 5 spot (and the People’s Choice Award) on Canada Reads’ Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. Originally published in three parts, it’s now available as a single 512-page volume.

You can meet Jeff in person at his summer convention appearances: he’ll be in the Top Shelf booth at both the Calgary Entertainment Expo (June 17-19) and the San Diego Comic-Con (July 21-24). Hope to see you all there!

See a hefty preview of Essex County here and an interview with Lemire here about his work writing the upcoming Animal Man, and Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE titles for DC’s massive relaunch in September.

Last Week’s Winners

It’s all Image! Yep, these 2 comics are worthy of your time and a quick review, and both are out now.

Who Is Jake Ellis? #4. The penultimate issue of this series that is just dying to be made into a film is just as entertaining as the ones before it. Writer Nathan Edmondson (The Light, Olympus) and artist Tonci Zonjic (Daredevil) started things very mysteriously with the first issue and have been peeling away the layers like craftsmen with each subsequent issue. Traditionally, debut issues sell very well, driven by curiosity, but then drop off with the instalments that follow. This, however, is a series that rewards loyalty and it’s quite refreshing to be caught in its grip. Jon Moore and Jake Ellis (who always appears in monochrome) is part of former CIA analyst Moore’s mind. The pair’s aim in this ish is to break in to the facility in Morocco that birthed their unusual partnership, when Ellis reveals that he has had memories – and emotions. Just when you think this series has unveiled all the surprises it needs, out pops another one. Great stuff, and Zonjic’s art is always gorgeous to look at. His superb use of colour and simple lines is like nothing else on the stands at the moment, though I guess Francesca Francavilla’s art comes close. Who Is Jake Ellis? is also currently being serialized in Clint magazine, and shirts are now available too! Cool. See a preview of this issue here.

Shinku #1. I remember seeing black and white preview pages for this ages ago and being eager for the finished product. Now, this creator owned series from writer Ron Marz and artist Lee Moder is out. Part 1 of Throne of Blood, there’s certainly plenty of the latter in these pages. If you like your vampire action more in the throbbing vein of Kill Bill and less like Twilight, grab this. It starts with Davis, a newcomer to Tokyo who gets lucky at a nightclub, when a (very forward) woman bares her…fangs. Davis is rescued by a motorcyclist in a cool crimson suit (yep, Shinku) and is opened up to her tough secret world of vamp killing by bloody means. Within her cool hideout Shinku reveals that she’s the last of her samurai clan (complete with a nifty sepia flashback) before we see her nemesis who has had enough of her actions. This is a mature comic, so be warned. It’s a simple story, of the kind that’s been told many times – outsider becomes embroiled in an ancient war, yet it does work here and Marz and Moder’s bold take is worthy of attention.

There’s an interview with Moder here.

 

It’s All About Green Lantern

With the live action film just days away from its June 19 debut, Warner Bros. have unveiled an unprecedented 8 clips from the film. Most are over a minute long and aren’t heavy on the action. I must say, seeing these clips doesn’t fill me with extreme confidence though. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively really lack chemistry, but I’m happy that he says, “By the power of Greyskull,” in his attempt to state the GL oath (that’s from the He-Man cartoon for those of you who aren’t Gen Xers) and his ring constructs certainly look diverse. In the first clip Reynolds and Likely couldn’t call each other Highball and Sapphire more, though perhaps the latter is a nod to Lively’s Carol Ferris’ transformation into Star Sapphire in a sequel. I must also say that the Earth bound scenes (in what is the reverse of Thor’s film) seem to be the lowlights.

The tie-in videogame is available now. Below is the latest trailer, plus the official description.

Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters is set in the universe of the film with an original story by award-winning comic book writer Marv Wolfman.  Players will take flight across the universe to planets Oa, Zamaron and Biot, and utilize an arsenal of constructs to restore intergalactic order by wielding the ultimate weapon: the Green Lantern Power Ring.  Gamers playing the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions will also have the option to join forces with a friend to play as Hal Jordan or Sinestro to battle the Manhunters.

The Nintendo 3DS version of the game is designed specifically to take advantage of the system’s stereoscopic 3D capabilities and deliver multi-plane graphics that delve players further into the Green Lantern universe.

In addition, players on Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system will be given the option to play in anaglyphic 3D with technology that is compatible with high definition TV sets and visible to players wearing the 3D glasses that will be available for the video game.  Fans can also enjoy the game in stereoscopic 3D when playing on any 3D HDTV while wearing active shutter glasses that are compatible with the television.

Also now available is the Green Lantern: Emerald Knights animated anthology film, on BluRay and DVD. This one – I am excited for. See the latest clip below, spotlighting Hal and Arisia in space.

GREEN LANTERN: EMERALD KNIGHTS, the 11th film in the popular series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, is AVAILABLE TODAY — JUNE 7, 2011 — from Warner Home Video on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and for Download.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, and distributed by Warner Home Video, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights weaves six legendary stories of the Green Lantern Corps’ rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Castle’s Nathan Fillion) mentors Arisia (Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal’s comrades – including Kilowog, Abin Sur, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona.

Extra Sequential Podcast #43-DC Comics Relaunch

55 mins. We focus on the hottest topic, the talk of the town, the big news that has superhero comics readers everywhere yakking – the relaunch of the entire line of DC Comics’ superhero line. We attempt to gather all the tidbits released so far and chime in with our opinions. Also, leg warmers, eye patches, and our mutual affection for April O’Neil.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES

1:20 NEWS

Well, there’s not really much else to talk about in DC’s shadow, apart from a new convention dedicated to He-Man and ThunderCats. Woo hoo!

5:06 WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Duncan Jones’ great Source Code film

The visually dazzling and epic Hellboy: The Fury #1, by Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo. Preview here.

The classic, detailed and violent Hard Boiled OGN from Frank Miller and Geof Darrow

The mature approach of toys in The Stuff of Legend Book 1 from Th3rd World Studios

15:15 DC Comics’ Relaunch

DC’s whole superhero line is relaunching in September, with new costumes and series for some of the world’s favourite spandex clad characters. There’s not heaps of official info released so far, but we break it down for those new to the…news.

As an added bonus, here’s the George Lucas Strikes Back trailer.

New Editions of Blankets

This classic work of beauty and love and faith from writer/artist Craig Thompson has been on my desert island list of comics ever since I first read it a few years ago. If you haven’t, or even if you have, August is the time to fall in love with the gorgeous tome as it’s getting new hard cover, and soft cover editions to make it even more attractive. Official details below and as a reminder, Thompson’s next book, Habibi is out on September 20.

BLANKETS fans, rejoice! One of the most beloved and best-selling books in Top Shelf’s 14-year history is getting an upgrade.

Shipping in August, and available now for pre-order, are brand-new deluxe hardcover and softcover editions of Craig Thompson’s award-winning graphic novel, BLANKETS. In addition to the gorgeous new cover design, the new BLANKETS features higher-quality paper, Smyth-sewn bindings, a spot gloss, and a slightly wider trim size.

BLANKETS is one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels of all time, having won the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards for Best Graphic Novel and Best Cartoonist. Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, it explores the complex power of family and faith, the thrill of falling in love for the first time, and the coming-of-age of a remarkable young man.

If you’re one of the countless readers who love BLANKETS, get ready to fall in love all over again, or share it with friends & family. And for those who’ve never read it, now is the perfect opportunity to discover this incredible graphic novel.

Pre-order your copy now from your favorite retailer (via Diamond PREVIEWS), or direct from Top Shelf via our web site, and join us in celebrating the rebirth of Craig’s awe-inspiring book!

— Blankets HARDCOVER: (New) ISBN 978-1-60309-096-4, $39.95 (US)

— Blankets SOFTCOVER: (Original) ISBN 978-1-891830-43-3, $29.95 (US)

The Deep

No, not this one, but the upcoming OGN from Gestalt, and writer Tom Taylor (Rombies, Star Wars) and artist James Brouwer. The pair have recently started uploading great looking preview pages on the project’s Facebook page and you can read an interview with Taylor about his past, present and future projects at The Sci-Fi Block.

 

 

52 New DC Comics Titles In September

Yes, the rumours are true. Once the current alternate reality series, Flashpoint ends, the month of September (well technically beginning at the end of August) will see a bunch of new series starring familiar characters. We’ll be talking about this in this week’s Extra Sequential podcast, but the essentials are that most current series will be relaunching with new #1 issues. It’s a controversial decision for readers and retailers, but here’s what DC’s The Source blog have to say:

This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.

On Wednesday, August 31st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer’s comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry’s premier superhero team.

In the hours, days and weeks to come, we’ll have more news about the other titles. Tomorrow, we’ll hear from Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee about this momentous occasion. Keep checking THE SOURCE for updates about the other first issues.

This year, make history with us.

Hmmm. The last time Lee was a regular penciller was on the ill-fated All Star Batman and Robin. Some of the costume changes (see below) are cool, and DC’s writers have been championing a Superman redesign sans undies since the must read Superman 2000 proposal in 1998, so that’s a welcome decision.

You can read  a brief interview at USA Today about the relaunches here. More details will come, including if this affects the long running Action Comics and Detective Comics series, which are both getting closer to their historic 1000th issues. DC would be silly to do away with that.

I don’t really like the uniform collar that most of the characters below are wearing, but I understand why they chose 52 titles, as DC had a weekly series of that name and there are now 52 alternate earths in their continuity. Hopefully, with the continued mainstream coverage, new DC films on the way and newbie friendly #1 issues, this could be the start of something special.

Catch up on more Flashpoint facts at Bleeding Cool.

 

The Tattered Man Review

Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray are accomplished, and underrated writers. They’ve proven their skill over the years on titles such as Jonah Hex and Radical’s Time Bomb. Here, however the result is underwhelming, at least for readers who know who Ragman is. The classic DC Comics character has seen a slight resurgence recently, and that’s the problem with this one-shot. The two characters share so much in common; WWII origin, created as a Jewish form of protection and as a vehicle of justice, and a body made up of material patches and swirling tendrils that drives its host to kill bad people.

If you don’t know who Ragman is though, you’ll enjoy this a lot more. Really, it needs another 20 pages at least. There’s no real depth in the characters here, but as a 40 page, visually powerful hard cover for only $5, it’s worth a look.

It begins with 3 druggies looking to score some cash for their next hit. It’s Halloween, so they look even freakier. The trio bust in to an elderly man’s place, but he has nothing of value, until Danikka notices a box, and despite the man’s explanation of the terror inside (in what is the most gruesomely effective sequence in these pages) she opens it. There’s a brief fight between David (the guy in the cool skeleton costume, just like the villain in the original Karate Kid!) and Zeke, who shoots the old man, his visiting daughter and David.

Then David becomes possessed by The Tattered Man in his dying moments, kills Zeke, and a few more thugs, and tells Danikka to clean up her act and look after the surviving granddaughter. It all moves fairly quickly and there’s a sense that this is being set up for more tales down the road, despite The End stamped on the final page. There’s a few bonus pages featuring words from the writing duo and some sketches from artist Norberto Fernandez, but it still feels a tad lightweight.

The real selling point is Fernandez’s work. He’s not a particularly known name yet, but this a great showcase for his abilities. Beyond the Nazi flashbacks and profanity and dark streets, the art here truly sells the nastiness of the story. Fans of The Darkness should lap this up. Palmiotti’s and Gray’s next book in a similar format is the Western-with-a-difference Trail Blazer, which looks more promising.

Extra Sequential Podcast #42-Terry Pratchett

54 mins. We focus on the sparse comic adaptations of the popular Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett. We also discuss whether we should be offended by the possible embarrassment of Geek Day. Also, Mladen’s legs, Kris’ musical tastes and Spider-Man on American Idol.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES

NEWS 1:42

Ninja Turtles relaunches at IDW

Smallville’s finale and the joyous response it has yielded

The award winning Changing Ways OGN from Justin Randall and Gestalt

The Penguin in the Arkham City videogame

WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING 11:00

The goofy horror of DC’s Batman: Gotham After Midnight
IDW’s Rocketeer Adventures new anthology series
Vertigo’s brand new debut sci-fi anthology Strange Adventures #1
The Doctor’s Wife episode of Dr. Who, as penned by comics writer and novelist Neil Gaiman (he’s on the left in the photo below)
Kirby Genesis #0 from Dynamite, using Jack Kirby’s undeveloped character concepts
Alan Moore’s sex-obsessed exploration of the Cthulhu mythos in Neonomicon
35:45 TERRY PRATCHETT COMICS
In honour of Terry Pratchett Day we check out the rare comic adaptations of some of the many Discworld novels.

Daredevil #1 Preview

After the recent Daredevil Reborn mini-series, and Black Panther taking over the Man Without Fear title, the original Daredevil, Matt Murdock returns in a July relaunch. Preview of the first four, and unfinished fifth, page below.

Your First Look At DAREDEVIL #1!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Daredevil #1, from the creative dream team of Mark Waid, Paolo Rivera and Marcos Martin! Daredevil’s exciting new journey begins as he retakes the alleys and rooftops of New York City with monumental life changes, new enemies, new friends and a new role in the Marvel Universe! Billy club in hand, Matt Murdock must tackle his greatest challenges yet, but will he be welcomed back to New York with open arms? Who will stand in his way and can Daredevil be trusted?  Find out as Daredevil soars to new heights in the double-sized Daredevil#1, this July!

DAREDEVIL #1 (MAY110660)

DAREDEVIL #1 ROMITA SR. VARIANT (MAY110661)

DAREDEVIL #1 MARTIN VARIANT (MAY110662)

DAREDEVIL #1 ADAMS VARIANT (MAY110664)

DAREDEVIL #1 BLANK COVER VARIANT (MAY110663)

Written by MARK WAID

Pencils by PAOLO RIVERA and MARCOS MARTIN

Cover by PAOLO RIVERA

Variant cover by JOHN ROMITA SR.

Variant Cover by MARCOS MARTIN

Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS

Blank Cover also available

Rated T+…$3.99

FOC – 6/27/11, ON SALE – 7/7/11

Image Opens The Vault

Press release, and pretty cool cover, below about a new mini-series from Image Comics by the creative team of Caliber from Radical Publishing.

UNLOCK THE VAULT

Image Comics Reunites Sarkar and Gastonny In New Series

Image Comics is pleased to announce that writer Sam Sarkar and artist Garrie Gastonny (Warren Ellis’ Supergod), the team behind Caliber: First Canon of Justice, have reunited to unlock the horror and action within their new miniseries THE VAULT.

THE VAULT is about a small team of treasure hunters, struggling to excavate a dangerous and legendary treasure pit before a massive storm hits Sable Island, the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic.” Equipped with all the latest technology, the scientists believe they are prepared against all of nature’s fury, but nothing can prepare them for what they are about to unleash.

“THE VAULT is kind of a contemporary Pandora’s Box story,” explained creator and writer, Sam Sarkar. “Though it appears on the surface to be a pretty straightforward story, it has most of its mythology buried deeply. It gets uncovered both literally and figuratively as the pit gets excavated.”

When asked how THE VAULT found its home at Image, Sarkar replied: “Well, I’m incredibly fortunate that most of the lasting gifts of Caliber were the relationships it helped to cement. Chief among them, David Elliott. Dave and I have soldiered through quite a few storms personally and professionally, and when I asked him to edit THE VAULT, he didn’t hesitate. There are few people I trust as much. I asked Dave what he thought the best way to release THE VAULT would be and Image was at the top of his list of publishers to approach. I’ve always been a fan of Image, not just because of their model, but because of the quality of titles they have represented and continue to represent.”

THE VAULT #1 (1 of 3), a 32-page full color comic book, will be on sale in stores July 27th for $3.50 and is available to order in the June 2011 edition of Diamond Previews (Diamond Order Code: JUN110501).

Ninja Turtles Are Back-With IDW

Good news Turtles fans! Official details from IDW about their new series below, and here’s an insightful interview with co-writer Tom Waltz.

IDW Publishing and Nickelodeon today announced that the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic series, featuring the beloved “Heroes in a Half-shell,” will premiere in August 2011. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be back in action and ready to fight off evil once again, with an impressive creative team led by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman!

Starting in August, IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will kick off with a brand new installment of the original series, led by Eastman and co-writer Tom Waltz (Silent Hill: Past Life, Infestation: Outbreak). Phenomenal new-comer Dan Duncan will bring the Turtles to life with dynamic interior art, while Sam Kieth and Walter Simonson provide eye-catching covers for issues one and two, respectively. Eastman will also provide layouts for Duncan‘s art, as well as variant covers.

This first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series will feature new and exciting storylines that maintain the “turtle power” core beloved by millions of fans. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael reunite to bring their ninja aptitude and teenage attitude in these all-new, action-packed adventures based on the original series. The first story arc will tell the origin story of the Turtles and introduce a new villain, the fearsome mutant alley cat, Old Hob. Featuring a cast of familiar characters, including Master Splinter, April O’Neill, Casey Jones, and true to the spirit of the original comics created by Eastman and Peter Laird, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are bigger and badder than ever, and ready to rock old and new fans alike.

IDW and Nickelodeon have a long-term partnership to offer an all-new installment of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics and graphic novels. IDW’s new comics are part of a larger initiative to bring Turtles to a new generation of fans, starting with these new storylines from the original series that recapture the magic of the original Turtles comics. Additionally, in fourth quarter 2012, Nickelodeon will premiere a new CG-animated version of the wildly popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

Extra Sequential Podcast #41-BlueSpear Interview

54 mins. Our interview with two lovely gents from English publisher Com.x. Also wrestling, the fake apocalypse and yes, Arnie’s love child.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON ITUNES


NEWS 1: 21

Tintin on the big screen

Supanova Pop Culture Convention in Perth and Sydney in June. Get your tix now.

Batman villain Bane as played by Tom Hardy in The Dark Knight Rises is revealed. Well, some of him anyway.

EDDIE DEIGHTON AND ANDI EWINGTON INTERVIEW 9: 35

Our first ever interview via the wonders of Skype. English creators Eddie Deighton (co-publisher of Com.x and co-writer of  BlueSpear) and Andi Ewington (co-writer of BlueSpear and writer of 45-whcih we talked about here) talk to us about the 45 spinoff one-shot BlueSpear, which comes out in July.

The chaps talk about the business behind publishing Original Graphic Novels rather than monthly issues, what they look for in a story pitch, how they find new talent, advice for new writers and publishers, and a lot of laughs.

Also mentioned are subjects as diverse as our lack of sporting knowledge, amusing convention tales, the classic Marvels, I Kill Giants, Kingdom Come, and creator Bryan Talbot.

Mark Schulz: Various Drawings Volume 5

The name of the book says it all, but Flesk Publications have just announced their latest art book collecting the great work of artist Mark Schulz. Details below. It’s out in June as does their Al Williamson (Flash Gordon) art book.

Announcing Mark Schultz: Various Drawings Volume Five From Flesk Publications!

Flesk Publications is pleased to announce the fifth volume of Mark Schultz: Various Drawings. This art book features a compendium of illustrations charting the artistic process from conception to final creation. Various Drawings Volume Five will appear in stores in mid-June. See our pre-order special through the Flesk Publications online store at the end of this newsletter.

This new collection showcases a generous selection of private art and commissions, along with a smattering of previously published pieces, all created by Mark Schultz over the past two years. A wealth of sketches, preliminaries, studies and finished art, this new installment will appeal to longtime fans of Mark’s work, as well as those discerning souls who seek only the best examples of modern imaginative illustration to add to their personal collections.

Despite being an acknowledged modern master of pencil and brush and ink, Schultz has never stopped expanding his visual vocabulary, never shied away from experimenting, never slowed in his relentless pursuit of graphic Nirvana. Nor has he forgotten his first loves and obsessions: pulp and noir-fueled dames, otherworldly SF and fantasy pinups, slavering dinosaurs and fearsome women, gleaming spaceships and alluring cosmic femmes.

Over fifty illustrations are featured in this volume—the majority not publicly shown until now. The book is 48 pages with gatefold at 8.5 x 11”. $19.95 softcover, ISBN: 978-1-933865-35-5 and $34.95 hardcover limited signed edition, ISBN: 978-1-933865-36-2 will be available. Pre-order the hardbound edition through the Flesk store for $29.95 through June 1. All pre-orders through Flesk ship by June 1. The hardbound edition is limited to 800 copies. Exclusive to this edition is a bound in plate reproducing an unpublished illustration. Each copy is numbered and signed.

Mark Schultz is an American cartoonist, illustrator and writer. His lifelong interest in the sciences and natural history informs his fictional work, highlighted by the award-winning Xenozoic Tales series and the undersea adventure SubHuman, as well as such non-fiction projects as The Stuff of Life, a Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA. He is the current writer for the comic strip Prince Valiant.