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Smallville Season 9

I’ve never really got in to this show. I have watched all of season 6 and half of 7, and a few other episodes here and there. When it premiered the lame villain of the week and romantic confusion just didn’t do it for me. Then it slowly became more epic and once the DC guest stars dropped by, I became more curious. Plus Geoff Johns has introduced the Legion of Super Heroes to TV and is about to do the same with the Justice Society of America. I’m curious to see how he pulls that off. There’s been talk about Smallville ending for a few months now, but it looks to be returning stronger than ever. The Season 9 trailer has just debuted and features an English Zod and Brian Austin Green as John Corben, AKA Metallo, complete with a Kryptonite heart. Plus Clark wears the S symbol on a black suit similar to his return in the comics after his death. It also does have the Wonder Twins from the Super Friends cartoon, though they won’t be called such. Oh boy. There’s plenty of other characters to choose from, but I’ll see how they reinvent the twins.

August 24, 2009
Categories: New To Comics? . Tags: Smallville . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New Sight Article

Sight is one of Australia’s best Christian sites. I’ve been writing the occasional comic, music and film review for them, though not so much lately. Now up, as part of their Significant Sights series is my article on my trip to San Diego Comic-Con last month. You can check it out here.

August 23, 2009
Categories: New To Comics? . Tags: Comic-Con 2009 . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Stuff Of Legend #1 Review

There’s been some rumblings in the fan press about this title. It deserves the attention. New from Th3rd World Studios the first issue has sold out, with a sceond printing available from September 17. Now I’ve never heard of Th3rd World, but this series looks to put them on the map.

If Tim Burton made Toy Story, The Stuff of Legend would be the result. It immediately subverts any pre-conceived notions one might have about a book starring talking toys. The owner of the toys is a young boy who is taken by the tendrils of The Boogeyman and dragged in to the darkness. Then it’s up to the toys who secretly come alive when out of human view, to rescue him. This is a 56 pager with no ads and is equally enchanting and dark.

Set in WWII, it means the toys are archetypes – the unsure pig, the brave soldier, the excitable Jack In The Box, the proud Indian princess and so on. They rally themselves and travel to the shadowy lands. It is here that slight Narnia tones creep in, with betrayal, and loss made evident.

Some may see comparisons with other films, or books they’ve enjoyed but writers Mike Raicht and Brian Smith have crafted an original tale that feels dangerous and full of foreboding. It’s quite violent but not gratuitously so, and The Boogeyman is creepier than the Joker.

Charles Paul Wilson III’s art brings this story home. With his sepia tones printed on old textured paper, it looks like a family heirloom. Praise must go to Jon Conkling and Michael DeVito for their bold design choices, and the decision to go with the landscape format. As a complete package, it’s all handled very wisely.

If you want to know more about this unique title, Th3rd World’s blog has some great insights and artwork, and you can read the first half of the issue here as part of it’s slightly re-formatted Free Comic Book Day issue. Get in on the ground floor of this one. I can already sense a film adaptation with a mixture of CGI and puppets on the way.

August 22, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: Brian Smith, Charles Paul Wilson III, Mike Raicht . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

100 Wolverines

Some would say 100 Logans just isn’t enough, and they may be right with art like this. The Hero Initiative aids comic creators in financial crisis and as they”ve done with similar projects with Spidey and Hulk, they’re now unveiling 100 different Wolverine covers created by a who’s who of comic artists to raise funds. Press release below, as well as covers by Nick Bradshaw, Josh Medors, Brandon Peterson and David Finch doing what looks like a great Simon Bisley impression. Awesome stuff.

In the last two years, The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, has enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight artists to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project and The Hulk 100 Project, collections of 100 original covers featuring great Marvel characters. This year, Hero reprises the program with Marvel’s most popular mutant.

Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of the new Wolverine: Weapon X #1 to Hero. The call has gone out to create The Wolverine 100 Project, and dozens of artists are putting pen to paper. Artists involved include well-known stars such as Neal Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Frank Cho, Gene Colan, Ron Garney, Dale Keown, Adam Kubert, Leinil Yu, and John Romita Sr. and Jr.

“Fasten your seat belts. From what I’ve seen, this is the craziest 100 project to date,” said Hero Initiative Board member Brian Pulido. “The artists are very good at what they do and what they do is very awesome! They are pulling out all stops to deliver the goods on Marvel’s marauding mutant. You won’t be disappointed.”

“Marvel fully supports the Hero Initiative and its mission, and is proud to offer one of our premier characters in Wolverine to help their efforts,” said Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley. “The amazing outpouring of support and creativity we see from the artists in this is a wonder to behold as well.”

All 100 original Wolverine covers will be published in a book slated for release in November 2009, and a public viewing of all covers will be scheduled as well.

In conjunction with the official announcement of The Wolverine 100 Project, Marvel.com is also hosting a 5-minute informational video on the Hero Initiative. The video can be viewed here.

August 20, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Marvel, The Hero Initiative, Wolverine . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

We The People Review

We The People has an intriguing promise and cover, but what happens between the pages is a slight letdown. From new publisher Outlaw Entertainment this one-shot is written by its Editor-In-Chief Jason M. Burns. Burns is one of comics’ most prolific scribes and from his start in the business with Viper Comics until his launch titles with Outlaw (such as the far superior Praetorian) he knows how to craft a solid story. The problem with We The People is that it feels like a TV pilot that doesn’t have the room to leap off the floor.

The initial concept is a good one and could almost be considered something of a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-lite. It centres around three young protagonists, each of whom is a descendant of a famous fictional character, but in this world, these well-known heroes were obviously more than legends. Robin Hood, Sinbad, and Zorro actually existed and their talents have passed on through the generations. That may sound like a hokey idea, but when you think about it, a lot could be done with that as a beginning.

It’s not all bad though; far from it in fact. Burns does the best with the few pages he’s given, but the concept from publisher Ricardo A. Villa needs fleshing out. It’s actually a strong start and has a lot of potential, but it demands a mini-series, rather than 112 pages. The art by Joe Eisma reminds me of 90’s Green Arrow penciller Rodolfo DiMaggio (who is now doing illustrations for big films BTW). It’s crisp and natural, with few lines. He handles emotions and body language with a natural fluidity and brings a quiet grace to each page. It’s all quite pleasant on the eye, and the spot on colouring by Giuseppe Pica sells each scene.

Apart from the need for more pages, though I guess that’s a compliment really, the other main disappointment of this tale is the “big bad.” He’s not that big, or bad. He’s a mayor who wants to clean up his streets by getting rid of all the homeless. Again, a concept that needs something more, like a Kingpin-type figure with his own army of soldiers and perhaps a reborn actual historical villain, like Jack the Ripper. However, there is a sense that Burns doesn’t want to turn this into yet another superhero book. There’s no sign of super powers and even the costumes are realistic, though they do look great. This is a street level approach to crime fighting, not the overly complicated approach of the Big Two.

Some may find Xavier’s (AKA Z – for Zorro) remarks annoying. With his sex jokes he seems like a more restrained character from a Kevin Smith film but at least Burns manages to give each of the three protagonists a distinct personality.

Flashbacks to the original heroes of lore, more wrestling from the three leads with the concept of destiny and more team dynamics is what this tale needs. I’m sure Burns knows that and probably wishes he had the extra pages to do so. Unfortunately any new publisher already has their work cut out for them and launching a series of one-shots rather than multiple mini-series is more viable. Perhaps if this outing does well, more tales of this trio of urban heroes will be forthcoming.

It is an entertaining enough comic for a newbie, as it’s easy to follow, looks good and is not too far ‘out there’ as a concept. Plus it’s 112 pages for only $8 and that’s a classy deal.

August 20, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: Jason M. Burns, Joe Eisma, Outlaw Entertainment . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

FVZA #1 Preview

Coming in October from the always reliable Radical Publishing is a new series by writer David Hine and artist Roy Allan Martinez. I saw a preview at Comic-Con and it seems Radical-esque, ie, dark, scary and nice to look at.

RADICAL LAUNCHES THE FEDERAL VAMPIRE AND ZOMBIE AGENCY THIS OCTOBER

Radical Publishing is proud and excited to announce the October 2009 debut of its newest miniseries FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency written by popular comic writer David Hine (Civil War: X-Men, Spider-Man Noir).

“Hine has the unique ability to take familiar horrors and turn them into new terrors. FVZA is David Hine at his best. Prepare for a bloody fun ride.” Steve Niles

Based off of the popular website, FVZA.org, created by Richard S. Dargan, FVZA chronicles a world where a deadly disease, representing a new threat of global terrorism, transforms innocent victims into Zombies and a long dormant government task force is called into action: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency. Throughout history, from the Civil War to World War II, the FVZA protected humanity from the blood-sucking and flesh-eating hordes — until a cure was discovered that sent the undead to their graves. When a new incurable strain of the virus ravages a small town in America, Agent Landra Pecos must call upon her lethal skills to eradicate the threat. But as Landra delves deeper into her investigation of the undead menace, she uncovers shocking secrets that will forever change her family, her world and her life.

“FVZA is a cutting edge reinterpretation of American history and Radical is excited to bring it to life,” said Radical Publishing President and Publisher Barry Levine. “David Hine is just a phenomenal writer who is taking a fresh mythology to new heights. Longtime fans of the website as well as new readers won’t be disappointed with David’s amazing take on the FVZA.”

The three-issue miniseries will be the next title in Radical Publishing’s new 64-page, bookshelf format, with a low $4.99 price point. Also featured in issue #1 is a special preview of The Last Days of American Crime by Rick Remender (Punisher, Fear Agent) Radical’s next bookshelf title, on sale December 2009.

August 20, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: David Hine, Radical Publishing, Roy Allan Martinez . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Broken Trinity Deluxe Hard Cover

The Trade collecting Top Cow’s excellent Broken Trinity x-over now also contains all of the associated First Born stories. I must say, I was never a big fan of Witchblade but Top Cow changed my mind with the stories contained within this volume. Press release and Stjepan Sejic’s great cover for the hefty collection, below.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that they will be expanding the deluxe edition hard cover containing Broken Trinity to include First Born. The limited edition volume will now contain both epic crossover miniseries that forever altered the course of the Top Cow universe. Presented in a new oversize prestige format, the 352 page First Born/Broken Trinity Deluxe Hard Cover collects all three issues of Broken Trinity, the three tie-in issues featuring The Darkness, Angelus, and Witchblade, and Broken Trinity: Aftermath. In addition, the collection will now also include all three issues of First Born as well as the Harvey Award winning tie-in issues of Witchblade #110–112. The hard cover also reprints the previously uncollected First Born: Aftermath, making the entirety of the First Born epic available in a single volume for the first time.

The First Born/Broken Trinity Deluxe Hard Cover reprints the ground-shaking stories from current Witchblade creative team of writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Seijic and current The Darkness Phil Hester. The story of First Born explores the conflict between the forces of Light and Dark as New York City Police Office Sara Pezzini prepares to give birth to her first child. Desiring a tip of the power balance in their own favor the forces of Light and Dark covet the offspring of the Witchblade bearer! Broken Trinity acts as a thematic bookend, when a new Angelus bearer rises and two brand-new Artifact bearers make their first appearance in the Top Cow Universe. With new players on the board upsetting a delicate balance, a Trinity will be broken and one bearer will die.

The First Born/Broken Trinity Deluxe Hard Cover is fleshed out with art by industry heavyweights Luke Ross (Captain America), Stephen Sadowski (Avengers/Invaders), Rick Leonardi (Vigilante), Kevin Nowlan (Wednesday Comics), Mike Mayhew (Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps), Lee Moder (Dragon Prince, Red Sonja), Jorge Lucas (The Darkness), Brian Stelfreeze (Wednesday Comics), Nelson Blake II (The Darkness), Tyler Kirkham (Fusion) and Ryan Sook (X-Factor).

Additionally, the oversized 9” x 12” slipcased hard cover will feature an extensive behind-the-scenes section delving deep into the development process, a new wraparound cover by artist Stjepan Sejic, and a 24” x 36” full color poster.

“We were so incredibly pleased with the way that the Midnight Nation Deluxe Hard Cover turned out, and wanted the Broken Trinity edition to be just as impressive,” explained Top Cow Publisher, Filip Sablik, “So we decided to increase the content and page count and give the fans more value without increasing the price. There’s no doubt this is a premium collectible item, but one that really highlights some of the high points in the Top Cow Universe in the last few years. Plus as a fan, I really wanted to see Stjepan Sejic’s beautiful painted work in an over-sized format.”

Orders for the previously solicited First Born Deluxe Hard Cover will be cancelled through Diamond and retailers will have an opportunity to adjust their orders for the new First Born/Broken Trinity Deluxe Hard Cover through Diamond’s FOC program.

August 19, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Top Cow . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New Casper Series

Casper the Friendly Ghost turns 60 this year and Ardden Entertainment (the people behind the recent Flash Gordon series) are dusting off the ghost and his pals. I don’t think purists with fond memories will like this, but I could be wrong. The covers look different and not what you’d expect from Casper, and J.M DeMatteis and Todd Dezago are veterans in the comics biz, so it could very well be a great all-ages series that brings kids, and perhaps some adults, into comics. Press release below.

CASPER AND THE SPECTRALS Features All-New Graphics and Storylines for Casper the Friendly Ghost®, Wendy the Good Little Witch™, and Hot Stuff™

First Issue in Series Debuts Halloween 2009 timed with the 60th Anniversary of Casper’s debut in comic books

Ardden Entertainment, an exciting new force in the comic book industry, announced today the creation and launch of a spellbinding new comic book series based on well-known characters Casper the Friendly Ghost®, Wendy the Good Little Witch™, and Hot Stuff™. CASPER AND THE SPECTRALS will debut in the fall of 2009, timed with the Friendly Ghost’s 60th Anniversary as the title character in his own comics.

CASPER AND THE SPECTRALS is based on a concept by veteran comic book creator and writer J.M. DeMatteis and Ardden co-founder Brendan Deneen, and will be written by Todd Dezago and illustrated by Pedro Delgado. The series will introduce updated graphic designs, brand-new new themes and storylines for each character. Dezago has worked for Marvel, DC Comics, Image, and Dark Horse Comics for more than fifteen years on such titles as Spider-Man, X-Factor, Batman, Impulse, and the Justice League of America. He is best known for his quintessential run on Sensational Spider-Man with the late Mike Wieringo, and for his series, The Perhapanauts. A comics penciler and graphic designer, Delgado’s portfolio includes the Flash Gordon 75th Anniversary anthology book (The Secret History of Mongo), character designs for Funrise ToyCorp., several animated TV productions, and the redesign of DeviantART and L.A. Kings mascots.

Ardden Entertainment is the publisher of the critically-acclaimed monthly FLASH GORDON comic book series. The company, whose business model is to produce contemporized versions of classic licenses and exciting new creator-owned titles, was formed in 2007 by former Miramax/Dimension Films executive Deneen and former Markosia EiC, Richard Emms. Joining Deneen and Emms is DeMatteis, who works as Ardden’s Editor-in-Chief.

“Ardden Entertainment is extremely excited to be working with Classic Media on CASPER AND THE SPECTRALS,” said Emms. “Todd and Pedro have done an excellent job bringing the world’s most famous ghost into the 21st Century and we hope that this is the first of many adventures for us with Casper, Wendy and Hot Stuff.”

In this exciting new comic book, Casper and friends fight a fearsome threat from the past! There is a city within New York City known as Spooky Town, but most humans are unable to see it. Within this city live the Spectrals, the ghosts, goblins, demons and witches of the world…including Casper, Wendy and Hot Stuff! When an ancient entity known only as the Volbragg threatens both New York and Spooky Town, Casper and his friends are forced to band together and defeat an unimaginable evil!

August 19, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Ardden Entertainment, Casper . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

28 Days Later #1 Preview

Press release and art below about Boom! Studios’ adaptation of the film, 28 Days Later.

First Issue of New Ongoing Series Features Covers by

Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips & Brett Weldele

Finally, the wait for the End of the World is over as BOOM! Studios’ 28 DAYS LATER #1 will hit stands Wednesday, August 26th.

The first arc will be firmly based in 28 DAYS LATER continuity with the story focusing on Selena. Bridging the gap between 28 DAYS LATER and 28 WEEKS LATER, the series will focus on the question: what happened to Selena after 28 DAYS LATER?

The film franchise has grossed over $145 million globally and been named by the cable channel Bravo as having one of “The 100 Scariest Movie Moments.” Empire Magazine honored it as one of the “500 Greatest Movies of All Time.” The New York Times called it “Bracingly smart.”

28 DAYS LATER #1 is an ongoing series written by Michael Alan Nelson (FALL OF CTHULHU, HEXED) and drawn by red hot newcomer Declan Shalvey. The first issue features three covers by Tim Bradstreet, Sean Phillips and Brett Weldele in a 50/25/25 split with a Cover D Incentive by DNA Films shipping 1 for every 25.

August 18, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: Boom Studios . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel On Sale August 19

You gotta admit Marvel have some very perty covers. They seem to have really lifted their game this year, perhaps it’s because it’s their 70th. Below a selection of some of this week’s gorgeous covers, is a link to the complete list of Marvel goodies going on sale this week.

Continue reading →

August 17, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: Marvel comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Jon Rea Interview

To complete my interviews with the creators of Archaia’s thriller Killing Pickman, Broken Frontier now has my chat with artist Jon Rea. He’s a Professor, he runs a design firm and he has a style you don’t see too much of in comics these days. Go here to read my interview with him.

August 17, 2009
Categories: Interviews, New To Comics? . Tags: Archaia, John Rea . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Walking Dead On TV

Robert Kirkman’s epic zombie tale, The Walking Dead is headed towards the small screen. It’s a rather sprawling tale so a TV series makes more sense than a film.

FRANK DARABONT RESURRECTS THE WALKING DEAD AT AMC!

AMC and Frank Darabont bring Robert Kirkman’s epic tale of human survival to the small screen!

As announced in Variety and Hollywood Reporter, AMC has signed on to bring THE WALKING DEAD to television screens. Image Comics’ epic tale of human survival in the face of a zombie apocalypse by writer Robert Kirkman and illustrator Charlie Adlard is being adapted as an ongoing television series by Shawshank Redemption and Stephen King’s The Mist director Frank Darabont.

“I’m a huge fan of Frank Darabont’s body of work and AMC has impressed me to no end with Breaking Bad and Mad Men,” Kirkman said. “I couldn’t be happier with THE WALKING DEAD ending up here.”

THE WALKING DEAD deal will bring Darabont in not only as Executive Producer, but also as writer and director on the adaptation. Terminator producer Gale Anne Hurd of Valhalla Motion Pictures and David Alpert from Circle of Confusion will also produce. While further information is under wraps, the plan is to keep the show extremely faithful to the Kirkman and Adlard’s comic book series.

More details on AMC’s adaptation of THE WALKING DEAD will be announced shortly.

August 16, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Image Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Nick Simmons Signing

Incarnate is a new series from Nick (son of Gene) Simmons and Radical Publishing and it’s actually pretty good. If you’re a fan you can see Nick in person. Press release below.

MEET NICK SIMMONS, STAR OF A&E TV’S GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS!

On August 22nd from 1-3pm Golden Apple Comics will present an autograph signing with NICK SIMMONS for the release of his new comic book from Radical Publishing INCARNATE.

From Nick Simmons, son of rock legend Gene Simmons and star of A&E’s GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS, comes a revolutionary new take on the undead. They cannot die. They feel no pain. They hunger for human flesh. They are Revenants. Centuries ago, the Revenant known as Mot was worshipped as a God. Now, he walks the Earth in search of a purpose to his immortality – but when a secret society discovers a way to kill Revenants, Mot and his fellow immortals must make a choice: Hunt or be hunted. Nick Simmons’ breakout American Manga title reveals a world that challenges even the imagination, planting its tongue firmly in cheek, then biting it off… and swallowing it.

INCARNATE issue #1 autograph event will take place in Los Angeles at Golden Apple Comics on August 22, 2009 from 1-3PM at 7018 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. For more information, please call 323-658-6047.

Golden Apple Comics has been the premier comic book & pop culture store in Los Angeles for over 30 years. Always cutting edge & proactive in the community, Golden Apple views this as a great opportunity to attract new readers to our thriving industry. A place in LA for anything groundbreaking in the comic world. This show ensures to be no exception. High profile media coverage and an aggressive advertising campaign are already in the works. Please note, Golden Apple Comics has a new address, but the same pivotal grasp on the marketplace.

August 15, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Nick Simmons, Radical Publishing . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Image’s Chew All Reprinted

Below is a press release from Image about the popularity of their offbeat series, Chew (detective eats things, including people, to solve cases). Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. If you haven’t read any of the unique issues so far, now’s the time to catch up.

First three issues of CHEW all sold out, reprinted in time for fourth!

Since CHEW’s release, John Layman and Rob Guillory’s ongoing crime series with a disgustingly delicious twist has faced a series of distribution-level sellouts despite extremely healthy reprints. Next month, Issues One, Two and Three will each be reprinted in time for Issue Four’s release, with Issue One reprinted for a fourth (and final!) printing, a ‘Last Bite’ edition for people who are still hungry for a copy of one of the most talked about debuts of the summer.

“I continued to be stunned and staggered by response to this book, and I don’t understand it one bit.,” Layman said. “CHEW is about a cannibal cop, set post bird flu alternative reality. Nobody should want to read it, and, yet, it continues to sell out. I’m told we’re now three times as successful as THE WALKING DEAD’s initial launch and, even better, the fans and retailers I’ve heard from are excited for more. So I’m not even going to try to understand it, I’m just going to be grateful to all the readers and retailers and reviewers who have responded so, so, so positively. Thanks!”

CHEW’s star, Detective Tony Chu, is a cop with a secret. As a Cibopath, Detective Chu gets a psychic impression from whatever he eats. While it means he’s a hell of a Detective if he can stomach the evidence, once his secret gets out the government makes plans for him, whether he likes it or not. CHEW blends horror, mystery and the strangest ability of them all in an ongoing series of horrific crimes solved in the most horrific way possible. With the sell outs continuing on a regular basis, Image will be once again increasing each printing’s quantities in hopes of keeping them available. The fourth printing of issue one will mark the final time the comic will be reprinted in a special ‘Last Bite’ edition.

CHEW #1-4, all 32-page full color comic books for $2.99, will be available in-stores on September 2nd, 2009.

August 15, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Image Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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