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!

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).

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

 

 

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…

Free Image Comics

Well, isn’t this nice? Yes. Yes it is.

Image Comics for Free at comiXology

Prices permanently slashed on 20 first issues

The first issues of many of the new series launched in the first half of Image Comics’ iconic twentieth anniversary year are now free at the digital distributor comiXology. The issues will remain free permanently, starting on August 24.

The free issues include the first issues of some of 2012’s best-selling comics, including SAGA #1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, FATALE #1 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra, THIEF OF THIEVES #1 by Robert Kirkman, Nick Spencer, and Shawn Martinbrough, AMERICA’S GOT POWERS Jonathan Ross and Bryan Hitch, and MIND THE GAP #1 by Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, and Sonia Oback.

The other free first issues are ALPHA GIRL #1, CREATOR-OWNED HEROES #1, DANCER #1, DANGER CLUB #1, EPIC KILL #1, GLORY #23 (first issue of the relaunch), GRIM LEAPER #1, HELL YEAH #1, HOAX HUNTERS #1, NO PLACE LIKE HOME #1, PETER PANZERFAUST #1, PLANETOID #1, PROPHET #21 (first issue of the relaunch), and SECRET #1.

Many of these titles have been or will soon be collected into trade paperbacks, making the free issues the perfect way for readers to sample new Image Comics titles before purchasing collections.

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.

Indestructible Hulk in November

As part of Marvel’s relaunch of sorts, one of comics’ best writers is teaming with one of its best artists. I’m excited.

The Future of HULK Is Marvel NOW!

Superstars Mark Waid & Leinil Yu Take The Reins Of Marvel’s Most Incredible Avenger!

This November, prepare for an all-new definition of incredible as Indestructible Hulk #1 kicks off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award Winning writer Mark Waid & superstar artist Leinil Yu! As part of Marvel NOW!Indestructible Hulk  joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Through his entire history, the Hulk has always been an indomitable force, more weapon than man. His alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is one of the most intelligent men on the planet. NOW! combined, they have become the strongest, smartest weapon alive – INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.!

“Banner’s a changed man. No more stooping under the weight of “woe is me,” no longer bespectacled, no longer a fashion victim in purple,” explained Mark Waid in an interview with Marvel.com. “For decades, Banner’s felt like he’s no more than the Hulk’s helpless puppet. Now Banner’s USING Hulk to his own mysterious ends”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Indestructible HulkMarvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on the Jade Giant.

“Mark and Leinil’s spin on the Hulk mythos will have fans — new and old – exclaiming, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!?'” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso.  “It’s the brute force of the Hulk and the brainpower of Bruce Banner, together at last — but not the way you think. And with S.H.I.E.L.D. in the wings, readers can expect a globe-hopping adventure with an unlimited special effects budget.”

Each issue of Indestructible Hulk includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Indestructible Hulk features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new piles of rubble! This is Hulk NOW!

This November, Mark Waid and Leinil Yu redefine destruction in Indestructible Hulk #1!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #1

Written by MARK WAID

Art & Cover by LEINIL YU

ON SALE THIS NOVEMBER!

The Future of Iron Man

A new suit of armour, a new creative team, and a new direction for the suave genius Tony Stark. Details below.

The Future of IRON MAN Is Marvel NOW!

Superstars Kieron Gillen And Greg Land Take The Reins Of Marvel’s Armored Avenger!

This November, Tony Stark soars to new heights in Iron Man #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the chart topping creative team of writer Kieron Gillen and artist Greg Land! As part of Marvel NOW!Iron Man joins a line of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Technical visionary. Unparalleled engineer. Avenger. Iron Man has done it all, from combating the greatest threats facing the Marvel Universe to dealing with his own inner demons. Now, when his greatest invention becomes his greatest mistake, Iron Man must act fact…and build faster! The lethal techno virus Extremis is out in the wild and for grabs to the highest bidder! It’s up to Tony Stark to contain it and that means creating a new suit of armor!

“Kieron and Greg are about to take Iron Man on a journey unlike anything he’s ever experienced,” said Marvel Editor In Chief Axel Alonso. “This creative team took the X-Men to the next level, and with Iron Man they’re taking everything you know and love about the character and putting a spin on it that will have readers buzzing. Wait until you see what the new suit — I mean, suits — of armor can do!”

Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Iron Man, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will see a side of Tony Stark, never seen before.

The story will focus on him questioning things about himself and trying to find out exactly how the universe ticks, what’s this all about and why he does this anyway,” explained Kieron Gillen in an interview with Marvel.com. “There will be a lot of changes in the armor throughout the series; in the first five issues there will be a different armor every issue.

Each issue of Iron Man includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app for iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue of Iron Man features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new armor! This is Iron Man NOW!

This November, Kieron Gillen and Greg Land redefine what it means to be invincible in Iron Man #1! 

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

IRON MAN #1

Written by KIERON GILLEN

Pencils and Cover by GREG LAND

FOC – 10/15/2012, On Sale – 11/7/2012

 

Darth Maul: Death Sentence #1 Review

Out now is the debut issue of Darth Maul’s new mini-series. Yes, he’s back in the land of the living. Here’s my review.