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National Novel Writing Month

Behind the cool acronym (NaNoWriMo) is a cool idea. National Novel Writing Month is a challenging, but inspiring initiative for wannabe writers like me – a 50,000 word novel in November. Phew. Find out more on their website where you can sign up for free and get inspired by lots of cool posts, such as this one focusing on why people write.

Chris B., Executive Director: I write because I love making people laugh, and the written word is an unbeatable joke-delivery device. I write because conjuring sentences and stories still seems like magic to me, and I don’t get many other opportunities to feel like a magician. Mostly I write because I want to find out what happens next.

Max, Intern: I write because once something is written down, I can move on. Writing and printing a story is giving a memory a place in the world.

October 29, 2011
Categories: News . Tags: writing . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Trailer

Opening in December is the 4th entry in the Mission Impossible film series based on the classic TV show. Below is the latest trailer, with a quick intro from director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) featuring his unusual pronunciation of Yahoo.

This looks like even better than the last two MI films.

October 28, 2011
Categories: Movies, News . Tags: Mission Impossible . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Zombie Print

See that great zombie print below? It can be yours for only $10 – $20, depending on where you live. Plus funds from each sale will go to support a fantastic charity. You can buy it from the site of Silver Fox Comics, the new Australian publisher of the entertaining Zorro series, or at this Sunday’s Anime at Abbotsford event in Sydney.

SILVER FOX COMICS PRESENTS “SYDNEY ZOMBIES” LIMITED EDITION PRINT!

We’re pleased to present our fist ever limited edition print entitled “Sydney Zombies”! This all exclusive original is available for $10 (excl p&h) and limited to only 200 copies, and printed on matt 300gsm A3 size stock. This amazing artwork underwent over 10 rounds of changes before finalising the piece. This will also be the cover of next year’s new release “Silver Fox Presents!” We’re predicting a sell out of the complete edition so order your copy today before you miss out!

EACH SALE RAISES MONEY FOR THE BRAIN FOUNDATION!

We are also donating $2 from each sale to The Brain Foundation who fund research to reduce the incidence and impact of Brain disorders such as Alzheimers, Dementia, Epilepsy and Parkinsons Disease to name but a few. Prints are $10 for pickups in Sydney. For mailouts, its $10 + $5 p&h.

These prices are for Australian orders. International orders are $20. For multiple orders contact Sorab Del Rio at sorabdelrio@silverfoxcomics.com.au

Credits: Pencils and Inks: Jopax
Colours: Zoar Huerte & Don Ticchio
Publisher/ Conceptualist: Sorab Del Rio

October 28, 2011
Categories: Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Australian comics, zombies . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #64-Forgotten DC #1s

69 mins. We thought we’d turn back the clock to the some old debuts from DC Comics and compare them to the current blast of new series premieres, and discuss the trouble of new superhero concepts and the business of such. Also, Beauty and the Geek, Family Matters and Bruce Willis.

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: 58 NEWS

Batman: Arkham City fan made costume

The new Punisher TV series

Superman’s co-creator’s auction

Watchmen 2 gets some movement

Sydney Zombie Walk, and a great zombie print from Silver Fox Comics

13:45 THEME – FORGOTTEN DC #1s

The Highwaymen. It’s like Red, but with added Bill Clinton and more innocent deaths.

Lab Rats from John Byrne. It’s like The Matrix, or tries to be. It fails.

Suicide Squad – old and new.

Hawk and Dove – old (hard rocking!) and new (zombies on airplanes!).

Firebrand featuring exploding mechanical legs.

How the storytelling and marketing approach varies between the old DC #1s and the 2011 versions.

October 28, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: DC comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Arkham City Gets Better

I’ve only played a few minutes of Batman: Arkham City and in short, it’s awesome. It’s about to get awesomer though on November 1 when the Nightwing (the grown up original Robin) DLC gets released. His inclusion has been teased for a while, but this is the first in-game video to be shown.

XworkZ Studios have been inspired by the game and have created the costume Batman sports in the game, (which has sold 4.6 million copies in its first week of release!) and have got it spot on. See more photos right here.

October 27, 2011
Categories: Comics, Games, News . Tags: Batman . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Ratfist Arrives in December

Doug TenNapel is the creator of cartoons Earthworm Jim, and Catscratch and he’s also a great creator of consistently entertaining OGNs such as Creature Tech, and Power Up. His latest project – the awesomely titled Ratfist is a webcomic that’s coming to print.

176 DAYS OF RATFIST

Image Comics Publishes Doug TenNapel’s Quirky Webcomic as Graphic Novel

Earlier this year, Earthworm Jim creator, Doug TenNapel, stepped into the world of Webcomics when he began sharing RATFIST, his latest oddball action comic, online for all to see. Now for the first time ever in print, Image Comics will be publishing RATFIST in December.

Originally conceived of as a possible character that might be featured on Cartoon Network, RATFIST became a daily-updated Webcomic instead! With coloring help from Katherine Garner, RATFIST stars a vigilante-in-tights, satirizing comics, politics, philosophy, and even TENNAPEL himself! Those that followed along with the daily online RATFIST schedule and new readers alike will be pleased to find that the printed collection will not only include the entirety of TenNapel’s RATFIST story, but also feature a forward written by MST3K/RiffTraxx’s Michael J. Nelson, and fantastic pinups by Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE), Skottie Young (Wizard of Oz, Spiderman), Christopher Hastings (Dr. McNinja) and Ethan Nicolle (Axe Cop)!

“I’m so thrilled that this can join the line up of books I’ve brought to Image,” said TenNapel. “I hope those that missed it when I was publishing online get to pick it up now in print!”

Other graphic novels by TenNapel that were previously published by Image Comics include FLINK, TOMMYSAURUS REX, CREATURE TECH, GEAR, IRON WEST, EARTHBOY JACOBUS, BLACK CHERRY, MONSTER ZOO, and most recently POWER UP.

RATFIST TP (OCT110463, ISBN: 978-1-60706-478-7), a 176-page full-color humorous super hero graphic novel for $19.99, will be on sale in stores December 14, and is available for order now in the October issue of Previews.

October 25, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Doug TenNapel, Image Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Andy Warhol Museum’s Alex Ross Exhibition

Until January 8 2012 you can catch an exhibition of over 130 pieces from painter Alex Ross’ great comics work. Known for Marvels, Kingdom Come and a whole lot of gorgeous covers over the years, (mainly for Dynamite these days) Ross is a wonderful talent.

The Andy Warhol Museum is in Pittsburgh and here’s all the official info.

Paintings and sketches from his early career from projects like Marvels and Kingdom Come will be included, as well as works from more recent projects, such as Justice, Flash Gordon, and Green Hornet.

Showcasing the heavy influence of American illustration and Pop Art on Alex Ross, works by Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, Andrew Loomis, and JC Leyendecker will be included. Many of Lynette Ross’ artworks will be on display as well. Also on view will be Myths prints created by Warhol, featuring many of the subjects of Alex Ross paintings – Superman, Uncle Sam, and the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Since Warhol was a huge comic book fan, we will also have a selection of comic books and related paraphernalia collected by Warhol throughout his life.

This exhibition will be the first museum exhibition of Ross’ work and will comprise 5,500 square feet of gallery space. Ross has graciously offered to prepare an original artwork for The Warhol to promote this premier, which will be available to the public in poster form exclusively at The Warhol Store.

October 23, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Alex Ross . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #63-Manga for Beginners

70 mins. Prepare for our mammoth manga episode filled with more astounding examples of Eastern comics that you can shake a katana at! Mladen teaches Kris all about manga and how it relates to, and differs from, superhero comics, plus lots, lots more. Also, naked pirates and 40 year old teenagers.

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.

1:00 NEWS

Frank Miller on more Sin City

Mark Hamill retires as Joker’s voice

Writer Brian Wood (DMZ, Demo, Northlanders) to do Conan, and Wolverine!

Geoff Darrow brings back the whacky Shaolin Cowboy

Live action Akira film greenlit Die Hard 5 with a bad premise and worse title

Doco on Yoshihiro Tatsumi

Dexter comics written by its creator

Lots of new Dark Horse Star Wars series next year

13:10 THEME – MANGA FOR BEGINNERS

Genre diversity, cultural and thematic differences, pace and action, and the problems with art similarities. Relating them to western comics.

Manga artists of a different style:

Yuichi Yokoyama, Motofumi Kobayashi, Taiyo Matsumoto, Naoki Urasawa, Seiichi Hayashi, Akira Hiromoto, and Tsutomu Nihei

Shorter Manga:

Tekkonkinkreet (aka Black and White), Ghost in the Shell, Uzumaki (aka Spirals), Me and the Devil Blues

Action manga:

Akira, Battle Royale, Gantz, Basilisk, Vagabond

(bonus: Crying Freeman, Shaman Warrior, Fist of the North Star, Blade of the Immortal, Shigurui)

For fans of Vertigo (mix of action and thinking, high concept, intense, supernatural horror etc)

Dragon Head, 20th Century Boys, Ikigami,

(bonus: Monster, Billy Bat, MPD Psycho)

Science fiction manga:

2001 Nights, Saturn Apartments, Planetes, Blame!, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Astro Boy

(bonus: 5th Dimension Treatment, Stardust Memories)

Historical or period manga:

Vagabond, Lone Wolf and Cub & Path of the Assassin, Motofumi Kobayashi’s war comics, Joan of Arc by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko

Everyday topics:

Real, Prince of Tennis, Firefighter, Initial D, Oishinbo, Yakitate, Iron Wok Jan

Literary and Oddball comics:

New Engineering (Yuichi Yokoyama), The Drifting Life, The Push Man, Bury the Old in Tokyo (Yoshihiro Tatsumi), Human Clock (Tokunan Seiichiro), Tekkonkinkreet, Paranoia Star (Maruo Suehiro), Red Colored Elegy, Me and the Devil Blues

(bonus: Ooku, Sexy Voice and Robo, GoGo Monster, Gon, The Drifting Classroom)

Phew!

October 21, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News, Podcast, Reviews . Tags: Dark Horse, manga . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows Trailer

Two years ago director Guy Ritchie surprised us all by making a madly enjoyable action film starring the world’s greatest detective (sorry Batman!). The sequel is being released in December with the same duo of Holmes (Robert Downey Jr) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law), with Holme’s greatest adversary Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) and Sim (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s Noomi Rapace) joining them.

It looks more like a (very) old school Bond film now in it’s more epic nature than the first one.

October 19, 2011
Categories: Movies, News . Tags: Sherlock Holmes, trailers . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Star Wars Mania at Dark Horse

Dark Horse have gone nutso with Star Wars announcements at New York Comic Con this week. All the official lowdown of next year’s SW action below, including another series from Invasion scribe Tom Taylor, and Dawn of the Jedi which gives the Jedi an origin for the first time. Awesome.

STAR WARS™: KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC—WAR!

A NEW BEGINNING FOR THE OLD REPUBLIC!

Straight from New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce the next addition to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic . . .

War!

The Knights of the Old Republic video games and comics chronicle one of the most popular eras in Star Wars, making Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic—War the perfect entry point into the Star Wars galaxy!

The Republic and the Mandalorians are at war! Following the charismatic Revan, Jedi are joining the fight, despite the noninterference stance of the Council. One Jedi, however, has found himself on the front lines against his wishes—the peace-loving Zayne Carrick has been drafted!

Written by Star Wars master John Jackson Miller, with cover art by Benjamin Carré and a variant cover by Dave Wilkins, Knights of the Old Republic—War doesn’t just mark the return of one of the most popular eras in Star Wars video games and comics—it is an entry point for any reader interested in Star Wars!

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic—War is on sale January 11, 2012!

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI

TAKING YOU BACK TO THE BEGINNINGS OF THE JEDI!

Direct from New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics announces its most exciting Star Wars title for 2012! A brand-new series that establishes the beginnings of the Jedi!

Series creators John Ostrander and Jan Duursema have gone from the future of Star Wars (Legacy) to the beginnings of that galaxy far, far away to reveal the mythic age of the Jedi’s origin. This is the Star Wars era of legend! Launching with a #0 issue, which will serve as the official guide for readers -Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi is the perfect jumping on point for any fan of Star Wars.

Here’s your first look at the Star Wars of 25,000 years ago—before there were lightsabers, when the ties to the Force were new, and before the Jedi spread out into the galaxy. It began with the mysterious pyramid ships—the Tho Yor—scattered to the eight corners of the galaxy, and ended with the establishment of an Order that would change the universe forever.

On the planet Tython, in the center of the galaxy, an order of warrior monks strives to maintain peace and to balance the mysterious power known as the Force. But a stranger is coming—one who will destroy both peace and balance, and open the galaxy to exploration and conquest. This is where it all begins!

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #0 is on sale 1 February 2012.

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi—Force Storm #1 is on sale 15 February 2012.

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE GHOST PRISON!

Darth Vader is back and kicking ass in the brand new series announced today at New York Comic Con by Dark Horse Comics.

The upcoming 5-issue series is slated to be released next May and will be written by Haden Blackman, with artwork by Agustin Alessio.

Ghost Prison takes place a year after Revenge of the Sith and will showcase Darth Vader’s impact on the galaxy in ways fans have never seen. Darth Vader will serve the Emperor to the best of his abilities, after all – Darth Vader makes no mistakes.

Ghost Prison also marks the return of Star Wars character Moff Trachta who will be vital to how the series unfolds.

Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison is in stores May 2012.

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES NEW KNIGHT ERRANT & BLOOD TIES SERIES!

Fresh from the panel at New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics is back with new series arcs from two of their most popular Star Wars books!

Star Wars: Blood Ties – Boba Fett is Dead

Established Star Wars writer Tom Taylor is back with another stunning Blood Ties series to be released in April 2012.

“Boba Fett is dead. The most infamous hunter in the galaxy has been hunted. He’s lying, broken, on the desert floor. He’s more blaster-holes than man. It’s the ultimate ending. However, this is just the start of our story. With the fall of Fett broadcast across the galaxy, someone rises to avenge him. But who would care about the death of a man like Fett? Bounty hunters aren’t exactly known for their enduring, close friendships but even a man like Boba Fett has family… and now a Blood Tie demands blood.” -Tom Taylor

Star Wars: Knight Errant – Escape

The next installment of the sunning Knight Errant series was announced today. Star Wars: Knight Errant – Escapewill launch in June 2012 for a 5-issue arc.

Fan favorite John Jackson Miller is writing the series, with artwork from penciller, Marco Castiello, inking by Vincenzo Acunzo, colors by Michael Atiyeh and lettering by Michael Heiser.

John Jackson Miller’s Knight Errant novel for Del Rey was a New York Times Bestseller.

Jedi Knight Kerra Holt continues her one woman crusade against the Sith from behind enemy lines on her most dangerous mission yet!

October 15, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Dark Horse, Star Wars . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 2 Comments

Cereal, Conan and Coma

New York Comic Con is underway this week, which means there’s been a whole lot of comics news. Here we go…

DC are expanding their reach to new readers by giving away free Justice League comics in various Big G cereal brands in America. There’s also related, free digital tie-ins, which you can read here. Obviously geared towards kids, and showing the classic costumes, rather than the relaunch versions it’s actually a smart initiative. If you’ve ever want to read Batman and Aquaman playing hide and seek read the 4th digital issue.

Fan fave Green Lantern G’nort is being written out of the New 52 continuity? As Dart Vader would say, “NOOOOO!” Green Lantern will also be the focus of an upcoming Robot Chicken special.

Creators of the excellent Demo series, Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan are working on a new Conan title for Dark Horse for release in February. An unexpected choice, but certainly an intriguing one.

Apparently The Avengers trailer which debuted this week has been downloaded more than 10 million times and here’s The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman’s commentary for said trailer. Not that I’ve heard as it’s one of those videos that can’t be streamed outside of America. I can only assume it’s funny though.

Writer Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men, the upcoming Avengers Solo) is launching a new mini-series at Image about a woman in a coma who must solve the mystery of her own attempted murder. It’s called Mind The Gap and debuts in April.

October 15, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Dark Horse, DC comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Frontiersman #28 Out Now

Out on Grpahicly for only $1.49 is the latest issue of digital comics mag, The Frontiersman. Within it’s 66 full colour pages you’ll find a bunch of reviews, interviews and articles, and even 8 pages written by me. Yay!

Grab it here.

October 15, 2011
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News, Reviews . Tags: comics magazine . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Ape May Create Sesame Street Comics

Well this is certainly the first press release I’ve seen in which a publisher purports to be “in negotiations” for a licence. Jim Henson’s work is being done in comics thanks to Archaia, BOOM! and now Marvel are doing Pixar and Muppets stuff, and Ape recently produced Shrek comics, so it was only a matter of time before Seasme Street finally came to print. Here’s the official lowdown.

APE ENTERTAINMENT HOPES TO SET UP SHOP ON SESAME STREET

Ape Entertainment and Sesame Workshop in Negotiations to Create Educational Comics for Young Readers

Ape Entertainment announced today that it is currently negotiating with Sesame Workshop for the right to produce a series of comic books featuring the cast of the beloved children’s show Sesame Street. Ape Entertainment hopes to work with Sesame Workshop to create a series of comic books that will be both educational and entertaining for young readers. Subject to successful negotiations, the comics will be produced in full color and available in printed editions as well as in digital editions that will be available through the Sesame Street store on Apple’s iTunes in 2012.

“We are incredibly excited about our current negotiations with Sesame Workshop and the possibility of being able to bring their expertise in educating and entertaining children to comics,” said Ape Entertainment COO Brent E. Erwin. He went on to say, “I love the idea of creating educational comics that will both teach and entertain children. And the possibility of getting to work with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Grover, well…that’s just a dream come true.”

Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization with the mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children worldwide by addressing their critical developmental needs. Sesame Workshop has been producing Sesame Street for over forty years.

Ape Entertainment intends to continue its mission to grow the comics industry by increasing awareness about comics among a new generation of readers. Ape Entertainment hopes young readers and their parents will discover the exciting world of comics and start visiting a local comic book shop.

For more information, please visit www.apecomics.com or www.sesameworkshop.org

October 14, 2011
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: all ages comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Extra Sequential Podcast #62-Arkham Asylum

72 mins. In honour of next week’s highly anticipated release of the Batman: Arkham City videogame, we discuss the best Arkham Asylum comics, the dark history of Gotham City and a few of its cruel and unusual inhabitants. Also, predictable superhero posing, Woody Allen as Batman and the ice-cold woman known as Frostbite McDonough.

LISTEN TO IT BELOW, DOWNLOAD IT HERE OR ON iTUNES