Awakening Interview

Described as an “existential horror,” the slow-burn zombie series, Awakening from Archaia recently launched the Trade collecting the first few issues. I interviewed writer Nick Tapalansky and artist Alex Eckman-Lawn at Broken Frontier here. While you’re there check out the latest news about the creators’ tour in the States and your chance to get a peek at Awakening Volume 2, due for release next year.

It’s a pretty entertaining book and more like a thriller than a full throttle action series. Plus, the art is suitably creepy.

Awakening Ad

Awakening p45

Awakening p46

September 21, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, Interviews, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Dan Brown’s “Best”

So Dan Brown of The Da Vinci Code fame has a new book out, called The Lost Symbol. Now I can honestly say I’ve never read any of his books, but I have read more than enough excerpts from critics. Having done that, I see no reason to pick up any of his novels, unless perhaps I want to learn what not to do. However, Brown has obviously hit something on the head with millions of fans worldwide now devoted readers.  In “celebration” of Brown’s success the Telegraph in the UK has a great article entitled Dan Brown’s 20 Worst Sentences. Below are my two faves with Telegraph commentary almost as funny as Brown’s quotes included.

16. The Da Vinci Code, chapter 4: A voice spoke, chillingly close. “Do not move.” On his hands and knees, the curator froze, turning his head slowly. Only fifteen feet away, outside the sealed gate, the mountainous silhouette of his attacker stared through the iron bars. He was broad and tall, with ghost-pale skin and thinning white hair. His irises were pink with dark red pupils.

A silhouette with white hair and pink irises stood chillingly close but 15 feet away. What’s wrong with this picture?

15. The Da Vinci Code, chapter 4: As a boy, Langdon had fallen down an abandoned well shaft and almost died treading water in the narrow space for hours before being rescued. Since then, he’d suffered a haunting phobia of enclosed spaces – elevators, subways, squash courts.

Other enclosed spaces include toilet cubicles, phone boxes and dog kennels.

September 19, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Lee Covers Liberty Comics #2

The recent first issue of Liberty Comics was a great anthology and raised funds for a worthy cause – the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Next month’s second issue has more great contributors and a variant cover by Jim Lee. Press release, and said cover, below, and if you want to see a few more perty pics by Lee, from his story with Neil Gaiman, check out CBR’s look at Lee’s artistic process.

Image Comics Founder Jim Lee provides gorgeous rendition for the CBLDF anthology’s limited edition cover!

Jim Lee 100 Words PageJIM LEE, the fan favorite artist of Batman, X-Men & WildC.A.T.s, provides the Image Comics published Comic Book Legal Defense Fund benefit anthology, LIBERTY COMICS #2 with an all-new, limited edition 1-in-25 variant cover based off his collaboration with Sandman writer NEIL GAIMAN.

“Jim has long been a true Defender of Liberty with his ongoing support of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and his cover goes above and beyond the call of duty,” CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein said. “We’re very thankful for his generosity.”

LEE and his story with NEIL GAIMAN, ‘100 Words’, lead off an all-star ensemble of industry greats in the all-new second volume of LIBERTY COMICS. Passionate comic book storytelling, all in service to an important cause, the incredible contributions list includes a Painkiller Jane story by JIMMY PALMIOTTI and JIM RUGG; a new Mr. Gum adventure from MIKE ALLRED, DAVE JOHNSON and JAMIE S. RICH; The Apocalypstix by RAY FAWKES and CAMERON STEWART, a return to Channel Zero by BRIAN WOOD; a preview of Choker by BEN MCCOOL and BEN TEMPLESMITH; and a special Martha Washington piece by DAVE GIBBONS, alongside exclusive material by PAUL POPE; KATHRYN & STUART IMMONEN; CHYNNA CLUGSTON; PAUL GRIST; and JASON AARON & MORITAT. LIBERTY COMICS already features two covers, one by Batman: The Long Halloween’s TIM SALE and a new Kick Ass image by creator JOHN ROMITA JR.

LIBERTY COMICS #2 (AUG090303), a 48-page full color comic book for $4.99, will be in stores October, 14 2009.

Jim Lee Liberty Comics #2 Variant Cover

September 18, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Spider-Woman And Wonder Woman

The third episode of the popular original Spider-Woman motion comic from Marvel is now available on iTunes. Here’s what Marvel say about it:

The chart-topping, ground breaking Marvel sensation is back– Spider-Woman Motion Comic continues with the debut of Episode 3 on iTunes today! The New York Times Best-Selling team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev (Halo Uprising) present the next exciting chapter of Jessica Drew’s mission to hunt down the aliens who destroyed her life. But just what lies next for the newly anointed Agent of S.W.O.R.D.?

Click here right now to purchase the third episode of Spider-Woman on iTunes now!

SpiderWoman_MotionComic_Ep3_Preview2

And sticking with the female superhero theme, Wonder Woman and Secret Six writer Gail Simone has teamed up with comicbookresources.com to launch Wonder of Wonders, a new feature with guest contributors and a busy forum all dedicated to discussing the superhero alter geo of Diana Prince, Wonder Woman. Simone has a few interesting things to say about fans in the launch post, namely, if you’ve never read a comic of Spider-Man or Superman or whoever, but love the films and buy all the merchandise, can you still call yourself a fan? She says absolutely, but I’m not convinced. It’s a great read though, and an even greater idea, and BTW, the photo below is of cosplayer Margie Cox. Wow.

Margie Cox as Wonder Woman

September 17, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths Pics

Two teaser images have been released for the next DC animated film arriving next year. The setup is this: a heroic Lex Luthor arrives from an alternate earth requesting the help of the Justice League in defeating their evil counterparts on good Lex’s home planet. Below are pics of hero Lex in gold armour surrounded by “our” Justice League, and a pic of the bad League’s version of Batman, namely Owlman.

With a story that seems to be based on 2000’s graphic novel, JLA: Earth 2 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely and the introduction of the Multiverse into the DC animated films, this will be yet another one to watch. Here’s the official skinny.

An original story from award-winning animation/comics writer Dwayne McDuffie (Justice League) rooted in DC Comics’ popular canon of “Crisis” stories.

Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Green Lantern) is executive producer. Lauren Montgomery (Wonder Woman, Green Lantern) and Sam Liu (Superman/Batman: Public Enemies) are co-directors.

Good Lex Luthor and JLA

In Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, a “good” Lex Luthor arrives from an alternate universe to recruit the Justice League to help save his Earth from the Crime Syndicate, a gang of villainous characters with virtually identical super powers to the Justice League. What ensues is the ultimate battle of good versus evil in a war that threatens both planets and, through a diabolical plan launched by Owlman, puts the balance of all existence in peril.

All-star voice cast led by Mark Harmon (NCIS) as Superman, James Woods (Ghosts of Mississippi) as Owlman, Chris Noth (Sex and the City, Law & Order) as Lex Luthor, William Baldwin (Dirty Sexy Money) as Batman, Gina Torres (Serenity, Firefly) as Super Woman and Bruce Davison (X-Men) as the President.

Owlman

September 16, 2009
Categories: Cartoons, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

comiXology Buys PopShopOnline

Popular comics site comiXology has not only helped bring comics to the digital landscape, including the iPhone, but have now also just acquired the online comics retailer resource, PopShopOnline. Details below.

comiXology, makers of Comics by comiXology digital comic app for the iPhone, announces the acquisition of PopShopOnline, the leading provider of comic book retailing e-commerce sites.

ComiXology LogocomiXology.com provides information on new releases and connects comic fans with local retailers who can fulfill their “pull lists.” Its Comics by comiXology app enables iPhone users to view their comic books in vibrant color and connect with local retailers via the app’s Retailer Locator feature. PopShopOnline powers brick-and-mortar retailers’ web sites, including content management and online fulfillment.

“The acquisition of PopShopOnline demonstrates our continued dedication to the comic book retailer market,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology.com. “This strengthens our unique position in the online and digital comics market, being able to connect consumers, publishers and retailers unlike anyone else.”

“comiXology was the clear choice when deciding what to do with the PopShopOnline service,” said Lee Bissonnette, creator of PopShopOnline. “I know these guys are uniquely positioned to expand the offering, treat my clients right and grow it to the next level in a way that no one else could. I look to see PopShopOnline become bigger and better because of their ownership.”

About comiXology

Since 2007, comiXology has been exposing more people to the world of comics through comiXology.com and related applications. comiXology.com, comic book retailer tools, iPhone and Blackberry apps and digital comics are all connected through the comiXology platform. The Comics by comiXology app for iPhone and iPod touch delivers a fresh approach to digital comic books through its guided-view reader technology, in-app purchasing, and Retailer Locator which enables users to find nearby comic book retailers. For more information, visit http://www.comixology.com.

September 16, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Bluewater’s December Goodies

Bluewater Productions continue to create diverse products and their biographical comics seem to be garnering attention. Next up is J.K Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter. There’s also a George W. Bush one-shot with a cover that is kinda freaking me out. Perhaps the best new series though is Distortions Unlimited by Daniel Crosier, who created the unique wood burning art in the Bartholomew of the Scissors mini-series. The 3 ish mini is based on the full scale animatronics from the titular company (that’s gotta be  a first for comics!) and is centred on a scary mine.

J.K Rowling Comic

George W. Bush Comic

Distortions Unlimited

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

Marvel Comics On Sale 16/9/09

Here’s 3 nice covers from the batch of new Marvel goodies being released this week. The full list is below the covers.

Dark Wolverine #78

Dark Avengers #9

Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #1

Continue reading →

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

The Super Hero Squad

Marvel’s new animated series with kid-friendly versions of their characters has now debuted on the Cartoon Network. Below are the details, including the impressive voice talent involved.

SuperHeroSquadShowOn Monday, September 14, The Super Hero Squad Show makes its Marvel-ous debut on the Cartoon Network with an action-packed sneak peak you can’t miss! Experience the adventures of Iron Man, Captain America , Thor, Silver Surfer, Wolverine, Storm and all your favorite Marvel Heroes like never before! The greatest heroes in the universe unite against the deadliest villains in an exciting, family friendly Super Hero team up unlike any in history! The Super Hero Squad unites to protect Super Hero City for VillainVille, as they must stop Dr. Doom and his allies from gathering pieces of the powerful Infinity Sword, or the bad guys will rule the universe! Luckily, the City is filled with Marvel Super Hero guest-stars to help out in a pinch. These brave heroes totally deliver the action – but with plenty of humor on the side as they “Hero Up!” to save the day.

The Super Hero Squad Show features superstar talent playing the roles of the series’ memorable characters, including:

Tom Kenny (Spongebob)

Charlie Adler (Transformers 1 & 2)

Steve Blum (Wolverine and the X-Men, Hulk Vs.)

Grey DeLisle (Fairly Oddparents and The Replacements).

And when it comes to guest-stars, The Super Hero Squad Show features the greatest characters—and talent—including:

Wayne Knight (Seinfeld)

LeVar Burton (Reading Rainbow, Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl, 17 Again, Buffy)

Greg Grunberg (Heroes)

Lena Headey (Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, 300)

Adrian Pasdar (Heroes)

Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galatica)

Jennifer Morrison (House)

Tamera Mowry (Twitches and Sister, Sister)

Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street films)

Stan Lee as the Mayor of Super Hero City .

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

Massive Top Shelf Sale

Those fine folks at diverse indie publisher Top Shelf are obviously happy that the film adaptation of The Surrogates is only days away, so they’re celebrating with a great sale this month. Details below.

Top Shelf SaleTop Shelf’s MASSIVE $3 SALE is here to celebrate the debut of THE SURROGATES on iTunes, as well as the theatrical release of the SURROGATES on September 25th!

Just in time for the theatrical release of SURROGATES starring Bruce Willis, fans can now read the original graphic novel that inspired the upcoming blockbuster on their iPhone and iPod touch. THE SURROGATES App for the iPhone — developed for the iPhone by iVerse Media — features two full issues of the original comic book mini-series formatted for the iPhone screen for only $0.99. The remaining three issues of the series can be downloaded inside the Application as an “In App Purchase” for only $0.99 per issue. Or, if you prefer, you can simply download “THE SURROGATES #1” for FREE in the iTunes App Store.

So, to celebrate all this — from now thru Friday September 25th (the opening day of the film!) — Top Shelf is having a giant $3 graphic novel web sale. When you visit the site, you’ll find over 100 graphic novels and comics on sale — with 55+ titles marked down to just $3 (!) and 45 other titles slashed! All we ask is that you hit a $30 minimum on sale and/or non-sale items (before shipping). It’s a great opportunity to load up on all those graphic novels you’ve wanted to try, but just never got around to picking up. Get ’em while supplies last, and be sure to visit iTunes as well to download The Surrogates!

To go directly to the list of sale items, just click here.

September 14, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

TwoMorrows Mag Sale

TwoMorrows produce some quality magazines and books dedicated primarily to comics of the 1970s and 80s. I pick them up quite often to reminisce or to be educated about the rich history of sequential art. Now they have a sale for September. Details below.

TWOMORROWS OFFERS HUGE HALF-PRICE MAGAZINE SALE!

Back Issue MagTwoMorrows Publishing, publisher of award-winning books and magazines about LEGO® and comics history and appreciation, is offering their complete magazine line at 50% off, as part of a “Half-Price Magazine” sale, now through September 30, 2009.

“An awful lot of people have enjoyed our magazines over the last 15 years,” said publisher John Morrow, “and this is a chance for them to fill the holes in their collections without leaving holes in their wallets. By my rough count, there’s well over 200 different issues on sale. For about the price of the Digital Edition of one of our mags, they can get the print version—and in many cases, they’ll get a Digital Edition thrown in for free.”

The “Half-Price Magazine” sale includes issues of these titles:

Alter Ego MagBack Issue!

Jack Kirby Collector

Draw!

Alter Ego

Rough Stuff!

Write Now!

Comic Book Artist

BrickJournal plus other miscellaneous humor and one-shot magazines, each at 50% off cover price. The only magazine-related items excluded from this sale are subscriptions and the most recent and upcoming issues of each magazine. As a bonus, a selection of books are also offered at 50% off during the sale period.

This sale is only valid for orders placed at www.twomorrows.com through the end of September, and does not include shipping costs. A special “Half-Price Mags” category is listed atop the TwoMorrows’ home page, which includes the issues on sale.

NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE US: We had a temporary glitch at our online store, where the US Postal Service rates displayed for non-US shipments ONLY included the most expensive “Priority Mail International” shipping option. That problem has been fixed, so that now you’ll also have the much less expensive “First Class Mail International” option available. If you tried ordering before and were dismayed by the postage costs, please try again.

September 12, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Ultimate Alliance 2 Launch Trailer

A sequel to the excellent Ultimate Alliance game starring a bunch of Marvel characters, Ultimate Alliance 2 hits shelves on September 15. Here’s a new trailer, (with a catchy song) showing plenty of in-game graphics and some of what made the first game so memorable – excellent cut scenes. The game is based on the awesome  Civil War series from 2006-7 which had Iron Man and Captain America on opposing sides of the Superhero Registration Act. Now that Disney has engulfed Marvel, hopefully we’ll get an entire movie made like this.

September 12, 2009
Categories: Games, New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Devil’s Due On iPhone

Indie publisher Devil’s Due (Hack/Slash, Jericho, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, etc) are now joining the iPhone comics revolution. Press release below.

Devil’s Due Publishing to Deliver Digital Comic Books Through comiXology for iPhone

Spartacus #1Devil’s Due Publishing and comiXology announce that comiXology will be distributing Devil’s Due comic book titles to the iPhone and iPod touch. Comic books published by Devil’s Due include the continuation of the TV show Jericho, plus popular titles like Hack/Slash, Voltron, and Spartacus: Blood and Sand, based on the upcoming Starz TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The soon to be released Merch Girl will also include exclusive music by co-creator, rapper MURS.

“We’re excited that Devil’s Due has chosen comiXology to be its digital comics partner,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Fans of Jericho reach far beyond the local comic store, and that property, along with Voltron and Spartacus make great introductions to comics. They’ll look great in our Guided View on the iPhone.”

The Guided View feature of Comics by comiXology keeps the entire page of a comic intact, unlike other solutions where the page is cut into individual pictures the user browses like a photo application. The app’s retailer locator will enable customers to contact local retailers from within the app itself to order the print edition of Devil’s Due Publishing’s comics.

“I’m very excited to be able to offer the massive library of Devil’s Due titles through comiXology’s online store,” said Josh Blaylock, President of Devil’s Due Publishing. “Comics on the iPhone are allowing us to reach millions of potential customers who have never set foot in a comic book store, and it’s instantaneous. It’s really going to expand the comic reading audience.”

The Comics by comiXology App is available, including over 30 free comics, for $0.99 from the App Store. Information on Devil’s Due Publishing comic books can be found here.

September 10, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

DC Shake-Up

Hot on the heels of the Disney/Marvel merger comes this news, and here’s Marvel head honcho Joe Quesada talking for the last time about that deal. It started with the announcement that long-time DC Publisher (and before that, writer and editor) Paul Levitz was stepping down to focus on his writing career again, returning to Adventure Comics as of the seventh issue. Levitz made his name with the The Legion of Super-Heroes so it’s good to see him back on the characters he loves. The bigger picture is that DC Comics is becoming part of the new DCE (DC Entertainment). Apparently the deal has been in the works for about 2 years, but as Warner Bros. have jealously eyed off Marvel’s film successes and looked at their own untouched or botched cinematic properties they’ve realised something is wrong. So, now Warner Bros. are finally making DC their priority. This makes me happy, not only because now Marvel and DC may just gain new audiences from these bigger initiatives, but also because I’ve always favoured DC. They need big screen epics, not like Superman Returns and Catwoman that don’t represent the characters faithfully. For more details on the news, check out DC’s blog, The Source.

September 10, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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