Longbox Digital Comics

Longbox LogoAt Heroes Con this past weekend, Rantz Hoseley, who was the editor behind the popular Tori Amos inspired works within the Comic Book Tatttoo anthology, premiered Longbox. It’s nothing new exactly, as digital subscription services for comics have been around for a while now. However, there appears to be some genuine buzz about this software and just what it means. There’s an interesting interview with Hoseley up at comicbookresources now. BOOM! Studios and Top Cow are the first to sign up and individual issues can be bought for as low as 99c. Think of it as iTunes for sequential art. Hoseley has the right idea, and seems to know what he’s doing;

If there’s not the ability to have a very similar experience to what they would have going into a comic shop, then immediately it’s an inferior experience, not only in terms just purchasing comics whether print or digital, but also an inferior experience to other forms of digital retail like iTunes and downloadable content on WiiWare or X-Box Live. The idea of a secure, controlled distribution system that allows mass amount of content to come through in ways that modern consumers expect in terms of digital content, I think that’s a huge, huge part of it.

Read the rest of the interview here. The software has been in development for about three years and is expected to launch in September or October of this year.

Longbox Reader

Days Missing In August

It’s grand that Archaia are back. With titles like Mouse Guard and The Killer  and a bunch more, they filled quite the niche. Now that they’ve returned, they’ve resumed publishing on their familiar titles, as well as launching a few new ones, such as Days Missing. Written by Phil Hester (The Darkness) with art by Frazer Irving the sci-fi series debuts in August at only 99 cents. Below is the press release, plus the various pretty covers.

DM_01_HesterWith an eye toward recruiting top creators as part of their exclusive partnership, Archaia and Roddenberry Productions have brought on writer Phil Hester (Firebreather, The Darkness, Green Arrow), artist Frazer Irving (forthcoming Batman and Robin arc, Seven Soldiers of Victory) and cover artist Dale Keown (The Incredible Hulk, Pitt) to create the first issue of Days Missing, a new five-issue mini-series continuing Roddenberry’s tradition of producing sophisticated, intelligent and entertaining science fiction. 
 
In an effort to give as many readers an opportunity to discover this exciting new mini-series, Archaia will offer the full-length, full-color issue #1 for just 99 cents when it arrives in stores this August. An exclusive, limited-edition version of the issue, with a variant cover drawn by Keown, will be on sale for $5 at the Archaia and Roddenberry Productions booths at San Diego Comic-Con (July 23-26).
 
Based on a concept by Roddenberry Productions executive Trevor Roth, Days Missing tells the stories of a mysterious being known only as “The Steward.” His ability to literally “fold” days of time has allowed him to secretly remove critical days from our shared history that have forever changed the course of mankind…or so he thinks. 
 
DM_01_IrvingAdding to the fan buzz and excitement surrounding Days Missing, Archaia and Roddenberry Productions are bringing together four all-star creative teams to each work on a standalone, reader-friendly issue of Days Missing that ties into the overall mini-series storyarc.
 
“Building on the science fiction legacy of the Star Trek franchise, we are excited to make a unique contribution to the comic book landscape with this extraordinary series,” said Roth. “We’ve assembled some of the best talent in the industry to deliver a great comic book that we hope will captivate fans.”
 
“All of us at Archaia are huge fans of Star Trek and to work with Roddenberry Productions to create a comic like Days Missing is a huge honor,” said Stephen Christy, Archaia’s Director of Development. “The incredible creative team we’ve assembled for issue #1 of this book is among the best in the industry and it’s been a huge thrill to see the work that’s coming in.”
 
The announcement of the creative teams of future issues will be made in the weeks leading up to San Diego Comic-Con. For the latest information on Days Missing, please visit DaysMissing.com and Archaia.com.

DM_01_Keown

DM_01_SDCC

Shades Of Green

At last year’s Comic-Con I picked up an exclusive Masters of the Universe figure of King Grayskull and a Peter Parker with Spider-Sense face Mighty Mugg. This year I might just pick up one of these puppies. Tying into DC’s x-over event, Blackest Night this Green Lantern box set includes Hal Jordan in his usual duds, as well as a member of the Blue, Red, Orange and Yellow Corps. The limited figures will be available at the Graphitti Designs booth at the Con, with one coloured figure being made available on different days.

Blackest Night Comic-Con 09 Figures

Extra Sequential Dominates-Not Really

Well, this makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Our first two issues of Extra Sequential appeared on Scribd’s Hot List recently thanks to our growing popularity. We’re also doing pretty well on Issuu, with just under 57 000 page views. It’s remarkable what you can find on the net for free. Issuu and Scribd are great websites for those who want to show their wares off, in mag, book or arty journal form. Once you’ve created a PDF, whack it on-line for the world to see, and it magically transforms into a document with nifty turning pages, full screen views and more. It’s all rather easy.

Our third issue of ES  is dangerously close to being complete, and features interviews with novelist Robin Parrish, Brain Cronin from comicbookresources.com on his new book on Comic Book Urban Legends, as well as an interview with Wolfgang Bylsma from indie Perth publisher Gestalt. Of course, there’s heaps of eye candy inside too and a very special announcement from yours truly about the future of Extra Sequential. (It’s good news.)

Documents

Irredeemably Cheap

In August you can grab the first 5 issues of the mega-awesome dark superhero tale, Irredeemable from BOOM! Studios for just $11 – American. Written by Mark Waid with art by Peter Krause, it really is a guilty pleasure. The TPB collecting the first four issues will be released on the same day as the new 5th issue, for only 99 cents. That’s an evil bargain!

Irredeemable TPB Ad

Whiteout Trailer

I love watching a good trailer. They’re an art form in themselves really. Showing not too much while creating anticipation isn’t easy. This reminded me of the old trailers they used to show for 70s and 80s horror films, with it’s almost monotone voice over and lots of silence. It doesn’t really give anything away, but I’m sure more revealing trailers will arrive before the film hits the screen on September 11. Whiteout is based on the Oni Press comic by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber about the first murder in the Antarctic. It stars Kate Beckinsale and The Spirit’s Gabriel Macht. Some may be reminded of 30 Days of Night, but don’t expect vampires.

Invincible #63 Might Be Awesome

If only all press releases were this amusing. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Image’s marketing team hits the internet with this little beauty, fresh from the taste of Marvel’s Captain America returns hyped mega-event still in our mouths. This is great timing and if there’s any justice, this bold PR move will pay off. 

Invincible #63PRESS RELEASE – NEW ISSUE OF INVINCIBLE TO BE SUPER POPULAR AND BELOVED FOR VAGUE, CRYPTIC REASONS!
Something might be happening in INVINCIBLE #63 and whatever it is will quite possibly be rather amazing!

In an unprecedented move, writer Robert Kirkman and illustrator Ryan Ottley have made a cryptic, semi-confident promise that INVINCIBLE #63 might be kind of a big deal for reasons they wouldn’t say and plan to back it up with a special Wednesday shipment direct to comic shops!

“All I’m saying is INVINCIBLE #63 reorders should be double or triple over all retailer’s orders combined plus fifty thousand,” Kirkman stated. “I even heard President Barack Obama might call a press conference to discuss the contents of this very special issue, because there may be something of national interest in there. Also, every newspaper ever could possibly make it a front page story. Who knows?! All I can say for sure is every single human being on the planet, regardless of whether they read comics or even know what they are, will definitely be extremely interested in this issue, maybe even enough to buy a copy!”

 INVINCIBLE #63 might even possibly be the biggest comic book event of all time, up there with The Death of Superman, The Death of Captain America, The Entirety of the Early Nineties and Action Comics #1! The only certainty is everyone must place a ridiculously massive order for a non-returnable product they may or may not make a profit on sometime in the near future. Or never. Don’t ask – just buy it! You trust us, right?


Added Image Comics Publisher ericstephenson, “There’s a chance this could very possibly an event of undetermined importance, both for comics fans and people of all walks of life, with only the most passing familiarity with comic books, or even books, period. We can’t really say what happens in this issue, but trust, something does happen. And it might even be something interesting. Best not to jinx it, though, so let’s just go with, ‘Something happens.’ It’s somewhat likely a number of people we have yet to identify will want one. “

INVINCIBLE #63 (APR090384), a 32-page full color comic book easily worth around $500, but costing only $2.99, will be in stores June 17th, 2009.

Freebies From Studio 407

I’ve only glanced at new publisher Studio 407’s titles, but they look pretty cool. More thriller and horror than typical superhero fare, which makes sense, but this news should make readers sit up and take notice. Basically, if you sign up for their mailing list next week, they’ll send you two free comics (if you live in the States). Press release below.

 

Night and Fog #1Studio 407 Comics announced today that every person who signs up for their mailing list from June 22, 2009 through June 26, 2009 will receive two printed issues of their comics within the domestic USA.  Night and Fog #1 and Hybrid #1 will be the issues mailed to consumer.  Fans can sign up for the Studio 407 mailing list at here.  Please make sure and include your name and you physical mailing address to receive your free issues! 

 

 “We thought Night and Fog and Hybrid were a great way to get folks introduced to our line”, explained Managing Director Alex Leung.  “Both books have gotten tremendous review response and if you are a horror or sci fi fan you simply have to read these books.”  Night and Fog # 1 was originally released in March last year, while Hybrid #1 was released in May 09. The trade paperback of Hybrid is already available in comic book stores and Amazon and the Night and Fog trade will release be released this fall.

 

To see more of the products from Studio 407 you can visit www.studio-407.com.  Retailers should email info@studio-407.com to get the release information mailing list.  If you want to visit a Studio 407 comics booth make sure and visit them at Comic Con in San Diego.

 

About Studio 407: Studio 407 brings together the imagination and creative talents of writers and artists from North America and Asia to generate a flow of distinct and kinetic East-meets-West entertainment. A writer driven studio that blends innovation with tradition, Studio 407 is dedicated to publishing the highest quality in comics and manga across a wide variety of genres. From capes to kung fu, giant robots to vampires, and secret agents to mad scientists; at Studio 407, we sweat the details. http://www.Studio-407.com.

 

Offworld Signing

Novelist Robin Parrish (The Dominion Trilogy) will be signing his brand spanking new book, entitled Offworld on Saturday, June 27. We have an interview with Robin in the next issue of Extra Sequential (yes, it’s coming). Offworld has a rather intriguing set-up, as described here;

Christopher Burke and his crew of NASA astronauts are the first human beings to walk on the surface of Mars. Their return to Earth was supposed to be a momentous day. But a surprise is waiting for them there that’s beyond imagining.

Safe after a treacherous landing in Florida, the crew emerges to find the unthinkable: every man, woman, child, and animal has vanished without a trace.

If you’d like to see Robin and grab your copy off the novel, details of the signing are below.

Date:
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Time:
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location:
Barnes & Noble of High Point
Street:
906 Mall Loop Road
City/Town:
High Point, NC

You can also read the entire first chapter of the novel here.

Offworld

Gotta admit – that’s a great cover.

Wednesday Comics In USA Today

DC Comics really seem to be pulling out all the stops lately. Well, not all the stops, but they’re definitely moving in the right direction. As announced on The Source, DC’s new blog USA Today will be publishing the Superman stories from their upcoming 12 part Wednesday Comics series, that has an impressive array of talent tackling diverse characters in its extra large pages. The first of the John Arcudi/Lee Bermejo strips will appear in the print edition of USA Today, while the rest will appear on its website. This is big news and will do more for mainstream exposure of comics than this week’s Captain America returns event did. The first issue of Wednesday Comics is released on July 8 and the USA Today release will be timed to coincide with all subsequent weekly releases in comic shops. With this news, plus The Source, and the two newer blogs for Vertigo and Wildstorm DC appear to be taking some great steps to making their presence felt. 

Wednesday Comics #1

DC’s September Stuff

DC’s solicitations, for new products arriving in September, are now up. I always tend to look to the more unique stuff first, such as the statues and action figures and such and then work my way up to comics and Trades.  Below are a few novelties that caught my eye. Not that I’d buy them, but they do look cool. You can see figures of Superman in his blue electricity power costume and Aquaman during his morose amputee phase. Ah, the 90s. How I love thee! There’s also the Joker and Harley Quinn figures from the Mad Love Collector Set and new anime inspired Batman and Robin figures, from the Ame-Comi series. Hopefully Grant Morrison doesn’t get any ideas! All these bad boys go on sale in February.

JLA Classified Superman Blue

JLA Classified Aquaman

Mad Love Box Set

 

Ame-Comi Batman

Ame-Comi Robin

Captain America Returns?

CaptainAmerica_Reborn_01_RossCoverTwo and a half years ago Marvel killed Captain America, AKA Steve Rogers in #25 of his title, and received mainstream attention,with Marvel head honcho Joe Quesada doing his bit to promote the issue on radio and TV. Now he’s back, maybe. In Rogers’ place, his one time sidekick Bucky Barnes stepped up as the new Cap, with a new costume, and writer Ed Brubaker really made it work. So, do we really need Steve Rogers back? According to an article in the Daily News that’s exactly what we’re getting anyway. Reborn is a new 5 ish mini that Marvel have kept shrouded in secrecy, much like they did with his death, and will be the triumphant return of Captain America. But which Captain America? Steve Rogers? Joe Q doesn’t mention his name in the interview. What he does say is it will be the return of the “original Captain America.” Some may see that as Isaiah Bradley, who was introduced in 2003’s Truth: Red, White and Black mini-series as the African American test subject of the Super Soldier formula and has hardly been seen since. Also controversial is Marvel’ decision to release Captain America #600 (not the return issue BTW) today, on a Monday, instead of the usual Wednesday, without Marvel giving retailers enough info to order the issue in advance. Below are a few pages from the landmark 600th issue, courtesy of Joe Q’s new Cup O’ Joe series, which has just moved from MySpace to CBR.

UPDATED: Nope, Steve Rogers is coming back in Reborn #1, which arrives on July 1.  From Marvel’s fresh off the press, press release:

It was the shot heard ‘round the world. Following the most shocking and controversial event in comic book history – the assassination of Captain America in the pages of Captain America #25 – neither the heroes of the Marvel Universe nor the rest of the world have quite come to grips with this most traumatic of losses. From the moment he was taken from us until today, one fact has proven to be true: the world still needs Captain America . And now, the time has come! At long last, the legend, the hero, is back.  Steve Rogers makes his triumphant return from the grave in the publishing event of the year: Captain America Reborn, a five part series from Marvel Comics beginning this July.

 

Captain America #600p1

Captain America #600 p2

Captain America #600 p5

Comics on Comics #19

Comics on Comics next live episode features the guy behind Batman’s big screen adventures and the guy behind Archie’s recent proposal. Press release below.

Comics on Comics Live w/ The Dark Knight Executive Producer Michael Uslan this Tuesday June 16 @ Dream World Comics in Los Angeles!

Host Juan-Manuel Rocha welcomes Michael Uslan, the executive producer of all six Batman movies as well as the writer of the upcoming Archie # 600 which features the much anticipated wedding of Archie & Veronica! Also appearing on the show are comedians Ken Pringle(Chucklemonkey.com), Ed Greer (Comedy Meltdown) and pop culture guru Bob Peterson(CC2K.us) for another round of Comics and Comedy!

The taping begins at 8pm and admission is FREE! Be sure to show up early to grab a good seat!
You can RSVP for this event on facebook:

Or you can find us online at ComicsOnComics.com
Dream World Comics is located at 12400 W. Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles.
CoC-Episode-19 Flier
 

Ultimate Star Wars

This is why games are creeping up in Hollywood’s dominance over geeks incomes. Star Wars: The Old Republic is a MMO (Massive Multiplayer On-line) game that allows you to choose the path of the Jedi (yay!) or Sith (boo!). The first two Knights of the Old Republic games were okay, but I prefer my FPSs rather than mid-battle strategizing. BiowWare is releasing the game sometime, and Dark Horse are providing a tie-in web comic called Threat of Peace. The game is only being released on Windows PCs which seems strange, and is set about 3, 700 years before the era depicted in the Star Wars films. Watch the awesome trailer below. Lightsabres and slow-mo – what a great combo.

Another great game, coming to consoles thankfully, is a sequel to 2006’s Ultimate Alliance. That was an action packed nerd fest with Marvel cameos galore, and the cut scenes were drool inducing. Like it’s predecessor, and the Old Republic games, players choices effect the game’s outcome. It follows the recent events in the Marvel comics, particularly Secret War and Civil War. The latter event set the stage for the current state of the Marvel Universe, thanks to the Super Hero Registration Act and players must choose between the Pro-Rego side led by Iron Man, and the Anti-Rego side led by Captain America.