The second trailer (the first one was way back in December) of Peter Jackson’s first entry in the new prequel Lord of the Rings trilogy has arrived. The Hobbit opens in December, and today is also the 75th anniversary of J.R.R Tolkien’s novel.
Star Wars Reads Day
There is such a thing? Yep! It sounds like Read Comics In Public Day, which is held in August every year, but this event is obviously focused on George Lucas’ greatest creation. You can find more details right here.
Find a Star Wars Reads Day Event Near You
On October 6th, 2012, fans will come together to celebrate reading and Star Wars. Join in the fun by finding an event near you in the map provided below. All events will have giveaways and a raffle. Select events will have authors and/or costumed characters on hand from the 501st Legion, the Rebel Legion, the Mandalorian Mercs and the R2 Builders Club.
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!
Professor X’s Farewell
Marvel have doen their usual thing and spoiled a huge plot point in an upcoming storyline to a mass media outlet. All the details below. It seems rather daring that Marvel would show the actual pages in question too, but here’s an interesting chat with writer Brian Michael Bendis about the ish.
Professor Xavier Makes The Ultimate Sacrifice in Avengers VS. X-Men #11, On-Sale Now!
In the move that shocked and saddened comic book fans worldwide, beloved super hero Professor Charles Xavier meets his demise today in Avengers VS. X-Men #11. In the penultimate chapter of the biggest comic book story in 2012, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel rally the forces of the Marvel Universe against the final two members of the seemingly all-powerful Phoenix Five—Cyclops and Emma Frost. But as this epic battle rages, Cyclops makes a decision that not only takes the life of the man who formed the X-Men and raised him like a son, but that also may damn both the Avengers and the X-Men!
“When we first crafted Avengers VS. X-Men, we didn’t set out to kill any characters but as the story progressed it became obvious that this had to be the last stand of Charles Xavier”, said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “He’s one of my favorite characters and while like all fans I’m sad to see him perish, both Brian and Olivier deliver a powerful, dramatic conclusion to his story. Rest assured his death will reverberate across the Marvel Universe, leading into major launches like Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men this fall.”
Then, on October 3rd, the dramatic conclusion to the series arrives in Avengers VS X-Men #12, as the remaining Marvel super heroes launch their final assault on the Phoenix Five and the force that threatens to consume all of reality. Once this battle ends, nothing with be the same for the Avengers, the X-Men or anyone else in the Marvel Universe.
Plus, Join the Marvel ReEvolution as Marvel brings fans even more value to their comics reading experience. Every issue of Avengers VS. X-Men comes packaged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app and with exclusive, behind the scenes extras via the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma.
Don’t forget to get your copy of Avengers VS. X-Men #11, the comic everyone’s talking about, on sale now in comic shops everywhere, on the Marvel Comics app, and the all-new Marvel Comics Webstore!
For more on Avengers VS. X-Men, please visit http://avx.marvel.com
AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #11 (JUL120528)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by OLIVIER COIPEL
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
ON SALE NOW
AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #12 (JUL120535)
Written by JASON AARON
Penciled by ADAM KUBERT
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
ON SALE – 10/3/12
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).
Thun’da #2 Review
At Broken Frontier you can find my review of the second issue of Dynamite’s new series, Thun’da, which is based on a classic series about a soldier who loses his memory but finds himself in a dangerous new world.
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
Three DC Comics #0 Reviews
It’s been a while, so here’s a triumvirate of reviews form DC Comics this week, specifically their #0 issues that aim to unveil the backgrounds of characters in time for the one year anniversary of The New 52 relaunch. The last time DC tried this was back in the mid-90s after the Zero Hour reboot. Okay, on to some quick thoughts.
The Phantom Stranger #0. Surprisingly this sold out at my comic shop, so thankfully I ordered it ahead of time. Written by President Dan Didio, who tried his hand at writing with the cancelled O.M.A.C series, and teamed with artist Brent Anderson (Astro City) this looks into the origins of one of DC’s most powerful supernatural figures. The cloak clad mystery man has been around since 1952 but his background has never been revealed. That has changed now, and will continue to, since he’s getting his own series. Here’s he presented as Judas, (yes the one who betrayed Jesus Christ) and upon hanging himself goes to an afterlife where he meets a council of wizards. As punishment for betraying Christ for 30 pieces of silver, he is given powers and returned to earth, with the cloak of Jesus, and the coins made into a necklace to bear. It’s an interesting origin, and one that has been touched upon in the decades of Stranger stories, but now it seems to be the status quo of The New 52 version.
The tale is told by Stranger’s frequent monologues, as he meets angry cop Jim Corrigan who becomes The Spectre all too quickly, and it looks like in future issues The Phantom Stranger will deal with the mystical forces of the DCU. This issue also hints at the upcoming Trinity War, which looks to involve Stranger, the female Pandora, and The Question. These few pages aren’t enough to delve into the origins of one of DC’s most elusive figures, but it’s a good starting point for hopefully slightly better adventures than this one.
Green Lantern #0. We’re introduced to yet another human bearer of a power ring, in the form of Arab-American Simon Baz (who has his own action figure already!). He has the word “courage” in Arabic on his forearm, and carries a handgun (at least on the cover) which seems redundant when you have one of the most powerful weapons on your finger. Writer Geoff Johns and artist Dough Mahnke do a fantastic job of introducing Simon. We see his tough life, his love for his family and his desire to do what is right, even when it’s not easy. Thanks to stealing a van, unknowingly with a bomb inside, he’s taken in for questioning before a power ring breaks him free.
There’s hints at Johns’ larger work in the GL series, with cameos from Batman, Cyborg, Hal Jordan and Sinestro and although we never see Simon in his new green costume, it’s obvious he’ll play an important role. Grab this one if you’ve been following the events in any of the Green Lantern books.
Detective Comics #0. The only Batman series I’ve been reading since DC’s relaunch last year is Batman and Robin, so I thought I’d see what’s going on in ‘Tec and Tony Daniel’s art continues to improve. Gregg Hurwitz writes this ish, with Daniels on art duties. Reminiscent of certain scenes in Batman Begins, the bulk of this issue is set 10 years before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, as he learns from a husband and wife team in the Himalayas about how to cope with emotion, how to meditate and of course, how to fight. We see Bruce grapple with love and loss, and although the ending is somewhat melodramatic, it’s a good display of the transition between man and Batman.
Also included is a back-up tale called The Long Wait by James Tynion IV and Henrik Johnson that centres on Alfred’s patience in Wayne Manor waiting for the missing Bruce to return home after his mysterious years abroad. It works very well and shows a side of Alfred that I don’t think I’ve seen in a comic before.
Overall, these #0 issues are a good idea, to introduce new and lapsed readers, and the inclusion of one page Who’s Who entries in each ish is a nice bonus.
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 (Spawn, Blindside, Halo 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 (Batman, Spawn, Invincible) 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
Thanks For Reading!
You might have noticed that the content on this humble blog has slowed down somewhat over recent months. At one point I was writing multiple posts a day, plus writing for other sites, but that kind of passion and momentum doesn’t last forever.
I started this blog in June 2008, just before my first venture to San Diego Comic-Con, and this week I passed half a million total views since then, so thanks to everyone who reads and comments! It’s much appreciated.
This year, I’ve briefly toyed with other blog ideas such as this one on writing and this one on Christian stuff, but they were short lived experiments. The key, like anything is focus, and although I still write for Broken Frontier, Sight, and now SciFiPulse, the days of me spending hours each week doing reviews and interviews are gone, and that’s fine with me.
Once I get more organised, I’ll start posting more of my creative writing here, but there’ll always be various comics and pop culture stuff that I’ll whack up here, because there’s always interesting stuff out there.
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.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters Trailer
There seems to be quite a few fairytale meets “reality” films these days, although this delayed film starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as the adventurous siblings seems more like the over the top shenanigans of Van Helsing (remember that 2004 film?) rather than something like Troll Hunter (an awesome Norwegian film).
Hansel and Gretel is out in January.
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…
Avengers #30 Preview
A brief, text-free preview of next month’s Avengers issue below.
Your First Look at AVENGERS #30 – An AVENGERS VS. X-MEN Tie-In!
Marvel is proud to present your first look at Avengers #30! With Cyclops and Emma Frost more powerful than ever, it’s looking more and more like the end of the world for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! But amidst all the chaos and battling, can the budding romance of Hawkeye and Spider-Woman survive the strain? The creative team of superstar writer Brian Bendis and legendary artist Walter Simonson bring you high-stakes action and drama this September in Avengers #30, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop.
AVENGERS #30 (JUL120545)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by WALTER SIMONSON
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
FOC – 8/27/2012, On Sale – 9/19/2012
comicbookjesus 