Free Mobile Comics Mag Debuts

This really is exciting, and now I get to share it. I’ve been writing for comics site Broken Frontier for a while now, and the last few months have seen it brought to another level (thanks to my fellow BFers who are  a lot more technically minded than me) and now we’ve just unleashed the FIRST free comics magazine for mobile devices. The press release is below, but fear not – if you’re like me and have yet to step into the iPad world, you can still grab the PDF from the Broken Frontier site.

On a related note, I recently interviewed writer extraordinaire Jonathan Hickman (The Nightly News, Fantastic Four, Shield) for the mag. It was my first ever phone interview and we talked for almost an hour. It was pretty awesome, I gotta say and he’s a very interesting guy. Well, my article stemming from that interview can now be read  in the digital pages of the brand new, first issue of The Frontiersman. Oh yeah.

Broken Frontier Launches The Frontiersman, the First Mobile Comics Magazine Free magazine debuts on iPad, goes weekly on May 4

Premier comic book news site Broken Frontier (www.brokenfrontier.com) proudly unveils The Frontiersman, the world’s first digital comics magazine for mobile devices. The magazine makes its debut on iPad with The Frontiersman #1, with new issues to be released weekly on Tuesdays as of May 4, 2010.

“We’re thrilled to offer comic fans a new way to experience the richness and diversity of the comics industry,” Broken Frontier’s Editor in Chief Frederik Hautain says. The Frontiersman will act as a digital companion to the main Broken Frontier website, where readers will still find their daily dose of comics news, reviews, blogging, previews and columns.

“BF isn’t going anywhere, on the contrary,” Hautain clarifies. “What we’re doing, is presenting our more in-depth articles and interviews in a format that allows you to enjoy them at your leisure without getting lost amid the boatloads of content that the web throws at you every day.”

The Frontiersman magazine app is available for free via iTunes. While the magazine can be optimally enjoyed on iPad, it can also be downloaded free of charge in PDF on the Broken Frontier website. The Frontiersman is developed in association withNetlash, the web development partner of Broken Frontier.

The first issue features interviews with Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. on Kick-Ass, Paul Gravett on Tove Jansson’s Moominexhibition, and Jonathan Hickman on S.H.I.E.L.D., its history and political relevance. The Frontiersman #1 also dives into the storied history of The Green Hornet and spotlights this week’s top comics.

The Frontiersman, Exploring the Comics Universe. Go mobile and download The Frontiersman #1 right now on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/frontiersman/id368550228?mt=8) or as a PDF at www.brokenfrontier.com.

April 26, 2010
Categories: Interviews, New To Comics?, News, Uncategorized . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Nathan Edmondson and Brett Weldele Interview

Writer Nathan Edmondson (Olympus) and artist Brett Weldele (The Surrogates) have just launched a spectacular mini-series form Image called The Light. It’s a great new concept with suitably creepy and dramatic visuals. You can read my interview with the creative duo at Broken Frontier here.

April 26, 2010
Categories: Interviews, New To Comics?, Uncategorized . Tags: , , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Hotwire TPB and Last Days of American Crime

These are two series from Radical that demand “Must Buy” stamped boldly on their covers. The Hotwire TPB is out on April 28, as is the second print of The Last Days of American Crime #1. Steve Pugh’s Hotwire is an awesome, and visually stunning addition to the realms of great sci-fi, and Last Days does the same for hard edged urban crime tales. Last Days #2 and Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost #3 are also out on April 28, and certainly purchase worthy.

Like City of Dust, I also collected all the individual issues of Hotwire, but having it in a collected form on high quality paper, with a cover gallery and extras means that it can be easily shown off to mates, as well it should.

Below is the official description of the Hotwire TPB and the cover of the 2nd print of Last Days #1.

In the near future, the living and the dead share the same space. Known as “Blue Lights,” the dead are mostly harmless, roaming the streets as mindless drones. But when the Blue Lights start showing up as ghostly weapons of mass destruction, Metro Police has only one person for the job: She’s Alice Hotwire, Detective Exorcist. She’s the best there is at reining in the Blue Light beat…and she’s the only one who can save the city from certain destruction.

Written/ illustrated by Steve Pugh and based on a story by legendary creator Warren Ellis, this four-issue miniseries is collected for the first time as a trade paperback in a special “director’s cut” edition that includes creator notes and early character designs that evolved into the Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead series. This trade paperback edition also contains newly remastered tales from Alice Hotwire’s past, featuring never-before-seen pages written by Warren Ellis (Planetary, Transmetropolitan) and amazing newly painted artwork. Also included is an extensive gallery showcasing the evolution of the character, Alice Hotwire, a spotlight gallery of artwork from celebrated artists Steve Pugh, Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade), Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic (The Immortal Iron Fist) and Garry Leach (Judge Dredd, Marvelman) as well as an in-depth interview with co-creator Steve Pugh.

April 25, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Superman Web Series

Up now at the new and improved Broken Frontier is my interview with film director Steven LaMorte, all about his new 12 part web series focused on Superman. Check out the interview here.

April 23, 2010
Categories: Interviews, Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Young Justice Cartoon

Awesome! The DC toons just keep getting better, and prove that there’s an animated series out there for everyone (thank you Batman: The Brave and the Bold!). Now this Justice League Junior series was teased a while ago, and here we have the first official pic showing the cast. There’s the expected Superboy, Robin, Kid Flash and Miss Martian. Artemis and Aqualad are the characters who are most obviously altered, with Artemis (who in the comics temporarily replaced Wonder Woman) and now seems to be similar to Arrowette or Speedy, as a female archer, and Aqualad who is now African American. The subtle costume changes look great too. There was a Young Justice comic last decade, with most of this cast in its pages and with the dynamics between the sidekicks and plenty of action, this could be one to watch – whenever it appears.

April 22, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Trailer

The trailer for the latest pop culture beat-em-up has just been released. It will be released next year on the PS3 and XBOX 360 and features an assortment of superheroes as well characters from Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Darkstalkers and more.

April 21, 2010
Categories: Games, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New Iron Man 2 Pics

In just over 2 weeks Iron Man 2 hits cinema screens. Oh yeah! Marvel have released some new pics, and you can see the entire gallery right here. Below are a few of the new pics, including Nick Fury, Justin Hammer and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow and of course Robert Downey Jr. doing his thing.

April 21, 2010
Categories: Movies, New To Comics? . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

DC’s July Goodies

So the complete list of items being released from DC Comics in July is now out. As always, there’s a bunch of great stuff on offer. Here’s what caught my eye.

The Death and Return of Superman from the ’90s was what pulled me into the comic shop for the first time, so I’ve always had a soft spot for Cyborg Superman. Here’s his classic look from Batman: Brave and the Bold #19 and his current appearance in Green Lantern Corps #50.

Jeff Lemire, the creator of Sweet Tooth and the awesome Essex County trilogy from Top Shelf, has now hit the big time, as the scribe of Brightest Day: The Atom Special #1.

I just picked up some of Neal Adam’s TPBs showing his groundbreaking art from the ’70s with Batman and Green Lantern/Green Arrow. Now his long awaited 6 ish mini, Batman: Odyssey is almost here, with Adams taking over the writing and pencilling duties.

Detective Comics #867 is by David Hine and Scott McDaniel. That’ll be a good team, and how awesome is that cover by Peter Nguyen?

John Cassady is now doing Superman covers!

Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris farewell Ex Machina with issue 50.

I’m loving Demo. Brian Wood’s and Becky Cloonan’s supernatural, slice of life, self-contained stories are simply the epitome of great sequential art. I’m a new convert to this series, but after loving the current Volume 2 I picked up the TPB of the first series too. Buy this!

April 20, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Atomic Robo #4.2 Review

It’s about time the Atomic Robo writer got some grander opportunities. Of course, everyone and their grandma loves Robo for its refreshing mix of humour and action in a very aware pop culture package. It’s the kind of quirkiness that geeks like me find irresistible. Now, Brian Clevinger is writing an all-ages mini focused on The Infinity Gauntlet saga for Marvel. Nice one.

So, back to Robo. The old robot adventurer is really Red 5’s flagship character, as he should be. Instead of an ongoing series, Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener have wisely chosen to create a series of mini-series, of which this is the fourth, with the subtitle Atomic Robo and the Revenge of the Vampire Dimension. Last month’s first issue had Robo interviewing two candidates for an Action Scientist position, filled with the usual great dialogue such as:

Bernard: What were you doing in a volcano?

Robo: Action geology.

and an attack on Tesladyne Industries’ base by the titular “vampires.” This second issue (set in 1999) is fittingly titled Big in Japan, in which Robo meets Japan’s version of  his team, the Science Team Super Five! It’s not long after the introductions that a few nasties invade Tokyo Bay and the Science Team must go out on their first real mission with all the energy, dramatic posing and primary coloured costume wearing of the Power Rangers parody that they are. Then a rather…crabby former colleague of the Science Team’s leader shows his face and Robo comes to the rescue.

With a subtle Star Wars reference, a Mecha Robo and photocopiers as weapons, this is yet another winner in this series. It’s not as funny as previous entries, but there’s still two more issues to go (and presumably more of the vampires, as they don’t show up here). Wegener’s timing and spot on expressions are chuckle worthy as always. He and Clevinger really are a great duo, with an eye on reliable fun at all times, and show yet again that Robo is a witty and accessible series; the kind of book that both jaded fanboys and comic book newbies need.

April 18, 2010
Categories: New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Iron Man Extremis Motion Comic

First it was Spider-Woman’s turn, then the Astonishing X-Men. Now, it’s the cinematic golden boy Tony Stark who gets the motion comic treatment, and I must say, this could be the best one yet. The trailer is below, as is the official synopsis.

IRON MAN: EXTREMIS Motion Comic On Sale NOW!

Marvel Knights Animation is proud to announce their newest motion comic epic: Iron Man: Extremis, is on-sale now! Now you can experience the groundbreaking motion comic, adapting the critically-acclaimed storyline by superstars Warren Ellis and Adi Granov, on iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network with an extra-sized, nearly 20 minute long debut episode! Tony Stark redefines Iron Man’s mission for the 21st century, setting the Armored Avenger on a new direction that’ll alter his life forever…if he can find a way to defeat an unstoppable force fueled by the powerful bio-engineered Extremis super-soldier serum! Each of the six episodes is only $1.99 for Standard Definition or $2.99 for HD and will be released every two weeks through June.

“Iron Man Extremis is an incredible piece of storytelling by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov. The Extremis motion comic takes their creative brilliance and seamlessly shapes it into a unique new experience within the digital animation realm,” says Ruwan Jayatilleke, lead creative and producer for Marvel motion comics. “Having the opportunity to work on Warren and Adi’s story while extending Marvel’s commitment to this new entertainment space has been hands-down phenomenal!”

The worldwide leader in bringing super heroes to life, Marvel redefined the motion comic medium with their first two releases—Spider-Woman (from Brian Bendis & Alex Maleev) and Astonishing X-Men (from Joss Whedon & John Cassaday). Staying true to their source material, Marvel Motion Comics utilize each story’s original art and scripts while adding seamless motion, dynamic voice acting, and stunning special effects to deliver a whole new way to experience some of the greatest storylines in Marvel Comics’ history.

Don’t miss the first episode of Iron Man: Extremis, on-sale now through iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft Zune and PlayStation®Network! For more information, and a first look at the groundbreaking motion comic, head over to http://www.marvel.com/extremis

Please note that Iron Man: Extremis is intended for mature audiences only.

April 18, 2010
Categories: Cartoons, Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Megan Gale on Justice League Film

Thankfully, the George Miller-helmed JLA film to be filmed here in Australia is no more. Casting a bunch of unknown twenty somethings perhaps looked good on paper, but the chosen models and former TV stars didn’t display the kind of power that DC’s oldest superheroes demanded for their first big screen adventure. Plus, wouldn’t Warner Bros. ideally want an American behind the lens? I mean, with the news that Buffy and Serenity creator Joss Whedon is polishing Captain America’s screenplay, and directing The Avengers film, instead of Frenchman Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, Clash of the Titans) it makes sense that America gets somewhat patriotic and protective of their superhero teams.

Well, model/actress Megan Gale (now appearing in Aussie film I Love You Too) talks about her brief experience in the Wonder Woman role from a couple of years ago, in Perth’s The Sunday Times mag, STE. This is what she had to say:

“I was cast in a George Miller film to play Wonder Woman and that was potentially going to be a great stepping stone. Playing an iconic character in a Warner Bros. film with George Miller directing, you go maybe not straight to the top of the class, but a fair way up. And then when the project got shelved it was like, ahem, back to the bottom rung.”

When asked on any updates on the JLA film, Gale said, “It’s hibernating at the moment. There were so many reasons that film didn’t get made, but who knows, it may come to life again.” I usually don’t put film news on this blog, as there are so many other sites that do, but I figured this little tidbit in a weekend magazine in the world’s most isolated city may go unnoticed, so there.

April 18, 2010
Categories: Movies, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

The Calling: Cthulhu Chronicles Begins

One of BOOM! Studios earliest concepts gets a new ongoing in July. The nonsensical teaser image below was released this week, but now seems to make a tad more sense. I love the simple design, but I can’t be the only one who doesn’t get what the text (assumedly an acronym?) means. I’m sure BOOM! will reveal more though.

And now here’s the official skinny from BOOM! about their new horror title.

At C2E2 today, BOOM! Studios announced a brand new ongoing horror series, THE CALLING: CTHULHU CHRONICLES, debuting this July from writers Michael Alan Nelson (FALL OF CTHULHU, 28 DAYS LATER) and Johanna Stokes (DEATH VALLEY, SAVAGE BROTHERS.) An all-new ongoing Lovecraft-inspired supernatural horror series with a decidedly modern spin, THE CALLING: CTHULHU CHRONICLES marks the return to the Cthulhu mythos that BOOM! built its reputation on with bestselling titles like FALL OF CTHULHU and CTHULHU TALES.

“If you are a fan of Lovecraft, if you worship Cthulhu, if you love horror, don’t miss this book,” said BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. “This is BOOM! at its best, returning to our horror roots with a great new title that is guaranteed to creep you out… and drive you mad!”

Joining Nelson and Stokes, THE CALLING: CTHULHU CHRONICLES features covers by 2010 Eisner Award-nominee and CRIMINAL Co-Conspirator Sean Phillips along with hot newcomer Federico Piatti, and rising star Christopher Possenti on interior art.

In THE CALLING: CTHULHU CHRONICLES a cruise ship comes to port with hundreds aboard dead. But why? Clayton Diggs is a pharmaceuticals salesman who discovers his sister has committed herself to an insane asylum. She’s checked herself in, fearing she’ll hurt herself or someone else. And she’s afraid that something is out there… All across the world, moves are made, hands are being dealt, and momentum is shifting, while ordinary people in an ordinary world find themselves drawn by fate to see darkness and despair unlike anything they ever could imagine. Meanwhile, a cult sets their plan in motion, believing that there is a great one sleeping that will hear THE CALLING.

BOOM! Studios’ THE CALLING: CTHULHU CHRONICLES, a new ongoing horror series, debuts this July.

April 18, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Bluewater’s Jesus Comic Preview

Out this month is a one-shot from Bluewater focused on Jesus. There’s a few random preview pages below. The art’s better than I anticipated and the visual interpretation of Satan as a He-Man villain is interesting, but the approach at light humour, I’m unsure of.

THE FAITH SERIES: Jesus CHRIST
Author(s): Don Smith
Artist(s) Jacob Bear
Cover Artist(s): cover by Mike S. Miller
Bluewater Productions has pioneered and popularized the “bio-comic” genre with its series “Female Force” and “Political Power.” Now Bluewater will make history again as it tackles the life of, arguably the most famous person in history, Jesus Christ.  The book  highlights different aspects of the life of Christ to show that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a great man in history, but proof of a providential force at work in the universe.


April 17, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 1988

I just discovered this awesome April Fool’s Day joke revealing great film heroes from the decade that produced the best of them. B.A. Baracus, MacGyver and Back to the Future’s Doc Emmett Brown teaming up to fight a vampire Tony Montana from Scarface? If only this were true. See the full solicitation info right here.

April 15, 2010
Categories: Comic Art, News . Tags: , . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

« Previous Page — Previous page Next page — Next Page »