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Dark Horse Unveils New Projects

Press release below regarding some intriguing new titles coming from Dark Horse this year.

DARK HORSE UNVEILS THE NEXT WAVE OF COMICS, GRAPHIC NOVELS, MANGA, AND MORE AT THE 2009 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

Dark Horse is proud to again deliver a loaded catalog of new projects that exemplify the evolution of the comics medium. Here are just a few of the highlights from this year’s Comic-Con International:

365 Samurai and a Few Bowls of Rice—Swiss artist J. P. Kalonji’s graphic novel comes to America. A young swordfighter must kill 365 samurai on a quest to avenge his master—in a fun, humorous, cartoony style.

Age of Reptiles—Film designer Ricardo Delgado returns with the third installment of his epic (silent) dinosaur comics series. Carnivores hunt herbivores on a migration south.

Aliens vs. Predator: Three World War—The 2009 relaunch of the Aliens and Predator series comes together with a creative team of John Arcudi and Rick Leonardi.

Archie Archives—The classic Archie comic books get the deluxe treatment in a series of hardcovers as the newest editions to the Dark Horse Archives series.

Blacksad—Collecting all three of the international award-winning European volumes, the third of which has not been published in English before. This crime noir about a cat detective, PI John Blacksad, is a phenomenal anthropomorphic story with fully painted artwork. By Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido.

Casper Anniversary Special—A 64-page hardcover celebrating Casper’s sixtieth anniversary and featuring his first appearance in comics.

Conan: The Weight of the Crown—Darick Robertson writes and draws our first Conan one-shot since the Conan the Cimmerian relaunch. This comic is part of Dark Horse’s all-new One-Shot Wonders program.

Dark Horse GelaSkins (see above and below and here for more)—Decorative coverings for phones and laptops featuring some of Dark Horse’s most popular properties, including The Umbrella Academy, Yoshitaka Amano, Tim Burton, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, and many more. A select few will be available at the Dark Horse booth during the convention as supplies last. The whole program is set to launch in September 2009.

Devil—Devil is an original Japanese manga being created for Dark Horse by Torajiro Kishi and animation powerhouse Madhouse Studios, featuring genetically designed vampires in a sci-fi police drama set in Tokyo.

Electropolis—Electropolis: The Infernal Machine is the perfect companion to Mister X: Condemned. Visionary artist Dean Motter revisits his unique brand of “antique futurism” in a story full of familiar faces, including a memorable cameo by Mister X himself.

Final Fantasy Boxed Set—A luxurious edition that stays true to the original Japanese collection of the complete Final Fantasy artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.

Furry Water and Mesmo Delivery—Eisner winner Rafael Grampá comes to Dark Horse with two books: Mesmo Delivery, a reprint of his psychedelic small-press debut; and Furry Water, cowritten with Daniel Pellizzari, a six-issue postapocalyptic action comic.

One-Shot Wonders—A new program running from October to December, highlighting some of Dark Horse’s biggest characters and properties in standalone comics retailing at $3.50 each. The program includes “Sugarshock,” Conan, Hellboy, Abe Sapien, Star Wars (two titles), “Dr. Horrible,” and The Goon.

The Art of Blade of the Immortal—Hardcover edition of the original Japanese book with 32 new bonus pages not previously available. This book will be in the style of the Dark Horse The Art of . . . and Library Edition series.

July 24, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Dark Horse . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Mass Effect Comic

Mass Effect was a pretty good sci-fi game for the XBOX 360. Now fans can celebrate, as both a sequel and a comic is in the works. Press release below.

EA AND DARK HORSE COMICS BLAST OFF WITH MASS EFFECT COMIC SERIES

Sci-Fi Comic Prequel Bridges Heroic conclusion of Mass Effect and Mysterious Beginning of Mass Effect 2

BioWare™, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Dark Horse Comics today announced a new comic book series based on Mass Effect™, the blockbuster sci-fi action videogame that IGN.com rated the #1 Xbox 360™ game of all time. In Mass Effect: Redemption, the story takes readers through the treacherous events leading up to Mass Effect 2 which opens with galactic hero Commander Shepard having mysteriously gone missing and left to fight for survival. What unfolds next will expose readers to new locations, aliens and extended storyline in the Mass Effect universe. Mass Effect: Redemption is scheduled to launch in January 6, 2010.

masseffect2_screenshot

The Mass Effect: Redemption story is written by Lead Writer Mac Walters at BioWare. Walters is the script writer behind Mass Effect 2. He brings unique insight to the Mass Effect comic and nuance of the world within. The comic is scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy). This first four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science fiction landscape.

Mac Walters and Omar Francia will be autographing a Comic-con exclusive Mass Effect signing card at the Dark Horse booth (#2615) on July 24th at 4:00pm – 5:00pm at Comic-Con International 2009 in San Diego, CA.

“Fans of Mass Effect are going to be pleasantly shocked by the events in these comics,” says Mac Walters. “We worked very closely with Dark Horse to make sure this story was built in to the Mass Effect 2 arc, right from the ground up. Reading the series won’t just add to your experience of the universe, it will change the way you look at Mass Effect 2… and beyond.”

“Those familiar with Mass Effect are aware that it offers one of the deepest and most compelling universes in the history of space adventure,” says Dark Horse President and Publisher Mike Richardson. “We have a long history of successfully adapting properties such as Aliens, Star Wars, and Serenity into comics, and we feel that Mass Effect has tremendous potential with regard to graphic storytelling.”

The narrative in Mass Effect: Redemption picks up just as Commander Shepard disappears and is left without the support of the crew on the Normandy in the lawless Terminus Systems. Shepard must fight for survival, and will be assisted by close companion, Dr. Liara T’Soni, to come home alive. This story is sure to be a must-read for fans looking to fill the gap between the first and second game.

Mass Effect: Redemption issue 1 hits comic shop shelves in January 6, 2010.

Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 and PC in early 2010. Follow us on Twitter or for more information about BioWare please visit their official site.

July 21, 2009
Categories: Games, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Dark Horse . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Star Wars: Invasion #1 Review

Now I’ve probably read less than forty novels in my life, but my younger brother is a huge Star Wars fan and for the last few years has made a point to read every SW novel he can get his hands on. I too share his enthusiasm for George Lucas’ greatest work, but haven’t delved as deeply in to the Expanded Universe that broadens the scope of events seen in the films. I have read a few of the novels which centre on the vile Yuzzhan Vong however and have loved them. This alien race which despises technology and is immune to the ways of the Force is one of the best creations in the Star Wars world. It’s not easy to create credible enemies for the powerful Jedi, but as I read of the Vong I was instantly scared and sickened. I always thought they’d make an awesome enemy in a film, game or comic adaptation. And here we are. Dark Horse knows how to handle licensed properties like no-one else. They’ve taken Star Wars in to bold new places and this latest mini-series looks to continue that tradition. As editor Randy Stradley mentions in the afteword, now is the time for this comic.

Written by fellow Aussie, and playwright Tom Taylor Invasion is a five issue mini that follows the Yuuzhan Vong as they focus their horrific marauding ways upon the peaceful Artorian people. Obviously, the Artorians have no idea what’s in store for them, and no real defence when the attack comes. Most are carried away as terrified captives by the brutal scaly creatures, while the king (a veteran of the Battle of Hoth, as seen in The Empire Strikes Back) and his risk-taking son Finn do their best to save their planet. The focus on this 40 pager is not the Vong. In fact they hardly appear, but when they do they look as horrific as I imagined when reading the books.

This series is set 25 years after the first Star Wars film amid the New Jedi Order era, in which an older Luke Skywalker is gathering fresh Jedi recruits. He appears here and reminds all that he is one bad dude when he wants to be. So far it doesn’t appear to tie in to any of the Vong novels so I’m curious as to where Taylor and artist Colin Wilson (2000 AD) take this. The desperation is laid on thick with the quick battle on Artoria and Skywalker shows interest in training Finn as a Jedi, which is something that holds promise.

Wilson’s art is detailed, with a flair for costume design and page design, particularly in the numerous fights. There have been so many alien races and planets seen in SW over the decades, but Wilson does an admirable job in the few pages he’s given to flesh out the people of Artoria with a Middle Eastern flavour. Wes Dzioba’s colours add a great richness and depth to Wilson’s pencils, making the pages pop with variety.

It’s an intriguing set up and I hope to see more of the Vong’s harsh religion and culture in the following issues, as that’s one of the things that make them so unique. With the novels, there’s some great source material to mine from. I look forward to this being a dark and ominous series, and hopefully the rest of the Skywalker clan will show up at some point.

You can see a preview of this ish here. There’s also an original 16 page preview on starwars.com by the same creative team set before this first issue.

July 6, 2009
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics?, Reviews . Tags: Colin Wilson, Dark Horse, Star Wars, Tom Taylor . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: 1 Comment

Work at Dark Horse

Dark Horse Logo How’s this for an awesome employment opportunity? Recently unemployed fanboys and girls may want to check this out. Dark Horse are currently searching for a Comic Retail Manager. June 12 is the cut off and the job role includes the following.

Primary Responsibilities
* Develop and implement strategic plans to increase sales of frontline releases through promotions and marketing programs.
* Develop and implement comprehensive backlist programs to control catalog inventory, while maintaining market equilibrium with respect to product value.
* Maintain regular and ongoing communication with the direct market retail community and distribution partners.
* Maintain positive customer service for the direct market retail community by responding to questions, inquires, and requests in a timely and supportive manner.

For the full lowdown visit Dark Horse’s official site.

June 3, 2009
Categories: News . Tags: Dark Horse . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Comic Con-Test

Budding film-makers and fanboys or girl, sit up and pay attention! If you want to be a special correspondent at Comic-Con that is. Press release from Dark Horse below.

Beginning today, G4 and Dark Horse Comics are kicking off a search for the ultimate Comic-Con fan who will receive the opportunity of a lifetime — the chance to appear in G4’s special coverage of the year’s most buzzed about convention. One lucky winner will be selected as a “Special Correspondent” to G4 and join “Attack of the Show” hosts Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira, as well as Comic Book Expert Blair Butler on the show floor. Dark Horse, one of the largest comic book publishers, with titles like Hellboy, Star Wars, Umbrella Academy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Alien will also welcome the winner as their “official guest,” granting access to their special events and more. To enter, fans are encouraged to create a video that demonstrates their pop culture knowledge and on-camera abilities, and submit to the official website. The “Con-Test” kicks off Friday, May 15, 2009, and closes at 11:59PM on June 22, 2009.

Once again, G4 will present special coverage of Comic-Con 2009 direct from the show floor. Last year’s attendance broke all records, topping 160,000 people and solidifying Comic-Con as the one of the biggest pop culture conventions in the world. G4 and Dark Horse Comics will bring one lucky fan to the heart of it all and put them in the spotlight at this massive event devoted to comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, movies, video games, TV and more. G4’s Kevin Pereira and Blair Butler will announce the winner live on “Attack of the Show” on June 29.

“Comic Con International has become the ultimate pop culture gathering for fans of almost any medium,” said Dark Horse President, Mike Richardson. “What better way to reward our fans than with a chance to appear on the ultimate pop culture television show with our creators and top talent. The winner of this contest is sure to have the time of their life!”

“G4 viewers are huge fans of Dark Horse Comics and Comic-Con is the perfect opportunity for us to team up,” said Neal Tiles, President, G4. “Comic-con is a major event for our audience and we are excited to reward the hard and true comic book fans with a chance to experience the phenomenon in person.”

Contest details:
*Fans must submit a video that demonstrates their knowledge and love of pop culture.
* Submission dates: May 15, 2009 – June 22, 2009.
* Winner will receive airfare and accommodations for themselves and 1 guest to Comic Con ’09
Winner will have an opportunity to act as “Special Correspondent” for G4 and appear on air.
* Winner and guest will each receive a Dark Horse grab bag valued at $600.
* Winner and guest will be given special access to all Dark Horse related events and signings.

Contestants will be judged on overall knowledge of all things pop culture, creativity and on-screen charisma demonstrated in their videos. G4 and Dark Horse Comics want to find the ultimate pop culture fanatic and stand-out personality who deserves this special Comic-Con opportunity. Videos must be at least 30 seconds in length and no longer than 10 minutes.

Go here for official contest rules and to submit videos.

May 16, 2009
Categories: New To Comics?, News . Tags: Comic-Con, Dark Horse, G4 . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Dark Horse’s Christmas Gifts

Those lovely people at Dark Horse have put together a list for easy shopping for their products for friends, families, neighbours and pets. They’ve even included pictures, product info and prices (in $US). Isn’t that generous of them? There are 6 broad categories, including their most popular licences such as Buffy and Star Wars and perhaps less well-known properties, such as Umbrella Academy and Domo. Go here for the full list. What’s below are what leapt out at me when I cast my peepers on their selections. It’s always a good idea to give something comics related to a newbie on your gift recipient list, and there really is something at your local comics shop for everyone.

November 30, 2008
Categories: Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Creepy, Dark Horse, Hellboy, Tara McPherson . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Making of Solomon Kane #1

Comic books are a lot like onions – they make you cry. No, I mean, they have many layers. Yeah, that’s it. Now at Dark Horse’s official site, you can peel back those layers and have a brief look at what it takes to make a comic, specifically Solomon Kane #1. The 32 page comic goes on sale on September 24 and is written by Scott Allie, with pencils by Mario Guevara. Covers are provided by Joe Kubert and John Cassady (who also does the Lone Ranger covers) This unique feature showcases the first 6 pages of the ish, in its various stages, namely the script, pencils, colouring and lettering. All comics are a team effort and this is a rare example to peak behind the curtain and see what each creator brings to the finished product. Go here for a look at the mad puritan Solomon Kane, the other creation from Conan creator, Robert E. Howard. This new series begins with a 5 part adaptation of one of Howard’s novels, “The Castle of the Devil.”

September 11, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: Dark Horse, Solomon Kane #1 . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed TPB Review

With all the hype that the game has been getting, which from what I’ve seen so far, it certainly deserves, this comic tie-in has slipped under the Star Wars radar. Of course, it was always going to be an uphill battle, with the frenzy surrounding the upcoming LucasArts release, so it’s no surprise that this OGN (original graphic novel) appears to be the forgotten sibling in the game’s shadow. After reading this book I’ve come to realise that it can’t compete with the awesomeness of flinging around stormtroopers and frying everyone with lightning from your hands, but sadly, it can’t compete with a lot of the other comics out there either. It certainly doesn’t help that I couldn’t even find it on the official SW site, and that both Dark Horse and Amazon list the book as 104 pages, while it actually goes up to 126. That’s enough to make any SW loyalist about as confused as Jar Jar at poker.

Those with a bad taste in their mouth after the Clone Wars film may very well find relief in this darker tale though, and newbies need not be perplexed, as there is a short explanation as to where this adventure is set in continuity (2 years before Episode IV-A New Hope).
The tale concerns Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, Starkiller (named after Luke Skywalker’s initial name, before George Lucas rejected it), his pilot Juno Eclipse and personal droid Proxy, who is effectively the narrator of this once-hidden tale. There are some cameos to be seen here as Starkiller flits around the galaxy dispatching goodie and baddie alike with skill and abandon (and a lightsaber of course), but they will probably only be familiar to followers of the expanded universe, rather than the films. For such an important note in SW history, Starkiller’s story appears rushed. It deserves more than this. More expansion, more explanation of the main character’s judgements, more of everything. His turning from evil to not so evil, and almost a rallying cry for the birth of the Rebellion seems a hasty one. In fact, the whole TPB just seems haphazard, with mere snippets of Starkiller’s life, rather than a complete biography. I’m sure Haden Blackman, the writer of both this book and the game, had some restrictions placed on him by Mr. Lucas, due in part to the earlier release of this compared to the game. Hopefully more will be revealed when we get to pick up the controller for ourselves next week, and there is enough to mine here for future novels and mini-series. As it stands The Force Unleashed TPB comes across as an unsatisfying part of a larger picture. The art by Brian Ching. Bong Dazo and Wayne Nichols is serviceable and in line with the look of Dark Horse’s other Star Wars series, but it’s not enough to save it. However it did make me want to play the game even more, and that’s probably this book’s greatest audience- eager gamers. If that is its primary function; to serve as a companion piece, rather than a stand alone story, then its done the job. Anything Star Wars related has a lot to live up to, however and fans can be an unforgiving bunch. If you don’t want to be one of them, then leave this alone, and save your money for September 16-19 (depending on where you live), when the console game is launched and we can all breath a sigh of relief as the Star Wars franchise enthralls us once more. Hopefully.

Go here for a preview.

September 9, 2008
Categories: Comics, Reviews . Tags: Dark Horse, Darth Vader, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Starkiller . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Pretty Pics

Because the inter-web is chock full of pop culture pearls, here’s a look at a this week’s pictures. First up is the cover of Gigantic #1 from Dark Horse, who have this to say about the November launching 5 issue mini-series: It was a beautiful spring day in downtown San Francisco before a gigantic armored alien appeared from out of nowhere and began smashing things all to hell! Who is this invader? Why is he being attacked by strange alien beings? And why is he so GIGANTIC? A twist on The Truman Show, Gigantic focuses on a brainwashed, alien superhero deposited on Earth to be the spotlight of an intrusive, around-the-clock television program being filmed without his knowledge.

Critically acclaimed writer Rick Remender (Fear Agent, The End League) teams up with groundbreaking artist Eric Nguyen (X-Men, Sandman) in the merging of big, visually exciting art with a story examining America’s consumer-based culture.

Sci-fi thrills and superhero action from the one and only Rick Remender!

This is the cover to the third part of the awesome Braniac storyline currently running in Action Comics, by the always reliable Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. #868 is out tomorrow.

The last two are covers from Marvel, namely this week’s Captain Britain & MI 13 #4, and the second printing variant cover of Hulk #5, featuring the Thortastic art of Ed McGuiness.

August 12, 2008
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: Dark Horse, DC, Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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