Bethesda, Maryland; September18, 2008 – Small Press Expo (SPX) 2008 announces its slate of panels, creator Q&As and Spotlight sessions for SPX 2008. This year we feature Joost Swarte, Ben Katchor and Richard Thompson in one on one interview’s along with a diverse series of panels on all aspects of comics.
SPX will be held on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, across form the White Flint Metro stop. Admission is $8 per day and $15 for both days.
For more information on SPX and the Ignatz Awards, please visit our web site at www.spxpo.com.
Below are the discussion panels for SPX 2008. See our web site above for times and locations of the panels.
Q+A and Spotlights
Joost Swarte Q+A
Joost Swarte has produced comics, illustrations, graphics and architectural designs that have made him a legend in his native Netherlands. His clear line-influenced avant-garde comics were introduced to American audiences in RAW and his illustrations have graced the covers and pages of The New Yorker. Cartoonist, teacher and editor Paul Karasik will moderate a special spotlight session with the artist.
Ben Katchor Spotlight
Ben Katchor has long chronicled the pleasures of urban decay and small-scale ambition in comic strips including Julius Knipl: Real Estate Photographer, Hotel and Farm, and The Cardboard Valise. He is also the author of the graphic novel The Jew of New York and has collaborated on theatrical productions with musicians Bang on a Can and Mark Mulcahy. Today he will present full-color strips from his monthly series in Metropolis Magazine and answer questions moderated by comics scholar Mike Wenthe.
Bryan Lee O’Malley Q+A
Bryan Lee O’Malley has gained an enormous audience as the author of the multi-volume “Scott Pilgrim” series, combining manga-influenced artwork with contemporary pop culture motifs to spin a bubblegum saga of youth’s modern pursuit of romance and rock. Comics critic Joe “Jog” McCulloch will lead the discussion.
James Kochalka in Conversation
Alt-comics perennial James Kochalka will reflect on his career to date in a wide-ranging conversation with Heidi MacDonald, covering his whimsically semi-autobiographical Magic Boy character, his online autobiographical comic strip American Elf, children’s comics, and, of course, Super F*ckers.
Richard Thompson Spotlight
Richard Thompson is an illustrator whose work has appeared in The New Yorker and The Atlantic Monthly and a cartoonist whose weekly strip Richard’s Poor Almanac appears in the Washington Post and whose daily strip Cul de Sac is syndicated nationally. In this special spotlight presentation Richard will discuss his work and career with comics scholar Mike Rhode.
PANELS/PRESENTATIONS
CCS Workshop
Join faculty members Robyn Chapman and Alec Longstreth join CCS graduate Joseph Lambert for a presentation on The Center for Cartoon Studies' unique curriculum and a hands-on cartoon workshop. Robyn will present some of CCS's most successful classroom exercises, including a comic book revision of the classic fable, Tortoise and the Hare. Audience members will be invited to join in a cartooning exercise and make their own page of comics. No matter how much or little experience you have, you will leave this workshop having drawn a comics page!
Critics’ Roundtable
A panel of comics critics will consider crucial topics facing the art form and industry in a special roundtable session. Panelists will include Rob Clough, Gary Groth, Tim Hodler and Joe “Jog” McCulloch in a session moderated by Bill Kartalopoulos.
Cartooning in Collaboration/Collaboration in Cartooning
Co-moderators and mini-comics collaborators Isaac Cates and Mike Wenthe will lead this unique panel discussion on the challenges, problems, and pleasures of collaborative comics making. Panelists Becky Cloonan, Mike Dawson, Jim Ottaviani, Frank Santoro and Dash Shaw will discuss their varying experiences with the collaborative process.
The Page as Canvas
Alongside the word balloon, the formal device most closely associated with comics is the panel grid itself, the framework that provides structure and sequence to most comics pages. What happens when artists break the grid and use the page more broadly as a narrative canvas? What problems and opportunities does this approach present? Moderator Austin English will explore this topic with panelists Molly O’Connell, Juliacks, Jillian Tamaki, and Lauren Weinstein.
Background, Setting and Subject
Sometimes considered a separate element – and even a separate craft – in commercial comics, the rendering of background or setting is often itself a major subject in auteurial comics. Moderator Rob Clough will delve into this topic with panelists Kevin Huizenga, Jason Lutes and Ben Katchor.
Hergé and the Clear Line
In 1977 Joost Swarte coined the term “clear line” to describe the style employed by Tintin creator Hergé. Since then Swarte has been one of several artists to employ elements of that style to vastly different ends. Moderator Bill Kartalopoulos will narrate a slideshow presentation about the clear line style, followed by commentary and discussion by Jason Lutes, Swarte, and Kim Thompson.
The Kramers Ergot 7 Panel
One of the most hotly anticipated (and occasionally controversial) comics projects in recent years is Kramers Ergot 7, the forthcoming installment of the landmark contemporary comics anthology series, which offers contributing cartoonists the opportunity to produce new work at Little Nemo-scale in a deluxe full-color hardcover format. Moderator Bill Kartalopoulos will discuss the project with publisher Alvin Buenaventura and contributing artists including CF, Kevin Huizenga, Ben Katchor and Matthew Thurber.
Kim Thompson: Vingt Sur 20
Fantagraphics co-publisher Kim Thomspon presents "Vingt sur 20: French Comics from Goscinny to Satrapi," a slideshow lecture on the twenty men and women who, over a generation, redrew la bande dessinée française from a children's medium into le neuvième art.
Children’s and YA Comic Books
Comics were long considered a children’s medium before ambitious cartoonists began making comics for an adult audience. More recently, good work for children had nearly become an endangered species before a contemporary resurgence in comics for younger audiences. Panelists Frank Cammuso, Hope Larson, Dave Roman and Raina Telgemeier will discuss issues related to making comics for children and young adults.
Small Press Publishers’ Roundtable
A group of small press comics publishers discuss the opportunities and challenges of publishing comics and reaching audiences today. Moderator Rob Clough will lead a discussion with publishers including Leon Avalino (Secret Acres), Alvin Buenaventura (Buenaventura Press), Randy Cheng (Bodega), and Dylan Williams (Sparkplug).
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Release date for Sam & Max Wii set for October 7 in North American retail stores
GameStop offers preorder deal to celebrate console debut of "gaming's first sitcom"
SAN RAFAEL, September 17, 2008 – Telltale and The Adventure Company are announcing that the highly-anticipated Sam & Max Season One for Wii™ will be in retail stores across North America starting October 7. Thanks to this console debut, for the first time Telltale's award-winning comedy series can be enjoyed in the comfort of the living room, bringing you closer than ever to the experience of playing your favorite television show.
The Sam & Max series is structured like a TV series, with self-contained episodes that tie into a larger overarching storyline as the season progresses. The Wii version collects the first six-episode "season" of Sam & Max games on one retail disc. In Season One, straight-laced canine detective Sam and his psychotic "rabbity-thing" sidekick Max are on the hunt for the mastermind behind a baffling hypnosis conspiracy. Players get to interrogate suspects (with amusing results), uncover clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately piece together the underlying mystery that links the episodes.
The story-focused gameplay and simple "point and click" interface have a low learning curve, and a new tutorial ensures that even players new to the Sam & Max experience will be up to speed in minutes. Sam & Max Season One for Wii also has a few technical improvements over the PC original, including widescreen support.
To welcome the arrival of the first Sam & Max console game, GameStop (NYSE: GME) is offering a special preorder deal. Customers who reserve the game in stores or through GameStop.com before the October 7 release will receive a CD containing Sam & Max bonus content, including a behind-the-scenes "making of" featurette, trailers, concept art, a soundtrack sampler, and desktop wallpapers. More details can be found here: http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72515
Sam & Max Season One for Wii will retail in North America for $29.99 (USD). Release information for Europe and other territories will be announced soon. A trailer, screenshots, and additional game details can be found at the official website: http://www.samandmaxgame.com/wii
About Sam & Max
Sam is a six-foot dog in a baggy suit sporting a trombone-sized .44 hand-cannon. Max is a three foot "rabbity thing" with a saw blade grin and the impulsive nature of the average piranha. Together they patrol the sticky streets of a fantastical New York City, righting wrongs, pummeling perps, and ridding the urban landscape of the shifty legions of "self-propelled gutter trash" that litter their streets. Sam & Max have appeared in comics, video games, an animated TV series recently reissued on DVD, and an Eisner award-winning webcomic.
About Telltale, Inc.
Telltale is pioneering new forms of interactive entertainment, building upon strong foundations in both traditional and new media. Founded in 2004 by industry veterans with decades of experience, the company has quickly become the leading online episodic gaming publisher and developer, delivering award-winning interactive experiences that emphasize engaging stories, strong characters, and rich worlds. Telltale is establishing a regular, ongoing schedule of online episodic series, across all major gaming and entertainment platforms and channels.
Telltale's games include Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, the first episodic series for WiiWare™ based on the Homestarrunner.com web cartoons, and a new Wallace & Gromit game series. Telltale has also created games based on television's popular CSI program, in partnership with Ubisoft, and on Jeff Smith's epic Bone graphic novels.
About DreamCatcher Inc.
DreamCatcher Inc. is a leading worldwide publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software. DreamCatcher Interactive is owned by JoWooD Productions, an Austrian based video game publisher traded on the Vienna stock exchange. Established in 1996, the company markets its products under two popular labels: DreamCatcher Games, featuring the critically-acclaimed, bestselling game Painkiller; and The Adventure Company, the number one brand for PC adventure game sales worldwide including award winning titles such as Syberia and Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None.
DreamCatcher products include titles for Windows® as well as leading hardware platforms – the Xbox 360™, PlayStation® 3, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™. DreamCatcher is located in Toronto, Canada. Visit www.dreamcatchergames.com for more information.
GameStop offers preorder deal to celebrate console debut of "gaming's first sitcom"
SAN RAFAEL, September 17, 2008 – Telltale and The Adventure Company are announcing that the highly-anticipated Sam & Max Season One for Wii™ will be in retail stores across North America starting October 7. Thanks to this console debut, for the first time Telltale's award-winning comedy series can be enjoyed in the comfort of the living room, bringing you closer than ever to the experience of playing your favorite television show.
The Sam & Max series is structured like a TV series, with self-contained episodes that tie into a larger overarching storyline as the season progresses. The Wii version collects the first six-episode "season" of Sam & Max games on one retail disc. In Season One, straight-laced canine detective Sam and his psychotic "rabbity-thing" sidekick Max are on the hunt for the mastermind behind a baffling hypnosis conspiracy. Players get to interrogate suspects (with amusing results), uncover clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately piece together the underlying mystery that links the episodes.
The story-focused gameplay and simple "point and click" interface have a low learning curve, and a new tutorial ensures that even players new to the Sam & Max experience will be up to speed in minutes. Sam & Max Season One for Wii also has a few technical improvements over the PC original, including widescreen support.
To welcome the arrival of the first Sam & Max console game, GameStop (NYSE: GME) is offering a special preorder deal. Customers who reserve the game in stores or through GameStop.com before the October 7 release will receive a CD containing Sam & Max bonus content, including a behind-the-scenes "making of" featurette, trailers, concept art, a soundtrack sampler, and desktop wallpapers. More details can be found here: http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=72515
Sam & Max Season One for Wii will retail in North America for $29.99 (USD). Release information for Europe and other territories will be announced soon. A trailer, screenshots, and additional game details can be found at the official website: http://www.samandmaxgame.com/wii
About Sam & Max
Sam is a six-foot dog in a baggy suit sporting a trombone-sized .44 hand-cannon. Max is a three foot "rabbity thing" with a saw blade grin and the impulsive nature of the average piranha. Together they patrol the sticky streets of a fantastical New York City, righting wrongs, pummeling perps, and ridding the urban landscape of the shifty legions of "self-propelled gutter trash" that litter their streets. Sam & Max have appeared in comics, video games, an animated TV series recently reissued on DVD, and an Eisner award-winning webcomic.
About Telltale, Inc.
Telltale is pioneering new forms of interactive entertainment, building upon strong foundations in both traditional and new media. Founded in 2004 by industry veterans with decades of experience, the company has quickly become the leading online episodic gaming publisher and developer, delivering award-winning interactive experiences that emphasize engaging stories, strong characters, and rich worlds. Telltale is establishing a regular, ongoing schedule of online episodic series, across all major gaming and entertainment platforms and channels.
Telltale's games include Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, the first episodic series for WiiWare™ based on the Homestarrunner.com web cartoons, and a new Wallace & Gromit game series. Telltale has also created games based on television's popular CSI program, in partnership with Ubisoft, and on Jeff Smith's epic Bone graphic novels.
About DreamCatcher Inc.
DreamCatcher Inc. is a leading worldwide publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software. DreamCatcher Interactive is owned by JoWooD Productions, an Austrian based video game publisher traded on the Vienna stock exchange. Established in 1996, the company markets its products under two popular labels: DreamCatcher Games, featuring the critically-acclaimed, bestselling game Painkiller; and The Adventure Company, the number one brand for PC adventure game sales worldwide including award winning titles such as Syberia and Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None.
DreamCatcher products include titles for Windows® as well as leading hardware platforms – the Xbox 360™, PlayStation® 3, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™. DreamCatcher is located in Toronto, Canada. Visit www.dreamcatchergames.com for more information.
'ODD SQUAD' WRITER TO SIGN AT GOLDEN APPLE FRIDAY
L.A. store to host release party for Devil's Due's 'The Odd Squad' #1 with writer Todd Livingston
Los Angeles, CA. (September 17, 2008) – Devil's Due Publishing and Golden Apple Comics are proud to announce a release party for the new DDP series THE ODD SQUAD this Friday, September 19, at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles. The event will feature a signing by the series' writer Todd Livingston (America Jr., Chopper Zombie), as well as specialty drinks provided by Transphusion Energy.
Written by Livingston and Nick Capetanakis with artists Brendon & Brian Fraim (Knights of the Dinner Table: Illustrated), THE ODD SQUAD is a new miniseries from Devil's Due, Accidental Studios, and Invisible Hand Studios (Urban Monsters, Serpo) produced by Vin di Bona (America's Funniest Home Videos).
"THE ODD SQUAD is a story Nick Capetanakis and I conceived while still performing live comedy together," said Livingston. "We wanted to mix Ghostbusters, Get Smart and The A-Team together, and when Invisible Hand approached us about doing a comic with them, it seemed like the perfect time!"
The miniseries follows Charlotte Springs, a little-known researcher who gets drafted to become the new head of the United States Office of Dimensional Defense (ODD). Her first task is to save the son of the President, and in order to do so she will have to make the most of a recruitment pool consisting of her airheaded little sister, a flaky psychic, and a nerdy grad student.
"THE ODD SQUAD is a comedy first," explained Livingston, "and we've created characters who at first appear to be stereotypes, but quickly reveal themselves to be really eccentric."
Issue #2, out in October, will feature a cover by comic book star Michael Avon Oeming.
The launch party will kick off at 7:00 p.m. Golden Apple Comics is located at 7708 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA.
About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios and production arms including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, Rogue Pictures, DiVide Pictures and Kevin Spacey's Triggerstreet Productions. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
L.A. store to host release party for Devil's Due's 'The Odd Squad' #1 with writer Todd Livingston
Los Angeles, CA. (September 17, 2008) – Devil's Due Publishing and Golden Apple Comics are proud to announce a release party for the new DDP series THE ODD SQUAD this Friday, September 19, at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles. The event will feature a signing by the series' writer Todd Livingston (America Jr., Chopper Zombie), as well as specialty drinks provided by Transphusion Energy.
Written by Livingston and Nick Capetanakis with artists Brendon & Brian Fraim (Knights of the Dinner Table: Illustrated), THE ODD SQUAD is a new miniseries from Devil's Due, Accidental Studios, and Invisible Hand Studios (Urban Monsters, Serpo) produced by Vin di Bona (America's Funniest Home Videos).
"THE ODD SQUAD is a story Nick Capetanakis and I conceived while still performing live comedy together," said Livingston. "We wanted to mix Ghostbusters, Get Smart and The A-Team together, and when Invisible Hand approached us about doing a comic with them, it seemed like the perfect time!"
The miniseries follows Charlotte Springs, a little-known researcher who gets drafted to become the new head of the United States Office of Dimensional Defense (ODD). Her first task is to save the son of the President, and in order to do so she will have to make the most of a recruitment pool consisting of her airheaded little sister, a flaky psychic, and a nerdy grad student.
"THE ODD SQUAD is a comedy first," explained Livingston, "and we've created characters who at first appear to be stereotypes, but quickly reveal themselves to be really eccentric."
Issue #2, out in October, will feature a cover by comic book star Michael Avon Oeming.
The launch party will kick off at 7:00 p.m. Golden Apple Comics is located at 7708 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA.
About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios and production arms including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, Rogue Pictures, DiVide Pictures and Kevin Spacey's Triggerstreet Productions. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
REVOLUTION HAS A GIGOLO, AND HIS NAME IS BAGS
Benton “Bags” Bagswell could be the most unaccomplished chores-for-hire
handyman in London. He is completely content in doing nothing with his
life. That is, until the day his girlfriend dumps him and he finds
himself in possession of a mysterious videotape. Thrust into a dangerous
world of deceit and betrayal, it's up to Bags to pick himself up off the
bar floor and hit the road in search of the truth! LABOR DAYS is a
globe-trotting hijinks, surreal comedic adventure as our unlikely hero
tries to grow out of his slacker life style and into the enigma that's
blown up his former existence!
“We were so fortunate to get this pitch,” said Editor-in-Chief James
Lucas Jones. “Philip Gelatt is an undiscovered talent and Rick Lacy is
one of our favorite artists. LABOR DAYS is like THE BIG LEBOWSKI, GET
SMART, and DIE HARD all rolled into one book. Hysterical antics, good
plot, action packed, and over the top. We're really excited about this
book.”
“Bags is like Jeffrey Lebowski... if he thought he was John McClane,”
commented Marketing Director Cory Casoni. “I love the characters in
LABOR DAYS. They're some of the best you'll ever find in a
character-driven story like this. Quirky and bizarre, even the bad guys
are lovable!”
“LABOR DAYS is like a smoothie made up of James Bond movies,
mid-twenties malaise, and toss-away scraps of social theory. Blended
with an heroic amount of booze and an epic amount of fantastic artwork.
Mmmm booze and malaise,” joked writer Philip Gelatt. “Writing LABOR DAYS
was a lot of fun, mostly because it has lots of characters I wish
actually existed. In fact, sometimes I forget that we just made Bags up.
I pull my phone out and try to call him and then have to sheepishly put
it away.”
"This book has taught me a lot.” said artist Rick Lacy. “And I taught it
a number of things right back! 'I'm Rick Lacy, damn it, and you're not!'
I would say to it. People would stare. But I didn't care. Because
they'll know when they read it. They'll all know... I guess this book
has made me a bit insane. But it was the best fun I've ever had drawing it."
“I really love revolution as a concept, or a dramatic concept at least,”
concluded Gelatt. “And LABOR DAYS is about a bunch of people who are all
after their own revolutions and fail to get them. And one guy who isn't
after any revolution at all ends up finding one.”
144 black-&-white pages of comedic adventure for only $11.95, LABOR DAYS
VOLUME 1, hits stores this October like a ton of bricks. Let's hope
nothing gets broken, because even though he's a handy-man... Bags
probably can't fix it.
Benton “Bags” Bagswell could be the most unaccomplished chores-for-hire
handyman in London. He is completely content in doing nothing with his
life. That is, until the day his girlfriend dumps him and he finds
himself in possession of a mysterious videotape. Thrust into a dangerous
world of deceit and betrayal, it's up to Bags to pick himself up off the
bar floor and hit the road in search of the truth! LABOR DAYS is a
globe-trotting hijinks, surreal comedic adventure as our unlikely hero
tries to grow out of his slacker life style and into the enigma that's
blown up his former existence!
“We were so fortunate to get this pitch,” said Editor-in-Chief James
Lucas Jones. “Philip Gelatt is an undiscovered talent and Rick Lacy is
one of our favorite artists. LABOR DAYS is like THE BIG LEBOWSKI, GET
SMART, and DIE HARD all rolled into one book. Hysterical antics, good
plot, action packed, and over the top. We're really excited about this
book.”
“Bags is like Jeffrey Lebowski... if he thought he was John McClane,”
commented Marketing Director Cory Casoni. “I love the characters in
LABOR DAYS. They're some of the best you'll ever find in a
character-driven story like this. Quirky and bizarre, even the bad guys
are lovable!”
“LABOR DAYS is like a smoothie made up of James Bond movies,
mid-twenties malaise, and toss-away scraps of social theory. Blended
with an heroic amount of booze and an epic amount of fantastic artwork.
Mmmm booze and malaise,” joked writer Philip Gelatt. “Writing LABOR DAYS
was a lot of fun, mostly because it has lots of characters I wish
actually existed. In fact, sometimes I forget that we just made Bags up.
I pull my phone out and try to call him and then have to sheepishly put
it away.”
"This book has taught me a lot.” said artist Rick Lacy. “And I taught it
a number of things right back! 'I'm Rick Lacy, damn it, and you're not!'
I would say to it. People would stare. But I didn't care. Because
they'll know when they read it. They'll all know... I guess this book
has made me a bit insane. But it was the best fun I've ever had drawing it."
“I really love revolution as a concept, or a dramatic concept at least,”
concluded Gelatt. “And LABOR DAYS is about a bunch of people who are all
after their own revolutions and fail to get them. And one guy who isn't
after any revolution at all ends up finding one.”
144 black-&-white pages of comedic adventure for only $11.95, LABOR DAYS
VOLUME 1, hits stores this October like a ton of bricks. Let's hope
nothing gets broken, because even though he's a handy-man... Bags
probably can't fix it.
DANNY FINGEROTH TALKS ABOUT THE ROUGH GUIDE TO GRAPHIC NOVELS AT BARNES & NOBLE ON COURT STREET, BROOKLYN, ON TUES. 9/23
New York, September 17, 2008
WRITE NOW! magazine editor-in-chief, author of SUPERMAN ON THE COUCH and DISGUISED AS CLARK KENT, longtime SPIDER-MAN Group Editor and Marvel Comics writer DANNY FINGEROTH will read from and discuss his new Penguin book, THE ROUGH GUIDE TO GRAPHIC NOVELS, on Tuesday, September 23rd, at the Barnes & Noble on Court Street Brooklyn.
Known for his superhero work, Fingeroth may seem like an unorthodox choice to write a guide to non-superhero, "literary" graphic novels such as Maus, Fun Home, etc. But that's the point. The world of the literary GN is unknown territory to many followers of superheroes. Now, Fingeroth, a figure you know and trust from the superhero world, takes you--via THE ROUGH GUIDE TO GRAPHIC NOVELS--on a guided tour of the potentially-confusing world of the modern Graphic Novel.
In this Barnes & Noble presentation, Fingeroth will discuss the world of graphic novels and present his sure-to-be controversial favorites. Q & A and signing will follow, and perhaps a surprise or two will be in store.
Here are the details:
DANNY FINGEROTH presentation and signing
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
7 pm
Barnes and Noble Booksellers Court Street
106 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-4996
New York, September 17, 2008
WRITE NOW! magazine editor-in-chief, author of SUPERMAN ON THE COUCH and DISGUISED AS CLARK KENT, longtime SPIDER-MAN Group Editor and Marvel Comics writer DANNY FINGEROTH will read from and discuss his new Penguin book, THE ROUGH GUIDE TO GRAPHIC NOVELS, on Tuesday, September 23rd, at the Barnes & Noble on Court Street Brooklyn.
Known for his superhero work, Fingeroth may seem like an unorthodox choice to write a guide to non-superhero, "literary" graphic novels such as Maus, Fun Home, etc. But that's the point. The world of the literary GN is unknown territory to many followers of superheroes. Now, Fingeroth, a figure you know and trust from the superhero world, takes you--via THE ROUGH GUIDE TO GRAPHIC NOVELS--on a guided tour of the potentially-confusing world of the modern Graphic Novel.
In this Barnes & Noble presentation, Fingeroth will discuss the world of graphic novels and present his sure-to-be controversial favorites. Q & A and signing will follow, and perhaps a surprise or two will be in store.
Here are the details:
DANNY FINGEROTH presentation and signing
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
7 pm
Barnes and Noble Booksellers Court Street
106 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-4996
AAM/MARKOSIA's 'RITUAL' IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!
New horror series to be published by AAM/Markosia
AAM/Markosia, publishers of the hit series Kong: King of Skull Island, Starship Troopers and the critically acclaimed The Boy Who Made Silence, announce the launch of its newest series this coming December.
RITUAL is penned by acclaimed author and screenwriter Andy Briggs (Kong: King of Skull Island, The Templar Chronicles: Heretic, Hero.com, Villain.net) with atmospheric art from newcomer Shawn McCauley.
When the sleepy Pennsylvanian town of Black Root is hit by a spate of bizarre ritualistic slayings, reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trails. The FBI is drafted in, but they have no idea that the supernatural killer is a long-dead witch hunter with a perverse desire for revenge.
Publisher Harry Markos explains, ‘We've been working with Andy Briggs for a while now so when he approached me about the possibility of developing some new properties I jumped at the chance! Andy is incredibly talented and prolific with many ongoing projects at the moment, including movies, TV and as a published author of several books. I figured that he's worth getting involved with now rather than wait until he has the sort of success that I firmly believe will come very quickly. We managed to secure the services of upcoming artist Shawn McCauley who has captured the mood perfectly with his distinctive style. This is one property which I believe will take us another step closer to achieving our aims as a publisher.’
Launched in 2005 AAM/Markosia has been a leader in the independent publishing field. 2008 marked their most ambitious campaign to date as the company debuted a range of new titles, with many more to follow in 2009. In addition, AAM/Markosia will be exhibiting at many conventions around the globe, including New York Comic Con, San Diego Comicon, Angouleme, The Birmingham International Comics Show and the Bristol Comic Expo.
For interviews, press releases and any other information regarding this title or any other AAM/Markosia titles please contact harry@markosia.com
Visit the AAM/Markosia website at www.markosia.com
New horror series to be published by AAM/Markosia
AAM/Markosia, publishers of the hit series Kong: King of Skull Island, Starship Troopers and the critically acclaimed The Boy Who Made Silence, announce the launch of its newest series this coming December.
RITUAL is penned by acclaimed author and screenwriter Andy Briggs (Kong: King of Skull Island, The Templar Chronicles: Heretic, Hero.com, Villain.net) with atmospheric art from newcomer Shawn McCauley.
When the sleepy Pennsylvanian town of Black Root is hit by a spate of bizarre ritualistic slayings, reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trails. The FBI is drafted in, but they have no idea that the supernatural killer is a long-dead witch hunter with a perverse desire for revenge.
Publisher Harry Markos explains, ‘We've been working with Andy Briggs for a while now so when he approached me about the possibility of developing some new properties I jumped at the chance! Andy is incredibly talented and prolific with many ongoing projects at the moment, including movies, TV and as a published author of several books. I figured that he's worth getting involved with now rather than wait until he has the sort of success that I firmly believe will come very quickly. We managed to secure the services of upcoming artist Shawn McCauley who has captured the mood perfectly with his distinctive style. This is one property which I believe will take us another step closer to achieving our aims as a publisher.’
Launched in 2005 AAM/Markosia has been a leader in the independent publishing field. 2008 marked their most ambitious campaign to date as the company debuted a range of new titles, with many more to follow in 2009. In addition, AAM/Markosia will be exhibiting at many conventions around the globe, including New York Comic Con, San Diego Comicon, Angouleme, The Birmingham International Comics Show and the Bristol Comic Expo.
For interviews, press releases and any other information regarding this title or any other AAM/Markosia titles please contact harry@markosia.com
Visit the AAM/Markosia website at www.markosia.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friends-
Issue eighteen of CWR is now online, and it’s awfully cool. Here’s what we have for you:
CHUCK season two! Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, and Josh Schwartz dish on the upcoming season, offering up info on guest stars plot turns and more!:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/chuck.html
Reviews of VEEPS, PARASYTE, AMERICAN WIDOW, STRANGE EMBRACE and more!:
http://reviews.comicswaitingroom.com
Matt Maxwell returns with a report on what he did this summer… which includes getting STRANGEWAYS book two underway!:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed27.html
Saurav Mohapatra offers up a “How To” lesson on scripting the 22-page comic:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid5.html
Marc Mason says that comics are NOT for kids; in fact, he says they are BAD for kids:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason18.html
Elliott Serrano starts up the Jann Jones Fan Club, bringing you the membership card and certificate:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw20.html
Avril Brown says that Joss Whedon is evil and lays out the evidence for her case:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril18.html
Brandon Jerwa saw the gamers up close and says we have nothing to fear… and everything to pity:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa13.html
All wrapped in the usual, excellent, Elliott Serrano-designed cover:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com
Remember: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs. Enjoy the reading!
Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
Issue eighteen of CWR is now online, and it’s awfully cool. Here’s what we have for you:
CHUCK season two! Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, and Josh Schwartz dish on the upcoming season, offering up info on guest stars plot turns and more!:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/chuck.html
Reviews of VEEPS, PARASYTE, AMERICAN WIDOW, STRANGE EMBRACE and more!:
http://reviews.comicswaitingroom.com
Matt Maxwell returns with a report on what he did this summer… which includes getting STRANGEWAYS book two underway!:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed27.html
Saurav Mohapatra offers up a “How To” lesson on scripting the 22-page comic:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid5.html
Marc Mason says that comics are NOT for kids; in fact, he says they are BAD for kids:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason18.html
Elliott Serrano starts up the Jann Jones Fan Club, bringing you the membership card and certificate:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw20.html
Avril Brown says that Joss Whedon is evil and lays out the evidence for her case:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril18.html
Brandon Jerwa saw the gamers up close and says we have nothing to fear… and everything to pity:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa13.html
All wrapped in the usual, excellent, Elliott Serrano-designed cover:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com
Remember: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs. Enjoy the reading!
Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
Live the Dream with Jesse Reklaw
Cartoonist Jesse Reklaw turns the dreams of strangers into insightful, humorous, and clever four-panel comic strips in The Night of Your Life. This stunning hardcover collects over five years of Reklaw’s comic strip, Slow Wave, which appears in alternative newsweeklies all over the country.
Sometimes playful, sometimes thought provoking, but always entertaining, The Night of Your Life is a testament to the ability of comics to illuminate the corridors of the imagination with wit, sincerity, and delight.
We are excited to announce the Night of Your Life East Coast book tour. Jesse will be hitting up six states along the East Coast in nine days doing signings, readings, and lectures.
“This is the largest book tour I've been on – fifteen different events in nine states,” admits Reklaw. “In some newsweeklies my comic strip has been running for over ten years. I've followed the dream lives of people who've grown up, gotten married, had kids, etc. So it'll be fascinating to meet these people in real life. I'm also really happy with the book; some of these comics I drew years ago, but I still get a chuckle out of them.”
For more information, please visit www.slowwave.com/noyltour.html.
Tue Sep 30 6:30pm
Yale Bookstore, 77 Broadway, New Haven CT 06511
203.777.8440 / yale.bncollege.com
Presentation and book signing
Jesse Reklaw
Wed Oct 01 5pm
Amherst Books, 8 Main St, Amherst MA 01002
413.256.1547 / 800.503.5865 / www.amherstbooks.com
Book signing and comics social
Jesse Reklaw, Robyn Chapman, Alec Longstreth, Clutch, Samuel C. Gaskin,
Colleen Frakes, and the Center for Cartoon Studies
Thu Oct 02 3-5pm
Center for Cartoon Studies, 94 S Main St, White River Junction VT
802.295.3319 / www.cartoonstudies.org
Private Lecture
Jesse Reklaw
Fri Oct 03 7-10pm
Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Rd, Baltimore MD 21211
410.662.4444 / www.atomicbooks.com
SPX kickoff party and comics reading
Jesse Reklaw, Brian Ralph, Lauren Weinstein, Theo Ellsworth, Ken Dahl,
Julia Wertz, Laura Park, Austin English, and Ben Claassen
Sat & Sun Oct 04-05
Small Press Expo
Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Rd, North Bethesda MD 20852
301-822-9200 / www.spxpo.com
Mon Oct 06 5-7pm
George Washington University, Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW, Washington DC 20052
202.994.6558 / www.gwu.edu
Presentation and panel discussion
Jesse Reklaw, Dash Shaw, Trevor Alixopulos, and Ken Dahl
Tue Oct 07 6-8pm
Robin's Books, 108 S 13th St, Philadelphia PA 19107
215.735.9600 / www.robinsbookstore.com
Presentation and book signing
Jesse Reklaw, Trevor Alixopulos, Ken Dahl, and Joey Sayers
Wed Oct 08 7-9pm
Desert Island, 540 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn NY 11211
718.388.5087 / www.desertislandbrooklyn.com
Book signing and comics social
Jesse Reklaw, Dash Shaw, Trevor Alixopulos, and Ken Dahl
Cartoonist Jesse Reklaw turns the dreams of strangers into insightful, humorous, and clever four-panel comic strips in The Night of Your Life. This stunning hardcover collects over five years of Reklaw’s comic strip, Slow Wave, which appears in alternative newsweeklies all over the country.
Sometimes playful, sometimes thought provoking, but always entertaining, The Night of Your Life is a testament to the ability of comics to illuminate the corridors of the imagination with wit, sincerity, and delight.
We are excited to announce the Night of Your Life East Coast book tour. Jesse will be hitting up six states along the East Coast in nine days doing signings, readings, and lectures.
“This is the largest book tour I've been on – fifteen different events in nine states,” admits Reklaw. “In some newsweeklies my comic strip has been running for over ten years. I've followed the dream lives of people who've grown up, gotten married, had kids, etc. So it'll be fascinating to meet these people in real life. I'm also really happy with the book; some of these comics I drew years ago, but I still get a chuckle out of them.”
For more information, please visit www.slowwave.com/noyltour.html.
Tue Sep 30 6:30pm
Yale Bookstore, 77 Broadway, New Haven CT 06511
203.777.8440 / yale.bncollege.com
Presentation and book signing
Jesse Reklaw
Wed Oct 01 5pm
Amherst Books, 8 Main St, Amherst MA 01002
413.256.1547 / 800.503.5865 / www.amherstbooks.com
Book signing and comics social
Jesse Reklaw, Robyn Chapman, Alec Longstreth, Clutch, Samuel C. Gaskin,
Colleen Frakes, and the Center for Cartoon Studies
Thu Oct 02 3-5pm
Center for Cartoon Studies, 94 S Main St, White River Junction VT
802.295.3319 / www.cartoonstudies.org
Private Lecture
Jesse Reklaw
Fri Oct 03 7-10pm
Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Rd, Baltimore MD 21211
410.662.4444 / www.atomicbooks.com
SPX kickoff party and comics reading
Jesse Reklaw, Brian Ralph, Lauren Weinstein, Theo Ellsworth, Ken Dahl,
Julia Wertz, Laura Park, Austin English, and Ben Claassen
Sat & Sun Oct 04-05
Small Press Expo
Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Rd, North Bethesda MD 20852
301-822-9200 / www.spxpo.com
Mon Oct 06 5-7pm
George Washington University, Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW, Washington DC 20052
202.994.6558 / www.gwu.edu
Presentation and panel discussion
Jesse Reklaw, Dash Shaw, Trevor Alixopulos, and Ken Dahl
Tue Oct 07 6-8pm
Robin's Books, 108 S 13th St, Philadelphia PA 19107
215.735.9600 / www.robinsbookstore.com
Presentation and book signing
Jesse Reklaw, Trevor Alixopulos, Ken Dahl, and Joey Sayers
Wed Oct 08 7-9pm
Desert Island, 540 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn NY 11211
718.388.5087 / www.desertislandbrooklyn.com
Book signing and comics social
Jesse Reklaw, Dash Shaw, Trevor Alixopulos, and Ken Dahl
ReelArt Studios: Prince Valiant Statue
Distributed by Dark Horse
In one of the all-time triumphs of comic art, the finest draftsman ever to hold a pen,
Hal Foster, was inspired to begin a saga set in the days of King Arthur, Prince Valiant. Beginning in 1937, when it first appeared as a full tabloid page in the nation’s newspapers, this meticulously crafted ongoing adventure has continued to run weekly, winning worldwide acclaim for its detailed realism and heroic scope.
At the heart of the story is a nordic prince who comes to Camelot, and befriends Merlin, Arthur, and his fellow knights. Armed with the magical “singing sword,” he sets forth on a neverending adventure that has thrilled generations of readers.
Harold (“Hal”) Foster is considered one of the most important artists in the history of comic strips. His rendering showcases a realistic attention to detail and dynamic anatomy which stands as the benchmark by which all such work is measured. Recognized with numerous awards over his career, Foster passed away in 1982. While subsequent artists continuing the story have also been very skilled, including the current illustrator Gary Gianni, it is Foster’s unique graphic style that defines Prince Valiant.
When collectible-statue producer ReelArt Studios acquired the rights to make a Prince Valiant statue, they felt it was vital to capture the Hal Foster essence as a three-dimensional piece. They selected the noted sculptors of Florida’s Joy and Tom Studios to re-create one of Foster’s most iconic panels in 1/8 scale.
Dark Horse President Mike Richardson, who is also a major Hal Foster fan and collector, upon reviewing the prototype, remarked, “Wow! They picked a tough assignment and really nailed it. This is one of the best Prince Valiant items ever, and that is coming from a tough critic who owns almost everything that’s ever been done.”
Depicting Prince Valiant in full gallop waving an unsheathed sword aside a lunging charger, the sculptors picked just the right moment to “freeze” into reality, creating an animated feeling that conveys an illusion of movement and drama. The oversize statue measures nearly 12² in height, stretching 15² deep and 10 ¾” wide. Strictly limited to only five hundred hand-numbered, prepainted statues, Prince Valiant is scheduled for release in December 2008.
ReelArt Studios is a producer of top quality resin statues and busts, specializing in movie, pulp, and comic-book characters. Dark Horse Comics, the nation’s third largest comic-book and graphic novel publisher, produces and distributes a collectible merchandise program under its Dark Horse Deluxe imprint.
Distributed by Dark Horse
In one of the all-time triumphs of comic art, the finest draftsman ever to hold a pen,
Hal Foster, was inspired to begin a saga set in the days of King Arthur, Prince Valiant. Beginning in 1937, when it first appeared as a full tabloid page in the nation’s newspapers, this meticulously crafted ongoing adventure has continued to run weekly, winning worldwide acclaim for its detailed realism and heroic scope.
At the heart of the story is a nordic prince who comes to Camelot, and befriends Merlin, Arthur, and his fellow knights. Armed with the magical “singing sword,” he sets forth on a neverending adventure that has thrilled generations of readers.
Harold (“Hal”) Foster is considered one of the most important artists in the history of comic strips. His rendering showcases a realistic attention to detail and dynamic anatomy which stands as the benchmark by which all such work is measured. Recognized with numerous awards over his career, Foster passed away in 1982. While subsequent artists continuing the story have also been very skilled, including the current illustrator Gary Gianni, it is Foster’s unique graphic style that defines Prince Valiant.
When collectible-statue producer ReelArt Studios acquired the rights to make a Prince Valiant statue, they felt it was vital to capture the Hal Foster essence as a three-dimensional piece. They selected the noted sculptors of Florida’s Joy and Tom Studios to re-create one of Foster’s most iconic panels in 1/8 scale.
Dark Horse President Mike Richardson, who is also a major Hal Foster fan and collector, upon reviewing the prototype, remarked, “Wow! They picked a tough assignment and really nailed it. This is one of the best Prince Valiant items ever, and that is coming from a tough critic who owns almost everything that’s ever been done.”
Depicting Prince Valiant in full gallop waving an unsheathed sword aside a lunging charger, the sculptors picked just the right moment to “freeze” into reality, creating an animated feeling that conveys an illusion of movement and drama. The oversize statue measures nearly 12² in height, stretching 15² deep and 10 ¾” wide. Strictly limited to only five hundred hand-numbered, prepainted statues, Prince Valiant is scheduled for release in December 2008.
ReelArt Studios is a producer of top quality resin statues and busts, specializing in movie, pulp, and comic-book characters. Dark Horse Comics, the nation’s third largest comic-book and graphic novel publisher, produces and distributes a collectible merchandise program under its Dark Horse Deluxe imprint.
Bethesda, Maryland; September16, 2008 – Small Press Expo (SPX) 2008 will host the twelfth annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards on Saturday night, October 4 at 9PM at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The Ignatz Awards are a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, the nominees being determined by a jury of five comic artists. This year’s jury consisted of Gabrielle Bell, Farel Dalrymple, Eleanor Davis, John Hankiewicz and Andy Hartzell.
The Ignatz Awards are voted on by those who attend this year's SPX on Saturday, October 4 only.
The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry.
SPX will be held on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, across form the White Flint Metro stop. Admission is $8 per day and $15 for both days.
For more information on SPX and the Ignatz Awards, please visit our web site at www.spxpo.com.
The categories and nominees for this year’s Ignatz Awards are:
Outstanding Artist
Warren Craghead, How to Be Everywhere (self-published)
Lat, Town Boy (First Second Books)
Jillian Tamaki, Skim (Groundwood Books)
Laura Park, Do Not Disturb My Waking Dream (self-published)
Michel Rabagliati, Paul Goes Fishing (Drawn & Quarterly)
Outstanding Anthology or Collection
Inkweed, Chris Wright (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Little Lulu Vol. 18, John Stanley (Dark Horse)
Papercutter #7, edited by Greg Means (Tugboat Press)
Pond Life, John Broadley (PictureBox)
Windy Corner #2, edited by Austin English (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Outstanding Graphic Novel
The Hot Breath of War, Trevor Alixopulos (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Notes for a War Story, Gipi (First Second Books)
Paul Goes Fishing, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)
Skim, Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki (Groundwood Books)
Spent, Joe Matt (Drawn & Quarterly)
Outstanding Story
"Americus", MK Reed and Jonathan Hill, Papercutter #7 (Tugboat Press)
"The Candy Rod", Onsmith, Hotwire Comics #2 (Fantagraphics Books)
"The Galactic Funnels", Dash Shaw, Mome #11 (Fantagraphics Books)
The Thing About Madeleine, Lilli Carre (self-published)
"The Urn", Chris Wright, Inkweed (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Promising New Talent
Oliver East, Trains Are... Mint (Blank Slate)
Austin English, Windy Corner #2 (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Chuck Forsman, Snake Oil #1 (self-published)
Sarah Glidden, How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (self-published)
Lars Martinson, Tonoharu (Pliant Press/Top Shelf Productions)
Outstanding Series
Eye of the Magnetic Creature, Leslie Stein (self-published)
Injury, Ted May, Jason Robards, and Jeff Wilson (Buenaventura Press)
Paul series, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)
Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Snake Oil, Chuck Forsman (self-published)
Outstanding Comic
Cryptic Wit #2, Gerald Jablonski (self-published)
Department of Art, Dunya Jankovic (self-published)
Lucky Vol. 2 #2, Gabrielle Bell (Drawn & Quarterly)
Palooka-ville #19, Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)
Snake Oil #1, Chuck Forsman (self-published)
Outstanding Mini-Comic
Bluefuzz, Jesse Reklaw
Dorado Park, Lilli Carre
How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, Sarah Glidden
Ochre Eclipse #2, Jonas Madden-Connor
Swell, Juliacks
Outstanding Online Comic
Achewood, Chris Onstad (www.achewood.com)
Danny Dutch, David King (www.reliablecomics.com)
Slow Wave, Jesse Reklaw (www.slowwave.com)
Thingpart, Joe Sayers (www.jsayers.com/thingpart/thingpart.html)
Traced, Tracy White (www.traced.com)
The Ignatz Awards are voted on by those who attend this year's SPX on Saturday, October 4 only.
The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry.
SPX will be held on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at the North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, across form the White Flint Metro stop. Admission is $8 per day and $15 for both days.
For more information on SPX and the Ignatz Awards, please visit our web site at www.spxpo.com.
The categories and nominees for this year’s Ignatz Awards are:
Outstanding Artist
Warren Craghead, How to Be Everywhere (self-published)
Lat, Town Boy (First Second Books)
Jillian Tamaki, Skim (Groundwood Books)
Laura Park, Do Not Disturb My Waking Dream (self-published)
Michel Rabagliati, Paul Goes Fishing (Drawn & Quarterly)
Outstanding Anthology or Collection
Inkweed, Chris Wright (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Little Lulu Vol. 18, John Stanley (Dark Horse)
Papercutter #7, edited by Greg Means (Tugboat Press)
Pond Life, John Broadley (PictureBox)
Windy Corner #2, edited by Austin English (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Outstanding Graphic Novel
The Hot Breath of War, Trevor Alixopulos (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Notes for a War Story, Gipi (First Second Books)
Paul Goes Fishing, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)
Skim, Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki (Groundwood Books)
Spent, Joe Matt (Drawn & Quarterly)
Outstanding Story
"Americus", MK Reed and Jonathan Hill, Papercutter #7 (Tugboat Press)
"The Candy Rod", Onsmith, Hotwire Comics #2 (Fantagraphics Books)
"The Galactic Funnels", Dash Shaw, Mome #11 (Fantagraphics Books)
The Thing About Madeleine, Lilli Carre (self-published)
"The Urn", Chris Wright, Inkweed (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Promising New Talent
Oliver East, Trains Are... Mint (Blank Slate)
Austin English, Windy Corner #2 (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Chuck Forsman, Snake Oil #1 (self-published)
Sarah Glidden, How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (self-published)
Lars Martinson, Tonoharu (Pliant Press/Top Shelf Productions)
Outstanding Series
Eye of the Magnetic Creature, Leslie Stein (self-published)
Injury, Ted May, Jason Robards, and Jeff Wilson (Buenaventura Press)
Paul series, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)
Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Snake Oil, Chuck Forsman (self-published)
Outstanding Comic
Cryptic Wit #2, Gerald Jablonski (self-published)
Department of Art, Dunya Jankovic (self-published)
Lucky Vol. 2 #2, Gabrielle Bell (Drawn & Quarterly)
Palooka-ville #19, Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)
Snake Oil #1, Chuck Forsman (self-published)
Outstanding Mini-Comic
Bluefuzz, Jesse Reklaw
Dorado Park, Lilli Carre
How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, Sarah Glidden
Ochre Eclipse #2, Jonas Madden-Connor
Swell, Juliacks
Outstanding Online Comic
Achewood, Chris Onstad (www.achewood.com)
Danny Dutch, David King (www.reliablecomics.com)
Slow Wave, Jesse Reklaw (www.slowwave.com)
Thingpart, Joe Sayers (www.jsayers.com/thingpart/thingpart.html)
Traced, Tracy White (www.traced.com)
Bluewater Inks Comic Book Deal with William Shatner
Bellingham, WA- Bluewater Productions proudly announces a part-
nership with iconic actor and bestselling author William Shatner.
The Washington based comic book company has contracted to do
four titles with Shatner based on his popular science fiction novels.
Bluewater’s “William Shatner Presents” franchise will include
Shatner’s The TekWar Chronicles, Quest for Tomorrow, Man O’
War, and an exclusive new title that Shatner will create specifically-
ly for the publisher.
The comics will showcase storylines that will be continuations of the
established plots featured in the fast-paced, sci-fi action-adventure
books as opposed to direct adaptations of the titles. Shatner will be
the creative force in the venture and will be working directly with
Bluewater’s writers and artists, along with writer/producer Craig
Nevius (The Fantastic Four, Black Scorpion), to develop the concept
and look of the comics.
Shatner said: “Working with Bluewater is a great opportunity to
bring these novels to a whole new audience.”
Bluewater’s publisher Darren G. Davis comments on the collaboration:
“Mr. Shatner is a savvy businessman and a creative mastermind.
We’re honored to be partnering with him and are confident our ef-
forts will create comic books both his fans and ours will embrace.”
Science fiction fans all over the world are familiar with Shatner’s
TekWar novels. The books showcase a hard-boiled private eye
story set in the 22nd century. The plot revolves around an ex-
policeman protagonist whose quest is to track down a missing
scientist whose invention could win the war against the insidious
computerized drug known as "Tek." The novels were initially
adapted by Marvel Comics in the 1990’s, and subsequently
developed into an television series which ran from 1994-1996
for The Sci-Fi Channel in which Shatner co-starred, produced
and directed.
Shatner has cultivated a career that has spanned over 50 years
as a actor, director, producer, screenwriter, recording artist,
and author. Before his iconic portrayal of Captain Kirk in the
long-running Star Trek franchise, science fiction fans embraced
the actor for guest starring in two classic episodes of The Twi-
light Zone. Currently, Shatner stars in ABC’s critically acclaimed
legal drama Boston Legal for which he has won two Emmys and
a Golden Globe Award. He was also recently inducted into the
Television Hall of Fame and remains one of pop culture’s most
recognizable figures.
Bluewater will launch all four of the “William Shatner Presents”
titles during the first quarter of 2009. The “TekWar Chronicles”
will be an on going series while the three additional titles will
be crafted into a mini-series.
About Bluewater Productions:
Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one if the top independent
production studios of comic, young adult books and graphic novel
titles. In the tradition of great storytelling and cutting edge art,
Bluewater has stormed onto the comic book and graphic novel
scene. With impressive titles, including such smash hits as the
“10th MUSE,” “VSS,” “THE LEGEND OF ISIS,” and “Wrath of the Titans”
and “Sinbad” from legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen. Bluewater
Productions is committed to continue to produce engaging stories
with art from both the top names in the industry alongside up and
coming stars. New titles from Bluewater include “Vincent Price” and
“Bartholomew of the Scissors,” and will launch in the fall of 2008.
Bellingham, WA- Bluewater Productions proudly announces a part-
nership with iconic actor and bestselling author William Shatner.
The Washington based comic book company has contracted to do
four titles with Shatner based on his popular science fiction novels.
Bluewater’s “William Shatner Presents” franchise will include
Shatner’s The TekWar Chronicles, Quest for Tomorrow, Man O’
War, and an exclusive new title that Shatner will create specifically-
ly for the publisher.
The comics will showcase storylines that will be continuations of the
established plots featured in the fast-paced, sci-fi action-adventure
books as opposed to direct adaptations of the titles. Shatner will be
the creative force in the venture and will be working directly with
Bluewater’s writers and artists, along with writer/producer Craig
Nevius (The Fantastic Four, Black Scorpion), to develop the concept
and look of the comics.
Shatner said: “Working with Bluewater is a great opportunity to
bring these novels to a whole new audience.”
Bluewater’s publisher Darren G. Davis comments on the collaboration:
“Mr. Shatner is a savvy businessman and a creative mastermind.
We’re honored to be partnering with him and are confident our ef-
forts will create comic books both his fans and ours will embrace.”
Science fiction fans all over the world are familiar with Shatner’s
TekWar novels. The books showcase a hard-boiled private eye
story set in the 22nd century. The plot revolves around an ex-
policeman protagonist whose quest is to track down a missing
scientist whose invention could win the war against the insidious
computerized drug known as "Tek." The novels were initially
adapted by Marvel Comics in the 1990’s, and subsequently
developed into an television series which ran from 1994-1996
for The Sci-Fi Channel in which Shatner co-starred, produced
and directed.
Shatner has cultivated a career that has spanned over 50 years
as a actor, director, producer, screenwriter, recording artist,
and author. Before his iconic portrayal of Captain Kirk in the
long-running Star Trek franchise, science fiction fans embraced
the actor for guest starring in two classic episodes of The Twi-
light Zone. Currently, Shatner stars in ABC’s critically acclaimed
legal drama Boston Legal for which he has won two Emmys and
a Golden Globe Award. He was also recently inducted into the
Television Hall of Fame and remains one of pop culture’s most
recognizable figures.
Bluewater will launch all four of the “William Shatner Presents”
titles during the first quarter of 2009. The “TekWar Chronicles”
will be an on going series while the three additional titles will
be crafted into a mini-series.
About Bluewater Productions:
Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one if the top independent
production studios of comic, young adult books and graphic novel
titles. In the tradition of great storytelling and cutting edge art,
Bluewater has stormed onto the comic book and graphic novel
scene. With impressive titles, including such smash hits as the
“10th MUSE,” “VSS,” “THE LEGEND OF ISIS,” and “Wrath of the Titans”
and “Sinbad” from legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen. Bluewater
Productions is committed to continue to produce engaging stories
with art from both the top names in the industry alongside up and
coming stars. New titles from Bluewater include “Vincent Price” and
“Bartholomew of the Scissors,” and will launch in the fall of 2008.
Geoff Johns Announced As Writer For Upcoming
DC Universe™ Online Video Game
Acclaimed DC Comics Writer To Script DCUO Back Story
AUSTIN, Texas - Sept. 15, 2008 - Geoff Johns, the renowned writer behind popular DC Comics such as Green Lantern, Action Comics and Justice Society of America, has been brought on to write the saga of the DC Universe™ Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) in a first-ever collaboration with legendary comic artist Jim Lee, the company announced today.
DCUO for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system and the PC is currently in development by SOE in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
"Having a writer of Geoff's caliber brings even more authenticity to the DC Universe Online, and should provide fans with an exciting new medium for his storytelling skills," said John Blakely, SOE-Austin's VP of Development. "Together with Jim Lee, who is our executive creative director for the game, we are tapping into the very best talent from the comic book industry."
Johns, 35, was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, film production and theory at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he worked as an intern and later an assistant for film director Richard Donner, whose credits include Superman: The Movie, Lethal Weapon 4 and Conspiracy Theory.
Johns began writing comics starting with 1999's Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E., which he created for DC Comics. Comic writing eventually became his full-time career with notable works including The Flash, Teen Titans, 52, Action Comics, and Infinite Crisis.
"Taking comic books into the online space presents an exciting and unique opportunity for me as a writer," said Johns. "I'm looking forward to creating a thrilling story that explains why the DC Universe has suddenly been populated with millions of new heroes and villains in a way that will engage players."
"We've brainstormed about the DC Universe many times but this will be our first time working together on something of this magnitude," added Jim Lee. "This really shows the level of commitment everyone on this project has to capturing the DC Universe in an authentic, compelling way."
DCUO offers a dramatic online setting where players can enter the DC Universe and battle alongside or against their favorite DC Comics heroes and villains including such icons as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Joker, as well as many other fan favorites such as Green Lantern, The Flash, Catwoman and Martian Manhunter. The action and drama will play out in such well-known locations as Gotham City and Metropolis among others.
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.
SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com .
DC UNIVERSE, DC SUPER HEROES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
###
DC Universe™ Online Video Game
Acclaimed DC Comics Writer To Script DCUO Back Story
AUSTIN, Texas - Sept. 15, 2008 - Geoff Johns, the renowned writer behind popular DC Comics such as Green Lantern, Action Comics and Justice Society of America, has been brought on to write the saga of the DC Universe™ Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) in a first-ever collaboration with legendary comic artist Jim Lee, the company announced today.
DCUO for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system and the PC is currently in development by SOE in collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
"Having a writer of Geoff's caliber brings even more authenticity to the DC Universe Online, and should provide fans with an exciting new medium for his storytelling skills," said John Blakely, SOE-Austin's VP of Development. "Together with Jim Lee, who is our executive creative director for the game, we are tapping into the very best talent from the comic book industry."
Johns, 35, was born in Detroit and studied media arts, screenwriting, film production and theory at Michigan State University. After moving to Los Angeles, he worked as an intern and later an assistant for film director Richard Donner, whose credits include Superman: The Movie, Lethal Weapon 4 and Conspiracy Theory.
Johns began writing comics starting with 1999's Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E., which he created for DC Comics. Comic writing eventually became his full-time career with notable works including The Flash, Teen Titans, 52, Action Comics, and Infinite Crisis.
"Taking comic books into the online space presents an exciting and unique opportunity for me as a writer," said Johns. "I'm looking forward to creating a thrilling story that explains why the DC Universe has suddenly been populated with millions of new heroes and villains in a way that will engage players."
"We've brainstormed about the DC Universe many times but this will be our first time working together on something of this magnitude," added Jim Lee. "This really shows the level of commitment everyone on this project has to capturing the DC Universe in an authentic, compelling way."
DCUO offers a dramatic online setting where players can enter the DC Universe and battle alongside or against their favorite DC Comics heroes and villains including such icons as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Joker, as well as many other fan favorites such as Green Lantern, The Flash, Catwoman and Martian Manhunter. The action and drama will play out in such well-known locations as Gotham City and Metropolis among others.
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.
SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com .
DC UNIVERSE, DC SUPER HEROES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
###
Hays Entertainment launches Leviticus Cross website
Hays Entertainment has launched a new website for its debut series Leviticus Cross. The site features information on the Leviticus Cross comic and its expanded universe, including character art and bios, plus trailers and other bonus content.Leviticus Cross is a coming of age story set in a prehistoric past, in which a girl named Shadowmust accept her destiny.
"We've been working on the site for a very long time," says Leviticus Cross creator Seth Hays. "It has a clean and easy to navigate layout with elements of mystery and fantasy that gets you excited to see what's coming next."
Issue one of the series is available for pre-order now throu
gh
Diamond Distributors and will be on shelves in the US in
November. Artwork for the first six issues has been completed to ensureLeviticus Cross ships on a monthly schedule.
Currently Hays Entertainment is looking at other media
options with some big name studios. "If all goes well you will
shortly be seeing a lot more of the Leviticus Cross universe," says Hays.
Fans can find information for Leviticus Cross at the website
www.leviticuscross.com and from local comic shops, or by contacting
the Comic Shop Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK
(1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://csls.diamondcomics.com.
Hays Entertainment has launched a new website for its debut series Leviticus Cross. The site features information on the Leviticus Cross comic and its expanded universe, including character art and bios, plus trailers and other bonus content.Leviticus Cross is a coming of age story set in a prehistoric past, in which a girl named Shadowmust accept her destiny.
"We've been working on the site for a very long time," says Leviticus Cross creator Seth Hays. "It has a clean and easy to navigate layout with elements of mystery and fantasy that gets you excited to see what's coming next."
Issue one of the series is available for pre-order now throu
gh
Diamond Distributors and will be on shelves in the US in
November. Artwork for the first six issues has been completed to ensureLeviticus Cross ships on a monthly schedule.
Currently Hays Entertainment is looking at other media
options with some big name studios. "If all goes well you will
shortly be seeing a lot more of the Leviticus Cross universe," says Hays.
Fans can find information for Leviticus Cross at the website
www.leviticuscross.com and from local comic shops, or by contacting
the Comic Shop Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK
(1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://csls.diamondcomics.com.
TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE BALTIMORE COMIC-CON! GUEST ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MORE!
Baltimore, Maryland - September 15, 2008 - The countdown has begun! In just under two weeks, the 9th annual Baltimore Comic-Con kicks off, starting Saturday, September 27th! Do you have your tickets yet? We've spent the past few months telling you about our guests, exclusives, vendors, and exhibitors, and we're not done yet!
Guests
We've announced guests from all walks of the industry already, including stars such as Brian Michael Bendis, Jeff Kinney, Jim Lee, Bernie Wrightson, Tim Sale, Darwyn Cooke, Mike Mignola, Steve Dillon, Guy Davis, and Geoff Johns, just to name a handful.
We regret to announce a few cancellations: David Finch (whose wife is having a baby), Gene Colan (back problems), John Romita Sr. (conflict), and Mike Grell (conflict) are unable to attend this year.
But don't despair! The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to welcome Mike McKone (Fantastic Four, Green Lantern), C.B.Cebulski (X-Men: Divided We Stand, Avengers Fairy Tales), Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers: The Initiative), Tom Brevoort (Marvel Comics editor), Walt Simonson (Thor, Fantastic Four), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman, The Rules of The Game), Sean Chen (Iron Man, Salvation Run), Mike Hawthorne (Salem, American Splendor), Paul Storrie (Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons, Star Trek: Aliens), Nelson Blake II (G.I. Joe, The Ride), Jamal Igle (Superman's Reign, Supergirl), Greg LaRocque (Power Man and Iron Fist, Marvel Team-Up), Afua Richardson (Pilot Season: Genius), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), Andy MacDonald (NYC Mech), and Allison Sohn (Star Wars trading card artist).
"What an unbelievable group!" beamed show promoter Marc Nathan. "Mike McKone will be over from England for his first trip to our show. It's always great to have Walt, Bernard, Sean, Paul, Mike, Andy, and the Marvel gang in as well. We'll see some more new faces in Nelson, Afua, and Jamal (who had to cancel last year), and Greg and Allison are back too! Where are we going to put them all?!"
Floor Space
The 2008 Baltimore Comic-Con is sold out all of the available floor space for Artist's Alley, Exhibitors, and Retailers! We've got a full house this year, so whether you're coming to see your favorite creators, the latest publishing has to offer, or to find those issues or items missing from your collection, you're bound to leave satisfied!
Tickets are Still Available!
Though we don't have any more room for the people behind the tables, don't worry! We have plenty of room for you! If you haven't already, you can purchase tickets via our website at http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/tickets.htm for the weekend, or each day individually. Tickets will also be available each day at the show.
Harvey Tickets Available Now!We are pleased to announce that Brian Michael Bendis will be joining us as our keynote speaker. This year's gift bag, which the first 200 attendees will receive, includes The MAD Archives vol. 1 from DC Comics, Diary of a Wimpy Kid from Amulet Books, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Beowulf Trade Paperback, based on the screenplay by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary from IDW, Creator Chronicles Preview DVD Featuring Michael Golden from Woodcrest Productions and Eva Ink, Stephen King's Dark Tower : The Gunslinger Born, courtesy of Cards, Comics and Collectibles & The Baltimore Comic-Con, a Toon Tumbler drinking glass from Popfun merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach.
Tickets will only be on sale through Wednesday, September 24th, and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reistertown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. 2009 Dates Announced
The 2009 Baltimore Comic-Con will mark our 10 year anniversary! Please mark your calendars now -- we'll see you on October 9-10, 2009! Guests will include Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers), David Finch (World War Hulk, New Avengers), and George Perez (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds, Teen Titans, Avengers).
Watch This Space
For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, e-mail cardscomicscollectilbes@yahoo.com or call (410) 526-7410.
Details about the guest list, exhibitors, retailers, Artist's Alley, ticket information, directions, and other information can be found on the convention's website or on its MySpace page.
Please visit wwww.harveyawards.org for details about the Harvey Awards banquet, tickets, schedules, and more. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, e-mail baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.
Baltimore, Maryland - September 15, 2008 - The countdown has begun! In just under two weeks, the 9th annual Baltimore Comic-Con kicks off, starting Saturday, September 27th! Do you have your tickets yet? We've spent the past few months telling you about our guests, exclusives, vendors, and exhibitors, and we're not done yet!
Guests
We've announced guests from all walks of the industry already, including stars such as Brian Michael Bendis, Jeff Kinney, Jim Lee, Bernie Wrightson, Tim Sale, Darwyn Cooke, Mike Mignola, Steve Dillon, Guy Davis, and Geoff Johns, just to name a handful.
We regret to announce a few cancellations: David Finch (whose wife is having a baby), Gene Colan (back problems), John Romita Sr. (conflict), and Mike Grell (conflict) are unable to attend this year.
But don't despair! The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to welcome Mike McKone (Fantastic Four, Green Lantern), C.B.Cebulski (X-Men: Divided We Stand, Avengers Fairy Tales), Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers: The Initiative), Tom Brevoort (Marvel Comics editor), Walt Simonson (Thor, Fantastic Four), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman, The Rules of The Game), Sean Chen (Iron Man, Salvation Run), Mike Hawthorne (Salem, American Splendor), Paul Storrie (Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons, Star Trek: Aliens), Nelson Blake II (G.I. Joe, The Ride), Jamal Igle (Superman's Reign, Supergirl), Greg LaRocque (Power Man and Iron Fist, Marvel Team-Up), Afua Richardson (Pilot Season: Genius), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), Andy MacDonald (NYC Mech), and Allison Sohn (Star Wars trading card artist).
"What an unbelievable group!" beamed show promoter Marc Nathan. "Mike McKone will be over from England for his first trip to our show. It's always great to have Walt, Bernard, Sean, Paul, Mike, Andy, and the Marvel gang in as well. We'll see some more new faces in Nelson, Afua, and Jamal (who had to cancel last year), and Greg and Allison are back too! Where are we going to put them all?!"
Floor Space
The 2008 Baltimore Comic-Con is sold out all of the available floor space for Artist's Alley, Exhibitors, and Retailers! We've got a full house this year, so whether you're coming to see your favorite creators, the latest publishing has to offer, or to find those issues or items missing from your collection, you're bound to leave satisfied!
Tickets are Still Available!
Though we don't have any more room for the people behind the tables, don't worry! We have plenty of room for you! If you haven't already, you can purchase tickets via our website at http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/tickets.htm for the weekend, or each day individually. Tickets will also be available each day at the show.
Harvey Tickets Available Now!We are pleased to announce that Brian Michael Bendis will be joining us as our keynote speaker. This year's gift bag, which the first 200 attendees will receive, includes The MAD Archives vol. 1 from DC Comics, Diary of a Wimpy Kid from Amulet Books, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Beowulf Trade Paperback, based on the screenplay by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary from IDW, Creator Chronicles Preview DVD Featuring Michael Golden from Woodcrest Productions and Eva Ink, Stephen King's Dark Tower : The Gunslinger Born, courtesy of Cards, Comics and Collectibles & The Baltimore Comic-Con, a Toon Tumbler drinking glass from Popfun merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach.
Tickets will only be on sale through Wednesday, September 24th, and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reistertown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. 2009 Dates Announced
The 2009 Baltimore Comic-Con will mark our 10 year anniversary! Please mark your calendars now -- we'll see you on October 9-10, 2009! Guests will include Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers), David Finch (World War Hulk, New Avengers), and George Perez (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds, Teen Titans, Avengers).
Watch This Space
For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, e-mail cardscomicscollectilbes@yahoo.com or call (410) 526-7410.
Details about the guest list, exhibitors, retailers, Artist's Alley, ticket information, directions, and other information can be found on the convention's website or on its MySpace page.
Please visit wwww.harveyawards.org for details about the Harvey Awards banquet, tickets, schedules, and more. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, e-mail baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.
PRESS RELEASE – SHADOWLINE LAUNCHES ALL-AGES LINE, SILVERLINE BOOKS!New Shadowline imprint to exclusively feature all-ages graphic novels and books!
16 September, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This October, Image Comics’ Shadowline will debut Image’s first ever all-ages graphic novel and books imprint, Silverline Books.
“Silverline Books is dedicated to publishing quality all-ages books that bridge the gap between traditional storybooks and comics,” said Publisher Jim Valentino. “We believe that there’s a strong need to reach out to younger readers and introduce them to comics with uplifting, non-violent stories in a format they’re familiar with.”
Silverline Books officially begins October 29th with its first all-new release, DEAR DRACULA by Joshua Williamson and Vicente Navarrete; a Halloween-themed story about a boy who gets visited by his hero, the king of all vampires. It continues in November with BRUCE, THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE by Shadowline editor Kristen Simon and Image co-founder Jim Valentino, in which the titular tree wants nothing more than a family to take him in on Christmas.
The year ends with two more Silverline titles, including December’s MISSING THE BOAT by Justin Shady (aka Wayne Chinsang) and Dwellephant, about two lazy animals who are too late for Noah’s Ark, and the softcover follow-up to last years double Eisner award nominee PX! BOOK TWO: IN THE SERVICE OF THE QUEEN by Eric A. Anderson and Manny Trembley.
For more about Silverline Books, including five page previews, SRP, page count, format and ISBNs, please visit www.shadowlinecomics.com/silverline.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
16 September, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This October, Image Comics’ Shadowline will debut Image’s first ever all-ages graphic novel and books imprint, Silverline Books.
“Silverline Books is dedicated to publishing quality all-ages books that bridge the gap between traditional storybooks and comics,” said Publisher Jim Valentino. “We believe that there’s a strong need to reach out to younger readers and introduce them to comics with uplifting, non-violent stories in a format they’re familiar with.”
Silverline Books officially begins October 29th with its first all-new release, DEAR DRACULA by Joshua Williamson and Vicente Navarrete; a Halloween-themed story about a boy who gets visited by his hero, the king of all vampires. It continues in November with BRUCE, THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE by Shadowline editor Kristen Simon and Image co-founder Jim Valentino, in which the titular tree wants nothing more than a family to take him in on Christmas.
The year ends with two more Silverline titles, including December’s MISSING THE BOAT by Justin Shady (aka Wayne Chinsang) and Dwellephant, about two lazy animals who are too late for Noah’s Ark, and the softcover follow-up to last years double Eisner award nominee PX! BOOK TWO: IN THE SERVICE OF THE QUEEN by Eric A. Anderson and Manny Trembley.
For more about Silverline Books, including five page previews, SRP, page count, format and ISBNs, please visit www.shadowlinecomics.com/silverline.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
Nemo Debuts Book in All-Ages Capt'n Eli Series at Baltimore Comic-Con
Limited edition MEGO-style action figure unveiled
Baltimore, Maryland - September 16, 2008 - The second book in Nemo Publishing's new all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli will make its debut at Baltimore Comic-Con on Sept, 27. Written and illustrated by Maine artist Jay Piscopo, this is the story of a boy with extraordinary scientific abilities and mysterious ties to the sea. In the few months since Volume 1 was released in June, Capt'n Eli has created excitement among fans, retailers, librarians, educators, and comics professionals and has received numerous reviews. In his cover story, Cliff Biggers of Comic Shop News called this book "a rarity in today's marketplace: an all-ages series that is truly all ages." Newsarama's Jeff Marsick wrote "this is simply a terrific and fun book" and Penny Kenny gave a Four Bullet ranking in Comics Bulletin.
In Baltimore, Nemo Publishing will also unveil limited edition prototypes of the new 8-inch MEGO-style Commander X action figure. These prototypes are all signed by Piscopo, prototype artist Dana Shaw, and manufacturer Paul Clarke. Known as "Dr. Mego," Clarke is a well known MEGO enthusiast and president of EMCE Toys which debuted MEGO reproductions of Star Trek and Planet of the Apes figures. The commercial release of this Commander X action figure will not occur until late November so this is a unique opportunity for convention-goers! This is the first Capt'n Eli character to be offered as an action figure and others are in the works.
Look for Nemo Publishing in Booth 1610 where Jay will offer free convention sketches and the crew will hand out limited edition Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli Collectible Card Games, cool Seasearcher tattoos, postcards, and Commander X posters. The last available collectible pins in the first series will be offered on Saturday. These are in limited quantity and will go quickly!
Convention-goers will also have the chance to be in Capt'n Eli's next video by taking the Commander X Challenge! Two new collectible pins will be offered for the first time exclusively to Baltimore Comic-Con fans who participate in the Commander X Challenge. Quotes:
"Here's the amazing thing about Capt'n Eli -- it's like an old-time comic book. Classic, but not retro -- and it works. This well-told tale with its cast of interesting and provoking characters is indeed an epic." ~ Herb Trimpe, Legendary Comics Illustrator
"Jay Piscopo has taken the best elements of classic adventure fiction, pulp sci-fi, and Silver Age comics, stirred them together and come up with something fresh and fun...This book is a winner." ~ Penny Kenny, Comics Bulletin
"...drawn in a combination of 3-D graphics and comic book-style penciling, with vibrant colors that practically leap off the page. Jay Piscopo has done a magnificent job of creating an adventure tale that never takes itself too seriously and never allows itself to become kitschy and cute."
~ Jeff Marsick, Newsarama
"If comics readers don't take Capt'n Eli to heart, they're just too jaded!" ~ Roy Thomas, Renowned Marvel Comics Editor and Writer
http://www.captneli.com
Limited edition MEGO-style action figure unveiled
Baltimore, Maryland - September 16, 2008 - The second book in Nemo Publishing's new all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli will make its debut at Baltimore Comic-Con on Sept, 27. Written and illustrated by Maine artist Jay Piscopo, this is the story of a boy with extraordinary scientific abilities and mysterious ties to the sea. In the few months since Volume 1 was released in June, Capt'n Eli has created excitement among fans, retailers, librarians, educators, and comics professionals and has received numerous reviews. In his cover story, Cliff Biggers of Comic Shop News called this book "a rarity in today's marketplace: an all-ages series that is truly all ages." Newsarama's Jeff Marsick wrote "this is simply a terrific and fun book" and Penny Kenny gave a Four Bullet ranking in Comics Bulletin.
In Baltimore, Nemo Publishing will also unveil limited edition prototypes of the new 8-inch MEGO-style Commander X action figure. These prototypes are all signed by Piscopo, prototype artist Dana Shaw, and manufacturer Paul Clarke. Known as "Dr. Mego," Clarke is a well known MEGO enthusiast and president of EMCE Toys which debuted MEGO reproductions of Star Trek and Planet of the Apes figures. The commercial release of this Commander X action figure will not occur until late November so this is a unique opportunity for convention-goers! This is the first Capt'n Eli character to be offered as an action figure and others are in the works.
Look for Nemo Publishing in Booth 1610 where Jay will offer free convention sketches and the crew will hand out limited edition Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli Collectible Card Games, cool Seasearcher tattoos, postcards, and Commander X posters. The last available collectible pins in the first series will be offered on Saturday. These are in limited quantity and will go quickly!
Convention-goers will also have the chance to be in Capt'n Eli's next video by taking the Commander X Challenge! Two new collectible pins will be offered for the first time exclusively to Baltimore Comic-Con fans who participate in the Commander X Challenge. Quotes:
"Here's the amazing thing about Capt'n Eli -- it's like an old-time comic book. Classic, but not retro -- and it works. This well-told tale with its cast of interesting and provoking characters is indeed an epic." ~ Herb Trimpe, Legendary Comics Illustrator
"Jay Piscopo has taken the best elements of classic adventure fiction, pulp sci-fi, and Silver Age comics, stirred them together and come up with something fresh and fun...This book is a winner." ~ Penny Kenny, Comics Bulletin
"...drawn in a combination of 3-D graphics and comic book-style penciling, with vibrant colors that practically leap off the page. Jay Piscopo has done a magnificent job of creating an adventure tale that never takes itself too seriously and never allows itself to become kitschy and cute."
~ Jeff Marsick, Newsarama
"If comics readers don't take Capt'n Eli to heart, they're just too jaded!" ~ Roy Thomas, Renowned Marvel Comics Editor and Writer
http://www.captneli.com
PRESS RELEASE – CELEBRATE TEN YEARS OF RED ROCKET 7 WITH THE ALLREDS AND SAN FRANCISCO'S NEON MONSTER!Mike and Laura Allred to celebrate anniversary with signing, party and original art gallery!
15 September, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) – In their only public appearance this year, MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS' Mike and Laura Allred will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their RED ROCKET 7 graphic novel at San Francisco's Neon Monster on Saturday, October 4th!
“While Laura and I have held off from appearances this year, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate RED ROCKET 7's tenth anniversary with our friends at Neon Monster with their own one year anniversary,” Mike Allred said. “Like RED ROCKET 7, Neon Monster celebrates the common ground between comics and music on a daily basis and the enthusiasm they're bringing may even surpass our own!"
Neon Monster will be celebrating RED ROCKET 7 in a big way with a traditional signing from 5-8 PM and an anniversary party from 8-12 PM featuring the first ever public gallery showing of Allred's original art from RED ROCKET 7 and a rarely heard mix of the RED ROCKET 7 album sequel, THE GEAR: SON OF RED ROCKET 7.
The event will also be the debut of the NEON MONSTER ARTIST EDITIONS, a limited edition boxed set containing store exclusives, with the Allreds edition featuring a dozen 14” x 11” silkscreened prints reproducing art from RED ROCKET 7 in their original black & white state, each hand-signed by Mike and Laura, and a new compact disc pressing of THE GEAR. In addition, all copies of the RED ROCKET 7 hardcover sold at the event will feature an exclusive tip-in plate, also signed by the Allreds.
The RED ROCKET 7 10th Anniversary party will take place at Neon Monster, located at 901 Castro St. in San Francisco, CA on Saturday October 4. For more information, please call 415-206-9644 or visit www.neonmonster.com.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
15 September, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) – In their only public appearance this year, MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS' Mike and Laura Allred will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their RED ROCKET 7 graphic novel at San Francisco's Neon Monster on Saturday, October 4th!
“While Laura and I have held off from appearances this year, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate RED ROCKET 7's tenth anniversary with our friends at Neon Monster with their own one year anniversary,” Mike Allred said. “Like RED ROCKET 7, Neon Monster celebrates the common ground between comics and music on a daily basis and the enthusiasm they're bringing may even surpass our own!"
Neon Monster will be celebrating RED ROCKET 7 in a big way with a traditional signing from 5-8 PM and an anniversary party from 8-12 PM featuring the first ever public gallery showing of Allred's original art from RED ROCKET 7 and a rarely heard mix of the RED ROCKET 7 album sequel, THE GEAR: SON OF RED ROCKET 7.
The event will also be the debut of the NEON MONSTER ARTIST EDITIONS, a limited edition boxed set containing store exclusives, with the Allreds edition featuring a dozen 14” x 11” silkscreened prints reproducing art from RED ROCKET 7 in their original black & white state, each hand-signed by Mike and Laura, and a new compact disc pressing of THE GEAR. In addition, all copies of the RED ROCKET 7 hardcover sold at the event will feature an exclusive tip-in plate, also signed by the Allreds.
The RED ROCKET 7 10th Anniversary party will take place at Neon Monster, located at 901 Castro St. in San Francisco, CA on Saturday October 4. For more information, please call 415-206-9644 or visit www.neonmonster.com.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Minions of Ka
"The conquest of darkness lies within a flicker of light."
(c) 2008 Zombie Omega, Inc.
Zombie Omega, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the highly
anticipated graphic novel project The Minions of Ka.
Steeped in historical fiction, The Minions of Ka represents an
exciting reimagining of the entire zombie genre. In this bold new
world, many of history's greatest disasters were actually results of
attacks by the undead. The cursed Egyptian civilization, the fall of
Rome, the Crusades and the Black Plague all consequence of zombie
outbreaks, perpetuated by a secret organization known only as "The
Minions of Ka".
The 128-page graphic novel titled The Minions of Ka, focuses on the
Great London Fire of 1666. For hundreds of years, the Catholic Church
has used the power of the undead to spread fear among heretics and
non-believers. Now, in the late 17th century, the Church has their
sights set on the throne of Charles II. An unnamed warrior for hire
finds himself caught between the Church and the English Monarchy in
one of the greatest conspiracies of all time.
The Minions of Ka is created by Dave Wilbur, Michael Furno and Michael
Ahearn and written by Michael Furno and Michael Ahearn. The book
features interior at by Chris Moreno and was edited by critically
acclaimed horror author Jack Ketchum. The cover is a one-of-a-kind
work of art produced exclusively for the project by legendary artist
Ken Kelly.
The Minions of Ka is available for pre-order on-line at
www.trackthestrain.com and will be available in stores the week of
Halloween. The book was produced by Silent Devil, published by Arcana
Publishing and distributed by Diamond.
"The conquest of darkness lies within a flicker of light."
(c) 2008 Zombie Omega, Inc.
Zombie Omega, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the highly
anticipated graphic novel project The Minions of Ka.
Steeped in historical fiction, The Minions of Ka represents an
exciting reimagining of the entire zombie genre. In this bold new
world, many of history's greatest disasters were actually results of
attacks by the undead. The cursed Egyptian civilization, the fall of
Rome, the Crusades and the Black Plague all consequence of zombie
outbreaks, perpetuated by a secret organization known only as "The
Minions of Ka".
The 128-page graphic novel titled The Minions of Ka, focuses on the
Great London Fire of 1666. For hundreds of years, the Catholic Church
has used the power of the undead to spread fear among heretics and
non-believers. Now, in the late 17th century, the Church has their
sights set on the throne of Charles II. An unnamed warrior for hire
finds himself caught between the Church and the English Monarchy in
one of the greatest conspiracies of all time.
The Minions of Ka is created by Dave Wilbur, Michael Furno and Michael
Ahearn and written by Michael Furno and Michael Ahearn. The book
features interior at by Chris Moreno and was edited by critically
acclaimed horror author Jack Ketchum. The cover is a one-of-a-kind
work of art produced exclusively for the project by legendary artist
Ken Kelly.
The Minions of Ka is available for pre-order on-line at
www.trackthestrain.com and will be available in stores the week of
Halloween. The book was produced by Silent Devil, published by Arcana
Publishing and distributed by Diamond.
ComicMix Debuts Three Graphic Novels at Baltimore Comic-Con
Limited Editions of EZ Street, GrimJack: The Manx Cat and Jon Sable, Freelance: Ashes of Eden Available for the First Time Norwalk, CT - September 12, 2008 -ComicMix Editor-in-Chief Mike Gold today announced the debut of three graphic novels exclusively at the Baltimore Comic-Con. The full-color books have been serialized on the popular website and are only now available as printed volumes:
EZ Street - The Harvey-nominated graphic novel by Robert Tinnell (Feast of Seven Fishes, Surf Nazis Must Die, Kids of the Round Table) and Baltimore's own Mark Wheatley (Mars, Frankenstein Mobster, Hammer of the Gods, Breathtaker) is about two brothers, a story about the love of stories, about ambition and dreams and fantasy, EZ Street is an involving look at the creative process, the dynamic of families, the true meaning of friendship and the quest for a really good comic. Wheatley and Tinnell will be at the Insight Studios/ComicMix booth to sign copies.
GrimJack: The Manx Cat - Since its first appearance as a back-up in Starslayer in 1983, GrimJack has been a fan favorite. The stories blend genres - the hard-boiled detective stories of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammet get combined with the sword and sorcery of Robert E. Howard. In The Manx Cat, these elements combine in a story that tells the history of Cynosure and the stuff that dreams are made of. Timothy Truman will be on hand to sign copies.
Jon Sable: Ashes of Eden - The character of Jon Sable is so popular that he was the inspiration for the ABC network series, Sable, in 1987. In Ashes of Eden, Sable is hired by the head of an African diamond cartel to transport a magnificent raw diamond to an exhibit in New York. But his task is complicated by having to play escort, bodyguard and babysitter to the cartel's corporate spokesperson, Bashira, a temperamental. In a story combining jewels, fashion, and a network of terrorists, Sable must also deal with enticements of Maggie the Cat.
These collector's items will be available for the first time at the ComicMix booth exclusively at Baltimore Comic-Con from Saturday, September 28 through Sunday, September 29. More information and tickets are available at http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
ComicMix.com is the site for readers who enjoy all types of fantastic media, from comic books television and movies to video games and more. Every day, visitors find new original comics, classic stories, news, facts, reviews, commentary, columns, and a community environment that reaches across the globe, across decades, and into the future.
Limited Editions of EZ Street, GrimJack: The Manx Cat and Jon Sable, Freelance: Ashes of Eden Available for the First Time Norwalk, CT - September 12, 2008 -ComicMix Editor-in-Chief Mike Gold today announced the debut of three graphic novels exclusively at the Baltimore Comic-Con. The full-color books have been serialized on the popular website and are only now available as printed volumes:
EZ Street - The Harvey-nominated graphic novel by Robert Tinnell (Feast of Seven Fishes, Surf Nazis Must Die, Kids of the Round Table) and Baltimore's own Mark Wheatley (Mars, Frankenstein Mobster, Hammer of the Gods, Breathtaker) is about two brothers, a story about the love of stories, about ambition and dreams and fantasy, EZ Street is an involving look at the creative process, the dynamic of families, the true meaning of friendship and the quest for a really good comic. Wheatley and Tinnell will be at the Insight Studios/ComicMix booth to sign copies.
GrimJack: The Manx Cat - Since its first appearance as a back-up in Starslayer in 1983, GrimJack has been a fan favorite. The stories blend genres - the hard-boiled detective stories of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammet get combined with the sword and sorcery of Robert E. Howard. In The Manx Cat, these elements combine in a story that tells the history of Cynosure and the stuff that dreams are made of. Timothy Truman will be on hand to sign copies.
Jon Sable: Ashes of Eden - The character of Jon Sable is so popular that he was the inspiration for the ABC network series, Sable, in 1987. In Ashes of Eden, Sable is hired by the head of an African diamond cartel to transport a magnificent raw diamond to an exhibit in New York. But his task is complicated by having to play escort, bodyguard and babysitter to the cartel's corporate spokesperson, Bashira, a temperamental. In a story combining jewels, fashion, and a network of terrorists, Sable must also deal with enticements of Maggie the Cat.
These collector's items will be available for the first time at the ComicMix booth exclusively at Baltimore Comic-Con from Saturday, September 28 through Sunday, September 29. More information and tickets are available at http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
ComicMix.com is the site for readers who enjoy all types of fantastic media, from comic books television and movies to video games and more. Every day, visitors find new original comics, classic stories, news, facts, reviews, commentary, columns, and a community environment that reaches across the globe, across decades, and into the future.
We're at it again.
Optimum Wound Comics launches Danijel Zezelj’s new webcomic, King of Nekropolis. Print edition of the graphic novel will follow, hitting comic shops on November 26th, 2008.
Vancouver, BC September 15, 2008 – Optimum Wound Comics announces today the launch of King of Nekropolis, a new online comic and forthcoming graphic novel. King was written and illustrated by acclaimed comics creator Danijel Zezelj (Stray Dogs, Loveless, DMZ & Hellblazer). King has previously only seen print in Italy, published by Hazard Edizioni in late 2007.
King will be Optimum Wound’s second release following on the heels of Zezelj’s dark graphic novella, Rex, released back in May. Rex was an earlier work from 1995 repackaged and translated for an English audience. King of Nekropolis is brand new material. The graphic novel is 96 pages, b&w and will be released on November 26th, 2008. It will be distributed by Diamond Comics and sold online through Amazon and Heavy Ink.
King launched has started running as a webcomic on the Webcomics Nation network. It will update on Mon, Wed and Fridays. The online comic will continue for the next eight months.
The webcomic is located at:
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/optimumwound/kingofnekropolis/series.php
Jason Thibault, Publisher and co-owner of Optimum Wound comments: “We are more than excited to be releasing more work by Danijel. It’s been a dream come true working with one of the finest storytellers in the comics medium. Most of the North American comic book audience has only seen Danijel’s work through his commercial work for DC/Vertigo and Marvel. We’re hoping to change that by exposing new readers to his more personal works from his rather extensive back catalog.”
A brief synopsis of King:
Ras Casal is a private detective, haunted by demons and old memories, addicted to drugs and on the verge of complete madness. Casal is hired by Professor Noah to find an old colleague, Theobald Hall, a brilliant computer scientist who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The hunt to find Theobald begins as does a long and terrible descent into personal hells for Ras. His journey into the heart of Nekropolis becomes his last chance at redemption.
The book can now be pre-ordered from local comic stores.
It's in September (this month's) Previews on page 309
Order code SEP08 4223
96 pages - $11.95
Danijel Zezelj is a graphic artist and illustrator, author of more than twenty graphic novels. His comics and illustrations have appeared in magazines and anthologies in Croatia, Slovenia, England, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, South Africa and the USA. Danijel’s work has been published by DC Comics/Vertigo, Image, Marvel Comics, The New York Times Book Review, Harper’s Magazine, San Francisco Guardian & Washington Chronicle.
Optimum Wound Comics is a boutique publisher operating out of Vancouver, Canada, specializing in dark crime and horror graphic novels and online comics.
Founded in 2005 by three Canadians, Optimum Wound started as an online comics channel branching out into publishing in 2008. Optimum Wound differentiates itself publishing primarily black and white genre work from around the world.
Optimum Wound Comics launches Danijel Zezelj’s new webcomic, King of Nekropolis. Print edition of the graphic novel will follow, hitting comic shops on November 26th, 2008.
Vancouver, BC September 15, 2008 – Optimum Wound Comics announces today the launch of King of Nekropolis, a new online comic and forthcoming graphic novel. King was written and illustrated by acclaimed comics creator Danijel Zezelj (Stray Dogs, Loveless, DMZ & Hellblazer). King has previously only seen print in Italy, published by Hazard Edizioni in late 2007.
King will be Optimum Wound’s second release following on the heels of Zezelj’s dark graphic novella, Rex, released back in May. Rex was an earlier work from 1995 repackaged and translated for an English audience. King of Nekropolis is brand new material. The graphic novel is 96 pages, b&w and will be released on November 26th, 2008. It will be distributed by Diamond Comics and sold online through Amazon and Heavy Ink.
King launched has started running as a webcomic on the Webcomics Nation network. It will update on Mon, Wed and Fridays. The online comic will continue for the next eight months.
The webcomic is located at:
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/optimumwound/kingofnekropolis/series.php
Jason Thibault, Publisher and co-owner of Optimum Wound comments: “We are more than excited to be releasing more work by Danijel. It’s been a dream come true working with one of the finest storytellers in the comics medium. Most of the North American comic book audience has only seen Danijel’s work through his commercial work for DC/Vertigo and Marvel. We’re hoping to change that by exposing new readers to his more personal works from his rather extensive back catalog.”
A brief synopsis of King:
Ras Casal is a private detective, haunted by demons and old memories, addicted to drugs and on the verge of complete madness. Casal is hired by Professor Noah to find an old colleague, Theobald Hall, a brilliant computer scientist who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The hunt to find Theobald begins as does a long and terrible descent into personal hells for Ras. His journey into the heart of Nekropolis becomes his last chance at redemption.
The book can now be pre-ordered from local comic stores.
It's in September (this month's) Previews on page 309
Order code SEP08 4223
96 pages - $11.95
Danijel Zezelj is a graphic artist and illustrator, author of more than twenty graphic novels. His comics and illustrations have appeared in magazines and anthologies in Croatia, Slovenia, England, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, South Africa and the USA. Danijel’s work has been published by DC Comics/Vertigo, Image, Marvel Comics, The New York Times Book Review, Harper’s Magazine, San Francisco Guardian & Washington Chronicle.
Optimum Wound Comics is a boutique publisher operating out of Vancouver, Canada, specializing in dark crime and horror graphic novels and online comics.
Founded in 2005 by three Canadians, Optimum Wound started as an online comics channel branching out into publishing in 2008. Optimum Wound differentiates itself publishing primarily black and white genre work from around the world.
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