The Gallery- Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #1
It’s a brand new, dark day in the Marvel Universe, and it’s creeping onto the footsteps of Marvel’s First Family.
Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #1 hits shelves on March 4. Writer Jonathan Hickman (Pax Romana, The Nightly News) and artist Sean Chen launch the new series as the FF find themselves battling H.A.M.M.E.R agents invading their home – the Baxter Building.
The series’ first issue has a gorgeous cover by Simone Bianchi (Astonishing X-Men) and a variant cover featuring Thing by Marko Djurdjevic.
Click below for some text-free preview pages of this issue.
The Gallery: Gears of War #4
On sale on February 11 is the fourth issue of DC/Wildstorm’s Gears of War comic series, based on the awesome XBOX 360 games. Written by Joshua Ortega, who is very familiar with the Gears universe, and with pencils by Liam Sharp (Hulk) this series is a mature readers only look at the world of War.
This 32 pager centres on Sigma Squad, led by Augustus “Cole Train” Cole as they search for Marcus Fenix and his Delta Squad teammates, avoiding seismic disturbances, Locust hordes and Brumaks along the way.
The cover is by Brandon Badeaux and there is also a video game art variant cover.
Click below for some tasty preview images.
The ES Evolution
ES Issue 02 New Logo
OK I (Dave graphics dude on ES) haven’t posted here for ages as my partner in crime Kris has been knocking out posts like a monkey in a peanut factory (that’s why I do the art and he does the words!). Anyway after everyone including Kris described our a logo as a cross, crucifix with or without seaweed on the bottom and not the ‘plus’, as in the extra, as in sequential; i thought it was time already to come up with a new logo. So say good bye to the old plus icon and hello to the new round symmetrical ES logo. Hope you like it!
Here is a preview of it on our second issue which is in production with some fantastic stories and art and on target(ish) to hit the airwaves on March the 15th. Thanks for all your support to date and keep logging onto ES and spreading the word.
Dave – Art Ed
Hexed #2 Review
I get the feeling that I’m at the start of something special. It’s easy to picture this as a future TV series or film. Like Buffy, but with an ambition equal to her comics rather than the TV series, Hexed is smart and entertaining.
It’d be easy to let a concept like this get out of hand, or lose its focus, but writer Alan Michael Nelson knows when he’s on to a good thing and wisely keeps the spotlight on her. Hexed is a new four issue mini-series from BOOM! Studios that follows the supernatural adventures of a girl named Lucifer, (real name Luci Jenifer Neves) and her thieving career choices. Last month’s delayed debut ish ended with Luci diving into the guts of a corpse. However, as we discover in this issue’s opener, the corpse’s stomach is bigger than it seems, just like the TARDIS.
After an intro which sees two men in 1857 running from an unseen baddie, it’s obvious this issue will delve straight into darkness. There’s no sense of playfulness here like there was in last month’s offering. The two running men soon come to a brutal end, with one’s head exploding. His brother then takes a small golden globe and whispers their killer’s name into it, before the artefact flies to the heavens.
Cutting to the present, Luci is swimming in a foul crimson sea inside the corpse, hunting the golden item, which we discover is called the carasinth. She fights off a sting-ray type creature, grabs the orb and gets out of there, landing in an autopsy room in front of an understandably stunned pathologist. Luci has managed to please Dietrich, her former boss who forced het to steal the item, but at the same time enrage her current employer, Val. And with good reason, as one whisper of a person’s name into the carasinth means they become a deadly target.
Continuing her streak of attracting antagonism, Dietrich and his goons invade Luci’s home to take what they believe is there’s. Luci puts up a fight, namely biting a nose off a goon, but to no avail. Dietrich forces Luci to take him to a “harlot”, which they do via a magical mirror. Arriving at a mansion, they meet the ageing woman who calls Luci darling and welcomes her home.
The pace is quick in this second issue, since the series is half way over and there are a few more questions that need answering, such as what’s the deal with the mysterious “H” tattoo on Luci’s back, and just what is the relationship between the ghastly old woman and our magical heroine.
Emma Rio’s art is again top notch. It may be too sketchy for some, but coupled with Cris Peter’s luscious colouring the energy crackles off the page. Rios draws Luci like a normal young woman, and gives characters such as Val and Dietrich a definite look. The page design remains driven and the action seems violent, but not shockingly so.
This is a good series. The Buffy comparisons will continue, and I’m sure Nelson is probably sick of them by now, but that is a worthy compliment. There are well rounded supporting characters and genuine human interactions with unique supernatural tones. This series can only continue to become more engrossing.
Adventure Comics #0 Review
This is a great intro to comics for those that have fallen for Superboy and the Legion of Super Heroes, either from their recent appearance on TV’s Smallville or their great animated series that ran for two seasons.
The primary tale is a re-print from the classic Adventure Comics #247, written by Otto Binder with art by Al Plastino. I say classic, because this 1958 tale introduced the concept of the Legion (a team of 30th century teen super-heroes) into DC’s ever expanding Universe. Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl were the first three members shown, though since their debut both the popularity and membership of the Legion has grown exponentially. Some may complain that this light issue features a re-print from the Silver Age and a mere 6 page back up, but it’s certainly worth the $1 US cover price.
I enjoyed the reprint. It’s…quaint and brought a smile to my face. Comics readers back in the 50s and 60s must have had a ball. There’s no hint of the darkness and convoluted narratives inherent in today’s “funny” books. It begins with Superboy flying around and meeting three different teenagers who know his secret identity. Shocked, the Boy of Steel learns that the trio are visiting him from the future and take him on a brief trip to show him their home. Here, Clark sees a Superboy robot being demonstrated in a class room, tries an “out of this world” ice-cream consisting of 9 different flavours from 9 different planets and eventually tries out for Legion membership. He aims to beat the three teens at their own games, as they only possess one super power each. He fails not by choice, but rather distraction, as in the course of the competition he’s distracted by saving the wayward Superboy ‘bot, a wayward satellite and a wayward invisible eagle of Neptune. That’s a lot of waywards!
Superboy remains quiet on why he lost and humbly accepts the Legion’s mocking. However, it turns out the trio caused all those distractions to test his heart, thus earning Superboy a medal declaring him, “Super Hero Number One,” which he waves infront of his unimpressed Dad.
Modern readers may too easily forget the genius of the Golden and Silver Ages in comic book history. Sure the tales are simple and the art ain’t flashy, but decades ago these creators gave the world concepts that have lasted. Despite the hokey dialogue and abundant use of thought balloons, and even the grand tones of a narrator, this was enjoyable. Today’s creators owe much to writers and artists of the past. They really are standing on the shoulders of giants.
The back-up tale is an original one, written by DC’s golden boy (with very good reason) Geoff Johns, who also penned the Legion’s Smallville debut. Art is supplied by Francis Manapul. This is the first Origins and Omens feature, which DC will use to set markers for the future of their books, focusing on the Green Lantern: Blackest Night event. It’s told from the point of view of Scar, a corrupted Guardian of the Universe. Lex Luthor, currently a prisoner uses his access to Braniac’s body to learn his secrets and fly the coop. However, Braniac awakens and wants none of that. It’s a vague hint for what’s next for the DCU. However, the last page, showing a glimpse of Superboy (who hasn’t been seen since his death in Infinite Crisis) looks like he’ll finally make a triumphant return, but as a possible pawn of the new Black Lanterns who use the dead for their own ends.
With a groovy Aaron Lopresti cover, in a homage to the often-imitated original, with American Idol undertones Superboy faces a thumbs down from the Legion’s judges. Underneath it is a brief comic, but a Superboy centered one showing his past and future. It’s cheap, so grab it.
The Gallery-Wolverine: Origins #33
It’s father vs son in Wolverine: Origins #33 out on February 25.
These two clawed individuals have had a rather heated relationship, as Daken blames Logan for his mother’s death, and now that Daken has turned up in Dad’s old brown costume as part of Norman Osborn’s (Green Goblin) new Dark Avengers, things aren’t simmering down.
As Nick Fury and Wolverine uncover some secrets about the Japanese mutant offspring of everyone’s favourite X-Man, they delve deep into the underbelly of the Marvel Universe.
Written by Daken’s creator Daniel Way, with pencils by Doug Braithwaite, a text-free preview of the ish can be seen at the link below.
The claws are out!
Ardden’s Merlin
Official press release below about an interesting new series from Ardden Entertainment (the publishers of the great Flash Gordon series). Sounds promising.
Ardden Entertainment is proud to announce that comic book industry legend J.M. DeMatteis and writer Derek Ivan Webster are teaming with artist Loren Meyer for THE MERLIN PROPHECIES, a genre-defying modern-day reinvention of the Camelot mythos.
THE MERLIN PROPHECIES is the story of John Myrddin, an emotionally-disturbed shipwreck of a man living in New York City’s East Village. John hears voices, too many voices, invading his dreams, haunting his days. One voice in particular stands out: a woman’s voice. And one night that voice leads him to Central Park. There, in the middle of a lake, John has an encounter with an ethereal woman that changes him, and will change the world, forever. Because John Myrddin now remembers the truth: He is none other than Merlin and the woman is the Lady of the Lake, who has been waiting centuries to reawaken the fabled wizard of Camelot. Now Merlin is on a mission to find, and train, a teenage boy who may one day redeem the world. But an ancient evil is also stalking the boy…and if it finds him first, our world may be forever lost….
DeMatteis, who also works as Ardden Entertainment’s Editor-in-Chief, comments, “This is a fresh spin on the Merlin legend. Although elements of Arthurian myth are woven throughout the story, THE MERLIN PROPHECIES is a very contemporary take: no magic swords. No dragons. No knights in shining armor. It’s city streets and shadows. Secrets hidden behind the veil of the modern world.
“I’m delighted to be collaborating with my friend Derek Ivan Webster, a Los Angeles-based writer and story consultant, whose knowledge of the Arthurian legends is encyclopedic. Loren Myer’s art is pitch perfect for the series: moody, mysterious, emotional, magical. We can’t wait to get to work on the mini-series and continue to explore this endlessly fascinating character.”
Ardden will debut THE MERLIN PROPHECIES #0 at the New York Comic-Con this weekend. The issue will feature an intense, character-driven story that takes place before the events of the mini-series, which will launch later in 2009.
The Gallery: War of Kings #1
On sale on March 4, War of Kings #1 is the first issue of a 6 issue mini-series from Marvel. Written by frequent writing partners Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with art by Paul Pelletier the series is an unashamed space epic. The mute leader of the Inhumans, Black Bolt launches headlong into a war with the Shi’Ar Empire, and its leader (and X-Men baddie) Vulcan. Click the link below for some text-free preview pages, and covers by Brandon Peterson and Ron Lim.
Watchmen On Your Mobile
Or at least updates of the greatly anticipated film. It’s hard to believe that this adaptation fanboys and girls have cautiously wanted to witness on celluloid is just around the corner. Below are some gorgeous promo pics for the Zack Snyder helmed film hitting the screens on March 6. For the uninitiated, Watchmen is a classic DC Comics 12 issue series written by Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, From Hell) with art by Dave Gibbons. It’s an epic telling of an alternate 1985 where Nixon is President and superheroes are real and endangered.
I’ve gotta give props to Warner Bros. All of their marketing for this film has been well orchestrated. From the pics released a year before the film to the recent viral video and variety of bold posters they know how to get the attention of curious geeks.
See the details below to register for mobile updates. Hi-tech marketing is a beautiful thing.
Bluewater Extras This Month
Below is the official press release from Bluewater Productions about their great bonuses in this month’s releases. It’s good to see a company realising that all this economic downturn has an affect on comic book readers too.
BLUEWATER ADDS 22 BONUS PAGES TO FEBRUARY RELEASES.
Starting in February, Bluewater is adding a bonus 22-page flipbook to some of its titles. The original $3.99 cover price will stay the same but the consumer will enjoy 48-pages of content.
Listed below are the titles coming with the FREE bonus book:
1) “10th Muse 800″ #1 comes with a FREE “Judo Girl/ Venus” #1
2) “Judo Girl/ Venus” #1 comes with a FREE 10th Muse 800 #1
3) “Wrath of the Titans: Cyclops” comes with a FREE “Pit and the Pendulum”
4) “Pit and the Pendulum” comes with a FREE “Wrath of the Titans: Cyclops”
5) “Missile to the Moon” #1 comes with a FREE “Imaginaries” #2
6) “Imaginaries” #2 comes with a FREE “Missile to the Moon” #1
Making sure not to confuse anyone, Bluewater has made a special cover for the back of the flipbook. The original covers, UPC codes & order codes have remained the same.
“With the economy the way that it is, we realize that $3.99 is a lot to spend on a 22 page comic book,” said Bluewater Productions Publisher, Darren G. Davis. “I buy comics every week and I see how expensive they have become. With that in mind we are making sure that people that buy our books get the most for their money.”
Bluewater is also making sure to add bonus material to our other titles. “Plan 9 From Outer Space…Strikes Again”, will have 28 pages of sequential content.
Davis continued, “It is rare that you will find one of our books with only 22 pages. We want to do more than just put in a pin-up to take up space. For example with the Ray Harryhausen titles we showcased some of Harryhausen’s original artwork.”
The “Vincent Price Presents” series will not only have a 4-page back-up stories but pin-ups as well. In each issue the comic comes with an intro and outro featuring Vincent Price. This is on top of the 22-page story.
The Remnant #2 Review
This series from BOOM! Studios made an impression on me last month. I remain impressed. Written by Caleb Monroe from a story by Andrew Cosby and Stephen Baldwin (yes, that one) The Remnant throws in elements involving the supernatural, espionage thrillers and action films into a melting pot and scoops out the juicy bi-products.
There’s more to it than that though, and Cosby and Baldwin weave a taut tale springing from the first issue, while thrusting the adventure forward. In the first issue CIA agent David Sacker died in an explosion, but was brought back to life by a mysterious man (who himself was saved after dying in Hurricane Katrina). David’s new wife, Sara is taken in for questioning, after Homeland Security discovered her details on the bomber’s corpse. The married couple have no idea why Sara is being treated as a criminal, but the investigators remain unconvinced.
In this issue we learn the identity of the Katrina ‘victim’ who gave David his life back. He’s John Drouin, a small town kid with a juvie record. Agent Fairchild and her team witness footage of the explosion from the first issue, which shows the unharmed John and barely conscious David meeting. David returns home after chasing John in a thrilling sequence from last issue, and finds a bomb in his kitchen, which he disarms before meeting up with his friend Andy. David’s wife, Sara is released, with orders straight from the top, infuriating Agent Fairchild.
Finally, Andy and his amusingly nerdy assistant are attacked by John, who appears to be sleepwalking, or in a trance of some sort. Then a young lady checks into a hotel, unpacks a high-powered rifle and checks her target – Sara Sacker.
The pieces are starting to come together – slowly. Monroe seems to be honing in on a few details and characters, bringing them all together for a showdown. He lays enough hints to keep us guessing, with Sara’s innocence about the whole affair the primary one. However, the silent grey-haired man seen in Sudan in the opening pages, and then again in the office of the Director of Homeland Security must also reveal his true nature soon.
Artist Julian Totino Tedesco continues his stellar work form last issue. With a fluid grace, almost like John Byrne (Fantastic Four) but much better and great use of space on every page, he shows that he’s mastering his craft. He knows when to keep things simple, and when to lay on the details.
This will be one of those series that needs to be read in collected form to gain the full effect of the tale being told, so if you’re new to this series, start with issue #1, or wait for the Trade Paper Back. It really does have pacing similar to any of the numerous cop shows on TV these days, and seeing as there are more unanswered questions at this halfway mark of the series, it can only increase its intensity before issue #4.
Top Cow Freebies
Those lovely people at Top Cow are launching their new Let Us Win You Over promotion during February. This bold initiative sends free copies to random comic shops, giving people the chance to trial one of Top Cow’s titles for free. The official press release is below,a s is the link for the shops carrying the free copy of The Darkness #75. See if your shop is on the list (if you live in America or Canada, that is).
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and all of February’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO.
The publisher decided to launch the program with a special celebratory anniversary issue of one of their flagship titles, The Darkness #75. The issue, which is an over-sized 48-page comic, commemorates the 75th overall issue of the series regardless of volume. The list of artists includes: Michael Broussard (current series artist), Jorge Lucas (Pilot Season: Ripclaw), Dale Keown (Pitt), Joe Benitez (Justice League of America), Ryan Sook (Superman/Batman), Steve Firchow (Ultimatum), Frazer Irving (Silent War), Lee Carter (2000 AD), Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade) and Matt Timson (Impaler). The story, which will examine what a possible future would be like for current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado, will be penned by current series writer Phil Hester. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, February 11th, 2008 and normally retails for $4.99.
“This initiative our most ambitious attempt yet to recruit new readers,” explained Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow. “We wanted to kick it off in a big way and what better way than one of our biggest books of the year, both literally and figuratively. This is a great jumping on point for new fans as it is a standalone story, featuring the best art we have to offer, and an awesome value.”
“I’m looking forward to getting the Top Cow ‘Let us Win You Over’ promotion started. This is one of the more innovative ways a publisher has chosen to work with our membership,” said Joe Fields, President of ComicsPRO and owner of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff in Concord, CA, “Our goal is nothing short of more readers for Top Cow’s cool comics and more customers for ComicsPRO member stores.”
“We are so excited about this opportunity to bring Top Cow comics to more readers! Top Cow is at the top of their game and we cannot think of a better time to bring new people to their titles! We are ready to win over some more readers,” added Norah Curry, Promotions Director, Laughing Ogre Comics in Columbus Ohio.
A list of the participating retailers during the month of February (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative – www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase The Darkness at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the specific retailer they wish to visit for specific details:
