The Comic Book Gazette

Press Release: He'll Be Back! (02.01)

The following is a press release from Dark Horse Comics.

He's back! The entire Dark Horse Terminator comics series is now available for the first time in the form of two giant collections. The Terminator Omnibus Volume I arrives in February with a second volume scheduled to follow in March. Fans can celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever conceived by declaring 2008 the Year of The Terminator!

Tireless, fearless, merciless, unencumbered by human emotion, and dedicated to the complete eradication of mankind, they came from another time to ensure that the future would belong solely to the machines. They are Terminators-indestructible killing engines hiding inside shells of flesh and blood. But despite the frailty of human flesh, nothing is as immortal as the human spirit, and even the strongest metal will bend to its will to survive. . .

Dark Horse Comics has long been regarded as the heavyweight champion of adapting film blockbusters to graphic fiction. The Terminator is one of the finest examples of bringing top comics talents to the expansion of a premier action/adventure mythos. Featuring work by fan-favorite creators James Robinson, Matt Wagner, John Arcudi, Paul Gulacy, Ian Edginton, and more, The Terminator Omnibus Volume I collects the first four consecutive story arcs from The Terminator comic-book series and features over three hundred full-color story pages.

The Terminator Omnibus Volume I includes Terminator Tempest, One Shot, Secondary Objectives, and The Enemy Within. It will be available in retail stores everywhere February 20, 2008 with an SRP of $24.95. The Terminator Omnibus Volume II will follow on March 26.

The following is a press release from BOOM! Studios.

"... deserves to be at the top of the pile." - Newsarama

"...will definitely hook you for the next installment." - Comics Bulletin 

"BOOM! Studios has done it again..." - Eye On Comics

Press Release: New Hero Initiative Shirts! (01.30)

The following is a press release from the Hero Initiative.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 30, 2008) – You can look stylish and show your support for the Hero Initiative with two great new T-shirts! These two amazing shirts are available via:
http://www.atomiccomicsstore.com/heroinitiative.html, or direct from Hero at conventions we’ll be attending in 2008.

Tom Scioli, the Kirby-charged artist of Image Comics’ GØDLAND lends his talents to Hero’s new “Lend a Hand”  T-shirt available in men’s L, XL and XXL sizes.

For the goddess-lover in you, the lovely and fiery haired Dawn is also available, with art by Joseph Michael Linsner. Dawn comes on gray in men’s sizes L, XL, XXL, or on black in ladies babydoll sizes S, M, L, and XL.  This is the first time that Hero is offering a babydoll T-shirt, so all of you ladies that requested this style…don’t miss out!

"I am honored to help out The Hero Initiative, a cause that should be supported by all comic book lovers,” said Dawn creator Joseph Michael Linsner. “Comic creators in need have no one to help them except Hero. Buy one of these exclusive, sexy Hero Dawn shirts for every Goddess-worshipper you know!”

“I was more than happy to craft a design for the Hero Initiative,” said GØDLAND artist Tom Scioli. “I'm really glad there's somebody looking out for the well-being of the artists and writers who've brought us comic fans so much joy.”

All new Hero Initiative T-shirts are available now for $17.99 each.

Press Release: Little Foot Announces New Website (01.30)

The following is a press release from Little Foot Comics.

Little Foot, a small press company that carefully selects two books a year to publish, has launched a new website. Readers are invited to stop by http://www.littlefootcomics.com to see the new design and get info on the company's new title, CrumbSnatchers.

In addition to this news, Little Foot will be setting up this year at the New York Comic Con. Librarians and booksellers that stop by the booth will receive special packs from the publisher that will outline their plans in terms of educational seminars and reading programs. Samples of future projects will be included as well.

Little Foot was formed in 2007 by graphic novelist and screenwriter Christian Beranek. The publisher's first book, Mr. Big, was awarded an honorable mention at the New York Book Festival and is up for the Day Prize at this year's SPACE convention. Little Foot's goal is to produce all ages material of a educational and moral value.

More FREE Comics! (01.29)

We've added two new comics to our Golden Age Digital page: Dotty #36 and Lorna, the Jungle Girl #9. Click here to see the archives, where you can read and/or download these comics FREE.

--Editor

Press Release: From Joshua Ortega And Fabiano Neves, A Tale Of... Dark Sonja! (01.29)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

January 28, 2008, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT released images and information today concerning the March release of Red Sonja #32 and the next BIG Red Sonja event that features five dynamite all star writers creating a tale leading into the next big storyline! For issue #32, Dynamite has paired Death Dealer scribe Joshua Ortega with the Dynamite fan favorite artist of Xena and Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness, Fabiano Neves!

Red Sonja #32 is scheduled for a March release and will feature a cover by Nat (Death Dealer) Jones, as well as alternates by Fabiano Neves and Adriano Batista!

Beginning with issue #30 (and a cover by Alex Ross), Red Sonja is featuring a new, different and special creative team each and every month as the she-devil heads towards issue #35. Each issue in this special event is a great jumping on point for new readers! The special event includes the pairings of Christos Gage with one of the most extraordinary artists of Marvel's Golden Age of horror, Pablo Marcos! Ron Marz and artist Lee Moder! Red Sonja veterans Luke Lieberman and Homs! And the return of Mel Rubi with new series writer Brian Reed!

In Red Sonja #32, writer Joshua Ortega and artist Fabiano Neves continue to explore the world of the She-Devil as she makes her way down the river Styx en route to Hades itself! Ortega spins a dark tale of the path Sonja could have taken, under the guidance of the Dark God! It's the ultimate "what if" tale of Dark Sonja!

RED SONJA #32 (JAN083509) Writer: JOSHUA ORTEGA; Penciller: FABIANO NEVES; Covers: NAT JONES (50%), ADRIANO BATISTA (25%) and FABIANO NEVES (25%)

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/p-C109468.html

Dynamite plans to have incredible support for this release with house ads, Diamond Previews Ads, online ads through news websites, as well as prints ads in Comic Shop News!

Press Release: Alex Simmons Back With Another Archie Mystery! (01.29)

The following is a press release from Archie Comics.

In the last two issues of ARCHIE & FRIENDS, Archie and his friends were taken on a journey reminiscent of the classic LIFE WITH ARCHIE and AROUND THE WORLD WITH ARCHIE tales of yore. Epic in scope, these stories often involved the gang getting involved in some sort of intrigue that needed to be solved before they could return home to good ‘ol Riverdale U.S.A. Famed writer Alex Simmons has brought the mystery back to the pages of Archie Comics, and this month, in ARCHIE & FRIENDS #119 the teens’ whirlwind adventure continues with a trip to Nairobi!

In “Archie World Tour Part 2 of 4,” Archie and his friends continue their quest to see five cities in ten days. They barely have time to reminisce about London and Madrid before arriving in Nairobi, Kenya! Everyone is excited as they visit one local landmark after another, including the state museum and zoo. Of course, no trip would be complete without some suspenseful intrigue, and this one is no different as Archie and Jughead find themselves being trailed by two mysterious men. Who are they, and what are they up to? It all adds up to one world tour you won’t want to miss!

In a career spanning over 20 years, Alex Simmons has proven himself to be a real renaissance man. With a particular love for children’s literature, Simmons has taken on several projects for the younger set. Among them are several juvenile mystery novels for a variety of well-known publishers (and in the great tradition of children’s mysteries, keeps his real name mysterious by using a pseudonym).

But he doesn’t just write mysteries for children. He’s also a playwright. His “Sherlock Holmes & the Hands of Othello” received critical praise and was published in Black Thunder: An Anthology of Contemporary African American Drama, published by Signet/Mentor Books. And that’s just one of several plays Simmons has written.

From fiction to fact, Simmons has also made major contributions by penning two educational documentaries and three biographies for Steck-Vaughn. Among these biographies is a look at the life and career of Oscar® winning movie actor Denzel Washington.

Speaking of movies and other similar forms of entertainment arena, Simmons has had a hand there as well. To date, he’s written three movie novelizations for Disney. And as a voiceover talent, Simmons can be heard on a wide range of projects from O'Henry candy bars to financial podcasts for DeLoitte and Touche.

With all of his accomplishments, educating children remains Simmons’ #1 passion. As a guest speaking and teaching artist, he travels the country conducting creative writing workshops, and is also the Educational Outreach Director for New York City’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. In 2007, he launched the now-annual family-friendly Kids Comic Con, a celebration of children’s comics and their creators that is both entertaining and educational. He is also a board member on the New York State Alliance for Arts and Education, and a member of the New York Writer's Workshop.

In addition to Simmons’ crackling script, fan-favorite Rex Lindsey is back with some of the best art of his career. It all adds up to one world tour you won’t want to miss!

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #119
“Archie World Tour Part 3 of 4
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons. ART: Rex Lindsey.
Shipping Date: May 7th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: May 14th, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: May 27th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

Top Cow Productions is incredibly proud to announce that from the final voting tally from fans at the official home of Pilot Season (www.myspace.com/pilotseason) totaled over 4.1 million votes. The unprecedented comic event generated more interest from fans than even the publisher anticipated.

Pilot Season is the innovative publishing initiative from Top Cow Productions, which released five self-contained pilot issues starring established characters without a current series by established creative teams in 2007. Each issue set up a potential series in a similar manner to a television pilot episode. Fans were called to “Take Control” and vote online at www.myspace.com/pilotseason to determine which two series receive their own series in 2008. Fans were allowed to vote as often and as many times as they like and those fans who purchased all five pilot issues were rewarded with a secret voting code that allowed for their votes to count double those without the special code. The two winning series will be announced on February 12th.

“A promotion like this is always a bit risky because you don’t know what kind of results you’re going to get. But the fans really impressed us with their enthusiasm with Pilot Season,” said Top Cow Publisher, Filip Sablik. “Over 4 million votes is almost unbelievable and we’re even more proud to say that all those votes are legitimate, without the aid of any scripts or bots. We’re incredibly proud of our fans and all of the talented creators involved in Pilot Season.”

Additional information regarding Pilot Season can be found at www.myspace.com/pilotseason.

American Dream Mini-Series Announced (01.26)

Tom DeFalco, writer of Spider-Girl (daughter of Spider-Man) and creator of the MC2 (Marvel Comics 2) universe, (a more old-school Marvel Universe where heroes are heroes and villains are bad-guys), recently annouced on the Spider-Girl message board that a new MC2 mini-series will be released from Marvel Comics: American Dream, the successor to Captain America in this reality.

This comes as no suprise to many MC2 fans, who know Tom DeFalco (and Molly Lazer, Spider-Girl's editor?) have a fondness for American Dream. Tom has also hinted at the possibility of an American Dream mini-series before.

Here's the solicit (note: at press time, it is not immediately clear whether the series will go on sale April or May, although we do know it will be a bi-weekly series, with the first two issues on sale the same month):

American Dream #1 & 2
“Shattered Dream”
by Tom DeFalco, Todd Nauck and Scott Koblish
Parts 1 & 2 of 5

As the star-spangled splendor struggles to find a balance between her personal and superhero lives, a hunt for a missing fiancée unexpectedly leads American Dream into a battle with an unstoppable new super-foe and a terrifyingly new kind of terrorist.

--Sergio Lopez

Press Release: Walking Dead Cover Revealed (01.26)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

24 January, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - In celebration of THE WALKING DEAD #50, Image Comics announced a limited 1-in-100 superhero variant cover featuring the art of SAVAGE DRAGON's Erik Larsen and INVINCIBLE's Ryan Ottley, but due to the unprecedented level of demand and retailer suggestions the cover will now be 1-in-25.

"My original intention was to make this a super-rare, limited thing, since the cover itself is so misleading as to what the book actually is. I didn't want people to be confused and think I'd changed the book drastically. Although, based off feedback I've decided to make it much more accessible," said Walking Dead writer Robert Kirkman. "I hope those readers and retailers
excited for the cover enjoy it as much as I do."

Since 2003, WALKING DEAD has chronicled the post-apocalyptic journey of Rick Grimes, his family and the other survivors they meet along the
way. Series artist Charlie Adlard has given the title a very distinct, bold sense of horror and adventure, but with this superhero cover Kirkman went with a very different approach by having Image Comics Publisher and SAVAGE DRAGON creator, Erik Larsen, team up with INVINCIBLE's Ryan Ottley to create a WALKING DEAD homage like none other.

Erik Larsen said, "When Robert told me the original idea, I thought it was crazy - which meant I had to be on board! The combination of my pencils with Ryan's inks created an art style far different from what either of us do solo. I'm really hoping we can work together again!"

WALKING DEAD #50 (FEB082109), a black & white comic book for $2.99, will be available on April 23rd, 2008. The Erik Larsen & Ryan Ottley superhero variant will be available as one for every twenty five copies ordered.

The following is a press release from BOOM! Studios.

Los Angeles - January 23rd, 2008 - BOOM! Studios is inviting all retailers to send in their stores' MySpace URLs to be used as part of the NORTH WIND #2 release on MySpace Comic Books.

Press Release: Zenescope Reveals 2008 Schedule (01.26)

The following is a press release from Zenescope Entertainment.

Zenescope Entertainment has just released their upcoming new release schedule for 2008 and it’s clear that the indie publisher of hit series such as GRIMM FAIRY TALES, RETURN TO WONDERLAND and SE7EN is intent on turning it up a notch this year by offering some very intriguing new titles.

WILLOW CREEK

Deacon McKay has left the NYPD to become the new deputy sheriff in Willow Creek -- a small town in northern California known mainly for its Bigfoot sightings. But after a series of murders turns Willow Creek upside down, Deacon starts to uncover a horrifying secret -- the legend of Bigfoot, something the town uses to bring in the tourist trade, is actually a cover story for a horrible evil.

Don’t miss the mini-series that’s bringing werewolves back with a serious vengeance.

Willow Creek is a 5 issue mini-series that includes interior artwork by Josh Medors (30 Days of Night Annual).

Issue #0 (only $0.75 retail) order code NOV073944
Issue #1 order code NOV073945

Grimm Fairy Tales' THE PIPER

He took a horrifying revenge and paid the ultimate price for his sins. Now he’s returned to forge a deal that will cost more than just your life.

In the same mold as classic villains such as Candyman and Freddie Krueger it’s time to meet the newest breed of horror… It’s time to pay the Piper!

A 4 issue mini-series from the company that made fairy tales frightening again.

Issue #1 order code: JAN084013

TALES FROM WONDERLAND

As a follow-up to their hit title RETURN TO WONDERLAND, Zenescope is releasing 3 one-shot prequel issues showcasing the origin stories of three main characters from the enthralling series: The Queen of Hearts, The Mad Hatter and Alice.  Each one-shot will also include a short thread story about the origin of the realm called Wonderland.  These are must reads for any fan of Return To Wonderland.

The Queen of Hearts one-shot order code can be found in this month's DIAMOND PREVIEWS!

1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS: THE ADVENTURES OF SINBAD

Zenescope Entertainment introduces a new series that will reinvent the legend of the man they call Sinbad. 

When he's unjustly accused of murder and banished from his home city of Baghdad, Sinbad learns there is one artifact that might be able to ultimately clear his name, but the quest to find the prized relic is certainly not an easy one.

From beautiful women to terrifying creatures to armies of blood thirsty villains, this is one epic fantasy/adventure series that will hook you in and not let go.

COMING THIS APRIL - Look for order codes in February's DIAMOND PREVIEWS! 

BEYOND WONDERLAND

Issue #0 of the much anticipated sequel mini-series to surprise hit RETURN TO WONDERLAND arrives this June.   Issue #1 of the series will feature cover artwork by the outstanding DAVID FINCH!

THE STRAW MEN

Zenescope did it with SE7EN now they're taking it to the next level.  The 2002 best-selling novel that Stephen King himself called "Scary as hell" comes to comics in what may be the most frightening and disturbing comic book series to hit shelves this year.

With artwork by Eisner nominee Brett Weldele (Southland Tales) and cover art by David Seidman (Se7en).

The Straw Men arise this summer!

Press Release: Cthulhu Tales Goes Monthly With Steve Niles (01.26)

The following is a press release from BOOM! Studios.

Los Angeles - January 22nd, 2008 - Heed the call! Steve Niles inaugurates a new era of terror with the launch of BOOM! Studios' new monthly anthology, CTHULHU TALES. Edited by Mark Waid, CTHULHU TALES builds on the three best-selling CTHULHU TALES one-shots that BOOM! Studios has published since its inception.

 

"Making CTHULHU TALES into a monthly anthology featuring my favorite comics writers and artists was a no-brainer decision. Getting Steve Niles--one of comics' best-known modern horror writers--to kick off the first issue likewise only made sense," said Mark Waid, BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief.  "And Steve delivered big."

Steve Niles headlines the first issue, joined with writer Michael Alan Nelson, who is best-known for his work on FALL OF CTHULHU, and Tom Peyer (DC'S FLASH, SPIDER-MAN: HOUSE OF M). Variant covers will ship for each issue, with the first issue sporting covers by Patrick Ballesteros and Mateus Santolouco with the second issue featuring covers by Marco Rudy and Santolouco.  Each month, CTHULHU TALES and its rotating roster of writers will bring cutting-edge tales of the Old One with interior art by modern masters of the macabre.

This new CTHULHU TALES ongoing series marks BOOM! Studios' second monthly title, fitting perfectly alongside its best-selling monthly, FALL OF CTHULHU.  BOOM! Studios' horror titles have helped define the company. From its best-selling trio of CTHULHU TALES one-shots which includes CTHULHU TALES, CTHULHU TALES: RISING, CTHULHU TALES: TAINTED to BOOM!'s smash hit ZOMBIE TALES one-shots, BOOM! Studios has been the "go-to" publisher for quality horror.

"We are really excited about doing a new monthly title, and there is no better choice than to make CTHULHU TALES our next big monthly hit. Horror fans in the know have long realized that FALL OF CTHULHU is one of BOOM!'s best and, with the addition of CTHULHU TALES, our horror line just gets that much stronger," said Chip Mosher, Marketing and Sales Director for BOOM! Studios.

CTHULHU TALES #1 is featured in this month's January 2008 Diamond Previews catalogue and will ship in March of this year. CTHULHU TALES #1 Cover A has a Diamond Code of JAN083452 and Cover B has a Diamond Code of JAN083453. For those that missed the previous one-shots, CTHULHU TALES, CTHULHU TALES: RISING, and CTHULHU TALES: TAINTED are all offered again in the same Diamond Previews catalogue.

 

The following is a press release from the Writer's Guild of America.

Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced today that they have reached an interim comprehensive agreement that will put writers immediately back to work on the Marvel Studios development slate. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We’re very excited about our summer releases, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, and look forward to resuming work with writers on our future projects including Captain America, Thor, Ant-Man, and The Avengers,” said Marvel Studios Chairman David Maisel.

“Marvel Studios’ signing of an interim agreement with the Writers Guild is more good news for our membership,” said WGAE President Michael Winship and WGAW President Patric M. Verrone. “Marvel is committed to fairly compensating their writers and now they can move forward with their planned production schedule.”

Marvel Studios recently launched its independent live-action film studio to develop, produce, and fully finance Marvel movies, which will include two of this summer’s most anticipated releases – Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Directed by Jon Favreau, Iron Man will be released by Paramount Pictures on May 2, 2008, and stars Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Incredible Hulk, which will be released by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2008, is directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt. In cooperation with other studios, Marvel previously produced a long succession of hits, including the Spider-Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four franchises, Ghost Rider, and Daredevil.

The WGA recently entered into interim agreements with The Weinstein Company, United Artists, Lionsgate, Worldwide Pants, Spyglass Entertainment, MRC, Jackson Bites, Mandate Films, and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.

Press Release: Never Before Collected Material in Witchblade Volume 3 (01.25)

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

Top Cow Productions’ re-branding of the Witchblade trade paperback line continues in March 2008 with Witchblade Volume 3 trade paperback. The trade paperback collects Witchblade #93-100 along with Witchblade: Bearers of the Blade, which have never been collected.

Witchblade Volume 3 trade paperback is written by Ron Marz (First Born, Green Lantern) and drawn by Mike Choi (X-Men, X-23: Target X) with additional art by Stephen Sadowski (JSA, Superpowers) and Adriana Melo (Ms. Marvel). The trade includes the landmark issue #100, which planted the initial seeds for 2007’s First Born event along with a cover gallery including work by Steve McNiven (Civil War), Terry Dodson (Wonder Woman), Marc Silvestri (X-Men: Messiah CompleX), Cary Nord (Conan The Barbarian), and Joseph Michael Linsner (Dark Ivory). The trade also contains some of the hallmark issues of the Marz and Choi run on Witchblade including the return of fan-favorite foil Ian Nottingham.

“The issues collected in the volume, especially issue #100, really pull together a lot of the threads Mike and I had been weaving since we started on the book. So I think it reads as a culmination of the story Mike and I were telling, but also lays the groundwork for what comes next. So hopefully it works as an ending as well as a beginning,” stated writer, Marz.

Witchblade Volume 3 trade paperback will feature an original cover by Stjepan Sejic and carry an SRP of $14.99. Additional information regarding Witchblade can be found at www.topcow.com.

Press Release: Butcher Emerges from The Darkness (01.25)

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

In March, Top Cow Productions will bring Butcher Joyce, a popular supporting character from The Darkness comic and video game, to the forefront in The Darkness: Butcher one-shot. The Darkness: Butcher will feature a story by Rob Levin (Wight & Associates, Witchblade: Bearers of the Blade), best known to Top Cow fans for his work editing Witchblade, First Born, The Darkness, Madame Mirage and more, and Michael Broussard (The Darkness, Unholy Union). The issue features Broussard’s first professional work on The Darkness, completed prior to his joining Phil Hester on the ongoing The Darkness series. Butcher Joyce is loyal to a fault and an expert at cleaning up messes and keeping secrets, like the ones created by Jackie Estacado. But what happens when these secrets endanger Butcher’s life?

“Butcher is a character I find endlessly fascinating,” commented writer Levin. “Not only is he a guy who chooses to clean up crime scenes for a living, but he’s also an underworld confidante. There’s a lot of story to be mined there, and this is really only the tip of the iceberg.”

The Darkness: Butcher will feature a cover by Michael Broussard and carry an SRP of $3.99. Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at www.topcow.com/darkness and www.topcow.com.

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. is pleased to announce that Stjepan Sejic (First Born, Angelus: Pilot Season) will join First Born collaborator and long time Witchblade writer, Ron Marz (Green Lantern) as the ongoing artist beginning with Witchblade #116 in March 2008.

Sejic first gained mainstream acclaim providing digital colors on The Darkness/Wolverine one-shot and soon took on full art chores for a number of high profile assignments culminating in Top Cow’s 2007 event, First Born. Sejic’s unique painted style has caught fan and retailer attention alike and prompted Wizard Magazine to name him their “On The Rise Artist” for 2008. Sejic has committed to be the Witchblade ongoing artist beginning issue #116 through issue #150 along with writer Ron Marz, who has been on the title since issue #80. The run will make Marz and Sejic the longest running creative team on the series and symbolizes Top Cow’s renewed commitment to providing fans with consistent, quality comic series.

Witchblade #116 promises to be an ideal jumping on point for new readers. Following the events of First Born, the Witchblade was split in half and is now wielded by long-time bearer Sara Pezzini and neophyte Danielle Baptiste. Both women will have to adapt to the new changes in their lives and this issue will lay seeds for the upcoming landmark issue #125.

“Historic run, on the rise artist, longest running, and consistent,” said Sejic, “In my personal dictionary these descriptions all fall under ‘hype’. As a fan, I’ve read my share of hype but as an artist my job is to destroy the skepticism in fans’ minds. I’m committed to doing just that. Ron has amazing stories outlined and I’m extremely excited to show fans what I can really do. I’m in this because I love comics and telling stories, and these are going to be some badass stories!”

“I know long runs really don't happen that much in comics anymore. It's a big deal when somebody does more than 12 issues. But #116 will be almost 40 issues in a row for me, and I feel like I'm just scratching the surface of everything we can do with these characters and this concept.,” added Marz. “Stjepan coming on board is going to take Witchblade to another level. I think the work he's doing is already a step beyond what he did on First Born, equal parts beautiful and disturbing. The plan is for us to have at least three years together on the book, so we're just getting warmed up.”

Witchblade #116 will feature a painted cover by Stjepan Sejic as well as an incentive cover by Greg Horn (Ms. Marvel) and carry an SRP of $2.99. Additional information regarding Witchblade can be found at www.topcow.com.

Two Image Sell-Outs! (01.25)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

23 January, 2008 - Despite significant overprints, two of Image's best-selling titles, FRANK FRAZETTA'S DEATH DEALER #5 and THE SWORD #4, simultaneously sold out at a distribution level.

"Everyone on the DEATH DEALER team couldn't be more excited as this marks our fifth sell out," said Frazetta Comics editor Jay Fotos said. "We're very thankful for Frank's loyal, rabid fan base. Based off the reaction to DEATH DEALER, I'm confident they'll enjoy the upcoming Frazetta comics such as DARK KINGDOM and SWAMP DEMON."

FRANK FRAZETTA'S DEATH DEALER #5 marks the penultimate issue to the only Frank Frazetta approved DEATH DEALER series to hit the stands. Due to its continued success an oversized, deluxe hardcover edition will arrive this April. In addition, the Luna Brothers' THE SWORD has thus far sold out soon after each issue's release. Fans eager to read the series are encouraged to do so now, as the first trade paperback will not be available until June 25th, in time with issue #9.

"We’re seeing a rise in The Sword’s sales, so we’re happy that more people are getting into and enjoying this series," said SWORD artist Jonathan Luna. "As always, we appreciate the support of the fans and retailers."

SWORD writer Joshua Luna added, "This is a story that Jon and I are having an absolute blast creating. We’re putting everything we love to write and draw about into The Sword: drama, action, supernatural elements and mystery. Plus, as always, we strive to make it accessible to all readers--well, at least, to the ones who can handle limbs getting chopped off."

FRANK FRAZETTA'S DEATH DEALER #5 2nd Ptg. (NOV078143), a 32-page full color comic book with a gold foil cover for $3.99, is available now. THE SWORD #4 2nd Ptg. (NOV078122), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be available in stores January 23rd, 2008.

Press Release: Worthwhile Books To Release First Title, 'Michael Recycle' (01.25)

The following is a press release from IDW Publishing.

San Diego, CA (January 22, 2008)—Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, a new environmental super-hero will be hitting bookstores in March 2008. The uplifting, zany children's picture book, Michael Recycle, comes from Worthwhile Publishing, a division of IDW Publishing, an established leader in comic book and graphic novel publishing.

Michael Recycle is set in a grimy town that has been overtaken by trash-that is, until a green-caped crusader, Michael Recycle, arrives, declaring "You must stop this now! You've got to act soon. The towers of trash reach up to the moon!" Inspired by the "super-green hero," town members react by creating a "Be Greener Campaign," which includes recycling, growing their own vegetables and collecting rain for reuse. In the end, the crusader proves to the town's lazy layabouts that recycling can be quite fun. The rhyming, whimsical prose with a powerful and timely message is written by Ellie Bethel, with bold, playful illustrations by Alexandra Colombo.

Michael Recycle marks the launch of IDW Publishing's new imprint, Worthwhile Books. The release is also part of Worthwhile Books' first-look arrangement with renowned UK children's publisher Meadowside Books (meadowsidebooks.com), which is releasing the fanciful children's picture book in the UK in January 2008.

Worthwhile Books will issue approximately 10 Meadowside titles over the course of the first year including The Nicest Naughty Fairy by Nick Ward, a story about what happens when the Naughty Fairy decides its time to be nice, and William's Dinosaurs by Alan Baker, which tells the tale of a little boy who finds more than trees in the dark woods near his home.

The following is a press release from the Hero Initiative.

LOS ANGELES (January 22, 2008) – The Hero Initiative is proud to announce its slate of booth activities for this year’s Phoenix Cactus Comic Con.

Lunch with Mark Waid!

What could be cooler than that?  Think about it: Mark’s the writer of The Flash! Kingdom Come! Captain America! And the newly minted editor-in-chief of BOOM! Studios!  If you've ever dreamed of getting into the comics biz as a writer or artist, you can have an entire lunch’s worth of advice, mentoring and tutoring from a guy who's been in comics for 20 years and somehow lived through it! He’s seen and done it all.

The lunch will take place on Saturday, 26 JAN at 1 PM and the winner MUST be on-site at con to claim their auction winnings!

Go to http://qurls.com?i=6504 NOW to win this tremendous opportunity!

Booth Schedule

FRI, 25 JAN (con hours 6-9)

600-900: Joe Benitez

SAT, 26 JAN (con hours 10-7)

1000-700: Joe Benitez

1030-1200: Howard Chaykin

400-530: Howard Chaykin

SUN, 27 JAN (con hours 10-5)

1000-500: Joe Benitez

1030-1200: Howard Chaykin

230-400: Howard Chaykin

Hulk #1 Special Edition

The Hero/AtomicComics.com Hulk #1 features an exclusive cover by Ed McGuinness and is limited to only 5000 copies worldwide. Ed’s rendition of the new Red Hulk has been seen in solicits, but this is the only chance fans will have to get this great piece as a cover! This special edition of Hulk #1 will be available for $8 at the Phoenix Cactus Comicon Jan. 26-27, and at a special pre-con party at Atomic Comics.
 
Both Hulk writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness will be signing at Atomic Comics Mesa Superstore on January 25th from 5PM-7PM for the world premiere of this special edition! Jeph and Ed will be there to autograph copies. If you can’t make the scene, you can preorder your copy now at:
http://www.atomiccomicsstore.com/hulkpreorder.html 
 
Hero Booster Bucks

Plus don’t forget that fans going to the Phoenix Cactus Comicon on January 26-27, 2008 can support The Hero Initiative when they buy their tickets online with Hero Booster Bucks!

All four levels of Phoenix Comicon tickets are available for purchase with a $2 opt-in that goes directly to The Hero Initiative and the assistance of comic creators.  Phoenix Comicon is making it easy to show your praise for all comic creators and how they have inspired you.  Go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/registration.php to purchase the following tickets:
 
$25 Full event ticket with $2 Hero Initiative Booster Bucks
$20 Saturday only ticket with $2 Hero Initiative Booster Bucks
$15 Sunday only ticket with $2 Hero Initiative Booster Bucks
$8 Gaming area only ticket with $2 Hero Initiative Booster Bucks

For more information on The Phoenix Cactus Comic-Con, visit http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/.

Press Release: End Of 'Long Road Home' (01.25)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

January 21, 2008, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT today is showcasing images and information announcing the March release of Army of Darkness #8, the concluding chapter of the all-new "The Long Road Home" storyline by co-writers James Kuhoric and Mike (Marvel's Zombie, Dynamite's SAVAGE TALES) Raicht along with artist Fernando Blanco! Also, fans should be on the look out for Army of Darkness #6, due in stores on February 6th!

After the apocalyptic events of "From the Ashes" (AOD #'s 1-4) Ash is reunited with Sheila as the two set out to remake the world and reclaim the legacy of humanity. How can Ash possibly screw this up? Oh, just you wait. It all starts here in Ash's "Long Road Home"!

In "The Long Road Home" everyone's favorite chainsaw wielding hero Ashley J. Williams faces off against deadites, mutants and even the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse! In the conclusion of "The Long Road Home" Ash faces the Riders of the Apocalypse and the dark demon behind it all as our hero attempts to reverse the course of the "End of Days"! It all comes to an explosive conclusion that finds Ash once again on the receiving end of a swift kick in the ass, courtesy of the Necronomicon!

Army of Darkness #8 features a cover by fan-favorite artist Fabiano Neves and a special variant cover by Stjepan Sejic!

According to AOD co-writer, Mike Raicht, "Working on Army of Darkness: The Long Road Home with James Kuhoric and Dynamite has been a blast so far. Ash and the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse are on a collision course with nothing less than the fate of the world in the balance, of course. This confrontation will very likely lend itself to Ash unleashing some serious Chosen One justice. And while I have favorite moments in the first few issues, the last two issue (of ‘Long Road Home') definitely take the cake. We deliver an insanely large body tower, witty Four Horseman banter (at least to us), huge mutant warriors fighting gladiator style in a sporting event unlike any you've ever seen, and we even throw in a barbecue pit. Can you believe that? Who doesn't love barbecue? And that's all in the first 9 pages so - I'm not even close to giving away the ending. Imagine what we have planned for the other 13 pages and the finale in issue #8. All of this leads us into a brand new story arc which I am super excited about."

Along with being the "chosen one" in the constant battle against the Deadites and the evil of the Necronomicon, Ashley J. William's adventures in Dynamite's Army of Darkness series have had him trekking through realities and facing horror icons such as the Re-Animator, Darkman and even Dracula.

ARMY OF DARKNESS: THE LONG ROAD HOME #8 (JAN083515) Writer: JAMES KUHORIC with MIKE RAICHT; Penciller: FERNANDO BLANCO; Covers: FABIANO NEVES (75%), STJEPAN SEJIC(25%); Colorist: IVAN NUNES

ARMY OF DARKNESS: THE LONG ROAD HOME #7 (DEC073543) Writer: JAMES KUHORIC with MIKE RAICHT; Penciller: FERNANDO BLANCO; Colorist: IVAN NUNES; Covers: FABIANO NEVES (75%), STJEPAN SEJIC (25%)

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/p-C109151.html

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Happy Birthday, John Romita Sr.! (01.24)

We at the Comic Book Gazette would like to take a minute to wish John Romita, Sr., the artist who helped define Spider-Man, a very happy 78th birthday! 'Nuff said! --Editor

NEW YORK (AP) - Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a Manhattan apartment, naked in bed with sleeping pills nearby, police said. He was 28.

It was not immediately clear if the Australian-born Ledger had committed suicide.

He had an appointment for a massage at a residence in the upscale SoHo neighborhood, New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne said. A housekeeper who went to tell him the massage therapist had arrived found him dead Tuesday afternoon.

A crowd of paparazzi and onlookers began gathering Tuesday evening outside the building, where several police officers guarded the door. The medical examiner's office planned an autopsy on Wednesday, spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said.

Ledger was a past Oscar nominee for his performance as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain,'' where he met Michelle Williams, who played his wife in the film. The two had a daughter, Matilda, and lived together until they split up last year.

Ledger most recently appeared in "I'm Not There,'' in which he played one of the many incarnations of singer Bob Dylan, as did Cate Blanchett, whose performance in that film earned her an Oscar nomination Tuesday for best supporting actress.

Ledger had finished filming his role as the Joker this year in "The Dark Knight,'' a sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins.''

He told The New York Times in a November interview that he "stressed out a little too much'' during the Dylan film, and had trouble sleeping while portraying the Joker, whom he called a "psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy.''

"Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night,'' Ledger told the Times. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going.'' He said he took two Ambien pills, which only worked for an hour, the paper said.

Ledger also had starring roles in "A Knight's Tale'' and "The Patriot,'' and played the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in "Monster's Ball.'' He also played a heroin addict in the 2006 Australian film "Candy.''

Before settling down with Williams, Ledger had relationships with actresses Heather Graham and Naomi Watts. He met Watts while working on "The Lords of Dogtown,'' a fictionalized version of a cult classic skateboarding documentary, in 2004.

Ledger was born in 1979 in Perth, in western Australia, to a mining engineer and a French teacher, and got his first acting role playing Peter Pan at age 10 at a local theater company. He began acting in independent films as a 16-year-old in Sydney and played a cyclist hoping to land a spot on an Olympic team in a 1996 television show, "Seat.''

After several independent films, Ledger moved to Los Angeles at age 19 and co-starred in "10 Things I Hate About You,'' a teen comedy reworking of "The Taming of the Shrew.''

Offers for other teen films soon came his way, but Ledger turned them down, preferring to remain idle than sign on for projects he did not like.

"It wasn't a hard decision for me,'' Ledger told The Associated Press in 2001. "It was hard for everyone else around me to understand. Agents were like, 'You're crazy,' my parents were like, 'Come on, you have to eat.'''

His movie career caught on anyway.

Australian director Neil Armfield said Wednesday he was "incredibly saddened'' by Ledger's death.

Armfield, who directed Ledger in his last Australian film, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio that the actor had "handled his career incredibly well,'' earning a reputation as a serious actor despite his initial start in teen-oriented films.

"He made a decision about four years ago to stop being led by producers and managers and to forge his own way,'' Armfield told ABC radio. "He was so successful at breaking out of the teen idol image.''

FREE Comics! (01.20)

It's something of a slow news day, but never fear -- you can always read one of our FREE public domain Golden Age comics on this very site! Today, we've added Sheena, Queen of the Jungle #3, but you can always read previous entries in the archives by clicking here.

PS: Yep, we've fixed all the technical issues that were plaguing the site earlier! --Editor

The following is a press release from Archie Comics.

Archie Comics Chairman and Publisher Michael Silberkleit and Vice President Fred Mausser attended the Saratoga Springs meeting of the New York State Library Association to talk about Archie Comics' Library Program. At the convention a raffle was held, with the winner appearing in a future issue of Archie Comics. Lenora Martin, the school librarian for Bell Top Elementary, was the winner and is featured in Betty & Veronica Double Digest 157, on sale now!

In a story by George Gladir with art by Dan Parent, Betty & Veronica are going to look at Colleges in Upstate New York when their car breaks down in front of  Bell Top Elementary School. At the school Leonora Martin gives the girls a tour of Bell Top. Writer George Gladir said, "It's a fun story and Leonora is a very nice person. She sent a CD with about 20 pictures of herself and her school." This was very helpful to artist Dan Parent, who used the photos to accurately depict the school. Leonora Martin, the real-life school librarian turned Betty & Veronica co-star, stated, "Everyone at the school is very excited. About half the students have ordered copies of the comic."

Press Release: Youngblood Gets Second Printing (01.19)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

18 January, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - With YOUNGBLOOD's return to Image Comics being reordered at an exponential rate, Image Comics has gone back to press to ensure copies are available for the foreseeable future.

"We anticipated a high level of interest in Joe and Derec's work on YOUNGBLOOD, but we were frankly caught off-guard by the amount of advance reorders the book generated as press time drew closer," said Image Executive Director Eric Stephenson. "We're thrilled with what the guys are doing with the book, though, and want to make sure copies are available for everyone interested in checking it out."

The new YOUNGBLOOD comes courtesy of THE LAST DEFENDER's Joe Casey and GREEN ARROW's Derec Donovan, who previously worked together for a sixteen-issue run on ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, while being overseen and featuring variant covers by series creator Rob Liefeld. YOUNGBLOOD marks Casey's second acclaimed relaunch of an Image classic. With WILDCATS, Casey was praised for upgrading the original concepts with a post-modern spin. Similarly, YOUNGBLOOD's new direction combines the bombastic beginnings of Liefeld's celebrity heroes such as Shaft and Badrock with the more classic approach developed by Alan Moore, featuring new heroes such Johnny Panic and Doc Rocket and Casey's own sensibilities. In addition, a limited, black and white Rob Liefeld variant cover will be made available on as a 1-in-4 cover for retailers ordering the second printing.

YOUNGBLOOD #1 2nd (DEC078061), a 32-page comic book for $2.99, will be available in stores January 30th, 2008.

We've got previews for Betty & Veronica Digest #181, Jughead's Double Digest #137, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch #91! --Editor

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #181

"Be My Valentine …or Else!": In our previous issue, Cheryl and Reggie formed an alliance – she to figure out how to date Archie without competition from Betty and Veronica; he to date Betty and Veronica without competition from Archie. Their scheming continues this issue, or so it seems… could it be possible that Cheryl and Reggie really DO want to attend the Valentine’s Day parade together? Not according to Archie, Betty and Veronica, who are convinced the duo are just using one another. But Cupid may have something else in mind!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales, including the “animated” Sabrina!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 16th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 23rd, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: February 5th, 2008
Full color digest format
$2.49 US.

JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #137

"Cold Hard Facts": Normally, a day off due to snow would make Jughead ecstatic, but this time there’s one complication too many and that’s got Jughead… and his stomach… grumbling!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski. ART: Henry Scarpelli.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Shipping Date: January 16th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 23rd, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: February 5th, 2008
Full color digest format
$3.69 US.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #91

"The Turning": The "Duality Wands" have raised the gauntlet for Sabrina, giving her even more abilities than the considerable powers granted her before. But this substantial new power comes at a steep price. Now that she has the power to set things right and even destroy her enemies, is Sabrina in danger of succumbing to a far more dangerous threat?!
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio. ART: Tania del Rio & Jim Amash.
COVER: Tania del Rio & Jim Amash
Shipping Date: January 16th, 2008
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 23rd, 2008
On Sale on Newsstands: February 5th, 2008
32-page, full color comic
$2.25 US.

Press Release: Y: The Last Party Makes Comics History on February 8 (01.17)

The following is a press release from the CBLDF.

LOS ANGELES - January 17, 2008 – Mere hours after announcing MySpace Comic Books and Meltdown Comics’ Y: The Last Party, a celebration of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra's newly completed comic book epic Y: The Last Man, all VIP Tickets for the event have sold out. Standing room door tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis on February 8 at Meltdown in Los Angeles, where Joss Whedon will appear in person to toast Y: The Last Man co-creators Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. All proceeds from this once-in-a-lifetime event will benefit the First Amendment work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF).

“We're thrilled by the enormous response to this party, and committed to making sure that fans aren’t left out in the cold” says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. “We will still have standing room door tickets available for the main event on the day of the party, and will also be piping in live audio from the event into the main Meltdown store for those who come but aren't able to get a door ticket. After the Q&A, Brian & Pia will be on hand at the store to mingle with the fans who make the trip as well. We’re committed to making this a special night for the comics community, and are going to do everything we can to make sure that everyone gets a chance to participate.”

For those who are unable to make it to Los Angeles for the party, The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s MySpace Profile will also offer video excerpts from the party for fans world wide subsequent to the event.

"The response to this party has been overwhelming," Brownstein adds. "We're enormously grateful to all of the Y: The Last Man fans who are supporting the CBLDF at the party. This is going to be a very special night for comics."

Y THE LAST MAN, will conclude on January 30, 2008 with issue sixty. The series and its co-creators, writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Pia Guerra, have received widespread acclaim, in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Salon and Entertainment Weekly and on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." To celebrate the end of the series, MySpace Comic Books, the comics community of the world's most popular social network, and Meltdown Comics, the renowned Los Angeles-based comic book shop, have joined forces to host Y: THE LAST PARTY as a benefit for the First Amendment work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund..

Whedon, the famed creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly, will kick off the festivities in Meltdown's Hollywood gallery space with a keynote speech in appreciation of the series. Following the speech will be a live Q&A with guests of honor Vaughan & Guerra. There will also be a VIP Reception prior to the event, with Whedon, Vaughan & Guerra, that will include the unveiling of a never-before-seen print by Pia Guerra.

Y: THE LAST PARTY is made possible by the generous support of sponsors from across the comic book industry: Y: The Last Man publisher Vertigo Comics; Dark Horse Comics; Image Comics; and Top Cow Productions.

Capacity for this event is strictly limited to 140 people. VIP reserved seating tickets are sold out. 70 general admission "standing room only" tickets for the event will be $25, and are available on a first-come, first served basis on the day of the event.

More information and updates on Y: The Last Party can be found on the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's MySpace profile.

MySpace Comic Books is a community dedicated to the best in comics, manga, and graphic novels. Launched in March 2007, MySpace Comic Books provides the online community with the latest comic book news and interviews and spotlights the most exciting projects, creators and events in the industry. With more than 154,000 friends, and growing, MySpace continues to see significant interest from its members in the comic book arena.

Press Release: Battlestar Galactica: Origins #5 Available in March (01.17)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

January 17, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT today released images and information announcing the next exciting storyline of the revolutionary new Sci-Fi comic book series Battlestar Galactica: Origins. Following in the tradition of Dynamite's powerful BSG: Zarek series, the new Origins comic book series will reveal the early years of the hit Sci-Fi show's most popular, and sometimes mysterious, characters and events.

Dynamite's Origins continues its launch as veteran Galactica writer Robert Napton comes on board for the first of a four issue "origin" tale featuring the commander of the Galactica, William Adama!

Journey back to the first Cylon Wars and explore the myth and mystery of Adama! Joining Napton for the tale is Origins artist Jonathan Lau, who also provides the cover - the other being a BSG photo cover from the re-imagined, Emmy-Award nominated show!

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: ORIGINS #5 (JAN083511) Writer: ROBERT NAPTON; Penciller: JONATHAN LAU; Covers: JONATHAN LAU, PHOTO COVER

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/p-C109470.html
 
Dynamite plans to have incredible support for this release with house ads, Diamond Previews Ads, online ads through news websites, as well as prints ads in Comic Shop News!

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

17 January, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) – This April, Frazetta tradition of epic dark fantasy continues as the masterpiece DARK KINGDOM roars to life from the canvas to a full-color 32-page one-shot written by 68's Mark Kidwell and featuring the return of FAUST artist Tim Vigil.

"DARK KINGDOM is the type of project that's impossible to pass up," said Vigil. "How do you say no to working with one of the masters of modern illustration? It's incredibly inspiring, and I couldn't be happier. I'm doing my best to uphold the tradition of quality started by the DEATH DEALER miniseries."

In 2007, the very first fully approved Frank Frazetta comic book made its debut with DEATH DEALER, a six-issue miniseries that received acclaim and praise from all over the industry for its adaptation of the story behind the original paintings. The same attention and care is being brought to DARK KINGDOM, to accurately translate the power and intensity of the original work.

DARK KINGDOM (FEB082115), a 32-page one-shot for $3.99, will be in stores April 2nd, 2008.

April Top Cow Solicits (01.17)

Checklist:

• Witchblade/Devi #1 Ron Marz/Eric Basaldua/Greg Land $3.99
• The Darkness #4 Phil Hester/Michael Broussard/Dale Keown $2.99
• The Darkness #1 Foil Cover Phil Hester/Michael Broussard $10.00
• Witchblade #117 Ron Marz/Stjepan Sejic/Luke Ross $2.99
• Witchblade #113-115 Set Ron Marz/Sami Basri $12.99
• Art of Witchblade Art Book Top Cow’s Finest $19.99
• Witchblade Takeru Manga TPB Yasuko Kobayashi/Kazasa Sumita $19.99

From the powerhouse team of Ron Marz (WITCHBLADE, FIRST BORN) and Eric Basaldua (THE DARKNESS, HUNTER-KILLER) and featuring two covers including half of a diptych cover by Greg Land (ULTIMATE POWER). Look for the other half of the tale in Devi/Witchblade #1 from Virgin Comics in May!

”EMPIRE” continues with writer Phil Hester (SUPERMAN: CONFIDENTIAL, GREEN ARROW) and artist Michael Broussard (UNHOLY UNION) as Jackie is finally confronted with the reality of his use of The Darkness in Sierra Munoz at the hands of the rebels.

Romance blossoms this spring courtesy of WITCHBLADE’s new long term creative team of Ron Marz (FIRST BORN, SAMURAI: HEAVEN & EARTH) and painter Stjepan Sejic (FIRST BORN, THE DARKNESS) when Dani meets a handsome stranger who sweeps her off her feet. But Sara’s police instincts kick in and she suspects there is more to Dani’s new paramour than meets the eye. Featuring a beautiful variant cover by Luke Ross (SAMURAI: HEAVEN & EARTH).

Beautiful artwork has always been a hallmark of the WITCHBLADE franchise, and now for the first time you can have the creme de la creme in one high end art book! This over-sized 9” x 12” softcover coffee table art book features selected works from the artists that defined the Witchblade legacy including Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner, Adam Hughes, Stjepan Sejic, Mike Choi, Francis Manapul, Randy Green, Keu Cha, Greg Land, Terry Dodson and many, many more! Printed on the highest quality paper, featuring an embossed cover, and additional interviews and text pieces, this collection can’t be missed!

The ground-breaking twelve issue manga series is collected in its entirety in a single volume for the first time! Originally serialized in Japan’s CHAMPION RED magazine and re-formatted and colored for an American audience, WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA introduces a brand new Witchblade bearer in young high school student Takeru. Written by WITCHBLADE ANIME head writer Yasuko Kobayashi, with art by manga superstar Kazasa Sumita, Takeru confronts killer monks, demons, the US military and even the Witchblade itself in this mammoth collection. Also includes all 12 original covers by series artist Sumita created exclusively for the American audience plus variant cover images by Marc Silvestri (X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX), David Mack (KABUKI), Tyler Kirkham (NEW AVENGERS/TRANSFORMERS), Eric Basaldua (WITCHBLADE/DEVI), and Christian Gossett (THE RED STAR).

Collects WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA #1-12.

Press Release: North Wind #1 Gets Second Printing (01.16)

The following is a press release from BOOM! Studios.

LOS ANGELES- January 15th, 2008 - BOOM! Studios announced today that NORTH WIND #1 will receive a second printing. Hitting the market simultaneously in stores and online at MySpace Comic Books , the first printing of NORTH WIND sold out in only ten days. The second print will have a slightly altered cover to distinguish itself from the first printing.

Diamond Comics Distributors will make the second printing of NORTH WIND #1 available on January 23rd, at that time the second printing's code will open for orders, and a Diamond Daily article will also run that day alerting retailers to its availability.  BOOM! Studios is also offering retailers an additional 3% reorder incentive on all issues that have been solicited and remain in print.

In addition to the release of the NORTH WIND online to over 145,000 friends at MySpace Comic Books, BOOM! Studios commissioned a trailer for NORTH WIND that was featured on MySpaceTV and on the log-in page for MySpace. The trailer received 10,000 views in ten days and can seen here: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfmfuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25270023

While the simultaneous release of NORTH WIND has its critics, BOOM! Studios has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from retailers across the nation.

"BOOM!'s decision to make NORTH WIND available on MySpace was an innovative and brave decision that has paid off immensely.  Readers who tried it online wanted to get a permanent copy they could hold in their hands, and wound up, in most cases, looking for more.  Any gateway we can find to introduce non-traditional readers to comics is what this industry needs.  Congrats, BOOM!" Said Mike Malve, owner of the Atomic Comics chain, a chain that includes four retail stores, including a mobile store housed in a van, all located in and around the greater Phoenix, Arizona area.

"The MySpace promotion has brought attention to BOOM!'S new title NORTH WIND in a very big way.  Regulars who ONLY get Marvel and DC are asking for it, and we sold out of all of our shelf copies the day it came out, and even had a waiting list for our reorders.  We have since sold out of two reorders and the overship copies that came in.  Our stores only had three people on the pull list before the book came out, but we have since sold almost as many copies of NORTH WIND #1 as we have any BOOM! book so far, including TALENT.  It is easily one of the best new reads I have picked up in a while, and the exposure on MySpace will help drive people not only  for this book (as people will want a copy to collect) but also for other BOOM! books as well." Said Jon Newman, owner of the Ultimate Comics chain, comprised of three stores, in the Raliegh-Durham-Chapel Hill research triangle area of North Carolina.

NORTH WIND, written by David DiGilio, best known for writing the film EIGHT BELOW and creating the ABC TV show TRAVELER, is a five issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles after a new ice age has covered the earth. NORTH WIND chronicles the rise of a new hero in a dystopian world where people burn books for fuel, and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. The first issue features a cover by Andrew Huerta with interior artwork by newcomer and soon to be fan-favorite, Alex Cal.

MySpace, the world's most popular social network, and BOOM! Studios, a leader in comic book and graphic novel publishing, announced a partnership January 3rd to provide the MySpace Comic Book community with free digital downloads of BOOM! Studios' highly anticipated new comic book series,  NORTH WIND. Throughout the five-issue mini-series, MySpace users will be able to download all the issue of NORTH WIND for free exclusively on the MySpace Comic Books profile (http://myspace.com/comicbooks) the day each issue hits store shelves.

MySpace Comic Books (http://myspace.com/comicbooks) is a community dedicated to the best in comics, manga, and graphic novels. Launched in March 2007, MySpace Comic Books provides the online community with the latest comic book news and interviews and spotlights the most exciting projects, creators and events in the industry. With more than 145,000 friends, and growing, MySpace continues to see significant interest from its members in the comic book arena.

We've got a six-page preview of Grimm Fairy Tales #25 for you! Click here to read it in .pdf format. And here's a press release on the issue, from Zenescope Comics. --Editor

Late in 2005 a small indie comic book from a small unknown publisher hit stands for the first time. It was entitled GRIMM FAIRY TALES and no one, not even the publishers themselves, could predict the amount of success the brand new series would have in the ultra-competitive comic book market. But two years later Zenescope’s popular GRIMM FAIRY TALES is fast approaching a milestone 25th issue. Said series co-creator and co-writer Ralph Tedesco “It’s been truly amazing the way this series has grown over the last couple years. We had a pretty solid readership from the beginning and it continues to grow monthly. We really want to thank the fans and retailers that stuck with the ‘little comic that could’ this whole time and also the comic news websites that continue to offer coverage to independent books such as this one. We’ve had our share of shipping delays with some issues, which we are always working on reducing, but we’ve always been committed to making sure the quality is there every single issue and that we’re delivering a story that compels our readers to return month in and month out.”

The other good news: GRIMM is back on schedule with issue #20 hitting stands next Wednesday and issues 21 through 23 on shelves throughout late January and early February.

Zenescope has released a 6 page preview of their 25th landmark issue which is scheduled for a late March release and is now available for preorder through Diamond.  For every 25 copies ordered, retailers will also receive a limited edition sketch over issue.

Diamond order code: JAN084008

Press Release: Ascend Returns as Fully Re-mastered Graphic Novel Following Sold-Out First Run (01.16)

The following is a press release from IDW Publishing.

San Diego, CA (January 16, 2008)—Following its sold-out release three years ago, the graphic novel Ascend: Special Edition will be re-released by IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing.com) in January. Originally published by writer/creator Keith Arem and PCB Productions (www.pcbproductions.com) the 200-page hardback will feature 70 additional pages and a completely rewritten story, taking the reader deeper into post-apocalyptic Purgatory Wars, where a battle over "harvested" human souls has destroyed heaven and hell.

With all-new dialog, the special edition further explores several story elements. All art panels were re-mastered, with additional art panels added along with new border and text effects. There is also an added opening prologue that introduces the main character as he is harvested into the Purgatory Wars. Included are original story and research notes along with a full leather cover and an increased size to 9"x13".

Ascend's Background

In Ascend, the young human Sebastian is tragically killed and unwillingly drafted into the war where he is reunited with his deceased brother, Gideon, the most powerful angel in the Legions of Heaven. Gideon is planning a coup to regain power and restore order. Realizing that he holds the key to ending the war, Sebastian must face his brother before Gideon destroys the cycle of life on earth.

"Ascend is an enormous, mythological world that has been a fantastic universe for our first 'transmedia' title," says Arem. "We are developing a new screenplay and game, and we're excited to revisit the world of Ascend with this special edition for the fans."

This is the first graphic novel from Arem, whose background in games, audio and animation led to the development of Ascend: Divination - an animated web series, based on the hit book. The Ascend: Special Edition will be released in stores nationwide in January 2008 and will be available through online retailers, as well as through comic book shops. www.preparetoascend.com

This comic book will be in stores January 2008; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

Press Release: Silent Devil Announces Sale (01.15)

The following is a press release from Silent Devil.

Silent Devil, the publisher of the critically acclaimed graphic novel series Astronaut Dad and the surprise hit comedy Division 18, has announced a massive sale via their online store. All single issues have been reduced to $1.50 each. This includes such titles as Empty Chamber, Jim Reaper, For Life, Furious Fist of the Drunken Monkey and more. In addition, all of Silent Devil's graphic novel prices have been slashed. Fans will be able to pick up The Devil's Panties Volume One, Dracula vs. King Arthur and other books at lower rates.

Founded by The Beranek Brothers in 1996, Silent Devil is one of the leading independent production companies in the industry.

Please visit http://www.silentdevil.com for more details.

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

January 15, 2008, Runnemede, NJ - Dynamite Entertainment today announces their second of three crossover events with Witchblade and The Darkness publisher Top Cow! This second crossover between Top Cow and Dynamite Entertainment takes place in a four-issue mini-series event titled DARKNESS/EVA: DAUGHTER OF DRACULA. The mini-series will star Top Cow's Jackie Estacado, also known as The Darkness and Dynamites latest leading lady, Eva, the Daughter of Dracula. DARKNESS/ EVA: DAUGHTER OF DRACULA #1 is scheduled for a March release.

The mini-series is being written by Leah Moore and John Reppion (Raise the Dead, Witchblade: Shades of Gray) and will feature the artistic talents of Edgar (Mercenaries) Salazar, as well as an all-star roster of cover artists, including Paul (Red Sonja) Renaud, Brett (Anita Blake) Booth!

Dynamite fans know Eva, the dangerous and beautiful monster hunter, from her debut in Army of Darkness issues #5 through #8 (which has been collected in the trade "Ash vs. the Monsters") where she helped Ash battle Dracula and a horde of classic monsters including werewolves, vampires, mummies and Frankenstein's monster. Eva next appeared in her very own one-shot, once again taking on her vampire ancestry as well as an all-new deadly threat to the world.

In March, it's Top Cow's wielder of The Darkness, Jackie Estacado, against Dynamite's ass-kicking daughter of Dracula (and slayer of all things evil and undead) - Eva, as the two meet for the first time ever! While Eva hunts the streets, slaying the undead and unclean among a marked increase in paranormal activity, Jackie Estacado is having a bit of a problem with both his Darkness Darklings as strange new forces vie for control of the city and its newly awakened supernatural presence!

"We're very excited about this series. Jackie Estacado is a guy for whom evil is all a matter of perspective; he lives by his own rules and uses his demonic power as he sees fit, answering to no one. Eva is the daughter of the most evil creature ever to walk the face of the earth, sent to destroy him and all who would seek to follow his example. Truth and good are absolutes to her; there is no moral grey area with anything. They're both extraordinary, intriguing characters in their own right but bringing them together is just fantastic and we're having a blast doing it. Edgar Salazar is really kicking ass with the art on this book too."--- Writers Leah Moore and John Reppion

About the crossover project and the next adventure of Eva: Daughter of Dracula, Dynamite stated, "This is our second crossover with Top Cow and again it's going to be really, really interesting. Working with Top Cow is always fun! Witchblade and The Darkness, the comics cross-overs are always great stories to tell."

DARKNESS/EVA: DAUGHTER OF DRACULA #1 (JAN083504) Writer: JOHN REPPION and LEAH MOORE; Penciller/Inker: EDGAR SALAZAR; Colorist: ROMULO FAJARDO, JR.; Covers: PAUL RENAUD (50%), BRETT BOOTH (25%) and EDGAR SALAZAR (25%)

DARKNESS/EVA: DAUGHTER OF DRACULA #1 - FOIL EDITION (JAN083505)

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/p-C109459.html

Dynamite plans to have incredible support for this release with house ads, Diamond Previews Ads, online ads through news websites, as well as prints ads in Comic Shop News!

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Press Release: 'Archibald Saves Easter' Is Coming! (01.15)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

January 15th, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This April Archibald the Aardvark reveals Hell hath no fury like an Aardvark scorned within the pages of ARCHIBALD SAVES EASTER, the much anticipated, mature readers follow up to last winter's ARCHIBALD SAVES CHRISTMAS.

"Writer Dwight MacPhearson and I had too good of a time working together on ARCHIBALD SAVES CHRISTMAS to not do a follow up," said artist and creator Grant Bond. "It's a unique opportunity to explore both my humorous and sadistic sides."

ARCHIBALD SAVES EASTER continues the story behind Archibald Aardvark, one of cartoons biggest stars of yesteryear who may or may not be a vicious serial killer. However, when his closest friends personal demons turn out to be literal, they find his Hyde-like alter ego may be the key to saving them all.

Shadowline President Jim Valentino said, "Shadowline strives to showcase the newest and most interesting talent emerging into the industry. Both Dwight and Grant are certainly high up on our list of favorite finds."

ARCHIBALD SAVES EASTER, a 32-page two-color comic for $3.50, will be on stands April 2nd, 2008.

Press Release: Pehapanauts Goes Monthly (01.15)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

January 14th, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Hot off the heels of this February's PERHAPANAUTS ANNUAL, Craig Rousseau and Todd Dezago return this April with the ongoing adventures of everyone's favorite crypto-zoological super-team!

"Getting PERHAPANAUTS out on an ongoing basis has been a goal of ours since its inception," said writer Todd Dezago. "As fans of the series know, we have a love for introducing background elements that eventually become major players later on. While we highly enjoyed our previous mini-series, this new ongoing series will allow us to fully explore all the ideas we've had brewing for years!"

PERHAPANAUTS is a book that features quite a few familiar faces from urban legend, but with an entirely new view. Bigfoot - yes, THAT bigfoot - heads up a team consisting of psychics, paranormals, dimension hoppers and even a chubacabara against menaces from beyond the outer edges of reality!

Artist Craig Rousseau said, "Drawing PERHAPANAUTS would be any artists dream come true - the book features all the best parts of superhero stories and tales of terror with a good balance of heart and suspense. It's a cliche, but here's it's true - we're set out to make a book where anything is possible."

PERHAPANAUTS #1, a full-color ongoing series for $3.50, will be in stores April 16th, 2008.

Press Release: Millions Of Readers Vote In 'Pilot Season' (01.15)

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

Pilot Season is the innovative publishing initiative from Top Cow Productions, which released five selfcontained pilot issues starring established characters without a current series by established creative teams in 2007. Each issue set up a potential series much like a television pilot episode. Fans will determine which two series get their own series in 2008 by voting online at www.myspace.com/pilotseason. Fans can vote as often and as many times as they like and those fans who purchased all five pilot issues are rewarded with a secret voting code that allows for their votes to count double the normal votes.

“We expected the turn out for Pilot Season to be great, but voting totals in the millions was beyond our wildest expectations! We even checked with our technical advisors at MySpace to confirm that there was no voter fraud using automated scripts and such, but they confirmed it’s just solid voter enthusiasm,” said Top Cow Publisher, Filip Sablik. “Fans can still ‘Take Control’ for another week. The tides have turned a number of times during the competition and we can only guess who the final winners will be.”

Top Cow reminds fans that they have until January 21st to place their votes. The winners will be announced in February. Additional information regarding Pilot Season can be found at www.myspace.com/pilotseason.

Betty & Veronica Spectacular #82 Solicit (01.15)

The following is the solicit for Betty & Veronica Spectacular #82.

BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #82
Special "Love & Romance" Issue!

Press Release: CBLDF Store Down For Maintenance January 14 (01.15)

The following is a press release from the CBLDF.

Beginning at 5 PM EST today, the CBLDF webstore will be down for maintenance. Any donations, membership applications and premium donations cannot be accepted during this time. Our store will be back online Tuesday, January 15, around Noon EST. We apologize for any inconvenience, and would like to thank all of our supporters for their generous donations.

The following is a press release from Devil's Due Publishing.

New issue of Devil’s Due Publishing’s hot sci-fi epic goes quickly as new shipments head from the printer to Diamond

Chicago, IL. (January 10, 2008) – A flood of orders quickly depleted Diamond’s stock of the fourth issue of Mark Powers’ ongoing sci-fi saga Drafted this week. Readers and retailers will not have to wait long to see the drought ended, however, because Devil’s Due is currently rushing a new shipment from its printer to fulfill new orders.

“I’ve been in love with this concept from beginning,” said DDP President Josh Blaylock. “I’m really glad that readers have latched onto the story with the same level of appreciation.”

Powers’ story follows Earth’s first contact with extraterrestrial emissaries after the destruction of Jerusalem. When humans from all over the planet are removed from their everyday lives and told they have been drafted for a coming war to decide the fate of their world, the drama heats up as their training commences.

“Things are about to get really insane over the next few issues,” Blaylock confirmed. Powers’ intricately woven epic in the tradition of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica unfurls with each new issue, crafting a new saga for this generation.

The Diamond order codes for the first six issues of Drafted are as follows:

DRAFTED PREVIEW APR073607
DRAFTED #1 JUL073478
DRAFTED #2 AUG073554
DRAFTED #3 SEP073564
DRAFTED #4 OCT073451
DRAFTED #5 NOV073504
DRAFTED #6 JAN083550

For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net.

Press Release: DDP Hires Brian Warmoth As Marketing Manager (01.15)

The following is a press release from Devil's Due Publishing.

Chicago, IL. (Jan. 3, 2008) – Devil's Due Publishing proudly announces the addition of Brian Warmoth to its Chicago office as the company’s new Marketing Manager. In a year of major growth for DDP, Warmoth will handle marketing and publicity for Devil’s Due’s swelling catalogue of titles, including Mark Powers’ epic sci-fi series Drafted, Stefan Hutchinson and Tim Seeley’s Halloween: Nightdance, Seeley’s own Hack/Slash, Ryan Schifrin’s Spooks, and an expanding library of soon to be announced projects.

“I’m excited to have Brian on board,” said Josh Blaylock, President of DDP. “He brings a great deal of experience and new ideas to the table, and is already off to a great start.”

“Adding Brian to the DDP family was a no-brainer,” added Sam Wells, Assistant Publisher at DDP. “He really understands the ins and outs of the industry and has a lot of fresh ideas on spreading the good word on all things Devil's Due.”

Warmoth interned for both Wizard Magazine and independent trade book publisher Sourcebooks, Inc. while freelance writing for both Wizard and ToyFare Magazine and covering the comic book industry as a blogger for TheGreatCurve.net. He joined Wizard in 2006 as the magazine’s Online Staff Writer, covering both comic books and video games, and has also been a staff writer for ArtistSpectrum Magazine, discussing international breakout artists in New York City’s Agora Gallery. Warmoth graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005 with a degree in English and Rhetoric: Professional Writing.

“With titles like Drafted, Spooks and Halloween: Nightdance building upon Devil’s Due’s impressive library of comic book properties and new opportunities emerging for them in film and elsewhere, I am really honored to get the chance to represent a publisher that I already have a great deal of respect for in new and creative ways,” said Warmoth.

Warmoth brings a honed perspective from within the direct and mass markets to his new position in a year where Devil’s Due continues to expand its presence in comic book shops and bookstores while continuing to pursue new media and interactive outlets for the publisher’s current and future I.P.’s along with its sister company Kunoichi, Inc.

For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net.

Press Release: New 'Dungeons & Dragons' Series Getting Lowder (01.15)

The following is a press release from Devil's Due Publishing.

Chicago, IL. (Dec. 21, 2007) – Legendary author and award-winning editor James Lowder (Prince of Lies, Knight of the Black Rose) applies his visionary Dungeons & Dragons imagination to a new ongoing comic book series this February in Devil's Due's Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons. Lowder will oversee adaptations by such scribes as R.A. Salvatore, Margaret Weis, and Tracy Hickman, who will pack two ongoing stories per month into the giant 48-page monthly comic.

 

“Each issue of Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons will feature two stories from Wizards of the Coast's bestselling fantasy settings, including the Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, Ravenloft, and Eberron,” Lowder said. Issues #'s 1 and 2 will adapt R.A. Salvatore's “Dark Mirror,” starring the Forgotten Realms drow Drizzt with a script by Nick Schley (Abiding Perdition, “Red Lotus”) and art by Rafael Kayanan (Star Wars, Spider-Man, Firestorm), and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's “The Legacy,” featuring fan favorite hero Raistlin, with a script by Neil Kleid (Brownsville, Ninety Candles, X-Men Unlimited), and art by Javier Aranda (Hellina).

“Future issues of Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons will feature a wide array of iconic characters, such as the arch-wizard Elminster and the villainous death knight Lord Soth,” according to Lowder. “Writers will include authors familiar to comics readers, as well as fans of fantasy fiction and role-playing games: Jeff Grubb, Elaine Cunningham, P.N. Elrod, Richard Knaak, Keith Baker, Monte Cook, and Stan Brown, many of them scripting the adaptations of their own stories.”

 

Devil's Due tapped Lowder, whose background includes time directing the Forgotten Realms and Ravenloft book lines for TSR, Inc., and comics scripting assignments with DC, Moonstone, and Desperado. Lowder notes, "The worlds and characters featured in the anthology are already fan favorites for millions of readers and gamers around the world, but the stories are also terrific adventure fantasies that are accessible to anyone looking for a great sword and sorcery tale."

For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net. Or find out more about James Lowder on his website www.jameslowder.com.

You can now read Crime Must Pay The Price #26 for free, as part of our Golden Age Comics Digital project. We're adding a new public domain Golden Age comic in .pdf format free every week! Click here to read 'em. --Editor

Press Relase: 'North Wind' Sells Out (01.12)

The following is a press release from BOOM! Studios.

LOS ANGELES- January 11th, 2008 - BOOM! Studios announced today that NORTH WIND #1 is completely sold out. Having been launched as part of a historic simultaneous release online and in retail stores, NORTH WIND #1 saw dramatically increased sales across the board.

While publisher BOOM! Studios and distributor Diamond Comics are completely sold out, NORTH WIND #1 may still be found at direct market retailers.

"If you want a copy, I would suggest running, not walking, but running to your local comic shop," said Chip Mosher, Director of Marketing and Sales at BOOM! Studios. "This promotion with MySpace Comic Books has helped us sell through all of our copies of NORTH WIND #1 and has brought new customers into comic stores across the nation. I couldn't have been happier when Diamond called to tell us that we sold out."

Retailers across the country have had tremendous success with this promotion. In Los Angeles, venerable direct market retailer Meltdown, received fifteen copies of NORTH WIND #1 on the day of release. Only five copies were left as of this writing.

"I only wish more companies had the inspired media moxy and sales savvy as displayed by BOOM! -- whether it's their online promotions that pull and create new readers or their simple but very effective shelftalkers. In this day of dinosaur brick & mortar stores, BOOM! is always finding new ways to help us sell, sell, sell. Kudos to you BOOM! We at Meltdown, Inc. look forward to working with all your titles to BOOST! our bottom line. Please continue to keep it innovative and keep sending us new and receptive costumers to sell all types of comics to!" Gaston Dominguez-Letelier proprietor of Meltdown, Inc. said.

"This sell out was driven by demand and dramatically increased re-orders through Diamond. We aggressively went after the comic and non-comic reading audience for this book, and they showed up in droves. BOOM! Studios offered retailers a 3% incentive for re-orders, which led to comic shops that hadn't ordered NORTH WIND #1 to take a chance on it the day it was released. Everything just came together to make this promotion a success," said Ross Richie, Publisher and Co-Founder of BOOM! Studios.

BOOM! Studios is working closely with Diamond Comics Distributor and evaluating the demand for a second printing.

"We are looking at the unfilled re-orders carefully at the moment. But a second printing looks like it may just happen," said Mosher.

NORTH WIND,written by David DiGilio, best known for writing the film EIGHT BELOW and creating the ABC TV show TRAVELER, is a five issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles after a new ice age has covered the earth. NORTH WIND chronicles the rise of a new hero in a dystopian world where people burn books for fuel, and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. The first issue features a cover by Andrew Huerta with interior artwork by newcomer and soon to be fan-favorite, Alex Cal.

MySpace, the world's most popular social network, and BOOM! Studios, a leader in comic book and graphic novel publishing, announced a partnership January 3rd to provide the MySpace Comic Book community with free digital downloads of BOOM! Studios' highly anticipated new comic book series, NORTH WIND. Throughout the five-issue mini-series, MySpace users will be able to download all the issue of NORTH WIND for free exclusively on the MySpace Comic Books profile (http://myspace.com/comicbooks) the day each issue hits store shelves.

Amazing Spider-Man #556 Review -- Thar Be Spoilers Ahead! (01.10)

Amazing Spider-Man #546 (2008)

Credits: Dan Slott (Writer), Steve McNiven (Penciler), Dexter Vines (Inker), Morry Hollowell (Colorist), Steven Wacker (Editor)

Cover Price: $3.99, 48 Pages

Review: Let me start off by saying that I hated One More Day. (Editor’s Note: One More Day was a recent Spidey story which erased Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson-Parker’s marriage from continuity, as well as altering twenty years’ worth of stories, because Peter Parker made a deal with Marvel’s version of Satan, Mephisto, to save his Aunt May, who was in a coma from a bullet wound indirectly because of Peter. Whew)!  Hated it. I’m trying to be reasonable and more civil than some people have been with their complaints, but the ending was garbage...

To read this complete review, go to the Spider-Man Comics zone by clicking here!

The following is a press release from the Hero Initiative.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 9, 2008) – The Hulk will be smashing through the Marvel Universe again in January, and The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, has him in an exclusive limited edition.
 
The Hero/AtomicComics.com Hulk #1 features an exclusive cover by Ed McGuinness and is limited to only 5000 copies worldwide. Ed’s rendition of the new Red Hulk has been seen in solicits, but this is the only chance fans will have to get this great piece as a cover! This special edition of Hulk #1 will be available for $8 at the Phoenix Cactus Comicon Jan. 26-27, and at a special pre-con party at Atomic Comics.
 
Both Hulk writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness will be signing at Atomic Comics Mesa Superstore on January 25th from 5PM-7PM for the world premiere of this special edition! Jeph and Ed will be there to autograph copies. If you can’t make the scene, you can preorder your copy now at: http://www.atomiccomicsstore.com/hulkpreorder.html 
 
“Ed and I are thrilled to be part of such a special occasion,” said Jeph Loeb. “As guests of the Phoenix Comicon, we’ll be having a blast meeting our fans and celebrating this new HULK monthly. Mike Malve and his Atomic Comics shops are the finest in the nation, so being there will be the icing on the cake. As longtime supporters of The Hero Initiative, we are proud to be a part of such a worthwhile cause. Please join us for what will turn out to be the party of century!”

'Nixon's Pals' Is Coming! (01.10)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

January 10th, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This March YOUNGBLOOD's Joe Casey and rising star Chris Burnham dig deep into the hidden super-villain underbelly of Los Angeles this March in the 120-page graphic novel, NIXON'S PALS.

"The 'Nixon' in NIXON'S PALS is Nixon Cooper, parole officer to Los Angeles' ever growing super-villain scene," said writer Joe Casey. "This is hard boiled storytelling, basically putting a superpowered spin on what I love in crime fiction by writers like Elmore Leonard and Jim Thompson."

Casey is not comparing NIXON'S PALS to Leonard's work lightly. The world of NIXON'S PALS is far from bright, with Burnham bringing a refreshingly unique twist on the conventional grim and gritty super tale.

Burnham said, "Not only is Joe the type of writer who lets an artist run free, but NIXON'S PALS is exactly the type of comics I love to draw. It's an insane romp, filled with giant furnance robots, sentient breasts, and a ton of really vile bastards. It's fun for the whole family!"

NIXON'S PALS (JAN082057), a 120-page black and white graphic novel for $12.99, will be in stores March 26th, 2008.

Press Release: IDW Launches Children's Imprint (01.10)

The following is a press release from IDW Publishing.

(San Diego, CA and Newark, NJ; January 10, 2008)—In a precedent-setting move, IDW Publishing, a division of IDT Internet Mobile Group and an established leader in the comic book and graphic novel arena, is launching a children's division called Jonas Publishing and a new imprint, Worthwhile Books. The move will allow IDW Publishing to expand its library of successful print titles, which to date has been particularly focused in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, such as 30 Days of Night and The Transformers. To launch the imprint, IDW Publishing has inked a significant agreement with a renowned UK children's publisher and is striking deals with top Hollywood writers to create children's books.

Worthwhile Books has finalized a first-look arrangement with UK children's publisher Meadowside Books (www.meadowsidebooks.com), known for its unique character-driven picture books for young readers. Worthwhile will be the exclusive U.S. publisher of selected Meadowside titles and will retain domestic film and television rights on those properties. The first Meadowside Books title in the deal, Michael Recycle, by Ellie Bethel, follows the escapades of a "green-caped" environmental hero and will be released in March by Worthwhile Books. Worthwhile expects to issue approximately 10 Meadowside titles over the course of the first year, including William's Dinosaurs, by Alan Baker, which tells the tale of a little boy who finds more than trees in the dark woods near his home.

Worthwhile's Hollywood outreach is tapping into the top ranks of movie and television writing talent to bring original literary stories to the young reading audience. The collective credits of the entertainment writers include some of the industry's most successful television series and movies. These writers include:

• David N. Weiss, whose writing credits include Shrek 2, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and both Rugrats movies
• David Sacks, a writer/producer on The Simpsons, producer on Malcolm in the Middle, and writer on 3rd Rock from the Sun
• Dava Savel, an Emmy Award- winning comedy writer with credits on shows such as Grace Under Fire and Will & Grace, in addition to being an executive producer on the children's program That's So Raven
• David Steinberg, whose producing credits include Meet the Robinsons, Home on the Range and Cats Don't Dance
• Robert Kurtz, who wrote for the movie Everyone's Hero and has written for such shows as Boy Meets World and Grace Under Fire

"Our growth strategy calls for continued expansion into other areas of the entertainment sector," said Ted Adams, IDW co-founder and president. "Creating and controlling successful children's properties helps us in those endeavors. Meadowside's books are playful, empowering, smart and exciting and the artwork is simply breathtaking. These are children's picture stories in the classic tradition with a central character that is relatable to today's kids."

In speaking of the outreach to Hollywood writers, Robert Kurtz, vice-president and creative director at Worthwhile Books, said "Every writer I know who works in television or movies has a children's story inside him or her that they've wanted to tell for years but for a variety of reasons never were able to get out into the marketplace. We want writers to think of Worthwhile Books as the one-stop destination for that kind of project. It is designed to be a writer-driven company and we think that will be very attractive to these talented artists."

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

Exclusive The 99 #4 Preview (01.10)

The 99 #4 is in stores January 16, and we've got an exlusive first look! Here's the solicit, from Teshkeel Comics:

THE 99 #4

Written by Naif Al-Mutawa and Fabian Nicieza
Art by John McCrea & Sean Parsons & Kris Justice
Cover by Ron Wagner

JAMI returns as THE 99 take the fight to BLACKWOLF. But the Master of Shadows doesn't stand alone! Can the combined powers of our heroes triumph over BLACKWOLF's own super team, AL-ASHRAR?? Or will THE 99's latest mission be their last?

On sale 01/16/08 – 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

--Editor

Press Release: 'North Wind' Trailer Gets 5000 Hits In 48 Hours (01.10)

The following is a press release from BOOM! Studios.

LOS ANGELES- January 8th, 2008 - Five thousand views in fourty-eight hours. That was the final result when the trailer for NORTH WIND, BOOM! Studios' latest mini-series, was featured on MySpaceTV over the weekend.

Supporting the historic simultaneous release of NORTH WIND in stores and online at MySpace Comic Books (http://myspace.com/comicbooks), the NORTH WIND trailer serves as another way to get people excited about BOOM! Studios' latest comic book offering.

"MySpace Comic Books directly targets their 145,000 friends, but we knew we wanted to reach beyond that targeted group. Getting the NORTH WIND trailer featured on MySpaceTv in conjunction with our current promotion with MySpace Comic Books allowed us to interest a wider group on MySpace. And, you know, doing a trailer is just a cool way to promote any comic!" Chip Mosher, Marketing and Sales Director for BOOM! Studios said.

The trailer for NORTH WIND can be seen here: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=252700...

To produce the trailer, BOOM! Studios turned to Craig Kennedy of CK Creative, winner of last years' LEFT ON MISSION trailer contest.

"It was great coming back and doing another trailer for BOOM! Studios especially as NORTH WIND is such a great epic concept. It gave me a chance to make a different style of trailer from the one I did for LEFT ON MISSION. Something eerie, desolate, cold and epic...well, that's what I hope people get from it anyway," said Craig Kennedy.

Written by David DiGilio, best known for writing the film EIGHT BELOW and creating the ABC TV show TRAVELER, NORTH WIND is a five issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles after a new ice age has covered the earth. NORTH WIND chronicles the rise of a new hero in a dystopian world where people burn books for fuel, and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. The first issue features a cover by Andrew Huerta with interior artwork by newcomer and soon to be fan-favorite, Alex Cal.

MySpace, the world's most popular social network, and BOOM! Studios, a leader in comic book and graphic novel publishing, announced a partnership January 3rd to provide the MySpace Comic Book community with free digital downloads of BOOM! Studios' highly anticipated new comic book series,  NORTH WIND. Throughout the five-issue mini-series, MySpace users will be able to download all the issue of NORTH WIND for free exclusively on the MySpace Comic Books profile (http://myspace.com/comicbooks) the day each issue hits store shelves.

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

January 9th, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) It’s been said that Hollywood is controlled by monsters and in February’s URBAN MONSTERS, four creatures head on a road trip to make that statement literal.

"URBAN MONSTERS pokes a lot of fun at the post-Warhol American Dream wherein everyone's after their fifteen minutes of fame," mini-series co-writer Joanne Moore said. "Our four road trippers learn not only that attaining any dream is hard, you'll have a heck of a time getting anywhere near it!"

Such dreams of fame hit a misfit group of east coast friends consisting of a beastman, a satyr, a fish-man and a zombie who strike out west on a country wide road trip. URBAN MONSTERS was created by Andrew Stroscher for noted television producer Vin Di Bona’s first foray into the comics medium and features the writing talents of Will Wilson & Joanne Moore alongside fan-favorite Tone Rodriguez on art duties.

Shadowline President Jim Valentino said, "URBAN MONSTERS is a wonderful fit in the eclectic lineup of titles under the Shadowline banner. Each book we publish is unique to everything else both in our line and on the stands altogether. We're very happy to have Andrew, Will, Joanne and Tone on board."

URBAN MONSTERS (DEC072051), a 3-issue 32-page miniseries for $3.50, will be in stores February 27th, 2007.

Press Release: Tony Montana's Bloody Story Launches in a New Graphic Novel from IDW Publishing (01.09)

The following is a press release from IDW Publishing.

San Diego, CA (January 7, 2008)—Fans of Director Brian DePalma's 1983 cinematic classic Scarface know the bullet-riddled end of Tony Montana's story. Now they will find out how his story began in Scarface: Devil in Disguise. In January, IDW Publishing will launch this definitive graphic novel prequel to the fan-favorite film.

Scarface: Devil in Disguise tells Tony Montana's story before he comes to sun-drenched Miami to pursue his version of the American dream-ascending from dishwasher to the head of a cocaine cartel. While cutting his teeth as a young military assassin and hustler in Havana, Cuba, he believes that he is destined for more and craves American shores. But first, he has to get out from Castro-imposed solitary confinement. To complicate matters, this Molotov cocktail mix also includes appearances by the CIA, gangsters and the scumbag who gave Montana his infamous scar.

This authoritative Scarface prequel, originally published as a five-part comic book miniseries, comes on the heels of IDW's successful Scarface: Scarred for Life, a sequel that picks up where the movie left off, as Tony Montana survives-yes, you read that right-but just barely.

"It was great to imagine a sequel to the movie," says Chris Ryall, IDW's publisher and editor-in-chief, referring to the 2006 comic book Scarface: Scarred for Life. "And now it's equally interesting to go back and look at the character's early years. Whereas the sequel was a bit lighter in tone-if black humor can be considered 'light'-Devil in Disguise takes a darker turn and really sets the mood for the character arc that Tony will experience in the movie."

The creative team on Devil in Disguise is writer Joshua Jabcuga, who also worked on IDW Publishing's black and white horror magazine Doomed, and artist Alberto Dose, who also did the art for IDW Publishing's Desperadoes: Buffalo Dreams.

This comic book will be in stores January 2008; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

Press Release: Archie Comics Launches New Blogs (01.09)

The following is a press release from Archie Comics.

Archie Comics is pleased to announce that we are starting the New Year with 18 brand new title-specific blogs. Archie Comics has always been very interactive with their fans. For years we have received mail by the ton telling us what our fans think about what we are doing.

Since the start of our website www.archiecomics.com we have been receiving millions of emails and fan art from our readers. The site receives 16-18 million hits a month. If a lot of our fans want to see something happen in the pages of our comics, we try to make it happen.

With the new system of blogs, we will get information to our fans title by title. For example, if you read Tales From Riverdale each month, you can find out the latest news about that title without having to read through what is happening in every title.

If you are a fan of Josie & the Pussycats you will be able to read about our plans for them in our digests. Our digests also regularly feature That Wilkin Boy, Dilton, Captain Sprocket, and even Reggie. Characters that are not featured in their own title but have a regular home in some of our most loved digests.

The blog format will allow us to interact with our fans and protect our younger fans. All posts will be read by a member of the Archie Comics staff prior to posting so that parents will be able to feel safe when their children are visiting the Archie Comics site.

The new blogs will also feature original content not found anywhere else, from interviews with the writers, artists and staff to sketches and other art our fans will be excited to see.

As the world of communication grows, we have looked for more ways to communicate with our fans. We want to let them know what we have planned, and we want to hear from them if they think we are doing a good job. We will have immediate dialog with our fans on every title we publish. To find these new title-specific blogs, go to http://www.archiecomics.com and click on the word "COMICS" on the upper banner.

Or, you can find each separate blog at...
http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archiecomic

• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archiedigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archiedoubledigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/archieandfriends
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/palsngalsdoubledigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/talesfromriverdaldigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronica
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronicadigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronicadoubledigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettycomic
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/veronicacomic
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/bettyandveronicaspectacular
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/jugheadcomic
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/jugheaddigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/jugheaddoubledigest
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/sabrina
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/sonic
• http://archie-blogs.archiecomics.com/sonicx

Stop on by, we look forward to hearing from all our fans.

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

January 7th, 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Following excellent reviews and a free convention preview, the debut issue of THE INFINITE HORIZON sold out at a distribution level and will return to store shelves alongside the second issue. on January 9th with a new cover by artist and series co-creator Phil Noto.

“Working with Phil Noto has been a true dream, I’ve been a fan of his for a long time,” said Writer Gerry Duggan. “We’re both ecstatic about the very gratifying reviews and then selling out of the first issue from the distributor. We think every issue gets better, and we want to take a second to thank the fans, retailers and reviewers that have all supported this new comic book.”

The reprint of the first issue of THE INFINITE HORIZON (OCT071959) and the brand new second issue (NOV072044), both 32-page comics for $2.99, will be available January 9th, 2008. The oversized third issue (DEC072091) will feature the soldier with no name against the Cyclops and arrive on racks in late February with a cover price of 2.99. For more information please visit http://www.the-infinite-horizon.com/site and http://www.imagecomics.com.

Press Release: Filip Sablik Promoted To Publisher (01.09)

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

Press Release: 'Dan Dare' Flies Off Shelves & Onto Computer Screens (01.09)

The following is a press release from Virgin Comics.

JANUARY 8, 2008 - NEW YORK, NY - With comic book collectors scooping up every issue of Virgin Comics’ sold-out Dan Dare #1 at retail, fans desperate to read the new adventures of this classic British science fiction hero have found a solution.  As part of Virgin Comics’ popular Widescreen Digital Comic Book series, installments of Dan Dare #1 are being posted every Monday and Wednesdays at  www.virgincomics.com.  “With Dan Dare we are seeing why online digital comics are so important to Virgin Comics,” said Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Virgin Comics.  “The global demand for comics and graphic story telling far exceeds the distribution available through physical distribution.

Dan Dare #2 was released on December 26^th, and is still available at limited retail locations.  The highly anticipated Dan Dare #3 is scheduled to street on January 23^rd.  Both of these issues, as well as copies of the second print run of Dan Dare #1, can currently be ordered at www.virgincomicsstore.com.

Virgin Comics’ Dan Dare is written by legendary comic author Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, Hitman, John Woo’s Seven Brothers and other acclaimed and best-selling titles). The story is set in the future, albeit not too many decades from the present day. Colonel Dare is still vibrant and courageous – but now he’s retired. His retirement is a self-imposed exile, the result of his disgust with politics and the post-nuclear warfare that has destroyed North America and much of Asia – leaving the UK as the world’s last remaining superpower. Readers familiar with Dan Dare stories will recognize many of the original cast including a wiser and more experienced Digby; the innovative, brilliant and beautiful Professor Peabody; and of course the enemy of all that is good, the super-intelligent ruler of the Treens – The Mekon, together with a mix of galactic evil beings.

In addition to Dan Dare, other Virgin Widescreen Digital Comics titles include Guy Ritchie’s Gamekeeper, Devi, Weston & Nicolas Cage’s Voodoo Child, Deepak Chopra’s & Shekhar Kapur’s Ramayan 3392AD, Dave Stewart’s Walk In, The Sadhu, Deepak Chopra’s India Authentic, John Woo’s Seven Brothers and Snake Woman.

Here's some more preview art from Brand New Day. The first is a two-pager by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Zeb Wells (script). The second is from a back-up with script by Zeb Wells and pencils from Mike Deodato, Jr. (Both of these are from Amazing Spider-Man #546). The final page is penciled by Chris Bachalo, and is from an unspecified issue coming out the fourth month of Brand New Day. Finally, here's a link to an eight-page preview of Amazing Spider-Man #546 (script by Dan Slott, pencils by Steve McNiven), in case you haven't already checked it out. --Editor

Press Release: First Born Conclusion In Stores Now (12.01)

The following is a press release from Top Cow Comics.

This Thursday, November 29th sees the release of one of the most highly anticipated events of 2007 with First Born #3 hitting comic shops. The critically-acclaimed series concludes in this issue with the birth of Sara Pezzini’s child and the ultimate clash between The Darkness and The Angelus, setting the stage for the future of the Top Cow Universe in 2008 and beyond.

First Born irrevocably alters the status quo of the Top Cow Universe and demonstrates that an epic, high-quality event can be delivered in only three issues. The new ongoing The Darkness series spins directly out of the events in First Born with issue #1 landing on December 12th. The Angelus: Pilot Season #1 also takes place directly after the events of First Born and is in stores on December 12th. Witchblade #112 will serve as the epilogue to the event series and is anticipated in stores on December 27th. Issues #113-115 will serve as a building block for the debut of the new Witchblade creative team of Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic from First Born with issue #116!

“First Born has lived up in every way to our hopes in story and artistic quality,” added Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Top Cow, “Ron and Stjepan have done nothing but impress with this series and issue #3 is the grand finale on an epic scale. All I can say is that the Top Cow Universe only gets better from here!”

First Born #3 is available with two covers by series artist, Stjepan Sejic each of which carries an SRP of $2.99. Additional information regarding First Born can be found at www.firstborncomic.com as well as www.topcow.com.

Press Release: Angel: After The Fall Sells Out (12.01)

The following is a press release from IDW Publishing.

San Diego, CA (November 28, 2007)—When IDW Publishing announced that they would be publishing the official continuation of the Angel television series, the news was met with fevered anticipation by the faithful fans of the TV show and the previous comic books. And the first issue of this series, Angel: After the Fall #1, has delivered on that premise, instantly becoming IDW’s highest-charting comic book release ever.

The first issue, presided over by Angel co-creator Joss Whedon, scripted by Brian Lynch and illustrated by Franco Urru, sold out of its initial printing before the comic ever hit stores, and its second printing (Diamond item code SEP07 8061), which features an iconic photo image of Angel, is nearly sold out as well. A third printing of the issue is on its way, too.

Critical and fan response to the debut issue matched the initial pre-orders for the book, with an overwhelming array of positive reviews.

While FractalMatter.com stated that “The Whedon-sanctioned return of Angel will be enough to bring them in, but there is more than enough going on here to bring them back,” Newsarama.com also pointed out that “it’s also written tightly enough that a newbie could jump in… though there’s of course a tremendous advantage associated with being familiar with the material.”

The issue also received coverage on TVGuide.com, in New York Magazine, and at comics review site ComicPants.com, where reviewer Randy Lander asks “The question then becomes, “Does Angel: After the Fall live up to the standards of five seasons of Angel? The answer, I’m happy to report, is yes.”.

The epic series itself, as plotted by Whedon and Lynch, will detail what happened “after the Fall,” as Angel and company must deal with being trapped in a Hellish Los Angeles; along the way, there will also be spin-offs like the April-bound “First Night” storyline detailing exactly what happened at the exact end of the TV series and how it affected many of the show’s popular characters, even some not seen on-camera in that final episode.

Angel: After the Fall #2 (item code OCT07 3581) will be in stores on December 19, 2007.

The following is a press release from Dark Horse Comics.

If you're in the area, come on down to one of these great signings! See you there.

November 11th: 3:00-6:00 PM Paul M Sammon and Bill Stout (Conan the Phenomenon) signing at the Hollywood Book & Poster Shop, Hollywood, CA.

November 26th: Patrick McDonnell (Mutts) Toms River, NJ Public Library (Mutts vinyl figure sets will be drawn as raffle prizes).

Tuesday, Nov 27th: 7:30pm, David Lloyd (Kickback) talk and signing, Central Hotel, Exchequer St, Dublin.

Wednesday, Nov 28th: 4-7pm, David Lloyd (Kickback) signing, Chapters Bookstore, Parnell St, Dublin.

Thursday, Nov 29th: 7:30pm, Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man) signing, Powell's Bookstore on Hawthorne, Portland, OR.

Thursday, Nov 29th: 8pm, David Lloyd (Kickback) talk and signing, The Roisin Dubh, Dominick St, Galway.

Thursday, Nov. 29th: 7-10pm, Roman Dirge / Steven Daily (It Ate Billy For Christmas), Meltdown Comics, Los Angeles, Ca.

Saturday, Dec 1st: 12-3, David Lloyd (Kickback) signing, Other Realms, Paul St Shop Centre, Cork.

Press Release: Dark Horse Announces New Umbrella Academy Merchandise (11.27)

The following is a press release from Dark Horse Comics.

Dark Horse Deluxe has announced that November 2007 will kick off an ongoing program of The Umbrella Academy merchandise designed exclusively for the fans of the comics series penned by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance and illustrated by Eisner-nominated artist, Gabriel Bá. This month will see the release of the previously announced patches featuring The Umbrella Academy crest, The Kraken's logo, The Rumor's emblem, and the umbrella icon, as well as a four-pack of buttons with The Kraken's logo, The Sparrow, The Rumor's emblem, and the umbrella icon. There will also be men's and women's black T-shirts bearing a white umbrella icon. Additional products to watch for in the upcoming months include a coffee mug and--who could resist?--an umbrella. Stay tuned for details.

"I was able to go over a whole bunch of project ideas with Gerard. He really wants to have the right kind of fun stuff available for fans of the comic, but it is important to him that it make editorial sense as well," says Product Development Manager Rebecca D'Madeiros "We thought these items would be good supplements to the story, drawing on the stylistic impact of the various logos. We also hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg--and a few other tricks may yet be up our sleeves!"

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite is one of the most anticipated series of 2007, and has achieved critical acclaim and record-breaking sales since its September release. It is the story of seven extraordinary, maladjusted individuals who were adopted and raised by an eccentric space alien whose meager parenting skills left the siblings bitter and estranged. Nine years later, the members of the Umbrella Academy are reunited by the death of the only parent they've ever known and the rise of a new and terrible threat. Will they be able to overcome their history for long enough to save the world-one more time?

The patches and buttons will be available November 14, 2007 and will retail for $4.99-$5.99. The T-shirts will follow on November 28 for $29.99, and will be available in men's and women's styles.

Press Release: Dark Horse Announces New BPRD Series (11.27)

The following is a press release from Dark Horse Comics.

Comics guru Mike Mignola teams up with rising star Josh Dysart (Swamp Thing, Conan and the Midnight God) for one of the most intriguing and revealing tales in the Hellboy Universe. BPRD: 1946 is the story of the early days of the Bureau and the quest for answers that explain, among other things, the enigmatic Hellboy's apocalyptic origin.

In the wake of the second world war, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm--occult investigator and guardian of the infant Hellboy--founded the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense to investigate and defuse the remains of the Axis' sophisticated occult warfare projects and potential Soviet threats. Now, outfitted with a small band of war-weary Allied soldiers, Bruttenholm begins to unravel the mystery of the Nazi Occult Bureau's greatest and most threatening initiatives: Project Vampir Sturm.

"Hopefully this will be the first of several books showing the evolution of the BPRD from a three--or four-man organization to something more like what it is now," says Mignola "The focus here is on Bruttenholm, looking into the mystery of Hellboy and dealing with the changing occult world, as the Nazi occult projects fall into the hands of the Russians."

Rounding out the bill on the latest chapter in the BPRD story is the always on-point, indy artist/colorist team Paul Azaceta and Nick Filardi (Potter's Field, Grounded) on their third project together.

BPRD: 1946 #1 (of 5) hits the streets on January 9, 2008 with an SRP of $2.99.

NEW YORK & GLEN COVE, New York (November 27, 2007) — Virgin Comics today announced a partnership with Perspective Studios, an industry-leading computer animation production house, to co-create and develop a diverse slate of original intellectual properties. The goal of the collaboration is to create a compelling portfolio of new characters and franchises for exploitation in multiple formats, including comic books, mobile content, video games and feature films. Virgin and Perspective will initially launch each new franchise as graphic novels and short-form episodic animation for online and mobile distribution, taking advantage of Virgin’s substantial relationships in these markets.

The partners expect to focus on content properties that are likely to resonate with online and console gamers. Virgin announced last August that their popular Ramayan 3392 A.D. comic book series has been licensed by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) as the basis for a new massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Perspective has provided animation for many noteworthy and highly-anticipated game titles, including Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto series and Ghost Recon for Ubisoft.

“Perspective is bringing a great deal of experience and versatility to the table,” said Sharad Devarajan, Virgin Comics’ CEO. “With Perspective’s growing animation capabilities and particular expertise with video game animation, we have full confidence that they’ll go above and beyond when it comes to fully realizing a unique creative vision.”

“Our past experience with many memorable properties has long inspired us to see what we could accomplish with original content,” said Steven Lehrhoff, CEO of Perspective Studios. “The Virgin Comics team, with such a unique creative vision, will make the ideal partner for this undertaking."

Virgin Comics and Perspective Studios will be making additional announcements regarding the specific franchises resulting from this collaboration, as well as the talent involved with the properties, in the near future.

Press Release: Dynamite Annouces Jungle Girl #5 (11.24)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

November 23, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT today released images and information announcing Jungle Girl #5, the final chapter of Dynamite's first series of Jungle Girl adventures! Co-Plotted and overseen by Frank Cho, scripted by Doug Murray and crafted by artist Adriano Batista and Frank Martin, Jungle Girl has become the Dynamite series of 2007!  And as an extra added bonus, Dynamite is showing preview pages to Jungle Girl #3, in stores this Wednesday, November 28th.

In January, Dynamite's first series of Jungle Girl adventures comes to a smashing conclusion with a closing that is going to be talked about for years to come! More secrets of the island and its cast-aways are revealed as it all counts down to the end, or is it?

Jungle Girl Writer, Doug Murray elaborated on the mind-blowing ending and hints at the future of Jana and her mysterious island, "The 5th issue of Jungle Girl is the last of the first story cycle. I want to do more then make this a half-naked girl fighting dinosaurs story--the plan is to show more civilizations and odd life forms, all of whom live in this odd place that Jana calls home. To do this, we're going to move her around a bit--get her out of her 'home' jungle--and fighting something other then Dinosaurs and Cro-Magnons--and we're going to start doing that with the very last panel of issue #5--a panel that I think (and hope) will surprise our readers. The first, I hope, of many such surprises."

Jungle Girl co-plotter and cover artist Frank Cho described the surprise ending in a way that should have every comic fan on the edge of their seat, "CATFIGHT!!!!"

Each and every beautiful page of Jungle Girl is provided by series artist Adriano Batista (along with the beautiful colors of Frank Martin!)! Issue #5 will be available with two exciting covers, one by Mr. Jungle Girl himself, Frank Cho and the variant chase cover by Batista!

JUNGLE GIRL #5 (OF 5) (NOV073474) Writer: Frank Cho (Plot, Art Direction), Doug Murray (Script); Penciller: Adriano Batista; Colorist: Frank Martin; Covers: Frank Cho (75%) and Adriano Batista (25%)

FANS! ASK YOUR LOCAL RETAILER ABOUT THE VIRGIN CHO COVER!

Also Available: JUNGLE GIRL #5 (OF 5) (NOV073475)- FOIL COVER EDITION FEATURING ART BY FRANK CHO

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/p-C109149.html

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Press Release: Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters Is Back! (11.22)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

November 21, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT today released images and information announcing the debut issue of Don Chin's Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters by writer Keith Champagne with art by Tom Nguyen! Scheduled for a January release, Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters #1 will be available in full color with covers by Tom Nguyen and Michael Avon Oeming!

What are Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters…

In 1977, NASA inexplicably sent four hamsters into space to investigate a strange mass of radioactive gelatin hovering over the Earth. Due to exposure from the radioactive mass, the four hamsters quickly changed, evolving into something NEW. Something ADOLESCENT. Something RADIOACTIVE.

Crash landing in the Himalayas, the Hamsters were found by a hidden monastery of monks who nursed them back to health, training the group in the martial arts.

And now they're back and Dynamite's got them!

Under the watchful eye of original series creator Don Chin, writer Keith Champagne (Countdown: Arena) is joined by artist Tom Nguyen for a comic book series unlike any the world has ever seen! Ninjas! Barbarians! Huns! Monks! Hamsters! This one's got it all! Look for the special Hamsters alternate cover by Michael Avon (Mice Templar) Oeming!

Writer Keith Champagne described his plans for ARBBH, "Without giving anything away, Tom and I plan to offer a fresh take and new beginning to Don Chin's classic creations. No one can copy Don's style of humor and satirical storytelling but, with his blessing, we're planning to relaunch the Hamsters for a new generation of comics fans, while simultaneously creating a book that will offer readers of the classic series plenty of touchstones of the Hamsters they loved. Just not in a way they might expect. This is a book all about peeling back the layers and digging beneath the surface.
 
"Sit back and enjoy the ride. You might not know where the book is taking you--or even who some of these Hamsters are (Arnold? Jean Claude? Steven? Lucy? Rock?), but by the time we're done, you'll definitely have a smile on your face"

About the opportunity to work on ARBBH, Tom Nguyen added, "I was actually a Hamster fan when I was a kid, so to be in a situation where Dynamite and Don Chin are entrusting Keith and me to continue this hilarious property is quite an honor. Plus Keith and I have wanted to work together for a long time; his writing style is concise, action-packed, and full of humor. Now that it's happening, we're going to do our best to put a smile on readers' faces. If you're looking for something deep and thought-provoking, go read Thorn Birds or something. If you want pure fun and action, you'll enjoy the new Hamsters!"

Dynamite Publisher Nick Barrucci stated, "The Hamsters are fun, they're cuddly, and now they're 'dynamite'.  We've been working with Don for a good long while to make this happen and today I'm pleased to announce that the Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters have found a new home at Dynamite. This is a series which has the potential to not only be a lot of fun, but to be a great jumping on point for kids as well as regular comic fans!  We're thrilled at the creative possibilities of this series and have big things in stores for these characters in a new comic book series."

The Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters series ran for nine issues from 1986 through 1989 and featured a number of spin-offs, including: Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters in 3-D; Clint: Hamster Triumphant; and Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters Massacre the Japanese Invasion.

ADOLESCENT RADIOACTIVE BLACK BELT HAMSTERS #1 (NOV073453)
Writer: KEITH CHAMPAGNE; Penciller: TOM NGUYEN; Covers: TOM NGUYEN, Michael Avon Oeming

FANS! ASK YOUR LOCAL RETAILER ABOUT OEMING SKETCH/BLACK AND WHITE INCENTIVE COVER!

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/p-C109141.html

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

Berkeley, CA—Nov. 20, 2007 Image Comics announces ‘Betrayal Part One’, the eagerly anticipated new volume in the award-winning AGE OF BRONZE graphic novel series by Eric Shanower

“I first started researching the story in 1992,” says Shanower, “and I’m still collecting material. There are countless versions of the story that have been created in the last 2800 years. I doubt I’ll be able to find them all, but I’m trying. Sometimes it’s a challenge to fit all the material into Age of Bronze, but it all informs the project to some degree.”
Though the story AGE OF BRONZE tells is ancient, its relevance echoes today. Shanower points out how little has changed since the Late Bronze Age. On a worldwide scale, the West is still in conflict with the East, still fighting long, bitter wars, just as in the ten-year long Trojan War. On a smaller scale, each of us deals with basic drives and emotions, such as love, jealousy, ambition, and obsession, in the same way that the characters fighting at Troy played out their story. To keep the art in AGE OF BRONZE firmly within the correct historical period Shanower traveled to the ancient site of Troy in northwest Turkey to gather information for the setting of the story.

“Visiting Troy where I spent time with the excavation team and hiked around the area was one of the most magnificent things I’ve ever done,” he explains. “The sights and the geography have already proved invaluable to AGE OF BRONZE. In fact, when I was on the island of Tenedos just off the coast from Troy, I found the actual spot that I was in the middle of drawing back in my studio in the USA. It was uncanny.”

AGE OF BRONZE: BETRAYAL PART ONE, a 176-page graphic novel is available in paperback (MAY071856) for $17.99 and a limited edition hardcover (MAY071857) for $27.99, will be in stores 11/28/2007. More information can be found at http://www.age-of-bronze.com.

Press Release: Scud Is Back! (11.22)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

November 20th, 2007 (Berkeley, CA) - After a decade of anticipation, Rob Schrab and Image Comics finally release SCUD: THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21, the beginning of the four-issue finale for his ever-popular death dealing robot.

"Even after all this time it's hard to say goodbye," writer/artist Rob Schrab said. "I was working on a thirty-two page conclusion to include in a collection of all the previous material, but it grew to well over a hundred pages. Image and I agreed this warranted its own release and it's for the better. The ending is now an entirely different beast, one I couldn't be any prouder about."

While February will mark ten years to the month since Schrab produced SCUD: THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #20, he has remained busy in Hollywood, directing such hits as MONSTER HOUSE and THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM. His comics connection continues with SILVERMAN, as he works alongside other Image creators such as LAST CHRISTMAS' Brian Posehn and GRRL SCOUTS' Jim Mahfood. Mahfood will also supply the cover to issue #22, with other cover artists including Ashley Wood, Doug Tennapel and David Hartman.

SCUD: THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21 (DEC072049), a four-issue black & white miniseries for $3.50, will be available in stores February 13th.

Press Release: Hero Intitiative At Mid-Ohio Con (11.21)

The following is a press release from the Hero Intitiative.

LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2007) - The best way to walk off your Thanksgiving turkey is to amble on over to Hero Initiative booth at the Mid-Ohio Comic-Con Thanksgiving weekend, November 24 and 25 at Battelle hall at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH.

Artist Joe Benitez (The Magdalena, Detective Comics ) will be at the Hero booth ALL weekend, and Hero is celebrating this fact with a new and Mid-Ohio exclusive Magdalena print by Benitez! Ghost Rider co-creator Groovy Gary Friedrich will also be on hand for Hero, along with other unsuspected surprises, so swing by and don't miss out.

And a special get-yours-now alert: Hero's new The 3-minute Sketchbook sold like gangbusters at last weekend's Wizard World Texas and Big Apple conventions. A limited amount will be available at Mid-Ohio con, so grab yours before they're gone! The 112-page tome contains great art from Neal Adams, Frank Cho, Walter Simonson, Joe Quesada and MORE!

“The Hero Midwest Regional team is pulling out all the stops to make Mid-Ohio Con a blast!” said Hero Board member and Lady Death creator Brian Pulido,” who will also be attending the show. “You gotta check out the Benitez Magdalena print. It is bad-ass!”

For a complete list of events, guests, activities, ticket prices and times for the rollickin' Mid-Ohio Comic-Con visit http://www.midohiocon.com/.

The following is a press release from Archie Comics.

In the late 50's, Victor Gorelick, a graduate from The School of Industrial Art, was hired to work in the production department at Archie comics. In a few years, Victor moved on to become the Art Director and later an editor. By the mid 80’s Victor had been promoted to Managing Editor, where he has strived to keep Archie current and relevant to each new generation of readers. We are pleased to announce, Victor Gorelick has recently been named as Archie Comics’ new Editor-in-Chief.

Among his accomplishments, Victor also serves on the board of advisors to the Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and is always looking for new talent. Victor hired Kubert School graduate Mike Pellerito to work in the production department. Mike moved on to become an Associate editor, where he worked with Victor and soon became the Editor for Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic X and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. His hard work and dedication to his job is the reason why the decision was made to promote Mike Pellerito to the position of Managing Editor.

Press Release: Dark Horse Signings (11.21)

The following is a press release from Dark Horse Comics.

If you're in the area, come on down to one of these great signings! See you there.

November 11th: 3:00-6:00 PM Paul M Sammon and Bill Stout (Conan the Phenomenon) signing at the Hollywood Book & Poster Shop, Hollywood, CA.

November 26th: Patrick McDonnell (Mutts) Toms River, NJ Public Library (Mutts vinyl figure sets will be drawn as raffle prizes).

Tuesday, Nov 27th: 7:30pm, David Lloyd (Kickback) talk and signing, Central Hotel, Exchequer St, Dublin.

Wednesday, Nov 28th: 4-7pm, David Lloyd (Kickback) signing, Chapters Bookstore, Parnell St, Dublin.

Thursday, Nov 29th: 8pm, David Lloyd (Kickback) talk and signing, The Roisin Dubh, Dominick St, Galway.

Saturday, Dec 1st: 12-3, David Lloyd (Kickback) signing, Other Realms, Paul St Shop Centre, Cork.

Press Release: Thulsa Doom In Red Sonja: Doom Of The Gods (11.20)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

November 19, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT released images and information today concerning the conclusion to the latest Red Sonja mini-series event, The Sword of Red Sonja: Doom of the Gods. Issue #4 of the mini-series event is scheduled for a January release and features the writing talents of Red Sonja veteran Luke Lieberman, with co-writer Ethan Ryker and the debut of artist Lui Antonio with the stunning colors of Will (Savage Red Sonja: Queen of the Frozen Wastes) Murai. Doom of the Gods #4 will be available with covers by Paul Renaud, Aaron Lopresti, and Mel Rubi!

After three issues of ferocious battles against monsters, magic and madness, Red Sonja and Thulsa Doom face off in the concluding chapter of this special Sword of Red Sonja mini-series event! The world quakes as these two meet and the gods themselves stumble and fall before the power of the Thulsa Doom!

"It all comes down to this! " stated Doom of the Gods writer, Luke Lieberman.

Doom of the Gods is the follow-up to last years' immensely powerful Red Sonja versus Thulsa Doom mini-series by co-writers Peter David and Luke Lieberman with artist art by Will Conrad, and features the She-devil with a Sword in an epic battle against the powerful necromancer Thulsa Doom. Issue # 3 of Doom of the Gods is hitting stores early December, following the highly praised first two issues available in stores now! 
 
Fans looking to travel with Red Sonja into her first battle against Thulsa Doom should check with their local comic and specialty retailer for the Red Sonja versus Thulsa Doom trade paperback, which collects the full mini-series event, including the "Wind of Doom" prelude. For a full listing of Red Sonja products and availability, visit www.dynamiteentertainment.com

SWORD OF RED SONJA: DOOM OF THE GODS #4 (NOV073462)
Writers: Luke Lieberman and Ethan Ryker; Penciller: Lui Antonio; Colorist: Will Murai; Covers: Paul Renaud (50%), Aaron Lopresti (25%), and Mel Rubi (25%)

Also available: SWORD OF RED SONJA: DOOM OF THE GODS #4 - FOIL COVER (NOV073462)

For art and more information please visit: http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/c-Sword_of_Red_Sonja.html

Dynamite plans to have incredible support for this release with house ads, Diamond Previews Ads, online ads through news websites, as well as prints ads in Comic Shop News!

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

November 19, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - Dynamic Forces, the comic book and collectible industry's top producer of limited edition and autographed memorabilia, released images and information today showcasing the premiere of Matt Wagner's Grendel 25th Anniversary Statue (NOV073530).

Resplendent in his tux, weapon casually over his shoulder, Grendel strikes a bloody pose among the blood and roses and art-deco back-drop featuring his arch-nemesis, Argent the Wolf!

Featuring the original Grendel, Hunter Rose, taking center stage, this all-new, limited edition 25th Anniversary Statue is designed and overseen by Grendel creator and legendary writer and artist Matt Wagner!

Crafted, Sculpted and Painted by Tom and Joy Studios, the 25th Anniversary Grendel Statue stands over 7" tall and on a 6" x 4" base! Strictly limited, this piece will be the centerpiece of your collection!

"This has always been one of my favorite Grendel images which, after 25 years of publication, is somewhat hard to narrow down.  Still, I was particularly happy how all the familiar elements for this original piece of cover art came together in such a tidy and elegent design. The TOM AND JOY STUDIOS have done a fabulous job of translating one of my own, personally favorite, paintings into a beautiful 3D depiction." - Matt Wagner

"It was awesome getting to work with Matt on this piece. It was obvious to us that Grendel has thrived as a character because of how much work Matt puts into it, and we did our best to reflect that attention to detail in this sculpt. Working on this statue to honor the 25th anniversary of Grendel was definitely an honor and a privilege."- Josh Snyder, Tom & Joy Studios

"It's a great personal honor to be working with Matt on this anniversary edition Grendel statue. We've been friends for many years and it's always a pleasure to do business with a friend, especially on his signature creation. Vivat Grendel!" -  Nick Barrucci, Dynamic Forces

Order yours now, this statue will sell out.

MATT WAGNER'S GRENDEL 25TH ANNIVERSARY STATUE (DCD #NOV073530) http://www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/p-C109167.html

Press Release: Hero Initiative Announces New Fundraiser (11.19)

The following is a press release from the Hero Initiative.

LOS ANGELES (November 19, 2007) - The Comics Podcast Network, a collection of 28 Websites devoted to great comic content, is hosting a Hero Initiative fund drive for the holiday season. From today through December 25, all participating Comics Podcast Network sites will be broadcasting a Hero Initiative message, and all sites will also host a PayPal button where fans can donate direct to Hero. A full list of participating sites can be found at ComicsPodcastNetwork.com.

The Hero Initiative, the only federally chartered 501 (c) (3) charity that helps older comic creators in medical or financial need, is pleased at the initiative shown by this network. “As media involves and podcasts become more of our daily lives, we're very happy that the Comics Podcast Network has chosen to partner up with The Hero Initiative,” said Hero Board member and owner/operator of Atomic Comics Mike Malve.

Many sites are also planning Hero-themed content, such as AroundComics.com, which plans a “Month of Heroes,” with podcast interviews including Hero Initiative Board members Dennis O'Neil and Brian Pulido. "Comics Podcasts have shown they can build interest in comics and really make a difference for today's creators,” said Chris Neseman of AroundComics.com. “Now we can do even more by actually helping to improve the lives of veteran creators that need our help. Every dollar helps, and there's no better way to show your support as a comics fan than by giving to Hero."

"The Comics Podcast Network is proud to be partnering with the Hero Initiative and helping support the comic book writers, pencilers, inkers, colorists and letterers that have given us such wonderful and imaginative work,” said Scott Cederlund of ComicsPodcasts.com. “During this holiday season, we encourage all of our listeners to remember the Hero Initiative, the great work they do and the support they need."

Press Release: Mice Templar #2 Sells Out (11.16)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

Berkeley, CA (November 16th, 2007) - Since its initial announcement Michael Avon Oeming and Bryan J.L. Glass' fantasy epic, THE MICE TEMPLAR, has received much praise, now resulting in a second sell through at the distribution level.

"We were very grateful when it happened the first time around, but are nearly speechless to have this happen yet again," said series artist and co-creator Michael Avon Oeming. "Bryan and I have years of stories to tell and are thrilled we have the support to make our vision a reality."

Despite a significant overship, THE MICE TEMPLAR #2 sold out within a matter of hours, generating attention that shows no signs of yielding. Since then the reviews have appeared to be unanimous, praising the years of preparation Oeming and Glass put into the series. Due to the continued support, Oeming is providing the second printing with an all-new, fully painted cover.

THE MICE TEMPLAR #2 2nd printing (SEP078106), a 32-page full color comic for $2.99, is currently available for orders and will be in stores December 5th, 2007.

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

November 15th, 2007 (Berkeley, CA) - THE SWORD, the all-new ongoing series created by ULTRA and GIRLS' Luna Brothers, has carried a buzz from its initial announcement through its release, resulting in the second issue selling out at a distribution level.

“We’re just having so much fun creating this story,” said co-creator/artist Jonathan Luna. “The fact that there is such high demand for this book really means a lot to us.”

THE SWORD's second issue opens with the sole survivor of a family's brutal murder, Dara Brighton, discovering a sword which may be the key to her revenge. The subsequent hints to the series' ongoing mystery has generated a demand so overwhelming a second printing is already on its way.

Co-creator/writer Joshua Luna said, “As the story progresses, we plan to have Dara's path of revenge grow more and more epic in scale, and we're just very excited that there is a solid readership that'll be along for the ride."

THE SWORD #2 SECOND PRINTING (SEP078031), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores on November 28th. THE SWORD #3 (OCT072024) is available for reorder and will hit stands on December 12th.

Press Release: Hero Initiative Announces Wizard World Texas Plans (11.15)

The following is a press release from the Hero Initiative.

LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2007) - Booth #209 is the place to be at WizardWorld Texas, Nov. 16-18 at the Arlington Convention Center. The Hero Initiative, the charity that helps older comic creators in medical or financial need, will be present in full force, with a stellar selection of top artists helping to raise funds for Hero. Hero's booth schedule is:

FRI., 16 NOV (con hours 12-6)
1200-200: Darick Robertson
200-400: Billy Tan
400-600: Darick Robertson

SAT., 17 NOV (con hours 10-6)
1030-1130: Greg Pak
200-400: Darick Robertson
400-600: Joe Benitez

SUN., 18 NOV (con hours 11-5)
1200-200: Darick Robertson
230-330: Adam Kubert

In addition, WizardWorld will have a mechanical bull on the convention floor, and artists Tommy Castillo (Detective Comics), Phil Hester (The Darkness), Angel Medina (Sensational Spider-Man) and Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies) will all have special “Hero Initiative-no bull!” donation jars. All four artists will accept donations for Hero all day Friday and Saturday until 3 PM, and the artist who raises the least will have to ride the bull AND draw a sketch while doing so! You can show your support to keep your favorite artist off the bull by visiting them and dropping a few bucks in their jar. Full details are at:
http://www.heroinitiative.org/NewsDetail.asp?NewsId=103

And  finally, you can have the most stylish wrist in town with Hero's Excelsior! wristbands. They're usually $3, but ONLY with the coupon downloadable at the WizardWorld website and ONLY at WizardWorld Texas, you can get yours for a mere $1.

For a complete list of events, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.wizardworld.com.

Press Release: Dynamite Announces New issue Of Battlestar Galactica Series (11.15)

The following is a press release from Dynamite Entertainment.

November 14, 2007, Runnemede, NJ - DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT today released images and information announcing the next issue of the revolutionary new Sci-Fi comic book series Battlestar Galactica: Origins. Following in the tradition of Dynamite