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Terry Hooper-Scharf

Monday 30 January 2012

” RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD ” The Bulletproof Coffin Disinterred


Yes, the Mayans DID predict it! The Little Lord Fondlejoy of comics, Master Paul Ashley Kutchner Brown has produced an over-view of a comic series.
I’m speechless.

by David Hine & Shaky Kane

Issue 1 of 6, Image Comics


Yes, the deranged Fake Comic Geniuses that brought you last years wonderfully shlocky Bulletproof Coffin are back, with, believe it or not, More of the Same !! Hey ! Not that I’m complaining – Bulletproof Coffin was one of the most enjoyable comics I’ve read in the last, Gawd-Knows How Long ! So it’s great to open the page on more of Messrs Hine & Kane’s Carnival of  Comic-Book Souls.

If you picked up the first series last year, you’ll know what you’re in for-unhinged tales of Extraordinary Madness involving all your favourite Comic-Book Cliches from yesteryear, brought back from the dead by a couple of Comic Book Frankensteins intent on pumping warped clots of old blood through the Corpse. There’s nothing really new in these pages, indeed the contents are a joyful romp through forgotten glories of a World that Time, and Comics forgot. So, within, you’ll find characters and plot devices that reek of  half-remembered B-Movies where Zombies and Aliens walk the Earth, Commies are Among Us, Justice can only be meted out by repressed weirdos who like dressing up, and a woman’s only requirement is to have Enormous Breasts ! Hine and Kane’s creation is a patchwork monster of E.C. Comic Sensationalism, filtered through a sensibility honed on Twilight Zone and Outer Limit atmospheres, with a hint of Ed Wood and Ray Dennis Steckler stupidity thrown in.

It would appear that the main thread in this series, judging from the first issue, is in taking some of the Comic Book characters introduced from the last series, and giving us their origin stories, always a staple favourite of your average Comic Nerd Reader (Hey, I still love the Origin of The Watcher story !).

However, David Hine’s writing is always hinting that there’s something more, not-quite -yet-seen lurking in the story basement, and he enjoys playing with the idea of a story-within-a-story, or the notion that the story you’ve just read isn’t the real story, or might even be a cover, or a lie, or a dream, or, in issue one’s case, maybe not even a real origin story. Is it simply an odd sexual fantasy ? Or are the events relayed a fantasy, a lie ? Either way, the writing’s nicely done, often revelling in the stock language of pulp thriller’s and comic’s, and Hine is clearly enjoying himself here, and that’s part of the fun. It also has a wonderfully black sense of humour throughout (the opening sequence in the graveyard, and the “Something Fishy” Victim for example).

As to the artwork, well, to be honest, I’m never quite sure how to describe Shaky Kane’s artwork. There’s something I find oddly cool about it, cool as in , Hip ! It has a nifty neatness and clarity to it that I really enjoy. Everything within his panels are perfectly delinated; they remind me of animation cells, and his work is enhanced greatly by some excellent colouring, which is both strangely sober and equally electric when necessary. It also has an odd quirkiness to it that I think partly comes from his characters often seeming to be drawn slightly out of proportion at times. I’m never sure if it’s deliberate, partly a stylistic trait, or just bad drawing, but it does give his work  an odd sense of disorientation,or distortion, which in view of it’s content, or context, helps rather than hinders the atmosphere of the story. It’s not really a complaint, more simply a recognition of a visual sensation when looking /reading his images.

All in all, I recommend you get out and buy this now, in order to be reminded as to the reasons why Comics were so much fun to read, before they became tediously sophisticated and cynical, or some twat’s stepping stone to movies ! Though stating that, I wouldn’t be  suprised to see Bulletproof Coffin: the Movie. Until that awful day, go and get reading it in the form for which it was made, and meant to be !!!

Paul ” Crypt-Kicker” Brown

Sunday 29 January 2012

Harbor Moon -The Video Trailer!


Harbor Moon cover

Those of you with long memories may recall that a while back I reviewed a comic by Ryan Colucci title Harbor Moon?  No? Here’s the link:

http://www.comicbitsonline.com/2010/08/07/harbor-moon-best-vacation-spot-in-the-usa/

Now there is a video traler promoting the book.  Its quite slick and worth a couple of minutes of your life to watch.  Seriously. Here’s the link Enjoy:

http://bit.ly/AziSNs

Thursday 26 January 2012

PAUL GRIST FANS WON’T GET STUCK IN THE MUD MUDMAN #1-2 Go Back to Press






Readers wanting to catch up on MUDMAN, Paul Grist’s unique take on the superhero, will now get their chance. The first two issues of a story Grist describes as “all about growing up and finding your way in the world, and how the decisions that you make can affect others” sold out.  But now new printings of MUDMAN #1 (DEC118139) and MUDMAN #2 (DEC118140) will be available at the same time MUDMAN #3 (NOV110463) hits the stands on Wednesday, February 14. In addition, MUDMAN #1’s second printing will feature a brand new cover by Grist and the cover of MUDMAN #2 will have new coloring.

Like the hero of Grist’s beloved series JACK STAFF, MUDMAN’s Owen Craig is a distinctly British superhero, but in an entirely different way. An unsure teen in an English seaside town, Owen discovers that he’s different. His body is turning to mud, and he must learn to control it before he gets stuck in his tiny hometown in a way he never anticipated.

“Even after producing amazing work over the course of almost 20 years, Paul Grist remains one of comics’ best kept secrets,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “MUDMAN is just the latest example of Paul’s wonderfully unique sensibilities, and following the rave reviews the early issues have received, we want to this is something new readers can discover at any time.”
MUDMAN is a full-color monthly comic book on sale for $3.50 per issue, and is also available through digital platforms.

Bjorn le Morphir/Bjorn morph (Volume 3)




Authors: Thomas Lavachery , Thomas Gilbert casterman  
Series: Bjorn morph
Hard cover
Full colour
Pages: 64
Price: € 12.95
ISBN: 2203047054
EAN: 9782203047051
Date of publication: 25/01/2012

Now, not having seen volume 1 or 2 I’m a little in the dark here but it seems that Bjorn and his companions are on some type of quest and are after the dark lord Dar. In this volume they even cross swords with giant herons, a dragon and giant. Then Bjorn’s fiancee, Sigrid, goes missing.
It’s all drawn in a rather (and I mean no offence here) “simplistic” style, somewhat like you would find in a childrens book.  It does work in a quaint way and there is certainly some nice style and design.

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Big K: l’Appel Du Sang/Big K:The Call of the blood



Writer: Fabian Ptom
Artist: Nicolas Duchene
Colourist: Tanja Cinna
Hard cover
Size:Approx. 22x 30 cms
Full colour
48 pages
€ 11.95
ISBN: 220304067X
EAN: 9782203040670


New York, 1977.  Big K is a Mafia family hit-man and his latest hit is Pesci, a member of the family who is believed to have been in contact with the FBI. It’s a routine job but who is “Big K”?

He’s the product of street violence and violence within the home, having, as a child, seen his father kill his brother Jack with his bare hands in a fit of rage. But there is more to Big K: he is both a hit-man and serial-killer –darkness incarnate!

The cover is slightly deceptive because you open up the book and the frontispiece is a beautiful colour sketch. You then get taken through Big Ks childhood memories and how he became what he is. This is violent and pretty uncompromising with the art and colour work carries the story through from street to night-club and even the wharf –where things get very violent.


Le Tueur 10:Le coeur à l’ouvrage/The Killer:The Heart To Work


Writer: Matz
Artist/colourist: Luc Jacamon
Casterman
Hardcover
56pp
Full colour
Size: 27 x 30 cms
ISBN:  978-2-203-03179-1
10,96 Euros

This series of books is the autobiography of a professional killer. A solitary man, cold, methodical and thorough and with not a single scruple or regret.
We get to learn more about this killer through a series of flash-backs and his own words and what some might see as his implacable logic on life and what he does. Quite brutal but beautifully rendered by Jacamon.

Again, I find myself writing that we need to see this type of book in the English language.  The French seem to have mastered the political thriller genre with all of its twists, turns, double dealings and high octane action that never distract from the story.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

NBC Double contest!

We’re very pleased to announce a double NBC contest. Yes, that’s right, two contests mean you got two chances to win a copy of “New British Comics #3″ with special drawn dedication from Lawrence Elwick who made the cover of the anthology.
The winner of each contest will receive a copy of NBC #3, and if he/she/it sends a picture themselves Lawrence will do a picture of them inside the book. You can also request a picture with one of the characters from the book which Lawrence co-created with Paul O’Connell.
Ready? Let’s start! First, you need to take a look on the cover of NBC #3.
Contest #1
Name all the characters (animals too!) which appear on the cover of NBC #3.
There’s not that many of them, so the winner will be drawn from a group which has provided list of all characters, or a person drawn from a group which sends the highest number of correct names.
Contest #2
Take a look on the NBC #3 cover again. All of the characters there have British roots. All but one. Can you tell which?
Again, the winner will be drawn from all correct answers.
Please send answers to karolwisnia@gmail.com with “NBC #3 contest” as a subject. The contests will close on the 7th of February 2012. Please note that you can participate in both contests (or just one if that’s your wish), but you can have only entry each.
Good luck!

Bilbolbul Website






















Discover the sixth edition of BilBOlBul and all the news on www.bilbolbul.net.
Online you will find information and multimedia contents about the festival’s exhibitions
and main authors.
Look up the website to find out more about scheduled activities and events updates.
Bilbolbul. International Comics Festival is part of Bologna contemporary festivals network
BilBOlBul
: 1 > 4 march 2012 – bilbolbul.net :: Future Film Festival: 27 march >1 april 2012 – futurefilmfestival.org :: XING Live Arts Week: 24 > 29 april 2012 – xing.com :: Angelica- Festival
Internazionale di musica
: 3 may > 2 june 2012 – aaa-angelica.com :: Biografilm: 8 >18 june 2012 -
biografilm.it :: Gender Bender: 27 october >3 november 2012 www.genderbender.it

La Paternite dans tous Ses etats/Fatherhood in all its forms




Creator: Sophia Villenoisy / Mr Choubi
Jungle! BD
Hard Back
Full colour
64pp
22.5 x 30 cms
12 euros
In bookstores January 18, 2012!
ISBN: 978-2-874-42958-3



After two dozen pregnancy tests –winning them a loyalty card at their pharmacy- Marc and Flora are over-joyed to find they are to be parents.  It’s champagne all-round!

For Marc this is perfect because he’ll now be a father but he soon learns that “with pregnancy come the pitfalls”! The early nausea and body changes are a little mind-blowing.  For Flora, of course, there is the sudden concern that she is no longer as slim as all those models and actresses in the magazines.

For Marc there is not just work but all the other responsibilities such as  shopping and getting the home ready. But while Flora worries about her increasing size Marc finds it somewhat “alluring” –particularly how his wife’s bosom is growing!!

And after the baby is born Marc finds it hard becoming a “new dad” and caring for the baby while re-assuring Flora.  Every day is a new surprise for Marc (hah! Wait til he gets to the first nappy change after baby gets on to solids!).

The artwork is very nice and I was surprised that I got the gist of what was going on (and I chuckled) from just looking at the art.  Its very well designed and once you do thumb through the book who needs to read French!

Its all here: Any woman who has gone through pregnancy is going to recognise everything dealt with here –the dating, the sex, the discovery of pregnancy, nauseau (but not necessarily vomiting in hubby’s face), the increase in weight.  This is a lovely book.

Neige et Roc/ Snow And Rock




Authors: (W) Stéphane Piatzsezk  (A) Stéphane Douay
Casterman
Series: Various authors
Pages: 56
Hardcover
Full colour
24x 31.5 cms

ISBN: 2203044756
EAN: 9782203044753
Price: € 14.95
Date of publication: 25/01/2012


Apart from their ages, there is only one other thing Lucas and Olivier have in common –a difficult relationship with a teenager.

Lucas is a former Israeli Army sniper living in Paris but he has a major problem –gambling.  And to get himself out of debt he is forced into performing a task for the Russian Mafia…murder.

Olivier is a police mountain guide in Chamonix, just as his father was.  However, Olivier is haunted by how, while they were tethered together, his father. Yet still he struggles on.

And in the snow-covered mountains these two men are brought together by fate. Will either of the men waver and will Lucas carry out the planned murder?

I like how Casterman have artists who use varying styles which means that you can pick up a bunch of their books but never see the same style twice.  I’m completely unfamiliar with Douay’s work so I’ll need to go and see what I can find online.

My very poor French does let me down a little but the story seems well-paced and well-balanced/paced.  The book is available to order from tomorrow.

Pokerface T2 – La main du mort /The hand of death




(W) Jean-Louis & Julien Fonteneau (A) Erik Arnoux (C) Chrys Millien
Jungle! BD
Hard Cover
Full Colour
24×31 cms
48pp
11,50 Euros
ISBN:  978-2-874-42967-5


Spending recent years in Corsica, Tony Duarte has immersed himself in learning the tricks and mastering poker.  Duarte’s father, Jacques, was an avid gambler and poker player often on the less legitimate side of things. But then Jacques dies in a rather suspicious suicide and Tony decides to get to the truth.  Tony has already come close to death when he took on a psychopathic poker player nicknamed Balzac,  in a cellar full of the corpses of players he had avenged and only managed to escape by setting fire to the house and leaving Balzac for dead.  Unfortunately the authorities now blame Tony for these deaths!

Tony’s research is now focussed on his father’s note-book which contains the names and addresses of players.  Tony decides to increase his knowledge of the “science” of poker, in order to have a chance to penetrate the inner circle of “big” players and find out what really happened to his father.

In particular, Tony discovers that his father took part in a game at a mysterious castle the day before his death knows that his father played a part in a mysterious chateau the day before his suicide. Along with his acquaintances, Tony gets into the chateau but there are many distractions –and lots of beautiful women, some large amounts of bluffing, gun-play and even a “Mexican stand-off”!

I really do love the nitty-gritty in these French albums.  The little cottages, the messy bedrooms and all the stuff that you never really see in an American comic.  It adds to the atmosphere of the art and story which is a little more complex than I’ve probably made it sound!  Millien’s colour work is really great.  I’ve not seen the first volume but it doesn’t really matter.  More classy French work!

Thursday 19 January 2012

Mossad Operations Speciales 2: L’Otage de Damas/Mossad, Special Operations T2 – The hostage Of Damascus



Mossad, Special Operations T2 – The hostage Of Damascus
(w) Jean Claude Bartoll
(a) Pierpaolo Rovero
(c ) Veronique Robin
Hardcover
Colour
48 pages
11,36 Euro
Available January 25, 2012



I’ve got volume 2 so I can’t really comment on volume 1 but it seems that the character Sven realises that he has been tricked by the head of the Israeli secret service (Mossad) to reform his former unit.  Apparently, he feels this the only chance to trace his missing son. The unit’s first task is to find out whether a diplomatic advisor to France is a traitor to Israel.



In the meantime, Colonel Hadas, a beautiful and very deadly Moukabarat (Syrian Intelligence) agent is setting about the recovery of a powerful and dangerous weapon. Hadas’ intention is to turn Sven by making threats regarding his son who is imprisoned in Syria.
Will Sven rescue his son…?


In addition, Colonel Hadas, beautiful and intelligent young woman belonging to Moukabarat continues to implement its plan to recover a powerful and dangerous weapons. She made ​​contact with Sven to handle turn. She looks forward to pressure him by threatening his son imprisoned in Syria …


I like this type of book and it seems far removed from US comics when it comes to female characters.  For the US it seems female characters have to have over-sized breasts and sometimes ridiculous physiques…and super powers. In this Mossad book, as well as many other from Europe, female characters are drawn with realistic proportions and depend upon their intelligence, skills and other abilities to survive. I like that and, of course, we’ve had a taste in the UK with Cinebook and its titles Lady S and The Insiders.


A few things I had to check with on google translate but apart from that the story was understandable and seems to be the intelligence/action thriller the French are so good at. Oddly, I typed the English title automatically, checked and found I had got it right (I must be learning French!).  I could give a spoiler about the end but won’t.  These books really need English editions because the quality is superb from story to art and excellent colouring work.

Not a great page scan but these books are larger than A4 so I’m going to have to warm up the A3 scanner!




Les Professionnels/The Professionals



Les Prefessionnels

Writer/artist: Carlos Gimenez
Publisher: Fluide Glacial
Hardcover
22x 29 cms
Black & white
350 pages
Price: 35 EUR
EAN: 9782352071938
Available: 18/01/2012
Synopsis

Okay, this one pushed my basic French to its limits!  I’m sure a few of you are saying: “The Professionals? Lewis Collins! Martin Shaw! Gordon Jackson! CI5 and car chases!” but, no. Don’t get excited. You would be very wrong.

Gimenez is one of Spains most important comic artists and Les Prefessionnels is what we would call slice-of-life.  He deals with the street scene and every day situations of life in Barcelona –going to the cinema, drinking, girls and so on. However, he also includes his memories of working for Ediciones Ilustradas and the work he did for the US horror publisher Warren.  Amongst aficionados Gimenez’ Warren work is much written and spoken about.


This is eye-opening but not some very serious, dry bio comic.  There is plenty of humour and the art is slick black and white professionalism comics at its best. I note a few American bloggers have gasped at the fact that there is no English language version available there.  I hope Casterman do sort out some of English language version because this is European (Spanish) art at its best.


Tuesday 17 January 2012

MAN OUT OF TIME


Brandon Graham and Simon Roy’s Prophet Relaunch Sells Out Before Release Date
Berkeley, CA – 16 January 2011 – Brandon Graham and Simon Roy’s brilliant re-imagining of Rob Liefeld’s PROPHET doesn’t hit stores until Wednesday, but it’s already sold out at the distribution level today. Image has announced a second printing of PROPHET #21 is being rushed to press as back orders for the first issue of the Extreme relaunch continue to grow.
 
Kicking off an all-new era for Rob Liefeld’s Extreme titles, PROPHET #21 opens with John Prophet awakening from cryosleep in the distant future on an Earth that has been inhabited by alien settlers. His mission is simple: Re-start the human empire. Critically acclaimed KING CITY creator Brandon Graham heads up the visionary new creative team on PROPHET, with up and coming artist Simon Roy (JAN’S ATOMIC HEART) providing the breathtaking visuals. The first issue features a painted cover by Russ Manning Award winner Marian Churchland (BEAST, ELEPHANTMEN), plus a variant cover by Rob Liefeld. The second printing cover will feature an all-new image by Roy.
 
“This is one of those situations where I hate to say something as glib as ‘We told you so,’ but in the nicest way possible: We did,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “There’s been review after glowing review, along with rousing endorsements from the likes of Warren Ellis – it’s not a secret Brandon and Simon have turned in a brilliant first issue. It’s always nice to be able to say orders on a book have continued to climb post-FOC, but personally, I think it’s better to actually have books on the stands.
 
“We’re going back to press on PROPHET #21 to help retailers grow their orders on this excellent new series, but I’d recommend taking a second look at orders on issue #22 and GLORY #23, as well. PROPHET only gets better from here, and for it’s just the tip of the Extreme iceberg.”
Added Graham: “I’m really looking forward to being able to do all the barbarian science fiction ideas we’ve got planned for this series. The freedom Rob and Eric are giving us to take this character and run off the board with it has been fantastic.”
 
PROPHET #21 (NOV110358), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, is on sale in stores and digital platforms this Wednesday, January 18, while supplies last. The second printing of PROPHET #21 (NOV118136) is now available for reorder and will be back in stores the week before PROPHET #22 (DEC110566) hits on February 15.

Just So You Know It’s Tuesday -NOT Sunday.




I just mention that it is not Sunday in case anyone wants to accuse me of a rant which, as all CBOers know, is traditionally a Sunday thing.

I have been working on two new prose books (one almost finished), plus sorting out a couple technical papers that will become books.  The comics side of things is always busy.  I am also in talks regarding a possible series feature for a newspaper based on Some Things Strange & Sinister and -possibly- a TV spin-off (but I’ve learnt never to trust TV or newspaper people!).

At the same time I’ve been ill.  But that need not concern any of you.

What has happened is that sleepless nights mean I get several things at any one time going through my brain.  So I’m mentioning some of them (you DO NOT want to know about the others!):

I had it confirmed that I would be chairing a panel at the Bristol International Comics Expo, in May, on the current state of British comics.  Several people in the business confirmed previously that they would be on the panel.   Despite an email not one has confirmed that they will now be appearing.  No one wants me to talk for an hour on “Comics As Hooper Sees It”!  So I’ll need to cancel that.

I have now spoken to management/editors at most publishers producing “comics” with the exception of D.C. Thomson who it seems are a little scared of me or just plain rude. It’s why I’m no longer referring to any of their titles/annuals.

What really drained any faith I had in these people is that senior management had no idea about the UK comic industry. One firmly believed (“I think if you check your sources you will find I am right”) UK comics did not appear until 2000 AD saw print.  One actually said: “I don’t need to know about comics because I edit”?????????????????

But without exception everyone had the same to say: “Comics are not as important to us as you seem to think. We could drop them anytime.  Not enough revenue coming in we’ll move on.”

Then we come to interviews. CBO hasn’t had many of  late but that is because, despite agreeing to interview questionaires none of those involved has bothered.  “Oh, I’ll get that to you by Monday”/”Haven’t I sent it back to you?” and so on.  These are all people who wanted to promote new books.

Publishers ask “Do you want to interview ——-? We’ll sort that out” -nothing. Without exception.
Review copies? “We’ll send some out” -nothing.

Even comic shops who wanted to promote themselves on CBO -all it took was a photo of the shop front!- nothing. “Oh, we’ll get around to that.”

Quite literally, from the very top to the bottom of the UK  ‘comics industry’ there is apathy and an attitude of “I cannot really be bothered -I don’t care.”

When the **** did it get this bad???

US publishers are far better, though only by a bit.

But look at Europe. Regular review books/news.  I just received nine (9) French language books, a couple quite bulky, to review.  If I don’t become fluent in French in 2012 I never will!

The French/Belgians treat comics (BD) seriously and produce top quality production and style books -AND THEY PROMOTE THEM.

Certainly, and I find this odd, there has been an increase of CBO hits from Europe since I started reviewing these books.

Publishers/creators in the UK and some in the US don’t want to publicise their books via CBO and have a sit-back-and-see-what-happens outlook fair enough. Your business is struggling? I wonder why?
So if I am publishing less on UK comics you know why.

ROY THOMAS JOINS PS

Roy Thomas Interview

PS, the UK’s multiple award-winning publishing company, today announced the appointment of legendary comics writer/editor Roy Thomas to the position of Series Consultant for the company’s specialist comicbook line, PS Artbooks. 


Although his Marvel Comics writing debut was the story “Whom Can I Turn To?” in the Millie the Model spin-off Modeling with Millie (1965), Roy Thomas soon established himself fully with stints on The X Men, The Avengers, Dr. Strange, Fantastic Four, Sub-Mariner and Daredevil. But it was perhaps the groundbreaking, brave and even audacious idea of introducing Robert E. Howard’s Conan The Barbarian to four-color fandom that will forever cement Thomas firmly in the minds of comic-readers (and moviegoers!) the world over: certainly the first 24 issues of the Marvel comic with Barry Smith holding the artwork reins are widely considered as indispensible.

Since 1964 Thomas has edited and produced the much-loved and highly respected fanzine Alter Ego, the Bible of the comicbook field for new and old readers alike (picking up an Eisner Award for the magazine in 2007), and he became Stan Lee’s first successor to the post of Marvel Comics’ Editor-In-Chief. He is the recipient of the Alley Award (1969) and the Shazam Award (three times: 1971, 1973 and 1974) and he was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I was delighted to discover PS Artbooks’ ambitious reprint programme,” he says, “making available again some of the finest and most influential comicbooks of the pre-Comics Code years and after. And, following an extensive and excitable exchange of letters with Peter Crowther, PS head honcho, I was thrilled when he asked if I would serve as Series Consultant on the entire line.

“Peter and his business partner in the venture, Paul Stephenson have great plans for many titles in the months and years ahead and I’ll be working closely with them to facilitate various peripheral opportunities and developments along the way. Already I’m suggesting titles they may consider and they’re being very receptive. As they say, watch this space!”

PS Artbooks has already produced the first volumes of the old Harvey horror magazines Chamber Of Chills, Witches Tales and Tomb Of Terror and the influential ACG titles Adventures Into The Unknown (the very first horror story anthology comic) and Forbidden Worlds. Next up is volume one of Harvey’s Black Cat Mystery, the second volumes of the two ACG titles plus volume ones of Planet Comics and Black Magic.

A lifelong fan of comics, PS founder Peter Crowther is openly critical of the current fashion of ‘slabbing’, sealing comic magazines behind plastic and then selling them on at multiples of guide value. “I’m sick and tired of having to pay ridiculous amounts of money just so I can read stories that appeared before I was born,” he says. “All of Dickens’s work is readily available at easily affordable prices, as are Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad and, frankly, the great comicbooks of bygone years are of equal importance. Will Eisner’s Spirit tales (thankfully reprinted by DC Comics), the various Archie family of magazines (from Dark Horse and IDW) and DC’s Chronicles, Showcase and Archives series plus Marvel Masterworks are all showing the way forward for the industry . . . but, with the possible exception of Craig Yoe’s work for his Yoe! Books, the more obscure and esoteric titles are getting overlooked time after time. I’ve read and enjoyed Roy’s work in the field for many years and, with his help, we’re aiming to redress the balance. And then some!”

Over it’s fifteen-year life, PS has worked extensively with giants in the field of speculative fiction (Brian Aldiss, Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, Arthur C. Clarke, Steven Erikson, Joe Hill, Stephen Jones, Stephen King and many others) producing more than two hundred titles in desirable and collectible volumes, many of them signed and slipcased/traycased. In spring 2010 the company launched Stanza Press, a new imprint dedicated to poetry, and the first PS Artbooks title–Tomorrow Revisited, a celebration of the life and work of Dan Dare creator Frank Hampson–appeared later that same year.

http://pspublishing-uk.blogspot.com/2012/01/roy-thomas-joins-ps.html

Monday 16 January 2012

Gumbo Ya Ya!– Golden and Texeira Join Wizard World New Orleans!



New Orleans– If we are to learn a lesson from the art of cooking Gumbo, it’s that when you add a bunch of seemingly different, but complimentary, elements together, the melange turns into something extremely wonderful and indescribable. With that in mind, get ready to savor the second annual Wizard World New Orleans convention– at which we are please to be adding several key ingredients from Eva Ink Artist Group: Michael Golden and Mark Texeira.

What would a New Orleans convention be without a little spice?!






Michael Golden is a legendary comic book creator who is known for his work on “The ‘Nam,” “G. I. Joe,” “Star Wars,” “Doctor Strange,” and much more. He has worked in toy design, game design and development of intellectual properties for all forms of media. Currently he is the cover artist for “Spawn.”
Michael will be teaching his class “Storytelling with Michael Golden: Taking your Ideas to the next level” at Wizard this year on Saturday. This is always a popular event, so don’t miss it!


For the duration of the show, Golden will be located in artist alley, signing his books such as “Michael Golden: MORE Heroes and Villains,” “Excess: The Art of Michael Golden,” “Bucky O’Hare,” prints and much more.


Several new Michael Golden Sketchbooks are in the works, fyi, including the softcover “Michael Golden: Alchemy” and “Dangerous Curves.”






Illustrator and fine art painter, Mark Texeira is also making a return to New Orleans. Known for his work on “Ghost Rider,” “Black Panther,” “Wolverine” “Punisher,” and numerous Marvel characters, you’ll want to get on his sketchiest early. It always fills up!


Mark will have prints at the convention, and his books “Mark Texeira: Nightmares & Daydreams,” and “Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira, prints, and other items at his booth in artist alley.


Mark too will have a new softcover sketchbook later this year. FYI, all sketchbooks are limited to just 1,000 copies, so it’s always only as supplies last.


In addition, Steve Scott, also represented by Eva Ink Artist Group has created a limited VIP William Shatner piece for the New Orleans event. This cool cat VIP litho is full color and measures 11×17. Limited to 500 copies, the print is available to Shatner VIP’s. It is also available at Steve Scott’s table in artist alley for $20. while supplies last.


This is a perfect time to pick one up–any which way you can–and have Shatner and Scott sign it at the show.



And finally with the Eva Ink contingent, Renee Witterstaetter will have her books available, including “Kerry and the Scary Things,” “Nick Cardy: The Artist at War,” “Joe Jusko: Savage Beauty,” and additional items.
Wizard World New Orleans takes place January 28th and 29th. Joining Golden, Texeira and Scott at the show are the likes of: William Shatner, Stan Lee, James Leary, Michael Biehn, Arthur Suydam, Peter Mayhew, Erin Gray, Mary McDonnell, James Marsters, Adam Baldwin… and many more!



Gumbo Ya Ya! Literally translated as everyone talking at once at a big party…. Yup, that about describes it.! So come join the party, and get some Gumbo (both kinds) of your own.



For more information on Michael Golden, Mark Texeira, Steve Scott or Renee Witterstaetter contact: evaink@aol.com; and visit our website at: www.evainkartitgroup.com
For more information on Wizard World New Orleans, and how to become a “Shatner VIP,” go to: www.wizardworldcomiccon. com

MAN OUT OF TIME


Brandon Graham and Simon Roy’s Prophet Relaunch Sells Out Before Release Date
Berkeley, CA – 16 January 2011 – Brandon Graham and Simon Roy’s brilliant re-imagining of Rob Liefeld’s PROPHET doesn’t hit stores until Wednesday, but it’s already sold out at the distribution level today. Image has announced a second printing of PROPHET #21 is being rushed to press as back orders for the first issue of the Extreme relaunch continue to grow.
 
 
Kicking off an all-new era for Rob Liefeld’s Extreme titles, PROPHET #21 opens with John Prophet awakening from cryosleep in the distant future on an Earth that has been inhabited by alien settlers. His mission is simple: Re-start the human empire. Critically acclaimed KING CITY creator Brandon Graham heads up the visionary new creative team on PROPHET, with up and coming artist Simon Roy (JAN’S ATOMIC HEART) providing the breathtaking visuals. The first issue features a painted cover by Russ Manning Award winner Marian Churchland (BEAST, ELEPHANTMEN), plus a variant cover by Rob Liefeld. The second printing cover will feature an all-new image by Roy.
 
 
 
“This is one of those situations where I hate to say something as glib as ‘We told you so,’ but in the nicest way possible: We did,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “There’s been review after glowing review, along with rousing endorsements from the likes of Warren Ellis – it’s not a secret Brandon and Simon have turned in a brilliant first issue. It’s always nice to be able to say orders on a book have continued to climb post-FOC, but personally, I think it’s better to actually have books on the stands.
 
 
 
“We’re going back to press on PROPHET #21 to help retailers grow their orders on this excellent new series, but I’d recommend taking a second look at orders on issue #22 and GLORY #23, as well. PROPHET only gets better from here, and for it’s just the tip of the Extreme iceberg.”
Added Graham: “I’m really looking forward to being able to do all the barbarian science fiction ideas we’ve got planned for this series. The freedom Rob and Eric are giving us to take this character and run off the board with it has been fantastic.”
 
 
PROPHET #21 (NOV110358), a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, is on sale in stores and digital platforms this Wednesday, January 18, while supplies last. The second printing of PROPHET #21 (NOV118136) is now available for reorder and will be back in stores the week before PROPHET #22 (DEC110566) hits on February 15.