Antboy Official Theatrical Trailer #1 (2013) - Danish Superhero Movie

JEREMY SHADA ADVENTURE TIME SIGNING!

JEREMY SHADA ADVENTURE TIME  SIGNING!

FORBIDDEN PLANET LONDON MONDAY 30th DECEMBER 3 – 4pm



Actor Jeremy Shada will be with us for a special ADVENTURE TIME signing featuring the Adventure Time Encyclopaedia on Monday 30th December from 3 – 4pm.

The voice of young adventurer FINN from Cartoon Network’s hugely popular, BAFTA-winning animated series ADVENTURE TIME, Jeremy Shada has been living and working in Los Angeles since the age of five. Past television series include Cartoon Network’s Incredible Crew, Shark, Stacked, The Loup, Good Girls Don’t, Nip/Tuck, Ghost Whisperer, ER, Parenthood, Cold Case and Lost. He’s also worked on Team America, Batman the Brave and the Bold, Chowder, Super Crazies, Penguins of Madagascar, My Neighbours the Yamadas, and Bambi.

 Written and compiled by Martin Olson, the voice actor who portrays the Lord of Evil himself, The Adventure Time Encyclopedia matches the playful and thoughtful tone of the series, detailing everything anyone will ever need to know about the land of Ooo and its colorful inhabitants. The Adventure Time Encyclopedia also features spells, fun places to visit in Ooo, how to make friends and how to avoid your enemies. There’s also hand-written marginalia by Finn, Jake and Marceline.

Created in conjunction with Cartoon Network Enterprises, the book also features original illustrations by Renee French, Tony Millionaire, Celeste Moreno, Aisleen Romano, and Mahendra Singh, and was designed by Sean Tejaratchi, with original content from the show's creator, Pendleton Ward.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network is a universally appealing boy focused girl inclusive channel driven by its exciting slate of quirky comedy and adventure. The programming line-up explores the relatable themes of humour, friendship, imagination, action and adventure. Cartoon Network targets boys and girls aged 8-12 and aims to champion kids being themselves through its rich mix of entertaining and globally successful content. The programming slate includes leading comedy animations, The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time and Regular Show, classic action adventure shows, Ben 10 Omniverse and DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk and live action favourites, Harry Hill’s TV Burp and Mr Bean.

Cartoon Network launched as a pan-European channel in 1993 and this year celebrates its 20th birthday. The channel now has localised services throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa where it is available in 21 languages and in over 114 million homes.

 --
Danie Ware
Social Media & Marketing
Forbidden Planet

Professionals Star Lewis Collins Dies In LA

Lewis Collins, 67, who played Bodie in 1970s TV series The Professionals, has died after suffering from cancer for five years.

The actor, who played Bodie in the crime drama alongside co-star Martin Shaw as Doyle, died on Wednesday, his agent said.

"He died peacefully at his LA home surrounded by his family. Privacy is asked for at this very sad time."
The Professionals, which made stars of Collins and Shaw, was based around the adventures of a fictional crime fighting unit called CI5.

Its memorable theme tune and action-packed plots made it a huge hit on ITV in the late 1970s and early 1980s for 57 episodes.

Martin Shaw said: "I was very sad to hear today that Lewis has died.

"We spent a very tough four years together in making The Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British television.

"He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him."

Collins' other most notable role came in 1982's Who Dares Wins, when he played a member of the SAS.
He was born on Merseyside and worked as a drummer in local bands and as a hairdresser before getting into acting.

Collins married teacher Michelle Larrett in 1992 and had three sons Oliver, Elliot and Cameron.

Although he still dabbled in acting, he ran a successful computer business in LA, according to his biography on the film website IMDb.

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Tempus fugit

A Christmas Zine Social

A Christmas Zine Social Though in SHOCK that Christmas is around the corner and that 2014 is looming closer and closer, I am looking forward to this... very much so...   SW Presents   A CHRISTMAS ZINE SOCIAL   Saturday 7th December 7pm till 9pm Housmans Bookshop, 5 Calendonian Road, London, N1   This free event will not only be a great place to meet zine readers and writers, eat and drink (bring something and share), but to also pick up a few early pressies!   Full details, including info on booking selling space, can be found here.   Hope to see you there... miss it - miss out...   AP xxx

Alternative Press / London / alternativepress.org.uk         

And Yay, He Stood Upon The Green And Spoketh Of Stuff 'n' That...

I’d like to share a few thoughts with you.  Thing is, I doubt many people read these things anyway –‘boring’ compared to the reviews, hmm?

Now, yes, I have made my peace with the new folk at IPC and they have been very kind.  That said, I promised not to dredge up the problems I had before –mainly caused by one person who had no idea what he was doing.

I have tried to make peace with “The Scottish company that must not be named” (a little like “The Scottish play that must not be named” –bad luck. Actually….no. No.). My name was mentioned to someone at the company (an editor I’ve been told but as he never said it to me I’ll not name him) who spat out some abuse which also involved my name. Oh dear.

I still firmly believe, as I have said and written many times before, that Thomson (agh! I said the name…..no. Nothing. Okay my bladder voided but I’m old and was getting there anyway) have the characters and links to news agents and shops that could make it a true comic publishing house to be reckoned with –especially since DC and Marvel don’t appear in all those outlets (Panini reprints have vanished in Bristol shops –not been in W. H. Smith for a while so…).

But seriously and honestly it would call for a total restructure and clear out. We have all seen that the humour strips are not drawing in the comic readers –we are living in an age when kids are super hero, fantasy and action mad. The odd gimmick in Beano or Dandy won’t help.

Thomson (whoops!) have the characters. Just not the interest in using them or having a person/driving force to make something of them.

IPC could do the same but its CEO has stated very clearly that IPC is OUT of the comic publishing business and has absolutely no interest in getting involved in it again.

To all intents and purposes the UK is a Small/Independent Press based industry and some 65% of those involved in it have no knowledge of comics or comics history –seriously.

So what was purported to be an industry is dead as far as mainstream publishing goes. I’d encourage anyone into comics to visit local Small Press events if they can and see what is going on there.  You might be very surprised.

There was a brief hope, back in the early 2000s, that Indian publishers, waking up to the international boom it found itself in, might venture into UK comic publishing.  They chickened out.  More recently, companies in China have asked for information on the UK scene and what might sell, etc., but there has been no follow-up.  Chinese publishers could literally move in and take over and revitalise UK comics –leaving the door open to getting into the US and Europe.

When you think that comics can lead into animation, TV and lots of merchandising it’s only a matter of time.

There you go, not too painful I hope?  Just a few thoughts.

Of course, somewhere there could be a multi-millionaire business-person who is mad on comic books.  It could happen.  I can dream.

Spinnenmann, Spider-Man, The Spider, Spidermann and Die Spinne.

Hmm. Top hits for the Kick Ass 2 DVD review.  There's hope yet!

Now, regarding a good comic fan read I think you should look to the right and click on Tales From The Kryptonian.  Subzero takes a look at Spider-Man, Die Spinne and Spiderman...or as we knew him -The Spider.

And to make it even easier -this time!

http://talesfromthekryptonian.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/enter-die-erstaunliche-spinne.html

Family Guy kills off major character

Yahoo News carries the story that will shatter everything you ever knew. Dogs will die. Dogs will live. Nothing will ever be the same again...

...or was that a comic book??

Anyway.....

Replaces long-running character with Sopranos star.

• 
  Yahoo TV News - Brian... has been killed off in the latest Family Guy (Copyright: Fox)

Brian Griffin was sensationally killed off in last night's episode of 'Family Guy'.

The Griffin family's dog, voiced by show creator Seth MacFarlane, was run over by a car in the episode called 'Life of Brian'.

Show bosses had revealed that a character would be killed off prior to air, but few expected it to be such a pivotal part of the long-running cartoon show.

Brian has featured in every episode of the show since its launch in 1998.

In the episode, baby Stewie was unable to save Brian's life following the road traffic incident after he took apart his time machine.

But rather than letting viewers grieve for the departed hound, Brian was quickly replaced by a new family dog.

Called Vinny, the new dog was dubbed 'a pooch with attitude', and is voiced by actor Tony Sirico, best known for his role as Paulie 'Walnuts' Gautieri in 'The Sopranos.

Of the decision, the show's executive producer Steve Callaghan told E: "This was an idea that got pitched in the writers room and it sort of caught fire, and we thought it could be a fun way to shake things up.


Can I just add -it's only a cartoon.

On The Economics Of Self Publishing

 

 Return Of The Gods: Twilight Of The Super Heroes was very well received by the few UK reviewers who bothered while, outside the UK, the reviews were amazingly good. In fact, the book was stated to be: "The greatest British super hero graphic novel published to date" (I blush but I'm guessing that most graphic novels involving super heroes are US based -where I got some great fan reviews from!

But it is not just a "super hero" book. It spans an alien invasion of Earth, an aeons old conflict between Lovecraftian Dark Old Gods and later pantheons -with some trapped super heroes stuck in the midst- magic..in fact a whole lot more including the return of one of the UKs first comic characters in a brand new role.

But here's the cover blurb:

 It begins slowly with Earth’s heroes going about their daily tasks –fighting a giant robot controlled by a mad scientist’s brain , attackers both human and mystical -even alien high priests of some mysterious cult and their zombie followers and, of course, a ghost and a young genius lost in time. Pretty mundane. But there is a huge alien Mother-ship near the Moon and strange orange spheres chase some of Earth’s heroes who vanish into thin air –are they dead? Then black, impenetrable domes cover cities world-wide. Alien invasion of Earth! A war between the Dark Old Gods and the pantheons that followed! Warriors from Earth’s past having to battle each day and whether they die or not they are back the next day! And no one suspects the driving force behind the events that could cause destruction and chaos throughout the multiverse —assaulted on all fronts can Earth’s defenders succeed or will they fail...is this truly the end? 

Paperback

A4 (20.98 wide x 29.69 cms)

black & white

331 pages

Price: £15.00

Ships in 3–5 business days

http://www.lulu.com/shop/terry-hooper-scharf/the-return-of-the-godstwilight-of-the-super-heroes/paperback/product-20981003.html

Now, you may well say "£15.00 -he must be raking it in!" In fact, no.  For each sale it breaks down so:

£15.00
£9.58 -lulu.com/printer
£5.42 -me

Now, I am going to need to sell a LOT of copies to start making any money -remember that this is over 300 pages and a project begun a few years back so it is a lot of work. Despite the great reviews the book has not sold to any degree that I can honestly state it has made any profit at all.

Have I tried shops? Yes. Most comic shops are against stocking a book of this size even if they do have similar allready in store.  Most tell me, this includes "independent stores", that they would not dare order copies as it might anger Diamond Distributor.  Those that have been interested have said "no problem but we'll need 75% cover price discount" which means they want an £11.25 discount and I'll get £3.75 if a book sales -on top of which I have to pay postage so in fact I end up losing more than the £3.75 (I think it worked out at about £15.00 to send 5 books...you work that out.

Diamond Distributor? Was I working for a publisher? I was the publisher? And then I knew how Cinebook The 9th Art felt as I was told what price Diamond would want copies for...but was then told as a black and white book "it just is not what we are looking for."

So, you see what I've written previously on self publishing as a business is still valid. In fact, to buy copies at my 'creator discount' does not help as each copy would cost me £8.22 + postage on top and I'm paying full cover price.

"Did you see if a publisher would pay you and take on the book?" Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Of course I did but reviews count for nothing and there is a certain prejudice toward non-trendy comics, especially if you use the words "super-heroes" at some point.

So if you think you want to get into self publishing think, think, think and sit down for a few days then think again.

Exclusive: Kick Ass 2 DVD Review

Firstly, I ought to note that Rottentomatoes.com has this to say about Kick Ass 2: "Kick-Ass 2 falls short in its attempt to emulate the original's unique blend of ultra-violence and ironic humor."

Well, I'm guessing that in the case of that particular 29% they just wanted to be "film bitches" -you know, even if it's a great movie they have -HAVE- to have something bad to say.  They think its cool. But 66% of those who saw it "liked it".

Now, the first film I thought was "okay". Fun.  But sometimes the second film fails or falls short of what you had hoped for.  It's Sunday. I'm not in a very good mood. Yeah, I am soooo ready for this.

Bad language. Lots of bloody violence. Well, I was not expecting Mary Poppins. 

I heard somewhere that Jim Carrey had said that he was not very happy as Colonel Stars and Stripes. I hope that isn't true. I am NOT a big Jim Carrey fan but I think he stole a huge chunk of this film with his character and had it not been for the body language I might not have guessed that it was him.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, playing Dave Lizewski (Kick-Ass) and Chloe Grace Moretz as Mindy Macready (Hit-Girl) are (slightly) older and I did wonder whether they could be anywhere near as close to good in this follow-up as in the first movie. I was shocked.  They were far better. The two played off each other well and never ever trying ticking off Mindy by humiliating her. All I can say is watch out for the student cafeteria scene where she gets her revenge -I may have said "gross" but I was also choking with laughter.

The supporting cast were excellent. No plot spoilers here but we saw Chris D'Amico's (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) mob father blown up in the first film and now he wants revenge. When Xavier (John Leguizamo) Chris' bodyguard finds him all dressed up he is told "I am no longer Chris D'Amico! Now I am....the M----- F-----!" Which made me laugh out loud again. As "the world's first super villain" he is a real treat.

And Dave's pals return --Clark Duke as Marty with his alter ego of Battle Guy and Augustus Prew as Todd who, uh, fails miserably in getting his own hero name -Ass Kicker!

The supporting heroes are all superb but you have to have one really cool and mean cookie -someone to give Hit-Girl a real fight. My star supporting villainess role award goes toOlga Kurkulina as "Mother Russia"! And you'll see why when you see the film.

I've read the graphic novel and I was not too impressed. But this movie version is spot on. Yes, violent and very, very bloody but the story/script is spot on for me. Good characterization, great dialogue with lots of puns, humour but with gravitas. Trying to write a story that can flip from humour to sudden deadly seriousness takes skill. Jeff Wadlow both wrote and directed this film and he turned in a real gem.

The final showdown is both deadly serious as well as darkly humorous. 

There are so many scenes I want to blab about but that is going to spoil it. If you have not seen the film buy the dvd and make it your Christmas Day (or any day) treat.  I was really -really- looking forward to tearing into this but it is excellent.

One thing that almost got the dvd a bad review: I know lawyers and legal sort these things out and with the number of illegal downloads and rip-off dvds out there some precaution needs to be taken. A code in a corner of the screen so you know who, if anyone, has been a naughty person or even a (c) notice above the picture itself. But, a film is an audio-vizual experience and I'm surprised if there are good reviews when, at important or poignant scenes in the movie "Property of Universal International" pops up across the screen. In future I will be basing reviews based on copyright factor annoyance. It was THAT bad.

So for the official trailer, why not!

			There’s nothing amateur about these superheroes…   KICK-ASS 2 *FINAL ARTWORK TBC*   “What it really looks like to Kick Ass”, THE SUN “Witty, wild and wired”, TOTAL FILM   ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD - BOTH WITH ULTRAVIOLET™ - AND DIGITAL DOWNLOAD FROM 9 DECEMBER 2013 AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW     Prepare for another round of badass superhero action and dark comedy as KICK-ASS 2 is released on Blu-ray™, Limited Edition Steelbook Blu-ray™ and DVD – all with UltraViolet™ - plus digital download on Monday 9 December 2013 from Universal Pictures (UK); pre-order your copy from Friday 27 September via Amazon.co.uk. Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for more action-packed encounters and fearless crusading in the follow-up to 2010’s global hit, KICK-ASS. This time round, the amateur superheroes are joined by Jim Carrey (Ace Venture: Pet Detective, The Truman Show) who takes on the role of born-again ex-mobster, Colonel Stars and Stripes, making KICK-ASS 2 one of the must-see blockbusters this year. Having inspired a new wave of self-made masked crusaders with his insane bravery, Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson; KICK-ASS, Savages) joins forces with his fellow vigilantes in Justice Forever, the patrol league led by Colonel Stars and Stripes. Meanwhile, Hit Girl AKA Mindy (Chloë Grace Moretz; KICK-ASS, Carrie) is struggling to navigate the terrifying world of High School as she attempts to live as a normal teenage girl. But when Red Mist, reborn as The Mother F%&*^r, (Christopher Mintz-Plasse; KICK-ASS, Super Bad) assembles an evil league in his quest to become the world’s first super villain and seek revenge on Kick-Ass and Hit Girl, Mindy is forced to come out of retirement to prevent their total annihilation. As The Mother F%&*^r puts his evil plan into action, it becomes clear that he’s overlooked a crucial flaw in his scheme: if you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all. Don’t miss the next installment of explosive action in KICK-ASS 2, packed with dark humour, badass combat, and adrenaline-fuelled fight scenes, as it is released on Blu-ray™ and DVD with UltraViolet™ and digital download from 9 December. Pre-order your copy now via Amazon.co.uk on http://amzn.to/14GlmFV PRODUCT INFORMATION: Title:                      KICK-ASS 2 Release Date:    9 December 2013 Rating:                  15 Cast:                      Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jim Carey,                         Morris Chesnut, Claudia Lee, Clark Duke, Augustus Prew, Donald Faison,                                             Matt Steinberg, Amy Anzel Director:              Jeff Wadlow Retailer SKUs:    DVD (RRP £19.99) Blu-ray (RRP £24.99) Limited Edition Steelbook Blu-ray (RRP £29.99) KICK-ASS and KICK-ASS 2 DVD (RRP £22.99) KICK-ASS and KICK-ASS 2 Blu-ray (RRP £29.99)   BONUS CONTENT: Blu-ray Disc: Alternate Opening  + Commentary The Making of Kick-Ass 2 Extended Scenes + Commentary Hit Girl Attacks: Creating the Van Sequence Big Daddy Returns: The Unshot Scene Feature Commentary with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloë Grace Moretz and Writer / Director Jeff Wadlow   For further information, review discs or film imagery please contact Fever PR: Sophia Dryden                                                                  Felicity Pentland 020 7792 7458                                                                    020 7927 7426 sophia.dryden@feverpr.com                                      felicity.pentland@feverpr.com http://www.kickass-themovie.com/intl/uk/ NOTES TO EDITORS: Universal Pictures (UK) is a division of Universal Pictures International Entertainment, which is part of NBCUniversal - one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation. © 2013 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. Fever is an award-winning, consumer PR agency. Our insight-led approach creates contagious ideas for some of the world's most respected brands. We were 2012 winners of Best International Campaign at the PRCA awards, and highly commended twice at the PR Week Awards, 2012. Fever is part of Nelson Bostock Group, voted 2011 Large Consultancy of the Year by the PRCA, as well as shortlisted for Outstanding PR Consultancy of the year by The CIPR. Find out what makes us different at: www.feverpr.com

Nancy Silberkleit: Comic books can be an academic resource

 This is from InkTalks http://www.inktalks.com. The lady makes a lot of sense and with Classical Comics seemingly gone (?) and nothing being heard from Dalen Books, the two best comic education  sources are not filling that gap.

Nancy Silberkleit believes that a teacher must come equipped with a toolbox that is filled with whatever can embrace the skill of reading. Silberkleit, a teacher who had never read a comic book herself, stepped out of the classroom and into the boardroom when her husband passed, and took on the role of Co-CEO at Archie Comics. Watch as she urges us to harness the power of visual image in comics books to communicate with today's world.

Captain America The Winter Soldier trailer UK -- Official Marvel | HD

Not sure if I already posted this trailer but it is quite cool so why not?

Anything for you, my people.

Casterman BD: Les Voyages D’Alix: Massalia (Marseille)

Les Voyages D’Alix: Massalia (Marseille)

Auteurs :  Gilbert Bouchard, Jacques Martin            

Collection : Jacques Martin

Serie : Les Voyages d'Alix

Hard Cover

Full colour Photos/art

Pages : 48

Dimensions : 24.2x32.2x1 cm

ISBN : 2203047771

EAN : 9782203047778

   

Prix : 12,90 €

Date de parution : 27/11/2013

Fondé il y a plus de 2000 ans, Massalia est désigné «capitale européenne de la culture » 2013.

Dans le prolongement des grandes cités antiques de l’espace gallo-romain déjà parcourues dans les pas d’Alix (Lugdunum, Vienna, Orange / Vaison-la-Romaine…), voici, en écho à l’exploration d’Aquæ-Sextiæ (Aix en Provence), une autre étape majeure de la Gaule méditerranéenne : Massilia, fondé il y a plus de 2000 ans. Le grand port est ici parcouru pas à pas dans ses dimensions les plus spectaculaires comme les plus pittoresques, sous la conduite enthousiaste et inspirée de Gilbert Bouchard.

Un parcours qui devrait bénéficier d’une forte médiatisation locale, l’ensemble Marseille-Provence, qui inclut le territoire d’Aix-en-Provence, ayant été désigné « capitale européenne de la culture » en 2013.

In the wake of the great cities of the ancient Gallo-Roman area already covered in the footsteps of Alix ( Lugdunum , Vienna , Orange / Vaison -la-Romaine ... ), here , echoing the exploration of Aquae - Sextiae ( Aix en Provence ), another major step in the Mediterranean Gaul Massilia (Marseille), was founded  more than 2000 years ago.

The biggest port is covered here at its most spectacular and in the most picturesque dimensions, by the enthusiastic and inspired driving Gilbert Bouchard.

Marseille- Provence , which includes the territory of Aix -en- Provence, has been designated 'European Capital of Culture " in 2013.

This is not a comic strip from the Alix series but, as noted, a fully illustrated book looking at the history of Marseille –and there are many fantastic illustrations in here. My complaint is that my French just is not good enough to read the text.  This is the sort of history book I used to love as a kid (yes, we had books “way back then”).

Excellent.

Casterman BD: Jhen tome 14: Draculea

Jhen tome 14: Draculea

Auteurs :  Jerry Frissen, Jean-Luc Cornette, Jean Pleyers, Jacques Martin

Collection : Jacques Martin

Serie : Jhen

Tome : 14

Hardback

Full colour

Pages : 48

Dimensions : 22.6x30.4x1 cm

ISBN : 2203045167

EAN : 9782203045163

Prix : 10,95 €

Date de parution : 27/11/2013

Dessinée par son créateur Jean Pleyers, une nouvelle aventure du héros médiéval de Jacques Martin, au coeur des Carpates mystérieuses.

« Je suis Vlad III Basarab, le second fils de Vlad Dracul, Prince de Valachie… » Ainsi Jhen et deux compagnons de voyage sont-ils accueillis au plus profond des Carpates, lors d’une terrible tempête de neige, tandis qu’ils rejoignent le château de Targoviste. Jhen et son ami Venceslas, tailleur de pierre, ont été recrutés à Bratislava par leur compagnon de voyage, Liviu, afin de diriger les spectaculaires aménagements que le prince Vald Dracul veut apporter à son château.

Sur place, Jhen ne tarde pas à avoir vent d’inquiétantes rumeurs : à demi-mot, on y évoque de mystérieuses et récurrentes disparitions d’enfants, de jeunes hommes et de jeunes femmes, soudain évaporés sans qu’on n’entende plus jamais parler deux…

Adopté par le prince, qui le presse d’enseigner à son fils Vladi les rudiments de l’architecture, Jhen entreprend de mener l’enquête sur ces étranges disparitions…

Designed by its creator Jean Pleyers a new adventure of the medieval hero of Jacques Martin in the heart of the mysterious Carpathians.

"I'm Vlad III Basarab , the second son of Vlad Dracul , Prince of Wallachia ..." So Jhen and two traveling companions are greeted by their host as they seek refuge in castle Targoviste during a snowstorm. Jhen and his friend Wenceslaus, the stonemason, were recruited in Bratislava by their travelling companion, Liviu , to direct the dramatic developments that Prince Vlad Dracul wants to bring to his castle .

On site Jhen not soon gets wind of disturbing rumors –and  there is discussion of mysterious disappearances of children, young men and young women, suddenly vanishing and are never heard from again.  

Pressed by the prince to teach his son Vladi the basics of architecture, Jhen undertakes to conduct the investigation into the strange disappearances ...

So this is volume 14 but no complaints from me. I know, basically, about the characters but each story is different so there is no long term plot to lose track of.

I also love this style of artwork -and I am not being insulting when I say it is "old school" -there is so much in each panel and -AND- you get Vlad the Impaler thrown in! Can it get any cooler than that???

Casterman BD: Les Chevaliers d'émeraude 4: Le Garçon foudre

Les Chevaliers d'émeraude 4: Le Garçon foudre

Auteurs :  Anne Robillard, Tiburce Oger

Collection : Univers d'auteurs

Serie : Les Chevaliers d'Emeraude

Tome : 4

Hard cover

Full colour

Pages : 48

Dimensions : 24.1x32.2x1.1 cm

ISBN : 2203072652

EAN : 9782203072657

Date de parution : 27/11/2013

Prix : 12,95 €

Un quatrième épisode pour l’adaptation en bande dessinée de la série de fantasy à succès d’Anne Robillard.

En amont de l’arc narratif principal des Chevaliers d’Emeraude, ce nouveau volet de l’imposante saga d’Anne Robillard propose aux fidèles de la série un détour inattendu. Rendez-vous est pris, en effet, au coeur de l’enfance de l’un des Chevaliers de première génération, Onyx. Il y sera raconté comment il grandit auprès du magicien Naumar et dans quelles circonstances, en s’appropriant une magie dangereuse, il va devenir l’ennemi du royaume d’Emeraude…

Après Les Enfants magiques, L’Épreuve du Magicien et L’Imposteur, respectivement premier, deuxième et troisième épisodes de cette séquence inédite de la grande saga des Chevaliers d’Emeraude en bande dessinée lancée à la rentrée 2011, en voici donc le quatrième volet, toujours signé d’Anne Robillard en personne. Ce nouvel album est une fois encore mis en images par le talentueux Tiburce Oger. La grande aventure continue… et la suite au prochain épisode !

The  fourth volume of the comics adaptation of the hit fantasy series by Anne Robillard.

Continuing  the main story arc of the Emerald Knights, this new part of the saga moves the faithful followers of the series in an unexpected detour.  Looking at the child of one of the Knights of first generation Onyx. This story is about how he grew up with the magician Naumar and under what circumstances, appropriating a dangerous magic, he will become the enemy of the kingdom of Emerald ...

After “Magic Kids” , “The Trial of the Magician” and “The Impostor first”, second and third episodes of this new sequence the saga of Emerald Knights comic strip launched in September 2011 respectively, so here is the fourth installment. This new album sees the story once again brought to life by the talented Tiburce Oger . The adventure continues ...  

I think I reviewed volume 3 of this some while back but all I could say then, as now, is that there is some very nice art -love the look of the colours. Story...well, again, I really do not know the characters so I have to take this as a one off story which seems okay.

Casterman BD: Amours Fragiles tome 6: L'Armée indigne

Amours Fragiles tome 6: L'Armée indigne

Auteurs :  Philippe Richelle, Jean-Michel Beuriot

Collection : Univers d'auteurs

Serie : Amours fragiles

Tome : 6

Hardcover

Full colour

Pages : 56

Dimensions : 24.2x32.3x1.1 cm

ISBN : 2203047372

EAN : 9782203047372

   

Prix : 14,95 €

Date de parution : 27/11/2013

Le tout nouvel épisode de la grande série de Beuriot et Richelle.

Été 1943. Les craintes de Martin Mahner s’avèrent fondées : il est réquisitionné, comme tant d’autres soldats allemands, pour renforcer le front de l’Est. Alors que Katarina devenue Catherine entre à la même époque dans un groupe de résistants au sud de la France, il est expédié dans une petite ville à l’est de l’Ukraine.

Làbas, miné par sa propre lâcheté, le jeune lieutenant observe, impuissant, les dégâts infligés par l’occupant allemand et les massacres perpétrés en parallèle par l’Armée rouge, dont les coups de boutoirs sont de plus en plus sanglants. Progressivement, Martin se lie d’amitié avec son camarade de chambrée, le lieutenant Stefan Paetz, un jeune homme beaucoup plus pragmatique…

Nouvel épisode très attendu de l’élégante série de Beuriot et Richelle, et dont chaque épisode est aussi surprenant que soigné. Comme à l’accoutumée, ce tome 6 manifeste un profond souci de véracité historique, offre un sens aigu du détail crédible et un travail tout en finesse sur les nuances de la psychologie humaine.

The brand new episode of the masterwork of Beuriot and Richelle .

Summer 1943.  Martin Mahner’s fears come true  -he is requisitioned, like many other German soldiers to reinforce the eastern front and he is shipped to a small town in eastern Ukraine.  Meanwhile  Catherine becomes at the same time  a member of a resistance group in the south of France.

the young lieutenant Labasa, undermined by his own cowardice, observes helplessly , the damage inflicted by the German occupying forces and the parallel massacres by the Red Army whose advances are increasingly bloody. Gradually, Martin befriends his roommate, Lt. Stefan Paetz, a much more pragmatic young man ...

The long awaited new volume in this elegant series by Beuriot and Richelle, and each episode is surprisingly neat new episode. As usual , this volume 6 shows a deep concern for historical accuracy , provides a credible sense of detail and finesse work on the nuances of human psychology.

Allright, I’ve checked and as far as I can find, I have never seen a volume in this series before. It is a pet peeve of mine, and I’d guess most serious reviewers, that a book turns up and you are expected to read it and write a glowing review about characterization, developments in plot and so on yet you are receiving volume 4, 5, 6 or, in one case, the last volume in a very complex six volume series. Yes, great detailed artwork in every aspect but I seriously have no reader emotion invested in any of the characters. I am certainly not able to write anything like “Martin’s character has grown since his first appearance blah blah blah…”

Nice book. Nice art. That’s it.

Casterman BD: Le Silence de Lounes

Le Silence de Lounes

Auteurs :  Baru, Pierre Place

Collection : Univers d'auteurs

Serie : Baru

Paperback

colour

Pages : 136

Dimensions : 18.5x26.1x1.3 cm

ISBN : 2203058277

EAN : 9782203058279

   

Prix : 20,00 €

Date de parution : 27/11/2013

Magistrale évocation d’un conflit père-fils sur fond de fresque sociale !
Giani et Nouredine ont grandi ensemble à Saint Nazaire. L’un est fils d’immigrés italiens, l’autre a des parents kabyles qui sont arrivés en France plus récemment, après la guerre d’Algérie.


Ils sont unis comme les doigts de la main, amis pour la vie. Mais à mesure qu’ils grandissent, et qu’ils deviennent comme leurs aînés ouvriers sur les chantiers navals, Nouredine se radicalise. Éternel révolté dont la colère jamais éteinte se nourrit du silence de son père Lounès, qu’il soupçonne d’avoir été un planqué pendant le conflit algérien, Nouredine joue l’affrontement, jusqu’à devoir s’enfuir vers cette Algérie qu’il n’a jamais vue. Giani, son copain pour toujours, l’y rejoindra pour une confrontation forcément douloureuse, tandis qu’une série de flash-back permet de découvrir ce qu’a vraiment fait Lounès pendant la sale guerre, et pourquoi il s’est si longtemps muré dans le silence…

Le Silence de Lounès est une poignante histoire de filiation, pleine de non-dits, de fureurs rentrées, de violence et d’espoirs déçus. Avec son goût de toujours pour les fresques sociales, ses prises de positions sans ambigüité et son talent pour aller au fond des êtres et des situations, Baru signe un scénario magistral, mis en images par un jeune dessinateur dont on reparlera forcément, Pierre Place.

Masterly evocation of a father - son conflict amid social chaos!

Giani and Noureddine grew up together in St. Nazaire. One is the son of Italian immigrants, the other Kabyle parents who arrived more recently in France, after the war in Algeria. They are united as friends for life.

But as they grow, and they become like the senior workers in the shipyards where they work, Noureddine becomes radicalized. A rebel Lord whose anger feeds off  the silence of his father Lounès, he suspects of hiding away during the Algerian conflict. During the confrontation Noureddine plays up having to flee to Algeria –a land he has never seen.  Giani , his friend forever,  joins up and his unit ship off to Algeria where he will learn a great deal through painful experience.

A  series of flashbacks are used to discover what Lounès during the Dirty War, and why it has been hidden for so long behind a wall of silence ...

I'm still fascinated by the Algerian War and the impact it still has on some French people -many too young to have been alive at the time.  I always wonder why it is we are not inundated, in the UK, with graphic novels about the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland?

Interesting book and sad ending.