Comic News: Dark Horse Comics-DARK HORSE PRESENTS #8 (KRISTIAN DONALDSON VARIANT COVER)
/DARK HORSE PRESENTS #8 (KRISTIAN DONALDSON VARIANT COVER)
The Art Of Mass Effect Universe Review
/Authors - Casey Hudson, Derek Watts
Pages - 186
Mass Effect is one of the new generation's most beloved gaming franchises. It is one of the most anticipated games for 2012, and with Mass Effect 3 setting for release in March. Fans will be happy to know that a great concept art book is on the way in February. "The Art Of Mass Effect Universe" gives fans a deep look at the designs, concept art and sketches of Mass Effect 1, Mass Effect 2 and the upcoming Mass Effect 3. The art is fantastic from early designs of Saren, to planets, armor, weapons. The book gives great insight on why some designs didn't work, why this type of color was used, details on how characters are drawn. If your a fan of Mass Effect and want to know more insight on the universe, this is the book to get. It has tons of great artwork, with 186 pages of content you can't go wrong. The only thing is if you don't want to know anything at all about Mass Effect 3 and the designs, hold off the last chapter. The book is a great love letter to Mass Effect fans, and it's very informative on the designs, characters and planets. Fans will not be disappointed. Final Grade A-/9.0.
Art Of Mass Effect Universe will be released February 8th 2010. You can preorder the book here Pre Order Art Of Mass Effect Universe
Comic News: Dark Horse Comics- The Return of Nexus in Dark Horse Presents 12
/THE RETURN OF NEXUS!
COMING TO DARK HORSE PRESENTS #12!
December 22, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse Comics announces the return of Nexus in Dark Horse Presents #12.
The fan-favorite title returns with its team of creators, Mike Baron (The Badger) and Steve Rude (The Moth), in their respective positions of writer and artist! Baron and Rude created Nexus in 1981 and have been continuing their canonical tale for thirty years. The Eisner Award winners will craft a brand-new three-part story for readers eager to quench their thirst for what’s next to come in the Nexusverse.
“The new stories crush anvils,” says Mike Baron.
“Nexus has never been a stranger to different publishers. Last seen under the Rude Dude banner in 2009, Nexus has stayed in limbo, never quite knowing when to return, or if he ever would return. Things come together in strange ways. With the backing of Mike Richardson of Dark Horse Comics, Nexus will return to comics,” Steve Rude said. “We especially look forward to the response of Nexus’s devoted fans, and thank them for the wonderful support and encouragement they’ve given us since the book’s debut in 1981!”
Dark Horse Presents #12 is on sale May 2012.
Robotech Fanfiction: Entry #4 The Long Wait
/Comic News: Conan The Barbarian #1 Preview
/In this sweeping adaptation of Robert E. Howard's fan-favorite "Queen of the Black Coast," Conan turns his back on the civilized world and takes to the high seas alongside the pirate queen Bêlit, setting the stage for an epic of romance, terror, and swashbuckling. This is Conan as you've never seen him, with the combination of one of Robert E. Howard's greatest tales and the most dynamic creative team in comics!
Comic News: Avatar Press-New Ongoing, Bi-Weekly CROSSED: BADLANDS Comic Book Series & Worldwide C-Day Store Event
/Responding to overwhelming fan and retailer support for their wildly successful comic book horror franchise, Avatar Press announces today the launch of a new, ongoing CROSSED comic book series on March 14, 2012, with a bi-weekly release schedule and its first story arc reuniting the creative team of superstar writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Punisher) and original series artist Jacen Burrows (NEONOMICON). Concurrent story arcs will be spearheaded by well-established comic book writers such as Jamie Delano (Hellblazer) and David Lapham (Stray Bullets). The worldwide release of CROSSED: BADLANDS will be marked by a special “C-Day” in-store event for comic shop retailers, designed to maximize comic fan awareness and drive sales for area retailers.
Since its debut miniseries in 2008, CROSSED has captured the attention of comic book fans across the world with the high tension and visceral horror of its premise: in moments, a viral contagion spread over the face of the Earth, turning much of the populace into sadistically evil psychopaths. The CROSSED: BADLANDS series will present tales from all over the globe, with each story arc provided by a different creative team. Beginning with issue #1, Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows relate a story of a young Englishman, scrambling to avoid roving bands of the “Crossed,” while simultaneously dealing with the traumatic death of his wife.
The return of Ennis and Burrows to the CROSSED universe has been one long demanded by readers. Regarding his return to script the new CROSSED: BADLANDS series, Ennis says, “It feels cold and bleak and bad and dark, which is exactly how I hoped it would. You don’t write CROSSED with the sun shining in your heart; you write it around midwinter, watching the long night devour the feeble day.”
Artist Jacen Burrows has dedicated several months to the artwork of the first BADLANDS story arc, working ahead to accommodate the bi-weekly publishing schedule. While his most recent sequential artwork was showcased in Alan Moore’s NEONOMICON, a critically-acclaimed Lovecraftian horror series, he has been consistently contributing to CROSSED as a cover artist for every single tie-in comic book (including the FAMILY VALUES and PSYCHOPATH miniseries, as well as the best-selling original graphic novel, CROSSED 3D). His recent body of work has solidified his reputation as a master storyteller of both subtle, atmospheric horror and visceral, bloody gore.
“The horror genre has been through a lot as it has gotten more popular in the mainstream. It’s been abused and defanged by charlatans out for a quick buck, those who make one-dimensional, generic, formulaic product,” says Burrows. “With CROSSED, we want to do real horror that pushes the envelope so we can explore the limits of the human condition. It isn’t about violence so much as showing the stakes the characters are facing, and it is our willingness to go to that edge that makes the world so affecting.”
To promote the launch of CROSSED: BADLANDS, Avatar Press is working with Diamond Comic Distributors and retailers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to celebrate “C-Day,” an in-store event meant to expand readership and drive sales for comic shops. C-Day Survival Kits will be available to retailers, containing promotional goods including posters, counter displays, temporary tattoos, buttons, posters, masks, and rare Bonus Edition comics. As a tool for retailers, Avatar Press will simultaneously release the CROSSED: GET INFECTED C-DAY EDITION comic book, a special reissue of the first-ever CROSSED story that serves as a perfect introduction to the entire series.
CROSSED: BADLANDS #1 Regular Edition $3.99
CROSSED: BADLANDS #1 Torture Edition $3.99
CROSSED: BADLANDS #1 Wraparound Edition $3.99
CROSSED: BADLANDS #2 Regular Edition $3.99
CROSSED: BADLANDS #2 Torture Edition $3.99
CROSSED: BADLANDS #2 Wraparound Edition $3.99
Supernatural Review: "The Road So Far"
/P.S or "Shameless Plug Alert": Check out the new episodes on January 6th at 9 on the CW. There are also re-runs during until January 6 so everyone can catch up. Also it is on the CW site as well.
Butt Ugly Sweaters
/I was going to just share some ugly sweater photos but then, I came across this site, Butt Ugly Sweaters, and simply HAD to share! Below are some sweaters, not the ugliest of their bunches, but the most amusing to my eye. Hopefully, they'll move you to visit the site ... and maybe buy a couple to hibernate in your closet until next season. ;-D ~je t'adore!
Will A Live Action "Akira" Work?
/Recently for the past couple of months there have been rumors, speculation of the next big Anime live action "Akira." For those who don't know "Akira" is one of the Anime's that made me into an Otaku. "Akira" is one of the Anime's that made Anime into a household name. Now Warner Bros will take their shot on making this a two part movie for American audiences. Below is the rumored synopsis for the film and rumored stars. Keep in mind nothing is confirmed yet, however based on this synopsis I can tell you I'm not happy.
Possible Synopsis
Kaneda (Garrett Hedlund) is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed (Kristen Stewart) and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers. Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.
Thoughts
Okay I know this is an Americanize Akira and some of you won't like me for saying this. However if your going to keep the names of Asian characters, can we at least get Asian actors? I know there are plenty of Asian actors that will fit this film. It's kind of hard to see someone that's not Asian as a guy name Tetsuo and Akira. Let's talk first about the location it will take place in Neo- Manhattan. I have no real problem with this since this will be an American adaption of the Anime/Manga. However I do have a problem with the possible story. Tetsuo and Kaneda brothers? Really! If this is the synopsis did anyone read the Manga or watch the Anime. Kaneda and Tetsuo are best friends and Kaneda is leader of the bike gang "The Capsules." Where did the idea of brothers come along? Also when did Kaneda run a bar? I know this is just a rumor, but if this is the direction the film is going, from the adaptation standpoint and fan point of view it's failing.
The rumors of actors supposedly being approached to do the film is a long list. First it was Keanu Reeves, but he turn it down. Now it's TRON Legacy star Garret Hedlund as Kaneda that is swimming in the rumor pool, but according to IMDB he's been confirmed and so has Ken Watanbe as The Colonel. My biggest concern is the complex plot, will it be reduced for a wider audience? Will people understand who Akira really is? Also what about the violence level in this movie? I think if this is going to work the movie will have to be Rated R. Let's face it "Akira" is violent, dark and has a great theme that if explored correctly can make this film outstanding. The only way I see this film working is sticking to the source material, marketing it to the target audience, and for the love of Otakus everywhere keep the spirit of the Manga and Anime. An Americanize "Akira" is only going to work if it sticks close to the material, if it goes the fan fiction route that Dragonball Evolution took, then we will see another failed attempt of an Anime live action. What do you think? Do you think a live action "Akira" will work? Or should it not even be attempted? Sound off in the comment section.
Comic News: Marvel Comics-Marvel Announces Sam Humphries & Ramon Perez On JOHN CARTER: THE GODS OF MARS!
/Marvel Announces Sam Humphries & Ramon Perez On JOHN CARTER: THE GODS OF MARS!
Marvel is pleased to announce, that in collaboration with the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate, an all-new graphic fiction adaptation of the legendary John Carter novels with John Carter: The Gods Of Mars #1 hitting comic shops everywhere March 2012! From the creative team of rising stars Sam Humphries (Sacrifice) & Ramon Perez (Jim Henson’s Tale Of Sand), the heroic John Carter makes his return to Barsoom to not save it from Martian beasts…but Martian GODS! This new series, considered part of the official canon set by Burroughs, cannot be missed by fans of the series looking for added depth to the rich John Carter mythos.
"Gods of Mars is going to be a blast -- tons of action and intrigue in a fantastic environment,” said Humphries. “From Landridge and Andrade to Edgar Rice Burroughs himself, there's an impressive foundation of awesome John Carter stories to build on. Combined with Marvel having the most exciting comics going on right now, and most talented editors in the industry – I can't wait to get myself to Mars."
As our hero finds himself in the land of the dead, all hope looks lost. But nothing will stop John Carter from saving Mars from the terror of those looking to destroy it and this March, the next chapter of one of the greatest action stories ever told begins in John Carter: The Gods Of Mars #1!
For more on John Carter: The Gods Of Mars, head over to Marvel.com!
JOHN CARTER: THE GODS OF MARS #1 (of 5)
Based on the Novel by EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
Adaptation by SAM HUMPHRIES
Art by RAMON PEREZ
Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
All Ages …$2.99
ON-SALE MARCH 2011Comic News: Marvel Comics-Marvel and Disney Publishing Launch All-New TOY STORY #1 Comic
/Marvel and Disney Publishing Launch All-New TOY STORY #1 Comic
New York, NY – Dec 16, 2011— Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the rest of the gang lead readers to infinity and beyond as Marvel and Disney Publishing debut TOY STORY #1 (of 4). Featuring Toy Story characters from the Disney-Pixar films, Toy Story #1 delivers entirely new content and stories to comic fans.
“Everyone loves Toy Story, so we’re excited to team with our friends at Disney-Pixar to bring readers all new stories of our favorite characters from these blockbuster films,” said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “TOY STORY allows us to bring great new material to the market that’s not only perfect for kids, but also a great read for fans of all ages. What’s next for Woody and Buzz in these stories? We can’t wait for you to find out!”
Andy's new puppy, Buster, loves to play with toys — but if Woody, Buzz and the gang can't control the playful pooch, all that chewing and shaking will leave them in a world of hurt! Will our heroes make it through in one piece with batteries intact? Find out this March in TOY STORY #1!
TOY STORY #1
Written by TEA ORSI
Penciled by ANTONELLO DALENA & TERESA QUEZADA-GEER
Cover by MARCO GHIGLIONE & SILVANO SCOLARI
All Ages…$2.99
ON-SALE IN MARCH 2012Comic News: Image Comics-IMAGE EXPO ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUESTS
/Bay Area Comic Book Convention Features Today's Best Creators
Berkeley, CA – 15 December 2011 - IMAGE EXPO, the one-of-a-kind celebration commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Image Comics and celebrating creator-owned comics, is announcing many new guests! Joining the Image Comics partners Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino and Image founders Rob Liefeld and Whilce Portacio, are the following stars of creator-owned comics.
Blair Butler, the host of G4's Fresh Ink and 2011's break out writer of HEART, the comic that shows the human side of MMA, will be joining the line up. Writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory, co-creators of CHEW, everyone's favorite Eisner Award winning gross-out detective comic will also be there. Add to that rising star Nick Spencer, the writer behind such hits as MORNING GLORIES, FORGETLESS, Ultimate Comics: X-Men, and soon Robert Kirkman's THIEF OF THIEVES, and IMAGE EXPO already has a solid line up!
But that's not all! Some of the other guests at IMAGE EXPO include:
Keu Cha (MAGDALENA)
Joshua Fialkov (ECHOES, THE LAST OF THE GREATS, I, Vampire)
Edwin Huang (SKULLKICKERS)
Joe Keatinge (POPGUN, GLORY, HELL YEAH)
Larry Marder (BEANWORLD)
Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men, MIND THE GAP)
Marat Mychaels (BLINDSIDE)
Jimmie Robinson (BOMBQUEEN)
Eric Shanower (AGE OF BRONZE)
Kurtis Wiebe (INTREPIDS, GREEN WAKE, PETER PANZERFAUST)
Jim Zubkavich (SKULLKICKERS)
Some of the other previously announced guests include:
Joe Casey (Ben 10, BUTCHER BAKER, THE RIGHTEOUS MAKER, HAUNT)
Jay Faerber (Ringer, DYNAMO 5, NEAR DEATH)
Jonathan Hickman (THE NIGHTLY NEWS, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS)
Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE)
Fiona Staples (SAGA)
Richard Starkings (Comicraft, ELEPHANTMEN)
Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Runaways, SAGA)
IMAGE EXPO is a three-day celebration of creator-owned comics happening at the Oakland Convention Center, and Northern California's premier comic con experience in 2012. The Berkeley-based publisher will be filling the demand for a 2012 Bay Area comic book convention that was left unfulfilled when WonderCon announced their temporary relocation to Anaheim, California. The three-day event takes place at the Oakland Convention Center in the heart of the bustling nightlife and restaurant center of downtown Oakland, CA on February 24-25-26.
Experience the creativity of the men and women making the best creator owned comics in America at this one-of-a-kind celebration commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Image Comics!
There are still some opportunities to be part of IMAGE EXPO available, but space is going fast, so sign up for your exhibitor or artist alley space today! Contact info@ImageComicExpo.com for more information about how to exhibit or sign up for press passes. For more information about the show, visit www.imagecomicexpo.com.
Comic News: Dark Horse Comics-Francesco Francavilla Unleashes The Black Beetle!
/FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA UNLEASHES
THE BLACK BEETLE!
COMING TO DARK HORSE PRESENTS #11!
December 15, MILWAUKIE, OR – Adding an exciting new layer to Dark Horse Presents, Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce a new three-part story by New York Times best-selling artist for Batman, and current Captain America artist, Francesco Francavilla: The Black Beetle!
The Black Beetle is centered on a pulp-noir character and takes place in a fictional universe that’s based in Colt City. Francavilla published several stories online and even put out an ashcan. When the ashcan sold out, Francesco quickly realized that many fans were interested in exploring this world with him. It was only a matter of time before Dark Horse approached him about bringing some Black Beetle tales to Dark Horse Presents!
“I’m working on a 24-page story, titled ‘Night Shift’ that will be spread over three issues of Dark Horse Presents. I am hugely influenced by pulp stories of the ‘30s and ‘40s, and wanted to develop a series that used that influence as a jumping-off point to explore some modern storytelling with fun twists. I think this will be a great introduction to readers who are new to this character and universe, but will also be an exciting new adventure for those who’ve been reading the online stories over the years,” Francesco states.
“As a huge fan of pulp and noir, working on my own characters and stories really gives me free reign to explore this world and create lots of fun scenarios and thrilling situations. The stories are definitely full of mystery and intrigue, plus I get to give The Black Beetle lots of cool and funky gadgets. ‘Night Shift’ promises to be full of action, excitement, danger, and double-crosses, so I am overjoyed to see this new tale in print, and hope this is the first of many more to come in Dark Horse Presents.”
For more on Francesco Francavilla’s art, check out his official website, www.francescofrancavilla.com, and his pulp blog, http://pulpsunday.blogspot.com.
Dark Horse Presents #11 is on sale April 18th, 2012!
Comic News: Image Comics-WITCHBLADE ENDS YEAR WITH 150th ISSUE!
/RUNE Boutique World Debut Videos
/Geeks Who Do Music #3 (Mike Fly)
/For info on Mike Fly check out these links.
Mike Fly Blog
Mike Fly Music Page