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This week’s Cosplay Girl of the Week Patty Cosplay

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Title: Howard Lovecraft and the Three Kingdoms (GN)
Publisher: Arcana
Series Creator: Bruce Brown
Writers:
Frozen Kingdom: Bruce Brown
Undersea Kingdom: Bruce Brown & Dwight L. MacPherson
Kingdom of Madness: Bruce Brown
Editors:
Kingdom of Kingdom: Dwight L. MacPherson & Erik Hendrix
Frozen Kingdom & Undersea Kingdom: Dwight MacPherson
Artists:
Frozen Kingdom: Renzo Podesta
Undersea Kingdom & Kingdom of Madness: Thomas Boatwright
Three Kingdoms Cover: Rob Corless
Back Cover: Nicholas Brondo
Letters: E.T. Dollman
Price: $ 29.95 US
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Website: www.arcana.com
Comments: Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom
  Chapter One
  December 24th, 1894 Howard and his mother visit his dad in Butler Sanitarium. This leads to the young Howard reading a book in bed that his father wrote and warned him not to read. Howard speaks the words and things will never be the same for him again.
The art style is weird to fit the story. The coloring looks amazing. The winter scenery is stark and terrifying. Howard is a little boy and the art clearly shows that. Thu Thu Hmong aka Spot is illustrated as a big tentacled monster that would give young boys nightmares. The art is different in its style yet it does fit the story and characters presented here.
Howard and Spot make it to the castle where they are greeted by menacing solders.
 Chapter Two
  In the castle the two find themselves in danger but out of the cold and warm. The king of the castle King Abdul he is a young boy like Howard. As they walk through the castle the scenes are strange and oddly comforting.
The Jinn a monster has come to the land of R’yleh and frozen it. Howard decides him and Spot will help. He is such a helpful and optimistic boy. He is on such a grand adventure and a dangerous one.
Chapter Three
Howard finds Dagon and Spot’s attack on it is brilliantly done. This leads to more fighting and Howard returns home. Howard though has brought something home with him that will change his life forever. Howard makes a choice that shows he is in control of his life.
 Howard Lovecraft and the Undersea Kingdom
Chapter One
Cthulhu now rules the Kingdom of R’yleh. Plans are in motion to go after Howard and the book he has. Spot meanwhile has been doing all he can to protect young Master Howard. For a monster Spot is shown as a pretty nice guy.
  Chapter Two
Now young Howard must come up with a plan to save his family. A police man and Howard’s father join Howard on his quest. The plot thickens with Howard’s family in danger.
  The art is so otherworldly and the coloring works so well to bring across the setting and atmosphere of this story.
Chapter Three
Now Howard, his father and the cop Smithie are ready to journey to Yuggoth. Smithie is a wonderful character he is old fashioned and so powerful in his morals. A father and his son and a cop go to another world to face its monsters and they bring a cat to. Spot joins this group as they face tentacled monsters. Just as everything is going so well it turns out it is not.
Howard Lovecraft and the Kingdom of Madness
Chapter One
So Howard, Smithie, Spot are taking Howard’s father to see the Doc. They do get into trouble along the way. Now Doctor West and his workers are all ready and willing to help. Of course though trouble does loom its ugly head.
  Chapter Two
Well the adventure continues as Howard is still trying to save his father. This leads to more fighting and more monsters. The art gives us a world of other worldly creatures and the landscape as well shows us things we have never seen.
Chapter Three
In a cave Howard, his father, the Doc, the cop and Spot find a lab. Now the monstrous penguins are not the main problem here.  
  This adventure starts and ends with the reading of a book. One book has such power and can cause such destruction, it can also save the world.
You will feel dread as you read this and be thankful it is only a book or is it?

I was going through some news releases, looking for a topic to write this column about, when I discovered a graphic novel that made me wish more of this kind of comic were being made today!

It’s called The Life of Frederick Douglass: A Graphic Narrative of a Slave’s Journey from Bondage to Freedom, and it will be released in January from Ten Speed Press.

It got me to thinking, More historical comics should be made today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Before I delve into this subject, I thought I’d share some info on this graphic novel. Here’s part of the description:

“Recently returned to the cultural spotlight, Frederick Douglass’s impact on American history is felt even in today’s current events. Comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker joins with the art team of Damon Smyth and Marissa Louise to bring the long, exciting, and influential life of Douglass to life in comic book form. Taking you from Douglass’s life as a young slave through his forbidden education to his escape and growing prominence as a speaker, abolitionist, and influential cultural figure during the Civil War and beyond, The Life of Frederick Douglass presents a complete illustrated portrait of the man who stood up and spoke out for freedom and equality.”

A little more worth relating:

“Along the way, special features provide additional background on the history of slavery in the United States, the development of photography (which would play a key role in the spread of Douglass’s image and influence), and the Civil War. Told from Douglass’s point of view and based on his own writings, The Life of Frederick Douglass provides an up-close-and-personal look at a history-making American who was larger than life.”

If the name David F. Walker sounds familiar to you, he should! He’s scripted a lot of diverse comics tales including Marvel comics like Luke Cage, Deadpool, Occupy Avengers, Power Man and Iron Fist, and Nighthawk. He’s also written for DC Comics’ Cyborg, Boom! Studios’ Planet of the Apes comic series, Lion Forge’s Superb, and Shaft from Dynamite Entertainment.

I see his name on something, I buy it!

This book will cost $19.99 and will be available on January 8, 2019. If it doesn’t come through Diamond, I will be after it on Amazon or through local bookstores.

LEARNING THROUGH COMICS

I know that “learning” is a word some comics readers don’t like to hear, but in my mind comics are the perfect way to teach history.

Much like science fiction, comics rely only on the imagination of the person writing the script and the ability of the artist to tell a great story. You don’t need actors, make-up, special effects or any such materials. You just need someone to research the story and an artist or two to place that tale in a format that can be printed.

It’s that simple.

There’s a perfect example of a historical comic story that I learned so much from. There’s been a series on The Loxleys from Renegade Arts Entertainment, and I discovered so much about our neighbors to the north, Canada, through at least two of those books–The Loxleys and The War of 1812 and The Loxleys and Confederation. That latter book showed how Canada came together as a nation, which I previously knew nothing about. When I interviewed writer and historian Mark Zuehlke for my podcast, I found out more about Canada than I had ever known before! I still highly recommend them!

And there’s another series of books based on history that I adore. They’re about Admiral Yi Soon Shin, a Korean naval commander who saved his people from Japanese invasion forces during the Imjin War (1592-1598). They’re crafted by Onri Kompan, a creator who has had to struggle at times to get these excellent comics available to the public. If you go to many comics conventions, you’ll find Onri promoting and selling his Yi Soon Shin books, often completely selling out of the copies he brought with him. For more on his comics, go to his website here. You can still listen to my interview with Onri at this link.

A quick story on Yi Soon Shin: During a recent con, I introduced the first collection of this series to my brother. That night, he started to read it, and he simply couldn’t put it down! The next day he was after the second volume, and that evening he devoured it as well! Now he’s a big fan, just like I am! Again, I highly recommend this series! History done right!

What about Maus: A Survivor’s Tale, the story of a son relating his father’s experiences during World War II? It’s a classic, if you haven’t read that one yet!

SHOULD MORE HISTORICAL BOOKS BE MADE?

The sad thing about the Frederick Douglass book is that it’s not from Marvel or DC. It’s from a company I’d never heard of before. Now, this isn’t the first comic graphic novel Ten Speed Press has printed, but it’s the first I’d ever discovered.

I’m definitely checking out more of their product, maybe even going to seek out folks to talk with for my podcast!

The thing about historical comics is that they likely don’t sell all that well. They must buck the trend of people being turned off by “learning.” After all, superheroes and action rule the industry today, and talking about real people (and likely having to tell stories accurately) doesn’t titillate comics readers as much as Nightwing getting injured or Spider-Man facing a new Armageddon or the like.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

Granted, you don’t have the freedom to change the story or the characters if you’re trying to tell the story the way it really happened! But I think we don’t appreciate history as much as we should. We can learn so much from those who have gone before us!

I’m going to do my best to seek out historical comics like Frederick Douglass and give them more attention, hopefully even review them! I’m expecting to learn a lot about this person, including his accomplishments and the times he lived in.

And I highly recommend you do the same! After all, “learning” isn’t a four-letter word!

DOLLFACE VOLUME 4:
The search for the power crystals begins!

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Bryan Seaton & Nicole D’Andria
Artist Name(s): Marco Maccagni
Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza
128 pgs./ T+ / FC
$14.99

The witch hunter of the DANGER DOLL universe, Lila becomes a ball-jointed girl thanks to the genius of two M.I.T. students, Ivan and Emily. The three are on the hunt for the secret crystals of power hidden within each witch of Melora’s Covenant, the group that murdered Lila’s family centuries ago. Will they get the crystals first and set the souls of Lila’s family free or will disaster brew instead?

DOLLFACE is the series that broke records for Action Lab, with over 20,000 copies pre-ordered and the regular covers for issue 1 selling out and going to a second print. The series is rated for 15 years old and older (teen plus) and with plenty of witchy hijinks, fans of co-creator Dan Mendoza’s ZOMBIE TRAMP or the larger Danger Doll universe as well as newcomers can enjoy DOLLFACE.

DOLLFACE VOLUME 4, which collects issues 13-16, will be available in comic book stores on January 2nd, 2019. See preview pages from issue 13 of DOLLFACE:

Conspiracy: Doppelganger
Writer: Hans Rodionoff
Artwork: J. G. Miranda

Synopsis:

Have your favorite celebrities been swapped and replaced with clones to help shepherd the masses? Does your government replace those who don’t cooperate with their agenda? Are you next? Find out as this “theory” is explored.

Release Date: 01/09/19

Van Helsing: Sword of Heaven #3
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artist: Julius Abrera

Synopsis:

Stranded in the lifeless barrens fo the Thar Desert, Liesel’s quest for the ultimate scourge of vampirism is interrupted by a race against the sun. She must cross the burning lands of India by nightfall before the hordes of an undead raja awaken.

Release Date: 01/09/19

Grimm Fairy Tales: Vol. 2 #25
Writer: Joe Brusha
Artist: Deivis Goetten

Synopsis:
The War of The Grail:

While Merlin and Mordred fight an all-out war that will determine the fate of Camelot and possibly the world itself, Skye and Shang try to find a way to stop them and destroy the all-powered Grail. Don’t miss this special anniversary issue of Grimm Fairy Tales.
Release Date: 01/09/19

Jason Aaron reveals the first issue cover to The War of the Realms in new teaser trailer!

 

New York, NY—December 28, 2018— The War of the Realms has made Earth its battlefield! This April, one of the largest conflicts to engulf the Marvel Universe erupts in The War of the Realms – a new, epic crossover event from the award-winning creative team of Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, and Matthew Wilson, with covers by the legendary Arthur Adams! Marvel’s 2019 war-to-end-all wars must enlist every great Marvel Hero to save Earth…and beyond!

 

Today, Marvel is proud to present THE WAR OF THE REALMS TEASER TRAILER, featuring Jason Aaron and editor Wil Moss, complete with the first look at issue #1’s cover from Arthur Adams!

“The story really begins when that war that’s been brewing for years in the pages of Thor explodes here in Midgard,” teases Aaron. “And at that point, it’s bigger than a Thor battle – everyone becomes a part of that battle.”

 

“Even though this story involves a lot of moving pieces and elements from the Thor comics and the Avengers comics, it’s something that everyone can just dive into,” adds Moss.

 

Not since Secret Wars has a comic event had such far-reaching consequences for the Marvel Universe – be there when THE WAR OF THE REALMS starts this April

‘Return to the Octagon’ Arrives in Inglewood on Saturday, December 29

 

Las Vegas – UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced the debut of its first-ever comic book, Tales of UFC: ‘Return to the Octagon®’ to commemorate the brand’s historic 25th anniversary. Copies of this limited print edition will be available at The Forum during UFC® 232: JONES vs. GUSTAFFSON 2, which takes place on Saturday, December 29.

 

Tales of UFC: ‘Return to the Octagon’ is written by Dave Dwonch, best known for penning titles such as Infinite Seven, Vamplets (with Gayle “My Little Pony” Middleton), Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab and the NFL Rush Zone comic series. The short story also features art by Jason Federhenn (The Harcourt Legacy) and colors by Brad Simpson (Marvel’s Vengeance, Dynamite’s Captain Victory and Galactic Rangers, as well as Dark Horse’s Catalyst Comics).

 

“I’m honored to collaborate with UFC on their first comic, and thrilled that this might be some of their fans first comic as well,” Dwonch said. “We’ve really created something special here, and I can’t wait for readers to find their newest hero in the pages of Tales of UFC!”

 

This first issue begins in 2008, as Mike “The Takedown” Mercury is drafted into a war against an intergalactic crime syndicate known as “THE RING.” Outfitted with hi-tech alien armor, Mike leaves his world behind, including his eight-year old daughter Maxine, to save the universe. A decade later, THE RING has now set its sights on Earth, with Mike returning home to continue the fight.

Limited quantities will be available at all UFC merchandise kiosks throughout The Forum.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Announces Bi-Coastal Premieres of

REIGN OF THE SUPERMEN

in Los Angeles & New York

 

Latest DC Universe Movie to Debut in LA (1/10/19) and NYC (1/28/19);

Limited Free Tickets Available to Fans on First Come, First Served Basis

 

 

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment proudly presents the bi-coastal premieres of Reign of the Supermen, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Movies, at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills on January 10, 2019 and at the Directors Guild of America in New York on January 28, 2019. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will attend the events for red carpet media interviews and a post-screening panel discussion.

 

Executive producer James Tucker, director/producer Sam Liu, character designer Phil Bourassa, writers Jim Krieg & Tim Sheridan and members of the all-star voice cast will attend the World Premiere festivities in Los Angeles and East Coast Premiere in New York. Additional talent participating at the two premieres will be announced as confirmed.

 

Both screenings will begin at 7:00 pm. The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles is located at 465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. The Director’s Guild of America is located at 110 West 57th Street in New York City.

 

A limited number of free tickets are available to the general public.

 

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the Los Angeles event on Thursday, January 10 must RSVP via email to ReignSupermenLA@gmail.com.

 

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the New York event on Monday, January 28 must RSVP via email to ReignSupermenNY@gmail.com.

 

The subject of all fan email entries should include which location (LA or NY) they wish to attend. The body of all fan RSVP emails need ONLY include the (1) name of the entrant, (2) number of tickets requested (limit four per entry), and (3) valid email address (again, within the body of the email text). Fans should keep their entry simple – here’s an example of exactly how the body of the RSVP email should appear:

 

Bruce Wayne

2 tickets

Batman@gmail.com

 

Tickets to the event will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis, and fans will be notified via email.

 

Reign of the Supermen finds Earth’s citizens – and the Man of Steel’s heroic contemporaries – dealing with a world without Superman. But the aftermath of Superman’s death, and the subsequent disappearance of his body, leads to a new mystery – is Superman still alive? The question is further complicated when four new super-powered individuals – Steel, Cyborg Superman, Superboy and the Eradicator – emerge to proclaim themselves as the ultimate hero. In the end, only one will be able to proclaim himself the world’s true Superman.

 

Reign of the Supermen is the second half of a two-part DC Universe Movies experience that began in August 2018 with The Death of Superman – the two films telling a more faithful animated version of “The Death of Superman,” DC’s landmark 1992-93 comic phenomenon. Superman Doomsday, the inaugural film in the DC Universe Movies series, told an abridged version of that comics story, but with a runtime of 75 minutes, the film was only able to focus on a core, singular storyline. The Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen restore many of the moments and characters that fans hold dear to their hearts.

 

The Reign of the Supermen all-star cast is led by Jerry O’Connell (Carter, Bravo’s Play by Play, Stand by Me), Rebecca Romijn (X-Men, The Librarians) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, The Meg) as the voices of Superman, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively. The potent trio is joined by the DC Universe Movies’ returning voices of the Justice League: Jason O’Mara (The Man in the High Castle, Terra Nova) as Batman, Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Rent, Daredevil) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (S.W.A.T., Criminal Minds) as Cyborg, Nathan Fillion (Castle, The Rookie) as Green Lantern/Hal Jordan, Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Insatiable, Ugly Betty) as The Flash, and Nyambi Nyambi (Mike & Molly, The Good Fight) as Martian Manhunter.

 

Newly featured cast members include Cress Williams (Black Lightning) as Steel, Cameron Monaghan (Gotham) as Superboy, Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul) as Hank Henshaw, and Tony Todd (Candyman) as Darkseid. In addition, the cast includes Charles Halford (Constantine) as Bibbo Bibbowski and The Eradicator, Rocky Carroll (NCIS) as Perry White, Toks Olagundoye (Castle) as Cat Grant, Max Mittleman (Justice League Action) as Jimmy Olsen, Paul Eiding (Ben 10: Omniverse) as Jonathan Kent, Jennifer Hale (Green Lantern: The Animated Series) as Martha Kent, Trevor Devall (Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay) as Dabney Donovan and Erica Luttrell (Salvation) as Mercy.

 

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, the feature-length animated Reign of the Supermen arrives from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting January 15, 2019, and on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack on January 29, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a follow-up to this post. D&D suggests that tribe Hominini is much like Canini and has species, even genera, close enough genetically to reproduce. Here's what we've got:

In genus Homo:
Elves H. formosus
Drow H. formosus tenebrarum
Halflings H. pygmeus
Orcs H. ferox

In genus Genomus:
Dwarves G. barbatus
Gnomes G. artificis
Deep Gnomes G. profundi

It is likely that there is a genus Gigantanthropus which includes ogres (proposed G. atrox) and goliaths (proposed G. montanus) and perhaps other near giants. Research is ongoing.

Tricks of the Trade from the Industry’s Top Artists!

MILWAUKIE, Ore., (December 27, 2018)—The Art of Comic-Book Inking is the industry-standard manual for aspiring comic book inkers and industry professionals alike. Now, Dark Horse is proud to present an expanded edition with new art and text by Gary Martin and a bonus chapter on digital inking by artist Leo Vitalis. Along with pen, brush, and stylus, no inking tool is more useful than The Art of Comic-Book Inking.

Gain insights into the techniques, tools, and approaches of some of the finest ink artists in comics, including Terry Austin, Mark Farmer, Scott Williams, Alex Garner, and many more. Also included are eight full-sized blue-lined art boards featuring pencil art by top comics illustrators Steve Rude, Terry Dodson, Jack Kirby, Adam Warren, and others to use for practice or as samples to show editors and publishers.

The Art of Comic-Book Inking TPB goes on sale May 29, 2019

As I previously mentioned, I ran a short D&D 5e game for my inlaws on Christmas Eve. I ultimately elected to run "A Most Potent Brew," which I picked up on the DMs Guild. I thought it would be short and relatively uncomplicated, and it wound up being a good choice, having samples of exploration and puzzles as well as combat.

The setup involved a brewery (which I remained the Silver Dragon) where workman had inadvertently opened a whole into the buried lower levels of a forgotten wizard's tower. The monsters were mostly vermin: giant rats and giant centipedes. There was one unique monster, though, a giant spider with a fiery bit and web.

The party consisted of a fighter, a cleric, and a warlock, all first level. My wife (as usual) was the cleric. She let her parents take lead, but helped them with the rules and encouraged them when they dithered too long. Ironically, her character was the only one that came close to dying, having been heavily damaged by the fire spider, though some difficulty with a puzzled-based trap was a close call for the fighter.

A good time was had by all. The adventure had little novelty, but it was just about perfect for introducing rpg-naive player's to the mechanics and conventions of D&D in short session. A couple of observations, perhaps of interest: the oft-repeated old school saw of longer and more detailed character creation leading to player's not being sufficiently willing to let their character's die is, at best, only part of the picture. My inlaws were not involved with character creation at all beyond choosing their class, and they were very cautious and death-averse. Both being avid gamers, I suspect they equated death with loss and didn't want to lose. Secondly, so much of D&D mechanics are sort of legacy (ability scores as opposed to just their modifiers, for instance) and could probably be streamlined to make it easier for new player's to understand.

Title: Amy’s Diary # 1 “Space Alien…Almost?” (GN)
Publisher: Papercutz
Based on the novel by: India Desjardins
Adaption: Veronique Grisseaux
Illustration: Laetitia Aynie
Translation: Joe Johnson
Lettering: Bryan Senka
Price: $9.99 US (PB), $ 14.99 US (HC)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Website: www.papercutz.com
Comments: Amy is just your average teenage girl. She has all the troubles of one to plus. The art throughout this comic is done in a cute style that fits the characters.
We get to follow along as Amy lives her life and her life is so interesting. The way the simple things are told make them such fun to read about and see. Amy and her BFF Kat get crushes on boys which leads to more fun.
When good things happen for Amy you will be cheering for her and it might just bring a tear of happiness to your eye. Amy like most teen girls is unsure of what she wants and as far as being in love it’s all new to her. Then it gets more complicated as things usually do. Amy is doing things she knows she should not. She should be honest and trusting.
Amy does grow up over the course of this book. She gets her first love, she accepts her mom’s new boyfriend and her friendship with Kat becomes stronger. Amy at times may wish she was an alien but she is all too human and flawed like all the rest of us. Which makes her a normal ordinary teenage girl.

Christmas is over and the time of buying stuff you didn't get as gifts has begun. Comixology is running a number of sales on digital comics. Here's the big list of sales, including big sales from Marvel and DC. Most of these last until January 3rd.

Headed to the in-laws for a couple of days and a bit of D&D may be in the cards. Having a newborn meant no family gaming last holiday season, but New Years 2017 my wife and I introduced her parents to D&D with a bit of Lost Mines of Phandelver--and a total party kill. We'll see what this second session brings.

The question is: What should I run this year? I need an adventure either 5e or easily adaptable (pretty much on the fly) that is navigable by new players and delivers some good stuff in just one setting.

A few years ago, I managed to do three "Christmas Specials" in my two Weird Adventures campaigns (though I only did 2 write-ups): "Twas the Fight Before Yule," and it's sequel, and "Another Weird Yule." In 2016, there was a holiday related cameo in my Land of Azurth game.

I still haven't gotten around to doing the reskin of Slumbering Ursine Dunes involving the Weird Adventures version of the Tunguska Event, the mysterious Siberian cauldrons, a captive Father Yule, and talking bears, but I still think it would be great.

ASPEN MLT Inc.
March 2019 Solicitation Copy

ASPEN VISIONS
SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1
Blake Northcott – Story / Giuseppe Cafaro – Art

In the tradition of DC’s Elseworlds and Marvel’s “What If?” classic stories comes Aspen’s most mind-bending concept ever—ASPEN VISIONS!

The third chapter and CONCLUSION to the special three part mini-series spanning across Aspen’s most popular titles—Fathom, Soulfire and Executive Assistant Iris!
The setting switches to The Soulfire Universe, as the eco-war monger, Nestor, continues to put all of humanity in his crosshairs in his quest to save the dragons! Aspen Matthews and Executive Assistant Iris attempt to thwart his plan far in the future, but several magical challenges stand in their way!

The all-new ASPEN VISIONS line of books will shatter everything you know about Aspen’s most popular characters!

SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1 is in stores March 6th, 2019!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1 will ship with two covers by artists Giuseppe Cafaro and Micah Gunnell. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1 RETAILER INCENTIVE:
For every 10 copies of SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1 cover by artist JP Mavinga, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Mavinga alternate SOULFIRE: HEART OF ETERNITY #1 covers at net $4 each.

 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS vol 1 TPB (new printing)
David Wohl – Story / Eduardo Francisco – Art / John Starr – Colors

Aspen’s SOLD OUT hit series is back in a new lower-priced introductory trade paperback for new and returning readers alike!

She’s a secretary, bodyguard, and assassin all rolled into one…

Meet Iris, a loyal and ruthlessly efficient subordinate to her powerful, corporate boss. In the modern, cutthroat corporate world, today’s CEO needs an intimidating edge to stay on top, and Iris is more than well trained to oblige the demand of her employer, including murder. However, Iris discovers the man she has dutifully served for most of her life is far more corrupt than the people she is sworn to protect him from. Now torn between her loyalties to the only person she’s ever served, and the new life she realizes she’s ready to explore on her own, she must make a choice that could ultimately lead to her demise. Iris’ treacherous journey for redemption begins right here!

Showcasing additional character design sketches and never before seen art, surrounded by a stunning cover illustrated by superstar Joe Benitez, this streamlined and lower-priced new printing of the critically-acclaimed Executive Assistant: Iris Volume 1 is an absolute must have for all Aspen fans!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS vol 1 TPB is in stores March 13th, 2019!

FC 176 pages $14.99 TPB

 

ASPEN VARIANTS:

Executive Assistant: Iris vol 1 #1 – Wizard World Philadelphia 2009 , LE 1000

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Iris vol 1 #2 – Comic-Con International: San Diego 2009 , LE 1000

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Iris vol 1 #6 – New York Comic Con 2010 , LE 500

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Iris vol 2 #1 – Comic-Con International: San Diego 2011 , LE 500

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Lotus #1 – Comic-Con International: San Diego 2011 , LE 500

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Orchid #1 – Comic-Con International: San Diego 2011 , LE 500

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Violet #1 – Comic-Con International: San Diego 2011 , LE 500

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Iris vol 5 #1 – Convention Exclusive 2018 , LE 200

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Iris Annual #1 – Big Wow ComicFest 2015 , LE 200

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Assassins #1 – Comic-Con International: San Diego 2012 , LE 500

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Assassins #4 – New York Comic Con 2012 , LE 300

FC 32 pages $14.99

Executive Assistant: Assassins #16 – Alamo City Comic Con 2013 , LE 200

FC 32 pages $14.99

REOFFERS:

Executive Assistant: Iris vol 2 TPB
Executive Assistant: Iris vol 3 TPB
Executive Assistant: Iris vol 4 TPB
Executive Assistant: The HitList Agenda TPB
Executive Assistant: Assassins vol 1 TPB
Executive Assistant: Assassins vol 2 TPB

Renamed Entity Wizard Entertainment, Inc. Represents Broader Company Goals; Ninth Annual New Orleans Event Set for January 4-6

Los Angeles, December 20, 2018—John D. Maatta, Wizard Entertainment CEO, today announced that the nation’s largest producer of pop-culture events is now known as Wizard Entertainment, Inc. The renamed entity, formerly known as Wizard World, Inc., is pleased to present its first convention of the 2019 calendar year, Wizard World New Orleans, January 4-6, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, featuring Aquaman headliner Jason Momoa, together with several stars of “The Vampire Diaries,” “Outlander” and other popular television programs and films.

Maatta stated, “Wizard Entertainment is a name that more appropriately captures the breadth of initiatives we are planning as we head into 2019. In addition to our successful live events across North America, the name reflects our additional opportunities in other regions such as China, location-based entertainment initiatives, and participation in strategic M&A opportunities.”

The live pop culture conventions will continue under the Wizard World brand (Wizard World New Orleans, Wizard World Portland, etc.). The schedule of 2019 events is available at https://wizardworld.com/comiccon.

A comment by Gus L of the now-dormant Dungeon of Sighs (though he recently started a new blog, I don't have the link at hand), led me to think about scientific classification of D&D monsters. Not useful for much perhaps, but a fun line of thought. I decided on the rules I would follow on the thought experiment and made several G plus posts along these lines, and got some good suggestions, some of which I incoporated in what follows.


Bulette (Geocacharias sp.)Bulettes are part of family of cingulate mammals, Velocifodiens.

True GiantsGigans is a genus of hominins with several extant species: G. horridus (hill giants), G. troglodytes (stone giants), G. gelidus (frost giants), G. igneus (fire giants), G. nubicolus (cloud giants), G. tempestatis (storm giants). Tentative identifications not completely accepted: fog giants (G. nebulosus) and mountain giants (G. rancens)

GoblinoidsCobalus is the genus of the goblinoids. They may be a separate subtribe (Cobalina) of hominins. Known species include:C. cobalus  (goblins), C. bellatorius  (hobgoblins), C. terribilis (bugbears), C. prodigiosus (nilbogs), and C. armatus (norkers)* 
*[Thanks to Paul V for this one.]