First Comics News

Title: Sovereign Traces: Not (Just) (An)Other Vol. 1
Publisher: Makwa Enewed/Sovereign Traces Series
Written by: various
Artist by: various
Book and Cover Design by: Charlie Sharp
Cover Artwork by: Elizabeth LaPensee
Price: $ 29.95 US
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Website: http://www.msupress.org
Comments: “Werewolves on the Moon” Written by Stephen Graham Jones and illustrated by Delicia Williams.
Now, this is a werewolf story and beautifully illustrated. It is unlike any other werewolf story you have read. If you want to read a short story about werewolves and enjoy the artwork this is for you.
“The Prisoner of Haiku” Written by Gordon Henry Jr. and illustration & colors by Neal Shannacappo.
One boy believes in his history and he will not give it up, his native language is important to him. He has faith in who he is and no one can take that away from him. He brought his art to life as a way for the ancestors of his people to strike back at a society that was threatening it.  The art brings out this man’s passion for his people.
“Ice Tricksters” Written by Gerald Vizenor and illustration & colors by GMB Chomichuk.
This story flows along so smoothly. Do you know what a Trickster is well after reading this story you might almost know. Nice use of blue in the art here. The art brings out the atmosphere of this story.
“An Athabasca Story” Written by Warren Cariou, illustration & colors by Nicholas Burns.
Here we see Elder Brother and that he is a man in need of warmth. He does as the white man and steals from the earth to warm himself. One man though does not have the power of the white people. Elder Brother though does live on and he can still be heard wanting his freedom. This story does not make total sense. The art looks good illustrating the Elder Brother.
“Trickster Reflections” Written by Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair and illustration & illustration & colors by GMB Chomichuk.
This story is about a man and a Trickster. It does not really go anywhere. The art is done in such a way that it is hard to fully make out at times.
“The Strange People” Written by Louise Erdrich and illustration & colors Elizabeth LaPensee.
This short story is about love. The art uses colors really well to accentuate the art.
“Deer Dancer” Written by Joy Harpo and illustration & color by Weshoyot Alvitre.
A beautiful woman dances fully nude in a bar and then leaves. Was she a woman or a deer? The woman’s skin is pasty looking at how it is colored. The deer now looks amazing. It is drawn very lifelike.
“Mermaids” Written by Richard Van Camp, illustration by Scott B. Henderson and colors by Donovan Yaciuk.
Why did God kill the mermaids? This story is about mermaids and merman but also about love. Yes, two people can find it anywhere. Just pure love. This is a touching story filled with wonderful art.
“Just Another Naming Ceremony” Written by Gwen Neil Westerman and illustration & colors by Tara Ogaick.
This story comes across as fun yet it makes no sense. The art is done in an amateur way.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – July 11, 2018 – The 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards will be presented at the Ringo Awards Banquet and Ceremony in conjunction with the 2018 Baltimore Comic-Con on the evening of Saturday, September 29, 2018. The final ballot is now open to comic book creative professionals to submit their votes. A limited number of tickets are available to the public to attend the Banquet and Award Ceremony and spend a fun evening, share a drink, and enjoy a meal with the comic book professional community.

Ringo Awards tickets include a full cocktail hour (cash bar), a full service dinner (featuring a Baltimore crab cake), the awards ceremony, and a gift bag, and are now available for $125. Please visit our website to purchase with credit card: baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets The Ringo Awards Committee is proud to announce the addition of Katie Cook to the 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards ceremony as the Keynote Address speaker! Katie Cook is a comic artist and writer that has been in the industry for a while. She’d list just how long here, but isn’t that a faux pas of admitting that she’s old? I mean you can always Wikipedia her birthday if you want to get stuck on this topic. Why are we still talking about this?

She is the creator of the comic Nothing Special on LINE WEBTOON, an all-ages adventure about a girl, a boy with fairy wings, and a dead Radish. It’s her favorite thing and you should read it. Katie also wrote and drew the webcomic Gronk: A Monster’s Story, which lost several awards but is still delightful.

In mainstream comics, Katie has carved out quite the little gallery of titles she’s worked on… Did you ever watch that documentary about this fascinating woman in NYC that puts on a bizarre mix of costume jewelry and eclectic clothes every day? Iris? That’s Katie’s career… A little over here at IDW, a little over there at LucasFilm Press, who thought Katie was a good idea for a Sex Criminals cover, oh look now she’s drawing Spider-Man? A mixed bag of adorable all over this place.

Katie spent several years as one of the primary writers on IDW’s My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and has also done projects with Marvel, BOOM! Studios, and more (she apologizes for referring to some of you as “and more”). She’s also illustrated several Star Wars children’s books for Disney LucasFilm Press, and created artwork for the Disney Wonderground Gallery. Artist and writer! Double threat! (She thinks a triple threat in comics would be when someone is also an excellent editor, but any editor that has ever worked with her will attest that she thinks spell-check is something from Harry Potter.)

Her mother thinks she is funny. Sometimes. Maybe. “Mike Wieringo once said, ‘I just try to keep things fun. I like to do fun comics’ and that’s the attitude that I love in comics,” said Cook. “It’s my own goal as well… Comics are so many things to so many people, but for me, they are fun. I am thrilled that I was asked to be a part of the Ringo Awards this year as the Keynote speaker, and I hope to get a chance to talk about the things I love in this industry that are bright and wonderful to me and make you to sit in a room and listen to me talk about them. I swear, if I see you get up during it to sneak to the bar, I will call you out – just try me Andy Price. Also, polite applause is mandatory.” “Katie was my first and only choice to be our Keynote speaker this year,” said Marc Nathan, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter. “She’s witty and entertaining, and I’m sure will give a great speech.”

Voting on the 2018 Final Ballot is restricted to the comic book industry creative community — anyone involved in and credited with creating comics professionally. Don’t miss the presentation of final ballot winners, Fan-Only Favorites, Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement and Dick Giordano Humanitarian Awards, and the Mike Wieringo Spirit Award on the evening of Saturday, September 29th, 2018!

His partner’s imaginary… but the
madness is all real! Can Spencer and
Locke survive their deadliest foe yet?

SPENCER & LOCKE 2, Due in Stores

and Digital Devices Winter 2019
from Action Lab: Danger Zone

​

Writer: David Pepose

Artist: Jorge Santiago, Jr.

Colorist: Jasen Smith

Letterer: Colin Bell

Main Covers by Jorge Santiago, Jr., Variant Covers by Maan House and Joe Mulvey

The Ringo-nominated saga returns in SPENCER & LOCKE 2, written by David Pepose and illustrated by Jorge Santiago, Jr.! Suspended by Internal Affairs, Detective Locke continues to wrestle with the demons of his past alongside his trusty partner, his talking imaginary panther Spencer. But when Spencer and Locke face Roach Riley, a scarred former soldier set on violence and terror, will their partnership become the latest casualty on Roach’s hit list? Find out when the twisted nostalgia of Action Lab’s SPENCER & LOCKE 2 arrives in comic shops and digital devices Winter 2019, or be one of the first to enjoy the story at San Diego Comic-Con with an exclusive variant of SPENCER & LOCKE 2 #1 by artist Joe Mulvey!

“We’ve told fans from the beginning that there was a much larger universe for SPENCER & LOCKE to explore — and we’re excited to expand their world further with their latest adversary, Roach Riley,” Pepose said. “Half The Deer Hunter, half Heath Ledger’s Joker, Roach is only the beginning of Locke’s latest gauntlet, as every classic comic strip from your childhood will be fair game for parody in our action-packed sequel.”

“I think people that enjoyed the first volume will love where SPENCER & LOCKE 2 takes them,” added Santiago. “In both scale and scope, Spencer and Locke will have a lot more riding on things with Roach lurking in the shadows.”

The first volume of SPENCER & LOCKE recently earned five nominations at the 2018 Ringo Awards, including Best Series, Best Writer, Best Cover Artist, Best Colorist and Best Letterer.

Dissects Classic Characters and Shares Batman’s Theories on How to Defeat Them

Written by S.D. Perry and Mathew K. Manning / Illustrated by Ming Doyle

Concerned about the threat that so-called metahumans may pose to the world, Batman has begun compiling a detailed dossier on their incredible physiologies and abilities, trying to learn how to defeat them. From DC Super-Villains like Killer Croc, Bane, and Brainiac to Batman’s own comrades, including Superman and Cyborg, DC: Anatomy of a Metahuman (Insight Editions / September 18, 2018 / $50.00) brings together the Dark Knight’s fascinating personal theories on the unique anatomical composition of these formidable individuals.

This stunning and unique book created in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, dissects the incredible abilities of DC characters like never before. Using beautifully illustrated anatomical cross sections depicting twelve different characters, the book, told from Batman’s unique perspective, will explore how these metahumans’ physical makeup differs significantly from that of the average person.

From detailed theories on how Superman’s eyes shoot heat rays to an in-depth exploration of how Aquaman is able to breathe underwater, the book delves into the deepest secrets of these classic characters.

Featuring all-new, original illustrations by world-renowned comic artist Ming Doyle, this tome will change the way DC fans look at metahumans forever.

About the Contributors:

S.D. Perry lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two children. She writes horror–sci-fi–fantasy multimedia novelizations and tie-ins for love and money, dabbling in the universes of Star Trek, Aliens, Alien vs. Predator, and Resident Evil, among others.

Matthew K. Manning is a comic book writer, historian, and fan. He has written many comics for DC and Marvel, including Beware the Batman, Batman, The Batman Strikes!, Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century, Spider-Man Unlimited, and Marvel Romance Redux. When not writing comics themselves, he writes books about the comic book medium and its rich history. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife, Dorothy, and their two daughters, Lillian and Gwendolyn.

Ming Doyle is a Boston-based comic book artist and writer. Her work has appeared in products by DC (Constantine: The Hellblazer, DC Bombshells), Vertigo (The Kitchen), Image (Mara), Marvel, Valiant, and more.n the world.

According to New Estimate by ICv2 and Comichron

 

 

The comics and graphic novel market slipped 6.5% in 2017, with sharper declines in comic store and newsstand sales mitigated by stronger sales in the book channel and digital, according to a new joint estimate by ICv2’s Milton Griepp and Comichron’s John Jackson Miller.  Total comics and graphic novel sales to consumers in the U.S. and Canada remained above $1 billion at $1.015 billion in 2017, a $70 million decrease from sales in 2016.

 

“After a multiyear growth run, the comics shop market gave back some of its gains in 2017, with lackluster response to new periodical offerings and, consequently, graphic novel sales,” Miller said.  “The third quarter of 2017 saw the worst of the year-over-year declines, leading into what has turned out to be a stronger spring for stores in 2018.”

“While there was some softness to the market in 2017 (which we attribute to cyclical rather than secular change), there were positive signs,” Griepp said.  “The relative strength in the graphic novel and digital markets, especially the growing market for kids titles across print channels, bodes well for the future.”

Digital sales were flat, the strongest performance of any channel in 2017.  The book channel (mass and specialty retail chains, online, independent bookstores, book fairs) was the strongest print channel, with only about a 1% decline, helped by booming sales of kids’ graphic novels.  The comic store channel, the largest channel overall, dropped around 10%, while the smallest channel, newsstand, shrank to a size not seen since the dawn of comics as the last remaining DC comics left newsstands in August.

As presented above and in the accompanying infographics, the analysis by Comichron and ICv2 was divided up between periodical comics (what some call “floppies” or “pamphlets”), graphic novels, and digital download-to-own sales.  All print figures are calculated based on the full retail price of books sold into the market, and do not account for discounting or markup.  Digital sales do not include subscription or “all you can read” services.

This is the fifth joint market size analysis from ICv2 and Comichron; the first was for 2013 sales.

ICv2
ICv2 is the #1 industry source on the business of geek culture, including comics and graphic novels, hobby games, and showbiz on its website, www.ICv2.com, and in its magazine, Internal Correspondence.  For the people on the front lines of the geek culture business, staying ahead of the trends isn’t something that can be left to chance-it’s a basic necessity for being successful.  That’s why ICv2 is the #1 source of news and information for the buyers, gatekeepers, and tastemakers on the front lines.  ICv2 is where trend-watching is a science.

 

Comichron
Comichron is the world’s largest public repository of comic-book sales figures, featuring data from the 1930s to today about comic book and graphic novel circulation, cover prices, and market shares on its website, www.comichron.com.  With data and analysis on the distant past as well as the present, Comichron serves as a trusted resource for academics studying the historical reach of the medium and for collectors seeking accurate information about how many copies of a comic book originally circulated.

 

 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – July 14, 2018 – Come to Baltimore’s Inner this September 28-30, 2018 for the return of the Baltimore Comic-Con, appearing at the Baltimore Convention Center. Tickets to the show are now available! Our annual tradition, the Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook, returns in 2018 for the seventh year, celebrating creators appearing at this year’s show. This year’s book of art features interpretations of characters from Terry Moore’s Strangers in Paradise, as well as his other creations, sometimes in conjunction with the contributing guest’s own creations, and celebrating creator-owned properties. Beautifully designed by returning guest and Time and Vine creator Thom Zahler, the book comes in a standard and, for VIP ticketholders, a limited VIP cover edition. Artwork by David Petersen

As described by Moore in the introduction to The Collected Strangers in Paradise, Volume One, “SiP,” as it is referenced by its fanbase, is “this story about 2 girls and a guy who gets to know them”. Readers will recognize this as a dramatic oversimplification of what has become a very layered and intricate character-driven story that follows the relationship between two women, Helen Francine Peters (who goes by Francine) and Katina Marie (“Katchoo”) Choovanski, and their friend David Qin. Katchoo is in love with Francine and David is in love with Katchoo and Francine is best friends with Katchoo. The story explores the love triangle (which eventually turns into a love rectangle when Casey Bullock joins the cast, marrying Francine’s ex-boyfriend Freddie Femmur, and becomes even further complicated when she divorces and pursues both David and Katchoo romantically!), explores Katchoo’s past as an underage lesbian hooker, and delves into the Parker Crime Syndicate. David’s sister Darcy runs the “Parker Girls” under an international crime syndicate called the Big Six which has influence over the world of politics. Additionally, Parker Girls are used to control, manipulate, spy upon, and ultimately kill men and women in positions of power and authority for the Big Six. Artwork by S.L. Gallant “Baltimore Comic-Con’s Yearbook is a special treat for pros and fans alike,” said Moore. “It’s such an honor to see my characters represented in this year’s book. The talent and imagination of the contributing Baltimore creators is second to none. I know this for a fact because I’ve seen some of the artwork already and it’s fun, gorgeous, and inspiring. I can’t thank everyone enough for this incredible honor. I’m humbled by your talent and support.” Artwork by Thom Zahler

As if that wasn’t enough depth, Moore has incorporated characters from his other comic titles into the SiP canon. These include characters from: Echo, which revolves around Julie, a young photographer who inadvertently discovers a high-tech battle suit; Rachel Rising, which follows Rachel Beck, a young woman who wakes up in a shallow grave and begins trying to solve her attempted murder, only to learn of a plot to destroy her town which she must save along with a group of allies; and Motor Girl, a diverse tale involving an Iraq War veteran with PTSD, a junkyard that has a high volume if UFO traffic, an imaginary friend who is a gorilla, a weapon against UFOs, alien visitors, an abduction of an alien visitor, an attempt to free the abducted alien, and an all-out alien invasion. Artwork by Matt Slay Once again, our popular scavenger hunt returns in 2018! When you buy the book, you’ll get a list of Yearbook contributors and their table numbers. If you succeed in your hunt, you can get your choice of bonus prints! “Terry Moore creates amazingly unique work” said Marc Nathan, show promoter for the Baltimore Comic-Con. “His artwork is beautiful and distinctive, his characters are stunning and diverse, and his stories are utterly mesmerizing. It has been a treat watching all of the different artists’ interpretations coming in and seeing Terry’s characters presented in a variety of styles. This Yearbook should prove to be a must-grab item for our attendees in 2018!” Art created for the 2018 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook celebrating the characters of Terry Moore will be auctioned off at the Baltimore Comic-Con Art Auction on Saturday, September 29th at 5pm. Fans and art collectors alike won’t want to miss this opportunity to win these one-of-a-kind items, only available at the Baltimore Comic-Con! The book will be sold in the Exclusives Booth in the lobby. The book will be available at the Baltimore Comic-Con for $29.99. The art auction featuring original art from the book will be held at 5pm on Saturday, September 29th in our Main hall. In addition to on-site CGC grading, this year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Arthur Adams (Guardians of the Galaxy), Joel Adams (Bucky O’Hare Graphic Novel Coloring Book), Neal Adams (Deadman), Zeea Adams (Neal Adams Monsters), Ethan Scott Ambruson (Azteca: Ciudad Paradiso), Marc Andreyko (Jeepers Creepers), Arantza (fantasy artist), Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets), Mike W. Barr (The Outsiders), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Marty Baumann (Big Hero 6), John Beatty (Batman), Carolyn Belefski (Curls), Simon Bisley (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Bodycount), Ziggy Blumenthal (Operation Pajama Pants), June Brigman (Power Pack), Pat Broderick (Micronauts), Harold Buchholz (Mystery Science Theatre 3000), Mark Buckingham (Scooby Apocalypse), Greg Burnham (Tuskegee Heirs), Buzz (Superman: The Coming of the Supermen), Jim Calafiore (Leaving Megalopolis), Frank Cammuso (Wrong Earth), Chris Campana (Pathfinder: Worldscape – Vampirella), Greg Capullo (Dark Knights: Metal), Joe Carabeo (Black Magic Tales), Christa Cassano (Ghetto Klown), Howard Chaykin (Captain America), Joyce Chin (All-New Wolverine), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Michael Cho (Batwoman), Amy Chu (Red Sonja), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Steve Conte (Action Figure Kingdom), Katie Cook (Thanos Annual), Denys Cowan (The Question), Paris Cullins (WWE Superstars), Kristina Deak-Linsner (Vampirella: Roses for the Dead), J. Robert Deans (The Bear from A.U.N.T.), Tom DeFalco (Spider-Girl, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Jose Delbo (Spongebob Comics), Vito Delsante (Midnight Tiger Stronger), Todd Dezago (Tellos), Dave Dorman (Black Hops: U.S.A.-*-G.I.), Charles C. Dowd (Lilith Dark), Emily Drouin (Eplis), Anne and Jerzy Drozd (Science Comics: Rockets), Todd Emko & Piggy (A Piggy’s Tale), Garth Ennis (Jimmy’s Bastards, Friday and Saturday only), David Finch (Trinity), Meredith Finch (Rose), Ramona Fradon (The Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute), Franco (Encounter), Jenny Frison (Wonder Woman), John Gallagher (Captain Canuck Season 4), Will Gallagher (EPIC Bros.), S.L. Gallant (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vs. the Six Million Dollar Man), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Steve Geiger (Web of Spider-Man), Joe Giella (The Flash), Michael Golden (Micronauts: Wrath of Karza), Daniel Govar (Thanos: A God Up There Listening), Jimmy Gownley (Zootopia), John Patrick Green (Mickey Mouse Shorts: Season One), Dawn Griffin (Zorphbert & Fred), Tom Grummett (The New Titans, courtesy of Hero Initiatiive), Laura Lee Gulledge (Will & Whit), Bob Hall (Squadron Supreme), Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook), Marc Hempel (Sandman), Clinton Hobart (Disney fine artist), Ken Hunt (Lady Death: Devotions), Jamal Igle (Molly Danger), Tony Isabella (Black Lightning), Klaus Janson (Nightwing, Saturday and Sunday only), Todd Johnson (Tribe), Justin Jordan (Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps), Chris Kemple (The Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute), Karl Kesel (Batman ’66 Meets Wonder Woman ’77), Tom King (Batman), Barry Kitson (The Flash), Todd Klein (Black Hammer: Age of Doom), Alisa Kwitney (Mystik U), Jade F. Lee (Rolled & Told), Leo Leibelman (Heavy Metal), Paul Levitz (Brooklyn Blood), Mike Lilly (The Tick), Joseph Michael Linsner (Vampirella: Roses for the Dead), Kevin Maguire (Man of Steel), Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space), Mike Manley (Judge Parker), Chris Mariano (Claire Lost her Bear at the World’s Fair), Mark Mariano (Adventure Time), Shawn Martinbrough (Shadowman), Ron Marz (Fathom Vol. 7), Ed McGuinness (Avengers), Bob McLeod (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero), Carla Speed McNeil (Empowered & Sistah Spooky’s High School Hell), Dawn McTeigue (Divinica), Adriana Melo (Plastic Man, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Frank Miller (Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander, Saturday and Sunday only), Stuart Moore (Deadpool the Duck), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Justice League), Michael Moreci (Nightwing), Tony Moy (Mainstream), Trevor Mueller (Albert the Alien), Jamar Nicholas (Leon: Protector of the Playground), Denny O’Neil (DC Universe Holiday Special, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Jerry Ordway (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vs The Six Million Dollar Man), Rachel Ordway (The Elvis Adventures), John Ostrander (Suicide Squad, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Tom Palmer (Avengers), Dan Parent (Betty & Veronica Friends Forever), Jeff Parker (Future Quest Presents), Paul Pelletier (Titans Special), Andrew Pepoy (Mighty Moe Szyslak), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Green Lanterns), Tom Peyer (Captain Kid), Richard and Wendy Pini (Elfquest), Ed Piskor (X-Men: Grand Design – Second Genesis), Chase and Mark Poulton (Pizza Tree), Andy Price (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic), David Proch (Quarter Moon), Tom Raney (Giantkillers), Frank Reynoso (Garbage Pail Kids: Fables, Fantasies and Farts), Roy Richardson (The Flash), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Startup), Stephane Roux (Faith: Dreamside), Jim Rugg (Street Angel), Andy Runton (Owly), P. Craig Russell (Salome and Other Stories), Stuart Sayger (GI Joe: A Real American Hero vs. The Six-Million Dollar Man), Brian Shearer (William the Last), Jeff Shultz (Archie Jumbo Comics Digest), Mimi Simon (Judge Parker), Louise Simonson (Action Comics #1000), Walter Simonson (Thor), Matt Slay (Equilibrium), Dan Slott (Tony Stark: Iron Man), Andy Smith (Demi-God), John K. Snyder (Fashion in Action), Scott Snyder (Justice League, Saturday only), Mark Sparacio (Chelsea Dagger), Jim Starlin (Thanos: The Infinity Siblings, Saturday and Sunday only), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Jim Steranko (Action Comics), Paul Storrie (The Viking Queen), Larry Stroman (Tribe), Rob Stull (The Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute), Peter Tomasi (Superman), Tim Truman (Grimjack), David Trustman (God Slap), Sarah Trustman (The Memory Arts), Billy Tucci (Shi), Ted Tucker (Disney World caricature artist), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and Big Hero Six), Rick Veitch (Rick Veitch’s The Pantha), Emilio Velez Jr. (Dodgeball Teens), Magdalene Visaggio (Eternity Girl), Mark Waid (Captain America), Adam Wallenta (Punk Taco), Adam Warren (Empowered & Sistah Spooky’s High School Hell), Michael Watkins (Pantha), Larry Watts (Evil Dead 2: Cradle of the Damned); Todd Webb (Mr. Toast Comics), Dexter Weeks (Savage Eve), Mark Wheatley (Stargate Atlantis Singularity), Bob Wiacek (All New Wolverine), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis Gateways), Marcus Williams (Hero Cats of Stellar City: Year One), Javier Cruz Winnik (A Reason to Smile), Renee Witterstaetter (X-Force Epic Collection), Rich Woodall (The Mike Wieringo Tellos Tribute), John Workman (Kick-Ass), Thom Zahler (Time & Vine), and Mike Zeck (The Punisher).



New adventures! New apartment! New villains! Nick Spencer and Ryan Ottley are taking Peter Parker to brand new heights with the debut of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1! Featuring Nick Spencer, Executive Editor Nick Lowe, and Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski!

PORTLAND, OR, 07/13/2018 — Writers Matt Hawkins and Jenni Cheung team up with artist Yishan Li for an original graphic novel companion to SWING and SUNSTONE in the romantic and sexy, SUGAR, VOL. Image/Top Cow tease preview pages from the first of the graphic novel series, which will launch this July.

In SUGAR, a couple embarks on a relationship that starts off as more of an arrangement, but ends with them falling in love—at a cost. Neither has ever done anything like this before, and the emotional swings they face threaten to undo what could be a perfect match in this companion book to both SUNSTONE and SWING.

SUGAR, VOL. 1 trade paperback (ISBN: 978-1-5343-0641-7, Diamond Code MAY180085) will hit stores on Wednesday, July 25th and bookstores on Tuesday, 31st. It can be ordered on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, IndieBound, and Indigo.

Co-Developed with Know Yourself and Creative Director Samuel Sattin, the Series Will Find a Home Under the Caracal Banner in 2019

ST. LOUIS—Days before the opening of the exhibit hall at Comic-Con International 2018, Lion Forge reveals a new series for middle-grade readers developed in conjunction with computer scientist and entrepreneur Tim Howe’s Know Yourself, the Oakland, California–based public benefit corporation dedicated to self-literacy in early education.

“Know Yourself was founded on the belief that character and story are essential to helping kids and teens learn about themselves and the world around them. We could not be prouder to have Debian Perl and her friends meet the world and start helping readers on this journey. And we could not be more excited to be working with Lion Forge, the world’s most innovative comic book publisher, whose philosophy of cultural diversity and comic books for all we wholeheartedly share.”—Tim Howes, CEO

Megalopolis used to be the city hub for all the makers, doers, and dreamers. It was a better time according to Debian Perl, a technomancer known for her out-of-date computer programming skills. Now the city streets are filled with “Egg-heads,” those in thrall to the ease and simplicity of new technology as opposed to Debian’s way of doing things. Digits is one of those Egg-heads. She is a young social media guru and knows her way around all the newest, latest technology.

Debian and Digits cross paths when they both stumble across a one-hundred-year-old lost robot named Ray-Bot. They soon learn that Ray-Bot’s CPU was suspiciously overclocked, leaving him unable to perform basic functions and commands. To find out where the robot came from, Debian must teach Digits everything she knows about computer coding and programming. Along their journey to bring Ray-Bot home, they begin piecing together the mysterious puzzle about his malfunction and uncover some sinister secrets.

Debian Perl: Digital Detective is a five-book series in which middle-grade readers will join Debian and Digits on mystery adventures all while building practical knowledge of coding, algorithms, algebra, and logical problem solving.

“I love working with Lion Forge, and co-developing the Debian Perlproject with them has been so exciting. The people working on this book (writers Mel Hilario and Lauren Davis, artist Katie Longua, our tech-advising CEO, Tim Howes) are putting so much thought and study into every page. With Andrea Colvin and myself overseeing, we hope to introduce something truly innovative for younger audiences. Yes, we want kids to learn how to code, but we also want to give them a new world to explore, characters to identify with, mysteries to solve, and present social messages to contemplate. Additionally, we have a lot of fun ideas and hope to expand beyond the scope of the books themselves.”—Samuel Sattin, Creative Director

“Know Yourself does amazing work creating content that is really fun and also really educational. They are the perfect partner for Lion Forge in crafting exciting graphic novels that also teach concepts of coding and computer science to kids.”—Andrea Colvin, Editor-in-Chief, Lion Forge Comics

“I’ve drawn my whole life because of the comics I grew up with. They were an incredibly important part of my childhood and shaped the career I have today. It’s an honor to work together with Lion Forge and get the chance to have that impact on kids growing up now.”—Katie Longua, artist, Debian Perl

“When I was growing up, I wanted magic to be real because so many of the stories that I loved were about magic. Technology grows more and more magical every year, and I want younger readers to realize that they have access to that magical technology—that they can harness it, control it, and create new things with it. It’s been exciting to work with Lion Forge because they’ve shared our vision of making the magical more accessible.”—Lauren Davis, co-writer, Debian Perl

“When I was younger, I escaped into books; today, I see them as not just an escape but as a means of transport—both as joy and journey.  Stories make things significant, especially when a reader can find something of themselves or their own lives in the characters. In a way, fiction is the clearest path to truth.  Kids can see that.  Writing for them keeps me from losing the kid in myself.”—Mel Hilario, co-writer, Debian Perl

Debian Perl is created in partnership with Know Yourself, a company dedicated to helping kids learn more about themselves and the world around them. This incredibly entertaining new series combines logic, puzzles, and learning with page-turning, action-packed, mystery-adventure stories. The first volume in the series is due to arrive in summer 2019.

 

MILWAUKIE, Ore., (July 10, 2018)—The wunderkind brood returns in The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion! Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance, The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, Doom Patrol) and Gabriel Bá (Two Brothers, Neil Gaiman’s How to Talk to Girls at Parties) will return to their Harvey, Eisner, and YALSA award winning and critically acclaimed series with colorist Nick Filardi (Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Secret House of the Night of Dread, The Victories), and letterer Nate Piekos (Stranger Things, Briggs Land) signed on to bring more Umbrella Academy adventures to life! With a Netflix series soon to debut, the best-selling superhero series returns, stranger than ever—and our heroes’ pasts are coming back to hunt them.

The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion finds the Umbrella Academy scattered after Sir Reginald Hargreeves’ death. Number Five is a hired gun, Kraken is stalking big game, Rumor is dealing with the wreckage of her marriage, a rotund Spaceboy runs around the streets of Tokyo, Vanya continues her physical therapy after being shot in the head—and no one wants to even mention Seance until issue #2.

The Umbrella Academy fans don’t have to wait until October to reconnect with their favorite series! Dark Horse will debut two The Umbrella Academy convention exclusives at San Diego Comic-Con. The Umbrella Academy Hazel and Cha Cha Enamel Pin is a .125” enamel pin featuring the heads of Hazel and Cha Cha, the ultra-violent villains of The Umbrella Academy world. 1,000 enamel pins are available for $10 each. The Umbrella Academy Crest T-shirt will also be available at SDCC. This convention exclusive is a black cotton t-shirt featuring the crest of the Umbrella Academy on the front, and The Umbrella Academy logo on the back. Sizes include both women’s and men’s S-XXL. The Umbrella Academy Crest T-shirts retail for $25 each and are limited to a quantity of 400.

The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion #1 (of seven) goes on sale October 3, 2018, and is available for pre-order at your local comic shop.

PORTLAND, OR, 07/10/2018 — In a shocking move, Image/Skybound Entertainment dropped the first issue of an all-new series by comics titans Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA, OBLIVION SONG), Scott M. Gimple (Punisher: Nightmare, writer and producer for The Walking Dead TV adaptation on AMC), and Chris Burnham (Batman Incorporated, NAMELESS, NIXON’S PALS, OFFICER DOWNE), with colors by Nathan Fairbairn and lettering by Rus Wooton, titled DIE!DIE!DIE! which will be available for sale tomorrow.

“That’s right, in stores TOMORROW! We want to make going to a comic shop exciting again—a place for discovery! The internet has drained all surprise and anticipation from comics. Everyone hears about exciting new projects and then has to wait months or years for it to be in their hands… and half the time at the end of that buildup, the stories get spoiled in some lame attempt at getting wider media attention,” Kirkman dissed. “So, surprise! Here’s a new monthly series. How cool is that?! This is literally the only way I can be like Beyoncé.”

Gimple added: “I spend most of my time working in TV, the big Walking Dead programs keep me plenty busy, but I’ve had a burning passion for comics since I was nine. I used to go to panels to see Robert Kirkman talk. And now he’s writing quotes in a press release as me that I can read over and tweak!”

DIE!DIE!DIE! promises to be a blood-soaked, no holds barred, action-packed, irreverent story that fans won’t be able to rip their eyes from. We live in an evil world where evil people do evil stuff all the time and DIE!DIE!DIE! lifts the veil on a secret cabal within the United States government that influences world matters through targeted assassination. The world around us is manipulated right under our noses, mostly for the better… but sometimes for individual gain, and sometimes for the fun of it.

“We cooked up all sorts of great action sequences and horrific gross-out gags for this book,” said Burnham. “Maybe we should have called it Puke!Puke!Puke!”

So if you’re hurting people, somehow making the world worse than it already is, or even just standing in the way of something good happening… someone could right now be giving the order for you to… DIE!DIE!DIE!

DIE!DIE!DIE! #1 is available in stores tomorrow. Don’t miss it!

 

Horsham, PA – Leading independent comic book and graphic novel publisher, Zenescope Entertainment, has announced its plans for Comic-Con International: San Diego 2018 as the company celebrates its 10th year exhibiting at the largest comic book convention in North America.

Zenescope returns once again to Comic-Con International at booth 2301 located immediately inside Hall C. It’s there the company will unveil a variety of over 15 different convention exclusive covers as well as limited edition collectible merchandise that includes metal prints, trading cards, puzzles, gallery edition comic books, and much more. Appearing and signing at the booth will be Zenescope writers/creators Joe Brusha (Grimm Fairy Tales, The Black Sable), Ralph Tedesco (Grimm Tales of Terror, Van Helsing Vs Robyn Hood), LaToya Morgan (Robyn Hood: The Hunt, Goddess Inc.), Dave Franchini (Belle: Beast Hunter), and Victoria Rau (Peek-A-Boo). And on Saturday July 21st the company will also be celebrating “Christmas in July” where it will be releasing special edition holiday ornaments with artwork by superstar artist, J Scott Campbell.

For the second year in a row Zenescope Entertainment will be partnering with Gelato Paradiso. Three original new gelato flavors, based on the company’s popular characters, will be offered throughout Comic-Con weekend. Flavors include Krampus Cookie Crunch, Mad Hatter Mash-up and Skye Mathers Sorbetto. Gelato Paradiso is located at 789 W Harbor Dr. and is only a 10 minute walk northwest of the San Diego Convention Center. Customers who purchase any Zenescope themed gelato will be eligible to purchase a rare San Diego Comic Con Zenescope metal card limited to 50, while supplies last.

On Thursday July 19, 2018, some of Zenescope’s writers and creators will be appearing at the Not Just a Pretty Face-Women in Comics Panel in Panel Room 4, at 7:30PM, with panelists LaToya Morgan (Shameless, Into The Badlands, Zenescope’s Robyn Hood), Victoria Rau (Zenescope’s Peek-A-Boo), Sam Sawyer (Lady Death), Jen King (Eisner finalist, comic store owner), cosplayer Fatal Siren, and Zenescope co-founder Ralph Tedesco. The panel will delve into the world of comics through the eyes of female creators while also touching on the steady increase in female protagonists and creators in independent comics over the past decade.

For a complete list of Zenescope’s Comic-Con plans including exclusive covers, limited edition merchandise, creator signings and appearances, and daily San Diego Comic Con online sales, visit blog.zenescope.com

Featuring brand new stories from Gerry Duggan, The Soska Sisters, Jay Baruchel & more!

New York, NY—July 10, 2018—This Halloween, the Avengers will shock readers with their spookiest stories and the most fearful tales! Iron Man and Captain America take on a journey for one of Howard Stark’s abandoned weapons…but what they find is different than any kind of horror that they’ve encountered…

With bonus stories featuring your favorite Marvel heroes, including Daredevil, Punisher, and the X-Men, AVENGERS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL brings together an epic team writers and artists to take your favorite characters on all-new frightful journeys, including acclaimed creators Gerry Duggan (Despicable Deadpool, Infinity Countdown, Infinity Wars), Robbie Thompson (Doctor Strange and the Sorcerer’s Supreme, Spider-Man/Deadpool), and Canadian horror producers and screenwriters Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska (The Soska Sisters) (American Mary, See No Evil 2)! Plus, superstar writer Jay Baruchel (The Goon, This is the End) make their Marvel Comics debut!

“It’s going to be a horror anthology with five frightful tales full of chills and thrills,” teased editor Jake Thomas. “The stories will showcase your favorite Marvel heroes through a funhouse mirror of the macabre, twisting their stories into terrifying tales sure to send shivers up your spine! The only thing scarier than reading this issue would be missing it!”

Don’t miss all the horror and thrills this October, when AVENGERS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL hits comic shops!

AVENGERS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL #1

Written by GERRY DUGGAN, THE SOSKA SISTERS, JAY BARUCHEL, ROBBIE THOMPSON & MORE

Art by BOB QUINN, EOIN MARRON, JONAS SCHARF & MORE

Cover by Geoff Shaw

On Sale 10/31/18

It’s all been leading to this! Get Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War with over 2 hours of bonus features on Digital, Movies Anywhere & 4K UHD July 31 and Blu-ray August 14.
https://marvelstudios10.com/Avengers-…

Gang Hyuk Lim joins Gail Simone and David Baldeon as Domino’s new cover artist!

 

New York, NY—July 10, 2018—It’s the series that has been called “everything a comic should be,” and Domino’s adventures are just getting started!

 

Following the events of DOMINO ANNUAL, superstar creative team Gail Simone and David Baldeon are bringing fans an all-new story arc – one where vampires come out to play and where Domino learns she’s not the only temptress putting everyone under her spell.

 

“Domino isn’t just for X-fans anymore,” teased editor Chris Robinson. “Gail and David have big plans that take Neena Thurman up against some unexpected threats from the larger Marvel Universe.”

 

Don’t miss all the twists, reveals, and epic action, featuring artist Gang Hyuk Lim (Infinity Countdown: Darkhawk), who joins DOMINO as the brand-new regular cover artist when DOMINO #7 hits comic shops this October!

 

 

DOMINO #7

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by DAVID BALDEON

Cover by GANG HYUK LIM

On Sale 10/10/18

DC ORIGINAL SERIES, DC CLASSIC FILMS & TV SERIES, AND DC COMICS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT MASSIVE FAN EXPERIENCE COMING TO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO 2018

#DCUxSDCC

July 19-22, 2018

​​

Pre-Registration is open now at DCUniverseExperience.com

BURBANK, CA (July 10, 2018) – DC UNIVERSE, a first-of-its-kind digital subscription service designed especially for DC fans, will come to life with over half a dozen immersive, interactive experiences at Comic-Con International. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the DC Universe for the first time and literally walk through the originals, classics and comics soon to be available through the digital service.

Open for four days only Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22. A larger-than-life installation of epic proportions will welcome fans into interactive spaces that bring iconic characters and stories to life.

Register now at DCUniverseExperience.com.
After registering, fans will head to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, directly across the street from the San Diego Convention Center. Guests of the activation will interact with dozens of activities and installations including:

• Explore Dick Grayson’s Titans loft and uncover clues to his whereabouts

• Experience the mysterious creations of Dr. Niles Caulder in the Doom Patrol lab

• Avoid succumbing to the deadly virus in the mystical swamps of Swamp Thing

• Join earth’s newest superhero team in the Young Justice Watchtower

• Create mayhem in the Harley Quinn chaos room

• Step into the sewers with Batman and descend into madness in The Court of Owls

• Enjoy the first public unveiling of rare artwork and memorabilia only previously seen in exclusive engagements

• Discover hidden clues and get an exclusive first-look at the DC UNIVERSE digital subscription service

• And so much more…

Signing up online in advance allows guests to streamline the onsite admission process. Pre-registration does not allow guests to reserve their spot or bypass the line. The activation will be open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important Details

Dates of operation:      Thursday – Sunday, July 19 – 22, 2018

Hours of operation:   Thursday
– Saturday hours: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (line closes at 6:00 PM)

Sunday
hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (line closes at 4:00 PM)

Location: Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101

Pre-registration link:     DCUniverseExperience.com

Warner Bros. Digital Networks and DC Entertainment tapped Giant Spoon, the creative agency behind the successful “Westworld” activation at SXSW 2018. The partnership will bring decades of artistry and innovative new content being developed exclusively for DC UNIVERSE to life.

DC UNIVERSE will be available in Fall 2018 as a direct-to-consumer digital service. Fans who sign up for memberships will enjoy new original live-action and animated series, classic TV series and films, a curated selection of comic books, breaking news, an expansive encyclopedia, and access to exclusive merchandise. Additional fan features include opportunities to connect with others in the DC community, earn premium rewards, and participate in sweepstakes and contests.

Follow
the excitement online at #DCUxSDCC and visit DCUniverseExperience.com to pre-register now.

07/10/2018 MANILA, Philippines & STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE (NYSE:WWE) and FOX Networks Group Asia today announced a new agreement to stream WWE’s flagship program Raw® live exclusively on FOX+ in the Philippines.

Beginning next week, Raw will stream live on FOX+ at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays in the Philippines with a same day, primetime re-air on FOX Sports at 8 p.m. Additionally, each week, FOX+ will stream on demand WWE weekly highlight shows Afterburn®, Experience® and This Week®.

“We are very excited to bring more of the best content to our viewers in the Philippines with the exclusive live streaming of Raw through FOX+,” said Jude Turcuato, General Manager for FOX Networks Group Philippines. “Having this partnership with WWE further strengthens FNG’s push to make FOX+ the best go-to OTT entertainment platform in the country.”

“FOX Networks Group Asia shares our vision and passion for engaging and entertaining our fans,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE Co-President. “This partnership to stream Raw live in the Philippines on FOX+ allows us to deliver action-packed, family-friendly entertainment to our fans throughout the country.”

FOX+ is FOX Networks Group Asia’s (FNG) video-streaming service and is available on Android and iOS devices as well as on Apple TV and select Android TVs. A free 30-day trial is available for new subscribers.

Switch: Electricia HC

writer: Keith Champagne

artist | cover: Tom Nguyen

FC  |  96 pages  |  Oversized HC: 8.5” x 13”  |  $19.99  |   Teen+ 

AN ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL!

When infamous supervillain Electricia realizes she wants more out of life than evil and mayhem, she adopts a second costumed identity as The Switch and begins fighting crime instead of committing it. But when Electricia’s new life as a superhero brings her full circle against her former villainous allies, the cat-and-mouse-game she’s been playing quickly turns deadly. As her new enemies close in on Electricia, the question becomes not if she’ll survive her career as The Switch… but for how long.

Xena #6

writer: Erica Schultz  |  artist: Vicente Cifuentes

covers: Sergio Davila (A), Vicente Cifuentes (B)

              Sergio Davila (RI-Virg), Vicente Cifuentes (RI-B/W),
Sergio Davila (RI-B/W)

FC  |  32 pages  |  $3.99  |   Teen+  

The start of a new adventure!  A young girl flees for her life—from her parents?!  Xena and Gabrielle must determine if the girl is a visionary or a demon.  Unfortunately for all concerned, the Oracles of Delphi have already decided!