PENDRAGON'S POST: 04/01/2009

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Ultimatum #4: Is Peter Parker Next?

ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) (JAN092453)
ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) MCGUINNESS VARIANT (JAN092454)
ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) MCGUINNESS SKETCH VARIANT (JAN092454)
ULTIMATUM #4 (of 5) PETER PARKER RIP VARIANT (MAR098107)
Written by JEPH LOEB
Pencils & Cover by DAVID FINCH
Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
Sketch Variant Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
RIP Variant Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—5/7/09, On-Sale—5/27/09

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Marvel's brightest stars including Wolverine, Deadpool and the Blob arrive for the star-studded premiere of the Wolverine movie!

Somehow, M.O.D.O.K. found himself a press pass. Will the red carpet EVER be the same? This second episode of the original Marvel.com video production Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?! features special guest star, UFC welterweight, Matt "The Terror" Serra!

Watch “Red Carpet M.O.D.O.K.” now at http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.7824.

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Watchmen Movie review by Heretic

It's been a while since the film came out, but I feel I need to write a review about Watchmen.

My expectations were high, unbelievably high, astronomically high, indescribly high! My favorite Graphic novel, favorite book, favorite story is finally a film! Being someone who appriciates the craft and art it takes to turn a novel into a film, this was by far one of the more exciting moments in my life as a movie buff. Over a year before the release of Watchmen, I was already jumping up and down like a little boy who just got his first ten speed bicycle for Christmas from Santa Clause. I couldn't get the film off my mind due to my excitment. I'll admit it, I was obsessed with this movie coming out!

Now, excited I was, but reservations I had. The most common question you'd hear from Watcmen fans would be, "How can you make a movie from a book as complicated and jam packed as Watchmen?" it's a valid question really, Watcmen is completely jam packed with with storyline that it is literally impossible to make a movie from the graphic novel and keep every detail of it's fantasically written story by the briliant Alan moore. And further more, how does one make a film from this Graphic novel and keep the all of the themes that Alan Moore intended for his story to have? Zach Synder, Director of Watchmen and the famous film 300, really put on himself one of the most difficult film making tasks that any director has ever atempted with the exception of Peter Jackson and The Lord of the Rings series. However, even with all of the reservations I had about the film, I was still more excited about it then I was with The Dark Knight. So with all of the questions of how compatible the book is on the big screen I decided to not worry about it and wait until I saw the film at least once before I decide if the film is good or not. (Like most people were doing.)

I sat with alot of my friends in the theatre opening night. We were wowed right from the start. The opening credits were amazing, in a nut shell it gives us a little history of the story that is to follow. The film moved on and opened up with an exceptionally faithful opener, Rorshach walking down the street at night reciting his very poetic entries from his journal. The as the film rolled on, I became more and more thrilled about how faithful the film was staying to the Graphic novel. It was as if they used the Graphic novel as their story boards while filming! Absolute perfection in accuracy! However, one thing did worry me...There was nothing in the film about the missing artist and the pirate comic! It stay pretty incredibly faitful, but without the story of the missing artist and the pirate comic, how in the world will the ending in the graphic novel make sense on film? Only one thing came to mind...The ending had to be changed. And as it got closer and closer to the finale, I still couldn't figure out how it was going to happen! But I knew an ending change was in the midst.

And finally, it came. And I was right, the ending was changed. And at first I was disapointed. The ending in the Graphic novel is so good. But after thinking about it (and seeing the film 3 more times) I came to the conclusion that the ending works quite well. Knowing how Dr. Manhatten thinks, and how everyone else in the story would think, it makes sense. The ending worked. For the Watchmen fan, it probably is a disapointing ending. I know it was for me at first. But for the audience member who hasn't read the graphic novel, it helps to bring the story to a good conclusion.

I think Synder did an excellent job at making Watchmen into a great theatrical success. My only true gripe with the film is that it pumped through the storyline at 100 miles per hour. So it just continually jumps from one scene to the next without giving the audience any real time to soke in the story. There truly is no room to breathe in this film. You'll feel like the movie ended, and you'll come out not sure what happen. It is quite an entertaining film. I would recommend it to any who enjoy sci/fi, and to those who have a strong stomach...it does get fairly violent and bloody.

Heretic
Reviewer Read more...

Review of Green Lantern # 40 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Identity Stolen.

After reading Green Lantern # 40, I see the continuation of the “soul searching” theme currently going on in all the books tied into the upcoming Blackest Night. It seems this time of reflection is allowing the readers to gain a better understanding of who the players are, even if the characters themselves seem to feel as if their identities and roles have been stolen from them, so to speak.

On one front, we have Yrra Cynril, the former bounty hunter known as Fatality, reflecting on her recent conversion to a Star Sapphire. Yrra feels this new found power of love seems to have filled a void caused by years of pain and suffering, and with this power she can save all those who she deems “misguided”. I think the person she’s chooses as her next “conversion” will make a very interesting case study.

From another front, we have Hal Jordan still dealing with the issue of the Blue Power Ring, and how get free of it. Hal feels hope is a burden. He is unable to free himself from the Blue ring, due to his lack of faith in its power. I liked the bit of comic relief concerning what Hal “Hopes” for, and how the blue ring reacts to his request. It goes to show that the only way to achieve Hope is with true intentions and real determination.

But, as each of these characters seeks to understand what they have been given, another continues to take advantage of the situation. And take, and take, and take...

As the Guardians finally reveal the new fourth law, the battle is taken to the Vegan Star system. It’s here, during an all out assault lead by the Guardians themselves, where we learn how Agent Orange could thrive for such a long time and why the Guardians chose to turn a blind eye. The end result of this neglect is the fire which fuels Agent Oranges power.

We also learn how the orange power rings work, as the rings steal a candidates identity for service in the Orange Lanterns, regardless of the chosen parties willingness or not. I found the back-up tale of the Orange Lanterns to illustrate this point quite clearly. It seemed to be more of a moral than a tale, but still a warning nevertheless.

Overall I like where this is heading. Like a complex game of cosmic chess, most if not all the pieces have been set into motion.

Now we just have to see how this all plays out.

8.5/ 10

Eddie R.
Review Editor Read more...

Review of Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds #4. By Eddie R.

Return to the Future.

For months now, Legions of Fans have been asking why DC Comics made the decision to postpone releasing the fourth installment of Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds? What could make the publisher put such a fast paced storyline as this on hold for 2 whole months?

The answer to that question is just that: Answers............... Glorious Answers!

Answers to what you may ask? Well, for that you’re going to have to read the book yourself, but what I will tell you is the following.... If this series was part of a story bible for the up and coming DC Universe, you could file it under Revelations, because there are tons of them in this 40 page installment.

Lots of loose ends get tied up here, from various other storylines published within the last 2 years of the DCU. Fans of certain characters, which some believe have been denied a proper homage in their eyes, will certainly have something to cheer for. As I was reading, it amazed me how all of this all seemed to play out so seamlessly in amidst a battle royal of good versus evil. Yes fellow readers, the story is THAT good.

For me, the biggest part of the series has been the time travel aspect. I love how past, present and future events are intertwined into a very believable scenario. Sometimes you get a story where time travel hampers the flow of the tale being told, bogging it down with a million different ways which the story could be resolved, and not showing one clear outcome in the end. This isn’t the case here.

Although the ending was one I did not see coming, I am glad it has gone this route. It does raise a ton of questions, but I am willing to wait 2 more months for the answers.

9.5/10

Eddie R.
Review Editor
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Highly acclaimed creator of MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS, Mike Allred, to become permanent cover artist for Image's ongoing superhero saga, JERSEY GODS!

Image Comics' newest superhero debut, JERSEY GODS, gains a new member of their creative pantheon as writer Glen Brunswick and illustrator Dan McDaid are joined by new permanent series cover artist, MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS' Mike Allred!

"I consider Mike Allred to be one of the greatest artists currently working in comics today," Brunswick said. "When Joe Keatinge told me that we had a shot at getting Mike to illustrate the cover to our first issue of JERSEY GODS I was really excited. The Jersey Turnpike racing cover that Mike turned in has become iconic - in one single image Mike was able to convey the entire essence of the series. Since then Mike has been gracious enough to do four more unbelievable covers for us. If you told me six months ago that Mike Allred was going to become our permanent JERSEY GODS cover artist, I'd have wondering which psych ward you just wandered out of. On the other hand, maybe I'm the one that's crazy after all...and damn happy about it. Welcome aboard, Mike!"

Mike Allred takes over the regular cover reins full-time with issue six just after SAVAGE DRAGON's Erik Larsen concludes the series of regular guest covers. However, the incentive covers will still continue with major talent such as KICK ASS' John Romita Jr., SPAWN's Whilce Portacio and an upcoming wraparound by BATTLING BOY's Paul Pope. Fans excited for the change are encouraged to stop by Brunswick's appearance on May 2nd during Free Comic Book Day at Concord, CA's Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff. In addition to the full lineup of FCBD offerings, free copies of JERSEY GODS #1 will be given away alongside a coupon good for either a dollar off each issue of JERSEY GODS #2-5 or five dollars off the upcoming collection.

Allred added, "I've been a big fan from day one and now to be part of the team, even getting team t-shirts, is super cool!"

JERSEY GODS #4 (MAR092450), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores May 6th, 2009. For more information on the Flying Colors Free Comic Book Day event with Glen Brunswick on May 2nd in Concord, CA please visit http://www.flyingcolorscomics.com/.

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It's time once again for Mattel to answer some questions.

1) There is talk of Wave 10 being a Wal-Mart exclusive wave. Seeing there were both quality issues & distribution issues on Wal-Mart's end with the last exclusive wave, is there anything Mattel can do to improve this at all, to make sure the consumers are able to get this wave? One of the main frustrations was various Wal-Marts not stocking this wave.

Wal-Mart is well aware of this and have greatly increased their order for their customized wave as well as increased the number of stores carrying it. But in the end, this is a choice Wal-Mart makes, not Mattel. Doing a Wal-Mart wave is part of the overall long term strategy to bring DCUC to Wal-Mart stores.

2) For the Wonder Twins, are they the same scale as Robin & Kid Flash?
Or are they more in scale with the Riddler?

They are based on Harley Quinn and the Red Tornado bodies.

3) Mattel had a DCIC Wonder Woman figure to go with the release of the Wonder Woman DVD. Any chance of that repeating with the Green Lantern DVD that's coming out in July?

Possibly…

4) On the Ghostbusters line, what about a Collect & Connect Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man? I know personally, I'd love to see that.

Not likely a Collect and Connect, as we would like to find a way to make him even bigger and C&C only go up to 10 inches. We’ll find another way to do him even bigger in time.

5) Can we get an update on the street dates of DCU waves 8 & 9, DCIH, Justice League, Brave & the Bold, Dark Knight Movie Masters, etc?

For a variety of reasons there are not exact street dates for toys (with the exception of major movie events like Dark Knight). All of these toys will be out in the next few months. Read more...

Who’s the American Son? What are his ties to the Dark Avengers? And just what does Dark Reign mean for Spider-Man? The answers begin in Amazing Spider-Man #595, the first chapter of “American Son” from fan-favorite writer Joe Kelly and acclaimed artist Phil Jimenez!

After recent events, Spider-Man’s life is worse than ever and he decides it’s time to save the world…by taking down Norman Osborn, AKA the Iron Patriot and leader of the Dark Avengers. This is the Spider-Man epic that no Marvel fan can afford to miss as the countdown to Amazing Spider-Man #600 begins! Plus, don’t miss a menacing variant cover from superstar artist Adi Granov!

For a look behind the scenes of “American Son”, including all-new art plus commentary by Kelly and Spider-Man Editor Steve Wacker, check out the Spider-Man: American Son Sketchbook. It’s free, courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, right here: http://marvel.com/digitalcomics/titles/AMAZING_SPIDER-MAN~colon~_AMERICAN_SON_SKETCHBOOK.2009.1

Retailers, please check the Marvel Mailer for special incentives on Amazing Spider-Man #595, the first chapter of “American Son”!

American Son Part 1
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #595 (MAR092529)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #595 GRANOV VARIANT (MAR092530)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils & Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Variant Cover by ADI GRANOV
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/7/09, On-Sale—5/27/09

American Son Part 2
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #596 (APR090449)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/14/09, On-Sale—6/3/09

American Son Part 3
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #597 (APR090450)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils by MARCO CHECHETTO
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/21/09, On-Sale—6/10/09

American Son Part 4
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #598 (APR090451)
Written by JOE KELLY
Pencils by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—5/28/09, On-Sale—6/17/09

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Review of Star Trek: Crew #2 (IDW Publishing) By Eddie R.

Fortunate.

Sometimes it’s hard to follow a story when it begins in the middle. It gets even more complicated when you start moving the story both forwards and backwards from that middle point, and sometimes the action is not fast paced enough to bring you up to speed on what’s going on. That’s why I was surprised when I read, then re-read, this issue of Star Trek: Crew #2.

Even though I thought I had managed to see everything the first time around, a few things caught my eye at a second glance. And it was after this second reading where I felt very privileged to have someone like John Byrne behind the helm of this book. I really do appreciate the attention to detail, both in the artwork and the dialogue, Mr. Byrne does. This feels like Star trek, looks like Star trek, and if anything is a tribute, not only to the entire History of Star Trek, but to all the fans out there who know what Star trek truly is about: A wagon train to the Stars.

We open this issue in the vacuum of space, where we find our fearless female Cadet from the first issue, now an Ensign and well on her way to becoming the Character “Number One”, doing a spacewalk and making repairs to the impulse engines of the starship she is currently serving on, the U.S.S Fortune. The plot of the story is typical Star Trek (Ship gets distress call, answers, finds Colony destroyed by unknown alien race, Aliens come back and go after said starship, battle ensues, clocks constantly ticking). What’s not typical about this story are both the dialogue, and the pace, at which the drama unfolds.

Choices have to be made, Lives are on the line, and issues have to be weighed. Overall, this will lead you to an excellent story, combined with some serious character development. You will feel drawn in, like you want to be on that ship with them, taking part in both the action and the decision making, no matter what the outcome.

And that’s where I feel fortunate.

9/10

Eddie R.
Review Editor Read more...

Hasbro News: Revenge of the Fallen product available for pre-sell

Hasbro’s excited to alert you to the first pre-sell news for its highly anticipated Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy line.

Beginning on May 1st, fans can pre-order the following items online via several major and specialty retailers:

• Leader-class Optimus Prime
• Deluxe-class Soundwave
• Deluxe-class Bumblebee
• Bumblebee Voice Mixer Helmet
• Bumblebee Plasma Cannon

Keep checking out Hasbro’s latest Transformers toy news at www.Transformers.com! Read more...

Dabel Brothers Publishing is pleased to present a 10 page preview to Robert Jordan's New Spring #6, adapted to comics by writer Chuck Dixon, with artwork by Harvey Talibao, and cover art by Mike Miller.

New Spring is a graphical adaptation of the best-selling prequel to Robert Jordan's acclaimed fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. The New Spring comic series, which is 8 issues long, was started in 2005 and was published up through issue #5. In 2009 Dabel Brothers will be completing the series by publishing issues 6-8.

In this issue, entitled “The Deeps”, Al'Lan Mandragoran, uncrowned king of the lost nation Malkier, makes his way to the city of Chachin. He is chasing a rumor that Lady Edeyn, a woman from his past, intends to lead a crusade of warriors in an effort to reclaim his lost country from the Blight. Unexpectedly, his journey will lead him to Moiraine who is on a crusade of her own—a secret and desperate search for a child born of prophecy. The Dragon has been reborn in the world and the fate of all will rest on the shoulders of those who find him.

Look for the book to hit stores everywhere May 20th!

Please check our website www.dabelbrothers.com for updates on this and other titles.

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Dolce, Perry and Navarro bring super-spies to super-powers this July!

This July, indie superhero favorite writers Michael Dolce and Marcus Perry join illustrator Mariano Navarro and cover artist Tyler Kirkham for their three issue mini-series exploring the dangerous side of superpowers, DESCENDANT.

"It's very hard to find a new spin on superpowers, but I think Mike, Marcus and Mariano have done it," Image Comics Vice-President Jim Valentino said. "DESCENDANT is completely different than any other book on the stands, but will be a big hit with fans of SLEEPER, CAPTAIN AMERICA and SECRET WARRIORS while surprising them like no other book can."

In DESCENDANT Rayne Santiago, a United States counter-terrorism soldier, is forced to return to her South American homeland after years of exile due to abusing her own innate pyrokinetic abilities. There she she receives word of her brothers' abduction by a rogue pharmaceutical conglomerate bent on using their DNA to manufacture super powers. Michael Dolce and Mariano Navarro's experience in the small press superhero field combined with Marcus Perry's past writing high-octane action films combines to tell a superpowered blockbuster the likes of which hasn't been seen.

DESCENDANT #1 (MAY090301), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores July 15th, 2009.

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Sergio Cariello was born in Brazil. At the age of 5 he already knew he wanted to draw comics. At 11 he had his first comic strip published in Local newspapers-Frederico, the Detective. He wrote, drew and lettered the strip for 4 years and earned him a first prize for best kid comic strip artist of the paper. At Caliber Press he penciled, inked, and lettered the HP Lovecraft's Dagon, with writer Steven Jones, while still attending the Kubert School. He was excused from many assignments from the school due to his caliber job.

He got into the Marvel bullpen after learning they were offering a "ghost lettering" position to any 3rd year student of the Kubert school. No one seemed interested so he went to Marvel the very next day, as a second year student, and took his Hy Eisman lettering assignments and Virginia Romita hired him on the spot. During his free time he continued to draw Dagon for Caliber and marvel editors saw he could also draw and started giving him penciling assignments. At Marvel he drew Daredevil, Conan, Thor, Captain America, Disney's Quasimodo, Spider-man, the Avengers and others. He drew Batman, Superman, New Gods, Young Heroes in Love, Superboy, Steel, Guy Gardner, Hawkman, Man called X, The Flash, Deathstroke,Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Azrael and others for DC.

Sergio taught several classes during 7 consecutive yrs at the Joe Kubert School. He also helped Joe Kubert in his correspondence courses, critiquing the assignments of corresponding students in all courses. He is a member of the National Cartoonists Society since 1995. He worked with Chuck Dixon and Beau Smith on the Wildcat mini-series for DC. At Dark Horse he drew and lettered Badlander. A western he co-created with Beau Smith.

Other gigs include: Spawn for Image, Sojourn, Lady Death, Scion, Crux, and other Crossgen titles, Iron Ghost with Chuck Dixon for Image and ATP and many others.

Sergio is currently working on the Lone Ranger(Dynamic Forces), which earned him an Eisner nomination in 2007 and an Award from True West Magazine as best Western Comic Book of the Year in their 2009 Best of The West Source Book. Son of Samson with writer Gary Martin (The Moth,Nexus) for Zondervan, and the Brand new version classic best-seller The Picture Bible for David C Cook and other gigs here and there.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

The Picture Bible is definitely among them! The New Testament has been released by Cook Publications. I'm still working on the Old Testament. It carries true, historical events that have eternal value and relevance to our lives. The opportunity to draw Jesus of Nazareth, the only way by which we can be reconnected with our Creator is a life time achievement offered to me in comics and I feel I fulfill my call by drawing it.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

I've had the privilege of working with many favorite writers : Chuck Dixon, Beau Smith, Dennis O'Neal, Marv Wolfman, Christopher Mills, Brett Matthews, just to name a few. Gary Martin is among them because we share the same values and convictions.

We do our creator owned project called: The Son of Samson. It's a fiction story but has its foundation on historical Samson from the Bible. I just love working from his plots because it gives total freedom to do what I want in the pages. Drawing Son of Samson is relaxing to me because is very cartoony, (not necessarily easier than realistic)very dynamic, and full of good balance of action, long shots and clear storytelling( not many panels in a page). the style and genre is very natural to me. Don't assume I have no challenges in it. Sometimes I have to draw battle scenes with tons of people in double pages spreads and even triple pages spreads but it is still fun . Son of Samson is published by Zondervan.

3) What character you have never worked .., would you like to do & why?

In France I'd like to do Asterix. I grew up reading Asterix and it has the same flavor of Son of Samson. It's funny, entertaining and copies historical events to tell fun stories. In North America I think Tarzan. I love to draw God's creatures and the nature He so wisely designed. I love the character and what he stands for.

4) Who are your influences?

Albert Uderzo (Asterix), Alex Toth(Herculoids, Zorro), John Romita Sr(Daredevil, Spider-Man), Mort Drucker(Mad magazine), John Buscema(Conan), Will Eisner(The Spirit), and Joe Kubert (Tarzan), Milt Caniff,Alex Raymond, Hal Foster, and many more.

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

I have no desire to change someone else's creation but I'd love to create more of my own.

Sergio will be attending Free Comic Book Day at the Heroes Haven - Tampa area comic shop.

He'll also be attending Tim Gordon's convention in Tampa on July 12th, San Diego Comic-Con 2009, July 22-26 and Mini Megacon in Orlando in August 22,23

Check out Sergio's blog at http://sergiocariello.blogspot.com/

On ComicSpace at http://www.comicspace.com/sergiocariello/

And check out his website at www.sergiocariello.com Read more...

ITALYCOMICS GOES "BOOM!" WITH BOOM! MAGAZINE

BOOM! Studios just concluded an agreement with Italycomics (www.italycomics.it), an Italian comic book publisher whose catalog is a virtual "best of the best indy publishers" translated into Italian, to form a new publication called BOOM! MAGAZINE.

This new publication sees Italycomics dedicating a whole anthology magazine to BOOM! Studios series.

Mark Waid's new ongoing series IRREDEEMABLE will headline the venture. Other series featured in BOOM! MAGAZINE include the Keith Giffen/ J. M. DeMatteis fan favorites HERO SQUARED and PLANETARY BRIGADE. SOUTH PARK scribes Josh Lobis and Darin Moiselle join the line up with their CAPED limited series.

"These four aces will let us explore the superhero genre from different angles," says Italycomics Editor-in-Chief Paolo Accolti Gil, "irony, irreverence and downright tragedy, all from masters of the genres. We could not hope for a better way to continue working with BOOM! after the success of publishing THE STARDUST KID from J. M. DeMatteis & Mike Ploog."

"We love Italycomics," said BOOM! Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "and are excited to have an opportunity to extend our relationship with them. When they pitched this idea to us, we thought it was a great fit."

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Brett Booth is a comic book artist. He is best known for his work on Backlash, a character he co-created with Jim Lee at the Wildstorm Studios.

Brett has also illustrated the exploits of some of Marvel Comics' best known characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. The artist then expanded his career a touch when he contributed illustrations for the Anthropomorphic How-To book: 'Freaks! How To Draw Fantastic Fantasy Creatures. He is currently active as a paleoartist drawing dinosaurs for various publications and websites as well as continuing to draw comic books at Dabel Brothers Productions studios.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

Hmmm... tough question. I'd have to say adapting the first Anita Blake comic. We showed that there was an audience that would cross over from books to comics. But more importantly we managed to get more women reading comics. So basically getting the word out that comics aren't just for men.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

I actually haven't worked with many comic book writers for any length of time other than Sean Ruffner (who's no longer in comics.) I did 3 series with him, the Kindred, Backlash and Wildcore. Sean's one of my best friends, we were neighbors in college so I've known him for a long time.

But if I had to pick someone who wasn't a close friend, I'd say Joe Pruett, when I worked on X-men Unlimited. We basically got crapped on, being the 'other' X-men' book, but he did his best to try and make it fun, in fact we did a 30 page issue that never even saw print, with
Annihilus from the FF. It was pretty fun to draw.

3) What character you have never worked .., would you like to do & why?

The Flash, hands down. If I ever go back to superheros this would be what brought me there. He's always been my favorite DC character, I was a big fan of the Waid run with the speedforce. As I get older I have developed more of a fondness for the DC characters. The Flash is the one DC character that has always been cool to me.

4) Who are your influences?

Well, Jim Lee, obviously but Mark Silvestri, Todd McFarlane, Art Adams, Walt Simonson, Kevin Maguire, George Perez and a few others played their parts. Being a child of the 80's Art Adams is the guy who got me interested in comics. Mark had just started his run on Uncanny and Walt Simonson was drawing X-factor (I was a huge X-men fan.) George Perez kept me interested in the DC universe, but I was mainly a Marvel guy. Of course once I got into the biz I pretty much stopped buying comics so I really have NO idea who a lot of the new guys are.

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

OK, I don't like this character as he currently is, but I did have a great time drawing Thor in an issue of FF. I am a mythology buff so maybe taking this book back to it's basics might be really interesting. I like drawing complicated Norse type gear so it might be a lot of fun.

Brett is currently drawing a Vampire Huntress graphic novel for DabelBrothers. This is an original story from writer L.A. Banks. Brett promises that it has "lots of monsters :)"

And check out Brett's blogs:

http://demonpuppy.blogspot.com/ Which showcases his comic drawings, dinosaur reconstructions, dogs, religion and science.

And then his dinosaur blog: http://carnosauria.blogspot.com/ which just has his dinosaur art on it. Read more...

Phil Smith is managing editor of Top Cow Productions, Inc. He self published a comic book 8 years ago with J.K. Woodward and thanks to Fiona Avery, Renae Geerlings and Matt Hawkins has a job in comics. Phil Smith also designs the trade paperbacks and art collections for Top Cow. He has a bachelors degree in illustration and design.

Phil will be making a writing debut in June - Witchblade/The Darkness/Angelus Trinity: Blood on the Sands.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

Honestly I feel I have not achieved much. Of what I have had the pleasure of working on was designing and editing The Art of Marc Silvestri. Bridget Silvestri complimented me on it, and Steve Firchow told me it was the best thing Top Cow had ever done. It was easy, make Marc's art as big as possible and 'surprise" people like love it. It was easy, the stuff was great, I just had to stay out of the way. Of course my first writing work is coming out in June. Witchblade/The Darkenss/Angelus-TRINTY: Blood on the Sands, a one-shot featuring all three of the Top Cow Universe trinity. really looking forward to it. It is a period piece (13th Century Arabia) lots of blood, treachery and high adventure.

2) Who was your favorite writer or artist that you worked with & why?

Writers I would love to work with in any capacity (even getting their coffee or tea) That is a toss up. I have to limit it to comics writers so with that said I have to give it to three: Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Joss Whedon. All for different reasons. Moore for the depth. Morrison for the mind expansion and Whedon for the humanity.
Artists. If it were me writing and who would I like to see illustrate my stuff? Got to give it to Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, James Jean (for a cover), Gary Frank and Rags Morales. Frank and Morales have an amazing ability to capture emotion and dep th in their work which is something I try to get across through story. Of course my old buddy J.K. Woodward with whom I self published 8 years ago is someone I would like to work with again. Jim is terribly underrated and is ready to break out big.

3) What character you have never worked .., would you like to do & why?

I am a relative newcomer (8 years in so far). At the day job as editor at Top Cow of course I am very attached to our own stable. There is one character from Paul Jenkins Universe crossover named Tilly Grimes. I have been pitching for her to get a series for 6 years. She is a clairvoyant. I am a mythology buff and I wanted to create a series for her that parallels the curse of the Greek seer Cassandra. Blessed to know the future but cursed for no one to believe her. Sounds like good conflict to me. From outside Top Cow, hmmmmm. Longshot from Marvel. The Ann Nocenti and Arthur Adams story made a big impression on my adolescent mind. I would love to write that as a new limited series.

4) Who are your influences?

For comics writing, the three writers above certainly. From prose, Frank Herbert, J.R.R. Tolkien, Kurt Vonnegut and Charles Bukowski. I could go on with Larry Niven, Joan D. Vinge and the whole pantheon of Science Fiction greats. For design I have to go with Alphonse Mucha. The backcover to The Art of Marc Sil vestri is an homage to an illustration of his. For art, with power I have to go with Frank Frazetta, hands down. From the grotesque to sublime H.R. Giger. Often times when working with an artist as an editor I go online and send Giger and Frazetta reference and suddenly the artist gets it. John Howe is also in my consciousness when considering an approach to art or design.

5) What hero or villain would you like to change if you could and why?

Longshot. Take him back to his roots and focus on what makes his character so novel. His power only works when his intentions are true. It is simple but the way Nocenti and Adams played with it, magic. That is how I remember it. For villains...Galactus. I had an Exiles story featuring Galactus I submitted years ago. He is the last of his kind forced to destroy to survive. I could do a lot with that.

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Comics fans and kids of all ages! It’s that time again . . . Free Comic Book Day!

May 2nd, all day and every year, is Free Comic Book Day! So mark your calendar, save the date, and set a reminder on your cell phone, because you don’t want to miss all the action at comics shops across the nation.

As a special treat, Dark Horse has two, 2009 FCBD comics!

The first is an all-ages, Star Wars issue. But don’t worry, we wouldn’t be Dark Horse without a dash of horror for all the parents and adults, which is why we also have an Alien/Predator issue!

Make the trip to your local comics shop and meet fellow fans!

Here’s a list of some Dark Horse creators who will be signing in honor of FCBD:
(Please contact participating stores for times and details.)

Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden)
Comic Book Jones
2220 Forest Ave.
Staten Island, NY

Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi, Kull)
Fantom Comics
4500 Wisconsin Ave.
Washington D.C.

Tim Truman (Conan the Cimmerian)
The Comic Store
28 McGovern Ave., Station Square
Lancaster, PA

Jo Chen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Collector’s Corner
8108 Harford Rd. Building A
Baltimore, MD

Mohammed Haque and Ananth Panagariya (Applegeeks)
J&M Comics and Games
1213 Liberty Road Suite D
Eldersburg, MD

Matt and Shawn Fillbach (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Roadkill, Maxwell Strangewell)
Laughing Ogre
10647 Braddock Rd.
Fairfax, VA

Karl Moline (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, B.P.R.D.)
Famous Faces & Funnies
3000 W New Haven Ave.
West Melbourne, FL

Ramón Pérez (Star Wars)
The Beguiling
601 Markham St.
Toronto, Canada

Guy Davis (B.P.R.D.)
Green Brain Comics
13210 Michigan Ave.
Dearborn, MI

John Jackson Miller (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)
Galaxy Comics Games & More
925 Clark Street
Stevens Point, WI

Kurt Busiek (Conan)
Things From Another World
4133 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR

Camilla d’Errico (MySpace Dark Horse Presents)
Elfsar Collection LTD
1007 Hamilton St.
Vancouver BC, Canada

Henry Gilroy (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
House of Secrets
1930 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA

For more information, please visit www.freecomicbookday.com. Read more...