Comic News: Roddenberry's DAYS MISSING becomes GRAPHIC NOVEL

ARCHAIA AND RODDENBERRY ANNOUNCE DELUXE
‘DAYS MISSING’ HARDCOVER

GRAPHIC NOVEL COLLECTS ALL FIVE ISSUES
WITH A FORWARD BY WARREN ELLIS
PLUS A HOST OF NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN EXTRAS

Combining Archaia’s longstanding commitment to producing high-quality hardcover graphic novels and Roddenberry’s goal to produce sophisticated, intelligent and entertaining science fiction in the tradition of Star Trek, the companies announced today they will publish a deluxe Days Missing hardcover that collects all five issues of the critically acclaimed mini-series plus a host of extra features, available in February 2010.

The Days Missing hardcover is available for pre-order now through comic retailers (Diamond Item Number DEC09 0662) and online outlets like Amazon.com (ISBN 1-932386-84-X).

Days Missing tells the stories of a mysterious being known as “The Steward.” His ability to literally “fold” days of time has allowed him to secretly remove critical days from our shared history that have forever changed the course of mankind…or so he thinks. In these missing days, The Steward battles Frankenstein, the Spanish conquistadors and artificial lifeforms, among other history-shaping forces.

Archaia and Roddenberry Productions brought together four all-star creative teams to each work on standalone, reader-friendly issues of Days Missing that tie into the overall mini-series story arc. The writer/artist teams include: Phil Hester (Firebreather, The Darkness, Green Arrow) and Frazer Irving (Batman and Robin, Seven Soldiers of Victory) for issues 1 and 5; David Hine (Batman: Battle for the Cowl) and Chris Burnham (X-Men: Divided We Stand) for issue 2; Ian Edginton (Stormwatch) and Lee Moder (Legion of Super-Heroes) for issue 3; and Matz (The Killer) and Hugo Petrus (Wolverine: First Class) for issue 4. The legendary Dale Keown (The Incredible Hulk, Pitt) provided the main covers to each issue.

The extra features in the Days Missing hardcover include:

• A foreword written by the legendary Warren Ellis, award-winning creator of graphic novels such as Fell, Ministry of Space, Planetary and Transmetropolitan.
• A gallery featuring all 16 covers of the five issues.
• A collectible poster on the reverse side of the dust jacket, joining together all of Frazer Irving’s complete covers to Days Missing.
• Interviews with all of the writers and Roddenberry Productions’ Trevor Roth , creator of Days Missing.
• Revelation of the secret code contained in the Days Missing logo.
• A stat sheet of The Steward, plus a tour of his library.
• The evolution of a comic page, from script to pencils, inks, colors and letters.

Here is a sample of what the critics are saying about Days Missing:

“One of the best things that came out this year.”
– Blair Butler, G4’s Fresh Ink Online

“Innovative and cool.”
– Brendan McGuirk, Newsarama.com

“A rare treat.”
– Christopher Baggett, TheHomeWorld.net

“Poetic…beautiful…impressive.”
– Sara Lima, ComicVine.com

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Toy News: X-Men & X-Factor Sets Shipping Soon!

The new X-Men Minimate sets from Action Figure Xpress are nearing their December release and we’ve got updated pictures showing you everything included in these fantastic sets!

If you haven’t already, be sure to head over to Action Figure Xpress and pre-order these two exclusive sets celebrating the rich history of Marvel’s merry mutants! Click here to order the X-Men #1 set, here for the X-Factor #1 set and here to order both!

Look for the X-Factor #1 and X-Men #1 sets to ship later this month and be sure to look for the X-Factor Angel in Toys R Us and the X-Men #1 Angel in Marvel Minimates Series 32 to complete your sets! Also note that the flight stands featured in these pictures are not included in these sets but can be found with every Ghostbusters Slimer Minimate.

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Comic News: ARCHAIA PREVIEW: Days Missing #5

Archaia is pleased to offer a seven-page preview for Days Missing #5 (of 5), which goes on sale in comic shops Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. This is the final chapter in the acclaimed Archaia/Roddenberry mini-series.

DAYS MISSING #5 (of 5)
(W) Phil Hester (A) Frazer Irving (Cov) Dale Keown (main cover) and Frazer Irving (limited edition chase cover, offered as 1 in 4)

The Steward, humanity’s powerful and mysterious guardian, is challenged as never before. Not only is a ravenous artificial life form programmed to overrun the entire planet, but a shadowy figure whose power and motives make it The Steward's opposite number is stalking him as well. If you’re a fan of Planetary or Dr. Who, don’t miss this issue!

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 Young Adult (12 and up, contains mild violence)




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Toy News: Toy2R x Origami Qee Skate Deck Collaboration

Toy2R USA and Origami Skateboards (www.origamiskateboards.com) have collaborated to release three DIY inspired skate decks - just in time for the holidays.

Each limited edition deck is made from 100% Canadian Maple, 7 ply, and measures 8" x 32". Each design is limited to only 100 pieces and are priced at just $50 each.

Artist and Skateboarder, Bryan Hudson created his "Luchador Kaiju" using the Kaiju Qee Deck, showing just how easy it is to personalize and create your own deck.

Available for immediate shipping, just contact either:

Apex Trading Company - theapex@apex-z.com Origami Skateboards - info@origamiskateboards.com

Deck the halls with these Qee boards and show off your holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays from Toy2R USA

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Comic News: BOOM! STUDIOS HELPS CELEBRATE GOLDEN APPLE'S 30th ANNIVERSARY!

SALES EVENT 11am-5pm

A Los Angeles landmark in comic retailing, Golden Apple, will be turning 30 and BOOM! wants everyone to be there!

Golden Apple and Comic Book Resources kick off the All-Star Holiday Spectacular, Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 11am-5pm with giveaways, creator signings and a huge holiday sale!

BOOM! Studios will be there full force with a special unannounced guest, and sales on some of our top selling comics and graphic novels. So be sure to stop by and check us out!

What: Golden Apple All-Star Holiday Spectacular

When: Saturday December 12, 2009 – 11am-5pm

Where: Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Ave.
(At La Brea)
(323) 658-6074

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Toy Review: Justice League Unlimited Flash 3 Pack (Mattel)

Well the cartoon may be over but the Justice League Unlimited lives on.

We were fortunate to get from Mattel the Flash/Captain Cold/Captain Boomerang 3 pack, based on the "Flash and Substance" JLU episode.



Now, this is a great 3 pack we got from Mattel. The details are amazing, as always in line.

The 2 new characters are Captain Cold and Captain Boomerang, with the same Flash figure that we've been used to.

Boomerang is a great sculpt with little to no paint splash. The scarf is molded onto the torso, doesn't hinder any leg movement. The is also great detail in his cap.

Cold's costume is a 2 piece with the parka made from a flexible plastic, so it doesn't hinder the arms at all. The detail is great on this one too, as you can see the Captain's eyes through his shades.

The only unusual thing is, if you look at the card back, it shows a Flash with knee joints. Obviously this is just a pre-production picture, but it would have been great to have this feature in the Flash.

Overall, I highly recommend this set for any Flash or JLU fan.

Brian Isaacs
Executive Editor/Owner

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Comic News: Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic Episode 4 Video

Marvel is excited to present the Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic Episode 4 Video.

Marvel is proud to unveil your first look at episode 4 of the Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic! Based on the acclaimed story by superstars Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Captain America), the X-Men are faced with a mysterious new villain and a possible cure for the mutant gene! Now Cyclops, Wolverine and all your favorite mutants must face the greatest threats of their lives and, before it’s all done, experience one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Marvel history!

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Comic Review: The Anchor #3 (Boom! Studios)

Way More than the Sum of its Parts

In this new series from Boom!, Phil Hester and Brian Churilla manage to cobble together a whole string of storytelling clichés and make them not only interesting but borderline fascinating. Taken individually, the elements sound tired and overdone: a super-strong invulnerable super-being, ghosts and demons, secret government operatives, the “damsel in distress”, a set number of baddies that Mr. Protagonist must defeat, etc. Yet our hero's truly unique qualities enable the tale to elevate itself beyond any sort of mediocrity.



The Anchor is anchored (ahem) by none other than the Anchor himself. Guess what – he wears an anchor cross on his belt. The cross is the emblem of Saint Clement and the Anchor is a genuinely righteous dude – quoting Psalms and invoking God's guidance and sustenance as he fights giant demonic monsters. It's refreshing to have a good guy who's motivated by more than a vague sense of humanistic justice – it certainly provides a purer sense of myth than someone like Superman or Spider-Man.

But the universe being built by Hester is more than just a carbon copy of Christian belief. For one thing the series is rife with ghosts which are hardly much of a concept of orthodox Christianity. Also, the Anchor is stuck between two planes of existence – a sort of dualism that makes one think of Christ dying on the cross but then taking care of business in the nether regions prior to his resurrection. It's rather an ambitious concept and like other elements of the Anchor's existence we're given just enough new information to digest each issue. That sort of pacing is so difficult to do. Sometimes a comic will bombard the readers with too much information – Geoff Johns is sometimes guilty of this in Flash: Rebirth and Blackest Night – leaving us to scratch our heads in confusion. Other series (the current Ghost Riders – Heaven's On Fire mini-series springs to mind) plod on and on for many pages without providing any new salient information.

Churilla's artwork is an odd bag. At times it's rushed but acceptably so – you get the sense that he's a courtroom sketch artist breathlessly trying to document what he sees as the unbelievable scene whips before his eyes. The soldiers walking down the hallway on page 7 is rather sloppy but he immediately redeems himself when the Anchor reappears in frame. He always seems to draw the leading man with a Mignola Hellboy charm, putting in that extra oomph that can only come from having drawn the character countless times in preparation for the series. His interpretation of the mega-monster in each issue is also done with a tender attention to detail and visceral impact.

The lengthy letters column and suggested musical playlists are a sure sign that Phil and Brian are putting their guts and sweat into the Anchor, and that makes all the difference between a memorable series and all the bin-fodder that gets mercilessly churned out every week from the major publishers. Brian's playlist of black metal, grindcore and deathgrind also tells us that the creators are dead serious about the fire and brimstone stuff, so the series should become all the more interesting and engrossing as it progresses.

In stores Wednesday, December 9th

8/10

Adam P.
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Comic Review: The Devil's Handshake (Archaia)

A good comic should grab the reader by the seat of their pants on the first page. It’s got to pop, and sing, and do a little dance all over your imagination at the same time.

The Devil’s Handshake does just that.



Created by Director Ryan Schifrin (Abonimable) and co-written with Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine, etc) The Devil’s Handshake emulates so many aspects of popular culture in its first few pages it makes your head spin.
Schifrin and Hama are attempting to put force their way into a genre that’s already loaded to the brim with characters trying to fill the fedora of the best pulp character of all time. Where most have failed (have you ever seen any of the Mummy movies), Hama and Schifrin have made it out of the gate with out tripping over their own feet.

Partnered with relatively unknown artists Adam Archer and Lizzy John, the duo have established a story that gets the reader hooked, and quick.

Hama’s dialogue has always been a little campy, and anyone who’s read his stuff over the last twenty years can pick it out of a line-up. You quickly realize that Basil, a rough and tumble British soldier, and Moebius, a suave, if wordy ladies man, are in fact, well British.

Besides the slightly goofy dialogue, Hama really shines here. Beyond Basil and Moebius we’re introduced to Sophi Weidl (an Israeli Defense Force operative) as well as someone mysteriously known only as...The Collector.

Hama’s a master of plotter and designer of story arcs and you can tell that he’s got a story lined up for this cast of characters. I have no doubt that if he’s given enough time he can take the story and its reader on a ride that will last for years.

The main problem with this issue is he’s not given enough time to tell his story, at only 48 pages long, you can tell Hama’s been squished into telling the story in an abridged way.

I have no doubt this story line could have gone on a complete six issues, maybe it could go even longer. The story has a sense of becoming epic. If there are more chapters it can still get there, but right now, it’s lacking in that department.

The story would have been simply okay if not for the art. It’s the work of Archer and John that make up the for the weak points.

The colors are spectacular, the composition is cinematic. It’s really only a matter of time before this pair gets swooped up by one of the big companies. I’d love to see them stick around though to complete the story.

Will I pick up the next issue? Sure. Will I continue reading after that? I’m not sure. At $6 a pop it’s hard to stomach. If you’ve got the extra cash laying around and you see the book on the shelf think about picking it up. You won’t be disappointed.

Carl Keyser
Staff Reviewer Read more...

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Comics and Comics Celebrates Its 2 Year Anniversary

Comics and Comics is celebrating 2 years of all fanboy comedy on December 12th.



On Saturday, December 12th, Comic and Comics will be celebrating their 2 year anniversary at Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles, CA.

Comics preforming are:
Ed Salazar
Marly Halpern Grasser
Hugh Moore
Heather Thompson
Tom Franck

There'll be an open can sugar soda bar featuring Mexican Coke.

Where: 7522 Sunset Blvd, L.A., CA 90046
When: Saturday, December 12, 2009
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Comic News: WAID’S INCORRUPTIBLE HITS 12/16! FIRST LOOK!

MARK WAID WAS EVIL

MARK WAID
IS
INCORRUPTIBLE!

The Flip Side To This Year’s Break-Out Smash Hit IRREDEEMABLE!

A New Ongoing Series That Asks The Question:
What Happens When A Villain Becomes A Hero?

FIRST LOOK! – 5 PAGE PREVIEW

What happens when a villain becomes a hero? Find out on December 16th when BOOM! Studios' new series, INCORRUPTIBLE, the flip side to Mark Waid’s super hero epic IRREDEEMABLE, hits store shelves! Written by Waid and sporting sensational interior art by Jean Diaz (WONDER WOMAN), INCORRUPTIBLE features A & B covers by John Cassaday (ASTONISHING X-MEN) and Tim Sale (BATMAN: LONG HALLOWEEN) with a C cover by Jeffrey Spokes.

INCORRUPTIBLE showcases super villain Max Damage, who had an epiphany the day The Plutonian destroyed Sky City. That day, when The Plutonian turned his back on humanity, Max Damage decided to step up. Now Max Damage has changed his name to Max Daring and turned from his formerly selfish ways to become… INCORRUPTIBLE. The flip side to this year’s break-out smash hit IRREDEEMABLE, INCORRUPTIBLE examines the hard, difficult road to changing your ways and making a difference in the world.

“Buckle yourselves in and prepare for one of the best titles you’ve seen of this or any year,” said BOOM Marketing Director Chip Mosher. “And while you don’t need to be picking up IRREDEEMABLE to enjoy this new series, INCORRUPTIBLE continues Waid’s complex study of caped morality at the end of the world.”

INCORRUPTIBLE is an ongoing series written by Mark Waid, with sensational interior art by Jean Diaz (WONDER WOMAN). INCORRUPTIBLE #1 ships with two covers featuring art by John Cassaday (IRREDEEMABLE, PLANETARY) and Tim Sale (BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT, HEROES), and an incentive cover by Jeffrey Spokes. INCORRUPTIBLE carries a Diamond Code of OCT090784.




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Comic News: Hero Initiative and Marvel Comics-The Invincible Gene Colan

Hero Initiative and Marvel Comics
Proudly present
The Invincible Gene Colan

With more than 65 years at the drawing board, Gene Colan proved himself to be Marvel's most dedicated, and one of its most important artists. Now Hero Initiative and Marvel Comics have created a breathtaking collection that looks back at Colan’s important career and phenomenal work as no other volume has before. The Invincible Gene Colan is a 128-page hardcover book that showcases Gene’s amazing art, and includes important analysis from Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, John Romita, Walter Simonson, Neil Gaiman, Tom Spurgeon and Tom Palmer.

Originally solicited as a softcover, The Invincible Gene Colan is now a hardcover, at the same price of $19.99. Net proceeds will benefit Gene Colan. The book can be ordered in the Hero Initiative section of Diamond Previews, using order code DEC090880. Orders must be in by December 24, 2008, and the book will be in-stores February, 2010. Through special arrangement with Marvel Comics, there will be only ONE printing of this book EVER.

“As a fiction writer in the early 1990s, I had the profound good fortune of seeing Gene Colan illustrate several of my stories,” said book Editor Clifford Meth. “Then, last year, Gene contacted me with the hopes of finally retiring. That call sparked the genesis of this book. The Invincible Gene Colan is a lasting and long-overdue tribute to perhaps the greatest master to touch the comic art form. Gene Colan is the Bob Dylan of visual storytelling. He is quite simply without peer.”

"It's quite an honor to have the most iconic, respected and beloved comic book company, Marvel Comics, publish a book honoring my career,” said Gene Colan. “It was apparent from the time I was a young boy that I had talent drawing. As I grew older, I began to sharpen my skills and point them in the direction of comics, my passion. Since 1946 it's been a thrill for me to be part of the Marvel family. And it really is a family! The Invincible Gene Colan is the culmination of a 63 year relationship with Marvel. I'm deeply grateful!"

Please place your orders with your favorite retailer immediately. You will not want to miss out on adding this amazing collection.

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