Woefully unoriginal and rather unsatisfyingBoom Studios! often gives the impression of preferring quantity over quality. No sooner did they nab the Mickey Mouse/Donald Duck stable of comics than are they churning out a plethora of related titles, including Disney's Hero Squad: Ultraheroes.
Divided into two parts, we first find the Duck Avenger in combat with the Ink Blot over an ultrapod (a sort of infinity fractal à la Mavel Super Hero Squad). Their sparring is mind-numbingly mundane, with the requisite near-misses with subway trains, super powers which permit freezing and melting, and inane chatter.
Now perhaps some comics fans will be content to see this same sort of super-hero clash over and over again like an overweight sports fan slogging down beer and chips as he whiles away the bright summer days watching baseball games. But I for one cannot stand for such lack of creativity in comic books, which are meant to be a creative medium and not a mere repetition of tasks as if they were mimicking a factory job.
The second vignette in the first half of the book has Mickey looking at security tapes then getting captured by a Doctor Octopus doppelgänger. While reviewing the recordings, Mickey's flashlight and pile of papers shift from one side to another, further proof of Boom! releasing a speedily-produced product into marketplace.
The second half of the book is a translated reprint of a story from Europe and is far superior to the beginning of the issue. It goes to show that the Duck characters can be made fascinating and loveable when in the hands of the right craftsmen. However, as soon as this origin story of the Red Bat really gets rolling, it's abruptly cut off by the book's page number limit - extremely frustrating for a children's book. There's a good reason why kid fare like DC Super Friends have one story per issue - because the wee folk want to know the ending!
Overall, the book is a letdown from an art and writing point of view in the first half and from an editing point of view in the second half. Makes one wonder why Boom! even bothers to release individual issues instead of Trade Paperbacks right off the bat.
Part One: Good & Evil
Writer: Alessandro Ferrari
Artist: Antonello Dalena
Part Two: Origin of the Red Bat
Writer: Ivan Saidenberg
Artist: Carlos Edgard Herrero
In stores March 31, 2010
Adam Paige
Senior Reviewer
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A few of the Post staffers got together Wednesday night to discuss Blackest Night on the release day of Blackest Night #8, the final book in the event that spanned almost a year in the DC Universe. Would the Blackest Night be a bright spot in the realm of crossover events, or would it be a black mark on DC's record? After a few technological hiccups, Chip Carroll, Jake Johnston, and I were ready to get the discussion started. (Spoilers ahead, so make sure you've read Blackest Night #8 before you read on.)
Stacey Rader: Alright, so Blackest Night--who wants to kick it off?
Jake Johnston: I was totally satisfied, but [I] have lots of questions. The Sinestro development got swept under the carpet too fast and whatever happened to Scarecrow?
SR: True, Jake. I was wondering the same thing about Scarecrow. Overall, I was impressed at how much they accomplished and how far reaching the consequences seem to be.
Chip Carroll: I agree with the questions. I picked up all the DC books that came with the story line, but like Jake said, [I have] many questions. It was one of the better series I have read over the past few years.
JJ: Agreed. I think it really raised the bar for major crossover series. It avoided many pitfalls we've seen in the past, like spreading things too thin and contrived plots just for the sake of including every title and character.
CC: This was a way for DC to bring back some of their old heroes using comic book logic.
JJ: Johns is such a student of old school practices and characters - the end results shouldn't be too surprising considering that.
SR: Totally. Some of them I was really excited to see, like Shiara, but others, like Max Lord, not so much. Maybe it's the Wonder Woman fan in me, but I wanted her Amazonian justice to stick.
JJ: Yeah - this will become frustrating if the Blackest Night consequences just rewrite everything that other plotlines have established.
CC: The last book had a better ending than most of the other big spotlight stories. The future of DC will change.
JJ: On a technical note, I love the surprise that a gatefold page can bring, but the placement between those sequential pages was a little awkward.
SR: So true, Jake. I was afraid it was going to be an ad, so I was glad it actually had something to do with the story.
LC: I can't wait to see what happens to the [Green Lantern] Corps. There were open stories with the Corps before Blackest Night and also Sinestro Wars.
JJ: I didn't read any of the side mini series - do you guys feel you got more out of Blackest Night for having read 'em?
SR: In some ways I think it did. Blackest Night: Wonder Woman really explained why making her a Star Sapphire made sense. Other titles, like the single issue relaunches, were just fun bonus stories.
CC: The side stories were good; the Teen Titans did play a part in the overall story.
JJ: I thought that the single issue revivals were one of the best marketing ideas we've seen in a long time - and it made total sense withing the context of the dead coming back to life.
SR: I didn't really read Green Lantern before this (much to my husband's dismay), but I think I'm going to stick with it. What about you guys? Did you read Green Lantern before? And does this make you want to keep up with it going forward?
JJ: I've always been a big Green Lantern fan, and really love Johns' work on the book - it's pretty exciting to see a b-list hero having such an effect on the rest of the DCU.
CC: I've been reading Green Lantern Corps since it came out a few years back. I have always like Guy, even back in the days when Guy had his own series. Probably will not continue to read Green Lantern; I don't like Hal.
SR: I'll say this, I have always been more of a DC fan, and this cements my love of the DCU. You can tell they really planned out this event and the repercussions. Well, except Scarecrow. But Johns is not one to leave loose ends, so I imagine Scarecrow is hiding somewhere with his Yellow Lantern ring waiting for his moment.
CC: The Blackest Night story has given me faith in DC again. [I] will start reading the major story lines.
SR: One of the biggest moments for me was in the last issue of Power Girl, where Palmiotti and Gray give a lighthearted nod to Blackest Night.
JJ: It's been really interesting reading this AND Marvel's Siege at the same time. I think they're both excellent examples of what a major crossover event can be - but they're both so different. Great illustrations of the difference between the DC spirit and the Marvel spirit.
CC: I have not read any Siege. I lost hope for Marvel over a year ago. The best part of the Blackest Night series was the rings the comic stores gave out with new issues.
JJ: The rings really were a great gimmick. Way to keep it fresh, DC.
SR: Agreed. I loved getting the rings. Definitely made for some fun pictures. From what I understand they're carrying that into Brightest Day.
CC: Yes, they are carrying the rings over.
JJ: At last year's SDCC, people at the Geoff Johns panel kept asking him to do an Aquaman Rebirth book and he kept tight lipped the whole time. Now we know why he was smiling.
SR: Reading Blackest Night made me wish Geoff Johns could write every title. I even bought the issue of Tiny Titans he wrote.
CC: Hell, i loved the Smallville [episode] Absolute Justice.
MassMessage: I did too, LC. Geoff Johns can make me care about characters I didn't care about before.
JJ: With Johns' new title [as Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment], it looks like we won't be doing as much writing. I don't see his name on as many books in the new issue of Previews.
JJ: From what I hear, Blackest Night was much better organized and edited than Morrison's Final Crisis crossovers - do you guys agree?
SR: I agree. It was good up until the last part of the last issue, when in typical Grant Morrison fashion, he just kinda goes a little off topic.
JJ: Let's talk about the amazing art - I think that Reis must be the new George Perez with all those massive group scenes. I liked the way that he seemed to be channeling Neal Adams when DM takes off his mask.
SR: The art was amazing, to be sure. Nice call on the Perez connection. I loved the spectral portrayals, as well. It was cool to see what emotions drove each character.
LC: The group artwork was great. The pages were easy to follow and read. The colors mesh so well together with the colors of the rings. Even the black gave life to the pages.
SR: I have to say that's not usually my favorite style, but it worked for Blackest Night.
SR: So here's a question: What do you think Boston Brand is feeling when he says he's not supposed to be here? Sadness? Bewilderment?
CC: He was feeling lost out of place. He did not belong.
JJ: That was weird and ominous - like he knows something that's wrong and they're setting us up to find out later there'll be some serious ramifications. Perhaps Deadman will be playing a bigger part in the DCU soon.
JJ: I'll be curious to find out why not everyone, like Ralph & Sue, came back. That's definitely a storyline waiting to happen.
SR: That's a good point--I wonder if that goes back to 52? I didn't read all of it, but I do remember an issue where Ralph messed with some weird forces to bring back Sue.
CC: There are a lot of new stories lines waiting to happen. That is why there are big gaps and small holes.
JJ: I think that one of Johns' major strengths is how he's able to end every issue with a big reveal that leaves you hanging. I think that with the popularity of trade paperbacks, that kind of writing is key to keep monthly books alive.
SR: I love Larfleeze. Such great comic relief, which was total Johns--right in the middle of something awful. I'll tell you a character I'd like to see more of is Saint Walker. His Tales of the Corps story was one of the best stories I've read.
JJ: Yeah, that Saint Walker story was amazing.
SR: I am excited to see what they do with Return of Bruce Wayne, and I love the nod to Bruce not being dead. I've been a Batman fan since I read Batman and the Outsiders as a kid.
CC: I cant wait to see what happens to Black Hand.
JJ: Do you guys think we're ever going to know what the Indigo Lanterns are talking about, or is it just always gonna be mysterious and open to interpretation?
SR: That's a good question. I tend to think we may never know what they're saying, but we haven't seen the last of them.
CC: I think DC has plans in the works.
JJ: The weakest point for me was in #8 when suddenly everyone just *becomes* a white lantern - as if the book was being written by a motivational speaker. A bit trite and abrupt.
SR: The whole "I want to LIVE!" bit was a little cheesy, but I get it. I had a total geek out moment with Halo in Outsiders, when she went back to her original form as an elemental. I told my husband before all this started that she would play a part somehow.
JJ: Yeah, that's definitely a trademark of Geoff Johns and I've learned to live with it as long as the rest of what he does has substance.
CC: Yeah, that was cheesy, but remember we are reading stories of adults in brightly colored spandex.
JJ: Touche.
SR: I get the impression he's a very happy-go-lucky guy. I follow him on Twitter, and his tweets are generally silly. (Like "Aw yeah, weekend!") But I mean, how couldn't you be if you were in his shoes? The guy gets paid to write comics and go to comic shows. He's living the fan's dream.
JJ: Yeah, he's absolutely a fan first. That's key to why his stories are the way they are - it's one of us writing these characters.
SR: So is Blackest Night something you would recommend to other comic readers?
JJ: Definitely! Although, there's a lot more satisfaction from it if you're familiar with past plotlines that Geoff Johns is obviously tapping. Like when Blackest Night started out, it was almost like a sequel to Identity Crisis.
SR: True. I don't think Blackest Night is what you hand to a non-comic reader as an introduction.
CC: Yes I would recommend.
SR: Is there anything else you want to say or discuss about Blackest Night?
JJ: Wow, it seems like there should be a lot to say about a series that packs so much into just 8 issues. But we all seemed to come away with is the questions and loose threads at the end. But in this case it's a good thing and I'm really excited that DC is letting Johns use their universe as his canvas with, apparently, no restraints.
SR: Yeah, this is the first time I've come away with questions after a series and seen it as a good thing. But maybe that should be the point of series like this--to set up new stories.
JJ: Again, this is his MO - Flash Rebirth did nothing but set up questions for the new regular series. It's as if Blackest Night was a way for Johns to introduce all these new ideas and fresh starts, and now the whole DCU is gonna have to run with it. Pretty impressive undertaking.
SR: Agreed. DC put its future in Johns' hands.
JJ: and that's a good line to end - it really sums it up. Fans of Johns could tell that for a while, but now everyone knows.
SR: So true. That's how we'll end it.
And there you have it. We at Pendragon's were impressed by the scope and influence this event had on the DC universe. Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, and the rest of the writers and artists (not to mention editors, inkers, letterers, etc.) who worked on this project are to be applauded for what they achieved. Blackest Night set the standard for what a universe-wide crossover event should be, and we are all looking forward to what's in store during the Brightest Day and after.
*Special thanks to Chip Carroll and Jake Johnston for making this discussion possible.
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Premier publisher at the forefront of digital distribution
Store front apps available today for
IDW Comics, TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and Star Trek
Video demonstration of IDW comics on the iPad available here
IDW Publishing is proud to announce that the hugely anticipated Apple iPad will feature four IDW comics applications today at launch. Taking full advantage of the iPad’s full –screen, full-color capabilities, each IDW store front will offer the next level of reading experience to fans. The free IDW iPad comic shop apps each include a selection of comics with the initial download, and offer more comics as in-app purchases. Fans can choose apps for their favorite brands, like Star Trek, G.I. JOE and TRANSFORMERS, or download the IDW Comics app for access to all the company’s iPad releases.
Each store front app will offer readers the highest quality viewing experience, with a full-page display that showcases the eye-catching art and vivid stories. IDW has developed several new features to enhance the comics and take full advantage of the iPad’s capabilities.
“The iPad is a wonderful format for comics, as the screen size is close enough to the print size that readers can view the full page,” said IDW Director of ePublishing, Jeff Webber. “Our iPad apps are also compatible with our iPhone and iPod touch apps. So you can purchase a comic shop apps on one device, and read it on another. The apps will automatically identify which one you are using, and adjust to offer the best reading experience.”
IDW was the first comics publisher to launch its own "in app purchase" storefronts for the iPhone and iPod touch with not one, but four new comic shop applications. For fans of G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS and Star Trek, IDW has introduced new comic applications that offer full collections all in one app. The company also introduced the IDW Comics app, which collects the entire digital catalog. All IDW store front apps are powered by iVerse (http://www.iversecomics.com/).
IDW currently has over 400 individual issues available through the App Store, with more available every week. IDW comics are currently available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch through the App Store.
Visit IDWPublishing.com to sign up for updates and learn more about the company and its top-selling books.
About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for EA Comics and ComicMix.
IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.
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Image Comics announces exciting new projects at WonderCon 2010
Image Comics took its show on the road -- across the Bay that is -- to make big announcements at its hometown show, WonderCon. On Saturday, THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW presented a slew of ongoing and upcoming projects from Erik Larsen, Frank Cho, Jonathan Ross, men of action Joe Casey and Steve Seagle, and Richard Starkings.
EMPEROR LARSEN
Erik Larsen discussed the upcoming story arc for SAVAGE DRAGON, entitled EMPEROR DRAGON. Following the events of the DRAGON WAR, Savage Dragon remains his evil self, Emperor Kurr. Without the opposition to stop him, the ex-cop, ex-superhero makes a play to conquer the planet.
Also announced: SAVAGE DRAGON FUNNIES, a 12-issue series of backup stories that starts with May's SAVAGE DRAGON #160. A select and talented group of artists contributed short tales representing their take on the Dragonverse. Creators include Michel Fiffe, Andrew Dimitt, Kiel West, Delsante and Freire, Ulises Farinas, Chris Sanderson, Conoro Hughes, Kat Roberts, Hyendo Park, Pedro Camargo, Jason Thibodeaux, and Joe Keatinge and Deep 6 Studio.
FIFTY ON CHO
Frank Cho reported on 50 GIRLS 50, an all-new miniseries masterminded by Cho and co-writer Doug Murray (THE 'NAM). Newcomer Alex Medellin, the winner of a talent search curated by Cho and Murray, is illustrating based on designs by Cho. The series will be launching in August.
DOWNE WITH CASEY
Joe Casey announced his new one-shot, created with Chris Burnham: OFFICER DOWNE. A lone Badass With A Badge takes on the scourge of the criminal underworld, and this is one cop that'll keep coming back for more...even from beyond the grave! OFFICER DOWNE will be available in July.
ON A CRUSADE WITH SEAGLE
Steve Seagle announced the collection of THE CRUSADES, his incredible tale of an enigmatic 11th century Crusader that renders terrible justice on 21st century San Francisco. This remastered volume collects - for the first time - the macabre Vertigo series created by Seagle and artist Kelley Jones. THE CRUSADES vol. 1, collecting THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE and issues #1-9, will be available in July.
Also announced: FRANKIE STEIN, an adorable full-color oversized children's book drawn by Marco Cinello (SOUL KISS). Frankie Stein is just another kid, growing up the way kids do. Except Frankie has green skin, bolts in his neck, and lives in a giant castle. FRANKIE STEIN will be available Fall 2010.
ROSS ON AMERICAN TURF
Jonathan Ross made a rare American appearance and discussed his new five-issue miniseries TURF, which is drawn by Tommy Lee Edwards. Ross discussed the transition from eternally popular UK television host and long-time comics fan to comics creator. Issue #1 is available April 7, but a convention exclusive variant is available at the Image Comics booth, #407.
STARKINGS MAKES A MOVE TO THE SCREEN
Richard Starkings had huge news for the crowd: ELEPHANTMEN has been optioned for a movie! He also discussed ELEPHANTMEN #25, a special issue in which the story is told by a series of guest artists in astonishing splash pages. Artists include Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), Tim Sale (BATMAN: LONG HALLOWEEN), Pia Guerra (Y: THE LAST MAN), and more! ELEPHANTMEN #25 will be available later in April.
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
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IDW's Transformers series continues on its dark and winding path with issue number 5. The looming conflict between the Autobots, Ultra Magnus, and Rodimus's renegade group of Cybertronians comes to a head in the new issue while Optimus continues his voluntary incarceration. Meanwhile, the Decepticons live up to their name...
The art is particularly good in this issue, particularly in the early pages featuring Optimus Prime. The art features a style that is very cool and detailed but still clear and based on classic Transformers. The character models seem to be halfway between the movie characters and those of the Classics/Universe toys. The art also recalls the Japanese roots of the franchise and in those early pages, Optimus looks very much like a futuristic samurai robot.
The Stunticons get a lot of attention in this issue, which is nice as these evil counterparts to the Autobots have been underused in Transformers media. A subplot involves the recovery of the deactivated Breakdown from the Spike Witwitcky and Skywatch. The issue ends with the betrayal of the Decepticons and the formation of Menasor. The art on these last half dozen panels is really stunning.
Overall, Transformers #5 continues the quality storytelling that we have come to expect from this new ongoing series, which is unafraid to take some risks with its characters and storytelling. So far a main character has been killed, the beloved leader of the Autobots is so doubtful about his role in the war that he has taken himself out of the equation, Ultra Magnus is a total schmuck, and Rodimus is a dumbass. I for one am happy that the writers are taking these very familiar characters and finding new aspects of their personalities to show off in a compelling story.
Patrick Garone
Creative Director
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Matty took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions.
1. Toyguru and Matty confirmed several times that the hyper-stylized, so called ‘anime” look of the 200X figures, should be retired for good. And also that POP/NA/200X figures that didn’t have an action figure in the ‘80s MOTU line would be introduced in MOTUC, sculpted in the same way as if the figure was going to be made in the ‘80s but with added detail and improved articulation. However She-Ra and Count Marzo were sculpted with static body parts that are entirely reminiscent of the 200X line and NECA statues (windblown hair for both and windblown cape for Marzo). This is a very modern approach to action figure sculpting that didn’t even exist in the ‘80s. Although it might make head movement easier it actually limits pose-ability in the sense that the figures can only be posed in display settings that allow for blowing wind (it’s impossible to place them in settings like the indoors of Castle Grayskull or Royal Palace where there is supposed to be no wind). Online polls done on the Mattycollector forums show that collectors would prefer “vintage style” neutrally positioned hair and capes. Why have Mattel and/or the Four Horsemen opted for such a modern approach for these two figures, in a line that is supposed to be strictly classic?
This was actually noted by upper management and we will be toning down the amount of wind blown hair, etc. on figures for a more unified Classic look. The direction for the current line is to avoid the "anime" interpretation of the 2002 line as that look is retired.
2. We know you can’t comment on specific characters that haven’t been announced, but are “civilian” “historical” DC characters like Sgt. Rock or Jonah Hex being considered for a DCU treatment?
Absolutely!
3. On Mattycollector.com, you explained what the status descriptions meant, but you forgot one. Can you explain when it says “Currently Unavailable”?
This description means we are sold out but more may come in one day when we go into another run - like what we did for Stratos.
4. With all the constant problem there are every month with Digital River, are you looking into change to another provider?
We are committed to delivering the best service possible but we can not comment specifically on our relationship with Digital River.
5. Back to the Walmart issue, you keep saying Mattycollector is listening to the fans. But doing another wave exclusive to a store that has proven time & time again that they don’t care about the DCU line, doesn’t seem like you are listening to the fans. The fans are frustrated & just about had it with Walmart Waves. We do not want another exclusive wave. We want all waves available everywhere.
While we do listen to fans on our lines we also listen to retailers. Doing an exclusive wave for Wal-Mart is part of an overall strategy to bring DCUC to Wal-Mart stores and while we do take fan comments, this is not a particular issue we can let the fans vote on.
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Access to Over 500 of Marvel’s Greatest Titles Including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man and Hulk
Marvel Entertainment is proud to announce the launch of the Marvel Comics App for iPad on the App Store. This landmark app launches with over 500 of Marvel’s greatest comic books, from classic stories to modern tales, featuring Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor and more of the world’s most popular Super Heroes. The Marvel Comics App brings the world of Marvel to iPad owners with each comic presented at incredibly high resolution possible on iPad’s full color screen, a user-friendly search engine, innovative viewing options and more.
“We’re excited to introduce an unparalleled digital comic experience to our fans with the Marvel Comics App for iPad,” said Dan Buckley, publisher & CEO, Marvel Publishing. “The iPad is the first device that offers us a chance to present digital comics that are even close to replicating the experience of reading a print comic. This new world of digital comics distribution provides us great opportunities to reach new readers, allow consumers to sample our diverse stories and characters, and we believe it will drive these new fans into the App Store and local comic shops each week to find even more.”
Fans will be granted unrivaled access to Marvel’s rich library of comics, with launch titles ranging from the first appearances of characters such as Spider-Man and the X-Men to modern classics like the debut of Red Hulk, Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed Fantastic Four run, Joss Whedon & John Cassaday’s Astonishing X-Men and lots more. Every comic available through the Marvel Comics App is optimized for the iPad through painstaking re-coloring and re-digitizing of select content.
Marvel worked with ComiXology to create the perfect app for new readers, offering the option to preview three pages from each available comic before purchasing and a cutting edge recommendation engine for every fan to find a comic they’re sure to love. The app also arms fans with a handy comic shop locator, allowing them to find their local retailer’s address and phone number and then journey even further into the Marvel Universe. To further enhance the mobile reading experience on the iPad, the Marvel Comics App features multiple viewing modes, taking readers panel-by-panel through the comic book in a smooth, action-packed progression using just the swipe of a finger.
The Marvel Comics App for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Individual comics are priced at just $1.99 each with new content arriving every week.
To commemorate this historic event, Marvel is offering select titles free for a limited time, such as New Avengers #1, which launched a new era for super hero comics; Captain America #1, Invincible Iron Man #1 & Thor #1, the perfect place for new readers to discover the titular heroes; and Super Hero Squad #1, suited for fans of all ages, especially our youngest ones.
The Marvel Comics App is also available for iPhone and iPod touch. For all the details on Marvel’s historic announcement and a closer look at the Marvel Comics App, please visit www.marvel.com/iPad.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com/
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LOS ANGELES-BASED PUBLISHER HEADS NORTH TO MINGLE WITH BAY AREA FANS
Eager to start its 2010 Archaia All Access Convention Tour, Archaia Entertainment announced it is exhibiting at Comic-Con International’s WonderCon, Northern California's premiere comics and popular arts event, to be held at Moscone Center South in San Francisco April 2-4, 2010.
The publisher will set up shop at Booth #813 where it will offer for sale copies of its latest hardcover offerings, including The Killer Vol. 2, Days Missing Vol. 1, Gunnerkrigg Court Vol. 2 and Robotika Vol. 2: For a Few Rubles More. There will also be many free giveaways and the opportunity to meet with several Archaia creators, including Chandra Free (The God Machine), Patrick McEvoy (Starkweather), Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!), Josh Finney and Kat Rocha (Titanium Rain), and a bevy of writers and artists who are working on the upcoming Fraggle Rock comic series, including Heather White, Jeff Stokely, Leigh Dragoon and Adrianne Ambrose.
“This is what we live for! It’s fantastic to be able to come out and meet our fans, reward them with some cool giveaways and tease them with some subtle hints of what exciting projects are coming next from Archaia,” said Archaia Marketing Manager Mel Caylo. “This is the first time at WonderCon for many of our staff, and we’re looking forward to the Comic-Con International group putting on a phenomenal show!”
The Archaia booth will be open on Friday, April 2 from 12-7 p.m.; Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. In addition, the publisher will present a panel in Room 236/238 on Sunday, April 4 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. to speak about some exciting new developments, including the announcement of several new titles. In addition to the creators listed above, on hand to speak about their projects will be Michael McMillian (Lucid) and Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor), plus there’s always the potential of a surprise “speaker”!
Archaia is always interested in publishing creator-owned comic books in the adventure, fantasy, horror, pulp noir and science fiction genres that contain idiosyncratic and atypical writing and art, so submissions will be accepted at the booth all weekend. If you would like to leave behind a submission, please consult the “Submissions” section on the Archaia website (www.Archaia.com) for criteria.
After WonderCon, the Archaia All Access Convention Tour will make stops at C2E2 (April 16-18 in Chicago, Ill.), The LA Times Festival of Books (April 24-25 in Los Angeles, Calif.), San Diego Comic-Con (July 21-25 in San Diego, Calif.), Baltimore Comic-Con (August 27-28 in Baltimore, Md.), New York Comic Con (Oct. 8-10 in New York, N.Y.) and Long Beach Comic Con (Oct. 29-31 in Long Beach, Calif.).
About Archaia
Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful material that perpetually transforms minds. With a slate including the popular Eisner Award-winning title Mouse Guard, as well as Gunnerkrigg Court, Roddenberry Productions’ Days Missing, Robotika, Awakening, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Artesia and the Publisher’s latest additions of Titanium Rain; Tumor; The God Machine; The Jim Henson Company library; and Mr. Murder Is Dead and Lucid with Before the Door Pictures, Archaia has become synonymous with quality content.
For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/archaiacomics), MySpace (myspace.com/archaiacomics) and Twitter (twitter.com/archaiacomics).
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Detective John Mcclane? No sir, this is beat cop Officer Mcclane. Assigned to foot patrol during the 4th of July celebration in the heart of New York City, it seemed it was going to be a long,hot day for John Mcclane. 
After some time it turns out that Mcclane scores some kind of luck when a wealthy women notices the handsome cop and asks the Commissioner of the NYPD himself that Officer Mcclane help with security on her yacht for a who's who party that night. Mcclane agrees but knows what the lady has in mind, and it's not Security. The plot of the series unfolds on the boat that night. It turns out to be a staged robbery/hit job and Officer Mcclane is there to kick some serious ass. Like the hero we know and love, Mcclane saves the day and ends up getting a promotion to Detective.
This book is a guilty pleasure of mine. The story starts off a little slow but you have to remember that this is the first time your seeing John Mcclane. It's interesting as you get a lot of back story on John Mcclane, like the fact that he served in Vietnam and how the war affected him.I'm glad to see that this book is getting more then just one run as the second series of year one books are already out and following Detective Mcclane on another busy day in the NYPD I'm sure.
Rick Alaia
Staff Reviewer
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It takes a lot for me to read a vampire story these days. With the media being plagued with vampire stories, I tend to shy away from them, just because I am tired of fangs and pale skin showing up everywhere. That's not to say I don't like vampires; I just don't like sub-par storytelling, especially when it comes to vampires. When I read the synopsis of Top Cow's Impaler, I decided to put my prejudices aside and give this vampire story a try. I am glad I did. William Harms and Matt Timson have created a story that is a solid vampire story, but also tells the story of humanity in crisis.
The premise is pretty straightforward: vampires have taken over the US, and those that are still alive are trying to survive. The survivors are a couple of GIs, a mother and child, a widower, and two dark horse heroes, Vlad and Victor. The tales of the survivors reminded me of reading Walking Dead, in that the monsters everyone's running from both polarize and unify--some people, like the widower, extend kindness to strangers in times of crisis. Others take what they can get in order to survive.
It's always interesting to me to see how vampires are portrayed in a story, whether they're the charismatic undead, charming the female population, or if they're more base creatures, lacking the ability to speak and even rejecting human needs like clothes. The vampires in this story are more of the latter. They can speak, but they are very pale and monster-like.
Harms' writing is beautifully complemented by Matt Timson's art. Timson's style visually depicts the bleakness the survivors face, where landscapes and interiors in neutral tans and grays give way to pools and spatters of blood. My favorite scenes were the wide angle shots, especially of the New Mexico desert.
I read this book not knowing what to expect, and I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. For something I had not heard of until this issue, it was one of the best out of the blue reads I've encountered in a while. This is a must-read for any horror comic fan.
Stacey Rader
Review Editor
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Amidst the superhero comics BOOM! Studios brings us Incorruptible, about a former villain, Max Damage, who is now trying to save the world from the Plutonian, a thinly-veiled Superman clone, who is hell-bent on destroying the humanity he once fought to save. In the latest chapter, Mark Waid continues telling an engaging story that packs plenty of action into this story of redemption.
This issue opens with Max telling Lt. Armadale more of his story about the death and destruction caused by former hero the Plutonian. Armadale still has some suspicions about Damage's motives, but for the most part he's on board with Damage's plans. Max is going to see an old enemy, and the action carries on from there. Once again Jailbait makes an appearance. I enjoy her character a great deal, especially her teenage tantrums.
Jean Diaz's art is spot on for this issue. From the opening Plutonian carnage to the cliffhanger ending, every panel is filled with color and movement fitting for the tone of the story. Cover art duties are shared by Rafael Albuquerque, Dennis Calero, and Jeffrey Spokes. My favorite cover is Albuquerque's, which could be because I'm a fan of his art, and because I'm a fan of giant robots. Plus Max's deadpan reaction is priceless.
Waid is right at home with this character and storyline, and as with most of his work, I'm left wanting more. Definitely pick up this title--it is a new twist on the superhero shtick that won't disappoint.
Stacey Rader
Review Editor
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Boom studios bring to the pages another Disney story. This is another tale of magic and adventure from the world of Disney. Mickey’s teacher is kidnapped and held for ransom. Mickey, Goofy, and Donald decide to go on a quest to attend a magic tournament to help raise money for the release of Mickey’s teacher. While the three heroes are traveling to the tournament they run in to monsters and villains from the classical Disney universe.
This comic stays true to the classic Disney characters. The artwork is also reminiscence of the classic Disney movies and other animated tales. This story is well written and full of little surprises. The plot of this series in not an original idea, many fantasy novels and comics repeat the magic tournament in their pages. I don’t consider the magic tournament a bad thing, just a bit over used in story lines.
Sometime you forget the simple things in life. This was a nice fun comic book to read. At first I did not want to read this comic because it was a comic for kids, but this comic did bring back the kid in me. I loved the cartoony style artwork. The story was simple, but fun. As adults readers we forget that comics were originally written for kids.
Stop watching reality television and read a book.
Chip Carroll
Staff Reviewer
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Marvel is proud to unveil your first look at the hotly-anticipated Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #1, from two of today’s most acclaimed talents—Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert!
Spider-Man and Wolverine come together in their first major series ever, as they journey to the edges of a Marvel Universe in a new series that will dramatically affect both characters! Perfect for fans old and new alike, no one can afford to miss the senses-shattering Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #1!
ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN/WOLVERINE #1 (MAR100471)
ASTONISHING SPIDER-MAN/WOLVERINE #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT (MAR100472)
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils & Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Foilogram Variant Cover by ADAM KUBERT
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—4/15/10, ON-SALE—5/5/10
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Marvel Entertainment, LLC. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
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BOOM! STUDIOS GUESTS INCLUDE:
28 DAYS LATER/DINGO's Michael Alan Nelson
TOY STORY 's Nathan Watson
SCHEDULED SIGNINGS & PANELS
Friday, April 2, 2010 - Booth #619
All Day – Signing with Michael Alan Nelson.
Saturday, April 3, 2010 - Booth #619
All Day – Signing with Michael Alan Nelson.
2:00 – 3:00pm – BOOM! Studios BIG! BOLD! BOOM! Panel (Room 232/234)
4:00 – 5:00pm – Portfolio review with BOOM! Studios editor Ian Brill (East Mezzanine Room 214)
Sunday, April 3, 2010 - Booth #619
All Day – Signing with Michael Alan Nelson.
The 2010 BOOM! Studios' LIGHT THE FUSE convention tour continues at WonderCon 2010. Here are the full tour dates:
BOOM! STUDIOS
LIGHT THE FUSE TOUR 2010
Keep an eye out for us, we might be coming to a town near you!
April 14-15 - Diamond Retailer Summit - Chicago, Illinois
April 16-18 - C2E2 - Chicago, Illinois
April 24-25 - Calgary Entertainment Expo - Calgary Canada
April 24-25 - L.A. Times Festival of Books - L.A, California
May 22 - Summit City Comic Con - Fort Wayne, IN
May 27-30 - Phoenix Comicon - Phoenix, Arizona
May 25-27 - Book Expo America - New York, New York
June 4-6 - HeroesCon - Charlotte, North Carolina
June 25-28 - ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition - Washington DC
July 21-25 - Comic-Con International - San Diego, California
August 27-29 - Fan Expo Canada - Toronto,Canada
August 28-29 - Baltimore Comic-Con - Baltimore, MD
October 8-10 - New York Comic Con - New York, New York
October 29-31 - Long Beach Comic Con - L.A., California
About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry’s biggest talents, including Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. BOOM!’s children publishing imprint BOOM Kids! publishes titles such as Pixar’s THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney’s THE MUPPETS, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES.
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Well, it's April Fool's Day & Mattel decided to have some fun the Q&A this time around.We at Pendragon's Post are not amused at all.
1. Toyguru and Matty confirmed several times that the hyper-stylized, so called 'anime" look of the 200X figures, should be retired for good. And also that POP/NA/200X figures that didn't have an action figure in the '80s MOTU line would be introduced in MOTUC, sculpted in the same way as if the figure was going to be made in the '80s but with added detail and improved articulation. However She-Ra and Count Marzo were sculpted with static body parts that are entirely reminiscent of the 200X line and NECA statues (windblown hair for both and windblown cape for Marzo). This is a very modern approach to action figure sculpting that didn't even exist in the '80s. Although it might make head movement easier it actually limits pose-ability in the sense that the figures can only be posed in display settings that allow for blowing wind (it's impossible to place them in settings like the indoors of Castle Grayskull or Royal Palace where there is supposed to be no wind). Online polls done on the Mattycollector forums show that collectors would prefer "vintage style" neutrally positioned hair and capes. Why have Mattel and/or the Four Horsemen opted for such a modern approach for these two figures, in a line that is supposed to be strictly classic?
As I see it yes.
2. We know you can't comment on specific characters that haven't been announced, but are "civilian" "historical" DC characters like Sgt. Rock or Jonah Hex being considered for a DCU treatment?
My sources say no.
3. On Mattycollector.com, you explained what the status descriptions meant, but you forgot one. Can you explain when it says "Currently Unavailable"?
Reply hazy try again.
4. With all the constant problem there are every month with Digital River, are you looking into change to another provider?
Cannot predict now.
5. Back to the Walmart issue, you keep saying Mattycollector is listening to the fans. But doing another wave exclusive to a store that has proven time & time again that they don't care about the DCU line, doesn't seem like you are listening to the fans. The fans are frustrated & just about had it with Walmart Waves. We do not want another exclusive wave. We want all waves available everywhere.
Yes.
We'll keep trying to get some real answers for these questions.
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Cowboy Ninja Viking gets collected in April
COWBOY NINJA VIKING, written by AJ Lieberman and drawn by Riley Rossmo gets it first collection in April with 160 full-color pages of story and never-before-seen material!
The COWBOY NINJA VIKING trade paperback collects issues 1-5 and features 30 pages of brand new material, including the original pitch for the book, a script for an alternate version of the series, unused cover art, and pinups by Nathan Fox (Fluorescent Black), Dean Trippe (Comic Book Tattoo), and Christian Ward (Olympus).
Lieberman promises, "If ever there was time a reader who has been debating whether or not to jump on the bandwagon of insanity and mayhem that is Cowboy Ninja Viking, the time to leap has come with the release of our first TPB collecting issues #1-5 (plus 30 pages of extras) all for $16.99! Still not sure? We'll toss in a free index!"
COWBOY NINJA VIKING is the creation of Doctor Sebastian Ghislain, a psychotherapist who recruits Multiple Personality Disorder patients to produce a unit of counter-intelligence agents called Triplets. But what happens when Triplets become out-of-control assassins? That's when the deadliest Triplet of them all, COWBOY NINJA VIKING, is called in to take down his own brethren.
COWBOY NIJA VIKING TP (FEB100353), a full-color 160-page trade collecting issues 1-5 and featuring all new material, will be in stores April 21, 2010. Issue #1 can be viewed in the online comics section of www.imagecomics.com.
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
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Dragon Age: Origins was one of the major videogame hits in 2009, a brand new franchise in an original fantasy setting from legendary RPG developer Bioware. The setting, the continent of Thedas, is rich with potential for storytelling in multiple media, far more than can be contained in any single comic series, novel, or videogame. I was thrilled to hear that IDW, publisher of some of my favorite current comics (such as G.I. Joe: Cobra) had the comic license, and I couldn't wait to read the first issue. Unfortunately, Dragon Age 1 met only one expectation; that video game tie-ins are a bad idea. 
What went wrong with this comic? Everything, that's what. First of all, aside from the following words - Chantry, Templar, Circle of Mages, Ferelden, Hurlock, Blood Mage - there was nothing that made this comic feel like it belonged in the Dragon Age world. Names and terms are window dressing, and in this comic, I'm frankly not entirely sure that the writers know what they mean or what some of the Dragon Age types, specifically blood mages and hurlocks...are actually capable of. Templars, in this comic, are a one note "all mages should just probably be executed" stereotype. The religion of Dragon Age...the fact that the actions of mages led to a perpetually vengeful, absentee deity...is ripe with complex storytelling possibility. Instead, what superstar writers Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston give us is a tired cliche about forbidden love (or lust) between two characters who are given zero motivation and zero development.
What do I mean by this? I would say that if you've played Dragon Age, really thoroughly explored its setting and know the world, and you drew up a list of "most cliched stories we can tell in this setting," love between a Templar and a Mage would be very high on the list, yes? I know it would be for me. Probably tops, in fact. And that's the story we're told. Characters who act without any apparent motivation are poor characters, period. When they act without motivation in a tired, cliched story...and are clearly doing what they are doing simply because the plot demands they do it...that's bad writing. Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston are not bad writers; Card has written some genuine classics. What happened here? I don't know. I do know that our main characters in this first issue...Sadatt and Veness...have no reason to fall for each other. None. I know that we know nothing about them except one is a Mage, one is a Templar, and they have a relationship because that's the story. We know nothing about their personalities. It's entirely possible they engage on their relationship based on adolescent hormones; great stories have been told that way (e.g., Romeo and Juliet) but this isn't one of them.
In the comic medium, great art can save a mediocre or even a bad story. But this art, by Mark Robinson, is so heavily stylized that I simply cannot stand it. In some panels, characters have no mouths. And I don't mean background characters. I mean characters in the foreground. Who are speaking. From behind a featureless wall of flesh, apparently. This is a problem for me. I also find the lack of visual continuity from one panel to another very distracting. In one panel, a character on horseback has a torch in one hand and the reins of his horse in the other. Next panel, the reins of his horse are tied around the scabbard of his sword, which would be distractingly dumb even if it didn't contradict what I just saw. When characters do have mouths, they are capable of two expressions; sneer and surprise. Mostly sneer. The swordplay is incredibly static and lackluster, as is the magic, which apparently always occurs in giant swooshy loops, instead of the balls, clouds, bolts, clouds, or bursts that happen in the game.
I cannot recommend this comic for anyone. I consider myself, honestly, as big a Dragon Age fan as there is; I've played the game to completion 4 times (and am still playing it). I've voraciously read its entire Codex. I'd bought every piece of DLC, would love to play the RPG, and plan to read the novel tie ins. This comic isn't a good comic or a good Dragon Age comic. You'll have to be a more devoted fan than me to love it.
Dan Ford
Staff Reviewer
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Fanboy-themed stand-up show at the best comic book store in the world: Meltdown Comics.
All-Fanboy Stand-Up comedy at Meltdown Comics on Friday, April 2nd. "Comics And Comics" (featured on NPR) brings the geekiest stand-up show in the world to the world's best comic book store (http://www.meltcomics.com)!
FEATURING:
Angelo Bowers
Ed Greer
S.A.X.
Jackie Kashian
Blaine Capatch
Tom Franck
Free Cane Sugar Soda Bar with $4 admission.
A new "But Let's Face It"
Meltdown Comics
7522 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
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Image Comics announces its WonderCon 2010 lineup
Image Comics is bringing wonder back to WonderCon, April 2-4, 2010. Fans will have a chance to meet Jonathan Ross, the entire Man of Action crew, and pick up convention exclusives at booth #407!
An exclusive creator's edition of TURF #1 will be available at booth #407, and writer Jonathan Ross - popular UK television host and patron of cult entertainment - will be on hand for autograph sessions Saturday and Sunday. You won't be able to find this edition of TURF #1 anywhere else unless you make your way to Forbidden Planet in the UK!
When you visit the Image booth, you'll find Man of Action - Joe Casey (Godland), Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants), Duncan Rouleau (The Great Unknown), and Steve Seagle (Soul Kiss, The Crusades) - the creators of BEN 10 and the upcoming Cartoon Network series GENERATOR REX. We'll also be joined by ELEPHANTMEN creators Richard Starkings and Moritat, JERSEY GODS creator Glen Brunswick, and SAVAGE DRAGON auteur Erik Larsen! Top Cow creators Sheldon Mitchell (Pilot Season: Stealth), Michael Broussard (The Darkness, Artifacts), Rick Basaldua and Nelson Blake II (Witchblade) will also appear.
PANELS
SATURDAY, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Room 104 - The Image Comics Show
Image kicks off their hometown show with a slate of exclusive announcements featuring some of your favorite creators, including WonderCon special guest Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, New Ultimates), who will discuss his all-new series, and Savage Dragon's own Erik Larsen, who will reveal new artwork from an upcoming project! Find out the next word on what Image has in store for 2010, including never-before-revealed news and art from Walking Dead, Spawn, Turf, Chew, Choker, Haunt and more!
AUTOGRAPHS
SATURDAY, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Booth #407
Jonathan Ross
SATURDAY, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Booth #407
Frank Cho
SUNDAY, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Booth #407
Jonathan Ross
OTHER EVENTS
SATURDAY, 8:00 p.m. Comix Experience 21st Anniversary Party
Comix Experience is extremely proud to celebrate its 21st anniversary, and youre invited! CE:21 is a benefit for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for the comics community. Featuring the El Toyanese Taco Truck, sponsored by Image Comics, and delicious beer courtesy of 21st Amendment Brewery! Attendees who contribute to the CBLDF will receive a goodie bag filled with incredible items from various comics publishers (while supplies last). There will also be an art auction to benefit the CBLDF. Comix Experience is located at 305 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117.
Don't miss Image Comics at WonderCon 2010, booth 407!
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
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