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
< 
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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Comic Based On Hit Game By EA
Written By Sci-Fi Great Orson Scott Card
Available In North American Stores and Digital Download
BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and IDW Publishing today announced the launch of Dragon Age™, the comic book series, based on the critically acclaimed BioWare-developed video game Dragon Age: Origins. Dragon Age, the comic book series is now available at comic book stores throughout North America, as well as in digital format for mobile devices such as Apple’s iPhone™ and iPod touch® through the iTunes® App Store®, and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Digital Comics system. Written by award-winning science-fiction author Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game, Ultimate Iron Man), the issue ranked among the top 20 paid book apps for the iTunes App Store within hours of its release. A preveiw of Dragon Age #1 is available here.
Dragon Age #1 will take readers to Thedas, a world where war has ravaged the land and mages once ruled through their mastery of dark arts and forbidden spells. Their lust for power nearly destroyed all existence when they unleashed the darkspawn, an unholy pestilence bent on the destruction of all life. Today, magic is carefully controlled, and rogue mages are hunted and put down with ruthless efficiency. These dangerous arts are taught only within the confines of the prison-like Circle of Magi, and monitored by the ever-vigilant Templars. Against this grim backdrop, a new generation of Mages must become masters, defy the Templars, and face a foe determined to bring about the annihilation of the world.
The Dragon Age comic book series also features other renowned writers and artists, including writer Aaron Johnston (Ender’s Game: Mazer in Prison), breakout artist Mark Robinson (Skrull Kill Krew), and renowned cover artist Humberto Ramos.
Six issues are planned for the Dragon Age comic book series.
Please visit idwpublishing.com for more information about the Dragon Age comic book series, unique “behind the scenes” content, news, blogs, and art.
For more information on Dragon Age: Origins the video game, please visit www.dragonage.com.
About BioWare
BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur's Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™ and Mass Effect™. BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec) and Austin (Texas). BioWare’s announced projects include the dark heroic fantasy game Dragon Age: Origins, as well as Mass Effect™ 2, the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com; to join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to http://social.bioware.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA Mobile TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc.. iTunes, App Store and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. “PlayStation” and PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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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Dark Horse Comics -- Booth #525
2010 Signing Schedule!
FRIDAY, APRIL 2ND:
4:00 – 5:00 Fear Agent - Writer Rick Remender
5:00 – 6:00 Aliens Vs. Predator - Writer Randy Stradley
SATURDAY, APRIL 3RD:
1:00 – 2:00 Star Wars: Purge - Writer Haden Blackman
3:00 – 4:00 The Escapists – Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Michael Chabon
5:00 – 6:00 Aliens Vs. Predator – Writer Randy Stradley
SUNDAY, APRIL 4TH:
12:00 – 1:00 Beanworld – Creator Larry Marder
2:00 – 3:00 Emily the Strange – Creator Rob Reger
AND CHECK OUT THESE PANELS!
FRIDAY, APRIL 2ND: The Official Dark Horse Comics Panel! 2:00 – 3:00 ROOM 103
SUNDAY, APRIL 4th: Emily the Strange! 12:30 – 1:30 ROOM 220/224
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Some of the industry's best artists contribute to ELEPHANTMEN #25
Richard Starkings' ELEPHANTMEN turns 25 (issues, that is) in style! Each page of the issue is drawn by a profoundly talented guest artist, representing some of the best talent in comics.
The superstars contributing to ELEPHANTMEN #25 include (in order of appearance in the issue): Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween), Moritat (Elephantmen, The Spirit), Gabriel Bautista (Popgun), Duncan Rouleau (Metal Men, The Great Unknown), Sheldon Vella (Kill Audio, Supertron), Dave Gibbons (Watchmen, Martha Washington), Dougie Braithwaite (Justice), Gary Erskine (Dan Dare), Steve Buccellato (Battle of the Bands), Whilce Portacio (Spawn, Image United), Ian Churchill (Hulk), Shaky Kane (The Bulletproof Coffin), Raul Trevino (Final Incal), Boo Cook (Judge Anderson), Paul Grist (Jack Staff), Ladr��(Final Incal), Marian Churchland (Beast), Andr頓zymanowicz (Sushi Nachos), David Hine (The Bulletproof Coffin, Strange Embrace), Chris Burnham (Nixon's Pals) and Aaron Kuder, Brandon Graham (King City), Dan McDaid (Jersey Gods), Tom Scioli (Godland), Pia Guerra (Y the Last Man), Axel Medellin (50 Girls 50), and Rob Steen (Flanimals).
ELEPHANTMEN #25: THE BIG PICTURE is told entirely in splash pages and chronicles the history of the Elephantmen from one mans point of view, making it a great jumping-on point for new readers!
ELEPHANTMEN #25 (DEC090405), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores on April 21, 2010.
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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ARCHAIA SETS RELEASE FOR ‘MOUSE GUARD’ ANTHOLOGY MINISERIES,
‘LEGENDS OF THE GUARD’
TITLE DEBUTS IN MAY AND WILL FEATURE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DAVID PETERSEN, GENE HA, TERRY MOORE, TED NAIFEH AND MANY MORE
Answering the call of fans and retailers clamoring for more Mouse Guard stories, Archaia Entertainment proudly announced the launch of a new anthology miniseries, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, featuring covers and chapter breaks written and drawn by creator David Petersen and contributions from popular comic writers and artists, including Gene Ha, Terry Moore, Ted Naifeh, Guy Davis, Sean Rubin, Mark Smylie, Craig Rousseau, Karl Kerschl, Katie Cook and Jeremy Bastian. Issue #1 (full color, 32 pages, 8” x 8”, $3.50, Diamond Order Code MAR10 0699) is available for pre-order now and will debut in comic book shops in May.
“It started with the excitement and pleasure I had when Jeremy Bastian and Mark Smylie did their pinups for Volume 1 of Mouse Guard,” explained Petersen about the genesis of Legends of the Guard. “Jeremy and Mark really got the feel of Mouse Guard, and knowing them and their storytelling work, I invited them to do a story anytime they liked. As more and more pinups came in and the series gained fans among professionals I admired, the list of people who I thought were a good fit and would be willing to do a Mouse Guard story grew. Archaia also liked the idea, so with list in hand, we started setting up the book.”
“I have such a deep admiration for Mouse Guard, which is why I decided to publish it in the first place several years ago,” expressed Archaia Publisher Mark Smylie (Artesia), whose contribution to the mini-series will appear in issue #4. “It’s an honor and a privilege for David to give me this opportunity to play in his sandbox.”
Legends of the Guard is set in a tavern in the Mouse Guard world, where a group of Guard Mice each take turns trying to spin the tallest tale. Petersen writes and draws the scenes set in the tavern, while contributions from each of the hand-picked creators will serves as the “tales.”
“These are some of my favorite storytellers, and I’m lucky enough to have them telling Mouse Guard stories,” beamed Petersen. “The quality of work coming in is amazing! I’m glad to see the range in artistic styles.”
“Some dismiss Mouse Guard as a children’s book—they fault the art and story for its simplicity. They need to give it another look!” said Gene Ha (Top 10, The Authority: The Lost Year), who contributes to a story in issue #2 (full color, 32 pages, 8” x 8”, $3.50, Diamond Order Code APR10 0733). “There’s a depth one rarely finds in an action story. David Petersen’s heroes never descend to glib jokes and supernatural fighting prowess. The mice must think, and there’s great pleasure guessing their thoughts. It is not a wordy book—the clues are laid out in his artful combination of dialogue and pictures.”
“Mouse Guard is one of the best things ever. I love the story, I love the characters and I LOVE David’s art,” offered Katie Cook, who is a favorite artist amongst “Star Wars” fans and is contributing to the third
issue. “What fan wouldn’t jump up at the chance to officially play around in the amazing Mouse Guard world that David has created?”
David Petersen also writes and draws an 11-page, original Mouse Guard story in Archaia’s Free Comic Book Day issue, the Mouse Guard/Fraggle Rock flip book, available for free in comic book shops on May 1, 2010. In September, Petersen will launch Mouse Guard Vol. 3: The Black Axe, a six-issue series.
About Archaia
Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. With a slate including the popular Eisner Award-winning title Mouse Guard, as well as Awakening, Gunnerkrigg Court, Roddenberry Productions’ Days Missing, The Killer, Robotika, 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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Tor Books announces the national launch of…
EVE: THE BURNING LIFE
By Hjalti Daníelsson
Epic space opera adventure set in the EVE Online universe from CCP Games’ Main Narrative Creator Hjalti Daníelsson
Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC—the largest publisher of science fiction in the world—and CCP Games are pleased to launch Hjalti Daníelsson’s grand new space opera set in the universe of EVE Online, PC Gamer’s 2009 Game of the Year and the second largest MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) gaming universe with over 330,000 active subscribers. EVE: THE BURNING LIFE (A Tor Trade Paperback Original; 0-7653-2529; List: $14.99) goes on-sale nationwide Tuesday, March 30th.
A grand hybrid of space opera and military science fiction, EVE: THE BURNING LIFE stands on its own for readers looking for a rich and vast new universe full of danger and adventure. For both fans and newcomers, the novel offers a unique vantage point into the many wondrous realms within the EVE gaming world. "EVE is a deep, dark, expansive world full of wonder and often quite breathtaking events,” said Daníelsson. “I've been telling stories in there for a few years now and am always amazed at how much the world has to offer. It's a very human, often very scary place."
Hjalti Daníelsson has worked on EVE Online since the beginning, and currently serves as CCP's main narrative creator for the harsh universe of New Eden, the setting for EVE Online. He is the author of more than eighty short stories set in the EVE Online universe, along with various other works. A visceral writer whose aggressive prose and grand operatic scope is reminiscent of Iain M. Banks and Joe Haldeman, Daníelsson’s literary talent and familiarity within the EVE universe make him the ideal candidate for a full-length novelization.
“The vast EVE universe is storied by the people who matter most, its players and fans,” said Eric Raab, Tor editor. “Our goal with the novels is to give not only EVE fans but science fiction fans in general, an exciting look into this great SF offering. THE BURNING LIFE takes us on an odyssey through worlds where the lines between good and evil have never been grayer.”
Set tens of thousands of years in the future, EVE Online is a breathtaking journey to the stars, to an immersive experience filled with adventure, riches, danger and glory. With over a 330,000 subscribers worldwide inhabiting the same virtual universe, EVE: Online boasts the largest, richest science fiction universe in gaming history, featuring a vast player-run economy and virtual professions ranging from commodities trader to mercenary, industrial entrepreneur to pirate, engineer to battle fleet commander, and much more.
About CCP Games
CCP is widely recognized as an industry-leading pioneer of the single-server persistent universe architecture as the developer and publisher of EVE Online, the critically-acclaimed, science fiction-based massively multiplayer online game (MMOG). Utilizing a cross-discipline approach combining cutting-edge technology and artistic excellence, CCP is dedicated to providing vibrant, compelling products that transcend the boundaries of conventional MMOGs and facilitate social networking through virtual worlds. Privately held and founded in Reykjavik, Iceland in 1997, CCP’s international reach now spans the globe with offices in Atlanta and Shanghai as well as a base of operations in London. More information about CCP is available at the company’s website, www.ccpgames.com.
About Tor Books
Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, is a New York-based publisher of hardcover and softcover books, founded in 1980 and committed (although not limited) to SF and fantasy literature. Between an extensive hardcover and trade-softcover line, an Orb backlist program, and a stronghold in mass-market paperback, Tor annually publishes what is arguably the largest and most diverse line of science fiction and fantasy ever produced by a single English-language publisher. Books from Tor have won every major award in the SF and fantasy fields, and for the last twenty-one years in a row the company has been named Best Publisher in the Locus Poll, the largest consumer poll in SF.
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