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Image Comics Preview: Steve Niles' "Strange Cases #4"!
Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
STRANGE CASES #4
story STEVE NILES & DAN WICKLINE, art & cover DAVID HARTMAN
24 PAGES, FC, $2.50
"BIG DEMON ON CAMPUS"
What do you do when the girl you like doesnt know youre alive? Summon a chaotic demon to wipe out the competition of course. And one of the residents of Holcomb Manor shows their true colors.
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Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2: The Voyageurs!
Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2: The Voyageurs!
www.rabbitandbearpaws.com/gnovel.php
Our two mischievous heroes are up to their games again in this NEW comical adventure. Rabbit and Bear Paws join the Voyageurs to take the Furs from Lake of the Woods to Montreal and experience all the trials and tribulations of being a Voyageur. Our young heroes face the life of a voyageur with bravery, as they are confronted by thieves and dangers around every river bend.
Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2: The Voyageurs is based on the Grandfather Bravery (Aakdehewin), One of the Seven Grandfathers of the Anishinabek Teachings.
Rabbit and Bear Paws is set in 18th Century colonized North America and follows the stories of two mischievous Ojibwa brothers as they play pranks and have amazing adventures using a traditional Ojibwa medicine (spirit powder) that transforms them into animals for a short time.
Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2, is a compilation of all 60 comic strips of the story line “The Voyageurs”. Book Two contains 60 comic strips, jam packed onto 30 pages of comical adventures that will tickle the heart. 8 1/2" x 11" of giant belly laughs!
Rabbit and Bear paws is a syndicated comic strip, both in print and web based media. Little Spirit Bear, publisher of the Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws series is an Anishinabek, Ojibwa Multi-Media company.
For new comical adventures every week from North America’s Favorite mischievous brothers, visit us @ www.rabbitandbearpaws.com
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Youngblood Collected in Time for All-New Storyline
Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
YOUNGBLOOD COLLECTED IN TIME FOR ALL-NEW STORYLINE!
The all-new, all-different YOUNGBLOOD from the creative team of GLAND's Joe Casey and CONNER HAWKE's Derec Donovan gets collected this July in time for issue five's jumping-on point!
"FOCUS TESTED is the opening salvo of the new YOUNGBLOOD assault that Derec and I have planned," Casey said. "The stories in this collection are just the beginning of a much larger epic that, for fans of the YOUNGBLOOD concept, should give them exactly what they've been wanting for years. It's pop superheroics on a grand scale, not to mention media and celebrity worship at its most obnoxious. All this, plus the grand soap opera and the big explosions that superhero team books do so well. This one's got it all!"
YOUNGBLOOD: FOCUS TESTED not only features the first four issues of the new series, but is backed up by a plethora of extras including an introduction by INVINCIBLE and WALKING DEAD's Robert Kirkman, an interview with Joe Casey detailing the process behind Youngblood, an exclusive feature in which Casey and creator Rob Liefeld discuss their favorite comics and Casey's never-before-seen first pro sale - a Youngblood script circa 1995.
Donovan added, "Where YOUNGBLOOD goes after the trade has me more excited about the book than I've ever been. An old YOUNGBLOOD favorite, Televillain, returns in full-on serial killer mode, gunning after the a brand new YOUNGBLOOD team I can't wait to draw. All this plus I can't believe who we're bringing back from The Golden Age! It's a good time to be a YOUNGBLOOD fan."
YOUNGBLOOD: FOCUS TESTED TPB (MAR082088), a 104-page full color TPB for $9.99, will be on sale August 3rd, 2008.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time,Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers inthe United States . There are currently four partners in ImageComics (Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and JimValentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses(Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, andImage Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly everygenre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction,romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and moreby the finest artists and writers working in the medium today.Visit www.imagecomics.com.
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Cellar Door Publishing Releases Minister Jade Trailer
Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
Cellar Door Publishing has announced the release of the trailer for Minister Jade, their latest graphic novel that shipped to comic book stores and online retailers this week. Steve Bialik, the writer and illustrator for Minister Jade, has described the book as a superhero story set in ancient China. But Cellar Door's publisher, Jade Dodge (who swears the similarity the title shares with her name to be purely coincidental), feels theres much more to it than that.
"Minister Jade is an awe-inspiring book,"stated Dodge. "It has action, drama, suspense, humor. It truly has something for everyone. The story is beautifully written and the artwork is simply breath-taking."
The Minister Jade trailer can be viewed at www.cellardoorpublishing.com/trailers/MJ_Trailer.wmv
Minister Jade is available now at your favorite local comic book store or online retailer.
For more information on Cellar Door Publishing or Minister Jade, check out their website at www.cellardoorpublishing.com
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Marvel Comics Exclusive Preview: Young X-Men #4
Posted: Thursday, July 3, 2008
Posted By: Keith Dallas / Paul Brian McCoy
Marvel Comics has graciously provided ComicsBulletin.com with an exclusive preview of Young X-Men #4:
WRITER: MARC GUGGENHEIM
ARTISTS: YANICK PAQUETTE (p), RAY SNYDER (i)
"NEW GENESIS," Part 4 (of 5)
It's the Young X-Men vs. the Hellfire Club! Will the kids survive? Marc Guggenheim (Amazing Spider-Man, Wolverine, Eli Stone) and Yanick Paquette (Ultimate X-Men) pack more surprises than you can handle into this issue. Do not miss this!
IN STORES: July 9, 2008
Log on to ComicsBulletin on Tuesday for a special Young X-Men feature with Marc Guggenheim!
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Dark Tower: Long Road Home #5 Preview
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
One of 2008’s best-selling series, Dark Tower: The Long Road Home, comes to its conclusion today in Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #5! The chart-topping team of writers Robin Furth & Peter David, artists Jae Lee & Richard Isanove conclude the critically-acclaimed sequel to last year’s national best-seller, based on Stephen King’s seminal Dark Tower novels! As Roland battles the Crimson King on another plane of existence, his ka-tet seek to rescue him—but can they succeed? And even if they do, what will be left of Roland? This issue also features a stunning variant cover from superstar artist Lee Bermejo!
“The Long Road Home is one of the finest new series I've read all year,” gushed Jesse Schedeen of IGN.Com. “Comic books simply don't get any better than this.”
Then in Dark Tower: End-World Almanac, from writer Anthony Flamini & Long Road Home scribe Robin Furth, fans get an in-depth look at the mysterious and deadly End-World, in this essential companion to Dark Tower: The Long Road Home!
The fate of creation rests in Roland’s hand—but what will he do? Find out today in Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #5! Plus, don’t miss Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born Premiere HC, collecting the first sold-out limited series that was a national best-seller and topped critic’s charts as one of the best comics of 2007! And stay tuned for the new Dark Tower: Treachery limited series, beginning this September!
For more on Dark Tower, please visit http://www.stephenking.com and http://www.marvel.com/darktower
DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #5 (of 5) (MAY082243)
DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #5 (of 5) BERMEJO VARIANT (MAY082244)
DARK TOWER: THE LONG ROAD HOME #5 (of 5) LEE SKETCH VARIANT (MAY082245)
Written by PETER DAVID & ROBIN FURTH
Art and Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Variant Cover by LEE BERMEJO
Sketch Variant Cover by JAE LEE
Parental Advisory …$3.99
On-Sale—NOW!
DARK TOWER: END-WORLD ALMANAC (MAY082246)
Written by ANTHONY FLAMINI & ROBIN FURTH
Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Parental Advisory …$3.99
On-Sale—NOW!
DARK TOWER: THE GUNSLINGER BORN PREMIERE HC (SEP072167)
Written by PETER DAVID & ROBIN FURTH
Penciled by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE
Parental Advisory …$24.99
ON-SALE NOW!
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Top 50 Finalists for the 2008 Comic Book Challenge Announced
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
Editor's Note: Our own Matthew McLean has been selected as one of the top 50 finalists. Congratulations Matthew and Good Luck!
Platinum Studios, Inc. (OTCBB: PDOS), an entertainment company that controls an international library of more than 5,600 comic book characters which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media, today announced the Top 50 contestants, as well as the first wave of prizes, for this year’s The Comic Book Challenge™ (www.comicbookchallenge.com), Platinum Studios’ international contest for aspiring comic book writers and artists. Prizes from Fandango, Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI), Planetwide Media’s MashOn.com, Corel and Wacom will be awarded to the Top 50 entrants selected in this year’s contest. The complete list of the Top 50 can be found on The Comic Book Challenge website.
The Top 50 entrants, who include people from as far away as India, Singapore and Argentina, will now submit video pitches which will be judged by a celebrity panel of industry and Hollywood insiders at a secret location in early August. Platinum Studios will sign the winner to a publishing deal, which will include print, online and mobile. In addition, the company will seek opportunities both to develop the property for film and television as well to create a licensing and merchandising program.
“Moving the contest completely online this year opened it up to many more people, truly making this a worldwide event in which anyone can participate,” said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Chairman and CEO of Platinum Studios. “And the wide geographic diversity of the Top 50 is a testament to that.”
“It’s well-known that comic fans are among the most passionate moviegoers – so Fandango is excited to be a part of The Comic Book Challenge™,” says Fandango Vice President of Marketing Ted Hong. “Fans have told us that the summer’s most anticipated films have comic book origins - IRON MAN, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, HELLBOY 2, WANTED and THE DARK KNIGHT. We hope that we are contributing to discovering the next great comic book talent.”
"We're very excited and proud, once again, to be sponsors of Platinum Studios' The Comic Book Challenge™ 2008" said Philippe Benoliel, CEO of MashON.com. "The Comic Book Challenge™ brings together the best and brightest comic artists and gives them an opportunity to become the next generation's comic book stars. With our MashON Comic Book Creator, we hope to attract more talent to the vibrant world of comic books by making the creation process accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds and helping them to share their creation."
“Wacom is excited to be a sponsor of this year’s The Comic Book Challenge™,” said Don Varga, Senior Product Manager for Wacom. “Our Intuos pen tablets and Cintiq interactive pen displays are the tools of choice for many of today’s top comic artists and animators, allowing them to creatively sketch, ink and color in a digital format.”
The winning entry from last year’s The Comic Book Challenge™, Gunplay by Jorge Vega, was released by Platinum Studios Comics as a graphic novel in April 2008 to critical review and fanfare.
Please visit www.ComicBookChallenge.com for full details on the Top 50 entrants, the prize packages and all of the updates on The Comic Book Challenge™2008.
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Invincible #50 Sell-Out with all Time High Orders!
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
Even with all-time high initial sales leading to a series record print run, INVINCIBLE #50 has sold out at a distribution level and a second printing is on the way.
"Fans sure do love it when the book hits the fan," said Kirkman. "Issue fifty altered the series in a way we haven't seen since Omni-Man's true nature was revealed and people have really taken notice. I think a lot of people will be even more surprised by what's next."
INVINCIBLE #50 was an oversized issue, featuring an extended lead and bonus stories revealing the origin of a Cecil Stedman and an all-new edition of Science Dog with art by INVINCIBLE co-creator Cory Walker. The limited edition second printing will be highlighted with a modified logo, emphasizing the cover's blood-splattered aftermath of the series altering battle. In addition, #51, the debut of the series' all-new direction and INVINCIBLE's new costume, will be supported by an overship, in an effort to ensure new found fans can obtain copies.
INVINCIBLE #50 2nd printing, a 48-page full color comic book for $4.99, is due in stores this July.
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Good Stuff #24: Sinestro is the Uber-Powerful, Ms. Marvel Kicks Skrull ass, Do Your Best Clint Eastwood Impression, Matt Fraction Cameo. Also, a Tribute to the Late, Great Artist Michael Turner.
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
The Good Stuff. Of course, that all comes down to personal opinion and what your general tastes are. Here at the Comics Bulletin, you can speak your free mind and discuss this blessed art-form with other individuals who are just as passionate about comics as you are. At Comics Bulletin, we pride ourselves on great reviews, fantastic features and a spectacular atmosphere for discussion. Our reviews are second to none covering every corner of the industry from the big guys to the little guys. But sometimes a comic book that doesn’t achieve a certain mark features a scene or a moment that really stands out. A 2.5 bullet book could have the best scene of the week’s stack, but the overall book could come up short in a reviewer’s opinion. So here it is, a column devoted to those moments, a “best of the week” type thing that acts as an addition to our extraordinary reviews. Feel free to agree, disagree, call for the tar and feathering of Kevin Powers, but take a second to check it out; maybe you missed some of the Good Stuff and you can grab it with this week’s stack.
Good Stuff #24: Sinestro is the Uber-Powerful, Ms. Marvel Kicks Skrull ass, Do Your Best Clint Eastwood Impression, Matt Fraction Cameo. Also, a Tribute to the Late, Great Artist Michael Turner.
Where is it? Superman #677
Written by: James Robinson
Cover by: Alex Ross
Alex Ross has really been chalking up the iconic DC covers over the past few months. His latest is the cover of Superman #677, also the anticipated first issue of James Robinson’s run. Sure, we’ve seen the “Superman as Atlas” image many times before, but it looks simply beautiful here. The proportions are perfect, the lighting seems spot-on and the reaction of the background crowd is genuine. I also love the level of detail Ross puts into the Daily Planet globe. If you look closely, there are cracks in the globe near Superman’s hands and the Globe itself has a few cracks from damage over the years. That thing has been destroyed and replaced so many times that giving it an “old-time” feel that’s believable is no easy task but Ross accomplishes it. What also adds to this cover’s value is the fact that it is the “Superman as Atlas” image, and Atlas is actually the antagonist of the issue.
Where is it? Immortal Iron Fist #16
Written by: Matt Fraction
Art by: David Aja
What is it? Q, Fraction, Brubaker and Aja?
As I was enjoying the bittersweet final issue of Iron Fist by the team that has helped rocket the book’s popularity, I got towards the end of the issue and turned the page in excitement knowing Luke Cage and Danny Rand were going “heroes for hire” again. But what really grabbed my attention was the third panel on page 21 (with ads counted). There was Rand and Cage in the background, Rand explaining his master plan to Cage, but there were four men in the foreground. On my right were Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction, Fraction wearing a “Casanova” shirt and Brubaker with his trademark hat and a “Criminal’ t-shirt. I love creator cameos in all comics related media, i.e. Stan Lee in every Marvel movie, but it’s rare to see it actually happen in a comic. But adding to my surprise were the two figures opposite Brubaker and Fraction. One was almost certainly Joe Quesada, but the other I’m not too sure about, maybe series artist David Aja? Either way, this was a very fun and well-done cameo, yet at the same time it’s bittersweet to see Aja, Fraction and Brubaker go.
Where is it? Ms. Marvel #28
Written by: Brian Reed
Art by: Adriana Melo
Who is it? Ms. Marvel
I’m really falling in love with Ms. Marvel. When she was pushed back into the Marvel mainstream spotlight, she was merely another female character for me to follow. However over the past year or so, Ms. Marvel is quickly becoming one of my favorite female characters in all of comics. Without Jean Grey and my suspicions behind Emma Frost, Ms. Marvel has definitely become my new favorite Marvel female. She’s never one to back down from a fight and she’s always looking to raise her stock in the public eye. However, in her latest issue she basically says “to hell with the public eye” and fully steps into her role at Marvel’s top super-heroine. This Secret Invasion tie-in shows Ms. Marvel unleashing on the Skrulls. She pulls no punches, she doesn’t think twice about killing the Skrulls, and she actually watches one die as she debates her own emotional emptiness as the Skrull perishes. She knows she has to fight and defeat the Skrulls at any cost. Even when the Skrulls shape-shift to blend in with the on-lookers around them, Ms. Marvel is quick on her feet to find the Skrulls and dispose of them. She knows the only way to save the innocent bystanders is to risk hurting them, but if that means she can kill a few Skrulls to save those people, she’ll do it. This book has been fantastically done and one of the key elements to the entire Secret Invasion saga. Ms. Marvel really opens a can of whoop-ass and makes the Skrulls think twice about coming to Earth.
Where is it? Marvel Comics Presents #19
Written by: Marc Guggenheim
Art by: Francis Tsai
What is it? Blade Making it so the Bad Guy Can No Longer Possess People
One of the longest running story in Marvel Comics Presents has been Marc Guggenheim’s murder-mystery “Vanguard.” It’s a fun mystery with plenty of twist and two likeable stars, namely Detective Stacy Dolan. Last week, the best and probably the funniest kill came within the first three pages of the latest chapter. Dolan brings her top suspect, Jaafar Yoosuf, to her superhero team including the Thing and Blade. Yoosuf has the ability to possess people’s minds; obviously meaning those in his presence have to be careful. As soon as Dolan mentions this to Blade and the others, a bullet sails into Yoosuf’s forehead, followed by Blade holding his gun and saying in reference to Yoosuf’s mind control ability, “Not Anymore.” This was easily an unexpected turn of events and definitely puts a dent into Dolan’s investigation. However, Blade’s explanation is simply priceless as well as his orders to Micromax to knock out the Thing. All of this made Blade a candidate for Bad-Ass of the week, but he does fall short to Ms. Marvel.
Where is it? Green Lantern #32
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Ivan Reis
What is it? Sinestro Repairs a Fighter Jet
I have read just about every issue of every version of Green Lantern save for some of the Golden Age stuff due to the fact that sometimes I can’t track down the Archives. I’ve seen those power rings do a lot of damn cool things. Longtime fans and readers of Green Lantern like myself have seen characters with the greatest willpower in all of comics do some amazing things with their imaginations and their sheer force of being. However, one of those beings we have rarely seen in his prime as a Green Lantern is Sinestro. We all know the story that Sinestro was once the greatest of the Green Lanterns, we also know that his fall from grace was due to the fact that he enslaved his homeworld of Korugar. However, we have rarely seen Sinestro in his role as the greatest of the Green Lanterns. During Rebirth there was a fantastic panel where Sinestro meets Hal. Hal, flying a jet, is greeted in mid-air by a floating Sinestro who proceeds to destroy the jet and show his distaste for Hal’s “human interests.” Sinestro proceeds to destroy the jet and encase Hal in a green bubble. Finally, after three years we get the follow up to this moment. How does Hal explain a destroyed fighter jet without revealing his identity or people thinking he’s nuts? His new master, Sinestro, by sheer force of will, put the jet back together again. My colleague Erik Norris called it a “Yoda Moment.” Oh no, Sinestro’s willpower kicks the Force’s ass and readers are treated to the greatest display of a Green Lantern’s willpower you may have ever seen. Why, you ask? Because Green Lanterns typically have the power to create tangible constructs, not create physical realities that allow them to put a jet back together. Hell, how else do you think Sinestro kept his conquering of Korugar a secret?
Where is it? Avengers Initiative #14
Written by: Dan Slott and Christos Gage
Art by: Stefano Caselli
What is it? Pym-Skrull and Crusader-Skrull don’t know each other are Skrulls
All three Avengers books hit last week and two of them featured the Pym-Skrull. While Mighty Avengers #16 focused on the replacement of the real Pym, Avengers: Initiative focused on the Pym-Skrull and the Crusader-Skrull hiding amongst the Initiative. While it may not seem like much on the outside, we’ve known they both are Skrulls for a while, the story element to note is that neither one of them know the other is a Skrull. I don’t know if that’s just bad planning on the Skrulls part, but it certainly raises a few eye-brows given the revelations in Mighty Avengers. The major question is, “what is the Crusader’s true role in the Initiative?” Reason for debate? The Crusader-Skrull and the Pym-Skrull have no idea that the other is a Skrull. I honestly had a hell of a lot of fun reading this issue. There was a comical quality to this issue and some great inner-narration. But more importantly, either Crusader has a different role separate from Secret Invasion, or his lack of knowledge about the Pym-Skrull may be a crack in the Skrull’s well-laid plan.
Where is it? Man With No Name #2
Written by: Christos Gage
Art by: Wellington Dias
What is it? Fantastic Dialogue
Christos Gage has most certainly captured the tone and very soul of Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood’s classic film icon. Admittedly, I was a little wary of The Man With No Name/Blondie making his transition into comics. After the first issue, my fears were temporarily brushed aside as the story was well-done, the imagery was beautiful and there was very little dialogue throughout the entire book. The second issue completely wipes away my fears and provides an accurate portrait of the Western legend both in writing and art. There’s no narration, actions move the plot and the dialogue isn’t wasted. Blondie asks a lot of questions, but he’s always been very intuitive, making sure he knows he’s on the right side before committing to a cause. In this issue, I felt that Christos Gage nailed the character’s dialogue so perfectly that I could hear Clint Eastwood in my head. On the second read I tried to do my best Clint Eastwood voice as I read the dialogue. It was so well-written that after the third read, I felt compelled to watch The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, because “there are two types of people in this world, my friend. Those who have a loaded gun and those who dig. You dig.”
Where is it? Hulk #4
Written by: Jeph Loeb
Art by: Ed McGuinness
What is it? Red Hulk Smash Uatu
Yes it was funny, yes, it was revealed in the preview of the issue, but the fact that it actually happened, oh Lord. This is quite possibly the most ridiculous moment in the history of Marvel comics. It’s hysterical indeed, but it also takes a lot away from being able to take this title seriously. Personally, I haven’t minded the almost mindless beatings in each issue, McGuiness was born to drawn the Hulk and the mystery as to the identity of the Red Hulk has been very well kept. I’m still guessing and still trying to figure it all out, so at least that brings a more serious nature to the story. But no, I didn’t think that the Red Hulk beating the crap out of the Watcher was stupid, I thought it was unnecessarily funny and ridiculous all at the same time. I mean the Red Hulk must have really gotten some great air-time to get up there, swing full blast and knock down Uatu. All the while, the Red Hulk tells Uatu to “Shut the %^$ up!” Funny how Uatu didn’t see it coming, I mean he watches everything, right. Okay, yes it was ridiculous and it does take away from some of the seriousness of this title, but damn, it was funny.
Where is it? Indiana Jones Adventures Vol. 1
Written by: Philip Gelatt
Art by: Ethen Beavers
Who is it? Rene Belloq
Indiana Jones returned to comics last week with Indiana Jones Adventures Vol. 1. This book marked the first outing for new writer Philip Gelatt with art from the fan-favorite Ethen Beavers. This book is also geared to Indy fans of every age and presents a fast-paced adventure true to the Indiana Jones franchise and formula. With Indy’s return to the screen this year, I’ve had numerous discussions about what a great villain Belloq was in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Seeing as how this book takes place six years before Raiders, Gelatt wisely chooses Belloq as his villain. And why is Belloq deserving of “Villain of the Week” aside from the fact that I love Indiana Jones? Well that’s because Gelatt captures Belloq perfectly. He writes him as a conniving “archeologist” who would sell his soul if he could turn a profit. In my review of the book, which will be posted today, I wrote:
“Belloq is easily one of the greatest villains of all time, a man who would sell his soul to the devil if there was a profit to be made. Gelatt writes Belloq as a total scumbag, money hungry and using archeology as a business. Belloq is really captured beautifully in this story. There’s no moral question to his motivations and he’ll aide the German war machine so long as they leave him alone and pay him for it.”
The beauty of this is the fact that Gelatt captures each and every one of these qualities of Belloq and makes them memorable on this book.
There were a crap-load of books last week (especially Marvel, I mean, holy crap-nuts) and a lot of quality “Good Stuff,” that is evidenced by the insane amount of my “Picks of the Week” at the end of this column. But sadly, for the second week in a row, I feel the need to cut this column short and take the time to remember Michael Turner. I never met him or knew him personally, but cancer in many different forms has taken its toll on my own family and Turner’s battle and positive public image has always been a source of inspiration.
On Saturday, the news of Michael Turner’s passing after a long battle with cancer was shocking and truly sad. Michael Turner was a great artist with a very distinct and recognizable style. He was well-respected and has definitely had a strong impact on the world of comics.
Personally, Turner’s sequential work was hit or miss with me, but I still enjoyed it overall. However, I was absolutely in love with his covers. He really did have a distinct style that brought an epic sense to everything he did. Like I said, I never met Mr. Turner but as a member of the comic book community, I feel it necessary to have some kind of tribute to the late artist.
I’ve included a selection of my favorite images from Michael Turner’s career. My deepest condolences go out to his friends and family. Please join the Comics Bulletin community on our boards and share your favorite Michael Turner images, works and memories.
border="0" vspace="4" hspace="4">Green Lantern #32
Indiana Jones Adventures Vol. 1
The Man With No Name #2
Captain America #39
Ms. Marvel #28
Mighty Avengers #15
New Avengers # 42
Immortal Iron Fist #16
Mythos: Captain America #1
Thor: Reign in Blood
Thunderbolts #121
Books I’m Looking Forward to This Week
G.I. Joe: America’s Elite #36 – The 26 year continuity may end. The future of G.I. Joe comics rests on this final Devil’s Due issue. Read my column on G.I. Joe and let IDW know I should be the new writer! KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE
Rann/Thanagar Holy War #3 – More of DC’s fantastic and Crisis-free space epic from Jim Starlin.
Billy Batson and the Magic of SHAZAM! #1 – I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Johnny DC line lately. There’s a lot of good kid’s stuff for reference as a writer and to enjoy as a form of escapism. I hope they can capture that magic with SHAZAM!
The Joker’s Asylum- The Joker – Why so serious?
Astonishing X-Men #25 – Warren Ellis takes the team to San Francisco… be sure to wear flowers in your hair.
Avengers/Invaders #3 – Is Bucky-Cap going to finally crossover from Steve Rogers' title?
Thanks for reading,
KP
kevin.powers@comicsbulletin.com
kevinpowers70@yahoo.com
http://kevinpowers.hypersites.com (It’s actually updated with new stuff… Go there and check it out)
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British Indie Publisher Launches "Bleak and Brutal" Spy Thriller
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
UK independent comic publisher MOONFACE PRESS today announces details of its new SEPTIC ISLE graphic novel.
SEPTIC ISLE – solicited in August’s issue of Previews and shipping in October – is written by Andy Winter (Hero Killers, Blood Psi), drawn by Mick Trimble (MC², The Many Worlds Of Jonas Moore) and boasts a wraparound cover by Declan Shalvey (Hero Killers, Freak Show). Andy and Declan were the creative team on Hero Killers which won last year’s Eagle Award for Best Black and White Comicbook – British.
Septic Isle comes perfect-bound with a full-color cover and black and white interior art. The 52-page title has a 42-page main story and a sketchbook section. It retails for $5.95 (£3.95).
The story: In the ’70s and ’80s, Jacob Marley was MI5’s most revered and feared agent. But he turned his back on Queen and country to pursue a more peaceful existence. Now, 15 years later and with his life collapsing around him, Marley has returned to find that the world of British espionage is more dangerous than ever before.
Ageing, heartbroken and off his game, Marley must face off against Jerome Quinn. A former MI5 man himself, Quinn leads Odin’s Sword, a neo-Nazi terror organization that has declared war on Britain’s Muslim community. He’s every bit as ruthless as Marley, only younger, stronger and smarter.
To beat him, Marley will need every shred of courage and cunning at his disposal – and it still might not be enough...
“Septic Isle is a spy thriller set in post 7/7 London,” explains writer and publisher, Andy Winter. “It is bleak, brutal and will probably be viewed as quite controversial too. At its core, it’s about the dirty, nasty stuff secret service agents do to defend the state. They go up against some astonishingly nasty bastards and are astonishingly nasty bastards themselves. That said I hope readers find the central character, Jacob Marley, sympathetic as he knows a thing or two about suffering and loss.”
For more information, contact Andy Winter. Email: andywinter1@gmail.com
Website: britainisbroken.com and moonfacepress.com
What the critics say about Septic Isle…
”Andrew Winter’s masterful espionage thriller weaves deftly between your expectations to stick the knife in when you least expect it. Taut, topical and terrifying.” – Mike Carey, writer: Faker
“A dark-edged, modern-day spy story for War On Terror-era Britain.”
– Joe Gordon, Forbidden Planet Blog
“[Septic Isle’s] right up there with Oni’s Queen & Country and TV’s The Sandbaggers, which in this genre is about the highest praise I could give.” – Regie Rigby, Comics Bulletin
“Stylish writing and believable dialogue… Andy Winter is now amongst the finest British writers.
9 out of 10.” – Glenn Carter, Comics Village
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