Central City Comics Blog: Comics Talk

Archive for the ‘Other Comics’ Category

Hellboy: Fury #3

2011 has come and gone but not without some outstanding comic book publications. While DC Comics and Marvel were the top sellers there was some great work done in other publishing comic companies. Dark Horse Comics led with the death of Hellboy in Hellboy the Fury #3 while comic heroes tend not to ever die in the comic book world Mike Mignola really did it he killed his most well known character Hellboy. Very well written I am sure the series may still be available. Also at Dark Horse Jim Shooter revived some of the greatest Gold Key heroes with Doctor Solar – Man of the Atom, Turok – Son of Stone, Magnus – Robot Fighter, and Mighty Samson. Shooter did a good job of re-introducing these Silver Age characters to a new generation.

Star Trek 1 IDW

While at Dynamite Entertainment from the mind of the late Jack Kirby they re-introduced some of his wonderful characters like Captain Victory, Silver Star, and Dragonsbane with more to come from the comics series Kirby: Genesis. With many covers by Alex Ross you know the art looks good. Follow that with the comic book version of George R. R. Martin’s fantasy masterwork “A Game of Thrones”, Dynamite Entertainment left a creative mark on 2011. The up and coming IDW Publishing got the rights to publish the new timeline favorite from the movie 2009 Star Trek the continuing story of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members. Also in a separate story IDW printed a crossover of Star Trek and the Legion of Superheros series still going into 2012, plus comics with Doctor Who, G.I. Joe, Transformers, and True Blood good stuff from IDW comic book publisher for 2011.

Fantastic Four 600

At Marvel we began the year as the tragic saga of “Three” came to an end in the pages of FANTASTIC FOUR #587—and The Human Torch fell. Johnny Storm sacrificed himself so that his niece and nephew as well as his best friend, The Thing, could escape the Negative Zone. With this story came a series change that ended in two titles FF (Future Foundation) and again Fantastic Four adding Spider-Man in the absents of the Torch to make it Four again. These comic books ended the year with Johnny Storm coming back from the Negative Zone victorious and alive again. This story written by Jonathan Hickman may well be the best story trek of 2011 it involves Doctor Doom, the Inhumans, and just about everyone in the story line from the past 2 years.

Fear Itself 3

Marvel also began the year with a cross title Mega event call the “Chaos War” which evolved an entity called the Chaos King or  Amatsu-Mikabosh a Japanese God of evil, he is the embodiment of the chaos and nothingness that preceded creation, which wants to wipe out all existence and almost does. Hercules uses his new All Father status to remake the world at the sacrifice of his godhood making him mortal and launching a new series called Herc. Then not to be out done by the Gods of Mount Olympias writer Matt Fraction writes another world threatening event called “Fear Itself” involving Odin’s older brother the Serpent: God of Fear, who claims he is the rightful All Father not Odin. Very interesting story it introduces the Serpent’s the “Worthy” and Odin’s  the “Mighty” lead by Iron Man. It ends with much devastation to the earth and Thor finally killing the Serpent then taking nine steps and falling dead. Odin mourns his son’s death then takes his brothers body and leaves the realm of midgard and asgard to the All Mothers: Freyja, Gaea, and Idune, who rule in his stead.  Two major storylines that change many things in the Marvel universe.

Death of Spider-Man

Spider Island another major event centered around the New York City area. “Spider-Island” the storyline started in The Amazing Spider-Man and crossing over into other comic books published by Marvel Comics. It involve an infection that gave normal humans Spider Powers and eventually turned them into Spider creatures serving the Spider-Queen. It takes Mr Fantastic of the Fantastic Four and others of the Horizon Labs scientists to find a cure then a huge battle and inoculation of the public and the re introduction of Kaine as the clone of Peter Parker as a good guy cured from his previous problems. That is really an over simplification of a very complicated story. Another big story from Marvel.

On the Ultimate side of Marvel you have the Death of Spider-Man, the real death of Peter Parker. His heroic death brings on the introduction of a new Spider-Man, Miles Morales. A teenager of African American and Latino descent, he will have a lot of adjusting to do to fill the shoes of Peter Parker. So far the reviews have been very favorable of the new Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe.

Reign of Doomsday

Well if you are overwhelmed by the events of the comic world I save DC Comics last for a reason. They changed everything with an event called Flashpoint. But before we get to that DC brought back Doomsday to the Superman titles in the “Reign of Doomsday” series. The crossover involves Doomsday hunting down Steel, Superboy, Eradicator and Cyborg Superman, the four main characters introduced in the wake of the controversial The Death of Superman storyline in 1992. The storyline itself draws its title from “Reign of the Supermen”, the immediate follow-up to The Death of Superman. This run of comics will reintroduce Doomsday as you never thought to see him. It results in the introduction of a character called Doomslayer a very interesting story. This leads up to the giant sized Action Comics 900 and the end of the series which was started in 1938.

Meanwhile the events of Brightest Day follow the exploits of these heroes and villains as they attempt to learn the secret behind their salvation. At the end of “Blackest Night”, 12 heroes and villains were resurrected for a later to be reveled  purpose.  Brightest Day #7 revealed that the 12 resurrected must complete an individual assignment given to them by the White Lantern Entity. If they are successful, their life will be fully returned. It ended when Boston Brand found the new champion who will bear the white light of life and take the Entity’s place. (Revealed as Alec Holland, the new Swamp Thing as of Brightest Day #24)

Flashpoint #5

And that led into one of the biggest events in comic book history the series Flashpoint and the creation of the New 52 the remaking of the DC Universe. Flashpoint was a complete redirection in the DC Universe and change in history brought on by the Flash Barry Allen as he changed an event in his past that set every thing in a different direction an alternate universe. Everything changed with the only one who had knowledge in this time period of how things should be was Barry who no longer had the powers of speed. Without telling a synopsis of what happened Barry was the key in changing it back but in the process a mysterious “Lady in Red” helped him to bring a new universe into existence that resulted in DC’s Vertigo and WildStorm superhero groups brought into the main DCU continuity. You can read about that here in my blog. So this New DC 52 as the creators of DC began calling it was created with no connection to the previous history of events in the DCU. The writers and artist and producers at DC could go in any direction they wanted to. And they did with the retelling origins of all the icons of DC history. There was a new fresh look at the heroes that have been around for over 50 years.

Justice League #1

In September of 2011 52 titles started at number one again including Action Comics which had not been interrupted in over 900 issues. Grant Morrison was given the rewrite of Superman origin, Brian Azzarello took on Wonder Woman, Tony Daniel would write Detective Comics, Geoff Johns writer and art Jim Lee for Justice League #1, and there are many more changes which we highlighted in Comics talk during 2011. I think the most dramatic change was the top sales of comic books for the first time in a long time when from Marvel to DC Comics. Mostly because of new readers and old readers that just wanted to check it out. Also DC provided digital copies of comic books the same day of paper publication, this is a first in the industry.

Keep in mind there was a lot of other things that happened in comics but I can only highlight the major ones in this venue. So quite an extraordinary year in comic books, one that will go down in history I am sure. We are here for you to keep you informed on the media known as Comic Book Entertainment and Movie greats with a lot of other fun things mixed in. Stay tuned Comic faithful Fore more. Walt

Superior

Mark Millar is one of the successful writers for modern comics with some pretty big titles for both DC, Marvel and now with his publishing of Superior in Marvel’s Icon label, Superior is Millar’s most recent creator owned series and has already become one of his most popular with fans.

Superior is about a boy called Simon who is wheelchair bound with multiple sclerosis. Simon is given a magical wish from a space monkey and because he is a fan of super heroes he is transformed into his comic book hero Superior.

Superior has similarity to Shazam’s (Captain Marvel) and Superman. The difference being Bill Batson the alter ego of Captain Marvel was healthy and Simon is crippled. Also both have to deal with the lack of experience in life situations and the simple out look of a young person in solving problems. With the delays from Warner Brothers Studios in producing the next Superman movie this could be the opportunity to become the #1 favorite caped super hero, or at least draw a lot of attention to the character both on the big screen and in comics. Mark Millar’s inspiration for “Superior” came from Christopher Reeve’s life and death.

Mark Millar has also recently said he has one of the high profile actors of 2010 to play Superior in the movie but who it is wont be released till January. We will report on the progress of this movie with interest. Stay right here for the latest in comic news and fun. Let us know what you think about Superior coming to the movies. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Star Trek and Legion of SuperHeroes #1

Media Release — The original Starship Enterprise has traveled across time and space on its five-year mission, but it will be entering the DC Universe for the first time this summer. IDW Publishing is proud to announce its first-ever crossover with DC Comics’ Super Heroes in STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES, a six-issue monthly series beginning in October 2011.

STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES tells the tale of the original crew of the Starship Enterprise, who beam down to a planet only to discover that the planet isn’t their intended destination, or even in the right universe. At the same time, a group of “Great Darkness Saga” Legionnaires inside a time sphere find themselves cast into the 23rd century, but it’s not the 23rd century as they know it, either. STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES is a galaxy-spanning adventure that draws both teams together to face a menace that includes Khunds, Klingons, Borg, and other threats that aren’t quite as they should be. The egalitarian United Planets in one universe and a United Federation of Planets in another is now the Imperial Planets of Terra, a dark empire focused on war and conquest, and that’s just the beginning for this special series.

“Nothing like kicking off our first foray into the DC Universe with a story that spans dimensions and centuries,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief and the lead editor on this crossover. “As a huge fan of both of these teams and the eras we’re playing with here, as well as an admirer of the talents involved with this tale, I couldn’t be happier.”

Weaving these disparate universes and characters into a dark, foreboding and mysterious saga is Eisner-nominated writer Chris Roberson (iZombie, Superman), with art by Jeffrey and Philip Moy, both of whom have tackled the Legion and Star Trek in other forms. Phil Jimenez, will provide covers for the entire series, while each issue will also feature variant covers from classic Legion of Superheroes artists such as Keith Giffen, Steve Lightle, and Mike Grell, as well as IDW mainstay and Best Artist Eisner-nominee Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key) and others.

“We’re thrilled to be joining such iconic characters together in an exciting adventure that spans space and time,” said Bob Harras, DC Comics Editor-in-Chief.

The STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES series also offers a note of nostalgia for DC Comics and Star Trek, as that publisher produced the popular sci-fi comics under both the DC Comics banner in the ’80s and the Wildstorm banner in the ’90s. Now, under IDW’s auspices, both the 23rd and the 30th centuries might never be the same after this new series is complete.

“Chris Roberson, who’s incredibly knowledgeable about both series, managed to not only weave both teams together into a clever story, but he also found a way to tie both universes together through a shared villain that fans will never expect to see,” added Ryall. “And the Moys bring a sense of dynamism and energy to not only the characters we know but also in the designs for some special merged-universe characters, too. Add to that the chance to work with guys I greatly admire on the series’ covers and you’ve really got the makings of something special here. I’m really happy that DC has been such a welcoming partner on the crazy things we’re going to do here.”

Star Trek is licensed by CBS Consumer Products.

STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #1 (of 6, $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in comic stores in October 2011.

Well just when you think you have seen it all there is a surprise I never thought would be Star Trek and the Legion of Superheroes. Printed it as I found it. Hunting the comic news for my readers. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Star Trek #1

Let me introduce you to IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title “Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share” for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic Distributors.IDW is currently recognized as the fifth largest publisher of American comic books by Diamond Comic Distributors.In addition to their printed comics and graphic novels, IDW has more than 650 books in digital distribution across multiple partners and platforms. I wanted to share a new title that might be of interest to you Star Trek. Information taken from their website.

All-new ongoing series begins in September
Classic Star Trek: The Original Series episodes re imagined in the new universe

The Star Trek universe will never be the same following the events of the game-changing, blockbuster 2009 film. Beginning with STAR TREK #1 in September, IDW Publishing and CBS Consumer Products join forces with Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci to explore the vast implications of the alternate timeline created by the film in a new, monthly, ongoing comics series. “Movies cost money. Lots and lots of money,” said Orci. “But comics give us unlimited budgets to take the crew of the Enterprise farther than they’ve ever been. Join us!” The adventures of the Starship Enterprise continue with the new cast from the film as they embark on missions that re-imagine the stories from the original television series, along with new threats and characters never seen before.
Under the creative direction of Orci, fan-favorite STAR TREK writer Mike Johnson and artist Stephen Molnar bring this alternate universe to life and begin the countdown to the highly anticipated Star Trek sequel. The series kicks off with a dramatic new envisioning of The Original Series second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.”

“Finally, new STAR TREK comics that showcase the new Enterprise crew,” said editor Scott Dunbier. “The only thing more fun than reading them is editing them!”
STAR TREK #1 will feature covers from Tim Bradstreet and David Messina, plus four rare photo covers. Readers are encouraged to talk to their local retailer about the photo covers, and the super rare STAR TREK #1 signed by Orci and Johnson.  The debut issue will also feature a golden ticket promotion, with more details to come shortly from IDW.

STAR TREK #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in September 2011. Diamond order code JUN11 0308.
(c) 2011 Paramount pictures Corporation.  TM & (c) 2011 CBS Studios Inc.  STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.  All Rights Reserved.

Valiant Comics

From newsarama:
New York, NY – June 1, 2011 – Valiant Entertainment, the character-based entertainment company with more than 1,500 characters in its library, announced it will reintroduce the critically acclaimed Valiant Universe in print and digital comics in 2012.  Valiant has hired accomplished industry executives and creative talent to expand its management team.  The first announcement is that former Marvel CEO and Vice Chairman Peter Cuneo has assumed the role of Chairman of Valiant.

Valiant Entertainment, co-founded by Jason Kothari and Dinesh Shamdasani, has received a capital infusion from private investment company Cuneo & Company, LLC.  Peter Cuneo, Managing Principal of Cuneo & Co., recently concluded ten years of leadership at Marvel Entertainment, which achieved

XO Manowar

one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in entertainment history during that period.  His tenure with Marvel concluded with Marvel’s sale at the end of 2009 to The Walt Disney Company for over $4 billion. Gavin Cuneo, Principal of Cuneo & Co., was an investment banker with Bank of America Merrill Lynch prior to the founding of Cuneo & Co.  He has spent over ten years working in investment banking and investment management and has been appointed to Valiant’s Board of Directors.  Peter and Gavin Cuneo are working closely with Valiant’s expanded management team to usher in the new era of Valiant.

“I am excited to be partnering with Peter and Gavin,” said CEO Jason Kothari. “Peter’s decade of leadership at Marvel, Gavin’s decade of experience on Wall Street, and their highly active roles with Valiant will be integral to our expansion.”

“The strength of the management team which Jason has created and the quality of the characters owned and controlled by the company have made this an extremely attractive and exciting investment,” said Peter Cuneo.
“We see a great opportunity in today’s comic book industry for the emergence of a brand that combines the power of a strong legacy with a first-class creative and business team,” said Gavin Cuneo.

Ninjak

Originally founded in 1989, Valiant Comics quickly became one of the most successful comic book publishers by creating unique and compelling heroes and villains and focusing on storytelling.  Valiant characters have been written and illustrated by many of the industry’s most famous creative talents, including Jim Shooter, Bob Layton, Barry Windsor Smith, Joe Quesada, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch, Steve Ditko, Mike Mignola and Neal Adams, among many others. Previously named Publisher of the Year by Diamond Comics Distributors, Valiant characters have sold over 80 million comic books.  After creating some of the most popular comic book characters, Valiant was acquired by video game company Acclaim Entertainment. Acclaim used the characters as the basis for a number of successful video game franchises.  Acclaim went out of business in 2005 due to issues unrelated to Valiant, including the loss of key sports video game licenses.  This enabled Valiant Entertainment to acquire all the rights to the Valiant Comics library at the end of 2007.  Valiant Entertainment began operations in 2008 and has made significant progress in the licensing and development of major motion pictures that will be communicated in the coming months.  Valiant now expands into publishing.

Bloodshot

“We have been planning the reintroduction of the Valiant titles for some time and I’m excited to announce our scheduled launch for 2012,” said Director Dinesh Shamdasani. “Cutting-edge characters and stories were the core tenants of the original Valiant and are the core tenants of the new Valiant.”
“Valiant owns and controls a universe of some of the most recognizable characters in the comic world,” added Peter Cuneo. “To this day, despite interruptions in its history, Valiant has retained an extremely passionate fan base.  We are keenly focused on bringing the original Valiant Universe back for these fans as well as introducing these powerful characters and stories to new readers.”

Valiant Harbinger

Valiant Entertainment is a character-based entertainment company that owns and controls some of the most cherished comic characters ever created across all media, including film, television, video games, new media, publishing, and consumer products. Since their creation in 1989, Valiant characters have sold 80 million comic books and have been the basis of a number of successful video game franchises.  Valiant’s extensive library includes over 1,500 characters, such as X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, and Ninjak.  Visit www.ValiantEntertainment.com.

The good things in comics seem to last a long time we wish Valiant Entertainment well in their comeback and look forward to reading some great stories and seeing good artwork. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Kerby Genesis Comics

Kerby: Genesis #0

KIRBY: GENESIS From Dynamite Entertainment News Release, The Kirby Event of the new millennium begins here, brought to you by the best-selling and award-winning creators of MARVELS! The Pioneer 10 space probe carried a message to the stars. Now an answer’s on the way — but not one we expected! When it arrives, the lives of three ordinary people — and the entire world — will be changed forever. Featuring Captain Victory, Silver Star and more of Jack Kirby’s greatest concepts, including
characters never before seen in comics form! Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY) and Alex Ross (KINGDOM COME) team up for their first full collaboration since 1994, with finished art (from Alex’s layouts) by Jack Herbert (BLACK TERROR). Don’t miss this tantalizing prelude to KIRBY: GENESIS — a bold, explosive adventure debuting a universe of wild Kirby creations!

Jack Kerby is back… no not really but his characters are and many people who are the best in comics are bringing the world of Kirby into the 21st century.  According to Dynamite Entertainment this is THE Genesis! The beginning of a new comic experience. To see Alex Ross’s covers and layouts and great story make it worth the try.

The Midnight Swan is on the loose! The Wanderer has reached Earth! The Godrealms are opened, the Lightning Lady is freed, and dark alliances are formed that even Silver Star and Galaxy Green may not be able to stand against. And in the middle of all this, one young man searches for his lost friend — only to run afoul of Thunderfoot, the Half-Human.

The explosion of cosmic wonder and unbridled adventure ramps up, as Kirby: Genesis continues! Also featuring Captain Victory, Dragonsbane and the Mythics, the Pioneer Two and more! This is the solicitation for Kirby: Genesis #2 available in July. Sounds like there is no end to the excitement. I think it is time to check this out, stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Kirby: Genesis #1

Kirby: Genesis #2

Priest

Priest Comic #1

Priest, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world — one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. The story revolves around a legendary Warrior Priest from the last Vampire War who now lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants in walled-in dystopian cities ruled by the Church. When his niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, Priest breaks his sacred vows to venture out on a quest to find her before they turn her into one of them. He is joined on his crusade by his niece’s boyfriend, a trigger-fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess who possesses otherworldly fighting skills.

Priest based off the futuristic horror comic book series: In 1998, Min-Woo Hyung created PRIEST (Tokyopop), an intense combination of a horror Western with blazing nonstop action. In this Korean comic book manhwa, a lone gunslinger walks across the Western frontier with an arsenal of weapons. This undead cowboy just wants revenge for the death of his loved one. But as the cowboy kills each one of the fire-breathing demons and hideous creatures, he is also becoming an unstoppable monster himself. His thirst for blood will never be quenched until he finds those responsible for ruining his life.

This movie started Friday May 13 and is rated PG13 not recommended for children. Preview is provided from You Tube. This is not for everyone and not for the faint of heart. Check it out if you dare. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

The Goon #32

For those who don’t read Dark Horse you would not know The Goon. The Goon is a comic book series by Eric Powell. The series has a paranormal slant, with the average story concerning ghosts, ghouls, skunk-apes with an unnatural hunger for pie, extra-dimensional aliens, and mad scientists. The Goon debuted in Dreamwalker #0 (March 1998, Avatar Press) in a 4-page story (later reprinted as the third story in the Goon #1). In 2003 publication of The Goon moved to Dark Horse.  This MATURE COMIC is not for kids but has a large cult like following much like Mike Mignola’s Hellboy. This comic book series created by prominent graphic novelist Eric Powell, follows the alleged henchmen Goon and Frankie as they fight zombie hordes controlled by the top hat wearing Zombie Priest. Likely the only media to ever have a reverse zombie (he likes the flesh of the dead), the series is known for its rather bizarre explorations into the world of the occult.

Eric Powell’s The Goon has been slated as an upcoming, animated film co-produced by Mike Richardson (The Mask, Mr Warmth: The Don Rickles Project, Hellboy II: The Golden Army), Dark Horse Entertainment, ground-breaking filmmaker David Fincher (Seven, Fight

The Goon Movie Poster

Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and animation company Blur Studio, Inc. The comic-to-movie adaptation is currently in production. Blur Studio to release sometime in 2011. David Fincher has admitted that financial problems are the reason behind the delay of his animated film adaptation of The Goon. The director cites the budget of $55 million as the main reason that the project has made little progress in finding a financier studio so far. “Animation that isn’t singing furry animals is hard,” Fincher joked to Aint

It Cool News. “We kind of went out with it at the end of the year and I don’t know that a lot of people were paying attention but hopefully someone will step in and want to pick it up. “Hopefully this will be the year that people go, ‘Wait a minute! We don’t all have to be trying to imitate Pixar!’,” Fincher added.

This movie is not Shrek and “not for family consumption” but is widely anticipated by Eric Powell fan’s. And I am sure David Fincher will get it released soon. While it is not “adult animation” it’s mature themes will be a obstacle that will be overcome. For those who can ” like it like that ” we will see you at the movies. Stay tuned comic faithful for more. Walt

Recently during Comic Con, Dark Horse president, Mike Richardson called a surprise guest to announce Dark Horse’s plans to develop new comics and graphic novels for the Gold Key Comics’ superheroes. Fans were shocked to see Jim Shooter enter the room; the man recently named the “Steve Jobs of Comics” by Comic Book Bin.

Shooter is perhaps best known for his nine year tenure at Marvel Comics, beginning in 1982, with highlights including Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run on the Uncanny X-Men, and Frank Miller’s run on Daredevil. Also under Shooter’s editorial reign, Walt Simonsen revamped The Mighty Thor and made it again a bestseller. Following his successful run at Marvel, Shooter launched the well-received Valiant comics imprint in the early 90s, bringing many of Marvel’s creators with him.

Now, Jim Shooter comes to Dark Horse as head writer for the re-launch of the Gold Key Comics characters: Turok, Son of Stone®, Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, Magnus, Robot Fighter, and Mighty Samson, with further characters and new comic writers to be announced shortly.

I just reviewed Doctor Solar man of the Atom the first in the Editions of the re-launch of the Gold Key Comics characters. I liked because it had the same mystic as the original release of the character back in 1962 but in the flavor of the readers of the 21st century. Very modern in the understanding of Sci-fi in todays readers. The recreation stays true to the roots of the Man of the Atom but in a new fresh perspective of a super human that has near infinite powers with the frailties of being human.

Doctor Solar 1965

One of Gold Key Comics’ most popular titles in the 1960s, the original nuclear-powered superhero reached legendary status by the 1990s in new comics from Valiant. The original classic comics now appear in hardcover anthologies published by Dark Horse Comics. In the new series Michael Komarck provides out standing cover art for the extraordinary comic. While he is new to comics he is not new to illustrations. He has created stunning illustrations for Bantam, Dell, and other publishers. His digitally painted work is stunning and is very good. Check it out at komarck.com and see what I mean.

Dennis Calero does a great job with the inside art. Noted for his work on X-Men Noir books from 2008 and 2009. Also he did Legion of Super-Heroes for DC. Dennis is noted for a superb use of light and shadow and a photo-realistic illustration. He can be found at denniscalero.com.

The writer is Jim Shooter and looks like a good start of a very talented story teller. Like any good first issue, Solar meets his first nemesis, and, in a roundabout way, this part of the comic points back to an analysis of the concept of Doctor Solar. The enemy is Leviathan, a purple-suited, perpetually hungry man with enormous muscles, who rampages through the city stealing food. His fights with Solar, however, are not as interesting as the way he came into existence. When Solar first acquired his powers, he used them to rewrite just a tiny little eight-second period of time that had caused him some embarrassment. Unfortunately, he doesn’t realize you don’t play God without understanding, so he doesn’t know it’s an awful idea to go messing around with time. This alteration shot a reality-altering wave through the universe, and it happened to hit a writer of science fiction and fantasy, causing some of his characters to come to life. Leviathan is one of them. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes, and, even better, it is good to see the comic setting itself up as one with real consequences for its characters’ actions.

Doctor Solar 2010

Magnus the Robot Fighter will be released in August. The recreation of these wonderful heroes will be great to watch for a new generation of readers. I hope it brings back the feeling of awe that I felt when I first read these Gold Key stories in my childhood. Let me know what you think. See you at the comic shop. Stay tuned comic faithful for More. Walt

Hellboy II The Golden Army

Hellboy II

Dynamite Entertainment and Alex Ross unleash Project SUPERPOWERS as the “dynamite” launch of the year continues in our new flagship title! The Saga continues as we focus this issue on The Arrow and The Target! In New Shagri-La, the Black Terror leaves his companions and strikes out across the world as more and more heroes are appearing broken free from the power of the Urn! The Terror isn’t the only one on the hunt though as Dynamic Family seek the heroes for their own means!
This powerful series is overseen by Alex Ross along with writer Jim Krueger and artist Carlos Paul and is the most powerful comic book event of the year! Plus, each issue of the series features original character design art from Alex Ross himself! Series now extended to 7 issues for the launch of the Project SUPERPOWERS from Dynamite!

The project, described by Dynamite Publisher Nick Barrucci as “being in development for the last three years,” has now been released and marks the return of a host of classic Golden Age heroes and villains, all under the creative and artistic direction of Ross and writer Jim Krueger. Many of the featured characters have not been seen in many years, they have been brought back from obscurity. They have all have been drawn and designed by Alex Ross, including Fighting Yank, Green Lama, The Death Defying ‘Devil, the Black Terror, Masquerade, The Flame, Mister Face, Samson, The Scarab, The Owl, the Claw, Pyroman, the Arrow, the American Spirit, the Crusaders, the F-Troop and more.

Somehow in the comic world both DC and Marvel have left the creative world and keep doing the same thing over and over to their heroes. How many times can you kill and resurrect, have a universal crisis, a world war, the redefining of a character. Jim Krueger and Alex Ross have made “Project Superpowers” a new exciting look at some old classic heroes with a modern look at the heart of a hero and the depth of evil. A good read so far, art and story is outstanding and shows the proper respect for these super heroes. DC and Marvel should treat the heroes with the dignity that is shown by Ross and Krueger within these pages. Superpowers #0 is only a buck see if your retailer has a copy or go to the Dynamite Entertainment site and buy. Let me know what you think. Stay tuned comic faithful for MORE, Walt

Serenity Better Days

Writer: Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews
Artist: Will Conrad
Cover Artist: Adam Hughes
Colorist: Michelle Madsen
Genre: Science-Fiction, Action/Adventure

Features: Preview, Press Release, 1 Ecomic

Dark Horse Comics

Joss Whedon returns to the world of his blockbuster film Serenity with the three-issue comics series Better Days.

Better Days revisits everyone’s favorite space cowboys in this thrilling, action-packed adventure, with Mal and his crew on a heist that promises a big payoff–what’s surprising is that this heist just might make good on that promise.

Whedon reunites with Brett Matthews and Will Conrad, his collaborators on the best-selling 2005 series Those Left Behind. Adam Hughes joins the team for covers.

This one is a keeper better than the Serenity: Those Left Behind which sold over 85, 000 copies. The pure fan of the TV series will love this. Has the feel of the early series. Stay tuned comic faithful for MORE, Walt