Blog Archives -

NYCC 2012--Image Releases Schedule

09/20/2012

Press Release

Image Comics will be at New York Comic Con in full force, with top creators signing and must-have exclusives at their booth in the Javits Center during the October 11-13 convention. In addition, the New York Comic Con programming schedule features ten Image Comics-related panels with discussions both wide-ranging and craft-focused.

The Image creators who will be signing exclusives at the Image Comics booth (#1229):

Robert Kirkman (NYCC Spotlight Guest) — NYCC Exclusive red foil-stamped THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM VOLUME ONE hardcover (limited to 1500) and THIEF OF THIEVES VOLUME ONE: "I QUIT!" hardcover (limited to 1000)
Brian K. Vaughan (NYCC Spotlight Guest) and Fiona Staples (NYCC Featured Guest) — NYCC Exclusive SAGA bookplate (limited to 200, included with purchase of SAGA VOLUME ONE)
Jonathan Hickman (NYCC Spotlight Guest) — NYCC Exclusive THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS VOLUME ONE: SCIENCE, BAD hardcover (limited to 500)
Tim Seeley — NYCC Exclusive Stjepan Sejic WITCHBLADE #160 variant (limited to 1000)
Ron Marz (NYCC Special Guest)— NYCC Exclusive Stjepan Sejic ARTIFACTS #21 variant (limited to 1000)
Joe Harris (NYCC Special Guest) — NYCC Exclusive GREAT PACIFIC #1 variant (limited to 500)

Jim Zub (NYCC Special Guest) — NYCC Exclusive SKULLKICKERS #18 sketch cover variant, available at Artist Alley table #W11 (limited to 100)
Ed Brisson — NYCC Exclusive COMEBACK #1 ashcan
Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore — NYCC Exclusive THE LEGEND OF LUTHER STRODE ashcan

Other Image creators signing at the booth include:

Grant Morrison (NYCC Spotlight Guest) (HAPPY!)
Howard Chaykin (BLACK KISS II)
Glen Brunswick and Whilce Portacio (NYCC Featured Guest) (NON-HUMANS)
Alex de Campi (NYCC Special Guest) and Christine Larsen (VALENTINE)
Jay Faerber (POINT OF IMPACT, NEAR DEATH)
Sina Grace (NOT MY BAG)
Jeremy Haun (THE DARKNESS)
David Hine (NYCC Featured Guest) (THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN, THE DARKNESS)
Jason Howard (NYCC Featured Guest) (SUPER DINOSAUR)
Ales Kot (WILD CHILDREN)
Jim McCann and Rodin Esquejo (MIND THE GAP)
Ben McCool and Ben Templesmith (PIGS, CHOKER)
Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder (NYCC Featured Guest) (HALLOWEEN EVE)
Scott Snyder (NYCC Spotlight Guest), Scott Tuft, and Attilla Futaki (SEVERED)
Christian Weiser, Tony Trov, and Johnny Zito (D.O.G.S. OF MARS)
Lee David Zlotoff and Will Sliney (MacGYVER)

A full, updated Image Comics signing schedule will be released before the convention. Please note that signings and exclusives are subject to change.

The Image Comics programming at NYCC will feature a one-on-one conversations with THE WALKING DEAD creator and Image partner Robert Kirkman, a SAGA panel with creative team Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, panels on craft with writers and artists, discussions of science fiction and gender issues, as well as the highly anticipated "The Image Comics Experience" panel, where attendees will be the first to hear new Image Comics announcements.

The full listing of Image Comics NYCC programming follows.

THURSDAY

The Image Revolution Documentary
Twenty years ago, the seven biggest superstars in comics created a company that changed the industry and started a creator rights revolution. From Spawn to The Walking Dead, discover the highs, lows, secrets and controversies of Image Comics in an exclusive sneak preview of The Image Revolution, a new documentary from the creators of Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods and Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts. Speaking on the panel will be director Patrick Meaney, producer Jordan Rennert and Sequart's Mike Phillips, along with moderator F.J. De Santo, and a special guest! At San Diego Comic Con, Marc Silvestri appeared on the panel, who will be on this one? Date: 10/11/12 Thursday, Time: 6:30 PM, Location: 1A04

FRIDAY

Wondrous Worlds, Fractured Futures: Speculative Fiction and Image Comics
With the unlimited potential of comics, there is perhaps no better medium for speculative fiction than comics. Limited only by their imaginations, Image Comics creators have been creating far-flung universes where science, fantasy, and technology explode in rich possibilities. Find out why they choose science fiction, how they build worlds, and what inspires them in a conversation moderated by Elephantmen creator Richard Starkings. Panelists: Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Wood, Joe Harris, Glen Brunswick, Ming Doyle, David Hine, Fiona Staples; Moderator: Eric Stephenson, Date: 10/12/2012 Friday, Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Location: 1A06

Skybound: On the Rise
There's no limit on what to expect from SKYBOUND, Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics. THIEF OF THIEVES is a breakout hit and already been optioned by AMC, GUARDING THE GLOBE supplies another monthly fix for the Invincible universe, the all-ages smash SUPER DINOSAUR is about to blow up in a big way... so what's next? Join Robert Kirkman as he discusses the imprint's future with his stable of creators! Panelists: Robert Kirkman, Shawn Martinbrough, Jason Howard, and special guests; Moderator: Sean Mackiewicz, Date: 10/12/2012 Friday, Time: 2:45PM - 3:45PM, Location: 1A14

Drawing the Line: Artists on Creator-Owned Comics
Art is as integral to comics as story, and what readers see before they read a word. Independent comics give artists the freedom to create their own worlds and characters. How do some of independent comics' top artists bring to paper what they and the writers they work with imagine? Delve into the ink-stained world of character design, sequential storytelling, and writer-wrangling with the artists on Nowhere Men, Revival, Luther Strode, Non-Humans, Perhapanauts, and Saga. Panelists: Nate Bellegarde, Mike Norton, Tradd Moore, Whilce Portacio, Craig Rousseau, and Fiona Staples; Moderator: Eric Stephenson, Date: 10/12/2012 Friday, Time: 6:30:00 PM - 7:30:00 PM, Location: 1A23

SATURDAY

The Image Comics Experience
Image Comics brings together some of the most exciting rising stars in comics today and established creators alike to talk about the past, present, and future of Image Comics. Join Publisher Eric Stephenson to experience a lively conversation with surprise guests, and be among the first to hear some big announcements! Moderator: Eric Stephenson, Date: 10/13/2012 Saturday, Time: 11:00AM - 12:00PM, Location: 1A23

The Top Cow Universe's New Era
Are you interested in writing or drawing comic books? Then YOU need to come to the Top Cow panel where the Image imprint's top talent will tell you about what it's like to create comics like Cyber Force, The Darkness, Witchblade, Think Tank and more! Get a first look at new art! Find out what's going on with The Darkness movie in development! And get the latest on the Top Cow Talent Hunt, in which TWO lucky writers and TWO lucky artists will get jobs. All attendees will also get an awesome exclusive! Panelists: Jeremy Haun, Matt Hawkins, David Hine, and Tim Seeley; Moderator: Matt Hawkins, Date: 10/13/2012 Saturday, Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Location: 1A14

The Writers Room
Some of comics' best writers will talk about the challenges, triumphs, and idiosyncrasies of the comics creative process. Find out how comics like Happy!, Saga, and The Manhattan Projects are conceived, written, and brought to the printed page from the writers who knew them from "PAGE ONE, PANEL ONE.”
Panelists: Grant Morrison, Brian K. Vaughan, and Jonathan Hickman, Moderator: Jonathan Ross, Date: 10/13/2012 Saturday, Time: 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM, Location: 1A21

Saga: Sex, Drugs & Rocketships
Saga launched in March 2012 amid great anticipation, excitement, high hopes, and a little controversy and quickly became one of the top-selling independent comics of the year, second only to The Walking Dead. Creators Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples will talk about how they made an epic mash-up of science fiction, fantasy, and romance into the comic industry's biggest sensation—and hint at what's in store for Alana, Marko, and baby Hazel! Panelists: Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, Moderator: Eric Stephenson, Date: 10/13/2012 Saturday, Time: 6:15 PM - 7:15PM, Location: 1A10

SUNDAY

Creating Comics with Two X-Chromosomes: Real Talk with Image's Female Creators
The subject of women in comics is often dominated by controversy, but what about conversation? Join some of comics' top female writers and artists for some candid talk about working the comics industry. Does being a woman make a difference? What perspectives do female creators bring to a male-dominated industry? All that and more—with women who use their talent to get ahead! Panelists: Jordie Bellaire, Alex de Campi, Christine Larsen, Ming Doyle, Amy Reeder, and Fiona Staples; Moderator: Jennifer de Guzman, Date: 10/14/2012 Sunday, Time: 10:45AM - 11:45AM. Location: 1A14

Kirkmania!
Robert Kirkman, creator of the global sensations THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE and THIEF OF THIEVES, opens the floor to all his fans in this lively and engaging Q&A session., Panelist: Robert Kirkman
Date: 10/14/2012 Sunday, Time: 1:30PM - 2:30PM, Location: 1E13

Review--Resident Evil: Retribution

09/19/2012

by Brian LeTendre

I really like the Resident Evil movies. They’re not even a guilty pleasure--they are exactly what they are supposed to be, and I love them for it. What are they supposed to be, you ask? They’re supposed to be movies based on video game franchise. A franchise that has a ridiculous and convoluted fiction that is second only to the Metal Gear Solid universe, full of cartoon-like characters, insane monsters, and an evil corporation who unleashed the apocalypse on humanity.

The man behind the Resident Evil movies is Paul W.S. Anderson, who in my mind is the Rodney Dangerfield of the movie industry. While he’s best known for his video game adaptations, he also directed one of my favorite horror movies of all time, Event Horizon. And when it comes to video game movies, he directed some of the my favorites, including the original Mortal Kombat and 2005’s Dead or Alive. His approach to video game adaptations seems to be that of a 90's comic book artist--lots of action and set pieces with just enough story to string the scenes together.

Since 2002, Paul W.S. Anderson has been best known for the Resident Evil series of movies. I absolutely loved the first movie, and entries two, three and four were all really enjoyable (although never quite rose to the quality of the first one for me).

Resident Evil: Retribution, however, is my favorite of the series so far, and it takes the best ideas from the first movie and builds on them to create an action-packed, super fun hour and a half.

After a great opening sequence that is presented in reverse, we catch up with Milla Jovovich’s Alice, who is once again in the custody of the evil Umbrella corporation. She’s being held in a gigantic underground testing facility that is reminiscent of The Hive from the first RE movie, and must fight her way out to meet up with an extraction team that is being sent to meet her. The team fighting their way in to help Alice escape includes Barry Burton (from the original RE game), and Leon Kennedy (of RE2 and RE4 fame), while Alice meets up with Ada Wong (of RE2), who is actually working with Alice’s arch nemeis to help get her out. Standing in their way is an army of Umbrella goons, clones of her former friends, and every monster from the previous RE movies. The areas she has to navigate are testing areas made to resemble major cities of the world (New York, Moscow, Tokyo), where Umbrella was testing their various biological weapons on cloned human beings.

Now doesn’t that sound like the plot of a video game? Of course it does, and what’s even better is that Anderson matches the pacing, action and set pieces perfectly with plot. The movie plays out like a larger than life video game. The sets feel like levels, there are essentially boss fights, and it culminates with a fight that rivals the epic Roddy Piper/Keith David brawl from They Live.

The acting is a mixed bag, as you might imagine. I’ve always liked Milla as Alice because she owns that role, fully immersing herself in it. In terms of the supporting cast, everyone else is basically a cartoon, none more so than Shawn Roberts as Albert Wesker, who seems like he’s deliberately trying to do his best bad voice actor impersonation. For me, it all adds to the fun, though.

I’ve had more fun watching the Resident Evil movies than I’ve had in playing almost any of the games. Resident Evil: Retribution is a blast and I can’t wait for the sixth (and possibly final) installment. Bring it on.

4.5 out of 5 Millas

Hidden Gem--Amethyst Of Gemworld!

09/18/2012

by Matman

I can't tell you why I even picked up this series way back in 1983. It was definitely marketed towards young female comic readers. But for whatever reason, I found this series an enjoyable read full of fun, action and a nice little story.

If you don't know the character here is a little catch up. The first mini series (a 12 issue maxi series) tells the tale of a little girl named Amy who discovers that she is the orphaned princess from the mystical land of Gemworld. When she arrives on Gemworld to do battle she is transformed into a 16 year old mystical warrior.

The original series took place outside the DC universe but over time (through a few other series of her own) Doctor Fate became involved in her story. In the past few years, Amethyst was even featured in the DC event 'Flashpoint' as part of the Secret Seven team.

Recently. DC announced that Amethyst will be making her introduction in the 'New 52' DC as the main character in the title 'Sword Of Sorcery' written by Christie Marx and drawn by Aaron Lopresti.

Danger Girl Sale On comiXology Today

09/17/2012

If Matt's recent rave review of the new Danger Girl/GI Joe series on SI has you wanting to check out the character for the first time, comiXology is running a one-day sale that you might be interested in.

In addition to grabbing Danger Girl/GI Joe #1 for $.99, you can grab the original Danger Girl series and the Revolver miniseries for $8.99 and $3.99, respectively. That's a lot of Danger Girl for under $15. You can find all the issues on sale here.

As an added bonus, here's the intro from a really bad PlayStation game based on Danger Girl from 2000. Enjoy!

Join ClassiConn In Waterbury, CT

09/16/2012

MacGyver Returns In 'Fugitive Gauntlet'

09/15/2012

1 Comment

He's back!

One of the greatest TV heroes of all time, MacGyver, is coming to comics, and the guy who created him is involved. Lee David Zlotoff will co-write the series with Tony Lee (Doctor Who), and Wil Sliney (Farscape) will be handling the art. The story, entitled "Fugitive Gauntlet," will be a five-issue miniseries, the first issue of which will hit stores in October.

You can check out further details on the Image website. And for those who aren't familiar with MacGyver, you can check out why he's so awesome in the TV show intro below.

1 Comment

Who Wears Your Favorite Costumes?

09/14/2012

1 Comment

by Matman

As Brian and I gathered our notes for this weeks recording I started to think of something; who (in my opinion) has the best costume in all of comic history; hero and villain?

For me it's an easy choice for both. Both come from the same family (the Flash) and both feature the unappreciated color; yellow!

I have always loved both classic costumes! My love of Kid Flash happened the day I bought the Mego Kid Flash figure at Caldors in Enfield, CT. (for $5.99) and loved the bright yellow top and the fact that his hair flowed out of the top. Reverse Flash just looked so cool as the polar opposite of The Flash.

So what do you think?

1 Comment

Feenstra Hopes To Kickstart Midnight Tiger Series

09/13/2012

Our friend DeWayne Feenstra of the Randumb Idiocy podcast reached out this week to let us know about a Kickstarter project he is currently trying to get funding for. It's a comic called Midnight Tiger, and if you're a fan of Shang-Chi, Iron Fist or Daredevil, this one looks to be right up your alley. DeWayne is writing the book, and Ray-Anthony Height is the artist, and they describe Midnight Tiger as "a fun teenage superhero action-adventure told in the Silver Age style of comics that chronicles a young hero's rediscovery of his childhood dreams and his determination to help the people of his city rediscover theirs."

Check out the trailer below, then head over to the official Kickstarter page to see the funding incentives and check out a five-page preview of the first issue!

Elmo And Gordon Hit NYCC!

09/11/2012

Press Release

New York Comic Con (NYCC) officials have announced that Sesame Street’s Elmo, the 3 ½-year-old monster with the high pitched voice and contagious giggle, will appear at the show along with his good friend Gordon (Roscoe Orman). The hugely popular and widely recognized pair from Sesame Street will visit the annual pop culture event during NYCC Kids, a day focused on programming and activities for younger fans and their families on Sunday, October 14, 2012. Organizers note that further details about the appearance, including the precise time Elmo and Gordon will be present for kids and fans will be announced in the near future on the NYCC website.

NYCC Kids, which always takes place on the last day of New York Comic Con, is enormously popular for children and their parents, annually attracting thousands of young kids to the pop culture extravaganza. Each year, NYCC invites the young and the young at heart to the event to enjoy, create and share in the love of all aspects of pop culture. NYCC Kids features activities for kids including drawing workshops, author readings, animal education, active games and events, and a chance to see and meet their favorite characters! New York Comic Con, which hosted over 100,000 fans last year, is one of the largest annual conventions to take place in New York City. This year’s event will take place October 11 - 14, 2012 at the Javits Center. Tickets are selling quickly and may be purchased at www.NewYorkComicCon.com.

“I am delighted to be welcoming Elmo and Gordon to New York Comic Con,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC. “Not only will they be a highlight event for NYCC Kids, but they also underscore the range of personalities and talent who are attracted to our show. There is something for everyone at New York Comic Con and it doesn’t make any difference if you’re 3-years-old or 80-years-old. That’s what our show are all about! We provide the very best entertainment in the pop culture universe and we cater to every age and demographic. Elmo and Gordon are legendary and we’re pleased to provide this opportunity for thousands of kids (and adults!) to see them in person.”

ABOUT ELMO: Elmo is a 3 ½-year-old red monster who is enthusiastic, friendly and cheerful. He always wants to be part of everything that goes on. However, like most preschoolers, he sometimes doesn’t have the skills or knowledge to do what he wants. But that never stops him because he has a very positive, optimistic view of himself and life.

ABOUT ROSCOE ORMAN / “GORDON”: Roscoe Orman (Gordon) is an accomplished actor whose credits extend to television, stage, and screen. This season of Sesame Street marks Orman's 37th year as Gordon, a science teacher who is married to Susan and the father of Miles.

Orman has worked extensively on the New York stage with the Negro Ensemble Company, New York Shakespeare Festival, Manhattan Theatre Club, New Federal Theatre and American Place Theatre. Orman's film credits include the title role in Willie Dynamite, F/X, Striking Distance, New Jersey Drive, Drive By, Thirty Days, Twilight's Last Gleaming, Coney Island, Compliments of the Serpent and the 2011 family film Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. On television, he has been seen on such shows as Sanford and Son, Kojak, All My Children, Law & Order, Sex and the City, Cosby and The Wire. He has authored two books, Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor and Ricky & Mobo, a children's book which he also illustrated.

As noted, tickets for New York Comic Con in 2012 are currently available for purchase at www.NewYorkComicCon.com.

Review--Peter Parker Spider-Man #156.1

09/11/2012

by Brian LeTendre

In celebration of Spider-Man’s 50th Anniversary, Marvel has been putting out some one and two-shot stories in special issues of old Spider-Man series. All of the stories are new, but feature a subject from Spidey’s past. First up was issue #156.1 of Peter Parker Spider-Man, which focuses not on a person, but a memorable place from Spidey’s past.

Written by Roger Stern with art by Roberto De La Torre and Matt Hollingsworth, this one-shot starts with Peter being summoned by his Frontline pal Norah Winters to help investigate a real estate scam. As it turns out, there’s more than just shady real estate deals going on, and the criminal operation Spidey uncovers is being run out of the same warehouse that Peter cornered Uncle Ben’s killer in many years ago.

While there’s plenty of action, the story is a somber one that serves to remind Peter of why he dons the costume, and his promise to the memory of Uncle Ben. De La Torre and Hollingsworth do a nice job with the art, and Hollingsworth’s colors in particular really help drive home the tone of Stern’s story.

I grabbed these special issues primarily because I’m a Spidey loyalist, but they’ve all been really good so far. Peter Parker Spider-Man #156.1 is a good one-off that serves up a little old and a little new.