Secret Identity--What's New?

Brian's New Short Story 'Private Showing' Is Available Now On Kindle!

4/30/2013

I am very excited to announce that my new short story Private Showing is now available in the Amazon Kindle Store! You can grab it here for $0.99, and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, then it’s absolutely free! Here’s the teaser:

Something about the old colonial on Sachem Street led Nita young to contact the real estate agent as soon as it went on the market. But is she touring the house of her dreams, or reliving her worst nightmares?

Private Showing is an origin story of sorts, as it stars Nita Young, a character who also appears in my novel Courting the King in Yellow. Private Showing is the story of Nita’s early encounters with the supernatural, which helped define who she is by the time readers encounter her in Courting the King in Yellow.

One of the reasons I wrote this story was because Nita is a character who has become the common thread that ties my stories together. She was more of a secondary character in Courting the King in Yellow, and she also has a supporting role in my next book, which I’m in the process of editing and rewriting now. I wanted to give Nita a chance to have the spotlight all to herself, and so Private Showing was born.

What’s interesting is that after writing Nita as a main character, I can’t get her out of my head. As I plot through the next couple of books in my shared universe, Nita’s role continues to grow.

So, I hope you enjoy Private Showing, and if you’d like it, please give Courting the King in Yellow a chance as well.

Thanks for reading!

--Brian

'42' - More Than A Baseball Movie!

4/29/2013

by Matman

Sports has always been more than just guys playing a game! The cultural and national effects they have help us forget bad situations (1980 US hockey 'Miracle On Ice'), made us think the best of people (Roberto Clemente dying while providing humanitarian aid) and more recent, having sports help us heal in the state of Massachusetts following the Boston Marathon bombing.

But nothing compares to the lasting effect that Jackie Robinson had on not only baseball, but the United States and quite possibly the world.

'42' is the story of Jackie Robinson and his struggles and obstacles he had to endure during his rookie season, being the first black player to play in the Major Leagues. The film, like most bio picks has its slow moments, but that is overcome by some moving moments, great baseball action and some powerful acting by Chadwick Boseman (Robinson), Andre Holland (reporter Wendell Smith) and Harrison Ford as the legendary Branch Rickey.

The film does an incredible job at dealing with the racial slurs hurled Robinson's way. None are more emotional than the 'legendary' moment when Philadelphia Philies manager Ben Chapman came out of the dugout and said some horrific things to Robinson as he tried to bat. This scene was so uncomfortable to watch because I can't fathom how anyone could treat another human being that way. Congrats to Alan Tudyk (Firefly / Suburgatory) for pulling it off with such realism.

Director Brian Helgeland did a fantastic job with the entire film; casting, pacing and period accuracy. There are a few things that may not be historically accurate (bat smashing in the runway scene) but sometimes you need to do things to move the story a bit or to create a mood and he certainly did just that.

'42' is not just another baseball movie like Jackie Robinson wasn't just another baseball player. '42' is a historical account of that time in the late 1940's when America began to change for the better!

Matman Rating: 5 out of 5 more reasons not to like the Philies!

Review--Fantastic Four #5AU (Marvel)

4/28/2013

by Brian LeTendre

Age of Ultron feels like one giant “What If?” story, so it’s good to see the tie-in issues treat them that way. Matt Fraction essentially poses the question “What would happen if Franklin and Valeria were stranded in space?” The only problem is that the issue doesn’t answer the question, but seems content to just put it out there.

The story is pretty straightforward in this one--The Fantastic four find out about Ultron’s takeover of earth, and they go home to help, leaving the kids in space for safe keeping. That plan goes awry when things go horribly wrong back on earth, leaving the kids wondering if they’ll ever get back home.

There are some nice emotional moments in the issue, as the adults leave goodbye messages for the kids in case they don’t return. Artist Andre Araujo does a great job with these moments, and his work lends a layer of grimness to the whole issue. But, it’s hard to take any of that stuff seriously, as well all know this is a story which will be reset by the end of it.

Compared to the Spider-Man tie-in issue, this one falls a little flat.

3 out of 5 Unanswered Questions

Aphrodite IX For Free?

4/27/2013

Press Release

Readers will get a chance to start reading APHRODITE IX for free this May 4, as Top Cow debuts the re-launched Top Cow series on Free Comic Book Day.
THINK TANK writer and Top Cow President Matt Hawkins teams up with fan-favorite artist Stjepan Sejic (ARTIFACTS, RAVINE) to bring Aphrodite IX, the green-haired, memory-challenged assassin to a new generation of readers. In a dystopian future populated by warring factions of the genetically modified and the cybernetically enhanced, Aphrodite IX awakes to world where the sky is scorched, humanity as it was known is gone and two disparate groups fight for survival and dominance of the very scarce resources left on what's left of Earth.

"Aphrodite IX has always been my favorite character at Top Cow,” said Hawkins. "She's interesting visually, combined with a personality that's sort of out of control of her own experiences and lost in the tangled web of her own mind. Combining my love of real futuristic tech and genetics with Stjepan Sejic's insane visuals we're hoping the readers enjoy the ride."

Aphrodite IX was originally created by David Wohl and David Finch in the best-selling graphic novel published in 1996, which is being offered again as part of the relaunch in a limited edition APHRODITE RELOADED hardcover edition this summer. The hardcover features updates to the script by series co-creator and writer David Wohl.

After May's first, free issue, APHRODITE IX will continue on a monthly schedule, with issue #2 in stores on June 12. The full-color, eye-popping issues will be $2.99.

Horror Master Clive Barker's 'Next Testament' Coming In May From BOOM!

4/26/2013

Press Release

This May, BOOM! Studios is honored to be the home of the first original comic series created and written by Clive Barker himself - CLIVE BARKER'S NEXT TESTAMENT. With interior art by Haemi Jang (HELLRAISER: THE ROAD BELOW) and covers by illustrator Goni Montes, the twelve issue comic event is a bold new exploration of religious themes as only Barker can deliver.

Julian Demond, captain of industry, has left behind everything to begin a walkabout -- he believes he’s on a mission from God. While in the wasteland, he comes across a figure unlike any other, who calls himself Wick...and claims to be God. Their journey will span the globe, as neither man merely wants to make a mark on the world, but a scar. Created by Clive Barker as original comic book concept and co-written by Barker with HELLRAISER writing partner Mark Miller, CLIVE BARKER'S NEXT TESTAMENT marks the first time the master of horror has created and written an original comic book series.

“Next Testament is a project that is near and dear to our hearts. It's a story that has been years in the making and we're thrilled that it's found a home with Boom! Studios," commented Miller, "We promise you something the likes of which you've never seen. Prepare yourselves for a horrific fantasy of Biblical proportions.”

CLIVE BARKER'S NEXT TESTAMENT #1 will arrive in stores on May 29th with a cover by illustrator Goni Montes and carry a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code MAR130920. The premier issue will also feature a retailer incentive cover by Ben Oliver (BATWING) and an ultra-rare incentive cover painted and signed by Clive Barker himself!

And The Winners Are: X-Wing Rogue Squadron And Eureka! Summer Projects Start 5/13

4/25/2013

The votes have been tallied, and the winners are in!

Our Summer Reading Project this year will be the Star Wars Omnibus X-Wing Rogue Squadron Volume 1. You can try and track down the print copy at your LCS or on eBay or you can grab the digital version for $14.99 over at Dark Horse Digital.

This year's Summer Watching Project is the first Season of Eureka. You can fin the entire series on Netflix, or grab the DVD set from Amazon for under $20.

We plan on starting our projects the week of May13th, which should give everyone plenty of time to get prepared.

And for those who have never participated in our projects before, here's the deal--each week we read one issue of the comic and watch one episode of the show. Matt and I do segments about the projects on the show, and we have discussion on our message boards throughout the summer. It's a chance for us all to enjoy something we might have missed and talk about it together.

Get ready!

Makeup For Boston Comic Con

4/24/2013

by Matman

This was a tough couple weeks for us who live in Massachusetts, especially those who live in the Boston, Cambridge and Watertown areas. Everyone watches the Boston Marathon and we in the Commonwealth celebrate Patriots Day as we would July 4th. So when the cowardly act that cost three people their lives and hundreds with life altering injuries it's enough to make you scream.

Sadly, the Boston Comic Con was cancelled due to the fact the entire Boston area was on lock down while local police and FBI searched for the two cowards before they could do anymore damage. Sure I was disappointed because this is an amazing show I look forward to every year, but circumstances out of our control dictated the way last weekend played out.

What happened out of the cancellation was amazing! Local stores like Comicazi in Somerville, Friendly Neighborhood Comics in Bellingham, Comicopia in Boston, Studios at Porter Mills in Beverlyn and Larry's in Lowell all held events like creator signings to help ease the loss of a show. Every little bit does help!

Cudos go to all the stores who housed these last minute events, the creators who stuck around and the fans who made it out to one, some or all the locations to support these gatherings. This is how we heal as a city, state and country!

This is why the comic book community has the coolest people in it! It was nice to see the positives of the situation outweighed the negatives by a 90% margin. For me and most rational people, death and tragedy outweighs a comic con. The guys held out as long as they could to cancel and I appreciated the 'hope' they gave me as bullets were flying and bombs were going off all round the area.

So here is some good news!!! The promoters at Boston Comic Con will be making an announcement very soon with the possibility of a make up date! If you're not friends on Facebook with BCC, friend them NOW! This and their site at www.bostoncomiccon.com are the places to go for all the up to date news. And of course the Secret Identity Facebook page and our site will have all the info that needs to get out there.

Brian and I look forward to the next Boston Comic Con, this year or next!

Teen Titans Go! Premieres Tonight On Cartoon Netwrok

4/23/2013

Hey Gang,

Just a quick reminder that tonight at 7:30PM EST, Teen Titans Go! will be premiering on Cartoon Network. All of the original cast members of Teen Titans are returning for this new show, which will be a little more goofy but no less action-packed. We can't wait for it. How about you?

Happy Birthday Superman

4/22/2013

by Matman

Last week one of pop cultures greatest icons celebrated a milestone... Superman! The Man Of Steel celebrated his 75th birthday and hasn't looked better.

This June will see the release of what looks like it could be the best Superman film ever, 'Superman Man Of Steel'!

Despite the fact that in print, Superman comics are in a bit of flux, I'm here to celebrate all that's good about Superman in print by counting down Superman must - reads!

1. 'Action Comics' # 775 - Recently made into a animated film, this Joe Kelly written story (drawn by Doug Mahnke and a host of others) is the embodiment all that is great about Superman and what makes him such an amazing character when written right.

2. 'Superman Man of Steel' # 1 - 6 (mini series) - In 1986, John Byrne shocked the world with his modern (at the time) retelling of his origin and his first few years as Superman. This series is pure magic.

3. 'Superman' # 1 - 22 (vol. II) - Following the release of the Man Of Steel mini series, Byrne began a journey of re introducing Superman and his core group as well as his greatest villains. This is what I wish Superman would be like again.

4. 'Superman' (vol.I) # 199. The first Superman story I ever read. This is the first (and best race Sups had with the Flash. Written by a young Jim Shooter and drawn by Carmine Infantiono and Murphy Anderson, this one is pure classic!

5. 'Superman Annual' # 1 (1987) - This was a book that seriously made me cry. Written by Byrne and drawn by Ron Frenz and inks by Brett Breeding, we meet a cute little monkey Titano, who because of experiments becomes larger than a city and tries to destroy Metropolis.

So there are my picks... how about you?

Detective Comics # 19 (DC)

4/21/2013

by Matman

If DC never did the 'New 52' relaunch, this issue would have been 'Detective Comics # 900. Thus, the 900 theme. Sad... I would have loved a real #900.

First of all I typically hate the '80 Page Spectacular' for one simple reason... they end up being '60 Page Filler'. But 'Detective Comics # 19' did an amazing job at making me forget I spent eight bucks for it.

This book features five stories; four of them written by John Layman and one by James Tynion IV (which ties into his current 'Talion' series). The first story (The 900) continues the current story running through 'Tec and features beautiful art by Jason Fabok. Not sure if i mentioned this before, but Jason is my favorite artist currently on the scene.

Up next, Man-Bat is featured in 'Birth Of A Family'. The art in this one by Andy Clarke and is an incredible story about how trying to help children can kinda backfire. And by backfire, I mean fall apart in a big way!

'War Council' written by Tynion IV and drawn by Mikel Janin follows Bane as he prepares to bring his war to Gotham and is to be continued in 'Talon # 7'.

'Birdwatching' by Layman and artists Henrik Jonsson and Sandu Florea goes back to the Penguin story as he tries to recapture his lost empire. Featuring a cool new villain Mr. Combustible, who is a cross between Gentlemen Ghost and a light bulb. I want more of this guy!

The story I really loved was Layman's 'Through A Blue Lens'. Here we see 4 GCPD hanging around discussing the merits or need for Batman as one of them recovers from being a 'man bat'. The graphics by Jason Masters really took me back and made me think "why isn't he drawing (fill in any current comic title)".

The book features the usual pin ups; like every good anniversary issue. Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Francesco Frankavilla, Cameron Stewart and others bring their takes on the Dark Knight.

This was an anniversary / special issue like I remember them as a kid. Chock full of great stories and art, 'Detective Comics # 19' was well worth the money. Holy cow, did I just type that?

Matman Rating: 5 out of 5 light bulbs in tuxedos

<<Previous

Brian's New Short Story 'Private Showing' Is Available Now On Kindle!

'42' - More Than A Baseball Movie!

Review--Fantastic Four #5AU (Marvel)

Aphrodite IX For Free?

Horror Master Clive Barker's 'Next Testament' Coming In May From BOOM!

And The Winners Are: X-Wing Rogue Squadron And Eureka! Summer Projects Start 5/13

Makeup For Boston Comic Con

Teen Titans Go! Premieres Tonight On Cartoon Netwrok

Happy Birthday Superman

Detective Comics # 19 (DC)

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