Secret Identity--What's New?

After 14 Years, Razor Returns!

5/31/2013

Press Release

Comic book creator, Everette Hartsoe, best known for launching the successful company LONDON NIGHT STUDIOS in the early 90’s, makes his return to the industry after a 14 year hiatus. Everette Hartsoe’s RAZOR: SCARS is a 150+ page graphic novel that will take his popular creation, Razor into a darker territories, while reinventing her for a new generation of readers.

Nicole Mitchell witnessed the murder of her father and the abduction of her sister, Jackie. Now an orphan bouncing from foster homes, in and out of juvenile detention, Nicole was sent to Brighton Mental Institute and has spent the past 10 years locked away, enduring more abuse than any human could fathom. Upon her release at age 18, Nicole plans to take matters into her own hands , to extract revenge on her father's killers, find her sister and stop the flow of human trafficking within the corrupt walls of Queen City. This book is dark, gritty goth-noir work of fiction for mature readers, in the vein of Sin City and The Crow.

Everette Hartsoe's RAZOR:SCARS graphic novel will be the 1st book publishing venture for Hartsoe Studios and Most Comics (Based on the story from Everette Hartsoe and Jeff Most) http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/everettehartsoe/everette-hartsoes-razor-scars-graphic-novel

THE HISTORY OF RAZOR
Everette Hartsoe created RAZOR in 1991 as a way to help deal with hisdepression over the death of his younger sister. The subject matter of a ultra-violent female vigilante turned off many publishers, so he decided to self-publish under the banner LONDON NIGHT STUDIOS. The 1st issue exceeded all expectations, which enabled Everette to quit the day job and draw comics full time. The flagship title, RAZOR UNCUT reached issue 51, which is a major feat for any independent comic book publisher. Between 1992-99 Razor has appeared in over 100 different publications. Sales from the 5 issue mini series (1996) RAZOR: BURN sold in excess of 150,000 copies and was WIZARD MAGAZINE top 20 books of 1996. The last publication Razor appeared in was the highly successful cross-over with James O' Barr's THE CROW entitled THE CROW/RAZOR: KILL THE PAIN (1999) which sold around 250,000 copies throughout it's initial run. To this date back issues of Razor comics and cards are actively bought sold and traded on eBay and online comic retailers.

Review--Thanos Rising #1 (Marvel)

5/30/2013

by Brian LeTendre

I know this book came out in April, but I’ve been meaning to get a review of it up, as I think it’s really interesting considering the future of the Marvel movie universe.

Thanos Rising is basically the origin of Thanos, and the first issue goes all the way back to the moment of his birth. Thanos’ mother knew something was wrong from the moment he arrived, and her thwarted attempt to kill her own child is an ominous beginning for the being who would come to be known as the mad titan, The book flashes forward to Thanos’ adolescence, and an event that would have a major effect on who Thanos grows up to be.

The biggest success of this first issue is that writer Jason Aaron not only makes young Thanos a sympathetic character, but even a likeable one. The fact that we know how it all ends adds a layer of sadness to watching how events conspire to turn Thanos from a being who values life to one that wants to extinguish all of it. Artist Simone Bianchi and colorist Simone Peruzzi are great in this issue, and there work is in perfect sync with the tone Aaron is setting.

As Thanos gets ready to once again take center stage in the Marvel universe, Thanos Rising is providing a good foundation to build on.

4 out of 5 Villains in the Making

Hit The Streets With Geeky Jerseys!

5/29/2013

With the hockey playoffs in full swing (lets go Penguins), folks in the US and Canada are getting a little hockey nutty! And what better way to celebrate all things hockey than with a trip to www.geekyjerseys.com.

Even if you've never 'laced 'em up', you can look incredibly stylish in one of the amazing custom jerseys from Geeky Jerseys.

"I have played hockey all my life", said Matman, "and have always worn jerseys as part of my wardrobe, not just part of a uniform. There is something not only cool about a hockey sweater, but for me something very comforting."

No matter what you like; video games, Doctor Who, Star Wars for example, you will be looking so good in a customized jersey.

But here is the catch... you need to get on their email list and check the site all the time! Ever so often a cool new design will be presented and you can pre order one of you like it. If you snooze you loose, unless they offer it again!

"Considering the fact that Brian and I both love hockey," Matman added, "and love stuff Like Doctor Who and the Evil Dead, Geeky Jerseys is a no brainer."

To see more, please go to www.geekyjerseys.com and see the jersey that is available now. Let's just say if you love Boba Fett, you will love this jersey!

Mo Stache Is 100!

5/28/2013

by Brian LeTendre

Holy cow. We made it to 100.

Seriously, I can’t even believe it. When my buddy John Cordis and I launched Mo Stache in September of 2010, we had always hoped that we’d still be around a few years later, but you never know. So many things can derail a creative project, that you can’t take anything for granted. I am so happy and proud to be able to say we now have 100 pages of Mo Stache out there for people to enjoy.

And here’s the crazy thing--the best is yet to come. I know people say that all the time, but it’s actually true in this case. We have so much more story to tell before we’re done, and we plan on doing it in less than half the amount of pages it took us to get here. John and I want the final act of Mo to be all killer and no filler, so prepare yourselves for a fantastic finish.

And if you haven’t checked out Mo Stache yet? What the heck are you waiting for? There’s 100 pages for you to read--FOR FREE! It doesn’t get any better than that, folks. It’s never been a better time to jump on board the crazy train that is the tale of a man and his alien mustache.

And now, a woman and her alien mustache.

Robots. Aliens. Facial hair.

Read it all at www.mostachecomic.com.

My Favorite Picture Ever... And Why

5/27/2013

by Matman

Most of us in the United States don't have work and school today. Why? Because today we remember those who fought and died for the freedoms we have.

On behalf of Brian and I we say thank you so much to your memory and your families sacrifices. Your sacrifice enabled us to not only spend time reading comic books, complaining about our sports teams and doing everything Secret Identity!

Now, my story about the above picture!

When I was about 5 or 6 years old I found this picture tucked into the side of my grandmother's mirror in her bedroom. When I asked who it was I was shocked to find out. This was a picture of my grandfather Stanley and my dad, also Stanley. As a little kid i couldn't imagine my dad ever being that small (and blonde), and never knew my grandfather served during World War Two.

As I kept asking for more and more information about this photograph I found out the story and meaning behind it.

The picture was taken in Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts (not too far from where I live today) and was the first time my grandfather ever saw his son. My grandfather was drafted a few months after he found out he was going to be a father. By the time my dad was born, my grandfather was serving on a destroyer in the Pacific Ocean; being a part of every major sea battle as U.S. forces drove the Japanese back to their homeland and ultimate surrender. So around my dad's third birthday... the two finally were able to meet.

That is the picture.

My grandfather served our country and sacrificed time with his child that most of us fathers take for granted. Over 400,000 fathers never came home from the Pacific or European Theaters during World War Two to see their children. My 'pump-up' did!

To me this picture stood for sacrifice and hope. Today it stands for so much more.

Review--Scarlet Spider #16 (Marvel)

5/26/2013

by Brian LeTendre

After the pretty heavy events of the recent “Other” storyline, this issue of Scarlet Spider provides a bit of a breather.

Aracely, Annabelle, Wally and Donald decide Kaine needs to have some fun, and they drag him kicking and screaming to the rodeo. unfortunately for Kaine, a drunk Armadillo decides to crash the rodeo, and the Scarlet Spider is called into action.

Armadillo’s storyline in this issue is pretty touching, and the way the story resolves is both funny and sweet. Some might look at this issue as a bit of a throwaway, but it’s a nice palette cleanser for what is surely dark times ahead, as the Kravinoffs are targeting Kaine once again.

Chris Yost and Khoi Pham are really doing a nice job with this book. While it may be part of the Spider-family of books, Scarlet Spider has carved out its own corner of the Marvel universe, complete with a great supporting cast. This book is definitely worth picking up.

4 out of 5 Cowboy Ups

Why Is Saturday Morning So Special

5/25/2013

After months of unintentional clues and blatant teasing, Secret Identity is proud to unveil to a waiting world... The Saturday Morning Special!

What would the Secret Identity Podcast look like if it were a TV show? Welcome to the word of the 'Saturday Morning Special' is our video companion to the podcast! Joined by our 'Hero Envy' pals Keith Gleason & John Cimino as well as Monarch Comics Publisher Vincent Ferrante you will have over 30 minutes of silliness, insanity and spot on comic book and geek chat.

To view the pilot, please follow the link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSJhcALjxzE

Please leave a comment to let us know what you think, and if you like what you see, please tell some friends to check it out!

And a big thank you to Keith who not only was not only in front of the camera, but behind the camera and put together the tight presentation you are about to see!

Review--Combo Crew (iOS)

5/24/2013

by Brian LeTendre

Back in 2011, I reviewed a very interesting iOS RPG from developer The Game Bakers called Squids (you can red the review here). In Squids, the developers took inspiration from turn-based RPGs and added their own unique approach to controls, classes and character upgrades that made Squids stand out from most other handheld RPGs.

This week, the latest game from The Game Bakers debuted on iOS and Android. Combo Crew takes its inspiration from late 1980s / early 1990s arcade brawlers, and much like they did with Squids, The Game Bakers took an innovative approach to controls and upgrades that results in a very addictive and entertaining experience.

From its story, soundtrack and level designs, Combo Crew definitely calls back to it’s roots. Even the character animations will have you thinking about Streets of Rage or any number of 2D fighters from back in the day. The game is both a love letter to--and a send up of--all the brawler conventions we grew up with.

But my favorite thing about Combo Crew is that there is no virtual d-pad or joystick, and that makes for truly enjoyable combat. All of the action takes place with taps, holds and swipes, and I was pleasantly surprised at how deep the movesets can actually be. Because there’s no need to worry about your character’s movement, you use the swipe controls to whisk between enemies, delivering combos, charged attacks and counter moves in fast-paced rounds. While things start out simple, you are eventually handling screens full of enemies, and looking like a ninja doing it.

Like a lot of mobile games, you earn points and currency based on how well you do each round. You can then use the base currency to purchase more moves for your characters, which can then be swapped in and out of their movesets. The gold medals (which are reminiscent of NES-era controllers) that you earn for really good rounds can be used to unlock new characters as well (including one of the characters from Squids).

While I did not have a chance to try out the co-op mode, Combo Crew takes a unique approach to this as well. There is an endless mode of the game where you fight waves and waves of enemies. When your character is downed, you can request help from a friend via Facebook. If your friend plays the same level and beats it, your character in your game gets revived, and earns health points equivalent to your friend's score on that level.

I am really enjoying Combo Crew so far, and I haven’t even unlocked everything yet. If you enjoyed arcade brawlers, then you should absolutely check The Game Bakers’ latest offering, as it might be the best implementation of the genre I’ve played on a mobile device.

4.5 out of 5 Air Juggles

You can grab Combo Crew for iOS here and Android here for $1.99.

The Story Of Superman's Creators

5/23/2013

Press Release

In continuing to tell the live stories of the creators of the most iconic heroes in the comic book world. In the next two weeks, Bluewater Productions will be telling the life stories of the creators of "Superman" and "Wonder Woman".

Out on May 22nd, in the Bluewater Productions brand "Orbit" comic books comes "Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster: the Creators of Superman."

Everyone knows Superman came from Krypton, but he also came from the minds of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. These two artists labored in obscurity for years, and they were eventually rescued by the fandom they inspired. Here's the story of these Clevelanders who created a world, changing ours forever.

"Siegel & Shuster: the Creators of Superman" is written by Jon Judy with art by Matita Copertina.

"When Bluewater approached me about writing a biography comic of Siegel and Shuster, I just couldn't pass it up. Superman has been such an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I relished the opportunity to pay my respects in what I hope is an entertaining and informative format. I approached this as a love letter to Jerry and Joe, and I hope that affection shows," said writer Jon Judy.

"Female Force: William M. Marston the creator of “Wonder Woman” will follow a week later on May 29th, written by Loyd Gant art by Gabriele Valenza. The cover was created by Jon Woodard.

Extraordinary characters spring from extraordinary minds. See the history that inspired comic book’s first major female super-hero in this American tale of truth, bondage, myths and love. The story of Wonder Woman’s creator, William Moulton Marston, is filled with political intrigue, alternative lifestyles and rooted in the evolution of freedom.

"Growing up, I've always been a fan of comics and the heroes inside their pages, but I've always regarded the real stars as the creators behind the comics. They are the people that turned blank paper into stories and characters we all know and love. It was an honor to celebrate and tell the story of one of those heroes." said Gant.

"Telling the stories of the creators can be just as interesting as the stories themselves. When we did the creator of Barbie, we learned that the Barbie doll was inspired by a sex doll in Germany. People will love what we uncovered about this new batch of creators," said publisher Darren G. Davis. "We also have more iconic creators planned for after the summer too".

Bluewater has told the biography stories of comic book legends Jack Kirby (also written by Jon Judy) and Stan Lee in comic book form. Both are still available in print and digital.

To download a 5-page preview plus covers please click here: http://WWW.BLUEWATERPROD.COM/comics/SupermanWonderwoman.zip

You can download these titles on Wowio, Comixology, DriveThru Comics, Google Play, My Digital Comics, Overdrive, Iverse, PanelFly, iTunes, Kindle, Wowio, Nook, Kobo and wherever eBooks are sold.

You can get the print copies at Comic Flea Market by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ZlD5Bs

Interviews and PDF Review copies are available upon request. Please feel free to use the cover image for your publication.

About Bluewater Productions

Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“Tear Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.” Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.

Get Ready For Saturday Morning!

5/22/2013

Press Release

What is the Saturday Morning Special? It’s the brainchild of a couple of immature guys; Brian LeTendre and Matt (Matman) Herring who are the creators and hosts of the all ages Secret Identity Podcast.

Secret Identity has been providing ‘solid gold ear candy’ for comic book fans, gamers, and other members of geek culture for over 7 years.

In that time Brian and Matman have interviewed hundreds of creators from the worlds of comic books, gaming, movies, television and music. Included in that list are comic book creator Todd McFarlane (Spawn), actors George Lazenby (James Bond) & Dean Haglund (X –Files), musician John Wetton (Asia / King Crimson), author Alana Jolie Abbott (Into The Reach), game developer Glenn Gamble (Walking Dead: Survival Instinct) and some of the biggest current comic book creators like Dan Slott (Spider-Man), Joe Kelly (Ben 10), Jeff Lemire (Animal Man) and Scott Snyder (Batman). Even wrestling legend Rowdy Roddy Piper got into the act by putting Matman and Brian in headlocks at the same time.

So what is the Saturday Morning Special? In reverence to the days of our youth where Saturday was all about cereal, cartoons and pajamas til noon, it’s a show that celebrates all these things in a fun way.

Joining the duo in this little adventure is Keith Gleason and John Cimino from Reckless Sidekick Productions! If the names seem a little familiar it’s because John and Keith are the stars of the ‘Swass Cast’ and were the driving force behind the electrified web series ‘Hero Envy’!

What we hope to do with ‘Saturday Morning Special’ is provide viewers with a visual compendium to the Secret Identity Podcast; a show that has the same charm, positive energy and all ages fun that we provide each week.

Members of the Secret identity Facebook Page will get a sneak preview of our debut episode! Everyone else will be able to see it on Saturday, May 25th.

Enjoy The Show!!!

To find out more and listen to episodes of Secret Identity just go to www.secretidentitypodcast.com

Secret Identity can be heard on the radio Saturday's at 10 AM in Albany, New York on 1410 WENU CBS Sports

Matman can be reached at matmancomics@yahoo.com or (413) 433 - 9746

Brian can be reached at brian.letendre@gmail.com

The Secret Identity Posdcast is sponsored by Archie Comics, 80'sTees.com, Discount Comic Book Services, Boston Comic Con, New York Comic Con, ComicConn, Most Excellent Comics and Collectibles (Enfield, CT), Archaia Press and the Albany Comic Con

For information about Reckless Sidekick Productions go to www.heroenvy.com

<<Previous

After 14 Years, Razor Returns!

Review--Thanos Rising #1 (Marvel)

Hit The Streets With Geeky Jerseys!

Mo Stache Is 100!

My Favorite Picture Ever... And Why

Review--Scarlet Spider #16 (Marvel)

Why Is Saturday Morning So Special

Review--Combo Crew (iOS)

The Story Of Superman's Creators

Get Ready For Saturday Morning!

Sponsored by:

What's New?

Archives

Categories

Get Social With Us

Subscribe To Our RSS Feed

Looking For The Old SI Website?