Secret Identity--What's New?

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #669--Batman Beyond and Enrica Jang

6/19/2015

Happy Friday Everybody!!!!

Well, technically it's Thursday if you're reading this early, but you get extra points for checking out the website. We've got an episode chock full of goodness for you here, from the Kung Fury review to the great interview with Red Stylo EIC Enrica Jang. Enjoy!

News:
Inkwell Awards at Heroes Con
Iron Man's place in the new Marvel U
Flash Season 2 casting
Christopher Lee passes

Reviews:
Green Lantern #41
Batman Beyond #1

Boob Tube:
Kung Fury
Turn
Arrow
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Creator Spotlight: Enrica Jang
Brian caught up with the Editor-in-Chief of Red Stylo Media to talk about their new kickstarter for 27: A Comic Anthology. Check out the kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/RedStyloMedia/27-a-comic-anthology-inspired-by-musics-infamous-2 and go to www.redstylo.com for news on all of their projects.

You can listen to the episode right here in the player above, or grab us on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Jamal Igle's VENTURE Returns to Action Lab

6/18/2015

Press Release

In 2003, superstar creators Jay Faerber (Copperhead, Dynamo 5) and Jamal Igle (MOLLY DANGER, Supergirl) launched a brand new superhero title at Image Comics. Called VENTURE, it was a new spin on the classic “metropolitan” hero. After twelve years, VENTURE is back...at Action Lab Entertainment!

“VENTURE was the beginning of my return to comics after leaving for a bit to work in animation,” said Igle. “Now, we have our files back and are rereleasing it with the hopes that, if there’s enough interest, we can start the series back up again.”

"I'm glad that people who missed VENTURE the first time around will have an opportunity to experience this book that has always held a special place in my heart," said Faerber.

“Jay is a fantastic writer,” Igle said, “[and] one of my favorite collaborators. I learned so much from working with him. " Faerber and Igle began working together in the late 1990's on titles for Marvel such as NEW WARRIORS AND IRON FIST/WOLVERINE: THE RETURN OF KUN-LUN which was recently rereleased as part of a collection. Their collaboration continued with Faerber's popular creator owned superhero soap opera, NOBLE CAUSES before teaming up to create VENTURE.

"Jamal was one of the first artists I ever worked with, and remains one of the best," said Faerber. "He's a brilliant storyteller with excellent instincts."

Should the series start up again, it would be a big one-two punch for Igle, who is bringing MOLLY DANGER back, via Kickstarter, on a bi-monthly schedule in 2016. " Action Lab is making a commitment to adding a line of connected superhero titles, and it's my hope that Venture will join this new endeavor. There are a lot of new directions that we can take the character in and have him be part of that universe."

VENTURE is currently available for pre-order via Diamond Previews. Issue One comes with three covers, all drawn by Jamal Igle (APR150965, APR150966, APR150967). Both variants are limited to 2000 copies each. Issue Two ships with one cover, drawn by Igle as well (JUN150868).

Brian's Special Edition: NYC Recap

6/17/2015

by Brian LeTendre

Heading into Pier 94 in NYC on Saturday morning, Matt and I really didn’t know what to expect from the second annual Special Edition: NYC. The show had moved to a new venue, trading the familiar confines of the Javits Center for the more “lived in” that hosts everything from art shows to indoor flea markets.

But while the space itself isn’t the Taj Mahal of convention venues, what matters is who’s filling it. And ReedPOP--the folks behind Special Edition: NYC--put together an impressive list of creators for this show. From the big two, to the indies, to some of the biggest webcomics creators in the industry, the guest list hit to all fields. There truly was something for everyone at Special Edition: NYC. And my experience at the show was reflective of how well-rounded of an experience Special Edition: NYC was. I was fortunate enough to get some of the best interviews I’ve ever had for Secret Identity.

I got to sit down with a guy who has not only inspired my comics writing, but the nonfiction work as well--Mr. Brad Guigar. Best known for his excellent webcomic Evil, Inc., Brad was one of the authors of How to Make Webcomics, and the sole author of its sequel, The Webcomics Handbook. Over the past several years he has been an invaluable resource to people who are trying to get their own webcomic up and running. He runs the website webcomics.com, where he dispenses regular advice for creators on everything from lettering to issues creators deal with at cons.

Buddy Scalera is a guy I met years ago through our pal Joe Caramagna at a Big Apple Con. Buddy is a veteran of Wizard, and a fascinating guy to talk to about the history of journalism in the industry. Buddy runs the ComicBookSchool.com site and does creator connection panels at shows, where he helps comic creators network with one another.

Enrica Jang is the EIC of Red Stylo Media, and indie publisher that puts out some of the most creative projects I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Their yearly anthologies have had some amazing themes--the works of Edgar Allan Poe, the music of Queen--but this year’s is really something special. 27, A Comics Anthology is a book that's inspired by music’s infamous “27 Club.” There’s a Kickstarter running for it now, and you can check it out here.

Darrell Taylor is the man behind the Taylor Network of Podcasts, which boasts enough weekly content to more than justify its name. Darrell and I have been friends pretty much since Secret Identity began, and he podcasts about everything from mainstream comics to art house movies.

George O’Connor is not only a very talented comic creator, he’s an amazing musician. The man behind Homeless Comics and books like Healed and Baby, George also plays guitar for the metal band Swarm of Eyes. Those who know me know how much I love metal, and one of the highlights of our friendship was when I got to see George play last year at Rock ‘n‘ Shock.

Chris Kipiniak is someone I just met this weekend, as he was hanging out with the aforementioned Darrell Taylor. It wasn’t until after I’d been talking to him for a half hour that I found out he’s the writer of Behemoth, a new comic under the Monkeybrain banner that I’d just reviewed a couple a weeks earlier. Chris is a great guy and we got to nerd out over some of our favorite influences.

I met Mark Frankel of Wayward Raven Media a few years ago at New York Comic Con. At the time the company was Aegis Creative, and they had a couple of books they were putting out. Fast forward a few years, and Wayward Raven has a full stable of ongoing books (The Ascendant, Horsemen, Signed C, Damn Heroes), and they were launching a new series at the show--The Committee. I spoke with creator James Emmett about the book as well as Mark and Creative Director Alexander Sapountzis about how Wayward Raven has grown and what we can expect in the coming months.

In addition to the interviews I did over our two days there, I got spend time talking comics and all things geek with congoers, creators and friends Keith Gleason and Amy Kukta, Chris Giarrusso, Mike Pellerito and Joe Kelly. I also got to meet some new friends as well, since we shared a booth with Ramon Gil and Jay and Denise Moores.

Special Edition: NYC was an absolute blast from start to finish, and it left me pumped for New York Comic Con. It's a perfect summer show that puts the focus where it should be--on the creators.

Thanks again to ReedPOP for having us, and stay tuned to Secret Identity for all the great interviews that Matt and I did at the show!

Armored Saint - Win Hands Down

6/16/2015

by Matman

I had absolutely no interest in the new Armored Saint album until I saw a commercial on VH1 Classic that featured a thirty second snippet of the the title track, WIN HANDS DOWN. What happened next was a mad scramble to my local record shop (Music Outlet) to pick up the disc and....

HOLY CRAP!

In the 1980's Armored Saint was a metal band that looked like most 80's metal bands but had a slightly more aggressive sound and it never quite clicked with me. In the 1990's, vocalist John Bush joined Anthrax and gave the to me, a more appealing sound. In 2010, Armored Saint reformed, released an album and toured but now... 2015, we get the release that has left me speechless... WIN HANDS DOWN.

Produced and co-written by bassist Joey Vera, WIN HANDS DOWN is a 50 minute juggernaut of heavy, chugging metal with nice hooks, great melody and some cool lyrics! There are a few moments of progressive rock that make me hearken back to Iron Maiden's NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING and FEAR OF THE DARK!

Every track on this disc is solid with standouts being the title track, Mess, Muscle Memory, Up Yours, An Exercise In Debauchery, That Was Then Way Back When, With A Full head Of Steam, In An Instant, Dive and Up Yours.... ok, that is all the songs on this disc. This is by far one of the most enjoyable metal albums i have ever listened too.

Joining vocalist John Bush and bassist Joey Vera is guitarists Phil Sandoval & Jeff Duncan and drummer Gonzo Sandoval The five play as an incredibly tight unit, providing some amazing and original sounds. Lyrically the songs touch close to home; never wanting to give up, remembering better days and loyalty to what you believe.

I now believe in Armored Saint!

Matman rating: 5 out of 5 smooth grooves!

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #668--Spider-Man and Action Comics

6/15/2015

It's not quite the dog days of summer yet, but it's definitely beach weather, and what's better than working on your tan while listening to the sweet, sweet sounds of Secret Identity? Nothing, that's what. here's your rundown:

Download Location of the Week: Wilmington, MA

Special Edition: NYC Wrap-Up

Reviews:
Action Comics #41

Summer Reading Project:
Secret Wars #3
SW: Marvel Zombies #1
SW: Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1
SW: AvX--Little Marvel #1
SW: Master of Kung Fu #1

You can listen to the episode right here in the player above, or grab us on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

Bruce Timm is Giving Us a Darker Look at DC Heroes With Justice League: Gods and Monsters

6/14/2015

A vampiric Batman, A Superman that is the son of Zod, and a Wonder Woman who is the daughter of Ares are the focus of a new alternate-universe DC animated movie that sounds like the best Elseworlds ever.

Bruce Timm is the man behind the latest direct-to-video DC animated movie Justice League: Gods & Monsters, which arrives on July 28th. To whet fans appetites, Timm and DC have launched a webseries that introduces the darker versions of the characters we know and love. The first three episodes have already dropped, and you can watch them all right here.

Hamster In Space Is Loads Of Fun!

6/13/2015

by Matman

Last Monday an exhausted Mattie did an awesome event at BOOK CLUB book shop in Broad Brook, CT. There local authors sat in stations and talked to third graders about writing books and the fun of being an author. One of those writers was Maria Carvalho, author of the super fun HAMSTER IN SPACE!

Cam has the honor of bringing home the class hamster, Harry. But instead of a quiet time Harry gets a hold of Cam's remote control rocket. To get him back Cam builds a jet pack made from a big battery, duct tape and lawnmower gas and starts his adventures to the stars. On his search among the stars Cam visits some cool planets and meets some incredible new friends including a octopus who wears a hat, a tiger wearing a striped shirt and a monkey wearing a shirt and tie. All these animals found their way into space (under silly circumstances) and now join in the search for Harry.

You don't need to be a young reader to enjoy this adventure... you just need to have an open mind and love adventure. HAMSTER IN SPACE features beautiful art by Lorena Soriano and is an incredible book. Maria may not know how to really build a jet pack, but who cares. her writing has a sweet flow to it and has a sense of wonder that in infectious.

Oh yeah... there is a monkey wearing a shirt and tie.

To find out more visit Maria on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/mariafreycarvalho?pnref=story

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #667--Providence and Madoka Magica

6/12/2015

Happy Friday, Everyone!

We've got another helping of solid gold ear candy to help you kick of the weekend, and our pal Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe stopped by to help us make it! Here's your rundown:

News:
Archie’s final issue
Post-Convergence DC
DC in-page ads

Reviews:
Rebels #2
Providence #1

Getting Animated with Sarah:
Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Creator Spotlight: Scott Wee
Matt sat down with the artist at Vermont Comic Con to discuss his commission work, being on the con circuit and more. You can see Scott’s work over on his website, www.epicwee.com.

You can listen to the episode right here in the player above, or grab us on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. Thanks for listening!

The Inkwell Awards Hits Heroes, N.C

6/11/2015

Press Release

Results from the 8th annual Inkwell Awards will be presented at the inking advocacy group's 5th live awards ceremony this June 19-21 at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. Legendary ink artist Klaus Janson will be one of the speakers.

“It's exciting and rewarding to celebrate with fans in recognizing the industry’s best ink artists,” said Bob Almond, the non-profit organization’s founder and director. “Since one of the major awards organizations dropped their 'best inker' category years ago and later began awarding 'best penciller/inker team' to individuals, we've been proud to pick up the slack and show the world the vital and varied contributions made by inkers.”

Rather than just “Favorite Inker,” the Inkwells have five categories, including the “Props” award for under-recognized professionals, and the S.P.A.M.I., for favorite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent work. Thousands of voters visited and voted during May at the group’s web site to show their support.

The awards ceremony is scheduled this year for Friday (not Saturday as in the past), June 19 at 5:00 PM in room 209-210. In addition to past Hall of Fame award-winner and guest of honor Klaus Janson, other speakers include host Almond, presenters Mike McKone (Inkwell special ambassador) and Mark McKenna (2012 Sinnott Hall of Fame winner), plus Steve Hampton, Craig Yoe and Orion Zangara. Announced with the award-winners will be the two recipients of the annual Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award and the first recipient of the Special Recognition Award.

Other attendees include Inkwell ambassadors Mark Brooks, Cully Hamner, Laura Martin and Mike McKone, contributors Randy Green, Enrica Jang and Dan Panosian, and more. Also appearing will be the Ms. Inkwell spokesperson character, portrayed this time by Massachusetts model, Holly Black.

As an added bonus, the first 20 non-member attendees will receive a raffle ticket for an automatic door prize. After the event, every ticket holder will win a prize as explained at the ceremony.

The Inkwells will be set up in Artists Alley at table 307, offering for donations their new, 4th annual Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge book and plenty of other Inkwells merchandise to help raise much-needed funds. “We’re immensely grateful to Shelton Drum and the Heroes Con staff for supporting the community and giving fans an opportunity to learn more about and appreciate this often overlooked industry craft.”

The Inkwell Awards is an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize and award the best ink artists and their work. Now in its 8th year, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and numerous contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

Thank You Special Edition NYC!!!

6/9/2015

by Matman

Brian and I would like to take this time to thank our friends at Reed Pop for another amazing show and memorable weekend! Special Edition is the perfect show if you are looking for a big comic book show with the intimacy of a smaller one.

Pier 94 is a great place to hold a show! Although not as swanky at the Javitt's Center, the Pier does the trick by giving you a large space to move around, not get that 'boxed in' feeling and just enjoy everything the con has to offer.

Brian will give you the list of people he interviewed... but here is my list...

Russ Braun - artist of choice when it comes to Garth Ennis' war stories! One cool cat!

Charles Soule - one of Brian and my favs... Charles is not only a great guy but one of the architects for the post SECRET WARS Marvel.

Greg Pak - writer of the amazing WORLD WAR HULK and the as amazing ACTION COMICS. Greg and I talk about his beginnings in comics and what we can expect from Superman!

Adrian King - The host of the podcast ADRIAN HAS ISSUES; we talk comics, podcasts, the Clash, heavy metal and of course comics!

It was an amazing time and cant wait to be a part of it again! See y'all in October!

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Forward>>

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #669--Batman Beyond and Enrica Jang

Jamal Igle's VENTURE Returns to Action Lab

Brian's Special Edition: NYC Recap

Armored Saint - Win Hands Down

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #668--Spider-Man and Action Comics

Bruce Timm is Giving Us a Darker Look at DC Heroes With Justice League: Gods and Monsters

Hamster In Space Is Loads Of Fun!

Secret Identity Podcast Issue #667--Providence and Madoka Magica

The Inkwell Awards Hits Heroes, N.C

Thank You Special Edition NYC!!!

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