Omnicomic

Hank McCoy (Before the Fur)

2013-05-20T14:32:00.003-04:00

Damian Wayne.

What can be said of this treacherous, bloodthirsty little monster? Probably the most accurate thing that can be said of Damian is that he’s the son of the Batman. Not Bruce Wayne, but Batman.

He embodies the most vicious, sadistic parts of Batman’s personality. And in a way, Damian is only kind of aspiring to what he thinks he should be. I mean, if Batman is his father and Talia al Ghul is his mother, given the League of Assassins' ideas about what Batman should be doing with his time, is it any wonder that Damian is kind of confused about what Batman stands for?

Totally remorseless and a prodigy in all of the ways that Batman is, Damian gives you a preview of what a Batman on the side of the Ra's al Ghul would be like. And it’s disturbing stuff to say the least.

Sooner or later, DC found it’s way around to casting Damian as the latest iteration of Robin. First, he tried to usurp the role from Tim Drake by killing Drake off (this didn’t make dad happy). Later however, Damian began to show a surprising loyalty to his father and his cause (which doesn’t make mom happy). After a while, Batman finally decides that he needed to train--and not isolate--his son, adopting him as his sidekick.

I have to say, I was skeptical about this move. But I really like what it turned up for the Dark Knight.

Watching Batman train Damian is like watching Batman coach and nurture himself. Damian doesn’t lack for combat prowess or for intellect; he lacks restraint and a strong moral compass. Damian’s just as likely to injure someone in his attempt to save someone else. In essence, he misses the underlying philosophy of the entire endeavor. That's the part that Batman has to speak to him about. Batman may skulk in the shadows of your worst nightmare, but in order to do good he has to stay connected to his humanity.

He hasn’t exactly always been great at this; if it wasn’t for Alfred, Dick Grayson and others, he might have slipped away into the Batman persona all together. What’s interesting about Batman taking responsibility to help Damian see this is that it’s essentially synonymous with Batman taking accountability for monitoring how he himself balances these things in his life. If anyone is going to be able to understand what Damian is going through it’s him, right?

As time proceeded, Damian has seemed less and less alien and foreign and more like his father (a very confused, angry version of his father, but his father). Batman choosing to really know Damian is like him really choosing to know himself. And maybe that sort of helps Damian know who his father really is instead of the propaganda fantasy the league has cooked up and fed him.

Recently, Damian met his end. In a nice twist, he dies heroically. He seems more his father’s son here than he ever was. This has left our title hero somewhat unbalanced. Lately, Batman seems to be looking into the possibility of resurrecting Damian. This would be pretty radical and creepy because it doesn’t seem like something Batman would normally tamper with and it sort of makes you think about the other side of Damian’s heritage. The Ra’s al Ghul constantly getting resurrected and such side.

If Damian DID come back, would he be the same? Would that little glimmer of hope that he could amount to something good still be there? Or would we be back to square one again? Interesting questions.

Review - Steam Engines of Oz #1

2013-05-20T12:27:00.000-04:00

If you're off to see the wizard, there's a good chance you're off to see the Wizard of Oz. Did you know there's more to Emerald City than just the man behind the curtain? Such as that the Tin Man is a king with an army? Or the Witch of the North lives in the cold and doesn't like engineers? That's all found in Steam Engines of Oz #1 from Arcana Comics.

The first issue is written by Erik Hendrix and Sean Patrick O'Reilly, with art by Yannis Roumboulias, colors by Chandran Ponnusamy and letters by Amanda Hendrix.

Victoria Wright is an intelligent engineer tasked with keeping the machines of Oz running. She's joined beneath the Emerald City by Phadrig Digg, Howard the Wanderer and a Munchkin named Gromit. The three of them are "guests" who feel they've overstayed their welcome and are fighting to find a way out of the city's bowels. They need to find Scarecrow, which means they have to find about thirty (exaggeration) other people first.

The story by Hendrix and O'Reilly is actually quite inventive in how it gives new life to storied characters. The Tin Man is something of a reviled despot, pervertedly thinking that those who run the engines are there by choice. There are packs of lion-men roaming the jungle, descendants of the Cowardly Lion and ferocious warriors. It's inevitable that other familiar characters will also be on hand in a variety of new ways as well. That variety of characters may be one of the drawbacks of the book.

It appears that the story is gearing up to be a series of fetch quests so to speak. The escapees want to find the Scarecrow, but first they have to find the Wizard because only he knows where the Scarecrow is. The Wizard's location is a mystery as well, which means they have to find the Munchkins to find out where the Wizard is (and subsequently the Scarecrow). It all seems a little superfluous and hopefully more time is spent with the Tin Man and Witch of the North, as both characters appear to be villains who the reader should have the chance to get to know better.

Roumboulias' art is actually quite sharp. What really stands out is a few of the pages have an entire background scene taking up the entire page, with action panels inset within that background. It lends something of a continuity to the scene, giving the reader something to grasp in terms of getting their bearings with the setting. There's also a good mix of setting in the book, showcasing what has to be a widespread geography in the land of Oz.

Tales of Oz are those that have been around for a while and really haven't been altered much, so it's nice to see a book like Steam Engines of Oz #1 come along and offer some fresh perspective. Victoria seems to be a very important player in all of the proceedings, but the reason for that still remains to be seen. Still though, the hope that the Tin Man gets more time to devoted to him as a somewhat deranged king would be very interesting.

Steam Engines of Oz #1 is available in June (Diamong Preorder Code APR130795).

Jim Zub and Edwin Huang Join the H.A.R.D. Corps in July

2013-05-20T10:35:00.000-04:00

Members of the Harbinger Active Resistance Division are slated to begin an all-new mission in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14. The question those fine recruits is asking though is who will lead them on their merry way? Leave it to Jim Zub and Edwin Huang to make their Valiant debut in July with "Who Will Lead H.A.R.D. Corps?" short story.

"[We] were able to come up with a series of these little, short vignettes of the interview process," Zub told Comic Book Resources. "It's fun stuff because we get to run through a nice selection and variety of Valiant characters, some of which are appropriate, some of which are wonderfully inappropriate, how they fail the interview process and how Bloodshot succeeds over his competition."

X-O Manowar. Quantum and Woody. Archer & Armstrong. Shadowman. Bloodshot. What do these disparate champions from around the Valiant Universe have in common? They're all on the H.A.R.D. Corps' recruitment list. Now for the first time ever, Zub and Huang are bringing them together for a humorous one-shot tale of the Project Rising Spirit's latest – and perhaps last – membership drive.

Appearing as a back-up feature in each of Valiant's July releases, Zub and Huang's "Who Will Lead the H.A.R.D. Corps?" short will be available in Shadowman #8, Quantum and Woody #1, X-O Manowar #15, Harbinger Wars #4, Archer & Armstrong #11, Harbinger #14 and Bloodshot #13. The first appearance of the H.A.R.D. Corps shouldn't be missed on June 12 in Harbinger Wars #3.

Full press release below.

JIM ZUB and EDWIN HUANG Humor the H.A.R.D. CORPS for VALIANT in July!

This summer, before the weaponized men and women of the Harbinger Active Resistance Division begin an all-new new mission in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D Corps #14, all of the Valiant Universe will be asking the same question – "Who will lead the H.A.R.D. Corps?"

Valiant is proud to announce that writer Jim Zub and artist Edwin Huang, the acclaimed creative team of Skullkickers, will make their Valiant debut this July with "Who Will Lead the H.A.R.D. Corps?" – an all-new short story starring the Valiant Universe's greatest heroes – and villains – as they send up the search for the H.A.R.D. Corps' next commanding officer!

X-O Manowar. Quantum and Woody. Archer & Armstrong. Shadowman. Bloodshot. What do these disparate champions from around the Valiant Universe have in common? They're all on the H.A.R.D. Corps' recruitment list! Now for the first time ever, Zub and Huang are bringing them together for a humorous one-shot tale of the Project Rising Spirit's latest – and perhaps last – membership drive.

"[We] were able to come up with a series of these little, short vignettes of the interview process," Zub told Comic Book Resources. "It's fun stuff because we get to run through a nice selection and variety of Valiant characters, some of which are appropriate, some of which are wonderfully inappropriate, how they fail the interview process and how Bloodshot succeeds over his competition."

Appearing as a back-up feature in each of Valiant's July releases, Zub and Huang's "Who Will Lead the H.A.R.D. Corps?" short will be available in Shadowman #8, Quantum and Woody #1, X-O Manowar #15, Harbinger Wars #4 (of 4), Archer & Armstrong #11, Harbinger #14 and Bloodshot #13.

But first – don't miss the first appearance of the all-new, all-deadly H.A.R.D. Corps on June 12th in Harbinger Wars #3 (of 4) – the next epic milestone of Valiant's first crossover event! Then jump on board the new monthly adventures of Valiant's deadly strike force when Bloodshot joins the team this September in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D Corps #14 from co-writers Christos Gage & Joshua Dysart and red-hot artist Emanuela Lupacchino!

For more information on H.A.R.D. Corps and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

Follow the H.A.R.D. Corps' next action-packed appearances this summer in...

HARBINGER WARS #3 (of 4)

Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by CLAYTON HENRY

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (APR131270)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (APR131271)

Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (APR131272)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (APR131274)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 6/12/13 (FOC - 5/20/13)

HARBINGER WARS #4 (of 4)

Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by CLAYTON HENRY

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131294)

Wraparound Pullbox Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAY131295)

Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (MAY131296)

Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (MAY131297)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/17/13 (FOC - 6/24/13)

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #14

Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART

Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

Cover by J.G. JONES

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE IN SEPTEMBER!

Aphrodite IX #1 Reprinted

2013-05-20T08:33:00.000-04:00

For whatever reason, numbers I through VIII of the Aphrodite variety just don't have the same sway that Aphrodite IX seems to have with readers. The amnesiac assassin has a way with, well, everyone and readers everywhere agree, pushing Aphrodite IX #1 to a sell-out and second printing. The title was originally created by David Wohl and David Finch, but the reboot is being taken care of by Matt Hawkins and Stjepan Sejic.

On June 12, the first issue of the relaunch will hit stores. That also happens to be the same day as the launch of the second issue and it will boast an all-new cover by Sejic. In it, Aphrodite IX awakes to find she must navigate an unrecognizable Earth that is being contended over by warring factions of the cybernetically enhanced and genetically enhanced.

Aphrodite IX #1's second printing (APR138007), Aphrodite IX #2 (APR130429) and Aphrodite IX: Reloaded (APR130445) are available now for pre-order. Full press release below.

APHRODITE IX #1 REPRINTED

Top Cow's Free Comic Book Day offering to be available for purchase

APHRODITE IX #1, the Free Comic Book Day offering from the Image Comics imprint Top Cow, is being reprinted and will be offered for sale on June 12, the same day as the relaunch's second issue. The second printing features an all-new cover by Sjepan Sejic and its cover price is $2.99.

Matt Hawkins (THINK TANK) and Stjepan Sejic (RAVINE, ARTIFACTS) have teamed up to bring back the fan-favorite green-haired, amnesiac assassin. Aphrodite IX awakes to find she must navigate an unrecognizable Earth that is being contended over by warring factions of the cybernetically enhanced and genetically enhanced.

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. The hardcover, set to be in stores this summer, features updates to the script by series co-creator and writer David Wohl.

APHRODITE IX #1's second printing (APR138007), APHRODITE IX #2 (APR130429) and APHRODITE IX: Reloaded (APR130445) are available now for pre-order.

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Defense With The BoomStick

2013-05-17T14:37:00.000-04:00

(Disclaimer: This post is an ongoing story set in a world where zombies have taken over and people are fighting to survive anyway they can. Originally it was a post of news and tips to help survivors make it one more day alive, but now it has became a story of my fight to survive and to keep on living.)

The end is in sight. By end I speak of getting out of Flagstaff or die trying. As of today I'm a bit banged up and nursing some wounds on a store rooftop. I just managed to hit the beginnings of the suburbs again as it was a tough fight through the sprawling center of the city. It was that journey through that injured me. Bleeding a little now, but my goal is at least within sight now.

There was this one particular bad spot I found myself in when I was moving down a street, sneaking from car to car. I was moving around the front end of this one SUV and ran smackdab into the back of a zombie that knocked me backwards as it turned falling onto of me. That's where I picked up one of my injuries, as I sliced my arm on the car bumper when I went down and the pleasure of pushing the zombie up away from me as I fumbled for my knife. This fight would start off one long day for me that could rival a day in the life of Jack Bauer.

For just about 24 hours I was on the run, trying to keep my wound bandaged and not leave a scent of blood for zombies to follow. I was going through storefronts and alleyways in my mad dash runathon that had zombies popping up here and there throughout. I even turned one corner at a point and skidded to a halt when a pack of about forty zombies were milling around on the street. Talk about a fun two hours, as that pack of zombies chased me in and out of buildings and only after escaping up a fire escape and being able to jump across a few building roofs did I lose them.

The only thing you can never lose is their moans, as those followed me. Even now sitting here on a roof within a stone's throw of the suburbs I still hear them. After taking off all my gear I looked over myself and found a few more wounds I didn’t realize in my running. Beyond the slice on my arm, had some scrapes and bruises on my legs had some cuts on my fingers from all the grappling and fighting I had to do. All I want to do is lie here and rest up for about a month, but I know that isn’t an option with so many zombies in the area.

In the morning, no matter how much I might still be hurting I'll recheck my bandages and get off this roof and out of this city. I plan on being at the outskirts of the suburbs by next week at this time and hopefully after that on my way to the mountains of California as I continue towards the military base out near Reno. I’m just hoping I find some sort of bicycle in one of these neighborhoods to help me get up into the mountains and a road map would definitely come in handy too.

Need to try and sleep.

Review - Skyward #1

2013-05-17T12:33:00.000-04:00

Remember the old-school JRPGs? Lufia and the Fortress of Doom? Breath of Fire? Those games that featured wide-eyed youths tasked with saving the world? They had a great feel to them that modern RPGs have lost. Fortunately, a new book called Skyward #1 from Action Lab Comics is stepping in to fill that void.

The issue is written and illustrated by Jeremy Dale, colored by Steve Downer and lettered by Thom Zahler.

Corin is a "retired" warrior, living an idyllic life with his wife Taryn, son Quinn and dog Jack. They're the perfect nuclear family for a less civilized time, making their way in the forest amidst all manner of natural creatures and plants. Their happy lives are interrupted by an old friend of Corin named Herod. Herod feels that Corin is wasting his talents as a warrior playing the role of father and homemaker, a fact that leads Quinn to end up on the run.

Dale's story is very well-paced and presents a solid foundation for an interesting series. Most of the old-school JRPGs started in a similar fashion, with a child (destined, fated, circumstances) taking to the road towards a destination. That's what really makes Skyward #1 work very well; it recognizes that Quinn's quest will be fun to follow and goes with it. Herod is set up to be the perfect bad guy and there's even a hint of fantasy with his two goblin henchmen.

Dale pulls double duty on the art as well and it works great with the story. Again, the characters and setting are very reminiscent of the look of the aforementioned JRPGs. There's a fantastical feel to the characters, with both Corin and Herod mountains of men, Taryn a doting housewife and Quinn a rambunctious youth. Panel layouts are fairly standard, with a few pages pretty crammed with rectangles. There is a great panel towards the end that amplifies the action depicted in the surrounding environment, which was a very cool effect.

There's a lot to like about Skyward #1. As a child main character, Quinn is presented with just enough naivety and curiosity that things won't be easy for him. Surely, he'll tap into something from his father considering his past occupation as a military man. Herod's exact motivations for his actions are still a little unclear, but it's expected that they'll reveal themselves as the series proceeds.

Skyward #1 is in Previews now and should be in stores soon.

You Will Answer to No One Else

2013-05-17T10:35:00.000-04:00

Image Comics wants to remind you that you will answer to no one else. Remember that as you're teased.

The Art of Bioshock Infinite Hits Second Printing

2013-05-17T08:33:00.000-04:00

People love Bioshock Infinite. The game takes players to Columbia (the city above the clouds) and is a return to form for the Bioshock franchise in general. It's so good in fact that it merited an art book from Dark Horse Comics that is equally as popular as the game, selling out its first printing and moving to a second one, due in stores July 3.

In The Art of BioShock Infinite, delve deeper into the sky city of Columbia and its inhabitants. This deluxe hardcover features an introduction by creative director Ken Levine and production designs and concept illustrations focusing on main characters Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth and Songbird from BioShock Infinite. See the evolution of Sky-Hooks, Heavy Hitters, the populace of Columbia, Vigors, airships and much more.

The second printing of The Art of BioShock Infinite can be ordered with the code OCT120060. Full press release below.

THE ART OF BIOSHOCK INFINITE SOLD OUT!

REPRINT TO ARRIVE AT RETAIL STORES ON JULY 3!

MAY 13, MILWAUKIE, OR—Following the same pattern as other stunning Dark Horse art books, Diamond Comics and many retailers around the country are now sold out of the critically acclaimed The Art of BioShock Infinite.

In response, Dark Horse is reprinting the popular art book. The reprint is available for reorder now, with an on-sale date of July 3.

In The Art of BioShock Infinite, delve deeper into the sky city of Columbia and its inhabitants. This deluxe hardcover features an introduction by creative director Ken Levine and production designs and concept illustrations focusing on main characters Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth, and Songbird from the BioShock Infinite video game. See the evolution of Sky-Hooks, Heavy Hitters, the populace of Columbia, Vigors, airships, and much more!

Irrational Games’ BioShock Infinite was the best-selling console title in March of this year and is the highest-rated game of 2013 to date, with perfect review scores from Game Informer, Eurogamer, USA Today, the Associated Press, Entertainment Weekly, and many more.

Praise for The Art of BioShock Infinite:

“Once again on a roll, Dark Horse have given video game fans and life-long enthusiasts

one of the best art books to ever be released.”—Shogun Gamer

“Dark Horse’s The Art of BioShock Infinite is a wild ride for Infinite fans and even those just looking for another classy coffee table book to impress their geeky company. The early sketches, unused ideas, and various portraits and paintings are reason enough to pay the admission price, and this is one example of how to do an art book right.”—Popzara

Fans: Head to your local comic shop or bookstore to get your hands on a copy of the first printing of The Art of BioShock Infinite while you can! Supplies are limited, and demand is high!

Retailers: The second printing of The Art of BioShock Infinite can be ordered with the code OCT120060. It is also featured in today’s edition of Diamond Daily.

Review - Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge

2013-05-16T12:36:00.000-04:00

If you could command an army of zombies to do your bidding as you take over the world or seek your revenge could you manage the pressure? Frima Studios poses that question with their latest game Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov’s Revenge, now on the Playstation 3 and PSP Vita.

In Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge, you bounce between two main characters: Tycoon and Brainhov. Each character controls a different style of zombies. Tycoon's zombies are slow tanks and Brainhov's are faster and weaker. Each one is also a different color to help keep the zombies separate. At times the stages can get hectic and overwhelming when a huge horde of zombies is duking it out to see who wins. On top of having a horde of zombies at your disposal you get a few extra useful tools to aid you in the fight.

The mobile spawner Tycoon or Brainhov drives not only spit out your replacement zombies, but they also have turrets on top that can mow down other zombies or attack buildings. You also get a monster to cause some damage to your opponents, with a variety of them with all their own abilities. Choosing the right monster can help turn the tide in battle. Over the course of a stage or multiplayer match you build up a horde pack that you can unleash to help distract your opponent and let your stronger forces get in to cause some damage.

In each stage are buildings dotting the landscape that you can attack to capture that add to the total number of horde zombies you have at your disposal. This horde is something that has to recharge once used, but does come in handy to scout a new area in addition to doing some fighting for you. In one stage I had about 60 zombies in my horde and when I sent them to take on a pack of gun toting humans they didn't stand chance. Certain buildings you come across add to your horde count, but also turn your regular spawning zombies into specialty type zombies.

These specialty zombies include ninjas, engineers, feral scouts, sunflower spies, radioactive ones or even boxing zombies that can change the tide of a battle. The zombies really give you a great feeling sending your mass of zombies across the stage, taking out buildings and other zombies in their wake. Every stage has the classic fog of war on it leaving it up to you sending your zombies out to uncover what sort of buildings or possible enemies could be around you.

The game is super easy to play, with each of the four buttons on the controller controlling a certain group from your mobile spawner, monsters and two different packs of zombies, with each being able to turn into different types when you find the building on the map. In story mode, each stage tells you the parameters of how to beat it as well as optional missions you can take on if you are a bit of a perfectionist. After every mission you get a list of the goals you accomplished and what you missed with the option to replay the mission if you missed something.

Multiplayer is pretty fun too. One of the cooler functions is cross-platform play between the Playstation 3 and the PSP Vita. You wouldn’t even know what your opponent was playing on and it doesn’t take away from the gameplay at all. The multiplayer aspect is the perfect complement to the story that makes Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge just a fun all-around game. I've had an awesome time playing the game and look forward to finishing up the story mode and getting my hands on the multiplayer mode to test my skills of commanding my zombies to victory. The new addition in the series is welcoming to all manners of players. With a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, easy gameplay mechanics and a great multiplayer mode, Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge is a downright fun game.

Preview - Transformers: Prime - Rage of the Dinobots TPB

2013-05-16T10:36:00.000-04:00

Dinobots. Cybertron. Optimus Prime. And the Ark. It's all Transformers in Transformers: Prime - Rage of the Dinobots TPB.

The work features the talents of Mike Johnson, Mairghread Scott and Agustin Padilla. Check out the interiors below and the book in stores now.

Six Gun Gorilla Hits Stores in June

2013-05-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Gorillas are fearful enough as it is, but put six guns in their hands and things get even more ridiculous. Well, not quite six guns; six-shooters to be precise. In June, Simon Spurrier and Jeff Stokely will blend the two together in Six Gun Gorilla.

“The words “Six-Gun Gorilla” have squatted in my psyche – as immovable as only a revolver-packin’ primate can be – since I first heard them. How could I pass up the chance to breathe new life into such an insane, evocative title (so sinfully neglected since its inception as a 1939 pulp serial)?” explained Spurrier, “In deference to its unknown writer, our new version has mutated into a comic unlike any other: a relentless blast of deconstructive weirdness, gunsmoke, surreal frontiers and Awesome Ape Action. Six-Gun Gorilla is a head-poppin’, civil-warrin’, wilderness-crossin’ epic with sly sci-fi notes: a love-letter to the Western genre, signed with a flourish by a black-furred and blood-drenched fist.”

Welcome to “the Blister” -- a bizarre other-world colonized by humans sometime in the 22nd century, which quickly became a hotly-contested source of fertile land and natural resources long ago exhausted on Earth. In this new frontier, a rogue gunslinger and his companion wander across a wilderness in the grips of a civil war, encountering lawlessness, natives, and perversions of civilization in a world at the crossroads between the past and the future. The fact that said gunslinger is a bio-surgically modified silverback gorilla toting a pair of enormous revolvers is neither here nor there.

Six Gun Gorilla #1 will arrive in stores on June 12th with a cover by Ramón Pérez and carries a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code APR130933. And don’t forget to ask your retailer about the incentive cover by James Harren. Full press release below.

BOOM! STUDIOS REVEALS
SIMON SPURRIER'S SIX - GUN GORILLA
IN STORES IN JUNE

May 15, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA - This June, BOOM! Studios launches a bold new mash-up of Western and Sci-Fi with SIX-GUN GORILLA. Because the only thing better than a gorilla in a comic book is a gorilla with gigantic, matching six-shooters.

Inspired by an obscure public domain character, SIX-GUN GORILLA is created and written by Simon Spurrier (X-MEN: LEGACY, CROSSED: WISH YOU WERE HERE) with interior art by Jeff Stokely (FRAGGLE ROCK, THE REASON FOR DRAGONS) and featuring a cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Ramón Pérez (A TALE OF SAND, WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN), SIX - GUN GORILLA is a pulpy mash-up of Western weirdness and lo-fi science fiction unlike anything else on the stands!

Welcome to “the Blister” -- a bizarre other-world colonized by humans sometime in the 22nd century, which quickly became a hotly-contested source of fertile land and natural resources long ago exhausted on Earth. In this new frontier, a rogue gunslinger and his companion wander across a wilderness in the grips of a civil war, encountering lawlessness, natives, and perversions of civilization in a world at the crossroads between the past and the future. The fact that said gunslinger is a bio-surgically modified silverback gorilla toting a pair of enormous revolvers is neither here nor there.

“The words “Six-Gun Gorilla” have squatted in my psyche – as immovable as only a revolver-packin’ primate can be – since I first heard them. How could I pass up the chance to breathe new life into such an insane, evocative title (so sinfully neglected since its inception as a 1939 pulp serial)?” explained Spurrier, “In deference to its unknown writer, our new version has mutated into a comic unlike any other: a relentless blast of deconstructive weirdness, gunsmoke, surreal frontiers and Awesome Ape Action. Six-Gun Gorilla is a head-poppin’, civil-warrin’, wilderness-crossin’ epic with sly sci-fi notes: a love-letter to the Western genre, signed with a flourish by a black-furred and blood-drenched fist.”

SIX - GUN GORILLA #1 will arrive in stores on June 12th with a cover by Ramón Pérez and carries a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code APR130933. And don’t forget to ask your retailer about the incentive cover by James Harren (B.P.R.D.)!

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey's SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos' FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis' POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 GUNS will be released as a feature film from Universal Pictures August 2nd, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel's HEROBEAR AND THE KID and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED.

Review - Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher #1

2013-05-15T12:38:00.000-04:00

Edgar Allen Poe was a very troubled yet interesting man. His commitment to the macabre was legendary, lending itself to a variety of creative and dark works that are still referenced today. It only makes sense that a story like Fall of the House of Usher gets adapted into a comic and that's what Dark Horse is doing in Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher #1.

The title is written and illustrated by Richard Corben, with letters by Nate Piekos.

Young Allan is venturing over the river and through the woods to visit his friend Roderick Usher. Roderick has come a little more unscrewed since they last saw one another, living in a house littered with family corpses, a scared sister and a burly assistant who doesn't like when people snoop. A sickness resides in the house of Usher. Its history is cursed, its tenants plagued by abominable love and it’s hallways lined with coffins and the rotted dead.

Corben has a knack for amplifying the morbid and he spares nothing in Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher #1. The tale is equal parts chilling and equal parts intrigue, the sum of which is something that feels both coarse and terrible. Allan quickly realizes he may be in over his head and his friend Roderick might be losing his. There is some instances in the story that feel a little over-narrated, but Corben manages to make sure there's enough of an unknown that the reader isn't having their hand held.

Corben's art is fantastic here, blending disfigured corpses and somewhat disfigured humans. The residence is completely eerie and there are some panels of Allan struggling through the landscape that aren't fully shown; the fact that Corben can do this and the reader still feels the death in the house is the sign of a great artist. Panels are full of imagery that depicts sorrow, sadness and death, fueling the story's despair.

If you've ever read Richard Corben before, you have a good idea of what you're going to get. Fortunately, he doesn't disappoint here, taking a classic by someone who could have easily been his best friend in life in Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher #1 is the start of a great adaptation that will have both Poe and horror fans ready for more.

Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher #1 is available in stores today.

Preview - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic TPB Vol #1

2013-05-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

Friendship is magic. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. And in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and all the other Ponies know that for real. Now's your chance to know it too, because if you haven't already been reading the brand new My Little Pony, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic TPB Vol #1 will remedy that.

The TPB is written by Katie Cook, illustrated by Andy Price, colored by Heather Breckel and lettered by Robbie Robbins and Neil Uyetake. It's in stores today and will set you back $17.99. That's not too much to pay for friendship though right?

Check out the interiors below.

Image Offers Sex, Death and Live TV

2013-05-15T08:26:00.000-04:00

Image is all about pushing all sorts of boundaries. There's a lot going on over there that really makes you enjoy being a comic book reader. Things are about to get a little stranger though, thanks to the duo of Matt Fraction and Howard Chaykin throwing their talents behind a brand new series called Satellite Sam debuting in July.

"It's a detective story, a history of television, and a record of addiction, sex, and depravity during a time when the antiseptic shine off Ozzie and Harriet obscure what was really happening in the world,” said Fraction. "And these are just a few of the many joys that come from telling a story about television while it was being invented as a mass medium in New York City.”

The book takes a look at the darkness behind the small screen when, in 1951, Carlyle Bishop, the star of the beloved serial "Satellite Sam” turns up dead in a filthy flophouse. Carlyle's son Michael has a hunch that his father's death was anything but natural, but the only clue is a box full of photographs of women in various states of undress — and Mike can't bring himself to stay sober long enough to make any sense of it.

The creative team researched television's early days in preparation for the series, getting a feel for the era and for the people who lived real lives while inventing an idealized — and fictionalized — image of families and relationships.

"We'd been talking about SATELLITE SAM for a while, but what really got it going was a long Winter's day Matt and I spent wandering New York, feeling the city's ghosts, its lost and found architecture, ending up at the Paley Center, where we watched kinescopes of long dead men and women, acting out children's fantasies, while living complex lives off-camera,” said Chaykin. "To say that I'm both having the time of my life collaborating on this project, and getting my ass kicked in the process, is to grossly understate the case.”

The ongoing black and white series will see its first issue hit shelves on July 3. Full press release below.

SEX, DEATH, AND LIVE TV

Fraction and Chaykin team up on SATELLITE SAM

This July, acclaimed comic book creators Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Casanova, Iron Man) and Howard Chaykin (BLACK KISS, AMERICAN FLAGG) will take readers back to the Golden Age of Television, a time when innocence was as manufactured a fiction as the perfect families in the comedies that captivated audiences at home. Their new Image Comics series SATELLITE SAM, debuting in July, takes a look at the darkness behind the small screen when, in 1951, Carlyle Bishop, the star of the beloved serial "Satellite Sam” turns up dead in a filthy flophouse.

Carlyle's son Michael has a hunch that his father's death was anything but natural, but the only clue is a box full of photographs of women in various states of undress — and Mike can't bring himself to stay sober long enough to make any sense of it.

For Fraction and Chaykin, SATELLITE SAM is a chance to tell a murder mystery while simultaneously divesting the 1950s of its mantle of moral purity.

"It's a detective story, a history of television, and a record of addiction, sex, and depravity during a time when the antiseptic shine off Ozzie and Harriet obscure what was really happening in the world,” said writer Fraction. "And these are just a few of the many joys that come from telling a story about television while it was being invented as a mass medium in New York City.”

The creative team researched television's early days in preparation for the series, getting a feel for the era and for the people who lived real lives while inventing an idealized — and fictionalized — image of families and relationships.

"We'd been talking about SATELLITE SAM for a while, but what really got it going was a long Winter's day Matt and I spent wandering New York, feeling the city's ghosts, its lost and found architecture, ending up at the Paley Center, where we watched kinescopes of long dead men and women, acting out children's fantasies, while living complex lives off-camera,” said Chaykin. "To say that I'm both having the time of my life collaborating on this project, and getting my ass kicked in the process, is to grossly understate the case.”

SATELLITE SAM is an ongoing black-and-white series. Its first issue can be pre-ordered now from the May issue of Previews and will be in stores on July 3.

###

For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Review - Charismagic Vol. 2 #1

2013-05-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

Magic is a finnicky thing. If you can control it, you can control anything. If you can't control it, things could get out of hand very quickly. It's also got a habit of attracting all manner of being, including those of the mammoth, invading monster variety, like in Charismagic Vol. 2 #1.

The issue is written by Vince Hernandez, penciled by Vincenzo Cucca, inked by Mark Roslan, colored by Emilio Lopez and lettered by Josh Reed.

Portals are opening up all over the world and magical creatures are making their way through. That doesn't bode well for humanity, but at least there's Hank, Sudana and Sparkles on the case. The monsters are being shepherded through by a possessed Hector and Alle and Kon is behind the scenes, joined by a new character named Esheera. Everything's shaping up to be a lot crazier than the first volume.

Hernandez picks up right where the first volume left off, thrusting readers smackdab in the middle of everything. There's really no need for introductions, as all the players are fairly familiar at this point. The magical monster invasion feels a little flimsy though, as they're invading Earth for reasons unknown in a fairly formulaic manner. It's not a bad story, just doesn't really feel very original. It's likely that their motives will be explained in future issues, but right now all the reader knows is that Sudana feels a great disturbance in the force so to speak.

Cucca's pencils are very sharp. The invading monsters are indeed monstrous, with their size adding to the story. The book's illustrations have an almost cartoonish feel to them, blending some elements of anime and comic book illustration to present powerful art. The art really helps the story flow very well and might be the strongest part of the first issues.

Things are only going to get more, ahem, magical in the second volume. Hank has a better grasp on his abilities, which should make the fighting a tad easier for them. Sudana and Kon appear just as powerful and this time Hector and Alle are sort of wildcards in the whole thing, with their motives unclear and an army of monsters behind them. The second volume is shaping up to be something solid though, assuming the monsters want to invade Earth for reasons other than simply wanting to invade another planet.

Charismagic Vol. 2 #1 is available now with interiors below.

Conan and the People of the Black Circle Announced by Dark Horse

2013-05-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Conan finds an anger within he taps into for dispatching all manner of villain, evil and everyone (and everything) else. He's a warrior king with volumes of tales written about him. Dark Horse is tapping Fred Van Lente and Ariel Olivetti to add one more to his legend in Conan and the People of the Black Circle, a new four-issue miniseries.

“I’m thrilled to be working from one of the best Conan stories Howard ever wrote, with the most interesting female lead and one of the Cimmerian’s most compelling adversaries,” stated Van Lente. “But what I’m most excited about is seeing what Ariel Olivetti does with my scripts—he was born to draw Conan, and his painted artwork should attract anyone who doesn’t know anything about Conan or Robert E. Howard but just loves things that are awesome.”

Assassins, dark magic and a beautiful noblewoman mean trouble for the Cimmerian barbarian unlike he’s ever seen in this full-tilt escapade through the mountains of Afghulistan. Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1 is on sale October 16 in comic shops everywhere.

Full press release below.

DARK HORSE SUMMONS

CONAN AND THE PEOPLE OF THE BLACK CIRCLE!

Beloved Hercules and Hulk team, Van Lente and Olivetti, reunite!

MAY 13, MILWAUKIE, OR –Dark Horse announced today that two of the hottest names in comics, writer Fred Van Lente and artist Ariel Olivetti, will reunite for a Conan epic like no other!

In Conan and the People of the Black Circle, a four-issue miniseries set a decade after the current Conan ongoing series, fans will find Conan like they’ve never seen him—fully painted by Olivetti!

“I’m thrilled to be working from one of the best Conan stories Howard ever wrote, with the most interesting female lead and one of the Cimmerian’s most compelling adversaries,” stated Van Lente. “But what I’m most excited about is seeing what Ariel Olivetti does with my scripts—he was born to draw Conan, and his painted artwork should attract anyone who doesn’t know anything about Conan or Robert E. Howard but just loves things that are awesome.”

Assassins, dark magic, and a beautiful noblewoman mean trouble for the Cimmerian barbarian unlike he’s ever seen in this full-tilt escapade through the mountains of Afghulistan!

With The Legend of Conan in development with Universal Studios, Dark Horse’s Conan is essential reading.

Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1 is on sale October 16 in comic shops everywhere.

About Dark Horse Comics

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

BOOM! Studios Revives Robocop

2013-05-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

Frank Miller. Steven Grant. Korkut Ozetkin. Declan Shalvey. All that talent has to be coming together for a good reason. Robocop from BOOM! Studios is a good reason. August 2013.

Hank McCoy (Before the Fur)

2013-05-13T14:39:00.000-04:00

Maybe you’ve heard the term phrase "Woman in a Refrigerator" if you’re a comic book fan. It refers to the unfortunate tendency for female characters to have no real substance other than to serve as plot points for the hero of the story by being killed off. The term refers to a VERY questionable decision on the part of a few DC writers to kill off Green Lantern Kyle Raynor’s girlfriend in the most gruesome and unnecessary of ways.

The backlash of this has been interesting. After all, those of you who grew up in the 90’s and the 2000’s sort of know that pop culture has gone the other way with all of that. Today, pop culture is all about empowering women. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Wonder Woman, Xena. Everywhere you look there’s tough, beautiful women who kick ass and don’t let anything get in their way.

Of course, the problem is that’s kind of just another shade of the same problem. The market is FLOODED with female protagonists, but only a few of them (like Buffy, for example) seem to have a lot of depth or character development. We live in a time when female characters are put on pedestals, but sometimes aren’t given the same painstaking care to be developed and understood as well as their male counterparts. I suppose that was a long-winded way of introducing the controversial character I’d like to discuss: Stephanie Brown, aka Spoiler, aka Robin IV, aka Batgirl III.
It was an interesting move, making Batman’s sidekick a young woman. Frank Miller had teased us with the idea in Dark Knight Returns and it worked. Batman isn’t any more "fatherly" with a female Robin than he is with a male one. His job is to teach the people he worked with how to survive and if he goes easy on them they could end up dead. I’ve already mentioned how dangerous it is to bring anyone into Batman’s world, let alone a kid. Stephanie seemed destined to get involved with Batman whether he liked it or not. She was the daughter of a somewhat obscure DC villain, she was bright and resourceful and she had a lot of attitude.

Here's the thing that really defined Stephanie though and I actually give DC a lot of credit for going with this: she lacked talent. She wasn't Barbara Gordon and she wasn't Cassandra Cain. She had a way of coming through in a pinch but a lot of times it just seemed like luck. She wasn’t a martial arts prodigy and she tended to muck things up. She really didn’t have any business being Robin, but if Batman didn’t do something to train her, she was going to end up dead.

Stephanie was, at least, a character who had trouble accepting her limits. I like this because she has a flaw. And oh so few female characters actually have a flaw, which is oppressive in its own way, actually. But the point of all of this is that it really drives home an interesting thought: running around half-cocked with a big attitude and hope alone does not mean you should be fighting crime. Stephanie is the kind of anti-female protagonist that I think comics kind of needs right now, but the thing is, it hurt so bad to watch.

That’s the thing. We should be able to tell stories with female characters that invoke the same range of emotion that stories with the male characters do. You should feel hopeful, desperate, hurt and invigorated, instead of just the static badassness that so many women in comics exude. It was a gutsy move keeping this character as exactly that: a flawed character who wasn’t getting better at being Robin.

Maybe what was most dissatisfying about Stephanie’s "death" however was that it didn’t serve (to me) to teach us anything about Batman that we didn’t already know. Instead, I sort of see the whole thing as a meta-commentary on how to use a female character in comics, to tell you a story with her that surprises you a bit. Of course, maybe because of all of that, a lot of people have decided that they actually want Stephanie around. And nowadays, she’s alive and well and actually took up the mantle of Batgirl for a time. She's already seemed to me to start transitioning into the awesomeness that most female characters eventually assume.

Still, I’d like to think what makes her interesting is that her past experiences were informed by what we were just saying. Stephanie was in over her head and had trouble seeing it. Being a hero is sometimes about knowing your limits and that's the part of the character that needed to grow. The point wasn’t to make her more hardcore, it was to make her recognize "hey, there’s some things that maybe I’m not cut out for." Don’t misinterpret--this isn’t a veiled attack on women as superheroes or something sexist like that. What I’m saying is, what Stephanie needed to learn as a character was different than so many other female characters you’ve read. And that, for me, puts her on the map actually as an underrated endeavor by DC.

And that’s one compliment I have to hand to DC, actually. They don’t always do what readers like, but they often do things with purpose and that lends a lot to their stuff.

Review - Dream Thief #1

2013-05-13T12:39:00.000-04:00

What would you do if you woke up in a strange room and you didn’t know where you were, or what you’d done the night before to get there? Not everyone is lucky enough to have some suaveness to them that they can piece the previous night together. Some have a problem of not being able to piece the present together. Enter Dream Thief #1 from Dark Horse Comics.

Read more: http://www.comicbooktherapy.com/review-dream-thief-1-148407#ixzz2T8AijfC4

The issue is written by Jai Nitz, with interiors and letters by Greg Smallwood.

John Lincoln is a stage magician, movie director, broseph, bad boyfriend and pothead. None of those things present him as anyone capable of killing without abandon, but that's just what sort of situation he finds himself in throughout the first issue. He does so via possession by the dead around him, a newfound power that gives him very unique abilities when it comes to violence.

Nitz's story is strange. John is a loser more or less, drifting rather aimlessly through life at the expense of everyone and everything other than his best friend Reggie Harrison. The circumstances of his power is something of an odd coincidence. Nitz presents it almost like a Freaky Friday type thing, except John doesn't switch bodies with anyone; he just inhabits a mask. There's also a connection with his father that's similar to Dexter and his father Harry. In Dexter, Harry is trying to teach his son a code for killing, but in Dream Thief #1, John is guided by his father in a roundabout way.

Smallwood's art is full of splash panels, cutaway panels and moving insets. It's a lot to take in for the reader, but the effect is one of a story whose art seems to move around as much as the words do. There's a fairly minimal color palette and the changing colors help keep the reader abreast of the mood. Smallwood doesn't rely too heavily on character detail; instead, he let's the scenery do the talking. It's a fast-moving type of art that really works well with the story.

Dream Thief #1 is an interesting whodunnit of sorts, blending the concept of speaking to the dead and acting on their behalf. There are some obvious references as far as the story goes which does hurt it slightly, but overall, John Lincoln seems like an interesting enough character that he'll be able to carry the story wherever it goes.

Dream Thief #1 hits stores May 15 with interiors below.

Ugli Studios Schedules Second Anthology for Release

2013-05-13T10:32:00.000-04:00

Ugli Studios is keen on making you, fine reader, aware that they are making things that aren't ugly. No, they're making some pretty things; pretty things that look great when compiled next to one another in a handy, dandy anthology. Ugli Studios Presents #2 contains three stories from Jason Lenox, Brian Allen and Joseph Freistuhler, with an expected availability date of summer 2013. The book will make its official release at Baltimore Comic Con.

“Ugli Studios dares to tell the stories the big guys refuse to because they're playing it safe!" said Don Everett Smith Jr., comic book writer and author.

The Painted Ladies of San Quentin is aviolent western set in the backdrop of a dangerous Northern California town in 1850 as a land deal gone wrong turns the wheels of violence on the guilty and innocent alike and only one man is willing to stand up for what's right, Elijah Holman. Allen - The Courier is a dark but humorous story about a slave's final attempt to deliver a mysterious package to the heart of an alien ship, and to send the invading creatures back home for good. And Thirteen looks at when a serial killer clones himself repeatedly to create the ultimate killing machine he learns an important lesson about natural selection.

The anthology needs some help, so check out the Kickstarter link. Full press release below.

Ugli Studios Anthology Scheduled for Release.

Anthology to be Self Published via Kickstarter.

State College, PA. May 2013

Ugli Studios is nearing completion of their second anthology; Ugli Studios Presents #2. The anthology is scheduled for release in the summer of 2013. Ugli Studios Presents #2 contains three stories from artists Jason Lenox, Brian Allen and Joseph Freistuhler. The anthology will be available during the summer of 2013 at select private signings by each of the artists involved and will be making its official release at the Baltimore Comic Con on September 7^th and 8^th, 2013.

Jason Lenox is an illustrator who specializes in pencil and india ink illustrations and sequential artwork. Jason has done pinup work for Viper Comics, The Aizan Demo Project, Wyrlwynd’s Kantara Comic and recently had a short story published in Gray Haven Publishing’s Dark Anthology. He has also published two books under Ugli Studios; The Art of Jason Lenox Vol 1 and Ugli Studios Presents #1.

Joseph Freistuhler is a freelance cartographer and illustrator. Joseph has several maps being published in the role-playing game industry. This will be his first story under the Ugli Studios label.

Brian Allen is a freelance artist. Brian’s first graphic novel, The Ends, was voted Best Sci-Fi Webcomic of 2009 by TheDuck Webcomics and has been published as The Ends #1 and #2 by Ugli Studios.

Dave Sharpe is a professional letter who has worked for Marvel, DC and various independent creators. He is the letterer for Batgirl and Green Lantern. Dave will be lettering the anthologies main story, “The Painted Ladies of San Quentin.”

“Ugli Studios dares to tell the stories the big guys refuse to because they're playing it safe!" - Don Everett Smith Jr., comic book writer and author.

Ugli Studios Presents #2 contains three different stories told in three unique styles resulting in one killer anthology.

Lenox - The Painted Ladies of San Quentin

A violent western set in the backdrop of a dangerous Northern California town in 1850 as a land deal gone wrong turns the wheels of violence on the guilty and innocent alike and only one man is willing to stand up for what's right, Elijah Holman.

Allen - The Courier

A dark but humorous story about a slave's final attempt to deliver a mysterious package to the heart of an alien ship, and to send the invading creatures back home for good.

Freistuhler – Thirteen

When a serial killer clones himself repeatedly to create the ultimate killing machine he learns an important lesson about natural selection.

About Ugli Studios:

Ugli Studios was founded in 2011 by Jason Lenox and David Paul. Ugli Studios primary focus is on creator owned comics and has become a showcase for several emerging artists and creators. Ugli Studios previous releases are Ugli Studios Present #1, Art of Jason Lenox Vol 1, The Ends #1 and #2 and The Courier.

About Kickstarter Campaign:

Ugli Studios will be using the crowd funding site Kickstarter to self publish Ugli Studios Presents #2. Ugli Studios and Jason Lenox have had two successful Kickstarter campaigns previously. Kickstarter had become the top site for independent creators to finance their publishing efforts.

Here is the link to the project on Kickstarter

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2146510891/ugli-studios-presents-2

Contact:

To learn more about the Ugli Studios and Ugli Studios Presents #2, please contact Jason Lenox at:

j@jasonlenox.com

www.thisisugli.com

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Blackout Debuts in Dark Horse Presents #24

2013-05-13T08:36:00.000-04:00

Blackouts have this pesky habit of not being very enjoyable. No power means being creative with your time (some more than others). There are rare occasions where blackouts are enjoyable and those are moments that Dark Horse likes to capture. A new superhero is slated to debut in Dark Horse Presents #24 and his name is--you guessed it--Blackout. The story is written by Frank Barbiere and illustrated by Michas Kaneshiro.

Barbiere says, “Blackout has a very fun sci-fi/mystery mythology that comes straight from DH Publisher Mike Richardson, and I think readers will be surprised and intrigued by what we have in store for them! Working with artist Micah Kaneshiro is a delight, and I look forward to bringing our story to DHP.”

In Blackout, the commonplace life of Scott Travers changes forever when he comes to possess an extraordinary piece of technology that allows him to access a mysterious dimension within our own. Blackout is wire-to-wire excitement in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Says Kaneshiro: “Working on Blackout has allowed me to do things on a technical level that I've never been able to do before professionally. With such a long history of brilliant contributors and significant creations, one can only feel honored to be a part of Dark Horse Presents in any capacity.”

Catch Blackout appearing in Dark Horse Presents #24, on sale May 22, 2013.

Full press release below.

DARK HORSE SUPERHERO BLACKOUT TO DEBUT IN DARK HORSE PRESENTS #24!

MAY 10, MILWAUKIE, OR–Dark Horse Comics is set to release a brand new superhero inside the pages of the Eisner-winning anthology, Dark Horse Presents. Blackout is ready for action!

In Blackout, the commonplace life of Scott Travers changes forever when he comes to possess an extraordinary piece of technology that allows him to access a mysterious dimension within our own. Blackout is wire-to-wire excitement in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Blackout writer Frank Barbiere says, “Blackout has a very fun sci-fi/mystery mythology that comes straight from DH Publisher Mike Richardson, and I think readers will be surprised and intrigued by what we have in store for them! Working with artist Micah Kaneshiro is a delight, and I look forward to bringing our story to DHP.”

Says Kaneshiro: “Working on Blackout has allowed me to do things on a technical level that I've never been able to do before professionally. With such a long history of brilliant contributors and significant creations, one can only feel honored to be a part of Dark Horse Presents in any capacity.”

For additional details on Blackout, check out Dark Horse president Mike Richardson’s interview on Comic Book Resources and their preview of Dark Horse Presents #24!

Catch Blackout appearing in Dark Horse Presents #24, on sale May 22, 2013!

About Dark Horse

Defense With The BoomStick

2013-05-10T14:30:00.000-04:00

(Defense With The BoomStick Disclaimer: This post is an ongoing story set in a world where zombies have taken over and people are fighting to survive anyway they can. Originally it was a post of news and tips to help survivors make it one more day alive, but now it has became a story of my fight to survive and to keep on living.)
Not sure how I managed it, but I now find myself further into the city of Flagstaff.

Last Sunday I made a break out of the building I was hiding out in and get out of the section of city I was in. I stuck myself to alleyways and side streets, but everywhere I turned small packs of zombies were there. With all the zombies about it kinda forced me onto a certain path that led me deeper and deeper into the center of the city.

I knew I was heading further into the city by seeing the landscaping changing from houses and quiet streets to more industrial parks and taller buildings. As the week went on it was becoming tougher and tougher to find spots to hold up for the night. The most recent spot I had was a strip of shops; the one I held up in was at one point a tanning salon. I managed to push some of the heavy tanning booths towards the front to make a wall and help block the inside from sight.

Didn’t find much in the way of food, but I did find plenty of lotions and oils. I managed to make a few bombs and fire cocktails that have come in handy as distractions as well as taking out a few zombies in my way. So far I've stayed out of the densest part of the city as zombies are a bit more spaced and have done a circling of the city center to try and get out the other side of the city.

Right now I'm hiding out in the upstairs apartment over a corner store. The shelves down below have long been picked clean, when everyone was getting out of dodge all those years ago, but the people who lived up above did leave some stuff that's still good to eat. I think I have about five more miles until I'm back out in the suburbs and out of this death trap I find myself in. I still have a few bottles of tanning oils setup to help make a getaway and I'll head out in the morning when the sun is just coming up.

I could make my way this night, but with so many buildings and spots for zombies to hide in the dark, it’s just too risky at night. I learned that the hard way a few nights ago when a zombie got the drop on me that was hiding in between two buildings. I don’t think I can make it another whole week in this city I need to get out soon or I might never get out.

Review - 7 Percent #3

2013-05-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

If (probably when) humans learn to tap into the full potential of their brains, things will get crazy. Like intergalactic space fighting and power struggles crazy, like in 7 Percent #3.

The issue is written by Luke Keith and Jeremy Fiest, with art by Jarreau Wimberly and letters by Kel Nuttall.

034 has returned to Stone Corp., fresh off having his mind awakened. Obviously, his superiors aren't too keen on that, as it affords him the opportunity to question his allegiances. That questioning plays a part down the road, as 034 is taken by Cole for a second assault to get the Psion Machine. Naturally, when a super-soldier starts asking questions, things don't work out so well for the creators of said super-soldier.

The story by Keith and Fiest started off with a lot of promise, presenting the concept of humans tapping into the full potential of their minds. By the third issue, that tale is more or less become one of an oppressed group fighting against a larger corporation. Obviously, the 7 percent thing still plays a part, but it's a little unclear as to what the ultimate meaning of the Psion Machine is. 034 isn't quite following orders anymore and that's obviously going to play a bigger role down the road.

Wimberly's art is actually pretty strong. His style really gives each panel to one character, spending little time offering the reader large sweeping landscapes or more detailed settings. It's an interesting choice that makes sure the reader knows that characters are who important in the book. There are some pages that seem excessively dark, which could be attributed to the copy reviewed or that's just how it is.

7 Percent #3 is nearing the halfway point of the series and everything is shaping up for a grander war. The Psion Machine is what everyone wants and everyone wants it for different reasons. There are a few typos in the issue that aren't too glaring, but show that maybe the next issue should probably have another set of eyes looking at it.

7 Percent #3 is available now.

Dark Horse Digital Offering Free Comics to Celebrate

2013-05-10T10:32:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what you would do with a million free comics? You don't really have to think too hard, because unless you've got oodles of cash, then it's likely it won't be a problem for you. It is a problem for Dark Horse Digital in a sense, as the publisher is offering a million free digital comics in honor of their second anniversary.

“The success of our digital promotion illustrates the growing reach of digital comics, which we believe are an important element in the recent resurgence of physical comic book and graphic novel sales,” said Dark Horse’s president and founder, Mike Richardson.

As part of the celebration of the second year of the company’s digital initiative and proprietary storefront, fifty free single-issue comics were made available for only forty-eight hours. In that time, thousands of fans took advantage of the offer and downloaded their favorite Dark Horse titles, to the tune of a million copies. Dark Horse Comics launched its standalone comic-reader app and digital store on April 27, 2011, and has received incredible support from the continuously growing digital-comics fan base.

Full press release below.

DARK HORSE DIGITAL GIVES AWAY ONE MILLION FREE COMICS FOR SECOND ANNIVERSARY!

MILWAUKIE, OR, MAY 9—Now that the dust has settled on Dark Horse Digital’s incredibly successful two-year-anniversary promotion, the company is pleased to announce that it gave away a million free digital comics!

As part of the celebration of the second year of the company’s digital initiative and proprietary storefront, fifty free single-issue comics were made available for only forty-eight hours. In that time, thousands of fans took advantage of the offer and downloaded their favorite Dark Horse titles, to the tune of a million copies!

“The success of our digital promotion illustrates the growing reach of digital comics, which we believe are an important element in the recent resurgence of physical comic book and graphic novel sales,” said Dark Horse’s president and founder, Mike Richardson.

Dark Horse Comics launched its standalone comic-reader app and digital store on April 27, 2011, and has received incredible support from the continuously growing digital-comics fan base.

Since then, Dark Horse Digital has grown significantly in numbers and readership by featuring its most popular and best-selling titles, including Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, Hellboy, Avatar, and Mass Effect, as well as exclusive digital-first series, such as Falling Skies, Prototype 2, and Dragon Age. Dark Horse Digital also provides sales and discounts for its reader base on a weekly basis. It currently offers thousands of comics and continues to increase the digital availability of the Dark Horse back catalog.

Dark Horse Digital is available through all modern web browsers and features cloud storage through both the Google Play and iOS apps.

About Dark Horse Digital

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. In 2011, the company that revolutionized the comic industry proudly presented its groundbreaking digital-publishing program, Dark Horse Digital. Dark Horse Digital offers its most popular titles at an unprecedented value, while providing the highest-quality reading experience possible. Single-issue comics are priced as low as just $0.99, and there is also an extensive list of free introductory #1 issues. Additionally, DH Digital’s “bundles” group together story arcs spanning multiple issues into affordable packages, allowing readers to get all the issues that comprise a complete narrative, starting at just $3.99 and up. And through cloud-based technology, Digital Store purchases can be read and enjoyed online on your computer or, mobile browser, and through the Dark Horse Bookshelf apps, available on iTunes App Store and Google Play.

To get started, simply log on to Digital.DarkHorse.com or download the app to create an account, and begin building your collection today.

Summer of Valiant Unites Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps

2013-05-10T08:37:00.000-04:00

Bloodshot and the H.A.R.D. Corps uniting isn't really good for bad guys. Or anyone in their way for that matter. Despite that, the reunion will happen in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14 during the Summer of Valiant. The issue features the talents of Christos Gage, Joshua Dysart and Emanuela Lupacchino.