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CBR News

  • PREVIEW: AAM/Markosia presents "Lazarus: Immortal Coils" - AAM/Markosia, publishers of King Kong, Starship Troopers, Eleventh Hour and the critically acclaimed The Boy Who Made Silence, are proud to announce their new title Lazarus: Immortal Coils. A story 1,974 years in the making, Lazarus: Immortal Coils reveals the definitive origin of the eternal warrior.
  • Bluewater Productions kicks it into "Gearz" - From the creator of the "10th Muse" comes the newest female group of unlikely heroes - Gearz!
  • NY Comic Con announces full schedule of film and TV previews and screenings - The full schedule of movie trailers and special sneak peek previews which will be featured in the IGN.com Theater at New York Comic Con has been announced and includes special events for "The Incredible Hulk," "Hellboy 2," " The Spirit" and more.
  • X-POSITION: X-Editors United - We're joined today by Axel Alonso and his team of X-editors to discuss "Divided We Stand" and premiere loads and loads of exclusive art including Simone Bianchi art from "Astonishing X-Men."
  • "Mr. T Versus Dracula" announced from Mohawk Media - Having recently launched their Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition Graphic Novel, publisher Mohawk Media have decided to celebrate April Fool’s Day with the announcement of "Mr. T Versus," a series of comic magazines which see Mr. T doing battle with other famous characters. The first confirmed title is "Mr. T Versus Dracula."
  • Scott Dunbier Named IDW Special Projects Editor - Starting today, former WildStorm Executive Editor Scott Dunbier joins IDW Publishing as Special Projects Editor. In this exclusive interview, CBR News spoke with the industry veteran about his plans.
  • I AM "IRON MAN": Robert Downey, Jr. - In this first of a series of interviews with the cast and crew of "Iron Man," the new film based on the classic Marvel Comics superhero, CBR News speaks with Robert Downey, Jr., who plays the titular role.
  • FIRST LOOK: "Hulk" #3 - Hulk gets hit with an A-bomb! Courtesy of Marvel, CBR brings you a first look at "Hulk" #3 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness with a variant cover by David Finch.
  • SECRETS OF "NIM'S": Directors talk New Family Adventure Film - Directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett talk to CBR News about their new film, “Nim’s Island,” and what it’s like to work with Jodie Foster, and why “300” star Gerard Butler is so good that they had to cast him twice.
  • PREVIEW: Warren Ellis' "Anna Mercury" #1 - Courtesy of Avatar Press, CBR brings you an advance look at "Anna Mercury" #1 by Warren Ellis and Facundo Percio, on sale this week.
  • Incredible Hulk, Smallville, Speed Racer: April 1st Comic Reel Wrap - There ain't no jokes as we present an exclusive new rumor about trouble for Dr. Banner, season eight talk in Kansas, fast paced news plus much more.
  • Mayor of Portland declares April to be Portand Comics Month - The Stumptown Comics Foundation is delighted to announce that Mayor Tom Potter will declare this April Portland Comics Month. The proclamation officially recognizes both the cultural importance and creative influence of this vibrant art form on the entire city.
  • PREVIEW: "X-Force" #3 continues the search for Wolfsbane - The red-hot, sold-out hottest X-launch of the year continues as Wolverine’s new team searches for the kidnapped Wolfsbane and continues their merciless attacks on Purifier bases till they find her!
  • EARTH'S MOST WANTED: The Twos - Marvel editor Tom Brevoort helps CBR unveil The Twos in the Skrulls’ "Secret Invasion" poker deck, including a longtime Avenger, a veteran news man, and young members of the Kree and Skrull races.
  • PREVIEW: "Evil Dead" #4 - Courtesy of Dark Horse, CBR brings you an advance look at "Evil Dead" #4 by Mark Verheiden and John Bolton, on sale next week in finer comics stores everywhere.
  • Where Have All the Heroes Gone? Krueger talks “Project Superpowers” - Co-writer Jim Krueger brings you up to speed on what’s happened in the first issues of Dynamite's “Project Superpowers,” and drops a few hints about what’s still to come.
  • MYSPACING COMICS: Marvel Cries "Excelsior!" - Joe Quesada and Stan Lee are making noise on MySpace and so is Marvel Entertainment adding nearly 5,000 friends this month as the publisher prepares itself for a "Secret Invasion."
  • Heroes Initiative to publish Mike Wieringo's final Marvel Comics work as a benefit book - When artist Mike Wieringo passed away, he was in the middle of his latest Marvel Comics book, a What If? story. Mike had completed seven pages of what became a massive 27-page story. With Mike’s passing, Marvel Comics generously provided access to the script and Mike’s art to The Hero Initiative, and Mike’s friends stepped up to finish the story, and pay tribute to Mike.
  • "Secret Invasion" shines its spotlight on Black Bolt and The Inhumans - Whether he’s dead or missing, SECRET INVASION will make Black Bolt’s family truly Inhuman!
  • "Sam & Lilah" jumps from Zuda Comics competition to ACT-I-VATE webcomic lineup - Fresh off a commanding fourth-place finish in Zuda Comics' March 2008 Competition, SAM & LILAH will be making a move to its new home as part of the online comics collective ACT-I-VATE, beginning with new pages on May 1.



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About Comic Books

  • SPX Profile -

    SPXOne of the great things about the expansion of the comic book world is that many new niches have opened up for the comic book reader. There is a comic book for just about everyone as we have comics for the Cthulhu fan, the high-octave adventure seeker, and even those that enjoy the poignant memoirs of an artist. Small press comics are doing a pretty bang up job of giving readers not only a lot of selection, but a lot of high quality selection as well. Of course with the plethora of reading material some rotten eggs get through, but keep in mind that what is rotten to one can be quite lovely to another.

    SPX, the Small Press Expo, truly seeks to embrace the world of independent comics with a convention that seeks to bring creators and publishers together with their fans. It is a small convention that only offers exhibitor tables to creators and publishers of small press comics and seeks to create an intimate setting for conversation, appreciation, and education of the independent world of comic books. Check out this profile of the SPX and get ready because SPX launches in just a couple of weeks.

    Image Copyright SPX

    SPX Profile originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 00:54:20.

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  • Taking The iPad Plunge -

    So I recently took the plunge and bought an iPad. I was pretty sad that most of the online comic book applications were completely wrapped up in the iPhone and iPad devices and since the iPhone was completely out for me as I get no AT&T reception at my house, I decided that the iPad was the best route. I even hemmed and hawed about getting a cheaper tablet device, but the good ones are a bit far off in the horizon and the world of comics appeared to be pretty well plugged into Apple products right now.

    So far I have been very impressed with the device. Although the screen isn't as big as my laptop, the interactivity of the device is simply amazing. It truly is a fantastic piece of technology and I really see tablets as becoming more and more integrated into our everyday life. I also have plans to use the iPad in my classroom and am finding just the right apps that will help me out.

    Back to comics! I've already downloaded the Marvel, DC, and Comixology app along with a few more. So far the Comixology app has had the best overall experience for me and I am excited to get more into it. Be sure to tune in for more information as I plan on doing a lot with this new device.

    Taking The iPad Plunge originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 00:25:10.

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  • SPX Programming Announced -

    SPX, the Small Press Expo, has recently announced its slate of programming and it is rather robust. For one of the smaller conventions in America, it certainly has a lot to offer the independent comic book fan.

    From the SPX website:

    "SPX is presenting a program of some of the most insightful, thought provoking interviews and panel discussions in comics today, assembled by comics curator, teacher and author Bill Kartalopoulos."

    A few caught my eye - the Carousel slide show, the one on ones with Jamie Hernandez and James Sturm, and the Comics and Printmaking panel. For those who have always wanted to create comics, the Center for Cartoon Studies Self-Publishing Workshop is certainly going to be a highlight as you will be leaving with your own comic creations. SPX is shaping up to be a great convention that you will surely not want to miss.

    SPX Programming Announced originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 23:58:29.

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  • SLG Zombie Food Drive -

    SLG, the publisher behind such comics as Milk and Cheese, Rex Libris, and Johnny the Homicidal Maniac is putting on an unusual event in the San Jose area - a zombie food drive! No, not a food drive for zombies, but rather an event that will benefit The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara by bringing in thousands of pounds of food that will help those in need.

    From the press release:

    "The highlights of this year's crawl will be a zombie fashion show put on by the Creative Zombie Collective and then an outdoor showing of last year's hit comedy Zombieland. Admission to the event is free although everyone attending is being asked to bring at least one canned food item. The SLG Publishing Gallery will be open at noon on August 25th and make-up artists will be on hand to zombiefy the make-up challenged for a fee depending on complexity."

    Last year, they had nearly 1000 zombies attend the drive and this year they hope to draw even more attendees and food donations. The event is going to happen on August 25th and looks to be a great time that will help others by putting some much needed food on their plates, especially during this tough economic time. More information can be found at the Zombieorama website and if you're in the area, be sure to check it out.

    SLG Zombie Food Drive originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 00:35:01.

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  • Ignatz Award Nominees -

    The Small Press Expo (SPX for short) is happening in just a few short weeks and one of their latest press releases was all about the the Ignatz Awards,  a yearly event at SPX. Check out a list of the Ignatz Award nominees and see if any of your favorite small press comics made the cut. One question you may have is who or what is Ignatz?

    "The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry."

    The great thing is that although the nominees are put together by an all-star panel of comic book artists, you, the convention attendees will determine the winner. It's a great way for the fans to get their voices heard and all you need to do is attend SPX. The price of the con won't break the bank either, it's only $10 for one day or $15 for both. It is all happening on September 11th and 12th at the North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Check out the SPX Website for more info.



    Ignatz Award Nominees originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 at 23:55:15.

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  • Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour -

    Scott Pilgrim's Finest HourScott Pilgrim has become something of a critic's favorite in the past six years and with good reason. The series blends traditional comic book styles with a heavy dose of manga to create something new and great for the reader. O'Malley's heavy use of things geeks love has made it very successful in the world of comic books and has drawn the attention of Hollywood with the upcoming Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World motion picture.

    The final volume of the series has finally been released, in perfect timing with Comic-Con International, and the release of the film all within weeks of each other. It has been a media blitz of all that is Pilgrim lately, and I'm glad for the success O'Malley and publisher Oni Press has seen with this endeavor. I picked up the final volume for myself and certainly enjoyed the read as it tapped into my own love of video games, kung-fu, and humor. I don't think Scott Pilgrim will be for everyone, as it is a definite tongue in cheek endeavor, but if you haven't checked out the comic series lately, you should.

    Image Copyright Oni Press

    Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 18:25:53.

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  • Free Comic Books At Your Library -

    I decided to get out of the house to do some work on the site today and went to my local library for a quieter place to work. Free WIFI, air conditioning, and general peace and quiet just can't be beat right now with my two rug rats using me for a jungle gym nowadays. As I write this I'm sitting at a table looking at a wall of comic books and manga. There are hundreds, if not thousands of titles with more spilling over onto a roll around cart next to it. I really wish the camera on my phone was working as I'd have a picture to show.

    Your local library can indeed be a goldmine to read free comic books. Many have huge collections as most librarians have latched onto comic books and manga as a great way to promote reading with younger audiences. Mine has a mixture of classic and current titles, so I'm sure there is something for just about everyone here. If you do decide to check out your library for free comic books, here are some suggestions to make your time worthwhile.

    Make sure you're willing to wait for a comic as many will be checked out. If you don't find the next one in a series, be sure to place a hold on it and many libraries will even mail it to you when it is available or if it is only at one location. What if they don't carry the one you want? Well you can fill out a book request order and turn it in to the staff. You can't be guaranteed that you'll get it, but I'm sure they will take a close look at that title and see if they can put it into their rotation. You might also start the search online to go through their catalog if you are looking for something specific. That way, you can be sure they have the comic you want and you can even reserve it so it's waiting for you at the library when you walk in through the door.

    If you haven't check out your local library, make it a point to do so. You may just be astonished at the breadth of the collection services they offer the comic book reader. It's really a win win for comic book fans who are strapped for cash.


    Free Comic Books At Your Library originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 16:11:44.

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  • Eyes On The iPad -

    Man I want and iPad. I got to play with one the other day and right now it looks like the perfect digital comics device. I have some money saved up so I plan to start shopping soon.

    For quite some time now, my interests have been leaning more towards the digital side of comic books. The comic world right now seems very much geared towards niche publishing. There are Cuthulu comics, Warhammer comics, Zombie comics, and many more that only appeal to a certain group or crowd. With that thought in mind, I really don't see print comic books going away any time soon, if ever as there will always be a certain group that must have it in their hands to be able to flip through the pages then seal it away from all contaminants.

    Digital collecting is not without its downsides though. One of the main problems with digital comic books is their lack of collectability. Your download of X-Men #1 is not going to go up in price as time goes by. In fact, it will easily go down in price as right now there is no second market for digital comics (although that would be pretty sweet!).

    Still though, the appeal of digital comics for me is pretty easy and can be summed up in one word - space. I can only take so much space in my kids closets without having my wife kill me outright and the thought of storing them in the garage or the attic (as it has been suggested to me) makes me ill. I'm running out of space, and digital comics sound like a great idea to keep the clutter down. There is eBay, but the thought of selling my kids, I mean my comics, also makes me shudder. I just can't do it.

    I can't wait to get my hands on an iPad and really take my digital reading to another realm. What about you? Have you tested the digital comic book market yet or are you scared to take the plunge?

    Eyes On The iPad originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Monday, August 9th, 2010 at 01:11:45.

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  • Another Round Goes To Neil Gaiman -

    It would seem that Neil Gaiman has won another round in his suit against Todd McFarlane. The major point of this case was to see if Gaiman was owed royalties for three more characters as a co-copyright holder - Dark Ages Spawn, Domina, and Tiffany. Now these characters were created by McFarlane, but the court found that these characters were derivatives of characters Gaiman had already created in the Spawn universe. Dark Ages Spawn is a derivative of Medieval Spawn, and Domina and Tiffany were derivatives of Angelina.

    What this means for McFarlane isn't specified yet, but what does Gaiman plan to do with the money? According to his blog he plans to, "...make some comics charities very happy." With the success of Spawn, that comic book charity could be very, very happy indeed. I don't know what this will truly mean for McFarlane, and I'm sure Image is protected as it is more of a conglomerate of publishers rather than a single entity.

    There are many lessons one can learn here. For creators, make sure your rights are protected with a good contract. For publishers, just be very careful about how you use and create your characters. The judge even said that there were many ways for McFarlane to create a new Spawn, "Crabb (the judge) wondered why he didn't make him a Portuguese explorer from the 16th century, an officer in the Royal Navy in the 18th century, a Roman gladiator, an American Indian warrior or a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth." Overall it's a sad story, and I wish Gaiman and McFarlane the best moving forward. Let's just hope this doesn't kill things for comic fans in the long run.


    Another Round Goes To Neil Gaiman originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 14:35:31.

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  • The Cyclical Nature of Comics -

    I think there is a part of me that is changing when it comes to comic books. I would have considered myself a pretty hardcore person who liked my comics to stick to the continuity of the character. Nowadays though, I'd say that I'm less concerned with the continuity for one main reason, the cyclical nature of comic books.

    When they kill off a character, make drastic changes, or rewrite history, I know it's only a matter of time before things get back to normal. When Captain America was killed, I was heartbroken, but you can see that Steve Rogers is already back and I bet it's only a matter of time before he dons the traditional costume we have come to know and love, especially with the movie coming around the corner.

    Wonder Woman also comes to mind. The new look for me is going to be a tale of how Wonder Woman comes back around full circle to rediscover her old costume and history. Spider-Man? The marriage may still be off, but MJ is back and you can bet the path they travel will be similar.

    I know this is a kind of sarcastic way to look at comic book characters, but with the revolving doors that is most creative teams nowadays, it will only be a matter of time before your favorite comic book character is restored to how things used to be. You just have to wait and try to enjoy the ride while it lasts.


    The Cyclical Nature of Comics originally appeared on About.com Comic Books on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at 01:35:23.

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Comic Book Conventions.com

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New from Comixpress
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  • Amp - Take one arrogant 19 year old, give him as many superpowers as the military can afford and stand back. Responsibility? Out of the window. Heroics? No, sir. Amp just wants to be loved, well adored really, perhaps even worshipped if he can just get his own chat show!

    However, the military has other ideas.

  • Bonds of Blood (Volume 1) - The first seven issues of Bonds of Blood all together in one nifty trade paperback!
  • Justice - After witnessing his wife's rapist avoid a prison sentence, Alan vows to bring the rapist to justice. In a world where superheroes dictate right and wrong, Alan dons a mask and cape to track the villain down.

    However, he soon learns that there's a lot more to being a superhero than an extravagant costume and a butch name...

  • Kincaid #1 - Kincaid #1 introduces us to the story of Elvis Kincaid, a heroin addicted punk rock musician, who finds himself thrown into a world of global conspiracy, political intrigue and super powered individuals. Far from normal super hero fare, Kincaid is a gritty title showing the darker side of life.

    As much as it focuses on the underbelly of the world, Kincaid is also a tale of one man's self-becoming and personal empowerment, creating a rich and original comic book experience.

  • Legend of The Winged Tiger - Full color version of Phil Yeh's bestselling Winged Tiger #1 comic.

    This new version features Lieve Jerger's brilliant coloring and a brand new cover.

  • Tugger / Burnt Out Comix Flipbook - Murphy Beach Studio presents a 2-fer flipbook with 2 stories, 2 covers & only 1 price!

    Cousin Joey is back and featured in the silly, surreal, underground of Tugger Comix and Burnt Out Comix where the world is a pressure cooker but there are ways to getting out of it. Weird. Funny. Silly.

  • Apocrypha #1, Anarchy's Birth - They wanted to break her, they wanted to to turn her into a tool of their religious tyranny, they failed.

    Violence shall begat violence.

    Mature readers (18+) only.

  • Cigarette Stories#2: Addicted to the Drama - Our story continues: What happened to Germ. Why can't Jerry remember anything? Who are "the guests" and why do they need an armed reception? Jeri and her friends make an appearance, too.
  • Cosmic Samaritan #1, The - In the first of a four part story arc, enter Joshua Price. A conflicted teenager who struggles between his faith and the worldly temptations he must face. Soon, Joshua is chosen to wield supernatural power. A power he cannot yet fully comprehend. Will Joshua use his new abilities for the good of mankind or continue to lead his own path towards darkness?

    Get ready for amazing superhero action and adventure as the premiere issue of THE COSMIC SAMARITAN takes flight!

  • Entombed Issue #0 - Kyle Burden, dedicated Egyptologist and brilliant inventor, is betrayed by a trusted mentor and sealed in an Egyptian sarcophagus for an entire year!

    After returning to the outside world, Kyle is overwhelmed by waves of crippling agoraphobia. Climbing into his greatest invention, Professor Burden himself becomes his most diabolical and twisted creation.