Over the past six months, CBR News has been tracking trends and "friends" on MySpace.com - the nation's most trafficked website - as they relate to the comic book industry, most specifically with publishers and creators. CLICK HERE
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Newsarama buzzing about Wanted trailer
Pictures came out earlier, and now, the trailer for the film version of Wanted has made it's way to the net, and it's about as full of Angelina Jolie, Easy Reade...er, Morgan Freeman, James McAvoy, Terence Stamp, bullets, explosions and cars as you can get. CLICK HERE
Newsarama fans react to Witchblade re-branding and pricing
In January 2008, Top Cow Productions will give new and lapsed readers and retailers an opportunity to rediscover Witchblade, the ongoing flagship title for the publisher. Top Cow will be re-branding the entire trade paperback line for Witchblade and unveiled the first trade cover today as well as a page count increase. CLICK HERE
Velocity Pilot Season Review on AICN
I’ve never picked up a CYBERFORCE comic, and I only know of one of them as a Wolverine RipCloff…er, ripoff. So I had no idea what I was buying, only why I was buying it: Kevin Maguire. I kept reading for another reason: Joe Casey. CLICK HERE
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Yahoo's Exclusive 'Wanted' Theatrical Trailer
Check out the Wanted Movie trailer over at Yahoo CLICK HERE
And take a look at the official Wanted movie home page by CLICKING HERE
And take a look at the official Wanted movie home page by CLICKING HERE
Image's Joe Keatinge Blogs about The Darkness
This Wednesday Top Cow gives the world the a sneak peek at December's major relaunch of the DARKNESS in the pages of their ninety-nine cent FIRST LOOK preview book.
While I was highly anticipating Phil Hester's ongoing FIREBREATHER debuting next year, I initially wasn't sure about how he would work on THE DARKNESS. However, just as soon as I thought that I remembered he made his name on his own dark antihero with demonic origins, THE WRETCH. Once I saw him combined with industry newcomer and a true artist to watch out for, Michael Broussaro, I predicted we would have a winner here. CLICK HERE
While I was highly anticipating Phil Hester's ongoing FIREBREATHER debuting next year, I initially wasn't sure about how he would work on THE DARKNESS. However, just as soon as I thought that I remembered he made his name on his own dark antihero with demonic origins, THE WRETCH. Once I saw him combined with industry newcomer and a true artist to watch out for, Michael Broussaro, I predicted we would have a winner here. CLICK HERE
Another Madame Mirage #3 Review
"The real brilliance of this tale is that, just as the reader decides they know exactly how the story will play out, Dini pulls the rug out from under them."
we've been saying for the past few weeks, IGN Comics has switched over to a numerical scoring system. Like our gaming and entertainment counterparts, we'll be ranking books with a full 100-point scale. For trades, arcs and manga, we'll comment on art and writing along with a final score. Weekly books get a faster treatment due to their shorter length. CLICK HERE
we've been saying for the past few weeks, IGN Comics has switched over to a numerical scoring system. Like our gaming and entertainment counterparts, we'll be ranking books with a full 100-point scale. For trades, arcs and manga, we'll comment on art and writing along with a final score. Weekly books get a faster treatment due to their shorter length. CLICK HERE
Silver Bullet Comics reviews Madame Mirage #3
"Paul Dini takes the one direction I didn't toy with to explain Madame Mirage, and as a result, he surprises the hell out of the reader."
Paul Dini takes the one direction I didn't toy with to explain Madame Mirage, and as a result, he surprises the hell out of the reader. I hesitate to even review this book since doing so just may give away the juicy little secret behind Madame Mirage. Let's just talk about the bare bones plot. CLICK HERE
Paul Dini takes the one direction I didn't toy with to explain Madame Mirage, and as a result, he surprises the hell out of the reader. I hesitate to even review this book since doing so just may give away the juicy little secret behind Madame Mirage. Let's just talk about the bare bones plot. CLICK HERE
THE DARKNESS FIRST LOOK PREVIEW
Top Cow are chomping at the bit (good grief, where the hell did that old chestnut come from?!?) to give comic book readers a sneak peak at the brand new Darkness ongoing series! CLICK HERE
First Look: Angelina Jolie in Wanted
Hitting theaters next March is another comic book movie that most probably have not heard of. Titled Wanted, it stars Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy and is directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch, Day Watch). Remember comic book writer Mark Millar who was pitching his Superman script? This is one of his other comic books that was published Top Cow in 2003. There will be a new trailer hitting theaters for Wanted in front of American Gangster this weekend, but for now check these out. CLICK HERE
The Darkness First Look review
God separated the Light and Darkness in the beginning. The Darkness hated it. The Darkness finds a host in Jackie Franchetti. Jackie is not really good or bad, he is just a guy looking out for himself. He has taken over a small country and now runs it better. To bad the people didn't realize that. CLICK HERE
Wizard Puts Messiah CompleX On Hot List
Wizard Universe puts Top Cow founder, Marc Silvestri's latest art efforts on their Hot List for this week with Messiah CompleX One Shot. Read more HERE.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Discover The New Era of Witchblade at an Unbelievable Low Price!
Discover The New Era of Witchblade at an Unbelievable Low Price!
Top Cow Unveils New Painted Cover and Announces Page Count Increase!
In January 2008, Top Cow Productions will give new and lapsed readers and retailers an opportunity to rediscover Witchblade, the ongoing flagship title for the publisher. Top Cow will be re-branding the entire trade paperback line for Witchblade and unveiled the first trade cover today as well as a page count increase.
Witchblade Volume 1 is slated for release in January 2008 and will contain the initial storyline by current series writer, Ron Marz (First Born, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) entitled “Witch Hunt.” The six issue story is an ideal jumping point for readers interested in discovering the modern Witchblade series. The first volume collects Witchblade #80-85 written by Marz and drawn by Mike Choi (X-Men, X-23: Target X). Subsequent volumes will follow with volumes 2-4 being released in the first half of 2008. The new trade collections will feature a redesigned trade dress, brand new painted covers by upcoming Witchblade ongoing artist Stjepan Sejic (First Born), new introductions, and a new Witchblade logo by Eisner award-winner Todd Klein. Most noteworthy will be Top Cow’s aggressive introductory pricing for Volume 1, available exclusively in comic shops for only $4.99. The book market version will carry the regular $9.99 SRP on the cover.
Top Cow revealed for the first time today the new painted cover for Volume 1 by Stjepan Sejic featuring the iconic Witchblade gauntlet itself. The publisher also announced a page count increase to 160 pages with no increase in price. Earlier volumes of Witchblade containing the classic stories by David Wohl, Christina Z., and Michael Turner, will be re-branded as Witchblade: Origins and offered beginning in the second quarter of 2008. Witchblade: Origins will consist of four volumes and collect Witchblade #1-25
“The Witch Hunt storyline was really my introduction to Witchblade as a writer, and I wrote it to be an introduction for the readers as well,” commented author Marz. “The arc is very much a ground-floor read, so the collection should be a serve as a great starting point at an amazing price. I don't think you can get much more new-reader friendly than that."
“With over 100 issues of Witchblade out there it can be intimidating for new fans to try out the series,” commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow. “By re-branding the trade program we’re letting fans and retailers know, this is the place to jump on board. The Ron Marz run on Witchblade has been one of the best reviewed in the history of the title.”
“Marz has cut away the fat without destroying the history.” Grade A – Paperback Reader
“The Witchblade-verse is at its most newbie-friendly point in years.” 4 Out of 5 – Silver Bullet Comics
“Don’t be intimidated by this series having over 100 issues so far. Now is as good a time as any to get on board.” Grade A – Judgement Day, Comic World News
“There is no greater accomplishment for a writer than leaving a reader wanting more, and I want more. Witchblade is highly recommended.” – Suspended Animation
Top Cow Unveils New Painted Cover and Announces Page Count Increase!
In January 2008, Top Cow Productions will give new and lapsed readers and retailers an opportunity to rediscover Witchblade, the ongoing flagship title for the publisher. Top Cow will be re-branding the entire trade paperback line for Witchblade and unveiled the first trade cover today as well as a page count increase.
Witchblade Volume 1 is slated for release in January 2008 and will contain the initial storyline by current series writer, Ron Marz (First Born, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) entitled “Witch Hunt.” The six issue story is an ideal jumping point for readers interested in discovering the modern Witchblade series. The first volume collects Witchblade #80-85 written by Marz and drawn by Mike Choi (X-Men, X-23: Target X). Subsequent volumes will follow with volumes 2-4 being released in the first half of 2008. The new trade collections will feature a redesigned trade dress, brand new painted covers by upcoming Witchblade ongoing artist Stjepan Sejic (First Born), new introductions, and a new Witchblade logo by Eisner award-winner Todd Klein. Most noteworthy will be Top Cow’s aggressive introductory pricing for Volume 1, available exclusively in comic shops for only $4.99. The book market version will carry the regular $9.99 SRP on the cover.
Top Cow revealed for the first time today the new painted cover for Volume 1 by Stjepan Sejic featuring the iconic Witchblade gauntlet itself. The publisher also announced a page count increase to 160 pages with no increase in price. Earlier volumes of Witchblade containing the classic stories by David Wohl, Christina Z., and Michael Turner, will be re-branded as Witchblade: Origins and offered beginning in the second quarter of 2008. Witchblade: Origins will consist of four volumes and collect Witchblade #1-25
“The Witch Hunt storyline was really my introduction to Witchblade as a writer, and I wrote it to be an introduction for the readers as well,” commented author Marz. “The arc is very much a ground-floor read, so the collection should be a serve as a great starting point at an amazing price. I don't think you can get much more new-reader friendly than that."
“With over 100 issues of Witchblade out there it can be intimidating for new fans to try out the series,” commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow. “By re-branding the trade program we’re letting fans and retailers know, this is the place to jump on board. The Ron Marz run on Witchblade has been one of the best reviewed in the history of the title.”
“Marz has cut away the fat without destroying the history.” Grade A – Paperback Reader
“The Witchblade-verse is at its most newbie-friendly point in years.” 4 Out of 5 – Silver Bullet Comics
“Don’t be intimidated by this series having over 100 issues so far. Now is as good a time as any to get on board.” Grade A – Judgement Day, Comic World News
“There is no greater accomplishment for a writer than leaving a reader wanting more, and I want more. Witchblade is highly recommended.” – Suspended Animation
Marz talks about the Witchblade Volume 1 Intro Pricing
The Witchblade TPB program is rebranding, starting over with a new vol. 1 that will pick up with my run (issue #80) on the book. The first TPB will carry a $4.99 price tag in the direct market -- less than a buck an issue. New covers, new design, new trade dress. CLICK HERE
Rumor Has It
Fans of "Wanted" will want to go see "American Gangster" when it premieres this coming Friday night (November 2nd) nationwide. I'm just saying.
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Phil Hester on Word Balloon
Phil Hester, the new writer for The Darkness, stopped in for a special Halloween episode of Word Balloon with John Suintres. Phil talks about the initial arc on The Darkness along with his other projects like Thirteen Steps, Postcards, Superman Confidential, and Daredevil/Magdalena! You can listen to it HERE or download it through iTunes!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
INSTORE THIS WEEK
Velocity Pilot Season #1
Cyberforce's resident speedster, Velocity, finally gets her groove on in this one-shot brought to you by Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes) and Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Superman/Batman)! How does a young heroine find love when she's the target of an all-new batch of super-villains?! Pure pop superheroics unlike anything Top Cow fans have ever experienced!
Full Color 32 pages $2.99
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Madame Mirage #3
(W) Paul Dini (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Rocafort
Award-winning writer Paul Dini (Countdown, Lost) and hot new talent Kenneth Rocafort (Hunter-Killer) answer the question - “Who is Madame Mirage?”
A locked room, two deadly adversaries, and one loaded gun between them. Madame Mirage finds herself in a life or death duel with ASI's most skilled assassin, and the only way out is for one to kill the other. While the fatal drama unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed about our heroine's past, radically changing the direction of the series and everything you think you know about the mysterious Mirage.
Full Color 32 pages $2.99 continuing series
CLICK HERE
Cyberforce's resident speedster, Velocity, finally gets her groove on in this one-shot brought to you by Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes) and Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Superman/Batman)! How does a young heroine find love when she's the target of an all-new batch of super-villains?! Pure pop superheroics unlike anything Top Cow fans have ever experienced!
Full Color 32 pages $2.99
CLICK HERE CLICK HEREMadame Mirage #3
(W) Paul Dini (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Rocafort
Award-winning writer Paul Dini (Countdown, Lost) and hot new talent Kenneth Rocafort (Hunter-Killer) answer the question - “Who is Madame Mirage?”
A locked room, two deadly adversaries, and one loaded gun between them. Madame Mirage finds herself in a life or death duel with ASI's most skilled assassin, and the only way out is for one to kill the other. While the fatal drama unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed about our heroine's past, radically changing the direction of the series and everything you think you know about the mysterious Mirage.
Full Color 32 pages $2.99 continuing series
CLICK HEREICV2 interviews Matt Hawkins Part 3, Wanted
Well, we were going to re-release the individual issues with new covers and some "director's cut" commentary in the back, but we did a lot of retail outreach and we got a pretty behemoth backlash -- the retailers did not want a re-release of the comics, so we pulled it and we decided simply to concentrate on re-releasing the graphic novel. CLICK HERE
ICV2 interviews Matt HawkinsPart 2, The Darkness
Well the Darkness new series comes out in December with Phil Hester writing and a new guy that we've found and built up a bit named Mike Broussard. The Darkness video game came out in June in the U.S. and at the end of July in Europe and I know we were at 906,000 units sold at the end of July worldwide. Now I haven't had any updated information since then, but we've got to be over the million mark at this point, so we are very stoked about that. CLICK HERE
ICV2 interviews Matt Hawkins Part 1, Witchblade
With the robust launch of the Witchblade anime series, the success Darkness Videogame and the impending release of a major motion picture based on Wanted, ICv2 talked with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins to see what strategies Top Cow would adopt in order to take advantage of these multi-media opportunities to sell more comic books and graphic novels. In Part I Hawkins explains the "rebooting" of the Witchblade trade series and the different approaches to the bookstore and direct markets. In Part II he talks about the new Darkness comic book series and Top Cow's changing business model; while in Part III Hawkins discusses the forthcoming film version of Wanted and, from the perspective of someone who has been involved with at least 30 projects that have been optioned for development, the difficulties of getting films made in Tinseltown. CLICK HERE
Necromancer interview with Josh Ortega
Pilot Season continues this month with “Necromancer: Pilot Season” #1 by Joshua Ortega and Jonboy Meyers. As part of our continuing coverage, CBR News caught up with comics writer and novelist Joshua Ortega to get the details on “Necromancer: Pilot Season” #1. CLICK HERE
X-Men Messiah CompleX review
"Brubaker does a commanding job with the writing, but no less effective is Marc Silvestri. His style has changed since his initial run (which itself featured some classic moments), but his work is on strong display here."
This is one of those full-disclosure/confessional moments. Though I’ve been a team book reader for many, many years (which is probably obvious from my various historical pieces on teams like the JSA, the Freedom Fighters, and my soon-to-appear Legion piece), no team book mattered more to me in my youth than Uncanny X-Men. The first issue that I ever picked up was #125, essentially the beginning of the Muir Island Saga. And I was hooked. CLICK HERE
This is one of those full-disclosure/confessional moments. Though I’ve been a team book reader for many, many years (which is probably obvious from my various historical pieces on teams like the JSA, the Freedom Fighters, and my soon-to-appear Legion piece), no team book mattered more to me in my youth than Uncanny X-Men. The first issue that I ever picked up was #125, essentially the beginning of the Muir Island Saga. And I was hooked. CLICK HERE
The Darkness Levels review
After being a comic fixture for a decade The Darkness finally got the video game treatment earlier this year. So, the good folks at Top Cow Productions decided to prepare it's fans with a new comic series called The Darkness: Level. So, far I've read the first four issues or should I say 'levels'. It's supposed to be each level of the video game in comic form. CLICK HERE
X-Men Messiah CompleX review
" Brubaker's script gets out of the way enough to let Silvestri cram the big visuals into this issue that his much-heralded artwork deserves"
"X-Men: Messiah CompleX" #1 on sale October 31
X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX #1 comes out next week. This is the beginning of a new era for X-Men comics, theoretically. I think. It's been a while since I followed the X-books, and I'm afraid that might be showing now. CLICK HERE
"X-Men: Messiah CompleX" #1 on sale October 31
X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX #1 comes out next week. This is the beginning of a new era for X-Men comics, theoretically. I think. It's been a while since I followed the X-books, and I'm afraid that might be showing now. CLICK HERE
PS3 Review - The Darkness
The Darkness is enveloped in an atmosphere of unparalleled terror. You cannot see a thing, your home is the shadows, the path looks grim and a demon is feeding on your soul. Starbreeze, creator of the acclaimed Chronicles of Riddick, has succeeded in creating the appropriate ambiance in a dark and tortured tale that ultimately becomes a journey of redemption, revenge and love. Based on an exceptional comic book series from Top Cow, The Darkness tells a gripping tale of a primeval force that uses Jackie Estacado as its mayhem-causing vessel in New York City.
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Potential Darkness Film News...
Did you read The Darkness Falls interviews with writers Phil Hester, Ron Marz, and Paul Jenkins on CBR earlier this week? If not you might want to check out Part 2 where Mr. Jenkins drops hints about The Darkness film. It got the attention of Superheroflix.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
DARKNESS FALLS PART 2: HESTER, MARZ + JENKINS
In our final part of the interview, the writers talk more about the new “The Darkness” ongoing, as well as the future of the series' video game and film franchises. CLICK HERE
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Witchblade Anime is #1
FUNimation Entertainment has revealed that its first DVD of the Gonzo-produced Witchblade anime series sold more copies during its first week of release than any other anime released in the U.S. in 2007. The data comes from the Nielsen VideoScan survey for the week of September 25th during which the first Witchblade anime DVD debuted. CLICK HERE
DARKNESS FALLS PART 1: HESTER, MARZ + JENKINS
Hot on the heels of the successful “The Darkness” videogame, Top Cow Productions is gearing up for the release of new ongoing series starring Jackie Estacado. In anticipation of the new book, CBR spoke with “The Darkness” writers past, present and future: Paul Jenkins, who wrote the title's critically acclaimed second volume and hit videogame; Ron Marz, the man who's currently turning Jackie's world upside down in the crossover event “First Born;” and Phil Hester, the writer/artist behind graphic novels like “The Coffin,” who's penning the new series with art by Michael Broussard. CLICK HERE
Monday, October 22, 2007
REVIEW - WITCHBLADE #110
I've said before, I have been reading Witchblade off and on since the very beginning. This series has had its ups and downs and has gotten a pretty bad reputation as being a left over "bad-girl" comic book that seemed to have taken over the 90s. I think some of that reputation was justified and the writers and artists fed off of that reputation and created a series that did something none of those other "bad-girl" titles did - it survived! CLICK HERE
REVIEW -Witchblade #109
Its been a long while since I've read Witchblade. I've always meant to go back and catch up on my reading, but the idea of buying at least a year's worth of books and then reading them all really seemed a bit daunting. I had been reading this series since the beginning and while I stopped and started several times over the course of the series when Ron Marz came on board I knew that this series was in the right hands. CLICK HERE
News on Wanted
Rapper Common has been appearing in a lot of movies this year, starting with Joe Carnahan's Smokin' Aces and Ridley Scott's upcoming American Gangster, but he apparently has not only gotten the acting bug but also the bug for comic book movies. Next March, he appears in Timur Bekmambetov's Wanted as the gun-savvy Gunsmith, but in recent weeks, there's been rumors that he's one of the actors testing for the part of John Stewart/Green Lantern in Warner Bros.' fast-tracked Justice League movie. CLICK HERE
Witchblade Anime review
I'll admit, despite knowing about Witchblade for some time now, this series is my first plunge into the Witchblade universe. In a way, this is a good thing, as I wasn't constantly comparing it to the American comic book series. So far I've been enjoying the show. READ MORE
Friday, October 19, 2007
DRAWING THE NECROMANCER: TALKING TO JONBOY MEYERS
The Necromancer: Pilot Season one-shot is due out on Halloween, and given the subject matter it's appropriate. The Necromancer concerns young Abby van Alstine, who shares a connection with a demon that threatens to consume her body and soul. Saved for the time being by a mysterious mage and put into a normal school life, her supernatural past won't leave her alone. READ MORE
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Preview of Mike Choi's X-Men issue
X-Men #204 by Mike Carey and Michael Choi, shipping October 24, 2007, to comic stores everywhere. When you're done checking out this exciting preview. CLICK HERE
Top Cow returns to the Lone Star State!
Top Cow joins the list of premiere exhibitors in attendance with an all-star list of talent and exclusives appearing at their booth - # 101 throughout the weekend. PLUS 3 great Exclusives READ MORE
Ron Marz interview
This time we are joined by Mr. Ron Marz one of the Premiers here at the Bloc, the creator of the Green Lantern known as Kyle Rayner and one of the best in the business today. Ron has been there and done that in the comic business, having worked on titles at DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and is now taking up a spot in the Editor’s Office at Virgin Comics. READ MORE
REVIEW - VELOCITY: PILOTSEASON
Cyberforce's resident speedster, Velocity, finally gets her groove on in this one-shot brought to you by Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes) and Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Superman/Batman)! How does a young heroine find love when she's the target of an all-new batch of super-villains?! Pure pop superheroics unlike anything Top Cow fans have ever experienced! CLICK HERE
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
In Stores This Week
Witchblade #110
(W) Ron Marz (P) Steve Sadowski (I) Kevin Nowlan (Cov) Mike Mayhew
FIRST BORN tie-in issue! Patience, the current Magdalena is suddenly drawn into the events of FIRST BORN as Sara Pezzini and new Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste struggle to survive the battle. This issue will provide fans with a fuller reading experience and accompany this month's FIRST BORN #2!
Long time scribe Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) is joined in the second of three very special FIRST BORN tie-in issues by the unstoppable art team of Steve Sadowski (JSA, Red Sonja Annual), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Black & White, Superman v. Aliens) and cover artist Mike Mayhew (Vampirella, The Pulse).
Full Color 32 pages $2.99 continuing series
BUY NOW
Witchblade Takeru Manga #9
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi (A) Kazasa Sumita (C) Blond (Cov) Sumita
Takeru and Kuo learn more about the origin of the Witchblade and the return of demons to the world of man. But what is the US military's interest in the Witchblade? Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, Champion Red and written by Witchblade Anime head writer, Yasuko Kobayashi.
And now every issue of Witchblade Takeru Manga is over-sized with 38 pages of story and art leading up to the stunning conclusion in issue #12!
Full Color 40 pages $3.99 continuing series
BUY NOW
The Darkness: Levels TPB
(W) Ron Marz (P) Steve Sadowski (I) Kevin Nowlan (Cov) Mike Mayhew
FIRST BORN tie-in issue! Patience, the current Magdalena is suddenly drawn into the events of FIRST BORN as Sara Pezzini and new Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste struggle to survive the battle. This issue will provide fans with a fuller reading experience and accompany this month's FIRST BORN #2!
Long time scribe Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) is joined in the second of three very special FIRST BORN tie-in issues by the unstoppable art team of Steve Sadowski (JSA, Red Sonja Annual), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Black & White, Superman v. Aliens) and cover artist Mike Mayhew (Vampirella, The Pulse).
Full Color 32 pages $2.99 continuing series
BUY NOWWitchblade Takeru Manga #9
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi (A) Kazasa Sumita (C) Blond (Cov) Sumita
Takeru and Kuo learn more about the origin of the Witchblade and the return of demons to the world of man. But what is the US military's interest in the Witchblade? Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, Champion Red and written by Witchblade Anime head writer, Yasuko Kobayashi.
And now every issue of Witchblade Takeru Manga is over-sized with 38 pages of story and art leading up to the stunning conclusion in issue #12!
Full Color 40 pages $3.99 continuing series
BUY NOWThe Darkness: Levels TPB
(W) Paul Jenkins, David Wohl (A) Mattias Snygg, Stjepan Sejic, Tyler Kirkham, Eric Basaldua, Patrick Blaine, Mike Choi
Based on smash hit THE DARKNESS VIDEO GAME from 2K Games and Starbreeze, this trade paperback captures the intensity and horror of the game while expanding The Darkness Universe for both players of the game and readers of the comic! All six self-contained, unique stories from THE DARKNESS LEVEL 0-5 is collected here!
Co-written by video game writer Paul Jenkins (CIVIL WAR: THE INITIATIVE, WOLVERINE: ORIGIN) and co-creator David Wohl (WITCHBLADE, APHRODITE IX) with art by Top Cow’s finest artists this is a is a must have for all fans of the video game and The Darkness!
Novel 176 pages $14.99
Top Cow Set To Unleash The Darkness Ongoing in December!
Top Cow Productions proudly announces the upcoming release of the new ongoing series starring The Darkness in December 2007. The Darkness #1 is slated for release on December 12th.
The new ongoing series will be written by Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper) and penciled by Michael Broussard (Unholy Union). Both Hester and Broussard have stated their commitment to the ongoing series with Broussard recently signing a 3 year exclusive contract with Top Cow. The Darkness #1 finds the title character, Jackie Estacado irrevocably changed by the life changing events of First Born. Estacado has relocated to the Central American country of Sierra Muñoz and has seemingly gained a new understanding and control over his powers. But every tropical paradise has dark secrets underneath the surface…
The series promises to be an ideal jumping on point for new fans as well as an exciting evolution of the property for existing fans of The Darkness. The Darkness #1 is an over-sized first issue featuring three regular covers by co-creator Marc Silvestri (X-Men: Messiah CompleX), First Born artist Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade), and veteran The Darkness artist Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt). The series will be supported by house ads, outside advertising, promotional material, signings, and the October Previews contest.
"Michael and I are doing our doing or level best to intensify both the thematic and visual power of past incarnations of The Darkness, from the comics to the video game. We hope we've given the new series a flavor that will startle and intrigue faithful Darkness readers while giving new fans a perfect chance to jump on the runaway train that is Jackie Estacado's life,” said series scribe Hester. “I think it's some of the best writing of my career, and Michael's art will set the funnybook business on its ear."
“With video game sales exceeding 900,000 units worldwide interest for The Darkness has never been higher,” commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow, “Phil and Michael are bringing the noise AND the funk on the ongoing series and I’m certain fans will be blown away.”
Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at http://www.topcow.com. Information regarding the October Previews contest can be found at http://previews.diamondcomics.com
The new ongoing series will be written by Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper) and penciled by Michael Broussard (Unholy Union). Both Hester and Broussard have stated their commitment to the ongoing series with Broussard recently signing a 3 year exclusive contract with Top Cow. The Darkness #1 finds the title character, Jackie Estacado irrevocably changed by the life changing events of First Born. Estacado has relocated to the Central American country of Sierra Muñoz and has seemingly gained a new understanding and control over his powers. But every tropical paradise has dark secrets underneath the surface…
The series promises to be an ideal jumping on point for new fans as well as an exciting evolution of the property for existing fans of The Darkness. The Darkness #1 is an over-sized first issue featuring three regular covers by co-creator Marc Silvestri (X-Men: Messiah CompleX), First Born artist Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade), and veteran The Darkness artist Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt). The series will be supported by house ads, outside advertising, promotional material, signings, and the October Previews contest.
"Michael and I are doing our doing or level best to intensify both the thematic and visual power of past incarnations of The Darkness, from the comics to the video game. We hope we've given the new series a flavor that will startle and intrigue faithful Darkness readers while giving new fans a perfect chance to jump on the runaway train that is Jackie Estacado's life,” said series scribe Hester. “I think it's some of the best writing of my career, and Michael's art will set the funnybook business on its ear."
“With video game sales exceeding 900,000 units worldwide interest for The Darkness has never been higher,” commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow, “Phil and Michael are bringing the noise AND the funk on the ongoing series and I’m certain fans will be blown away.”
Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at http://www.topcow.com. Information regarding the October Previews contest can be found at http://previews.diamondcomics.com
Wizard Announces Plans for WizardWorld Texas
Wizard World Texas, the annual, family-friendly pop culture extravaganza, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year at the Arlington Convention Center the weekend on November 16-18. CLICK HERE
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Review: Madame Mirage #3
Much of Madame Mirage #3 is told in flashback sequences. Our heroine has captured a Mega (super powered) known as the Brown Recluse. Bound and gagged she sits with a stick of dynamite down her throat, as Madame demands she tell her where she can find Robert Rhodes, the man behind ASI (Aggressive Solutions International). CLICK HERE
CBI Idol 3: First Round Posted
The first round of Comic Book Idol 3 is up for the world to see with all 10 contestants having posted their entries. The judges (including Marc Silvestri) are reviewing them now, but be sure to jump on the CBR forums and add your comments. The winner of the contest will get a chance to draw a Witchblade issue cover so make sure you voice who you like!
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
Monday, October 15, 2007
Video Game Rap Features the Darkness
Check out Lycan Strife's tribute rap to The Darkness video game on his MySpace page (select The Darkness on the music player to listen).
WARNING: Lyrics contain mature themes and language which may not be appropriate for children.
www.myspace.com/lycanstrife
WARNING: Lyrics contain mature themes and language which may not be appropriate for children.
www.myspace.com/lycanstrife
JOE CASEY ON PILOT SEASON: VELOCITY
Pilot Season 2007 is a contest run by Top Cow, in which five self-contained one-shot specials vie for the chance to get its own ongoing series, as voted online at MySpace. Each of the one-shots focus on an established Top Cow character currently without a regular series – first was Ripclaw, then Necrommancer… and now, Velocity. CLICK HERE
Review: Madame Mirage #3
You can see it in the retro visual design; the way his characters all look like they were plucked out of a painted movie poster from the 1930s, yet somehow manage to blend into a semi-futuristic modern setting without raising an eyebrow. You can see it in the well-paced episodic nature; the way each self-contained story manages to answer questions raised in the previous issue, all the while birthing brand new ones to ponder until next month. CLICK HERE
Review: The Necromancer — Pilot Season #1
A Pilot Worth Watching
See, I’ve been out of the loop. While the rest of the comic book world was going ga-ga over the original Necromancer miniseries a few years back, I was only just starting to be gently guided back into the comics mainstream under the tender care of Brian Michael Bendis’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Warren Ellis’s Planetary trades. READ MORE
See, I’ve been out of the loop. While the rest of the comic book world was going ga-ga over the original Necromancer miniseries a few years back, I was only just starting to be gently guided back into the comics mainstream under the tender care of Brian Michael Bendis’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Warren Ellis’s Planetary trades. READ MORE
Friday, October 12, 2007
Review - Madame Mirage # 2,3 and Cyblade #1
Crime comes from anywhere even a lonely hotdog vender. Is anyone safe in the world Madame Mirage lives in? And just who is Mousetrap?
The art is lovely. Madame Mirage has an air of mystery and sexuality. The background colors stand out as they excentuate the people. The men are drawn with a rough edge to them.
The verbal talk has a nice smooth flow to it READ MORE.
The art is lovely. Madame Mirage has an air of mystery and sexuality. The background colors stand out as they excentuate the people. The men are drawn with a rough edge to them.
The verbal talk has a nice smooth flow to it READ MORE.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
TOP COW'S MATT HAWKINS ON LATE BOOKS, AND PAYING UP
Late books.
Just reading those two words makes you cringe a little, huh?
If only comic book publishers would do something about it, right? Top Cow – one of the perceived “worst offenders” in the industry is taking a step that will do something about it, namely hit them in their bottom line. Beginning in 2008, for every late book they ship, Top Cow will donate $500 to the Hero Initiative. If the books all ship on time in a given month, the publisher will contribute $1000 for that month to the charity.
We spoke with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins for more. CLICK HERE
Just reading those two words makes you cringe a little, huh?
If only comic book publishers would do something about it, right? Top Cow – one of the perceived “worst offenders” in the industry is taking a step that will do something about it, namely hit them in their bottom line. Beginning in 2008, for every late book they ship, Top Cow will donate $500 to the Hero Initiative. If the books all ship on time in a given month, the publisher will contribute $1000 for that month to the charity.
We spoke with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins for more. CLICK HERE
Reviews-Necromancer and Velocity
CYBERFORCE'S resident speedster, Velocity, finally gets her groove on in this one-shot brought to you by Joe Casey (UNCANNY X-MEN, AVENGERS: EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES) and Kevin Maguire (JUSTICE LEAGUE, SUPERMAN/BATMAN)! How does a young heroine find love when she's the target of an all-new batch of super-villains?! Pure pop superheroics unlike anything Top Cow fans have ever experienced! CLICK HERE
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