EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Kirkham's Skrull Kill Krew Variant

Marvel Comics has provided CBR with an exclusive first look at Tyler Kirkham's variant cover for "Skrull Kill Krew" #2 by Adam Felber and Mark Robinson, on sale May 20.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

Some random doodles while I was watching TV and drinking wine. So the wine influenced sketches are pretty obvious, but the figure in the corner was inspired by the TV show which featured a scene with a transvestite smoking a cigarette in the shadows.

This is Sketch #050.

---

FULL ISSUE PREVIEW - Berserker #0 on MySpace Comic Books

Check out the full story from Berserker #0 online at exclusively on MySpace Comic Books and see an exclusive video introduction from Milo Ventimiglia and Russ Cundiff of DiVide Pictures!

READ MORE.

---

Top Cow Releases Free Comic Book Day Signings, Appearances List

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced its plans today for this weekend’s Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 2nd which takes place in comic shops across North America. Free Comic Book Day is an annual event where participating direct market stores give out free comics to anyone that walks into their store.

Top Cow is participating again in the event with their Free Comic Book Day offering, Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer First Look. The issue serves as an introduction to the publisher’s summer event of the same name, which brings together the two popular teams Cyberforce and Hunter-Killer. The series and Free Comic Book Day offering is written by Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, Irredeemable) and drawn by Kenneth Rocafort (Astonishing Tales, Madame Mirage). Both teams were co-created by Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri and Hunter-Killer was co-created by writer Mark Waid. The teams have been absent from a regular series for several years and this marks their return to the forefront of the Top Cow Universe

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

Occasionally I have an opportunity to bounce a springboard idea to an artist for a cover or a particular panel. For Witchblade #129, I had an idea for a cover for "War of the Witchblades" and forwarded it over to Stjepan Sejic, who is one of the most receptive and collaborative artists we work with. Below you'll see my sketch and Stjepan's final cover.

This is Sketch #049.

---

Rick Loverd posts Berserker character profile for Farris Jorn

Farris grew up in an old mill town outside of Pittsburgh. His parents were school teachers who couldn’t have children, so they adopted him. He spent his whole childhood quietly wishing he had been taken in by someone more interesting. He fantasized that his real parents were Bonnie & Clyde, vigilantes living by their wits and killing with impunity.

READ MORE.

---

5 Quick Questions with Philip W. Smith

Phil Smith is managing editor of Top Cow Productions, Inc. He self published a comic book 8 years ago with J.K. Woodward and thanks to Fiona Avery, Renae Geerlings and Matt Hawkins has a job in comics. Phil Smith also designs the trade paperbacks and art collections for Top Cow. He has a bachelors degree in illustration and design.

Phil will be making a writing debut in June - Witchblade/The Darkness/Angelus Trinity: Blood on the Sands.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

Why is Ripclaw so angry? Maybe he's not, perhaps he's just stoked for Fusion #1 in stores on May 13th or Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 in stores in July? Yeah, that's probably it.

This is sketch #048.

---

TOP COW, MILO VENTIMIGLIA AND DiVIDE PICTURES UNLEASH THE FEEL GOOD KILL OF THE SUMMER BERSERKER #1

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 23rd, 2009– Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today the release of Berserker #1 which will be available in stores June 24th, 2009. Berserker #1 is the first full-length Top Cow comic book to be published in conjunction with DiVide Pictures, the production company co-founded by Heroes star, Milo Ventimiglia.

“Berserker is a feel good kill, this is the book I wish I read as a kid,” explained Ventimiglia.

READ MORE.

---

Word Balloon: FX Show - Haun, McCann, Gage, Templesmith & More

On this edition of Word Balloon, coverage of this year's FX International Con in Orlando, Fl.

You'll hear floor chats with Jeremy Haun, who talks about drawing the Batman: Battle For The Cowl oneshot Arkham Asylum, written by David Hine, and drawing the Top Cow series Berserker written by Rick Loverd . Haun calls the Arkham oneshot "A great horror story. I got to draw some of my favorite villains...it does focus on the events after Arkham explodes in the first issue of Battle For the Cowl...with hints of what we'll see in the future (Bat books) ."

READ MORE.

---

CBR posts full Image & Top Cow Solicitations for July

Image Comics has released solicitation information and images for new books and products shipping in July, 2009. When you're through checking out these solicitations for new Image releases, be sure to visit CBR's Image Comics forum to discuss these titles and products with fellow readers and fans.

READ MORE.

---

Going 'Berserker' - Rick Loverd Talks New Top Cow Series

Blind rage might be a concept that more and more people have become familiar with in the last year or so. Anyone with a 401k plan has probably fought the urge to do some damage to something - be it an inanimate object like a chair or that financial advisor that talked up putting you investment dollars in Citigroup stock.

But what makes us human is the ability to resist the rage. In writer Rick Loverd's new Top Cow series Berserker, he introduces us to some people, who descended from Norse Viking warriors, don't have that off-switch. In fact, when switched on, nobody and nothing is safe in their immediate vicinity.

We recently spoke with Loverd about the origins of the story, how Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia might have saved it from collecting dust in a draw, and the visceral appeal of the sort of carnage he promises in this day and age.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

This sketch is still a little unfinished, but I thought the pose was fun, which was basically the point.

This is Sketch #047.

---

Mark Millar Defends New ‘Wanted 2’ Screenwriter, Says He’s ‘Supposed To Be Really Good’

To the surprise of many, “Pooh’s Heffalump” screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos was announced last week as the new writer for “Wanted 2,” the sequel to the 2008 film based on Mark Millar and J.G. Jones’ comic book series.

Spiliotopoulos appears to have taken over the writing duties from original “Wanted” movie scribe Chris Morgan, who told MTV News back in November that he was working on a more “global” story for the sequel.

READ MORE.

---

REVIEW: Wanted: Weapons of Fate

This game, set in the Wanted movie universe, does so many things right. It’s a shame, then, that it took less than four hours to play.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate takes place both after and before the events of the movie. The game jumps back and forth between Wesley (in the “present”) and his father, Cross (in the past), as we discover more about the international Fraternities and how Wesley came to be. If you liked the story of Wanted the movie, you’ll enjoy the story of this game quite a bit. It’s all handled well, acted well, and directed well. The cinematic sequences in the game all look like they could be scenes from another movie, though a few had really odd resolution drops, causing blocky and pixilated images to show up on screen. Other than that, this was a cool story with the same not-taking-itself-too-seriously tone, where the storyline (a basic investigation into a personal mystery) was really there in service of the action.

READ MORE.

---

PREVIEW: Witchblade Compendium Volume 2

A flagship character. A wealth of talent. An unbelievable value. Now’s your chance to get caught up on Witchblade with 50 issues contained in this monster collection! The Witchblade property is on fire with a new movie in the works and the tremendous work currently being done on the series by the creative team of Ron Marz (Samurai: Heaven and Earth) and Stjepan Sejic (First Born). This is an absolute must-have for fans and new readers alike! Collects Witchblade #51-100.

READ MORE.

---

PREVIEW: Rising Stars Compendium

When Rising Stars first debuted in 1999, people hailed its fresh take on the superhero mythos, grounding the fantastic in reality. The groundbreaking series by acclaimed writer J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5, Thor) spawned three spin-off mini-series and has influenced successful TV shows like The 4400 and Heroes.

Now, every issue of Rising Stars, from the #0 to the last issue of the last mini-series, is collected into one comprehensive softcover.

This edition includes Rising Stars #1-24, #0 issue, #½ issue, Prelude issue, Rising Stars: Bright, Rising Stars: Voices of the Dead and Rising Stars: Untouchable.

READ MORE.

---

Mark Waid to Headline Free Comic Book Day at Collector's Paradise

Mark Waid will be joining the Hero Initiative Benefit Party during Free Comic Book Day 2009 at Collector's Paradise in Winnetka, California.

Waid will be headlining an all-star line up of the Who's Who in comics today, including Marc Guggenheim (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, GREEN LANTERN movie), Jim Mahfood (GRRL SCOUTS, CLERKS), David Wohl (co-creator of WITCHBLADE, DARKNESS) Mike Kunkel (HEROBEAR AND KID), and more! Collector's Paradise Free Comic Book Day 2009 happening will be host to a full day of events for fans of every stripe and age:

Copies of Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer Free Comic Book Day First Looks will be onhand for fans to pick up!

READ MORE.

---

CBR interviews William Harms about Impaler & Wolverine

Marvel's most popular mutant may be known as the best there is at what he does, but when he's forced to do his worst work at 30,000 feet, things can get a bit tricky.

In this week's "Wolverine: The Anniversary" one-shot from Marvel, Logan squares off against a band of terrorist hi-jackers while aboard a commercial jetliner en route to Japan on the anniversary of his lady love Mariko's death. One of two stories presented in the issue, the close action fisticuffs on display in the short tale will hopefully prove a change of pace to readers inundated with Wolvie comics in the ramp up to the X-Man's May 1st film, or so hopes writer William Harms, who landed the Marvel gig after his creator-owned vampire series "Impaler" caught the eye of editor Axel Alonso.

READ MORE.

---

5 Quick Questions with Phil Hester

Phil Hester is a writer and artist that has worked for several comic companies. He has created Mia Dearden, was the artist on the Irredeemable Ant-man, & is currently writing the new Darkness series.

This Eisner Award-nominated artist was born in eastern Iowa, where he went on to study at the University of Iowa. His pencilling credits include Swamp Thing, Brave New World, Flinch, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Clerks: The Lost Scene, The Crow: Waking Nightmares, The Wretch (nominated for the 1997 Eisner Award for Best New Series), Aliens: Purge, and Green Arrow.

He agreed to answer 5 Quick Questions

1) What would you say is your greatest achievement in comics?

READ MORE.

---

ComicNews reviews Witchblade #126

A highly volatile power, the Witchblade is a mixture of good and evil together. But what happens when the good and evil portions are split? Well that is what we are seeing here, Sara has taken the evil half which is influenced by the Darkness, while Dani has the good half influenced by the Angelus. We are seeing the beginning of the end of the two Witchblades, as both state their plan to take the other half. Sara seems to be allowing the dark side to consume her much like Dark Vader did when he was a teenager all those years ago in Star Wars; while Dani is following the other path.

READ MORE.

---

CBR Advance Image Solicitations, July 2009

CBR has an early look at Image and Top Cow solicitations including information on Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

I'm back from a quick trip to the East Coast with another Cintiq drawing inspired loosely by Berserker. Speaking of Berserker, make sure you check out Rick Loverd's blog which features character profiles.

This is Sketch #046.

---

The Darkness Accursed Volume 1 spotlighted as "Priced to Move"

Okay...so here’s my new personal stance on the cover price debate that’s been going down the last few months...

While I was typing up the final segment of last week’s column, it occurred to me that there was an opportunity to flip the discussion into something that was more appropriate for my particular forum. Meaning that it would attempt to incorporate the issue without things quickly dissolving into the usual unproductive back and forth that often drowns out many of our online conversations. So instead of wasting anymore time complaining about comics that cost too much, or speculating about what this will ultimately mean for the future of the entire medium, I’m going to start focusing a bit more on comics bucking the current trend by giving us more content for less money. This will become a running theme for a little bit, similar to the “fantastic five” thing I did awhile back which was tacked on to a string of columns.

Naturally, something like this is going to favor collected editions, as the price points are often much more attractive. One of the first things I did after getting laid off was slash my weekly comic budget and switch a bunch of my regular titles over to trade, and I'm sure a lot of you are doing the same. However, all trades are not created equal and this will be reflected in the upcoming listings. And having said that, I’ll be working extra hard to comb the weekly shipping lists to find those unbeatable bargains in singles format---I’m convinced they do in fact exist. To get things properly started this week, I’m going to identify some of the best deals on comics available right this very minute. By no means comprehensive, this list is highly influenced by my own current reading habits (obviously) so feel free to point out things I missed on the thread below. Books are listed in alphabetical order, and intentionally cut across genre and publisher.

READ MORE.

---

CBR EXCLUSIVE: Berserker Designs by Jeremy Haun

Top Cow Productions has provided CBR with an exclusive first look at character designs for "Beserker" by series artist Jeremy Haun. Written by Rick Loverd, "Berserker” is a new miniseries from Top Cow and “Heroes” star Milo Ventimiglia’s DiVide Pictures that depicts what might happen if descendants of uncontrollable Norse warriors were unleashed on the world of today.

READ MORE.

---

Quarter Bin reviews Witchblade #126

Witchblade #126
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Stjepan Sejic
Cover Artists: Stjepan Sejic, Tim Seeley

What is going on over in New York City? Sara and Dani, the co-bearers of the Witchblade, are no longer speaking. Sara has gone bitchcakes, while Dani has a new lady friend. The Angelus is still reeling from the loss of its host and looking for a new one. The mysterious Curator is… well… being mysterious.

Maybe it’s just another day in the Top Cow universe.

READ MORE.

---

Rick Loverd posts Berserker character profile for Aaron Bural

Aaron’s just a normal kid doing the best he can with a shit childhood. From a working-poor family in Middle-America, he grew up without much. An unsupportive mother - never knew his father.

His brother left home as soon as he was old enough. Aaron’s barely been out of the trailer park, never mind the state.

READ MORE.

---

Rick Loverd posts Berserker character profile for Rowena Dauven

She’s a drop-everything-and-stare beauty, but don’t let her looks fool you, she’s also a cold-blooded killer. Midgard’s best, she’s single-mindedly trained for the last ten years to control her serk outs. The first to the dojo in the morning and the last to leave at night - a total A-type.

READ MORE.

---

Milo Ventimiglia talks about Berserker & DiVide Pictures with the Associated Press

Check out this cool interview with Milo Ventimiglia as he talks about his production company DiVide Pictures and the new comic with Top Cow - Berserker!

---

* Comic Book Publishers On Twitter: A Roundup Of Who’s Counting Characters

With Oprah and Ashton Kutcher finding their way to Twitter recently, it’s pretty clear that our favorite little microblogging platform has achieved a new level of mainstream acceptance — and possibly jumped the shark (or “Fail Whale“) along the way. While I’ll leave it to my MTV colleagues to join the ranks of O’s subscribers, the occasion does provide a good opportunity to point out that there are a lot of Twitter feeds that comic book fans new to Twitter (or looking to update their subscriptions) might find interesting.

READ MORE.

---

CBR video interview of Milo Ventimiglia & Russ Cundiff

The star of "Heroes," Milo Ventimiglia talks to CBR TV about his new Top Cow project, "Berserker!"

In this exclusive on-camera interview filmed at New York Comic Con, Ventimiglia and business parter Russ Cundiff dicuss with CBR Executive Producer Jonah Weiland the premise of "Berserker," the new Top Cow book written by Rick Loverd and illustrated by Jeremy Haun, and why having the powers of a norse god wouldn't be so great. Ventimiglia also discusses his great love of cars.

VIEW THE VIDEO.

---

Comic Box reports Trinity: Blood on the Sands in June

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that Witchblade/The Darkness/Angelus Trinity: Blood on the Sands one-shot comic book will be released June 2009. Following last summer’s blockbuster summer event, Broken Trinity, Witchblade/The Darkness/Angelus Trinity: Blood on the Sands reunites the three core artifacts of the Top Cow Universe in a stand-alone story set in 13th Century Arabia.

READ MORE.

---

Hollywood Reporter reports 'Pooh' writer tapped for Wanted 2

If anyone could bend a flying bullet, it's Pooh.

Evan Spiliotopoulos, co-writer of "Pooh's Heffalump Movie" and its DVD Halloween spinoff, has been hired to write Universal's action sequel "Wanted 2," based on a story by Chris Morgan. Like the original 2008 film, the in-development sequel is based on the comic series created by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones.

READ MORE.

---

Newsarama has FIRST LOOK(s) - 'Berserker #2' Covers

Top Cow slipped a little package under Newsarama's door this morning, a first look at artist Jeremy Haun and Dale Keown's covers (respectively) to July's Berserker #2, the second issue in the new ongoing series produced by Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia.

READ MORE.

---

Pop Culture Zoo unveils Top Cow July Shipping Item Solicitations

Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 (of 5)
(W) Mark Waid (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Rocafort, Mike Choi & Sonia Oback

Top Cow’s technology based teams collide in a critical crossover event that will have everyone talking this summer!
The Hunter-Killer team’s directive to hunt down and detain rogue Ultra-Sapiens brings them head to head with the Cyberforce team in a brutal showdown that leaves more than one member bleeding. But who is manipulating these two teams into conflict and to what end?
The team of writer and Hunter-Killer co-creator Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, Irredeemable) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Astonishing Tales, Madame Mirage) bring you a crossover filled with epic action, intrigue, lies, and betrayal. Featuring two connected covers by series artist Rocafort and a third variant cover by Mike Choi and Sonia Oback (Uncanny X-Men, X-Force).

Cover A – Kenneth Rocafort Hunter-Killer
Cover B – Kenneth Rocafort Cyberforce
Cover C – Mike Choi & Sonia Oback

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – July 22nd, 2009

READ MORE.

---

Indie Street Radio reviews The Darkness #76

This issue brings several recent arc-changing events to one big climax! With more mystery than ever, this dark, subversive arc ties every separate plot thread together for a read that solidifies my view that this is the new Spawn.

READ MORE.

---

The Comical Life of Troy Hickman #4: A Little of Column A, A Little of Column B…

Last time I talked a bit about how to behave at conventions regarding editors and such, and it got me thinking about conventions in general. I LOVE comic conventions. Love them love them love them. I love them like Tristan loved Isolde. I love them like Brad loves Angelina. I love them like an inbred mountain man loves Ned Beatty, and with almost as much tenderness.

Let me share with you, then, just a few of my more memorable convention moments:

READ MORE.

---

Artist Nelson Blake II Joins "The Darkness"

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that newcomer artist Nelson Blake II (Broken Trinity: Witchblade, GI Joe: Reloaded) will draw The Darkness #78. The issue, with is scheduled for a June 2009 release, will explore what happens when current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado becomes fed up with the mysterious Sovereign, who has kept Jackie on a wild goose chase to recover his full power for the past few issues.

READ MORE.

---

CBR EXCLUSIVE: New Top Cow Covers

Top Cow has provided CBR with some exclusive advance looks at cover artwork for upcoming titles. Check 'em out!

READ MORE.

---

What the 'FOC'? How Final Order Cut-off Affects the Biz

As announced yesterday, Dark Horse and Image Comics will begin offering "Final Order Cutoff" to retailers next week. Previously, the service had only been available on DC and Marvel titles.

But what is "FOC?" And what does this announcement really mean to the industry?

"The very basic explanation is that FOC gives retailers about seven extra weeks to gauge demand for comics before they have to set their orders in stone," said Dirk Wood, director of marketing at Dark Horse Comics. "It's a tool that retailers can use that makes it a lot easier to gauge demand on their end."

READ MORE.

---

Exclusive Top Cow Preview - Broken Trinity: Aftermath

An exclusive first look at interiors from this week's Top Cow one-shot.
Broken Trinity: Aftermath
(W) Ron Marz, Bryan Edward Hill (A) Jorge Lucas, Tyler Kirkham (Cov) Tyler Kirkham, Ryan Sook
The quest for the 13 artifacts in the Top Cow Universe continues. Following the events of Broken Trinity come two new characters, two new stories and another chapter in the growing Witchblade saga. Michael Finnegan wrestles with the power and purpose that comes with the Glacier Stone, and his first test might be saving Darkness wielder Jackie Estacado from himself. Hundreds of miles away, Glorianna Silver suffers from her banishment at the hands of The Angelus, and in order to survive, she will have to embrace the power of the Ember Stone and the destiny it has for her.

Cover A – Tyler Kirkham Cover B – Ryan Sook

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 one-shot
READ MORE.

---

New Downloads

We have added new downloads, So be sure to check them out!.
only at topcow.com.

---

TOP COW PRODUCTIONS ROUNDUP at Comics Continuum

Nelson Blake II, the most recent addition to the stable of in-house artists working at Top Cow Productions, is drawing The Darkness #78, the publisher has announced.

The Darkness #78 -- written by Phil Hester, with a cover by Michael Avon Oeming and scheduled for June -- will explore what happens when current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado becomes fed up with the mysterious Sovereign, who has kept Jackie on a wild goose chase to recover his full power for the past few issues.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

I've been hearing a lot of talk about The Flash lately due to Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver's Flash Reborn #1. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it did inspire this quick doodle of the Flash. For the record, my Flash will always be Wally West.

This is Sketch #045.

---

FIRST LOOK - Cyberforce/ Hunter-Killer #1 Connected Covers

Top Cow Productions has provided Newsarama with a first look at artist Kenneth Rocafort's connected covers the debut issue of the upcoming limited series crossover event Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer.

The series teams Rocafort with writer Mark Waid, co-creator (with Marc Silvestri) of Hunter-Killer.

READ MORE.

---

Blog@Newsarama Filip Sablik: “A Feel-Good Kill”

When I agreed to do this regular blog column for Blog@Newsarama I told myself that I would avoid using it as a platform to shill books I was publishing. That is after all, what press releases are for. And that’s still my intent, but I hope you’ll forgive me if I indulge and occasionally tell you about something we’re doing at Top Cow that I think is worth a second look. Today, I wanted to let you know about a new title we’re launching in June called Berserker.

READ MORE.

---

Top Cow Welcomes Nelson Blake II to the Pit

(LOS ANGELES, CA)—April 14, 2009—Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that newcomer artist Nelson Blake II (Broken Trinity: Witchblade, GI Joe: Reloaded) will draw The Darkness #78. The issue, with is scheduled for a June 2009 release, will explore what happens when current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado becomes fed up with the mysterious Sovereign, who has kept Jackie on a wild goose chase to recover his full power for the past few issues.

READ MORE.

---

Witchblade #126 reviewed in French

Ron Marz continue la montée en puissance de l’arc War of The Witchblades. Si jusqu’ici les choses paraissaient claires, avec une des deux détentrices du talisman qui avait fait un faux pas, le scénariste sait brouiller les cartes à merveille. Personne n’est totalement innocent, les limites entre bien et mal s’amenuisent et on commence vraiment à se demander s’il est vraiment souhaitable qu’une des deux héroïnes l’emporte… Et si oui, laquelle ?

Witchblade #126 [Top Cow]
Scénario de Ron Marz
Dessins de Stjepan Sejic
Sortie américaine le mercredi 15/04/09

Ces deux derniers mois, c’est le casier de Danielle Baptiste, la Witchblade blonde, qu’on avait copieusement chargé. Erreurs et abus de pouvoirs s’ajoutaient à une certaine naïveté que Sara Pezzini pouvait prendre de haut, en comptant les points. Dani semblait passer du côté obscur… En fait il apparait que si elle a bien basculé, ce n’est pas du côté des ténèbres mais ailleurs. Et l’intransigeance de Sara commence, elle, a prendre un relief nouveau… Et inquiétant dans un autre genre. Autour d’elles, leurs adversaires s’organisent tandis que le détective Patrick Gleason comprend qu’il va se passer un moment de… baby-sitter.

READ MORE.

---

Dark Horse and Image join Final Order Cutoff program

As planned for over a year, Dark Horse and Image are joining the ranks of “FOC” publishers at Diamond. Already used by Marvel and DC, “Final Order Cut-Off” allows retailer to raise or lower orders right up until print time in accordance with changing factors, such as increased publicity, or negative reaction to previous issues. Diamond’s pr below:

Dark Horse Comics and Image Comics — including Image Central and Top Cow Productions — have announced that they will implement new Final Order Cut-Off (FOC) programs, effective with products carrying an FOC Date of Thursday, April 23.

READ MORE.

---

I have an unabashed man crush on Dwayne Johnson, formerly known as The Rock. When I started watching pro wrestling in college, he was the MAN. I think he's one of those rare combinations of athlete, actor, and all around personality that appeals to men, women, and children of all ages.
So last night the wife and I tried to watch "Southland Tales" on DVD largely because he was starring in it. And I have to admit... I was lost. Can anyone tell me what the heck was going on in that movie?

This is Sketch #044.

---

Top Cow Contributes to CBLDF Retailer Membership Pack

Retailers - Join The Fund In This Month's Previews!

Diamond Comics, proud corporate member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is hosting their second annual retailer membership drive in this month's Diamond Previews! It's never been easier to sign up for retailer membership in the CBLDF, simply use your Diamond Order Form and check off the level at which you'd like to join.

The CBLDF has created a variety of resources and incentives to reward your participation in this very important cause. All stores signing up as a Retailer Advocate in the Previews campaign will receive:

• A One Year Membership in Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
• CBLDF Member Card, featuring Kick-Ass by John Romita, Jr. & Mark Millar
• The Best Defense: CBLDF Retailer Resource Guide, featuring articles by the industry's best minds who outline strategies for safeguarding your store against legal threats
• Berserker #1 Variant Cover, signed by Milo Ventimiglia, Rick Loverd, and Jeremy Haun, provided by Top Cow Productions
• The Unknown #1 Incentive Cover, signed by Mark Waid, provided by BOOM! Studios
• Signed Frank Miller comic
• CBLDF Window Cling
• CBLDF Donation Can

Retailer Members signing up at higher levels are also eligible to receive other items.

READ MORE.

---

Controlling the Darkness Talking About Top Cow's The Darkness Writer Phil Hester

Welcome to the latest edition of Controlling the Darkness with Phil Hester where we talk about all things Dakness. This issue had Jackie doing something that he regretted the second it happened and really pushed him toward being fed up with the sovereign. We also meet a mysterious new character who may or may not know more about the Darkness than Jackie himself.

Eric: So, Phil I guess we'll start off with the hardest hit of the issue, Jackie Estecado was just forced to kill a child. We see it hit heavy in the art and emotionally in the story. How hard was this to write?

Phil: I thought for a long time about whether or not to include that scene, especially that particular shot, but we really needed something that would credibly push Jackie into full rebellion against The Sovereign. I think being forced to murder a child, even one who is a war criminal and reincarnated murderer, would be enough to send anyone over the edge. Let's face it- a lot of horrible stuff happens in The Darkness and we needed something a little more horrible than the norm to jolt the readers.

READ MORE.

---

The Price Is Right? Publishers Discuss Rising Comics Costs

As news of the economy dominates headlines, readers of comic books have their own economic woes as the price of their favorite hobby has gotten more expensive.

In recent years, most average-sized comic books were priced somewhere between $2.00 and $2.99 each, but comics retailers are selling more and more comics priced at $3.99 each.

Newsarama talked to a few publishers about what's driving the price increases, and they said it's a combination of higher costs and lower sales.

"Any time there's a recession, people are going to be spending less, but publishers still have to pay the talent and they still have to print the books," said Vince Hernandez, Editor-in-Chief of Aspen Comics. "Costs are going up because printing companies need to make their profit and everybody's tightening their belt and reacting to the economy."

Filip Sablik, publisher at Top Cow Comics, said that over time, several costs associated with publishing comics have gone up, and it all affects the bottom line. "Creative costs have increased as creator cost of living goes up. Printing costs go up due to paper costs, shipping, and technology changes. Overhead can go up as your landlord raises costs on office space. Every company is different," he said.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

If I were to draw a Darkness cover, it might look something like this in the thumbnail/layout stage. And yes, those are smiley little darklings leaping out behind Jackie.

This is Sketch #043.

---

GiantKillerSquid.com spotlights Witchblade

She is the wearer of an ancient supernatural, sentient artifact with immense destructive and protective powers. The weapon had bonded with various women throughout history, including Cleopatra and Joan of Arc. Now she wields a mystical weapon that is the desire of many nefarious characters who will stop at nothing to obtain the ultimate weapon, one that is so powerful that even it’s wearer (a hardened NYPD homicide detective) has trouble honing her skills with it. If you haven’t guessed it by now, our Hero/Villain of the Week is Sara Pezzini - The Witchblade!

READ MORE.

---

New Downloads

We add new downloads, So be sure to check them out!.
This weeks new downloads only at topcow.com.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

Continuing my adventures with the Cintiq tablet, here's an American Idol inspired sketch. I'm pulling for Danny Gokey in case anyone was wondering. Although I think Adam Lambert will either win or be this season's Chris Daughtry and sell a crazy amount of albums. The boys are much stronger than the ladies this season.

This is Sketch #042.

---

Exclusive Top Cow Preview - 'Witchblade #126'

Top Cow's 'War of the Witchblades' continues in this month's latest issue and we have an exclusive first look Witchblade #126 (W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Stjepan Sejic, Tim Seeley The momentous “War of the Witchblades” story arc continues! Events have been building to this storyline for two years, and by the time it’s all over, everyone the Witchblade touches will be changed forever. The rift between wielders Sara Pezzini and Dani Baptiste deepens into all-out hostility. Meanwhile, the mysterious manipulator who has been pulling the strings in Sara and Dani’s lives finally reveals himself, and chaos follows in his wake.

Cover A – Stjepan Sejic
Cover B – Tim Seeley

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series

READ MORE.

---

Filip Sablik - On The Evolution Of Top Cow Comics

Filip Sablik is the current Publisher of Top Cow Productions, Inc. He is a graduate of the Maryland Institute, College of Art with a BFA in Illustration. He has worked for Diamond Comic Distributors as a Customer Service representative and then moved up to the Diamond Purchasing department, where he worked for over five additional years. In 2006 Filip became VP of Marketing and Sales at Top Cow and quickly accepted the exciting opportunity to move into the publishing arena.

Don’t upset him though, he likes martial arts. So, unlike many comic book fans, he might be able to win a fight.

READ MORE.

---

FlushRush lists Witchblade in Top 20 Comic Weapons

The witchblade appears at first glance to simply be an ornate gauntlet, but on the hand of a proper host this symbiotic, intelligent weapon becomes much more. The witchblade is capable of turning into armor to protect its host from harm, swords and other stabbing weapons, shields, and even wings enabling its user to fly. It has on occasion even fired energy blasts, projectiles, and whips or grapples for climbing. A great all-purpose weapon that is only limited by the fact that it can become temperamental and difficult to control if not used frequently or in it’s mind, correctly. Also the witchblade only chooses one host per generation and those hosts are invariably female. If you are a man OR a woman not chosen by the witchblade, don’t try it on unless you like the nickname “Lefty.”

READ MORE.

---

Scoop spotlights "Witchblade at 125 (and Counting...)"

With Witchlade #125 putting something of an exclamation point on the character’s staying power, we thought maybe it was time to re-visit the Top Cow Productions siren. Witchblade made her debut in the pages of Cyblade/Shi #1, one issue of a two-part a crossover between Marc Silvestri’s character Cyblade and Billy Tucci’s character Shi.

READ MORE.

---

Top Cow Announces Participating Retailers for April's "Let Us Win YOU Over" Promotion

Top Cow Productions, Inc. revealed today the names of the participating retailers in their “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative for April and the program would continue the second part of their “War of the Witchblades” storyline – Witchblade #126.

The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and all of February’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

Still playing around with the Cintiq, gang. This one inspired by our new series in June - Berserker!
Don't make us angry...

This is Sketch #041.

---

Exclusive Preview at CBR: Broken Trinity Aftermath

The quest for the 13 artifacts in the Top Cow Universe continues. Following the events of Broken Trinity come two new characters, two new stories and another chapter in the growing Witchblade saga.

Michael Finnegan wrestles with the power and purpose that comes with the Glacier Stone, and his first test might be saving Darkness wielder Jackie Estacado from himself. Hundreds of miles away, Glorianna Silver suffers from her banishment at the hands of The Angelus, and in order to survive, she will have to embrace the power of the Ember Stone and the destiny it has for her.

READ MORE.

---

Los Angeles Festival of Books Kicks Off April 25th

Top Cow will be exhibiting in the Comix Strip section of the LA Festival of Books!

READ MORE.

---

ECCC: Inside the Writer’s Studio with Mark Waid

The format of Saturday’s Inside the Writer’s Studio panel with Mark Waid at the Emerald City Comicon was, unsurprisingly (given its title) modeled after the Bravo television series “Inside the Actor’s Studio.” In lieu of James Lipton, Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik and BOOM! Studios co-founder and Chief Executive Ross Richie asked questions of Waid in an intimate retrospective on the acclaimed writer’s career. READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

Here's my second Cintiq computer generated sketch. This time I tried playing around with a quick observational sketch of my wife watching TV and using two tones to create some shading. It's not great, but still fun.

This is Sketch #040.

---

Top Cow creators appear on Shuster Award Nominee list

Congrats to colorists Dave McCaig (Berserker, Broken Trinity: Witchblade & Angelus), Blond (Freshmen: Summer Special, Dragon Prince), and Nathan Fairbairn (Pilot Season: The Core) as well as Top Cow alumni Dave Finch for their Shuster Award nominations honoring outstanding Canadians in comics.

READ MORE.

---

Graze Anatomy: Sketches from Your Publisher

It's a brave new world, gang! Yesterday I bought a 12WX Cintiq tablet which is a super sweet bit of technology that combines a traditional Wacom tablet with a touchscreen. It's about as close as you can to drawing on a computer in the same way you draw on a piece of paper.
I still have to calibrate my settings more accurately and get some custom brushes going, but here's my first crack at drawing on the computer.


And for you process buffs, I've included below a version of the drawing with the first "sketch" layer intact so you can see my sketchy little under-drawing.

This is Sketch #039.

---

TOP COW AT EMERALD CITY COMIC-CON

New Marc Silvestri Witchblade Variant Cover Debuts at Popular Seattle Show

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 1st, 2009 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced its plans today for this weekend’s Emerald City ComiCon, the popular comic focused show in Seattle, WA taking place April 4-5.

The publisher will be celebrating the 125th Issue of Witchblade with a cover variant exclusively released for the Emerald City ComiCon featuring a brand new illustration by Marc Silvestri of Sara Pezzini. This marks the first time Silvestri has depicted Pezzini in her “dark armor” form, which she has adopted as part of the “War of the Witchblades” storyline that kicks off in issue #125. Copies of the exclusive variant cover will be available at the Emerald City ComiCon show booth (#604) for a SRP of $10.

READ MORE.

---