ComicsAlliance: Link Ink Roundup

Hollywood: The new domestic poster for "Iron Man 2" certainly has the "Star Wars" vibe going on, but where's Mickey Rourke? [Heat Vision]

Creators: Tim O'Shea speaks with the creators of "Cyanide & Happiness" about their process in creating the hilarious and foul-mouthed web strip. [Robot 6]

Technology: Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik wonders whether or not technology has stifled our ability to enjoy the little things in life - like the feel of a printed comic book in your hands. [Blog@Newsarama]

See the rest of the roundup here.

Source: ComicsAlliance

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Newsarama: Matt Hawkins Comments on the Impact of the Comic Book Movie Decade on Publishing

Some of the changes to comic book publishing are obvious since Hollywood started salivating over their wares. But a lot of changes influenced by the film industry have happened without most loyal comic book fans even realizing it.

The biggest and most apparent shifts within the world of publishing have happened just in the last year. DC Comics is now calling itself "DC Entertainment," reporting directly to Warner Bros. Pictures Group. Marvel now runs its own movie studio under the umbrella of Disney's entertainment conglomerate. And comic book's top writers, like Brian Michael Bendis and Geoff Johns, spend much of their time nowadays consulting on scripts for movie projects and TV shows.

But other changes to the comic book industry have trickled down to even smaller publishers in ways that are less noticeable to readers, but all-too-apparent within the industry.

For smaller publishers, one of the reasons for working with Hollywood is that there's a real boost in sales of the source comic books when films are made.

"Anytime you have a mass market film or TV show or video game, you have a surge in sales of the comic," said Matt Hawkins, president of Top Cow, the publisher behind the Wanted comic book that became a hit film. "Anyone who tells you there's not is just lying."

Another reason publishers sometimes desire Hollywood involvement is the potential for owning licensed characters that can be used for merchandise and other media. From Sin City action figures to Watchmen T-shirts, merchandising of comic book characters gets a huge boost from feature films.

But Hawkins said that, despite many comics companies moving in that direction, it's not always easy to capitalize on licenses when the characters are unknown and less identifiable.

Read the full article here.

Source: Newsarama

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MTV Splash Page: 'The Crazies' Get A Motion Comic And Four-Issue Miniseries

The mental well-being of a rural Iowa town is about to be obliterated by a tainted water supply, and no amount of therapy can save survivors from their infected friends and neighbors.

Overture Films' new take on George Romero's 1973 film "The Crazies" looms close and with it, a companion comic book narrative set to flesh out the tale's horrific causes and effects.

Produced by Jeff Katz of American Original and printed by Top Cow, the four-issue miniseries follows four distinct chapters featuring individual creative teams. Ivan Brandon and Jon Buran handle "Hopman Bog," followed by Brian Reed and Hugo Petrus on "Dwyer Creek," Marc Andreyko and Vincent Spencer on "Black Pond" and Joshua Hale Fialkov and Rashan Ekedal handling "Ogden Marsh."


Read the full article here.

Source: Splash Page

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Brikhed’s Blog picks URBAN MYTHS as Favorite One-Shot of 2008

Favorite Mini-Series/One-Shot 2008:
(1) Pilot Season: Urban Myths (Top Cow/Image) - For the past two years Top Cow has had an initiative called Pilot Season in which six books are released as one-shot books. The books are then voted on by the fans and the top two vote getters win a mini-series. This year Jay Faerber created a current day world based on mythology and interesting characters called Urban Myths. READ MORE.

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Extra Sequential interviews William Harm about IMPALER

In the 1400s a hungry army of vampires stake a claim on Eastern Europe, and only one man can save the terrified citizens. His name is Vlad Tempes, otherwise known as Vlad the Impaler. He is a man literally empowered by the church to fight these beasts, and does. Fast forward to modern New York. Widower detective Victor Dailey discovers corpses in an abandoned ship, and soon the vampire horde is back. However, so is Vlad, and he’s ready to end the fight for good. This time though, he has help, with the US military and Dailey doing whatever they can to stop the snow covered city from becoming a vampire covered one too.
Impaler was originally a three issue series published by Image Comics in 2006 and 2007 but went on hiatus. Top Cow picked up the reins in October and published a Trade Paper Back of those first three issues, plus three new ones. Now, Impaler receives its own ongoing series, written by series creator William Harms with gorgeously gory art from Brit Matt Timson. These are not today’s goth-wannabe vamps. Impaler’s blood suckers are horrific monsters, not introspective shadow dwellers, and as you can see on the following pages Impaler is an unashamed horror title. READ MORE.

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PREVIEW: The Darkness #9

Top Cow has provided Newsarama with a preview of next week's The Darkness #9 (#73) by Phil Hester and Jorge Lucas. In it - Jackie goes to Hell. Seriously. The solicitation for the issue reads: Jackie Estacado is in Hell...literally! Jackie’s soul has been condemned to eternal damnation and his assigned tormentor happens to be an ages-old enemy who bears a centuries-long grudge against The Darkness. But this enemy has a proposition for Jackie, a bargain that may prove more terrible than Hell itself. Meet The Sovereign. Cover A – Jorge Lucas Cover B – Dale Keown Full Color 32 pages $2.99 Ongoing Series. Top Cow's Darkness is recommended for MATURE READERS READ MORE.

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New IMPALER fan page on Facebook

Impaler now has it's very own Facebook so drop in and Become a Fan.

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ICv2 reports on Top Cow’s $2.99 Price Freeze

Top Cow Productions has announced that it will maintain a $2.99 price point for its regular-sized comic books throughout 2009. Top Cow publisher Filip Sabik explained: “We looked around and saw cover prices creeping up and up all around us. It seems wrong to raise your prices on customers during these tough economic times.” Top Cow’s announcement comes as news appears that Marvel raising the price of some of its regular comic book series including New Avengers and Hulk to $3.99, sparking discussions on comic boards and fan sites about comic book pricing.

The standard price for 32-page comic from Marvel and DC has been $2.99 for years, but there has been plenty of talk that comics are heading for the $3.99 price point in the near future. Actually, in a very real sense, the future is now. Marvel has been leading the move to higher prices by charging $3.99 for miniseries, special editions and first issues. An analysis done by Conor Kilpatrick and published on ifanboy.com showed that during the last two weeks of October 13 out of 24 and then 9 out of 19 Marvel releases were 32-page comics priced at $3.99. READ MORE.

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WEEK OF TOP COW: Matt Hawkins

In the first installment of CBR’s WEEK OF TOP COW, we spoke with Top Cow Productions founder Marc Silvestri about the early days of the company, and we later followed up with Filip Sablik, the prodigious Publisher of Top Cow, about the company’s current direction, experiments with online content, and what sets Top Cow apart from other outfits. We then spoke with Ron Marz and Phil Hester, the writers of “Witchblade” and “The Darkness,” respectively, about working on Top Cow’s flagship titles as well as what makes the Cow a creative oasis in the desert of corporate comics. After that, Vice President of Editorial Rob Levin sat down with us to talk about the creative direction of the Top Cow titles as well as the numerous Pilot Season projects -- one-shots featuring new or underused characters that readers can vote for via MySpace to determine which title will graduate to ongoing series.

For our fifth and final installment, Top Cow President Matt Hawkins speaks extremely candidly about the company’s business history, about the many and varied changes the Cow has undergone in the ten years he’s been there, as well as Top Cow’s endeavors in film, video games and other ancillary media. READ MORE.

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Girls Entertainment Network reviews THE DARKNESS #8

Summary: “Rattled by the events of the ‘Empire’ storyline and in less than full control of his Darkness powers, Jackie returns to the States and lapses back into his old criminal lifestyle. Unfortunately, he’s already the target of a cunning and ancient enemy, one who has put him in the crosshairs of the deadly Aphrodite IV!”

Review: Whew, Phil Hester is on a roll!

Ever since volume three of The Darkness began and I started reading the series, I’ve been hooked. The first story arc, “Empire,” of the new volume was absolutely great, and after an out-of-place (but enjoyable) transition issue, The Darkness #8 has landed with the new story, “Crooked.” READ MORE.

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Newsarama’s Best Shots reviews THE DARKNESS #7

The Darkness #7
Writer: Phil Hester
Pencils: Jorge Lucas
Colors: Lee Loughridge
From: Top Cow Comics
Reviewed by: Richard Renteria

The current issue of Darkness makes the perfect entry point for any reader curious about the character. While not dwelling on his somewhat complex history and by minimizing the continuity of Jackie Estacado and his relationship with his curse, the Darkness, the story moves at a rather brisk pace with some fun twists and turns.

Interestingly enough for a character who has been defined by his look for most of his existence there is little trace of the Darkness with the exception of a brief flashback that does an excellent job of succinctly capturing the overall effects of Estacado’s curse but not dwelling to long on the explanations making for a more coherent read.

The setting and premise of the story is nothing new to the horror genre; man stumbles on a town with a dark secret, in this case a witch who protects the town in exchange for their dreams, which he must somehow escape. Again not the most original concept but thanks to the fluid writing style of Phil Hester the issue manages to give the well-worn premise a slight spit-shine which allows readers new and old the chance to get a clear idea of who the main character is and the curse he carries with him, while still telling an entertaining story. Hester also adds a new layer to Estacado’s life in the form of a potential sidekick in the vein of Batman’s Robin. READ MORE.

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GEN reviews SAVAGE DRAGON #140, which features a cameo by Witchblade!

Savage Dragon is aided by some of Image’s most recognizable characters. But can they help him take out the uncontrollable Solar Man?
Summary: As you all know, this past summer Erik Larsen stepped down from his Image Comics Publisher duties to put his full concentration on his creative endeavors including the long-running Savage Dragon and the upcoming Image Comics Founders mega-event next summer, Image United.

This issue of Savage Dragon is where the two collide, as Image Partner characters Invincible, Spawn, Witchblade and Shadowhawk lend a hand against long-time Dragon villain, Solar Man.

It’s the first part of a two parter, so it’s the perfect place to jump on board. There’s going to be a very big announcement for Savage Dragon soon making this definitely a good time to be reading.

Review: I will be honest here. I began this comic clueless as how to review a title on its 140th issue that I had (sadly) never read before. However, I managed to strike a bit of luck with the particular issue, as more familiar characters – notably Witchblade and Spawn – made an appearance in the book. With my nerves sated notably by familiar faces, I entered unknown territory. READ MORE.

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February Solicitations

TOP COW February SOLICITATIONS

-The Darkness #75
(W) Phil Hester (A) Broussard, Keown, Benitez, Timson, Carter, Irving and more! (Cov) Lee Bermejo, Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic, Michael Broussard

An all-star cast of artists assembles in this oversized book to illustrate the historic 75th overall issue of The Darkness. Combining all three volumes of The Darkness since its debut in 1996, we’re renumbering the current series to pay tribute to the legacy of this rich and storied character.

Journey into a bleak and twisted future to witness humanity’s struggle to survive amongst the wreckage of the eternal conflict between The Darkness and The Angelus. Can Jackie Estacado step off this path to ultimate destruction or will he allow The Darkness to turn him into a global tyrant?

Cover A – Lee Bermejo (wraparound)
Cover B – Dale Keown
Cover C – Stjepan Sejic
Cover D – Michael Broussard

Full Color 48 pages $4.99 ongoing series




-Witchblade Annual 2009
(W) Jay Faerber (A) Eric Basaldua (Cov) Sami Basri, Eric Basaldua

Presenting the first Witchblade Annual issue ever, complete with a new, original self-contained story by writer Jay Faerber (Pilot Season: Urban Myths, Noble Causes) and artist Eric Basaldua (Witchblade/Devi, Ultimate Fantastic Four). Includes a second bonus story!

Beautiful women all over the city are killing men they don't even know, and then claiming they don't even remember the events. When Sara and partner Gleason are assigned to investigate the case, they're thrown head first into the dangerous and deadly world of…plastic surgery?

Cover A – Sami Basri
Cover B – Eric Basaldua

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 annual


-Velocity #2
(W) Joe Casey (A) ChrisCross (Cov) ChrisCross and Snakebite, Stjepan Sejic

The new series for this Pilot Season 2007 winner continues! From the pages of Marc Silvestri’s Cyberforce comes a new solo title for this Top Cow super speedster!

When Carin Taylor, a.k.a. Velocity, turns down an offer to work for a corporate mogul, he doesn’t take it well! Before she knows it, she’s attacked by a small army of private soldiers and not one, but TWO assailants who can literally keep pace with her! It’ll take a familiar face from her past to help her get out of this jam!

Cover A – ChrisCross and Snakebite
Cover B – Stjepan Sejic
Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series


-Top Cow Spring 2009 Preview Book
(W) Rick Loverd and others (A) Various (Cov) Dale Keown

Get a sneak peek at some of the exciting new projects coming from Top Cow in 2009!

This Preview Book features an original Berserker story, the new comic series produced by “Heroes” star Milo Ventimiglia and his DiVide Pictures partner, Russ Cundiff. Created by screenwriter Rick Loverd, Berserker combines elements of superheroes with Norse mythology. Throw in some bone-crushing violence and punch-in-the-mouth action and you’ve got a recipe for a great Top Cow book!

That’s just the beginning! Also in this Preview Book is an exciting glimpse at a diverse mix of other projects coming from Top Cow in 2009. You don’t want to miss it!

Full Color 24 pages $2.99 preview book

Berserker Lithograph
(ART BY) Dale Keown

Dale Keown’s raw and feral Berserker image can now be yours in this limited, numbered lithograph, accompanied by a Top Cow Certificate of Authenticity and shipped in a protective sleeve.

Full Color 11”x17” $29.99 lithograph


-Broken Trinity Deluxe Hardcover
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic, Phil Hester, Jorge Lucas, Brian Stelfreeze, Nelson Blake II (Cov) Stjepan Sejic

This Premiere Hardcover collects all six issues of 2008’s blockbuster storyline, Broken Trinity, plus a slew of bonus material, from a cover gallery to behind-the-scenes commentary. Much like 2007’s First Born story arc, Broken Trinity upsets the status quo of the Top Cow Universe as one of the three principal characters in the never-ending battle between Light and Dark—Witchblade, The Darkness and The Angelus—dies, never to return. In addition, new characters enter the fray, setting the stage for a new ongoing series to debut later in 2009!

Full Color 176 pages $34.99 hardcover


Broken Trinity #3 Eric Basaldua Top Cow Store Variant
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic, Phil Hester (Cov) Eric Basaldua

A beautiful, sensual cover conceived by the supremely talented Basaldua (Hunter-Killer, Ultimate Fantastic Four), available in limited supply.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 convention exclusive



-The Darkness Novel 2
(W) Kerri Hawkins

In this second installment of The Darkness novel series by author Kerri Hawkins (Blood Legacy), Jackie Estacado struggles to control his branch of the triumvirate powers of the universe while still operating as a mafia hitman. Caught between his earthly enemies and his supernatural foes, Jackie’s greatest battle might be with the black force residing within him.

Jackie loves little beyond himself, but when his childhood friend Jenny is threatened, his hard-edged persona is tested. He begins to understand that The Darkness has its own agenda, and although the dark power might help him, it might also consume him…

B/W 160 pages $6.99 novel

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ComicMonsters.com reviews IMPALER Vol. 1 TP

Synopsis: This brilliant reimagining of the vampire myth is collected for the first time and includes the never- seen -before final three parts of the initial storyline. When one of the worst blizzards in modern history descends upon New York City, the blinding snow and wind are the least of the city's problems. For hidden in the weather is a growing army of ravenous vampires, and humanity's only hope lies with Vlad Tepes, the 'historical Dracula.' READ MORE.

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HEROES4HEROES TO RAISE MONEY FOR TROOPS OVERSEAS!

Comic Books, Original Art, More to be Auctioned at WizardWorld Texas

(Dallas, TX): Heroes4Heroes (H4H), a 501 c3 non-profit organization dedicated to sending comic books, DVDs, and other forms of entertainment media to America's armed forces overseas, will hold a major auction this Saturday, November 8, 2008, during the largest comic book convention in the Southwest, WizardWorld Texas.

"This is the third year in a row that we've held an auction like this," said Scott Hinze, a volunteer and co-founder of H4H, "and we're looking forward to his one being the biggest and the best one yet. Last year, we raised over $12,000 at our event held at the Diamond Club in the Ballpark at Arlington, and this year, we hope to exceed that goal. Looking over the quality of material that's already been donated, I think we've got a pretty good shot."

"Some of the top artists in comics have donated material for our auction," said Hinze, "including Mitch Breitweiser, artist on Captain America; James O'Barr, the creator of the Crow; Phil Hester, artist on the critically and commercially acclaimed series Green Arrow and The Irredeemable Ant Man; Brian Denham, a native Texan whose recent work on Iron Man received rave reviews; Bill Tucci, the creator of Shi; Lee Bermejo, whose Joker graphic novel is currently taking the comic world by storm; Ben Templesmith, renowned artist on 30 Days of Night, the basis for the recent hit movie; and popular X-Men artist Marko Djurdjevic. Best of all, many of these artists will be creating these pieces at the show, so bidders can watch the pieces they're interested in come to life before their very eyes. There's going to be plenty of great material for collectors to fight over, and we're looking forward to some heated bidding wars."

"We really only do one big event a year" says Hinze. "Everyone who works with this organization has a full-time job, a family and other demands on their time. The one thing we all have in common is the fact that we love comics and fan-culture. We know the power of escapism and many of us have close friends serving abroad that tell us how boring and stressful the work of a solider can be. Comics are typically quick, fun reads, perfect for the young solider protecting our interests and freedoms the globe over. I honestly don't know of any other comic book-related charity that's doing what we do."

Hinze added, "Since our inception, we've shipped over 3,000 care packets, 40,000 comics, 800 DVD's and 500 books to American Soldiers all over the world and we've received praise from personnel of all ranks in the US Military, including Gen. David Petraeus. His letter, along with more information about Heroes4Heroes, can be found at www.heroes4heroes.org."

HEROES 4HEROES CHARITY AUCTION

WHERE: The Sheraton Hotel next to the Arlington Convention Center - 1500 Convention Center Drive, Arlington, Tx 76011

WHEN: Saturday Night, November 8th @ 7:00 - 11:00pm CST

COST: Totally free... but bring your cash or credit cards to be a part of the art auction!

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LA Weekly names best Comics Shops in LA

In Kevin Huizenga’s rich, dynamic story “The Curse,” from his collection, Curses, a suburban man, Glenn Ganges, and his wife, who has just given birth, try to understand the flock of European starlings that has invaded their trees. The “curse” of the title is this foreboding feathered infestation, which has upset the balance in the new family’s otherwise hopeful existence. With pitch-perfect tone, Huizenga unwinds the birds’ back story, tracing the flock to its original North American sin: the day a man named Eugene Schiefflin, a member of a group called the American Acclimatization Society, uncaged 80 or so members of the species he had carried from Europe in order to introduce to the continent “foreign varieties of the animal and vegetable kingdoms as may be useful or interesting.” READ MORE.

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