Comic News: Robert Kirkman Will Give Keynote at ComicsPRO 2010

From the official press release:

Image Comics’ makes an exclusive appearance at this year’s ComicsPRO annual meeting, featuring Robert Kirkman!

Many of the nation’s top comic book retailers will converge on Memphis, TN this April for ComicsPRO’s Annual Members Meeting, and WALKING DEAD creator and Image COO Robert Kirkman will be delivering the keynote speech. Image Comics will also be making an exclusive appearance at the 2010 retailer event.

“While reviewing our options for the 2010 calendar, Image Comics has decided to put its focus for retailer events on ComicsPRO,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “We feel the organization does a massive amount of good for the comics industry and with the ever-growing amount of competing events, we felt the need to reaffirm our support for our retail partners by making our appearance at this year’s annual meeting our sole retailer event for 2010.”

ComicsPRO is the only trade organization for Direct Market comic book retailers. Their goals are not that different from trade organizations in other industries: to promote advocacy, education and opportunity for their members. Each annual meeting focuses on the many issues this unified, yet independent retailer organization faces and works towards building a stronger future. In addition to Kirkman, Stephenson and Image PR & Marketing Coordinator Joe Keatinge will also attend. The company’s decision to so strongly support this year’s annual meeting has been met with great enthusiasm by members of ComicsPRO’s Board of Directors.

ComicsPRO President and Flying Colors Comics owner Joe Field added: “When a key supplier like Image Comics decides that their time, energy and focus are best spent meeting with ComicsPRO retailers in Memphis, it highlights the dedication Image has to professional, dedicated comics specialty retailers. We hope more retailers notice this and make plans to join us for the only retailer-directed trade event in the comics’ business.”

“What I admire most about Image Comics is its commitment to creators and their independence,” ComicsPRO Board of Directors member and Comix Experience owner Brian Hibbs said. “It’s amazing to see that same level of commitment and passion being brought to bear for the benefit of the independent comic book retailer as well. This energy and support can’t help but make the best retailer-focused event that much better!”

The ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting is March 24-27th, 2010 at the Hilton Memphis. For more information on the meeting, visit ComicsPRO.

Source: Hypergeek

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All New Image Addiction Podcast w/ Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box's Rob Levin & Bryan Edward Hill

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the show!

This episode Mike and Chris are joined by the writing team behind Top Cow’s upcoming “Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box” miniseries – Byran Edward Hill and Rob Levin.

Listen here. Download here.

Source: The Comic Addiction

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Digital Spy: Aphrodite IV returns to Top Cow universe

Android femme fatale Aphrodite IV has returned to the Top Cow universe in the pages of its Witchblade comic.

The character first appeared in David Finch and David Wohl's Aphrodite IX and has gone on to feature in several Top Cow titles. She re-emerges in the ongoing plotline 'Pantheon' by writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic.

In an interview with CBR, Mars provided an overview of the character's arc. "I think Aphrodite IV is still a work in progress," he said. "In the Aphrodite IX miniseries, there were issues of her maybe not understanding where she came from and all of that stuff.

"To my mind, the real story here is the evolution of the character from IV to IX and how you start putting the pieces in place to show that. For one, the Aphrodite IV model is not as advanced as IX. She's still learning about herself. We didn't want to do the Pinocchio cliché of an artificial life form that wants to be human."

Aphrodite IV makes an appearance in Witchblade #134, available in stores now. She will next feature in Witchblade #135, released on March 17.

Source: Digital Spy

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Want to Win Copies of Top Cow's Impaler from William Harms?

Yesterday, William Harms posted the following in a forum:

I'm the writer of Impaler, an acclaimed vampire series published by Top Cow. Since we're nearing the end of the second story arc (which culminates with a double-sized issue), I thought I'd offer five people the chance to win copies of Impaler # 1 through # 4, all signed by yours truly. I'll choose the five people at random, so if you're interested, please reply below.

If you end up getting one of the free sets, and you like the book, all we ask is that you help us get out the word on it. Tell your friends, your comic shop, hell, come back here and post about it. I'll pick the winners in about a week.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Impaler, it's about Vlad Tepes, the "historical" Dracula. Only in Impaler, he's the ultimate vampire hunter. The art is by British artist Matt Timson, and I've put a sample page below.

The first issue is also available via Newsarama.

Source: 606studios

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Geeks of Doom Reviews Tracker #2-3

At the end of issue #1, there’s a personal note from writer/creator Jonathan Lincoln, where he passionately writes about the series and thanks the reader for taking a chance on it. That’s all I need to see to get me to give the rest of the issues — there will be five in all — a shot. When I see the love a creator has for his work, that love is contagious. It helps that by the time I got to the end of issue #3 I was like, ‘Who is Herod? I need to know!!!’

Now back to Herod, I don’t feel we get enough of him, and in issue #3 when we see the bus massacre flashback, I’m not so convinced we’re seeing the real killer, but that’s just my own hunch. Issue #3 is packed with a lot of information and leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions: Will O’Roark survive this ordeal? Can Tucker really be trusted? Will Jezzie ever be of any use? Will Tory finally get laid? We have two more issues of Tucker to go before all will be revealed (hopefully), and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

Read the full review here.

Source: Geeks of Doom

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Cosmic Book News Reviews Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1

Yin and yang, heaven and hell, good and evil, dualities have defined mankind since our origins. In Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box, we see this classic tale played out through an enticingly original mythos. Glorianna Silver, known as Glori, holds the powerful Ember artifact. Michael Finnegan, known as Fin, holds the equally powerful Glacier artifact. They are set on a course to destroy one another, a fate that each seem the least in control of.

Added to this is the Cult of Adam, a well financed and well trained religious sect which resembles more an army of Elite Ops rather than religious fanatics. They are after Pandora’s Box, one of thirteen magical items, along with the Ember and Glacier stones, whose power can reshape the world. Plus we see Glori and Fin's mentors, are given background on the world they inhabit, and ultimately their part in it.

Written by Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill, this a tightly written story. The scenes flow nicely together which creates a smooth and enjoyable read. The art work is done by Allessandro Vitti who makes very interesting choices. The action is bold and pronounced, with panels overlaying one another to convey force and movement.

Read the rest of the review here.

Source: Cosmic Book News

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Flames Rising Reviews Witchblade #128-130

Flames Rising's Alana reviews Witchblade #128-130:

As you could tell from my reviews of the first half of the “War of the Witchblades” arc, back in May, I was loving them. Matt would send me a new PDF from the publisher, and I’d eagerly open it to see the next installment.

Except when I didn’t. That’s right, I completely neglected to download Witchblade #128. Rather than miss the fourth issue in the saga after the download period expired, I did what any self-respecting comics reader (and reviewer) would do — I waited for it to arrive at my friendly local comic shop (FLCS) and bought that sucker. This was a good choice, because without issue #128, the rest of the story wouldn’t have come together so well. Since they’ve been on the shelves for awhile now, I thought I’d review the rest of the “War of the Witchblades” arc, and recommend that you all keep an eye out at your local FLCS for a trade collecting these six issues.

And here’s where the spoilers start:

As before, the artwork by Stjepan Sejic is hyper-realistic and fabulous. The textures he evokes on everything from the outfits of the Angelus to a completely altered by darkness Brooklyn Bridge are perfect.

Read the full review here.

Source: Flames Rising

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Escape from Tomorrow: Magdalena News Roundup

he star of the forthcoming feature film gets her own series!

The Magdalena has been the official protector and warrior of the Catholic Church for over two thousand years, sworn to defend the Faith with the Spear of Destiny against all manner of supernatural threats. However, Patience, the latest Magdalena, has seen through the hypocrisy of her masters and struck out on her own. When her old mentor comes to her with a mission to prevent Armageddon, will she be able to resist the call?

So, in no particular order ...

Over at Newsarama we were treated to a first look at the previously unannounced 1-in-50 Retailer Incentive cover by Ryan Sook for the first issue of the new ongoing series due at the end of April.

Also posted at Newsarama was an interesting, and lengthy, interview by Lan Pitts, who's writing I always enjoy, with Ryan Sook, Ron Marz and legendary artist Walter Simonson, whose classic cover to Thor #337 played an important role in the development of the Magdalena #1 cover (both of the covers are reproduced at the top of this post).

Onto Comic Book Resources who late last week revealed a number of (unlettered) interior artwork pages, by Magdalena artist Nelson Blake II, taken from the first issue.

And finally, for now at least, following a recent visit to Top Cow Productions, Comics Continuum posted a short video featuring Nelson Blake II, during which he talked about the book and the approach he has taken to his art with 'really fun explosive action'.

As well as posting the video, Comics Continuum published a page of Blake's interior art along with Ryan Sook's striking variant cover for issue #2.

I've been a fan of The Magdalena for a while and I'm really looking forward to picking up the book - published by Top Cow, written by Ron Marz and with some great-looking cover and interior artwork it's unlikely to disappoint!

Source: Escape from Tomorrow

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Atomic Comics' Radiation Interrogation: Rob Levin & Bryan Hill

Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box is out this week. It has received a ton of great press so far. For those readers who may not know much about the Top Cow Universe can you give them a synopsis of what this book is about?

Bryan Hill - Thanks for checking in with us and the project. Glad to be here. This is probably the most pleasant interrogation I've had outside of that weekend with the Moscow Ballet, and they still left a couple of bruises...

But let's talk comics. You're being polite. The real question is "I don't know what the hell is going on in that universe so is this going to make any sense?"

First, shame on you because Ron Marz is doing great work that shatters whatever notions you have about Top Cow. There are trades out there. Do yourself a favor and grab some.

Second...yes. If you've never read a Top Cow comic before you can pick up BROKEN TRINITY: PANDORA'S BOX #1 and get a solid read. The book is about two people, Glorianna Silver and Michael Finnegan, who have Artifacts that grant them great power. While they're dealing with this power, and a prophecy that wants them to kill each other, another man emerges with a mission to find Pandora's Box.

And Pandora's Box is bad.

So now these two characters are drafted into a race to claim Pandora's Box, which also happens to be one of the thirteen most powerful Artifacts in the Top Cow Universe. That's just where the story starts. Where it goes from there really pushes the envelope of what's been done at Top Cow.

Rob Levin - “What he said” is the first thing that comes to mind because my answer wouldn’t have been nearly as good. This is a story about two new characters entering a world that is familiar to longtime readers, but completely unfamiliar to them as people. Glori has prepared for this, but practice only gets you so far, and Finn has had the curtain pulled back on the world he thought he knew. Neither are ever going to be the same again as they deal with this new threat, and each other, throughout the series.

As good as we think the story is, the art is that much better. Alessandro Vitti who we were lucky enough to pluck from the clutches of Marvel after his Secret Warriors run (thanks, Filip!) is really putting it down and doing his thing. He’s carving out this corner of the Top Cow Universe all his own. Of course, Mr. Wizard aka Sunny Gho is posterizing weaker colorists with his skills. He is an art assassin out there. And the inimitable Tommy Lee Edwards is doing gorgeous covers on every issue. We really had to step up our game just to keep from getting booed out of the building, and with any luck we’ve done our extremely talented collaborators justice. This isn’t hype, people, you’ll see what I mean when you read the book.


Read the full interrogation here.

Source: Atomic Comics

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Multiversity Comics Reviews Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1

Top Cow is launching a new series written by Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill and illustrated by Allesandro Vitti. That title is Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box, and it is part of a grand scheme by Top Cow to make their universe a more cohesive whole (ala any major event comic anyone else does).

So what kind of grade do you give a book that is 70% good, 30% not so good from a writing standpoint and all good from art? I'll give it the benefit of the doubt for the first issue, as it did a good job of setting up an intriguing globe spanning adventure in the next five issues. A solid...

Final Verdict: 7.2 - Buy

Read the full review here.

Source: Multiversity Comics

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Panel on Page's PoP-Cast! Interviews Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill

For episode 43 of PoP-Cast!, the show interviews the writers of Top Cow's Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box, has a quick chat with Miss October Tara Cardinal about her upcoming blood drive and has all sorts of hijinx. In other words, it’s a typical PoP!-Cast.

Listen here.

Source: Panel on Pages

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Speed Force: Velocity Returns in May

Wally West isn’t the only red-headed speedster out there. Velocity, winner of Top Cow’s first Pilot Season, will finally be getting her own series this May.

Well, sort of.

Velocity has been a member of Cyberforce since it launched in the early 1990s, and has had two solo books.

Return
Top Cow has announced a new Velocity miniseries starting in May, written by Ron Marz and drawn by Kenneth Rocafort (who did variant covers for the unlaunched series).

Ron Marz remarked to UGO:

I’ve been getting to use the supernatural side of the Top Cow Universe as my playground for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to write one of my favorites from the superhero/tech side.

Read the full article here.

Source: Speed Force

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Techland: The Crazies Comics: Are They Worth It? (Out Today!)

The Crazies is just that, crazy (good).

Breck Eisner's adaption of George A. Romera's 1973 film is nothing short of brilliant. Genre films like The Crazies tend to slip in and out of social consciousness rather quickly only to become a cult classic after the fact. This one, however, isn't anything like, say, Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness because it's, you know, it's actually a good movie. It doesn't follow the typical horror genre formula where you know exactly what's going to happen before it actually happens. But I don't review movies, which is why you should look forward to Steve's review (coming soon!) and his interview with Breck Eisner.

Top Cow's 4-issue The Crazies comic companion can be read before or after seeing the film. Each issue (written and drawn by separate teams) focuses on one particular character or group of characters that play a significant role in the film without giving away any major plot points except for, maybe, issue 4.

The narrative and artwork from each team gets better with every issue, but there's one newly added element to the story that rubs me the wrong way. The crazies themselves are haunted by their own demons once they turn and it's something that never appears, or is even alluded to, in the film. Maybe those parts were left on the cutting room floor. Who knows.

There's absolutely no backstory in the film as you're given one perspective – the town folk – the whole time. The comics supplement the film and shed a bit of light into the lives of certain crazies. Are they worth picking up? Absolutely.

Sidenote: Are movie-based comics any good? Why the sudden influx? That's a story for another time.

Preview The Crazies here.

Read the full article here.

Source: Time.com

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GeekWeek Reviews Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1. Get it today!

Iann Robinson reports:

I have to give credit where credit is due and Top Cow is due some serious credit for this new six issue series from Broken Trinity titled Pandora’s Box. Top Cow has always had a fantasy element in what they do from Darkness to the new Angelus title and so forth but this series takes what they do to a new and interesting place.

This is a well thought out, plot driven fantasy tale that has just the right amount of violence, action and the supernatural. It’s also mystical fantasy storytelling that allows the modern world into it, keeping it not only more accessible but also with a greater edge.

Fantasy isn’t easy to pull off and epic fantasy like Pandora’s Box is even trickier. Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill are doing a great job of not rushing the story, even with a limited six issue run, They’re establishing the ground work so that the pay off will be mighty. I’m really interested to see how Pandora’s Box fits into the rest of the Broken Trinity series and how that ultimately ties in with everything else going on at Top Cow. While DC & Marvel seem to be grabbing all the headlines with Siege and Blackest Night, they should keep their eye on Top Cow. With more books like Pandora’s Box, Top Cow could become quite a threat to the big two.

Read the full review here.

Source: GeekWeek

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Graze Anatomy: Alina

Meet Alina tomorrow (Wednesday) in Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box. She's a cool new, butt-kicking character created by Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill. She follows a guy by the name of Elias Legion, who is on a bloodthirsty quest for Pandora's Box.

Don't get on her bad side.

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Project Fanboy Podcast: Bryan Edward Hill & Rob Levin Guest Host

Bryan Edward Hill & Rob Levin (of Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box) are Guest Hosts in Episode 2 of Project Fanboy's Fanboy Buzz. In this episode we discuss what's next in Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box, the future of comics, getting kids into comics PLUS MORE.

Listen here.

Source: Project Fanboy

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What The Con: C2E2 Official iPhone App

Did you know C2E2 has an official iPhone app?

Well now you do. Download it here.

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OC Weekly: Over the Weekend: Long Beach Comic Expo

Four-and-a-half months after the inaugural Long Beach Comic Con, the organizers of the event (check out our interview here) saw fit to whet comic book fan appetites with the one-day Long Beach Comic Expo this past Saturday at the Long Beach Convention Center. It was one-third as long (the proper LBCC, returning the last weekend of October, is three days long) and about one-third the size, but at least three-fifths of the fun.

Though small, the Long Beach Comic Expo had lots of the usual stuff you'd come to expect at comic conventions--lots of comics, toys and assorted other bizarre ephemera for sale--but none of the stuff that comic conventions have come to attract recently, like relentless plugging of movies, TV shows and video games. The focus was on comic book themselves, fitting in nicely with the Long Beach Comic Con's motto of "love comics more."

Though Marvel and DC didn't have an official presence at the Expo--both held panels at last year's LBCC--Top Cow, a popular branch of Image Comics responsible for Wanted, Witchblade and others, was representing with a booth.


Read the full article here.

Source: OC Weekly

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Omnicomic Reviews Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1

The fine folk over at Omnicomic reviews this week's Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1. Get it now!

Top Cow is pretty keen on their heroes bearing ancient artifacts that grant them some immeasurable powers. Sara Pezzini is the current bearer in the long line of the Witchblade, and Jackie Estacado is the current bearer of The Darkness. Top Cow has tapped Rob Levin and Bryan Hill to add two more bearers to the Top Cow stable in Finn and Glori in Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1.

After reading this first issue, you get a little carsick because in the first ten pages or so the comic hits about five countries...sort of a whirling dervish of a comic if you will. Levin and Hill are very adept at crafting a comic that doesn't waste words and I'm a HUGE fan of Alessandro Vitti's artwork which does an exceptional job in bring their words to life. I've never really gotten into Witchblade (nothing against the comic as I've heard fantastic things...plus I'll leave that to Tom) but I'm kind of digging Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box. There's a good bit of action and story with some religion thrown in for good measure.

Read the full review here.

Source: Omnicomic

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Graze Anatomy: Kenshin

Allow me to introduce you to Kenshin, who you can meet in Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1 this Wednesday by Rob Levin, Bryan Edward Hill, Alessandro Vitti, and Tommy Lee Edwards. He's a ninja killer. You'll like him.

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ComiXology Podcast: Ep 130: Broken Trinity Pandora's Box with Bryan Edward Hill and Rob Levin

Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box writers Bryan Edward Hill and Rob Levin joins ComiXology this week to discuss the 6-issue miniseries from Top Cow.

Listen and download the podcast here.

Source: ComiXology

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THIS WEEK: In-Store Signings with Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill

Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box debut this week with the first issue arriving in stores this Wednesday.

Writer Rob Levin will be signing in Los Angeles at Dream World Comics (12400 W. Washington, Los Angeles, CA 90066) from 2pm to 5pm.

Writer Bryan Edward Hill will be signing in St. Louis at Star Clipper (6392 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130) from 12pm to 2pm.

Go grab an issue and chat up the guys!

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iFanboy's Don't Miss Podcast: Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1 with the Levin/Hill Team

The next chapter in the Top Cow universe gets its start this week with Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1. iFanboy chats with writers Rob Levin and Bryan Edward Hill about the new miniseries and the challenges of writing for new readers while staying faithful and moving a larger universe forward, as well as what makes up heroes and villains and the balance between realism and fantasy. With roots firmly in place in action and adventure comics, Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1 is a great spot for new readers to check out the larger story going on at Top Cow.

So take a listen and find out why the first trade of Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1 is a book you Don't want to Miss!

Listen here.

Subscribe to the iFanboy Talksplode: Don't Miss Podcast:
RSS
iTunes

Source: iFanboy

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Ron Marz Heading to ComiCONN

ComiCONN is very proud to announce that comic creator and Top Cow Productions exclusive writer Ron Marz will be attending the show. Look for the ComiCONN exclusive Magdalena #1 by Top Cow Productions at ComiCONN, written by Mr. Marz. Mr. Marz will also be joined by artist Matthew Dow Smith, who worked on the CW TV series comic book Supernatural: Origins. Also, don't forget that the Magdalena #1 variant cover artists Jack Purcell and Thomas Chu will both be attending the show. Get the book signed!!!

Source: DeathRayWeekly.com

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Review Fix Reviews Midnight Nation

What happens when you unwittingly embark on a journey to find your true purpose – and do you need a soul to do it? These are only two of the many thought-provoking questions that come up in J. Michael Straczynski’s “Midnight Nation” – a 12-issue volume series published by Top Cow comics during the early ‘00s.

In this trade, Lieutenant David Grey has a problem. While investigating a crime, he is attacked by the “Walkers” – green, demon-like creatures who steal his soul at the command of their leader, “The Other Guy.” To retrieve it, he has to walk from Los Angeles to New York – yes, walk. On this journey, he is guided by Laurel, an angel-type creature in the form of a woman who has been in an ongoing battle with The Other Guy for decades. Then there is Lazarus, who is still waiting for Jesus. The Walkers fear him, and he is protected by an entity with a sword that is continuously on fire.

Along the way, we find out who these characters are, and why Laurel is in this eternal struggle. There’s also a tiny window of opportunity left for Grey not to turn into one of the Walkers. It’s a fascinating take on the “everyman journey.”

On their walk, Grey and Laurel encounter several “invisible ones” – people who have never met their full potential, to the point where they are no longer seen. Essentially, they have disappeared. As you listen to their stories, you are met with a heavy-handed account of why people need to stay connected. But just when you think the storyline is getting obvious, a twist comes about. As The Other Guy says in the climax of the series, “I certainly didn’t see that coming.”

You can have your pick of religious allegory in “Midnight Nation.” From the struggle to discover what it means to have a soul, to living with past regrets, to finally finding out what it means to sacrifice what you thought was important are many themes that come up in this trade paperback. There’s also a one-shot that makes you wish this comic hadn’t run for only 12 issues. It furthers the themes set in the two-year series, but it’s not as dogmatic.

The artwork of Gary Frank et al. emphasizes the ideas presented in Straczynski’s text. His use of shadow and light are like a well done music score. There are also several posters in the back that are snapshots to the dramatic journey that Grey and Laurel are on.

Now that his run on “Thor” is over and he has moved to DC Comics, it’s a good idea to see Straczynski’s past work. Good writing is always a joy to reread.


Source: Review Fix

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Comics Continuum: Top Cow's Filip Sablik Talks StandAlone Books

While Artifacts will be the big event of 2010 tying the Top Cow Universe titles together, the publisher is also continuing its titles more of a standalone nature.

During The Continuum's recent visit to Top Cow in Los Angeles, Kate Jewell sat down with publisher Filip Sablik, who talked about those books.

To view the interview, CLICK HERE.

Source: Comics Continuum

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Geeks of Doom Reviews Angelus #1

First of all, I’d like to know why it’s always the same people who get all the super powers. The same girl gets to be TWO superheroes, and I get squat. It’s completely unfair.

Spinning out of Top Cow’s Witchblade, Angelus follows the continuing story of Danielle Baptiste, former police officer and superhero Witchblade, as she relocates from New York to New Orleans. The relocation has more to do with just a change in scenery: she has now become Angelus, warrior of the Eternal Light, and with her new lesbian lover Finch, she is trying to navigate her new path in life. But she may be caught up in something she doesn’t understand. Her angel second in command Sabine plots behind her back and dispatches a team of warriors into the depths of Hell to retrieve a mysterious object.

Angelus #1 is an interesting comic, but I’m somewhat biased. I usually enjoy any story in any medium that plays with Christian mythologies, so I found Angelus very compelling. In particular, the art by Stjepan Sejic is incredible. The lines are faint, but the amount of detail and color content in incredible. Each individual costume design for the Angelus and the other angel warriors are unique, but the imagery of Hell that opens the book is graphic, and the concept of Hell as a series of circles a la Dante’s Inferno is a nice reference for more literary readers. Ron Marz’s script is solid as well. The character’s dialogue feels somewhat stilted at times, but the story moves along at a good pace, and Marz’s interpretation of Judeo-Christian mythology is unique enough to differentiate it from other Bible-based comics, such as Spawn and Lucifer.

In addition, Angelus #1 offers enough exposition on the Witchblade back story that you can get into the comic without being familiar with the characters’ history. It’s a solid start to what will hopefully be a successful and long-running franchise.

RATING: 4 out of 5 Halos

Angelus #2 was released on February 10, 2010.

Source: Geeks of Doom

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Sara Pezzini and the Witchblade Tops Top 14 Comic Book Couples

As much as they’re about spandex, capes and saving the world, comic books — as a medium — would never have survived in a world of 3D-Blu Ray-Internet-TV-iPhones if they only revolved around the next BAM! or KA-POW!

Superheroes are the mythology of the times, and behind every great mythological tale is a story of love. Or at least lust.

Comics are action, comics are adventure, but comics are also drama. A good comic is also a good soap opera, and every great soap opera (there are great soap operas, aren’t there?) has its key players.

Valentine’s Day may be just behind us, but love is year-round. And so, I present: THE TOP 14 MAINSTREAM COMIC BOOK COUPLES



4. SARA PEZZINI
AND THE WITCHBLADE

Detective Sara Pezzini was saving the world long before anyone would’ve called her a superhero.

And unlike some superheroes, who elect to wear spandex and a cape, the sentient artifact known as The Witchblade chose to wear her: adding her to a long list of historically strong women to wield its power.

Pezzini’s had meaningful relationships, but this, her most intense, has given new meaning to marrying your work. There’s no costume under her shirt, just an ancient weapon resembling a bracelet on her wrist.

Together they’ve survived countless demonic battles royale, intimate betrayals, less-than-desirable artwork (but to be fair, she started with Michael Turner) and even a pregnancy. They’ve shredded hearts and designer dresses. But through it all, The Witchblade has still chosen Sara to do its work in the world. And Sara’s chosen it.

Source: Daily Loaf

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Darkness Listed in 20 Games That Are Charmed on Xbox 360

An innovative product that debuted in the gaming arena years ago, continues to rule the minds of enthusiasts world over. The Xbox 360, when it arrived for the first time, charmed thousands who even carried with them the passion to own the device. The age-defying console still rules, promising that the Xbox 360 is one device one would never want to miss.

With the customer base still continuing to grow, Xbox 360 games are much sought after at online stores and retail outlets. Though loved by gamers of all ages, the astounding popularity of Xbox 360 games rests on the teenagers worldwide. We present before you the most popular games now available on Xbox 360 and sought after by millions.

The Darkness (2K Games)



Adaptation of a comic book series, this game dwells upon mafia hit man Jackie Estacado’s exploits. He comes face to face with the paranormal world and imbibes powers to call upon frightening and destructive demons. A fascinating storyboard helped the game, though it portrays explicit violence.

Source: Technology.am

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The Comics Beat: Graphic.ly Acquires iFanboy

The official press release announcing Graphic.ly's acquisition of iFanboy:

Graphic.ly, the cutting-edge community and digital content delivery platform for comics and other forms of publishing, has acquired iFanboy, one of the leading communities, news and audio & video sites for the comics and graphic novel enthusiast. With the acquisition, iFanboy becomes a division of Graphic.ly, and will be integrated into the Graphic.ly Web site, as well as into the various platforms and applications Graphic.ly runs on, such as Windows 7, Adobe Air and the iPhone.

With the acquisition, iFanboy’s founders will join Graphic.ly, as well as keep their responsibilities for the iFanboy site and community. Conor Kilpatrick and Josh Flanagan will lead content creation for iFanboy and overall publisher and creator relations, while Ron Richards will oversee product and business development for iFanboy.

“As community and content become more and more entwined, Graphic.ly wants to be at the forefront of the new digital comic age. By acquiring iFanboy, we become part of one of the best communities in the industry,” said Micah Baldwin, CEO and co-founder of Graphic.ly. “Working with iFanboy, we are able to take our vision to the next level and fully integrate our product into the fandom community.”

Graphic.ly’s iFanboy will lead reader engagement and other community efforts, as well as content creation with its contributing staff. The contributing staff will continue to be part of the iFanboy family, and the site will help Graphic.ly become a bigger part of the comic book community and industry.

“The one constant at iFanboy the past ten years is that we love comics, and we love working with each other. Teaming up with Graphic.ly ensures that we can keep doing what we’ve always done and continue serving the fantastic community that has grown around us, and keep growing,” said Ron Richards, general manager of iFanboy. “Becoming part of Graphic.ly helps us be part of the new digital age of comic books and other forms of entertainment, growing the audience and helping others celebrate the genre as much as we do.”

The iFanboy founders will focus on publisher and creator relations, building upon relationships with top creators and publishers in the industry, such as Geoff Johns and Filip Sablik.

“Life’s too short for cynics, embrace what you love. iFanboy is one of those rare comic book sites that isn’t afraid to be a comic book site,” said Geoff Johns, writer of Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman for DC Comics. “They unabashedly love comic books and it oozes out of every pixel.”

“The community that Ron, Conor and Josh have built at iFanboy from a single weekly review podcast is impressive by any standard,” said Filip Sablik, publisher, Top Cow Productions. “From audio to video podcasts to interviews to the truly interactive iFanboy Web site, these guys have kept their roots firmly planted in fandom while growing iFanboy into an open, honest, and great to work with professional community. I can’t wait to see what this next stage of their evolution brings!”

The acquisition has closed, and integration of the sites will be finished within 30-days.

Source: The Comics Beat

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ComicNewsi Reviews Berserker #4

Pardon me, are these your innards?

Berserker #4 continues the tale of Farris (the Berserker)’s pursuit of his girlfriend’s kidnappers and his disemboweling of the surrounding countryside. Ferris’ power is a genetic gift of the ancient race of the titular Berserkers. He is possessed of incredible strength and a very, very short fuse.

Think a human-looking Hulk with Wolverine’s emotional problems.

The story is fairly straightforward, and the dialogue flows well despite a stretch of exposition of the long and Norse variety. The villain seems a little too straightforward – mirror-image powered, bring about the prophesy… yadda, yadda, yadda. However, most characters, even the smaller roles, feel real and compelling.

The real star here though is the gore. Top Cow does seem to like their intestines. If you’re into some graphic with your violence, you’ll be in luck. If not, this comic will read like a pile of raw tripe. The comic is sound, a good read. The ooey-gooey-gopher guts are just a little distracting. I’m not sure if the story needs them.

Rating:

Source: ComicNewsi

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Spring Fan Expo's Signing Times

Hey Herders,

Tomorrow, Saturday, February 20th, is a one-day comic event put on by Long Beach Comic Con. It starts at 10 am and will run til 7pm.

Meet the fine folks that keep Top Cow functioning at booth #302.

The tentative signing schedule for tomorrow is:

[Update]
11:00 - 12:30 pm Eric Basaldua (Witchblade Annual, Hunter-Killer)

1:00 - 2:30 pm Rob Levin (Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box, Darkness: Shadows & Flame) and Joshua Hale Fialkov (Pilot Season: Alibi, The Crazies) with special guest Rahsan Ekedal (The Crazies).

3:00 - 4:30 pm Rick Loverd (Berserker)

4:30 - 6:30 pm Rick Basaldua (Witchblade Annual)

Herders who drop by the booth will be treated two early sneak peeks. Get a glimpse at the lead-in series to this summer's Artifacts, Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1 and at American Original/Top Cow's The Crazies. Both will arrive in stores on February 24th.

The Spring Fan Expo will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center is located at 300 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802.

See you there,
Top Cow

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Twitter Contest: Round Two - Follow Friday Edition

Happy Friday, Herders!

Word on the street, we're holding on contest on Twitter today.

So let's go over what gets you guys that bad boy above signed by Michael Broussard.


How to Enter:

1) Follow Top Cow on Twitter.com. Winners must have an account on Twitter and following Top Cow to be eligible.

2) Direct your tweet @topcow with the tag #followfriday included. Winners must use #followfriday and @topcow to be eligible.

3) Wait to see who wins.

Before the end of the day, one (1) winner will be picked and sent The Darkness #82 signed by Michael Broussard.

The winner will be notified how to receive their prize.

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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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Meltdown Comics Invites Writer Rob Levin to This Week's Meltcast

Meltdown's Meltcast is back in the bowels, and this time they've brought a guest! We welcome Rob Levin, one of the writers of Top Cow’s BROKEN TRINITY: PANDORA’S BOX to the fold, and dish about all things Top Cow and the projects Rob’s working on.

Listen to the podcast here.

Source: MeltComics

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CBR Exclusive Preview: Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box #1

Story by: Rob Levin, Bryan Edward Hill
Art by: Alessandro Vitti
Cover by: Tommy Lee Edwards
Publisher: Top Cow Productions
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: Wed, February 24th, 2010

The Road to ARTIFACTS Begins Here!

Finn and Glori, the bearers of the Glacier and Ember Stones, first introduced in Broken Trinity, return this month in a pulse-pounding, world-spanning adventure series. When a fanatic cult embarks on a quest to remake the world with the mythical Pandora’s Box, Finn and Glori’s individual goals of gathering the 13 Artifacts is kicked into overdrive.

From newcomers Rob Levin (The Darkness: Butcher) and Bryan Edward Hill (Broken Trinity: Aftermath) and artist Alessandro Vitti (Secret Warriors). Featuring covers by Tommy Lee Edwards (1985)!

Find more preview pages here.

Source: CBR

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Graze Anatomy: Aphrodite in Shadow

More Aphrodite IV goodness coming in from Stjepan Sejic today and it inspired this experimental sketch of our emerald assassin. I was playing with shadows and interesting lighting coming off her visor.

Witchblade #135 in stores on March 3rd.

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Broken Frontier: Top Cow May 2010 Solicitations

Broken Frontier posts Top Cow's May 2010 Solicitations:

VELOCITY #1
(W) Ron Marz (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Kenneth Rocafort, Chriscross

The Pilot Season Winner is Back
Carin Taylor is the fastest woman in the world. At least, she'd better be if she wants to save her own life and the lives of her Cyberforce teammates. When a former Cyberdata scientist -- and test subject -- seeks revenge against the members of Cyberforce, only Velocity can save her friends before the clock literally runs out. Bringing together writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer) for the first time. Featuring two covers by Rocafort and Chriscross (Captain Marvel).

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series
Expected Ship Date – May 26th, 2010


See the rest here.

Source: Broken Frontier

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Newsarama: Filip Sablik Reacts to DC Executive Announcement

Today's announcement that DC Entertainment would be promoting from within to fill its open and new jobs in the executive ranks has gotten a lot of positive reaction. As Jim Lee and Dan DiDio become co-publishers at the company with Geoff Johns as chief creative editor and John Rood & Patrick Caldon as new executive vice presidents, the comics industry is glad to see the roles are being filled by a few of their own.

Over the last decade, the comics industry has experienced some growing pains as it began merging more and more with Hollywood, including mixed reactions from fans to the recent reorganization at DC, the Disney takeover of Marvel, and the influx of movie interests at San Diego Comic-Con.

But the promotion "from within" has many comic book insiders cheering. On the practical side, DiDio, Lee and Johns have experience in the gaming, film and TV industries. But with that experience comes years of work within the comic book industry, and that's what is impressing the creators we polled.

A round-up of reactions from the comic book industry (and more):

Filip Sablik (publisher, Top Cow): Dan, Jim, and Geoff's accomplishments speak for themselves and it shouldn't be any great surprise that these three guys were tapped to help guide the next phase of DC's evolution as a company. I think diehard comic fans and direct market retailers are probably relieved to see three "comic insiders" put in these important positions. They're all great guys and a hearty congratulations and best of luck to all of them.

You can read more reactions to the executive announcement here.

Source: Newsarama

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CBR: Advanced Image and Top Cow Solicitations for May 2010

Image Comics has provided CBR with a first look at cover artwork and solicitation information for new comics shipping in May, 2010. The full May solicitations will be released later this week, right here on CBR.

VELOCITY #1
story RON MARZ
art KENNETH ROCAFORT
cover KENNETH ROCAFORT, CHRISCROSS
MAY 26
32 PAGES / FC / LIMITED SERIES
$3.99
The Pilot Season Winner is Back
Carin Taylor is the fastest woman in the world. At least, she'd better be if she wants to save her own life and the lives of her Cyberforce teammates. When a former Cyberdata scientist -- and test subject -- seeks revenge against the members of Cyberforce, only Velocity can save her friends before the clock literally runs out. Bringing together writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer) for the first time. Featuring two covers by Rocafort and Chriscross (Captain Marvel).

THE DARKNESS #85
story PHIL HESTER
art SHELDON MITCHELL
cover AARON CAMPBELL
MAY 12
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99
Alkonost, Part 1 of 2!
When Jackie’s mission to destroy all of the Sovereign’s host bodies brings him into the collection of an eccentric Russian crime boss, he and his crew are confronted with an evil that is all too human.
Top Cow Pit artist Sheldon Mitchell (Pilot Season: Stealth) joins regular writer Phil Hester (Gen13, The Anchor) for a sinister two-part story. Featuring a cover by Aaron Campbell (Sherlock Holmes, Green Hornet)!

See the rest of the solicits here.

Source: CBR

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Broken Trinity: Top Cow at Spring Fan Expo

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that they will be exhibiting at Long Beach Comic Con’s Spring Fan Expo.

The one-day event will open to the public at 10am on Saturday, February 20th, with festivities lasting until 7pm. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Top Cow booth (#302) to meet their favorite creators and shop for limited edition convention exclusives as well as their favorite Top Cow comics.

Among the creators appearing at the Top Cow booth will be penciler Eric Basaldua (Witchblade Annual, Hunter-Killer), writers Rob Levin (Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box, The Darkness: Shadows & Flame) and Rick Loverd (Berserker) and inker Rick Basaldua (Witchblade Annual). Fans are encouraged to check the Top Cow booth for signing times.

Fans who stop by the Top Cow booth will be treated to an exclusive first look at the lead-in series to this summer’s Artifacts, Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box #1 by Levin, Bryan Edward Hill and Alessandro Vitti.

Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday, February 24th. Fans will also be able to pick up numerous free promotional items, posters and comics at the booth.

The Spring Fan Expo will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center is located at 300 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802, United States of America.

Source: Broken Trinity

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CBR: Aphrodite IV Returns To "WITCHBLADE"

Once upon a time in "Witchblade" lore, Detective Sara Pezzini encountered a green-haired cybernetic assassin that had only one purpose in life - beating the ever-living snot out of Sara.

Now, after a 15 issue absence, the android femme fatale Aphrodite IV is back in the pages of Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic's "Witchblade," and although her purpose doesn't involve Sara at all this time around, fans can bet that the Witchblade bearer will have a bone or two to pick with the returning assassin. CBR News spoke with Marz about Aphrodite's return to the Top Cow Universe, the differences between her and her future counterpart, and why readers seemingly can't get enough of this deadly character.

Although the character first appeared in David Finch and David Wohl's "Aphrodite IX," the protagonist of that miniseries was actually a future version of the one that Marz ultimately brought into the Top Cow herd. "The 'Aphrodite IX' miniseries from a few years ago, story-wise, it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me," the writer told CBR. "I wasn't really sure what was what and where it was all going. So I initially brought an earlier version, Aphrodite IV, into the last couple of pages of my last 'Cyberforce' issue, and when I had a chance, I brought that same model into the pages of 'Witchblade.' I had a good time doing it and the readers really responded - we sold out of that issue real fast - so there's obviously an interest in the character."

Read the full article here.

Source: CBR

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Philadelphia Daily News: Title character of 'Murderer' not your average hit man

Comics Guy was deciding which comic to review this week when he came across a book that seemed to scream from the shelves: "Come on! Check this out!"

The book was "Murderer," from Image's Top Cow imprint. The title itself had a coolness factor to it. Despite all the violence in comics through the years, from classic superhero action to gritty crime comics, Comics Guy could not recall a comic with that title.

"Murderer" was co-created by Robert Kirkman and Top Cow CEO Marc Silvestri, who seem determined to make "Murderer" distinct from vigilantes like the Punisher. Kirkman obviously did not want to settle for brutal cliche or have Jason, the title character, be a mob hit man, a serial killer, psychopath, sociopath or a run of the mill "I'm-running-around-hacking-people-up-murderer." Kirkman eschews all of these well-worn archetypes and came up with a unique reason for the murdering, something that makes him a compelling character that readers will want to know more about.

Read the full article here.

Source: Philadelphia Daily News

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Jo Blo: The Crazies in Comic Book Form

In anticipation of THE CRAZIES impending release, Overture Films is going, well, crazy with all sorts of multimedia tie-ins, including comics, motion-comics, games, and more. We've got the four comic covers and the trailer for your eyes - just check 'em out below!

The Top Cow printed comic book is broken into four chapters: Hopman Bog, Dwyer Creek, Black Pond and Ogden Marsh. The comic series traces an outbreak that takes over the minds and bodies of the citizens in Ogden Marsh, Iowa and each chapter focuses on a different aspect of this epidemic. The books can be downloaded HERE.

Read the full article here.

Source: JoBlo.com

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Comic Book News: Top Cow at Spring Fan Expo This Saturday!

Official Press Release:

LOS ANGELES, Calif., February 16, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that they will be exhibiting at Long Beach Comic Con’s Spring Fan Expo. The one-day event will open to the public at 10am on Saturday, February 20th, with festivities lasting until 7pm. Fans are encouraged to stop by the Top Cow booth (#302) to meet their favorite creators and shop for limited edition convention exclusives as well as their favorite Top Cow comics.

Among the creators appearing at the Top Cow booth will be penciler Eric Basaldua (Witchblade Annual, Hunter-Killer), writers Rob Levin (Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box, The Darkness: Shadows & Flame) and Rick Loverd (Berserker) and inker Rick Basaldua (Witchblade Annual). Fans are encouraged to check the Top Cow booth for signing times.

Fans who stop by the Top Cow booth will be treated to an exclusive first look at the lead-in series to this summer’s Artifacts, Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box #1 by Levin, Bryan Edward Hill and Alessandro Vitti. Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box #1 will arrive in stores on Wednesday, February 24th. Fans will also be able to pick up numerous free promotional items, posters and comics at the booth.

The Spring Fan Expo will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center is located at 300 Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802.

Source: Comic Book News

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Graze Anatomy: Aphrodite IV

Making trouble in Witchblade currently, this green-haired assassin is sporting Stjepan Sejic's current "silver bodysuit" look. Pretty cool.

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Comics Continuum Chats Magdalena with Nelson Blake II

During a recent trip to Top Cow Productions, The Continuum caught up with Nelson Blake II, the artist of the upcoming Magdalena ongoing series.

Nelson talked about the premise of the book, written by Ron Marz, and his approach to the art with "really fun explosive action."

For the interview, CLICK HERE.

Click here for a look at Blake's interior art for the first issue, as well as Ryan Sook's cover to #1 and Sook's variant cover to #2.

Source: Comics Continuum

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Graphic Policy Reviews Witchblade Vol. 1

Graphic Policy's Brett remembers when Witchblade came out many years ago at a point when he had given up on Image Comics and any imprint associated with them. Top Cow (the publisher of Witchblade) since that time has defined themselves over the years putting out visually amazing comics launching the careers of some of the hottest artists in the industry. In truth, he has never read a Top Cow comic (that he can remember) until this past week. But leave it to Twitter to open up an opportunity to see what he's been missing.

His new friends (very professional folks) challenged him to check out what he's been missing, and a week after comic book writer Ron Marz reached out to him, he received a package that would provide him that opportunity. And he had to kick myself, because when it comes to Witchblade he's been missing some entertaining, quality comics.

He was nervous wondering what he had missed in the previous 79 issues. Would he be lost not know what’s come before? The answer is no, and after reading just the first volume, he felt like Sara Pezzini has been a friend of his for a long time. This volume is a great introduction and a perfect starting point to see what you’ve been missing. Along with Marz’s excellent writing, he was treated to the amazing art of Mike Choi.

Overall: For $4.99 you can’t go wrong. The story is entertaining and art beautiful and there are so few comics out there headlined by a strong, positive female protagonist. I’m sure like me you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality. This volume is a perfect jumping off point with a great introduction as to the character and what to expect. Marz’s writing is so good, I think I have another comic to add to my pull list. Give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed. Overall Rating: 9.25

Recommendation: Buy

Read the full review here.

Source: Graphic Policy

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USA Today: No Escape from 'The Crazies'

For the next two weeks, horror fans everywhere will get a heavy, multimedia dose of blood-spattered, carnage-filled promotions.

The Crazies, a remake of legendary filmmaker George A. Romero's 1973 low-budget cult classic, won't officially hit theaters until Feb. 26. In the days leading up to its release, however, fans will be inundated with story preludes, previews and promos in widespread locations from comic book stores to Facebook.

In addition to the actual movie, there will also be four comic books, digital motion comics, a Facebook game application, an e-mail game and an iPhone application based on the film.

The four comic books, produced by Top Cow Productions and American Original Press, will come out in two-issue installments on Feb. 17 and 24. Written by industry rising stars Ivan Brandon, Josh Fialkov, Brian Reed and Marc Andreyko, the comic book tie-ins present deeper preludes to some of the events depicted in the film.

Read the entire article here.

Source: USA Today

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CBR: Image Celebrates Their Firsts

Free Comic Book Day is one of the only days in the year that a comic book fan can randomly select an issue from his or her local shop and feel absolutely zero guilt over investigating a title with little to no previous knowledge, but the folks at Image Comics are doing their part to ensure that a few other days in the year are met with a similarly guilt-free attitude. At the end of March, Image is launching Image Firsts, a campaign that sees the reprinting of the first issues from ten popular Image titles over the course of five weeks, all for the meager price of $1.00 a pop.

Image Firsts isn't relegated only to titles from Image Central, as Top Cow's flagship series "Witchblade" also made the cut. For their own part, the decision-makers at Top Cow have done their best to get books into as many hands as possible with initiatives like the "Let Us Win You Over" campaign. "Whether it's introductory priced trades at $4.99 or $9.99, free comic giveaway programs, or reprinting entire issues of up-and-coming titles in established titles like 'The Walking Dead,' we've taken major steps to capture new readership," said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. "The Image Firsts program is another great way for new readers to check out long-running titles and for existing readers to get the experience of what it was like to pick a book like 'Witchblade' #1 off the stands over a decade ago."

Read the entire article here.

Source: CBR

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