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Review – Hoax Hunters

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Brett

Three short pages, that’s all this back up comic has to hook you. And after reading it, give it it’s own damn comic. Hoax Hunters written by Steve Seeley and Michael Moreci and art by JM Ringuet the back up is running through 2011 in Image Comics’ Hack/Slash.

Chupacabra. Yeti. The Montauk Monster. All the creatures of folklore, legend, and Internet fame–what if they were real? They’d be made to appear fake by a reality TV show, of course! HOAX HUNTERS is that show, though to their viewing audience, their goal is the exact opposite: seeking out YouTube sensations, tabloid creatures, and reported monsters and proving them to be false. The HOAX HUNTERS demonstrate that the truth isn’t out there.

Three short pages, that’s all it has. A general plot needs to be laid, characters introduced and a hook to bring us back needs to wrap it up. Hoax Hunters does pull it off. Take the current “busters” series on television and mash them together and you get this series. Mythbusters + Ghost Hunters + Ghost Adventures and you pretty much have what this series is. The leader, the scientist, the goth/spooky hot chick, they’re all here and it seems pretty entertaining.

Three pages, that’s all this has to set it up and get you hooked, and I think it pulls it off.

Review – Bomb Queen VI #4

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Brett

I could take this entire review and make bomb jokes, but this issue is an example of some of the worst when it comes to comics. It’s violent for violent sake. It’s over the top, when it doesn’t have to be. And the worst thing is, it could have been pretty deft political commentary. Bomb Queen VI #4 is a big stinking turd bomb.

President Obama believes he can finally beat the scandalous Bomb Queen, but our favorite super villain is ready to show the world the TRUE meaning of darkest evil. Don’t miss this world-altering conclusion to Bomb Queen vs. Obama where nobody is safe and rivers of blood will flow in the streets.

The solicitation for the comic holds a retailer warning, but really the warning should be how bad the comic is. It has nothing to add, nothing to say other than gratuitous violence, sexuality and a whole lot more I’d like to forget.

I could go on about what I hated in this one issue. But it’s a pass on such a level that I want to forget what I’ve read, and hope I’m not subjected to any more.

Review – Fall Out Toy Works, Vol. 1: Tiffany Blues TP

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Brett

There’s so much I loved about this trade paperback. Fall Out Toy Works does so much that’s come before, like Pinocchio, but modernizes it and gives enough of a twist to make it stand out. We have the puppet that wants to be human, the maker who has a rather odd relationship with his creation and a lot of adventure and action.

A brilliant young toy maker risks his entire company for his factory’s newly produced android named Tiffany, but when he falls in love with his own creation and she has already been sold to the most powerful man on Earth, getting her back becomes his greatest passion and threatens to lead to his own destruction. Inspired by the ideas and lyrics of Fall Out Boy, Fall Out Toy Works brings the magic of innocence to life as both a toy maker and his invention set about learning the true secrets of life.

Created by Fall Out Boy, Darren Romanelli (Dr Romanelli DRx) and Nathan Cabrera, this collection also includes interviews with Pete Wentz and Darren Romanelli, plus a sketchbook section revealing the origins of the designs for the project.

The story by Brett Lewis just has so much I liked about it. The story is familiar but the world and some of the ideas are so original and the ending is just heartbreaking (actually there’s a few spots that are). The tension and fight for love is just a story I’m a sucker for, and this one delivers.

The art is fantastic. The layouts and line art are by Sami Basri and Hendry Prasetyo and it’s beautiful. A shout out has to be given to the colorists too. Sunny Gho and Jessica Kholinne do a fantastic job.

I don’t even know how much I can praise the book. It’s just a fantastic read and a story that tugged at my heart at times (I may hide it, but really I’m a big sap). The ending is fantastic and story just solid as solid can be. Overall, it’s message and look as to what makes some human is fantastic and an interesting debate.

This is an absolute buy and I hope someone’s smart enough to snatch it up and give it the anime spin it deserves.

Review – Guarding the Globe #3

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Brett

Wow, how many ways can I say I just didn’t enjoy this third issue. It’s also the first of the series I’ve read, but can’t say it was enough that I’d want to go check out the first two issues. Guarding the Globe #3 doesn’t feature the things I really enjoy about team books, likable characters with a bit of personality conflict, witty banter or a big time threat that makes it clear the world needs them.

As the Viltrumite War rages on within the pages of INVINCIBLE, the Guardians of the Globe are the last line of defense on Earth. New York is under siege, and the Guardians are called in. El Chupacabra is brought along on his first mission, but he’s hiding a dark secret that could tear the team apart! Featuring a special guest-appearance by The Astounding Wolf-Man!

What’s fascinating is with that description, I can’t say that’s what I read at all. There were characters talking and getting to know each other. There was a fight against some giant rock monster that I just didn’t see anything but cheesy and then there was the big reveal of the bad guys at the end. Overall it was a big yawn.

Here I think the story by Robert Kirkman and Benito Cereno flops. The characters aren’t likable, and the threat just isn’t to a point a team needs to come together. This was my first issue, but can’t say it gives me much reason to check out the first two.

Review – Invincible #77

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Brett

I’ve heard fantastic things about Invincible, but can’t say I’ve ever read an issue. But, after reading this first issue, I’m tempted to start from the beginning. Written by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) the series features the over the top violence I’d expect, but also this issue shows the smart writing I’d expect from him. The art from Ryan Ottley adds to the quality of the comic.

THE FINAL STAND! It’s all come to this: The fate of all life on Earth is at stake. If Invincible loses… Wait, Invincible can’t lose… Can he?

The comic is over the top violent, but there’s these quiet moments that are interspersed that add a bit of humanity to it all. We’re also given a feint. Expecting all hell to break loose, our hero is given a choice. The second half of the comic is about brute force versus relative peace and planning.

For my first ever reading of this comic, I have to say I’m impressed and totally understand what the hype is all about. So much so, I think I’m going to go back to the beginning and see what I’ve missed.

Review – Daomu #1

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Brett

I know I sometimes rag on Image comics some times as they tend to fall back on the big guns big pecks side of things in the comic book universe, but when they’re on as a publisher, they’re on. Daomu #1 is one of those series that just blows you away.

Fresh from a sold-out run in China, Daomu follows young Sean and his initiation into a secret society of tomb robbers, where he learns about his family’s legacy: protecting hidden underworlds that exist beneath our feet. Along with a ragtag band of marauders, Sean must survive the terrors of the deep, solve his father’s brutal murder, and ultimately claim his birthright as leader of the Daomu. But forces are hell bent on stopping him…

I can’t praise it enough. Writer Kennedy Xu and artist Ken Chou just knock it out of the park with an amazing action adventure. I don’t even know where to begin to praise this comic. It could be the fantastic artwork which seems to blend the best of east and west. It could be the mystery tale that teases enough to get you interested and explain what’s going on, without blowing it all right away. Or it could be the characters that have enough emotional depth to make you care about them and their relationships.

This is just a fantastic first issue and I dare you to read it and not want to come back for more. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg of the genre of “tomb raiding” books found in the east, but does anyone have other translated books that are this good? Are they all?

It’d be an injustice if this comic wasn’t a hit, so get to your store and grab it now.

Infinite Vacation – Everyone Wants a Vacation

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

EVERYONE WANTS A VACATION

Infinite Vacation #1 Sells Out, Second Printing Scheduled

Berkeley, CA – January 20, 2011 – Image Comics is pleased to announce yet another sell-out first issue today. A second printing of Nick Spencer and Christian Ward’s Shadowline title, THE INFINITE VACATION #1, has been scheduled to satisfy the demand of readers who missed out on Spencer’s latest hit.

“It’s so great to get all this support from the fans right from the start!” exclaimed Nick Spencer, writer, “I also feel very lucky to have Christian Ward working with me as a co-creator on this project. THE INFINITE VACATION is simultaneously the story of an everyman but also vibrant and surreal — like a visual representation of the subconscious in a technologically-driven world. Christian’s art just hits the mark exactly, and it’s clear that the fans feel the same way!”

Spencer’s other titles with Image/Shadowline include EXISTENCE 2.0, EXISTENCE 3.0, SHUDDERTOWN, FORGETLESS, and he is also currently writing the runaway hit MORNING GLORIES. Christian Ward’s colorful and psychedelic art style filled the pages of another Image comic, OLYMPUS.

“MORNING GLORIES, 27, and now THE INFINITE VACATION. I’m overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the support both fans and retailers have shown to Shadowline and Image,” said Jim Valentino, Publisher of Image’s Shadowline studio.

THE INFINITE VACATION is a high concept science fiction love story taking place in a parallel reality, where an app that allows the user to answer the age-old question of “what if” has changed everyone’s lives forever. The first issue has not only received outstanding fan reaction, but also glowing reviews. Comic Book Resources called it “as smart and engaging a comic as you could hope for.”

THE INFINITE VACATION #1 Second Printing (DEC108124), a 32-page full-color comic book for only $3.50, will be in stores February 16, 2011.

Image Continues To Evolve

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

IMAGE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE

Image Comics Introduced New PR & Marketing Coordinator, Sarah DeLaine

January 18, 2011 — Image Comics has announced that Sarah deLaine, a long-time Image staff member and former employee of the visionary comic book store Comic Relief, will replace Betsy Gomez as the company’s PR & Marketing Coordinator.

Since moving to the Bay Area in 2004, deLaine has been a dedicated part of the Berkeley comics community, first at Berkeley’s Comic Relief, where she worked with the preeminent comics retail team of Rory Root and Todd Martinez, then as Image Comics’ administrative assistant. Martinez became Image’s Sales & Licensing Coordinator in May 2010, furthering the working relationship he and deLaine developed during their retail days.

“I’m thrilled to be taking over as Image Comics’ new PR & Marketing Coordinator,” said deLaine. “I couldn’t think of a better situation than the one we’re looking at now at Image: We have a fantastic, dedicated staff here, and some of the new books we’ll be introducing this year are going to blow everyone away. I want nothing more than to help comics be the best they can be, and I believe Image is the place to do that.”

deLaine will be taking over as PR & Marketing Coordinator effective immediately, and while Publisher Eric Stephenson is disappointed to be losing Gomez, he is excited to have deLaine fill her post.

“I’ve known Sarah since she worked for Rory Root at Comic Relief, and she’s a highly personable individual with a lot of ideas that she can’t wait to put to use marketing our titles,” stated Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. “I couldn’t be more happy to have Sarah take on a greater role as part of the Image team and we’re all looking forward to working with her over the months to come as she helps us continue to raise awareness of all the great work creators are doing at Image.”

Sales & Licensing Coordinator Todd Martinez added, “I’m confident that Sarah and I will make an excellent team for the future of Image Comics.”

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Who Is Jake Ellis? A Sellout!

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? A SELLOUT!

First issue of new hit series from Image Comics sold out at distribution

Berkeley, CA – 14 January 2011 – Major Spoilers recommended that readers pick up the first issue of WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? because it’s “sure to be one of 2011’s most unique books.” It only took three pages before MTV Geek “couldn’t put it down.” Fans must feel likewise because the issue sold out at the distribution level day of release!

Image Comics is dashing back to press with the hit first issue. The second printing of WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? #1 will be in stores February 9, the same day as the second issue of the pulse-pounding series written by Nathan Edmondson (OLYMPUS, THE LIGHT) and illustrated by Tonci Zonjic.

“We’re thrilled with and flattered by the overwhelmingly positive response to this book,” says Edmondson. “Of course, without fantastic, supportive readers, our efforts are just ink on paper. We’re happy you’re happy!”

“Like Nick Spencer, and Robert Kirkman before him, Nathan Edmondson is a virtual powerhouse of ideas and WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? is his best one yet,” enthused Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. “This is one of those projects I couldn’t wait to see on the stands, and it’s really gratifying to see how well everyone is responding to this book. Nathan’s the real deal, and this book is a winner!”

WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? #1 Second Printing (DEC108021), a 32-page, full-color comic book from Image Comics, will be in stores February 9, 2011, the same day as WHO IS JAKE ELLIS #2 (DEC100495). Both books are priced at $2.99.

Edmondson is currently on the JAKE ELLIS SEES EVERYTHING TOUR, signing at comic shops across the country. Throughout the tour, Edmondson will keep a video journal, which you can view at www.youtube.com/user/MrNathanEdmondson. For the latest updates, follow Edmondson on Twitter, www.twitter.com/nhedmondson, and check out the Jake Ellis website at www.whoisjakeellis.com.

Talking Elephantmen In The Walking Dead

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

TALKING ELEPHANTMEN IN THE WALKING DEAD

ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN gets an exclusive preview in THE WALKING DEAD #81

Berkeley, CA – 13 January 2011 – In March 2011, comics fans will get a special treat with ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1 from Image Comics, an INVINCIBLE RETURNS-style one-shot that’s perfect for both long-time fans and readers just now discovering the series.

Image Comics is pleased to present a special advance preview of this landmark issue of ELEPHANTMEN in THE WALKING DEAD #81, the second part of the provocative “No Way Out” story arc. Consisting of five never-before-seen pages, the preview will come in full color.

ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1 is written by Richard Starkings and painted by Axel Medellin, with variant covers by Starkings, Ian Churchill (MARINEMAN, Supergirl) and Ed McGuinness (Hulk, Superman), along with an incentive cover by J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl).

“I am a big fan and loyal reader of THE WALKING DEAD,” says Starkings. “I know from talking to fans at shows that we have an overlapping readership. This is a great opportunity for TWD readers who have not looked at ELEPHANTMEN to get a tantalizing taste of the series. MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN is an easy jumping on point and features the beautiful full color artwork of our new regular artist, Mighty Axel Medellin!”

Image Publisher Eric Stephenson declares, “ELEPHANTMEN is one of the most original concepts in comics. What Richard and Axel are doing with this issue and the arc that follows is nothing short of amazing. If this stuff doesn’t get you interested, you hate comics, you hate America, and you hate life! Okay, maybe that’s a little over the top, but my point is: This is an excellent, excellent series that everyone should be reading.”

The Elephantmen are the survivors of genetic engineering experiments conducted by a sinister organization that sought to create biological weapons of mass destruction. Freed and rehabilitated, the Elephantmen now live among the people they were designed to destroy, continually treated with suspicion and contempt except by a handful of trusted human allies. But when these allies find themselves continually at risk, how long can they remain loyal to the Elephantmen?

THE WALKING DEAD #81 (NOV100472), a 32-page black and white comic book featuring a special preview of ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1, will be in stores February 9, 2011, for $2.99. ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1 (JAN110548), a 40-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores March 30, 2011.

Also out in early 2011: ELEPHANTMEN: COVER STORIES #1 (February 16, $5.99, DEC100455), a 64-page full-color collection of covers and sketches by Ladrönn and Boo Cook that features a flip cover by Cook; ELEPHANTMEN: WAR TOYS, VOL. 2: ENEMY SPECIES OGN (March 2, $9.99, NOV100423), an all-new 104-page full-color graphic novel by Starkings and artist Boo Cook; ELEPHANTMEN: WAR TOYS: AGATHE (March 9, $3.50, AUG100414), an all-new one shot by Marian Churchland (BEAST) and Moritat (The Spirit); and ELEPHANTMEN, VOL. 4: QUESTIONABLE THINGS HC (March 23, $34.99, JAN110550), a 312-page full-color graphic novel.

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