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Space is Dead. Fight to Higher Earth!

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BOOM! STUDIOS LAUNCHES SAM HUMPHRIES’ HIGHER EARTH THIS MAY ALL-NEW ORIGINAL ONGOING SERIES FULL FIRST ISSUE ONLY $1
  
  
     

March 20, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – Space is dead. Why conquer other planets when there’s a perfectly good Earth in the universe next door? HIGHER EARTH, the epic new sci-fi thriller from BOOM! Studios this May created and written by indie sensation Sam Humphries (OUR LOVE IS REAL, ULTIMATE COMICS: ULTIMATES) and drawn by Francesco Biagini (ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST), offers the first full 22-page issue of this ongoing series for only $1!

Title ships in May with main covers by Joe Benitez, Phil Noto, Frazer Irving, and Ben Oliver in a 30/30/30/10 split, a retailer incentive variant by David Aja (1:15), a “You Are Illegal On This Earth” variant (1:25), and a sketch variant by Joe Benitez (1:50).

There will also be a special CGC certified 9.8 Near Mint variant by legendary artist Michael Golden (THE MICRONAUTS) (1:100).

“Higher Earth is a sci-fi revenge story set in an empire that has conquered over a hundred earths across alternate time-lines,” says writer Sam Humphries. “We follow Rex and Heidi as they slash a bloody path through an empire where going from one time-line to the next is as natural as taking a flight from New York to London. It’s a massive cognitive leap that is now a day-to-day reality for a civilization of a thousand billion citizens.” “This is the sci-fi thriller Sam has been waiting to tell after his huge success with OUR LOVE IS REAL,” says BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon.

“With the full first issue priced at only $1, this is a can’t-miss from a hot creator!” says BOOM! Studios Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ross Richie. “Don’t miss out on HIGHER EARTH!”

HIGHER EARTH launches this MAY with a Diamond Order Code of MAR120853.

About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010′s “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios generates a constellation of Eisner and Harvey Award-winning bestselling comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent, including Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, 28 DAYS LATER, and Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?. BOOM!’s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME, Roger Langridge’s SNARKED, and Scholastic’s WORDGIRL. BOOM!’s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler’s I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER.

A Super-Model Super-Hero!

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A SUPER-MODEL SUPER-HERO!

ASPEN COMICS PARTNERS WITH SUPER-MODEL RACHEL CLARK AND HIGH-FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL SCHWARTZ TO CREATE STUNNING PHOTO COVERS FOR IDOLIZED PLUS, ASPEN ANNOUNCES IDOLIZED COVERS FROM ART ADAMS, JOE BENITEZ, KERON GRANT AND MORE!

Aspen Comics is proud to announce that their upcoming new series IDOLIZED will feature a series of covers shot by renowned photographer Michael Schwartz, and featuring supermodel Rachel Clark.  For the exclusive IDOLIZED photo shoot, a special costume was constructed, allowing Ms. Clark to appear as IDOLIZED’s dark and disturbed super-powered protagonist, Joule.

“We’re thrilled to be working with such amazing talent for IDOLIZED”, said Aspen President Frank Mastromauro.  “Rachel and Michael are major names in the fashion industry, and they’ve brought something truly special, unique, and absolutely gorgeous to our covers.” Rachel has been the face of Louis Vuitton, D&G and Victoria’s Secret’s ‘PINK’ line.  She’s appeared in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Vogue, and in ad campaigns for Levis, Louis Vuitton, D&G, Barney’s and Neiman Marcus.  She’s walked the runway for the likes of Christian Dior, John Galliano, Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Salvatore Ferragamo and numerous others. Perhaps most importantly, she’s also a total comic book junkie and a major World of Warcraft player.

Michael Schwartz shoots for an amazing list of some of the biggest names in the fashion and entertainment industries, including Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, J Crew, Universal Music, Madewell, Polydor Records and editorial clients such as V Magazine, V Man, Harper’s Bazaar, Dazed & Confused, Dansk, Exit, Metal and now Aspen Comics.

“It was really exciting to bring a drawing to life,” Schwartz raved, “especially with such an amazing model to help make this happen.” The shoot took place on Sunday, January 15th in New York, and nearly 1500 images were taken over the course of the day. In fact, there so many spectacular photos taken, that the Aspen editorial team had a nearly impossible time narrowing them down to just 1 cover image for each issue. “At some point, we may have to collect all of our other favorites and publish them in a book of just the photos,” said Aspen Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez.  “They’re just really, really cool, stunning images and we want to be able to get as many of them out there, in print, as possible.” Of course, each issue of IDOLIZED will be having traditional comic books covers as well, and they’ve got an incredible line-up of some of the biggest names in comics providing those covers, including ART ADAMS, JOE BENITEZ and a painted cover from KERON GRANT.

IDOLIZED is Aspen’s first-ever superhero series, so they’re pulling out all the stops. It tells the story of girl with super-powers and a tortured past, who seeks revenge, and ultimately finds redemption, over the course of competing in a televised super-hero competition show.  Essentially, it’s “True Grit” meets “American Idol” with capes.  The series is written by Michael’s brother David B. Schwartz (acclaimed writer of Image Comics’ “MELTDOWN”, “Aspen Showcase: Ember” and “Fathom: Blue Descent”), with explosive art by Micah Gunnell (“Shrugged”, “Executive Assistant: Orchid”, “Dellec”) and colors by David Curiel (“Executive Assistant: Orchid”).  The first issue will debut in June 2012.

Please visit www.Facebook.com/IdolizedComic for more details on the series.

For more information on Aspen Comics, please check www.aspencomics.com or www.aspenstore.com  www.Facebook.com/aspencomics

Aspen Comics Releases New Series and More at WonderCon 2012

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With only a short distance to travel to this year’s Wonder Con 2012, Aspen Comics is planning to bring a large assortment of creators as well as new exclusive books only available at the Aspen Comics Booth #510. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro, Peter Steigerwald, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, Joe Benitez, J.T. Krul, David Wohl, Oliver Nome, Beth Sotelo, David Schwartz, Scott Lobdell and more surprise guests will be signing comics and meeting fans at the booth all weekend long.

Aspen is proud to launch their all-new miniseries Fathom: Kiani Volume Two at this year’s WonderCon. Fathom: Kiani centers on the popular Fathom heroine in a return to her own series in this brand-new storyline. The exclusive Fathom: Kiani #0 WonderCon 2012 edition features a cover by superstar artists Benitez and Steigerwald, and is limited to only 500 copies.

The duo of Benitez and Steigerwald are also debuting an all-new WonderCon 2012 edition cover to their red hot sellout, steampunk action-adventure book Lady Mechanika #0. Including a new original cover by the pair, Lady Mechanika #0 will be sure to follow in the footsteps of previous editions with a quick sell out and is only limited to 1500 editions. Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early at the Aspen Comics Booth #510 to ensure their copy.

Fathom fans can also look forward to a special Fathom #5 WonderCon Exclusive 2012 cover by series and Aspen founder Michael Turner along with Peter Steigerwald. Containing one of the most popular Turner sketch covers of all time, this special Fathom exclusive is limited to only 500 copies.

Aspen’s industry-leading line of art prints returns with all new covers and images from Aspen’s most popular series and characters including Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Lady Mechanika and more. Aspen will also be releasing this year’s Aspen Tour Print, another item fans are strongly encouraged to pick up early as supplies last.

The Official Aspen Comics Panel will be on Saturday from 3-4pm in room 203 and will include the entire Aspen Comics team of creators as they preview upcoming titles and reveal never-before-seen art and news. All fans in attendance will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics.

For more information on WonderCon 2012, please check www.comic-con.org/wc

For more information on Aspen Comics please check www.aspencomics.com or www.aspenstore.com

Lady Mechanika Set To Return To Print on Sold Out Issues

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Official Press Release

Due to overwhelming fan and retailer demand, Aspen Comics will be going back to print in March on the sold out issues of their red hot series Lady Mechanika. Creator Joe Benitez’s steampunk mystery series debuted to popular and critical acclaim with a sold out zero issue followed by sell outs on both issues one and two, as well as multiple reprints for each issue which subsequently sold out as well.

The newly reprinted Lady Mechanika #’s 0,1 and 2 issues will feature redesigned cover dress and colors by series colorist Peter Steigerwald, but will include all the same content as the original printings. Aspen strongly encourages fans to check with their local retailer to secure their copy. The initial cutoff date for retailers to order copies of the reprinted Lady Mechanika issues is February 13th using the following order codes:

DEC118184 E  LADY MECHANIKA #0 CVR H 4TH PTG (PP #1009)
DEC118185 E  LADY MECHANIKA #1 CVR G 3RD PTG (PP #1009)
DEC118186 E  LADY MECHANIKA #2 CVR G 2ND PTG (PP #1009)

For more information on Aspen Comics please check www.aspencomics.com and www.aspenstore.com

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Preview – Lady Mechanika #3

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Lady Mechanika #3

From the imaginative mind of Joe Benitez with colors by the incomparable Peter Steigerwald, comes this all-new, critically acclaimed, supernatural action-adventure series! LADY MECHANIKA’s quest to retrieve the ‘Mechanical Girl’ along with her mysterious maker takes her to the strange and wondrous Cirque du Romani, where she encounters a bizarre—and also dangerous—troupe in search of answers. Along the way, even more shocking clues to the girl’s whereabouts are uncovered, and Mechanika is driven to attend the world famous Mechanicon!

Created, written and illustrated by Joe Benitez. Colors by Peter Steigerwald. Letters by Josh Reed

In stores December 21st!

Aspen Comics Long Beach Comic Con 2011 Guests and Exclusives

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Official Press Release

Aspen is excited to attend the Long Beach Comic Con 2011 this weekend on October  29th and 30th, and will be bringing an all new exclusive comic book and print for the show. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, Joe Benitez, Oliver Nome, David Wohl, Beth Sotelo, Scott Lobdell, J.T. Krul, David Schwartz and more creators will be on hand to meet and greet with fans at the Aspen Comics Booth #101 all weekend long.

The publisher will have an exclusive Charismagic #3 Long Beach Comic Con 2011 variant cover by Khary Randolph and Emilio Lopez, limited to only 500 copies. Charismagic is Aspen’s all-new magical action-adventure series created and written by Vince Hernandez with character designs and illustrations by Khary Randolph and Emilio Lopez.

Fans who missed their chance to score the latest convention exclusives at the New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic Con can also look forward to limited quantities of exclusive variants such as the new supernatural action-adventure Dead Man’s Run by Greg Pak and Tony Parker in association with legendary producer Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment, Haunted City by Chap Taylor, Peter Johnson and Michael Ryan, and Broken Pieces by creator and writer Mark Roslan with Micah Kaneshiro, as well as popular covers from this past summer’s Executive Assistant crossover, “The Hit List Agenda.”

Aspen will also be releasing a brand new signature Fathom print by Michael Turner featuring popular heroine Aspen Matthews, limited to only 50 editions, in addition to many of their latest popular-selling prints featuring hot titles such as Fathom, Soulfire, Lady Mechanika, Executive Assistant: Iris and more.

Aspen will be hosting an official Aspen Comics Panel from 3:00-3:45pm in Room 103A featuring Frank Mastromauro, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, Joe Benitez, David Schwartz, Beth Sotelo, David Wohl, Scott Lobdell, JT Krul, Oliver Nome as they will be previewing upcoming titles, revealing never-before-seen artwork, and answering fan’s questions directly. All fans in attendance will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics.

For more information on the Long Beach Comic please check www.longbeachcomiccon.com and for more information on Aspen Comics please check www.aspencomics.com and www.aspenstore.com

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NYCC 11 – Aspen Comics Heads to NYCC With Tons of Creators and Exclusives

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Official Press Release

The Aspen Comics team will be attending this year’s New York Comic Con on October 13th – 16th, and will feature a host of exciting talent and NYCC exclusives for show attendees. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro, Joe Benitez, David Wohl, Greg Pak, J.T. Krul, Chap Taylor, Jason Fabok, Micah Gunnell, Oliver Nome, Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez and more guests will be on hand at the Aspen Comics Booth #1246 throughout the con weekend.

In association with legendary film producer Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Motion Pictures, Aspen will be launching an all-new series, Dead Man’s Run, at the show with the release of an exclusive Dead Man’s Run #0 New York Comic Con 2011 cover by series artist Tony Parker and Peter Steigerwald, limited to 500 copies. Dead Man’s Run takes readers into an entirely different vision of Hell from the mind of superstar comic book scribe Greg Pak with art by the talented Parker and Steigerwald.

Aspen and director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision have teamed up to launch an all new horror series, Haunted City, by writers Chap Taylor and Peter Johnson with art by Michael Ryan and Kelsey Shannon. Aspen will be celebrating the release with an exclusive Haunted City #1 New York Comic Con 2011 cover by Joe Benitez and Peter Steigerwald. Haunted City is Aspen’s latest foray into the horror genre as readers will see the Big Apple like they’ve never seen before, as it is truly the biggest haunted house in the world.

In addition to the launches of Dead Man’s Run and Haunted City, Aspen will also feature a special NYCC 2011 exclusive cover to their all new action sci-fi release Broken Pieces #1 by creator Mark Roslan and artist Micah Kaneshiro limited to 500 copies. Broken Pieces tells the tale of a future torn apart by a catastrophic virus while in the midst of this disaster, one man must rebuild not only his life, but everything he holds dear in order to save humanity.

Aspen will also be offering an exclusive Fathom #2 New York Comic Con 2011 by Jason Fabok and Peter Steigerwald, limited to 500 copies and only available at the Aspen Comics Booth #1246.

Each day of the Comic Con, Aspen will be releasing a different, all-new art print featuring Aspen’s most popular covers, with each daily print highly-limited to only 30 editions each. Aspen strongly encourages fans and collectors to arrive early at the Aspen Booth #1246 as quantities of the Aspen daily prints are expected to sell out. Aspen will also be releasing an all-new series of their industry-leading art prints, featuring popular art from Fathom, Soulfire, Lady Mechanika and more.

The official Aspen Comics Panel will take place on Saturday from 10:45am – 11:45am in room 1A23. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro, Joe Benitez, Greg Pak, David Wohl, JT Krul, Chap Taylor, Jason Fabok, Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez, Oliver Nome and Micah Gunnell will answer fans questions directly and preview Aspen’s exciting plans for 2012 including new titles Dead Man’s Run, Haunted City, Broken Pieces, Idolized, Shrugged Volume 2, Homecoming, Fathom: Kiani Volume 2 and more. All fans in attendance will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics.

For more information on the New York Comic Con, please check www.newyorkcomiccon.com and for more information on Aspen Comics please check www.aspencomics.com and www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Twitter.com/aspencomics

Three Signing Events headline Grand Opening of Collector’s Pardaise Pasadena

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Official Press Release

Collector’s paradise CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF THE COMPLETELY REMODELED PASADENA STORE WITH 3 SIGNINGS and a grand sale! 

San Fernando Valley’s Leading Retail Comic Book Store Welcomes Industry Creators to help promote Grand Opening of the new location in style! 

PASADENA, Calif., July 23, 2011 – Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery, is proud to announce that the new Pasadena store has been completely remodeled to fulfill our vision of a modern comic book store, and will have a Grand Opening Celebration starting July 27th with a big sale and a series of signings.

“Taking over an existing store is not easy, and we wanted to make sure to turn it into what we feel (and our customers enjoy) as a modern vision of a Comic Book store.” said Edward Greenberg, managing partner of Collector’s Paradise, adding:  “We believe people who enjoy reading comics these days are a far cry from the typical stereotype of a comic book reader, and our stores should reflect that. Modern, sleek bookstore look with professional signage and easy-to-find merchandise should be the goal of anyone who tries to create an “experience” for their patrons.”

To help promote the Grand Opening event, Collector’s Paradise reached out to some of the store’s best supporters, publishers Top Cow Productions, Aspen Comics, and jack of all trades, owner of Comicraft and creator/writer of Elephantmen, Richard Starkings.  Three signing events, throughout the Grand Opening week, will help to celebrate three very different genres of comics, from espionage fantasy, to beautiful futuristic SCI-FI to chilling psychological horror.

 

Wednesday, July 27th, 5pm-8pm. Collector’s Paradise is excited to help Aspen Comics launch their HIT LIST AGENDA Crossover Event, which stems from creator David Wohl’s sequel to the critically acclaimed Executive Assistant Iris series. The event includes the second volume of Executive Assistant Iris, and a set of 3 mini-series, Lotus, Violet, and Orchid. Illustrated by an array of Aspen’s awesome artists, including Oliver Nome, with stunning covers that include superstar artist Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika), HIT LIST is a hard-hitting, super-sexy, sword-wielding event.  Collector’s Paradise will host creator/writer David Wohl, writers Scott Lobdell, Vince Hernandez and Marc Andreyko, plus artists Joe Benitez and Oliver Nome.

Friday, July 29th, 7pm-10pm.  Collector’s Paradise is proud to announce our first adult-only night-time event at the Pasadena store, that will feature music, free Alcohol Drinks, and an awesome release party with some of our favorite creators,  Joshua Hale Fialkov (TUMOR, Elk’s Run, Superman/Batman, Echoes) and Rahsan Ekedal (Echoes, DH Solomon Kane, Warhammer).  We will be EXCLUSIVELY Pre-Releasing the limited San Diego Comic Con edition (300 made) of the ECHOES Hardcover, the only place to find it until the regular edition is released in August.  The event starts at 7pm with a Q&A Session with Josh and Rahsan, hosted by Andrew Leigl of ComicAttack.net, with the signing / party to follow.

Saturday, July 30th, 12pm-3pm.  On Saturday, Collector’s Paradise is proud to host again, for the first time in Pasadena,  one of the store best friends, Richard Starkings, fantastic letterer for many comics published, as well as writer/creator of the fantastic Sci-Fi series, ELEPHANTMEN.  Richard is going to be joined by Boo Cook, one of the artists on the ELEPHANTMEN series. Attendees to the signing will have an opportunity to receive a free J. Scott Campbell ELEPHANTMEN Poster with any Elephantmen purchase during the signing, while supplies last. The poster is very rare, only available at San Diego Comic Con and our event.

In addition to the signings, Collector’s Paradise will have a great sale at the store, starting on Wednesday.  For sale details, please visit the store’s website, ComicsAndCards.net.

Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery has been a mainstay in the Southern California Comic Book scene since 1994. In recent years, the store has focused on offering their customers an exceptional experience that goes beyond collecting comic books, from creator appearances, to  proprietary online subscription manager software, and an Art Gallery. The store’s future plans include many new and very different ways to experience the comic book culture. The store recently opened its second branch, in Old Town Pasadena.

Review – Magdalena Origin Volume 1 Trade Paperback

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With four issues in on the new series, this new trade paperback from Top Cow comes out at the perfect time for those up us who missed this the first time around.  Magdalena Origin covers the first appearance of the character in The Darkness as well as the first three issues of her own series.

Patience was not the first Magdalena. Not even the first to make her presence known in the modern Top Cow Universe. Go back and rediscover the origins of the Order of the Magdalena in this first of two “Origin” trade paperback volumes.This collected edition includes the first appearance of the Magdalena by Malachy Coney and superstar Joe Benitez when she came to slay Jackie Estacado in The Darkness Vol. 1 #15-#18. Also collected in this edition is the first three issue limited series starring the Magdalena by Marcia Chen (Wriathborn) and Joe Benitez.

Four those of us that are new to the series it’s interesting to see the character’s origins and the first series to star her.  But, what’s most fascinating is the striking difference between the two series and their focus.

In The Darkeness, the story is rather misogynistic with “bitch” being used a lot and the women being sexualized.  That’s that comic at the time and that fits the star of it at the time.  But, it feels very antiquated and off, for those reading the comic today.  It seems Jackie has come a long way in his views and language.

But, the story is interesting if a bit abrupt.  There’s plot points brought up there that are never answered and it leaves with a pretty brutal scene of the Magdalena.  But this is Jackie’s tale, so it shouldn’t really wrap up nicely.

Now, compare that with Magdalena, which is very much a girl power comic.  Forget the waist that I can fit my hand around this is one tough female lead, which is so different from the focus of her initial appearance.  Add on top of that, a pretty ballsy take on Catholic dogma and history, we’ve got a comic that’s very much worth reading.

A definite buy.

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Preview – Magdalena Origin Volume 1 Trade Paperback

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Official Press Release

MAGDALENA ORIGIN VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK

(W) Malachy Coney, Marcia Chen (A) Joe Benitez (Cov) Joe Benitez

Discover the Origin of the Magdalena!
Patience was not the first Magdalena. Not even the first to make her presence known in the modern Top Cow Universe. Go back and rediscover the origins of the Order of the Magdalena in this first of two “Origin” trade paperback volumes.

This collected edition includes the first appearance of the Magdalena by Malachy Coney and superstar Joe Benitez when she came to slay Jackie Estacado in The Darkness Vol. 1 #15-#18. Also collected in this edition is the first three issue limited series starring the Magdalena by Marcia Chen (Wriathborn) and Joe Benitez.

Full Color 176 pages $14.99  trade paperback

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