Tag Archives: kate leth

Kate Leth, Megan Levens, and Marissa Louise Reunite For Fantastical New Series Mysticons

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In May 2017, Dark Horse and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana announced a publishing agreement to produce a series of graphic novels based on Nelvana’s original animated action series, Mysticons. Dark Horse’s Spell on Wheels creative team, writer Kate Leth, artist Megan Levens, and colorist Marissa Louise, joins forces once again to bring more empowering female characters to life!

The second season of Mysticons recently premiered on Nickelodeon’s Nicktoons in the U.S. and Corus’ YTV network in Canada will follow suit on April 8, following a successful first season launch in August 2017. On YouTube, the series has surpassed 4.1 million views of its short form content. Dark Horse joins an array of previously announced Mysticons partners including Playmates Toys (Master Toy), The Topps Company (Trading Cards and Confectionery) and MacMillan Publishers (Novels).

Mysticons Volume One is a contemporary urban fantasy about four girls from different walks of life who are transformed into the legendary Mysticons! In Arkayna, Zarya, Emerald, and Piper’s first adventure, the girls investigate evil biker twins who have been stealing and using magic to keep first place in a deadly drag racing circuit, causing mayhem on the streets of Drake City. It’s up to the Mysticons to work together to save their city!

Mysticons Volume One goes on sale August 8, 2018 and the 80-page original graphic novel retails for $10.99.

Moonstruck, Vol. 1 Will Charm Readers of All Ages this March

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Lumberjanes creator Grace Ellis and debut artist Shae Beagle, with editor Laurenn McCubbin, colorist Caitlin Quirk, letterer Clayton Cowles, and story-within-a-story artist Kate Leth, will release the first paperback volume of Moonstruck, collecting the first five issues of the all-ages fantasy series, this March from Image Comics.

Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend Selena go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a terrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it’s up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist—before it’s too late!

Moonstruck, Vol. 1 (Diamond code: OCT170655, ISBN: 978-1-5343-0477-2) hits comic book stores Wednesday, March 21st. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, February 5th.

Moonstruck, Vol. 1 arrives in bookstores Tuesday, March 27th.

Preview: BOOM! Box Mixtape SC

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BOOM! Box Mixtape SC

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writers: John Allison, Ryan North, Kate Leth, and more
Artists: Sina Grace, John Kovalic, Veronica Fish, and more
Cover Artist: Jake Lawrence
Price: $19.99

The annual BOOM! Box Mix Tape is an eclectic collection of stories featuring beloved characters from established BOOM! Box series as well as original stories showcasing up-and-coming creators and brand-new content. With original stories featuring Lumberjanes, Giant Days, Cyanide & Happiness, Goldie Vance, The Backstagers, and many more! Collects the BOOM! Box Mix Tape specials from 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Review: Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions #1

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Jem-Dimensions01_cvrB.jpgIDW Publishing kicks off their new Jem anthology series strong in Jem and The Holograms: Dimensions #1. The Dimensions series promises a set of stories told outside the main Jem narrative; a gateway book to the larger Jem universe, though it can also stand on its own. After issue one, however, it’s hard not to want more neon-colored nonsense.

The two stories, “Catnap” and “Roll With It” each tell a distinctly modern tale using ‘80s icons. Brightly-colored ski gear and Dungeons and Dragons games, all in the Jem palate of bold makup, huge hair, and stars and lightning bolts on every surface.

Sophie Campbell took the reins on “Catnap” as both writer and artist. Misfit groupie Clash is cat-sitting for band member Pizzazz, but doesn’t want to miss out on her ski trip. She decides to bring the kitty along on the slopes with her friend Misty, after girlfriend Blaze bails on her. When evil Jem groupies show up to steal the cat and get Clash booted from all future Misfit events, Blaze literally flies in to save the day—and the cat!

Jem_Dimensions_01-pr2-1Colorist M. Victoria Robado keeps things bright and rainbow-hued, even against a snow-capped backdrop. A high-speed chase followed by an avalanche of epic proportions turns the slopes into a flurry of color and action under Campbell and Robado’s efforts. Campbell’s story (and, I would assume, other Jem tales as well) blurs the line between “good” and “evil” as Misfit fans protect a helpless feline from the evil claws of Jem groupies. Some modern additions, such as Misty dressed in her colorful headscarf and Blaze and Clash’s kiss at the end, bring this 80’s classic into today’s landscape.

“Roll With It”, written by Kate Leth with art by Tana Ford, is lighter on story in favor of dissecting some classic characters at the end of their Infinite run. An exhausted group of Holograms try to get Jerrica to take a break after their tour. Kimber suggests a game of Dungeons and Dragons, but as the game is set up Jerrica is elected Dungeon Master—leaving her in charge of the group all over again. She soon loses her cool and the girls must come up with an alternate plan to give ALL of the Holograms the night off.

The girls game characters give a little peek into their psyche along with providing plenty of light-hearted laughter. And while Jerrica and Synergy drive the plot, Kimber shines through as the star of the story. Colorist Brittany Peer sticks to a blue and purple palate, so that when Jerrica attacks the D&D party with an overpowered dragon, the fire-breather truly stands out.

Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions is a super fun romp with a huge cast of female characters. This book not only passes the Bechdel test, but smashes it into pieces. The characters are well-rounded, diverse, and unafraid to be themselves—no matter how outrageous.

Story: Sophie Campbell, Kate Leth
Art: Sophie Campbell, Tana Ford Colors: M. Victoria Robado, Brittany Peer
Story: 9 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

IDW provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions #1

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Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions #1

Kate Leth, Sophie Campbell (w) • Tana Ford, Sophie Campbell (a) • Tana Ford (c)

Jem: Dimensions brings both new and beloved creators to the world of The Holograms! In a story by Kate Leth and Tana Ford, the Holograms throw a Dungeons and Dragons game night with Jerrica as the Dungeon Master, and even Synergy joins the fun! And in Sophie Campbell’s story, the Misfits (plus some NEW faces) take a break to go on a ski trip, when all hell breaks loose…and so does Pizzazz’s cat!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Thanks to Those Speaking Out. We Support You.

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Many within the comics industry are taking a stand and speaking out against harassment and the continued protection of those who engage in it. One reason individuals don’t speak out is over fear that they will be blacklisted and not supported by publishers (and fans). So, along with our vocally supporting these creators we as a community need to also show we also have their back financially.

This isn’t a complete list so please add individuals missed in the comments below.

Sophie Campbell is quoted in the recent Buzzfeed article as have turned down Supergirl due to editor Eddie Berganza. That’s beyond stand-up and shows true conviction. Check out her work on Jem and the Holograms, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Wet Moon, and more.

Joshua Hale Fialkov is a writer who worked with DC on the series I, Vampire (among others). He reportedly left the company over a disagreement about killing Green Lantern John Stewart. He’s written awesome series like The Bunker, Tumor, The Life After, and most recently Jeff Steinberg: Champion of Earth.

Kwanza Osajyefo is one of the creators behind the recently released in trade paperback Black. Not only is he outspoken but also a target for degenerate comic “fans” who only want to take us backwards. That hasn’t stopped him down from speaking out.

Christopher Sebela is the writer behind the upcoming Cold War from AfterShock Comics, Heartthrob, We(l)come Back, High Crimes, and more.

Tony Isabella is one of the co-creators of Black Lightning for DC Comics. Maybe grab one of his classic trades to prepare for the new CW television show or the recent Black Lighting: Cold Dead Hands #1.

Jennifer de Guzman has been one of the most outspoken individuals when it comes to harassment in the comics industry. She’s written for numerous comics (like Womanthology: Space) and prose as well as a journalist. Buy her stuff and hire her!

Lilah Sturges is a writer of comics and fantasy novels having written Jack of Fables for Vertigo. You can also check out her work on Everafter.

Jonathan H. Gray is an artist who has done work on Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, Mega Man, as well as numerous work for Disney Comics.

Matthew Rosenberg is a comic writer who has published indie comics and also worked for Marvel and Archie. He was also part of the DC Writers Workshop Class of 2016. Go check out his 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank which was recently released as a trade paperback.

Kate Leth is a creator who has worked for Marvel, Dark Horse, BOOM!, Dynamite, IDW, and Image. Whatever you buy to support her, it’s going to be good.

Tamra Bonvillain is a colorist who has worked for DC, Marvel, Image and more on such titles as Doom Patrol, Wayward, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Uncanny Avengers, and more.

Colleen Doran spoke out, blew the whistle and was thrown under the bus. Lots of fantastic work including Sandman from DC Comics’ Vertigo written by…

Neil Gaiman who clearly has Doran’s back…

Tea Terry Blue is a digital project manager at King Features Syndicate, a co-editor of RAW Fanthology, and overall comic nerd. Go follow them since there’s tons of other folks speaking out too that Tea is spotlighting.

Ryan Ferrier has written comics such as D4ve, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, WWE, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and more.

That’s a lot of folks to support and I’m sure I’ve missed tons. So, please add on in the comments below and go support those wonderful folks.

Review: The Other Side Anthology OGN

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When it comes to LGTBTQ representation in paranormal fantasies, not too many writers do it as well as Charlaine Harris. Never mind the stories draw you in, but then it showed the world as it really is, but with supernatural beings abound. Since she came onto the scene, there have been many writers and artists to enter the realm.  As far as comics go, there are more than a handful that fall within the supernatural genre, but even fewer that feature LBGTQ characters, which underwrites a bigger problem, where diversity in all its shades, from race, to sex to disability to sexual orientation, have felt the hush, when these groups ask if they are represented.

This is the reason when I heard about the The Other Side Anthology, a collection that focuses on “queer paranormal romance,” I was more than a little interested to know if these creators would do this genre justice within the comics medium. In the first story, “Black Dog,” a hunter reminisces of words by his father which makes him weary of a black dog, which has followed him every day, but little does he know, a surprise connection, awaits him. In “Enbae & Boo,” an online date at a convention for paranormal seekers, turns into a love match. In “Dive”, a grandmother’s tall tale ends up having more truth than she lets her grandchild know.

In “Emma FZR 400RR SP,” a ghost and human connected by a motorcycle start off as antagonistic, but soon fall for each other. In “Halo,” a chance meeting with an angel changes one man’s life forever. “In Beneath My Breath, above my Gaze,” one man’s hike turns into a lifelong love affair with nature. In “Ouija Call Center,” connection to dead people takes a hilarious turn.

In “Pulpit Point,” a love burgeons between a midshipman and a ghost in the most unlikely of circumstances. In “Rabbit Stew,” a woman makes her long dead husband, his favorite dish. In “Fifty Years,” one part of a vampire couple bestows their most rabid hunter as a gift their beloved. In “Shadow’s Bae,” a monster’s girlfriend shows them love knows no bounds. In “Third Circle Pizza,” one half of a couple breaks a centuries old spell on a family that curses their boyfriend.

In “Till Death,” the ghostly half of a couple, haunts a family moving their old house, so that the memory of their love is not lost. In “Tierra Verde,” a mysterious stranger gets hired to get rid of an ethereal being, but what starts out as a job, becomes more than either expected. In “Appliance,” a microwave connects the ghost of a man and his family with a total stranger. In “Airspace,” an unlikely love match occurs when a guitar lesson turns into a literal out of body experience.

In “Bare Bones,” a home improvement job awakens a ghost and saves a life. In “Yes, No Maybe,” a Ouija board leads one woman to a flirtation with a ghost and much more. In “Threnody,” an older woman ponders the need for her in the world, a question, a goddess was more than happy to answer.

The stories contained in this tome, more than shine, they offer light where other writers may be too shy to shed. The art by all the artists more than thrills it, exhilarates. Overall, a great collection, that shows each creator’s range and more than adds to the genre, it shifts the paradigm.

Story: Kou Chen, Mari Costa, Natasha Donovan, Kori Michele Handwerker, Gisele Jobateh, F. Lee, Kate Leth and Katie O’Neill , Sfé R. Monster, Margaret Kirchner, Amelia Onorato, Aatmaja Pandya, Fyodor Pavlov, Bitmap Prager and Melanie Gillman, Britt Sabo, Bishakh K. Som, Sarah Winifred Searle and Hannah Krieger, Laurel Varian and Ezra Rose, Mary Verhoeven, CB Webb
Art: Kou Chen, Mari Costa, Natasha Donovan, Kori Michele Handwerker, Gisele Jobateh, F. Lee, Kate Leth and Katie O’Neill, Sfé R. Monster, Margaret Kirchner, Amelia Onorato, Aatmaja Pandya, Fyodor Pavlov, Bitmap Prager and Melanie Gillman, Britt Sabo, Bishakh K. Som, Sarah Winifred Searle and Hannah Krieger, Laurel Varian and Ezra Rose, Mary Verhoeven, CB Webb, Mildred Louis
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Jem and the Holograms Step Into a New Comic Book Dimension

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Hasbro’s Jem and the Holograms may be currently out touring with the “Infinite” crossover mini-series, but they’re already plotting their next move with the just-announced Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions.

This new series, from IDW Publishing, will be an anthology comic set in Jem’s world, and will bring in a rotating roster of talent into the mix, as well as some Jem mainstays, to tell new adventures, with two self-contained stories per issue.

The debut issue sees writer Kate Leth and artist Tana Ford jamming on a Dungeons and Dragons game night where Jerrica plays the role of Dungeon Master and even Synergy joins the fun! Just as exciting, Sophie Campbell returns to the world of Jem, writing and illustrating a story about the Misfits on a ski trip gone south when Pizzazz’s cat is on the loose!

Jem fans can rest assured that Thompson won’t be going far, though, and can anticipate her return to the series before you can say “Showtime, Synergy!”

Issue one kicks off in November with main cover art by Tana Ford and variant covers by Jem art team founding members Sophie Campbell and M. Victoria Robado, plus Eisner-nominee Derek Charm!

Review: Spell On Wheels TPB

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Best friends. Road trips. Fighting the patriarchy. Found family. Magic. Really, what more can you ask for? Dark Horse’s Spell On Wheels was one I picked up the first issue of then completely forgot about in the mess of life. Definitely a mistake that I wanted to correct with this trade and I’m glad I did.

The overall plot architecture of set forth by Kate Leth is a pretty similar one to early seasons of Supernatural, Buffy, or Charmed: monster-of-the-week with a metaplot that strings it all together like beads on a necklace. In the case of Spell On Wheels, it’s more of an item-of-the-week. Our protagonists, a trio of Northeasterner witches, have their house broken into and looted for the tools of their trades. When they can’t find who’s responsible, they track down the buyers for their stuff on a road trip to make sure they aren’t the last witches out there.

It’s not all adventurous romps though. Jo, Andy, and Claire help where they can and correct some of the wrongs they end up running into along the way. We see a world where, even though the supernatural certainly exists, it’s not the only thing people ever care about. It makes the world as a whole feel far more real than it would otherwise. The charming and often rounded art of Megan Levens is a good fit for this story. The characters and words here aren’t sharp and aggressive, they’re inviting and open. The colors of Marissa Louise provide just the right amount of pop to the frames, pulling the eyes exactly where they need to go.

Overall, Spell On Wheels is definitely a trade to grab then continue with individual issues if you’ve enjoyed it. It really takes those first five issues to suck you entirely into the slow burn. This story wouldn’t be the same without the creative team that it has and it shows.

Story: Kate Leth Art: Megan Levens
Color: Marissa Louise Cover: Jen Bartel
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0
Recommendation: Buy, especially if you’ve been binging Charmed or The Magicians lately

Lumberjanes creator Grace Ellis launches Moonstruck with Shae Beagle this July from Image

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Writer Grace Ellis and newcomer Shae Beagle join forces for a magical ongoing series, Moonstruck, coming this July from Image Comics.

In Moonstruck, fantasy creatures live typical, unremarkable lives alongside humans, and barista Julie strives to be the most unremarkable of all. Normal job, normal almost-girlfriend, normal…werewolf transformations that happen when she gets upset? Yikes!

But all bets are off when she and her centaur best friend Chet find themselves in the middle of a magical conspiracy. Will Julie and Chet be able to save their friends? Is Julie’s dogged determination to be normal a lost cause? Who’s going to watch the coffee shop while our heroes are out saving the world??

A story of monsters, romance, and magical hijinks, the first arc of Moonstruck also features a story-within-a-story illustrated by artist Kate Leth!

Moonstruck #1 (Diamond code: MAY170589) hits comic book stores Wednesday, July 19th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, June 26th.

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