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Aspen Comics Teams With Visionbooks For Digital 3D Animated Comics

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

PSYCHOBONKERS-01b-Bowden Aspen Comics has joined forces with Visionbooks, to create a library of new digital 3D animated comics with the release of Aspen’s all ages action-adventure series Psycho Bonkers, for free starting today on the Visionbooks app (iOS and Android) and on the web.

Visionbooks’s new technology enhances the comic book utilizing action and dimensional visual effects to bring together a new reading experience for the consumer. Psycho Bonkers is set for the first planned Aspen Comics series release by Visionbooks.

Aspen VP/Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez said in a release:

“We’re extremely excited to team up with the team at Visionbooks to create an exciting new format to enjoy our material. The talented folks over there have been hard at work on the first series, Psycho Bonkers, for some time and we couldn’t be happier with the result. Fans who check out his exciting digital release will see the comic in an entirely new way as the effects spring to life in front of your eyes. And we have more planned as well, so it should definitely be a fun partnership for the fans.”

Aspen Comics first release on Visionbooks, Psycho Bonkers #1, is available for free currently on the Visionbooks app and site with subsequent issues to follow weekly.

Preview: Psycho Bonkers #4

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

PSYCHO BONKERS #4

Vince Hernandez – Story / Adam Archer – Art / Colors – Federico Blee

Crack the speed barrier wide open in this thrilling new adventure that redefines what it means to go full throttle!

The Super Bonk Rally concludes in epic fashion! Shine and the racers enter the fourth—and final—leg of the race, and tensions are high as both the past and present come crashing down on their team—in more ways than one! Don’t miss the action-packed final issue of the pulse-pounding first volume!

PSYCHO BONKERS #5 is in stores September 23^rd, 2015!

Preview: Psycho Bonkers #3

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

PSYCHO BONKERS #3

Vince Hernandez – Story / Adam Archer – Art / Colors – Federico Blee

Crack the speed barrier wide open in this thrilling new adventure that redefines what it means to go full throttle! Shine’s team reaches the third leg of the Super Bonk Rally, and their competition heats up as the desire for triumph means the racers will stop at nothing to reach victory lane—including the death of their fellow drivers! Meanwhile, discover the truth behind Shine’s ascension towards the top, and what sacrifices she had to endure in order to make her dream a reality! Told in a series of five legs within the race of all races—the Super Bonk Rally, this five-issue mini-series will span amazing landscapes and death-defying terrain, as these racers go completely Psycho Bonkers!

PSYCHO BONKERS #3 is in stores July 22^nd, 2015!

Aspen Doubles Down on Conventions This Weekend, To Exhibit at Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Brett

A contingent of Aspen Comics will be at Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con next weekend, June 19^th to the 21^st, concurrent to Aspen’s appearance at Supanova Sydney.

Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez, letterer Josh Reed, Big Dog Ink’s Tom Hutchison, Eternal Soulfire and Fathom Blue cover artist Eric Basaldua, and The Four Points series artist Jordan Gunderson will be in attendance at booths #317 and #416. With them, they’ll have two Amazing Las Vegas exclusive variant covers: Fathom Blue #1 by Eric Basaldua and Psycho Bonkers #2 by Valentina Pinto.

The latter book is making its official debut at the convention, and will not be available in stores until the following Wednesday, June 24^th. Hernandez, the writer of both series, will be available for signing throughout the weekend.

Aspen will also have a selection of their industry-leading prints with them, including a full-size version of the Amazing Las Vegas Con Fathom Blue #1 exclusive. Visit the booth for official run numbers and other convention exclusive prints.

Conventions

Around the Tubes

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Brett

It was new comic book day yesterday. What did you all get that you’ve enjoyed so far?

Around the Tubes

Newsarama – Report: ROBERT KIRKMAN To Join TRANSFORMERS Sequel/Spin-Off ‘Writer’s Room’ – Interesting.

ICv2 – BIN LADEN READ ICV2 – Congrats?

CBR – Dubai’s First Privately Owned Publisher Talks Goals, Challenges – It’ll be interesting to see what this publisher does.

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – Bloodshot Reborn #1

Comic Vine – Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders #2

Comic Vine – Ghosted #20

CBR – Insufferable #1

Comic Vine – Mad Max: Fury Road: Nux & Immortan Joe #1

The Beat – Psycho Bonkers #1

CBR – Spider-Verse #1

Comic Vine – Star Wars #5

Comic Vine – Uncanny X-Men #34

Around the Tubes

Preview: Psycho Bonkers #1

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Brett

PSYCHO BONKERS #1

Vince Hernandez – Story / Adam Archer – Art / Colors – Federico Blee

Crack the speed barrier wide open in this thrilling new adventure that redefines what it means to go full throttle!

Join Shine, a young but unyielding teenage girl, as she races to find the true story behind the tragedy that wrecked her family, and shattered the sport of Bonk Racing to its core. Along with her trusted technician, Gabbo, and her sentient Bonk Racer, Shiza, she will discover that learning the truth about her future is as dangerous as the tragic past she is trying to forget!

Told in a series of five legs within the race of all races—the Super Bonk Rally, this five issue mini-series will span amazing landscapes and death-defying terrain, as these racers go Psycho Bonkers!

PSYCHO BONKERS #1 is in stores May 20^th, 2015!

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Brett

Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Top Pick: A-Force #1 (Marvel) – An all-female Avengers team?! Hells yes! Sign me up. The team looks interesting and there’s promise of a new character being introduced who will play a big role. There’s lots of buzz for this book and I’m looking forward to it.

Max Max: Fury Road: Nux & Immortan Joe #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – If you saw the movie this weekend, you know why this is on the list.

Psycho Bonkers #1 (Aspen) – A fun car race comic featuring a teenage girl. This is something we need more of. It’s like Speed Racer for the Tween set.

Ultimate End #1 (Marvel) – And this is how a world ends…..

Valhalla Mad #1 (Image Comics) – Any new series from Image is on my radar. Three warrior gods vacationing on Earth by writer Joe Casey sounds awesome to me.

Edward

Top Pick: A-Force #1 (Marvel) – The all-female team for Marvel could be pretty fun if the characters aren’t just put there because of their gender.

Ei8ht #4 (Dark Horse) – More answers are due to be revealed in this tale of time travel.

Jem and the Holograms #3 (IDW Publishing) – This series has been a fun ride so far as the band starts to get more confidence.

Jungle Girl Seasons 3 #2 (Dynamite) – This is a modern version of the jungle genre which once ruled comics.

Satellite Sam #14 (Image Comics) – This world of debauchery and lies only gets more complicated after every issue.

Elana

Top Pick: A-Force #1 (Marvel) – This is the hottest ticket of the week — all of our favorite female heroes in a fascinating speculative world by ground-breaking writer, G. Willow Wilson.

A certain Harvard Professor might think this book looks like porn based on leading questions she asked her sons who are too young to know what porn is. But I know the difference. And even female characters with conventional comics bodies (oh well) can be written as full fledged characters that exist beyond just being subjects for an eroticized male gaze (yeah!). My money is on this being an outstanding book to love and share with your friends.

Convergence: New Teen Titans #2 (DC Comics) – “Why must I be a teengage superhero in looooove?” Only Dion and The Belmonts and Marv Wolfman know for sure. Last issue was everything I wanted: bronze age-worthy soap-y superhero romance, art with a classic feel and great “acting” via Nicola Scott and some things we didn’t know we wanted: namely the fact that apparently Cyborg and Beast-Boy are a couple? I’m still waiting on a fan who read the original series back in the day to tell me if this was a going theory back then. Anyway, this month’s should be all that and more.

Dirk Gently’s Wholistic Detective Agency #1 (IDW Publishing) – I grew up loving the Hitchhiker’s Guide books. They were laugh out loud funny beyond anything else I’ve read yet full of real human emotion, even the aliens. This series is based off of related Douglas Adams novels. I hope this will be in the same spirit.

Jem and the Holograms #3 (IDW Publishing) – A comic book that has charmed everyone. Please get this in to the hands of teen readers! It is totally accessible to folks who never watched the show. Yet it embraces the true spirit of the show- a light sci-fi action story featuring strongly written diverse women. Apparently the movie missed that entirely.

Loki Agent of Asgard #14 (Marvel) – Al Ewing is really on a roll in his titles. I can’t wait to see where this series lands. Great characterization, emotional stakes are high, creative story and I really can’t predict where this will go. Not sure what to make of the new look Loki reveal from last issue. Is he some sort of integrated personality between evil King Loki and the heroic trickster from recent issues? No idea.

Aspen Comics in July 2015

Posted on April 25, 2015 by Brett

ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1

JT Krul – Story / Alex Konat – Art / Federico Blee – Colors

Michael Turner’s classic action-adventure series re-emerges with a brand new era of mystery and magic!

The world of magic and technology have finally collided! And, with it, a new cast of characters will rise. Cassidy, a young high school student with a very big secret, will discover that magic is not only real—but will change her life forever in ways she never could’ve imagined. Meanwhile, Miya, the ancient warrior from the earliest days of the Soulfire Universe, has returned with a vengeance—and both of their paths will be inextricably united!

The first all new Soulfire series to make its debut since Michael Turner introduced you to his incredible magical adventure over 10 years ago, is ready to take you on the ride of your life and explore the world of Soulfire as you’ve never seen it before!

ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 is in stores July 8^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 will ship with two different covers by series artist Alex Konat and Pasquale Qualano. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 12 copies of ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 cover by artist Eric ‘EBAS’ Basaldua, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Ebas alternate ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 covers at net $4 each.

ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 EXPANDED RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 24 copies of ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the Michael Turner ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 Cover, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Turner ETERNAL SOULFIRE #1 Covers at net $8 each.

CRITTER #1

Tom Hutchison – Story / Fico Ossio– Art / Nei Ruffino – Colors

The newest re-mastered debut from Aspen’s Big Dog Ink imprint has arrived!

As a young girl, Cassia grew up as a tomboy who learned karate, ran track and took gymnastics. One day when a little girl is kidnapped for ransom, she finds out that she might have what it takes to be a superhero. But, little does she know that being a hero was always in her blood!

Featuring re-mastered content, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Critter, creator commentary and more! Don’t miss out on the second of Aspen’s all new BDI launch titles with the premiere of CRITTER #1!

CRITTER #1 is in stores July 8^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: CRITTER #1 will ship with two different covers by series artist Fico Ossio and artist Cory Zayatz. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

CRITTER #1 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 8 copies of CRITTER #1 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate CRITTER #1 cover by artist Nei Ruffino, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Ruffino alternate CRITTER #1 covers at net $4 each.

FATHOM BLUE #2

Vince Hernandez – Story / Claudio Avella – Art / Colors – Erick Arciniega

A dangerous new foe has risen!

Admiral Maylander’s assembled team of misfits encounter an enemy that is beyond their combined abilities—and they learn the hard way that their dissension amongst themselves could not only cost them their lives—but, also the fragile concord between the Blue and the Humans forever!

FATHOM BLUE #2 is in stores July 15^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: FATHOM BLUE #2 will ship with two different covers by series artist Claudio Avella and Paolo Pantalena. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions

FATHOM BLUE #2 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 12 copies of FATHOM BLUE #2 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate FATHOM BLUE #2 cover by artist Mike Chrome, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Mike Chrome alternate FATHOM BLUE #1 covers at net $4 each.

PSYCHO BONKERS #3

Vince Hernandez – Story / Adam Archer – Art / Colors – Federico Blee

Crack the speed barrier wide open in this thrilling new adventure that redefines what it means to go full throttle!

Shine’s team reaches the third leg of the Super Bonk Rally, and their competition heats up as the desire for triumph means the racers will stop at nothing to reach victory lane—including the death of their fellow drivers! Meanwhile, discover the truth behind Shine’s ascension towards the top, and what sacrifices she had to endure in order to make her dream a reality!

PSYCHO BONKERS #3 is in stores July 22^nd, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: PSYCHO BONKERS #3 will ship with two different covers by series artist Adam Archer and Agnes Garbowska. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

PSYCHO BONKERS #3 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 10 copies of PSYCHO BONKERS #3 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate PSYCHO BONKERS #3 cover by artist Peter Steigerwald, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Steigerwald alternate PSYCHO BONKERS #3 covers at net $4 each.

FOUR POINTS #4

Scott Lobdell – Story / Jordan Gunderson – Art / Valentina Pinto – Colors

Friend or Foe is the question posed as Ivana’s origin is brought to the forefront in dramatic fashion! With the world still reeling from the existence of the Blue and their deeper counterparts, the Black, Ivana’s people struggle with a choice that could mean the destruction of the human race altogether!

Aspen welcomes back acclaimed writer Scott Lobdell to introduce to you this years most exciting new series, FOUR POINTS!

FOUR POINTS #4 is in stores July 15^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: FOUR POINTS #4 will ship with four different inter- connecting covers by artist Tina Valentina. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

FOUR POINTS #4 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 12 copies of FOUR POINTS #4 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate FOUR POINTS #4 cover by series artist Jordan Gunderson, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Gunderson alternate FOUR POINTS #4 covers at net $4 each.

SHAHRAZAD #4

Kim Hutchison; Kari Castor – Story / Mike Krome – Art / Nei Ruffino – Colors

The first re-mastered debut from Aspen’s Big Dog Ink imprint concludes!

Shahrazad finds herself in a life-or-death battle for the ages, as she must not only prove that she can survive—but, also, that she can kill!

SHAHRAZAD #4 is in stores July 1^st, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: SHAHRAZAD #4 will ship with two different covers by series artist Mike Krome and artist Elizabeth Torque. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

SHAHRAZAD #4 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 8 copies of SHAHRAZAD #4 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the re-mastered SHAHRAZAD #4 cover by artist J. Scott Campbell and colorist Peter Steigerwald, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional re-mastered Campbell/Steigerwald SHAHRAZAD #4 covers at net $4 each.

Aspen Comics in June 2015

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Brett

FATHOM BLUE #1

Vince Hernandez – Story / Claudio Avella – Art / Colors – Erick Arciniega

An unlikely team of BLUE rise in this BRAND NEW Fathom series!

They have all risen from beneath the surface. Each for a different purpose yet united in their exile from their homelands below. Looking to blend in—out of sight–amongst humans unaware of their true potential. However, one man, who has spent the better part of his life hunting the Blue, is keenly aware of their presence—and he will stop at nothing to use these Blue as weapons against their own, even if it means killing them in the process!

The first all new Fathom series to make its debut since Michael Turner introduced you to his incredible underwater adventure over 15 years ago, is ready to take you on the ride of your life and explore the world of Fathom as you’ve never seen it before!

FATHOM BLUE #1 is in stores June 17^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: FATHOM BLUE #1 will ship with two different covers by series artist Claudio Avella and Paolo Pantalena. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

FATHOM BLUE #1 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 12 copies of FATHOM BLUE #1 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate FATHOM BLUE #1 cover by artist Marcus To, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Marcus To alternate FATHOM BLUE #1 covers at net $4 each.

FATHOM BLUE #1 EXPANDED RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 24 copies of FATHOM BLUE #1 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the Michael Turner FATHOM BLUE #1 Cover, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Turner FATHOM BLUE #1 Covers at net $8 each.

PSYCHO BONKERS #2

Vince Hernandez – Story / Adam Archer – Art / Colors – Federico Blee

Crack the speed barrier wide open in this thrilling new adventure that redefines what it means to go full throttle!

Following the tragic events of issue one, Shine must come to grips with the fact that, besides her Bonk Racer and Gabbo, she is now alone. However, in the present, and a crucial leg of the Super Bonk Rally, the team discovers that having company around can actually be far worse!

PSYCHO BONKERS #2 is in stores June 24^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: PSYCHO BONKERS #2 will ship with two different covers by series artist Adam Archer and Mike Bowden. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

PSYCHO BONKERS #2 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 10 copies of PSYCHO BONKERS #2 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate PSYCHO BONKERS #2 cover by artist Peter Steigerwald, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Steigerwald alternate PSYCHO BONKERS #2 covers at net $4 each.

FOUR POINTS #3

Scott Lobdell – Story / Jordan Gunderson – Art / Valentina Pinto – Colors

Deadly secrets are exposed, as Gia’s origin finally comes to light and the true history of her “powers” are disclosed! Yet, the most shocking truth will reveal itself as the ladies investigate an international weapons manufacturer, and learn—perhaps too late—that they may be in far over their heads!

Aspen welcomes back acclaimed writer Scott Lobdell to introduce to you this years most exciting new series, FOUR POINTS!

FOUR POINTS #3 is in stores June 17^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: FOUR POINTS #3 will ship with two different covers by series artist Jordan Gunderson and artist Khary Randolph. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

FOUR POINTS #3 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 10 copies of FOUR POINTS #3 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate FOUR POINTS #3 cover by series artist Jordan Gunderson, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional Gunderson alternate FOUR POINTS #3 covers at net $4 each.

SHAHRAZAD #3

Kim Hutchison; Kari Castor – Story / Mike Krome – Art / Nei Ruffino – Colors

The first re-mastered debut from Aspen’s Big Dog Ink imprint continues!

It seems everyone is out for Shahrazad’s head, yet there is one who finds her life intriguing enough to keep her alive. Janus sends Shahrazad to the arena to see if he can create an ending for this woman who’s future is as uncertain as her life!

SHAHRAZAD #3 is in stores June 10^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $2.99

RETAILER NOTE: SHAHRAZAD #3 will ship with two different covers by series artist Mike Krome and artist Elizabeth Torque. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

SHAHRAZAD #3 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 8 copies of SHAHRAZAD #3 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the re-mastered SHAHRAZAD #3 cover by artist J. Scott Campbell and colorist Peter Steigerwald, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional re-mastered Campbell/Steigerwald SHAHRAZAD #3 covers at net $4 each.

LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4

Vince Hernandez – Story / Siya Oum – Art

The action-packed climactic ending sees Madeline fighting for the survival of not only her group of rebels, but also any hope for a future! As the battle for the airport surges to its bloodiest apex, the Wasteland Madam must make a critical choice of whether love is more important than survival—and no matter what choice she makes, someone will pay the price!

LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4 is in stores June 24^th, 2015!

FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4 will ship with two different covers by series artist and creator Siya Oum and artist Lori Hanson. Each cover is available to order separately, with no quantity limitation or restrictions.

LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4 RETAILER INCENTIVE:

For every 10 copies of LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4 ordered, retailers will receive one (1) FREE copy of the alternate Dawn McTeigue LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4 cover, with the option to purchase up to three (3) additional McTeigue LOLA XOXO: WASTELAND MADAM #4 Covers at net $4 each.

Interview: Vince Hernandez Discusses Aspen’s Psycho Bonkers and Aspen’s Future

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Brett

In a past year of major changes as far as diversity of comic characters, one publisher has been flying under the radar, rethinking their past characters, and created new ones as well. Aspen Comics long ago shed the “sexy heroine” stereotype, and instead have been focusing on interesting stories and characters.

For the company, 2015 seems to be all about change, the first of which was the reworking of their character Kiani. Now, the company is focusing on the all-ages crowd with their new series Psycho Bonkers by Vince Hernandez and Adam Archer.

We got a chance to talk to Vince about the new series staring a teenage girl, and what else we can expect from the “new” Aspeb.

Graphic Policy: So tell us about what folks can expect in Psycho Bonkers?

Vince Hernandez: Well, to get rid of all the silly puns right off the bat, I’ll say that readers will be in for one heck of a ride! But, seriously, this is my ode to the fun and thrilling Saturday morning cartoons and video games we used to watch as kids, with big over-the-top concepts and thrilling adventure. I just wanted to have fun with this one.

Readers will be introduced to Shine, a precocious young racer who—along with the help of her sentient Bonk Racer and robotic assistant—is looking to win the race of all races, the Super Bonk Rally. Along the way, we will discover the tragedy that made her the girl she is today, and why it’s so important that she win the big race.

The book will be told over the course of the five legs of the race, and I hope readers will gravitate towards this breakneck style of storytelling as they learn more about our lead heroine and the importance of this one race.

GP: Where did the idea for the series come from?

VH: I grew up in the eighties, so for me, Knight Rider was an early inspiration that I always wanted to explore more. Primarily, I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of a sentient vehicle that could communicate with its driver. But while Knight Rider was a more adult-themed story, I thought mine could encompass a more all-ages feel. Another inspiration for this story are the races you find in video games like Mario Kart, where you feel like you live or die with these characters and their fate, and the near-impossibility of the challenges set before them. I thought it would make for an exciting concept.

GP: There are two things that immediately stand out about the announcement for the series, it’s an all-ages series, and it stars a teenage girl. What was the thinking behind the decision for those?

VH: Well, anyone who is a fan of my work knows I’m no stranger to working with a female, teenage lead heroine. My past books, like Trish Out of Water, and my most recent series, Damsels in Excess, have featured teenage lead heroines. The difference here, as you mentioned, is the all-ages factor that is certainly something we’re looking to expand upon at Aspen. I think this series coming out now was a culmination of us looking for something with a broader appeal and the right timing for an all-ages series following our Halloween ComicFest Ernie coloring book. We’ve been trending in that direction for some time now.

GP: I noticed the style of the comic is much more “cartoon” like; it seems to have more of a manga influence. Was there discussion in the art style and how it fits the possible audience?

VH: These types of choices always come down to what will fit the overall feel of the story. For Psycho Bonkers, it was evident that the artist needed to be able to capture the hyper-stylized look of a fictional world while keying in on the story’s vital character moments. Adam Archer became our natural choice at that point, as his work fits the bill and then some!

GP: There’s lots of talk about moving “comics forward.” The big two get lots of coverage when they do something progressive with their characters or series. Aspen has been a company that’s had a lot of female led series, and character-wise has been very female focused from my observation. Why do you think folks overlook what you, indie creators, and other publishers have been doing for years and get so excited when the big two catches up?

VH: I think naturally people keep their attention on the larger publishers and consider us an afterthought when, you’re correct, a lot of these things we’ve been doing for years. We’ve been using female creators and featuring female heroines since 2004. But, I think a lot of people have a misconception that because Michael Turner founded our company, we’re just a company that focuses on sexy heroines. This, of course, is a woefully outdated perception of our line of books.

But, that’s okay. We’re never ones to try and stand on a soapbox about things that should be considered normal in our industry. Gender equality and diversity are not hot topic items to be cashed in on, but real life ideals that should be the basis for how every publisher operates.

GP: You’ve shaken up the character Kiani a bit, there’s this series, is making comics for a broader readership something that’s foremost on your mind now?

VH: Without question! Delving more into what I mentioned above, we had talks about how we could achieve an even broader appeal with our flagship titles, and with Fathom: Kiani starting up again early this year, it was the perfect launching pad for this new appeal and her new design.

GP: You clearly thought about things with Kiani, are you re-exploring some of your other established characters or properties?

VH: We’re doing so across the board on our lineup of titles, and fans can expect to see more of these changes in the near future. It’s time to accept that with the huge following that comics are bringing in, we need to ensure that we’re making our characters as accessible as possible while staying true to the story and the creator’s vision for the title.

GP: In that talk, there’s discussion of having broad content, but not a lot about how to actually get it out there beyond the current readership. How do you think the industry can improve in expanding the readership?

VH: I think, as publishers, we tend to over-think ourselves and try to turn everything into a news byte or an initiative in order to pull in new readers. But, call me old-fashioned—I still think the only surefire way to keep fans satisfied and grow your readership is to put out compelling stories and quality products. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.

GP: Has digital shifted your plans at all?

VH: It hasn’t shifted our plans, but it has offered new avenues for us to explore and capitalize on. Also, digital offers us a great opportunity to reach markets where we might not necessarily be sold, so there are a lot of benefits to that platform.

GP: Are there more exciting plans for Aspen this year you can hint about?

VH: Absolutely – we have two Fathom and Soulfire spinoff titles that will feature all new casts of characters and set a new tone for those two flagship series: Fathom Blue and Eternal Soulfire. We’ll also be debuting new series like Lola XOXO: The Wasteland Madam by Siya Oum, The Four Points by Scott Lobdell and Jordan Gunderson, Psycho Bonkers by myself and Adam Archer, the return of JT Krul’s Jirni, and two exciting new concepts I can’t reveal yet by writers that will surprise some people. Stay tuned!

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