SKYWARD #5
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
Now an ongoing series! Skerrigan is on the prowl, leaving bodies in his wake as he chases down Quinn–but will he discover the Rabite camp? The highly-acclaimed, all-ages action-fantasy ups the ante as our heroes scramble to escape their fates. Skyward is making waves! Alternate cover by Khary Randolph (Charismagic, TMNT) and Laura Martin (Thor, Authority)!
This weeks see the release of the first trade paperback collection of the runaway smash hit Skyward! You now have no excuse as to why you aren’t reading this series. This trade paperback collects the first three issues as well as the Free Comic Book Day story that started it all.
It all begins here, as young Quinn and his dog Jack face off against a threat more terrible and a world more fantastic than they ever imagined!
These first issues sets up a fantasy world that’s perfect for both kids and adults alike. The story is still being set up, but these issues follow Quinn and his dog and their journey as well as the search to find them. Exactly what this is all about is only hinted at, ready to excite and entertain us as the series continues.
Jeremy Dale does double duty on the series acting as both the writer and artist and doesn’t miss a beat with either. With each issue, the series only gets stronger, a great sign overall. The more I read, the more I was hooked. While some things might be predictable in the first issue, as the second and third roll around that all gets chucked out the window and it all becomes a very fun ride.
If you’re a fan of fantasy or looking for a good introduction to it for younger readers, this is an excellent way to spend your hard-earned dollars and support solid indie comic work at the same time.
Story: Jeremy Dale Art: Jeremy Dale
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
BO, PLUSHY GANSTA #2 (Bi-Monthly)
Writer(s): Pavel Balabanov
Artist Name(s): Pavel Balabanov
Cover Artist(s): Pavel Balabanov
Variant cover: Pavel Balabanov
After clashing with the “Roswell” gang, Bo lies in a coma. Now it’s up to his posse to help him fight back from limbo to finish the job of taking out the next big boss, Serpent (a.k.a. Puppet Master). It’s plushy teddy vs. alien mutant gang warfare… can you dig it!?
Bo Plushy is like Ted meets Scarface in Vice City video game combat!
28 pages/ Mature Readers /FC $3.99
FRACTURE VOL.2 #4 (of 4)
Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin
Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c)
Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c)
In this climactic last installment of the newest arc of FRACTURE, the city of Triton is held hostage by the Society of Thorns and its minions, while Virtue fights Jeff for control of their shared existence. An unexpected ally joins the battle with disastrous consequences, leading to a final shocking twist.
Variant cover by Dark Horse Comics (Athena Voltaire) creator Steve Bryant!
32 pages/ Rated PG/ FC $2.99
GHOST TOWN VOL.1 TPB
Writer(s): Ryan Lindsay, Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Daniel Logan, Justin Greenwood
Cover Artist(s): Justin Greenwood
Collecting the hit series’ first arc.
The unthinkable has happened. In the wake of time displaced terrorist attacks on Baltimore and Las Vegas, Washington DC has been evacuated. With the government uprooted, the abandoned Capital has become a refuge for bandits, smugglers, hardened criminals and those who have chosen to stay behind in this pre-apocalyptic Ghost Town.
116 pages/ Mature Readers/ FC $11.99
JACK HAMMER #3 (0f 4)
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
Variant Cover9s0 Des Taylor
With the architect of Eddie Newman’s death revealed, Jack goes on the offensive to confront the mastermind pulling the strings of Boston’s underworld and rescue Newman’s kidnapped widow. He knows the who and the how, but the questions remain: why? And does he stand a chance?
Variant cover by pop art Superstar Des Taylor (The Trouble with Katie Rogers)
32 pages/ All Ages/ FC $2.99
PRINCELESS ENCORE EDITION TPB
Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley
Artist Name(s): M. Goodwin
Cover Artist(s): M. Goodwin
The 2011 Eisner Award nominated series is collected in a brand new printing.
Adrienne Ashe never wanted to be a princess. She hates fancy dinners, is uncomfortable in lavish dresses, and has never wanted to wait on someone else to save her. However, on the night of her 16th birthday her parents, the King and Queen, locked her away in a tower guarded by a dragon to await the rescue of some handsome prince. Now Adrienne has decided to take matters into her own hands! Come join the Eisner-nominated team of Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin for a tale of swashbuckling in the face of sexism. Princeless is the action adventure for the girl who’s tired of waiting to be rescued and ready to save herself.
128 pages/ All Ages/ FC $11.99
PRINCELESS VOL.2: GET OVER YOURSELF TPB
Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley
Artist Name(s): Emily Martin
Cover Artist(s): Emily Martin
Offered again! A new collection of the adventures of everyone’s favorite runaway princess, the incomparable Adrienne. This time she’s out to rescue her older sister Angelica, the most beautiful princess in the world. It won’t be easy though. Not only does Adrienne have to deal with Angelica’s legions of admirers and their sibling rivalry, but the King has hired a band of ruthless mercenaries to track her down. Can she save Angelica? Does she want to? And how willshe deal with these deadly knights who are after her head?
128 pages/ All Ages/ FC $14.99
SKYWARD #9 (Monthly)
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
All-out war! Three Rivers is under attack by Herod’s armies, and it may just beup to Quinn, Abigail, and the Rabites to save the city from certain destruction! But wait…who rides on the horizon? Plus: A HUGE REVELATION you won’t see coming– not to be missed! THE SMASH HIT SERIES CONTINUES! From rising star creator Jeremy Dale (GI Joe, Marvel Kapow!), this issue also features a stellar homage RETAILER INCENTIVE variant cover by Gene Ha (Top Ten, Action Comics)!
32 pages/ All Ages/ FC $3.99
SKYWARD VOL.2: STRANGE CREATURES
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the second volume of the runaway hit action-fantasy, Skyward! New, curious allies and strange, twisted enemies emerge as Quinn runs headfirst into a conflict that’s bigger than he ever dreamed possible. Who will catch up to our young hero? Enter… The savage Rabites! Or will it be Skerrigan who ends our hero’s journey? Continuing the series that TMStash lauds as “…Breathtaking. You won’t be able to put this down!” Thrill to the fantastic storybook adventure from Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the exciting tale of Quinn and his dog, Jack– left orphaned by an invasion of his homeland. Collects Skyward #4-6, as well as the critically-acclaimed Halloween Comicfest 2013 short story, “Into the Grim.
96 pages/ All Ages/ FC $8.99
When you think of February, ones thoughts automatically go to flights of fancy as lovers of all ages celebrate Valentines Day. But, at Action Lab Entertainment their thoughts go to thoughts of eclectic, original and jaw dropping comic book entertainment. To help celebrate all things love, Action Lab has enlisted the help of cartoonist and writer John “Super Ugly” Williams. Super Ugly will be the featured variant cover artist on six Action Lab titles through the month of February.
An artist who works in a world of round monsters and strange creatures, Super Ugly is the creator of Monsters Are Just Like Us and the upcoming Action Lab release, Atomic Fred, as well as publishing Check Please! A Collection of Art on Guest Checks. A man of many talents, Super Ugly hosts a podcast, The Geek Savants, and has released music and toured with his band Unified School District.
“Ugly Love” month is about finding a different kind of love. Sometimes strange, and probably in the background, but always real and passionate.” said Super Ugly “This month at Action Lab “Ugly” is the new “romantic”.
Super Ugly’s brand of romantic expression will be featured on Final Plague #5, Skyward #8, Jack Hammer #2, Fracture #3, Princeless Encore Edition #4, and Zombie Tramp #3!
EHMM THEORY VOL.1TPB
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford, (colors – Jason Strutz)
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford
Gabriel Ehmm was doing just fine until the morning he woke up… dead! Now, along with his talking kitten, Mr. Whispers, the two begin the wildest ride of their un-lives. Ehmm Theory Volume One collects the critically acclaimed mind-melting adventure that features all that plus pint-sized zombie clowns, giant cybernetic crustaceans, and a super-team of the bizarre!
Special Notes: Collects the first four critically-acclaimed (Fangoria, Aint It Cool News) issues of the break-out hit series.
112 pages/ Rated Mature $9.99
THE FINAL PLAGUE #5 (of 5)
Writer(s): JD Arnold
Artist Name(s): Tony Guaraldi-Brown
Cover Artist(s): Tony Guaraldi-Brown
1 in 5 variant ratio variant: John (Super Ugly) Williams
As the opening arc comes to close, can Drs Stohr and Friedman escape the overrun facility at Lakehurst? Will the Michaels be forced from their family farm? And a major character falls! The end is just the beginning for this zombie animal epic!
Special Notes: Features the series’ first variant cover, part of Action Lab’s Ugly Love variant cover month.
32 pages/ Rated Mature $2.99
FRACTURE VOL.2 # 3 (of 4)
Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin
Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c)
Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c)
1 in 5 variant cover by John “super Ugly” Williams. 1 in 5 variant cover by Bill Blankenship.
In this penultimate issue of FRACTURE volume 2, the path of Virtue takes unexpected turns, and the troubles of Jeff and his alter-egos ensnare unintended victims. Jeff seeks help yet again from the dubious Doctor Atomic, and an electrifying secret is revealed!
Variant covers by Bill Blankenship (Double Jumpers) and John “Super Ugly” Williams celebrating Ugly Love month!
32 pages/ Rated PG $2.99
JACK HAMMER #2 (of 4)
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
Private investigator Jack McGriskin is a magnet for trouble–and this time it’s a doozy. Businessman Eddie Newman is dead and Jack has suspects, but can he make the charges stick? And more importantly, can be live long enough to? Stalked by a super-powered killer, Jack’s time is running out! Variant covers by Brett Weldele (The Surrogates) and John “Super Ugly” Williams!
1 in 5 variant cover by Brett Weldele
1 in 5 “Ugly Love” variant cover by John “Super Ugly” Williams
32 pages/ All Ages $2.99
MOLLY DANGER: BOOK ONE HC
Writer(s): Jamal Igle
Artist Name(s): Jamal Igle (p), Juan Castro (i), Romulo Farjardo Jr. (c)
Cover Artist(s): Jamal Igle (p), Juan Castro (i), Romulo Farjardo Jr. (c)
OFFERED AGAIN! She’s the hero you’ve been waiting for! Eternally child-like and inhumanly strong, Molly Danger has protected the citizens of the once sleepy town of Coopersville, New York for the past 20 years from the terror of the sinister Supermechs. But what secrets from her past threaten to destroy everything she holds dear when new D.A.R.T. recruit Austin Briggs becomes her pilot?
48 pages/ All Ages $19.99 9″x12″ Hardcover Album
PIRATE EYE VOL.1 TPB
Writer(s): Josiah Grahn
Artist Name(s): Carl Yonder
Cover Artist(s): Carl Yonder
Once a pirate with a keen eye for finding wealth in unlikely places, Smitty now lives exiled from the sea. Landlocked, he has carved out a new niche as a “finder,” a man who, for a price, will utilize the same skills that served him as a treasure-hunting scoundrel to unearth any item, person, or secret. As his reputation and caseload swell, Smitty must contend with the gangster who all but rules his new hometown, a dangerous collection of local brigands and politicians, and the pall of threats from old enemies. Through it all his focus on what he values most-his own success-never wavers. Though his circumstances have changed, in his chest still beats the heart of a pirate!
Special Notes: Collects the first four issues of the quarterly Pirate Eye comic. An all-new cover!
128 pages/ Rated PG $11.99
PRINCELESS ENCORE EDITION # 4 (of 4)
Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley
Artist Name(s): M. Goodwin
Cover Artist(s): M. Goodwin
Be there for the epic conclusion of the first Princeless story! Adrienne and Bedelia are in deep trouble with the city guards, but they’re not about to back down! Fisticuffs will be had! Hijinks will ensue! Stereotypes will be challenged! Princeless! Variant “Ugly Love” cover by John “Super Ugly” Williams! 1 in 5 variant cover by John “Super Ugly” Williams
32 pages/ All Ages $2.99
SKYWARD #8
Monthly Ongoing
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Chris Giarrusso
The Runaway hit series continues! At last, the decision is made…WAR! From rising star creator Jeremy Dale (GI Joe, Marvel Kapow!), this issue also features a stellar homage
RETAILER INCENTIVE variant cover by Chris Giarrusso (G-Man, Mini Marvels)!
32 pages/ All Ages $3.99
ZOMBIE TRAMP #3 (of 4)
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza
Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza
Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza
1 in 5 variant ratio variant: John (Super Ugly) Williams
1 in 5 incentive cover / nude variant: Pavel Balabanov
Janey’s zombie powers continue to evolve, while the passenger body count continues to rise, as the Taint Train of Terror chugs on! It’s an express ride of sex, gore, and cartoon grindhouse mayhem! Comes with 3 covers: regular cover by series artist Dan Mendoza, Ugly Love variant cover by Super Ugly, and “nude” incentive cover by Pavel Balabanov (Bo Plushy Gangsta).
Special Notes: Comes with 3 covers, regular cover by series artist Dan Mendoza, Ugly Love variant cover, and “nude” incentive cover by Pavel Balabanov (Bo Plushy Gangsta).
28 pages/ Rated Mature $2.99
At San Diego Comic-Con I picked up the early black and white limited edition copy of Charles Soule‘s new series Letter 44 from Oni Press, and it’s as amazing as it sounds.
Letter 44 is a new sci-fi series that asks ‘How would people act when faced with a true threat?’ It begins with the newly inaugurated President Blades sitting down in the Oval Office, reading the letter left to him by the outgoing president. That letter is simply addressed to ’44’.
The contents of that letter? Seven years ago NASA discovered some sort of construction project out in the asteroid belt. No one on Earth knows what it is, and the outgoing President sent astronauts up there to investigate. As the story opens, they’re about 6 months away and about 150 million miles from Earth. As the group of intrepid astronauts venture forth to greet an extraterrestrial force, we are left to wonder if they’re friend or foe?
Soule nails the first issue and is backed up with solid art by Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque. This is going to be a huge comic, so do yourself a favor and get to your shop and reserve yourself a copy.
Check out below for the rest of the picks.
Top Pick: Letter 44 #1 (Oni Press) – see above.
Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse) – I didn’t know what to expect out of the first issue, but holy crap was it good. The publisher is appropriate because this is a dark horse comic of the year.
Forever Evil: Rogue’s Rebellion #1 (DC Comics) – I’ve been digging DC’s event which really pits old vs. new villains and their version of ethics. I think we’ll see that spelled out much more in this off-shoot which features the Flash’s villains, the Rogues!
Imagine Agents #1 (BOOM! Studios) – A new all-ages comic from BOOM! that looks fantastic and has a lot of buzz.
Skyward #3 (Action Lab Entertainment) – Speaking of all ages, this series by Action Lab has been fantastic in all of its releases so far. It’s great fantasy and features some fun characters and a nice mix of action so far. The first two issues have flown off the shelves, so… get to your shop early to grab this one.
TPB/Graphic Novel of the Week: The Black Beetle: No Way Out Vol. 1 (Dark Horse) – The art! The story! This fantastic series by Francesco Francavilla had an awesome first volume and you can grab it now all in one handy volume.
The first issue of Skyward, the breakaway sold-out hit from Action Lab Entertainment, will return to stores with a second printing at the end of September.
Skyward was recently announced as the first ongoing series for Action Lab, which has published limited series, one-shots, and original graphic novels to date.
The book retails for $2.99 and we highly recommend grabbing a copy when you can.
This coming Monday is the latest episode of Graphic Policy Radio this time with guest Jeremy Dale. The show airs live at 10pm ET.
Announced as the first ongoing title from publisher Action Lab, Skyward is also the best selling book in history from them. Debuting to positive reviews it’s sold out at the distributor level and Action Lab’s reserves are nearly gone too. Impressive from a new series!
But, all of that is due to the talent of creator Jeremy Dale who we’ll be chatting with and hopefully we’ll get some scoops as what’s to come next in the comic!
So join us and learn some secrets about an indie comic success story! We want to hear from you, so call in at (619) 768-2952 with questions or comments or hit us up on Twitter @graphicpolicy.
The Final Plague #2
The Final Plague continues! A mutated rabies virus continues to spread across the planet, infecting, killing, and re-animating animals both great and small. Can mankind survive? And what will happen when the first humans are infected? Will they fall, only to rise again?
I’m not the biggest fan of horror movies. It’s taken me a long time to get into them, and it wasn’t until I was well into my 20s before I really got to enjoy them. Good horror can freak me the fuck out. The Final Plague is good horror.
I don’t know what it is, the story, the art, the combination of the two, something really clicks with this series as I find myself squirming as I read through each of the issues. Maybe it’s because it’s rats involved? Possibly because it’s realistic?
Whatever it is, it works. It works really well since I find myself struggling to make it through reading the issue without freaking out. A great story elicits emotion and this does just that.
The fact that I struggled to make it through, like a good horror tale, shows that it’s a solid comic and the fact it’s done that two issues in a row makes it great. This is easily one of Action Lab: Danger Zone’s best comics and one of the best horror comics on the market right now.
Story: JD Arnold Art: Tony Guaraldi-Brown
Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Princeless: Tales of Family Ashe
While Adrienne is having the adventure of her lifetime, her family is getting pulled into the fray! Learn what happens to the ethereal Angelica in the aftermath of Adrienne’s rescue attempt! Shudder to learn what horrible fate has befallen Adrienne’s next sister, Angoisse!
And learn the rest of the tale of the young King Ashe, ensnared in the trap of the fiendish elves.
Serving as an epilogue to the second volume, this one-shot covers some of what happens after Angelica’s rescue as well as serves up what I can only assume is the next sister we get to meet Angoisse.
Like the main series, there’s some amazing writing here and great humor that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids.
The fact is, Princeless is one of the few series that features strong female leads, that are relatable, and on top of that minorities. It’s a comic you can be proud to hand off to people to show what comics can be.
This one-shot is a must for fans of the series and those wanting to find out about events after the end of the second volume. For the rest, you need to do yourself a favor and start from the first volume to read what is one of the best comic series on the market.
Story: Jeremy Whitley Art: Adriana Blake, Jessi Sheron, Isabelle Melancon
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy
Princeless: Tales of Girls Who Rock
Princess Adrienne is on the loose again, and this time she brought some friends! While Adrienne may be the first runaway princess, she’s certainly not the only girl who rocks! Come join Adrienne, Bedelia, Sparky, Tempest, and some brand new friends in Princeless: Tales of Girls Who Rock, a one-shot sure to introduce you to your next comics obsession!
They can’t all be winners and for a series that’s been as solid as this, there eventually had to be one issue that didn’t quite work. This one-shot that expands the Princeless universe a bit is entertaining, but as far as stories and flow, something was off for me and didn’t quite click.
What’s amazing is the series has been so good, comparing this one-shot to the rest is almost unfair, but even to the normal comics off, this one didn’t quite speak to me as I expected.
Thinking about what didn’t quite work, I don’t think it’s Whitley’s writing which is entertaining. I can’t say it’s the art, which is good as well. Neither are quite as strong as past issues or one-shots, but they’re all still good. I think the plots themselves didn’t quite seem as enjoyable as past releases.
There’s nothing bad about this at all, and as an addition to the overall Princeless universe and volume it’s nice to see the world expanded a bit. But, the stories at this point don’t seem to add a whole lot for me, which I guess caught me off guard. There’s a lot of potential here though and I’d love to see more of a world formed.
If you’re looking for a place to start with Princeless, this isn’t it, but it is a nice step in a great direction that I’m hoping for more of.
Story: Jeremy Whitley Art: Tara Abbamondi, Jen Vaughn, Agni Shearstone
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Skyward #2
The chase is on as an unlikely group of villagers race to catch up to Quinn, who is on the run from the assassin Slog-Riders. Yikes!
Reading the first issue of Skyward, I did wonder one thing, where was the kick-ass female lead. With a proper introduction of Abigail, here we go and more evidence that Action Lab is a publisher that gives a crap about diversity.
Gone is the predictable plot points from the first issue, instead we get very relatable characters (there’s that word again) that draw you further into the fantastical world creator Jeremy Dale has come up with.
And in that relatable department is Abigail, a strong female character who is there for more than to just look at. She has a strong personality and great abilities when it comes to fighting and tracking. She’s every bit as capable and more-so than some of the other male characters. The fact is, she’s a strong female protagonist, something that’s awesome to see.
The issue has great pacing and quickly leads back into and follows up from the events of the first issue. Dale has put together a fantasy series that’s fun and easy to get into for long time fantasy fans and new readers. It’s also fun for old and young alike. A solid series that I hope finds the following it deserves.
Story: Jeremy Dale Art: Jeremy Dale
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
The weekend is here! How are folks spending it?
Around the Tubes
Bleeding Cool – Jack Kirby “Argo” Art Sells Well Above Estimates – Yeah, I’d think so.
The Mary Sue – X-Men: Days Of Future Past And The Summers Brothers Conundrum – Do they need to meet?
Bleeding Cool – Kickstarter Comics – A New Source Of IP? – It’s also turned into a publisher incubator.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Talking Comics – Batman Annual #2
ICv2 – Dance Class: To Russia With Love
Talking Comics – The Fearless Defenders #7
Bleeding Cool – Skyward #1
