Tag Archives: spencer & locke

Spencer & Locke is Optioned by Prime Universe Films

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Spencer & Locke is the latest comic book series to be optioned to be made in the film. The series written by David Pepose with art by Jorge Santiago, Jr. and published by Action Lab Entertainment has been picked up by film producer Adrian Askarieh and his company Prime Universe Films.

Spencer & Locke follows hard-boiled Detective Locke as he solves a brutal murder with the only partner he can trust — his imaginary talking panther, Spencer. But as their investigation stirs up a vicious crime syndicate and memories of Locke’s traumatic upbringing, can this unlikely pair survive long enough to learn the truth?

Spencer & Locke #4, which concludes the series’ action-packed storyline, will be available at comic shops and digital devices Wednesday, July 19. Series writer David Pepose will be signing copies of all four issues at Comic-Con International in San Diego at the Action Lab booth (#2006), including a never-before-seen SDCC variant cover from artist Joe Mulvey.

You can read our glowing review of the first issue and find out why this is a series you should check out now!

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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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.

Alex

Top Pick: God Country #6 (Image) – A sleeper hit for me, I didn’t start reading this until the 4th issue had come out, and I was struck by the stark brilliance of the comic. Everything about this issue is a joy to experience; Emmett Quinlan’s attitude embodies the best of humanity’s stubborn refusal to quit, and then the creative team produce a wonderfully written and drawn issue each month.

All-Star Batman #11 (DC Comics) – I’ve made no secret of the fact I’m a Scott Snyder fan… but I loved the previous issue. I can’t wait to read this, especially with Snyder delving back into Alfred’s past.

Rapture #2 (Valiant) – This is a bit of a cheat because I’ve already read the review copy and know I like it, but I’m excited to get my hands on a physical copy to check out the gorgeous artwork.

The Chair #1 (Alterna) – I have no idea what this is about.. but it’s a dollar. Every other one of Alterna’s newsprint comics has been more than worth the money, so I see no reason for this to be any different.

 

Shay

It’s a great week to be comic book lover, so many awesome titles that this almost became a top ten list. If you’re lucky you can finish them off, if you’re not , then you’ll have more than enough to keep you occupied next weekend as you gear up for the long beach (or camping) holiday weekend.

Harley Quinn #22 (DC Comics) – Poison Ivy is back and I’m looking forward to this dynamic duo getting their friendship ( or something else) back on track.

Batwoman #4 (DC Comics) – Alas, the end of the current arc is here and it’s looking like it’s going to bring up more questions about Batwoman’s origins and give us an interesting bad guy to learn more about in the next arc.

The X-Files: Origins – Dog Days of Summer #1 (IDW Publishing) – The truth is out there and teenage Mulder and Scully are going to find it. I can legit here the theme song in my head.

Crosswinds #1 (Image) – Cat Staggs and Gail Simone have teamed give us what I’m sure will be a true gift from the comic gods!

America #4 (Marvel) – Mardrimar is revealed, the Ultimates might be getting the band together and America gets a blast from the past that reminds her that she doesn’t always get it right.

Luke Cage #2 (Marvel) – Luke’s in New Orleans making new friends ,dealing with enemies and getting even closer to the truth or Dr. Burstein.

Bill & Ted Save the Universe #1 (BOOM! Studios) – I’m here for it!

Brik TP (Oni Press) – The series I miss the most is back in it’s very own trade paperback. Nothing new but, it’s nice seeing it in one place so I can revisit the things that made me fall in love with it , as I pine for some new issues.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Super Sons #5 (DC Comics) – This has been a great book from the start. Great action, I love the banter between Robin and Superboy and the art is great. I couldn’t ask for anything more from a superhero book. You really should be reading this.

Iceman #2 (Marvel) – I really enjoyed the first issue of Iceman’s solo series. It really gave new readers a glimpse into the character’s past, and gave us veterans a starting point to see where Bobby is going and how he is changing. It was a good mix of action and insight into the character and I hope it carries on in this second issue.

Secret Empire: Underground #1 (Marvel) – This event, like many of Marvel’s past events, has been a real let down. Aside from the fact that Marvel turned Steve Rogers into the fascist leader of Hydra and it seems Hydra’s reach didn’t take long at all to take hold, the event has just been boring and has induced many eye rolls, at least from this reader. But, I have been enjoying the tie in series more then the main event and this book has me excited. We saw this team in action in Secret Empire #4 and I was totally into all of it. I love the line up and their agenda and I’m really looking forward to seeing more from them. And to be honest, anything with Mockingbird in it is a must read for me.

W.M.D. Weapons of Mutant Destruction #1 (Marvel) – The new Weapon X series has been so-so; nothing terribly exciting except for this new mysterious Weapon X project that seems to be hunting down mutants instead of turning them into weapons. But after issue 4, we now have a better understanding of their why after finding out who is pulling the strings. But Old Man Logan and team are on their way for a little payback, so I’m excited to see how all this is going to explode…and if the cover to W.M.D #1 is any indication, it is going to explode big time!

 

Brett

Top Pick: Peter Parker: Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – Chip Zdarsky takes on Spider-Man and boy am I looking forward to this one. Zdarsky’s humor should fit really well with the classic Spider-Man which was more about the quips and fun. Here’s hoping!

Lobo/Road Runner Special #1 and Wonder Woman/Tasmanian Devil #1 (DC Comics) – The first two series that mashed up DC characters with Looney Tunes were a lot of fun and I can’t wait to read the fun that’ll be these two issues.

Solarman #3 (Scout Comics) – It’s been a long time coming, but I’m still looking forward to this issue which feels like the predecessor in some ways to Lion Forge’s Catalyst line.

Spencer and Locke #3 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – A great combination of concepts for a solid noir series with a twist.

Victor Lavalle’s Destroyer #2 (BOOM! Studios) – A new take on the classic Frankenstein story. The first issue was good and I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

Preview: Spencer & Locke #3

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SPENCER & LOCKE #3

Writer(s): David Pepose
Artist Name(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Pencils), Jasen Smith (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Cover A); Maan House (Cover B – limited to 1500 copies)
32 pgs./ T+ / FC
$3.99

S.O.S.! S.O.S.! Beaten, drugged and left for dead, things are looking bad for Locke—but unfortunately for his captors, Locke isn’t here anymore. Get ready for a night of psychedelic terror and homicidal violence as Rocketman Reynolds makes his daring escape from Planet X!

Spencer & Locke Gets Collected as a Trade in August

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His partner’s imaginary… but the danger is all real! Classic comic strip nostalgia meets dark and gritty noir in Spencer & Locke, the critically acclaimed new crime series from writer David Pepose and artist Jorge Santiago, Jr., which arrives in trade paperback this August from Action Lab: Danger Zone.

When his childhood sweetheart Sophie Jenkins is found dead, there’s only one partner hard-boiled Detective Locke can trust to help him crack the case: his imaginary talking panther, Spencer. But as Spencer and Locke’s investigation stirs up a vicious crime syndicate — as well as memories of their own traumatic pasts — can this unlikely duo survive long enough to discover the truth?

Featuring behind-the-scenes material including character designs and script pages, fans of Calvin and Hobbes, Sin City, and Criminal should not miss the trade collection of Spencer & Locke, which will be released August 30, 2017. It can be pre-ordered now with the Diamond item code JUN171107.

Preview: Spencer & Locke #2

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SPENCER & LOCKE #2

Written by DAVID PEPOSE
Art by JORGE SANTIAGO, JR.
Colors by JASEN SMITH
Lettering by COLIN BELL
Cover A by JORGE SANTIAGO, JR.
Cover B by MAAN HOUSE
$3.99 | 22 pgs. | Action Lab: Danger Zone | T+ | On sale MAY 31

Action Lab’s noir mashup of Calvin and Hobbes and Sin City continues in SPENCER & LOCKE #2! Spencer and Locke’s investigation leads them to the seedy nightclub known as the Red Rose — but what kind of power does the Red Rose’s owner hold over Locke? Meet Ramona Sinclair — and if this femme fatale doesn’t do these gumshoes in, a death-defying car chase just might. The second installment of David Pepose and Jorge Santiago, Jr.’s pitch-black love letter to Watterson and Miller will arrive in comic shops and digital devices May 31!

Review: Spencer and Locke #1

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When his grade-school sweetheart is found dead, there’s only one friend Detective Locke can trust to help solve her murder – his childhood imaginary panther, Spencer. But when they face a vicious crime syndicate and memories from Locke’s traumatic youth, can this unlikely pair survive long enough to find the truth?

Take Calvin and Hobbes and mix it with Sin City (or really any noir crime story) and you get Spencer & Locke, the new series written by David Pepose with art by Jorge Santiago, Jr.

The first issue is a pretty standard noir story with a dead body and a Detective trying to solve it. But, where this one is unique is the fact that Detective Locke’s partner is Spencer, an imaginary panther from his childhood. That twist creates a unique addition to a genre that has had a lot of comic releases.

I found myself reading the first issue not just entertained by the murder mystery, but the interaction between Locke and Spencer, especially to see who Spencer interacts with and how. Pepose does a solid job of letting the readers learn as we go instead of spelling it out and he has lots of fun with it especially when expectations are broken which I know caught me off guard and kept me on my toes going forward. Pepose has clearly thought out his twist and it shows in every panel and scene that features our two main characters and how that plays out going forward will be what makes or breaks the series (and so far it absolutely makes it).

The art by Santiago, Jr. is key to that making everything believable in a sense that how Spencer and Locke are presented are key. That spatial focus is key for the series as it keeps us the readers on our toes trying to figure out it Spencer is make believe or if there’s something more there. In other words, you may need to show two characters when there’s only one in reality and when a third party is involved, that’s where things get interesting. Santiago, Jr. nails that aspect while infusing the atmosphere I’d expect from a crime/noir story.

Spencer & Locke has its twist and brings something new to a genre that while entertaining, needs something new to really stand out. Whether or not the murder mystery is interesting isn’t the draw for me going forward, it’s all about Spencer and Locke. Much like Calvin and Hobbes, how Spener and Locke interact is the heart of the series and has me counting down the days until I can read more.

Story: David Pepose Art: Jorge Santiago, Jr.
Story: 8.45 Art: 8.35 Overall: 8.40 Recommendation: Buy

Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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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.

Alex

Top Pick: Immortal Brothers: The Green Knight #1 (Valiant) – The Eternal Warrior has become one of my favourite characters, so this 48 page one-shot by Matt Kindt and Cary Nord that places him and his brothers in King Arthur’s court (another subject I’m very fond of) is going to rocket to the top of my pull list. I’ve been looking forward to this for months.

Old Man Logan #21 (Marvel) – Logan heads back in time to, I assume, various points in his past. I know nothing about this series beyond the front covers, but they look so incredibly exciting.

Redline #2 (Oni Press) – It’s not often I get excited about sci-fi comics… but this is one of the ones that tickles my fancy,

Voracious: Feeding Time #5 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – I make no secret of my love for this series whatsoever, and the finale to the second miniseries is going to be explosive – and awesome. My expectations are through the roof for this, but Markisan Naso and Jason Muhr have a habit of smashing those to smithereens with each issue.

 

Patrick

Top Pick: Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys: The Big Lie #2 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Last issue introduced us to Hardy Boys noir, let’s see what’s in store for Nancy.

All-Time Comics: Bullwhip #1 (Fantagraphics) – The idea of this line is so perfect and ridiculous it’s a must for me.

Spencer and Locke #1 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – Calvin & Hobbes noir. I’ll take that for at least one issue.

American Barbarian Complete Series (IDW Publishing) – !!!

 

Joe

Top Pick: Old Man Logan #21 (Marvel) – I can’t believe Lemire’s run is almost over, but this four issue arc sounds like a hell of a way to go out on top.

Seven to Eternity #5 (Image) – It’s back! The book returns after a usual image trade release break, and I’m stoked to see what Remender does.

Grass Kings #2 (BOOM! Studios) – After a promising first issue from one of my favorite writers, Matt Kindt, I am hyped for the second one.

Action Comics #977 (DC Comics) – The Superman Reborn arc was a lot of fun, and this comic has been consistently great. What’s next for Supes?

Detective Comics #954 (DC Comics) – A classic villain and Batman prepare to battle? Or will they? Tynion is killing it on this book and I’m so excited to see where this story goes, especially involving Orphan so much.

 

Shay

It’s an amazing week to be a comic book lover. It was really hard to narrow it down to the seven titles I picked.

Top Pick: Neil Gaiman’s American Gods Shadow #2 (Dark Horse) – Shadow’s life is about to get even more interesting in this graphic serial version of almost everyone favorite Gaiman book. Come for the David Mack variant covers, stay for the amazing story.

Top Pick: Black Panther and the Crew #1 (Marvel) – YES PLEASE. So many black superheroes, such a strong story, so much action. Saying I am here for the page turning story arc is an understatement.

America #1 2nd Printing (Marvel) – If you don’t already own a copy or haven’t read it yet, then you should get to it. Despite the shady AF comments about diversity killing the Marvel’s print sales, we have a comic book about a Queer Latina requiring a 2nd printing proving that representation counts, diversity is important and  America (the superhero & the country) is for all of us.

Kingpin #3 (Marvel) – The hits keep on coming, take that however you want, and, Kingpin is becoming a complex, fully realized, multi-faceted character.

Suicide Squad #15 (DC Comics) – The “Burning Down the House” storyline comes to an end. Deadshot is about to go up against his old team with Harley leading the charge. Rustam and his crew had better bring their A-game because, the Squad is in a take no prisoners, crack all skulls kind of mood.

Honorable Mention: Deadpool vs Punisher #1 (Marvel) – A battle of the morally gray psycho “heroes” is upon us. The man of all the action and little words meets the man with all the words and all the action.  Got popcorn?

Honorable Mention: Weapon X #1 (Marvel) – building on the awesomeness of Logan, the newest version of the Weapon X will keep you on your toes and worried about the safety of some of our favorite clawed mutants. You should be worried, this Weapon X upgrade isn’t just about creating superior mutants, it’s about kicking off a mutant genocide.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Weapon X #1 (Marvel) – I’m a sucker for shadowy government agencies, and Weapon X has a long standing history in Marvel of being one of the most shadiest and deadliest.  I’m excited to see what this new agency’s agenda is, and I’m looking forward to seeing Domino and Warpath back on a team line up.

X-Men Blue #1 (Marvel) – I’m hoping this title brings some of the fun from this teams first book, but also get them more into playing the heroes they will one day grow up to be.  And it’s going to be interesting to see how Magneto performs as mentor and how he will influence this team.  I’m thinking this is going to be a good one.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Spencer & Locke #1 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – It’s Calvin and Hobbes meets Sin City and it’s amazing. One of my favorite debuts so far of 2017 it’s entertaining and subversive.

Godshaper #1 (BOOM! Studios) – A super interesting concept where everyone has a god. I’ve read the first issue and it’s a unique idea and intriguing start.

Heathen #3 (Vault Comics) – Have you read the first two issues? That alone is reason this is on my list. A solid LGBT comic that is set in the world of vikings.

Solar Flare #1 (Scout Comics) – An apocalypse story where power goes out, Scout has been putting out entertaining comics that fly under the radar. They’ve nailed it when it comes to quality and solid comics. So, when there’s a new release it’s always on my list to check out.

The Unstoppable Wasp #4 (Marvel) – So far, the comic has been a lot of fun with a positive entertaining vibe that I can’t help but smile when I read it.

Preview: Spencer & Locke #1

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Spencer & Locke #1

Written by DAVID PEPOSE
Art by JORGE SANTIAGO, JR.
Colors by JASEN SMITH
Lettering by COLIN BELL
Cover A by JORGE SANTIAGO, JR.
Cover B by MAAN HOUSE
Cover C by JOE MULVEY
$3.99 | 22 pgs. | Action Lab: Danger Zone | T+ | On sale APRIL 12

What if Calvin & Hobbes grew up in Sin City? Find out in SPENCER & LOCKE, a dark four-issue crime thriller from Action Lab Entertainment’s Danger Zone imprint. Written by David Pepose and illustrated by Jorge Santiago, Jr., SPENCER & LOCKE follows Detective Locke, who returns to the scene of his horrific upbringing when his grade-school sweetheart, Sophie Jenkins, is found dead in a lonesome back alley. But when Locke’s investigation dredges up menacing figures from his traumatic past, there’s only one person he can trust to help him close the case — his childhood imaginary panther, Spencer. The twisted nostalgia of SPENCER & LOCKE comes to comic shops and digital devices April 12!

Action Lab Delivers Even More New Series in 2017

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If the first three months were any indication, 2017 looks to be a breakthrough year for Action Lab Entertainment. Fresh on the the heels of their largest release ever with DollFace #1, Action Lab has announced its next wave of creator-owned series. Upcoming titles include Spencer & Locke, Medisin, Kid Sherlock and two Hero Cats series, Hero Cats of Skyworld and Midnight Vol. 2.

Find out what happens if Calvin & Hobbes grew up in Sin City with Action Lab: Danger Zone’s Spencer & Locke in April.

Written by David Pepose and illustrated by Jorge Santiago, Jr., Spencer & Locke follows Detective Locke, who returns to the scene of his horrific upbringing when his grade-school sweetheart, Sophie Jenkins, is found dead in a lonesome back alley. But when Locke’s investigation dredges up menacing figures from his traumatic past, there’s only one person he can trust to help him close the case — his childhood imaginary panther, Spencer.

Fans of Ed Brubaker’s Criminal, Nick Spencer’s Thief of Thieves, and the work of Bill Watterson will love Spencer & Locke.

In May, Action Lab welcomes Medisin, a six issue mini series from Action Lab’s Danger Zone about healthcare for super villains.

Health care for super villains. What a concept. Ethan Sharp leads a team of down on their luck doctors who have been blackmailed by the sinister Malady into providing medical care for the worst super villains in the world. Ethan and his team are all broken individuals, struggling with their own personal issues. Are they upholding their Hippocratic Oath to “first, do no harm”? They struggle with these ethical dilemmas as they strive to escape from the grasp of Malady, who has all of them on a very tight leash. Ethan comes to terms with his own family history and learns a terrifying truth about himself along the way.

Fans of the Suicide Squad and Breaking Bad will love Medisin!

May also marks the continuation of the all-ages series Hero Cats with Hero Cats of Skyworld and Midnight Vol. 2.

What if the Breakfast Club took place in a Dungeons & Dragons world? Now imagine that the jock, the criminal, the princess, the brain, and the basket case are all cats. Get ready for the wildest stories ever told in – “The Hero Cats of Skyworld”!

Midnight is a black cat wielding the claws of justice. He has to find a way to save the world! Take James Bond and Batman, mix it with some beautiful Frank Miller inspired art, and throw in a prison break. What do you get? An instant hit for cat loving fans everywhere!

June marks the beginning of the all-ages comedy mystery series Kid Sherlock.

John Watson is nervous being the only dog at his new school, Baker Elementary. But when he takes an interest in fellow student, Sherlock Holmes, the two become unlikely, and sometimes contentious, friends. Together they deal with bullies, track down lost toys, investigate stolen playground equipment, and even face an unseen threat terrorizing the school halls. All the while Watson tries to help Sherlock make friends with his fellow students and Sherlock tries to help Watson become a better detective.

In addition to these upcoming titles, Action Lab will continue to publish their all-ages series such as comic legend Peter David’s Artful, the sci-fi series Blue Hour and ZAG Entertainment’s Miraculous. Action Lab’s mature imprint, Danger Zone, will continue its various series, including AmeriKarate, DollFace, The Circle, Tomboy, Vampblade and Zombie Tramp.

Spencer & Locke #2 Races Into Stores and Digital This May!

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Action Lab‘s noir mashup of Calvin and Hobbes and Sin City continues in Spencer & Locke #2! Spencer and Locke’s investigation leads them to the seedy nightclub known as the Red Rose. But what kind of power does the Red Rose’s owner hold over Locke? Meet Ramona Sinclair. If this femme fatale doesn’t do these gumshoes in, a death-defying car chase just might. The second chapter of David Pepose and Jorge Santiago, Jr.‘s pitch-black love letter to Watterson and Miller will arrive in comic shops and digital devices May 2017!

Featuring colors by Jasen Smith, letters from Colin Bell, a main cover by Jorge Santiago, Jr., and variant by Maan House.

SpencerAndLocke_002_000

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