Tag Archives: alan robinson

Paramount Options Planet of the Nerds

Paramount Players, a division of Paramount Pictures, has acquired the film rights to adapt the acclaimed graphic novel Planet of the Nerds written by Paul Constant and illustrated by Alan Robinson, Randy Elliott and colorist Felipe Sobreiro. In Planet of the Nerds, three high school jocks in the 1980s are accidentally frozen by an experimental cryogenics device, only to be revived almost 40 years later. They awake in today’s computer-driven, superhero movie-loving world— in an era ruled by nerds. 

Planet of the Nerds is on sale in comic shops now and will be available at bookstores on Tuesday, October 29 from AHOY Comics, featuring a cover by David Nakayama and an introduction by Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings

The deal was brokered by Angela Cheng Caplan of Cheng Caplan Company, Inc.

Planet of the Nerds Vol. 1

Three Comics Enter, One Comic Leaves in AHOY’s Steel Cage Match. The Winner is…

AHOY Comics has been shaking the comic industry up by having fans “expecting more” and getting it in lots of content in a single issue. Recently, the publisher released Steel Cage, a comic featuring three stories from three creative teams. Fans were then encouraged to vote as to their favorite who would then get its own series.

And now we know who the winner is…. Tom Peyer, AHOY Comics Editor-in-Chief, released the below statement:

AHOY Comics’ election to determine which STEEL CAGE feature is to be awarded its own series has ended. The deadline for online voting has passed. The ballots have been counted.

Three deserving candidates vied for this important honor: Noah Zark by Mark Waid & Lanna Souvanny; Bright Boy by Stuart Moore and Peter Gross; and True Identity by artist Alan Robinson and myself.

As editor-in-chief of AHOY Comics I must now inform you, with deep regret, that evidence exists of serious voting irregularities. The total number of ballots cast bears no discernible relation to STEEL CAGE’s circulation figures. One feature, which trailed significantly over the first week, gained a huge majority in one day, perhaps in minutes–an insurmountable lead it maintained to the end.

Our technicians inform me that this could have been the work of a few quick keystrokes, perpetrated by almost anyone–from the despicable agent of a rogue government to a lonely, misguided teenager.

Make no mistake. No one at AHOY is accusing any STEEL CAGE creators of wrongdoing. Every one of our writers, artists, colorists, letterers, designers, and production staff comported themselves honorably and with dignity throughout this process. We respectfully salute one and all.

Nevertheless, due to the alarming evidence of tampering–I do not, I will not, I cannot certify this election.

Instead, in fairness to the creators and to the readers who voted for them, all three candidates will be awarded their own series. Beginning next year, watch for the announcements of NOAH ZARK #1, BRIGHT BOY #1, and TRUE IDENTITY #1, worthy comics all.

We launched this effort with every intention of carrying out the will of the majority. It is the precious right of all comic book fans to go about their work, pursue their studies, and tuck their children in at night secure in the knowledge that their votes have been counted. AHOY’s commitment to the democratic system of comics remains unshakable. With the support of our publisher, Hart Seely, and our entire staff, I call upon all relevant authorities to investigate this unspeakable outrage and bring the offenders to justice.

Thank you, and God bless comics.

–Tom Peyer, AHOY Comics Editor-in-Chief

Three Comics Enter the Steel Cage and You Can Vote Who Wins with AHOY Comics

AHOY Comics is inviting readers to vote on what comic should receive its own series. On Wednesday, June 26 AHOY Comics will publish Steel Cage #1, a one-shot comic book anthology featuring three dazzling short “pilot” stories from all-star creative teams. Fans can vote on which story continues at the AHOY Comics website and the outcome of the vote will determine what comic book series is published.

Steel Cage just might be the greatest moment of fan participation since fans called a 1-900 number and voted for a teenage sidekick to die.

– Publisher Hart Seely
Steel Cage #1

The competing stories in the Steel Cage One Shot are:

  • Noah Zark” by writer Mark Waid and artist Lanna Souvanny, in which an alien boy is kidnapped into an interplanetary zoo—and becomes the protector of the animals;
  • True Identity” by writer Tom Peyer and artist Alan Robinson, in which we learn what secret anguish drives the most beloved superhero on Earth;
  • Writer Stuart Moore and artist Peter Gross’s “Bright Boy” in which we discover the grim tale of the world’s smartest human—and the havoc he leaves in his wake.

Competition between the comic book veterans is fierce. The creators are making their case, talking crap, and want your vote.

Stuart Moore:

I mean, let’s get real, the writer and co-creator of Captain Ginger and Bronze Age Boogie. When you come home from a hard day at the Soylent Green plant and rip open your comics bundle, what do you want to read about? A kid in a zoo? A SUPERHERO? No—you want to read about the smartest guy in the world! Bright Boy for the win!

Tom Peyer, AHOY Comics’ Editor-in-Chief and the writer of its acclaimed comics The Wrong Earth, Hashtag Danger, and High Heaven, said:

When I read Bright Boy or Noah Zark—and I’ve been reading both stories obsessively—my head is tilted as if to say, ‘what an adorable, childlike attempt to prevent the inevitable victory of Alan’s and my True Identity.’ And then I shed a tear, because there’s something deeply sad about their efforts.

Mark Waid, the New York Times bestselling writer of beloved comics including Kingdom Come and Irredeemable, is contributing his first story for AHOY Comics in Steel Cage. Waid said:

As I look down from high above the Mount Olympus of legendary comic book writers, it amuses me to see the flailing True Identity and Bright Boy teams wander aimlessly in search of some sort, any sort. of ladder with which to ascend by standing on the backs of their adorable ‘creations.’ Perhaps there will come a day when they find themselves privileged enough to sit before Lanna and I and bask in our boundless glory. Until then, we shall simply nibble on our ambrosia and laugh.

Voting is live now and will end the Friday before San Diego Comic-Con International. The winner will be officially announced during San Diego Comic-Con International.

Preview: V-Wars: The Graphic Novel Collection

V-Wars: The Graphic Novel Collection

Jonathan Maberry (w) • Alan Robinson, Marco Turini (a) • Photo (c)

V-Wars is set in a world transformed by a global pandemic caused by a millenia-old virus that, once triggered, affects individuals differently depending on their DNA, resulting in vampires as unique as their cultures. But the response from unaffected humans is like never before, leading to all-out war.

New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry takes you on a non-stop thrill ride of action, horror, and suspense! These all-new tales chronicling the early days of the Vampire Wars offer the first salvo in the battle between humans and hundreds of new species of vampires! No matter how it ends, the world is going to bleed. Collects all 11 issues.

TPB • FC • $29.99 • 256 pages • ISBN: 978-1-68405-536-4

V-Wars: The Graphic Novel Collection

Exclusive Preview: Planet of the Nerds #2

Out this Wednesday, May 15th, is AHOY ComicsPlanet of the Nerds #2 with a main story by Paul Constant, artist Alan Robinson, colorist Felipe Sobreiro, and letterer Rob Steen.

After the thawed-out 1980s jocks start a riot at a comic convention, they learn to their horror that everyone in 2019 uses computers like a bunch of poindexters.

But, AHOY Comics is packed with entertainment and we have an exclusive preview of the back-up story “Drew Johnson – Testing Week” by writer Paul Constant, artist Randy Elliott, colorist Felipe Sobreiro, and letterer Rob Steen.

This back-up story features Dragonflyman and Stinger, the stars of the breakout AHOY Comics series The Wrong Earth which you can get in trade in comic shops and book stores now.

Check out the exclusive preview of some of what you’ll find in Planet of the Nerds #2 below.

Preview: Planet of the Nerds #1

Planet of the Nerds #1

Story: Paul Constant
Cover: David Nakayama
Art: Alan Robinson
Colorist: Felipe Sobreiro
Extras: Randy Elliott

Three high school jocks in the 1980s are accidentally frozen by an experimental cryogenics device, only to be revived in the computer-driven, superhero movie-loving world of 2019–an era ruled by nerds! PLUS! A backup series explores the characters’ origins. EXTRA! Prose and pictures by the finest talents in and out of comics.

Check Out AHOY Comics’ Second Wave in May Plus an Early Preview of Hashtag: Danger #1

HASHTAG: DANGER #1

(W) Tom Peyer, Paul Constant
(A) Chris Giarrusso, Fred Harper
(C) Richard Williams

Exploding from the pages of High Heaven, three scientific adventurers face strange creatures, lost civilizations, and supernatural threats–when they’re not too busy being complete jerks to each other. PLUS! Follow the depressing misadventures of Snelson, an over-the-hill comedian who peaked in the 90s. EXTRA! Pics, prose, and possibly poems!

Painted cover by Richard Williams (MAD, Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Terror)

May 1, 2019
$3.99

HASHTAG: DANGER #1

DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN #1

(Free Comic Book Day title)
(W) Tom Peyer, Stuart Moore, Hunt Emerson
(A) Russ Braun, June Brigman, Roy Richardson, Hunt Emerson
(C) Jamal Igle

All new! From the hit series THE WRONG EARTH: On gritty Earth-Omega, Dragonfly prowls the darkness for his evil prey; on sun-splashed Earth-Alpha, Dragonflyman protects the status quo! PLUS! A tale of space hero CAPTAIN GINGER when he was a kitten! AND! Edgar Allan Poe battles the Black Cat!

May 4, 2019
FREE

DRAGONFLY AND DRAGONFLYMAN #1

BRONZE AGE BOOGIE #2

(W) Stuart Moore, Tyrone Finch
(A) Alberto Ponticelli, Mauricet
(C) Alberto Ponticelli

AHOY’s 1970s genre mashup slams into high gear! Teenage barbarian Brita finds herself transported to 1975 A.D., right in the middle of a second Martian invasion. Can her new friends—Lynda Darrk and martial arts master Jackson Li—save two Bronze Ages? Back feature: the frightening evolution of Major Ursa, the first bear in space! Plus the usual illustrated text features!

May 8, 2019
$3.99

BRONZE AGE BOOGIE #2

PLANET OF THE NERDS #2

(W) Paul Constant
(A) Alan Robinson, Randy Elliott
(C) David Nakayama

After the thawed-out 1980s jocks start a riot at a comic convention, they learn to their horror that everyone in 2019 uses computers like a bunch of poindexters. PLUS! An untold tale of teen jock Drew from the pastel world of the 1980s. EXTRA! A selection of AHOY text stories, beautifully illustrated.

May 15, 2019
$3.99

PLANET OF THE NERDS #2

AHOY Comics Announces a New Way of Comics Starting in April

In 2018, upstart comics publisher AHOY Comics told us to “expect more” from our comics. They delivered exactly that with four acclaimed comics that blended comics with magazines delivering full length comic stories, prose, poetry, and cartoons from more than seventy artists and writers.

The publisher has announced a second wave of releases starting in April 2019 that features more of what we’ve come to expect and even a crossword puzzle!

AHOY Comics Second Wave includes:

BRONZE AGE BOOGIE

by writer Stuart Moore, artist Alberto Ponticelli and colorist Giulia Brusco, with a cover by Ponticelli and Brusco
April 3, 2019; $3.99

“From its jawdroppingly odd first page to its hilariously insane last, BRONZE AGE BOOGIE sets itself apart from every other comic in the best possible ways. I loved every insane minute of it.” — Matthew Rosenberg (Uncanny X-Men, The Punisher, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank)

“It’s like skateboarding uncontrollably through 1970s comics with kaleidoscopes strapped to your eyes — but in a good way! I mean, I guess they could have called it SAVAGE SWORD OF THE PLANET OF THE DEADLY HANDS OF THE WORLDS ON THE LOOSE…but BRONZE AGE BOOGIE is, at the very least, shorter. Don’t miss it!”— Kurt Busiek (Astro City, Marvels)

What do you get when you combine all the best-loved comics genres of the 1970s: apes, monsters, Kung Fu, sword-and-sorcery, and cosmic adventure? You get BRONZE AGE BOOGIE, an intense, character-based action-fest with plenty of style! In this collector’s item first issue, young barbarian princess Brita Constantina finds herself battling a Martian invasion—in 1975 AD and BC! Back-feature: Meet MAJOR URSA, the first bear in space. But will he be a hero or a villain? Plus the usual assortment of AHOY text stories!

BRONZE AGE BOOGIE

PLANET OF THE NERDS

by writer Paul Constant, artists Alan Robinson and Randy Elliott, and colorist Felipe Sobreiro  with covers by David Nakayama
April 17, 2019; $3.99

“PLANET OF THE NERDS #1 captures the goofy joy of 80s classics like Revenge of the Nerds, Back To The Future, and Real Genius. Then, with the most elegant of plot twists, it updates the story for a different age. Smart, fast paced and beautifully drawn.”— Gene Ha (Mae)

“We all know that nerds won the great nerd/jock battle of the 80s, but what if a bunch of jocks were frozen in time and emerged not knowing the war was over? That’s the question PLANET OF THE NERDS asks, and the answer is, ironically, delightfully nerdy nerdy fun.”—Arthur Wyatt, (Judge Dredd)

“This is a really good bit.” — Daniel Kibblesmith (Santa’s Husband)

“AHOY’s offerings so far have been a celebration of a comic world won by all us geeks. Planet of the Nerds continues that creatively invigorating streak while also serving as a cleverly written, beautifully illustrated cautionary tale for non-comics bullies everywhere.” — Chris Ryall, President & Publisher/CCO, IDW Publishing

Three high school jocks in the 1980s are accidentally frozen by an experimental cryogenics device, only to be revived in the computer-driven, superhero movie-loving world of 2019–an era ruled by nerds! PLUS! A backup series explores the characters’ origins. EXTRA! Prose and pictures by the finest talents in and out of comics.

PLANET OF THE NERDS

HASHTAG: DANGER

by writer Tom Peyer, artist Chris Giarrusso, and covers by Richard Williams
May 1, 2019; $3.99

“HASHTAG: DANGER! is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and, as we all know, sliced bread is pretty great—vastly superior to unsliced bread which has to be pulled apart with your fist like an animal.”— Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon)

“AW YEAH, HASHTAG!” – Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans)

“AW YEAH, DANGER!” – Franco (Patrick the Wolf Boy)

Exploding from the pages of High Heaven, three scientific adventurers face strange creatures, lost civilizations, and supernatural threats–when they’re not too busy being complete jerks to each other. PLUS! Follow the depressing misadventures of Snelson, an over-the-hill comedian who peaked in the 90s. EXTRA! Pics, prose, and possibly poems!

Painted cover by Richard Williams (MAD, EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF TERROR)

HASHTAG: DANGER

STEEL CAGE

One-Shot, featuring stories by writer Mark Waid and artist Lanna Souvanny, writer Tom Peyer and artist Alan Robinson, writer Stuart Moore and artist Peter Gross; and a cover by Elsa Charretier
June 26, 2019; $3.99

Three dazzling short “pilot” stories from AHOY’s finest – and YOU get to vote on which series continues! In “Noah Zark” by Mark Waid and Lanna Souvanny, an alien boy is kidnapped into an interplanetary zoo—and becomes the protector of the animals. In “True Identity” by Tom Peyer and Alan Robinson, we learn what secret anguish drives the most beloved superhero on Earth! And Stuart Moore and Peter Gross’s “Bright Boy” tells the grim tale of the world’s smartest human—and the havoc he leaves in his wake.

STEEL CAGE

The Wrong Earth #2 Has Sold Out and Gets a Reprint

The Wrong Earth #2 has sold out at Diamond Comic Distributors and going back to press. That’s impressive for just the third release from a startup publisher. AHOY Comics has been receiving praise in reviews and that’s resulting in sales.

This second print features a different-colored logo and is timed to coincide with the release of issue #3.

Monday 10/29 is the cutoff for stores to place their orders. The Diamond ordering code is AUG189232.
Wednesday 11/21 is the In-store date for the second printing.

The saga of two world-swapped heroes continues as, on gritty Earth-Omega, the cheerful Dragonflyman faces off against corrupt, violent police. Meanwhile, the naïve authorities of colorful Earth-Alpha enrage the grim Dragonfly. EXTRA FEATURE! Dragonflyman and Stinger confront the dastardly menace called NIMBY! Plus a text story by Kek-W, illustrated by Carol Lay!

Review: The Wrong Earth #2

The saga of two world-swapped heroes continues! On gritty Earth-Omega, the cheerful Dragonflyman faces off against corrupt, violent police. Meanwhile, the naïve authorities of colorful Earth-Alpha enrage the grim Dragonfly.

I gushed over The Wrong Earth #1, the debut comic from AHOY Comics and the second issue is just as good diving deeper into its exciting world. The Wrong Earth #2 is both a spoof and homage of comics, a brilliant balancing act that’s impressive and I’d imagine hard to do. Writer Tom Peyer nails the mix as we bounce between the two worlds and two different heroes.

It’s hard to really praise the writing in this series. What’s pulled off is utterly brilliant. While the concept of taking a modern “grim and gritty” hero and placing them in an innocent world and vice versa might sound simple, being able to get the tones of it all right isn’t. Each interaction you have characters whose tone and vibes are opposite. You have situations and characters that clash. Yet, this flows perfectly.

Peyer also is able to balance both lovingly playing with and poking fun at the concept. You can spoof it and just go over the top making fun of comics past and present. You can play it for straight and put forward what you think is the best of both eras. But this series in its two issues does both. Characters will remind you of other comics and the beats do too. It takes that seriously playing up a loving kiss to it all. But, it does it in such an over the top way at times it’s hard to not see it as an entertaining goof too.

The art by Jamal Igle with ink by Juan Castro, color by Andy Troy, and lettering by Rob Steen is on point. Igle and the team perfectly nail the styles of the two eras. It would be expected for a series to employ two artistic teams to pull off what Igle, Castro, and Troy do, but the trio pull off the amazing by bouncing between the eras in a way that each character continues their innocent or gritty in the opposite world. What’s more impressive is nothing seems completely out of place, it still works visually. The details too in the art add to the story allowing the reader to understand more about each hero and how they differ.

All of that alone would merit a 10 out of 10 across the board, but with AHOY you should expect more!

In this issue’s back-up comic story, Dragonflyman and Stinger confront the dastardly menace called NIMBY! Writer Paul Constant, artist Tom Feister, and letterer Rob Steen deliver a second comic featuring the heroes and it has the fun innocence playing off of comics of the time. Of course there’s winks and nods and it’s just a fun bonus to read.

And that’s not all… it’s an AHOY comic, we’re getting more.

The comic features prose writing and instructions to microwave a meal featuring the writing of Kek-W, Bryce Ingman, and Mark Russell, and art by Carol Lay, Alan Robinson, and Joe Orsak. It’s all solid and honestly seeing as how I loved this comic for the main story, this is all bonus and it’s entertaining bonus material. The comic for me is the draw and the rest is extras that only add to the value of it all.

The first issue was fantastic, the second is just as amazing. AHOY Comics launched and told us to expect more from comics and in two issues they have me doing exactly that. This comic would be worth the price for the main story alone but then there’s a second comic, plus prose stories, and it’s all good. This is seriously some of your best value for your money when it comes to comics and this publisher is at another level.

Story: Tom Peyer, Paul Constant Kek-W, Bryce Ingman, Mark Russell
Art: Jamal Igle, Tom Feister, Carol Lay, Alan Robinson
Ink: Juan Castro Color: Andy Troy Letterer: Rob Steen
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

AHOY Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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