Dark Horse Books presents a rockin’ new tale in The Rock Gods of Jackson, Tennessee! This legendary new graphic novel combines elements of action, adventure, horror, and humor packed in one epic trade paperback book. Rock Gods is created by writer Rafer Roberts artist Mike Norton colorist Allen Passalaqua, and letterer Crank!.
It’s 1989 and Jackson, Tennessee’s number one juvenile delinquent, Marty Ward, never wanted to join the Rock Gods. After all, who wants to be in a band with nerds like Jonny, Lenny, and Doug? But after the high schoolers stumble into the gig of a lifetime—opening for local rock legend Tommi Tungstun—the four outcasts must put aside their differences and play together if they want to achieve their dreams of fame, freedom, and popularity.
Standing in these future superstars’ way are: their parents, their teachers, a school full of jerks and bullies, a town full of bad bosses, sanctimonious preachers, and corrupt politicians, each other, and a rampaging horde of mutated monsters tearing through Jackson and eating everything in their path.
The Rock Gods of Jackson, Tennesseewill be available in bookstores June 6, 2023 and comic shops June 7, 2023. It is available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at your local comic book shop and book store. It will retail for $19.99.
This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Battlepug: Volume One
Disclaimer: Somehow I managed to delete, and save the deletion, of almost the entire text of this column. It is currently about ten minutes before it’s due to go live…
After a visit to the thrift store the other day I found the first volume of MikeNorton‘s Battlepug. Joining Norton for the comic is colourist Allen Passalaqu and letter Chris Crank. The story itself is a blend between homage and parody to Conan and He-Man in a world where sword and sorcery is the name of the game in a world where giant cuddly and innocent looking (mostly) animals represent a rather unconventionally large threat. With the first volume taking on a story-within-a-story set up, the framing is of a fairly stereotypical fantasy woman telling a bed time story to her two talking pugs.
It’s the story within, that bed time story, that holds the origin of the Battlepug as a lone survivor of a village grows to become the Conan figure in all his brutal glory. The book, a slightly oversized hardcover that cost me $6, is presented almost like a children’s book – and because this isn’t a book for kids, that only adds to the brilliance of its presentation. Battlepug is one of those rare stories that is able to both poke fun at and show respect to its genre while exposing the tropes and criticisms that audiences level at classical fantasy. And it does all this with utter seriousness as a giant pug slurps and snorts through the pages.
Although there is a very cohesive and well told story here, there are also brilliant little moments every few pages; jokes in dialogue and imagery, nods of the head to other things the reader should be all too aware of, and things that may not necessarily be on their radar (I’m sure I missed a lot, honestly). There’s a much deeper story for you to unpack upon the second or third reading, and it never gets old. Or it hasn’t for me.
Norton’s story is utterly fantastic. It’s funny, it’s remarkably well written, and it deserves so much more than the hastily rewritten column that it is getting. It is beyond an Underrated gem, and it’s one that I have every intention of revisiting very soon, and in more detail, when I find the second volume.
Join us next week when we look at something else that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.
Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1, the epic compilation featuring two fan favorite graphic novels—Skull Island: The Birth of Kong (2017) and Godzilla: Aftershock (2019)—from Legendary Comics is now on sale in stores and online. For new readers wanting to discover more about the backstories of the mighty Kong and great Godzilla or fans revisiting their favorite adventures, Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1 brings these two beloved Titan prequel stories together for the first time ever in one legendary volume that features a new cover by Arthur Adams as well as never-seen sketches and art.
In Godzilla: Aftershock, the King of the Monsters becomes an endangered species as an ancient terror rises from the depths of the Earth that will test Godzilla like never before. A shadowy figure stalks Dr. Emma Russell as she travels the globe with a team of Monarch operatives to unearth clues of an ancient terror returning to threaten humanity, while Godzilla clashes in a rivalry as old as the Earth itself. Written by Arvid Nelson with art by Drew Johnson and coloring by Allen Passalaqua.
In Skull Island: Birth of Kong, discover the secrets of Kong’s mythic origins as the cryptozoological adventurers of Monarch return to the birthplace of one of our world’s greatest wonders. As a journey of discovery becomes a desperate escape mission, a team of operatives fights to survive the hidden dangers of the island – and each other. The standalone Skull Island: Birth of Kong graphic novel is currently out of print with the Monsterverse Titanathology offering fans a new chance to revisit the highly popular adventure. Written by Arvid Nelson with art by ZID.
Writer: Greg Keyes Artist: Drew Edward Johnson Colorist: Allen Passalaqua On-sale date: March 30, 2021
Godzilla Dominion—the prequel graphic novel written by Greg Keyes (the Age of Unreason trilogy; three New York Times bestselling Star Wars novels in the New Jedi Order series) with art by Drew Edward Johnson (DC’s Wonder Woman, Supergirl; Legendary Comics’ Godzilla Aftershock)—will feature a unique story that picks up after the events of the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. As told entirely from Godzilla’s point of view, the graphic novel brings new insights into the King of Monsters: his habitats, ancient rivalries, encounters with new Titans, and other challenges. As his new era of dominance is tested, a coming confrontation with another King looms.
The Monsterverse is expanding! In celebration of Godzilla vs. Kong, Legendary Comics is releasing 2 all-new prequel graphic novels, 2 children’s books, a behind-the-scenes art book, a novelization, and a special anthology of past stories. All coming soon!
Godzilla Dominion—the prequel graphic novel written by Greg Keyes with art by Drew Edward Johnson will feature a unique story that picks up after the events of the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. As told entirely from Godzilla’s point of view, the graphic novel brings new insights into the King of Monsters: his habitats, ancient rivalries, encounters with new Titans, and other challenges. As his new era of dominance is tested, a coming confrontation with another King looms. Available on March 30, 2021 and available for pre-order.
A sequel to the graphic novel Skull Island: Birth of Kong and a prelude to the film Godzilla vs. Kong, the upcoming prequel graphic novel,Kingdom Kong, will follow a group of highly skilled military pilots gathered together on Skull Island to see who has ‘the right stuff’ to take on a dangerous mission into the hollow earth. One of the pilots, Audrey, is haunted by the memories of a monstrous clash with one of Godzilla’s titanic rivals that left deep scars. When Skull Island is attacked by Camazotz, a bat-like Titan, Audrey must to come to terms with her inner demons, and finding his home newly threatened, Kong must rise to face this usurper that would plunge the world into perpetual night. Kingdom Kong is written by Marie Anello with art by ZID. Available on March 30, 2021 and available for pre-order.
Kong finds himself in the center of a charming and enthralling children’s book, Kong & Me, by New York Times’ bestselling author Kiki Thorpe with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani. Young fans will be able to follow along as the mighty Titan and his new pal spend a day of fun and adventure exploring the many wonders of Skull Island—proving that friendships come in many sizes and no matter how different we are, no one is too big or small to find a true friend. Available on March 30, 2021 and available for pre-order.
The engaging and family-friendly board book Godzilla vs. Kong: Sometimes Friends Fight (But They Always Make Up), from Insight Editions and featuring art from illustrator Carol Herring, features heartwarming lessons and introduces the beloved Godzilla and Kong characters to a younger generation. Making new friends isn’t always easy for kids. That is equally true for two giant monsters, where small misunderstandings can easily blossom into enormous conflicts. This book provides tips on how to be a good friend by using these two Titans to show young kids how to behave in familiar situations…but on a much larger scale. Available on April 6, 2021 and to you can pre-order it now.
New York Times’ bestselling author Greg Keyes returns once again to the Monsterverse with Titan Books’ Godzilla vs. Kong: The Official Movie Novelization, taking readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and so much more. Humanity fights for its future as Godzilla and Kong embark on a path of destruction that will see the two most powerful forces of nature on the planet collide in an all-out war. Available on April 6, 2021 and is up for pre-order.
For new readers wanting to discover the backstories of Godzilla and Kong for the first time or fans revisiting their favorite adventures, the Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1 brings the previously released graphic novels, Skull Island: The Birth of Kong (2017) and Godzilla: Aftershock (2019), together in one legendary volume for the first time ever. Available on May 11, 2021.
Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall, The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale—from Insight Editions and written by Daniel Wallace with a special foreword by director Adam Wingard—takes fans behind-the-scenes revealing how this monstrously epic film was brought to the screen. The deluxe book will feature a dynamic selection of exclusive concept art, pre-production materials, on-set photography and insight from the filmmakers, making it the ultimate guide to an iconic movie showdown. Available on May 21, 2021 and it’s available for pre-order.
Legendary Comics has revealed the new covers for its upcoming Godzilla vs. Kongprequels Kingdom Kong and Godzilla Dominion, as well as for theMonsterverse Titanthology Vol 1, all by acclaimed artist Arthur Adams.
KINGDOM KONG
Writer: Marie Anello Artist: ZID On-sale date: March 30, 2021
A sequel to the graphic novel Skull Island: Birth of Kong and a prelude to the film Godzilla vs. Kong, the upcoming prequel graphic novel,Kingdom Kong, will follow a group of highly skilled military pilots gathered together on Skull Island to see who has ‘the right stuff’ to take on a dangerous mission into the hollow earth. One of the pilots, Audrey, is haunted by the memories of a monstrous clash with one of Godzilla’s titanic rivals that left deep scars. When Skull Island is attacked by Camazotz, a bat-like Titan, Audrey must come to terms with her inner demons, and finding his home newly threatened, Kong must rise to face this usurper that would plunge the world into perpetual night. Kingdom Kong is written by Marie Anello (Shout Out) with art by ZID (Legendary Comics’ Skull Island: The Birth of Kong; Trick ‘r Treat: Days of the Dead; Spectral: Ghosts of War).
GODZILLA DOMINION
Writer: Greg Keyes Artist: Drew Edward Johnson Colorist: Allen Passalaqua On-sale date: March 30, 2021
Godzilla Dominion—the prequel graphic novel written by Greg Keyes (the Age of Unreason trilogy; three New York Times bestselling Star Wars novels in the New Jedi Order series) with art by Drew Edward Johnson (DC’s Wonder Woman, Supergirl; Legendary Comics’ Godzilla Aftershock)—will feature a unique story that picks up after the events of the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. As told entirely from Godzilla’s point of view, the graphic novel brings new insights into the King of Monsters: his habitats, ancient rivalries, encounters with new Titans, and other challenges. As his new era of dominance is tested, a coming confrontation with another King looms.
MONSTERVERSE TITANTHOLOGY VOL. 1
On-sale date: May 11, 2021
For new readers wanting to discover the backstories of Godzilla and Kong for the first time or fans revisiting their favorite adventures, the Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1 brings the previously released graphic novels, Skull Island: The Birth of Kong (2017) and Godzilla: Aftershock (2019), together in one legendary volume for the first time ever.
Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, along with colorist Allen Passalaqua and letterer Crank! are bringing Panda Mony’s hit creation to life on the printed page in Alter Nation: They Hide Hybrids!
Alter Nation: They Hide Hybridsfollows a top-secret team of cryptid-heroes, GK Delta, who are committed to protecting humanity from extraordinary threats. When you and your team are all that stands between humanity and certain annihilation, you must be able to trust each other no matter what. So when a teammate betrays his brother’s in arms, the team is forced to fight one of their own! What’s worse, what if he was right to leave? The team must confront one of their worst enemies while grappling with the fact that they may not be the heroes they think they are!
Alter Nation: They Hide Hybridsis an all new 50-page graphic novel and includes the 12-page prequel comic Alter Nation: The Mystery of the Whining Winny. It will be in bookstores October 6, 2020 andwill retail for $14.99.
Dark Horse Comics and Panda Mony Toys have announced a new publishing partnership based on Panda Mony Toy’s line of exciting and unique human-animal hybrid figures, Alter Nation!
At a top-secret island base off the California coast, these human-animal hybrids, also known as the GK Delta Special Forces, dedicate themselves to protecting humanity from forces that no typical human can defeat – and no one is allowed to know. Find out what happens when they discover that their origin isn’t what it seems and is part of a larger cover-up. On October 31, 2019, Dark Horse and Panda Mony Toys will release a 12-page digital comic preview of an upcoming graphic novel, Alter Nation: The Mystery of Whining Winny.
In Alter Nation: The Mystery of Whining Winny, the GK Delta team is the only line of defense against threats that normal humans can’t stop. Join the team as they’re dispatched to Nevada where it’s rumored that a monster is menacing locals and this monster may be the newest member of the team. If not, GK Delta will be trapped between this new monster and the townspeople they need to save.
Alter Nation: The Mystery of Whining Winny is written by Tim Seeley, illustrated by Mike Norton, colored by Allen Passalaqua, and lettered by Crank!!
The Alter Nation:The Mystery of Whining Winny12-pagedigital comic preview will be available for fans to download for free on October 31, 2019. Fans can pre-order Alter Nation’s line of toys through the Panda Mony Toys store, which will go on sale on October 31, 2019, and each toy will contain a free mini-comic book. The Alter Nation:The Mystery of Whining Winny original graphic novel will go on sale in summer 2020, and will retail for $14.99.
This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Battlepug: Volume One
Disclaimer: Somehow I managed to delete, and save the deletion, of almost the entire text of this column. It is currently about ten minutes before it’s due to go live…
After a visit to the thrift store the other day I found the first volume of MikeNorton‘s Battlepug. Joining Norton for the comic is colourist Allen Passalaqu and letter Chris Crank. The story itself is a blend between homage and parody to Conan and He-Man in a world where sword and sorcery is the name of the game in a world where giant cuddly and innocent looking (mostly) animals represent a rather unconventionally large threat. With the first volume taking on a story-within-a-story set up, the framing is of a fairly stereotypical fantasy woman telling a bed time story to her two talking pugs.
It’s the story within, that bed time story, that holds the origin of the Battlepug as a lone survivor of a village grows to become the Conan figure in all his brutal glory. The book, a slightly oversized hardcover that cost me $6, is presented almost like a children’s book – and because this isn’t a book for kids, that only adds to the brilliance of its presentation. Battlepug is one of those rare stories that is able to both poke fun at and show respect to its genre while exposing the tropes and criticisms that audiences level at classical fantasy. And it does all this with utter seriousness as a giant pug slurps and snorts through the pages.
Although there is a very cohesive and well told story here, there are also brilliant little moments every few pages; jokes in dialogue and imagery, nods of the head to other things the reader should be all too aware of, and things that may not necessarily be on their radar (I’m sure I missed a lot, honestly). There’s a much deeper story for you to unpack upon the second or third reading, and it never gets old. Or it hasn’t for me.
Norton’s story is utterly fantastic. It’s funny, it’s remarkably well written, and it deserves so much more than the hastily rewritten column that it is getting. It is beyond an Underrated gem, and it’s one that I have every intention of revisiting very soon, and in more detail, when I find the second volume.
Join us next week when we look at something else that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.
Script: Mark Waid and Dean Haspiel
Art: Dean Haspiel, Allen Passalaqua, Rachel Deering, John Workman
Cover: Dean Haspiel
978-1-68255-887-4
$14.99 US/$16.99 CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16”
TR
136 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 8/22
Paul Patton, Jr. is dealing with the reality that his son wants to be a superhero like his father; the very thing Paul no longer wishes to be himself. However, a psychopathic philanthropist won’t let Paul end his dual identity when he puts a million-dollar bounty on The Fox’s head! Collects FOX HUNT issues #1-5!
