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Preview: Show’s End: The Second Coming

Show’s End: The Second Coming

(W) Anthony Cleveland (A) Jef Sadzinski
(C) Fabi Marques (L) Justin Birch

After the incidents of Show’s End Vol. 1, what’s left of Daxton Rickles’ Circus is now performing on street corners to get by, but a series of mysterious murders surrounding our troop forces them to head south for safety in a town operated and occupied by circus performers.

However, the town is no longer what it once was. It is now ruled by a young, charismatic cult figure named Leviticus “Miss Levy” Jones, who believes those born “deformed” are the only ones truly perfect in the eyes of the creator. The longer the group stays, the more sinister the town is revealed to be… Collects issues #1 – 5.

Show's End: The Second Coming

Over the Ropes and Show’s End continue in digital, with all-new #1 variants

This summer, Mad Cave Studios continues two series; Over the Ropes: Broken KayFabe and Show’s End: The Second Coming, will return as digital comics, with issue #1 of each print edition featuring variant covers by Will Robson and Tim Daniel.

The first 100 readers to subscribe will receive a variant with their series subscription, and the trade paperback is included; receiving all the digital issues monthly, and at the end of the arc, will have the full volume in your hands.

Over the Ropes: Broken KayFabe

(W) Jay Sandlin (A) Antonio Cosentino
(C) Francesco Segala (L) Justin Birch

Welcome to volume two of Over the Ropes, the 1990’s pro-wrestling series. SFW’s hit TV show, Explode, takes the wrestling world by storm with champion, Phoenix, scoring big ratings while his girlfriend, Courtney, learns the ropes as new wrestler, Scorch. The gloves come off when a rival promotion led by Jason’s estranged father, Buddy Peacock, invades Explode. When Courtney’s injured, Jason must choose between family and fame in a bout with permanent stipulations. When the final bell rings, it’ll be Phoenix vs. Peacock– father vs. son, in a main event crowning a unified champion. Will Phoenix rise again or lose it all in a puff of smoke?

Show’s End: The Second Coming

(W) Anthony Cleveland (A) Jef Sadzinski
(C) Fabi Marques (L) Justin Birch

What’s left of Daxton Rickles’ Circus is now performing on street corners to get by, but a series of mysterious murders surrounding our troop forces them to head south for safety in a town operated and occupied by circus performers.

However, the town is no longer what it once was. It is now ruled by a young, charismatic cult figure named Leviticus “Miss Levy” Jones, who believes those born “deformed” are the only ones truly perfect in the eyes of the creator. The longer the group stays, the more sinister the town is revealed to be.

Meanwhile, a forgotten figure from Loralye’s past lurks in the distance and is coming to reveal her true path. 

Cully Hamner, Shaenon Garrity, Marguerite Sauvage and Jesse Lonergan Bring New Life to Four of Mad Cave Studios’ Legacy Titles

Mad Cave Studios has revealed the Mad Cave Studios Legacy Collection featuring four of their flagship titles: Battlecats, Nottingham, Stargazerand Becstar! Creators Jesse LonerganCully HamnerMarguerite Sauvage, and Shaenon Garrity, have created all new covers for these low-cost special single issues, outside of their own individual arcs, that tell a greater story about the start of everything for Mad Cave. 

Taking risks to truly make a mark in the industry,  Mad Cave Studios marks these four books as different milestones. Battlecats by Mark London was the inaugural comic that was a medieval fantasy comic. Stargazer, the sci-fi adventure written by talent search winner, Anthony Cleveland, gained critical acclaim. Nottingham, also by two talent search winners David Hazan and Shane Connery Volk, was an unexpected and bonafide hit and continues to sell excellently deep into its run. Then came Becstar, the title that gave Mad Cave Studios the confidence to think outside of the box. 

BATTLECATS

(W) Mark London (A) Michael Camelo (C) Tekino (L) Miguel Angel Zapata
Cover Artist: Jesse Lonergan
August 31

Follow Kelthan, Vaela, Zorien, Kaleera, and Mekkar as they undertake a perilous quest through different regions in pursuit of The Dire Beast while unearthing dark secrets, and even darker enemies. But first, Kelthan and the Battlecats must journey through the Dark Forest facing an unexpected enemy from their past.

BATTLECATS

NOTTINGHAM

(W) Davin Hazan (A) Shane Connery Volk (C) Luca Romano (L) Joamette Gil
Cover Artist: Cully Hamner
August 31

In this twisted medieval noir, the Sheriff of Nottingham hunts a serial killer with a penchant for tax collectors. The Sheriff’s investigation makes him the target of England’s most nefarious power-brokers. That’s to say nothing of the Merry Men, terrorists lurking amongst the trees of Sherwood, led by, an enigma known only as “Hood.” Mad Cave Studios presents: Nottingham, but not as you remember it…

NOTTINGHAM

STARGAZER

(W) Anthony Cleveland (A) Antonio Fuso (C) Stefano Simeone (L) Justin Birch
Cover Artist: Cully Hamner
Cover Artist: Marguerite Sauvage
September 28

Years ago Shae, her brother Kenny, and two childhood friends experienced a traumatic, unexplainable event that left Kenny scarred for life. Twenty years later Kenny has committed himself to the belief that what they experienced was an alien abduction, and the group has since drifted apart. However, the sudden and mysterious disappearance of Kenny leads the group to reunite and discover the truth of what took place all those years ago.

STARGAZER

BECSTAR

(W) Joe Corallo (A) Lorenzo Colangeli (C) Sweeny Boo (L) Joamette Gil
Cover Artist: Shaenon Garrity
September 28

Becstar is a star hopping mercenary light years away from earth. Leaving her old life behind with the help of her magical luck dagger and her biggest fan/only friend, Sally Soolin, Becstar ekes out a living under the nefarious Shadow Syndicate’s radar. But when a mysterious girl appears with grim news and an urgent quest where the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, Becstar has no choice but to join… and regret it immediately.

BECSTAR

Mad Cave Showcase 4.0 is October 22nd!

Mad Cave Studios has announced the Mad Cave Showcase 4.0, which will broadcast live Friday, October 22nd at 12pm ET/9am PT, and will be hosted by Benny Potter. 

Join the madness as well as some very special guests—including talented writers, artists, and editors, Anthony ClevelandRyan K. LindsayMark LondonDozerdraws and many more—as they discuss exciting upcoming titles, announce the winners of the 2021 Mad Cave Studios Talent Search, preview anticipated D&D series, The Last Session, and get the scoop on what’s in store for 2022 with exclusive trailer premieres.

Throughout the stream there will be several in chat giveaways to participate in. Prizes will include but not be limited to exclusive variants, posters, full collections, D&D dice sets, and more surprises!

This past summer, Mad Cave Studios opened their Talent search to eager and talented authors and artists around the globe for the fourth year in a row. Four artists and writers will be announced as the 2021 talent search winners on next week’s livestream.

Mad Cave Showcase 4.0

Mad Cave Studios Reveals its 2022 Titles

Mad Cave Studios has announced their 2022 titles! From the traditional catalog all the way to the latest additions to the YA Maverick line, fans are invited to lurk around the cave once more and see what’s coming in 2022.

Speed Republic

(W) Ryan K Lindsay (A) Emanuele Parascandolo (C) Michele Monte (L) Joamette Gil
February 2022

In the future, Europe has come united under one man, The Autocrat.  He rules the apocalyptic landscape from corporate monopolies with a vision of unity that is gospel to some, but hollow to others. To distract the 99% from their poor and empty lives, the Grand Race is created. A marathon street race through Europe where only one driver can make it to the end and win a life of luxury. Sebastian Valencia enters with the hope that winning a future can make up for his wasted past, but along the way he starts to question what kind of future he is actually buying into.

Speed Republic

Obsidian Tomb

(W) Anthony Cleveland (A) Daniel Jimeno (C) Allison Hu (L) Justin Birch
April 2022

After a violent incident at a global supermax prison (Obsidian), Daniel Bracken, a governmental “cleaner” in hiding, is forced into becoming an inmate. Once inside, the prison hierarchy learns they made a mistake by bringing Bracken there– He no longer has any connection to the outside world and is now only focused on tearing the prison apart from the inside.

Obsidian Tomb

Potions Inc.

(W) Erik Burnham (A) Stelladia (CA) Natasha Alterici (L) Micah Myers
June 2022

In order to save their parents and home world of Primaterra from the dangerous curse of the Fordstone, three siblings travel to Earth…Seattle circa 1992 to be exact. With the help of FBI Special Agent Genevieve Garcia, the young Primaterrans; Ran, Asteria, and Astreus Jones track down the evil Kanavin Goras and attempt to save the world…both of them.

Potions Inc.

Tiger’s Tongue

(W) Olivia Stephens (A) Diansakhu Banton-Perry (CA) Odera Igbokwe (C) Bex Glendining (L) Joamette Gil
August 2022

HEED THE TIGER’S TONGUE, AND YOU WILL NOT BE LED ASTRAY. Under the militant rule of The Tiger’s People, empowered by their animal familiars, the Claw is on the brink of war. As twin Princesses Kelindi and Aridani come of age, their father King Oleandra reveals a secret prophecy foretold by the first Grand Tiger: should twins ever be born to the royal line, they would battle in a series of three trials to determine the fate of the crown. But as The River’s People, those who were subjugated “to bring order,” grow bolder, Kelindi realizes her dream of uniting the kingdom and her love for Aridani couldn’t be further apart.

Tiger’s Tongue

Nottingham: A King’s Ransom  #1

(W) David Hazan (A) Shane Connery Volk (C) Luca Romano (L) Joamette Gil
November 2022

When Richard the Lionheart is kidnapped and ransomed by Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, Everard Blackthorne, the Sheriff of Nottingham is strongarmed into delivering the ransom and bringing the King home, on pain of death. The treacherous Prince John and his ally, King Phillip of France will stop at nothing to ensure Richard remains in captivity, so the Sheriff finds the unlikeliest of allies in none other than Robin Hood and the Merry Men. With Robin and the Sheriff away, Marian hatches her own devious plan to take back Nottingham.

Nottingham: A King's Ransom  #1

Announced last fall, Maverick, Mad Cave Studios’ young adult imprint, offers engaging and authentic stories for those who think differently, are not afraid to be independent, and fight for who they truly are. With titles that range from slice-of-life stories to urban fantasy and horror, each Maverick graphic novel will be an authentic and inspiring universal story of personal struggle where anyone can find themselves within the pages. 

World Class

(W) Jay Sandlin (A) Patrick Mulholland (C) Rebecca Nalty (L) Justin Birch
 February 2022

Colombian teen, Adrian Molina, steps into the world of international football as he joins the prestigious English preparatory school, Regents United. Along the way he has to deal with bullies, hormones, and his own anxiety.

World Class

Good Game, Well Played

(W) Rachael Smith (A) Katherine Lobo (L) Justin Birch
May 2022

A group of misfit high-schoolers must save the failing video game shop they work at from being torn down by a greedy landlord.

Good Game, Well Played

In the Shadow of the Throne

(W) Kate Sheridan (A) Gaia Cardinali (L) Micah Myers
 July 2022

When his younger siblings and parents become too much to bear while on vacation, Jordan tries to get some space. But instead of wandering around the local museum, Jason finds himself dropped into a fantasy world where he can finally have fun! Except in this Elven Kingdom, there’s a sinister secret kept hidden by the queen that’ll thrust Jordan, the rebellious Prince Astel, and the brave knight Sir Griffith in the middle of a magical battle they never could have anticipated.

In the Shadow of the Throne

Confetti Realms

(W) Nadia Shammas (A) Karnessa (C) Hackto (L) Micah Myers
September 2022

Follow the story of four New Jersey teens who, after breaking into a cemetery on Halloween, get transported to a strange and fantastical world by a mysterious automaton named Tom. When Tom sends them on a quest to gain him entry to a party at the end of the world, our unlikely (and mostly unwilling) heroes will have to navigate murderous frogs, an insect orchestra, and the cracks in their own friendships.

Confetti Realms

Review: Stargazer TPB

Stargazer

Missing person or alien abduction? This is the question Shae must answer in Stargazer. Written by Anthony Cleveland, Stargazer is part mystery and part science-fiction thriller. Published by Mad Cave Studios, this six issue series is due for release as a trade paperback on April 28th. When they were kids, Shae and her brother Kenny witnessed something unexplainable. As the siblings grew up, each sought to explain what they saw in their own ways. Shae chose the path of science while Kenny seemed to dive deep into delusions about what happened that night. Years later, Kenny disappears, and Shae must reunite with their old group of friends to track him down and discover the truth of what they saw when they were children.

Stargazer has a great balance of scenes set in the past and scenes set in the present. Cleveland mixes the two together well, combining them into a straightforward narrative. The story moves at a brisk pace with emotional beats and tense moments sprinkled in all the right places. Like any good mystery or sci-fi thriller, there’s more happening beneath the surface of the narrative than meets the eye. The plot has a lot of moving pieces, but Cleveland does a nice job of fitting them all together.

Antonio Fuso’s artwork is a bit uneven from one panel to the next, but I like how expressively he draws the characters’ faces. The character designs are clear enough for the reader to tell each character apart while being distinct enough to distinguish scenes set in the past from those set in the present. As a result, it’s always easy to visually follow the events of story. Each issue collected in this trade paperback features distinct page layouts. Fuso plays around with the frames of each panel, giving each page a dynamic look. I really enjoyed seeing characters “break the fourth wall,” in a manner of speaking, as they reached past or through the framing of each panel.

Stargazer is an emotionally charged and thrilling science-fiction adventure. I try not to use this phrase, but this graphic novel warrants an exception: once you start reading, you won’t be able to put this book down. It’s a fast paced read with as many loud action beats as it has quiet emotional moments. The artwork is unique, even though the quality of the linework varies in spots. Fans of sci-fi comics will want to add this book to their collections.

Story: Anthony Cleveland Art: Antonio Fuso
Color: Stefano Simeone Letterer Justin Birch
Story: 9.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review


Purchase: comiXologyAmazonTFAW

Review: Stargazer #1

Stargazer #1

For me, one of the most overlooked sci-fi films is Fire in the Sky. The film is based on a book recounting one man’s alien abduction experience. In the story, he’s taken by aliens while logging with co-workers leading to a mystery if he was really abducted or in fact killed. For those that haven’t seen it, it’s well worth viewing. Stargazer #1, a new series from Mad Cave Studios, delivers a similar concept mixing the abduction story with a little bit of IT and Goonies and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Writer Anthony Cleveland seems to play with the familiar in this debut issue. It opens with a twist on Close Encounters of the Third Kind and from there weaves a story of the past and present day. Where Stargazer #1 stands out is leaving the reader with doubts. What’s real? What’s false? Is it all a bad acid trip.

The story revolves around a group of kids who have an experience one day that involves discovering acid and possible aliens. Were the aliens due to the drugs? Were they real? It’s unknown exactly what’s going on even by the end of the first issue which seems to take you in a certain direction. There’s so many fakes and twists, what “the facts” are remain unclear and unknown. It’s exactly what a good alien abduction story should be.

Antonio Fuso provides the art with Stefano Simeone on colors and Justin Birch lettering. The art is solid clearly jumping through it’s three segments and tying the latter two together in a reddish/purpleish color haze. The choice of colors is striking and with Fuso’s art style, it creates trippy visuals where the paranoia of it all is enhanced.

Where Stargazer #1 really stands out is the small details. There’s so much to relate to here as readers. One can just go into it appreciating the pressure of having to take care of an unwell family member. Many will relate to the aspect of having to keep a secret. And some will latch on to the emotional toll or the fantastical. The team delivers all of that and more in a story that perfectly mixes dialogue and visuals to flesh out characters and the story. We learn about a character from a photo. We also get a sense of the tough decision being made from a pamphlet. These are details that enhance the story without breaking the flow.

Those details too are perfect for this type of experience. As readers, we’re going into the story skeptical. Is this an alien abduction? We don’t know. But, it feels like the creative team have made sure to focus in on tiny aspects for us to put together that mystery and so much more. If you’re a fan of alien abduction stories or mysteries, Stargazer #1 is a definite buy.

Story: Anthony Cleveland Art: Antonio Fuso
Color: Stefano Simeone Letterer: Justin Birch
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review. Mad Cave is also a paid advertiser on the site.


Purchase: comiXology

Review: Stargazer #1

Stargazer #1

For me, one of the most overlooked sci-fi films is Fire in the Sky. The film is based on a book recounting one man’s alien abduction experience. In the story, he’s taken by aliens while logging with co-workers leading to a mystery if he was really abducted or in fact killed. For those that haven’t seen it, it’s well worth viewing. Stargazer #1, a new series from Mad Cave Studios, delivers a similar concept mixing the abduction story with a little bit of IT and Goonies and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Writer Anthony Cleveland seems to play with the familiar in this debut issue. It opens with a twist on Close Encounters of the Third Kind and from there weaves a story of the past and present day. Where Stargazer #1 stands out is leaving the reader with doubts. What’s real? What’s false? Is it all a bad acid trip.

The story revolves around a group of kids who have an experience one day that involves discovering acid and possible aliens. Were the aliens due to the drugs? Were they real? It’s unknown exactly what’s going on even by the end of the first issue which seems to take you in a certain direction. There’s so many fakes and twists, what “the facts” are remain unclear and unknown. It’s exactly what a good alien abduction story should be.

Antonio Fuso provides the art with Stefano Simeone on colors and Justin Birch lettering. The art is solid clearly jumping through it’s three segments and tying the latter two together in a reddish/purpleish color haze. The choice of colors is striking and with Fuso’s art style, it creates trippy visuals where the paranoia of it all is enhanced.

Where Stargazer #1 really stands out is the small details. There’s so much to relate to here as readers. One can just go into it appreciating the pressure of having to take care of an unwell family member. Many will relate to the aspect of having to keep a secret. And some will latch on to the emotional toll or the fantastical. The team delivers all of that and more in a story that perfectly mixes dialogue and visuals to flesh out characters and the story. We learn about a character from a photo. We also get a sense of the tough decision being made from a pamphlet. These are details that enhance the story without breaking the flow.

Those details too are perfect for this type of experience. As readers, we’re going into the story skeptical. Is this an alien abduction? We don’t know. But, it feels like the creative team have made sure to focus in on tiny aspects for us to put together that mystery and so much more. If you’re a fan of alien abduction stories or mysteries, Stargazer #1 is a definite buy.

Story: Anthony Cleveland Art: Antonio Fuso
Color: Stefano Simeone Letterer: Justin Birch
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review. Mad Cave is also a paid advertiser on the site.


Purchase: comiXology

It’s Alien Abductions and 80’s Neon Lights with Mad Cave’s Stagazer and Dryfoot

This September, Mad Cave Studios is launching two whole new series, Stargazer, written by Anthony Cleveland with art by Antonio Fuso, and Dry Foot by upcoming writer Jarred Lujan with art by Orlando Caicedo!

Stargazer #1

(W) Anthony Cleveland(A/CA) Antonio Fuso (CO) Stefano Simeone (L) Justin Birch
September 2nd

What if four children were abducted by a UFO and implanted with stolen technology capable of destroying an ancient alien race? What if twenty years later those same aliens want what was taken from them? Find out in Mad Cave’s intergalactic new series: Stargazer.

Stargazer #1

Dry Foot #1

(W) Jarred Lujan (A/CA) Orlando Caicedo (CO) Warnia Sahadewa (L) Justin Birch
September 9th

Diego Gomez is tired of the drugs and violence that surround him. He wants nothing more than to escape west and leave the neon lights of 1980s Miami behind him. With the help of three friends, Diego hatches a plan to rob the most dangerous gang in the city, Los Marielitos. Filled with Latin-American influences, Dry Foot is a coming-of age-tale that deals with family, friendship, trust, and adversity. Many would kill to live in the Magic City. Others would die to leave it behind.

Dry Foot #1

Read Show’s End #1 from Mad Cave Studios for FREE!

Equal parts brutal and beautiful, Show’s End takes place in Georgia during the 1920s and follows Loralye, a 12-year-old runaway seeking refuge with a traveling group of freak show performers. At first, she isn’t welcomed for being too “ordinary.” But what her newfound family doesn’t know, is that Loralye is hiding a secret more freakish than anyone could ever imagine!

Written by Anthony Cleveland, with art by Jef Sadzinski, colors by Julian Gonzalez, and lettering by Justin Birch, we have Show’s End #1 for you to read here for free.

The entire series is out now and you can get get it as single issues or trade paperback.

Purchase: Mad CaveKindlecomiXology

Shows-End-1


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