Tag Archives: arjuna susini

The Mammoth #1 delivers a hell of a creepy start

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The Mammoth #1

Something is wrong in the deep forests of Broke Tree Valley. Something deadly. Something mammoth. The legends speak of something larger than human comprehension… A monstrous phantom that disappears for decades at a time. Now, it’s back, and things are about to go Very Bad if four people-Olivia, Jess, Kokoro, and Mason, scientists who have come to the small city of Kasbro to investigate a bizarre series of seismic activities in this heavily forested valley-can’t put the Mammoth to rest. One real problem with this is…Olivia’s dead. The Mammoth #1 is a hell of a start that hits you in unexpected ways.

I’m not much of a fan of the horror genre. There’s some that I enjoy but overall, it’s not one I go to for entertainment. So, it always excites me when I find something in that space that I do like. The Mammoth #1 falls into that category.

Written by Paul Tobin, The Mammoth #1 is interesting in that it subverts things in some ways. It focuses on four members who are brought to an area to study strange phenomena. As presented, they come off as the ghost hunters, trying to figure out the cause of everything in some mystical way. But, it turns out, they’re the skeptics. That’s part of the charm and what stands out about the story Tobin crafts. It sucks you in fully expecting these four to be the ones who claim ghosts, when they’re the ones that think those stories are crazy.

But, beyond that, Tobin gives us a story of loss. Though the story starts with four, a freak accident leads to the untimely death of one of them which then leads to the funeral, a police investigation, and then reminiscing over their friend. Tobin takes us through some grief showing the survivors as human and allowing us to connect with them through their empathy and grief. We get stories shared that grounds each of them as very normal people, not the supernatural obsessed we expect going into the story.

The art by Arjuna Susini is good. With color by Pippa Bowland and lettering by Charles Pritchett, there’s a nice mix of teasing what’s going on, delivering some gore, but mostly focusing on the emotion of it all. Susini and the team do a really good job of showing the reactions of the survivors as they process what has happened. The comic also does an excellent job of giving just enough gore and scares to not distract and makes the reader question what the hell has happened.

From someone who doesn’t like horror, The Mammoth #1 is a hell of a start. It has a Blair Witch vibe about it, not just with the story (which deals with the woods) but in how it’s presented and what’s teased. It delivers some emotion and loss and then hits you at the end in unexpected ways. It has me excited to come back for more and see what happens next.

Story: Paul Tobin Art: Arjuna Susini
Color: Pippa Bowland Letterer: Charles Pritchett
Story: 9.0 Art: 7.8 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

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

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Mammoth #1

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Mammoth #1

(W) Paul Tobin (A/CA) Arjuna Susini (CB) Jessica Fong (CC) Kevin Wada (CD) David Go

Something is wrong in the deep forests of Broke Tree Valley. Something deadly. Something mammoth. The legends speak of something larger than human comprehension…A monstrous phantom that disappears for decades at a time. Now, it’s back, and things are about to go Very Bad if four people—Olivia, Jess, Kokoro, and Mason, scientists who have come to the small city of Kasbro to investigate a bizarre series of seismic activities in this heavily forested valley—can’t put the Mammoth to rest. One real problem with this is…Olivia’s dead.

Mammoth #1

Justin Simien and Christopher Yose are adapting Heist: Or How to Steal a Planet for Confluential Films

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Heist: Or How to Steal a Planet

Tommy Oliver’s Confluential Films is developing a feature film adaptation of Heist: Or How to Steal a Planet, a science fiction crime thriller published by Vault Comics. Filmmaker Justin Simien is attached to direct the adaptation and Christopher Yost is writing the screenplay, with Oliver producing. Wayne Horton, who brought the project in, is also producing through his production deal with Confluential Films.

The comic, created by writer Paul Tobin and artist Arjuna Susini, is set on the planet Heist, home to billions of the worst criminals in the galaxy. The Pan-Galactic government has no idea what to do with the planet, but conman Glane Breld and his band of thieves know exactly what to do with Heist. They’re going to steal it. The story follows Glane on his madcap scheme to pull off the biggest heist in the history of the galaxy.

Newly hired SVP, Film & TV, Liliane Bedford will oversee the project for Confluential Films. Damian Wassel and F.J. DeSanto will executive produce for Vault. Simien and Kyle Laursen will executive produce for Culture Machine.

Justin Simien is represented by CAA and Grandview. Christopher Yost is represented by Verve and Industry. Vault is represented by UTA, Industry and Weintraub Tobin. The deal was negotiated by Confluential’s Head of Business and Legal Affairs, Alexa Camarena.

Unearth the chilling secrets of Broke Tree Valley… in The Mammoth

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Mad Cave Studios has announced The Mammoth, the forthcoming Teen+ series written by the celebrated horror comic creative team Paul Tobin and artist Arjuna Susini; including two exciting variant covers by Jessica Fong and Kevin Wada “Pride”.

Something is wrong in the deep forests of Broke Tree Valley. Something deadly. Something mammoth. The legends speak of something larger than human comprehension…A monstrous phantom that disappears for decades at a time. Now, it’s back, and things are about to go Very Bad if four people—Olivia, Jess, Kokoro, and Mason, scientists who have come to the small city of Kasbro to investigate a bizarre series of seismic activities in this heavily forested valley—can’t put the Mammoth to rest. One real problem with this is…Olivia’s dead.

Those who like Bunny Mask won’t want to miss The Mammoth #1, which drops in shops June 5th. Colors by Pippa Bowland with letters by Charles Pritchett, edited by James Emmett.

The Mammoth #1

Preview: Lamentation #1

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Lamentation #1

WRITTEN BY CULLEN BUNN
ART BY ARJUNA SUSINI
COLORING BY HILARY JENKINS
LETTERING BY CRANK!
COVER A BY MAAN HOUSE
COVER B BY YANICK PAQUETTE
COVER C BY KYLE HOTZ
FULL ART VARIANT (1:10) BY MAAN HOUSE
B&W VARIANT (1:15) BY YANICK PAQUETTE
B&W VARIANT (1:20) BY KYLE HOTZ
ON SALE MAY 3, 2023 | $6.99 | 48 pgs. | FULL COLOR

From the mind’s eye of master storyteller Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Basilisk) and rising star Arjuna Susini (Made Men) comes a darkly glamorous tale of bone-splintering terror at the intersection of shadow and light… dream and nightmare… life and the grim specter of Death himself.

After weeks of grueling rehearsals, a new production is set to begin at the famed Requiem theatre: Razide’s Lament, three acts of gothic horror set inside a haunted castle with a story that some say is more than mere fantasy. Under the stern rule of a dedicated but temperamental director, the script seems to be ever-changing, and, more mysterious still, our lead actress has found herself cast in the role of a lifetime without so much as an audition. 

Lamentation #1

Lamentation #1, where the show MUST go on

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Lamentation #1

After weeks of grueling rehearsals, a new production is set to begin at the famed Requiem theatre: Razide’s Lament, three acts of gothic horror set inside a haunted castle with a story that some say is more than mere fantasy. Under the stern rule of a dedicated but temperamental director, the script seems to be ever-changing, and, more mysterious still, our lead actress has found herself cast in the role of a lifetime without so much as an audition. Lamentation #1 really lays into the concept that the show must go on in an unnerving debut.

Writer Cullen Bunn has shown he’s a master of horror. With his name, you can expect an entertaining read and often something a little different. Lamentation #1 continues that with an intriguing story that feels like a play within a play, in a situation that spans worlds but is also rather confining.

It’s hard to really describe what works about Lamentation #1 without spoiling the twists and turns. At its core is a mysterious play that must happen. While the narrative flashes between the world the play takes place in and the actors on the stage, the overall feel of the comic is one of confinement. There’s a sense of constricting dread and uneasiness as the story progresses. Now, I fully expected something far worse to happen, but where the story takes us is a house of horror, it just so happens that this house is a theater.

Arjuna Susini‘s art, Hilary Jenkins‘ color, and Simon Bowland‘s lettering helps set the situation. The art really emphasizes the worn down nature of the theater and the actors with a look and color palette that makes it clear things are a little off. There’s a sickliness and dirtiness about it all that plays into the situation and perfectly applies to both worlds we’re shown. The focus on the stage and then underneath the theater creates a claustrophobic world and the run down nature emphasizes that further as it’s a world you don’t want to touch making it even tinier.

Lamentation #1 is an interesting debut. It takes a familiar concept and moves it to a new location, mixing things up more than enough to keep readers on their toes. As expected, the team delivers a great first comic that tells just enough and teases just enough to create a solid mystery and at the same time putting it in a situation that creates a bit of dread as to where it’s all going. It’s what Bunn does really well, deliver a story that leaves the reader slightly off and wanting more.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Arjuna Susini
Color: Hilary Jenkins Letterer: Simon Bowland
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Lamentation #1 Secret Edition Variant revealed!

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 Oni Press has revealed a brand-new initiative to officiate the release of Lamentation #1 (of 3) by horror master Cullen Bunn and rising star Arjuna Susini with the all-new SECRET EDITION program! 

Following on the heels of this spring’s announcement that Oni is making EVERY ISSUE of its original, creator-owned series fully returnable for retailers who order a minimum of five non-incentive shelf covers (in any combination), the publisher is rewarding retailers who met that threshold on Lamentation #1 (of 3) with a free-of-charge, specialty bonus item: the Lamentation #1 Secret Variant Edition, featuring the stunning cover art of Maan House shifted into a phantasmagorical purple color scheme that will not be available anywhere else! 

This top-secret Lamentation #1 edition will mark the first use of the Oni’s new SECRET EDITION program . . . but certainly not the last. 

Told in THREE, 48-PAGE ISSUES spanning May, June, and July, Cullen Bunn and Arjuna Susini’s Lamentation unravels a terrifying tale of tension, paranoia, and pain as the ill-fated cast and crew of a cursed stage play, trapped inside a haunted theater, play cat and mouse with a masked killer who may be more than human! 

After weeks of grueling rehearsals, a new production is set to begin at the famed Requiem Theatre: Razide’s Lament, three acts of gothic horror set inside a haunted castle . . . with a story that some say is more than mere fantasy. Under the stern rule of a dedicated but temperamental director, the script seems ever-changing, and, more mysterious still, our lead actress has found herself cast in the role of a lifetime without so much as an audition. Her grand debut is fast approaching – and, with it, a barrage of razors in the night that will terrorize the actors and readers. There is no exit, no escape, and when the curtain finally rises, Razide himself will take center stage to cross the threshold into the unholy darkness that lies just beyond . . .

On shelves Wednesday, May 3 – just in time for Free Comic Book Day – horror stakes its claim at Oni Press with a 48-page dose of fear in Lamentation #1, featuring covers by Ringo Award nominee Maan House, Eisner Award nominee Yanick Paquette, and acclaimed artist Kyle Hotz!

Lamentation #1 Secret Variant Edition

Preview: Lamentation #1

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Lamentation #1

WRITTEN BY CULLEN BUNN
ART BY ARJUNA SUSINI
COLORING BY HILARY JENKINS
LETTERING BY CRANK!
COVER A BY MAAN HOUSE
COVER B BY YANICK PAQUETTE
COVER C BY KYLE HOTZ
FULL ART VARIANT (1:10) BY MAAN HOUSE
B&W VARIANT (1:15) BY YANICK PAQUETTE
B&W VARIANT (1:20) BY KYLE HOTZ
ON SALE MAY 3, 2023 | $6.99 | 48 pgs. | FULL COLOR

From the mind’s eye of master storyteller Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Basilisk) and rising star Arjuna Susini (Made Men) comes a darkly glamorous tale of bone-splintering terror at the intersection of shadow and light… dream and nightmare… life and the grim specter of Death himself.

After weeks of grueling rehearsals, a new production is set to begin at the famed Requiem theatre: Razide’s Lament, three acts of gothic horror set inside a haunted castle with a story that some say is more than mere fantasy. Under the stern rule of a dedicated but temperamental director, the script seems to be ever-changing, and, more mysterious still, our lead actress has found herself cast in the role of a lifetime without so much as an audition. 

Lamentation #1

Oni Press has unveiled a Qualifying Returnability Program on All Original Single Issues Through 2023

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Oni Press has announced a new comic shop-specific returnability initiative focused on deepening and strengthening its commitment to Direct Market retailers.

Through the end of 2023, Oni will be making EVERY ISSUE of its original, creator-owned series fully returnable for retailers who order a minimum of five, non-incentive shelf covers (in any combination) via either of the publisher’s distribution partners at Diamond Comic Distributors or Lunar Distribution.

Oni’s new returnability program takes effect with original titles shipping in May 2023, beginning with Lamentation #1 – THE FIRST OF THREE, 48-PAGE ISSUES spanning May, June, and July from horror master Cullen Bunn and rising star Arjuna Susini and featuring covers by Ringo Award nominee Maan House, Eisner Award nominee Yanick Paquette, and acclaimed artist Kyle Hotz.

In June, the program continues with both Lamentation #2 and XINO #1 – YOUR FIRST SUPER -SIZED, 40-PAGE DOSE of subversive, psych-surrealist science fiction to break the borders of reality itself from creators Nick Cagnetti, Chris Condon, Melissa Flores, Phil Hester, Daniel Irizarri, Shaky Kane, Jordan Thomas and more of Oni’s brightest talents – past, present, and future – with covers by Matt Lesniewski, André Lima Araújo, Malachi Ward & Matt Sheean, and Shaky Kane.

Oni’s Lamentation #2 is Double-Sized and Deathly Dangerous!

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Oni Press has set the curtain call for Lamentation #2 – arriving in comic shops everywhere on June 7, 2023! 

Boasting 48 pages of Giallo-inspired terror, the second, double-sized installment of Oni’s newest horror masterwork from veteran storyteller Cullen Bunn and artist Arjuna Susini dives deep into the claustrophobic confines of the Requiem Theatre as the trapped cast of a cursed stage-play find themselves at the mercy of masked killer!

Trapped within the Requiem Theater, lead actress Jennifer fights for her life and freedom as threats encroach from the worlds outside and within the play. When the mysterious Prince Razide selects her as his bride, new dangers emerge, and she still doesn’t know who—or what—lies beneath the prince’s mask. And, soon, Razide himself will take center stage to cross the threshold into the unholy darkness that lies just beyond…

Featuring covers by Yanick Paquette and John Bivens , don’t miss the next essential installment! And don’t miss Lamentation #1, the 48-page opening act of Bunn and Susini’s collision of supernatural terror and gothic suspense – on sale May 3, 2023, with covers from Ringo Award nominee Maan House, Eisner Award nominee Yanick Paquette, and acclaimed artist Kyle Hotz! 

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