Skelton Crew Studio has announced free shipping to the United States on all pin sets. That includes Hellboy, Hopeless, Harrow County, Shirtless Bear-Fighter, Locke & Key, Head Lopper, NOS4A2, CHEW, and BPRD!
Agatha‘s here from Skelton Crew Studio — your favorite Viking’s sidekick. Complete with her wild tangle of hair and mischievous smile, our Limited Edition Agatha plush from Head Lopper measures a healthy 8-inches from top of the head to severed neck. Agatha is a force to be reckoned with. And she can be all yours! Whether you use her as the perfect accompaniment for your Norgal cosplay, a conversation starting centerpiece at your next dinner party, or your newest bedtime cuddle buddy (hey, no judgment here), Agatha is sure to please.
Two things: Orders placed by Jan. 31 will receive a tag signed by “Head Lopper” creator Andrew MacLean himself!
AND the first 50 Agatha will come with a FREE canvas Map of Barra!
Skelton Crew Studio has some reveals still when it comes to their Norgal Head Lopper figure, based on the cult favorite comic series by Andrew MacLean.
Since they’ve heard from Head Lopper fans itching to customize him, in additional to traditional Norgal (with the sweet Map of Barra for the next 3 weeks!) and variant Bog Blue, they’ve decided to release exactly 100 Paint-Your-Own Norgals, which probably won’t last long.
Plans are already afoot for a show-us-your-customs contest to be judged by the man himself, Andrew MacLean. Details and prize pack to come!
They company has also released a limited edition B.P.R.D. silver and black enamel pin late last week and, frankly, it looks SO cool. Show your Hellboy pride with the announcement of the new movie.
It’s time. He’s here. And he’s ready to Lop some goddamn Heads. Sound the horns of war!
Norgal, Skelton Crew Studio‘s MASSIVE 9-inch vinyl Viking from Andrew MacLean’s amazing Head Lopper, is live for pre-order! And there’s more. You can grab Norgal in not one but TWO versions: the gorgeous standard version, pictured above, or the hyper-limited Bog Blue variant designed by Andrew!
Or, why not both? You should probably get both and make them battle. Or pose them triumphantly on your desk. Or make them first-bump.
Norgal’s articulated at the shoulders and wrists for fist-pumping poseability and he’s ready to kick the ass of all your other vinyl figures.
You have until July 1 to order either (or both!) versions of Norgal at the early bird price of $48. The Bog Blue variant will ONLY be available for the month of June — that’s when they close the run and he rides off into the Viking sunset to slay no more. After July 1, the traditionally-painted Norgal — still limited, edition size to be set — will be priced as his regular MSRP of $55.
Need any more incentive to grab him this first month? All orders of the traditional version received by July 1 will also receive a FREE canvas Map of Barra! You know, in case you get lost and you don’t trust Agatha’s directions. Because you shouldn’t.
Skelton Crew Studios has a new reveal this Friday, a variant to their upcoming Norgal vinyl figure. The Head Lopper star will get a very special blue variant that’s only going to be available for ONE month.
You can see the Bog Blue Norgal prototype below. Check out how cool it is!
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW
Head Lopper is back! One of the weirdest, most violent, yet beautifully drawn books in comics returns, and I am excited. This title was one of my favorites last year, even with only four issues. Now, they’re four long issues, but we still only had four issues total. With Head Lopper #5 comes a new arc called “The Crimson Tower” and for good reason. This issue has a lot of blood, some heads being lopped, and more blood. It is a ton of fun. This book is part fantasy, part Viking, part eighties movie, part Adventure Time, and all awesome. This comic takes elements from all of those things and blends them into one of the most unique things out there right now in any medium, and it works very well.
Andrew Maclean writes, draws, does the letters, and designs the look of the comic book. Certainly, he isn’t the only creator to wear multiple hats in the comic book industry, but what is incredible is he is one of the ones who wear all of those hats so well. The story is great, the art is jaw dropping, the books overall design fits into the book’s tone perfectly, and even the lettering has his style all over it. The only other person that helps Andrew on the book in any of the art, is Jordie Bellaire. By now you should know who that is, as they are one of the best colorists in the industry, and the colors in this book are a large part of what makes it great. The art looks like stills from a cartoon and a great cartoon at that. There are certain scenes where I was prepared to start seeing the water move, or a torch flicker. It is that good. It looks like I paused my TV, and at any moment, I can hit play, and watch it all play out. So as far as the art goes, I don’t think you get much better than Maclean, and Bellaire.
Variant Cover
As for the story itself, we follow our favorite head lopper, Norgal, and the grouchy witch head on his back, Agatha. We again get some great comedy relief from Agatha and others from the book, but to me, she always makes me laugh the hardest. Maclean knows the ridiculousness of having a witch head that was a head that Norgal lopped on his journey with him, and it gives some great moments in the book. With the head lopper are Xho, and Zhaania, two warriors that have joined his side, with their own cause and quest within the tower. They arrive at The Crimson Tower, which is on an island where a race called the Fonga believe that having one of their own enter the tower will bring greatness to their people. This also gives us Bik, and Twerpal, two brothers. Twerpal is tasked with watching after his little brother, Bik by his mother, but when he finds he has wandered off, he soon discovers where he went, and that brings the both of them to the tower, and where our heroes are. From here the book has everyone that is in the tower fighting and solving puzzles to survive and escape it. This is similar to stories like The Hunger Games or The Running Man or even Krull for you eighties fantasy fans. This is where the book cranks it up to eleven, and leaves it in a spot where I cannot wait to return with the next issue.
I won’t lie, Head Lopper is a violent book. Yes, it’s in a fun cartoon style, and in the vein of shows like Samurai Jack and Adventure Time as I mentioned before, but there is well, obviously, head lopping, and quite a bit of blood. Somehow, the book is still one of the prettiest things I have ever seen. That’s a testament to how good Maclean and Bellaire are. I loved the first four issues, and I loved this as well. This issue showed there is no sign of stopping with Head Lopper, and I cannot wait for the next three issues of this arc. The first chapter as Maclean calls it of “The Crimson Tower” is fantastic, original, and so much damn fun.
Story/Art/Letters: Andrew Maclean Color: Jordie Bellaire
Story: 9.0 Art: 10 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Image provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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 #3 (Image) – A man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is cured when he’s holding a giant frigging sword. This is another series where the elevator pitch is enough to draw me in, but the humanity and depth within the story is keeping me coming back – although the fact that a mere human is flipping the bird to a pantheon of space gods is also pretty fantastic. There’s a reason this series is hitting multiple printings, and that’s because it’s really really good.
Neil Gamian’s American Gods: Shadows #1 (Dark Horse) – I’ve always wanted to read the book, but I never quite got around to it (I read prose books much slower than comics), so this series is something that really intrigues me – even though I know next to nothing about it other than Neil Gaiman wrote the book it’s based off. Does he write the series? I honestly don’t know (you may be wondering how I write for a comic website at this point…).
Black Hammer #7 (Dark Horse) – Jeff Lemire has become one of my favourite writers over the last year, and this slow moving series about a group of superheroes stuck in sleepy tow in the mid west. For some, the town is Limbo, for others Hell, and for one… it’s close to Heaven. What it actually is, hasn’t quite been revealed yet, but I’m loving the slow build up.
Conan The Slayer #7 (Dark Horse) – I’ve always had a soft spot for Conan, and when the stories look this good? I won’t say no.
Divinity III: Escape From Gulag 396 #1 (Valiant) – Archer and Armstrong meet the Stalinverse. Can’t wait.
Joe
Top Pick: Neil Gamian’s American Gods: Shadows #1 (Dark Horse) – Gaiman has returned to comics, and with one of his best novels ever coming with him. I have been awaiting this for awhile, and my anticipation is through the roof to see how he adapts such a great book to my favorite medium.
Head Lopper #5 (Image) – It returns! What an awesome surprise that we are getting more of this awesome book. The art grabs your attention and the countless lopping of heads of beasts and witches helps keep it.
God Country #3 (Image) – The first two issues have been awesome, and I expect it to get even better. Cates is crafting an excellent tall tale of his own with this book.
Batman #19 (DC Comics) – Bane is crazy, and these two foes are leaving nothing on the table. I expect tons of violence, more villains coming into play, and more twists and turns from Tom King.
Superman #19 (DC Comics) – Wow. What a reveal in Action that I won’t spoil here. What does this mean to the greater Rebirth story, and what is Mr. Oz want with Supes. Great comic and a great arc!
Patrick
Top Pick: I Hate Fairyland #11 (Image Comics) – Aww yeah muffin fluffers!
Casanova Acedia #8 (Image Comics) – If this really is a flashback issue, it’ll hopefully focus on the real most interesting character of Acedia, Emil Boutique.
Island #15 (Image Comics) – Always curious to see what a new issue holds in store.
Kill or be Killed #7 (Image Comics) – In which sort-of-ex-girlfriend-but-not-really Kira gets drawn into Dylan’s demonic web. This looks bad – just the way I like it.
Sex Criminals #17 (Image Comics) – Like Casanova, this series has outgrown its main characters for me, and I look forward to it seeing other people.
Paul
Top Pick – Super Sons #2 (DC Comics) – A few of my fellow contributors had this on their watch list before issue #1 came out, and after that their reviews were highly favourable. So, I thought I’d check it out…and they were right! Damian is going to be a great partner to Superboy, being the “bad influence” that’s going to get these kids into so many adventures and yeah, probably a lot of trouble with their fathers, and I will definitely be along for the ride.
Avengers Initiative Complete Collection TP Vol. 1 (Marvel) – I just had to give this a nod. This was one of my favourite titles and I loved all the new characters that were introduced in this series; plus it paved the way to the fantastic Secret Invasion event. *sigh* remember when Marvel events were something to look forward to?
The Mighty Thor #17 (Marvel) – Thor is trapped in a ‘competition’ against the gods of the Shi’ar, and I can’t wait for her to knock them out.
Uncanny Avengers #21 (Marvel) – The Red Skull is still controlling the Avengers with his mind, and Deadpool is doing everything he can to free them. But he’s going to need a lot of help, and if cover can be trusted, it looks like Cable is about to step into the ring. This is going to be a knock down fight, and here’s hoping they all walk away. I’ve enjoyed this latest story arc and I’m looking forward to see how it all ends.
Uncanny X-Men #19 (Marvel) – Psylocke made a promise to Magneto when she joined his mission…and now she’s going to collect. I’m really just looking forward to seeing Psylocke, one of my favourite X-women in action.
Shay
This is the week of boss chicks and bad ass lady heroes and I’m so here for it that I can’t even breathe! Thank heavens for a good nor’easter because being snowed in with all this comic book goodness is a cure for the winter time blues.
Top Pick: Neil Gaian American Gods Shadows #1 (Dark Horse) – It’s one of my favorite books, in comic book form! I haven’t been this geeked out something like this since Fight Club 2 came out.
Top Pick: Black Panther World of Wakanda #5 (Marvel) – This arc is over and midnight angels are about to roll out , reign triumphant and show the villains of Wakanda that there’s some new sheriffs in town. So much lady power! So many strong , black, female character, so much awesomeness!
Batwoman #1 (DC Comics) – It’s a brand new arc in a solo comic book series and, it gives Batwoman a lot to do, some agency and, some asses to kick! So obviously, I’m here for it!
Harley Quinn #16 (DC Comics) – The red meat arc ( or as I like to call it diet soylent green with a twist) is still going on, aliens, a man with a secret plan, the evils of gentrification and the perils of men who underestimate three bad ass crime fighting ladies. Harley’s taking the fight straight to the top. Grab popcorn .
Brett
Top Pick: The Best We Could Do (Abrams Comicarts) – The debut graphic novel memoir from Thi Bui is an exploration of one family’s journey from their war-torn home in Vietnam to their new lives in America. An exploration of immigration that’s pertinent to today.
Neil Gamian’s American Gods: Shadows #1 (Dark Horse) – I’ve never read the book but have heard good things so looking forward to seeing what the fuss is about.
Dead Inside #4 (Dark Horse) – I love crime comics and noir, so super excited to read more of this series.
Super Sons #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was tons of fun, exactly what I wanted and expected and this second issue will hopefully bring more of the same. Just a fun series that’s full of energy.
The Wild Storm #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was intriguing with it’s changes to these classic characters and I’m interested in seeing where it all goes.
Critically acclaimed cartoonist Andrew MacLean will launch a new story arc in his ongoing swords-and-sorcery-but-mostly-swords quarterly series Head Lopper this March.
In Head Lopper #5, a daring new adventure awaits, looming like the Crimson Tower, home of Ulrich the Twice Damned, sworn enemy of Zhaania Kota Ka. With old friends and new, our heroes boldly enter the bloodied pinnacle with bare steel and steady hearts.
Head Lopper #5, Cover A by MacLean (Diamond code: JAN170690) and Cover B by Tony Sandoval (Diamond code: JAN170691), hits comic book stores Wednesday, March 15th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, February 20th.
They’ve been teasing it, but Skelton Crew Studio has shown off the prototype for their Norgal 9-inch vinyl from Andrew MacLean‘s rocking comic series Head Lopper!
Norgal will be unleashed into the world in early 2017. He’ll be articulated at the shoulders and wrists and released in two colors — both limited, one of them hyper-limited, available for one month only. More details to come!
Check out the sneak peek shot of the new Norgal sculpt underway for Skelton Crew Studio‘s upcoming Head Lopper vinyl. He’s looking MASSIVE and so badass.
Skip to content