Tag Archives: iain laurie

ComixTribe Reveals the Full Roster for Legends of the Wailing Blade, Over Two Dozen Creators

Posted on by

ComixTribe has announced the full list of creators contributing new stories and art that will be featured in Wailing Blade: Headtaker, the collected edition of its popular dark-sci fi fantasy mini-series released last year, which is currently funding on Kickstarter.

Wailing Blade is created by Rich Douek, writer of the IDW series Road of Bones and the upcoming Sea of Sorrows, and Joe Mulvey, artist of ComixTribe’s SCAM and Mummy’s Always Right and the upcoming Happy Hill.

Billed as Mad Max meets Masters of the Universe, Wailing Blade takes place in a future dark age, and tells the story of a bandit prince who will stop at nothing to save a father sentenced to death by the hands of the legendary Headtaker… even if it means falling to the Wailing Blade himself.

The four-issue mini-series is being collected for the first time and will be available in a softcover format as well as a deluxe, die-cut foil-enhanced hardcover edition. The new trade will include an extensive cover gallery as well as an additional final scene not included in the single issues.

Wailing Blade: Headtaker

ComixTribe has also enlisted a murders-row of comic talent to help add even more fire-power to this trade collection. This collection features an all-new “Legends of the Wailing Blade” section including over a dozen tales of the origin of the titular blade. In this world, no one truly knows where the Wailing Blade came from or why it wails… but in every tavern, a different tale is spun.

The full roster of participating creators announced include:

  • Michael Avon Oeming (Powers, The After Realm)
  • David Andry (Resonant)
  • John Lees (Sink, Hotell, Mountainhead)
  • David Pepose (The O.Z., Spencer & Locke, Scout’s Honor)
  • Liana Kangas (She Said Destroy, Black AF: Devil’s Dye & Trve Kvlt)
  • Ryan K Lindsay (Eternal, She, Negative Space)
  • Lane Lloyd (God Puncher)
  • Kenny Porter (Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Barnstormers)
  • Gavin Smith (Dead Legends)
  • Malissa White (Nightmare)
  • Russell Nohelty (Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter, Cthulhu is Hard to Spell)
  • J Paul Schiek (The Lion and the Unicorn, Hush Ronin)
  • Tyler James (The Red Ten, Oxymoron)
  • Jarret Katz (The Foreigner)
  • Alex Cormack (Sink, Road of Bones, Sea of Sorrows)
  • Fraser Cambell (Alex Automatic, Ind-Xed)
  • Iain Laurie (And Then Emily Was Gone, The Edge Off)
  • Andrew Hahn (Powered by The Blood of Five Vampires)
  • Steven Forbes (Runners, The Proving Grounds)
  • Travis Hymel (Arkworld)
  • Rob Multari (Night Wolf)
  • Marc Thomas (The Monstrous Adventures of Beowulf)
  • Mario Candelaria (Killchella)
  • Daniel Earls (Hellfire, Tales from the Pandemic)
  • Matt Zolman (Epic)

The Wailing Blade: Headtaker campaign to raise $30,000 on Kickstarter to help fund the print run for the deluxe hardcover collection runs until Friday, November 20 at midnight. When funded, the books will ship in February, with digital rewards to be fulfilled in December.

​Wailing Blade: HEADTAKER is available now on Kickstarter.

Review: Comichaus #10

Posted on by

Anthology shows are a thing these days, as increasingly networks are considering the format, because of the flexibility. As the rigors of telling a story, but conventional means, has stifled not only creators but also audiences.  One such example of unconventional storytelling is the popular This Is Us, where the story is not only told form two timelines but also various characters, all interconnected, and each story sharing the same message of that episode. During all this, the story evokes all senses and emotions, form laughter to tears, the show reaches us every viewer.

A genre show, which does the same thing, but adds some scares, is the almost undefinable Room 104, which has just about touched every genre since it has entered popular media. The very fist episode, manipulated viewer’s understanding of multiple personalities and lets the audience know of the costs of not identifying it. In the tenth issue of Comichaus, each creator brings their “A game,” as some conclude their stories and others bring it to a climax. In the fourth part of Homeopaths, our heroes eventually defeat the evil Doctor, and though they are a bit scarred from what she did to them, they both could now finally get a good night’s sleep.

In the conclusion to “Mandy The Monster Hunter,” our heroine soon finds out that no tall monsters are bad, and peace can have attained without killing each other. In “Splendid Grins,” a man of the law finds himself at odds, as he questions his reason for being. In the conclusion to “Cold,” our heroine ends the evil that destroyed her life for the last time. In the last story, “The Lost Legionnaire,” a group of Roman soldiers gets trapped in a forest full of supernatural creatures, before meeting their fate.

Overall, a strong group of stories which not only anchor this issue but makes this one of the premiere books for all readers. The stories by the creator are strong, smart and most of all, entertaining. The art by the creators more than complement the stories. Altogether, another strong installment in what is an excellent series.

Story: Sambrook/Jones, Matt Warner, Fraser Campbell, Simon Birks, Gary Welsh
Art: Gavin Fullerton, Vincent Hunter, Iain Laurie, Lyndon White, Gary Welsh, Robin Jones
Story: 9.6 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Comichaus #9

Posted on by

Having just watched the documentary Future Shock, one epiphany I had is the indie scene in for comics is huge in England. I learned a few things about how those first creators at 2000AD changed the way we see the future, not only in comics, but largely throughout popular culture. The recent boom in dystopian fiction, can be attributed to these creators, too many to name but include in their ranks are the creators of Watchmen, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Denzel Washington’s dystopian rogue movie, Book Of Eli, has heavy influences from Judge Dredd’s Cursed Earth storyline.

Even some of the more obscure science fiction movies of the 1980s like Hardware, derives much of its story from Patty Mills stories in the storied magazine. The influence of those creators up to today can be seen in today’ s writers and artists, especially in indie comic magazines like Comichaus. In the latest issue, Homeopathos, James and Alan retrace their steps back to the mad scientist who abducted them in the first place, but unexpectedly must fight for their lives. In Mandy the Monster Hunter, Mandy has to train the children who were left as orphans due to the carnage of the monsters, as they become empowered to use their strengths to fight them.

In Cold, the survivors who are left over, try find some normalcy amongst each other, but just as they get adjusted the Colds, invade their quiet moment. In Splendid Grins, a criminal serving out his time taking out demons, finds a cult leader, whose is more than what he was told. In The Monochrome Kid, a mind melding being steals song ideas from a rival songwriter, causing chaos in his life. In Sandwiches, a demon uses people’s insecurities against them.

Overall, another strong installment for this epic series, as each issue is a fun trip. The stories contained prove that each writer are ones to watch. The art by each other artists are beautiful, especially the work done in Sandwiches. Altogether, a great issue, that proves Britain is still fertile soil for  new comics talent.

Story: Robin Jones, Michael Sambrook, Matt Warner, Liam Baldwin, Simon Birks, Fraser Campbell, Dave Bowling
Art: Gavin Fullerton, Vince Hunt, Liam Baldwin, Lyndon White, Iain Laurie, Rebecca Horner, Matthew John Soffe
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Comichaus #4

Posted on by

Stories comes in all shapes and forms, and they cross so many genres, that some genres have their own genres. That is why when anthologies are put together, rarely do they work in more than one genre. The reason for this is that they rarely go together, but Comichaus has found a way. They are what you expect from an indie publisher in comics, producing high quality comics that tell good stories.

They tell the stories comics readers want to read versus what they think; their audience wants to read. In this fourth issue of their anthology, each story gets better, and simply exceed expectations. In the new installment, of Chalk, Jacqueline’s history comes full circle as her past and her present collide in such a bloody way. In the latest installment of Feather, a war between the infected and angels? erupts in a crazy twist to this engaging story.

In Suited & Booted, Moses steps into a suit which might spell doom for all involved. In Troubleshooters, our heroes find out their new job probably is a fraud when they find out about Buzz. In Mortality, our hero makes the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter, as his past sins catch up with him. In The Cave, our protagonists find themselves beneath the earth’s crust, not knowing what awaits.

Overall, an excellent issue in this ever-evolving anthology. The stories all get stronger and more complex. The art is always engaging. Altogether, if you grab any issue in this anthology, this is the one you must have.

Story: Steven Horry, James McCulloch, Dave Cook, Jon Laight, Aaron Walther, Luke Cooper, Tom Ward, James Calderbank
Art: Jessica L. Byrne, Norrie Millar, Ed Bickford, Luke Cooper, Iain Laurie, Colin Bell, James Calderbank
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Comichaus #3

Posted on by

British comics are full of great creators, and because of it the comics world has evolved and even stepped up their game. The influence of Alan Moore looms over any writer/artist who writes anything dealing with superheroes or the occult. The way he deals with hard subjects and his mastery of the inner conflicts of characters more than proves he is a master storyteller. His influence on the medium can be felt everywhere not only on British creators but also here in America.

Another creator that gets into those hard subjects and leaves feeling more than uncomfortable is the “master of suspense,” Stephen King. The stories he tells in Nightmares and Dreamscapes, leaves the reader more than uneasy, and for some of those stories, a little disturbed. The creators at Comic Haus, are more than fans of these two asters, they are most certainly disciples. In the third issue of Comichaus, each creator turns in another masterful installment.

In this installment, of “Chalk,” our heroine gets visited by an old friend, who warns of an “endless plague of sorrow,” which ends the life of someone close to her. In the third installment of “Karyn Shade,” she finally rescues all the prisoners but one of villains are in the wind, waiting to exact revenge on her. In this installment of “Feather,” the reader soon finds out what mass extermination looks like. In “Suited and Booted,” the beginning of the final race begins, and soon someone will finally die. In this installment of the “Troubleshooters,” our protagonists see something they would never see, a dragon. In this next installment of “Mortality,” our hero may have lost his daughter to the Reaper, as he finds out how powerful his influence can be. Lastly, in the newest story to be added, “Return,” the reader is introduced to a pair of astronauts about to go up into space on Apollo 12, with the tragedy of the last space mission still looming.

Overall, an entertaining installment to these evolving stories. The stories written here are masterfully told and brilliantly gets character development right. The art by all creators is gorgeous. Altogether, a worthy installment to an already great book.

Story: James McCulloch, Dave Cook, Jon Laight, Aaron Walther, Luke Cooper, Tom Ward, James Calderbank
Art: Jessica L. Byrne, Norrie Millar, Ed Bickford, Luke Cooper, Iain Laurie, Colin Bell, James Calderbank
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Review: Comichaus #1

Posted on by

Anthologies are great showcases for artists/writers to show off their work, especially when they are starting off. What one finds in these collections, are sometimes duds, and sometimes gems. When it comes to book anthologies, depending on the editor, you might try to slog through a few, to get to a good one, and sometimes you don’t have too deep into, as sometimes these anthologies are nothing but gems. In the comics real, the same issue exists, as the editor dictates the tone and quality of the project.

So, when I heard about the new indie publisher out of the UK, Comic Haus, I was a little bit excited, because when I usually think anthology comics from that part of the world, 2000 AD usually comes to mind. I was more than to excited to finally read their first publication, which more than surprised me. In the first story, “Beyond Forth” we meet Karyn Shade, a loner at first, who gets stranded when her car gets a flat in a town called Forth, where there is more than what seems to be a sleepy town. In the second story entitled “Feather,” we are introduced to a dystopian world, where a new strain of the bird flu, has disrupted civilization, and the reader gets to see firsthand how it changes one man’s life forever.

In “Suited and Booted”, the theory of life on Mars is played to horrific results, where humans are invaded by faceless villains known as the Breakers. In “The Troubleshooters”, we ae introduced to a neo-western world , where some rough riders , ride on dragons instead of horses,  and find a mysterious named New Port. In “Mortality Part One”, we meet a man in search of his daughter, who gets into a car crash, where the bookkeeper of the Grim Reaper finds, and who he kills anyway. In “Mum & Dad”, a seemingly normal tale of a child eavesdropping on his parents takes a horrid turn, which the reader cannot unseen.

Overall, a great book which covers many genres and yet becomes stronger because of the diversity of the storytelling. The stories in this anthology, are all masterfully told as each story gives a new meaning to “cliffhanger”. The art in this anthology, is simply beautiful, as I never thought I would enjoy black and white comics as much as I do here. Altogether, a great book, which will keep this reviewer enthralled until the next issue.

Story: James McCulloch, Dave Cook, Jon Laight, Aaron Walther, Luke Cooper, Tom Ward
Art: Jessica L. Byrne, Norrie Millar, Ed Bickford, Luke Cooper, Iain Laurie, Colin Bell
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

A New Nightmare from the Creators of And Then Emily Was Gone

Posted on by

ComixTribe has announced that the creative team of it’s hit series And Then Emily Was Gone – writer John Lees, artist Iain Laurie, colorist Megan Wilson and letterer Colin Bell – have reunited for Quilte, a horror one-shot which will make its worldwide debut at Edinburgh Comic Con.

Quilte tells the story of Dr. Karla Quite, a revered psychologist who uses her unique gifts to treat patients afflicted with recurring nightmares. But when tasked with helping troubled young Adam Whitlock, her journey into his mind leaves her facing forces far more malevolent than bad dreams.

Edinburgh Comic Con will be taking place at The Exchange at EICC on April 2nd-3rd.

Quilte

The Loveliest Nightmare Begins in August

Posted on by

ComixTribe announced today the upcoming release of Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare, a new monthly crime/ horror series debuting in August. Writers John Lees and Tyler James are joining forces with Alex Cormack to tell a cop versus contradiction-obsessed killer thriller in the vein of Hannibal and Se7en.

The Loveliest Nightmare tells the story of Mary Clark, an afflicted detective suffering from a debilitating chronic illness, and reeling from a demotion back to street cop after her partner’s death. She hates being in uniform, resents her young, wide-eyed partner, and is persona non grata with the rest of the police department. She’s sleepwalking, but the Oxymoron case wakes her up.

When what appears to be a lone nut job in a mask jumping off a skyscraper turns out to be the opening gambit in a killer’s master plan to cleanse a corrupt city of its many contradictions, Mary sees taking him down as a chance to prove herself and earn back her Detective badge.  But once the true severity of the Oxymoron’s plan is revealed, she realizes there are much higher stakes than her career in play.

Each issue of the series features a standard cover by Alex Cormack and a variant cover by industry superstars and upcoming talent, including Charles Paul Wilson, III, Iain Laurie, Joe Mulvey and more.

Oxymoron The Loveliest Nightmare 1 cover a Oxymoron The Loveliest Nightmare 1 cover b

ComixTribe Releases a Trailer for And Then Emily Was Gone

Posted on by

On the even of the direct market debut of And Then Emily Was Gone #1, ComixTribe has released a full trailer for horror mini-series before its world-wide debut July 30.

Greg Hellinger is a man who sees monsters. A former detective driven to the brink of madness by terrifying apparitions, he is tasked with finding a missing girl named Emily. Hellinger’s search takes him to a remote community in the Scottish Orkney Islands, where strange and terrifying things are happening…

A 5-part monthly comic event, And Then Emily Was Gone is created by award-winning creators John Lees and Iain Laurie and features variant covers by comic superstars Riley Rossmo, Nick Pitarra, Garry Brown, and more!