Tag Archives: insight editions

Weekly Preview! Comics! Graphic Novels! Manga!

There are a lot of comics coming out every week to be covered. Check out some of what we’ll be reviewing and this is only the beginning!

This week’s reviews include:

  • A History of Modern Manga (Insight Editions)
  • Bulls of Beacon Hill #3 (AfterShock Comics)
  • The Heavy Bright (Fantagraphics)
  • Marvel Value Stamps: A Visual History (Abrams Comicarts)
  • Parker Girls #6 (Abstract Studios)
  • Visions 2022 Illustrators Book (Yen Press)

Not shown:

  • Ancient Enemies #3 (Frank Miller Presents)
  • Fist of the North Star Vol. 8 (VIZ Media)
  • Les Miserables Omnibus Vol. 2 (Seven Seas Entertainment)
  • Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection (VIZ Media)

Fantagraphics, First Second, and Yen Press provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

A History of Modern Manga gets a deluxe and expanded volume!

Amid reconstruction after World War II, Japan saw the emergence of modern manga, which quickly became a favorite pastime of its citizens. Over the decades, the art form bore witness to the anxieties and dreams of several generations of Japanese citizens, reflecting both dark and joyful experiences.

The history of manga is inextricably linked to the social, economic, political, and cultural evolution of Japan. Essential to the daily lives of its inhabitants and to its economy, manga is one of the drivers of the international development of one of the world’s largest economies.

How did the manga market reach one billion copies annually in less than half a century? Who are the major players in this incredible expansion?

Discover fascinating new details about essential entries in the manga canon, including Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, Death Note, Naruto, Berserk, and more. Discover, over the pages and years, the major events and artists who have marked the history of modern manga. This new, updated and expanded edition of A History of Modern Manga is on-sale wherever books are sold on April 4, 2023 from Insight Editions

Legendary Pictures Announces Two Godzilla vs. Kong Prequel Graphic Novels

Godzilla vs. Kong

In anticipation of the March release of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures‘ epic action-adventure Godzilla vs. Kong, Legendary Comics has announced a publishing program that will allow fans to dive deeper into stories relating to the upcoming cinematic showdown between two of the most beloved pop culture Titans of all time—the great Godzilla and the mighty Kong! The program features two new epic prequel graphic novels; an anthology featuring past fan-favorite comic series; two endearing titles for young readers—an original children’s picture book and a young children’s board book; an official behind-the-scenes art book; and a novelization that takes readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and more. Each title will set the stage for this not-to-be-missed battle royale.

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 Royalefrom 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.

Review: Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History

Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History

When it comes to the modern action movie there are very few really good ones that standout in people’s mind.  In the 1980s movie fans were spoiled with a large cache of films to choose from.

There are some well-known iconoclasts of that generation, with more familiar names like Stallone, Rothrock, Van Damme and Schwarzenegger. Their movies defined cinema for that time and set a new standard of what is an action movie.

Which brings me to Die Hard and how a movie that takes place in Christmas became one of the best movies of its time and one of the best action movies ever. In the thorough and what turns out to be a love letter to the franchise, authors James Mottram and David Cohen give fans and cinephiles what they wish for and more in Die Hard: The Ultimate Visual History.

In “The Foreword,” fans get a real treat, as the director of the first movie, John McTiernan, gives up the details on how the first movie got made in the first place. “Part 1: Die Hard” finds the inspiration behind the movie, Roderick Thorp’s original novel Nothing Lasts Forever and the evolution from novel to script, McTiernan’s unorthodox inspiration from Midsummer Night’s Dream, and how much influence the franchise’s producer Joel Silver was in getting the film made. The most interesting sections of this chapter revolves around the casting of Bruce Willis as John McClane and Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber and the different synergies both actors brought to the film and to each other as they both proved to be more interesting than the characters they portrayed. In “Part 2 Die Hard 2: Die Harder,” we find out that this movie was also based on a book but by a different author Walter Wager and his book 58 Minutes. It gave a great premise but needed to be fleshed out to fit the Die Hard world. We get a peek into all the behind the scenes drama that took place before they started filming. In “Part 3: Die Hard With A Vengeance,” we find McTiernan teaming back up with Willis and finding then upcoming actors Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Irons ultimately making both actors worldwide stars.  “Part 4: Live Free Or Die Hard” gets into how this movie tried to get John McClane to fit into the new digital future landscape and what the world considers an action hero now. “Part 5: A Good Day To Die Hard” sees the challenges of dealing with a new director, mostly foreign actors, and shooting overseas which gave fans a movie with mixed results. In “Part 6: Beyond The Screen,” the authors take us through the many iterations of the franchise including  video games, a  storybook which treats the original movie as it has always been seen in action movie fans eyes, a Christmas action movie, and comics which delve into both the character’s early years as a rookie cop and twilight years as a retired detective. In “Conclusion,” the authors give fans a short interview with Willis himself as he discusses the impact of the character and the franchise and how its ultimate charm lies in how it dials into the hardworking everyman tick.

Overall, it’s an excellent book which is more than a treasure for fans of the franchise but also is the ultimate behind the scenes tour of one of the world’s greatest film franchises. The narrative as written by Mottram and Cohen is fluid, epic and quite a page turner. The book also contains replications of scene sketches, publicity shoots and notes by the various directors, making this world as visceral as a fan can be. Altogether, one of the best books written and illustrated about this movie franchise.

Story: James Mottram, David S. Cohen, and John McTiernan
Story: 10 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy

Review: DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman

When most people who don’t read comics think of the genre and the culture they often think of iconic figures of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. One of my favorite movies is Justice League: Doom which is based on the storyline “Justice League Of America: Tower Of Babel,” which I read first and then years later saw the animated movie. I had the same question, both times, how did Bruce Wayne collect all this intelligence on each of his friends? Thankfully, I wasn’t the only person thinking this, as the good people at Insight Editions have put together a behind the scenes look at what goes on in the mind of Bruce Wayne. We get a chance to discover his notes on every major metahuman, friend and foe, in Anatomy Of A Metahuman.

Concerned about the threat that so-called “metahumans” may pose to the world, Batman has begun compiling a detailed dossier on their incredible physiology and abilities. From villains like Killer Croc, Bane, and Brainiac, to Batman’s own comrades, including Superman and Cyborg, the file brings together the Dark Knight’s fascinating personal theories on the unique anatomical composition of these formidable individuals. This unique book delves into the incredible abilities of DC Comics characters like never before. Using beautifully illustrated anatomical cross sections depicting twelve different DC characters.

In “Introduction,” the reader gets a handwritten note form Bruce Wayne himself, as he lays out the very reason he has put these files together in the first place and how they can help when all the good has gone. In “Superman,” Bruce breaks down his friend and sometimes adversary, as he dives into how Kryptonian anatomy differs from human, though they look humanoid on the surface, as the most fascinating section focuses on his brain and how it is both superior and similar to humans. In “The Cheetah,” the reader get insight into her and Wonder Woman’s relationship and what Steve Trevor initially thought of the subjects. In “Aquaman,” the reader learns about Atlantis and how Atlanteans function almost like most sea creatures except with some rather unique abilities. In “Cyborg,” we learn about Victor Stone’s connection to the Mother Box, and though he may be human he is equally robot. In “Martian Manhunter,” we learn how Jonzz and Martian morphology, and how his need to fit in as human is both fascinating and mystifying. In “Swamp Thing,” we get a deep dive into how chlorokinesis works in his case and how it affects both his powers and his ability to rejuvenate himself. In “Darkseid,” we find out about the New Gods and though they are aliens, they also have deity-like qualities. In “Bane,” we learn how Bane became so strong and how this same elixir has made some foes unusually invincible including one former protege. In “Doomsday,” we find just how dangerous this creature is and why Superman and most Kryptonians both fear and revile him. In “Killer Croc,” we find out how a skin disorder made him into who he would become.  In “Bizarro,” we find the only true irregularity amongst the file,s as his whole physiology was due to defects that could only happen to Kryptonians. In “Killer Frost,” we get an in-depth look at cryokinesis, and just how it works with heat absorption. In “Conclusion,” Wayne laments the attention to detail he wished he gave each subject but wishes to go more in depth, with a promise to release more files.

The book is a deep dive into the characters as the Bruce Wayne gives the readers and painstaking look at each character and also into the mind of Bruce Wayne AKA Batman. The narration and notes by writers S.D. Perry and Matthew K. Manning are very entertaining and capture the character’s voice perfectly. The art by Ming Doyle can easily be in a sketchbook as well as an art museum. Altogether, an entertaining coffee book that can satisfy both comic book fans and pop culture fans equally.

The book is outnow.

Story: S.D. Perry and Matthew K. Manning Art: Ming Doyle
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.0 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Advance Review: DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman

When most people who don’t read comics think of the genre and the culture they often think of iconic figures of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. One of my favorite movies is Justice League: Doom which is based on the storyline “Justice League Of America: Tower Of Babel,” which I read first and then years later saw the animated movie. I had the same question, both times, how did Bruce Wayne collect all this intelligence on each of his friends? Thankfully, I wasn’t the only person thinking this, as the good people at Insight Editions have put together a behind the scenes look at what goes on in the mind of Bruce Wayne. We get a chance to discover his notes on every major metahuman, friend and foe, in Anatomy Of A Metahuman.

Concerned about the threat that so-called “metahumans” may pose to the world, Batman has begun compiling a detailed dossier on their incredible physiology and abilities. From villains like Killer Croc, Bane, and Brainiac, to Batman’s own comrades, including Superman and Cyborg, the file brings together the Dark Knight’s fascinating personal theories on the unique anatomical composition of these formidable individuals. This unique book delves into the incredible abilities of DC Comics characters like never before. Using beautifully illustrated anatomical cross sections depicting twelve different DC characters.

In “Introduction,” the reader gets a handwritten note form Bruce Wayne himself, as he lays out the very reason he has put these files together in the first place and how they can help when all the good has gone. In “Superman,” Bruce breaks down his friend and sometimes adversary, as he dives into how Kryptonian anatomy differs from human, though they look humanoid on the surface, as the most fascinating section focuses on his brain and how it is both superior and similar to humans. In “The Cheetah,” the reader get insight into her and Wonder Woman’s relationship and what Steve Trevor initially thought of the subjects. In “Aquaman,” the reader learns about Atlantis and how Atlanteans function almost like most sea creatures except with some rather unique abilities. In “Cyborg,” we learn about Victor Stone’s connection to the Mother Box, and though he may be human he is equally robot. In “Martian Manhunter,” we learn how Jonzz and Martian morphology, and how his need to fit in as human is both fascinating and mystifying. In “Swamp Thing,” we get a deep dive into how chlorokinesis works in his case and how it affects both his powers and his ability to rejuvenate himself. In “Darkseid,” we find out about the New Gods and though they are aliens, they also have deity-like qualities. In “Bane,” we learn how Bane became so strong and how this same elixir has made some foes unusually invincible including one former protege. In “Doomsday,” we find just how dangerous this creature is and why Superman and most Kryptonians both fear and revile him. In “Killer Croc,” we find out how a skin disorder made him into who he would become.  In “Bizarro,” we find the only true irregularity amongst the file,s as his whole physiology was due to defects that could only happen to Kryptonians. In “Killer Frost,” we get an in-depth look at cryokinesis, and just how it works with heat absorption. In “Conclusion,” Wayne laments the attention to detail he wished he gave each subject but wishes to go more in depth, with a promise to release more files.

The book is a deep dive into the characters as the Bruce Wayne gives the readers and painstaking look at each character and also into the mind of Bruce Wayne AKA Batman. The narration and notes by writers S.D. Perry and Matthew K. Manning are very entertaining and capture the character’s voice perfectly. The art by Ming Doyle can easily be in a sketchbook as well as an art museum. Altogether, an entertaining coffee book that can satisfy both comic book fans and pop culture fans equally.

The book is out September 18 and you can pre-order it now.

Story: S.D. Perry and Matthew K. Manning Art: Ming Doyle
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.0 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Rock out and Skip to the End this June from Jeremy Holt, Alex Diotto, and Insight Comics

Bassist-turned-junkie Jonny Wells is addicted to his past, but the only way to get there is through his music.

This June, Insight Comics is publishing Skip to the End, a riveting graphic novel created as an allegory to the history of the legendary band Nirvana.

Skip to the End tells Jonny’s story as he tries to cope with his band mate and best friend Kirk’s suicide. Twenty years later he struggles with heroin addiction, lost in the songs they created and desperate to relive the past—unitl one day he discover he can. With the aid of a mysterious guitar, Jonny begins to make trips back in time, searching for the roots of Kirk’s unraveling. At Nar-Anon meetings and in conversations with his sponsor Emily, he starts to cope with the events that led to Kirk’s death. But by the time Jonny realizes that his visits can’t change the present, he might be too addicted to stop.

Skip to the End explores music’s transportive property, while sharing a story of friendship, combating addiction, and suicide awareness.

Skip to the End is written by Jeremy Holt, with art by Alex Diotto, designed by Tim Daniel, colored by Renzo Podesta, and lettering by Adam Wollet.

Around the Tubes

the-mighty-thor-12It’s a new week and we’ve got all sorts of things coming up including interviews, reviews, and contest! It all kicks off really soon but while you wait for that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

The Beat – RIP Preacher co-creator Steve Dillon – Our thoughts go out to Steve’s friends and family.

Kotaku – We Were Wrong About Limiting Children’s Screen Time – Rather interesting.

CBR – Jessica Jones Season 2 Will Be Directed Entirely By Women – Very cool and can’t wait for the new season!

Comics Alliance – ‘Deadpool’ Director Tim Miller Leaves ‘Deadpool 2’ – Doomed! Doomed we tell ya!

Publisher’s Weekly – Insight Editions Launches a Comics Imprint – This could be great. They do some fantastic books.

The Beat – The mixed messages of Wonder Woman as she’s named Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls – Agree? Disagree?

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – The Mighty Thor #12

Around the Tubes

all-new-all-different-avengers-14-coverIt was new comic book day yesterday! What’d everyone get? What’d you like? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below!

While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

The Comichron – Ignore the asterisks: Most returnable comics improve on their reported monthly sales figures – Boom. So returnable = bubble is a new myth that’s popped.

The Beat – Insight Editions launches Insight Comics imprint – The more the merrier!

The Beat – Is Nilah Magruder the first African-American woman to write for Marvel? – Anyone actual know this answer?

ICv2 – Reading Between the Lines of Pew’s 2016 Reader Survey — Favorable Trends for Comics – Some more info on readers.

Comics Alliance – The ‘Booster Gold’ Movie Won’t Be Connected to the DC Cinematic Universe – Interesting and with a character you could do that with.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Newsarama – All-New, All-Different Avengers #14

Comicosity – Batman #6

Newsarama – Doctor Strange #11

Newsarama – The Flintstones #3

The Beat – Frontier #12

Newsarama – Green Arrow #6

Newsarama – Justice League #4

Comic Vine – Moon Knight #6

Newsarama – Nightwing #4

Talking Comics – Silver Surfer #6

Comic Vine – Supergirl #1

Newsarama – Supergirl #1

NYCC 2015: Hot Products From Insight Editions!

75556-44369-cover-340x450Insight Editions have announced their plans for this coming week’s New York Comic Con.

Visit them at booth #1765 where they’ll be showcasing their hottest fall titles, including Assassin’s Creed: The Complete Visual HistoryGhostbusters: The Ultimate Visual HistoryDisney Princess: A Magical-Pop-Up World, and The Walking Dead: The Pop-Up Book! All books at their booth are 30% off, and purchases of $30 or more will receive a Ghostbusters tote bag.

Exclusively available at NYCC, they will have copies of Disney Princess: A Magical-Pop-Up World signed by award-winning paper engineer Matthew Reinhart.

In honor of their new book, Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History, they’re hosting an Instagram Ghostbusters scavenger hunt on Saturday, October 10, in which ten winners have a chance to win a signed copy of the book. People can enter the contest by finding the Ghostbusters logo at three iconic film locations around New York City.

Each day of NYCC, they’re giving away a copy of Assassin’s Creed: The Complete Visual History, signed by the creative team behind the game franchise. Additionally, the first ten people to purchase a copy of Assassin’s Creed: The Complete Visual History will receive a signed print of the cover art.

They’ll be hosting book signings at their booth, #1765, throughout NYCC:

Thursday, October 8

3-4pm: Dave Seeley, signing The Art of Dave Seeley

 

Friday, October 9

11am-12pm: Jake Friedman signing The Art of Blue Sky Studios

3-4pm: Daniel Wallace signing Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History

 

Saturday, October 10

11am-12pm: Becca Zerkin signing The Walked Dead: The Pop-Up Book

1-2pm: James Waugh signing StarCraft Field Manual

3-4pm: Daniel Wallace signing Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History

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