Tag Archives: Jay Stephens

EC Comics is back with Epitaphs From the Abyss #1

From the publisher that drove Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, Haunt of Fear, and many more into the depraved hearts of an unsuspecting world, the immortal EC Comics returns on July 24th with its first bold and bloody new NEW series in nearly 70 years! In partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc., Oni Press has revealed the complete line-up of “all-killer” writers, artists, and cover artists behind Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 – a 40-page testament to terror ushering in the full-scale resurrection of comics’ most infamous and influential publishing house…

In our first extra-sized, 40-page dose of fear, witness shocking tales of torment and tension in the immortal EC tradition—as wrenched from the grave by the vile intentions of acclaimed writers Brian AzzarelloChris CondonJ. Holtham, and Stephanie Phillips and realized into bloody reality by “all-slaughter” artists Jorge FornesPhil HesterPeter Krause, and Vlad Legostaev.

What the Comics Code Authority couldn’t kill has only made it stronger… EC Comics enters the 21st century with a jugular-pounding horror milestone that not only features four self-contained exercises in adrenaline from Brian Azzarello & Vlad Legostaev, Chris Condon & Peter Krause, J. Holtham & Jorge Fornes, and Stephanie Phillips & Phil Hester, and more — but also the first glimpse of EC’s new cast of horror hosts…and a razor-sharp gallery of covers inspired by the eternal artistry of the EC’s infernal legacy with talents including Lee BermejoAndrea Sorrentino with Dave StewartJay StephensRian Hughes, and Dustin Weaver.

Discover New Worlds in Your First Look at Man’s Best #2

BOOM! Studios has released a first look at Man’s Best #2, the next issue of an action-packed sci-fi romp full of heart by writer Pornsak Pichetshote, artist Jesse Lonergan, and letterer Jeff Powell. Homeward Bound on an alien world, Man’s Best follows three emotional support pets living on the Starship Horizon—a spacecraft searching for a new home to house a humanity compromised by bad decisions and corporate greed, coming to comic shops this April 24.

As the Musketeers explore their newly discovered section of this biome populated by giant robots, it becomes clear that there is more to this civilization of machines than solely logic and steel. Amidst the sprawling technopolis, when one of the 3 animals disobeys orders, they find themselves captured and helpless, leaving the remaining two on search and rescue duty. Little do they know that they’re about to discover yet another new world, one that reveals even more about their journey ahead…

Man’s Best #2 features a main cover by series artist Jesse Lonergan, and variant covers by fan-favorite artists Jay Stephens, Rian Gonzales, and Toni Infante.

Man's Best #2

DSTLRY reveals Jenny Frison Spectregraph #1 and Jay Stephens Blasfamous #2 covers

DSTLRY has revealed two new open-order covers by Jenny Frison and Jay Stephens for April horror releases Spectregraph #1 and Blasfamous #2 ahead of Final Order Cutoff (FOC) this coming weekend.

Jenny Frison’s alluring FOC variant for Spectregraph #1 rounds out the initial cover lineup for this chilling exploration of wealth, power, and the supernatural, arriving April 24 in print and digital formats. Specretgraph is by James Tynion IV and Christian Ward and features additional covers by Ward, Martin Simmonds, Alex Eckman-Lawn, and Tradd Moore.

Spectregraph is a ghost story steeped in the decay of a century of capitalism. For years, the mansion has sat strangely, nestled into the coastline just a short drive north of Los Angeles. Rumors have haunted the place for years, its owner a titan of American industry with a strange fascination in the occult and the paranormal. For decades, the richest men and women in the country have whispered to each other, trying to understand what he was building alone in that mansion for all those years. And now finally, with his death, and his estate open for sale…they are eager to find out for themselves.

Two of the most celebrated visionaries of the medium invite you into the world of Spectregraph, a haunting, cerebral horror story that peels back the layers of America’s opulent wealth and uncovers the rot underneath. But be careful: once you enter, you may never leave.

Spectregraph #1 Jenny Frison cover

Jay Stephens lends his talents to Mirka Andolfo’s Blasfamous #2 for an insidious FOC variant featuring pop queen Clelia and her demonic agent Lev. The second installment of the horror comedy releases on April 24 with a full track list of open-order and incentive covers. Written by and art by Andolfo, it also features additional covers by Andolfo, Jorge Corona, Sweeney Boo, and Alberto Locatelli.

Blasfamous is a scorching descent into the world of showbiz. After a disastrous concert in which a new rival steals her spotlight, Clelia finds herself plummeting into the depths of despair. Her career appears to be hanging by a thread, and—when her nemesis is unveiled—we learn of the steamy history between Clelia and this enigmatic foe.

Amid feelings of guilt, anger, and a shattered sense of self-worth, can the world’s most beautiful and adored pop star hold onto her agent, Lev, or will she lose him to the competition? Don’t miss the second installment of this thrilling new series by international sensation Mirka Andolfo, which raises the question: how many fans is your soul worth?

Blasfamous #2 Jay Stephens cover

Crowdfunding Corner: Gold Key’s Figgy Furthermore – The Spirit Guide Dog by Jay Stephens

Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.

Gold Key has launched Figgy Furthermore – The Spirit Guide Dog, a brand new comic book series penned by the acclaimed author Jay Stephens, and they’re bringing it to life through Kickstarter.

Figgy Furthermore is not just a comic; it’s a journey into the extraordinary. Join Figgy, the endearing Spirit Guide Dog, in a world where mishaps, adventure, and heart collide. Jay Stephens, known for his exceptional storytelling, weaves a tale that will captivate and enchant readers of all ages.

Fully funded, it has already crossed its $30,000 stretch goal where every backer will receive a FREE Figgy Furthermore temporary tattoo pack and we have even included a BONUS! 50 lucky backers, chosen randomly, will be gifted a vintage Gold Key Comics book!

The project’s crowdfunding campaign ends on Thursday, March 14 2024 at 11:00 AM EDT.

EC Comics is back with Oni Press

EC Comics

Oni Press has announced a publishing partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. that will see the full-fledged return of EC Comics to comic shop and bookstore shelves worldwide with a slate of all-new series beginning in the summer of 2024. 

Beginning with Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 in July and Cruel Universe #1 in August – the first official EC Comics series produced in nearly seven decades – Oni’s ambitious EC Comics publishing program will be overseen by Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn in partnership with Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud, the daughter and grandson of legendary EC Publisher William M. Gaines and administrators of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc

Edited by Hahn, Oni’s curated line of EC titles – which will include at least two series on a monthly basis from July 2024 onward in the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and more – will feature contributions from a rotating cast of high-profile comics talents that includes writers Jason AaronBrian Azzarello, Rodney BarnesCorinna Bechko, Cullen Bunn, Christopher CantwellCecil CastellucciChris CondonJoshua Hale Fialkov, J. Holtham, Jeff Jensen, Matt Kindt, Sean Lewis, Stephanie PhillipsJay StephensZac Thompson, Ben H. Winters, and more; artists Kano, Peter KrauseLeomacsMalachi WardDustin Weaver, and more; designer Rian Hughes; alongside covers from Lee BermejoGreg SmallwoodJ.H. Williams III, and more to be revealed in the weeks and months ahead. 

Founded by M.C. “Max” Gaines – often cited as one of the original creators of the comic book format – as “Educational Comics” in 1944, EC spearheaded a watershed evolution in the craft, quality, and power of the comics medium under Max’s son, William M. Gaines, following the elder Gaines’ sudden death in 1947. Rechristening his father’s creation as “Entertaining Comics,” publisher, editor, and writer William M. Gaines recruited one of the most legendary creative stables in the history of the comics medium – including future Eisner Hall of Fame inductees Johnny Craig, Reed Crandall, Jack Davis, Will Elder, Al Feldstein, Frank Frazetta, Bernard Krigstein, Harvey Kurtzman, Joe Orlando, John Severin, Marie Severin, Al Williamson, Wally Wood, and many more – to oversee the creation of a revolutionary slate of new series that would soon grow to include Tales From the Crypt, Mad Magazine, Weird Sience, Two-Fist Talesand more. 

Widely celebrated for fearlessly confrontational stories that were as creatively innovative as they were culturally subversive – confronting racial and gender inequality, militarism, and environmental degradation in ways that would anticipate both the burgeoning counterculture and Civil Rights movements – EC’s urge to probe the darkness lurking beyond the edges of post-war America through tales of horror, science fiction, humor, and war earned the company millions of readers … and established a new high watermark for one of the first definitively American artforms: the comic book. 

However, EC’s reign at the forefront of the American comic book industry – a period during which it eclipsed Marvel, DC, and Archie with sales of 10 million comics per year – would come crashing down in 1954 as an anti-comics moral panic swept America, inspiring book burnings, police surveillance, and a Congressional investigation that would see William M. Gaines’ testimony broadcast live in households across the country. This pro-censorship movement soon culminated in the creation of the Comics Code Authority, a sanitizing regulatory group whose guidelines were specifically tailored to remove EC’s comics from newsstands. EC’s final comics – until now – were published in 1956, and the hugely popular MAD was re-formatted as a magazine to escape Code scrutiny. Even so, the untimely death of EC could not erase the company’s far-reaching impact, having already inspired a young generation of readers – including John Carpenter, Guillermo del Toro, Matt Groening, James Gunn, George LucasStephen King, George R.R. Martin, The Ramones, George Romero, Steven Spielberg, and hundreds more – who have cited EC’s iconoclastic brand of storytelling as a deep and primordial influence. 

Crowdfunding Corner: Gold Key announces a Kickstarter for Figgy Furthermore – The Spirit Guide Dog

Backer Beware: Crowdfunding projects are not guaranteed to be delivered and/or delivered when promised. We always recommend to do your research before backing.

Figgy Furthermore - The Spirit Guide Dog

Gold Key has announced Figgy Furthermore – The Spirit Guide Dog, a brand new comic book series penned by the acclaimed author Jay Stephens, and they’re bringing it to life through Kickstarter.

Figgy Furthermore is not just a comic; it’s a journey into the extraordinary. Join Figgy, the endearing Spirit Guide Dog, in a world where mishaps, adventure, and heart collide. Jay Stephens, known for his exceptional storytelling, weaves a tale that will captivate and enchant readers of all ages.

The Kickstarter begins February 12 and you can sign up now to be notified when it launches.

Dwellings #3 returns for a second printing

Oni Press has announced that Dwellings continues to be a sold-out horror hit as the third and final issue of the series is sold out at the distributor level and will be going back to print for the Dwellings #3 Second Printing Variant — on sale January 31, 2024

Featuring a brand-new cover by Emmy Award–winning, Eisner Award–nominated series creator Jay Stephens, the Dwellings #3 Second Printing Variant will be limited to 500 copies and retailers are advised that allocations may occur. 

Dwellings #3 sees the series return to the scene of the crime for one FINAL scare as readers are welcomed back to Elwich—where murderous and horrifying secrets sleep just below the pristine surface, slithering in the shadows of this otherwise quiet and idyllic small town. The dementedly delightful cute-creepy mashup from cartoonist and animator Jay Stephens returns from the grave for two more tales of small-town horror. Readers with coulrophobia beware: in this issue, creepy clowns are quite the scare! See for yourself the shock, terror, and fun (?!) that is . . . Jay Stephens’ DWELLINGS.

Dwellings #3 second printing

Oni rewards select stores with a surprise Dwellings #3 Secret Edition Variant by Tradd Moore

Oni Press is celebrating the success of Jay Stephens’ sold-out, instant horror classic, Dwellings by thanking top retailer accounts for their support with a surprise Dwellings #3 Secret Variant featuring art by Tradd Moore. The Dwellings #3 Secret Edition Variant will be arriving in select comic shops along shipments of Dwellings #3, which is set to release on December 27th and conclude the Dwellings series with a giant-sized, 72-page finale.

The black and white Tradd Moore Dwellings #3 Secret Edition Variant will be sent to accounts who qualified for returnability on Dwellings #1, 2, and 3. 

Called “glorious,” “gorgeous,” and “genuinely disturbing” among many other critical accolades, Dwellings has taken the comics community by storm in 2023, offering a nostalgic yet new take on horror that is both chilling and creepily cute. 

In comic shops everywhere December 27th, Dwellings #3 sees the series return to the scene of the crime for one FINAL scare as readers are welcomed back to Elwich—where murderous and horrifying secrets sleep just below the pristine surface, slithering in the shadows of this otherwise quiet and idyllic small town. The dementedly delightful mashup from Emmy Award–winning, Eisner Award–nominated cartoonist and animator Jay Stephens returns from the grave for two more tales of small-town horror. Readers with coulrophobia beware: in this issue, creepy clowns are quite the scare! See for yourself the shock, terror, and fun (?!) that is . . . Jay Stephens’ Dwellings.

Dwellings #3 Secret Variant by Tradd Moore

Female Owned Guelph Comic & Game Shop Turns 25

Guelph Comics Jam

The anticipation is palpable as Guelph prepares to host the momentous 25th anniversary celebration of The Dragon, the iconic female-owned comic book and gaming store. The anniversary celebration, known as Guelph Comics Jam, will take place on September 16th from 10am to 6pm at Old Quebec Street in the heart of Downtown Guelph. The event is open to the public and free of charge and will include signings by such Canadian comic luminaries as Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Emily Carroll (A Guest in the House), Ryan North (Fantastic Four), and more.

The Dragon’s Remarkable Journey

Founded a quarter-century ago by visionary entrepreneur Jenn Haines, The Dragon has grown from humble beginnings to become internationally acclaimed as a family friendly community hub. For 25 years, The Dragon has set the standard for promoting comic books, graphic novels, manga and games for all ages. The store has enriched the lives of families and inspired similar stores worldwide to serve as nexuses for community and culture within their respective locales. The Dragon’s dedication to excellence has earned it prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Eisner and Shuster Awards for retail.

From its inception, The Dragon has fostered a multi-generational customer base, uniting comic and game enthusiasts of all ages through the power of storytelling and creativity; The Dragon not only offers a highly curated selection of books and games that engage children as well as adults, but has also offered a continuous calendar of author signings and gaming events that have been an integral part of Guelph’s cultural scene. As a proudly female-owned establishment, The Dragon has created a warm and welcoming space for all, consistently championing diversity and inclusion.

Jenn Haines: A Trailblazing Visionary

The driving force behind The Dragon’s success, Jenn Haines, has passionately dedicated her life to creating a sanctuary for comic and game enthusiasts. A single mother of two children, Haines has shattered glass ceilings while raising her family and evolving her business. She also holds the esteemed position of President of the Board of ComicsPRO, the international organization of comic book shops, further solidifying her status as a true industry leader.

Guelph Comics Jam: A Creative Extravaganza

The Guelph Comics Jam, now in its fifth year, coincides with The Dragon’s 25th anniversary celebration. This vibrant event is the pinnacle of Guelph’s comic art scene, bringing together a constellation of renowned artists, writers, and illustrators who have made indelible contributions to the world of comics.

“It’s such a privilege to be invited to Guelph Comics Jam,” said rising star comic book writer Tate Brombal. “As a Guelph native, I shopped at The Dragon as a kid and the store was such an integral part of my journey to becoming a comic book writer, I love coming back and being part of The Dragon community.”

Stellar Guests Include:

  • Emily Carroll: Writer and artist celebrated for works like “Through the Woods” and “When I Arrived at the Castle.”
  • Jeff Lemire: Renowned writer and artist behind graphic novels such as “Sweet Tooth” (now a show on Netflix) and “Essex County” (now a miniseries on CBC).
  • Ryan North: Bestselling writer known for “How To Invent Everything” and “Fantastic Four.”
  • Scott Chantler: Eisner Award-nominated cartoonist of “Bix” and “Two Generals.”
  • Matthew Rosenberg: Award-winning writer of “What’s The Furthest Place From Here?” and “4 Kids Walk Into a Bank.”
  • Tate Brombal: Award nominated writer of “Behemoth” and “The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos.”
  • Tyler Boss: Eisner-nominated artist and cartoonist with titles like “What’s The Furthest Place From Here?” and “Dead Dog’s Bite.”
  • And many more!

Join the Celebration

The Guelph Comics Jam on September 16th is not just a celebration of The Dragon’s remarkable 25 years, but a celebration of the entire comic book and gaming community’s unwavering passion and creativity. During the event, proprietor Haines will unveil a 25th anniversary logo by Guelph’s own Jay Stephens, an Emmy Award winning cartoonist.  All are invited to join this 25th anniversary milestone event at Old Quebec Street from 10am to 6pm to commemorate The Dragon’s legacy and the enduring magic of comics and games.

Full Guelph Comics Jam Guest List:

  • Emily Carroll — Writer/artist of award-winning comics such as A Guest in the House, Through the Woods, When I Arrived at the Castle, and the graphic novel adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.
  • Jeff Lemire — Writer/artist on critically acclaimed graphic novels such as Sweet Tooth, Essex County, and Gideon Falls.
  • Ryan North — Bestselling writer of How To Invent Everything, Fantastic Four, and the graphic novel adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.
  • Scott Chantler — Bestselling and Eisner Award-nominated cartoonist behind such books as Bix, Two Generals, and Squire & Knight.
  • Matthew Rosenberg — Award-winning writer of comics such as What’s The Furthest Place From Here?, 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, and We Can Never Go Home.
  • Tyler Boss — Eisner-nominated, award winning cartoonist and designer. His titles include What’s The Furthest Place From Here?, 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, and Dead Dog’s Bite.
  • Tate Brombal — Award-nominated and best-selling writer of comics such as Behold, Behemoth, House of Slaughter, and The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos.
  • Richard Pace — Critically acclaimed artist behind such comics as Second Coming, Barbaric: Axe to Grind, and Pitt.
  • Adriana Blake — Storyboard artist on such iconic shows as Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, Care Bears: Unlock the Magic and Cyberchase, as well as the self-published comic series Fall-On-Me.
  • Andrew Wheeler — Shuster and Eisner-winning writer and editor. His credits include Cat Fight, Sins of the Black Flamingo, and the all-ages LGBTQ anthology Shout Out.
  • Jay Stephens – Veteran of the alt-comics scene and influential creator of such acclaimed titles as Dwellings, Jetcat, and Oddville.
  • Black Eye Books — Boutique publisher of alternative comics such as Dejects, Bore, and Dwellings.
  • Chris Sanagan — Shuster award-nominated writer of Group of 7 Comics. Non-comic book writing credits include articles for Ontario History, The American Archivist, and the Guelph Mercury Tribune.
  • Matt Bors — Eisner-winning comics editor, writer, artist, and political/editorial cartoonist. Best known for The Nib, as well as War is Boring, We Should Improve Society Somewhat, and the Ahoy Comics series Justice Warriors.
  • David J. Knight — Among other things, the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Fenylalanine Publishing, publisher of Tales of a Guelphire and The Head. His latest works include Aerosomnia: The Awakening Ear and Head & Tales.
  • Jason Loo — Eisner award-winning cartoonist behind such acclaimed and iconic comics such as The Pitiful Human-Lizard, Afterlift, and The All-Nighter.
  • Kyle J. Smith — A visual artist and comic creator. In addition to working in the Canadian Entertainment Industry, his comic book credits include Scare Tales, Weathered Spirit, and various RAID studio anthologies.
  • Ramón Pérez — Multiple Eisner and Harvey Award winning cartoonist known for such renowned comics as Stillwater, Jim Henson’s Tale Of Sand, and Amazing Spider-Man: Learning to Crawl.
  • Kalman Andrasofszky — Illustrator, comic artist, concept artist, and cover artist best known for his work on Captain Canuck, X-23, and Dungeons & Dragons.
  • Marcus To — Comic artist and illustrator with decades of work in comics including some lauded titles as Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, Joyride, and The Flash.
  • Casey Parsons –  illustrator, fine artist and comic book artist,  He specializes in mixed media traditional techniques and is best known for his work for Marvel Comics, Upper Deck, & Image Comics.
  • Michael Walsh – Award-winning cartoonist best known for Silver Coin from Image Comics and the art on key Magic The Gathering cards.
  • Sam Noir –  Writer, cartoonist, and toymaker known for his covers for Chapterhouse Comics Summer Special, Captain Canuck, and co-creating Sunny & Owl Girl, Victorian Four,  and Major North.

Oni and Jay Stephens’ Dwellings has been allocated due to demand

Due to an unprecedented 127% increase in orders the Final Order Cut-Off for Oni Press‘ Dwellings #1 (of 3), Oni is advising retailers that quantities of Dwellings #1 COVER A by creator Jay Stephens and COVER D by artist Brian Level will be allocated up to 10% at the distributor level.

All orders placed for Dwellings #1 COVER B (Joe Palmer Variant), COVER C (Jenna Cha Variant), and 1:10 incentive (Jay Stephens “Bloody Variant”) will be unaffected by the allocation. Retailers who initially qualified for Dwellings #1 1:10 incentive (Jay Stephens “Bloody Variant”) will still receive their incentives as planned, irrespective of any Cover A or Cover D allocations.

Additionally, extra quantities of the COVER B by artist Joe Palmer and COVER C by artist Jenna Cha are available for immediate re-order, alongside a new SECOND PRINTING VARIANT by creator Jay Stephens with adequate supply to cover any outstanding Cover A and Cover D units withheld due to allocation. 

Oni will also be offering a new Dwellings #1 Third Printing Variant for FOC on August 7, 2023, which will arrive in stores on September 6, 2023 – in advance of Dwellings #2’s bi-monthly October release. 

Oni Press has also proactively placed Dwellings #2 (shipping in October) and Dwellings #3 (shipping in December) on a longer, 30-day FOC to prevent any future allocations in the future. 

Dwellings #1 3rd printing
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