Tag Archives: jon goff

Mini Reviews: Spider-Punk and Sam and Twitch

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Spider-Punk: Arms Race #2

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Spider-Punk: Arms Race #2 (Marvel) – I’m having a lot of fun with the sequel to Cody Ziglar and Justin Mason‘s ass-kicking and anti-fascist af Spider-Punk series. Arms Race #2 puts the onus on the mini’s villain, Doc Ock, who goes on anti-capitalist rants and is generally menacing. There’s a lot of the anarchism of Heath Ledger’s Joker in his characterization coupled with a desire to be “superior”. On the good guy side, the banter between the Spider-band continues to be fun, and the addition of the Wakandans adds some tension, multiculturalism, and cooler technology. But the highlight of the series continues to be the action scenes with gorgeous double page spreads, powerful poses, and splashy colors from Morry Hollowell. Never has a beatdown of the Rhino looked so epic, and Ziglar and Mason make good use of the Spider-band’s unique power sets with Mattea Murdock’s Daredevil getting the big finishing move in this issue. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Sam and Twitch Case Files #1 (Image) – Sam and Twitch Case Files #1 is a cliche-ridden police procedural from Todd McFarlane, Jon Goff, Szymon Kudranski, and FCO Plascencia. The opening and closing feature unique layouts, eye-catching imagery, and true intrigue, but is dragged down by the police brutality-filled middle section as well as the biggest cop story cliche. (Being suspended and then immediately hopping on a case.) Sam’s blustering viciousness doesn’t really hold up in 2024, and Twitch is really just a wet blanket until the last couple pages. In addition to this, the dialogue is cringeworthy in some spots like McFarlane and Goff trying to capture some banter between young people with random Mario Kart-related insults. Also, Tom Orzechowski is one of the lettering greats, but the lack of speech bubbles makes following the speaking order more difficult and hurts the flow of the story in some spots. If you really need a Sam and Twitch fix, you’re better off picking up the old Bendis/Maleev issues from the 1990s. At least, the dialogue will be better. Overall: 5.5 Verdict: Pass

The world of Spawn expands with The New U and launch of Sam & Twitch: Case Files

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Todd McFarlane Productions has announced a lineup of new titles, offered at competitive prices, to be dubbed “The New U” and to build upon the foundation laid by the smash-hit-maker Spawn Universe. This earthshaking new era will follow the monumental events of Spawn #350 and will kickoff with the upcoming Sam & Twitch: Case Files series launch this March.

The New U will offer fans a next-level reading experience featuring gripping storylines, dynamic characters, and jaw-dropping plot twists—all while retaining the low introductory price points that make Spawn titles the best bargain in the industry to date.

First up, Sam & Twitch: Case Files will drop readers into the gritty world of crime-solving with everyone’s fan-favorite Spawn Universe detectives in their own, brand-new series, Sam and Twitch: Case Files. Episodic tales of murder, intrigue, and deception abound in this noir crime drama masterfully created by McFarlane, and co-plotted by Jon Goff. It boasts art by Szymon Kudrański, whose ultra-realistic visuals and cinematic style jump from the page and make it feel more like a movie than a comic. 

Readers will join Sam and Twitch as they navigate the treacherous streets of New York City, gumshoeing and confronting the darkness lurking around every corner. For readers in search of a comic outside the traditional superhero action found in the other popular Spawn Universe tales, these Case Files will be true-crime style murder mystery cases, showcase film noir aesthetics, and unfold like an R-rated Drama. The Sam and Twitch characters were created in 1992 by McFarlane and appeared in the chart-topping, history-making launch of Spawn #1. They have been a staple in the Spawn Universe ever since.

Next, Rat City #1 will launch in April with an extra-length debut and feature the talents of Erica Schultz and Zé Carlos. Readers will be immersed in the fantastical, sci-fi story of Peter Cairn, an ex-soldier, an amputee, and a Hellspawn in a post-war future. But Peter isn’t dead like Al. Peter got his Spawn powers from the nanites in his prosthetic legs—nanites that were affected when Al Simmons initiated his necroplasmic detonation in the present. Al had no clue that the effects would ripple across—not just space—and but time as well.

Then, May will bring forth Monolith #1 by Sean Lewis and Valerio Giangiordano will explore the origin of the hulking Hellspawn. What connection does he have to one of the most savage of his kind, Omega Spawn? Readers will follow his journey from the cosmic depths of deep-spawn to his first encounter with Al Simmons in this three-part miniseries.

The upcoming New U series will retain the usual low introductory price points of either $3.99 or $2.99—well below the $4.99 that is fast becoming the industry standard. McFarlane’s commitment to accessible pricing removes barriers for fans seeking to try out—and add—New U comics to their buy piles alongside the ever-expanding catalog of Spawn Universe offerings. New U titles will range in genre from Horror to Drama, Crime to Science-Fiction, and even Comedy and provide a story for every type of reader.

The repercussions of Spawn #350 affected every character’s fate, lead to a massive shift in the power dynamics within the universe, and gave birth The New U. Sam & Twitch: Case Files is only the first glimpse at what’s to come, with more series announcements and details yet to be revealed.

The rollout will continue in June and July with three more four-issue miniseries all sure to excite fans: Misery, Medieval Spawn, and Spawn Kills Every Spawn. In August, Violator with give the popular villain his own oversized, six-issue miniseries and the highly buzzed-about Knights vs. Samurai will follow later that the month. In September an all-new ongoing series titled Deadly Tales will launch. And in October, a bi-monthly series—with extended page count—No Home Here—will launch. Several more titles, including Focus, Spawn: The Dark Ages, She-Spawn, Bloodletter, and Spawn 77 will hit shelves and more information will be revealed for each in the coming months.

  • Sam & Twitch: Case Files #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, March 27 – Lunar Code 0124IM212
  • Sam & Twitch: Case Files #1 Cover B by McFarlane will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, March 27 – Lunar Code 0124IM899
  • Rat City #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, April 10 – Lunar Code 0224IM216
  • Monolith #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, May 15 – Lunar Code 0324IM178

The Adventures of Spawn on comiXology!

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Image Comics and Todd McFarlane Productions have announced that The Adventures of Spawn is now available on the digital comics platform comiXology. Two 48-page issues of The Adventures of Spawn, as well as a collection of both issues with bonus material that never appeared in print, are on sale now.

Kid-friendly in the colorful, action-packed style of Saturday morning cartoons, The Adventures of Spawn was originally a webcomic on Spawn.com and was collected into print trade paperbacks in 2007 and 2008. Filled with pulse-pounding battles, betrayal and revenge, and the clash between the Forces of Light and the Forces of Darkness, The Adventures of Spawn is the title for parents to share their love of Spawn with their children — and for them to sneak a moment of fun-filled adventure, too.

Todd McFarlane Productions’ The Adventures of Spawn features exciting stories by Jon Goff and eye-popping art by Khary Randolph. Bonus character bios drawn by various artists, including Greg Capullo, are available only in the collected edition.

Jack Rabbit #1 Debuts!

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Jack Rabbit#1 is an all-new supernatural-noir thriller from creator-owned comic book publisher, Contraband Comics. Set in 1930’s Los Angeles, the story follows ex-boxer-turned-private detective, Jackson “Jack Rabbit” Quaid, as he navigates a seedy and increasingly surreal underworld of the occult.

Available digitally in both a FREE 11-page preview and a $0.99 24-page Standard Issue release, Jack Rabbit #1 is Contraband Comics’ newest release through their exclusive digital partnership with iVerse Media. The premiere issue in a five-part limited series from writer, Jon Goff, and artist, Jim Hanna can be downloaded through the Comics Plus digital comic book app for iOS, Android and desktop viewing, HERE.

Don’t Miss McFarlane and Stan Lee at Comikaze in Los Angeles

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Stan Lee’s Comikaze, Los Angeles’ largest pop-culture convention, opens on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and comic legend Todd McFarlane will be there. Bring your favorite comic or action figure and get a FREE autograph from Todd. McFarlane has created a special program cover, featuring Stan, which will only be available at the show.

Here’s where you will find Todd and company at the show.

Saturday, September 15
Todd McFarlane Autograph Session
11:30AM-12:30
Booth #1061
Free Spawn comic for the first 75 people. Limited to two autographs per person.

Todd McFarlane and Stan Lee Panel
1PM-2PM
Main Stage
Two legends come together to discuss their legacies and the future of entertainment.

Joining Todd at the show will be Spawn Creative Team Member Jon Goff (table #1336). Jon Goff currently plots the monthly Spawn comic book with Todd McFarlane, and has launched Contraband Comics as an outlet for a series of creator-owned comic book titles, including Big Hitters, Blindside and Jack Rabbit. Visit Jon’s table for a chance to score some free Spawn comics and McFarlane Toys or to purchase his comics at the show.

Big Hitters #1 Debuts!

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Big Hitters #1, the first issue in a new sci-fi action/adventure series from creator-owned comic book publisher, Contraband Comics, is now available for purchase in iVerse Media’s Comics Plus app for just $0.99

Created by writer Jon Goff and illustrator Travis Sengaus, Big Hitters blends elements of noir, science fiction and action/adventure to tell the story of two government-sanctioned hitmen as they navigate the seedy underbelly of a post-war galaxy.

Big Hitters #1 is available now in the Comics Plus app, with both a FREE 11-page preview and a $0.99 26-page Standard Issue release. As an added bonus, the free preview of Big Hitters #1 includes the animated short “Gettim!,” directed and animated by series artist and co-creator, Travis Sengaus.

Joining Goff and Sengaus on the Big Hitters creative team are colorist Fco Plascencia and the master craftsmen at Richard Starking’s Comicraft lettering and design studio.

Todd McFarlane at SDCC 2011

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Official Press Release

TODD MCFARLANE TO MAKE CAMEO AT 2011 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON
Plenty of Panels and Signings to Get Your McFarlane fix

So it turns out the 2011 San Diego Comic Con just isn’t the same without Todd McFarlane! For one day only, Thursday, July 21, Todd will be meeting & greeting with fans, signing swag, and talking about his latest projects! Whether you are a comic fanatic, gaming junkie, an action figure connoisseur, or an international rock’n’roller, you will find Todd’s name tied to all the coolest names and products at this year’s con.

So grab your signature books, SDCC badge & authentic movie costumes, as we look at where you can catch a glimpse of McFarlane this year:

Toys “R” Us Halo: Reach Figure Launch Signing: Todd McFarlane
Thursday, July 21
10-11:30AM
Entertainment Earth booth #2343

Toys “R” Us is excited to announce that they will be previewing the Halo: Anniversary Master Chief Platinum action figure from McFarlane Toys at the SDCC, weeks before the line hits store in August! So make sure to pick up your platinum-painted version of John-117, because Toys “R” Us and Entertainment Earth will be hosting an autograph session with Todd McFarlane Thursday morning from 10 to 11:30 am at the Entertainment Earth booth #2343. The event is limited to 150 people. Two autographs per person, limited to the SDCC exclusive figure and one additional item.

Fans not attending the show can still purchase the figure online at Toysrus.com starting Sunday, July 24.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning “Bringing Worlds to Life, From Concept to Pixel” Panel: McFarlane, Tim Coman, Reckoning video game designers
Thursday, July 21
12-1PM
Room 25ABC

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning—one of the most nominated video games at the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)—is brought to life through the trademark visceral style of creative art director and concept artist Todd McFarlane. Listen as Todd, Big Huge Games art director Tim Coman, and a panel of Reckoning designers discuss the artistic process of creating a massive fantasy epic role-playing videogame in “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning: Bringing Worlds to Life, From Concept to Pixel,” from 12 to 1 PM in Room 25ABC.

For more information and to see the full trailer for Reckoning, visit www.reckoning.com.

Blood Red Dragon Comic Panel: McFarlane, Stan Lee, Yoshiki, and Goff
Thursday, July 21
1-2PM
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront (SDCC attendee badge required)

Working with the legendary creator Stan Lee and rock superstar Yoshiki (X Japan), Todd and his creative cohorts Jon Goff (writer) and Carlo Soriano (pencils/concept art) have created the ultimate hero from the east in Blood Red Dragon. Come listen to these creative minds as they talk about combining the worlds of music and comics in this awesome new project. This captivating panel and Q&A session is from 1 to 2 PM in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Haunt Creative Team Signing: Todd McFarlane, Nathan Fox and Joe Casey
Thursday, July 21
3-4PM
Image Comics Booth #2729
Free Limited-Edition Haunt Signing Litho

Meet Todd and the new Haunt creative team, Nathan Fox (BLUE ESTATE, Fluorescent Black and Pigeons From Hell) and Joe Casey (BUTCHER BAKER, THE RIGHTEOUS MAKER and GODLAND), as they join forces for their first public appearance. Also receive a free limited-edition Haunt signing litho designed by Nathan Fox. Two autographs per person, limited to the Haunt signing litho and one additional item.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Signing: Todd McFarlane
Thursday, July 21
5:30-7PM
Bioware Experience
Hilton Gaslamp (No SDCC Badge Required)

Free Limited-Edition McFarlane designed mini-poster of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Two autographs per person, limited to the Reckoning limited poster and one additional item.

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Other Todd McFarlane Productions SDCC events that you don’t won’t to miss:

Blood Red Dragon Comic Creative Team Signing: Yoshiki (X Japan), Jon Goff and Carlo Soriano
Friday, July 22
2-3:30PM
Image Comic Booth# 2729

Join rock superstar Yoshiki (X Japan), writer Jon Goff (Spawn, Halo Evolutions) and artist Carlo Soriano (Star Wars Adventures) at their first-ever public signing. Two autographs per person, limited to the Blood Red Dragon comic and one additional item.