Tag Archives: kasra ghanbari

44Flood & IDW Publishing Introduce Libretto Volume 1: Vampirism

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44Flood’s first project developed with IDW Publishing is Libretto, a 9×12” anthology presenting emerging and world-class artists as they explore a single theme using diverse mediums such as comics, oil painting, photography, sculpting and more.

The libretto refers to the part of an opera or a musical that is the words or lyrics, and is distinct from the music. 44Flood’s Libretto will be the “text” to the “music” that is a central theme, starting with Libretto Volume 1: Vampirism coming this April.

Libretto Volume 1 is curated/edited by Kasra Ghanbari and has the theme vampirism, being the misuse of power, as well as the objectification and exploitation of others. Featured contributors give their unique perspectives on this theme, with many sections including an interview of the contributor conducted by another artist.

This 200-page softcover will feature contributors that include Ben Templesmith, David Stoupakis, Riley Rossmo, Christopher Mitten, George Pratt, menton3, and many, many more.  Several of the artists also give a rare look at the techniques and processes they used to create pieces for the book.  This is your rare opportunity to explore the dark world of vampirism as seen in an artist’s mind.

NYCC 2013: IDW and 44FLOOD Announce Partnership!

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The artist collective known as 44FLOOD has, in its short history, acquired a reputation for producing exemplary art books. Today, IDW Publishing has announced that going forward, 44FLOOD books will be joining the IDW family!

Based in Chicago, 44FLOOD was formed by  Kasra Ghanbari, Ben Templesmith, and menton3. Together, 44FLOOD has produced the multi-media, star-studded anthology Tome, which was followed up with the supplemental hardcover collection Explictus Est Liber, and the goal-smashing Kickstarter project Lust by Steve Niles, Ben Templesmith, and menton3.

Beginning immediately 44FLOOD will join IDW, who will publish many of the collective’s upcoming projects.

Announcing 44FLOOD

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It’s been over six months in the making but today sees the announcement of a new comic book company, 44FLOOD.  Thew new publisher is founded by Kasra Ghanbari, menton3, Ben Templesmith, and their friend Nicholas Idell, who runs a comic book shop in Chicago. Their focus is to create incredible art-driven books, both straight-up art and sequential narratives, and then penetrate markets outside of comic books while maintaining a direct relationship with end-buyers.  Sounds like a hell of a task at hand.

You can show your support and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

They’ve also launched a Kickstarter campaign this morning for their flagship book Tome, which is an annual anthology at around 11×17″ and 180 pages with world-class artists from many different fields and disciplines exploring a single theme.  The folks involved so far include Ashley Wood, Ben Templesmith, Bill Sienkiewicz, Chet Zar, David Stoupakis, George Pratt, Guillermo Rigattieri, Kasra Ghanbari, Matthew Bone, menton3, Riley Rossmo, Scott Radke and Steve Niles.  The campaign runs for 44 days and has a goal of $18,400.  I’ve already chipped in my $90, but there’s some great levels at a much lower price.

Early Preview – Monocyte #4

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Monocyte #4 hits stores May 16 and concludes the original series. It’s 36 pages, $3.99, and features three covers. Once again the comic features two supplemental stories done by guest creators focused on the human slaves.

Created/written by menton3 and Kasra Ghanbari
Interior art by menton3
Interior art pages 12-19 by Chris Newman
Interior art pages 20-21 by Ben Templesmith [Fell, 30 Days of Night, Wormwood]
A cover – menton3
B cover – David Stoupakis [fine artist, Korn CD cover artist]
Incentive cover – Phil Hale [world-renowned fine artist, formerly cover artist for Marvel/DC]
human slave prose story – Steve Niles [30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre]
final allegorical human slave story – Barron Storey [fine artist, Sandman: Endless Nights, The Marat/Sade Journals]

The Monocyte collected edition will be a 224-page oversized 9×13.5″ hardcover out in July with 60+ pages of new content. It’s in May Previews for pre-ordering (#MAY120462) and will include the series prequel that was previously only available digitally, all 4 issues, all 8 side stories, and all 12 covers. This includes art by Ashley Wood, Bill Sienkiewicz, George Pratt, Phil Hale, Barron Storey, Ben Templesmith, Riley Rossmo, Christopher Mitten, David Stoupakis, and Chris Newman.
The 60+ pages of new content will be filled in part with art contributions by some amazing comic book and fine artists/sculptors such as Scott Radke, Matthew Bone, Guillermo Rigattieri, Richard A. Kirk, Alberto Ruiz, Tim Roosen, David Stoupakis, Richard Friend, Toby Cypress, and many more.

IDW Publishing Reivews: Ghostbusters #2, The Cape #2, Monocyte #1

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Ghostbusters #2

The first issue of the series I was a bit torn on the fact that the look of the comic fit more with the animated series as opposed to a grittier horror style, but with the second issue it’s really grown on me.  The second issue is all about the setup as opposed the first’s re-introduction of the characters.  Something strange is indeed going on in the neighborhood as ghosts and ghouls are stronger than ever, making it tougher for our paranormal eliminators to do their jobs.

The humor is great, each character really has a distinct personality and they fit with what we know from the movies.  But, the question does pop up, how much of this is me projecting my love of the comic series?  Part of the fun is all of the wink and nods of what’s come before.  It’s entertaining because it brings back great memories, but also adds a nice touch to tie the comic to the movies.

The art has grown on me and the action and the latter ghost are actually pretty solid.  The ghost kids are very creepy, reminding me of the little girl in The Sixth Sense.  The second issue I think improves on the first and the set up as to what’s to come is great.

In the second movie the four triumphantly cheered “we’re back” and with this series it feels like they truly are.  Definitely call this series.

Writer: Erik Burnham Art: Dan Schoening Publisher: IDW Publishing

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

The Cape #2

The first issue of The Cape was one of those comics I put down and said, “holy crap.”  It was that good.  The second issue is just as solid with Eric continuing his trip off the deep end and attempts at revenge against those he feels wronged him like his brother Nicky.

There’s a mix of the present and past and we get a good sense as to why Eric is so messed up.  He’s given this amazing power after being told over and over that he’s worthless.  That’d get to you eventually and because of that, he’s now corrupted.  There’s that saying about absolute power… But, Eric doesn’t care anymore, he’s emboldened by his actions, becoming seen more and more.

But in the end, this is a family piece and the conflict is really between Eric, Nicky and their mother.  We’ve seen this type of story before, where one son feels rejected and plots revenge on his family, but there’s so much here that makes it entertaining and engrossing.

Written by Jason Ciaramella with art by Zach Howard and inspired by a short story by Joe Hill, the comic is beyond solid.  You understand the villain’s motivation and can’t help feel a little bad for him, no matter all of the horrible things he does.  Each issue seems to ramp that up piece by piece, and judging by that last panel, the next issue will add a bit more.

Writer: Jason Ciaramella Art: Zach Howard Publisher: IDW Publishing

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Monocyte #1

What the hell did I read here!?  It’s like Hellraiser and H.R. Geiger had a kid and the kid was really into the Bible, Dark City and the environment.  The comic is amazing to look at and that’s the draw to me.  The visuals and art is stunning with that sickening beauty you’d find in Hellraiser or a Geiger drawing.

The story is interesting and I’m still not quite sold on it, because there’s really not a whole lot there.  The words and dialogue are kept to a minimum which causes a good part of the story to be told in two pages laying out the factions involved and their history.  Once you read that it somewhat makes sense.

The story is basically a tech based race that feeds on humans versus a more environmentally friendly group that also seems to feed on humans.  Both sides look right at home at a BDSM party and share wardrobe with cenobytes.

The concept and style are very interesting and it all can only be judged after a few issues.  The art is stunning, story is mixed for me.  But, it’s still a recommend buy for me.  The art alone is that solid and how it’s laid out is so different and interesting.  This is a minimalist’s comic as far as story telling forcing you to do some work to put it together.  Overall, very interesting start and very unique even with it’s similarities to those things mentioned.

Writer: Menton 3 and Kasra Ghanbari Art: Menton 3 Publisher: IDW Publishing

Story: 7 Art: 9.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

Immortality Takes a Dark Turn in IDW’s Monocyte

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Official Press Release

Immortality Takes a Dark Turn in IDW’s MONOCYTE

Original comic series from menton3 and Kasra

“A fantastic new addition … beautiful artwork” – Ashley Wood

[Monocyte Cover]San Diego, CA (July 14, 2011) – Adding to the growing excitement for San Diego Comic-Con, IDW Publishing today announced MONOCYTE, an all-new four-issue comic series launching in October. Written by breakthrough artist menton3 with Kasra Ghanbari, with art and covers by menton3 (Zombies vs Robots Aventure, Silent Hill: Past Life), MONOCYTE brings readers to a scarred world where time has no meaning, ruled by two warring immortal races.

“I had the wonderful opportunity to work with menton3 on IDW’s Silent Hill: Past Life miniseries,” said IDW senior staff writer and editor, Tom Waltz. “His work on that book was phenomenal and I knew all along he was destined to be a mega-star in this industry. MONOCYTE proves I was right!”

MONOCYTE #1, available in October, tells the tale of two warring immortal races who rule a scarred world absent of duration. Death sits impotent, quietly planning his restoration. He summons Monocyte, a forgotten immortal necromancer who long ago chose sleep in his failed quest to die. With a fatal pact sealed, Monoctye strikes out as Death’s vicious proxy.  MONOCYTE is an action-adventure in a hyperrealistic fantasy setting with occult undertones, filled with visually dazzling characters, environments, and dynamic fight scenes all imbued with magical, occult, political, philosophical, social, and technological themes.

Readers can get a taste of the MONOCYTE horror through a free digital preview, available from IDW this summer. In addition to the two issue #1 covers by menton3, readers are encouraged to ask their local retailer about the variant Ashley Wood cover. Future issues of MONOCYTE will feature variant covers by such luminaries as Bill Sienkiewicz.

Ashley Wood praised MONOCYTE as “a fantastic new addition to the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Filled with menton3’s beautiful artwork, Monocyte combines cerebral complexity and entertainment in one damn fine package.”

MONOCYTE #1 (of 4, $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in comic stores in October 2011.  

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio; and is the print publisher for EA Comics.

IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.