Tag Archives: kill shakespeare

Gemstone Publishing moves into publishing graphic novels starting with Kill Shakespeare

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For the first time in its history Gemstone Publishing, the publisher of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, will publish graphic novels, beginning with Pulitzer Prize-Winning writer Anthony Del Col’s acclaimed series Kill Shakespeare. The publishing program begins on Free Comic Book Day, May 4, 2024 with the release of the first act of Romeo Vs. Juliet: A Kill Shakespeare Adventure. Del Col returns to the world of the Bard in this all-new story featuring the beloved star-crossed lovers which provides the ultimate twist. The story continues November 19, 2024 with the publication of the original graphic novel Romeo Vs. Juliet: A Kill Shakespeare Adventure written by Del Col, with art by Stefan Tosheff, letters by Becca Carey, and enveloped in a cover by acclaimed artist Richard Isanove. On September 24, 2024, Gemstone will publish Kill Shakespeare 1st Folio, a new compendium edition of the groundbreaking Kill Shakespeare series, collecting Volumes 1 and 2,by co-writers Del Col and Conor McCreery, artist Andy Belanger and colorist Ian Herring with Kill Shakespeare 2nd Folio to follow next spring.

In the new story Romeo Vs. Juliet is a great entry point for everyone—Juliet Capulet has survived her ordeal with Romeo and has reinvented herself as an independent warrior-for-hire. In order to help protect a small nunnery and border town from her ex-lover, Juliet must reunite with old allies, including Hamlet, Othello, and Puck. Also, Juliet’s pregnant! The father could be either Hamlet… or Romeo?

Kill Shakespeare originally launched as a series of award-winning comic books and has expanded to board games, an audio drama, and a live stage show. Launched by IDW Publishing in 2010, the comics were an immediate success, with the first issue receiving acclaim from NPR, The New York Times and CBC. Combining amazing action sequences with a sprawling, emotional, adventure, Kill Shakespeare was nominated for a Harvey Award for Best New Comic Series and Joe Shuster Award for Best Comic Writing.

Preview: Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #4

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Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #4

Conor McCreery (w) • Corin Howell (a & c)

Final chapter! Trapped by Cornwall, Juliet faces a never-ending nightmare of torture and humiliation. The young lover has a plan to win her freedom with blood, but she’s going to need fortune on her side if it is to succeed, because as the Bard himself wrote: so wise so young they say never do live long…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Preview: Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #3 (of 4)

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Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #3 (of 4)

Conor McCreery (w) • Corin Howell (a & c)

Juliet’s quest to avenge her mother’s death continues in a classic Shakespearean cocktail of mistaken identity, swordplay and betrayal.  Spirited away to the Prodigal’s hidden camp, Juliet must fight to prove her worth to the rebels, only to be blindsided by the truth behind Othello’s violent past. Now Juliet must choose between the woman who can keep her safe and the killer-for-hire who promises her vengeance.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Preview: Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #2

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Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #2

Conor McCreery (w) • Corin Howell (a & c)

Juliet’s quest for vengeance leads her to the most dangerous tavern in Verona. But the cut-throats that make up the Centaur’s clientele may be the least of her worries – as her mother’s murderer is watching her every move. Can Juliet find the ally she needs to stay alive amongst a den of vipers?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Review: Kill Shakespeare Juliet #1

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Kill Shakespeare: Juliet #1 is kind of an Elseworlds story set in a world where all of Shakespeare’s plays happened in a shared universe. (Most of them did happen in Italy so this kind of makes sense.) More specifically, it’s a world where Romeo died, and his lover Juliet lives on. There’s intrigue with King Lear and possibly Richard III too, but the intersection between Romeo and Juliet and Merchant of Venice gets the most attention from writer Conor McCreery, artist Corin Howell, and colorist Shari Chankahamma because Lady Capulet is now married to Shylock.

That relationship development and the status of the feud between the Capulets and Montague makes it seem like the previous Kill Shakespeare miniseries is required reading. (Except McCreery, Howell, and Chankahamma literally blow up the comic’s status quo towards the end with pyrotechnics that would burn the minds of Elizabethan audiences.) However, McCreery’s gift for Shakespearean language and soul searching look at how Juliet felt after losing Romeo gives the story resonance. Juliet has a death wish and wants to be reunited with Romeo leading to a haunting scene in a crypt where she talks about how she is responsible for the death of so many people, including Romeo and Juliet supporting characters Tybalt, Mercutio, and Paris.

McCreery and Howell really double down on the angst and rage in Kill Shakespeare: Juliet #1, but there is room for comedy too. Howell draws Benvolio, the heir of House Montague, like a complete and utter fool as he follows Juliet everywhere on her mother’s orders. He’s the clown character in the dark tragedy that this comic ends up becoming and lets Howell draw some hilarious facial expression to break up the pain and sadness. There is also another mysterious comedic character whose appearance is definitely the most intriguing part of Kill Shakespeare: Juliet #1. His identity seems pretty obvious, but who knows in this topsy turvy tragedy of a universe.

 Without Romeo in the way, Conor McCreery is free to explore the emotions and yearnings of Juliet as her life is basically over in her eyes. He digs deep into her thoughts as she wanders Verona and wonders what to do now. Juliet’s existential crises would make Hamlet proud, and she has a similar desire for death’s sweet release like the Prince of Denmark. There is also some social satire as Lady Capulet wants to keep up appearances and her family’s high state even though she is married to someone that anti-Semitic European society would disapprove of. Her romance with Shylock, who is a strict dad, but much more sympathetic than he is portrayed in Merchant of Venice . gives her more depth. Corin Howell even relaxes his wild and bombastic facial expressions for just a moment to show him praying in Hebrew like a true man of faith. Lady Capulet’s relationship with Shylock ensures that her character isn’t just being the strict, annoying, and less than memorable mother figure.

Kill Shakespeare: Juliet #1 has verbal sparring, well-placed comedy, and musings about life and death that would make the Bard of Stratford proud. Conor McCreery’s ability to create original dialogue in the manner of Shakespeare even if some of the character relationships and worldbuilding is a bit hazy for readers who haven’t read the previous comics.

Story: Conor McCreery Art: Corin Howell Colors: Shari Chankahamma
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing/Top Shelf provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #1

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Kill Shakespeare – Past is Prologue: Juliet #1

Conor McCreery (w) • Corin Howell (a) • Simon Davis (c)

Juliet Lives! The newest chapter of the award-winning Kill Shakespeare series flashes back to five months after the death of Romeo, where Juliet is mourning yet another loved one – her mother. Now Juliet must discover who the murderer is, lest she becomes the next victim.  New series artist Corin Howell (Transformers, The Mighty Zodiac, X-Files: Scully) takes the reins in a tale perfect for new readers to the series.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Kill Shakespeare’s Juliet Gets Her Own Mini-Series in 2017

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A new Kill Shakespeare series is on the way! Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery have announced a new four issue mini-series, Juliet that should see release in early 2017.

The series takes us back in time to the months after the end of the play Romeo & Juliet. It will follow a self-destructive Juliet Capulet, angry with herself over Romeo’s death, as another tragedy sets her first on the path of revenge, and then ultimately leads her to finding her true calling as a member of the Prodigal rebellion.

Check out the sneak peek below! First up is some character design work:

Also check out new artist series Corin Howell‘s thumbnails for the first issue.

SDCC 2015: Warren Ellis & Gale Anne Hurd Take on El Pantera for Universal + Kill Shakespeare!

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UCP_Refresh_CMYK_FMAs San Diego Comic-Con 2015 kicks off, Universal Cable Productions (UCP) has unveiled several new deals that will continue to fortify the studio’s growing genre library and cater to the high demand for television content inspired by science fiction, graphic novel and comic book stories. As part of its overall deal with Valhalla Entertainment, UCP today announced renowned graphic novel writer Warren Ellis, will adapt the popular 1970s Mexican comic book and Televisa format El Pantera as his first original TV series with Gale Anne Hurd set to executive produce and Televisa USA to co-produce.

Based on the popular 1970s Mexican comic book and hit Spanish language TV series adapted by Televisa, El Pantera is a vigilante crime drama set in a fictional metropolis on the U.S. Mexico Border. When a young officer is appointed Head of Police, he only has one request: He asks that his friend, who was wrongfully imprisoned, be set free. Under the guise of his rumored death, the two create ‘El Pantera’ to rid the city of the Mexican mob. Warren Ellis is set to adapt the comic with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment attached to produce and Televisa USA to co-produce with UCP.

UCP is also developing the award-winning cult British film, The Machine into a scripted series for Syfy with the film’s Caradog James set to write the script and John Giwa-Amu to produce. The story follows a brilliant computer programmer, desperate to save his terminally ill daughter, who creates the first-ever piece of self-aware artificial intelligence.  But things go terribly wrong when the technology, designed to help injured soldiers, is hijacked by the government and used to create the ultimate robotic weapon. The Machine will follow multiple storylines as it takes a broad view of cutting edge scientific breakthroughs in genetic engineering, trans-humanism, and artificial intelligence.

Kill ShakespeareAdditionally, the studio has recently optioned the critically acclaimed comic series Kill Shakespeare, created by Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery, and released by IDW Publishing. This dark take on Shakespeare – which has also spawned a stage production and board game – pits his greatest heroes (Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, Falstaff) against his most menacing villains (Richard III, Lady Macbeth, Iago) in an epic adventure to find and kill – or save – a reclusive wizard named William Shakespeare. Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery are set to write.

UCP also announced this week a first-look production deal with legendary comic book publisher, Dark Horse Entertainment focused on developing and producing scripted programming from their extensive comic book library as well as new material.

Other notable genre projects in UCP’s development pipeline include: for Syfy: Channel Zero, a horror anthology series from Nick Antosca set to write the script, and Max Landis set to produce. The first season will be based on Candle Cove by Kris Straub, a story that originates from the user-generated internet horror phenomenon known as creepypasta;  Brave New World, based on the classic novel by Aldous Huxley published in 1932 with Les Bohem set to write, and Amblin attached to produce; Hyperion, based on the Hugo Award-winning science fiction novels that form The Hyperion Cantos by writer Dan Simmons with Bradley Cooper, Graham Kin, and Todd Phillips attached to executive produce and Itamar Moses to write the script and serve as co-executive producer.

UCP is also developing Dreadstar, based on the classic 1980s character from the Marvel-owned Epic Comics imprint by iconic Marvel comic book writer Jim Starlin with Evan Daugherty attached to adapt, BenderSpink attached to produce, and Starlin and Ford Gilmore set to executive produce.

Unboxing Kill Shakespeare the Game

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Funded by Kickstarter and released by IDW Games, we open up our copy of Kill Shakespeare the board game! Based on the comic book Kill Shakespeare from IDW Publishing, players pick one of Shakespeare’s greatest heroes and battle his villains in this semi-cooperative board game.

We open up the box and show off what you can expect!

IDW Publishing Previews: 5/14/14

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Ben 10, Vol. 1

Jason Henderson (w) • Gordon Purcell (a) • Eddie Nunez (c)

Ben Tennyson and his teammates kick off a maelstrom of action when an ocean cruise brings Ben in the cross hairs of Ssserpent, who’s out to find a long-lost underwater society. But does Ben’s new, slightly oddball love interest harbor dark secrets of her own? Aliens, superpowers, ships, and swimsuits: the perfect ingredients for high-seas adventure.

TPB • FC • $17.99 • 104 pages • ISBN: 978-1-61377-897-5

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #202

Larry Hama (w) • S L Gallant (a & c)

With two new G.I. JOE headquarters active and ready to go, the Real American Hero team can tackle more threats than ever before! But after COBRA’s failed takeover of the Pit, the villainous organization takes a new tact and prepares for a new direction. Will G.I. JOE be up to the task of taking down the leaner, meaner COBRA? Find out in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #202!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Judge Dredd #19

Duane Swierczynski (w) • Nelson Daniel (a) • Shane Pierce (c)

“The American Way of Death, part 3”—The Hall of Justice has fallen. Sector 1 has been overrun by Judge Death and his cronies. The Chief Justice and Council of Five contemplate a desperate course of action that would have been unthinkable just a few days ago—yet now seems like the only sane choice in a world gone mad. But who’s this walking through the ruins, clutching his Lawgiver and sentencing Death to you-know-what? Listen up, creeps—it’s never over until Dredd says it’s over!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Judge Dredd, Vol. 4: 13 Badges

Duane Swierczynski (w) • Nelson Daniel (a) • Brendan McCarthy (c)

Dredd returns to Mega-City One—still recovering from the ravages of “The Long Fail” —only to find the Justice Department under siege! Seems that someone has snuffed 12 Judges in creative and shocking ways.

TPB • FC • $17.99 • 104 pages • ISBN: 978-1-61377-957-6

Kill Shakespeare: Hundred Penny Press Game Edition

Anthony Del Col, Conor McCreery (w) • Andy Belanger (a) • Glenn Fabry (c)

In celebration of the launch of the Kill Shakespeare board game, IDW is proud to represent the book that started it all from our line of affordable reprints! Find out why everyone is talking about this brilliant re-imagining of the Bard, and his beloved characters. What Fables does for fairy tales, Kill Shakespeare does with the greatest writer of all time!

FC • 40 pages • $1.00

Locke & Key: Head Games #1 Hundred Penny Press Edition

Joe Hill (w) • Gabriel Rodriguez (a & c)

Locke & Key might have recently wrapped but the series is still finding new audiences every month. Here’s a value-priced way to experience the start of the series’ second storyline, the critically acclaimed Head Games!

FC • 32 pages • $1.00

Mars Attacks: First Born #1 (of 4)

Chris Ryall(w) • Sam Kieth (a & c)

It’s Mars Attacks like you’ve never seen it, from the co-creator of The Maxx and the team behind The Hollows! When Mars attacked Earth, the battle left no side unscarred, least of all a lonely old man and his blind niece…along with the first Martian child born on Earth! Will the child’s warlike ways take over, or is there more going on here than it seems?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

The Red Star, Vol. 1

Christian Gosset (w & a & c)

Christian Gossett’s landmark series redefined what a comic book could look like, while the story’s rich history and brutal world brought motion picture scope to the comic page. Now the massive tale is presented in deluxe form, starting with this volume including issues #1–4 and 6–9.

HC • FC • $49.99 • 324 pages • 7” x 11” • ISBN: 978-1-61377-807-4

Rogue Trooper Classics #1 (of 12)

Gerry Finley-Day (w) • Dave Gibbons (a) • John McCrea (c)

Clone war! Nu-Earth, a planet ravaged by war, its atmosphere poisoned by chemical weapons. In this battle-scarred landscape, the Norts and Southers fight where only the Genetic Infantrymen can survive unaided. Rogue is one such soldier, and these are his tales… Created by Gerry Finley-Day and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), this series features the earliest stories surrounding one of 2000 AD’s best-loved characters, all in color for the very first time!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Star Trek: New Visions #1: The Mirror, Cracked

John Byrne (writer, artist & photo-manipulation)

Following up on last years hugely successful “Strange New Worlds” photonovel, John Byrne once again sets sail aboard the Starship: Enterprise, this time with an ongoing, bi-monthly series that begins by going through the looking glass to tell the story of what happened after the classic “Mirror, Mirror” episode of the original series. The crew discovers two strangers in their midst, and quickly learns that one has made a pact with one of James Kirk’s oldest foes. “The Mirror, Cracked” is the title, and the action unfolds in May!

FC • 48 pages • $7.99 • ISBN: 978-1-63140-002-5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classics, Vol. 8

Jim Lawson (w & a & c)

Volume 8 begins collecting the Mirage Studios series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 2 that ran from 1993–1995. Includes the stories “Memories of the Future,” “Winds of Change,” “Evolution,” “Intruders,” and “Death Race”, all written and drawn by Turtles veteran Jim Lawson.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 148 pages • ISBN: 978-1-61377-961-3

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #11

Derek Fridolfs (w) • Dario Brizuela, Chad Thomas (a) • Brizuela (c)

When a malfunctioning Footbot starts following Mikey’s lead, he’s convinced he’s got the perfect sidekick! But what happens when his brothers find out and the Foot comes looking for it? Plus, Part 1 of a LEGO® tribute to the classic TMNT origin story!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #29: Dawn of the Autobots

James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a & c)

STAND-OFF! While the crew of the Lost Light react to MEGATRON’s arrival with characteristic maturity (calling him names behind his back and ignoring him when he speaks) one AUTOBOT is convinced that a more direct approach is needed. Guess what happens when a one-time tyrant is told he’s not wanted? Yeah, exactly.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Regeneration One, Vol. 4

Simon Furman (w) • Guido Guidi (a) • Andrew Wildman (c)

Rodimus Prime struggles to comprehend what is happening as dark forces rise and an invasion begins the war to end all wars. Collects issues #96–100.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 132 pages • ISBN: 978-1-61377-963-7

WEIRD Love #1

Joe Gill, Cupid & more (w) • Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Vinnie Colletta, Al Tewks, Norman Nodel & more (a) • Ogden Whitney (c)

From the people that bring you the acclaimed Haunted Horror comic comes a horror like no other… WEIRD Love! WEIRD Love presents the most sexy, bizarro, sick, twisted, politically incorrect, kinky “romance” comics of the 1950s and beyond. In this OMG-I-Can’t-Believe-This! first ish, you are going to be astonished to read luridly illustrated pulp comics fiction like “Love of a Lunatic,” “I Fell for a Commie,” “The Taming of the Brute,” the wacko “You Also Snore, Darling,” and more! This collector’s edition which begins the WEIRD Love series “ends” with a pre-code comics ode to the female derrier(!). No wonder the censors wanted this stuff banned! Sure to be a must-have big-buzz comic—and it’s bargain-priced!

FC • 48 pages • $3.99

Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland #6 (of 7)

Joe Hill (w) • Charles P. Wilson III (a & c)

Chapter 5: “Shoot the Moon.” A laughing malevolent moon rises over Christmasland, and turns red snow black, as Agnes Claiborne and Chess Llewellyn make a final doomed, desperate run for freedom. Every cruel child is on the hunt for them; every cruel ride is engineered for their destruction. As if that wasn’t bad enough, King Geek is looking to claim a new title for himself… as the new Lord of Christmasland!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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