Tag Archives: micah gunnell

Aspen Goes Back to Its Roots for its 15-Year Anniversary in 2018

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Aspen Comics, the comic book publishing house founded in 2003 by the late superstar artist Michael Turner, will be celebrating its fifteen-year anniversary in 2018. To celebrate, the publisher is planning a yearlong initiative featuring a return to many of its classic properties. Three of Aspen’s flagship titles will be highlighting significant milestones, with Michael Turner’s Fathom and Soulfire’s twenty and fifteen year anniversary respectively, and Executive Assistant: Iris’ ten-year anniversary as well.

The publisher plans to focus on less variant covers as well as a reduced price on new jumping-on point issues including 25-cent primer issues and $1.50 zero issues.

Aspen will also be debuting a 4-page Aspen Mascots story premiering each month in the back of every new Aspen Comics release. The Aspen Mascots stories will be written by Vince Hernandez with art by Joie Foster and will feature Aspen’s lovable band of mascots, creatures and other fun Aspen critters in all-ages bonus content storylines.

In addition to the Aspen Primers, Legacy, and Aspen Mascot bonus content stories, the publisher has announced an Aspen Wave 1 of new properties and titles to debut as their first releases of the new year, in addition to the creative teams:

JANUARY:

Aspen will kick off their anniversary year in January with the release of the Aspen Legacy #1 issue, a yearbook-style offering showcasing everything from Aspen’s past, present and future, and collects a thorough look inside and behind-the-scenes of Aspen Comics. Aspen Legacy #1 will be released on January 17th and will be offered for only 15-cents with art by various Aspen alumni artists including Michael Turner, Talent Caldwell, Micah Gunnell, Marcus To, Francis Manapul and more.

FEBRUARY:

PortalBound #0 written by Mark Roslan and Gabe Carrasco with art by Alex Arizmendi and Wes Hartman is a new sci-fi/fantasy/action-adventure mini-series slated for five issues debuting February 7th with covers by Arizmendi and Adam Archer. PortalBound #0 will be offered for $1.50.

Charismagic Volume 3 #1 debuts on February 14th written by Vince Hernandez with art by Harvey Tolibao and Federico Blee with covers by Tolibao and Khary Randolph. Volume 3 is supported by the release of Charismagic Volume 2 in trade paperback form, as well as a re-offering of Charismagic Volume 1 as part of the continued release of the action-adventure/fantasy series.

Shrugged Volume 3 debuts on February 21st written by Frank Mastromauro with art by André Risso and Beth Sotelo with covers by Risso and Micah Gunnell. Shrugged is supported by the release of Shrugged Volume 2 in trade paperback form, as well as a re-offering of Shrugged Volume 1 in February as well.

For new readers unfamiliar with Aspen’s catalogue of titles, the publisher will be offering 25-cent Aspen Primer issues throughout the year for its classic titles: Michael Turner’s Fathom and Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Charismagic, Dellec, Jirni, No World and Shrugged.

Aspen Teams with Sony for Playstation Art Themes

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Publisher Aspen Comics, in partnership with The Powell Group, launched a series of custom PlayStation themes based on three of their popular series: Fathom, Soulfire, and Executive Assistant: Iris. Both the Fathom and Soulfire theme sets feature art exclusively by Aspen Comics founder Michael Turner with colors by Peter Steigerwald. The Executive Assistant: Iris theme set contains the work of pencilers Joe Benitez, Micah Gunnell, and Eduardo Francisco, with colors also by Steigerwald.

Each theme package features three unique skins to customize your PlayStation background. These themes are available for purchase at the PlayStation Store.

Together, Aspen and The Powell Group are working to develop additional waves of skins utilizing other Aspen properties to be released at a later date.

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Preview – Shrugged #1

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SHRUGGED #1

Frank Mastromauro – Story / Jonathan Marks / Micah Gunnell – Art / Beth Sotelo – Colors

Aspen’s Ten Year Anniversary celebrates the return of SHRUGGED!

You think you’re prepared, but you’re not. You’ve been decisive in your actions up to this point, but now things have been turned upside down. You feel you’ve conformed your mindset and are ready to accept what you’re about to experience, but you haven’t. That’s because SHRUGGED is back and ready to blow your mind!

Theo and his friends are entering their final year of high school, and even though Ange and Dev are still along for the ride, a host of new characters have joined in on the adventure! But, everything isn’t all fun and games this time around as an evil force has also returned and is preparing to silence those voices inside their heads…permanently. If you thought you knew what fear was, you haven’t seen anything yet!

Created by Michael Turner and Frank Mastromauro, with illustrations by newcomer Jonathan Marks and colorist Beth Sotelo, make sure to listen to the voices inside your head and pick up a copy of SHRUGGED #1 today!

SHRUGGED #1 is in stores March 13th, 2013!

FC 32 pages $1.00

SHRUGGED-01a-Gunnell

Aspen Comics Brings Back Shrugged for “10 for 10”

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As their second release in their tenth anniversary “10 for 10” initiative, Aspen Comics is returning to the world of Perspecta and their popular series Shrugged. Created by Michael Turner and Frank Mastromauro, Shrugged will feature a mix of both a returning and brand new art team.

You think you’re prepared, but you’re not. You’ve been decisive in your actions up to this point, but now things have been turned upside down. You feel you’ve conformed your mindset and are ready to accept what you’re about to experience, but you haven’t. That’s because Shrugged is back and ready to blow your mind!

Theo and his friends are entering their final year of high school, and even though Ange and Dev are still along for the ride, a host of new characters have joined in on the adventure! But, everything isn’t all fun and games this time around as an evil force has also returned and is preparing to silence those voices inside their heads…permanently. If you thought you knew what fear was, you haven’t seen anything yet!

According to the creator and writer Mastromauro the new volume has been a “long time coming” and he could be happier to be working on the series again.

When we created this series almost eight years ago, Michael [Turner] always had an idea for where he wanted the story to go after the first volume was completed. I’ve kept that idea in mind ever since for when we were able to get the series scheduled back into production and back into stores for the fans and readers. Now that Aspen’s ten year anniversary is here, I’m thrilled to have Shrugged return as a part of that celebration, and I’m looking forward to bringing Michael’s incredible vision to everyone to the best of my ability.

This newest volume of Shrugged will be written by Mastromauro and will pair up-and-coming Aspen newcomer Jonathan Marks with returning, veteran colorist Beth Sotelo. Volume one artist Micah Gunnell will also return to provide a special lead-in to the new art team for this new volume.

As with all of Aspen’s “10 for 10” releases, the publisher will be offering a host of incentives for retailers and fans alike, including the extremely affordable price of only $1 for the first issue, Shrugged #1. Aspen will also be offering a special Aspen Reserved Edition cover for Shrugged #1 featuring art by Marks and superstar colorist Peter Steigerwald. Fans who reserve this all new Shrugged volume with their local retailers will be eligible to receive the Aspen Reserved Edition of Shrugged #1.

Fans who collect all ten of Aspen’s “10 for 10” Aspen Reserved Edition #1 covers each month through their local retailer will be eligible to receive the full-size Aspen “Perfect 10’s” jam poster absolutely free.

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In addition to the debut issue, Aspen is also offering an Aspen Reserved Edition cover for Shrugged #2 by Gunnell and Sotelo, along with a Shrugged #2 J. Scott Campbell Retailer Incentive cover. Aspen will be releasing more info on further Shrugged incentives and Aspen’s “10 for 10” soon.

Preview – Executive Assistant: The Hit List Agenda TPB

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: THE HIT LIST AGENDA TPB

Vince Hernandez; Scott Lobdell; Marc Andreyko – Story / Oliver Nome; Micah Gunnell; Pop Mhan – Art / Emilio Lopez; David Curiel; John Starr – Colors

The Hit List Agenda returns with its sites set on you!

Aspen’s sold-out summer crossover event is finally packaged together in one masterpiece collection for Executive Assistant fans! Join Lotus, Orchid and Violet in their own respective journeys as the “Hit List Agenda” storyline binds them all together to eventually face the global threat of corporate mastermind Duncan Villone and his massive network of power and corruption. Featuring the talents of over a dozen of the industry’s top artists and creators, this pulse-pounding storyline sets the stage for the acclaimed second volume of Executive Assistant: Iris! Don’t miss out!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: THE HIT LIST AGENDA TPB is in stores October 10th, 2012!

Preview – Idolized #2

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IDOLIZED VOL. 1 ISSUE 2

Writer: David Schwartz
Pencils: Micah Gunnell and Pasquale Qualano
Colors: David Curiel
Covers: Humberto Ramos and Peter Steigerwald (cover A), Rachel Clark as Joule, photographed by Michael Schwartz, with effects by Peter Steigerwald (cover B).

While trying out for the hit new TV show, “Superhero Idol”, 18-year-old Leslie Linnell (aka Joule) must compete for a spot in the crime-fighting group “The Powered Protectors”.

She must prove her courage, powers, and ability to win the hearts of millions of viewers so that she can seek vengeance for her parents tragic death at the hand of the villian, Stasis!

IDOLIZED #2 is in stores September 26th, 2012!

Preview – Idolized #1

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IDOLIZED #1

David Schwartz ­ Writer / Micah Gunnell ­ Art / David Curiel – Colors

Aspen Comics proudly presents their first ever super-hero series, IDOLIZED!

What would a real world filled with superheroes look like? In this all-new series it gets ugly, as a young, girl-next door named Joule reveals her tortured past and her desperate attempt for revenge‹all while auditioning in front of the cameras and judges of the hot new TV show ³SuperHero Idol²!

IDOLIZED begins here, as we experience the initial audition that will make Joule a household name in homes across America, and we begin to learn the secrets she is hiding may lead to her shocking downfall!

Written and created by David Schwartz, with gorgeous art by Micah Gunnell and David Curiel, and featuring a cover by the legendary Art Adams, and a photo cover starring Supermodel Rachel Clark, you won¹t want to miss out on this innovative new series only from Aspen Comics!

IDOLIZED #1 is in stores August 8th, 2012!

Idolized #1 – Arthur Adams Cover Art Revealed!

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Aspen Comics is thrilled to reveal the absolutely incredible, gorgeous cover art for IDOLIZED #1, drawn by the legendary ARTHUR ADAMS.

IDOLIZED #1 will feature 3 covers:

Cover A will be the stunning piece you see here from the legendary Arthur Adams, but in full color (colors by the amazing Peter Steigerwald).

Cover B will be an equally stunning photo cover starring supermodel Rachel Clark.

Cover C, a limited-edition incentive cover, will have the Art Adams cover as you see it above, in black & white, exactly as he presented it to us.

IDOLIZED #1 will be in stores on August 8th.  And, while awaiting the release of IDOLIZED #1, don’t forget to pick up your copy of IDOLIZED #0, with a cover by “Lady Mechanika”‘s JOE BENITEZ, when it hits the stands on June 27th.  The special zero issue sets the stage for this thrilling new series, and includes many pages of bonus materials that flesh out the world of IDOLIZED.

What would a real world filled with superheroes look like? In this all-new series it gets ugly, as a young woman named Joule reveals her tortured past and her desperate attempt for revenge, all while auditioning in front of the cameras and judges of the hot new TV show “SuperHero Idol”.  IDOLIZED begins here, as we experience the initial audition that will make Joule a household name in homes across America, and we begin to get glimpses of the dark secrets she’s hiding that will lead to her shocking downfall…

IDOLIZED is a creator-owned comic, from the writer of MELTDOWN (Image) and Fathom: Blue Descent (Aspen), with artwork by MICAH GUNNELL (“Shrugged”), colors by DAVID CURIEL (“Dead Man’s Run”) and covers by ART ADAMS, JOE BENITEZ, KERON GRANT, MICAH GUNNELL and HUMBERTO RAMOS.

For more information on IDOLIZED, visit and “like” www.Facebook.com/IDOLIZEDComic.

For more information on Aspen Comics, please check http://www.aspencomics.com or http://www.aspenstore.com.

http://www.Facebook.com/aspencomics
http://www.twitter.com/aspencomics
http://www.twitter.com/davidbschwartz

Aspen Comics Offers A First Glimpse At The Interior Art On “Idolized”!

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Each day throughout the month of April Aspen will be revealing a single panel – or a glimpse at a piece of a panel – from issues 0, 1 and 2 of IDOLIZED. Fans have seen some of IDOLIZED’s covers, but none of the interior art until now.  The artwork can be seen by visiting the official IDOLIZED Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/IDOLIZEDComic.

“We’ve been aching to show fans how absolutely amazing the interiors on this series look,” said Aspen’s Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez.  “Micah Gunnell’s pencils on this book are beyond outstanding, and we can’t wait for the readers to see how spectacular it is.”

“IDOLIZED” is Aspen’s first-ever superhero series.  It tells the story of girl with super-powers and a tortured past, who seeks revenge, and ultimately finds redemption, over the course of competing in a televised super-hero competition show.  Essentially, it’s “True Grit” meets “American Idol”…with capes.  The series is written by Michael’s brother David B. Schwartz (acclaimed writer of Image Comics’ “MELTDOWN”, “Aspen Showcase: Ember” and “Fathom: Blue Descent”), with explosive art by Micah Gunnell (“Shrugged”, “Executive Assistant: Orchid”, “Dellec”) and colors by David Curiel (“Executive Assistant: Orchid”).  Cover artists will include ART ADAMS, JOE BENITEZ, KERON GRANT, HUMBERTO RAMOS and more of the biggest names in comics.  The first issue will debut June 27th, 2012.

Please visit www.Facebook.com/IdolizedComic for more details on the series.

For more information on Aspen Comics, please check www.aspencomics.com or www.aspenstore.com

www.Facebook.com/aspencomics

www.twitter.com/aspencomics

www.davidbschwartz.net

And follow IDOLIZED writer David B. Schwartz on Twitter: @davidbschwartz

Aspen WonderCon 2012 Announcements

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Charismagic: The Death Princess

Aspen will be releasing an all-new three issue miniseries, Charismagic: The Death Princess in Fall 2012 written by Charismagic creator Vince Hernandez and featuring art by Emilio Lopez and Jocelyn Dunn with covers by Khary Randolph and Emilio Lopez.

Aspen also plans to release a special digital-exclusive Charismagic: Sparkles one-shot story over the summer by Hernandez and Siya Oum with Aspen’s proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Homecoming

In August, from the legendary comic minds of Michael Turner, David Wohl and Scott Lobdell comes a new high school supernatural adventure series combining aliens with the always scare life of high school called Homecoming, featuring art by Emilio Laiso and Stefani Rennee.

Idolized

Aspen’s first-ever superhero comic book is by creator/writer David Schwartz with artists Micah Gunnell and David Curiel. Idolized tells the story of girl with super-powers and a tortured past, who seeks revenge, and ultimately finds redemption, over the course of competing in a televised super-hero competition show.

Executive Assistant Assassins

Aspen will be releasing their first ever ONGOING series this summer in July with the release of Executive Assistant Assassins by writer Vince Hernandez and rotating art teams. The first three issue story arc is entitled “Life After Death” and features the popular Executive Assistant Lily. “Life After Death” will feature the art team of Jordan Gunderson and Teodoro Gonzalez and will include covers by Joe Benitez, Dustin Nguyen, Eduardo Francisco and more.

Upcoming

Executive Assistant: Iris Volume 3

Aspen’s critically-acclaimed Executive Assistant: Iris returns with an epic third volume written by creator David Wohl.

Shrugged Volume 2

The popular action-comedy series Shrugged returns for a second volume by series creator Frank Mastromauro and will feature a special oversized zero issue upon its return.

Fathom Volume 5

Aspen’s flagship title Fathom continues to move forward into new territory with its fifth volume upcoming. Aspen is introducing popular Executive Assistant: Iris writer David Wohl into the fold as writer to join Alex Konat and Beth Sotelo.

Soulfire: Search for the Light Summer Event

Aspen is planning a huge summer event around their premiere title Soulfire entitled Soulfire: The Search For the Light. The event will feature five separate one shots that will combine for one massive story arc that leads directly into Soulfire Volume 4 with an all new art team. The five one shots include Soulfire: Hope by JT Krul and Jose Varese, Soulfire: Despair by David Schwartz and Jonathan Marks, Soulfire: Faith by Amanda McMurray and Siya Oum, Soulfire: Power by David Wohl and Khary Randolph and Soulfire: Grace by JT Krul and Pasquale Qualano.

Lady Mechanika Reprints

Aspen is going back to print on the massively-popular and sold-out issues of Lady Mechanika #’s 0,1 and 2. All three will feature new cover art by creator Joe Benitez and colorist Peter Steigerwald.

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