Tag Archives: novo malgapo

Early Review: Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: 2020 Halloween Special

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Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: 2020 Halloween Special

Sorry warm woolen mittens, but short stories, horror fiction, and comic books are a few of my favorite things. Lucky for me, Zenescope has combined all my favorites into a single comic book. As an added bonus, this special one-shot is coming out just in time for Halloween. The Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: 2020 Halloween Special, due to hit comic shops on October 21st, collects three original tales of terror. Each story is introduced by Keres the goddess of death.

Keres may be the goddess of death, but in this Halloween Special, she’s moonlighting as a fortune teller. Each of the three tales in this comic revolve around people who walk into her shop hoping to learn what fate holds in store for them. This connecting story sets up the high point of the comic, Tarot card inspired page breaks, drawn by Sheldon Goh and colored by Ivan Nunes. These page breaks are so gorgeous, I found myself wishing I could hang them up on my wall. Different teams of artists illustrate and color each of the three stories. Unfortunately, not all of their work is of the same quality as the page breaks.

The first story has a lot of flashbacks, but artist Dario Tallarico and colorist Maxflan Araujo don’t do much to distinguish these scenes from those set in the present. The reader eventually catches on, but some sort of deviation of color would have helped make the change of setting much clearer. The second story looks much better than its predecessor. Oliver Borges uses perspective to great effect. He draws panels from varying angles, giving the story a cinematic look. Plus, the monster he gets to draw looks fearsome and badass.

Artist Novo Malgapo puts fine detail into some aspects of the third story, but seems to slack off in other aspects. Most notably, the proportions of the main character are sometimes drawn very poorly, making him look misshapen. As for the connecting story, Babisu Kourtis draws New Orleans in a very recognizable way. Even if the narration didn’t explain that New Orleans was the setting for the connecting story, the reader would be able to tell the location just by taking in the illustrations.

Unlike some of the artwork, the stories contained in this comic are all high quality. The first story has a lot of different horror elements, but the writers are able to connect everything into a creepy story. In the second story, the writers put a cool twist on a classic monster myth. The final story takes a familiar premise and brings it into the modern world. The obsessive nature and depravity of the main character in this story made my skin crawl. Plus, it’s got a surprising ending that’s tinged with a touch of dark humor.

Before I wrap up this advance review, there’s one more thing I want to mention. I find it really cool that Zenescope’s President and Chief Creative Officer Joe Brusha is not only one of the writers on this special, but he also created the Grimm Tales of Terror series. It’s not like it is unheard of for a publisher’s executive to contribute to a comic, but I feel like these days they only come off the bench for big events or anniversary issues. It’s refreshing to see a CCO take the time to write an entire holiday special. Grimm Tales of Terror Quarterly: 2020 Halloween Special is due to be released on October 21st, just in time for Halloween.

Writer: Joe Brusha Story: Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, Dave Franchini
Art: Novo Malgapo, Sheldon Goh, Babisu Kourtis, Maxflan Araujo, Oliver Borges
Color: Ceci de la Cruz, Ivan Nunes, Fran Gamboa, J.C. Ruiz, Maxflan Araujo, Grostieta
Letters: Taylor Esposito Art & Colors: Various Art Teams
Story: 10 Art: 6.0 Overall: 8.0 Reccommendation: Buy

Zenescope provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Pre-Order: Kindle/comiXology

Review: IF Anthology

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4412b9_250f85125dfe46c3b89fd1e973fe46b2“IF” – the word itself has helped to turn science fiction into science fact; making the impossible become possible. Celebrating a new theme with every annual release, 2015’s IF anthology boasts 36 creators coming together to tell 15 thrillingly original stories of time, space, technology, and other tales from beyond.

While this anthology boosts various stories, in sub-genres of science fiction they have one thing in common. Despite the briefness of each story, they each seem to share the same purpose of what a story is supposed to be, entertainment. I will admit some of the stories could have been easily drafted into the old Twilight Zone episodes. While others, would have a challenge adapting to another medium ,which give them their own greatness.

In a similar vain to the stories, each one shares a different approach to its artwork. However they all share the same monochromatic  aesthetic. Which gives the entire anthology a sense of unity, despite the different artistic approaches in both story telling and artwork.

Story: Alex Eckman-Lawn, Brandon Barrows, Casey Reece, Chas! Pangburn, Chip Reece, Dino Caruso, Garrett Sneen, Glenn Matchett, James E. Roche, Jon Clark, Loki DeWitt, Michael Malkin, Mike Salt, Robert Menegus, Zach Bassett
Art: Alex Eckman-Lawn, Dan Lauer, David Brame, Eric Weathers, Fabian Cobos, Garrett Sneen, George Athanasiou, Jon Clark, Mariano Laclaustra, Novo Malgapo, Peebo Mondia, Salo Farias, Sam Agro, Ugur Sertcelik, Tim Shinn, Zach Bassett
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Alterna Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

 

Disclosure: Writer Glenn Matchet is a contributor to Graphic Policy

Preview: The Last West Vol. 2

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The Last West Vol. 2

story by Evan Young & Lou Iovino
art by Novo Malgapo, Liezl Buenaventura, Kel Nutall, Dinei Ribeiro
cover by Kody Chamberlain

All secrets are finally revealed in the dramatic conclusion to this surprise breakout series. Bobby Whittenheimer knows the world is dying. He’s been watching it crumble his entire scientific career. But now that he can set right what was broken amidst the desert sands sixty years ago, is he willing to pay the ultimate price to save us all?

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In January Animal Cops Face Freakish Beasts in Creatur Cops from IDW and Comics Experience Publishing

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In January 2015, a ragtag group of Animal Control Officers will be facing off against freakish, gene-spliced beasts in Creature Cops: Special Varmint Unit, a new creator-owned miniseries from IDW Publishing in alliance with Comics Experience Publishing.

Creature Cops: Special Varmint Unit tells the story of burned-out animal cop Al Kaminski, as he investigates a death cult with ties to a case from his past. But, in the style of a police ensemble drama, it also follows all the officers of the precinct, in cases ranging from fighting rings to hoarding.

The miniseries is the premiere title in a line of creator-owned comics from new talent published by IDW in alliance with Comics Experience, the online educational company.

Creature Cops: Special Varmint Unit is written by Rob Anderson with nterior art by Fernando Melek, inks by Novo Malgapo, interior colors by Juan Romera, cover colors by Kevin Volo, letters and design by E.T. Dollman, and edits by Paul Allor, Andy Schmidt, and Bobby Curnow.

Issue #1 of the monthly, three-issue miniseries ships in late January 2015 and is available for pre-order in the November Diamond PREVIEWS catalog. (Order Code: NOV140526) Each issue will be a full-color, standard trim comic book, priced at $3.99, and may be pre-ordered at your local comic shop. It is rated TEEN+ for mature themes, language, and violence.

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Zenescope Entertainment Announces The Waking: Dreams End

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ZENESCOPE ANNOUNCES “The Waking: Dreams End”

Zenescope Entertainment has announced plans to release a follow up to their hit comic book series, The Waking, first published by the company in 2010.  The new series, entitled The Waking: Dreams End, is written by Raven Gregory (FLY, Return To Wonderland) with interior art by Novo Malgapo (Grimm Fairy Tales).

In 2010, The Waking redefined zombie mythology and stood out as a unique offering in a crowded genre.  The Waking: Dreams End picks up years after the original events took place.  Murder has become practically extinct in a world armed with the knowledge that those who are killed will return from the dead to take the lives of their killers.  But within this new world comes a new kind of killer and an original breed of horror will be born.

“Several months after the release of The Waking, I had a splinter of an idea that just grew and grew over the course of the past year. Says Writer Raven Gregory, I knew I needed to follow up the original story and set it in a brand new world.  In The Waking, we established all the rules but in Dreams End, we find someone who has found a way to break those rules. And now the stakes are raised to a higher level and it’s really going to mess with fan’s minds.”

The original series received much critical acclaim and was praised by the Philadelphia Daily News as well as many comic book news websites for its unique blend of horror, suspense and comedy and its original take on the zombie mythos.

The Waking: Dreams End #1 hits shelves in late April and is currently available for order through Diamond Previews.  Go to Zenescope’s website at www.zenescope.com and Facebook page www.facebook.com/Zenescope for more information.

Zenescope Entertainment was founded by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco in 2005 and has quickly grown into one of the top comic book and graphic novel publishing companies in the world.  Zenescope’s Grimm Fairy Tales and subsequent spinoff series such as Escape From Wonderland, Neverland and The Piper, which put a dark twist on classic fables, are some of the best-selling and longest running original independent comic books on shelves today.   Zenescope’s licensed titles include the on-going, critically acclaimed Charmed series, based off of the long-running popular television series, as well as Se7en and Final Destination, based off of New Line Cinema’s successful film franchises.

New Releases from Zenescope

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Official Press Release

Charmed #11- In stores 6/22

Paul Ruditis (W) Marcio Abreu(A)
Cover A by David Seidman
Cover B Photo Cover by David Seidman

Alone. Out of options. Out of time. A decision is made that could affect The Power of Three and irrevocably change The Charmed Ones forever. Humanity hangs in the balance in the coming showdown between good and evil. “Beautiful women, magic and mystery are all staples of Zenescope and Charmed has them in abundance.” —popculturenetwork.com

32 pgs, FC, $3.50

Grimm Myths & Legends Issue #6- Dream Eater Saga Part 3- In stores now

Raven Gregory (W) Novo Malgapo (A)
Cover A by Ale Garza
Cover B by Mahmud Asrar

The Dream Eater continues on its path of destruction as it sets out to eliminate the very evil and powerful Baba Yaga. Now as Baba finds herself in a desperate position, she realizes the need to join forces with her archenemy and guardian of Earth, Samantha. The two must figure out a way to conquer the seemingly unstoppable Dream Eater… but only if they don’t kill each other first. Part 3 of the event that will change the Grimm Fairy Tales Universe forever is here.

32 pgs, FC, $2.99

Wonderland One-Shot- Dream Eater Saga Part 4- In stores 6/29

Raven Gregory (W)
Cover A by Keu Cha
Cover B by Tommy Patterson

Once upon a time, a young woman named Calie escaped a nightmarish realm called Wonderland. But little did she realize that the nightmare wasn’t over. Something is back and coming for Calie’s teenage daughter, Violet. And Calie will learn that escaping from Wonderland may only have been the beginning…Part four of the event that will change the Grimm Fairy

Tales Universe forever is here.

40 pgs, FC, $3.99

Neverland One-Shot- Dream Eater Saga Part 5- In stores 6/29

Raven Gregory (W)
Cover A by Khary Rhandolph
Cover B by Ale Garza

Pan finds himself trapped on Earth retaining only a fraction of the power he once possessed. But when Pan learns of the Dream Eater’s arrival on Earth he formulates a plan to reclaim his throne and regain the power he once had. Part five of the event that will change the Grimm Fairy Tales Universe forever is here.

32 pgs, FC, $2.99

Wonderland 2011 Annual- In stores 6/29

Ralph Tedesco (W)
Cover A Sean Chen/Nei Ruffino
Cover B Mike DeBalfo/John Hunt

When a group of teens become the latest victims of the House of Liddle, a brilliant young teen will make it his personal mission to ensure that the house never hurts anyone else again. But does the boy have what it takes to stop the madness before it consumes him? Don’t miss this final chapter of the House of Liddle!
48 pgs, FC, $5.99

New from Silver Dragon Books:

Discovery Channel’s Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators

Joe Brusha (W)
Neo Edmond (W)
Art by Steven Cummings

Zenescope’s second book under its new all ages imprint, Silver Dragon Books, takes you on an adventure back in time with Discovery Channel’s Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Predators. Nothing captures the imagination of kids like the prehistoric world of dinosaurs and this book has all their favorites. Velicoraptors, Triceratops, and T-Rex all come to life in this exciting and groundbreaking new graphic novel. A must have book for dinosaur fans of all ages.

120 pgs, FC, $9.99