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Preview: The Stone King

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The Stone King

Written by Kel McDonald
Art by Tyler Crook

When you become an adult, you have to prove yourself, at least that’s how it works for the Stoneport thieves. But what Ave thought would buy her a ticket to adventure and a better life, brings disaster instead. Now her home is in danger and fixing her mistakes is the city’s only hope. The Stone King is an Eisner Award-nominated high-stakes adventure caper from writer Kel McDonald (Sorcery 101, Misfits of Avalon) and artist Tyler Crook (Petrograd, Harrow County).

The Stone King

Review: The Stone King #2

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The Stone King #2

The world is filled with “quicksand” and you may never know when you have stepped into it.  There is the literal sense of the word which most people only see in movies. Then there’s the metaphorical version, one which envelopes you when you least expect it. These are things throughout life that cause panic.

The first time I ever heard about it was in a movie called The Replacements starring Keanu Reeves and a now retired Gene Hackman. The way Reeves’ character described it in one scene is about getting so deep in trouble that you lose all senses. It was not until I joined the military and been in some near-death experiences that I felt what that sense of urgency was. In the second issue of The Stone King, we find Ave seeing firsthand the wrath she has unleashed.

We pick right up after the Stone King has invaded the city looking for what Ave took from him. As everything around her crumbles, she looks to save everyone she cares for. As Ave looks for healing moss to help someone close to her she soon gets arrested for looting. As the city guard humors Ave, he soon realizes that she may be the only hope city has before being totally demolished.

Overall, the second issue is action packed that’s a turning point for the series and happens to introduce us to some new characters. The story by Kel McDonald is lighthearted at points and heavy at other moments. The art by Tyler Crook is vivid and alluring. Altogether, it’s an excellent second issue that should bring in new fans.

Story: Kel McDonald Art: Tyler Crook
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Review: The Stone King #1

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The Stone King #1

When it comes to stories revolving around thieves, there aren’t too many that grips you from the beginning. Thieves are usually frowned upon and rarely any redeeming qualities can be yielded from such characters. One of the more infamous thieves is Aladdin, a character which has been both glorified and villainized, depending on which interpretation you may follow. His heart is ultimately good and what he does is out of necessity.

One of the most storied thieves in fiction and quite possibly in history is Robin Hood. What most people know of this infamous thief, is that “he stole from the rich and gave to the poor.” His story is remixed once again in the new Taron Eggerton /Jamie Foxx movie. The film gives the legend a new twist as a heist thriller that takes place during medieval times. It lacks the cool tricks of modern heist stories but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain the same level of intrigue. The new comiXology Original digital comic series The Stone King also combines fantasy with melodrama and thrills.

Early in the comic we meet Ave, a thief born into the trade who harvests healing moss unbeknownst to the creature known only as the Stone King. It’s a method outlawed in the land. Her whole life changes when she finds a hidden treasure on the creature. It’s something that can change her fortunes. She returns home hoping that her haul has given her a new status with the guild of thieves. By issue’s end, The Stone King comes looking for the treasure Ave found and will not stop until it is found.

Overall, the comic is an engaging medieval caper that exceed expectations within the first few pages. The story by Kel McDonald is gripping and action packed. The art by Tyler Crook is beautiful. Altogether, the comic’s a heist story that’s so much more than that and will have readers wanting to read more.

Story: Kel McDonald Art: Tyler Crook
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

comiXology provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

The Stone King, the Latest comiXology Original Debuts this Wednesday

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On November 14, comiXology debuts issue #1 of the 4-part miniseries, The Stone King, a coming-of-age fantasy adventure written by Kel McDonald with gorgeous art by Tyler Crook. The highly anticipated series features a rock giant, a flying dog, and a young teenage thief who must learn to take responsibility for her mistakes.

The Stone King is a fantasy story about Ave, a young woman who is trapped in a life of petty crime. In an attempt to advance the life she desires, the young thief often steals magic moss from the Stone King. One day, she steals a bit more than magical moss and things very quickly go awry. The Stone King goes on a rampage, threatening Stoneport, the fishing and trading city Ave calls home. In order to save the city, Ave must track down the rare gem and return it to its rightful owner to make things right.

Announced earlier this year at a press conference during Comic-Con International San Diego, The Stone King is part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content. Starting with the first issue debuting November 14, each subsequent monthly issue will be available to members of Prime Reading, Kindle Unlimited, and comiXology Unlimited at no additional cost, and available for sale on comiXology and Kindle for $2.99. The collected edition will be available via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com.

The Stone King joins other comiXology Originals including, Superfreaks by Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet and Margaux Saltel, Elephantmen 2261: Death of Shorty by Richard Starkings, Axel Medellin and Boo Cook, Ask For Mercy by Richard Starkings and Abigail Jill Harding, Savage Game by Ryan Kalil, Shawn Kittelsen and Chris B. Murray, Grave Danger by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, Goliath Girls by Sam Humphries and Alti Firmansyah, Teenage Wasteland by Magdalene Visaggio and Jen Vaughn, Hit Reblog by Megan Kearney and curated by Hope Nicholson, and more.

In addition to being purchasable on comiXology and Amazon, comiXology Originals are also available through Prime Reading, Kindle Unlimited, and comiXology Unlimited. Prime Reading offers Amazon Prime members a rotating selection of over a thousand top Kindle books, magazines, short works, comic books, children’s books, and more – all at no additional cost. Kindle Unlimited offers over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and select current issues of popular magazines for just $9.99 a month with a 30-day free trial. ComiXology Unlimited offers over 15,000 comics, graphic novels and manga for just $5.99 a month with a 30-day free trial.

SDCC 2018: comiXology Reveals a New Wave of Originals

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If you missed our Twitter coverage, comiXology has announced the creative teams and titles for the next wave of comiXology Originals creator-owned comic books and graphic novels, during a press event today at Comic-Con International San Diego 2018.

The comiXology Originals debuting today include: Goliath Girls by writer Sam Humphries and artist Alti Firmansyah, Grave Danger by writer Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, Hit Reblog: Comics That Caught Fire by writer and artist Megan Kearney, along with over a dozen webcomics superstars and editor, Hope Nicholson, and Teenage Wasteland by writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Jen Vaughn. Readers can dive in immediately: the books are free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, and comiXology Unlimited and are also available for purchase on Kindle and comiXology.

Also unveiled at Comic-Con International were future comiXology Original titles to be released in the coming months including: The Dark by writer Mark Sable and artist Kristian Donaldson, Delver by co-writers C. Spike Trotman and MK Reed with art by Tish Doolin, and The Stone King by writer Kel McDonald and artist Tyler Crook.

Alongside today’s content announcements comiXology debuted a convention exclusive comiXology Originals 2018 Preview Book, featuring story pages, creator bios and behind the scenes process sketches from current and upcoming comiXology Originals creator-owned series. The comiXology Originals 2018 Preview Book will be given away at comiXology’s panels and during creator signings at booth #2547 throughout Comic-Con International, which takes place at the San Diego Convention Center July 18-22 in San Diego, CA. At the booth fans can also receive a limited edition comiXology Originals enamel pin, free – small quantities of the pin will be available at the start of each day, first-come-first-served. ComiXology will also be hosting 10 panels at this year’s convention and during every panel limited quantities of signed Savage Game Print-on-Demand books along with other giveaways to be given out to attendees. For the full panel and signing schedule check out comiXology’s social media and Tumblr.

More about the comiXology Originals titles available now can be found below:

Goliath Girls 
Written by Sam Humphries with art by Alti Firmansyah
Monsters will rise, cities will fall…but best friends are forever! Zelda, Eunice, and Juliet are three best friends: orphans of the Kaiju Generation, and adoptive mothers to their own baby Goliath! For years they’ve searched for the elusive King of All Goliaths, the one fabled to bring the Forever War to an end. But they’re not the only ones on his trail.

  • 5-issue miniseries – available monthly – $2.99 per issue on Kindle and comiXology
  • An industry first: simultaneously available in Japanese same day in Japan through Amazon.jp, and worldwide
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • Print collected edition will be available via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com

Grave Danger 
Written by Tim Seeley with art by Mike Norton
She is Grave Danger, agent of Headstone, a joint clandestine espionage organization that handles all unspeakable crime! [Unspeakable Crime- Illegal acts committed by paranormal entities such as vampires, witches, demons, and Frankensteins.] Agent Danger leaps into action from the suborbital Mourning Angel base, afraid of nothing! [Except getting her sneakers dirty. And heights.] [Also, her past.]. The first release from Daniel Alter and Jeff Forsyth’s new company Comix AF.

  • 5-issue miniseries – available monthly – $2.99 per issue on Kindle and comiXology
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • Print collected edition will be available via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com

 

Hit Reblog: Comics That Caught Fire
Written and illustrated by Megan Kearney, edited by Hope Nicholson 
Hit Reblog: Comics That Caught Fire showcases the viral sensations of the webcomics world and the true stories behind their creators. Follow the ups and downs of internet fame, from IP theft to book deals, and all the trials of becoming an overnight sensation after gaining 10,000 reblogs in a single night. Learn about the origins behind the hit comic strips “This is Fine”, “All Houses Matter”, “No Take, Only Throw”, and frequently-viral webcomics such as Owlturd, Cyanide and Happiness, False Knees, and Poorly Drawn Lines. Each of the twenty artists featured includes a biographical intro by award-winning comic artist Megan Kearney (Disney Princess, The Secret Loves of Geek Girls).

Hit Reblog: Comics That Caught Fire includes comics by webcomic superstars: Anelien, Joshua Barkman, Rob Denbleyker, Adam Ellis, Reza Farazmand, Nick Franco, Craig Froehle, KC Green, Ryan Harby, Maya Kern, Fran Krause, Dami Lee, David Malki!, Dave Mcelfatrick, Alex Norris, Branson Reese, Nick Seluk, Katie Shanahan, Brandon Sheffield, Shen, Kris Straub, and Zach Weinersmith, Kris Wilson. Edited by Hope Nicholson of the multi Eisner-award nominated publisher Bedside Press.

  • Collection 120pg – $6.99 on Kindle and comiXology
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • Available for pre-order in print for $9.99 as a Print-on-Demand graphic novel exclusively on Amazon.com

Teenage Wasteland 
Written by Magdalene Visaggio with art by Jen Vaughn
Smart-mouthed Ellie Tweed is the jerkhole new girl in school who falls in with the wrong crowd, who happen to have an explosive secret: they aren’t just jerkhole teenage girls with attitude, they are the Earth’s secret defenders! And Ellie’s their newest recruit. From the creative duo of Magdalene Visaggio (Kim & Kim) and Jen Vaughn (Betty & Veronica: Vixens) comes this action-packed series where after school activities include transforming into superheroes and fighting monsters!

  • 5-issue miniseries – available monthly – $2.99 per issue will be available on Kindle and comiXology
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • Print collected edition will be available via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com

Titles arriving in the coming months:

The Dark 
Written by Mark Sable with art by Kristian Donaldson
After a worldwide cyberwar ends technology as we know it, a former super-soldier teams up with a biopunk to fight the rise of a biological internet forcing humanity to connect to it—whether they want to or not.

  • Original Graphic Novel will be available on Kindle and comiXology
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • A print edition will be available soon via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com

Delver 
Written by C. Spike Trotman and MK Reed with art by Tish Doolin
When the door to a living dungeon surfaces in the tiny hamlet of Oddgoat, village girl Temerity Aster has two choices: abandon the only home she’s ever known to carpet baggers and sellswords, or carve out a place for herself and her family in the new and dangerous world of delving.

  • 5-issue miniseries will be available on Kindle and comiXology
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • Print collected edition will be available via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com

The Stone King 
Written by Kel McDonald with art by Tyler Crook
A young adult fantasy adventure about finding who you are through taking responsibility for your mistakes, The Stone King explores the life of a teen girl thief, working to determine her future path but instead provokes a giant.

  • 4-issue miniseries will be available on Kindle and comiXology
  • Free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited
  • Print collected edition will be available via Print-on-Demand exclusively on Amazon.com

These titles join Savage Game an original graphic novelcreated byNFL player Ryan Kalil, written by Shawn Kittelsen, with art by Chris B. Murray, Elephantmen 2261: The Death of Shorty issues #1-2from writer Richard Starkings, and artists Axel Medellin and Boo Cook; and Ask For Mercy issues #1-2from writer Starkings and newcomer artist Abigail Jill Harding.

In addition, Superfreaks, a debut seriesfromco–writersElsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet, and newcomer artist Margaux Saltel with all5 issues released at once for bingeable reading, is available today as a digital collected edition.

Customers can enjoy comiXology Originals releases on a variety of Amazon’s membership services. Prime Reading offers Amazon Prime members a rotating selection of over a thousand top Kindle books, magazines, short works, comic books, children’s books, and more – all at no additional cost. Kindle Unlimited offers over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and select current issues of popular magazines for just $9.99 a month with a 30-day free trial. ComiXology Unlimited now offers over 15,000 comics, graphic novels and manga for just $5.99 a month with a 30-day free trial. All titles are also available as individual purchases on Kindle and comiXology.