Press Release
DC Comics regrets to announce the discontinuation of its Humanoids and 2000 A.D. titles.
The company's respect for the Humanoids and 2000 A.D. stories, characters and talent, however, continues unabated, and we hope both lines are welcomed by a U.S. publisher better able to find deserving audiences for these titles.
The final Humanoids titles to be published by DC Comics will be THE INCAL VOL. 2: THE EPIC JOURNEY TP (APR050385) and TRANSGENESIS 2025 VOL. 1: ANCESTOR PROGRAM TP (APR050387), scheduled to arrive in-stores in June.
The final 2000 A.D. titles to be published by DC Comics will be THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES TP (APR050382), THE COMPLETE INDIGO PRIME TP (APR050383), and ROGUE TROOPER VOL. 2: FORT NEURO TP (APR050384), scheduled to arrive in-stores in June.
Titles from both lines published by DC Comics prior to these dates will continue to be available as backlist items.
Cartoon Network has released its schedule for May 2-June 5 and it includes three new episodes of Justice League Unlimited.
On Saturday, May 21, "Task Force X" will air. Five incarcerated super villains are offered suspended sentences if they can survive an impossible mission -- to steal a deadly weapon from the Justice League's satellite headquarters.
On Saturday, May 28, "The Balance" will air. Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl must put aside their feud and go to the depths of Tartarus where the evil sorcerer Felix Faust establishes dominion over Hades.
On Saturday, June 4, "Double Date" will air. Green Arrow and Black Canary race to stop The Question and Huntress from killing organized crime lord Tobias Whale.
A new episode of Teen Titans, "The Prophecy," is scheduled to air on Saturday, June 4.
For more listings check the link.
From Newsarama-
While its assets were sold to a Disney subsidiary in October, CrossGen’s bankruptcy proceedings continue to lumber along, with the Tampa-based former comic publisher finally filling and seeking approval for its plan of reorganization. CrossGen filed the disclosure (the meat of the reorganization plan) on February 15th, supplemented it on April 1st, and saw it approved by the Florida Bankruptcy Court, Middle District, on April 4th.
Overall, the plan lists assets currently at $972,233, resulting fro the sale of its properties to Cal Publishing/Disney in October, and total liabilities of $10,798,888. As with other bankruptcies, there will not be enough capital to cover all claims, however, the plan filed, as stated by the debtors, allows for a greater recovery of claims than is likely to be achieved through other plans or liquidation – namely, Chapter 7.
The Joint Disclosure Statement, filed to give holders of claims adequate information to make an informed judgment about the plan, lays out a financial history of CrossGen in greater detail than has been seen to date.
Running through the history, then – CrossGen was formed in May of 1999, with an initial investment by Mark Alessi of $4,000,000. This start-up was supplemented in January of 2001 when Safe Harbor Managed Account 101A invested $4.5 million in exchange for 20% of CrossGen’s stock. Alessi continued to loan CrossGen money prior to the filing of bankruptcy in June of 2004, topping his investment off at $11 million, in total.
In January of 2003, Blue Ridge Investors II, LLP (CG’s primary pre-filing secured lender) loaned the company $1,025,000. While the loan was against collateral including accounts receiveable, inventory, and other assets of CrossGen, by the time the companyu filed for bankruptcy protection, it owed Blue Ridge $1,086,261. A portion of that has been paid off, and Blue Ridge is currently owed $700,000. CrossGen has since sued Blue Ridge, alleging that the investors “failed to perfect its security interest in CrossGen’s registered copyrights and any proceeds from the sale of CrossGen’s intellectual property and seeks to avoid Blue Ridge’s security interest accordingly.”
In January of 2004, Dee Gee Entertainment lent CrossGen $300,000 against collateral including the properties Ruse, Route 666, and Sojourn. When CrossGen filed in June of 2004, it owed Dee Gee $318,000. As with Blue Ridge, CrossGen has sued Dee Gee, alleging that the investors failed to perfect its security interest in CrossGen’s registered copyrights, and seeks to avoid Dee Gee’s security interest accordingly.
Blue Ridge and Dee Gee make up CrossGen’s largest secured creditors, while Alessi, trade creditors, American Express, ADP, and the IRS (for payroll taxes) make up the former publisher’s largest unsecured creditors. According to the disclosure, prior to filing in June of 2004, the total outstanding unsecured debt totaled $13,250,000.
The disclosure goes on to explain what happened, with the economy circa 2003 taking the brunt of the blame. The statement says that by the end of 2002, CrossGen held an approximate market share of 6%, and was the third largest publisher in the United States [the factual reality behind this statement appears, at the surface, suspect, as Diamond’s market share numbers for 2002 showed CrossGen to hold 3.21% share of the market in both dollars and units, and ranked at the 5th largest publisher, behind Marvel, DC, Image, and Dark Horse]. The disclosure also states that aggressive expansion by Marvel and DC exerted pressure on CrossGen and other smaller publishers, reducing their market shares. As CrossGen began to suffer (though cost-cutting moves were enacted), it found fewer and fewer larger entertainment companies wanted to partner with it.
The damage began to show, according to the disclosure, in the second quarter of 2003, when the company did not have adequate liquidity to pay trade vendors. At the same time, Blue Ridge, as a condition of its loan to the company, “swept” CrossGen’s bank accounts, resulting in returned checks, bank fees, and other financial problems. CrossGen’s weakening financial conditions resulted in vendors limiting the amount of credit extended, or time period for credit repayment, and to only continue business dealings with the Tampa company on a cash-only basis.
Through 2003, CrossGen sought investors, and, according to the disclosure, nearly had financing secured on several occasions, but in each instance, the deal fell through.
The financial history of the company ends with the sale of CrossGen’s assets to Cal Publishing (a Disney subsidiary) for $1,000,000. Blue Ridge and Dee Gee have agreed to have their calims attached to the proceeds of the sale.
In summary, CrossGen’s plan for payment of its creditors is the “pot” plan, that is, all monies from the sale of assets ($972,233 from Cal Publishing) and any other monies will be placed into a single account from which amounts owed to secured creditors and administrative expenses will be drawn first, and then unsecured creditors will be paid.
Holders of secured claims (totaling $1,492, 064.33) are:
Tom Alessi: $1,172,000
Oldsmar Self-Storage: $1,307
CitiCaptial Commercial Corporation: $17,981.44
Pinellas County Tax Collector: $775.89
The debtor will recommend that the Liquidating Trustee file objections to all of the claims, as, CrossGen contends, the claims have never been secure, or are no longer secure due to the surrender of collateral. In regards to the secured claim of Dee Gee, CrossGen and Dee Gee have agreed to divide the claim into a secured claim of $161,425.55 and an unsecured claim of the same amount. If CrossGen is successful in court against Blue Ridge, the investors’ claim will be reclassified as unsecured.
Currently, the Administrative Expense Claims stand at $263,000, and is expected to increase until the final payout date arrives.
The amount owed in Priority Claims stands at $641,378.96 – this is the amount owed to the IRS and former employees and consultants who filed as such. The disclosure states that CrossGen will object to claims which are not entitled to Priority status, including those filed by the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue.
After the above are paid, unsecured creditors (including the bulk of former employees) will be paid. CrossGen roughly estimates that over $9 million is owed in this category, and lays out the plan for repayment, though it is, generally speaking, just mechanics, as the total amount that will be actually paid out will more than likely be completely exhausted far before reaching the unsecured creditors category, as was seen in the Chaos! Comics bankruptcy.
Final proofs of claim by creditors must be filed by May 6th, 2005. By the same date, those who accept or object to the plan, as filed must notify the court. A hearing on the confirmation of the plan is scheduled for May 16th.
Batman Begins:
HBO First Look will debut on HBO on Tuesday, June 7 at 8:15 p.m..
As with most of HBO's First Look specials, the behind-the-scenes look at Batman Begins will run 13 minutes.
Additional air dates include Friday, June 10 at 8:45 p.m.; Sunday, June 12 at 10:45 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 11:45 a.m.; Friday, June 17 at 10:45 a.m.; Saturday, June 18 at 2:15 p.m.; and Wednesday, June 22 at 5:15 p.m.; and Thursday, June 23 at 12:30 a.m.
Batman Begins opens in theaters on Friday, June 17.
X3:
Now Playing Magazine has spoilers of what Famke Janssen's role in the new movie & possible spin-offs from the X franchise.
Ghost Rider:
Superhero Hype also has the exclusive first look at Ghost Rider's Hell Cycle. Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Matt Long, Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda and Donal Logue, will arrive in theaters on August 4, 2006
Superman Returns:
Superhero Hype has provided an alternative "S" shield. Brandon Routh plays the dual roles of Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. Joining Routh are Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane; Kevin Spacey as Superman's archenemy, Lex Luthor; James Marsden as Richard White; Eva Marie Saint as Martha Kent; Parker Posey as Kitty Kowalski; Kal Penn as Stanford; and Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Elektra movie sold about 1 million combined DVD and VHS units Tuesday, its first day in release on home video.
Fox has announced its will rebroadcast the first Spider-Man and X-Men films as part of its spring Friday night movie schedule. Spider-Man, which debuted on the network last Thanksgiving, will air on Friday, April 29 at 8PM EST & X-Men will air on Friday, May 13 at 8PM EST.
In other news:
Iron Man, the third direct-to-DVD animated Marvel film will be coming out down the horizon. HBO/Cinemax will be airing Spider-Man 2 this summer. Can't wait for that! For more movie previews and new check out the Comics Universe Blog.
Mad! Fan has the new Darkstalkers #4 cover, as does the Joe Madureira! Fansite.
The re-broadcast of the Icons episode featuring Sin City creator Frank Miller will air starting on May 5th. Check out the air dates below:
5/6/2005 2:30am ET / 11:30pm PT
5/6/2005 9am ET / 6am PT
5/6/2005 1pm ET / 10am PT
5/6/2005 9pm ET / 6pm PT
5/8/2005 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT
You can see the write-up on the Icons episode and see if G4 thinks Sin City is in a class all its own here.
Brenda Starr Creator Passes On-
Dale Messick, whose long-running comic strip "Brenda Starr, Reporter" gave her entry into the male world of the funny pages, has died at age 98. She died after a long decline that began with a stroke in 1998, her daughter, Starr Rohrman, told The Associated Press.
Messick, whose strip debuted June 30, 1940 & ran in 250 newspapers at its peak in the 1950s, died Tuesday, said her daughter, Starr Rohrman, who had been caring for her mother in Sonoma County. Ms. Messick was born on April 11, 1906; Brenda Starr was born in June 1940. An impossibly glamorous redhead, her appearance was inspired by Rita Hayworth, her first name came from the most famous debutante of the day, Brenda Frazier, and her last name was chosen because she was the star reporter on her newspaper, The Flash.
She jettisoned her given name Dalia to further her career -- once said Brenda had "everything I didn't have." But she charmed acquaintances with spunk and style worthy of her redheaded creation. Ms. Messick retired from drawing the strip in the mid-1980's, and it was passed on to other artists, all women. She said she did not like the way later versions of Brenda Starr looked. In the 1990's, she developed a new comic character called "Granny Glamour," who appeared in a single-panel cartoon in a local senior citizens' publication (Oakmont Gardens Magazine) in California. It ended after she had a stroke in 1998 and couldn't draw any more. In 1995, Brenda Starr was one of twenty comic strips honored by a series of United States postage stamps; Messick was the only living creator. In 1997, Messick received the National Cartoonist Society's Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award. The strip is now written by Mary Schmich and drawn by June Brigman.
For more info check out CNN.com.
Superman Returns:
A rumor from Superhero Hype about the spaceship: The crash site isn't from Clark's child-hood, but in fact from his return to Earth at the beginning of the film. Also, Sir Richard Branson will make a cameo in the film, according to News.com.au. Ain't-It-Cool-News has pics of the Daily Planet delivery truck & more. I can't forget, look here (Spoilers abound) for more pics from the set.
As always, keep a lookout for updates on Bryan Singer's blog as more news comes in.
X-men 3 News:
It was already announced that X-Men 3 would be directed by Matthew Vaughn. Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry and Ian McKellan are all set for "X-Men 3" as well. Famke Janssen, as heavily rumored before, will become Dark Phoenix. No official word yet on James Marsden - who will be busy for a big chunk of the year on "Superman" - reprising his role as Cyclops, though it's understood he will be back.
Superhero Hype also reported that Sir Ian McKellan has confirmed he'll be Magneto if another sequel is made. Even though he imagines the writers will base a possible Magneto spinoff on a younger Magneto in the past, McKellan had this to say:
"If my character is in it and if he's my age. They might bring Magneto back but it may be the young Magneto. Who knows?"
X-Men 3 is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2006.
Sin City:
Dimension Films' Sin City, directed by Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller and Quentin Tarantino, dropped 51.5% in ticket sales for the graphic novel adaptation's second weekend, making $14.1 million for a total of $50.7 million and second place. The movie cost just $40 million to make.
As I've reported last month, Maxim will feature a special edition cover by none other than Frank Miller as a tribute to the Sin City movie.It will be out April 12 (May) edition and will only ship at a 20% of the press run while Sin City star Brittany Murphy will be on the cover of the other 80% of issue. You can read what Superhero Hype says here.
Check here for an update on what could ultimately become The Sub-Mariner & Silver Surfer movies.
DC Comics/Vertigo will collect the widely acclaimed tale of how a dog, a cat, and a rabbit became the deadliest war machines the military ever created -- and fought against -- in the WE3 TPB, a collection of the three-issue mini-series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. WE3 earned numerous accolades with its terrifying and heartbreaking 104-page story of three cybernetically enhanced lab animals that use their weapons-laden exoskeletons to escape their masters, and to traverse an equally frightening world in search of a place called "home."
Here's DC Comic's write-up on it:
Collecting on of the most talked-about series of the year by superstar creators Grant Morrison (SEVEN SOLDIERS) and Frank Quitely (THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS), who provides a new cover, WE3 tells the unforgettable story of three innocent pets — a dog, a cat and a rabbit — who have been converted into deadly cyborgs by a sinister military weapons program.
With nervous systems amplified to match their terrifying mechanical exoskeletons, the members of Animal Weapon 3 have the firepower of a battalion between them. But they are just the program's prototypes, and now that their testing is complete they're slated to be permanently "de-commissioned" — until they seize their one chance to make a desperate run for freedom. Relentlessly pursued by their makers, the WE3 team must navigate a frightening and confusing world where their instincts and heightened abilities make them as much a threat as those hunting them — but a world, nonetheless, in which somewhere there is something called "home."
"Morrison has crafted an eerie tale of sci-fi and horror... with cute furry animals." — Syracuse Post-Standard
"[A] startling, disturbing and perhaps enlightening series... a provocative tale." — Atlanta Journal Constitution
Sporting a cover by Quitely, the TPB is scheduled to ship on June 1 for $12.99, and is suggested for mature readers.
Kevin Smith interviewed Frank Miller & Robert Rodriguez on Sin City and you can hear it here.
And don't say I didn't warn you- The Movie Spoiler has a huge Episode III spoiler (view at your own discretion!)
Press Release
The latest two issues and first trade of Kirkman's zombie hit completely sold out.
Not much in comics is predictable, but one thing is certain: readers can't get enough of Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard and THE WALKING DEAD.
Despite skyrocketing preorders and aggressive overprinting by publisher Image Comics, the two most recent issues of THE WALKING DEAD have followed the trend set by earlier issues and completely sold out.
THE WALKING DEAD #15 and THE WALKING DEAD #16 have sold through, continuing the remarkable sales momentum of Kirkman and Adlard's hit zombie book.
Additionally, the second printing of the first WALKING DEAD trade, DAYS GONE BYE, has...gone bye, also selling out completely. The book collects the first six issues of the series, by Kirkman and original artist Tony Moore. A third printing is currently being readied for release.
Inventory on the second WALKING DEAD trade, MILES BEHIND US, is also dwindling rapidly, and a second printing has been ordered for that volume, as well.
While the sales success of THE WALKING DEAD is hardly news, writer Robert Kirkman is still amazed that numbers continue to climb higher each month.
"This book just keeps on going up in sales," says Kirkman. "Every month I think, wow, we can't go any higher than this, and yet, the issues still keep selling out, and we keep printing more. This book is like magic or something. Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn (who handles tones) and I couldn't be happier."
So how to explain the astonishing success of THE WALKING DEAD? How can a black and white horror book continue its assault on the sales charts while so many full color books full of capes and super powers fail? According to Image Comics Executive Director Eric Stephenson, the "horror" label onlybegins to describe the book.
"I think the appeal of THE WALKING DEAD is that it's actually much more than a horror comic," explains Stephenson. "Readers may be attracted to the book because they like zombies, but at its heart, THE WALKING DEAD is a character drama as compelling as any you're likely to find in comics or on TV. People are jumping into this book because they think zombies are cool, they're staying because they care about these characters and they want to find out what happens next."
Readers seeking the books are advised to check with their local comic shops, who may still have copies on the shelves.
THE WALKING DEAD centers around the experiences of human survivors in a zombie filled, post-apocalyptic United States. Since its release in 2003, the book has been nominated for an Eisner Award for Best New Series, and has received nearly universal acclaim for its masterful blend of horror and human drama.
The third WALKING DEAD collection, SAFETY BEHIND BARS, hits stores this month.
THE WALKING DEAD # 17 is out now & THE WALKING DEAD #18 ships towards the end of the month or the 1st week of May.
GIANT SIZE X-MEN #3 Due to medical reasons, Dave Cockrum will no longer be penciling the all-new, 8-page Joss Whedon story. Instead, Neal Adams will pencil and ink this story. However, Dave Cockrum and John Cassaday did pencil the cover, which will be shown shortly. Clifford Meth from Silver Bullet Comics posted his conversation with Cockrum on the project and you can read about it here.
CBR has a 6-page preview on Spectacular Spider-Man #27, the last issue of the series and also the end of Paul Jenkins' 5-year run on Spidey.
press release
San Francisco, CA, APRIL 4, 2005 — VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., two prominent North American based companies specializing in Japanese content, announced the completion of their merger today to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a groundbreaking new entertainment company specializing in the production and licensing of animated content for TV and theatrical distribution, publishing, home video distribution, and consumer products. VIZ Media, based in its new location just two blocks from historical Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, will leverage the unique collaboration, vision and ownership of three global powerhouses in Japanese manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc. and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. VIZ Media will be owned 40% by Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc. respectively, and 20% by Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd.
The merger was a natural progression for VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., who have successively collaborated on many hit properties including the wildly successful INUYASHA and MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR. As one entity, the new company will benefit from shared resources and creative talent, and gain access to Japan's strongest content, enhancing its ability to reach a wider audience.
VIZ Media's mission is to enrich lives worldwide through the highest quality entertainment and unmatched storytelling.
"We are excited to continue expanding our business by developing entertainment content across all available mediums for people of all ages on a worldwide basis," said Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. "Having the support and leveraging the combined assets of three of Japan's largest and most respected content creators provides VIZ Media with a significant competitive advantage and will create unlimited new opportunities for our company."
Going forward, VIZ Media will grow its business by working with its parent companies to maximize their brands' exposure on an all rights basis. Implementing a comprehensive brand strategy that effectively bridges a range of media, including TV broadcast, publishing, home video, licensing, consumer products and promotions, VIZ Media aims to become an industry leader worldwide for audiences of all ages.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc. recently merged to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.
check out the new Viz Media site.
press release
Jeph Loeb to adapt Will Eisner's The Spirit for Odd Lot and Batfilm.
Jeph Loeb will adapt the comic series for Odd Lot Entertainment and Batfilm Productions’ THE SPIRIT, a live-action feature film based on the late Will Eisner’s seminal super-hero comic of the same name. Odd Lot’s Gigi Pritzker and Deborah Del Prete will produce along with Batfilm’s Michael Uslan. Benjamin Melniker and Steve Maier will serve as executive producers, with F.J. DeSanto and Linda McDonough co-producing.
Odd Lot’s Deborah Del Prete said: “Will Eisner created a tremendous character and story, and Jeph Loeb is the perfect writer to enhance and honor his legacy. Michael and I met with Will just before he passed away in January, and we all agreed that our film will encompass the same integrity, artistry and handsomely crafted look that THE SPIRIT is so well-known for.”
Will Eisner’s THE SPIRIT was created in 1940 and is the story of a masked detective – believed to be dead and operating out of his grave site in Wildwood Cemetery – who fights crime in Central City with his fists, cunning (a tongue-in-cheek sense of the absurd), and unbelievable threshold for pain. According to Uslan, "The property is considered by many fans and comic book historians to be the best creative work ever to come from the comic book industry. Will Eisner is the comic-genre master storyteller, whose name graces the comic industry’s most prestigious awards each year at Comicon – The Eisner Awards."
Jeph Loeb, who received Eisner Awards in 1998 and 2003 for Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory (respectively), is responsible for some of the greatest comic book stories in recent years. Best known for his ability to tell contemporary stories based on classic characters such as DC’ Comics' Batman and Superman, and Marvel’s The Hulk and Daredevil, comic book fans of all generations flock to his character-driven and action -packed tales each month. Along with artist Tim Sale, Loeb’s timeless stories, SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS and BATMAN THE LONG HALLOWEEN, have spawned a large and loyal following that have kept him ranked high in Wizard Magazine’s monthly top ten list of comic book writers. He teamed with superstar artist Jim Lee on HUSH, the critically acclaimed and wildly successful BATMAN series that many consider do be the definitive modern interpretation of the Dark Knight. HUSH has spawned everything from action figures to posters to comic book sequels and has reignited interested in the comic book world of Batman.
In addition to completing the fourth season as a Supervising Producer on “Smallville,” Loeb has been collaborating with various top artists on the SUPERMAN/BATMAN team-up book that is a constant presence in Diamond Distribution’s top 5-list of monthly best-sellers. He has recently reunited with Tim Sale for the mini-series CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME and is writing DC Comics’ highly anticipated SUPERGIRL re-launch for release later this year.
Odd Lot Entertainment recently produced HOOLIGANS starring Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam, which won both the jury and audience awards at the recent South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. Odd Lot’s other credits include MEAN CREEK starring Rory Culkin and THE WEDDING PLANNER. Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker recently produced CONSTANTINE and are executive producers of the highly anticipated BATMAN BEGINS.
Hopefully this movie will be akin to Sin City? I hope so. And if you don't know who Will Eisner is, check out his bio from his website. Rest In Peace Mr. Eisner.
Will Eisner was born March 6, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY. The son of Jewish immigrants, his early life and experiences growing up in New York tenements would become the inspiration for much of his graphic novel work. At De Witt Clinton High School in the Bronx, Eisner's budding interest in art was fostered, and it was in the school newspaper that his first work was published.
Eisner's first comic work appeared 1936 in WOW What a Magazine! He created two features for WOW—Harry Karry and The Flame. When the magazine folded after only four issues, Eisner formed a partnership with friend Jerry Iger, and the Eisner-Iger studio was born.
The studio was a veritable comics factory, churning out strips in a variety of genres in the hopes of placing them with American newspapers. Towards this end, Eisner-Iger recruited a number of young artists who would go on to become comics' legends in their own right: Bob Kane, Lou Fine, and Jack Kirby. The most enduring of Eisner's work to come out of this period is Hawks of the Seas, the high-seas adventure strip that had begun as The Flame.
The partnership ended in 1939 when Eisner joined the Quality Comics Group to produce a syndicated 16-page newspaper supplement. It was for this supplement that he created his most famous character, The Spirit.
Creating the Comic Book Section for Quality gave Eisner the opportunity to reach a wide audience in papers across the country. The supplement contained three four-color features developed by Eisner. The lead feature, The Spirit , was a detective adventure script entirely scripted and drawn by Eisner. This story of a masked detective who protects Central City from the criminal element with no more than fists, cunning, and an unbelievable tolerance for punishment quickly became the most popular feature of the section. The supplement was renamed The Spirit Section, and became Eisner's proving ground for some of the most innovative work in the genre. Even in these early stories, the presence of cinematic camera angles, atmospheric lighting effects and creative storytelling techniques distinguished The Spirit.
Eisner's work on the Spirit was interrupted in 1942 when he was drafted into the Army for service in World War II. The Army took advantage of his skills as a cartoonist, and during the war he was engaged in producing posters, illustrations and strips for the education and entertainment of the troops.
After the War, Eisner returned to a much diminished Spirit, who had faltered in less able hands during his absence. In December of 1945 he reintroduced the strip with a retelling of the Spirit's origin, and the Spirit was quickly back on track. Now with the support of other artists such as a young Jules Feiffer and later Wally Wood, Eisner continued the weekly installments of the Spirit until 1952. Never content to stay within the narrow confines of the detective genre, Eisner used the Spirit to explore a wide variety of stories, from simple tales of ordinary people to wild flights of fancy verging on science fiction.
During this period, Eisner attempted to foster several other projects for publication as newspaper strips or newsstand comics, including Kewpies, Baseball, Nubbin the Shoeshine Boy and John Law. None of these were successful, but some of the material created for them ended up in The Spirit.
While still producing the Spirit, Eisner founded the American Visuals Corporation, which was a commercial art company dedicated to creating comics, cartoons, and illustrations for educational and commercial purposes. Eisner resurrected Joe Dope, a bumbling soldier he had created during the War, for feature in P*S Magazine, a publication he produced for the Army. His other clients included RCA Records, an Oil Filter company, the Baltimore Colts, and New York Telephone. This work soon occupied most of Eisner's time, and The Spirit was abandoned in favor of this more profitable work, which continued until the late 70s.
In the mid-60s several articles renewed popular interest in the Spirit, and the strips were reprinted in a variety of forms that continues to this day. Eisner was persuaded to create a small amount of new Spirit material at this time, but despite a growing fan insistence for more, Eisner did not have much taste for revisiting what he saw as the heroic fantasies of his youth. Seeking for a more mature expression of the comics' form, Eisner spent two years creating four short stories of "sequential art" that became A Contract With God, first published by Baronet Books in 1978. In this book, with its 1930s Bronx tenements and slice of life moral tales, Eisner returned to his roots and discovered new potential for the comics form—the graphic novel.
Eisner followed A Contract With God with a series of graphic novels published by the alternative comics publisher Kitchen Sink Press. With subject matter ranging from semi-autobiographical (The Dreamer and To the Heart of the Storm), keen observations of modern life (The Building and Invisible People) and science fiction parable (Life on Another Planet ) Eisner helped to break comics from the juvenile ghetto of superheroes and "funny books."
In addition to producing a continuing legacy of great work, Eisner taught cartooning at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and is the author of two definitive works examining the creative process, Comics and Sequential Art and Graphic Storytelling. Each year he presides over the Eisner Awards, established in 1988, one of prestigious two comics industry awards, presented each year at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Recently, his work was gained wider recognition when it was showcased in the Whitney Museum's 1996 "NYNY: City of Ambition" show.
Eisner has been cited as an inspiration by comics' creators from all corners of the genre, and his influence is seen as widely. He remains one of the most active, vital, and prolific forces in the comics' field today.
Bob Andleman, author of the upcoming Eisner biography, Will Eisner: A Spirited Life has written the following obituary via the Will Eisner: A SPirited Life eNewsletter:
Legendary comics and graphic novel artist and writer Will Eisner died last night, Monday, January 3, 2005, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the age of 87, following complications from quadruple heart bypass surgery.
Will Eisner didn't create Superman, Batman, Spider-Man or even Archie and Jughead. Some comic book fans may scratch their heads when asked to describe his work. But every artist and writer in comic books, as well as graphic artists across the entire spectrum of modern illustration, television and film, owes a debt to him.
In 1941, Eisner created a goofball detective named Denny Colt who died (not really) and was reborn as "The Spirit," the cemetery-dwelling protector of the public - and pretty girls in particular. The Spirit possessed no superpowers. He couldn ' t see through his girlfriend ' s clothing the way a curious alien like the Man of Steel might scientifically investigate Lois Lane. And he wasn't a brilliant technologist like Batman, imagineering hokey gadgets and psychedelic compounds for all-night parties with the Joker.
The Spirit broke so many molds:
- Eisner was the strip's artist and writer, a feat that is still rare today.
- The Spirit was published and distributed as an insert in Sunday newspapers, ala Parade magazine. It was seen weekly by as many as 5-million people from 1941 to 1952.
- No two Spirit sections looked alike. Although most commercial operations - from Superman to Pepsi-Cola - spend millions of dollars testing, proving and marketing their logos, Eisner thought it was more challenging to change The Spirit's masthead every week - for 12 years.
- The Spirit was a fun, mature read, aimed at adults but accessible to kids.
For all of these reasons, The Spirit was published and reissued in various forms almost uninterrupted for 60 years. Its look, feel and smartass humor is timeless, which accounts for the countless revivals.
Eisner, who went to high school with "Batman" creator Bob Kane, provided first jobs in the comics business to everyone from Jack Kirby (co-creator of " Captain America " and the " Fantastic Four " ) to Pulitzer-winning writer and artist Jules Feiffer.
If not for Eisner ' s influence, Pulitzer Prize winner Art Spiegelman might never have published his graphic novel Maus: A Survivor ' s Tale (Eisner is credited with popularizing - if not inventing - the medium of the graphic novel with the 1978 publication of his graphic story collection, A Contract With God) and fellow Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Chabon ' s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay would have been missing quite a few Eisner-inspired tales.
For comic book professionals, the highest honor in the industry is either an Eisner Award, named for Eisner and given out every summer at Comic-Con International in San Diego, or a Harvey Award, named for Eisner ' s late friend Harvey Kurtzman, the creator of Mad magazine and Playboy ' s " Little Annie Fanny, " given every April in Pittsburgh. Kurtzman, who discovered talents as diverse as R. Crumb and Gloria Steinem, passed away in 1993, making Eisner the last man standing.
Literally.
At every Eisner Awards ceremony, each recipient was handed his or her award by the man himself.
Several years ago, a big red velvet chair was put on stage for Eisner. The Eisner Awards promoters said, " Come on, Will, you shouldn ' t have to stand up all this time; here, have a seat. " Eisner sat on it briefly, got a laugh out of it, but then he stood up again, and stayed on his feet the rest of the night. Eisner demonstrated his strength of character and enduring physical wherewithal by standing on stage throughout the entire presentation, shaking hands and personally congratulating the winners. Because there is a different presenter for each award, no one else stood for as long as Eisner.
That's why, when Eisner handed the 2002 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story (Amazing Spider-Man #30-35: " Coming Home " ) to writer J. Michael Straczynski and artists John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna, Straczynski thrust the award in the air and remarked, " You know, you get the Emmy, you don ' t get it from ' Emmy. ' You win the Oscar, you don ' t get it from ' Oscar. ' How freakin ' cool is this? "
Published in November 2004, DC Comics ' The Will Eisner Companion is the first comprehensive, critical overview of the work of this legendary writer/artist. Divided into two sections - his Spirit work and his graphic novels - this authorized companion features all-new critical and historical essays by noted comics historians N.C. Christopher Couch and Stephen Weiner, as well as alphabetical indexes relating to all aspects and characters in his oeuvre. Also includes a chronology, a bibliography and suggested reading lists, as well as an introduction by Dennis O'Neil.
A new generation of comics fans learned about the man in the 1970s when underground comix publisher Denis Kitchen began reprinting " The Spirit " stories and eventually produced new stories of the character by top comic book talent including Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons and Neil Gaiman. Kitchen became one of Eisner ' s closest friends and confidants, as well as his personal representative and literary agent (with Judith Hansen).
More recently, " John Law, " a 56-year- old Will Eisner character, was given fresh life and adventures in 2002 by Australian artist and writer Gary Chaloner as an online comic book hero at ModernTales.com. In December 2004, Law returned to print in IDW Publishing ' s " Will Eisner's John Law " hardcover trade paperback. These stories were the first original John Law adventures published since Eisner worked on the character in 1948. This edition includes both new material and classic John Law tales by Eisner himself.
And Eisner ' s final - and likely most controversial - graphic novel, The Plot, finished last summer, will be published this spring by W.W. Norton.
Will Eisner was the wizard behind the curtain, except in his case, the magic was real.
There will be no funeral service, per Will ' s wishes. " Will and I hated funerals, " his wife, Ann, said the morning after his death. " We made plans long ago to avoid having them ourselves. " He will be buried next to his late daughter, Alice, who died in 1969. Surviving Will are his wife, Ann, and his son, John.
Cards may be sent to:
Will Eisner Studios
8333 W. McNab Road
Tamarac, FL 33321
DC COMICS SENDS GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #2 BACK TO PRESS
April 5th, 2005 -
With the debut of the new GREEN LANTERN series coming next month, DC Comics announces that the sold-out GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #2 will go back to press for a third printing.
GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #2 Third Printing, written by Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver and Prentis Rollins, will feature a recolored version of Van Sciver's original cover art for the issue.
GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH has received feature coverage in the mainstream press with stories from the Scripps Howard News Service and in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Boston Herald, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and The Onion.
For more information, visit the GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH minisite.
For more info on the releases of Green Lantern: Rebirth are as follows:
GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #5 is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 6. ($2.95 US)
GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH #6 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 11. ($2.99 US)
GREEN LANTERN SECRET FILES 2005 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 18. ($4.99 US)
GREEN LANTERN #1 is scheduled to arrive in stores on May 25. ($3.50 US)
GREEN LANTERN #2 is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 15. ($2.99 US)
DC TO COLLECT SOLD-OUT NIGHTWING YEAR ONE STORY IN JULY
With the entire 6-part NIGHTWING: Year One story now sold out at DC Comics, DC announces that this hard-hitting tale will be collected in trade paperback in July.
The story, written by Chuck Dixon & Scott Beatty and illustrated by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, appeared twice monthly in NIGHTWING #101-106.
"Collaborating with my good friend Chuck Dixon is always an exciting ride, this time made even more thrilling with Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens rendering our story," says Beatty. "Many thanks to the retailers for spreading the buzz about NIGHTWING: Year One and going above and beyond to see that their customers were able to find the issues. And much appreciation to the readers who were so supportive of this untold tale of Dick Grayson's transition from Teen Wonder to adult crimefighter."
"Scott and I have been very pleased with the fan response to all the Year Ones we've done," Dixon says. "This sell-out is especially gratifying since it's a return to a title I've had a lot of success with in the past. Plus, I got teamed with Mr. McDaniel again, which is always a blast."
The NIGHTWING: YEAR ONE TP is scheduled to arrive in stores in July.
And don't miss the debut of the new NIGHTWING creative team of writer Devin Grayson and artists Phil Hester & Ande Parks in issue #107, scheduled to arrive in stores on April 13.
For more information, visit the NIGHTWING minisite.
Batman is enjoying mainstream success with Batman: Cover To Cover: The Greatest Comic Book Covers of the Dark Knight.
Various authors. DC Comics, $39.99 (240p)
"This dazzling collection of pop-art miniposters spans six decades of readers' fascination with the costumed hero. The editors selected roughly 250 from among the more than 2,000 covers done for Batman-themed publications. Batman has huge advantages as a graphic image. For one, the character has wonderfully dramatic looks-a swirling cloak, an inhuman mask and a grimly clenched don't-mess-with-me jaw. He also lends himself to strikingly lit, foreboding night settings. Regardless of what a particular story is about, he's always been a comics artist's dream subject. Consequently, though the book is organized loosely according to subjects, such as "Fearsome Foes" and "The Batman Family," it also takes pains to include examples of covers from different eras, featuring interviews with some of the artists who created the covers. Famous comics and media people from Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan to actor Mark Hamill also get to choose a favorite cover and explain briefly why they chose it. Fortunately, the editors have resisted the temptation to print a huge number of covers reduced to matchbook size, so these selections are large enough to appreciate. From Brian Bolland's hyper-detailed realism to Alex Toth's b&w minimalist rendering, this book does a good job of showing how much fun artists have had designing this comic book icon." — Publisher's Weekly
DC COMICS TALENT AND PROJECTS HONORED BY COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE READERS
The May issue of Comics Buyer's Guide features the annual CBG Fan Awards, with DC Comics being named "Favorite Publisher" for the eighth consecutive year.
Many other DC talents and projects were honored as well, with DC winning in nearly every category.
DC congratulates all the winners, and thank the Comics Buyer's Guide readers who participated in the voting. DC's winners are:
Favorite Comics Story:
• IDENTITY CRISIS
Favorite Writer:
• Geoff Johns (THE FLASH, GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH, JSA, TEEN TITANS)
Favorite Penciller:
• Jim Lee (SUPERMAN)
Favorite Inker:
• Scott Williams (SUPERMAN)
Favorite Comic Book:
• JSA
Favorite Graphic Novel or Album:
• THE ORIGINALS, written and illustrated by Dave Gibbons
Favorite Colorist:
• Laura Martin (SUPERMAN/BATMAN, PLANETARY, I AM LEGION)
Favorite Cover Artist:
• Alex Ross (SUPERMAN: STRENGTH, SPACE GHOST, ASTRO CITY)
Favorite Letterer:
• Richard Starkings and Comicraft (SUPERMAN/BATMAN, CATWOMAN: WHEN IN ROME, ASTRO CITY)
Favorite Character:
• Batman
Wonder Woman News:
Msnbc has a poll going on who should be the next Wonder Woman. Animated News recently talked to director Joss Whedon about his plan to bring WW back to her roots. "I think she sort of sprang out fully formed, much like Athena herself. And, you know, it's a question of really getting behind that... In the '40s, when it was first done, she came to the world from Paradise Island and then went about her business, and so that experience, which is really a rite of passage, which is the same as any hero has to go through, has never really been investigated the way I want to. So, to take it back to the beginning and really say, 'Well, really, what was it like for an Amazon princess to come amongst us?'" Though not previously a fan of Wonder Woman specifically, Whedon's comic book and "superhero familiarity, however, should instill some hope in loyalists". He also promised he was "not going to do anything silly". Cinematical reports rumors are still swarming around the idea Mischa Barton (O.C.) being on top of the list of potentials who might star.
Here's VH1's interview with Whedon:
"Originally, I was hesitant," said the 40-year-old Whedon, who refers to himself as a "comic-book geek." "But then it's also sort of why I became really interested, because she doesn't have so much baggage for me, the way, say, Spider-Man would."
Whedon, however, admits he's been handed a bicycle with training wheels attached.
"It's been in development for a lot of years. Producer Joel Silver called me, and I came in. When he pitched it, he had a very clear idea of what he wanted to do, which I thought was really smart," Whedon said. "But it was very unformed, and it sort of formed in my brain.
"What I began to realize is I had no choice but to write it," he said.
Whedon, who is in the process of completing the upcoming "Serenity" film based on the cancelled Fox series "Firefly" said he's anxious to flesh out the back story of the Amazon princess.
"I think she sort of sprang out fully formed, much like Athena herself," he said. "In the '40s, when it was first done, she came to the world from Paradise Island and then went about her business, and so that experience, which is really a rite of passage, the same as any hero has to go through, has never really been investigated the way I want."
How much will he borrow from more than 60 years of continuously produced comic books? While Whedon says he's never been a huge fan of Wonder Woman's ongoing titles, his familiarity with them will likely encourage long-time comics fans.
"I mean, I've seen some really good books, some really great work by people — late-'80s artist/writer George Perez and late-'90s artist/writer John Byrne, a lot of guys," Whedon said. "Obviously, I've seen the covers by female superhero artist Adam Hughes, but who hasn't? However, I've seen her more with the Justice League of America and stuff like that."
When asked if he plans to incorporate important parts of the Wonder Woman legend in the film, Whedon did mention that he's going to be very picky when choosing what to use and what to ignore.
"I have a take on all of them," he said. "It has to do with who she is, and they have a certain integrity. I'm not going to do anything silly.
"There's a reason why she has those bracelets. There's a reason why she's got the lasso. I think it's going to work out really well."
He made no mention of the invisible plane that has been phased out of the most recent comics incarnations, though.
Of course, developing the Wonder Woman film isn't all hard work. There are benefits from this project that Whedon has already begun to enjoy.
During the recent Wizard World Los Angeles comic book convention, actress Jewel Staite approached Whedon with a proposal. "Can I be in your Wonder Woman movie? I'll love you forever," she said.
Whedon's response to Staite and everyone else interested in the part is that he isn't leaning toward any actress — at least, not yet.
"No leaning," he said. "I'm standing straight."
This summer Viper Comics will present two new series, “Karma Incorporated”, and “The Middleman”, plus an art book showcasing the art of Josh Howard. These projects are unlike anything comic fandom has ever experienced before.
Josh Howard Art Book Volume 1 will showcase tons of all new, never-before-seen art by Josh Howard, creator of Dead @ 17. Best known for his unique rendition of cute & sexy females, Josh has assembled a brand new collection of school girls, pin up beauties, and punk rock hotties. If you're a fan of Josh or just an admirer of "cute girl" art, you won't want to miss this limited edition volume.
Karma Incorporated, a 3 issue mini-series, is written by David Hopkins (Western Tales of Terror, Dead@17: Rough Cut). The groundbreaking art is marvelously crafted by Tom Kurzanski with wonderous colors by Marlena Hall. Karma Incorporated features a improbable group of con artists, hackers and a retired hitman that decide they can make money by making people miserable. When a previous customer's adulterous wife hires Karma Inc., the lines become crossed and new lessons are learned....payback is hell.
The Middleman, a 4 issue mini-series, is written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach, and wonderously illustrated by Les McClaine (Amaze Ink/SLG’s Highway 13 and Russ Manning Award Nominee 2002). Reality is a sham! Our way of life is constantly under attack by monsters, aliens and talking primates. The reason we - the normal world - are no congniant of the struggle? The Middleman. Working in absurd secrecy, the Middleman stares down threats from the extra- infra- and juxta-terrestial with a big gun and a have-a-nice-day grin. The Middleman: he fights evil so you don't have to.
Middleman creator and author brings an impressive resume to comics. Javier Grillo-Marxuach is currently a writer and Supervising Producer on the hit ABC Network series "Lost." He has written and produced episodes of "Boomtown," "The Pretender," "Jake 2.0," "The Chronicle," "Charmed," "Three" and "seaQuest." Grillo-Marxuach has also sold and produced several network pilots, written and directed an award-winning short film, created a number of works for the stage and contributed freelance scripts and stories to "The Dead Zone," "Dark Skies," "Strange Frequency" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
For more information on, “Josh Howard Art Book” visit: http://www.vipercomics.com/features/josh_howard_artbook_v01.asp
For more information on, “Karma Incorporated” visit: http://www.vipercomics.com/features/karma_inc.asp
For more information on, “The Middleman” visit: http://www.vipercomics.com/features/the_middle_man.asp
Tales of hustlers in the film noir comic-book adaptation 'Sin City' took top honors at the North American box office over the weekend, knocking 'Beauty Shop,' into second place. R-rated 'Sin City' pulled in enough viewers to make $28.1 million at North American theaters, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations on April 3, 2005. Rosario Dawson and Clive Owen star in the film. Perhaps the most literal translation of a comic book to film to date, Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller’s Sin City is based on the graphic novels Sin City: The Hard Goodbye, The Big Fat Kill and That Yellow Bastard.
The film’s budget was an estimated $40 million, and opened in 3,230 theaters, averaging $8,707 per screen. For Rodriguez, it was his second best opening ever, after 2003's Spy Kids 3D, which saw an opening weekend take of $33.4 million.
Sin City easily beat the weekend’s #2 film, Beauty Shop, which brought in $13.5 million. Currently, the film is the third best April-opening film ever, behind Anger Management and The Scorpion King. Last April, Hellboy, also based on a Dark Horse Comics published property opened with $23.2 million.
The movie has received largely positive reviews, both from critics who know of its roots, as well as those who encountered Miller’s city without pity for the first time on the screen. Unrelentingly violent, the film has also attracted critics for its portrayal of several murders and acts of revenge, with some of the more bizarre commentators wagging a finger at audiences for making it the #1 movie the weekend during which the Pope died.
In perhaps a pre-emptive move against possible complaints about the violence, many theater chains checked IDs of all patrons seeing the movie, making sure that no one under 17 was admitted, unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Some individuals reported being carded when they purchased the tickets, and again at the door to the theater where the film was being shown.
DC'S SOLD-OUT SEVEN SOLDIERS #0 MARCHES BACK TO PRESS
April 4th, 2005 -
SEVEN SOLDIERS #0, the powerful 48-page special written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by J.H. Williams III that leads into seven new miniseries, has sold out at DC Comics. Now, DC sends this landmark issue back to press for a second printing, which is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 20.
SEVEN SOLDIERS #0 Second Printing will feature a variant version of the original cover by Williams. This updated cover will feature the faces of the new Seven Soldiers team.
"Thanks to all the readers who took a chance on SEVEN SOLDIERS and helped the book become a hit," says Morrison. "No one was really sure how a story about super-hero losers and also-rans would be received, so the success of the project has been very gratifying. Much appreciated, and we hope readers will stick with us through the twists, turns and shocks that lie ahead!"
"This issue serves as the starting point for the entire SEVEN SOLDIERS event, so we're happy to offer a new printing," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP — Sales. "As always, we urge retailers to order it now, while they still can."
SEVEN SOLDIERS #0 Second Printing is available for order now and is scheduled to arrive in stores on April 20 with a cover price of $2.95 U.S. To ensure delivery on that date retailers must place orders by Sunday, April 10; please note that quantities will be limited and may sell out before April 10. DC recommends that retailers place orders as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
For more information, visit the DC SEVEN SOLDIERS minisite.
Peep the Boston Herald's interview with Dan Didio on the future of DC & Infinite Crisis.
Lara Croft is on the move again. The upcoming Tomb Raider:Legend is previewed in the May issue of PSM. A far cry from her early days in TR1 & TR2, this version of Croft appears more lifelike & realistic. Hopefully so will the gameplay (Angel of Darkness for PS2 had numerous bugs.)
This title is in pre-production & should be out between July of this year & June 2006. It's also rumored this game will debut on the PSP and X-Box 2 later this year. Keep a lookout on the official Tomb Raider site & E3 next month for more news.
COMIC NEWS:
TOMB RAIDER: THE GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL
Written by Dan Jurgens, art and cover by Joe Jusko.
The greatest Tomb Raider saga ever is worth the wait! Lara thought she had recovered the most precious items history had to offer...until now. Hop on for Lara's most unique adventure ever as she treks through the jungle of death to experience the unreal. This is classic Lara Croft at her best in a very special story by original Tomb Raider scribe Dan Jurgens, with stunning, lavish, painted art & cover by Joe Jusko. Five years in the making…at last! See the book George Pérez calls "an out-and-out revelation!"
Full color 48 pages $6.99 one-shot special- coming in June
click here for a larger view
