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01/16/16 @ 12:25 pm EST
 This is a bittersweet commentary for me to put together, since I'm covering John Carter: Warlord of Mars #14, the final issue of the current series. As I've said before, this is a series, and a set of characters, that I've wanted to write since I first discovered the original Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars series when I was a kid. I'm disappointed that we've come to the end of the run, but I've loved every minute of this job.  PAGE 1It's not unusual for me to open an issue with some kind of cinematic sequence, something to draw the reader into the story. In this case, the story literally comes to the reader as John Carter and Dejah Thoris draw near in their flyer over a series of panels.  PAGES 2-3This is probably not the kind of double-page spread that artists dream about: "Draw a whole city!" But I felt like we needed a shot to convey the scope -- and emptiness -- of Helium, which is deserted in this story. Artist Ariel Medel admirably rose to the challenge of a thankless task and provided the lines, with Nanjan Jamberi adding the color. This spread contains a huge amount of work, created over painstaking hours. I hope readers spend some time poring over and appreciating the artwork here.  PAGE 5The four panels here are intended to give the reader a sense that John and Dejah explore various areas of Helium, finding all of them deserted. In the script I requested four horizontal panels, each the same size, so the visuals have an even, measured rhythm to them. No panel is given more or less importance than another, each is a snapshot of a different place and moment. Ariel did a nice job of varying angles, and using John and Dejah's figures to move to reader's eye around the page. PAGE 6Drawing monthly comics is a brutal grind, especially if you're penciling and then inking yourself. Ariel Medel nailed every deadline since he took over the series with issue #7, eight issues in a row without a fill-in. That's a hell of an accomplishment, especially for someone working on his first U.S. series, especially when each issue is 22 pages, rather than the now-standard 20 pages. Obviously, Ariel has a tremendous work ethic. He's also very smart about utilizing shortcuts where he can. This page is a great example of choosing wisely to save time and stay ahead of deadline doom as it rockets down the tracks. Panel 1 features a long shot and small figures, relatively quick to draw once the perspective is figured out. Dropping the background in panel 2 saves time, and also serves to really pop the figures of John and Dejah. Panel 3 doesn't waste effort on background that was going to be covered by balloons anyway. Panels 4 and 5 crop John and Dejah's figures effectively, both heightening the intensity of the scene, and making for less to draw. All together, it's a visually appealing page, as well as a smart one. PAGE 10You'll often see comic pages that contain figures of relatively the same size in most if not all of the panels. Pull out a comic, flip to random page. Are most of the heads on that page about the size of your thumb print? If so, the artist -- and by extension, the writer -- constructed the page poorly (unless there's a specific cinematic effect at play). Comics are visual documents. A page should be visually enticing to the reader, and one way to do that is varying angles and figure sizes. There's some great acting on this page as John and Dejah come to grips with what's happened to them. The choice of extreme close-ups in panels 3 and 4 really lends variety to the page. And I adore the shot of John and Dejah with their foreheads touching in panel 5. PAGES 12 & 13These two pages cut back and forth between tight shots and long shots, panel for panel. I love the beat-for-beat rhythms that comics offers creators. Here we alternate between scope and human drama, until they come together in a literally explosive moment. PAGE 14The story changes abruptly here, and so does the color palette. Nanjan brings a darker sensibility to this sequence, subtly communicating that the story has taken an drastic turn. We start the page with a close-up of John, inviting the reader to experience the shocking transition as John does, then pulling back in panel 2 to reveal more of the surroundings. PAGE 19When Ian and I kicked around the idea of revealing John and Dejah had been trapped in an evil mastermind's dream world, I wanted to leave open to the reader's interpretation exactly what was real and what wasn't. I like stories that don't provide pat answers, and leave something for the audience to ponder. That's the intent here; you're free to decide how much or how little was "real." PAGE 22We come to the end, with John, Dejah, Tars Tarkas, Kantos Kan, and of course Woola turning to face the future. There are always more stories to tell. I hope I get the chance someday. There's a long list of people who deserve Barsoomian thanks: my co-writer Ian Edginton; artists Abhishek Malsuni, Ariel Medel, Zsolt Garisa, Nanjan Jamberi and Roberto Castro; the many cover artists who have graced the series; my editor, Joe Rybandt; and Dynamite publisher Nick Barrucci. I have been dreaming of Mars since I was a boy, and all of you helped that dream come true. 07/19/23 @ 1:58 pm EST
Dynamite is excited to announce that the award-winning writer Rodney Barnes is taking on the living legend of Rock N’ Roll, Alice Cooper. This exciting new series has Barnes teaming with Edu Menna who is known for his work on KISS, Barbarella and Starfinder. And the whole thing kicks off this October! Alice Cooper is no stranger to comic book fans as the iconic rocker has been popping up in the four-colored pages since the seventies. But in this new tale of terror, legendary rock acts are being attacked by demonic forces and Alice starts to notice some of his own fans happen to be… undead.  
 
According to Barnes: “The forces of evil are looking for a different entry point to dealing with the forces of light. The conflict is driven by envy on the musical front, but there’s something more insidious beneath it all.” The writer/producer of The Boondocks, My Wife and Kids, and Winning Time: The Story of the Los Angeles Lakers was well aware of Alice Cooper’s pulse-pounding music.
“He used to come on a lot of talk shows and such and was a prominent figure on the radio stations my mom listened to. She bought a lot of Alice’s albums and I listened to them. “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy” stand out as tracks I dug. I was also attracted to his look and stage presence.”
Among the start-studded crew of cover artists for this series is Barnes' frequent collaborator from their hit comic series Killadelphia, Jason Shawn Alexander. Plus, the incredibly talented Stuart Sayger and Andrew Mangum join in, along with a photo cover of the bombastic ... 07/19/23 @ 1:53 pm EST
As we roll into Comic Con International in San Diego this week, Dynamite Entertainment has announced a major new license: they will soon begin publishing comics set in the world of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Directed by Coraline's Henry Selick, the 1993 film has become a pop culture staple and one of the most popular holiday movies made in decades. Torunn Grønbekk (Thor, Red Sonja, Realm of X) is attached to write the first project, with releases set to begin in 2024. Dynamite has not yet released a ton of information, but will have two separate panels this week at Comic Con where information might drop. (via ComicBook.com) Here's the breakdown of Dynamite's SDCC Disney-related panels: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Publishing Thursday July 20 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT
Room ...07/18/23 @ 3:14 pm EST
It's a true Dynamite who's who this Friday at San Diego Comic Con, as some of the biggest creators assemble to talk about their recent and upcoming hit projects at the publisher's key panel that marks the countdown to their 20th anniversary! This panel will be held on Friday July 21 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM PST in room 10. Led and moderated by Dynamite's own Scott Nybakken, a deep and diverse cast of panelists will be showing up and chiming in on comics and more initiatives ranging from the likes of Red Sonja, Vampirella, The Boys, James Bond, Elvira, and countless other fan-favorite franchises. Confirmed panelists include Dan Panosian, David F. Walker, Sara Frazetta, David Avallone, Tom Sniegoski, Jeannine Acheson, and Lucio Parrillo. It's going to be an hour of fun and surprises spotlighting the hits currently on the stands, the new series right around the corner, and teases of even more. Many of the comics being discussed will be announced for the first time right around the panel, so fans can stay tuned to Dynamite and their favorite outlets for these huge reveals! Dynamite Entertainment was founded in 2004, and the epic 20th anniversary is right around the corner. With big news on Red Sonja at San Diego Comic Con and a new comic series launch coinciding with it, more The Boys seasons and spinoffs coming soon, and the next exciting chapters in many other franchises, the rest of the year and the next are going to be a blast for fans. Dynamite invites attendees of the show to come celebrate and get ready for the next chapter at this panel.    Read More Here07/07/23 @ 7:47 pm EST
 He's not the terror that flaps in the night... In fact, he's the screeching fingernail on the chalkboard of justice! He's the sour ball in the candy jar of goodness. He's... Negaduck! And the Disney fan-favorite foe is making his way into his very own comic series this fall from writer Jeff Parker!
Darkwing Duck is the honorable protector of St. Canard, and a strong family man to his daughter Gosalyn. Over in his native Negaverse, Negaduck is the polar opposite of everything Drake Mallard stands for, his evil doppelganger in every way. Negaduck is nefarious and dedicated to stealing lollipops from children and not helping grandmothers cross the street! Now, in his brand-new title, he's revving up a reign of crime and terror of record levels. There's only one problem... all the other criminals are ripping off his ideas — so he's taking his show on the road!
Writer Jeff Parker is not only known for his heavy hitter runs on top titles like Aquaman, Thunderbolts, Hulk, and more, but he's also beloved for countless all-ages and retro style stories outside of traditional super heroics, such as Batman '66, Future Quest, and Flash Gordon with Dynamite. He's bringing that same diverse skill set and energy to Negaduck.
He's matched up with artist Ciro Cangialosi, who comes equipped with a brilliant cartooning style that will complement the main Darkwing series by Carlo Cid Lauro well and stand out on its own. Observant fans and collectors will notice Cangialosi has already been drawing several of the fun action figure variants for Darkwing Duck, including the one featuring Negaduck on issue #6!
  Read More Here
07/07/23 @ 11:37 am EST
Dynamite Entertainment, alongside partner Curiosity Ink Media of Grom Social Enterprises today announced four new kids’ titles, each of which celebrates everyone’s favorite time of year, Christmastime, that will be available through booksellers everywhere in time for Christmas, 2023. The titles represent three original franchises, as well as one book based on Cepia, LLC’s hit animated property, Cats vs Pickles. For Dynamite and Curiosity, the titles reflect the companies' commitment to serving the consumer demands of the holiday season. The books, slated to be on shelf this fall, include:
  Baldwin’s Big Christmas Delivery – It's Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year in the train yard. With so many packages to deliver for the holidays, Baldwin must pitch in to make sure all the trains in the railyard are packed and ready to transport every present to good boys and girls. But when Baldwin discovers one pesky package has been left behind, he takes it upon himself to deliver the package — no matter what! How the Gherkins Stole Christmas – Based on the hot collectible, Cats vs Pickles, the citizens of Catsburg find themselves in a tail-spin when the pickles’ attempts to create a cheery holiday atmosphere, only to set off widespread panic about an alien invasion. Can the pickles finally win over the cats – and finish their work in time – to deliver the purr-fect Christmas celebration?
How the North Pole Works – This special insider's guide to Santa’s winter wonderland, from international best-selling author, Amber Stewart, and artist Kyle Beckett, grants readers unprecedented access to Santa’s workshop in this unforgettable peek behind the curtain into one of the most magical – and northernmost – places on earth!
Snow Boy – ... 06/30/23 @ 12:47 pm EST
Apple TV+ has set Wednesday, August 23 for the Season 2 premiere of acclaimed sci-fi series Invasion, from Simon Kinberg and David Weil. The series will debut with the first episode of its 10-episode second season, followed by one new episode weekly, every Wednesday through October 25, on Apple TV+. Created by Kinberg and Weill and executive produced by Boat Rocker, Invasion is a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Season 2 picks up just months later with the aliens escalating their attacks in an all-out war against the humans. Invasion received an early Season 2 renewal, ahead of its Season 1 finale in 2021. The series stars Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland and Tara Moayedi. New series regulars joining season two include Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor and Naian González Norvind. (via Deadline) 05/18/23 @ 5:25 pm EST
 Dynamite announces a brand new chapter in the tapestry of the fantasy masterpiece Fire and Ice, coming this August!
Originally released in theaters in 1983, Fire and Ice has since become a beloved fantasy tale and a milestone in adult animation. The result of one of the greatest collaborations between creative superstars, Fire and Ice teamed up legendary animation director Ralph Bakshi (Fritz the Cat, The Lord of the Rings, Wizards), the "Godfather" of fantasy artwork, Frank Frazetta, along with screenwriters Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway. Now, just in time for the 40th anniversary, key players are returning alongside new talents to add an essential prequel to the story in comics!
Before the fire waned and the ice spread across the world, before the events of the film, readers will get to meet the memorable central characters once again or for the first time ever. The beautiful princess Teegra and her powerful panther companion have not yet gone through the kidnapping attempt by the evil queen Juliana and her son Nekron. The young warrior Larn's village has not yet been destroyed. And who knows what the mysterious Darkwolf has been up to? Writer Bill Willingham and artist Leonardo Manco will chronicle the lives of these characters in parallel, leading to the genesis of the movie.
   With licensing oversight and creative cooperation from both the Frazetta and Bakshi families, fellow fantasy virtuoso Bill Willingham is taking on the task of weaving a brand new story that both provides readers with a compelling standalone tale and slots seamlessly into the chronology of the classic film. Willingham has won the comics industry's prestigious ... 03/21/23 @ 8:05 pm EST
The queen of the pinups returns to comics this June to heat up the summer, as international superstar creator Mirka Andolfo finds the perfect match for her style and sensibilities, and she's taking Bettie Page home with her to Italy in a new series alongside artist Elisa Ferrari and co-writer Luca Blengino!
"Our goal is to tell an intense story with an intense character and an intense but realistic setting.," shared writer Mirka Andolfo.
It's la dolce vita for Bettie! Her latest adventure starts when she's been cast as the lead of a film shooting in historic and beautiful Rome. It's a Bettie Page escapade, so of course some shady-looking thugs attempt to kidnap her before she even gets the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Italy! Turns out, it's a case of mistaken identity. Miss Page just happens to look nearly exactly like their intended target. Will the dark angel be able to negotiate - or wiggle - her way out of this predicament? She'll also learn more about her mysterious doppleganger along the way.
One of the biggest names in comics, Mirka Andolfo is beloved for her flirty and fun writing and art on hit titles like Sweet Paprika, Unnatural, Mercy, and more, as well as huge titles from Marvel and DC Comics. She's shepherded Dynamite's own Red Sonja in a critically acclaimed run, but now she's tackling a character and legend that is such an obviously ideal fit for her talents! Not only that, but she's infusing the series with some of her native Italian style too!
Mirka and Elisa are joined by a cast of additional pinup greats to contribute stunning covers for the beautiful bombshell. Joseph Michael Linsner is back, and he's ...
03/21/23 @ 2:11 pm EST
Following the announcement and upcoming release of Dynamite's next hotly anticipated Pathfinder series, the first in several years, the publisher is announcing another huge collaboration with roleplaying industry leader Paizo. Starfinder, the tabletop innovator's other smash hit game and mythos, is coming to comic books for the first time in Angels of the Drift!
For the first ever Starfinder comic series coming to stores, Dynamite and Paizo hand picked the best creative voice to take the helm. James L. Sutter served on staff at Paizo for over a decade, including as Creative Director for Starfinder, playing a critical role in developing the world and systems, translating the beloved Pathfinder formula to a science-fantasy landscape. Sutter writes Angels of the Drift alongside artist Edu Menna (Army of Darkness).
"Starfinder is all about exploring the galaxy and having epic adventures, but at the end of the day it's also about your real-world experience as a player, sitting around a table having fun with your friends," said writer James L. Sutter. "I think the comic zeroes in on that feeling—that no matter how high the stakes get, both the game and the comic are meant to be fun."
   Paizo has been charting the paths of Starfinder's "iconics" for over half a decade now in game art and supplemental material, but fans have been clamoring for a greater story focus on them, which is now here! Angels of the Drift is elevated by its fun, colorful cast of characters, like any great genre adventure. Navasi is a human woman and reformed pirate, serving as the group's fast-talking, plan-crafting de facto captain. The hulking, reptilian Obozaya is the main muscle. Ciravel is a ... 03/21/23 @ 2:03 pm EST
 This summer the Vampirella franchise welcomes another new series and an exciting new path for one of its newest stars, as Victory gets the spotlight with writer David F. Walker and artist Brett Weldele this June!
First introduced in the mythos-shattering Vampirella #0 on Free Comic Book Day 2019, fans were introduced to Victoria Harris by Christopher Priest and Ergün Gündüz. The gorgeous African American woman came into Vampirella's life and alongside other newcomers, set her on quite the roller coaster ride. The two were briefly lovers, and Victoria found herself enamored by Vampi's remarkable abilities - and even her iconic costume. Along the way she's since been bestowed with a cursed, demonic ring and turned against her friend by Lilith, the mother of Drakulon.
This summer Eisner-winning writer David F. Walker, of such critically acclaimed hit series as Bitter Root, Naomi, Planet of the Apes, Shaft, and more, is joined by artist Brett Weldele (The Surrogates, The Beauty) are leveling up Victory from a pawn in the grand game, to a major player. With a stunning white variation on the classic Vampirella costume, and her newly granted powers, how will she leave her own mark on the world, good or bad? Fans will also get to see which old foe (or friend..?) is about to show up to cheer her on.
"Victory is an interesting supporting character, but the thing to keep in mind is that she’s been a supporting character, and for me those characters are always more fun to write," said writer David F. Walker. "When you take a successful supporting character and elevate them to leading character status, it is important to remember that what you’re doing is adding to someone that already exists – it’s like ...
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