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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. 09/23/22 @ 7:18 pm EST
Dynamite and Dynamic Forces are teaming up with superstar comics YouTuber Near Mint Condition this weekend for a live claim show and auction offering fans lots of key graphic novels, rare variants, key issues, and more - all with a portion of proceeds going to a great cause, helping out creative legend Rachel Pollack. The livestreamed sale and auction will take place this Sunday September 25 at noon Eastern Standard Time on the Near Mint Condition YouTube channel.
   20% of all the sales from the combined Dynamite and Near Mint Condition sides will be contributed to the GoFundMe of legendary comics creator Rachel Pollack. The Time Breakers author made waves as the first out transgender creator in the industry, and reflected that experience in some of her work like the critically acclaimed and soon to be reprinted Doom Patrol. Beyond comics, she is known as one of the preeminent voices worldwide when it comes to the art, history, and practice of tarot. Unfortunately Rachel is currently experiencing a resurgence of cancer and is dealing with the associated medical and support costs. The comics industry and fans have come together to offer support, and people can check out more info or directly donate here.
The Near Mint Condition crew of the Uncanny Omar and Astonishing Melanie are joining forces with the Awesome Amy and Not-Necessary Nick Barrucci to bring fans and followers a range of cool items to buy and bid on to add to their collections. There will be countless collections, hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and more. Nick is also bringing a selection of rare, great condition Silver Age X-Men key issues, including #27, 31, 34, 36, 37, ... 09/13/22 @ 4:03 pm EST
Dynamite is proud to announce that the upcoming Savage Tales: Winter Special is back with more thrilling tales of Dynamite's biggest stars as well as legends of the pulps.
This December's special will feature two up-and-coming artists and graduates of the prestigious Kubert School, Mariano Benitez Chapo and Hamish Munro-Cook. They’ll be teaming up with fan-favorite writers Scott Bryan Wilson (Pennyworth) and David Avallone (Elvira, Bettie Page) for two of the four tales in this action packed new one-shot that will be debuting with covers by Arthur Suydam, Liam Sharp and Rafael Kayanan.
   Savage Tales is back with four tales of brutality, thrills and spills. The party starts with "Devil Juice" by Wilson and artist Max Fuchs (Altered Carbon: One Life One Death) as Vampirella's sister Draculina wants revenge on an enemy demon but has to go through a wall of body builders first. Wilson then teams with Benitez Chapo for "Crypt Junkies" as Vampirella accompanies a TV crew when they open a 1,000-year-old sarcophagus… with bloody results.
Avallone and Munro-Cook bring us a new story of Captain Gulliver Jones and the savage world of Mars in "His War Chapter II." Then Avallone and artist Eman Casallos (Alice Cooper) take us to the dying world of Barsoom for more adventures with John Carter, Warlord of Mars and his mate Dejah Thoris.
Founded by legendary artist Joe Kubert, known for his acclaimed war, superhero, drama, and autobiographical comics, The Kubert School offers students a high quality and challenging education in Cartooning and Graphic Art. They are committed to investing their time in preparing students for the rewarding and exciting careers and opportunities ahead of them. The Kubert School is ... 09/13/22 @ 12:07 pm EST
You can’t keep a bad woman down, and none are badder than Giulietta Romero, the professional assassin that was introduced in the recent Jennifer Blood series. Now writer Fred Van Lente is taking his bombshell bandage-masked hitwoman antagonist into her own story inspired by none other than William “The Bard” Shakespeare. Jennifer Blood Presents: Giulietta Romeo: Hitwoman is a pulse-pounding special starring the breakout character that fans have been clamoring to see more from.
Van Lente will be joined on the special spotlight by talented illustrator Robert Carey, acclaimed for his work on James Bond and other titles. A trio of show-stopping covers by Lesley “Leirix” Li, Drew Moss and Valentina Pinti will complete the package for this winter release to keep fans warm with blistering action and noir intrigue!
   Slamming her way out of the pages of the recent Jennifer Blood: Bloodlines series, Italian assassin Giulietta Romeo stars in La Tempesta, a noirish reimagining of the William Shakespeare play The Tempest. Giulietta is being extradited to Italy after the events of the Bountiful storyline when her plane is shot down over a remote island in the Atlantic, a former Nazi stronghold that is now the tiny kingdom of a man named Prospero, a former duke of the Naples mobs. His brother, the man who usurped his position, was being extradited on that same plane, and Giulietta finds herself in the middle of a gory blood feud and fighting for her life against Prospero's monstrous servants, Caliban and Ariel. "I think all readers will really love the Hot New Crime Writer of 2022, William "Bloody Billy" Shakespeare,” said Van Lente. “I'm just the vessel that is bringing the island mob ... 07/28/22 @ 2:38 pm EST
Announced during San Diego Comic Con, superstar artist Shannon Maer's hotly anticipated creation Sirens Gate is kicking off this October in time for New York Comic Con. Alongside the Previews catalog hitting the stands this week for fans to begin preordering this scorching hot series, Dynamite debuts a thrilling trailer for the title crafted by Maer himself!
Fans can head to Dynamite's YouTube channel at 1:30 PM EST to tune in to this snappy preview of one of the biggest splashes of the year. Shannon Maer is renowned across the industry by fans and retailers for his remarkable painted cover artwork that flies off the shelves. His technique and style captures a blend of realism, sensuality, and allure that is perfect for the medium of comics and many hit characters such as Dynamite's own Vampirella. Countless fans have been inquiring and clamoring about the possibility of Shannon tackling full interiors on a comic book. That time has finally come, and it's not just a quick little short story or special one-shot, but a full blown series created, written, and illustrated by Shannon himself. Following in the footsteps of other juggernaut painters in the comics field like Alex Ross, Joe Jusko, Bill Sienkiewicz, Joseph Michael Linsner, Simon Bisley, Dave McKean, and many other greats, Shannon Maer is offering fans a treat all too rare in the medium. "As the pages began coming together, it felt like another level of dimension added to my work," said creator Shannon Maer. "I loved exploring a scene from multiple angles, and still feeling like the entirety of the book was a singular painting." "Shannon saw the incredible reception to the announcement of the series at SDCC, and wanted to take ... 07/19/22 @ 1:52 pm EST
Dynamite is excited to announce a new thrilling special story featuring the Project Superpowers standouts Cat-Man and Kitten written by the incomparable Jeff Parker (Batman ’66, Aquaman) with art by the incredible Joseph Cooper (Ninjettes). This sensational new story that features both gangsters and boa constrictor men, will be available in comic shops later this year. An astonishing standalone superhero story that only Jeff Parker could create! Witness the heroic Cat-Man and his loyal sidekick Kitten as they become embroiled in a dangerous race to recover a priceless artifact that may hold the key to conjuring an ancient god of death! Can our classic adventurers evade pterodactyls, throw hands with the Lavender Gang, and survive the serpentine Snake Men? Find out, in this thrilling tale by writer Jeff Parker and artist Joseph Cooper with covers by Junggeun Yoon, Jonathan Case, and Jacob Edgar!
  "The Cat-Man & Kitten special is artist Joe Cooper and I taking the reader into the world of a relatively obscure Golden Age hero and exploring how cool that can be if you embrace the wild elements instead of trying to subvert everything," said writer Jeff Parker. "I wanted to craft a story that starts at one end of the pulp spectrum and keeps expanding in scope. Also, we have some appearances from other Project Superpowers characters and we're keeping an air of mystery around them that fits the feel of the book. Boss Editor Nate Cosby is bringing in powerful cover artists like Case, Edgar, and Yoon to really cap this project.” Editor Nate Cosby unintelligibly chimed in, "MEOW HISSSSSSSS COUGH COUGH (sorry, furball)."
The character was brought to Dynamite in the pages of Project Superpowers: Chapter Two by ... 07/19/22 @ 1:48 pm EST
Young readers are invited to discover Santa's Secret Society this holiday season, the first title in The Adventures of Herbert Henry book series to be released from Dynamite Entertainment and publishing partner Curiosity Ink Media Books.
This prose story by best-selling children's author Amber Stewart (Little by Little, Rabbit Ears) , complemented by adorable spot illustrations from Sònia Albert, introduces readers to Herbert Henry. It's the heartfelt kickoff to the series, with future entries to come. He's a young boy and sadly, right before Christmas his father has lost his job. Even worse, his holiday cheer has been lost in turn. Determined to save the season for himself and his family, young Herbert sets out on a hopeful journey north to hand-deliver his letter to Santa Claus and get his help. "I am so happy that Herbert Henry, wild and curious as he is, continues his journey into the hearts and minds of child readers in this lovely book," shared writer Amber Stewart. "I hope that anyone picking it up will enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it and it becomes a Christmas favorite among families." Along his quest, Herbert will meet a handful of colorful friends and learn of his own power to help others. From busy elves to a stranded snow bear, the friendships and lessons learned along the way could be the key to everyone's merry Christmas. The whole he's joined by his only slightful helpful yet adorable dog. When he finally gets to the House of Claus, Herbert is surprised to find himself surrounded by chaos. Christmas is in jeopardy not only for his own family, but for the whole wide world. With his industriousness and the cast of characters befriended ... 07/18/22 @ 7:20 pm EST
Ahead of Comic-Con International, Dynamite is announcing a new publishing partnership with Immortal Studios, to bring the Los Angeles-based publisher’s shared universe of Wuxia martial arts-fantasy comic books to the broader marketplace. Through the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, the Los Angeles-based publisher Immortal Studios has to date successfully funded three comic book series as part of a larger shared universe. Now Dynamite is set to bring these action packed titles to the direct market comic stores, digital vendors, bookstores, and beyond in multiple formats, with more releases and titles to come. Immortal Studios’ Storyverse is spearheaded by the company’s Founder and CEO Peter Shiao, who is collaborating with a team of comic book storytellers to bring a modern sensibility to the Wuxia genre that has influenced contemporary pop culture, including Marvel's Shang-Chi, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Matrix, and Star Wars, as well as countless anime and manga like Naruto. Wuxia, pronounced "woo-sha," is a long running genre born from China that depicts the adventures and trials of martial arts heroes, often but not always in historical settings and with fantasy elements. The Immortal Studios’ Storyverse is inspired by the storytelling of one of the foremost authors in the Wuxia genre, Peter Shiao’s father Shiao Yi, whose novels have been adapted into film and television more than thirty times, including films by the Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest.
"I am very excited that with this new partnership with Dynamite, one of the preeminent comic publishers, Immortal has dramatically increased our reach and visibility to fandom," said Shiao. "This is a very important step in our goal to build a multi-pronged distribution footprint to reach different market segments that are important for us. We look forward to sharing these Immortal stories which have already gained initial traction through our growing community to ... 07/18/22 @ 4:20 pm EST
Sugar, sugar, a brand new super-sweet antiheroine is hitting the stands! Meet NYC's Sweetie Candy Vigilante - from creator/writer Suzanne Cafiero and producer John Cafiero.
Honey-dipped and dark humor infused, Sweetie Candy Vigilante is a unique multimedia character following in the footsteps of other "bad girls" like Harley Quinn and Dynamite's own Vampirella. She first debuted on the cover for the album Ear Candy by the group Osaka Popstar (featuring a dynamic punk cover of the classic Archies track, "Sugar, Sugar"). The first issue of the new comic series comes bundled with an MP3 download code to check out the song - perfect to put on while reading the book!
   “I’m honored to have Sweetie continue the long legacy of badass vigilante women in comics and media, including those in the stellar orbit of Dynamite’s roster," said writer Suzanne Cafiero. "I created Sweetie Candy Vigilante because I wanted to read a comic that has authentic NYC flavor infused with fantasy, horror, and dark humor. I’m really immersed in the SCV story. My lifelong NYC residency, along with childhood obsessions, love of art, music, film and comics has culminated in the creation of Sweetie, so buckle-up gumdrop!” Dynamite and the creative team are kicking off this exciting treat with an extra-sized first issue - extra pages, same sweet price of $3.99. The comic series is written and created by Suzanne Cafiero, produced, edited, and art directed by John Cafiero, and features artwork by Jeff Zornow (Godzilla). Artist Josh Howard (Dead@17) provides two variant covers in addition to Zornow's, with one presenting the artwork he created for the aforementioned album cover. Sweetie is an ethereal, charming, and beautiful relative of the mythical "candy ... 07/18/22 @ 11:35 am EST
A story like no other, a firsthand peek behind the curtain of the Italian American mafia and a heartfelt story of fatherhood, is soon coming to the comics format by way of Dynamite Entertainment. The publisher has licensed writer James M. LaRossa Jr.'s memoir of his father, to bring visuals and a new audience to this compelling story. "If one were to choose a trial lawyer whose life reflected the unique characteristics of America’s 'Wild West' of a criminal justice system in the latter half of the Twentieth Century, that person likely would be my father, Jimmy LaRossa," shared James LaRossa Jr. "Thanks to Dynamite, which is bringing in a team of the most talented creators and writers, led by editor Matt Idelson, the creative journey that is Last of the Gladiators, A Son’s Memoir of Love, Redemption, and the mob, is ready to join the ranks of the wildest graphic novels. As his son and confidant, my dad revealed to me at the end of his life the secrets of his courtroom dramas and eccentric clients, which included the most feared Mafia chiefs, assassins, counterfeiters, money launderers, defrocked politicians of every stripe, and bankers arriving in the dead of night in their private jets. These clients sought the counsel of one man—my father. All I can say is, you better buckle up for the ride." The book, entitled Last of the Gladiators: A Memoir of Love, Redemption, and the Mob by the Son of the Legendary Trial Lawyer Jimmy LaRossa, may be published in this new format under an altered title, while maintaining the spirit of the original. This is part of a planned True Crime line in Dynamite's library. Jimmy LaRossa lived a full life, from ... 07/18/22 @ 11:10 am EST
Every superstar creator has their breakout story to share with the world, and now beloved artist Shannon Maer is ready to invite fans to Sirens Gate, his first ever creator-owned comic - Sirens Gate!
Following in the footsteps of absolute legends like Alex Ross, Shannon Maer is unquestionably one of the comics form's biggest stars when it comes to cover artists. His lush painted pieces have been showcased on countless best-selling top titles across the industry, including countless classics on Dynamite's own Vampirella and others. His unique style captures a level of realism and sensuality that few can match. Fans have been asking for years if and when Shannon might take on the full interior artwork and writing for a comic.
Well, they need not wait any longer, as Shannon and Dynamite unveil Sirens Gate. First there were Marvels, Kingdom Come, and Masks by Alex Ross, and other like Vampirella: Blood Lust by Joe Jusko, among others, all chronicled in Dynamite's own The Art of Painted Comics. Sirens Gates continues that legacy in offering readers a premium level of artwork through the entire book, a treat that is rarely seen.
"As the pages began coming together, it felt like another level of dimension added to my work," said creator Shannon Maer. "I loved exploring a scene from multiple angles, and still feeling like the entirety of the book was a singular painting."
The urban fantasy tale introduces and focuses on Tara, an aspiring writer. She's never thought of herself as anyone special, but all that is about to change. When a mysterious young man extends an unexpected invitation, Tara is awed at the opportunity to meet with her literary idol, Lady Rose. This unique encounter sparks a series ... |
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