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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. 01/25/21 @ 5:46 pm EST
H.P. Lovecraft is one of the most influential creators of all time. For over 100 years, his works of haunting dread and existential angst have inspired writers and artists across all media. The latest entry in that ever-expanding tapestry is our very own REANIMATOR: THE ETERNAL LIE, which you can get on Indiegogo right now!
Creators Cullen Bunn and Blacky Shepherd are true horror hounds and decided to make this one of their most ambitious works of their careers. With the mission to craft a direct sequel to Lovecraft's original novella as well as connect it to the late great's wider mythos of Cthulhu and the Elder Gods, it's shaping up to be a tome that can't be missed.
SyFy Wire and their resident spook addict Jeff Spry, otherwise known for his electric nickname Stingrayghost, sat down with Cullen to peel back the fleshy facade of this new tale. The Eisner-nominated scribe unveils how this project came together and all of its myriad components. Even back to his early days of discovering the Lovecraft mythology in Dungeons & Dragons sourcebooks as a child. As well as complementing his co-creator Shepherd's inhuman ability to bring the deadliest creatures to the page.
Click below to dig into the article, and don't forget to back the campaign for your own copy! SyFy's Breakdown & Interview Are Here 
01/22/21 @ 11:19 am EST
Debut creators Julio Anta (Frontera, forthcoming HarperCollins 2023) and Anna Wieszczyk weave a deeply grounded and heartfelt story in the forthcoming comic book Home. This five-issue miniseries will explore the real-world implications of a migrant with extraordinary powers, and will launch from Image Comics in April… Home follows a young boy who is torn away from his mother while seeking asylum at the U.S. border, just as something begins to change in him. He doesn’t know it yet, but it’s the onset of superhuman abilities that will change his life forever. “As the son and grandson of Cuban and Colombian immigrants, and now a parent myself, the news of the governments family separation policy both broke my heart, and filled me with anger,” said Anta. “Home is an attempt to channel those complicated feelings about what it means to be an American into a story about empowered Latinx characters dealing with the cruelty of our modern immigration laws.” Valenza said: “I rarely get the opportunity to color cartoon-inspired art like Anna’s. It’s been a joy to use colors to balance her stylized work with the serious subject matter of Julio’s story. Working on Home has been a challenging experience that I’m so happy to be involved in.” “It was a pleasure working on the book with Julio [Anta]. He has a very defined artistic vision for the story and it was an enjoyable experience to be a part of this journey,” Wieszczyk said. Read More Here 01/08/21 @ 8:38 am EST
Dynamite announces a brand new prestige Reanimator comic book from creators Cullen Bunn and Blacky Shepherd, connecting the maniacal Herbert West to the wider Cthulhu mythology of H.P. Lovecraft, with a story that serves as a direct sequel to the original short story. Fans can reserve their copy right now on Indiegogo!
Though he’s presumed dead at the end of Lovecraft’s original tale, nothing can keep the mad scientist Herbert West down. He’s back and with his reanimation serum stolen, he must travel to the infamous town of Innsmouth, home to degenerate townsfolk and dark gods alike. This story is full of monsters, scares, and surprises for both longtime Lovecraft disciples and new readers. It will kill off all expectations for what readers think they know about Herbert West, only to reanimate them with something new and terrifying. "There have been so many incarnations of Herbert West, but we’ve been given the opportunity to take the character back to formula, if you’ll pardon the pun," said Cullen Bunn. "This story finds West in the 1920s, not long after the conclusion of the original short story. From there, we were able to go in some sinister new directions I think readers will love."
Artist Blacky Shepherd added, "As a lifelong fan of the visceral horror that you get with Reanimator, and the cosmic dread of the rest of the Lovecraft mythos, the chance to stitch the two together, as written by one of the Modern Masters of the Macabre was too exciting. This story gives me everything I love in a horror story and dials it up to 13!"
Eisner-nominated writer Cullen Bunn is a master of horror, with the critically acclaimed independent title Harrow County. Other hits of his include stints on Deadpool, X-Men, and ...
12/30/20 @ 10:24 pm EST
It’s the battle of the bloodsuckers in March, with Dynamite Entertainment launching a new comic book series bringing iconic comic book vampires Vampirella and Purgatori together for the first time in decades. Vampirella Versus Purgatori sees both characters become embroiled in a plot to corrupt certain members of humanity whose very goodness serves as a symbol of man’s worthiness to survive. But can Vampirella — an alien who arrived on Earth and works for good — and Purgatori, a demon who traditionally walks a far less altruistic path, work together to bring this plan to an end, or are they going to end up at each other’s throats? (Note the use of “versus” in the title, for those looking for a hint.) The series is written by Ray Fawkes (Constantine, Justice League Dark), with art from Álvaro Sarraseca (Turok). "Like many comics fans — and horror fans — I’ve fostered a love for Vampirella for a long time," Fawkes said in a statement. "I was reading Vampirella comics way back when, in the stone ages when I was probably too young to be reading stories that were so bloody and so sexy." Vampirella first appeared in 1969’s Vampirella No. 1, published by Warren Publishing; the character has been published by Dynamite since 2010. Purgatori, meanwhile, debuted in 1994’s Evil Ernie: Revenge No. 1, published by Chaos! Comics; Dynamite purchased the rights to the character in 2010. The two characters had previously co-starred in Chaos! Comics’ 2000 one-off ... 12/28/20 @ 2:20 pm EST
Takeshi Kovacs is back in action on the page in ONE LIFE, ONE DEATH, and creator Richard K. Morgan delivers the most exciting chapter yet, filled with action and revelations about the iconic character's past. In a future defined by the ability to swap bodies, or sleeves, identity and mortality take on whole new meanings. Takeshi Kovacs was once a member of the Envoy Corps, an elite unit of the Interstellar Earth Protectorate. Now he drifts between worlds as a freelance enforcer in an age where the flesh you wear is as disposable as your clothes.
In Morgan's upcoming entry to the New York Times best-selling franchise, Kovacs finds himself imprisoned not only in jail, but within a weak body. He's even missing a major swath of memories. Everything heats up as he learns that former squad members have been sold to one of the richest people in the universe, causing him to swear vengeance. As he careens through fight after fight across the stars, an avalanche of secrets will redefine everything he knows about his past and his future.
"We really pushed the body-shock boat out for this one," said writer Richard K. Morgan. "Scott's brutal, innovative story assists and Max's delirious in-your-face visuals combine to dial up the noir and put Kovacs face down in the dirt, right at the heart of a corrupt interstellar regime as never before.”
Author Richard K. Morgan is joined by writer Scott Bryan Wilson (Nancy Drew & the Hardy Boys) and artist Max Fuchs (Halcyon Days) for this exciting adventure in continuity with the fan-favorite novels and the previous Dynamite-published graphic novel, DOWNLOAD BLUES. The series has been adapted to the screen for Netflix, starring Joe Kinnaman and Anthony Mackie as Kovacs, thanks to the franchise's ... 12/21/20 @ 3:42 pm EST
When Vampirella and Purgatori cross paths, which vampiress will come out on top and will anyone around them survive? Dynamite reveals the legend in a new series debuting in March.
Writer Ray Fawkes (Constantine, Justice League Dark) brings his talents for the creepy side of things to these two misunderstood figures of darkness. The multi-talented creator is working closely alongside artist Alvaro Sarraseca (Turok) to bring this prophetic clash to the page. Colorist Salvatore Aiala and letterer Tom Napolitano round out the clan.
"Like many comics fans - and horror fans - I’ve fostered a love for Vampirella for a long time!," said writer Ray Fawkes. "I was reading Vampirella comics way back when, in the stone ages when I was probably too young to be reading stories that were so bloody and so sexy."
  
 
Vampirella, the Daughter of Drakulon, escaped her dying planet and arrived on Earth as a stranger, feared for her magnificent abilities and unique biology. Purgatori, or Sakkara, was born in Ancient Egypt as a slave, but managed to escape thanks to a vampire who turned her, only for her then to evolve further as a demonic goddess in the depths of Hell. Both women are known as vampires, but are so much more than that. While Vampirella has primarily devoted herself to the light, even the vicious Purgatori has shown moments of antiheroism. For their first major meeting in Dynamite's canon, the two women become entangled in a conspiracy related to the 36 Tzadikim Nistarim. This prophecy, originating in Judaism, dictates that there are people hidden among ... 12/21/20 @ 3:37 pm EST
Following up the critically acclaimed two year tenure of the Eisner-nominated Mark Russell, Red Sonja #25 is an oversized anniversary celebration honoring the road taken and the road ahead for the She-Devil With a Sword!
The double-sized special start of a new story arc is written by Sonja all-star Luke Lieberman (Birth of the She-Devil, Price of Blood) and drawn by the talented Drew Moss (Vampirella/Red Sonja, Star Wars). They're joined by letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, who has graced the Hyrkanian steppes of this series with his talents from day one.
  
Picking up 10 years after the epic conclusion of the previous issue, Sonja the Red is older and has been through her share of war, triumph, and the death that comes with conquest. That won't stop the fire-haired heroine from enjoying herself with some ale though! As Hyrkania's current leader, Isolde, approaches old age, she desires once more to see the legendary warrior before she passes on. As aides set out to track down Sonja, she's tempted by an invitation to the great games being hosted by the Sultan Kimuchi. What will happen when all converges and will Sonja return to her homeland she liberated so many years ago? "Sonja is a sprawling legend," said writer Luke Lieberman. "In many ways this is about how the real Sonja clashes with that legend as seen through the eyes of Isolde's young proteges. This story was fun to write, can't wait to share it!"
A special back up story written and drawn by Will Robson (Thanos, Future Foundation) hearkens back to the very first appearance of Red Sonja, with her sporting the original chainmail tunic as designed ... 12/04/20 @ 12:46 pm EST
After a fantastic debut year, Dynamite Books wants to celebrate their anniversary by giving readers their first-ever sale. From now until the end of the year, all the digital novels introduced this year will be 50% off through Amazon.com. This includes the latest from the military fiction titles SEAL Team Six: No More and the new SEAL Team Six: AX, as well as horror icons Vampirella and Purgatori and the novelization of the first story arc of The Boys comic series. For horror lovers, this sale includes the work of fan-favorite author Nancy A. Collins as she explores a world where the last remnants of Vampirella’s homeworld have come to invade the Earth in Vampirella: Blood Invasion. Then Dan Wickline takes the Daughter of Drakulon to Hong Kong where she must team with a new heroine to stop the resurrection of an ancient malevolent force in Vampirella: The Blood Dragon. And for fans of the CHAOS! Comics’ demon queen, find out how Sakkara goes from a simple slave girl to ruling ancient Egypt in Purgatori: Chaos Rising.
Vampirella: Blood Invasion
Vampirella: The Blood Dragon
Purgatori: Chaos Rising   
Fans of Military Fiction can dive into multiple tales of patriotic heroism starting with the return of the popular SEAL Team Six: No More – A New Flame written by Max Kent and Dan Wickline. Flame heads to war-torn Syria to rescue a misguided 16-year old boy before all hell breaks loose. Then spinning out of those pages comes the new SEAL Team Six: AX – Killswitch by Max Kent and SB Wilson featuring a new team lead by former CIA Agent Tori Bennett where she is tracking down a ... 12/02/20 @ 11:50 pm EST
Dynamite is linking up with fan-favorite comic book and collectibles YouTuber Gem Mint Collectibles for his first-ever exclusive variant cover. Featuring a stunning Vampirella by artist Ken Haeser and incorporating Gem's signature diamond imagery, fans can get this limited collectible comic on Indiegogo now! 
"I'm beyond excited to work with Dynamite for my first exclusive cover!" said Stephen Small aka Gem Mint. "Ken did a great job delivering my vision of Vampirella holding a gem surrounded by loot. I know fans of the channel and Dynamite are going to dig this unique cover!" Today Gem Mint Collectibles is one of the foremost destinations for comic book, graphic novel, statue and trading card collectors on YouTube. Gem got his start on Instagram in 2014 building up his name by selling and trading comics and key issues. Then he kicked off his channel on YouTube and just a couple years later is rounding the corner on 100 thousand subscribers and 15 million views. Fans come to him for his laid back personality, fun streams and discussions with his wife Phie, and all the latest news and reviews. With a specialty in unboxing and analyzing the biggest statues, biggest books and keeping fans updated on the biggest keys, he's an essential source for collectors. For his first-ever exclusive variant cover, Dynamite brought in acclaimed and multitalented creator Ken Haeser. He's a graduate of the prestigious Kubert School of cartoon and graphic art and is best known for his creator-owned series The Living Corpse. His diverse, adaptable style has graced the covers, interiors, and scripts of such wide ranging properties as Grumpy Cat, Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Back to the Future, and much more.
The Indiegogo campaign offers a bounty of options for all kinds of collectors. ... 12/01/20 @ 8:22 pm EST
Dynamite is proud to announce the latest instant classic, fully painted comic book cover from legendary artist Greg Hildebrandt. His latest masterpiece uses Red Sonja to pay homage to his world-famous "Star Wars" poster from over 40 years ago. And it's available right now on Kickstarter! 
“I was honored to work with Nicky and the Dynamite team on this Kickstarter campaign," said artist Greg Hildebrandt. "When they told me it was Red Sonja and explained what they wanted, I really got into the project. It’s fun for me to paint a badass woman with a sword. Then seeing the final product and what they are doing with the various covers made it a complete package for the fans. My fans and Red Sonja’s fans! Hope you enjoy the art.” Often working alongside his twin brother Tim as the "Brothers Hildebrandt," Greg has always had close ties to comics. After building a strong reputation with works like their cherished Lord of the Rings calendar artwork, their painting appeared on the cover or inside such early boundary-pushing comics magazines as Heavy Metal and Epic Illustrated. In the 1990s the pair, jointly and separately, rose to the top of the industry with their in-demand cover art. An entire generation of fans connected with their work through the popular 1994 Marvel Masterpieces trading cards. Almost every single person familiar with popular culture can recognize one major piece from the Hildebrandts. Commissioned to paint a new theatrical poster for the original Star Wars film's 1977 UK release, the twins finished it up in a tight 36-hour window. The image played a crucial role in one of the defining fandoms of the 20th century and beyond, and today the She-Devil with a Sword finds herself in those same footprints. To complete this classic ... |
