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02/05/15 @ 12:32 pm EST
As the new Dynamite miniseries Blood Queen Vs. Dracula moves forward, Byron Brewer caught up with writer Troy Brownfield to talk about the series, artist Kewber Baal and if he favors Elizabeth or Vlad more.  BYRON BREWER: How excited are you to bring these two classic characters, both deeply embedded in history, together for one adventure? Biggest challenge in doing that?TROY BROWNFIELD: I’m definitely excited to get this in front of readers. I had a great time with both the Blood Queen series and the Prince Dracula novel, so stirring both together has been tremendous fun for me. I think the biggest challenge in a “Vs.” setting like this is to make sure that both characters have equal weight. I probably skew a little toward Dracula in the first issue, but Elizabeth certainly gets moments to shine. BB: Are you a history buff? How much time do you put into such research?TB: I’d say a mild buff, I suppose. I like to mix up my personal reading of fiction with non-fiction when I can. And history has always been something that I enjoyed. I put a lot of time into research for this particular mini. There are many things that will never show up on the page, but I wanted to have things straight in my head for my approach. In terms of things that you WILL see, artist Kewber Baal and I really committed to trying to get the Ottoman and Romanian armor and weapons styles as accurate as we could. The cannon that Dracula turns against the Ottomans in the first issue is taken right from the art and artifacts of the period. BB: As #2 hits, tell us where our – well, not really heroes – our protagonists find themselves. TB: Elizabeth and Dracula came face to face at the end of the first issue. She knows about him by reputation and legend, and he’s been learning bits and pieces about her, particularly that she’s been training young witches in blood magic and that she’s been contending with something that her soldiers called “Helena’s Rebellion” (which is a direct reference to the original Blood Queen series). I don’t want to go further than that; read the issue to see what happens next. BB: Can you remind us about the common enemy here and what the goals are of that person?TB: The pair certainly have a wide array of enemies, but their common foes are the advancing Ottoman Empire. Dracula in particular has inspired some hatred from some powerful members of the Empire. You’ll learn about that and the lengths that those enemies may be going to in short order. BB: Are you happy with artist Kewber Baal’s interpretation of your scripts thus far? Any surprises?TB: I love what Kewber is doing with the book. He has terrific attention to detail and a true flair for action scenes. He’s also full of interesting ideas, such as the look of the twin witches in issue #2. He’s been a great partner and I can’t wait to see how the whole thing turns out. BB: Is it hard to balance horror and character in tales like this where everyone can be perceived as a “villain”? How do you overcome such a challenge?TB: It’s definitely a tricky proposition. One of things that’s important is to try to establish strong motivations for each character. If you do that, then members of the audience will make interesting decisions as to who they “prefer” in terms of those “hero” or “villain” roles. I know how I look at it for this particular mini; I’m rather curious as to what the readers think. 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 ...
03/21/23 @ 2:02 pm EST
Dynamite Entertainment announces the hiring of comics heavy hitter Scott Nybakken as Director, Marketing. Nybakken will report to VP of Sales and Marketing Alan Payne and will work alongside Dynamite's Director of Sales Vince Letterio and Marketing Coordinator Vincent Faust as the company bolsters its sales and marketing department.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Dynamite team -- I’ve known Nick Barrucci from the earliest days of Dynamic Forces, and right from the start I’ve seen that he and Dynamite have published some of the best books in the business," said Nybakken. "Now I’ve finally got the chance to make sure that everyone else on the planet knows it as well!” "Scott's resume speaks for itself, and we are very fortunate that he's coming on board and adding his experience to our company and our growth," said Dynamite CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci. Among Nybakken's core responsibilities in the new position will be steering the ship for Dynamite's monthly solicitations section in Diamond Comics Distributor's Previews catalog for retailers and fans. He will also be conducting video interviews with the talented writers and artists crafting Dynamite's latest hit projects in comics and beyond. That content can be found on Dynamite's YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. In one capacity or another, Nybakken has toiled in the ink-stained comics mines for more than 30 years. His career in the industry started as an editor for the historic magazine The Comics Journal, published by Fantagraphics Books. During his more than two decades with DC Comics, he played a critical role in building the company's standard-setting and award-winning graphic novel line, for which he edited over 1,000 titles ranging from the biggest sellers to carefully curated archival projects. He has additionally worked with Insight Editions, and ... 02/23/23 @ 7:32 pm EST
The EXP's Original Art Experience is back with another dedicated special show this Friday February 24 at 7 PM EST (4 PM PST). Once again, there will be a mix of donations. A percentage will be going to a trio of great causes in the comics community, including legendary creator George Perez's wife and cancer research, and pivotal comic retailers Fat Jack's Comicrypt and Aegis Comics.
Among the art and collectibles offered during the show will be even more of George Perez's iconic Hawaiian shirts that were his signature at conventions. All of these shirts were custom handmade by his wife Carol Flynn, and they are being offered to collectors with all of the funds going to Carol.
Collectors will also be wowed to get the opportunity to add a true grail piece to their collection, as host Nick Barrucci is also bringing along a page from New Teen Titans #10. This is the early third appearance of Deathstroke, one of George's most influential creations. It features many of the Titans on page and is signed by both George and writer Marv Wolfman. Nick is donating a percentage of the sales of this art from his personal collection to Carol.
Fans can also check out the official one of one color guides to pages 9, 10, 11, 12, and 15 from Crisis on Infinite Earths #8, another industry-shaking collaboration between Perez and Wolfman that continues to be felt in the DC Universe decades later. Again, Nick is donating a percentage of the sales of this art from his personal collection to Carol.
In addition to Titans and Crisis, George Perez is renowned by comics fans around the world for additional celebrated tenures on Avengers, Fantastic Four, Wonder Woman, and much more. ...
01/24/23 @ 11:46 am EST
Dynamite's delightful deluge of hotly anticipated Disney comic books continues this March with a reprint of the highly sought after first self-titled Darkwing Duck comic with a special facsimile edition.
Featuring the writing and art of John Blair Moore, alongside inker George Wildman, colorist Carl Gafford, and legendary letterer Gaspar Saladino, this release originally came out in 1991. Disney Darkwing Duck #1 was released as part of the then Disney Comics dedicated publishing outfit that launched in 1990.
Darkwing Duck is the terror that flaps in the night — and he’s working overtime to keep the city of St. Canard safe! But if there’s one thing Drake Mallard wants, it’s to face off against a really big villain. Enter Taurus Bulba, an oversized criminal who’s planning to steal the mysterious weapon called the Ramrod from a heavily armed train. Darkwing has one chance to foil Bulba’s plans — and whether his new pal, Launchpad McQuack, will be a help or a hindrance is anyone’s guess.
Now over 30 years later, fans of all ages can get their hands on this hard to track down comic! Like countless other comics featuring the timeless characters and stories from the Disney library, collectors all around the world are after this beloved series. Dynamite is excited to give the chance for it to make its way into the collections of those who have been searching for years, and young fans who have never experienced the adventures of Drake Mallard before.
Cartoonist John Blair Moore was perhaps best known for his prolific contributions to the Disney library, across both the US Disney Comics line and Danish publisher Egmont which handled the massively popular Disney comics stories across Europe.
 Read More Here 01/10/23 @ 3:13 pm EST
Dynamite is excited to announce another exciting collaboration with cosplayer, host, and writer Ani-Mia! Following a special crowdfunded Vampirella variant cover, and her writing contributions to Bettie Page, Mia is back channeling the She-Devil With a Sword! Red Sonja: Pearls Before Swine is a prestige project featuring the legendary sword and sorcery heroine, available now exclusively on Indiegogo! 
"Red Sonja was a wild adventure not only for the character but also for myself as a writer," said Ani-Mia. "After writing Bettie Page, getting the chance to create a story with such a powerful and commanding female lead was honestly empowering. Red Sonja holds nothing back and doesn't care about pleasantries. She's that inner warrior we all have inside, just waiting to burst out and mess some $*&% up."
Red Sonja just wanted to take a breather between her perilous adventures. The Hyrkanian heroine has been up the snow covered mountains, through the wind-swept valleys, across scorched deserts, and felled an endless number of foes of man and beast. Even the hardest working adventurers deserve some rest and recuperation. No  chance for that though in the life of Red Sonja!
She discovers a band of soldiers, most dead the rest quickly bleeding out. They tell her of a fabled vicious mermaid that watches over a captivating and valuable pearl. With the promise of gold and glory, Sonja sets out to take on this foe - and this isn't any bright cartoony mermaid! Will she be able to survive this deadly underwater battle? And could there be more to the pearl than its shiny visage lets on?
Mia's writing is complemented by the art of Igor Lima (Pantha), colorist Adriano Augusto, and letterer Carlos M. Mangual. Of ... 12/23/22 @ 8:33 am EST
This Friday, December 23, 2022 at 7PM EST/4PM PST, the Original Art Experience Show hosted by Nick Barrucci will be featuring a diverse range of original comic book artwork for sale and auction, with all proceeds from select pieces going to benefit comic store Fat Jack's Comicrypt of Philadelphia, which is in need of assistance.
Fat Jack's Comicrypt is coming up on nearly 50 years of continuous business, ranking as one of the country's oldest and most celebrated direct market comic book stores. Owner Mike Ferrero grew up reading and collecting comics, buying doubles to keep top condition copies and for trading, which was fortuitous as he began a journey that as a collector he never imagined he would take. Later he was able to start one of the first direct market comic stores in the country when the first brick and mortar location for Fat Jack's opened in 1976 at 20th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Over its history, Fat Jack's has expanded, moved, and even gotten into distribution for periods, at one time boasting five locations. Today the two storefronts are located in Philadelphia on Sansom Street and in Oaklyn, New Jersey.
A who's who of industry luminaries on and behind the printed page have frequented the store such as Matt Wagner (Batman, Grendel), Bill Willingham (Fables), Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), Shelly Bond (Vertigo, Black Crown), Diana Schutz (Dark Horse), Bob Schreck (DC Comics, Dark Horse), and Dynamite Entertainment and Dynamic Forces owner Nick Barrucci, among others. Many major names have come through the store for signings and events as well.
Fat Jack's can use the help of fans and those in the industry, as the staff have set up a GoFundMe ...
12/20/22 @ 3:56 pm EST
Dynamite is excited to announce the hotly anticipated third and final book in the Red Rising: Sons of Ares graphic novel series from New York Times bestselling author Pierce Brown, coming out this March.
A prequel to the smash hit Red Rising novel series, Pierce Brown's graphic novel trilogy comes to an epic finale with Forbidden Song. The Sons of Ares saga is an indispensable cog in the grand machine of Brown's storytelling. Volume three, Forbidden Song, is co-written by Rik Hoskin (Star Wars, Brandon Sanderson's White Sand) and drawn by Kewber Baal (Red Sonja). On the new volume, writer Pierce Brown shared, “All rebellions mythologize their beginnings. The French stormed the Bastille. The Americans tossed their tea. The Reds of Mars have their very own god of war in Ares. While the first two volumes of the Sons of Ares trilogy explored the genesis and evolution of Fitchner au Barca into the rebel leader who would lead the revolt against the color-coded Society that rules from Mercury to Pluto, the third and final installment in the trilogy focuses on the first great act of rebellion. Finally, the Rising explodes out from the shadows into the light of day." "That is why I am so excited for fans to return to this series and dive into its third installment. As Fitchner’s actions begin to shake the foundations of his civilization, he’ll come closer to the halls power where fan-favorite heroes and villains will obstruct his path or join his cause. The new volume offers fresh opportunities to explore unseen facets of the Red Rising world while supplying enough twists and turns to make Fitchner and his friends piss their gravity boots. I can’t wait for readers to go along for the ride."
The ...
12/01/22 @ 9:33 pm EST
Just when fans thought it was safe to return to the comic shop... the grossest of crossovers continues! Everyone's freaky favorites, Cloudco's Madballs and Topps' Garbage Pail Kids, are back for their next bout to determine the ultimate winner starting February 2023 in Time Again, Slime Again! The critically-acclaimed creative team from the first series is back for this rematch full of slime, sludge, and worse! Writer Sholly Fisch (Superman, Scooby-Doo) brings his all-ages expertise to these beloved franchises originating in the 1980s and enjoyed by all generations. Interior artist Jason Crosby returns with his celebrated take on these awesome characters.
"We're absolutely upping the ante in the second series — by carrying the feud through time and space!," said writer Sholly Fisch. "Ever wonder what these guys would be like as cavepeople? Or pirates on the high seas? Or 1950s drag racers? Here’s your chance to find out."
Artist Jason Crosby added, "I’ll also be doing my best to add more snot, louder explosions, and an overall irreverence to the proud medium of comic making."    This time around, the chaos simply cannot be confined to a single neighborhood, as the crew traces the entire history of the infamous feud as it oozes across the ages! The first issue jumps all the way back to the dawn of time — chronicling the initial one-upmanship of the Cro-Madballs and Neanderthal Pail Kids. This is no ordinary comic, and each issue comes packed with stories, puzzles, and activity pages that invite kids to dumpster-dive in and get their hands dirty as they play alongside their favorite creepy characters. Cloudco's Madballs and Topps' Garbage Pail Kids will continue to enthrall readers of all ... |
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