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06/25/16 @ 4:44 am EST
Dynamite has sent us a new Writer 2 Writer interview, this time Frank Barbiere, writer of Dejah Thoris #5, talks with writer David Avallone about Twilight Zone: The Shadow #3, both in stores now. Cover is by Francesco Francavilla with interiors by Dave Acosta.  FRANK BARBIERE: It’s always interesting when two different worlds collide in a comic. What do you feel are a few of the most important concepts/themes of The Shadow and The Twilight Zone that you were hoping to infuse into this book?DAVID AVALLONE: The Twilight Zone and The Shadow have certain elements in common. I thought about that a lot when I was working on the book. Both are encountered by ordinary human beings at points of crisis in their lives, and judge them by how the react to their circumstances. Whereas The Twilight Zone is completely abstract, The Shadow is very present and personal… but both mete out a kind of justice. The big challenge here was that it’s the Shadow being “judged” inside the Twilight Zone. And how does a guy with his powers and his responsibilities and his mission take to being toyed with by a seemingly omnipotent power, and judged? In issue #4, I finally answer that question. Stay tuned. FB: You have a lot of fun with a surreal sequence in the book involving a writer becoming part of his work. What was your inspiration for this specific part of the story?DA: It is notoriously difficult to dramatize writing, as an action. Ultimately it’s a guy staring off into space, and then typing for a few minutes, and then staring off into space for a while. But what’s happening in his head while he’s staring off into space? That’s where the drama is. And because I have the trappings of sci-fi/fantasy/horror to play with, I can make the internal psychodrama real: the writer inhabits his own memories, fantasies and nightmares.On a beat-by-beat level, Art getting sucked into his typewriter was inspired to some degree by David Cronenberg’s Naked Lunch film. Lots of anthropomorphized typewriters in that one. Kent Allard on the blank page, menaced by shifting characters, lost… that was actually inspired by a Daffy Duck cartoon: “Duck Amuck”. And the giant typebars smashing down to spell the word “Justice” was inspired by Franz Kafka’s short story “In The Penal Colony”…. which, like our story here, is about degrees of punishment, mercy and justice.  FB: You open the book with some great captions. How do you feel about the caption works in tandem with the comic art page? Do you try to subvert the art with the text, or really treat it as a companion?DA: Thanks! I actually try to eschew captions as much as I can: sort of like using voice over or title cards in movies, it seems like a short cut to me, or an admission that I couldn’t get an idea across with dialogue or visuals. I like to do as little hand-holding of the audience as humanly possible, and let them “get it” without me coming out and explaining too much.There are plenty of genius comics writers – I’m thinking of Alan Moore, for example – who can write thick paragraphs of prose captions that add tremendously to the book. For me, comics are a visual medium, and in the stories I’ve written so far, I have wanted to stick to images and dialogue as much as possible.But. This is The Twilight Zone. And as a big fan of the original show, one of the highlights was always Rod Serling’s introductions and final summations. They were always beautiful and poetic and thoughtful. Since The Twilight Zone – as a franchise – is pretty much just an abstract idea, I felt like the one concrete connection I could make to the series was to open and close each issue with my best approximation of Serling’s style and “voice”. If I weren’t writing these, and just reading them like any other fan, I would want that. FB: Do you feel this is leaning towards a more Shadow story or a Twilight Zone story? Do you feel any predominant elements rising to the surface? DA: As above, the Twilight Zone is more of a format than a franchise: a person encounters an uncanny circumstance and their character is revealed in their reaction to it. If possible, with a twist ending. The attempt here was to make the Shadow that character, who encounters the uncanny. The trick is that he’s a pretty uncanny guy himself. Ultimately I asked myself, “What story would Rod Serling or Richard Matheson want to tell about the Shadow? What lesson can Kent Allard learn about himself, and does that change him or not?” I was concerned (and still am, somewhat) that the average Shadow reader is going to expect a little more gunplay and detective work than I provide here. I’ll say this: issues #1 and #4 are more Shadow than Twilight Zone and issues #2 and #3 are more Twilight Zone than Shadow. FB: What makes the comic medium a good fit for this story? Can you talk about how you approach deciding what to show on the page vs. text?DA: I think I answered the second question back in my answer to number three, because I am – ironically – long-winded on the subject of not-being-long-winded-in-comic-books. As to the first, I think you could tell variations of this story in other formats, but when I’m plotting out a comic book issue or miniseries I give a lot of thought to the pacing, and that’s where it gets tailored to the medium. This series in particular is designed to be episodic: The Shadow jumps into three different perspectives, with one issue devoted to each new perspective, ending in a cliffhanger revealing the next incoming change. Then in issue #4 we find out how that experience affected him.If it was a single half hour Twilight Zone episode, it would probably have forced me to pick one of the perspective changes and run with that. In a novel, I’d have had a lot more time to explore the individual perspectives. In comic books, I find page 22 or 20 comes pretty fast and I’m always trying to get as much story in there as possible. I hope that pays off for the reader.
07/10/20 @ 4:56 pm EST
Dynamite unveils the Cosplay Celebration of the year on Indiegogo! Up right now, fans can get deals and bundles on cosplay collectibles and more.  As one of the only publishers prominently featuring cosplayers consistently on covers, Dynamite is proud to work with these talented members of the comics and geek community. There are few ways for someone to express their fandom and craft at a higher level than some of the top cosplayers, who spend countless hours on costuming, hair, makeup and more, sometimes to wear and portray it for just a single day. The art of cosplay is in the roots of Dynamite and its biggest characters, with signature 1970s Red Sonja artist Frank Thorne hosting look-a-like contests at early conventions and Barbara Leigh gracing the cover of Vampirella back in 1978. The cosplay cover has always been tied to Vampirella, with models like Sascha Knopf, Julie Strain, Maria Di Angelis and more representing the character in the Harris era.
This new celebration of that legacy tips its hat to all the great cosplayers who work with Dynamite today, month in and out. Names such as Ashley Du, Jackie Geohner, Joanie Brosas, Jenifer Ann, Shannon Kingston and many more have featured on covers as Vampirella, Red Sonja, Dejah Thoris, Sheena, Barbarella and others.
In the campaign on Indiegogo, collectors can get several special packages. For just $5, the cosplay covers for all three latest first issues of Vampirella, Red Sonja and Dejah Thoris can be had, with assorted extra issues too! Or choose your favorite character and get a big helping of cosplay covers for them. Special edition trading cards signed by Ashley Du, Jackie Goehner, Shannon Kingston and Jenifer Ann make an appearance as well. ...
07/09/20 @ 1:46 pm EST
The clock is ticking! Just five days remain to get Lucio Parrillo's breathtaking crowdfunded Vampirella cover. Make sure you don't miss out on this exclusive collectible of the Daughter of Drakulon. A limited run of this cover will be produced based on the number of backers. We also did some digging and we've got some sweet add-ons added to the campaign for collectors to check out. We were able to find extremely limited quantities of some of Lucio's rare virgin covers from recent bestselling issues. We're talking Vampirella, Vengeance of Vampirella, Sacred Six, Red Sonja: Age of Chaos, Red Sonja: Birth of the She-Devil, Dejah Thoris, and more. Some of them only had two copies available, so they're already off the shelf. But if you go to the campaign right now, there are still a few left.   
Get Yours Today! 5 Days Left
07/09/20 @ 10:01 am EST
Dynamite announces its trio of exciting, newsbreaking virtual panels for this year's virtual San Diego Comic Con. Fans can tune in across three days in July for deep dives on the latest series announcements, teases for future plans, and commentary on their favorite comics from some of today's top creators. Though circumstances are different this year, with fans having to engage with a "virtual" convention experience, Dynamite is showing up in full force to this seminal annual event in comics, with heavy-hitting reveals and more. This marks exactly a year after Dynamite kicked off celebrations for Vampirella's 50th anniversary with the debut of the new series written by Christopher Priest and a star-studded panel. It was an anniversary extravaganza, with Dynamite as a publisher also celebrating 15 years in business. And last but certainly not least, Executive Editor Joseph Rybandt sat down with legendary artist Darick Robertson to discuss a massive career in comics and the then around the corner release of the streaming adaptation of his co-creation The Boys.
This year anniversaries officially come to a close, but the party never stops. Across three stacked panels featuring a diverse lineup of talent, Dynamite fans will get the scoops and enjoy discussion of their favorite titles.
On Thursday July 23 at 11 AM PST, all things Bond, James Bond 007 in comic books will be discussed by a deep roster of writers. Current writer Danny Lore (Ironheart) is joined by preceding 007 chronicler Greg Pak (Star Wars, Incredible Hulk) and Reflections of Death contributor Mark Russell (Red Sonja, Swamp Thing). Editors Nate Cosby and Matt Idelson chime in as well. And the real surprise guest is... Steve Orlando of Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman ... 07/08/20 @ 8:05 pm EST
You still have a chance to get your copy of the new Miss Fury: Joy Division graphic novel from Billy Tucci and Maria Laura Sanapo! Yes, we extended the campaign for another month, for all those fans who have been on the fence, waiting for their budget to work out, and especially everyone who hasn't yet seen it. We've been so inspired by the support already shown for the project that the party just couldn't stop yet! And that inspiration brings us to the other exciting piece of news. If you've backed this campaign, you've probably seen all the great interviews, livestreams, and more that Billy and Maria have been doing to help promote the book. And not just them, but we're incredibly grateful to have a stellar creative team top to bottom with colorist Ceci de la Cruz and letterer/designer Mindy Lopkin as well. When the campaign hits $100,000, we're incredibly excited to announce that Maria, Ceci and Mindy will all get an additional bonus for the project. This is what the support of fans means to comics publishers and creators, and we can't do it without you. We aren't even that far off either! So join the party, tell your friends, and let's push this awesome campaign higher and higher! Get Yours Now! And Check Out All the Great Add-Ons! 07/08/20 @ 8:03 pm EST
Artist Mindy Wheeler is going live on Youtube tonight for a relaxed stream. She'll be coloring some of her current comic book work, talking about her new crowdfunded Vampirella cover, and hanging out with fellow fans like you.
You can click right here to join Mindy tonight. She plans to go live at 8 PM EST. That's 5 PM for you west coasters and the wee hours across the pond. But if you miss out, can always catch up and watch the archived video later.
What do you want to ask Mindy? Maybe what artists inspired her take on Vampirella. Or how she recommends aspiring creators to get into the industry. Perhaps just how she's doing through all the turbulent events in the world right now. Join us and Mindy tonight for a fun time, and make sure to support her latest project on Indiegogo! 
07/08/20 @ 3:23 pm EST
Dynamite is proud to participate in Humble Bundle's latest industrywide digital comics bundle, with proceeds benefiting multiple organizations involved in fighting injustice in the United States. The bundle is live right now, so check out the deals and support it! Critically acclaimed and fan-favorite titles from Dynamite included in the bundle feature Black characters and/or Black creators behind the page. Included are both the brilliant Shaft graphic novel A Complicated Man by David F. Walker and Bilquis Evely, as well as Walker's follow up Imitation of Life with artist Dietrich Smith. Superstar writer Vita Ayala's recent run on Xena Warrior Princess joins the lineup, with a take on the character that embraces certain themes known by creators and fans for years. The Alex Ross designed Bring the Thunder completes Dynamite's set. But that's only the tip of the iceberg, as several major publishers chip in to the bundle and totaling a regular value of over 1 thousand dollars. With tiers ranging from just a buck to $20, there is a perfect option for everyone.
Organized by creators and industry leaders like Gail Simone and Karama Horne (TheBlerdGurl), the bundle will support The Bail Project, The Carl Brandon Society, and the National Urban League.
"This is a great program and I was excited when Gail Simone contacted me about Dynamite being a part of this effort," said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher. "She's a close friend and we've worked well together through the years on Red Sonja and more. I immediately said yes. This country and the world are going through trying times. Every program to help brings us one step closer to a better society. I want to thank Gail and Kelley Allen [Director of ... 07/08/20 @ 3:18 pm EST
Dynamite extends all titles being returnable for retailers through August 2020, as stores across the country continue to reopen, recover and react to the evolving situations in their areas. In March, Dynamite announced all titles through the pandemic and business shut downs would be returnable for retailers. This was done to decrease risk as retailers navigate through these challenges, and to give them confidence in ordering for a great comeback. The previously announced end date for the returns program was July. As conditions persist and some retailers continue to get back up and running fully, all titles up to those in stores August 26 are now included. Dynamite stands with the direct market and hard-working comics retailers. In addition to making releases returnable, Dynamite has been continually running sales on graphic novels and other product categories. Release schedules were also shifted to make the pre-holiday July 1 a "Dynamite Day" with issues of five top titles released on the same day on an otherwise quiet week to ensure retailers had comics to generate as many sales as possible. "The retailers in our industry currently have had it incredibly hard. Many went 2 months, and some more, without being able to have open stores. Fortunately, retailers have been able to stay open, but we know it hasn't been easy for them. We want to help retailers as much as possible, and we've created a few programs. We've been releasing premium variant covers to retailers at the base cost so that they can capitalize to help make money, we've created deep discounts on our collections, and we've had our entire line returnable to date. We're going to extend the returnability through the end of August," said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "We're here for our retailers. The industry ... 07/07/20 @ 11:39 pm EST
The She-Devil With a Sword swings onto Indiegogo, courtesy of superstar artist Frank Cho! Right now, fans can get their own! Including a new version of the cover and more options exclusive to Indiegogo! 
Initially debuting on Kickstarter, Dynamite and Cho now bring this hot collectible cover to Indiegogo for those fans that are more familiar or connected with the alternate crowdfunding platform. 550 wise fans have already locked in their packages, so it's your time to join the party! The limited-edition cover is available in three variations. Of course, a standard option includes the Red Sonja logo for a more traditional look. Another version drops the logo for a clean presentation really showing off the combined talents of Frank Cho and frequent collaborator Sabine Rich on colors. For the Cho collectors and art enthusiasts, a black and white edition really emphasizes the fine linework of Cho and his beloved details in the hair, chainmail armor, and more. Special bundle packages with all three covers, signed editions and more are available on Indiegogo right now. Additional options as add-ons include a high-quality lithograph print and collectible coins.
But WAIT! Even for those who already backed this cover on Kickstarter, we have a new fourth version of the cover only available on Indiegogo as part of this campaign. Add the line art virgin edition to your collection today! Frank will also be signing some, with both options limited to only 50 each! PLUS there are CGC graded options for collectors.
If you don't know Frank Cho, we're surprised you're getting this email from us! Just kidding. But Frank is one of the biggest artists in the industry and has grown that reputation from his early independent hit Liberty Meadows, ... 07/03/20 @ 3:33 pm EST
07/03/20 @ 3:25 pm EST
Coming up soon, just as everyone celebrates other fun stuff - we're going to celebrate the underrated skills and talent of cosplayers. In this crazy time with no conventions to get together, enjoy the hobby and experience cosplay in person, we want to tip our hats to the ones we've worked with on our exciting cosplay covers. Featuring all your favorites like Jacqueline Goehner, Karrigan Taylor, Anastasya Zelenova, Ireland Reid, Ashley Du, Joanie Brosas, and many more! More details coming soon... Sign Up Here for Updates! |
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