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07/08/16 @ 3:25 am EST
Ben Fisher, best known for writing Grumpy Cat, is now shifting gears and working on a post-apocalyptic drama series called The Great Divide. He talks with Byron Brewerabout the first issue that will be on sale from Dynamite in September. Cover A by Mike Henderson, Cover B by Adam Markiewicz, Cover C by Kyle Strahm.  BYRON BREWER: Ben, Dynamite readers may know you best as a writer on the tremendously popular Grumpy Cat title, but this is something worlds away. Tell us how you came to create The Great Divide as a concept and how it came to Dynamite.BEN FISHER: As a writer, I’m always interested in exploring how people with different backgrounds and viewpoints interact – particularly if they’re forced to come together under unusual circumstances. That concept holds true whether the premise is comedy or (in this case) post-apocalyptic drama.One day I was standing on an overcrowded bus heading into downtown Portland, uncomfortable and claustrophobic, and the thought occurred to me: how would the world operate if physical contact was literally a death sentence? Could personal relationships exist if just being in the same room as someone else was a potential risk?So I reached out to Adam Markiewicz, who really has a gift for letting human emotion shine through his panels, and together we brought the concept to Dynamite. They were immediately enthusiastic about the idea, and we really couldn’t have asked for better partners. BB: How closely have you Adam collaborated on the look and design for this book? I would imagine atmosphere is important in this type of series.BF: Atmosphere is essential, absolutely. Adam and I had many discussions about how people completely lacking human contact might express themselves in art, and the post-Divide world is filled with examples of that. We also wanted to capture a society at the beginning stages of admitting defeat – of recognizing that its extinction is a foregone conclusion.As a matter of pure aesthetics, Adam (along with Adam Guzowski, the book’s colorist) put a ton of consideration into conveying loneliness in their depiction of the landscape. BB: Tell us, if you will, about the world in which this series takes place.BF: The series is set in the near future, where all of humanity suffers from a mysterious affliction that causes any skin contact to result in agonizing death. But things only get stranger from there: when two people touch, only one dies, and the victim’s memories transfer to the survivor – usually with devastating effects (such as mental instability and the complete loss of the ability to read and write). To make matters worse, the entire planet periodically enters a temporary sleepwalking trance.And nobody has any idea why all of this is happening. (Well, okay, Adam and I might have an idea.)  BB: Simply, what is the “Divide” that occurs?BF: The “Divide” refers to the exact moment when every person simultaneously contracted “dermadik” – a condition that results in instant death upon skin contact. It also refers to the time when “walkabouts” (the unconscious, uncontrollable bouts of migration) first started.It speaks to the gap in genuine human connection that plagues so many of us in real life, only in this world it has become literalized.Wait, was that “simply?” Sorry, I’m terrible at following directions. BB: A post-apocalyptic environment is very popular in today’s comics, it seems. How will The Great Divide set itself apart from those other series?BF: The concept itself is a bit of a departure from traditional post-apocalyptic stories. We’ve created a fairly unique world and populated it with some very non-traditional characters.But truthfully, almost every action/adventure/horror story is “pre-apocalyptic,” with the protagonists valiantly struggling to stop the Really Bad Thing. A “post-apocalyptic” story just happens to take place after the Really Bad Thing has already happened. I think there’s a lot of headroom for both. BB: Who are the protagonists for this horror-fueled sci-fi drama?BF: At the heart of the story are two people who connect in traditional Hollywood romantic fashion: Paul is an aimless wanderer content to run out the clock on his life. At least, until he meets Maria, who immediately beats him unconscious, robs him, and leaves him for dead.During their journey, we’ll be introducing a strange and diverse cast, including a former solider who often serves as the group’s moral compass, a sociopath who collects memories, and a “baredevil” who thrives on the adrenaline rush of over-exposure.  BB: From what I understand, this is a very character-driven story. Was there any particular inspiration for the challenges our pair face?BF: That’s exactly right, and the post-Divide world allows us to focus a spotlight on the fears of intimacy and human connection that we all share. That’s the real inspiration for Paul and Maria’s relationship. Getting too close to another person is – literally – dangerous. And all the voices from your past encounters echo around your head until you aren’t sure if your own thoughts and emotions can be trusted.So it’s the same issues we all face – just with deadlier consequences and the occasional roving marauder. BB: I understand each issue of The Great Divide will also contain unique bonus content. In fact, #1 includes a download code for “Teowawki,” a doomsday-oriented song written and performed by … Ben Fisher! Tell us about it, and some of the other bonus content which may be coming.BF: Adam and I wanted to include additional digital content with each issue as our way of thanking readers who choose to spend time with us. The first issue will include a tongue-in-cheek song I wrote about a doomsday prepper on a first date. It felt like a thematically appropriate choice. The second issue will have downloadable pages to a post-apocalyptic adult coloring book drawn by Adam.We’ve got a lot of fun stuff planned and, as I hope is evident, we’re not letting the dark tone of the book suck all the fun out of the room. The story is filled with bits of humor and lighter moments to offset humanity’s grim situation, and the bonus content will certainly reflect that.In addition to the digital content, our enthusiasm for The Great Divide has spilled over into our other passions. We’re both musicians (Adam in particular has an ear for ambient soundtracks) and we’ve written a full original score for the series, which we’ll make available online (for free!) to help set the mood.
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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