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08/04/14 @ 8:44 pm EST
An idea that I’m surprise if no one has ever done before. The great detective Sherlock Holmes meets the escape artist Harry Houdini. The new series from Dynamite is being written by Kill Shakespeare writers Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery, and Byron Brewer sat down to talk to the pair of creators about the project.  BYRON BREWER: First, Anthony, what did it feel like to have your work, Kill Shakespeare, nominated for a Harvey Award? Pretty cool.ANTHONY DEL COL: Pretty cool? Actually, pretty freakin’ cool! It was completely unexpected as this was the first series that Conor and I had ever done. The Harveys are voted on by fellow members of the industry so it made us feel that we had been accepted by the community. CONOR MCCREERY: Weirdly enough at that Harvey Awards dinner we sat beside Nick Barrucci. I remember thinking he was a very sarcastically funny guy and that he seemed to have a great head on his shoulders for the business and that it would be great to work with him one day.And they say dreams don’t come true. BB: Can you describe the process of how you and co-writer Conor McCreery work as a team?C: It’s a fluid thing – like for H&H Anthony took it on himself to bring all these amazing ideas to our first story meeting. I didn’t even open my notebook to mention any of the thoughts I had – his were that amazing! After that we worked together on “breaking” the story and figuring out what the five issues will be. Writing-wise what we usually do is one guy is “lead” writer on an issue and the other guy story-edits and does a pass at the end. A: And then if we have any disagreements we resort to Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine whose idea sees the light of day. We both competed in the first-annual World Rock-Paper-Scissors Championships a number of years ago so we’re both good. Okay, alright, we both throw the same moves so it ends up as a stalemate… C: Anthony’s being modest – he actually was a quarterfinalist and lost to the eventual World Champion. So, given THAT skill set I have an excellent incentive to compromise when I’m being stubborn – GRIN.  BB: Have you ever written an adventure of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes before?A: I’ve always thought that Holmes was an amazing character but never had the nerve or gumption to tackle writing an adventure with him before. I’m so glad that Dynamite has given us the opportunity – he’s a blast to write for! I feel like I’m getting smarter just by trying to get in his mind. C: See, and writing Holmes just makes me feel dumb… wait… that was all the “research” I did for Holmes’ character flaw. BB: How does our master sleuth become involved with the great performer Houdini?C: Well I’d like to say that Holmes is naturally drawn to other people who display excellence and that he seeks out Houdini as a way to test out another exceptional talent. I’d LIKE to say that, but the truth is, well, Holmes is in a bit of trouble when he first meets Harry. I can’t say anything more though. I don’t want to spoil the fun. A: Writing their first interaction was incredibly delicious. Here we have two accomplished, smart and arrogant men in the same room, trying to test the other person. It really felt like scripting a boxing match but instead of punches they’re throwing verbal jabs and witticisms. And everyone else in the room just stands back and watches these two titans go at it.  BB: Can you tell us at what point in Houdini’s career this piece takes place? He was a very different man at different points during his career.A: Our story is set in 1900, which is when Houdini is starting to blow up internationally as the master of escape. It’s his first tour of London (the centre of Europe) and he’s hoping to really draw in huge crowds and become an international superstar. It’s interesting that most people think of him as American (and he pretty much believed it to be true) but he was actually born in Europe. C: We’ve also drawn heavily on a couple of other elements of Houdini’s life and sort of planted the seeds in this story. One is his love of film, and the other was his later-life obsession in “outing” spiritualists – who he felt were at best irresponsible, and at worst out and out crooks, for suggesting that there are powers beyond our understanding at work in the world.It’s that viewpoint that’s going to get HARRY in trouble in our story… BB: And the big-bad is … ?C: Oh you can’t expect we’ll tell you that! For shame, well-oiled Dynamite marketing machine! For shame! A: Conor’s right – trying to get us to reveal the big bad this early would be even harder than escaping from one of Houdini’s tricks. We really wanted to come up with a character that was smart as well as physically imposing, and we think we’ve come up with just the right fit… BB: Are you a student of magical history or a fan of the late performer?A: For myself, it’s only lately that I’ve started to become really intrigued by magic. I had the fortune to meet magician Jon Armstrong (who actually created a comic series, Smoke & Mirrors, with IDW) and see a couple of his shows and left each one shaking my head at how he did it. What’s interesting is that when we went last month I could already guess at some of their techniques because of research for Holmes vs. Houdini. C: Do we count liking Gob from Arrested Development as being a “student of magical history?” Then yes. Yes, I am. BB: What would you say about the art of Carlos Furuzono?A: Well, I was disappointed at first that my original pitch of doing the entire series in my poorly-drawn stick figures wasn’t approved… But seriously, Joe, Nick and the team at Dynamite did a great job finding and recruiting Carlos to work on this series. The early pages that I’ve seen are amazing and I think he’s a real talent ready to make it to the next level. C: I was also disappointed about the stick figures… 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 ...
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."
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