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11/06/13 @ 3:41 pm EST
In another peer to peer interview from Dynamite Entertainment, Nancy Collins chats with Devin Grayson and Gail Simone about taking on Red Sonja as part of the new Legends Of Red Sonja series being released during the characters 40th anniversary.
First Devin Grayson:
NANCY COLLINS: What inspired you to give your Red Sonja story in LEGENDS OF RED SONJA #1 a nautical spin?
DEVIN GRAYSON: I haven’t played with magic much in my comics writing, but it’s been factoring heavily into some prose work I’m doing now–a YA novel series about a young ghost hunter and her friends, one of whom is a mage. So the chance to work with an artist who could bring some of those themes to life was irresistible. Magic in Sonja’s world—as shown so beautifully in your story– is dark, powerful, raw and dangerous…essentially a force of nature in and of itself. So I wanted something that would echo that visually, a setup in my story that would lead to people being visibly out of control of their environment, such as fire at sea. And the moment I seized on that, a whole mood and tone and antagonist for the story fell into place.
Or maybe I just watched that Science Friday “Where’s the Octopus?” video on YouTube too many times.
NC: Did you have an interest/background in heroic fantasy prior to being brought on the Legends of Red Sonja project?
DG: Not in my reading or writing life, but I’m an avid RPGer, and when you’re gaming—whether online or in traditional pencil and dice campaigns—you’re going to end up submerged in heroic fantasy. Most relevant to this project was the online game Age of Conan. I never actually played it, but before the game officially launched, the role playing crowd took over one of the Beta message boards to use for Conan-themed round robin story-telling. I was very active there, playing an Aquilonian guard, so Sonja’s world felt like a place I’d already lived.
NC: You’ve worked in the video game industry in the past. How does writing for games compare to writing comics?
DG: There are a lot of similarities. Both start as blank pages but grow up to be primarily visual media, both have a commitment to inviting the audience to identify with the characters in as immediate a way as possible and both are shaped by external story limitations—continuity in the case of comics and game mechanics in the case of video games. Both are also unusually social experiences for a writer. Unless you’re working with a partner, writing is usually a pretty solitary exercise. Being alone with a story is one of my favorite parts of the writing experience. But with both comics and video game scripts, you’re just a cog in the wheel, working as part of a team and relying on those other team members to bring your vision to life. I love finishing a manuscript and eventually getting to hold an actual book in my hands, but it’s a whole different kind of thrill to finish a script and eventually get to see the characters acting out the dialog.
NC: Do you have anything on deck for 2014 that your fans should keep an eye out for?
DG: In addition to the YA novel series I briefly mentioned –which won’t make its debut in 2014–I’m currently working on a radio play, which will, and a few other projects it’s too early to talk about. I’m really enjoying being back in comics though and, who knows, there may even be some more work with Dynamite in my future.
And now over to Gail Simone:
NC: What inspired you to propose an All-Woman jam to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Red Sonja?
GAIL SIMONE: I have to give a lot of credit for this to Dynamite and to Nick Barrucci. They are just fantastically open to ideas, and consequently, you don’t feel like the doors are all shut and locked before you even try to open them.
I had what I thought was a fun idea, to have all the covers of my run on the ongoing RED SONJA title be drawn by women, all my favorites, and it’s just worked out amazingly well…they all turned out beautiful. And it made this nifty little side statement, as well, that some of the very best artists in the business are female, AND could draw this sword and sorcery stuff beautifully.
It was such a success, it made me think of how fun it would be to invite a bunch of my writing heroes to try the same thing, women who had provided inspiration to me with the quality of their work.
It turned out to be one of the most fun and rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of, we were all collaborating immediately. And we brought back people like Devin Grayson, Tamora Pierce and yourself, Nancy, to comics, who have been gone for too long. And we got Mercedes Lackey’s and Meljean Brook’s first comics stories, and a-list artist Nicola Scott’s first scripting credit…it just makes me happy. I am proud to be in this company, even if I cheated and put myself in!
NC: Did you have an interest in heroic fantasy prior to landing the monthly RED SONJA gig?
GS: Oh, yeah, absolutely. I often see people who object to the blood or flesh in this genre, particularly in the Robert E. Howard-inspired stuff, but really, I like it. It feels very primal, very ill-mannered. It’s not like the Tolkien stuff that I also love, it’s sweatier and lustier. But you can tell very sophisticated stories with the genre, heartbreaking and heart-soaring stuff. I love it.
C: How does it feel being the first woman to write for Red Sonja in the 21st century?
GS: Is that actually true? I believe one of my other heroes, the great Jen Van Meter, did a Sonja one-shot just a couple years back.
But as ONE of the first, what can I say, it’s one of those joyful things that happen that could never be predicted. I always loved Sonja, now I get to do ferocious things with her.
NC: What up-coming comics and special appearances can your fans look forward to in 2014?
GS: A lot, and some things I can’t mention yet, but the hugely successful Kickstarter graphic novel I did with co-creator and artist Jim Calafiore, LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS, is finally out to backers, and I am thrilled about that. I’m writing the TOMB RAIDER comic for Dark Horse, which has all the good history and travel stuff I love so much. I’m writing BATGIRL and THE MOVEMENT for DC Comics, both very close to my heart.
And of course the LEGENDS OF RED SONJA anthology and the ongoing Sonja monthly title for Dynamite. There may be a few surprises, as well, it’s been a year of big changes for me.
As for appearances, yikes, my convention calendar is mostly filled up until 2015, but very few have been announced yet, so I have to keep mum about that.
Legends Of Red Sonja #1 goes on sale November 6th and features a cover by Jay Anacleto and interior art by Jack Jadson, Noah Salonga and Carla “Speed” McNeil.
Nancy A. Collins is the author of numerous novels, short stories, and comic books, including DC Comics’ Swamp Thing. A recipient of the Horror Writers Association’s Bram Stoker Award, The British Fantasy Society’s Icarus Award, as well as a nominee for the International Horror Guild, John W. Campbell, James Tiptree, Eisner & World Fantasy Awards, her works include Sunglasses After Dark, Lynch: A Gothik Western, and Knuckles And Tales. Legends of Red Sonja #1 marks her return to comics, and her newest novel is Magic And Loss, the 3rd book in the Golgotham series, scheduled to be released November 5th.
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06/24/21 @ 2:13 pm EST
Vampirella enters an entire multiverse of alternate iterations of herself, in this fall's blockbuster Vampiverse!
Writer Tom Sniegoski (Punisher, Young Hellboy) returns alongside co-writer Jeannine Acheson (Vampirella Valentine's Day Special) for the most expansive Vampirella story ever told. Artist Daniel Maine (Chastity) has had a blast designing versions of Vampirella from every conceivable alternate universe, and more to come in the most expansive story for the character ever! They're joined by colorist Francesca Cittarelli and letterer Taylor Esposito.
Each thread across the fabric of time and space has its own Vampirella to protect their reality. Something, or someone, is suddenly hunting them down, stealing their precious life energies. It's up to the Vampirella we all know and love to gather her special sisters and take down this threat before it destroys the Artist, the creator of all of existence. Fans will meet such fun new characters like Vamp-Bot, Cave Vamp, The Invisible Vamp, and many more.
"When Jeannine and I were working on the 2021 Vampirella Valentine's Day Special, the idea for Vampiverse was hatched," said Tom Sniegoski. "To see it actually becoming a reality is incredibly exciting, and I can't wait for folks to see what we've come up with."
Jeannine Acheson added, "When we were coming up with the idea, we never imagined Dynamite would let us do it, but here we are! I'm thrilled about Vampiverse! It's awesome to be writing my first comic series alongside all of these talented writers and artists."
Tom Sniegoski's legacy with the Daughter of Drakulon now goes back nearly 30 years all the way back to 1993. First there was the Dracula War, then Bloodshed, The Mystery Walk, Death & Destruction, and the recent Rebirth in the relaunched ...
06/24/21 @ 1:32 pm EST
Ash is back, baby... in the groovy 1970s?! Army of Darkness: 1979 debuts this September from critically acclaimed writer Rodney Barnes. The superstar creator of the hit Image Comics series Killadelphia brings his supernatural horror chops to one of the genre's most (in)famous characters. Ashley Joanna Williams finds himself this time in late 70s New York City. In a less cleaned up era, that means gangs tussle for every block in the South Bronx. And these particular gangs model themselves after zombies and vampires. Things only get even more out of control when they find the one and only Necronomicon!
 
  “I relished the opportunity to take on Army of Darkness," said writer Rodney Barnes. "The tone is different from everything I’ve done to date, so there’s that challenge. I loved the film and the graphic novels based on the film, so it’s an honor to add my name to the great folks that have done the books prior to this one.” Barnes is joined in this horror flashback romp by artist Tom Garcia (Pathfinder, Hellraiser), colorist Dinei Ribero, and letterer Troy Peteri. This crew assembles together to guide Ash through his latest comedy horror adventure. But will he or even the creative team survive the journey..?
With his background as a screenwriter and producer in Hollywood, Barnes has contributed to The Boondocks, My Wife and Kids, Everbody Hates Chris, Marvel's Runaways, American Gods, and is currently an executive producer/writer on HBO's untitled drama following the 1980s "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers. With his love of film and 1970s culture, Barnes is pulling from cult classics like The Warriors on this Army ... 06/24/21 @ 11:15 am EST
Few comic book creators have such diverse skills and worldwide passionate followings as writer/artist Mirka Andolfo, and she's bringing that energy to the She-Devil With a Sword for a new series debuting this fall!
"Red Sonja is an extraordinary, multifaceted character, and I loved her from the first moment," said Mirka Andolfo. "When I was asked to try to make my own version of her, I immediately accepted."
In Mirka Andolfo's Red Sonja #1, she kicks off a new arc "Mother," touching on themes that fans of Mirka's other works starring strong female characters will immediately recognize and latch onto. The story begins with a village burning to the ground, set aflame by the dreaded Three-Eyed Shezem. Sonja arrives to find only a single survivor, a young child with mysterious white tattoos. As they set off on an arduous journey through frigid snow plains and thick forests, the new companions will face all manner of threats. In a quest to seek justice, as well as answers to the many mysteries in the series. Can Sonja save this child's life and figure out what happened?
Mirka Andolfo is one of the leading names in today's prestigious Italian comics scene, and among its most global, with many of her signature works published overseas and beloved projects with other companies. Hit independent titles like Mercy, Unnatural, Sweet Paprika, and Un/Sacred attract countless fans with her memorable character design and storytelling. In addition, she's worked on mainstream titles like Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Chaos!, and more.
 
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06/22/21 @ 4:23 pm EST
Dynamite Entertainment, a leading independent publisher of comic books and graphic novels, today announced that it has partnered with Curiosity Ink Media - a producer of original multiplatform entertainment for kids and families - to create books for kids that are rooted in Curiosity’s original intellectual property (IP) as well as titles the company will develop for other brands. The alliance begins in earnest with the first titles slated to hit shelves beginning in spring, 2022 and brings Curiosity, which recently entered into an agreement to be acquired by Grom Social Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: GROM), squarely into the publishing arena. The announcement was made jointly by Dynamite CEO and Publisher, Nick Barrucci and Russell Hicks, Curiosity Ink Media’s Chief Content Officer.  
The first two properties to hit shelves will be: Curiosity Books’ “Baldwin’s Big Adventure,” a picture book about an unassuming, but fearless switcher train with a giant heart, and Book-Plus Novelty Formats for preschoolers based on the wildly popular PAW Patrol™ produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airing on Nickelodeon. Following the debut of “Baldwin’s Big Adventure,” a visually rich picture book for preschoolers, and PAW Patrol, in Book-Plus Novelty Format, Dynamite and Curiosity will publish additional titles including entries in the red-hot graphic novel category. Additionally, it was announced that Dynamite will serve as the distributor of record for Curiosity’s wide-ranging catalogue of licensed properties and original content for publishing.
  In the partnership, Jon I. Rosenberg who heads publishing for Curiosity, will lead the alliance in cultivating Curiosity’s licensed and original IP (intellectual property) into books and consumer products for today’s kids and families. A veteran publisher who held executive positions at MGM ... 06/02/21 @ 4:24 pm EST
Dynamite is celebrating the heat of the summer with two scorching hot limited edition Red Sonja comics by the massively talented artistic power couple of Arthur Adams and Joyce Chin - available on Indiegogo right now!
"Both of us love Red Sonja, so we were really excited to do these covers," said Joyce Chin. "I read tons of Spider-Man comics when I was a kid, so the Spider-Man and Red Sonja was the very first time I saw Red Sonja. I've been lucky enough to draw her several times.
Arthur Adams added, "I've loved Red Sonja since I was, gosh, probably 13 years old or so. I used to buy Frank Thorne Red Sonja comics. His art was so fantastic"  
These beautiful covers are completed with the coloring by Peter Steigerwald, known for his fan-favorite pairings with artists like Michael Turner, Joe Benitez, Ivan Reis, and many more. And they're printed over special presentations of the recent smash hit Invincible Red Sonja #1 and the classic Marvel Feature: Red Sonja #2. Each cover is available separately, as a pair, and in three key variations and multiple combo packs. Trade dress, logo-free "virgin" and a black and white option round out the variants for each. Plus ultra-rare metal editions, and of course signed CGC graded copies!
Arthur Adams is by many considered to be one of the greatest comic artists of his era or any. His contributions to such hallmark titles as Uncanny X-Men, Fantastic Four, Hulk, and more were celebrated in fandom as a special occasion every time his name was in the credits box. Indendent work such as Monkeyman & O'Brien brought him to a whole new generation of fans. His style ... 05/24/21 @ 4:00 pm EST
The Mistress of the Dark herself, Elvira, returns to monthly comic books and this time she's joined by fellow horror comedy legend Vincent Price!
The two titans of terror and comedy unite in comics for the very first time as Dynamite Entertainment proudly presents Elvira Meets Vincent Price! The ghost of Price has a mission that only the macabre maven can assist him with. The apocalypse is coming, and it's heading straight to livestreaming for binge-watching! Leave it to a fabled lost film to save the day, if only our horror hostess and spectral companion can find it in time.
    Writer David Avallone (Bettie Page, Drawing Blood) returns to capture the timeless voice of Elvira, and taps into his own history and love for Old Hollywood and film to bring Vincent Price along for the ride this time. With over three years and countless issues of experience working right alongside Elvira herself and putting words in her mouth, fans will be happy to see his return. This time he's joined for the first time by artist Juan Samu (Black Panther, Transformers). The cast is rounded out by returning colorist Walter Pereyra and letterer Taylor Esposito. Avallone shared, "Writing Vincent Price is a gift. On-screen and off, he’s an indelible character and it’s delightful to write in his “voice,” just as it is to write in Elvira’s. He’s charming and elegant and hilarious… and as in real life, a perfect foil for Elvira. I recommend fans Googling their talk show appearances together."
Though this new history-making crossover is perfect to jump right into for Elvira newcomers, Dynamite has released several ... 04/28/21 @ 3:13 pm EST
Dynamite Entertainment and Paizo Inc. are excited to announce three new exciting pledge levels to the official Fumbus comic book Kickstarter! The support of Pathfinder fans so far on the campaign has been amazing, and to reward the most dedicated adventurers, a trio of top tier very limited options are now available. Whether one wants to be immortalized in every copy of the comic, have a special edition fully dedicated to them, or even play a game of Pathfinder live with a creator, each option is enticing in its own way! Has your favorite RPG character fallen in battle? Do you want their moniker enshrined forever in Pathfinder history? The Wall of Names is a long, curving wall of black glass on a tree-shaded hill on the grounds of the Pathfinder Society’s headquarters—the Grand Lodge—in the city of Absalom. It serves as a memorial for all Pathfinders who have died in service to the Society since the wall's creation nearly 400 years ago, and its surface is etched with the name for each Pathfinder that fell in battle. For a limited number of backers, a spot on the wall is available for your PC to be memorialized in the pages of the Pathfinder Fumbus comic book. See your fallen character's name on a panel in the comic and get a copy of Pathfinder Fumbus to show your friends! Every other backer of the comic will also get to see your legendary status. This tier is limited to just 12 spots. Maximum character length is 20 letters/spaces and Paizo has the final right of approval for submitted names.  Is your favorite Pathfinder character a legend in your gaming group? This is a rare opportunity ... 04/23/21 @ 3:46 pm EST
Barbarella, the sensual siren of space returns for a series of all-new adventures by a dynamic new creative team! Dynamite is proud to welcome writer Sarah Hoyt for her big debut in comic books with the new series starting in July. The longtime author has written over 34 novels in science fiction, fantasy, mystery and more, including her fan-favorite Darkship Thieves, and garnering Prometheus and Dragon Awards. For this space-faring journey, she's joined by rising star artist Madibek Musabekov (Vampirella vs Purgatori). Colorist Ivan Nunes and letterer Carlos Mangual round out the crew at the controls.
In this exciting new series, Barbarella sets out on a mission filled with danger, duplicity, and a dose of romance as she travels through multiple inventive sci-fi locales. Fans of the character and genre can expect deep dives on questions of class, romance, sexuality, and more in the classic Barbarella style.
"Writing the Barbarella stories was more fun than is probably legal in most states," said writer Sarah Hoyt. "The work of learning a new format was overshadowed by the fun of being able to think big and play with someone else’s no-holds-barred character. I’ve also loved the art I’ve seen so far from Madibek!"
   Traveling from planet to planet, the tale starts in Camelot, home to the rich and powerful class seeking escape from a crowded and decaying galactic empire. Intercepting desperate transmissions from the underclass, Barbarella sets off to investigate, unravelling a string of secrets. Along the way she will visit the underwater world of Encantado, the carnival-like Rio, and even more. All painstakingly designed by Musabekov. On her escapade, Barbarella is joined by two fun new characters that ... 04/22/21 @ 3:21 pm EST
Thanks to fabulous fan support, Dynamite and the creative team are excited to announce the extension of Sonjaversal and a great new jumping-on point! The ultimate story of Red Sonja multiversal mayhem was originally set as a five issue miniseries. By popular demand, more is to come, starting with issue #6 this July. Writer Christopher Hastings (Unbelievable Gwenpool) and artist Pasquale Qualano (Dejah Thoris) return for an all-new story arc perfect for new readers while continuing the same boundless energy and creativity of the previous issues.
With the opening story blasting open the metaphorical toy chest and introducing an endless expanse of Sonja's battling for the fate of the universe, now the team will drill down and focus on select Sonja's in a more episodic format.
Making her moody debut in this issue is Noir Sonja! She's on the trail of someone making a huge splash in the criminal underworld - only problem is that they're dead. Actually, she has more problems, as a whole new onslaught of alternate Sonja's throw off her investigation.
"I love to play with genre, and this arc is going to be all about mashing up Red Sonja's sword and sorcery with noir, then gothic horror, then space opera, and 80s action movies. It's a blast," said writer Christopher Hastings.
Fans can stay tuned for full explorations of even more wildly unique takes on the She-Devil With a Sword!
A top tier team of cover artists bring their own multiverse-esque appeal to the title with the diverse stylings of Lucio Parrillo, Joseph Michael Linsner, Jae Lee, Junggeun Yoon, and of course Dynamite's fan-favorite cosplay covers.
  
 Read More Here 04/22/21 @ 3:06 pm EST
One of the oldest and most iconic couples in genre fiction reunite once more this summer in Dejah Thoris vs. John Carter of Mars by sci-fi superstar Dan Abnett!
Kicking off this July from Dynamite, Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy, Aquaman) opens a new chapter in the storied history of Barsoom and its charismatic couple. Serving as a perfect jumping-on point for new and returning fans, while also continuing threads from Abnett's previous tales, the love of Dejah Thoris and John Carter will be tested by a grave new threat and cataclysmic planet-wide war.
"Now that John Carter has returned, is he still the legendary hero they all respect?," said writer Dan Abnett. "And are he and his beloved Dejah still working to the same ends? It's a tale of swords, sorcery, space gods and true love, an interplanetary romance in the true sense of both those words."
Barsoom has been in crisis, wracked by freak weather seemingly signifying a coming ice age. Matching turbulence has cropped up as conflict between the planet's many tribes and nations. The Earth-born hero of John Carter was missing. With Dejah Thoris and the help of her allies, stability has been established (for now) and John has been found, only for the true foes to take center stage in this new story.
The Longborn, ancient "space gods" of immense and mysterious power wildly outmatch the citizens of Barsoom. They may even be the original architects of all life in the Solar System, shaping the red planet in their image. Back to reclaim their creations to wipe the slate clean and start over, it is up to Dejah, John, and their allies to take on their biggest threat yet.
Artist Alessandro Miracolo joins the adventuring ...
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