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11/06/13 @ 3:42 pm EST
CBR News: I know when we spoke in March about you taking on "Red Sonja," you mentioned that you had ideas for bringing in more women on the creative side. When did you first come up with the idea for the all-female creator written "Legends Of Red Sonja" series?
Gail Simone: It was right away, nearly. We had come up with the idea of having all the covers of my monthly "Red Sonja" run being drawn by female artists, and the results were just delightful and spectacular. It made everyone happy to see; Diamond, Dynamite, retailers, readers, it was just that fun.
So I thought, man, what if we did that, but with female writers writing short stories? And because Sonja has an anniversary, her 40th, coming up, this seemed a perfect way to celebrate.
Looking at the names you have lined up, it's a veritable Who's Who of female comics creators, like Devin Grayson, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Nicola Scott, etc. How did you decide on what creators to include in this Red Sonja anthology series?
It's way more than just comics, that's a big part of the fun of it. And it's selfish, I'm sure, but I exclusively chose people who;
1) Loved comics, and
2) Did work that inspired me.
It's just pure greed. I grabbed my favorite writers like trading cards. The amazing thing is, all these incredibly busy women pushed aside whatever they were doing to do this. I had this fairly long list, because I was warned that most people I asked would be too busy, knowing their workloads, but I didn't get to those names on the rest of the list, because everyone just immediately said yes, to my delight.
I am incredibly proud of the team we assembled, it's ridiculous. Tamora Pierce? Kelly Sue DeConnick? Mercedes Lackey? In one anthology?
We put together, in a short afternoon, a list of talent that should make any comics or prose publisher weep with jealousy. That makes me happy.
As you said, you're working with big names from the fantasy novel and YA world, like Tamora Pierce and Mercedes Lackey. Why did you want to reach out and bring these famous fantasy novelists onto "Legends?"
Well, in both cases, I love their writing, that was the big thing.
But they both love comics, and it just seemed ridiculous to me that these prose titans and the other prose writers we grabbed, weren't making comics. They love comics, they have huge fan bases, why isn't anyone connecting those dots?
When CBR spoke with Marjorie Liu about her contribution for the title, she cited being a childhood fan of the movie Red Sonja. While you were compiling the series, did you find that many of the writers you spoke with had a similar deep love for the comics and film heroine?
A surprising amount, nearly all of them, had some special Sonja memory. The one that struck me is that Nancy Collins' most famous creation, the cool vampire Sonja Blue from her Bram Stoker-winning novel series, was actually a nod to Red Sonja in the first place. I had devoured those books, they're fantastic -- and I never made that connection, even though it's obvious when it's pointed out.
Talking about the anthology specifically, how will each issue be broken up? Will you be teaming up and co-writing stories with any of the writers?
The way it works is, I am sort of the de facto story editor. I gave the writers all a series of documents outline a framing story and the characters in that story, and then each writer sent a plot for a short story, a 'legend,' that fits in our overall arc.
A huge team of the world's deadliest mercs and killers, have been sent on an honor killing mission to get Red Sonja. Along the way, they are told legends of the woman they follow. Some narrators are not telling the whole truth.
Then, it was a matter of the writers writing their stories, and I often did minor tweaking (with permission) to make the stories all fit together. It was lovely. Not a single diva moment from anyone.
It was a lot of work, but the Red Women (as we were calling ourselves) were, without fail, lovely and professional and helpful.
Will any of these stories tie-into your main "Red Sonja" arcs, or are they all stand-alone tales from her past and future?
There is definitely going to be a bit of crossover fun. You do not have to buy both series, it's not that kind of thing. But at least one character from this anthology will be showing up in the ongoing.
Are you working with all female artists on covers or interiors as well?
No, we felt that was the fun of the ongoing book. We have to give some guys a chance! Most of the artists, but not all, for the anthology are dudes, super-talented dudes. I don't know who we can announce, but there are some names in there you are going to know, for sure. Jack Jadson is doing a great job on my framing story, holding it all together. And the brilliant Carla Speed McNeil is in issue one!
Right now, you have five issues planned. Would you consider adding more if other women creators wanted to contribute, or if there's a huge demand for more stories?
Oh, I'd love to. There are so many women who wanted aboard after the space was filled, and women we didn't get to ask yet. I've love to have Ann Nocenti, Christy Marx, Rachel Pollack, Alex Di Campi, Caitlin Kiernan, Nancy Collins, Barbara Kesel, Becky Cloonan, Kathryn Immonen -- lots more.
But even more, I'd love to see this format be used with other characters. It's a lot of fun -- would love to see something like this for the Green Hornet, or any of a dozen other characters.
To end, what's been the biggest thrill and challenge for you, both in terms of putting together "Legends" and as writer for the main "Red Sonja" series now that the first issues are out?
With Legends, it's a few things. First, getting a-list artist Nicola Scott's first actual script. Second, getting the first ever comics from Mercedes Lackey and Meljean Brook, and third, possibly the nicest benefit, bringing back three of my favorites, Nancy Collins, Tamora Pierce and Devin Grayson back to comics after they had all been away way too long. That just makes me giggle to think about.
They're having a blast, I am hoping, hoping, hoping it means we'll see more comics from all of them. With the Sonja ongoing, the thrill is just getting to write one of the most badass characters ever created anywhere. And that's not hype, that's just the truth of who Sonja is. I am lucky.
"Legends Of Red Sonja" #1 hits stands November 6.
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08/06/20 @ 12:57 pm EST
The campaign for Lucio Parrillo's gorgeous exclusive Vampirella cover ended, but it's still in "In Demand" while we get everything printed and ready for shipment. You can still sneak in your order, update for more goodies, and tell your friends.
In fact, we recommend sneaking those orders in ASAP! As on this coming Monday, we will be increasing the cost of the individual cover variations to the full MSRP of $50 each, the unsigned and signed sets to $100 and $200. So last call and get in those pledges at the current great price!
And last but certainly not least... Behind the scenes we're putting all the pieces together for Lucio's next exclusive cover. This time he's bringing his talents to our other biggest character, Red Sonja! Pledge for the Vampirella Cover Now Before Prices Increase! And Sign Up for Updates on Red Sonja Here!
  07/17/20 @ 5:49 pm EST
Today we are spotlighting three of the fun-tastic collectible crowdfunding campaigns from Dynamite for exclusive comic book variants and deals. All including CGC graded options too! Dynamite is proud to be one of the leading forces in directly bringing fans exciting collectibles and projects through all of our outlets, including crowdfunding. The more grassroots business model allows for limited editions that could not be produced otherwise, as well as a connection with the fans that allows for realtime feedback with some of the best artists in the industry. Plus all kinds of extra options and add-ons that would not be feasible through a traditional avenue.
Frank Cho's Red Sonja Exclusive Variant
Frank Cho is of course a legend, as any comic fan knows. Through his early work on Liberty Meadows, to blockbuster interiors on Wolverine, Hulk, Avengers, Shanna and more, and his sought-after covers featuring Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Vampirella and other fan-favorites, he's at the top of the game. He's portrayed the She-Devil With a Sword before, but never quite like this. As his style has evolved through the years, Frank's figures have matured and the detail he includes to depict different textures is unparalleled. With longtime artistic collaborator Sabine Rich on colors, it doesn't get better than this. Now live on Indiegogo, a new black & white virgin edition is exclusive to the campaign and limited to only 50 copies! As well as not previously offered graded copies.
  Mindy Wheeler's Vampirella Exclusive Variant
Artist ...
07/17/20 @ 5:45 pm EST
Hip-hip-hooray! It is Friday! And on top of that silly rhyme and the upcoming weekend, we've got a fun surprise for Dynamite fans today. Two more beautiful covers are available for the new Miss Fury: Joy Division original graphic novel. They're live on the campaign now and you can see them below! We're calling them "The Red Fury" and "The Black Fury!" As the new featured reward tier, you can get both as a package and save on shipping! First up is the Red Fury, with Maria and colorist Ceci de la Cruz's now-iconic image of Marla Drake all dolled up. This gorgeous piece of art just happens to be from one of the earliest pages that Maria drew for the book and that we showed to all you fans. The immense love of this page has made it just as prominent as the covers, and it's found its way onto a promo trading card and now here. Isolating the art and putting it over a clean black background really accentuates Maria's beautiful work! The Black Fury is Billy's new cover, and is another homage to original creator June Tarpe Mills and her controversial costume-changing scenes. This one is the most risque so far, but in a classy way. Please note that the black bar below and on the campaign will not exist on your finished copy... And guess what? Billy and Maria are soon to be live on Youtube at 3 PM EST talking about these new covers and how the campaign is going so far! Join by clicking right here!Grab These or Add Them To Your Pledge Now!  07/16/20 @ 3:54 pm EST
Miss Fury artist Maria Laura Sanapo sat down with Deanna Destito of ComicsBeat to discuss her latest project, her rising career, and what it's like being a woman drawing female characters in comics. She also dives into teaching at the Joe Kubert School and more. You can read the article here!"I think that nowadays women are finally playing their own role without being anyone’s shoulder or waiting a hundred years to be saved by some prince charming riding a horse. (I would prefer a motorcycle XD). I’m happy for that, but it doesn’t mean that now men have to succumb." Maria is one of the most talented artists working with Dynamite today, or in the industry in general. She continues to dazzle with her spectacular work on every project. If you're excited for Miss Fury, take a crack at some of her other projects like our Archie Comics crossover and Sheena the Jungle Queen. Of course, make sure to head to the campaign page and support her latest! And remember, at $100,000 she'll be getting a sweet bonus as well. Only the fans can help make that happen! Get Your Copy of Miss Fury Today! And Get Maria a Bonus!  07/14/20 @ 10:33 am EST
We extended the campaign way back, but again and for the final time we come to this day. It had to happen. Lucio Parrillo's exclusive Vampirella variant cover ends today! Exactly, the clock runs out tonight at 3 AM EST (midnight PST). Don't miss it! Make sure you get your copy of Lucio's latest masterpiece. Even if you've already backed the campaign, today is a great chance to double-check your pledge for all the sweet add-ons and special packages. Whether we're talking variations like the logo-free virgin or black & white versions, the frame-ready high-quality lithograph print, or all the extra limited edition covers we've added to the campaigns over time.
Additionally, this weekend Lucio joined Dan Fraga on his Fragaboom! Youtube channel to chat live about this cover, his career and more. If you missed it, click here to catch up on this fun conversation between two pros.   
Don't Miss It!
07/10/20 @ 10:19 pm EST
We're very excited to announce the first stretch goal for Mindy Wheeler's Vampirella variant exclusive! If you haven't joined the club already, head to the campaign and make sure you're getting this drop-dead gorgeous collectible cover. Only a limited number will be produced, based on how many backers support it. 
When the campaign hits $7,000, every backer will have a sweet promo trading card featuring Mindy's art added to your package. We're not far away, so make sure to tell all your collector buds about this exclusive campaign. Now is also a great time to review your own pledge and see what extra goodies you might be interested in. In turn, raising the total and getting closer to an awesome stretch goal! Help Unlock the Stretch Goal!
 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! |
