11/06/13 @ 3:42 pm EST

Source: Comic Book Resources

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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05/28/20 @ 5:02 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

Did you pick up this week's new release from us at your Local Comic Shop or favorite online/digital retailer yet? VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #7 is a fantastic spot to jump right into the series and immerse yourself in a post-apocalyptic Vampi inspired by the 1990s.

But importantly, here's a heads up on a sale ending just around the corner. If the corner was the day - as this one closes out tonight! The Dynamite Select Sale on ComiXology is so named because we selected a grouping of 50 of our bestselling graphic novels and a couple hidden gems. 50 for 50% off too! Each one of these complete stories is a surefire way to entertain yourself with some great comics.

This sale encompasses so many fun characters, genres and creators. Try out our best-reviewed series in recent years with Kieron Gillen's Peter Cannon. Or the reunion of legends Roy Thomas and Esteban Maroto for a new standalone Red Sonja story, decades after the pair established her iconic look in early stories. Share some reading with the kiddos in your life with Kelly Thompson's all-ages modern take on Nancy Drew or the first-ever Sweet Valley High graphic novel. Take a crack at what Warren Ellis has labeled the definitive adaptation of the Dracula story. Plus so much more!

05/28/20 @ 4:34 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

Tomorrow (Friday), master painter Lucio Parrillo will be joining creator and self-publisher Billy Tucci on the PopXP Youtube channel. Lucio will be discussing his career as a comic book cover artist, the decade of beautiful contributions to Dynamite titles, and most of all his current and first-ever crowdfunding campaign for his exclusive Vampirella variant.

Click here at Noon EST Friday to watch the discussion. (9 AM PST, 5 PM BST).

Billy himself is no stranger to Vampirella and crowdfunding, as his independent creation Shi crossed over with the Daughter of Drakulon back in 1997 and then again last year for a special dual anniversary celebration cover. He's successfully crowdfunded a big comeback for Shi with the upcoming Return of the Warrior. And through PopXP (formerly known as Crowdfunding Comics) with Nile Scala, he's made waves talking to comic book pros from all corners. Guests have included Marc Silvestri, Humberto Ramos, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Brian Pulido, Erik Larsen, Chuck Dixon and countless more.

Click here to check out Lucio Parrillo's exclusive Vampirella cover on Indiegogo

05/28/20 @ 4:32 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

05/26/20 @ 8:16 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

Yep, it's streeeeetch goal time! The campaign has been such a success so far that we're bringing in some extra goodies for everyone who's already joined the party, and those yet to come on in. Over the holiday weekend, we passed $26,000 and 200 backers. And one very lucky collector locked themselves in for Lucio's one-of-a-kind original painting! A huge congrats to that fan!

To show our gratitude for all this support, we are setting a stretch goal of $30,000 which will give every physical backer a promo trading card of Lucio's breathtaking masterpiece. This card will feature a minimalist design to emphasize the artwork itself, and as with the comics will be incredibly limited based on the number of backers of the campaign.

Check out the campaign now and help unlock the stretch goal!

05/22/20 @ 7:39 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

Coming soon...

Two fantastically talented creators. One badass and historically crucial character. A groundbreaking story. Gorgeous artwork. Available directly for the fans through crowdfunding.

Billy Tucci and Maria Laura Sanapo have a classified project they're cooking up. If you poke around social media, you may figure it out... Or just click below for the partial reveal and to sign up for updates. We'll show you some more teases as the launch approaches, and will let you know ASAP when it's live.

Click Here To Get The Latest Teases & Updates!

05/21/20 @ 5:47 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

Super sales are ending and continuing, and ComiXology is full of energy with the industry getting back to full steam!

First of all, check out the first new release from Dynamite in a while, with RED SONJA #15 available now! Critically acclaimed writer Mark Russell continues to weave this witty grounded yet action packed tale of Sonja the Red, now dealing with being Queen of Hyrkania in "peacetime" in Year Two. The art by Bob Q balances impressive action and cartooning for a classic, timeless style. Reviews have been great, so check it out!

Our Sci-Fi sale ends tonight! 13 thrilling graphic novels are deep discounted, as well as all their respective single issues. Below are some of the standouts included, but click here to browse the full sale!

It's still running for a couple more days, but don't gloss over the Dynamite Select Sale either! With a huge selection of 50 books, there's something for everyone!

And for a recommendation from us, we advise straddling both sales and piecing together a binge reading collection of work from the master Howard Chaykin! You'll find all the below books across these two spectacular sales. All of these are whipsmart tales that pushed against the boundaries of comics and continue to inspire readers and creators today. Though we warn that they do employ mature subject matter.

05/19/20 @ 7:37 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite

Yep, we heard you! Many fans were asking for a graded option on this crowdfunded variant cover, and we made it happen. Now every version of the cover is available graded, and as a bundle. In addition to all the awesome existing options and add-ons. We're guaranteeing a 9.8 grade too! Keep the great ideas coming and maybe we could have another fan-inspired update!

Get yours now on Indiegogo!

05/19/20 @ 7:35 pm EST

Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite