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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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11/15/19 @ 5:16 pm EST
Dynamite has just a few days left to go on its mega-gigantic Humble Bundle. Add it all up, and you can get almost 350 issues and 12,000 pages of comic books & more for under $20. That's a deal! Check out all the tiers and make sure to sneak in your purchase before it ends soon! Don't miss the Dynamite 15th Anniversary Bundle <- CLICK! Your friends at Dynamite want to show you this sweet Army of Darkness story. It's written by Scott Duvall, who Ash Williams fans may remember from Army of Darkness / Bubba Ho-Tep. The art is masterfully handled by Edu Menna and Jordan Michael Johnson, with colors and letters by Salvatore Aiala and Taylor Esposito. Fitting for a Humble Bundle stuffed full of great books, Ash is on a book tour. But he has bad experiences with a certain book... Before or after you read the story, check out this interview with Scott about the story - CLICK!And probably after you finish it, check out Scott's page-by-page commentary on the issue - CLICK!      11/08/19 @ 7:00 pm EST
Joseph Michael Linsner's limited edition Vampirella #1 cover is available to order right now on Indiegogo! Make sure you're getting one in whatever variation you prefer! Click Here! The cover is available dressed with the iconic Vampirella logo, as a logo-free "virgin" cover, in black and white OR black and white virgin! Joe is signing and even doing sketches on a limited number for his fans. Additionally, you can get a sweet folio case to store your Linsner covers in and/or stack on his two fan-favorite Vampi graphic novels! There's something for everyone!
Check out this sweet GIF showing both the process and different versions of the cover available! 
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/joseph-m-linsner-s-vampirella-1-exclusive-cover/reft/22253397/CONS 11/05/19 @ 7:12 pm EST
Legendary independent artist Joseph Michael Linsner launches his exclusive cover for Vampirella #1 on Indiegogo, in partnership with Dynamite.
Just launched, the campaign is live this moment! Click Here!
When the new Vampirella comic series broke sales records, with a final print run of over 150,000 within and outside of the direct market, Joe offered to contribute his own cover to the launch with the intention that he could introduce his amazing fans to an all-new Vampirella being written by the legendary Christopher Priest. Linsner will always be associated with the best of Vampirella, first contributing to the character professionally over 20 years ago and being a fan long before that. His continued contribution to her library of stories and art helps cement her as one of the most enduring characters in comics today.
The cover is available in multiple editions. These include the standard version in full glorious color and with Vampi's iconic title logo - fun fact: the modern iteration of the logo goes way back to 1971's Vampirella #12! Collectors can also get a version without the logo, a black and white pencil sketch with or without logo, any combination and any of them signed by Joe himself.    
Linsner shared, "This cover helps celebrate Vampirella's 50th year in print, and my 30th year of drawing Dawn. Let this pave the way for my next 30 years -- the best is yet to come." For the Linsner superfans, he will even be doing a limited number (only 30!) of one-of-a-kind remark sketches on the black and white covers. 
The cherry on top is ... 10/30/19 @ 8:01 pm EST
Dynamite Entertainment is celebrating its 15th year of publishing in 2019. To celebrate this benchmark and give back to the loyal fans both new and old, the publisher is teaming up with Humble Bundle and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund to offer an unparalleled digital comics bundle! The biggest Dynamite bundle to date!
The bundle will only run for a limited time, so fans should jump on it! - Dynamite 15th Anniversary Bundle
The bundle pulls together classics, overlooked gems and today's hottest hits from throughout Dynamite's storied history. Including the very first comic published by Dynamite, Army of Darkness: Ashes 2 Ashes #1 by Andy Hartnell (Danger Girl) and a breakout performance by artist Nick Bradshaw (Wolverine & the X-Men). Other touchstones included are the earliest Red Sonja issues under the Dynamite banner, Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's Golden Age-turned anew superhero epic Project Superpowers, the mega event Chaos! by hardcore fan turned celebrated creator Tim Seeley (Nightwing), and the most ambitious Dynamite crossover to this day, Gail Simone's (Birds of Prey) Swords of Sorrow. Plus of course 2019's big mainstream rediscovery of The Boys is represented. And the biggest hits of today like the new Vampirella by Christopher Priest (Black Panther) and the critically acclaimed Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt by Kieron Gillen (Uncanny X-Men, The Wicked + The Divine).
A portion of all proceeds will be contributed to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. This important organization plays a pivotal role in the comic book industry and art form by researching, educating about and fighting against censorship and other injustices enacted against cartoonists and their work.
"Driven by an authentic and sincere passion for the comics medium, Dynamite creates entertaining comics for a wide range of readers. We're grateful to receive their support, ...
10/01/19 @ 2:44 pm EST
The 50th Anniversary celebration of Vampirella rolls on with another smash hit debut, with Dynamite proud to announce that VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA #1 sold in excess of 63,000 copies! This is a great number following on the record-setting 150,000 for July's VAMPIRELLA #1 - higher than recorded totals for any historical Vampirella comic or magazine issue. This could not be achieved without the passionate fans and retailers who supported the title, and Dynamite could not be more grateful. This Wednesday, everyone will finally get to read it! Dynamite welcomes fans to share their opinions and haul photos on social media and tag @dynamitecomics.    Tom Sniegoski returns to his signature character in comic books and the genesis of his career in the medium, 25 years after he left in 1996. He has the opportunity to do what few creators get the chance to, pick up exactly where he left off. Well, he's also chosen to incorporate that quarter-decade gap into the story as a time skip. In 1996, Tom closed his run on the Daughter of Drakulon with quite a bang, by literally killing his heroine in the epic Death & Destruction miniseries. This followed a nearly four-year run, anchored by the original Vengeance of Vampirella series but strewn across over 50 issues including tie-ins and crossovers.    In that original tenure, Tom shepherded everyone's favorite vampiress through the turbulent 1990s and at the forefront of the "bad girl" craze alongside crossover buddies Lady Death, Witchblade, Shi and others. Joined by artists like Buzz, Lous Small Jr., ... 10/01/19 @ 1:36 pm EST
Bite into this! Dynamite reveals an avalanche of official Vampirella apparel and merchandise available directly to fans - right now! By partnering with Teespring and Amazon, Dynamite is able to offer a theoretically limitless array of designs for Vampi fans of all eras to apply to over a dozen items of their choosing and have them delivered to their steps in record time!
Fans can check out all the options on Teespring here. And here for Amazon's offerings.
Countless articles of clothing are available, including tee shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, hoodies, socks and even leggings! Shirts are available in multiple variations, down to fit, sleeve length and material. Additional items range from mugs, tote bags, stickers and phone cases.
  
  
Dynamite's production and product development teams have assembled eight designs for this initial wave, with more to come later - and even more characters/titles! Vampirella clothing would not be complete without options for Frank Frazetta, Jose Gonzalez, Mike Mayhew and Vampi's signature bat-inspired yellow logo. A couple more fun designs have been added, such as the tongue-in-cheek, teeth-in-neck "Blood Drive." As well as a "Drakulon Athletics" design that one might see in the gyms on her home planet.
 
10/01/19 @ 1:32 pm EST
In a very Vought-like move, Dynamite Entertainment is inviting fans to join The Boys by sporting some sweet apparel inspired by the classic Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson epic, now enjoyed by many more thanks to the Prime Video series!
Dynamite is offering two shirt designs, and they're actually a matching set. One reproduces the iconic cover of the first issue, with the titular group looking down at the reader and the initial series tagline "This is Going to Hurt." For the seventh issue, and first initially published by Dynamite, Darick Robertson and colorist Tony Aviña depicted the brutal scene The Boys were actually looking down on. This shirt is accompanied by the matching "We Told You This Was Going to Hurt" tag. These gilded-cotton tee shirts are available in sizes US Small through XXL.
 
It's (finally) getting cooler up in the Northern Hemisphere, and Dynamite has just the item to keep your head warm in the winter months - a The Boys knit beanie cap! This one-size-fits-all hat is made of cotton and goes for a more simplistic style with just the series logo. Still a great way to show off one's fandom and a perfect match for the shirts!
The Boys fans new and old can stay tuned for more exciting clothing options as Dynamite expands the line in coming months to include socks, caps and more! Dynamite also welcomes fans to share their Boys outfits on social media and tag @dynamitecomics!
“I’m delighted to see The Boys doing so well, especially with a whole new audience that now has a chance to see Butcher, Hughie and the rest of the gang in ...
10/01/19 @ 1:33 pm EST
Dynamite is proud to announce that the omnibus reprints of The Boys have sold over 110,000 copies to date in 2019 for Volumes 1 through 4, and with current unfilled orders of these volumes, plus the upcoming Volume 5 release, will ship in excess of 150,000 copies since the first volume's initial release in March! The final volume will be released in January 2020.
Despite continuing to go back to press, and specifically doing so in North America, Dynamite has been fighting to keep up with demand from retailers and fans interested in diving into the "blueprint" after loving the Prime Video adaptation. This overwhelming interest and support is incredibly meaningful to the publisher and creators of the legendary 90-issue series.
"At the moment the BOYS TV show is hitting peak exposure and has emerged as Prime's top show, Dynamite has smartly repackaged our work into these wonderful new Omnibuses, full of extra material and sketches from the creation of the book all the way back to 2006," said Darick Robertson, artist and co-creator. "They are a perfect way to complete your library or experience the comics that inspired the biggest show on streaming television."
Advance solicited for a January 2020 release, the sixth and final omnibus is available in two variations. An art cover by Darick Robertson depicts the full team, after each previous volume spotlighted one member of the five person core team. The special Prime Video photo cover features Frenchie, as brilliantly portrayed in the show by actor Tomer Kapon.
 
Underneath the covers, this volume recollects the previous final two volumes Volume 11: Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men and Volume 12: The ... 09/30/19 @ 4:30 pm EST
Dynamite is releasing a horde of Vampirella extras and collectibles for fans to stuff their stockings with this December! Everything from reprints, statues, high-quality prints, trading cards and much more!
Dynamite is also continuing the Replica Edition program that ran alongside the debut. Vampirella #2 from 1969 will be reprinted at full size and featuring all of the original editorial content - ads and all! This hard to track down, 60-plus page comics magazine is noteworthy for being the first appearance of Vampi's cousin, Evily the Witch! The iconic cover by Bill Hughes depicts the spellcaster and fans can catch up with her latest escapades in the recently collected Vampirella: Roses for the Dead by Kristina and Joseph Michael Linsner. Not only that, Vampi’s blonde-haired, black-clad twin sister Draculina also makes her first appearance here! Forrest Ackerman writes the second-ever Vampirella story, joined this time by longtime Jack Kirby inker Mike Royer. Other contributors include Don Glut, Billy Graham, Ernie Colon and more.
 Dynamite is releasing the Stanley "Artgerm" Lau Vampirella bust and this December is soliciting the Underworld variant. This edition features an alternate paint scheme, draining the color from Vampirella, the intricate base of skulls turned black and piercing eyes for both Vampi herself and all the poor souls beneath her. This nearly 8-inch tall resin piece will be available in limited quantities for the ultimate collectors of Vampirella and Artgerm, one of the most popular artists in the industry today! 
To further celebrate the Artgerm Vampirella extravaganza, Dynamite is offering two collectible coins featuring his previous beloved paintings of the Daughter of Drakulon from issues #2 and 4. These coins use US John F. Kennedy Half-Dollars as a base, then ...
09/30/19 @ 4:27 pm EST
Dynamite is proud to announce that a third breathtaking depiction of Vampirella by chart-topper and fan-favorite Artgerm will grace not only VAMPIRELLA #6, but also the front cover of Diamond Comics Distributors' October for December 2019 Previews catalog!
 This is the perfect way to wrap up the year, as Dynamite has been celebrating Vampirella's 50th anniversary since July when the smash-hit new series by Christopher Priest and Ergün Gündüz premiered during San Diego Comic Con. Vampi superfans have nothing to worry about either, as the celebration will continue well into 2020! Dynamite can also update that upon final review, the print run on the first issue actually came out to slightly over 150 thousand copies with sales inside and outside of the comics market!! This issue marks Stanley "Artgerm" Lau's third cover for the series, contributing to every even issue to date. For this piece, he used more traditional techniques than usual with a charcoal layer. Dynamite wanted to highlight this eye-catching cover even more and chose to enhance it with an acetate layer. Typically these covers consist of the logo on the overlay above virgin cover art. Artgerm opted to design the design himself, with a dripping blood effect. Most exciting, Dynamite is keeping the price for this main acetate Artgerm cover at the standard $3.99 so every Vampirella fan can continue their run without worry and new readers can jump right in! On that note, everyone is welcome to check out the series with this issue! After all, a wise man once said 'every comic book is someone's first,' and Dynamite's creators and editorial team work hard to make every issue as approachable as the first. Priest is in for the long haul, with his run currently planned out past issue #14, with ... |
