IndieGoGo: Speculate 01: A Comic Book Short Story Collection

Hey we have a new indie project for you to check out. It's an anthology of sorts from Drew Ford and it's called Speculate. He's looking to get the first issue made and the theme is science fiction and will contain seven original stories. Check out the details below, but also stop by his IndieGoGo page to read about the different projects.

IndieGoGo Link!

My name is Drew Ford, and I am the author behind the new comic book short story collection SPECULATE.  With each issue of SPECULATE, I will delve into a different region of genre fiction, be it science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime or just plain good ol' weirdness.  With your help, SPECULATE can become a regular part of the comic book landscape.  The plan is release SPECULATE four times per year.

Marvel Attempts To Be Witty With All-New All-Different Reveal (Not Really That Different)

I'm all for humor in comics, but these teasers are all pretty terrible. I mean not a single one of them was funny and most of them don't even seem to be taking their own story seriously. Granted I can't judge before reading, but if these are the very teasers that are supposed to make me want to read... well they failed. They failed brilliantly because reading any of these titles is now the furthest thing from what I want to do. I'm just going to slap them at the bottom of this for now, but I may write more about this later or at the very least expect a discussion on the CBMFP this weekend.

Take A Look At Archie #1

Here it is, your look at Archie #1. Let's see if the gamble was worth it or if they're going to New 52 bomb this thing...

COMIC SUPERSTARS MARK WAID AND FIONA STAPLES REIMAGINE AN ICON! Change is coming to Riverdale in this can’t-miss kick-off to Archie’s new ongoing series! Familiar faces return in new and unexpected ways in this must-have #1 issue! As the new school year approaches, you’d think Archie Andrews would be looking forward to classes and fun—but nothing is as it seems in the little town of Riverdale. But is this a one-off or a sign of bigger changes awaiting for America’s favorite teens—and the entire town? Find out in this exciting and remarkable first issue!

Script: Mark Waid Art: Fiona Staples, Andre Szymanowicz with Jen Vaughn, Jack Morelli Regular Cover: Fiona Staples SDCC Exclusive Covers: Fiona Staples Variant Covers: J. Scott Campbell, Colleen Coover, Tania del Rio, Joe Eisma, Francesco Francavilla, Genevieve F.T., Michael Gaydos, Sanford Greene, Robert Hack & Steve Downer, Dean Haspiel, David Mack, Moritat, Mike Norton, Jerry Ordway & Jose Villarubia, Ramon K. Perez, Ron Salas, Greg Scott & Steve Downer, T. Rex & Andre Szymanowicz, Brittney Williams, Chip Zdarsky Blank Sketch Cover Also Available On Sale Date: 7/8 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S.

Aquaman Gives You The Most Viruses!

  Every year before Comic-Con Intel likes to put out this list of superhero searches that basically infect computers with viruses and malware and shit and last year Superman took the top spot knocking Aquaman off the throne. This year though Aquaman is back in first baby! I don't know why the fuck people search for Aquaman so damn much though, there should be a study on that. "Why the fuck does this fish-fuck get so many searches, but can't hold a book or my attention?" Go ahead and google that I have no fucking clue what will come up... probably a virus. Here's the rest of their list.

Intel Security’s Top 10 Most Toxic Superheroes*:

1. Aquaman                                                              20.00%
2. Iron Fist                                                                 19.69%
3. Wolverine                                                             19.58.%
4. Wonder Woman                                                  19.38%
5. Doctor Strange                                                     19.17%
6. Daredevil                                                               18.96%
7. Tie: The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man                  18.85%
8. Catwoman                                                             18.65%
9. Green Lantern                                                      18.44%
10. Batman                                                               18.33%

Source

Exclusive: Aaron Alexovich's Variant Cover For Invader Zim #1!

If you're a fan of Invader Zim then you might just know Aaron Alexovich's name since he used to work on the Invader Zim show. He's also one of the artists working on the comic coming out on July 8th. However, this cover will be available through Rebel Base Comics & Toys. If you're trying to collect them all you may want to start pre-ordering all those covers because there are a lot! Check out Oni for more preorders (here, here and here).

#PoisonIvyLeague Seeks To Give Poison Ivy Her Own Series

To be frank, I love Poison Ivy. I have ever since Batman: The Animated Series and not just for the Harley Quinn moments either. I dig the character, so I can definitely get behind the Poison Ivy League's mission to give the character her own series. And why not? Has Harley Quinn not been a success? Frankly I'm surprised that she hasn't had her own series because it's one of DC's go to characters in the Batman-verse. Here's the Poison Ivy League's mission statement of sorts:

We all want a smart, strong, fun, multi-layered anti-hero Poison Ivy led book with roots strongly planted (pun intended) in her radical environmentalist ideologies.  Recently Poison Ivy cosplayers have taken to the cause, posting under #PoisonIvyLeague and #DCYou - all in the spirit of a fun and upbeat campaign meant to display our love of the character and desire to see her blossom (again, pun intended) into her own book.

The campaign seems to be picking up steam, but will DC actually listen and are there enough fans actually willing to support a Poison Ivy series? I guess you'll have to sound off on Twitter and social media with #PoisonIvyLeague and #DCYou.

Dan Mendoza Goes Solo For Anniversary Issue of Zombie Tramp (Preview)

There's just something very right about this issue. I can't wait to read it because it's all Mendoza and that's what hooked me on this series in the first place. I mean just look at that regular cover... damn. Just damn.

ZOMBIE TRAMP #13

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (regular, risqué variant), TMChu (limited variant), blank sketch (limited variant) 

Special anniversary issue - Dan Mendoza returns for the one year anniversary of the ongoing series in a special issue written and drawn by the Zombie Tramp creator himself. As Janey makes her way to Florida for vengeance, she's offered a chance at forgiveness to one of those that wronged her and set her on her twisted path.

 Features regular and risqué variant covers by series creator Dan Mendoza (risqué limited to 2500 copies) and a variant cover by series artist TMChu (limited to 2000 copies), and for the first time a blank “sketch” cover (limited to 1500 copies).

32 pgs./FC/ Mature Readers                                  $3.99 (reg.)/ $4.99 (var.)

Take A Look At Henchgirl #1 Coming In September

Other than looking like a pretty funny and fun read, I have to say that the biggest reason I want to read Henchgirl is the artwork. I fell for creator Kristen Gudsnuk's style instantly and so that's why I'll be checking this out as soon as I can. In the meantime you can pre-order via your comic shop (here's some info) and check out the preview below or on Gudsnuk's website for the comic. [su_quote]Mary Posa hates her job. She works long hours for little pay, no insurance, and, worst of all, no respect. Her coworkers are jerks and her boss doesn't appreciate her. He's also happens to be a supervillain. Cursed with a conscience, Mary would give anything to be something other than a Henchgirl![/su_quote]

[su_custom_gallery source="media: 133729,133723,133724,133725,133726,133727,133728" link="lightbox" width="600" height="850"]

First Second Books Reveals Their Winter Line Up!

If you follow the site or the podcast then you know that I'm a pretty big fan of everything that First Second Books publishes. Everything that I've checked out has been a hit and so I'm very excited about this Winter (aka early next year) list because some favorite titles are returning, but also some new titles from some of my favorite creators. Check out the full pdf below, but here's the cheat sheet version:

The Nameless City, by Faith Erin Hicks – “This tale of unexpected alliances has everything: winning characters, a sumptuous setting, and sharp observations about power and history.” – Scott Westerfeld.  We’re thrilled to be publishing this amazing new middle-grade trilogy from Faith Erin Hicks.

Delilah Dirk and the King’s Shilling, by Tony Cliff – Delilah Dirk is back in this globe-trotting, adventure-filled tale in which she must perform her most difficult tasks yet: wearing dresses and dealing with her mom!

Apollo, by George O’Connor: the eighth volume of the New York Times Best-Selling Olympians series tells the story of Apollo, the god of music, the truth, and prophecy.

The Glorkian Warrior and the Mustache of Destiny, by James Kochalka – in the final volume in the Glorkian Warrior trilogy, the Glorkian Warrior faces his greatest and most terrible foe: small children.

The Show, by Bastien Vives, Michael Sanlaville, and Balak – the fourth volume of the action-packed, medieval-meets-magical tournament fighting Last Man series!

Sweaterweather, by Sara Varon – we’re republishing Sara Varon’s classic, charming, and heartwarming out-of-print short story collection – with some marvelous all-new material added.

Will Lill Comics Reveals Two New Titles

We've got two new issues coming from Will Lill Comics to check it out. Dartman #1 Writer: Richard D. Irving Artist: Lee Melton and Bobby Penafiel Cover: Dan Solano Price: $3.99 (.99 digital) Format: 24 pags, b/w Publisher: Will LIll Comics

Info: This one shot features the adventures of Dartman as he tries to bring to justice The Springer, who murdered an innocent man and save the lives of two hostages.

Grafix Chronicles #4 Writer(s): Lloyd Smith, Jr., Ron Fortier Artist(s): Phillip Fried, Dick Ayers, David Vance, Joe Arnold Cover: Steve Busti and Dick Ayers Price: $3.99 (.99 digital) Format: 24 pages, color Publisher: Will LIll Comics

Info: In this issue, our first color issue, we have 3 great stories. First up is "Toombora" by Lloyd Smith Jr, Phillip Fried and comic book legend Dick Ayers. Next is "The Black Rose" once again by Lloyd Smith Jr and David Vance. And lastly, "Brother Bones: Needle Justice" by Ron Fortier and Joe Arnold. Cover by Steve Busti and Dick Ayers.

Comic Industry: Devil's Due And 1First Comics Merge

Well this is somewhat interesting. Devil's Due a company I'm very familiar with and currently love their line up of titles is merging with 1First Comics... a company that's sound vaguely familiar, but I just can't place their titles. They're calling the merger "the first so-called mini-major comics publishing company since the establishment of Image." Which I get, they're saying it's creator-owned at its heart and run by creators, but I've never heard the term "mini-major" before. You can read the full story on Deadline, but here's the important parts below:

The merger combines each company’s comics libraries and business infrastructure, with implications for both the comics industry and film/television. The merger brings together 1First cofounder Ken F. Levin’s film and television development team, and the marketing and convention expertise of Devil’s Due. The details concerning development of properties owned individually by either Devil’s Due or 1First prior to the merger will be worked out in the coming months.

After the merger, Devil’s Due and 1First will continue to exercise relative autonomy in publishing decisions, and to emphasize creator-owned comics. Through the end of 2015, Devil’s Due / 1First Comics LLC will release six original graphic novels, and launch five new ongoing comic series, as well as reissue trade collections of previously published titles. These titles will begin shipping in September.

I.C.E. and King Bone Press' Sketch Drive!

You may remember I.C.E. the show that was for indie creators that ran during C2E2 this year? We were a sponsor and all and well the even was successful, but the bill was a bit higher than anticipated. Rather than asking for a handout though they're raising funds another way so check out the details below on the sweet swag you can get while helping them out. Win, win!

Well, ICE is over and we had a blast! Thank you to everyone who came out, supported, reposted, talked about or even thought about ICE. We could not have predicted the support we would get for our first show. Special thanks to Adam Warrock, Mega Ran and Chochise Soulstar for absolutely dominating the stage(or the floor in Chochise’s case). Also, we could not have done the show without the backing of SWEETS SO GEEK, COMIC BASTARDS, HAG’S HENCHMEN(WEBCOMIC), MIGHTY INK AND DISCOUNT COMICBOOK SERVICE. And a final thanks to Reggie’s for hosting an amazing event for some novice showrunners. Pics are up on our facebook event page.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

Now the difficult part…

We messed up! We are a bunch of comic creators and ex-musicians who thought we could put together a great show at a great bar and change the game. Well, in most of those aspects we succeeded. We made decisions with our hearts  and went forward knowing we would not make a dime off this show and we were ok with that. Until we got the bill. We made some crucial mistakes and financially, we are in a a big hole. I’ll cut to the chase and prefice this by saying—WE ARE NOT A CHARITY. You people give so much to us and we hope we return your kindness with great product. That is what we aim to do now and moving forward.

#kbpsketchdrive

We are hosting a sketch drive and sale to recoup some of our costs from ICE. So, if you wanted a sketch, an ICE t-shirt or an ICE bottle opener and magnet set…ORDER UP! Free shipping on sketches(US only, sorry). AND EVERYTHING IS ON SALE IN OUR STORE!!!!!

That’s all there is too it. Ray Wegner, Bobgar Ornelas and Felipe Anguiano are willing to knock out some great commisions at great prices. If we can sell some sketches and a few dozen shirts, we can make it work. If you are unable to purchase something, please spread the word.  Click here or visit our store link above.

Once again we thank you.

-Jon/Team ICE

IndieGoGo: We Kill The Dead

Well that's a hell of a title! Pay attention people, that's called branding! We Kill The Dead is currently on IndieGoGo seeking funding. You can click the video above or read the synopsis below to find out more about the project. If horror's not your thing, that's cool, but give it a share so that it can find it's audience.

It is about a secret government agency whose mission is to combat thano-sapiens, undead killers such as Jason or Freddy. This first story of a planned trilogy entails Joanna, a survivor of a thano-sapien attack at her college, who enlists in the SSTB (Supernatural Special Tactics Bureau). Shortly after she joins, Jack the Ripper returns as a demonic being, last seen when SSTB leader, Nathan Scrimm, blew his head off with a grenade in the 80's. Now Jo, Nate, and the more-than-slightly-disturbed Agent Cooper race to discover the secret to stopping the legendary serial killer while battling an army of thano-sapiens under Jack's control.

IndieGoGo: Vile: The Legend of Thunder Valley

I like me some Western comics and Vile: The Legend of Thunder Valley looks pretty interesting. We've got a preview of the issue that the team is currently looking to fund over on IndieGoGo so check that out first of all since it'll say more about the book than I can. For those still needing more info here you go:

Vile Tells the tale of Hard-Pants, a young Native American mother trying to live her life in a brutal world. Her life is interrupted when the serial killer "Vile" Clem Stlyes wipes out her tribe, and kidnaps her. Clem Styles renames her and attempts to break her spirit. What will she do? What can she do? The murderer Clem Styles is kept alive by several curse-spirits that ensure that only a fitting and horrible death will suit Clem Styles because of the nature of his crimes. Will Hard Pants escape? Will she be the one to bring an end to "Vile" Clem Styles' killing?

IndieGoGo Link!

Doom Comes Early in the Form of Invader Zim Zine Special

Oni Press, Portland’s premier independent comic book publisher, announced today TruthShrieker, a satirical kickoff to the ongoing comic book series based on the beloved animated show Invader Zim, in collaboration with Jhonen Vasquez and Nickelodeon.

TruthShrieker, a conspiracy-zine-style comic, features work by Invader Zim creator Jhonen Vasquez along with Aaron Alexovich, Eric Trueheart, Rikki Simons and Megan Lawton. It features articles by Invader Zim antagonist Dib among other brave TruthShrieker contributors unencumbered by the public’s insistence on “facts.” Fans can look forward to hard-hitting journalism pieces like “Where is Invader Zim?”, “Ms. Bitters Has Always Existed??”, “Is This Bee Haunted?” and many more.

TruthShrieker will first be available at the Oni Press booth (#529) at Denver Comic Con, May 23-25, and Jhonen Vasquez will sign copies during the event.  The next chance for fans to get this unique prelude to the Invader Zim comic will be at San Diego Comic-Con International 2015, July 9-12.  After that, TruthShrieker will be available online through the Oni Press web store. The first issue of Invader Zim #1, will be available July 1 in comic stores across the country.

X-O MANOWAR Ushers in EXODUS – A Powerful New Turning Point Beginning in August!

Two peoples. One planet. This summer, can a man of war broker peace between Earth and a renegade alien nation in search of a new world? Valiant is proud to announce EXODUS – a pivotal new story arc beginning this August in X-O MANOWAR #39! Jump on board here as New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (BOOK OF DEATH, Green Lantern) and fan-favorite artist Rafa Sandoval (X-Men: Legacy) trap Valiant's most powerful hero between two peoples he has sworn to protect – humanity...and a mass migration of alien refugees, orphaned and cast adrift by the unassailable attack of DEAD HAND!

Aric of Dacia is X-O Manowar, hero to humanity, leader of the remaining Visigoths, and a husband about to start a new family. He is also the bearer of Shanhara, and tantamount to a god in the eyes of the alien race known as the Vine. Now, in the aftermath of DEAD HAND's destruction of their world, the Vine need a new home and have chosen Earth – tearing Aric between two races that worship him, but each despise one another. Have these last living remnants of the Vine's civilization come seeking peace? And what changes will their arrival herald for our world? All – human and alien alike – will be tested when an old enemy seizes this moment of turmoil to attack Aric at his weakest…and forces the people of Earth to pay an impossible price for X-O Manowar's allegiance.

"What an amazing story Rob has planned for you all - a twist on Aric's history that remains true to X-O Manowar's spirit and will be full of surprises for longtime Valiant fans and new readers alike," said X-O Manowar editor Tom Brennan. "X-O Manowar spent so much of his life fighting the Vine and now he must be their champion - how will Earth react? Or his fellow survivors of Vine enslavement for that matter? We're going to answer those questions and more, and Rafa Sandoval's ability to brilliantly blend character drama and widescreen action is the perfect complement to Rob's story of what it truly means to be a hero."

This August, brace for impact as the Earth confronts its alien EXODUS head-on, only in X-O MANOWAR #39 – featuring covers by red-hot artists Rafa Sandoval (Ultimate Hawkeye), Robert Gill (BOOK OF DEATH), CAFU (UNITY), and Brent Peeples (Last of the Greats)! In the aftermath of X-O Manowar's oversized wedding extravaganza, a new era for humanity begins here with a perfect jumping-on point for the acclaimed superhero series that Comic Vine calls "Valiant's top book, month after month".

For more information, visit online at Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and ValiantUniverse.com. For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

Titan Reveals Fourth Doctor and Remaining Covers For Doctor Who Event

Well he's not quite revealed, but considering there's a photo cover of the War Doctor, I'm going to guess that he's the fourth Doctor in the story. That makes the most sense, otherwise I don't think they'd give him a cover. It's pretty cool that writer Paul Cornell is using the current series companions. I kind of worried about that since it would be easy not to, but this actually builds on the work they're doing in the comics which is important as it sets the comics a part from the TV show.

Cover A

Cover B

Cover C

August 12 see​s​ the launch of ​Titan Comics' Doctor Who summer event - Doctor Who: Four Doctors​!

This spectacular 5-part weekly event ​will be penned ​by Paul Cornell and illustrated by Neil Edwards, ​and ​stars​ the​ Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors and their comics companions! The first issue ​hits comic stores on​ Wednesday August 12, supported by the global Doctor Who Comics Day on Saturday August 15! Each of the five ​issues comes with three covers to collect: an art cover, a photo cover and a companions art cover!

Norman's Back And He's Going On A Field Trip!

You should check out the first volume of Norman. It's a hilarious, horrifying story of a little boy who is also a serial killer. It's great. Titan's announced the second volume of Norman from creator Stan Silas and sent us a preview for you to check out. The book is out in September and I'm already looking forward to it.

Norman Vol. 2 WRITER/ARTIST: STAN SILAS PUBLISHER: TITAN COMICS PAGECOUNT: 64 FORMAT: HC COVER PRICE: $14.99 RELEASE DATE: WED SEPTEMBER 02, 2015 ISBN: 9781782762409 ORDER CODE: MAY151550

If you go down to the woods today…You’ll see a field trip that’s gone very, very wrong. If you put a bunch of kids in the back of a van and drag them along on a weekend of drunken debauchery, that tends to happen. What doesn’t tend to happen is multiple murders and a disembowelment. Unless, of course, Norman is around…

Get The First Two Chapters of Deadhorse For Free

Deadhorse is a series by Eric Grissom and Phil Sloan and well to say I enjoy it is a bit of an understatement. Book two, Ballad of the Two-Headed Dog, is being worked on at the moment, but the team has offered up the first two chapters of Book One for readers to check out. That really should be enough to hook you since those are the chapters that hooked me. If you want more info or to read our reviews click the word Deadhorse and you'll be whisked away to our site tag offering up all the coverage on the series. To get the chapters you should head over to DeadhorseComics.com and click the download.

Kickstarter: Ultimate Night of the Living Dead from Double Take

On September 16, 2015, Double Take (2T) will release all 10 1^st issues of its 1^st 10 series of Ultimate Night of the Living Dead.  2T has assembled 10 teams of talented storytellers; each is creating an original series of stories. Each series is interesting, informative and funny in its own way. Together they weave into a common universe.  “Originally, we were thinking of trickling out a couple series of every month or so, building up our roster over time,” said 2T GM Bill Jemas. “Now we’re planning to launch our new universe in one big bang.” In late March 2015, 2T announced the first three books of the series (Rise, Home and Z-Men) for their September launch. Today, the Company is announcing the final seven books of the universe including Honor, Lab, Spring, Remote, Medic, Dedication, and Soul. Additionally, cover art for these new titles is attached.

In addition, today 2T also is launching a Kickstarterhttp://comicbastards.com/tag/kickstarter/ campaign in support of Ultimate Night of the Living Dead. Fans and Retailers alike can save money while getting access to great comics and other goodies. “Kickstarter is a great way to reach out to readers, to learn what they like and don’t like,” said Robert Meyers, 2T’s Managing Editor.

Finally, 2T is announcing an innovative offer - in addition to offering single copies, 2T will collect all 10 1^st issues in one Super Pack at a fantastic discount. Right now, you can preview the 1^st scenes of our 1^st stories on your phone at doubletakeuniverse.com and pre-order a Super Pack on Kickstarter.com.

For all the details on Kickstarter, please use the below link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/221551805/ultimate-night-of-the-living-dead

Kickstarter Link!

Lab Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Story: Bill Jemas, Michael Coast, Julian Rowe Script: Brian Finkelstein Artists: Julian Rowe, Joseph Cooper, Tanya & Richard Horie

Even a brain a-day won’t keep this Doctor away.

Spring Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Writer: Bill Jemas, Michael Coast, and Jessica Lee Williamson Artists: Kurt Tiede, Alejandro Sicat

Hot sun, hot babes, and the cold decaying flesh of the zombie horde. It’s co-eds vs. the undead.

Home Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Writer: Bill Jemas, Julian Rowe, Peter Aguero Artists: Julian Rowe, Monica Catalano, Fernando Melek

A happy family, a lovely spring evening, and Zombies.

Remote Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Writers: Michael Coast and Colin Mitchell Artist: David Wilson

As ghouls surround her station, KBRF Radio ace DJ Samantha stays on the air all night. Will Rock & Roll save her soul?

Medic Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Story: Bill Jemas, Michael Coast, Julian Rowe Script: Brian Finkelstein Artist: Julian Rowe, Marco Castiello

Doctors, and nurses, and zombies, oh my!

Dedication Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Writers: Michael Coast, Matthew Summo Artist: JJ Dzialowski

Thanks to some hungry customers, the closing shift at George’s Market has turned into the graveyard shift.

Soul Format: Monthly (print and digital) Print price: $2.50 Release date: September 16 Writers: Michael Coast, Julian Rowe, Bill Jemas Artists: Julian Rowe, Ricardo Sanchez, Tamara Bonvillain

The posse shoots to kill, but Ben survives. Too bad it’s all-downhill from here.

About Night of the Living Dead

As you may know, the 1968 film is in the public domain. All of us here at Double Take admire and respect the creators, cast and crew, but, no one affiliated with the Night of the Living Dead film is in any way involved in the creation of 2T’s stories.

2T’s 1^st stories start in the world established by the Night of the Living Dead. Then we let our imaginations and our zombies run wild. Mostly, our creators are telling new stories starring new characters. But, if you love the classic film, you won’t be disappointed; you can follow your favorite characters from their first appearances, through their dying breaths, to their first baby Zombie steps.