Exclusive Preview: Pawn Shop from Z2 Comics

We have another exclusive preview for you from Z2 Comics. In case you missed it here's a link to our other preview today. I haven't read anything by Esposito yet so this will be a first for me, but I'm very familiar with Von Gorman's work on Toe Tag Riot. If anything, this book highlights just how diverse Z2's line up is. Be sure to stop back by for the review and in the meantime here's some info on Pawn Shop before the preview.

PAWN SHOP written by by Joey Esposito (whose FOOTPRINTS earned an honorable mention on USA TODAY’s “BEST OF” lists 2011) illustrated with a gorgeous mixture of watercolor and digital elements by Sean Von Gorman (TOE TAG RIOT) presents the story of four people, in a city of eight million, whose lives unknowingly intersect through a Manhattan pawn shop. A widower. A nurse. A punk. A Long Island Railroad employee. New York City is an ecosystem where everybody is connected, if only by the streets they walk on. PAWN SHOP explores the big things that separate us and the little moments that inexplicably unite us.

Joey Esposito is a writer and hoarder of things from New England, where he lives with his girlfriend Amanda and their cat Reebo. He thinks CHEERS is the greatest television show ever made. He writes comics like FOOTPRINTS , CAPTAIN ULTIMATE, and PAWN SHOP. His work has appeared at Image Comics, Archie Comics, Valiant Comics, and more.

Sean Von Gorman is an NYC based Comics Illustrator & Writer. known for TOE TAG RIOT, SECRET ADVENTURES OF HOUDINI and his work for the Occupy Comics Anthology w/ such comics legends as Alan Moore, Mike Allred, David Mack. In addition to his comics work, Sean is also a brilliant guerrilla marketer, who has been known to handcuff himself to things and escape straightjackets to promote his work at Comic Shops and Conventions. If you should meet Sean in person, approach carefully as he is very dangerous.

Exclusive Preview: Ashes: A Firefighter's Tale

Well if you've been following the site then you know that Z2 Comics is on fire... pun not intended. Seriously though, they've got a slew of great books out/soon to release. One of their next titles is Ashes: A Firefighter's Tale. You can read about it below before checking out the preview, but know that you'll find coverage for it here on the site.

New York City has inspired graphic novels as wonderfully diverse and eclectic as the city’s population. From a coming-of-age story of NYU freshmen (THE NEW YORK FOUR by Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly), to a fictionalized memoir about a writer’s addictions (THE ALCOHOLIC by Jonathan Ames and Dean Haspiel), from a memoir about the city’s most famous urban planner (ROBERT MOSES: THE MASTER BUILDER OF NEW YORK by Pierre Christin) to Will Eisner’s classic graphic novels, there’s a rich and impressive history of comics about the 5 boroughs. Z2 Comics will publish two more love letters to NYC: ASHES: A FIREFIGHTER’S TALE and PAWN SHOP. Both graphic novels present the stories of everyday New Yorkers -- and everyday heroes -- making their way in the toughest of cities, searching for real human connection.

ASHES: A FIREFIGHTER’S TALE written by Mario Candelaria (UNLAWFUL GOOD) with art by Karl Slominski (GOLGOTHA), takes readers along for the ride with New York firefighter. Matt always had an easygoing life. Girls liked him, his friends were like family and being a firefighter came naturally. But his life changed in an instant when he lost his leg trying to save the last person trapped in a burning building. A riveting tale about perseverance, hard work, and overcoming the odds, ASHES is a gripping tale told in evocative black and white.

 

About the creators of ASHES:

Mario Candelaria (UNLAWFUL GOOD, EPILOGUE) is a writer and stand-up comedian who is constantly on the lookout for new and imaginative ways to bring an authentic perspective into his work. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Mario currently resides in suburban Philadelphia where he spends his days honing his craft and trying to figure out what exactly a "Wawa" is.

Karl Slominski began drawing comics as soon as his tiny, claw-like hand could grasp a pen. A graduate of The Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Art, Slominski's prolific DIY inksplatterings have contributed to film & TV as well as illustrating the graphic novels TAD CALDWELL & THE MONSTER KID, GOLGOTHA, and RUN LIKE HELL. He lives on voracious intake of black coffee, rock n' roll, and love.

Kickstarter: Vast Expanse #1 by Jeremy Scott Nichols

Here's the second of our kickstarters for the day. I was intrigued by this project based on the different subjects of each story. The "elevator pitch" for each one caught my attention and made me actually want to read the different stories. Here they are in case you were wondering:

A macabre tale set in the Middle Ages. An anti-bullying story. A surrealist love story. An action-packed battle of mutated beasts.

Four stories in one comic. I also, again appreciate that this is a well put together kickstarter. Check out the video and of course check out the kickstarter link below.

Kickstarter link for Vast Expanse #1

Preview: Aspen Comics Titles on Sale 10/28/15

Hey, hey, take a look at the titles on sale today from Aspen Comics. JIRNI vol. 2 #3 JT Krul – Story / V Ken Marion – Art / Wes Hartman, Federico Blee, Stephan Lemineur, Peter Steigerwald - Colors

When Boro leads Ara to a strange new land, she finds a special clue to finding her kidnapped mother—however, will she be able to stay on that path or will another road call out to her?

Creator J.T. Krul, artist V Ken Marion, and colorists Wes Hartman, Federico Blee, Stephan Lemineur, and Peter Steigerwald are proud to present the follow-up volume to Aspen's smash hit series -JIRNI!

JIRNI vol. 2 #3 is in stores October 28th, 2015!

FOUR POINTS #5 Scott Lobdell – Story / Jordan Gunderson – Art / Valentina Pinto - Colors

The end is here!

As, the group attempts to overcome the combined might of the four brothers and their path of destruction—the real shock may come when they discover that the team made up of the four elemental points is not all they are cracked up to be!

FOUR POINTS #5 is in stores October 28th, 2015!

ONIBA: SWORDS OF THE DEMON #0 Vince Hernandez – Story / Paolo Pantalena - Art

From creators Paolo Pantalena (Jirni) and Vince Hernandez (Fathom: Kiani) comes this all-new action-adventure series hundreds of years in the making!

When the actions of her feudal lord begin to lay the seeds of doubt within her, Yukiko, a samurai with exceptional swordplay and even far greater courage, must make a bold decision that forever changes her fate—along with the history of Japan itself!

This special debut zero issue of ONIBA: SWORDS OF THE DEMON features a brand-new 12-page story that sets the stage for the upcoming premiere of ONIBA: SWORDS OF THE DEMON #1 coming next month! Also including a comprehensive sketchbook section and never before seen designs and artwork, make sure you don’t miss out on ONIBA: SWORDS OF THE DEMON #0!

ONIBA: SWORDS OF THE DEMON #0 is in stores October 28th, 2015!

Preview The Abaddon -- On Sale 10/28/15

Well if you listened to this week's CBMFP then you already heard me talk about The Abaddon. Looks like it's releasing this week which is great news to anyone that was looking forward to reading it. You may recall that Kevin told me to stop talking about it because he was so interested in it. That should tell you something! Below is a preview to check out and you'll definitely want to grab this one.

From award-winning illustrator Koren Shadmi comes THE ABADDON, a strikingly cinematic graphic novel loosely based on Jean-Paul Sartre’s play NO EXIT from Z2 Comics. Attached are three pages from THE ABADDON that we hope you'll run in advance of the book's comic shop on-sale date -- tomorrow, October 28th. THE ABADDON will be available on the internet and in bookstores November 12th.

Originally created as a webcomic, THE ABADDON tells the story of a young man, Ter, who finds himself trapped in an otherworldly apartment with a group of dysfunctional, ill-matched roommates. Ter is aghast to discover that his new, grotesque reality is not governed by the laws of nature, and that his roommates are missing critical chunks of their memories and identities -- as is he. Shadmi's inspiration for the apartment building in THE ABADDON is a real one in Brooklyn, which houses many cartoonists.

Creator Koren Shadmi’s work was first published in his native Israel when he was a teenager. His haunting, alluring characters pull readers straight into Ter’s David Lynch-esque reality. On his captivating and, at times, horrifying quest for clarity and control, Ter remembers that he was once a soldier, and is forced to face the aftermath of his time on the frontlines -- a journey that echoes Shadmi’s own three year-stint in the Israeli Army.

Shadmi is already a well-known creator in Israel and Europe, and this fall’s publication of THE ABADDON promises to substantially elevate his U.S. profile. Through THE ABADDON, U.S. readers and critics alike will discover Shadmi’s intense combination of dark humor and drama; will feel a rare, visceral connection to characters that embody all of our deepest, darkest thoughts.

Preview: Welcome to Showside #1

Out this Wednesday is Ian McGinty's Welcome to Showside #1 from Z2 Comics. I actually already reviewed and enjoyed this issue (review here), but I'm looking forward to grabbing an actual copy this week. In the meantime, you can check out a preview below and if you dig it then grab a copy this Wednesday.

Preview: Beast Wagon #2

Beast Wagon is back! You may recall the dark comedy that I previously reviewed for the site and if not check the review out here.

BEAST WAGON CHAPTER TWO - DREAMTIME Writer: Owen Michael Johnson Artist: John Pearson Letterer: Colin Bell Publisher: Changeling Studios On sale date: 16th November for non-Kickstarter backers at changelingstudios.com

Loves are tested.

Plans are drawn.

Doses are administered.

Whipsnarl Zoo heats up.

The second chapter of the British Comic Award nominated black comedy from writer Owen Michael Johnson (Raygun Roads, Reel Love) and Illustrator John Pearson, with letters by Colin Bell (Curb Stomp, The Fiction, And Then Emily Was Gone).

Preview: Allen: Son of Hellcock #1

If you follow the site then you probably caught the interview I did with the writer/creators of Allen: Son of Hellcock. If not then you should definitely check that out in addition to this preview. Now's the time to pre-order this puppy so get on it!

ABOUT ALLEN: SON OF HELLCOCK ALLEN: SON OF HELLCOCK, the comic book debut of writers Will Tracy (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) and Gabe Koplowitz, with artist Miguel Porto, will be released this December from Z2 Comics. Title character Allen is cowardly, directionless, and less physically menacing than a daffodil. He’s also the only son of the mightiest hero ever to plunge his sword hilt-deep into the dark heart of evil… the mighty HELLCOCK! Enjoy the ride as Allen is thrust sword-first into a not-so-classic fantasy quest that, frankly, he would rather just sit out.

Preview: Carver: A Paris Story #1

You'll be able to read my review for Carver: A Paris Story #1 tomorrow, but for now check out this amazing preview of Chris Hunt's new comic from Z2 Comics, arriving in November.

After an absence of five years, globe-trotting and notorious gentleman of fortune Francis Carver returns to Paris in 1923. He has come back to aid Catherine Ayers, the wife of a wealthy Parisian socialite and the only woman he has ever loved. Her daughter has been kidnapped by the leader of a crazed anarchist gang, a man named Stacker Lee. In order to bring the girl home, Francis will have to crawl through the underbelly of the city while confronting the demons of his past, before being faced with a final choice: succumb to the man he has become, or take that mask off and be the hero he always wanted to be.

Preview: 20 Pages of Dixie Vixens Out Now

I actually reviewed Dixie Vixens. You can check that out here. It's on sale this week and we have a pretty extensive 20 page preview for you to read yourself. If you like it then check out the release info on the review.

Preview of Titan Comics' "Heroes Reborn" Tie-In

Check out the first look at Titan Comics' upcoming tie-in with Heroes Reborn which is Heroes Vengeance.

​HEROES VENGEANCE #1

Writer: Seamus Fahey & Zach Craley

Artist: Rubine

Cover By: Paul Pope

Publisher: Titan Comics

Page Count: 32PP

Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: October 2015

Take A Looks At Steve Niles and Nat Jones' Broken Moon

Broken Moon is releasing soon, but I don't have an exact date yet. I'm really digging the new line of books from American Gothic Press; first sci-fi and now horror. Can't really go wrong with that combination. Now Steve Niles has been hit or miss lately, but after the last few titles he's written it seems like he's regained his focus and is not turning out some great stories yet again. Broken Moon has an interesting concept and while it's Niles taking on horror which isn't that new, when he's on it's pretty damn great. From what little I read of this preview, well I'm going to say that Broken Moon has a good chance of ending up pretty damn great.

Check out American Gothic Press' site for more info.

Vreckless Vrestlers Creator Heads To Patreon

If you didn't check out the all silent series from creator Łukasz Kowalczuk, by the name of Vreckless Vrestlers, then you really missed out. Unless you're not into wrestling or action figure style cartoon characters brawling for sport! If you aren't, then I don't wanna know you. Just kidding we can hang. Anyway, Łukasz (same as Lucas) has taken the bold as step of quitting his day job and gone to Patreon to attempt to fund what he loves doing... making stupid comics for smart people. His words not mine. So hey, if you were a fan of Vreckless Vrestlers then maybe you want to support him. You can do that by clicking the link below.

Patreon Link!!

Neurobellum Productions Announces Hugo Broyler

If you haven't noticed we're not featuring a lot of Kickstarters anymore so that we can really deliver some quality projects for you to check out. Today we have one from Neurobellum for you to check out.

Kickstarter Link!

HUGO BROYLER is a tech-noir thriller set in a future where the top sport in the world is Static Velocity Levitation Racing, an internationally sponsored competition in which both mega-corporations and sovereign nations vie against one another for global market share.  Frictionless cars streak by at ludicrous speeds, controlled via neural feeds that allow drivers to steer with sheer instinct and impulse. Racers risk life and limb for fame and fortune, all in service to the glory of their sponsors. And the trophy for second place is as attainable as a closed-casket funeral.

The project is billed as “a high-speed, sci-fi, grindhouse graphic novel”, and we’ve gotten a pretty killer list of top-shelf artists contributing pieces for the book, including a cover by Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets):

• Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Blue Beetle)
• Leandro Fernandez(Punisher, Hulk, The Names)
• Marcelo Frusin (Hellblazer, Loveless)
• German Peralta (Moon Knight, Axis: Carnage)
• Max Fiumara (BPRD, Abe Sapien)
• Renato Guedes (Wolverine, Superman)
• Caio Oliveira (Super-Ego, No More Heroes)
• Bengal (Batgirl, Naja)
• Djet (Poet Anderson)
• Matteo de Longis (VOX)
• Francisco Ruiz Velasco (Pacific Rim, Hellboy)
• Nathan Fox (DMZ, Haunt, Blue Estate)
• Ben Caldwell (Prez, Dare Detectives)
• Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Wormwood, Squidder)
• Zach Howard (Wild Blue Yonder, The Cape)
• Daniel Warren Johnson (Ghost Fleet, Space Mullet)
• Bryndon Everett (The World of Cassyno)

SDCC 15: Archie Horror Asks, "Who is Vampironica?"

Well there's nothing else to accompany this image other than the fact that it's being teased by Archie's horror line of books. Frankly I'm sold on it already because it's pretty obvious that it's Veronica as a vampire and that's pretty fucking rad. I do hope that it releases in a more timely manner than the other two Archie Horror books, but we'll have to wait and see who the creative team is. I'm still very sold on it.

SDCC 15: Grant Morrison Is Heavy Metal's New Editor in Chief

Well if that's not a reason to pay more attention to Heavy Metal then I don't know what is! They've already been making some great moves with their first standalone monthly comic Hoax Hunters volume 2, but now Grant Morrison as EIC! Come on, how the fuck can you not want to see what he comes up with? I bet DC is kicking themselves because I would have totally made him EIC of everything DC like five years ago, but whatever. According to Entertainment Weekly (that's where I go to get breaking comic news!) Morrison will server as EIC for at least one year and will of course be launching his own stories in the imprint, but is looking to recruit new talent as well. EW had some great cheese to go with this announcement saying that Heavy Metal has always been a bit dirty, but not it'll be filthy... what does that even mean? Whatever. Morrison takes over in February of 2016.

Source

SDCC 15: Do Want, Mondo's Ramona Flowers Statue

Basically all of the statues I post on the site, I know that I'll never buy either due to cost or more realistically space in my home. That said, there's nothing that will keep me from buying this Ramona Flowers/Scott Pilgrim statue that Mondo is releasing. When are they releasing it? Who the fuck knows. It's Mondo and they're entire shtick is keeping things secret. When it does release though... going on my desk!

Source

SDCC 15: If You're Going To Spew, Spew Into This... IDW's Doing A Street Fighter/G.I. Joe Crossover

I guess Capcom is excited about this announcement since they revealed it at their panel the other day at Comic Con, but oh man I doubt many other people are excited. Street Fighter has always been known for its art style and just style in general, whereas IDW is known for pumping out licensed crap. I say that and I hear how offensive that is to crap. I mean crap didn't do anything wrong and yet here it is being lumped with the titles that IDW produces. I just hope that IDW spends some fucking money on an artist because the only way this will be tolerable is if the art comes close to what UDON has produced over the years... oh wait IDW only has like two good colorists so even if the art rocks the coloring is likely to suck. Fuck.

Nothing about this announcement is exciting. Martial arts experts from around the globe taking on dudes with guns. The fact that they're already teasing a Cobra and Shadaloo connection just shows how uninspired this is. See you sometime around the release of Street Fighter V... but then I'll probably play that over reading this comic.

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SDCC 15: Legendary Comics Announces Warcraft graphic novel at Blizzard Panel

Setting the stage for the highly-anticipated new film Warcraft, Legendary Comics announced the official graphic novel prequel Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood today at the Blizzard panel. An image is attached. Based on the fantasy phenomenon from Blizzard Entertainment, this thrilling adventure of bravery, bloodshed and brotherhood is an original story conceived by Blizzard's Chris Metzen, written by the award-winning Paul Cornell (Doctor Who) and featuring art from Mat Broome (Batman: No Man's Land, WildC.A.T.S., Witchblade).

Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood will be released in May 2016, weeks before the movie hits theaters on June 10th.

Story by: Chris Metzen Written by: Paul Cornell Art by: Mat Broome ISBN: 978-1-68116-013-9 Hardcover graphic novel $24.99 On-sale: May, 2016

Take A Look At Bloodshot Reborn #4 and Unity #20

Well Bloodshot Reborn has been underwhelming in my opinion and Unity was shockingly bad last time so I've got a lot of mixed emotions about Valiant's next week of books. I'll give them another crack if you will! BLOODSHOT REBORN #4 Written by JEFF LEMIRE Art by MICO SUAYAN with JEFF LEMIRE Cover A by MICO SUAYAN (MAY151605) Cover B by DAVE JOHNSON (MAY151606) Variant Cover by ROBERT GILL (MAY151607) Variant Cover by RYAN LEE (MAY151608)

New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (THE VALIANT, Descender) and rising superstar Mico Suayan (Moon Knight) bring the synapse-shattering first act of Bloodshot’s return to a knockout conclusion!

With each nanite-infected killer Bloodshot confronts, he loses more of his humanity, but with killers wreaking havoc across Colorado, does he have a choice? Meanwhile, the mysterious figure called Magic makes a move to restore Ray Garrison’s soul – but can he let go of the demons of his past? Does he even want to?

$3.99 | 32 pages | T+ | On sale JULY 8

UNITY #20 Written by MATT KINDT Art by JOSÉ LUIS Cover by KANO (MAY151618) Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY (MAY151619)

Out of the darkest recesses of the 20th century…the War-Monger returns to rage against the combined might of Valiant’s most elite superteam!

For thousands of years, the Eternal Warrior has waged battle; and for thousands of years, one spirit has vexed him…the spirit of warfare itself. Today, Gilad Anni-Padda and his teammates in Unity must reckon with a long-thought-forgotten enemy–unseen since Unit-Y faced it in World War II–now returned to bring destruction and death to the heroes once and for all. Unity may not survive the coming of War-Monger!

$3.99 | 32 pages | T+ | On sale JULY 8