Futurespeak: Decoding Brian K. Vaughan and Paper Girls

As I mentioned in my previous review of Paper Girls Volume 1, the strange hieroglyphic language spoken by the time-travelling teenagers not only has structure but it can also be translated. Provided below are all the bits of alien dialogue used, broken up according to the issue with the corresponding page number. If you enjoyed reading Paper Girls in-spite of having no clue as to what the glyphs meant, than these pages will help to supplement your knowledge and fill in some major plot questions. Enjoy reading what Heck and Naldo have to say! Paper-Girls-TPB-40Issue #1 

  1. pp. 34 – “GODDAMMIT.” “SPLIT UP. WE’LL MEET AT THE SECOND FOLDING.” “STAY AWAY FROM ME!”
  2. pp. 35 – “STOP!”
  3. pp. 36 – “PLEASE!”
  4. pp. 37 – “YOURE GOING TO GET YOURSELVES KILLED!”
  5. pp. 38 – “YOU PEOPLE ARE OUT OF YOUR” “NO”

Issue #2

PROLOGUE: NOSTALGIA IS DEATH

  1. pp. 3 – “SHIT.”
  2. pp. 4 – “SHIT!”

Issue #3

PROLOGUE: DEATH IS FOREVER

  1. pp. 12 – “NO.” “NOT JUDE.”
  2. pp. 13 – “MY LOVE.” “GOODBYE.” “WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS HECK?” “I GOT NO CLUE.” “BUT SHIT JUST GOT MESSY.”
  3. pp. 20 – “BUT I DID.”
  4. pp. 21 – “EVERYBODY BE COOL. WERE THE GOOD GUYS.” “LIKE HELL.” “YEAH.”

Paper-Girls-TPB-103Issue #4

PROLOGUE: FOREVER IS NOW

  1. pp. 7 – “SHIT WAS THAT AN EDITRIX?” “THAT.”
  2. pp. 9 – “HECK!”
  3. pp. 16 – “ITS OVER NALDO.”
  4. pp. 17 – “WE CANT STAY HERE.”
  5. pp. 19 – “THIS WAY.” “FINALLY.”
  6. pp. 20 – “ILL START HER UP.” “NO.” “BUT IT WILL TAKE HER SOMEPLACE THAT CAN.”
  7. pp. 21 – “STAY RIGHT HERE.” “WELL BE BACK SOON.”

Issue #5

PROLOGUE: NOW IS GONE

  1. pp. 1 – “IM ON IT.”
  2. pp. 15 – “WARNING VERTEX HAS BEEN BREACHD.” “EVACUATE THE TUPLEQUAD IMMEDIATELY.”

Kickstarter: Gamer Girl & Vixen: The Graphic Novel by Kristi McDowell

Welcome! You're going to see a lot less kickstarters and such on the site so this is the start to our last big push to help a few creators before we go back to just reviews. To start us off is Gamer Girl & Vixen from Kristi McDowell. Check out the info below and of course support the project if it looks like something for you.

[button btn_url="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1150651083/gamer-girl-and-vixen-the-graphic-novel" btn_color="green" btn_size="large" btn_style="default" btn_outlined="yes" link_target="blank" link_rel="" icon_left="" icon_right=""]Kickstarter Link![/button]

Welcome to the campaign for the Gamer Girl & Vixen graphic novel! After introducing our comic to the world last year, we're here to bring their full adventure to life in a handy dandy trade paperback. You can scroll below to see all the details of the campaign, and we invite you to read the first chapter for free!

The money we raise will be used to produce a 100+ page, full color graphic novel starring Gamer Girl & Vixen, the cutest new comic book couple, who we're kind of hoping will take the world by storm (fingers crossed!). The first half of the book is already complete and available in single issues. Now we want to finish off the book and make it available to everyone by the end of the year.

And in case the video above stops working again!

Action Lab Teases Details About Actionverse

Coming to stores in April and May is Action Lab's Actionverse. The image reveals the details so I'm not going to rewrite them. I haven't enjoyed all of the titles involved in this new shared universe, but I'm willing to give it a shot and see how the pieces fit together. Actionverse_promo_small

Trailer Time: Legend from Z2 Comics

If you're looking to pre-order Legend then use Diamond code MAR161911. Otherwise enjoy the trailer and some new pages from the book.

LEGEND, a post-apocalyptic animal story exploring a world ruled by our once-domesticated cats and dogs, is due out this May from Z2 Comics. Though LEGEND tackles some of the important issues facing us today -- religious conflict, opposing political systems, and the environment -- it is an engaging tale told through the eyes of our own best friends. Since dogs actually see the world differently than we do, Chris’ use of color echoes Sam’s subtext, bathing the canine world in a chromatic, saturated glow. Sam who was Chris’ student at California College of the Arts and is an artist himself, and Chris, whose illustrations have appeared in The Atlantic and Wired, have collaborated for a comic that recalls beloved stories while creating something entirely new.

LEGEND 1 - PP 7 LEGEND 1 - PP 8 LEGEND 1 - PP 9 LEGEND_promo cover_koehler

Make Mine Indie Launches

If you haven't figured out that we support and like independent comics around here then welcome to the site. Alterna Comics publisher Peter Simeti is launching a Previews Magazine style of catalog for indie comics. It's not to compete, it's just to promote indie comics. If you're an indie creator then click the link below and look at the top bar for info on how to submit and if you just want the free quarterly catalog then also click the link to sign up.

A FREE quarterly indie comics digital catalog & magazine.

Uniting print, digital, and web comics for readers and shops.

The goal of make mine INDIE is to provide a catalog that highlights comic creators and their creations, regardless of whether or not those creations are available in print, digital or web comic format. Part promotional catalog and part magazine, make mine INDIE aims to be a one-stop shop for comic readers and comic shops alike, showcasing as many comic creations as possible.

Featuring unbelievably affordable pricing on full page solicits for comics, regardless of distribution; publisher; or lack thereof - make mine INDIE is not a distribution service but an easier way to discover your next favorite indie comic book.

The first issue of make mine INDIE will debut on 6.20.16 through email, social media, downloadable PDF and CBZ links, and on comiXology.

[button btn_url="http://www.alternacomics.com/#!make-mine-indie/nr28s" btn_color="primary" btn_size="large" btn_style="default" btn_outlined="yes" link_target="self" link_rel="" icon_left="" icon_right=""]Click Here![/button]

Manga Prequel to Hit Anime “Psycho-Pass” Comes to Dark Horse

I've been waiting for Dark Horse to get some manga for me to really care about and it looks like it's coming! Psycho-Pass is a fantastic anime and so I will definitely be checking this book out. From Dark Horse:

From star creator Gen Urobuchi (Fate/Zero, Puella Magi Madoka Magica)comes Psycho-Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami, the prequel to the blockbuster science-fiction crime drama anime series Psycho-Pass.

Written by Midori Goto with art from Natsuo Sai, this new manga series is Blade Runner meets Minority Report.

With Psycho-Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami, Urobuchi reveals how the legendary enforcer was once an ace detective! Working within the city-regulating Sybil System, inspectors must fight crime in a future where a single number measures your criminal tendencies and determines if you are useful to society!

Psycho-Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami Volume 1 debuts on November 9, 2016. Preorder your copy today at your favorite retailer or local comic book store.

Amazon Barnes & Noble

Psycho Pass Manga

Preview: Sherlock - A Study In Pink #1

Of all the things that exist in the world of comics that are just so random and strange, I love this one. I love it. No one needed a manga adaptation of the Sherlock TV show, but here it is and I will read the shit out of it.

The Japanese SHERLOCK Manga comes to the USA and UK for the first time ever! Adapting the episodes of the smash-hit BBC America/Hartswood Films TV show that sees Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) tackling brain-teasing crimes in modern-day London, this stunning manga is presented in its original right-to-left reading order, and in the full chapters as originally serialised. Each oversized issue comes with a selection of BRAND-NEW covers by some of the best Sherlock artists around! #1 kicks things off with a 52pp special. Meet Sherlock and Watson for the first time... all over again!

Sherlock_Manga_ASIP_01_Cover_A Sherlock_Manga_ASIP_01_PREVIEW Sherlock_Manga_ASIP_01_Cover_B Sherlock_Manga_ASIP_01_Cover_C Sherlock_Manga_ASIP_01_Cover_D Sherlock_Manga_ASIP_01_Cover_E

SHERLOCK: A STUDY IN PINK #1 Concept: Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss Written by: Steven Moffat Art: Jay PUBLISHER: TITAN COMICS PAGE COUNT: 52PP Cover A: Jay Cover B: Photo Cover C: Alex Ronald Cover D: Rod Reis Cover E: Question No. 6 PRICE: $4.99 RELEASE DATE: June 8

Preview: Legend from Sam Sattin and Chris Koehler

I'm kind of a sucker for stories from animal's POV's so sign me up for this. That and Z2 Comics has had an amazing track record thus far.

What if a biological terror agent wiped out most of humanity, and our domesticated animals were left in charge? How would our dogs and cats set about ruling and rebuilding the world? Ransom, the leader of the Dog Tribe, has been murdered by a creature known as the Endark. An English Pointer named Legend reluctantly rises to lead in his place, vowing to kill the monster once and for all. From acclaimed novelist Samuel Sattin and award-winning illustrator Chris Koehler comes LEGEND, where cat technology rules, dogs partner with hawks, and humans may be the most beastly creatures of all.

Legend-Cover-1-dresed-rgb-2 p17-finish-01 p18-finish-01 p19-finish-01

DINK Denver Happening Next Week

If you didn't know that I originally hail from Colorado which is why I like anything comic related from there. This indie expo sounds like a great start to an indie scene in Colorado so check it out if you live in the Denver area.

Led by Denver Comic Con co-founder, Charlie LaGreca, the 2-day art expo will include a range of options including an underground comics + dispensary tour with Dope Comix legend Denis Kitchen as well as NY Times best-selling authors, cartoonists, artisans and creators as well as the famed Fantagraphics Publishing. The perfect event for art lovers and indie fans alike, get your tickets early —  prices will increase at the door.

DINK_WideSkysraper300x600V2-copy-1

First Second Announces Their Fall 2016 Lineup

I'm always curious to see how many books First Second will announce for a given season, mostly because I want to see how many of their books I'll end up reading. Here's the list! From First Second:

Might Jack

Mighty Jack, by Ben Hatke – this book takes on the ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ fairy tale, transforming it into a modern-day fantasy about family and the perils of magical gardening.

Demon

Demon, by Jason Shiga – this is maybe the most violent thing we’ve ever published, and it’s amazing.  You’ll be seeing three more volumes from us in 2017.

Margo Maloo

The Creepy Casefiles of Margo Maloo, by Drew Weing – prepare for a marvelous Harriet The Spy-esque adventure – with monsters!

ScienceComicsVolcanoes

Volcanos: Fire and Life, by Jon Chad – the latest in our Science Comics series of fun comics about science topics for kids (and adults can read along for some geeky science too!).  You’ll see Jon Chad’s artwork in our FCBD Science Comics as well.

VARMINTS-cover

Varmints, by Andy Hirsch – a middle-grade western adventure about two kids on the road, in search of the man who shot their mother.

Quirk's Quest

Into the Outlands, by Robert Christie and Deborah Lang – the adventures of a bumbling sea captain, marooned with his crew on an uncharted island.

Last Man The Rescue

The Rescue, by Bastien Vives, Michael Sanlaville, and Balak – it’s the final volume in this arc of the Last Man series!  Now’s the perfect time to catch up.

Tetris

Tetris, by Box Brown – if you liked Box’s Andre the Giant biography, you’ll love this one too – it tells the story of the creation of the video game Tetris (filled with Russian spies and other craziness!), as well as discussing humanity’s drive to create and play games.

Double Take Mashes Night of the Living Dead With Comics

This is just kind of a cool mash up if you've been reading the Double Take books. The first one is from Soul and the second which I liked better is from Rise. Check out all of our reviews for the first three issues of the Double Take universe by clicking the tags below (note: that's thirty reviews!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSwtaLjRcgk

Trailer Time: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong

I'm looking forward to the monthly return of Archer & Armstrong. I've enjoyed the teasers and this trailer, but enough is enough... give me the book already Valiant. At any rate, we'll just have to have this trailer hold us over.

In advance of the 10th Annual ComicsPRO Membership Meeting in Portland, OR, Valiant is proud to debut the official animated trailer and an extended look inside for A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of the ALL-NEW ONGOING SERIES from red-hot writer Rafer Roberts (Plastic Farm, Shutter) and Valiant-exclusive superstar David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man)! On March 16th, get smashed or be smashed when Valiant's award-winning adventurers go "IN THE BAG" for an insane rescue mission pitting Archer into the mind-bending maze of lost treasures and historical oddities that awaits inside Armstrong’s magical satchel!  (Oh yeah, and there are some ninja-nuns, a talking fish-man, and a Greek god with a thirst for revenge too... It's starting to get pretty rowdy in there!)

AfterShock Comics Announces More Titles!

I've actually been catching up on AfterShock's launch. I do feel like it kind of just popped out there when really it should have been making a big splash. Some of them are fun. Some are just okay and I'm not going to sugar coat it, some just weren't for me. Overall though, there's a high quality to the books in both the writing and the art. To start with, here's their current lineup of titles to check out and then you'll see some new titles that they just announced to retailers.


bookMonster

American Monster (MR)

(W) Brian Azzarello (A/CA) Juan Doe

The ugliest side of humanity may be humanity’s only hope.

In a small Midwestern town, a large man with a horribly scarred face gets off a bus, and takes a room. He spooks the locals--nobody knows him--or do they? It’s impossible to say be-cause he seemingly has no face. The man’s intentions remain unknown, until he takes on a corrupt sheriff and the rural crew of racist arms dealers. The town’s impression of the man changes, and he’s seen as a hero…until his real intentions bubble to the surface. The man isn’t there to end the gang, but to take it over. And he’s just getting started.

bookDreaming

Dreaming Eagles (MR)

(W) Garth Ennis (A) Simon Coleby (CA) Francesco Francavilla

Inspired by true events, Dreaming Eagles tells the story of the first African Ameri-can fighter pilots to join the United States Army Air Force in WWII and whose humble beginnings in Tuskegee, Alabama propelled them into the deadly skies above Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Not only were they instrumental against the Nazi war machine, but also braved an equally great challenge, overcoming everyday bigotry amongst their fellow American soldiers as well as civilians at home. High in the heavens, they fought a battle that would change their country and their world forever. Industry legend Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, Hellblazer) joins artist Simon Coleby (2000 AD, The Authority) for this high-flying tale of love, war and family.

bookInsexts

InSEXts (MR)

(W) Marguerite Bennett (A/CA) Ariela Kristantina

At the dusk of a century, a pair of vengeful Victorian vixens discover a horrifying power that transforms them into rich and strange new creatures. Armed with their dark, evolving forms, they descend into a world of the cultured and occult, with new senses and new sensuality, to forge a life for themselves and the child of their love. This new monthly series is the brainchild of writer Marguerite Bennett (A-Force, Angela, Red Sonja) and artist Ariela Kristantina (Wolverines, Deep State), a comic unlike any you’ve seen before!

bookReplica

Replica (MR)

(W) Paul Jenkins (A/CA) Andy Clarke

Meet Trevor Carter, an Earth-born peacekeeping agent on the intergalactic hub known as The Transfer. When Trevor’s already near impossible assignment becomes a bit too much for the errant detective, he turns to the only logical ap-proach, Replication. More of a good thing can’t hurt, right? A single clone could be helpful; unfortunately the replication process doesn’t go as planned! Written by Eisner-award winning author Paul Jenkins (Wolverine: Origin, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man) and art superstar Andy Clarke (Batman, Judge Dredd), this monthly series promises to be fun, daring, adventurous and most times, quite offensive.

bookSecondSight

Second Sight (PG)

(W) David Hine (A/CA) Alberto Ponticelli

Twenty years ago, Ray Pilgrim became a celebrity when he discovered his unique ability to see through the eyes of psychotic killers who were terrorizing London. But his world collapsed around him when he was accused of the same crimes as the monsters he hunted. Now, Pilgrim’s teenage daughter is using her blog to investigate a ring of child abusers that includes some of the most powerful men in British society – men who are prepared to kill anyone who threatens to expose them. In order to protect his daughter and uncover the truth, Pilgrim must reluctantly revisit his past and the twisted path that led to the hotel room the media called The Bloody Chamber.

bookStrayer

Strayer (PG)

(W) Justin Jordan (A/CA) Juan Gedeon

The world is full of monsters.  Strayer kills them, but, of course, for a small fee… Nothing is free. Mala does magic of a sort… sometimes when she wants, sometimes not… She may be the only one who can save the world and Strayer is going to help her… whether he likes it or not…

From the popular creators behind the Luther Strode trilogy, Spread, and Ghost Racers.

bookSuperZero

SuperZero

(W) Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti (A) Rafael de Latorre (CA) Amanda Conner

With great power comes a bit of insanity, anxiety, and a dash of social alienation! Have you ever fantasized about being a super hero? Well Dru Dragowski does; that’s all this nineteen-year-old, comic book obsessed, high school senior thinks about. She needs to escape the normalcy of suburban life! Her plan? To become a real-life superhero by recreating the origins of her favorite comic characters! Hopefully then, she can become a hero not only for herself – but to protect every-one around her! If only that plan went just the slightest bit right... This fun, teen-agnst filled monthly series is created by the sensational writing duo that brings you Harley Quinn and Starfire – Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner.

New Titles!

Black-Eye Kids

Black-Eyed-Kids-AfterShock

Rough Riders

Rough-Riders-AfterShock

Jackpot!

Jackpot!-AfterShock

Volition

Volition-AfterShock-Comics

For more on AfterShock Comics head over to their site!

Celebrate 10 Years with First Second Books!

First Second is celebrating ten years of publishing. To do so they've released some great reading lists (pictured below) along with a massive graphic with all of their titles on it (pictured below the reading list). I thought I would take a moment and highlight all of the reviews we've done for First Second titles and maybe shine some light on some great graphic novels that you're missing out on. SOOOO... here's our list of reviews for just a handful of First Second titles. Now on to the next ten years!

February 2016 Reading List 0110Years_AllTitles_SM

Another Look A 'Carver: A Paris Story'

You should have already read my review for the first issue of Carver: A Paris Story, but if you didn't then check out this great preview for the first issue. Then go read my review because it's kinda what we do here.
CARVER: A PARIS STORY, from Paul Pope's protege Chris Hunt, which includes a short story by Pope himself, debuts today. CARVER tracks notorious gentleman of fortune Francis Carver as he trots the globe on a noir-esque adventure to help the only woman he has ever loved. CARVER is the second series in the new line of creator-owned periodicals from Z2 Comics.
"While the origin of CARVER: A PARIS STORY is very personal, I wanted the book itself to take readers on a really fun, classic adventure ride," says Chris. "The character of Francis Carver is based on my childhood heroes Indiana Jones and Ernest Hemingway, while the book pays homage to CORTO MALTESE." The comic book follows the “man’s man” pioneer hero Carver as he tracks the villainous kidnapper Stacker Lee.

First Second's Spring 2016 Graphic Novels

I'm always interested in seeing what First Second has next and this looks like another good batch of books. Especially the Science Comics! I can't wait to check those out. Here's the full list!
From First Second:
9781626722491
Something New, by Lucy Knisley -- Bustle says, "The graphic novel tackles the all-too-common wedding issues that go along with being a modern woman: feminism, expectations, getting knocked over the head with gender stereotypes, family drama, and overall wedding chaos and confusion."  We can't wait -- we're giant fans of Lucy's previous book, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen, and her new book is even better.

Science Comics -- our marvelous new series for every science geek out there, starting with Dinosaurs, by MK Reed and Joe Flood, and Coral Reefs, by Maris Wicks!  All you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs and coral reefs and were hoping someone would make a comic about!
9781626722002
Hippopotamister, by John Patrick Green -- when the hippopotamus can no longer stand living in the run-down zoo, what does he do?  He acquires a hat and becomes Hippopotamister in this marvelous graphic novel for young readers.
9781626720817
Nobody Likes a Goblin, by Ben Hatke -- if you liked Ben Hatke's Julia's House for Lost Creatures, this is the book for you -- featuring a goblin setting out to find his friend skeleton, stolen by marauding adventurers on a D&D style adventure.
9781596436534
Ogres Awake, by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost -- the latest volume in the Adventures in Cartooning Jr. picture book comic series, featuring the knight and Edward the horse.
9781626720503
The Order, by Bastien Vives, Michael Sanlaville, and Balak -- the latest in the addictive, action-packed adventure series Last Man.
Bera The One-Headed Troll
Bera the One-Headed Troll, by Eric Orchard -- Bera's happy living by herself.  But when she finds an abandoned baby, she has to figure out what to do -- and how to care for it.
9781596431058
Friends Is Friends, by Greg Cook -- a bittersweet story about the meaning of friendship, starring animal characters.
9781626720763
Paths & Portals, by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes -- this series will continue to teach you (and your kids) about how coding works and how fun and awesome it is, with the help of robots!

ComicBlitz Goes Global

Well there's a few all you can read apps now, but the one we've been waiting and talking about the longest is ComicBlitz. It's only on the iOS right now, but they've opened the app up to the globe meaning anyone, anywhere can get it. Here's some other titles they added this week as well. - Divinity and Imperium have shaken up the Valiant universe. Read the two series everyone's talking about. - Quantum & Woody Must Die! Find out why folks are gunning for Valiant's comedic superhero duo. - No reason to be grumpy. Dynamite's The Misadventures of Grumpy Cat comes to your digital shelf. - It's reality television meets superheroes in Aspen's Idolized. Read the full miniseries including the #0 issue! - You can read the first arc of Action Lab Entertainment's kid friendly fantasy series Skyward.

Wytches Season 2 Is Teased

I wasn't a big fan of Wytches. I love Jock's artwork, but I'm just not a fan of Synder's writing, especially when it comes to horror. I have a long standing opinion about this. I'm also not a fan of "seasons" when it comes to comics. Comics are comics and TV is TV. It's why we have volume numbers. I get that TV is hot, but let comics just be the great medium they already are without aping the lingo from another medium. I don't need "showrunners" or "seasons", but hey none of that has anything to do with an overrated comic book getting ready to return because the creators couldn't keep up with a monthly schedule longer than a "season." WYTCHESSEASON2hi (1)