What I’m Getting Wednesday

I’m still suffering from San Diego Comic Con overload. So many different projects were announced that it is almost too much to process. I try and follow the comic news, but the main news sites have been still pouring out stories with no end in sight. Magnus and Solar coming back, Archie and Milestone heroes coming back, Barry Allen is back, but I’m still more interested in some of the smaller companies because a lot of them do not have a license deal and do not have decade old characters to fall back on and try to be more forward looking. Don’t get me wrong, done right any older character can still be a hit, but give me something different also.

One more side note I read a rant about someone not liking Barry being brought back and how DC is not moving forward. While I understand the sentiment, it struck me as funny that no one can complain about Marvel, because they have never really moved forward. Almost every main character they have is still the same person it was forty years ago.

Creepy Archives #1 – I have been really looking forward to this. The old Warren magazines were some of my first exposures to things outside the norm of ‘regular comics”. What inside “Gather up your wooden stakes, your blood-covered hatchets, and all the skeletons in the darkest depths of your closet, and prepare for a horrifying adventure into the darkest corners of comics history. Dark Horse Comics further corners the market on high quality horror storytelling with one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, a hardcover archive collection of legendary Creepy Magazine. This groundbreaking material turned the world of graphic storytelling on its head in the early 1960s, as phenomenal young artists like Bernie Wrightson and Neal Adams reached new artistic heights with their fascinating explorations of classic and modern horror stories.Brilliant, classic Creepy stories from 1964-1966 raised from the dead after twenty-five years. Featuring work by such comics luminaries as Joe Orlando, Al Williamson, Alex Toth, and Frank Frazetta. Archive editions of Creepy will be the cornerstone of any comic-book library. Volume One reprints the first five terrifying issues of the magazine's original run, reprinted in the original magazine size!”

Grendel God and The Devil TP – I’m a little disappointed that I have to get this as a trade. When a publisher commits to reprinting something I like to see it done as hard covers all the way and in order. What’s inside “In the centuries since the mask of Grendel was last seen, humanity's survived a third World War, the fall of Western Civilization, and the rise of an all-powerful church state. But when the depraved Pope Innocent XLII begins construction of a new church tower hiding a powerful and deadly secret, two men will rise against the church's corruption. One is Orion Assante, a man determined to expose the Pope for who he really is. The other is a mysterious figure wearing the all-too-familiar face of Grendel!”

Sword #10 – Last issue was an exciting cliff-hanger as Dara was ready to kill one of the gods she has promised to take revenge on. I have a feeling he will not go down easy. The official hype “Dara has found Zakros. But that was the easy part.” Okay that has to be the shortest official hype on record for any book.

Bond of Saint Marcel #1 (of 6) – I was going to skip this book, but I was so happy to see Archaia Studios Press printing books again I wanted to give it a try. The company line “Catherine Johnstone is the black sheep in an old Boston family whose wealth and influence stretches back to the American Revolution. When Cat’s family is murdered, she discovers that the only one who can save her life is Eamann, a vampire that was bonded into her family’s service against its will 200 years ago. Running for her life, Cat forms an unlikely friendship with Eamann. But as she uncovers more about her family's past, they discover the killers are only hunting Cat in order to set Eamann free.”

Comic Book Comics #2 – The guys from Action Philosphers continue their series about the history of comics. The most educational and entertaining books on the market, school should have been this much fun. The word “The incredible saga of the comic book industry in the irreverent, award-winning Action Philosophers style continues! As comics enters its Golden Age and the United States slides closer and closer to war (no coincidence there), Joe Simon & Jack Kirby have to fend off the draft - and their own publisher! "Our Artists at War" tells how Will Eisner revolutionized the Pentagon's training program - using comics! "All You Need Is Love" details the true confessions of romance comics! "The House of Fear" details the birth of - Gasp! Choke! - William M. Gaines' E.C. Comics!” See a preview here.

Crossed #0 (of 9) – A new Garth Ennis series from Avatar press, which means there are no limits to what will be allowed in this book, an exciting prospect and one that fills me with a vague sense of foreboding at the same time. The hype “Garth Ennis has pulled out all the stops to write the most twisted book of his career, Crossed! Through ten heart-stopping chapters, Crossed is his horrifically visceral exploration of the pure evil that humans are truly capable of indulging. This gut-wrenching vision is brought to vivid - and more than a little disturbing - life by his partner in crime Jacen Burrows. Imagine, for a moment, the worst crimes against humanity. Picture the cruelest affronts to decency. Conjure your darkest nightmares - and then realize it could all be so much worse. When civilization crumbles in one terrifying moment; when people are gleefully breaking into unthinkable acts of violence all around you; when everyone you love has died screaming in agony: What do you do? There is no help. There is no hope. There is no escape. There are only the Crossed. Certain to be the most depraved and corrupt book of the year, this one is not for the faint of heart! This #0 issue is not a preview, it features the essential first chapter of the story.”

Kid Houdini and the Silver Dollar Misfits GN – See our review of the preview from free comic book day here. Targeted for the younger set, but it looked like so much fun I had to get it. The official hype “In 1886, ten year-old Harry Houdini runs away from home only to find himself a prisoner in Professor Murat's circus. Using the circus as their headquarters, Harry and his new friends Lydia the snake girl, Hans the legless boy and Jacques and Joe the Siamese twins, form a unique detective agency that will brave any ghost, goblin or ghoul to solve a mystery if you can pay their fee: one shiny silver dollar. The creator of “The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allen Poo” Dwight MacPherson is back with his latest all ages adventure, don’t miss it.”

Killer #7 (of 10) – This is another Archaia Studios Press title and one that I have really been missing. Killer is an excellent story and one that I hope is collected as a trade or hardcover of all 10 issues when completed. The company line “"Blood Ties," Part One. The Killer's picked Paris for a bit of soul-searching, buying time and laying low while his wounds heal. But reality will intrude, and for the Killer there's no way to stay detached and no way to avoid trouble. It's time old debts were paid and old favors called in, and when it's a question of survival, the Killer will do just about anything.”

Rest #0 – I’m not of fan of Zero issues, but some companies are in love with the concept. This book had escaped my notice until just this week and the concept was too interesting to pass up. The word “REST, a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller in the tradition of The Bourne Identity and The X-Files! REST tells the tale of John Barret, a white-collar New Yoker whose life changes when he becomes addicted to a drug that prevents him from falling asleep!”

The Sisterhood #2 (of 3) – A third Archaia Studios Press book coming out. The first issue was a while back ago and I remember the book was a lot of fun, with hot looking sword wielding nuns fighting demons. The hype “Sister Eden Parish continues her investigation into the murders of the exorcist nuns of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Along with Vatican Special Agent, Michael Tysko, Eden begins to uncover an insidious plot that could lead to the release of a power so evil, that it could very well bring about the end of humanity.”

Terry Moore’s Echo #5 – One of the best written books on the market and should be a top new series for 2008. What’s inside “The Heitzer Nuclear Reserch Institute (HeNRI) hires bounty hunter Ivy to track down Julie Martin because she possesses part of their secret weapon - a liquid metal bomb that can destroy the planet! Ivy has never failed, but Julie finds an unexpected ally in the spirit of a dead woman with a molecular bond to the metal she wears!”

Titanium Rain #1 (of 12) – Okay, Archaia is back with a vengeance this week, releasing four titles. I hope their disappearance and silence has not hurt their sales. The hype “To be alive is to be at odds with the world. Man against nature. Man against man. The instinct to survive is what has made us who we are. In year 2031 mankind’s survival instinct is put to the test when a civil war in China spirals into global conflict. Nations are destroyed. Millions are killed. And for many, like US Air Force pilot Alec Killian, survival will mean shedding some of his humanity in exchange for biotech and machine.
Is this the ultimate corruption of nature? Or the birth pains of a new chapter in mankind’s evolution? From Josh Finney and Kat Rocha, the team who brought you the acclaimed cyberpunk series, Utopiates, Titanium Rain is a sci-fi war epic for the post-millennial age. In the spirit of films such as Ghost in the Shell, Innocence, and Blackhawk Down, Titanium Rain follows one pilot’s journey through mankind’s worst, only to discover its best.” See a preview here.

Authority #1 – The Wildcats restart was okay and I’m looking forward to this re-launch of the Authority. I hope the WU gets rolling again this time. The company line “The Authority has survived the cataclysmic events following NUMBER OF THE BEAST — but just barely! Do they have a hope of rebuilding their "finer world," or is that hope dead and gone? Don't miss the beginning of an astounding new direction for the series! Plus: Part 2 of the John Lynch backup story that began in WILDCATS: WORLD'S END #1”

Detective Comics #847 – Officially a RIP tie-in, but last issue was more the reintroduction of Hush and the arc focuses on hush. The company line “A "Batman: R.I.P." tie-in! Secrets shared years ago between Bruce Wayne and Tommy Elliott begin to have dangerous repercussions in the present. Why is this mystery driving Hush to destroy Batman's life? And what part does Catwoman play in Hush's plans?”

Final Crisis #3 (of 7) – So far this big event has been a slow burning fire. I actually like it that way, as it feels like something different then just another generic big event. The word “Batman missing in action! Superman immobilized! Green Lantern on trial for his life! A shadow is falling across Earth's super heroes — and now it's Wonder Woman's turn to face the Evil Gods! What bizarre warning from beyond awaits Frankenstein, The Question and the agents of S.H.A.D.E. in the shadows of the Dark Side Club? What grim fate lies in store for The Human Flame? What happens when the Anti-Life Equation hits the internet? Can the Fastest Men Alive outrun The Black Racer — Death himself? And who are the Justifiers? The answers are all here as the unstoppable rise of evil continues in FINAL CRISIS #3 by Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones.”

Hawkman Special #1 – Poor Hawkman, Geoff Johns had straightened out his continuity and done a decent job with it and DC screwed it up again. Not sure if this issue will address any of that, but still I would like to see Hawkman back as a major character again. What’s inside “Spiraling out of the events of RANN/THANAGAR: HOLY WAR! Hawkman finds himself face to face with a force of unspeakable evil: Synnar. The things Hawkman will learn in the course of their confrontation may lead him to question his very existence!”

Hellblazer Presents Chaz the Knowledge #2 (of 5) – The first issue was a good read and I learned a lot about being a London cabbie as well as a good supernatural tale. The hype “A demon is loose in London, and where's John Constantine? On a beach in Ibiza with a mai tai and a Brazilian model. That leaves Chas alone to solve a bloody mystery – but when one of his old friends goes missing and a new friend emerges to turn his life upside down, saving the city is the last thing on Chas's overburdened mind.”

House of Mystery #4 – I hope this series can become another cornerstone series for the Veritgo line. A great start to a new series. The hype “In part 4 of the 5-part "Room and Boredom," things are going from bad to worse for our heroine Fig Keele – she's starting to believe that she may never actually escape from the House of Mystery, and that the people she's trapped with may be less friendly than they appear. But the greatest danger, she will soon realize, comes from the House itself.”

Infinity Inc #12 – The final issue of this series. I have enjoyed it, but it really was a poor launch of a title and it actually earned it’s fate. The company line “A Dark Side Club tie-in! The mystery of Professor Fogel and his allegiance to the Dark Side Club are laid bare in this harrowing final issue, in which the Infinity Kids find themselves outmatched in every way! A dream comes to an end, but for Infinity Inc., the nightmare is just beginning.”

Jack of Fables #24 – This has been a good story of times past for Jack and Bigby. The word “The tumultuous year 1883 comes to a close with the final showdown between Smiling Jack Candle and the Sheriff without a Gun. Get the women and children off the streets and board up your doors and windows — there's gonna be a killin'!”

Jonah Hex #34 – Always a good read and the best western on the racks by a mile. The hype “All Jonah Hex wanted was some peace and quiet. He built a cabin in the woods, hoping to start a new life away from the lawless world. But what evil deed will call him back to action – and will he be able to escape his troubled past?”

Manhunter #33 – This series has done a nice job getting back up and running in no time. I still think it should have re-launched as a new #1. The company line “Manhunter finds a shocking link between the disappearances of immigrant workers and big business – and that means attorney Kate Spencer's going to court, if she doesn't become a target first!"

Nightwing #147 – Nightwing ties into RIP. The rumors are rampant as to what is going to happen with all of the Bat family and I’m hopeful if anyone takes over being Batman it should be Dick Grayson. The word “A "Batman: R.I.P." tie-in! Two-Face hits New York City – but when he takes a bite out of the Big Apple, he finds it rotten to the core. He'll make Nightwing and all of New York pay for their crimes…unless Nightwing can save one of Harvey Dent's old flames from an assassin's bullet!”

Robin #176 – The second part of Robin’s book being part of RIP. That was a fast turn around from last issue, which was late, so I’m guessing we maybe caught up again already. The hype “A "Batman: R.I.P." story! The shocking conclusion that will start of the rest of Tim Drake's life — or is it the end? With Batman missing, Robin becomes the new Dark Knight. It's Robin and Spoiler in an all-out brawl with Gotham City's underworld — but with Batman's trail growing cold, the end of this fight will decide the future of the Bat family!”

Showcase Presents House of Secrets Volume #1 – I really need to stop buying these volumes. It contains “Written by Mike Friedrich, Gerry Conway, Marv Wolfman and others ; Art by Jerry Grandenetti, Bill Draut, Werner Roth, Dick Giordano and others ; Cover by Bernie Wrightson. More than 500 pages of mystery tales from the pages of THE HOUSE OF SECRETS #81-98 (1969-1972)!”

Storming Paradise #2 (of 6) – The first issue was outstanding and I’m really looking forward to this book. The word “The bloody tale of World War II and Operation Olympus continues as the first U.S. Marines storm the beaches of Japan! But the Land of the Rising Sun will not consider surrender, and every man, woman and child is prepared to make the Americans pay for their impudence. The battle that could have been is only just beginning in this amazing alternate world epic!”

Supergirl #32 – Okay once Sterling Gates takes over this book and it starts to tie into Superman and Action more it had better be better or I will drop it. This time I really mean it. The company line “It's the moment of truth, as Supergirl struggles to do the impossible by fulfilling her promise to find a cure for a young boy's fatal illness. If she succeeds, she will change the course of history – and maybe not for the better! And if she fails, a child will die.”

Tor #4 (of 6) – This has been a great read. I really enjoy Joe Kubert’s work a lot. Also I like that they push all the ads to the back of the book for his projects. The hype “Tor and his female companion fight their way back to the surface world, but their bloodthirsty pursuers haven't given up their plans for Tor – plans that involve ritual sacrifice! Can Tor survive in this strange, prehistoric world?”

Trinity #10 – This series is a decent read and an entertaining event. The last couple of issues have won me over with this series. I’m amused by the hype “This month in TRINITY: The Justice League joins Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman to stand against the threat that the Crime Syndicate brings to Earth. And, in this month's co-features, members of Batman's "family" search for clues to what ties several thefts together – and what links them to the cosmic conflict that has resulted!” This is the same hype for the next two issues.

Criminal 2 #4 – The first new story arc since the comic re-launched. This is a good series, but it has been eclipsed by Scalped as the best crime drama in comics. The word “A woman in trouble, friends on the run from cops and mobsters, and a secret no one is prepared to face! All this and more await readers in the beginning of a hard-hitting new noir tale 'Bad Night' Part 1 of 4, as Criminal's new expanded format keeps the hits coming! Five years ago, Jake was a happy family man, long-retired from the life of crime he grew up in, and then the police made him the prime suspect in a horrible crime and ripped his life apart. Now, years later, Jake is less than a shadow of his former self, a hopeless insomniac who walks the city streets at night. But one night, he walks into the wrong place at the right time, and his whole life changes again... For the better or the worse, is the question.”

Twelve #7 (of 12) – I have absolutely loved this series so far. JMS has hit a home run with this story and Chris Weston’s art has been perfect. The hype “It's the return of Captain Wonder's time-lost sidekick, Tim! But where the Captain spent the intervening years locked away in cryogenic deep-freeze in a Nazi time-vault, Tim was forced to live every torturous moment of those six long decades. Now he's back‹with a life-changing question for his one-time mentor! Plus: the birth of the most unlikely twosome on television: The Blue Blaze and Electro!”

Ultimate Origins #3 (of 5) – Last issue was solid and one of the best re-telling of Cap’s origins done in a long time. It was so similar to the regular MU, you could hardly tell that it was the UU. The company line “Wolverine...Nick Fury...Captain America...Magneto & Professor X...how are they all connected? Witness the first meeting between Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men, and Eric Lehnsherr, the mutant who will come to be known as Magneto!”

So this looks to be a good week with comics and I’m anxious to see what the Creepy Archive looks like. If done well (and Dark Horse almost always does well) I will be getting all of them, plus I read that Eerie will also be getting the archive treatment.

Ryan Foley Interview - Scripter for Penance Trial of the Century

For this interview we got Ryan Foley to step into the spotlight. I'm happy to report that we also have an interview with Sean Wise one to the two people who created the story for this comic. It is especially interesting to me to be able to interview some of the different creative people on a comic as you get their unique perspectives.

With further ado the interview.

Jim: Who is Ryan Foley? We want the full secret origin!
Ryan: My life was fairly inconsequential until a field trip to an academic university changed my life. They were doing an experiment with radiation and a spider… No, I’m kidding. Truth be told, I wish there was more to tell. I was an aspiring writer hoping to make in the comic book industry. My first issue was the last comic book issue of Masters of the Universe. (Thank me. I killed that wonderful comic book.) My relationship with that property led me to a short but sweet stint with Dragon’s Lair that was picked up by Arcana Studios. And that relationship led me to Tales of Penance. The rest, as they say, is history.

So the nuts and bolts are I am a husband and a father of three kids. I am working hard to turn a writing career into a lucrative, full time career. All and all, I could not be happier right now. I consider myself very lucky.

Jim: You are listed as the scripter on this book. Did you have an issue by issue breakdown or what? What was the process?
Ryan: Sean W. and Paul originally created the concept of the book. This is really their brainchild and I was just asked to baby sit it. They originally conceived the book as a trilogy with a much larger page count than your standard books. Once it was brought to Arcana, my job was to transform the story to a more standard page count format and complete the overall series based on the original outline.

They already had the first issue finished (which basically translated to the first issue that you are reading and a pretty substantial portion of the second issue). I adapted that issue and then completed the rest of the story, again, based on the outline and with guidance provided by Sean W. (Yeah, there’s a lot of Seans involved in this project.)

As with many projects like this, time is often a factor. The original story was conceived around ten years ago so I helped bring the story into a more modern timeframe.

They really welcomed my input and gave me a lot of free reign, which is always great to have as a creative individual. It became a very collaborative effort where ideas were bouncing everywhere and we all worked together to bring it all down into a really tight story.
I was really jazzed and loved the creative process for the book.

Jim: What is the process between you and GOOF?
Ryan: God bless the information super highway. Gian is located in the Philippines and I am in Adair, Oklahoma. So all our communication has been via email. I would send him scripts and he would work and email me thumbnails, pencils, and then his digital inks for suggestions or corrections. It’s all done through digital correspondence. Which works out great for me because of the low cost of living where I am. That is the technical aspect of it.

As for the creative aspect, I originally wanted to break into comics as an artist but my skills just weren’t there. I loved the writing process though and I feel like I have brought that artist perspective to my writing. I try to be as artist friendly as possible. I always have a specific vision when writing, so I try to come across with camera angles and lighting and such… but I always told Gian to think of it more like guidelines. I never want to feel like I am stifling an artist creatively. So our process was pretty simple. I wrote it and then trusted in his artistic skills. I think it worked out great for both of us.

Jim: What do you feel is the strength of this series?
Ryan: One of the biggest things that attracted me to the project was the realism of the series. In spite of all the spandex and capes, I feel like the story is very true to reality. If superheroes were in the real world, I think they would rank higher than movie stars or rock stars. Paparazzi would hound them constantly. “Brangelina’s twins” would be nothing compared to someone that could fly or crush city buses with their bare hands. Especially if they look good in spandex…

I am fascinated with Americans’ love of success but how they hate to see people successful. Why does the National Enquirer have such dramatic sales? Because people love to see the famous fall. The same would be true with superheroes. In fact, it would be amplified… on steroids… and mutant growth hormones.

In the era of the 24-hour news networks and the Internet, one slip by a hero would be broadcast around the world. It would be the most watched video on YouTube. They would be under the microscope. They would probably have their own cable network coverage like E! is for entertainment or ESPN is for sports.

I think our series really delves into that world of the microscope that superheroes would be under. And I think that makes for a fascinating read. I mean, really, could a super hero ever experience such a thing as a “fair trial”?

Jim: Lt. McCloud seems to be the main character. Do we learn more about her past as we continue in the series?
Ryan: As the writer, I loved to read the entire series from beginning to end before I started scripting. I really think we have lightning in a bottle here. I’m not trying to shamelessly shill but I think that each individual issue stands great on its own, but when you can read this series as a trade paperback or sit down and read all four issues straight, you are going to really appreciate the character arcs that our heroes (and villains) go through.

So yes, we are delving out the clues for the series and for the characters. LJ is probably the main character. She is certainly the most relatable because the readers are solving the mystery with her, learning things as she does. But there are a lot of ancillary characters that are important too. I really think readers are going to be pleasantly surprised with how deep the characters go. The last word I would use to describe them is one-dimensional.

Jim: According to your blog you are starting to be able to make writing more of your “real” job. What else are you working on in comics or elsewhere?
Ryan: Unfortunately, Non Disclosure Agreements cannot allow me to talk about as much as I would like until I get closer to press time. I know that kind of sounds like a cop out but I have several projects going with Arcana Comics and a second publisher. They are keeping me busy and I am hoping to get more books out in the very near future.

Jim: Have you always been into comics or is this just a writing job for you?
Ryan: I was a comic book fan long before I was a comic book writer. Comics helped teach me how to read. I have been seriously collecting since I was fourteen. (That means I started saving, bagging and boarding my books.) I was the geek that sat around with my friends developing super hero teams for our own books. I was the geek that would argue who would win in a fight Batman or Captain America. I was the geek that “casted” the X-Men movie about eight years before it was a film. So I am a bona fide comic geek, which I don’t see as a bad thing.

Writing comics was always my destination. It is my ultimate dream job. Until editors find out that this hack has somehow used smoke and mirrors to get into the industry, I am looking to do this for the next few decades.

For all those kids who dream about being in comics, I am you and you are me. I’m one of you that made it.

Jim: Would you like to work for Marvel or DC? If yes, what would be your dream job to work on at either or both companies?
Ryan: I think any comic writer would like to work for the big two. It would be like asking a football player is they want to play in the NFL or a wrestler to be part of the WWE. I love the independent circuit because of the creative freedom but Marvel would be a dream job for me because they obviously have the biggest sandbox to play in (and have the biggest coffers to pull from). My submissions to Marvel helped put me over the top with my first publisher.

I am much more drawn to the characters at Marvel than DC. I’m not knocking the Distinguished Competition in any way. But I just don’t know the world that well. I don’t know it enough to write for them professionally and give it the quality that followers of the characters deserve.
So to answer the question, yes, I’d love to get an assignment from Marvel on day. I’ve got Joe Quesada’s autograph on about two dozen rejection letters. I’d love to see a signature on an acceptance letter once.

Jim: Who would you count as influences on your writing style?
Ryan: I pull from all sorts of different sources. All sorts of writers inspire me—print, movies, TV, anywhere. The two biggest influences on me have to be filmmaker George Lucas and author R.A. Salvatore.

I was born in 1974 so Lucas is god. Find me someone my age that is not inspired by Star Wars and Indiana Jones. R.A. Salvatore’s Drizzt Do’Urden character from the Forgotten Realms is the main reason why I write. Discovering those books as a young teenager, I knew that writing was something I was going to do. If you read any of the jackets on Salvatore’s books, they always talk about how The Lord of the Rings changed his life. Well, The Crystal Shard changed mine. I just prefer the comic book medium to the novel/book medium.

If I were listing influences from comics, looking back, I loved reading series like X-Men’s Fall of the Mutants and Inferno. I looked back on those books with such wonder and amazement. Those were tremendously shaping series for me. Later I would move on to the initial era of Image Comics. I know critics will say that Image’s early comics are not exactly the best examples for writing influences but, man, I love Jim Lee’s art style.

Anything having Jim Lee art wowed me when I was younger and still impresses me tremendously to this day. Jim Lee is one of the reasons why I wanted to work in comics.
Other influences would have to include Todd McFarlane (Spawn), James Cameron (writer/director Terminator & Aliens, Titanic), Piers Anthony (Xanth novels), and Chris Claremont (comic book legend).

More recent influences would be Kevin Smith, Brian Michael Bendis, and my favorite current writer in comics J. Michael Straczynski. I look at their work and hope that I can measure up to them some day. I often read a JMS book and get discouraged because I wonder if I will ever write anything as good… but it also inspires me to try.

Jim: What are you currently reading?
Ryan: On the comic book front, Secret Invasion really has me hooked. And I am really digging JMS’ run on Thor. All the Avengers titles are typically the first ones that I read out of my weekly comic bag.

Jim: What is your dream project?
Ryan: Thanks to my publishers, I am really working on them right now. While I do like commission work, I have several original mini-series in various stages of development (again, nondisclosure agreements). But I think I can be safe to mention two words: The Praetorian. You will be happy you knew that name early.

As far as a dream job with other publishers, I know most go straight for Spider-Man or the X-Men. But me? I would crawl through a tunnel of sewage and broken glass for a chance to write Hawkeye. He is one of my most favorite characters. I would love to really sink my teeth in and create a lasting series with Hawkeye.

But I know an opportunity like that is still a world away. I still have a long way to go. I’ll get there but until then I am more than happy going on the ride to get there. And hopefully I’ll make a few memorable characters of my own along the way…

See Arcana’s site about Penance here.

Thanks again Ryan and we look forward to seeing your name as a writer for years to come.

Image Preview Reviews for October

Jim: Image is a little light on new projects this month. That never stops Lee and I from finding some material to talk about anyway.

Lee: There’s always something to comment on. But, even a slow image month is better than a Secret Invasion Zombie Cover Cross-over month.

SPAWN #185 - story TODD McFARLANE & BRIAN HOLGUINart WHILCE PORTACIO & TODD McFARLANEcover TODD McFARLANE What new surprises can come out of a book that’s been around more than 180 issues? A LOT! Featuring a brand-new creative team and the return of two Image Comics founders - TODD McFARLANE and WHILCE PORTACIO! Get ready for an event as big as issue #1! OCTOBER 29 - 32 PAGES - FC - $2.95
Jim: I don’t know anyone who reads Spawn, I don’t recall every seeing articles about Spawn. Good luck on trying to regenerate interest in your creation again Todd.
Lee: OOHHH I sense some negativity about the product. Then again, it’s an accurate statement. Spawn has been published for a very very long time but I don’t know anyone who reads it either.

THE WALKING DEAD 2009 CALENDAR art TONY MOORE & CHARLIE ADLARD12 of the most heart-stopping images from comics’ premiere horror series!
OCTOBER 1 - 8.5” x 11” - $14.99
Jim: No. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Walking Dead series and I enjoy Charles Adlard’s artwork, but I do not need a year of Zombie’s hanging on my wall. Not to mention it would fly like a lead balloon with my wife.
Lee: Huummm. That is a tough call. Super cool calendar or wife. Zombie calendar. Wife. I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision.

THE MICE TEMPLAR, VOL. 1: THE PROPHECY HC by BRYAN J. L. GLASSart & cover MICHAEL AVON OEMINGcolor WIL QUINTANA
Collecting the first six issues of the acclaimed ongoing series. Before their fall, the Templar preserved the order of the natural world, maintaining the balance of life and death for all creatures. But an ideological dispute pitted the noble brotherhood against itself, where they destroyed themselves in a vicious civil war. Chaos descended in their wake, where predatory and scavenger creatures now reign supreme bringing anarchy to the night world of the Shadow Time. Yet the young mouse Karic receives visions from the gods that their creator Wotan has chosen him to challenge the imbalance and restore the order of the fallen Templar. And thus begins the first chapter in an extraordinary adventure of magic and wonder, faith and valor, and of one small mouse whose destiny might change the entire world.
Collects THE MICE TEMPLAR #1-6
OCTOBER 29 - 200 pg - FC - $29.99
Lee: I am interested in this because I remember the art being really, really good. The first issue got marginal reviews and I haven’t heard anything sense. With all the hc’s on the market I’m hard pressed to get another one just because the art is really good. Unless someone tells me I really missed something good, this will be a pass.
Jim: I got the first two issues and totally lost interest in the story. The writer stated it was some story telling versus final production issue and that issue #3 gets a lot better. I never found out and sure as heck will not be buying the hard cover.

OUTLAW TERRITORY, VOL. 1 GN
by Greg Pak, Joe Kelly, Khoi Pham, Dean Motter, Joshua Ortega, Steven Grant, William Simpson, Ivan Brandon, Andy MacDonald, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Max Fiumara, Johnny Timmons, Michael Woods, and more.
cover GREG RUTH
Outlaw Territory is a collection of stories from a rougher and grittier time in America. Tales of the old west from some of the best and brightest writers in the industry, lavishly illustrated by amazing talent both new and experienced. This book is sure to appeal to fans of such television and film as Deadwood and 3:10 To Yuma, as well as the work of No Country For Old Men author Cormac McCarthy.
OCTOBER 15 - 240 pg - FC - $19.99
Jim: Are you kidding me the sprocking cover almost sold me. (Yes, I have been reading a lot of Abnett/Lanning Legion recently). This is a great idea to try and do an anthology as a graphic novel from the jump. I have my copy on pre-order already.
Lee: Eh. I like cowboys and all but the art needs to be really good to sell me on this material. I just don’t know if I’m sold on the art. Heck, I don’t’ recognize half the names and the hype doesn’t even say any of the usual stuff about “an outstanding collection of writers producing their best material EVER!” Without that kind of pointless hype I just can’t commit.

JACK STAFF #21 story PAUL GRISTart PAUL GRISTcover IAN CHURCHILL
Part 1 of a 2-part story. The heroes of Castletown have to fight together against the menace of the Muddy Man! Includes bonus stories featuring Alfred Chinard and Morlan the Mystic!
OCTOBER 8 - 32 PAGES - FC - $3.50
Lee: WOW! This cover isn’t even close to what the interior pages are going to look like. Some fan boy is in for a really rude awakening because Grist’s art doesn’t look anything like Churchills. And, for the record, Grist’s is better.
Jim: A very bold statement to say Grist is a better artist. I understand what you mean, but Churchill has a broader appeal with his style then Grist. Still I never sure if a cover helps sell more copies when a book like this is not being ordered enough to be sitting on the racks at a comic store.

DNAGENTS: INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH EDITION TP story MARK EVANIERart & cover WILL MEUGNIOT
MARK EVANIER and WILL MEUGNIOT 's DNAGENTS may well have been the prototype for today's comic book industry. Not only was it released through one of the first independent publishers, not only was it creator-owned, but it was prescient in its use of genetic manipulation to create superpowers and its setting in the halls of an evil multi-national corporation! Award-winning television writer/producer, EVANIER and acclaimed animation producer/director, MEUGNIOT were clearly ahead of the curve and DNAGENTS remains one of the most fondly remembered books of the 1980s!
OCTOBER 15 - 452 PAGES - BW - $24.99
Jim: I was all set to buy this, but I rather have the material in color. I liked the DNAgents, but for some reasons I can not define I need the collection to be in color.
Lee: I wasn’t old enough to appreciate Meugniot’s art when this was first published. It wasn’t Gulacy or Perez so I wasn’t bothering. So, since I don’t have a fondness for the characters I would like a smaller chunk and color. I’m glad it’s in print, but I hope they do more with it later.

BOMB QUEEN V #6 (of 6) Story JIMMIE ROBINSONart & cover JIMMIE ROBINSON
“THE DIVINE COMEDY,” Part SixThe final chapter of Bomb Queen’s battle with The White Knight - but there’s more at stake than a mere blood brawl. Mysterious origins are revealed leading to a trail of death and destruction. Now the Queen’s greatest foe… is the TRUTH!
OCTOBER 29 - 32 PAGES - FC - $3.50
RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
Lee: Bomb Queen has basically been eliminated from the Embarrassed to be a Fanboy cover selection because it’s always so incredible bad. Basically it was removed from contention so some of other poor boob could win. But, this month BQ out does herself. And, just in case you couldn’t tell from the cover there is the handy dandy RETAILER WARNING. Just in case you weren’t convinced by the cover.
Jim: The cover is just gross looking.

THE TED McKEEVER LIBRARY, BOOK ONE: TRANSIT HC Story TED McKEEVERart & cover TED McKEEVER
Spud, a self-proclaimed urban rebel, finds that when he inadvertently becomes involved in a political nightmare of power and corruption, he's going to need a lot more than half a can of spray-paint and a pair of worn out roller blades to survive. That is, if the entire city itself doesn't self-destruct before it's all over!
Contains all five original issues of the series, and the never-before-published final chapter. Plus a full gallery of unpublished art, character designs, ads and more!
OCTOBER 1 - 156 PAGES - BW - $24.99
Jim: This could very easily have been from almost any indy publisher out there. Ted McKeever is not going to draw in a huge audience, but he is a unique voice.
Lee: I’m in. I liked Ted’s art in the day and I’m sure I’ll like it even more now. And Ted always tells interesting stories which is great too.

SAVAGE #1 (of 4) story STEVE NILES, JEFF FRANK & DANIEL WICKLINEart & cover MIKE MAYHEW
Peter is a shoe salesman desperate for a life transformation. Sam is a hunter of things that would scare the hell out of lesser men. These two will collide in the middle of an epic battle between vicious werewolves and the legendary Big Foot. And that’s just the beginning…
OCTOBER 29 - 32 PAGES - FC - $3.50
Jim: The last series Niles did with this group I dropped. Still it is Steve Niles, so I will try out this series to see what I think. I’m coming into with lower expectations than I would normally for a book with Nile’s name on it.
Lee: Steve Niles isn’t an automatic sell for me. The premise sounds good enough but not new product $3.50 good. Let me know how it is.

NOBLE CAUSES #39 story JAY FAERBERart YILDIRAY CINAR, RALPH NIESE & RYAN VERAcover YILDIRAY CINAR & RALPH NIESE
So why did Celeste marry a senile old super-hero? Find out this issue, as the facts surrounding the courtship and marriage of Colonel Comet and Celeste are finally revealed!
OCTOBER 22 - 32 PAGES - FC - $3.50
Jim: I’m choosing this book for three reasons.
1) I like this series a lot and I think other people who enjoyed Marvel comics from the early sixties will get into this series if they buy a few issues of it.
2) The cover is such a great homage to the old Romance comics of yore.
3) Image was light on the new stuff, so I felt the post had room for looking in on a series.
Lee: I do hear lots of good things about this series. I’ll try the trade when it comes out. Good choice for filler though.

INVINCIBLE #57 story ROBERT KIRKMANart & cover RYAN OTTLEY & FCO PLASCENCIA
CROSSOVER PART ONE!GUEST-STARRING THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN!In part one of a two-part crossover, Invincible sets off on a mission to bring the fugitive Wolf-Man to justice. To be continued in THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #11.
OCTOBER 8 - 32 PAGES - FC - $2.99
Jim: This is very interesting. Kirkman is now an Image partner and is essentially done with Marvel and is putting his heart and soul back into creator owned material. That is a good thing as I never felt other stuff was that strong to begin with. Both of his books have been late as heck and to do a cross-over when he has not had either book shipping even close to being on time. Good luck!
Lee: I agree its good to get Kirkman back but how much time will he have. Larsen had a heck of time with Savage Dragon and running the company so I bet Kirkman will have the same issues. I don’t expect any improvements in the short term unfortunately.

Jim: Image is the first of the “bigger” companies to put so many straight to graphic novel books out there and I wonder if that is working as a strategy. I hope so as I think the industry needs to find its way out of just being in specialty stores.
Lee: I still like lots of the Image offerings no matter how they do them. Another good month by my standards.

Dark Horse Preview Review for October

You may have been expecting Gwen's Fistful of Reviews post, but she was taken captive by the Dark Side Club, okay she is under the weather, but anyway her column will be missed and hopefully back soon.

Jim: Dark Horse is always finding something new and interesting to publish. If I did not read new comics I could still find more then enough to read and Dark Horse could supply a lot it.
Lee: Lots of love for DH this month. In terms of new there isn’t a lot this month but in terms of constant quality there’s always abundance.

CREEPY ARCHIVES VOLUME 2
Archie Goodwin (W), Larry Ivie (W), Gray Morrow (P/Cover), Reed Crandall (P), Alex Toth (P), Al Williamson (P), and others On sale Dec 10 b&w, 288 pages $49.95HC, 8 3/8" x 10 7/8" This vein-chilling second volume showcases work by some of the best artists to ever work in the comics medium, including Alex Toth, Gray Morrow, Reed Crandall, John Severin, and others. Each archive volume of Creepy is packed with stories (usually up to eight short stories were featured in every issue!) running the gamut of gruesome subject matter, from reimagined horror classics such as The Cask of Amontillado, to spectacularly mind-twisting shorts such as The Thing in the Pit, or the macabre maritime yarn Drink Deep. This volume collects Creepy #6-10.
Jim: Case in point. This is the second Creepy Archive and we have yet to see the first, but I know Dark Horse will do it right. The talent in this book reads as some of the who’s who in the artist world of that time. Add in Archie Goodwin as a writer and we get to see some classic material. I can’t wait.
Lee: I’m eager for this but I really want to see Volume 1 first. The market is quickly becoming saturated with $50 books. It’s to the point where I can’t get them all.

HARVEY COMICS CLASSICS VOLUME 5: THE HARVEY GIRLS
Various (W/A) and Leslie Cabarga (Editor) On sale Dec 17 FC w/b&w, 480 pages$19.95 TPB, 7" x 10" They’re cute, they’re clever and they’re obsessive! Some of Harvey Comics’ biggest stars were three “little” girls with large dreams, enormous hearts and king-size laughs: Little Audrey, Little Dot, and Little Lotta. Audrey was a Paramount Pictures animated cartoon movie star, who became a major comic-book headliner in 1948. Her comic-book stories were filled with ingenuity and her spunky, proto-feminist antics rivaled those of her cartoon progenitor, Little Lulu. The strangely obsessive Little Dot has become a cult figure through the years. Her love of dots and her unique coterie of eccentric uncles and aunts became the basis for some of the funniest stories in comic-book history. Last, but hardly least, is Little Lotta who defied the “big” girl stereotype with adventures showcasing an incredible strength that equaled her insatiable appetite.
Jim: I remember Little Dot somewhat, but the others I do not remember, but of course these books were targeted for young girls and as a self respecting little boy I would have only glanced at this material. (Yes, I leaving myself open for Lee to crucify me.)
Lee: Thanks for the opening but there’s not much in your statement to work with. I must be feeling kind or sick I’m not sure. But, I really like these classic Harvey stories. I’m not as familiar with the Harvey Girls but I really like the house style. I’ve read the Richie Rich and Hot Stuff so I’m tempted to get this too.

HELLBOY: IN THE CHAPEL OF MOLOCH
Mike Mignola (W/A) and Dave Stewart (C) On sale Oct 29 FC, 32 pages $2.99One-shot On the heels of the second Hellboy feature film, legendary artist and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola returns to the drawing table for this standalone adventure of the world’s greatest paranormal detective! Hellboy investigates an ancient chapel in Eastern Europe where an artist compelled by something more sinister than any muse has sequestered himself to complete his “life’s work.” First Mignola-drawn Hellboy comic since 2005!
Jim: To exemplify my point with Dark Horse I was just going to pick most of their collected editions solicitations this month, but Hellboy DRAWN BY MIGNOLA. I ain’t missing that.
Lee: Ok. You get it now. I’ll wait until it’s collected later.

HERBIE ARCHIVES VOLUME 2
Shane O’Shea (W) and Ogden Whitney (A) On sale Dec 31 FC, 256 pages $49.95HC, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16" Make way for the Fat Fury! Legendary comics publisher ACG had a hit on their hands in the mid-1960s with the adventures of Herbie Popnecker, a plump lump of a kid who secretly possesses nearly unlimited super powers! Join Herbie as he takes on goofy cavemen, joins George Washington’s army, gets the better of pop-culture figures like Gregory Peck and the Queen of England, and dons the unassuming costume of the Fat Fury for the very first time! Collects issues #6-14
Jim: One volume will be enough for me, but if I love volume one I maybe back for more. Again Dark Horse is getting material out there that I do not think anyone else would touch and it is nice to know that they will do a quality job in presenting the material.
Lee: Are you actually getting the first volume? You are the only person I know who is. Even I am not getting the Herbie volumes. Not because I don’t want them but back to the comment about market saturation. I really wish I could see more of the interior before having to commit so much money.

MAGICMAN ARCHIVES
Richard E. Hughes (W), Pete Costanza (P), and Kurt Schaffenberger (P) On sale Dec 17FC, 264 pages $59.95 HC, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16" Vietnam, 1965: U.S. Army Private First Class Tom Cargill seemed like most soldiers to the men in his squad, but little did they know that he was in truth an immortal! More than two hundred years old, the son of the alchemist and sorcerer Cagliostro, Tom Cargill was the most powerful magician in the world. When Red Chinese soldiers threatened American lives in Vietnam, Cargill donned a mask and costume to battle evil as the supernatural superhero Magicman! Magicman Archives Volume One collects the long-unavailable complete run of the American Comics Group superhero in an affordable format. Co-created by Golden Age legend Pete Costanza, longtime artist throughout the 1940s on Fawcett’s Captain Marvel Adventures, Magicman was one of American Comics Group’s premier superheroes. Includes covers by legendary Superman and Lois Lane artist Kurt Schaffenberger and an introduction by Scott Shaw.
Jim: I had no clue that this comic ever existed. Therefore I would be hard pressed to pay $60 for a hard cover collection of it, but still the depth and breadth of the comics Dark Horse is archiving is impressive. So many jokes about that super-hero name.
Lee: DH is collecting the old ACG heroes. This is obscure stuff even by my standards. But I really like it and really want to see what it’s like inside. I can only imagine the silverage silliness in second tier comics like these.

ROADKILL: A JIM KOWALSKI ADVENTURE
Matt and Shawn Fillbach (W/A) On sale Dec 10 b&w, 80 pages $9.95 TPB, 6" x 9"
A biological contagion that turns the living into cannibalistic mutants has been unleashed, and it’s up to paranormal trucker Jim Kowalksi to stop it! Jim, along with his talking dog and G.P.S. crystal skull, lead this full-throttle adventure into overdrive. Our heroic trio must battle their way through monster insects, zombie truckers, a crazed country musician, and a doomsday cult led by the insane Reverend Baba-Yaga Boogity. The Fillbach brothers’ prior creator-owned work, Maxwell Strangewell, was ranked #6 by The Onion A.V. Club’s “Best Comics of 2007,” not to mention #9 by both Contra Consta Times and Savannah Morning News.“The Fillbachs’ sensibility is enjoyably left-field and ambitious.” "A.V. Club
Jim: Hell, these just sounds like a heck of a lot of fun. One thing that comic books can do better then any other medium is just have fun with something. No pretense of being a screenplay, no franchise building story line, just a story to enjoy.
Lee: The Fillbachs had a winner with Maxwell Strangewell so I expect more of the same here. If you interested in strange and different then this is a very good place to start.

ROY ROGERS ARCHIVES
Various (W/A) On sale Aug 27 FC, 240 pages $49.95 HC, 6 5/8" x 10 3/16" Happy Trails! Roy Rogers rides again in this deluxe volume presenting the earliest comic-book adventures of America’s favorite Western star! Return to the heyday of the West, when Roy Rogers, with his golden palomino Trigger, conquered the American frontier one thrilling act of daring-do at a time! Pop culture icon, hero to generations of boys and girls, and the straightest-shooting, fastest-riding cowboy of them all, Roy Rogers left an indelible mark on the American landscape. These classic comics, in a handsome hardcover edition fit for the “King of the Cowboys,” are a perfect way to experience the excitement, humor, and romance that captivated millions. With art by critically acclaimed brothers Tom and Charles McKimson, who were famous for Dell and Disney comic illustration for decades, as well as their work in animation and art in their own right. Volume One collects: Dell Four-Color Comic #38, 63, 86, 95, and 109.
Jim: And the archive to really prove my point, Roy Rogers comics. If I wasn’t already overloaded in books, just the fact that Dark Horse considered it worth printing makes me curious to see the material. But I’m not going to pull that trigger (get it, I crack myself up sometimes, will Lee be able to stop giggling and make a comment?).
Lee: Oh, you’re funny alright. You just keep laughing. I’ve very curious about the artists in these books. Very often the art is outstanding and contains some of the top names in the industry. I just don’t know if this is one of those titles.

Jim: And I skipped the Zippo Hellboy lighter, Star Wars statues and the Tim Burton heat sensitive mugs. Dark Horse really covers the gambit.
Lee: Another good month no matter how you cut it.