---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 264 1999 EAGLE AWARD NOMINEE 5/12/2000 Edited by: David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com FREE VIA EMAIL SINCE FEBRUARY 1995 ______________________________________________________________________ C O N T E N T S ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net ............................ David LeBlanc [2] Letters to the Editor ................. Your Page! [3] TRIVIA CONTEST ........................ Win *real* prizes! [4] Network Buzz .......................... News, gossip & rumors [5] Ramblings 2000 ........................ Rich Johnston [6] E-Dispatches .......................... Jonathan A. Gilbert [7] Sound and Fury ........................ Craig Lemon [8] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [9] My View:CROSSGEN CHRONICLES ........... David LeBlanc [10] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [11] HYPE! Section ......................... Various [A] Submission, Back Issues, Copyrights ______________________________________________________________________ World Wide Web Home Page-->> http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet Mailed by ONElist: http://www.onelist.com/community/ComicBookNetworkEmag HTML WEB EDITION at -->> http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem featuring a week's worth of the online strip: Steve Conley's ASTOUNDING SPACE THRILLS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- o \o/ _ o _| \ / |_ o_ \o/ o /|\ | /\ _\o \o | o/ O/_ /\ | /|\ / \ / \ |\ /) | ( \ /o\ / ) | (\ / | / \ / \ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The ComicBook Network was founded by Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden ----------------------------------------------------------------------- If you wish to receive each issue automatically through your Email account, FREE, please send a message FROM that account TO: ComicBookNetworkEmag-subscribe@onelist.com To UNSUBSCRIBE send a message FROM the account to be dropped to: ComicBookNetworkEmag-unsubscribe@onelist.com See section [A] for the address to mail material to be reviewed. ______________________________________________________________________ All text contained within is copyrighted to the originating author(s). Except where elsewhere noted, The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine is Copyright 2000 by The ComicBook Network. You may freely distribute or retransmit this file intact without alteration for noncommercial purposes only. Except for personal archiving, permission must be obtained from the individual authors to reproduce, retransmit, or publish any part of this magazine. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net David LeBlanc Sorry about the late delivery last week. The emag is usually posted by me via the Elist Web page and that service Emails it to everyone on the list. For some reason that was not working. After trying again Saturday morning and afternoon I gave up and resorted to the backup method which is to Email the mag to Elist via the Aol mail system. The reason I do not do that automatically is that AOL restricts the size of the message so I end up sending twice as many little bits of the mag using that method - as you can tell from all the messages you got last week. Hope the other method works this week. Things are shifting gears around our house as they do this time each year. #1 son is back from school and yours truly begins some travel on business soon. Just real hectic times so we squeeze in comic reading whenever we can. Here are some I will be reading this week: DC COMICS Authority #14, 2.50 League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen #5 (resolicited), 2.95 -It's about time Pick of the week! Millennium Edition Justice League Standard Ed #1, 2.50 Planetary #10, 2.50 Silver Age Challengers Of The Unknown #1, 2.50 Silver Age Justice League Of America #1, 2.50 Silver Age Teen Titans #1, 2.50 Starman #67, 2.50 IMAGE COMICS Rising Stars #0, 2.50 OLLIE OLLIE OXEN FREE PRESS Complete Innocent Bystander Fun Pack, 12.95 So, I am reading one of the few computer mags I get, PC Magazine (a free subscription), and I glance through the letters page and see a familiar name in the May 23rd issue. There is a letter from none other than our review and interview columnist, Paul Dale Roberts! It was so dripping with sugar for the mag I thought I was gonna. . . I think Paul is on this quest perhaps to see how many different publications he can have a letter printed in. If it takes sucking up to the editors in this case, well it worked. The challenge is - can he do it in some other publication chosen at random? What do you say Paul? How about trying to get a letter printed in, um... TV GUIDE? *8^) David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com Editor The Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [2] Letters to the Editor If you want to comment on this or any previous issue, want to offer something for us to publish, or just want to shamelessly suck up to the editor to try and get your name in print send Email to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Note: Letters of comment may be used in future issues of CBEM unless you specifically request us NOT to use them. Your Email address and/or name will be withheld upon request. +++++ From: senft@worldnet.att.net (Donna Ellis € Mitchell Senft) Hi, David! A marginally interesting article on Marvel and it's future ran in the 5/9 Wall Street Journal. The URL is: http://interactive.wsj.com/ushome.html I'm so shy now about appearing to trash anyone's copyright that I won't even quote from it here -- not even the reference to the "reboot/rollback-the-clock" line -- but if anyone cares, write me and I'll forward a copy. Bonus! The website had an illo for the "new" Spider-Man that the print edition didn't have; ask me for it if interested. Mitchell +++++ From: cargill@rampageusa.com (Vern Kriske) "There is a difference between reading (and buying) everything you can get your hands on, and just keeping up the momentum of past habits." What he said! I recently moved and now can only get to my favorite shop once a month or less. So, after too many years to count, I've been using pull sheets. The net result has been a 25% reduction in cost. I think this falls into the "Make a shopping list before you go to the market" category. I still miss the old BBS days and some of our, um, discussions (?) Dave, but I do enjoy getting this mag. Thanks for the time and effort you spend putting this together and getting it out to us on a regular basis. Slainte, VK http://www.rampageusa.com/users/cargill/ ICQ: 46903132 +++++ Subj: Flash Gordon From: TRIFIDE@teleline.es Thank you for yours kindness.- I am interested in all the information that you have of the designers that have passed school that they have drawn Flash Gordon for yours. I am writing a book on the personage. Mc Raboy, Dan Barry, Mark Schultz, Ric Strada, Austin Briggs, All Williamson, Jim Keefe, Gray Morrow. Please.......I need!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for everything.- #Pedro L. Pedro L. L’pez- P.O. Box 13051- 08080 Barcelona- Spain Or e-mail trifide@teleline.es ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [3] [TRIVIA CONTEST] **THE FIRST PLACE TO FIND THE EMAG EACH WEEK IS ON OUR HOME PAGE!** IF YOU ARE DESPERATE TO WIN THE TRIVIA, GO THERE FIRST ON FRIDAY NIGHT http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet/emag.htm QUESTION OF THE WEEK Prizes donated by Discount Comic Book Service at www.dcbservice.com where you can order most DC, Marvel, Image, and Dark Horse comics, statues and retail products for 35% off. +Submit your own trivia and win the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm) if you can stump+ +the readers! You MUST submit the correct answer with your question.+ LAST ISSUE'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who was the first super hero to team up with Batman in BRAVE AND THE BOLD? The answer was Green Lantern. The winner was Gary Peterson. The prize is a "Scene of the Crime:A Little Piece of Good Night" Trade Paperback. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the first Silver Age Annual from Marvel? IMPORTANT RULES NOTICE The first correct answer to reach the editor wins the CHEEZY PRIZE(tm). The editor will be the sole judge as to which guess arrived first! Messages with more than one guess will be disqualified. LIMIT: ONE PRIZE PER MONTH PER PERSON! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Network Buzz News, gossip and rumors from around the industry From the SPLASH PAGE of Comicon.com at: http://www.comicon.com/splash/ DICK SPRANG DIES SPRANG GIVES UP THE COWL May 11: Dick Sprang, one of the most influential stylists of the Golden Age of comics died yesterday in Arizona. He was 85 years old. Sprang was considered by many to be the best of the early BATMAN artists, beginning and ending his career on the character. He was DC's principle artist on BATMAN between 1941 and 1963. His name was virtually unknown to fans since all his work was signed "Bob Kane". Sprang had an instantly recognizable style that incorporated the grotesque characterizations of Chester Gould with angular abstract shadows and shapes. His pages set the perfect mood for the Dark Knight's adventures in Gotham City and indelibly envisioned all the important elements of the series such as the BATMOBILE, the BATCAVE, and WAYNE MANOR. According to the COMIC ART & GRAFFIX GALLERY, "In 1941 he entered the offices of DC Comics with his samples, where he met the legendary Whitney Ellsworth, who gave Sprang a story to draw as a test to see how Sprang could handle comics and the rigors of a quick deadline. He gave Dick a 3 page story to pencil, ink & letter, telling him to return in 4 days. When Sprang returned, Ellsworth was so impressed by the young man he immediately gave him a 13 page Batman story to draw. A heady feat since only 4 artists had drawn the Batman until this time. Sprang would later become one of the main artists for the character, their two lives (real and unreal) inextricably woven together from this point in history. His first appearance as a Batman artist came with Batman #17. The issue had four stories and a cover by Sprang. It was not long before Sprang was doing the stories and covers steadily for Batman Comics, just as Wayne Boring was doing the same for Superman in Action Comics. "Having established himself as the preeminent Batman artist, DC felt that they needed to get more work from Dick and decided to let him just pencil stories and assigned him an inker. It was at this time he met famed DC inker Charles Paris, with whom he would work for nearly two decades. Sprang did Batman stories almost exclusively the entire period of his comic book career, eventually leaving the field in 1963 and retiring to his 150 acre ranch in Utah." MARVEL EARNINGS TANK! HEAVY FIRST QUARTER LOSS! May 10: Marvel Enterprises released its first quarter earnings report this morning and the results aren't pretty. Net sales dropped almost 40% and gross profits were down over 50%. The company reported a pre-tax loss of $16.4 million with a net loss of $9.2 million for the three month period ending March 31st. The loss per share of common stock was 61 cents. Much of the bad news was due to the drop off in licensing revenues (down 80%) and downturn in toy sales (off 40%). Publishing, meaning Marvel Comics, was only down 10% of net and actually posted a small growth in EBITDA profit. Marvel President and CEO, Peter Cuneo, said, "Our first quarter results reflect an expected decrease in net sales and EBITDA in the period which was largely due to the variable nature and timing of licensing activity as well as entertainment and toy product launches. As Marvel's management is committed to maximizing the value we derive from our character assets over the long term, the timing of our operating activities and agreements is of lower priority, leading to ongoing positive and negative variability in our quarter-over-quarter performance." Cuneo went on to say, "We have identified a number of characters within the Marvel portfolio, many of which we are only now beginning to exploit as brands with the potential to return long term value to the shareholders. We continue to focus on unlocking the value and potential of these character brands in all markets including licensing, feature films, television and the Internet.Given the broad base of activities slated for our licensing, publishing and toy businesses over the remainder of the year, we believe that our results for the full year 2000 are on track to approximate the consolidated revenue and EBITDA levels achieved in 1999, despite a substantial planned increase in spending to expand Marvel.com." Yesterday, before earnings were released, volume trading of Marvel stock soared to almost 500,000 shares against an average daily volume of 160,000, while the price remained $5 a share. FULL EARNINGS STAN LEE ON NASDAQ! LISTED ON STOCK EXCHANGE! May 8: Stan Lee Media's application for listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market has been approved. Stan Lee's common stock will begin trading on Nasdaq on Tuesday, May 9, 2000 under its current ticker symbol SLEE. The move to a national over-the-counter market is seen as essential for any stock driven Internet business and some analysts were predicting Stan's stock would immediately benefit from the new opportunity. Two months ago, Lee's stock price has garnered national headlines when it ballooned up to over $30 a share while his former employer, Marvel Enterprises has languished in the $5 to $7 doldrums for over a year. Lee was quoted in TIME Magazine as saying he hoped to leverage his superior market capitalization to one day buy out Marvel. Since then, Stan's stock has been on a roller coaster ride, at one point dropping over a $100 million in market value in the space of an hour! Currently it is trading in the $14 range. Stan Lee, is co-founder and chairman of Stan Lee Media, which is riding a public relations push to establish itself as a prime netcaster of short web animations. Upon receiving notice of the Nasdaq application approval, Stan said, "Excelsior! I am thrilled to have Stan Lee Media join the Nasdaq family. This will help our superhero creative team develop Stan Lee Media into a global powerhouse." MARVEL EXECS: 'KIDS DON'T READ COMICS'! ICAHN WILL NOT ATTEMPT MARVEL TAKEOVER THROUGH 2002! May 9: With quarterly earnings due out this week, MARVEL ENTERPRISES is on a public relations push, sending a message to investors that the future of the company is not in comic books. Print editions of today's WALL STREET JOURNAL report that the company's "only chance for survival is to leap--right off the page." The JOURNAL says, "The simple paper medium of comic books just isn't cutting it in the age of video's flashy special effects, explosive audio and interactive action. Comic book sales are down and Marvel executives acknowledge that kids just don't read them as much anymore." The company is moving into film, although Marvel CEO Peter Cuneo tells the JOURNAL that Marvel will not receive a cut of ticket sales for any ongoing film projects except 'SPIDER-MAN' because "the other deals were made by past Marvel CEOs that sold the rights to the characters for cash." Marvel is also moving into computer games and expanding its web presence with web-only comics and interactive games at the marvel.com website. According to the JOURNAL the company will atempt to make its stable of characters "more relevant", beginning with SPIDER-MAN, who's alter-ego Peter Parker, currently "a 30-something married man with a daughter and prosthetic leg", will morph into an adolescent "digital photographer for dailybugle.com". If Marvel seems to be acting as if the hounds of hell were on its tail, its because they are. Corporate raider Carl Icahn, who fought Ron Perelman for control of the company before it slid into bankruptcy, still owns a 5% share. The JOURNAL reports that "Mr. Icahn has signed an agreement that essentially says he won't try to take over Marvel--at least until October 2002 when the accord expires." At this moment, with its stock still mired in the $5 range and quarterly earnings expected to be dismal, the company appears to be particularly vulnerable to such a buy out or unfriendly takeover. +++++ From: randys@darkhorse.com (Randy Stradley) Dear Friends of Dark Horse Presents, It is with definite mixed feelings that I announce to you the cancellation of DARK HORSE PRESENTS. Issue #157 (September) will be the final issue. Over the past two years I've tried everything I could think of to boost sales of the comic back to a level at which the series could support itself, to no avail. On the one hand I look forward to the extra time I'll have in my schedule. (Don't ever let anybody tell you that short stories are easier than full-length stories. An eight-page story requires just as much time to nurture, edit, traffic through the production stage as a twenty-odd page story. Then do that three or four times each month.) On the other hand, it's difficult to part with something that you started from nothing and built into what our marketing department dubbed "the award-winningest anthology in comics." But all the awards in the world won't pay the bills, and it's time to face the fact that times have changed. The market and the series -- and probably my own sensibilities and tastes -- no longer share enough common ground to keep the series afloat. Still, there were some damn fine issues in the run, and I'm proud to have been a part of them. Whether you're a reader or a creator, I want to say thanks. You made the trip worthwhile -- no matter what the final destination. Anyway, I not yet ready to cash in the "Get Out of Comics Free" card that Evan Dorkin gave me, so though DHP is going away, you'll still have me to kick around. Randy Stradley +++++ "LOST GIRLS" AT LAST! TOP SHELF SIGNS ALAN MOORE & MELINDA GEBBIE! TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS is proud to announce the signing of Alan Moore & Melinda Gebbie's LOST GIRLS. This incredible 240-page masterpiece -- of which 56 pages were originally published in the mid-90s by Kitchen Sink Press -- will finally see completion starting Summer/Fall, 2001. LOST GIRLS will be published in 3 full-color, hardcover volumes, with a slipcase to collect the volumes once all are published. This is the format that Melinda and Alan always envisioned for the project, and Top Shelf is absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. For LOTS more information, as well as a PHOTO of the historic signing at Alan's home in Northampton, England, click onto our website and go to NEWS: http://www.topshelfcomix.com AND to CELEBRATE the signing of LOST GIRLS, if you place a Top Shelf on-line order in the month of May, and mention the word "LOST GIRLS" in the special instructions section, you'll get a 20% discount on everything you order (retail orders only). Now, that's a good deal! Your friend thru comics, Chris Staros Top Shelf Productions, Inc. PO Box 1282 Marietta, GA 30061-1282 USA +++++ Metropolis Looking for Its Superman METROPOLIS, Ill. (AP) - Wanted: tall, handsome, muscular man willing to wear tights in public. Ability to leap tall buildings a plus, but not required. The town of Metropolis - Illinois, that is - is seeking a Superman for its upcoming festival honoring the Man of Steel, but the big block of ``kryptonite'' parked downtown must be scaring the true Clark Kents away. In the list of applicants so far, big bellies and bald heads rule. ``I think these guys must have forgotten what Superman looks like,'' said Jim Hambrick, co-chairman of the Superman search and owner of the Super Museum. Most of the applicants don't even come from Metropolis, which shares its name with the fictional city where the superhero regularly saved reporter Lois Lane for all sorts of catastrophes and evil-doers. One candidate is from northern Illinois. Another intends to fly in - presumably not under his own power - from Atlanta. Most are from Paducah, Ky., just across the Ohio River. This is the first time in the 22-year history of Metropolis' Superman Celebration that a superhero hasn't just fallen in organizers' laps, said chamber director Becky Lambert, whose staff is fielding the applications. In previous years, a local with all the right attributes always surfaced to play the part. But this year, it appears there aren't many residents of this tiny but tidy Ohio River town willing to squeeze into red-and-blue tights, strap on a cape and strut around for everyone to see. For one brief weekend, the successful applicant will be hero to as many as 70,000 adoring Superman fans expected for the June 8-11 festival, and even get paid a few bucks for the honor. Organizers say the job requirements are fairly simple. Superman needs to be at least 6-1 and weigh somewhere near the 225 pounds listed in his official DC Comics biography. He can't have a paunch, he needs to have dark hair, and he really shouldn't have a drawl. At 6-feet tall, 200 pounds, dark-haired and somewhat muscled, Michael Bauer of Paducah figures he looks the part. ``It's always been a running joke that since I live near Metropolis, I must know Superman,'' he said. ``I thought it would be fun to actually be Superman.'' No word on Bauer's prospects, but the choice is particularly important this year. Two former Lois Lanes, Noel Neill of TV fame and Margot Kidder from the Christopher Reeve films, are scheduled to appear. So what happens if Superman doesn't show? Maybe organizers could hire a villain to proclaim Superman is being held hostage. ``That would probably be a lot easier,'' Hambrick said. ``We'd get a lot of baldies in here wanting to play Lex Luthor.'' On the Net: http://www.supermancollectors.com/celebration.html +++++ OnStar's Batman Challenge Set to Launch Online TROY, Mich., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today you don't have to be inside the Batmobile to command the latest OnStar technology and assist Batman on his quest to stop the Joker from destroying Gotham City. OnStar and its marketing partner DC Comics along with its sister division, Warner Bros. Online, both divisions of Warner Bros., launch live today "The Batman Challenge" at www.onstar.com and www.warnerbros.com in continuation of their fully integrated marketing campaign featuring the incredible Batmobile enhanced with OnStar's safety, security and information services. "The Batman Challenge" is a series of three Web adventures designed to take viewers on an interactive adventure through Gotham City with the Caped Crusader, while highlighting OnStar's many features. Future adventures will feature other diabolical villains and will debut in June and July. As a reward for helping Batman foil the Joker's latest attack, each Web adventure will end with a chance to enter a sweepstakes with a grand prize package featuring a VIP trip to Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, an original framed animation cel from the award-winning "Batman" television series and a $500 gift certificate to any Warner Bros. Studio Store. Viewers are automatically entered into the drawing after answering four questions related to the monthly challenge. "Now everyone can have a unique, animated Web experience of steering the Batmobile through the streets of Gotham City and interfacing with the added safety and security OnStar offers," said Chris Robinson, director of marketing, OnStar. "OnStar's innovative technology isn't the only experience we're offering at our website -- 'The Batman Challenge' sweepstakes is also going to award some lucky www.onstar.com visitors with really great prizes." "This partnership would not be complete without an online component, demonstrating how the addition of Warner Bros. Online creatively adds value to an already exciting partnership with OnStar," said Joel Ehrlich, senior vice president of advertising and promotions, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "'The Batman Challenge' gives his fans a unique opportunity to interact with Batman in an environment that is on the cutting edge of online animation. Being a high-tech master of gadgetry himself, nothing could better suit Batman." Along with the grand prize winner, 10 first prize winners will take home an original framed Batman animation cel and a Batman coffee table book; 20 second prize winners will receive a $500 gift certificate to any Warner Bros. Studio Store; and 50 third place winners will enjoy a Batman coffee table book. +++++ 50 Plus Years of Classic and New Entertainment Properties From SimonComics And Crestwood/II Publications Now Available for Licensing NEW YORK, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SimonComics and Crestwood/II Publications today announced that they are actively making their library of entertainment properties available for licensing in all media. According to CEO, Jim Simon, "We've worked or are now working with Dreamworks Studios, Marvel Comics, DC Comics-Time Warner, Archie Comics, Harvey Entertainment, Hearst Entertainment, and others in the entertainment and marketing fields. We continue to shop our licenses to new partners, especially those involved in film and web entertainment where we believe our product is a natural fit." SimonComics and Crestwood/II Publications own or represent rights to a large library of entertainment print properties including comic book superheroes such as THE SHIELD, SHIELDMASTER, THE FLY, FIGHTING AMERICAN, SICK, TEEN-MAN!, THE MONSTER CHANNEL, among others. "Our properties deliver tremendous potential for movie, print, television, web, and advertising," according to Simon. Simon should know. After all, his father, Joe Simon, created the comic book legend Captain America, which has been published by Marvel Comics since 1940, filmed several times for movies and television, and is licensed successfully by Marvel in many merchandising deals. For more information, contact Jim Simon of SimonComics and Crestwood/II Publications, 718-358-8645, or License@SimonComics.Com. This release was issued through DigitalWork.com -- Your Business Workshop. More information on DigitalWork.com may be found at http://www.digitalwork.com . SOURCE SimonComics and Crestwood/II Publications +++++ From Beau Yarbrough's Comic Wire at: http://www.comicbookresources.com/ 'AQUAMAN' RUNS AGROUND: SERIES TO END WITH ISSUE #75 Over the years, DC Comics' Aquaman has suffered the fate of many of comics' second-tier characters, with an on-again, off-again solo series. This fall, it's off-again for the king of DC's seas. A DC Comics spokesperson confirmed on Friday afternoon that "Aquaman" will be coming to an end with issue #75 this November. The end wasn't a big surprise to the creative team. "When DC asked me to take the title on, starting with issue 63, the sales were already under water, pun intended!" writer Dan Jurgens told the Comic Wire on Sunday. "We knew we'd be swimming upstream against a strong current, but thought we'd give it a shot. No more puns ... I promise!" And the reasons for the shaky health of the title are also obvious to Jurgens: "First of all, Aquaman has always been a tough sell and something of a secondary, if not tertiary, character. The fact that the book had been relaunched with issue 50 and hadn't caught on didn't help us any, because it made it even easier for the market to turn a deaf ear." Having much of a year's advance warning, Jurgens will be able to wrap up all the current plots and subplots "for the most part. The long range plans and thoughts I had for the characters, including a further explanation of Atlantis' future, won't see print and that's unfortunate because we hinted at some very cool stuff. On the other hand, I think we managed to redefine Atlantis and cast it as much more of a key player in the DCU. Again, we won't be able to explore what all that means, but the elements are there." The long lead time also means that cover artist Michael Kaluta fans will be getting a lot of bang for their two and a half bucks. "Since 'Aquaman' is ending at issue 75, I asked that I be able to draw the last three covers as one big cover, like I've done from time to time with 'Witchcraft' and the last three Books 'Of Magic.'" Kaluta told the Comic Wire on Sunday. "DC Comics agreed, so I'm just finishing the inking on the Very Long Cover …" What would have fans seen past issue #75, had the series continued? "Getting people to see Atlantis and Aquaman as pivotal players was achieved with a glimpse of Atlantis in the future, when it had become a powerful nation with a strong leadership role that other nations followed. We hinted at some things during the intervening years that would have been fun to explore. Maybe some day." Don't look for these stories that never were cropping up any other comics Jurgens writes, including Top Cow's "Tomb Raider" or Marvel Comics' "Captain America." "No, I don't believe in going back to the computer and pressing the delete button on one character's name, only to substitute another. The stories were tailored to Aquaman and the fact that he is the leader of a sovereign nation." Regardless of its ultimate outcome, Jurgens sees the creative collaboration on "Aquaman" as a success. "It was great. Tony Bedard and I worked together at Acclaim a few years ago, so it was fun to hook up with him again. Steve Epting is brilliant and I think his visualization of Aquaman was the strongest one in 20 years. Kaluta's covers gave us a very individual look and I'd eagerly work with any of them again. I think we're all leaving the book in a much stronger state than we found it in and I think we also strengthened the character so I'm happy about that." And as for future projects for Jurgens, "I'm just in the process of nailing down a couple of projects for the future, one of which will be something of a surprise. Stay tuned!" GO WEB, YOUNG MAN! McCLOUD REINVENTS COMICS THIS JUNE PREVIEW: REINVENTING COMICS Scott McCloud, who helped comic readers understand comics in the 1990s is about to unveil his follow-up to the landmark book "Understanding Comics" this June, when DC/Paradox releases "Reinventing Comics." The new book focuses on 12 revolutions in comics - including comics as art and literature, creators' rights, the fight for diversity, et cetera - with the first nine filling the first half of the book. But expect the last three to generate the most buzz. That's where avowed Internet fan McCloud talks about the digital present and future of the medium. "A lot of the stuff I'm proposing in my book isn't really possible yet, which is sort of irritating," McCloud told the Comic Wire last week. "But that lets you decide what you want to do and figure out how to do it." One of the main things McCloud sees on the horizon are digital comics pushing paper into a secondary position. "I don't think that it'll go away entirely, but I think it will be eclipsed," McCloud said. "There's no reason to think that paper won't exist; people still carve things into clay, or make furniture by hand. But there's going to have to be a good reason to do it." But don't go investing in any particular technology platform just yet. "I'm very wary of us investing too much hope in any device or class of device," he said. "I'm especially wary of devices like the electronic book, which take things like the idea of a page and set it into the hardware." Of course, as this year's Eagle nominees for Web comics showed, much of what Web comic creators are doing is simply trying to find the right formula for making comics work in a paperless medium. "I think that somebody's going to hit on a design that most everyone will settle on for a while," McCloud said. "But I think we're going to have to shed our skins a couple of times in the coming decades." Some of those changes, he said, will happen as the Internet bandwidth available for the delivery of digital comics increases, but things will eventually settle down. "Most people don't want to reinvent the wheel every time. Certainly, there are some people who enjoy reinventing the wheel," he laughed. "I think there are a few issues that are going to be relevant for a very, very long time, and those are the ones I want to grapple with ahead of time." The issues include "the relationship of content versus space." A comic creator "could build a comic that doesn't ever come to an end. You could build a comic that's 500 panels long. Why do you have to go to the next page? Right now, there's a good reason for that: You load 500 panels and you'd crash your browser. But what happens when that isn't an issue? "Right now, I'm more interested in the pioneers, even if the pioneers are the one out ahead of us with the arrows in their backs." Among the pioneers, McCloud is most enthusiastic about three Web comics sites: MagicInkwell.com, MarkMartin.net and e-sheep.com. (McCloud has a list of more than 10 favorites at his own site.) Of course, the new means in which content can be presented digitally isn't the only comics industry change McCloud sees coming down the digital pipe. "You know, on the Web, you can sell three kinds of things: You can sell atoms, you can sell bits, or you can sell eyeballs. And most businesses are selling atoms or eyeballs." "Selling atoms" refers to selling real-world products - when you go to Amazon.com, you're buying something that you will eventually hold in your hands. Selling atoms and selling eyeballs (making money via online advertising, as CBR does) "account for virtually all commercial Web sites. Almost no one is selling bits, is selling information. Information in the broadest sense: An MP3 song is just information, a comic is information. Reading an article in Consumer Reports is information. And because of that, the truth is that no one is selling what the Web is. Because of that, we're really selling the medium short. I think the New Economy that everyone is talking about hasn't really gotten started yet." The main obstacle to selling bits is download time: While high speed data connections are now becoming common in some parts of the country (CBR staffers in Los Angeles have the benefit of multiple competing DSL companies forcing prices ever down), for most consumers, downloading an MP3 file is still a time-consuming task. "The other barrier is that these things shouldn't cost much," McCloud said. "There's no reason that 20 pages of comics should cost $3 on the Web. In the real world, the creator is making something like 30 cents on that comic. … I think that online, the comics should cost closer to that 30 cents." But why sell bits at all? The current predominant model of selling eyeballs works well for many sites. "I think the biggest problem is that the essential idea of advertising is that once they get to your site, you're encouraging them to leave it!" McCloud laughed. "Really, the essential idea is how can the Web grow in the 21st century if no one is paying for the Web experience itself? … I think the majority of the Web will be free, but there will also be premium experiences. Just as you can walk through the mall for hours for free and experience things … it's when you want to take things home that you involve money." Those who've met McCloud, or heard him preach the gospel of the future of comics at various conventions know that he's a man on a mission, and it's something he makes no bones about. "The reason I think all this is so important, when you do have that connection between creator and reader, the whole creative process is turned on its head. … The consumer has something like 10 times its buying power. The creator can get works to the audience without going through the circus of the direct market. … And I'm one of the cartoonists believe that some of the very best comics are less than 5 percent of the market. "That doesn't mean that the five percent books will become 90 percent of the market, but they can become the six percent books. "For a lot of creators, it's not a choice between putting their comics out in print or putting them on the Web. It's a choice between putting their comics on the Web or not at all," McCloud said. "There's the enormous moat that separates creators from the marketplace." So when will this brave new comic book world arrive, at least from the public's perspective? "It seems likely that sometime in the next three years, there will be some Web comic that breaks out and becomes something of a mainstream hit," he said. "But at the same time, I think that the key to our success is going beyond the traditional comics market. … I'm more interested in that other 99.9 percent of the market that hasn't read a comic in decades." McCloud's own experience with his chess comic, "My Obsession with Chess," is a case in point: If it were meant to be an on-paper comic book, its reception would likely have been lukewarm at best when distributed through the superheroes-dominated direct market. But online, chess Web sites and portals linked to it, and it was widely read by people who hadn't read a comic book in decades, if ever. "Are you a technical rock climber? Do a comic about it. They'll come and check it out. Whereas if you do it in a paper comic and put it on the shelves next to the superhero comics, they wouldn't be able to find it." This sort of dangerous talk is likely to make "Reinventing Comics" a topic of debate both in the real world and online. While "Understanding Comics" had a years-long grace period of people not criticizing the book's theses, McCloud has no illusions that the honeymoon will last more than minutes this time around. "I'm one of the guests at [Comic-Con International in] San Diego this year, and I know I'm going to have one of the liveliest panels of my career, once people can get their hands on me," he said. "This time, I'm talking about things that have already had thousands and thousands and thousands of pages written about them. The Internet economy? Like I'm the first person to take on that? … Every one of these topics, I'm stepping into the lion's den, and I expect to have a very interesting summer." As for creating comics - there was a time when McCloud was best-known as the creator of the acclaimed "Zot!" series - don't hold your breath. "I will go back to straight storytelling at some point. But I had to put my Web site into deep freeze for a couple of months. And that bothers me. … And the truth is, if I could make my living off the Web, it's possible that I would turn my back on print for a couple of years." There's a lot of talk today about how the Internet is settling down to become just another medium like television or print. You can't tell that to McCloud, who's still ready to light out for the frontier. "Here's this wide-open territory, and here I am stuck in Megalopolis, where everyone is. … I suppose in the year 2000, there are people who feel the Web is over-run. Just like comics themselves, we've only explored one tenth of one percent of its potential. There's so much more we can do." +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com PLATINUM STUDIOS (Part 2) ------------------------- Comics 2 Film recently spoke with Scott Mitchell Rosenberg and Gregory Noveck of Platinum Studios. Last week we told you about their plans for Prime, Million Dollar Heroes and Nathan Never. This week we bring you part two of our conversation with Rosenberg and Noveck and reveal some interesting new projects their working on. Before we get to the fun stuff, we'd like to correct a bit of misinformation from last week's write-up. Last week we incorrectly identified Rosenberg as the publisher at Malibu Comics. Rosenberg was the founder and president of Malibu. Dave Olbrich was the publisher. Picking up where we left off, fans may be surprised to learn that Rosenberg and Noveck have plans to develop the Judd Winick's hit comic The Adventures of Barry Ween: Boy Genius. Noveck talked about the appeal of the comic, "It's really funny. It's a 10-year old genius with the mind of a Vegas pimp. We're developing that along a whole bunch of different lines actually. It's one of those characters that we feel is a real tried and true franchise." In his FAQ at the official Barry Ween website, Winick asserts that the property is in development as an animated series. Rosenberg and Noveck hinted that there may be more to it than that. However, the pair refused to disclose any details about how they planned to develop the property. "We're launching it as 'something' but we're not telling yet," Rosenberg teased. With the large slate of comic-based movies, it's no surprise that Platinum will be publishing their own comics in the near future as well. "We're finishing up scripts on a bunch of them right now," Rosenberg informed us. Noveck elaborated on what we can expect from Platinum's comic book line. "They're all across the genres, from lighter more comedic intent, to more serious and action oriented to super- heroes to more mystery. There's a wide range of stuff. We've been working on it, obviously, for a while and it's all sort of coming to fruition." http://www.barryween.com/ http://nbmpub.com/ FAT DOG MENDOZA --------------- The animated version of Scott Musgrove's Fat Dog Mendoza made it's debut on Cartoon Network UK earlier this year to very strong ratings. The show, placed highly in the ratings, in spite of running against Hey Arnold, which was Nickelodeon's #1 show last year, and Sabrina which has also been strong. Comics 2 Film has acquired the comparative ratings from February through Easter vacation. The show wins 2 out of three categories, which demonstrates the Fat Dog's dominance: Comparative ratings 2/28/00-4/4/00 Category Fat Dog Hey Arnold Sabrina -------- ------- ---------- ------- Kids 4-15 .92 1.07 .47 Boys 4-15 1.02 .98 .47 Kids 4-9 1.47 .99 .67 In spite of the show's strength in Europe, Cartoon Network in the US has not yet made a commitment to air the program. Fans who are interested in seeing the quirky and somewhat surreal show are encouraged to let the Cartoon Network know. Letters of support for Fat Dog Mendoza can be sent to: Betty Cohen, President Cartoon Network 1050 Techwood Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Publicity images from Fat Dog Mendoza can be viewed at the Comics 2 Film website. DIABOLIK -------- Comics 2 Film has obtained press materials released earlier this year by Fox Kids! regarding their new Fall lineup. Included is an image (again, available on the website), promoting the upcoming spy series Diabolik. Fox Kids! also provides this description for the show: "Diabolik brings to life one of Italy's favorite comic book characters, featuring a sophisticated hero living on the edge of darkness battling the forces of evil. Raised by a wealthy adoptive father to lead a life of crime, Diabolik instead dedicates himself to defeating his corrupt brother and the powerful, criminal regime he's ruled since his father's death. Produced by Saban International there are 40 captivating episodes." BABY BLUES ---------- The prime-time, animated TV adaptation of Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman's Baby Blues still lacks an air date according to Kirkman. The show was originally set to launch with a Christmas special last year on the WB network. Subsequent reports indicated that a March or April start was possible. At this point the show may be looking at a summer start. "The latest word from the WB is that the show will start airing in July," Kirkman told Comics 2 Film. However, he cautioned us that that date is also just tentative. http://www.babyblues.com/ THE TICK -------- A few weeks back, a posting appeared in the The Tick Usenet newsgroup by none other than Ben Edlund. The posting reveals many details about the upcoming Tick TV series. However, we held off running it until we could confirm that the post was, in fact, from Edlund. At this point Comics 2 Film has gained verification from a source at Sonnenfeld/Josephson that the release did come from the Tick creator himself. Here's what Edlund had to say about the show: "UNSOLICITED PROPAGANDA FROM BEN EDLUND REGARDING THE TICK PRIME TIME TV SHOW "Hello. I'm Ben Edlund. No joke. For a while I wrote and drew a comic book called The Tick. Then I helped make a Saturday morning cartoon series called The Tick. And now, fourteen years after I gave painless birth to this freaky blue sub-icon, The Tick threatens to arrive again. "For the last several months, I've been working on a live-action Tick TV pilot for possible airing on Fox this fall. Barry Sonnenfeld is directing the pilot, and has drawn together an impossibly talented group of people to bring The Tick to twisted life. I know that in some odd pockets of the world -- including mine -- the prospect of a live-action Tick is met with trepidatious anticipation. At this point, we've finished shooting the pilot, and I feel now is as good a time as any to talk to those who give a damn about the strange golden egg we've been laying here in Los Angeles. So: "THE NEW TICK KICKS ASS! PATRICK WARBURTON (who played Puddy on 'Seinfeld') is perfect for this role. He has the firmest of grips on the secret pilot light of the Tick's soul. His costume (designed by COLLEEN ATWOOD) is especially good. Big. blue, and extra-muscled! He looks like a giant immaculate toy! AND HE HAS REMOTE-CONTROLLED ANTENNAE! These antennae alone will hypnotize many into tantrums of pleasure and a rabid mob-frenzy of ancillary merchandise consumption. They move with a fluid grace never before seen atop a lead actor's melon. "AN IMPORTANT NOTE - The costume differs slightly from the cartoon and comic book versions. This difference occurs in and about the face area. While previously the Tick has had pupil-less white eyes set in a blue face mask, this new version exposes the Tick's eyes and brow. I imagine some of you will be deeply disappointed by this departure from Tick scripture. That's OK. But I believe absolutely that the right aesthetic choice has been made. Patrick is an excellent comedic actor with a very expressive face. There was no way to cover his eyes and get the same range, intensity, and specificity of emotion. With face unfettered, Patrick has created a three-dimensional, hilarious., totally convincing Tick. Embrace the new and give him a chance to win your hearts. DO! "Arthur (played by DAVID BURKE) is ideal. He embodies the vaguely charismatic everyman Arthur was always meant to be. David's ability to make his character's reactions real in the face of relentless absurdity will prove invaluable to the development of the Tick's better half. In his hands, Arthur will reach a new level of beleaguered humor and humanity. "PLUS - the pilot will introduce two new characters: Batmanuel (played by NESTOR CARBONELL) a suave, Eurotrash hero who has a torrid off-and-on relationship with Captain Liberty (played by LIZ VASSEY) a beautiful but violent superhero with dubious connections to the CIA and other shadowy government agencies. "There are some other changes. Chief among them, sadly, is that the material from the cartoon series has passed into the ownership of interests outside this current endeavor. But, in a way, this situation has served us well. We were forced to re- investigate our motives for making this thing, and had to engineer it from the ground up, applying what we've learned over the last few years to creating a better, stronger Tick. The show will be closer in tone to the comic book, favoring character over action, painting a superheroic portrait of genuine human lameness. We will all miss various things from the cartoon. I, personally, will miss SPEAK most of all. But I am extra-hot on the new stuff in this prime time beast. "If we get to make this a series, the four core writers of the cartoon show (myself, RANDOLPH HEARD, RICHARD LIEBMANN-SMITH, and CHRIS McCULLOCH) will be back in business, thrown into a tiny, smelly room to squirm, thrill, and vomit out the first stabs at this new expression of the Tick's message. And I suppose other, better-groomed men and women will join in as necessity demands. "BARRY SONNENFELD (who directed Men In Black, among other films, and who can make his finger smell like cheese simply by rubbing it behind his right ear) is now the highest ranked General in the army waging slow war against a non-Tick world culture. He, too, KICKS ASS. The thing couldn't have a better helmsman -- a true disciple of inspired weirdness, and a dude generous with his ample talents. BO WELCH was our production designer, which means the pilot looks beautiful. Know this if nothing else: we all of us made an honest attempt to do the Tick justice. "IMPORTANT AGAIN TO NOTE - This is only a pilot, and awaits FOX's final judgment before it can go to series. Maybe our warped fruit will tumble out of your TV screens sometime in October. I hope it will, and I hope that you will decide to jump on the big Tick hay-ride to Happyland. That would certainly help me pay my mortgage. Sincerely BEN" Thanks to Chris Baile, Bloodfang and Cinescape alt.tv.the-tick http://www.cinescape.com/ BATTLE ANGEL ALITA ------------------ FROM CINESCAPE: Cinescape looked into recent rumors that Producer/Director/King- of-the-World James Cameron is pursuing a movie version of Battle Angel Alita. The magazine spoke with Rae Sanchini, president of Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment about the prospect. According to Sanchini, Cameron is "in negotiations for all the rights, but we haven't made any decisions on talent." Thanks to LowtekSH for the tip http://www.cinescape.com/ FROM HELL --------- FROM CORONA COMING ATTRACTIONS: Corona Coming Attractions reports that From Hell directors Allen and Albert Hughes may be drawing inspiration from the early works of Alfred Hitchcock. Albert reportedly told Interview magazine, "I've been looking at a lot of Hitchcock, I've not been a major fan of his as far as his '40s--'60s work but the stuff he did in the '30s was so bold and stylistic. We're not going to try to go the same route as our other work, where the violence is so graphic or in your face. There might be moments like that but I want to shoot it more stylistically, where the audience has to imagine what's going on more in their own minds--which everybody says is more scary, which is true." Corona also reports that Heather Graham appears to be officially on board for the movie. The website references a report from MSNBC in which that actress is said to have dyed her hair red and is learning a Cockney accent for the movie. http://www.corona.bc.ca/ WONDER WOMAN ------------ Last February it was reported that the domain names wonderwomanmovie.com and wonderwomanthemovie.com had been picked up by Warner Bros., obviously in anticipation of a Wonder Woman movie. Now, Comics 2 Film reader Artemisboy informs us that the domain dianaprince.com was also purchased by Warner at the same time. Like the previously discovered domains, this URL currently takes surfers to a page promoting Warner Bros' movies. X-MEN? ------ FROM MODERN HUMORIST: In what may be an early sign of X-Men over-exposure backlash, the Modern Humorist website has cooked up an article skewering the production effort for their May issue. The crowing achievement to the spoof is their MP3 of Jewel's song A Little Prayer (Wolverine's Theme) from the movie's soundtrack (clue: the real Jewel will not be performing any music for the movie). The soulful send-up starts off with these pleading lyrics: Cold shiny claws pop out from my paws To slay the evil mutants But they can't stop anti-mutant laws That spread with such virulence It just gets better from there. http://www.modernhumorist.com/mh/0005/movies/familiar.cfm +++++ From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Coltrane In Hell Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane will appear with Johnny Depp, Heather Graham and Nigel Hawthorne in Fox 2000's big screen adaptation of Alan Moore's From Hell comic book series. Albert and Allen Hughes are directing the film based on the Jack the Ripper story. --Reuters/Variety +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE HAWKMAN CHANGE OF PLANS For almost a year now, DC readers have known that the long-rumored and long-anticipated return of an in-continuity Hawkman was slated for the first big JLA/JSA crossover of the two current titles, but as it turns out, plans have recently been changed just a bit. Though a JLA/JSA crossover remains in the plans for the future, now instead of making his return in the crossover, Hawkman will instead be coming back in a stand-alone JSA storyline. According to Johns, current plans call for the storyline to get started around JSA issue #20 or #21, and while they're understandably not revealing any details this soon, both Goyer and Johns tell Newsarama they have worked out the mechanics of his return – who, what and how. WORD ON THE STREET - Vertigo editor Heidi McDonald has confirmeed details about the return of the The Books of Magic's Timothy Hunter. According to McDonald, the series will return later this fall first as a five-issue mini-series that picks up right after the end of BoM Volume 1, with the working title of The Names of Magic, by the creative team of writer Dylan Horrocks (the multiple award nominated Hicksville), penciler Richard Case, and special guest cover artist, BoM co-creator John Bolton, drawing Tim Hunter for the first time since the original mini-series. After the conclusion of the limited series, a new ongoing Tim Hunter series (title to be determined) will launch, with Horrocks and Case at the wheel. But while the limited series picks up right after the conclusion of volume one, when the new regular series begins readers will be introduced to an older Tim – a Tim about 18 to 19 years old. "This is all about him taking the steps to learn to control his power,” hinted McDonald. "AlI I can say is we're leaving room to tell some untold tales of Tim Hunter.” As to her choice for new writer, Horrocks, the editor said, “I think when Neil [Gaiman] started the Books of Magic, it was very much in the tradition of kids fantasy books. Dylan is definitely right back in that direction. What else can I say except it's very `magical'!” - Many comic and manga fans of a similar agee group share fond common memories of coming home from school each day in the mid 1980’s anticipating the newest episode of the American version of the animated Japanese import Golion, called on these shores Voltron: Defender of the Universe. Among those fans are the creators that make up the upstart publishing company Broken Glass Studios, who are close to a licensing deal that will allow them to fulfill a years long dream, to create a brand new comic book series based on the show they grew up with. According to President of Broken Glass and writer and "concept designer" of the future series, Shawn Prince, the studio is close to finalizing details with World Event Productions, who holds the rights to Voltron here in the U.S. "While we are aware of the new CGI series Voltron; The Third Dimension, we will be basing the comic off of the original animated series that we grew up with and enjoyed so much", said Prince, referring to the better-known "Lion Force" version of Voltron. BGS (who provided Newsarama with some very early [Image] stage concept art) and WEP are negotiating a two-year license said Prince, with a possibility for renewal and the studio plans call for a monthly, full color title printed and on high-quality gloss paper stock. The creative team lined up include studio mates Prince, who will also computer color the book, Keith Newsome (co-writer, letterer), Jamie Snell (pencils) and Marcus Rolly (inks). - From the "Anti-News" files_Despite persisttent rumors that has him making a return to the Incredible Hulk via a limited or "maxi" series, writer Peter David tells us he's definitively sung his last Hulk song. - From the files of "Because It Just Isn't AA News Week Lately Without Some Mention Of Frank Miller"_comes this word from Dark Horse Comics – "Later this year Diana Schutz is flying out to NY to dig through Frank's art files to compile images for The Art of Sin City, which will be a big, coffee table-style art book featuring both favorite and un-seen art from Sin City.” DHC has not announced a release date yet...and tell us Miller fans can look for it probably sometime in mid 2001. - While Warren Ellis has recently made news by announcing his new foray with Image Comics into self-contained, non-superhero limited series, he hasn't quite corned the market. Writer Scott Lobdell will continue his recent series of self-contained four-issue mini-series (i.e. Ball & Chain, Mostly Wanted) with Monster World, another new upcoming four-issue LS with art by Carlos Meglia. - According to Image's Director of Marketingg, Brian Bendis and Mike Avon Oeming's Powers #1 was the second most reordered comic by any publisher in the industry this past week. "This book is the little train that could,” said Bozzi. "Even though we overshipped it, we still chose to overprint it by 70%. I'm extremely proud of Brian and Mike. Can you believe these gents are finishing issue issue #5 as we speak? Powers #2 hasn't even been printed yet! That, dear friends, is an Image Comics miracle!” - DC/Wildstorm has confirmed Adam Warren willl be the new regular writer of Gen 13. Warren, who tells Newsarama he begins his run late this year with issue #60 (Dec) is well known to readers as the creators of several manga-inspired Gen 13 projects. There's no word on if any changes will be made to the art team. - Publisher Larry Young announced today thatt his publishing house, AiT/Planet Lar, has acquired the trade paperback rights for the former Image Comics miniseries Channel Zero. According to, "Socially-conscious and politically-aware, this quick trip into the present-future shows us the between-click world where the Freedom of Speech is sooo Twentieth Century. Written and drawn by acclaimed comics creator Brian (Generation X) Wood, the award-winning Channel Zero shows television to be the tool of the government, where propaganda-laden sitcoms and infomercials flood the airwaves. Reduced to gumption-less couch potatoes, society has lost the will to resist. Armed with a camcorder and a laptop, Jennie 2.5 leads the fight to regain control of the airwaves, and bring the power back to the people. This new "director's cut" of CZ, available this September, will weigh in at 144 pages, and will feature the complete five issue mini, the introduction by Warren Ellis, a brand new cover and an all-new story, and more "completely captures Wood's vision of the project", said AiT/Planet Lar. WORD ON THE STREET - Wildstorm is readying their plans for a seeries of 64-page anthology specials spotlighting their Wildstorm Universe, ABC and Star Trek lines, respectively. First up in August is the WSU book, Wildstorm Thunderbook #1, followed in September by the America's Best Comics 64-pager. The special issue will feature a cover by Alex Ross. "It's a stunning piece," ABC line editor Scott Dunbier tells Newsarama. "The cast of Top 10 is in the center, with pictures of Mb>Tom Strong, Promethea, Johnny B. Quick, Greyshirt, Splash Brannigan, Cobweb, the First American and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen surrounding them in smaller boxes. So far, I've seen the sketch, and from that alone, you can tell that this is one of Alex's best pieces." The stories, all written by Alan Moore and Steve Moore spotlighting most of the ABC properties, break down like this artistically: Tom Strong - illustrated by Humberto Ramos Promethea - illustrated by Eric Shanower Top 10 - illustrated by Zander Cannon Splash Brannigan - illustrated by Kyle Baker First American - illustrated by Sergio Aragones Johnny B. Quick - illustrated by Kevin Nowlan In addition, the special will feature a Greyshirt story written and illustrated by Rick Veitch, as well as an "encore presentation" of the eight-page ABC story that ran as an insert to Wizard #91 last summer and featured Timmy Turbo giving an impromptu tour of the ABC offices. Also, the special will include a Tom Strong pinup by John Cassaday, and last and certainly not least - an eyebrow-raising addition - a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen board game. "The game was all Alan's idea," Dunbier said. "It's a little too early to say what it will be like, but with Alan designing and writing it, it's bound to be_fun, to say the least." August's Wildstorm Thunberbook #1 has a loose theme of "you ever wonder..." says editor Eric Desantis. "I've got some great short stories that answer some of WSU's forgotten questions, like what was Grifter doing before he re-joined Wildcats (vol. 2), and what happened to Gamorra when it was razed in The Authority #4?” The creative line-up looks like this_ Gen13 - Adam Hughes and Kevin Nowlan Cybernary - Tommy Yune and David Boller (the character returns from the ashes) DV8 - John Layman and Jeff Moy Jet/Backlash - Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning and Dustin Nguyen (featuring the character that debuted in Gen-Active #1) Joe Harris and Steve Ellis also provide a Grifter story entitled “"Professionals", which according to Harris is a story featuring "everyone's favorite Wildcat merc in a tough spot, and with a difficult choice to make.” "I love juxtaposing gruff, dangerous characters like Grifter with kids,” said Harris. "It brings out a certain side of them we don't normally see. And so that's what I've done in this story. The tale takes place during the downtime between vol. 1 and vol. 2 of the Wildcats series'. Grifter, while globetrotting, has ended up in Paris and has been hired by a rich man to recover his young daughter who's been kidknapped. "A job's a job, and Grifter aims to do it well. He's a professional, after all. But what if the child he recovers doesn't want to go home? What if her father isn't quite the loving, concerned parent he appears to be? What if Grifter had to confront issues like child abuse and weigh his conscience against his payday? "Being a professional isn't easy. And sometimes people have to do shitty things to make a buck. Will Grifter?” DeSantis also reports he has a "surprise artist gallery", and a "kicks ass" cover by Dan Norton all set to go. "More than one story is an appetizer for cool new things to come!” said the editor. "The gallery will offer even more teasers...” - According to the latest Diamond shipping rreports (courtesy Charles LePage's New Comics Release List at www.comiclist.com/), Mark Waid and Barry Kitson's Empire #1 is now scheduled for a June 7th release, and according to Waid, for the first few issues the Gorilla comics series will ship on a roughly bi-monthly basis. "Because we've gone to self-financing and self-production - i.e., having to handle all the publishing concerns as well as the creative concerns - we've had to downshift to bi-monthly status for the first few issues,” explained Waid. "Barry and I are still fully committed to and excited about Empire and we want it to be our best work, but we're also sensitive to soliciting material and then shipping it late - which is why Empire #3 will be solicited as a September release. "We probably could have gotten it out in August, but better to err on the conservative side rather than to promise a book that might not be there when fans expect it to be there.” - Newsarama's got a sneak peek courtesy DC CComics at some of the mysterious new Green Lanterns introduced in this August's 5th Week event series Green Lantern: Circe of Fire. Click on the cover image of Circle of Fire: Green Lantern/Power Girl for a look at the time-lost Emerald Knight, the super-swift Green Lightning (GL/Adam Strange), a Manhunter Robot turned GL (GL/Firestorm) and in which teams up with a GL — a heroine from an alternate timeline that Kyle finds somehow familiar (Green Lantern/Green Lantern). - The last 3 issues of Marvel's X-Men: Childdren of the Atom six-issue mini-series – which has been delayed several months as the penciler chores were passed from original artist Steve Rude to Paul Smith - is going through some more changes. According to editor Mark Powers, they've run into "huge scheduling problems" with Smith, and Croatian artist Essad (Vertigo’s 4 Horsemen) Ribic has been tapped to illustrate issues #5 & 6. Powers expects the shipping schedule of the final three issues to remain fairly unaffected. Issue #4 (originally due this month) with art by Paul Smith will ship three weeks late according to Powers, and the already completed issue #5 and #6 should hit stores in June and July scheduled. Essad will also be working on an upcoming fully-painted three-issue Wolverine/Psylocke mini-series with writer Joe (X-Men Unlimited) Pruett. In fact, it was Pruett who brought Essad to the attention of Marvel said Powers. - While readers are waiting for issue #2 of the Aria/Angela two-issue crossover mini, Newsarama checked in with writer Brian Holguin to get the latest on his Avalon property. In the works for later this fall is a collected edition of the original four-issue Aria series, the original prose story from the preview issue, plus pin-ups and all the covers. As for new Aria material, Holguin tell us he's hired a new artist, Australian David Yardin to work on a new series of stories that will come out - in his words - “a lot more frequently than the book traditional has.” The first, a six to eight issue mini-series, Aria: Soul Market, is in the works for late this summer and features Robin Goodfellow (from Midsummer Night's Dream fame), an underground `Soul Market' and "the burdens of immortality.” Jay Anacleto will provide covers to the new series. The fan favorite, but infamously "meticulous" artist will also be providing illustrations for Holguin's in-the-works Aria prose novel, Night Magic: An Aria Tale. "The novel is a good project for Jay because he can really stretch out and take his time on the art work,” said Holguin. No release date has been set, but according to the writer, Avalon will release the novel in the direct market, and he reports he's currently negotiating with book publishers to get it distributed beyond the direct market as well. - DC Comics has confirmed a new Doom Patrol ongoing series is in development in editor Andy Helfer's office with writer John Arcudi and artist Kaare Andrews attached, though there are no details yet available or word on when the series will debut. In other DC news, "Twack's" Jonathan Vankin of the iFuse's Popculprit magazine (www.ifuse.com/popculprit/) is reporting that "DC is working on a revival of Boston Brand, aka Deadman, in a new monthly book.” According to a spokesperson for DC, a Deadman project is in development, but whether it is an ongoing series or not was unable to be confirmed. - Marvel has confirmed a 264-page trade papeerback collection of Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee's Eisner Award-winning Inhumans maxi-series will be solicited for an August release. The collection will retail for $24.95. And speaking of Marvel Knights, MK top dog Joe Quesada tells us they're "negotiating doing more" with writer Grant Morrison. “I think Grant is having a blast with Marvel Boy and breaking down the walls of the traditional Marvel style,” said Quesada. "MK and Grant seem like a match made in heaven. Keep your ears to the ground and your eyes peeled because whatever it is that Grant chooses to do, it's going to defy all convention.” According to the latest industry scuttlebutt, writer Brian (Powers) Bendis, whose star has been steadily on the rise over the past year, has been pegged to write a Spider-Man 'Ground Zero' title and possibly a X-Men title as well. And artist Mark (Thunderbolts) Bagley's name has surfaced in rumors as possibly involved with the Spider-Man title, but it remains unclear whether or not the artist - who has shown the ability to pencil additional projects while maintaining a regular month in/month out schedule on the Thunderbolts - will be involved on a limited or ongoing basis. Bendis did not comment on the new rumors, Bagley could not be reached for comment. "Ground Zero", as Newsarama readers recall, would take a 'Heroes Reborn'-like approach to Marvel's highest-profile properties, offering new, rethought/redesigned/more accessible versions of the characters unencumbered by 35 years of continuity and launched as a separate line in addition to - and not in replacement of - the current in-continuity titles. And while Newsarama is still unable to get confirmation from Marvel on the line, comments by Marvel Enterprises CEO Peter Cuneo and their new President of Publishing and New Media Bill Jemas in today's Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) seem to clearly indicate a 'Ground Zero'-like line is in the plans for the fall, definitely involving at least Spider-Man. - DC Comics has provided more information abbout a project Newsarama has been telling you about the last couple of months, their August Green Lantern 5th Week Event, now entitled Green Lantern: Circle of Fire. According to the publisher, “A deadly threat is heading for Earth with one target in mind before conquering the world: Kyle Rayner. As Kyle escapes capture, he must assemble a force of unlikely heroes, including Firestorm, Power Girl, the Atom, and Adam Strange, as well as six strange new Green Lanterns.” Who these mysterious GL's are and what strange secret they and the alien menace share with Earth's only Green Lantern is at the heart of this seven-issue event. Says DC Comics, "The adventure of Kyle's career begins in Green Lantern: Circle Of Fire #1, a double-sized issue written by Swamp Thing's Brian K. Vaughan with art by Norm Breyfogle and Jesse Delperdang and a cover by Cary Nord and Mark Lipka. Trailing destruction and mayhem in its wake, the spaceborne menace approaches Earth, and the JLA — warned by Adam Strange — races to confront the formidable foe. With Kyle the only one returning from battle, Earth's only hope lies with an array of former Leaguers and six mysterious Green Lanterns — champions unlike any the world has ever seen. And as Kyle weakens in the aftermath of the battle in space, the Spectre appears before him with a simple, cryptic warning: Trust no one.” Following the events of Circle Of Fire #1, the various Green Lanterns split up, joining different members of the small band of heroes they've assembled. Linked by a unifying cover design and logo treatment, these standalone issues each fill in a different piece of the puzzle, leading to an explosive conclusion — and several shocking revelations — in the pages of the double-sized Green Lantern: Circle Of Fire #2. In Green Lantern/Adam Strange #1 (written by Vaughan with art by Nord and Lipka and cover by Rodolfo Damaggio and Kevin Nowlan), Adam Strange joins the super-swift Green Lightning for a journey to the devastated planet Rann to try to save Strange's adopted people. Green Lantern/The Atom #1 (written by Vaughan with art by Trevor McCarthy and Tyson McAdoo and cover by Nord and Lipka) finds the size-changing Atom teamed with two of the future's Teen Lantern Corps to investigate the threat's connection to Kyle's past. But will the teen heroes get over their lack of respect for the Atom in time to uncover the secret and defeat some of DC's most devious villains along the way? In Green Lantern/Firestorm #1 (written by Jay Faerber with art by Ron Randall and Dan Davis and cover by Nord and Lipka), the Nuclear Man pairs up with a Manhunter Robot-turned-GL to obtain the Omega Option, the only device known that can stop the coming assault from beyond the stars. But will a reunion with someone from Firestorm's past doom their mission? New Green Lantern writer Judd Winick teams with interior artists Randy Green and Wayne Faucher and cover artists Damaggio and Nowlan for Green Lantern/Green Lantern #1, in which Kyle teams up with a GL — a heroine he finds familiar — from an alternate timeline in order to find their enemy's secret headquarters! But getting there is only half the battle. Meanwhile, Kyle is beginning to grow strangely weaker. Birds Of Prey's Power Girl teams up with the time-lost Emerald Knight on a mission that can't possibly succeed in Green Lantern/Power Girl #1 (written by Scott Beatty with art by Pete Woods and Andrew Pepoy and cover by Nord and Lipka). What terrible secret did the World's Greatest Super-Heroes learn about the menace from beyond the stars? The shocking answer to the secrets of Kyle, the new GLs and their foe are revealed in Green Lantern: Circle Of Fire #2 (written by Vaughan with art by Robert Teranishi and Claude St. Aubin and cover by Darryl Banks and Kevin Nowlan). In this extra-length final chapter, the heroes prepare to make their final assault, but what price will they pay for a shocking betrayal from within their own ranks? It's a conclusion that will have startling implications for Kyle Rayner and his relationships with DC's greatest heroes. The events of Circle Of Fire are just some of the changes in store for Kyle Rayner in August as, in Green Lantern #129, new writer Judd Winick (The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius) takes the reins of the ongoing series. In an issue with art and cover by Darryl Banks and Andy Smith, Kyle scores his dream job as a cartoonist for Feast, a wildly successful infotainment magazine. He's hit the jackpot with new studio equipment, free Internet access, and even his own assistant! But meeting his new deadlines is going to be mighty tough since, as soon as he starts his new life, a mean-spirited, tentacled mechanical thingamabob is dragging Kyle's butt to intergalactic parts unknown in Something Old, Something New" -------------------------------- - Monday's new edition of Yourman@Marvel revvealed upcoming plans for an August one-shot called X-Men: Declassified. Written by Karl (X-51) Bollers and penciled by Pacsual (Warlock) Ferry, the 48-page special mixes in a full-length story with "Handbook" style entries featuring information on the X-verse characters with pin-ups by artists such as Salvador Larroca, Leinil Francis Yu, Michael Ryan, Sean Chen, Ariel Olivetti and Tom Raney. According to Yourman, "Over the past several years, a whole host of the X-Men's worst enemies - from Mr. Sinister to Bastion to Magneto - have done everything in their power to uncover all of the mighty mutants' secrets. Now, for the first time, the knowledge on Charles Xavier's extended `class' that makes up the X-Men, X-Force, and Generation X has been gathered in one place! But before this info can be deciphered, three X-Men will breach the most guarded sanctum of the U.S. government in a desperate attempt to destroy it! Not only will they discover things they could not have imagined, but they will also be confronted by a more immediate threat - a foe that could bring their world crashing down around them!” - While the latest issue of Wizard reports wwriter J.M. DeMatteis' ongoing The Spectre series starring Hal Jordan has been "put on hold", resulting in some fans assuming the ongoing series was scuttled even before it began, according to DeMatteis, that's not the case. The new ongoing Spectre series has simply been pushed back a few months with a new regular artist joining DeMatteis. "The ongoing is very much a go,” the writer told Newsarama. As Wizard reported, what was to be the first 4 issues of ongoing series, penciled by Michael Zulli, has been rescheduled as a August-debuting 4-part Legends of the DC Universe story arc. But it will also serve as a prequel to the new ongoing series, that will debut a few months after the LOTDCU arc concludes with artist Ryan Sook (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Ring of Fire) attached as the regular penciler. "Michael, for a variety of reasons, has moved on to other projects,” explained DeMatteis. "But he really put his heart and soul into these four issues. Ryan was actually the first artist we had lined up for the monthly, but he had a scheduling problem and Michael stepped in to replace him.” Asked why the opening story arc was rescheduled for LOTDCU and why the series has taken so long to development (it was first confirmed last August before the San Diego Comicon), DeMatteis replied, “One of the answers is that we want to launch the monthly with the `official' writer-artist team in place. Changing artists after four issues on a new series isn't anyone's idea of a good time. And it so happens that this first arc is actually a great set-up story...putting Hal through his paces as he comes to understand and master his new role - and putting the character in a good position to begin his new adventures. Legends of the DCU seemed an ideal place for the story.” "As to why has this all taken so long? Because it's a new series with a classic character (two of them, actually: Hal and Spectre) and everyone wanted to make sure that the book was properly launched.” - Artist Graham (Monster Island) Nolan told Newsarama that he's busily penciling JLA/Predator, a DC/Dark Horse crossover planned for release later this year. Written by John (Martian Manhunter), the special begins when the Predators, who've gotten their rears handed to them virtually every time they've come to earth, decide to make a return trip - but before they hit the blue skies and mountain majesties of terra firma, they take a side trip. "This time, the Predators realize they need help and go to the Dominators for a little enhancement," Nolan told Newsarama. "The Dominators help the Predators and give them superpowers, and as their way of thanking them, the Predators try to kill the Dominators," Nolan said. "Brave souls that they are, they run to earth, wanting the JLA to protect them, and the fun goes on from there!" The 48 page, prestige format JLA/Predator one shot will be published by DC Comics later this year. Stan Lee Media Hires George Hamilton As part of what they call its "ongoing effort to create compelling globally branded content for the Internet", Stan Lee Media Inc. has signed the famously suntanned actor and businessman George Hamilton as its President of Global Branded Entertainment. In his position, Hamilton will head up a new division responsible for signing globally recognized entertainment talent to take part in original programming on the Internet, starting with voice-over and development projects. "Our hiring of George represents one of the first times an Internet company has appointed a Hollywood icon to an executive post," remarked Peter Paul, co-founder of Stan Lee Media. "George is in a unique position to lead the way for his peers in Hollywood to enter the Internet age with SLM's pioneering efforts in online convergence entertainment." "The Internet is a monumental new force in the world of entertainment. For people like Stan and me, who are passionate about the Internet, the future involves embracing these new changes and helping to form this exciting new medium which is now in its infancy," stated Hamilton. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring Hollywood to the World Wide Web." Although well-known for his acting career, George Hamilton is no stranger to the business world. George Hamilton Productions Inc., formed in 1974, has turned out films such as Evil Knievel, Zorro, The Gay Blade and Love at First Bite. Dykstra To Do Spidey FX John Dykstra will be providing the visual effects web fluid for Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movie. Dykstra's last project was supervising Sony Pictures Imageworks' visual effects for Stuart Little. Currently, Dykstra doesn't know how many shots the film will contain because Raimi and David Koepp haven't finished the script yet. "We're still sorting the character out," he said. "It's going to come down to what the character we've come to know on the printed page requires to bring him to life. It certainly won't be in any way pedestrian." Filming on Spider-Man is scheduled to begin later this year with a 2001 release date in mind. --Hollywood Reporter +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com ANIMATED 'X-MEN' NEWS The COMICS CONTINUUM interviewed X-MEN EVOLUTION story editor Bob Forward on Tuesday, and discovered the following about the upcoming KIDS WB! animated series... The show will be oriented towards a young audience, and be set at the Xavier Institute high school, where Raven Darkholme (Mystique) is the principal, and the students include teenage versions of Jean Grey, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Kitty Pryde, Spike (a nephew of Storm with powers similar to Marrow), Blob, Toad, Avalanche, and Quicksilver. Professor Xavier and Magneto will also be featured, and adult versions of Wolverine and Storm will act as mentors to the students. http://www.comicscontinuum.com http://www.marvel.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Ramblings 2000 Rich Johnston twisting@hotmail.com [Renamed for the new year, Ramblings 2000 continues to spread confirmed and unconfirmed news and rumours. It welcomes comment, especially comment that clarifies, refutes and corrects information already disseminated. Rich Johnston is an advertising copywriter, co-self publisher of Twist And Shout Comics, BBC comedy writer and comics columnist. He currently lives in South London, England. His column can be found online at: http://www.twistandshoutcomics.com All Ramblings e-mail received will be considered public domain and may be quoted.] This column is RUMOUR. Do not take anything here seriously. These RUMOURS are presented here as GOSSIP for their ENTERTAINMENT value. Dateline: 9 May 2000 Lost And Found It's not a hoax. Not an imaginary story. Along with Rick Veitch's last Swamp Things, Big Numbers 3-12, the 1963 80 Page Giant Annual... Lost Girls, by Alan Marvel-Vagina and Melinda Gebbie will be published by Top Shelf next year. In three eighty-page hardcover volumes. We expect to see it published summer/autumn 2001, during convention season. To recap, Lost Girls is a series, not unlike League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which takes three classic female icons of fantasy fiction and shows them as adults, a young Dorothy from Wizard Of Oz, an middle aged Wendy from Peter Pan and a much older Alice from Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass. Through a number of themed narrative devices, we see each individual's lifestyle, concentrating on the sexuality, alongside an icon that reflects their childhood adventures, whether this be a mirror, shadows or red shoes. It's a very explicit book, but not one that aims to titillate in a traditional manner. It's genuinely erotic, a term much abused today. The book originally appeared in colour in Steve Bissette's Taboo anthology, alongside From Hell, then collected in comic books by Kitchen Sink. But that was a long time ago. Not only that but Top Shelf are also going to be putting out a 600 page TPB of Alex Robinson's Box Office Poison. Wooo! LAST MINUTE UPDATE: Chris Staros, publisher of Top Shelf responds to our queries "The contracts have been signed all around. It'll be a 2001 release, maybe summer, maybe fall, released in 3 separate, full-color, hardback volumes, with a slipcase to "collect" the volumes. We're extremely excited about it, and should have some more details posted to our website NEWS section in a couple of days." Okay Chris, if you think you're so good, go get the contracts signed for Big Numbers. And everybody else, you'll find that website at http://www.topshelfcomix.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] E-DISPATCHES from the GREAT WHITE NORTH! Jonathan A. Gilbert SeajayVentures@netscape.net [Jonathan A. Gilbert is a freelance writer and columnist. His internet work can be found at www.jazmaonline.com, www.madreview.com, in CBEM and other places. His print work can be found in MAD SCIENTIST; THE JOURNAL OF SCIENCE GONE AWRY, THE PEOPLE'S COMIC BOOK NEWSLETTER and later this year in TandT Comics' 'Dark Warriors' comic book series.] Copyright-2000: All Rights Reserved. _____________________________________________________________ This is the first of what will hopefully be a series of special review editions of E-Dispatches from the Great White North. Unlike the regular Dispatches column this version will be appearing on an irregular basis. Why, you ask? Basically, the review version of E-Dispatches will only appear when I have enough publications to review and the only way that will happen is if you, faithful readers, send me comics that you'd like to see covered in this column. Now it can either be comics that you are personally involved with or comics that you would like to see plugged. But if you want that comic reviewed you'll have to send me a copy of it. Got it? And it doesn't necessarily have to be a comic either. It could be a magazine about comics or the comics industry, a fan publication, a pulp or even a collection of comic strips. You send it, I'll review it. Plain and simple. So bundle up those goodies and mail them off to... Jonathan A. Gilbert/225 Colborne St./Box 10/Port Stanely, Ontario/ N5L 1C2/CANADA. And if you are mailing the package from outside of Canada be sure to mark the customs declaration sticker 'gift' otherwise this country's money hungry government will demand I pay taxes on what you send me. And as I have zero budget for writing this column-nor do I get paid to do it for that matter-I will have to reluctantly have to refuse it and tell the post office to return it to you. Now, to the reviews. ------------------------------------------------------------ TWILIGHT AVENGER SPECIAL #1/Twilight Avenger in "The Centipede Crawls" is written by John Wooley with pencils by Terry Tidwell and inks by Bill Fugate. Major Miracle in "Iron Clad Victory" is written by Scott Kinney with pencils by Kevin Tuma and inks by Butch Burcham./Published by Miracle Comics/August 1996/black & white/ $2.75 U.S. ($3.65 Canadian)./For ordering information contact publisher Terry Tidwell at been out for a while but is still available from the publisher. This issue was sent to me for review purposes by Tom Doyle. As anyone who knows me will tell you I am a big fan of pulp fiction. Thus, it should come as no surprise that I am also a big fan of The Twilight Avenger, a pulp like mystery-man whose adventures are set in the 1930s. This issue features the long awaited conclusion of "The Centipede Crawls" storyline that was left dangling when Twilight Avenger's first publisher, Elite Comics, went out of business in the mid 1980s. Not only does John Wooley and Terry Tidwell do a nice job at wrapping up loose ends but they also provide an excellent introduction for readers who happened to miss the two published Elite issues. My only real complaint about this story is that it wasn't long enough. I really love this character and would love to see more of him. Maybe if enough of you order this comic Terry and company will bring him back. As for the backup strip, Major Miracle, I have a hard time giving it a definitive thumbs up or down. Taking up the remaining six pages of this 32 page special-remember the days when specials were 64 pages and up?-"Iron Clad Victory" could be best classed as a prologue of sorts. I would have much preferred to see a six page done-in-one tale introducing this character or better yet see the pages devoted to a Twilight Avenger Sketchbook similar to the section that used to appear in the Eternity Comics version of this title. Hard to say, really. I do though know I would have much preferred a different inker on this piece. Butch Burcham buried Kevil Tuma's pencils to the point where I have absolutely no idea what Kevin's line work looks like. The story even features Burcham's trademark "thighs of death" and gritting teeth much to my dislike. If you like that kind of thing, that's fine. I don't thus my preference for a different inker. Still, it was only six pages and does not in any way take anything from an otherwise fine comic. I highly recommend that you look into ordering this issue. It is definitely a fun comic. ------------------------------------------------------------- PULP TALES #1/various contributors/published by Prime Directive Inc. and available through Girasol Collectables.1409-3501 Glen Erin Drive. Mississauga, Ontario. L5L 2E9.CANADA./ Spring, 1999/$9.95 U.S. ($13.95 Canadian)/To order or subscribe contact Giracol Collectables at the above address or via e-mail at . This magazine was sent to me for review by Leigh Mechem, editor of Pulp Tales. If you like the pulpish nature of such comics as The Twilight Avenger then you will absolutely love Pulp Tales as it is the real thing. One hundred and twelve pages in length this publication is an honest to gosh pulp magazine. Editor Leigh Mechem and Art Director Neil Mechem don't though take a retro approach to the pulp genre with their publication. While Pulp Tales succeeds in capturing the spirit of pulps it also successfully avoids their drawbacks. This issue starts off with a nicely written intro by Leigh which not only provides a brief history of the pulps but also explains what Leigh and Neil hope to achieve with their publication. Next in the lineup is a 66 page novel titled A BREED APART starring Harry Cornell, Pulp Tales' first of its planned stable of recurring characters. Written in a crisp, gritty style by Kevin Simon this hard nosed detective's premier published adventure has him dealing with a cold blood, vicious criminal who he encounters during a seemingly routine search for a missing girl. This tale is followed by a 28 page 'novella' titled PULPS TO DIE FOR by Liam O'Neil in which two police detectives attempt to solve the murder of a pulp magazine collector. as well as being a well written yarn this tale takes the reader for an inside look into the world of pulp magazine collectors which is almost identical to the world of comic book collectors. This issue is filled out with a nice six page short by Calvin Jones and a five page historical tribute to Walter B. Gibson, creator/writer of The Shadow. While the last piece covers some well trodden territory Neil does a nice job of it and the work is enhanced by some rarely seen, at least by this reviewer, Gibson related visuals. All in all Pulp Tales #1 is an excellent reader. While the price is a tad steep, especially for Canadian buyers, it is still well worth it and a must by for anyone who likes their literature hard boiled and to the point. But if detectives aren't your cup of tea, feat not. Issue number two will be out soon and its lead story will feature a robed avenger called The Judge in a story by Liam O'Neil titled WHEN SATAN RAN FOR MAYOR. I'll definitely be looking forward to that issue. Meanwhile, pick up Pulp Tales #1 and be sure to tell them you heard about it from me. Same goes for Twilight Avenger Special #1. See you next time, folks. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Sound and Fury Craig Lemon craiglemon@aol.com As stated last time, Comics 2000 in Bristol provided an unique opportunity to taste some upcoming DC titles, and even take four of them away. Let's conclude our look at this quartet. JLA: Heaven's Ladder (release date: September 2000) This oversized book with be the first JLA release by the new regular team of writer Mark Waid and illustrators Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary. I've made no secret in the past of not being overly keen on Waid's writing, feeling of his most recent stuff that he only hit the mark in half of his JLA fill-ins, but Hitch and Neary are superb, just coming off of a globe-trotting run on The Authority. As a sidebar, you have to wonder whether they are suited to the proposed-JLA stories. Waid has said in interviews that he wants to emphasize the interaction of various team members, rather than concentrate on world and universe endangerment. However, Hitch and Neary are at their best in showing mass destruction and huge fights, so it will be interesting to see them scaled back a bit. Onto Heaven's Ladder. Cover features eight team members - maybe Waid's core team - of no surprises: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Flash, Martian Manhunter and Steel. Kicking off with Captain Atom (is it?) at a molecular level, we soon encounter an absolutely huge spaceship storming towards the Sun and the Earth. The double-page spread on pages 4 and 5 will look impressive in the final book, as the ship draws ever nearer. Cue scenes of the JLA's reaction to this ship - Plastic Man freaks out as usual, Flash rushes off. Some sort of ultrasonic weapon hits the JLA, the ship moves on and looks to have captured the Sun itself. This isn't the only object captured by the ship, it has plenty more already, when the JLA move into investigate powerful antibodies counter-attack. Presumably we're looking at a living ship that eats Suns as nourishment. This is shaping up to be a huge adventure, a good transition from Morrison to Waid, and well worth the extra cash needed when finally released. The only problem with that sort of format (also used for Batman: War on Crime and Superman/FF) is that the pages tend to warp badly...hopefully this will be sorted for the final version. Outlaw Nation #1 (release date: Fall 2000) This is from Vertigo, and to all appearances is their hope to replace Preacher with a big seller. Jamie Delano provides the script, Goran Sudzuka the art. The cover is by Fabry, and hopefully he will stick with the title for the duration, to give it a unified identity. From the cover you'd assume this is a Vietnam comic, that may put a few people off. Indeed, that's how the book kicks off, with the narrator (a writer called Story) being thrown out of a helicopter over the Laos/Cambodia border, by his half brother. He survives the fall (or else it'd be a short series) and is taken pity on by a young Vietnamese girl, and they seek shelter in the wreckage of a crashed plane, using the supplies in the plane to stay alive. A few years pass, then, whilst he is writing inside the plane, she's killed in a napalm attack. The story switches to the present, with Story's son experiencing flashbacks to terrible events when he was a cop, seeking for the Outlaw Nation - "The Johnson Place". This is a sanctuary, a hideaway from the world, where true freedom lives, and if you're a real Johnson you'll find it. Concurrently with this, the half brother (remember him) is hunting down Johnson's, and finds and kidnaps the guy who originally told Story's son about the Johnson place. Onto the art - Sudzuka is to be complimented - he introduces a large cast of characters in this first issue, all of whom are easy to distinguish from another. In a book such as this, it is so important to be able to tell the characters apart, and Sudzuka manages this with ease. This first issue jumps about all over the place, between the past and the present, winding forwards a day or two unexpectedly, with no expository captions other than the narrators voice every now and then. However, it does reward rereading - the first read makes the book seem like a confused mess, the second illuminates matters slightly, and the third really helps show that there is an underlying plot there. Whether the focus of the book will be on Story's son search for the sanctuary, his girlfriend's search for him, the return of Story to civilization (as hinted at in the last pages), or the rationale behind Story's half brother kidnapping all the Johnson's he can find, remains to be seen. Maybe all four! However, even from this first issue, you get the definite impression that there is a finite story to be told, and that the writer knows exactly where he is going. You suspect that all will be revealed by the end, although Delano is not necessarily known for that! Biggest disadvantage is that the story will almost certainly read better in trade paperbacks, or large chunks of the individual issues - and it needs to survive long enough for these to be generated, but after the first issue people may just be tempted to wait for the TPB - not the most accessible of books. Worth having a look at, but bear it mind you'll have to stick with it. Next time I'll catch up on some reviews of recently released books - think I've enough of a backup for a three-part review... Comments and the usual to the above address. Cheers. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] Multiverse Observer and Explorer Reviews Paul Dale Roberts silhouet9@aol.com [Paul promotes amateur and professional comic book artwork, scripts, storylines, and unpublished comic books with a newsletter called the Peoples' Comic Book Newsletter. Its website is at Jazma Comic Book Newsletter Productions at http://www.jazmaonline.com/ He is also a prominent letter hack, as anyone who reads comic letter pages would know. He is in production of his own self-published comic book called The Legendary Dark Silhouette and has copyrighted over 600 characters for his Jazma Universe.] WARNING: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN MAY REVEAL SIGNIFICANT PORTIONS OF PLOTS OR ENTIRE PLOT DEVELOPMENTS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Name: War Against Crime #3 Publisher: EC Comics Written and Drawn by: Numerous Writers/Artists Price: $2.50 Comments: Enjoyed this issue immensely and wrote the editor a letter. Here is that letter: The stories described in War Against Crime #3 remind me of the stories our tour guide told us while touring Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Our tour guide told us of stories of intriguing drama of movie stars who would frequent and party at this estate. What I found in these reprinted EC stories was intriguing drama, along with violent action. I was amazed at the story of Frisco Florrie. What a hoozer! This devilish woman would slip a mickey in some guy's drink and her big heavy Tom would assist her with Shanghai methods of kidnapping. By hurting her business with Capt. Ring and Capt. Krug, I wonder if she had replacements for both Captains? During my early days of being a private investigator I have met some savory cutthroats, but nothing is worse than a dame who is out to get rich like Frisco Florrie! Drowning was too good for this ruthless femme fatale! Now, let's talk about the 'Savage Strongboy' aka Willie Blake. Poor Willie, as he is enchanted by the beauty and sullen smoothness of another femme fatale and that being Elouise Weller. Elouise takes advantage of Willie's strength to use him as a muscle man in the mob. Willie was motivated by the charm of Elouise and a large wad of cash. Greed strikes every time. Rock musician Rob Zombie once said: "If I had a choice of money or a woman, I would take the money of course!" In Willie's case he thought he was getting both. Willie was very protective of Elouise, which is a good sign that he had a maddening crush over her. Elouise wasn't playing with a full deck of cards, as she allowed herself to get caught in the arms of another man. Out the 40th window - goodbye Willie and Elouise! In death they shall be together. Willie sure knows how to get his woman! Jealousy is dangerous! Next story, The Do-it-Yourself Kid and The Dimpled Doll was a brilliant true story. Joey Thursday brags that he doesn't like dames. Nowadays, if you say that, it would have people looking at you strange. Selma, who is rejected by Joey of course goes after this hard-to-get kind of guy. Joey, must have really hated dames, since he kills her. What a way to get busted, having Selma's perfume all over you! Way to go Joey - this guy is one of the dumbest criminals in our history! Really enjoyed my night tonight, got to watch Galaxy Quest and then read my EC Comic! Perfect entertainment! Name: Red Moon - April 2000 - Vol. 1 - Issue 4 Published by: Juan Perez Price: Free! Address: Red Moon, PO Box 514, Millington, TN 38083 Email Address: Gotobulldog87@yahoo.com Comments: Super ezine that supports unknown writers and artists! Similar to what I do with the Peoples' Comic Book Newsletter. Except one thing is different, this newsletter is FREE!! Inside this issue was plenty of fan art, an interview with Vampirella, editorial article, Vampirella poetry, article about the movie Stigmata, an article entitled 'A Day at the MidSouth Con', cartoons and a whole lot more! Also, the publisher asks for people to contribute by sending in poems, artwork, storylines, etc. Yep, can't go wrong with this ezine - give it a try and email or write to Juan! Have fun! Name: The Adventures of Dr. Bob and Irving Publisher: SRD Studios Written and Drawn by: Ray Tomczak Price: $2.00 Address: SRD Studios c/o Ray Tomczak 4050 N. High Street; Apt #33 Columbus, OH 43214 Email: srdstudios@go.com Webpage: http://homepages.go.com/~srdstudios Comments: This is what the opening line of the comic book says: "Dr. Bob is the eccentric scientist, who with his bodyguard Irving McKenzie, uses the resources of the globe-spanning Bob Foundation to battle menaces ranging from the supernatural to the super-scientific, both on Earth and sometimes beyond...." What we have in this comic book is a variety of unique characters with names like: Jimmy Ryan: Boy Hero and his alien companion Teddy, Mechano (reformed villain), Prince Samuel, Da Boss, Prince Gregory, Dr. Victor Frankenstein IV (nasty villain), Princess Maria, Homeless Dave and Janis. Super story that will have you seeing a few space ships in the heat of battle, an incredible airborne city of upper Atlantis who Prince Samuel is the current ruler of this city. Prince Samuel seeks peace and has the dreaded Prince Gregory locked away in some cell. While Prince Gregory seeks world domination - Prince Samuel has no desire for these type of conquests. From here the story gets exciting! There is plenty of sideline humor in the story which makes it a hard comic book to put down. The artwork is done in a cartoonish manner, but done with sheer excellence. Ray is a very superb artist and his artwork flows smoothly with the story. The heroes of this story are Jimmy Ryan, Teddy, Dr. Bob and Irving and watch how they deal with Dr. Victor Frankenstein IV aka Dr. Vic at the end of this story! This is a very spectacular comic book and no way in highwater I want to give the plot away. You really need to try this comic book out for yourself. There is plenty of story to read, throughout the 24 pages. You will marvel at the colored cover, bright colors are used on a glossy finish. Interior is black and white artwork. This is a high quality comic book that has the integrity of being the best of the best! With the style and formula that Ray uses, he has a good chance of getting his comic book made into a cartoon! I wish him good fortune with this gem of a comic book! Name: Elvira #84 Publisher: Claypool Comics Writers and Artists: Frank Strom, Ronn Sutton, Louis LaChance, Tony Isabella, Dan Day and Bruce Patterson. Price: $2.50 Comments: Elvira was a very fun issue as always and inspired me to do a bit of letter hacking to the editors. Here are my comments below: I don't congratulate the crew too often, but I should. So I am giving a standing ovation to Frank Strom, Ronn Sutton, Louis Lachance, Tony Isabella, Dan Day and Bruce Patterson - whew! (that's a lot!) for a job well done on both stories and for laying out some exceptional artwork! Praise - Praise - Praise to all! Also, I praise the photography done for Elvira to make this cover.....wow!! Now to the first story called 'Shadow over Sinnsport!' Hmmm...nice little Stephen King kind of town in New Hampshire. That was a very cool outfit that Elvira wore in the beginning of the story, I could see her now with that outfit on and being next to someone cool, like Rob Zombie. Just an idea. It was fun seeing Elvira digging through some back issues of Elvira for the gospel truth. Great mystery transpired as the talk of Professor Eggbert's death and how he only weighed 60 lbs when they found him. At this time, I was very curious on what happened to the professor. Good laugh came about when I saw the sign Mastodonic University Internal Affairs and Plumbing. What a mix-up of jobs in one building! I used to tell my local retailer to drum up more business is to sell comics on one side of the store and sell auto parts on the other side. While people look for automotive parts, they may start browsing the comic books...another lame idea of mine. When Elvira got to the library of old comic books, I bet you didn't think I would see "Mr. Monster", "Swamp Thing" and "Captain Sternn" on the ground? Yep, I saw them! Lots of slithering monsters in this one story to make me queasy. Reptilian tenacles need to be in glass cases at the Smithsonian Institute and not rampaging about, like in this story. Great story, but I don't think I will be picking up the Golden Age edition of the Unholy Cherubic Verses anytime soon. Now to that second story...'Bookmobile A Go Go'. What a way to start off the story with Elvira receiving 100 hours of community service, then later seeing her dance to swing music. The Elvira bookmobile was very exotic looking, something right up Elvira's alley. Great laughs in this story, especially when the frog said..."bud". Enjoy that sideline humor. Nice way to have Elvira plug those Claypool paperbacks! Elvira again "Charmed" her way through this comic book....yep, "Charmed"...like in that witchy TV show! My little parody of a joke! Elvira #84 was a job well done, as always!! Name: Soulsearchers and Company #41 Publisher: Claypool Comics Scripter/Co-Plotter: Peter David Editor/Co-Plotter: Richard Howell Price: $2.50 Comments: Wow! I actually received many stories in one big story in Soulsearchers and Company #41! The humor rushed in with the nurse day dreaming about George Clooney. Of course she was young, I bet the older nurses think of Dr. Kildare...remember that TV show? There was some good Airplane/Police Academy movie type of humor as Bridget says 'don't try to shoo me away!' and the nurse says..."no, I mean I'll get Dr. Shu"...that was hilarious! Now with the stories within a story. Peterson is in a coma and when the negative is whispered to him, the negative becomes positive. The first imaginary story where there are no Soulsearchers and Petersonmania sweeps the nation and he has every woman hanging onto him. No wonder he was smiling. Then the dream story of Peterson walking in shoes similar to Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp and he does the Ok Corral shoot out thing and becomes a hero. I started daydreaming when I visited the OK Corral in Tombstone and later Billy the Kid's Grave in New Mexico...I started imagining myself as a western gunslinger. So, I can see how Peterson fell into this dream state with ease. Love the cameos of...let's see if I can name them all off....Lone Ranger, Ghost Rider, Rawhide Kid and Tonto! Yep, saw them all or parts of them. What a way to end off the story with Peterson being king of the world and his Titanic episode. Only Arnold Q. Stanley could wake him up from this coma...because, no one wants to be poor Arnold. If you don't know it, Arnold is a prairie dog. This is the type of humor that Pantagruel would get a kick out of! This is sheer reckless comedy! MOE Sidenote: New at Broadway Comics & Cards are the following comics: Saffire #1; Tomb Raider #5 by Top Cow; Fear Effect #1 by Image, Kabuki Agents: Scarab #4 by Image and believe me, a whole lot more! For more information, you can contact Wilson Lew, owner of Broadway Comics & Cards at wilsonlew@sprintmail.com Multiverse Observer and Explorer signing off, until next time...... ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] My View David LeBlanc ComicBkNet@aol.com [David LeBlanc is the Editor of the Comic Book Net Electronic Magazine. He is a long time fan of comics and the electronic media - having been the moderator of BBS comics forums on WME, FIDONET and the Comic Book Network. He and his wife are attempting to raise two teenage sons in a suburb of Worcester, Massachusetts. David'S favorite motivational phrase is, "BEHOLD THE TURTLE, HE ONLY MAKES PROGRESS WHEN HE STICKS HIS NECK OUT!"] CROSSGEN CHRONICLES #1 48 pages, full color, $3.95/$5.25 CrossGeneration Comics 4023 Tampa Road, Suite 2400 Oldsmar, FL 34677 www.crossgen.com info@crossgen.com Story: Ron Marz with Barbara Kesel Pencils: Claudio Castellini Inks: Caeser Rodriguez & Andrew Crossley Colors: Michael Atiyeh Letters: Dave Lanphear If you haven't heard about, read or seen at least one ad for the latest comic book "universe" to get into the market you must be hiding under a rock somewhere. The ads and promotional materials have been all over the fan press, the comic shop walls, the internet news web sites, E-zines and newsgroups and everywhere else imaginable. One hazard of putting together a weekly newsletter about comics is that you can't avoid the promotional material about new products and indeed we welcome it and find a place for any sent to us (electronically that is) in the Emag. The decision often is it news or is it hype and that determines where we place it. When the actual comics show up, I get to review them in this column. This gets back to the "hazard" I mentioned. On a brand new product it is hard not to from an advanced opinion, or at least an expectation, when everywhere you turn there is another article, or poster, or news item about it - for weeks or months. So, I would be lying if I said I did not have an expectation in this case. My original thoughts after reading the news of who was involved was that it would at least have some very talented people behind it (so did Acclaim when it launched the VH2 Universe, as did Malibu and the Ultraverse). The basic storyline gave the impression of a well thought out and plotted universe and direction. And then came the ads and posters. Honestly, I did not like them because every single frame, for each of the four main titles, had some slim, busty and often revealingly dressed female. Remember the fat girl in HARBINGERS? Why is it that nearly every single main female character has to have the body of a model? Why aren't any of them plain of face, and have modest taste in clothing? This is not just a criticism of the main CROSSGEN ad, but of SO many new comics trying to build an audience - cover them and promote them with female skin. SO, first impression - could be worth reading followed by uh oh, typical sell with sex promotion. I would prefer not to see any material whatever until the comic is in my hands to be purely objective about the contents, but alas that can only happen with the small press and self published items I get for obvious reasons. When I got a review copy of the very first comic in the line, CROSSGEN CHRONICLES in the mail this week I got to see if the product was worth all the promotion. For the most part, I would say that the story and the quality of the art is well above the norm and an initial read of these books will be worth your time, based on this introductory issue. This volume, a hefty 48 pages, serves to set up the characters and themes for the other books and the universe they inhabit. There are also 14 pages of background info on the company as well as more text on each title and the characters in them. This will be your bible to get to know what is happening and sometimes why. The story begins as two groups of what must be gods or godlike beings materialize in space and begin a conversation about events that have happened that they are all concerned about. One group has a red aura and the other has a gold one. The main speakers are of course "beautiful" people - rippling muscled male and sexy, skimpy clad females. One group has an older bald guy, the other a shorter husky guy - for variety I guess. The only annoying aspect of this book is that every now and then one of the females has to be shown with very pronounced nipples - the entire thing not just the peak. There are at least 4 of these shots in the book. Now, I have probably just convinced a whole bunch of fanboys with raging hormones to stake out this title for early inspection with that comment but I find it gratuitous and a bit disappointing. After all the hype presented and the enthusiasm the company puts forth, I do not think this is the way to impress those of us who care about the long term, and the long term requires solid storytelling. That part, whether the stories will hold up, is hard to tell from the preview segments presented here. They certainly are interesting enough to check out the beginning issues when they show up. You have MYSTIC which is about a world of magic and a young girl who gets the sigil imprint, as do the main characters of each title, and in her case she gets the mystical powers meant for her sister. This sets her up for a big conflict with the Guild Masters who want their power back. She of course wears the thigh high one piece with two large diamond cut-outs in front to show off navel and ample cleavage. Next is SIGIL and is a bout Samandahl Rey, a soldier fighting a space war only to have his female partner apparently killed in the latest battle. He awakens to find 2 strangers on his vessel and a new attack just beginning. As things heat up he learns his partner may not really be dead. The third person to get the sigil imprint is Ethan in the title SCION. He is in a ritual combat as the chapter begins, a ritual long ago established. It is clear this guy has enemies and the later story will have this prince on the run aided by a lesser being called Skink, his surrogate parent. Finally there is MERIDIAN, which is one city in a world of floating cities known as Demetria. It is different from the other cities as its inhabitants are more low tech in philosophy and practice than the others. Here we find two sigil bearers. Sephia is given a benevolent healing power and her uncle has a more powerful and destructive force. He rules another floating city and covets Meridian as well. He will try to use his niece to get what he wants. These are all intriguing stories and premises, something for everyone and all are more along the lines of fantasy and science fiction rather than typical super hero stuff. The introductory characters framing the previews are a bit more mysterious to the uninformed reader though clearly has intimate connection two the sigil symbols as each of their group sports one half of the symbol on their clothes. In summary, I would recommend this book if you are inclined to try new product. The folks involved clearly have put the effort into it from the story to the art and the editorial direction established for the rest of the books to follow. One nice touch is the dedication which is to the parents of the founders of Cross Generation and those of the penciller of this issue. That is classy! ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] New Comic Book Releases List [NCRL] by Charles LePage ncrl@mediaone.net +++WINNER OF THE 1996 REC.ARTS.COMICS.* "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE+++ http://www.jacksonville.net/~ncrl New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, 5/17/2000, compiled by Charles LePage with information from Suncoast Comics. This is the *preliminary* list and is not complete. The completed list is posted weekly, usually Monday evening, at rec.arts.comics.info, http://www.jacksonville.net/~ncrl, and Compuserve's Comics Publishers Forum. "TPB" = "trade paperback". "GN" = "graphic novel". "AA" = "available again". "SC" = "softcover". "HC" = "hardcover". "S/N" = "signed/numbered". "AR" = "ask retailer about price". PUBLISHER TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS ABSTRACT STUDIOS Strangers In Paradise Vol III #32, 2.75 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS Archie & Friends #42, 1.99 Betty & Veronica #150, 1.99 Laugh Digest #158, 2.19 CHAOS! COMICS Insane Clown Posse Pendulum #3, 5.95 Purgatori Empire Poster, 7.95 CPM MANGA Geobreeders #15, 2.95 Maxion #5, 2.95 Time Traveler AI #8, 2.95 DARK HORSE COMICS Battle Gods Warriors Of The Chaak #2 (Of 9), 2.95 Dark Horse Presents #154, 2.95 Gunsmith Cats Kidnapped #7 (Of 10), 2.95 Spyboy #8, 2.95 DC COMICS Azrael Agent Of The Bat #66, 2.25 Batman Gotham Adventures TPB, 9.95 Batman Gotham Knights #5, 2.50 Books Of Magic #74, 2.50 Cartoon Network Starring #11, 1.99 Creature Commandos #3 (Of 8), 2.50 Gen 13 #53, 2.50 JSA #12, 2.50 JSA 100 Page Super Spectacular 1975 #1, 6.95 Millennium Edition Hellblazer #1, 2.95 Relative Heroes #5 (Of 6), 2.50 Silver Age Dial H For Hero #1, 2.50 Silver Age Doom Patrol #1, 2.50 Silver Age Secret Files #1, 4.95 Silver Age The Flash #1, 2.50 Spirit Archives Vol 1 HC, 49.95 Stars And Stripe #12, 2.50 Superman The Man Of Steel #102, 1.99 Tom Strong #8 (resolicited), 2.95 Transmetropolitan #34, 2.50 DRAWN & QUARTERLY Louis Riel #4, 2.95 Palooka Ville #14, 3.75 FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS Pop Life #4, 3.95 GEMSTONE PUBLISHING Crime Patrol #4, 2.50 War Against Crime #4, 2.50 IMAGE COMICS Astounding Space Thrills Comic Book #1, 2.95 Astounding Space Thrills Comic Book Virgin Cvr Incentive #1, 0.00 Chassis #4, 3.50 City Of Silence #1 (Of 3), 2.50 Dark Angel Phoenix Resurrection #1, 2.95 Mr Monsters Gal Friday Kelly #3, 2.95 Powers #2, 2.95 Savage Dragon Gang War TPB, 16.95 Shock Rockets #2, 2.50 Wahoo Morris #2, 3.50 Witchblade Destinys Child #1, 2.95 IRONCAT Deadly Curve Gun Crisis Prelude #3 (Of 4), 2.95 Futabakun Change Vol 4 #5, 2.95 Hyper Dolls Vol 4 #3, 2.95 New Vampire Miyu Vol 5 #6, 2.95 Ogenki Clinic Vol 6 #1 (adult), 2.95 Sepia #5 (adult), 2.95 MARVEL COMICS Amazing Spider-Man #19, 2.25 Avengers Two Wonder Man And Beast #3 (Of 3), 2.99 Black Panther #20, 2.50 Cable #81, 2.25 Generation X #65, 2.25 Iron Man #30, 2.25 Magneto Dark Seduction #2 (Of 3), 2.99 New Warriors #10, 2.50 Punisher #4 (Of 12), 2.99 Spider-Girl #22, 2.25 Spider-Man Vs The Punisher, 2.99 Thor Metallic Foil Cvr #25, 3.99 Thor Standard Cvr #25, 2.99 RED ANVIL, INC. Penance #1, 2.95 VIZ COMMUNICATIONS Dragonball Z Part 3 #4 (Of 10), 2.95 Maison Ikkoku Vol 14 Welcome Home TPB, 16.95 Pokemon Advs Part 2 #4 (Of 6), 2.95 Pulp Vol 4 #6, 5.95 Ranma 1/2 Vol 15 TPB, 16.95 Silent Mobius Karma #7 (Of 7), 3.25 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Inpower Pokemon Cover #3, 4.99 Inpower Powerpuff Girls Cvr #3, 4.99 magazines Comic Shop News #674, AR NCRL for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD RELEASE DATE NEW DATE DARK HORSE Digimon #1 06/14 05/31 Digimon #2 06/28 06/14 Digimon #3 07/12 06/21 Digimon #4 07/26 07/05 DC COMICS Planetary #11 06/14 07/05 Realworlds: Superman 06/07 06/14 Spy vs. Spy Bookends 05/31 05/24 Steampunk #4 05/24 06/07 Tomorrow Stories #8 06/07 06/14 Top 10 #9 05/10 07/05 WildCATs: Street Smart HC 06/14 06/21 Wonder Woman #158 05/31 06/07 IMAGE Aria Collected Ed. #1 05/24 Aria/Angela #2 05/03 05/24 Big Bang #32 06/14 Blood Legacy # 2 05/24 Chassis #4 05/31 06/14 City of Silence #2 06/14 Crimson Plague #1 06/07 Curse of the Spawn Vol. 3: Shades of Gray TP 05/10 05/24 Dark Angel #1 05/17 05/24 Dark Crossings Special: Dark Cloud Rising #1 05/03 05/24 DarkMinds Vol. 2 #4 05/17 05/24 Demonslayer Vol. II #2 05/24 06/07 DFE Chassis Gold Foil Daniel Cover #4 05/24 05/31 E.V.E. Protomecha #4 05/24 Echo #3 05/31 Empire #1 05/31 06/07 F5 # 2 05/24 Fathom #12 05/17 05/31 Fathom HC Exclusive Signed Dustcover Ed. 06/14 Fathom HC 06/14 Geminar #1 06/14 Hawkshaws #1 05/03 05/24 Iron Wings #3 06/14 Canceled J.U.D.G.E. #3 05/31 06/07 Jinn #3 06/14 Kin #4 05/31 06/14 Kiss Psycho Circus #30 05/31 Lady Pendragon #10 05/17 05/24 Lost Ones #2 05/31 Magdalena #2 05/17 05/24 Magdalena #3 05/31 M-Rex #3 05/03 06/07 Neon Cyber #8 05/17 06/07 Nine Rings of the Wu-Tang #5 06/14 Parts Unknown: Hostile Takeover #1 06/07 Parts Unknown: Killing Attractions #1 05/17 05/24 Red Star #1 06/14 Rising Stars #8 05/31 Saffire #2 05/17 05/31 Sam & Twitch #11 06/07 Savage Dragon #74 05/31 Savage Dragon: Gang War TP 05/17 05/24 Shockrockets #3 06/14 Soul Saga #3 05/31 06/07 Spawn #96 05/31 06/07 Spawn: The Dark Ages #15 05/17 05/31 Tomb Raider #6 05/31 06/07 Tomb Raider/Witchblade #1/2 06/07 Wahoo Morris #2 06/14 Warlands #7 05/17 06/07 Warlands Chronicles Vol. 2 05/31 Warlands Poster #3 06/07 Wicked #5 05/24 Witchblade #40 05/03 05/24 Witchblade Convention Poster #1 06/07 Witchblade: Destiny's Child #1 05/24 ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] HYPE! Section Various THE DORK STORM ROLLS IN THIS AUGUST! Madison WI - Want a summer Storm? In celebration of the company's launch, DORK STORM PRESS announced today that fans can look forward to three comic book releases this August, making it a month to remember! DORK TOWER #9 will be released on August 1st 2000, with #10 being released August 29th to ensure that the month ends with a bang. In between, the new kid on the gaming parody block, NODWICK will release it's fourth issue August 15, 2000. "Being able to strike out on my own and form Dork Storm Press is the result of Dork Tower being so well received and supported by retailers and consumers. I wanted to give them back a stellar month to look forward too." said John Kovalic, CEO of Dork Storm Press. This marks the highly-anticipated return of the Dork Tower comic book, on hiatus for three months since Kovalic left Corsair publishing in April. Dork Tower #9 will collect in one place the reader-favorite "Angry Young Fan" strips that originally ran in Comic Shop News during 1999. With a cover by critically acclaimed comic icon Dave Sim and the premiere of a brand new Kovalic strip "Snapdragons," this will be a must-have for any comic or game hobbyist, as well as fans of Kovalic's wry humor. SNAPDRAGONS is co-created and co-owned by Madison artist Liz Rathke. Nodwick #4 places our favorite party of misfits directly in the path of an army of Orks! Will Artax's magic "War Chest" be able to provide them with the tools they need to stop an army in the thousands, or will it just provide Piffany with more opportunity to duct-tape