---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Dukeshire and Mike Imboden Present: THE COMIC BOOK NET ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE ISSUE NUMBER 266 1999 EAGLE AWARD NOMINEE 5/26/2000 Edited by: David LeBlanc - ComicBkNet@aol.com FREE VIA EMAIL SINCE FEBRUARY 1995 ______________________________________________________________________ C O N T E N T S ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] Submissions, mailing address, web page [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] Interview:Geoff Johns ................. Tim O'Shea [6] The Swap Meet ......................... Chad Trout [7] Sound and Fury ........................ Craig Lemon [8] M.O.E. Reviews ........................ Paul Dale Roberts [9] My View:GENAISSANCE #1 ................ David LeBlanc [10] New Comic Book Releases List .......... Charles LePage [11] HYPE! Section ......................... Various ______________________________________________________________________ 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 1999 EAGLE WINNING 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. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Editor, the Network Administration Team or the members and users of The ComicBook Network. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [A] E-Mag Info: Submissions, mailing address, web page SUBMISSIONS ----------- To submit an article, review, column, etc. to our e-mag, simply E-mail it to the editor at: ComicBkNet@aol.com Reviews of mainstream books are welcome and we encourage reviews of indies and self published material as we feel that material deserves more exposure to the general public. If you write intelligent, coherent, and timely reviews of anything it will almost always be printed so give us a shot. Commentary on the state of the industry, and personal observations and reflections related to comics are *most* likely to be included in our publication. PLEASE, no material on Gaming, role playing, collectible card games or other hobbies or collectibles other than comic books. That does not include plugs for web pages UNLESS they are concerned with print comic books. We do not promote web comics as we do not consider them to be comic books. SEND US YOUR WORK ----------------- We also accept product for review purposes. Advanced copies of comic books will not be returned but anything sent to us *will* be reviewed in the ComicBook Net Emag. Send all material to: David L. LeBlanc 84 Heather Circle Jefferson, MA 01522-1419 Material is generally reviewed in the order received and be advised that we work a few weeks in advance so your review may not be in the magazine immediately. Advanced copies are therefore encouraged so the review will occur prior to your product hitting the stores. THE Comic Book Net WEB PAGE http://members.aol.com/ComicBkNet ---------------- If you have access to the World Wide Web, please stop by and visit our web page! On our web page, you can find the latest issue of our E-Mag, as well as all back issues and an annotated index. You'll also find important information and other neat features like links to the HTML version of the current issue of this magazine at DIGITAL WEBBING, [http://www.digitalwebbing.com/cbem], some of the comic companies and creators' web pages and many other Comic Book related links! You can also find some back issues at America Online, by going to Keyword: COMICS, then choose the menu item _Comic Book Forum_ and then going to the _Comics Library_ from there. These are non-zipped text files. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] On the Net David LeBlanc You will notice a slightly new arrangement of things this week. I got tired of people asking me where to send their comics for my review. I have my address in every issue and easy to find on the web page as well. I guess people do not wander into the disclaimers and notices if they are after the hype section. Now they are up front were you can scroll through if you are not interested - but you WILL know where they are. I have been getting way behind on my reading lately due to the new job and a bit of travel this week and last. Have no fear, I have the laptop with me to grab the mail and do the things through the week it takes to bring you the kind of mag you have come to expect each week. In that regard, here is an unscheduled thanks to all the columnists who send in their stuff and all the web pages and other sources that provide the news for THE NETWORK BUZZ. There would not be much left without them. And here is a heads up for you Kevin Smith fans: CLERKS, the cartoon, debuts Wednesday May 31st on ABC. Be aware - due to the Monday holiday, the comics next week will be a day late in the USA. This week, these are waiting for your approval: AIT/PLANETLAR Astronauts In Trouble Space 1959 Pack, 8.95 CROSSGEN COMICS Crossgen Chronicles #1, 3.95 <---Pick of the week! DC COMICS JLA #43, 1.99 Orion #2, 2.50 Silver Age Green Lantern #1, 2.50 Silver Age Showcase #1, 2.50 Silver Age The Brave And The Bold #1, 2.50 DIAMOND PUBLICATIONS Previews Vol X #6, 2.95 Here in the USA, we celebrate Memorial Day this coming Monday. It is a day set aside to honor our dead, those who have sacrificed so that we may have a better life. We all do not need such a day to appreciate those who would lay down their lives for others. Indeed, it was put best long ago - "Greater love than this hath no man." So, even if you are not an American, think about all the good things in your life and how someone, sometime, fought and died to help it come to pass. It is a sad comment that the human condition still requires such sacrifice, maybe someday we will rise above all that. But we should never forget our honored dead. May they rest in peace. 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. +++++ Subj: DeCarlo firing From: bill.kropfhauser@gte.net (Bill C Kropfhauser) I'd like to say I was shocked by the cavalier treatment of Dan DeCarlo by Archie Comics, but I can't. Disappointed, yes. Shocked, no. In its struggle to stay alive, Archie has become less and less humane to anyone working for it. Understandable, I suppose, in one respect; desperate people do desperate things. But understanding why someone commits evil doesn't mitigate the evil committed. Archie Comics was going to have to replace Mr. DeCarlo eventually, anyway. The man was eighty. How much longer could he have continued drawing? So they were going to find out eventually just how valuable a contribution Dan DeCarlo made to their success. It saddens me, though, that they couldn't find it in their hearts to express simple gratitude and respect, if nothing else, to someone who gave them forty-five years and became the man who set the artistic style that Archie Comics has lived off of for years. At least they waited until Bob Montana had died to stab him in the back. Wasn't Dan DeCarlo worth at least that much respect? Bill Kropfhauser ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [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: These are the first lines of what comic book character: "No! No! Take the fish away! Take them away! They'll kill me!" Steve Topper was the first to know that the quote was the first line spoken by Aqualad. Steve wins the Millennium Edition Justice League #1 - Chromium Edition. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION: What was the first thing the Impossible Man turned into? 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 BIG EASY COMIC-CON IS COMING TO NEW ORLEANS MAY 26-28! Billed as "a Pop Culture Mardi Gras", Big Easy Comic-Con is bringing their own special brand of fun to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel on Memorial Day Weekend. A full schedule of events, guests, exhibitors, hotel info and even a discount parking coupon is at; www.bigeasycon.com, right now! Thousands of collectors and fans of comic books, pop culture media, anime, toys, science fiction, horror, collectible card games, Pokemon and more will gather from across the US and around the world on May 26, 27 & 28. Big Easy Comic-Con will feature an extensive array of retail, publisher and manufacturer exhibits plus celebrity guest appearances and a full line-up of programs and events. Celebrities scheduled to appear include special guest of honor, best selling author, ANNE RICE. Ms. Rice will be signing at the Anne Rice Collection/Sicilian Dragon booth from 3 to 5pm on both Friday & Saturday. This will be Ms. Rice's first autograph appearance in well over a year! Featured pop culture media guests include, ALEXANDRA TYDINGS (Aphrodite on TV's Hercules & Xena), YVONNE CRAIG (TV's Batgirl), JON PROVOST (Timmy from TV's Lassie) and Playboy Playmate, LISA MARIE SCOTT. Many of the comic book industry's top talents will be in attendance including; BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS, JOE BENNETT, BLACK BULL ENTERTAINMENT, JOHN BYRNE, COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE, CRUSADE ENTERTAINMENT, JOE CASEY, AMANDA CONNER, MIKE DEODATO, BOB INGERSOLL, TONY ISABELLA, J.G. JONES, SCOTT LOBDELL, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, DON ROSA, ROY THOMAS, BILL TUCCI, JIM VALENTINO and many more! For gamers, Jaks Cards, Toys & Games from Biloxi, MS will be running a full schedule of RPG & CCG tournaments and open gaming throughout the weekend. Fans of "cheesy" flicks will be delighted to know that New Orleans WORST Film Festival will adding to the fun at Big Easy Comic-Con with three days worth of grade "Z" movies as a preview to their upcoming 10th anniversary show in New Orleans on June 10th. In addition, a full schedule of panels and programs featuring Big Easy Con's celebrity guests will round out the entertainment. Hotel room discounts are available by calling the Hilton at (504) 584-3999. Airfare discounts are available through US AIRWAYS by calling (877) 874-7687 and mentioning Gold File #34131380. The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is ideally located just minutes from the French Quarter and adjacent to The Riverwalk Mall, Harrahs Casino and the Aquarium of the Americas, among other attractions. Tickets will be on sale at the door during the show. Show hours will be Friday May 26th; 1pm to 7pm, Saturday May 27th; 10am to 6pm, and Sunday May 28th; 11am to 5pm. Additional information including game tournament schedules, programs and guest updates are ALL posted on the show's web site. (www.bigeasycon.com) Big Easy Comic-Con Celebrity Guests to be Featured on FastBand GlobalCast. (New Orleans, LA) Big Easy Comic-Con, "a pop culture Mardi Gras", will take the Crescent City by storm on May 26-28. With over 50 celebrity guests in attendance, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel is the place to be this Memorial Day Weekend. FastBand GlobalCast, a New Orleans based internet radio station, is joining forces with Big Easy Comic-Con to bring some of the show's celebrity guests to their world-wide audience. Scheduled to appear for a live interview on Friday evening (8pm CST), Yvonne Craig, TV's Original Batgirl and actor Jon Provost, best remembered as Timmy from TV's classic Lassie series. Both actors will be in FastBand GlobalCast's Bourbon Street studios. Listen for additional "surprise" guest interviews during the weekend. Playing music from around the world, showcasing new artists, regardless of mainstream recognition, as well as some traditional hits, FastBand GlobalCast attracts over 5 million hits a month! Broadcasting live audio and video, 24 hours a day, it's been described as like MTV, online. FastBand GlobalCast offers it's massive audience live performances and interviews at least once a day. For more, go to; www.fastband.com, and check it out! Big Easy Comic-Con will take place May 26-28 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. Special guest of honor, Anne Rice, will be joined by over 50 celebrity guests from comic books and pop culture media. Complete show info is available at; www.bigeasycon.com. Roger A. Price R.A.P. Promotions, Inc. Big Easy Comic-Con "A Pop Culture Mardi Gras" May 26, 27 & 28 in New Orleans! www.bigeasycon.com +++++ Insight Studios Group announces the launch of the "Sunny Fundays". Do you remember the good old days when you eagerly awaited reading the newspaper so you could follow your favorite daily adventure strips? Over the years, the fast paced action strip has fallen out of favor. Until now. Coming this summer, Insight Studios Group will begin three on-line daily adventure strips. "Doctor Cyborg", "The Body", and "Frankenstein Mobster" can be found at: http://www.sunnyfundays.com or emailed directly to you five days a week. There is no charge – except the "charge of excitement" you will feel as you enjoy epic story-telling with top notch artwork from Gray Morrow, Mike Oeming and Mark Wheatley. If that is not enough, The Sunny Fundays Page features the only location where you can see the uncensored version of syndicated comic bad boy Frank Cho's award winning Liberty Meadows. Starting June 5th, you can "Get your daily dose of the Doctor". In this age of paranoia, government mistrust and unbridled advances in bio-technology, "Doctor Cyborg" examines the conflicts of our not so distant future. A brilliant scientist must walk the fine line between power and morality, science and humanity, duty and family -- With Pandora's box locked away in his mind, who can he trust with the key? The story is written by Allan Gross and drawn by Mike Oeming. In addition to his work in comics and TV, Allan Gross is the current writer for the syndicated Tarzan strip. Mike Oeming is the hot artist on Image Comics "Powers". Starting in July, you will really love "The Body". Drawn by comic legend Gray Morrow, this strip features a lost girl able to switch between a cadre of exotic alien bodies. Gray Morrow is at his absolute best in this science fiction thriller with a very sexy film noir edge. The Body was originally created for Heavy Metal magazine by Mark Wheatley and has finally found an appropriate home on the internet. The Body is written by Mark Wheatley and Allan Gross. Following these, Mark Wheatley will present "Frankenstein Mobster". This epic horror tale mixes the energy of Frankenstein with the sudden violence of an old Warner Brothers gangster epic. The strip was created, written and drawn by Mark Wheatley. If you enjoyed Mark Wheatley's other creations, like Breathtaker and Radical Dreamer, you know that he is a master storyteller always on the cutting edge of entertainment and able to exaggerate the art with touches of humor that evoke every emotion and memories of the classic animated cartoons. Previews of each strip can be found on the home pages. To subscribe for daily email versions of the stories, just follow the link and email Insight Studios Group. And you will also be able to run the strips directly on your own home pages if you want! Just contact us for the `tooncasting' code popularized by on-line comic strip genius Steve Conley for his Amazing Space Thrills. Insight Studios Group is taking on-line strips to a new level. Be a part of it. Insight Studios Group http://www.insightstudiosgroup.com http://www.sunnyfundays.com insight@insightstudiosgroup.com +++++ eHobbies.com Acquires NextPlanetOver, Internet Leader for Comics and Action Figures SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2000-- eHobbies(SM).com, the premier online destination for hobbyists, today announced it has completed a deal to acquire NextPlanetOver (NPO), whereby NPO becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of eHobbies. The acquisition allows eHobbies to expand its online hobby presence with the most established brand for comics and action figures on the Internet. The NPO.com site will continue to run independent of the eHobbies.com site and is also accessible through eHobbies.com's new Comics & Action Figures icon. "This acquisition furthers our mission to bring the absolute best hobby experiences to our members and we see comics & action figures as an amazing expansion opportunity," said Brad Sobel, CEO/co-founder, eHobbies.com. "NPO has become the preeminent brand on the Net for the entertainment hobbyist -- with the best features and products -- and it makes perfect sense for the two companies to join efforts and create an even more compelling experience." "eHobbies is the ideal partner for NPO -- we've been able to build the online comics and action figure business tremendously in the last 10 months and eHobbies will be able to bring NPO to the next level," said Milton Griepp, departing CEO, NPO. "Our company's philosophies are extremely similar -- we've both taken the destination approach -- and it makes sense to bring the strengths of the two companies together to build a unique experience for hobbyists." The addition of NPO to the eHobbies family allows eHobbies to catapult into the $19 billion comics, action figure, and related products industry that attracts more than 40 million entertainment hobbyists. The acquisition comes on the heels of the online destination's addition of three new hobby categories -- astronomy, birding, and comics & action figures -- to round out its six other hobby categories. eHobbies plans to expand into multiple hobby categories throughout the year to live up to the promise of being the ultimate online destination for beginning and avid hobbyists. eHobbies.com, like NPO.com, features informative content -- articles, tips, reviews, how-to's -- and a robust community, in addition to auctions and more than 25,000 products in the store. About eHobbies Founded in March 1999 by two hobbyists -- Brad Sobel and Brent Cohen -- eHobbies is creating a new world for hobbyists at www.eHobbies.com, AOL Keyword: eHobbies. The company is dedicated to providing a unique experience for millions of hobbyists in a vertical destination with hobby-specific communities, compelling content, one-stop shopping including auctions, all while also introducing the joy of hobbies to a new generation. eHobbies features nine key categories: astronomy, birding, comics & action figures, diecast, models, radio control, rocketry, trains, and tools & supplies. The online destination launched Oct. 18, 1999 and was chosen as one of the top 100 Web sites in 1999 by PC Magazine. eHobbies.com was selected as one of the Feedback 50(TM), a register of the best online companies for customer service in 1999, and was featured as one of the top 10 companies to work for by Inter@ctive Week (April 10, 2000). eHobbies' investors include eCompanies Venture Group, formed by Jake Winebaum and Sky Dayton; and TMCT Ventures, a private equity investment firm jointly owned by Chandler family interests and Times Mirror. eHobbies has headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif. About NPO NextPlanetOver (NPO) launched in August 1999 as the ultimate Web-based destination for the entertainment hobbyist, offering a comprehensive online store with thousands of items including comic books, graphic novels, film- and TV-related products, card and role-playing games, animated videos, Japanese anime, action figures and apparel. NPO offers its visitors unique content, messages and discussion boards designed to unite the comics & action figures community. A weekly editorial area, The Pulse, keeps visitors up-to-date on current releases and comic-book industry news. NPO has exclusive partnerships with several key players in the comics and action figures industry, including Diamond Comic Distributors, which holds the world's largest inventory of in-print comic books. The company acts as the exclusive comic-book retailer for Stan Lee Media (Nasdaq:SLEE), http://www.stanlee.net, which creates, produces and distributes globally branded Internet based super hero animation franchises created by pop-culture icon Stan Lee. CONTACT: eHobbies.com, Santa Monica Leasa Ireland, 310/582-7524 lireland@ehobbies.com +++++ Avatar grabs some EXPOSURE With titles ranging from Avengelyne to Warren Ellis' Dark Blue already in its lineup, Avatar uncovers another outstanding comic in EXPOSURE, the former Image title which has won praise from fans for its eye-opening art by Al Rio. Avatar's debut Exposure mini-series, Exposure: Second Coming, will launch in full color in August with all-new art by Al Rio and a Dave Campiti script. "I am very glad that Exposure has been picked up by Avatar Press," says fan favorite artist Al Rio. "They did a great job with Ana: Jungle Girl and Exposed: the Erotic Art of Al Rio, and I am certain they will do an equally great job with Exposure. It is a real pleasure working with them again." Series writer Dave Campiti agrees, "Avatar as a licensee had treated us well with Exposed: the Erotic Art of Al Rio. They were already in tune with what we wanted Exposure to be, so it was clear they'd be a perfect fit to be publisher of the series." "Any book that purportedly has too much T&A to be published by someone else has my immediate attention," laughs Avatar editor-in-chief William A. Christensen. "I'll probably be seeing that joke out of context in my nightmares, but seriously, as Dave says, Exposure is a perfect fit at Avatar. That's obvious. But if you take a closer look it's also obvious that Exposure is more than just pretty pictures. Sure, Al draws pretty women, but he draws everything else very well too, and is a good storyteller in the bargain. And co-creator Dave Campiti deserves credit for adding more dimensions to these characters than their measurements might imply. So yes, it's sexy. It's also a fun, fast-paced, suspenseful comic that I'm pleased to be publishing." EXPOSURE is the story of Dr. Lisa Shannon and former cop Shawna Diaz, lifelong friends whose sensitivity to paranormal phenomena leads them to exotic, dangerous, and sometimes terrifying careers at ParaTech Research, where they seek to reveal what lies beyond the truth. Exposure: Second Coming marks a new beginning for their saga, while still continuing many of the story threads begun in the Image series. Exposure: Second Coming from Avatar Press is a two-issue mini-series written by Dave Campiti and drawn by Al Rio. The full-color series debuts in August with a special 40 page issue at a cover price of $3.50. Exposure: Second Coming #1 features a cover by Al Rio and a photo cover of models Natalie Matta and Tabatha Utley. +++++ From Beau Yarbrough's Comic Wire at: http://www.comicbookresources.com/ 'BASELESS LEGAL CLAIMS' ARCHIE HEAD SILBERKLEIT ON DeCARLO FIRING Archie Comics has broken its silence about the firing of Dan DeCarlo. Archie co-publisher Michael Silberkleit, the man who fired DeCarlo - the artist responsible for the modern Archie Comics look - disputes the artist's version of how "Josie and the Pussycats" was created. The disagreement about who created Josie, and under what circumstances, is at the heart of a suit that eventually led to DeCarlo's dismissal after 43 years with the company. "Archie Comics has always acknowledged that Dan DeCarlo participated in the original creation of the 'Josie' property as part of a joint effort by Dan and Richard Goldwater (the son of one of the co-founders of Archie Comics) who, on behalf of Archie Comics, commissioned Dan in the early 1960s to work with him on the creation of a new set of teen-age characters on a work-for-hire basis," Silberkleit told the Comic Wire on Saturday. "(Additional creative contributions to the 'Josie' property were made later by Archie Comics co-founder John Goldwater.) The joint participation of Richard and Dan in the original creation of the JOSIE property was publicly acknowledged by Archie Comics by the placement of the legend 'by Dan 'n' Dick' on the covers of many issues of 'Josie' comics. "At the same time, over the last 30 years, Archie Comics has consistently exercised the rights of an exclusive copyright owner of the 'Josie' property. Archie Comics has registered and renewed the copyrights in the 'Josie' comics in its own name, licensed third parties to use the 'Josie' property in animated cartoons and on other merchandise, and otherwise acted as the sole owner of the 'Josie' property. "Throughout all these years, and during all of Archie Comics publishing and ancillary activities, Dan never raised any issue regarding his role in the joint creation or regarding Archie Comics ownership of the 'Josie' property." DeCarlo told the Comic Wire last week that it was next year's upcoming "Josie and the Pussycats" live action film that prompted him to sue for greater compensation for the property. The Comics Journal has reported that Archie Comics had previously offered DeCarlo $35,000 for all claims to Josie, whom the artist says was originally based on his wife and intended for a newspaper strip. "In recent years, Archie Comics elected to begin to make voluntary payments to Dan in recognition of his participation, on a work-for-hire basis, in the development of not only the 'Josie' property, but also the 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' property. (The 'Sabrina' property was conceived by Archie Comics employees who commissioned George Gladir to write the first 'Sabrina' story and Dan DeCarlo to pencil it.) "Under the circumstances, we were dumbfounded when, in November 1999, Dan had his attorney write to us to raise, for the first time, an issue regarding ownership of the 'Josie' property. We assumed that Dan and his attorney simply did not understand that, under the copyright law, as a commissioned work, Dan's contribution to the creation of the 'Josie' property constituted a work-for-hire owned by Archie Comics. We met with Dan several times in an effort to amicably resolve the situation. Unfortunately, Dan responded by having his attorney sue us. "The allegations that Dan's attorney put into his complaint bear no relation to the historical circumstances surrounding the creation of the 'Josie' property. Nevertheless, even after Dan sued us, we tried to continue to work with Dan. Subsequently, however, Dan's attorney has taken such aggressive and unreasonable positions in the litigation that, under the circumstances, we have sadly been left with no alternative but to terminate our relationship with Dan. It simply is not possible for us to continue to work with someone who is pursuing such baseless legal claims against our company. "We at Archie Comics have enjoyed our relationship with Dan over the years and respect him as one of the best cartoonist in the industry. We feel terrible that after all these years and at Dan's stage in life we have had to sever our relations with Dan. However, there is just no way we could continue to buy work from an artist who is pressing such baseless claims against us." Silberkleit referred all other inquiries to the company's lawyers. 'IMPULSE' RUNS INTO TROUBLE Now is the time for all Bart Allen fans to come to the defense of their comic book. When word got out two weeks ago that DC Comics' "Aquaman" was ending, more than a few fans looked up the sales figures on the rest of DC Comics' line and started wondering about the fate of other low-selling titles. And it looks like the prognosticators are right this time: Sources close to the production of "Impulse" told the Comic Wire recently that, barring heroic measures on the part of fans, the series will be ending soon. "Apparently, the sales figures on two recent issues ('Impulse' 60 and 61) were very low and caught the attention of the Numbers People at DC, who have now alerted Editorial," the source told the Comic Wire. "The guillotine is being built …" But the guillotine doesn't yet have a line forming at its base; critical favorite "Hourman" has apparently been given a stay of execution. "No one's asked me to stop writing it," series writer Tom Peyer told the Comic Wire. "Quite the opposite; they wanna know where the flippin' scripts are, so I better get back to work!" Discuss this story on the Flash Family Message Board. METROPOLIS (ILLINOIS) FINDS ITS SUPERMAN At last it can be revealed: Superman's secret identity is Scott Cranford. Of course, he's the Superman for the town of Metropolis, IL. Cranford, a professional actor who's appeared in the last three Batman films, will be appearing as the Man of Steel in Metropolis' Superman Celebration on June 8 through 11. The official site for the festival - which will also feature Superman comic creators, as well as actors from the Superman movies - features more detail than most non-supervillains would want to know about the Man of Steel. For instance, he wears a size 11 shoe … +++++ From the Comics Continuum at http://www.comicscontinuum.com/: SIDEKICKS #1 EXPANDS Fanboy Entertainment announced on Thursday night that Sidekicks #1 has been expanded from 32 pages to 40 pages without a change in the $2.75 price. "J. (Torres) and Takeshi (Miyazawa) have a story to tell, and what a fabulous story it is," said Fanboy Entertainment's publisher, C.B. Cebulski. "The first issue was supposed to be 32 pages, but Takeshi ran a little wild, and the book clocked in at 35 pages. What we originally planned, as was announced in an earlier press release, was that the eight pages originally seen in the Preview Edition were going to be removed and J. and Takeshi were going to rework the story with new art to make it shorter. "But after the three of us got together in Chicago at Anime Central last weekend, plans changed. The previews were snatched up and the fan reaction was overwhelming. After reviewing all the original art for Sidekicks #1 and trying to formulate a plan, we all agreed that book should be left as is, unchanged." According to Cebulski, readers will be able to see Sidekicks as it was originally meant to be read. "I'd been pondering the expansion idea for a while, ever since J. first informed me of the page crunch. I saw CrossGen came out and did the same thing recently. I've heard their actions received a really positive response from the fans and retailers, so we felt that there was no harm in our trying something similar,", Cebulski said. "Eight more pages of story for the same price. Who's going to complain about that?" Cebulski also announced artists who will be providing variant covers in equal ratio to the regular covers by Miyazawa. Kia Asamiya provides the alternate cover for #1, Ed McGuinness provides the alternate cover for #2 and Mike Wieringo and Keron Grant provide the alternate covers for #3. Cebulski also said that the Sidekicks lettering has been changed. "Takeshi handlettered the eight-page Sidekicks Preview Edition himself," he said. "Personally, I loved it. It was fun and original. However, reaction to it for the most part has been negative. It's about the only complaint we received about the book. Most people said they thought it was hard to read. But I guess that's a bonus benefit of having done the preview book. We've now gone back in and relettered the whole book to make it clearer and more legible. I guess it's better we found out sooner than later." Sidekicks #1 goes on sale in June. CROSSGEN REVIEW UPDATE Due to what CrossGeneration Comics calls "a clerical error in the home office of Diamond Comic Distributors," copies of the CrossGen Chronicles #1 Customer Review Copy will not be shipped as originally planned. CrossGen originally intended all retailers to receive two copies of this special issue through Diamond the week prior to the release of Chronicles #1. Now the distribution of these issues is uncertain. According to Diamond, all retailers should receive at least one copy with many receiving more than the intended two. According to CrossGen, Diamond was given approximately 8,600 copies of this Customer Review Copy to distribute two per retail account. It appears that a Diamond clerical mistake resulted in a data set-up error that somehow interpreted them to be not just the Review Copies, but the actual Chronicles #1 order as well, even though it was a week early. Being that the amount of copies was significantly lower than the actual ordered amount, retailer's orders were filled based on a significant allocation. Retailers received an invoice telling them that their orders for Chronicles had been allocated due to a short print and that they were being charged for a portion of the copies. In actuality, the first issue of CrossGen Chronicles will not be allocated, but has been overprinted by better than 50 percent to meet CrossGen's commitment to its retailers to be able to fill immediate reorder demand. Retailers who received this invoice will receive a credit on their following week's statement. Diamond has assured CrossGen that all retailers will receive their full orders for CrossGen Chronicles #1, plus any advance reorders they place by Friday, May 19, on the intended ship date of May 24. No allocations will occur. Diamond has also assured CrossGen that this error will not affect the shipments of Customer Review Copies for Mystic #1 on May 31, Sigil #1 on June 7, Scion #1 on June 14, or Meridian #1 on June 21. "These are the types of things that happen when you try to be innovative," said CrossGen director of sales and marketing, James Breitbeil. "Recognizing the importance of this Review Copy to CrossGen's launch, a Diamond response team, lead by Mark Herr, worked diligently over the past several days to minimize the damage caused by this inadvertent clerical error." +++++ From Comics2Film at http://www.comics2film.com ELTINGVILLE CLUB ---------------- Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer have been hard at work on the pilot episode of The Eltingville Club for The Cartoon Network. Comics 2 Film spoke to Dorkin about the progress on the 30 minute episode. "Everything's pretty much looking pretty good on the pilot," Dorkin told us. "It's moving very quickly. It's only been about four months since we started." Dorkin is the creator, writer and producer of the show. He recently turned in the pilot script to co-producers and Cartoon Network executives Keith Crofford , Michael Lazzo (both from Space Ghost) and Linda Simensky (VP of Original Animation) for review. The script also had to pass muster with the dreaded "standards and practices" before the pilot could move forward. Dorkin was able to inform us that he got word of the script's approval last week. "To be quite honest, the producers have been terrific. The people I'm working with have been really behind the script," Dork said. "And standards and practices were really pretty cool. I think we got out of it with basically a slap on the wrist." The comic creator went on to say "We went through very, very minor revisions. We lost one scene which we knew we were going to lose. We just had to change it, but we were able to keep the scene. It had to be a little less mean and severe." Dorkin assures us that the Club won't be too watered down for television. "We lost [some] language, but no real rude behavior or meanness or negativity. Basically they asked me to tone down very few things," Dorkin told C2F. "They lessened any kind of gore, even though it was minimal in the first place, but they said 'Let's take it easy, so the kids don't think characters are dead or anything.'" One other minor concern is the use of licensed characters that the fanatical collecting club will be pursuing. "We're still waiting to hear on whether or not we can use certain licensed objects in the script, but it looks like we have verbal OK on a major character, a major image." However, Dorkin told us that neither the pilot script or any other script would be written so that having a particular collectible depicted would make or break the story." At this point the show seems to be progressing smoothly. "So far no horror stories," Dorking told C2F. "Nobody's asked me to put a funny robot in there or a cute character for merchandise. I mean, I don't know what the hell they're thinking because, if you think about it, the Eltingville Club's pretty damned ugly." With script approval in place, Dorkin is ready to get the ball rolling on production of the pilot. Frequent collaborator Stephen DeStefano has been hired to do the storyboarding. Work on the storyboards is slated to begin this month. Voice casting should also begin in the coming months. In spite of the fact that things seem to be going well on the show, Dorkin emphasized that it is just a pilot. It's possible that the network won't pick it up as a regular show, or even air the pilot at all. "That's why I like comics. No matter what happens you can pretty much get your pages in front of people somehow. You know: print it and get it out there. In a collaborative multi-media thing like this you have to keep your fingers crossed and hope it gets on and hope it doesn't suck." LENORE ------ FROM DAILY VARIETY: Daily Variety reports that Roman Dirge's bizarre, dead-girl comic Lenore is in development as an animated feature film. Sony Family Entertainment purchased the rights for the comic. Caroline Thompson (A Nightmare Before Christmas) and Larry Wilson (Beetlejuice) will write the screenplay. The pair previously collaborated on The Addams Family. Sony characterizes the movie as a "decidedly black comedy with heart." Thompson is quoted as saying, "We are looking to appeal to adults as much as the sophisticated 10 year old. Lenore means well, when, for instance, she tries to help out by taking the neighbor baby to the park. While she feeds the bird, the baby whines and she says, 'Oh, you want to feed them.' She puts the feed on the baby, and the birds begin pecking away.'' http://www.variety.com/ X-MEN ----- FROM THE OFFICIAL SITE: Ray Park recently talked to the fans about his role as the evil Toad in the upcoming X-Men movie via an online chat last week. The transcript of the chat is now available the Official X-Men site. Here are some highlights from the chat: Question: Is Toad portrayed as a mindless lackey as in the early years of X-Men or the evil genius he has more recently become? Park: "He's more of an evil, twisted, guy. I tried to make him loopy, nutty, but calculating. Nutty, but he knows exactly what he's doing. That's how I tried to portray him.. I haven't seen he finished product yet though." Question: What certain powers/moves do you have/show in the movie? Park: "Toad has a long tongue and he can leap and jump and stick on walls and his legs are powerful and he's got gooey slime!" Question: Was the tongue mouthpiece you wore very uncomfortable? Park: "It was weird. I've never done anything like that in my life. Imagine being at the dentist and being fit for a mold of your teeth...it was like that. It got a few jokes on the set. I went along with it. :)" Question: How do you prepare for a part like the Toad? Park: "Keep physically and mentally prepared. If I'm competing, I'm already prepared. I just have a go and try it. If no one likes it ...they'll say so to me." Question: Do you think Toad will return in any other X-Men films? Park: "Possibly...I don't know. I'd come back if invited though." Question: Did you choreograph any of the fight scenes in the X- Men movie? Park: "No. I worked with Conrad, the executive director. I gave a little input but mostly it was written already. I just had to jump in and do it." Question: How do the stunts you do as Toad compare to the ones you did in Star Wars? Easier? Harder? Park: "I haven't seen the finished product yet so it's hard to say but it was physically demanding working as Toad. I had to be on the ball but it was fun!" Question: How was it to fight Halle Berry? As we can see in the trailer this particular scene looks to be quite impressive! Park: "It was nice. I got to know Halle better. It was good fun...she was up for it. The first time I saw her was in Boomerang. I was 15 and when I met her I thought 'wow!' She was fantastic." Question: As Darth Maul, you had very few lines, but a major character. Is that the same with Toad? Park: Yes. I have more lines at the moment as Toad and it's me...my voice, and that's a big thing for me as well. It's 4 bad guys this time...not just one." Question: How would you compare Toad with Darth Maul? Park: Toad is evil, slimy, in your face, and out of your face real quick, but Darth is more arrogant, domineering, confident. They're different characters" Question: Who do you think could win in a fight: Toad or Darth Maul? Park: That's not fair! I'd be fighting with myself then! http://www.x-men-the-movie.com/ FROM DAILY RADAR: In other X-Men news, the Daily Radar website recently published an interview with X-Men Composer Michael Kamen. Accompanying the interview are two downloadable samples from the movie's score. The composer had this to say about the spirit and tone of the movie. "I was trying to represent Bryan Singer's filmic tone that he's made, for a comic book, a quite serious movie, which is about the capacity of humanity to categorize people by race, religion or type, and prejudice people against them based on their innate characteristics" Thanks to X-Fan, Dark Horizons, and Corona Coming Attractions. http://www.dailyradar.com/ http://www.fandom.com/x-men/ http://www.darkhorizons.com/ http://www.corona.bc.ca/ G-MEN FROM HELL --------------- G-Men From Hell Producer Rick Albert has informed Comics 2 Film that Joann Richter plays the part of Avon (Cheetahman's girlfriend) in the movie. Richter may be known to comic book movie fans as one of two Wonder Woman wannabes in last year's Mystery Men. We had previously reported that Krista Allen had been cast in that role. Allen had been considered for the part, but had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts. HULK ---- FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: A recent write-up in The Hollywood Reporter reveals that new writers have been signed for Universal Pictures project Hulk and Green Hornet. Michael Tolkin (Deep Impact) is now on board to pen the big screen version of the green goliath. The article refers to the movie as "The Incredible Hulk" even though previously the working title was simply "Hulk". As far as Green Hornet goes, X-Men contributor and The Usual Suspects scribe Christopher McQuarrie is signed for that one. The article reports that Jet Li will be playing "the title role." http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS ----------------------- FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Rosario Dawson (Light it Up) has signed on a Val in the Josie and the Pussycats movie according to The Hollywood Reporter. Dawson joins Rachel Leigh Cook (who plays Josie) and Tara Reid (who plays Melody) as the third member of the titular pop band. Parker Posey and Allan Cumming have also been signed to cause trouble for the girls Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan (Can't Hardly Wait) will direct the Universal Pictures flick from their own screenplay. Thanks to Michael Rhode of the Comics Research Bibliography. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ http://www.rpi.edu/~bulloj/comxbib.html FROM IGN FILMFORCE: In a related story C2F friend Stax just reviewed Kaplan and Elfont's screenplay in his The Stax Report column. He summarizes the review as "mixed with minor spoilers." http://filmforce.ign.com/news/977.html SPAWN ----- FROM CINESCAPE: Cinescape recently talked to Todd McFarlane about the future of Spawn in TV and Film. McFarlane reports that work on the live-action sequel to Spawn is approaching a crossroads with New Line Cinema. "I got a call two days ago where they said that if you can cut about $6 million off the budget, that puts us closer to doing a go on this thing. Then, if not, I can trigger in my contract that I get the rights back later this year and I've got other studios that have told me 'The day after you get those rights back, come and let's talk about doing it,'" McFarlane told Cinescape. McFarlane also said that he holds the rights to do more work on the animated version of the character. He expects to begin work on a 90 minute animated feature in about 30-45 days. The film would be offered first to HBO, but McFarlane is prepared to shop it around after that. http://www.cinescape.com/ HARVEY ------ The Harvey Entertainment Company recently issued a their first quarter operating results for the year. Included in the review were a couple of tidbits about Harvey movies and TV programs. Here are some interesting excerpts: "Direct-to-Video: Harvey continues production on a new direct-to- video feature entitled Casper's Haunted Christmas. This full- length CGI-based (computer generated animation) feature film is slated for release in November 2000 and is being co-produced with Mainframe Entertainment. Universal Home Video is the exclusive domestic home video distributor, and Harvey will oversee domestic sales for television, cable, pay-per-view and the Internet, as well as international licensing in all media. "Television: In February 2000 Harvey entered into a licensing and co-production agreement with Studio B Productions for the worldwide development, production and exploitation of television episodes to be produced based on Harvey's Wendy the Witch character. Harvey has closed several pre-sale agreements with international partners and is currently in pre-production on this series." PUNISHER -------- FROM CINESCAPE: Producer Dana Windsor recently informed Cinescape that he hopes to develop a TV version of Marvel's The Punisher. The producer told Cinescape, "I've been lobbying Marvel to get a green light to do a live action Punisher series for well over a year. The Sopranos has made mob oriented material very hot, which is the demographic I want to go after. The great thing about the Punisher is that he's this pure force of vengeance. To steal a little from Jim Cameron, 'He can't be reasoned with, can't be bargained with and he simply will not stop.' If given the chance, I will keep the character very much in the Marvel Universe where he can interact with all his classic friends and foe, but the primary focus will be his all out war on organized crime to avenge the death of his family. With all the recent sizzle that Marvel has gotten, anything is possible." http://www.cinescape.com/ +++++ From The Daily Buzz at http://www.mania.com/newsarama/index.html Sexual Inequality In The Superman Family At yesterday's auction of movie and TV memorabilia at Christie's East, we got further evidence of sexual inequality in American society. While the complete Superman costume that Christopher Reeve wore in the first two Superman films fetched $56,400, Helen Slater's super-suit from Supergirl brought in only $12,925. How unfair. --AP +++++ From Newsarama; http://www.AnotherUniverse.com/newsarama WINNER OF THE 1997 & 1998 INTERNET "SQUIDDY" FOR BEST WEB SITE - Wildstorm's Star Trek editor Jeff Mariottee contacted us with clarification on a Daily Buzz story from earlier this week. In case you missed it, it was confirmed that writer Peter David will bring Star Trek: New Frontier, the series of books he developed at Pocket Books (with Pocket Books Star Trek editor John Ordover), to comics in a September prestige format one-shot. While we reported that the one-shot will tie into a New Frontier trilogy of novels Pocket is publishing at the same time, that wasn't quite right. Turns out what it really does is fill in a missing piece of continuity from the New Frontier series as a whole - the unexplained 18 month or so gap between Dark Allies and Double Helix Book Five. "This comic explains what Captain Calhoun and the Excalibur were doing during that time," explained Mariotte. "When a group of religious extremists called the Redeemers target the planet Haresh for 'purification', Captain Calhoun of the starship Excalibur is outraged. Calhoun orders the ship to Haresh to intervene -- but on the way there, an emergency rescuee on another planet slows the Excalibur down, so that it arrives too late. Haresh is already a dead planet. "Calhoun doesn't take defeat lightly, though -- and tries a risky scheme to travel back in time, arriving at Haresh early enough to save the populace from the Redeemers. This maneuver isn't universally popular, though, either with the Excalibur's crew or with the Federation ship Relativity, which is prepared to use force against the Excalibur. "With the Federation on one side and the Redeemers on the other, Calhoun is in the crossfire. And there's no easy way out..." The comic book will be penciled by Michael Collins and inked by David Roach. Both have worked with David before, on Babylon 5, and Roach has a Star Trek: Voyager one-shot coming out in July. "And there'll be a spectacular cover painting by Brian Stelfreeze,'" added the editor. - Writer JM DeMatteis is being kept very bussy by DC these days. In addition to his upcoming work on The Spectre in Legends of the DC Universe and then the new ongoing series, and his continuing work on Adventures of Superman, DeMatteis tells Newsarama he has a trio of graphic novels in various stages of development Batman: Absolution is a 96-page hardcover graphic novel (tentatively set for 2001) with fully painted art by Brian Ashmore featuring a story that takes place over the course of ten years. Superman: Where Is Thy Sting is a 64-page graphic novel with art by DeMatteis' former creative partner on Marvel's short-lived Man-Thing, Liam Sharp. This project is also tentatively set for "mid 2001.”. Green Lantern: Willworld is another 96-page GN, an oddball fantasy set in the early days of Hal Jordan's career. "Think Little Nemo meets The Wizard of Oz with a little Phantom Menace thrown in for good measure,” said the writer. - Wildstorm editor and writer John Layman prrovided a few details on a couple of stories in August's upcoming 64-page anthology special. According to the editor, the Dan Abnett/Andy Lanning, Dustin Nguyen story starring Jet will serve as a prelude to an upcoming four-issue mini-series by the same creative team, Jet: Midnight to Midnight (Sept.) "The Thunderbook story guest-stars Backlash, who is snooping into her secret identity,’ said Layman. "It looks great, too. Dustin [who will illustrate Lobdell's Blink "pilot series"] has a great future ahead of him.” The DV8 story written by Layman and illustrated by Jeff Moy and W.C. Carani spotlights Frostbite, Sublime and Copycat, who according to the writer/editor "have been drifting since their team broke up. In this story, they will see a change of luck.” - After a long absence from the active comiccs scene, Starchild creator James A. Owen has announced his returns with a set of releases designed "to appeal to readers and retailers". According to Owens, since the series debut in 1992, more than 600 pages of Starchild material have been produced (collected as Awakenings, Crossroads, and in the Image-released five issues of Mythopolis); "But unfortunately, to read the story from the beginning meant locating high-priced back issues, or buying large and expensive trade paperbacks or hardcovers.” Now, beginning in September, Coppervale Press is going to be packaging all of that material plus all of the unreprinted short stories, (including the Neil Gaiman "Little Neil" satires plus one or two others), along with some sketchbook material, unused sequences, and all of the covers into six monthly books called The Essential Starchild. Each of the first four will be 96 pages, and the latter two will be 112 pages each. The books will be squarebound, and basically identical in format to the X-Men Universe or House Of Mystery magazines. The schedule and contents of the books are as follows: The Essential Starchild - Book One - shipping 9/13/00. The stories featured in this issue begin with the prologue to the first Starchild story arc, "Gatherum", followed by "The Mad-Eyed Sorceror", "Children of the Storm", and "That Hideous Strength", plus the covers from Starchild #0 - #3. Book Two - 10/18. The stories featured in this issue include "The Wild Hunt", "Toccata and Fugue", "Autumn People", and the never-reprinted short story "Little Neil in Slumberland", plus the covers from Starchild #4 - #6, sketchbook pages, and more! Cover Art - http://cronus.rockisland.com/~coppervale/FH2.htm Book Three - 11/15. The stories featured in this issue include "The Old Mill", "A Fine Madness", "Fool's Game", and the never-reprinted short story "The Last Temptation of Little Neil", plus the covers from Starchild #7 - #9. Book Four - 12/13. The stories featured in this issue include "Spirits in a Material World", "Tempest in a Looking Glass", and the conclusion of the first Starchild story arc, "Awakening". Also, an all new short story, "TwoPenny Serenade", plus the covers from Starchild #10 - #12. Book Five - shipping 1/17/01 - featuring a special cover collaboration with Concrete creator Paul Chadwick The stories featured in this issue comprise the second story arc: "The Weaver's Tale", "The Innkeeper's Tale", "The Wanderer's Tale", and "The Bard's Tale", plus the covers from Starchild:Crossroads #1 - #4. Book Six - 2/13/01. The stories featured in this issue begin the third Starchild story arc with "Mythopolis - Prologue", and "Mythopolis Book One - Pinehead", plus the covers from Starchild:Mythopolis #0 - #3, sketchbook pages, and a special preview of the Fool's Hollow novel. Owes reports that the last issue of Image-published Mythopolis, which began book two - Fisher King -will not be collected in these editions, but that a future announcement regarding will be forthcoming. +++++ From Zentertainment; HTTP://WWW.ZENTERTAINMENT.COM To sign a friend up or begin receiving ZEN yourself, e-mail: subscribe@ZENtertainment.com From executive producer, writer, director Kevin Smith comes CLERKS, an animated series based on his feature film about a quartet of ambition-free, foul-mouthed, unkempt but frequently hilarious young men who have become true cult icons. Note: that was written by somebody who works for ABC who has never seen CLERKS, the movie, or the new show. Anyway, the FIRST EPISODE PREMIERES MAY 31, 2000 at 9:30 PM on ABC after a Drew Carey RE-RUN. And features voices provided by the original stars of CLERKS, plus guest appearances by Judge Reinhold, Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Grant Hill. And yes, there will be Star Wars references. So check it out. For extra Clerks fun, plus original production art and the infamous Flintstone's List DELETED SCENE, please visit the CLERKS website: http://www.clerksthecartoon.com Oh yeah, and did I mention the first episode premieres May 31 at 9:30pm on ABC? McQUARRIE BROUGHT IN ON 'GREEN HORNET' According to The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, Christopher McQuarrie (The Usual Suspects, X-Men) has been hired to rewrite UNIVERSAL's GREEN HORNET feature film. Jet Li is attached to star. TOLKIN WRITING 'HULK' According to The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, Michael Tolkin (The Player, Deep Impact) will rewrite UNIVERSAL'S feature film based on MARVEL Comics' THE INCREDIBLE HULK. MARVEL WILL STILL PUBLISH COMICS MARVEL Comics is clarifying a recent report in The WALL STREET JOURNAL which said the publisher will be "phasing out" its comic lines, stating that what the article meant to say was that MARVEL would be getting more and more involved with film and the Internet. http://www.marvel.com FREE COMIC WITH 'X-MEN' MOVIE FOX Movies and MARVEL Comics will give out three million free copies of an X-MEN THE MOVIE: WOLVERINE comic with the July 14th release of the film. The 32-page one-shot is by the creative team of writer Jay Faerber, penciler Karl Waller, and inker Mark McKenna. http://www.x-men-the-movie.com ENTER 'THE COFFIN' ON SEPTEMBER 1st ONI Press will publish Phil Hester (The Wretch) & 40oz. Comics' Mike Huddleston (Komusu)'s four-issue miniseries THE COFFIN, on a bi-monthly basis, starting this September. "This is a different kind of book for ONI," Hester commented. "We weren't quite sure what they would think of it at first. It combines standard conventions of superhero, sci-fi, horror, and cyberpunk-genres ONI isn't necessarily known for. We thought it had enough of a twist, though, for it to fit neatly on their roster." THE COFFIN is the story of a scientist who creates a technologically-advanced suit that can retain the soul of a person after their body has died, who winds up being its first guinea pig. http://www.onipress.com KEOWN RETURNS TO 'PITT' WIZARD WORLD reports writer-artist Dale Keown will return PITT with a series of miniseries, beginning with the three-issue PITT: BIOGENESIS this August. http://www.wizardworld.com BUY CYCLOPS' BIFOCALS OAKLEY is offering the Cyclops' RUBY JULIET visor from the X-MEN feature film at its site at a cost of $300. http://www.oakley.com/rubyjuliet http://www.x-men-the-movie.com http://www.marvel.com NEW DC 'SANDMAN' FIGURES DC Comics will release figures of THE SANDMAN this December crafted after The Endless' appearance in the ARABIAN NIGHTS and DREAM HUNTERS stories. http://www.dccomics.com ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Interview Tim O'Shea tim_jen@mindspring.com [Tim O'Shea is a 31-year old desktop publisher who lives in Atlanta with his wife and four-month old son. Tim, who has been reading comic books on a weekly basis since 1977, thinks he's the only rabid comic book fan who intends never to attend a convention.] JOHNS "RUNS" BY TO DISCUSS FLASH By Tim O'Shea TCR Senior Staff Writer Copyright 2000 - The Comic Reader (used with permission) In between co-writing DC's JSA, the (sadly) recently canceled STARS & S.T.R.I.P.E., taking on the assignment of permanent writer for FLASH and working for Richard Donner's production company, Geoff Johns, was nice enough to briefly chat about FLASH. TCR: Given your talent for revitalizing classic/underutilized DC characters as evidenced by both your work in STARS & S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA, any plans to do the same in Flash? On that same line of thinking, Jay Garrick has often played a pivotal role in FLASH during recent years, do you plan to continue this, or do you fear Jay would be overexposed given his new prominence in JSA? JOHNS: Jay will be very prominent in JSA and FLASH. No reason he shouldn't be. As for underused characters. Expect some in FLASH, with lots of new spins. TCR: Any interest in delving further into the mysteries of the Speed Force, or do you think Misters Waid and Augustyn pretty much mined that nebulous concept for all its worth? JOHNS: I'll be leaving the SPEED FORCE alone for the time being. I'm more interested delving into Wally, Linda and the league of villains and supporting heroes and cast established and soon-to-be established. TCR: Walter Simonson's new ORION series is going to also feature eight-page Tales of the New Gods stories. Have you considered pitching to DC the prospect of eight-page stories featuring the pairing of Firestorm and Atom (a team-up which you developed in 1999's Day of Judgment miniseries) in the back pages of FLASH? JOHNS: No way I could fit it in. I'd love to see Atom/Firestorm somewhere else though. TCR: You've said that you plan to give Keystone City a new look and persona? Does this mean it will have to be rebuilt after being destroyed by one of Wally's foes, or are we talking just more along the lines of something like the recent Metropolis "makeover?" JOHNS: Neither. Keystone has always been established, but we've never really stopped to see WHAT it is. My second storyline makes it, and its people, very clear. TCR: Is Angel Unzueta staying on as permanent artist after the first six-issue story arc, or will someone else be coming on board? JOHNS: Scott Kolins (artist of the upcoming Silver Age JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA) is our new penciler beginning with #170! Angel has done a knockout, amazing job on the first issue. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] The Swap Meet Chad Trout cct107@psu.edu [Chad Trout is a graduate student in Chemistry Though he says he does not care for what he is doing. He has been collecting comics for over a decade.] Hi all! The other day I was complaining how much I hate what I do, when my friend told me I should write about comics. So, that is what I am going to do. It sure beats writing my thesis. Actually, I don't think he wanted to hear about the Captain Marvel, Jr. #45 I bought for $10 in good condition. To the reviews, which will contain minor spoilers. Aquaman Issue #63 debuted the new creative team of Dan Jurgens, Steve Epting, and Norm Rapmund. Mike Kaluta draws some of the best covers to grace an Aquaman book since Jim Aparo was the artist. Issue 63-69 is a seven-part story, but you can read 69 pretty much by itself. Issue 69 just came out this week. This story focuses on King Arthur and not so much the superhero Aquaman, which is a very good thing. It is an aspect of Aquaman that has never been used very effectively in the past. The story starts off with the nation of Cerdia building up a navy to attack Atlantis. Aquaman is in the US trying to get support for his cause and stop the coming war. The UN and the media refuse to listen to Aquaman about the problem. It seems no one takes Aquaman or his nation seriously, so he ends up on a talk show trying to get public support for his cause. While he is away, Cerdia attacks, naturally! Atlantis is destroyed yet again! In retaliation Atlantis attacks Cerdia and then the JLA gets involved. With a member of the JLA involved in a war the JLA needs to be involved. Their appearance is handled very creatively by Jurgens, since the usual fight scene between heroes does not appear in the book. The difference between Aquaman and the rest of the league really shines through. There is, of course, the obligatory villain working with the Cerdian government. Ocean Master is used very effectively in this arc. As Aquaman's brother, I always felt he should be Aquaman's main villain, but he has not always been used well. Upon reading this, all I could think was that something good finally came out of Underworld Unleashed. While I don't like the fact that Dolphin and Tempest had a child, I think Jurgens handled it very well. I just knew from the start that the poor kid was going to get kidnapped though. It made a lot of sense from Ocean Master's point of view. He was out to destroy Arthur. Well I hope that gives a good and short overview of issues 63-68. Issue #69 has some really great stuff in it. At first I found the framing sequence used to tell the story annoying, but it really does serve a purpose. It shows what will happen to Atlantis in the future as a result of this war. Since the book may be canceled, this was a very good thing in my view. The final confrontation between Aquaman and Ocean Master is beautifully done. I wouldn't mind seeing the splash page that Epting drew on page 24 made into a poster. The way that Jurgens has Aquaman use his powers certainly didn't bring to mind the usually jokes that you think of. After reading that sequence, I won't think that Aquaman just "talks to fish" ever again. The speech to Ocean Master is very moving - it makes you wonder who is really the master of the oceans. The best part of the whole book though was seeing Aquaman tell the UN off! I absolutely loved it! Of course, the final scene is very moving and is probably my favorite scene in the whole story. If you read the book don't turn to the last page or you'll ruin the story. Yes, it has been announced that Aquaman is being canceled as of issue #75, but if reorders are high on 68 and 69 then it will be spared. So go buy issue 69! If you like it tell your store. I don't usually like Jurgens that much, better after reading this I may have to go try some of the other books that he writes. Tellos #7 Tellos is by Todd Dezago and Mike Weringo. I have not been a particular fan of either creator in the past, but I have enjoyed their work on Tellos. I love dragons, but so few books put them to good use in my view. The main dragon seen in Tellos has a very interesting personality and is generally a lot of fun. I hope we get to see more of the dragon community in future issues. Another neat thing about the dragons is that they are about the size of a horse, so they seem more manageable. This issue contains one of the most interesting scenes I have ever read or seen using dragons. It features the heroes having a jousting match, while flying on dragons. Mike Weringo really conveys the fun and excitement I felt upon seeing this extremely well. The big problem that I have with this book is the pacing. The story feels like it is moving at a snails pace. I wish they would speed things up. To make matters worse, this entire issue just shows the heroes recovering from the battle in the previous issue. Another problem is that I don't always feel anything for the characters. I would like to see more character development. According to the last page it looks like we may just get that. I am enjoying the book overall and highly recommend it. Got something to say?..email at cct107@psu.edu ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Sound and Fury Craig Lemon craiglemon@aol.com [Craig Lemon has been writing reviews and news for CBEM for over a year now, and is about to break his current record for continuous weekly column submissions. Archived columns plus other writings about comics and stuff can be found at "http://www.themestream.com/" just search for "Craig Lemon".] Read the latest Previews yet? Seen the DC ads for "Superman: Emperor ??????" and all that rubbish? This is the follow-on story from the previous month where Superman was incarcerated in Arkham and Bizarro was running free. And it's supposed to be a big secret as to who is behind all of this "madness" and "insanity". Don't the words "Arkham", "madness" and "insanity", all of which can have "Emperor of" as a prefix point to one villain? Or is it just me that thinks it's obvious the Joker is behind all of this...maybe too obvious? For a big secret, is this all they could come up with? Well, last time out I was extremely rubbish at covering loads of titles in just a few words - I can see myself falling ever further behind in these reviews! Tom Strong 8 (America's Best Comics: Moore & Weiss/Sprouse/Gordon) Just a quick update on the preview-review from a few weeks ago, based on the release of the issue itself. Basically, buy it. Three stories, featuring different aspects of the Tom Strong universe, all of which are new-reader-friendly. This issue is a great jumping on point, if you've been meaning to try it out and haven't yet made the plunge, then buy this one! Starman 67 (DC: Robinson & Snejberg) The (supposedly) climactic storyline reaches part six behind a nice painted cover by Andrew Robinson which unfortunately bears no resemblance to events in the issue. The problem with this "Grand Guignol" storyline is that the issues where things actually happen are all too frequently interspersed with issues devoted to nothing but backstory, which destroys any sense of pace. This is really a title designed to be read in one go (with maybe all of the "Times Past" background issues read in one clump at the end). Having said this, this is one of those action issues, with some nice set pieces, some good sequences with the villains of the piece actually thinking (and doubting) about what they are doing (destroying Opal City and killing Starman), and a great ending. Unfortunately, next issue is yet another backstory fill-in - get this and skip onto issue 69. Of course, the other problem Starman faces is that this storyline is the culmination of Robinson's run, the ultimate battle between good and evil, yadda yadda yadda, but this is only issue 67 out of a total of 80 or 83 (as Robinson has said in interviews). Makes you wonder how this is going to be dragged out even further... Wildcats 11 (DC Wildstorm: Casey & Phillips) Featuring the return of Maxine Manchester aka Ladytron to the Wildcats team. The Church of Gort masquerade as a worldwide collective of museum curators to hire Grifter to find a lost treasure - which turns out to be Ladytron (Church of Gort want to cancel her ticket, you see). Grifter finds her by page four, she's in rough shape after a one night stand with, er, C-3PO, it doesn't take too many more pages before the Church turns up and off we go with more guns and explosions. The Church gets all the best lines: "H.A.L.elujah", "may Gort download us from temptation...deliver us from E-Bay". Grifter manages to spend all issue with a cigarette either in his mouth or hand, pretty much typifies Sean Phillips' work, but his Spartan (who appears on a couple of pages) is absolutely superb. This is a good jumping-on point again, pretty much self-contained issue, a good action story promising more in the future. Hellblazer 149 (DC Vertigo: Azzarello and Corben) Constantine gets to spend the issue in solitary, whilst the prison riots - and the cause of the riot is a desperate stampede to get Constantine a cigarette. Not a new user-friendly issue, being part four of the five part "Hard Time" story, but the scripting is finally beginning to grow on me. I have to admit to disliking Azzarello's other current Vertigo title, 100 Bullets, and I don't really like his approach to Hellblazer either - where he's treating Constantine more as a guest in his own book. So instead of focusing on Constantine and how he does what he does, why he does what he does, and how he gets out of the messes he creates for himself, Azzarello is looking at how what happens elsewhere is affected by Constantine's messing around. The Tim Bradstreet cover is great, as always, still don't like Corben's interior art at all, but only one issue of that to go! Tomorrow Stories 7 (America's Best Comics: Moore and various) Sorry to say, think Alan Moore has fumbled the ball here. Four stories in this issue behind a Splash Brannigan cover by Hilary Barta. Splash kicks off the issue, with the ink-based superhero interacting with exhibits in an art gallery. Pretty much inconsequential story, not really funny although it is supposed to be, made more rewarding by the little touches in the backgrounds - one to read for the extra bits rather than the story itself. Cobweb is next, art by Melinda Gebbie. Cobweb in the summer of love - again, not a lot to recommend the story, and again, much better for the little details in the backgrounds of panels. Hmmm, spot the thread? The First American and U.S.Angel, with art by Jim Baikie, is next up. And you might as well just reread the reviews for the first two parts of this issue, and it's all same-as, same-as. In this story, First American tells stories to his nephews of what life was like in the 20th Century. Of course, he gets it all wrong, mixing events together, making himself the pivotal anchor of each major situation. Quite entertaining, though, and again, packed with background detail. The best, however, is last. Rick Veitch's Greyshirt - this time is the story of a cab driver's encounters with Greyshirt...the first time he runs him over and drives off....then he encounters him again! Excellent art, very good story, the only downer is that Veitch will be leaving after issue 12 (or thereabouts) due to his disagreements with DC...taking the best thing away from Tomorrow Stories is a bad idea, DC should really be looking to mend this bridge and keep Veitch around. Daredevil 12 (Marvel: Quesada, Palmiotti and Haynes) I hate fill-in issues. I especially hate fill-ins that occur slap in the middle of a storyline. This one occurs in the middle of a cliffhanger as well! The issue starts where 11 left off, with Echo about to shoot DD in the head. This issue ends where 13 will begin, with Echo blah blah blah. However. This is the story of people who's lives are changed by the Echo-Daredevil fight. A kid runs to find out what the noise of the fighting is all about, and sparks a memory in an ex-cop. A murderer-to-be is foiled in his crime by a rogue baton and falls onto the car of a would-be suicide. Everyone good and true benefits by the fight, except for DD of course, who is left with a gun to his head. This could be oh so much worse, but is just about acceptable. Which is probably the highest accolade I can give to a fill-in book in the middle of a cliffhanger. If you have a spare $2.99 and fancy a self-contained story, you could do worse than to buy this. For everyone already buying DD, roll on DD 13. Comments, abuse and the usual to craiglemon@aol.com. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [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: Gigantor #3 Publisher: Antarctic Press Written and Drawn by: Ben Dunn Price: $2.50 Comments: Enjoy the interactions amongst the characters as the talk about how Jimmy Sparks saw the death of his own flesh and blood - Dr. Sparks came about. This is a traumatic time for little Jimmy and as this issue moves along, he seems in control of his emotions, which is good. I thought Goliath was a powerful robot, then here comes Iron Ox! Iron Ox looked very intimidating and made the story even more thrilling. I'm jumping ahead of myself, back to the beginning of the story. It was interesting on how Dr. Sparks passed this power of Gigantor to Jimmy, as he knew that Jimmy would never let Gigantor become corrupted. Jimmy is a very determined boy, as he has become obsessed with bringing down the Iron Empire. The action was right in tune with the story as Goliath came to blows with Gigantor. Then the suspense set in as Inspector Blooper and Jimmy head for the U.N. Building to see what the disturbance was about. That sets me back to the dreaded Iron Ox and what appears to be a nuclear explosion! It's going to be interesting to see how this storyline progresses! Lots of surprises! Name: Lea Hernandez' Rumble Girls: Silky Warrior Tansie #1 Publisher: Image Written and Drawn by: Lea Hernandez Price: $3.50 Comments: Wow! Really enjoyed Lea Hernandez' Rumble Girls: Silky Warrior Tansie #1! I didn't know what to expect as I picked up this comic book. I noticed that the Manga styled artwork was right in tune with the story and looked darn good! Right from the beginning as Crimson August and Raven Tansania Ransom seem romantically in love, I thought....'hmmm...this must be a romance story'. Then the argument between the two began and I said...."what's this?" So, later I learn that Crimson August is a character actor, and I wanted to know more about this guy. I also wanted to know more about this fanzine called "Blue August". A fanzine that has an idea on how women should be. The story moved with lightning pace as Ransom is in a frenzied exercise class and Coach Yuji is being quite hard on this young lady. The Hardskin Program is fascinating and I want to know more about it, as this series continues. There is plenty of mysteries that heighten this storyline as Raven is called 'Rumple Tansie Rancid'. I first thought they were mere antics from these prankster girls and thought nothing of it, then later learn that these girls really hate Raven. Raven may or may not feel special, I haven't quite determined that yet. She may not feel special, but from all apparent outlook, she is special since the definition of 'rumple' was explained to her. Cameron really has it out for her, that she is willing to take her file from Academie Juliet. Not to forget that "rumple" definition means a child of someone far in debt and the child becomes sort of a slave to work off the debt. From here on out, my mind was blown, I wanted to know more about Raven. There is plenty of story to tell. Then if that isn't enough, let's not forget how Yuji-son has learned that the sales are tied in with Crimson August, a man known for his amorous ways. Very intense scene as Ransom and Cameron go into combat. This story was exceptionally excellent! Name: Strangers in Paradise #32 Publisher: Abstract Studio Written and Drawn by: Terry Moore Price: $2.75 Comments: Letter hacking time for Terry Moore. This is what I had to say to Terry regarding his latest dramatic tale of Katchoo and Francine: It's been awhile since I wrote in, but I must say Terry that the story is progressing with a flair of heightened mystery and intrigue. Sad moment as David is leaving and Francine tries to stop him. A touching farewell indeed. When it is said that Miracle has a problem, I believe she has a big problem as Marshal Weinstein is left to slowly die with the revelation that the Big Six is around and as strong as ever. That was a gruesome death to say the least. Then after seeing this astrocity take place, then the reader is switched to something that is on the brighter side, as Brad is happier that a road hare during mating season. Francine is a good catch, so Brad should be happy and it must of been pretty impressive for Francine to have her name announced on stage by Brad's famous brother Griffin - while they both are watching TV! Katchoo on the other hand falls into a drunken slump mumbling Francine's name. When I thought I seen enough grisly acts of mayhem, then I see Sharon's corpse later in the story. Uggh! Excitement truly builds for the empire shareholders of Mr. King's dynasty. A dynasty that they feel will one day overshadow the empire of Bill Gates. Until the news that $72.00 a share for Nerdcom is placed on their table! Francine may be happy about this future marriage, but she was really brought down as she is questioned on who the maid of honor should be. Of course, only one person can have that role and that would be her soul mate Katchoo. Powerful story that has a strong.....I mean strong impact! Thank you Terry once again for the entertaining drama! SIP #32 was dynamic! Name: Kenichi Sonoda Gunsmith Cats: Kidnapped 7 of 10 Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Written and Drawn by: Kenichi Sonoda Price: $2.95 Comments: The cliffhanger from last issue was tremendously suspenseful as Rally Vincent was shot! I really didn't know what to expect and eagerly awaited this issue. The action was jam packed in the beginning of the story as Mr. Smart gets shot and seeing Jeena in a very dire situation. Smart is truly a hero to his daughter and I commend his spirit and courage as this story moves along. Mr. Borgnine seems to not have a soul or a conscience as he does what he does. Mr. Borgnine is true evil incarnated and is a great adversary for Rally Vincent. Very intense scene as Borgnine confronts the police. I stood up and cheered to learn that Rally was not mortally wounded from that gunshot wound. Her good ol' AR-7 protected her. The bullet lodged into the butt of the weapon. Of course, she must still deal with her broken rib(s), that she received from the impact alone. Rally is quite confident with her AR-7 and I believe she will be handling this issue with Mr. Borgnine with extreme prejudice. Name: A Shadowlander's Dream #4 - Chapter Two: Death's Corridor Publisher: Kat & Neko Manga Price: $2.50 Written and Drawn by: Katheryn Williams How to Reach Katheryn: K&N Manga, PO Box 43026, London, ON Canada N6C 6A2 or by email at: neko_haruka@hotmail.com Comments: Plenty of things are now happening in the story, as more characters are introduced and the story heads off into something bigger according to Katheryn. In the beginning Detective Yakuna-san is after the files of the Kitano family and one would think they stepped into an episode of the X-Files and a dark forbidden feeling occurs as the Detective searches a darkened room filled with files. It is rumored that one of the officer employees went mad when learning the truth about the mysterious Kitano family. Strange things happen in this story, as you will see a child pursued by a dream ghoul, a bleeding sphere with a prisoner inside and of course Akaime harassing his own mother with his questions on Jenn and her purpose in life. Did you know it was Akaime that gouged out his own mother's eyes? Yep, her own demon son maimed his mother, the one with the bandages over her eyes. At the end of the story, you will see sword wielding May and the story keeps going like the Energizer bunny....'it keeps going and going and going!' What is pretty cool with this issue, I received a nice button pin with a character from this comic book adorning the pin. As for 'A Shadowlander's Dream' - jump in while the fire is hot...ouch! MOE Sidenote: New at Broadway Comics & Cards are the following comics: Demonslayer #2 by Image; The Buzz #1 by Marvel Comics; Mostly Wanted #1 by Wildstorm; Countdown #2 by Wildstorm; Promethea #8 by Wildstorm; Blood Legacy #2 by Top Cow; Robin #78 by DC Comics; Usagi Yojimbo #38 by Dark Horse Comics; Superman #767 - Deathstroke Final Cut! by DC Comics; Superboy #76 by DC Comics and a whole lot more! For more information about any of the titles mentioned, 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!"] GENAISSANCE #1 32 pages, black & white, $2.95/$4.25 Visual Assault Comics Press Murray Hill Station PO Box 1122 New York, NY 10156 visassault@aol.com www.visualassault.com Rhyan Scorpio-Rhys: Creator/writer/Inker Keith Robinson: Character Design/Pencils GENAISSANCE is a comic based very much on the Old Testament, on angels and people who lived long lives and all the rest. As the story opens we follow the angel of death to the deathbed of Jared, father of Enoch. With his last breaths he bids his son to live his days in the same cave, administering to the body of Adam, the father of all. Enoch does his father's bidding until the day two angels appear to him and take him on a journey through the heavens, or the levels of heaven. He sees the 200 Mal'Akh who rule the stars, their treasure house, the fallen angels bound in the second heaven, and so on. Until at last he reaches the door to His glorious presence, as the first chapter ends. The detail and graphic representation of the inhabitants and structures of the various areas of the eternal realm are a subject that has been open to interpretation for ages. Is this one any more accurate or appropriate? That is the question you may be asking yourself as you go through it page by page. The art is worthy and has lots of breadth in every page. This is clearly a work that has been labored over for a long time. However, it will need a lot of exposure to find any success, at least financially. Things that don't turn on the average fanboy need to find a core readership large enough to support the work. I believe the discriminating readers who look for stimulating and thought provoking alternatives will enjoy this particular effort. Hopefully there will be enough to keep it going. ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [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 THURSDAY, 6/01/2000, 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 AMAZE INK (SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS) Spook Girl #2, 2.95 Mister Blank #14 (Of 14), 2.95 Wyrd The Reluctant Warrior TPB, 16.95 ARCANE COMICS Prophecy Of The Soul Sorcerer Vol 2 #2, 2.95 ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS Archie #498, 1.99 Archie Double Digest #117, 3.19 Jughead With Archie Digest #158, 2.19 Sabrina Vol 2 #8, 1.99 Sonic The Hedgehog #85, 1.99 Veronica #102, 1.99 CHAOS! COMICS Purgatori Collected Ed Vol 2 TPB, 5.95 Purgatori Empire Poster, 7.95 CLAYPOOL COMICS Elvira #85, 2.50 CPM MANGA Dark Angel #13, 2.95 Lodoss War Grey Witch #19, 2.95 CROSSGEN COMICS Mystic #1, 2.95 CRUSADE ENTERTAINMENT Shi Year Of Dragon Black White & Red Coll Ed (resolicited), 5.99 Shi Year Of Dragon Black White & Red Poster (resolicited), 6.99 DARK HORSE COMICS Joker Mask #1 (Of 4), 2.95 Xena Warrior Princess #9, 2.95 Xena Warrior Princess Newsstand Photo Cover #9, 2.95 Super Manga Blast #3, 4.95 DC COMICS Silver Age 80 Page Giant #1, 5.95 Millennium Edition Action Comics #252, 2.50 Batman Chronicles #21, 2.95 Batman Its Joker Time #1 (Of 3), 4.95 Batman Beyond #9, 1.99 Catwoman #82, 1.99 Supergirl #46, 1.99 Superman And Bugs Bunny #1 (Of 4) (resolicited), 2.50 Flash #162, 1.99 Hitman #51, 2.50 Lazarus Five #1 (Of 5), 2.50 Titans #17, 2.50 Dexters Laboratory #11, 1.99 Authority #15, 2.50 Star Trek Voyager Elite Force, 5.95 Disavowed #5 (Of 6), 2.50 Flinch #13, 2.50 Hellblazer #150, 2.50 FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS Acme Novelty Library #14, 12.95 Nimrod #4, 2.95 IMAGE COMICS Savage Dragon #74, 2.95 Gear Station #2, 2.50 Gear Station Gold Foil Ed Incentive #2, AR Parts Unknown Killing Attractions #1, 2.95 Witchblade Destinys Child #1, 2.95 Curse Of The Spawn Vol 3 Shades Of Gray TPB, 9.95 Spawn The Dark Ages #15, 2.50 Darkminds Vol 2 #4, 2.50 Hawkshaws #1, 2.95 INSIGHT STUDIOS GROUP Liberty Meadows #11, 2.95 IRONCAT Hyper Dolls Vol 1 GN, 15.95 MARVEL COMICS Inhumans Vol 2 #2 (Of 4), 2.99 Avengers #30, 2.25 Deadpool #42, 2.25 Before The 4 Ben Grimm & Logan #1 (Of 3), 2.99 Marvel The Lost Generation #8 (Of 12), 2.99 Marvel Knights #1, 2.99 Gambit #18, 2.25 Wolverine #152, 2.25 X-Men Universe #8, 4.99 Marvel Knights #1 Variant Cvr, 2.99 VIZ COMMUNICATIONS Aqua Knight #2 (Of 6), 3.50 Eagle Vol 4 New Hampshire (Of 12), 6.95 No Need For Tenchi Part 9 #3 (Of 6), 2.95 WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT Wizard The Comics Magazine X Men Wolverine Cover #106, 4.99 Wizard The Comics Magazine Witchblade Actress Photo Cvr #106, 4.99 YI MAGINATION STUDIOS Float #5 (Of 6), 2.95 magazines Comicology #1, 5.95 Comic Shop News #676, AR NCRL for the foreseeable future... TITLE OLD RELEASE DATE NEW DATE DARK HORSE 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 Steampunk #4 05/24 06/07 Steampunk #5 06/28 07/12 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 06/21 Big Bang #32 06/14 Blood Legacy #3 06/21 Chassis #4 05/31 06/14 City of Silence #2 06/14 Cow #1 Spring 00 05/24 06/21 Crimson Plague #1 06/07 06/14 Dark Angel #1 05/24 06/21 Dark Crossings Special: Dark Cloud Rising #1 05/24 06/21 DFE Chassis Gold Foil Daniel Cover #4 05/31 06/21 Echo #4 06/21 Empire #1 05/31 06/07 F5 #3 06/21 Fathom HC 06/14 Fathom HC Exclusive Signed Dustcover Ed. 06/14 Geminar #1 06/14 Intrigue #4 06/21 J.U.D.G.E. #3 05/31 06/07 Jinn #3 06/14 Kin #4 05/31 06/14 Lady Pendragon #10 05/24 06/21 Magdalena #3 05/31 06/21 M-Rex #3 05/03 06/07 Neon Cyber #8 05/17 06/07 Nine Rings of the Wu-Tang #4 05/24 06/21 Parts Unknown: Hostile Takeover #1 06/07 Powers #3 06/21 Red Star #1 06/14 Rumble Girls #2 06/21 Saint Angel #1 06/21 Sam & Twitch #11 06/07 Savage Dragon: Gang War TP 05/24 06/07 Section Zero #1 06/21 Shockrockets #3 06/14 06/21 Soul Saga #3 05/31 06/07 Spawn #96 05/31 06/07 Tomb Raider #6 05/31 06/07 Tomb Raider/Witchblade #1/2 06/07 Violent Messiahs #1 06/21 Wahoo Morris #2 06/14 Warlands #7 05/17 06/07 Warlands Chronicles Vol. 2 05/31 06/21 Warlands Poster #3 06/07 Wicked #5 05/24 06/21 Witchblade #41 06/21 Witchblade Convention Poster #1 06/07 Witchblade Deluxe TPB: Revelations 06/21 Witchblade: Destiny's Child #2 06/21 ______________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] HYPE! Section Various Subj: James Kochalka's MONKEY VS. ROBOT From: staros@bellsouth.net (Chris Staros) Hey, Everyone! Top Shelf has something extremely special coming out in August: James Kochalka's all-new graphic novel, MONKEY VS. ROBOT. This book is available for order in the current Diamond Previews catalog, and is also available thru our other distributors: Last Gasp, FM International, Cold Cut, Red Route (UK), The LPC Group, and Top Shelf Productions. Ask your retailer to get you one. Here's the skinny: ******************************************************************* MONKEY VS. ROBOT By James Kochalka "Monkey vs. Robot" is an exciting action-packed rumble-in-the-jungle! … A factory of self-replicating robots is stripping the jungle of its natural resources, threatening the territory of a colony of nearby monkeys. A series of encounters between the two groups quickly escalates into all out war. For all the book's humorous and charming appearance, beneath this entertaining veneer runs a stirring examination of the dual nature of existence, the dichotomy within the human mind, and our profound effect on the ecological environment. A modern day fable for adults and kids alike based on the age-old struggle between technology and nature. Definitely Kochalka's most significant and universally accessible work to date. -- Deluxe Graphic Novel, ISBN: 1-891830-15-55 -- $14.95 (US), 160 pages, Color Cover, B&W Interiors, 8” x 8”, Perfect Bound Here's what people are saying about MONKEY VS. ROBOT: "Monkey vs. Robot could easily be this year's Good-bye, Chunky Rice or Cave-In." -- Karon Flage, Features Editor, sequentialtart.com "Each new Kockalka book is like the proverbial onion; new layers are peeled away revealing greater depths to his deceptively simple world. Monkey vs. Robot is another piece of that onion skin--it charms, delights and surprises." -- Seth "James Kochalka is a supernova of indescribable genius whose every utterance is a flawless marvel." -- Under the Volcano "Monkey Vs. Robot shows Kochalka's cartoon symbolism for the dichotomy between Natural and Technological Man, and the rift in his own artistic mind as well." -- The Burlington Free Press ******************************************************************* On behalf of Brett Warnock and myself, thanks in advance for your support of this fine book. Your friend thru comics, Chris Staros Top Shelf Productions, Inc. PO Box 1282 Marietta, GA 30061-1282 USA Phn: (770) 425-0551 Fax: (770) 427-6395 E-mail: staros@bellsouth.net http://www.topshelfcomix.com http://www.topshelfcomix.com http://www.topshelfcomix.com +++++ MAY 18, 2000 CONTACT: PAT MONAHAN 856-665-7100 pamonahan@aol.com JUNE IS JUMPING! With the Dynamic Forces/Home Shopping Network "Marvelous" Comic Showcase on June 2! Pennsauken, NJ—Dynamic Forces and Home Shopping Network invite you to tune in to the Dynamic Comic Showcase on Friday, June 2, at 1 a.m. eastern, 10 p.m. pacific, for an hour of Marvelous Marvel Comics Specials and Packages featuring Joe, Marvel Knights/Daredevil, Quesada and the following incredible packages: Marvel's Rarest Comic Signature/Sketched Package including: Marvel Authentix: Gambit #1 signed by writer Fabian Nicieza and signed with an original sketch by artist Steve Skroce. Uncanny X-Men #360 Dynamic Forces Exclusive Alternate Cover signed and sketched by Dynamic Forces Alternate Cover artist Jae Lee. This signed and sketched comic is limited to only 300 copies worldwide! X-Men Milestone #1 signed by the X-Men co-creator – not to mention most of the classic Marvel Universe – Jack "The King" Kirby! Six Marvelous Limited Comics for 60 years including: Wolverine #145 Dynamic Forces Exclusive "Chrome" Cover signed by writer Eric Larsen. Wolverine #150 Dynamic Forces Exclusive "Chrome" Cover. X-Men #100 Dynamic Forces Exclusive "Chrome" Cover. Uncanny X-Men #381 Dynamic Forces Exclusive Alternate Cover. Earth X "X" Dynamic Forces Exclusive Alex Ross Cover. And the "creme de la creme" Magneto #1 Dynamic Forces signed by one of the greatest actors of our time . . . Sir Ian McKellen, the actor portraying Magneto in the upcoming X-Men Movie! plus Earth X Monster Litho: Signed by the entire creative team including award winning painter Alex Ross, with artists John Paul Leon, inker Bill Rheinhold, writer Jim Krueger with a sketch by one of the artists on each litho. This "monster" litho measures approximately 5 feet long by 3 feet high! This is the biggest litho ever created by Dynamic Forces! With the "remarked" Spider-Man Sketch on each litho, this baby is limited to only 150 units Worldwide! Joe Quesada is the Special Guest! Joe Quesada, editor of the popular Marvel Knights line of comics and acclaimed Daredevil artist will be appearing on the show as Dynamic Forces very special guest. Joe will be presenting signed sets of his sold out QFX line of trading cards! This set features everyone from Spider-Man to the Hulk to Wolverine! Don't miss getting Joe's signature on one of the cards from these complete sets! Dynamic Forces is the comic book industry's top producer of signed and numbered limited autographed comics. A licensee of DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Top Cow Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Universal Studios, Paramount Studios and many other industry giants, they have been moving ahead strongly in the comic collector and comic memorabilia markets, expanding their product line to include action figures, vinyl and poly resin statues, lunchboxes, trading cards, lithographs and mini-prints, tee shirts and much more. Dynamic's main objective is to showcase the hundreds of pieces of incredible art generated each month by the industry's best-known comic book creators and artists through as many sales venues as possible. For more information on Dynamic Forces specialty merchandise, product art, exclusive creator interviews and upcoming releases, please visit the Dynamic Forces website at www.dynamicforces.com. +++++ CHAOS! COMICS PRODUCTS SHIPPING IN SEPTEMBER 2000 FEATURED ITEM CHASTITY: REIGN OF TERROR #1 ITEM # CS010 Written by Steven Grant, illustrated by Luke Ross, colored by Jason Jensen. Cover by Al Rio. Chastity returns in this high-impact thriller written by Steven Grant. Still gaining her bearings in the new Chaos! Cosmos, Chastity embarks on a journey to regain her focus and continue the martial arts training she began years ago. She finds herself swept up into a supernatural web of deceit as someone, something is killing off New York City¹s top martial arts masters in the most macabre ways. As she tries to unlock the mystery and comes closer to the truth, the more she realizes it may cost her her life! Full Color, 32 pages, one shot, $2.95 U.S. Distributor discount: 60.75% off for pick up / 60% off shipped Ships 9/01 CHASTITY #1 PREMIUM ITEM # CS01P Painted cover by Dorian Cleavenger. Dorian Cleavenger captures Chastity¹s fiery sensuality with this gorgeous, fully-painted premium cover. This ultra-deluxe cover is printed on high-quality cardstock and is limited to 3000 copies. You don¹t want to miss this one! Full Color, 32 pages, $9.95 U.S. Distributor discount: 50.75% off for pick up / 50% off shipped Ships 9/01 INSANE CLOWN POSSE: THE PENDULUM #5 - ROAD RAGE ITEM # ICPP5 Written by Jesse McCann. Penciled by Jerry Beck. Inked by Sandu Florea. Colored by Colorgraphix. Boo-Yah! Out of the mean streets of Southwest Detroit, onto the hellish highways of heartland America come the Wicked Clownz! With the faith-healing priest Jesus onboard, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope head face-first into adversity as they seek out their ultimate foe, demonic overlord and shady businessman Killnor. Nipping at their heels are Twizted and the Stress Team-both with deadly unfinished business! And, as if that were not enough to get a clown down, our heroes must deal with a whole city of thugs, thieves and liars. Pulse-rushing, rib-crushing, blood gushing spectacle, PLUS: the coming of The Carnival of Carnage! Each issue features an ICP single that is available NOWHERE ELSE! Grab some Faygo and neden and go for it, homies! Quote: Writing Insane Clown stories is a lot like creating an untamed fever dream. So, to prepare for each deranged issue, I will often run through a big field of long grass, completely naked and soaking wet after drinking a few rum toddies. My hope is to catch a cold, or get bitten by something nasty. True Story.² -Jesse Leon McCann Full Color, 32 pages, $5.95 U.S. Distributor discount: 60.75% off for pick up / 60% off shipped Ships 9/08 INSANE CLOWN POSSE POSTER #3 ITEM # ICPS3 Illustrated by Rob Brown. Straight from the pages of The Upz & Downz of the Wicked Clownz, this one will scare the bejesus outta ya and ward of evil spirits to boot. Featuring the twisted art of Rob Brown, this poster measures 24" x 36" and is suitable for framing! Comes rolled and tubed. Poster, 24" x 26" $7.95 Distributor discount: 50.75% off for pick up / 50% off shipped Ships 9/08 LADY DEATH: THE CRUCIBLE COLLECTED EDITION VOL. I ITEM # LCRT1 Written by Brian Pulido. Illustrated by Steven Hughes, colored by Jason Jensen. Enlisted by her guardian, Vandala, to protect the realm of the Northmen, Lady Death, discovers lost aspects of her heritage that link her to the Valkyries, a race of warrior women led by the heartless Vulnavia. When she loses someone near and dear to her, Lady Death becomes enraged and near berserk. She joins in the epic battle against Genocide, a primal evil being so powerful that he causes Lucifer to tremble in fear. With the ruling Gods of Asgard dead and buried, can Lady Death and the demoralized Warrior clans prevail against Genocide or will his horrific Doom Magistrates unlock the power they quest for and use it against all creation? A richly detailed, tumultuous saga about a woman of darkness risking all for the liberation of the cosmos, The Crucible is Lady Death¹s most harrowing, bloodthirsty adventure. Volume One of this series combines the first two issues of Lady Death: The Crucible into one pulse-pounding edition. Full color, 48 pgs. $5.95 Terms: 60.75% off retail / 60% off retail shipped Ships 9/22 OFFERED AGAIN PURGATORI: COLLECTED EDITION VOL. II ITEM#PCET2 Written by David Quinn & Illustrated by Al Rio. Colored by Brimstone. Cover by Al Rio. Once she was a slave. Now she aspires to be a goddess. In her heart burns the anger of every woman ever betrayed. The blood lusting vampire goddess, Purgatori confronts her deadliest enemy, Lady Death in ³Goddess War². Then she is re-introduced to her former lover, Satrina. What is Satrina¹s deadly agenda? Collecting Purgatori: Monthly #3 & #4. Full color, 48 pgs. $5.95 Terms: 60.75% off retail / 60% off retail shipped INSANE CLOWN POSSE TRADE PAPERBACK VOL. I ITEM # ICPT1 Written by Jesse McCann, Illustrated by Rob Brown and Jerry Beck. Cover by Jerry Beck. For the first time ever, the sold out ICP one shot comics are collected in this finely crafted trade paperback. Get - ICP#1 - The Upz & Downz of the Wicked Clownz, ICP - The Amazing Jeckel Brothers & ICP - Raze The Desertz of Glass! Warning - explicit content. Trade paperback, full color, 80 pgs. $8.95 Distributor discount: 60.75% off for pick up / 60% off shipped INSANE CLOWN POSSE POSTER #1 ITEM # ICPPS Illustrated by Rob Brown. This one is sure to knock yer eyeballs outta yer head. Features the cover to the book that started it all, the now legendary Insane Clown Posse #1 - The Upz & Downz of the Wicked Clownz. A must-have for any true Juggalo! Measures 24" x 36" and is suitable for framing! Comes rolled and tubed. Poster, 24" x 26" $7.95 Distributor discount: 50.75% off for pick up / 50% off shipped INSANE CLOWN POSSE POSTER #2 ITEM # ICPS2 Illustrated by Rob Brown and colored by Starlight Runner. All right, Juggalos! Line up and get this damn poster of the most wicked clowns ever to walk the earth! Plaster this bad boy on your wall and worship the spirits of the Dark Carnival! Measures 24" x 36" and is suitable for framing! Comes rolled and tubed. Poster, 24" x 26" $7.95 Distributor discount: 50.75% off for pick up / 50% off shipped LADY DEATH KEYCHAIN ITEM # LKC01 Illustrated by Ivan Reis. Lady Death, the Goddess of the Netherworld, is now featured as a highly detailed, full color 2 1/2² flexible laser-cut PVC keychain. That¹s right, the Diva of Death can now safeguard all of your keys or hang from your bookbag. Any way you display this new unique item from the minds at Chaos!, you¹ll be known as a fiend among fiends. LADY DEATH Keychain.............................................$5.50 Terms: 50% off retail. LADY DEATH IN LINGERIE STICKER ITEM #LST02 Illustrated by Steven Hughes. Just Imagine Lady Death from the cover of her Lingerie Special on this 4² X 5² full color sticker! What more could anyone ask for? Lavishly illustrated by Steven Hughes, this image of the Diva of Death is of Lady Death posing seductively, staring right out at you to admire her. LADY DEATH Sticker...................................................$3.50 Terms: 50% off retail. SMILEY: THE PSYCHOTIC ANTENNA BALL ITEM # SAB01 Illustrated by Ed Benes. Just imagine Smiley, the psychotic button riding high on your car's antenna for all the world to see. What more could you ask for? This 1 7/8" yellow ball with Smiley's face plastered on it is perfect for that special fiend in your life! Or, get one yourself and tell everyone to "Have A Psychotic Day"! Smiley Antenna ball, $1.99 US Terms: 50% off retail. LADY DEATH: DARK MILLENNIUM #1 POSTER ITEM# LPS07 Painted by David Michael Beck The fantastic cover art to Lady Death: Dark Millennium #1 is now a full color poster! 24² x 36², rolled, and suitable for framing! Hurry, these won¹t last long! Lady Death: Dark Millennium #1 Poster....................................................$7.95 Terms: 50% off retail LADY DEMON #1 POSTER ITEM # LPS08 Painted by Dorian Cleavenger The fantastic art from the premium cover to Lady Demon #1 is now a full color poster! 24² x 36², rolled, and suitable for framing! Don¹t delay, get yours today! Lady Demon #1 Poster....................................................$7.95 Terms: 50% off retail INSANE CLOWN POSSE: THE PENDULUM #2 ITEM # ICPP2 Written by Jesse McCann. Penciled by Jerry Beck. Inked by Sandu Florea. After battling the ³Creature¹s² shadow warriors known as Twizted to a draw, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope realize that they have put the priest that saved Shaggy¹s life in dangerous peril. Using their powers over the spirits of the Dark Carnival, ICP summons forth the Ringmaster to try and save Father Jesus from a most certain death at the hands of Twizted¹s evil minions. But are they too late . . . Special Bonus! Polybagged with each comic is an exclusive ICP CD single! This is the second of 12 exclusive CD singles forming the new ICP album THE PENDULUM found only polybagged in ICP/Chaos! Comics! Available no where else in the world!!! Insane Clown Posse - The Pendulum #2........................$5.95 Full Color, 32 pages, $5.95 U.S. Distributor discount: 60.75% off for pick up / 60% off shipped INFINITY COMICS PRODUCTS SHIPPING IN SEPTEMBER 2000 SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTER-STRIKE #4 (of 4) ITEM # ICS40 Written by Len Kaminski. Penciled by Ivan Reis. Inked by Joe Pimentel and colored by Jason Jensen. The action hits a fevered pitch as we reach the stunning climax to Infinity Comics¹ first blockbuster mini-series! In the final issue of Counter-Strike, Robin and Matt Hunter are on their own, stripped of Counter-Strike¹s enormous resources, separated from their allies. And now they must face their greatest nemesis, Gabriel Blackwell - and either prevail or die! You won¹t want to miss the edge of your seat action! Full Color, 32 pages, $2.50 U.S. Distributor discount: 60.75% off for pick up / 60% off shipped Ships 9/15 OFFERED AGAIN COUNTER-STRIKE #1-PREMIUM CHROMA-FOIL EDITION ITEM # ICS1D Cover and artwork by Ivan Reis & Jason Jensen. Hot on the heels of Infinity Comics' new breakthrough series, comes this exciting premium Chroma-foil edition featuring a luscious, Chroma-foil cardstock cover by Ivan Reis. Limited to just 3000 copies! Get one now! Deluxe Edition $12.00 US Distributor discount: 50.75% off for pick up / 50% off shipped COUNTER-STRIKE STICKER ITEM # ICSST Illustrated by Ivan Reis. This 4" * 5" full color sticker is straight from the cover of Counter-Strike #1, the first cutting edge title from Infinity Comics. Gorgeous illustration by Ivan Reis! Display it proudly and be the first onboard! It's what's next! Counter-Strike Sticker $3.50 Terms: 50% off retail. http://www.chaoscomics.com agoldfine@chaoscomics.com 7655 E. Gelding Rd. Suite B1 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 ph: 480.991.9080 ext. 546 fax: 480.991.6005 +++++ CLAYPOOL COMICS solicitations for SEPTEMBER, 2000: ELVIRA #89: Elvira's swept by the Ker-Shoom Tube into the hyper-world known as Cosmoburg, a floating city of new gods -- known as Neo-Deos -- ruled by the all-powerful Smackdaddy. Will she be able to prevent the majestically evil Shadyface from seizing the Anti-Persona Formula? It's all in "S'mource of my Discontent!" by Frank Strom, Tod Smith, and Bill Anderson. Also, Elvira's shocked to find someone's misusing her name and image on the Internet, in "Web-Mistress of the Dark," by Janet Hetherington and Ronn Sutton. Color Photo Cover of Elvira B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Elvira #84, 85, 86, 87, or 88 along with your order for #89. PLUS: All Claypool Comics have easy, reader-friendly intro pages on their inside front covers, making it simple to get a new reader started enjoying our stories. SOULSEARCHERS #44: Mayor Riggs has a plan for Mystic Grove, all right, and it's to sell it to the highest bidder, using the clout he got from Bridget Lockridge's licensing company. The Soulsearchers should stop this fiendish plot, but how can they -- when they've been banned from the city? It's all in "Town for Sale!" by Peter David (with Richard Howell), with a delightful art job by Dave Cockrum and Kim DeMulder, and a cover by Amanda Conner and Steve Leialoha. Color Cover B&W Interior 32 pages $2.50 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Soulsearchers #39, 40, 41 , 42, 43 along with your order for #44. PLUS: All Claypool Comics have easy, reader-friendly intro pages on their inside front covers, making it simple to get a new reader started enjoying our stories. ALL CLAYPOOL TITLES CAN BE RE-ORDERED -- AND WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU START WITH OUR PERENNIAL TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTIONS ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK TPBK "Double Delights!" (Elvira Trade Paperback #2) As a new century beckons, it's time to think about what made the last one great, including this terrific selection of Elvira classics from the second year of her fabulous Claypool comic book series. This collection includes groundbreaking humor achievements by Kurt Busiek, Jim Mooney, Frank Strom, Tom Simonton, Louis Lachance, Neil Vokes, John Heebink, Frank Springer, Art Viscardi, John Nyberg, and Dan Schaefer. This hefty and hilarious collection includes "The Children of the Night, What Crummy TV Shows They Make," in which Kurt Busiek and Neil Vokes introduce Dracula into the Claypool universe, and the two-part "Phantom of the Soap Opera," which was covered by the soap-opera industry press. The rest of the line-up spotlights each and every aspect of Elvira's adventurous life, with titles such as: "Invasion of the Astro-Execs," "Mummy Dearest," "Mars Needs Guitars," "Little Miss Marketing Ploy," "Something Wicked This Way Hops," and "The Most Happy Felon." Also debuting a brand-new photo cover of Elvira, and featuring an introduction by Mark Evanier. Color Photo Cover of Elvira B&W Interior 1522 pages $12.95 REMEMBER: Claypool Comics can be ordered as back issues. Reorders can be placed for Elvira TPBK #1 ("Comic Milestones, Comics Format!") along with your order for Elvira TPBK #2 ("Double Delights!") ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK TPBK "Comic Milestones o Comics Format!" The very best of the adventures of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark as she faces foes both fearsome and farcical. Make sure you get your customers to sign a laugh-release so you wonit be responsible if they suffer harm from extreme amusement. The volume is an incredible 152 pages if sexy, silly, satirical sashays by Elvira. Buy it for your sexist roommate! Buy one for your feminist cousin! Your mother! Your job counselor! Everyone will enjoy Elvirao except those who have absolutely no sense of humor! Don't become one of them!! This collection features work from the first twelve issues of Claypool's Elvira Mistress of the Dark comics series, nominated by the British Comics professionals Society as Best Humor Comic (and they read it). Stories and Art by: Kurt (Astro City) Busiek, Paul (Batman Adventures) Dini (his first published comics work), James (New Shadowhawk) Fry, Terry (Mr. Miracle) Austin, Dave (X-Men) Cockrum, Ricardo (Strange Tales) Villagran, Jim (Spider-Man) Mooney, and a host of others! Every line approved by Elvira herself as being witty and/or curvaceous enough for her! New Photo Cover B&W Interior 152 pages $12.95 SOULSEARCHERS & COMPANY TPBK "On the Case" The early adventures of the funniest supernatural investigators that ever existed! Discover the roots of Bridget, Baraka, Kelly, Janocz, and Peterson in their first forays against the forces of farcical fright! This material had initial low circulation and is in high demand today. Including: "Puppet Dictatorship," a cadre of killer marionettes target kidsi-show hosts; "Pastramia on Wry," introducing Creature-Feature; "Season of Misseds," the war between the dream-demons (Sandman parody); "Into the Woods," twisted excursions into fairy-tales; "Spin Cycle," Soulsearchers get a make-over into more commercial models (Image Parody). This riotously funny collection features work from the first six issues of Claypool's much-hailed Soulsearchers & Company comics series, nominated by the British Comics Professionals Society as Best Humor Comic (they read this one, too). Stories and Art by: Peter (Hulk, Aquaman, Spider-Man 2099) David, Amanda (Vampirella) Conner, Jim (Spider-Man) Mooney, Steve (Hitchhiker's Guide) Leialoha, and Richard (Portia Prinz) Howell. New color cover by original Soulsearchers artist Amanda Conner with Steve Leialoha; introduction by Peter David. New Color Cover B&W Interior 152 pages $12.95 DEADBEATS TPBK "New In Town!!" Five fearsome newcomers arrive in Fear City, and their first outreach is to murder four teen-agers on the beach. They're the Deadbeats, a cruel and crafty vampire gang, and their mission could result in utter destruction of the entire town. Meet Dodger, Colleen, Mickey, and their so-called leader Southie, as they were presented for the first time. Discover why Deadbeats is the vampire saga with enough murder, sin, lust, and redemption to satisfy the most discerning reader. The early chapters of the vampires' invasion are presented in their integrity. Deadbeats is America's new favorite vampire epic, and this volume collects all the vital early issues of the story. This thrilling and terrifying collection features work from the first six issues of Claypool's much-hailed DEADBEATS comics series, with stories and art by Richard (Portia Prinz) Howell and Ricardo (Strange Tales) Villagran. Deadbeats has been nominated by the British Comics Professionals Society as Best Dramatic Comics Series (and they read it). And, as a bonus for fans o Kathryn Leigh Scott of the original Dark Shadows television program has written a foreword to this collection. Vampire fiction o especially that with a strong horror or sexual flavor o is always popular, and Deadbeats has both of those qualities in spades, in addition to the added allure of strong, continuing story momentum and lush, reality-based art. Any reader of Vampa, Vampirella, Lady Bathory, or viewer of Dark Shadows or Forever Knight would be happy to add Deadbeats to their ongoing list of "must-have" titles. Try it out and see! New Wraparound Color Cover by Howell and Villagran Foreword by Kathryn Leigh Scott B&W Interior 160 pages $12.95 THE PITCH Many retailers have found that their customers have expressed interest in all the critical praise that Claypool Comics have garnered, but are wary of committing to any line which is so hard to locate. Our TRADE PAPERBACK LINE is Claypool's commitment to making our earlier material continually available to the comics-store retail professional chain, with an eye towards solidifying the interest in a continuing consumer base for Claypool Comics. CLAYPOOL COMICS: They're GREAT! So BUY 'EM, already! If you have any questions about story content or distribution, please call me at (707) 887-1524, fax (707)887-7128, or email claypool@sonic.net. Thank you, catherine yronwode +++++ Avatar Press 9 Triumph Drive Urbana, IL 61802 ph 217-384-2211 fax 217-384-2216 PRODUCTS SHIPPING: AUGUST 2000 If you have any problems or questions on any of the information, or need additional graphics, please contact William Christensen, Editor in Chief, Avatar Press. EXPOSURE: SECOND COMING #1 Retail Price: $3.50 US Cover: Al Rio Writer: Dave Campiti Artist: Al Rio Readership: All Ages Format: Full color, 40 pages, bi-monthly (1 of 2) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Al Rio's smash sensation series comes to Avatar in vivid full color! Hot off a stellar four issues with Image, this new series features Rio's beautiful women of mystery drawn more lusciously than ever. This special forty page oversized first issue drops Lisa and Shawna in the middle of another paranormal mess as a billionaire is accused of impossibly horrific murders. This issue also features the women in a lingerie clad photo session that are some of the hottest pages Al Rio has ever drawn! A perfect series for fans of Avengelyne, Danger Girl, and Gen 13! EXPOSURE: SECOND COMING #1 Photo cover Retail Price: $3.50 US Cover: Photos of models Writer: Dave Campiti Artist: Al Rio Readership: All Ages Format: Full color, 40 pages, bi-monthly (1 of 2) AVENGELYNE: BAD BLOOD #2 Al Rio cover Retail Price: $3.50 US Cover: Al Rio Writers: Christensen & Seifert Artist: Rick Lyon Readership: All Ages Format: Full color, 32 pages, monthly, 2 of 2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Al Rio, Matt Haley and Karl Moline provide covers for this second stellar issue! Avengelyne has been thrust into the vampire underworld and comes face-to-face with the vampiric queens Ravyn and Glyph! Her pure blood is the key to unlimited power, and now Ravyn might just have it! This series features Avatar's trademark flair for bringing indy attitude to a top-tier collection of creators combined to deliver a unbeatable product. Rob Liefeld's Avenging Angel has never looked better, with luscious interior art by Rick Lyon. AVENGELYNE: BAD BLOOD #2 Matt Haley cover Retail Price: $3.50 US Cover: Matt Haley Writers: Christensen & Seifert Artist: Rick Lyon Readership: All Ages Format: Full color, 32 pages, monthly, 2 of 2 AVENGELYNE: BAD BLOOD #2 Karl Moline cover Retail Price: $3.50 US Cover: Karl Moline Writers: Christensen & Seifert Artist: Rick Lyon Readership: All Ages Format: Full color, 32 pages, monthly, 2 of 2 RAZOR: TIL I BLEED DAYLIGHT #2 Retail Price: $3.50 US Cover: Tim Vigil Writer: David Quinn Artist: Mike Wolfer Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W , 32 pages, monthly, 2 of 2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: David Quinn, master of the post- modern thriller, teams up Mike Wolfer, the red-hot artist of Strange Kiss, to breath new life into one of the original indy bad girls, Razor! Would you die for a chance to spare the innocent? Having done that already, and passed through Hell on Earth, would you risk a second sacrifice for what you believe? In a shadow world where everyone and everything is on the block for sale, the woman known as Razor allies herself with darkness and disease for a shot at redemption. Passion, pain, sacrifice, rebirth - who is that ripping a slash of light into the deepest darkness? Razor is back, ReCreated by David Quinn, with emotional energy and a hardcore crime edge, served with just a shot of the supernatural. Add in the awe inspiring artwork of Mike Wolfer and you have what promises to be a Earth shattering series! Brace yourself, this series promises to serve up a twisted thrill ride guaranteed to shock your pre-conceived notion of Razor! RAZOR: TIL I BLEED DAYLIGHT #2 Wraparound (Previews Exclusive) Retail Price: $3.95 US Cover: Philip Xavier Writer: David Quinn Artist: Mike Wolfer Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W , 32 pages, monthly, 2 of 2 RAZOR: TIL I BLEED DAYLIGHT #2 Adult Retail Price: $6.00 US Cover: Sean Shaw Writer: David Quinn Artist: Mike Wolfer Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W , 32 pages, monthly, 2 of 2 THRESHOLD #31 - LUNA cover Retail Price: $4.95 US Cover: Caesar Writer: David Quinn Artists: Dan Parsons, Mike Delaney, Rich Larson Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W, 48 pages, monthly series PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Threshold continues to rock on monthly! Artist Rich Larson (best known as half of the team Fastner & Larson) comes to Avatar this month with an all new story of a good girl gone very bad called Tuff Luv. David Quinn continues his feral tale of revenge on the mean streets of New York in Luna, with luscious grey-toned art by Dan Parsons. Sensational new comer Mike Delaney continues to provide sumptuous pages for Medora, the story of a demoness on Earth who just can't stay out of trouble. THRESHOLD #31 -MEDORA cover Retail Price: $4.95 US Cover: Mike Delaney Writer: David Quinn Artists: Dan Parsons, Mike Delaney, Rich Larson Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W, 48 pages, monthly series THRESHOLD #31 - TUFF LUV Nude cover Retail Price: $6.00 US Cover: Tom Nguyen Writer: David Quinn Artists: Dan Parsons, Mike Delaney, Rich Larson Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W, 48 pages, monthly series THRESHOLD #31 -MEDORA Nude cover Retail Price: $6.00 US Cover: Mike Delaney Writer: David Quinn Artists: Dan Parsons, Mike Delaney, Rich Larson Readership: Mature Readers Format: B&W, 48 pages, monthly series TWILIGHT RAW #2 Retail Price: $4.95 US Cover: Patrick Fillion Writers: Christensen & Seifert Artist: Patrick Fillion Readership: Adults Only Format: B&W, 48 pages, (2 of 2) PRODUCT D