When you think of a comic shop or a card store, you might think of the fans who shop there or the folks who run it and how they are so passionate about the things they love. Retail shops like these are always the epicenter for focused geek authenticity.
And when you think of Las Vegas, you might think of gambling, or partying, or glitzy entertainment. Vegas isn’t about deep or thoughtful enthusiasm about your passions, it’s about giving vihttp://www.comicmix.com//?p=109466&preview=truesitors a license to be enjoy the moment, and to be both indulgent and shallow without any guilt.
So it’s incongruous, in many ways, that over 400 of the nation’s card/comic shops attend the GAMA trade show this past week in Las Vegas. For more than 20 years this event has helped connect, educate and motivate hobby stores. The Expo focuses on card games (Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon, Cardfight!! Vanguard, etc.), board games, miniatures and all the related products and services.
Trade publication ICV2 recently reported that the hobby games business is growing at about 10%. Amazingly, this is the 8th year in a row of growth. This growth comes from many different segments. On one hand, Magic: The Gathering grows the business for established fans, and parent company Hasbro seems to be noticing more than ever.
On the younger side, the incredible resurgence of Pokemon proves to be the perfect gateway property for whole industry. The game community does a good job of onboarding and cross promotion.
GAMA estimates there are 3,200 game stores nationwide. And although last week’s GAMA trade shows focused on card games and board games, many of these retailers are hybrid stores and also carry comics.
In fact, there were a lot of the “usual suspects” from the comics world here. It didn’t take long to run across folks like Diamond’s Chris Powell, Skybound’s Shawn Kirkham, or ICV2’s Milton Griepp.
And on the show floor, familiar booths to a comic fan included:
Paizo – This publisher was showing off their new Starfinder property and their enthusiasm was contagious. Publisher Eric Mona was on hand, and he also spoke about his writing for Dynamite’s Pathfinder Worldfinder comic, co-starring Red Sonja, John Carter and Tarzan.
IDW’s games division was showing off their new board games. I was especially impressed by the gorgeous the cover art to their Planet of the Apes
Off World Designs is a geek-culture T-shirt design company and familiar site to many San Diego Comic-Con attendees. Each year they have two booths at that Nerd Prom, who’s formal name is still Comic-Con International, even though nobody ever calls it that.
These retailers are a strategic thoughtful bunch. Since they play strategic gamers and hang around with folks who play strategic games, that makes sense. But card shop owners are, at the heart of it, pretty much like comic shop owners. And as mentioned, they are often one and the same. They are a fun group to spend time with, and you can’t help but be pleased that they could get away for few days and rejuvenate with their peers. They are hard-working entrepreneurs whose DNA is over-stuffed with optimism and persistence.
It’s been a grueling election season and everyone seems unhappy – either they are unhappy with the results or they are unhappy with the way some are responding to the results.
I respect everyone who’s energized, outraged or just ready to make things happen. On the other hand, I need a break from it all. Enough of the real world for me, even if it’s just for a little while.
So this week I’m retreating into the Hyborian Age – the fictional historical past of barbarians and wizards – by way of the early 80s. It’s was easy to get there – I just cracked open and read a few yellowed, musty, and totally wonderful issues of Savage Sword of Conan.
To paraphrase Karina Longworth and her excellent podcast, You Must Remember This, “Join me, won’t you?”
The Hyborian Age is really all about Conan. I’ll admit it: I was never a super-fan of Conan per se. I enjoyed the prose and comics off-and-on over the years. And like so many young men, I liked Frank Thorne’s Red Sonja adventures. If anything, I counted myself as a fan of Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser adventures, as I always felt that they there the “thinking man’s barbarians”.
And you should ask for a copy of Dark Horse’s new collection called Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser: Cloud of Hate and Other Stories (written by ComicMix’s own Denny O’Neil) to fill your stocking this Yuletide season.
Fortunately, making the switch from political news to barbarian adventures was pretty easy for me. While traveling through Pennsylvania recently, I stopped at Scranton’s Comics on the Green comic shop. It’s a fantastic store full of new comics, old comics and an infectious enthusiasm.
There was a box of old Marvel Magazines, including a bunch of Savage Sword of Conan issues on sale for just $2 each (unless otherwise marked) and I couldn’t resist buying two issues of Savage Sword of Conan.
Savage Sword of Conan #53 somehow seemed older than the 1980 publication date. The painted cover didn’t really grab me, but the first story’s luscious Rudy Nebres’ inks over John Buscema’s solid pencils certainly did.
Nebres’ stylized inking seemed to create a unique universe that fascinates and beckons the eye. As many of you know, Rudy Nebres was part of a wave of Filipino artists who migrated to American comics in the 70s. Like many of his compatriots, he could pencil, paint and ink. But somehow, his inking over a top draftsman like Buscema brings out the best in each artist.
And like a comfortable coat that you haven’t worn since forever, re-experiencing a Buscema-Nebres adventure was both cozily familiar and understatedly spectacular.
Beyond the art, there’s a lot of charm in this magazine that helped me briefly forget modern world problems.
In the first story in the issue, we find a young Conan flirting with a girl in a bar. Her boyfriend happens across them, and as he’s also the Captain of the City Guards, that introduction doesn’t go well. Conan refuses to take his hand off the woman’s bare thigh, so naturally, a wild bar fight ensues. Prince Valiant never did that!
There’s also a sense of community in these old Marvel Magazines. For example, in the letter column one reader challenges Roy Thomas, the writer and guiding force, on Conan’s treatment of woman. Roy suggests that Conan was a product of his time, and that it’s difficult to impose 20th century values on a historical character. It’s a fascinating conversation to watch from the sidelines, especially 30+ years removed.
Another reader also tells Roy Thomas about a prototype Conan character called Crom who appeared in Out of This World and Strange World, two 1950s comics published by Avon. It seems there were prior letter column discussions about this character, written by Gardner Fox, and they were adding to their collective knowledge. They were all piecing together a geek puzzle for hard core Conan fans.
Oh, how far we’ve come. I found these stories via ComicBookPlus.com on my cell phone in less than three minutes after learning about them in this old Conan magazine.
There’s even 70s cosplay! Roy Thomas shared a photo on page 48 in which he and his wife were engaging in some serious Conan and Red Sonja cosplay at a west coast party.
Even the advertisements were fun. An ad for The Comics Journal challenges readers with the question “Are You A Comics Fan…? Do you read more than 10 comics a month? Have you ever wanted to know more about comics? Especially more than you can read in the letters page or the Bullpen Bulletins? Well, now you can…” The ad, like the whole magazine, is charming and simple and evocative of simpler times.
In addition to the new Red Sonja comic book launch with superstar writer Gail Simone, Dynamite Entertainment has announced a new series, Legends of Red Sonja with an all-star cast of female writers.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Following on the immense success of the newly launched Red Sonja ongoing series by Gail Simone, Dynamite proudly announces the upcoming Legends of Red Sonja prestige miniseries, an extravaganza celebrating the iconic fantasy heroine’s long and storied career. Legends of Red Sonja is a collaborative effort uniting Simone with a star-studded and prestigious creative team including Marjorie M. Liu, Mercedes Lackey, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Rhianna Pratchett, Leah Moore, Tamora Pierce, Blair Butler, Nancy Collins, Meljean Brook, Nicola Scott, Devin Grayson and more to be announced. Frank Thorne, one of the key artists responsible for defining the character’s distinct look, will be among the artists to contribute cover artwork, as will Jay Anacleto.
Art: Frank Thorne
“When it was first decided that I would be taking part in the relaunch of Red Sonja, we had what I thought was a very fun idea, which was to have all the covers and variant covers be drawn by top female artists,” says Gail Simone, an industry legend with celebrated runs on Birds of Prey, Secret Six, and Batgirl. “The idea just took off, as some of my artistic heroes, people like Colleen Doran, Amanda Conner, and Nicola Scott all contributed these gorgeous, eye-popping pieces of art for the book. It made everyone tremendously happy and gave us a wonderful extra kick for our relaunch of this classic character. So when Dynamite told me that the 40th anniversary of Red Sonja was coming up, I thought, ‘I wonder if we could do the same thing, but with all my favorite female writers?’ I can’t tell you how exciting this is for me, it’s something I’ve wanted to do for years.”
Art: Jay Anacleto
The structure of the Legends of Red Sonja prestige series will be, in Simone’s words, “a braided story, with individual, unique stories written by titans of comics, prose, and the gaming world. These are all powerful voices whose work I adore. Dynamite asked me to make a list of the women I’d love to see included, and again, I was astounded at the eager responses! We have giants of the fantasy and horror prose world; Tamora Pierce, Nancy Collins, and Meljean Brook. We have some of the hottest comics talents; Marjorie M. Liu, Mercedes Lackey, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Leah Moore, Devin Grayson and (in her first published story as a writer) Nicola Scott. And we have brilliant writers from games and television; Rhianna Pratchett and Blair Butler. Getting to hand-pick this crew of fierce women was an absolute joy, and the fun of it is, we’re all fans of Red Sonja, and of each other. Throwing ideas back and forth and shaping the stories has been some of the most fun I’ve ever had in comics. I can’t wait for people to read these takes on Red Sonja…some are funny, some are scary, some are very different versions of Sonja than we are familiar with!”
Art: Frank Thorne
Many of Gail Simone’s hand-picked contributors have shared their excitement about the project:
Rhianna Pratchett (Heavenly Sword, Mirror’s Edge): “I treasured my Red Sonja poster when I was kid. So to get the opportunity to write a story for the character, and to do it in the company of such extraordinary, talented women, is a dream come true. My younger self is definitely high-fiving my older self.”
Leah Moore (Doctor Who: The Whispering Gallery, Sherlock Holmes: The Liverpool Demon): “It’s not everyday that Gail Simone asks me to write Red Sonja. To be honest, I’m glad, because when it happened, I had to be peeled off the ceiling. Writing Red Sonja has been a personal ambition of mine for a long time. She is about the most fun a writer can have. She’s a loner, a grouch, a badass, and is apparently impervious to cold. I am almost too excited about this project to actually write the thing, which is counter-productive, really.”
Art: Frank Thorne
Tamora Pierce (The Song of the Lioness, Mastiff): “This is the coolest project ever: new stories crafted by some of the best writers and artists out there, about a woman warrior created by one of my literary idols, Robert E. Howard, spearheaded by my comics goddess, Gail Simone. I’m honored to be a part of this, and can’t wait to see the whole thing. It will be a ground-breaking, multilayered view of a character who has been brawling through comics for decades!”
Blair Butler (Heart, host of MSN’s Nerdcore): “I’m honored and exceedingly intimidated to be included in this group of talented creators. Gail Simone is amazing — and her take on Red Sonja is something I’ve been looking forward to since it was announced way back at Emerald City Comic-Con. So when she asked me to contribute, I agreed immediately, even though I’m totally nervous about it.”
Art: Jay Anacleto
Nancy Collins (Swamp Thing, VAMPS): “I am thrilled to have been chosen by Gail Simone to participate in Legends of Red Sonja. I remember how excited I was when I plucked Conan the Barbarian #23 off the spinner rack as a kid, all those years ago, and finally saw a female hero capable of dishing it out with the best of them. I am honored to have been given this chance to add to Red Sonja’s mythos.”
Meljean Brook (Iron Seas, Demon Angel): “I’m absolutely thrilled to be writing a story for the she-devil, Red Sonja. I first encountered Red Sonja in the movie with Nielsen and Schwarzenegger when I was about eight years old — and I know that movie isn’t without its problems, but it’s almost impossible to describe how incredible it was to watch a film in which the heroine was just as strong and as tough as the muscle-bound hero. I loved that she was arrogant, skilled, and never wimped out or waited for rescue, and I immediately went out in search of similar stories about her. Red Sonja was a revelation to eight-year-old me, and I can trace many of the heroines I write today back to those roots.”
“Wow. Gail and the editorial team at Dynamite have put together an incredible team of creators – a prestigious and impressive list – on a series that celebrates one of the strongest female characters in comics. I can say, that they have done an incredible job together, and I thank them.” States Dynamite CEO and Publisher Nick Barrucci.
Fan Favorite Writer, Gail Simone takes on Red Sonja, the She-devil with a Sword at Dynamite.
PRESS RELEASE:
April 9, 2013, Mt. Laurel, NJ – Dynamite’s relaunch of Red Sonja with writer Gail Simone will arrive this coming July will be supported by covers by some of the most distinguished female artists in comics. Red Sonja #1 contains covers by Nicola Scott, Colleen Doran, Jenny Frison, Stephanie Buscema, Fiona Staples, and Amanda Conner! Fans will definitely want to pick up Gail Simone’s Red Sonja #1 this July!
In Red Sonja #1, Red Sonja gets a fresh new attitude Sonja pays back a blood debt owed to the one man
Art: Stephanie Buscema
who has gained her respect, even if it means leading a doomed army to their certain deaths! You do NOT want to miss this re-introduction the She-devil with a Sword!
“Red Sonja is one of the original female ass-kickers in comics, of COURSE I would want to write her,” says writer Gail Simone. “Any reader who likes sex, blood, swordplay, sassiness, red hair, adventure, and monsters getting stabbed in the face should get this book.”
Gail Simone got her start in comics writing for Bongo Comics, home of The Simpsons. Following her time there, Simone entered the mainstream comics world with a run on Marvel Comics’ Deadpool, and later, Agent X. Gail is best known for known for runs on DC’s Birds of Prey, Secret Six, Welcome to Tranquility, Wonder Woman, and Batgirl.
Art: Colleen Doran
To celebrate the bold new direction of one of comics’ most iconic female characters, Red Sonja #1 will feature a wide selection of variant covers by some of the leading ladies in the industry, including Nicola Scott, Amanda Conner, FionaStaples, Jenny Frison, Colleen Doran, and Stephanie Buscema.
“I had this idea to ask the top female artists in the industry to do the covers and Dynamite ran with it beyond my dreams, says Simone. “Not only did all the artists we asked immediately agree, they all confessed their secret love for Sonja. They adore her! Lots of the artists submitted multiple sketches because they couldn’t stop, and many top names submitted sketches without even being asked, they love Sonja so much, and are dying to see this project.”
Art: Fiona Staples
Red Sonja, the She-Devil with a Sword, is a fictional character, a high-fantasy sword and sorcery heroine created by Robert E. Howard, and adapted for comics by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith. She first appeared in Conan the Barbarian #23 (Marvel Comics). Red Sonja has become the archetypical example of the fantasy figure of a fierce and stunningly beautiful female barbarian who typically wears armor resembling a bikini or lingerie. For nearly a decade, Sonja has had many successful series with Dynamite Entertainment, and she now appears monthly, as well as in mini-series and one-shots, all published by Dynamite Entertainment.
About Dynamite Entertainment: DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, The Shadow, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, A Game of Thrones, and more!
Dynamite owns and controls an extensive library with over 3,000 characters (which includes the Harris
Art: Jenny Frison
Comics and Chaos Comics properties), such as Vampirella, Pantha, Evil Ernie, Smiley the Psychotic Button, Chastity, Purgatori, and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt.
In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and bestselling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Kevin Smith, Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Marc Guggenheim, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner, and a host of up-and-coming new talent!
Dynamite is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles – including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger’s Project Superpowers – have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005, Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%) and again in 2011. The company has also been nominated for and won several industry awards, including the prestigious Harvey and Eisner Awards.
After losing a show runner and being off the air for month, NBC;’s COMMUNITY is back and now the questions are out there. Is it the same show without creator Dan Harmon, and can it last? Series regulars Allison Brie and Danny Pudy weigh in on where things stand in the middle of the show’s fourth season, plus Red Sonja gets a new creator and Robert Kirkman has something new for both comics and television.
Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy, the Science Fiction Podcast from Wired, has released episode 77 featuring a discussion on the movie adaptations of the works of Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, and interview Brandon Sanderson about finishing Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time.
You can listen to Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy Episode 77 here or on itunes. Follow Geek’s Guide To The Galaxy on Facebook.
Dynamite Entertainment‘s full December 2012 solicitations will be released soon, but the publisher has released a limited number of first looks at some of their pulpy offerings. Comic book shops and bookstores are pre-ordering these titles now to be in store in December. If you want your local shop to carry these titles, please let them know now.
Join pulp heroes like Green Hornet and The Shadow, pulp warriors like Dejah Thoris, the Lord of the Jungle, the Lone Ranger, and Red Sonja as they battle the forces of evil this December. Click on covers for a larger view.
THE SHADOW #9 32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen + Written by Victor Gischler Art by Aaron Campbell Covers by Alex Ross (25%), Michael Golden (25%), Tim Bradstreet (25%),Francesco Francavilla (25%) Revolutionary Part 2 (of 4) – The Shadow finds himself face to face with George Orwell smack dab in the middle of the Spanish Civil War, but his mystic powers fail to illuminate what significance this literary legend holds for the world. No time to figure that out! The Shadow’s campaign against a murderous gang of gun runners takes him on a tour of Barcelona’s underbelly where he meets the beautiful and dangerous Black Sparrow! But is he really an old friend in disguise? Pause to ponder that and you might miss the deadly dogfight over the Spanish countryside. Pack a parachute, Shadow, because you’re going to need it!
THE LONE RANGER VOL 2 #12 32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen + Written by Ande Parks Art by Esteve Polls Cover by Francesco Francavilla The epic conclusion of the Native Ground arc. The Lone Ranger has traveled through Indian lands in search of a healer for his friend Tonto. Now, the healer has been found, and she is not at all what the Ranger expected. Has the Ranger come all this way just to watch his friend die? The battle for Tonto’s life and soul will be resolved. Your understanding of this iconic character will be forever changed.
THE GREEN HORNET: YEAR ONE SPECIAL #1 40 pages FC • $4.99 • Teen + Written by Nate Cosby Art by Ariel Padilla Cover by Sean Chen Ruby’s thirteen. She sells newspapers for pennies. And she’s got The Green Hornet’s gun. Will Hornet and Kato find Ruby before the mob does…or can THE GREEN GUN GIRL save herself? The original Green Hornet in a super special tale from writer Nate Cosby (Cow Boy)!
LORD OF THE JUNGLE #13 32 pages FC • $3.99 • Mature Written by Arvid Nelson Art by Roberto Castro Cover by Lucio Parrillo The savage ape-man clashes with Russian super-fiend Nicholas Rokoff in the shadow of the legendary city of Opar. Don’t worry! It’s only the fate of the free world hanging in the balance. Rokoff is holding the ape-man’s true love hostage, and he won’t hesitate to kill her. But wait – the savage denizens of Opar are out for vengeance following the ape-man’s escape from their clutches, and they could ruin everyone’s plans. Lord of the Jungle #13: Through the Valley of the Shadow!
RED SONJA #75 32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen + Written by Eric Trautmann • Art by Marcio Abreu Covers by Mel Rubi (cover A), Erik Jones (cover B), Walter Geovani (cover C)(Fans – each cover has it’s own UPC so you and your retailers can order the Special Anniversary Covers of your choice!) SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! On the snowy steppes of Hyrkania, Red Sonja faces off against an army bent on crushing her homeland. Old scores are settled, alliances are broken, and rest assured, with the She-Devil With A Sword entering the fray, blood will surely flow.
THUN’DA #5 32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen + Written by Robert Place Napton Art by Cliff Richards Cover by Jae Lee The war with the Monkey Men reaches a climax as Roger Drum calls upon a dangerous power to defend Pha and the Shareen against the ruthless incursion of the talking primates! The concluding chapter of Thun’da’s first adventure! THE FINAL ISSUE!
WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS #22 32 pages FC • $3.99 • Mature Written by Robert Place Napton Art by Carlos Rafael Covers by Paul Renaud (50%), Fabiano Neves (50%) Dejah and Gunbor’s shocking discovery of Mortus’ true plan for Barsoom leads them into an unlikely alliance with some of Barsoom’s most dangerous assassins!
For a full listing of Dynamite’s October Release, visit them at www.dynamite.net.
Dynamite Entertainment has released a preview of the upcoming QUEEN SONJA #25, which debuts November 30th wherever you buy your favorite comic book entertainment. Click on images for a larger view.
Cover: Lucio Parrillo
QUEEN SONJA #25 32 pages FC • $4.99 • Teen + Written by LUKE LIEBERMAN Art by FRITZ CASAS Covers by LUCIO PARRILLO (50%), CHASEN GRIESHOP (50%)
An over-sized anniversary issue! The final battle for the throne, the fate of an empire hangs in the balance! All loyalties tested and schemes lain bare in the final showdown between Queen Sonja and Emperor Antonious!
To learn more about Dynamite Entertainment, please visit http://www.dynamite.net/. Look for QUEEN SONJA #25 in stores November 30th.
Dynamite Entertainment has released their solicitations for February 2012. These titles are available for preorder now from your favorite comic book retailer.
Rating: TEEN+ Covers: http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross (50%), Francesco Francavilla (50%) Writer: Ande Parks Artist: Esteve Polls Colorist: Marcello Pinto Genre: Western Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130186065 00111 UPC: 725130186065 00121 UPC: 725130186065 00131 UPC: 725130186065 00141 It’s been two months since Lone Ranger and Tonto hit the trails of the old west, looking for injustice. They’ve found plenty. Now, they come across settlers who have been victimized in a way that stirs memories in John Reid. Loss, vengeance, and redemption as pioneer idealism meets the reality of hard life on the prairie. A stand-alone tale that ties into an epic six part story that will test the mettle of the west’s most legendary heroes.
Rating: Teen + Covers: http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross (75%), Paul Renaud (25%), Francesco Francavilla (1-in-10) Writer: Eric Trautmann Artist: Daniel Indro Genre: Sci-Fi Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130183958 00311 UPC: 725130183958 00321 UPC: 725130183958 00331 UPC: 725130183958 00341 Flash Gordon — on the run from Ming’s pursuit ships — finds himself cut off and alone, facing down the deadly hazards of Mongo’s untamed wilderness, and the primal rage of Prince Thun of the Lion Men. Alien threats abound, which will test Gordon’s skills to their outer limits. Meanwhile, on an Earth still menaced by the threat of invasion from Mongo, three alien rebels wage a secret battle against Ming the Merciless. Their target: a shipment of powerful extraterrestrial weapons, delivered into the hands of the Third Reich! Dynamite Entertainment‘s epic space opera continues in Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist’s thrilling third chapter, “Monsters of Mongo.
Rating: Mature Covers: Lucio Parillo (50%), Paul Renaud (50%), Francesco Francavilla (1-in-10) Writer: Arvid Nelson Artist: Roberto Castro Genre: Action/Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130183934 00211 UPC: 725130183934 00221 UPC: 725130183934 00231 UPC: 725130183934 00241 UPC: 725130183934 00251 The year is 1909. Bloodthirsty mutineers have seized the beautiful Jane Porter and her father. The cutthroats are lying low on the coast of the Belgian Congo as they squabble over a mysterious chest Jane and her father risked their lives for. Cecil Clayton, heir apparent to the title of Lord Greystoke, is with them, searching for a long-lost uncle who disappeared on the very shores he and the Porters find themselves on. Fortunately for the hostages, they’ve stumbled onto the hunting grounds of pulp fiction’s greatest hero! Could there be a connection to their mysterious protector and Clayton’s missing relative? Find out in Lord of the Jungle Issue 2: The Forest God!
VAMPIRELLA VS. DRACULA #1 Rating: Teen + Covers: Joe Linsner Writer: Joe Harris Artist: Jean Diaz Genre: Horror, Super-Hero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 48 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130186058 00111 UPC: 725130186058 00121 UPC: 725130186058 00131 48 pages at only $3.99! Spinning out of Alan Moore’s retelling of the ageless horror classic, Dracula has come to America to play out his timeless narrative in this brave, New World. Only he didn’t realize ANOTHER vampire already beat him to it. Drawn to one another across continents and centuries by a mysterious force, both Vampirella and Bram Stoker’s immortal monster find themselves sucked into a time-tossed epic of love, hate, death and damnation. But can an epic built for one vampire possibly hold them both? Also includes the reprinted Alan Moore/Gary Frank story!
Rating: Teen + Covers: Francesco Francavilla (50%), Aaron Campbell (50%) Writer: Stuart Manning Artist: Aaron Campbell Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130183989 00411 A killer is stalking the streets of Collinsport as vampire Barnabas Collins finds himself in a race against time to save the Collins family from a dangerous force. As his eternal nemesis, the witch Angelique, makes her new bid for eternal life, Barnabas and Julia must work out what links Barnabas’ dreams to the mysterious statue in time to prevent a tragic death.
Rating: Teen + Covers: http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross (main), Jonathan Lau (1-in-10) Writer: Kevin Smith with Phil Hester Artist: Jonathan Lau Colorist: Ivan Nunes Genre: Media Tie-In, Action Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184009 00611 UPC: 725130184009 00621 UPC: 725130184009 00631 Steve Austin and the evil cyborg Hull engage in a bionic battle that shakes the very foundation of Washington DC. From the posh ballrooms of high society to the bowels of the subway, the half-machine combatants leave a path of destruction through our nation’s Capitol. But when Hull’s tactics put the lives of innocents in danger, Steve Austin must push his new bionic Powers to the limit… and beyond!
Rating: Mature Covers: Joe Jusko (50%), Stephen Sadowski (50%), Lucio Parrillo (1-in-15) Writer: Arvid Nelson Artist: Edgar Salazar Colorist: Adriano Lucas Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184047 01611 UPC: 725130184047 01621 UPC: 725130184047 01631 John Carter is finally united with the son he never knew. The two of them face bloody death in the great arena of Issus, Goddess of Life Eternal. No one has ever escaped from the arena of Issus before, but Carter and his son might have a thing or two to teach this false goddess about religion — the old fashioned way, at the end of a sword point! Hair-raising escapes, devious villainy, and an embarrassing revelation or two await you in Warlord of Mars Issue 16: Flight and Pursuit!
Rating: Mature Covers: Paul Renaud (33%), Ale Garza (33%), Fabiano Neves (33%) Writer: Robert Napton Artist: Carlos Rafael Colorist: Carlos Lopez Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184054 01111 UPC: 725130184054 01121 UPC: 725130184054 01131 The Great Toonolian Marshes–one of the most feared places in Barsoom with 1800 miles of marsh land infested with exotic and dangerous creatures. It also possesses natural resources that Helium needs for its reconstruction. Dejah, along with her new pilot Kantos Kan, ventures into this foreboding region on an expeditionary mission. While there, Dejah is possessed by “the Boora Witch,” one of the marshes’ most dangerous residents. Unknown to anyone, The Witch takes control of Dejah and starts spinning a web that could destroy Helium once and for all! Dejah has overcome many enemies, but can she overcome the enemy within?
Rating: Mature Covers: Lucio Parrillo Writer: Mark Rahner Artist: Stephen Sadowski Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 40 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130186072 00111 The mighty green warrior Tars Tarkas was ready for blood the day he first met John Carter on Barsoom. Make that MORE blood. The epic, “Shell Shock,” chronicles the violence and horror that led to that day. Tars Tarkas is jolted out of an existential crisis by the massacre of a Thark egg incubator, and things just get worse from there as he faces mutiny and … and genocide! Written by Mark Rahner (“Rotten,” “Green Hornet” Annual #2).
Rating: Teen + Covers: Brian Denham (33%), Phil Hester (33%), and Jonathan Lau (33%) Writer: Ande Parks Artist: Igor Vitorino Colorist: Ivan Nunes Genre: Super-Hero, Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184115 02411 Green Hornet’s perception as a villain in Century City has been kicked up a notch, as someone disguised as the Hornet has assassinated the city’s Mayor. A pair of new villains finalize their plans to seize power, and a fearful public demands blood, with Green Hornet and Kato as the prime targets. Britt Reid has to find a way to clear his alter ego’s name while maintaining both his secret identity and his fearful reputation amongst the gangs of Century City. Green Hornet is now Public Enemy #1… with a bullet.
Rating: Teen + Covers: Matt Wagner Writer: Matt Wagner Artist: John K. Snyder III Genre: Action/Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184139 00711 The one and only Matt (MAGE, GRENDEL) Wagner is in the home-stretch of his epic story of Zorro! After catastrophic changes in Zorro’s world-events, Zorro begins to question everything he does and everything for which he stands. There’re thrilling times ahead as ZORRO RIDES AGAIN with issue #7 from Dynamite Entertainment!
Rating: Teen + Covers: Walter Geovani (50%), John Watson (50%) Writer: Eric Trautmann Artist: Walter Geovani Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure, Superhero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184153 06611 The final, bloody showdown over the cursed Horn of Nergal is at hand! To stand fast against an army of Stygian assassins, and the sinister machinations of the Priestess Azanathi, will require all of Red Sonja‘s considerable skill. But is the She-Devil’s martial prowess enough to win the day, and perhaps, a measure of redemption, or will the Horn’s curse cost Sonja everything?
Rating: Teen + Covers: Frank Martin Jr. Writer: Marc Mason Artist: Lui Antonio Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure, Superhero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 40 Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130186089 00111 The goddess Scathach places her blessings upon a new warrior, Raven, who dedicates herself to the advancement of women all across the land. But when Red Sonja finds herself investigating a series of massacres, she begins to suspect that Raven isn’t quite as noble as she seems in the pursuit of her cause. Surrounded by an army of women ready to draw blood in her name, Raven may be the one foe that Sonja cannot defeat… and she may not want to!
Rating: Teen + Cover: Igor Vitorino (50%), Lucio Parrillo (50%) Writer: Luke Lieberman Artist: Milton Estevam Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: Comic Book PAGE COUNT: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130184160 02711 When you move to strike Empress Sonja you had better not miss, because you only get one shot. Then it is her turn. Meanwhile Xander and Melea penetrate Koliostri’s growing cult, and learn its secrets.
Rating: Mature Writer: Chuck Dixon Genre: WAR Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: 6 x 9 prose novel PAGE COUNT: 160 Rights: WW Age range: 16+ New York Times Best-Selling Author and comic book writer, Chuck Dixon’s first ever novel from DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT! In the tradition of G.I. Joe, Punisher, Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, Clive Cussler, Vince Flynn, W.E. Griffin, and Dale Brown: SEAL Team Six: The Novel! They are highly trained. Their missions are classified. They are our best and last hope. Yet they do not exist. Follow SEAL Team Six as they train, hunt and fight an enemy who reaches out from the most remote corners of the world to murder and maim. These highly-trained, military men are the unknown heroes who endure unimaginable hardship and murderous combat to protect our homeland. SBN-10: 1-60690-251-2 ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-251-6
Rating: TEEN+ Cover: http://www.dynamite.net/htmlfiles/search2.html?0=19&next0=&KMPZ=Alex%20Ross&method=dynamiteAlex Ross Writer: Ande Parks Artists: Esteve Polls Genre: Action/Adventure, Western Awards: N/A Publication Date: Jan 2012 Format: soft cover trade paperback PAGE COUNT: 128 The legendary masked crime-fighter, Zorro, now in his sixties, has hung up his cape and sword. Living on a peaceful ranch in the new state of California, Don Diego tends to his cattle, breaks horses, and enjoys the company of his wife. When a renegade band of Confederate bushwhackers attack a nearby Indian settlement, though, Don Diego cannot Just stand by and let innocents be slaughtered. Zorro heads back into action again… for the last time! Guest starring another legendary masked lawman – The Lone Ranger! Collecting the entire five-issue series, along with a complete cover gallery. ISBN-10: 1606901575 ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-157-1
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130179708 Rating: Teen + Covers: Francesco Francavilla (50%), Aaron Campbell (50%) Writer: Stuart Manning Artist: Aaron Campbell Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130179708 Television’s original reluctant vampire is back! Barnabas Collins is re-adjusting to life under his vampiric curse. Haunted by terrifying dreams of his age-old lover and nemesis, Angelique, and fighting his bloodlust, Barnabas fears that danger lies ahead for all who live at Collinwood. Meanwhile, Barnabas’ ally and trusted friend Dr. Julia Hoffman is harboring secrets of her own…
RED SONJA STATUE INSPIRED BY J. SCOTT CAMPBELL
SKU: C117134 This beautiful statue was inspired by the incredible Red Sonja artwork of J. Scott Campbell. Tom and Joy Snyder sculpted, painted and painstakingly reviewed every detail of this statue under the watchful eye of J. Scott, creating one of the most compelling and beautiful Red Sonja statues of all time. Measuring approximately 8.5″ tall with a base 4″ long x 6″ wide, this magnificent piece shows that we created a piece that fans will appreciate for years to come Price: $189.99 Shipping: October, 2011
WARLORD OF MARS 2012 CALENDAR
Price: $14.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C117556 Publication Date: August 2011 (advance solicit for October 2011) Dimensions: 12 x 12 Format: Wall Calendar Page Count: 24 pgs Caution Code: C:0-1-2 UPC: 725130175564 Start 2012 with a trip to Mars! This full color calendar features incredible art by J. Scott Campbell, ,Alex Ross, Joe Jusko, Paul Renaud, Arthur Adams, and Lucio Parrillo from the hit Warlord of Mars comic books. 2012 is the year of John Carter and his adventures on Mars!
KEVIN SMITH’S THE BIONIC MAN #3
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130179753 Rating: Teen + Covers: Alex Ross (main), Jonathan Lau (1-in-10) Writer: Kevin Smith with Phil Hester Artist: Jonathan Lau Colorist: Ivan Nunes Genre: Media Tie-In, Action Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130179753 Colonel Steve Austin’s body is ruined, his spirit broken, the prospect of a future as a barely human cyborg haunting him as he hovers between life and death. Meanwhile, the demented cyborg Hull launches the first strike in his fanatical war against humanity! From the team that brought you Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet.
WARLORD OF MARS #13
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130179852 Rating: Mature Covers: Joe Jusko (50%), Stephen Sadowski (50%), Lucio Parrillo (1-in-15) Writer: Arvid Nelson Artist: Stephen Sadowski Colorist: Adriano Lucas Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130179852 John Carter returns to Mars to be with his beloved princess and the son he has never know – at least, that was his plan. He arrives on the Red Planet in a forest of horrors, a place he’s never seen before. Fortunately, an old friend joins him soon enough. Before Carter can look for answers about where he is, he’s going to have to do what he does best – kick a little ass. Well, more than a little! Warlord of Mars #13: A Forest Battle is the thrilling first installment of the Gods of Mars story arc, believed by some, including the writer of this very blurb, to be the finest of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars novels. You don’t want to miss it!
WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS #8
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130179883 Rating: Mature Covers: Paul Renaud (33%), Joe Jusko (33%), Ale Garza (33%) Writer: Arvid Nelson Artist: Carlos Rafael Colorist: Carlos Lopez Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Super-Hero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130179883 Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, and Phondari, Pirate Queen of Mars, find themselves in the clutches of Phodari’s old master, Xen Brega. But before Xen was Phondari’s master, he was her slave. Phondari wasn’t the kindest of mistresses, and Xen’s looking for a little vengeance. He’s invited Phondari and Dejah to dinner… to be the main course! If Dejah and Phondari can escape the butcher’s knife, Dejah might just learn a thing or two about the mysterious coin she discovered, and why Phondari is so interested in it. Get ready for Dejah Thoris #8: The Hoard of Segotha!
WARLORD OF MARS: FALL OF BARSOOM #4
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130179913 Rating: Teen + Covers: Joe Jusko (main), Francesco Francavilla (1-in-10) Writer: Robert Place Napton Artist: Roberto Castro Genre: Action/Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130179913 100,000 YEARS BEFORE THE TIME OF JOHN CARTER! A tribe of Red Martians attacks the Atmosphere Plant just as it’s about to go operational. Meanwhile, the savage Warhoon march on the last stronghold of the Orovar — the city of Horz–determined to wipe the White Martians from the face Mars. This is the penultimate chapter in the Fall of Barsoom!
GREEN HORNET #21
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130180018 Rating: Teen + Covers: Brian Denham (33%), Phil Hester (33%), and Jonathan Lau (33%) Writer: Ande Parks Artist: Igor Vitorino Colorist: Ivan Nunes Genre: Super-Hero, Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130180018 This stand alone story is jam packed with malevolent Mixed Martial Arts mayhem, as Green Hornet and Kato enter a cage match with the baddest men in Century City! Britt Reid and Mulan have decided to enjoy a nice, street clothes night out at the fights. When an old college buddy of Britt’s is seriously injured in the octagon, our heroes join the fray. Now, Green Hornet and Kato have to stay alive in a bloody cage match to the death against the very fighters they bought tickets to see.
ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #4 (OF 12)
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130180025 Rating: Teen + Covers: Matt Wagner Writer: Matt Wagner Artist: Esteve Polls Genre: Action/Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130180025 Matt Wagner (MAGE, GRENDEL) continues the finale of his epic story of Zorro! How will Don Diego’s personal life affect Zorro’s continuing crusade against the alcalde of Los Angeles, Luis Quintero? Find out in ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #4!
RED SONJA #64
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130180049 Rating: Teen + Covers: Walter Geovani (50%), Wagner Reis (50%) Writer: Eric Trautmann Artist: Walter Geovani Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure, Superhero Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130180049 The She-Devil With A Sword has traveled from pastoral Shem to strife-torn Koth and now, into the dark heart of Stygia itself. Sonja’s quest: a lost weapon of terrifying power, and perhaps, some measure of atonement. But the sinister schemes of the Phaorah’s own witch, Azenathi, may only bring Red Sonja death.
QUEEN SONJA #24
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130180056 Rating: Teen + Cover: Lucio Parrillo (50%), Adriano Batista (50%) Writer: Luke Lieberman Artist: Fritz Casas Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130180056 When finally the forces of Emora and Songoria meet in open battle, who lives and who dies? Can Queen Sonja stop the Emperor’s onslaught on Songoria from a hundred Leagues away? And once she sits on the Emperor’s throne, will she ever give it up?
THE LONE RANGER VOL 4: RESOLVE TPB
Price: $19.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C1606901184 Rating: Teen + Cover: John Cassaday Writer: Brett Matthews Penciller/Inker: Sergio Cariello Colorist: Marcelo Pinto Genre: Western, Action Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: soft cover trade paperback Page Count: 180+ The Ranger and Tonto head for their final confrontation with the villainy that is Butch Cavendish. Along the way, love is found, life is lost, and the Ranger learns the true meaning of “Resolve”. Collects issues #17-25, along with a complete cover gallery by artist John Cassaday. ISBN-10: 1-60690-118-4 ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-118-2
GREEN HORNET VOL 3: IDOLS TPB
Price: $16.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C1606902199 Rating: Teen + Cover: Alex Ross Writer: Phil Hester Artist: Jonathan Lau Colorist: Ivan Nunes Genre: Superhero, Action Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: soft cover trade paperback Page Count: 136 Picking up right where Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet left off! The Black Hornet is history, but a new, even deadlier threat has grown right in the heart of Century City, and it may already be too late for The Green Hornet and Kato to stop it. How can Green Hornet scare a street gang out of business when the gang members themselves have no fear of anything – even death? Is the horrifying power behind their fearless ferocity truly supernatural? And just who is Saint Death? Collects issues #11-15 in one volume, along with complete cover gallery. Introduction by Ande Parks ISBN-10: 1-60690-219-9 ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-219-6
WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS VOLUME 1 – THE COLOSSUS OF MARS TP
Price: $16.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C1606902458 Rating: Mature Cover: Paul Renaud Writer: Arvid Nelson Artist: Carlos Rafael Colorist: Carlos Lopez Genre: Fantasy, Sci Fi, Action Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: soft cover trade paperback Page Count: 128 Martians live forever – everyone knows that. So what was Dejah Thoris doing all those hundreds of years before John Carter arrived? Four hundred years before the events of Warlord of Mars took place, Dejah’s nation of Helium was divided into two warring city-states. An unscrupulous overlord from afar encouraged that rivalry to his own advantage, until he discovers a terrible secret from Mars’s ancient past beneath Dejah Thoris’ capital. A secret to kill for! Collecting the first five issues of the hit series in one volume, with bonus material and a complete cover gallery from artists such as Art Adams, Joe Jusko, Paul Renaud, Sean Chen, and Ale Garza. John Carter of Mars film in development from Pixar, set for a March 9, 2012 release in theaters worldwide. ISBN-10: 1-60690-245-8 ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-245-5
SHERLOCK HOLMES: YEAR ONE TPB
Price: $19.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C1606902172 Rating: Teen + Cover: Francesco Francavilla Writer: Scott Beatty Artist: Daniel Indro Genre: Mystery, Action Adventure Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: soft cover trade paperback Page Count: 144 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s dauntless detective returns in an all-new series of adventures exploring the sleuth’s untold origins! Join Dr. John Watson as he meets young Sherlock Holmes in a fateful encounter that will forever shape both men’s destinies! Mysteries and murders most foul abound as we discover clues that reveal just how Holmes became the world’s most famous detective. Collecting the 6-issue series in one volume, plus bonus material and a complete cover gallery timed to coincide with the new Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movie, A Game of Shadows, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law slated for theatrical release December 16, 2011! ISBN-10: 1-60690-217-2 ISBN-13: 978-1-60690-217-2
WAREHOUSE 13 #3 (OF 5)
Price: $3.99 Shipping: October, 2011 Related Products: SKU: C725130179982 Rating: Teen + Covers: Ben Morse (50%), Photo Cover (50%) Writer: Marque Franklin-Williams & John-Paul Nickel Artist: Ben Morse Genre: Media Tie-In, Sci-Fi Awards: N/A Publication Date: Oct 2011 Format: Comic Book Page Count: 32 pages Rights: WW Age range: 16+ UPC: 725130179982 When a series of strange murders in Japan pings the Warehouse team’s radar, Pete, Myka and Claudia journey to the Land of the Rising Sun to investigate. What they discover is a masked assassin who’s using an artifact to cut a swath of terror through the Japanese criminal underworld. In order to snag, bag and tag this deadly weapon, our heroes will have to protect the head of the Yakuza from becoming the killer’s next victim. Little do they realize the assassin is closer than they think! Written by WAREHOUSE 13’s Marque Franklin-Williams & John-Paul Nickel.
When you think of a comic shop or a card store, you might think of the fans who shop there or the folks who run it and how they are so passionate about the things they love. Retail shops like these are always the epicenter for focused geek authenticity.
On the younger side, the incredible resurgence of Pokemon proves to be the perfect gateway property for whole industry. The game community does a good job of onboarding and cross promotion.
