Visionary Comics - Deadlands: Raven Kickstarter Press Release

Visionary is thrilled to announce their continuing partnership with Pinnacle Entertainment Group in the creation of ALL NEW original Deadlands comics! Our first four One-Shots, published by Image Comics, were a critical and financial success, and were hailed as the next wave of All-Star Westerns! These tales featured the industry's top talent for Western-Horror-Steampunk such as Jeff Mariotte, Steve Ellis, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Ron Marz, Bart Sears, and more! Those books showed the range of the Deadlands world...now we want to dive deep into the history of its major players and events--starting with the tale of Raven himself!

After the success of the Deadlands One-Shots, we at Visionary decided we wanted to tell THE STORY of how Deadlands came to be...and the obvious place to start was with THE STORY of Raven! Raven is the enigmatic figure behind the Reckoning itself, the twisted shaman whose obsession with vengeance might doom the entire world. Think you already know Raven's tragic tale? We can't wait to show you the story you DON'T know!

We've assembled an ace creative team for this project...

 Matthew Cutter is the Brand-Manager for Deadlands and the main man behind its continuing development. C. Edward Sellner is the creator / writer for THE KID, the one-shot that introduced Billy the Kid into the Deadlands universe, and the CCO of Visionary.

The artist for this series is Greg LaRocque, one of the best known talents in the industry whose work in comics literally defined the look for a generation of fans of THE FLASH and LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES. Now, he's lending his considerable talent to making Raven the next great comics villain!

Check it out!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/470321830/deadlands-raven-graphic-novel

About Visionary Comics Studio: After debuting in 2006, Visionary Comics Studio is now one of the most popular, up and coming creative production studios and the largest digital exclusive publisher. By providing freelance talent representation, setting up projects for print publication, and through VCS’ own digital publishing line, VCS has worked with and provided services for just about every major comic publisher. For more information, go to our web site: www.visionarycomics.com

For interviews or review copies email our Vice-President of Marketing Chris McCay at - chrismccay@visionarycomics.com

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Vol. 2 - Review

Miles Morales continues his new career as Spider-Man by giving himself a crash course in hero training. As Morales tests the limits of his abilities, he'll be pitted against villains like Omega Red to see if he has what it takes to be Marvel's greatest hero. But someone has figured out Morales' identity already, and he isn't going to pass up an opportunity to have Spider-Man at his beck and call.

Brian Michael Bendis continues the all-new Spider-Man story with this second collection of the series. With art by Sara Pichelli, Chris Samnee, and David Marquez, this new collection shines as each page delivers powerful storytelling and stunning artwork.

Many comic book readers and fans of superhero franchises see deaths as cheap tools to increase sales numbers. This is the first time in my reading history that it feels like the story and characters benefited from it. Obviously it's sad to see Ultimate Peter Park bite the dust, but like I said in the review of the first collection, the storytelling possibilities are limitless.

The best thing about it is that you still get all the great Spider-Man moments you got from Parker, but from a completely different background and perspective. Morales has a completely different set of problems, a different family dynamic, and has the legacy of Parker to live up to.

If you were intrigued by my review of the first collection then you can believe me when I say that it only gets better as it goes on. Spider-Man fans can't afford to miss the alternate reality that's, in some ways, better than the regular Marvel Universe title.

RATING: 8.5/10

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Vol. 1 - Review

The death of Peter Parker in the Ultimate Marvel Universe is a very emotional moment for all of the alternate versions of Earth's mightiest heroes. When Miles Morales is bitten by a similar spider, giving him the strength, speed, and surprising new abilities to become the world's next web-slinger, a series of chance encounters propels him into the role of a hero.

The Ultimate Universe has always been a place that can take more chances and attempt riskier storytelling than the regular Marvel Universe (616). Morales, a very young African American and Latino man, is not only the change to the Spider-Man mythology that we needed, but it's what we never new we always wanted.

Morales is caught up in a world very different than the one Parker started his career in. The world is falling apart, mutants are being put into concentration camps, and the reputation of Spider-Man proceeds him. Combine that with a very different origin story, a new set of powers (including invisibility and a spider's sting) and you've got millions of story possibilities to take off with.

Brian Michael Bendis is the architect of the Ultimate Universe. It was his original Ultimate Spider-Man that started it all. Now he's not only re-imagined Marvel, he's re-imagined the legacy of Spider-Man as a symbol in New York City.

Sara Pichelli is an incredible artist who conveys emotion and depth in every character that she draws. Her style seems best suited for the Ultimate series, since it combines a great mixture of cartooning and realism. The Ultimate stories have always had more of a brighter look than the regular Marvel titles, like the world is just slightly more animated. Pichelli nails that tone and keeps it working through this first collection.

The series is still being released monthly, and recently released a great jumping on point for new readers, but this first collection is where you want to start if you want to get in on the ground floor of Marvel's newest hero.

RATING: 8.5/10

Batman Incorporated #3 - Review

Batman Incorporated #3 - DC Comics

There’s something about Grant Morrison Batman comics that just feels right. In Batman Incorporated #3, we get the return of Matches Malone – Bruce Wayne’s other secret identity as a criminal who always knows what’s going on in the underworld of Gotham. As Bruce plays the part of Matches, he explores the reach that Leviathan has taken on the world. Meanwhile, Damian is tired of playing dead, and plans to make a new debut.

This was the comic book Morrison was born to write.

I’m a huge fan of Morrison’s Batman and Robin, and this series feels like a direct continuation of it. It isn’t necessarily in the New 52 continuity, and if it is it’s loose, but either way it’s so fun that there’s no reason to care. I’ve never been a stickler for continuity, and this book proves that you don’t need it to advance the characters and have an intriguing story.

Chris Burnham’s artwork has the same unique touch that Frank Quitely’s work has, but is much cleaner and lends itself well to Morrison’s writing style. The new costume that Damian appears in is sleek, cool, and definitely something I could get used to seeing more often if he ever moves from the Robin role.

And if Burnham wants to draw Bat-Cow in any comic book, I’m more than willing to read it.

For fans of The Dark Knight Rises, this has much to do with Talia and the League of Shadows. It’s a series that incorporates all of the previous elements of older Batman stories, while modernizing them and making them work in a new and refreshing light.

RATING: 8/10

Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #1

Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #1 - IDW Comics

As Cliff jumps into action as the Rocketeer to save Sally, the young mechanic, from a falling plane and a very “hands-on” government worker, a cargo ship is pulling into Los Angeles. The horrors on board are nothing compared to the grudge that one passenger has for the Rocketeer, and the sinister interest his master has in the masked avenger.

Mark Waid and Chris Samnee have teamed up on this IDW mini-series and it’s the perfect match for this character. Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom has all of the elements of classic Rocketeer stories with the added flair of both creators.

Waid brings his knack for dialog and character development to the table, while Samnee brings his distinct art style that lends itself well to the time period, action, and Rocketeer uniform.

The best part about this series is that you don’t have to be a Rocketeer expert to enjoy it. It’s easy to jump right in and ride along with the characters and story. There are no problems with continuity or past events. Each character is introduced in the story in a way that lets you know who they are, what their role in this universe is, and how they relate to Cliff.

There have been rumors of a new Rocketeer movie in development through Disney. Hopefully they take a page or two from the IDW titles that are bringing back the heroic jet pack hero in a big way.

RATING: 9/10

Daredevil #17 - Review

Image from Marvel Comics

Matt Murdock reflects on the past events that have split him and his best friend Foggy Nelson apart. As his mind wanders, he remembers an encounter with Stilt-Man, a C-list super villain who showed up the last time Matt and Foggy nearly went their separate ways. It’s an adventure-filled memory that might shed some light on the situation that the man without fear is now facing.

I’ve got one name to really stress in this issue – Mike Allred.

Allred’s art is something to behold in this issue of Mark Waid’s new run on Daredevil. Allred’s iconic style fits perfectly into the tone and pacing of Waid’s take on the man without fear. The movement and gestures that Daredevil exhibits in costume are both classic and full of expression in every panel.

Waid’s story is a heartfelt classic tale of superheroism, and features a wonderful C-list villain that everyone can get excited about. It’s a story that lets us take a break from the main narrative, but still lets us reflect on what’s going on in Matt’s life currently. Not to mention that Stilt-Man has never looked or felt more fun on a Marvel Comics page.

Allred is supposedly slated to be working on many Marvel titles in the future, including Wolverine and the X-Men and FF. You can be sure that we’ll be getting even more pop-art themed comic book greatness from Allred and Marvel before we know it.

RATING: 8/10

Punk Rock Jesus #2 - Review

(Cover image from Vertigo Comics website)

The first issue of Punk Rock Jesus left readers on a very startling and powerful cliffhanger. Now we fast forward a bit into the lives of Chris, Gwen, and Thomas as they live on the island of J2 and deal with protesters and religious extremists trying to get their hands on the cloned son of God. But there are some things about J2 that have Thomas concerned, and an unexpected miracle might change things on the island forever.

Written and drawn by Sean Murphy, this Vertigo title's second issue was just as satisfying as the first. It's crisp black and white pages are full of detailed panels and complex storytelling.

Murphy lets the words and images tell the story in just the right balance. There isn't over explanation, and there aren't too many images to convey what's happening with the characters and main plot points. Every moment is carefully selected and every line of dialog seems to fit like a puzzle piece.

Chris as a character still hasn't blossomed, due to the fact that he's still so young, but the time spent with Thomas the bodyguard is intriguing and sheds more light on the type of world he was born into.

The one complaint I've heard some people say with this book is that it's in black and white. I personally love black and white comics and think that this narrative presents it well on the newspaper type print stock that they've used for the book.

It isn't your average comic book, that's for sure, but it's definitely a welcome change. The market needs more original types of stories and Punk Rock Jesus delivers on that front.

RATING: 8.5/10

The Walking Dead Magazine - Coming Soon! Press Release

The Walking Dead Magazine – Coming Soon!

Image provided by Titan Magazines and Skybound.

Titan Magazines and Skybound are pleased to announce the launch of The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine, based on Robert Kirkman's Eisner Award-winning comic book series, best-selling graphic novels and Emmy-winning AMC television series based upon them. 

Following its transition from groundbreaking comic book to the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time, The Walking Dead has cemented its status, not only as a phenomenon with the wildly diverging fans of horror and of character-driven drama, but as a milestone in quality, mainstream television.

Robert Kirkman, creator/writer of The Walking Dead, debuted the groundbreaking Skybound/Image comic in 2003. In 2010, AMC debuted the hit television series, The Walking Dead, based upon the comic series. The television series became the highest-rated original basic cable drama of all time and an international success in 120 countries and 250 million homes, and counting. In 2011, The Walking Dead graphic novels were the best-selling graphic novels of the year. Now, in 2012, Titan Publishing/Skybound and AMC bring you The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine to answer the burning questions insatiable zombie-loving fans have about the Emmy-winning television show, comics and graphic novels.

The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine will feature an inside look at the comic and show as only a fully sanctioned quarterly can. No one will get more exclusives than this magazine. Get exclusive access to the most successful television adaptation of a comic ever, including in-depth interviews Kirkman, Executive Producer/Writer on the show; Glen Mazzara, Showrunner/ Executive Producer/Writer of the series and David Alpert, Executive Producer of the series. That's not all, readers will hear from all of the leads on the hit TV show beginning with Andrew Lincoln, who stars as Rick Grimes; Sarah Wayne Callies, who stars as Lori Grimes, and Jon Bernthal, who played fan-favorite bad boy Shane.

   

To get behind-the-scenes on the set with co-Executive Producer Greg Nicotero and see how he creates the greatest on-screen zombies ever, fans should read The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine. The only way into the closed door writers’ room to learn about the scripting process lies within the magazine’s pages. Fans will also get the opportunity to ask Kirkman what's coming up in future issues of The Walking Dead, or find out how the series artist Charlie Adlard keeps up with the fast pace of the monthly comic so brilliantly.

The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine debuts on October 23 with 100 pages of all access, no holds barred zombie festing and feasting. With all the latest news, revelations and tips for fans of the television show and the graphic novels. Get it, read it or be the last to know all the exclusive scoops for every incarnation of The Walking Dead.

Issue #1 of The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine comes with an alternative cover featuring an exclusive, colored zombie scene by The Walking Dead comic artist, Charlie Adlard. This alternative collector’s edition is only available through comic stores. Retailers can order via August Diamond PREVIEWS.

Robert Kirkman commented, "This magazine will be your one stop destination for all the news

pertaining to the comic, TV show, video game, toys, games, and whatever else exists in the ever-expanding Walking Deaduniverse!  If it's happening, you'll find out all about it right here!"

Nick Landau, Titan Publisher, added: “We're very excited to be publishing the quarterly The Walking Dead Magazine with Robert Kirkman and Skybound, which will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to get unlimited access to the show and comic."

Fans of the show are urged to join The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with exclusive developments and deals. The magazine is currently offering fans a special pre-order subscription saving 20% off the newsstand cover price! – click here

The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine issue #1 will be available on newsstands and in specialty comic book stores in the US on October 23, in the UK on November 8 and Australia & New Zealand on December 18.

For more information on The Walking Dead, The Official Magazine visit:

http://titanmagazines.com/t/the-walking-dead/

Animal Man #12 - Review

Image from dccomics.com

Buddy Baker has had enough of The Rot and is ready to take the fight to them. As he and his family search the swamps for Alec Holland, Cliff has visions of a horrible world in the future.

This is what we’ve been waiting for since the launch of the New 52. Animal Man and Swamp Thing have begun the crossover event known as “Rotworld,” and even the prologues are worth reading over two different series.

Jeff Lemire’s take on the Baker family is putting them through hell. It’s a concept that Grant Morrison used to the full extent on his run, and Lemire is using the signature Animal Man family dynamic to tell an incredible story. Baker, Maxine, Cliff, and Ellen are all going through hardship, and this story lets us know that they’re in it together.

If you're a new reader, this isn't an issue for you. It's the result of a story that's been told over the past year, an epic about the forces of animal life and plant life fighting the powers of rot and death. If you want to read one of the comic book medium's best series, you'd better catch up any way you can.

Aside from all that, artwork is top notch, the tensions are high, and Baker finally put a shirt on. It’s an issue you don’t want to miss.

RATING: 8/10

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #13

Image from marvel.com

Miles Morales is in a tough spot. The country is divided in a new civil war, the world is in ashes after Reed Richard’s attack with the Children of Tomorrow, and now the whole city of New York think that Spider-Man is a cold blooded murderer. As Miles gets an unexpected phone call for a secret meeting, a robbery tests his dedication to being the Ultimate Universe’s new wall-crawler.

After reading this and the latest issue of Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates, I’m surprised to say that I’m actually psyched for a Marvel event. The new storyline, “Divided We Fall,” has really caught my interest and is propelling the Ultimate Universe in a whole new direction.

Miles Morales is a complex character and feels like he’s been around in the Marvel stockade of characters for decades, not just a year. Because the Ultimate Universe is so unpredictable, you never know what’s going to happen. With this added level of danger, mixed with the classic elements of Spider-Man, it makes a wonderful new and refreshing series.

If you like Marvel characters, but want to see them in a new and much more exciting light, this book is right up your alley.

RATING: 8.5/10

Earth 2 #4 - Review

Image from dccomics.com

The wonders of Earth 2 assemble to fight Solomon Grundy in Washington D.C. As Green Lantern (Alan Scott), The Flash (Jay Garrick), and Hawkgirl (Kendra) try and stop the knight of The Rot, a new wonder from the world military makes his debut on the frontlines. Can he be trusted? Or is this a new foe for the heroes of Earth 2?

James Robinson’s vision of a whole new world populated with modern versions of the Golden Age heroes has been incredibly fun so far. That’s just the perfect word to describe it – fun. After seeing the new Green Lantern costume in action, it’s quickly growing on me. From what I’ve read around message boards it seems that most of the re-designs are going over very well, especially Hawkgirl’s new outfit.

The one problem that kind of takes me out of this issue is the dialog. There are parts where it feels a little choppy or forced and it stopped the fast-pace action that was going on in the story.

There is a wonderful moment where Alan Scott rallies the troops, telling them to never back down or surrender, and that did get me really excited.

Earth 2 is a welcome addition to the New 52, and although this isn’t the best issue that’s been released so far, it’s still really fun if you love alternate universes and versions of characters.

RATING: 6.5/10