THE DARKNESS Hits #100

THE DARKNESS hits that magic number 100 next week and ends Phil Hester's run as writer of the series. David Hine (THE DARKNESS: FOUR HORSEMEN, BULLETPROOF COFFIN) will take over the following issue.

“Why couldn't they have hired someone else? Anyone else? I've been successfully pulling the wool over Darkness readers' eyes for years now, and the second they get a look at what David Hine is up to they're going to forget all about my dog and pony show,” Hester commented. “Don't believe me? Crack open Hine and Kane's BULLETPROOF COFFIN and see one of tomorrow's classics while it's fresh, then get in line behind me for The Darkness #101.”

As Darkness bearer, Jackie Estacado is on a collision course with the source of his power and misery — the Darkness itself! Estacado has traveled through numerous levels of the Darkness’ home dimension in his quest to confront his patron, all the while the Darkness has sought to bind him, distract him and prevent him from reaching it. Now only one of them will walk away from this momentous battle that has been building for years!

THE DARKNESS #100 hits store shelves February 29 and features covers by Todd McFarlane (SPAWN) and Michael Golden (The ‘Nam, SPAWN), alongside THE DARKNESS series artists Jeremy Haun (DETECTIVE COMICS) and Michael Broussard (ARTIFACTS). The 48 page issue will also feature a complete series cover gallery, a Darkness timeline, the winners of the Darkness II deviantART contest and a special preview of Darkness #101.

Advance Look: TURNING TIGER: SPECIAL EDITION

The Fellowship has obtained an advance look at TURNING TIGER: SPECIAL EDITION from Renegade Arts Entertainment and Arcana Studios. The graphic novel, which comes out April 25, is written by Richmond Clements and illustrated by Alex Moore.


A top secret US military robot goes rogue and collides with the world of a suburban American family. Turning Tiger brings a tale of explosive action, government conspiracies, and above all, family. But why has the robot chosen this family and their daughter in particular? All will be revealed!

Arcana Acquires Part Of Bluewater's Fiction Library

 Arcana has announced that they have acquired the rights to some of Bluewater Productions library. Expected collected editions of the comic books to be released later in the year.

"I have worked with Arcana in the past and am excited to team up with them again. Teaming up with another independent comic book company, the foundation can only strengthen our brands," says Darren G. Davis, Bluewater President.

"Darren and Arcana did Valkyrie back in the day and it's great to be working with him again.  He is one of the most talented and prolific creators I've worked with, and everyone is very excited about these dozens of graphic novels added into our library," says Arcana's CEO Sean Patrick O'Reilly.


Here are the titles that were a part of the rights acquisition...

10th Muse - Greek mythology has documented the nine Muses, the inspirational daughters of the almighty Zeus. But history forgot one--the Tenth Muse. Emma, Brett and Dawn were the best of friends -- until Emma disappeared, leaving only a note saying goodbye. Now, eight years later, Emma is back, without answers. What happened to Emma? What is her connection with Grayson Bishop, and, most of all, how did ordinary Emma Sonnet become the mysterious TENTH MUSE? Introducing The Tenth Muse, a new kind of super-hero saga unlike anything you've ever seen before. A mystery. An action series. A character- driven saga that will bring you to the edge of your seat. See if you can unravel the mystery of The 10th Muse.. Apologies for the blurred cover image, but there is a new celebrity modeling as the Tenth Muse, and it has to be kept a secret until she makes it public!

Legend of Isis - Trapped 5,000 years out of time, the would-be Egyptian Goddess, Isis, must adjust to her new life in 21st century Los Angeles. Using her mystical staff and some help from a few new friends, Isis will protect those around her from evil that may threaten their world. But how can she protect a world that she doesn't fully understand? Join Isis in her ongoing series debut issue, as she's introduced to the modern world and its new ways of life. But it seems Isis is not the only ancient warrior alive in our time - as she must battle the Mummy of Sekhent upon her awakening from the dead!

PULP’S ‘STAR WARS’ SCENE BECOMES AN INTERNET SENSATION

Official Press Release

London, United Kingdom, 22 February 2012 – Exactly one week ago, the filmmakers behind Pulp, a sensational new movie comedy set in the world of comic books, released a trailer and controversial exclusive scene on YouTube. The scene, which gives a generation of Star Wars naysayers a voice in the form of despicable cop, Tyler Jake, has become an online sensation and has generated over 300,000 views – a record figure for a low-budget independent film.

You can view the trailer and exclusive scene here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGE0q_bQN4M

In the scene, Tyler goes head-to-head with ‘Rock God’ comic book artist, Rick Bean, in an encounter that ends with only one of them standing. Pulp’s ‘Star Wars’ scene has had real-world audiences applauding and cheering, and online viewers are responding the same way.

Adam Hamdy, co-director of Pulp, said, “The clip we released was pretty controversial. It contains foul language and even fouler views on Star Wars. It’s the geek world equivalent of a knife fight and is really not for the faint-hearted.”

Independently financed, Pulp is building up a global following and a real head of steam. Recently nominated for the London Comedy Film Festival Discovery Award, Pulp, is a comedy feature film set in the irreverent world of comic book publishing.

Phil Bland, producer of Pulp said, “We recently screened Pulp to an audience of 1,200 people at the annual SFX Weekender and the reaction to the film was brilliant. This exclusive scene was our way of thanking everyone involved in making Pulp a success and giving our online audience a taste of what Pulp is all about.”

Get Involved In The Mystery of MIND THE GAP

Image Comics unveiled a new series by the Eisner Award-winning writer Jim McCann (The Dapper Men) called MIND THE GAP. The book revolves around Elle Peterson, a comatose person who's spirit must find out who attacked her and why, as well as piece together her past.

"I love the genre of the 'whodunit.' Psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, and film noir all influence me, and this story, heavily," said writer Jim McCann. "It’s a preternatural story — something science acknowledges on the fringe but hasn’t proven yet."

Elle Peterssen is young, wealthy, and beautiful — and there is a reason someone tried to kill her. Between her family members' and her friends' perceptions of her, Elle can't be sure which version of Ellis Peterssen is who she really was. But Elle must put together the pieces. Her identity holds the key to stopping her attacker before he can strike again.

The art (by MORNING GLORIES cover artist Rodin Esquejo) plays an integral role in uniting Elle's disembodied experience and the real world, said McCann. 

"This story will take on some otherworldly scenes, which the team handles beautifully, as well as some very real and gritty situations, sometimes even violent," he said. "I wanted that to look as realistic as possible, and juxtapose it with the clean, beautiful atmosphere Rodin and Sonia deliver."

"This is a book I've been excited about since Jim first pitched it," noted Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "I feel like we really got lucky with this one, because Jim is a great writer and just a consummate professional, and Rodin — well, I've been admiring his cover work for ages, but that still didn't prepare me for how insanely awesome his interior work is! Pleased beyond belief to be associated with such amazing talent!"

MIND THE GAP hits stores May 2, but you can read a 9 page prologue on USA Today's website.

Moore and Reppion to make 2000 AD debut

Official Press Release

Writing couple Leah Moore and John Reppion are to make their debut for the publishers of legendary British comic 2000 AD.

Leah’s father, the writer Alan Moore, first got his break in the pages of 2000 AD in 1980 and went on to write classic stories such as The Ballad of Halo Jones, Watchmen, and V for Vendetta. Moore and Reppion have forged their own writing career with titles such as Albion, Doctor Who: The Whispering Gallery, The Thrill Electric and adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and Dracula.

Their first work for 2000 AD, a Tales from the Black Museum story entitled Scouting for Bots, will appear in Judge Dredd Megazine #322, on sale in the UK on 28th March and in North America on 11th April. Art on the nine-page tale has been supplied by another 2000 AD fan favourite - D’Israeli, otherwise known as artist Matt Brooker.

“We are really excited to be finally working for the comic we have all grown up with (some of us more than others!),” said Leah. “I remember my dad taking me to the 2000 AD office when I was small (maybe eight?) and meeting Tharg in the flesh!

“I said “Borag Thungg, O Mighty One”. He said “Borag Thungg, Earthlet Leah”. It was awesome. It’s nice to see that bit of early networking paid off over two decades later.

“I have to say I am more excited about getting a short story in the Judge Dredd Megazine than I have been about lots of our much bigger projects elsewhere. Not sure why. Some kind of loyalty-chip implated during my visit to Tharg maybe?

“2000 AD has always been somewhere for British talent to cut their teeth, and learn their craft. Even though we have been in the business now for nearly ten years, I am certain that we have more to learn, and what better way to do it than at 2000 AD?”

“Leah Moore and John Reppion are amongst the exciting new generation of comics writers,” said Matt Smith, editor of 2000 AD, “and I’m delighted to have them contributing to 2000 AD for the first time – hopefully, we’ll see more from their pen in the pages of the Galaxy’s Greatest Comics in the future!’

Valiant Rewards Comic Shop Subscribers With X-O MANOWAR #1 Pullbox Exclusive Variant

Valiant is starting up a program to encourage people to open a pull list at their local comic shop and reward long-time subscribers who pre-orders Valiant's number one issues. The X-O MANOWAR #1 variant is by interior artist Cary Nord and is only available to comic book store pull list subscribers.

"We're committed to getting as many fans of Valiant's original incarnation as possible back into brick-and-mortar comic shops on May 2nd for X-O MANOWAR #1," said Publisher Fred Pierce. "There are many lapsed readers out there who haven't visited a store regularly for years, and this limited edition cover is a great way to incentivize the act of opening a pull list subscription with your local retailer. On top of that, it's also a perfect opportunity to get a look at the stunning work Cary Nord is delivering with X-O Manowar."

"One of the challenges that comics retailers face every month is how to order new titles," added Sales Manager Atom! Freeman. "With the Pullbox Variant program, we're encouraging fans to let their retailers know ahead of time that they plan on following  X-O MANOWAR  monthly and give retailers an extra-added reason to promote the launch of the Valiant line in their stores."

Valiant will also be shipping in-store request forms for the Pullbox Variant program to retailers during their March ordering period, and making downloadable versions of the same forms available on both the public and retailers section of the Valiant website.

Image Comics Solicitations For May 2012

The Fellowship has obtained the solicitations for Image Comics that will come out May 2012...

MIND THE GAP #1

story JIM McCANN


art / cover RODIN ESQUEJO & SONIA OBACK

variant cover RODIN ESQUEJO & SONIA OBACK

MAY 2 48 PAGES / FC / T+ $2.99

After Elle Peterssen is mysteriously attacked on a Manhattan subway platform, she is left in a coma, the only clues to her attacker trapped inside her mind. No one knows the identity of the person behind this brutal beating or where they will strike next.  In this ALL-NEW ONGOING series, everyone is suspect, and no one is innocent. USAToday calls it an “anxiously anticipated modern thriller…Whodunit? McCann's done it again.”

Eisner-winning writer JIM McCANN joins RODIN ESQUEJO (MORNING GLORIES) and SONIA OBACK (S.H.I.E.L.D., The Defenders) unite for a psychological thriller that will leave you guessing at every turn!

YOUNGBLOOD #71

story JOHN McLAUGHLIN

art JON MALIN & ROB LIEFELD

cover ROB LIEFELD

variant cover RYAN OTTLEY

MAY 23 32 PAGES / FC / T+ $2.99

It’s the 20th anniversary of the comic book that launched the Image Revolution in 1992! ROB LIEFELD’s YOUNGBLOOD returns bigger and better than ever with an all-new look at the next generation of superheroes, courtesy of screenwriter JOHN McLAUGHLIN (Black Swan, Parker), up-and-coming artist JON MALIN and YOUNGBLOOD creator and Image founder ROB LIEFELD!

In this first issue, a young reporter is embedded in the Youngblood team.  Her assignment is to gather enough information for a humiliating puff piece, but she quickly discovers Shaft, Vogue, Lady Photon, Die Hard and Cougar are a team to be reckoned with.   Badrock would be part of the group too... if he wasn't in a coma with wounds that have nearly pulverized his otherwise rock-hard hide.

Sneak Peeks: Image Comics February 22, 2012

The Fellowship has obtained sneak peeks for comics from Image that will come out February 22...

Between Gears TP (MR)

By: Natalie Nourigat

This honest, autobiographical account of a college senior's life will transport you to the land of Jell-O shots, term papers, job interviews, road trips, and sanguine optimism in the face of uncertainty and change. Trade paperback collects the comic in its entirety, with 30 pages of new material!

The Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred #2 (of 6) (MR)

Story by: David Hine

Art By: Shaky Kane

"TALES FROM THE HAUNTED JAZZ CLUB"

Red Wraith recounts three tall tales of love and mutilation. An incompetent doctor performs surgery on his beloved wife, a beatnik learns that sexual inexperience, marijuana and sharp instruments make a dangerous mix, and a woman with a morbid fear of human hair discovers that a bald body can still be hairy inside.

Zenescope Solicitations for April 2012

The Fellowship has obtained the solicitations for Zenescope that will come out April 2012...

Grimm Fairy Tales presents Alice In Wonderland Issue #4

Raven Gregory (W) Robert Gill (A) Jason Embury (C)

Cover A By  Stjepan Sejic

The Queen of Spades stands fully revealed as the grand manipulator behind the events of Alice's escape from the Jabberwocky.  But what are her intentions?  The answer is revealed and it will set Alice on a path to insanity from which she may never return. Elsewhere the armies of Wonderland are closing in on Alice and in order to prevent the madness of Wonderland from escaping into our world, Alice will have to lead an army of her own against the very creature she fears the most.  Zenescope's twisted version of Wonderland continues!  Follow us back down the rabbit hole!!

Charmed Issue #20

Paul Ruditis (W) Dean Kotz (A)

Cover: David Seidman

With Magic School's doors no longer open, Knox Academy is one of the few places on Earth that can provide a safe haven for those in need. Piper, Phoebe, and Paige must team with the staff to protect themselves and their friends from the government's modern day witch hunt that has deemed anyone like them to be the enemy.

Grimm Fairy Tales # 72

Written By Raven Gregory

Cover A By Mike Capprotti

Sela's journey to find the place known only as the tomb of Death leads her to a small town that may hold the secrets to its location.  There she learns the truth of the temple that was once the training grounds for the knights of the realm and the tragic tale of their corruption and downfall at the hands of the Dark One's minion, the evil Winter Witch.

Grimm Fairy Tales April Fools' Edition #3

Written By Ralph Tedesco

Cover A By Anthony Spay

The sophomoric yet hilarious foray into the Grimm Fairy Tales universe makes a return!  The first two editions left most fans wanting more and left others' wondering if we'd completely lost our minds.  But we're back at it yet again so read at your own risk! Some of your favorite stories from the Grimm Fairy Tales Universe are completely re-lettered to create brand new story-lines that will have you laughing out loud.  Grimm Fairy Tales once again gets the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" treatment and you don't want to miss the fun!

Grimm Fairy Tales presents THE JUNGLE BOOK #2

Written By Mark Miller

Cover A By Mike DeBalfo

Shere Kahn prepares to strike at the very heart of the wolf clan beginning

with his most hated rival and Mowglii's surrogate mother, mother wolf.

Meanwhile Mowglii's wanderings bring her face to face with one of the most ferocious creatures in the jungle, the vicious bear Baloo.  And her first encounter with the beast may very well prove to be her last.

Grimm Fairy Tales Myths & Legends #16

Written By Raven Gregory

Cover A By Stjepan Sejic

Samantha, Baba Yaga, the Dark One and The Sea Witch... What do these four powerful beings have in common?  Each are searching for falsebloods who dwell on earth in preparation of a war that looms on the horizon.  And what part will the rogue Beast play in the final end game?  The seeds are planted and secrets are revealed in this not to be missed issue!  From the creative minds behind the Wonderland trilogy and Dream Eater saga comes the story that sets the stage for the next evolution of the Grimm universe.

The Waking: Dreams End #1

Written By Raven Gregory

Artwork By Novo Malgapo

The HIT series that redefines the Zombie genre returns!  Years have passed since the events of The Waking took place.  Murder has become practically extinct in a world armed with the knowledge that those who are murdered will return from the dead to take the lives of those guilty...  But within a new world comes a new kind of killer.  And he must be stopped!  From the writer and creator of the Wonderland trilogy and Fly comes a return to the horror that never sleeps.

Grimm Different Seasons TPB Volume 2

Written By: Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco and Raven Gregory

Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales continues the tradition of re-inventing classic stories with terrifying twists. This 2nd volume of Grimm Fairy Tales Different Seasons trade paperback collects some of the series most popular one-shots. Included are the 2011 Holiday Edition, 2011 Halloween Edition, 2008 original Grimm Fairy Tales Annual and the 2009 Grimm Fairy Tales Annual.

Jurassic Strike Force 5 #5

Written By Joe Brusha

Cover By Ciao Cacau

The evil alien overlord Zalex's secret weapon has been revealed and Rex and the rest of the Strike Force really have their hands full. Will they be able to defeat such a formidable foe?