Tagged: DC

DC Entertainment’s We can be Heroes Campaign to fight Hunger in Africa

we-can-be-heroes-advertisement-300x397-1113765(January 23, 2012 – New York, NY)  DC Entertainment, home of the world’s greatest super heroes, today unveiled an unprecedented giving campaign to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.  This multi-million-dollar commitment over the next two years will be supported across all Warner Bros. Entertainment’s and Time Warner’s businesses and feature DC Entertainment’s iconic Justice League characters, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, issuing the call to action, “We Can Be Heroes.”  The announcements were made at a press conference today in New York by Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.; Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group; and Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment.

We Can Be Heroes will support the efforts of three humanitarian aid organizations working in Africa—Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps—as part of the global effort to fight the current hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.  The region is suffering its worst drought and famine in over 60 years, with 13 million in need of critical assistance and 250,000 facing starvation in Somalia alone.  Each partner organization was chosen for its track record of effective and expeditious humanitarian aid efforts in Africa.
merchandise-shot-300x195-4575331We Can Be Heroes will be supported via promotional exposure across all of Time Warner’s divisional advertising platforms (Warner Bros., Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc., HBO), generating millions of consumer impressions and creating crucially needed awareness of this crisis worldwide.  Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps will equally share a corporate donation of at least $2 million over the next two years comprised of cash donations, employee matching funds and consumer matching funds.
“Warner Bros. has a long history of corporate philanthropy and outreach, and this campaign proudly continues that tradition,” said Meyer.  “We are a global company, and this is a global issue.  By marshalling our expertise in consumer and fan engagement and creating global awareness, we hope we’re able to inspire others to join us in becoming ‘heroes’ and make a difference in the Horn of Africa.”

(more…)

PULP ARK AWARD VOTING HAS BEGUN!

Tommy Hancock, Pulp Ark Coordinator, announced the end of nominations and the release of the ballot for the second Pulp Ark Awards to be given out at Pulp Ark 2012 in Batesville, AR, April 20-22, 2012.

“We had a fantastic turn out in terms of nominations again this year,” Hancock stated.  “More than 25 publishers represented across the board, this is a ballot that truly reflects not only the popularity that Pulp has today, but also the variety and creativity within the field.”

Listed below is the Ballot qualified voters received today.  Only those who nominated a work or individual in one of the categories are qualified to vote.  Voting will end on February 20, 2012 with winners announced soon after.

If you did nominate someone and did not receive a ballot, please email Hancock at proseproductions@earthlink.net and this will be corrected.

There will also be a Pulp Ark 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award given. This will be selected by a committee already chosen and results will be announced on or before February 21, 2012.

Best Novel Nominees

Yesteryear by Tommy Hancock-Pro Se Productions

Deadly Games by Bobby Nash-BEN Books

The Damned Thing by Barry Reese-Wildcat Books

Wake of the Red Mistress by Teel James Glenn-Eternal Press

Sentinels: Stellarax by Van Allen Plexico-White Rocket Books

Damballa by Charles Saunders-Airship 27 Productions

Hammered by Kevin Hearne-Random House

Viktoriana by Wayne Reinagel-Knightraven Studios

Misty Johnson, Supernatural Dick in Capitol Hell by R. P. Steeves-Seven Realms Publishing

Truly Deeply Disturbed by Andrew Nienaber-Postmortem Press

The Halloween Legion by Martin Powell-Wildcat Books

Dark Destiny by Jeff Melton-Jeff Melton

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage-Desert Demons by Will Murray-Altus Press

Fortune’s Pawn by Nancy A. Hansen-Pro Se Productions

Challenger Storm: Isle of Blood by Don Gates-Airship 27 Productions

The Myth Hunter by Percival Constantine-Pulpwork Press (?)

Knight Moves by John G. Hartness-Falstaff Books

Arron of the Black Forest: The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff by Phil Athans and Mel Odom-Arron of the Black Forest Partnership

Best Collection/Anthology Nominees

The Adventures of Fortune McCall by Derrick Ferguson-Pro Se Productions

Lance Star: Sky Ranger Volume 3 by Various-Airship 27 Productions

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars by Various- White Rocket Books

Hugh Monn, Private Detective by Lee Houston, Jr- Pro Se Productions

Shadows of New York by Teel James Glenn- BooksforaBuck.com

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray by Barry Reese-Pro Se Productions

How the West was Weird II by Various-Pulpwork Press

The Game by Various -Seven Realms Publishing

The Beer Chronicles: Tales from the Paddy Rodriguez Pub by Scott Lange-Postmortem Press

The Avenger: The Justice Inc. Files by Various-Moonstone

The Rook Volume Six by Barry Reese-Pro Se Productions

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Volume 3 by various-Airship 27 Productions

Mystery Men and Women Volume 2 by Various-Airship 27 Productions

Four Bullets for Dillon by Derrick Ferguson-Pulpwork Press

Dreams of Steam II: Brass and Bolts by Various-Kerlak Publishing

Best Short Story Nominees

 “Sting of the Yellowjacket” By Howard Hopkins from the Green Hornet Casefiles-Moonstone

Red Badge Attacks by Mark S. Halegua and Andrew Salmon from Mystery Men and Women Vol II-Airship 27 Productions

Sherringford Bell: The Scandal of the Bohemian by Ken Janssens from Pro Se Presents #1-Pro Se Productions

A Bargain with Bandit Ping by Teel James Glenn from Tales of Old Magazine-Tales of Old


The Adventure of the Towne Manor Haunting by Andrew Salmon in Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Volume 3-Airship 27 Productions
Gunmen of the Hollow Earth by Joel Jenkins from How the West Was Weird: Campfire Tales-Pulpwork Press

Vengeance is Mine by Ron Fortier from the Avenger: The Justice Inc Files-Moonstone

Storms of Blood and Snow by Derrick Ferguson from How the West was Weird Volume II – Pulpwork Press

Misty Johnson and the Monsters of the Caribbean by R. P. Steeves from The Game- Seven Realms Publishing

Sewer Rats-C. Bryan Brown from Dark Doorways: Best of Post Mortem Press-Post Mortem Press

Death with a Glint of Bronze by Sean Taylor from Dreams of Steam II:Nuts and Bolts-Kerlak Publishing

Bastion of the Black Sorcerer by Van Allen Plexico from Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars-White Rocket Books

Summer of Death by Barry Reese from The Green Hornet Casefiles-Moonstone

Clockworks by William Preston from Asimov’s-Asimov’s

The Devil’s Workmen by Barry Reese from The Avenger: The Justice, Inc. Files-Moonstone

Shortages-Lee Houston Jr. from Hugh Monn, Private Detective-Pro Se Productions

Dock Doyle by Adam Garcia from Mystery Men and Women volume 2-Airship 27 Productions

The Hunter Island Adventure by Wayne Reinagel from Pro Se Presents #3-Pro Se Productions

Felony Fists by Paul Bishop-Fight Card

Romney Marsh, The Scarecrow of Space by Phil Bledsoe-Phil Bledsoe

Dillon and the Bad Ass Belt Buckle by Derrick Ferguson from Four Bullets for Dillon-Pulpwork Press

The Real Magic by H. David Blalock from Dreams of Steam II-Kerlak Publishing

Beast of the Black Hills by Tony Wilson from How The West was Weird II-Pulpwork Press

Best Cover Nominees

Challenger Storm: The Isle of Blood by Wm. Michael Kaluta – Airship 27 Productions

 The Adventures of Lazarus Gray by Anthony Castrillo-Pro Se Productions

Hugh Monn, Private Detective by David Russell-Pro Se Productions

Pro Se Presents #3, ‘The Hunter Island Adventure’ by Wayne Reinagel-Pro Se Productions

How The West Was Weird II by Jim Rugg-Pulpwork Press

Mars McCoy, Space Ranger by Chad Hardin-Airship 27 Productions

Strange Gods of the Dire Planet by MD Jackson-Pulpwork Press

These Trespasses by Philip R. Rogers-Post Mortem Press

The Halloween Legion by Danny Kelly-Wildcat Books

Blackthorn: Thunder on Mars by James Burns-White Rocket Books

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage: Desert Demons by Joe DeVito-Altus Press

The Avenger: The Justice Inc. Files by E.M. Gist-Moonstone

Creeping Dawn: Rise of the Black Centipede by David Russell-Pro Se Productions

Mystery Men and Women Volume 2 by Mike Fyles-Airship 27 Productions

The Damned Thing by Jason Levesque-Wildcat Books

Arron of the Black Forest: The Haunting of Dragon’s Cliff- by Keith Birdsong-Arron of the Black Forest Partnership

Dreams of Steam II: Brass and Bolts by Darrell Osborn-Kerlak Publishing

Best Interior Art Nominees

Blackthorn:  Thunder on Mars-Chris Kohler-White Rocket Books

The Rook Volume Six –Anthony Castrillo-Pro Se Productions

Yesteryear-Pete Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Robin Hood: Arrow of Justice-Rob Davis

Challenger Storm: Isle of Blood-Wm. Kaluta-Airship 27 Productions

The Damned Thing-Kevin Duncan-Wildcat Books

Lance Star Sky Ranger, Volume 3-Shannon Hall-Airship 27 Productions

Sentinels: Stellarax-Chris Kohler-White Rocket Books

The Adventures of Lazarus Gray-George Sellas-Pro Se Productions

Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Volume 3-Rob Davis-Airship 27 Productions

Creeping Dawn: The Rise of the Black Centipede-Pete Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Green Lama: Case of the Final Column-Mike Fyles-Altus Press

The Hunter Island Adventure-Wayne Reinagel-Pro Se Productions

The Silver Pentacle-Peter Cooper-Pro Se Productions

Best Pulp Related Comic Nominees

Green Hornet Year One-Dynamite

Domino Lady Vs. The Mummy-Moonstone

All-Star Pulp Comics #1-Airship 27 Productions

Warlord of Mars-Dynamite Comics

Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science-Red 5 Comics

Beware…The Frog Men from Neptune!-215Ink Comics

Mystery Men-Marvel Comics

The Lone Ranger-Dynamite Comics

The Spirit-DC Comics

Vic Boone-215Ink Comics

Kolchak The Night Stalker-Moonstone

Best Pulp Magazine Nominees

Startling Stories- Wildcat Books

Pro Se Presents-Pro Se Productions

Dark Worlds –Rage Machine Press

Best Pulp Revival Nominees

Green Hornet Year One-Dynamite Comics

More Tales of Zorro-Moonstone

Return of the Monsters-Moonstone

The Wild Adventures of Doc Savage: Desert Demons-Altus Press

 Jim Anthony-Mark of Terror -Airship 27 Productions

The Return of The Originals-Moonstone

Best New Character Nominees

Dr. Dusk created by Mike Bullock

John Blackthorn created by Van Plexico

Hairy Khetar created by Teel James Glenn

Nicholas Saint created by Tommy Hancock

Damballa created by Charles Saunders

Dock Doyle created by Adam Garcia

Misty Johnson created by R. P. Steeves

Doc Thunder created by Thomas Deja

Vic Boone created by Shawn Aldridge

Jeremiah Courage created by Jeff Melton

Violet Cambridge created by Barry Reese

Challenger Storm created by Don Gates

Red Badge created by Mark Halegua

The Black Centipede created by Chuck Miller

Elisa Hill, The Myth Hunter created by Percival Constantine

The Impostor created by Richard Lee Byers

Bubba the Monster Hunter created by John G. Hartness

Arron of the Black Forest crated by Phil Athans and Mel Odom

Best Author Nominees

Tommy Hancock

Howard Hopkins

I.A. Watson

Nancy Hansen

Teel James Glenn

Kevin Hearne

Joshua Reynolds

Derrick Ferguson

Martin Powell

Van Plexico

Ed Brubaker

Barry Reese

William Preston

Adam Garcia

Wayne Reinagel

Richard Lee Byers

John G. Hartness

Allan Gilbreath

Paul Bishop

Percival Constantine

Best New Writer Nominees

Danny Wall

Mark S. Halegua

MD Perkins

Don Gates

R.P. Steeves

Sean Taylor

Shannon Hall

Jeff Melton

Chuck Miller


Dynamite To Reprint Howard Chaykin’s The Shadow

The Shadow: Blood And Judgement by Howard Chaykin was originally published by DC Comics in the eighties around the same time as other gritty takes on characters in comics such as Watchmen and The Dark Knight. This story was last collected in 1991.

Now, twenty-one years later, Dynamite – the current license holders of The Shadow – is bringing Howard Chaykin’s The Shadow: Blood and Judgement back into print.

Dynamite has gathered a bunch of quotes regarding the series from some comic book professionals…

“Not since Walter Gibson has anyone been better suited to The Shadow than Howard Chaykin” – Mark Waid

“This is my all-time favorite Howard Chaykin comic book. This is him at the tip-tip-top of his game and, yeah I’ll say it, the best Shadow story ever published!” – Brian Michael Bendis

“IT’S TIME TO GET OFFENDED AGAIN. Welcome back, Mr. Cranston. Welcome back, Mr. Chaykin… we need you both now more than ever. Who knew that underneath all the cocaine, black marble, and rayon that the Eighties had a heart of pulp? As always, Chaykin — and the Shadow — knows…” -Matt Fraction

“Chaykin at his ballsiest and most dynamic. This is how the Shadow should be done.” – Jason Aaron

“Chaykin’s Shadow is a modern legend at his best.” – Rick Remender

“Sharply written, uber-stylish and dead sexy. Yes, Chaykin made The Shadow sexy!” – John Cassaday

“Howard Chaykin was one of the few who dared to make mainstream comics different back in the eighties; it was guys like him, Alan Moore and Frank Miller who made sure there’d be no going back. Howard’s work on The Shadow is amongst his very best: razor-sharp character work, sizzling dialogue and an unsurpassed sense of layout and design.” – Garth Ennis

“The reintroduction of The Shadow in the 1980s in Howard Chaykin’s mini-series was one of the most striking comics of the era. A bold, violent, and modern vision combined with the original caped hero archetype captivated me as a reader.” – Alex Ross

“A comically insolent and graphically innovative re-invention of the grandfather of the superhero.” -Warren Ellis

“There are many reasons to consider Howard Chaykin a comic visionary. This is one of them.” – Brian Azzarello

“The iconic 80s miniseries is back. Some creators use noir themes and images as though they’re throwing them into a shopping basket. Chaykin makes them look as though they didn’t even exist until he came along.” – Mike Carey

“Who knows how to write and draw great suspense, action, and characters that literally pop off the page? THE CHAYKIN KNOWS — HAHAHAHAHA!!!” – Peter J. Tomasi

“Sex, money, intrigue, betrayal, revenge. This is Chaykin. Try to keep up.” – Andy Diggle

“Bloody, brutal, vital and violent, with a striking sense of energy and a huge amount of style on every kinetic page. Howard Chaykin transference of The Shadow from its pulp roots to the comic book gold rush era of 1987 is a gem. It’s good to see it back in print.” – Rob Williams

“My favorite comic growing up in the eighties was THE SHADOW. Howard Chaykin’s Shadow was a breath of fresh air to me and I gobbled up every frame of that miniseries. Chaykin didn’t go onto the regular series when it launched, leaving me to look around for other comics Chaykin had done.” – Aintitcoolnews.com

You can learn more about Dynamite Entertinament at http://www.dynamite.net/.

Thanks to Bleeding Cool for the scans of the original comics below. Click on images for a larger view.

The Point Radio: How Far Will SHAMELESS Go?

There is no doubt that the Showtime series is outrageous, but how far is TOO far? We talk to the cast about where they draw the line – plus Kevin Smith is headed to AMC and DC Comics brings us back to Earth Two.

The Point Radio is on the air right now – 24 hours a day of pop culture fun for FREE. GO HERE and LISTEN FREE on any computer or mobile device– and please check us out on Facebook right here & toss us a “like” or follow us on Twitter @ThePointRadio.

Justice League: Doom to Debut at the Paley Center for Media in February

Warner Home Video, MTV Geek and The Paley Center for Media proudly present the World Premiere of Justice League: Doom, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, in New York on February 13, 2012. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will attend the event for red carpet media interviews and a post-screening panel discussion.

A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public. Fans in the New York City area wishing to receive free tickets to the NY event on Feb. 13 must RSVP via email to JLDoomNY@yahoo.com. Email RSVPs should include the fan’s first and last name, and a valid email address.

Tickets to the event will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis. MTV Geek will also be giving away special seating for the event.

Justice League: Doom finds Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Batman on their heels when a team of super villains discover and implement the Dark Knight’s “contingency plans” for stopping any rogue Justice League member. The story is inspired by Mark Waid and Howard Porter’s much-heralded JLA: Tower of Babel.

The film features the voices of Nathan Fillion (Castle) as Green Lantern, Tim Daly (Private Practice) as Superman, and a grand reunion of actors who provided the voices of the Justice League for the cartoon of the same name and its follow-up, Justice League Unlimited, including Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) as Batman, Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Breaking In) as Flash, Susan Eisenberg (Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) as Wonder Woman and Carl Lumbly (Alias) as J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter. Bumper Robinson (A Different World, Transformers: Animated) joins the cast as Cyborg. The cast features three villainous alumni of the Justice League animated series: Phil Morris (Smallville, Seinfeld) as Vandal Savage, Olivia d’Abo (The Wonder Years) as Star Sapphire, and Alexis Denisof (Angel) as Mirror Master. Also opposing our heroes are Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911) as Bane, Paul Blackthorne (The Dresden Files) as Metallo, and Claudia Black (Farscape, Stargate SG-1) as Cheetah. David Kaufman (Danny Phantom) also reprises his Justice League role of Jimmy Olsen.

The filmmaking team includes executive producer by Bruce Timm, director Lauren Montgomery, producer Alan Burnett and dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano. Justice League: Doom is the final DC Universe film script from the late Dwayne McDuffie.

Voice cast members and filmmakers will be announced as confirmed for the event. The Paley Center for Media is located at 25 West 52nd Street, New York, NY.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new Justice League: Doom arrives February 28, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download. Both the Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and DVD will include an UltraViiolet™ Digital Copy.

 

 

Justice League: Doom Coming in February

BURBANK, CA (Dec 12, 2011) – Earth’s greatest super heroes face foes on all fronts – using a plan initiated from within – in the all-new Justice League: Doom, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives February 28, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Download. Both the Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and DVD will include an UltraViiolet™ Digital Copy,

Justice League: Doom finds Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Batman on their heels when a team of super villains discover and implement the Dark Knight’s “contingency plans” for stopping any rogue Justice League member. The story is inspired by Mark Waid’s much-heralded “JLA: Tower of Babel.”

 

Primetime television stars Nathan Fillion (Castle) and Tim Daly (Private Practice), the reigning voices of Green Lantern and Superman, respectively, join a group of eight actors reprising their famed Justice League cartoon roles. Fillion made his debut as Green Lantern/Hal Jordan in the recent Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, and took his initial DC Universe movie bow as the voice of Steve Trevor in the 2008 hit Wonder Woman. Daly originated his role as Superman’s voice in the landmark cartoon, Superman: The Animated Series. He has reprised the role in two DC Universe films: the 2009 extravaganza Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and the 2010 thriller Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.

The grand reunion of actors who provided the voices of the Justice League for the cartoon of the same name and its follow-up, Justice League Unlimited, includes Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) as Batman, Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville, Breaking In) as Flash, Susan Eisenberg (Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) as Wonder Woman and Carl Lumbly (Alias) as J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter. Bumper Robinson (A Different World, Transformers: Animated) joins the cast as Cyborg.

The Justice League faces two sets of villainous teams in the film – The Royal Flush Gang and a sextet of notable evildoers. The latter group includes three voice acting alumni of the Justice League animated series: Phil Morris (Smallville, Seinfeld) as Vandal Savage, Olivia d’Abo (The Wonder Years) as Star Sapphire, and Alexis Denisof (Angel) as Mirror Master. Also opposing our heroes are Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911) as Bane, Paul Blackthorne (The Dresden Files) as Metallo, and Claudia Black (Farscape, Stargate SG-1) as Cheetah.

David Kaufman (Danny Phantom) also reprises his Justice League role of Jimmy Olsen.

The film is executive produced by Bruce Timm (Batman: Year One), and directed by Lauren Montgomery (Batman: Year One), who is also credited as producer alongside Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series). Justice League: Doom is the final DC Universe film script from the late Dwayne McDuffie (All-Star Superman, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths), who passed away in February 2011. Casting and dialogue direction is once again in the capable hands of Andrea Romano (Batman: Year One, Justice League).

Justice League: Doom has all the classic ingredients of a great super hero film – a cavalcade of dynamic villains, internal strife amongst our heroes, treacherous twists and turns, and a cast that brings together some of today’s popular primetime television actors with many of the fans’ favorite voices from the original series,” said Hersin Magante, Warner Home Video Marketing Director, Family & Animation. “I think fans will embrace Dwayne’s McDuffie’s final DCU script, particularly as it has been nuanced by Bruce Timm and the Warner Bros. Animation team. Warner Home Video is proud to distribute Justice League: Doom as the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie.” (more…)

Britain’s Commando Comics Celebrates 50 Years!

Britain’s favourite war comic, Commando, reached a major milestone in June 2011 when it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first publication on 27th June 1961. Part of the Dundee-based DC Thomson & Co. Ltd stable of comics and magazines, Commando publishes 4 stories every fortnight — 2 new and 2 re-issued classic stories — and maintains its place as the home of comic action and adventure.Although it retains the classic illustrated cover and the iconic black and white comic artwork which has made it so beloved of the UK public, Commando has moved with the times over its 50 years and the stories contained within its pages now span a range of conflicts, right up to the first Gulf War in the early 1990s. Commando’s current editor, Calum Laird, who took over in 2007 said, “As someone who read Commando in the 60s and 70s, worked on the title as a junior member of staff in the 80s and 90s, and became editor in the 2000s, sitting in the hot seat for the 50th birthday is a great honour. Not everyone can have my career path but if Commando can entertain others as well as it did me, I’ll be very happy indeed!”

Visitors to the website (www.commandocomics.com) can also get their hands on some famous Commando cover posters (in A1 size format), exclusively, for the introductory price of £19.99. This September will also see a brand new collaboration for Commando, with the launch of the “Draw Your Weapons” exhibition – celebrating the iconic artwork from 50 years of the comic – at the National Army Museum in London. The exhibition will open on 1st September and Calum commented, “Everyone is delighted that this major exhibition of Commando artwork is to be hosted by the National Army Museum, as one of the key activities of our 50th anniversary celebrations. We’re sure that fans of Commando old and new, will revel in this display of comic art at its best, exhibited so dynamically by the National Army Museum.

Commando No 4447 Colours Of Courage

The proudest possessions of any regiment are its colours — the flags which it carries into battle. Its history is recorded on these colours, the victories it has won.
A regiment guards its colours fiercely. To have them captured by the enemy is a terrible thing. But when a man hands over the colours to save his own skin it is a disgrace that brave soldiers can hardly bear think about.

Introduction by Calum Laird, Commando Editor

If there are two things difficult to get right in a Commando they are French Resistance stories and ghosts. Resistance stories could easily be 63 pages of skulking about avoiding searching German soldiers and ghosts could easily look like normal characters drawn without enough ink.
Thanks to ace story-teller Cyril Walker, Colours Of Courage cracks along with plenty of action to break up the tension. And Arthur Fleming — an art teacher from Glasgow — manages to skilfully depict a glowing figure despite only having black ink and white paper to work with.
Wrapped in one of Ian Kennedy’s superbly drawn and laid-out covers it’s got all it needs for a cracking Commando.

Colours Of Courage, originally Commando No 1182 (December 1977), re-issued as No 2412 (October 1990)

Story: Cyril Walker
Art: Arthur Fleming
Cover Art: Ian Kennedy

Commando No 4448
The Four Scars

Corporal Bill Kirk felt the tiny life-raft rock lazily as the Jap struggled aboard. Both turned to look at the sinking Jap prison-ship they’d been on — Bill a prisoner, the Jap a guard. Then they turned back, to look at each other; and what that Jap read in Bill Kirk’s eyes made him start back in fear.
But there was no escape for him. With only the vast empty ocean and the sharks circling the raft for witnesses, they grappled in a fight to the finish.

Introduction by Calum Laird, Commando Editor

I’ve mentioned before that I my childhood Commando issues at the back of the garage a few years ago. Some I had to look at again to refresh my memory, but not this one. I don’t know how many times I read and re-read this in the 60s but it must have been a lot because I had almost total recall.
Ken Barr’s cover with its ethereal hand hovering over the action, Victor de la Fuente’s action-packed, high-energy inside art and Eric Hebden’s crackerjack of a story with its startling twist were just what the doctor ordered in 1965…and are equally so today. I think so anyway and I hope you’ll agree.
As an aside, Ken Barr used a sheet of transparent plastic sheet with the outline of the hand painted on it to get that ghostly effect. I certainly didn’t know that in 1965.

The Four Scars, originally Commando No 185 (October 1965), re-issued as No 831 (April 1974)

Story: Eric Hebden
Art: Victor de la Fuente
Cover Art: Ken Barr

Commando 4449
Days Of Danger

Simon Katz was a young German and a fervent anti-Nazi. A brilliant mathematician, he escaped Germany by the skin of his teeth and went to work as a code-breaker for the British.
Not long after, Sergeant Barney Taft also made an escape – from the bullet-strafed beaches of Dunkirk.
Though they were on the same side, when circumstances threw the pair together, they clashed bitterly. But could they manage to work together against a ruthless enemy? They would have to if they were to survive.

Story: Stephen Walsh
Art: Vila
Cover Art: Nicholas Forder

Commando No 4450
The Nightmare War

Private Franz Bauer, a German Army engineer wounded during the invasion of France, was haunted by the deaths of his comrades in the same battle — wiped out by a mine. When he recovered he threw himself into his new job developing the remote-controlled Borgward IV demolition vehicle, hoping it might save other German lives.
His chance to save thousands of lives would come, but he would be working alongside an unlikely ally — someone who had nightmares every bit as bad as Franz’s.

Story: Mac MacDonald
Art: Keith Page
Cover Art: Keith Page

Fortress of Solitude Print Lauches Mondo/DC Comics Poster Series

Austin, TX— Wednesday, November 23, 2011 — Mondo, the collectible art boutique arm of Alamo Drafthouse, is pleased to announce its new licensed poster series for DC Comics.  The first poster in this epic lineup will be Superman’s “Fortress of Solitude” on sale Black Friday (November 25, 2011) at http://www.mondotees.com. Follow Mondo on Twitter (@MondoNews) for exact sale time.

FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE

Artist: JC Richard
Size: 12×32
Edition: 390
Price: $50

The DC Comics series, in partnership with Sideshow Collectibles, will encompass both comics and films as Mondo artists tackle some of the most iconic characters of all time.  “We wanted to kick off the DC Comics series with an art print from arguably the most famous character ever, but in a unique way which focuses on the iconic Fortress of Solitude,” said Mondo’s Creative Director Justin Ishmael.

“This marks the second time we’ve worked with artist JC Richard, who wowed us all with the subtle beauty of a lost world in his Jurassic Park print; and he again knocks it out of the park with a stunning vision of Superman’s lair,” said Mondo’s Mitch Putnam.

Dynamite Entertainment’s Pulp Offerings for February 2012

Dynamite Entertainment has released their solicitations for February 2012. These titles are available for preorder now from your favorite comic book retailer.


THE LONE RANGER #1

de-lrv201-1819481

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.

de-flashgordon3-6338630

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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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).

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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!

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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

To learn more about Dynamite Entertainment, please visit www.dynamite.net.THE LONE RANGER: DEATH OF ZORRO TPB SEAL TEAM SIX: THE NOVEL QUEEN SONJA #27 RED SONJA: RAVEN RED SONJA #66 ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #7 (OF 12) GREEN HORNET #24 WARLORD OF MARS ANNUAL #1 WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS #11 WARLORD OF MARS #16 KEVIN SMITH – THE BIONIC MAN #6 DARK SHADOWS #4 LORD OF THE JUNGLE #2 FLASH GORDON – ZEITGEIST #3

DC Comics February 2012 Solicitations

batrobin06cover-292x450-3363422We hold in our hands the covers for DC Comics this February. As a child of four can plainly see, these comics have been hermetically sealed in a CGC 9.9 slab, and they’ve been kept in a #2 mayonnaise jar under a giant stack of returned copies of Holy Terror since noon today.

What do we have worth noting? The new look of Darkseid, and we’re far enough into the new 52 books that it’s time for Batman to start crossing over in all of them. Plus Mara Jade, the red-haired assassin who fell in love with her blond-haired man she was sent to kill– oh, I’m sorry, that’s from Star Wars. This is Mera in a jade outfit. Our mistake.

Shall we? Surely!

As usual, spoilers may lurk beyond this point.

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