Dave Cockrum Passes Away (Posted 11/29/2006)
A very, very sad time for all X-Men fans - Dave Cockrum, the man who created Nightcrawler, passed away on Sunday from diabetes and the complications that go along with the disease. He was 63.
Those wishing to send messages to Paty Cockrum (Dave’s wife) are asked to e-mail them to: magnetorampant@yahoo.com.
New Layout (Posted 11/26/2006)
A new layout has been uploaded to Curious Finds this evening, plus I’ve done some random site tweaking. This is the fifth (I think, maybe sixth) version of Curious Finds.
Red Sonja #19 - Celebrating 35 Years. (Posted 11/13/2006)
Dynamite Entertainment releases images and information concerning RED SONJA #19 and their commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the character’s first appearance in comics! Red Sonja #19 is written by series writer Michael Avon Oeming who is joined by interior artist Homs, the Dynamite fan favorite artist of the Red Sonja: Queen of the Frozen Wastes mini-series! Scheduled for a January release, Red Sonja #19 will feature a showcase of covers by Sean Chen, Kevin Nolan, and DYNAMITE artists Adriano Batista and Homs! Additionally, fans should be on the lookout for a foil cover featuring all-new art from the legendary Frank Brunner!
About the anniversary release, DYNAMITE states, “To have the opportunity to provide the world with an icon as enduring and as fascinating as Red Sonja month after month is an absolute honor for us here at Dynamite. From her first comic book appearance 35 years ago in Conan the Barbarian #23 (Marvel Comics) to her latest Dynamite challenge against Kulan Gath, Red Sonja’s adventures have captivated readers, and her fan base remains ever-growing. Beauty, bravery, swords and sorcery are all components of the She-Devil with Sword’s appeal, but at the very core of her success is the carefully structured work of ideological visionaries such as Roy Thomas who worked with dedication, determination and tradition to the original imaginings of her creator Robert E. Howard. The significance of a character like Red Sonja is also apparent in the list of legendary talents that have had a hand in producing her fantasy adventures- Roy Thomas, Dick Giordano and Neal Adams, to name a few.
“As a credit to Red Sonja’s importance and tradition, it’s been our pleasure to invite superstar creators such as Alex Ross, Michael Turner and Jim Lee as well as the many great artists who have leant a hand in presenting her latest challenges. Artists such as Mel Rubi, Steve Sadowski and Lee Moder have also had a very important part in continuing Red Sonja’s ongoing success, as did co-writer Mike Carey on issues’ #0 - #6. Of course, when it comes to Red Sonja’s Dynamite adventures, we have to offer a special anniversary thank you to writer Michael Avon Oeming, who has scripted Sonja’s adventures from issue #0 (2005). His storytelling skills have made him into a contemporary legend when it comes to fantasy writing, and he has been a corner stone to She-Devil with Sword’s current success.
“After the senses-shattering conclusion to The Return of Kulan Gath, it’s apparent that Michael Avon Oeming has had a grand design for Red Sonja and the Hyborian Age from the very beginning. The aftermath of The Return of Kulan Gath has the world in the grasp of the evil Kulan Gath (after all, the story was called the “Return” of Kulan Gath) and now a new world of challenges for the She-Devil with Sword has begun! The Animals storyline should have fans especially excited- not only does it contain more than the usual amount of swords, sorcery and monsters, but the interiors are being illustrated by Homs, the sensational new artist from Frank Cho’s Red Sonja: Queen of the Frozen Wastes mini-series! Praise for Homs’s debut on the mini-series was outstanding and well deserved. Also, kicking off Red Sonja’s next big adventure is an out of this world line up of cover artists- joining Homs on covers is another Dynamite artist Adriano Batista, as well as Sean Chen and Kevin Nolan!”
Red Sonja #18 Hits Stores in December (Posted )
Dynamite Entertainment releases images and information today concerning RED SONJA #18. The issue will feature covers by series artist Mel Rubi, Gene Ha, Aaron Lopresti and Lee Moder.
About the release, Dynamite states: “It’s all been building up to this- the battle royal of the Hyborian Age that may usher in the reign of Kulan Gath! Our creative team has put it all on the line for this one, and the sacrifices and outcome will resonate throughout all of Hyboria! From the very beginning, Michael Avon Oeming has orchestrated Red Sonja’s adventures masterfully, moving everything and everyone into place for this senses-shattering showdown, thus proving that he will stand among the great writers of fantasy! Once again, bringing Oeming’s craft to life is series artist Mel Rubi, who has been incomparable throughout (with Steve Sadowski on flashbacks in previous issues.) And to top off this special event, Mel is joined by Aaron Lopresti, Gene Ha and Lee Moder for the covers this month.”
RED SONJA #18
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL AVON OEMING
ART BY MEL RUBI
COVERS BY: GENE (Authority) HA
AARON (Planet Hulk) LOPRESTI
MEL RUBI
LEE MODER
THIS IS IT! THE WORLD AS YOU KNOW IT CHANGES HERE — The Grand Finale to the historic showdown! The villainy of Kulan Gath is revealed in the final issue of our most ambitious story arc as THE RETURN OF KULAN GATH concludes…
This issue - “Sacrifice for a God” — reveals what the series has been leading up to and sends Sonja and her companions on a new quest, a quest to save the very world! But when you see where they end up, it’s going to be a long road home!
Red Sonja Bust (Posted )
Dynamite Entertainment releases images and information today showcasing the premiere of the Dynamite Select: Gabriele Dell’Otto’s Red Sonja Bust (NOV063456). Based on Gabriele Dell’Otto’s painted cover to Red Sonja #3, this 6″ tall rendition of the She-Devil with a Sword was crafted by the talented hands of sculptor Shawn Nagle, who has produced pieces for Marvel, Toybiz, Diamond and Neca. Additionally, the item was painted by the artist Gabriele Dell’Otto, with additional paints as well by Tom and Joy Snyder of Joy & Tom Studios.
Dynamite stated, “Shawn Nagle has produced some of the greatest comic and cinema characters of all time. Whether it’s alien action figures or super hero statues, all of Shawn’s sculpted works are incredibly meticulous- and his dynamite rendition of Gabriele Dell’Otto’s painted cover of Red Sonja #3 is no exception. Gabriele’s painted cover for Red Sonja #3 demonstrates the more dramatic and introspective tone of Red Sonja, and Shawn has sculpted that solemn nature flawlessly. Additionally, to keep the piece true to form, Gabriele, as well as Joy and Tom Snyder at Joy & Tom Studios, had a hand painting this amazing work of art. This many talented artists contributing to one piece is a prime demonstration of how significant Red Sonja is the fantasy genre and the lengths we are willing to go to provide that importance.”
Bust ships in April
Red Sonja Annual in December (Posted )
With the comic heroine’s 35th Anniversary of her first comic appearance from Conan #23 in January, Dynamite Entertainment ends the year with a bang by releasing images and information today showcasing RED SONJA: SHE-DEVIL WITH A SWORD ANNUAL #1. The first Red Sonja annual features an all-new tale of the Hyborian Age written by series writer Michael Avon Oeming, and art by regular series “flashback” artist Stephen Sadowski. To celebrate the She-Devil with a Sword’s first annual, regular series artist Mel Rubi and Dynamite fan favorite Stjephan Sejic join Steve Sadowski for a trio of covers!
About the release, DYNAMITE stated: “For our She-Devil with a Sword’s first annual, Michael Avon Oeming has scripted a tale of legendary significance- a story that is a perfect indication of how important the “idea” of Red Sonja is in the Hyborian Age. Moreover, having the artistic talents of Steven Sadowski illustrates the true magnitude of the tale! Steven has provided the stunning flashback scenes for The Return of Kulan Guth story arc in Red Sonja’s regular series, so not only is he familiar with Red Sonja’s adventures, but he has been an instrumental part in recounting her mythos as well. The Annual also contains a back-up feature showcasing Red Sonja’s previous adventures in the classic Marvel series.”
RED SONJA: SHE-DEVIL WITH A SWORD ANNUAL #1
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL AVON OEMING
ART BY STEPHEN SADOWSKI
COVERS BY: STJEPHAN SEJIC (50%)
STEPHEN SADOWSKI (25%)
MEL RUBI (25%)
Our First Red Sonja Annual featuring series writer Michael Avon Oeming along with Red Sonja “flashback” artist Stephen Sadowski!
In “Masks” the legend of Red Sonja is told from a different perspective as a mask maker enters a small village to present the wife of a brothel owner with a special mask to unleash the she-devil within. Plus: DYNAMITE presents a special 8 page guide to the world of Red Sonja, including a complete overview of her previous and legendary Marvel comic book series!
This special annual also features three all-new covers: Stjephan Sejic, Stephen Sadowski and regular Sonja artist Mel Rubi!
Shi/Lady Death X-Over (Posted )
Shi is joining Lady Death for a cross-over, the Preview issue was solicited in July ‘06, and had several covers (most of which can be seen at Comic Candy), here is a brief description of the issue:
Lady Death / Shi is the cross-over fans have been demanding for 10 years and it is finally here as two of comics most infamous warriors meet in an epic clash! The battle will be remembered in Heaven and Hell as Lady Death/Shi hits comics stores with Lady Death creator Brian Pulido and Shi creator Billy Tucci at the helm and featuring the stunning art of Juan Jose Ryp! Pulido tells a hard-hitting tale that will soak the streets of Feudal Japan in blood and this special Preview will give you a look at the epic in the making with story pages, sketches, and more!
As well as the standard cover by Tucci, this issue is available with a cover by series artist Juan Jose Ryp and a special Premium cover by fan-favorite Matt Martin!
Lady Death Wallpaper (Posted )
Brand new Lady Death wallpapers have been posted to Wallpaper Junkie (my wallpaper gallery), as well as tons of new images of the undead goddess at Comic Candy.
Be sure to check them out.
Some Liberty Meadows Goodness (Posted )
A new Liberty Meadows art book (and more) arrive in August
This August, Frank Cho and Image Comics are bringing a whole lot of Brandy for their fans. It all kicks off with LIBERTY MEADOWS: COVER GIRL, a 128-page full-color hardcover that will retail for $24.99.
For the first time, every single one of Frank Cho’s covers for LIBERTY MEADOWS - from the single issues to the trade paperbacks - and then some - is collected in one deluxe hardcover! “I’m pretty excited about this book,” says Cho. “It’s great to have all my Liberty Meadows covers and pin-ups in one fat volume since even I’m missing some of the early issues.”
LIBERTY MEADOWS: COVER GIRL features an all-new cover, plus a behind- the-scenes look at the development of some of your favorite images of Brandy and the gang, from rough sketch to full color. “People will be amazed how much color adds to the art,” added Cho. “Brett Evans has been doing amazing color jobs on my covers for years.”
Need more Brandy? Fans will be treated to the first-ever LIBERTY MEADOWS t-shirt offered by Image Comics, featuring Brandy in a cheerleaders uniform along with fan-favorites Ralph & Leslie.
Plus, to make sure all the adventures of Brandy and the crew from LIBERTY MEADOWS are readily available, Image Comics is going back to press on LIBERTY MEADOWS, BOOK 3: SUMMER OF LOVE TP. This collection of issues #19-27 features completely re-mastered and uncensored strips, plus extensive sketch and illustration sections.
LIBERTY MEADOWS: COVER GIRL HC (JUN061687) is a 128-page full-color hardcover retailing for $24.99.
LIBERTY MEADOWS, BOOK 3: SUMMER OF LOVE TP (NEW PRINTING, JUN061689) is a 144-page black and white softcover retailing for $14.99
The LIBERTY MEADOWS T-SHIRT is available in five sizes - Small (JUN061699), Medium (JUN061700), Large (JUN061701), XL (JUN061702) and XXL (JUN061703). S-XL $16.99, XXL - $17.99.
All items are available for pre-order now in the current issue of Previews (Vol. XVI, #6)
Visit www.imagecomics.com for more information.
Kabuki Updates (Posted )
According to Marvel.com, the release date for Kabuki: The Alchemy #8 has been moved from November 22 to December 27.
In other news, work on the upcoming Tigerlily bust is under way. Can’t wait for it!
Rat Quote (Posted )
And the Rat Quote of the Day Is….
“No, that’s a lot of work, and I just don’t feel like it.”