Tag: Dynamite

New KILLER INSTINCT comic series is set for page turning combos

Dynamite Entertainment and Double Helix Studios are set in teaming up, to bring the classic fighting game franchise Killer Instinct, into comics.

Killer Instinct was a quite popular video game franchise released in 1994,  during the golden age of competitive martial arts based fighting games. The arcade classic was originally developed by Rare and published by Midway and Nintendo. Its sequel, Killer Instinct 2, arrived in 1996. After a long absence, a reboot developed, from Double Helix Games and published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox 360, released in 2013. Since then, Killer Instinct has sustained its fandom and a special spot for many gamers, especially with the new KH: Definitive Edition on the Xbox One.

Now, the Killer Instinct story mythos shall come to the comic pages, written by New York Times best-selling author, and multi Eisner-award nominee Ian Edington (2000AD., Batman) with art by Cam Adams (Fallout World).

The Shadow Lord Gargos has been defeated, but the battle to save humankind from his Astral invasion has taken a terrible toll on the Earth. Our world lies in ruin, and a sinister new power called the Coven has risen from the ashes, vying with the megacorporation Ultratech to rule the shattered nations. The heroes Kim Wu and Jago-their Astral powers weakened by their devastating war against Gargos-must band together with the scattered remnants of the Night Guard to forge a pathway into the Astral Plane. Here, in the birthplace of The Shadow Lord and The Guardians, festers the secret malevolence that threatens to destroy them all…and enslave the world forever.

Writer Ian Edington said, “Killer Instinct has a colorful and diverse cast of characters, each with their own rich back-stories and with plenty more tales to tell. The Killer Instinct pantheon effectively comprises a superhero universe and it’s hard not to get overwhelmed with the wealth of riches there is to work with. I’ve taken a dozen or so characters – Kim-Wu, Jago, Aganos, Tusk, Aganos, Kan-ra, etc, and built a story around them that’s self-contained but can springboard into other series if need be. I’ve structured it to appeal to die-hard Ki fans and those coming to it cold. You won’t need any foreknowledge of the game to enjoy it. Likewise, there will be plenty of nods and easter eggs to the game for Killer Instinct fans.  I’ve had a huge amount of fun writing this series. It’s a fantastic world to be permitted to play around in.”

The debut issue of Killer Instinct features a wide selection of cover variants, providing fans and retailers with the freedom of choice! The cover artwork features the talents of Yildiray Cinar (Teen Titans), Jonathan Lau (Red Sonja), interior artist Cam Adams, and Udon (Stree Fighter), respectively. Limited variant editions in “Black & White” and “Virgin” formats are also available as retailer incentives for comic shops that support the launch issue by achieving stocking thresholds.

Killer Instinct #1 swings into comic stores and various popular digital platforms, on September 13th. 

COVER GALLERY BELOW:

 

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, swings back into action this summer

Later this summer, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle will swing back into action with a new ongoing series.

Dynamite Entertainment will lead on with her new comic series, written by GLAAD-Nominated, New York Times best-seller Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman, Animosity) and newcomer Christina Trujilo, with illustrations by Moritat (Hellblazer, Teen Titans).

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, was the first female character in comics to carry her own dedicated series beginning in 1937. Created by industry legends Will Eisner and S. M. “Jerry” Iger, this groundbreaking character saw 167 issues over the span of two decades.

In this riveting relaunch, Sheena proves her prowess as the guardian of the jungle as she pursues a mysterious invader that has come to spy on the Amazon’s most ancient secrets. Following the path of the trespasser, she encounters a forbidden ruin in which even more deadly dangers lie in wait — and begins an adventure that will take her beyond her wildest imaginings!

SEE BELOW FOR PREVIEW AND COVER GALLERY

Writer Marguerite Bennett says, “Our story is glorious golden age pulp — high adventure, quick wit, ancient mysteries, and daring dames — clashing with the perils of two worlds: one, the modern world come to conquer, and one, a world of dark supernatural mystery long forgotten, awoken to anger once more. This is a fast paced, action packed kick off to more exciting adventures for Sheena!”

Co-writer Christina Trujillo adds, “Sheena is strong, brave, and willing to bend the rules in order to do her duty and keep her home safe. I think fans will enjoy having Sheena as a guide while they unravel the mysteries of the forest.”

The first issue will have multiple covers (see below) by J. Scott Campbell, Ryan Sook, cover artist Moritat, and Carli Ihde. Additional limited variant editions including “Black and White,” “Virgin,” and J. Scott Campbell’s “Jungle Green,” are also possible as retailer incentives. Ask your local comic store dealer for order info.

Sheena #1 swings into comic stores and various digital platforms, on September 6th. 

 

UNDISPUTED STREET FIGHTER, new behind the game series book coming

Dynamite Entertainment announces the next volume in its Video Game Icons series, Undisputed Street Fighter: The Art and Innovation Behind the Game-Changing Series, written by Steve Hendershot and edited by Tim Lapetino, in cooperation with Capcom Entertainment.

This new book coming celebrates 30 years of the beloved fighting game franchise, with a retrospective delving into the art, design, gameplay, and storytelling behind Street Fighter, as well as the series’ impact on popular culture and game design. Over 300 pages will feature in-depth interviews and exclusive, behind-the-scenes looks into the making of the Street Fighter games while featuring some of the iconic art, design, and imagery from across the Street Fighter universe.

(see preview below)

Undisputed Street Fighter is the third book in the Video Game Icons series, after the popular release of Art of Atari and Art of Atari Poster Collection. Writer Steve Hendershot is an award-winning Chicago journalist and the editorial director of MOVA, the Museum of Video Game Art.  Editor Tim Lapetino is the Series Editor for Dynamite’s exclusive line of books, Video Game Icons, and the Executive Director of MOVA, the Museum of Video Game Art.

Undisputed Street Fighter will be available in major bookstore chains, online booksellers, and independent bookstores and to consumers through the comic book specialty market. Also, this book will be available through digital format platforms: Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital. Release date to be announced, check with Dynamite and Capcom sites (or your local book retailer) in the near future for more info.

 

New CENTIPEDE comic series based on Atari classic game, set to invade

Dynamite Entertainment in partnership with Atari, recently announced Centipede, a new comic book series based on the game classic of the same name.

Centipede #1 will launch in July, with writer Max Bemis (Worst X-Man Ever, Foolkiller) and artist Eoin Marron (Sons of Anarchy: Redwood Original) at the controls. The new series aims for a mix of sci-Fi, horror, and action; fans of Aliens, The Thing, and Predator.

The story of which will follow and expand upon the original game: When a terrifying creature from beyond the stars attacks his planet, protagonist Dale’s journey begins, but he is not out to save his world; it’s already much too late for that. As the lone survivor, the only thing Dale wants is revenge.

Writer Max Bemis says, “I’m honored to be a part of bringing Centipede to life and to be allowed to do it in a somewhat less than conventional and dangerous way. Expect many mushrooms.”

Artist Eoin Marron says, “My favorite aspect of working on Centipede: Game Over is being able to take the core concept and expand on it in a way the original couldn’t at the time. That means developing a whole new world – one that’s similar to ours but not quite – and tearing it all down again from the very first issue. So, if you like your post-apocalyptic, last-man-on-Earth scenarios to be dripping with a tongue-in-cheek self-awareness and dry sense of humor, you’re going dig what we’re doing on this.”

The début issue of Centipede featuring the talents of Francesco Francavilla (Detective Comics, Zorro, Will Eisner’s The Spirit: Corpse-Makers), interior artist Eoin Marron, and Dan Schkade (Will Eisner’s The Spirit). A special classic game art cover will also be available.

Cover previews:

 

Also, there are limited variant editions in “Black & White,” “Homage,” and “Virgin Art” formats  as retailer incentives for comic shops that support the launch issue by achieving stocking thresholds. For big fans of the original game, there is also a classic Atari mini-comic incentive, a remastered replica reissue of the 32-page mini-comic (measuring 5″ x 7.75″), originally packaged with the Centipede Atari game cartridge. Consult your local comic book retailer for more info.

Centipede #1 is set for release in July, at better comic book retailers. Centipede will also be available through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.

Dynamite Ent. brings back MIGHTY MOUSE to comics, this June

This June, Dynamite Entertainment will bring back Mighty Mouse to new comics shelves everywhere.

After a long absence of over 30 years from Comics, the original Terrytoons’ animated superhero will return, continuing his adventures since his first appearance in 1942 (as a parody to the famed Man of Steel, created by Paul Terry and Ralph Bakashi). This also marks his 75th anniversary, as a familiar character in pop-culture through multiple animated programs and merchandise. His catch phrase still echoes through the many generations, “Here I come to save the Day!”

The new series simply titled Mighty Mouse is now written by Sholly Fisch, illustrated by Igor Lima. The character is under license by CBS.

The concept and story follow:

“Imagine that the world’s greatest hero has been exiled to another dimension — an alien world, where not even the laws of physics work the way they should. The only person who even believes the hero exists is a young kid whom no one will listen to. And yet, the hero — who just happens to be a cartoon mouse — remains the shining light that this drab, cynical world needs to restore its color and life. Here comes Mighty Mouse to save the day in his most unexpected adventure yet… right here, in the real world!.”

“One of my favorite things about writing comics is getting the chance to play with characters I’ve loved all my life,” says writer Sholly Fisch. “And what’s not to love about Mighty Mouse? Not only is he funny, but of all the superheroes you can name, there aren’t many who dedicate themselves quite so literally to fighting for the (ahem) little guy. When I was a kid, my sister and I used to get up early to watch Mighty Mouse cartoons on TV and, in those prehistoric pre-DVR, pre-streaming days, we’d tide ourselves over between shows by listening to our Mighty Mouse record (yes, on vinyl. I said it was prehistoric.) Decades later, I fell in love with the character all over again, thanks to Ralph Bakshi’s brilliantly insane Mighty Mouse TV series. Now, I get to contribute yet another unique spin on Mighty Mouse, as we bring him rocketing out of Mouseville and into the real world… and couldn’t we all really use someone to come save the day? It’s all pretty cool, and I’m having enormous fun with the series. Hopefully, everyone else will, too! Oh, and did I mention that I can still sing the entire Mighty Mouse theme song by heart? Don’t get me started!”

“Mighty Mouse is one of the greatest standout creations in the history of animation,” says Dynamite CEO and Publisher, Nick Barrucci. “Mighty Mouse was a huge part of my childhood and has been an influence for many characters since most famously Osamu Tezuka’ Astro Boy. It’s hard to believe a character so ready-made for comics has been gone from the medium for almost 30 years. I’m thrilled that Dynamite will introduce this American icon to a whole new generation of fans!”

The launch includes variant covers with featured artwork by comic artist legends Alex Ross and Neal Adams.

Cover art preview:

 

Also available as limited retailer incentives are Black and White, Coloring and Blank cover editions. Contact your comic store retailer for more information.

Mighty Mouse #1 will release in June 2017 by Dynamite Entertainment to comic book retailers and many popular digital comics apps.

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MAGNUS, returns fresh in a new series by Kyle Higgins, coming in June

Dynamite Entertainment will back Magnus, as a bold new series with a fresh take on the classic Magnus: Robot Fighter comic series.

On board, is writer Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and artist Jorge Fornés (Amazing X-Men).  

The concept and story follow:

“The all-new Magnus takes the famous Philip K. Dick question and turns it on its side: Do humans dream of owning electric sheep? Artificial intelligences, rather than becoming our overlords, have settled into an uneasy symbiosis with humanity – they work for us as our colleagues and servants, earning vacation-time they spend in a boundless digital universe running on human-maintained server farms. But not all A.I.s are cool with the deal. Enter Magnus, a human psychologist tasked with navigating both worlds in order to bring recalcitrant AIs back into productive society.”

Magnus the Robot Fighter originally began in 1963 through Gold Key Publishers until 1977. Magnus was a skilled fighter in the year 4000 battling rogue robots. Valiant Comics picked up and continued the story in 1991 for almost a decade. Dark Horse Comics briefly had rebooted Magnus, with a short mini-series. Dynamite aquired the rights in 2013, and relaunched the series in 2014 for 12 issues. Now, Magnus is back with an entirely different new approach to the classic series.

“Our take on Magnus is quite different from what’s come before,” said Writer Kyle Higgins. “In a Black Mirror sort of way, we’ll be looking at our world plus thirty years, the way artificial intelligence technology could progress, and the host of problems that might develop… including a ‘Cloud World’ that A.I. systems create for themselves, to live and exist together, free from humans and the physical (robotic) forms that were built for them. As we’ll learn early on, it’s rare for humans to be able to upload themselves to the Cloud World and not lose their minds, and that’s where Dr. Kerri Magnus comes in. Not only can she walk between both worlds, but Dr. Magnus has an affinity for artificial intelligence: she makes a living as a psychologist, specializing in artificial intelligence patients.”

Magnus #1 will also include a bonus Turok back-up story by Chuck Wendig (Hyperion) and Álvaro Sarraseca (Witchblade), a continuation of the serial in the Magnus sister title, The Sovereigns.

The debut issue is also set to arrive with four cover variants. Featured cover artists are Giuseppe Camuncoli (The Amazing Spider-Man), interior artist Jorge Fornés, Aaron Conley (Rocket Raccoon & Groot), and Daniel Warren Johnson (Man-Thing).

Cover art preview:

 

Also available in limited amounts as retailer incentives are “Black & White” and “Virgin Art” editions. Contact your comic store retailer for more information.

Magnus will release in June 2017 by Dynamite Entertainment to comic book retailers and many popular digital comics apps.

…

New pulp supernatural detective comic series BLOOD BROTHERS, coming in June

Dynamite Entertainment will release Blood Brothers, a supernatural pulp fantasy comic series this coming June

Blood Brothers is the creative work of writer Fabian Rangel Jr. and artist Javier Caba, originally promoted through a very successful Kickstarter funding campaign.

The following are the further released details….

“Diego and Gabriel Soliz are two unusual brothers just trying to do their job in an even more unusual hometown. What’s their job? They’re detectives in a city populated by creatures from mythology and fantasy. When an Aztec skull is stolen from the museum, the Blood Brothers are assigned to the case! Blood Brothers is a pulp-influenced supernatural tale with elements of fantasy, taking place in a world where the border between reality and mythology has been broken.”

Writer Fabian Rangel, Jr. says, “Blood Brothers is the story of two Hermanos de Sangre: Diego, a hard-boiled detective who can communicate with ghosts, and Gabriel, a luchador whose skin glows in the dark when monsters are about to attack. Artist Javi Caba is doing tremendous character design work in the comic, creating a feast for the eyes. I had been wanting to return to the supernatural pulp genre, and Javi loves drawing fantasy stuff, so I figured why not put them together? This series is for fans of Ray Harryhausen movies, comics like Powers, Hellboy, and Top Ten. I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing Blood Brothers to Dynamite, the home of so many awesome pulp characters. They’re the perfect home for this series. After a successful Kickstarter last year, I’m very glad we’re getting an opportunity to reach even more readers through the Direct Market.”

“Blood Brothers is the comic that I’d like to read. Since the beginning, I was absorbed by the story and it was so easy to imagine this astonishing universe, full of monsters and cool characters,” says artist Javier Caba. “I love drawing all of them because I can dip into all my pop background — old-fashioned movies, novels, and EC Comics — as well as let myself flow and create them from nothing.”

Blood Brothers will release in June by Dynamite Entertainment, to comic book retailers and popular digital platforms, everywhere.

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Art Book Preview – Dynamite’s upcoming Art of Atari Poster Collection…

atariposterbookcover

Fans of Atari’s golden age of video gaming, rejoice.

The “Art of Atari, Poster Collection” is coming to the retail bookshelves, soon. Inside, will contain 40 pages of full-color “ready to display” art displays of the classic Atari Games. Dynamite Entertainment will publish as they did their earlier Atari tribute book from last year, Art of Atari. The author of Art of Atari, is also the curator of this new Poster Collection.

Art of Atari, Poster Collection will be available for purchase in retail bookstores and comic stores, this June 2017.

Here is a sneak preview of images featuring some of those Atari game classics:

Water World:

atariposterbookwaterworld

Millipede:

atariposterbookmillipede

Star Raiders:

atariposterbookstarraiders

Personal thoughts:

This book looks to capture the exact feel of that early 80’s era of colorful pop-art, back when artists were called upon to expand upon the expand upon the simple geometric shapes and minimal happenings of Atari’s vintage games. For fans of that area, I feel this is a must for them. For me, I hope there will be a continuation towards the post-Atari age of the arcade silver era, and the Nintendo 8-bit glory years. The overall art on the adverts and game covers truly had a special feel to them, much like the movie posters of the time. Now to much media, not so much. The covers today are dull and drab, settling for a logo and simple graphic with some intense CGI graphic. Books such as this will preserve the lost times and perhaps inspire new generations, from the lost greatness of gaming’s past.

– Orion T

Special thanks to Dynamite Entertainment and Atari  for providing access to the preview pages. You may follow them for more info and other great books on their official site at www.dynamite.com and www.atari.com