Tag: idw

My Little Pony, Transformers brings new Friendship in Disguise for 2021

Rekindle the Magic of the Pony and Autobot Friendship!

IDW recently announced another delightful, magical comic book mashup of Hasbro classic toy properties with My Little Pony / Transformers II, a four-part monthly miniseries appearing on comic book shelves this April

While using a modified Spacebridge to bring magic to Cybertron, the Decepticons end up unleashing a more powerful evil from Equestria than they ever could’ve imagined. Two worlds collide in the return of this hit crossover concept, with a first issue by writers James Asmus and Sam Maggs, and artists Jack Lawrence and Casey W. Coller!

“I can’t wait to jump back into this world of magical friendships that really is More than Meets the Eye,” says Maggs in a recent IDW press release. “It’s such a blast coming up with the most fun (and downright weird) pairings of ponies and ‘bots, and I think fans of both series are going to be surprised at what’s we’ve got for them this second time around!”

“The first crossover was about as much fun as I’ve had in my writing career,” says Asmus. “I am hugely delighted that we’re not only doing a follow up, but getting to flip the script. In the first series, we got to tell really charming and fun stories by tossing the Autobots and Decepticons into the colorful, magical world of Equestria. But now, dragging dark magic and friendly ponies into the sci-fi world of Cybertron lets us play with brand new tones, toys, and team-ups!”

Editor Megan Brown says, “We are so excited to work with some amazingly talented writers and artists to bring this marvelous mashup back to comic stores! Just like the previous volume, many creators are contributing stories that are going to bring our favorite ponies to Cybertron and beyond, including returning writers James Asmus, Sam Maggs, Ian Flynn, and returning artists Jack Lawrence, Casey W. Coller, Priscilla Tramontano, and Tony Fleecs — all joined by some new, exciting faces! The creators on this series are exceptional, able to bridge the gap between Autobot and pony to make a colorful, vibrant world. We’re thrilled for everyone (and everypony!) to see what we have in store!”

My Little Pony / Transformers II #1 will be available with multiple cover variants including Cover A by Tony Fleecs, Cover B by Bethany McGuire-Smith, and two Retailer Incentive editions featuring art by Jon Gray and Anna Malkova, respectively.

My Little Pony / Transformers II #1 will arrive this April in print at comic book stores, and digitally through popular apps this April, 2021.

Comics Writer/Artist Nick Roche unleashes a new terror to parenting with Scarenthood

While the Kids are at Preschool, the Ghost Hunting Begins

That’s what will happen on comic shelves with a fresh and upcoming, creepy four-issue comic book series, Scarenthood, coming this Halloween for 2020. The art and writing is by Nick Roche (Transformers: The Wreckers Saga), with coloring by Chris O’Halloran (Immortal Hulk). IDW will publish with a plan to debut in October.

With their kids away on a field trip, a group of parents disturbs an ancient evil buried beneath the old Church Hall, unearthing a decades-old mystery about a missing child, and inviting something… hungry into their lives. Suddenly, their mornings go from playdates and peanut allergies to a battle for the souls of one broken family⁠ — and one child in particular.

“My generation grew up in what seemed like a haunted Ireland: superstition still abounded, and everyone had seen moving holy statues, or lived near a stately home that had been burnt to the ground in a Satanic visitation, or knew someone who chopped down a Faerie bush and lived to regret it,” says Roche in a recent press release. “Scarenthood is about realizing that some of those horrors from childhood are real, but nothing is more terrifying than ruining your own kid’s life. Also: there are funny bits.”

“I’m incredibly happy to be coloring Scarenthood,” says O’Halloran. “I’ve been an admirer of Nick’s work for a long time and working on a story set so close to home is a bit of rarity. The spookier elements are such fun to work on and getting those moments to hit right each time is a treat, but it’s the incredible character work by Nick, both as a writer and artist, that’s making this such a special project for me.”

“Through every project Nick Roche has done at IDW — Transformers, Monster Motors, and his cover work — he has brought an enthusiasm and viewpoint that greatly enriches the work,” says editor David Mariotte. “Having him and Chris O’Halloran bring Scarenthood to life (or afterlife as the case may be) here has been phenomenally exciting. They’re telling a story close to their hearts, which elevates the humor, the scares, and the quiet moments in an authentic and beautiful way.”

Scarenthood #1 will be available with two cover variations for retailers and fans to enjoy: Cover A by Nick Roche, and a Retailer Incentive edition by Declan Shalvey (Moon Knight).

Here’s a 3-page preview from IDW comics in the meantime..

AJ Mendez and Aimee Garcia rolls a new Dungeons and Dragons quest for comic readers

IDW recently announced Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World, a new comics adventure co-written by New York Times bestseller and former WWE superstar AJ Mendez aka as AJ Lee (and author of Crazy is My Superpower) and actor Aimee Garcia (star of Lucifer and Dexter).

This comic series if of course based on Dungeons & Dragons, the role-playing table-top game that remains popular for nearly a half-century now. At the Spine of the World will star a cast of fresh-new characters, with a new storyline spanning four-issues. The artist is Martín Cóccolo (Magic: The Gathering, Star Trek: Year Five). The series is set for a late summer release.

In the story for At the Spine of the World, the never-ending winter’s night is slowly driving an isolated town in the depths of Icewind Dale to the brink of insanity. To save them all, a perilous journey awaits a band of adventurers as they battle a furious icy god and uncover the plot of an ancient primordial evil.

“The fantasy genre is a source of solace, love, and belonging for me, so entering the world of Dungeons & Dragons is exciting and squeal-inducing in a way that probably isn’t professionally acceptable. But it’s too late
now, IDW is stuck with me!” says Mendez in a recent PR release. “This is a prestigious and beloved title and we’re proud to join the party.”

“As a kid, I thought I could do magic. As an adult, I never stopped believing in magic. And, as an actor, I play make believe every day,” says Garcia. “Fantasy has always been a part of my life. So, I’m excited and honored to create fantastical stories of brave adventures, because in some way, if they can slay monsters and keep fighting when the odds are stacked against then, then we can keep fighting… no matter what odds are stacked against us.”

The new four-issue Dungeons & Dragons miniseries marks the second IDW comic book collaboration between AJ Mendez and Aimee Garcia, who previously stepped into the ring of the Netflix Original comedy series GLOW with the GLOW vs. The Babyface series.

Dungeons & Dragons: At the Spine of the World #1 will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by Martin Coccolo, a roleplaying game-style Character Sheet design by Max Davenport as Cover B, and two Retailer Incentive editions by Catherine Nodet and Max Davenport, respectively.

For more info, check you local comics retailer, or visit IDWPublishing.com.

Here’s some new concept art in the meantime!

Voyage to the Stars sci-fi podcast launches into comic stores this summer

Credit: IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing recently unveiled a new comic book adaptation for the fan-favorite comedy sci-fi podcast, Voyage to the Stars.

Voyage to the Stars is an expanding universe of sci-fi comedy (often-improvised) stories and characters built as a podcast at www.voyagetothestars.net from creator Ryan Copple, then developed more into live shows, fan appreciations, and its own little sub-culture. Now, it’s a comic series coming this August.

The space-faring crew of “misfits lost on the wrong side of a wormhole,” voiced by talents including Colton Dunn (Superstore), Felicia Day (Supernatural), Janet Varney (Legend of Korra), Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds), and Steve Berg (Drunk History), will star in a four-issue comic book miniseries by five-time Harvey Award-nominee writer James Asmus and sensational artist ConnieDaidone.

In Voyage to the Stars, our intrepid crew has managed to survive Earth’s destruction, and now they’re determined (and ambiguously destined) to stop a growing, ancient evil from consuming the universe… although stopping it may be tricky, since our heroes can’t help but destroy just about every planet and species they come across. To be honest, it’s debatable who might be the bigger threat!

“I’ve loved the fantastically rich, surprising, and genuinely funny universe that the Voyage podcast has been creating since it launched,” says Asmus in a recent press release. “Working with their creative team, we quickly found a chapter to tell that is simultaneously a meaningful time for our heroes (grieving the loss of Earth, and taking the first steps towards avenging it) and tells a self-contained quest across a pretty wild sampling of the Voyage universe!”

“It has been such a wild ride experiencing Voyage to the Stars’ evolution and development into other mediums, such as comic books,” said Voyage to the Stars creator, Ryan Copple. “The world we built is meant to be experienced in many different ways, allowing fans everywhere to engage with these stories however they want. We can’t wait for people to check out the new stories within these comic books and continue to expand the Voyage to the Stars world in more ways they can enjoy.”

“Each of the Voyage to the Stars characters is such a distinct soul, that even when the linear storyline gets serious, everything still has an air of lightheartedness that makes you smile,” says Daidone. “I hope everybody reading the comic will enjoy it as much as I did drawing it!”

Credit: IDW Publishing

“Being involved with Voyage to the Stars has been such a highlight for me,” said Felicia Day, who plays scatterbrained scientist Elsa Rankfort in the series. ”Everyone that works on the show is so talented and funny, we could not stop laughing in the recording booth, so to see what we’ve been working so hard on for the last couple years continue to grow, this time into a comic book series, has been surreal and exciting – but also what we had hoped for all along!”

Credit: IDW Publishing

Voyage to the Stars #1 will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A (see below) by Freddie E. Williams II (Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Cover B (see above) by Connie Daidone, and a Retailer Incentive ink wash variant by Freddie E. Williams II.

Voyage to the Stars #1 is set for this August to comic book stores everywhere. For ordering info because it will probably be underlooked, ask your local comic book dealer, or visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

Credit: IDW Publishing

A lost TMNT story from the original creators brings an alternate dark future

Credit: IDW Publishing

Original creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird have an old untold story of our Ninja Turtles to be told with a darker, different twist, coming this summer from IDW Publishing. Surely a treat for biggest fans for this new story, as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin hits comic shelves as an over-sized five-issue comic series…

In a future New York City far different from the one we know today, a lone surviving Turtle goes on a seemingly hopeless mission to obtain justice for his fallen family and friends.

This new take stems from a lost 1987 storyline by original co-creators Eastman and Laird. Now, the story will be told with layouts from Eastman, atmospheric inks from Andy Kuhn, and a script from TMNT writer Tom Waltz, promising a different and surprising take for fans wanting a little something different and harder edged, perhaps taking back to its Mirage pre-cartoonish publishing roots.

“About ten years ago, I re-discovered a twenty page outline for a TMNT story that Peter and I wrote together back in 1987,” co-creator Kevin Eastman in a recent press release. “The story was set thirty years in the future, which (as written then) was set in 2017. Reading through it again, I drifted back to a very different time in TMNT history — back when it was all about the comics, mostly just Peter and I writing and drawing the issues, pre-everything the world would soon come to know about these characters that we’d created and called the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

“It has been an INCREDIBLE thirty-six year journey, thanks to the brilliant talents of so many that brought new visions and TMNT stories to life, and especially the fans who supported all of them. Nine years ago, I was invited back into the TMNT comic universe, via my friends at IDW Publishing. Aside from the original run with my friend and co-creator Peter Laird, working on the IDW TMNT universe has been the best time I have had with the Turtles for a very, VERY long time.

“A little over a year ago, as the ongoing series headed towards issue one hundred, I showed a rough revised and updated version of the story outline (now set in the year 2040) to Tom Waltz, who equally fell in love with the possibilities of it. The Last Ronin is a heartfelt love poem to all the TMNT universes of the past, and offers up an intense look at one possible future — firmly based on and adapted from an original thirty-three year-old idea, from the original creators.

“Trust me — Tom, Andy, and I have just started on a two-hundred page journey… and it IS going to be one HELL of a ride…”

Series co-writer Tom Waltz adds, “When Kevin first showed me the outline that he and Peter had created back in the ’80s, I was gobsmacked. Beyond Peter Laird’s eerily prescient technological and sociological predictions, the story idea itself was exciting and versatile, designed in a way that it could be easily modified to fit into the many different TMNT iterations that have existed over the years, without losing any of the core elements injected into it by both Kevin and Peter. I have the absolute honor to join these legendary creators to craft a TMNT story set in a chaotic future, rife with revenge, honor, tragedy, hope, and over-the-top ninja-action sequences that’ll blow any Turtles fan’s mind, no matter what version of the beloved franchise is their favorite.”

“After hitting TMNT #100 last year, we were interested in doing something even larger in scope and also something that really plays to everyone’s strengths,” says editor Bobby Curnow. “The Last Ronin is that project: the future New York we’re building is a perfect place for Tom’s immersive world-building and characterization, and Andy’s art is more innovative and engaging than we’ve ever seen. This is Kevin and Peter’s vision, but the entire team is making it their own and that’s really exciting to see.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #1 will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by Kevin Eastman and two Retailer Incentive editions by Eastman and Mateus Santolouco (TMNT: Shredder in Hell), respectively. Each issue is a blockbuster 48 pages and 7.5×11 trim size! Ask your local comics dealer for more info, or visit www.idwpublishing.com.

In the meantime, here is an awesome little preview..,

This spring, IDW brings deep water horror in a Sea of Sorrows to comic readers

IDW Publishing recently announced a new series by the creative team of writer Rich Douek and artist Alex Cormack (best known for their hit Road of Bones) as they reunite to bring readers a deep sea adventure with a horrific twist: the five-issue Sea of Sorrows!

In the aftermath of the Great War, the North Atlantic is ripe for plunder by independent salvage crews. When a former naval officer hires the SS Vagabond, he leads the ship to a sunken U-boat, and a fortune in gold. Tensions mount as the crew prepares to double cross each other, but the darkness of the ocean floor holds deeper terrors than any of them have bargained for!

“Alex and I are excited to put the same twisted imaginations that brought you Road of Bones to work on new places, new characters, and of course, new heights of unspeakable terror,” said Douek in a recent press release. “Get ready for another dark journey into the horrors that lurk within the pages of history!”

“The ocean is a terrifying and mysterious place,” says Cormack. “Sea of Sorrows reveals the isolation and horror of being in an alien world on our own planet, facing threats that should be impossible, chasing you through an inescapable setting. With the character designs and especially the story, this would be a book I’d draw just for myself. Rich is a talented writer and great collaborator. I’m happy to be along for the ride!”

Sea of Sorrows #1 will be available with coming May with cover art by Alex Cormack, plus a Retailer Incentive variant edition by Katie Sawatsky. Check your favorite comic book store for availability and preorder.

Chained to the Grave brings new Wild West magic, mayhem to comic shelves this May

This May, IDW Publishing brings the team of writers Brian Level (Darth Vader, Thanos, Deadpool), Andy Eschenbach together with artist Kate Sherron (Invader Zim, The Amazing World of Gumball) to bring you Chained to the Grave: a five-issue tale of “intrigue, murder, magic, and the good ol’ Wild, Wild West!”

Outlaw Roy Mason has come back from the dead, chained to the headstone that marked his grave. It’s a lawless time, a magical time, and the undead Roy soon finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place as he sets out in search of treasure. But Roy, trying to do right by the wife and children he left behind, soon finds out that everything is not always as it seems…

“Chained to the Grave is a supernatural Western romp on the surface, packed with odd characters and wild trope-bending action,” says Eschenbach in a recent press release. “Dig in a little, though, and you’ll see that it’s a story about very bad decisions, and the blast radius they leave behind… even after death.”

“What started as a series of scattered ideas between Andy and I quickly became the unusual dust devil that kicked us off. It took Kate’s uniquely beautiful visuals and Micah’s smoothly seamless letters to wrangle those ideas into the shape that we now call Chained to the Grave,” says Level. “Chained to the Grave is the Western you’re used to being wrung out until it bleeds a whole new color.”

Sherron says, “I can’t thank Andy Eschenbach and Brian Level enough for creating a story that is not only fun to read, but wildly fun to draw. The guys gave me a familiar place to start, turned it on its ear, and then handed me the reins — with a unique Western like Chained, there’s so much room to play and I’m having a blast finding engaging characterizations, kinetic line-work, and expressive palettes to tell the tale. I hope everyone gets as much a kick out of this story as I do!”

Chained to the Grave #1 will be available with Cover A by Kate Sherron, plus a Retailer Incentive variant edition by Brian Level. Check your favorite comic book store for availability and preorder.

Transformers, My Little Pony combine to form a magical comics crossover

Hasbro Inc. and IDW Publishing has crossed over once again, to bring an odd crossing of the most iconic magical cartoon ponies and transforming warrior robots of all time.

That’s right, My Little Pony / Transformers is rolling out to comic stores this May, as four-issue mini series. Both franchises are owned by Hasbro, to official bring them together under the licensing comics publisher was likely smooth.

But, coherently bringing all together in a some story requires some reputable comics talent. So Little Pony / Transformers assembles an all-star team of comic creators for this mind-blowing series to tell its tale: writers James Asmus, Ian Flynn, and Sam Maggs, and artists Casey W. Coller, Jack Lawrence, Sara Pitre-Durocher, Priscilla Tramontano, and Tony Fleecs (who also provides cover artwork for the entirety of the series).

So what’s the story? Well…,

The scheming Queen Chrysalis casts a spell in search of changeling allies, but accidentally interferes with a distant Cybertronian Spacebridge… and brings the Autobots and Decepticons to Equestria! As the dust settles, it’s up to Twilight Sparkle, Optimus Prime, and others to overcome the menace of malevolent magic and machinery!

“The writing I’ve gotten to do individually for My Little Pony and Transformers have already proven to be some of the most fun I’ve had in my career, so it’s pure joy to play them off each other,” says Asmus in a recent press release. “We’re making a wild mash-up unlike anything else in your comic collection. You basically owe it to yourself and your future happiness to get a copy!”

“It’s been a delightful challenge finding common threads between the ponies and bots. It’s certainly a fun and unique opportunity,” says Flynn. “I hope fans of both franchises can come together and enjoy this.”

“My Little Pony and Transformers are two of my all-time favorite universes. Having written for them both previously, the idea of bringing the citizens of Equestria and Cybertron together is incredibly exciting,” says Maggs.

Here are some other covers to watch out for. Contact you comics dealer for more info, and secure a copy of this magical crossover.

New Star Wars Clone Wars weekly comic series set for April 2020

It’s time to go back to a Galaxy Far, Far Away for the Clone Wars, as many fans of that classic prequel time delved into the TV series and books. In return, good writing and solid art expanded the franchise, but left much room for more stories to tell.

Now, there’s a new trailer for Season 7 of the TV series coming soon for the Disney+ service. And, there’s 5-part comic book mini-series event, coming from IDW Publishing this coming April, named Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales.

The following is some great insight from IDW’s recent press release…

While Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and other Jedi Knights fight against incredible odds, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and other clone troopers are pinned down for the duration, swapping war stories that feature favorite characters from The Clone Wars animated series, such as Padmé Amidala, General Grievous, and many more!

Shipping weekly throughout April, the Clone Wars comic book event is written by Michael Moreci and feature a framing sequence in each issue by Star Wars Adventures mainstay Derek Charm. Similar to the popular Tales from Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle five-week events, every issue of Clone Wars will spotlight a different artist on interiors: Arianna Florean (issue #1), Megan Levens (#2), Valentina Pinto (#3), Davide Tinto (#4), and Philip Murphy (#5).

“The Clone Wars era is probably my favorite in all of Star Wars. It has it all – big adventure, sweeping romance, Force mythology, Jedi powers, and, of course, the awesome clones,” says Moreci in a recent press release. “This event series is going to bring together all the best, evergreen parts of Star Wars and weave a story that longtime fans (like myself) and new, younger readers (like my own kids) will definitely love.”

“This era of Star Wars feels so expansive and open as far as storytelling possibilities, so I’m really excited to be able to spend a good amount of time in it,” says Charm. “I’m really looking forward to finally working with Michael Moreci, as well! We’ve sort of been orbiting each other in the monthly Star Wars Adventures book for a while, but this will be our first time working together. We’ve talked about some of the things he has planned for this series, and it’s going to be pretty great.”

“Ever since it was first mentioned in A New Hope, the Clone Wars have ignited the imaginations of Star Wars fans,” says Star Wars Adventures editor Denton J. Tipton. “We are honored and excited to build upon that mythos on the shoulders of giants like Genndy Tartakovsky and Dave Filoni.”

Each issue of Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales will feature covers by Derek Charm, including spot-color retailer incentive covers. An additional Retailer Incentive variant for issue #1 will be available featuring the artwork of Michael Avon Oeming (Powers, The Mice Templar).

Check your favorite comic book store and popular digital apps, this April for order and pick up.

Star Trek Deep Space Nine, makes a bold return to comic shelves in 2020

Sure, there is a lot of talk about the new Picard TV series among Star Trek fans, but there’s more out there for Trekkies to reconnect with, as IDW Publishing makes a bold announcement for DS( fans with this press release:

IDW Publishing brings the beloved DS9 crew back to comics with a taut noir thriller: the four-part comic book miniseries Star Trek: Deep Space Nine — Too Long a Sacrifice, under the license of ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

Written by longtime Star Trek scribes David Tipton and Scott Tipton and illustrated by Greg Scott (Gotham Central), the new series marks the first Deep Space Nine title published in over a decade. Debuting its first issue in April 2020, this long-awaited DS9 storyline shines the spotlight on Constable Odo, the fan-favorite shapeshifter brought to life by the late (and greatly missed) actor René Auberjonois.

“Set during the most difficult hours of the Dominion War, Too Long a Sacrifice shows the station during trying times: a series of mysterious and seemingly unsolvable terrorist attacks just as the war has everyone strained to the breaking point,” says David Tipton. “We’ll get to see the darker side of life on the station as Odo leads the investigation, with increasingly desperate conditions forcing him and others to deal with new and unexpected allies and to use unusual tactics in their efforts to stop the attacks.”

Scott Tipton says, “We’re so excited to return to the world of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. With its ‘frontier setting’ and precarious place in the galaxy, Deep Space Nine offers the opportunity to tell truly unique tales of intrigue and suspense. Combine that with one of the best character ensembles ever assembled, and you get something no other Star Trek series can offer.”

“I’m really excited to be spending time with the DS9 crew,” says artist Greg Scott. “I’ve always loved Star Trek, and can’t wait to draw these wonderful characters!”

“Deep Space Nine is one of the Star Trek series that I’ve been the most eager for IDW to dive into in comics form, so to be at the helm for the first series in over a decade is a dream come true,” says editor Chase Marotz. “I’ve worked with David and Scott Tipton on several amazing Star Trek books and know that they’re going to deliver a story that the fans will love, and it’s exciting to finally be able to work with Greg Scott. I’m a big fan of his style and I think we’re poised to create a Star Trek book that’s going to both surprise and delight.”

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine — Too Long a Sacrifice #1 will be available with multiple cover variants for retailers and fans to enjoy, including Cover A by Ricardo Drumond, a Photo Edition for Cover B, and two Retailer Incentive editions by J.K. Woodward (Star Trek: The Next Generation — Mirror Broken).