Here’s an awesome look from our developing Stranger Worlds Youtube channel at some sample packs of the Mars Attacks Uprising trading cards, currently in Kickstarter development, and eventually released for public consumption. Here, our host, Captain Orion, opens a pack sent in from SideKick Labs, of which we send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for. Captain Orion loves Mars Attacks, and was quite excited to check these out (but new at this whole YouTube thing). And now, watch the results and share in the excitment!
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.
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.
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).
Writer: Gabriel de Bruin (Gabriel Greenough) and Katy Wang
Sound and music producer: Ambrose Yu
Published: Kingston University/Kingston School of Art 2017
NOTE: Originally a graduation project by Katy Wang, now featured in on a few video streaming pages
Synopsis:Stranded on a distant planet, a lonely astronaut sends out a signal in search of human contact.
Personal Thoughts:
Beautiful presentation, especially with the visuals and sound design. Also, I think there is a deeper meaning about loneliness, feeling lost, trying to connect in space where we many of us might as well be on Mars. We use our computers and online connections to reach out, hopefully eventually a stranger from some other world, and then connect. Then, even in the vastness of space, we feel that connection of finding each other. And that’s the best kind of contact!
Here’s a recent news release from Dark Horse Comics for fans the award-winning, critically acclaimed Black Hammer series, and those looking for something cosmic, and offbeat…
Jeff Lemire and Tyler Crook Explore the Strange Origins of Colonel Weird in this Spacetime Adventure
From the world of the Eisner Award-winning Black Hammer series comes a bizarre, sci-fi adventure origin story! Black Hammer writer and co-creator Jeff Lemire and acclaimed artist Tyler Crook (Harrow County, Manor Black) bring the next story from the world of Black Hammer: Colonel Weird: Cosmagog.
Wacky space adventurer Colonel Randall Weird leaves the Black Hammer farm and embarks on a strange journey through space and time for something that he’s long forgotten with his sanity and life at stake!
“Colonel Weird has been my favorite Black Hammer character since Dean Ormston and I created him. I’ve always wanted to do a series where the storytelling would echo Weird’s unique mind, and unique perspective. Tyler Crook’s work more than lives up to the challenge. This is a deep dive into Colonel Weird’s past and his future. This series will answer the question of what happened to him after the events of Black Hammer: Age of Doom.”–Jeff Lemire
“I think Jeff and Dean have created one of the most interesting and heartfelt superhero universes that we’ve seen in decades. I feel lucky to get the chance to contribute to the world. Colonel Weird is a personal favorite because he is the most human and most bonkers of the bunch. The story is full of cosmic weirdness but it’s all in the service of telling a touching, personal drama. I’m really excited for readers to see this book!”–Tyler Crook
Colonel Weird: Cosmagog #1 (of four) goes on sale April 22, 2020, and is available for pre-order at your local comic shop.
NOTE: This is a fan film with no official affiliation to Lucasfilm/Disney.
Synopsis:Set before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV, a New Hope, an old Jedi Knight resides on the desert planet of Tatooine. His final duty, watch over, protect a special young boy, from a distance in secret. Agents of the sinister Galactic Empire arrive, to impose their presence and scout the area. What follows, is a danger for the New Hope, perhaps forcing the Knight to reveal himself.
Personal Thoughts:
“Hello there!”
I’m a sucker for anything with the Star Wars label on it. All of it stems from my love of the original movies, and then the immense amount of world-building done via the expanded universe entertainments, then the Prequel trilogy movies…which I have a love/hate relationship too. I would have almost grown tired of it since the overhyped newer movies, if not for the wonderful books, games, TV series spinoffs (huge shout out to the Clone Wars, and Rebels animated series).
But the fan films, and dedication by fans to tell Star Wars stories in their own special way, has kept the spirit of the Rebellion alive. It’s the homegrown nature of it all, that I love and feel open to surprises. Kenobi – A Star Wars Fan Film fits with that tradition, making another memorable piece of many since the days of Troops and Dark Redemption.
Actor Jamie Costa as Kenobi, surprises with a performance that have Sire Alec Guinness and Ewan McGregor nod in appreciation. There shows his stoic character with gained wisdom, resorting to non-violence until the tense last minute, where he carefully weighs the stakes. The Empire, as represented here continues to show the true villainy of a fascist, oppressive regime (though a little of it feels cartoonish). There also shows the relationship between Obi-Wan and the Lars…strained and conflicted on the life of Luke, and also well-acted. All resulting in action, and tension, and that when added to the relationship of characters, is what Star Wars is half about.
The other half is cool mechanical and creature/alien designs, and related details not quote shown in Kenobi. For the elements in Kenobi, and the totalness that is the Star Wars universe is shown well with the Disney+ hit, The Mandalorian (which to me comes off as another great fan film with each episode, if I didn’t know any better).
I enjoyed this Kenobi film, especially for its pacing and build. The film directors and writers of the recent films could learn by watching this film and others, where dedication and love for the franchise could inspire better overall construction. This is a pleasant reminder, that the Force of the galaxy is strongest, with its fans.
Pulled from a recent press release from Image Comics…
Bestselling writer Simon Roy (Prophet) and Sideways Award-winning author Daniel M. Bensen (Junction) team up with artists Artyom Trakhanov (Turncoat), Jason Wordie (God Country), and Hassan Otsmane-elhaou (Red Sonja) for the forthcoming series Protector. This all-new science-fiction adventure will launch from Image Comics in January 2020.
“Protector is an idea that can’t be pinned down to any one brain. Simon took the first step when he made a project about godlike aliens assisting in a post-apocalypse archaeological dig. I asked Simon questions about the world, which started a conversation that also included the speculative shaman-king C.M. Kosemen.” said Benson
“Between us, we started evolving a story,” adds Bensen. “Simon sketched that scene out, and it floated around on the internet until Artyom got a hold of it and blasted it into the next dimension! I doubt anything would have come of Protector without Artyom’s frenetic woodprint-like chunks of black and white. There’s this image of ‘the slave girl’ (we didn’t know her name at that point) riding on this awful cyborg cyclops as it claws its way out of the ruins of the old world…we knew we had to finish this story.”
Equal parts Conan the Barbarian, Mad Max, and The Expanse, Protector is set in far-future North America. Of all the tribes that dwell in the hot ruins, the Hudsoni reign supreme, but even they fear and obey the godlike Devas. When the Devas warn of an old-world demon in the conquered city of Shikka-Go, Hudsoni war chief First Knife decides to deal with the threat personally.
Roy added: “I’ve always been a big fan of Artyom’s work, and when we started talking about some sort of collaboration, I immediately thought of the Far-Future Iron-age adventure Daniel and I had been workshopping years earlier. Once we actually started work on the project, choosing Jason—who I had met and collaborated with, back in art school, and who had already started working with Artyom on Turncoat—for colors was a perfect fit!”
Protector #1 will be available at comic book shops and popular digital platforms on Wednesday, January 29.
IDW Publishing recently announced Pandemica a new comic series by NY best selling author of V-Wars and Rot & Ruin, Jonathan Maberry. Pandemicais a dark, action-packed story of defiance against authoritarian abuses, set for comic stores this Fall.
Maberry joins artist Alex Sanchez (Star Wars: The Old Republic) and colorist Jay Fotos (Locke & Key) in inviting readers to resist the “sickness that plagues the nation — and ultimately save the world!” As revealed in a press release, Jonathan Maberry projects the premise for this new series…
“Pandemica reflects a lot of fears about the direction in which our country and the world is going,” says Maberry. “It deals with a diverse group of people who discover that a secret organization is selling designer pathogens for use in ethnic cleansing. My story is about the kinds of people who take a stand against this, who find the courage to fight back, who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the innocent.”
The first issue of Pandemica, slated for release in September, will depict an America on the verge of war, as a shadow government prepares to launch “purity bombs” for ethnic cleansing, and a small group of scientists and former SpecOps shooters bands together to avert this disaster.
“I’m working with world-class scientists (epidemiologists, molecular biologists, etc.) to make the bioweapons in Pandemica as realistic as possible,” says Maberry. “What’s terrifying is that so much of this is actually possible; and that so many groups and governments over the last century have tried to make these kinds of genocidal weapons. Thankfully, we’ve also seen that there are people who will stand up against this kind of madness.”
“Jonathan Maberry’s Pandemica is the culmination of all the various and disparate ideas he’s been working through as a writing professional for the past decade,” says David Hedgecock, Associate Publisher at IDW. “After the immensely rewarding experience of working with Mr. Maberry on V-Wars, it’s an honor and privilege to help bring his fearsome new vision to an unsuspecting – and soon-to-be-captivated – reading audience.”
Pandemica will arrive in comic stores and on popular digital comics apps, starting this September.
New publisher Big Sugar (formerly Digital Uppercut) brought a little extra heavy metal to the recent Electronic Entertainment Expo Show, with a new look at its stylish upcoming side-scroller, Valfaris.
The game looks freakin awesome. Here’s the latest trailer for it…
Set in a far corner of space, Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer. Developed by Steel Mantis, a two-man dev team that previously worked together on Gothic gore fest and love-it-or-hate-it indie hit Slain: Back From Hell, Valfaris transports players to the eponymous space citadel where they must run-and-gun with extreme force to purge the evil that has corrupted it.
“Valfaris is my take on some of the games I loved playing when growing up, such as Gryzor/Contra and Turrican,” explains Andrew Gilmour, the creative driving force behind Valfaris. “Relentless action, cool environments, insane bosses, crazy weapons… those aspects have a timeless quality – they kept me hooked then and are still every bit as appealing to me today. I want to capture that special formula of classic old-school fun with Valfaris.”
Story synopsis- After mysteriously vanishing from galactic charts, the fortress of Valfaris has suddenly reappeared in the orbit of a dying sun. Once a self-contained paradise, the grandiose citadel now plays host to an ever-growing darkness. Therion, a fearless and proud son of Valfaris, returns to his home to uncover the truth of its doomed fate and to challenge the arcane evil at its very heart.
Valfaris’s pixel art is hand-crafted by Andrew Gilmour with a soundtrack by extreme metaller and former Celtic Frost guitarist, Curt Victor Bryant.
Valfaris launches later this year on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. For those who can’t wait, sign-up for an upcoming closed beta is available via the Valfaris offical site at valfarisgame.com, or download a demo from the Valfaris Steam page.
Triage, a bold new sci-fi post-apocalyptic mini-series written and illustrated by veteran creator Phillip Sevy (The Freeze, The House, Tomb Raider) is set for coming comic book stands, this summer from Dark Horse publishing. Triage is the idea of its creator, on of how we measure up when standing beside heroes and legends.
The story. as revealed in a recent post from Darkhorse.com..
Evie Pierce – a dedicated nurse – awakens to an unfamiliar world alongside two strangers—one, a young and snarky superhero; the other, a hardened rebel military commander of a post-apocalyptic world. When a mysterious figure begins to hunt them down, the three women must work together to survive, discover why they were assembled, and how their survival is the key to saving all existence.
Phillip Sevy adds, “For my first creator-owned book, I wanted to try and the deliver the biggest, boldest, and craziest story I could through the lens of one singular vision. In Triage, I wanted to go as big and as personal as possible. From writing to penciling to inking to coloring (with amazing letters by Frank Cvetkovic), I’ve been killing myself to deliver a story that is exciting, fun, audacious, and human. Evie has become one of my favorite characters I’ve got to work with. At its core, Triage is about discovering your identity amidst the chaos and enormities of the world around you.”
Triage #1 (of five) will arrive in comic stores and popular digital comic platforms on September 4, 2019.
Stranger Worlds 