Tag: Skybound

The Walking Dead comics rises again for a new “Deluxe” color series release

The original Walking Dead comic series is coming back to comic stores as the Walking Dead: Deluxe revival, with more for fans new and old to take, to really appreciate the original work by Robert Kirkman. All issues will remixed in color, with extras and new variant covers, and set for October release from Skybound Entertainment via Image Comics.

Each new Walking Dead: Deluxe issue will be newly, fully colored issues, instead of the original black and white presentations. The coloring will be done by Canadian artist Dave McCaig, who work spans comics and animation for over two decades. Creator Robert Kirkman recently announced the fully colored issues during Skybound Xpo, Skybound’s virtual pop-culture convention.

This deluxe revival of the series will have variant covers—by such artists as David Finch, Tony Moore, Julian Totino Tedesco, and Arthur Adams—commemorating major character introductions and the series’ most memorable twists and turns. Each issue will include a new installment of “The Cutting Room Floor,” featuring Kirkman’s original handwritten plots along with commentary on abandoned storylines and plot points that may have changed along the way.

This definitive presentation of the story will NOT be collected into trade paperback any time soon, so fans and new readers should not trade-wait to experience this fully colored edition of the popular survival horror series. Issue #1 will be available on October 7. Each following month two issues will be released.

Here’s a little preview of the colored pages for the first issue of Walking Dead: Deluxe..

The Walking Dead “The Alien” spinoff tale by Brian K. Vaughan, reprints anew

Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment has special Walking Dead comics news for fans this summer. A new over-sized hardcover comics story, The Walking Dead: The Alien written by Brian K. Vaughan (Saga) and art by Marcos Martin (The Private Eye, Barrie), is set for this July.

This story spins off The Walking Dead comic series by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, and set its comic book continuity. It was originally published in digital form on the Panel Syndicate site and printed as a limited, over-sized single issue exclusively for Local Comic Shop Day. This new hardcover edition has never-before-seen designs, sketches and layouts, and will be widely available for the first-time ever.

“I couldn’t be a bigger fan of Vaughan and Martin’s work,” said Kirkman. “I’ve been very hesitant to allow anyone to play in the Walking Dead sandbox in comic form but when the opportunity arose for these gents to show up what Charlie Adlard and I had been doing, I jumped at the chance. It’s remarkable what Vaughan and Martin were able to accomplish in one self-contained story. A tale with so much heart and emotion told far more succinctly than I’ve ever been capable of. I’m so thrilled to finally be sharing this story with a wider audience in this spectacular hardcover edition.”

The Walking Dead: The Alien will arrive in comic stores on Wednesday, July 29 and in bookstores on Tuesday, August 4.

In the meantime, here’s some character sketches from artist Marcos Martin:

Robert Kirkman’s announces his new series DIE!DIE!DIE!, released today!

New news from Image/Skybound Entertainment, as famed writer Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Outcast, Oblivion Song) unleashes a new series, in collaboration with Scott M. Gimple (Punisher: Nightmare, writer and producer for The Walking Dead TV adaptation on AMC), and Chris Burnham (Batman Incorporated, Nameless,  Officer Downe), with colors by Nathan Fairbairn and lettering by Rus Wooton. The title is DIE!DIE!DIE!, and set for release today.

DIE!DIE!DIE! promises to be a blood-soaked, no holds barred, action-packed, irreverent story that fans won’t be able to rip their eyes from. We live in an evil world where evil people do evil stuff all the time and DIE!DIE!DIE! lifts the veil on a secret cabal within the United States government that influences world matters through targeted assassination. The world around us is manipulated right under our noses, mostly for the better… but sometimes for individual gain, and sometimes for the fun of it.

As to why on the sudden release date, here on words on it from yesterday’s press release:

“That’s right, in stores TOMORROW! We want to make going to a comic shop exciting again—a place for discovery! The internet has drained all surprise and anticipation from comics. Everyone hears about exciting new projects and then has to wait months or years for it to be in their hands… and half the time at the end of that buildup, the stories get spoiled in some lame attempt at getting wider media attention,” Kirkman dissed. “So, surprise! Here’s a new monthly series. How cool is that?! This is literally the only way I can be like Beyoncé.”

Gimple added: “I spend most of my time working in TV, the big Walking Dead programs keep me plenty busy, but I’ve had a burning passion for comics since I was nine. I used to go to panels to see Robert Kirkman talk. And now he’s writing quotes in a press release as me that I can read over and tweak!”

“We cooked up all sorts of great action sequences and horrific gross-out gags for this book,” said Burnham. “Maybe we should have called it Puke!Puke!Puke!”

So if you’re hurting people, somehow making the world worse than it already is, or even just standing in the way of something good happening… someone could right now be giving the order for you to… DIE!DIE!DIE!

So there you go. At your local retail comics store now, unless they didn’t order enough.

Comic Reading Recommendation: Extremity Vol. 1: Artist

Extremity Vol. 1: Artist

  • Writer, Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson
  • Colorist: Mike Spicer
  • Published by: Image Comics  Publish Date: September 6, 2017
  • Notes: Softcover format. Collects the original monthly issues of  #1-6.

Synopsis:

“Thea dreams. Not of a better life, but of revenge on the clan that ruined her family. With ferocious battles between man, machines, and monsters ahead…who knows where her quest for vengeance will take her? Creator DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON (Space Mullet) and colorist MIKE SPICER present a bold new vision, where the beauty and imagination of Studio Ghibli meet the intensity of Mad Max, in this all-new Skybound Original. Collects EXTREMITY #1-6”

Personal Review:

Extremity is an interesting series for those seeking something different in their post-apocalyptic style hybrid of fantasy and science fiction.  But more so, Extremity is an interesting journey of a family forever changed by oppression and violent conflict.

This first volume focuses on the story of a father (Jerome) and his two offspring (Rollo and Thea), living in a strange world of floating lands, odd technology and beasts. Their livesa changed, after losing the mother’s life and home to a rival tribe. The family is affected greatly by this cruelty, and we see the changes and developments in character. The father takes his surviving children in a new direction, pushing them forward as soldiers, encouraging ruthlessness with no mercy for the enemy. The two children react differently, leading to some surprising twists and interesting character developments.

The overall world-building is awesome, with some interesting ideas on technology, environment, and creatures. It’s a lot like Star Wars but set in a strange world. The character designs are a mix of cyberpunk, tribal and feudal era Japan, with some emphasis on badass styles borrowed from each. The action sequences bring out bigger panels, with some moments taking on an epic grandeur with much detail and clever angle of a cinematic approach to this epic family journey. The smaller character developments have excellent pacing with tearful moments, and changes that feel perfectly timed, not forced.

I also really enjoy the style inking and coloring of Extremity, providing the right kind of balance in the atmosphere that feels hard-edged, but not too gritty in the presentation. With the stylish art and strange concepts, this feels like a great adventure for those who enjoy ridiculous over-the-top visuals, yet developed enough in character direction to feel more involved on that the visuals are featuring. Also, big cheers to the sound effects used…

The first volume feels like the first act of a long epic drama, where we get to know the players and setting. Each chapter takes a good time with its pacing while hitting the eyes with hard-hitting action sequences. There are moments with heavy and graphic violence,  though presented to show brutality and seriousness of some very dark situations. the reactions of each, are the big payoff, towards what makes Extremity riveting.

If you enjoy older school fantasy western animated classics like Naussica: Valley of the Wind, Heavy Metal, Trigun, or the Max Max: Fury Road movie, check out Extremity. If you want something new and inventive that leads on character development, also check out Extremity: Volume 1. This read gives the right combination of storytelling, creative setting, and the excitement of a changing world where rules matter less. After finishing volume 1, you will likely find yourself wanting more.

New crime/horror adventure GASOLINA coming soon from Image, sneak peek inside

Image/Skybound Entertainment teams up creators Sean Mackiewicz, Niko Walter with colorist Mat Lopes and letterer Rus Wooton for an all-new crime/horror adventure, Gasolina. The new comic book series will début in September.

SEE INTERIOR PAGES, COVERS PREVIEW BELOW!

Fugitives. Rebels. Newlyweds. Gasolina follows Amalia and Randy on their journey south from El Norte. They have played many roles in order to survive, but now, they must become unlikely leaders in the fight against a new cartel who uses inhuman tactics to ignite the most monstrous war Mexico—and the world—has ever seen.

Gasolina will also release with a variant cover by artist Lorenzo De Felici (see preview below).

“Skybound is the most creatively stimulating environment I’ve ever experienced, so in creating this comic with Niko Walter, I’m putting to use everything I’ve learned from all the talented creators I’ve worked with… and also Robert Kirkman,” said Mackiewicz. “I can’t imagine publishing my first comic anywhere but at Image/Skybound.”

Everything burns in this new series where love and devotion can only be measured in fire and blood.

Gasolina hits stores on September 20th.

…

Image/Skybound reveals De Felici comic cover variants, for September

Image/Skybound Entertainment recently revealed new variant covers for their September monthly releases, all done by Italian comic artist Lorenzo De Felici. De Felici is also the artist of a new, ongoing Skybound series, soon to be announced.

Skybound is proud of his work and making his work the variant theme ahead.  Below, are the variants hitting comic book stores in the following weeks (consult your comics dealer ASAP, if interested)…

THE WALKING DEAD #171, De Felici variant cover
by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn
In stores on Wednesday, September 6th

BIRTHRIGHT #26, De Felici variant cover
by Joshua Williamson, Andrei Bressan & Adriano Lucas
In stores on Wednesday, September 13th

GASOLINA #1, De Felici variant cover
by Sean Mackiewicz, Niko Walter & Mat Lopes
In stores on Wednesday, September 20th

INVINCIBLE #140, De Felici variant cover
by Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley & Nathan Fairbairn, Cover B by De Felici
In stores on Wednesday, September 20th

MANIFEST DESTINY #31, De Felici variant cover
by Chris Dingess, Matthew Roberts, Tony Akins & Owen Gieni
In stores on Wednesday, September 27th

KILL THE MINOTAUR #4, De Felici variant cover
by Chris Pasetto, Christian Cantamessa, Lukas Ketner & Jean-Francois Beaulieu & Lukas Ketner
In stores on Wednesday, September 20th

HORIZON #14, De Felici variant cover
by Brandon Thomas, Juan Gedeon & Mike Spicer
in stores Wednesday, September 20th

REDNECK #6, De Felici variant cover
by Donny Cates, Lisandro Estherren & Dee Cunniffe
in stores on Wednesday, September 27

…

 

Dan Panosian sets up high stakes thrills with SLOTS, coming in October

“When the chips are down, all bets are off, in Slots”

Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment recently announced Slots, a new series written and drawn by artist Dan Panosian (Daredevil: Back in Black, Conan/Red Sonja).

SEE 4-PAGE PREVIEW BELOW!

You can say this about the life of Stanley Dance: he did it his way. Unfortunately, his way never took getting old into account. Now, the former boxer is on his last legs, and looking for redemption…but he’ll settle for going down swinging. Slots is a bold new take on Las Vegas, where everything old can become new, and superstition influences how the chips fall.

“Producing this story is really a dream come true for me, and I have Image Comics and Skybound to thank for the experience,” said Panosian. “People throw the term ‘labor of love’ around pretty often, but every aspect of creating SLOTS has been a true joy for me. I’m very happy we can finally announce and share it with everyone.”

SLOTS #1 arrives in comic book stores Wednesday, October 4th.

 

San Diego Comic Con 2017 – Skybound unveils show exclusives

Robert Kirkman’s company, Skybound (publisher of the The Walking Dead and other comic titles, has revealed its line-up of exclusives for 2017 for year’s 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, on Wednesday, July 19th through Sunday, July 23rd.

These convention exclusives are directly available for purchase at the Image Comics booth #2729. Quantities are limited per day.

See below for all the basic info, prices, and available pics.

SAGA Ghus Plush Doll

 

The convention exclusive has three costumes! Only 500 pieces will be at the con. $40 each.

The Walking Dead “All Out War” SDCC Variant Set

 

Story: Robert Kirkman
Art: Charlie Adlard, Stefano Guadiano & Cliff Rathburn
Covers: Jason Edmiston
This special SDCC Exclusive Set comes collected in a “TOP SECRET” package and features 6 double sizes issues, reprinting the entire “All Out War” story arc (issues 115-126). Each double sized issue features the members of “Shiva Force” (Rick, Michonne, Jesus, Ezekiel and Shiva) as painted by Jason Edmiston. The 6th issues of the set features “Lucille Patrol” leader, Negan. Each set is $50. Limited to 1000 sets.

Kill the Minotaur #2: SDCC Variant


Story: Chris Pasetto & Christian Cantamessa
Art: Lukas Ketner & Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Cover: Lukas Ketner

Redneck #4 SDCC Variant

Story: Donny Cates
Art: Lisandro Estherren & Dee Cuniffe
Cover: Nick Pitarra

SAGA – The Will and Lying Cat action figure 2-pack

From the pages of the hit comic Saga, comes the latest action figure set from Skybound and McFarlane Toys, The Will and Lying Cat. $50 each

OUTCAST (TV series) – Sidney Action Figure 

The evil Sidney makes his action figure debut from the Cinemax TV show, Outcast ($25).

The Shiva Force Four-Pack

 

How do you top last year’s The Walking Dead Negan and Glenn two-packSan Diego Comic-Con exclusive? Skybound has done just that with The Shiva Force Four-Pack, which features 5″ figures of The Walking Dead‘s Rick Grimes, Michonne, King Ezekiel, and Shiva dressed in a unique Shiva design (and each figure in the set is also individually packaged on a vintage card back with new painted artwork by Jason Edmiston). The four-figure set, which was designed by McFarlane Toys, also includes weapons of choice for Rick, Michonne, and Ezekiel, and will retail for $100. There will be two gift-box variants: a regular color version and a bloody variant, which are limited to 1,000 copies each.

There will also be a fifth Shiva Force member: Jesus. He will only be available in the summer MegaBox from Skybound, which you can sign up for today. The Shiva Force characters will also be featured in Scopely’s The Walking Dead: Road to Survival starting Thursday, July 20 (and you can see a look at Ezekiel, who will be free for a limited time in the game, below).

Also recently announced, some other items Skybound will also be rolling at the San Diego Comic-Con, with prices ready…

Pins:

  • Faction pins (4) – $10
  • Invincible Logo pin – $10
  • Atom Eve Logo Pin – $10
  • Battle Beast Pin – $10
  • Saga Sweet Boy Pin – $10
  • Redneck Logo Pin (red) – $10
  • Redneck Logo Pin (GID) – $10
  • Extremity Logo pin – $10
  • Extremity Thea’s Bike Pin – $10
  • Science Dog Logo pin – $10
  • Monstress animal pins (4) – $10
  • Monstress Quote Pin –$ 10

Shirts:

  • TWD All Out War – $25
  • TWD Banner – $25
  • Redneck Immortal – $25
  • Redneck Texas Forever – $25
  • Extremity Bike – $25
  • Saga Foil (unisex and tank) – $25
  • Saga Ghus – $25
  • Saga Lying Cat – $25
  • Monstress Eye (unisex and tank) – $25
  • Invincible Logo – $25

Misc:

  • Lucille Necklace – $40
  • Lucille Earrings – $40
  • Ezekiel Socks – $15
  • Redneck Hat – $20
  • Monstress Tote – $15