“Chocolate, vanilla, existential horror, drug addiction, musical fantasy…there’s a flavor for everyone’s misery.”
Image Comics will bring Ice Cream Man, a new genre-defying series of disparate one-shots arriving this January, from writer W. Maxwell Prince (One Week in the Library, The Electric Sublime), with artist Martín Morazzo (Snowfall, Great Pacific, The Electric Sublime) and colorist Chris O’Halloran (Generation Gone Black Panther).
SEE PREVIEW BELOW!
Gather round the neighborhood ice cream truck for these tales of sorrow, wonder, and redemption. Each installment features its own cast of strange characters, dealing with their own special sundae of suffering. And on the periphery of all of them, like the twinkly music of his colorful truck, is the Ice Cream Man—a weaver of stories, a purveyor of sweet treats. Friend. Foe. God. Demon. The man who, with a snap of his fingers—lickety split!—can change the course of your life forever.
“I’m jazzed to be working with Martín and Chris to bring folks these odd little stories about broken people and their complicated interior lives,” said Prince. “With any luck, there’s something yummy here for all stripes of reader, no matter their tastes.”
“Ice Cream Man is unlike anything I’ve worked on before!” said Morazzo. “The stories we’re telling, tales of everyday people dealing with extreme situations—always with a dark twist—are rarely seen in comics these days.”
Ice Cream Man #1 will have two covers, Cover A by series artists Morazzo and O’Halloran and Cover B by Frazer Irving. The premiere issue arrives in comic book stores on Wednesday, January 17th.
Image Comics recently announced at this year’s Rose City Comic Con, Bitter Root, an all-new ongoing series from David Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene, coming in 2018.
Bitter Root is set in 1920s with the Harlem Renaissance in full swing. The new series will follow the Sangerye Family—New York (and the world’s) only hope for salvation from supernatural forces threatening doom and destruction. Once the greatest family of monster hunters in the world, the Sangeryes must move beyond the tragedies of the past, or be forced to sit back and watch an unimaginable evil ravage the human race.
“Bitter Root is going to be unlike any comic book people have seen,” said Walker. “We’re mixing action and horror, with a cast of characters unique to the medium to tell an epic tale of the Sangerye family and the sacrifices they are willing to make for humanity. I’m excited for this series for several reasons. It gives me the chance to work with Sanford again, Chuck, who is a great co-writer, and Image, which publishes some absolutely amazing comics.”
Chuck Brown added: “Bitter Root is a dream project. Walker, Greene, and I share the same tastes while bringing our own unique talents and perspectives to the book. Bitter Root takes a classic horror genre and remolds it into something new and eye-opening. I haven’t had this much fun creating comics in a while.”
Bitter Root #1 from Image Comics will hit stores in Spring 2018.
From the bestselling creative team behind Goners, Jacob Semahn and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Jorge Corona team up once again for an all-new thriller in No. 1 with a Bullet. The new series is set to launch this November.
Her social media, strong. Her variety show segments, a hit. In No. 1 with a Bullet, Nash Huang is at the top of her game. But when the iRis Shutter contact lens hits the market, Nash’s life is personally invaded. The latest leap forward in “technological progress,” these contacts not only play video or augment reality… but also record with the blink of an eye. Fighting to keep her life together after a leaked sex tape goes viral, a clingy super fan is the last thing on Nash’s mind… but that’s exactly when the bodies pile up and the terror begins.
“The more I looked around at our world—the post-facts, the online victimization, the shouting past each other into the digital void—the more I wondered if technology has helped us more than hurt us,” said Semahn. “Without a second thought we give up privacy every day in order to appease our social media overlords, but at what cost? With patents filed for recordable contact lenses in order to ‘make sure you don’t miss a single moment of your life,’ where do we the draw the line? No. 1 explores both innovation and invasion. A stalker story at heart, with a Black Mirror feel, No. 1 With A Bullet paints an all too real future right around the corner.”
Corona added: “Social networks and the way the lines between private and public aspects of our lives have blurred with the advances of technology is something that fascinates me. It has connected the world in ways never before imagined, but it has also exposed a very dark side of us all that, in some cases, magnifies the proximity of how close we can feel to being vulnerable online. These are not new problems, these are issues society has been dealing with for years. Now, we’re just trying to understand how to deal with them in a completely different context. Exploring the human root in a world that has become so artificial was what drove me into making this project a priority.”
No. 1 with a Bullet #1 will hit stores on Wednesday, November 1st.
This September from Image Comics, writer Antony Johnston (The Fuse, Atomic Blonde/The Coldest City) and artist Shari Chankhamma (The Fuse) will launch Ghost Station Zero, a new four-issue Codename Baboushka mission.
“Ghost Stations” are abandoned Soviet bases from the Cold War, long forgotten and useless…or so people think! When an EON agent goes missing on the trail of a ghost station in the Swiss mountains, Mr. Clay turns to crime-boss-turned-blackmailed- international-superspy Baboushka to investigate—and what she finds is explosive!
“Fans already know that Baboushka is an all-action modern pulp heroine,” said Johnston. “But we hope people new to her adventures (especially fans of Atomic Blonde, ahem) will get on board the roller coaster ride of Ghost Station Zero, because we’re turning it up to 11, cutting the brake lines, and mixing our metaphors all over the place. New villains, new gadgets, new plots to take over the world…all in a day’s work for Baboushka, who of course looks fabulous while doing it.”
“It’s been too long since the last arc, but I’m happy to be back with Baboushka and Antony again!” said Chankhamma. “This time, we get to see her in a lot more different environments, and with that, more opportunities to show what she’s capable of. This is a really action-packed arc with Baboushka constantly trying to get out of one tricky situation, just to get into another. And of course, we’ve got a lot more explosions. I’m getting pretty good at rendering explosions.”
Ghost Station Zero #1 will have two covers, with Cover A by Chankhamma and Cover B by Becky Cloonan. Both will arrive in comic book stores Wednesday, August 2nd.
SW Captain’s note – The first series is highly recommended for those just catching on, now available in trade paperback, Codename Baboushka, Volume 1: The Conclave Of Death.
Fan-favorite cartoonist Corey “Reyyy” Lewis will set the first arc of his one-man comics anthology Sun Bakery in paperback, collecting the first four issues for the Sun Bakery: Fresh Collection, for this August.
Also in August, the Sun Bakery comic series will return with a new story arc in issue #5.
Two new series kick off in this new arc: Soul of Sharknife, the long-awaited return of indie comics superhero Sharknife in a brand-new adventure; and Freeze, a fantastical breakdancing battle. Plus, Bat Rider continues his supernatural skateboarding adventure, and more micro comics abound in SUN BAKERY #5.
“With Sun Bakery #5, we’re starting a brand-new arc centering around my main Sharknife character,” said Lewis. “It’s going to be quite unique. Unlike anything currently out there in comics.”
Sun Bakery #5 hits comic book stores Wednesday, August 2nd. Sun Bakery: Fresh Collection hits comic book stores Wednesday, August 30th and bookstores Tuesday, September 5th.
Dark Horse Comics recently announced its second installment of their illustrated prose and comics anthology The Secret Loves of Geek Girls with The Secret Loves of Geeks.
Editor Hope Nicholson returns to assemble a dazzling mix of prose, comics and illustrated stories from a variety of creators. Cartoonists and professional geeks tell the most intimate, heartbreaking, and inspiring stories about love, sex, and dating; featuring creators of all genders, orientations, and cultural backgrounds.
The anthology includes work by Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale), Gerard Way (Umbrella Academy), Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind), Dana Simpson (Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Gabby Rivera (America), Hope Larson (Batgirl), Cecil Castellucci (Soupy Leaves Home), Valentine de Landro (Bitch Planet), Marley Zarcone (Shade), Sfé R. Monster (Beyond: A queer comics anthology), Amy Chu (Wonder Woman), and more. Becky Cloonan (The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys) illustrates the gorgeous and “catastic” cover.
The Secret Loves of Geeks is set for release on Valentines Day, February 14, 2018.
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.
Fifteen years ago, our world was overrun by creatures of myth: orcs, dragons, and other nameless horrors that threw the entire planet into total chaos. Today, the shattered remnants of civilization must fight tooth and nail to survive in a deadly new era of violence and mayhem.
Coming in September from Image Comics – The Realm, is a new ongoing series diving into the grit and chaos of a post-apocalyptic world, from co-creators Seth M. Peck (X-Men) and Jeremy Haun (The Beauty) team up with colorist Nick Filardi and letterer Thomas Mauer.
“Creator-owned comics are the only place you can tell stories like The Realm exactly as you want them to be told,” said Peck. “You can have an F-14 take on a dragon in the skies over Chicago, or have a horde of orcs lay siege to the White House without worrying about special effects or budgets. At the same time, you can tell very intimate, emotional, and human stories and develop complicated, meaningful characters over the course of time. With The Realm, Jeremy and I wanted to blend all the genres we enjoy, mix in plenty of action, and give readers something unique and exciting to look forward to each month.”
The Realm will have two covers, Cover A by Jeremy Haun and Nick Filardi and Cover B by Tony Moore.
“The Realm is the book I’ve wanted to do my entire life,” said Haun. “It’s the perfect mash of everything I love to draw. Post-apocalyptic landscapes, dark magical citadels, machine gun-toting barbarians, unnamable horrors, DRAGONS—it doesn’t get more fun than this.”
The Realm #1 will launch on Wednesday, September 13th.
Another Electronic Entertainment Expo has come and gone. with it, much hype over the new consoles, peripherals, and the flagship titles based on established properties and well-known franchise icons. Many promises are made through ridiculous press conferences, leading to some broken and others with excessive DLC paywalls.
But among all the possible hits, are some shiny gems in the multiverse of interactive entertainment, mostly from the big console gaming juggernauts. Such promote themselves through visually sweet trailers, giving gamers a forward look. Others can be easily missed, as the mainstream entertainment media tends to gravitate towards the safe, familiar properties in promoting the new gaming eye candy.
So, we look towards the curious and interesting games based on the trailer content, built from many lesser-known developers. Check these out…
CUPHEAD
Developer: StudioMDHR Platforms: Xbox One, Windows 10, Steam Release Date: September 29
Thoughts: I love the visual 60fps motion style, looking nearly hand drawn with every shot. But looking further, as some fantastic and deeply imaginative design concepts; much in spirit with the early Disney era of earliest animation that inspired this.
THE ARTFUL ESCAPE
Developer: Beethoven & Dinosaur Platforms: Xbox One, Windows 10 Date of release: TBA
Thoughts: Another visually catching game, and a curious story to match. There is a feeling with the style, reminding me The Yellow Submarine, and other psychedelic music videos of yesterday.
BLOODSTAINED: RITUAL OF THE NIGHT
Developer: Inti Creates Publisher: 505 Games Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One Date of release: Spring 2018
Thoughts: As a huge fan of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and the later Castlevania Nintendo DS games, I share the excitement in seeing composer Michiru Yamane and producer Koji Igarashi working together on this independent spiritual successor to those special games in the franchise.
A PLAGUE TALE: INNOCENCE
Developer: Asobo Publisher: Focus Home Interactive Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Date of release: TBA
Thoughts: Not much is known about this game just yet, other than its teasing me with rats. This has potential.
RAIDERS OF THE BROKEN PLANET
Developer: Mercury Games
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Time of release: Late 2017
Thoughts: Since Overwatch, I notice a huge trend in these colorful shoot-em-ups. But Raiders of the Broken Planet seems to present a large narrative to its story, with something more than cosplay ideas.
SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS (remake)
Developer: Blueprint Games
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (exclusive) Time of release: 2018
Thoughts: Th awesome classic from the PS2 era is getting an updated revival. The original is also a prime example of how a game with a powerful story and graphics to match, and just as moving as a motion picture film, for what it brings to the heart.
THE LAST NIGHT
Developer: Odd Tales Publisher: Raw Fury
Platforms: Xbox One and PC Time of release: 2018
Thoughts: I see a wonderful looking game with some classic Blade-Runner-esque cyberpunk elements. My wallet is ready.
ORI and THE WILL OF THE WISPS
Developer: Moon Studios
Platforms: Xbox One and Windows 10 Time of release: 2018
Thoughts: The original Ori and the Blind Forest, is an essential masterpiece for lovers of side-scrolling cinematics. This sequel pushes the haunting sounds and vibrant visuals of the original to a new level, of which I hope will eventually come to other platforms as well.
TUNIC
Developer: Andrew Shouldice Platforms: PC, Mac, consoles TBA Time of release: 2018
Thoughts: Another game with a unique feel, with a bit of a classic Legend of Zelda vibe going on.
…
That’s all for now. If you know of any good upcoming games missed up, announced or promoted through E3 2017, let us know below!
This summer, Image Comics sets the way for new readers into the pages of Angelic, a new post-apocalyptic fable by Eisner-nominated writer Simon Spurrier (The Spire, Cry Havoc, Godshaper), and artist Caspar Wijngaard (Limbo, Dark Souls, Assassin’s Creed).
SEE PREVIEW BELOW!
ANGELIC is a story of teenage rebellion and animal antics amidst the ruins of civilization.
Winged monkeys! Techno-dolphins! Quantum alleycats! In ANGELIC, humanity’s long gone. Its memory lingers only as misunderstood rituals among mankind’s leftovers: the genetically modified animals they used and abused for eons. But for one young flying monkey, QORA, the routines are unbearable. All she wants is to explore. Instead, she’s expected to settle down, to become a mother…to lose her wings.
“Angelic’s about teenage flying monkeys having adventures in the far future because that’s totally a genre now,” said Spurrier. “But in the best traditions of age-friendly fiction—think Pixar or Ghibli—there’s also a bunch of meaty themes beneath the fun: religion, parenthood, technology, and responsibility, it’s all in the mix. Ultimately it’s a tale about the Earth—after us. And all rendered in the unmistakably vivid color and crackle of superstar-in-the-making Caspar Wijngaard.”
ANGELIC #1 will hit stores on Wednesday, September 20th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, August 28th.
Stranger Worlds 