(Courtesy of Amazon)

 100 Days Of Monsters (with DVD) (Hardcover)
by Stefan Bucher (Author)

Book Description
Designer and illustrator Stefan G. Bucher loves drawing monsters, so he filmed himself drawing an ink-blot monster every day for 100 days and posted the videos online. The result was an overwhelming response from all corners of the globe as fans submitted stories about the trials and triumphs of each unique monster. A companion DVD contains movies of each of the monsters being drawn, as well as additional monster stories. In addition, there is a foreword from Ze Frank.

What’s Inside the Book?

• 100 Daily Monsters
• 257 monster stories
• 1 dvd featuring all 100 Daily Monster video clips, 701 bonus comments and stories, one Real Time Monster, a special video message from the author, and 10 Open Source Ink Blots(tm) that let you make your own Daily Monsters

About the Author
Stefan G. Bucher is a good egg. After working as a freelance illustrator in his native Germany, he moved to California and earned his degree from Art Center College of Design in 1996. He is responsible for CD packages for everyone from indie artists to Whitney Houston and Sting. In September of 2004 the Art Directors Club (New York) selected him as one of 35 outstanding creatives age 30 and under for their biennial “Young Guns” exhibit. He speaks frequently and passionately about life, love and graphic design at schools and design associations around the country and has been a judge for a number of national design competitions.  

Eagle Awards 2008

(Courtesy of Virgin Comics)

The nominations are now open for the 2008 Eagle Awards and among other Virgin titles, our very own Dan Dare is in the running in multiple categories! Be sure to cast your vote for Dan Dare in Favorite Color Comicbook - American, Favorite New Comicbook, Favorite Comics Hero and Favorite Comics Villain (for The Mekon).

Also, don’t forget to nominate your other favorite Virgin Comics titles and creators. You’ll find the following Virgin talent listed in the pull-down menu lists of nominees in various categories, but don’t forget that you can write in ANYBODY.

Favorite Comics Writer: Garth Ennis, Mike Carey

Favorite Comics Writer/Artist: Bryan Talbot

Favorite Comics Artist: Pencils: Michael Gaydos

Favorite Comics Artist: Inks: Gary Erskine

Favorite Colorist: Laura Martin

Too bad they don’t have a category for sexiest demon slayer…

http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/nominate.asp

(Courtesy of Alterna Comics)

SPACE - March 1st and 2nd
Aladdin Shrine Center - Columbus, Ohio
Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm
Admission is $5 for one day $8 for both days

Alterna Attendees:
Peter Simeti (The Chair/Spectrum/Publisher at Alterna)
Michael Bracco (Birth/Novo/Jesus Hates Zombies)
Stephen Lindsay (Jesus Hates Zombies)
Lauren Monardo (Jesus Hates Zombies)
Mike Bartolotta (Jesus Hates Zombies)

(Courtesy of Pretentious Comics)

READ the Complete Graphic Novella FREE: Adobe PDF 15 MB
FOR MATURE READERS

(Courtesy of Mikebooks)

Collected for the first time! The SIRE TP, featuring the groundbreaking SIRE and SIRE: Revelations mini-series’ well as three all-new never before seen adventures, is available to order in the March Volume of Diamond Previews - in stores now!

Let your local retailer know to look for it and order your copy today! You can also order it online through any trusted online retailer or directly by going to:
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/mar083388.html

The SIRE at STAPLE
Kicking off the 2008 Convention Season, SIRE creator Michael Dolce will be at the STAPLE Indy Comic book show in Austin, Texas, this Saturday from 11am-7pm. Get your books signed, catch up on any issues you may have missed or introduce yourself to the world of the SIRE. 

Look for us at table 46a. For more show details check out:
http://www.staple-austin.org/

SIRE creator in Wizard #198 - on sale now
Check out Wizard #198 Wizard Edge section for the latest indy article from SIRE creator Michael Dolce. In this latest edition Dolce talks about the importance of good judgement when assessing one’s overall goal in the industry and coming to sometimes difficult decisions on how best to proceed. 

Order a copy of Wizard #198 today by going to:
http://www.wizarduniverse.com/jan083262.html

For more indy insight check out Michael Dolce at Wizard World LA March 16th-18th, 2008 co-hosting a panel on self-publishing. The SIRE TPB is available to order in the March volume of Diamond Previews - order #MAR083388

(Courtesy of Drawn & Quarterly) 

PAUL GOES FISHING

By Michel Rabagliati

IN CONVERSATION

Saturday, March 15th, 5:00 PM, Free

Slide show, Q+A, and signing

Toronto Public Library

Lillian H. Smith Building, downstairs auditorium

239 College Street, Toronto, ON

________________________________________

Praise for Michel Rabagliati’s previous “Paul” stories:

“Rabagliati’s bold black brush strokes are visual poetry.” –Vancouver Courier

“Rabagliati’s childhood fondness for Gaston and Asterix comics is evident in his ability to tell a simple story in an engaging way…[His] technique of alternating between realistic pauses and plot-driven action pulls the reader into each character’s subtleties and sensitivities.” –The Toronto Star

“Rabagliati’s confessional writing is free of self-loathing, and his black-and-white panels eschew half-tones for a spirited line that adeptly conveys the messiness and joy of youth.” –The Village Voice

ABOUT PAUL GOES FISHING:

This fourth installment in Michel Rabagliati’s semiautobiographical series finds Paul settling comfortably into adult life, occasional twinges of anxiety aside. His graphic design business has taken off, his partner, Lucie, is pregnant, it’s mid-July and time to leave behind the city to go fishing. Long lazy days stretch out while Paulâ’s thoughts wander from the colorful characters at the fish-and-game camp to the lurking depths of childhood, a Holden Caulfield-esque adolescence, and the encounters that have shaped his sense of family thus far. But the golden glow soon lifts off his vacation with the realization that the lake isn’t as idyllic as it would seem, and neither is pregnancy.

Elegant composition and spare, condensed drawing crystallize emotion and atmosphere in this wistful and engaging account of everyday hopes and hardships, told with a keen and playful sense of iconic detail. Even the mundane holds beauty and meaning in this compassionate story of expectation, disappointment, and wonder.

ABOUT MICHEL RABAGLIATI:

Born in Montreal in 1961, Rabagliati took an early interest in graphic design and typography, becoming a designer and commercial illustrator by his early twenties. His illustrations have since appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, The Utne Reader, The Advocate, The National Post, Maclean’s and Canadian Business. Rabagliati’s first translated strip, “Paul, Apprentice Typographer,” appeared in Drawn & Quarterly Volume Three, and his first comic book, Paul in the Country, earned him a Harvey Award for Best New Talent. His full-length graphic novels include Paul Has A Summer Job, Paul Moves Out, which garnered Canada’s Doug Wright Award for Best Book of the Year, and Paul Goes Fishing. Rabagliati lives in Montreal with his family.

________________________________________

$19.95

Distributed by Farrar, Straus & Giroux (USA) & Raincoast Books (Canada)

(Courtesy of IDW Publishing)

IDW Publishing has released a video trailer for its newest graphic novel, FINDING PEACE.  

In case video doesn’t embed, the trailer can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbHsuPUVgo0.

FINDING PEACE

By Tom Waltz and Nathan St John

Coming May 2008 from IDW Publishing and Charlie Foxtrot Entertainment

Finding Peace contains three stories, each unique and yet all connected by a single, tragic thread — the desperate search for peace in times of both declared and undeclared war. Set in an unnamed country ravaged by civil war, the three stories are presented in reverse chronological order, showing where things are before finally depicting where things have been. The reader will ultimately decide if the situation has improved, or whether the dangers and tragedies of civil war only wear a different mask during times of peacekeeping — a new disguise that simply hides the same, deadly monster underneath.

120-page Graphic Novel

DIAMOND ORDER CODE:  MAR083806

http://www.IDWpublishing.com

http://www.CharlieFoxtrotFilms.com

Finding Peace is copyright 2008 Tom Waltz and Nathan St John

Toy Fair 08 announcements (Courtesy of Dark Horse)

Domo

Dark Horse is very proud to announce the spring release of a line of merchandise based on the popular Japanese NHK mascot Domo.  The product line includes a unique self-mailer stationery set, an adorable sculpted refrigerator magnet, an embroidered patch, two separate journals, and a flocked vinyl Domo in four variations. The stationery, photo journal, and patch will release in April, followed by the flocked journal, sculpted magnet, and the limited-edition flocked vinyl figures in June—see edition size and info below.

Classic Brown—Limited Edition

Royal Blue—Limited to 500 

Fabulous Fuchsia—Limited to 500

Polar White—Limited to 250

The Spirit

In celebration of Will Eisner’s 1940s classic creation, and the summer ‘09 release of the film directed by comics-to-film savant Frank Miller, Dark Horse will be releasing two separate lines of products based on The Spirit.  This spring, fans can look forward to statues, busts, PVC sets, sculpted magnets, and more based on the classic comics.  Soon to follow will be a line of products based on the film adaptation.

MINDstyle

Dark Horse has signed an agreement to act as exclusive sales agent for the entire program of licensed products for MINDstyle—a California-based company which has recently emerged as a leading manufacturer of high-end collectible figures. The initial offerings, slated for release beginning in April 2008, will include deluxe limited-edition vinyl figures and specialty products based on the classic Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal, comics artist Frank Cho’s Liberty Meadows, and award-winning painter Brom’s acclaimed book The Plucker.

Hellboy

Dark Horse Comics is bringing forward a new presentation of some classic merchandise based on the award-winning graphic novels by Mike Mignola. Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Lobster Johnson will be boxed as a three-pack of PVC figures. The Hellboy PVC figure will also be available in a new book-and-figure boxed set that will include a special new edition of the graphic novel that started it all, Seed of Destruction, with new cover art by Mike Mignola. Additionally in June, a Hellboy ceramic coffee mug is on its way, with a brand-new Mignola design in full color. Dark Horse is currently working with Mignola on a new series of art-based T-shirt designs, which should also be available this spring.

Doctor Who

Weta Collectibles and Dark Horse are pleased to announce the launch of Doctor Who statues based on the new BBC series!  The first statue, Dalek’s Destruction, is from the episode titled “Dalek,” from the ninth Doctor Who series, starring Christopher Eccleston. The second piece, The Cybercontroller, is from the “Age of Steel” episode from the tenth series (new series 2006, Part 2 of a two-part story), starring David Tennant as the Doctor.  Both statues will be available in May 2008.  Also on the horizon is a Sontaran Helmet, with edition size and pricing still to be determined.

Weta Originals Victorious Mongoose 1902a Ray Pistol

The fourth installment of the revered Weta Originals Raygun series will be available in March ’08. This limited edition ray pistol is handcrafted and made out of metal with a hand-carved wooden handle. It comes with its own display case, certificate of authenticity, and an assortment of implements and crafting tools.

Lenore

Based on original art from Roman Dirge, with his full involvement and approval, the latest Lenore PVC set is morbidly charming.  Depicting Taxidermy in his chair, looming with his empty-eyed stare, The Spam Witch on her broom with cat and dog in tow, and Lenore in her cute little bunny suit with a knife AND a mallet!  The second Lenore PVC set by Dark Horse Deluxe will be available in March 2008.

Vampire Hunter D PVC Set

 Based on the revered illustrations of Yoshitaka Amano, this is the first in a line of upcoming Vampire Hunter D products. Featuring D, Doris, and Magnus, these are some of the finest representations of these characters ever made! Meticulously sculpted and painted by Tim Bruckner, this set truly captures the beauty and attitude of these beloved characters.  The Vampire Hunter D PVC set will be available July 2008.

Serenity

In conjunction with the launch of the new Serenity: Better Days series in March, Dark Horse will be releasing a pair of lunch boxes. Featuring the traditional Serenity logo that fans have come to know and love, the original lunch box also depicts the ship herself, and is trimmed by a colorful band of Serenity’s spacey intergalactic currency.  The second lunch box spotlights the anime-style art from Mark Brooks and Peter Gilstrap’s Fruity Oaty Bar commercial. 

Kull Bust

The Savage Sword collection continues with one of Robert E. Howard’s most enduring characters, Kull, who after being exiled from his native Atlantis as a youth, and an adventurous career as a slave, pirate, and gladiator, emerges as king of the mythical kingdom of Valusia.  This is the second in a series of busts from The Savage Sword collection.  Following the release of Conan in December, the Kull bust will be available this June.

Samurai Champloo Mini-busts

One of today’s most popular anime series is getting the 3-D treatment. Created and directed by renowned animation talent Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for the mega-hit Cowboy Bebop, this work centers around a trio of unforgettable characters: Mugen, Jin, and Fuu. We are bringing them all forward as limited-edition pieces that are faithful to every nuance of the Japanese originals. The three mini-busts will be sold separately and will be available this July.

Classic Comic Book Characters #8–#12

Dark Horse continues their ongoing Classic Comic Book Characters line with six new “Syroco-style” statuettes releasing in 2008.  Slated for a March release, Classic Comic Book Character #8: Grendel will be the first this year, followed by Cutter in April, Green Lama and Ghost in May, The Goon in June, and The Rocketeer in July. Inspired by the “Syroco” statues of the 1940s and sculpted by those fine folks at Yoe! Studio, nearly 50 different statues have been released thus far to wide acclaim.  Many statuettes in the series have sold out and now command collector’s prices.  

VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES THEATRICAL SCREENINGS OF MANGA INSPIRED FILM - NANA IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK 

Story of Two Women Searching For Love And Meaning Amidst the Hustle and Bustle of TokyoA Box Office Hit In Japan 

San Francisco, CA, February 26, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced a pair of new theatrical runs scheduled for New York and Los Angeles of NANA, a live action film directed by Ootani Kentarou and based on the best-selling shojo manga (graphic novel) series by Ai Yazawa.  

NANA will screen in Los Angeles, March 21-27 at the IMAGINASIAN CENTER and then in New York, April 4-10 at the IMAGINASIAN THEATRE. Press screenings for both locations are also planned and theater information follows at the end of this release. 

NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they share the same name, they couldn’t be more different. Nana “Hachi” Komatsu follows her boyfriend to Tokyo and hopes to make a new start, while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk rock beauty who has the ambition to make it big in the world of rock and roll. Although these two young women come from vastly different backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. What sets them apart, however, is the stark difference between their lives. One Nana comes from a small town, following her friends and boyfriend but ultimately looking for her own goal to obtain, while the other Nana has a single-minded aim to make her dream and band, the Black Stones, among the best in Japan. 

NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006, grossing more than 4 billion yen and staying in the Top 10 for several weeks. The main theme from the film, “Glamorous Sky,” took the number 1 spot on Japan’s Oricon charts in its first two weeks of sales and quickly sold over 450,000 copies. Another song from the film, “Endless Story,” took the number 2 spot on the same chart in its first week of release and sold over 300,000 copies. The English version of the manga series has sold over 22 million copies in Japan, is published domestically by VIZ Media under its SHOJO BEAT imprint.

 “NANA presents a realistic and sometimes gritty portrayal of two modern women searching for love, careers and a sense of purpose amidst the urban bustle of Tokyo,” says Manami Iboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “The manga series on which the film is based has been critically acclaimed and demonstrates the versatility of manga-inspired plots to transition from print to film in such a compelling way. NANA was warmly received at its U.S. premiere at the 2007 New York Anime Festival, and we look forward to audiences in Los Angeles and New York enjoying the film.” 

Theatre information: 

LOS ANGELES  Press Screening: March 5, 2:00pmTheatrical Screening: March 21-27IMAGINASIAN CENTER251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-1033 

NEW YORK Press Screening: March 19, 2:00pmTheatrical Screening: April 4-10IMAGINASIAN THEATRE239 East 59^th Street (between 2^nd and 3^rd Ave.)New York 10022(212) 371-6682 

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese “kawaii (cute) and cool” pop culture.  VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan’s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular “NARUTO” animated TV series.© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc 

About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.###

(Courtesy of Broken Voice Comics)

Shades – “Death Watch” 

Broken Voice Comics is pleased to announce that Chapter 8 of its flagship title – the online graphic novel “Shades” – has been launched at www.brokenvoice.co.uk.*****

Written by David A J Berner and illustrated in full colour by artist Harsho Mohan Chattoraj, “Shades” tells the story of a group of heroes in the UK, struggling to come to terms with their role in late 20^th Century Britain; a Britain still haunted by the loss of Empire.

 “This is an important milestone for us,” explains Berner.  “We intend to release the print version of Shades in two volumes.  Chapter 8 is the final chapter of Volume 1 and so we will be preparing formal submissions to publishers very shortly.”   

“Personally, I think it’s a fantastic chapter to end the volume,” he added.  “Harsho has produced some of his best artwork to-date and, whilst it will be a little while before readers can see it all online, story-wise, there’s still plenty in store for them!” 

“The chapter opens with the central characters trying to deal with the loss of one of their number and proceeds to flesh out the back-story of the Shaman, one of the more enigmatic characters in the book.   And then, of course there’s a spectacular ending which – for obvious reasons – I’m not at liberty to disclose!” 

Shades 

“Shades” is the flagship title of Broken Voice Comics (www.brokenvoice.co.uk) where it is updated every Wednesday.  It is also serialised at the  Graphic Smash (www.graphicsmash.com) and Drunk Duck (www.drunkduck.com) websites.