PULIDO & CHEUNG HUNT LADY DEATH!
Jim Cheung Joins Brian Pulido To Launch LADY DEATH: THE WILD HUNT!
Here's the bad news: Your family, who would just as soon kill you as hug you, have conquered Europe. Your friends hate you, and your only allies are former foes. And when you're not fighting a guerilla war against the ruling forces, you're battling monsters and avoiding pockets of land that obey the laws of magic, not physics.
On the positive side, superstar artist Jim Cheung is now illustrating your adventures.
Such is the life of Lady Death, born of two bloodlines, yet belonging to neither. For the last year, writer Brian Pulido re-imagined his dark maiden, introducing the young woman named Hope to a new audience in the pages of LADY DEATH: A MEDIEVAL TALE. This March, former X-Force and Scion artist Jim Cheung joins Pulido as the series' timeline jumps forward an entire year, offering readers new visuals, new challenges, and new surprises in LADY DEATH: THE WILD HUNT.
"Perfect for lovers of dark-edged fantasy, THE WILD HUNT is crafted to shock existing fans while making complete sense to new readers," stated Pulido. "The story starts with medieval Europe now ruled by the Eldritch, an ancient magical race out to extinguish humanity, who they view as cockroaches. Even though they're outnumbered underdogs, it's up to Lady Death and her underground fighters to drive the supernatural race back through the rift they stormed through. But Hope's father was Eldritch and her mother was human. So while she looks Eldritch, Lady Death is hated by the very people she wants to save."
"I really like how the TV show 24 jumps forward in time each season. It's cool to see how the characters progress, change or transform," explained Pulido. "I wanted to do the same with LADY DEATH so I could accelerate the story, amp up the conflicts, and surprise readers."
"When Jim Cheung joined the LADY DEATH team, we all smiled," said CrossGen Senior V.P. of Publishing Bill Rosemann. "Whenever a top-tier talent takes on a cool character, the results are often magic. And after seeing Jim's first pages, that's truly the case here. So in addition to launching fresh new titles like El Cazador, Abadazad, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, we're also looking at how we can make every existing title stronger. And Cheung's definitely delivering the power!"
BRIAN PULIDO'S LADY DEATH: THE WILD HUNT #1, crafted by the creative team of writer Brian Pulido, penciler Jim Cheung, inker Mark Pennington, and colorist Sumi Pak, is scheduled to reach stores on February 25th. The 32-page, $2.95 debut issue will be available for order in the December issue of Diamond's Previews catalog.
November 20 2003
SOLD OUT: SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1 THIRD PRINTING!
The first issue of the hot new series SUPERMAN/BATMAN once again has sold out at DC Comics (although copies still may be available at retail). The third printing of SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1 sold out less than two weeks after reaching stores on November 5.
"Once again, we're so lucky to have the support of the fans and retailers on this book," says writer Jeph Loeb. "We're thrilled that the response has been out of this world. Following this arc we've got Pat Lee doing Issue #7 and then another massive storyline with Michael Turner starting in #8 > -> both doing their first DC super-hero stories! On behalf of myself, Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines, Richard Starkings and Dave Stewart > -> we're doing our best to bring the heat!"
"It's terrific to see sales momentum continuing on this issue," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP > -> Sales & Marketing. "We have no doubt that reader interest in SUPERMAN/BATMAN is going to increase with the issues drawn by Pat Lee and Michael Turner, so now's the time to increase your orders. And, as is the case with so many sell-out issues, we have no plans to go back to press at this time, but if we see sufficient demand, we'll be happy to consider it."
November 20 2003
MONTREAL EXPO HITS THE GROUND RUNNING
The first ever Montreal Comic Book Exposition took place November 14 through 16th at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, Quebec. Guests, retailers and organizers were encouraged that the Expo drew 3000 fans in it’s inaugural year.
“We didn’t expect high attendance since this is a first time market.” Says event coordinator James Armstrong, “It is an encouraging start, and we thank everyone for the support.” With a solid line up of guests, the Montreal Expo, has great hopes to become the second largest show of it’s kind in Canada after the Canadian National that is held in Toronto each August.
The Expo included the high impact features; MSFX the Montreal Sci Fi Expo and MAX the Montreal Anime Expo. Sci Fi fans where thrilled to hear the details about the life and times of Marina Sirtis(Deanna Troi of ST:TNG) who hailed the Montreal Expo “As the best first time show she has ever been a part of.”
Other extremely popular guests with the crowds were Ethan Phillips, Neelix of Star Trek Voyager who stunned the crowds with his honest and personal anecdotes. The MSFX feature also starred Peter Mayhew(Chewbacca); Robert O’Reilly(Gowron of Star Trek DS9); and Leni Parker(Da’an of Earth Final Conflict).
Comic book fans had their hands full with a well-stocked vendor's room, and a line up of comic book professionals that numbered over 40. The comic book industries 'heavy hitters' made the trip to sign autographs and preside over panel discussions throughout the event. Names such as; Adam Kubert, Humberto Ramos, David Finch, Bruce Jones, Darick Robertson, Pat Lee, Leonard Kirk and many others delighted fans with their wit and talent. Indy hero James Kochalka also made a rare appearance on Saturday only.
Homegrown favourites represented the Great White North with flare. Creators such as Yanick Paquette, Pierre-Andre Dery, Geof Isherwood, Dale Eaglesham, Bernie Mireault, Karl Kerschl and Ben and Ray Lai to name a few of the Quebec based creators in attendance.
This was the first time an Anime event of any kind has been tried in Quebec, and the crowds where out in force to see videos in the three provided theatres. Voice actors, Scott McNeil, Kirby Morrow, Brad Swaile, and Chris Sabat entertained crowds with their unique talents. Other highlights included Q and A sessions, autograph signings and photo opportunities.
Organizers confirm that a corporate area has yet to be established due to the youth of the Expo in the Montreal market. “Companies are budgeting very tightly these days when it comes to setting show appearances. We will be going after them now that we are established in a brand new market.” states Aman Gupta, the Expo Manager.
If all goes well, the Montreal Expo will return as an annual event, planning bigger and better things for fans in the region. “This is a wonderful world class city that has strong fan support in the market. We hope to be back ever year and improve the event.”
For more information on the Montreal Expo and other upcoming events visit www.hobbystar.com
November 20, 2003
MEGACON: NEW OWNERSHIP...SAME GREAT GUESTS!
Kevin Smith, Allison Mack, And Brian Michael Bendis Headline 2004 Convention!
MegaCon, recently purchased by the convention's original director Beth Widera, is proud to announce a star-studded line-up of guests from throughout the worlds of movies, television, and comic books, headlined by special guests Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes (a.k.a. "Jay and Silent Bob"), Allison Mack (Chloe from the popular WB! TV program "Smallville"), and Ultimate Spider-Man writer Brian Michael Bendis. The 2004 genre entertainment celebration will return to the Orange Convention Center in sunny Orlando, Florida from Friday, March 5th, to Sunday, March 7th.
"The last four years have been terrific and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to maintain MegaCon's quality and continue running such a fantastic show," stated Widera. "Although I have shifted from convention director to owner, my dedication to customer service remains unchanged...as has my focus on delivering an amazing entertainment experience for the many convention attendees. I look forward to seeing my friends, family, and well-wishers at MegaCon in March!"
Additional MegaCon 2004 comic book guests scheduled to appear include: Kaare Andrews, John Cassaday, Amanda Conner, Chuck Dixon, Terry Dodson, Adam Hughes, Phil Jimenez, Greg Land, Michael Lark, David Mack, Jimmy Palmiotti, Darick Robertson, and Walter Simonson. Joining these comics superstars will be many media guests, including Brad Dourif, who portrayed Grima Wormtongue in "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers".
For more information, please visit megaconvention.com.
November 18 2003
DarkHorse.com launches new look,gives away free comics for a year!
DarkHorse.com, long considered one of the best comic book websites, has a new look and to celebrate they're holding an unprecedented contest. DarkHorse.com users can enter to win free comics for all of 2004! One winner will receive a copy of every single comic that Dark Horse publishes in 2004, as well as a prize package worth $500. Four runners-up will receive fifty dollars worth of Dark Horse products.
Intended to be the ultimate source for Dark Horse knowledge, DarkHorse.com has listings for every Dark Horse comic, book, and product ever made. The site also contains up-to-the-minute news updates, feature articles about Dark Horse's upcoming books, and interviews with some of the industry's top talents. Not only can DarkHorse.com answer any question you might ever have about Dark Horse Comics, it can entertain you for hours with features including preview pages of Dark Horse books, free eComics, downloadable screensavers and desktops and more.
"After many months of hard work we couldn't be more pleased with the results of our web redesign," stated Vice President of Marketing Sara Perrin. "DarkHorse.com has always been an important component in the way we communicate with our fans. Now, with our new streamlined design, visitors to our site will be able to navigate and find information more quickly. Most important, they will be to able to enjoy their Dark Horse online experience to its fullest potential."
DarkHorse.com aims to be the most effective, efficient, and informative website in the industry. Check out www.DarkHorse.com to see what the fuss is about!
November 16 2003
FINALE COMES EARLY FOR SIGIL...BUT CROSSGEN POSTS "MISSING" ISSUE FREE FOR FANS!
Chuck Dixon's Full Plot/Script Of The Original Series Finale Now At CrossGen.com!
SIGIL #43 was originally announced as the series finale for the galaxy-spanning, space chase title. This week, readers learned the final issue had instead been moved up to issue #42. All of us at CrossGen are very sorry that we had to stop the party early, as we know how much our loyal fans had been looking forward to plot resolutions for the space soldier Sam as the invading Negation forces trigger the upcoming War. Especially since Chuck Dixon wrote such a great issue!
But, then we thought, "Hey...since Chuck wrote it, can't we share it with the fans?"
Of course we can!
So if you want to zoom behind-the-scenes, jump over here -- http://www.cgforums.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=732 -- and you can read the full plot/script of SIGIL #43, straight from Chuck Dixon's computer to yours!
Snake Lives!
November 12 2003
Taking on full publishing responsibilities of their critically-acclaimed action series, Hurricane Entertainment announces the upcoming release of issues 3 and 4 of JOHN CARPENTER'S SNAKE PLISSKEN CHRONICLES.
Jan Utstein-O'Neill, Publisher for Hurricane Entertainment said, "Rumors of Snake's death are greatly exaggerated. Here's a perfect example of life imitating art. As any Snake fan knows Mr. Plissken is not dead."
The entire series will ship exactly as solicited at 32 pages, $2.99 each, written by William O'Neill, penciled by Tone Rodriguez and colored by Chris Blythe. All previous orders through Diamond will be fulfilled.
"It was a dream to bring John Carpenter's vision to comics and I'm proud to say this story arc will be completed as originally intended. 
Same creators, same printer, same paper and even more thrills," said O'Neill.
Rodriguez added, "My dream was to have an original Michael Golden masterpiece grace our fourth cover. Wait till you see this beauty. Pencils, inks and colors by Golden. It's just awesome. Even Snake film Producer Debra Hill was blown away."
SNAKE PLISSKEN CHRONICLES #3 (Diamond Comic Distributors item codes: AUG032130 and AUG032131) is at Quebecor Printing right now and will ship at the end of this month. Issue #4 (Diamond Comic Distributors item codes: OCT032293 and OCT032294) is penciled and entering the final phases of production. As for future story arcs, Hurricane is currently speaking with several publishers.
"We thank our friends at CrossGen for helping us launch this series,” stated Utstein-O’Neill. 
“We’ve believed in this book from the very beginning and I'm proud to say we deliberately over-printed the first two issues so that every fan could jump aboard at any time."
"While it’s been a challenging Autumn, it was also great to hear from so many people interested in Snake’s future. The best way to help is to ask your local comic shop to restock SNAKE PLISSKEN issues #1 and #2 so that issue #3 can be received by its widest audience yet," said Utstein-O'Neill.
Billy Tucci’s Shi: Always a Dark Horse?
November 10 2003
They said she was a bad girl. They said she was a fad. They said she’d never last.
They’ll say anything, won’t they?
Just in time for the 10th anniversary of Billy Tucci’s highly evocative original mini-series, Shi: The Way of the Warrior, Ana Ishikawa – better known as Shi – is back! The avenging angel torn between two ways of life returns in Shi: Ju-Nen, a brand new limited series from Dark Horse Comics.
The odds were always against Shi, but she’s not only still here… she’s back and better than ever!
Ten years have passed since Tucci first introduced us to the shadow war, which has raged for hundreds of years between the warrior monks of the Kyoto and Nara Sohei, direct descendants of Japan’s greatest samurai. It was in that series that we met Ana Ishikawa, who set out on the path of revenge but found herself lost in a sea of conflict, much of it within her own soul.
Things have changed in the last decade. The Narans have finally been defeated, and the Kyoto Sohei are about to rub it in – with the encouragement of the Yakuza and with potentially disastrous consequences. Once again, Ana Ishikawa will don the guise of Shi, Death Incarnate, and try to prevent disaster.
Shi: Ju-Nen returns Billy Tucci to the character that made his mark in comics, and returns him to his first full mini-series following several film projects, including his award winning short film, some trouble of a SeRRious nature.
“I’m thrilled to have Ana and this mini-series at Dark Horse,” Tucci said. “The success of their Shi statue, which sold out before its release, was amazing, and I think it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg for what we will accomplish together.
“Mike Richardson and his team have just been amazing to work with, and since Shi has always been something of a dark horse in the comic book world, I think it’s a great fit,” Tucci added.
“I’ve known Billy for many years and am glad for the chance to finally work together,” commented Dark Horse President Mike Richardson. “We are proud to have this classic character become part of the Dark Horse family.”
Shi: Ju-Nen is a four-issue, standard format mini-series created by Tucci and is scheduled for a spring 2004 release.
ABOUT BILLY TUCCI and CRUSADE FINE ARTS
William (Billy) Tucci is the award-winning creator, writer and artist of the graphic series Shi. Through Billy his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd., Shi is printed in six languages, has sold more than 4 million comic books and grossed over 25 million dollars worldwide.
Producer Mimi Polk Gitlin (Thelma & Louise, Trapped) currently holds the option on Shi for a major motion picture. Tucci is writing the screenplay with Kevin Bernhardt (Art of War, Black Friday) and will serve as Executive Producer.
some trouble of a SeRRious nature marked Billy’s film debut as writer, director and producer. Produced during 2001/2002, this “live-action cartoon” debuted at the 2002 Long Island International Film Expo where it was awarded "Best Short Film.” some trouble has since screened in Baltimore MD, Orlando FL, New York City, Pittsburgh PA, and San Diego, CA.
A graduate of the New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, the former paratrooper has also created and published the properties ATOMIKA, Gremlin Effect, Victoria Cross, The Burning Blue and The Undaunted. He has been featured in The New York Times, NY Daily News, Newsday, Elle, Playboy, E!, ABC, NBC, Fox and many others.
Billy is a member of the IFP/NY, is represented by Keith Boesky at ICM and Leigh Brecheen of Bloom, Hergot, Dalmer and Cook. He resides in Bayport, New York with his wife Deborah and baby boy, William Alexander.
Largest Pop Culture Expo Ever Hits Montreal!
November 7 2003
The 1st Annual Montreal Comic Book Exposition will take place at the Palais des Congres de Montreal on November 14 through 16th 2003. This is more than a comic book show, it will be the largest event of it’s kind ever held Quebec!
The Montreal Comic Book Expo will include two featured events: the Montreal Anime Expo and the Montreal Science Fiction Expo. “MAX” has special guests; Scott McNeil, Kirby Morrow, Brad Swaile, and Chris Sabat, all well known professional voice actors from the industry’s leading companies.
“MSFX” has also added incredible guests including; Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi from Star Trek:TNG) Ethan Phillips (Neelix of Star Trek:Voyager) Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) Robert O’Reilly (Gowron of Star Trek:DS9) Leni Parker (Da’an of Earth Final Conflict) and Lou Ferrigno (Incredible Hulk).
Comic book fans will not be disappointed with with over 50 published professionals in attendance including; Adam Kubert, Humberto Ramos, Pat Lee, David Finch, Darick Robertson, Bruce Jones, Leonard Kirk, Dale Eaglesham, Geof Isherwood, Yanick Paquette, Karl Kerschl, Pierre-Andre Dery, Bernie Mireault, Ben & Ray Lai, Denis, Rodier, Serge LaPointe, Clement Sauve, James Kochalka and dozens more.
For more detailed information visit www.hobbystar.com. Look for a daily coverage of the event, by the Comic Book Bin.
