Monthly Archives: November 2010

Happenings: Montreal (mini) Comic-Con Sunday, December 5th, 2010

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Montreal Comic-Con presents a Mini-Comic-Con

Sunday, December 5, 2010, from 11:00am to 6:00pm

Place Bonaventure, room 200-N
800, rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H5A 1K6

General admission: $5
Children under 8: FREE
Tickets will only be sold at the event entrance on December 5.

GUESTS & ATTRACTIONS

Comic books/BD

The Flash #6 Cover by Francis Manapul

FRANCIS MANAPUL (The Flash)

Red Robin #17 Cover by Marcus To

MARCUS TO (Red Robin)

PLUS:

WES CRAIG (Guardians of the Galaxy)
MICHEL LACOMBE (Batman Incorporated, Loki, L’Académie des chasseurs de primes)
TOM FOWLER (Deadpool Team-Up, Mysterius the Unfathomable)
KELLY TINDALL
AGNES GARBOWSKA
ERIC THERIAULT
ERIK MULLINS
EXCIDIUS
FRANÇOIS CHARTIER
MARCO PRUD’HOMME
CHOZEN STUDIOS
MARVIN MARIANO
NADIM MAHI-BAHI
RICHARD SERRAO
GEOF ISHERWOOD
JIMMY SUZAN
SIMON BANVILLE
JEAN-PIERRE NORMAND
and
THE HEROES OF THE NORTH
probably more!

Anime
SPIKE SPENCER
Spike Spencer has been a voice actor since the early nineties. He has voiced hundreds of episodes of Anime including such notable titles as Evangelion, Vampire Knight, Battle Angel, Suikoden, Orphen, Spriggan, Nadesico, Mar, PreTear, Buso Renkin, Code Geass 2, Bleach. His video game credits include WOW-The Burning Crusades, Tales of Vesperia, Steambot Chronicles, Star Ocean 2, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony, BlazBlue and many others. Spike has also lent his voice to numerous radio and TV commercials. An accomplished actor, he has worked with such notable stars as Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Frank Langella, Tia Carrere, and Scott Glenn and has been on set with many other stars. Spike is also an author, including “How to Be A Frickin Genius Voice Actor, Step One,” “What Happens At The Con, Stays At The Con?,” And “Don’t Kill Your Date (And Other Cooking Tips)”-(Coming soon). Spike is also a screenwriter with several projects in various stages. Spike is soon to begin production on his first feature film that he scripted, “Dwindle Down.”

Science Fiction
SAM WITWER
Sam Witwer is an American actor and musician. He has appeared as Doomsday in Smallville as well as other roles in Battlestar Galactica, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Dexter. He also voiced and gave his likeness to the main protagonist, Galen Marek/Starkiller, in the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game and its sequel Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II.

PLUS
The QUEBEC IMPERIAL FORTRESS (501st Legion)
A full sized, operational R2-D2
A full size STAR WARS LANDSPEEDER
Have your pictures taken with these characters, vehicles and weapons from STAR WARS!

Wrestling
The IRON SHEIK
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri is a retired Iranian professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name ”The Iron Sheik”. He is known for ending the near six year World Wrestling Federation Championship reign of Bob Backlund and for being the man Hulk Hogan defeated for his first WWF Championship.

Plus the NCW will be setting up a full sized wrestling ring in a separate room with wrestling matches all day!

ALSO
- Costume contest (with prizes!)
- Magic the Gathering and Chunin (Naruto) Collectible Card Game Tournaments
- Renowned photographer Droo will be available to take professional photo opportunities with Sam Witwer,

DEALERS
Antre à Gobeline
Les Artisans d’Azure
Black Flag Pictures
Boutique médiévale Zardwin
Carta Magica
Clarks Toys
Clumsyplush
Collectible Heroes
Les collectionneurs Claude Dionne
Comicage
Comic Detective
Guide des comics Héritage
Guy Léger
Haganland
Heavy Mental Designs
Imagination Hobby & Collection
Johnny Toys
Jonathan Marsh Collectibles
Key Issues
Komico
Latin Joe G.I. Joe Toys
Maison Maillé
Major Comics
Maladie des cartes
Manga-thé
Mangacature
Marc Comic Hunter
Martin Grenier (comic books/video games)
Millenium Comics
Mike Vintage Toys
Movie Seals Digital inc.
MTC Toys
Myths, Legends and Heroes
Nick D.’s Comics
Norm Comics
1,000,000 Comix
Priorité Collections
Squish Image
Tempsmort.tv
Toy Wars
Toys on Fire
Unknown Collectible Toys
Wasabi

December 1st, 2010 Releases featuring Canadian Creators

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Sweet Tooth #16 Cover by Jeff Lemire

Adventure Comics #521
DC US$3.99
Back Story Written by Jeff Lemire.

American Vampire #9
DC/Vertigo US$3.99
Colours by Dave McCaig.

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes #2
Marvel US$3.99
Colours by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.
Preview at Comic Book Resources

Brightest Day #15
DC US$2.99
Cover by David Finch.

Brightest Day Vol. 1 Hardcover
DC US$29.99
Cover by David Finch.

The Darkness #87
Image/Top Cow US$2.99
Cover by Dale Keown.

Generation Hope #2
Marvel US$2.99
Colours by Jim Charalampidis.
Preview at Comic Book Resources

Gorilla Man Trade Paperback
Marvel US$19.99
Colours by Jim Charalampidis.

Ozma Of Oz #2
Marvel US$3.99
Colours by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.
Preview at Comic Book Resources

Sky Pirates Of Neo Terra Trade Paperback
Image US$17.99
Artwork and Cover by Camilla d’Errico.

Spike: The Devil You Know Trade Paperback
IDW US$17.99
Colours by Ronda Pattison.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Digest Vol. 8: Deadly Hands Of Shon-Ju Trade Paperback
Dark Horse US$7.99
Colours by Ronda Pattison.

Star Wars: The Old Republic #6
Dark Horse US$2.99
Artwork by Dave Ross.
Preview at Dark Horse Comics

Super Friends: Head Of The Class Trade Paperback
DC US$12.99
Artwork and Cover by J. Bone.

Sweet Tooth #16
DC/Vertigo US$2.99
Written, Artwork and Cover by Jeff Lemire.

Taskmaster #4
Marvel US$3.99
Colours by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.
Preview at Comic Book Resources

The Darkness #87 Cover by Dale Keown

Interviews: Stuart Immonen at the Weekly Crisis

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The Weekly Crisis posted a new interview they did with Stuart Immonen. It’s an interesting interview and worth your time if you like Stuart’s work. One of the interesting things he mentions in the interview is that he is no longer drawing the New Avengers for Marvel Comics and was awaiting confirmation on what his next gig will be, so expect some news in the near future about that.

Sequential Interviews Inkstuds’ Robin McConnell + McConnell & Cooper in Toronto Nov. 28th

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Over at Sequential Spiltink, David Hains has posted a great interview with Inkstuds radio show host and author Robin McConnell. We know Robin from way back from when he was a member of our nominating committee in previous incarnations of the awards. He’s been a busy guy — hosting the show and preparing the book (which came out recently via Canadian publisher Conundrum Press).

Anyway, here’s the link.

Plus, Robin’s going to be in Toronto this Sunday, November 28th where he’ll be doing an on-stage interview with Cartoonist Dave Cooper at the Central – 603 Markham Street (right next to the Beguiling). The event is presented by Conundrum Press, Fantagraphics and the Beguiling.

I’ll confess I have not as yet picked up a copy of the Inkstuds book, so Sunday might be a good time to do that.

The New York Times Gift Guide: Graphic Books selected are 1/3 Canuck

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From the NY Times’s Gift Guide for Graphic Books – 9 selections make the cut, including 3 by Canadians:

KILL SHAKESPEARE (IDW, $19.99) Volume 1 brings together the playwright’s heroes, including Hamlet and Juliet, and pits them against a pack of adversaries led by Richard III and Lady Macbeth, all of whom want to find a wizard named William Shakespeare. The story, written by Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col, with art by Andy Belanger, is gripping, violent and dark fun, even if you’re not fully versed in Shakespearean lore. If you are — as one of my colleagues, Steven McElroy, is — rejoice: “There is the allure of familiarity and the joy of being on the lookout for who might show up next — even Parolles (still a coward) makes an appearance,” he said.

If you enjoyed the criminally underappreciated film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, you’ll love the source series. SCOTT PILGRIM’S FINEST HOUR (Oni Press, $11.99), the last of six installments by Bryan Lee O’Malley, finds the title hero mourning his lost love, Ramona, and acting as immature as ever. He tells his other love interest, Knives, who has recently turned 18: “Do you want to have sex? I think we should have sex. Casual sex.” Despite his many flaws, Scott remains a character you want to see succeed. The final volume is filled with the video-game imagery and breaking-the-fourth-wall asides that were evident in the previous tales. During his confrontation with Gideon, his ultimate barrier in reuniting with Ramona, Scott says: “I don’t even want to fight you! The secondary characters made me do it!” The complete series is available in SCOTT PILGRIM’S PRECIOUS LITTLE BOXSET for $72.

Darwyn Cooke revisits Parker, the antihero created by the novelist Richard Stark, in THE OUTFIT (IDW, $24.99). This book has everything the first had: tough guys, capers and a 1960s vibe that feels like an underworld version of “Mad Men.” Among the high points of this installment — Mr. Cooke plans to adapt four Parker novels in all — are the heists arranged against the criminal syndicate Parker despises. The six-page sequence about a heroin operation wonderfully, and incongruously, juxtaposes tense Mamet-like verbal sparring grit with an almost whimsical visual style. The coda promises “Parker will return in 2012.” Let the countdown begin.

Quill & Quire Books of the Year *UPDATED*

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Quill & Quire, Canada’s Magazine of Book News & Reviews has started announcing their choices for Books of the Year online (the lists have been published in print in the December issue). We thought you might be interested in seeing their selections, and of course, we’d like to note the inclusion of the graphic novel KENK in the Non-Fiction category. Here’s the philosophy behind the lists:

There’s no formula for choosing the books of the year. Some break ground, some tackle familiar themes with new energy. Some represent the best work from established authors, some introduce us to important new voices. And some are simply in-house favourites we feel deserve a little more attention.

Fiction and Poetry

Non-Fiction

Kenk: A Graphic Portrait
Richard Poplak; Nick Marinkovich, illus. (Pop Sandbox)

Graphic novels are, by definition, a hybrid form, but the first book from Toronto upstart Pop Sandbox is sui generis. Composed almost entirely of repurposed, deliberately distressed video footage, Kenk presents a fly-on-the-wall portrait of internationally notorious bike thief Igor Kenk in the weeks leading up to his arrest. The book’s gritty, foot-in-the-gutter aesthetic is perfectly suited to its subject, a crank philosopher with a skewed moral sense who is alternately fascinating and infuriating. This “graphic portrait” walks a fine line, humanizing Kenk while never excusing his misdeeds. As reviewer Alex Good wrote in July/August’s Q&Q, it is “a well-conceived and brilliantly executed book that draws an insightful, realistic portrait not just of a man, but of a specific time and place.”

Books for Young People

Covers of the Year

Kenk: A Graphic Portrait
by Richard Poplak (Pop Sandbox)
Cover design by Nick Marinkovich, Alex Jansen, and Jason Gilmore

This book captivated my ­imagination. Kenk is an asshole. A bike thief. A creepy, shifty dude. He is also a legend in Toronto. This book adds mythical proportion to his already ­incredible story. Using photocopied film stills scraped with sandpaper, scratched with razor blades, and literally torn to pieces, Nick Marinkovich et al. create an ugly world charged with emotion. I looked at a lot of book covers this year. Many were clever and clean, but nothing has stuck with me as much as this one. – Erik Mohr, a designer with ChiZine Publications

CBD interviews Kill Shakespeare creators

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Kill Shakespeare #7 Cover by Kagan McLeod

Andrew Ardizzi had a chance to catch up with the guys behind Kill Shakespeare at a couple of recent events and has posted his article over at Comic Book Daily: Conventions Energize Kill Shakespeare Creators.

Andy, Conor and Anthony from Kill Shakespeare are at Carry-On Comics in Waterloo, Ontario today with cartoonist Scott Chantler (Two Generals)!

And hey, if you want to know what people think of the changes to the Batman line (including yours truly’s) check out CBD’s 52 Questions: What’s your take on the new direction of the Batman line?

Canada Reads: Essex County makes the “Final Five”

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CBC has announced that the Canada Reads list has been whittled down further, from 10 to 5 and Jeff Lemire’s Essex County is still in the running.

The top choice will be announced in February 2011.

Sara Quin defends: Essex County by Jeff Lemire

Sara Quin defends Essex County by Jeff Lemire

Quin said she knows the graphic novel genre well and believes Essex County can be considered literature because of its “incredible characters and wonderful stories.”

“The illustrations are so beautiful and so profound and tell a story all on their own,” she said, speaking via video link at a press conference Wednesday.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/11/24/canada-reads-panel.html#ixzz16EkOP5pQ

The book: Jeff Lemire’s Essex County is composed of three interconnected graphic novels — Tales from the Farm, Ghost Stories and The Country Nurse. The minimalistic though intensely emotional trilogy gives form to the author’s inspired vision of what it means to live, work, dream and even die in a Southwestern Ontario rural community. Read more >>

The author: A graphic novelist and comics illustrator who has garnered international acclaim, Jeff Lemire paid tribute to his rural roots in his remarkable trilogy, Essex County (Top Shelf Productions), and the world of comics responded with a plethora of major prizes and rave reviews. Read more >>

The panelist: She’s a musician who has been in the limelight for more than a decade, though she’s only 30. Calgary native Sara Quin, one half of the indie music sensation known as Tegan & Sara, has been singing and writing songs with her twin sister, Tegan, since she was 15. Read more >>

Retailer Roundup – November 2010

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***Update: The Carry-On Comics signing is TODAY from 4:30 – 7:30***

Carry-On Comics in Waterloo will be hosting the Kill Shakespeare crew of Conor McCreery, Anthony Del Col, Andy Belanger, plus Scott Chantler will be there on Wednesday, November 24th from 4:30 – 7:30.

Featuring events occurring at comic shops across Canada.

[note: this information was gathered by perusing the retailers websites, as well as email I've received from stores across Canada. If you have an event to promote, let us know! Send an email to retailers@joeshusterawards.com. And if you have an upcoming event that isn't listed here, then I was not able to find it on your website. If I can't find it, your customers can't find it.]

British Columbia

It’s like a Transformers revolution out on the West Coast as Gotham Collectibles hosts Shaun Knowles for their monthly TF event.

Metropolis Comics & Toys hosted an 80′s video game art event, their 80′s cartoon events keep rolling & now they will have something called Star Wars Grindhouse night.

Since owner Terry Sillman’s passing, Talking Illustrations is closed. There has been a facebook page created for Terry and the shop.

I visited Victoria recently and I can confirm it to be true: there are 4 comic shops, all on the same side of Johnson Street, in an 8 or 9 store stretch! It’s crazy! Curious Comics (631) and Legends Comics & Books (633) are side by side, while Yellow Jacket (649) and Trippys Emporium (645) are side by side – there is no 647. That has to be the greatest density of comic shops in the world, doesn’t it?

Alberta

Widowmaker Comic Books & Collectibles is confirmed as closed. It seems it closed a while ago, as the recession hit Alberta. Out of this comes a new comic strip My Life As A Grum, created by Widowmaker owner Rhian Engel. There is a feature story about Rhian in the Red Deer Advocate and his strip appears every Saturday in the paper.

Saskatchewan

Amazing Stories has started a Comics Club.

Ontario

Those wacky fellows a Stadium Comics are have a Moustachioed Movember sale. Anyone wearing a (real OR fake!) moustache will receive an additional 5% discount off of their purchase and they’re offering 50% off of back issues from the following 5 series:
# 1. Iron Man – We still remember when Tony Stark had the best moustache in the Marvel U!
#2. Batman – Alfred or Commissioner Gordon, whose got the cooler stache? Does it really matter?
#3. Green Lantern – How does Sinestro make something so good look so evil!
#4. Spider-man – What can we say about J. Jonah Jameson moustache? …No really, what can we say?
#5. GI Joe – Has there ever been a more spectacular gathering of moustache wearing dudes?

The Stadium guys have begun a weekly ‘opening-the-Diamond-boxes-and-recording-it‘ thing, which can be found on Youtube. Can they possibly keep it going? How many copies did they order? Count ‘em while they are held up to the screen! Do really, really care about variants but can’t be bothered to look at them on the internet? They show you every bloody variant!

The Dragon hosted Scott Chantler for his Two Generals book launch and a Comics For Kids drawing event.

The Dragon also had a whole whack of guests for their 12th Anniversary event. Everyone participated in a podcast answering ‘5 Questions‘, plus Kill Shakespeare’s Anthony Del Col blogged about the event.

The Dragon podcast #17 – 12th Anniversary Mini-Con & 5 Questions

Big B Comics is having a Toy Drive: First annual toy drive! Bring in a new toy or new or gently loved comic for charitable donation and you’ll get $1 off your purchase. Going until December 17th. Let’s help Hamilton’s children together.

The Comic Booke Shoppe gets some love on an Ottawa blog.

Second Star Comics and Toys in Port Perry, ON is closing. This was the nicer of the Wyldstar stores, but it’s such a small town with a summer time, cottage population boom. It was a neat idea.

Excalibur Comics, 3030 Bloor Street West, Toronto, will be closing on December 31, 2010. They no longer bring in new product, but are staying open to sell off remaining inventory.

Added some photos of Hairy T, from their facebook page.

Carry-On Comics in Waterloo will be hosting the Kill Shakespeare crew of Conor McCreery, Anthony Del Col, Andy Belanger, plus Scott Chantler will be there on Wednesday, November 24th from 4:30 – 7:30.

Rogues Gallery in Windsor are hosting their 2nd Annual Comicbook Drive. Make some children happy at Christmas, donate comics and toys. They need 7000 comics to make that happen! Donate, please.

Quebec

1000000 Comix put on the Montreal Charity Comic Con to raise money for the Pediatric Oncology Unit of the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Librairie Planète BD kept it rolling, hosting a bunch of great BD events at their shop:

October 27th – Éric Thériault launched Frankenstein Réassemblé.

November 11th – Jimmy Beaulieu launched a la faveur de la nuit.

November 12th – Luc Bossé, Alexandre Simard & Zviane launched Yves, le roi de la cruise

Added Marc Comic Hunter to the retailer listing.

New Brunswick

New Comic Shop!

Enigma Comics and Games
Address: 3 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB, E4L 3N6
Telephone: 506-939-3224
Email

Hours
Mon – Thu: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fri: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat: 12:00 pm – 15:00 pm
Sun: Closed

Sackville is located on Hwy 104, right by the border with Nova Scotia.

Strange Adventures Fredericton (and Fredericton only) is having a “Super secret sale for subscribers only!” If your subscriber account is up to date (no retailer likes it when you dilly dally picking up your books, people) then on Thursday, Nov. 25th you can take part in the super secret savings! 30 to 50 % off!

Nova Scotia

Pabi’s Hobby Collectibles now has a web presence.

So does Batter’s Box The Collectibles.

Newfoundland

The Lair, in Corner Brook, celebrated it’s 1st Anniversary on November 10th. Congratulations!

Timemasters, in St. John’s, is hiring for the holiday season. Job creation is a wonderful thing.

Graphic Novels by Canadians – Sales on Amazon.ca, Monday Nov.22nd

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Amazon.ca is the Canadian version of the populist books supplying website. It’s presumed that the majority of people buying the books are Canadians as well. Since Amazon has no physical bookstore presence, the Amazon buyer has to be interested/motivated by a reason other than interest in the book from looking at the physical copy – also unlike bookstores and comic book stores, there’s no browsing involved and precious little impulse-buying on discovering a great looking book that you want to take home. However, unlike the big chain bookstores such as Chapters/Indigo – you also can’t sit and read it in the bookstore without actually buying it and therefore foiling the browser/reader.  There are 11 books featuring work by Canadians in the top 100 (11%) and the list is 50% Bryan Lee O’Malley.

For the record, some members of our Awards Executive feel that Amazon is the devil as their discounting practice undercuts mom and pop booksellers such as the many comic book retailers we support through the Joe Shuster Awards. Therefore, we will always encourage you to invest in your local comic book shop (or your favourite comic book shop if you have multiple options). It may cost you a little more but you’ll help keep them in business! This list is merely to give people a sense of what the faceless masses are ordering from the largest online book retailer and Ramona Flowers’ former employer.

Amazon.ca
TOP Graphic Novels by Canadians – the number ranking is their order on the Comics and Graphic Novels chart (the bracketed number for the top 7 are the book’s ranking overall in the Books section)
2. Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Boxset (Pre-Order) by Bryan Lee O’Malley (#41)
13. Lost at Sea by Bryan Lee O’Malley (#314)
14. Batman and Robin Vol. 2: Batman vs. Robin Deluxe Edition featuring artwork by Cameron Stewart (#410)
18. Two Generals by Scott Chantler (#251)
24. Scott Pilgrim Book 1: Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley (#392)
25. 75 Years of DC Comics featuring the work of many Canadian creators including Joe Shuster. (#459)
28. Scott Pilgrim Bundle 1-6 by Bryan Lee O’Malley (#512)
45. Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne Deluxe Hardcover featuring art by Yanick Paquette (Preorder)
61. Angel Vol.5: Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong, Dave Ross and George Freeman
68. Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
83. Scott Pilgrim Book 3: Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness by Bryan Lee O’Malley

November 24th, 2010 Releases featuring Canadian Creators

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Klaws of the Panther #3 Cover by Mike Del Mundo

If I have missed any works by Canadian Comic Book Creators, please leave a comment, or send me an email at jason@joeshusterawards.com

Action Comics #895
DC US$3.99
Colours by Brad Anderson and Dave McCaig. Cover by David Finch.
Preview at DC Universe: The Source

Avengers And The Infinity Gauntlet #4
Marvel US$2.99
Inks by Terry Pallot.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Black Widow #8
Marvel US$2.99
Colours by Jim Charalampidis.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Cartoon Network 2-In-1: Ben 10: Alien Force And The Secret Saturdays Trade Paperback
DC/Johnny US$12.99
Artwork by Jay Stephens.

Chaos War: Alpha Flight #1 (One-Shot)
Marvel US$3.99
Inks by Terry Pallot
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Conan The Cimmerian #25
Dark Horse US$2.99
Cover by Cary Nord.
Preview at Dark Horse Comics

The Darkness/Pitt Vol. 1 Trade Paperback
Image/Top Cow US$14.99
Artwork and Cover by Dale Keown.

X-Men Forever 2 #12 Cover by Tom Grummett

Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep #17
BOOM Studios US$3.99
Colours by Blond.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Elephantmen Vol. 1: Wounded Animals Trade Paperback
Image US$19.99
Artwork by Chris Bachalo.

Franklin Richards: Son Of A Genius Ultimate Collection Book 2 Trade Paperback
Marvel US$19.99
Colours by Brad Anderson.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 4: Realm Of Kings Trade Paperback
Marvel US$19.99
Artwork by Wes Craig. Inks by Serge Lapointe. Colours by Nathan Fairbairn.

Incorruptible #12
BOOM Studios US$3.99
Artwork by Marcio Takara.

Klaws Of The Panther #3
Marvel US$3.99
Cover by Mike Del Mundo.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Magdalena #4
Image/Top Cow US$3.99
Colours by Dave McCaig.
Preview at Newsarama

New Mutants #19
Marvel US$2.99
Artwork by Leonard Kirk.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Skullkickers #3
Image US$2.99
Written by Jim Zubkavich.
Preview at Newsarama

Conan the Cimmerian #25 Cover by Cary Nord

Stan Lee’s The Traveler #1
BOOM Studios US$3.99
Midtown Comics Exclusive Homage Variant Cover by Paul Rivoche.
Preview at Comic Book Resources

Superior #1 (2nd Printing)
Marvel/ICON US$2.99
Colours by Dave McCaig.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #150
Marvel US$5.99
Colours by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Vol. 2: Chameleons Hardcover
Marvel US$24.99
Artwork by Takeshi Miyazawa.

Wall-E Vol. 1: Recharge Hardcover
BOOM Studios US$24.99
Written by J. Torres.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Good Night, Gabbaland
Oni Press US$7.99
Written by J. Torres.

X-Men Forever 2 #12
Marvel US$3.99
Cover by Tom Grummett.
Preview at Comic Book Resources.

Action Comics #895 Cover by David Finch

75 years of DC Comics – the book

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A promotional image of author Paul Levitz holding the book.

The new and much talked about release from Taschen Books is 75 Years of DC Comics – The Art of Modern Mythmaking by Paul Levitz.

While not specifically Canuck, there is a lot of great content on the history of DC comics and some Joe Shuster related information.

But what people really want to know is, ‘how big is this book?’

Behold.

The very large, very heavy suitcase packaging for the book.

Out of the box.

With the dust jacket removed, here is the cover, an image of Superman breaking chains by Joe Shuster.

Gatefold chronology of DC's Golden Age.

Interior shot. Every page is packed with gorgeous images.

'The Golden Age' - a golden double spread of Joe Shusters 'Action Comics #1' cover.

Just how big is this book? Here it is compared to the November Previews magazine.

At 720 pages, '75 Years of DC Comics' dwarfs the Previews magazine.

Strange Tales 2 #3 – So Many Canucks!

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Strange Tales has been a great series issued by Marvel the past couple of years. The concept is Altcomix creators working on Marvel characters. It’s a great idea for Marvel, as it serves to draw back comic readers to the Marvel brand, perhaps sparking an interest in one of their titles, while providing exposure a whole group of excellent creators.

The third and final issue of Strange Tales 2, which arrives in comic shops December 8th, and will feature stories by James Stokoe, Michael DeForge, Ty Templeton, and Kate Beaton.

James Stokoe. You really should click this to get a look at it full size!

Kate Beaton

Ty Templeton

Michael Deforge.

Fall Toronto ComiCON update (11/21/2010)

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The Fall TORONTO COMICON is coming this Sunday to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – North Building, street level – room 206.

Admission $6 / FREE for Fan Expo Canada VIPs (Pass must be shown at the door) & Kids 8 and Under

UPDATE1: Regrettably, Francis Manapul and Agnes Garbowska had to postpone their latest TO appearance due to a family matter.

UPDATE2: Please note it’s the Santa Claus parade this Sunday, so there will be some road closures downtown along the parade routes. This won’t affect subway service, but if you are driving, be prepared and try to take routes that go around those areas. Bring your family down to the convention before or after – kids 8 & under get in free with an adult.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
- Jamal Igle, Artist – Supergirl (DC)
- Alvin Lee, Artist – Birds of Prey (DC)
- Marcus To, Artist – Red Robin (DC), Soulfire (Aspen MLT)
- Jim Zubkavich, Writer – SkullKickers (Image)
- Scott Chantler, Cartoonist – Two Generals (McClelland & Stewart), Tower of Treasure (Kids Can Press)
- Richard Zajac, Inker, Soulfire (Aspen MLT)
- Ken Steacy
Plus: meet the creative team behind KILL SHAKESPEARE:
- Anthony Del Col & Conor McCreery, Writers
- Andy Belanger, Artist
- Kagan McLeod, Cover Artist

JUST ADDED! Nov.16-19th:
- Alex Milne, Artist – Transformers: Drift (IDW)
- Marvin S. Mariano & Chozen Studios

POSTPONED
- Francis Manapul, Artist – The Flash (DC)
- Agnes Garbowska, Artist – Girl Comics (Marvel)

Exhibitor List
All New Comics
Chozen Studios/Marvin S. Mariano
ComicAge Entertainment
Conspiracy Comics
Crasharoo
CyberpunkComics.com
DragonStar
Haganland Inc.
Harley Yee Rare Comics
Heavy Mental Designs
Heroes World
Inky Bits
J.E. Lozano
Kewl Collectibles
LT Comics
Major Comics
Manish Mistry
Marvin Law
Max the Mutt Animation School
Milo Accessories
MTCToys.com
Myths, Legends & Heroes
Peter Jelic
Spent Pencils Studios
The Labyrinth
Wyldstar

MINI ARTIST ALLEY

Jim Zubkavich reports that he will have issue 3 of his runaway hit series for Image Comics – Skullkickers – at the show on Sunday, it’s not out in shops until next Wednesday, he’ll also be bringing copies of the first two issues in whatever the latest printing he has copies left of.

With issue 7 out last week, Kill Shakespeare is becoming the buzz book of the season, and now that the trade paperback collection is out many people are discovering just how much fun this book is. KS was recently mentioned in the New York Times as a great book to give someone this holiday season. Selected original art pieces from the series by Andy B. and Kagan McLeod were recently put up for sale and there will be some OA available at the show on Sunday, and I’m sure Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery will be happy to fill you in on the most recent developments in the book as well as hint at plans for the KS movie and other fun stuff!

Now that Remembrance/Veteran’s Day has passed, Scott Chantler‘s Two Generals was heralded by the Toronto Star as the best new book on the subject – it’s based on Chantler’s grandfather’s WW2 war diary and his involvement in the Canadian side of the D-Day invasion and subsequent war operations into Normandy and France. Scott’s other book Three Thieves Book 1: Tower of Treasure was also recently released and is a fun, dungeons and dragons style adventure that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. He’ll have copies of both available at the show on Sunday as well as original art.

Since Francis and Agnes were unable to attend, Transformers: Drift artist Alex Milne has stepped up and will be at the show on Sunday. He’ll be sketching and selling prints at the show and will have some of his Transformers comics available for sale.

We’re really excited that industry vet Ken Steacy will be at the show on Sunday. Ken lives in BC these days, but has been in town recently teaching for Max the Mutt Animation School. He’ll be doing sketches/commissions and he’ll be talking military history with Scott Chantler and is sure to have some great stories to tell!

Of course, Marcus To, Alvin Lee, Marvin Law and Richard Zajac will be sketching and will have some awesome original art available.

IN THE SHOW ITSELF

Headlining guest, Supergirl artist Jamal Igle!

Lots of great comics for sale, from dealers ranging from vintage (like Harley Yee) to moderns and trade paperbacks, artbooks, t-shirts, toys, statues and more.

There are some additional artists appearing in the exhibitor area, like Marvin Mariano, Chozen Studios, Cyberpunk Comics and J.E. Lozano!

Angoulême International Comics Festival Official Award nominees include Canadians

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The Angoulême International Comics Festival (French: Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême) is the largest comics festival in Europe. The annual event, found in 1974 in Angoulême, France, and takes place in January. The four-day festival is notable for awarding several prestigious prizes in cartooning, they are called The Official Awards of the International Comics Festival (le Palmarès Officiel du Festival international de la bande dessinée). The prizes were reorganized in 2007 to create a pool of 40-60 albums, called “official selections,” from which are awarded the “Best Album” prize, five “Angoulême Essentials,” one “Revelation Essential” (given to rookie creators), and one Essential chosen by the public. The Heritage Essential (for reprinted material) and Youth Essential are selected from separate nominee pools.

Additionally, the Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême is awarded each year to a living creator honoring his/her lifetime achievement, and the Grand Prix winner becomes president of the next year’s festival. In 2007, Lewis Trondheim (2006 Grand Prix winner) created a mascot for the festival, Le Fauve (The Wildcat), and since 2008 the prize winners have received wildcat statuettes, with the Best Album statuette coated in gold.

The official selections and nominees were announced earlier this week, including Darwyn Cooke in the Best Album Category for Le Chasseur – Parker 1, published in French by Dargaud and Dave Sim in the Heritage/Legacy Award category for Vertige Graphic’s translation of the second Cerebus book High Society.

Canadian illustrator Nimit Malavia covers Wolverine & Jubilee in 2011.

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Artist Nimit Malavia is someone to watch in 2011, as he has been hired by Marvel to do covers for the Wolverine & Jubilee mini-series (written by Canadian writer Kathryn Immonen) debuting in January 2011. Unfortunately the first issue’s cover (and variant) are classified as “top secret” by Marvel (for now), but the cover to February’s #2 is pictured to the left.

His Bio: Nimit Malavia is an illustrator from Ottawa Ontario, who earned his BAA – Illustration from Sheridan College. He spends his cherished ‘sun hours’ working away in his basement studio. He draws, paints, and is an occasional Bollywood heartthrob.
Email nimit@nimitmalavia.com
Blog nimit-malavia.blogspot.com
Photos My Flickr
Fanpage Facebook
Twitter @Nimitmalavia
Tumblr ++ Knight Sights

Marvel Comics in February 2011 by Canadian Creators

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INCREDIBLE HULKS #623
Written by GREG PAK
Pencis & Cover by DALE EAGLEHAM
The Hulk has never been welcome in the civilized world. What better place for the savage Hulks than the Savage Land? Get ready for PLANET SAVAGE as Hulk and Skaar invade the prehistoric paradise of Ka-Zar, Lord of the
Hidden Jungle. Featuring the showstopping pencils of superstar Dale Eaglesham and the return of a deadly frenemy the Hulk should never have forgotten.
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

Continue reading →

Animated Angora Napkin update – download the pilot for free!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010

ANGORA NAPKIN, the Eisner nominated graphic novel by Troy Little (IDW Publishing) has been spun off into an animated pilot for Canada’s Teletoon Network. The 22 minute pilot was directed by ANGORA NAPKIN creators Troy Little and Nick Cross in 2008 and had it’s Canadian TV debut on Halloween of this year. For the sake of our American audience the pilot has been made available for free download on iTunes and can been seen in it’s entirety on Viemo.

Links to the pilot on Viemo: http://vimeo.com/16921377

iTunes download: http://bit.ly/bZnyKM

Troy Little
Meanwhile Studios

DC Comics in February 2011 by Canadian Creators

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BRIGHTEST DAY #19-20
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO Covers by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS
The BRIGHTEST DAYS are numbered as this best-selling series heads toward its shocking conclusion, and fans won’t want to miss a single page of the action! “Aquawar” breaks out with Aquaman, Mera, Aqualad and a surprise guest star facing off against the terrorist forces of Black Manta and Siren to keep the vast waters of the world from sinking the United States!
Retailers please note: These issues will ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Issue #19 on sale FEBRUARY 2
Issue #20 on sale FEBRUARY 16
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US Continue reading →

Who watches the retailers? Kids Comics

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Diamond Comics has rolled out a new program called kidscomics.com. This website will allow retailers deemed ‘kids-friendly’ to be located through the comic shop locator search function. The end goal is for customers interested in age relevant / age appropriate / kid friendly comics to find a comic shop location to purchase product.
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