There is everything from Magic to ancient Rome as we look at what went on this week in the indie comics with DARK HORSE! VALIANT! ASPEN! IMAGE! LION FORGE
News from the World of Indie Comics you might have missed this week!
Dark Horse is proud to announce The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild—Creating a Champion art book. Creating a Champion is the latest addition to Dark Horse and Nintendo’s bestselling publishing line and is preceded by The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts, The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia, The Art of Splatoon, and The Art of Fire Emblem: Awakening.
This oversized hardcover is the ultimate companion to the award-winning video game The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild and includes material from both of its DLC packs. This book features nearly 50 pages of sketches and official illustrations from Takumi Wada, 296 pages of design artwork and commentary about the making of the game from the creators, a 55-page historical section that divulges the history of Hyrule as it is known in-game, and interviews with key members of the development team— Hidemaro Fujibayashi, Satoru Takizawa, Takumi Wada, and Eiji Aonuma. Witness the making of a champion! The breathtaking cover is by Takumi Wada.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—Creating a Champion goes on sale November 20, 2018, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and TFAW, and at your local comic shop. This 424-page tome retails for $39.99.
Praise for The Legend of Zelda publishing line at Dark Horse:
“Hyrule Historia is a book any Zelda fan will treasure.”—IGN
“The artwork is plentiful and beautiful, and there are a lot of quotes that bring to light how much creative freedom was given with the game.”—Destructoid
“The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts is a gorgeous tribute to the series’ art.”—Nerdist
“Thus, this book, Art & Artifacts, is fantastic because it covers all games from all eras, and opens the door to the nostalgic versions of these games that made me love Link and his adventures.”—AiPT!
Mat Johnson and Warren Pleece’s “INCOGNEGRO: RENAISSANCE” collection goes on sale October 2018
Dark Horse is pleased to announce Mat Johnson (Loving Day, Pym) and Warren Pleece’s (The Invisibles, Life Sucks) Incognegro: Renaissance hardcover is now available for preorder! This new novel is a perfect companion and prequel to the tenth-anniversary edition of the 2008 Vertigo graphic novel, Incognegro: A Graphic Mystery.
Incognegro: Renaissance collects Incognegro: Renaissance #1–#5. A page-turning thriller of racial divide, Incognegro: Renaissance explores segregation, secrets, and self-image as our race-bending protagonist penetrates a world where he feels stranger than ever before.
When a black writer is found dead at a scandalous interracial party in 1920s’ New York, Harlem’s cub reporter Zane Pinchback is the only one determined to solve the murder. Zane must go “Incognegro” for the first time, using his light appearance to pass as a white man to find the true killer, in this prequel miniseries to the critically acclaimed Vertigo graphic novel, available in a special 10th Anniversary Edition.
With a cryptic manuscript as his only clue and a mysterious and beautiful woman as the murder’s only witness, Zane finds himself on the hunt through the dark and dangerous streets of “roaring twenties” Harlem in search for justice. In a time when looks could kill . . . Zane’s skin is the only thing keeping him alive.
Incognegro: Renaissance goes on sale October 3, 2018, and is available for preorder on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and at your local comic shop. This 128-page hardcover retails for $19.99.
Praise for Incognegro: Renaissance:
“In a day and age when too many creators feel like interchangeable cogs in a corporate machine and too many comics feel like they are mass produced to appeal to the majority of hypothetical readers a book like Incognegro: Renaissance is refreshing because it is unique. This is a book that only Mat Johnson and Warren Pleece could have made and one of the best things I’ve read this year in any format.”—Graphic Policy
“If you like noir, mystery, or just great comics, you’d be remiss to skip Incognegro: Renaissance.”—Outright Geekery
“The first issue of Incognegro: Renaissance is packed with mystery and intrigue but what makes it such a gripping read is its uncompromising look at the racial divide that continues to haunt the world. This is already shaping up to be an excellent murder mystery with a real-world twist.”—Women Write About Comics
Dark Horse and Cd Projekt Red proud to present “THE WITCHER LIBRARY EDITION” as the World of “The Witcher” Continues to Expand at Dark Horse
The Witcher fans rejoice! Dark Horse and CD PROJEKT RED are making it easier than ever for The Witcher fans to catch up on the tie-in graphic novels and comics series in The Witcher Library Edition. CD PROJEKT RED’s The Witcher is a dark fantasy RPG game series with a character-driven, non-linear story set in a gritty and living world. The Witcher games have collectively earned over 800 industry awards and have sold more than 33 million copies worldwide.
The Witcher Library Edition collects issues #1–#5 of the Witcher comic series House of Glass, Fox Children, Curse of Crows, and the Killing Monsters one-shot—and features annotations and a sketchbook section. Multiple Eisner Award-winning writer Paul Tobin (Bandette, Colder) pens a fantasy epic of the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher—one of the few remaining monster hunters. The Witcher Library Edition features story art by Joe Querio (B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth), Piotr Kowalski (Sex), and Max Bertolini (Universo Alfa) with colors by Carlos Badilla (Alabaster: The Good, the Bad, and the Bird) and Brad Simpson (Sex) and lettering by Nate Piekos (Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite). This edition features a bonus sketchbook section and additional art by Dave Johnson (100 Bullets), Dan Panosian (Slots), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Duncan Fegredo (MPH), Simon Bisley (Lobo), and a new cover by Mike Mignola (Hellboy). This 440-page tome retails for $49.99.
The Witcher Library Edition goes on sale October 24, 2018, and is available for preorder on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at your local comic shop.
Praise for The Witcher comics:
“Dark Horse further cements itself as the publisher to turn to for well-executed comics based on video games.”—IGN
“Even if you’re not a fan of the Witcher media already, I think there’s a lot in this book to enjoy, but if you are, this is a must-buy.”—Comic Vine
“A great book in terms of both story and artwork that everybody should check out.”—All Comic
As first revealed at Comicon.com, Valiant is proud to reveal your first look at a selection of lettered pages from SHADOWMAN (2018) #4, the start of a BRAND-NEW ARC and NEW JUMPING-ON POINT in this POWERFUL ONGOING SERIES! On June 20th, renowned writer Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One) and distinguished artist Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves) launch the next thrilling story arc, “DEAD AND GONE,” as they investigate the seedy underbelly of a bygone age and uncover the secrets of Jack Boniface’s long-forgotten ancestor, Max Boniface – the Shadowman of1940s New York!
For years, Jack Boniface believed he knew the true story of the Shadowman loa – the true story of the curse inside him. He was wrong.
For the first time, Jack Boniface is about to discover the long-hidden history of the supernatural power that became his birthright. Unmoored in time and space, the loa is about to reveal its untold dimensions…and now, the last defender of the wall between our realm and the Deadside is falling backwards through the astral void, finding himself face to face with his forebears across the centuries – from the paranoia-addled alleyways of 1940s New York to the fire-scorched plantations of the Civil War…all the way back to the primeval height of the African savannah in 40,000 B.C.!
In the shock-inducing aftermath of “FEAR OF THE DARK,” master storyteller Andy Diggle (Daredevil) will lead a rotating cast of superstar artists – beginning with Shawn Martinbrough and continuing with Doug Braithwaite (Justice) and Renato Guedes (Wolverine) – to reveal the full scope and power of the Shadowman mythos…and how three of its forgotten champions stoked its earliest embers…with a legend-fueled odyssey into eons past as “DEAD AND GONE” tells all!
“It’s great being able to tailor each script to the gifts of each individual artist, and I lobbied hard to get Shawn on [this], our noir issue,” writer Andy Diggle told Comicon.com. ”His use of deep shadow and his innate gift for visual storytelling really brings old Manhattan to life. The term noir refers to the use of shadow, so what better artist to render the noir Shadowman?”
Additionally, fans can also pre-order the SHADOWMAN (2018) #4-11 PRE-ORDER EDITION BUNDLE – eight 40-page, massively expanded editions of the next two exciting SHADOWMAN story arcs (“DEAD AND GONE” and “RAG AND BONE”), which must be reserved with your local comic shop by the final order cut-off date of May 28th, 2018! Released monthly from June 2018 through January 2019, each PRE-ORDER EDITION comes packed with trade paperback-style extras and bonus content, including creator commentary, behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of the comics, process character designs and artwork, and first looks at upcoming issues – plus exclusive covers by Hannah Templer (Tomb Raider) that can’t be found anywhere else!
But first! On May 23rd, “FEAR OF THE DARK” – the pulse-pounding introductory story arc that reclaims Shadowman’s place at the forefront of the Valiant Universe – reaches its climactic conclusion in SHADOWMAN #3, as Andy Diggle and powerhouse artists Stephen Segovia (Action Comics) and Adam Pollina (X-Force) send New Orlean’s paranormal protector back to the Deadside!
After years of purgatorial exile, Jack Boniface – the newly returned Shadowman – is back in the one place he thought he’d left behind for good: the damned dimension known as the Deadside! His mission? To recover a lost relic of the Shadowman legacy that could redefine the eternal balance of power between the living and the dead. If he fails, the vengeful voodoo god called Baron Samedi will exact a terrible toll on the souls of humanity… But – back among the monsters, back among the cursed – can Jack stand resolutely against evil incarnate without succumbing to the call of the literal demons within himself?
On May 23rd, acclaimed writer Andy Diggle and superstar artists Stephen Segovia and Adam Pollina present a long-awaited moment in the epic saga of a comics icon in SHADOWMAN (2018) #3, as “FEAR OF THE DARK” unleashes a finale of unthinkable cosmic proportions – featuring covers by Tonci Zonjic (Lobster Johnson), Renato Guedes (Wolverine), Juan José Ryp (BRITANNIA), and Greg Smallwood (Moon Knight)!
For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr,
For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.
SHADOWMAN (2018) #3
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover A by TONCI ZONJIC (MAR181998)
Cover B by RENATO GUEDES (MAR181999)
Interlocking Variant by JUAN JOSÉ RYP (MAR182000)
Shadowman Icon Variant by GREG SMALLWOOD (MAR182001)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale MAY 23rd (FOC – 4/30/18)
SHADOWMAN (2018) #4 – PART 1 OF NEW STORY ARC, “DEAD AND GONE”!
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art by SHAWN MARTINBROUGH
Cover A by TONCI ZONJIC (APR181846)
Cover B by DAVID MACK (APR181847)
Interlocking Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE (APR181848)
Shadowman Icon Variant by DAVE JOHNSON (APR181849)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JUNE 20th (FOC – 5/28/18)
SHADOWMAN (2018) #4-11 PRE-ORDER EDITION BUNDLE
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art by SHAWN MARTINBROUGH, DOUG BRAITHWAITE, RENATO GUEDES, and STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Covers by HANNAH TEMPLER (APR181850)
$3.99 each [8 issues] | 40 pgs. each | T+ | Issue #4 On Sale JUNE 20th (FOC – 5/28/18)
First Look: Peter Milligan & Robert Gill Go to War in BRITANNIA: LOST EAGLES OF ROME #1 – On Sale July 25th!
Valiant is proud to present your first look at BRITANNIA: LOST EAGLES OF ROME #1, the incendiary opening salvo of an ALL-NEW EPIC SERIES and BLOODSTAINED JUMPING-ON POINT from Peter Milligan (Detective Comics) and Robert Gill (BOOK OF DEATH)! On July 25th, prepare yourselves for a perilous journey into the barbarian age as history’s first detective takes on another challenging case at the crossroads of magic, mystery, and monsters!
The Roman standard – the eagle borne at the front of each Roman legion – was more than just a symbol of the soldiers that carried it… It was a symbol of Rome itself, the ultimate embodiment of the empire’s power…
But now, in the mist-shrouded Germanic forest of Tottenwald, the unthinkable has happened: A rampaging barbarian horde has crushed three of Rome’s most highly skilled detachments in battle… and captured their mighty Roman eagles.
His authority threatened by this all-too-public shame, the mad emperor Nero has dispatched Antonius Axia, the empire’s finest “detectioner” and hero of Britannia, and Achillia, the sword-wielding champion of the gladiatorial arena, to reclaim his stolen relics at any cost.
But what began as a simple mission will soon become a terrifying journey into the dark heart of belief itself as the isolated woodlands of Rome’s enemies reveal unseen dimensions…and the true power of the legion’s lost eagles threatens to consume any who would pursue them…
On July 25th, master storytellers Peter Milligan and Robert Gill dive deep into BRITANNIA: LOST EAGLES OF ROME #1 for an all-new, self-contained entry point into Valiant’s critically acclaimed exploration of the ancient world – featuring covers from Cary Nord (Conan the Barbarian), Brian Thies (Star Wars: Legacy), and David Mack (Kabuki)!
BRITANNIA: LOST EAGLES OF ROME #1 (of 4)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by ROBERT GILL
Cover A by CARY NORD (MAY182072)
Cover B by BRIAN THIES (MAY182073)
Variant Cover by DAVID MACK (MAY182074)
B&W Sketch Variant by CARY NORD (MAY182075)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | VALIANT PRESTIGE | T+ | On Sale JULY 25th (FOC – 7/2/18)
Aspen’s flagship title SOULFIRE returns this Summer
Aspen Comics is continuing their 15-Year Anniversary campaign on releasing classic “legacy” titles with the return of their best-selling Michael Turner’s Soulfire on July 18th. In 2018, the property is celebrating its fifteen-year anniversary since its critically popular debut in 2003, and subsequently became the #1 best-selling independent title the following year. Created by Michael Turner, the flagship action-adventure returns for its epic seventh volume with veteran Aspen writer, J.T. Krul (Fathom, Jirni) with art by rising star newcomer Chahine Ladjouze, colors by Wes Hartman (Portal Bound, Santeria: The Goddess Kiss) and lettering by Zen (Fathom, Charismagic).
It has been an honor to be part of Soulfire going all the way back to its first volume. This book holds a special place in my heart. In a way, it has always been like a second home for me, and I can’t wait for readers to see what we have in store for this anniversary volume. Incredible adventure, new dangers, and plenty of magic. This volume really sets the stage for the future of SOULFIRE in a big way, and I couldn’t be more excited.
The solicitation copy for Michael Turner’s Soulfire #1 reads:
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of its creation, Michael Turner’s incredible vision of magic and wonder returns for an all-new volume!
As the new age of magic continues in the shadows of this future landscape, Malikai and his friends try to enjoy a little down time, but such plans never seem to last. Grace continues to serve as a protector for all things magic, more specifically the dragons, but she is growing tired of having to keep the true power of the world a secret. And, there is a new danger on the horizon, a new figure in the Soulfire universe who may be the greatest threat to the fragile balance between magic and technology yet!
To support the release of this Aspen “Legacy” Anniversary volume, Aspen is bringing in top tier cover artists including direct edition covers for each issue by Art Adams, Mirka Andolfo, Mike Choi, Michael Turner and more to be revealed.
Similar to previous Aspen releases in 2018, the publisher is releasing a Michael Turner’s Soulfire Primer issue for only 25 cents on July 18th, in addition to the Michael Turner’s Soulfire Volume 6: Future Shock trade paperback also on the release date in conjunction with its fifteen-year anniversary celebration. The publisher has provided item codes for these titles below to help fans order copies with their local retailer:
SOULFIRE VOL.7 #1a – CHAHINE LADJOUZE MAY181411
SOULFIRE VOL.7 #1b – PHILLIP TAN MAY181412
SOULFIRE VOL.7 #1c – MICHAEL TURNER MAY181413
SOULFIRE VOL.7 #1d – CHAHINE LADJOUZE MAY181414
SOULFIRE VOL.7 #1e – ARTHUR ADAMS MAY181415
SOULFIRE PRIMER MAY181403
SOULFIRE VOL.6 TPB – Future Shock MAY181404
For more information please check www.AspenStore.com
Facebook.com/AspenComics
Twitter.Com/AspenComics
Instagram: Aspen Comics
Oblivion Song ensnares more readers, rushed back to print
Issue #3 of the hot new series—OBLIVION SONG—from New York Times bestselling writer Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA) and breakout artist Lorenzo de Felici is being rushed back to print in order to keep up with rapidly growing customer demand.
“We massively overprinted issues one and two of this series, and thought for sure it would have found its level by issue three. We were wrong,” said Kirkman. “Everything about the launch of this series has been astounding thus far and it just keeps surprising us. We plan on keeping the early issues in print for as long as we can so new readers can dive in as the word spreads on this amazing series with stunning art by Lorenzo De Felici and Annalisa Leoni.”
A decade ago, 300,000 citizens of Philadelphia were suddenly lost in Oblivion. The government made every attempt to recover them, but after many years, they gave up. Nathan Cole…won’t. He makes daily trips, risking his life to try and rescue those still living in the apocalyptic hellscape of Oblivion. But maybe…Nathan is looking for something else? Why can’t he resist the siren call of the Oblivion Song?
OBLIVION SONG #3, 2nd printing (Diamond Code MAR188797) and OBLIVION SONG #4 (Diamond Code APR180613) will hit stores on Wednesday, June 13th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, May 21st.
Select praise for OBLIVION SONG:
“Oblivion Song is the total package, delivering terrifying monsters, personal character development, stunning artwork, and a great story. Do not sleep on this series.” —Horror Talk
“Transporting readers to another world, the freakish creatures of Oblivion have their share of scares even as you fall deeper and deeper into a wondrous fantasy. It’s not just the danger, it’s the seduction of it all—so take your time with this Oblivion Song. Breathe it in, and let yourself explore this strange new world… but be careful not to be swept away.” —Newsarama
“We get the sense of loss and trauma from these characters. Their pathos is our draw.” —Graphic Policy
“A compelling sci-fi adventure packed with emotion.” —Monkeys Fighting Robots
Issues #1 and #2 rushed back to print
Queen Olwyn, suffering under the effects of a terrible spell, has fled her kingdom’s capital city with only her loyal Captain of the Royal Guard, Rook, for company—and for protection. With their supplies dwindling and their steps hounded by ruthless hunting clans, Rook leads her queen down a road fraught with peril…but it’s a road they must walk if they’re to restore Olwyn to the throne.ISOLA #1, 3rd printing (Diamond code: APR188160) and ISOLA #2, 2nd printing (Diamond code: APR188161) will hit stores Wednesday, June 13th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, May 21st.
Select praise for ISOLA:“This blew me away. Just amazing. Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, and Msassyk have created something so beautiful.” —Tula Lotay
“Holy cow, folks, you are not going to want to miss this. Lovely and immersive.” —Kurt Busiek
“This book is beautiful! It reads like a really high-end animation production!” —Dustin Nguyen
“A stunner from the get-go.” —Annie Wu
“The name of Studio Ghibli co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, is constantly brought up by comic creators when they need a shorthand for describing a specific blend of spectacle and emotion in their work, but the comparison is appropriate in the case of ISOLA.” —AV Club
“Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, and MSASSYK have crafted something wondrous here, and I highly recommend it. Give it a read.” —Bleeding Cool
“ISOLA is one of the most gorgeous books of 2018.” —Monkeys Fighting Robots
“ISOLA is brilliant! An atmospheric and intriguing story with masterful art.” —Frank Quitely
“Read it.” —Comicosity
Jaw-dropping Matteo Scalera cover for THE WEATHERMAN revealed
Image Comics has revealed a stunning, limited THE WEATHERMAN #1 cover featuring incredible artwork by Matteo Scalera (BLACK SCIENCE), colors by Eisner Award-winning colorist Matt Wilson, and design by Tom Muller.
In THE WEATHERMAN, Nathan Bright had it all: an awesome girlfriend, a kickass dog, and a job as the #1 weatherman on terraformed Mars. But when he’s accused of carrying out the worst terrorist attack in human history—an event that wiped out nearly the entire population of Earth—Nathan becomes the most wanted man alive, and a target of a manhunt that spans the galaxy. But is Nathan truly responsible for such a horrific crime? And why can’t he remember?
THE WEATHERMAN #1 hits stores on Wednesday, June 13th. The final order cutoff for comics retailers is Monday, May 21st.
WEATHERMAN #1 CVR A FOX – APR180464
WEATHERMAN #1 CVR B MARTIN – APR180465
WEATHERMAN #1 CVR C SCALERA (Limited) – APR188131
Millar reveals highly anticipated THE MAGIC ORDER #1 will have no second printings
In a letter to select comics retailers this week Mark Millar revealed that the #1 launch issue of his first title with NETFLIX—the hotly anticipated THE MAGIC ORDER with art by Olivier Coipel which was first announced at Image Expo—will not go to a second printing.
Millar’s first NETFLIX comic book, drawn by the incredible Coipel (Amazing Spider-Man, Thor), THE MAGIC ORDER #1 hits stores on Wednesday, June 13th. The final order cutoff for comics retailers is Monday, May 21st.
MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR B B&W COIPEL – Diamond code APR180456
MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR C HUGHES – Diamond code APR180457
MAGIC ORDER #1 (OF 6) CVR D BLANK VARIANT – Diamond code APR180458
Lion Forge Welcomes Carol Burrell Alongside Promotion of Andrea Colvin to Editor in Chief
Lion Forge announces a new hire in its editorial department today, bringing industry veteran Carol Burrell aboard as executive editor of the company’s CubHouse imprint. Additionally, Vice President–Executive Editor Andrea Colvin has been promoted to editor in chief.
“I’m looking forward to this next step and to a brand-new opportunity to work on great stories, to introduce new generations of kids to the visual storytelling that we love, and to help build happy readers as they grow from their very first books into lifelong fans of comics (and all reading!),” says Carol Burrell, CubHouse executive editor. “Getting to be a part of Lion Forge’s special dedication to inclusivity, authenticity, and opening up the megaphone to a variety of voices is a wonderful creative mission, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“I am so excited that Carol has agreed to join us in this integral role in the Lion Forge editorial group,” says Andrea Colvin, Lion Forge editor in chief. “Carol will be instrumental in building out our children’s book lines, including picture books, early reader comics, and transitional comics for emerging readers. Her wealth of experience in both comics and children’s books and her passion for the company’s core mission of publishing ‘comics for everyone’ make Carol the ideal person, at the ideal time, to take on this pivotal role in our growing company.”
Carol M. Burrell is a Glyph Award–nominated New York cartoonist and former editorial director of the Graphic Universe imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, and has also worked as an editor with Houghton Mifflin’s Clarion Books and Abrams ComicArts. Burrell is an alumna of Cornell University, where she majored in classics.
In 2005, she launched her webcomic SPQR Blues (as Klio), a historical drama that takes place in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, with characters based on the actual inhabitants of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, whose names are known from graffiti, inscriptions, and the records of a notorious (and unresolved) ancient lawsuit. In 2008, she started working at Graphic Universe, before moving on to Abrams ComicArts and Workman Publishing. She is also the translator of several series of French graphic novels for kids.
Before coming to Lion Forge, Andrea Colvin was previously vice president of content, book division, for Andrews McMeel, where she co-founded the AMP! line of middle grade graphic novels; director of publishing operations for Open Road Integrated Media; as well as executive managing editor for Abrams. She served as an adjunct professor in NYU’s Graduate Publishing Program in 2011 and completed the Yale University Publishing Course in 2013.
Until the next installment of ICYMI,
WE’LL BE WATCHING!
Ross Hutchinson was the contributing editor for ICYMI this week. Thanks, Ross!
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