This Week’s Indie Comics News Cycle
This is the latest instalment of ’ Indie Comics News. This page is a revolving news cycle post and will cease updating at 12pm 23rd July AEST. You will find the latest indie comics news included here that are relevant for the week ending 23/7/21. Any news submitted outside of this time frame are counted as News for the following week and as such will be included in Next Week’s News Cycle.
NOTE: Indie Comics News WILL NOT be added retrospectively. Once the week is over, the news cycle is over.
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Indie Comics News – 21st July 2021
Monsterwood 3 bares its Fangs as it Launches on Kickstarter
Skinwalker Studios invites you to Kickstart the third installment of the celebrated coming-of-age mythos graphic novel series, Monsterwood Book 3: Annihilation! The beautifully illustrated and mysterious fairytale with darkness abound, co-written by special effects artist Jason Rosen and Nicholas Efstathiou, with art by celebrated Marvel, DC, tabletop game designer, Steve Ellis (The Walking Dead, Dungeons and Dragons) and letters and book design by Nathan Pride (Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Dragons).
Destruction spills out of the city. The Zumari, fearless and loyal fighters to the Regent, seek to return his niece, Jocosta, and punish those who have sheltered her in Monsterwood. Their orders are simple: burn Monsterwood to the ground. As the young Jovis and Jocasta ready a small army of rebels to unseat the Regent, they must overcome the physical and mental challenges they face. Monsterwood is an unforgiving school, and the Zumari are the fiercest fighters in the land.
The road to the city is hard and strewn with the bodies of those slain by the Zumari. The rebels bear witness to this destruction as they make their way to their final destination: Revolution. The Regent plots from his throne, secretly guided by his spectral council, as he awaits the arrival of a mysterious and deadly stranger, known only as the Northman, a warrior whose only joy comes from killing.Jovis and Jocasta must lead the rebels to the city, for a battle is coming, and not all those who enter will survive.
“First and foremost, I hope readers get a great fantasy adventure story with engaging characters that they can relate to, past that, my biggest wish would be that it becomes a story that gives people something to hold on to,” said Jason Rosen.
“There is so much division and chaos in the world right now, if Monsterwood can entertain the reader and simultaneously give them the hope of a more unified, more peaceful world, all the better. It’s my spin on the classic hero’s journey. That type of story still resonates with me, as they do others. Many of the themes explored in Monsterwood are what we are seeing play out in the world right now.
“Who are we individually? Who are we collectively? What is our purpose? What can we, as an individual do to make the world a better place, and what is the cost of doing so? I am lucky to explore these thoughts and this story with such amazing collaborators like Nick and Steve who have helped inspire and help bring my ideas to life.”
“There’s an incredible dynamic and energy when we brainstorm—working with Jason and Steve on Monsterwood has been exciting and enlightening,” said Nicholas Efstathiou. “It’s special in that it’s a world of heroes and villains, of growth and exploration, and amazing potential. Be prepared for the bad guys to be bad, and the good guys to do whatever is necessary!”
“The world we’ve put together here is really unique, the characters are fun, the story is powerful and exciting, and the monsters are a blast to draw,” said Steve Ellis. “In this book I can really push the fantasy artist in me while still doing comics. Jason has a very definitive idea of Monsterwood, while remaining open to expanding aspects of the world and story, so being a co-creator on this book is a great opportunity to really stretch ideas and designs.
“The exciting part for me is working with Jason and Nick to get the characters that were established in the first two books into the full realization of who they are. There are a lot of difficult things, emotional things that happen in these stories that would not appear in a major publisher’s book because they would be afraid to address serious issues. This book is both the culmination of all the work that we’ve been doing on the Monsterwood series the last few years and a wonderful beginning for some of the characters on a new journey.”
Monsterwood Book 1: Arrival was released in July 2015, followed by Monsterwood Book 2: Awakening in 2020. Check out and support the Monsterwood Book 3 Kickstarter by clicking here.
Indie Comics News – 20th July 2021
BOOM! Studios reveal first look at BRZRKR #4 with 2 Variant Covers and 5 Preview Pages
BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at BRZRKR #4, the newest issue in the top-selling twelve-issue limited series by the iconic Keanu Reeves and New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt (Folklords, Bang!), acclaimed artist Ron Garney (Wolverine, Captain America), colorist Bill Crabtree (BPRD), and letterer Clem Robins (Hellboy), about an immortal being’s eternal struggle with the hidden truth behind his existence, available in comic book stores worldwide on July 28, 2021.
What secret in B.’s past holds the KEY to his immortality? The last piece of B.’s tragic origin and the fate of his parents are revealed as Diana continues unearthing his memories, prompting a new mission in the present day. Will this one unlock the mystery that is his existence? Or will B. be cursed to wander the Earth forever?
BRZRKR #4 features main cover art by superstar illustrator Rafael Grampá (Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child) and variant covers by superstar artists Christian Ward (Invisible Kingdom), and Mirka Andolfo (Mercy).
Print copies of BRZRKR #4 will be available for sale on July 28, 2021 exclusively at local comic book shops or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle. Print copies of BRZRKR VOL 1 SC will be available for sale in local comic shops on September 29, 2021 and in bookstores everywhere on October 5, 2021.
BOOM! Studios reveal first look at Eve #4 with 2 Variant Covers and 5 Preview Pages
BOOM! Studios have revealed a first look at Eve #4, the penultimate issue in the five-issue original series from award-winning author Victor LaValle (Victor LaValle’s Destroyer) and rising star artist Jo Mi-Gyeong (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), with colorist Brittany Peer and letterer AndWorld Design, about a dangerous journey across a future dystopian America to save the world, available in August 2021.
Even humanity’s last hope needs a little help sometimes. The Vault is in sight and Eve’s come farther than any before her, but the last leg of her journey will test her to her core. Thankfully, she isn’t alone… with her newly discovered sister by her side. Wexler has dodged the bullet, literally, and is in hot pursuit of the pair. Will he catch up to them and dash humanity’s last chance?
EVE #4 features main cover art by artist Ario Anindito (Star Wars: The High Republic) with Nicola Righi, and variant covers by acclaimed artists Jonboy Meyers (Spawn) and Micaela Dawn (Victor LaValle’s Destroyer).
Cullen Bunn to write Dragonring
Outland Entertainment have announced the return of DRAGONRING, a cult classic comic book series, and the launch of a new comic book multiverse. The new series will be scripted by New York Times bestselling writer Cullen Bunn.
Originally published in 1986 by Aircel Publishing, DRAGONRING was a pulp horror/adventure series by Barry Blair and Guan Yap. The series ran in two volumes, comprised of 21 issues. The book featured globe-hopping adventure, martial arts, and cosmic horror.
Outland Entertainment founder Jeremy D. Mohler acquired the rights to DRAGONRING, along with numerous other projects from the Barry Blair library, in 2016. Outland has published several new comics based on this collection, notably ELFLORD and WARLOCK FIVE.
“Aircel Publishing was one of the most innovative and influential independent publishers of their time (and possibly of all time).” said Mohler. “It’s an absolute pleasure to have an opportunity to expand on Aircel’s legacy with this project.”
Cullen Bunn, writer of such comic book hits as THE SIXTH GUN, HARROW COUNTY, BASILISK, and DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE, is partnering with Outland to write this new vision of the classic comic to life. Illustrator Shannon Potratz will be bringing his unique, vivid style to the comic.
“One part sequel, one part re-imagination, this new incarnation of DRAGONRING is a perfect starting point for new fans,” said Bunn. “We are introducing new heroes, new villains, and a new mystery.”
Bunn also stated that DRAGONRING will also serve as a springboard to a new comic book multiverse.
“In the original series, the Dragonring was known to be a powerful artifact, but its origins and potential were never truly realized. We will be building a wild new mythology for the ring. At the same time, we will be tying it to a vast multiverse that encompasses many heroes, horrors, and hair-raising adventures.”
In addition, DRAGONRING will be a launching point for a new comic book shared universe.
“Not just a shared universe,” said Bunn, “but a shared multiverse.”
Outland has five initial series planned as part of this multiversal endeavor. Bunn will be acting as architect and lead writer for the stories. ELFLORD, SAMURAI, GUN FURY, and DEMON HUNTER are all comic book series that will be part of this project. Each is inspired by a comic from the 80s, but the new books will be recrafted and recreated with fresh approaches.
“We have five unique universes,” said Bunn. “High fantasy, horrific apocalyptic, bizzarro crime dystopia, cyberpunk, and pulp adventure—all with a new attitude and a new style, all with a shared destiny. We’re building to something big here, and it all starts with DRAGONRING.”
Outland plans to crowdfund the initial material, launching the books on Kickstarter, but they will also be keeping an eye on the direct market, where these books will also be available.
“I’ve seen what Cullen has planned for this endeavor,” said Mohler, “and it’s going to absolutely knock your socks off.”
To celebrate the return of DRAGONRING, Outland Entertainment will be releasing a 10-page preview comic just in time for Planet Comicon in Kansas City, Missouri. The convention will be held on August 20 – 22, 2021. Outland Entertainment, Cullen Bunn, and Shannon Potratz will be in attendance. Rather than a sampling of content from the upcoming first issue, this 10-page comic will feature an original story introducing the lead character, tone, and direction of the series.
If you want to be notified when DRAGONRING launches on Kickstarter, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1929881072/dragonring.
Indie Comics News – 19th July 2021
Power Rangers meets Aliens in UNBORN (from Frank Gogol and Source Point Press)
Source Point Press is proud to bring Unborn – the newest title from Frank Gogol and Ev Cantada – to worldwide distribution this September. In Unborn, Power Rangers meets Alien in a hybrid sci-fi actioner injected with Gogol’s signature human intrigue.
On a strange world, five explorers mine for super fuels in a last-ditch effort to save a collapsing Earth, but the mission goes to hell when they are overrun by a hostile alien species. With humanity’s survival hanging in the balance, the crew must eradicate the deadly horde and salvage the mission. But what if the monsters aren’t the only things they have to worry about? What if the most dangerous threat facing the crew is each other?
“After Dead End Kids and No Heroine, I wanted to write a hard sci-fi series with a lot of action that still captured that strong character focus. Unborn is 100% a love letter to movies like Alien and Predator — with a splash of Power Rangers to spice it up and characters you’ll give a crap about when they die,” says Gogol.
Unborn is written by Gogol, with art by Ev Cantada, covers by Maan House, Simone Ragazonni, and Ivan Tao, and letters by Sean Rinehart.
Comic Con @Home 2021 Independent Comics Panel announces Panel Speakers
What’s New in Independent Comics – Christina Harrington (managing editor, Aftershock Comics), James Haick (president, Scout Comics), Joshua Starnes (publisher, Red 5 Comics) and Travis McIntire (CEO, Source Point Press) discuss how independent comics publishers have been affected by the pandemic related changes to the comics industry and showcase their fantastic new books coming out this year.
Start time: Jul 23, 2021 2:00 pm (GMT-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
End time: Jul 23, 2021 3:00 pm (GMT-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
The panel will be available at https://youtu.be/RIegdNkqsmc.
2 Variant Covers and 5 Preview Pages announced for Seven Secrets #11
BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at Seven Secrets #11, the next issue in the highly praised original comic book series from New York Times bestselling author Tom Taylor (DCeased), artist Daniele Di Nicuolo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), colorist Walter Baiamonte with assistance by Katia Ranalli, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, about the seven powerful secrets—words, wonders, weapons, and worse—with the power to change the world, available in August 2021.
The Order’s secrets are bestowed to Eva and as a result an impossible discovery is made, changing everything in its wake. Will Eva be able keep this knowledge from Caspar and fight alongside him to escape the Seeker’s ultimate plot? Stay calm and carry on, as they may just get some help from the Queen of England herself.
Seven Secrets #11 features main cover art by series artist Daniele di Nicuolo and variant cover art by acclaimed artists Junggeun Yoon (Spawn) and Miguel Mercado (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers).
Print copies of Seven Secrets #11 will be available on August 4, 2021 exclusively at local comic book shops or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Print copies of Seven Secrets Vol 1 SC, collecting the first six issues, are available now everywhere books are sold. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers like comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.
Time Before Time #6 One Shot Story by Declan Shalvey, Rory McConville and Joe Palmer
Bestselling series Time Before Time by Declan Shalvey, Rory McConville, and Joe Palmer will kick off a new story arc this November from Image Comics, but in October Time Before Time #6 will tell a standalone story—drawn by Shalvey and featuring a 1994-themed variant by Mike Del Mundo.
“Time Before Time #6 is a one shot story set in 1994, featuring the return of Oscar, (Tatsuo’s old partner) on a mission taking place before the events of #1. Yeah, you heard me… this is why time travel stories are so much fun!” said Shalvey.
“Everyone on the book has been blown away by the brilliant response to Time Before Time since #1 came out, it’s been amazing. While Rory and I were talking about where our second arc would go, I thought it might be fun to do a self-contained story outside of our main Tatsuo/Nadia storyline, to flesh out the world around our characters a bit more. I warmed to the idea so much that I decided it would be great fun to draw it myself.
“I’m really enjoying playing in the world that I’ve been co-writing with Rory, feeding off the fantastic work Joe Palmer has been doing issue after issue. I’m hoping this could be a great jumping on point for anyone who might be curious about the series, but missed out on getting #1. I feel there’s a time travel joke in here somewhere but I’m drawing a blank.”
In Time Before Time #6, Oscar Gomez is on the hunt for a Syndicate deserter hiding out in the year 1994. Can he rely on the local Syndicate network to track the deserter down?
Time Before Time #6 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, October 20:
- Cover A Shalvey – Diamond Code AUG210268
- Cover B O’Sullivan – Diamond Code AUG210269
- Cover C Del Mundo – Diamond Code AUG210270
The standalone issue will not be collected into the volume 1 or volume 2 trade paperback, so readers should be sure to pre-order their copy from local comic shops while they have the chance.
Time Before Time, Vol. 1 trade paperback (ISBN: 978-1534320062, Diamond Code AUG210134) collects issues #1-5 of the series and will be available on Wednesday, October 20 and in bookstores on Tuesday, October 26. It can be pre-ordered at your local comic book shop or independent bookstore via Bookshop or IndieBound, or it can be pre-ordered on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Indigo.
Time Before Time is also available for purchase across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play.
Superstar Artists David Finch and Dave McCaig Illustrate Daryl Dixon Limited Edition Cover to the Art of AMC’s Walking Dead Universe
AMC Networks, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Comics unveiled superstar artists David Finch & Dave McCaig’s limited edition cover to The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe. The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe is available now at the Skybound Store and features this rare cover bringing fan-favorite Daryl Dixon (portrayed by Norman Reedus) to life in the iconic style popularized by the hit comic book series The Walking Dead Deluxe.
“This is the first time that Daryl Dixon has been brought to life in comic book form by Skybound and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have David Finch & Dave McCaig do the honors with their incomparable style,” said Sean Mackiewicz, SVP, Editor-in-Chief, Skybound Entertainment.
“The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe is an essential must-read for any fan of the hit AMC series and we’re thrilled to offer this limited-edition version right now for fans who want to own a special piece of TWD history.”
Available at comic shops on September 29, 2021 and everywhere books are sold on October 5, 2021, The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe is an in-depth compilation of behind-the-scenes pre-production and production art from all three of AMC’s iconic The Walking Dead series and will feature never-before-seen original sketches, concept art, storyboards, special product illustrations, and more from the shows inspired by Robert Kirkman’s comic book turned pop-culture phenomenon.
This marks AMC Networks’ first venture into book publishing, The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe also features an introduction by Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe Scott M. Gimple and fun facts from creators and crew members on all three series.
The Art of AMC’s The Walking Dead Universe standard edition can be pre-ordered right now everywhere books are sold, in both print and digital formats, along with Skybound.com and TWDUshop.com. The David Finch variant will only be available at the Skybound Store for pre-order while supplies last.
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