Haunt Sell-Out "Instantaneous"

HAUNT, the new debut from WALKING DEAD's Robert Kirkman and SPAWN's Todd McFarlane, faces an instant distributor-level sell out despite very significant overprint and massive preorders!

7 October 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Robert Kirkman and Todd McFarlane's HAUNT hit shelves today to face an instantaneous distributor-level sell-out despite massive preorders and a significant overprint! A second-printing is being rushed to fulfill the continued sales velocity, but first printings may still be available at your local comic book store.

"This sellout is attributed to the skills of Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, and Greg Capullo. It's always nice to be a part of such a talented team," McFarlane said. "I also would like to tip my hat to retailers who, in these tough economic times, are willing to take a chance on the odd title that is outside of the Marvel and DC realm. My hopes, now, are that the books get into the hands of new, faithful consumers and to keep the momentum going through Haunt #2 and beyond."

HAUNT centers on a pair of brothers, Kurt and Daniel Kilgore, who act more like adversaries than family. Kurt, a secret agent, and Daniel, a less than holy priest, bond in a way neither of them expects after Kurt's untimely death. A surprise fusing of Kurt's ghost with Daniel's body creates a chain reaction, turning the brothers into the character, Haunt.

"I had a feeling this book would go over well considering the preorders were up there with Marvel and DC's releases," Kirkman said. "That said, it is an honor to have it so well received right off the bat. We'll continue to aim to make fans happy. Thank you to everyone who's supported the book, reader and retailer alike!"

HAUNT #1 2^nd-Printing, a 32-page, full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores November 4^th 2009

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Dominator

7-year old Dominic Osorio has a secret identity. Most days, he was normal, mild-mannered Dominic - pursuing a normal life like any 7-year old boy - but when he had to go to the hospital, he became the Dominator, fighting the dread megazoids. The Dominator has brain cancer, but Dominic does not know this.

Dominic's mom, Nicole Spagna, creator of the Dominator and the megazoids, came up with the idea following a round of radiation treatments which required young Dominic wear a mask and remain very still for periods far longer than most kids his age could tolerate. To this day, young Dominic does not know he has a brain tumor.

Dominic's fight has so inspired the people in his town that restaurant manager, Dave Anderson, helped develop the character and story for a children's book, which he spent his own money producing. Half of the 2000 copies printed have already sold at $5.00, and the proceeds are being donated to children's cancer research. If all 2000 units are moved, a second issue will be published. Anderson has started several fundraising efforts. Last month, he developed superheroes-themed fundraiser effort and the county declared it Superhero Day.

Dominic Osorio's brain tumor continues to grow. The family is hoping for a miracle.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Haunt #1 (McFarlane, Kirkman) - Advance Review

When Image sent me a copy of Robert Kirkman and Todd McFarlane's new creation, Haunt, I was excited. My copy won't be here for another three or four weeks, at least, plus I love getting free comics. I also really wanted to like Haunt - unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot about it to like.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

Haunt begins by introducing us to Daniel Kilgore, a cold man who frequents prostitutes. But it is the revelation that Daniel is a clergyman which makes him really unlikeable. His brother, Kurt, is some sort of espionage agent whose relationship with his brother consists of forcing him to hear the details of his sins. When Kurt is killed during a mission, his ghost begins communicating with Daniel, begging him to protect his estranged sister-in-law (Kurt's widow). It is when the pair are attacked that Daniel discovers his brother's spirit has imbued him with superhuman abilities.

The concept is strong - superhuman powers granted by the Supernatural - but Haunt fails on several levels at once. There are two, basic ways to create comic books: traditionally written scripts and "The Marvel Way." In the latter, the writer and artist discuss the story to be told and certain key scenes and events are concreted. The artist draws the story, then the writer comes back in and writes the dialogue. Haunt reads exactly like a comic book done The Marvel Way by a creative team with communication issues. I'm not saying the communication issues were between McFarlane and Kirkman, just that there was a communication problem (the Internet could have broken, the creators may have had scheduling issues which kept them from getting together, whatever) because everything about Haunt seems thrown-together and rushed. Like Haunt's costume - which looks like Spawn got Bullseye's tights by mistake.

The pacing is off from the beginning and the story jumps around too much for the reader to figure out what's going on, who is involved, or why he should care. Kirkman eschews blurbs and thought balloons, preferring to use flashbacks to show you the details. A laudable attempt - this is a graphic medium, after all - but it does not serve Haunt well. There is too much story for a single issue and a few well-placed blurbs and thought balloons would have gone a long way and saved several pages. The first issue should have been double-sized, but the team also missed several opportunities to tell the story - including the entirety of the first two pages!

Another problem is the violence. Haunt is salaciously punctuated with scenes of total overkill - we even get to sit-in on a torture scene. The ultraviolence does nothing whatsoever to further the story - in fact, I found it a total turn-off. The violence is so ludicrously excessive that readers are either going to gag or giggle, but I sincerely doubt anyone's going to think it lends the title the "gritty realism" they were going for. There's a lot more to horror than gore, but you wouldn't know it from Haunt.

The artwork is disappointing. At turns both flat and excruciating, there is so much crosshatching and extraneous ink that you have to squint to find the people in every panel. The transformation scene is pretty spectacular, but 20 years later, Todd McFarlane is still drawing Spider-Man! Haunt's ectoplasm is Spidey's webbing and with all the unnecessary crosshatching and toothbrush-spattering for which the core Image artists are known, by the fourth issue, you're not even going to be able to see the guy once he "Haunts-out!" By Haunt #10, the title character is going to be represented by nothing more than a squiggly line. Every time there's a scuffle, it's going to look like he's fighting Andy Capp!

There's an interesting story in Haunt, but I have a feeling we're going to be no closer to it by issue three than we are in issue one. Obscuring everything doesn't heighten tension. If nobody cares about the characters, they aren't going to care what happens to them, and we can't care about the characters in Haunt because we don't know enough about them - nor what's going on to/with/around them! Far from a catch-22 of the story or genre, it's a failing of the writer's; Kirkman is really bad about this, as evidenced by Walking Dead.

I have a subscription to Haunt and I'll be receiving the first three issues for certain, so I'll let you know how things progress, but if the first issue is any indication, I'll only be receiving the first three. I subscribed to Walking Dead for nearly two years, waiting for something to happen - it never did. I'm not making the same mistake with Haunt.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Joe Kubert's School of Cartoon and Graphic Art - First Annual Open House and Art Show

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Heavy Metal Pulp Presents Pleasure Model

New York, NY - September 2009 - Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC—the largest publisher of science-fiction in the world—and Heavy Metal magazine are pleased to announce the Heavy Metal Pulp project, a line of illustrated novels that will incorporate the sensuous artistic style and graphic imagery of the iconic fantasy magazine with noir fiction stories to create a brand new series for the 21st century. Heavy Metal Pulp will partner the top illustrators and designers from Heavy Metal with today's most talented sci-fi and fantasy writers. PLEASURE MODEL, the first book in the "Netherworld" from the Heavy Metal Pulp project, is due out from Tor Books in February 2010.

"I grew up reading comics and pulp novels," says Kevin Eastman, Publisher of Heavy Metal Magazine. "Heavy Metal Pulp is the perfect combination of the two genres, the perfect format for science-fiction, detective noir, horror, and fantasy. I'm very excited to work with Tor Books. They are an innovative company breaking new ground with this hybrid graphic novel concept."

PLEASURE MODEL stars down-and-out police detective Rook, who gets a big break when he's assigned to a bizarre and vicious murder case. The clues are colder than the corpse and the case looks like it'll remain unsolved—until an eyewitness is discovered. But the witness is an illegal gene-grown human with no emotion or empathy—Plesur's only purpose is to provide satisfaction to her owner, in any way. When the murderer targets Plesur in order to eliminate the one witness, Rook takes her into hiding. Thus begins a descent into the dark world of exotic pleasure bots and their illicit international buyers and manufacturers. But is Rook falling under Plesur's spell?

PLEASURE MODEL is a spellbinding combination of hardboiled action and fantastic graphic art, and a perfect showcase for this exciting collaborative project from the two leading publishing partners in their respective fields. Heavy Metal Pulp is a joint venture between Heavy Metal, the world's foremost brand for science-fiction and fantasy, Red Sky Entertainment, a design/production company focused on innovative publishing content, and Tor Books.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Reign: The List - X-Men Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Media's Latest Propaganda Campaign: IOC Hates America!

Chicago was the first contending city denied the right to host the 2016 Olympics and ABC broke-in on The View to announce the disappointing news. However, they weren't done. By the 5:30 broadcast, Charles Gibson and his cohorts had devised a propaganda campaign which accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of anti-American sentiment and raised questions as to whether or not the denial was a "poke in the eye" to President Obama's administration.

Wha-at?

Chicago was a last minute addition to the roster and before it threw its hat into the ring, Rio de Janeiro was the leading contender. As real experts noted prior to this - read: "Experts uninterested in stirring anti-Olympics sentiment through a baseless propaganda campaign spurred by greed and revenge" - the Olympic Games have never been hosted in South America and do not have much support there. Not only will this boost the country's economy, it will expand the Olympics' worldwide exposure and (hopefully) popularity and support.

Expanding the fanbase is a key concern for all businesses and events, and the Olympics are no different in this regard. Not only is it important to get more fans worldwide, with the recent bankruptcies of so many Olympics sponsors in America and Europe, it is important for the organization to attract sponsors from other countries. Even if their corporate support in these countries rebounds in future years (it will), attracting new sponsors and a wide array of financial backers is another key concern for the Olympic Games.

South America needs an economic boost, as well as a world reputation makeover, and the Olympic Games could go a long way toward providing this. Not only will the Games bring an influx of international visitors, Rio's handling of the events and the buildings and arena(s) constructed for the Games will continue to draw tourists and host events for years to come. This single opportunity is a huge step in the development of a country known largely for prostitution.

Lest we forget, the seas of empty seats at the last American-hosted Olympics was as hot a topic as the events themselves, and there were a lot of Chicagoans who were against hosting the Games there, as well - almost as many as were for it! Maybe there is some anti-American sentiment amongst the IOC - and Europeans (and the rest of the world), in general (why wouldn't there be and why shouldn't we expect it?!) - and maybe this did factor into the IOC's decision, but it sure as hell wasn't the primary motivation.

The IOC knew Chicago would only provide as much support as was necessary to get the job done, with an eye toward maximizing revenue and return for Chicago. The media would routinely feature "opposing viewpoints" of those who were against the idea in the first place, and when the Games failed to attract a larger audience, these same outlets would blame "anti-Americanism" in Europe, the threat of terrorist attacks from the Middle East, Communist opposition from the East, ad infinitum. And the temper tantrum thrown by ABC News proves this.

How can we expect the rest of the world to stop thinking of America as one big, collective asshole when the only representatives of our country with whom they are familiar are a bunch of assholes?

Rio needs the Olympic Games far more than Chicago and will support it much more fervently than America - something the Olympic Games need and the IOC surely knew; not only does Rio deserve this opportunity, its people will actually appreciate it. America was only interested in the tourism and revenues, where South America sees the Olympics as the great cultural event they are.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Hulk #16 - Deadpool, McGuinness Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Conan O'Brien Banned from New Jersey

A few weeks ago, late-night talk show host, Conan O'Brien, began a campaign of mocking Newark, New Jersey. It all began when O'Brien quipped that Newark's health care plan was a bus ticket out of the city. The mayor responded by banning the Irish comedian from Newark Liberty International Airport. In a skit which aired on Conan O'Brien's show Wednesday, while discussing the city's "art scene," the accompanying picture was of a wall covered in graffiti - and that's just one of the digs taken at the locale in the two minutes the skit lasted!

Newark mayor Cory Booker responded in a YouTube video, in which he banned O'Brien from the state! (That's the Newark Way.) The feud continues to escalate.

New Jersey is best known as the mob's unmarked cemetery.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ruh-Roh Raggy!

Nick Palatas, who plays Shaggy in the direct-to-DVD movie, Scooby Doo, lost "a large portion" of his thumb in a dramatic table saw accident. The saw struck a knot in the wood he was working and jumped sharply, slicing off his thumb. He called his mother while en route to the hospital and she retrieved the digit, but doctors were unable to reattach it.

Palatas is reportedly seeking the help of a top plastic surgeon, but whether or not anything can be done is unknown.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Hulk Smash Super Hero Squad This Saturday on CN

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The David Letterman Affair(s)

Tuesday night, during the taping of his show, late-night talk show host, David Letterman, admitted to having engaged in extramarital affairs with several female staff members. Letterman made public his indiscretions because he claims someone attempted to extort $2 million from him over the matter.

According to Letterman, the matter was investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney. Letterman cooperated by writing a fake $2 million check and an arrest followed. The alleged extortionist has not been identified. A spokesperson for the DA's office refused comment.

Letterman said he testified in front of a grand jury but he did not say when these affairs took place. David Letterman and his long-time girlfriend married in March. The couple has a 6-year old son.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Horse GelaSkins Available Now

OCTOBER 1^st, MILWAUKIE, OR – Over the years, Dark Horse has been committed to incorporating art into our everyday lives through prints, T-shirts, mugs, and a variety of other items that help make this world more colorful. With this in mind, Dark Horse is proud to collaborate with GelaSkins to bring over 20 new designs to their line of protective skins for laptops and phones.

As previously announced at SDCC ’09, Dark Horse GelaSkins features designs from, and based on, Hellboy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Creepy, The Goon, The Umbrella Academy, Yoshitaka Amano, The World of Mr. Toast, and Kris Kuksi. This initial line of GelaSkins is the perfect way to protect your technology while showing off your signature style!

These images were hand-picked to showcase, not only Dark Horse’s wide variety of properties, but some of the best artists in pop-culture, both past and present - from Frank Frazetta to James Jean. As the program continues, Dark Horse will unveil new designs, including a selection from legendary creator and artist, Frank Miller.

Previously only available as Comic-Con and Dragon*Con exclusives, the special Dark Horse GelaSkins are now available now at your local comic shop, or directly from gelaskins.com.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Witchblade #131 - Image United Prelude #2

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Steve Harvey's Roopster Roux Heads to Bluewater

Many know Steve Harvey as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, but he is also the face and narrator of the children’s book series, Roopster Roux. Now this series is being adapted by Bluewater Productions into an original graphic novel.

The series chronicles the adventures of a sports-loving rooster who enjoys reading, and whose heroic deeds are due in large part to the knowledge Roopster gains through various books. Aided by his super-charged skateboard, Roopster delivers positive educational messages while keeping readers entertained with action-packed adventures.

Harvey will serve as the on-page narrator for the comic adaptation. The graphic novel is scheduled for release in 2010. The graphic novel with be written by Ryan Burton (Female Force: Stephenie Meyer, Flying Saucers vs. the Earth) and drawn by Erik Thompson (Steve Lawlis, Atlas).

"I'm pleased and excited to partner with Bluewater Productions," said series creator, Lavaille Lavette. "Bluewater has a proven success record in the graphic novel universe. The Roopster Roux graphic novel series will be full of exciting adventures, destined to take [Roopster Roux] new heights."

The new adventures look to draw on the series' core audience of children, ages 6-12, and will incorporate Steve Harvey as an interactive character, in the same vein as the 1970's animated ,Bill Cosby series, Fat Albert.

"I really like Roopster Roux," said Harvey. "The series is fast-paced. Roopster is a hero to kids and a lot of adults as well. Readers from all walks of life identify with Roopster Roux."

The four The Adventures of Roopster Roux books and tapes series (Slammin Slim , Escape From Vultures Roost, Surfing The Net, and Monster All Stars) have sold over 1/2-million units. The series has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), and school districts and government entities at the local and national levels. Eighteen major cities have proclaimed Roopster Roux Day to promote reading and literacy, including the four largest cities in the United States.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to present quality storytelling in a comic format to a younger audience,” said Bluewater president Darren Davis. "If it gets just one more kid to start reading, then it’ll be a great success. I was one of those kids and comics helped me to become a better, more engaged, reader."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spider-Woman #2

SPIDER-WOMAN #2 (AUG090497)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by ALEX MALEEV
Rated T+ - $2.99
On Sale – 10/21/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Winnie Meets Lottie

Publishers have announced a new addition to the Hundred Acre Wood: Lottie the Otter. Trustees of the Pooh Properties is releasing the first official sequel to AA Milne's 1928 children's classic, The House at Pooh Corner, written by David Benedictus. Return to the Hundred Acre Wood contains 10 new Winnie the Pooh stories and arrives in stores on October 5^th. Benedictus says Lottie has an enthusiasm for both cricket and etiquette, and "...truly embodies Winnie the Pooh's values of friendship and adventure seen throughout Milne's work."

The new book, illustrated by Mark Burgess, chronicles the tales of the characters following the stories found in House at Pooh Corner and is expected to be translated into 50 languages across the world. Recently, original drawings of Pooh and the gang have fetched record-setting prices at auction. The characters first appeared in a children's book from 1926. Disney made several animated Pooh films in the 1960s and Winnie the Pooh got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.

Mark Brown of the Trustees of the Pooh Properties told reporters, "We believe that David Benedictus and Mark Burgess have captured the spirit and quality of those original books."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009