Happy New Year!

Everyone at The Weirding and The Rundown wishes you and all of yours a safe and happy New Year this weekend!

We'll see you in 2012.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Doctor Strange Season One

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Pilot Season Voting Extended

Top Cow Productions announced today that they would be extending the first round of Pilot Season voting through the end of the year. The enthusiasm and volume of votes in the first two weeks of voting overwhelmed the servers at topcow.com and as a result the company’s site was down for several days last week.

Every year, Pilot Season pits a number of original concepts and creative teams in a head-to-head battle for fan votes to see which one title will continue. This year eight single, self-contained “pilot issues” were released and voting began at topcow.com on December 5^th. The competition quickly became heated and despite Top Cow increasing their bandwidth with their hosting company, voting overwhelmed the company website and exceeded its bandwidth.

“This is just another great example of the excitement and passion fans bring to Pilot Season,” commented Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, “The number and velocity of votes completely exceeded our expectations and this is the sort of high class problem you don’t mind solving. All of us at Top Cow are eager to see which Pilot Season competitor emerges victorious.”

The publisher’s website has now been restored and migrated over to a new more substantial server capable of handling the additional traffic. In the interest of giving each competitor the full allotted time, Top Cow has also extended the first round of voting until Saturday, December 31^st at 11:59pm PST. The second round of voting will begin on Sunday, January 1^st at midnight PST. As a reminder, the second round will be narrowed down to the top four vote-getters and will be limited to one vote per person per day. The second round of voting will run until Saturday, January 7^th at 11:59pm PST and the final round will commence on Sunday, January 8^th at midnight PST (limited to one vote per person per day). The top two vote-getters will compete until Saturday, January 14^th at 11:59pm PST and a winner will be announced the following week.

Additionally, Top Cow has announced that beginning January 2^nd, the top four vote-getters will be available in their entirety for free through Top Cow’s digital distribution partners and on topcow.com for fans to read and make an even more educated voting decision. Top Cow’s distribution partners include comiXology, Graphicly, iVerse, Wowio, DriveThruComics, MyDigitalComics, and others. The titles will be free until the end of the voting period.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Quatermain

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Sinead O'Connor's Marriage Lasts 18 Days

Singer Sinead O'Connor ended her marriage after only 18 days, citing problems with the groom's family and friends. She claims some parties close to the groom had made his life harder after the marriage, making him terrible unhappy, so she decided to end it. She posted about the divorce herself.

Kim Kardashian recently famously ended a marriage after fewer than 50 days, drawing fire for what some say was a staged romance. However, O'Connor's whirlwind romance sounds a little more down to earth for the celebrity realm, which is notorious for its short marriages.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Olympics

The Author of this post is Darius Boone

My husband and I love watching the summer Olympics. My favorite sports are gymnastics, swimming, and diving. My husband likes to watch track and tennis. I was a swimmer in high school and my husband was a tennis player, so we might be living vicariously through these athletes since we never quite made it to the Olympics. Direct tv covers most of the different sports on several different channels so we never have to miss our favorite events. Four years ago during the summer Olympics, we started having people over to watch the big events. We also started taking bets on who was going to win each event. It turned into a fun little competition among our friends. I think that this year we are going to have a big party for the opening ceremony. We love any excuse to have people over and eat lots of good food. The Olympics really gives us an excuse to have several parties a week for two weeks straight. It’s too bad the Olympics only happen every four years.

Sherlock Holmes: Victorian Knights

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

No Devil, No Eggs

So I am a bit OCD, especially when it comes to disease-bearing foods, and I washed my eggs a little too vigorously. So I threw them in the refrigerator after toweling them off so they could finish drying (I didn't want them to be slimy). Then promptly fell asleep on the couch...

When I woke up the next morning, my eggs had frozen!

So we had Christmas without deviled eggs, but that turned out to be the worst of it. We played Jenga and Uno and visited, ate ham and chicken and dressing with all the trimmings, and just lazed around. It was a really great Christmas dinner.

Later that night, I watched some holiday fare on Netflix, then took Monday off entirely. I'd have more to say and more to bring you, but it appears that nearly everyone in the publishing game is taking the entire week off - no PRs so far.

Anyway, I hope you and yours had a great Christmas as well, and are looking forward to the new year!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Female Force: Cher

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Hasbro Suing Computer Maker Over Transformer Prime

Hasbro thinks Asus crossed the line naming its newest tablet Transformer Prime and filed a suit against them. Seeking damages and an injunction on shipping the product, Hasbro claims its Transformers line is expanding and it has to aggressively protect its properties. Asus' Transformer Prime has been available since December 19^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Rebel Blood - It's Spreading!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Van Halen 2012 Reunion Tour

Monday, Van Halen announced they are reuniting for a tour in 2012, the first time the original members have been together since a failed attempt in 2007. Only original bassist, Michael Anthony, is skipping the tour; he is being replaced by Eddie Van Halen's son, Wolfgang.

Rumors that the band went into the studio to record new material in 2010 have been bolstered by Van Halen signing to Interscope Records. Van Halen has not released an album yet though, and has not announced one.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Avengers X-Sanction McGuinness Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Devil's in the Eggs

Yep, I decided to make deviled eggs for the Christmas get-together. I was actually going to make a sweet potato pie, but who has time for all the crust making and shit? That's a day long effort and I didn't want to have to do that. Plus, there will already be pies and cakes, and no Christmas get-together is complete without a good deal of deviled eggs.

Anyway, that's part of the reason I'm taking this holiday off and part of the reason I haven't been here more often. I've had more company than I ever expected this holiday season and I couldn't be happier for it. It has kept me busy, though.

I didn't put up a tree this year because of the kitten, who surely would have wreaked havoc with it, but I did drag out the decorations for the house. I'll have to put those back up in storage over next week, and I'm going to do my best to sort of organize them into like things so I don't have trouble finding them all like I did this year.

Either way you slice it, I've been a busy boy and I'm not even halfway done yet. So, on to my deviled eggs and de-decorating and I'll see you all soon. (Again, no idea what to expect next week due to the holidays, so don't expect much!)

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Punisher Max #21

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Hester Starts Final Arc on Darkness

Writer Phil Hester has taken the Darkness bearer, Jackie Estacado, from the height of power and influence to the pits of despair and everywhere in between in his four year run on THE DARKNESS. This month with the release of THE DARKNESS #96, Hester begins his final arc, appropriately titled “Total Darkness,” leading up to the landmark 100^th issue.

Jackie Estacado has been blessed and cursed with the ancient power of the primal force known only as the Darkness since his 21^st birthday. Since then he has always tread his own path, never fully hero nor villain; choosing to live in a world of gray rather than light or dark. Now, the Darkness and its rebellious bearer are finally fully at odds and left with no other recourse, Estacado plunges himself into the Darkness’ home dimension to confront the very source of his power. Will Estacado be able to triumph over a being older than time itself in his greatest conflict? Or will the Darkness find a new, more malleable host?

“This is the story I've been building to since I started on the book,” explained Hester. “There's a huge dissonance at the heart of Jackie Estacado's existence: How can he wield unimaginable power, yet still be a slave to its source? How can he ever know if his character is genuine, or simply the affectations of The Darkness? That conflict is resolved in my final arc when Jackie confronts The Darkness for the final time, and on its own turf.”

The “Total Darkness” story arc will run from issue #96 to the over-sized issue #100 in February. Issue #100 will also serve as Phil Hester’s final issue on the series, concluding his 36 issue epic exploration of Jackie Estacado. Joining Hester for his final arc will be artists Romano Molenaar (THE DARKNESS II: CONFESSION) and Leandro Oliviera (Superman).

Phil Hester added, “The lords of comic book hype keep ringing that 'things will never be the same' bell, but at Top Cow real change is still possible. My last run on THE DARKNESS is proof.”

THE DARKNESS #96 (JAN120502), a 32-page full-color supernatural horror comic book for $2.99, will be on sale in stores and digital platforms on December 21^st and will be available for order in the March issue of Previews. The issue will ship with two covers, one by regular cover artist Jeremy Haun (AUG110515) and one from Sheldon Mitchell (AUG110516).

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fantastic Four #602

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Civil War Prose Novel

The world’s most popular superheroes can be found in the pages of Marvel Comics every week, but now their greatest stories are set to conquer the world of prose fiction! Launching in June 2012 with the adaptation of CIVILWAR, Marvel will release its most popular stories of all time as prose novels.

It all begins in CIVIL WAR, adapted by author Stuart Moore (Wolverine), with the story that irrevocably altered the Marvel Universe and redefined comic books for an entire generation. In the wake of a tragedy, Capitol Hill proposes the Superhuman Registration Act, requiring all costumed heroes to unmask themselves before the government. Divided, the nation’s greatest champions must each decide how to react — but will you side with Iron Man or Captain America? And just which heroes will pay the ultimate price?

“Releasing our most acclaimed graphic novels as prose fiction not only allows us to reach a different audience with these stories, but also gives us a chance to bring those readers back to the comics that started it all,” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment. “CIVIL WAR is easily our best-selling graphic novel of the past decade and certainly one of the most influential in recent memory, so it was the perfect launch title for this new line. Not only will you get all the action that Mark Millar and Steve McNiven delivered in comic form but no fan will want to miss the new wrinkles we’ve added in this novel. ”

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Morning Glories, Vol. I - TPB

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Christmas Plans

As you can tell, we're winding down toward Christmas this year because I have plans. As I stated on the blog there, I am not doing a first of the year update on The Weirding this year because I did so many updates throughout 2011.

I'm not saying I'm not going to be posting, just not that often until after the holidays. I have no idea what to expect during the year's taint - that last week before the New Year - but if there is anything to report, I'll probably get it to you sooner or later.

One of my resolutions is to do more reviews in 2012. Now that I'm caught-up on most of my comics reading - at least until this next shipment arrives - that shouldn't be as hard. Even if I can only do one every week or two, it's better than the hit and miss strategy I'm working from right now. Still making no promises, though.

I hope everyone has a great holiday!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Rebel Blood

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Glory

GLORY is back! Circling the globe, punching Nazi tanks, and saving the human race are all in a day's work for this super heroine. Come February, she'll deliver a spinning kick to the face of the new millennium!

This superhero saga for a new generation begins with GLORY #23, which will be written by Eisner & Harvey-award winner Joe Keatinge and illustrated by the creator of Wet Moon and Shadoweyes, Ross Campbell. Fans of Alan Moore's Promethea and Jim Starlin's Captain Marvel will love this smart and visceral new, ongoing series.

"GLORY is a bold new vision of Extreme's premiere heroine! Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell have held back nothing in crafting a massive epic that is equal parts fantasy, sci-fi and superhero saga." said Liefeld. "The artwork is a mashup as well, it looks like beautiful manga combined with euro-style artists such as Moebius and the detail of Geof Darrow. I told Ross that I refer to his art as 'Euro-manga.' It's bloody and violent, which reflects the tone of the story Keatinge is telling. It's brilliant; I love it."

In issue #23, Keatinge and Campbell begin to set up Glory’s future by expanding on her past in a way that promises to shock long-time fans and excite all-new readers. After the war between both her mother's god-like race and father's demon-like race, Glory has found herself on the winning side. However, Glory still has some scores to settle, and this time she's doing it her way!

"Our take on GLORY is definitely looking toward the future," explained Keatinge. "While I don't want to negate continuity, I think it's an equally bad idea to get bogged down by it. All in all, if you have never even heard of GLORY before, we created this series with you in mind. The first issue gives you everything you need to know about her. The second and third issues expand on it and set up our entire run."

"Obviously, my art style is very different from Rob's original style," added Campbell. "But that was the plan all along with this relaunch, to revive her in a new style. Rob has been so generous with letting us take on his characters, that we're putting a lot of ourselves into this work. Joe and I have already become really invested in the future of GLORY."

GLORY #23 (Campbell Cover A: DEC110469; Rob Liefeld Cover B: DEC110470), a 32-page full-color superhero comic book for $2.99, will be on sale in stores and digital platforms on February 15^th and is available for order now.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Venom #12

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Rebel Blood Coming This March

"Save yourself. Stay in the woods. Pray it hasn't reached the wolves… and keep your gun loaded." All he knows about what has happened to the world as he knew it has been left in an ominous message. And it's clear that everything has... changed.

Image Comics and Shadowline are pleased to announce REBEL BLOOD, a new four-part miniseries coming in March with art and concept by Riley Rossmo (GREEN WAKE, COWBOY NINJA VIKING, PROOF) and script by newcomer Alex Link. This gruesome new 21^st century zombie outbreak story pays tribute to horror comics' post-war heyday of titles such as The Vault of Horror, The Haunt of Fear, and Tales From the Crypt, while presenting a concept to rival the best of The Twilight Zone!

"I sketch and paint all the time while I'm working on different projects," explained Rossmo. "The concept for REBEL BLOOD is something that just began as some sketches, but quickly took on a life of it's own, to mutate. REBEL BLOOD is what happens when I just run wild with a concept and let it happen."

"I'm really excited about this project," said Shadowline Publisher, Jim Valentino. "I'm not a big zombie fan, but this one got me because it was so different than all the others out there. And, I swear, the ending knocked me off my chair. I think it will surprise everyone."

REBEL BLOOD #1 introduces Forest Ranger Chuck Neville, who, after a strange, unexpected silence, receives a final radio message that a plague is sweeping the country. He learns that the disease has turned every living creature into zombies, all at once rendering the entire animal kingdom unpredictable, violent, and willing to tear apart their neighbors with their bare teeth.

He races home to rescue his family, coming face-to-face with unbelievable horrors along his way and fighting to stay alive. However, when he reaches home, he may find the most horrible part of it all waiting for him...

REBEL BLOOD #1, a 32-page full-color horror comic book for $3.50, will be on sale in stores on March 28^th and available for order in the January issue of Previews. A preview of REBEL BLOOD #1 will be featured in the back of both HAUNT #20 (AUG110523), a 32-page full-color horror comic book for $2.99 that goes on sale December 28^th, 2011, and SPAWN #215 (NOV110468), a 32-page full-color horror comic book for $2.99 that goes on sale January 11^th, 2012.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Witchblade #150 - Michael Turner

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Toy Story #1

Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and the rest of the gang lead readers to infinity and beyond as Marvel and Disney Publishing debut TOY STORY #1 (of 4). Featuring Toy Story characters from the Disney-Pixar films, Toy Story #1 delivers entirely new content and stories to comic fans.

“Everyone loves Toy Story, so we’re excited to team with our friends at Disney-Pixar to bring readers all new stories of our favorite characters from these blockbuster films,” said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “TOY STORY allows us to bring great new material to the market that’s not only perfect for kids, but also a great read for fans of all ages. What’s next for Woody and Buzz in these stories? We can’t wait for you to find out!”

Andy's new puppy, Buster, loves to play with toys — but if Woody, Buzz and the gang can't control the playful pooch, all that chewing and shaking will leave them in a world of hurt! Will our heroes make it through in one piece with batteries intact? Find out this March in TOY STORY #1!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Twelve Must-Have

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Witchblade #150

Image Comics and Top Cow Productions are proudly spotlighting the landmark 150th issue of their iconic original comic book series this week with an over-sized issue full of extras. WITCHBLADE #150 also marks Ron Marz’s 70^th consecutively written issue of one of the longest running comics with a single female lead, and a major turning point in the life of Sara Pezzini.

In addition to providing a story that serves as a fitting conclusion to Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic's critically acclaimed run, WITCHBLADE #150 will also serve as a retrospective of their contributions and the longevity of the series overall. As a special bonus, the issue also includes preview material for WITCHBLADE #151, when the new creative team of Tim Seeley (HACK/SLASH) and Diego Bernard (The Man With No Name) take the reins of Top Cow’s flagship title.

"It's bittersweet, definitely," Marz reflected. "Sara has been an almost daily presence in my life for more than seven years, so it feels a little weird to be going our separate ways, at least in terms of the WITCHBLADE monthly. But even if this seems like Stjepan and I are breaking up with Sara, I know we'll see her again in ARTIFACTS. Sara will definitely be a presence in that book going forward. So we'll be reunited. And, uh, it feels so good."

New York City Police Detective Sara Pezzini is the bearer of the Witchblade, a mysterious Artifact that takes the form of a deadly and powerful gauntlet. Sara must try to control the Witchblade and learn its secrets, even as she investigates the city’s strangest, most supernatural crimes. Pezzini has carefully balanced her responsibilities as a police officer with her duties as bearer of the Witchblade for years, but now Lieutenant Phipps, from the Internal Affairs department, threatens to take one of these away from her. In this emotionally charged issue, Sara will be forced to make a decision that will impact the direction of WITCHBLADE for a long time to come.

WITCHBLADE #150, a 48-page full-color super hero comic book, will be available in stores and digital platforms on December 14^th. This landmark issue will ship with four covers by Stjepan Sejic (JUL110410), Michael Broussard (JUL110411), Mike Choi (JUL110412), and a remastered cover by Michael Turner (JUL110413). WITCHBLADE #151 (AUG110425) will be available in stores and digital platforms on January 4^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Avengers vs. X-Men #0

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Nanny & Hank Optioned for Film

Go to the movie theater today and you can see sparkly, lovelorn vampires, but soon, according to Bluewater Productions their darkly comedic tale of septuagenarian bloodsuckers will soon share space on the silver screen.

Uptown 6 Productions, whose first feature film 16-LOVE hits theaters in January 2012, purchased the rights to Bluewater’s successful graphic novel “Nanny & Hank,” a unique take on the vampire mythos. It follows two grandparents ready to enjoy their golden years with travel and grandchildren, and how a horrible encounter with a disgruntled vampire changes their world forever and ever.

“Nanny & Hank: Retirement is Hell is the funniest take on mortality and morality to ever splash the pages of a comic book,” said Uptown 6’s president Adam Lipsius. “The protagonists' plight is rife with truth and humor. These heroes creep me out with how cool they are, and Uptown 6 is committed to bringing every giggle and shiver to the big screen. We couldn't be more excited to be in business with Bluewater, the new tastemakers in indie comics.”

Uptown 6 is working towards a 2013 release, for the first volume of the Nanny and Hank saga.

According to Bluewater’s president Darren G. Davis, the story, written by Mark L. Miller and illustrated by Steve Babb, is based on his own family. “Call it a love letter to my grandparents. The main characters are based on them, and it was a riot trying to insert some of the funny old family stories into a vampiric context,".

"And yes, their names really were Nanny and Hank!" Davis added.

This is the fourth property optioned from the Vancouver, Washington-based independent comic book producer. Their myth-superhero mash-up Isis was optioned by Paramount, the otherworldly adventure serial “Sinbad-Rogue of Mars” is currently in pre-production through Morningside Entertainment, and Universal owns the rights to Bluewater’s flagship heroine, The 10^th Muse.

Although “Nanny & Hank” will soon make it to local theaters, individual comic book issues and the compiled graphic novel “Retirement is Hell” are still available wherever comic book and graphic novels are sold. These titles are also available for download on Kindle and Nook.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Officer Downe: Early Christmas

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Lots of Maintenance

Sorry if I confused you; I backposted some entries by mistake. Several of them were not supposed to go out until next year and I screwed-up the date when saving them, so they posted earlier in the year.

After five years or so, I've basically given up on the tags. Messing with those every few months or so really cuts into your time. I know that they are the only real navigational system you have for this mess, but they require management to be useful and I simply don't have the time to focus on that like I used to. I'm trying my best to actually live a real life and pursue some other avenues that I've wanted to try for years. I have no plans of leaving, just working ahead more and focusing on other projects.

Anyway, sorry if I screwed-up your feeds or anything and no, you aren't going crazy; I "deleted" some posts over the weekend while doing maintenance. They will appear in their rightful time.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Secret Avengers 2.1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Mouse Guard Box Set

Archaia Entertainment announced today the initial run of the MOUSE GUARD ROLEPLAYING GAME BOX SET has sold out at the distributor level (copies may still be available at the retail level), so the company has rushed a second run into circulation to meet the demand for the holidays. In addition, by popular demand, limited sets of the Mouse Guard RPG dice and pawns—which until now had only been a part of the box set—are available for separate purchase exclusively through the Archaia Webstore, said Archaia Publisher Mike Kennedy.

The Mouse Guard Roleplaying Game Box Set ($69.95, ISBN 978-1-936393-17-6) is a deluxe version of the original Mouse Guard Roleplaying Game hardcover book, an award-winning, pen-and-paper RPG that uses Luke Crane’s Burning Wheel system and is lavishly illustrated by Mouse Guard creator, David Petersen. In addition to the original rules book, the Box Set contains a 48-page supplement with all-new adventure scenarios and a host of game aids, including a GM deck of 12 Action Cards, two Player Decks of 12 Action Cards, Condition Cards, Characters Sheets, GM sheets, a GM screen, Mouse Dice, Mouse Tokens, and a Map of the Mouse Territories. The Box Set was recently awarded the 2011 RPG Golden Geek Award for Best Artwork & Presentation.

“We’re ecstatic that Mouse Guard fans and RPG fans alike have responded so well to the Box Set,” said Kennedy. “And since there is such a high demand for the Mouse Guard Dice and the Pawns, we’ve made those available to fans for purchase exclusively through our online store.”

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

3 Stooges Biography

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Box Office Falls Short

The box office is down 4% from this time last year, hitting a three year low over the weekend. While the major release was a star-studded ensemble affair which topped the charts, New Year's Eve made less than $15 million.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wolverine & the X-Men #4

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Manhattan Projects

What if the union of a generation's brightest minds like Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer was not a signal for optimism, but foreboding? What if everything... went wrong?

In the year 1945, the atomic bomb proved its capacity for immense devastation, but what if the creation of that ultimate killing machine was just a cover for a series of other, more unusual, programs? A brand new, monthly ongoing series from Image Comics will pose that question by taking a look at one of the most critical periods of change in the 20^th-Century through a lens both darkened and strange. Join us, for what is poised to the breakout hit of 2012: THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS!

Award-winning writer Jonathan Hickman (THE NIGHTLY NEWS, FF) and one of the best new talents to debut in comics during the last year, Nick Pitarra, are teaming up once again to present THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS. Following the completion of their critically acclaimed science-fiction success, THE RED WING, the duo are taking the cautionary aspect of science fiction and applying it not to the future, but to our past!

"I think anyone who's followed my work knows about my affinity for near-future/alt-history, and THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS pretty much represents the crown jewel of all the stories I've ever cooked-up in that vein," detailed Hickman. "Honestly, if we do this right -- and at this point in the process, it sure feels like we are -- I think this might the perfect example of why I do these stories: It takes a world everyone knows, and blurs the lines between fiction and reality in a way that makes you question where one ends and the other begins. I can't wait for people to read it!"

"Jonathan is a great collaborator, he really sees the page as an artist first," explained Pitarra, "With THE RED WING and with this new series, his guidance has meant everything. I have freedom in the layouts and planning stages, but I know that with him, as careful at storytelling as he is, if he suggests a change, the page always comes out better. It's good to work with a writer you can trust."

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1, a 32-page full-color science-fiction comic book for $3.50, will be on sale in stores on March 7^th and available for order in the January issue of Previews. In the mean time, both THE RED WING TP (OCT11047, ISBN: 978-1-60706-479-4), a 144-page full-color trade paperback for $14.99, & THE NIGHTLY NEWS ANNIVERSARY EDITION HC (SEP110423, ISBN: 9978-1-60706-4619), a 272-page full-color hardcover graphic novel for $34.99, will be on sale in stores December 14^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fantastic Four #600 - Romita, Jr. Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Marvel Season One Digital Copy

This February, the world’s greatest super heroes star in the highly-anticipated all-new Marvel: Season One graphic novels—and make digital comics history! Each Marvel: Season One graphic novel will be shrink-wrapped with a code for a FREE digital copy of the story—a first for the comic industry—on the Marvel Comics app, at no additional cost to fans or retailers. Aimed at new and old readers alike, Marvel Season One modernizes the seminal origins of Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and The X-Men in complete stories, while also offering new revelations for long-time fans.

“We’re committed to attracting new readers by providing compelling original stories about our top heroes from our most exciting creators, all packaged at an unbeatable value. I can’t think of any comic initiative that embodies this more than Marvel Season One,” said David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Marvel Entertainment. “The response to Marvel: Season One from fans, retailers and press has been so incredible that have a second wave of graphic novels in development for later this year.”

The complete first wave of Season One graphic novels includes:

• Fantastic Four: Season One by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Stephen King’s The Stand, Television’s Glee) and David Marquez (Secret Warriors), on-sale in February 2012
• X-Men: Season One by Dennis Hopeless (Legion Of Monsters, Lovestruck) and Jamie McKelvie (Generation Hope, Phonogram), on-sale in March 2012
• Daredevil: Season One by Antony Johnston (Daredevil) and Wellinton Alves (Nova), on-sale in April 2012
• Spider-Man: Season One by Cullen Bunn (Fear Itself: The Fearless, Sixth Gun) and Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four), on-sale in May 2012
  

It’s time to discover the world’s greatest super heroes all over again in the all-new Marvel: Season One graphic novels, now shrink-wrapped with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Ultimate Comics X-Men #7

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Orbit: The Cast of Doctor Who

Long before the Enterprise traveled to the stars or Luke Skywalker was a gleam in the eye of Darth Vader, a thief with two hearts stole a time machine and traveled the universe several times over and saved the lives of countless billions. Now as the British science fiction show, “Doctor Who,” celebrates its fast approaching 50^th anniversary, Bluewater Comics is sharing their latest bio-comic “Orbit: The Cast of Doctor Who” with readers in January 2012.

“Orbit: The Cast of Doctor Who” will come in both a graphic novel and single-issue form. Written by, Paul Salamoff and drawn by Jaime Martinez Rodriguez, Scott Boyce and DJ Burgess, with covers by DC artist Joe Phillips.

“Doctor Who” debuted on the BBC in 1963 and was played by William Hartnell. When Hartnell decided to leave the role, it was then decided the Doctor could regenerate his appearance into another actor. Since then, over 11 actors have played the Doctor such as Tom Baker, Paul McGann, and the current Doctor, Matt Smith - and each will be featured in both versions of “Orbit: The Cast of Doctor Who.” The graphic novel will feature a bio on Peter Cushing who played the Doctor in two feature length movies, though is not considered part of the 11 official actors, Bluewater wanted to mark his contribution.

“At Bluewater Comics we felt that a show like Doctor Who needed to have a bio-comic done,” said Darren Davis, president of Bluewater Comics. “There were so many fine actors who played the role of the time traveler, we just wanted to highlight the careers of a handful of the actors.”

Writer Paul J. Salamoff said he has adored “Doctor Who” since he was a child. “I have been obsessed with ‘Doctor Who’ for as long as I can remember,” said Salamoff. “My office is literally filled with ‘Doctor Who’ Toys, Books, DVDs, and Daleks. Lots of Daleks!”

Salamoff said writers could continue telling stories about the Doctor for another 50 years. "I find that the possibilities with the character are endless and the stories touch on every aspect of science-fiction that I love,” said Salamoff.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Defenders #2

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Alpha Girl

In Judith's short life, the street smart punk has already proved to be a survivor, but now she'll have to fight to remain the last one standing!

It's 1984 - Reaganomics are in full swing, Herbie Hancock ruled the first MTV Music Video Awards, movie-goers met The Ghostbusters and The Terminator, Indira Ghandi was assassinated, B.A. Baracus pitied fools, and a third rate cosmetics company single-handedly destroyed civilization. Is Judith, a 17-year-old chain-smoking delinquent, humanity's last hope?

In the upcoming ALPHA GIRL miniseries, co-creators Jeff Roenning and Jean-Paul Bonjour are plotting plenty of trouble for Judith. Robert Love is illustrating Judith's close calls with the masses of flesh-hungry zombie women and the men who hunt them. ALPHA GIRL promises to be the action-packed gore fest that you've been waiting for!

"When I got hooked on comics in 1980 I quickly found that the best titles were relegated to the 25 cent box. Creepy, Tales From The Crypt, and Ghostly Tales were my favorites, but they never went far enough," explained Roenning. "ALPHA GIRL has been a chance to not only quench my bloodlust, but to do it with a kick-ass heroine."

"As a child of the 1980s, it has been a blast drawing a comic that takes place during my formative years," said Love. "The Adidas track suits, big hair, and the '80's rock 'n' roll and hip hop - I'm definitely having fun!"

"I cut class my sophomore year of high school to go hang out, smoke cigarettes, and check out girls. I ended up watching a movie called Evil Dead 2. When I saw that flick I had found my calling in life," added Bonjour. "When Roenning approached me with the concept of a cosmetic company turning all women into man-eaters, with a kick-ass protagonist like Judith, I was all in. If you're like me and a fan of the zombie horror genre when the lead character has a flash of attitude, you are in for a hell of a ride."

This "Return of the Living Dead meets Zombieland" new miniseries will appeal to fans of the dark humor and horrors of CHEW and HACK/SLASH. For those that can't wait until February, Cassie Hack fans will discover another kick-ass femme fatale in the back pages of HACK/SLASH #11, where we're sharing a sneak peek of ALPHA GIRL #1!

ALPHA GIRL #1, a 32-page full-color horror comic book for $2.99, will be on sale in stores and on digital platforms on February 1^st, and is available for order in the December issue of Previews. HACK/SLASH #11 will be available on December 28^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

FREE Hack/Slash Digital Short

HACK/SLASH creator Tim Seeley has a gift for you -- a gift of horror! A free HACK/SLASH short, available as a digital download at ImageComics.com, serves as a good introduction to the fan-favorite series and a gesture of good will from a man who's made the creation and slaying of comic book serial killers his job!

Have you been looking for a good way to get a taste of the HACK/SLASH series, but weren't sure where to start? Maybe you're already a fan, but want a good way to share the series with a friend? Well, Tim Seeley's provided the perfect opportunity by giving fans the gift of a free digital comic this holiday season!

Though he usually works with artists like Daniel Leister to illustrate his ongoing series, this free digital comic features art done entirely by Tim Seeley himself. "Since this is my personal gift to the fans, I felt it was only right that I do the art for these pages myself," explained Seeley, "The style is very similar to the regular series though, since Dan and I work so closely together on art production."

The HACK/SLASH series appeals to fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Scream, as well as many of the classics like Friday the 13^th, Chucky, and Halloween. Regularly featuring guest appearances and references to horror, cult, and pop culture favorites, HACK/SLASH both uses and mocks the tropes and codes of horror films in the ongoing series. Starring former victim turned serial killer slayer, Cassandra Hack, HACK/SLASH has been described by Fangoria as mixing "the horrors of adolescence with the scares of slasher movies."

THE GIFT OF HACK/SLASH introduces the main characters and themes of the series in a 4-page story. Seeley, along with Image Comics, encourages readers to share the free download link with friends and wishes everyone happy holidays!


HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC, TP VOL. 1 (SEP100462, ISBN: 978-1-60706-338-7), a 112-page novel for $9.99, is the perfect collection to pick up if you like THE GIFT OF HACK/SLASH digital short. HACK/SLASH: MY FIRST MANIAC, TP VOL. 1 is on sale now and available for reorder, along with the HACK/SLASH OMNIBUS VOL. 1, 2, and 3.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Avengers: X-Sanction #3

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Bulletproof Coffin

Reading BULLETPROOF COFFIN is like unearthing a dusty old box of rare single issues from the back of a deceased shut-in's closet. You find one treasure after another -- strange stories never before seen, covers that are so ridiculous they're unbelievable, and collaborations you never knew existed of favorite creators.

This January, writer David Hine and artist Shaky Kane are back at Image Comics with a second miniseries that will evoke that feeling of discovery all over again with BULLETPROOF COFFIN: DISINTERRED. Fans of Alan Moore's comic series 1963, as well as the films of David Cronenberg and David Lynch, are all likely to be hooked in by this undeniably bizarre, postmodern comic book.

"Shaky and I have known each other for years, and we always talked about the kind of comics we would want to read if only someone was producing them,” explained Hine. “In the end it dawned on us that the best solution was to write and draw them ourselves. The result is THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN and we think it’s a damned fine comic.”

"As an artist, this book’s been something of a personal triumph," added Kane. "I’ve always tried to put into my work something of what first made me so captivated by comic books. With David handling the script, THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN is undeniably 21^st century."

The duo's first metafictional BULLETPROOF COFFIN miniseries was a cult hit, named one of the best trade paperback collections of 2011 by Graphic Novel Reporter. Alex Boney of The Comics Journal called it "one of most puzzling and unique books I’ve read this year," and Scott Cederlund of Newsarama called it "a paean to almost every evil and every mind-warping scenario that Dr. Wertham warned us about in Seduction of the Innocent back in the 1950s."

With six stand-alone issues that can be read in any order, Hine and Kane have included plenty of loops and side roads in BULLETPROOF COFFIN: DISINTERRED's non-linear plot, and invite their readers to make any story connections they want. Though the second series doesn’t follow directly from the close of the first, there are plenty of tantalizing links to THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN, VOL. 1 TP.

The first issue of the new series, titled “KILLER INSIDE," reveals the origin of the Shield of Justice. When headless corpses start to appear on the first night of the full moon, ace detective Johnny P. Sartre smells a rat…

THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN: DISINTERRED #1 (NOV110363), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be on sale in stores and on digital platforms on January 25^th. THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN, VOL. 1 TP (NOV110364, ISBN: 978-1-60706-368-1), a 200-page full-color trade paperback for $17.99, is on sale now and available for retailers to reorder.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Rebel Blood

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Morning Glories Hardcover Delayed

Fans anticipating the first deluxe hardcover volume of Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma's critical darling, MORNING GLORIES, will have to wait a little longer to get their heart's desire. While Image Comics and Shadowline regret the delay caused by a printing error, they are committed to making this handsome collection of one of the best selling and most critically acclaimed series just right.

Initially scheduled to be on sale November 30^th, the book was pulled from this week's shipments. The publisher is now working with the printer and distributor to fix the error and expedite reshipment of MORNING GLORIES, HC VOL. 1. The corrected version is expected to be back in stores by the end of December.

Fans have a full course load of extras to look forward to in this gorgeous deluxe collection that no collector or fan of the series will want to be without it. Collecting the first 12 issues of the enigmatic story that Time called "the sort of premise you might associate with an ambitious TV show rather than a current comic book", plus every MORNING GLORIES cover by Rodin Esquejo, a foreword by Damon Lindelof, Executive Producer of Lost, and sketches and character studies from Esquejo and Eisma make this a must-have edition!

In the meantime, both trade paperback volumes are available for retailers to reorder and the next issue, MORNING GLORIES #15, will be on sale December 21^st. The entire series is also available to purchase day-and-date from Image Comics' digital partners.

MORNING GLORIES, HC VOL. 1 (SEP110417, ISBN: 978-1-60706-430-5), a 400-page trade paperback collecting the first 12 issues of the runaway hit series will be available in stores for $39.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Avengers vs. X-Men

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Nancy in Hell on Earth

She's already fought her way out of the depths of hell, armed only with a chainsaw and her badass attitude. Come January, the voluptuous Nancy will be topside again, but she's about to find herself in Hell on Earth!

Spanish comics scribe El Torres has enlisted the intricately detailed artwork of Enrique Lopez Lorenzana and coloring of Fran Gamboa, to render even the beastliest citizens of Nancy's Hell as breathtaking. This 4-issue Grindhouse inspired miniseries presents the follow up to last years' NANCY IN HELL miniseries, a take-no-prisoners tale of one woman versus the greatest evil. Now with the Gates of Hades left wide open, not even the angels in heaven can save our world from the hordes!

"It's not just because of the limitless special effects budget that the comics medium offers that we have big monsters, small monsters, tiny monsters, tentacled monsters, smelly monsters, and hot chicks," explained El Torres. "It’s because I have great artists taking my words and transforming them into awesome pictures. I never believed I could visit Nancy again, but thanks to Enrique and Fran, here we are again!"

"To depict these hellish nightmares from El Torres' mind pouring into San Diego city it's both a challenge and a pleasure," added Lorenzana. "Ryp did a wonderful job in the first miniseries, now it's my turn, and I'm really happy to have the chance of design new monsters in almost every page!"

NANCY IN HELL (ON EARTH) #1 (NOV110371), a 32-page full-color horror comic book for $3.99, will be on sale in stores and on digital platforms on January 25^th, and will be available for order in the November issue of Previews. NANCY IN HELL, VOL. 1 TP (NOV1000433, ISBN: 978-1-60706-354-4) collects the entire first story arc and is available for reorder now.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fantastic Four - Quesada

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Beastie Boys, G n R, Red Hot Chili Peppers in Rock Hall of Fame

The Beastie Boys, Guns n Roses, and Red Hot Chili Peppers are all to be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year. They are among a number of inductees, but the others do less rock than roll. Creators have to wait 25 years after the release of their first album to be eligible, making everyone like me feel really old.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Punisher Max #20

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

What I Really, Really Want

I've been writing a lot more about what I don't like in comics and TV, and pop-culture in general, lately. Part of it may be the holidays - I have no one to spend them with and can't even put up the tree this year because the kitten is just going to tear it apart - but this is when I finally get the chance to catch-up on everything, so a lot of it boils down to the fact that I simply haven't had a lot of time to read comics and watch TV until now. Either way, I hate just bellyaching; I want to say, unequivocally, "This is what I want; this is what I'm looking for. Give me more of that."

But I'll admit I'm confused.

After all, I loved Green Arrow: Year One but I haven't enjoyed any of the ongoing titles half as much. I liked the first one okay, but it had its ups and downs. I was happy to go along with it because I was so impressed with the mini-series; I wanted to like Green Arrow, so I was willing to put up with a lot of so-so content to get to the good parts. This is true of all the titles to which I subscribe, and is true with serialized fiction in general - you have to take the good with the bad because there is so much of it that there's always going to be at least a few storylines or ideas you don't care for.

I also realize that a lot of the talent that would have been in cartooning has gone to higher-paying, more prestigious jobs in Hollywood and for video games, et. al. I certainly don't think of the working cartoonists as anything less than stellar - those in comics are there because they want to be, not because they have to be - but I understand that there are writers, artists, and other workers who have a lot to bring to the medium but are more interested in paying their rent.

I also understand that comic books is an industry - and this goes for TV and movies, too - music, video games, they're all entertainment and they're all involved in that industry. There are certain things that would work perfectly in one medium or form or another, but probably will never happen because they simply wouldn't bring in the money something more mundane would.

I know one thing: I really don't want something repackaged; I really don't want an endless stream of things I've seen before. Green Arrow: Year One was obviously an updated retelling of Oliver Queen's origin story. I loved it. However, I didn't love it so much that I want to read yet another version of it. That being said, whatever was going on in any of the ongoing titles, it was completely removed from Queen's origin. I didn't like that so much, either.

Everyone is complaining about Whitney, the new sit-com they apparently rammed down L.A.'s collective throat with billboards and advertising, but I don't mind it. There's absolutely nothing original about it whatsoever, but there's something comforting in that: I know what to expect and it delivers. I don't laugh out loud while watching Whitney, but I don't hate it. Still, if I had my druthers, I would watch probably whatever else is on when Whitney is playing.

So there's something to be said for wanting Repackaged Same, and maybe viewership and sales prove to bean-counters that this is what people want, but I insist it's only because they don't know what they want until they get it. I'm much the same: I can tell you things I want to see, but not necessarily how I want to see them or where.

I want something that's serious but doesn't take itself seriously - something that tackles dramatic issues with a sense of playfulness. Spider-Man used to do this, but only because he'd quip his way through every encounter. A much better example would be Elektra: Assassin, which was deadly serious but understood its place in the larger pastiche of entertainment. Assassin had no troubles bending reality and dropping in some quips here and there, because it knew it had the reader by the balls with the story and characters. It manages to capture a few chuckles without upsetting its own sense of the dramatic. There haven't been too many recent offerings that hold-up to that, but I'd like to see more of it.

I'd like more focus on the characters and character development. For too long, the only changes to the characters have been MAJOR EVENTS spanning several titles and even more months. Those only last for a short while, anyway. I want some character growth and change - something that makes me want to read every issue every month - I want to see them develop and follow along.

Artists who can draw fight scenes. I have an entire post waiting for this one. What happened here, anyway? I know comics are mostly talking heads, but pretty much every, single one has an obligatory fight scene. If you're going to draw comic books, you should know how to draw fight scenes.

More character and titles independence. Look, I collect Uncanny X-Men (not anymore, but this is just an example); I don't much care what happens in X-Force, X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, New Mutants, or the other two dozen X-titles. I'm not pressured to buy more of these comics when a story spans all of them, I'm forced to - if I want to read the story. That's tantamount to ripping me off; I pay for Uncanny X-Men and I expect a story. If it's continued to the next issue(s), I'm fine with that - I expect that, too - but if it's continued through several titles and issues, a single story about characters in which I'm interested becomes a $20.00 saga I don't give a damn about.

There's more but this post is long enough. I just wanted to make sure that it was known that I don't want the same thing over and over and I do have some idea as to what it is I would like to see. I'm not naive enough to think that anyone in the industry will read this and suddenly change the way things are done, but I do hope that enough fans read this who agree with me that they start writing more posts like this one. Maybe then the publishers will take notice and make some positive changes.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Dead at 50

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Popped

Okay, so I took the vacation and a little after to focus on catching-up with everything I've let get behind me the last year or so, which included a lot of TV and comic books. I'm still working my way through The Flash Brightest Day series, but I already read the opening for the new one. I was so not into Brightest Day, or really any of that. Green Arrow and some of them played such tangential parts that it wasn't even worth trying to tie into the rest, and yet they did.

And right after the whole thing is over, Green Arrow just shifts direction without so much as an attempt at an explanation. Just BAM! - no more forest, no more Galahad, now Ollie's somewhere else. It was really weak in that sense. It's done all the time - I remember Daredevil doing it pretty jarringly a time or two - but it was no less alarming.

I was so put-off in fact that I'm thinking of letting my subscription lapse. I got into Green Arrow following its stunning Year One, but the ongoing series have failed to live-up to that vision. Aquaman is the best of the new DC reboots that I've read so far. I'll keep up with The Flash because of the artwork, but GA is starting to rub my wallet the wrong way.

Breaking Bad and Mad Men are both okay, but I'm not as crazy over them as most people seem to be. They're good and I enjoy them, but that's as far as it goes. I haven't gotten into the very latest seasons, just the ones available on Netflix. I also got caught-up on all the current sit-coms through Hulu. So I'm pop-cultured out for a minute.

I have to regroup.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Fantastic Four

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Madman Monster

This is THE BIG ONE! This December, 20 years after Michael Allred's independent comics icon was introduced to the world, a celebration of all things Madman will take the form of a gigantic 11 x 17 hardcover! The MADMAN 20^TH ANNIVERSARY MONSTER HC will include an all-new MADMAN story from Allred, as well as contributions from an impressive list of industry giants such as Darwyn Cooke, Frank Quitely, Jeff Smith, and Erik Larsen.

The jam-packed 264 pages of this epic coffee table book will weigh in as the perfect selection for those looking for the most ginchy of gifts this holiday season. The MADMAN 20^TH ANNIVERSARY MONSTER HC will appeal to any fan of the heartfelt, retro-pop heroics of MADMAN and Allred's other critically acclaimed work like X-Statix and iZombie.

Twenty years on, Madman still holds the same appeal with fans, and with his creator, more than ever. "In my new story I was inspired to take Frank "Madman" Einstein on an adventure that took him on retrospective time trip, an inter-dimentional detour, a jungle excursion, and a kind of faux-family therapy exchange. I pulled out all stops," Allred said. "We're making sure that everyone will be getting some serious bang for their buck!"

Nearly every great artist to ever work in comics is in this book! That means more new Madman strips from Peter Bagge, Kyle Baker, Philip Bond & Peter Milligan, Darwyn Cooke, Dave Cooper, Dean Haspiel, Los Bros Hernandez, Erik Larsen, David Mack, Pat McKeown, Bernie Mireault, Michael Avon Oeming, Paul Pope, Eric Powell, Frank Quitely, Steven T. Seagle & Teddy Kristiansen, Jeff Smith, Jay Stephens, Craig Thompson, Matt Wagner, Joe Quinones & Maris Wicks. Plus, almost every Madman illustration collected over the past 20 years from all the greats will be included, including images by the likes of Frank Frazetta, Jack Kirby, Alex Toth, Moebius, Frank Miller, and Dave Stevens.

MADMAN 20^TH ANNIVERSARY MONSTER HC (OCT110429, ISBN: 978-1-60706-472-5), a 264-page oversized full-color hardcover graphic novel for a hundred bucks, will be on sale in stores on December 21^st, just in time to make the list of perfect gifts!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wolverine #19

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Queen Crab

In February, Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, THE PRO, and upcoming CAPTAIN BROOKLYN) presents a distinctly off-kilter story of one woman's life as it transforms from hopeless monotony... to crustacean nightmare!

QUEEN CRAB is an original hardcover graphic novel full of revenge, lust, violence, and insanity, with themes reminiscent of Kafka's The Metamorphosis. Told in the tradition of such masters of surreal, suspenseful storytelling as David Lynch and Stephen King, QUEEN CRAB is about a young woman dealing with the insanity of the world around her, and trying to keep her head above water!

Palmiotti has until now always had a co-writer on his books, but QUEEN CRAB will be his first foray into writing solo. Palmiotti has brought some talented artists on board, including award winning illustrator Sas Christian providing shockingly beautiful cover art and interior artist Artiz Eiguren. With Amanda Conner, Paul Mounts, and many more providing pin-ups, QUEEN CRAB will at once be the most beautiful and most dreadful to behold!

"For me, getting someone with the right skills for the job was mission number one and when I was introduced to Artiz’s work," said Palmiotti. "I felt it was the perfect style to capture the emotional beats, the storytelling I was looking for, and a style of drawing that we don’t see very often in American comics."

"When Jimmy pitched this to me in San Diego, I was pretty blown away," said Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. "He had the whole book there, printed out, and I just couldn't stop reading. In the past, Jimmy has always collaborated with other writers, but my strongest reaction was along the lines - 'What took you so long to start writing on your own? This is brilliant!' It's one of the most intriguingly twisted stories I've read in a long time, and I love it!"

QUEEN CRAB is all about Ginger, a twenty-something office worker in Brooklyn who has been living her life one boring day at a time. Unsatisfied with her lot in life, she has decided to settle down, and finally marry a guy that is clearly head over heels for her. On her ill-fated wedding night aboard a cruise ship, her new husband reveals his true nature... when he attempts to murder her! But that's only the beginning of Ginger's troubles as she wakes up the next morning naked on the beaches of Coney Island…altered, to say the least.

QUEEN CRAB HC (DEC110483, ISBN: 978-1-60706-505-0), a 64-page full-color hardcover graphic novel for $12.99, will be on sale in stores and on digital platforms on February 1^st, and will be available for order in the December issue of Previews.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Goodbye, Elizabeth

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

The Walking Dead - Rise of the Governor

Are you looking to impress THE WALKING DEAD fan in your life this holiday season with the perfect gift? Well, you're in luck! That's right, holiday shoppers need look no further than their favorite comic book retailer to purchase the deluxe, leather bound, slipcased hardcover edition of the New York Times bestseller, THE WALKING DEAD – RISE OF THE GOVERNOR NOVEL by series creator Robert Kirkman and co-writer Jay Bonansinga.

"Many have asked me whether I will ever write a prequel about the lives the character lead before," said Kirkman. "Well, that's basically what we're doing with these novels. And we wanted to offer the fans a special edition before the holidays."

To make the gift even more impressive, this deluxe edition will feature spot illustrations by series artist Charlie Adlard. Comic book readers may wonder if there's any better way to improve upon a novel than by adding pictures. Well, there is! There is also an even rarer, super deluxe edition that will also be signed and numbered by Kirkman!

THE WALKING DEAD – RISE OF THE GOVERNOR NOVEL is the first in a planned trilogy of novels based on the characters introduced in THE WALKING DEAD comic book series. RISE OF THE GOVERNOR sheds light on the true origins of The Governor, the most vile and deadly villain yet to appear in THE WALKING DEAD comic book series. Now fans of the comic book and AMC's record breaking TV adaptation can discover the transformation of one man into a monster with this special deluxe edition!

THE WALKING DEAD – RISE OF THE GOVERNOR NOVEL: DELUXE SLIPCASED EDITION (OCT110517, ISBN: 978-1-60706-482-4), a 336-page novel for $74.99, will be on sale in stores on December 7^th, along with the limited signed & numbered edition (OCT110518, ISBN: 978-1-60706-483-1) for $124.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011