Legend Of The Shadow Clan" Kicks Off Aspen Comics 10th Anniversary

2013 will marks the ten-year anniversary of Aspen Comics, and the publisher is planning its largest schedule of releases, events and products in its history to celebrate the milestone all year long. Founded by superstar artist and industry legend Michael Turner, Aspen is proud to be able to expand upon his vision for the company by introducing its most ambitious plan ever—branded the Aspen “10 for 10” initiative. For ten consecutive months starting this February, Aspen will be releasing an all-new title created by the publisher’s finest talents and featuring a reader-friendly approach that will introduce newcomers and experienced readers alike to the worlds of Aspen

Including a combination of five brand new concepts and five popular returning properties, the new “10 for 10” issues will feature special Aspen “10 for 10” cover dressing and branding to support the initiative and create easier access for a new audience, as well as returning Aspen fans who made the first ten years a success.

Each debut #1 issue will be offered at the ultra-affordable sale price of only $1 to further help support the reach of each new Aspen “10 for 10” title. Aspen also promises that both print and digital versions of the “10 for 10” releases will have exclusive content for their respective editions with more specific details to follow as each release draws closer.

The publisher is proud to announce the first “10 for 10” title for February, with the release of the action-adventure epic Legend of the Shadow Clan, created by Executive Assistant Iris creators David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven. With the art team of Cory Smith (Broken Pieces) and John Starr (Fathom, Soulfire) bringing to life the creator’s vision of a storied history of clan warfare and honor mixed with a contemporary story of power and corruption. Legend of the Shadow Clan creator Wohl elaborates:

Legend of the Shadow Clan is a concept that's been near and dear to my heart for several years now, and I'm thrilled that it can be part of Aspen's 10-for-10 campaign. When Michael founded Aspen nearly 10 years ago, he cultivated an environment where creativity thrived, and all of Aspen's titles have reflected that vision. Now, with the great team that Aspen has put together, we have an opportunity to follow in those tremendous footsteps, and I couldn't be more excited, and honored, to be part of it. Thank you to Michael, and Aspen, for making this opportunity possible, and here's to many more years of creativity to come!"

For more information on the Aspen “10 for 10” initiative and Legend of the Shadow Clan, please check aspencomics.com and aspenstore.com and the official Legend of the Shadow Clan Facebook page at facebook.com/LegendOfTheShadowClan

Snyder & Lee On New Superman Title

For a couple of years now the Superman books have been floundering around with tired stories or just general events that are uninteresting. The last really good story I can remember was World of New Krypton which ended in 2010. Shortly after that Paul Cornell took the writing duties on Action Comics and crafted the extremely well received Black Ring story which featured Lex Luthor in search a Black Lanterns ring. So there you have it, the last really exciting event in a Superman book didn't even feature the Man of Steel himself.

The New 52 has offered flashes of fun, but overall Grant Morrison on Action Comics has been hit or miss almost on a weekly basis. He often has readers scratching their heads as to what just happened and lets not even start on the self title Superman book which began badly while remaining monotonous still.

NYCC has given some hope for fans of Superman with the announcement of a new book being added to the super family with the creative team of Scott Snyder and Jim Lee. I honestly will trust Snyder on just about anything he writes so this news has me extremely excited for what's to come. Check out the official statement from DC's blog, The Source:

2013 is going to be an epic year for Superman – and we know two reasons why:
 
Scott Snyder and Jim Lee.
 
The superstar creative team will join forces for the first time to launch a new Superman title that promises to elevate the already high-flying hero to new heights and force him to face off against foes familiar and new, as only two of the top industry talents can.
 
Snyder, who’s bringing back the Joker in the pages of Batman’s “Death of the Family” crossover and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Lee, who just completed a historic artistic run on JUSTICE LEAGUE with writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, are teaming up at the top of their games and promise to craft a tale that’ll engage Superman fans new and old, and add new, compelling chapters to the Superman – and Clark Kent – mythos. This is as can’t miss as these things get, people. But let’s hear it from the creators themselves.
 
Jim?
 
“As a huge fan of Scott's writing, I'm looking forward to drawing Superman as much as I am reading Scott’s story as it unfolds,” Lee said. “Scott's crafted a truly epic yet personal story which will demonstrate without a doubt why Superman remains the most iconic hero of the modern age. 2013 is gonna absolutely rock!”
 
Indeed it will! But the teasing isn’t over. Let’s pass the mic to Mr. Snyder, shall we?
 
"I've loved Superman since I was a kid, and to be working on him now, with the great Jim Lee, is simply too thrilling for words. It's a dream come true for me on every front,” Snyder said. “I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say it's the Superman story I'd write if I only ever got one chance to write the character. It's an exploration of everything I love and am fascinated by about him. Like Court of Owls for Batman, it's a character piece for Clark - it's going to challenge him to his core. And it's definitely epic in scope, with huge action and drama - the biggest and most earth shaking action I've ever done. Can't wait to see what you all think of it. Couldn't be more grateful or excited to get the chance to make this one!"

Homecoming #2 Review

After the dramatic events of the thrilling debut issue, the kids try to return to their normal lives but the changes to their bodies are making things difficult to say the least. Meanwhile, Hunter and Jay Anne agree to try to go on a date, but when she loses control of her newfound abilities in public, things quickly get out of hand. Paul returns to his family but has difficulty keeping his “changes” from his parents. And Celeste experiences some disturbing memories about her mother, that could become a dark foreshadow of events to come!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to High School...Aspen Comics proudly presents an all-new series created by Michael Turner, Scott Lobdell and David Wohl. HOMECOMING!

HOMECOMING #2 is in stores October 3rd, 2012!

Homecoming has a great combination of elements to make this a really fun book to read once the wheels get turning. The story follows a young teen named Jay Anne and her realization that what she thought was a dream turns out to be an actuality. She finds tentacles extending out from her shirt, forming from her back while dealing with hiding the secret from her family. Luckily she isn't the only one to experience these weird differences and gets to bond with a few other kids at her school that have faint memories of being experimented on.

This issue spends a good bit of time with Jay Anne, her family life, and her discussion with the other teens as they all try to figure out what happened the night before. David Wohl gives a good sense of her alienation (had to use it) with these changes of her body on what seems to be of some alien decent. The mystery is if the kids were originally like this with dormant alien features or did they become implanted with such strange characteristics of another life form.

I don't think another artist could've worked so well on this story like Emilio Laiso has. His lines an scenes are very defined and smoothe with none of the scratchy, brooding pencils that you might generally find with a tale of aliens and the unkown. It really feels like it could be turned over into an animated feature or Saturday morning cartoon for an older audience.

As the mystery unfolds with a deeper look into the story, I believe this book will have a lot of fun moments to keep readers coming back. This creative team works like a hand in a glove together and it easily shows that they enjoy bringing this story to life.

Broken Pieces #4 Review

BROKEN PIECES #4
Mark Roslan – Writer / Cory Smith – Art / Beth Sotelo - Colors
 What is lost in life is found in…death!

Aspen Comic’s newest original series, BROKEN PIECES, continues!

The fight between mortal and monster could very well shatter the pieces of their existence altogether! As Gabriella attempts to regain any semblance of focus after the heart-wrenching loss of her husband following the accident inside their lab, her work within Trinion dutifully presses on. Meanwhile, Trinion director Damon Ludas has his own sights set on putting an end to the unrestrained amalgamation of a man wreaking havoc on his security forces. And Ludas’ plan calls for unleashing his own form of pain and punishment upon the monster—the ruthless mercenary known as Harrick, and an ensuing clash that only one can possibly survive!

Written and created by Aspen’s own Mark Roslan, BROKEN PIECES will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

BROKEN PIECES #4 is in stores October 3rd, 2012!

This is my first look into the mini series Broken Pieces and I must say I was pleasantly surprised with the content after I finished the last page. I looked up a little overview of the past issues online to get a general idea of what has been going on in the previous three books. This is a series that I now want to go back and read each issue because there is plenty to enjoy from just this one, the others must be in the same basket of goodness.

Mark Roslan has used a dual narrative with his own original story which follows the past of a doctor and his wife while interweaving the current journey of the same man who's mind was transferred into another body. Early on he was found to have a malignant brain tumor, so his wife worked to find anyway to keep him alive.

I like that he is struggling to get back to his wife after being separated and the choice to have a young girl tagging along as sort of a sidekick helps keep this title from being a very grim story with no sense of light-hearted moments. The choice of jumping between past and present gives a really interesting dynamic that I've been a fan of even before reading the issue. Roslan has quite a talent with this being his first stab at writing and his partner doing art, Cory Smith, is a strong compliment in helping bring the visuals that fit the tone.

The last issue is almost upon us so if you want to go back and try to get the previous issues, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone reading as I am considering the trade when its released.

Soulfire #3 Review

“SOULFIRE” VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2
J.T. KRUL-STORY/ MIKE DEBALFO- PENCILS/ NEI RUFFINO- COLORS/ JOSH REED-LETTERS

Whilst the city of Anantia is in the midst of war with itself and under the malicious rule of the new King Sarin, evil things are afoot!
Can the dragons be save from their horrible fate, and will Grace succumb to the corrupted fury of Chaos that has invaded her mind? Will the Sethoru and Rathumi ever reconcile their differences?

After all the years I've been into comics, Soulfire is one of those books that I often skip over while thinking that I'd eventually like to give it a try and see what it's all about. Time passes then eventually you just forget about certain titles that you intended to read. Now that I've broken ground in this Micheal Turner created series, I find myself with little reaction on either side.

At first glance of the cover, it looks so much for Micheal Turner's style. I was impressed at artist Mike DeBalfo in this issue. You can certainly see a bit of Turner in his craft, but still this is his own work which falls in place really well with the content of the story. I will admit that it often felt too much like the mid to late 90's in certain places which took my attention away from the story a bit.

J.T. Krul first grabbed my attention in a series with certain teen characters that familiar with a long legacy of great writers, so I was a little disappointed with his work on Soulfire. I don't mean that to be in a bashing of sorts though he has been stronger in previous stories. This is only the second issue of the title so in the coming months Krul may really get his footing with the arc and bring me in with a new interest on these characters.

Definitely not one of the worst comics I've read and no quite memorable for anything either. For long time fans of the book I would absolutely recommend checking it out for the art and a very obvious grasp on the world that Krul is borrowing from and building upon.

"Broken Pieces # 4" Preview

What is lost in life is found in…death!

Aspen Comic’s newest original series, BROKEN PIECES, continues!

The fight between mortal and monster could very well shatter the pieces of their existence altogether! As Gabriella attempts to regain any semblance of focus after the heart-wrenching loss of her husband following the accident inside their lab, her work within Trinion dutifully presses on. Meanwhile, Trinion director Damon Ludas has his own sights set on putting an end to the unrestrained amalgamation of a man wreaking havoc on his security forces. And Ludas’ plan calls for unleashing his own form of pain and punishment upon the monster—the ruthless mercenary known as Harrick, and an ensuing clash that only one can possibly survive!

Written and created by Aspen’s own Mark Roslan, BROKEN PIECES will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

BROKEN PIECES #4 is in stores October 3rd, 2012!

Dead Mans Run #3 Review

DEAD MAN'S RUN #3
GREG PAK- STORY/ TONY PARKER-ART/ DAVID CURIEL-COLORS/ JOSH REED-LETTERS

We once again join the young cartographer, Sam Tinker, in his endeavors to escape the many layers of Hell. Can Sam save his sister and escape Hell alive?

What I liked about this issue; a brother searching for his sister in all the challenges of literal hell. They were both killed and sent their by a man (pictured in the image above) who has the Midas touch, turning everything to gold. It's a great premise and Greg Pak has executed the story well with a definite plan in place of where he wants to go next. Also thrown into the mix is a lady warden of hell who has chains for wins, huge demon/monsters that look similar to Clayface called Gluttons, demon guards at the portal of escape, and a very unlikely group of people helping out Sam to find his sister as they all want to leave hell asap.

I honestly can't find much of anything that I didn't like in this issue other than I wish it was longer. Tony Parker's art sets the mood perfectly for the story Pak is telling and being a fan of both individuals probably had some effect on me enjoying it so much. It feels like things are going to even crazier as the issues roll out.

Great writing, great art, giving the marriage of the two in one issue with concepts that are fresh and quirky is a perfect combination to make this book stand out.

Idolized #2 Review

"IDOLIZED" #2
DAVID SCHWARTZ- STORY/ MICAH GUNNELL and PASQUALE QUALANO- ART/ DAVID CURIEL- COLORS

We join Leslie (aka Joule) amidst her fight to make her name in the first season of America's Super Hero Idol reality show. She must complete series of taxing battles to prove her worth for a spot in the super-powered group, The Powered Protectors.
Can Leslie defeat robot challengers, overcome her anger, win votes from viewers across America, and make her way to the Top Ten contestants in Super Hero Idol?

What worked well for me was the general idea of this book. You take all these young super powered beings and entice them to come on an elimination show to prove who's the #1 contestant. The story follows Leslie who is very sympathetic and has good intentions, but we see there is a side of her begging to get out when she's in battle with holograms made to look like villains.

What I didn't really grasp onto was how by the numbers it was. Good girl amongst a bunch of stereotypical young folk who has the good heart to succeed over everyone else. Also a handsome guy with a letterman jacket trying to get on her good side in trying to sympathize with her on the show. This may all change as the issues continue and it's not enough to make me want to put down the book and stop reading. Sometimes you need the basic set up like this to get into the heavy parts of the story.

Overall I feel like it was an interesting issue with some great ideas, but a little rocky execution. The art stood out the most for me and was consistent throughout with great coloring to compliment the pencils. The creative team (Schwartz, Qualano, Curiel) seem to have a good flow in the book and the writing does match the art style which helps make the story work. It may be a bit cliche at times, but the potential is just under the surface at this point.

Aspen Comics Heads to Sin City With a Magical Exclusive

This upcoming weekend, Aspen Comics will be heading to the high desert for the Las Vegas Comic Book Expo 2012 along with several of their leading creators and artists. Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Soulfire), Peter Steigerwald (Lady Mechanika, Fathom), JT Krul (Soulfire, Mindfield) and Mike DeBalfo (Soulfire) will be available at the Aspen Comics Booth #401 both Saturday and Sunday to meet fans and sign autographs. Aspen artists Joe Benitez, Beth Sotelo and Nei Ruffino will also be attending the show at their respective tables.

Aspen is offering a Soulfire #2 Las Vegas Comic Book Expo 2012 exclusive cover featuring a special Vegas-themed cover by series artists Mike DeBalfo and Nei Ruffino, limited to only 300 copies. Fans can also pick up the red hot issue #1 at the booth as well to catch up to the brand new fourth volume currently underway.

Along with exclusive comics, Aspen will also be offering all new art prints featuring their most popular covers and characters, including Fathom, Soulfire, Lady Mechanika, Executive Assistant and more. The Soulfire #2 Las Vegas Comic Book Expo 2012 cover will also be available, limited to 75 editions.

"Executive Assistant: Assassins #4" Preview

Introducing Executive Assistant Sophora!

The high seas are growing increasingly dangerous—and fatal--for both voyagers and pirates alike. Enter Sophora, a new breed of Executive Assistant sworn to protect her master on both land and sea! When Tikoté, a budding captain of a pirate vessel decides to up the ante on his competition, he decides to enlist the help of Sophora. However, when the allure of the open sea—and love—beckon, Sophora makes a choice that puts her squarely in the crosshairs of her brutal master!

The first chapter of the new EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS story arc “Lost at Sea” starts right now!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #4 is in stores October 10th, 2012!