Batman: Earth One Sequel in the works

Though very unofficial, it seems that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank intend on completing the second installment of Batman: Earth One soon enough for a release next year. The first volume was originally announced back in 2009 and finally saw release in July this year. It seems like the duo will be churning out the new story at a faster pace in order to get it done for 2013.

This all came from Geoff Johns and Gary Frank sending tweets back and forth. Eventually Frank tweeted; "It's just a shame that there won't be a Vol. 2 until next year!!!" And later said, "cooking up a great chapter 2." referring to Johns script.

All three books so far have been met with succesful sales as well as critical acclaim. DC looks to be cranking up the Earth One universe, and hopefully will branch out with other characters like Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman.

Charismagic: The Death Princess #1 Review

Explore the breathtaking world of Charismagic by journeying back to its ancient origins!

Orlana, spoken of in hush tones as the “Death Princess”, rules over all who oppose her reign. Not by force, but through the most dangerous of all magical powers—the ability to control minds! Under the Death Princess’ shadow of dominance and fear, the humans of Earth find themselves at risk of their civilization falling completely under her rule forever! Until Kon, a young but powerful wizard finds himself on an unimaginable quest to break Orlana’s curse on humanity, and set free those she wishes to forever hold under her spell!

The latest chapter in the Charismagic saga begins now!

Created and written by Aspen’s own Vince Hernandez, with stunning art by Emilio Lopez and Jocelyn Dunn, make sure to be a part of the exciting new world of CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS!

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #1 is in stores November 7th, 2012!

It's a bit funny to me that the last time I looked at the cover of one of these books and thought I wouldn't enjoy the content inside, it was also written by Vince Hernandez. From the general look of the Death Princess I sort of assumed again that this book just wasn't going to be for me. Sometimes being wrong isn't such a bad thing.

Hernandez has crafted a really strong opening issue with a story that has such a classic feel to it, but brings attention to some new and interesting characters. Olana was born with powers to manipulate others through her thoughts and as she grows older, creates a kingdom for herself through controlling all those who worship her. A wizard named Kon begins assembling a group of allies to follow him through battle and overthrow Olana and restore his friend being controlled by the princess. I really enjoy how this feels like a story you grew up with as a child that ends up being a classic tale for a generation.

The strongest area of this issue is absolutely the art though. Emilio Lopez brings a quality to the book that is very reminiscent of those Disney movies right before the age of cgi landed on animation. Movies like Lion King, Pocahontas, and Mulan immediately popped into my head as I went through the pages of this issue. The coloring is gorgeous as well with the oranges early on in the issue to the beautiful sunsets seen later on, it honestly just felt like an animated feature film that I watched in my youth.

Once again I am pleasantly surprised by a story within the cover of an image I maybe scoffed at a bit. I'm definitely sticking with this book for as long as Hernandez and Lopez are the creative talents behind it.

Idolized #3 Review

Aspen Comics proudly presents their first ever super-hero series, IDOLIZED!

Joule's been kicked out of the IDOLIZED competition!  As she desperately attempts to find a way back in-- if she does, will she be able to even survive the competition?  IDOLIZED kicks into high gear, as Joule faces off against the Top Ten finalists, the show's producers, and her own seething cauldron of emotions, all in order to keep her desperate quest for revenge alive!

Written and created by David Schwartz, with gorgeous art by Pasquale Qualano and David Curiel, and featuring a cover by Micah Gunnell, plus a photo cover starring supermodel Rachel Clark, you won't want to miss out on this innovative new series from Aspen Comics!

IDOLIZED #3 is in stores October 24th, 2012!

We're back to following Joule in her quest to become the very first winner of the Superhero Idol. The big wigs behind the show recently found some questionable photos involving the star of the book and choose to disqualify her from any further proceedings. One producer sticks up for her and realizes they can play the "reformed" card to the masses in the sense that people can redeem themselves from personal screw ups.

All the young contestants eventually get their super names and costumes and end up going through various different competitions to see who will be the last one left to claim the grand prize at the shows end. Not surprisingly, Joule ends up in the top three where she and two others must do battle against one another without  the ability of their powers.

This is another solid issue from David Schwartz. With the last issue I was very impressed with his ability to give Joule such an emotional position in this book even if the type of story isn't exactly what I pick up on a weekly basis. There was a bit of confusion as to why exactly those photos appeared to make Joule become disqualified. It didn't serve much purpose other than give a shock moment that she would no longer be on the show.

The art is very clean and vibrant which is such a perfect fit for the story that Schwartz is telling. Pasquale Quanolo knows exactly what to bring here as we deal with a cast of teens thrust into an American pop culture show that needs to be pleasing to the viewers eye.

The issue ends with a decent cliffhanger that makes you curious enough to come back and see what happens in the final competition, leaving it a bit open that Joule may not come out on top. Overall a very solid issue that retains it's sense of fun.

"Women Of Geekdom" Calendar Singing At Meltdown On Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Come down to Meltdown this Saturday for the “WOMEN OF GEEKDOM” Calendar signing! Pick up a calendar! Get it signed!

WHERE: MELTDOWN ANNEX

TIME: 7pm-10pm

On November 3rd, 2012, six of the Women of Geekdom will be at Meltdown Comics for the official release of the Calendar. Come by and meet Satine Phoenix (D&DMelt and Draw Melt), Dodger (Press Heart to Continue), Misti Dawn (Machinima), Jenna Busch (Fanhattan), Chloe Dykstra (Nerdist and Just Cos) and Laura Rosado (Shauncastic)! Buy a calendar, get a few signatures and have a great time! All are welcome!

The Women of Geekdom 2013 is a calendar project that focuses on showcasing the diversity of women in the geek community. The Women of Geekdom is the most funded calendar project in the history of Kickstarter! This is a project that celebrates ladies with geeky interests from all walks of life: models, actresses, writers, journalists, artists, businesswomen and more.

From the woman dressed up as her favorite D&D character to the woman as her favorite superhero, this is a love letter to geeks from geeks.

Executive Assistant:Assassins #4 Review

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #4
Vince Hernandez – Writer / Lori Hanson – Art / John Starr - Colors
 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!

As I glanced through this issue before reading it I immediately assumed that this would be something that wouldn't grab my attention. It seemed like just a bland adventure out at sea with no heroics or fun elements that usually attracts me to comics. By the end of the issue I was wrong in my first assumptions. The credit for that can go to the well written story by Vince Hernandez.

It's centered around Sophora (not the make-up store). She is basically an assassin who started out at a school as a youngster that trains children to grow up to become instruments of killing. They are eventually sold out to a buyer who is then known as their master which gives them protection for themselves as they guard and execute tasks for the owner.

Sophora is out on a boat in the middle of the ocean with a crew of men and has a love affair with a man named Landon. He has become uneasy of her relationship with the master, Tikote, and tells her that he will stand up to him. This doesn't go over well with Tikote as he binds Landon's appendages and orders Sophora to execute him on the spot.

Hernandez does a fantastic job in giving insight to Sophora's past actions and creates a great situation to end the issue. It really is open to any ending because of how loyal she is to Tikote, but her love for Landon seems strong enough to disobey her master if she dwells upon it long enough. Lori Hanson matches this story quite well with the art duties. It's all very smooth and clean and the colorist creates good imagery of the night time out on a boat.

I was pleasntly surprised with this issue and am very excited for issue #5 to see Sophora's reaction to the situation.

"Charismagic: The Death Princess #1" Preview

Explore the breathtaking world of Charismagic by journeying back to its ancient origins!

Orlana, spoken of in hush tones as the “Death Princess”, rules over all who oppose her reign. Not by force, but through the most dangerous of all magical powers—the ability to control minds! Under the Death Princess’ shadow of dominance and fear, the humans of Earth find themselves at risk of their civilization falling completely under her rule forever! Until Kon, a young but powerful wizard finds himself on an unimaginable quest to break Orlana’s curse on humanity, and set free those she wishes to forever hold under her spell!

The latest chapter in the Charismagic saga begins now!

Created and written by Aspen’s own Vince Hernandez, with stunning art by Emilio Lopez and Jocelyn Dunn, make sure to be a part of the exciting new world of CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS!

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #1 is in stores November 7^th, 2012!

"Idolized #3" Preview, In Stores Tomorrow!

Aspen Comics proudly presents their first ever super-hero series, IDOLIZED!

Joule's been kicked out of the IDOLIZED competition!  As she desperately attempts to find a way back in-- if she does, will she be able to even survive the competition?  IDOLIZED kicks into high gear, as Joule faces off against the Top Ten finalists, the show's producers, and her own seething cauldron of emotions, all in order to keep her desperate quest for revenge alive!
 
Written and created by David Schwartz, with gorgeous art by Pasquale Qualano and David Curiel, and featuring a cover by Micah Gunnell, plus a photo cover starring supermodel Rachel Clark, you won't want to miss out on this innovative new series from Aspen Comics!

IDOLIZED #3 is in stores tomorrow October 24^th, 2012!

Superman Earth One Vol. 2 Preview

Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive look at the next installment of J. Michael Straczynski's fresh take on the Man of Steel. Shane Davis is returning on the art duties as well so this is as direct of a sequel as you can get to the very successful first volume released in 2010.

Following the events of the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling graphic novel by acclaimed writer Michael J. Straczynski and superstar artist Shane Davis, comes the long awaited sequel SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 2!

Young Clark Kent continues his journey toward becoming the World's Greatest Super Hero, but finds dealing with humanity to be a bigger challenge than he ever imagined! From a ruthless dictator to a new love interest who's NOT Lois Lane, things are never easy for this emerging Man of Steel.

And the worst is yet to come, in the form of a man-monster with an insatiable appetite, the Parasite! The only thing that might appease his hunger is The Last Son of Kryptonian! But that will also mean he will have Superman's powers without his conscience, and Kal-El cannot come anywhere near him, even though he has to stop him!

Aspen Comics January Solicitations

 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS (vol 3) #2
David Wohl – Story / Alex Lei – Art / Teo Gonzalez - Colors
Iris is back, but will she make it through the – Executive Extinction!

 The “Executive Extinction” crossover reaches a deadly turning point as Iris encounters an ALL NEW Executive Assistant--Jasmine—and the results are perilous! With her employer already kidnapped and held by the Russian Mafia, Iris makes a shocking decision that could end with her own death! EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS creator David Wohl is joined by newcomer Alex Lei and series vet Teo Gonzalez, to bring you the thrilling third volume as the “Executive Extinction” crossover event continues!

Executive Assistant Iris (vol 3) #2 is in stores January 16h, 2013!
FC 32 pages $3.99

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #7
Writer / Jordan Gunderson – Art / Teo Gonzalez - Colors

The Extinction begins! The return of Executive Assistants Orchid and Lotus can only result in one possible outcome—more bloodshed! As Lily and Aster struggle to find a way to get to and kill the EA killer, Mazutsu, the pair quickly realize it’s better to make amends and unite as group, or risk dying as individuals as the “Executive Extinction” crossover continues!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: ASSASSINS #7 is in stores January 16th, 2013!
FC 32 pages $3.99

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #3
Vince Hernandez – Story / Emilio Lopez – Art / Jocelyn Dunn - Colors

The final battle for Earth will decide the fate of not only all magical beings—but also mankind as well! The powerful Kon and his collective group of magical entities wage war on Orlana and her thundering army, as they must defeat the Death Princess at all costs, or risk losing everything! Created and written by Aspen’s own Vince Hernandez, with stunning art by Emilio Lopez and Jocelyn Dunn, don’t miss out on the final issue of CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS!

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #3 is in stores January 9th, 2013!
FC 32 pages $3.99

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #5
J.T. Krul – Story / Mike DeBalfo – Art / Nei Ruffino - Colors

Michael Turner’s epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a bold new era! Malikai and his friends attempt to survive and defeat the onslaught of a deadly horde of destructive dragons. Meanwhile, the magical races of the Everlands might have to resort to the unthinkable in order to defeat them—the fusing of magic…with technology! From veteran SOULFIRE scribe J.T. Krul, and featuring the amazing art of Michael DeBalfo along with fan favorite colorist Nei Ruffino, this is the SOULFIRE tale three volumes in the making! New and returning fans will NOT want to miss out as the biggest SOULFIRE story ever told continues right here!

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #5 is in stores January 23rd, 2013!
FC 32 pages $3.99

IDOLIZED #5
David Schwartz – Writer / Pasquale Qualano – Art / David Curiel - Colors

Aspen Comics proudly presents their first ever super-hero series, IDOLIZED! It's the final chapter in the first volume of IDOLIZED, as Joule and her fellow members of the Top Ten face off against Stasis and his followers.  With the whole world watching, will Joule become the hero she has the potential to be, or will she give in to her old fears and anger and fail once again?  The answer may just surprise you in this shocking climax to Aspen's first-ever superhero series! Written and created by David Schwartz, with gorgeous art by Pasquale Qualano and David Curiel, and featuring a photo cover starring supermodel Rachel Clark, you won't want to miss out on the finale to this innovative new series from Aspen Comics!

IDOLIZED #5 is in stores January 2nd, 2013!
FC 32 pages $3.99

THE LOST SPARK
JT KRUL – Writer

"I've lost my marbles." When fourteen year-old Angie hears these simple words uttered from her aging grandfather's lips, she has no idea that it will send her on a journey into a hidden world of magic born from childhood imagination - one that bonds each and every one of us to our own unique spark, a special talisman with wondrous powers. Like many over the years, Angie forgot about her spark, as her mind grew cluttered with the challenges of life, the stresses of school, and the tragic loss of her mother. Now, Angie will need all her strength and courage as she rediscovers this world because there is a secret danger whispering in the shadows. Her grandfather was wrong. He didn’t lose his marbles. They were stolen from him, and if Angie isn’t careful, she could be next. An adventurous tale of wonder, The Lost Spark celebrates the magic of childhood - the fantasy of imagination, the darkness of the unknown, and the beauty of friendship that knows no bounds. Prepare to enter a world both familiar and new, and one that you’ll never want to leave.

THE LOST SPARK is in stores January 9th, 2013!

Aspen Comics' "Executive Assistant" Crossover Targeting December

In December, Aspen Comics is starting the exciting crossover event for their on-going series, "Executive Assistant".

The story lines begin to intertwine with "Assassins" #6 and the release of "Iris" volume 3, and carries on for ten thrilling, gun wielding issues. After the shocking end to the third installment in the "Assassins" series, we can expect to revisit all of the EA's we have seen so far, along with several new girls when they team up to defeat the biggest villain they have yet to face in "Executive Extinction"!

Writers David Wohl and Vince Hernandez, along with artists Jordan Gunderson and Alex Lei and colorist Teodore Gonzalez, are very excited to discuss the process of making this brand-new cross over.