I'm not doing the Comics Guide any more -- it was eating up 20-30 man hours a week -- but there's no reason not to share the cool PR, right? So here you go, Legionnaires!
MARK MILLAR AND WILFREDO TORRES REVEAL EARLY ARTWORK FOR JUPITER’S CIRCLE
Hot on the heels of the final issue of Jupiter’s Legacy Book One comes a prequel series, preview pages revealed
Now that the first chapter of Mark Millar (JUPITER’S LEGACY, STARLIGHT) and Frank Quitely’s (JUPITER’S LEGACY) bestselling JUPITER’S LEGACY has left readers with a shocking conclusion, Millar reveals early preview pages from the prequel series with artist Wildredo Torres that will keep Millarworld fans on the edge of their seats: JUPITER’S CIRCLE.
In JUPITER’S CIRCLE, the most celebrated superheroes in mid-century America seem to have it all—fame, riches, adoration—but tensions simmer beneath the glossy surface, threatening to crack open the secrets behind their public AND private exploits. JUPITER’S CIRCLE is be described as Mad Men meets Super-Friends... a grown-up take on the private lives of superheroes. Before the family dynasty in JUPITER’S LEGACY began, there was JUPITER’S CIRCLE—a story about a team whose personal dramas collide with super-powered spectacle!
JUPITER’S CIRCLE is set to launch April 8 and will feature covers by Frank Quitely (Cover A: Diamond Code FEB150472, Cover B: Diamond Code FEB150473), Bill Sienkiewicz (Cover C: Diamond Code FEB150474), and Goran Parlov (Cover D: Diamond Code FEB150475).
DEADPOOL NUMBER 250! (A.K.A. issue #45)
Written by GERRY DUGGAN, BRIAN POSEHN, BEN ACKER, BEN BLACKER, NICK GIOVANETTI, PAUL SCHEER, JASON MANTZOUKAS & SCOTT AUKERMAN!
Art by MIKE HAWTHORNE, SCOTT KOBLISH, NATALIE NOURIGAT, TY TEMPLETON,
MIRKO COLAK, VERONICA GANDINI & JACOB CHABOT
Cover by SCOTT KOBLISH
Run the Jewels Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Death of Deadpool Variant by TONY MOORE
Avengers Variant by DAN PANOSIAN
WTD Variant by SANFORD GREENE
96 PGS / Parental Advisory / $9.99
FINAL ISSUE!
That’s right – if you add together all the Deadpool series (creatively), April’s DEADPOOL #45 marks Wade Wilson’s landmark 250th issue! How will he be celebrating? DEATH! No, really. Wade's about to reach the end of the line, but he’s not gone yet. Prepare for a colossal-sized series finale the likes of which you’ve never seen before as Gerry Duggan, Brian Posehn and more bid the Merc With a Mouth adieu, and explore the legacy he leaves behind.
First, Gerry Duggan, Brian Posehn and Mike Hawthorne serve up a 30-page main story as, the villainous Ultimatum finally makes their move. They’re coming at Deadpool for revenge – all of them! And we mean ALL OF THEM. It’s going to be a bloodbath, but Wade’s not going down without a fight though.
“This is something we’ve been naturally building towards,” says writer Gerry Duggan speaking with Marvel.com. “This isn’t being done lightly. It always comes down to what we think is right and Marvel has been very king and gracious with us and let us get away with murder: in a literal sense.”
“I have no problem telling you I’ve always wanted to kill Deadpool and not just kill him but kill him in the way that we are killing him.”
Then – Gerry, Brian and Scott Koblish bring you a long lost, full-length Deadpool tale. Remember that time Deadpool got a hold of the Infinity Gauntlet? No? Don’t worry – we’re going to tell you. And yes, you should be very worried that Deadpool now has control over space, time and reality. First order of business? Summoning the entire Marvel Universe for the Roast of Deadpool.
Finally – a killer (pun intended) line-up of celebrities, comedians and friends of ol’ Wade have come to pay tribute to the Merc With a Mouth. Cap off Wade’s final adventure with new stories from Paul Scheer & Nick Giovannetti (Deadpool Bi-Annual), Scott Aukerman (Comedy Bang Bang), Ben Acker & Ben Blacker (Thunderbolts, Thrilling Adventure Hour), Jason Mantzoukas (The League), Mike Drucker (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon) and more!
Sure, Wade may be meeting his end. But he’s poised for a grand sendoff the likes of which have never been seen before. No fan can afford to skip this can’t miss lineup of creators as the Merc With a Mouth meets his maker in the massive 250th issue -- DEADPOOL #45, on-sale in April! Plus, check out Marvel.com on Monday for the full interview with Gerry Duggan and Deadpool Editor Jordan D. White!
Also, SPOILER: Deadpool dies at the end of the issue.
RUN THE JEWELS VARIANT COVER EXPLAINED
Marvel, in collaboration with the rap group, Run The Jewels, will be release two unique variant covers to celebrate the one of the currently most distinctive and celebrated names in rap. Deadpool #250, by Skottie Young, and Howard the Duck #2, by Mahmud Asrar, will feature Deadpool, Howard the Duck and Rocket Raccoon, as they display their love for this rap group by replicating their socially iconic logo on these variant covers.
First debuting on RollingStone.com, Axel Alonso talks about his awareness of the “tag the jewels” movement and how he was first introduced to its cultural significance by one of his son’s football games. "He caught a touchdown pass that won the game. And on the sidelines, he took off his glove and he pointed at it and his friends were going "Run them jewels fast," Alonso tells RS, quoting the chorus to RTJ's ‘Close Your Eyes.’
"Seeing the way that my 11-year-old son and his friends were improv-ing off of this really vibrant, iconic image … it got me thinking. If you've got this movement around the world from Bangladesh to Taiwan, people are doing their interpretations of this logo, and I got these roughnecks doing it on the sideline of a football game … maybe Marvel could weigh in on this and have some fun."
Run The Jewels, featuring El-P and Killer Mike, two of the most distinctive and celebrated names in rap, might have seemed like an unlikely pairing on paper, but the duo subverted and pulverized all expectations with their critically lauded Run The Jewels 2 collaborative LP last year. Tapping into the creative synergy they’d discovered on their 2013 debut, Run The Jewels cemented their musical alliance with a set of uncompromisingly raw, forward thinking hip-hop, garnering limitless critical accolades including album of the year nods from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Newsweek, SPIN, Complex and more.
JAMES PATTERSON’S MAX RIDE: FIRST FLIGHT #1
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by ALEX SANCHEZ
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
Variant Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Action Figure Variant Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
This April, international best-selling author, James Patterson teams with Marvel bring his hit young-adult sensation Maximum Ride to the world of comics as only Marvel could! But first, Marvel is pleased to present your first look inside the debut issue, JAMES PATTERSON’S MAX RIDE: FIRST FLIGHT #1!
Written by rising star writer Marguerite Bennett (A-Force, Angela: Asgard’s Assassin) and illustrated by artist Alex Sanchez (Elektra), JAMES PATTERSON’S MAX RIDE: FIRST FLIGHT brings the wonderfully imaginative world of the Maximum Ride series to the world of Marvel Comics!
“At Marvel we’re always looking to create bold stories that push expectation and attract new audiences into the world of comics – and that’s what we plan to do with Max Ride,” says Marvel Director of Content & Character Development & Max Ride: First Flight Editor Sana Amanat. “It’s the familiar world of Maximum Ride told through the thrilling Marvel narrative. We’re taking a heart-pounding adventure and giving it an extra shot of adrenaline.”
Perfect for new and long-time fans, readers will experience the world of Maximum Ride like never before as the rich, vibrant world of James Patterson comes to life in a whole new way!
Follow the soaring adventures of teenage girl Max and the “flock” – Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel. They’re a group of ordinary teenage kids – only they are part human and part avian! The product of genetic tampering that has given them extraordinary abilities, these six teens lives quickly morph into a living nightmare as they try to escape their creators and defend themselves from the deadly ”Erasers”. As Max uncovers the truth about her origins, she’ll discover her true calling – saving the world!
A whole new adventure is about to take flight. Be there as this fantastic world soars off the page in JAMES PATTERSON’S MAX RIDE: FIRST FLIGHT #1 – coming to comic shops and digital devices on April 8th!
Check out the trailer:
KAIJUMAX #1
Writer / Artist: ZANDER CANNON
$3.99
Welcome to Kaijumax, where the worst of the worst monsters are safely locked away from the human world, whether they be villains, anti-heroes, eco-parables or nuclear metaphors. Electrogor is ripped away from his family and struggles to determine whom to trust, which gangs to avoid, and when to take on the big man to show you aren't to be trifled with. Also: the nation of Mecha!
Kaijumax will also feature unique variant cover by Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, for the first issue of Zander Cannon’s upcoming giant monster prison series, Kaijumax. The cover features adorable, “chibi” versions of the main cast reminiscent of Japanese anime. The variant cover version will debut alongside the first issue of the series on April 8th, 2015.
“Kaijumax is one of the most exciting creator owned series debuting in 2015 and we’re super excited to have Bryan O’Malley’s amazing chibi-style variant for the launch,” said Charlie Chu, Oni Press Editor for Kaijumax. “Zander Cannon is one of the best creators in comics, with work ranging from Replacement God to Heck, and in Kaijumax we have this amazing prison comedy that just happens to be populated with giant kaiju monsters. We can’t wait for fans to get locked up in this world of tokusatsu-flavored drama and hilarity.”
Bryan Lee O’Malley is the visionary writer/artist best known for his mega-hit series Scott Pilgrim. Published by Oni Press, Scott Pilgrim grew from its initial release in 2004, to cultural phenomenon, and then a major motion picture that debuted shortly after the release of the final volume in 2010. O’Malley is now a household name and a prolific creator who continues to impress with his signature brand of humor and heartfelt honesty.
TITAN COMICS
NORMAN VOL. 1
Writer/Art: STAN SILAS
64pp, HC, FC, 8” x 11”
VOLUMES IN SERIES: 1 (of 4)
PRICE: $14.99 U.S. / $16.95 CAN / £10.99 UK
RELEASE DATE: March 25
“I AM EIGHT YEARS OLD AND I KILL PEOPLE.”
Norman is a typical eight-year-old, living in a little old house with his zombie uncle. A fan of horror movies, he seeks to recreate his favourite scenes starring his heroes: Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers.
As his next victims, Norman chooses his classmates, the new boy, Jeremy, and the local rich girl, Grace. As they join the ranks of the local missing children, Norman has to work hard to avoid discovery …
This March sees the release of a brand-new horror/comedy graphic novel series, NORMAN by Stan Silas -- which follows the adventures of an a eight-year old psychopathic killer!
With humour as black as dried blood, Norman brings murder to the school yard.
"It's like Dexter: The Early Years!" -- io9
Check out the trailer:
For more information visit:
http://titan-comics.com/c/164-norman/
HASHTAG COMICS
TAILWANDS VOL 1 (GN)
Writer: DREW CROWDER
Art/Cover: MORGAN RAE MYERS
$7.99
The epic introduction to Kaya and her brother Jak as she begins her journey into discovering the magic and mystery of their precious world, Silmay. In Boe, Kaya goes through the Trial of the Elder's door and meets a special trusted ally. In Broodva, Valta discovers something new and troubling, setting the stage for a big world full of adventure.
An exciting beginning to a delightful steampunk woodland realm. A tale of magic and fun for all ages.
Hashtag Comics is a new publisher based in the DC Metro Area. They have teamed with Diamond Comic Distributors to distribute their books in comic book shops across the country.
Starting with the February Previews, Hashtag will feature "Tailwands: Kaya's Journey Begins", the first in it's new children's series. Written by Drew Crowder and penciled by Morgan Rae Myers it is a whimsical tale of magic and fun in a steampunk woodland realm.
Tailwands will be a quarterly release, next month Previews will be featuring Hashtag's first Monthly ongoing Mature Readers series Carpe Noctem. Supernaturals running wild in Las Vegas, what's the worst that could happen? According to its tagline, "Sometimes What Stays In Vegas, Lives Forever".
REBELS #1
Writer: BRIAN WOOD
Art: ANDREA MUTTI
Colors: JORDIE BELLAIRE
Cover: TULA LOTAY
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
Best-selling writer Brian Wood!
In a rush of great public resistance to an oppressive and excessive government, a homegrown militia movement is formed in rural America. This is not 2015, but 1775. With the war for independence playing out across the colonies, young Seth and Mercy Abbott find their new marriage tested at every turn, as the demands of the frontlines and the home front collide.
• Live free or die!
• The story of America’s first militia and the push for independence!
“Rebels is a project born of passion for both history and country.” -- Nerdist
Replies
I don't think I would have given a second thought to Jupiter's Circle if I hadn't read the final issue of Jupiter's Legacy earlier this week. All of my expectations for a Mark Millar comic were turned on their head, which is a good thing. Because of this, I bought this at the shop today, and I look greatly forward to reading it. I'm honestly not sure if this is a prequel or what, but I can't wait to get to it.
I think we all want to thank you, Cap, for the Comics Guides you were doing every week.
The amount of time and effort involved was obviously unsustainable. Thanks for continuing to bring unusual/special books to our attention.
Thanks, Richard!
I'm figuring out new approaches. Next week I'll probably attach this stuff to Tim's list to keep it all together. I"m also trying to figure out what and when to post stuff to Facebook.
I'm thankful for what you do as well, Cap! Any way you do it, it's always fun to read.
This looks like a good approach, letting you highlight what you're excited about.
Rebels, by the way, was really good. The series looks to be structured like my favorite Wood work, Northlanders, but with stories of the American Revolution instead of Vikings.
If Northlanders was still being published, I'd still be buying it. So, yeah, I'm gonna give Rebels a try!
Same here. I really liked that book, and find it ironic that it was Wood's Vertigo swan song. Rebels sounds great.
Captain Comics said:
Same here. Thanks for the impressive effort, Cap!
I missed this last week, so I'm posting these covers and press releases to make up for it!
MASKS 2 #1 (of 8)
Writer: CULLEN BUNN
Art: EMAN CASALLOS
Cover A Main: BUTCH GUICE
Cover B Variant: JAE LEE
32 PGS / Teen+ / $3.99
The Shadow. The Green Hornet and Kato. Black Terror. These are just a few masked vigilantes drawn into a mystery that spans the decades – a plot that threatens our society again and again. With the devastating power to kill thousands of people in a matter of seconds, the Red Death is a villain who may be impossible to stop. It will take more than a dozen masked heroes from three different time periods to stop this madwoman from bringing the world to its knees!
THE SHADOW, GREEN HORNET, THE SPIDER, MISS FURY, BLACK BAT, AND MORE REUNITE FOR MASKS 2, BY THE CREATIVE TEAM OF CULLEN BUNN AND EMAN CASALLOS
Dynamite first announced in September 2014 that Bunn, a freelance writer perhaps best known for his work on Deadpool, Magneto and The Sixth Gun, would be writing the Masks 2 series, but today's announcement reveals for the first time that Casallos would be assuming the art chores. An accomplished artist on numerous Dynamite titles including Alice Cooper, Jennifer Blood and The Ninjettes, the artist has the right experience for the task. "It's by far the most challenging project I'll be illustrating," says Casallos. "To be blessed with this opportunity to draw all these characters in one book, characters who are all stars in their own right, is such a great honor and privilege. I'm thrilled!"
Regarding the creative pairing and the scope of the series, Bunn says, "Make no mistake, I've challenged Eman with a lot of characters, intense action and wild scenarios. But he's met that challenge head on. His pages are genuinely stunning. I think readers will have a lot of fun with his art."
The original Masks series launched in 2012 with industry fanfare, with its #1 issue ranking among the bestselling independent comic books of the year and selling over 70,000 copies. Drawn to the premise by the work of superstar painter Alex Ross, writer Chris Roberson and artist Dennis Calero, readers thrilled to an adventure that united classic characters like The Shadow, The Spider, The Green Hornet and Kato against a cadre of corrupt politicians and their fascist police state. Masks 2 promises to expand the scope dramatically beyond even what the first series presented, while simultaneously serving as an entry point for new, curious readers.
"I'm introducing a new villain called the Red Death who is plaguing the heroes in three different time periods," says Bunn. "Again and again, she resurfaces, in the '30s, the '70s and the present day. Her agenda is a bit of a mystery ... but our heroes will start to see just how dangerous the Red Death can be. Her machinations definitely have the potential to bring all of civilization to ruin."
The complete Masks 2 roster of pulp heroes, gathered from different periods in time, includes: The Shadow, Green Hornet, Kato, Black Terror, The Spider, Green Lama, Lady Satan, Black Sparrow, Miss Fury, Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt, Black Bat and Zorro. However, readers should expect the unexpected when dealing with these characters. Bunn says, "We're working with a cast of existing and new characters who span three different timelines. For some characters, like the Green Hornet, we'll be seeing multiple versions of those characters. We might even be seeing those various versions of those characters interacting with each other! So, the Green Hornet and Kato of the '30s will be meeting their modern-day counterparts face-to-face. It's a very ambitious, wild story. There were moments where, in the middle of writing this beast, I wondered if I'd bitten off way more than I could chew. But it's come together, and I'm really excited for readers to dig in."
"When we brought Cullen Bunn aboard for Masks 2, I said that his imagination and fresh style was perfect for the series' high-octane premise," said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. "I'm happy to extend that very same sentiment to Eman Casallos, who has been the artistic foundation for numerous Dynamite projects over the past few years. He's an amazing talent that will do right by our diverse cast of legendary characters."
AN EPIC COMIC BOOK EVENT UNITING CLASSIC PULP HEROES
Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce that comic book writer Cullen Bunn (Deadpool, Magneto) will tackle their wide cast of company-owned and licensed pulp heroes in Masks II. Following upon the success of the bestselling 2012 Masks miniseries, Masks II will unite iconic crime-fighters of singular purpose (if not diverse ideologies and techniques) in an epic miniseries event designed to appeal to both longtime fans and fresh newcomers. Dynamite plans to launch Masks II in late 2014.
"I couldn't be more excited to be working on Masks II," says Bunn. "I've always loved these great classic characters that I will have the privilege of working with, and I'm striving to keep the tone of the pulps that have always been a big inspiration for me. I'll admit, this project is a little intimidating, because I've put together a very ambitious team-up story that readers will have to see to believe!"
The original Masks series launched in 2012 with industry fanfare, with its #1 issue ranking among the bestselling independent comic books of the year and selling over 70,000 copies. Drawn to the premise by the work of superstar painter Alex Ross, writer Chris Roberson, and artist Dennis Calero, readers thrilled to an adventure that united classic characters like The Shadow, The Spider, The Green Hornet, and Kato against a cadre of corrupt politicians and their fascist police state. Masks II promises to follow the themes established within that first series, but in a way that's perfect for new readers.
Bunn recently released his debut work with Dynamite Entertainment, a standalone tale presented in The Shadow #0 that teamed the supernatural vigilante with legendary escape artist Harry Houdini. Masks II marks his first foray into the long-form comic story for Dynamite.
Cullen Bunn is a freelance writer perhaps best known for Marvel Comics' popular Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe and Magneto series, as well as the Oni Press series The Damned and The Sixth Gun. He is also a short story writer and novelist; his major publications outside of the comic book sphere include Crooked Hills and Creeping Stones & Other Stories. He has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award (2012), the Eisner Award (2012), and the Ghastly Awards (2011), and is the winner of Broken Frontier's "Best Writer Independent" Award (2011).
"Since Day One we've strived to deliver high-octane action on Masks," said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. "The fresh style that Cullen brings to comics is exactly what makes him the perfect choice to fit the bill. He's our absolute top choice for a project of this caliber!"
Masks II will be solicited in an upcoming release of Diamond Comic Distributors' Previews catalog, the premiere source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Masks II with their local comic book retailers. Masks II will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.
Evidently I overlooked these two books, dang it!
REANIMATOR, H.P. LOVECRAFT'S MACABRE MAD SCIENTIST, RETURNS TO DYNAMITE WITH FRIGHT-FILLED MINISERIES, LAUNCHING IN APRIL 2015
In Reanimator, Dr. Herbert West heads to New Orleans to continue his life's work: the revival of the dead by purely chemical means. To accomplish this task, he recruits Susan Greene, a young and wide-eyed pharmacologist fascinated by his macabre experiments. Initially unfazed by West's unorthodox practices (including how he funds his research - by selling zombie brain fluid as a narcotic), Susan may regret her scientific curiosity as sinister forces - those aligned with Elder Gods and Haitian Voodoo - begin to align against the Reanimator. Reanimator blends mad science, Lovecraftian tentacle terror, backwater Louisianan superstition, and fan-favorite elements of such television shows as Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.
Writer Keith Davidsen, writer of the cult comic Poison Elves, says, "H.P. Lovecraft is one of the most impactful writers of the 20th century, an influence on such comic book luminaries as Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, and Mike Mignola, so giving Herbert West - one of his most beloved characters - a well-deserved spotlight in an all-new series just feels right."
H.P. Lovecraft's Herbert West - Reanimator first debuted in the pages of amateur journal Home Brew in 1921, a six-part serialized story that introduced the mad scientist and his enthralled, unnamed assistant. As Lovecraft's posthumous renown grew, Reanimator became one of the most recognizable of his characters (second only to Cthulhu, the octopus-like Elder God), and appearances in stage plays, anime, and a series of movie adaptations solidified Herbert West as a bonafide horror icon. Dynamite Entertainment introduced West to comic books in 2005 with the Reanimator #0 one-shot, and continued his adventures as a supporting character to Ash Williams in Army of Darkness, the company-wide crossover event Prophecy, and last year's Army of Darkness/Reanimator special.
Artist Randy Valiante, who had previously worked on the Army of Darkness/Reanimator special, says, "I like working on Reanimator because of the atmosphere and the tones of the characters and stories. I have been interested in how the brain works and Dr. West is an interesting psychopath, pure intellect without emotion. Also, I am a big fan of H.P. Lovecraft. I did a couple stories many years ago with Dagon and his other sea monsters, and I realized that I have this fascination of drawing tentacles and creatures and creepy stuff. I like organic elements on my drawings, and Lovecraftian stories fit that well. It's kind of strange, but sometimes his characters give me chills when I go swimming -- you know, tentacles might come out of the water, or a creature could pop out in front of you. It's scary as hell."
"When we first discussed giving Reanimator his own solo series, Nick Barrucci (the CEO and publisher of Dynamite) mentioned that the challenge to overcome is that Herbert West is such a villain. But that's the beauty of the character -- he's so fanatical with his zombie-creating agenda that he'll clash with anyone that threatens his work," says Davidsen. "We're introducing some truly fearsome rivals for West to face, including elements of Lovecraft's own Cthulhu mythos, and horror fans will love seeing how West navigates or conquers them."
Regarding the human story of Reanimator, Davidsen says, "Since West is an amoral character, we need an 'everywoman' character that the audience can identify with, and that's Susan Greene. She's a little bit lost, a whole lot curious about West's experiments... but ultimately, she's a good, likeable person. I think it's a fun twist on the premise from Doctor Who, that the Doctor needs a grounded Companion to serve as his moral compass... but in the case of Reanimator, we see that Susan feels the seduction of casting her ethics aside."
"Reanimator is finally going to realize its untapped potential," says Nick Barrucci. "Herbert West has been a perfect foil during his crossover appearances in Army of Darkness titles, but we're finally giving him the spotlight he's due. Monsters and zombies, Voodoo priests and druglords, this series has it all! Fans are going to love the creepy, sinister mood of this book, perfectly conveyed by Randy Valiente in his interior art and captured on covers by Lee, Francavilla, Seeley, and Mangum! Watch out, the horror hit of 2015 is here!"
Reanimator #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' February 2015 Previews catalog, the premiere source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in April. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Reanimator #1 with their local comic book retailers. Reanimator will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.
JUNGLE GIRL: SEASON THREE #1 (of 5)
Art: JACK JADSON
Cover A Main: FRANK CHO
32 PGS / Teen+ / $3.99
Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce that industry sensation Frank Cho will return to Jungle Girl, the comic book series that showcases Jana, a primal heroine in a prehistoric Lost World. Co-written by Doug Murray (The 'Nam) and illustrated by Jack Jadson (The Savage Hawkman), Jungle Girl: Season Three will debut with a new #1 issue in April 2015, featuring an explosive cover by Frank Cho.
Jungle Girl: Season Three picks up where the previous series left off, following Jana's escape from an underwater city and a gigantic, otherworldly creature. However, her father soon reveals that those actions have doomed the Lost World in which they all live, as a wormhole appears in the sky and flaming debris begins to fall through. As the jungle burns, Jana and her friends must contend with stampeding behemoths and displaced, murderous natives. Furthermore, the rift presents a new, fearsome threat, for the fire from an alien dimension was not the only thing to come through.
"I'm delighted to be back with my co-creator, Doug Murray, and finish out the final story arc of Jungle Girl," says Frank Cho, one of today's most recognizable names in comic book illustration. Cho began his career with a cartoon strip called University2, published in the Diamondback student newspaper at the University of Maryland, College Park. The series evolved into the nationally syndicated comic strip Liberty Meadows, later published and expanded in monthly comic books. Cho became the go-to artist for high-profile comic book projects, including Mighty Avengers, X-Men: Schism, Savage Wolverine, and many more. Over the years, he has garnered numerous awards including an Emmy Award for the Frank Cho's World documentary, the National Cartoonists Society's Awards for Best Comic Book and Book Illustration, the Eagle Award, the Charles M. Schulz Award for Excellence in Cartooning.
Doug Murray, an industry staple who previously collaborated with Cho on Jungle Girl and Savage Red Sonja, says, "Season Three is when all hell breaks loose. Up to now, Jana has been a sort of wild card, going where she chooses, interacting with whomever she wants. Now, due to her actions in Season Two, everything is hitting the fan. The huge creature inside the ‘God Mountain' has called out to its fellows -- and they're coming to get it out! Jana, her father, and her friends can't allow that to happen. If it does, the entire world -- not just their portion of it -- will be destroyed. They have to find a way to fight back, which is not easy when your opponent is as big as a house and has a flying saucer! Jana has to grow up. She has to work with her dad to find a way to save the world, no matter what it costs her... or her friends."
Jack Jadson, whose artwork graced the Dynamite series Red Sonja: Unchained and Vampirella: Feary Tales, says, "I did Jungle Girl three years ago, and was thrilled when my agent told me I would draw her again after all these years. I really dig doing Jana, she´s so sexy. And, of course, who wouldn't love drawing more dinosaurs?"
Regarding the appeal of the series premise, Murray says, "Jungle Girl appeals to readers for the same reason that other such stories do. We are fascinated by the ‘Noble Savage', the man or woman who, untainted by society, lives a life filled with the challenge (and pleasure) of the hunt as he/she fights for survival. It's a genre that has existed for over a century but was perfected by Edgar Rice Burroughs in Tarzan and associated books. The TV series Lost touched upon the same challenges and appeals."
"Jana is someone who sees the world through simpler eyes," says Murray, examining the appeal of the character specifically. "To her, the great creatures that inhabit the jungle are not ‘Dinosaurs' or ‘Mammoths' or anything else; they are merely food, the things she and the people of her tribe need to survive. She has no prejudices at all. The men of her tribe are friends, those of an enemy tribe are not. It doesn't matter what color they are or what religion they have, they are who they are, based upon her one-on-one relationship with them. And, if all that is too esoteric, the other appeal is the fact that Jana is a beautiful woman in very scanty clothing who fights with dinosaurs. What more could a young reader want in a comic book character?"
Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment, says, "Frank and Doug have created an incredible tapestry, and I can't begin to express just how happy we are that they were able to coordinate their schedule and come back to tell the grand finale to their story. We're thrilled (and immensely gracious) that Frank Cho, whose tremendous talent makes him one of comics' most highly sought-after creators, is returning to Jungle Girl for its senses-shattering Third Act. Working hand-in-hand with Doug Murray, himself an exceptional writing talent, Cho will guide Jane the Jungle Girl to new heights!
Jungle Girl: Season Three #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' February 2015 Previews catalog, the premiere source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in April. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Jungle Girl: Season Three #1 with their local comic book retailers. Jungle Girl: Season Three will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.