Anime Motive – Page 2

30Jun

COMICS BREAK-The state of the Cowl

by eeajc Anime

Time for another guest post from my man CD . . .

The state of the Cowl

Art from “Battle for the Cowl”

For those of you that are unaware, Bruce Wayne is dead. Maybe. but probably not.

Batman . . . Dead at the end of final Crisis.

I was a bit shocked when someone commented on my previous comics post on green lantern that he had no idea DC had killed off Batman. It got me thinking—when marvel did the same with Captain America (though it turns out he wasn’t really dead), it was all over the media, from the Washington post to the new York Times. Why didn’t the Dark Knight receive the same kind of coverage? could it be because the Bat family of books has been sucking for a couple of years or so now? Let’s discuss.

Amidst the current moves of killing off franchise heroes, DC made a decision to up the ante by apparently killing off possibly their greatest franchise player, Batman. quite frankly, Bats was the only character I even bothered with in the DC Universe, so it came as a bit of a shock. For those of you that are not hardcore comic book fans, Batman is to the DC universe what Wolverine is to marvel in that both characters are in damn near a dozen of their own books. To get rid of a character that takes up that lots of titles seemingly would be disastrous. Not so, sayeth DC, we’ll simply re-title all the books and stock them with new and/or different characters.

To start off this mess, all the Bat books (Detective, Batman & the Outsiders, Robin, Nightwing, Birds of Prey, Batman) went through R.I.P. apparently to confuse the hell out of readers, each book dealt with a completely different scenario, from Bruce going outrageous to Hush kidnapping Catwoman. readers weren’t sure which of the storylines would result in Wayne’s actual death, and to be honest, the individual storylines were confusing as hell. As the utmost slap in the face, Bruce wasn’t even killed in one of his own books, but in the final crisis mini-series, with little fanfare. SPOILER ALERT: Darkseid blasted him with his Omega Effect. The reader sees him get blasted and then Superman appears holding his charred skeleton. Of course, savvy readers know that the Omega effect doesn’t kill a person, it transports them to another dimension, burnt carcass or not. after all the R.I.P. build-up, it was a monstrous let down. Neil Gaiman, one of my all-time favorite writers, did a two-part special to wrap things up, essentially telling a story of a dead Bruce Wayne enjoying his own funeral (kind of). even that was pretty weak, and Gaiman doesn’t make those kinds of missteps very often.*

*Editor’s Note: Ekko here. I have to forcefully disagree with CD on this one point: The Gaiman two-parter was brilliant–one of the best comic book stories I’ve read in years.

Next up was battle for the Cowl, and based alone on the discount picture of a bunch of different characters in Batman costumes, it looked like it was going to kick ass. Sadly, wrong again. The main tiny shows Gotham in total chaos, with criminals getting a lot more and a lot more bold (and crazy) without Bats there to keep things in order. This led Barbara Gordon, the former Batgirl before Joker shot her in the spine, to start a network of heroes to cover the bases that Wayne previously had handled himself. A bunch of posers, including the recently resurrected Jason Todd, took up the Cowl. There were a few other minis, one focusing on Babs, one on Azrael (but not THAT Azrael), none of which seemed to have any impact on the storyline whatsoever. This led to additionally anarchy, as a lot of of the “new” Batmen were even a lot more violent than the original, and it was made a decision that there had to be one, and only one, Batman. To no one’s surprise, Dick Grayson gave up being Nightwing and donned the Bat symbol himself.

This essentially brings us to today. As pointed out previously, each of the series re-launched, and now we have Batman & Robin, streets of Gotham, Gotham City Sirens, Red Robin, Batgirl, Batman, Detective, and Outsiders. Taking the books one by one, nearly all of them swiftly are becoming let downs.

Batman & Robin: Dick takes up the cowl and Bruce’s bastard son, Damien, becomes Robin. The main problem here is character development. quite frankly, Grayson comes across as a whiny wimp, so not sure of himself as to become annoying. This is problematic for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which being the fact that it makes no sense. He’s been wearing a cape for years and has led the teen Titans and Titans for nearly as long. Why the sudden loss of self-confidence? The character readers have come to know over the decades has been recast to fit a mold in which he does not belong. add the fact that Damien is maybe the least likeable character in DC, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. and I say this knowing full well how people felt about Jason Todd.

Gotham City Sirens: When I first learned onull

29Jun

BF awards 2014 – finest Artist, Mainstream: Declan Shalvey

by eeajc Anime

A true artist doesn’t just draw quite pictures; he excels at telling stories. On just six problems of Moon Knight, Declan Shalvey showed the world why he’s comics’ newest superstar.

Here’s a helpful bit of occupation recommendations for artists seeking to make it huge in comics: if you’ve got the skill as well as the stomach, do whatever you can to team up with Warren Ellis. get him gallons of Red Bull or a jetpack for his birthday, since working with The Bearded One for any type of length of time will do wonders for your career.

Much like Brian Hitch on The Authority as well as John Cassaday on Planetary before him, Declan Shalvey experienced first-hand the immense dividends a partnership with Ellis can pay. (So did Tula Lotay, however you’ll have to checked out our Breakout skill spotlight for a lot more on her fine talents).

Working with Ellis can be challenging, since the guy commonly has wicked ideas. As an artist you’ve got to be able to respond to the difficulties he throws at you. as well as boy, did Shalvey respond.

Their six problems on Moon Knight for marvel Comics stand as one of the finest runs of the past year with writer as well as artist performing in tandem on a special level. The truth that they were all done-in-one adventures was icing on the cake, proving that catching illumination in a bottle in a simple 22 pages is still extremely much possible in this age of decompressed storytelling.

“The primary lesson I discovered is to do whatever Warren Ellis wants!” Shalvey jokes. “Seriously though, the process of working with Warren, as well as him providing me the area to experiment has been revelatory for me. It’s altered me as an artist.”

Those experiments ranged from great old comic book new York City street action (#1) to flawless silent battling sequences where the art brought the heaviest brunt (#2) to a story structured like an 80s video game totally with levels as well as manager takedowns (#5). as well as in between, there were the vintage otherworldly Ellis ideas that were both great (the ghost murder gang in #3) as well as twisted (the dream sequence in #4 where Shalvey one-upped Brendan McCarthy).

The worst problem of the entire run most likely was number 6, since you understood that by the time you’d reach the final page, this short however outstanding run was over.

Looking back, Shalvey is surprised at exactly how all of the creative possibilities he handled Moon Knight paid off. “Suddenly, I got the reaction to whatever I was trying,” he says. “Experimenting with exactly how I paced my storytelling, utilizing grey laundry in my pages, having a lot more involvement in the coloring process, etc. These were all things I wished to do however hadn’t had the time or chance to experiment with.

“Slowing down a bit as well as taking the time to embellish the work with grey laundry has added a a lot more illustrative element, which has truly added a lot more depth to the work.”

Shalvey’s added confidence in his craft didn’t go unnoticed by the hordes of peers, who came knocking on his door for trying to find an captivating cover for their own series. It’s likewise led him to pick up the gauntlet of doing creator-owned work for the next couple of years since he so much took pleasure in the creative flexibility he experienced on Moon Knight.

The very first job spawned on Shalvey’s new path is Injection, the picture Comics series introducing in may on which he’s when once again working with fellow Moon Knight creators Warren Ellis as well as Jordie Bellaire, colorist extraordinaire as well as his much better half.

To Shalvey, his work on Moon Knight wouldn’t have been rather as great if it wasn’t for the involvement of the lady he loves. “Despite the truth that people truly started paying interest to my work when Jordie started coloring it, she’s been my sounding board for years,” he says. “She’s my greatest champion as well as my harshest critic, not to mention the one person who is accountable for exactly how my work is seen on the page.

“Having an Eisner Award-winning colorist as a collaborator is a significant advantage for me, however as a result, I have to be doing my extremely finest work. She works with lots of amazing artists so I have to bring my A-game. I totally depend on her judgment. often we disagree, then come to a compromise, however 90% of the time, I opt for her ideas. I’d be a deceive not to.”

Broken Frontier awards 2014 overview

27Jun

IT’S 4/20

by eeajc Anime

Legalize it EP by Reggaewise

25Jun

Alec: The King Canute crowd

by eeajc Anime

Alec: The King Canute Crowd, this first collection of Eddie Campbell’s life stories, recognized his credibility as a dean of autobiographical comics.

“Alec” is Campbell’s version of himself, an artist working a job at a metal-stamping plant he’s overeducated for. He and Danny go to the pub frequently to drink and talk. Each see something in the other they don’t have in themselves: Danny’s the “man of action” while Alec is hesitant and reflective.

The nine-panel grid doesn’t get in the way of the individual pen-and-ink panels, leading to a constant art flow that supports the story structure of “and then this happened”. For all that the subjects are similar — sitting, talking, drinking — the images are individual, ideal snapshots of moments in time, smoothed clean by memory.

It’s the easy life circa late 1970s, where the men are in their mid-20s and the most complicated things happening are the social arrangements, as the men ponder sex and chase girls. friendship is the common thread, holding together through fights and run-ins with officials, at least for a time. They’ve got no ambition beyond enjoying life.

It’s the kind of world that doesn’t really exist, but for all that life isn’t like this, it’s still true to the emotions either felt or wished for.

More information on Eddie Campbell can be found at Wikipedia or at this index of his comic work.

BOOM! STUDIOS ANNOUNCES ARCHAIA SOFTCOVER VANGUARD RUST THE young boy SOLDIER

by eeajc Anime

Media release — Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios is thrilled to announce the March 2016 release of Royden Lepp’s Rust: The young boy Soldier, the vanguard of a new softcover program for the Archaia imprint.
Rust: The young boy Soldier collects the prelude stories from the first three original graphic novels (Rust: visitor in the Field, Rust: secrets of the Cell, and Rust: death of the Rocket Boy) and presents them in new reading purchase with the never-before-seen prelude from the upcoming fourth installment, Rust: soul in the device (2017). The inaugural volume will ship with an introductory price of $10.99.

Rust: The young boy Soldier chronicles Jet’s experiences during a enormous world war. Made to look like a boy, but actually a robot built for battle, Jet is caught in the middle. While trying to save numerous lives, Jet discovers there’s much more to him than he could have imagined. His experiences in the war set him on a journey to learn what it implies to be both hero and human.

“With the fourth volume of Rust on the horizon, we want this softcover program to get existing readers thrilled all over again, plus invite new readers into this wonderful world that Royden has created,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “Rust: The young boy Soldier is a terrific gateway for those not familiar with the story of Jet Jones the robot boy, and I think the never-before-seen prelude from the fourth volume is the ideal reason for longtime fans to pick it up!”

Outside of the prelude stories, the Rust series follows Jet, post-war, after he is thrust into the lives of the Taylor family, having crashed into the side of their barn. Oldest child Roman Taylor struggles to keep his family’s small farm afloat as the area heals from the war. While the rest of his family may not count on the mysterious young boy with the jetpack, Roman believes the secrets of Jet’s past may be the essential to their survival . . . The first volume, Rust: visitor in the Field, will be released in softcover in fall 2016.

Rust: The young boy Soldier (6″ x 9″, 144 pages, sepia-toned, softcover, $10.99), written and illustrated by Royden Lepp, will be available available for sale in comic book shops (Diamond code JAN161192) and wherever books are sold (ISBN 978-1-60886-806-3) in March 2016.

ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates new York Times best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints: the “Studios” imprint is home to The Woods, grant Morrison’s Klaus, and big trouble in little China; imprint “BOOM! Box” publishes Lumberjanes, Steve Jackson Games’ Munchkin, and huge Days; All-Ages imprint “KaBOOM!” publishes Charles Schulz’ Peanuts; Jim Davis’ Garfield; and cartoon Network’s adventure Time. and the “Archaia” imprint is home to mouse Guard, Cow Boy, and various Jim Henson company properties. because 2013, BOOM! Studios has had a distinct first-look feature film relationship with 20th Century Fox and because August 2014 BOOM! has had a similar first-look relationship with Fox’ television studio to develop properties for the small screen.

COMICLIST PREVIEWS: ROBOTECH #13

by eeajc Uncategorized

The radical Robotech reimagining enters Year Two! The SDF-1 has been cautioned to stay away from Earth, and Captain Lisa Hayes wants the truth. and while Rick explores his new abilities, Roy Fokker is up to no good… but why? The classic sci-fi anime reborn-perfect for fans both old and new! supported by the official Robotech Facebook page, with over 200,000 followers.

ROBOTECH #13
Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Hendry Prasetya
Publisher: Titan Comics
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: October 10, 2018

Cover A: Ryan Browne
Cover B: Blair Shedd
Cover C: Gary G
Cover D: Sergio Quijada

BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH COMIC ART speculation

by eeajc Uncategorized

A relatively few artists have made iconic contributions to marvel Comics. based on his Conan the Barbarian comic art, Barry Windsor-Smith ranks in that class. Recently, Jason short wrote about BWS and the X-Men. Jason focused on Windsor-Smith X-Men artistry from the eighties and early nineties. I want to focus on some sales of Windsor-Smith art and take a look at the market, particularly for cover art from Conan the Barbarian #2 (1970).

Barry Windsor-Smith Art Background

Jason’s article gave a mention to Barry Windsor-Smith’s first comic art, X-Men #53. In X-Men artists that Rock, I gave a shout-out to BWS, Jim Steranko, and Neal Adams for their early X-Men art. I feel the innovative work of these pioneers paved the way for the revolution of the new X-Men. Returning to BWS, his art on Conan may have jump-started that series and popularized a lot of other Barbarians among seventies comic titles. That includes Red Sonja, Kull the Conqueror, Claw the Unconquered, IronJaw–and why not Groo the Wanderer, and Cerebrus the Aardvark.

Besides contributing to most of the first two dozen Conan comics, BWS illustrated Ka-Zar in Astonishing Tales, The Avengers, weapon X, and others for Marvel. As an independent creator, he brought Archer and Armstrong to life, as well as Rune. After Conan, BWS fans probably seek his Wolverine art with the most passion.

X-Men #55 cover art by Windsor-Smith fetched $132,000 in 2020. marvel Comics presents #83 cover art featuring Wolverine sold in 2017 for $52,580.

Open the King’s Treasury for Conan Art

Past sales actually are an indication of future results (but no guarantee). So, let’s review some Barry Windsor-Smith comic art highlights from the last few years. In January, a spectacular splash from Conan #8 fetched the stunning price of 84 thousand dollars! For context, a lucky buyer bought the John Romita, Sr. cover art from fantastic Spider-Man #63 at the same auction for the same price. Generally, interior pages can’t compete with an early Romita, Sr. Spider-Man cover, though the cover featured only the Vultures framed by a Spider-Man spotlight.

Later, I’ll review Conan cover art sales by Windsor-Smith. First, three BWS early Conan panel pages sold in April through HA. The pages all featured dramatic Conan action and averaged just under $10K each. I don’t know when machine man became a significant character, but mid-eighties machine man interior pages by BWS fetch similar prices.

Barry Windsor-Smith Art for Mid-Town Buyers?

Since I hate to act like everyone ought to have a hundred grand to spend on comic art, let’s look at art available for the Mid-Town buyer. An early Conan panel page coming to auction in June should fit in the mid-range mentioned above. [Editor’s note: Conan the Barbarian #6 story page 9 went for a cool $18,000. ] On the lower end, a cool-looking, probably unpublished, Kull page should sell well below the Conan pages. [Editor’s note: final sale price $4,320.] Likewise, an Archer and Armstrong interior page devoid of action should fetch a modest price. [Editor’s note: final sale price $2,640.]

Signature Conan Art by Barry Windsor-Smith

It’s time to pull up your Barbarian knickers and strap on your best sword. The following art is not for the faint-hearted or light in the wallet. The savage hordes are descending from every nook and cranny, so if you want to be king of this mountain, get ready! The cover of the second comic appearance of Conan auctions in June. though not iconic like issue 1, it boasts art by Conan icon BWS. [Editor’s note: See below for staggering final price.]

The place to start is recent past sales:

Cover art for issues 8 and 5 are similar in age to issue 2, prominently featuring Conan. Each sold for roughly $60K in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

Though dramatic, the issue 10 cover fetched only $66K in 2019, probably because of Conan’s diminutive figure. However, same year, the cover of CtB #11 raised $90,000. Conan grabbed a lot more real estate on that page.

Interestingly, excellent covers from issues 4 and 9 sold for just under $90K way back in 2013-2014.

Speculating on the Power of the Beast-Men

Conan the Barbarian #2 cover art has a lot in its favor: prominent Conan, 2nd comic appearance, early Barry Windsor-Smith. While reviewing sales prices from 2013 to 2019, one might wonder if BWS Conan is stagnating in price. However, the huge sale price on the Conan #8 splash bodes well for the seller of CtB #2 cover art. I expect the price to easily exceed the other Conan cover sales. I would not be shocked if the final sales price with Buyer’s premium nears the $132K from the X-Men #55 cover sale. I’d guessed around $110K. [Editor’s note: Shocking final sale price of $264,000 blew away expectations and makes one wonder what other BWS Conan art will sell for in the near future.]

For more original art talk, check out my recent review of sales for originalnull

20Jun

Comet TV – excellent for Remembering fan favorites

by eeajc Uncategorized

Comet TV has just begun promoting their routine for December, which implies I get to see if earth women Are simple is as much vibrant fun as I remember. Jeff Goldblum (currently on-screen as a different type of oddly colored alien in Thor: Ragnarok), Geena Davis, Charles Rocket, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans, as well as Julie brown star in this sci-fi musical directed by Julien temple as well as based on Brown’s song.

Earth women Are simple airs on Comet Friday, December 15, at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM central or through their app. (With repeats Saturday, December 16, at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central, as well as Saturday, December 30, at 6 PM Eastern/5 PM Central.)

Additional high points coming this month:

Tank Girl‘s post-apocalyptic rebellion runs Friday, December 29, as well as Saturday, December 30, at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central.

Vincent cost gets a spotlight December 11-15, which implies the two Dr. Goldfoot films are showing again! The first, The Bikini device (with Frankie Avalon as well as Dwayne Hickman), runs Thursday, December 14, at 4 PM Eastern/3 PM Central, with the second, The woman Bombs (co-starring Fabian in Avalon’s absence), complying with at the exact same time the next day.

And for much more 80s shopping center woman acting out, night of the Comet airs this Wednesday, December 6, at 6 PM Eastern/5 PM Central.

CHEETAH IN THE CITY by BLU as well as UNION ANALOGTRONICS

by eeajc Anime

L.A.’s Blu as well as UA have teamed as much as make one of Blu’s finest albums yet—and that’s stating something. Blu is a prolific, skilled underground rapper who has a tendency to make extremely indie-sounding albums, however this is different. It’s much much more mainstream, as well as in spite of the heavy material feels like it’s got a great deal much more light in it. as well as I don’t just imply since of the radio-friendly tune “Sunny.”

Instrumental breaks like “Sleepin” showcase Union Analogtronics’ production skills, as well as feel much more like essential elements of the album than the typical between-cuts filler you discover on so numerous rap albums.

This gets my greatest recommendation!
Cheetah In The City by Blu x Union Analogtronics

17Jun

ASPEN COMICS may 2018 SOLICITATIONS

by eeajc Anime

The kind people at Aspen Comics have supplied ComicList with their solicitations for comics as well as other products featured in the March 2018 Previews, arranged to ship starting may 2018.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS PRIMER

David Wohl – story / Francisco ; Odagawa ; Qualano – Art

Celebrate Aspen’s 15 Year anniversary with 25-cent primer issues!

New visitors as well as fans alike can discover whatever they requirement to understand about EA: Iris in this debut executive Assistant: Iris primer issue! Revisit the deadly missions within volumes one with four, inspect out never-before-seen commentary, art as well as creator secrets…All for only a quarter! These Aspen anniversary edition primer problems are the perfect compliment to find more about Aspen’s upcoming slate of new as well as returning titles!

The executive ASSISTANT: IRIS primer is in stores may 23rd, 2018!
FC 24 pages .25c

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS vol 5 #1

Blake Northcott – story / Donny Tran – Art / Luis Guerrero – Colors

Aspen Comics’ hit action-adventure assassin series marks its 10-Year anniversary with a brand new pulse-pounding volume!

When a routine security task takes a turn for the worse, executive assistant Iris realizes she may be at the crossroads of her career! The world’s deadliest assassin is dealt with with a choice: stay a freelance executive Assistant, or join Magni Global—a mysterious company that has obtained almost every personal security firm on the planet. But, what fateful decisions may come from joining a giant conglomerate whose interests may spell doom for her?!

Brought to you by acclaimed author Blake Northcott (Michael Turner’s Fathom) with art by newcomer Donny Tran as well as colorist Luis Guerrero, this newest pulse-pounding 10 year anniversary chapter of executive Assistant: Iris is sure to be the biggest volume yet!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS vol 5 #1 is in stores may 23rd, 2018!
FC 32 pages $3.99

PORTAL BOUND #2

Mark Roslan; Gabe Carrasco – story / Alex Arizmendi – Art / Wes Hartman – Colors

Their Future depends upon Each other in Aspen’s newest series!

Giant six-eyed mechanical beasts? Gray-skinned warriors from one more world? Dubstep music?!? teens Elias as well as Brett have just survived the craziest night of their lives, however that was nothing compared to the road ahead! Sybil, the arrogant warrior princess from Havos, is stranded on earth as well as it’s as much as our heroes to get her home! However, the evil Emperor Atilus has a deadly surprise awaiting his daughter’s prospective homecoming!

Aspen’s brand new action-adventure saga continues from writers mark Roslan (BubbleGun, damaged Pieces) as well as newcomer Gabe Carrasco, with artist Alex Arizmendi (Edge of Venomverse: war Stories, trick Empire: take on new World) as they bring us a tale of two earths in requirement of two heroes!

PORTAL BOUND #2 is in stores may 2nd, 2018!
FC 32 pages $3.99

JIRNI VOL 3 #3

J.T. Krul – story / Michael Santamaria – Art / John Starr – Colors

Aspen’s prominent fantasy experience series, JIRNI, continues its legendary third volume!

Ara takes to the skies when once again in her airship, soaring higher than ever in the really hopes of reaching the realm of the D’jinn, however risk lurks all around her. Meanwhile, Torinthal exposes his true function in catching Luna as well as the other D’jinn, as well as it might spell doom for them as well as all the D’jinn – in this world as well as beyond.

Created by new York Times very popular author J.T. Krul (Michael Turner’s Soulfire, eco-friendly Arrow) with art by newcomer Michael Santamaria, this next interesting chapter of Jirni will when once again return visitors to a land of untapped wonder!

JIRNI VOL 3 #3 is in stores may 16th, 2018!
FC 32 pages $3.99

CHARISMAGIC VOL 3 #4

Vince Hernandez – story / Joey Vazquez – Art / Federico Blee – Colors

The forces of magic have returned—and this time around no wonderful being is safe!

Hank as well as shines discover themselves trapped inside the Magic home as well as Contessa’s basement cells without any possibility for escape! Meanwhile, Sudana begins to discover the reasons for the Magic Harvester’s destructive plan to take in all beings of magic—and the degree to which he plans to go to wipe out its existence altogether!

CHARISMAGIC VOL 3 #4 is in stores may 9th, 2018!
FC 32 pages $3.99

RETAILER NOTE: CHARISMAGIC VOL 3 #4 will ship with two different covers by series artist Joey Vazquez as well as artist Khary Randolph. Each cover is offered to order separately, without any quantity restriction or restrictions.

SHRUGGED VOL 3 #4

Frank Mastromauro – story / Andre Risso – Art / Valentina Taddeo – Colors

Volume three of Aspen’s hit series’ Shrugged keeps on truckin!

It’s a clash of astronomical proportions as the Elysians as well as Nefarians battle it out for manage of Perspecta! Meanwhile, Theo as well as Thom struggle to save Kiornull