This week in Super Folk, Publishers Weekly’s superhero news hub, new series from Image, Dark Horse and Valiant, upcoming story arcs from Marvel, Astonishing X-Men news, April sales bounce back and more.
New From Image, Dark Horse, Valiant
A batch of new series cropped up last week, with Image Comics, Dark Horse and Valiant announcing and revealing some of their upcoming offerings. First up, Image comics revealed the mysterious Ales Kot graphic novel (previously teased with only the vaguest of images and description) called Wild Children, written by Kot and illustrated by Riley Rossmo (Green Wake). Out in July, the book follows five high school students who arrive at school one morning equipped with guns, acid and a camera. In an interview with MTV Geek, the two creators discussed their own less-than-stellar memories of school as being part of the inspiration for Wild Children, as well as the works of Douglas Rushkoff, Hakim Bey, Grant Morrison, Gus Van Sant and more.
Also from Image, The Re[a]d Diary, a new “flip-book graphic novel” from the team behind the Eisner Award-nominated It’s a Bird…, writer Steven T. Seagle and artist Teddy Kristiansen. Out in June, the book, about a remarkable Vermeer painting, was originally released by Kristiansen in Europe, and now Seagle has provided an English retelling based on his interpretation (he was unable to read the original foreign language version).
On Friday Dark Horse announced, B.P.R.D Hell on Earth: Return of the Master, the newest installment in the supernatural series, written by B.P.R.D. regular John Arcudi and illustrated by B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Russia artist Tyler Crook. Beginning in August, the new miniseries picks up after the events of B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Russia, following the return of the one mad scientist (now backed by his own paranormal cult) who escaped the massacre in the previous series.
That’s not all for Arcudi though, who’s creator-owned series “The Creep” has a new four issue miniseries following its current run in Dark Horse Presents, coming in August. The new story, written by Arcudi and illustrated by Jonathan Case, continues the exploits of Oxel Karnahus, an acromegaly-afflicted private detective and his two decade old flame turned secretary Stephanie, this time in a story concerning teen suicide.
Dark Horse also used May 4, an unofficial day for celebration of all things Star Wars, to announce Star Wars: The Lost Tribe of the Sith, a new five-issues miniseries beginning in August. Written by John Jackson Miller and illustrated by Andrea Mutti, the story is a continuation of Miller’s Fate of the Jedi novel series, and follows the reemergence of a group of Sith who have established their own empire after spending 5,000 years in exile.
Finally, Valiant Entertainment gave fans a teaser of what’s to come from the recently relaunched publisher in its Free Comic Book Day offering, most notably the return of Valiant’s Eternal Warrior in a new ongoing title coming in winter. The publisher provided fans with a few pieces of concept art by Lee Bermejo, although he won't be the upcoming title's regular artist. Also teased in the FCBD issue was David Aja’s Rai, a new series beginning in 2013.
Looking Ahead with Marvel
Last week, Marvel and its creators unveiled a number of storylines set to begin in the coming months. Announced just in time for finals, writer Christos Gage revealed “Final Exam,” a new four-issue arc occurring within the pages of Avengers Academy #34-37, beginning in August. The upcoming arc uses the turmoil surrounding Avengers Vs. X-Men to bring the current “Alchemist” storyline to a head, which Gage described as a “crucible for the students” that will contain “plenty of emotional and visual fireworks in each and every issue.” Via comics news site Bleeding Cool, the next arc in The Amazing Spider-Man will be “Danger Zonee,”(and may or may not focus on the villain Hobgoblin) following the current “Ends of The Earth” and forthcoming Lizard storyline.
A Double Dose of Astonishing X-Men News
Out in a little over two weeks, Astonishing X-Men #50, the special wedding issue for which Marvel is offering retailer incentives as well as preparing a widespread media blitz, topped Diamond Comic Distributor’s list of top advance reorders. Issue #51 also took a spot on the list already. On Monday, Marvel revealed that Peter David will adapt Joss Whedon’s acclaimed run on Astonishing X-Men, beginning with the Astonishing X-Men: Gifted, on sale in September. David previously adapted Stephen King’s Dark Tower series of novels into a popular Marvel comic.
More Marvel News
The rest of Marvel news begins with Friday’s announcement that a selection of Marvel’s library is now available on Google Play. Only a small selection of digital graphic novels are currently available, but the publisher plans to add more in the coming months. Next, beginning this Wednesday, all 32-page Marvel comic books priced at $2.99 will be “self-cover,” meaning the paper quality of the cover will be the same as the interior. Finally, Marvel announced that the second comic in its new Infinite digital imprint will be released with Avengers vs. X-Men #6 and supposedly with issue #9 as well.
The End of Sweet Tooth, Detective Comics Annual
It was a light news week for DC Comics, despite the revelations for the DC Universe within the publisher’s FCBD day issue confirming the upcoming Trinity War line-wide event. First, Jeff Lemire, writer and artist of Vertigo’s Sweet Tooth, the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic survival story about a boy with antlers, announced that the series will end with a double-sized issue #40 in December. In an interview on Vertigo’s blog, Lemire discussed his decision, clarifying that the series was not canceled, but will conclude naturally based on the three-plus year long story.
DC Comics also announced Detective Comics Annual #1, on sale August 29. Written by Detective Comics writer Tony Daniel and illustrated by Romano Molenaar and Sandu Florea, the issue follows the fight between Batman and the Black Mask, happening concurrently to the events of DC’s “Night of the Owls” crossover.
April Sales Bounce Back
After a somewhat disappointing March, April’s sales bounced back with a 16.3% increase over April 2011, according to ICv2. Graphic novel sales were also up about 12.5% over last year, and overall sales for the first four months are up 13.84%. Avengers vs. X-Men #2 was the month’s best-selling issue, and Marvel held the top spot for marketshare with 34.64%, followed by DC Comics at 30.12%, Image at 8.6% (its best ever), Dark Horse at 5.37% and IDW at 4.22%.
Valiant goes Exclusive with comiXology
Last week Valiant Entertainment announced an exclusive deal with comiXology for the digital release of its library beginning with last week’s X-O Manowar. The publisher also announced simultaneous day-and-date releases of all its digital titles.
Faust, Anomaly, Vampirella
In an interview with Ain’t It Cool News, creator David Quinn announced the long-awaited publication of the final two issues (#14 and 15) of Faust beginning in October to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its release. The series, illustrated by Tim Vigil, was groundbreaking when it was originally published (by Rebel Studios) among classics such as Watchmen and The Crow but was never finished. Quinn also said the original thirteen issues will be released in four books titled “The Communion.”
Anomaly Productions announced the October release of Anomaly, a 370-page full color original hardcover graphic novel (the longest of its kind) by Skip Brittenham and Brian Haberlin (Witchblade). The science fiction saga takes place in the year 2717 where humans have colonized distant planets under omnipotent organization known as The Conglomerate, and chronicles the events following a mysterious planet’s resistance to its takeover. The comic is also getting its own free app which will allow readers to enhance the reading experience.
Brandon Jerwa (Pantha, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero) will take over writing duties on Vampirella (replacing Eric Trautman) beginning in issue #21 in July announced publisher Dynamite Entertainment. Jerwa’s start comes with a new storyline titled “The Inquisition,” which will provide readers with a convenient jumping on point for the series.
