1st Impressions: TRISH OUT OF WATER #3

TRISH OUT OF WATER # 3
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Ruben Curto, Manuela Nerolini & Mad5 Factory
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Trish is kidnapped only to be rescued by an unlikely … let me rephrase that … an unsuspected hero. We get more into the origins of Trish’s parents as Detective Bruno decides to face off against the Blue.

ART:

                Cafaro has hit his stride here. With a good amount of detail with his sketch-like, but detailed style, Cafaro does a great job with making some visually appealing panels. Everyone looks different and distinct, good amount of background detail and some strong panel work make up a great looking book. The colors by the various colorists continue to make Trish Out of Water a more visually distinctive book, alongside Cafaro’s art. The use of white is somewhat diminished here and it definitely works for the book. Overall, a strong showing by this art team.

WRITING:

                Hernandez continues to give us hit after hit this issue with good action, character development and plot. We learn some answers to some burning questions this issue but Hernandez makes sure for every question answered, there is a new question asked. The characterizations of Trish, Detective Bruno and more were really solid with great, authentic dialogue and some outstanding character moments this issue that definitely will grab readers interests and feel relatable. The issue had some excellent pacing and Hernandez does his use surprise reveals this issue … but better as one surprise is out of left field while the other could have been surmised if you paid attention to the previous issues. Kudos to Hernandez for writing a solid issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                From the word go, this was a solid issue from beginning to end.

RATING:

                I give Trish Out of Water # 3 a 10 … out of 10. Pick it up December 18^th, 2013.

Preview: Overtaken # 1

OVERTAKEN #1
Frank Mastromauro ­ Story / Marco Lorenzana ­ Art / Wes Hartman - Colors

The sci-fi thriller OVERTAKEN takes center stage as Aspen¹s 10 year
anniversary celebration marches on!

Some questions, you may not want to know the answers to. Journalist Will
Harden is well equipped for most situations, but nothing can prepare him for
what¹s about to come. Relocating from the big city to a small mountain town
with his wife, everything is turned upside-down the moment she goes missing.
Are the rumors of alien abductions true or did something far worse happen to
his wife? No matter the cause, Harden will not stop until he uncovers the
truth, or dies trying.

OVERTAKEN #1 is in store August 28th, 2013

Preview: Aspen's Charismagic # 1

CHARISMAGIC #1
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez - Colors

CHARISMAGIC returns as Aspen¹s newest 10 for 10¹ debut!

Magician Hank Medley thought he had everything figured out. After saving the
world from an ancient, ruinous evil, with the help of a Druid named Sudana
and his magical talking cat Sparkles, Hank discovers the true nature of dark
magic has arrived in his own realm‹our world! Now, the trio must attempt to
put an end to catastrophic events that will threaten to tear Earth apart
under the weight of such a menace. Featuring a returning cast of
Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with several new and astonishing
faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of CHARISMAGIC is a perfect
jumping-on point for all!

Joined by the sensational artwork of Vincenzo Cucca, CHARISMAGIC creator
Vince Hernandez and colorist Emilio Lopez are ready to take you on an
amazing ride in this newest volume of the acclaimed hit series. Be prepared
because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to vanish!

CHARISMAGIC #1 is in stores May 1st, 2013!

Comic News: Aspen Fans Vote to be "Overtaken" Come August

Fans Select Overtaken As New Aspen Comics “10 for 10” Series In August

Press Release

03-04-13

Following a month-long online fan voting process to choose Aspen Comics’ next series, the publisher has announced that Overtaken has won the contest and will debut on August 21^st as their “10 for 10” release for that month. Created by Frank Mastromauro, this all new sci-fi, action adventure series is described:

Journalist Will Harden is well equipped for most situations, but nothing can prepare him for what’s about to come. Relocating from the big city to a small mountain town with his wife, everything is turned upside-down the moment she goes missing. Are the rumors of alien abductions true or did something far worse happen to his wife? No matter the cause, Harden will not stop until he uncovers the truth, or die trying.

Overtaken will be written by Mastromauro with art by newcomer Marco Lorenzana. Aspen Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez discusses Lorenzana’s participation:

“Marco has a truly amazing story on how he showed up on our radar. He was visiting Los Angeles and was staying with family, and on a whim he decided to take a chance and show up at our studio with his portfolio in hand. As it turned out, his artwork was outstanding and Frank asked him to stay. From that day forward Marco spent countless hours honing his craft in the studio and he just took off from there. We’re really excited to have Marco on the project and are eager to show everyone what he’s capable of.”

Aspen will be supporting the release of Overtaken #1 will all of their successful “10 for 10” incentives including the Aspen Reserved Edition and Aspen Retailer Exclusive covers, as well as special variant covers by J. Scott Campbell, Eric Basaldua and more to be announced shortly.

For more information on Aspen Comics and Overtaken please check:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/overtaken

Twitter.com/aspncomics

Instagram: aspencomics

#Aspen10

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Priding itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements Along with their own successful properties such as Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Charismagic, Broken Pieces, Legend of the Shadow Clan, Shrugged and more. Aspen also collaborates with the comic industry's most successful companies and endeavors including Marvel Comics and DC Entertainment. Aspen has collaborated with Marvel for various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, and Ultimatum. Aspen collaborated with DC Comics to provide covers for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: The Return of Supergirl, The Justice League of America, and Eisner-nominated covers for the critically acclaimed, best-selling Identity Crisis series. In 2006, Aspen joined forces with television giant NBC to create the online comic adaptations for the hit television series Heroes. In 2012, Aspen teamed up with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment to produce the horror-adventure series Dead Man’s Run, as well as collaborating with director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision to produce the horror comic Haunted City. Aspen also produced the one-of-a-kind Anarchy digital graphic novel for the popular body spray company, Axe. Currently, Aspen is celebrating their tenth anniversary in the industry with their “10 for 10” initiative and more original properties forthcoming later in the year.

Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 Review

LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN # 2
Written by Brad Foxhoven & David Wohl
Art by Cory Smith & John Starr
Aspen Comics


FLIPPLING THROUGH:

            We open to Koji Tokurei giving a verbal lashing to his ninja, then go over surveillance footage of what happened to the Ninja that Richard Himura killed. Yes. Mild mannered Richard Himura kicked a ninja’s ass all by himself.
           
            Meanwhile, after being interrogated about Darren’s murder, Richard gets to go free … thanks to his father. His father says they need to talk but Richard was not in the mood. Richard returns to his family, who welcome him home but then the kids go to school.
           

            At school, Brayden is in detention but leaves to follow a pair of twins he thinks are hot … getting into some trouble. Meanwhile, young Pogo feels like something is up and figures out that something happened to Darren. It ends back with Koji deciding his next move.


ART:

            Cory Smith has very sharp, detailed work. The backgrounds are beautiful. His men and women are very distinct. You can easily tell each character from the other. There is something of a rhythm in this book’s art. It flows well, panel to panel. Being dynamic when it needs to be to tell a story but not crazy for the sake of being crazy.

            Smith’s sharp art is brought to life strongly with the help of John Starr’s colors. With the pencils and inks being so sharp, Starr’s colors really step up Smith’s art. The cinematic feel of the pages at times really fit with the store. This art team is impressive in this second issue.


WRITING:

            In the first issue, there was a LOT of exposition. Yet, this issue, we get a great balance. While there was no major action during the issue, the plot advanced well. The pacing of the book really helped ease through the scene changes. And we got a rich amount of character development.

            Wohl and Foxhoven really do a great job giving the characters voices this issue. From Eva, to Richard, to Koji to Brayden. Each voice is distinct with a personality. Again, the pacing this issue was excellent as it is ground work for what is next but still very interesting and helped fleshed out the characters more. A better job this issue from Wohl and Foxhoven.



OVERALL IMPRESSIION:

            Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 takes out the wordy exposition, replacing it with great dialogue that feels very authentic. The characters look and feel very real. The plot and characters are appealing. Great art and a solid story that is moving along, much like an action movie. Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 is a great mid point for the story, making everything move along with no really dragging or feeling as if it is moving too fast. Great job but the creative team here.


RATING:

            Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 does a great job doing a little world building, character development and overall moving of the plot with stunning art. Pick it up!

            I give Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 an 8.5 out of 10.

Preview: Aspen Comics' SHRUGGED # 1

SHRUGGED #1

Frank Mastromauro – Story / Jonathan Marks / Micah Gunnell – Art / Beth Sotelo - Colors

Aspen’s Ten Year Anniversary celebrates the return of SHRUGGED!

You think you’re prepared, but you’re not. You’ve been decisive in your actions up to this point, but now things have been turned upside down. You feel you’ve conformed your mindset and are ready to accept what you’re about to experience, but you haven’t. That’s because SHRUGGED is back and ready to blow your mind!

Theo and his friends are entering their final year of high school, and even though Ange and Dev are still along for the ride, a host of new characters have joined in on the adventure! But, everything isn’t all fun and games this time around as an evil force has also returned and is preparing to silence those voices inside their heads…permanently. If you thought you knew what fear was, you haven’t seen anything yet!

Created by Michael Turner and Frank Mastromauro, with illustrations by newcomer Jonathan Marks and colorist Beth Sotelo, make sure to listen to the voices inside your head and pick up a copy of SHRUGGED #1 today!

SHRUGGED #1 is in stores March 13^th, 2013!

FC                               32 pages                                  $1.00  

Comic News: Aspen "10 for 10" Hits Emerald City Con

Aspen’s “10 for 10” Continues at Emerald City Con

 

Press Release

02-18-13

Aspen Comics heads north to Seattle on March 1^st – 3^rd for the Emerald City Comicon 2013 and will be continuing their huge push for their “10 for 10” anniversary initiative at the show. Creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Awaken Skies/Overtaken), Peter Steigerwald (Zoo Hunters, Lady Mechanika), Siya Oum (Charismagic, Executive Assistant: Iris) and David Wohl (Legend of the Shadow Clan, Executive Assistant: Iris) will be appearing all weekend long at the Aspen Comics Booth #2206.

To celebrate the successful launch of the debut “10 for 10” title, Legend of the Shadow Clan, Aspen is making a special Emerald City variant for the second issue. The Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 Emerald City Comicon 2013 exclusive cover is fully illustrated by Seattle native Siya Oum and is limited to only 200 copies. Oum and Legend of the Shadow Clan creator Wohl will be at the Aspen Booth all weekend long to sign copies of this limited exclusive.

In addition to all new editions of their industry-leading art prints for the con, Aspen will also be unveiling their second offering in their Aspen Tour Print 2013 Anniversary Edition series by Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald, which debuted earlier this year in Arizona to sold-out success. The Aspen Tour Print Anniversary Edition is limited to 125 editions. Aspen encourages fans to arrive early to ensure their print edition of this highly limited product. Aspen will also be offering two new Legend of the Shadow Clan prints by J. Scott Campbell and Cory Smith, respectively. The publisher will also feature an all new print featuring popular characters Aspen and Grace by Michael Turner and Peter Seigerwald, limited to 125 editions.

For more info on Aspen’s Emerald City Comicon plans check www.aspencomics.com and the following Aspen media outlets:

#Aspen10

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Twitter.com/aspencomics

Instagram: aspencomics

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Priding itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements Along with their own successful properties such as Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris,  Charismagic, Broken Pieces and more. Aspen also collaborates with the comic industry's most successful companies and endeavors including Marvel Comics and DC Entertainment. Aspen has collaborated with Marvel for various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, and Ultimatum. Aspen collaborated with DC Comics to provide covers for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: The Return of Supergirl, The Justice League of America, and Eisner-nominated covers for the critically acclaimed, best-selling Identity Crisis series. In 2006, Aspen joined forces with television giant NBC to create the online comic adaptations for the hit television series Heroes. In 2012, Aspen teamed up with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment to produce the horror-adventure series Dead Man’s Run, as well as collaborating with director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision to produce the horror comic Haunted City. Aspen also produced the one-of-a-kind Anarchy digital graphic novel for the popular body spray company, Axe. Currently, Aspen is celebrating their tenth anniversary in the industry with their “10 for 10” initiative and more original properties forthcoming later in the year.

Comic News:Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 Continues "10 for 10" Incentive Covers

ASPEN’S LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN #2 TO CONTINUE “10 FOR 10” WITH J. SCOTT CAMPBELL INCENTIVE COVERS AND NEW RESERVED EDITION

 

Press Release

01-23-13

On the heels of the successful launch of their “10 for 10” anniversary initiative and the first release, Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 selling over 35,000 copies, Aspen Comics plans to keep the momentum going for issue number two, highlighted by a special J. Scott Campbell Retailer Incentive cover amongst other incentive offers for fans and retailers. Created by David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven and written by Wohl with art by Cory Smith and John Starr, the solicitation for Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 reads:

The Arashis believed themselves to be just an average family, but everything changed the night that Dr. William Arashi inadvertently found himself in a battle with well-armed assassins, and he not only survived, but he defeated them! Exhilarated and confused, Arashi now discovers that this attack was not random, and that he and his family are anything but ordinary--they are members of an ancient and powerful ninja family known as the Shadowclan. But now that their secret has been discovered, they realize they are ALL in great danger!

Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 will feature a direct cover by series artists Smith and Starr, and will also feature an Aspen Reserved Edition cover by guest superstar penciler Billy Tan with colors by Aspen’s Peter Steigerwald. Fans and new readers who add the series to their local comic shops’ subscription service are eligible to receive the special Aspen Reserved Edition cover. Those customers who add all ten new Aspen “10 for 10” number one issues to their store’s pull box will then be eligible to receive the free full-size Aspen “Perfect 10’s” jam poster featuring all ten Reserved Edition covers on one image colored by Steigerwald.

Aspen also encourages fans and new readers to check with their local retailer to reserve the exclusive Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 Retailer Incentive cover by industry superstar J. Scott Campbell. Aspen is pleased to announce Campbell will be providing covers for all Aspen “10 for 10” number two issues for ten straight months.

For more info on Aspen’s “10 for 10” initiative, Legend of the Shadow Clan and more please check the following:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/legendoftheshadowclan

Twitter.com/aspncomics

Instagram: aspencomics

#Aspen10

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Priding itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements Along with their own successful properties such as Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Charismagic, Broken Pieces and more. Aspen also collaborates with the comic industry's most successful companies and endeavors including Marvel Comics and DC Entertainment. Aspen has collaborated with Marvel for various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, and Ultimatum. Aspen collaborated with DC Comics to provide covers for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: The Return of Supergirl, The Justice League of America, and Eisner-nominated covers for the critically acclaimed, best-selling Identity Crisis series. In 2006, Aspen joined forces with television giant NBC to create the online comic adaptations for the hit television series Heroes. Currently in 2012, Aspen is teaming up with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment to produce the horror-adventure series Dead Man’s Run, as well as collaborating with director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision to produce the horror comic Haunted City. Aspen also produces the one-of-a-kind Anarchy digital graphic novel for the popular body spray company, Axe.

Comic News: Aspen's Legend of the Shadow Clan # 1 Sells Over 35k Copies: Personalized Retailer Exclusive Covers Revealed

ASPEN’S LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN #1 SELLS OVER 35K COPIES, PERSONALIZED RETAILER EXCLUSIVE COVERS REVEALED

Press Release             

01-17-13

Aspen is pleased to announce that the first release in their ambitious “10 for 10” initiative, Legend of the Shadow Clan #1, has ordered in excess of over 35,000 copies and will feature a large array of retailer exclusive covers personalized for each individual store. Aspen Owner and President Frank Mastromauro discusses:

“We are tremendously thankful to our fans and retail partners who helped make our first “10 for 10” release a huge success. Legend of the Shadow Clan is an exciting new property for us, and we’re honored to have such a great response to the launch. We worked extremely hard to make sure to contact each and every retailer who participated in the exclusive cover incentive, in order to ensure that their cover was unique and personalized to their own retail shop’s logo design. No two covers turned out alike, and I think they all look amazing.”

Aspen is pricing each debut #1 “10 for 10” issue for the affordable price of only $1 and is also offering other incentives for each release such as original hand-drawn sketch covers, CGC editions, and special retailer incentive covers by popular artists J. Scott Campbell and Eric “Ebas” Basaldua.

Fans and new Aspen readers who add each of the “10 for 10” titles to their comic shop’s local subscription service will be eligible to receive the special Aspen Reserved Edition variant covers. Those fans who collect all ten Aspen Reserved Edition #1 covers will receive a free full-size Aspen “Perfect 10’s” Jam Poster featuring all ten “10 for 10” covers on one image colored by superstar colorist Peter Steigerwald.

Aspen encourages everyone to check out the release of Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 for only $1 on February 6^th.

For more information please check the following:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/legendoftheshadowclan

Twitter.com/aspncomics

Instagram: aspencomics

#Aspen10

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Priding itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements Along with their own successful properties such as Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Charismagic, Broken Pieces and more. Aspen also collaborates with the comic industry's most successful companies and endeavors including Marvel Comics and DC Entertainment. Aspen has collaborated with Marvel for various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, and Ultimatum. Aspen collaborated with DC Comics to provide covers for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: The Return of Supergirl, The Justice League of America, and Eisner-nominated covers for the critically acclaimed, best-selling Identity Crisis series. In 2006, Aspen joined forces with television giant NBC to create the online comic adaptations for the hit television series Heroes. Currently in 2012, Aspen is teaming up with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment to produce the horror-adventure series Dead Man’s Run, as well as collaborating with director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision to produce the horror comic Haunted City.