Comics News: Aspen Comics Hits WonderCon!!!

Aspen Comics Wonder Con 2014 Schedule of Events, Creator Appearances and Massive Comics Giveaway

Press Release

04-14-14

Hot off the heels of their all-new series launch of Lola XOXO last week, Aspen Comics is gearing up for creator appearances, signings and more events scheduled for this weekend’s WonderCon 2014. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Overtaken), Peter Steigerwald (The Zoo Hunters), Vince Hernandez (Fathom: Kiani), Mark Roslan (BubbleGun), Siya Oum (Lola XOXO), J.T. Krul (Soulfire), Nei Ruffino (Soulfire), David Wohl (Fathom), Ale Garza (Fathom), and Oliver Nome (Fathom: Kiani) will be appearing throughout the weekend at the Aspen Comics Booth #601.

The publisher will be offering two new comic exclusive releases at their booth this weekend, Lola XOXO #1 (Limited to 500 copies) and Fathom: Kiani #1 (Limited to 200 copies), both of which feature WonderCon 2014 exclusive covers by Siya Oum. Fans can get their copies signed by Oum at the Aspen Comics Booth #601.

Aspen will also be offering a new set of their industry-leading art prints featuring popular, recent cover art by Michael Turner, Siya Oum and Eric “Ebas” Basaldua. Each print is hand-numbered and highly limited.

Fans that visit the Aspen Comics Booth #601 throughout the weekend will also be treated to the publisher’s largest-ever free giveaway, featuring over 25,000 free comics over the course of the con weekend.

On Saturday, Aspen creators will be appearing in the Official Aspen Comics Panel 2014 in Room 208 at 2:30pm to reveal looks at their upcoming new titles including Lola XOXO, Jirni Volume 2, Damsels in Excess, The Zoo Hunters and more. All fans in attendance will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics, following a special one-on-one Q&A with fans.

Also, on Saturday from 4-5pm, the publisher will be hosting a special “Free Sketch Hour” for fans featuring popular Aspen cover artists Ale Garza and Oliver Nome. Aspen encourages fans to arrive early, as this event will be first come-first serve only.

Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez will be holding the Aspen Comics Portfolio Reviews in Room 206B from 1:30-2:30 on all three days of the con, and Aspen strongly encourages those looking to get reviewed to arrive, early as spots are limited to one hour.

For more information please check www.aspencomics.com and the following official Aspen social media sites:

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 recently celebrated their tenth anniversary in the industry with their successful and best-selling “10 for 10” initiative.

Straight Forward Reviews : Bubblegun # 5

Molli and her team have come back for their 5th issue. It seems to be the end of the line, for the story arc anyway. Does it end strong?

Writer - Mark Roslan

Artist - Mike Bowden

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

The story is all about a climactic showdown between Molli and her crew and Drazic's forces. The bad guy's have all kinds of advantages and Molli's crew have to fight against all the odds. There's not so much in terms of plot advancing dialog save for the end. That isn't to say there was nothing of note in terms of character development. Molli's character grows in a believable way and just as important as the combat she goes through is her moral battle.

The ending of the issue wraps things up nicely enough for this story arc and definitely lets the reader know that there are still plenty more for the main characters of BubbleGun to tackle. You'll just have to read to know just what happened to the team and why their story seems to have just begun.

Art

The art in this series has always been something I enjoyed in this series and this issue is no exception. Since the issue is mostly action the art could make or break this book. Molli and her friends look fantastic with their acrobatics and using their gadgets. If nothing else sells reader on the book the art most likely will still get people to look at it.

Verdict

BubbleGun's fantastic action and character growth has really seen it turn into quite the nice cyberpunk swashbuckling adventure series. Great art and a storyline and character development has made this series grow and it was nice to be along for the ride. I give BubbleGun # 5 a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : BubbleGun # 4

BubbleGun returns this month with the 4th issue. Is it worth picking up to continue learning about the story of Molli and her friends? Well, you'll learn in this straight forward review.

Writer - Mark Roslan

Artist - Mike Bowden

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story in this issue builds up on the previous three and sees characters returning along with character growth for Molli. This time we see Molli really starting to come into her own and make big moves to get her sister and Asher, the cyber boy, back.

The dialog feels a lot more fluid and though there's a little bit of cheese but it makes sense. It's a bit hard to explain but given the situations the characters get in you would see that indeed it does make sense.

It feels like the story elements introduced in earlier issues has started to culminate into something awesome. Molli's character growth, the character reintroductions, and the stakes that they raised really make this issue feel fleshed out and worth reading.

Art

The art in this issue is wonderful. On top of Molli's wonderful character design the other characters look a little more defined in this issue. Their defining features seem to be enhanced more and it lets you know that each one is an individual that should be recognizable and not lost in the shuffle.

The action sequences are well done too, they look like they're taken straight out of an animation. Explosions and the like look like they are really damaging and that there is a lot of energy in them.

Verdict

This issue with it's great character designs, nice action sequences and a story that's starting to become much more interesting and makes you want to read the next issue as soon as it comes out. I have to give BubbleGun issue 4 a 9 out of 10.

Preview: BubbleGun # 4

BUBBLEGUN #4
Mark Roslan ­ Story / Mike Bowden ­ Art / David Curiel, Erick Arciniega -
Colors

They like the tech, but live for the high stakes!

The BUBBLEGUN team is banged up, worn down, and low on confidence after their leader is taken from them. Molli, in desperation, resorts to extreme measures in order to rescue her captive sister back from the dangerous clutches of Drazic, Craine and Vitadrone. The odds of survival are low--which is par for the course with this group!

Creator and writer Mark Roslan, along with penciler Mike Bowden and colorist David Curiel invite you to take part in what¹s sure to become Aspen's next hit sci-fi, action adventure series, BUBBLEGUN!

BUBBLEGUN #4 is in stores November 27th, 2013!

Straight Forward Reviews: Bubblgegun issue 3

Bubblegun is back for more cyberpunk action. What's one of Aspen's newer heroines up to now?

Writer - Mark Roslan
Artist - Mike Bowden
Publisher - Aspen 

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

This issue sees Molli and what's left of her team try desperately to get back her sister from the weird techno coma she's in. We see more backstory this time for the antagonists and some nice character development for Molli.

In short the story and dialog in this issue is all about leading up to the bigger stakes and action we'll see soon and it does a fairly good job.

There's some good storytelling here but all the different technologies in this sci-fi world could use some explaining. There were different variations of robot and cyborg being thrown around at different specific entities and for what the antagonists are after it seems that the differences between them are important but since the reader doesn't know it might as well be gibberish for now.

Art

A very varied color palette takes the spotlight in this issue, along with good emotive close ups of the character's faces. As this issue is pretty tense for the protagonists seeing their emotions does a lot for the storytelling.

Molli's character design is one of my favorite designs in comics this year, as I've probably already said in my reviews of issue 1 and 2. It really stands out here as she's doing a lot in this issue. Her design is one of those character designs that really makes the character look especially cool while in motion. Not unlike Cowboy Bebop's Spike Spiegel, when standing still he may have looked goofy but while in motion he pretty much defined cool. For Molli her two colored hair makes her look very unique and much like an action hero as in some panels where she's moving her hair in the wind looks very much like a flame.

Verdict

This book is a ton of fun, and subjectively, one of my personal favorites. Objectively, this has the potential to be a really well done series. Right now it could use some more fine tuning but it's really worth the read and I have faith it'll only get better from here. I give Bubblegun an 8 out of 10.

Preview: BUBBLEGUN # 3

BUBBLEGUN #3

Mark Roslan ­ Story / Mike Bowden ­ Art / David Curiel, Andrew Crossley -
Colors / Josh Reed - Lettering

They like the tech, but live for the high stakes!

The team squares off against Craine and his cybernetic ninja assault squad, as Vitadrone's deadly powerhouse brings the fight down upon their headquarters. Along the way, the team learns the tragic sacrifice that their line of work costs, including a pair of life or death choices for Molli and
Roman!

Creator and writer Mark Roslan, along with penciler Mike Bowden and colorist David Curiel invite you to take part in what¹s sure to become Aspen's next hit sci-fi, action adventure series, BUBBLEGUN!

BUBBLEGUN #3 is in stores September 18th, 2013!

Straight Forward Reviews: BubbleGun # 2

With the second issue of Bubblegun out we're here to answer the question, is it still good or even better?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Already this issue improves over my complaint of last issue (I still really liked the issue mind you) about the backstory hardly being there. There's some time taken to explain things about Molli's past and about the world itself. Which is done well, there isn't a wall of dialog but it also isn't too short either. For a comic that has a lot of action in it they gave it a proper amount of time... or... panels. 

The dialog is still well done as in the previous issues. Even though this is a sci-fi world with a lot of crazy cyborgs and the like the characters still talk and act like people would or as you would expect like people would. Maybe the antagonists are a bit flat for now but with one of them being a bit of a surprise perhaps the others will turn out to be more interesting too.

Art

The art looks great. I just love the stylistic choices made with the characters especially on the female characters hair. Even more especially Molli's hair. Her hair looks like a flame in most of the pages and it really makes her standout. The world is drawn fantastically when you see more of the world in this issue it really does look like it is an actual place with specific landmarks and the like when you take a closer look. Which I have to give credit for.

Verdict

This fixes the few complaints I had with the first issue, and it has good action scenes and a really cool art style so I have to give this a recommendation. When read with issue 1 it starts to make sense, issue 1 by itself I had a few minor gripes with though I still loved it but if read with issue 2 it really looks to be an awesome comic. I give Bubblegun issue 2 a 9 out of 10.

Preview: BUBBLEGUN # 2

BUBBLEGUN #2
Mark Roslan ­ Story / Mike Bowden ­ Art / David Curiel - Colors

They like the tech, but live for the high stakes!

When the gang realized the ³package² they painstaking retrieved could
possibly be the most high-tech performance machine on the planet‹and more
importantly, a young, kidnapped cyber boy‹the weight of their crime quickly
comes into focus. Secrets are revealed, alliances shattered, and one of the
team could literally never recover her psyche as the stakes have grown far
greater than they could have ever imagined!

Creator and writer Mark Roslan, along with penciler Mike Bowden and colorist
David Curiel invite you to take part in what¹s sure to become Aspen¹s next
hit sci-fi, action adventure series, BUBBLEGUN!

BUBBLEGUN #2 is in stores July 10th, 2013!

Comic News: Aspen Comics Reveals BubbleGun # 2 SDCC Exclusive

Aspen Comics Reveals BubbleGun #2 SDCC Exclusive

Press Release

07-08-13

Aspen Comics has revealed their second Comic Con International: San Diego 2013 exclusive item, a BubbleGun #2 cover by Pasquale Qualano and Peter Steigerwald, only available at the Aspen Comics Booth #2321 and limited to 200 copies, with quanitites made available on the AspenStore.com as well. BubbleGun creator and writer Mark Roslan will be appearing at the Aspen Comics Booth all week long during the con as well. Solicitation copy for BubbleGun #2 reads:

When the gang realized the “package” they painstaking retrieved could possibly be the most high-tech performance machine on the planet—and more importantly, a young, kidnapped cyber boy—the weight of their crime quickly comes into focus. Secrets are revealed, alliances shattered, and one of the team could literally never recover her psyche as the stakes have grown far greater than they could have ever imagined!

Aspen Comics revealed their first exclusive SDCC item recently, a Fathom: The Elite Saga #1 cover by Joe Benitez and Peter Steigerwald, only available at the Aspen Comics Booth #2321, with quantities made available on the AspenStore.com as well. This Comic Con exclusive cover for Aspen’s weekly Fathom event commemorating 15 years of Fathom will be limited to 250 copies, and the publisher will be featuring appearances by both Benitez and Steigerwald at the Aspen Comics Booth throughout the weekend. Solicitation for Fathom: The Elite Saga #1 reads:

The publisher will be unveiling more SDCC exclusives throughout the week in addition to some major announcements regarding their upcoming projects to be shown at the “Ten Years of Aspen Comics” panel on Friday at Comic Con.

#aspen10

facebook.com/aspencomics

twitter.com/aspencomics

Instagram: aspencomics

ABOUT ASPEN COMICS:

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.

Straight Forward Reviews: Bubblegun # 1

Aspen debuts another brand new series this month after Jirni debuted in April. In this edition of Straight Forward reviews we look at cyberpunk action in Bubblegun issue 1. Sparkling issue 1!

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story in this issue, as it should do since it is a first issue, is set up the characters and the world. They debut in a big action scene that quickly lets you know what each characters strengths are and then afterward have some character building dialog and then at the end delve into what the plot for the next issues are going to be. In a spoiler free nutshell. 

The writing is not bad, the dialog between characters is believable and well done. The world seems to be pretty huge and have a lot of lore for it. In this issue, it seems to be a good thing and a bit of a drawback. It looks like there's going to be plenty going on in this world to not run out of stories to tell but it also feels like there's some important things about the world that the reader should have known about the world; like a little as to why certain corporations are extremely powerful or important t the characters. The story doesn't stop being enjoyable but it feels like there could have been some more information. Though I'm sure there will be more explanations in the second issue.

Characters

The main character and the crew she's in are all distinct and, although some got more time to shine than others, it's obvious when reading their dialog that they all have tons of personality. Also their designs are all fantastic. I love their character designs, they all have this nostalgic flavor and new sensibilities at the same time. Plus they're all bright and colorful and Molli and her sister look fabulous. It's nice to see colorful characters like them. 

Molli as a character has a lot of spunk and is very animated. Her sister is a nice foil for her, and their crewmates are all very distinct. 

To speak about how well the character designs are, I originally was not supposed to review this book! But after seeing the first two pages and how the characters looked I was intrigued enough to want to review the book and see if it really was good. 

Art

I already mentioned how much love I have for the characters. The whole comic is a colorful cyberpunk adventure and the inventive designs don't just stop at the characters. The weapons and technology are cool and the action looks flashy and stylish. The art is what made me pay attention and it will most likely get you to pick up the book. So it more than does it's job in my book.

Verdict

This book is tons of fun to read. There is less information about the world than I would like but it looks great and the characters are awesome. Plus there being less information than I'd like doesn't mean it is by any means not followable or poorly written. Quite the opposite. I give this comic an 8.5 out of 10

Preview: BUBBLEGUN # 1

BUBBLEGUN #1
Mark Roslan ­ Story / Mike Bowden ­ Art / David Curiel - Colors

The future is here with Aspen¹s latest Œ10 for 10¹ series debut, BUBBLEGUN!

They like the tech, but live for the high stakes! Sisters Molli and Devyn,
along with teammates Roman and Kyo‹and a stockpile of cutting edge,
cyber-punk technology, form a confident team of mercenary thieves able to
take on the most formidable jobs around. Yet, when one cyber heist turns out
to be more than they bargained for, as a mysterious package and its contents
threaten to unravel the group to its core, the menacing worlds of corrupt
industry and deadly espionage is unleashed upon them!

Join creator and writer Mark Roslan (Broken Pieces), penciler Mike Bowden
(World of Warcraft, Ame-Comi Girls), and colorist David Curiel (Idolized,
Avenging Spider-Man) on what¹s sure to become Aspen¹s next hit sci-fi,
action adventure series! Strap yourselves in because BUBBLEGUN is gonna take
you on a wild ride!

BUBBLEGUN #1 is in stores June 12th, 2013!

Con News: Aspen Comics Makes Their First Appearance at Heroes Con!

Aspen Comics’ First Appearance at Heroes Con

Press Release

Aspen Comics is pleased to attend the Heroes Con for the first time as the publisher continues to celebrate its tenth anniversary and their “10 for 10” initiative. This weekend on June 7^th – 9^th in Charlotte, Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Overtaken), Peter Steigerwald (Fathom, The Zoo Hunters), Mark Roslan (Broken Pieces, BubbleGun), Cory Smith (Legend of the Shadow Clan, Broken Pieces) and Khary Randolph (Charismagic) will be appearing throughout the weekend at the Aspen Comics Booth.

Aspen will be releasing their latest “10 for 10” offering at the con, BubbleGun #1, featuring a Heroes Con 2013 exclusive cover by Khary Randolph and Emilio Lopez, limited to 250 copies. BubbleGun is Aspen’s new sci-fi, action-adventure series from creator Mark Roslan with art by Mike Bowden and David Curiel.

The publisher will also be releasing a special Aspen Splash Heroes Con 2013 cover by Aspen founder and superstar artist Michael Turner and Beth Sotelo with Peter Steigerwald, limited to 250 copies.

In addition to exclusive comics, Aspen will also be offering an all new lineup of their industry-leading art prints, featuring the latest Aspen Tour Print Heroes Con edition (Limited to 100 editions), as well as the new Aspen Splash 2013 Heroes Con print by Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald (Limited to 100 editions) as well as new BubbleGun prints by Mike Bowden and Khary Randolph (Limited to 30 each).

For more information on Heroes Con 2013 please check www.heroesonline.com and for more information on Aspen Comics please check the following sites:

#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.