Action Lab at Comic Con international 2014

Action Lab Entertainment at Comic Con International: San Diego 2014. Action Lab creators barnstorm the biggest pop culture show of the year with exclusives, signings and panels. ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT BOOTH #2006 Show Exclusives: Zombie Tramp #1 Dan Mendoza Cover Comic-con Exclusive; Limited to 1000 copies Nutmeg #1 Comic Con Edition; Limited to 1000 Copies Vamplets: The Nightmare Nursery Book Two Comic-Con Exclusive; Limited to 1000 copies SKYWARD #8 Comic -Con Sketch cover edition; Limited to 1000 copies Signing Schedule: Thursday:   Emily Martin (PRINCELESS)   11:00am - 1:00pm                                       Jeremy Dale (SKYWARD) 1:00pm - 3:00pm                                         Ray Height (MIDNIGHT TIGER)    1:00pm - 3:00pm   Friday:  Dave Dwonch (VAMPLETS, DOUBLE JUMPERS)   12:00pm - 1:00pm               Jeremy Dale   (SKYWARD)  2:00pm - 3:00pm                Emily Martin  ( PRINCELESS)    4:00pm - 5:00pm Saturday:  Michael Hunau (CRIMSON SOCIETY)    11:00am - 1:00pm                    Emily Martin  (PRINCELESS)    1:00pm - 2:00pm                    Dan Mendoza (ZOMBIE TRAMP)  2:00pm - 5:00pm                   Ray Height    (MIDNIGHT TIGER)      5:00pm - 6:00pm      Sunday:  Jeremy Dale (SKYWARD) 1:00pm - 3:00pm                                  Ray Height (MIDNIGHT TIGER)    1:00pm - 3:00pm     Action Lab Creators locations Jeremy Dale (SKYWARD): artist alley BB-18 Jamal Igle (MOLLY DANGER): artist alley GG-21 Dave Dwonch( VAMPLETS): small press L-14 Lea Hernandez (THE GARLICKS): AA-19 Jason Martin (ZOMBIE TRAMP): small press L-16 And on Saturday Action Lab staffers Kevin Freeman, David Dwonch, and Jason Martin team up with creators Jamal Igle (Molly Danger), Jeremy Dale (Skyward), and R. A. Height (Midnight Tiger) to discuss recent and future releases of the critically-acclaimed publisher in both their all-ages and mature readers Danger Zone lines, followed by a Q&A session. Saturday July 26, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm Room 28DE Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 takes place July 24-27 and is being held in the San Diego Convention Center located at 111 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego, California.

Zombie Tramp #1 Boasting big numbers!

 

ZOMBIE TRAMP #1 BOASTING BIG NUMBERS!
Action Lab Entertainment’ first company produced title a massive success.

PITTSBURGH, PA- Dan Mendoza’s critically acclaimed, genre bending series Zombie Tramp is relaunching with a new #1. The Action Lab: Danger Zone title is a hit, as preorders top 16,000 copies. The new Zombie Trap, co-written by Mendoza, Jason Martin (Night of the 80’s Undead) and artist TM Chu, will launch on July 23, with 12 alternate covers drawn by industry talents Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies), Josh Howard ( Dead @17) and Jamal Igle (The Terminator: Enemy of my enemy).

Zombie Tramp is the story of Janey Bell, once Hollywood’s most popular high-priced call girl until she was bitten by a zombie and imbued with strange new powers. The new series picks up from where the Free Comic Book Day preview ends as Janey arrives in Las Vegas to start her undead life over again.

While a relatively new company about to celebrate it’s fifth anniversary in 2015, Action Lab Entertainment is growing quickly as a marquee publisher. With the successful relaunch of Zombie Tramp, Action Lab begins to take it’s place as a destination for top flight talent and innovative ideas. Zombie Tramp will have a limited edition Comicon variant for sale at the Action Lab booth during Comicon International: San Diego 2014 drawn by series creator Dan Mendoza.

ZOMBIE TRAMP Vol. 2: The Taint Train of Terror Review

ZOMBIE TRAMP Vol. 2: The Taint Train of Terror TPB

Written by Dan Mendoza

Art by Dan Mendoza

Lettering by Zen

Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a Spoiler Free Review.

It is a new adventure with Janey as she meets a mysterious little girl named Morning. She gives help to Janey as long as she would kill her parents. As we find out that our Morning has more to her than meets the eye, we continue our little adventure on a train where a bunch of teenagers. And the grindhouse influence takes over as things go from bad to worse ... for the students on the train ... and even Janey.

THE GOOD:

Mendoza gives his signature style a great amount of flair with dynamically gory panels, limited use of colors and interesting use of inks ... or not. Mendoza really brings a great atmosphere to his work. The lack of color with few exceptions really help bring out a certain fair to the book. The brutality is in full spectacle. If you are a fan of zombies or grindhouse, Mendoza presents you with this love letter.  

Mendoza also does a great trick of putting flashbacks, keeping them strictly his finished pencils but no inking on it. We got a good amount of gory mixed with suspense and sexual situations.

Writing wise, Mendoza gives us an entertaining, yet gory rump from start to finish. We do get to know a bit more about Janey and Mendoza develops her by her meeting Morning, her gaining her new abilities and the flashbacks. Read separately, the issue are fairly good. But as one whole, complete story, this second volume of Zombie reads like a classic zombie/grindhouse, suspense movie. And while Janey shines, Mendoza does a good job developing Morning, the Omega Men and more. The pacing works as a whole and works better as a collection.

THE BAD:
            Like I mentioned, the single issues of it were good. But as a whole, this reads so much better. Yet, what happens to our teens is very predictable. Otherwise, nothing really bad.

THE VERDICT:

Mendoza’s style is something people will either love or hate but it captures Zombie Tramp well … a mix of horror with sex appeal while also giving nods to grindhouse movies and thrillers. Janey clearly has development here and there can be a whole lot more. While there is some predictability, the journey is still entertaining and Morning proves to be an interesting wild card. I give Zombie Tramp Vol. 2: The Taint Train of Terror a 3.5 out of 5.

Zombie Tramp #1 Preview

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu, Jerry Gaylord, Josh Howard, Jamal Igle

The series relaunch previewed with a Free Comic Book Day issue continues here. Join creator Dan Mendoza for the all new adventures of the cult hit series featuring his undead anti-hero, Zombie Tramp, now brought to life by the amazing talents of new superstar artist TMChu. It’s kinky supernatural fun as Zombie Tramp hits the road, starting in… sin city of course!

Special Notes: Also available in 3 cover variants; risqué, Josh Howard (Dead@17), and Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies) and a special retailer exclusive Jamal Igle (Molly Danger, Supergirl) cover.

32pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variants

   

Comics News: ZOMBIE TRAMP Ongoing Hits Shops in July

ZOMBIE TRAMP SHAMBLES INTO SHOPS IN JULY!
Volume 3 of the critically acclaimed horror series features a new creative team and direction.
 
  
  

She's sexy, she's powerful and she'll steal your heart..literally.  Dan Mendoza's critically acclaimed horror series, Zombie Tramp, the story of a former call girl turned mystically empowered member of the undead returns to stores in July. Sporting a slew of variant covers from industry heavyweights like Jerry Gaylord and Josh Howard, Janey Bell makes her way to the Sin City as she tries to reclaim her former life.

Once one of Hollywood's most beautiful call girls, Janey was bitten, killed and then resurrected as a Zombie. Picking up from this years Free Comic book Day Preview, she's made her way to the Miracle in the Desert to start over. But what secrets are buried beneath the City of Entertainment. Danger abounds, nothing is what is seems and whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas..forever.
Series Creator Dan Mendoza returns to tell another tale of kinky supernatural action, now joined by co-writer Jason Martin (Super Real, Night of the 80's Undead) and new series artist TMChu.

The series relaunch will also sport variant covers by Josh Howard (Dead @17, Monster High), Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies, Loki), and two covers by TMChu (retail and isque variant). To celebrate the new series Action Lab has created a retailer incentive cover drawn by Jamal Igle (Molly Danger, Supergirl, The Terminator: Enemy of My Enemy) featuring their store's logo.

Are you bold enough to take a ride with Janey, the Zombie Tramp?!?
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.
 
 
  For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.

FCBD: Zombie Tramp/Ehmm Theory Issue

FCBD: ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY
Zombie Tramp
Written by Dan Mendoza & Jason Martin
Art by TMChu, Dan Mendoza & Jason Martin

Ehmm Theory
Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Aimee Hanchey
Action Lab: Danger Zone

This will be a Spoiler Free Review.
 

            Janey is hitchhiking across the desert when she gets picked up. As she takes her ride, we go through the events of both previous mini-series. And as her hitchhiker is looking for some payment, he finds Janey’s price a bit steep.

In the Ehmm Theory side of things … SHIT GETS REAL! Okay. Yeah. That was really blunt. More or less, Mindwolf ends up meeting up with Gabriel and Whiskers again … just NOT the Gabriel and Mr. Whiskers we know.

THE GOOD:

             We got some good writing by Mendoza and Martin. Janey is reflecting on the past while seeing where she, as a person, has gotten to. Mendoza and Martin go through the highlights of both miniseries well while allowing Janey to find how strong she has become. The pacing is great and the dialogue feels authentic.

            TMChu definitely has a different style than Mendoza but very much fits Zombie Tramp. Sure, the boobs are colossal … like Mendoza’s … and TMChu does have some influence in grindhouse in his art but not as much as Mendoza. Considering the story is about progress, TMChu’s style reflects that.  Mendoza gives some great panel work during the flashbacks.  Martin and Mendoza do a great job using color at the end of the book … both with Mendoza limited color style while Martin’s coloring of the book sets the mood right.

            So, overall, this short was about transition and it works.

             Ehmm Theory throws up quite a few surprises … which is pretty  status quo for them if you have read the original miniseries. McKinney, as usual, writes a balls to the wall yet extremely intelligent script as we find out that Gabe and Mr. Whiskers are different … and why they are different. It adds another element to Ehmm Theory while also allowing readers to kind of learn more of Mindwolf, who played a pivotal, yet small role in the original miniseries. As we get a little bit of what happened before with hints at what’s to come, McKinney uses smart dialogue and strong characterization to fit it all in one great package.
            Meanwhile, Ford and Hanchey do a great job. Ford’s cartoony/modern comic fused style really shines with great actions, strong panels and good amount of detail. They shine with all kinds of beings, proportions and backgrounds. Ford’s work is better than ever. Haney’s colors are strong, giving a nice shine and tone to Ford’s art. Really great stuff.

THE BAD:
            TMChu’s work might throw off some people who are used to Mendoza. Yet, it’s not that bad in my opinion.

FINAL VERDICT:

            This FCBD issue was strong, with great stories and art. Really great stuff. I give Zombie Tramp/Ehmm Theory FCBD issue a 9 … out of 10. 

Comics News: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT'S FREE COMIC BOOK DAY RELEASES

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT'S FREE COMIC BOOK DAY RELEASES

 The company dedicated to world class, genre- bending entertainment will release two “Silver level” books for FCBD, MIDNIGHT TIGER/ SKYWARD and from their Danger Zone imprint, ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY.  Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 3rd 2014 at participating comic book shops. 



Skyward/ Midnight Tiger
Behold the Berserkers! Quinn and crew find themselves facing uncomfortable truths as 
sins of the past come back to reveal themselves. Fans old and new won't want to miss 
the first look at what's on the horizon for Quinn and Jack! And in Midnight Tiger, 
sometimes all it takes to become a hero is an unfortunate incident and a single split 
second decision. The origin of Midnight Tiger!
Jeremy Dale (W/A/CA),Ray-Anthony Height (W/A), Dewayne Feenstra (W)

  
  




Zombie Tramp / Ehmm Theory
Are you bold enough to take a ride with Janey, the Zombie Tramp?!? If you pick her up, 
she might just share the story of how she came to be the street walking dead!! Be brave
so you can be ready for her all new series following this special issue! You also get a 
mind shattering sneak preview from the second volume of the coolest comic series you 
haven’t read yet… Ehmm Theory!
Dan Mendoza (W/A/CA), Brockton McKinney (W), Larkin Ford (A)

   
  

Comics News: ACTION LAB Free Comic Book Day Tour Adds More Talent

 
 
ACTION LAB FREE COMIC BOOK DAY TOUR ADDS MORE TALENT
Meet your favorite Action Lab/ Action Lab: Danger Zone creators nationwide.


Pittsburgh, PA- Action Lab Entertainment adds even more talent to their Free Comic Book Day appearances. On May 3^rd, 2014 Action lab will be releasing not one but two Free Comic Book Day offerings, SKYWARD/ MIDNIGHT TIGER  and ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY for mature readers. Just added to the list are the talent behind PIRATE EYE, FRACTURE, NUTMEG,SUBCULTURE and NIGHT OF THE 80's UNDEAD:

Jackie Croft- NUTMEG
Comic Book University- Indianapolis, IN

Chad Cicconi- FRACTURE
Comic Paradise Plus- Fairmont, WV

Kevin Freeman-SUBCULTURE
Dragon's Lair- Fayetteville, NC

Aimee Hanchey- EHMM THEORY
Samurai Comics- Phoenix, AZ

Carl Yonder- PIRATE EYE
Beyond Comics- Gaithersburg, MD

Bill McKay- NIGHT OF THE 80's UNDEAD
Collector's Corner- Baltimore, MD

They join the already massive list of Action Lab creators who will be appearing at the following locations:

Jeremy and Kelly Dale- SKYWARD
Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find- Charlotte NC

Ray Anthony Height – MIDNIGHT TIGER
(Two appearances)
The Comic Bug- Manhattan Beach, CA
Comics, Toons and Toys- Tustin, CA

Dan Mendoza – ZOMBIE TRAMP
4 Color Fantasies- Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Brockton McKinney, Larkin Ford – EHMM THEORY
Jeremy Whitley- Princeless
Ultimate Comics- Durham, NC
 
Brandon Barrows – JACK HAMMER
Jetpack Comics- Rochester, NY
 
Jamal Igle- MOLLY DANGER
Wild Pig Comics- Kenilworth, NJ
 
Eric Grissom- PLANET GIGANTIC
Comic Book Shop- Wilmington, DE
 
Marc Bertolini- SCUM OF THE EARTH
Gotham Central Comics- Mississauga, ON
 
Michael Hunau- CRIMSON SOCIETY
Earth 2 Comics -Sherman Oaks, CA

James Rochelle-SKYWARD
Comikaze- San Diego, CA
 
 Lea Hernandez – THE GARLICKS
Meltdown Comics- Los Angeles, CA
 
J.D. Arnold- THE FINAL PLAGUE
Comicopolis- Santa Cruz, CA

James Wright-NUTMEG
Geoffrey’s Comics- Gardena, CA
 
All appearances are subject to change.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.
 
ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

1st Impressions: ZOMBIE TRAMP (Vol. 2) # 3

ZOMBIE TRAMP (Vol. 2) # 3
Written by Dan Mendoza
Art by Dan Mendoza
Action Lab: Danger Zone

                While Hollywood actress Holly Very gets into an accident, we find out favorite little undead child is having a heart to heart. Janey, in the meantime, has some flashbacks to people she went to school with and things do NOT end well …

ART:

                Mendoza’s cartoony style definitely is polished up as we get a nice amount of gore, fanservice and emotion. Zombie Tramp never shy’s away from its influences of the old Grindhouse movies and does so here. Mendoza, though, does a great job with artistic touches throughout the issue. Instead of using color throughout all the panels, he actually colors only certain parts, leaving the vast majority black and white.
                The blood is red. The eyes of certain characters are colored. What was even more impressive was that an entire flashback was penciled but not inked, allowing readers to know the difference.  It was inventive way of storytelling and adds to the mood and appeal to the book.  Overall, Mendoza does a good job with simple yet detailed descriptions and stylish choices.

WRITING:

                The issue is very simple. Mendoza goes through the each point quickly. The first plot point is the only one that does not get a full resolution but Mendoza presents a very interesting, witty and frightening story as Janey’s past comes to her present; making her want to get some revenge.  Mendoza dialogue is simple yet powerful in different points. In others, we gives some great examples of how society acts today, especially when stars get into accidents.

                The characterizations were interesting. The plots were intriguing and entertaining. There is every bit of the grindhouse influence in this book but Mendoza gives it a sophistication to the story that makes it much more than mindless gore. It is definitely entertaining.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This is sexy. This is gory. This still shows some interesting things about humanity and how people live in the world now.  It blends horror well with some fun and a bit of drama.

RATING:

                I give Zombie Tramp # 3 a solid 8 … out of 10.