All New Fathom # 7 Review

ALL NEW FATHOM # 7
Written by David Wohl
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan, John Ereck & Erick Arciniega
Aspen Comics 

This will be a spoiler free review.

   OH MY GOD! Okay. The penultimate issue of the maxiseries lives up to the hype. While Aspen, Killian and Chance face Vana ... Muiria is attacked by our little princess ... all grown up. And NOTHING will be the same.

THE GOOD:
     Konat and the rest of the art team render one of the most beautiful books to ever hit the stands. Every detail, every background, every facial expression, every single being in this book is rendered to near perfection. Lively detail, wonderously multi-faceted colors and energetic panels let this book really fly. The art is nice, polished and clean with some great digital inking by Roslan and Ereck. Arciniega performs his best color work in this issue. And I can honestly say that Konat draws for this life this issue ... and makes it immortal. The emotional heaviness of the issue just explodes on to these pages and I could not be happier.
    Wohl writes an action packed, strongly emotional issue. This issue is definitely a point of no return with some of our characters and Wohl makes all the work he's done building up to it start paying off in more thans than imaginable. This issue actually made me feel very disturbed. Since reading the events of Fathom- The Elite Saga to this issue ... it all builds and builds well. Aspen is stronger and more confident than ever yet still has a great vunerbility to her character that Wohl allows readers to know; which really makes her one of the best female characters out there. This issue stands among one of the best reads this year ... between the action and the emotional tension, this book demonstrates why to love comics.

THE BAD:
    Bad does not exist in this book ... save for one particular event for one particular character. And I feel so sorry for  ********.


THE VERDICT:
    The art is superb beyond belief and this issue made me tear up. The writing is some of Wohl's best. This is definitely going down as possibly one of the best single issues of any comic I read this year. Grab this book. I give ALL NEW FATHOM #7 a perfect 5 ... out of 5. Buy it Wednesday!

Fathom Annual # 1 Preview

FATHOM ANNUAL #1
David Wohl, Nei Ruffino, Vince Hernandez – Story

Dennis Calero, Nei Ruffino, Jordan Gunderson – Art -


Michael Turner’s FATHOM returns!


Aspen's first ever FATHOM ANNUAL arrives, jam-packed with three all new stories featuring some of the most popular characters in the Fathom universe—and more! Join veteran FATHOM writer David Wohl as he gives us an inside look at Aspen's former love interest, Chance Calloway, and his thrilling exploits away from her, as he adapts to a whole new world of Blue and Human cooperation! Fan favorite illustrator Nei Ruffino debuts a new FATHOM story all her own, as she handles the writing and art duties in a special tale featuring Aspen Matthews and her new close friend Judith! And Fathom: Kiani writer Vince Hernandez takes Aspen Matthews on a journey to discover a lost city hidden deep under the surface of the water, only what she discovers instead is far more shocking! 

Don’t miss out on the debut of the first ever FATHOM ANNUAL #1 in this thrilling oversized issue featuring a re-mastered FATHOM cover by series creator Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald!

FATHOM ANNUAL #1 is in stores June 18th, 2014! 

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.

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 6

ALL NEW FATHOM #6
David Wohl – Story / Alex Konat – Art / Beth Sotelo – Colors


A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

As Aspen and Chance begin to understand the true implications of Vana's master plan, they realize that the whole world could be in danger, both above and below the seas. But, it may already be too late to reverse the damage! Meanwhile, in Muria, Anya's desperate search for answers regarding her daughter's disappearance lead her to a very surprising, and tragic, conclusion!
Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner’s most beloved creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #6 is in stores April 16th, 2014!

1st Impressions: ALL NEW FATHOM # 5

ALL NEW FATHOM # 5
Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan & Peter Steigerwald
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Open this issue with Aspen, Chance and Judith having some lunch till unexpected trouble finds them. They get help from Fyodor Luzhin, the Russian that offered a job dealing with Blue/Military weaponry. Because of ice popping up everywhere, Aspen and Chance head to Russia with Fyodor to see how bad things are. And things only get worse when some secrets revealed end up causing tension between Aspen and Fyodor.

ART:

                Konat has got his stride here. The pencils in this issue are by far some of the best work in Konat’s career. With Roslan’s inks, there was such rich and detailed panel work that the most mundane actions were quite breath taking to look at. Aspen looks absolutely beautiful this issue and Chance is rigged as ever.
                Konat and Roslan give us great panel composition and kinetic action that really are a feast to the eyes. Steigerwald’s colors are a perfect fit to Konat and Roslan’s work. The colors were used well, with a nice blend of shading and tone shifts to set the right mood for each panel.  The backgrounds are nice and detailed as well.  And the overall look of the book is just magnificent. This is how you kick off the new year!

WRITING:

                Wohl does a great job building up events this issue. Using the plot that Mastromauro and he created, Wohl weaves a great issue that helps build upon previous issues and starts setting the stage for the next set of issues. After last issue being very Vana heavy, we only get one scene with her and her “daughter”, which turns out to be fine. Aspen and Chance get a good amount of development this issue. Aspen knows she is in a rock and a hard place and she knows she needs help; hence her going to Russia after being adamantly against it originally. This gives Wohl an opportunity to show us the growth that Aspen is having; dealing with doing the right thing.

                Chance stands behind Aspen during her trip to Russia; finding himself ready to fight again even after they had walked away from each other before. There was even the awkward question if they were a couple and they both said now at the start of the issue; although, you can definitely seen the tension between them.  It is a good touch on the relationship between these two characters to see where they are now.

                Fyodor did not end up being as much of a scumbag as I thought he would be, which I give Wohl kudos for. There are plenty of them already in this book.  Yet, besides that, there is a lot of set up to the end and Wohl paces the entire issue well; giving us a solid ending.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Best issue of the series yet. Writing and Art was absolutely incredible. 

RATING:

                I give All New Fathom # 5 … a 10 … out of 10. Pick it up on January 29^th!

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 5

ALL NEW FATHOM #5
David Wohl ­ Story / Alex Konat ­ Art / Peter Steigerwald ­ Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe continues!

Believing the undersea threat from Vana to be over, Aspen Matthews returns to the surface to try to resume a normal life and finds an old flame waiting for her upon her arrival--Chance Calloway. Meanwhile, tensions rise beneath
the surface as the true extent of Vana's scheme begins to manifest, and she reveals her actual target--the Capital city of the Blue, Muria!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Peter Steigerwald team up once again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner's most beloved creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #5 is in stores January 29th, 2013!

1st Impression: ALL NEW FATHOM # 4

ALL NEW FATHOM #4

Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Cory Smith, Alex Konat, Mark Roslan & Peter Steigerwald

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue starts to get into the meat and potatoes of the story as we open with some more startling effects of Vana’s plan hitting all around the world. Aspen goes to get help from the Human-Blue Relations office. Yet, Aspen finds that to be a bust till an old friend appears. Meanwhile, Killian goes with some troops to confront Vana.

ART:

                This issue was split between Konat and Smith on pencils. And overall, it is a solidly drawn issue. Smith’s slightly less detailed style seems a bit of a speed  bump in terms of visual changes but it works. The panels are detailed. The backgrounds are full of life. Killian’s scenes were handled by Smith, who does a great job with them. Konat delivers on his pages like always. There was great panel composition, human expression. While Konat’s lines and inking seems a bit cleaner (inking his pages was Roslan), Smith’s inks really work with the heavier inks, as his portions were definitely the “darker” part of the story. Besides the two styles feeling like they don’t complement each other at first, they actually work well together by the end of the book. Steigerwald hits a home run with the coloring for both pencilers, really bring out the best in both. A pretty good job.

WRITING:

                Wohl writes a great issue here. Things are going from bad to worse and Aspen is being proactive; which I found to be a treat. Aspen, overall, is really starting to be an even stronger character as her experience is letting her make decisions for the best of the planet; not necessarily for herself. And while there is a nobility to it, Aspen still retains that this is important but so is her own life she’s building. Her interactions at the Human-Blue Relations Center proved that.

                Yet, the REAL focus of this issue went to Killian. Killian definitely seemed to be do his best to go about things peacefully, as he was commanded to be rather than aggressively, like he wanted to be. Wohl definitely gives us a different side of Killian this issue as he holds steadfast to his duty as he meets with Vana. The issue has some great dialogue and surprises that really work. And Killian meets a “familiar” face once he goes to Vana; which made the issue that much more impactful. Some great pacing from Wohl as well.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The style styles might seem to clash at first but you get comfortable between the two by the end of the book. Solid art. Great story and development.

RATING:

                I give All New Fathom # 4 an 8 … out of 10. Buy it Wednesday, November 27^th, 2013.

Preview: All New Fathom # 4

ALL NEW FATHOM #4
David Wohl ­ Story / Cory Smith, Alex Konat ­ Art / Peter Steigerwald ­
Colors

A new direction in the FATHOM Universe begins!

As Vana brings her attacks below the surface and against the rest of the Blue, Aspen must return to Muria and team up with Killian in an attempt to stem the tide of destruction while trying to discover the truth of what Vana's intentions are. But whose side is Killian really on, and are his motives as genuine as they appear to be?

ALL NEW FATHOM #4 is in stores November 20th, 2013!

Covers by Michael Turner (wraparound), Koi Turnbull, Ale Garza and Alex
Konat!

Comics News: Aspen Exclusives For Stan Lee's Comikaze 2013

Aspen Comics Exclusives For Stan Lee’s Comikaze 2013

Press Release

10-30-13

Aspen Comics has announced their creator appearances, exclusive items and list of events for this weekend’s upcoming Stan Lee’s Comikaze 2013. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Overtaken, Shrugged), Peter Steigerwald (Fathom, Soulfire), Vince Hernandez (Trish Out of Water, Charismagic), Mark Roslan (BubbleGun, Broken Pieces), J.T. Krul (Jirni, All New Soulfire), Beth Sotelo (All New Fathom, Shrugged), David Wohl (All New Fathom, Legend of the Shadow Clan) and Josh Reed (All New Fathom, All New Soulfire) will be appearing at the Aspen Comics Booth #708 throughout the weekend to meet with fans, sign autographs and offer free sketches.

The publisher will be offering numerous Stan Lee’s Comikaze exclusives including the world premiere launch of their final “10 for 10” series, All New Soulfire with an exclusive All New Soulfire #1 Comikaze 2013 cover by Aspen founder and series creator Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald, limited to 200 copies and only available at the Aspen Comics Booth #708.

Aspen will be offering a new series of their art prints including the Aspen Comikaze 2013 print by Turner and Steigerwald limited to 50 signed and numbered editions. The publisher will also release two All New Soulfire prints by Turner, V. Ken Marion with Steigerwald limited to 50 and 75 signed and numbered editions respectively. A new Trish Out of Water print by superstar J. Scott Campbell limited to 75 signed and numbered editions will be released in addition to an All New Fathom print by Eric “Ebas” Basaldua and Steigerwald limited to 75 signed and numbered editions.

“The Official Aspen Comics Panel” will take place on Saturday at 11AM in room 303AB and will include creators Frank Mastromaro, Peter Steigerwald, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, J.T. Krul, David Wohl, Beth Sotelo, David Schwartz and Josh Reed as they reveal never-before-seen art for upcoming releases and open the floor to a special Q&A session with fans. Aspen will also be hosting a “How to Prepare Your Portfolio and Sample Reviews” panel on Saturday at 3:30PM in Room 308AB with creators Peter Steigerwald and Vince Hernandez.

For more information on Stan Lee’s Comikaze please check: www.comikazeexpo.com

For more information on Aspen Comics please check:

#Aspen10

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/fathom

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. 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 produced the one-of-a-kind Anarchy digital graphic novel for the popular body spray company, Axe.

1st Impressions: ALL NEW FATHOM # 3 Review

ALL NEW FATHOM # 3

Written by David Wohl & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Alex Konat, Mark Roslan, Beth Sotelo & John Starr

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Aspen goes to Siphon to talk about what’s been doing on, running into Killian. Yet, Killian seems oddly detached since the events of “The Elite Saga”, which troubles Aspen. As she tries to just deliver her news and go, Siphon insists she joins them in investigating. Meanwhile, a giant ice pillar has surfaced in the middle of the Grand Canyon as Chance’s plane is going straight towards it. Finally, we see more of what is going on with Vana’s “daughter.”

ART:

                Konat and Roslan, once again, deliver a visually breath taking issue. There is wonderful detail in all the characters to make them distinct. There are people of different sizes and colors that are rendered well. Konat and Roslan also give some immersive backgrounds that just pop out at you. Panel composition was solid. And the colors by Sotelo and Starr continue to make this book look amazing. Konat and Roslan seem to hit their stride here as every last detail of this book is a feast for the eyes. Really strong amazing work.

WRITING:

                Wohl and Mastromauro pen a solid issue. The pacing of the issue was very static with very little occurring in terms of action, save for the plane, but that was a good thing. We got a chance to see Chance shine, which we have not in some time. Meanwile, the majority of the issue is used for character development. We get more of an idea of the Blue now ruled by Siphon. We also get some great character bits by the “Princess” and Killian. Aspen, even though she is observing what’s going on for most of the issue, goes through some character development herself. She did not want to go back and investigate but she is dragged in anyway. And she seems to be taking a close look at Killian’s actions as well as her powers compared to his. Wohl and Mastromauro make sure that we feel what Aspen feels; that something is up with Killian. This other mystery on top of everything else is starting to mount tension and impact for what’s to come. Smart writing by the duo.  And while this issue did not blow me away in terms of events, I do appreciate the character development taking place.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This didn’t send me to the moon but it was a strong, character issue. The art is amazing. The pacing is good. The events are as big as they felt the last 2 issues but they didn’t need to be. I enjoyed the issue.

RATING:
                I give ALL NEW FATHOM # 3 an 8 out of 10. 

Preview: ALL NEW FATHOM # 3

ALL NEW FATHOM #3
David Wohl ­ Story / Alex Konat ­ Art / Beth Sotelo, John Starr ­ Colors /
Josh Reed - Letters
A new direction in the FATHOM Universe begins!

Aspen Matthews attempts to return to a normal life with her fellow humans
after turning down the Blue's pleas for help. However, the ice queen Vana
and her deadly minions step up their machinations with a devastating attack
on the surface world. Yet, the biggest surprise may be the return of one of
Fathom's most instrumental characters--and someone that shares a painful
past with Aspen!

Writer David Wohl, artist Alex Konat and colorist Beth Sotelo team up once
again to bring you the latest adventures of Michael Turner¹s most beloved
creation!

ALL NEW FATHOM #3 is in stores October 30, 2013!

1st Impression: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT- IRIS (Vol. 3) # 5

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS  # 5 (Vol. 3)
Written by David Wohl
Art by Alex Lei  & Siya Oum
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Executive Extinction ends with a few bangs and an increasing body count.  We get an EXTREMELY unlikely alliance. Iris reflects after the death of Lily as she meets with her new partner. Meanwhile, the rest of the EAs gather together for a final assault on Mazutsu.

ART:
                Alex Lei was much improved this issue. His art was crisp. His lines were nice and clean with great pencils and inks. Lei draws beautiful and deadly women with good angles.  Lei also gives great backgrounds and sharp shading throughout the issue. Oum shines will some brilliant coloring this issue. There are some great tones used to show darker areas as opposed to lighter ones. The porportions were great this issue and the sequential art flowed well from panel to panel.  A solid job by this art team.

WRITING:
                Wohl ties up the events of Executive Extinction and this latest Executive Assistant: Iris fairly well. Iris gets some good development here, dealing the with loss of Lily as well as confrontations with Rose. And while we do see some of the other EAs, Iris does shine. The narrative helps give the issue a great flow.  The dialogue felt real and the situations fit the storyline and issue well. My only gripe was that it felt a bit rushed at the end. Not much but I think a couple extra pages would have helped make this issue have a better flow. Still, Wohl closes this chapter in Executive Assistant: Iris’s life well with gripping action and good drama that does not drag.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The book is fairly solid. Wraps up everything well. The art was good. Pretty solid issue all around.

RATING:

                I give Executive Assistant: Iris # 5 an 8 … out of 10. 

Preview: Executive Assistant: Iris (Vol 3) # 5

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS (vol 3) #5
David Wohl ­ Writer /Alex Lei­ Art / Siya Oum - Colors

The Extinction finale has arrived!

In this, the final chapter of the thrilling Executive Extinction crossover,
Iris seeks vengeance for her fallen comrade and forces a final showdown with the man who murdered them--the vicious and malevolent Mazutsu. But to get to him, she must cross paths with her own employer, the C.I.A., as well as her greatest nemesis, Rose, who is seeking a little revenge of her own. In the end, only one will survive, and THIS time, it's permanent!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS (vol 3) #5 is in stores September 11, 2013!