Comics News: JIRNI Returns This May From Aspen Comics

Jirni Volume 2 Set for May From Aspen Comics

Press Release

04-11-14

On May 21st, Aspen Comics and writer J.T. Krul (Green Arrow, Soulfire), along with artist Paolo Pantalena (Jirni Volume 1) and Brett Smith (Suicide Squad, Jirni Volume 1), return to the fantasy adventure series Jirni for the eagerly awaited second chapter. Volume two follows Ara’s continued quest to find her kidnapped mother before she is enslaved forever to the treacherous sorcerer Torinthal.

"We were all thrilled with the success and reception that Jirni received last year, and I am super stoked to be continuing Ara's adventures in Volume Two,” says writer J.T. Krul. “She's such a strong and determined character, and the quest to find her mother is really just beginning. The first volume was merely a launching point for Ara, as she began what is going to be one hell of a long journey. In many ways, the classical fantasy elements of this book mirror Conan, in that it's focused on a singular, independent character venturing into uncharted territory, discovering new worlds and civilizations. We've got a lot planned for Ara in this new volume from crazy creatures and incredible dangers, to pirates and wizards, and perhaps even a love interest."

Jirni #1 will feature two direct edition covers by Pantalena, and will be released at your local comic shop on May 21^st, 2014. Jirni Volume 2 will also feature upcoming covers by Mirka Andolfo (Damsels in Excess), Jordan Gunderson (Executive Assistant: Assassins) and more to be announced by the publisher.

Diamond Codes:

Cover A Direct Edition: MAR48860

Cover B Direct Edition: MAR48861

Cover C Retailer Incentive Edition: MAR48862

Cover D Retailer Incentive Edition: MAR48863

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

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/jirnicomic

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.

1st Impressions: JIRNI # 5

JIRNI #5

Written by JT Krul

Art by Paolo Pantalena, Brett Smith & Wes Hartman

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Ara decides to deal with Nindar after his “secret way” in the palace turns out to be not so secret. As Ara goes towards the goal of finding her mother, we get Torinthal betraying his Lord. The final show down reveals some more of the origins of the D’jinn as well as a heartbreaking decision from Ara as she fights to rescue her mother.

ART:

                Visually, Pantalena really does a great job with his pencils this issue. The detail to the people and backgrounds are exquisite. Ara looked as deadly as she was beautiful. The action flowed extremely well and, from panel to panel, the issue read and looked more like an anime than a comic. Pantalena’s rich pencils with sharp detail really jumps out at you and never looked better. The colors from Smith and Hartman just flesh out the book even more. The entire book glowed with beauty and a richness in look. And the expressions on the characters faces were well detailed.  A stellar job by this art team.

WRITING:
                Krul continues to write an entertaining joyride as he scribes this final issue of volume 1. Ara has come a long way and Krul develops her, her mother and even Torinthal this issue. Krul dives into the origins of d’jinns in this universe more; giving not only more depth to the characters but speaks on being bound by something or someone. Krul also uses Ara to speak on how people do not understand how big the world is until they go beyond it.
                The dialogue in this issue was very natural. The plot progression was great. Krul leaves you with just enough to want more. My only real gripe is that the issue reads fine but feels just a tad too fast at the end. Otherwise, it is a solid issue with great story and characters with a fitting finale.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While the issue kinda hit a bit a snag with its pacing, it is overall a solid issue. There was resolutions that seemed natural, revelations that definitely fit into the world of Jirni and enough dangling plots to carry over to a second series while allowing this one to stand alone.

RATING:
                I give Jirni # 5 an 8.5 …. Out of 10.

Preview: JIRNI # 5

JIRNI #5
JT Krul ­ Story / Paolo Pantalena ­ Art / Brett Smith - Colors
Take an incredible JIRNI with Aspen's newest hit series!

In a great city at the edge of the world, Ara finally finds her mother, Luna. But finding her and saving her are two very different things - especially with an army of royal guards, a destructive d'jinn, and a wicked sorcerer in her way. It's all been leading up to this as Ara confronts the truth about herself - her past, her present, and even her future; provided
she survives to see it!

After years of preparation, creator JT Krul is ready to take you on a JIRNI unlike any other! Accompanied by the incredible talents of artist Paolo Pantalena and colorist Brett Smith, this is one JIRNI you won't want to miss!

JIRNI #5 is in stores October 9th, 2013!

PREVIEW: JIRNI # 4

JIRNI #4
JT Krul ­ Story / Paolo Pantalena ­ Art / Brett Smith - Colors

Take an incredible JIRNI with Aspen¹s newest hit series!

In the wake of her vicious battle with Anjaha, Ara struggles to grasp her
mysterious connection to the violent d'jinn. But, the time has come for Ara
to face the truth about herself as she finally tracks down her mother along
with Torinthal, the sorcerer who captured her! Yet, that is only if she can
survive the massive Rock Giants of Migara!

After years of preparation, creator JT Krul is ready to take you on a JIRNI
unlike any other! Accompanied by the incredible talents of artist Paolo
Pantalena and colorist Brett Smith, this is one JIRNI you won¹t want to
miss!

JIRNI #4 is in stores July 31st, 2013!

1st Impressions: JIRNI # 3 Review

JIRNI # 3
Written by JT Krul
Art by Paolo Pantalena, Brett Smith, Beth Sotelo & Wes Hartman
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We continue our journey with Ara and Nylese as their journey has them find more of Nylese’s people. Meanwhile, we get some back story on Queen Luna … including her origin as well as big clues behind the origin of Ara herself. This, of course, is while she is being strung along with Torinthal, who sent a powerful & deadly djinn after Ara.

                After her people welcome her to the kingdom, Nylese votes to celebrate while Ara wants to leave. Of course, it is too late as the deadly djinn arrives, attacking Ara and Nylese’s people.

ART:

                Paolo Pantalena’s art really shines throughout the entire issue. There is a certain majesty to each issue of this series that he brings that I have not quite seen in other work of his.  Pantalena gives these really powerful, full pencils that just jump out of the page. Besides Ara, none of the other women look exaggerated.  Considering Ara’s body, her porportions being a little exaggerated work for her. The backgrounds are wonderfully lush, vivid and varied between the forest of Nylese’s people to the cities within the book to the mountains. Pantalena really lets his pencil fly with sharp work that catches your eye and does let go.

                Colors by Smith, Sotelo & Hartman really intensify Pantalena’s work. Quieter moments have the lighter touch in terms of colors while the action is given a bit more intensity. You can see it during Ara’s battle with the Djinn that the shading and colors are just slightly more vibrant but in a good way … matching the tone and the action.

                The art team does a superb job with the art this issue.

WRITING:

                JT Krul really steps us the game and plot this issue. We got some details on Luna’s origins as well as clues as to Ara’s. We got some great character development from both Nylese and Ara between their scenes together. Torinthal continues to be that villain that you love to hate cause he’s a bastard through and through. With Luna, he feels he has great power. And that is one of the worst things about Torinthal, even though we barely see him this issue. Krul gives us enough to know that he is a bastard.

                Ara continues to show multiple facets of herself as she is protective of Nylese, caring for her mother and compassionate in battle … when the situation calls it.  The fact that Ara displayed the power to read the Djinn’s feelings was profoundly interesting; opening over how Djinn’s feel when they are taken by a master. That was added on top of the layer of what Luna had stated as she recalled her own origins. 

                This leads to more and more fascinating possibilities for the story to take and what Torinthal is really doing. Krul opens those doors and keeps you held with good story. I admit, I was confused at the start of these series but this issue helps explain a lot and lays the seeds for what is to come nicely with a great cliffhanger.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                 A story that reveals more about the background of the main players and the main character. A good amount of story with little action but it feels balanced. Nylese’s people welcoming her so easily was a welcomed changed from the normal … “we can’t trust you cause you are from such and such” . The art was dynamic, full of energy, sharp and gripping. A great issue. 

RATING:

                This is a great comic. Even if you hadn’t read the first 2 issues, you won’t be lost. I give Jirni # 3 a 9 … out of 10. 

Preview: JIRNI # 3

JIRNI #3
JT Krul ­ Story / Paolo Pantalena ­ Art / Brett Smith - Colors
Take an incredible JIRNI with Aspen's newest hit series!

Discover a whole new world of adventure! As her companion Nylese reaches the
end of her journey while finally discovering the fabled city of her people,
Ara's road ahead remains ever perilous. Throughout facing many dangers and
threats in her challenging quest, how can she possibly survive Torinthal's
powerful and deadly d'jinn, when it comes seeking her end?

After years of preparation, creator JT Krul is ready to take you on a JIRNI
unlike any other! Accompanied by the incredible talents of artist Paolo
Pantalena and colorist Brett Smith, this is one JIRNI you won¹t want to
miss!

JIRNI #3 is in stores June 26th, 2013!