Action Lab Entertainment September 2014 Solicitations

 SOLICITATIONS: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2014 
The following titles will be available for purchase in comic shops everywhere! 



 

CRIMSON SOCIETY#1
Writer(s): Mike Hunau
Artist Name(s): Carlos Trigo
Cover Artist(s): Carlos Trigo (r), Daniel Logan (v)
 
 In the very near future, supernatural beings live among humans in peace, yet Jack Crimson finds his life as a werewolf frustrating, and wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate to free himself from this curse, he makes a series of decisions leading him down an unexpected path. Join Jack as he makes his way through this dark new world. Features a variant cover by Daniel Logan (Ghost Town), limited to 1,500 copies!

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


DRYSPELL # 3 (Bi-Monthly)

Writer(s): Ken Krekeler
Artist Name(s): Ken Krekeler
Cover Artist(s): Ken Krekeler
 
 The stage is set. Tom Ferris, once little more than an office drone, is about to return to the man he once was. Side-by-side with masks and costumes, he has calculated a grand return to the limelight of his yesteryear. His entourage assembled, his target marked, his city is calling to him. It watches and waits for the black.
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                                          $3.99
 
 
 
  
EHHM THEORY: EVERYTHING AND SMALL DOSES #1
 
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford (reg), Jerry Gaylord (var)
 
 Action Lab's underground hit series returns! Time-jumping assassin monkeys, an evil military super-force, and paranormal ex-lovers plague Gabriel Ehmm and his blood-bound talking feline Mr. Whispers in this eye-smashing, brain-messer of a sequel entitled; Everything and Small Doses. Features a variant cover by Jerry Gaylord, limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant


 
THE F1RST HERO # 2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Anthony Ruttgaizer
Artist Name(s): Phillip Sevy (art), Fred C Stresing (letters/colors)
Cover Artist(s): Lee Moder (standard cover), Ray-Anthony Height (variant)
 
 Back on American soil, Jake settles into his normal life. But when the police attempt a violent takedown on a teen extrahuman, will Jake endanger that normal life and use his own powers to save the boy? Or will he keep quiet and abandon the youth to his grisly fate? Variant cover by Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger and Marvel’s: Fear Itself, Spider-Girl) limited to 1,500 copies!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 

JACK HAMMER :USURPER #1 (OF 2) (Bi-Monthly)
Writer(s): Brandon Barrows
Artist Name(s): Ionic
Cover Artist(s): Ionic
Just as things are starting to get back to normal for Jack McGriskin and friends, a new shadow falls across their path... and lands squarely on Ramona! A mystery man stalks her through the streets of Boston, but is she his target or only a means to an end?
 32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $3.99

 
 

MIDNIGHT TIGER #3 (Now a monthly series)
 
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra, Ray-Anthony Height
Artist Name(s): Ray-Anthony Height
Cover Artist(s): Ray-Anthony Height (Marvel: Fear Itself, Spider-girl, Image: Noble Causes)
 
 Gavin has to shake down an old friend for some intel, but may end up going too far. Unfortunately for Gavin, Powerstone and the Apollo Bay Police Department are on the hunt…and it’s MidnightTiger season!
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                   $3.99
 


 
MISHKA AND THE SEA DEVIL HC
Writer(s): Xenia Pamfil
Artist Name(s): Xenia Pamfil
Cover Artist(s): Xenia Pamfil
 
 Eleven days trapped on a mysterious island. Eleven chapters drawn in eleven different styles. One incredible artist. After a chance encounter at sea, fisherman Mishka washes ashore on an uncharted island. Surrounded by monsters and worse, can Mishka survive long enough to solve the mystery of the Sea Devil and return home? Join her, Captain Furball and Admiral Ghost on the adventure of their lives!
100 pgs./Teen/ FC                        $24.99


 
 
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #2 (OF 6)
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils, Inks, Colors) Marvin Chevealier (color assists)
Cover Artist: Tressina Bowling
 
 After successfully completing her first mission, Shianndrea is allowed to accompany Kim on reconnaissance to New Tokyo in order to spy on the Azumi Ninja Clan. Things can't be better! However, just when things are getting cozy between the two ninja, Ai joins the mission, making these three ninja a crowd.
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC                                    $3.99




SKYWARD VOL.4: SINS OF THE FATHER
Writer(s): Jeremy Dale
Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale
Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale
 
 Jeremy Dale and Action Lab proudly present the fourth volume of the smash-hit, SKYWARD! In the wake of the Battle at Three Rivers, it's certain that new alliances must be formed to withstand the armies of the Brother Kings. Enter: The Berserkers! Continuing the fantastic action-fantasy epic from CGS 2013 Breakthrough Creator and Harvey Award nominee Jeremy Dale (G.I. Joe, Marvel Kapow!), following the thrilling tale of Quinn and his dog, Jack-- as we travel ever further into the strangeness of the unknown! Collects Skyward #10-12!
96 pgs./ All Ages/ FC                                    $9.99  

 
SOUTHERN DOG#2 (OF 4)
Writer(s): Jeremy Holt
Artist Name(s): Alex Diotto
Cover Artist(s): Riley Rossmo
 
 After revealing his involvement with the KKK, Jasper’s farther forces him to confront a bully from school through violent tactics. Refusing to participate, Jasper fleas the scene only to succumb to another "episode" as the beast inside of him resurfaces. Unable to fight it, Jasper suddenly finds himself in the middle of his town's racial war. Featuring series covers by red-hot artist Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar)!
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99

 
  
ZOMBIE TRAMP #3
 
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu
 
 Zombie Tramp has fallen in with the wrong crowd in her adventure to Las Vegas… specifically, the undead clutches of the king of Sin City’s sex trade. Now she’s being forced to wed the jump-suited monster of a man in a private ceremony at the Grand Canyon! But in this unholy wedding, “Til death” is just the start. Features a “risqué” variant cover limited to 2,000 copies!
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC                        $3.99/$4.99 Variant

 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.

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 Offerings For Free Comic Book Day

 

For immediate release
ACTION LAB HAS EVERYTHING YOU WANT FOR FCBD!

SKYWARD/MIDNIGHT TIGER, ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY among Silver level books, launches new series.

Pittsburgh P.A.- Action Lab Entertainment, The most exciting new comic book publisher to hit the scene is proud to announce their FREE COMIC BOOK DAY offerings for 2014. The company dedicated to world class, genre- bending entertainment will release two “Silver level” books for FCBD, SKYWARD /MIDNIGHT TIGER and from their Danger Zone imprint, ZOMBIE TRAMP / EHMM THEORY.  

Free Comic Book Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at participating comic book shops.

SKYWARD, the runaway hit series by Writer /Artist Jeremy Dale (G.I.Joe, NFL RushZone) features the story of a young boy named Quinn, the son of a legendary warrior named Corin. Living in the Idyllic countryside with not a care in the world his life is turned upside down when an old friend of his father manages to track them down. Now, Quinn and his dog Jack are on the run, headlong against a threat more terrible and a world more fantastic than they ever imagined. Newsarama.com calls Skyward “well executed coming of age tale” and TMSmash.com calls Skyward “ A great read for EVERY age comics fan.”

Joining Skyward this year will be a brand new Action Lab Series, MIDNIGHT TIGER
Created by Artist/Writer Ray-Anthony Height (Spider-Girl, Power Man: Shadowlands) and Co-written by DeWayne Feenstra (The Adventures of Aero-Girl), Midnight Tiger stars high school senior Gavin Shaw, who after attempting to save the life of the gravely injured hero known as Lionsblood finds himself waking up in a hospital bed days later with amazing new super human abilities. The FCBD Book will, like last year’s MOLLY DANGER/PRINCELESS offering, lead into a four issue miniseries of the same name, launching in July.

For fans of the sexy and strange, the Action Lab Danger Zone imprint is also proud to announce their second FCBD offering ZOMBIE TRAMP/EHMM THEORY.

Called “one of the most original and fun zombie books to come out in the past several years“ by Aintitcool.com, ZOMBIE TRAMP is Dan Mendoza’s tale of a high priced Hollywood call girl named Janey who gets set up on a bad date by her transvestite Madame. Bitten by a zombie, Janey seeks out vengeance on those who wronged her. Cartoon grindhouse action abounds -- with voodoo queens, zombie convicts, and crooked LAPD!!  The FCBD Story will launch the third volume of the series co-written by Jason Martin (Night of the ‘80’s Undead) with new regular artist TMChu. Issue #1 will feature covers by Josh Howard (Dead@17), Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies) and Jamal Igle (The Terminator: Enemy of my enemy).

Brockton McKinney’s EHMM THEORY has been called “A heavy hitter in an already blood-and-guts saturated market, while carving its own niche one issue at a time” by Fangoria Magazine. EHHM THEORY tells the story of Gabriel Ehmm, a normal guy who has awoken to a world where zombie ‘little people’ rise from graves, someone calling himself Saint Peter offers bargains, and his pet kitten can now talk. Connected by blood and straddling the afterlife, Gabe and Mr. Whispers (the aforementioned talking cat) begin a universe-spanning adventure in the first issue of this mind-bending and genre-blending new series.

THE FCBD Story is a great primer for the launch of EHMM Theory Volume 2, set for a June release.

FCBD 2014 marks the largest ever FCBD event with 60 books to choose from. The comics include incredible titles from forty publishers featuring fan-favorite and new comic book characters that encourage readers to explore the fun and excitement that comics have to offer.

Chosen by retailers on the FCBD Committee, there’s a free comic book for everyone’s taste!

A complete listing of all sixty FCBD titles, including the twelve Gold and forty-eight Silver comic books, can be found in the January issue of Diamond Comic Distributors’ PREVIEWS catalog, on sale at all comic book shops December 31, 2013 or by visiting the comics section of the Free Comic Book Day website at http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Home/1/1/27/992.

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.

Preview: EHMM THEORY Vol. 1 TPB

EHMM THEORY Vol.1 TPB
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford, (colors - Jason Strutz)
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford
Synopsis: Gabriel Ehmm was doing just fine until the morning he woke up… dead! Now, along
with his talking kitten, Mr. Whispers, the two begin the wildest ride of their un-lives. Ehmm Theory
Volume One collects the critically acclaimed mind-melting adventure that features all that plus
pint-sized zombie clowns, giant cybernetic crustaceans, and a super-team of the bizarre!
Special Notes: Collects the first four critically-acclaimed (Fangoria, Aint It Cool News) issues of
the break-out hit series.

FC/ 112 pages / $9.99       MATURE READERS

1st Impressions: EHMM THEORY # 4

EHMM THEORY # 4

Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz

Action Lab Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Revelations give Gabriel and Mr. Whiskers shocks as Aaron faces his son and starts giving answers. Dominika wants none of that as she sends G.O.D.D. to capture them. But not everyone in G.O.D.D.  agrees with Dominika. It leads to some startlingly revelations about Dominika, Aaron and Gabriel as this issue ends the first miniseries.

ART:

                Ford and Strutz give a tour de force in this issue. The panels have great detail and backgrounds. Everyone has a nice distinct look. There are so many kinds of things this issue: people, robots, animals, talking animals, dimensional portals and much more. This book expands your imagination in ways that both make sense but never thought of before. The emotional moments look authentic and powerful. The characters look realized, with great nuisances and good expressions. The colors are vivid. The pencils and inks are powerful. A stellar ending for Ehmm Theory’s first miniseries.

WRITING:

                McKinney writes a very strong ending to this first miniseries. There was definitely a good amount of emotion, revelations and handled the plot lines very well. The dialogue, as always, was some of the best in comics today. McKinney really puts a lot of joy in his work … as we shall monsters that would come from our imaginations but at the same time, we might not have thought of. The characterizations felt very authentic. The pacing of the book is really good for the amount of events that happen within this final issue. Although, there are a couple of parts that might make it feel too fast.  And while things get tied up well, McKinney leaves it open for more with one last, stunning revelation.

OVERALL RATING:

                The writing is stellar. The art is amazing. While there are a few fast parts to the issue, overall, this was an enjoyable ending to one of the most inventive series in comics.


RATING:

                I give Ehmm Theory # 4 a strong 9.5 … out of 10. 

ACTION LABS December 2013 Solicitations

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT’S DECEMBER 2013 RELEASES The full slate of books appearing this month in comic shops nationwide. EHMM THEORY #4 (of 4) Writer(s): Brockton McKinney Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford, (colors - Jason Strutz) Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford The conclusion to the first hit Ehmm Theory arc, Cat, Quantum and Contrition is here! Questions are answered, allegiances are altered, and the series begins its first steps in a bold new direction. PLUS, the debut of Pecker Frank’s latest and most freakish creature: RoBearToPus!  The book AINT COOL NEWS called “Fun, easy to read and crafted for fans who love comics.”You can’t afford to miss this one, folks! FC/ 32 pgs./2.99 US        On sale DEC. 4 FRACTURE #1 Volume 1 ENCORE EDITION Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi Just in time for FRACTURE Volume 2, see where the story began with this encore edition of FRACTURE Volume 1 #1! In the metropolis of Lower Triton, the city’s greatest hero, Virtue, its nastiest villain, Malice, and an everyman named Jeff have something very important in common. They’re all the same guy — and none of them knows it…until now! FC/ 32 pgs./2.99 US        On sale DEC. 4 FRACTURE #1 VOLUME 2 Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c) Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi (p/i), Bill Blankenship (c) Life has been good in Lower Triton since the events of FRACTURE Volume 1. Jeff has suppressed his fractures, taking both the villainous Malice and the heroic Virtue off the table. But the city still has a hero in…Virtue?! Which villain is looking to fill Malice's shoes? Newheroes! New villains! New Fractures! Variant cover by Jamal Igle! FC/ 32 pgs./2.99 US        On sale DEC. 18 NFL RUSH ZONE SUPERBOWL SPECIAL TPB Writer(s): Kevin Freeman and David Dwonch Artist Name(s): Various Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale Collecting the first story arc of the hit NickToons television series! See Ish Taylor and the NFL Guardians as they battle villains and robots of all sorts in an effort to protect the NFL and its fans. Packed with appearances from a number of NFL superstars, including Roddy White, Philip Rivers, and Calvin Johnson! FC/ 80 pgs./19.95 US        On sale DEC. 4 PRINCELESS SHORT STORIES Volume 1 TPB Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley Artist Name(s): Various Cover Artist(s): Emily Martin The first ever collected edition of Princeless short stories is finally available from Action Lab!Want to know more about Bedelia Smith? Curious about what happens to Prince Wilcome after King Ashe throws him in jail? Want to spend more time with the Princesses Ashe? Get all this and more from a variety of hot young artists as we collect the first four issues of short stories from the Eisner-nominated world of Princeless! FC/ 128 pgs./11.99 US        On sale DEC. 18 PRINCELESS#1 ENCORE EDITION Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley Artist Name(s): M. Goodwin Cover Artist(s): M. Goodwin  Now's your chance to experience Adrienne's Eisner-nominated first adventure again or for the first time. Adrienne is determined to save her youngest sister Appalonia, but to do so she's going to have to raid her own family's castle and face the scariest guardian of all -- her father! FC/ 32 pgs./1.00 US        On sale DEC. 11 SKYWARD #5 (ONGOING) Writer(s): Jeremy Dale Artist Name(s): Jeremy Dale (p/i)  Steve Downer and Laura Martin (c) Cover Artist(s): Jeremy Dale NOW AN ONGOING SERIES!   Skerrigan is on the prowl, leaving bodies in his wake as he chases down Quinn--but will he discover the Rabite camp? The highly-acclaimed, all-ages action-fantasy ups the ante as our heroes scramble to escape their fates. Skyward is making waves! Alternate cover by Khary Randolph (Charismagic, TMNT) and Laura Martin (Thor, Authority)! FC/ 32 pgs./2.99 US        On sale DEC. 18 NIGHT OF THE 80’S UNDEAD #3 (0f 3) Writer(s): Jason Martin Artist Name(s): Bill McKay Cover Artist(s): Bill McKay This is it! Our gang of Hollywood teens make their last-ditch effort at escaping the escalating commie zombie cocaine virus that is rapidly spreading to engulf their fellow tinsel-town residents! Can a superstar celebrity's outlandish home offer respite from the pending cold war meltdown? Can anyone survive the Night of the Cokeheads? FC/ 32 pgs./2.99 US        On sale DEC. 11 PIRATE EYE: IRON BARS WRETCHED TALES ONE-SHOT Writer(s): Josiah Grahn Artist Name(s): Carl Yonder Cover Artist(s): Carl Yonder The most hard-boiled pirate detective around finds himself in a jail cell with three criminals and an agenda, but what is it he wants? Only the ensuing battle of wits will reveal his cellmates' secrets - and his own. One thing is certain: not everyone gets a happy ending!  FC/ 32 pgs./2.99 US        On sale DEC. 4

1st Impression: Ehmm Theory # 3

EHMM THEORY # 3

Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz

Action Lab: Danger Zone

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            So, after last issue completely changed the status quo of what we thought this series was about, we get even more surprises. As Gabriel, Mr. Whispers and Alyona continue journeying to find Gabriel’s father, Aaron Ehmm; we are introduced to Alyona’s old friend, Tym.  The search reveals how Gabriel’s parents had met. Yet, Dominka is closing in and a reunion gets more and more difficult as Gabriel finds out more about his parents than he bargained for.

ART:

            Larkin Ford and Jason Strutz continue to dazzle people with their art. The cartoony style mixed with detail and modern super hero sensibilities really make this book’s art stand out. And this issue really gives you a vast variety of things: talking animals, robots, medieval like princesses and modern day guns. There are various kinds of backgrounds in this book that also really shows off Ford and Strutz’s skills. The art is smooth, with enough detail to show people and animals of all shapes and sizes. The inks are very clean and sharp. Ford’s pencils continue to electrify. The book constantly makes you see the unexpected and Ford pulls it off so well. With great proportions and even more vivid colors, this was a solid issue.

WRITING:

            McKinney continues to write one of the most innovative, most status quo shattering books in comic book history.  Every time you think you have your footing and feel like you know where this book is going, McKinney pulls the rug under you. This issue’s revelations just add to the mystery behind the book while building up to this first miniseries’ finale. While McKinney is building his world, he makes sure to keep developing his main characters. While this issue, it does not seem apparent, Gabriel got some deep development with the multiple revelations this issue. His reactions to everything kept building and building on what has been established. Whispers and Alyona also get great development.

            Yet, McKinney weaves so many twists and turns so well to the emotional attachments in the show. The pacing for the book is good but honestly, if the book was a little slower, then it’d be perfect. Otherwise, this is one of the best written books I have ever read.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            This issue was simply amazing! Great art. Exquisite Story. Good pacing. Besides the manor pacing issue, this book just continues to be one of the best comics ever.

RATING:

            I give Ehmm Theory # 3 gets 9.5 out of 10. BUY IT!!!

Comic News: Action Lab Danger Zone Launch Titles Sells Out At Distributor

Action Lab: Danger Zone Launch Sells Out At Distributor

Thursday, June 13th - As of last night, Action Lab was informed by multiple retailers that both of our two Action Lab: Danger Zone launch titles - “Ehmm Theory #1” and “Ghost Town #1” - have sold out all copies through Diamond Distribution and all reorders from retailers are currently being put on hold.

First and foremost, Action Lab would like to thank all of the retailers and fans who have made the launch of our new imprint a tremendous success.  It’s a fantastic problem to face to have such high demand that we’re struggling to meet it.  It would frankly be impossible without your support.

On another note, it’s not over yet.  Action Lab is tapping our company supply of convention stock to meet all orders through Diamond.  Retailers still have the opportunity to get first-print copies of both Ehmm Theory and Ghost Town’s premier issues.  We will be issuing a resupply to Diamond later this week to cover all outstanding orders.  On that note, we encourage you to get your orders in as soon as possible while we still have copies in stock.  We intend to fill every last Diamond order for both titles as long as we can and encourage all retailers to contact their Diamond rep about ordering or reordering both books.

Again, thank you so much to all the retailers, reviewers, and fans who have made our lives a little more difficult - in the most pleasant way possible.  We look forward to hearing from all of those who read and enjoy our books in the coming month.  For any retailer questions, please contact our Director of Marketing at jwhitley@actionlabcomics.com

Jeremy Whitley

Action Lab Director of Marketing

1st Impressions: EHMM THEORY # 2 Review

EHMM THEORY # 2
Written by Brockton McKinney
Art by Larkin Ford & Jason Strutz
Action Lab Entertainment


FLIPPING THROUGH:  (WARNING SPOILERS)

            Gabe and Mr. Whiskers are on a journey with the old woman they met at the end of last issue to find his father, Aaron Ehmm.  The old woman gives us some background.  Alyonia, the old woman, tells a little about Aaron, her, his sister and an old professor named Lanny who actually met a ********* ******* in the South Pole.

            Things get weirder as they are then attacked by a GIANT lobster and are saved by a team of …  ********* called G.O.D.D. Yup. GODD’s leader, **********  says she’ll protect Gabe and that they are the good guys. Alyonia though tells Gabe that they do not need their help. Mindwolf leaves a card with Gabe as he and Alyonia leave to meet an old friend of his father’s. I am not even gonna spoil the ending …


ART:

            Larkin and Strutz love what they are working on cause it shows in the book. Larkin’s style, mixing comic strip art with the fantasy of super hero comic art really shines through in these pages. It does not have a great amount of detail but it is more than enough to show you what is going on and to convey whatever the creators are trying to say or do in the panels.

            No overly exaggerated women’s butts everywhere. No overly muscular men. The monsters are magnificent And everything has a neo-classic feel that is gripping from panel to panel. Strutz colors really bring out the best of Larkin’s art throughout the whole issue by making sure the colors really express the tone of the moment. When things are a bit quieter, the colors are more subdued … including in the flashback. When the action starts, Strutz makes it more vibrant, which only enhances the colors and what Larkin is trying to do. A real outstanding job by the art time as this issue was visually entertaining.


WRITING:

            This is, by far, one of the best written books I have read in the last decade. This is not me being a fanboy. This is me stating fact. You think you know this book after reading the first issue . .. and this book COMPLETELY plays you for a fool and I loved every second of it. You read the flipping through section .. . it was nothing I expected after the first issue. There are SOOOOOOOOOO MANY questions after this issue that I am looking forward to more. The characterizations are believable and relatable. The plot is amazing and complex. The characters are diverse. I do not know where this book is going anymore and I love it. McKinney surprises the reader several times this issue. I gave  a couple of spoilers but this is by far one of the best books I have read.

            The only thing working against it is that someone who hasn’t read the first issue will feel a little lost. Yet, it is still a very enjoyable ride. And the mysteries make me want more. And I laughed so hard when Mr. Whiskers was arguing with T.A.M.M.I. cause the dialogue felt so real and it was just so surreal watching a talking cat curse out a  ********.  McKinney is well on his way to being one of the greatest new comic book writers in history with Ehmm  Theory. And I know that Larkin Ford also adds to the book as well.  Honestly, hands down one of the best written books I have ever read.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            F*cking Magnificent. The book is stellar. The art may turn off some people but I love it cause it is very unique and the book itself is just so well written. Your life is not complete without reading this book.


RATING:

   Ehmm Theory # 2 gets a 9.5 out of 10. And the point 5 off is cause it may not be the most accessible issue but still amazing. Buy this book. Buy this book for you. Buy this book for your friends. Buy this book for everyone you know. This is what comics is truly about. Order it in stores. OWN THIS BOOK NOW!

Ikaricast S5, Ep 3: Interview with Brockton McKinney & Larkin Ford

On this week's Ikaricast xaos and Seraph interview Larkin Ford and Brockton McKinney of Ehmm Theory which is a book under Action Lab Entertainment's Danger Zone imprint.

Questions, Comments, email theikaricast@gmail.com

Links for this week: 

www.actionlabcomics.com/

www.actionlabcomics.com/DangerZone

Download the episode here