Preview: ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS # 4

ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS #4
Brian Buccellato – Story / Pasquale Qualano – Pencils / John Starr - Colors

It’s an all-new direction for the Executive Assistant that started it all!

With the clocking ticking and a price on her head, Iris must fight her way through bounty hunters and assassins as she tries to rescue Cherry from kidnappers. Badly outnumbered and outgunned, Iris gets an assist from an unlikely source -- a former Executive Assistant who was honor-bound not to interfere.

Aspen is proud to welcome writer Brian Buccellato and penciler Pasquale Qualano to the Iris family! Along with colorist John Starr, this incredible creative team is ready to bring you an ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!

ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #4 is in stores April 16th, 2014!

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!

Preview: ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS # 2

ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS #2
Brian Buccellato ­ Story / Pasquale Qualano ­ Pencils / John Starr - Colors

It¹s an all-new direction for the Executive Assistant that started it all!

Shao and his cadre of armed mercenaries confront Iris and Maly, but the true
conflict is not found in their present‹but, in their past. The brutal
sacrifice of Maly¹s actions many years ago have now come back to haunt her,
and force Iris to make a decision she¹s not entire comfortable making. A
decision that could be extremely dangerous for her future!

Aspen is proud to welcome writer Brian Buccellato and penciler Pasquale
Qualano to the Iris family! Along with colorist John Starr, this incredible
creative team is ready to bring you an ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS
unlike anything you¹ve ever seen before!

ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #2 is in stores October 23,2013!

ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: IRIS #1

Brian Buccellato ­ Story / Pasquale Qualano ­ Pencils / John Starr - Colors

An all-new direction for the Executive Assistant that started it all begins
right now!

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS is free from the murky past that has haunted her
fate and threatened her existence up until this point. Now, with her former
master Ching, the mastermind Mazutsu and the CIA a distant memory, Iris will
painstakingly discover that the start of a new life for an Executive
Assistant can be anything...but free from danger!
 
Aspen is proud to welcome writer Brian Buccellato (Flash, Black Bat), and
penciler Pasquale Qualano (Soulfire: Grace) to the Iris family! Along with
colorist John Starr, this incredible creative team is ready to bring you an
ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS unlike anything you¹ve ever seen before!



  


ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #1 is in stores September 18th, 2013!

1st Impressions: FATHOM - THE ELITE SAGA # 5

FATHOM: THE ELITE SAGA # 5

Written by Vince Hernandez, JT Krul & David Wohl
Art by V. Ken Marion, Mark Roslan, Kyle Ritter, David Curiel & John Starr
Aspen Comics
FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open this issue with our heroines (Aspen, Anya & Kiani) trapped by the resurrected Taras and his giant squad monsters. They poison our heroines as Taras goes on about how the baby should have never been born and how the Squad monsters drain water from everything they touch. Yet, Kiani’s warrior skill gets her free. 

                As Kiani, Aspen & Anya get free, Taras does his best to deal with both Aspen and Kiani. Teras looks as if he’s going to kill Aspen when Anya attacks Taras with Kiani’s water blade. Taras shrugs off Anya only to deal with Kiani. Taras jumps into this machine that also has the baby in another part of it. But as the machine starts, Kiani attacks it with her sword, causing a terrible explosion and . . .


ART:

                This book has had a phenomenal run. A weekly miniseries, done by the same artist. V. Ken Marion continues to shine this last issue alongside digital inker, Mark Roslan. The final issue has plenty of emotion, interesting things (the cavern where they fought Taras, the Squad monsters & even Taras himself) and was visually appealing. Sure, we got a couple of splash pages but those were well worth it as it get weight to both moments they were used.

                Marion’s clean pencils are sharpened by Roslan’s fine inks. Our three heroines were very distinct in look and manor … Marion making sure that he shows that Anya is older. And our trio of colorists go all out this issue to make sure the colors were right for the areas and tone of the story. Nothing was too vivid and the color team made sure the source of light was something else since they are under the sea.

                Overall, a stellar job by the art team.

WRITING:

                In a surprise move, the last issue was scripted by Vince Hernandez instead of JT Krul. Yet, since the two of them worked out the overall story with David Wohl, it did not affect the flow of the story form the previous issues at all. Hernandez, Krul and Wohl make sure to have this issue have the right amount of action alongside of emotional weight.

                Status quos changed at the end of this issue as Aspen, Kiani and Anya were all profoundly changed this issue, thanks to Teras. Hernandez makes sure that the narration also carries a lot of emotion weight to pull at the reader’s heart strings and it DEFINITELY works. While Aspen does not seemingly do much, this story does have direct effects on her as her own status with The Blue and her normal walls that she has with people definitely came down a bit after this story.

                The finale was full of surprises, particularly the ending that will make your jaw drop. Kiani, though, is the most profoundly changed by the end of the events of the issue. This issue wrapped up the long stand issues well. My only real grip is no real team with Killian after the fact but overall, Hernandez delivers.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                An emotionally powerful ending that changes a bunch of characters profoundly. This was not so happy of an ending. The story was paced extremely well. And by the Matrix, is it beautifully rendered.


RATING:

                This was a wild ride with a strong ending. Minor gripe aside, this was an amazing final issue. Fathom: The Elite Saga #5 gets a 9 … out of 10.

                

1st Impressions: LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN # 5

LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN # 5
Written by David Wohl & Brad Foxhoven
Art by Cory Smith & John Starr
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                It is the final issue of the first miniseries. And it goes out with a bang. We got Brayden and Pogo dealing with some drones sent out by Koji. Meanwhile, Morgan and her grandfather end up trying to help police. Once Pogo uses his skills to figure out where Koji and his parents are, he tells Morgan. Their grandfather then has the police travel behind him to Koji’s base where the final battle ensues.

                As Brayden and Pogo end up facing Koji, the rest of their family tries to escape . ..


ART:

                Cory Smith gives a strong showing this issue. With some movement, technology and embracing backgrounds, Smith really gives your eyes something to look at. The action was well displayed. The people’s bodies were distinctive.  Smith’s art is very smooth with clean lines and sharp inks that give the art depth.

                Starr’s colors really help gives Smith’s art depth and mood lights each panel.  Smith and Starr work well together to give you an exciting, action packed comic. What I love from Smith and Starr is that this book takes place during the evening and they color and shade to give that illusion.

                The art was rendered well and very enjoyable.


WRITING:

                Wohl and Foxhoven give us a climatic ending that is somewhat pleasing but does have an issue.  While the book had a great, action packed ending that was exciting, it had one main issue: the Ending was too fast.  There was a lot that went on in this issue that would have benefited if it had another issue left to stretch it out, then the story would have been perfect.  Yet, the opening few pages were paced well but the second half of the book moved way too fast for the ending.  The break neak pace at the end ties everything up too quickly. It takes away from the story. 

                Legend of the Shadow Clan # 5 has great dialogue, showed off wonderful  characterization and has good action. Wohl is a master with characterization & narration and displays it this issue.  This is pretty good writing but a misstep there at the end.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The book ends well but not great. The quick ending holds it from being perfect. Still, great art and good story ends out this first miniseries.

RATING:

                I give Legend of the Shadow Clan # 5 a 7 out of 10.

Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 Review

LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN # 2
Written by Brad Foxhoven & David Wohl
Art by Cory Smith & John Starr
Aspen Comics


FLIPPLING THROUGH:

            We open to Koji Tokurei giving a verbal lashing to his ninja, then go over surveillance footage of what happened to the Ninja that Richard Himura killed. Yes. Mild mannered Richard Himura kicked a ninja’s ass all by himself.
           
            Meanwhile, after being interrogated about Darren’s murder, Richard gets to go free … thanks to his father. His father says they need to talk but Richard was not in the mood. Richard returns to his family, who welcome him home but then the kids go to school.
           

            At school, Brayden is in detention but leaves to follow a pair of twins he thinks are hot … getting into some trouble. Meanwhile, young Pogo feels like something is up and figures out that something happened to Darren. It ends back with Koji deciding his next move.


ART:

            Cory Smith has very sharp, detailed work. The backgrounds are beautiful. His men and women are very distinct. You can easily tell each character from the other. There is something of a rhythm in this book’s art. It flows well, panel to panel. Being dynamic when it needs to be to tell a story but not crazy for the sake of being crazy.

            Smith’s sharp art is brought to life strongly with the help of John Starr’s colors. With the pencils and inks being so sharp, Starr’s colors really step up Smith’s art. The cinematic feel of the pages at times really fit with the store. This art team is impressive in this second issue.


WRITING:

            In the first issue, there was a LOT of exposition. Yet, this issue, we get a great balance. While there was no major action during the issue, the plot advanced well. The pacing of the book really helped ease through the scene changes. And we got a rich amount of character development.

            Wohl and Foxhoven really do a great job giving the characters voices this issue. From Eva, to Richard, to Koji to Brayden. Each voice is distinct with a personality. Again, the pacing this issue was excellent as it is ground work for what is next but still very interesting and helped fleshed out the characters more. A better job this issue from Wohl and Foxhoven.



OVERALL IMPRESSIION:

            Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 takes out the wordy exposition, replacing it with great dialogue that feels very authentic. The characters look and feel very real. The plot and characters are appealing. Great art and a solid story that is moving along, much like an action movie. Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 is a great mid point for the story, making everything move along with no really dragging or feeling as if it is moving too fast. Great job but the creative team here.


RATING:

            Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 does a great job doing a little world building, character development and overall moving of the plot with stunning art. Pick it up!

            I give Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 an 8.5 out of 10.

Comic News:Legend of the Shadow Clan # 2 Continues "10 for 10" Incentive Covers

ASPEN’S LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN #2 TO CONTINUE “10 FOR 10” WITH J. SCOTT CAMPBELL INCENTIVE COVERS AND NEW RESERVED EDITION

 

Press Release

01-23-13

On the heels of the successful launch of their “10 for 10” anniversary initiative and the first release, Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 selling over 35,000 copies, Aspen Comics plans to keep the momentum going for issue number two, highlighted by a special J. Scott Campbell Retailer Incentive cover amongst other incentive offers for fans and retailers. Created by David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven and written by Wohl with art by Cory Smith and John Starr, the solicitation for Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 reads:

The Arashis believed themselves to be just an average family, but everything changed the night that Dr. William Arashi inadvertently found himself in a battle with well-armed assassins, and he not only survived, but he defeated them! Exhilarated and confused, Arashi now discovers that this attack was not random, and that he and his family are anything but ordinary--they are members of an ancient and powerful ninja family known as the Shadowclan. But now that their secret has been discovered, they realize they are ALL in great danger!

Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 will feature a direct cover by series artists Smith and Starr, and will also feature an Aspen Reserved Edition cover by guest superstar penciler Billy Tan with colors by Aspen’s Peter Steigerwald. Fans and new readers who add the series to their local comic shops’ subscription service are eligible to receive the special Aspen Reserved Edition cover. Those customers who add all ten new Aspen “10 for 10” number one issues to their store’s pull box will then be eligible to receive the free full-size Aspen “Perfect 10’s” jam poster featuring all ten Reserved Edition covers on one image colored by Steigerwald.

Aspen also encourages fans and new readers to check with their local retailer to reserve the exclusive Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 Retailer Incentive cover by industry superstar J. Scott Campbell. Aspen is pleased to announce Campbell will be providing covers for all Aspen “10 for 10” number two issues for ten straight months.

For more info on Aspen’s “10 for 10” initiative, Legend of the Shadow Clan and more please check the following:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/legendoftheshadowclan

Twitter.com/aspncomics

Instagram: aspencomics

#Aspen10

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

Comic News: Aspen Goes "10 for 10" To celebrate Anniversary

Aspen is planning to celebrate the publisher’s tenth anniversary this February in a big way, with their largest offering of new titles in their history.

Launching their special “10 for 10” initiative that will feature ten new series releases, one each month over the span of ten months. Aspen’s “10 for 10” will debut with the launch of Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 on February 6th, 2013. From creators David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven (Executive Assistant: Iris) and the art team of Cory Smith and John Starr (Broken Pieces, Fathom), Legend of the Shadow Clan marks Aspen’s first all new property of 2013. Below is the publisher’s solicitation for the new Aspen release:

Meet the Arashi family. They are like any other family living in the city: kids in school, parents working to make ends meet. But unbeknownst to even them, their ancestors held a dark secret: they were a clan of ninja in feudal Japan, in the employ of a prominent leader. But when that leader was murdered under mysterious circumstances, the Arashi Clan was blamed, and forced to flee, going into hiding. Over the centuries, the descendants lost track of the ancient ways. They came to America, abandoning their sordid past to distant memory. However, recently, their secret has been discovered--their ancient enemy has returned, and won't rest until every member of the Arashi clan is killed. Now, the Arashi family must rediscover their long-forgotten birthright if they hope to have any chance of surviving the onslaught to come, and along the way, they will learn the LEGEND OF THE SHADOWCLAN.

To celebrate the first release of the “10 for 10” initiative and to thank fans and retailers for their support in getting Aspen Comics to the milestone decade mark, Aspen is releasing the first issue of Legend of the Shadow Clan for the highly affordable price of only $1. As well, every subsequent #1 issue for each new release in Aspen’s “10 for 10” program will be offered at the same low $1 price.

To help support comic shops’ push for Legend of the Shadow #1 and the Aspen “10 for 10” titles to follow, Aspen is offering a multitude of special incentives for stores to choose from on the debut issue, priced at a near Free Comic Book Day level to retailers:

Every fan or new reader who lets their local retailer know to add Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 to their subscription box is eligible to receive the special “Aspen Reserved Edition” cover for each “10 for 10” #1 title. Fans who collect all ten Reserved Edition covers at their local comic book store will then be eligible to receive the free Aspen “10 for 10” Jam Poster (to be revealed soon!) featuring characters from all ten titles and colored by superstar colorist Peter Steigerwald.

Any retailer who orders 50 copies of the $1 priced Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 will receive a signed and numbered copy of the direct cover edition, along with a certificate of authenticity.

Retailers who order 100 copies of the $1 priced issue one will receive the above listed incentive as well as one free CCG 9.8 edition of Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 Reserved Edition cover.

For every 250 total combined copies of the standard and Reserved Edition covers ordered, retailers will receive all of the above listed incentives and one free original hand drawn Sketch Cover by Legend of the Shadow Clan series artist Cory Smith.

Each retailer who orders 750 total combined copies of the standard and Reserved variant edition covers are eligible to receive those copies with an exclusive cover featuring their store logo or image incorporated into the cover illustration. Qualifying retailers will be contacted to confirm the specifics of your exclusive image. All prior listed incentives are also included at this level.

And for stores who order 1500 total combined copies of the standard and Reserved variant edition covers, those retailers will receive a special store signing appearance by a creator of Legend of the Shadow Clan, receive 200 additional past Aspen exclusive comics for the signing, and be included in an interior ad page of the comic promoting the event. Qualifying retailers will be contacted to confirm the specifics of your signing. This incentive is highly limited to the first five participating stores. All prior listed incentives are also included at this level.

For more information on Legend of the Shadow Clan and Aspen Comics please checkwww.aspencomics.com and www.aspenstore.com and follow Aspen’s “10 for 10” on Twitter with the hash tag: #Aspen10