1st Impression: SHRUGGED 2 # 4 Review

SHRUGGED 2 # 4
Written Frank Mastromauro

Art by Jonathan Marks, Beth Sotelo & Kyle Ritter
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Theo and his friends are in trouble as a vastly changed Ange and Dev show up in reality to cause chaos and more. As Lou walks in, things go from bad to worse. Yet, as Theo, Lou and the others try to fend off “Dark” Ange and “Dark” Dev, they are blessed with some unexpected help as things continue to worsen in Perspecta.

ART:

                Marks continues to give us a very visually unique style as we continue to get deeper into this miniseries. His line work is a bit rougher this issue than it was in previous issues. While I admit that the rougher pencils were great for the first half of the issue, once the conflict was done, I found them less appealing. They were still good but just felt like they were a bit too rough for the more quiet scenes. Still, Marks unique style continues to keep your eyes focused on his work and is, overall, appealing.

                Sotelo and Ritter continue to come up with the right blend of colors that really realize Marks pencils. The dark battles and darker shades fit the battle with Ange and Dev perfectly. And the colors, looking almost water color like, really work well in the more quiet scenes. A fairly good job.

WRITING:

                Things seem to be going to a strong climax as this issue has Theo and the gang face Ange and Dev. While the battle is going, Theo is showing off his bravery and how much he’s come to care for Lou. Kudos to Mastromauro to have a good battle within a house that is going on while developing a character at the same time. The pacing to the story was strong and flowed well. The characters were a joy to read about and Mastromauro gives some solid dialogue that feels true to teenagers today and true to the characters. I am intrigued to see what happens as our group goes to Perspecta themselves.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great story. The art was kind of up and down this issue but still a decent read.  If the scenes after the battle did not look as rough or rushed looking, this book would have been near perfect.

RATING:

                I give Shrugged 2 # 4 a 7.5 out of 10. 

Preview: SHRUGGED # 4

SHRUGGED #4
Frank Mastromauro ­ Story / Jonathan Marks ­ Art / Beth Sotelo, Kyle Ritter - Colors

Not much hope remains as Lord Slive and his fear creatures have gained control over Perspecta and the Earth. Though all seems lost, Theo isn't giving up and heads to a forgotten land where one last bastion of help may reside. However, the journey itself is a task very few have ever survived,
and Theo¹s chances of making it are not looking up!

Created by Michael Turner and Frank Mastromauro, with illustrations by newcomer Jonathan Marks and colors by Beth Sotelo, make sure to listen to the voices inside your head and pick up the newest issue of SHRUGGED today!

1st Impressions: Shrugged 2 # 3

SHRUGGED 2 # 3
Written by Frank Mastromauro
Art by Jonathan Marks & Beth Sotelo

Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Theo is enjoying life while Ange and Dev watch as Theo goes through practice, meet up with the mysterious and kind of stalker-ish Mr. Scelus and then nearly getting into a fight with Rick.

            In Prespecta, Chaos becomes unleashed, attacking the citizens and slowly taking it over.

            Back on Earth, the chaos has an effect on both Ange and Dev … which in turn, makes Theo go through pain. So much so that Theo ends up on Perspecta and . . .


ART:

            This issue continues to display the beautiful art from Marks and Sotelo.  What I love is the contrasts that are consistently viewed in this issue. Not just the two realms of Earth and Perspecta but also Ange and Dev. The edgy pencils and inks really help give a different yet animated texture. Ange always looks fluid while Dev is a bit more gruff. Marks gives his people distinct features while Sotelo’s colors really help give energy to Marks’ work.

            The only slightly problem I saw was one panel where it was people from a distance had no distinct features. I know it is hard to make faces from such a distance but it just looked weird to see no faces at all.

            Otherwise, Marks and Sotelo beautifully render this issue.

WRITING:

            Mastromauro spends the issue giving us a day of the life of Theo while building up the threat and chaos that was to come. Theo is growing up while the relationships he has are definitely coming to bear … especially Kiori. Her feelings for Theo are becoming apparent to all … but Theo. Meanwhile … seeing the corruption of Perspecta. We see over the course of the issue how the corruption is affecting Perspecta and the ending definitely nailed that things have gotten bad.

            The issue was paced well. And I am intrigued what is going to happen next. Yet, I felt a bit … meh. I enjoyed the issue. I like Theo and I love Ange and Dev. But there just felt like something was missing and I can’t put my finger on it. Otherwise, it’s got great dialogue, interesting characters and a good plot.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            We get a good day in the life story with a b plot dealing with the corruption of Perspecta. Having both plots meet at the end was done well and the art was superb. The writing is good I just felt like something was missing.


RATING:

   I give Shrugged 2 # 3 a 7.5 out of 10. Good, could be better. Yet, still read it and pick it up.

Preview: SHRUGGED # 3

SHRUGGED #3
Frank Mastromauro ­ Story / Jonathan Marks ­ Art / Beth Sotelo - Colors

The long awaited return of SHRUGGED continues!

You think you¹re prepared, but you¹re not. You¹ve been decisive in your
actions up to this point, but now things have been turned upside down. You
feel you¹ve conformed your mindset and are ready to accept what you¹re about
to experience, but you haven¹t. That¹s because SHRUGGED is back and ready to
blow your mind!

Perspecta has a new dark ruler as Lord Slive revels in his takeover and now
plans his attack on planet Earth. Barely surviving with his life, Magnuss,
the ousted true leader of Perspecta, reaches out for help, but who will come
to his aid? Meanwhile, Theo¹s girl troubles are heating up as he¹s torn
between the three women in his life. Those may be the least of his worries
though because something bad has happened to Ange and Dev, and Theo may not
survive their new transformations!

Created by Michael Turner and Frank Mastromauro, with illustrations by
newcomer Jonathan Marks and colors by Beth Sotelo, make sure to listen to
the voices inside your head and pick up the newest issue of SHRUGGED today!

SHRUGGED #3 is in stores June 5th, 2013!

Con News: Aspen Strikes Long Beach Comic Expo

Long Beach Comic Expo Next Stop For Aspen Comics

Press Release

05-08-13

Aspen Comics will be appearing at this weekend’s Long Beach Comic Expo on Saturday, May 11^th, and will be offering exclusive Aspen convention items and more for the one-day event. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Overtaken), Peter Steigerwald (Zoo Hunters, Soulfire), Vince Hernandez (Charismagic, Executive Assistant: Assassins), Mark Roslan (BubbleGun, Broken Pieces), Beth Sotelo (Fathom, Shrugged), David Wohl (Legend of the Shadow Clan, Fathom) and Jonathan Marks (Shrugged) will be appearing all day long at the Aspen Comics Booth and will be available for signatures and free sketches.

Aspen and the Long Beach Comic Expo have also teamed up to offer special Aspen Combo Ticket packages with a large assortment of Aspen collectibles. The combo packs are as follows:

Aspen Comics Charismagic Package:

$25 pack – limited to 50 total (over $30 product value). Includes: Charismagic #1 Mini-print, limited edition of 50; Charismagic #1 Reserved Edition Cover; Charismagic: The Death Princess #1 Retailer Incentive Edition Cover; and a Long Beach Comic Expo ticket (one adult).

Aspen Comics Combo Package:

$50 pack – limited to 25 total (over $125 product value) Includes: Michael Turner Anniversary Edition Swimsuit Full Size print, limited edition of 25; Shrugged #2 J. Scott Campbell Retailer Incentive Cover; The Lost Spark Novel; and a Long Beach Comic Expo ticket (one adult).

For more information on the Long Beach Comic Expo please check www.longbeachcomiccon.com.

For more information on Aspen Comics please check the following:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

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. In 2012,

Shrugged vol.2 #2 Review

Back into the world of Shrugged. The issue picks up where the first left off; reintroducing characters from the first season and introducing new ones. Theo's guardian angels are at it again with their appropriately stereotypical behavior. Dev (a demon like guardian) continues to be the wild man, while Ange (you guessed it, an angel like guardian) continues to be polite and proper; putting him in his place.

The overall story moves forward through the events happening in the realm of Perspecta, home of the guardians. An unseen assailant, presumably the villain witnessed at the end of issue #1, is murdering and terrorizing the citizens of Perspecta. But it's what happens with Theo back on Earth that gets the most attention in this issue. Our main character has gotten himself caught in a sort of love rectangle. Dev seems to think it's good news. But we'll have to keep reading to see if it's the contrary.

The art is solid as it was before. Each realm is distinct and different. You can easily distinguish Earth from Perspecta. My only qualm was during the football game. I got the two cheerleader love interests confused. Theo had just bumped into one and then another popped up and said "Hey you made it." I thought, "What the hell? Didn't we just speak with you broad?" After flipping back I realized they were two separate characters; blonde and brunette. Would be nice to have a stronger distinction, as rhe blonde's hair is kind of a dirty blonde.They both so easily fit the 'popular cheerleader' motif. But maybe that was the point. And what's up with Kiori wearing a shirt that says 'Joey'? Something I missed from the first series run?

Shrugged vol. 2 #2 gets a 4 out of 5.

Con News: Aspen Reveals Exclusives & Creators Going to WonderCon

Aspen Reveals WonderCon Anaheim 2013 Exclusives and Creator Appearances

 

Press Release

03-25-13

Aspen Comics has released their WonderCon Anaheim 2013 exclusives as well as their list of creators appearing at the Aspen Comics Booth #701 on March 29-31st. Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged), Peter Steigerwald (Zoo Hunters), Vince Hernandez (Charismagic), Mark Roslan (BubbleGun), J.T. Krul (Jirni), Beth Sotelo (Shrugged), Mike DeBalfo (Soulfire), Nei Ruffiino (Soulfire), David Wohl (Fathom), Lori Hanson (Executive Assistant: Assassins), and Jonathan Marks (Shrugged) will all be appearing throughout the weekend at the Aspen Comics Booth.

Aspen is offering two highly-limited show exclusives: Legend of the Shadow Clan #3 will be released early at the show with a special Wondercon Anaheim exclusive cover by Mike DeBalfo and colored by Peter Steigerwald and limited to 200 copies. Aspen will also be releasing an Executive Assistant: Assassins #9 WonderCon cover by Giuseppe Cafaro and David Curiel, limited to 200 copies. Both exclusives will only be available at the Aspen Comics Booth #701.

To continue their ten-year anniversary celebration, Aspen is releasing the Aspen Tour Print 2013 WonderCon Anniversary Edition, with art by Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald, limited to 125 editions. Aspen will also be releasing all new prints featuring Soulfire, The Legend of the Shadow Clan and Shrugged.

The “Ten Years of Aspen Comics” panel will take place on Saturday, March 30^th in room 208 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm and will feature all of Aspen’s creative talents as they answer fans’ questions and reveal what’s in store for the next ten years of Aspen Comics.

Aspen Editor-in-Chief Vince Hernandez will be offering portfolio reviews all weekend for aspiring artists in room 206b. Here is the dates/times for the reviews:

Friday: 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Saturday: 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Sunday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

For more information please check www.comic-con.org or www.aspencomics.com

#Aspen10

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 is celebrating their tenth anniversary in the industry with their “10 for 10” initiative and more original properties forthcoming later in the year.

Shrugged 2 #1 Review

SHRUGGED 2 #1 REVIEW

Script| Frank Mastromauro
Art| Jonathan Marks & Micah Gunnell
Colors| Beth Sotelo
Letters| Josh Reed

Aspen Comics' ten year anniversary continues with the release of Shrugged 2 #1. Shrugged 2 is a continuation of the original Shrugged released back in 2006. Fans can rejoice as the story still follows the exploits of teenager Theo and the chips on his shoulder/alternate dimensional consciences; Devonshire and Angelia. The two effectively serve as an influence on Theo's decisions and the source of the powers he wields.

Shrugged 2 does a good job of recapping the events of the original within the first 5 pages, making it easier for newcomers, like myself, to ease into the series. The first issue is spends most of its time setting up for the story arcs to come (as expected), introducing potential love interests, friends and the current social climate in Theo's life on Earth and on Perspecta (Devonshire and Angelia's homeworld). It ends with a nice bang introducing what presumably is an old villain.

Shrugged 2 was a good quick read. I didn't have any trouble getting through it once I picked it up. The artwork is solid. There are some awesome border illustrations, but the colors are what really worked for me. So, kudos to Beth Sotelo there. Some of the panels do a great job of describing internal thoughts or emotions, particularly the ones revolved around Devonshire. Devonshire, won this book for me. He's hilarious and truly captures some of the inner thoughts of a straight male teenager. Pick it up and see for yourself.

4 out of 5

Preview: Aspen Comics' SHRUGGED # 1

SHRUGGED #1

Frank Mastromauro – Story / Jonathan Marks / Micah Gunnell – Art / Beth Sotelo - Colors

Aspen’s Ten Year Anniversary celebrates the return of SHRUGGED!

You think you’re prepared, but you’re not. You’ve been decisive in your actions up to this point, but now things have been turned upside down. You feel you’ve conformed your mindset and are ready to accept what you’re about to experience, but you haven’t. That’s because SHRUGGED is back and ready to blow your mind!

Theo and his friends are entering their final year of high school, and even though Ange and Dev are still along for the ride, a host of new characters have joined in on the adventure! But, everything isn’t all fun and games this time around as an evil force has also returned and is preparing to silence those voices inside their heads…permanently. If you thought you knew what fear was, you haven’t seen anything yet!

Created by Michael Turner and Frank Mastromauro, with illustrations by newcomer Jonathan Marks and colorist Beth Sotelo, make sure to listen to the voices inside your head and pick up a copy of SHRUGGED #1 today!

SHRUGGED #1 is in stores March 13^th, 2013!

FC                               32 pages                                  $1.00  

Comic News: Shrugged # 1 Sells Over 32K , Retailer Exclusive Covers Revealed

ASPEN’S SHRUGGED #1 SELLS OVER 32K COPIES, PERSONALIZED RETAILER EXCLUSIVE COVERS REVEALED

Press Release             

02-25-13

Aspen is pleased to announce that the second release in their ambitious “10 for 10” initiative, Shrugged #1, has ordered in excess of over 32,000 copies and will feature a large array of retailer exclusive covers personalized for each individual store. Aspen Owner and President Frank Mastromauro discusses:

“As the writer and co-creator of the series, I couldn’t be happier with the great response we’ve had to the long awaited return of Shrugged. After having it on the schedule for several years, seeing it come back as one of the ‘10 for 10’ launch titles is a complete thrill. This volume was born with an idea Michael Turner had for the sequel to our first volume of the series, and I couldn’t be more proud bringing to life for everyone!”

Aspen is pricing each debut #1 “10 for 10” issue for the affordable price of only $1 and is also offering other incentives for each release such as original hand-drawn sketch covers, CGC editions, and special retailer incentive covers by popular artists J. Scott Campbell and Eric “Ebas” Basaldua.

Fans and new Aspen readers who add each of the “10 for 10” titles to their comic shop’s local subscription service will be eligible to receive the special Aspen Reserved Edition variant covers. Those fans who collect all ten Aspen Reserved Edition #1 covers will receive a free full-size Aspen “Perfect 10’s” Jam Poster featuring all ten “10 for 10” covers on one image colored by superstar colorist Peter Steigerwald. The Shrugged #1 Aspen Reserved Edition cover features artwork by series artist Jonathan Marks and Steigerwald.

Aspen encourages everyone to check out the release of Shrugged #1 for only $1 on March 13th.

For more information please check the following:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/shrugged

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. 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 is celebrating their tenth anniversary in the industry with their “10 for 10” initiative and more original properties forthcoming later in the year.