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.

Comics News: SHAHRAZAD #1 Sells Out & Gets Second Printing

Shahrazad #1 is a HIT!   Highly Anticipated #1 issue is SOLD OUT, Second Printing Available to Order NOW! Thanks for helping make Big Dog Ink's newest release an official sell out, and on the day of release no less.  We anticipated big things for this series, but the fan response has exceeded even our expectations. While the first printing may be sold out, never fear, there's a second printing available to order NOW in this week's Diamond's Previews Plus, with a brand new cover by Mike Krome and Nei Ruffino.  Ask your local comic book store TODAY to order this super hot comic and ensure you have a copy of #1 waiting for you in Dececmber! Don't miss out on this last chance to get on board with this season's hottest indie comic debut!

Diamond Previews Plus Order Information: SHAHRAZAD #1 2ND PTG (PP #1101) (W) Kim Hutchison, Kari Castor (A/CA) Mike Krome Publisher: BIG DOG INK Item Code: SEP138355 SRP: $3.50 From Big Dog Ink. We are proud to announce a second printing of the sold out issue #1 with a new cover by series artist Mike Krome and Nei Ruffino. A new heroine rises from the legends of the ancient world. Shahrazad was known for her amazing stories of 1001 Arabian Nights, but now it is time to tell her story! She lives a life unlike anything you could imagine. An existence that spans generations as well as genres. Scheduled to ship12/18/13.

1st Impression: SOULFIRE # 6 (Vol. 4)

SOULFIRE # 6  (Vol. 4)
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Mike DeBalfo & Nei Ruffino
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                It’s a BIG showdown between Oris (in Grace’s body)  and the Elemental Dragons vs  Malaikai, Benoist and the other. And the showdown has some radical repercussions.

ART:

                The art was superb this issue. Cafaro and DeBalfo do an amazing job with the pencils. Sharp detail with everyone. Great proportions with the characters. A good amount of details, including the backgrounds. And there are some panels that are poster worthy in this issue. There is a great amount of facial expressions and action that real fit the piece. The detail was definitely great; especially on the larger panels with the dragons and Oris. Any previous gripes I had about these two were washed away this issue. Ruffino’s colors deliver to the sharp pencils. The shading and tones are perfect for each scene and the overall grandeur of the book is heightened by Ruffino’s sharp and vivid colors. A great job by this team.

WRITING:
                This book continues to be entertaining. The stories are epic. The characters feel and act believable. The plot is good. And there is a sense of wonder that grips you through Krul’s writing when you read this book.  There are a lot of characters in this book but Krul juggles them all with ease. And the deepening stories  that come from this issue’s battle are both personal and profound.
                Unfortunately, there is one major problem with this issue: The pacing. The fight does take up most of the issue; I was actually expecting it to take up the entire issue and possibly a bit of next issue.  Yet, it still takes up a good chunk of it. Yet, there is a feeling, with this many characters that the battle moves far too quickly. Oris is an embodiment of Chaos (or so , we are lead to believe); And with the battle with the Dragons was great. It was just a bit too fast for me.  I enjoyed the last few pages because I was not expecting them but overall, things were moving too fast.  Otherwise, this is a solid book.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great art. Good writing. Yet, the pacing is what hurts the story and the book.

RATING:

                While the pacing does hurt the book, the art was even better than the last couple of issues. I give Soulfire # 6 an 8 out of 10.  

Preview: SOULFIRE # 6

SOULFIRE # 6
JT Krul - story/Giuseppe Cafaro, Mike DeBalfo - Pencils/Nei Ruffino -
Colors/ Josh Reed - Lettering

Michael Turner's epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a bold new era!
As Malikai and his technologically infused magical allies try to save the
world from the destructive force of the elemental dragons, Grace is
freakishly transforming before their very eyes and becoming the living
embodiment of Oris--the chaos demon! Can the group save her in time, and
perhaps save the world in the process? Or will this be the decisive battle
where everyone loses, no matter what the outcome?

Comic News: Aspen Comics Announces Exclusives For Phoenix Comic Con 2013

Aspen Comics Announces Phoenix Comic Con 2013 Exclusives

Press Release

05-20-13

Aspen Comics has revealed their much-anticipated Phoenix Comic Con 2013 exclusives as well as their list of creators that will be available at the Aspen Comics Booth #’s 873 and 972 all weekend long.

Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Overtaken), Peter Steigerwald (The Zoo Hunters, Lady Mechanika), Vince Hernandez (Charismagic, Executive Assistant: Assassins), Mike DeBalfo (Soulfire) J.T. Krul ( Jirni, Soulfire), Brett Smith (Jirni, Homecoming) Nei Ruffino (Soulfire) and Alex Konat (Fathom) will be appearing at the Aspen Booth throughout the weekend for signings, sketches and more.

The popular Aspen Splash swimsuit pinup book by Aspen returns this year with an oversized special edition featuring both new and classic pieces by Aspen’s top talents and more. The Aspen Booth #873 and 972 will be offering an exclusive Aspen Splash 2013 Phoenix Comics Con edition with a cover by Aspen founder Michael Turner along with superstar colorist Peter Steigerwald, limited to 250 copies.

The best-selling “10 for 10” initiative celebrating ten years of Aspen Comics continues with two all new “10 for 10” exclusives for the convention. Aspen’s critically-acclaimed series Charismagic returned in May and will feature a special Charismagic #2 Phoenix Comic Con 2013 cover by artist Paolo Pantalena and Steigerwald limited to 200 copies, two weeks prior to its release exclusive only for PCC attendees. Aspen will also be offering an exclusive for their new top-selling fantasy series with a Jirni #2 Phoenix Comic Con cover by series artist Pantalena and Steigerwald, limited to 200 copies.

In addition to exclusive comics, Aspen will be releasing an all-new series of their industry-leading art prints including the Aspen Tour Print 2013 Phoenix Comic Con Edition by Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald limited to 100 editions. Also, Aspen will be offering new Aspen Splash, Charismagic, Jirni and Shrugged prints by Michael Turner, Eric “Ebas” Basaldua and Paolo Pantalena.

For more information please check www.phoenixcomicon.com and 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.

Soulfire # 5 Review

SOULFIRE # 5
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by Giuseppe Cafaro, Mike DeBalfo & Nei Ruffino
Aspen Comics


 FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Malikai and the gang prepare weapons that amplify magic as they find that the Elemental Dragons are causing a lot of problems in the world. Teague is all for this merging of magic and technology but Faye is against it to be used in battle. Meanwhile, as Sarin is worried about his place on the throne and Grace when Miya appears before him.

            As the group splits up to tackle the Elemental Dragons, Malikai tries to go to Grace … seeing if he can free her from Oris’s grip.


ART:

            Holy Frell this issue is BEAUTIFUL. The characters are nice, detailed and distinct. The backgrounds are done well. Everyone from Benoist to Faye were rendered well. No awkard positions. Even  the perspective problem that last issue had was NOT an issue here.  I can BARELY tell that two artists did this issue. Cafaro’s art and DeBalfo’s art mesh extremely well as this issue continues to push towards a final confrontation between Oris and the alliance.  Panels were dynamic and appearing.

            The sharp lines help bring out great details on the characters and the Elemental Dragons … Who look absolutely epic. This book is ridiculously beautiful. And Nei Ruffino’s colors only make each and every single panel much more vibrant that what was seen before. This world is full of characters and we get to see each little by little with wonderous color and shading that fit the scene.  The dynamic and energetic pencils and the vibrant colors make this book a feast for the eyes that one my not soon forget.

WRITING:

            JT Krul really begins to set up the endgame this issue as we get great character interactions between Faye, Teague, Malikai and more. The stake are high. And not only do we have the conflict of the Elemental Dragons and Oris … we also have the conflict of magic vs technology alongside magic WITH technology now. Faye has made no secret that this merging of the two will lead to disaster and is against her faith.

            Meanwhile, Krul tugs at you with Malikai’s believe that they can get through to Grace while others disagree and we begin to see his confrontation with her at the end of the issue. Miya was definitely a surprise this issue but was welcomed as things begin to set up for a final battle. Sarin feeling that his throne is in danger made me dislike the assclown more. A brilliant job by Krul on characterization and overall story for the issue. My only gripe is that the last couple of pages move the otherwise well paced story too quickly. A lot happens in the last few pages and it takes away from the story a little. Yet overall, Krul grabs you with great characters, epic story and rising action leading to what may be an EPIC pay off.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            While the last few pages were much faster than the rest of the book, this was a solid issue. It set up for a climax. It also gave us some interesting thoughts as the long standing magic vs technology now has techno-magic entering the fray. Great characters, GORGEOUS art and a good story that makes you look forward to the end.


RATING:

            Overall, I enjoyed the issue and really looking forward to the next issue. Soulfire #5 gets an 8 out of 10.

Preview: SOULFIRE # 5

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #5
J.T. Krul ­ Story / Giuseppe Cafaro, Mike DeBalfo ­ Art / Nei Ruffino  -
Colors
Michael Turner¹s epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a bold new era!

Malikai and his friends attempt to survive and defeat the onslaught of a
deadly horde of destructive dragons. Meanwhile, the magical races of the
Everlands might have to resort to the unthinkable in order to defeat
them‹the fusing of magicŠwith technology!

From veteran SOULFIRE scribe J.T. Krul, and featuring the amazing art of
Michael DeBalfo along with fan favorite colorist Nei Ruffino, this is the
SOULFIRE tale three volumes in the making! New and returning fans will NOT
want to miss out as the biggest SOULFIRE story ever told continues right
here!

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #5 is in stores !

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.

Soulfire (Vol. 4) # 4 Review

SOULFIRE  (Vol. 4) # 4
Written by JT Krul & Frank Mastromauro
Art by  Mike DeBalfo & Nei Ruffino

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            So … let me be perfectly frank here. (Ha. I made a funny.) There is a LOT of EPIC SHIT that goes down this issue. Benoist  had sacrificed himself to save others and now … the frightening suggestion fusing magic and technology to save him is being devised with interesting results.

            While this is happening, there is definite conflict as the King comes in, finding these methods disgusting . . . even threatening Faye, his Queen. Malikai talks things over with Sonia about the world might be coming to the end for humanity much like the Ice Age was the end of the Dinosaurs. Sarin and Nisaba coming in as several others are talking and Nisaba accusing them of conspiring against Sarin. A small fight ensues but ends when . ..  nah. Not tell you that.

            I will say this. Remember when Malikai compared to what was happening now to the coming of the end of Dinosaurs. Well, we get PLENTY of evidence of that!

ART:

            I have to say right off the bat that Mike DeBalfo is an extremely talented & amazing artist. The visuals in Soulfire were damn near breath taking. There was a lot of beautiful detail. The thick inks really help show off the grandeur of the book and its characters. I honestly can say that several panels and pages would make spectacular posters alone. Ruffino’s colors help accentuate DeBalfo’s art into vivid pieces of art. The characters are nice and detailed. The backgrounds are astounding. DeBalfo & Ruffino’s art is honestly eye sex.

            Which gets me to my one real issue with the art. DeBalfo’s art on some of the smaller panels with people in the distance looks blurry. It could have been hurried due to the fact of the detail to the larger panels but these smaller panels with people in a distance looked rushed. It is really the only blemish on an otherwise magnificently rendered comic.

WRITING:

            Mastromauro works with JT Krul on the plot while Krul does the heavy lifting in terms of writing. And I really enjoyed this issue. The scope of the comic is epic and Krul proves it within these pages. I seriously yelled “HOLY FRELL” (I’m a fan of Farscape: get of it) at least 5 times during the comic. The story was gripping.

            The characters were all relatable. There was a large cast in this book and I really am not familiar with them but now, I want to know all about them. Malikai, Faye & Benoist really resonated with me most of all.  I enjoy the elements of fantasy mixed with modern day in Soulfire. Especially, I loved the aspect of magic vs technology coming to head in this particular issue.  And how the answers to their current problems does not lie with either one individually.

            The pacing for the book was strong with nothing that felt too out of whack that isn’t on purpose. Like I said, there were moments that Krul wrote in that made me yell outloud several times. Krul really shines in this book and world.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Soulfire Vol. 4, # 4 was an exciting issue that will captivate you and astound you. There are a lot of characters but you don’t feel lost. Besides the minor complaint, this really is a stunning, fascinating book full of intrigue, versatility and wonder. This book is clearly one of the most original books out there now.


RATING:

            I give Soulfire Vol. 4, # 4 a 7.5 out of 10. Besides the minor panel fubs, it is a good book. Pick it up.  

PREVIEW: Soulfire (Vol 4) # 4

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #4

J.T. Krul – Story / Mike DeBalfo – Art / Nei Ruffino  - Colors

Michael Turner’s epic fantasy adventure surges forward into a new era!

Possessed by the chaotic spirit of Oris, Grace seems all but unstoppable as her reign of terror storms across the globe. Cities are being destroyed. People are dying. In the Everlands, one of Malikai's closest friends is facing death from Grace's violence. Can the combined power of magic and technology save them? And if so, will the result be a miracle…or an abomination?"

From veteran SOULFIRE scribe J.T. Krul, and featuring the amazing art of Michael DeBalfo along with fan favorite colorist Nei Ruffino, this is the SOULFIRE tale three volumes in the making! New and returning fans will NOT want to miss out as the biggest SOULFIRE story ever told continues right here!

SOULFIRE (vol 4) #4 is in stores March 20th, 2013!

FC                               32 pages                                 $3.99