Comics News: JIRNI Returns This May From Aspen Comics

Jirni Volume 2 Set for May From Aspen Comics

Press Release

04-11-14

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

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

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

Diamond Codes:

Cover A Direct Edition: MAR48860

Cover B Direct Edition: MAR48861

Cover C Retailer Incentive Edition: MAR48862

Cover D Retailer Incentive Edition: MAR48863

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

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/jirnicomic

Twitter.com/aspencomics

Instagram: aspencomics

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Priding itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements Along with their own successful properties such as Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Charismagic, Broken Pieces and more. Aspen also collaborates with the comic industry's most successful companies and endeavors including Marvel Comics and DC Entertainment. Aspen has collaborated with Marvel for various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, and Ultimatum. Aspen collaborated with DC Comics to provide covers for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: The Return of Supergirl, The Justice League of America, and Eisner-nominated covers for the critically acclaimed, best-selling Identity Crisis series. In 2006, Aspen joined forces with television giant NBC to create the online comic adaptations for the hit television series Heroes. In 2012, Aspen teamed up with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment to produce the horror-adventure series Dead Man’s Run, as well as collaborating with director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision to produce the horror comic Haunted City. Aspen also produced the one-of-a-kind Anarchy digital graphic novel for the popular body spray company, Axe. Currently, Aspen recently celebrated their tenth anniversary in the industry with their successful and best-selling “10 for 10” initiative.

Comics News: Aspen Comics Heads For Alamo City Comic Con

Aspen Comics Heads To Texas for Alamo City Comic Con

Press Release

10-22-13

Aspen Comics is returning to Texas for this weekend’s Alamo City Comic Con 2013, and will be debuting several convention exclusive items along with several popular creators. Aspen’s Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Overtaken), Vince Hernandez (Trish Out of Water, Charismagic), Mark Roslan (BubbleGun, Broken Pieces), Brian Buccellato (All New Executive Assistant: Iris, The Flash), and Paolo Pantalena (Jirni) will be appearing at the Aspen Comics Booth #’s B6, B7 and B8 throughout the weekend.

In addition to creator appearances, Aspen is debuting two convention exclusive comics at the show. All New Fathom #3 will feature a special Alamo City Comic Con cover by illustrator Siya Oum, limited to 200 copies. Aspen will also be offering an Executive Assistant: Assassins #16 ACCC 2013 cover by Pantalena and Chuck Pires, limited to 200 copies, a week early at the show.

The publisher will also be a featuring a new release of their industry-leading art prints including the all new Aspen Tour Print ACCC Anniversary Edition by Ale Garza and Peter Steigerwald, limited to 50 editions, a ACCC Soulfire print by Pantalena and Steigerwald limited to 50 editions, a ACCC Executive Assistant: Assassins print by Pantalena and Pires limited to 50 editions, and an ACCC Fathom print by Siya Oum limited to 40 editions.

For more information on the Alamo City Comic Con please see: www.alamocitycomiccon.com

For more information on Aspen Comics please check:

www.aspencomics.com

www.aspenstore.com

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, Jirni 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. Recently, 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.

NYCC News: Aspen Goes Hard for 2014 Announcements

Here is a breakdown of all of the Aspen Comics NYCC Announcements:

New Aspen Series Debuting in 2014:

“Lola” from creator Siya Oum (Charismagic, Executive Assistant: Iris) will be released in Spring 2014 and features a story fully written and illustrated by Oum. Featuring a post-apocalyptic landscape and one woman’s desire to discover the truth about her missing parents while she traverses the landscape known as the “Wasteland” in search of them.

“Damsels in Excess” from creator Vince Hernandez (Charismagic, Trish Out of Water) and Mirka Andolfo (Charismagic, Trish Out of Water) is a fairy tale action-adventure series that centers on a young princess, Bethany, who must survive the deadly threat of her fellow princesses of the Five Realms before they destroy her kingdom—and end her life.

Returning Aspen Series in 2014:

J.T. Krul’s fantasy adventure series “Jirni” returns for a second volume with the original first volume’s art team of Paolo Pantalena and Brett Smith following the breakout success of its initial offering. Aspen will also be releasing a spinoff mini-series written by Krul, “Jirni: Fall of the D’jinn” set for release the same month as the launch of Jirni: Volume 2.

David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven’s “Legend of the Shadow Clan” returns for a second volume as well, following the hit first story arc. The art team of Cory Smith and John Starr will be returning as the series art team for the next volume.

Aspen Novels New Release – “7 to Die”:

Aspen Novels is set to publish “7 To Die” by author Tag Roberts in 2014. Aspen will be adding another novel to their burgeoning line of books this year with the release of “7 To Die” with more to follow soon. “7 TO DIE” tells the story of Lex MacArthur, a bright, but struggling San Francisco college student who inexplicably receives an enigmatic clay pendant with an etched eight-pointed star in the mail. The pendant, which unlocks a bevy of dormant superhuman genes, also ignites Lex’s mission to discover who she is and where she came from. With several new enemies aggressively pursuing her to extort and capitalize on her newfound abilities, Lex is forced to fight for her life and save those she loves from certain death.

Aspen Offering Digital Omnibus Editions on Comixology:

Aspen has teamed up with Comixology to offer large-scale omnibus editions of their popular flagship series Fathom, Soulfire and Executive Assistant: Iris. The Fathom Omnibus Edition Volumes 1 and 2 are available for purchase now, with the Executive Assistant: Iris and Executive Assistant: Assassins Omnibus Editions available on October 16^th. November will see the release of the Soulfire Omnibus Edition Volumes 1 and 2.

Aspen to Produce New Guided View Content For Comixology:

Aspen will be offering all new titles featuring the Guided View feature on Comixology with more news and release dates to be revealed soon.

1st Impressions: JIRNI # 5

JIRNI #5

Written by JT Krul

Art by Paolo Pantalena, Brett Smith & Wes Hartman

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

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

ART:

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

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

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

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

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

Preview: JIRNI # 5

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

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

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

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

1st Impression: JIRNI #4 Review

JIRNI # 4
Written by JT Krul
Art by Paolo Pantalena & Brett Smith
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
Ara wakes up after being blasted away by the Djinn, Anjaha … in the arms of a rock creature of unknown origin. She, at first, thinks the rock creature a foe but does not attack her. But when his family attacks Ara, he helps her fend off the rest of the family.

Meanwhile, News of Ara’s “death” reaches Torinthal and Luna. Luna … engraged by the news, for the first time in her capture, goes to her Djinn form and attacks Anjaha … who takes it while Torinthal smiles … cause he has gotten what he wanted.

Ara arrives in the city of Veris at last. As she goes in, she meets a thief named Nindar and that only leads to more troubles.

ART:
I will say that with every issue, Pantalena gets better and better. His detailed pencils really shine in a unique style. There is an edginess that I have not really seen much in sequential art. The panel work definitely pops off the page as Pantalena isn’t afraid of using different perspective shots when making panels, which really works. As usual, great amount of detail with vivid backgrounds.

Kudos to Smith for coloring this beautiful work as well as working on its shading to add depth and texture to Pantalena’s work. The rock people look really textured and Smith pulls of the right color and shading to make them look so. The women look beautiful, except for Rock man’s mommy, while men look strong or a thinner and more cunning. Pantalena and Smith make sure that they giving you a lot to see in the book. A wonderful job by this group.

WRITING:
Krul continues to build upon this new world, giving us mysterious creatures of various shapes and sizes. Alongside that, Krul firmly reminds you that this is Ara’s book. This is the story of Ara and her quest to save her mother and never loses focuses on that as Ara must deal with the rock people and later, her troubles within the city of Veris. Ara’s characterization was handled well, making sure that Ara did not fall into a damsel in distress. Also, Krul does well portraying a mother’s rage when Luna hears the news of her daughter’s death; which was also crafty as Torinthal manipulated the situation into getting what he wanted. Krul handles this well.
Yet, I do find one problem with the issue. The Jump from the rock people to Ara in Veris felt rushed. It messed with the overall pacing. While, all the scenes in the book were indeed enjoyable to read and very well written, this jump at the end felt a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book.

And while I do understand why Krul did it, it just messes with the books flow. Otherwise, great story, great characterization and a good cliffhanger.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

Krul continues to build this new world of Jirni and it continues to get more and more interesting. We got cat people and now rock people. The art is amazing. And the story is great … save that jump between Ara with the rock people to Ara in Veris. Still, the story continues to entertain and be intriguing and the ending will make you say “Uh oh.”


RATING:

Great art, Great story only hurt by that pacing shift. Solid book by this creative team. I give Jirni # 4 a 8 … out of 10. Buy it on Wednesday.

PREVIEW: JIRNI # 4

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

Take an incredible JIRNI with Aspen¹s newest hit series!

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

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

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

Comic News: Aspen's Schedule of Events At SDCC 2013

Aspen Comics SDCC 2013 Schedule of Events

Press Release

07-15-13

Aspen Comics has released their full schedule of events for this week’s Comic Con International: San Diego 2013. The publisher will be hosting their largest ever gathering of Aspen creators at the Aspen Comics Booth #2321. Creators Frank Mastromauro, Peter Steigerwald, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum,  Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Ale Garza, Joe Benitez, Eric Basaldua, Nei Ruffino, David Wohl, Tony Parker, Beth Sotelo, Lori Hanson, Jonathan Marks and Josh Reed will be appearing throughout the weekend at the booth for signings, free sketches and more. The full schedule of signings is below:

THURSDAY:

11:00 – 12:30PM – ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald

2:00 – 3:30PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Beth Sotelo, Eric Basaldua, Nei Ruffino

4:00 – 5:00PM – ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Eric Basaldua

FRIDAY:

10:30 – 11:30 CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Jonathan Marks

12 – 1:00PM – TEN YEARS OF ASPEN COMICS PANEL: Frank Mastromauro, Peter Steigerwald, Vince Hernandez, Mark Roslan, J.T. Krul, David Wohl, Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, Jonathan Marks, Lori Hanson, Beth Sotelo, David Schwartz

2 – 3:00PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Ale Garza, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Tony Parker, Eric Basaldua, Jonathan Marks, Lori Hanson

4:30 – 6:00PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Joe Benitez, Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Ale Garza, Jonathan Marks

SATURDAY:

11:00 – 12:30PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Jonathan Marks, Lori Hanson, Beth Sotelo

2 – 3:00PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Joe Benitez, Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Tony Parker, Eric Basaldua, Jonathan Marks

4:30 – 6:00PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING: Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Ale Garza, Nei Ruffino, Jonathan Marks

SUNDAY:

11 – 12:30 PM - ASPEN CREATOR SIGNING:Mike DeBalfo, Paolo Pantalena, Siya Oum, Alex Konat, J.T. Krul, Peter Steigerwald, Beth Sotelo, Jonathan Marks

In addition to Aspen creator signings, the publisher will also be featuring live Aspen cosplay photo ops with cosplayers Katy Mor, Rosanna Rocha and Leah Rose throughout the weekend.

Aspen will also be hosting the “Ten Years of Aspen Comics Panel” in Room 9 on Friday from 12-1pm to showcase the latest “10 for 10” books yet to be released, all new releases for 2014 and more. As well, the first 250 fans in attendance will receive a special Aspen 13 x 4 ¾ print featuring all five Fathom: The Elite Saga Talent covers on one piece by Talent Caldwell and Peter Steigerwald. This one-of-a-kind print will only be available to those in attendance.

On Friday night, Aspen is hosting an exclusive Aspen Comics 10 year anniversary party with limited tickets still available with the purchase of a highly limited Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald Aspen Matthews print available on the Aspenstore.com now.

Aspen recently released their SDCC 2013 exclusive books and prints, but the publisher will also be offering free Aspen comic books all weekend long at the Aspen Comics Booth #2321, as well as past convention exclusives and other hard to find Aspen exclusives.

#aspen10

facebook.com/aspencomics

twitter.com/aspencomics

Instagram: aspencomics

ABOUT ASPEN COMICS:

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.

1st Impressions: JIRNI # 3 Review

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

FLIPPING THROUGH:

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

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

ART:

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

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

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

WRITING:

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

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

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


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

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

RATING:

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

Preview: JIRNI # 3

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

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

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

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

Comic News: Aspen's Jirni Sales Top Selling Non Premier Book

ASPEN’S THIRD “10 FOR 10” RELEASE JIRNI #1 SELLS OVER 35K COPIES

Press Release             

05-08-13

Aspen is pleased to announce that the third release in their ambitious “10 for 10” initiative, Jirni #1, has ordered in excess of over 35,000 copies and is the top-selling non premier book for the month of April, 2013. This is the third release in a row from Aspen Comics to secure the top spot for the Diamond small press rankings following the debuts of Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 and Shrugged #1. Due to the high demand for the issue, the Aspen Reserved Edition covers for the issue are currently sold out at the Diamond level. As a result, the publisher has pledged to offer their own personal quantities of the sold out Reserved Edition covers to help fulfill retailers’ orders. Creator J.T. Krul discusses the successful release of his new series:

"I am thrilled by the tremendous response to the premiere issue of Jirni. Much of the credit goes to Paolo Pantalena and Brett Smith for their incredible job of bringing Jirni's fantastic world to life. I know readers and retailers have hundreds of choices when to it comes to choosing comic books, and I am grateful they have given our book a chance. It only motivates us more. Issue #2 can't get here soon enough. It's only gets better."

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, as well as a Jirni #2 cover by Philip Tan.

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 Jirni #1 Aspen Reserved Edition cover features artwork by Paolo Pantalena and Steigerwald.

Aspen encourages everyone to check out the release of Jirni #1 for only $1 as well as the second issue on May 22^nd, 2013..

For more information please check the following:

www.aspencomics

www.aspenstore.com

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Facebook.com/jirni

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.