Comics News: Wayward Raven Signs James Emmett and The Committee

Wayward Raven Media Inks James Emmett and The Committee

Wayward Raven Media is excited to announce the addition of James B. Emmett to the flock. The talented author/illustrator signed a contract for the development of his comic book series The Committee. The story takes place in a world where the mystical and scientific merge as an ongoing battle to preserve the world unfolds through conflicts with beings of unimaginable power and malice. The clock keeps ticking down, while uniquely gifted members of The Committee race to find truth about the universe and themselves. Big magic equals big fun before a big bang destroys us all.

James Emmett is a sequential artist, illustrator and painter. He lives in the New York Metro area and graduated from Pratt Institute. James does design and illustration for Kess Agency and freelances for Marvel Comics where he was also an Editorial Assistant on books like The Avengers, Captain America, Spiderman, Thor and The X-Men. His artwork has been published by Saint James Comics, Grayhaven Comics, Rebel Sidekick Studios, Atlas Unleashed and Twisted Tree Comics. See here for his full bio.

In addition to signing Mr. Emmett, Wayward Raven Media has been busy preparing for an eventful upcoming schedule. The independent comic book company is launching a Kickstarter campaign on April 9th where contributors can get Signed C: the missing #2 and a variety of other original artwork and merchandise before it is available to the general public. There will be varied pledge packages to fit any budget and exclusive limited time offers.

Signed C: the missing is best described as a mix of Lara Croft meeting the TV show Supernatural. In it, a talent agent, who happens to be a legendary sorceress, travels the known realms seeking a kidnapped client. Information will be available on the website www.WaywardRaven.com and also on Twitter @waywardraven.

Additionally Wayward Raven has expanded its convention schedule this year, kicking things off at the Asbury Park ComiCon April 12-13th (see www.asburyparkcomicon.com for additional details). The company’s complete schedule, including Heroes Con, Boston Comic Con and NYCC can be seen online at their website. All titles will be on hand along with other special merchandise.

Wayward Raven Media is also proud to announce that new issues of Horsemen, The Ascendant, & Signed C: the missing will be released within a few months. Artist Matthew Fletcher teamed up with the publisher to produce a magnificent cover of the upcoming issue of Horsemen #2. Rumors of an upcoming Sci-Fi novel to be published by the company also have been circulating, although they are unconfirmed. All publishing dates will be posted on the company’s website. They can to be contacted through emailinfo@waywardraven.com and on Twitter.

Ars longa, vitae brevis.

Website: http://www.waywardraven.com

Twitter @waywardraven

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waywardravenmedia

Straight Forward Reviews : Bubblegun # 5

Molli and her team have come back for their 5th issue. It seems to be the end of the line, for the story arc anyway. Does it end strong?

Writer - Mark Roslan

Artist - Mike Bowden

Publisher - Aspen

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

The story is all about a climactic showdown between Molli and her crew and Drazic's forces. The bad guy's have all kinds of advantages and Molli's crew have to fight against all the odds. There's not so much in terms of plot advancing dialog save for the end. That isn't to say there was nothing of note in terms of character development. Molli's character grows in a believable way and just as important as the combat she goes through is her moral battle.

The ending of the issue wraps things up nicely enough for this story arc and definitely lets the reader know that there are still plenty more for the main characters of BubbleGun to tackle. You'll just have to read to know just what happened to the team and why their story seems to have just begun.

Art

The art in this series has always been something I enjoyed in this series and this issue is no exception. Since the issue is mostly action the art could make or break this book. Molli and her friends look fantastic with their acrobatics and using their gadgets. If nothing else sells reader on the book the art most likely will still get people to look at it.

Verdict

BubbleGun's fantastic action and character growth has really seen it turn into quite the nice cyberpunk swashbuckling adventure series. Great art and a storyline and character development has made this series grow and it was nice to be along for the ride. I give BubbleGun # 5 a 9 out of 10.

1st Impressions: LUNITA # 1

LUNITA # 1
Written by Xavier Morrell
Art by Sergi San Julian & Oriol San Julian
Amigo Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Our book opens with a mystery as Spain’s Ambassodor to the United States ends up dead … connected to a special drug known as Blue Tear. The DEA sends over an agent known as Summer Fillion to investigate the case after figuring out the drug is from Spain. As she goes about her investigation, the President of Spain himself, Don Jose, sends out people to deal with her … and a paranormal investigator known as Lunita. After Lunita and Fillion meet to talk, things get more dangers as an assassin is coming for the women.
                Meanwhile, the origins of the Blue Tear drug are revealed and we get another mystery in the final page.



ART:

                At first glance, San Julian’s style might seem ugly to some. But, it holds a lot of modern day sensibilities as well as a uniqueness to it. I would have to say that the characters and backgrounds look good and detailed enough to show how different each character is from the other. The best way to describe the style is a bit of Larry Strohman and some Mike Mignola mixed together with a bit more detail. It’s a style that people definitely get accustomed to after the initial first pages.  The backgrounds are nice and detailed. And there is a good sense of panel composition. And while nothing really  made me go “WOW!!!” artistically, it still had a good, consistent art. The colors from Oriol really breathed life into Sergi’s inks and pencils. And while there were a couple panels that I felt the faces were a bit stretched out … it was a solid job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Morrell delivers the opening act of this mystery story with sci-fi elements. The plot itself is complex enough for more mature readers but still simple to follow this first issue. There were things revealed this issue that lead into other questions. Morrell’s dialogue was also very strong this issue; giving us some realistic reactions from characters like Rodrigo, Fillion, Lunita and more. The character motivations are clear enough to see in most characters while still having mystery in others. The pacing for the issue was excellent as nothing went too long or too quick.  Fillion and Lunita are both very entertaining, strong female characters that I look forward into seeing driving this story. A great job by Morrell.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Pretty good art with a great story behind it. And while the style is gonna take a little to get used to, it is still a good style. And the story and characters hook you.

RATING:

                I give Lunita # 1 a 7.5 … out of 10. Good. Could be better and looks like it will be. Pick it up. 

Comic News: Sci-Fi Anthology COSMIC WAVES Returns!!!

COSMIC WAVES: 90's INDY COMIC BOOK ANTHOLOGY RETURNS!

Cosmic Waves originally collected stories back in the 90's from the genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror and beyond!  This new incarnation of Cosmic Waves will continue to present all new stories of mystery and wonder, from a group of talented creators from all around the globe!

Aside from their general all-consuming love of comics, the contributors have a special place in their heart for comic book anthologies.  From the early horror and mystery collections to more modern anthologies such as Negative Burn and Dark Horse Presents, they are huge fans! 

 

Aside from massively enjoying the format itself, they also believe that anthology titles are incredibly important to create and support because they offer creative opportunities to young or under-appreciated creators from all walks of life.  This also means that fans get to see an insanely diverse group of artists, who might never get a chance to work together, all under one incredible roof!

Cosmic Waves need your help to make this anthology a reality.  You can contribute here: https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/cosmic-waves-a-comic-book-anthology

With your generous contribution, you will ensure the publication of the first issue of the all-new Cosmic Waves comic book anthology!  Also, what you are really doing is allowing Cosmic Waves the ability to print a larger number up front, so that they can lower the cost of each individual book in the future.  The more they can print up front, the less each one will cost.

Cosmic Waves is asking for $3000.00, which will cover design, printing and distribution and shipping on the first issue of Cosmic Waves.  If they are lucky enough to raise more than the initial goal, those additional funds will be used to promote, advertise and market this first issue.  If, for some reason, Cosmic Waves far exceed what they are asking for, those funds will be used to produce future issues.

Straight Forward Reviews: Bubblgegun issue 3

Bubblegun is back for more cyberpunk action. What's one of Aspen's newer heroines up to now?

Writer - Mark Roslan
Artist - Mike Bowden
Publisher - Aspen 

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

This issue sees Molli and what's left of her team try desperately to get back her sister from the weird techno coma she's in. We see more backstory this time for the antagonists and some nice character development for Molli.

In short the story and dialog in this issue is all about leading up to the bigger stakes and action we'll see soon and it does a fairly good job.

There's some good storytelling here but all the different technologies in this sci-fi world could use some explaining. There were different variations of robot and cyborg being thrown around at different specific entities and for what the antagonists are after it seems that the differences between them are important but since the reader doesn't know it might as well be gibberish for now.

Art

A very varied color palette takes the spotlight in this issue, along with good emotive close ups of the character's faces. As this issue is pretty tense for the protagonists seeing their emotions does a lot for the storytelling.

Molli's character design is one of my favorite designs in comics this year, as I've probably already said in my reviews of issue 1 and 2. It really stands out here as she's doing a lot in this issue. Her design is one of those character designs that really makes the character look especially cool while in motion. Not unlike Cowboy Bebop's Spike Spiegel, when standing still he may have looked goofy but while in motion he pretty much defined cool. For Molli her two colored hair makes her look very unique and much like an action hero as in some panels where she's moving her hair in the wind looks very much like a flame.

Verdict

This book is a ton of fun, and subjectively, one of my personal favorites. Objectively, this has the potential to be a really well done series. Right now it could use some more fine tuning but it's really worth the read and I have faith it'll only get better from here. I give Bubblegun an 8 out of 10.

Elysium Review (and stuff)

CoW: Cover of the Week 3/21/13

Elephantmen #47

I know next to nothing about the Image's Elephantmen run. So I'm coming to this cover from a completely unbiased perspective. It's not my typical. It's not action packed. It's quaint; almost tranquil. The shear composition of this cover was orchestrated very well. The white/light background against her brown skin and black hair... The petals falling... And then there is this mech-rhinoceros helmet upon her head that just warrants so many questions. Whats the deal with the helmet? Whats up with the baby rhinothing dressed up as a human baby? Are they worried? Are they scared? Do they feel protected? Calm?  I'm pretty sure this is my favorite cover to date.