An "Official" XIII Thread

[David Bird]

The first issue of XIII came out this past week. There were a few threads leading up to its release, but nothing since. So here one is!

What did you think of it?

I found it interesting, though a bit too much like the Bourne Identity. (The Bourne Identity actually predates this comic, being a 70s bestseller.) I wonder how much, and how quickly, they diverge? I haven't read the comic before.

The art was good, but you could certainly tell it was originally larger.

With Alias' bargain price for the first issue, it was impossible to resist. Now that I have read it, I will be keeping an eye out for it.

[Punchy]

I have the game, never got very far, but i love the graphics.

I couldn't find the comic here in the UK, a crying shame

[al_capone]

I didn't buy it becauses I know that future issues will be censored. It's a comic I've waited a very long time to read, but after seeing how DC/CMX destroyed 'Tenjou Tenge' I just can't bring myself to buy anymore comics that I know have been cencored. Call it my bit at "fighting the power". Perhaps it's because I'm European, and so I live in a country where even young children are "subjected" to nudity on a regular basis on TV and whatnot, so I think it's absolutely ridiculous that showing a nipple can be considered "wrong" somehow, and I'll never be able to fathom how it can be damaging to children. I might hunt down the old graphic novels that were released in this country a long time ago.

[NYCEvolution]

Very noir looking, ne pas?

[illuminatus]

Originally posted by al_capone
I didn't buy it becauses I know that future issues will be censored. It's a comic I've waited a very long time to read, but after seeing how DC/CMX destroyed 'Tenjou Tenge' I just can't bring myself to buy anymore comics that I know have been cencored. Call it my bit at "fighting the power". Perhaps it's because I'm European, and so I live in a country where even young children are "subjected" to nudity on a regular basis on TV and whatnot, so I think it's absolutely ridiculous that showing a nipple can be considered "wrong" somehow, and I'll never be able to fathom how it can be damaging to children. I might hunt down the old graphic novels that were released in this country a long time ago.


Relax, the TPB's are going to uncensored

[al_capone]

Originally posted by illuminatus
Relax, the TPB's are going to uncensored Really? Alias Enterprises said that? Aren't they the new company that's built around making "kiddie-friendly" comics?:confused:

[illuminatus]

http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33956&highlight=XIII
Hey guys,

We are looking into republishing the books in unedited fashion when they come out in trade paperback edition. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I would suggest that the kneejerk reaction to the covering up of a few nipples is a bit rash. We're not removing pages or dialogue; we're simply covering up the one thing that might cause less open-minded individuals than yourselves to bring objections to us. XIII is a great story, and it's a shame not to allow yourself to enjoy it because you're upset about a couple of breasts being covered up.

The fact that we can portray gory violence in comics and yet stay hung up on sex and nudity is a double standard, I'll agree. But accept it as a part of the culture, and give XIII the comic a chance. I'm sure if you miss the breasts that there will be scads of websites that host the unedited version of the pages just to show us.

(I would also note that XIII the videogame WISELY removed these scenes, with the approval of the authors. Nudity is an ever hotter topic in video games than it is in comics.)

I love to hear responses and engage in intelligent debate -- keep it focused on ideas and I'll stick around for the rest of the discussion. But should one of those famous Newsarama flame wars begin... well, one would hope such things are beneath us all.

-Sean J. Jordan
http://www.sean-jordan.com

[David Bird]

Originally posted by al_capone
I didn't buy it becauses I know that future issues will be censored. It's a comic I've waited a very long time to read, but after seeing how DC/CMX destroyed 'Tenjou Tenge' I just can't bring myself to buy anymore comics that I know have been cencored. Call it my bit at "fighting the power". Perhaps it's because I'm European, and so I live in a country where even young children are "subjected" to nudity on a regular basis on TV and whatnot, so I think it's absolutely ridiculous that showing a nipple can be considered "wrong" somehow, and I'll never be able to fathom how it can be damaging to children. I might hunt down the old graphic novels that were released in this country a long time ago.

I don't think thats a fair comparison. Censoring images in Tenjou Tenge would have a far bigger effect on the tone of the book, than it will in XIII.

[amaraswen]

XIII has received its first raving review at Silver Bullet Comic Books. As it couldn't be otherwise, it's full of glowing praise:

"Van Hamme’s story builds slowly but logically. One step follows another. He also drops little clues about the “bigger picture.” Like XIII, we don’t know any more than what we’re shown. We’re solving the mystery with him. Great works are made of little details... Things that don’t relate directly to the main plot are signs the story is taking place within a larger environment. It adds depth and breath to the series. And since XIII is a mystery, we want a large, rich world for our hero to explore."

"Vance strives for realism rarely found in the “funnybooks.” I would swear these characters are based on real people. He also does a wonderful job creating and maintaining suspense. The scene where XIII improvises his defense against two attackers shows perfect control over the reader’s expectations and reading speed. Very difficult to do, but Vance does it well."

"For 75-cents, this is a hell of a deal! The art and story are good enough to warrant paying full price for the series. I certainly hope the complete stories are published in their original graphic novel format. XIII could be the sleeper hit of the year."

Check out the whole review:

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/112023703151059.htm


For all things XIII, don't forget to check out the official boards:

http://aliasenterprises.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=28

http://www.dabelbrothers.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=35&page=1&pp=20&sort=lastpost&order=desc&daysprune=-1

[amaraswen]

Second praising review at Silver Bullet Comic books:

"The taste is enough to hook this reader. I love European action strips, and this one is new to me... and readers will find in these pages an original fascinating suspense that deserves a long life.

The characterization despite being focused on a man with no memory of his past offers the reader depth and thrilling plot twists abound with a wide array of supporting players that affect and change the story. Indeed, you can see where removing characters would alter the course of the narrative.

European artwork of the action strip type always tends to be realistic and barebones good. The work by W. Vance is no different... Emotion is evoked rather than blurted, but these subtle expressions often are more effective than hammy cries of "Nooooooooooooooooooo!" You also never ask what these characters are feeling. You can see their emotions on the pages."

Check out the whole review:

http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/11202800445215.htm

[David Bird]

One question that occurred to me: how many XIII readers are new, and how many have read this title before? Obviously, European posters are more likely to be in the second category.

[EmeraldGuy32]

They were sold out at my shop last week so hopefully they got some more in.

[amaraswen]

Originally posted by David Bird
One question that occurred to me: how many XIII readers are new, and how many have read this title before? Obviously, European posters are more likely to be in the second category.

Well, obviously I fall in the second category (European who has read it), but I think almost all American readers are new to XIII, since the first English-language edition is from 15 years ago and it didn't sold well, so no one remembers it and even Alias publishers claim this is the first time XIII comes to the USA. Hopefully, this time it's here to stay.

[Bakema NL]

My favorite European series ever (naturally I'm one of the 2nd group of people :) ), this is a damn great read and Vance is the best artist out there as far as I'm concerned, he's great.

[David Bird]

I got this info from a forum that amaraswen references in his signature. Apparently the letter on page 23 should read:

Jake,
I have to get out of here, because the Mongoose has found my trail. I'll be waiting for you where the Indian goes.


Kim

The characters Mongoose and Kim become important.

[David Bird]

Does any one know when issue two is out?

[NewRisingSun]

I loved the first issue. How long has this been out in europe? Is the series over in europe? How many issues was it? Are there any other English collectons of the work besides those already mentioned and being discussed?

[lex luthor]

Very good book. Thoroughly enjoyed issue # 1 and for a twenty year old comic (more?) it reads suprisingly well - I guess because it took me more than 5 minutes to read it.

Everyone should give it a shot. You might be surprised.

[amaraswen]

Originally posted by NewRisingSun
I loved the first issue. How long has this been out in europe?

Since 1984.

Is the series over in europe?

No, a new volume, the 17th in the series, will be published next September (http://www.dabelbrothers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=552). The previous volume (#16), released last year, has sold over 400,000 copies so far. Jean Van Hamme, creator and writer of the book, has announced that volume 18 will be the last one he'll write. Whether the series will continue with another writer onboard or finish definitely, is still unclear.

How many issues was it?

So far, 16 graphic novels. Each one of these 48 page graphic novels will be published in 2 issues of the Alias edition, first issue containing the first part of the first graphic novel, which means that if it sells well the whole Alias series will run for about 34 issues.

Are there any other English collectons of the work besides those already mentioned and being discussed?

Yes, the first 3 graphic novels of the series were published by Catalan Comics in 1989-90 (http://www.bookpalace.com/acatalog/Home_Code_XIII_255.html). These will be reprinted in issues 1-6 of Alias edition.

For exhaustive information about XIII, visit the XIII message boards at Alias & Dabel Bros web-pages:

http://www.dabelbrothers.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=35&page=1&pp=20&sort=lastpost&order=desc&daysprune=-1

http://aliasenterprises.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=28

[NewRisingSun]

Thanks for the info. I will stick with the series for now to see where it goes.

[David Bird]

Greetings amaraswen! So when can we expect issue #2 in North America?

[amaraswen]

I'm afraid I don't know. I suppose towards the end of the month.

[KSChris]

Dunno if I really dig the Bourne Identity rip-off in the storyline.. but its cool.

[SD Johnny]

I just picked up the first issue and enjoyed it. I thought the story was interesting and didn't find it too derivative. Heck, isn't everything somewhat derivative of something else and pitched as "A meets B?"

[David Bird]

There is news on issue 2 in the Previews section. (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1022487#post1022487)

Though not, I noticed, a specific release date.

[EmeraldGuy32]

I'm reading my copy 2nite. I don't think I'm gonna be able to get issue 2 anytime soon though cuz my LCS doesn't carry it :(

[David Bird]

Originally posted by EmeraldGuy32
I'm reading my copy 2nite. I don't think I'm gonna be able to get issue 2 anytime soon though cuz my LCS doesn't carry it :(

There, there. Actually, mine didn't have the second on order. It hadn't been solicited yet.

[EmeraldGuy32]

Originally posted by David Bird
There, there. Actually, mine didn't have the second on order. It hadn't been solicited yet.
Thanks dave, I don't feel like an outcast anymore:)

[EmeraldGuy32]

Wow. Read it. Loved it. Did this come out before or after the Bourne Identity novels? Just curious

[David Bird]

Originally posted by EmeraldGuy32
Wow. Read it. Loved it. Did this come out before or after the Bourne Identity novels? Just curious

After, but they just borrowed the set up. It diverges after issue one. And when I say after, I mean after the original novel. The comic was out some years before the Matt Damon films.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by David Bird
After, but they just borrowed the set up. It diverges after issue one. And when I say after, I mean after the original novel. The comic was out some years before the Matt Damon films.

Some? 1984 already. I'll re-read them this week in one sitting, damn good.

[David Bird]

I just picked up issue 2. I haven't had a chance to read it, but its out there!

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by David Bird
I just picked up issue 2. I haven't had a chance to read it, but its out there!

Great......I think you'll like it.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
Great......I think you'll like it.

I just finished it, and I did. It obviously is the second part of a single volume, even the page numbers continue, and it does take a sharp turn away from any similarities to the Bourne Identity.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by David Bird
I just finished it, and I did. It obviously is the second part of a single volume, even the page numbers continue, and it does take a sharp turn away from any similarities to the Bourne Identity.

Great, you liked it. And yes, it steers away from Bourne identity, van Hamme is too great a writer himself to just copy and not do something of his own. There's this Kennedy murder on president thing too and the more you go into the series the more original it becomes without similarities to other things, twists and turns aplenty yet to come.

[David Bird]

I thought it was interesting that they began the second issue with the last two pages of the first. In issue one a mistake was made on these pages, and issue two it was corrected.

[David Bird]

A question for those you have read earlier versions of this story. Was this originally serialized in a newspaper or magazine? I ask because each page seems to end in a way designed to draw you to the next page. Something happens, some one says something...

[Bakema NL]

A lot of European comics used to be pre-published in newspapers.....in Belgium that still happens and in weekly/monthly magazines....but these are not really popular anymore, the longest running in Europe ceased to exist this year.
In earlier days creators had a decent living off of the pre-publishing of their work, the sales of albums when a story was finished was just peanuts........the reason why early books' first printings are somewhat expensive.
I read somewhere that XIII was pre-published in Belgian paper "De morgen". But on the other hand that sounds odd because in an interview with Vance he said he doesn't start penciling the first page and then the next etc......he knows the story, he does his research and starts penciling the panels he's eager to do first, going back and forth all the time. So he could do a bit of work on page 35 and then start on page 7 and in the end the whole album is finished.
So I really don't know for sure what to tell you.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
A lot of European comics used to be pre-published in newspapers.....in Belgium that still happens and in weekly/monthly magazines....but these are not really popular anymore, the longest running in Europe ceased to exist this year.
In earlier days creators had a decent living off of the pre-publishing of their work, the sales of albums when a story was finished was just peanuts........the reason why early books' first printings are somewhat expensive.
I read somewhere that XIII was pre-published in Belgian paper "De morgen". But on the other hand that sounds odd because in an interview with Vance he said he doesn't start penciling the first page and then the next etc......he knows the story, he does his research and starts penciling the panels he's eager to do first, going back and forth all the time. So he could do a bit of work on page 35 and then start on page 7 and in the end the whole album is finished.
So I really don't know for sure what to tell you.

Actually, its quite possible then. I know, after the third story, Herge would plot out all of his stories, wirting scripts etc before any were committed to paper. And this was before Tintin magazine.

[amaraswen]

The first XIII album, reprinted in Alias first 2 issues, was originally serialized in Spirou, the long-running weekly comics magazine that recently reached its 3500th milestone issue. That doesn't mean the authors "taylored" the story for serialization. As far as I know, it was meant to be published as a separate album since the beginning. I think that thing about the pages is just a matter of style, just one of Van Hamme's ways to make XIII, literally, a compulsive page-turner.

[David Bird]

First off, was the first album the only one serialized?

Second, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it being written for serialization first, and then put together as a trade. And it either was written for serialization or Van Hamme has internalized that form of storytelling to such a degree that he does automatically.

Consider:

Page one ends with discovery of XIII's body.
Page two ends with discovery of tattoo.
Page three ends with Martha's revelation that she is an alcoholic.
Page four, Martha & XIII leave house -- they go from the place where the scene occurs to... We'll have to read the next page to see.
Five ends with Martha about to explain XIII's amnesia.
Six with XIII becoming angry.
Seven with shots fired.

I could go on and on, but luckily for you real life is impeding on my time. :) But in each case the page ends with something either unresolved or just happening.

[amaraswen]

Originally posted by David Bird
First off, was the first album the only one serialized?

That's a good question. Actually, I had never bothered to find the answer until now, but I just did a web-search and it turns out not only one but the first 3 albums were serialized in Spirou:
http://www.bdoubliees.com/journalspirou/series6/xiii.htm

BUT according to that link, they weren't serialized page by page, but through the course of 4 issues each album, which means they were divided in chunks of about 12 pages.

I've also found that albums #7 and 9 were serialized in the defunct Tintin weekly magazine:
http://bdoubliees.com/journaltintin/series6/xii.htm

but again not in 1 page instalments: #7 was serialized in 7 issues and #9 in 13.

I also know that, after XIII getting so wildly popular, some of the later albums were serialized in newspapers, usually at a 2 pages per day rate, like the latest one:
http://www.dabelbrothers.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5954&postcount=2

Second, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it being written for serialization first, and then put together as a trade. And it either was written for serialization or Van Hamme has internalized that form of storytelling to such a degree that he does automatically. [/B]

My money is on the latter, since it has never been serialized page-by-page but in larger instalments, so what would be the point? Their bread and butter is in the sales of the albums.

[David Bird]

Nrama's Preview section has the entire first issue free! (http://www.newsarama.com/Alias/XIII/Issue01/XIIIissue_01.htm)

[DiscoVietnam]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
My favorite European series ever (naturally I'm one of the 2nd group of people :) ), this is a damn great read and Vance is the best artist out there as far as I'm concerned, he's great.

One of my very favourites as well.
Anyone considering picking it up, do so! You will be quite surprised!

Seems to read better in English than auf Deutsch, too. :confused:

[NeroMan]

Really like the comic
can't stand the game

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by DiscoVietnam
One of my very favourites as well.
Anyone considering picking it up, do so! You will be quite surprised!

Seems to read better in English than auf Deutsch, too. :confused:

Anything reads better than Deutsch, die sprache ist verdammte schweinerei.............I keed, I keed. :p

No serious, eventhough I'm Dutch I'm of the opinion reading in English (also talking) is much better. Somehow there's something right about it. Difficult thing is, I can't explain it to English speaking people......they would translaten Spiderman to Dutch Spinneman.............and that Dutch sounds so very very bad, horrible....Spiderman has a great sound to it, it fits....and that goes for just about everything, it just sounds better.....and cussing sounds better in English too, but we have a few of our own that sound really well too. ;)

[David Bird]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
Anything reads better than Deutsch, die sprache ist verdammte schweinerei.............I keed, I keed. :p

No serious, eventhough I'm Dutch I'm of the opinion reading in English (also talking) is much better. Somehow there's something right about it. Difficult thing is, I can't explain it to English speaking people......they would translaten Spiderman to Dutch Spinneman.............and that Dutch sounds so very very bad, horrible....Spiderman has a great sound to it, it fits....and that goes for just about everything, it just sounds better.....and cussing sounds better in English too, but we have a few of our own that sound really well too. ;)

I have heard that from other non-English speakers. Its funny, given that we actual English speakers tend to assume our language is somewhat pedestrian.

[David Bird]

I have posted a review of issue two at PBR. (http://www.paperbackreader.com/review.php?ReviewID=923) I liked it.

[amaraswen]

Added to the XIII Glowing Reviews Archive:

http://aliasenterprises.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=619
http://www.dabelbrothers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=560

[David Bird]

Thanks!

[amaraswen]

The new Previews catalog offers the first volume of XIII, the collected edition (http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=23&s=126&ai=22266), in both hardcover and trade paperback versions:

PAGE 214
OCT05 2706 XIII VOL 1 HC SRP: $34.99
OCT05 2707 XIII VOL 1 TP SRP: $19.99

XIII VOLUME 1
by J. Van Hamme & W. Vance
Collecting the first six issues of the best-selling smash European sensation into one giant-sized edition! Over 12 million copies in print in over a dozen languages! Here, translated into English... The story from which the hit video game was developed makes it's debut as a trade only from Alias! A man without a past wakes up in an unknown place. His only clues to his true identity are his remarkable fighting skills, and a tattoo: XIII. Things get dicey quick as a band of killers find his trail and the pursuit begins. But this is only the beginning. Soon he discovers that the civil and military police are looking for him too! The chase begins, and the trail leads our protagonist around the world in the search for his past... Don't miss out on the biggest import of the year, available in Hardcover and Softcover editions.

HC-HC, 7x10, 144pgs, FC..........$34.99
TP-SC, 7x10, 144pgs, FC..........$19.99

[David Bird]

Interesting. That would be the first twelve issues of their monthly release, wouldn't it? And it would make the purchase of those issues irrelevant to a large part of their readership.

Do you know the release date?

[amaraswen]

It's a collection of the first 6 issues, and being in October Previews it should be published around December, but if they wait until the 6 individual issues are released, it could be delayed past that date.

[DiscoVietnam]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
Anything reads better than Deutsch, die sprache ist verdammte schweinerei.............I keed, I keed. :p

No serious, eventhough I'm Dutch I'm of the opinion reading in English (also talking) is much better. Somehow there's something right about it. Difficult thing is, I can't explain it to English speaking people......they would translaten Spiderman to Dutch Spinneman.............and that Dutch sounds so very very bad, horrible....Spiderman has a great sound to it, it fits....and that goes for just about everything, it just sounds better.....and cussing sounds better in English too, but we have a few of our own that sound really well too. ;)

:D I know what you mean.

[gcoleman99]

Originally posted by amaraswen
The new Previews catalog offers the first volume of XIII, the collected edition (http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=23&s=126&ai=22266), in both hardcover and trade paperback versions:

PAGE 214
OCT05 2706 XIII VOL 1 HC SRP: $34.99
OCT05 2707 XIII VOL 1 TP SRP: $19.99

XIII VOLUME 1
by J. Van Hamme & W. Vance
Collecting the first six issues of the best-selling smash European sensation into one giant-sized edition! Over 12 million copies in print in over a dozen languages! Here, translated into English... The story from which the hit video game was developed makes it's debut as a trade only from Alias! A man without a past wakes up in an unknown place. His only clues to his true identity are his remarkable fighting skills, and a tattoo: XIII. Things get dicey quick as a band of killers find his trail and the pursuit begins. But this is only the beginning. Soon he discovers that the civil and military police are looking for him too! The chase begins, and the trail leads our protagonist around the world in the search for his past... Don't miss out on the biggest import of the year, available in Hardcover and Softcover editions.

HC-HC, 7x10, 144pgs, FC..........$34.99
TP-SC, 7x10, 144pgs, FC..........$19.99
I hope they took out the edits they made in the original issues.

GC

[David Bird]

Originally posted by gcoleman99
I hope they took out the edits they made in the original issues.

GC

They have said that the trades will have no edits.

[amaraswen]

Originally posted by gcoleman99
I hope they took out the edits they made in the original issues.

GC

Don't worry, there are no edits in the first 6 issues, since there's no nudity in the original 3 albums. Besides, the publishers have said that all the collected editions will be uncensored.

[amaraswen]

http://www.newsarama.com/Alias/MillerAlias.htm

Terrific XIII news in this front page interview with Alias publisher Mike Miller:

"XIII is a consistently strong seller, we can't wait to get the trade numbers on that especially since we're printing it in its original 9x12" size and un-censored."

Asked to confirm this, since the solicitation in Previews states a 7x10 size, Miller explains:

"They'll be 9x12"

The other size must have been a misprint. I'll check on that."

[gcoleman99]

Originally posted by amaraswen
http://www.newsarama.com/Alias/MillerAlias.htm

Terrific XIII news in this front page interview with Alias publisher Mike Miller:

"XIII is a consistently strong seller, we can't wait to get the trade numbers on that especially since we're printing it in its original 9x12" size and un-censored."
:eek:

Wo-oT! SOLD! :)

GC

[David Bird]

Please check this out, and vote! (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45141)

[KingPagla]

Thanks to this thread I've decided to add Vol 1 to my Mail Order this month so I figured it was worth a bump.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by KingPagla
Thanks to this thread I've decided to add Vol 1 to my Mail Order this month so I figured it was worth a bump.

Good news! I stil have to decide whether to get the trade (as I am getting already as monthlies). Right now, the only title in which I get both is Blade of the Immortal.

[KingPagla]

Originally posted by David Bird
Good news! I stil have to decide whether to get the trade (as I am getting already as monthlies). Right now, the only title in which I get both is Blade of the Immortal. Do you get a discount on trades from work?

[David Bird]

Originally posted by KingPagla
Do you get a discount on trades from work?

If I ordered them into my workplace, yes, I'd get the 20% staff discount; but my LCS has a points plan, its a little convoluted, but I buy enough there that I can often get more than 20% off trades.

[David Bird]

Heads up! Issue #3 comes out on Wednesday (November 9).

[David Bird]

So, did anyone else pick up issue 3?

I get my comics fairly early on Wednesdays. Often they are still putting the pull lists together. When I got there today, the guy went and got my file, but told me there was one he was still looking for. All that was written on the list was X-I-I-I. I guess another staff member usually put the lists together. Anyway, we quickly set it all right. He gave me the only copy on new comics shelf. I didn't ask, but the impression I got was that the only copy they ordered was the one on my pull list. That can't be a good sign for Alias. Anyone one know the sales figures for the last issue?

I noticed this issue is called Day of the Black Sun III, though I understand its original title is Where the Indian Walks.

What did you think?

[amaraswen]

Originally posted by David Bird
Anyone one know the sales figures for the last issue?

http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7710.html

222 - XIII #2 3,286

I noticed this issue is called Day of the Black Sun III, though I understand its original title is Where the Indian Walks.

Say it ain't so. Black Sun III??? That's either a mistake or a really bad retitling decision.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by amaraswen
http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7710.html

222 - XIII #2 3,286

Not huge, but it cracked the top 300, and since Alias is reprinting earlier version their costs can't be that high. Still, its not great. Maybe once the trade is out more attention will be paid.

[David Bird]

First of all, a thank you to Matt for moving this thread.

Last month the consensus was that it would be better to leave it in Talk@, and give the title more exposure, but it didn't seem to get any, so last night I asked Matt to move it here.

We are now three issues into Alias' publication of this classic European thriller. They have published them on a bi-monthly schedule, with the last one last week. They have also announced a trade of the first six issues, but there is no date as yet.

[malinwa]

Hi everybody,

as a european fan of XIII (it's one of my favourite comics of all time) I'm happy to see that the comic finally is available in the states. From what I read here, it isn't really a succes however. How come ? Is it that people don't like it, or that they just don't know the series ?
It's just that the series is so good imo that I expected it to be a bi succes. Here in Belgium it already has a cult-status and every year the new issue is awaited with high expectations. But hey, I guess that it really is a different style than people in the US are used to, so that maybe would explain it.

[David Bird]

It just isn't known. There have only been two attempts to bring it over -- this being the current one -- and both were by small publishers with limit distribution.

[malinwa]

Really hope for you guys that this time the first 5 european issues will be published at least.
The 4th issue (issues 7 & 8 in the US) is full of shocking revelations, it's really a must-read for every comic fan and I'm certain you're all going to like it very much. In my opinion it's one of the most important moments of the series. The 5th issue is the end of the first cycle, that's why it just has to be printed imo.

Hope you all will be able to enjoy XIII till the end (which will come out next year in europe)

[David Bird]

A couple of sources have issue five coming out on December 21, but where was issue four? I got three last month, and given the release dates of the first three I wasn't expecting anything until next month. Did anyone get issue three?

[EmeraldGuy32]

I'm dropping XIII because it's the last Alias book I buy and I don't want to support the company. I probably would have bought the trade cuz it's uncensored but it just aint gonna happen right now.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by EmeraldGuy32
I'm dropping XIII because it's the last Alias book I buy and I don't want to support the company. I probably would have bought the trade cuz it's uncensored but it just aint gonna happen right now.

Why don't you want to support the company?

Checking on the Alias forum, it looks like several titles have been listed as though a number has been skipped. Nothing official, but its beginning to look like a printing error by the distributor.

[EmeraldGuy32]

Originally posted by David Bird
Why don't you want to support the company?

Checking on the Alias forum, it looks like several titles have been listed as though a number has been skipped. Nothing official, but its beginning to look like a printing error but the distributor.
The cencorship of XIII for starters. Plus I know those artists guys got fired cuz they worked on a pornographic comic. Plus Alias cancelled the only two books I've been enjoying from them (besides XIII) Elsinore and Monkey vs Lemur. I might still buy the trade in the future but as of now I'm not.

[thingone]

Originally posted by David Bird
A couple of sources have issue five coming out on December 21, but where was issue four?
No. 5 is indeed on Diamond's updated list for Dec. 21. I was surprised to see it show up on Midtowen's list Friday night, because I, too, hadn't received #4 and saw #4 on no shipping lists. But, I received my Dec. 14 comics today and was surprised to find #4 included in the shipment. Sooo, it looks like #4 received at least some distribution last week, and maybe #5 will come out this week after all.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by thingone
No. 5 is indeed on Diamond's updated list for Dec. 21. I was surprised to see it show up on Midtowen's list Friday night, because I, too, hadn't received #4 and saw #4 on no shipping lists. But, I received my Dec. 14 comics today and was surprised to find #4 included in the shipment. Sooo, it looks like #4 received at least some distribution last week, and maybe #5 will come out this week after all.

That is not good news.

[Louis Lane]

According to Mike Miller, Alias is canceling XIII due to non-delivery by DBPro. Issue #5 is the last issue.

LL

[Neuromancer]

Originally posted by Louis Lane

According to Mike Miller, Alias is canceling XIII due to non-delivery by DBPro. Issue #5 is the last issue.

Damnit, that blows. :mad: I myself was really screwed up over all this #4 vs. #5 business (that's why I came to read this thread), and now reading that bit about cancellation? Sigh...Louis, do you have a link to the press release on that one? Or anyone else have it, for that matter? I enjoyed XIII a little too much for it to be simply relegated to the corner like that.

Edit: just read your post to the "Alias Comics" thread, Louis...thanks for the heads-up, waiting on the press release now, while fuming, grrrr...

[David Bird]

Yes it certainly blows!

As each original issue was being produced by Alias as a two parter, that means I won't have the second part of the second story (issue 4), and I'll only get the first part of the third story!

Dark Horse needs to pick this property up. Or perhaps Vertigo, or even Image (though I don't know how that would work). Forget the monthlies, just put three or four of the Euro-comics into a single trade and put out two or three trades together (as a series attracts more attention than a single volume).

[amaraswen]

http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1457616

XIII-related bits:

"Books previously solicited through Alias that have now been cancelled by the publisher because of non-delivery include: XIII #6, the XIII trade paperback"

We contacted DBPro’s Les Dabel to learn more about the split from the DBPro side. According to Dabel, Alias was one of a group of publishers DBPro was using. “Unfortunately, Alias solicited our books earlier than we intended because they wanted to have a big launch in the summer,” Dabel told Newsarama. “The only two of these titles that were even close to being ready were Legacy (since it was a reprint) and XIII (since it was an English language adaptation of an existing title). Mike S. Miller of Alias made the questionable decision of censoring XIII and putting out a press release to say he was doing it. This decision was widely regarded as a bad move, but Mike refused to back down. We believe this greatly hurt sales of the first issue, which is ironic considering that the first issue had nothing in the way of questionable content and thus was fully uncensored"

“We’re also planning to put out the trade paperback for XIII #1-6 entirely uncensored, as well as to continue the story in XIII vol. 2 #1-6. We’ll issue a press release to that effect once we have some firm details.”
_____________________________

It really saddens me to see XIII, a comic that is a paradigm of success and popularity in Europe, involved in all these lamentable affairs, but at least the path seems more clear now for the completion of the English-language edition, and without censorship to boot.

[gcoleman99]

Originally posted by amaraswen
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1457616

XIII-related bits:

"Books previously solicited through Alias that have now been cancelled by the publisher because of non-delivery include: XIII #6, the XIII trade paperback"

We contacted DBPro’s Les Dabel to learn more about the split from the DBPro side. According to Dabel, Alias was one of a group of publishers DBPro was using. “Unfortunately, Alias solicited our books earlier than we intended because they wanted to have a big launch in the summer,” Dabel told Newsarama. “The only two of these titles that were even close to being ready were Legacy (since it was a reprint) and XIII (since it was an English language adaptation of an existing title). Mike S. Miller of Alias made the questionable decision of censoring XIII and putting out a press release to say he was doing it. This decision was widely regarded as a bad move, but Mike refused to back down. We believe this greatly hurt sales of the first issue, which is ironic considering that the first issue had nothing in the way of questionable content and thus was fully uncensored"

“We’re also planning to put out the trade paperback for XIII #1-6 entirely uncensored, as well as to continue the story in XIII vol. 2 #1-6. We’ll issue a press release to that effect once we have some firm details.”
_____________________________

It really saddens me to see XIII, a comic that is a paradigm of success and popularity in Europe, involved in all these lamentable affairs, but at least the path seems more clear now for the completion of the English-language edition, and without censorship to boot. And the quote in italics is the SOLE reason I didn't get this book. Had the original artwork been printed the way it was originally drawn, then I would have collected it (MOST likely. I MIGHT have waited for the trade after the first couple of issues, depending on my enjoyment of the storyline).

I know #1 was not censured, and I knew that going into the series. The problem I had with what Miller was doing was censuring the books at all, as I am against censureship in all of its many forms. At the VERY least, give me a choice. Print some censured, some not.

[David Bird]

I went into my shop today and found out that all the comics had been delayed due to a snow storm somewhere back east. So I will pick up #5 tomorrow. They've ordered #4 for me. Then its wait and see. I've a hunch the next thing available will be the trade.

Thus ends my only Alias title.

[David Bird]

I got issue four yesterday and read it and five today. Not bad. A lot of surprises and a suspenseful ending. All the more so, because we have no idea when we'll see #6!

It had a rushed feel to it. Word balloons that didn't quite mesh, and words dropped from the translation, but hopefully it will be cleaned up and reproduced sooner, rather than later.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by David Bird
I got issue four yesterday and read it and five today. Not bad. A lot of surprises and a suspenseful ending. All the more so, because we have no idea when we'll see #6!

It had a rushed feel to it. Word balloons that didn't quite mesh, and words dropped from the translation, but hopefully it will be cleaned up and reproduced sooner, rather than later.

Over at the Alias board the XIII thread has been put in a thread with a name something like "The history of Alias publishing"......which seems to mean the series is discontinued.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by Bakema NL
Over at the Alias board the XIII thread has been put in a thread with a name something like "The history of Alias publishing"......which seems to mean the series is discontinued.

Alias and DBPro have gone their separate ways. There's is stuff about it in the News sections. Issue 5 is the last issue from Alias. The proposed trade has been cancelled.

[Bakema NL]

Originally posted by David Bird
Alias and DBPro have gone their separate ways. There's is stuff about it in the News sections. Issue 5 is the last issue from Alias. The proposed trade has been cancelled.

Oh, like that....ok, thanks for the clarification.

[David Bird]

Here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53106) is the news item. EVeryone seems to agree its Alias' fault. I hope another publisher can be found. Dark Horse would be my preference.

[Derek Ruiz]

Hey Everyone,

Let me see if I can clear this up without giving any of our surprises away....

As of Right now the plan is to have issue Six and the TPB come out through the Dabel Brothers Production label ..

The TPB will be issues 1-6 and uncensored.

I think a press release will be going out shortly on this topic so I don't want to say to much until that goes out but there you go.


Look for news up dates and previews to appear shortly on our forums and website.
http://dabelbrothers.com/forum/index.php


If you have any other Questions Email me at druiz@dabelbrothers.com


Derek Ruiz
http://dabelbrothers.com

[David Bird]

Thanks! I'll definitively keep my eyes open!

If the trade does well, will we see more?

[gcoleman99]

Originally posted by Derek Ruiz
Hey Everyone,

Let me see if I can clear this up without giving any of our surprises away....

As of Right now the plan is to have issue Six and the TPB come out through the Dabel Brothers Production label ..

The TPB will be issues 1-6 and uncensored.

Derek Ruiz
http://dabelbrothers.com Wo-oT!

[Derek Ruiz]

Originally posted by David Bird
Thanks! I'll definitively keep my eyes open!

If the trade does well, will we see more?

I think we start working on Volume 2 next month or so.

[David Bird]

Volume one contains the first three books -- published as six issues by Alias -- will volume two contain the next three?

If so, that would complete all the issues previously brought into english, wouldn't it?

Besides being uncensored, are there any other differences from the Alias monthlies?

[SeanJJordan]

Hey all,

Funny that I got quoted early on in this thread when I had ALIAS as a PR client and had to defend their decision to censor the book. But I have been with DB Pro for much longer, and now that we've gone our seperate ways, I can keep talking about XIII!

First of all, we'll be issuing a press release next week to discuss some big developments in the XIII series. I won't announce everything yet, but I will say that yes, the Trade is going to happen uncensored as promised (and yes, we'll tidy it up and fix the bits that were rushed), and yes, XIII #6 will be printed by DB Po and made available soon with a special surprise!

Second, I want to thank you guys for keeping this thread going. We weren't even aware of its existence until recently, and we're going to make sure we pay close attention to what you guys and other great fans have to say. We're fans of XIII as well, and it's a thrill to be able to bring this book over.

Finally, for those who just can't wait to see what happens, I do recommend the excellent video game from Ubisoft -- it covers much of the story and is a lot of fun! (Plus, you can get it for under 10 bucks at EB Games or Gamestop).

Anyhow, feel free to post your questions here or head over to our Dabel Brothers forums at http://www.dabelbrothers.com. We'd love to hear more from you!

[David Bird]

Great! We'll eagerly await your press release!

[David Bird]

Any updates anyone?

[Derek Ruiz]

Originally posted by David Bird
Any updates anyone?

Very soon but they will show up at...

http://dabelbrothers.com/phpBB2/index.php

[David Bird]

Well, I didn't hear any announcements, but I thought I'd check things out, and...

It looks like the first trade will be available in just two weeks! On May 25th.

Amazon (US) has it for 14.94, discounted to 9.72, (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976401142/qid=1138693363/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-7429427-1223164?s=books&v=glance&n=283155) and Amazon Canada has it at 17.99, discounted to 13.67.

So, if you were waiting on the trade...

[David Bird]

Follow up: I have ordered it, but won't get it before the end of the month (I am getting a DVD in the same shipment, that won't be out until May 30). I may review it for Paperback Reader, but one way or another, I'll let you know what I think.

[sgt.marvel]

Sorry if this has been mentioned but is this a reboot of the French XIII series?

[David Bird]

Sorry if this has been mentioned but is this a reboot of the French XIII series?

Its a translation of the French series, not a reboot (this is, exactly the same, just in English).

From what I understand, this trade will have the first three of the French books in it. They were released last year by Alias, who were publishing them for Dabel. Dabel didn't like how Alias was handling things and is now releasing them as a trade, with a second trade planned.

XIII was once released in English several years ago. The first six books as twelve comics. That release is, I believe, the basis of this one (though the guys from Dabel can correct me if I am wrong -- they do log onto this thread).

[sgt.marvel]

Its a translation of the French series, not a reboot (this is, exactly the same, just in English).

From what I understand, this trade will have the first three of the French books in it. They were released last year by Alias, who were publishing them for Dabel. Dabel didn't like how Alias was handling things and is now releasing them as a trade, with a second trade planned.

XIII was once released in English several years ago. The first six books as twelve comics. That release is, I believe, the basis of this one (though the guys from Dabel can correct me if I am wrong -- they do log onto this thread).

oh wow cant wait to pick this up!:D

[David Bird]

Update on release dates.

I e-mailed Dabel and got a quick response from Derek Ruiz. Volume one is in mid June. I can get an exact date from him after June 5. Volume two is in September.

[Derek Ruiz]

Update on release dates.

I e-mailed Dabel and got a quick response from Derek Ruiz. Volume one is in mid June. I can get an exact date from him after June 5. Volume two is in September.

For Future updates or if you have any questions I would suggest you post them on the Dabel Bro. XIII forum.

http://dabelbrothers.com/phpBB2/index.php

[David Bird]

Ahh, Derek, do you have any idea how many forums I've signed up for and how few I actually go to on a regular basis?

'Sides, when it comes to comics forums, Nrama is a pretty high profile place to talk about your comics.

[Derek Ruiz]

Ahh, Derek, do you have any idea how many forums I've signed up for and how few I actually go to on a regular basis?

'Sides, when it comes to comics forums, Nrama is a pretty high profile place to talk about your comics.

I understand that but if it wasn't for those little email reminders NRama sends you I would never answer this questions...


By the way I think New PR on XIII will be going out shortly.

[Zypster X]

I'll definitely pick up this trade... providing it's uncensored and the colours aren't crappy (they looked kinda crappy in the Alias version).

[SeanJJordan]

We just sent out two press releases, posted here:

XIII Graphic Novels announced
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72144

XIII #6 Released For Free
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72158

Thanks for all your support, folks!

[David Bird]

Thanks for the heads up Sean. I've already commented in the graphic novel thread. I am debating whether to read online comic or wait for the trade (which I have already pre-ordered) and read everythng together.

Of course, I am not the most discipled of people, so waiting isn't that likely

[David Bird]

Is this why we've been waiting and waiting and waiting?

Fans have been asking us where books like Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter were, and we couldn’t tell anyone that all of our books were on hold while everything was being finalized with this Marvel deal. We hated to make everyone wait, but we knew that this would be good news for us, for Marvel, and for our readers. Now our books will get far wider circulation and far more attention than they ever could have gotten when we were doing everything on our own.

source (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=83670&)

[Neuromancer]

I'd really, really like to see XIII come back somehow. I hope this goes better than DC and Humanoids, that's for sure.

[David Bird]

The Dabel site mentions vol 2, but there has really been nothing. I have the first one on pre-order with Amazon and, I hope, this means I'll be getting an e-mail soon telling me its on its way.

[Derek Ruiz]

The Dabel site mentions vol 2, but there has really been nothing. I have the first one on pre-order with Amazon and, I hope, this means I'll be getting an e-mail soon telling me its on its way.


Yeah Volume 1 and 2 come early next year...XIII is an important part of our GN Program.

Be sure to keep your eye on the website for updates.

[gcoleman99]

Yeah Volume 1 and 2 come early next year...XIII is an important part of our GN Program.

Be sure to keep your eye on the website for updates. And just to clarify, the trades are going to remain uncensored, correct?

[David Bird]

Apparently, January 31 (http://www.comicworldnews.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?column=headlines&page=1375) for sure. Apparently. I still have an outstanding order at Amazon.

[scottmdavis]

way to raise a well dead thread Birdman.

I'm totally grabbing the trades. European comics rock. Bravo DBP.