MattBrady
07-20-2006, 11:20 AM
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/ZoomSuit2CoverB.jpg" align="right"> by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean (newsarama21848@gmail.com)
Comic-Con International: San Diego 2005 saw over 104,000 individual attendees, professionals and exhibitors at the big show.
This year, with names like Kazuo Koike, George Pérez, George R. R. Martin, Walter Koenig, Sergio Aragonés, Brian Bolland, Brad Meltzer, J. Michael Straczynski, Carmine Infantino, Andy Runton, Yoshitaka Amano, Amanda Conner, and more, the event promises to be even bigger with more hottest comics stars, comics greats of the past, international special guests, the best in fantasy, science fiction and horror, world class cartoonists, artists and illustrators.
As usual, Newsarama will be reporting about all your favorite panels. From Marvel to DC, from Image to Dark Horse, from TOKYOPOP to IDW, we’ve got ‘em all covered for you.
But what happens to other small press, independent publishers, up and coming creators and the comic industry’s Tom, Dick and Harry?
Like last year’s special non-panel panel report (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38036), we’ve done all the background work for you. Only this time, like the Con itself that seems to be growing every year, we’ve attracted a gazillion publishers, studios, creators, and most importantly, all-round comic fans like you and I, to say a few words about their SDCC debuts, Con exclusives, and upcoming releases.
Presenting part six of our special six-day non-panel panel report.
SUPERVERSE
John Taddeo and Zoom Suit
Booth #1804
www.superverse.com
“It’s completely out of my hands at this point. Zoom Suit has taken on a life of it’s own.”
Eighty film festivals. Initial sales of over 20,000 copies and the biggest gainer in sales on the Comic Buyers Guide Heat Meter ( http://www.superverse.com/june15.html )! Over 4,000 people have joined the Zoom Suit Fan Club, and the Superverse Direct Shop at Superverse.com ships hundreds of copies and collectables to fans each week.
“To thank fans for the support, I’ll be giving away Zoom Suit movie posters, trading cards and ash cans at booth #1804 at San Diego Comic Con. Please stop by early before our supplies run out.
“Reorders on Zoom Suit #2 were actually higher than initial orders. After the smoke cleared we sold over 12,000 copies of Zoom Suit #2. (see the Glow in the Dark cover of the Zoom Suit #2 Suspended Animation Edition here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/Issue2SuspendedAnimationEdition.htm )
“Aside from amazing covers by Billy Tucci and Bart Sears, Zoom Suit #3 features the FIRST APPEARANCE of two new teenage super-villains. These characters will be major players in the Zoom Suit Rogue Gallery making Zoom Suit #3 a must have issue. To commemorate the event we created a Comic Con Exclusive. The Bart Sears Metal Sketch Edition of Zoom Suit #3 will be available for sale at San Diego Comic Con. It is a Limited Edition of 1,000 copies. See it here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/Issue3MetalSketch.htm
“After hundreds of requests, I will offer the few remaining copies of the Zoom Suit #1 Film Festival Edition for sale at San Diego. The Comic Buyers Guide revealed this edition to fans. The article (here: http://www.superverse.com/zoom_cbg.pdf ) started a fervor for this edition. I’ll have the remaining 80 copies at San Diego Comic Con. (See it here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/ZoomSuitFilmFestEdition.htm ).
“Zoom Suit #4 concludes the first limited series, but not the whole story! The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT is Zoom Suit Volume 2 #1 will ship October 2007. The scripts are written, the covers are ready and we’re already penciling # 1. Both covers will be on display at San Diego Comic Con.
“The first cover is by Andy Smith and Zoom Suit Chief Animator Jorge Palacios (See it here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/art_Smithani.php ). The alternate cover is by red hot rookie Chasen Greishop (see it at: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/ZoomSuitV2Issue1cover.htm )
San Diego Comic Con Special Announcements
Two Limited Edition Collections Announced! Zoom Suit: The Complete Suspended Animation Collection is a four issue set and Zoom Suit: The Complete Armored Legends Collection, a seven issue set will be available for fans to preview in San Diego. The collections will be featured in the August Previews for items shipping in October under the publisher Superverse. The Zoom Suit Lithograph Collections will be on display at the Zoom Suit booth (#1804). Fans wishing to purchase lithograph sets should check the August Previews for items shipping in October under the publisher Superverse.
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Diva1_3.jpg" align="left"> T CAMPBELL & GISELE LAGACE / CAMPBELL & AMY MEBBERSON
T Campbell continues to write two critically acclaimed teen comedies, the ongoing, Web-based Penny & Aggie [with Gisele Lagace] and the upcoming Divalicious [with Amy Mebberson]. He has several projects in the works for online release in autumn '06.
Campbell says, “We don't have a booth ourselves, but I'll be hanging out at the Keenspot booth, which is the online publisher for Penny and Aggie. Penny and Aggie’s the first project to promote. Divalicious doesn't come out until early next year, and History of Webcomics has a panel.
Divalicious (global manga from TOKYOPOP, 2007): Tina Young has enough life energy to turn the whole music business upside-down-- or maybe just blow it to kingdom come. Mebberson adds, “Divalicious is a comedy chronicling the trials and tribulations of teen pop idol Tina Young. From her humble beginnings on a reality idol show to her thug-rapper boyfriend to charity concerts, Tina takes it all in stride with a mix of sheer moxy, blind ambition and pure comic ditz. As does her eternally hapless personal assistant, Shaquille.
Penny and Aggie (webcomic with print collections, 2004-): The prom queen, the class weirdo and the bond between them neither can explain. And about twenty-three other characters, each of them living lives that represent little pieces of what it means to be a teenager. Betty and Veronica for the 21st century.
<center><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Tcampbell01.jpg"></center>
A History of Webcomics (first edition 2006): What it says-- a guide to webcomics' prehistory, its early pioneers, its publishing movements, its artistic evolution, its culture, its industry and its possible future.
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/Wednesday/byebyeharvey_badpress_cover_t.jpg" align="right"> TERMINAL PRESS
Brian Ferrara sent out the following press release:
Indie Publisher Thinks It's One Of The Big Boys! Comic, Toy and Signing Exclusives At Terminal Press Table E12!
Independent Publisher Terminal Press will have three awesome exclusives and two amazing talents signing at their table, E12, during the San Diego Comic Con 2006.
Graffiti Legend Seen will be signing at the Terminal Press table on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He will be promoting the Convention Exclusive Pilotman Spraycan Monsters Flame Repaint, Limited to only 50 pieces. He will also be signing the Phony-Baloney: Phony Island Phiasco Convention Exclusive Photo Cover Comic by Terminal Press.
If that wasn't enough, special guest Daniel Way (Wolverine: Origins, Ghost Rider, Supreme Power: Nighthawk) will be signing his SDCC Exclusive Foil Enhanced Comic, Gun Theory: Bye-Bye, Harvey and joining them at the booth for the entire convention.
Make sure to swing by Terminal Press at table E12 to pick up all these excellent exclusives and meet some of Independent Comics finest and most fun creators. For more info, always visit terminalpress.com (http://terminalpress.com)!
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/file000.jpg" align="left"> TETRAGRAMMATRON PRESS
Jason Robert Bell says, “Our Booth #1221 is under the name "Caveman Robot", all the people involved work in one way or another with Caveman Robot projects.
“Here are three new books that will be available at the #1221 at the SDCC
“Caveman Robot: Tales of Myth, Monsters, Mirrors, and Madmen! 92 pages in Vivid Grayscale! Only $5.00
A Most Magnificent Magical Magazine of Monumenta's Mesozoic Mechanical Man!
With stories and artwork by Jason Robert Bell, Britton Walters, Megan Burns, Jeff Lewonczyk, Newt Woldon, Noah Moncrief, Greg Cook, Juliann Kroboth, and Chris Uphues.
Each comic comes with a special fold out 19" x 13" inch poster from the recent Off-Off Broadway Musical the Adventures of Caveman Robot
Published by Tetragrammatron Press.
Here are preview pages-
http://www.tetragrammatron.com/musem/musem.html
http://www.tetragrammatron.com/RobotCaveman/RobotCaveman.html
Also
Britton Walters solo project – Tales of the Danged! #142 $4.00 (postage included)
The latest issue of Tales of The Danged! is here! This time around, the famous comics anthology features an issue-length Secret Doug and Doug Nerfect story!
Because the official debut of this issue is not for a couple weeks, we are limited in what we can tell you about it. Here is what we can say:
- It runs 48 mostly black and white pages. What does "mostly" mean? Order a copy and find out! It will blow your mind... Maybe.
- Each issue comes with special bonus novelties... Internet orders get extra bonus novelties. There is some great stuff with this one.
- Story details are classified, but let me just tease you with the following, "President Paul Lynde!"
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Frontcover.jpg" align="right">And
Mandala by Joe Infurnari, it is a 32 page full color minicomic dealing with a tragic poetic reality of life, death, technology, and with same breathtaking visuals that Joe created for Caveman Robot: Chapter One Welcome to Monumenta and the new Oni Press graphic novel Borrowed Time.
Adam McGovern adds, “As part of [Jason Bell’s] charitable efforts for needy newcomers, he’ll be featuring a preview ashcan of my comic at his San Diego booth (#1221), thus qualifying it for consideration in your intriguing and important alt.showcase.
“Dr. Id, Psychologist of the Supernatural will be in the August issue of Previews for a late-October release. The actual copies will premier at SPX in mid-October, with a limited number of advance ashcans available at San Diego. It’s self-published under the Indie Ink banner, and has passed its first market test by having one story selected for AdHouse Books’ Project: Romantic anthology earlier in October.
“Dr. Id, Psychologist of the Supernatural is the creative outlet of writer Adam McGovern and artist Paolo Leandri. Spoofing self-help fads while homaging silver-age storytelling, it helps reconcile the superhero-fan and indie-smartass sides of the creative team’s personalities. It’s the first project from their imprint Indie Ink Studios, and they’re counting on it leading to acceptance and self-worth.
“The creators have prepared a simple personality test to see if buying Dr. Id could be the right move for you:
“Transference: If you’ve found help from the occult lawyers of Supernatural Law and She-Hulk or the super-librarian of Rex Libris, you can probably trust yourself to Dr. Id.
“Attention Span: Dr. Id’s a busy man who wants you to get on with your life, so his tale is told in seven short stories that you’ll free-associate with the gentle wit and quick conclusions of Tomorrow Stories or Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius.
“Commitment Issues: As a one-shot, Dr. Id lets new readers and non-fanboys get their feet wet with low risk, while welcoming long-time comics-watchers with a self-contained jumping-on appeal -- and anyway, what super-shrink story worth its degree would deny readers that kind of closure?
“Doggone It, People Like Us: Fred Van Lente, writer and co-creator of the indie favorite Action Philosophers! and no stranger to sleeper hits (like Marvel’s Scorpion and, soon, Super-Villain Team-Up), says: “Cleverly written and beautifully illustrated Dr. Id is the therapy today's highly repressed superhero comics sorely need! Ever since I read it, I stopped having those creepy dreams about my mother!”
“Supernatural Law’s own Batton Lash, writer and artist of that cult hit and many memorable Simpsons-comics stories, adds: “Dr. Id is fabulous -- intelligent and fun. It's a treat to read a ‘genre’ comic with ‘grown up’ sensibilities. Forget the comfy chair – Dr. Id is definitely a comic to read on the couch!”
“In this one case, we think it’s a good idea to listen to what other people say.
“Dr. Id debuts at the SPX festival on October 13, and materializes in comic shops two weeks later. A limited number of advance ashcans will be available for purchase at San Diego through the kind enablement of Tetragrammatron Press (producers of fine Caveman Robot comics), at booth #1221. Just give it a try -- it’s cheaper than therapy! ( www.doctoridcomic.com/www.indieinkstudios.com )
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/rr3_p01_final.jpg" align="left"> TONY BEDARD
“In addition to Exiles and Marvel Adventures: Avengers at Marvel, and JSA Classified, Legion of Super-Heroes and Batman Confidential at DC, my labor of love at Image continues as Retro Rocket (http://www.newsarama.com/ImageComics/RetroRocket/Bedard_RR.htm) will hit the stands on August 9! We'll reveal much more about Retro's past and about the alien threat that Retro and Sparky are up against. Check out artist Jason Orfalas's sweet work on the preview pages!”
TOP COW PRODUCTIONS
See MAZDA & SPACEDOG ANNOUNCE REVVED @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76734) and TOP COW ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVES< SIGNING SCHEDULE (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77346).
TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS
Top Shelf Productions, Booth #1721 at San Diego this year, will be featuring several cartoonists and new graphic novels / products:
New Graphic Novels / Products:
Lost Girls by Alan Moore & Melinda Gebbie
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=219
[i]Newsarama Note: Click here (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/MooreLG_01.html) for Part One of our interview wit Alan Moore, and here (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/MooreLG_02.html) for Part Two.
And here (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/Gebbie_LG.html) for an interview with Melinda Gebbie.
Also, see CHRIS STAROS ON THE RISKS AND PROMISE OF PUBLISHING LOST GIRLS (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/Staros_LostGirls.html)
The Owly Plush Toy by Andy Runton
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=469
I Am Going To Be Small by Jeffrey Brown
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=527
The Surrogates by Robert Venditti & Brett Weldele
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=528
And the cartoonists who will be there doing signings at the Top Shelf booth
are:
Melinda Gebbie (Lost Girls)
Andy Runton (Owly)
Jeffrey Brown (I Am Going To Be Small / Clumsy / Unlikely / AEIOU)
Robert Venditti & Brett Weldele (The Surrogates)
Eddie Campbell (Fate of the Artist / Alec / Bacchus)
José Villarrubia (The Mirror of Love / Voice of the Fire)
Renée French (The Ticking)
Alex Robinson (Tricked / Box Office Poison)
Tony Consiglio (110Per¢)
James Kochalka (Super F*ckers / American Elf)
Aaron Renier (Spiral-Bound)
Rich Koslowski (The King)
David Yurkovich (Less Than Heroes)
Martin Cendreda (Dang!)
UDON ENTERTAINMENT
Erik Ko says, “Street Fighter Legends Sakura
Writer - Ken Siu-Chong
Art Omar Dogan
32 pages, full color, SRP 3.95
“This is a new series that we are launching. It’s in the form of a mini-series within an ongoing series. The first four issues will be focusing on everyone’s favorite fighting school girl Sakura. Art is by Omar Dogan, who has also done some SF work before, as well as Robotech Shadow Chronicles, Vampi, and Xin.
“Here’s a short description:
The most action-packed, out-of-control martial arts adventure blasts off as everyone's favorite fighting schoolgirl, Sakura, leaps from the pages of Street Fighter into her own limited series! Taking her reluctant master's advice after returning to Japan, Sakura vows to emulate Ryu and learn from as many different fighters as she can—leading to explosive encounters with the likes of E. Honda, Zangief, Rainbow Mika and her fiercest rival, Karin! But perhaps her greatest challenge lies in the pink-garbed wonder himself… the ever-determined and hopelessly over-confident, Dan Hibiki!
<center><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Sakura01CovADR.jpg"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Sakura01CovBDR.jpg" hspace="3"></center>
“Be sure to see the legend of Street Fighter burst from the seams like never before with equal parts martial arts thrills and zany, over-the-top spills! Whatever lies ahead for Sakura, one thing is sure--the streets of Japan will never be the same!
Shipping August 2006. Order your copy NOW!
STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS SAKURA DOGAN CVR A #1 (JUN063456)
STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS SAKURA LEE CVR B #1 (JUN063457)
“And be sure to drop by the Capcom booth (booth # 4145) at SDCC to get the limited edition Sakura art print and get it signed by Omar Dogan himself!”
Also, see UDON ANNOUNCES SDCC PLANS, PRODUCTS ( http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76780)
VANGUARD PRODUCTIONS
See STERANKO MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76538)
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/middle_man_01_ALT.jpg" align="left"> VIPER COMICS
Jessie Garza says, “Viper Comics will debut the much anticipated comic book, The Middleman (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=36026) which is created by Javier Grillo-Marxuach (http://www.newsarama.com/images/interviews/2006/marxuach/GrilloMarx.htm) a writer and supervising producer for ABC’s Hit TV Show Lost. We will also debut Josh Howard’s (Creator of Dead @17) Art Book Volume 1, and David Hopkins’ (Writer / Western Tales of Terror) new comic book series Karma Incorporated. A SDCC Special Edition issue #1 for The Middleman, and Karma Incorporated will be sold. Both books will be limited to 500 copies each, so hurry and pick up your copy before they SELL OUT! Creators / Artists Josh Howard, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, David Hopkins, Les McClaine (2005 Eisner Nominee), Tom Kurzanski, Marlena Hall, Otis Frampton, and Nicc Balce will be at the Viper Booth signing. We'll also have tons of cool Viper swag such as posters, T-Shirts, hats and collectible buttons. And if your an aspiring artist we'll be holding daily portfolio reviews from 2pm - 4pm. Stop by and visit us at the Viper Booth #1949.
See also LIMITED EDITION DUMMY'S GUIDE TO DANGER AVAILABLE @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75470)
WCG COMICS
See WCG CELBRATES 15 YEARS @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76819)
WE HAVE ISSUES! PUBLISHING
John Vogel: "We Have Issues! Publishing will be debuting Slade Chronicles: Riftwalker # 1(of 3) by John Vogel, Justin Nyland and Bryan Borgman in the fall of 2006, complete with it's own music soundtrack from the gang at Bailey Records Composition and Sound Design. We'll have our website ( wehaveissuespub.com ) up and running by the end of August, but unfortunately will not make the SDCC this year due to the financial constraints of getting our company up and running. We're hoping to start hitting the Con rounds this coming year with our partners at Bailey Records, but until then you can reach us at our forum site below. Hope to see you out there in 2007!”
“For more info on We Have Issues! Publishing and Slade Chronicles: Riftwalker, stop in at http://wehaveissuespublishing.myfastforum.org now, and http://wehaveissuespub.com after August 2006! For more info on Bailey Records and what they have available, or for what they can do for your next project, check out http://www.baileyrecords.com !
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/cover_g2_final.jpg" align="right"> XMOOR STUDIOS
Robert Garrett, co-publisher/writer of Xmoor Studios’ Galtow and Seize Asylum says, “After a long hiatus, Xmoor Studios plans to emerge back onto the Independent field with the relaunch of our flagship title Galtow with an all new artist team and a plunge into the color market. We are in full advertising mode for our upcoming book which we want to have in Diamonds September issue. Meanwhile we will be attending the Wizard World Comic-Con in August where we will have an extremely limited Convention preview of Galtow #3 which will sport a fantastic pencil cover by our new illustrator Kajo. Also we will have caps, T-shirts and a chance to order the extremely popular Keylon Jakes bust which will be available in September.
“We are trying to expand our public awareness and want to do our relaunch in style. So expect more exciting multimedia updates real soon.”
YOUNG AMERICAN COMICS
Tod C Parkhill says, “We will be in the small press section booth number Q-9 (right on the end of the row by the rear doors to the escalators) you can't miss our big blue YAC banner.
“We have several premiers for the SDCC including the release of:
“The Big Ol' Book of BIZMAR, our biggest group anthology to date, weighs in at 232 pages and features over 75 artists from big name creators to new names in comics. Every story in the book includes Bunnies, Insects, Zombies, Monkeys, Aliens and Robots (BIZMAR, get it?). As long as all six elements were included in the story somehow, the creative team was free to do whatever they wanted. Contributors include Stephen Notley, Jen Feinberg and Todd Meister, Ben Snakepit, Jim Mahfood, Tod C Parkhill, Levi Krause & Chris Yambar, Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum, Art Baltazar, Joey Mason and MORE! The amazing cover art is by Dan Hernandez.
“Life’s So Rad: The Greatest Hits - an anthology of Corey Marie Kitley's popular webcomic Life’s So Rad which also features a look at the times behind the run of the comic and a reprint of all seven comics from the original zines.
Snakepit Quarterly #15: Ben Snakepit’s on-going, daily, punk rock autobiographical comic continues with Ben returning from a tour in Japan, wasting the summer being wasted and turning 31. As seen in Tower Records and many indie-friendly comic shops. Insanely popular and addictive.
“We also have several new mini-comics for SDCC including The Pot Face Comedy Hour and Save Spidey as well as The Transdimensional Adventures of Captain Preposterous and Obsequious Dean and The Red Curtain which are now bound up into trade paperbacks. Come by our booth in the small press section (Q-9 on the end) to learn about our NEWEST open-invite group anthology "small town/BIG CITY" and pick up a "Comic-Con Bingo board" to play while you're walking around the show floor!
"Support Indie Comics, You Dope!"
For the full Comic-Con International: San Diego 2006 programming schedule, click here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76051) for Thursday, July 20th's schedule, click here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76194) for Friday, July 21st’s, click here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3) for Saturday, July 22nd's, and here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76427) for Sunday, July 23rd's.
<i>Related articles:
SDCC : A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 1 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77042)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 2 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77123)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 3 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77215)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 4 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77360)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 5 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77446)
</i>
<blockquote><I>Newsarama's Comic-Con International '06 Coverage is brought to you by Miramax Films’ <b>RENAISSANCE</b>. In theaters this fall.</i></blockquote><center><a href="http://www.renaissance-movie.com" target=blank><img src=http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/sponsor/300x250_b.jpg border=0></a></center>
Comic-Con International: San Diego 2005 saw over 104,000 individual attendees, professionals and exhibitors at the big show.
This year, with names like Kazuo Koike, George Pérez, George R. R. Martin, Walter Koenig, Sergio Aragonés, Brian Bolland, Brad Meltzer, J. Michael Straczynski, Carmine Infantino, Andy Runton, Yoshitaka Amano, Amanda Conner, and more, the event promises to be even bigger with more hottest comics stars, comics greats of the past, international special guests, the best in fantasy, science fiction and horror, world class cartoonists, artists and illustrators.
As usual, Newsarama will be reporting about all your favorite panels. From Marvel to DC, from Image to Dark Horse, from TOKYOPOP to IDW, we’ve got ‘em all covered for you.
But what happens to other small press, independent publishers, up and coming creators and the comic industry’s Tom, Dick and Harry?
Like last year’s special non-panel panel report (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38036), we’ve done all the background work for you. Only this time, like the Con itself that seems to be growing every year, we’ve attracted a gazillion publishers, studios, creators, and most importantly, all-round comic fans like you and I, to say a few words about their SDCC debuts, Con exclusives, and upcoming releases.
Presenting part six of our special six-day non-panel panel report.
SUPERVERSE
John Taddeo and Zoom Suit
Booth #1804
www.superverse.com
“It’s completely out of my hands at this point. Zoom Suit has taken on a life of it’s own.”
Eighty film festivals. Initial sales of over 20,000 copies and the biggest gainer in sales on the Comic Buyers Guide Heat Meter ( http://www.superverse.com/june15.html )! Over 4,000 people have joined the Zoom Suit Fan Club, and the Superverse Direct Shop at Superverse.com ships hundreds of copies and collectables to fans each week.
“To thank fans for the support, I’ll be giving away Zoom Suit movie posters, trading cards and ash cans at booth #1804 at San Diego Comic Con. Please stop by early before our supplies run out.
“Reorders on Zoom Suit #2 were actually higher than initial orders. After the smoke cleared we sold over 12,000 copies of Zoom Suit #2. (see the Glow in the Dark cover of the Zoom Suit #2 Suspended Animation Edition here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/Issue2SuspendedAnimationEdition.htm )
“Aside from amazing covers by Billy Tucci and Bart Sears, Zoom Suit #3 features the FIRST APPEARANCE of two new teenage super-villains. These characters will be major players in the Zoom Suit Rogue Gallery making Zoom Suit #3 a must have issue. To commemorate the event we created a Comic Con Exclusive. The Bart Sears Metal Sketch Edition of Zoom Suit #3 will be available for sale at San Diego Comic Con. It is a Limited Edition of 1,000 copies. See it here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/Issue3MetalSketch.htm
“After hundreds of requests, I will offer the few remaining copies of the Zoom Suit #1 Film Festival Edition for sale at San Diego. The Comic Buyers Guide revealed this edition to fans. The article (here: http://www.superverse.com/zoom_cbg.pdf ) started a fervor for this edition. I’ll have the remaining 80 copies at San Diego Comic Con. (See it here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/ZoomSuitFilmFestEdition.htm ).
“Zoom Suit #4 concludes the first limited series, but not the whole story! The BIG ANNOUNCEMENT is Zoom Suit Volume 2 #1 will ship October 2007. The scripts are written, the covers are ready and we’re already penciling # 1. Both covers will be on display at San Diego Comic Con.
“The first cover is by Andy Smith and Zoom Suit Chief Animator Jorge Palacios (See it here: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/art_Smithani.php ). The alternate cover is by red hot rookie Chasen Greishop (see it at: http://www.superverse.com/ZoomSuit/ZoomSuitV2Issue1cover.htm )
San Diego Comic Con Special Announcements
Two Limited Edition Collections Announced! Zoom Suit: The Complete Suspended Animation Collection is a four issue set and Zoom Suit: The Complete Armored Legends Collection, a seven issue set will be available for fans to preview in San Diego. The collections will be featured in the August Previews for items shipping in October under the publisher Superverse. The Zoom Suit Lithograph Collections will be on display at the Zoom Suit booth (#1804). Fans wishing to purchase lithograph sets should check the August Previews for items shipping in October under the publisher Superverse.
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Diva1_3.jpg" align="left"> T CAMPBELL & GISELE LAGACE / CAMPBELL & AMY MEBBERSON
T Campbell continues to write two critically acclaimed teen comedies, the ongoing, Web-based Penny & Aggie [with Gisele Lagace] and the upcoming Divalicious [with Amy Mebberson]. He has several projects in the works for online release in autumn '06.
Campbell says, “We don't have a booth ourselves, but I'll be hanging out at the Keenspot booth, which is the online publisher for Penny and Aggie. Penny and Aggie’s the first project to promote. Divalicious doesn't come out until early next year, and History of Webcomics has a panel.
Divalicious (global manga from TOKYOPOP, 2007): Tina Young has enough life energy to turn the whole music business upside-down-- or maybe just blow it to kingdom come. Mebberson adds, “Divalicious is a comedy chronicling the trials and tribulations of teen pop idol Tina Young. From her humble beginnings on a reality idol show to her thug-rapper boyfriend to charity concerts, Tina takes it all in stride with a mix of sheer moxy, blind ambition and pure comic ditz. As does her eternally hapless personal assistant, Shaquille.
Penny and Aggie (webcomic with print collections, 2004-): The prom queen, the class weirdo and the bond between them neither can explain. And about twenty-three other characters, each of them living lives that represent little pieces of what it means to be a teenager. Betty and Veronica for the 21st century.
<center><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Tcampbell01.jpg"></center>
A History of Webcomics (first edition 2006): What it says-- a guide to webcomics' prehistory, its early pioneers, its publishing movements, its artistic evolution, its culture, its industry and its possible future.
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/Wednesday/byebyeharvey_badpress_cover_t.jpg" align="right"> TERMINAL PRESS
Brian Ferrara sent out the following press release:
Indie Publisher Thinks It's One Of The Big Boys! Comic, Toy and Signing Exclusives At Terminal Press Table E12!
Independent Publisher Terminal Press will have three awesome exclusives and two amazing talents signing at their table, E12, during the San Diego Comic Con 2006.
Graffiti Legend Seen will be signing at the Terminal Press table on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He will be promoting the Convention Exclusive Pilotman Spraycan Monsters Flame Repaint, Limited to only 50 pieces. He will also be signing the Phony-Baloney: Phony Island Phiasco Convention Exclusive Photo Cover Comic by Terminal Press.
If that wasn't enough, special guest Daniel Way (Wolverine: Origins, Ghost Rider, Supreme Power: Nighthawk) will be signing his SDCC Exclusive Foil Enhanced Comic, Gun Theory: Bye-Bye, Harvey and joining them at the booth for the entire convention.
Make sure to swing by Terminal Press at table E12 to pick up all these excellent exclusives and meet some of Independent Comics finest and most fun creators. For more info, always visit terminalpress.com (http://terminalpress.com)!
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/file000.jpg" align="left"> TETRAGRAMMATRON PRESS
Jason Robert Bell says, “Our Booth #1221 is under the name "Caveman Robot", all the people involved work in one way or another with Caveman Robot projects.
“Here are three new books that will be available at the #1221 at the SDCC
“Caveman Robot: Tales of Myth, Monsters, Mirrors, and Madmen! 92 pages in Vivid Grayscale! Only $5.00
A Most Magnificent Magical Magazine of Monumenta's Mesozoic Mechanical Man!
With stories and artwork by Jason Robert Bell, Britton Walters, Megan Burns, Jeff Lewonczyk, Newt Woldon, Noah Moncrief, Greg Cook, Juliann Kroboth, and Chris Uphues.
Each comic comes with a special fold out 19" x 13" inch poster from the recent Off-Off Broadway Musical the Adventures of Caveman Robot
Published by Tetragrammatron Press.
Here are preview pages-
http://www.tetragrammatron.com/musem/musem.html
http://www.tetragrammatron.com/RobotCaveman/RobotCaveman.html
Also
Britton Walters solo project – Tales of the Danged! #142 $4.00 (postage included)
The latest issue of Tales of The Danged! is here! This time around, the famous comics anthology features an issue-length Secret Doug and Doug Nerfect story!
Because the official debut of this issue is not for a couple weeks, we are limited in what we can tell you about it. Here is what we can say:
- It runs 48 mostly black and white pages. What does "mostly" mean? Order a copy and find out! It will blow your mind... Maybe.
- Each issue comes with special bonus novelties... Internet orders get extra bonus novelties. There is some great stuff with this one.
- Story details are classified, but let me just tease you with the following, "President Paul Lynde!"
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Frontcover.jpg" align="right">And
Mandala by Joe Infurnari, it is a 32 page full color minicomic dealing with a tragic poetic reality of life, death, technology, and with same breathtaking visuals that Joe created for Caveman Robot: Chapter One Welcome to Monumenta and the new Oni Press graphic novel Borrowed Time.
Adam McGovern adds, “As part of [Jason Bell’s] charitable efforts for needy newcomers, he’ll be featuring a preview ashcan of my comic at his San Diego booth (#1221), thus qualifying it for consideration in your intriguing and important alt.showcase.
“Dr. Id, Psychologist of the Supernatural will be in the August issue of Previews for a late-October release. The actual copies will premier at SPX in mid-October, with a limited number of advance ashcans available at San Diego. It’s self-published under the Indie Ink banner, and has passed its first market test by having one story selected for AdHouse Books’ Project: Romantic anthology earlier in October.
“Dr. Id, Psychologist of the Supernatural is the creative outlet of writer Adam McGovern and artist Paolo Leandri. Spoofing self-help fads while homaging silver-age storytelling, it helps reconcile the superhero-fan and indie-smartass sides of the creative team’s personalities. It’s the first project from their imprint Indie Ink Studios, and they’re counting on it leading to acceptance and self-worth.
“The creators have prepared a simple personality test to see if buying Dr. Id could be the right move for you:
“Transference: If you’ve found help from the occult lawyers of Supernatural Law and She-Hulk or the super-librarian of Rex Libris, you can probably trust yourself to Dr. Id.
“Attention Span: Dr. Id’s a busy man who wants you to get on with your life, so his tale is told in seven short stories that you’ll free-associate with the gentle wit and quick conclusions of Tomorrow Stories or Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius.
“Commitment Issues: As a one-shot, Dr. Id lets new readers and non-fanboys get their feet wet with low risk, while welcoming long-time comics-watchers with a self-contained jumping-on appeal -- and anyway, what super-shrink story worth its degree would deny readers that kind of closure?
“Doggone It, People Like Us: Fred Van Lente, writer and co-creator of the indie favorite Action Philosophers! and no stranger to sleeper hits (like Marvel’s Scorpion and, soon, Super-Villain Team-Up), says: “Cleverly written and beautifully illustrated Dr. Id is the therapy today's highly repressed superhero comics sorely need! Ever since I read it, I stopped having those creepy dreams about my mother!”
“Supernatural Law’s own Batton Lash, writer and artist of that cult hit and many memorable Simpsons-comics stories, adds: “Dr. Id is fabulous -- intelligent and fun. It's a treat to read a ‘genre’ comic with ‘grown up’ sensibilities. Forget the comfy chair – Dr. Id is definitely a comic to read on the couch!”
“In this one case, we think it’s a good idea to listen to what other people say.
“Dr. Id debuts at the SPX festival on October 13, and materializes in comic shops two weeks later. A limited number of advance ashcans will be available for purchase at San Diego through the kind enablement of Tetragrammatron Press (producers of fine Caveman Robot comics), at booth #1221. Just give it a try -- it’s cheaper than therapy! ( www.doctoridcomic.com/www.indieinkstudios.com )
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/rr3_p01_final.jpg" align="left"> TONY BEDARD
“In addition to Exiles and Marvel Adventures: Avengers at Marvel, and JSA Classified, Legion of Super-Heroes and Batman Confidential at DC, my labor of love at Image continues as Retro Rocket (http://www.newsarama.com/ImageComics/RetroRocket/Bedard_RR.htm) will hit the stands on August 9! We'll reveal much more about Retro's past and about the alien threat that Retro and Sparky are up against. Check out artist Jason Orfalas's sweet work on the preview pages!”
TOP COW PRODUCTIONS
See MAZDA & SPACEDOG ANNOUNCE REVVED @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76734) and TOP COW ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVES< SIGNING SCHEDULE (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77346).
TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS
Top Shelf Productions, Booth #1721 at San Diego this year, will be featuring several cartoonists and new graphic novels / products:
New Graphic Novels / Products:
Lost Girls by Alan Moore & Melinda Gebbie
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=219
[i]Newsarama Note: Click here (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/MooreLG_01.html) for Part One of our interview wit Alan Moore, and here (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/MooreLG_02.html) for Part Two.
And here (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/Gebbie_LG.html) for an interview with Melinda Gebbie.
Also, see CHRIS STAROS ON THE RISKS AND PROMISE OF PUBLISHING LOST GIRLS (http://www.newsarama.com/TopShelf/LostGirls/Staros_LostGirls.html)
The Owly Plush Toy by Andy Runton
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=469
I Am Going To Be Small by Jeffrey Brown
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=527
The Surrogates by Robert Venditti & Brett Weldele
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=528
And the cartoonists who will be there doing signings at the Top Shelf booth
are:
Melinda Gebbie (Lost Girls)
Andy Runton (Owly)
Jeffrey Brown (I Am Going To Be Small / Clumsy / Unlikely / AEIOU)
Robert Venditti & Brett Weldele (The Surrogates)
Eddie Campbell (Fate of the Artist / Alec / Bacchus)
José Villarrubia (The Mirror of Love / Voice of the Fire)
Renée French (The Ticking)
Alex Robinson (Tricked / Box Office Poison)
Tony Consiglio (110Per¢)
James Kochalka (Super F*ckers / American Elf)
Aaron Renier (Spiral-Bound)
Rich Koslowski (The King)
David Yurkovich (Less Than Heroes)
Martin Cendreda (Dang!)
UDON ENTERTAINMENT
Erik Ko says, “Street Fighter Legends Sakura
Writer - Ken Siu-Chong
Art Omar Dogan
32 pages, full color, SRP 3.95
“This is a new series that we are launching. It’s in the form of a mini-series within an ongoing series. The first four issues will be focusing on everyone’s favorite fighting school girl Sakura. Art is by Omar Dogan, who has also done some SF work before, as well as Robotech Shadow Chronicles, Vampi, and Xin.
“Here’s a short description:
The most action-packed, out-of-control martial arts adventure blasts off as everyone's favorite fighting schoolgirl, Sakura, leaps from the pages of Street Fighter into her own limited series! Taking her reluctant master's advice after returning to Japan, Sakura vows to emulate Ryu and learn from as many different fighters as she can—leading to explosive encounters with the likes of E. Honda, Zangief, Rainbow Mika and her fiercest rival, Karin! But perhaps her greatest challenge lies in the pink-garbed wonder himself… the ever-determined and hopelessly over-confident, Dan Hibiki!
<center><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Sakura01CovADR.jpg"><img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/Sakura01CovBDR.jpg" hspace="3"></center>
“Be sure to see the legend of Street Fighter burst from the seams like never before with equal parts martial arts thrills and zany, over-the-top spills! Whatever lies ahead for Sakura, one thing is sure--the streets of Japan will never be the same!
Shipping August 2006. Order your copy NOW!
STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS SAKURA DOGAN CVR A #1 (JUN063456)
STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS SAKURA LEE CVR B #1 (JUN063457)
“And be sure to drop by the Capcom booth (booth # 4145) at SDCC to get the limited edition Sakura art print and get it signed by Omar Dogan himself!”
Also, see UDON ANNOUNCES SDCC PLANS, PRODUCTS ( http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76780)
VANGUARD PRODUCTIONS
See STERANKO MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76538)
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/middle_man_01_ALT.jpg" align="left"> VIPER COMICS
Jessie Garza says, “Viper Comics will debut the much anticipated comic book, The Middleman (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=36026) which is created by Javier Grillo-Marxuach (http://www.newsarama.com/images/interviews/2006/marxuach/GrilloMarx.htm) a writer and supervising producer for ABC’s Hit TV Show Lost. We will also debut Josh Howard’s (Creator of Dead @17) Art Book Volume 1, and David Hopkins’ (Writer / Western Tales of Terror) new comic book series Karma Incorporated. A SDCC Special Edition issue #1 for The Middleman, and Karma Incorporated will be sold. Both books will be limited to 500 copies each, so hurry and pick up your copy before they SELL OUT! Creators / Artists Josh Howard, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, David Hopkins, Les McClaine (2005 Eisner Nominee), Tom Kurzanski, Marlena Hall, Otis Frampton, and Nicc Balce will be at the Viper Booth signing. We'll also have tons of cool Viper swag such as posters, T-Shirts, hats and collectible buttons. And if your an aspiring artist we'll be holding daily portfolio reviews from 2pm - 4pm. Stop by and visit us at the Viper Booth #1949.
See also LIMITED EDITION DUMMY'S GUIDE TO DANGER AVAILABLE @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75470)
WCG COMICS
See WCG CELBRATES 15 YEARS @ SDCC (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76819)
WE HAVE ISSUES! PUBLISHING
John Vogel: "We Have Issues! Publishing will be debuting Slade Chronicles: Riftwalker # 1(of 3) by John Vogel, Justin Nyland and Bryan Borgman in the fall of 2006, complete with it's own music soundtrack from the gang at Bailey Records Composition and Sound Design. We'll have our website ( wehaveissuespub.com ) up and running by the end of August, but unfortunately will not make the SDCC this year due to the financial constraints of getting our company up and running. We're hoping to start hitting the Con rounds this coming year with our partners at Bailey Records, but until then you can reach us at our forum site below. Hope to see you out there in 2007!”
“For more info on We Have Issues! Publishing and Slade Chronicles: Riftwalker, stop in at http://wehaveissuespublishing.myfastforum.org now, and http://wehaveissuespub.com after August 2006! For more info on Bailey Records and what they have available, or for what they can do for your next project, check out http://www.baileyrecords.com !
<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/NonPanelPanel/Day6/cover_g2_final.jpg" align="right"> XMOOR STUDIOS
Robert Garrett, co-publisher/writer of Xmoor Studios’ Galtow and Seize Asylum says, “After a long hiatus, Xmoor Studios plans to emerge back onto the Independent field with the relaunch of our flagship title Galtow with an all new artist team and a plunge into the color market. We are in full advertising mode for our upcoming book which we want to have in Diamonds September issue. Meanwhile we will be attending the Wizard World Comic-Con in August where we will have an extremely limited Convention preview of Galtow #3 which will sport a fantastic pencil cover by our new illustrator Kajo. Also we will have caps, T-shirts and a chance to order the extremely popular Keylon Jakes bust which will be available in September.
“We are trying to expand our public awareness and want to do our relaunch in style. So expect more exciting multimedia updates real soon.”
YOUNG AMERICAN COMICS
Tod C Parkhill says, “We will be in the small press section booth number Q-9 (right on the end of the row by the rear doors to the escalators) you can't miss our big blue YAC banner.
“We have several premiers for the SDCC including the release of:
“The Big Ol' Book of BIZMAR, our biggest group anthology to date, weighs in at 232 pages and features over 75 artists from big name creators to new names in comics. Every story in the book includes Bunnies, Insects, Zombies, Monkeys, Aliens and Robots (BIZMAR, get it?). As long as all six elements were included in the story somehow, the creative team was free to do whatever they wanted. Contributors include Stephen Notley, Jen Feinberg and Todd Meister, Ben Snakepit, Jim Mahfood, Tod C Parkhill, Levi Krause & Chris Yambar, Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum, Art Baltazar, Joey Mason and MORE! The amazing cover art is by Dan Hernandez.
“Life’s So Rad: The Greatest Hits - an anthology of Corey Marie Kitley's popular webcomic Life’s So Rad which also features a look at the times behind the run of the comic and a reprint of all seven comics from the original zines.
Snakepit Quarterly #15: Ben Snakepit’s on-going, daily, punk rock autobiographical comic continues with Ben returning from a tour in Japan, wasting the summer being wasted and turning 31. As seen in Tower Records and many indie-friendly comic shops. Insanely popular and addictive.
“We also have several new mini-comics for SDCC including The Pot Face Comedy Hour and Save Spidey as well as The Transdimensional Adventures of Captain Preposterous and Obsequious Dean and The Red Curtain which are now bound up into trade paperbacks. Come by our booth in the small press section (Q-9 on the end) to learn about our NEWEST open-invite group anthology "small town/BIG CITY" and pick up a "Comic-Con Bingo board" to play while you're walking around the show floor!
"Support Indie Comics, You Dope!"
For the full Comic-Con International: San Diego 2006 programming schedule, click here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76051) for Thursday, July 20th's schedule, click here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76194) for Friday, July 21st’s, click here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3) for Saturday, July 22nd's, and here (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76427) for Sunday, July 23rd's.
<i>Related articles:
SDCC : A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 1 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77042)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 2 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77123)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 3 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77215)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 4 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77360)
SDCC: A NON-PANEL PANEL REPORT 5 (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77446)
</i>
<blockquote><I>Newsarama's Comic-Con International '06 Coverage is brought to you by Miramax Films’ <b>RENAISSANCE</b>. In theaters this fall.</i></blockquote><center><a href="http://www.renaissance-movie.com" target=blank><img src=http://www.newsarama.com/SDCC06/sponsor/300x250_b.jpg border=0></a></center>