One Day Closer to 28

It’s Friday, and your friendly neighborhood Editor in Chief is dealing with a massive headache from a very late night last night. That doesn’t really have any bearing on this section, per se, but I thought I would let you know in case today’s entry was shorter than normal (or chock-full of misspellings).

Anyway, I have been on an indie comics kick since a good friend gave me an incredible graphic novel that I had not yet read titled Blankets (written by Craig Thompson). It’s an amazing memoir of a boy growing up and his experiences with his first ‘true love’, and all of the heartbreak that comes with such things. If you haven’t read it I highly recommend that you do so; I traded her my copy of Brian Wood’s DEMO, one of my all time favs. Read that too if you haven’t.

And the countdown continues! 28 Days Later: The Aftermath comes out next Wednesday, 4/4/07!

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The 28 Day Countdown

Two things are making me very happy today – the final files for The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel have been sent over to our publisher, HarperCollins, and today marks the one-week countdown to the release of 28 Days Later: The Aftermath, the first release from Fox Atomic Comics! Keep checking the site for more info, and be sure to grab a copy at your local comics shop or bookstore next week!

I just realized that I didn’t post my New Comics Day pull list from yesterday either… oops. Well, here ‘tis:

Grendel Devil By The Deed HC
100 Bullets #82
52 Week #47
Action Comics #847
Batman #664
DMZ #17 (!!!!)
Fables #59
Green Lantern #18
Black Panther #26
Daredevil #95
Fantastic Four #544
Heroes For Hire #8
Ultimate Spider-Man #107
Ultimate X-Men #80
Wolverine #52

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The Hills Have A Cover

Do you see something new in the cover gallery to the left of my ugly mug? That’s right – we’ve added a preview of the final cover for The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel! We will debut a crisp and un-obscured version of the cover shortly, but for now please enjoy this sneak peek at Greg Staples’ amazing art.

As I mentioned yesterday, we’re currently in the final stages of wrapping up The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel, so our days and late nights have been filled with final color corrections, lettering notes, book design notes, cover finalization, and lots of other goodness that would make your head spin. The book looks amazing!

Finally, the coutdown to next's week release of 28Days Later: The Aftermath begins tomorrow!

More to follow!

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The Beginning

I know I have been a little quiet as of late, but it’s all for a good cause: we’re currently in the final stages of wrapping up The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel, so my days and late nights have been filled with final color corrections, lettering notes, book design notes, cover finalization, and lots of other goodness that would make your head spin. Doing an entire one-hundred-plus page graphic novel in one fell swoop is a rather daunting task, crammed with myriad details; it’s almost akin to producing a mini movie. Fortunately we have an incredible team on the book, so that makes things all the eaiser! Big shout out to Heidi, Dennis, Symon, Jimmy, Justin, John, and the rest of the crew for the hard work and late nights. The book looks amazing.

On that note, keep your eyes peeled for the final cover to the Hills graphic novel, debuting on this very page shortly…

Oh, and if you missed it, check the new 28 Weeks Later trailer in GLORIOUS QUICKTIME!

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The Hills Have Eyes: The Aftermath

I hope you saw The Hills Have Eyes 2 over the weekend! If you didn’t (shame on you), then keep checking this page all week… we’re going to debut the cover for The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel very shortly! We’re also rapidly putting the finishing touches on the overall Hills book this week, so new pages will be up soon as well. For those of you who did see the film, the main character in the Hills graphic novel is Hades, the lead mutant in Hills 2!

Also, be sure to check out the premiere of the 28 Weeks Trailer only on the APPLE TRAILER PAGE!

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The Hills Have Eyes 2!

There’s only one thing to talk about today: The Hills Have Eyes 2! Today’s the day that those cannibalistic mutants will terrorize theaters around the country once again, so be sure to head to your local multiplex to get your fill of murder and mayhem! You’ll also be the first to see the WORLD PREMIERE of the trailer for 28 Weeks Later, the hotly anticipated sequel to Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later.

Speaking of 28 Days Later, we’re just a few short weeks away from the release of the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel on April 3rd! HEAD HERE to check out pages from the book and to get more info. If you’re a fan of the movie you will love this book (trust me – I’m a fan myself, so I wouldn’t steer you wrong).

Have a great weekend, and get your butt to the theater!

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Head for the Hills!

Just one more day until The Hills Have Eyes 2 hits theaters nationwide! We’re also hard at work putting the finishing touches on The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel, which releases in July timed to the DVD release of Hills 2. I must say that I am very proud of this book; the story really goes into detail about the history of the mutants, and ties in elements from both films to show you how, exactly, the mutants ended up in those hills eating human flesh in the first place. It’s a heartbreaking, epic tale of love, loss, and mutation (three elements integral to any good tale). In addition, John Higgin’s artwork is fantastic, and Dennis Calero’s colors provide that essential grim/gritty look. Much thanks to Jimmy, Justin, John, Dennis, and Heidi for creating such a stellar book.

HEAD HERE FOR MORE INFO AND PAGES FROM THE BOOK!

Again, don’t forget to check out The Hills Have Eyes 2 as well as the world premiere of the trailer for 28 Weeks Later tomorrow!

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New Comics Day!

I don’t know what came over me yesterday; I re-read my posting from Tuesday, and boy was it a downer! It was the bloody rain for sure. Today’s the day, though, that would put anyone in a better mood: new comics day! Here’s what I’m looking forward to this week:

Conan #38
Criminal Macabre Two Red Eyes #4 (I LOVE this series)
52 Week #46
Batman Confidential #4
Hellblazer #230
Justice Society Of America #4
Y The Last Man #55,
Darkman Vs Army Of Darkness #4
30 Days Of Night Spreading The Disease #4
Walking Dead #36
Amazing Spider-Man #539
Cable Deadpool #38
Exiles #92
X-Factor #17
X-Men #19

Don’t forget – The Hills Have Eyes 2 opens everywhere in just two short days! Don’t miss the 28 Weeks Later trailer (which is pretty sweet, if I do say so myself).

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It Can’t Rain All the Time

It’s raining in Los Angeles, and that always puts my in a strange mood. Those of you who are familiar with this city know that it almost never rains (or gets cold), so the few days of relatively inclimate weather often cause me to ruminate on the strangest of topics. Today, that topic is The Crow, and my assertion that The Crow is the most interesting comic to film adaptation ever.

Realize that I didn’t say the ‘best’ film adaptation, because that leaves the field wide open to all sorts of fanboy interpretations. We have been blessed of late with some incredible films (300, anyone), but The Crow is the most *interesting* comic to film adaptation because of not only the quality of the film, but of the story behind the film itself.

I’ve been thinking about this on and off since I had a hilarious dinner with a few comics/film/Wizard buddies this weekend at Wizard World LA. The Morton’s hostess ended up having to move us to a back room (we were yelling Arnold lines from Terminator/Predator/Commando - ‘let off some steam, Bennett!’), and in the midst of this madness we somehow got on the much more sedate topic of The Crow. This was a comic that the author wrote as a way to ease the pain about the death of the love of his life, only to have that book inadvertently cause the death of someone else. It was almost if this dark tale was destined to continue the morbid cycle; watching the film now you can’t help but get a chill when Brandon Lee emerges from the ground after having been killed.

Ok, I promise a less maudlin blog tomorrow. It certainly doesn’t help that I’m also listening to The Cure right now. And I’m dressed all in black today. Excuse me while I go get all emo on someone.

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PS – The Hills Have Eyes 2 opens this Friday; be sure to check out the amazing new 28 Weeks Later trailer too!

Wizard World LA: The Aftermath

This past weekend the Fox Atomic / Fox Atomic Comics crew attended the Wizard World Los Angeles comics convention; all in all it was a great show! We all had a good time hanging out on the show floor in the Fox Atomic booth, and on Saturday Hills 2 director Martin Weisz and star Michael McMillian (both really cool guys, and comics fans to boot) impressed the crowds with some special Hill Have Eyes 2 footage as well as stories from the set. Jimmy Palmiotti pretty much stole the show at the Fox Atomic Comics panel on Saturday with his tips on how to ‘zombie proof’ your house. We taped the panel so we plan to feature it along with an ongoing ‘Jimmy’s Tips for a Zombie-Proof House’ video series; watch for them both! Big thanks to Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti, Martin Weisz, Michael McMillian, and everyone else who came out to show their support and love. I got some wonderful new toys too (a la Batman), so I'm one happy camper all around.

Don’t forget – Hills 2 opens everywhere THIS Friday! Keep checking back for a look at the final cover for The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel as well!

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Wizard World LA!

Don't forget - if you’re in town, be sure to stop by our booth at Wizard World Los Angeles and say hi (booth #201). You can’t miss us; we’re front and center right at the entrance! We’ll have free giveaways, signings, a Hills Have Eyes 2 panel, and a Fox Atomic Comics panel with Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti, and yours truly.

I’m also going to keep pimpin’ this each day too, because I want to make sure ya’ll see the fantastic new pages that we have added to the 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH and THE HILLS HAVE EYES: THE BEGINNING graphic novel sites. Click either the book titles on the preceding sentence or the pretty cover pictures to the left of my ugly mug to check them out. Let me know what you think!

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PS - The Hills Have Eyes 2 opens everywhere next Friday!

Countdown to Wizard World LA

I’m typing live from the glorious Fox Atomic booth on what will be (once setup is complete) the show floor for Wizard World Los Angeles 2007! If you’re in town and coming by the show be sure to stop by our booth and say hi (booth #201). You can’t miss us; we’re front and center right at the entrance! We’ll have free giveaways, signings, a Hills Have Eyes 2 panel, and a Fox Atomic Comics panel with Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti, and yours truly.

I’m also going to keep pimpin’ this each day too, because I want to make sure ya’ll see the fantastic new pages that we have added to the 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH and THE HILLS HAVE EYES: THE BEGINNING graphic novel sites. Click either the book titles on the preceding sentence or the pretty cover pictures to the left of my ugly mug to check them out. Let me know what you think!

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PS - don't forget - The Hills Have Eyes 2 opens everywhere next Friday!

New Comics Day (the still mourning Cap edition)

It’s only been a week since the death of Captain America, and I’m still in mourning. Although I hear rumors that The Punisher will soon assume his mantle… and given my history with that character I will be quite excited if that comes to pass. Honestly, though, the amount of mainstream media coverage given to Caps’s death has been insane. Ultimately I see this as a very positive move, as like the death of Superman so many years ago, Cap’s death will also drive new readers to the world of comics. That means more readers!

And lest we forget, it’s new comics day! Here’s what I’m looking forward to this week:

Blade Of The Immortal #123
BPRD Garden Of Souls #1
Buffy The Vampire Slayer #1
Worlds Of Amano
52 Week #45
Fables #58
Friday the 13th #4
Gen 13 #6
Grifter Midnighter #1
JLA Classified #36
Sandman Mystery Theatre Sleep Of Reason #4
Superman #660
Battlestar Galactica #7
Battlestar Galactica Cylon Apocalypse #1
New Avengers #28
New X-Men #36
Punisher War Journal #5
Spider-Man Reign #4
Thunderbolts #112
Wolverine Origins #12
2000 AD #1525
2000 AD #1526

Don't forget to check out the new pages that we added to the 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH and THE HILLS HAVE EYES: THE BEGINNING graphic novels! Click either the book titles on the preceding sentence or the pretty cover pictures to the left of my ugly mug to check them out.

Finally - Fox Atomic Comics will be at the Wizard World Los Angeles convention this weekend (booth #201). Stop by and say hi!

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New Pages!

We’ve just added brand new interior pages from both the 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH and THE HILLS HAVE EYES: THE BEGINNING graphic novels! Click either the book titles on the preceding sentence or the pretty cover pictures to the left of my ugly mug to check them out. I couldn’t be happier with the art in both books – check ‘em out and let me know what you think!

This is certainly an exciting time… each day brings us closer to the release of our first graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics (28 Days Later: The Aftermath on April 3^rd), and The Hills Have Eyes 2 will be in theaters next Friday! Speaking of, don’t miss our ‘sneak peek’ at the new 28 Weeks Later trailer, which premieres ONLY in theaters with The Hills Have Eyes 2! If you can’t wait that long, then HEAD HERE to get your Infected fix…

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This… is… FOX ATOMIC!

I’m fairly positive that I annoyed everyone who came into contact with me this weekend, because after seeing 300 I felt the need to hyperbolize everything that I said and emote it in the same over-the-top fashion as all of the actors in the movie. Perhaps my favorite line of Saturday evening was, “Spartans don’t eat Jolly Ranchers!”

I was literally blown away by 300 – I have not been that impressed by a comic book-based movie since Batman Begins… or perhaps ever! The acting, the violence, the blood… it had something for everyone. If only they could have done away with those boring ‘talking parts’. Damn plot!

Alright, back to Fox Atomic Comics business. Be sure to check the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath and The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning sites tomorrow, as we’re adding NEW pages from each book for you to enjoy! Tomorrow is a big day – be sure to check the MySpace homepage on Tuesday, and check foxatomic.com for a special sneak of the 28 Weeks Later trailer!

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All About 300

I'm not going to take up much of your valuable time today... I'm just going to say one thing:

GO SEE 300!!!!!

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Countdown to 300

The time is almost upon us! 300 will be in theaters everywhere tomorrow, but my plan is to hit a few bars this evening and then catch a midnight show. I haven't looked forward to a comic book / graphic novel movie adaptation in I don't know how long... perhaps since Tim Burton's original Batman.

More than anything, 300 is a perfect example that for comic book / graphic novel film adaptations, if you remain FAITHFUL to the source material then the final product will be that much stronger as a result. There's a reason that the property worked the first time; if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just look at films like Sin City, Batman Begins, and The Crow (one of my all time favorites) - true to the source, and amazing films. On the other hand, look at the Judge Dredd movie... yea. As Stan the Man would say, 'nuff said.

What are some of your favorite comic-to-film adaptations? Let me know; leave a comment below.

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Capt. America: RIP

It’s Wednesday, so normally I use this space to gush about all of the new comics releases for the week. However, this week I would like to focus on something much more important: CAPTAIN AMERICA IS DEAD. Yep, after 66 years Cap has seemingly met his maker, and one of the most iconic comics characters ever is dead. Marvel is truly on a tear as of late – first they reveal Spidey’s secret identity to the world and now this. What’s next?

One thing to keep in mind is that death in comics is hardly a permanent thing; just ask Superman. There used to be only two hard and fast rules as it related to dead comics characters – only Bucky (Cap’s WW2 sidekick) and Jason Todd (the second Robin) could never be brought back to life. Since both are now alive and well (Bucky as the Winder Soldier and Jason as the second Red Hood), you can rest assured that it won’t be long before we see some iteration of Captain America once again. If Marvel is listening, my vote is to put more focus on U.S. Agent (I always loved that bastard).

And I can’t resist – here are a few of the titles I am looking forward to this week (it’s a big week):

Mighty Avengers #1
Civil War: The Initiative #1
Captain America # 25 (this is the book where Cap eats it)
Dark Tower #2
Onslaught Reborn #3 (sweet)
Marvel Zombies/Army of Darkness #1
Superman/Batman #32
52

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PS – if you didn’t pick up City of Others #1 last week, be sure to do so this week. Bernie’s art is amazing.

Comics: The Final Frontier

Something that has piqued my interest of late is the number of high-profile film / television properties are utilizing the comics medium in order to further their canonical storylines. Two examples that come to mind are Buffy: The Vampire Slayer (which is doing ‘season eight’ of the TV show as a comic book) and Star Trek: The Original Series (which originally ran for three seasons on TV, but will be doing the fourth season as a comic book). I think this is such a great idea, because you can give the fans of those properties more of what they love, but without the mega-bucks that are required to produce a weekly TV show.

Granted we’re doing something similar with our 28 Days Later and The Hills Have Eyes graphic novels, so if you’re a fan of either of those properties you’ll definitely want to check ‘em out!

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Move-in Day

Today feels like the first day of summer camp – Fox Atomic just moved into our new offices! Today’s post is a little late since my computer was a bit out of commission until only recently, but more tomorrow. Now please excuse me, I must get back to arranging my action figures and other toys in my new office.

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Moving Day

Today is the day that Fox Atomic bids a fond adieu to our palatial Pacific Ocean digs in Santa Monica, as next week we will be back on the historic Fox lot in our brand-new building. As I type this I’m currently surrounded by boxes (some stacked so high I swear they’re going to fall on me), all packed with my comics, graphic novels, toys, lightsatbers, etc etc (I swear that my office looks like Tom Hanks’ office from the movie Big).

I’m also a bit bummed because I’m missing WONDERCON in San Francisco this weekend… I’m still sick as a dog and run down from being run over in NYC so this weekend is all about rest. My only real plans are to clean up my apartment, go visit Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson at their Dark Del signing on Saturday, and watch Black Snake Moan.

Finally, be sure to check out the comics section next week – I will be adding fresh updates and new pages for the 28 Days Later and Hills Have Eyes graphic novels. Have a great weekend!

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City of Others

As we all know, yesterday (Wednesday) was that glorious day known as New Comics Day. Instead of my usual selections that span the comics milieu, though, this week I had but one focus: City of Others #1. For those unfamiliar with the title, City of Others is a collaboration between two comics horror icons, Steve Niles and the legendary Bernie Wrightson. Not that either man needs any introduction, but Steve is the man behind such books as 30 Days of Night (coming to a movie theater near you in October, by the by), and Bernie is one of the most influential horror comics illustrators ever (the man co-created Swamp Thing!). What’s really cool is this book marks Bernie’s return to sequential comics work after a bit of a hiatus - welcome back Bernie!

In closing, go get CITY OF OTHERS #1. Now. That is all.

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