Fox Atomic Comics

We Got Spiked

2008-01-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

A SpikeTV Scream award, that is. All the way back in October we won the 'Best Screen to Comic' award for "28 Days Later: The Aftermath" at the second-annual Scream awards show, and the trophy arrived in the mail this very day. It's all kinds of awesome. A picture is below, and a link is also provided for you RSS folks.

A huge thanks, as always, to Steve, Jimmy, Dennis, Diego, Nat, Symon, and Timmy B!

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g84/relieb/Photo243.jpg

Later

New Comics Day!

2008-01-09T22:51:00.000-08:00

Good old Wednesday. 'Hump day', some say. Not I, for Wednesday ushers forth that weekly cavalcade of four-color merriment known as New Comics Day. And without further ado, here're are the books I plan on picking up this eve:

BPRD 1946 #1
EVIL DEAD #1
GOON #20
BAT LASH #2
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 16
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #20
JLA CLASSIFIED #50
SALVATION RUN #3
SIMON DARK #4
SUPERMAN #672
YOUNGBLOOD #1 (wtf? is it the 90s again?)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #546 (please see monday's post for a delightful spidey primer, fyi)
HULK #1 (red hulk?)
MIGHTY AVENGERS #7
ONSLAUGHT REBORN #5 (it really is the 90s! why the hell didn't someone tell me???)
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #15
TWELVE #1
X-FACTOR #27

Later

Pax Romana

2008-01-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

I like history. I like Romans. It, therefore, stands to reason that I like Roman history. And that, friends and countrymen, is a fact.

The 'pax romana' refers to a period in Roman history, ushered in by Ceasar Augustus, during which the empire was at its peak. It's also the latest comic series from writer/artist Jonathan Hickman, creator of last year's most excellent series "The Nightly News".

I must confess that "Pax Romana" caught me off guard. I didn't know much about the book going into it, but my socks were officially knocked off by issue #1. The premise alone is fascinating (a tasty religion/science/time travel melange), but it's Hickman's style that seals the deal (he writes like Bendis after a week-long speed binge - I honestly didn't know so many words could be packed onto a single page), complimented by art that I swear came from that illegal Bill Sienkiewicz / Ashley Wood clone I cooked up last year (that reward is still valid if anyone finds him, by the by).

I mean, c'mon... what's NOT to love about a book that opens with the line, "I am the Bishop of Rome, the Panchen Lama, the Pratyekabuddha, the Last Caliph, the Eternal Priest of Amon-Ra, the Black Rabbi and the White Shaman... I am the Vicar of Christ... I am the Gene Pope".

(No snippy comments about the religion-centric quote above; as Hickman himself notes, the story is more a sociological study couched in quantum mechanics and religious dogma and less an overt commentary on religion proper, organized or otherwise).

Seriously, go pick up this book and give it a read. I will be here when you get back. Promise.

(they keep me chained to the desk...)

Later

Spidey Got the Boot!

2008-01-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

The re-boot, that is (and I'm not talking about the vastly under appreciated, late-90s Canadian CGI TV show, no-sir... nerd alert). No, as those who follow this wonderful corner of the geekdom universe are painfully aware (and, perhaps, as new info for those unfortunate souls who have unknowingly stumbled upon this page), Spider-Man just experienced the dubious glory that is the Cosmic Reset Button. Just what is this button, you may ask? Simple - it's that magic (and I imagine red, almost candy-colored) button that a writer can press in times of need (or, more specifically, convenience) in order to undo any plot point/character/story/etc etc they so desire. Just watch an episode or two of Star Trek (esp the crap-tacular Voyager) to see the Cosmic Reset Button in action - when Kirk/Picard/Sisqo (is that how you spell it?) / Janeway (oh how I wish Janeway) dies before the first commercial break yet is all piss and vinegar and everything is status quo by the end of the episode, you too will know the magic of the Button.

Yet I digress, as usual. Essentially, the last twenty-odd years of Spider-Man history never happened, the biggest being that Peter and Mary Jane are no longer married, and Peter is back to pretty much how he appears in the recent films (even Spider-Man 3... sigh), sans those crappy organic web-shooters. And as much as the fanboy in me LOVES to complain, to be perfectly honest, after a bit of thought on the matter (and NO, I don't sit around thinking about these things all day... honestly) coupled with a bit of sage wisdom by the lovely and talented Heidi made me realize that this isn't such a bad thing. Yes, the method by which they pressed the magic Button was a bit hokey, but it takes the characer back to where he needs to be. Simple - a kid struggling with money, girls, and the responsibility that his powers bring. Spider-Man has been bogged down ever since his marriage, what with the clone saga, Venom, more Venom, then Carnage, Kraven killed him, he was reborn with Spider-Totem powers (WTF?), he unmasked to the world (booo), etc etc. And people wonder why I don't want to get married.

As an aside, Adam over at Comics Ink made the observation that if Mary Jane can trick the devil, then who CAN'T?! Classic.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that 2008 is already upon us. According to those news reels from the 1950s (as well as a Kubrick film or two) we were supposed to be living on the moon and riding around in flying jet/hover/aqua cars by now. However, all I have to do is take a loving glance over at the iPhone and all thoughts of not flying to work in a jetpack simply fade away. Living in the future rocks!

But I digress. Your fearless EIC got a bit caught up in the holiday madness, what with all of the annual wraps ups, parties, parties, and familial drama that Santa Claus tends to ferry forth each year, but now I’m back and ready to rock and/or roll. 2008 is going to be a fantastic year; we’ve got a few things up our sleeves that shall be revealed in due course…

Until then, please do yourself a favor and read Green Lantern. It rocks. Also pick up the latest issues of Spider-Man – as that fat lady’s head in Total Recall said to the security guard before if blew up, “Get ready for a surprise!” Feel free to discuss in the message boards below!

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-11-29T09:46:00.001-08:00

Fear not – I live still! I came down with a bit of a cold post-Thanksgiving (darn turkey), but I’m slowly working my way back to full capacity. To aide in recovery I have retreated into the comfort of the weekly wonder that is New Comics Day; here’s what a kind friend is picking up for me to read whilst I sneeze:

CRIMINAL MACABRE MY DEMON BABY #3
CUT
FEAR AGENT HATCHET JOB #1
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #8 (oh yea!)
AUTHORITY PRIME #2
BATMAN #671
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #2
COUNTDOWN LORD HAVOK AND THE EXTREMISTS #2
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 22
FREDDY VS JASON VS ASH #2
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #18
SUPERMAN BATMAN #43
TEEN TITANS #53
TRIALS OF SHAZAM #10
UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS #3
BAD PLANET #4
CASANOVA #11
FRANK FRAZETTAS DEATH DEALER #5
BLACK PANTHER #32
CABLE DEADPOOL #47
DAREDEVIL #102
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #2
DAN DARE #1
DOCK WALLOPER #1

Later

Turkey Time

2007-11-19T16:08:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe that yet another year is soon to be put to bed. My, how time files! Due to the Thanksgiving holiday this week the postings may be sporadic, but fear not, you will all be in my heart (and the turkey will be in my stomach – wakka wakka).

I saw a movie last weekend that I think would make for a perfect comics series: the Cohen Brother’s No Country for Old Men. I’m not talking about a straight adaptation of the film, mind you (because that’s boring), but rather an ongoing series that follows the continuing adventures of Javier Bardem’s vile hitman character. This is literally one of the best villains I have seen in a long, long time, and his warped, ‘there but not there’ take on reality is utterly fascinating.

Random, I know, but it would work. Trust me.

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-11-14T12:23:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I bemoaned the sheer number of epic videogames that have been released of late. I’m happy to report that last night I upped my completion percentage on The Orange Box to 40% (Xbox achievement points are the new crack), so I can take a short break to celebrate New Comics Day. Here’s what I plan on picking up tonight:

LIVING WITH THE DEAD #2
100 BULLETS #86
ALL STAR SUPERMAN #9 (awesome)
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #1
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #4 (this series is fantastic; highly recommended)
BOOSTER GOLD #4 (if you love DC continuity you’ll love this book. it’s funny as hell to boot)
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 24 (ohhhh – new title alert!)
DMZ #25
FABLES #67
GEN 13 #14
JLA CLASSIFIED #46
SIMON DARK #2
SUPERMAN BATMAN #42
TEEN TITANS EAST SPECIAL #1
WONDER WOMAN #14
WORLD OF WARCRAFT #1 (damn enablers)
AMORY WARS #4
BRIT #3
CIRCLE #1
MICE TEMPLAR #2
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #7
CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
HOUSE OF M AVENGERS #1
NEW AVENGERS #36
NOVA #8
PUNISHER #52
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #13
THOR #4
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #48
WORLD WAR HULK #5
X-FACTOR #25
ATOMIC ROBO #2
BLACK DIAMOND #5

Later

Off Topic

2007-11-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

I need to rant a bit. There are way, way, WAY too many good videogames out right now. I simply don’t have the time to keep up with them all. To wit, here’s a rundown of the games I’m currently trying to juggle:

Halo 3
The Orange Box (which is really five games in one… Portal and Team Fort 2 rock the hardest)
Super Mario Galaxy
Call of Duty 4
Guitar Hero
Gears of War
World of Warcraft (I need WOW-anon or something… seriously)

On top of it all, I’m about to go pick up Assassin’s Creed at lunch. I really want Crysis as well, but I’m afraid my poor old PC rig wouldn’t be up to the task (especially given that the recommended specs are absolutely insane, something along the lines of a quantum computer with holographic storage that won’t be invented until the year 2059).

All levity aside, it truly is an embarrassment of riches for us gamers right now. And people wonder why movie attendance appears to be down ;)

Later

Back on the Grid

2007-11-08T11:54:00.001-08:00

I’m back in LA after a short/productive/fun jaunt out to NYC. Big thanks to everyone who attended Monday evening’s Nightmare Factory event at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art; the panel was stocked with an incredibly diverse and cool crew which definitely lead to a rollicking question and answer session. Some media outlet (damn my propensity to forget names) recorded the panel, so as soon as I track down a link I shall post it.

I stopped by my old haunt Midtown Comics (Times Square location) to celebrate New Comics Day, NYC style. Here’s what I picked up (which certainly added quite a bit of weight to my luggage for the trip home. Sigh):

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #8
ART OF MATT WAGNER’S GRENDEL
HELLBOY DARKNESS CALLS #6
LOBSTER JOHNSON THE IRON PROMETHEUS #3
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 25
FREDDY VS JASON VS ASH ASH #1 (very cool)
HEROES HC (the Alex Ross cover)
INFINITY INC #3
JONAH HEX #25
METAL MEN #4
MIDNIGHTER #13
ROBIN #168 (I’m really curious to see how Ras will be re-born…)
SUPERMAN #670
VINYL UNDERGROUND #2 (not too sure about this series yet, althou the first issue was interesting)
Y THE LAST MAN #59 (I thought this had ended… hmm…)
LUCHA LIBRE #2
SPAWN #172
STEVE NILES STRANGE CASES #2
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST #1
ASTONISHING X-MEN #23
CRIMINAL #10
FANTASTIC FOUR #551
HOWARD THE DUCK #2 (call me crazy)
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #10
NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI #5
UNCANNY X-MEN #492
2001 MANIACS SPECIAL #1 (out of sheer, morbid curiosity)
HIGHLANDER #12

On an unrelated note, I saw the Joy Division biopic ‘Control’ last week and I highly recommend it. The cinematography alone is gorgeous.

Later

New York, New York

2007-11-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I’m off to the greatest city in the world to attend a Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art event for The Nightmare Factory on Monday night – details below! Stop on by; anyone who attended the Fox Atomic Comics panel at last years New York Comic Con knows that we like to have a good time.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MOCCA – MUSEUM OF COMIC & CARTOON ART — 6:30 p.m.
594 Broadway/Suite 401
(bet. Houston & Prince)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-3511

Writers Stuart Moore and Joe Harris, artists Michael Gaydos and Ted McKeever, editor Heidi MacDonald, and editor-in-chief R. Eric Lieb come together for a discussion of Fox Atomic and The Nightmare Factory with moderator Calvin Reid, Publishers Weekly

Best of all - it's free!

Later

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Be safe trick or treating tonight; watch out for all the ghouls and goblins. Don’t forget that we have another NYC-based event TONIGHT for The Nightmare Factory – the full schedule is below! Thanks again for everyone who attended the Comic Book Club event last night too!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MCNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS — 6:00 p.m.
52 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 274-1160
*Literary Halloween Party event with readings; refreshments – FREE
*Silent projections from horror comic anthology Nightmare Factory (HarperCollins/Fox Atomic) and signings by artist Colleen Doran and writer Stuart Moore

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MOCCA – MUSEUM OF COMIC & CARTOON ART — 6:30 p.m.
594 Broadway/Suite 401
(bet. Houston & Prince)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-3511
*Writers Stuart Moore and Joe Harris, artists Michael Gaydos and Ted McKeever, editor Heidi MacDonald, and editor-in-chief R. Eric Lieb come together for a discussion of Fox Atomic and The Nightmare Factory with moderator Calvin Reid, PW. – FREE

Later

A Nightmare Factory Halloween!

2007-10-30T12:00:00.001-07:00

Tonight marks the first in a series of NYC-based events in celebration of The Nightmare Factory! Here’s the full list, but be sure to check out the event TONIGHT if you’re otherwise indisposed on this fine Tuesday:

********************
COMIC BOOK CLUB
***NIGHTMARE FACTORY SPECIAL***

Hosted by Justin Tyler, Pete LePage, and Alex Zalben

Tuesday, October 30 @ 9:30 PM

Featuring:
Stuart Moore (The Escapist)
Joe Harris (Darkness Falls)
Michael Gaydos (Alias)
& Colleen Duran (Sandman)

Tickets: $10 tickets in advance / $15 tickets day of show
***$5 off with the promo code CBCCMX***

Online: ComixNY.com
Phone: 212-524-2500

COMIX NY
353 West 14th St.
Just East of 9th Ave.

Check out our website:
http://www.popcultureshock.com/cbclub

Check us out on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/comicbookclub3

The show is sponsored in part by Midtown Comics (www.midtowncomics.com)!

But don’t fret if you miss this event; there are two more coming up!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MCNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS — 6:00 p.m.
52 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 274-1160
*Literary Halloween Party event with readings; refreshments – FREE
*Silent projections from horror comic anthology Nightmare Factory (HarperCollins/Fox Atomic) and signings by artist Colleen Doran and writer Stuart Moore

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MOCCA – MUSEUM OF COMIC & CARTOON ART — 6:30 p.m.
594 Broadway/Suite 401
(bet. Houston & Prince)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-3511
*Writers Stuart Moore and Joe Harris, artists Michael Gaydos and Ted McKeever, editor Heidi MacDonald, and editor-in-chief R. Eric Lieb come together for a discussion of Fox Atomic and The Nightmare Factory with moderator Calvin Reid, PW. – FREE

More reviews posted in the blog below as well!

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-10-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, our pals over at MySpace Comic Books have posted the world premiere of an animated 'trailer' that we put together for The Nightmare Factory - be sure to check it out!

www.myspace.com/comicbooks

Also, once I take a break from Halo 3 and Portal (so good), here’re the new books that I plan on picking up this week…sometime:

CRIMINAL MACABRE MY DEMON BABY #2 (go niles!)
ACTION COMICS #857
AUTHORITY PRIME #1 (hell yea!)
COUNTDOWN 27
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #1
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #6
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #17
HELLBLAZER #237
JLA CLASSIFIED #45
LOVELESS #20
ROBIN #167
SUPERMAN #669
SUPERMAN BATMAN #41
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS SUPERMAN PRIME #1
UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS #2
WETWORKS #14
CASANOVA #10 (oh baby – poppa like)
WALKING DEAD #43
BLACK PANTHER #31
CABLE DEADPOOL #46
DAREDEVIL #101
SHE-HULK 2 #22
THUNDERBOLTS #117
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #115
X-MEN #204
30 DAYS OF NIGHT RED SNOW #3
DOKTOR SLEEPLESS #3 (i love this book)
GENE SIMMONS DOMINATRIX #3 (just kidding! i was seeing if you were paying attention)
METAL GEAR SOLID SONS OF LIBERTY #12
MY BORING A$$ LIFE UNCENSORED DIARY OF KEVIN SMITH
SOUTHLAND TALES THE PRELUDE SAGA

Later

Another Glorious day in the Corps

2007-10-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

MySpace Comic Books just posted the world premiere of an aniamted 'trailer' that we put together for The Nightmare Factory - be sure to check it out and give some love if you like it! It's a pretty slick 2D/3D mix that really floats my boat.

www.myspace.com/comicbooks

Good times.

Later

SpikeTV Scream Awards!

2007-10-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Be sure to watch the Scream Awards on SpikeTV tonight - 28 Days Later: The Aftermath won the Scream Award for 'Best Screen to Comic Adaptation’. Huzzah!

Later

28 Days is a Winner!

2007-10-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Break out the Champagne - we won!

On Friday night 28 Days Later: The Aftermath won a SpikeTV Scream Award for 'Best Screen to Comic Adaptation’ at their annual horror awards show. Huzzah!

Later

It's Friday!

2007-10-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

Go see The Comebacks!

And 30 Days of Night!

And Blade Runner: The Final Cut!

And buy The Orange Box for Xbox 360!

That is all; you have your marching orders.

Later

The Final Cut

2007-10-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

My favorite movie of all time is Blade Runner. Why, you might ask? One word: mood. Blade Runner is perhaps one of the most evocative movies ever; the story, cinematography, acting, and especially the score all exist in a rare cinematic symbiosis that truly creates a ‘world’ that feels decaying and ‘lived in’. It’s also one of those movies that gets better each time you watch it.

I had the privilege of seeing Ridley Scott’s ‘Final Cut’ of the film last night on a big, big screen in LA. Wow. I had never seen such a large, clean print (could have been digital, it was that pretty) of the film, and I was absolutely blown away. What made me happy was that Scott didn’t ‘Lucas-ize’ the movie, so don’t expect any extra Spinners, dancing CGI lounge singers, or wholly superfluous cameos from Jabba the Hutt (I still cringe every time I see that scene that was added to the first Star Wars… yes, I do refuse to call it ‘Episode Four’). I was, though, a bit miffed at two specific changes: the revision of “I want more life, $%^&$%” to “I want more life, father”, and a subtle change that finally closed the loop on the ‘extra Replicant’ plot-hole. But yes, I am a geek, and these things do bother me.

The film is currently playing in both New York and Los Angeles, so do check it out if you’re a fan of the film (but after you go see The Comebacks this weekend… naturally….)

Also, in case you missed it yesterday, the SpikeTV Scream Awards also tape on Friday, and yours truly will be there because we have not one, but TWO of our Fox Atomic Comics graphic novels up for awards (both “28 Days Later: The Aftermath” and “The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning”)! Wish us luck!

Also, keep an eye out for a special Nightmare Factory-related goodie coming next week!

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-10-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wednesday… each new day inches us one step closer to that magical funder-land known as Friday. This weekend looks to be a particularly interesting one on the movie front, with something for just about everyone. For you comedy fans we have a movie of our very own opening up, the sports spoof “The Comebacks” (please go see it, or at least buy a ticket for it ;). In addition, for you horror hounds, friend of the family Steve Niles (who wrote our “28 Days Later” graphic novel) hits the silver screen with the adaptation of his hit graphic novel “30 Days of Night”. Why not see both?!

The SpikeTV Scream Awards also tape on Friday, and yours truly will be there because we have not one, but TWO of our Fox Atomic Comics graphic novels up for awards (both “28 Days Later: The Aftermath” and “The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning”)! Wish us luck!

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about “The Nightmare Factory”… keep watching for a brand new surprise, coming very shortly!

Oh yes; it’s also New Comics Day! I love hump day. Here’s my pull list for this week:

CONAN #45
UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE #2
CHECKMATE #19
COUNTDOWN 28
DEATH OF THE NEW GODS #1
DMZ #24
EX MACHINA #31
FABLES #66
HIGHWAYMEN #5
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #14
WITCHBLADE #110
CAPTAIN AMERICA #31
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #1 (i loved the first series)
MIGHTY AVENGERS #5
POWERS #26
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #47
ULTIMATE X-MEN #87
X-MEN EMPEROR VULCAN #2
BOYS #11
NEGATIVE BURN #14
STAR TREK YEAR FOUR #4

Later

Comeback (To The Nightmare Factory!)

2007-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Double-post alert! Eagle-eyed readers will note that today's blog may seem suspiciously familiar, but I wanted to take advantage of the Comebacks release week (in theaters this Friday! plug plug plug!) to welcome all you Comebacks-curious people who so adroitly managed to find the part of our site where all of the cool kids hang out. Because nothing says ‘cool’ like comics. Work with me here, people.

For those new to the site, we publish graphic novels over here in the Fox Atomic Comics fiefdom. Our latest book, The Nightmare Factory, released last month in order to tie into all things Halloween, and we’ve been seeing some nice critical love for this very pretty book:

Boston Globe
September 17, 2007
"In a fall season typified by much more categorizable frights, Nightmare Factory provides a bitterly entertaining treat for those attuned to its storyteller's grim sentiments."

EW.com
September 26, 2007
"Makes for deliciously bleak reading as its damned protagonists find themselves ensnared in metaphysical traps they often barely comprehend."

Wizard Magazine
November 2007
"These twisted tales based on Thomas Ligotti's stories come alive in the hands of Ben Templesmith and Michael Gaydos, and others. Retaining unique styles, Ligotti's brand of psychological terror still permeates, oozing into your nightmares."

If you’re a fan of scary, cerebral books, then I highly suggest that you pick up a copy or ten. In addition, if you want to meet and greet the brains behind the book (and if you’re East Coast based), check out the upcoming live event!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MCNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS — 6:00 p.m.
52 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
*Signings by artist Colleen Doran and writer Stuart Moore

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MOCCA – MUSEUM OF COMIC & CARTOON ART — 6:30 p.m.
594 Broadway/Suite 401
(bet. Houston & Prince)
New York, NY 10003

*Writers Stuart Moore and Joe Harris, artists Michael Gaydos and Ted McKeever, and editor Heidi MacDonald come together for a discussion of Fox Atomic and The Nightmare Factory with moderator Calvin Reid, PW.

Later

Comeback (To The Nightmare Factory!)

2007-10-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Alright, I will concede that the title of today’s posting is a tad bit lame, but it’s my way of welcoming all you Comebacks-curious people (in theaters this Friday! Plug plug!) who so adroitly managed to find the part of our site where all of the cool kids hang out. Because nothing says ‘cool’ like comics. Work with me here, people.

For those new to the site, we publish graphic novels over here in the Fox Atomic Comics fiefdom. Our latest book, The Nightmare Factory, released last month in order to tie into all things Halloween, and we’ve been seeing some nice critical love for this very pretty book:

Boston Globe
September 17, 2007
"In a fall season typified by much more categorizable frights, Nightmare Factory provides a bitterly entertaining treat for those attuned to its storyteller's grim sentiments."

EW.com
September 26, 2007
"Makes for deliciously bleak reading as its damned protagonists find themselves ensnared in metaphysical traps they often barely comprehend."

Wizard Magazine
November 2007
"These twisted tales based on Thomas Ligotti's stories come alive in the hands of Ben Templesmith and Michael Gaydos, and others. Retaining unique styles, Ligotti's brand of psychological terror still permeates, oozing into your nightmares."

If you’re a fan of scary, cerebral books, then I highly suggest that you pick up a copy or ten. In addition, if you want to meet and greet the brains behind the book (and if you’re East Coast based), check out the upcoming live event!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MCNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS — 6:00 p.m.
52 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
*Signings by artist Colleen Doran and writer Stuart Moore

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MOCCA – MUSEUM OF COMIC & CARTOON ART — 6:30 p.m.
594 Broadway/Suite 401
(bet. Houston & Prince)
New York, NY 10003

*Writers Stuart Moore and Joe Harris, artists Michael Gaydos and Ted McKeever, and editor Heidi MacDonald come together for a discussion of Fox Atomic and The Nightmare Factory with moderator Calvin Reid, PW.

Later

28 Weeks Later Goodness

2007-10-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

So 28 Weeks Later came out on DVD (as well as on the whole rainbow of other assorted format flavors that even I, as a HUGE geek, can’t even keep track of) this week. If you missed the movie in theaters (shame on you) I highly suggest picking up a copy; 28 Weeks Later is one of those sequels, much like Aliens, Terminator 2, or Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan, that utilizes and embraces the core concepts of the initial film, yet adds that little something ‘extra’ to make it feel fresh and original at the same time.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out the two 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel animated features found on the same DVD. Both are taken directly from Steve Niles’ graphic novel (that also ties in the 28 Days/Weeks universe), but animated in distinct styles befitting each tale. Reviewers across the board seem to be responding very well to these two special bonuses; check out what Premiere Magazine had to say:

“But the most original features are two shorts entitled "28 Days Later: The Aftermath — Stage 1, Development" and "28 Days Later: The Aftermath — Stage 3, Decimation." Taken from the Fox Atomic graphic novel series, these animated shorts ("Development" is literally a moving comic book, with word balloons and text boxes) act as bridges between the two films and boast some engaging eye candy (particularly "Decimation").”

Full link here: http://www.premiere.com/dvdreviews/4161/scary-movies.html

Also, as previously mentioned, I’ve been so bloody busy this week I haven’t been able to make it over to the comics store yet. Here’s what I plan to pick up sometime over the weekend:

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #10
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #3 (this series is great so far)
BOOSTER GOLD #3 (this book is really fun, especially if you’re a fan of the DCU. do give it a look if you have yet to do so)
CAPTAIN CARROT AND THE FINAL ARK #1 (no, i’m not kidding)
COUNTDOWN 29
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #1
GREEN LANTERN #24
JLA CLASSIFIED #44
SIMON DARK #1 (go steve!)
SUPERMAN #668
UN-MEN #3
BRAWL #1
FANTASTIC FOUR #550
HEROES FOR HIRE #14
NEW AVENGERS #35
NEW WARRIORS #5
PUNISHER #51
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #12
RUNAWAYS #28 (love love this book)
WOLVERINE #58
X-FACTOR #24
TANK GIRL THE GIFTING #4

That’s it for this week. I’m off to Lebowskifest!

Later

The Nightmare Factory – Events!

2007-10-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

As you may be able to tell from the (in)frequency of my postings as of late, I have been a tad busy. Fox Atomic has another movie releasing very soon (The Comebacks), and helping to put the finishing touches on that puppy has eaten up my precious comics-reading and videogame-playing time.

Also, with Halloween coming up, we have a whole mess of events lined up for our latest graphic novel, The Nightmare Factory! Most (actually all) are NYC based, so if you’re fortunate enough to live in The City do stop by and say hi! The full list is below, but the first event (a signing) is tonight, and if you get there early enough you can even say hi to Steve Niles, writer of 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY (TONIGHT!!)
JIM HANLEY’S UNIVERSE — 6:30 p.m.
4 West 33rd St.
New York, NY 10001
(off 5th Ave. - opposite the Empire State Building)
*Signing event with Nightmare Factory writers/artists: Stuart Moore, Joe Harris, Michael Gaydos

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MCNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS — 6:00 p.m.
52 Prince St
New York, NY 10012
*Signings by artist Colleen Doran and writer Stuart Moore

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
MOCCA – MUSEUM OF COMIC & CARTOON ART — 6:30 p.m.
594 Broadway/Suite 401
(bet. Houston & Prince)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-3511
*Writers Stuart Moore and Joe Harris, artists Michael Gaydos and Ted McKeever, and editor Heidi MacDonald come together for a discussion of Fox Atomic and The Nightmare Factory with moderator Calvin Reid, PW.

In case you missed ‘em, check out some nice review blurbs for The Nightmare Factory!

Boston Globe
September 17, 2007
"In a fall season typified by much more categorizable frights, Nightmare Factory provides a bitterly entertaining treat for those attuned to its storyteller's grim sentiments."

EW.com
September 26, 2007
"Makes for deliciously bleak reading as its damned protagonists find themselves ensnared in metaphysical traps they often barely comprehend."

Wizard Magazine
November 2007
"These twisted tales based on Thomas Ligotti's stories come alive in the hands of Ben Templesmith and Michael Gaydos, and others. Retaining unique styles, Ligotti's brand of psychological terror still permeates, oozing into your nightmares."

I shall post my weekly pull list tomorrow… I haven’t been able to get to the store yet! (*sheds a tear)

Later

Monday: Bad for Health, Good for Education

2007-10-08T15:02:00.001-07:00

(Before I get started, big points to anyone who picked up on the movie reference contained in today’s post headline. If you know the movie lemme know and I shall send you my love. Or perhaps a graphic novel or a DVD. Who knows!)

So the weekend’s over, school’s back in session (and by school, I mean work). This weekend I read two books that I particularly dug (aside from all of the other books and graphic novels I read on a constant basis – cheers to A.D.D.): Vinyl Underground #1 (Vertigo) and Game Keeper #5 (Virgin). I highly dug both of these books for very different reasons: Vinyl Underground is best described as an underground, occult detective agency based out of London, and being that I’m a huge Anglophile the book hit all the right notes for me. Very different from Hellblazer (a natural comparison, what with all the British occult business going on), in that this book takes itself much less seriously than the aforementioned Swamp Thing spin-off. The second book, Game Keeper, wraps up what looks like the first story arc in director Guy Ritchie’s inaugural comics outing (and in five issues, no less). I must say I enjoyed this story; seeing the titular character pitch a bodyguard off of a skyscraper was worth the price of admission alone.

We’ve also put together a nice slice of The Nightmare Factory review quotes below – do check this book out if you have yet to do so! Here’s what the critics are saying about The Nightmare Factory:

Boston Globe
September 17, 2007
"In a fall season typified by much more categorizable frights, Nightmare Factory provides a bitterly entertaining treat for those attuned to its storyteller's grim sentiments."

EW.com
September 26, 2007
"Makes for deliciously bleak reading as its damned protagonists find themselves ensnared in metaphysical traps they often barely comprehend."

Wizard Magazine
November 2007
"These twisted tales based on Thomas Ligotti's stories come alive in the hands of Ben Templesmith and Michael Gaydos, and others. Retaining unique styles, Ligotti's brand of psychological terror still permeates, oozing into your nightmares."

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-10-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

New Comics Day waits for no one, even as I continue to bravely plow through the stack of books from last week. Out of said stack I have really encountered a few gems, but none shine so bright as one book that continues to be my favorite guilty pleasure: All-Star Batman and Robin. The latest issue (released last week) continues the adventures of the bat-crap crazy Batman as he enjoys carnal relations with Black Canary (while they’re both in full costume, no less), and watches in sheer delight as young Dick Grayson extracts a brutal revenge on the thug who murdered his parents. Jim Lee’s gloriously gritty, ultra-detailed art never ceases to amaze as well. The one downside is that the whole “godd*am Batman” shtick has gotten way, way out of hand. On one page that phrase was used no less than three times. Once was cool, twice was cute, but please. No more.

Anyway, we all know what today is: New Comics Days! Now that I have beaten Halo 3 (well… I beat it over the weekend) I can finally put a dent in the aforementioned stack of books that I picked up last week. I shall not be deterred from picking up new books this week; here’s what I plan on grabbing at Comics Ink this eve:

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #7
CONAN #44
LOBSTER JOHNSON THE IRON PROMETHEUS #2
ACTION COMICS #856
COUNTDOWN 30
DETECTIVE COMICS #837
FAKER #4
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #16
INFINITY INC #2
JACK OF FABLES #15
JLA HITMAN #2
JONAH HEX #24
METAL MEN #3
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS CYBORG SUPERMAN #1
VINYL UNDERGROUND #1 (this looks cool)
WALKING DEAD POSTER (not a comic, but I love this poster for some reason I can’t really put my finger on)
EXILES #99
HOWARD THE DUCK #1 (yes. don’t laugh)
OMEGA UNKNOWN #1
BLACK DIAMOND #4
GAMEKEEPER #5
STAR TREK YEAR FOUR #3

Oh! And lest I forget, Ain’t It Cool News posted the winners in their Nightmare Factory contest! HEAD HERE (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34273) to check it out!

Later

Mondaze – Sponsored by Halo 3 and Comic Books

2007-10-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was a good one. Why, you ask? All I can say is that Halo 3 and comics are the key ingredient to any good weekend. I don’t do the all-geek weekend all that often (normally social situations get in the way… grrr), but this weekend was blissful. I beat Halo (naturally), and overall was a bit under whelmed by the story but since the game rocks so hard all is forgiven.

I’ll post some thoughts on the comics I read tomorrow, but I finally got around to reading one that really stood out: Brian Wood’s Local #10. I have been following this book for quite some time (started with issue #1 when I was still living in Manhattan), so Local holds a special place in my heart. I’m not sure what the original publishing schedule was supposed to be, but considering I haven’t lived in NY for going on two years now that tells you something. Normally I would bemoan irregular books (such as All-Star Batman, which again is forgivable because it’s so damn good), but local stands as an example of reason #2465 why I love comics so: just like music, reading a particular book or back issue can take you to a different place in your life. Local is one of those books for me.

Back to business for a bit: the positive Nightmare Factory graphic novel reviews keep rolling on in! We got another good one below, and check out the FEARNET.COM link for your change to win a copy of your very own!

BOOKLOONS REVIEW (http://www.bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Columns.asp?name=0709a&type=Between%20the%20Lines)

FEARNET TRIVIA CONTEST (http://www.fearnet.com/Games.aspx)

Later / Local

Friday Fun Day

2007-09-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

I must admit, this has been a bit of a busy week. I also came down with a heavy case of the aforementioned Pac-Man Fever, which has consumed all of my free moments with Halo 3 goodness. With first-day sales hitting a reported $170 MILLION dollars it would seem that I’m not alone either!

And yes, I did manage to pry myself away from the Xbox for a few hours thou (although I think I went to bed around four AM last night… not sure). I even missed picking up comics on Wednesday (but that’s a long story that has absolutely nothing to do with videogames), but what I plan on picking up this weekend can be found below.

Also, be sure to pick up the latest issue of Wizard Magazine (the one with the beautiful shot of the Dark Knight on the cover) – there is a positive review of our Nightmare Factory graphic novel in the ‘Bookshelf’ section!

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #7 (I get so much crap for saying this, but I LOVE All-Star Batman. If there’s ANYONE who is allowed a license to do anything he wants with the Batman character, that man is Frank Miller. Plus, I read that this book takes place in his Year One / Dark Knight Returns universe, which is really, really cool)
BATMAN #669
COUNTDOWN 31
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE #2
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #5 (love that Jock art)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #13
SPIRIT #10
SUPERNATURAL ORIGINS #5
UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS #1
WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1
ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #3
BRIT #2
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #6
CABLE DEADPOOL #45
CAPTAIN AMERICA CHOSEN #2
CRIMINAL #9
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #9
PUNISHER MAX ANNUAL #1
SUB-MARINER #4
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #46
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #114 (hard to believe an ‘ultimate’ book is already over 100 issues… kinda defeats the whole ‘ultimate’ purpose, but the books are cool so who bloody cares, nah?)
X-MEN #203
ARMY OF DARKNESS FROM ASHES #2
BRODIES LAW ROAD TO REDEMPTION GN
HIGHLANDER #11

Later

Pac-Man Fever

2007-09-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

So I considered calling in sick today with a mean case of Pac-Man Fever. And by ‘Pac-Man Fever’, I mean that today is the long-awaited and much heralded release of none other than Halo 3. I’ve got the DT’s so bad I can barely type.

The Halo franchise has become such a juggernaut; the release hype for Halo 3 is reminiscent of the frenzy that accompanies a new Star Wars film. What particularly intrigues me about the Halo licensing empire is how they have expertly and adroitly embraced the comics/graphic novel world, particularly from a creative standpoint. Granted they have been producing licensed (prose) novels for some time, but their first foray into the graphic novel space was extremely well-handled, IMHO. Instead of just cranking out some quick-and-dirty book with no-name talent, they produced the book completely in-house and secured amazing artists, such as the legendary Moebius. In essence, the editors were careful to pay the proper respect to the Halo universe, a concept that I find is exceedingly important when working with titles on this level, be they film or video game. If you’re a Halo fan and haven’t picked up this book I highly suggest you succumb to the Fever yourself and pick up a copy.

While you’re at it, pick up 28 Days Later: The Aftermath and The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning – two other franchise titles done right with superb talent (man, I can never resist)!

Later

Leavin On A Jet Plane

2007-09-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

The 28 Weeks Later DVD comes out shortly, and on said DVD are two animated shorts from the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel. The movie is AMAZING (and again, I say that as a fan and not the studio hack that I truly am), but the animated graphic novel featurettes have been receiving a nice amount of love as well. Check out these review excerpts!

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/9728

The most intriguing features are two bonus short films. Essentially a Anamatic interpretations of the Fox Atomic's 28 DAYS LATER Graphic Novels, the first, STAGE 1: DEVELOPMENT, is a 7-minute look at the history of the creation of the rage virus by Cambridge University scientists. The second, STAGE 3: DECIMATION is a much shorter look at a vigilante solider fighting a one-man war against the infected on the streets of London. The artwork, in a sometimes slick, sometimes sketched, comic book style along with the voice over narration provides for a very cool supplement and easily the best feature this DVD has to offer?aside from the film of course. These final two extras typify what great bonus materials should be?an extension of the film that enhances the viewing experience. I really hope we see more of this type of thing on future releases.

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/819/819354p2.html

But the "Aftermath" offerings are different. They're unique. These cleverly-produced, stylized, cinematic graphic novels provide background on the development of the virus previous to the start of the first 28 film. And it's not that this is such an evolutionary idea - it's not. But the approach and the music and the integration of live-action film into these well-drawn inserts is masterfully handled. These are visceral 10-minutes shorts that deserve your rapt attention.?

http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=4&articleId=7678

THE AFTERMATH: Stage 1: Development: This short featurette shows the conception of the Rage virus, which turns out to be developed by several rather unscrupulous scientists. This adheres to the old adage that it's cheaper to tell something in an animated form than it is to film it. This little vignette isn't strictly animated, it's more a series of illustrations from renowned artist Steve Niles, who has collaborated with the likes of Clive Barker, Richard Matheson & Harlan Ellison. This isn't really up to much, merely trying to provide an explanation for the events depicted in such a hugely popular movie - a similar thing was attempted when a comic book prelude to Night of the Living Dead was created in the early to mid nineties. This featurette is really hard work, like sitting through a Monkey Dust sketch without the jokes.

THE AFTERMATH: Stage 3: Decimation: This is similar to the previous featurette, but the style is completely different - Stage 1 was more dialogue-driven, whereas Stage 3 relies on visuals much more. The only difference is that this one is fantastic stuff - the style of the illustrations are completely different to the Stage 1. The story is engaging and gripping on both and visceral and emotional level. Steve Niles was the writer and Nat Jones was the illustrator on this one. Great work.

I'm off to Colorado now!

Later

I Need A Vacation

2007-09-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Where to begin… I’m really tired today. I’m also really happy. Allow me to elucidate. It’s Wednesday. If you’re taking the time out of your day to peruse my ramblings than you surely know that Wednesday means New Comics Day, which is like a mainline of pure awesome straight to any fanboy’s geeky little heart (mine included). Not sure if I’ll make it to Comics Ink tonight since there is drinking to be done, but below is my pull list for the week. We’re also less than ONE WEEK away from the release of Halo 3… I’m not sure the English language contains the words to properly express my excitement. I think I feel a case of Typhoid Fever coming on as well. Cough, cough - I think I may be out of the office next week.

Here’s my pull list. No Nightmare Factory reviews this week, but do scroll back to my previous posts to catch some of the love we’re getting for that rad book. We also have a few really cool events coming up, but more on those later.

CRIMINAL MACABRE MY DEMON BABY #1 (love that cover… nice work Timmy B!)
UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE #1 (hell yea. not a huge my chem romance fan, but love the artist)
BATMAN LOBO DEADLY SERIOUS #2
EX MACHINA #30
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY WEDDING SPECIAL #1 (don’t laugh)
HELLBLAZER #236
HIGHWAYMEN #4 (still digging this series – do pick up this book; you won’t be sorry)
SUPERMAN BATMAN #40
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS PARALLAX #1
REPO #4
SPAWN #171
CAPTAIN AMERICA #30
IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN #12
NEW X-MEN #42
WORLD WAR HULK #4
30 DAYS OF NIGHT BEYOND BARROW #1
30 DAYS OF NIGHT RED SNOW #2

Later

It’s Monday Again?!

2007-09-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously, this has to stop; I love the weekends too much. This weekend was a nice one, as I had a bit of down time to both a) school n00bs on GoW b) catch up on my comics reading. Read and loved the following: JSA #9 (that scene where the crew races alongside a fire engine… wow), Casanova 8&9 (loving ‘season 2’), Black Adam #2 (…wow), Booster Gold #2, and a few others. All and all, a great weekend to be sure.

There were two nice / new Nightmare Factory reviews posted over the weekend as well; I really love this book. Give ‘em a look!

Pop Syndicate (4 stars!)
http://www.popsyndicate.com/site/story/the_nightmare_factory/

Blog Critics Magazine
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/09/15/135345.php

Later

Inching Towards the Weekend

2007-09-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Man oh man; what a Friday it’s been. If I didn’t already have plans to go out carousing this eve I would be completely content to head home and read my current favorite book, Matt Fraction’s Casanova. I, for one, am very happy how this guy has blown up of late; I’ve been a fan of his ever since his book “Last of the Independents” (if you haven’t checked it out, do try and track down a copy). Casanova is one of those books that just plain makes me laugh out loud – it’s very much in the vein of Ellis’ work (such as his vastly under-appreciated ‘NextWave’), in that the book is inherently self-referential in the way it plays with the conventions of comic books, but it also manages to incorporate my favorite field of study (quantum mechanics), which always scores big points in my book. Casanova is in the midst of a new story arc, but I definitely recommend that you pick up the first trade first so that you know what the heck is going on.

Back to a bit of Fox Atomic Comics: if you missed it, the fine folks over at Aint It Cool News posted an excellent review of The Nightmare Factory! An excerpt is below, but HEAD HERE (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34010) to read the full review!

From the review: “There isn’t a story in this book that doesn’t have the highest amount of professionalism added to it. Fox Atomic really has put together a special compilation and this is by far the best book the company has published to date.”

That’s all for now boys, girls, and who/whatever else is out there. More next week. As always, be excellent to each other.

Later

Aint it Cool News Reviews The Nightmare Factory

2007-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I would soon be posting a non-Nightmare Factory related blog. I lied. All for a good cause, however: the fine folks over at Aint It Cool News have just posted an excellent review of The Nightmare Factory, and I want to share the goodness! An excerpt is below, but HEAD HERE (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34010) to read the full review!

From the review: “There isn’t a story in this book that doesn’t have the highest amount of professionalism added to it. Fox Atomic really has put together a special compilation and this is by far the best book the company has published to date.”

BUY ONE!

*ahem*… sorry, I have Turrets. Speaking of buying comics, being that it’s Wednesday I guess I only half-lied… below are my picks for the week!

FEAR AGENT LAST GOODBYE #3
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #2
BOOSTER GOLD #2 (be sure to get this book; it’s great!)
COUNTDOWN 33
DMZ #23 (i love DMZ)
FABLES #65
GREEN LANTERN #23
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #9
SUPERMAN #667
BAD PLANET #3
CASANOVA #9
WALKING DEAD #42 (what is this book weekly now?!)
DAREDEVIL #100
LONERS #5
NEW AVENGERS #34
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #11
THOR #3
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #113
X-FACTOR #23

Later

Tuesday Nightmare

2007-09-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Nightmare Factory link train continues to roll on down the line... non-NMF blogs are coming, I do swears and promises:

- Comic Book Resources posted an interview with little old me that delves into the background behind the book. Read on for my ramblings: CLICK IT (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11773)

- Want a chance to win a copy for your very own? Well then head on over to DREAD CENTRAL (http://www.dreadcentral.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=252&page=1) to enter (they also say some kind words about our previous, wonderful, books)

- Another contest – why not hedge your bets and enter both? The fine folks over at Aint It Cool News have posted a great contest for The Nightmare Factory, whereby you can submit your worst nightmare for a chance to win a Thomas Ligotti-autographed copy of the graphic novel! Check it out HERE (www.aintitcool.com/node/33912), and stay tuned for their review of the book later this week!

- We’ve also slightly the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace Profile (www.myspace.com/foxatomiccomics) to feature a fun video that goes into detail about what it takes to make a graphic novel! This video was produced for our second graphic novel, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, and debuted as an exclusive on The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD. Check it out for all sorts of cool interviews, including one with me in my fat suit.

- IGN premiered a few exclusive pages last week; HEAD HERE (http://comics.ign.com/articles/816/816198p1.html) to check 'em out.

Reviews!

MANIA.com (A- REVIEW)
"...if Fox Comics (continues) to put out fantastic titles like "The Nightmare Factory" they will be a force to be reckoned with…"

AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS (great website name!)
"The Nightmare Factory is freakin' fabulous"

FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
"a winning combination of diverse comic book talent and masterful storytelling that will appeal to readers who appreciate horror of the more cerebral variety."

ARROW IN THE HEAD.com (A mixed review overall; this is a heavy book!)
“The artwork was superb across the board and was the highlight of the whole experience. However, if you're a fan of Ligotti or the likes of Poe and Lovecraft, and you're looking for something to curl up to this fall to get your 'creep' on, then I'd recommend picking THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY up and giving it a whirl.”

Later

Just Another Maniac Monday

2007-09-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Monday? Again? Really? Who let that happen? Seriously – I was just getting into the weekend groove. Ah well, pack away your cares and concerns, for I have the cure for the Monday malaise: new Nightmare Factory links!

And here's even more Nightmare Factory linkage; be sure to peep the reviews at the bottom of the blog:

- Comic Book Resources posted an interview with little old me that delves into the background behind the book. Read on for my ramblings: CLICK IT (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11773)

- Want a chance to win a copy for your very own? Well then head on over to DREAD CENTRAL (http://www.dreadcentral.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=252&page=1) to enter (they also say some kind words about our previous, wonderful, books)

- Another contest – why not hedge your bets and enter both? The fine folks over at Aint It Cool News have posted a great contest for The Nightmare Factory, whereby you can submit your worst nightmare for a chance to win a Thomas Ligotti-autographed copy of the graphic novel! Check it out HERE (www.aintitcool.com/node/33912), and stay tuned for their review of the book later this week!

- We’ve also slightly the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace Profile (www.myspace.com/foxatomiccomics) to feature a fun video that goes into detail about what it takes to make a graphic novel! This video was produced for our second graphic novel, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, and debuted as an exclusive on The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD. Check it out for all sorts of cool interviews, including one with me in my fat suit.

- IGN premiered a few exclusive pages last week; HEAD HERE (http://comics.ign.com/articles/816/816198p1.html) to check 'em out.

Reviews!

MANIA.com (A- REVIEW)
"...if Fox Comics (continues) to put out fantastic titles like "The Nightmare Factory" they will be a force to be reckoned with…"

AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS (great website name!)
"The Nightmare Factory is freakin' fabulous"

FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
"a winning combination of diverse comic book talent and masterful storytelling that will appeal to readers who appreciate horror of the more cerebral variety."

ARROW IN THE HEAD.com (A mixed review overall; this is a heavy book!)
“The artwork was superb across the board and was the highlight of the whole experience. However, if you're a fan of Ligotti or the likes of Poe and Lovecraft, and you're looking for something to curl up to this fall to get your 'creep' on, then I'd recommend picking THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY up and giving it a whirl.”

Later

Nightmare Factory Friday

2007-09-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Friday funday - to celebrate, why not pick up a copy of The Nightmare Factory graphic novel, in stores everywhere right now! New comics came out yesterday; here's what I picked up:

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #6
CITY OF OTHERS #4
COUNTDOWN 34
FAKER #3
INFINITY INC #1
JONAH HEX #23
METAL MEN #2 (loving this series)
Y THE LAST MAN #58 (wow!)
FRANK FRAZETTAS DEATH DEALER #4
STEVE NILES STRANGE CASES #1 (go Steve!)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #544
CAPTAIN AMERICA CHOSEN #1
EXILES #98
NEW WARRIORS #4
UNCANNY X-MEN #490
WOLVERINE #57
30 DAYS OF NIGHT RED SNOW #1
BOYS #10
DOKTOR SLEEPLESS #2 (I’m digging this series)
NEGATIVE BURN #12
PAINKILLER JANE #3

And here's more Nightmare Factory linkage, updated with new reviews!

- The fine folks over at Aint It Cool News have posted a great contest for The Nightmare Factory, whereby you can submit your worst nightmare for a chance to win a Thomas Ligotti-autographed copy of the graphic novel! Check it out HERE (www.aintitcool.com/node/33912), and stay tuned for their review of the book next week!

- We’ve also slightly the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace Profile (www.myspace.com/foxatomiccomics) to feature a fun video that goes into detail about what it takes to make a graphic novel! This video was produced for our second graphic novel, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, and debuted as an exclusive on The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD. Check it out for all sorts of cool interviews, including one with me in my fat suit.

- IGN premiered a few exclusive pages last week; HEAD HERE (http://comics.ign.com/articles/816/816198p1.html) to check 'em out.
Reviews!

MANIA.com (A- REVIEW)
"...if Fox Comics (continues) to put out fantastic titles like "The Nightmare Factory" they will be a force to be reckoned with…"

AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS (great website name!)
"The Nightmare Factory is freakin' fabulous"

FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
"a winning combination of diverse comic book talent and masterful storytelling that will appeal to readers who appreciate horror of the more cerebral variety."

ARROW IN THE HEAD.com (A mixed review overall; this is a heavy book!)
“The artwork was superb across the board and was the highlight of the whole experience. However, if you're a fan of Ligotti or the likes of Poe and Lovecraft, and you're looking for something to curl up to this fall to get your 'creep' on, then I'd recommend picking THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY up and giving it a whirl.”

Later

All Nightmare Factory, All the Time (cont…)

2007-09-06T01:04:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder – The Nightmare Factory graphic novel hits comic and book stores everywhere THIS WEEK, and to celebrate we’re hosting a week-long kegger at the Fox Atomic Comics mansion! I wish. Nay, I have something better to offer: fine, fine Nightmare Factory linkage! (the crowd goes mild):

- The fine folks over at Aint It Cool News have posted a great contest for The Nightmare Factory, whereby you can submit your worst nightmare for a chance to win a Thomas Ligotti-autographed copy of the graphic novel! Check it out HERE (www.aintitcool.com/node/33912), and stay tuned for their review of the book next week!

- We’ve also slightly the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace Profile (www.myspace.com/foxatomiccomics) to feature a fun video that goes into detail about what it takes to make a graphic novel! This video was produced for our second graphic novel, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, and debuted as an exclusive on The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD. Check it out for all sorts of cool interviews, including one with me in my fat suit.

- I’m also going to be pimping this all week, so be sure to head over to the MySpace Comic Book profile (myspace.com/comicbooks) to see an EXCLUSIVE preview of the complete Ben Templesmith story!

Please do be sure to pick up a copy of The Nightmare Factory – it makes the perfect Halloween gift for that random Goth friend you have (but never talk to), so do please pick up a copy or two to warm his or her black little heart. Not sold yet? Well, have some reviews!

MANIA.com (A- REVIEW)
"...if Fox Comics (continues) to put out fantastic titles like "The Nightmare Factory" they will be a force to be reckoned with…"

FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
"a winning combination of diverse comic book talent and masterful storytelling that will appeal to readers who appreciate horror of the more cerebral variety."

Arrow in the Head.com (A mixed review overall; this is a heavy book!)
“The artwork was superb across the board and was the highlight of the whole experience. However, if you're a fan of Ligotti or the likes of Poe and Lovecraft, and you're looking for something to curl up to this fall to get your 'creep' on, then I'd recommend picking THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY up and giving it a whirl.”

Later

All Nightmare Factory, All the Time

2007-09-05T15:50:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder – The Nightmare Factory graphic novel hits comic and book stores everywhere THIS WEEK! It makes the perfect Halloween gift for that random Goth friend you have (but never talk to), so do please pick up a copy or two to warm his or her black little heart.

In celebration we’ve also slightly updated the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace Profile (www.myspace.com/foxatomiccomics) to feature a fun video that goes into detail about what it takes to make a graphic novel! This video was produced for our second graphic novel, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, and debuted as an exclusive on The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD. Check it out for all sorts of cool interviews, including one with me in my fat suit.

I’m also going to be pimping this all week, so be sure to head over to the MySpace Comic Book profile (myspace.com/comicbooks) to see an EXCLUSIVE preview of the complete Ben Templesmith story!

We’re starting to see some nice reviews for the book itself too... more to follow this week!

MANIA.com (A- REVIEW)
"...if Fox Comics (continues) to put out fantastic titles like "The Nightmare Factory" they will be a force to be reckoned with…"

FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
"a winning combination of diverse comic book talent and masterful storytelling that will appeal to readers who appreciate horror of the more cerebral variety."

Arrow in the Head.com (A mixed review overall; this is a heavy book!)
“The artwork was superb across the board and was the highlight of the whole experience. However, if you're a fan of Ligotti or the likes of Poe and Lovecraft, and you're looking for something to curl up to this fall to get your 'creep' on, then I'd recommend picking THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY up and giving it a whirl.”

Later

The Nightmare Factory – In Stores TODAY!

2007-09-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our third graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics, The Nightmare Factory, hits stores everywhere TODAY! If you missed it over the weekend, be sure to head over to the MySpace Comic Book profile (myspace.com/comicbooks) to see an EXCLUSIVE preview of the complete Ben Templesmith story!

We’re starting to see some nice reviews for the book itself too... more to follow this week!

MANIA.com (A- REVIEW)
"...if Fox Comics (continues) to put out fantastic titles like "The Nightmare Factory" they will be a force to be reckoned with…"

FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
"a winning combination of diverse comic book talent and masterful storytelling that will appeal to readers who appreciate horror of the more cerebral variety."

Later

The Nightmare Factory - Reviews & Exclusives

2007-08-31T01:27:00.000-07:00

On Monday we previewed a grip of exclusive pages over at IGN.com, and today (Friday) we're gonna blow it up even more with a big MySpace premiere! Keep watching this space for more details; I'll let you know when it's posted!

We're also starting to see some nice early reviews for The Nightmare Factory, in bookstores everywhere next week! Here's a good one:

"The horror scene in comics keeps getting better and better all the time and if Fox Comics and continue to put out fantastic titles like “The Nightmare Factory” they will be a force to be reckoned with…"
- mania.com (grade A- review)

Nice. More to follow!

Later

New Comics Day

2007-08-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it, yesterday the fine folks over at IGN.com debuted a few exclusive interior pages from our upcoming graphic novel The Nightmare Factory. Head on over to http://comics.ign.com to check them out, or click over to our ‘pics’ if you happen to be on the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace profile (myspace.com/foxatomiccomics). Words can’t really express how happy I am with this book; the adaptations of Thomas Ligotti’s stories by Stuart Moore and Joe Harris are spot on, and the art by Colleen Doran, Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, and Michael Gaydos is nothing short of stunning. Check out those pages, and hang tight for more exclusive MySpace goodness at the end of the week!

My oh my – it’s New Comics Day once again! Seems like the weeks are falling like rain as of late. My picks for this week are below, but first here’re a few of the books that I enjoyed from last week’s pull list: BATMAN #668, BATMAN / LOBO DEADLY SERIOUS #1 (love that Sam Keith art, althou it all does end up looking like The Maxx), GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15 (still loving the Sinestro Corps arc), SUPERMAN #666 (this book was just… odd… but in such a good way), and HALO UPRISING #1 (granted, I am a Halo nut… let’s see a Bioshock comic now!)

And here’s what I will be grabbing at Comics Ink this eve:
CONAN #43
52 AFTERMATH THE FOUR HORSEMEN #1
ACTION COMICS #855
AMERICAN VIRGIN #18
BATMAN ANNUAL #26 HEAD OF THE DEMON (the origin of Ra’s!)
COUNTDOWN 35
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE #1
EX MACHINA MASQUERADE SPECIAL
HELLBLAZER #234 (loving the current arc)
OUTSIDERS FIVE OF A KIND WEEK 5
TEEN TITANS #50
AMORY WARS #3
BRIT #1
MICE TEMPLAR #1
WALKING DEAD #41 (why are they suddenly spitting out these books every two weeks? Seems odd. Series is still boring me; I may drop it soon. GET THEM OUT OF THE DAMN PRISON! (please))
BLACK PANTHER #30
30 DAYS OF NIGHT EBEN & STELLA #4 (gotta say, the 30 days movie is looking sweet)
LOCAL #10 (love this series)

Later

The Nightmare Factory – IGN Exclusive Pages!

2007-08-28T00:48:00.000-07:00

The fine folks over at the IGN.com Comics page have posted a few exclusive interior pages from our upcoming graphic novel The Nightmare Factory! If you’re visiting on Tuesday, head over to http://comics.ign.com to check ‘em out – you can’t miss the link! Let us know what you think of the pages, and more Nightmare Factory goodness to follow this week, including a bit more info on that horror movie we shot last week…

I’m also re-posting this from yesterday, mainly because I think it’s really damn cool. BLOODY-DISGUSTING.COM has posted a review of the 28 Weeks Later DVD, on which you can find animated versions of two of the stories from 28 Days Later: The Aftermath! I’m a big fan of these animatic animations that we’ve produced for our books… you may even see one for The Nightmare Factory!

From the BLOODY DISGUSTING review:
“The most intriguing features are two bonus short films. Essentially a Anamatic interpretations of the Fox Atomic’s 28 DAYS LATER Graphic Novels, the first, STAGE 1: DEVELOPMENT, is a 7-minute look at the history of the creation of the rage virus by Cambridge University scientists. The second, STAGE 3: DECIMATION is a much shorter look at a vigilante solider fighting a one-man war against the infected on the streets of London. The artwork, in a sometimes slick, sometimes sketched, comic book style along with the voice over narration provides for a very cool supplement and easily the best feature this DVD has to offer—aside from the film of course. These final two extras typify what great bonus materials should be—an extension of the film that enhances the viewing experience. I really hope we see more of this type of thing on future releases.”

Later

Coming Soon - The Nightmare Factory!

2007-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

It’s a bit hard to believe, but our third graphic novel, The Nightmare Factory, releases next week! We’ll be pumping this book all throughout October (up until Halloween, naturally), and we kick things off with an EXCLUSIVE premiere this evening and through tomorrow on the main Comics page over at IGN.COM! I am quite pumped about this book, both as a company hack and a comics fan. Check out the art and let us know what you think! More goodies and reviews to follow later this week…

Also, those fine folks over at BLOODY-DISGUSTING.COM posted a review of the 28 Weeks Later DVD, on which you can find animated versions of two of the stories from 28 Days Later: The Aftermath! I’m a big fan of these animatic animations that we’ve produced for our books… you may even see one for The Nightmare Factory!

From the BLOODY DISGUSTING review:
“The most intriguing features are two bonus short films. Essentially a Anamatic interpretations of the Fox Atomic’s 28 DAYS LATER Graphic Novels, the first, STAGE 1: DEVELOPMENT, is a 7-minute look at the history of the creation of the rage virus by Cambridge University scientists. The second, STAGE 3: DECIMATION is a much shorter look at a vigilante solider fighting a one-man war against the infected on the streets of London. The artwork, in a sometimes slick, sometimes sketched, comic book style along with the voice over narration provides for a very cool supplement and easily the best feature this DVD has to offer—aside from the film of course. These final two extras typify what great bonus materials should be—an extension of the film that enhances the viewing experience. I really hope we see more of this type of thing on future releases.”

Anyone reading the Oni book "Mulptile Warheads"? I love it!

Later

New Comics Day – The Nightmare Factory Edition

2007-08-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

Hello boys & girls – I have to make today’s entry a quick one since I’m shooting a horror short film tonight… but more on that later. We’re currently counting down the days until the release of The Nightmare Factory, our third graphic novel! We’ll be debuting a nice bit of the (incredible) art shortly, but to help familiarize you with the book here’s a bit of press release-goodness for you to chew on:

“In July 2006, Fox Atomic created a partnership with their sister company HarperCollins to publish and distribute branded graphic novels from Fox Atomic Comics. THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY (Harper Paperbacks/Fox Atomic Comics; $17.99; TP; ISBN 13: 9780061243530; on-sale: September 4, 2007), the third book to be released as part of this joint venture, is based on the work of Thomas Ligotti, a horror master for whom the New York Times coined the phrase “philosophical horror” to describe his groundbreaking work. With THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY, four of Ligotti’s most terrifying stories are adapted by four distinct writer/artist teams.

“In “The Last Feast of Harlequin,” writer Stuart Moore and artist Colleen Doran tell of an anthropologist’s journey into a surreal winter carnival, where he witnesses an ancient rite of human sacrifice to grotesque worm-like creatures. Ben Templesmith’s art accompanies Stuart Moore’s adaptation of “Dream of a Mannikin,” the story of a patient and psychiatrist bound together in a horrific dream. In “Doctor Locrian’s Asylum,” writer Joe Harris teams with artist Ted McKeever to bring to life a small town living in the shadow of a looming asylum with a monstrous past. And in the final story, Joe Harris and artist Michael Gaydos team up to adapt a strange urban legend that robs artists of their desire to create art when they’re confronted with horrible revelations. Each story is more terrifying than the next, and the talent assembled brings a new dimension to a legendary horror writer’s most chilling work.”

Man, I want to BUY that book! Oh wait… yea, I still wanna buy it.

Also, as you know Wednesday = New Comics Day, and my picks for this week are below. Of my pics from last week, I particularly enjoyed Booster Gold #1 (BUY IT NOW!), Hellblazer #235, Highwaymen #3, and the aforementioned Doktor Sleepless. So, without further ado, here’re this weeks pics:

BATMAN #668
BATMAN LOBO DEADLY SERIOUS #1
COUNTDOWN 36
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #4
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15 (LOVE THE SINESTRO CORPS ARC)
JSA CLASSIFIED #29
OUTSIDERS FIVE OF A KIND WEEK 4
SUPERMAN #666 (NICE)
INVINCIBLE #45
REPO #3 (OF 5)
WALKING DEAD #40 (MUST ADMIT… THE SERIES IS STARTING TO BORE ME ZZZZZ)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #543
ASTONISHING X-MEN #22
CABLE DEADPOOL #44
HALO UPRISING #1
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #8
IRON MAN #21
THE ORDER #2
THUNDERBOLTS #116
WOLVERINE #56
X-MEN #202
GAMEKEEPER #4
NEXUS #99 SPACE OPERA
TANK GIRL THE GIFTING #3

Later

Monday Malaise Redux

2007-08-20T14:11:00.001-07:00

Here we are again another Monday. Another glorious day at Fox Atomic. A day at Fox Atomic is like a day on the farm. Every meal's a banquet! Every paycheck a fortune! Every formation a parade! (Yes, I was watching Aliens this weekend, why do you ask?)

This past weekend was indeed a good one. And why is that, you wonder? For one simple reason: I didn¹t do squat except p0wning a few brats in Gears of War and got caught up on my reading.

One book really stood out in this weekend¹s read Warren Ellis¹ new series Doktor Sleepless. I am admittedly a huge Ellis fan (do pick up his first novel, Crooked Little Vein), but Doktor Sleepless truly reminds me of my favorite Ellis series ever, Transmetropolitan. Granted the art in Doktor is far inferior to Transmet, but the overt sci-fi / real world hybrid setting coupled with a smartass lead both hearken back to the exploits of one Spider Jerusalem. Be sure to check it out!

Also, keep an eye out for more goodness from our next graphic novel, The Nightmare Factory, coming soon!

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-08-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Seriously, the week is flying by. Most people complain about ‘hump day’ (a phrase that always makes me twitter, primarily because my sense of humor is that of a middle school-age boy), but not I. Nay, New Comics Day is almost as good as Friday, and no Wednesday would be complete without a list of the books that I will be picking up this week!

Before I launch into the picks, however, I wanted to send a special shout-out to both Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz on the debut of Booster Gold #1! From what I’ve heard this book promises to be a fun ride that ties into DC continuity (and rewards the hardcore fans who really know their stuff), all anchored by, IMHO, one of the strongest characters in the uni/multiverse. Congrats you two! Go buy this book!

Also, on the Fox Atomic front, keep your eyes peeled for more info and art from our next graphic novel, The Nightmare Factory, which drops September 4th!

And now, without further ado, here's what I will be picking up this evening at that comics place over by the Sony lot (man, I'm bad with names):

ACTION COMICS #854
ARMY @ LOVE #6 (MR)
BOOSTER GOLD #1 (naturally)
CHECKMATE #17
COUNTDOWN 37
FLASH #231
HELLBLAZER #235 (read this book!)
HIGHWAYMEN #3 (I’m digging this book too… lotsa fun)
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #12
OUTSIDERS FIVE OF A KIND WEEK 3
SPAWN #170 (I’ve said it before… Spawn is good again!)
SUPERMAN BATMAN #39
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #23 (final ish before things get... interesting... hmmm....)
NEW X-MEN #41
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #112
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #16 (love me that Steve Dillon art)

That's it for now. I'm off to the races.

Later

Tuesday Malaise

2007-08-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

So it’s Tuesday. I’m currently sitting in my geeked-out office, blasting a little Bloc Party (Weekend in the City)… much to the chagrin of my Atomic neighbors I’m sure… and trying to come up with a proper blog topic for today. Let’s poke around the stuff lying on my desk shall we? You should see my desk, by the by – ‘Lieb’s Law of Physics’ states that any horizontal surface is soon piled up, so it always looks like Dresden during WWII…

Here we go…

Hmm…

- New Tank Girl series from IDW rocks (love that Ashley Wood – he did the cover for our upcoming Nightmare Factory graphic novel, by the by. I can’t resist the chance to pimp!)
- Faker from Vertigo… haven’t read yet, but love that Jock art
- Immortal Iron Fist #8 – that Matt Fraction is a good egg
- Runaways… I f-ing LOVE Runaways
- A NextWave: Agents of Hate TPB. Perhaps my favorite Ellis series since TransMet
- Punisher #50 – perhaps my favorite Tim Bradstreet cover in a long time, and that’s saying a lot since everything he does is pure gold
- Paul Pope’s THB: Comics from Mars #1. Here we go – Paul Pope. If you are unfamiliar with this gentleman, go pick up the 100% and Heavy Liquid trades RIGHT NOW. I often prefer black and white to color finishes, and suffice to say that Paul’s art SHINES in black and white.

That’ll do it for now. I’ve got some calls to make so I can jet out at a half decent hour. Also my crappy computer is about to crash anyway… there’s a reason I bring in my Macbook to work ;)

Later skaters

Countdown…

2007-08-13T22:35:00.001-07:00

I’m not talking about the DC Countdown (which I am really digging, by the by) – nay, I refer to the countdown to Fox Atomic’s third graphic novel, The Nightmare Factory! It’s our first ‘original’ book, and having gotten the VERY first printed copy today I can attest that it kicks all sorts of butt. The art is beautiful, with some amazing work by Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, Colleen Doran, and Michael Gaydos. The Nightmare Factory releases in early September (timed to Halloween, naturally), so be sure to pick one or ten up for those horror freaks in your life. More info, reviews, and other goodness to follow!

Also, if you haven’t been reading Andy Diggle’s current run on Hellblazer I HIGHLY recommend that you correct that oversight post haste.

Later

New Comics Day - Post Comic-Con Edition!

2007-08-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

I tell you what, digging out from under the pile of work that was waiting for me post Comic-Con has been rather daunting, to say the least. I walked into my office after having been in San Diego for a week and I swear the tower of papers in my inbox had clouds floating by at the top. The pile also suspiciously resembled the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but sadly it collapsed before I could snap a picture. Three interns were killed.

Anyway, I digress. I will be back to regular postings shortly, but as we all know today is that glorious day known as New Comics Day! If I get out of the office at a decent hour here’s what I will be picking up this week:

ALSO – be sure to pick up the eagerly-awaited BAD PLANET #2 today, from those fine folks at RAW:

BATMAN #667
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #1
COUNTDOWN 38 (I’M STICKING WITH COUNTDOWN… FOR NOW…)
DMZ #22
FABLES #64
GEN 13 #11
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #3 (LOVE ME THAT JOCK ART)
GREEN LANTERN #22
JACK OF FABLES #13
JLA CLASSIFIED #41
UN-MEN #1
BAD PLANET #2
CASANOVA #8
CRIMINAL #8
DAREDEVIL
ESSENTIAL DAZZLER (I AM NOT PICKING THIS UP… WTF?!?!)
EXILES #97
NEW AVENGERS #33
OMEGA FLIGHT #5
POWERS #25
X-FACTOR #22
AMERICAN WASTELAND BLOOD & DIESEL #2
BLACK METAL VOL 1

Later

Comic-Con in the Rear View

2007-08-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

What a show. It feels as if I have been muttering those words ever since Monday. What a show. Between the set-up for our booth, running the bloody booth, meetings, reunions, seeing old friends, meeting new friends, the parties, the parties, the parties, tear down for said booth, ad infinitum, needless to say it was a week for the ages. Then again, it's Comic-Con.

We had a great time at the show, and also hosted some really fun signings at our booth featuring the likes of Kevin Bacon, Saw director James Wan, Steve Niles, Tim Bradstreet, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, Henry Rollins, Ben Templesmith, Futurama voice talent, and more. We captured a number of these signings on video and streamed them live over the Intraweb; if you missed the live stream be sure to check out the archived videos in the player below.

Also, to see more pics from the show check out our Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/foxatomic/

More next week once my brain returns.

Later

Comic-Con Decompression

2007-07-30T17:51:00.001-07:00

We're alive! We just got back from the San Diego Comic-Con, and now it's time to sleep. More to come, but the show was great. If you missed the party be sure to check out the video player below to see a couple of our booth signings, featuring the likes of Kevin Bacon, Saw director James Wan, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, Futurama voice talent (listen for Maurice to spout Brain's classic 'YES'), and, of course, me.

Later

Live from Comic-Con!

2007-07-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

If you're on the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace page, check out the new window below - Fox Atomic Comics is live at the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con! We're uploading pictures of our days and nights from Andre's iPhone, and when we have booth signings we will be broadcasting LIVE! Check the schedule:

Thursday
5:00 – 6:00: The Nightmare Factory / Fox Atomic Comics
- Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, Michael Gaydos, Joe Harris, and Stuart Moore

Friday
12:00 – 1:00: The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning / Fox Atomic Comics
- Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray

2:30 – 3:30: The Tripper
- David Arquette, Thomas Jane, Joe Harris

4:00 – 5:00: 28 Days Later: The Aftermath / Fox Atomic Comics
- Steve Niles and Tim Bradstreet

Saturday
12:30 – 1:30: Wrong Turn 2
- Henry Rollins, Joe Lynch, Erika Leerhsen, Daniella Alonso

3:00 – 4:00: Death Sentence
- Kevin Bacon(!), James Wan, and Garrett Hedlund (Note this panel will require tix that will be distributed at the booth on Saturday morning)

Be sure to stop by booth #4429 and say hi if you're at the show!

Later

Fox Atomic at the San Diego Comic-Con

2007-07-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

It's almost here - Comic-Con! If you are going to the show, please stop by the Fox Atomic / Fox Atomic Comics booth (#4429) to check out our set-up, pick up our free swag (believe me, we’ll have LOTS of it), meet the gang, and perhaps score an autograph or two.

Keep watching the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace page for a few Comic-Con surprises... I will tease them much more when I can! ;) Just waiting on our tech goblins to work their magicks.

Here’s our signing schedule as well:

Thursday
5:00 – 6:00: The Nightmare Factory / Fox Atomic Comics
- Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, Michael Gaydos, Joe Harris, and Stuart Moore

Friday
12:00 – 1:00: The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning / Fox Atomic Comics
- Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray

2:30 – 3:30: The Tripper
- David Arquette, Thomas Jane, Joe Harris

4:00 – 5:00: 28 Days Later: The Aftermath / Fox Atomic Comics
- Steve Niles and Tim Bradstreet

Saturday
12:30 – 1:30: Wrong Turn 2
- Henry Rollins, Joe Lynch, Erika Leerhsen, Daniella Alonso

3:00 – 4:00: Death Sentence
- Kevin Bacon(!), James Wan, and Garrett Hedlund (Note this panel will require tix that will be distributed at the booth on Saturday morning)

Later

Comic-Con!

2007-07-20T20:47:00.001-07:00

Heading down to Comic-Con next week? You are? Well, so are we! Wow, what a coincidence. Come here often?

Anyway, I digress, as I am want to do (I know better to post blogs before I head to the bar). Where was I? Oh yes – COMIC-CON! If you are going to the show, please stop by the Fox Atomic / Fox Atomic Comics booth (#4429) to check it out, pick up our free swag (believe me, we’ll have LOTS of it), meet the gang, and perhaps score an autograph or two.

Here’s our signing schedule!

Thursday
5:00 – 6:00: The Nightmare Factory / Fox Atomic Comics
- Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, Michael Gaydos, Joe Harris, and Stuart Moore

Friday
12:00 – 1:00: The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning / Fox Atomic Comics
- Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray

2:30 – 3:30: The Tripper
- David Arquette, Thomas Jane, Joe Harris

4:00 – 5:00: 28 Days Later: The Aftermath / Fox Atomic Comics
- Steve Niles and Tim Bradstreet

Saturday
12:30 – 1:30: Wrong Turn 2
- Henry Rollins, Joe Lynch, Erika Leerhsen, Daniella Alonso

3:00 – 4:00: Death Sentence
- Kevin Bacon(!), James Wan, and Garrett Hedlund (Note this panel will require tix that will be distributed at the booth on Saturday morning)

Later

San Diego Atomic-Con 2007

2007-07-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you (should) know, next week is that glorious bacchanal of geekdom known as the San Diego Comic-Con. This week, however, is more akin to HELL WEEK, given the amount of prep that is required before yours truly jets down to San Diego all next week (hence my rather infrequent blog postings… I know). If you are going to the show be sure to stop by our booth (#4429) to say hi, and we’ll also be hosting signings with Steve Niles, Tim Bradstreet, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Ben Templesmith, Michael Gaydos, Ted McKeever, Joe Harris, Stuart Moore, Henry Rollins (!) Kevin Bacon (!!), and more! Check back tomorrow for the full schedule…

In the meantime, those loveable horror-hounds over at DREAD CENTRAL just posted a kick-ass review of the Hills graphic novel! Here's a sampling:

"There is enough blood and body parts littered throughout this book to satisfy any hardcore horror fan while telling a well planned, engrossing story at the same time." NICE!

FULL REVIEW:
"The Hills Have Eyes remake presented a faster, meaner animal living among the vast American wasteland. Luring wayward travelers into what literally became their “"dead end" is just a way of survival for the misshapen refugees of the atomic age. The Carters were one such unlucky family, coming face to deformed face with terrors you never dream possible as we go about our mundane lives. Only 4 would make it out alive, or so it seemed.

Hills 2 initiates a silent war as our military forces spill into the hills to back up scientists running tests on this poisoned patch of land. Unfortunately, the hills are still occupied and before long, army green turns to deep, blood red. Each movie ended in the typical Hollywood horror fashion, leaving plenty of room for a sequel, with the subtlety of a hammer on a bag of kittens, so you know there are more stories to come should the box office hold out. Still, there is even more that can be told. What happened between the first and second film? Better still, how did the residents of these irradiated badlands become those predatory creatures with faces even their momma’s dry heave over? Fox Atomic has the answers in The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning.

The Sawney Bean clan first came to this place along with so many others, dreaming of untold fortunes in gold buried beneath them. When the gold dried out, some left but the Bean clan remained with others who made a home among the acrid landscape. Years pass and the government decides one person’s community is just as good a place as any for the testing of good ole’ American firepower ...namely the Atom Bomb. This is where the fun begins. Honest, hard working folk go head to hear with military forces that don’t take no for an answer and inadvertently pave the way for the birth of generations of human monstrosities. The animals we call man and woman have a miraculous will to survive...one might say is encoded right into our DNA. When faced with adversity, we adapt. In the case of the Sawney Bean clan, you could call it De-volution. Basically, they fucked their way to a brighter tomorrow. Sounds almost cheery, eh?

Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning spins an American tale, much in the way our Grandfathers sit with us when we are small and recall the events of their youth. These are usually happy memories, but America was built on the backs of others who often lay broken and battered for the sake of progress when the job is done. Hills is that sort of tale, only the broken and battered pick up the pieces and become reborn into living nightmares preying on anyone who cross their path. What’s more American that that? It ain’t called the land of opportunity for nothing! Also, keep in mind, it’s not exactly Grandpa in a rocking chair doing the telling. You’ll most likely be eaten when the story is done.

Comics have an excellent track record of taking a story told through film, adapting it to panels on a page with fantastic art, and then, if you’re lucky, continuing that story, answering all the "what ifs" you conjured up when the movie ended. Hills: Beginning is one such golden opportunity to build a history around a fairly simple premise, turning it into a multi generational epic you never expected. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray construct a tangible world from some pretty visceral architecture, carving out a new blueprint written in the language of revenge, violence and ultimately, survival. Amazing how fleshing out a story can turn insane, pick wielding mutants into a sympathetic family! Art from John Higgins; smacking of work I’ve personally come to love in a little book called Preacher; plays up the raw quality woven throughout the story. On every page, things go from bad to worse with a gritty coating over every face, home and even the landscape rendered. Anyone can flick red splotches onto a page. Not everyone can re-enact carnage like this.

Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning holds nothing back. I can say I was a fan of the remake, but the sequel left me with nothing more than a hope that a further installment might tell a new story instead of parading out the same old trappings. The Beginning goes a long way to fill my wish list! You finish reading, put the book down and immediately get the notion you need to wash your hands. There is enough blood and body parts littered throughout this book to satisfy any hardcore horror fan while telling a well planned, engrossing story at the same time. If only Hollywood could boast the same. It’s time, once more, that I start making my argument to have comic writers pen all movies and television in the future. Seems we’d be a hell of a lot better off. At the end of the day though, this is The Hills Have Eyes. Be prepared for mutant mayhem and mongoloid lovin ... and lots of both. If you want pretty people, go read Witchblade."

Later

The Hills Have a DVD

2007-07-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

Today marks the release of The Hills Have Eyes 2 on DVD! If you pick up the disc there's a really cool 'making of' feature that explores the background and creation of The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, which features interviews with writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, artist John Higgins (taped in London), editor Heidi MacDonald, colorist Dennis Calero, and yours truly (hiding in my fat suit). I was very impressed with the feature; it's quite nicely put together. IGN.com reviewed the Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD a week or so ago, and had very nice things to say about the aforementioned ‘making of’:

“Finally, the hands-down best piece of content is the engaging, dynamically-produced look at the making of the Hills Have Eyes which, not shockingly, has nothing to do with the film itself. Featuring interviews with the comic creators and some captivating glimpses at the creation of a graphic novel, this feature illustrates how the writers have taken the basic premise and built out sixty years of prequel history that the viewer actually finds themselves wanting to read.”

Later

San Diego Atomic-Con 2007

2007-07-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

It approaches! The yearly bacchanal of geekdom known as the San Diego Comic-Con is almost upon us, and I for one cannot wait. Granted the planning that goes into it is rather hellish (which, in and of itself, is an understatement), but the show itself is beyond compare. I will be posting more details about our talent signings and giveaways, but if you’re planning to head down to the show be sure to stop by booth #4429 and say hi!

Also, Rue Morgue has posted a giveaway for The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel. CLICK HERE to enter!

Or enter two! Why not! E-Splatter.com is also hosting a Hills graphic novel giveaway; CLICK HERE to enter!

Later

Hills Signing Alert and New Interview!

2007-07-12T22:59:00.001-07:00

For those of you lucky enough to live in New York (I used to be one of you), be sure to catch Jimmy Palmiotti, co-author of The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, who will be signing copies of the book live and in person TONIGHT (Friday)! Here're the details on Jimmy's signing:

Friday, July 13, 2007
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
FORBIDDEN PLANET
840 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Stop by and say hi! I wish I could be there, but i will be happily ensconced at some bar in Venice.

If you're like me and can't make it, then be sure to read this new interview with Jimmy and Justin Gray that was posted by the fine folks over at BROKEN FRONTIER:

"The seemingly perennial writing duo of Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray recently released their first non-DC work in some time, the graphic novel The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, for Fox Atomic Comics. We spoke…

BROKEN FRONTIER: The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning is basically the story behind the story in that it goes back to the early days of the townspeople in the New Mexico desert while at the same time bridging the gap between the two Hills films. How did you make that work structurally?

JUSTIN GRAY: It was relatively easy given the wealth of material to work with.

JIMMY PALMIOTTI: It was just a matter of digging into a time line based on events happening in the real world and making them work in the context of the story. If we were going to do a book like this we wanted to give the actual story a bit more of a background and establish a telling of the story from both sides.

BF: Was it hard to find your "writer’s voice" for the real stars of the book, seeing that they’re, well… mutated freaks?

JUSTIN: Mutated freaks are my people! Actually, when you approach the characters from a point where you accept them as human beings it makes it much easier to see their side of the story. We’re looking at the genesis of transforming simple rural people into carnivorous monsters.

JIMMY: And for this story to work on any level, you really needed to see and understand what they are going through and what drove them to do what they do. I think once a person reads this book they will have a bit if empathy for their situation… But really, at the end of the day they are still eating people, so some things don’t change.

BF: Has your involvement in this project opened any doors when it comes to working on Fox Atomic properties in other media, mainly film?

JUSTIN: Hopefully yes when the DC contract expires. I’d love to work with them again, the quality of the books combined with the extremely open-minded and creative editorial staff made for a great working relationship.

JIMMY: What Justin said! And, we hope if they make another film they actually go to this book and try to adapt it. I think it will give the fans what they really want on a lot of levels from a Hills movie. If I was at Fox, I would just hand over their next project to us and let us take a shot at it… wink wink!

BF: Palmiotti the Pitcher! [Laughs] Did it cost you more sweat to tell this story as a graphic novel, as opposed to the periodical format you’re more accustomed to?

JUSTIN: We tend to enjoy working on all-inclusive material and delivering a complete story in one sitting, be it comics, film or TV. The transition is relatively simple to expand outward into a Graphic Novel format.

JIMMY: I would much rather always work in this format any day than the 22 page limited format that monthly comics are. Give me a graphic novel every time. There is no comparison.

BF: Jimmy, you’re also the line editor for all of Fox Atomic’s graphic novel releases. Was this an opportunity you jumped at, especially considering the professional atmosphere you’d be working in, with FA being part of the HarperCollins group and all?

JIMMY: I was only the start-up editor. When I signed the DC deal I had to move on, but what I did while there was try to establish with Eric Lieb the format, page count and look of the books and how they should be approached. I think 2 books out of the gate and they are doing well. My good friend Heidi MacDonald is now the editor.

And yes, working with professionals like Fox and Harper Collins are always a plus for me since I work with a lot of people who have no clue what they are doing on a daily basis. You know who you are… [Laughs]

BF: Was it also your call to bring in John Higgins to handle the art? Did it take much persuading?

JIMMY: Well, I was showing Eric a lot of people’s work, but the guy I was always pushing for was John… and we got him. John is a classic storyteller and we really needed someone that understood that this was a story about emotionally driven people put in unusual situations and I knew John was our man. Just look at the level of quality presented in these pages.

John and Dennis knocked it out of the park on this one. I would work with John again in a heartbeat, and actually am on another project to be announced soon.

BF: Since the two of you hardly go anywhere without each other, what other projects do you have coming through FA?

JUSTIN: Right now you’ll have to be content with the Hills Have Eyes. Perhaps in a year or so we’ll have the opportunity to work with them again.

JIMMY: we are hoping to land something as soon as possible. They have such a wealth of characters.

The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning went on sale last week through Fox Atomic Comics.

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-07-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

It’s morning again in America, made even more glorious by the fact that it’s New Comics Day. Before I launch into my weekly comic picks, however, I must once again don my purple pimp hat (with plume) to remind ya’ll that The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning is currently in stores! Check out this excerpt from a review posted over at Aint It Cool News:

“Textured and perfectly paced, this is one helluva good read. And it’s a girthy bastard too weighing in at 89 pages with additional production notes from the artist and a trio of nice pinup pages from Bill Sienkiewicz, Tim Bradstreet, and Greg Staples. All in all, this is another slick production from Fox Atomic Comics. These guys have been churning out some pretty impressive books with this and their previous offering 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH. I look forward to seeing what this company has in story for us in the future.”

Wait! Since you’re probably rushing out to the bookstore, why not pick up some other cool books that are coming out today? I’m so helpful!

100 BULLETS #84
COUNTDOWN 42
DMZ #21 (I love me some DMZ)
FABLES #63
GEN 13 #10 (Yes, I am a sucker for ‘90s comics)
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #1
GREEN LANTERN #21
ALIEN PIG FARM #4 (Go RAW!)
AMORY WARS #2 (I’ve always kinda liked Coheed and Cambria)
SPAWN #169 (Spawn is good again! Another sign of the apocalypse!)
ANITA BLAKE VH FIRST DEATH #1
EXILES #96
NEW AVENGERS #32
OMEGA FLIGHT #4
X-FACTOR #21
30 DAYS OF NIGHT EBEN & STELLA #3
STEPHEN COLBERTS TEK JANSEN #1

Later

The Hills Have MORE Reviews

2007-07-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

As you (should) know, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning is in stores RIGHT NOW, and the excellent reviews keep rolling in! Check this blurb from the review by those fine folks over at MANIA.COM:

“I normally eschew licensed comics. But, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning is a fantastic, gritty examination of how far people will go when you force them to survive. But, it is also intensely violent and frequently disturbing, both for its graphic depictions and its portrayal of humanity at its worst. John Higgins’s art brings the pain in ways I haven’t seen in a long time. This story serves to forcefully remind you of the terrible things people will perpetrate against each other. It also reminds you of the equally terrible backlash that often follows. You can almost detect a subtle commentary about the Iraq war within the work. But, first and foremost, Palmiotti and Gray tell a story that drags you through the mud and keeps you interested the entire time. But, while you feel a small measure of sympathy for Karen Bean and her mutant children, that sympathy gives way to disgust about the entire situation and all involved – the National Guard, the mutants, and the townspeople that shun them. Any smug that’s-what-you-get moralizing dissipates and you feel sorry that the entire situation happened in the first place.”

Makes you wanna read it, no? It’s good so just go buy the bloody thing so I can take off my purple pimp hat (with huge plume) every once in a while.

Later

The Hills Have MORE Reviews

2007-07-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

The Hills Have a Holiday

2007-07-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in Texas, as we at Fox Atomic Comics have been given a few fishin' days to celebrate the July 4th holiday. There's no rest for the weary, though, as this week marks the release of The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, the second graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics! Tell your ma, tell your pa, just get them to the bookstore! I am very proud of this book, and if you like mayhem and maddness you'll dig it as well. The book's release is timed to coincide with The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD (July 17th), and on that DVD you will find some fun special features that tie into the Hills Have Eyes graphic novel! The coolest is a ‘making of’ feature on the graphic novel itself, which features interviews from yours truly, Jimmy Palmioti, Justin Gray, John Higgins, Dennis Calero, Heidi MacDonald, and more! IGN.com reviewed the Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD today, in fact, and had very nice things to say about the aforementioned ‘making of’:

“Finally, the hands-down best piece of content is the engaging, dynamically-produced look at the making of the Hills Have Eyes which, not shockingly, has nothing to do with the film itself. Featuring interviews with the comic creators and some captivating glimpses at the creation of a graphic novel, this feature illustrates how the writers have taken the basic premise and built out sixty years of prequel history that the viewer actually finds themselves wanting to read.”

So be sure to check out the DVD when it comes out on July 17th, and also don’t forget to pick up The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning this week! We’re already getting some great reviews for the book; check ‘em out:

AINT IT COOL NEWS
FANGORIA

Later

Today's the Day!!!

2007-07-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

TODAY marks the release of The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, the second graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics! Tell your ma, tell your pa, just get them to the bookstore! I am very proud of this book, and if you like mayhem and maddness you'll dig it as well.

The book's release is timed to coincide with The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD (July 17th), and on that DVD you will find some fun special features that tie into the Hills Have Eyes graphic novel! The coolest is a ‘making of’ feature on the graphic novel itself, which features interviews from yours truly, Jimmy Palmioti, Justin Gray, John Higgins, Dennis Calero, Heidi MacDonald, and more! IGN.com reviewed the Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD today, in fact, and had very nice things to say about the aforementioned ‘making of’:

“Finally, the hands-down best piece of content is the engaging, dynamically-produced look at the making of the Hills Have Eyes which, not shockingly, has nothing to do with the film itself. Featuring interviews with the comic creators and some captivating glimpses at the creation of a graphic novel, this feature illustrates how the writers have taken the basic premise and built out sixty years of prequel history that the viewer actually finds themselves wanting to read.”

So be sure to check out the DVD when it comes out on July 17th, and also don’t forget to pick up The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning this week! We’re already getting some great reviews for the book; check ‘em out:

AINT IT COOL NEWS
FANGORIA

Later

PS - I saw Transformers last night. Sigh. More on that later

The Hills Have Eyes!

2007-07-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

This week marks the release of The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, the second graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics! The release is timed to coincide with The Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD (July 17th), and on that DVD you will find some fun special features that tie into the Hills Have Eyes graphic novel! The coolest is a ‘making of’ feature on the graphic novel itself, which features interviews from yours truly, Jimmy Palmioti, Justin Gray, John Higgins, Dennis Calero, Heidi MacDonald, and more! IGN.com reviewed the Hills Have Eyes 2 DVD today, in fact, and had very nice things to say about the aforementioned ‘making of’:

“Finally, the hands-down best piece of content is the engaging, dynamically-produced look at the making of the Hills Have Eyes which, not shockingly, has nothing to do with the film itself. Featuring interviews with the comic creators and some captivating glimpses at the creation of a graphic novel, this feature illustrates how the writers have taken the basic premise and built out sixty years of prequel history that the viewer actually finds themselves wanting to read.”

So be sure to check out the DVD when it comes out on July 17th, and also don’t forget to pick up The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning this week! We’re already getting some great reviews for the book; check ‘em out:

AINT IT COOL NEWS
FANGORIA

Later

PS - I know I didn't post a new blog on Friday... I was out fishing. Oops.

Exclusive Hills Pages!

2007-06-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Jonesing for a sneak peek at the upcoming Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel? We’ll quit scratching at your arm and swatting at those bugs that may or may not be crawling all over you, because the pusher-man has your fix. Both Aint It Cool News (which also posted a glowing review) and MySpace Comics have pages from the opening of the book for you to peruse – check ‘em out!

AINT IT COOL NEWS
MYSPACE COMICS

The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel is already getting some rave reviews; if you’re on the Fox Atomic Comics MySpace page, check them out in the blog below.

Finally, I went to see Live Free or Die Hard on the lot yesterday. Now, I consider the first Die Hard to be the best American action movie ever made, but the PG-13 rating on this one definitely had me nervous. I must admit, though, that I was pleasantly surprised! If you like your movies big, loud, and full of extraneous Kevin Smith cameos, then Die Hard is definitely for you.

Later

The Hills Have Reviews

2007-06-27T13:45:00.001-07:00

We’re getting closer and closer to the release of our second graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics, which comes out in comic and book stores everywhere next week! The kind souls over at Aint It Cool have posted a great review of the Hills graphic novel along with a bevy of exclusive pages! Give it a look!

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33165

Here’s a quote from the review that I particularly love:
“All in all, this is another slick production from Fox Atomic Comics. These guys have been churning out some pretty impressive books with this and their previous offering 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH. I look forward to seeing what this company has in story for us in the future.”

A-frakin-men

Also, since it’s that glorious day known as New Comics Day (TM), I would be remiss if I did not post what I’m going to pick up tonight. Anything I’m missing? Cry havoc and let slip the comments.

COUNTDOWN 44
GREEN LANTERN SINESTRO CORPS SPECIAL #1
JACK OF FABLES #12
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET #8
SUPERMAN BATMAN #37
WETWORKS #10
FRANK FRAZETTAS DEATH DEALER #3
INVINCIBLE #43
WALKING DEAD #38
CABLE DEADPOOL #42
DAREDEVIL #98
SILENT WAR #6
THUNDERBOLTS #115
ULTIMATE X-MEN #83
X-FACTOR #20
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #11

Later

Live on Two Sites!

2007-06-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

That's right - one site just wasn't big enough. The new Fox Atomic Comics profile page is now live on MySpace.com! I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all, since this blog is now syndicated to both the Fox Atomic Comics page on Foxatomic.com (LINK HERE), as well as on the new MySpace page (LINK HERE). So, a big welcome to all those visiting on MySpace, and for those on Foxatomic.com be sure to head over and check out the new profile!

I love the new MySpace profile (and a big thanks / shout out to Fabian, Andre, Mikster, Regean, Karni, and the Fox Atomic online team for building it). We have all the requisite links to check out previews of our current and upcoming graphic novels, a media player where we'll program our animated content (such as the entire animated Stage One from the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath book), a specific MySpace blog for... MySpace blogging..., and much, more will be added as we move forward.

Also, stay tuned to the MySpace Comics Profile (LINK HERE) on Wednesday for a special Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning surprise...

Later

I Love the Hills Love

2007-06-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Postings are popping up all around the Intraweb about our next graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, which comes out next week! I wanted to share the review that Fangoria has posted; in addition to calling the book "a true work of four color art", this section of the review brought a big smile to my comics-loving face:

"Fox Atomic Comics is becoming a brand readers can trust to put out memorable material by utilizing experienced artists along with the best writers in the comic-book industry, and stands as a worthy companion to the similar sequel/prequel 28 DAYS LATER: THE AFTERMATH"

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Peep the full review by CLICKING THIS LINK

Later

PS - thanks for the heads-up Mikster!

Let's See...

2007-06-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out next week for some fun The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning promos that will start popping up around the Intraweb. I'll definitely let ya'll know all the important when/where stuff; just building up the love to the launch of our second graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics! I can't wait.

Have a good weekend - the gods know that I need one.

Later

I Got a Nintendo WII

2007-06-21T18:57:00.001-07:00

And it's seriously the raddest thing ever. It took me forever to find one, but I love it and am in geek heaven.

Speaking of... I think I will go play it right now.

Later

Wednesday Bloody Wednesday

2007-06-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

Wednesday = New Comics Day! Here’s what I’m picking up tonight; what are ya’ll getting?

CHECKMATE #15
COUNTDOWN 45
EX MACHINA #29
HELLBLAZER #233
ALIEN PIG FARM #3 (I LOVE THIS BOOK - GO RAW!)
REPO #1 (ALREADY READ THE FIRST TWO ISSUES – THIS BOOK IS COOL)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #541
CAPTAIN AMERICA #27
INCREDIBLE HULK #107
IRON MAN #19
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #110
GAMEKEEPER #3
HIGHLANDER #8

Later

The Hills Are Alive

2007-06-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

And not with the sound of music (boring), but with the sound of murder, madness, and mayhem! We’re getting close to the release of the second graphic novel from Fox Atomic Comics, The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, releasing in bookstores everywhere on July 3rd! Written by industry vets Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, with exceptional art by John Higgins, this book is a canonical prequel to the re-makes of both Hills Have Eyes 1 and 2. I love this book, and if you’re a Hills or horror fan you will as well! Check out some of the love we’re already receiving:

JOBLO.COM / HILLS LOVE

Later

PS - I technically posted this yesterday, but the bloody thing didn't show up! Technology; gotta love it.

The Hills Are Alive

2007-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Fantastic Four 2

2007-06-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

I caught a screening of "Rise of the Silver Surfer" on the lot this morning; I have to admit, I liked it. Going into the film I had read all of the fanboy gripes (especially in regards to Galactus' design), but on it's own the film stands quite well. However (and I may catch heat for this, given it's a Fox film and all), but I'm going to voice my own geeky complaint: I still don't like that dude who plays Doom. I love Dr. Doom, but Doom is NOT some annoying pretty boy. But that's my only real complaint - I had a good time with the film, and recommend that you go check it out!

Later

PS - anyone else catch the subtle nod to the classic Galactus design? Points if you did; I thought that was very well done.

Repo

2007-06-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Rick Spears (writer of one of my fav books, Teenagers from Mars), has a great new series coming out later this month called Repo (with art by Rob G, artist on another one of my fav books, Couriers). I was lucky enough to snag the first two issues, and I am hooked. Be sure to check it out!

More info HERE

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-06-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday again? When did that happen? Scary how time flies. Anyway, I digress. A new Wednesday means New Comics Day, and below are my picks for the week. What are ya’ll looking forward to this week?

AMORY WARS #1
BPRD GARDEN OF SOULS #4
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #6
COUNTDOWN 46
DMZ #20
FABLES #62
GEN 13 #9
GREEN ARROW #75
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #13
LOVELESS #18
CABLE DEADPOOL #41
EXILES #95
WORLD WAR HULK #1
BLACK DIAMOND #1
TANK GIRL THE GIFTING #1

Later

Hills on the Horizon

2007-06-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Seems like only yesterday that we gave birth to our first child, that little rapscallion named 28 Days Later: The Aftermath. Now that he/she/it has grown up, left the house, and is currently kicking butt in the world at large, we’re ready to welcome a new member of the family – The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning!

You will start seeing new art and more info on The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, the second release from Fox Atomic Comics, very shortly! Click that pretty cover image to learn more, and be sure to check out The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, on-sale next month!

Later

30 Days of Night – Teaser Trailer!

2007-06-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the new teaser trailer for 30 Days of Night, the film adaptation of Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith’s incredible graphic novel (CLICK HERE)! Granted I am already stoked to see this film, but this trailer, combined with the recently released teaser poster have whetted my appetite even further (no pun intended… honestly. Puns are lazy writing, as Krusty the Clown always says). I also think it’s cool that we at Fox Atomic Comics have already been fortunate to work with both Steve and Ben on two different projects (Steve on the 28 Days Later graphic novel, and Ben on The Nightmare Factory graphic novel)!

Later

Countdown

2007-06-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Who out there is reading DC's weekly series Countdown? It rocks!

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-06-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Sound the bells – another Wednesday is upon us, which means it’s new comics day! My pull list is below; I’m going boozin tonight so I’ll probably pick these up tomorrow. If you’re picking up something that’s not on the list below, lemme know! I’m always on the lookout for good stuff I may have missed (like Street Angel, which I am reading now… SO GOOD).

Without further ado:

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #4
COUNTDOWN 47 (loving this series)
DETECTIVE COMICS #833
EXTERMINATORS #18
JONAH HEX #20
NIGHTWING #133
SUPERMAN #663
ALIEN PIG FARM #2 (awww yea - GO RAW STUDIOS!)
SPAWN #168 (Spawn is good again!)
DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BORN #5
LONERS #3
MARVEL ZOMBIES ARMY OF DARKNESS #4
NEW WARRIORS #1 CWI
OMEGA FLIGHT #3
PUNISHER #48 (MR)
30 DAYS OF NIGHT EBEN & STELLA #2
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #10
CTHULHU TALES RISING ONE SHOT

Later

28 Days Later: Animated (Once More with Feeling)

2007-06-05T13:11:00.001-07:00

CHECK THIS OUT (i.e. click this bloody link)! Yesterday we posted the FULL version of the complete, animated first story from the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel! Be sure to check it out if you missed it - it’s super-cool, and animated only using the art from the book.

Also, we turned in the disk for The Nightmare Factory graphic novel today! Ding, dong, the art is done, now corrections begin. More on that as well as the Hills graphic novel tomorrow, now that I have some time to think!

Later

28 Days Later: Animated

2007-06-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

CHECK THIS OUT (i.e. click this bloody link)! We just posted the FULL version of the complete, animated first story from the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel! It’s super-cool, and animated only using the art from the book.

Please watch it a few times, as we’re still wrapping up creative on The Nightmare Factory graphic novel, and I don’t have much else to say right now.

Although… we’re getting closer to the release of The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning graphic novel! Just one month away… but more on that to follow…

Later

Mea Culpa

2007-06-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know my blog entries have been a bit terse this week. But it’s all for a great cause: I have been buried under a pile of papers, working with my esteemed editor Heidi MacDonald in order to finish up The Nightmare Factory graphic novel! I can’t even tell you how beautiful this thing is; check the book’s PAGE for more details, and I will be posting a few interiors very soon…

Later

Titans – GO!

2007-05-31T18:46:00.001-07:00

This announcement made me all geeky today… if they include Nightwing I’ll be one happy camper indeed.

CHECK IT OUT!

Later

New Comics Day

2007-05-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

It’s Wednesday… that means it’s New Comics Day. Here’s what I will be picking up this evening:

ACTION COMICS #850
COUNTDOWN 48
DEADMAN #10
GREEN LANTERN #20
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #6
NEGATIVE BURN #11
SPAWN GODSLAYER #1 (Yes, Spawn, I know. Don’t give me any crap)
DAREDEVIL #97
NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI #3
NEW EXCALIBUR #20
WOLVERINE #54

What are you gonna pick up? Let me know; leave a comment below.

Later

Two Great Ways to Start the Week

2007-05-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I posted a blurb about the big Star Wars Celebration convention that happened this past weekend in Los Angeles. Two of the coolest things I have seen in a long time came out of that con; check the links and geek out a bit. Enjoy.

CLONE WARS TRAILER!
SLAVE GIRL LEIA(S)… drool…

Later

Let Us Bow Our Heads

2007-05-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Thirty years ago TODAY, the original Star Wars was released (I refuse to call it ‘A New Hope’). Wow.

Who’s heading to CELEBRATION in LA this weekend?

Later

A Factory of Nightmares

2007-05-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Forgive the brevity of today’s post, but your fearless EIC is currently immersed in putting the final touches on The Nightmare Factory graphic novel! Let me tell you that I am extremely happy at how this one is coming together; the stories are extremely creepy, and the art is astonishingly beautiful. Head on over to THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY page to learn more, and watch for some final pages very soon…

Later

New Comics Day!

2007-05-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Yes oh yes, dear brothers and sisters, today is that weekly overload of joyousness known as New Comics Day! My picks for this week are as follows:

AMERICAN VIRGIN #15
COUNTDOWN 49
HELLBLAZER #232
SUPERMAN BATMAN #35
CAPTAIN AMERICA #26
CRIMINAL #6
HEROES FOR HIRE #10
NEWUNIVERSAL #6
STAR TREK KLINGONS BLOOD WILL TELL #2

What are you picking up this week? Let me know below!

Later

Runaways

2007-05-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

I’m going to use today’s blog to pimp a book that I truly love: Marvel’s Runaways. If you have yet to check out this series I highly recommend that you jump on now, as the series is now two issues into the new arc written by famed creator Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly). In a nutshell, the book began with a group of super-powered teens who discovered their parents were all secretly super-villains, and since then has moved onto the teens forming a group to fight evil. The book was created by one of my fav writers Brian K. Vaughan, and it’s been interesting to watch the series evolve as Joss takes over. I’m always a proponent of good writing and good characters, both of which this book has in spades!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Later

Marvel VS DC

2007-05-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this video; it's a great comics-related/geeky send-up of those (annoying) Mac/PC commericals. Go give it a look - I'll wait here.

CLICK IT

Later

Weekend of Horrors

2007-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today’s post isn’t 100% comics-related, but my geek heart is all a-twitter for this weekend because it’s the annual Fangoria Weekend of Horrors in scenic Burbank! There will be some amazing guests (check out THIS LINK for the full list), and give me a shout if you plan to be in attendance as well (I’ll be there with the crew on Saturday).

Bringing things back full circle, it goes without saying that many of the biggest names in the horror/sci-fi world are comics fans. What I think is cool is how many of these people are actually producing their own comics! From the aforementioned RAW Studios (movie star Thomas Jane), whose titles include Bad Planet and the current Alien Pig Farm (which I love) to rocker/filmmaker Rob Zombie, these talented folks are transcending their respective mediums to produce comics they truly love. Gotta love that passion.

Later

WEEKLY COMIX PICKS

2007-05-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the weekly bacchanal of geekdom known as New Comics Day, and below are my picks for this week. However, before you peruse the list, please allow me to editorialize a bit on two comics that have caught my attention of late: Alien Pig Farm and All Star Batman #5.

Alien Pig Farm is the latest creation from those crazy dastards over at Raw Studios (Thomas Jane, Steve Niles, Tim Bradstreet), written by Todd Farmer (no, not Todd Parker… points to anyone who got the Boogie Nights reference thou). Any comic that begins with, “best throw back some moonshine and kiss yer sister on the mouth” earns my instant love and adoration. Go pick up this book!

All Star Batman, thou, has definitely polarized the comics community. Some people love it, others hate it. I, for one, buck what seems to be the current trend: I LOVE All-Star Batman. Why? Simple: Batman is an insane, child-kidnapping (Robin) reprobate, with nary a thought to his violent actions. This is a Batman that we have never seen before… and if anyone can re-invent Batman, it’s Frank Miller. ‘Nuff said on that subject, onto the picks:

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #5
ARMY @ LOVE #3
BATMAN #665 (WONDER WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN IN ISH #666??)
CHECKMATE #14
COUNTDOWN 50 (I AM DIGGING COUNTDOWN)
EX MACHINA #28
FABLES #61
FRANK FRAZETTAS DEATH DEALER #2
ULTIMATES 2 #13 (FINALLY! FEELS LIKE THIS BOOK HAS TAKEN YEARS. LITERALLY.)
30 DAYS OF NIGHT EBEN & STELLA #1
HIGHLANDER #7
LOCAL #9 (AGAIN, FINALLY! I LOVE THIS SERIES)
PAINKILLER JANE #1

Later

PS - If you missed Steve Niles’ interview, then be sure to check out yesterday’s blog!

#1 Horror Movie in America!

2007-05-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Normally today I would give you my comics picks for the week, being that it's Wednesday. I say thee nay! No, in celebration of the #1 horror movie in America, 28 Weeks Later, as well as the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel, below are a few questions sent in by our intrepid readers that Mr. Steve Niles was kind enough to answer. Enjoy!

1. What was it like working with start-up Fox Atomic Comics and being the first graphic novel to be released by the label?
Submitted by: Miki

>>I had a great experience working with Fox Atomic Comics. I’ve worked with a couple start-ups the last few years and more often then not it ends in disaster due to inexperience or whatever. Fox was totally professional, cool and accommodating and I’m honored to be part of their launch.

2. What do you feel makes 28 Days Later (the movie) so different from the rest of the "zombie genre"? What attracted you to do this story?
Submitted by: Keith

>>Okay, let’s talk about this whole zombie thing. I know a lot of people think of 28 Days Later as a zombie flick, but the one key difference is that the Infected in Days don’t die and then get back up. They get sick and rot until they fall apart. And they don’t eat folks they just beat them relentlessly. Starving to death and violent? Sounds like Naomi Campbell (Boooo! Get off the stage!!) What was the question? Oh yeah…what attracted me. Honestly? The chance to work with Fox and Lieb. Working from the concept created by Danny Boyle was just icing on the cake.

3. What did you set out to accomplish with the graphic novel?
Submitted by: Bob

>>Two things really; I wanted to create something that helped bridge the two films, but I also wanted to make sure I didn’t just regurgitate the original. I really wanted to make sure readers got something new that added to the movie experience and stood on it’s own at the same time.

4. What is your favorite part of the novel?
Submitted by: Jonathan
>>I have one for each artist actually. In Dennis’s, the shot of Warren holding he brain spattered fire extinguisher. In Diego’s I’m torn between the monkey attack and the blood vomit fountain. That sh*t is just so over the top and horrifying you gotta love it. In Nat’s…well I love everything Nat did but those survivor costumes were freakin’ perfect!

5. What are your thoughts on the current state of the comic book/graphic novel publishing industry, and do you (or how do you) see it changing over the next few years with movies based on stories (like Sin City and 300) doing so well in the box office?
Submitted by: No Name

>>The comic industry is struggling a bit. We’ve lost a lot of readers to videogames and a general lack of growth in the medium, but I think there are a lot of great things yet to happen. For as long as comics have been around it feels like people are just now looking beyond men-in-leotards and seeing the true potential and Hollywood’s sudden attention is just proof of that. I love comics so I’m thrilled that it is now being seen as a viable source for material. It certainly makes sense. For years Hollywood shopped only novels and a lot of good novels (Stephen King!) got shredded being filmed. There’s four movies in most novels so people wound up cutting and squeezing. Comics aren’t like that.

6. What are you working on now? What’s next?
Submitted by: Aces

>>30 Days of Night is going to be coming out this October so I’m working with IDW and Bill Sienkiewicz on a new, very different comic series called Beyond Barrow. I am also doing Criminal Macabre with Nick Stakal and City of Others with Bernie Wrightson. Both at Dark Horse. I also have projects coming with Steve Rude, Gris Grimly, Scott Hampton (Simon Dark for DC!), Ben Roman and Ashley Wood. I am extremely sleepy, but having way too much fun to slow down.

There we go! Thanks again to Steve, and be sure to check out 28 Weeks Later (in theaters everywhere NOW) and go buy the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel.

Later

PS - Yes, Virginia, this is ANOTHER re-post, but I wanted to make sure people see it! Comics pics on the morrow.

Steve Niles Answers Your Questions!

2007-05-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody – last week we put the call out for any questions that you had for Mr. Steve Niles, and we got some great ones! So, in honor of the release of the #1 HORROR MOVIE IN AMERICA, 28 Weeks Later, here we go:

1. What was it like working with start-up Fox Atomic Comics and being the first graphic novel to be released by the label?
Submitted by: Miki

>>I had a great experience working with Fox Atomic Comics. I’ve worked with a couple start-ups the last few years and more often then not it ends in disaster due to inexperience or whatever. Fox was totally professional, cool and accommodating and I’m honored to be part of their launch.

2. What do you feel makes 28 Days Later (the movie) so different from the rest of the "zombie genre"? What attracted you to do this story?
Submitted by: Keith

>>Okay, let’s talk about this whole zombie thing. I know a lot of people think of 28 Days Later as a zombie flick, but the one key difference is that the Infected in Days don’t die and then get back up. They get sick and rot until they fall apart. And they don’t eat folks they just beat them relentlessly. Starving to death and violent? Sounds like Naomi Campbell (Boooo! Get off the stage!!) What was the question? Oh yeah…what attracted me. Honestly? The chance to work with Fox and Lieb. Working from the concept created by Danny Boyle was just icing on the cake.

3. What did you set out to accomplish with the graphic novel?
Submitted by: Bob

>>Two things really; I wanted to create something that helped bridge the two films, but I also wanted to make sure I didn’t just regurgitate the original. I really wanted to make sure readers got something new that added to the movie experience and stood on it’s own at the same time.

4. What is your favorite part of the novel?
Submitted by: Jonathan
>>I have one for each artist actually. In Dennis’s, the shot of Warren holding he brain spattered fire extinguisher. In Diego’s I’m torn between the monkey attack and the blood vomit fountain. That sh*t is just so over the top and horrifying you gotta love it. In Nat’s…well I love everything Nat did but those survivor costumes were freakin’ perfect!

5. What are your thoughts on the current state of the comic book/graphic novel publishing industry, and do you (or how do you) see it changing over the next few years with movies based on stories (like Sin City and 300) doing so well in the box office?
Submitted by: No Name

>>The comic industry is struggling a bit. We’ve lost a lot of readers to videogames and a general lack of growth in the medium, but I think there are a lot of great things yet to happen. For as long as comics have been around it feels like people are just now looking beyond men-in-leotards and seeing the true potential and Hollywood’s sudden attention is just proof of that. I love comics so I’m thrilled that it is now being seen as a viable source for material. It certainly makes sense. For years Hollywood shopped only novels and a lot of good novels (Stephen King!) got shredded being filmed. There’s four movies in most novels so people wound up cutting and squeezing. Comics aren’t like that.

6. What are you working on now? What’s next?
Submitted by: Aces

>>30 Days of Night is going to be coming out this October so I’m working with IDW and Bill Sienkiewicz on a new, very different comic series called Beyond Barrow. I am also doing Criminal Macabre with Nick Stakal and City of Others with Bernie Wrightson. Both at Dark Horse. I also have projects coming with Steve Rude, Gris Grimly, Scott Hampton (Simon Dark for DC!), Ben Roman and Ashley Wood. I am extremely sleepy, but having way too much fun to slow down.

There we go! Thanks again to Steve, and be sure to check out 28 Weeks Later (in theaters everywhere NOW) and go buy the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel.

Later

PS - we had some tech issues yesterday, so yes, Virginia, this is a re-post.

Steve Niles Answers Your Questions!

2007-05-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody – last week we put the call out for any questions that you had for Mr. Steve Niles, and we got some great ones! So, in honor of the release of 28 Weeks Later, here we go:

1. What was it like working with start-up Fox Atomic Comics and being the first graphic novel to be released by the label?
Submitted by: Miki

>>I had a great experience working with Fox Atomic Comics. I’ve worked with a couple start-ups the last few years and more often then not it ends in disaster due to inexperience or whatever. Fox was totally professional, cool and accommodating and I’m honored to be part of their launch.

2. What do you feel makes 28 Days Later (the movie) so different from the rest of the "zombie genre"? What attracted you to do this story?
Submitted by: Keith

>>Okay, let’s talk about this whole zombie thing. I know a lot of people think of 28 Days Later as a zombie flick, but the one key difference is that the Infected in Days don’t die and then get back up. They get sick and rot until they fall apart. And they don’t eat folks they just beat them relentlessly. Starving to death and violent? Sounds like Naomi Campbell (Boooo! Get off the stage!!) What was the question? Oh yeah…what attracted me. Honestly? The chance to work with Fox and Lieb. Working from the concept created by Danny Boyle was just icing on the cake.

3. What did you set out to accomplish with the graphic novel?
Submitted by: Bob

>>Two things really; I wanted to create something that helped bridge the two films, but I also wanted to make sure I didn’t just regurgitate the original. I really wanted to make sure readers got something new that added to the movie experience and stood on it’s own at the same time.

4. What is your favorite part of the novel?
Submitted by: Jonathan
>>I have one for each artist actually. In Dennis’s, the shot of Warren holding he brain spattered fire extinguisher. In Diego’s I’m torn between the monkey attack and the blood vomit fountain. That sh*t is just so over the top and horrifying you gotta love it. In Nat’s…well I love everything Nat did but those survivor costumes were freakin’ perfect!

5. What are your thoughts on the current state of the comic book/graphic novel publishing industry, and do you (or how do you) see it changing over the next few years with movies based on stories (like Sin City and 300) doing so well in the box office?
Submitted by: No Name

>>The comic industry is struggling a bit. We’ve lost a lot of readers to videogames and a general lack of growth in the medium, but I think there are a lot of great things yet to happen. For as long as comics have been around it feels like people are just now looking beyond men-in-leotards and seeing the true potential and Hollywood’s sudden attention is just proof of that. I love comics so I’m thrilled that it is now being seen as a viable source for material. It certainly makes sense. For years Hollywood shopped only novels and a lot of good novels (Stephen King!) got shredded being filmed. There’s four movies in most novels so people wound up cutting and squeezing. Comics aren’t like that.

6. What are you working on now? What’s next?
Submitted by: Aces

>>30 Days of Night is going to be coming out this October so I’m working with IDW and Bill Sienkiewicz on a new, very different comic series called Beyond Barrow. I am also doing Criminal Macabre with Nick Stakal and City of Others with Bernie Wrightson. Both at Dark Horse. I also have projects coming with Steve Rude, Gris Grimly, Scott Hampton (Simon Dark for DC!), Ben Roman and Ashley Wood. I am extremely sleepy, but having way too much fun to slow down.

There we go! Thanks again to Steve, and be sure to check out 28 Weeks Later (in theaters everywhere NOW) and go buy the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel.

Later

Let The Countdown Begin!

2007-05-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

And by Countdown, I'm not referring to DC's Countdown (I know there are some geeks out there, like me, who would make that assumption :). No, I refer to the countdown to Friday's release of 28 Weeks Later! I have seen the film no less than six times already, and I can attest (again, as a geek) that the movie really delivers. While you wait, be sure to pick up the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel!

Speaking of, I spent Saturday (Free Comic Book Day) at an in-store signing with Niles, Bernie Writghtson, and a few other cats at Dark Delicacies in lovely, scenic Burbank. We had a great turnout, and the place looked great! The only downside was the fact that I felt compelled to buy WAY more books then I'm sure I will ever read. Oh well! Pictures of the event to follow, by the by...

Later

PS - Dread Central posted a really fun report from a 28 Weeks Later set visit that I also attended - check it out HERE

Free Comic Book Day & Niles Signing!

2007-05-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

If you live in the LA area, Steve Niles will be signing copies of the 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel at horror bookstore extraordinaire Dark Delicacies (4213 W Burbank Blvd, 818-556-6660) THIS Saturday, starting at 2:00 PM! Stop by to meet the man and get your copy personalized (yours truly will be on-hand as well)!

As you may or may not know, Saturday is also the annual bacchanal (of a sort) known as Free Comic Book Day! Head on over to your friendly neighborhood comic book store to get a free comic, and while you’re there be sure to pick one or three copies of the epic 28 Days Later: The Aftermath graphic novel (yes, I am a shameless pimp of all things Fox Atomic).

Oh, and some film called ‘Spider-Man 3’ opens today. I’m not making a big deal out of it because Sony has spent about a gazillion dollars drilling it into your head, and if you didn’t know the film was opening today you probably live in a cave and don’t have access to the Intraweb anyway.

Later

52

2007-05-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

SPOILER ALERT (if you care about DC continuity and haven’t read 52, stop now!)

Ok, now that you're here, one more warning: this post is going to be extra nerdy. Still with me? OK, here we go... the Multiverse is back!!! DC’s epic, year-long series ‘52’ wrapped up this week, and I must confess that I am absolutely geeking out over the return of the Multiverse.

Some of you who have meandered over from the Movies page may be asking, “Multiverse? What the HELL is he talking about?!” Allow me to digress for a moment. For those unaware, by the mid-80s the DC Comics universe had become a very confusing place. Due to a number of factors, including storylines from characters such as Superman and Batman that had been ongoing since the 1930s, the acquisition of rival publishing companies such as Fawcett, etc, DC continuity was fractured amongst multiple, parallel-universe versions of Earth (Earth-1, Earth-2, etc). These Earths existed in parallel dimensions (crossover was possible), but you truly had to have an encyclopedic knowledge of DC history to understand everything that was going on. 1985’s landmark ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ undid the Multiverse and merged the entire continuity onto one Earth/universe, killing LOTS of people in the process.

And now, with the conclusion of 52, the Multiverse is back! I’m excited about this because, as a concept, I think the idea of parallel universes is one that lends itself very well to a continuity as rich and historic as DC’s. Since each Earth has it’s own iteration of Batman, Superman, etc (including Earth-3’s EVIL versions of these characters), writers will be free to take more risks and experiment with otherwise staid and stalwart characters. If a new character doesn’t work, just toss him onto one of the loser Earths.

My personal congrats to DC – great job on 52!