Tag Archives: Comix

May 9, 2013 · 11:09 pm

Alternative Comics & ComiXology Announce Digital Distribution Agreement

FAILURE By Karl Stevens

FAILURE By Karl Stevens

Alternative Comics is well regarded as a publisher of some of the best independent comics you’ll find. Now, ComiXology has partnered with them so you can enjoy Alternative Comics digitally.

Press Release For 8 May 2013:

Key titles from creators Sam Henderson, Steve Cerio and Karl Stevens released today!

May 8, 2013 – Cupertino, CA / New York, NY – ComiXology and Alternative Comics announced today that the long-time independent publisher Alternative Comics has entered into an all-new digital distribution agreement with comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web.
Independent comic fans will be reading Alternative Comics in an all new dynamic way with comiXology’s cinematic Guided View™ technology. iPad with Retina display users will experience every fine detail of indie comics with comiXology’s high definition format dubbed CMX-HD!

To celebrate the announcement, Alternative Comics is releasing five titles on the comiXology platform from independent comic luminaries, including Karl Stevens’s Failure, Steve Cerio’s Pie, Sam Henderson’s Magic Whistle series including the Humor Can Be Funny collection and 2012’s twelfth issue of the long running humor comic.
“Alternative Comics has an extensive, hilarious and thought-provoking catalog of work by tremendous independent creators and we’re excited to be able to share these stories worldwide on comiXology,” said comiXology’s co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “Now fans and newcomers alike will be able to get access to these great titles and experience them in a whole new way with our Guided View reading technology.”

“Making Alternative Comics available digitally on comiXology is a big step for us that we are truly excited to take,” said Alternative Comics General Manager Marc Arsenault. “Bringing high-quality independently created comics to a larger readership has always been our mission and having our extensive back list and all of our new books available through comiXology will give a whole new generation of comic fans access to our catalog.”
Here’s a full list of the Alternative Comics titles debuting today across the comiXology platform:

Failure GN by Karl Stevens

Humor Can Be Funny (Magic Whistle) GN by Sam Henderson

Magic Whistle #7 by Sam Henderson

Magic Whistle #12 by Sam Henderson

Pie #1 by Steven Cerio

Future digital releases from Alternative Comics include their first day-and-date release Alternative Comics #4, coming June 26, 2013. The all-ages graphic novel Peanut Butter & Jeremy’s Best Book Ever, by 2012 Eisner Award winning creator James Kochalka (Dragon Puncher, Johnny Boo), is also scheduled to debut digitally this year.
Alternative Comics is an independent comic book publisher with an extensive back catalog of humor, satirical and original creator-owned titles. Jeff Mason ran the company from 1993 until 2008, and it was re-launched in June 2012 by industry veteran Marc Arsenault.

About ComiXology

Founded in 2007, comiXology revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View™ reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become one of iTunes’ top 10-grossing iPad apps in 2011 and 2012. Its new comiXology Submit platform enables independent comics creators to efficiently self-publish and immediately profit from their work. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from the top 75 publishers, plus leading and emerging independent creators, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan. The privately held company is based in Gotham City. For more information visit ComiXology HERE.

About Alternative Comics

Alternative Comics is an independent publisher of creator-owned graphic novels and comic books based in Cupertino, California. The company was founded by Jeff Mason in Gainesville, Florida in 1993. Alternative Comics’ creators and books have been nominated for and won multiple comics and publishing industry awards. Alternative Comics’ publications are distributed by Diamond Comics Distributors, Inc. and Last Gasp.

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May 7, 2013 · 10:23 pm

TCAF Comics Review: LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD

Look-Straight-Ahead-Elaine-M-Will-2013

If you’re heading out to the Toronto Comic Arts Festival this weekend, May 11-12, be sure to stop by and purchase a copy of LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD by Elaine M. Will. This is truly an outstanding work and, as you know, I don’t make comments like that lightly. It takes something to motivate me to strongly like, or dislike, something. This one I really like. LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD brings to mind Nate Powell’s SWALLOW ME WHOLE. It has its own distinctive style and voice with that same quality that Nate brings to the game. You can check it out at Elaine’s website HERE.

LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD makes its official debut at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. Elaine M. Will has the distinction of being in the last group of Xeric Grant recipients. Keep an eye out, the plan is to see this graphic novel in comics shops by this October.

Looking-Straight-Ahead-Elaine-M-Will-2013

Meet Jeremy Knowles. He is a fine young man, trying to survive high school and struggling with manic depression. His friend, Lee, is there for him, despite the fact he has to endure taunts by another fellow student, Jen. If only things could work out for him. If only Erin, that most beautiful and intellectual girl, would notice him. If only he trusted himself, his own artwork. He has his dreams but they, in an odd twist, could consume him.

The art and writing here is spot on. I look forward to seeing this webcomic make its way to print. And, certainly, I look forward to seeing more of Elaine’s work. Make sure to stop by and visit her website HERE.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Elaine M. Will, Graphic Novel Reviews, graphic novels, Mental Health, Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Xeric Grant

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May 4, 2013 · 11:10 pm

What It Feels Like To Ride The Kickstarter Beast

Kickstarter_Logo

I love Kickstarter. The ride has been exhilarating. You learn so much when you do a Kickstarter campaign. It really does come down to basics. You learn about yourself, what you’re trying to communicate, how you communicate. This video is interesting to me. I like it. And I know it could be improved upon, believe me. But, overall, I like it. I even love it. And I love my campaign that you can view HERE.

I like myself. Wait, check that, I lOVE myself. That’s important because you have to have a thick skin and accept whatever happens during a campaign. You need to keep perspective. You need to be able to step back and ask yourself if you’ve reached as many people as you’re going to reach during a campaign. I’m still gauging that. Maybe there are some people that I reached but wasn’t able to get them to that last step, the actual pledge. Maybe I missed a whole lot of people somehow. Well, so it goes. That’s the healthy approach. But, yes, there’s plenty of people still to reach. Big hint here to WordPress to make this a Freshly Pressed post! I will state here, without a doubt, I also love WordPress!

And I love all my readers: Hey, go for it! Support this campaign as best you can! Repost this. Give it an official LIKE. Spread the word in any which way you can. Maybe I just had to ask.

You learn, in a pretty significant way, what really matters in goal setting. You set out to achieve a compelling goal that is within your grasp and is in need of funds. Sounds pretty simple. And it can be. For me, my project came naturally to me. And, with only hours left in this campaign, I am so glad I did it, even if I don’t reach my goal. However, who wouldn’t like to reach their goal, especially one that has been carefully thought out and nurtured as mine has? Well, you’re right, I do dearly want to see my comics project make it.

This is a work years in the making and something that will attract readers from many directions: horror, sci-fi, humor, even romance. It will attract readers who love good quirky and offbeat stories. You know who you are! It will attract readers of good solid alternative comics with attention to slice-of-life details. If you love the more artful and literary comics, then this is for you. Each of the short works is an unusual story of self-discovery. One involves a man who must come to grips with killing a bear. Another, the title work, is about a luxury hotel with charming ghosts who are disturbed my a couple of guests with way too much emotional baggage. This story, set in the Sorrento Hotel, refers back to a lot of Seattle history and has a steampunk quality to it. There are a total of four short works that originated from 24-Hour Comics Day experiments. The long story is a coming-of-age piece about a young man’s first adventure in New York City. You can interpret that story in more than one way. So, I’ll keep fighting the good fight. I will. Because it’s so worth it.

You need to carry yourself like you’ve already won, even if it seems like there’s a certain level of indifference. You do this because you trust in yourself the most.

And I’ll definitely keep you posted after this campaign comes to a close on May 6. I’d love to read your feedback and share more of what I’ve learned. But, for now, there’s a campaign still under way! How bad do I want this thing? Pretty bad! You’ve got all the rest of this weekend and all the way through Monday. After that, we’ll talk and see how it goes. Just go to Kickstarter, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES on Kickstarter thru May 6, and head over HERE.

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Filed under 24 Hour Comics Day, Alternative Comics, Comics, Comix, Generation X, graphic novels, Henry Chamberlain, Horror, Humor, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, Romance, Sci-Fi, science fiction, Sex, Steampunk

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May 3, 2013 · 9:07 pm

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: EMI GENNIS

Emi-Gennis-2013

Emi Gennis has edited a wonderful anthology about mysteries, urban legends and unsolved crimes, UNKNOWN ORGINS & UNTIMELY ENDS, published by Hic & Hoc Publications, and you can read my review HERE. Now, I had planned on interviewing Emi ever since my review! And so I can kick myself for not working my video camera properly. I think Emi and I had just hit upon something miraculous while in conversation and now I can’t recall the exact details. I think we were on the verge of discovering an easy way to time travel but we didn’t bother to take notes! Ah, well. But, then again, isn’t reading comics the best way ever to time travel? Forget your flux capacitors and travel back in time with some good comics. Emi has a couple of mini-comics that follow the themes from her anthology: one is a true crime story while the other has a steampunk vibe to it.

"The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs" by Emi Gennis

“The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs” by Emi Gennis

“The Unusual Death of Gregory Biggs” is a very neatly presented 5.5″ x 8.5″ 12-page mini. Artwork is strong. Story is told in a compelling way. It’s not your usual CSI type of crime story either! Only $2.

"Unfortunate Mishaps in Aviation History" by Emi Gennis

“Unfortunate Mishaps in Aviation History” by Emi Gennis

“Unfortuante Mishaps in Aviation History” is another beautifully rendered mini. I really like this format. And Emi has a way with capturing facial expressions and being mindful of details: clothing, perspective, architecture. It demonstrates a high skill level and a love for the comics medium.

Well, again, I feel bad that we missed the video portion to this post but there’s always next time. I look forward to seeing more of Emi’s work and she should definitely submit her work everywhere she can, including that most engaging publication, THE STRUMPET.

Visit Emi at her website HERE.

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Filed under Anthologies, Art, Comics, Illustration, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest

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May 2, 2013 · 4:41 am

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ELLEN LINDNER

Ellen Lindner is an accomplished illustrator and cartoonist. She is a cheerful, passionate, and whipsmart person with talent to spare. It was very nice to get to meet her and her friend, Robin Ha, an excellent artist in her own right. You’ll definitely want to check out the work of both of these ladies.

In the above interview, we focus on Ellen’s work on the anthology series she co-edits, THE STRUMPET, which showcases women cartoonists. To do justice to this project, I’ve written a separate review that you can scroll down and find or you can read it here.

Ellen-Linder

Ellen’s work has a bold and joyful way about it and a keen sense of humor. Ellen has an intriguing webcomic you’ll want to check out, THE BLACK FEATHER FALLS, on ACT-I-VATE Comics. It is set in the aftermath of World War I. It revolves around, Tina Swift, a woman who is caught in a web of intrigue surrounding a murder in 1920s London. You’ll want to jump in on a read if you haven’t already. You’ll be hooked.

The-Black-Feather-Falls-Ellen-Lindner

You can follow THE BLACK FEATHER FALLS HERE. The series will be collected by Soaring Penguin Press. And you can visit Ellen’s website HERE.

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Filed under ACT-I-VATE Comics, Alternative Comics, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Independent Comics, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

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· 3:48 am

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ROBIN HA

Robin Ha and Ellen Lindner are two very distinct cartoonists who happen to have a lot in common. For one thing, they are neighbors, as their art studios are next door to each other. They also share a certain cosmopolitan sensibility. This led Robin to contribute to the anthology that Ellen co-edits, THE STRUMPET.

We talk about THE STRUMPET and Robin’s work in general. You can view a sample of Robin’s work, as well as Ellen’s, from THE STRUMPET, in the previous post.

The-Red-Dress

Robin Ha’s work has a delicate ethereal quality balanced by a wry and worldly vibe. Her latest project is a webcomic about a haunted vintage dress, THE RED DRESS. You can keep up with it HERE.

Robin-Ha-2013

And you can keep up with Robin’s work HERE.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, Robin Ha, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

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May 1, 2013 · 11:43 pm

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013 Review: THE STRUMPET #2

THE STRUMPET #2 Cover by Jeremy Day

THE STRUMPET #2 Cover by Jeremy Day

What’s THE STRUMPET about, you ask? Well, it is a collection of comics showcasing female cartoonists. It follows in the footsteps of WHORES OF MENSA, an anthology that set the bar high on quality. Not only that, it brings together new talent from around the world. THE STRUMPET #3 is in the works and is currently seeking submissions with a deadline of September 1, 2013. Visit THE STRUMPET website HERE.

Let’s place our attention squarely upon the current issue, THE STRUMPET #2. It is edited by the multi-talented Ellen Lindner and Jeremy Day. All the cartoonist talent here bring together a cohesive and compelling collection with a travel theme in mind. What does travel mean to you? When was the last time you were on a trip? Just a few hours ago at your desk at work whilst you daydreamed? My word, did you think there was only one way to travel?? If you did, then catch yourself please because you’re due for an adventure and an education. Let the ladies from THE STRUMPET encourage, engage, and entertain you on all manner of thought and conjecture regarding the subject of travel.

This collection is 21 cartoonists strong: Patrice Aggs, Rachael Ball, Badaude, Juhyun Choi, Marguerite Dabaie, Jeremy Day, Shamisa Debroey, Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg, Karrie Fransman, Robin Ha, J Homersham, Kripa Joshi, Emily Ryan Lerner, Ellen Lindner, Tanya Meditzky, Kat Roberts, Alison Sampson, Maartje Schalkx, Julia Scheele, Nicola Streeten, and Myfanwy Tristram.

Did I miss anyone? Well, I certainly hope note. I feel like this is a very special endeavor and everyone contributed to make it so.

Let me share with you some of the work in this wonderful anthology.

"Mr. Murray" by Ellen Lindner

“Mr. Murray” by Ellen Lindner

Ellen Lindner’s wry sense of humor is spot on in this tale about the search for the seemingly elusive Mr. Bill Murray.

"Trenitalia" by Robin Ha

“Trenitalia” by Robin Ha

Robin Ha is full of wanderlust on this adventure on an Italian train.

"The 171 Bus Route" by Julia Scheele

“The 171 Bus Route” by Julia Scheele

Julia Scheele immerses us in this richly detailed look at a bus commute through London.

"Deaf" by Patrice Aggs

“Deaf” by Patrice Aggs

Patrice Aggs has a hilarious story to tell in this comedy of errors.

"Homesick" by Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

“Homesick” by Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg’s “Homesick” is a deliriously wild ride that floats, flies, and dreams its way through to charming results.

"The Next Life of Ruzzell" by Kat Roberts

“The Next Life of Ruzzell” by Kat Roberts

Kat Roberts gives us a most inventive take on the concept of travel. It is full of magic and whimsy.

"Miss Moti Can Go Places" by Kripa Joshi

“Miss Moti Can Go Places” by Kripa Joshi

We end with the back cover by Kripa Joshi. She’s an engaging artist and this next issue’s co-editor with Ellen. We look forward to what results.

And be sure to pick up your copy of THE STRUMPET #2 which you can find HERE.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come from the Stumptown Comics Fest held in Portland, Oregon, April 27-28. That includes video interviews with Ellen Lindner and Robin Ha.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Art, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Illustration, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, PDX, Portland, Publications, Publishing, Robin Ha, Self-Published, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet

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· 2:45 pm

KICKSTARTER: FINAL DAYS! A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES CAMPAIGN ENDS MAY 6

Alice-in-New-York-Intro-2013

There’s a new video introducing the Kickstarter campaign for A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES and you will definitely want to see it. The video takes place at Comics Dungeon, the leading comics shop in Seattle and beyond. The campaign ends May 6 and your support is greatly appreciated. Visit the campaign here.

Oh, yes, we are at the final days of the campaign for the graphic novel, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES. This is a book with quirky and offbeat stories that follow various characters on journeys of self-discovery. Think of the original television series, “The Twilight Zone,” and that’s the sort of spirit and quality to this work.

We’re coming up on Free Comic Day this Saturday, May 4, and that kind of energy will be most helpful in the final push of the campaign. A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO will be promoted at Comics Dungeon, the leading comics shop in Seattle, and that’s very appreciated.

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Filed under Alice in New York, Comics, Comics Dungeon, graphic novels, Henry Chamberlain, Kickstarter, Seattle

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April 30, 2013 · 5:36 pm

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: GRIDLORDS at HOLLYWOOD THEATRE *Featuring Eamon Espey’s ISHI’S BRAIN*

Photograph by Dalton Webb

Photograph by Dalton Webb

GRIDLords was a night to remember. And what a venue, the wildly eccentric and awesome Hollywood Theatre. This was the place to spend your night in Portland after visiting the Stumptown Comics Fest. It was a beautiful showcase of animation and performance art. The night began with what everyone will agree was the crown jewel of the event, Eamon Espey’s “Ishi’s Brain”

Photograph by Michel Anderson

Photograph by Michel Anderson

ISHI’S BRAIN (THE SHOW) was created and performed by puppeteer Lisa Krause and cartoonist Eamon Espey. Lisa Krause is an artist and puppeteer of Bread and Puppet fame, among other things. Check out Lisa’s blog HERE. This show is currently on a national tour and you can view details HERE. And, certainly, check out Eamon’s website HERE. The show follows little Ishi on a magical journey of apocalyptic proportions.

SONGS OF THE ABYSS by Eamon Espey

SONGS OF THE ABYSS by Eamon Espey

And you just have to check out the music to this show. Soundtrack is provided by Stephen Santillian. Check it out HERE. Great to listen to while reading Eamon’s book! Oh, yes, there is a book.

“Ishi’s Brain” is based on Eamon’s story of the same name from his Secret Acres collection, SONGS OF THE ABYSS and you can buy it HERE.

Check out the Secret Acres website right HERE.

And, most definitely, visit the GRIDLords website HERE.

Once you’re at the GRIDLords site, you can enjoy cool stuff like Amy Lockhart’s WALK FOR WALK.

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Filed under animation, Comics, GRIDLords, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest

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April 27, 2013 · 11:34 am

Stumptown Comics Fest Review: UNKNOWN ORIGINS & UNTIMELY ENDS Anthology

Unknown-Origins-Emi-Gennis-2013

“Unknown Origins & Untimely Ends: A Collection of Unsolved Mysteries,” is a comics anthology, edited by Emi Gennis. As comics anthologies go, this one knocks it out of the park. It is consistently good, full of satisfying surprises, and it’s as if all the contributors gathered together, held hands, and zoned into something awesome. This is not always the case but it sure is here. The theme is true to its title in every way.

"The Lead Masks" by J.T. Yost

“The Lead Masks” by J.T. Yost

Organized into two subcategories of the strange and spooky, one group of cartoonists take on the subject of “Unknown Origins” while the other takes on the subject of “Untimely Ends.” What sets this book up there with the best anthologies is how dedicated everyone is to all the details. So, how did this man come to die without any ID and an eerie connection to the book of poetry, “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám”? That’s the opener, “The Unknown Man of Somerton Beach,” by Nikki DeSautelle, that lets us know right away that we’re in good hands. Drawn in a strikingly spare style, it leads you into the next story, an environmental mystery, “Goo,” by Jason Bradshaw, and then an urban myth, “The Monster with 21 Faces,” by Aaron Whitaker. And so on, one style of cartooning blending into the next, all held together by a unified vision.

"Aokigahara Forest" by Jenn Woodall

“Aokigahara Forest” by Jenn Woodall

This is first comics anthology for Hic & Hoc Publications and we certainly look forward to many more.

"The Dyatlov Pass Incident" by Emi Gennis

“The Dyatlov Pass Incident” by Emi Gennis

The anthology showcases 34 cartoonists, all working at their full potential.

"Dark Forces" by Lizz Lunney

“Dark Forces” by Lizz Lunney

Good work, Emi Gennis, on editing this remarkable anthology. Visit Emi’s website here.

“Unknown Origins & Untimely Ends: A Collection of Unsolved Mysteries” released on April 23 at Floating World Comics. The party continues at Stumptown Comics Fest this weekend, April 27-28. It’s a wonderful example of what you’ll find at this gem of a gathering of comics talent. If you’re in PDX, you will want to go. I’ll see you there. Visit the Stumptown Comics Fest website here.

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