Comic Book News – Alternative Mindz

After Marvel’s Secret Wars, an all-new and all-different Marvel Universe emerges

June 5, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

“THIS IS MARVEL!”

After Marvel’s Secret Wars, an all-new and all-different Marvel Universe emerges

New York, NY—June 5^th, 2015— Marvel Comics, the home of the greatest Super Heroes of all time, introduces a new direction for the Marvel Universe. This is All-New All-Different Marvel!

Coming this fall, all fans will be introduced to the perfect start to the Marvel Universe featuring the biggest creative names in the comic book industry – Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Mark Waid, Dan Slott, Charles Soule, G. Willow Wilson, Jeff Lemire, along with many more, will have a hand in crafting an all-new and all-different Marvel Universe.

“This is the Marvel Universe,” says Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief. “This fall, we will be inviting readers into a universe comprised of bold new landscapes populated with characters and teams both familiar and brand-new.”

“This is going to be an absolute game changer for Marvel,” says David Gabriel, SVP of Sales & Marketing. “Similar to the most successful comics industry program of this century – Marvel NOW!, All-New All-Different Marvel is going to be presenting fans new #1’s for every title coming out during this event. This is a brand new beginning that honors our past 76 years, yet takes a bold step with daring, and accessible, entry points. Simply stated – this is Marvel!”

This fall, the comics industry’s greatest creators invite fans into a spectacular universe that truly represents the marvelous world outside your window!

The All-New All-Different Marvel Universe has arrived!

Andy Oliver Named New Broken Frontier Editor in Chief

June 1, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Broken Frontier Names Andy Oliver New Editor in Chief, Frederik Hautain Becomes Creative Director

The big news for Broken Frontier doesn’t stop. Hot on the heels of the successful Kickstarter campaign for its inauguralBroken Frontier Anthology, the acclaimed comics news site is restructuring the top of its editorial staff, heralding an exciting new era for its journalistic activities.

Effective immediately, Broken Frontier founder Frederik Hautain is passing the torch of Editor in Chief to Andy Oliver, who previously held the position of Managing Editor for the past five years. Hautain had been in the EiC seat since the site’s launch in 2002, but after 13 years, it’s time for a change. Hautain will transition to the role of Creative Director, where his primary focus will be on fostering the growth of the Broken Frontier brand, strategy and new projects, of which the aforementioned Kickstarter campaign was a prime example.

“I’m extremely blessed to be able to put the day-to-day governance of our content and staff in Andy’s talented hands,” Hautain says. “In just a few years time, he’s fast become one of the leading journalists to cover indie, alternative and creator-owned comics. On top of that, Andy’s got an amazing eye for new talent, which will continue to be one of the pillars of our coverage.”

Oliver joined the Broken Frontier staff in 2006 and became the site’s Features Editor the next year, eventually moving up to the role of Managing Editor in 2010. In 2011 he launched his popular and influential ‘Small Pressganged’ column at Broken Frontier covering the worlds of self-published, micro-published and alt comics. He is a well-known face on the UK indie comics circuit, was a judge for the 2014 Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition, and a contributor to Paul Gravett’s book 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die.

“It’s a true privilege to be trusted with the task of taking Broken Frontier forward as its new Editor in Chief,” says Oliver. “This is a site that is not afraid to give as much attention to handmade DIY culture comics as it does to the seminal work of the form, and one that has never shied away from actively championing exciting new creative voices in the medium. “I am incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this new era in our evolution. After all, ‘Exploring the Comics Universe’ is not merely Broken Frontier’s tagline. It’s our promise and our commitment to you, the greater BF community.”

With a new EiC now in place, Broken Frontier is actively looking for a new Managing Editor to join its ranks. If you’re interested in helping to closely shape the future of the website, check the detailed profile description athttp://br.oken.fr/joinus and send your application tojoinus@brokenfrontier.com.

The Shield by Dark circle comics

May 18, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

THE SHIELD #1
NEW ONGOING SERIES FROM DARK CIRCLE! “Daughter of the Revolution, Part 1” Since the dawn of the republic, whenever her country faces its blackest days, she returns: a spirit of the revolution sent to fight for what is right. But when she reappears for the first time in a generation with no memories—not even of her own identity—and encounters an evil force expecting her arrival, all the Shield can do is… run!
Script: Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig
Art: Drew Johnson, Rachel Deering, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Cover: David Williams
Variant Cover: Wilfredo Torres
Variant Cover: Andrew Robinson
Variant Cover: Rafael Albuquerque
Dark Circle Movie Throwback Variant Cover: Robert Hack
On Sale Date: 7/15
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

THE SHIELD #2
NEW ONGOING SERIES FROM DARK CIRCLE! “Daughter of the Revolution, Part 2” Running out of places to hide, the Shield discovers she is not without allies. Detective Nicole Simmons seems to know exactly who—and what—the Shield is, but with the enigmatic government agent Walter Chase closing the noose, the pair faces two difficult questions: why is the Shield back now… and whose side is she really on?
Script: Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig
Art: Drew Johnson, Rachel Deering, Kelly Fitzpatrick
The Shield #2 CVR A Reg: David Williams
The Shield #2 CVR B Variant: Steve Rude
The Shield #2 CVR C Variant: Evan Shaner
The Shield #2 CVR D Variant: Wilfredo Torres
On Sale Date: 8/19
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

DARK HORSE TO PUBLISH ‘HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE MINICOMIC COLLECTION’

May 11, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION OF MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE® MINICOMICS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—Following the critically acclaimed release of The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Dark Horse and Mattel have teamed up once again to deliver another must-have book in 2015: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection.

The toy juggernaut Masters of the Universe and its subsequent action figure lines featured memorable pack-in minicomics that aided in playtime for children across the world. Clocking in at 1,232 pages, this impressive oversized hardcover collection features sixty-eight US releases, including all minicomics from the ’80s Masters of the Universe line, the ’80s Princess of Power line, and the ’80s and ’90s He-Man line, plus an introduction to the minicomics in the current Masters of the Universe Classics toy line—all in production order. Relive the illustrated adventures that fueled your imagination!

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomics Collection is on sale October 21 in comic shops and November 3 in bookstores. Preorder today fromAmazon.com, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or yourlocal comic shop.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection HC
Tim Seeley (W), Steven Grant (W), Phil White (W), Gary Cohn (W), Michael Halperin (W), Scott Neitlich (W), Bruce Timm (A), Mark Texeira (A), Larry Houston (A), Jim Mitchell (A), and Charles Simpson (C)
FC, 1232 pages
HC, 6” x 9”
$29.99, 978-1616558772

The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe andThe Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Limited Edition, which includes rarely seen images of concept sketches, prototypes, and more from Mattel’s archives, is on sale in bookstores everywhere. Purchase your copy today!

PREPARE FOR MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON WITH A FREE MONTH OF MARVEL UNLIMITED

May 1, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

PREPARE FOR MARVEL’SAVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON WITH A FREE MONTH OF

MARVEL UNLIMITED

FOR A LIMITED TIME, JOIN MARVEL UNLIMITED AND ENJOY YOUR FIRST MONTH FOR FREE!

New York, NY— April 29th, 2015 — Marvel Unlimited is celebrating the release of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and offering new and returning subscribers their first month free to prepare for the cinematic event of the summer. For the first month of a Marvel Unlimited monthly subscription, new and returning subscribers will be able to enjoy free access to over 15,000 digital Marvel comics!*

Unlock the Marvel Universe using the Promo CodeULTRON at Marvel Unlimited Checkout and prepare for some of the greatest Marvel comics featuringCaptain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and many more! Marvel Unlimited is accessible on the web and through the Marvel Unlimited app for iPhone®, iPad® and Android™ devices.

New to the Marvel Universe and don’t know where to start? No need to worry! Marvel Unlimited subscribers have access to the DISCOVER section of Marvel Unlimited. Subscribers are now able to discover easy to follow avenues into the Marvel Universes by being able to search by their favorite storylines, characters or creators.

With Marvel Unlimited our DISCOVER section is regularly updated to guide you through the vast history of the Avengers and the Marvel Universe. And to prepare fans for Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron we have crafted DISCOVERS to introduce you to the history of some of your favorite Avengers along with new exciting heroes and vile villains:

Character Spotlight: The Vision

Character Spotlight: Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver

Character Spotlight: Ultron

Event: Age of Ultron

Event: Civil War

With classic and newer issues being added to Marvel Unlimited on a weekly basis as early as six months after they’re in stores, you’ll definitely want to join Marvel Unlimited to prepare for Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron!

Follow Marvel on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/marvel join in the conversation on Twitter with #Marvel and for all things Marvel, please visit marvel.com.

*Offer valid 4/29/14 12:01 AM EST to 5/17/15 11:59 PM EST. Offer available only for new and former (now-cancelled) Marvel Unlimited members. Valid only on monthly Marvel Unlimited subscriptions only. Valid payment card required to redeem offer. Subsequent months billed at then-current monthly subscription fee (currently $9.99/month) unless and until cancelled. Cancel anytime through My Account following registration. Auto-renewal and other terms and conditions apply; please see Marvel Unlimited Terms of Use for terms and Marvel.com/Unlimited for further details.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com.

Interview with Sally of the wasteland writer Victor Gischler

April 30, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

While we are in the midst of DC Comics “Convergence” and Marvel is readying their “Secret Wars”, sometimes it’s nice for people to find a comic book that offers the pure reading experience that some feel you no longer get from The Big Two. “Sally of the Wasteland” is one of those stories, the one you want to sit down with and keep reading. Written by Victor Gischler with art by Tazio Bettin, “Sally of the Wasteland” is now conveniently available as a trade paperback. It’s certainly worth picking up if you love stories of high adventure, fantasy, and women who can kick-ass. Do you really need more encouragement to pick up the title? Okay, well earlier this month Alternative Mindz spoke to writer Victor Gischler in regards to his “creator-owned comic” and here’s what he had to say.

1) Alternative Mindz: “Sally of the Wasteland” grew into a significant hit. It’s an original idea that found an audience which is quite an accomplishment. How and when did you initially conceive the idea for the character and world of “Sally”?

Victor Gischler: I wrote an irreverent post-apocalypse novel called GO-GO GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE and when it came time to do my first creator-owned comic, I wanted to do something similar. I don’t mean rehash the same story, but I did want to tap into a similar vibe – the gritty gory violence that comes with a post-apocalyptic setting but blended with an irreverent over-the-top humor. (To clarify, SALLY is not my first published creator-owned comic, but it is the first one I started. The timing just worked out that it was published later.)

2) Alternative Mindz: Mr. Gischler, you’ve worked on titles such as “Deadpool” and “X-Men.” Could you speak to the difference of working on a series that’s already been developed as to writing your own i.e. “Sally of the Wasteland”?

Victor Gischler: I was actually thinking about this very issue recently. There are a number of ways I could answer this, but I’ll focus on one word. Confidence. When writing a licensed property, I’m very aware I’m playing with someone else’s toys. It can be fun and rewarding, but there’s always part of me wondering “Is this what they want?” I never think that with a creator-owned book. I ask “Is this what I want?” I mean readers might hate it or love it but that’s after I’ve already made decisions to my own satisfaction. I like being able to stand back and look at what I’ve done and know that it’s mine, that it came out in exactly the way I intended.

It’s also a bit liberating knowing you no longer have to aim what you’re doing at a mainstream audience.

3) Alternative Mindz: “Sally of the Wasteland” has a very unique look. How long was the process of developing the look for the series? Did you already have an idea as to how it should look?

Victor Gischler: I take it you mean the art, yes? I mean, Titan did a great job putting each issue together, but I think you’re probably asking about Tazio Bettin’s art. The fact is that there’s a lot of trust there. Yes, I tell Tazio what to draw and try to give him an idea of my vision, but ultimately he’s the one with the pencil in his hand and his style is amazing. He gets full credit for making it a gorgeous book. He did pencils and inks and colors. All of it. What I LOVE is how the first four issues look as our heroes tromp through the wilds of southern Louisiana, but then in the final issue when we change to a more “science fictiony” type of environment, Tazio adjusts brilliantly and it just looks fantastic.

Alternative Mindz: Thank you for your time. We at Alternative Mindz appreciate it very much. Especially as we are fans of “Sally of the Wasteland.” I’d like to follow that up with one final question. For those that haven’t read “Sally”, why would you feel they should be reading it? How would you sell it to those that are unfamiliar with the series? Thank you again.

Victor Gischler: “Should” is a loaded word, right? I mean, the book won’t help you lose weight or lower cholesterol. But I do think people would enjoy reading it if they like irreverent laughs. It’s fun and that’s what I think comics do best. Fun. Maybe fun with a bit of an edge. You might wince a few times, but that’s how we roll.
—
Steven Biscotti
Follow Steven on our sister site
www.whatchareading.com
And give him some love on Twitter
www.twitter.com/reggiemantleIII

Broken Frontier’s Massive Creator-Owned Anthology is Popular on Kickstarter

April 28, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Comics news site Broken Frontier has launched a popular Kickstarter campaign for a creator-owned anthology about breaking boundaries, exploring the great unknown and pushing beyond our human limits. Upon its debut, the campaign was almost instantly awarded a staff pick by the Kickstarter Staff and has already gained several hundred backers.

Wrapped in a stunning cover by Spider-Gwen artist Robbi Rodriguez, the 250-page oversized hardcover contains 27 amazing stories created by over 40 talented creators, including Cullen Bunn, Nathan Fox, Josh Fialkov, Ryan Kelly, Marguerite Bennett, Toby Cypress and many more.

The stories inside feature everything from the last man in the galaxy, an immortal on the edges of the universe and cosmic horror on previously unimagined scale to time travel, dystopian deserts, dimension hopping and much more!

The Broken Frontier Anthology was put together in support of creator-owned comics and the amazing storytelling possibilities they offer. That’s why 60% of a backer’s pledge goes directly to the talent involved, who are paid up front for creating their stories, something rarely seen in creator-owned comics.

The anthology’s full lineup includes:

A. David Lewis – The Lone & Level Sands, Some New Kind Of Slaughter
Alison Sampson – Genesis, Outlaw Territory, Mad Max: Fury Road
Ayşegül Sınav – Legendary Comics Featured Artist
Box Brown – Andre The Giant, Everything Dies
Carla Berrocal – Vertigo CMYK, El Bruj
Cullen Bunn – The Sixth Gun, Magneto, Harrow County
Daniel Warren Johnson – Ghost Fleet, Space Mullet
David Hine – Storm Dogs, Strange Embrace, Spawn
EdieOP – Maleficium, Dangerfun
Facundo Percio – Caliban, Anna Mercury
Fred Van Lente – Resurrectionists, Ivar: Timewalker, Marvel Zombies
Frederik Hautain – Broken Frontier Anthology
Greg Pak – Action Comics, Incredible Hulk, Princess Who Saved Herself
INJ Culbard – Celeste, Brass Sun, The New Deadwardians
Jamie Coe – Art Schooled, Nobrow Magazine
Jason Wordie – Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, Prophet
Jeff McComsey – FUBAR, Flutter
Joshua Hale Fialkov – The Bunker, The Life After, I Vampire
Justin Zimmerman – Safe, The Killing Jar, Other Worlds Anthology
Karrie Fransman – The House That Groaned, Death Of The Artist
Kurt Belcher – Winter War, Risers
Marguerite Bennett – Angela: Asgard’s Assassin, Sleepy Hollow, A-Force
Mark Stafford – The Man Who Laughs, Cherubs!
Mike Lawrence – Muddy Max, Star Scouts
Nathan Fox – Captain Victory And The Galactic Rangers, Dogs Of War, Haunt
Noah Van Sciver – Saint Cole, Blammo, The Lizard Laughed

Noel Tuazon – Elk’s Run, Family Ties
Phil Hester – The Coffin, Green Arrow, The Darkness
PJ Holden – Numbercruncher, 2000 AD, Dept of Monsterology
Rob Croonenborghs – Scum of the Earth, Jesus Hates Zombies
Robert Sammelin – Cimarronin, Zero
Ryan Kelly – Saucer Country, Local, Three
Salgood Sam – Sea Of Red, Revolver, Therefore Repent
Sean Wang – Runners, The Tick
Steve Bryant – Athena Voltaire
Steve Orlando – Undertow, Midnighter
Thomas Mauer – Copperhead, Umbral
Toby Cypress – The White Suits, Rodd Racer
Tom Raney – Outsiders, Stormwatch, Avengers Academy
Tyler Chin-Tanner – American Terrorist, Adrenaline
Varga Tamás – Zoë, Furion
Yaroslav Astapeev – Undertow

Be a part of this thrilling adventure and back the Broken Frontier Kickstarter campaign at http://br.oken.fr/anthology.

Finally we get to see what the Wonder Woman costume looks like

April 23, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

A GALAXY OF OVER 500 STAR WARS™ DIGITAL COMICS NOW AVAILABLE WITHIN MARVEL UNLIMITED

April 15, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

FOR A LIMITED TIME, JOIN MARVEL UNLIMITED AND ENJOY YOUR FIRST MONTH FOR FREE!

New York, NY— April 15th, 2015 — Marvel Unlimited is welcoming the Star Wars Legends universe of digital comic books into Marvel Unlimited and to celebrate this, for a limited time, Marvel Unlimited is offering new and returning subscribers their first month free. For the first month of a Marvel Unlimited monthly subscription, new and returning subscribers will be able to enjoy free access to over 500 Star WarsLegends digital comic books along with over 15,000 digital Marvel comics!*

Unlock a galaxy far, far away by using the Promo Code STAR WARS at Marvel Unlimited Checkout and prepare for some of the greatest Star Wars comics featuring Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Rogue Squadron,and many more! Marvel Unlimited is accessible on the web and through the Marvel Unlimited app on iPhone®, iPad® and Android™ devices.

New to the Star Wars and Marvel Universe and don’t know where to start? No need to worry! Marvel Unlimited subscribers have access to the DISCOVER section of Marvel Unlimited. Subscribers are now able to discover easy to follow avenues into the Star Wars and Marvel Universes by being able to search by their favorite storylines, characters or creators.

With Star Wars Legends joining Marvel Unlimited, our DISCOVER section will be regularly updated to guide you through the vast history of the Star Wars Legends universe beginning with the following Star WarsDISCOVERS:

Character Spotlight: Boba Fett

Rise of the Rebels

Character Spotlight: Darth Vader

Rogue Squadron

The Dark Force Rises

Additional Star Wars Legends digital comics will be added to Marvel Unlimited on a regular basis and beginning this summer, the next generation of Star Wars comics comes to Marvel Unlimited beginning with the critically acclaimed and record breaking Star Wars #1 by Jason Aaron and John Cassaday. With a Death Star-sized catalogue of Star Wars content now available in Marvel Unlimited, there is no doubt that the Force is strong with this deal!

Follow Marvel on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/marvel join in the conversation on Twitter with #Marvel and for all things Marvel, please visit marvel.com.

*Offer valid 4/15/14 12:01 AM EST to 5/5/15 11:59 PM EST. Offer available only for new and former (now-cancelled) Marvel Unlimited members. Valid only on monthly Marvel Unlimited subscriptions only. Valid payment card required to redeem offer. Subsequent months billed at then-current monthly subscription fee (currently $9.99/month) unless and until cancelled. Cancel anytime through My Account following registration. Auto-renewal and other terms and conditions apply; please see Marvel Unlimited Terms of Use for terms andMarvel.com/Unlimited for further details.

Prepare For The Biggest Marvel Event Ever With The SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB!

March 10, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Prepare For The Biggest Marvel Event Ever With The SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB!

New York, NY—March 10, 2015— Universes are colliding. The Marvel Universe as you know it is about to be destroyed. SECRET WARS #1 is just around the corner. But the path to 2015’s event to end all events can be found in the SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB! Hitting stores the same day as SECRET WARS #1, this epic collection is the perfect chance to get caught up in time!

An event 30 years in the making, relive important stories and signposts on the road to SECRET WARS #1! What does the senses-shattering conclusion to the original 1984 Secret Wars have to do with the Secret Wars of today? What secrets lie in the Illuminati’s discovery of the Incursions? What threats lie in a universe created by Doctor Doom? The Ultimates face a foe more powerful than the gods – and Reed Richards is its leader! But why? And what does Miles Morales, the Ultimate Spider-Man have to do with it all? It’s all been leading to this!

“These primer TPBs have become hugely successful over the years for both retailers and readers,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “A single volume of stories, these collections are the perfect way to catch up, see the building blocks of the event, and be ready to jump head first directly into the first issue! Carefully handpicked tales from Marvel’s SVP Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, this volume is chock full of the titanic tales you need to read, or reread, before the release of Secret Wars #1!”

Collecting New Avengers (2013) #1-3, Secret Wars (1984) #10-12, Fantastic Four #611, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011) #1 and Ultimate Comics Ultimates #4, relive again or for the very first time these important stories leading up to SECRET WARS #1!

War is coming. Are you ready for it? Now you can be with the epic SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB!

Pre-Order SECRET WARS PRELUDE on Amazon

SECRET WARS PRELUDE TPB (FEB150858)
ISBN: 0785193995
Pre-Order on Amazon

240 Pages

FOC – 03/16/15, On-Sale 05/06/15