Comics International News
COMICS INTERNATIONAL #207 GOES APE
Posted by administrator at 9/20/2008 3:21:00 PM
IN THE latest issue of Europe´s comics industry trade paper, writer Karl Kesel, artist Ramon Bachs and editor Steve Wacker talk exclusively to CI about making monkeys out of superheroes in Marvel Ape while a special Apes in Comics feature provides the lowdown on four colour primates.CI #207 goes on sale week commencing September 29. Featuring four alternate covers and priced at the usual £2.99/$4.99, the 100-page issue also contains Selling Captain America to the World, in which a host of top creators offer their views on how those outside America might react to the in-development movie that features Marvel’s patriotic superhero in action during World War II. Also included alongside a comprehensive news section are a host of regular features and columns as well as numerous other exclusives, among them:
- The writer/artist team of Joshua Ortega and Liam Sharp discussing Gears of War, DC/WildStorm’s tie-in with Microsoft’s soon-to-be-released sequel to its top-selling computer game.
- Vertigo’s new Unknown Soldier faces tribal genocide and other horrors in 2 1st century Uganda – Joshua Dysart and artist Alberto Ponticelli reveal the hard work and passion that went into melding comicbook fiction with real life tragedy.
- Jason Wilson’s Smuggling Vacation has caused a stir in the British media. The cartoonist discusses the genesis of his controversial debut graphic novel
- Writer Peter Milligan plumbs The Depths as he offers his thoughts on Namor and reveals the outlines his Sub-Mariner six-parter for Marvel.
- El Diablo is being revived and writer Jai Nitz reveals his intentions for the new version of DC’s 1960s hero. Artist Phil Hester talks about the project from his point of view while also discussing Golly, the series he is writing for Image.
- Thunderbirds are Go! CI’s unique in-depth examination of TV SF in British comics continues with the third in a six-part series devoted to strip spin offs from Gerry Anderson shows. This time the focus is the the ever popular rescue drama series that made SuperMarionation a household word.
RETAILERS: Comics International #207 is available direct from the publisher or through Diamond Comics Distributors; contact your local office for further details.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mike Conroy (editor); phone 01322 340207 (from North America 011-44-1322 340207); email: editorial@comics-international.co.uk
WIN ORIGINAL ALAN DAVIS CLANDESTINE ART
Posted by administrator at 9/20/2008 3:17:43 PM
COMICS INTERNATIONAL is offering its readers the opportunity to win a ClanDestine original specially drawn for the competition by Alan Davis, the creator of the Marvel series.
The art can be won in the much-delayed issue #206 of Europe’s trade paper, which goes on sale week ending August 8. Featuring four alternate covers [pictured] and priced at the usual £2.99/$4.99, the special 116-page issue includes an interview with the British writer/artist about his plans for his superpowered family as well as a host of regular features and numerous other exclusives, among them:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mike Conroy (editor); phone 01322 340207 (from North America 011-44-1322 340207); email: editorial@comics-international.co.uk
The art can be won in the much-delayed issue #206 of Europe’s trade paper, which goes on sale week ending August 8. Featuring four alternate covers [pictured] and priced at the usual £2.99/$4.99, the special 116-page issue includes an interview with the British writer/artist about his plans for his superpowered family as well as a host of regular features and numerous other exclusives, among them:
- Famed Cerebus cartoonist Dave Sim talks about glamourpuss – in which he takes a unique look at the fashion industry – and Judenhass, which shines a disturbing spotlight on the Holocaust..
- Strangers in Paradise writer/art Terry Moore reveals all about his new self-published series, Echo.
- Crime novelist Duane Swierczynski discusses Cable, his Lone Wolf and Cub-style reboot of Marvel´s time-travellin´ mutant bad-ass.
- Writers Dan Jurgens and Ron Marz discuss DC’s multiverse; specifically the restoration of the Tangent Universe in Tangent: Superman’s Reign.
- Writer Joe Casey speaks about the challenge of resurrecting Rob Liefeld’s Youngblood, his own Image graphic novel, Nixon’s Pals, and writing The Last Defenders for Marvel. In addition, artist Chris Burnham talks about how Nixon’s Pals was developed.
- Original Hellblazer writer Jamie Delano talks comics and in particular Narcopolis, the Avatar four-parter he describes as being "in the territory of adult horror/fantasy".
- From Four Feather Falls to Stingray... CI’s unique in-depth examination of TV SF in British comics continues with the second of six instalments focusing on strips based on shows from the man who made SuperMarionation a household word.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mike Conroy (editor); phone 01322 340207 (from North America 011-44-1322 340207); email: editorial@comics-international.co.uk
COMICS INTERNATIONAL MAKES SPECIAL OFFER TO GERRY ANDERSON FANS
Posted by administrator at 2/5/2008 1:43:47 PM
EUROPES LEADING TRADE PAPER Comics International is to continue its unique coverage of classic TV SF in British comics with six instalments devoted to the shows of Gerry Anderson.
Written by Shaqui Le Vesconte, the worlds leading expert on Anderson in comics, this mammoth and exhaustive series is to showcase artwork by some of the worlds top illustrators who brought the fantastic worlds of International Rescue and Spectrum to life on the page, including such greats as Frank Bellamy, Ron Embleton and Mike Noble.
This special series begins in CI #205 (March 2008) under a special tribute cover [see below], with an overview of Andersons 45-year long association with comics. With each succeeding 100-page issue also featuring an appropriate Anderson cover, Part 2 (CI #206) focuses on the early years spotlighting Four Feather Falls, Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Stingray in the 60s weekly, TV Comic.
Part 3 (#207) is dedicated to the many strip incarnations of Thunderbirds while Part 4 (#208) features Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons and everyones favourite programmable boy genius, Joe 90. Comics based on Andersons live action projects, UFO, Space:1999 and others are explored in Part 5 (#209) while Part 6 (#210) wraps it all up with a look at Project SWORD, Agent 21, Starcruiser and those other Anderson concepts seen only in comics form.
Andersons many creations have not just appeared in British titles. His vivid futures hold global appeal to young and old alike. Accordingly, the six-parter will also explore various international editions.
Cosmic Publications is offering Gerry Anderson devotees an exclusive a money-saving opportunity to have these six special issues delivered direct to their door every month as they come off the presses. Not only is it dropping its usual 12-issue minimum, but it is offering six issues for the price of five! Get #205-210 for just 15 (19 first class) in the UK; mainland Europe 25/36; rest of the world $60 (air)/$46 (surface).
SUBSCRIPTION INSTRUCTIONS:
Email subscriptions@comics-international.co.uk with your name, address and payment details quoting reference FAB01 OFFER or send to: Comics International (Department FAB01), 8 Galliford Road, Maldon, Essex CM9 4XD, England. PayPal [sales@comics-international.co.uk] and all major credit cards accepted. Make cheques etc payable to Cosmic Publications. Subscriptions enquiries telephone: 01621 877231 [011-44-1621 8772321 from North America].
ABOUT SHAQUI LE VESCONTE:
He is a 40-something fan of television and comics. By day, graphic artist; by night, researcher and writer of articles on television, comics, television comics, and anything between. With Kim Stevens, Shaqui is responsible for websites about puppet series Space Patrol and Sara & Hoppity, the history of Gerry Anderson comics, and has written for Star Trek magazine and the website Look-Out. A fourth website, about the Junior TV Times, Look-in, is currently in preparation.
ABOUT COMICS INTERNATIONAL:
Acquired by Cosmic Publications at the end of 2006, CI was launched in April 1990 to fill a need for a trade magazine for the US and UK comics industry. From its 48-page 4,000 copy debut, it has expanded to a 100-page monthly with many pages in full colour and a circulation in excess of 24,000. Read internationally by fans, collectors, publishers and creators, it is the independent guide to the world of English-language comics.
REDEYE MAGAZINE PUBLISHER JOINS COMICS INTERNATIONAL EDITORIAL TEAM
Posted by administrator at 2/4/2008 4:45:28 PM
COSMIC PUBLISHING is pleased to announce it has hired Barry Renshaw to the position of Production Editor on Europe’s leading trade paper, Comics International.
Reporting directly to editor Mike Conroy, Renshaw comes to CI from Redeye Magazine, the quarterly title focusing on today’s British comics scene he has self-published since 2004. He will be responsible for getting the 100-page magazine back on track and maintaining its monthly schedule.
"CI has certainly had more than its fair share of scheduling problems since Cosmic took it over at the end of 2006. It would be stupid of me to pretend otherwise," admitted Conroy. "Much of the problem has been down to difficulty in finding the right person to assist me on the production side. That’s not to say there aren´t people out there with the suitable qualities and background but Barry has everything I´m looking for and – as he’s proven with Redeye – the experience to back it up.
"Everyone I spoke to during my search had nothing but praise for him," he added. "Obviously the proof of the pudding and all that but – thanks to him – we’re already well advanced on CI #206 [see cover, below] and #205 has only just gone off to the printer!"
With #205 due to hit shops at the beginning of February and #206 set to follow on February 29, Conroy is confident enough in Renshaw’s abilities to begin planning major features for forthcoming issues. "CI will still be a news magazine but I´ve strengthened our ties with the major publishers so we’re able to look further ahead. I’m also looking to expand CI’s audience and intend to cover feature the big comicbook movie releases. Lined up over the next few issues are Wanted [#207], Iron Man [#208 – which also cover features Indiana Jones IV], Incredible Hulk [#209], The Dark Knight and Hellboy 2 [#211], Punisher War Zone [#212] and The Spirit [#216] as well as Star Trek XI, which will help promote our continuing series focusing on TV SF in comics.. We´ll also be spotlighting some of the films further down the pipeline – Wonder Woman, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Watchmen, Sin City 2, G.I. Joe and Thor – but I´m well aware that I’m editing Comics International so I won´t be neglecting comics readers. I just wish I could reveal some of the major projects we´ll be covering in upcoming issues but I’ve agreed to stay shtum until the publishers have made their announcements."
The latest addition to Cosmic’s CI team, Renshaw joins Associate Editor: Columns, Joel (TripWire) Meadows and Consulting Editor Richard Burton, the former Comic Media News publisher, who edited 2000 AD from 1987 to 1993.
Speaking of his appointment, he said, "The early issues of CI were instrumental in my wanting to become part of the industry when I was younger. I would never have thought that years down the line, I´d be part of the team that would be responsible for getting the magazine into the hands of other readers. It was surprising but gratifying to find out that my work on Redeye had impressed Mike enough for him to include me in his vision of what he wants CI to become. Along with Mike, Joel and the rest of the team, I hope to put to rest the ghosts of the problems of the past and forge ahead with stronger magazine."
ABOUT BARRY RENSHAW:
A Manchester-based illustrator/writer/editor, Renshaw is best known for the Engine Comics line of publications, including the series Seven Sentinels, the critically acclaimed Rough Guide to Self-Publishing and the award winning Redeye Magazine, which was described as a ‘must have’ by aintitcool.com. A regular on the convention circuit, he is an activist for the resurgent independent British comics industry and for raising the positive profile of the medium.
ABOUT COMICS INTERNATIONAL:
Comics International was launched in April 1990 to fill a need for a trade magazine for the US and UK comics industry. From its 48-page 4,000 copy launch, it has expanded to a 100-page monthly with many pages in full colour and a circulation in excess of 24,000. Read internationally by fans, collectors, publishers and creators, it is the independent guide to the world of English-language comics.
Comics International #204 on sale!
Posted by administrator at 11/21/2007 7:20:46 PM
Comics International #204 to cover feature Heroes... Mike Mignola´s Baltimore, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.... and Doctor Who, too!
For more details, go to our issues page.
Comics International #203 is out now.
Posted by administrator at 8/14/2007 6:03:37 PM
The latest issue of Comics International should now be available from comics shops and other retailers.
Heavy Metal Magic
Posted by Administrator at 7/8/2007 2:54:06 PM
Comics International #203 to cover feature Transformers... Iron Man... Black Knight... and The Prisoner makes four!
Alongside the usual news and reviews, the 100-page issue is to feature:
- A CI exclusive – Transformers-meister Simon Furman’s personal history of Hasbro’s Robots in Disguise from action figures to comics to the big screen. As a bomus, the writer also reviews the movie destined to be this summer’s blockbuster.
- A look at the currently in-production Iron Man film with insights into the project from director Jon Favreau, star Robert Downey Jr and others.
- Writer David Sexton talking exclusively to CI about Mystic Arcana and how his plans for Marvel magic affect the Black Knight, Magik, the Scarlet Witch and Sister Grimm.
- In a third CI exclusive, Duncan Rouleau discussing his revival of Metal Men for DC.
- A continuation of our unique in-depth examination of TV SF in British comics in the second instalment of a two-parter spotlighting Patrick McGoohan. This issue we focus on his ground-breaking and thought-provoking creation, The Prisoner.
Encompassing comics, graphic novels and movies, #203 also includes CI’s regular array of comprehensive new titles listings, comic sales charts, Internet gossip and columns by comics professionals, historians and front line retailers.
Renowned for its "level playing field" approach and solid objective coverage, Comics International is a unique and exciting publication offering a different aproach to both Wizard and The Comics Journal. Available wherever good comics are sold. #203 goes on sale week commencing July 16, priced $4.99/£2.99. [Diamond order codes: OCT063820 and – for The Prisoner cover – OCT063821]
For further details contact Mike Conroy on 01322 340207 (from North America 011-44- 1322 340207); email: editorial@comics-international.co.uk
Comics International #202 on sale now
Posted by Administrator at 6/8/2007
The newest issue of Comics International Magazine has hit the shops. For more information, please see our Issues page.
New issue (#201) of Comics International
Posted by Administrator at 5/20/2007
The new issue (201) of Comics International magazine should have already hit the stores by the time you read this. Check out our issues page for more information on it.
New Comics International Website
Posted by Administrator at 1/14/2007 4:20:47 PM
To celebrate the relaunch of Comics International under new management we have created a brand new and improved website to promote the magazine. Please feel free to join up at our new forums and comment on the look and feel of the website.
CI ACQUIRES NEW OWNERS FOR THE NEW YEAR
Posted by Administrator at 1/14/2007 3:50:45 PM
Weeks of aggressive bidding between a number of entertainment and media companies have culminated in the successful sale of the publishing rights in Quality Communications’ flagship title, COMICS INTERNATIONAL.
Following 16 years under the editorship of the magazine´s founder Dez Skinn (House of Hammer, Doctor Who Weekly, Warrior) the award-winning title will now be published by a film, TV and comics consortium fronted by author and CI news editor Mike Conroy.
"I feel that issue 200 was a fantastic one to bow out on, and with an increased workload of exciting new challenges for the company, I thought it would be wrong to let the magazine suffer when it would no longer be our top priority," Skinn stated, referring to the film and TV properties he currently has in development.
A familiar face in the comics industry, the magazine´s new editor Mike Conroy has a string of credits to his name. The founder of the prestigious Eagle Awards, he is also a contributor to comics-related titles from such publishers as Eaglemoss and Panini as well as author of Collins and Brown’s books, 500 Comicbook Action Heroes and 500 Comicbook Villains.
"CI is well respected throughout the industry, by publishers and retailers as well as fans and creators," Conroy commented. "That´s all down to Dez´s drive and vision. We want to build on that."
Remarking on Skinn´s 16-year tenure, Conroy added, "He has made CI into Britain´s longest running comics news magazine by a mile. He´s kept it going far longer than Comic Media News and Speakeasy put together. We´re in it for the long haul too. I´d love to beat his record, but I´m not so sure I´d still want to be the editor when I’m 84!"
Skinn adds, "Many people have told me how crucial CI has become to the industry, with its level playing field approach and its comprehensive coverage, not only of product, but also events, stores, websites and such. Add to that its volume of reviews and listings and I think it really has become a onestop shop for everything to do with comics. One way or another, Mike has been associated with CI for its entire run, so I feel the magazine will be in good hands as he now steps up to take on the top job."
In fact Skinn´s working relationship with Conroy dates as far back as the pioneering days of the mid-1970s, from comics auctioneering and the Fantasy Film Festivals through to the ground-breaking importer Maya Merchandising and The Edge of Forever comics shops.
Skinn summed up by saying, "It’s been a tumultuous 16 years on CI, following the growth of the direct market, the implosion of competitive distribution, and the increased creative freedom as many new publishers have taken on the status quo. Plus it has been fascinating reporting on the storm of short term booms and fads which the industry has somehow survived, through to the current wonderful situation where comics are acknowledged as a prime source for major hit films and graphic novels have taken off in high street bookshops."
Look for the first issue from the new publishers (#201) to be on sale in January 2007.
Following 16 years under the editorship of the magazine´s founder Dez Skinn (House of Hammer, Doctor Who Weekly, Warrior) the award-winning title will now be published by a film, TV and comics consortium fronted by author and CI news editor Mike Conroy.
"I feel that issue 200 was a fantastic one to bow out on, and with an increased workload of exciting new challenges for the company, I thought it would be wrong to let the magazine suffer when it would no longer be our top priority," Skinn stated, referring to the film and TV properties he currently has in development.
A familiar face in the comics industry, the magazine´s new editor Mike Conroy has a string of credits to his name. The founder of the prestigious Eagle Awards, he is also a contributor to comics-related titles from such publishers as Eaglemoss and Panini as well as author of Collins and Brown’s books, 500 Comicbook Action Heroes and 500 Comicbook Villains.
"CI is well respected throughout the industry, by publishers and retailers as well as fans and creators," Conroy commented. "That´s all down to Dez´s drive and vision. We want to build on that."
Remarking on Skinn´s 16-year tenure, Conroy added, "He has made CI into Britain´s longest running comics news magazine by a mile. He´s kept it going far longer than Comic Media News and Speakeasy put together. We´re in it for the long haul too. I´d love to beat his record, but I´m not so sure I´d still want to be the editor when I’m 84!"
Skinn adds, "Many people have told me how crucial CI has become to the industry, with its level playing field approach and its comprehensive coverage, not only of product, but also events, stores, websites and such. Add to that its volume of reviews and listings and I think it really has become a onestop shop for everything to do with comics. One way or another, Mike has been associated with CI for its entire run, so I feel the magazine will be in good hands as he now steps up to take on the top job."
In fact Skinn´s working relationship with Conroy dates as far back as the pioneering days of the mid-1970s, from comics auctioneering and the Fantasy Film Festivals through to the ground-breaking importer Maya Merchandising and The Edge of Forever comics shops.
Skinn summed up by saying, "It’s been a tumultuous 16 years on CI, following the growth of the direct market, the implosion of competitive distribution, and the increased creative freedom as many new publishers have taken on the status quo. Plus it has been fascinating reporting on the storm of short term booms and fads which the industry has somehow survived, through to the current wonderful situation where comics are acknowledged as a prime source for major hit films and graphic novels have taken off in high street bookshops."
Look for the first issue from the new publishers (#201) to be on sale in January 2007.