Comics Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Soon: Catskin and the Rose, Hope, Triggergirl 6, Billy Dogma, and Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda

Comics Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Soon: Catskin and the Rose, Hope, Triggergirl 6, Billy Dogma, and Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda

Posted on by Bob Harrison

We are back with a new comics crowdfunding support post. The projects on this list are coming to a close this week and are worthy of our support.

Kickstarter is a platform available at Kickstarter.com where creative individuals have the ability to design and run a crowdfunding campaign. The concept is that individuals pledge to support the project, and if the project reaches the planned goal of pledge money in the time that campaign is running, then the project will get made. There are usually many various tiers of backer pledges, and different pledge levels come with different backer reward items. It is a fantastic way for creators to fund the projects that they love and want to create while getting new interesting things into the world.

The campaigns we highlighted for this week are in various states of funding. Some are fully funded and into the state of trying to hit stretch goals that come with even more cool stuff for backers, and some are still in need of backers to hit their goal and get their project made.

Some of these projects are being run by well established entities and others are entries by much smaller and newer creators. All the campaigns have been chosen because we want them to succeed, and because we see something special in the product.

The projects are listed below in chronological order of the end of the campaign. So, the ones that end soonest come first. Make sure you click on the Campaign Links for each campaign to get all the detailed info about the rewards and creators. We feel there is something for everyone on this list. Enjoy!

The Catstkin and the Rose
Hope #1-4
Triggergirl 6
Billy Dogma
Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda

The Catskin and the Rose – A Graphic Novella
A Sapphic Adventure/Romance. Two legendary duelists fight to the death in a tournament, but catch feelings while crossing swords.

Ending: Thu, August 10 2023 12:00 PM EDT.

Campaign Link

PCS Thoughts: We are fans of Wells Thompson comics and this project looks terrific. The art and story seem compelling, and the cover options by Fell Hound and Skylar Patridge are both stunning. 

From the Campaign: Continue reading “Comics Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Soon: Catskin and the Rose, Hope, Triggergirl 6, Billy Dogma, and Spider-Squirrel & Trash Panda” →

Brainiac On Banjo: The Birds of Clay

Brainiac On Banjo: The Birds of Clay

Posted on by Mike Gold

A pretty little raven at the bird bandstand taught him how to do the bop and it was grand. They started goin’ steady and bless my soul, he out-bopped the buzzard and the oriole! — Rockin’ Robin, written by Leon René.

Proliferate: increase rapidly in numbers; multiply: the science fiction magazines that proliferated in the 1920s. (Apple Dictionary)

Make Room, Make Room: Harry Harrison’s 1966 novel about the overpopulation of Earth so massive that people had to live in stairwells. The story was set in 1999. The book was made into a movie titled “Soylent Green” after the artificial food substance manufactured to feed the teaming masses. Spoiler Alert: “Soylent Green is people.”

If you chart the growth of Robins in the DC universe, it won’t be long before there are more of those obnoxious little buggers than there are Elvis impersonators. Indeed, the way things have been going lately there will be more Robins on Earth than there are Green Lanterns in the universe.

This is not a good thing.

Mind you, even as a kid long, long ago, I disliked Robin. He was, at best, unnecessary. The idea of a child that young being trained as a superhero was not a good example of child-rearing. I mean, sure, take a kid whose mind and body was not nearly developed, put him barelegged in tight shorts and a yellow cape and toss him into action against The Joker. Hell, at that time I was barely allowed to cross the street. Even Bruce Wayne’s megabucks wouldn’t protect him from Child Protective Services. It barely protected Batman and Robin from Dr. Frederic Wertham. Continue reading “Brainiac On Banjo: The Birds of Clay” →

New Number Ones: New Comics Releasing for the Week of August 2, 2023

New Number Ones: New Comics Releasing for the Week of August 2, 2023

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Welcome to the New Number Ones!

We are trying something new this month. Each Wednesday we will give you the list of new series and special editions in a post highlighting what you need to put in your cart at the comic shop or digital marketplace.

If you are new here, in this column, we have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we have noticed a couple of trends. First, the fallout of last week’s Hellfire Gala will have effects on the rest of the Marvel universe; so keep an eye out for those new books. Secondly, DC Comics is not heavy in the debut release category this month, but we expect that to change in September. Lastly, there are a bunch of really excellent new series coming your way from new and established creators.

This week, we have books on the list from: Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Fantagraphic Books, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Boom! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, Mad Cave Studios, and Titan Comics.

One thing to remember, we continue to measure the “comic week” as Wednesday. #NCBD is Wednesday.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

New Series
New One-Shots and Special Editions

New Series This Week 

Astonishing Iceman #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Vincenzo Carratu & Javier Tartaglia
Cover Art by Jesus Saiz

THE OMEGA-LEVEL MUTANT AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE!

After the events of this year’s can’t-miss HELLFIRE GALA, BOBBY DRAKE, A.K.A. ICEMAN, sets his sights on heroic deeds like never before. But as a new situation develops that links Iceman to his Antarctic ice palace, he’ll have to be slicker than ever to accomplish his mission before ORCHIS knows what hit them! An all-new adventure that’ll push Iceman to the limits of his powers…and beyond!

Release Date: August 2, 2023

PCS NOTES: We are super excited to see this amazing character in the hands of Steve Orlando and team. I promises to be a fantastic ride.

Buffy: The Last Vampire Slayer #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Casey Gilly
Art by Oriol Roig & Gloria Martinelli
Cover Art by Ario Anindito

Thess is all grown up, having taken up the mantle as the new Slayer!

But with new responsibilities comes new enemies, and a mysterious clan will do anything to get to her, even if it means using her friends as bait.

Fans won’t want to miss this brand new mini series from veteran Buffy scribe Casey Gilly, set after the events of Buffy: The Last Vampire Slayer Special #1!

Release Date: August 2, 2023

PCS NOTES: This is a fun direction for this fan favorite franchise. Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Releasing for the Week of August 2, 2023” →

With Further Ado #259: A Beach Book and a Movie (promotion)

With Further Ado #259: A Beach Book and a Movie (promotion)

Posted on by Ed Catto

I’ve been swimming, I’ve partied at the water’s edge, I’ve watched some gorgeous sunsets, but I haven’t read a book on the beach yet. I shouldn’t moan and whine, it’s been an outrageously fantastic summer so far. But still… there’s something about reading a book with your toes in the sand, copious amounts of sunscreen on your nose with summer stretched out in front of you.

After really enjoying a short story collection, Jess Thompson’s The Angel of Rome and Other Stories, I’m resolved to reach more short stories.

Before I get to solving this book-on-the-beach conundrum, I want to discuss a trend and genre. Continue reading “With Further Ado #259: A Beach Book and a Movie (promotion)” →

With Further Ado #258: The Best SDCC everrrRRR

With Further Ado #258: The Best SDCC everrrRRR

Posted on by Ed Catto

During the tail end of this San Diego Comic-Con, I heard many folks echo the sentiment that at SDCC 2023, many said it was “the best one in years.” Do we always say that? Probably. But still, it seemed like it just clicked for a lot of different people.

But let’s not overanalyze. Instead, let me please present my top five impressions for SDCC 2023. With lots of pictures!

The Strike Helped SDCC Strike

Due to the WGA and SAG/AFRTA strikes and last-minute cancellations, there was a lot of anxiety going into this show. Would the fans still come? Would they spend their money? Would they find other things to do? Could San Diego Comic-Con survive without Hollywood fanfare?

However, amongst the professionals, a theory quickly developed that without the lure of Hall H and without the time they spend waiting in line, fans were able to do so many more things. They bought more on the showroom floor and attended more panels.

One exhibitor I spoke with explained he earned the same amount of revenue by the end of the second day of the show that he earned after all four and a half days the year before.

And at the same time, I didn’t hear much whining about the lack of entertainment celebrities due to the strike. It seems everyone was too busy to complain.

Barbie, Queen of Cosplay

Barbenheimer was this past weekend too. Barbie debuted in theaters on Day #2 of SDCC, but it sure seemed like she was at San Diego Comic-Con. Without question, the #1 cosplay of the weekend was Barbie, with a generous amount of pink.

Fancy New Stuff from Fancy New Publishers

DSTLRY calls themselves a publisher focused on the next generation of creator owned comics. The Devil’s Cut is a gorgeous, glossy, oversized 80-page sampler, all by top creators. Here’s nice clip of a CBS interview with DSTLRY.

Adam Phillips, AWA’s Sales and Trade Marketing Director presented this new(ish) publisher’s upcoming comic slate in Diamond’s Retailers-only presentation. And this was all augmented by a very slick AWA magazine – so impressive.

Pop Culture & the Professors

Picture originally appeared on comicsbeat.com

I’m very involved in CCI’s academic tract of panels too, and it seemed like they took a big step forward this year. Many are held at the San Diego Library. While it IS a gorgeous library, the fact that it is a short walk from the convention center has seemingly been a detraction in the past for many convention goers. Not this year. My two panels (and the other panels I saw) had very robust audience member who were there to pay attention and ready to engage.

It Takes a Village

I guess it takes a village to sell a Funko Pop. The persistent and staggering growth of this manufacturer is astounding. As they had done in previous years, Funko created a Funko Village of their own (kind of like a Western TV show’s village). And about a bazillion fan came by to check ’em out.

Brainiac On Banjo: I’m Gonna Get A Lotta Shit For This…

Posted on by Mike Gold

Life’s a football game, as every chump and champ knows. We don’t touch, we collide, till we’re worn out inside. We’re kicking each other, right where it hurts, setting up the big play, and trying to score. — “Football” written by Iggy Pop, Whitey Kirst, and Whitney Kirst.

Art by Jack Davis

Yeah, I know I’m going to get a lot of shit for this, but the worst thing that ever happened to America is football.

OK. Breathe into a paper bag for a minute and then read my explanation.

As George Carlin told us back in 1975 during the very first episode of Saturday Night Live, and I excerpt, “football has hitting, clipping, spearing, piling on, personal fouls, late hitting and unnecessary roughness. Football is played in any kind of weather: rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog. In football, you can be sure that at least twenty-seven times you’re capable of taking the life of a fellow human being. In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy’s defensive line.”

Art by Jack Davis

Fine. That’s the sport of football. Compared to the way the rest of the world plays their football, very few people actually get killed. Except in Canada, where they play a different game of football altogether and they are very polite, once they get outside of a hockey arena. But the culture of American football — and that’s the last time I’ll use that adjective with respect to sport — well, that’s a whole different thing. It is much more dangerous. Continue reading “Brainiac On Banjo: I’m Gonna Get A Lotta Shit For This…” →

With Further Ado #257: Sherlock and Joel on Zoop

With Further Ado #257: Sherlock and Joel on Zoop

Posted on by Ed Catto

Joel Meadows is a hard-working creative entrepreneur. You might know him from his brilliant work on Tripwire Magazine over the years. There’s been a lot of buzz this past week about the Tripwire Awards too, and that’s fascinating to see.

Joel also has a new project coming up with Andy Bennett called Sherlock Holmes and The Empire Builders. Here’s the official write-up:

Sherlock Holmes and the Empire Builders is an epic alternate world sci fi adventure featuring The World’s Greatest Detective as people have never seen him before.

When Watson leaves Holmes to help Crick unravel the DNA helix and finds himself in the employ of England’s most evil man, Holmes is forced to team up with an unlikely group to defeat this monstrous figure and return England to its status quo. With your support here we can get the first part of this exciting graphic novel out to readers!

Testing the waters with three shorts which ran in Tripwire magazine, we felt that now was the time to debut this in its own graphic novel series. This will be a hardcover with a dust jacket running at 88 pages with 68 pages of story (much of which will be new material) plus character sketches, script pages and an interview offering extra information on the series.

Continue reading “With Further Ado #257: Sherlock and Joel on Zoop” →

Brainiac On Banjo: Coming — Super Attractions!

Brainiac On Banjo: Coming — Super Attractions!

Posted on by Mike Gold

Lady window shopper with a new one in the hopper whips up a chemical brew. Croaking to a neighbor while she polishes a sabre, knows how to flavor a stew. Never need to worry with a tin of “Hurri Curri” — poisoned especially for you! — “Cat Food” written by Robert Fripp and Peter John Sinfield.

I usually write this column the night before publication. Hey who knows, maybe something timely will happen on deadline. Well this time, something did happen near deadline.

I got hungry.

I just read the Superman vs Meshi manga that was released last week through one of DC’s many ever-changing, ever-shrinking online media operations. That’s not a slam against DC or its blind, deaf and dumb corporate ownership du jour. Almost all online media is struggling to figure out what to do these days, and that started well before the current noble and worthy WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes. Just ask Elon Musk. No, scratch that; you don’t need to talk to still another self-important asshole. Continue reading “Brainiac On Banjo: Coming — Super Attractions!” →

Pop Culture SquadCast: The Runway to the 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show: Interview with Co-Host Michael James Scott

Pop Culture SquadCast: The Runway to the 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show: Interview with Co-Host Michael James Scott

Posted on by Emily S. Whitten

San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner, and one of the events I am most looking forward to is the ninth annual Her Universe Fashion Show 2023, which this year will be celebrating 100 years of Disney with designs focused on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. The “geek couture” show, which will be held on July 20 at 6 pm in the Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel and is presented by Her Universe and Hot Topic, was created by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein. Actress and entrepreneur Ashley is well-known as the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, and in 2010 founded Her Universe – a groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand. (Groundbreaking is not an exaggeration, either – just over eleven years ago I was writing about how it was hard to even find a geeky shirt in a women’s cut.  Now, thanks to Her Universe and other brands, there are many more, and more fun and fashionable, ways for us to flaunt our fandom!)

Shortly after the founding of Her Universe followed the fashion show, an immensely fun and stylish event held yearly at SDCC, which I have had the privilege to cover several times in the past. There, models walk the runway to display original geek couture created by talented designers from around the country. The judges and audience then vote on winners who will go on to design a special fashion collection with Her Universe (now a stand-alone subsidiary of Hot Topic, Inc.). Continue reading “Pop Culture SquadCast: The Runway to the 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show: Interview with Co-Host Michael James Scott” →

Final Ballot for 2023 Ringo Awards Revealed

Final Ballot for 2023 Ringo Awards Revealed

Posted on by Bob Harrison

The Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards, more affectionately known as the Ringos, has released the final ballot for this year’s awards. The winners of the Ringo Awards are announced each year at a banquet at Baltimore Comic-Con. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

The final ballot voting is currently open and limited to anyone involved with and credited with creating comics professionally. Congratulations to all finalists who have made it through the rigorous nomination process.

Please see a complete list of all finalists below:

Best Cartoonist (writer and artist)

  • Kate Beaton
  • Wes Craig
  • Alexis Deacon
  • Jenny Jinya
  • Snailords
  • Stan Sakai
  • Zoe Thorogood

Continue reading “Final Ballot for 2023 Ringo Awards Revealed” →