Tag: comic books

Pop Culture Squad > comic books
What Did You Miss Most About Not Having Comic Cons?

What Did You Miss Most About Not Having Comic Cons?

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Now that we have a full slate of convention season set for 2022, we polled some of the creators who made it out to Fan Expo Philadelphia about how they are feeling. The question being asked of each participant was, “What did you find that you missed the most about being at conventions during the time that we didn’t have the opportunity to attend these events?”

The people that we spoke to were in general excited and happy to be at the show, and that includes creator guests, vendors, and paying customers. The answer to the poll question typically fell into one of two basic categories.

The Fans

Yeah. People. This community is built around comic shops and comic cons.

Mike Hawthorne

The first sentiment involved missing the fan interaction that they enjoy at shows. Missing the chance to talk to fans and checking out the cool costumes that people wear to cosplay at the shows were two themes that were part of those answers.

The feedback that fans give creators is a significant plus for the pros who are working the shows. Often the solitude of creating comic books on their own, takes an emotional toll, and interacting with consumers of their product puts the amount of creative time spent on their craft in perspective.

Chris Campana – Artist

I missed interactions with the people. I know that I wouldn’t be able to do this gig, full-time, without the relationships I made with the people at the show. That’s everything. They sustained me through the pandemic. They supported me even though they were struggling themselves. So, I missed most the give and take at the table, whether people buy something or not. That was the biggest thing. Just seeing everyone.

Kami Garcia – Writer

So, I think what I miss most is actually meeting the readers and the fans in person. It’s totally different. Even when you’re on either a virtual event or you’re interacting with people on Twitter and Instagram, it’s not the same. I love seeing like meeting the readers and hearing the stories about why they love the comics, or which book they got hooked on. Also, I like seeing my creator friends in person.

Stephanie Phillips – Writer

Continue reading “What Did You Miss Most About Not Having Comic Cons?” →

Brainiac On Banjo: Burning Down The House!

Brainiac On Banjo: Burning Down The House!

Posted on by Mike Gold

Every year many bleeding hearts tiptoe through their keyboards decrying the spread of book banning in state and local schools and libraries. And by “every year,” I mean “well, actually, every couple of days.”

As we’ve seen this month, a huge part of the Virginia gubernatorial race focused on the horrific nightmares evoked from the work of author Toni Morrison. She was the winner of the American Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, the Nobel Prize in Literature, the National Humanities Medal, the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and over 100 other A list awards. Lord knows, that’s not the type of person whose work you’d want in your library, is it?

Nazis doing what Nazis do.

These lists often come out of Texas because their school library habits influence purchasing patterns all over this bigoted nation… and that’s because, when it comes to electing government officials, Texas is to fascism what Florida is to prostitution.

Therefore, every year I find myself dancing across my own keyboard bitching about censorship. Technically, that word only applies to works banned by a government, so it certainly applies here. But in a democracy – yeah, I know; stop laughing! – the government acts in the name of the people, so I subscribe to the overreaching definition of that term. Continue reading “Brainiac On Banjo: Burning Down The House!” →

Kickstarters You Should Be Backing: June 2021 Edition

Kickstarters You Should Be Backing: June 2021 Edition

Posted on by Bob Harrison

It has been a while since we did one of these, but it is time to let you all know about some of the amazing Kickstarter campaigns going on right now. One of the positive side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine has been an increase in creators turning to Kickstarter to get their projects out in the world.  There have been some fantastic comics produced over the past year. They range from single issues, to new original graphic novels, themed anthologies, and everything in between.

Today we are highlighting five Kickstarter campaigns that are ending in the next month and we think are worthy of support. We will list them below in the order of the end of the campaign with the soonest end coming first.

Good Boy #1: Old Dog

Campaign Ends: June 24, 2021

This is a campaign for the first issue of the new comic series Good Boy. It is co-written by Christina Blanch and Garrett Gunn. The art is done by Kit Wallis and the book is lettered by Dave Lentz.  The premise for the series and synopsis for the first issue is as follows:

Set in a world where humans and dogs are equals, Good Boy is a thrill-packed treat for anyone who loves action, dogs, and good stories.   

Flint Sparks and his human Jon, both former mercenaries, have settled down in quiet retirement from an industry where the job is supposed to be forever. But, unlike anyone before, they found a way out. However, this new life, filled with peace and joy is not to be. 

In the dead of night, some of their former “colleagues”, who disagree with their decision to retire, break into their home and murder Jon, leaving Flint alive in the bloody aftermath. 

That was their FIRST mistake. 

But don’t worry – they haven’t seen anything yet.

This book looks like lots of fun and while it is fully funded, there are some stretch goals well within reach. We highly recommend getting in on the ground floor of this series.

BACK IT HERE

Dead Beats 2: London Calling

Campaign Ends: July 1, 2021

This is the second musical themed horror anthology put together by A Wave Blue World. The first installment was Ringo Award nominated. The original editorial team of Joe Corallo and Eric Palicki are back to curate this collection of over twenty new stories featuring over forty creators. Just a few of the creators involved in this book include:

Claudia Aguirre, Nancy Collins, Gab Contreras, Taylor Esposito, Jamal Igle, Jody Houser, Liana Kangas, Ron Marz, Lilah Sturges, Kelly Williams, and so many more. 

This book is not yet funded, and we are hoping that it reaches its goal so that we can experience the sure to be wonderful stories collected in it.

BACK IT HERE

Filth & Grammar: The Comic Book Editor’s Secret Handbook

Campaign Ends: July 3, 2021

This is the latest Kickstarter from editor extraordinaire Shelly Bond. Shelly has spent the last few years cultivating wonderful themed anthologies using the crowdfunding platform, but this one is a little different.

“FILTH & GRAMMAR: THE COMIC BOOK EDITOR’S SECRET HANDBOOK is [Shelly Bond’s] 160-page magnum opus, a step-by-step guide to making comic books from cover to cover. It’s the first time Bond reveals the alchemy and method to her editorial madness.”

We are very excited to get our hands on this book. There promises to be tons of great advice for how to make good comics and includes pro-tips from people like:  NEIL GAIMAN, MARK BUCKINGHAM, PETER MILLIGAN, SIMON BISLEY, CHRIS BACHALO, MICHAEL & LAURA ALLRED, PETER GROSS, MIKE CAREY,  DAVID F. WALKER, SANFORD GREENE, JIM RUGG, CECIL CASTELLUCCI, GLYN DILLON, DUNCAN FEGREDO, SEAN PHILLIPS and more! Continue reading “Kickstarters You Should Be Backing: June 2021 Edition” →

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in February 2021

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in February 2021

Posted on by Bob Harrison

This month we give our readers a list of the exciting new comic book series debuting in February. We have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from PREVIEWSworld. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

There are a bunch of great new and interesting series starting this month from AfterShock Comics, Boom! Studios, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, Scout Comics, and Valiant Entertainment.

We will bring you reviews of most 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.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 2/3/21
Week of 2/10/21
Week of 2/17/21
Week of 2/24/21

 

Week of February 3rd

 

Chained To The Grave #1
IDW Publishing
Written by Andrew Eschenbach & Brian Level
Art by Kate Sherron
Cover Art by Sherron

Outlaw Roy Mason has come back from the dead, chained to the headstone that marked his grave. It’s a lawless time, a magical time, and the undead Roy soon finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place as he sets out in search of treasure. But Roy, trying to do right by the wife and children he left behind, soon finds out that everything is not always as it seems…

Writers Brian Level & Andrew Eschenbach and artist Kate Sherron bring you a tail of intrigue, murder, magic, and the good ol’ wild, wild west!

Release Date: February 3, 2021

PCS NOTES: We really like the concept behind this book. 

Deep Beyond #1
Image Comics
Written by Mirka Andolfo & David Goy
Art by Andrea Broccardo
Cover Art by Broccardo

In an underpopulated future Earth, devastated by the dire consequences of the millennium bug, the survival of mankind – and, maybe, of the planet itself – is handled by a small number of people. Talented scientists who, despite the adverse situation and the stupid feuds that continue to divide the small number of people still alive, try to understand and study what is hidden in the depths of the abyss. Something mysterious and dangerous, which could eventually cause an even worse and more destructive catastrophe!

The 100 meets LOW, with a hint of Death Stranding in the brand-new sci-fi thriller series from acclaimed creator MIRKA ANDOLFO, teaming up with writer DAVID GOY and rising-star artist ANDREA BROCCARDO and colorist BARBARA NOSENZO.

Release Date: February 3, 2021

PCS NOTES: We have read this first issue and think you will enjoy it.

Continue reading “New Number Ones: Comics Coming in February 2021” →

With Further Ado #131: A Murder of Crows, An Unkindness of Ravens

With Further Ado #131: A Murder of Crows, An Unkindness of Ravens

Posted on by Bob Harrison

I just learned that a bunch of crows isn’t called a flock of crows, but a murder of crows. It can also be called a congress, a muster or cauldron of crows. You’d think I’d know this, as my hometown, Auburn, is kind of overrun by crows. It was a bad problem for a while but is better now, thanks.

I am proud of this little town and the entrepreneurs in it.  Despite being overrun by murders of crows, and the largest employer being a prison, local entrepreneurs make the best of it all. For example one local start-up coffee business calls their business Crow City Roaster. And a local (award-winning) brewpub calls themselves Prison City.  Hey, if you can’t laugh at yourself, what’s the point, right?

But back to a murder of crows.  I stumbled across this factoid as I was trying to understand the title of a new comic series from BOOM! Studios: An Unkindness of Ravens. And yes, you guessed it, and unkindness is another of those cool-but-archaic words for a bunch of ravens.

This series is up to its fourth issue, and I’m enjoying it way more than I should.  An Unkindness of Ravens is about a creepy little New England Town and the creepy little secrets it harbors. The protagonist is “the new kid at school”- a  high school girl named Wilma Farrington. And of course, everything and everyone is not what they seem to be.

The most fascinating thing about the series for me isn’t the story, but the way this comic tweaks the business model of a modern-day comics series. Right now, there’s so much innovation going on that it makes the behind the scenes stories as interesting as the comics themselves. Continue reading “With Further Ado #131: A Murder of Crows, An Unkindness of Ravens” →

With Further Ado #114: Give Comics Hope Promotes Modern American Optimism

With Further Ado #114: Give Comics Hope Promotes Modern American Optimism

Posted on by Ed Catto

The Thrill ISN’T Gone

The weirdness – and tyranny –  of COVID-19  wasn’t supposed to last this long. I will admit I thought It would all be over by this fall.

I miss in-person comic cons. The lack of conventions is a drag. I always enjoy pawing through long boxes and looking lost treasures. I love seeing the cool vintage collectibles and new toys. But what I really miss are the people. I miss the buzz of the fans. Their unique, positive excitement is, I would argue, unique to Geek Culture. It’s different from fans going to a concert or a big sports game. Although each of those types of events have their own enthusiastic fans, it’s an entirely different flavor than what you would find at comic conventions.

Maybe people are nicer to one another? Maybe they are more excited? Maybe it’s that shared joy that comes from finally finding your own tribe?  I’m not sure, but whatever it is, I miss it.

I miss the old normal of comic shops too.  In my neck of the woods (The Finger Lakes Region of New York State) they are all open again. Finally. But there’s still a stilted caution that is a part of every visit. Everyone’s a little more cautious. Everyone lingers a little less. Everyone finds some excuse to cut short their visits.

Publisher’s schedules are getting backing to normal. I’m hearing positive news, anecdotally, that some publishers are actually doing pretty good right now. That’s encouraging news.

On the other hand, so many comic shops are still struggling. They’ve had to pivot, to adapt and to get ready for the new reality, and it hasn’t been fun.

Give Comics Hope is a new initiative that’s looking to make a difference.  Their premise is straightforward:

Give Comics Hope is an ambitious charitable initiative that calls on all members of our community to rally together to provide vital aid to comic book shops. Continue reading “With Further Ado #114: Give Comics Hope Promotes Modern American Optimism” →

Press Release: Boom! Studios Extends Comic Book Returnability for Retailers

Press Release: Boom! Studios Extends Comic Book Returnability for Retailers

Posted on by PCS Staff

BOOM! Studios has been extremely active in its efforts to support Local Comic Shops who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, they announced that they are extending and enhancing their Retailer Support Services Program. As the retail direct market for comic books continues to struggle with limitations resulting from lack of product and shutdowns, the efforts that BOOM! is making are clearly intended to help that marketplace.

Press Release:

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 20, 2020) – BOOM! Studios today announced historic new benefits to their BOOM! RETAILER SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM, the industry-leading initiative to aid comic book shops worldwide affected by the current health crisis, that will take effect beginning September 2.

The BOOM! RETAILER SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM will initially deliver the following benefits to qualifying accounts pending details being finalized with Diamond Comic Distributors:

Full Returnability Through December: BOOM! Studios will extend the industry’s best returnability program, the BOOM! Guarantee, in an unprecedented manner by making all items that ship between September 2, 2020 through December 30, 2020 fully returnable via affidavit in order to allow retailers to order with confidence. Any retailer not already enrolled in the BOOM! Guarantee can sign up for free right here.

  • Full Returnability Through December: BOOM! Studios will extend the industry’s best returnability program, the BOOM! Guarantee, in an unprecedented manner by making all items that ship between September 2, 2020 through December 30, 2020 fully returnable via affidavit in order to allow retailers to order with confidence. Any retailer not already enrolled in the BOOM! Guarantee can sign up for free right here.
  • More Monthly “Thank You” Variant Covers: BOOM! Studios will now provide at least two new, previously unannounced “Thank You” variants every month through December 30, 2020 free to qualifying Diamond accounts. These variants will appear on two different series each month and will ship one-per-store. Diamond accounts must be eligible to receive free promotional material in order to receive these variants. This move now doubles the commitment BOOM! Studios previously announced.
  • BOOM! First Look PDFs: BOOM! Studios will provide downloadable PDF previews of all major launches before FOC that retailers can share with customers via e-mail, social media and more to ensure fans are informed and excited to place their pre-orders for the best new series of 2020.

Boom Studios’ BOOM! RETAILER SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM, announced in March 2020, is the industry’s first comprehensive set of initiatives to bring comic shops an unrivaled slate of discounts, returnability, and sales tools including extensions and expansions of previously announced benefits, as part of their commitment to ensuring comic shops remaining a thriving part of every community.

“Comic shops are the lifeblood of the industry and this artform, so this is the next step in offering even more support to our retail partners during this time,” said Filip Sablik, President of Publishing & Marketing, BOOM! Studios. “These new benefits in the BOOM! RETAILER SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM allow retailers to grow sales on their best-selling series – like Something is Killing The Children, Once & Future, and Seven Secrets – while also ordering without risk on their next guaranteed hits, including We Only Find Them When They’re Dead, BRZRKR, Mighty Morphin, Power Rangers and Dune: House Atreides, with even more tools to engage their customers.”

Diamond Comic Distributors and BOOM! Studios will be sharing more information directly with retailers as soon as it is finalized to clearly outline how to receive these new benefits from the BOOM! RETAILER SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM.

For continuing news on the BOOM! RETAILER SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Preview Review for the Week of 7/15/20: Engineward #1

Preview Review for the Week of 7/15/20: Engineward #1

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Welcome to the latest installment of Preview Reviews.  This is where we give advanced glimpses at some of the comics that will be coming out this Wednesday.

Here at Pop Culture Squad, we are decidedly Anti-Spoiler.  We feel that ruining someone’s experience with something for the sake of getting a scoop or clicks is the wrong thing to do. Therefore, we have decided to publish this column, as necessary, with mostly spoiler-free reviews of upcoming issues.  Hopefully, the information that we share with you will increase your excitement for these books.

This week we feature Engineward #1 from Vault Comics.

You can find it at your LCS on July 15, 2020.

Engineward #1
Vault Comics
Written by George Mann
Art by Joe Eisma
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Art by Eisma

Original Solicitation:

Earth is an ancient myth, long forgotten. Now, the word of the god-like Celestials is absolute, and they rule with brutal efficiency. When Joss, an Engineward, discovers and reactivates the head of an ancient ghoulem, she finds all is not as intended. Her destiny-and that of her world-lies somewhere far beyond the borders of her shantytown.

PCS Review: Continue reading “Preview Review for the Week of 7/15/20: Engineward #1” →

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in July 2020

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in July 2020

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Welcome back to new month of New Number Ones!!

After a three month break, we are finally able to give you a run down of the new comic series coming in the month of July.

This is where we give our readers a preview of the exciting new comic book series debuting each month. We have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from PREVIEWSworld. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you some more about the new comics in question.

There are a bunch of new series of interest starting in July. Some very familiar titles are coming back, and there are a lot of new series from some of our favorite creators, by a diverse set of publishers. We are very excited to see what they have in store for us.

We hope you will take a look and think about giving these a try. We will bring you reviews of most 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.

Continue reading “New Number Ones: Comics Coming in July 2020” →

Everything We Read This Week – 6/17/20

Everything We Read This Week – 6/17/20

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Welcome back to Everything We Read This Week. It’s been a long time. Too long. This is the place that we make our weekly trip through this week’s pull-list. It features mostly spoiler-free brief analysis and commentary of each book.

This week we read a bunch great comics.  We encourage you to go out (or order in) and find the comics you like, and remember, Read More Comics!!

We reviewed books from DC Comics, IDW Publishing, AWA/ Upshot Studios, Albatross Funnybooks, AfterShock Comics, Boom! Studios, and Image Comics this week. There were plenty more good books out there this week but this list is all we have gotten through so far.

As always, we hope you might find what we say interesting enough to try some of these comics. Don’t forget we welcome comments on these and any other comics that you read. Feel free to leave a comment and get the conversation moving.

And here are the books we read in alphabetical order:

Continue reading “Everything We Read This Week – 6/17/20” →