Famed Batman writer/editor Dennis O'Neil shows how to write comics
in first book of new series.
New York, NY (March 31, 2001) -- Watson-Guptill Publications is pleased to announce a new series of how-to/instructional books to be produced by and published in conjunction with DC Comics. This marks the first time that DC Comics, the oldest and most successful English language comic book publisher in the world, has tapped into its sixty-five year history and opened its 40,000-story archive to provide an inside look at the craft and art of creating comic books.
The first book in the series, The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics, to be published in June 2001, is written by renowned comics writer and editor Dennis O'Neil, who has been creating comics for over four decades. With artist Neal Adams, he brought a revolutionary, dark realism to Batman and unprecedented social relevance to comics in their run on Green Lantern/Green Arrow. As an editor at Marvel Comics, O'Neil oversaw Frank Miller's celebrated Daredevil series, and at DC O'Neil has been the guiding editor behind Batman's phenomenal success for the past 15 years. O'Neil, who has taught writing extensively at New York's School of Visual Arts and Sarah Lawrence College, is currently Consulting Editor for DC, where he also enjoys an exclusive comics-writing relationship.
With an introduction by legendary Marvel Comics writer and editor Stan Lee, The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics examines the creation of the various genres and formats of comic books, using examples by writers such as Neil Gaiman, Archie Goodwin, Mark Waid, Peter David, Scott McCloud, Chuck Dixon, and Mark Evanier, who contributes an essay on writing humor for comics. Illustrated with famous DC Comics super-heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics features work by artists like George Pérez, Jack Kirby, Will Eisner, Neal Adams, Walter Simonson, Steve Rude, John Byrne, Alex Ross, and others.
Watson-Guptill Publications Marketing Manager Ali T. Kokmen said, "It's thrilling to be involved with this project, and we're honored that DC chose to work with us on it. Being able to tap into DC's tremendous pool of talent and experience is simply wonderful. And to launch with a book by Dennis O'Neil, a true living legend?it does a grown-up fan's heart proud."
DC Comics' Executive Editor Mike Carlin said, "DC has been publishing comics for over 65 years from super-hero and high fantasy to romance and westerns... from war and horror to slice-of-life dramas and everything in between. We've worked with thousands of writers and artists, and we've never stuck to one particular 'house style.' There is no one way to do a story in words and pictures... but with the 'Creating Comics' series, we're looking to explore the numerous different methods that comics can be born."
The second volume in the DC Comics Guide to Creating Comics series will be The DC Comics Guide to Pencilling Comics by fan-favorite artist Klaus Janson, to be published in Fall 2001. Future volumes will include books on inking, coloring, and lettering for comics.
Watson-Guptill Publications, a division of BPI Communications Inc., a VNU Company, is a leading English language publisher of illustrated books on art, music, comics & cartooning and popular culture, whose recent books include the Harvey Award-nominated MAD: Cover to Cover. Watson-Guptill's Web site is located at www.watsonguptill.com.
DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros., an AOL Time Warner Company, is the largest English language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super-heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
The nominee list has been compiled by tallying nominating votes from writers, artists, editors, and other professionals involved in the creative aspects of comics. The complete list of this year's Harvey Nominees follows this release and is also available on-line at http://members.tripod.com/harveyawards/2001nominees.html.
The winners of the Harvey Awards will be selected through a FINAL BALLOT mailed to more than 2,000 comics creators and publishers. Final Ballots will be mailed at the beginning of March; in order to be counted, they must be received back by MARCH 30, 2001. Eligible creators who would like to receive a Final Ballot should contact their publishers or the Harvey Awards Committee by e-mail at ballots@HarveyAwards.org or call Harveys administrator Paul McSpadden at (972) 690-5491.
For the first time this year, the Final Harvey Awards Ballot will also be available ONLINE. Qualified comics professionals may vote either online or with the traditional paper ballot. Anyone wishing to register to vote online should send an email with your full name, valid email address, and a brief list of your work in comics to register@HarveyAwards.org. The Harvey Awards Committee will supply qualified voters with a password to access the secure voting section of the Harvey Awards website.
This year's Harvey Award recipients will be honored at the 2001 Harvey Awards Ceremony on FRIDAY, APRIL 27 at the PITTSBURGH COMICON. The awards themselves will be presented by some of the industry's most respected creators, and many of this year's nominees will be in attendance. The MC for the evening is EVAN DORKIN. FRANK MILLER will be delivering the keynote address. Tables can still be reserved for the awards ceremony and banquet. Limited free seating is also available. For more information about the Harvey Awards Ceremony, please contact Renee George at the Pittsburgh Comicon at (814) 467-4116 or pcomicon@nb.net.
THE HARVEY AWARDS -- www.HarveyAwards.org
"This certainly wasn't an easy decision to make," said CBLDF Board Member Frank Mangiaracina, who chaired the committee. "Despite our marketing efforts and the obvious interest in the cruise, cabin enrollment was still at a point where the Fund would lose money on the event. I'm sure the overall state of the economy played a part -- fans were cautious about spending the time and money to go on this cruise. And rather than delay this decision, we felt that it would be best to act sooner rather than later and let our guests and sponsors know right away."
While interest and inquiries in the 2001 cruise were high, actual cabin sales were significantly lower than they were this close to the launch of the 2000 cruise. Another contributing factor was the cancellation of Big Easy Con in New Orleans, the original launch point of the event and a major promotional partner. The expense involved in the CBLDF's two current cases also played an important part in the decision.
"Making Waves requires an enormous commitment of funds," explained CBLDF President Denis Kitchen. "Ideally, if a lot of cabins are sold, these expenses are more than matched by revenue coming in after the event. When we did the cruise last year, the Fund was between cases and had paid off all of its outstanding legal bills. That's unfortunately not the case this year. And given the costs of the CBLDF's current cases, we felt that it wouldn't be prudent to devote that much money to a fundraising venture without an assurance of success, particularly when there's an immediate need for that money in carrying out the Fund's mission."
Anyone who has already booked passage on Making Waves 2001 can receive a complete refund of their deposit if desired. They may also elect to retain their booked cabins and will pay a reduced rate to go on the same cruise, but without the comics components of Making Waves. Interested persons should contact The Cruise Authority at 1-800-707-1634 for complete refund and cost reduction details.
"The first Making Waves was without a doubt a very positive industry event," said Kitchen. "I think everyone who attended had a great time and came away recharged and with a renewed dedication to comics. Financially, it was not a huge success for the Fund. We would love to be able to do a similar cruise in the future, but I think we would need to partner with other organizations willing to more substantially underwrite the event."
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization protecting First Amendment rights in the comics community. Donations and inquiries should be directed to the CBLDF at P.O. Box 693, Northampton, MA 01061. For more CBLDF news and information, pick up a copy of Busted!, the Fund's free quarterly newsletter, or visit the CBLDF Web-site at .
Since the early 1980s, comic writer and journalist Andy Mangels has kept an archive of work by Pérez, and has published complete checklists of his work in publications such as Focus on George Pérez and Amazing Heroes. Mangels has interviewed Pérez for many magazines, including the mammoth Comics Interview #50, as well as in spotlight panels at the San Diego Comic Con.
This summer, at the 2001 San Diego Comic Con, Mangels will be presenting a special publication dubbed "The Pérez Archives," as a benefit for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF). The project will include a complete checklist of every item which has featured artwork by Pérez in the comic book field, the book publishing arena, licensing, theatrical productions, and other areas. Currently, the book is planned at approximately 100 pages, with a very small print run.
"The Archives book will also feature a selection of artwork by George," says Mangels, "including convention sketches, unpublished pages from previous projects such as JLA/Avengers and a Teen Titans graphic novel, pin-ups, covers, character designs, and more."
This latter area is where Mangels is looking for help from fans and collectors throughout the world. "When he has attended conventions, George has often done sketches for fans, and sold original artwork. For a short time, he also did commissioned sketches by mail. I am looking for high-quality photocopies of ALL Pérez artwork for this project, and for the main archives I maintain. This would include any convention sketches as well as cover artwork, pin-ups, or interior pages which George has pencilled or inked." Mangels notes that editors or writers who have worked with George in the past are also asked to contribute any materials which might help the project.
In 2000, Pérez was awarded the Defender of Liberty Award by the CBLDF for raising a large amount of money for the organization, mainly by producing the afore-mentioned sketches at their convention tables. "I am truly flattered and amazed by all the work that my friend Andy Mangels has done in producing this massive checklist," the Pérez says about the Archives project. "There are items listed here that I'd all but forgotten. From the famous to the obscure, from the better to the worse, it's all here in one impressive volume."
"While my ego is definitely stroked by this project," Pérez continues, "I am more excited about the money this could raise for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, an organization near and dear to my heart and one that deserves the support of everyone who has ever read and enjoyed a comic book. Without the freedom of creative expression, comics, like all art forms, are an endangered species."
"For those who've enjoyed my work throughout the years this is a book you'll want to have. For those, like me, who simply love the comics, CBLDF is the group you'll want to support."
Anyone who wishes to contribute artwork to "The Pérez Archives" is asked to
make high-quality photocopies or stats of the work at 8.5x11" size, and send
them to Mangels at the following address:
Astonish Comics
We currently have Four strips: The Cyber Cab Killer by of Chicago, Shades of Blue by of Chicago, Tesseract by Dirk Tiede of out of Chicago, and Zennon3 by of Connecticut.
Sure, I'm doing the usual rounds for promotion, but I'm hitting independent creators first, because we are looking for more strips. There is one spot left to fill right now, but stories will end and new ones will start,so we will always be looking for new titles. We're also starting up plans for a large on-line forum for independent creators and companies.
I have come up with some aggressive plans for cross-promotion for both now and the future, so there is much free exposure to be had. The key is to visit and sign up, and then drop me a line.
And also, send this along to friends who you might know. I have to do a grassroots campaign (if the internet can be said to have grassroots) for the time being.
thanks for your time,
Mutang
Fans know Chyna for her no-nonsense reputation and sheer power. Not content to wrestle other women in the WWF, Chyna has taken on the big boys of professional wrestling, including the Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Rock, often beating her opponents to a pulp! Extremely popular and adored by her fans, Chyna has rocketed to super-stardom. The success of the Chyna #1 comic was a strong indication that her fans want more of her - and Chaos! will deliver the goods!
In her latest issue, the fate of a state depends on the one witness willing to testify against the mob, and it's up to the WWF's "9th Wonder of the World" to protect her. Is even Chyna's strength enough to hold off an unstoppable killer? Even if she does, success may mean failure, as deadly games threaten to make her an accessory to murder. It's more slam-bangin' thrills that fans can't get enough of!
Chyna II is written by Steven Grant and is illustrated by Mike Deodato, Jr. Chyna II is a 32 page, full color comic book that will be in stores June 6, 2001. It's also available with a painted premium cover by David Michael Beck. This painting of Chyna is so realistic, she practically comes to life!
For more information on the WWF, visit www.wwf.com. For more information on Chaos! visit www.chaoscomics.com. For all other inquiries, contact Marketing Manager Chad Soliman at 480-991-9080 x 812.
GET A TEASER OF LADY DEATH / MEDIEVAL WITCHBLADE #1!
Scottsdale, AZ - February 5, 2001 - What do you get when you join two of the comic industry's most popular divas in one comic? Simple...the most anticipated crossover event of the year! Chaos!, in cooperation with Top Cow Productions, will bring to the masses Lady Death / Medieval Witchblade #1. In anticipation for this landmark event, Chaos! is unleashing a jam-packed preview book and an ashcan as a prelude of what this exciting crossover comic will bring.
Fans of both Chaos! and Top Cow Productions will get their first taste of Lady Death / Medieval Witchblade #1 in June with a few sneak peeks. When the preview book is released readers will be able to see actual colored images from the upcoming story, as well as sketches, interviews and more! The ashcan is a smaller version that's black and white, and is different altogether. Collectors should not miss out on these offerings when Lady Death / Medieval Witchblade #1 explodes on the scene!
With the legions of fans behind Chaos! and Top Cow Productions retailers should anticipate a large turnout in what will be an exciting, one of a kind book. The Lady Death / Medieval Witchblade #1 Preview Book retails for $1.99. It's comes in a stylish and dynamic premium cover as well, with Lady Death and Medieval Witchblade back to back! Two divas, one knockout cover that you have to see to believe! Look for the preview book to hit comic shops June 25, 2001 and the ashcan to be in stores June 06, 2001!
For more information on Top Cow Productions visit www.topcow.com. For information on Chaos! visit www.chaoscomics.com. For all other inquiries, contact Marketing Manager Chad Soliman at 480-991-9080 ext. 812.
Comics fans worldwide,
Top Shelf Productions would like to invite you to pick up Reneé Frenchs latest picture book, THE SOAP LADY. This wonderfully enchanting and eccentric tale of a boy, a monster, and a ventriloquist dummy is being solicited in the current Diamond Comics PREVIEWS Catalog (and is also available from our other distributors listed below). Ask your local retailer to place an order for one today:
"The Soap Lady" is beautiful, rich, and wise. Put a kid on your lap, and read, and touch and look at this book forever. And if the kid finally has to go to school, or get a job or something -- well remember: I'm here and Ill never get sick of "The Soap Lady." Put me on your lap and let's read it, touch it, and look at it forever." -- Penn Jillette, Penn & Teller
"The Soap Lady" is an enchanting reflection on the odd travails of childhood. Reneé French has brought her unique visual gift to this tender, ferocious tale. I admire her and am beguiled by her talent. She has a fertile imagination and the skill to realize it. -- Arthur Penn, Director of "Bonnie & Clyde" and "Little Big Man"
Inspired by a real saponified ("turned to soap") female mummy that resides in the Mutter Museum at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Reneé French's all-new, feature-length picture book, THE SOAP LADY, is a wonderfully entrancing and eccentric tale about a boy, a monster, a ventriloquist dummy, a number of bloodthirsty townspeople, and those soap horns your mom used to give you in the bubble bath. A sweet and yet unsettling story about love, loss and friendship, illustrated in the gorgeously detailed and soft-textured signature style that is Reneé French's trademark. Definitely Reneé's most ambitious and magnificent work to date, packaged beautifully in a deluxe hardcover format. For adults and children alike. -- $19.95 (US), 112 pages, 8 1/2" x 8 1/2", ISBN: 1-891830-24-4, HARDCOVER, Color Cover, Black & White Interiors, Picture Book
HARVEY_AWARD_NOMINATIONS@TOP_SHELF
Top Shelf would like to congratulate all the cartoonists and comics nominated for this years HARVEY AWARDS, but wed particularly like to congratulate Scott Mills, James Kochalka, and Tom Hart for their Harvey nominations:
- Scott Mills (Big Clay Pot), Best New Talent - BIG CLAY POT by Scott Mills, Best Graphic Album of Original Work - MONKEY VS. ROBOT by James Kochalka, Best Graphic Album of Original Work - THE COLLECTED HUTCH OWEN by Tom Hart, Best Graphic Album of Previously Published Work THE_STAR_SYSTEM@TOP_SHELF
If you havent yet read Alan Moore and Eddie Campbells FROM HELL; Craig Thompsons GOOD-BYE, CHUNKY RICE; Peter Kupers SPEECHLESS; Tom Harts THE COLLECTED HUTCH OWEN; James Kochalkas MONKEY VS. ROBOT; Scott Mills BIG CLAY POT; or Eddie Campbells BACCHUS: IMMORTALITY ISNT FOREVER, then you might be interested to know that Diamond Comics keeps a ready inventory of them in their "STAR SYSTEM" (as well as do our other distributors). This means that if youd like a copy, all you have to do is ask your retailer to get you one, and youll have one delivered to your store usually in less than a week. Try them if you havent. You wont be disappointed.
ADVANCE_ORDERING@TOP_SHELF
I would also bet that most of you have some sort of subscription service (or pull list) at your local retailer. And even though we dont publish that many series, as were primarily a single event graphic novel publisher, that doesnt mean you cant tell your retailer to put every new release that Top Shelf publishes on your pull list. To be honest with you, our Advance Orders are the most important part of the entire publishing cycle, as that is what keeps the trains running on time in Top Shelf Land. Most alternative comics fans like to see the books on the shelves, and most retailers like alternative books to be special ordered; thus, the Catch22 of the Alternative Comix World. Placing a standing advance order for our new books with your local retailer will not only guarantee that you keep up to date on our releases, but it will also give your retailer the confidence to stock additional copies for the store shelves. You will have our eternal gratitude if you support us in this way.
RETAILERS@TOP_SHELF
Retailers, since our well-received January 1st announcement of returnability, weve come up with a new (and very inexpensive) package deal to make sure that our front line is fully stocked in your store. If youre interested in jumping on board the Top Shelf bandwagon, or simply need to restock our titles, you might want to take advantage of this special deal. Just respond to this email requesting information on the retailer special offer and well get the information to you right away. Just so you know, we now have over 250 graphic novels and comics in stock, representing not only ourselves, but also Eddie Campbell Comics, Abiogenesis Press, Highwater Books, Red Ink Press, Actus Tragicus, Robot Publishing, and Kapow! Offer ends April 30th, 2001.
NEXT_MONTH@TOP_SHELF
Next month, the much anticipated solicitation of Matt Kindt and Jason Halls all-new graphic novel and comic book, respectively: PISTOLWHIP & MEPHISTO. PISTOLWHIP is a jazz-age crime noir drama of bellhops, expatriates, orphans, and circus sideshow freaks (a 128-page, deluxe-format graphic novel), and MEPHISTO is a moody and enigmatic tale of a magicians obsession with lost love and newfound magic (an oversized 24-page, deluxe-format, comic book). Both are not to be missed!
TOP_SHELF@PITTSBURGH
For the first time ever, Top Shelf will be at the Pittsburgh Comicon. Come hang out with us between April 27-29. We might just have a big debut out there as well!
Thanks!
Your friend thru comics,
Chris Staros
Top Shelf Productions, Inc.
PO Box 1282
Marietta, GA 30061-1282
USA
Top Shelf publications are available (or can be ordered from) wherever comics and books are sold, and are distributed to the direct market and book trade by Diamond Comic Distributors, The LPC Group, Last Gasp, FM International, Red Route, Cold Cut, Bries, BugPowder, and Top Shelf Productions.
Send press releases to:
P. O. Box 882 Bellaire, TX 77402-0882
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