"That New 52 Smell" poll now up

So far, for the upcoming "That New 52 Smell" podcast I have two titles picked out.
Superman and Supergirl.
Now help pick out the remaining four.
Poll is up so go vote! Vote ends in 3 weeks so hop to it!

FYI

FYI
This Week - Next Step with Publishers Part 1

February is drawing to a close, and I am just about ready to begin researching interview requests... just requests! That way if I am approved for an interview I can launch right away.

But what was the result of February's inquiries?

I approached six companies with reviewer inquiries. Dark Horse, DC, Dynamite, IDW, MARVEL and Valiant.

Two of the six emailed me in one day with answers. That would be Dynamite and IDW... however on Dynamite's front? Well I was contacted, but the email sent was rather... vague. So I sent an email inquiring for details, of which I have yet to hear back. I will send another email (to the first person who contacted me) and try again.

OK. As for the three inquiries I made?

Press Releases.
I now receive news from IDW and Valiant, which I need to now post daily to get all caught up.

Yeah. Valiant didnt contact me, but they did put me on their mailing list for news.

Interviews
I can make requests of IDW... thats it.

Technically the invitation is also available from Dynamite... so I am going to buy me a batch of Army of Darkness and make an interview request or three (one at a time slowly) and see how I fare.

Review Material Request
Well... I was expecting that this would have to be something done reasonably... it will never again be the first decade of the 21st Century, and I have some great reviewing tales of that era. So what happened?

IDW gave me permission to do sneak peek recommendations and I finally set a recommendation scale for the article, which means I am drafting up my first Sneak Peeks IDW article that I will send to the Editor at RKYV for consideration ASAP. Stay tuned for updates and a blogcentric version coming soon. And yes, embargoes will be respected, even if I dont plan to spoil nothing on 5 or so pages of sneak peek.

Dynamite? Again the offer is there but I plan on carrying the burden abit first before making my first request. And... that is it. Don't get me wrong I am quite thankful for this oppertunity and all, but at the end of the day... well... wow.

Next up I am talking about plans for the upcoming "That New 52 Smell" cast. The hows of reviewing, what I will review, and so forth. Stay tuned!
"

Start of the Week (abit late, sorry)

Start of the Week
Feb 25th

Well once again its the start of a brand new week, so lets see whats going on.

Wrapping up wait on publishers
Well we are rounding the corner to the finish line, and the wait on publishers. I will be doing the writeup on the whole experience in two weeks, unless Dark Horse responds this week.

Nothing changed since I last bought up the topic, so I am going to say most likely I wont be hearing from DC Comics or MARVEL. Oh well. In that regard...

- In light of events the best thing to do is to keep a positive spin on everything and put in that extra bit of effort to bring you content.

- To that end I will drop in from time to time to check both DC and MARVEL for news on slow news weeks.

- While not being able to make interview requests is a bit disappointing we can still point out the many others who can deliver interviews, and recommend them to you.

- Will continue planning to review titles from each company. Probably acquire subscriptions.

Yes, I am kinda disappointed in the turn of events. No hiding that. But once again there really is nothing to do but roll with it and maintain an overall positive spin on the whole matter. It really is the only option.

Maybe with hard work and due dilligence I can try again in 2-4 years, who can say.

In the end I did hear from half the publishers, so at least that is something good. At least there is that.

OK. Lets see what am I working on this week.

Tuesday - This Old Comic Addict
X-Men Evolution #3-#8 (Part 2)

Thursday - FYI
My thoughts on what is next in covering DC and MARVEL.

Saturday - Book Em' Danno
Update on progress in preparing to write ebooks.

Sunday - News Weekend

That is that otherwise. By next week a large amount of review content should be in, so I will have lots to say about that. Stay tuned.

Last minute update
Presently developing a new podcast specifically covering one of the publishers... that won't give me the time of day.
Presently working on "That New 52 Smell" covering a batch of New 52 titles from DC Comics... stay tuned as I post more information on the coming cast coming soon.

Book Em' Danno : Darkhold #1-#2

Book Em Danno!

Darkhold #1-#2
Publisher : MARVEL (1992)
Writer : Christian Cooper
Pencils : Richard Case
Inks : Mark McKenna
Colors : Glynis Oliver
Letters : Phil Felix
Editor : Bobbie Chase
Managing Editor : Kelly Corvese
Editor in Chief : Tom Defalco

With word of an upcoming Dr. Strange movie somewhere in 2016 or 17 you might think now would be a good time to roll out a dark supernatural chain of MARVEL movies! The leap of logic here isnt a big one, I assure you. You just have to completely ignore the first two underwhelming Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider movies, as well as the fact you cant use both Ghost Rider and Johnny Blaze in a Ghost Rider and Spirits of Vengeance movie series as long as Fox has the movie rights.

Who has the rights to Blade? By now it should be MARVEL again, right?

Well we're talking Midnight Sons, a rather short lived nitche of the MARVEL Universe dedicated to the Supernatural. Prior to the crossover event we had the 2nd ongoing Ghost Rider but once it launched we had new titles. Titles like Spirits of Vengeance, featuring Johnny Blaze teaming up with the newest Ghost Rider in his second title.

We had Spider-Man villain Morbius the Living Vampire get his own title. Years before tragic mistakes in fiction like The Glittery Vampire Quadrilogy aka Twilight would scar Morbius' modern release.

We had Nightstalkers. A title revolves about the popularity of one character, Wesley Snipe's Blade.

And of course X-Files knockoff Darkhold.

OK, as Issue One starts its Part 4 of the Rise crossover. We just met Morbius, and Nightstalkers premiere next time... so lets see if I can say this with without laughing.

A midget in a tux not related to the guy who runs WildC.A.T.s (Image in this decade) is wandering the country playing matchmaker. However he is not so much trying to find love as he is matching severely stereotypical Friday the 13th the TV Series character types with pages of the Darkhold. Enter one Vicki Montesi, who rather clichely finds herself drawn into a blatently ripped off plot stolen from same Friday the 13th the TV Series after her best friend is horribly injured in a bomb blast meant to kill our lead character.

And so haunted with also cliche visions of Issue one's baddie she must hunt the pages of the Darkhold and stop whatever curse they carry and whoever uses the... no really could this be anymore of a Friday the 13th TV ripoff?!? Come on!

Do I need to go on? This series didnt make it past 25 Issues! Guess why!

A series that could have been far better, this is a sad sad shallow wading pool of been there, done that, could have should have wasnt isnt. Even when a story has an original notion (Issue Two and its ties to the Hulk) they never really run with it and make said ideas work for them. If the title was better thought out? It could have been a hit. As it stands its 1 out of 5 overdue fines on Mephisto's library card.

Next - Updates.

This Old Comic Addict : X-Men Evolution Part 1

This Old Comic Addict
X-Men Evolution Part 1 (#1-#2)
Publisher - MARVEL (2002)
Writer : Devin Grayson
Art and Colors : UDON with Long Vo, Charles Park and Saka of Studio XD
Lettering : Sharpfront's Randy Gentile
Editor : Ralph Macchio(*)
Associate Editor : Brian Smith and C.B. Cebulski (Issue #7)
Editor in Chief : Joe Quesada
President : Bill Jemas

(*) - I had to be told by Ninja High School creator Ben Dunn during an interview that this isn't Daniel-san from The Karate Kid movies.

NOTE - As of this review I didnt have X-Men Evolution Issue #8 to review.

Continuing our trip down comic book memory lane, specifically comic book adaptations of animated series. This time out the MARVEL adapt of X-Men Evolution, basically a weird prequel X-Men universe mixing up younger X-Men from a smathering of different decades and teams... oh, and Storm now has a nephew named Evan Daniels aka Spyke.

X-Men Evolution. That weird hybrid of teen angst, school drama and comic action. Oh. And as your about to see it also does a rewrite of established X history on occasion.

OK. Lets see. These eight issues basically kick off the series from the beginning. In Issue One we find Wolverine lying in the snow in Canada, apparently missing both his shirt and his memory. Head on over to America and Xavier is meeting and recruiting Ororo aka Storm... well I did say Evolution tends to rewrite X history... next up Xavier is having a cup of Earl Grey with old frienemy Magnus aka Magneto. The subject of the so called "Wild Man" of Canada comes up and suddenly Xavier has to cut short his usual human mutant talk with Magnus (and a disguised Mystique playing the role of a cute maid) in order to do his thing. Which lead to both Xavier and Magneto trying to recruit Logan at the same time... given the choice beteen peace and war by the two, Logan chooses peace... then spends the rest of the series being the character most likely to break things first and give peace a chance later. Go figure.

Issue Two introduces Cyclops. A well meaning good soul who had a bad break when his parents die in a plane crash... only for his dad to come back later as a space pirate... sheesh.

But that, and people's general fear of people who uncontrollably shoot lasers from their eyes wont get him down, even if he does save a kid from bank robbers only to be shunned by the girl's retard mom and assaulted by a cop for being different.

I am sure there is a friendship lesson there somewhere for Cyke to write.

Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle

Sometimes people are jerks.

Your faithful student Cyclops

Oops! Out of words! Come back next week and we will wrap up with our look at X-Men Evolution Issue 3 to 8.

See you then!

FYI This Week

FYI
Publishers Week 3

Now that we are rolling again full time... once RKYV Online #55 releases... anyway it's time to once again say hi to the publishers, and learn the 2013 ground rules.

Mind you back in the early 21st Century, when I worked for Comic World News and Comic Book Insider I already had contact with the likes of Dark Horse and MARVEL Comics pre Disney... and I tried to contact DC but I think they turned me down. But that was then, this is now. So far I have done 2 waves of contacts to date.

Wave 1 - DC Comics, IDW, MARVEL and Valiant.
Wave 2 - Dark Horse and Dynamite

From this so far I have come to the following conclusions.

- All responses to date have been... random.

Dynamite and IDW took 1 day each to respond. Valiant it was almost two weeks, and it was a press release as opposed to a proper greeting email.

- All responders to date are publishers I have no prior experience with. Valiant I am still befuddled about personally.

Lets see... I am on the PR mailing list for Valiant, but I am waiting on my first press release from Dynamite.

I am told Dynamite will help me with reviews, but they didnt say how yet or if that includes review material requests. I did send an email for verification... haven't heard back from them yet.

Valiant? No contact emai so no idea where I stand on either interview requests or review material requests.

Best thing to do right now, I think, is stick to the plan. Do my research, prepare reviews and get ready to drop my first interview request... but still, even with the news I am getting? This is very little to work with. So that is where we are right now. We are onto week 3 of FYI, and over the halfway point of the month, and I have made contact with three publishers.

News on upcoming releases? Got that from IDW and Valiant... still waiting on Dynamite.

Interview requests? IDW... and MAYBE Dynamite.

Review Material Request? IDW... well actually its 5 page previews so my RKYV Online article will be called "Tickle Your Fancy" utilizing my preview rating system.

Now explain to me how a five page preview can violate an embargo.

Dynamite I have that vow of assistance, but need to gather more information on what that means.

So, in actuality, to date I am at the minimum in regards of review material requests. Maybe that will change with further contact with Dynamite and Valiant... stay tuned.

Admittedly I am the most perplexed by my contact with Valiant. From listening to the podcast Only the Valiant I actually had a warmer, more interactive and open image of Valiant in my mind when I contacted them. But this? Confuses me. I think I will drop an email on Only the Valiant to see what they say. Stay tuned.

Well thats it for the week behind the scenes. Next week? We'll look at some of the new stuff I'm writing up for http://rpgunite.blogspot.com, so see you next week!

Start of the Week

Start off the Week
Week 2

So here we are once again. Monday has rolled around once again, and yes this time I mean Monday, forgot to change the opening last time to denote a Midweek update, so lets see what we're working on this week!

Big Six Wait Continues... take 3.
It is now Day 15, and I so far know I am in contact with Dynamite, IDW and Valiant... only Dynamite I am still uncertain how much I am in contact with them, and Valiant I just know I get news from them... and I am still waiting on Dark Horse, DC and MARVEL... oh well. Any fresh progress to speak of? Stay tuned, I am getting to that.

So what is coming up? Well coming up this week... again.

Tuesday - This Old Comic Addict
X-Men Evolution #1 to #8

Thursday - FYI
Publishers Update

Saturday - Book Em' Danno!
Bloodshot #1

Sunday - News Weekend
Latest News!

Another week, another batch of original content. If you like what we are releasing please follow the blogs (RKYV Revue and This Old Comic Addict) I am updating weekly. It would be most appreciated! Well we are all caught up so lets get back to the count down... starting from the 14 and ending at the 15... short update.

When it was all said and done...

- I was receiving abit of press news from IDW and Valiant, but nothing yet from Dynamite.

- Didnt hear nothing from the guy at Dynamite concerning review aid so I sent him some questions for verification.

- Havent heard a peep from Valiant. Presently thinking contact limited to press releases but we'll see.

- No contact yet with Dark Horse, DC or MARVEL.

So in short while a thing or two was cleared up a little, the rest remains a mystery. Stay tuned.

I think that is about it. Bing thing today is all the news to put up so I should get back to that. See you next weelk for another start of the week rant!

News Weekend Valiant Edition

News Weekend

Lots of news to cover so let's get started! First off, from Valiant Comics, we have news on this first bundle batch of one dollar comics coming up this May, a quick and easy way to get your feet wet with the new Valiant line.
Cut and paste below! Read on!

Dateline February 12th 2013
Publisher - Valiant
Subject - One Dollar Debuts line!

"Valiant is proud to announce a new line of One Dollar Debuts, re-presenting the sold-out #1 issues that relaunched the Valiant Universe — just in time for Free Comic Book Day and the one-year anniversary of Valiant's return! Arriving in stores on May 1st, this is the perfect chance to jump aboard all five of Valiant's best-selling series from page one. From Archer & Armstrong to X-O Manowar, each One Dollar Debut edition contains the first epic chapter of a new hero's introduction to the Valiant Universe, as told by the some of the most acclaimed creators in comics!"

That's Archer and Armstrong, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman and X-O Manowar #1 if your curious! I for one am looking forward to picking up the bundle ($5) and reviewing it! Stay tuned for more on this as news comes in.

Speaking of more how about some more Valiant news!

Dateline February 14th 2013
Publisher - Valiant
Subject - Archer and Armstrong #5 and Shadowman #2 roll out second printing!

"Valiant is proud to announce that the sold-out FIRST ISSUE of Archer & Armstrong's new smash hit story arc, "Wrath of the Eternal Warrior", will be returning to stores with the Archer & Armstrong #5 Second Printing Variant on March 13th! From acclaimed creators Fred Van Lente and Emanuela Lupacchino and featuring the first appearance of the Eternal Warrior in the all-new Valiant Universe, Archer & Armstrong #5 is the perfect place to find out why this is the series that Comic Book Resources trumpets as "exactly what you should want from a monthly comic."

Also returning to stores on March 13th, look for the Shadowman #2 Second Printing Variant, from fan favorite creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher. Continuing the debut adventure of the new Shadowman and his first battle against the forces of the Deadside, get in on the ground floor of the series IGN calls "simply stunning" before an all-new arc begins on March 6th in Shadowman #5!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter or at ValiantUniverse.com.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #5 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC128341)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE – 3/13/13 (FOC – 2/18/2013)

SHADOWMAN #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC128340)
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE – 3/13/13 (FOC – 2/18/2013)"

OK they're out by now so go check them out if you haven't had a chance to pick them up yet! Should be quite good! Speaking of which how about some Harbinger news!

Dateline February 14th 2013
Publisher - Valiant
Subject - Harbinger #9 brings on the Zephyr... huh?

Here, have some cut and paste.

"ZEPHYR Flies High in HARBINGER #9

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Harbinger #9 from New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart (BPRD) and rising star Pere Pérez (Smallville Season 11)! Pinned down by the forces of Project Rising Spirit, Peter Stanchek and his new team of Renegades are facing their first trial by fire and their only hope is the amazing, the indomitable, the indestructible…Faith Herbert?!

Nothing can bring her down. She’s the light in the dark. The soul of a rising resistance movement. Here now, for the first time, is the story of Zephyr (aka Faith…but shhh don’t tell anyone)! As danger closes in on all sides, Faith must begin the trials and tribulations of being the Valiant Universe’s first real-life superhero. Look, up in the air! It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s frakkin’ Zephyr!

On February 20th, learn the secret potential of Zephyr's powers and the truth about her time at the Harbinger Foundation — and then follow her into her battle as she vies to save the Renegades in the devastating penultimate chapter of "Renegades," only in Harbinger #9!

HARBINGER #9 - ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th!
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by MICO SUAYAN (DEC121263)
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (DEC121264)  
$3.99/T+/32 pgs"

.Finally wrapping up the news we have May Solicitations so let's see... we have...

HARBINGER WARS #2 (of 4)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art & Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER

The HARBINGER WARS heat up Las Vegas!

After decades of secret conflict, Toyo Harada has managed in one fell swoop to cripple Project Rising Spirit through the masterful manipulation of key players in the Valiant Universe. Now he wants the psiot children Bloodshot rescued from the bowels of a nightmarish PRS facility. Too bad.  This rogue band of super-powered escapees have begun to call themselves GENERATION ZERO and they've declared a war of their own. First strike: Vegas, baby! And while PRS fashions a radical plan for getting the kids back, Peter Stanchek and the Renegades are following visions right into the heart of the Harbinger Wars.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 1st!

HARBINGER #12 (HARBINGER WARS)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by KHARI EVANS
Cover by AMY REEDER
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS

HARBINGER WARS: HARBINGER continues here!

Battle weary, the Renegades follow Peter Stanchek's strange dreams and visions into the Southwest American desert, unsure of what exactly they'll find. Under the duress of constant conflict, and led by the words of the Bleeding Monk – who bleeds but does not die – our band of teens begins to fray, barely even a cohesive group by the time they reach Las Vegas, Nevada – now rechristened "Psiot Nation." Here Peter and his crew come face to face with the Harbingers who have escaped from Project Rising Spirit’s prison…Harbingers who call themselves GENERATION ZERO.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 8th!

BLOODSHOT #11 (HARBINGER WARS)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by BARRY KITSON
Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY
Variant Cover by MATTHEW CLARK

HARBINGER WARS: BLOODSHOT continues here!

Everyone says they want what's best for the children... but Bloodshot's the only one who’s willing to fight for it. After a lifetime of lies, destruction and pain, he's vowed to use his extraordinary abilities to do one simple thing: keep these kids alive, even if they’re terrified of him. The war for GENERATION ZERO, however, has been waging longer than Bloodshot realizes. And what can one soldier do when he's up against two powerful, secret armies?

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 15th!

X-O MANOWAR #13 (PLANET DEATH)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by RYAN SOOK

Part III of the explosive PLANET DEATH mega-event!

Aric discovers the Vine he intends conquer aren’t the only race on planet Loam, but will these surprise inhabitants offer him refuge or rivalry?  Meanwhile, the Vine leaders plan their most devastating attack yet, one that will push the X-O Manowar armor to its limits and beyond.  The stakes are raised and the table set for the epic battle from which no one—human or Vine—will emerge unchanged.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 15th!

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #0
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by LEE GARBETT
Wraparound Gatefold Variant by TOM FOWLER

The true story of the Epic (Fail) of Giglamesh!

Original series artist and Harbinger Wars superstar Clayton Henry returns to tell a tale of the early days of the man known as Armstrong! How early? How's ancient Ur sound? For the first time, the 100% true story behind the Epic of Gilgamesh can be told… A tale of three warrior brothers, the Anni-Padda – or as you may know them, ARMSTRONG, the ETERNAL WARRIOR and TIMEWALKER – on a quest to the mysterious Faraway to bring back its immortal Boon. What they find is a lost land full of danger, excitement – and the greatest secret of the Valiant Universe! Plus: this issue tees up the next arc of A&A, beginning this June in issue #10!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 8th!

SHADOWMAN #0
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by KHARI EVANS
Wraparound Gatefold Variant by LEWIS LAROSA

The end has always been near.

Twenty five years ago, Josiah Boniface was the Shadowman, and he had more problems than simply Master Darque: things from beyond are trying to eat the world, the police are trying to send him to jail and now he's got to rescue Helena LeBretton from a murderous cult, whether she likes it or not.

A special standalone issue featuring art by comics superstar Trevor Hairsine, go back to the beginning to discover why this is the series IGN calls “all kinds of great” right here in Shadowman #0!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE MAY 1st!

ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: X-O MANOWAR #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: HARBINGER #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: BLOODSHOT #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: SHADOWMAN #1
ONE DOLLAR DEBUT: WAVE ONE (BUNDLE)

On May 1st, jump into all of Valiant’s ongoing series for only a dollar apiece!

Just in time for Valiant’s one-year anniversary and Free Comic Book Day 2013, Valiant is proud to announce a new line of reprints, re-presenting the sold-out first issue debuts of the series that launched the all-new Valiant Universe.

And try all five at once with the One Dollar Debut: Wave One bundle – a shrink-wrapped package containing all five #1 issues for only $4.95!

 “We’ve been yelling from rooftops about how good this Valiant relaunch has been, so now’s the time to jump on board.” – MTV Geek
“The Valiant Entertainment relaunch is one of the best things to happen to superhero comics for a while." – Comic Book Resources
“Every book in Valiant's relaunched comic line is a really great comic book." – IGN
“Valiant means business…” – iFanboy

$1.00 each/T+/32 pgs. each
ON SALE MAY 1st!

HARBINGER VOL. 2: RENEGADES TPB
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by PHIL BRIONES, MATTHEW CLARK, KHARI EVANS, LEE GARBETT, BARRY KITSON and PERE PEREZ
Cover by MICO SUAYAN

Outside the law. Inside your head. Welcome to the Renegades.

Battered and broken after his escape from the Harbinger Foundation, telekinetic teenager Peter Stanchek only has one option left – run. But he won’t have to go it alone. Crisscrossing America with the only two people he can trust, Peter will have to activate a new team of super-powered recruits before Toyo Harada and his Harbinger shock troops can reach them first. Peter Stanchek. Zephyr. Kris. Flamingo. You’ve never met a team of super-powered teenagers quite like the Renegades. And, together, they’ll dismantle Harada’s global empire one brick at a time.

Collecting HARBINGER #6-10 by New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart and an all-star cast of comics’ top artistic talents, get ready for the second stunning volume of the series Ain't It Cool News calls "simply astonishing."

“Four words, ladies and gentlemen: Read this book NOW.” – Ain’t It Cool News
“A superb level of awesomeness.” – IGN

$14.99/T+/128 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-939346-02-5
ON SALE MAY 22nd!

VALIANT MASTERS: SHADOWMAN VOL. 1 - SPIRITS WITHIN HC
Written by STEVE ENGLEHART, BOB HALL, BOB LAYTON, JIM SHOOTER and More
Art by STEVE DITKO, BOB HALL, DAVID LAPHAM, DON PERLIN and More
Cover by DAVID LAPHAM

A deluxe hardcover collecting Shadowman’s legendary first appearance in the original Valiant Universe – featuring classic work by Steve Ditko, Steve Englehart, Bob Hall, David Lapham, Jim Shooter and more!

Jack Boniface nearly died one night – attacked by something out of a nightmare. But since that terrifying experience something has changed. Now, when darkness falls, a feeling comes over him, an urge to destroy the demons that would defile the New Orleans night. Wild, reckless, and hell-bent on eliminating evil in all its forms, Jack is now his city’s new protector – the nocturnal avenger simply called Shadowman.

This Valiant Masters volume collects SHADOWMAN (1992) #0-7 and material from DARQUE PASSAGES  (1994) #1.

$24.99/T+/184 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-939346-01-8
ON SALE MAY 29th!

All this and news is already stacking up AGAIN! I think I will need to post two news posts for Valiant a week at this rate Well, more news then coming up Wednesday so stay tuned!

This Old Comic Addict featuring Justice League Adventures #1

This Old Comic Addict Blog
Justice League Adventures #1 (2001)
Publisher : DC Comics
Writer : Ty Templeton
Penciler : Min S. Ku
Inker : Dan Davis
Letterer : Kurt Hathaway
Colorist : John Kalisz
Seperations : Heroic Age
Assistant Editor : Steve Wacker
Editor : Dan Raspler

(Apparently it does take a village to produce a substandard comic)

In the never ending battle between DC and MARVEL (animation edition) DC and MARVEL tend to excel in opposite sides of the equation.

In this case? In this case DC puts out some great animations, but MARVEL does great comic adapts of animations.

As we count down to March and the demise of Green Lantern and Young Justice the animations, we look at the best and worst of comic adaptations of animations.

One of many examples of the bad is Justice League Adventures, based of course on Justice League.

In "Disarmed", a nice marathon sitting and staring session of the League is interrupted by a female bug alien claiming to be from an organization of female aliens going around cleaning up the messes made by male... no, no, I mean the messes that usually get air time on cable news... you know, ones that don't involve Republicans and things utilizing words like "legitimate", "socialism" and "is that camera on?" and "do I sound crazy to you?"

Yes, things are not what they seem, even if there seems to be an obvious "device" that may be a bomb... a rather awkward looking green glowing thing that is supposed to be a bhomb... and the alien that showed up yes turns out to be probably evil... or just bored... which is what you'll be reading this. It has no real story past a cookie cutter paint by numbers thing, even the heroes seem boring, and there are the little people, like the girl obsessed with getting autographs of supers. Nothing here to even make you think of the Justice League animated series, but maybe you'll think of the old Superfriends show... it actually seemed like something you'd see from that. And the rest? The artwork is toonish... way way too toonish down to the level of Superman or Batman Adventures (comic) toonish... and there is just nothing here to even tell you to go and find this if your curious.

So... luckily this comic didn't last long so I won't have much to review in the future. A 1 out of 5.

Next time, hopefully on time, we'll look at something a little better... not much but it won't rate a 1 out of 5... the X-Men Evolution comics, which for some strange reason had even less issues than this!... wow... really? See you next time!

FYI Week 2

FYI
Introduction Part 2
Sweet 16 & Updates

Continuing from last time we wrap up the Sweet 16 list by looking at MARVEL and Valiant... then I have an update on my contacting the big 4! But first thing first...

MARVEL
About as good a time to jump in since they just twice rebooted themselves, their present gimmick being the MARVEL NOW line, of which I will tap into review wise.

Avengers
What can I say? It's an Avengers title, and Avengers 2 is coming up 2015... go figure.

Guardians of the Galaxy
Since we will be talking about it next year with the coming movie I might as well review the comic.

Superior Spider-Man
I'd say we are in for the long haul... but rumor has it Peter gets over being dead in Issue #7 at the earliest...we'll see what I do next with this title when that happens.

X-Men
New female led X-Men title? Me want.

And finally...
Valiant Comics
Presently it sports 5 titles, but I am only reviewing 4... the 5th, Harbringers, I will pick up in Trade Paperback format.

Archer and Armstrong
Bloodshot
Shadowman
X-O Manowar

My crowning achievement with Valiant, though, will be the series of ebooks I plan to write covering the history of Valiant in the 90's. I also have books planned for covering Defiant Comics, Malibu's Ultraverse and MARVEL to an extent. Stay tuned to Book Em Danno for more info.

Now onto some pretty positive news... and that is I contacted the big four publisher I mentioned (DC, IDW, MARVEL and Valiant).

As my usual when contacting publishers I focus on 3 criteria of relations.- Press Releases, aka the Daily Newsfeed of comics. What's new, what's big, what's up and coming.

- The ability to make interview requests

- Review Material Requests

With those three basics set to mind I approached the big four, resulting in...

Day 1 (February 4th)
Made contact with IDW. Brief and right to the heart of the matter. Look forward to...

- IDW News, here every Sunday as well as with RKYV Online.

- Researching for first interviews.

- IDW Reviews article coming in, double the words double the reviews... previews. I am still figuring that out.

Day 5 (February 8th)
As the first week drew to a close... nothing else happened. But still I figured I would be patient. After all this doesnt go up until February 14th. Plenty of time, right?

So I waited. And waited... and waited...

Week 1 ended, and... we'll end it here. What happens next? Lets see... Day 8 we brought in Phase 2, and that is when I heard from Dynamite. Then I began receiving press releases from Valiant from Phase 1 so I knew I did get in contact with them... but the details remained rather unclear, kinda like my present dealings with Dynamite really.

Next time?
Well unless there is a major update in this venue, ie I hear back from Dark Horse, DC or MARVEL... also looking for more info on my dealings with Dynamite and Valiant as well. Stay tuned.

End Note?
If I don't hear back from MARVEL before the end of the month? I am seriously thinking of bumping them in favor of Dynamite, who I have heard back from.

Start of the Week Midweek Update

Start off the Week
Mid Week 1 Update

So here we are again. Monday has rolled around once again, so lets see what we're working on this week!

Big Six Wait Continues... take 2.
As February started I contacted the four big publishers, and as of Day 1 I heard back from IDW! Then I expanded it to six, and one day after that expansion I heard from Dynamite. It is now Day 15, and I am still waiting on Dark Horse, DC, MARVEL and Valiant.

So then 2 weeks... I mean one and a half weeks have passed... any fresh progress to speak of? Hmmm... good question. As of right now, with the notable exception of Valiant, only publishers I have no past experience with are contacting me... strange though about Valiant, especially since all my listening to Only the Valiant gave me this impression that they would have contacted me first. They're really supposed to be fan friendly. I am abit worried, but I am still hopeful that I hear from them soon.

Sadly after two 1 day responses I wonder if I will hear anything if they did not respond on day 1. Well lets clear away some other stuff first as we wait.

So what is coming up? Well coming up next week...

Tuesday - This Old Comic Addict
X-Men Evolution #1 to #8

Thursday - FYI
Publishers Update

Saturday - Book Em' Danno!
Bloodshot #1

Sunday - News Weekend
Latest  News!

Another week, another batch of original content. If you like what we are releasing please follow the blogs (RKYV Revue and This Old Comic Addict) I am updating weekly. It would be most appreciated! Well we are all caught up so lets get back to the count down... as I flashback with past experience.

2/12
We start off by remembering Dark Horse. I did abit in terms of coverage of them in the past, from when I use to work for Comic Book Insider, then homemademech in the UK. I did a few interviews, reviewed a few things, all was good and well.

I thought we left on an ambicle high note... we'll see. Anyway updates?

And then I heard from Valiant... in the form of a Press Release. Well I am on their PR list now. News coming this Sunday. And its great news! Get in at ground level of the new era of Valiant this May 1st, and buy all five Issue ones for $1 a pop, $5 total! I am so there, so look forward to a BIG Valiant review this May!

OK... now my theory is confirmed. I only heard back from all the publishers I had no prior experience with. Go figure. But we have a few days left so...

Actually it looks like we are out of space so special midweek update! Lots happened in a few days so go figure... hopefully Monday's Start of the Week update brings more news. Stay tuned.

Publishers Update 2/11

Well we just heard back from another publisher, Dynamite... I actually seem to be running into a trend but I will talk about that in next week's FYI (2/21).

Still waiting for more info but hopefully we should be seeing press releases from Dynamite for the news section shortly. So stay tuned.

Still waiting on Dark Horse, DC, MARVEL and Valiant. Though if my current trend holds I would think that I would be hearing from Valiant soon since... well... you'll see when I bring up the topic shortly.

OK. Back to work writing and reviewing stuff.

Publisher Meet and Greet Phase 2

Well expanding just a wee bit the search for publishers to speak to, and make interview and or review material requests with. Phase 2, half the size of Phase 1, sends out contact messages to Dark Horse and Dynamite... so that means I am now waiting on word from five publishers to date. Updates to come, stay tuned.

Start of the Week Updates

Start off the Week
Week 1

Monday has rolled around once again, so lets see what we're working on this week!

Big Four Wait Continues
As February started I contacted the four big publishers, and as of Day 1 I heard back from IDW!

Today is Day 8. Awaiting on DC, MARVEL and Valiant. Once the month ends I will possibly expand, depending on this months results... stay tuned for updates.

Awaiting RKYV Online #55
Did it come out yet? I will feel ultra silly if it is already out. I am already working on additional content for Issue #56, including the first news section as I receive news from IDW.

Stay tuned for updates.

Trading Update
Right now my plate is quite full trading for content, so I am presently working to get that all handled before diving back into fully promoting my trading.

While waiting check out my list at www.ihaveplanet.com (darkeraven). Presently at over 500 comics for trade. Also last weekend I began assembling my Want list on www.ihaveplanet.com

Coming This Week...
Tuesday - This Old Comic Addict
Justice League Adventures #1
DC Animations = Mostly great! DC Comics based on DC Animations = Mostly lame... case in point...

Thursday - FYI
Intro Part 2

Saturday - Book Em' Danno!
Darkhold #1-#2

Sunday - News Weekend
Latest IDW News!

Well I think that is that for now update wise. Wrote this up on Saturday last, and spent the weekend writing reviews and content... hopefully working on a podcast or two... otherwise unless there is a last minute update that's it for start of the week updates! Stay tuned!

News Weekend

News Weekend


Next up? Need some half naked bulging manly man swinging through trees and grappling apes to get you in the right mindset? Well here. Have some Tarzan!

Dateline February 8th 2013
Location : San Diego CA
Publisher : IDW
TARZAN : THE COMPLETE RUSS MANNING NEWSPAPER STRIPS VOLUME 1 coming Late May

Just when you thought nostalgia and the good old days are behind us something brings it all back. Be it the new take on The Lone Ranger from Disney, the many reminders that classic hero Superman is turning 75, or that a certain time travelling Doctor is turning 50. We can't stop our fascination and ultimately our love of the Golden Age... though technically I think this counts as Silver Age.

Starting late May IDW is bringing back a classic in Tarzan! But don't take my word for it... though you should because it's my news report... here, cut and paste from IDW on the newest hardcover collection coming out for Lord Greystroke himself.

"IDW Publishing is proud to announce that the Library of American Comics will be collecting comics legend Russ Manning’s classic run with Edgar Rice Burroughs’ King of the Jungle in 2013! TARZAN: THE COMPLETE RUSS MANNING NEWSPAPER STRIPS is a four-volume series. The first three volumes will chronologically collect all of Manning’s daily black & white and full-color Sunday strips from 1967 to 1974, while the fourth volume will collect the remaining Sunday strips, which Manning continued to do until 1979.

“The addition of Tarzan to the Library of American Comics amplifies even further that the imprint is the premier archival home for comic strip reprints and collections,” says IDW’s President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Goldstein. “Russ Manning’s Tarzan run is one of the real highlights of the modern age of adventure strips and we are extremely excited to be the home of its long-anticipated return to print.”

The series of hardcover volumes will commence May 29th with Tarzan: The Complete Russ Manning Newspaper Strips, Vol. 1: 1967 – 1969. Fans will be treated to the first-ever collection of a historic turning point in Tarzan history: when Russ Manning was handpicked by the Burroughs estate to return the strip to its creator’s original vision. Manning put together a dream team of assistants in this historic endeavor, including future comics greats Dave Stevens, William Stout, and Mike Royer, creating one of the most loaded rosters in comics history, and a perfect opportunity for new fans to discover the adventures of Viscount Greystoke.

In his introduction to Volume One, William Stout writes, “Russ Manning was a natural storyteller. He may also be one of the most underrated writers in comics. His beautiful art is so captivating that it’s easy to understand how it might overshadow his scripts. He was as adept with telling Tarzan tales in contemporary Africa as he was setting Ape Man stories in dinosaur-infested Pal-ul-don.”

Reproduced from the Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. file copies, fans can expect TARZAN: THE COMPLETE RUSS MANNING NEWSPAPER STRIPS to receive the same critically acclaimed, award-winning treatment that Dean Mullaney, The Library of American Comics, and IDW Publishing have become renowned for.

Tarzan: The Complete Russ Manning Newspaper Strips, Vol. 1: 1967 – 1969
(HC, B&W, $49.99, 288 pages.)
ISBN: 978-1-61377-694-0"

Yes. I realize $50 is abit much for a hardcover, but if you already are a devoted and dedicated fan of the character then you know you are already planning on pre-ordering ASAP. If not... I recommend digging into the book "shelves" of Amazon or Barnes and Noble, or litterly the bookshelves of your local libirary and read past releases of Tarzan if your... Tarzan curious? Then when May comes about you might want to give this a shot. I think fans of both Tarzan, as well as fans of other heroes brought to life in the newspapers (Superman, Spider-Man, etc) might dig this.

News Weekend

News Weekend

When I started getting in touch with publishers I knew that one of the results would be adding a weekly news section, as well as a regularly updated news section for RKYV (different name of course). Simple.

As News Weekend launches, and I prepare the first RKYV news section, we are presently receiving news from IDW... and that is that... for now.

OK. Lets dig into the first weekend of News. We start off with news fresh from IDW, our first (and as of this date only) publisher who put us on their press release mailing list.

Dateline February 7th
Publisher : IDW
Location : San Diego, CA
Subject The Salvatores crank out new Dungeons & Dragons Mini, Cutter, coming April 2013.

Looking for something new to bite your Dungeons & Dragons loving teeth into... and you already know about that whole people playing Dungeons & Dragons on podcast thing? Honestly I just found out about it yesterday and started listening to it. Anyway how about a new mini from the people at IDW? Here, take this cut and paste for more info.

"IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce another action-packed entry in their line of Dungeons & Dragons comics! This April, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: CUTTER, a five-issue miniseries written by R.A. and Geno Salvatore with art by David Baldeon and covers by Steve Ellis, weaves the tale of a family fiercely divided and at odds with itself, with a legendary sword hanging in the balance!

When the battle-hardened Drow renegade Tos’un must choose an heir to his legacy, his half-Drow son Tierflin and daughter Doum’weille become locked in vicious competition. But what will the prize, the bloodthirsty sword Khazid’hea, have to say on the matter?

“These comic series have become a wonderful tool for me to fill in the blanks and to crystallize my thoughts on the Legend of Drizzt novels going forward,” explains R.A. Salvatore. “The fallout from the twisting events in Neverwinter Tales not only came into play in the last couple of Drizzt books, but allowed me a strong plot line for an upcoming novel I’ve yet to pen. The same is true for Cutter – I see it already. So while these comic stories are self-contained, they open up to the wider stories going forward.”

From the writing team of powerhouse Dungeons & Dragons veterans R.A. and Geno Salvatore comes a tale steeped in action and intrigue, woven into the fantastically imaginative world that can only be found in the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons. Rounded out by the vivid art of David Baldeon and Steve Ellis’ striking covers, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: CUTTER is sure to be a wildly fun ride for fans of Dungeons & Dragons and comics everywhere, not to mention an unexpected tie-in to this summer's blockbuster R.A. Salvatore novel!

Dungeons & Dragons: Cutter (FC, 32 pages, $3.99). In stores 4/17/13.
Diamond Code: FEB130303"

At present admittedly I only have one R.A. Salvatore item to review, and that is actually from his stint with CrossGen... I wonder if it's appropriate to review that... but we'll crank out a review of that in the near future while I secure myself a D&D graphic novel from IDW to look at. In the meantime look forward to Cutter, coming Mid April for $4 (or less if you buy out of places like Things From Another World, where I do all my online comic shopping)!

Now adopt me, Things From Another World!... I need a sponsor.

Book Em' Danno : Introduction

Book Em Danno!
Introduction

The first time I wrote an ebook it covered the short limited lifespan of the faith based Christian "Manga" (OEL Manga to be precise if we go that route) Realbuzz Studios. It was pretty short... it only published 17 100 page comics after all, and I even published my one and only interview to boot.

This time out I am looking at subjects sure to fill bigger ebooks. And that is what we'll look at here.

A Short Life in Print...
So far it will be a revamp of my Realbuzz coverage, as well as coverage of the short lived Defiant Comics (Warriors of Plasm for instance).

Into The Ultraverse
The history and full coverage of the Malibu Ultraverse.

MARVEL at Night
The supernatural side of MARVEL.

Print Valiant
Full history and coverage of the 90's Era Valiant Comics.

So... to recap we are looking at...

Defiant Comics
Malibu's Ultraverse
MARVEL Comics
Realbuzz Studios
Valiant Comics (90's)

We'll rotate through those as the content comes in. Oh, I also have a few Superman themed topics for the year but that relates more to Superman Turns 75 than a book I am writing. FYI. Once stuff starts rolling in I will put together a Want list over at www.ihaveplanet.com to keep track of what I am looking for.

Anything else? I guess I will be rotating the review item weekly so you get a little of this and a little of that every week. Also when things come in I will update how much closer I am to getting one of these ebooks assembled.

Well... thats that. Lets wrap up early and next week we start reviewing. We'll kick things off with MARVEL.

Next Week
Several years ago MARVEL rolled out the Midnight Sons concept. Tying together Ghost Rider with new titles like Spirits of Vengeance, Morbius and this title, Darkhold.

Its not quite the Necronomicon, and she's no Bruce Campbell, but somebody has to recover the lost pages Friday the 13th the TV Series style, against the evil Anti-Tattoo... you'll see.

See you next week!

Weekly Posts

Every week I plan to post up four ongoing content series exclusive to this blog to keep it updated on a regular basis! Starting today and continuing onwards we'll cover...

Tuesday : This Old Comic Addict
Old school reviews from the past exclusive to this blog.

Thursday : FYI
Behind the scenes on all I am presently working on with RKYV Online and more.

Saturday : Book Em' Danno!
Covering the titles and companies I will be working with in a series of coming e-books covering the pasts of Defiant Comics, Malibu's Ultraverse, Realbuzz Studios and Valiant Comics in the 90's.

Sunday : Weekend Newsstand
News from the publishers I contacted and various news I've heard from across different podcast. As of this date the news from publishers come from IDW. Stay tuned for updates.

That's the weekly content! Stay tuned as I start rolling out content! Also I should hopefully, knock on wood, have news on RKYV Online #55's release soon. Stay tuned for that too!

FYI Episode 1 : Introduction

FYI
Introduction To My Sweet 16 Pull List Part 1

Sometimes one of my pieces needs a breather. Looking for a toy to review, ordering content to review, and so on. Lots to do.

So, from time to time, we will dig into some behind the scenes stuff and see just how things work around here with This Old Comic Addict. Today? The Sweet 16. My review pull list of titles.

Originally I admit my first list was quite unbalanced and weighted with titles from one company in particular, but over time that list? It evolved, as did how I was going to approach my reviews, until the balanced list of 16 was created. But that is only the beginning, but I will go into that in a future cast. Right now we are looking at my Sweet 16 as of the first quarter of 2013... and why these titles are on my list.

DC Comics
I admit it, I was a skeptic at first of the New 52 (which has changed over time as titles are canceled and new ones take their place), but to be truly objective preconceived notions must be set aside, meaning it is time for me to take a plunge into the New 52... my way. And that means 4 ladies' titles.

Batgirl
A few of the podcasts I listen to involve the Batman Universe family of casts, one more being Dark Knight News. So I heard all about Gail Simone (hopefully I spelled that right) and her brief stint being fired from, then rehired as Batgirl's writer. And while Batgirl would have been on my list regardless of internal dramatics, I have to admit to being intrigued.

Batwoman
I heard good things about this title. the fact Batwoman, if memory serves, is also a lesbian does not hurt none either.

Catwoman
I admit it. I am just here to see if this title's only good point is how shamelessly T&A it is supposed to be. We will see.

World's Finest
A Wave 2 title starring Huntress and Power Girl from Earth-2 (the alternate reality, not the short lived Sci-Fi show of the same name). Nuff said.

NOTE Due to the amount of titles and issues I would have to buy into to review I will not cover "Death of the Family".

IDW
Doctor Who Titles
Encompassing Volume 3, the 50th Anniversary Prisoners of Time, and later Classics TPBs.

Ghostbusters
Just because Ghostbusters 3 is dead it doesn't mean we can't follow the comic... right?

My Little Pony Friendship is Magic
Presently the last bastion for die hard Twilight Sparkle fans to get their adorkable purple book loving unicorn as she was meant to be.

Star Trek (2009 Universe)
Covering the Ongoing and all Into Darkness tie-ins.

Next Time (out of time!)
Part 2 wraps up the Sweet 16 with MARVEL Comics and Valiant, as well as an announcement on contacting all these publishers. See you next time!

Review Update (February 2nd)

Here's an updated list of titles I am reviewing for OMGComics!... notice how they're now balanced between four companies (DC, MARVEL, IDW and Valiant)

DC Comics
Batgirl
Batwoman
Catwoman
World's Finest (with Power Girl)

IDW
Doctor Who titles
Ghostbusters
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic
(NO ALICORNIFICATION OF TWILIGHT SPARKLE IDW! DON'T YOU DARE!!)
Star Trek (movie) titles

MARVEL
Guardians of the Galaxy
New Avengers
Superior Spider-Man
XX

Valiant
Archer and Armstrong
Bloodshot
Shadowman
X-O Manowar
(I will review Harbringer in TPB format sporatically)

Well that's the future line up. Presently I'm doing abit of trading for content all about, so I probably won't hit up Things From Another World again for awhile... but I should be doing that soon so stay tuned!

Could I... have a new home?

I think I do! Well, it's new to you in any case if you haven't been reading RKYV Online for awhile.

Returning back to full speed ahead with Issue #55 it's back and ready for you to check out shortly. And I might even be able to return reviewing wise there! Me so happy! I actually have a home (again)! Thank you Mr. Pare for taking me back in!

So updates on new reviews as I write them up here, and I'll let you know when the newest issues of RKYV Online is up for you to check out!

Now back to work!