COMIC SHOPS Adjusting To Coronavirus Concerns

MARCH 17, 2020

A Note to Our Fans... On behalf of all of us at AfterShock Comics, we want to let you know that we take the health of our fans, colleagues, creators and retail partners very seriously – no matter where in the world they happen to find themselves at this unprecedented time. Beyond continued good health and supporting all the precautions that continue to be promoted at various community and government levels, if there’s anything we would wish for you and your friends and family right now is that you find yourself able to continue to support your local comic shop. We’ve been impressed and somewhat comforted by the ways in which many shops across North America and around the world have already modified their businesses to ensure the ongoing safety of their employees, as well as to continue to serve you, the loyal AfterShock reader. The vast majority of comic shops have already put into place plans to get through the current COVID-19 outbreak – and they want to make it as easy and safe as possible for you to get your comics. If you’re not feeling up to your regular visit, many shops can arrange for curbside pickup and can take payment over the phone. Some have modified their operating hours or staggered suggested peak times to visit in the interest of social distancing. Some even offer the opportunity to buy online and have your comics and collections delivered straight to your door (often with free or reduced shipping). Never underestimate the ingenuity of comics people! As for us, we’re working as doggedly as ever to bring you the caliber of escapist fare that you expect from AfterShock. It’s been said that a situation like this, in which more and more people are being prompted (or in some cases, required) to stay at home, is a perfect opportunity to catch up on one’s reading. We couldn’t agree more. Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay AfterShock. HERE’S WHAT’S SHAKING THIS WEEK AT YOUR COMIC SHOP

ARTEMIS AND THE ASSASSIN #1 Writer: Stephanie Phillips Artists: Meghan Hetrick, Francesca Fantini NEW SERIES! What happens when a time-traveling assassin and a spy from 1944 try to kill each other? For a price, a top-secret assassination organization will travel through time and interfere with watershed moments. Trained as the agency’s top assassin, Maya is sent to kill Virginia Hall, the deadliest spy of WWII. Charged with carrying important plans about the invasion of Normandy to the allied troops, Virginia’s death would have a cataclysmic effect on WWII as we know it. “One of the strongest debut issues of 2020...rich with timely ideas, which the creative team builds into a genre-fluid sci-fi western story of giving into societal forces. This is a very well-done book that easily merits picking up its second issue.” – Comics Bookcase IN SHOPS: MARCH 18th CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW

UNDONE BY BLOOD #2 or The Shadow of a Wanted Man Writers: Lonnie Nadler and Zac Thompson Artist: Sami Kivelä Dead set on finding the man who murdered her family and without a lead to go on, Ethel does the only thing left to do – return to the scene of the crime. And with it, a flood of brutal memories wash over her, threatening to undo her quest for revenge. But Ethel isn't the only one confronting her past. Famed gunslinger Solomon Eaton is forced to rekindle old ties. Will they meet him with a handshake or a loaded gun? IN SHOPS: MARCH 18th CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW

BAD RECEPTION #4 Writer & Artist: Juan Doe With only a few remaining guests, the tables begin to turn as a shocking secret is revealed about Hashtag. A desperate plan is hatched to capture the hunter, but things go awry when the killer reveals a trap of his own — one that will forever change the relationship of the newlywed couple...if they live. IN SHOPS: MARCH 18th CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW

MIDNIGHT VISTA: THE COMPLETE SERIES Oliver Flores and his stepfather were turning right onto Midnight Vista Road when they were both abducted by aliens. To Oliver’s mother, they were both just missing. To the police, they were declared legally dead. And to everyone else growing up in Albuquerque, Oliver Flores was the “Milk Carton Kid,” his life the cautionary tale of an eight-year-old kidnapped and killed by his stepdad while out for some ice cream. But now – years later – a fully grown adult Oliver walks back into town. He has been returned...and he remembers everything. Based on a very personal, true story from writer Eliot Rahal (HOT LUNCH SPECIAL), with out-of-this-world art from Clara Meath, MIDNIGHT VISTA will make you believe in little grey men. Collects issues #1-5 of this bold and audacious science fiction/adventure series. “A solid sci-fi tale that should be taken up by all readers.” – SciFiPulse IN SHOPS: April 1st CLICK COVER FOR SELECT PREVIEW PAGES

FAST APPROACHING! Reserve Now at your Local Comic Shop. Click Covers for Previews! DEAD DAY #1 IN SHOPS: April 15th Writer: Ryan Parrott Artist: Evgeniy Bornyakov What’s been buried should stay buried. Order Deadline: March 23rd Order Code: FEB201403 LONELY RECEIVER #1 IN SHOPS: May 6th Writer: Zac Thompson Artist: Jen Hickman Love will drive you crazy. Order Deadline: April 13th Order Code: MAR201499 EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW Due to hit shelves in June, Steve Orlando and Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s KILL A MAN is powerfully inspiring original graphic novel that chronicles the complicated relationship between two fighters of different generations with a shared history. Illustrated by Al Morgan, the 128-page story braves new territory in its depiction of LGBTQA+ characters, themes and issues pitted against the backdrop of the world of Mixed Martial Arts. The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Orlando and Kennedy about the AfterShock title and offers a first look here. THE AFTERSHOCK ARMY WANTS YOU!

Join our team of brand ambassadors to comic shops across North America – especially if you’re in Portland, OR or Pittsburgh, PA! Visit AfterShockComics.com/AfterShock-Army for full details and to apply. Certain age, citizenship and other restrictions apply.

FIND A COMIC SHOP! CLICK HERE