IDW EuroComics brings QUEST OF EWILAN series to U.S.A.

Bestselling Pierre Bottero Novels Adapted to Gorgeous Graphic Novels, Providing First Visuals of the World of Gwendalavir Before Feature Film   from the IDW Publishing press release . . . . SAN DIEGO, CA (April 17, 2018) — EuroComics proudly presents the English-language debut of The Quest of Ewilan, Vol. 1: From One World to Another, the first chapter in the sequential adaption of Pierre Bottero's bestselling novel series and a whimsical adventure featuring strong female characters, in the tradition of Lewis' Narnia and L'Engle's Time Quartet. Scripted by Lylian and illustrated by Laurence Baldetti, The Quest of Ewilan, Vol. 1 will be available in stores in September. In this epic grand fantasy, 13-year-old Camille’s life is forever changed when, trying to avoid an oncoming truck, she passes through a portal to a parallel world called Gwendalavir. She’s immediately threatened by creatures called Ts’liches, who claim that they’ve been searching for her so they can kill her! Luckily she’s zapped back home, but her best friend Salim is skeptical of her story…until giant spiders attack them from the other side. Once back in Gwendalavir, she learns that she is originally from that other world, the daughter of two powerful magicians who sent her to our world for her own protection. Camille has inherited a tremendous gift — magic drawing, the ability to manifest things by creating a mental image of them. As the battle for two worlds intensifies, she hones the skills that might be a decisive weapon in the struggle of her people to regain power and restore freedom and dignity to Gwendalavir. The Quest for Ewilan, Vol. 1: From One World to Another 8.5″ x 11″ | Hardcover | Full color | 64 pages | $14.99 | 978-1-68405-325-4 Creator Bios: Pierre Bottero (b. 1964) grew up Provence, France, where he worked as a primary school teacher before turning to writing full time. He's best known for his Gwendalavir series, made up of four complete trilogies and an unfinished fifth. He died in 2009. Lylian has been writing comics since 2004 and currently writes several series, both adaptations and original stories. Laurence Baldetti was born in Nice and studied comics, illustration, and sculpture at the Emile Cohl school in Lyon. The Quest of Ewilan is her first major comics work. She has also created the two-volume Perle Blanche with Sébastien Floc'h.

ZORRO returns to comics at American Mythology in August

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Here’s a new title from another local publisher, based in Maryland.  Read below for more details on a new ZORRO series, courtesy of the American Mythology press release . . . . .

American Mythology Announces, under license from Zorro Productions, Inc., the August 2018 debut of the Swords of Hell Miniseries

April 17, 2018: In advance of next year’s landmark 100-year anniversary of the character, American Mythology is proud to announce that Zorro – the swashbuckling adventurer of literature and film – will return to comics in August 2018 with a bold and unexpected twist:, the Zorro tales will have a supernatural bent, pitting the famed hero against demons, vampires, and all forms of paranormal evil. Zorro: Swords of Hell, the first miniseries of the Maryland-based publisher’s thrilling new western horror direction, will be written by David Avallone (Bettie Page, Twilight Zone: The Shadow), illustrated by Roy Allan Martinez (House of M, Immortal Iron Fist), and colored by Enrica Angiolini(Warhammer 40,000, Eternal Thirst of Dracula).   John Gertz, President of Zorro Productions, Inc. stated: "For decades we have utilized a fresh, innovative approach with top talent to enhance the Zorro's universe of characters, the Zorro brand & franchise." Gertz continued: "Our relationship with American Mythology is yet another example of our commitment to our fans and Zorro!".   In Swords of Hell #1, wealthy playboy Don Diego de la Vega celebrates the defeat of his nemesis, the villainous Alcalde Quintero, by his secret alter-ego Zorro with a joyous celebration at his hacienda… but unknown to de la Vega and his beloved Lolita, his actions have set a terrible vengeance in motion. A dark power has risen in Alta California, an unstoppable horde of demonic horsemen intent on bringing Hell to Earth, and Zorro – the defender of the people – must use every weapon, every skill, every ounce of strength and resolve to bring this infernal incursion to heel.   Writer David Avallone says, “I’ve been a big fan of Zorro since I was a kid, when my father sat me down to watch one of his very favorite movies: the 1940 Tyrone Power Mark of Zorro. It became one of my favorites, too… and still is! I was thrilled when American Mythology asked me to write such an iconic pulp hero; the guy who showed the Shadow and Batman how it’s done. And as a long-time resident of Los Angeles, it’s a kick to visit my beloved city 200 years ago, and play off what it was then and what it was fated to become.”   Avallone, an expert in pulp storytelling, having worked with such icons as Doc Savage, Vampirella, The Shadow, and Bettie Page, relished at the prospect of exploring a western horror direction for the hero. “I’m excited to confront Zorro with supernatural foes. We’ve all seen him swashbuckling his way through armies of Spanish Empire troops, but the ‘Swords of Hell’ are the greatest challenge he’s ever faced," says Avallone. "Zorro will have to dig deep into his bag of tricks, and ride down some unfamiliar roads to free Los Angeles from their demonic yoke of oppression.”   Editor-in-Chief Mike Wolfer says, “As with our Edgar Rice Burroughs titles (Carson of Venus, The Land That Time Forgot, The Moon Maid, Pellucidar), American Mythology sets out to develop new stories set in fan-favorite worlds firmly-established over 100 years ago… so rest assured, our Zorro comics will respect the hero as everyone knows and loves him to be. But when considering the hundreds of Zorro comics that have come before, we needed a twist to make our new tales unique – and we all immediately agreed that our new American Mythology stories would all have supernatural horror overtones. We might not have seen those elements in many previous Zorro comics, but that doesn't mean that such stories didn't happen. Maybe in the past, those adventures were just too horrifying to tell, but now, they will be told!”   The debut issue of Zorro: Swords of Hell features a wide selection of cover variants, providing fans and retailers with the freedom of choice:   Main Cover by interior artist Roy Allan Martinez “Demon Fury” Variant by S.L. Gallant (G.I. Joe, Marvel Adventures: The Avengers) “Classic Nostalgia” Variant by Jon Pinto (Stargate Atlantis) “Visions of Zorro” Limited Edition Variant, by cartooning legend Alex Toth (Super Friends, The Herculoids), limited to a print run of only 450 comics  “Blank Sketch” Variant, perfect for professional and aspiring artists to illustrate   Zorro, “The Fox,” was created in 1919 by the writer Johnston McCulley for his serialized novel The Curse of Capistrano. This story was the first of 65 immensely popular prose tales in which the romantic hero fought injustice in Spanish California’s Pueblo de Los Angeles. In the century since, Zorro has been an omnipresent figure in pop culture, the star of novels, comic books, cartoons, television, and feature films.   Zorro: Swords of Hell #1 will be advance solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' May 2018 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in August. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies with their local comic book retailers.   ABOUT ZORRO PRODUCTIONS INC.   Zorro Productions Inc. controls the worldwide trademarks and copyrights in the name, visual likeness and the character of Zorro. The brand is represented worldwide for all media and ancillary products direct and through a network of agents. John Gertz, President and CEO, has been guiding the brand for over forty years through major films, television, stage productions, videogames, publishing projects, licensing/merchandising and promotions with thousands of licensed products. The corporate offices are located in Berkeley, California. http://www.zorro.com     ABOUT AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY:   American Mythology is the product of over two decades of hard-earned experience in marketing, development, printing, distributing, and creating best-selling editorial in the comic book field. Supported by a veteran, award-winning team of artists, writers, and creative contributors, American Mythology develops a rapidly-growing title base that encompasses pop culture icons of the past six decades, top shelf children’s entertainment, and original, cutting-edge contemporary fiction. Representative titles include Stargate Atlantis, The Three Stooges, The Pink Panther, Underdog, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Equilibrium, Hatchet, Rocky & Bullwinkle, just to name a few.

“Demon Fury” Variant by S.L. Gallant (G.I. Joe, Marvel Adventures: The Avengers)

“Classic Nostalgia” Variantby Jon Pinto (Stargate Atlantis)

“Visions of Zorro” Limited Edition Variant, by cartooning legend Alex Toth (Super Friends, The Herculoids), limited to a print run of only 450 comics

“Blank Sketch” Variant, perfect for professional and aspiring artists to illustrate

Local Philadelphia area publisher announces new comics title

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here’s some news from a small comics publisher in our own backyard - - - 215 INK. Read below for more details on their latest title . . . . . .

Follow the adventures of Z - the last human in existence, as he bounty hunts his way across the universe in this critically-acclaimed space opera/sci-fi adventure that Comic Bastards called "Best of 2016". Darryl Knickrehm's The Immortal is a unique take on comic storytelling - 64-page issues in an 8-issue series, to be released bi-monthly starting in August.         The Immortal follows a human bounty hunter with the ability to be resurrected when killed in the line of duty. The only drawback? Each time he resurrects, another piece of his memory falls away. This monumental, character-driven mystery will center around Z and his hunt for those responsible for the annihilation of the human race. Written and illustrated by Knickrehm, The Immortal shows off an illustrative style that's clean and full of depth paired with evocative gray scaling. In fact, Fanboy Nation said, "Black & White hasn't looked this cool since Cerberus." Knickrehm's mature perspective and adult themes bring to mind big-budget contemporary cable TV dramas, delivered in filling, 64-page portions. Look for The Immortal in the June edition of Previews World. We're very proud and excited to have Darryl and The Immortal be a part of the 215 Ink crew. Darryl comes to comics from the world of film, where he did the festival circuit with his short films and co-founded the Kansai International Film Festival in Japan. He also has a comic coming out with Mark Bertolini - The Argus - with Action Lab later this year. Look for Darryl and The Immortal to make a big splash soon! About 215 Ink: 215 Ink is an independent book publisher based in Philadelphia, PA, dedicated to showcasing the most original creator-owned titles from the best up-and-coming creators. Formed in 2010 with a single title, Massive Awesome, the company now publishes more than thirty titles both in print and digitally.   For more:  http://dariru.com http://www.215ink.com   ThINK Bigger

Preview: NINJA-K #7 begins new story in May

First Look: NINJA-K #7 Is Putting A Team Together With Christos Gage & Juan José Ryp – In Stores May!



From the official Valiant Entertainment press release . . . . .

Valiant is proud to present your first look inside NINJA-K #7, the next chapter of the EXPLOSIVE NEW ONGOING SERIES by renowned writer Christos Gage (Netflix’s Daredevil) and incendiary artist Juan José Ryp (BRITANNIA)! On May 16th, “THE COALITION” delivers another fatal strike against Colin King, the elite secret agent known as Ninjak, as he forges new alliances to face off against an unfathomable threat!

For decades, the mysterious figure known as the Jonin trained and tutored the agents of MI6’s Ninja Programme. In his hands, the men and women of Britain’s most elite secret service were refined into more than spies… They became human weapons capable of inflicting extraordinary damage and defying the laws of nature itself. Now, after decades thought dead, this master killer has resurfaced…and recruited a new circle of undying, seemingly ageless powerhouses from across the Valiant Universe for reasons unknown. The Jonin’s revenge will cast a long shadow – and, to meet it head on, Ninjak has assembled his own squadron of heavy-hitting heroes – including Livewire, Dr. Mirage, Punk Mambo, and GIN-GR – for the ultimate black-ops mission!

On May 16th, master storytellers Christos Gage and Juan José Ryp unleash NINJA-K #7, the next chapter in an international super-spy thriller colliding Valiant’s newest superteams together in an untold show of force – featuring covers by Tonci Zonjic (Who is Jake Ellis?), Alan Quah (Orphan Black), Clayton Crain (RAI), andDas Pastoras (The Mighty Thor)!

Plus: Get caught up on the hidden history of MI6’s deadliest agents with the NINJA-K VOL. 1: THE NINJA FILES TPB – collecting the series’ senses-shattering first arc from acclaimed writer Christos Gage and superstar artist Tomás Giorello (X-O MANOWAR), in stores now for just $9.99! For nearly a century, MI6, the most elite branch of Britain's clandestine intelligence service, has honed a ruthlessly effective, top-secret division - THE NINJA PROGRAMME - into one of its nation's most finely wielded weapons. But now... an unknown enemy is hunting and killing members of THE NINJA PROGRAMME one by one – and NINJAK is next on the list...

NINJA-K #7
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover A by TONCI ZONJIC (MAR182008)
Cover B by ALAN QUAH (MAR182009)
Interlocking Variant by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAR182010)
Ninjak Icon Variant by DAS PASTORAS (MAR182011)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale MAY 16th (FOC – 4/23/2018)

NINJA-K VOL. 1: THE NINJA FILES TPB
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Art by TOMÁS GIORELLO with ARIEL OLIVETTI, JUAN JOSÉ RYP, and ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
$9.99 | 160 pgs. | T+ | On Sale NOW!
TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-259-1

NINJA-K #7 – Cover A by Tonci Zonjic


NINJA-K #7 – Cover B by Alan Quah


NINJA-K #7 – Interior Art by Juan José Ryp


NINJA-K #7 – Interior Art by Juan José Ryp


NINJA-K #7 – Interior Art by Juan José Ryp


NINJA-K #7 – Interior Art by Juan José Ryp


NINJA-K #7 – Interior Art by Juan José Ryp

 

Winners announced for THIS IS HORROR AWARDS 2017

This Is Horror Awards 2017: The Winners

• EDITOR’S NOTE:  This is a true fan award, and a great suggestion for a want-to-read list for horror aficionados. The best of the best.  Every year, the THIS IS HORROR website polls its’ readers who get to select their favorites from the list of nominees.  Check out the website for great news and updates on all aspects of contemporary horror.  Also look into supporting the website through Patreon and find out all the extras you can receive by supporting This Is Horror every month.  Go here . . . . . . http://www.thisishorror.co.uk

Novel of the Year

Winner: I Wish I Was Like You by S.P. Miskowski
Runner-up: In the Valley of the Sun by Andy Davidson

“I’m honored, and surprised. Thanks to everyone who voted. Thanks to my publisher, JournalStone. This Is Horror sets a high standard for inquiry and discussion without a hint of elitism or pretentiousness. The site’s reviews, articles, and interviews are offered in the best spirit of horror, which is (after all) a leveler, an admission of vulnerability. Horror embodies the knowledge that we may be smart and pretty and popular and well-off but at four a.m., alone with our worst fears and suspicions, we are all scared animals waiting for daybreak. I’ll try to live up to the honor of the award by staying true to that spirit. Thank you!”

—S.P. Miskowski, author of I Wish I Was Like You
THIS IS HORROR NOVEL OF THE YEAR

Novella of the Year

Winner: Mapping The Interior by Stephen Graham Jones
Runner-up: Agents of Dreamland by Caitlin R. Kiernan

“This is amazing, I’m floored, thank you thank you, voters, thank you, This is Horror, and thank you, Ellen Datlow, for getting me to write this one, and to the Tor.com team for, first, making it such a beautiful little book, and second, for getting it out into everybody’s hands and heads and hearts. This is a serious honor. Long live the form of the novella.”

—Stephen Graham Jones, author of Mapping The Interior
THIS IS HORROR NOVELLA OF THE YEAR

Short Story Collection of the Year

Winner: Behold the Void by Philip Fracassi
Runner-up: Everything That’s Underneath by Kristi DeMeester

“Wow. This is crazy. Thank you so very much to everyone who voted for Behold the Void. I was honored to be included as a nominee and am stunned to have my book voted ‘Best Story Collection of the Year.’ I have been deeply moved by the reception my debut story collection has received from readers and reviewers, and to now get this award leaves me speechless with gratitude. Thanks also to Michael Wilson and Bob Pastorella at This Is Horror, amazing advocates of this fantastic, weird and horrifying industry.”

—Philip Fracassi, author of Behold The Void
THIS IS HORROR SHORT STORY COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

Anthology of the Year

Winner: Looming Low Volume I, edited by Justin Steele and Sam Cowan
Runner-up: Black Feathers: Dark Avian Tales: An Anthology, edited by Ellen Datlow

“Wow! Thanks to everyone who voted for Looming Low Volume I. I’m absolutely thrilled that it has won a This Is Horror award, especially against such stiff competition. Justin and I received a number of great submissions and it was tough to choose the final table of contents but we were both very satisfied with how it turned out. Justin did the lion’s share of the editing, including the story order, and deserves a lot of credit for the final book. And another big thank you to everyone who shared social media posts, left reviews on Goodreads or Amazon, and helped promote the book in general. Cheers!”

—Sam Cowan, editor of Looming Low Volume I
THIS IS HORROR ANTHOLOGY OF THE YEAR

“Whoa, this sure is flattering! Looming Low was quite a large project with many people involved. I’m really proud with how it turned out, the authors did an excellent job, and the cover artists gave us some gorgeous art. I’d like to thank them all, and thank all the people who took the time to read the book. Cheers!”

—Justin Steele, editor of Looming Low Volume I
THIS IS HORROR ANTHOLOGY OF THE YEAR

Fiction Magazine of the Year

Winner: Black Static
Runner-up: Apex Magazine

“This is a wonderful surprise. On behalf of all Black Static staff and contributors many thanks to everybody who voted for us.”

—Andy Cox, editor of Black Static
THIS IS HORROR FICTION MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

Publisher of the Year

Winner: Crystal Lake Publishing 
Runner-up: Journalstone

“First I’d like to thank This Is Horror and the fans who voted for us. It’s such an honour. Then I’d also like to thank everyone who supports small presses and authors. I’ve been in this business now for about six years, and it’s a tough one. I’ve seen publishers come and go for various reasons, and I’ve learned from each one. So if you find a small press with quality products you enjoy, that supports authors and fellow creators and treats them with respect and loyalty, please continue supporting them by buying their books and telling others about them. Most publishers I know do this out of love and passion, but without your continued support, no matter how little, that passion will eventually die. ”

—Joe Mynhardt, CEO of Crystal Lake Publishing
THIS IS HORROR PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

Fiction Podcast of the Year

Winner: Pseudopod
Runner-up: Nightmare Magazine Podcast 

“The Editors would like to thank the This Is Horror Podcast and their audience for bestowing on us this honor for a second time. It is both humbling and heartening to know that our work means so much to so many, and that the quality we strive for is appreciated. Please spread the word—we have so many more things to show you in the dark.”

—Shawn Garrett and Alex Hofelich, co-editors of Pseudopod
THIS IS HORROR FICTION PODCAST OF THE YEAR

“We’re amazed and grateful to This is Horror readers and listeners for voting us the Best Fiction podcast for a second year! Massive thanks to all our writers, narrators and staff. And massive thanks too to the other finalists. This is an amazing time to be working in horror podcasting and it’s an honor to stand with them. And as ever, we’ll have more true stories for you this week.”

—Alasdair Stuart, host of Pseudopod
THIS IS HORROR FICTION PODCAST OF THE YEAR

Nonfiction Podcast of the Year

Winner: The Horror Show with Brian Keene
Runner-up: Lovecraft eZine Podcast

“I’m honored and humbled. Our goal has always been to teach about horror’s past, its present, and its future, and it is wonderful to see the support for that endeavor. On behalf of myself, Dave Thomas, Mary SanGiovanni, Mike Lombardo, Coop, Phoebe, and Dungeonmaster 77.1, thank you!”

—Brian Keene, host of The Horror Show with Brian Keene
THIS IS HORROR NONFICTION PODCAST OF THE YEAR

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Donations earn changes for SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON trip

Don’t Miss Out on San Diego Comic-Con® Another Year

SAN DIEGO, CA (April 19, 2018) — Traveling Stories and IDW are proud to launch the annual San Diego Comic-Con® sweepstakes, a contest which will last through June 13th at 3:00pm PT.
 
Those who enter have a chance of winning the following ultimate experience package:
●          Two 4-day passes to sold-out Comic-Con®
●          Airfare for 2 within the continental U.S.
●          Four nights stay at the Wyndham Bayside in San Diego Gaslamp district
●          An exclusive tour of the San Diego Comic Art Gallery with Ted Adams, CEO of IDW
●          Airport pickup and shuttle to the gallery, and then to the hotel
 
Anyone in the world can enter! $10 gives you 10 chances to win. Each additional $1 is another chance - the math is simple. Every dollar is a donation to Traveling Stories, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that empowers kid to outsmart poverty by helping them fall in love with reading by the 4th grade.
 
"I've always been an avid reader, even when I was little. I’m excited that through this sweepstakes we’re able to raise the funds needed to give kids in underprivileged areas the same literary experience I was lucky enough to have," said Ted Adams, Founder & CEO of IDW Publishing. 
 
How to snag entries in the sweepstakes is easy, fast, and secure via: https://travelingstories.tapkat.org/win2018comic-conexperience?utm_source=Marketing+-+Media+Lists&utm_campaign=a4317f0653-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_04_12&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b0dc13b2d9-a4317f0653-82868785&mc_cid=a4317f0653&mc_eid=b1822bf1af. Just follow the steps from there!
 
“Anyone who does not have tickets to San Diego Comic-Con® would be crazy to not enter this sweepstakes! It’s a full and complete package including a cool tour of the Comic Art Gallery with me,” said Emily Moberly, Founder and CEO of Traveling Stories.
 
To learn more about Traveling Stories and its programs, please visit travelingstories.org.

SONIC dashes off with second printing, sell-outs

from the IDW Publishing press release . . . . .

Second Printing of Issue #1 and First Printings of Issue #2 and #3 Sell Out,
IDW Rushes New Printings to Meet Fan and Retailer Demand

SAN DIEGO, CA (April 19, 2018) – IDW Publishing is proud to announce that the first three issues of the new Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series has sold out at the Distributor level and will receive further printings. In addition to the complete sell-out of issue #2 and #3, each within a week of their release, issue #1's second printing sold out only six days after its announcement. To satisfy fans and retailers, IDW will make Sonic the Hedgehog #1 Third Printing and Sonic the Hedgehog #2 Second Printing available in stores on Wednesday, May 16th, with Sonic the Hedgehog #3 Second Printing slated for release on May 23rd.

The heat on Sonic the Hedgehog marks a huge success for IDW Publishing, who is launching their first-ever Sonic series with weekly releases throughout the month of April. Each of the first four issues of Sonic the Hedgehog — written by longtime Sonic scribe Ian Flynn and illustrated by rotating artists Tracy Yardley, Adam Bryce Thomas, Jennifer Hernandez, and Evan Stanley — focuses on a different guest star (Tails in issue #1, Amy Rose in #2, and Knuckles in #3, leading into the debut of the hotly anticipated new character Tangle in issue #4).

Reviews of Sonic the Hedgehog have been overwhelmingly positive, including:

“Ian Flynn and company know how to perfect a Sonic the Hedgehog comic book. It is action-packed, heartwarming, and funny, which is everything that I wanted Sonic the Hedgehog to continue to be under IDW.” — Nathan Koffler from Comics: The Gathering

“With a veteran team of Sonic creators at its helm, Sonic the Hedgehog... shines. Packed with enough action to ground the series -- and enough intrigue to keep it going -- this is sure to be a good read for old and new fans alike.” — Jeremiah Johnstonof Comicsverse

“A showcase of the sheer brilliance of all-ages comics… Fun, punchy, and gorgeous to look at, this book combines the fine recipe of a lovable mascot, a colorful cast, an ageless sense of humor and an incredible art team to whip up a hit for the oldest fan or the youngest reader alike.” — Connor Stephens of Big Comic Page

For more information on securing copies of the IDW’s new printings, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

To stay current on Sonic the Hedgehog news, follow Sonic on Twitter and Instagram, like him on Facebook, and subscribe to the Twitch channel and YouTube channel. For the latest news on the Sonic the Hedgehog comic, make sure to join the “IDW Sonic Comics Squad” group on Facebook.