News

Ever since 2011, Gabriel Macht has been known for his role in the legal drama, Suits. Although the actor has built a reputation for himself as the iconic yet terrifying Harvey Specter, his success came years before he joined the series. In fact, the 52-year-old had already been a part of quite a few major films and franchises like The Spirit, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Sex and the City.

Gabriel Macht in Suits | Credits: USA Network

Seven years before he donned the sharp suits and power ties that would define his iconic role, Macht starred in a lesser-known film alongside two major stars, Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta. The movie, A Love Song for Bobby Long, was released in 2004 with a modest budget of $1.8 million, but it has since become a hidden gem for fans of all three actors.

Gabriel Macht shares his thoughts on A Love Song for Bobby Long...

Titan Comics has collected and will release Will Eisner’s “John Law”, the 1948 comic book series that predated Eisner’s “The Spirit”, from the publisher’s Hard Case Crime imprint, available March 2025:

“…wherever men live, be they nomads or city dwellers, there they must have law and a man to enforce it. Meet ‘Detective John Law’ of ‘Crossroads City’.

“Strong, decent, hardworking and hard-nosed. He’s a man who believes in the law and order. He’s the last of a dying breed…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Sometimes there’s a creator whose work you like, and you keep checking to see if they have anything new, and they just don’t. For a decade or two. You’re pretty sure they’re still out there, and you hope they’re doing something fun and interesting. You may have the secret hope, most famously centered around J.D. Salinger, that the creator is just piling up lots of Good Stuff, kept unpublished for idiosyncratic reasons, and you will eventually get to see all of that on some glorious future day.

Michael T. Gilbert is one of those, for me. I liked his Mr. Monster stories both in the ’80s, with goofy, near-parody humor/horror style, and in the ’90s, when he retooled in a more serious mode for an “Origins” series. And I gather he’s had some random Mr. Monster stories since then, but nothing regular. I...

Whether it’s superhero fatigue or something else, there’s no denying that the MCU and the DC Universe are falling on hard times. Secret Invasion set record lows for Marvel, as did the reviews for Ant-Man the Wasp: Quantumania, and The Flash stumbled to become the lowest money maker in Warner Bros. history.

But let’s get a little perspective, shall we? These movies aren’t great, but superhero movies are, on the whole, better than what came before the MCU launched in 2008. Throughout the 80s and 90s, superhero movies were almost embarrassed to be about superheroes, forcing Batman into a lame revenge plot for the 1989 film and refusing to let Frank Castle wear his death’s head logo in the Cannon Films direct-to-video release. With the embrace of the genre has come better effects, brighter costumes, and outrageous plots that better reflect the high stakes the genre demands.

It is a shame that despite the title of the superhero Blue Beetle existing since the Golden Age of comics, right since the debut of biggies like Superman and Batman, even the franchise fans don’t know much about him. Fans of DC comics have an idea about the importance of legacies in the franchise, and Blue Beetle is one of those characters who exemplifies that perfectly. Since the beginning, three distinctive versions of the character have been created for three different generations of readers, all unique in their own way yet connected by a defined lore at the same time.

Although, on paper, Blue Beetle is the fourteenth entry of the Dceu, it is largely disconnected from the near-defunct universe’s world-building and instead will be treated as an unofficial entry of the upcoming Dcu. From that aspect, the introduction of Blue Beetle early in the newly formed universe...

For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…

John Gallagher...

Al Jaffe, the storied cartoonist who created two staple features of Mad magazine, the “Fold-In” and “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions,” died Monday, April 10, The New York Times reports. He was 102.

Jaffee’s granddaughter, Fani Thomson, confirmed his death, saying it was caused by multi-system organ failure.

Jaffee enjoyed a Guinness World Record-setting 77 years as a professional cartoonist, starting in 1942 and ending just a couple of years ago, in June 2020, when he finally decided to retire at the age of 99. He started working for Mad in 1955, three years after its founding,...

Al Jaffee, the trailblazing and culture-bending cartoonist for Mad magazine, has died. He was 102.

Jaffee, who celebrated his birthday March 13, died Monday in a Manhattan hospital of multisystem organ failure, his granddaughter Fani Thomson told The New York Times.

Jaffee was known for a number of Mad’s trademark features, including Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions and the “fold-in,” the drawing that ran on the back inside cover of every issue and could be revealed by folding the page vertically and inward.

Mad launched in 1952 at the height of anti-communist fervor and Jaffee arrived as a contributor three years later. When he retired in 2020 at age 99, he was the magazine’s longest-tenured contributor, though he always worked freelance and never was on staff.

“No one knew that Mad was going to go on for 50 or 60 years. I figured, ‘All right, I’ll do the best I can with Mad for as long as it lasts,...

What should be a fresh start for a family turns into a living nightmare when they discover their living quarters at an apartment building is already home to centuries-old hauntings in the comic book series Lot 13.

Written by Steve Niles and featuring artwork by Glenn Fabry, Lot 13 was originally published by DC Comics from 2012–2013, and we're thrilled (and chilled) to exclusively announce that Dark Horse Books will be collecting the entire series in trade paperback for the first time!

The Lot 13 trade paperback will be released in comic shops on May 3rd, 2023, followed by a bookstore release on May 16th!

Below, we have the official press release with additional details and a look at the cover art for Lot 13, and to pre-order the Lot 13 trade paperback, visit Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore. — Dark Horse Books presents Lot 13, a terrifying horror story from the minds of Steve...

Whether it's The Halloween Tree or The October Country or Something Wicked This Way Comes, autumn is a wonderful time to read (or reread) Ray Bradbury's classic works. It's an especially perfect time of year, then, for Fantagraphics to publish Home to Stay!: The Complete Ray Bradbury EC Stories (featuring 28 Bradbury stories adapted by EC Comics in the 1950s), and we've been provided with "The Handler" story for Daily Dead readers to enjoy in its entirety ahead of the collection's October 18th publication!

Based on Bradbury's short story of the same name that was published in the 1947 collection Dark Carnival, "The Handler" (with artwork by Graham Ingels and a script by Al Feldstein) can be read in its entirety below!

We also have the official press release with additional details, and to learn more about Home to Stay!: The Complete Ray Bradbury EC Stories, visit:

https://www.

Will Eisner’s groundbreaking 1978 graphic novel A Contract With God is being developed into a stage musical featuring music by Sam Hollander, Lisa Loeb, Matisyahu, Ryan Miller and Jill Sobule.

Teg+, the recently launched venture of Broadway producer Vivek J. Tiwary, has acquired the stage rights, and Hollander, who has composed songs for Panic! At The Disco, One Direction and Katy Perry, will serve as music producer.

Teg+ is currently in the process of securing a book writer for the musical adaptation.

First published in 1978, A Contract With God is considered a pioneering effort in the history of graphic novels, and consists of four interweaving stories revolving chronicling the lives of various New Yorkers — many Jewish and many immigrants — living in a fictional tenement house.

In announcing the project today, Teg+ said “All of the members of the songwriting team are Jewish musicians and composers wishing to honor their Jewish...

Director Steven Spielberg has added DC Comics' 1941 World War II action title "Blackhawk", to his feature film slate with Warner Bros.:

"It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring 'Ready Player One' to the screen", said Spielberg. 

""They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre. I am excited to reunite with them on 'Blackhawk'..."

Created by Chuck Cuidera with input from both Bob Powell and "The Spirit" illustrator Will Eisner, 'Blackhawk' debuted in Quality Comics' "Military Comics" #1 (August 1941), with 'Blackhawk'. leading a 7-member team of World War II-era ace pilots of varied nationalities.  

"...the 'Blackhawks' operate from 'Blackhawk Island', fly 'Grumman XF5F Skyrocket' planes...

"...and shout their battle cry of 'Hawk-a-a-a!' as they descend from the skies to fight tyranny and oppression.

"Clad in matching blue and black uniforms,...

There’s a peculiar mix of older graphic novels and new graphic novels in our home right now. The new stuff is all part of a top-secret project I’m working on with my daughter, Tess. We can’t let the cat out of the bag yet, but you can check out her showcase of street art for the sneak peek tease. (And now that I think about it, who even puts cats into bags ?!?)

I’m struck by the wide variety of engaging, superlative creative endeavors we cram under the umbrella term “graphic novel.” While there’s one line of thinking that argues Geek Culture has outgrown the phrase “graphic novel,” it’s still handy and flexible enough for hardcore fans, casual fans, librarians, and bookstore owners.

Here are a few of the so-called Old Graphic Novels floating around here:

Fiction Illustrated Vol. 3 featured Chandler and was originally presented...

There's no doubt that the landscape of modern-day comics (and, by extension, comic book film adaptations) would not be quite what it is today without Len Wein, who co-created two of the most intriguing characters in comic book history. It is with heavy hearts, then, that we share the news of the innovative writer and editor's passing at the age of 69.

The news of Wein's passing comes from multiple sources, including DC Comics and Variety. The cause of death has not been announced, but fans of Wein who keep up on his Twitter account know that he has been undergoing surgeries in recent years, including getting a new heart valve in 2016.

After Wein began writing for DC Comics in the late 1960s, there was no looking back, as he went on to make his mark on comic book history by co-creating Swamp Thing with Bernie Wrightson (who also passed away...

Do you remember the name of the first comic book you ever experienced? I do. It was a copy of DC Comics’ Mutt and Jeff, one of the very first daily newspaper comic strips and purportedly the first to be anthologized in what we today consider the comic book format. It was made as a subscription inducement giveaway.

This happened to me sometime around late 1953 or early 1954, when I was three years old. Okay, I was precocious (a synonym for “obnoxious”) but hardly anybody was that precocious. No, the comic book was read to me by my sister. Being almost seven years older, and much to her understandable chagrin, she was pressed into service as my babysitter. That certainly pegs her as precocious as well.

Marcia picked up a comic book from her stack, Mutt & Jeff #34, March 1952, and proceeded to read it to me. My sister had taste: that issue...

Dare2Draw is one of those cool events that I never want to miss and am always so happy after attending.

Founded by Charles David Chenet (now its Executive Director), Dare2Draw may seem like a comics-drawing class at first glance but it’s really so much more. In fact, this Saturday’s event will be celebrating the works and legacies of comic pioneers Will Eisner and Jack Kirby and celebrating their Centennial mark in the sequential arts.

Chenet describes this long-running organization as a mentoring, supportive and networking organization for artists of all levels. Dare2Draw is also designed to cultivate the awareness of and appreciation for the study of sequential art, and to the “furtherance and preservation of the comic book medium’s contributions to literacy, art, and culture, through outreach programs, events, and projects.”

I find these events to be invigorating. They are part drawing class, part lecture,...

It's been announced that Dark Horse Comics, Guillermo del Toro, and Universal Brand Development have teamed up to create Trollhunters: The Secret History of Trollkind, a continuation of Trollhunters' main protagonist, Jim Lake Jr.'s story in comic form. Continue reading for more details on the comic and a look at the cover artwork.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (July 18, 2017)—From Dark Horse Comics, Guillermo del Toro, and Universal Brand Development, comes a graphic novel with further adventures for DreamWorks Animation Television’s Trollhunters’ teenage hero, Jim Lake, Jr., in Trollhunters: The Secret History of Trollkind. Trollhunters executive producer and writer Marc Guggenheim and How to Train Your Dragon graphic novel writer Richard Hamilton work alongside Trollhunters creator and executive producer Guillermo del Toro to co-write this companion tale to the Emmy-winning Netflix series! Timothy Green II (Avenger’s Academy, Justice League: 3001) provides his artistic skills to...

If you're fond of Mike Mignola's fiery comic book creation and you want to raise a little hell with your next drink, then you might want to add Hellboy Hell Water Cinnamon Whiskey to your liquor cabinet. The new whiskey is now available from Dark Horse Comics, XXX Distillery LLC, and Prestige Imports LLC, and it never hurts to have a bottle on hand in case the B.P.R.D. shows up at your front door.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (May 22, 2017)—The first ever whiskey based on Mike Mignola’s legendary Hellboy comic book character was announced officially today by Dark Horse Comics, XXX Distillery LLC and Prestige Imports LLC. Hellboy Hell Water Cinnamon Whiskey is a craft distilled, small batch, naturally flavored cinnamon whiskey retailing for $19.99 for a 750ml bottle. The 66.6 proof Hellboy Hell Water Cinnamon Whiskey is available nationally and can be ordered at www.hellboyhellwater.

This episode takes a look at Criterion from the artistic lens, as we talk film with illustrators Caitlin Kuhwald and Michele Rosenthal. Caitlin has designed covers for Amarcord, The Organizer, To Be or Not to Be, Here Comes Mr. Jordan, and many more. Michele has designed images inspired by her “Affection” of Criterion. We talk about the July announcements, Twin Peaks, Buena Vista Social Club, Trips to Italy, and all sorts of other topics.

Episode Notes

8:00 – July Announcements

32:00 – Newsletter Clue – Fire Walk With Me

38:30 – Buena Vista Social Club

42:30 – Jonathan Demme Rip

46:00 – Short Takes (Diabolique, A Taste of Honey, Woman of the Year)

54:00 – FilmStruck

Episode Links Criterion Now Facebook Group Criterion Close-Up 24 – With Caitlin Kuhwald Criterion Close-Up 34 – With Michele Rosenthal The Mean Magenta Will Eisner Sam Spratt (artist of The Lure poster) Episode Credits Aaron West: Twitter | Website | Letterboxd Caitlin Kuhwald: Website | Twitter | Instagram Michele...

For some odd reason, over the past several decades many a wannabe comics creator has consulted me for advice. That’s quite nice; it makes me feel like I might know something. Of course, that also means I’ve been around the block so many times I’m prone to tripping over my own tracks. That’s the yin and yang of life.

No matter who the victim wannabe is, be that person a writer wannabe, an artist wannabe, or in extremely rare and unusual cases an editor wannabe, there are several chunks of hot glowing wisdom that I try to impart. Now you, if you’re a wannabe or you’re simply comics-curious, get to experience some of these radiant pearls without having to suffer through what I alone like to think of as “my sense of humor.”

I shall start with the most important lesson of them all.

For some odd reason, over the past several decades many a wannabe comics creator has consulted me for advice. That’s quite nice; it makes me feel like I might know something. Of course, that also means I’ve been around the block so many times I’m prone to tripping over my own tracks. That’s the yin and yang of life.

No matter who the victim wannabe is, be that person a writer wannabe, an artist wannabe, or in extremely rare and unusual cases an editor wannabe, there are several chunks of hot glowing wisdom that I try to impart. Now you, if you’re a wannabe or you’re simply comics-curious, get to experience some of these radiant pearls without having to suffer through what I alone like to think of as “my sense of humor.”

I shall start with the most important lesson of them all.

This is a little story of a little town that shifted from stoking fear to promoting creativity.

A few days before Christmas 1949, one of the Catholic elementary schools in Auburn, a small town nestled in Central New York state, encouraged children to bring their comic books from home and burn them in a school bonfire. The fear was that reading comics promoting juvenile delinquency. In fact, the school’s principal would even write a positive letter about the burning that was published in the local paper, The Auburn Citizen. This was before those misguided efforts really gained steam, culminating in the 1954 Senate Subcommittee Hearings on Juvenile Delinquency, focusing on comic books.

But a lot has happened since then. The region gave birth to one of the first-generation comic shops. Several more would follow, and recently the town just enjoyed its first comic convention.

And to celebrate the annual Will Eisner Week,...

So here we are on the verge of spring again and it is time for Will Eisner Week, our annual recognition of comic book excellence, one I’m always happy to participate in. Anyone unfamiliar with Will’s stuff should remedy that post haste, either at your local comics shop or – I’m afraid this is virtually unavoidable – by aiming your computer at the, yes, folks at Amazon.

My personal, and much valued, acquaintance with Will began when friends stopped by my SoHo pig sty of a bachelor pad – the styness was my fault, not the apartment’s – on the way to hear him lecture in nearby TriBeCa. I knew who he was, of course: it would have been hard to be in the comic book biz back then, in, I’m guessing, the 80s, and not be aware of Will’s signature creation, The Spirit.

I first met The Spirit...

To gear up for the upcoming seventh season of Game of Thrones, Dark Horse and HBO Global Licensing debuted new looks for previously released statues of Daenerys Targaryen and Melisandre at Toy Fair 2017, and fans can look forward to these items hitting shelves in June!

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (Feb. 18, 2017)—Dark Horse and HBO Global Licensing are introducing new looks for some familiar characters in their bestselling line of Game of Thrones figures. The new figures will be released in June 2017, coinciding with the Season 7 premiere of the award-winning show this summer. To date, Dark Horse and HBO have released twenty-seven Game of Thrones figures.

The new Game of Thrones figures feature fan-favorite characters in detailed interpretations with new sculpts and updated deluxe packaging. Dark Horse revealed the opening figures, Daenerys Targaryen and Melisandre, at the American International Toy Fair earlier today. A previous Daenerys figure, featuring “The Mother of...

Will Eisner Week is almost upon us. It’s become a fantastic time for libraries, schools, colleges and bookstores to promote graphic novels. And this year will be all the more memorable as we’ll also be celebrating the centennial of Will Eisner’s birth.

(It’s the centennial of Jack Kirby’s birth as well, but we’ll save that for another column.)

As you probably know, Will Eisner was one of comics’ visionaries. While he may not have actually created the first graphic novel (I tend to side with Jim Steranko on that landmark), he is clearly one of the most important people in promoting graphic novels and comics to the general public.

He was an innovative artist and an impressive entrepreneur. Looking through the lens of today, I think his most enduring legacy is as a champion of creativity.

With that in mind, I want to talk...

Our pal and ComicMix columnist Ed Catto (also the nicest guy in the Atlantic Northeast) is up to something. Check out this press release!

Explore the life and work of Will Eisner with Auburn, N.Y.’s Seymour Library on Monday March 6th with a panel presentation/film screening and on Tuesday, March 7th with a documentary at Auburn Public Theater.

Will Eisner (1917-2005) was a trailblazer in the comic book world, showing the public that comics could be a genuine form of literature and popularizing the term graphic novel. His landmark comic series The Spirit (1940-1952) was noted for its expressive artwork and experiments in content and form. This year marks the centennial of Will Eisner’s birth.

Geek Culture expert Ed Catto will host a panel on Will Eisner: Celebrating Graphic Novels: An Appreciation of Comics as Literature at Seymour Library on Monday, March 6th at 6:30 pm.

If Shane Black's new Predator movie is just too far away, Dark Horse Comics and 20th Century Fox Consumer Products have you covered with their upcoming releases of the new Predator: Hunters comic book series and Predator: The Original Comics Series hardcover collection.

The first issue of Predator: Hunters will be released on May 3rd, and Predator: The Original Comics Series—Concrete Jungle and Other Stories hardcover collection will hit shelves on June 14th. Below, we have the official press release with full details, as well as a look at artwork for the respective releases.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (Feb. 10, 2017)—Dark Horse Comics and 20th Century Fox Consumer Products celebrate an amazing thirty years of Predator with a new comic series, Predator: Hunters, and a hardcover collection, Predator: The Original Comics Series—Concrete Jungle and Other Stories! Dark Horse’s own senior editor...

I’ve been driving a lot more since my move to the Finger Lakes and I’ve been trying to use my time wisely. For music, I catch up on Pete Fornatale’s Mixed Bag from Wfuv and ComicMix’s own Mike Gold’s Weird Sounds Inside the Gold Mind from The Point Radio. Both offer great tunes and insightful, thoughtful commentary.

And for thoughtful discussion, I’ve been really enjoying John Siuntres’s Word Balloon Podcast. John’s an incredibly passionate interviewer with a deep knowledge of and respect for pop culture and comics. Each week, he sits down to have an extended conversation with a creator. John has the uncanny talents of getting people to open up (often a creator will say “I haven’t told anyone this before”) and for making the listener feel like he or she is part of it all too. When I listen to Word Balloon,...

Go on a visual journey this June with Dark Horse and Bethesda Softworks’ The Art of Prey, a collection of exquisite artwork from the upcoming horror video game Prey, in which players awaken on a spaceship called the Talos I to discover that it has been taken over by aliens.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (Jan. 26, 2017)—Dark Horse and Bethesda Softworks® are proud to present The Art of Prey®, the newest video game art book in the collaborators’ line of award-winning titles. The Art of Prey is an exquisite and comprehensive collection featuring hundreds of pieces of gorgeous art showcasing the signature world building, attention to detail and unique take on futuristic design from the development of Prey.

Set to release worldwide on Friday, May 5, 2017 for the Xbox One, PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and PC, Prey is the highly-anticipated first-person sci-fi action game from Arkane® Studios – creators of the award-winning Dishonored...

Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer turns 20 this year, and to celebrate, Dark Horse Comics will release Parental Parasite, the third installment in the Buffy: The High School Years series. The new graphic novel, available on June 28th, features Buffy’s struggles to strike a balance between her personal life and her vampire-slaying world.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (Jan, 19, 2017)—Dark Horse and 20th Century Fox are excited to wish Buffy a very happy birthday! It’s been twenty years since the hit show Buffy the Vampire Slayer first premiered on Fox, and Dark Horse Comics is celebrating with the release of the third installment of Buffy: The High School Years, featuring executive producer Joss Whedon, author Kel McDonald (Misfits of Avalon), and artist Yishan Li (Buffy: The High School Years—Freaks and Geeks) in Buffy: The High School Years—Parental Parasite.

In Parental Parasite, Buffy...

There’s a big year ahead in Geek Culture with lots to look forward to. Upon reflection, I feel like should have more clearly defined plans.

Cosplayers are the best at looking ahead and especially planning their convention attendance. The inherent creativity and creation of cosplay demands disciplined convention selection and scheduling. Cosplay entails developing elaborate timelines so that cosplayers have the necessary time to envision, plan, purchase materials and sew and/or assemble their cosplay costumes. And of course, so many cosplayers create multiple costumes. The finished products are impressive, and the work it takes to get there is impressive.

I’d like to attend several conventions this year and have my favorites. But in general, I find myself really looking forward to the smaller ones. That might be just because I’ve had so many great experiences at the big ones. And as a very impatient guy, I...

Before I go into this week’s column, I wanted to acknowledge the passing of Carrie Fisher. Mere hours after my column went up last week it was reported that she had passed. It was truly tragic for her family, friends and legions of fans whom include myself. Rest in peace, Carrie Fisher.

Last week I picked Love Is Love, the joint DC Comics and Idw publication to raise money for Equality Florida benefiting the victims of the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting. I had written about this book’s announcement back in September and how it filled me with pride that this was happening, but that comics still has more to do towards creating stronger queer inclusion. Now that the trade is out and I got the chance to read it, I have more to say.

This charity project organized by Marc Andreyko was originally a joint project with DC Comics and Idw.

Well, it’s 2017. The very first day. It’s the time of year when folks look backwards into what has been, and try to give it some perspective and look forward to what may come. It’s also when some folks make resolution of what they’re going to do differently now that they have a clean slate. I don’t. It’s not that I don’t have many faults to correct (I do) but I know I won’t even remember them in a week or so, let alone keep them.

What I’m going to do is look forward, not with predictions, but what I would like to see in the coming year in pop culture.

I’d like to see the Fantastic Four published again— but only if Marvel remembers what they’re about. This isn’t just a team, it’s a family. You can...

When I’m lonely, I read.

I read at other times, of course. But books, unlike humans, are always there for me. Books don’t move away, die, or vote for Trump.

I bring this up because it’s part of my New Year’s resolution.

All of us, no matter who we might be, occasionally feel like we don’t fit in. We aren’t cool enough, or we have a funny name. We might be too fat or too thin, too tall or too short, too rich or too poor. We could be too dark or too fair. We might speak differently than other people. We might be too butch or too femme, too queer or too straight, too old or too young. We might be too nerdy or too much of a jock. We might feel so different from everybody else that we don’t even have...

"I name you... Hand of the Queen." Dark Horse and HBO Global Licensing's new addition to their line of collectibles is a Hand of the Queen pin made to look like the one Daenerys Targaryen gave Tyrion Lannister last season on Game of Thrones for his excellent job governing Meereen. The three-inch pin is made with zinc alloy and will be available for fans to purchase on December 28th.

Press Release: "Milwaukie, Ore., (Dec. 6, 2016)—Dark Horse and HBO Global Licensing are proud to honor Game of Thrones fans with the newest addition to the partnership’s line of popular collectibles: the Hand of the Queen Pin. After the Second Siege of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen names Tyrion Lannister as her official Hand of the Queen to honor his loyalty and governance of Meereen during her absence. Daenerys presents Tyrion with a replica of the Hand brooch.

Dark Horse has crafted a...

It wasn’t that long ago that comics enthusiasts would cringe at all the silliness. It used to be so hard for comic fans to be taken seriously by the world at large. I vividly remember being so enthusiastic about those moody “serious” 70s Batman stories like Night of the Stalker (Detective Comics #439) or There Is No Hope in Crime Alley (Detective Comics #457). But I knew if I ever were to discuss these comics with any non-comics fan, I’d simply get an eye roll and sarcasm along with a “Holy Comics” pun or a “Pow, Zap, Wham” pantomime. There was no respect for comics.

In fact, this led to the adoption of the term “graphic novel” in 1978. Will Eisner coined the phrase to inoculate creative endeavors in sequential art (comics) against the public’s dismissive mindset for all comics.

Today, the world understands that not all comics are silly...

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday, and that your conversations with your friends and family were both peaceful and joyous. In my experience, the tryptophan in the turkey makes everyone so sleepy that noisy arguments require too much energy.

Today, Black Friday, is the official start of the holiday shopping season. With luck you are still enjoying the warm glow of gratitude from yesterday’s holiday, and we can use these emotions to consider your holiday shopping list.

I, for one, am grateful to live in a country that defends freedom of speech. Even hate speech. I don’t like neo-Nazis or what they say (and for even more video, check out this link). However, we know who a bunch of these people are now, and we can defend ourselves https://www.splcenter.org.

You know another great thing about Nazis? They make excellent bad guys. A book...

The next Alien Day may be months away, but at New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics and 20th Century Fox are already gearing up for the next April 26th by announcing the upcoming April releases of Aliens: Dead Orbit and Aliens: The Original Comics Series Volume 2.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (October 5, 2016)—In collaboration with 20th Century Fox and in honor of Aliens Day 2017, Dark Horse is excited to announce its next developments in the beloved Aliens franchise: Aliens: Dead Orbit and Aliens: The Original Comics Series Volume 2.

Aliens: Dead Orbit finds Wascylewsk, an engineering officer, trapped in a space station after a horrific accident. Wascylewsk is forced to use all available tools—a timer, a utility kit, and his wits—to survive an attack from the deadliest creature known to man. James Stokoe (Wonton Soup, Orc Stain) writes and illustrates the series. Geof Darrow (The Shaolin Cowboy, The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot...

Dark Horse Comics, in collaboration with the Stoller Family Estates Winery in Portland, Oregon, presents the 2011 Hellboy Reserve Pinot Noir, set to hit our palettes and adorn our homes this Halloween, with pre-orders available right now.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (October 3, 2016) -- Dark Horse Comics and Portland, Oregon’s Stoller Family Estates Winery have collaborated to create the 2011 Hellboy Reserve Pinot Noir, which will be available on Halloween and is available for pre-order now.

“I can’t imagine a more fitting drink to both celebrate Mike Mignola‘s creative legacy and honor his most famous creation,” said Mike Richardson, President of Dark Horse Comics. “And it’s only fitting that the first time that fans can raise a glass of Hellboy Reserve Pinot Noir will be on Halloween.”

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dark Horse Comics on the special Hellboy wine,“ said Gary Mortensen, President of Stoller Family Estate.

I did a little bit of research for today’s column just to make sure I had my facts right, Googling “Jewish influence on comic books” in honor of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. There were 509,000 hits, from Den of Geek’s Mensch of Steel: Superman’s Jewish Roots to the Daily Beast’s Superman is Jewish?: The Hebrew Roots of America’s Greatest Superhero to Stormfront’s How and Why the Jews Stole the Comic Book Industry.

Wait. What?

Stormfront is a white supremacist site whose “welcome” page reads:

“We are a community of racial realists and idealists. We are White Nationalists who support true diversity and a homeland for all peoples. Thousands of organizations promote the interests, values and heritage of non-White (sic) minorities. We promote ours.

“We are the voice of the new, embattled white minority!

“Tell the truth and fear no one!”

The article is a mixture of facts,...

Scheduled to come out just in time for Buffy's birthday is Dark Horse Comics' Angel Season 11! Written by Corinna Bechko with cover art by Geraldo Borges and colors by Michelle Madsen, Angel Season 11 will begin an 11-issue run in January 2017, and we have preview pages teasing the upcoming series.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (September 26, 2016)—Buffy’s first love will receive a solo series and a “re-vamped” creative team in Angel Season 11. Corinna Bechko (Lara Croft, Star Wars: Legacy II) writes Season 11 while Geraldo Borges (Deadpool, Ghost) illustrates the series, and Michelle Madsen (Buffy Season 9, Angel & Faith Season 10) colors the issues. Scott Fischer (Angel & Faith Season 10, Buffy: The High School Years) and Jeff Dekal (Journey into Mystery, Dark Horse Presents) both created covers.

Angel Season 11 finds Angel being tormented by memories of his past. His visions link his dark past to a Big Bad coming in the future. The goddess...

The legendary Richard Corben (Ragemoor, Werewolf) returns with Shadows on the Grave, an eight-issue anthology horror comic book series. Each issue will contain four scary stories, with the first issue set to debut this December.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (September 21, 2016)—The master of horror returns to Dark Horse! For nearly fifty years, Richard Corben (Rat God, Ragemoor, Creepy, Eerie) has been terrifying readers with his unique visions of the macabre and the horrific. On December 14, 2016, the Eisner Hall of Famer launches his newest nightmarishly beautiful series: Shadows on the Grave.

Shadows on the Grave is an eight-issue mini-anthology of bizarre horror stories told in Corben’s signature black-and-white style. Each issue of Shadows on the Grave features four tales of horror, including the ongoing saga of Denaeus, a Greco-Roman-era version of Corben’s Den from Heavy Metal.

Pre-order your copy of Shadows on the Grave #1 today!

About Dark Horse

For thirty years,...

It’s been brought to my attention that CW Seed (the CW’s digital content hub) will be airing a new animated DC Entertainment series, Freedom Fighters: The Ray, in 2017. What makes the announcement of this new series extra newsworthy is that The Ray himself gay and would be the first gay superhero to be the lead in his own TV series. Pretty neat, right?

Before I discuss the impact the first gay superhero to lead his own TV series has on me, I’d like to talk a little about who The Ray is, since there is a good chance you are unfamiliar with this character. Hell, I was only vaguely aware of this character myself.

The Ray was original conceived by Golden Age artist Lou Fine and premiered in issue #14 of Smash Comics, part of Quality Comics’ lineup. Lou Fine worked on other characters at Quality Comics including The Black Condor,...

Dark Horse Comics announced the release of Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea. Co-written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Gary Gianni, Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea follows Hellboy and his encounters with a ghost ship and its dastardly crew. The new graphic novel will be released next May.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Ore., (August 9, 2016) Next spring, Dark Horse Comics will publish an original graphic novel, Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea, co-written by legendary Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, co-written and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning artist Gary Gianni and colored by award-winning colorist Dave Stewart. Following the events of the classic story “The Island,” Hellboy sets sail from the wreckage of a deserted island only to cross paths with a ghost ship. Taken captive by the phantom crew that plans to sell him to the circus, Hellboy is dragged along by a captain who will stop at nothing in pursuit of a powerful sea creature.

Listen up. I’m going to tell you a horrible, horrible secret. And it’s about me!

I really don’t care for most Disney animation. The earliest black and white stuff is fun, and there are a few shorts here and there that I enjoy. The features? Not as many. Alice in Wonderland… that’s about it. As Craig Ferguson might ask, “how long have you been in Isis?”

Disney comics is a totally different thing. Every time I’m forced to list my all-time favorite comics creators, Floyd Gotfriedson and Carl Barks are always on that list. Gotfriedson’s Mickey Mouse newspaper strip brought depth and characterization to the popular rodent. His adventures were truly adventures, full of wit and charm, brilliant craftsmanship, on-the-button pacing, and heart. Lucky for us, our pals at Fantagraphics have been reprinting them in brilliant hardcover editions.

Carl Barks was the master behind...

Buffy Summers fans have seen the Slayer jump from the small screen to the printed page in the official comic book series continuation of Joss Whedon’s beloved show, and Dark Horse has now officially announced Season 11 of their Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic book series, with the first installment of the 12-issue season slated for a November release:

Press Release: San Diego, Calif., July 19, 2016 — Dark Horse is excited to announce the next installment in Joss Whedon’s Buffy comics series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11. The talented comics duo of Christos Gage (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10, Avengers Academy) and Rebekah Isaacs (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10, Angel & Faith) returns with more shenanigans from the Scoobies.

After overcoming the struggles of Season 10, Buffy and the Scoobies give themselves a well-deserved break from fighting evil. Unfortunately, the momentary peace comes to a screeching halt when a supernatural disaster wreaks havoc...

The seemingly endless legions of the living dead are shambling off the screen and sinking their teeth into a new story in Call of Duty: Zombies, a six-part comic book series from Dark Horse, Activision Publishing, and Treyarch that debuts this October:

Press Release: Milwaukie, Or—Dark Horse Comics, Activision Publishing, Inc., and award-winning game development studio, Treyarch have teamed up to deliver Call of Duty: Zombies, a comic book series of undead proportions, written by comics superstar Justin Jordan (Green Lantern: New Guardians), and illustrated by Jonathan Wayshak (Devolution), with story by Zombies Director, Jason Blundell and the studio’s Lead Writer, Craig Houston. With incredible covers by superstar artist Simon Bisley, the waves of undead come straight out of Call of Duty: Black Ops III Zombies experience and onto the pages of Dark Horse Comics!

Since Treyarch first introduced Zombies to the Call of Duty franchise as an...

Over the past 47 years the Sdcc has grown to become a pop culture behemoth. More than just a grand celebration of fan passion, it’s a driver of serious commerce. Sdcc’s impact now makes waves on a national and international economic scale, far beyond the initial fan-centric puddles of the early days.

Bob “Chappy” Chapman is a fan and business owner who was part of the early days and is still actively involved today. He’s an energetic entrepreneur who’s built his business Graphitti Designs, catering to Geek Culture. Graphitti Designs has been creates fan focused merchandise like T-shirts, statues, action figures, prints, books and more. And Bob has found a way to survive – and thrive – throughout the many iterations of Sdcc over the years.

Bob is likeable, charming, infectiously enthusiastic, and effortlessly employs an extensive vocabulary. You just know he’s a big reader! He’s nostalgic,...

Dark Horse announced that Harrow County #1 will be included in this year’s 5th Annual Halloween ComicFest and will be re-released with a very unique Halloween ComicFest cover! Also in today’s Highlights: release details for the Basket Case 2 / FrankenHooker vinyl soundtrack, the VOD acquisition of Hell Town, and details on Paul Holbrook’s novels Domini Mortum and Memento Mori.

Harrow County #1 To Be Included in Halloween ComicFest 2016: Press Release: “Milwaukie, Ore., June 20, 2016 — Dark Horse is proud to announce that Harrow County #1 is being offered as part of the fifth Halloween ComicFest celebration. The heart-stopping thriller from the creative minds of Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook is one of 32 titles — 19 full-sized comics and 13 mini comics — available for the October 29th, 2016, event. Harrow County #1 will be re-released with a special Halloween ComicFest cover.

A favorite of critics and fans alike, Harrow County is a must-read comic in the horror genre.

Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), Chris Roberson (iZombie), Ben Stenbeck (series artist on Witchfinder), and Michelle Madsen (Witchfinder series colorist) have teamed up for Dark Horse Comics’ Witchfinder: City of the Dead comic series. The series is split into five parts and the first issue hits stores on August 31st.

Press Release: Milwaukie, Or — This August, legendary Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, iZOMBIE co-creator Chris Roberson, original Witchfinder series artist Ben Stenbeck and colorist Michelle Madsen will unite for Witchfinder: City Of The Dead. In this five part miniseries from Dark Horse Comics, Sir Edward Grey, occult adviser to the queen, must defeat scores of flesh-eating corpses on the loose in London and explore a temple beneath London full of ancient secrets. Artist Julián Totino Tedesco will provide covers for the series.

“One of the great things about the monster tropes in horror fiction is that they don’t have to...