RELAUNCHED

WATCHMEN-TOO: John Bishop relaunches WATCHMEN

2012-02-29T10:00:00.002-08:00

John says: Dr. Manhattan has finally returned from his six month mission, sending 7,777 versions of himself to explore the vast multiverse of parallel dimensions, spending only a few hours per dimension. One version of Earth interests him particularly. He christens it 'Earth-2'. The Watchmen of Earth-2 are versions of himself and his teammates, slightly different origins and powers, but remarkably familiar. A sinister force uses Dr. Manhattan's power to transport his team to Earth-2, and tricks them into battling this strange new team, but they finally join forces to fight the menace, known as Darkseid! This is the start of the massive story arc 'The Watchmen Crisis', which will spin off into the two new series 'The Watchmen League' and 'Young Watchmen'!

See more of John's work at www.eyemelt.blogspot.com

WATCHMEN-TOO: Zephan Osiris and Stevie Garvin relaunch MOTHMAN

2012-02-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

By Zephan Osiris and Stevie Garvin

chainsawcomics.deviantart.com

Here comes Part 2: Who Kills the Killer Moth?!

This is what happens when you cage up two moths! They battle! But after MothMan's squirmish with Killer Moth ends in blood, MothMan becomes the prime suspect in Killer Moth's murder. Did MothMan Kill Killer Moth? You'll have to read it to find out. And when is Batman going to show up already?!

Bullet Point! ---> THIS COME WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

WATCHMEN-TOO: Eric Esquivel and Javier Hernandez relaunch THE NEW FRONTIERSMAN

2012-02-27T10:00:00.004-08:00

Eric says:
Javi, as you may know, is a popular cartoonist from the magical land of California. The comic book he's most famous for, El Muerto, was adapted as a film & starred That 70's Shows' Wilmer Valderrama.

Eric's website: www.emeComics.com
Jav's website: www.Javzilla.com

PREMISE:

At the end of Watchmen we discover that Rorschach mailed a copy of his journal to The New Frontiersmen, an ultra-conservative publication dedicated to exposing corruption.

Our sequel assumes that said journal was published in The New Frontiersmen, and that it was generally dismissed as the last crazy ramblings of a mentally disturbed, paranoid-schizophrenic sociopath.

Our protagonists (as pictured on the cover) are a motley crew of young (13-21 years old) anarchists, punk rock kids, and loudmouthed libertarians who read Walter Kovak's last words, and believed every word. Not just his record of events...but also his violent, subjectivist philosophy.

They are The 1%, rallied around a martyr who is equal parts Batman and Che Guevera—and whose righteous, youthful rage (and sheer numbers) make them more of a threat to Ozymandias' utopia than Rorschach ever was.

WATCHMEN-TOO: John Douglas relaunches THE SQUID

2012-02-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

John says: Engineered from the cloned brain of a telepath, The Squid isthe centerpiece in Adrian Veidt’s plan to save the world from itself.

Within the tank, The Squid grows, reaching self-awarenessand begins to develop its burgeoning psychic powers. The Squid learns Veidt is planning toteleport it into the heart of New York City, killing millions, with the hopeof preventing World War III and saving billions. The Squid is to be the savior of mankind, a role it gradually accepts.

Using its growing psychic abilities, The Squid begins to direct Veidt's geneticists how to build a better monster and correcting any errors they make. It also telepathically suggests to Veidt how best to carry out his plans, as well as people who may stand in his way--and how he may have to deal with those people.

John Douglas doodles and draws (mostly) comic book relatedstuff at johndouglasart.blogspot.com and figurative art at mostlyartysomewhatfarty.blogspot.com.

The Squid was created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Zephan Osiris and Stevie Garvin relaunch MOTHMAN

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Zephan and Stevie say:
Byron Lewis was a good man who only wanted to help save the world. So he did what any sane person does and became a costumed crime-fighter. Crafting for himself hi-tech wings which allowed him to glide, he donned the name "Mothman" and joined up with the like minded Minutemen. Lewis became an alcoholic during the pressures of the HUAC trials and was forcibly committed. But the end is the beginning is the end...

Because YOU demanded it! From the superstar creative powerhouse Zephan Osiris and Stevie Garvin, here comes MothMan! In his own series! The DC Universe will never be the same when MothMan gets transferred to...Arkham Asylum. Who bats the Batman? You'll have to read it to find out the shocking answer.

NOT a hoax! NOT a dream! NOT endorsed by Alan Moore! Don't miss Part 1: The Mothman of Gotham City.

http://chainsawcomics.deviantart.com

Mothman was created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Seni Oyewole relaunches THE BLACK PANTHER

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

Seni says:

I wanted to make T'Challa look like an espionage kind of character because, as you may already know, The Panther was a spy before joining the Avengers. That's why I went for the whole 007 vibe.

The plot I had in mind was that he would arrive to the U.S. as a Wakandan spy to hunt and kill the man who took his father's life and stole pieces of Vibranium for profit, Ulysses Klaw! His only rule: "Remember your training and get it done!"

Just tell SHIELD and the Avengers to stay out of his way.

The Black Panther was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Read more...

WATCHMEN TOO in ONE WEEK

2012-01-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

One week to go before WATCHMEN TOO, check out the overview and be sure to get your submissions in!

Adam Lichi relaunches WOLVERINE

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Adam says:

The Premise : New York City.

The year is 2034.
The planets population and technology have both exploded in growth. Cities have become multi-layered urban jungles divided by social status and monetary worth. In the upper echelons the rich go about there business without so much as a passing thought for those who toil below. From the crime free upper platforms to the skyscrapers inhabited by the under rich and upper middle classes, all the way down to the city floor where low income humans and mutants live together in diverse ethnic groups. Below all this lies another group. A reformed society of Morlocks, five times the size of those predecessors who bore their namesake. The unwanted gene-trash and hybrid offspring cling to the most brutal and scrapping of lives. An overcrowded and underfed population on the verge of boiling over…..and when an alpha level mutant thrill killer from the island nation of Madipoor shows on their doorstep, with plans to use the Morlock territory as a trophy hunting ground, the fuse is lit. There's no turning back.

Now it's up to the man they call Wolverine to try and put a lid on an out of control situation. But is he up to the task? Can he put an end to the slaughter and carnage? Or is Logan just a senile old man chasing the dreams and ghost of his old friend Chuck?

Maybe both.......

http://adamlichi.blogspot.com

http://digitalakira.blogspot.com

Wolverine was created by Len Wein, John Romita Sr and Herb Trimpe. Read more...

Anthony Vukojevich relaunches STAR WARS

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Anthony Vukojevich's blog is here: http://vukojevich.blogspot.com/

Anthony says: Spinning off from Marvel Comics' Star Wars issues 7-10 comes RAW RATS. Why are they called the RAW RAT? Because they are tough and pink and are often caught in places authority figures don't want them to be in. The Rats are smugglers and guns-for-hire. With the destruction of the Empire, Jaxxon the Rabbit and Amaiza team-up to try to make a living on a post-war Tatooine. During one of their smuggling runs, they rescue the body of Jolli the Space-Pirate. Jolli's space coffin had passed through some cosmic rays….mysteriously bringing her back to life. Their first issue will see them reluctantly playing the god guys as they strive to save Tatooine from being taken over by the Earth-seeking beings in the Battlestar Galactica. Meanwhile, a ship sent by the ominous-sounding Federation has arrived on Tatooine via time-war. The ship is callled the Enterprise and the Raw Rats have to determine if they are friends or foes. Also, Amaiza finds out she's pretty good with a lightsaber. Future issues will re-introduce the threat of Valance the Hunter and there will be a reunion of the Aduba-8. Issue three will introduce us to a major new star….Han Solo's sister!

Jaxxon was created by Roy Thomas and Howard Chaykin. Read more...

Relaunched theme month: WATCHMEN TOO

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Rumors have abounded for the last several years that DC Comics was planning a series of prequels and/or sequels to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' ground-breaking 1985 classic Watchmen. Recently, the rumors seem confirmed, and the controversial series appears to be a go-ahead.

However you feel about the planned followup series - pro or con - it is an interesting thought experiment to ponder how exactly you might handle taking characters who served their original story so completely and perfectly and instead placing them into scenarios where they blossom into their own characters, independent of Moore's overreaching themes of morality, authority and relativity.

For the month of February, Relaunched will host WATCHMEN TOO, and we invite all interested participants to create their own prequel or sequel to Watchmen, utilizing any of the characters (or concepts or situations) in the series in the service of inspiring their own followup. You can submit anytime starting today up through February 25 - we know, it's short notice, but get your inspiration on!

If you have any questions, ask them in the comments, and don't forget to check our submission guidelines - thanks!

Addendum: Credit Where Credit Is Due Dept - I neglected to mention that this is inspired by a suggestion from comic creator Brad Glenn, thanks Brad!

Sandra Lanz relaunches CLEA

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Sandra says: My name is Sandra Lanz and here’s my re-launch:

I’ve always been a fan of Marvel’s Mystic Arcana and its principle line-up: Doctor Strange, Magik, and Brother Voodoo. But years ago there was also Clea. Nothing has really been done with her in the past few years, at least in key continuity, so I think it’s the perfect time to revisit and reintroduce her.

Clea was always written as someone else’s dependent, first as Dormammu’s niece turned victim, then Doctor Strange’s ward, then his apprentice, then wife. I’d love to give her a re-launch as a solo title, one in which she can be more fully developed.

After a series of cataclysmic events in the Dark Dimension, Clea escapes to Earth as a means of political asylum from her pursuants; first arriving in Madrid, she has to learn how to live in disguise as a human and conceal her powers. She soon finds, however, that she can’t sit idly by, and begins to involve herself more and more in the lives of people around her.

Clea would use her psychic powers to pinpoint extreme psychological distress and follow it to its source, be it a crime she has to stop, or a mystery she has to solve, or helping someone caught up in mystic plot beyond their control.

The tone of the book would be one of “foreignness”: not quite fitting in, though needing desperately to pass for normal. Ultimately, her pursuit to understand what it means to be human would drive her to use her powers more and more, threatening to reveal her to those in the Dark Dimension who might be trying to find her.

Sandra Lanz's website is here.
Clea was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Read more...

Charles Guthrie relaunches DENNIS THE MENACE (and friends!)

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Charles Guthrie has been drawing monsters, super-heros and goofy characters since opening his first comic book as a child. Although much of his cartoon and illustration work is for younger children, he spends his spare time drawing absurd humor strips for various publications. Comics from the 40s, 50s and 60s have always been a great influence - weird and wonderful, with faded pages and the nostalgic scent of second-hand dust. His website is www.guthrie.nl

Charles says: After killing his mother in a slingshot accident, Dennis Mitchell runs away from home and eventually finds work changing the sheets in a brothel. He falls in love with the owner - "Juicy" Lucy van Pelt - who is on the run for smothering het brother in his sleep with an old blue blanket. Realizing that two menacing minds are better than one, they form "M.E.N.A.C.E." (Mean, Embittered, Nasty A-holes Commited to Evil) and recruit young offenders to help in their crusade of evil and mayhem.

The assorted members of M.E.N.A.C.E. - can you name them all? - were created by Hank Ketchum, Charles Schulz, Davey Law and Ian Chisholm, Hanna-Barbera and, finally, Matt Groening.

GET READY!

2011-12-30T11:56:00.001-08:00

DC Fifty-Too/Marvel Universe Too becomes RELAUNCHED this weekend!

The big DC FIFTY-TOO / MARVEL UNIVERSE TOO announcement!

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned - on this blog and on Twitter - that a 'big announcement' was coming for DC FIFTY-TOO/MARVEL UNIVERSE TOO, so here it is: Beginning January 1, 2012, we're opening the door to everyone!

The response and reaction to the DC FIFTY-TOO and MARVEL UNIVERSE TOO:WHAT IF projects has been immense - thousands of folks have found the site, blogged about it, discussed it in their message boards. More than anything else, the blog has attracted dozens and dozens of artists who have expressed interest in submitting their own new covers and story concepts.

Well, they need not wait any longer - beginning in 2012, the DC FIFTY-TOO blog will change its name to RELAUNCHED and will become OPEN TO SUBMISSIONS. You do not need to wrangle an invite or wait for the next themed event, nor do you have to limit yourself to Marvel or DC - you can simply create your own cover and series concept whenever you'd like for whatever property you'd like, and send it directly to us.

(Not that we'll be abandoning our theme months - stay tuned for some announced events coming down the pike!)

We won't necessarily be publishing everything which gets submitted - Artists and project contributors Benjamin Birdie and Ryan Cody will be helping to curate the submissions so that only the best make it to the blog.

In the meantime, we're a little more than four weeks away from the new site debut, so don't delay! Check out our submission guidelines and see you in January!

DEVIL DINOSAUR #1 by Jake Ekiss

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Jake Ekiss is a founding member of Space-Gun Studios and a graduate of the University of North Texas Drawing and Painting Program. Jake has gone on to work for companies such as The Gamers' Conglomerate, Study Island, Titan Comics, and Digital Webbing. He is currently producing his own webcomic Solomon Azua, which was nominated for a Glyph Award in 2011.

Jake says: On a world whole realities away from our own, Moon Boy rescues a dying lizard from the molten flames of a scorched landscape. Eight years later the beast has grown in size and hunger. It has become more than beast. It has become a devil. And the tribe of Small Folk now worship it as a god. Moon Boy must now defend his family from the very creature he once sought to save. But how can he triumph against the most deadly monster his world has ever seen. The devil is strong. The devil is ready. It is the Valley God, the Lacertilian King. It is Devil Dinosaur: Imperious Rex.

--
http://jakeekiss.blogspot.com/
http://jakeekiss.deviantart.com/

ARNIM ZOLA #1 by Robert Goodin

2011-11-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Another bonus Marvel Universe Too:

Robert says: Arnim Zola tries his best to have a romance comic, but his evil Nazi past (and present) keeps coming back to haunt him."

Robert's website is www.robertgoodin.com and he also runs www.coveredblog.blogspot.com

WOLVERINE #1 by Nathan Fox

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Another bonus Marvel Universe Too:

Nathan Fox's website is

http://www.foxnathan.com

CLOAK AND DAGGER #1 by Kat Roberts

2011-11-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Contributor Kat Roberts got her piece in a little after deadline, but it's too good not to post. So enjoy this Bonus Marvel Universe Too!

Kat Roberts works as artist and designer in Brooklyn, NY. Her more recent works can been seen on Act-I-Vate, Image's Twisted Savage Dragon Funnies and Cousin Corinne's Reminder. The first issue of her self published comic, You Are Always On My Mind, is available here.

Cloak and Dagger were created by writer Bill Mantlo and designed by artist Edward Hannigan.

The End - but what next?

2011-10-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

And that wraps up MARVEL UNIVERSE TOO: WHAT IF, the followup to DC FIFTY-TOO. The question is, though - is that the end of this blog?

Not yet it isn't! Stay tuned for details about a big change to come!

SECRET SECRET WARS #1 by Matthew Allison

2011-10-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia:

Plot summary

Plot setup

A cosmic entity called the Beyonder observes the mainstream Marvel universe. Fascinated by the presence of superheroes on Earth and their potential, this entity chooses a group of both heroes and supervillains and teleports characters against their will to "Battleworld", a planet created by the Beyonder in a distant galaxy. This world has also been stocked with alien weapons and technology. The Beyonder then declares: "I am from beyond! Slay your enemies and all that you desire shall be yours! Nothing you dream of is impossible for me to accomplish!"

Soon realizing that the nobody he's chosen is going to slay diddly dunkus the Beyonder gathers a second group of heroes and villains who quite frankly have much less to lose. These C-listers are dropped

on the opposite side of "Battleworld" where they are given massive amounts of recreational drugs and alcohol and are told: "I am from beyond! Slay anybody and I will give you a thousand dollars...and more

drugs!"

Plot conflict

The heroes include Puck, Man-Thing, Karnak, Rom, Whizzer, The Thunderiders, aka Team America (Cowboy, Honcho, R.U. Ready, Wolf, and Wrench), Captain Ultra, and Son of Satan. Turner D Century is featured as a hero but immediately becomes non-aligned when everyone questions his presence. Everyone.

The villains include Blastaar, Doctor Demonicus, Plantman, Orca, Flag Smasher, Man-Ape, Armadillo, Moonstone, Black Talon, Texas Twister, and Karkas. The microcosmic entity Psycho-Man also appears as a villain who immediately becomes a non-aligned entity as he soon begins to mess with everyone's emotions via his control box. At one point in the series he forces all of the combatants to "hug it out".

The first hero to die is Honcho in issue 6. The Beyonder becomes increasingly frustrated as the heroes and villains begin to bond rather than destroy each other and so he cuts off their cocaine supply and refuses to give it back until someone is dead. As a sacrifice Honcho is strangled by his partner Wolf, much to the shock and dismay of his counterparts. However, Psycho-Man emotionally manipulates the rest of the team into having a kegger in Honcho's honor. In issue 7 Captain Ultra dies when he slips down a canyon face while peeing.

LEGION OF MONSTERS #1 by John Bishop

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

John says: Legion of Monsters featuring-

Dr Michael Morbius- Still searching for a cure to his bloodlust, but not in too much of a hurry.

Man-Thing- The shambling muck monster is still obsessed with Satana, and she will manipulate him in any way she can.

Rintrah- Doctor Strange's old apprentice, now charged with guarding the Book of the Vishanti.

Omen- Charles Blackwater, murdered lawyer, now resurrected and dedicated to battle Occult threats.
Satana- The leader of this motley crew of misfits, just what is her real agenda?

MISTER SENSITIVE #1 by Chris Haley

2011-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Chris says: Guy Smith, afraid of a world that both loves and misses him, can FEEL the cries of all the souls he's loved and lost because even beyond the grave, the ultra-sensitive sensation can still feel everything! Fighting his way back from the after-life in pulse-pounding fashion, he must answer action's call, because GUY SMITH FEELS IT ALL!

Bio:
Chris Haley is best known for being partially responsible for the mildly successful webcomic about comics, Let's Be Friends Again, and a number of tear-filled, internet tirades about how great Superman is. He also shares co-responsibility for all of the LBFA Presents features at ComicsAlliance and is known to Tumbl.

SISTERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS #1 by Jesse Hamm

2011-10-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

MARVEL TWO IN ONE #1 by Evan Shaner

2011-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Thing is without a doubt my favorite Marvel character, and Marvel Two-in-One is one of my favorite runs in Marvel's history. I changed some very minute design aspects, but otherwise I just want an excuse to draw Ben Grimm and some of my other favorite Marvel characters. I'm a big fan of the various recent Agents of Atlas series, so I'd absolutely team him up with Gorilla-Man for the first issue. Of course I'd drop Ben and Ken right in the middle of a Doombot-infested Savage Land, because there are few things I like more in comics than monsters, gorillas, robots, and dinosaurs.
I know exactly who I'd throw in the following issues too: Beast, Luke Cage, Kitty Pryde, The Warriors Three, Giant-Man, Lockjaw, The Muppets, Scrooge McDuck, and Popeye.

Evan Shaner's website is here.

THE DESTROYER #1 by Paul Milligan

2011-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Paul says: Following up on the mini-series by Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker, Keene Marlow, the original Destroyer, is retired. His son-in-law (and one-time sidekick), Darius is the new Destroyer and is, by all accounts, stronger and more unstoppable than even Keene in his prime. Keene, somewhat restless in retirement, lives vicariously through the young hero, listening to stories of his adventures and offering occasional advice. But then Darius is captured by the crime-scientists of the evil organization, The Horde and brainwashed into becoming their number one agent of destruction. As the only person capable of going head-to-head with Darius, Keene is forced to come out of retirement and become the Destroyer once again.

Paul's site is www.stumblebumstudios.com

X-WOMEN #1 Jamie Fay

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Jamie says: My idea was What If....X-MEN:Schizm. In the book X-MEN: Regenesis, Cyclops comes to Storm and asks for to be on his side. She states that he only wants her for her power. In the book, he states that isn't the case, but what if it were true. He only wanted her for her power. My book idea spins out of that. Storm sees that Cyclops doesn't ask her opinion much anymore. He now has come to rely on Magneto, Namor, and Wolverine, to name a few. All men. Emma Frost is the only female that is in his inner circle.

Storm sees how the powerful women on the X-MEN are used as soliders, cannon fodder. Not leaders. Not people to rely on. So, she bans together the X-WOMEN and goes back to Australia Outback and leads a team of strong powerful women. Her inner circle consists of Emma Frost, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, with Domino as for tracker and search and rescue leader, and Danger as her technology expert.

The team consists of all women, some veteran, some with experience and some new to Xavier's dream. The team on the cover consists of women from every X-Book and shows the range of experience.

For the coloring, I once again called on Danielle Alexis St. Pierre. I had to! For one, she is amazing! Secondly, I had to empower a woman to color my lines and make them shine. Danielle did that and then some! Thanks, Danielle.

Jamie Fay is a artist/inker living in New York, NY. He's the co-creator of the new comicbook series, NeverMinds, from Drumfish Productions. Jamie's work has also appeared in the Sentinels Anthology, and many other indie titles. To check out more of Jamie's art, visit http://windriderx23.deviantart.com. To find out more about NeverMinds and other Drumfish Productions series, visit http://drumfishproductions.blogspot.com

This piece was colored by NeverMinds colorist, Danielle Alexis St. Pierre. To check out Danielle's work, please go to http://witchysaint.deviantart.com

GIANT-SIZE MAN-THING #1 by Brendan Tobin

2011-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Brendan says:

Info: Brendan Tobin is an illustrator who worked in the NY animation industry for several years and currently freelances from Newport, RI. He often posts his nonsensical artwork at his blog, http://brendantobin.blogspot.com/.

Man-Thing was created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in Savage Tales #1 (May 1971)

MARROW #1 by Faith Erin Hicks

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Faith says:

Here's my pitch:

I picked Marrow to draw because I very briefly read X-Men in the late 90s, then stopped reading when I realized the stories would never come to a proper conclusion (it's important to me that stories have a beginning/middle/end). Marrow was a new member of the X-Men, and I liked her defiance to the rest of the team, as well as her strange look: the jutting bones and short hair (I always thought her green/blue costume was kinda ugly) was very different looking from the typical female X-Men, and as an awkward teenager who didn't feel terribly attractive, I identified with her.

I'm passionate about doing comics for younger readers, and I think superhero comics have really dropped the ball on that. I do outreach to schools and libraries, and I always find kids/teens who are really interested in comics, wildly enthusiastic about Bone, Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach or Smile. I meet maybe one kid in 30 who reads a superhero comic. So my Marrow story would be for teens and maybe a little younger, with action and bravery, but also about a young mutant with alienation issues, someone who doesn't really fit into "normal" society. My Marrow story (one with a beginning/middle/end), would start with her Morlock origins: she'd be a kid growing up in the sewer with a surrogate mutant family, knowing that she was very different from the world above. She'd chafe at being forced to stay in the sewer, where it was safer and she could be protected from the scorn of "normal" humans. But she'd start to explore the world above and, like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, would fight crime in the shadows. And then she'd probably run into some of the X-Men, and there'd be fun conflict between the groups.

Bio: Faith Erin Hicks writes and, draws a lot of comics. Her work includes Demonology 101, Ice, Zombies Calling, The War at Ellsmere, Brain Camp (art only), The Adventures of Superhero Girl and Friends With Boys, which is currently being serialized online at http://www.friendswithboys.com

She can also be found at http://www.faitherinhicks.com and is always very, very sleepy.

SPIDER-MAN #1 by Marc Palm

2011-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Marc says:
Marc J Palm (AKA Swellzombie) lives and works as a cartoonist/illustrator in Seattle. Marc has been drawing for 20+ years where comics and film have always been the biggest influences. Marc's comics are at http://swellzombie.blogspot.com and his illustrations http://marcpalm.carbonmade.com

As far as this concept goes... The radioactive spider that bit Peter ends up mutating him into this human sized spider. He tries his hardest to maintain a normal teenage human appearance by using his special make-up effects hobby to mold masks of his old face and hands. He's also learned to manipulate the 8 limbs in order to look like 4 within the limits of long sleeves and pants.
In this story, there's no choice whether or not he's Spider-man. Peter has to decide how much he wants to keep up a human facade. He's torn between his deep human connections with friends/family and then the freedom of fighting crime as a wild "mut-animal".

SPIDER-MAN 2012 #1 by Paul Lavallée and Ander Zarate

2011-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Paul says:
Paul Lavallée is an illustrator and self-publisher from western Canada. He publishes an indy anthology named Induced, as well as a few web-comics in production.
http://www.lav2k.ca/
http://lav2k.deviantart.com/.

My name is Ander Zarate, im from Mexico and i color comic books;)
I consider my self a versatile colorist, i think that's my strongest prop as colorist, i luv trying different things and i try to adapt my crayons to the wide variety of line arts that i get to work with!
http://zaratus.deviantart.com/

crayonaut.blogspot.com/

MARVEL BOY #1 by Dean Trippe

2011-10-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dean says: If I could pick any Marvel property to build a new series around, it'd be a young new version of Marvel Boy, likely from another alternate dimension or something. He'd be optimistic, powerful, and driven to save the world with his super-liberal agenda. Kind of like The Authority meets Butterfly. And he'd have a hyperboard (think hoverboard plus.)

Dean Trippe's website is here.

SQUIRREL GIRL #1 by Katie Cook

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Katie's website is http://KatieCanDraw.com

WOLFPACK #1 by Evan Keeling

2011-10-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Evan says: I picked WolfPack because it just popped into my head like a flash of memory from my child hood and it is such a crazy concept.

A bunch of urban teens are trained by Mr. Mack who was trained by a lady ninja to fight a team of ninjas dedicated to destroying the 10 honest men of hebrew legend. So many concepts crammed into one book/ mini series.

For my cover I played off of how the characters in the original comic were very dated to the 80s. So I tried to put together some more modern dated outfits. My design for Mr Mack was basically if Devastatin' Dave and Terminator X had a baby. With Mr Mack I was also playing with the idea that he is one of the original pack (Slag) grown up and has taken over the mantel of Mr. Mack.

I had other concepts swimming in my head but the ideas just got to big and I had to let them go.

Here are some reviews of the original WolfPack

http://www.comicsreview.co.uk/nowreadthis/2010/07/13/wolfpack-a-marvel-graphic-novel/

http://thewayofthegame.net/?p=721

my Bio

Evan Keeling is a born and raised Washington DC comic artist and writer. He is a founding member of the DC Conspiracy, a collective of Washington, DC area comic book artists and writers and has been self-publishing comic books for print and for the web over the last five years. Evan has also been one of the principle organizers for the DC Conspiracy’s yearly counter culture Festival for the last four years. He has worked with numerous DC area bands, producing posters, CD covers, videos and t-shirt designs. He contributed art to the Eisner nominated anthology Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection. Currently he is coloring Matt Dembicki's great white shark epic XOC coming out in 2012 from Oni Press. As well as working on CrumbSnatchers, an all-ages comic written by Stephanie Butto and Nancy boy a teen-crime tale written by Jason Griffenhagen. His website is http://www.etkeeling.com

HOWARD THE DUCK #1 by Bruce McCorkindale

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Bruce says: This one's a riff on the classic issue #100 of Amazing Spider-Man. It was a particularly bizarro issue for Spidey at the time, so I thought that bizarrity might lend itself well to Howard. Also, it gave me an excuse to draw all my favorite Howard characters on one cover!

Bruce McCorkindale is a freelance artist in the comics, editorial and animation field. His most recent comics work was inking Phil Hester on IDW's Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters (*PLUG ALERT* The trade paperback collecting our Godzilla run is on sale now!!)

HELLCAT #1 by Adam Watson

2011-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Adam Watson is a Seattle-based cartoonist, illustrator, and amateur entomologist. He's a founding member of the Bureau of Drawers (link) and is hard at work on comics, paintings, and also probably a thing with dinosaurs in it. You can find more of his work at his blog: themightyadam.blogspot.com

He sez: Hellcat has always been a favorite of mine, and it's mostly because of the blue-on-yellow costume. I also love the (current, I think?) version of her powers that allow her to sense magic, but not actually perform any. As I sketched this out, I became kind of enamored of the idea of Patsy in space, fighting magical creatures with advanced technology. I had some fun making it a little more spacey, and tried something new with the gloves. The Gatchaman-type cat-helmet just sort of seemed to fit.

BETA RAY BILL #1 by Michel Fiffe and George O'Connor

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Michel says: Michel Fiffe creator & self-publisher of the comic Zegas and is the editor of Twisted Savage Dragon Funnies. George O'Connor draws comics in Brooklyn; his works include Journey into Mohawk Country, Ball-Peen Hammer and the Olympians Series. Together they made Bill the universe weary, monolithic horse faced warrior-of-the-people he was destined to be.

Beta Ray Bill created by Walt Simonson.

CURSE OF THE WENDIGO #1 by Daniel Schneider

2011-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Daniel says: Daniel Schneider, is the world's only cowboy comic artist, who grew up on a purebred Black and Red Angus cattle ranch with his family. Finding his true calling in the wonderful world of comics he has never looked back. Having had some small success with company's such as Zenescope and About Comics, Daniel took a 2 year break after a steel pipe decided to split open his skull. Now he's again doing what he loves best and ready to jump head first back into comics. Just recently Daniel became the Artist in Residency for Happy Harbor comics in Edmonton

If you'd like to check out more of Daniel's stuff check out his website at www.smashedheadstudios.com

The Curse of Wendigo (featuring Talisman)
With the DC Fifty-Too event I was really happy with my pick and picture art wise. But looking at everyone else and there amazing jobs at truly re-imagining the characters I realize I didn't really re-imagine Bat Lash, I like him just the way he is. So this time I decided to do a character I really loved but also one that I would do differently than it's ever been done before. I'd want this to be a limited horror series. Wendigo is the star of the book but just like the first Alien you'd rarely see him but be completely terrified of him. In both Mythology and in Marvel the Wendigo is a truly terrifying monster so I wanted his look to reflect that and how powerful it is. And of course it wouldn't be much of a horror comic without someone to cheer for so in the tradition of strong female leads I choose Talisman to be our hero

Thanks again to Jon and everyone else who got this started and turned it in to such an exciting project

BLACK PANTHER #1 by Sean Dove

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sean says: Sean Dove is a freelance illustrator/designer based in Chicago, IL. He makes lots of stupid stuff like screen prints, comics and other junk. He spent several years working as the art director at Devil's Due Publishing. Last year he self published his comic "Fried Rice". He is currently part of 4 Star Studios (www.fourstarstudios.com), along with Mike Norton, Tim Seeley and Josh Emmons. They also make stupid stuff you should read (doublefeaturecomics.com).

Find him at www.andthankyouforflying.com

Follow him on twitter @andthankyou

I just always really liked Black Panther. He just looks super cool, kinda like a Bat-man variant. Anyway what better thing for T'Challa to fight then a bunch of raciest robots!

IRON FIST #1 by Dan Christensen

2011-10-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dan Christensen was born in California, grew up in Arizona, then moved to France. Since then he has written and drawn several graphic novels and comic books, including Red Hands and Paranormal. He is currently working with Jamie S. Rich on a graphic novel for Oni Press, and is writing and drawing a noir fencing story for French publisher Scutella Editions.
Dan says: I've been an Iron Fist fan since I was a little kid, so he was my first pick when I found out about the new Marvel Universe Too - What If? project (close runners-up were The Black Panther and The Inhumans). If you care to see some more Iron Fist sketches, first-draft color versions of the cover and other background info, feel free to take a look at my blog: http://dcdrawings.blogspot.com/ "

THE INHUMANS #1 by Jason Millet

2011-10-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Jason says: I'm an illustrator who has freelanced in the Chicago area since 1997. I have colored and occasionally penciled (when someone lets me) comics for DC, Dark Horse, IDW, Devil's Due, Archie and Scholastic Books; created storyboards and comps for Absolut, Tropicana, Disney and many other advertising clients and illustrated fifteen educational children's books.

Concept-- I first encountered the Inhumans in John Byrne's FF and Neal Adams's Avengers (and his Amazing Adventures run a short bit later) and found the concept both complex and intriguing. I was a DC kid and it took me getting to a certain age to appreciate the cool depth and weirdness of any and all Kirby creations and I usually initially had to do it through the slicked up art of an Adams or a Byrne.
I was originally going to adapt a cool old Rich Buckler cover, but then decided that the heart of those old stories had to do with brotherly conflict. In the scenario here, I envision the start of a battle royale between Maximus the Mad and Blackbolt just as their fellow Inhumans teleport on the scene. Why do they look aghast? What upper hand does Maximus have on Black Bolt?

What was it with all the sibling rivalry in old Marvel books anyway ?... it makes me wonder about the health of Stan and Larry's relationship. Maybe there'll be a tell-all book some day (if there isn't already).

MARVEL DISCO TEAM-UP #1 by Benjamin Marra

2011-10-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

QUICKSILVER #1 by Tony Esteves

2011-10-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tony Esteves is a Canadian cartoonist hailing from the frozen wilderness of Edmonton, Alberta. From 1998 to 2008, he drew the webcomic Cigarro & Cerveja, a comic strip about a cigarette-smoking rabbit and a beer-drinking goose. Earlier this year, he launched Legendary Woodsman, an action adventure comic for all-ages. Tony does an impeccable Jean Luc Picard impersonation.

Tony says: Quicksilver is the arrogant son of Magneto, master of magnetism. He used to hang around a pretty rough crowd back in the day. The Brotherhood is recruiting again and Pietro thinks he's too good for them. The Brotherhood is gonna do some arm twisting... if they can catch him first.

Quicksilver, Juggernaut and Blob were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

SGT FURY AND HIS HOWLING COMMANDOS #1 by Scott Kowalchuk

2011-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Scott says: Yeah, it has Hitler. And he has the Satan Claw! I would really like to work on a 'super hero' series thrown back in time. Not in like a time machine, or anything (unless it was Rip Hunter), but just set them in days of past. I think there is a wealth of untapped potential there.

Scott Kowalchuk found early success upon graduating with a BDes in 2009 with published in Calgary's weekly alternative paper FFWD, and storyboard work for RBC and Gillette. In 2010 Scott set his sights on breaking into the comic book industry, and achieved this with the launch of his first series from Image Comics called 'THE INTREPIDS'. His next project is soon to be announced series from Oni Press.

www.scottkowalchuk.com

INFINITY GAUNTLET #1 by John "Dadicus" West

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Drawn by DADICUS (John Derrick West) Who is currently the new regular artist on Tin Star Tex. A comic created and written by Benjamin Glendenning you can read about it here http://skulljammer.com/tst/
He also is a regular contributor to the Comic Improv, http://comicimprov.blogspot.com/

Digitally painted by Andy Poole, An England based professional who is constantly working on various projects for hire. http://www.creativepoole.biz and he's vary modest he wanted me to write this as his bio:
"UK based comic book colourist"?

He made this picture what it is and if you like it it's because of him he literally did 90% of what you're looking at My hat goes off to him for saving this piece! He also did all the Logo work here.

Alternate cover colored by Ryan Cody http://super75comics.wordpress.com/

THE ALTERNATE COVER or I like to think of it as the collected edition cover!! Ryan Cody is one of my favorite comic artists and it was a rare treat for me to be able to have something colored by him I hope you all love it as much as I do!

The Logo for the Alternate cover was done by Jonathan Coffey

John says: In the 1950's, Middle America was torn about a new sound crashing their air waves. It was ROCK' N' ROLL, and the people who enjoyed this music were seen as part of the evil under culture in America. What if a youth from that culture was bestowed the most powerful gift in the universe, what would he do with the POWER COSMIC? Would he use it to destroy the very fabric of our Great American culture? Or would he with his new powers chose to help in defending it from Harm from threats near and far........AND SPACE!!!!!???

That is what young Jack Kirblewski, is faced with. After crashing his Hot Rod in the Nevada Desert he awoke to find a Metal Gauntlet with Six Glowing Gems had been placed on his left arm and he couldn't remove it. He had no idea where it had come from or who had mysteriously placed it there. He shortly found out that the Gauntlet was more than a metal glove.

JOIN YOUNG JACK AS HE SOLVES THE MYSTERY OF "THE INFINITY GAUNTLET!"
(This is how I imagined the development team "Man of Action" would relaunch this book for MARVEL)

CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 by Mike Hawthorne

2011-10-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Logo by Jon Morris. Mike Hawthorne's website is here.

SPIDER-MAN 2099 #1 by Paul Maybury

2011-10-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Maybury's website is here.

MARVEL TALES #1 by Joel Priddy

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Joel says:

Bio:

Joel Priddy teaches comics and illustration at the Memphis College of Art and once had dinner with Will Eisner. His website is www.joelpriddy.com

Concept:
Nothing but the original Human Torch and Sub-Mariner punching each other out in the skies over Thirties New York. For 64 pages. Bi-Weekly.

PETER PORKER THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-HAM #1 by Jay Fosgitt

2011-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Colors by Evan Shaner.

DEFENDERS #2 by Anthony Vukojevich

2011-10-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

THE PURPLE REIGN SAGA continues with issue #2.

The Purple Man is has revealed his own team: THE PROSECUTORS

Their continuing mission: Kill Mandrill and the Defenders and capture Nighthawk.

The team is going to split up and take on the Defenders "Avengers/Defenders War"-style.

IKON vs. Hellcat's sister-in-law SATANA (Who has Son of Satan's Trident).

VALKYRIE vs. ILLYANA in a sword fight.

HELLCAT vs. TIGRA ('Nuff Said).

NAMORA takes on SPITFIRE (water vs. fire).

NIGHTHAWK battles BUCKY.

DOC SAMSON deals with KID DEATHLOK (a new character).

CLEA menaces MYSTIQUE.

SHE-HULK fights FIRESTAR.

This cover is a tribute to a certain iconic team…can you guess which?

Anthony Vukojevich draws on Phineas and Ferb.

His blog is right here:

http://vukojevich.blogspot.com/

His comic-book REPANELED blog is here:

http://repaneled.blogspot.com/

DEFENDERS #1 by Anthony Vukojevich

2011-10-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Anthony says: 1st Story-THE PURPLE REIGN SAGA (9 issues long):

What if Nighthawk somehow held the key to a mysterious multi-dimensional power?

What if The Purple Man wanted that power for himself?

The Mandrill is caught up in a war with the Purple Man….and if he can't have the prize, then Nighthawk must die.

Our first issue finds a mix of new and old Defenders all trying to capture or kill Nighthawk.

Can Doc Samson save him from the Mandrill-enthralled women? Can he save himself?

Even if he succeeds, The Purple Man is assembling his own team: THE PROSECUTORS (we'll see them is issue #2).

Their continuing mission: Kill Mandrill and the Defenders and capture Nighthawk.

Clea (replacing Doc Strange) is now the Mistress of the Mystic Arts.

Namora (replacing Subby), Doc Samson (replacing Hulk), and Ikon the Spaceknight (replacing Silver Surfer) have also joined the team.

The Giant-Sized first issue guest stars the Savage She-Hulk (who may or may not join the team).

Warning: By the end of the first story arc, you might just be rooting for the Mandrill.

Anthony Vukojevich draws on Phineas and Ferb.

His blog is right here:

http://vukojevich.blogspot.com/

His comic-book REPANELED blog is here:

http://repaneled.blogspot.com/

TOWER OF SHADOWS #1 by Dieter Van der Ougstraete

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Dieter says: I love wacky horror and creepy stuff. Don't know much about the "Tower of Shadows"-series, but I kinda like the title. I would pack that book with freaks!"

SHE-HULK #1 by Paul Salvi

2011-10-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Paul says: When I was an impressionable youngster my dad somehow acquired a few boxes of comics that included just about everything John Byrne had done up to that point, including his hilarious/brilliant/sexy run on She-Hulk. Since then, "Shulkie" has been one of my favorite Marvel characters.

Initially the plan here was to have her fighting actual real-world terrorists, but in the end I decided to go lighter, hence the staggeringly awesome original creations you see here. I call them the F.U.N. Squad (Fundamentalist Underground Network) and they are super cool and terrifying!

http://paulsalvi.blogspot.com

http://www.thelinecomic.com

X-FACTOR #1 by Steve Harrison

2011-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Steve Harrison has been drawing and self-publishing comics for (does the math) over 20 years. He recently completed his cyberpunk series, "Fabricari," and has started work on a new semi-autobiographical/sci-fi/fantasy book, "Parity." Fabricari is available, in its entirety, at Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/fabricari). And all other work by Steve can be read in web-comic form at Studio Fabricari (http://www.fabricari.com).

Steve says: I went with "X-Factor" out of sheer nostalgia. Most of what I read now is small press stuff, but I fondly remember my collections of Marvel titles stacked up in my long boxes.The first comic I really ever collected was "X-Factor." I was really attached to the idea of these gestapo hunters tracking down mutant kids to protect the public from their menace only to later find out that the hunters were, themselves, mutants seeking to teach these kids how to deal with their powers. It was definitely geek fantasy fulfillment, like Ender's Game. Of course, the comic later spun away from its initial theme and inevitably centered around that whole Jean Grey/Scott Summers thing - boring. The cover emphasizes the theme instead of the super hero costumes.

GHOST RIDER #1 by Alexis Ziritt

2011-10-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

NFL SUPERPRO #1 by Ryan Browne

2011-10-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ryan Browne is the Chicago based writer/ artist of the famously infamous print and webcomic, "God Hates Astronauts" and the stream of consciousness fun fest that is "Blast Furnace". God Hates Astronauts is the story of a bunch of inconsiderate, self centered, horrible super people who are hired by NASA to stop all farmers from launching themselves into outer orbit via homemade rocket ships. Currently it is updating every Tuesday over at http://www.godhatesastronauts.com

Also while working on GHA he is currently doing a long form stream of consciousness comic called "Blast Furance" which updates every weekday for an entire year. You can check it out at http://www.blastfurnacecomic.com"

NFL SuperPro was created by Fabian Nicieza. Read more...

DOCTOR STRANGE #1 by Robert Wilson IV

2011-10-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Robert Wilson IV is a comic artist and illustrator who currently lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Tiffany. He co-created and self published Knuckleheads, a super powered buddy comedy, along with writer Brian Winkeler. See more of Robert's work at http://robertwilsoniv.com/.

WAR IS HELL #1 by Neal von Flue

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Neal Von Flue is an artist whose day-job consists of teaching art, painting murals, drawing pictures, and accomplishing a wide array of art services. By night, he plays banjo and musical saw in the band Hang Dog Expression. His recent book collecting comic adaptations of old folk songs just came out, you can learn more at http://www.laborandlovecomic.com

Neal says: The original War is Hell series ran for 15 issues from 1973-1975. As the cover shows, my goal is to bring it back to it's incarnation as an anthology book. It would include 2 or 3 short war stories per issue, made by a unique and diverse team of creators. Death would be the narrator and guide through these stories, and the focus would be widened to include any kind of war and conflict throughout history (and possibly the future!)

PUCK #1 by Jon Morris

2011-10-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Jon Morris is a Washington-based cartoonist and the founder of DC Fifty-Too, which has morphed into this project. He couldn't resist giving Puck his first-ever solo series, because he's been wanting the little guy to have his own series since 1983. Don't believe me? Read on ...

Jon says: I've always loved the offbeat superheroes, so I was bazonkers for Alpha Flight when it debuted as its own series in 1983 - Sasquatch and Puck were immediately my favorites (somewhere around here I have both of them drawn as the Captain America and Bucky of Canada), but Puck more than anyone because he had depth.

I like the direction that's been taken with Eugene Judd in the most recent Alpha Flight miniseries - trapped in Hell for the last several years and finally brought back to life, he's become deranged and exuberant. I picture any ongoing series as bar fights and scuffles with rogue demons from the underworld who - like he did himself - escaped into the living world. Any excuse for a fight!

I enjoyed Puck's original backstory in Alpha Flight up to the point where he once was a normal-sized dude who was magically shrunk to dwarf-size. Everything up to that is golden - Eugene Judd, the world traveler and adventurer and hunter of rare and often mystical artifacts. I see no reason not to go back to that. Marvel has their fair share of world-travelling guns-and-fists adventurers, but none of them would be half as much fun to see in action as Puck.

Puck was created by John Byrne. Read more...

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #1 by Dieter Van der Ougstraete

2011-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Dieter says: I'm a child of the 80's. I've enjoyed so many awesome cartoon-shows back then: Transformers, G.I. Joe, ThunderCats, Blackstar,... but MOTU is probably my favorite of all the 80's series.

The Simpsons is a 90's juggernaut. If I was to make a new MOTU-story, I would let those two clash.

MAGIK #1 by Evan Bryce

2011-10-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Evan says: Although I've read other comics with Magik in them, it was her New Mutants appearances and her depiction by Bill Sienkiewicz that really made me love the character. It had a profound effect on me as an artist. Seeing Sienkiewicz's kinetic line work and bold color choices that really displayed the freedom of the character and sheer possibilities artistically and story-wise. Magik walks among different worlds and allows for non-crossover adventures, which is always a plus in my book. A lot of my art is driven by the colors I use, and a character with Magik's powers, I would have far too much fun on a book like that!

More of Evan's artwork can be seen at http://evanbryce.deviantart.com and http://artgantuan.tumblr.com/

THE HUMAN FLY #1 by Charles Guthrie

2011-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

DARKHAWK #1 by Tim Seeley

2011-10-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tim says: I have a weird affection for DH, stemming fro the fact that he debuted at the height of my adolescent love for comics! My take on him would be really simple: take him back to basics. Chris Powell ues the powers of the Darkhawk amulet to protect his family, and clean up his neighborhood. Chris fights against the forces of Phillipe Bazin, a small time local mob boss, aided by Bazin's daughter, Allegra. But is Allegra genuinely interested is stopping her father's evil or is this rebellion simply entertaining for the spoiled heiress?

CABLE #1 by Buster Moody

2011-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

TOMB OF DRACULA #1 by Les McClaine

2011-10-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Les says: Short Book Summary:

FRANK DRAKE was a man accustomed to wealth. But when his inheritance ran out, he found himself suddenly without resources or direction. His salvation seemed to come in a mysterious letter informing him of an old family property in Transylvania.

Now, Frank finds himself fighting the machinations of his own ancestor, DRACULA, the lord of all vampires! Alongside him are three seasoned vampire fighters:

QUINCY HARKER: Grandson of Jonathan and Mina Harker, who aided in the seeming destruction of Dracula, over one hundred years ago!

RACHEL VAN HELSING: The great-granddaughter of famed vampire killer Abraham Van Helsing, she now carries on the family trade, having trained since childhood for the ultimate destruction of her ancestor's greatest enemy!

ADAM, THE MONSTER OF FRANKENSTEIN: Created by a madman, and having achieved revenge on his maker, the creature now enters an uneasy alliance with the vampire hunters, seeking vengeance on the vampire that aided Victor Frankenstein in his unholy experiments!

Can these four end the bloody terror that has roiled through five centuries of history?

Can they bind the undead menace eternally to his final, inescapable prison: THE TOMB OF DRACULA?

Short Bio:

Les McClaine is a member of Tranquility Base in Portland Oregon. He is constantly amazed that he is allowed to sit in a big room with his friends and draw cartoons all day. You may have seen his work in The Middleman, The Tick: New Series, or his own Jonny Crossbones. He is currently working on TUNE, a graphic novel written by Derek Kirk Kim.

NEXTWAVE #1 by Ryan Cody

2011-10-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ryan says: I really, really, would like to draw this book with Warren writing.

My new site address is http://super75comics.wordpress.com/

Ryan also has a unique Kickstarter running right now. If you're interested n supporting an independent creator, you can get a 4-issue mini-series for only $4! Learn more about it at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1123955719/icarus-a-4-issue-miniseries-by-ryan-cody-for-only

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST #1 by Mike Norton

2011-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mike says: I like the character of Wonder Man a lot. I really dug the hollywood stuntman era from when I was growing up in the 80's. I also like the Crosby and Hope type pairing that Marvel would do with him and Beast every so often. Why were they buddies? I don't know, but it was cool. I was talking over an idea with Tim Seeley at one point about a new Wonder Man/ Beast team up, but "BLOCKBUSTER SALES HIT" just wasn't written all over it. Besides Wonder Man is a bad guy now and Beast is a kitty cat, right? Here's a look at what could have been. Colors by Allen Passalaqua and lettering by Crank!

Marvel Universe Too - WHAT IF starts today!

2011-10-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

Marvel Universe Too - WHAT IF begins in less than an hour! Plus, our second big announcement comes next Monday, stay tuned!

ADVENTURE COMICS Featuring SUPERBOY #1 by Jordan Gibson

2011-09-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Jordan Gibson is a freelance artist and a contributor at Project:Rooftop (http://www.projectrooftop.com/). To find more of his work, check out http://flavors.me/jordangibson

Jordan says: I figured the next step for Connor would be to join the Legion of Superheroes with Krypto in tow, though I wouldn't feature them in every issue. I want to get back to the old Adventure Comics, where Superboy and Krypto can basically go anywhere in space and time to have a crazy, fun adventure! For his new costume, I tried to combine his original 90s costume with the sensibility of the Legion cartoon, while still letting him keep his t-shirt.

Superboy (Kon-El) was created by Karl Kesell and Tom Grummett. Read more...

COMPOSITE SUPERMAN #1 by Matthew Allison

2011-09-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

LOBO INC #1 by Kyle Strahm

2011-09-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kyle Strahm is an illustrator and comic book artist based in Kansas City, Missouri. He most recently provided interior artwork for Hack/Slash #5 from Image Comics and a backup story in last month's Screamland #3, also from Image. His freshman effort, We Will Bury You, will be reprinted in IDW's Zomnibus Volume 2 in October. Kyle has worked for various other companies such as BOOM! and White Wolf. He is currently doing design work for an upcoming short film. You can see more of his work at www.kylestrahm.com or follow him on Twitter (@kstrahm).

Kyle says: Yo, bro. We did it for the 'Bo. The Giffen/Grant/Bisley Lobo stories of the early '90s have long been some of my favorite comics. The frantic, over-the-top, jam-packed artwork has majorly influenced my own. Lobo was my only choice for this project. And this was a great chance to work again with colorist Mark Englert and letterer Crank! with whom I'd collaborated on Hack/Slash earlier this year. They delivered in a major way. Thanks, guys!

Lobo was created by Roger Slifer and Keith Giffen. Read more...

FLASH #1 by Adam Limbert

2011-09-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Adam Limbert is a graphic designer/illustrator/creative enthusiast living in the Buckeye state with his wife and daughter, just trying to keep up with all of his interests. He's simple guy with big, crazy ideas, but art is his true passion. Having worked with some of the biggest brands in the industry such as Airstream, Huffy, SeaWorld, Burton, Beloved Virus, Busch Gardens, Monster Cable, Grand-Am Racing and more, he's always looking for the next creative challenge!

WEB: www.adamlimbert.com

DEVIANT: http://adamlimbert.deviantart.com/

The Flash was created by Robert Kanigher, John Broome and Carmine Infantino. Read more...

WEIRD WAR TALES #1 by Jake Ekiss

2011-09-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Jake Ekiss is a founding member of Space-Gun Studios and a graduate of the University of North Texas Drawing and Painting Program. Jake has gone on to work for companies such as The Gamers' Conglomerate, Study Island, Titan Comics, and Digital Webbing. He is currently producing his own webcomic Solomon Azua, which was nominated for a Glyph Award in 2011.

Jake says: Michael Salvadore went into the military because he was supposed to, because it was expected, because he had nothing better to do. Two years in, he was sent to the Gulf, to Kuwait. There he saw it. The face of death, ghost of blood, the nightmare that walked. Ever since he's been a changed man. Now he's got something better to do. Death is his new commander, and his mission is commander's eyes only. Michael follows an unseen path to find the scars of violence in our world, to find the hidden, deadly things. To find his new squad. He'll gather them, recruit them, one by one. And when he has them, then they'll fight... the Weird War.

Weird War Tales was a supernatural war book published by DC Comics. Read more...

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1 by Jamie Fay

2011-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Jamie Fay is a artist/inker living in New York, NY. He's the co-creator of the new comicbook series, NeverMInds, from Drumfish Productions. Jamie's work has also appeared in the Sentinels Anthology, and many other indie titles. To check out more of Jamie's art, visit http://windriderx23.deviantart.com. To find out more about NeverMinds and other Drumfish Productions series, visithttp://drumfishproductions.blogspot.com

Jamie says: I was first introduced to the Legion with the maxiseries, LEGION LOST. I loved the characters, the art and the story. I was hooked from that point. That era of the Legion is MY Legion. Instead of staying with the status quo, as they are in the new series, I would go back to the Post-Reboot Era, that ran from 1994-2004, where the characters had more original names. Lightning Lad was Livewire. Phantom Girl was Apparition. And so on. The big thing that I would do is get rid of the flight rings and replace them with flight belts. The Legion insignia would really make them all look uniform and allow flight. I would also compress the different Legion universes, allowing us to use characters that would never meet.

When creating my team, I knew I had to start with the big 3: Livewire, Saturn Girl, and Cosmic Boy. From there I added Legion mainstays Ultra Boy, Apparition, Brainiac 5, Triad and Chameleon. From the Post-Reboot Era, I added Sensor, Gates, Kid Quantum and Monstress. From the current titles, I added Dragonwing and Comet Queen, who I think have really shined. From the Cartoon Series, I merged Timberwolf with a few of his comicbook counterparts. I love that I had a chance to use some great characters that I am missing in the current titles, like Monstress, Sensor and Kid Quantum. All very cool characters that no one is using. If I could have, I would have added Umbra, Wildfire, DawnStar, Bouncing Boy, Leviathan(aka Shrinking Violet), Shikari and Dreamer. And the list would go on and on.

For their costumes, they are all a merging of costumes from the different universes, to help show they have all been made into one. Take Saturn Girl, whose costume is a mixture of her Post-Reboot Era and her Threeboot Era costumes. Cosmic Boy is a mixture of his Original, Post-Reboot and Current costumes. I really wanted to show the merging and also add in some of my own flair to the costumes.

When it came to coloring this piece, I had to go with one of the best colorists I've had the honor of working with, Danielle St. Pierre. Danielle is the current colorist on my book NeverMinds and she really adds so much to every piece she takes on. She adds so much depth and form with her coloring skills that really make the characters pop off the page. Thanks so much for another beautiful collabration, Danielle! To checkout Danielle's work, please go to http://witchysaint.deviantart.com so you can see first hand how amazing she is.

The Legion of Super-Heroes was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. Read more...

PREZ #1 by Jake Ekiss

2011-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Colors and title treatment by Paul Milligan

Jake Ekiss is a founding member of Space-Gun Studios and a graduate of the University of North Texas Drawing and Painting Program. Jake has gone on to work for companies such as The Gamers' Conglomerate, Study Island, Titan Comics, and Digital Webbing. He is currently producing his own webcomic Solomon Azua, which was nominated for a Glyph Award in 2011.

Jake says: It's the second decade of the new millenium, and the last place anyone thought there would be a violent youth revolt was the United States. After months of tense political stalemate punctuated by crippling social turmoil, a deal was reached. The minimum age to hold office was lowered, and in 2016, the youngest president ever, 17 year old Alejandra Perez "Prez" was elected to the highest office in the land. With the youth revolt still smoldering, and the country on the verge of schism or collapse, all the weight of our dreams, of our children's dreams, rest on one girl.

Prez was created by Joe Simon and Jerry Grandetti. Read more...

THE SPECTRE #1 by Tait Howard

2011-09-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tait Howard is a comic artist and recent graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design. He lives in Seattle where he spends all day drawing and all night partying. You can see more of his work at http://comicbooktakeover.tumblr.com/ and email him attaitcomics@gmail.com

Tait says: The Spectre has always been one of my favorite DC characters, but also one of the most frustrating for me. Hes basically god, he can do whatever he wants and his power is limitless, but for some reason hes always just hanging out on earth butting into other peoples business. It sort of makes sense that he'd stay on earth because each iteration of The Spectre has been a human, but i feel like if I were given ultimate power I'd go see what was going on in the rest of the universe or other universes or whatever. Earth already has superman and batman and whatever, they can probably take care of themselves. My version of The Spectre would just be this cosmic adventurer dude who wants to see and learn everything there is to learn in the universe, so this is him on his intergalactic whip riding around with some space worms.

The Spectre was created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard Bailey. Read more...

The Big Announcement! Coming in October, it's ...

2011-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I've been teasing a couple of "big announcements" regarding DC Fifty-Too on my Twitter account in the last two weeks, without giving much of a clue what's going on.

The response to DC Fifty-Too has been tremendous, and it felt kind of sad to let the project wind down. With the "official" 52 DC covers having debuted last month and this "Bonus Fifty-Too" wrapping up in the next week, the end was pretty near.

However, some of the artists involved with the first leg of the project contacted me and suggested a new theme, so without further ado, here's Big News Part One:

Debuting October 3, it's...

Starting Monday, October 3 in this here blog, many of the artists involved with the original DC Fifty-Too take their talents to the competition, and bring you their take on a wholly relaunched Marvel Universe - around 70 new Number One Issues from their dream Marvel Comics lineup!

I can promise new work from Buster Moody (Manhunter 2070), Mike Norton (Blue Beetles), Dieter Van der Ougstraete (Sea Devils), Charles Guthrie (Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love), Neal von Flue (Kid Eternity) and a host of others, plus some of the artists who were invited to participate in DC Fifty-Too but missed out, including Ryan Browne, Les McClaine, Steve Harrison and many more!

As a side note - this is an invite-only event running through the month of October, we won't be taking submissions ... just yet. BUT! Stay tuned during MARVEL UNIVERSE TOO -WHAT IF during October for another Big Announcement on how you can participate in future projects (that's right, there's more coming)!

Thanks folks, see you in October - and stick around in September for more DC FIFTY-TOO!

-Jon Morris

CLAYFACE #1 by Alex Cox

2011-09-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Alex J. Cox was born in 1976. He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he writes and draws cartoons. His first graphic novel, Loserville Volume 1, was published earlier this year by SLG Publishing. His website is http://loservillecomic.blogspot.com/

Alex says: I love Clayface. My first introduction to him was in the Bruce Timm Batman cartoon in the 90's. I have always thought he was a great, tortured character that had a lot of potential. Sympathetic villains are the greatest villains. So my cover strips him of all of that.

Clayface (Matt Hagen) was created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff. Read more...

DIAL H FOR HERO #1 by Bill Walko

2011-09-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Walko

You might recognize Bill Walko's art from comic-related sites such as Project: Rooftop, ComicsAlliance.com, or CBR's Comics Should Be Good. His lively renditions of classic comic book characters - including the Teen Titans, X-Men and the Wonder Twins - have tickled the fancy of comic fandom.

But in the past year, Bill has also focused his talents toward his own comic. Imagine your office, bitten by a radioactive spider. That’s The Hero Business, a comic chronicling the day-to-day adventures of an agency that caters exclusively to super-heroes (and their super-egos). Because with great power comes great marketability.

Bill says: I think DC missed an opportunity to create some books in their "new 52" that evoke the feeling of a Cartoon Network series, utilizing some of their many untapped characters. It would have been a nice opportunity to capture the attention of Young Adult readers who may enjoy watching "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated" or "Ben 10."

I'd love to re-invent the Dial H for Hero concept as a spooky mystery-adventure series, rather than a super-hero series. With that in mind, Chris and Vicki would transform into various creatures of myth for their hourly H-dialing. It would be a ground-up approach, where the teen protagonists fight creepy-crawly menaces in the New England town of Fairfax. I'd also introduce some recurring allies, adversaries and mysterious persons whose true allegiances are in question. Little by little, we'd reveal the secret mythology of the H Dials, dating back through Fairfax' strange history.

Here's a fun sample solicit:

Dial H For Hero #1

Written by Bill Walko • Art by Bill Walko

On sale SEPTEMBER • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

In the sleepy town of Fairfax, Maine, mystery and adventure await two unsuspecting teenagers.On a dare, Chris King and Vicki Grant brave a haunted house to discover a pair of mystical "H Dials." The duo quickly learn the awesome powers these talismans wield, and set out to unravel the secrets behind their origins. But Chris, Vicki and their friends soon discover that these secrets are being protected by a powerful force - and the gang may have dialed up more danger than they ever imagined!

Dial H For Hero was created by Dave Wood and Jim Mooney. Chris King and Vicki Grant were created by Marv Wolfman and Carmine Infantino. Read more...

POLICE COMICS #1 by Eric Schock

2011-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Eric Schock is a Tucson-based artist, co-founder of Evil Robo, and the current art director of the Tucson Comic Con. For more information, visit his bio.

Police Comics was the creation of the Eisner & Iger Studios. Read more...

LEGION OF SUPER-PETS #1 by Brodie Brockie

2011-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Brodie H. Brockie is a writer and illustrator living in Ann Arbor, MI. He's the co-founder of the long-running comedy site, Cap'n Wacky's Boatload of Fun. His writing has also appeared in Myspace/Dark Horse Presents, McSweeney's Created in Darkness by Troubled Americans, among other curious corners of the internet. For more than you care to know about Brodie, visit brodiehbrockie.com.

Brodie says: The Super-Pets have reunited and are ready to take on the cases the super-humans miss in all corners of the DC Universe. Krypto the Super-Dog leads his teammates Streaky the sassy Super-Cat, Beppo the silly Super-Monkey, and Comet the steadfast Super-Horse in this series of single-issue, all-ages-friendly stories. The people of the DC Universe have learned they can count on their heroes. Now the animals of the DC Universe are learning that when they need help, they can call on the Legion of Super-Pets! Sometimes the Super-Pets get themselves into trouble too (like in this first issue when Streaky gets tricked into pulling some thefts for Catwoman). Several issues will spin off of events in other DC comics (though reading those other comics will never be necessary) as the Super-Pets clean up trouble off to the side of what the super-heroes are dealing with. Comedy, adventure, and adorable animals team up in the Legion of Super-Pets!

Since a lot of costumes were redesigned as part of the relaunch, I have drastically altered Krypto and Streaky's outfits - getting rid of the yellow collars and replacing them with blue ones instead. I thought about also giving them really clunky boots, but they wouldn't stand for it.

The Legion of Super-Pets was created by a buncha different people. Read more...

BATMAN BEYOND #1 by Andrew Huerta

2011-09-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Born and raised in California, Andrew Huerta is a Hip-Hop head, visual artist and a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Being self-taught, his works have been described as original, dynamic, edgy and full of life. Although working primarily in pencil & ink, Andrew is versed in aerosol paint, graphic design, sculpture and digital illustration. While attending art school, he has worked for a number of clients such as IDW Publishing, Aranim Media Factory, Bloodbath Project, BOOM! Studios, Archaia Entertainment, Los

Angeles Times and NYU Press. He is currently pursuing his B.A. in Graphic Illustration.

You can find more of Andrew's artwork at his website - www.andrewhuerta.com

Andrew says: I'm a huge Batman Beyond and Bruce Timm fan. The way they moved the concept/story into the future while still respecting and keeping the integrity of the original concept was genius. In my, The New 52 version, I didn't change much. The story and characters would essentially be the same, while I would revamp the style and art direction to give it a more Metal Gear Solid/Blade Runner/Matrix hybrid approach. I feel that out of all the series in the DCU, this one needs to look and feel fresh and hi-tech.

Batman Beyond was created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini. Read more...

POWER GIRLS #1 by Caanan Grall

2011-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Caanan Grall does the Eisner-nominated webcomic, Max Overacts, at occasionalcomics.com where he is desperately trying to raise the funds to self publish the first collection through IndieGoGo. He also had his first book, Celadore, published last year from DC's defunct Zuda Comics and mixes it up every week with a bunch of other great artists as a part of The Line: It Is Drawn sketch challenge, under the watchful eye of Brian Cronin, at the Comics Should Be Good blog on CBR.com. You may have also seen his 24 hour comic viral hit, Muppet Thor.

Caanan says: Forget everything you know about Power Girl. Her origin is as messy as a box of Christmas lights, and, well... Supergirl already exists in the DCnU, so this is an all new Power Girl.

At the age of 15, Sam Sorelle doesn't have your normal teen life. She doesn't have time for boys, malls, or even school. She follows her radical, documentarian parents around the globe, learning by living. But on an extended shoot in the Pacific Ocean, while they let her out to film B roll by herself for the first time, an alien space ship crashes in the water right in front of her.

Seeing someone in the ship, Sam jumps in the ocean to save the alien who, it turns out, is a young Kryptonian survivor named Kara Zan-Oh, who escaped with her parents. (Who were obviously smarter than Superman's - because these guys built a ship that could save the whole family unit! Not just sending your only child in to oblivion to live or die. This isn't a religious text, ya know.) Anyway, after Krypton blew up, they became interplanetary drifters. Traders. Shooting around, visiting strange planets, collecting alien artifacts. Eventually, coincidentally, after 15 years or so, Kara's parents were killed in a space pirate attack, leaving her to escape on her own, which is how she made it to Earth.

She joins the activist family who much resemble her own drifter parents, even taking their last name. Now, with Earth her new home, Kara Sorelle must master her new yellow sun powers, while Sam learns how to handle all that wonderful alien tech they rescued from the ruined spacecraft. Together, they will help the Earth... Together, they are Power Girls!

AZRAEL #1 by Paul Lavallée

2011-09-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Lavallée is a writer/illustrator from Edmonton. His websites are www.lav2k.ca and http://lav2k.deviantart.com. He says of himself: "I produce two web-comics. One named Beast Dominion, which I write and illustrate myself. The other is named Codename Sabotage, which I write, and is illustrated by artist Andrew Huerta. I also self-publish an indy anthology named Induced."

Paul says: "With the Azrael cover, I was trying to imagine how Jim Lee's regime would update Azrael's cover. I did this by adding some stream-pattern work on Azrael's suit. Sort of how they did with his new JLA outfits."

Azrael was created by Dennis O'Neil and Joe Quesada. Read more...

BLACK ORCHID #1 by Kat Roberts

2011-09-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Black Orchid was created by Sheldon Mayer and Tony DeZuniga. Read more...

SUPERGIRL #1 by Eric Johnston

2011-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Eric Johnston has been a hobby artist for almost 8 years now. I got my start trying to recreate scenes from the popular anime "Cowboy Bebop" and have since moved onto making my own self published comicbook "Artemis". When it comes to comics, I don't there is anyone who is a bigger Superman/Supergirl fan than I.

Eric says: After hearing the description on Supergirl's relaunched origin, I couldn't help my make my own version. I've grown up hearing how Supergirl was a troubled soul always struggling to figure out her place in the world. I wanted to show a more relaxed cute Supergirl. Someone with an excitement for life and fondness for helping others. Of course because this is the first cover, it had to be iconic and also set the scene for the series which is why she is over Metropolis.

Supergirl was created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan.

WARLORD #1 by Steve Seeley

2011-09-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Warlord was created by Mike Grell. Read more...

WILDCATS #1 by Paul Milligan

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Milligan is an illustrator and designer living in Oklahoma (though truthfully his heart belongs to Texas). His work has appeared in various independent publications and he has self-published a number of his own comics. Currently Paul is working on more projects than can really be good for his sanity. His 24-Hour Comic Day trilogy, "The God of Rock" is currently running as a webcomic at www.space-gun.com/godofrock. You can see more of his artwork online at www.stumblebumstudios.com.

Paul says: Welcome to Wildcat's - the most dangerous dive in the DCU. In the newly combined DC/Wildstorm universe semi-retired superhero Wildcat (a.k.a. Ted Grant) opens a "superheroes only" bar called Wildcat's. This new bar is built on the same location where the notorious Clark's Bar & Grille once stood before it was burned to the ground during a massive superhuman brawl. Working at the bar are Cole Cash (Grifter), Zannah (Zealot) and Priscilla Kitaen (Voodoo), all former members of the WildC.A.T.S. who now run a mercenary business and secret war against the reemerging Daemonite threat out of the backroom of the bar. In this new universe where the WildC.A.T.S. existed alongside the DC heroes, Zealot and Ted Grant met and fought together (and sometimes against each other) during WWII. In turn Ted Grant was once a mentor to a teenage Grifter and taught him and his younger brother Max to box.

In a back-up feature Grifter's brother Max Cash (Condition Red) is a private detective who will take on just about any case, no matter how bizarre, as long as the price is right. But the biggest case for Max, and the one that consumes his every non-billable hour, is finding out why he's not as dead as he used to be.

WildC.A.T.s and Condition Red were created by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi. Read more...
Wildcat was created by Bill Finger and Irwin Hansen. Read more...

SHOWCASE Featuring MANHUNTER 2070 #1 by Buster Moody

2011-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Buster Moody is some dude who draws comics in a basement somewhere. You can see more of his work on his blog at: http://bustermoody.blogspot.com. He also makes beats, which you can listen to at: http://soundcloud.com/bmoody

Manhunter 2070 was created by Mike Sekowsky. Read more...

HAYWIRE #1 by Kiel West

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kiel says: Dear Mr Stephen. Majorsky,
Our research team has thoroughly reviewed your case. We'd like to thank you for letting us help you and hope the results of our analysis will guide you to a restful solution in the near future.

We've narrowed your concerns down to two major topics:

1. Your soreness and complete lack of energy upon waking from a full night's sleep.
2. The seemingly random appearance of cuts and bruises on your body. We started with the obvious suspect: Sleepwalking.

We were correct in our suspicion, however it must be stated that what was viewed on the video footage recorded from your apartment has shocked and deeply disturbed our team.The footage reveals you leaving your bed, getting fully dressed and exiting your apartment. You returned approximately 6-7 hours later completely disheveled and apparently wounded. You repeated this every night for the duration of our analysis.

We felt for your own safety, it would be best to have some of our team members follow you during your nightly escapades without your knowledge. The reports we received back have greatly alarmed us. Apparently you were followed to the local dump. What happens next defies explanation, so please bear with me. You began to glow from each o your extremities, and seconds later, from various heaps of garbage, flew large pieces of blue metal, which collected on your person into what appears to be some kind of robotic armor. Once this was finished, you returned to the streets. Using the tracking device we asked you to wear, our team managed to collect photographs of several encounters you made, fully clad in the blue armor, with whom can only be described as unsavory, criminal-type individuals. Though we do not know the nature of their activities, or their relationship to you, each meeting seems to have ended in grisly death. One of our team members who witnessed one such event, gave us this account: "The guy caught this punk making off with a car stereo. He shot him from across the street with some kind of mini-harpoon that came out of his forearm. Then he walked over and just went totally haywire. He beat the guy with those huge metal fists until he was practially a puddle."

We are obligated to inform you of the illegality of such activities. Please call us as soon as you receive this letter, as we are concerned for the well being of all parties involved.

Doctor McCay - Winsor University Institure of Sleep Research

Kiel West lives in Idaho where he draws cartoons when his son is napping. His work recently appeared in Twisted Savage Dragon Funnies from Image Comics. He usually has at least two types of mustard in his fridge.
http://flavors.me/kielwest

Haywire was created by Michael Fleisher and Vince Giarrano. Read more...

JONAH HEX #1 Variant Edition by Alexis Ziritt

2011-09-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Alex says: Here is my new HEX illo, totally inspired by Spaghetti Western and the amazing DJANGO with Franco Nero.

Site: http://www.behance.net/aziritt

Jonah Hex was created by John Albano and Tony DeZuniga. Read more...

JONAH HEX #1 by Alexis Ziritt

2011-09-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Alexis Ziritt is the co-founder of the t-shirt company Fistful Apparel and the indie comics co-op Calavera Comics. A graphic design mastermind, Alexis is originally from Venezuela but has lived in Tampa for the past decade. He's been published in Complex Magazine and Heavy Metal, among others. His kung fu is strong.
http://www.behance.net/aziritt
http://www.merchline.com/fistful

I love spaghetti western and thats my inspiration behind this cover.

Jonah Hex was created by John Albano and Tony DeZuniga. Read more...

New participants: The door is (temporarily) closed ...

2011-09-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Since DC Fifty-Too started, I've been fielding as many as a dozen emails every day from folks who are interested in participating, asking to reserve a title, or even sending me completed covers. It's great! It's been really rewarding to see folks excited enough about DC Fifty-Too to want to participate.

However, so that I don't end up curating this blog until doomsday, I'm afraid I've shut the door to new participants at present.

However, don't despair! In the next couple of weeks, there will be an announcement on this blog regarding a means for everyone to participate (plus a whole new curated event coming down the pipeline)!

It's really been wonderful to hear from so many people who have gotten really excited about the project, so I hope you'll all stick around as DC Fifty-Too moves on to its next stages!

-Jon

CATWOMAN #1 by Dustin Darnault

2011-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Born in Miami, Florida, Dustin d’Arnault was bred on a steady diet of hip-hop, comics and cartoons. He studied illustration at Ringling College of Art + Design and spent two summers enrolled in The Illustration Academy. He currently works at Reel FX Creative Studios where he spends his days drawing for animation and his nights illustrating comics. He enjoys movies, fresh kicks and the occasional "Street Fighter" bout. When not busy with the aforementioned activities, he is available for freelance work. So go ahead, contact him…he dares you.

sites:
www.heydusty.com
www.dustindarnault.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/dustindarnault

Catwoman was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. Read more...

HAWK AND DOVE #1 by Rich Bernatovech

2011-09-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Rich Bernatovech is an artist/writer from NYC. He is the co-creator, writer and inker of the acclaimed Independent series, SENTINELS from Drumfish Productions. Currently his writing work includes Drumfish’s new series, NEVERMINDS and the up-coming OGN, BUGGED. You can learn more about Rich’s projects and Drumfish Productions at www.drumfishproductions.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/pages/Drumfish-Productions/117660288272651 . You can also see more of Rich’s artwork at www.ricber.deviantart.com

Rich says: I would redesign Hawk and Dove’s costumes a bit to make them less 90s. Their wings would be energy and help show that they get their powers through magic. I would play up the order and chaos angle to them and ground them more in the mystical world instead of making them crime fighters.

Hawk and Dove were created by Steve Ditko and Steve Skeates. Read more...

WONDER GIRL #1 by Lee Leslie

2011-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

"WONDER GIRL #1
Story and Art by LEE LESLIE
24 pg (FC) ONGOING

ALL AGES

It's just another day at the Royal Palace of Themyscira for Princess Diana until a fire-breathing dragon interrupts her afternoon study session! Can she save her friends, teacher, and (most importantly) her homework? And how is she going to explain this mess to her overprotective mother? And who ever said being a Princess was easy?!"

Lee Leslie (http://LeeLeslieComics.com) is the artist of SCREAMLAND from Image Comics and the creator of RiGBY (http://RigbyTheBarbarian.com). He lives just outside Kansas City with his wife, Bethany (http://Bethanysewandsew.com) and their two children, Eleanor and Arthur. It was Eleanor's idea for Wonder Girl to wear pink.

Wonder Girl was created by Robert Kanigher. Read more...

LOIS LANE #1 Variant Edition by Anthony Vukojevich

2011-09-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Anthony Vukojevich grew up in the Foothills of a Los Angeles suburb. They often filmed "CHiPs" on the 210 freeway. Erik Estrada was around a bunch. His neighbor Steve across the street composed the music for Pink Panther, Tijuana Toads and Mr. Jaws cartoons. Steve was good pals with the actor who played Jimmy Olsen in the Superman movie. Steve's brother also worked in animation. He worked with Stan Lee. Anthony got Stan to sign his Silver Surfer Graphic Novel (the one he did with Kirby). Anthony's other neighbor had an Uncle who gave him a stack of all the 60's Marvel Comics. He spent a lot of his time reading those comics. Anthony drew a sequel to Star Wars before it was apparent that "Empire" was coming out. The main protagonist was a bounty hunter named Warola.

Anthony Vukojevich's blog is here: http://vukojevich.blogspot.com/

Lois Lane was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Read more...

LEX LUTHOR #1 by Mark Stockbridge

2011-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Mark Stockbridge is an illustrator/animator living in Seattle. There he currently works as a Flash developer and is an active participant in the Bureau of Drawers.

Mark is best known for his animated Vaportron cartoons, featuring Roger Hargreaves-inspired characters with Bob Clampett personalities. He also draws a weekly online comic strip occasionally featuring the same characters.

His work can be viewed at his website http://www.umfrasco.com

Lex Luthor was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Read more...

DARK MANSION OF FORBIDDEN LOVE #1 by Charles Guthrie

2011-09-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Charles says: DC has made some fantastic comics, but "The Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love" is such a great name for a strip, the choice was easy.

Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love was edited by Dorothy Woolfolk, Ethan C.Mordden, Joe Orlando, E.Nelson Bridwell and Denny O'Neill. Read more...

LIBERTY BELLE #2 by Joel Priddy

2011-09-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Presenting the second issue of Joel Priddy's gorgeous Liberty Belle comic. Joel Priddy's website is here.

Liberty Belle was created by Don Cameron and Chuck Winter. Read more...

It's over ... or is it?

2011-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

That wraps up DC FIFTY-TOO, a huge thanks to everyone who participated and everyone who spread the word and left comments - it's terrifically appreciated. I hope everyone's had as much fun with it as I had, this was a blast. (I also hope DC sees some of these mock covers and realizes what kind of talent is sitting here just aching to work on some of their less-attended-to properties).

So, is this end of DC FIFTY-TOO? Well, yes ... of the first round. What's a month of solicitations without a second month of solicitations? Stay tuned come Monday for some second issues, awesome variant covers, and some all-new number ones from folks who weren't in on the first 52.

In the interim, looking at all 52 covers delivered so far, here's what impresses me the most: All of these fabricated titles look like so much fun to read. There is not a single title here which looks like a slog, or like it takes itself too seriously, it all looks so eminently accessible and enjoyable and there's not a one I wouldn't read if it were real (and a few I'll regret to my dying day aren't real titles). I enjoyed the heck out of this project so far, I hope you all did too, and here's looking forward to the next round!

-Jon Morris