Welcome Home Star Wars™ With Epic Launch Parties in January!

Direct from Marvel...

Welcome Home Star Wars™ With Epic Launch Parties in January!The Force is Strong With Your Local Comic Shops in 2015!

                                                                                                                                   

Marvel is kicking off 2015 with a bang big enough to destroy a Death Star as Star Wars makes its triumphant return to the House of Ideas and into comic shops on January 14^th! That’s right, your local comic shop is the place to be to get your hands on the blockbuster first issue of Star Wars! In addition to being among the first to purchase and read the landmark STAR WARS #1, fans will also be able to receive special items exclusive to these launch parties.

STAR WARS #1 is already poised to be one of the biggest launches of the year, and Marvel is making sure comic book stores worldwide are armed and ready for the landmark return of Star Wars to its home at Marvel. Each retailer opting into the STAR WARS #1 Launch Party will receive a Star Wars Party Kit from Marvel, containing exclusive promotional materials including exclusive variants, promotional buttons, cake toppers and more. Check your Marvel Mailer for more information on how to opt-in by 12/08 to ensure your store has these promo items and exclusives.

                                                         

“Brand new Star Wars comics featuring some of the biggest names in comics deserve the red carpet treatment,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “We’re committed to making sure our valued retail partners have everything they need to engage regular customers and new fans to check out what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest launches of the year.”

All qualifying retailers will receive the following as part of the Star Wars #1 Launch Party:

                                                                                                                                                       

Star Wars #1 Invitational Postcards

Star Wars #1 Promotional Pins

Star Wars #1 Skottie Young Lithographs

Star Wars #1 John Tyler Christopher Sketch Party Variant

This January, take your first step into a larger world as a galaxy far, far away returns to Marvel with STAR WARS #1 – on sale January 14^th!

STAR WARS #1 (NOV140709)

STAR WARS WELCOME HOME PARTY OPT-IN (NOV140723)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Variant Covers by ALEX ROSS (NOV140716), JOE QUESADA (NOV140714),

SARA PICHELLI (NOV140718), BOB MCLEOD (NOV140712) and SKOTTIE YOUNG (NOV140719)
Party Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (NOV140720)
Movie Variant Also Available (NOV140713)

Connecting Variant A by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL (NOV140710)

Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (NOV140721)

FOC – 12/08/14, On-Sale – 01/14/14

Kurt Busiek's Tooth & Claw #2 (Alex Ross Variant Cover) from Image Comics

TOOTH & CLAW, the exciting new fantasy epic from bestselling writer Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Astro City), artist Benjamin Dewey (I Was the Cat, Tragedy Series), Eisner-winning colorist Jordie Bellaire (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, PRETTY DEADLY), and letterer John Roshell of Comicraft will feature a very special variant cover by artist Alex Ross of Marvels and Kingdom Come fame. 

In TOOTH & CLAW, a secret conclave of wizards brings a legendary champion forward through time from the forgotten past to save the world—with disastrous consequences. Featuring swords, sorcery, beast-wizards, gods, vast animal empires, golems of radioactive decay, crystalline badlands, con women, ancient armories, young love, mystery, blood and death and treachery and destiny… TOOTH & CLAW is the sprawling, world-building fantasy series readers won't want to miss out on.

Ross’s creative process was immediately inspired by TOOTH & CLAW’s fantasy-feel when approaching his variant cover. "The world in TOOTH & CLAW is kind of a quasi-medieval fantasy, joined with classical designs,” said Ross. “That made me think of paintings like The Raft of the Medusa, and I wanted to capture that feeling, with the characters and situations from the series. Although really, the only reference I had was the Pogues album, Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, so in a way, that was my reference and my inspiration."

"It's an unusual subject for Alex,” added Busiek. “But he's painted such a wild range of stuff for Astro City that I was sure he'd do something amazing. So I showed him the art to the first issue, and he was glad to join in. And he really outdid himself, I'd say—it's a gorgeous, moody cover that really encapsulates what's going on in this world."

Ross was also influenced by Dewey’s caliber of artwork. "At this point, we all know what great work Kurt can do, but look at this awesome artwork by Ben Dewey!” said Ross. “This is some of the most impressive and elaborate illustration you can find in comics. How often do you see a world of animal protagonists in a comic story related with such realism and pathos? This book looks damn unique to me, and isn’t that what we should all be looking for?"

TOOTH AND CLAW #1 (Diamond Code SEP140540) will be available on 11/5 as a double-sized 44 page issue with no ads for only $2.99. 

TOOTH AND CLAW #2 (Diamond Code OCT140609) Cover A by Benjamin Dewey will be available on 12/3. Cover B by Alex Ross will be available with Diamond Code OCT140610. 

A Thunderous New Era Begins – Your First Look at THOR #1

Direct from Marvel...

A Thunderous New Era Begins – Your First Look at THOR #1!

It’s the story that has been seen the world over, and today Marvel is proud to present your very first look inside THOR #1, the new series from New York Times-bestselling writer Jason Aaron (Original Sin,Thor: God of Thunder) and rising star artist Russell Dauterman (Cyclops)! Prepare for an all-new era of the God of Thunder as a brand new female hero explodes into the Marvel Universe!

The great hammer Mjölnir lies on the surface of the moon, unable to be lifted by anyone in all the heavens – even the Mighty Thor! Something dark has befallen the Thunder God, leaving him unworthy and unable to lift his magic hammer. With an army of Frost Giants invading Earth, the Odinson may not have the strength to stop them – and the hammer will be lifted by an all-new Thor! A mysterious woman unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before!

“This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is Thor. This is the Thor of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before,” says writer Jason Aaron.

Launching as part of the Avengers NOW! initiative, Thor is the first of an exciting wave of titles that push the Marvel Universe forward in exciting new directions! Prepare for a Marvel Universe like you’ve never seen it before as the biggest creators in the industry bring you bold new stories featuring the most popular characters!

Who is this mysterious new God of Thunder? Not even Odin knows! No fan can afford to miss the comic that has everyone talking. Prepare for a senses-shattering new beginning as the all-new Thor thunders her way through the Marvel Universe this October in THOR #1!

THOR #1 (AUG140777)
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
75^th Anniversary Variant by ALEX ROSS (AUG140778)
75^th Anniversary Sketch Variant by ALEX ROSS (AUG140779)
Variant Covers by SKOTTIE YOUNG (AUG140780), SARA PICHELLI (AUG140782),

ANDREW ROBINSON (AUG140781), FIONA STAPLES (AUG140783) & ESAD RIBIC (AUG140784)
FOC – 09/08/14, On-Sale 10/01/14

Alex Ross Returns to Marvel for Special 75th Anniversary Covers

Beginning in January, 2014, Marvel celebrates 75 years of producing the most compelling, diverse and original characters through the comic book industry. In order to commemorate this historic milestone, we are pleased to announce that Alex Ross will return to Marvel to create all-new 75^th anniversary covers that celebrate Marvel’s biggest characters and accomplished history.

These stunning, gorgeously-rendered covers will grace select Marvel titles throughout 2014 and will feature a pantheon of characters from the Marvel Universe in the rich, highly detailed style only a talent like Alex Ross can produce.

Join All-New Marvel NOW! in style when the first of twelve 75^th Anniversary Alex Ross Variants adorns the cover ofAvengers #25 this January!

AVENGERS #25 75th ANNIVERSARY ROSS VARIANT (NOV130580)

Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN

Art by ESAD RIBIC

Variant Cover by ALEX ROSS

FOC 12/23/13, ON-SALE 1/15/14

The Owl Returns from Dynamite Entertainment

The Owl returns to comics in his own limited series.  Written by the critically acclaimed , J.T. Krul, with art by Heubert Khan Michael, and covers by Alex Ross and special Subscription Only Exclusive Covery Ardian Syaf, The Owl #1 hits stores this coming July!

Alex Ross Cover

Ardian Syaf Subscription Only Cover

In issue #1, lost for 50 years in an ethereal limbo, the Owl has come back to find a violent and desperate world of strangers.  The woman he loved is gone, but he remains determined to continue his fight for justice.  Can the Owl withstand the challenges awaiting him… or will this new reality crush his body and spirit?

"With a character like the Owl, I get to explore the heart of a true hero whose greatest threat seems to be the soul of the entire world around him," says writer J.T. Krul. "Nick Terry used to live in a golden age it seemed, but he now finds himself in our present day - and a world filled with greed, apathy, and utter desperation at every turn. It's the mark of a true hero, staying true to one's ideals when there is little hope to be found. In this story, he'll see what his mission and legacy has become and it will scare him more than anything else."

"We at Dynamite extremely excited to work with J.T. again, hot off his DC Comics Exclusive," adds Dynamite CEO / Publisher Nick Barrucci.  "We hope that this is the first of many more projects with J.T. and we are all in such anticipation for The Owl to ‘take flight'!  The Owl is a bridge series for more to come from Dynamite, and we couldn't be happier."

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Dark Horse Announces Four Extremely Limited Star Wars Pencil Variants

The year is off to a HUGE start, as this week saw the release of what is not only one of 2013’s most anticipated Star Wars comics, but also one of the most-talked-about comics launches of the year overall!

To add to the excitement, Dark Horse announces today that it will produce special variant covers for Star Wars #1–#4, which will be consecutively tied to issues #4–#7. These special variant comics will feature artist Alex Ross’s original cover sketches!

This all-new Star Wars series is set in the time period of the original trilogy, specifically directly following the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, and features the franchise’s best-loved characters, as told by Brian Wood (X-Men, DMZ, Conan the Barbarian, The Massive) with art from Carlos D’Anda (Batman: Arkham City). This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! Dark Horse is taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

Retailers, look for specifics on how to order these soon to be highly sought-after issues in Diamond’s Previews catalog! Fans, make sure to tell your local retailers that you’re on board for this blockbuster series, and these exciting variant covers!

Look for Star Wars #1 on sale at finer comics shops everywhere now!

Exclusive look of special variant pencil covers, courtesy of ComicBookResources.com

Star Wars #1 from Dark Horse Comics

This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! We’re taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

* Writer Brian Wood (The Massive, Conan the Barbarian).

* Artist Carlos D’Anda (Batman: Arkham City).

* Cover artist Alex Ross!

* Classic era, classic characters, all-new Star Wars!

Preview Pages in Star Wars #1

 

This issue comes with a code to download a free digital issue of the comic!

Dark Horse Comics Star Wars #1 will be in stores this Wednesday, January 9th. 

We are excited and definitely looking forward to this series!

Legendary Comics' The Tower Chronicles Cover by Alex Ross

Earlier this year, Legendary Comics revealed Jim Lee's cover for the first book of The Tower Chronicles trilogy. At that time, the company promised that the remaining covers were going to be drawn by equally renowned comic book artists. Well, if there was any doubt as to the veracity of that promise, Legendary put it to rest during its Comics panel at San Diego Comic-Con when it revealed the cover for the second part of Volume One -- as created by Alex Ross. (See below.)  The art showcases a spectacular shot of the title character in action. The release is scheduled to hit stores in November.

With a lead character created by Legendary founder Thomas Tull, Executive Producer of 300 & The Dark Knight, and developed by Tull and Matt Wagner (Grendel, Mage), THE TOWER CHRONICLES creates a new mythology on familiar worlds through a unique take on the bounty hunter storyline. The all-new IP sets the standard for future releases from Legendary.

Be on the lookout at for more information on THE TOWER CHRONICLES leading up to the launch of the first book this September.

   

Masks #1 Painted by Alex Ross with a Major Crossover

The Shadow, Green Hornet, Kato, Zorro, The Spider, Miss Fury, The Black Bat and MORE are all featured in Masks, the Dynamite Entertainment cross-over featuring the top pulp heroes of all time.  Written by Chris Roberson, the ENTIRE FIRST ISSUE IS PAINTED BY ALEX ROSS!! This is his first full interior work since "Justice" at DC Comics!!!  Masks is hitting comic book stores everywhere this November, also featuring covers by Alex Ross, Sean Phillips, Howard Chaykin and Jae Lee!!!
          
In Masks #1, it's 1938, and the Justice Party has swept into office in New York State. But the newly-elected officials are in the control of powerful criminals, who quickly corrupt the law to their own advantage. When a fascist police state is instituted, the only ones who stand in defense of the innocent are masked vigilantes like the Shadow, the Green Hornet, Kato, and the Spider. When the law is unjust, justice must be an outlaw…

"For years now, Dynamite Entertainment and I have desired to unite all of the varied pulp characters they've been publishing into one big crossover event," says legendary comic book creator Alex Ross.  "When the Green Hornet and Kato paved the way for a successful relaunch of the original masked duo characters, we knew that the grand prize of revivals should then be the ultimate original, the Shadow.  Now, to be able for the first time in history to have these legends meet, along with fellow mysterymen; The Spider, Zorro, Black Bat, and others, makes this project a unique accomplishment.  I always thought that illustrating the first hero archetypes like The Shadow would be a milestone in my career.  I'm thrilled to touch upon the legends that began the very concept of the superhero in Masks with a crossover that is literally the longest overdue."

"Masks is the comic I've wanted to write since I first discovered the pulp heroes in the 1970s," says writer Chris Roberson. "Just working with these characters is already a dream come true, but having the first issue painted by Alex Ross makes it that much more amazing!"

"When we were exploring writers, I emailed Chris and we spent a couple of emails back and forth and in that short span, he laid out a basic framework that was pitch-perfect for what we were looking for," adds Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt. "Alex had initially laid out a character list and high concept, but Chris added the flesh to the bones and we've got something really cool coming together here."

"Alex is so incredible excited about Masks, and realizes that it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to draw so many classic and iconic characters in one series," exclaims Dynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci.  "Alex promptly jumped head-first when presented with the idea to pain the interiors of the entire first issue, which will bring the most amount of attention to the series possible."

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The Shadow Annual #1

 Join Tom Sniegoski and Dennis Calero for a very special Shadow story in The Shadow Annual #1 featuring a cover by Alex Ross.  In The Shadow Annual #1, The Shadow is tormented by visions of New York City plagued by living fire-fire in the shape of a Chinese dragon-fire with the potential to spread hungrily to the world.  But what do these visions mean?  The Shadow will peel back the layers of mystery, leading to a confrontation that could very well shake the pillars of Heaven. Who are the waifs of Li-Lung, and what are their connections to Brother Pritchard's Orphanage for Wayward Children, and to crime boss on the rise, Vincent Ruzzo? Soon, the Shadow will know. 

"When I found out that Dynamite had The Shadow license I was ecstatic . . . and when they asked me if I was interested in writing the first annual I just about had a seizure," says writer Tom Sniegoski.  "First of all, anybody who knows me knows how much I love the pulp characters, and the Shadow is number one on my list of favorites.  I cut my teeth on the whole pulp hero thing in 2009 with my novel, Lobster Johnson: The Satan Factory, which won the Best Pulp Novel of 2009 from The Pulp Factory Awards.  Looking back, I feel like that book was a warm up to the main attraction, now I was going to get the chance to write the character that almost all other pulp characters were trying to emulate, now I was going to get the chance to write The Shadow.  To say that I was a little nervous was an understatement.  First I had to come up with an idea for a story with the same kind of punch that the original pulps had, and was as powerful and exciting as Garth Ennis, and Aarron Campbell's current run.  After some serious thought (and a few tumblers of scotch) I came up with a story idea that everybody seemed to love.  It's got everything that I'd be looking for in a Shadow story: mysterious locales, organized crime, dreams of an apocalyptic future, blazing Colt 45's and Thompson Machine Guns, and creepy kids with psychic powers . . . what's not to love?"

"Tom and I have known each other since he was the main writer on Vampirella back in the ‘90's," adds Dynamite Entertainment President and Publisher Nick Barrucci.  "With his success in prose, it was hard for him to make time for comics work.  We're very happy that he was able to work on our first The Shadow Annual.  It's an awesome tale, and Dennis' art compliments the story incredibly well."

Tom Sniegoski has worked for all the big guys in the comic book industry, Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, Cartoon Books, and now Dynamite! Some of the characters Tom has written include Batman, The Punisher, Hellboy, Wolverine, Devil Dinosaur, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and he even wrote the prequel to Jeff Smith's award winning series Bone, which was called Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails: The Adventures of Big Johnson Bone. His most recent comic book work (written with frequent partner, Christopher Golden) is The Sisterhood, published by Archaia Studios Press. This dynamic duo also worked on the mini-series Talent from Boom Studios which was optioned by Universal Pictures.

Dennis Calero's work includes Acclaim Comics' licensed-product titles Sliders and Magic: The Gathering; Moonstone Books' TV tie-in titles Cisco Kid and Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Platinum Comics' Cowboys & Aliens; IDW Publishing's Masters of Horror: Dreams in the Witch House; and Marvel Comics' X-Factor, during his tenure on which the title was nominated for the Harvey Award for Best New Series (2006). In 2006, IDW announced that Calero will be one of the cover artists on its six-issue Star Trek: The Next Generation TV tie-in miniseries The Space Between, scheduled for 2007.  Calero drew an arc of Legion of Super-Heroes for DC Comics and his new Marvel series, X-Men: Noir, was released by Marvel in December 2008. X-Men Noir: Mark of Cain was released in 2010. That same year, he drew the Dark Horse Comics relaunch of the former Gold Key and Valiant character, Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, which was written by Jim Shooter.

Be sure to get The Shadow Annual #1 in September!

Dynamite Entertainment Presents: Spider #1 Preview

Spider #1

John Cassaday Cover

The Spider, one of the greatest pulp characters of all time is now re-launched into the 21st century!  Dynamite Entertainment proudly presents The Spider #1, which will hit comic book stores everywhere in May 2012!  The series will be written by acclaimed writer David (Black Panther: The Man Without Fear) Liss and drawn by Colton Worley, with covers by Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Francesco Francavilla and Ron Lesser!

The Dynamite Art of Alex Ross from Dynamite Entertainment

I began collecting comics in the early 90's when Image Comics first joined the comic world. It was an exciting time in comics because of the new series, writers, and artists that were coming out. One artist in particular that came out in the 90's who made a huge impact immediately because of his incredible work was Alex Ross. His first work I picked up was the Marvel series, Marvels. I have been a fan of many artists at this time already, but Alex Ross work was a masterpiece in each page like a painting. His next works I became a fan of would be DC comics series, Kingdom Come, and Kurt Busiek's Astro City by Image Comics. Alex Ross has done many works since then and many amazing guest covers. I am a huge fan and Dynamite Entertainment is doing it right by releasing The Dynamite Art of Alex Ross this November.

 Alex Ross' ultra-realistic, painted renditions of iconic superheroes have made him a superstar.  In the vein of acclaimed and fan-favorite Alex Ross books such as Mythologies and Rough Justice, we are proud to present the ultimate collection of Alex Ross art from his extensive collaboration with Dynamite, The Dynamite Art of Alex Ross.  Containing sketches, designs, layouts and pencils, interior work, covers, and a wealth of unpublished art, The Dynamite Art of Alex Ross can be found at comic stores everywhere this coming November!

 

"For all people who had been interested in my art before but may not have taken a close look at the many projects I've served on with Dynamite Entertainment, this book is the perfect collection of all of that work in one," says legendary artist Alex Ross.  "I'm thrilled to finally have a portfolio-like collection of these images that can stand next to my work with other publishers."

Collecting all of Alex's Dynamite covers and interior art in one complete hardcover volume, along with commentary throughout the book by Alex Ross himself, as well as special bonus material, this is a package not to be missed. A must-buy for Alex Ross' legion of fans!