August 2012
10 posts
New Archaia Digital First Title: SPACE: 1999 - CLASSICS #2
It’s the last Digital Wednesday of August 2012, and Archaia and comiXology are teaming up to bring you adventure, sci-fi, and mystery! Just like every week, we are making great Archaia titles just a click away. Want to read one of our comics before it comes out in print? Well now you can, with Archaia’s Digital First comics—titles that are available digitally before their print edition’s release—only available at comiXology.
Digital Firsts Titles for Aug. 29
Space: 1999 - Classics Remastered, Part 2:
Writer: Andrew E. C. Gaska and Various
Artists: Various
A carefully selected body of original Space: 1999 comics from the 1970s, Space: 1999 - Classics is a celebration of the series that not only looks back in retro nostalgia—but also forward to the future of this dynamic space epic. After suffering the loss of Victor Bergman, Paul Morrow, and David Kano, John Koenig and Moonbase Alpha find themselves at the mercy of an alien mastermind and a biological computer, named PSYCHE, that eats minds. Their only hope is to appeal to the mercy of a madman’s daughter, a shapeshifting young woman called Maya, and convince her of her father’s sinister plan!
This is a two-part adaptation of the season two episode of Space: 1999, “The Metamorph,” expanded to include both new and cut dialogue, and utilizing the remastered art of comics legend Gray Morrow! Within these pages are not simply reprints, but remastered works, most in color for the first time. With respect to the intent and spirit of the original body of work, these comics have been enhanced and clarified within both the story and art, in order to bring these Alphan adventures more in line with both the established continuity of the original Space: 1999 original televised series and the new graphic novel series.
In Part 2 of this space adventure, Maya has chosen to confront her father about PSYCHE, but her father refuses to see reason. Now an alien among people she doesn’t know, Maya joins Koenig and his crew, but did Maya make the right choice? What adventures await her and the crew as they continue on their journey?
Other Digital Releases for Aug. 29:
The Dare Detectives! Vol. 1: The Snow Pea Plot, Part 7:
Writer/artist: Ben Caldwell
In Part 7 of this crimefighting tale, Madame Bleu reveals that Mr. White warned her that The Dare Detectives and the cops would be coming…she prepared ahead of time for their appearance at her villain party. Furious, George is there working on a machine that, coupled with Bleu’s ring, would freeze the entire city. The Dare Detectives must fight to try and save the city from its frosty future, but will they succeed or will this just be another failure?
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller Vol. 1, Complete:
Creator: Jim Henson
Writers: Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, Nate Cosby, Chris Eliopoulos, Roger Langridge, Marjorie Liu, Ron Marz, Jeff Parker and Paul Tobin
Artists: Ronan Cliquet, Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, Tom Fowler, Roger Langridge, Mike Maihack, Jennifer L. Meyer, Craig Rousseau and Evan Shaner
The complete volume is now available on comiXology.
The Grand Duke, Part 6:
Writer: Yann
Artist: Romain Hugault
In part 6 of our story, both Lilya and Wulf make it to their respected bases only to learn they are no longer trusted. Given impossible missions or sent away, they both must do their best as the war finally draws to a close.
Happy #ReadComicsInPublic Day!
Today is Read Comics in Public Day, an unofficial holiday, but a great one! Even though we all read comics, today is when you should let your comics-fandom flag fly by reading a comic in public, and be proud doing so! While we encourage you to read an Archaia hardcover, we can’t ignore the fact that many of you use digital devices to read your four-colored favorites. So here’s a handy list of Archaia digital titles on comiXology that are currently available for free, just to wet your whistle!
Artesia #1 (of 6)
Critical Millennium #1 (of 4)
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 #1 (of 6)
Okko: The Cycle of Water #1 (of 4)
The Secret History: Book 1
The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury #295 (of 300)
Happy reading!
Three-Day Sale on Archaia Digital Firsts on comiXology
We are happy to announce a Three-Day Sale on Archaia Digital Firsts on comiXology, running August 25-27!
Archaia Digital First titles are chapters and complete collections of Archaia graphic novels that can be read in advance of their print editions, available exclusively through the comiXology platform. The three-day sale will offer discounts on individual chapters and complete collections.
The Archaia Digital First titles included in the sale are:
CITY IN THE DESERT #1-4
CURSED PIRATE GIRL#1-3
CURSED PIRATE GIRL VOL. 1 Complete
THE GRAND DUKE #1-5
HOPELESS, MAINE #1-4
HOPELESS, MAINE Complete
IRON: OR, THE WAR AFTER #1-3
LAST DAYS OF AN IMMORTAL #1-4
MUMBAI CONFIDENTIAL #1-2
SPERA VOL. 2 #1
SPACE: 1999 – AFTERSHOCK AND AWE #1-2
SPACE: 1999 – CLASSICS REMASTERED #1
Click on this link to start downloading discounted Archaia Digital First titles now!
'Rust', 'Iron', and 'Spera', OH MY! Another Day for Digital Firsts.
This Digital Wednesday, Archaia and comiXology are teaming up to bring you a big dose of fantasy and adventure! Just like every week, we are bringing your favorite comics in and making them just a click away. Want to read one of our comics before it comes out in print? Well now you can, with Archaia’s Digital First comics, only available at comiXology.
Digital Firsts: Titles That Are Available Digitally Before the Print Edition’s Release.
Rust Vol. 2: Secrets of the Cell, Part 2:
Writer/artist: Royden Lepp
In this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Rust Vol. 1: Visitor in the Field, the dysfunctional Taylor family continues to rebuild their farm lives after the devastating loss of a recent war, and the appearance of the mysterious jetpack-wearing boy, Jet Jones. Jet’s behavior continues to raise youngest brother Oswald’s suspicion, particularly when the appearance of another robot invader puts them all in danger!
In this part 2 of Volume 2, Oswald might finally be figuring out the secrets behind Jet! Little does he know, he’s about to learn a lot more than he planned, not only about Jet, but about the war as well.
Iron: Or, the War After, Part 4:
Writer/artist: Shane-Michael Vidaurri
It is the aftermath of a long war, in a world of constant winter. An intelligence spy from the Resistance—the rabbit, Hardin—steals secret information from a military base of the Regime. His actions set off a chain of events that reverberates through the ranks of both sides, touching everyone from Pavel the crow to Giles the goat, from the highest-ranking officials to the smallest orphaned child. When the snow finally settles, who will be the true patriot and who the true traitor?
In Part 4 of Iron: Or, the War After, Engel convinces James to take the stand against Pavel. James must decide whether to say the words he knows Engel wants him to say or if he should tell the truth. But what will happen to him, and what has happened to his sister? Is there anyone who can help James, or will Engel finally get his way?
Spera, Vol. 2, Part 2:
Writer: Josh Tierney
Artists: Afu Chan, Giannis Milonogiannis, Kyla Vanderklugt, and Timothy Weaver
Lono’s life as a princess consisted of sitting, reading, and dreaming—until the day Pira, princess of a neighboring kingdom, arrived with news of a waking nightmare! With the help of Pira’s best friend—a fire spirit in the form of a dog named Yonder—the princesses now find themselves in a race against evil. The goal: Spera, a magical realm of which the princesses had only ever heard the tallest tales. The prize: their very lives!
In this next installment of Spera Vol. 2, Pira and Lono have lost the monster but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a normal relaxing day in the city…right? Lono and Pira are going to have a harder time than they thought with monsters showing up behind every corner, not that Pira minds. Will Lono ever get her day of relaxation?
Look forward to next week! Archaia and comiXology will team up again to give you more Digital Firsts! Next week we will have space adventures with Space:1999 - Classics Remastered, action-filled adventures with The Dare Detectives! and The Grand Duke, as well as the complete first volume of Jim Henson’s The Storyteller ready to be downloaded.
Archaia is looking for Interns!
Do you have an interest in publishing or what goes on behind the scenes to produce graphic novels?
The Los Angeles office of Archaia Entertainment is looking for interns who are seeking college credit and/or hands-on experience in the publishing and/or comic book industry. We publish award-winning, creator-owned books like Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, and Rust, and have also produced titles in partnership with companies like The Jim Henson Company, Relativity Media, and Roddenberry Productions.
Archaia is looking for up to five part-time interns for the fall 2012 term. We are seeking the brightest, most eager individuals who are interested in a career in the publishing industry and posses at least a curiosity of comics and graphic novels. If you’re passionate about comics, even better!
General responsibilities include:
• File, organize, and maintain in-office inventory
• Assist in reading and writing coverage for graphic novel scripts
• Assist in writing copy for publication materials
• Assist in writing marketing materials such as creator bios, product descriptions and press releases
• Assist in monitoring and updating Archaia’s social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Conduct thorough online research
• Run out-of-office errands
• Assist in shipping and receiving
• Assist in proofreading comic book printer proofs
• Assist in writing and designing a bi-weekly newsletter
• Log incoming submissions for review
• Voluntary participation in local conventions, events, and signings
• Read Archaia graphic novels to familiarize yourself with our brand
• General office maintenance duties
Focus tracks for mentoring include:
• EDITORIAL: Learn the fine details of the editorial and content preparation process, from working with creators to delivering print-ready files to the printer.
• MARKETING: Explore the many different avenues of Marketing and PR, including preview press, social media, review management, title solicitation, and event preparation.
• PRODUCTION: Gain hands-on experience in asset production, including file preparation for print and digital publication, title proofing and production, physical construction specifications and terminology, etc.
• DEVELOPMENT: Learn how a title is leveraged into other, ancillary products, such as film, TV, gaming, etc.
Interns must meet the following requirements:
• Incredibly detail-oriented
• Outgoing, lighthearted, and fun
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and eager
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Excellent copy editing skills
• Creative, out-of-the box thinker
• Pop culture savvy
• Self-motivator, responsible, prompt, and able to follow directions
• Able to competently conduct research on the Internet
• Working knowledge of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office; graphic design background (InDesign, Photoshop) a plus, but not necessary
• Ability to bring in personal laptop is a plus, but not necessary
• Can begin the internship the week of Sept. 4 and serve until the week of Dec. 10
• Can work 2-3 consecutive days per week, with hours from 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Can reliably commute to Hollywood, CA
Rewards:
• See how an independent publishing company works
• Learn the business of publishing comics, from the submissions process to editing and production, marketing, and distribution
• Invitations to comic book industry social functions in the Los Angeles area.
• Meet great people and establish important connections in the comics and publishing industries.
• Free Archaia graphic novels!
This internship is unpaid but can offer college credit.
To apply, email a cover letter and résumé to Rebecca Taylor at r.taylor@archaia.com by Aug. 24, 2012. Please, no phone calls or letters. Thank you and good luck!
'Cursed Pirate Girl Vol. 1' and 'Space: 1999 - Aftershock and Awe Part 2' Debut as Digital Firsts on comiXology
Just like every Digital Wednesday, Archaia and comiXology are teaming up to bring your favorite comics straight to you! This week’s lineup gives you a Digital First dose of adventure from the high seas to outer space! That’s right, you can get your favorite graphic novels in a digital format, including our exclusive line of Digital First comics. That means you can check out some of Archaia’s hottest new comics before they’re printed!
Digital Firsts: Titles That Are Available Digitally Before the Print Edition’s Release.
Cursed Pirate Girl Vol. 1 (Complete Special Edition):
Writer/artist: Jeremy Bastian
Adventures on and under the high seas lead a cursed pirate girl to encounter mythic creatures, gnarled and crusty pirates, and ghostly apparitions as she tries to find her lost father, one of the dreaded Pirate Captains of the mythical Omerta Seas. A whimsical swashbuckling tale of wonderland journeys and unimaginable dangers, starting in Port Elisabeth, Jamaica in the year 1728, and quickly heading across – and beneath – the waves. The first three issues are collected with an all-new epilogue.
Space: 1999 - Aftershock and Awe, Part 2:
Writer: Andrew E. C. Gaska
Artists: Gray Morrow, David Hueso, and Miki
In an alternate universe where JFK was never assassinated, mankind has already suffered through World War III, everybody is unified into a single world government, and a base is built on the moon by the year 1999!
In Part 2, Commander Koenig goes out to investigate the strange magnetic radiation coming from Area One only to suddenly have his ship go down. After surviving the crash he and the rest of his crew try to learn more only to realize the dangers are growing. In an attempt to break apart the radiation and stop it from occurring, they decide their only option is to bomb it. An accident causes the moon to be blown out of orbit and hurled into the unknown, launching the survivors of the lunar base stationed there toward the stars. But what of the cataclysm caused to the Earth in its wake?
Other Digital Releases for Aug. 15:
Judge Bao, Vol. 1 (Complete Edition):
Writer: Patrick Marty
Artist: Chongrui Nie
In China under the Northern Song Dynasty, the Empire saw tremendous growth and prosperity. But with great riches come great temptations, and the Emperor must constantly fight against the corruption of renegade military officers, abusive governors, corrupt businessmen, and regular bandits and thieves. To fight against this scourge, Emperor Ren Zong gave broad magistrate powers to a judge whose reputation would extend well beyond the borders of the Empire: Judge Bao (999-1062 CE).
Mandated by the highest court of the Empire, Judge Bao becomes a symbol of justice for the people of the land. His aversion to corruption and dedication to justice make him a popular hero, but with many enemies. Accompanied by his bodyguard Zhan Zhao, his page Bao Xing, and his assistant and coroner Gongsun, he travels the length and breadth of the Middle Kingdom, crusading against corruption and all forms of injustice.
In this first volume, Bao finds himself in a small village where a mother mourns her son, languishing in prison, caught in a complicated love triangle and accused of a murder he says he did not commit. Will Judge Bao find the real murderer?
Gunnerkrigg Court, Vol. 3 Chapter 27:
Writer/artist: Tom Siddell
Gunnerkrigg Court is a series of books about Antimony Carver, a girl who attends school at gloomy Gunnerkrigg Court. The story is about the people she meets, the strange things that happen, and the events she causes to happen as she and her new friend, Kat, unravel the mysteries of the Court and deal with the everyday adventures of growing up at a school that has robots running around alongside body-snatching demons, forest gods, and the odd mythical creature.
In Chapter 27, Jack leads Annie and Reynardine to the power station across the lake. They learn that there are various power stations throughout the court that filter and transmit ether.
Thank you! Next week look forward to a collection of Digital Firsts! Archaia and comiXology will be teaming up once again to bring you the next chapters of Iron: Or, the War After, Rust Vol. 2: Secrets of the Cell, and Spera Vol. 2!
Where's My Shoggoth?
Just a tease from one of our upcoming titles, Where’s My Shoggoth?, which is coming soon! It’s an 8” x 8” storybook featuring a glow-in-the-dark cover. Rhymes by Ian Thomas and illustrated by Adam Bolton, it’s an affectionate homage to the works of HP Lovecraft.
A Day for Digital Firsts! - Digital Releases for Aug. 8
Today is definitely a day of Digital Firsts! Archaia and comiXology have teamed up to give you your favorite Archaia titles in a digital format, including our exclusive line of “digital first” comics. That means you can check out some of Archaia’s hottest new comics before they’re printed! Today we bring you the next parts to three of your favorite digital titles!
Digital Firsts: Titles That Are Available Digitally Before the Print Edition’s Release
Mumbai Confidential, Part 2:
Writer: Saurav Mohapatra
Artist: Vivek Shinde
Once Kadam was a rising star in the ranks of the Mumbai Encounter Squad, a secret unit tasked with carrying out extrajudicial executions of wanted criminals that turned it into a business for contract killings and extortion. However, the death of his pregnant wife at childbirth triggers a downward spiral that leaves Kadam a pale shadow of his former self. When Kadam is the victim of a hit-and-run that also claims the life of a street urchin, he goes into a coma for a month. After waking up, he finds a new sense of purpose and pursues the investigation into the identity of the driver on his own, after the police closed the case for lack of leads. Kadam finds out that the driver was Balwan Khan, an over-the-hill Bollywood B-Movie actor. This brings him into direct confrontation with his ex-colleagues, who are now de facto gangsters in uniform and using Khan’s movies to launder their money…
This is a hard-boiled crime noir tale set in Mumbai and told though the eyes of Arjun Kadam, a washed-out drug-addicted ex-cop.
In part 2 of this dark story, we learn what life was like for Arjun Kadam five years ago before things quickly changed.
City in the Desert, Part 4:
Creator: Moro Rogers
A monster hunter is suddenly out of a job when a religious sect supposedly rids the world of monsters, but is the sect’s noble deed too good to be true?
Monster hunter Irro is perhaps the only person in Kevala making a good living. The city pays him and his tailed assistant, Hari, a bounty for each monster carcass they bring in. But one day a religious sect called The Way of the Sacred Peace comes to Kevala to solve the monster problem by capping the city’s Spirit Fountain. Out of a job with all the monsters gone, Irro and Hari are determined to prove that there is a more sinister plot behind the Sacred Peace’s plan.
In part 4 of this adventure the citizens of Kevala are acting indifferent; some are dying from not eating, while members of the Sacred Peace are ransacking homes. Outnumbered by Darga and his men, Irro and Hari retreat to their house.
Last Days of an Immortal, Part 4:
Writer: Fabien Vehlmann
Artist: Gwen De Booneval
In the distant future, Elijah is a member of the “Philosophical Police,” who must solve conflicts that arise out of ignorance of the Other. Two species are fighting a war with roots in a crime committed centuries ago, and Elijah must solve the crime and bring peace between their species, while also confronting his own immortality in a world where science provides access to eternal life. In a world where death no longer exists, why do so many want to give up on life? Serious, heavy duty science fiction, with shades of author J.G. Ballard and the films, Gattaca, Solaris, and George Lucas’ THX 1138.
Join us next week! We will have the exciting completed digital release of Cursed Pirate Girl and Judge Bao, as well as new chapters of Gunnerkrigg Court, andSpace: 1999 - Aftershock & Awe!
'Space: 1999 Classics Remastered' Debuts as an Archaia 'Digital First' Title on comiXology
Welcome to August! We would like to celebrate the first day of the month by making sure you are the first to get a glimpse of our newest Digital First title,Space: 1999 Classics Remembered! Archaia and comiXology have continued to team up and are glad to bring you more exciting titles, as well as some complete volumes!
Digital Firsts: Titles That Are Available Digitally Before the Print Edition’s Release
Space: 1999 Classics Remastered, part 1:
Writer: Andrew Gaska and Various
Artists: Various
Reprinting the best of the Charlton Comics series, the British LOOK-IN issues and Annuals, The German Zack Issues, and the Italian AMZ stories from the mid 1970s, these editions will feature restored and recolored art, showcasing the work by such comics luminaries as Gray Morrow, John Byrne, and Joe Staton. The restoration project, designed to return the original art to its former glory through the digital retouching of the actual printed comic pages, will be executed by a team led by Vanguard Production’s senior restoration artist, BLAM!s own creative director Andrew E. C. Gaska. Gaska has worked on several of Vanguard’s restored art books in this fashion, and these volumes have received critical acclaim in preserving the past of comic and pulp art. The same techniques will be applied here.
But these will not be straight reprints, these will be remastered. The art will be corrected where the ships were drawn wrong, and character likenesses will be altered as well to fit the continuity (and legality) better. Finally, the written stories will be remastered as well—essentially, taking the same premise of each story and updating them to appeal to an adult 1999 audience while maintaining the spirit of the originals.
Other Archaia Digital Releases:
Black Charity, Complete
Writer/Artist: Bal Speer
A dark, cynical thriller set in the urban UK. When Charlie moves into his new flat, he meets a colorful array of new characters, including a dominatrix and a skinhead yabo, witnesses a murder, and finds himself on the run from assassins and fixers sent by the highest levels of government. Shades of Howard Chaykin’s Black Kiss and the hard-boiled style of 100 Bullets, all with a very British (as in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels British) accent.
Everlast, Complete
Writer: Chad Michael Murray
Artists: Danijel Zezelj, Robbi Rodriguez, J.K. Woodward, Andrew Huerta, Trevor Hairsine
A pre-apocalyptic tale, Everlast follows Derek Everlast, a man whose destiny in life is guiding others to a place of rebirth for mankind called Haven. Following an instinct called the Nudge, bestowed on him by a higher power, Derek is guided to the next chosen human destined to survive, a little girl named Melissa. In a harrowing adventure, he must deliver her safely to Haven before the End of Days. Everlast tells a story of choice, love, friendship, and, most of all, survival. Will you be chosen?
Hopeless, Maine Vol 1, Complete
Writer: Nimue Brown
Artist: Tom Brown
Being Hopeless isn’t just a state of mind.
Trapped on an island off the coast of Maine, the people of Hopeless find life a little darker and more dangerous with everyday that passes. The number of orphans rises continually, but who can say what happens to their parents? Plenty of the bodies are never found. This is not the stuff of happy, careless childhoods, it is instead fertile ground for personal demons. In Hopeless, the demons are not always abstract concepts. Some of them have very real teeth, and very real horns.
The island has been isolated for a very long time. Partly because of being small and forgotten, partly because the rocks and currents do not encourage visitors, Hopeless is surrounded by fog and overrun with nightmarish creatures, from small things with tentacles to demons and vampires. It’s a peculiar place. Here, almost anything can happen, from the weird and unsettling to the darkly funny. With a cast of freaks, nutters and the odd power crazed psychopath, life in Hopeless is seldom dull.
Hopeless is also about who you choose to be. The tale is a protest against apathy, and against the small evils that everyone takes for granted. The worst monsters frequently aren’t the ones with the obvious teeth – who are merely dangerous by nature – but the apparently ordinary people who choose to do hideous things.
Cow Boy, part 4
Writer: Nate Cosby
Artist: Chris Eliopoulos
Justice ain’t got no age.
‘COW BOY’ is the all-ages story of a young bounty hunter determined to send his entire outlaw family to jail. He travels the Old West on a horse that ain’t his, and won’t stop til every one’a his kin’s in the clink. In part four of our tale, Boyd heads past the border to turn in his no good brother Zeke. Join Boyd and his horse as they try to get justice the only way they know how.
The Dare Detectives Vol. 1: The Snow Pea Plot, part 6
Writer/Artist: Ben Caldwell
Reformed crook Maria Dare has assembled a team of misfits to crack the world’s weirdest cases! They have brains…they have guts…but they don’t have a clue! And in their first adventure, the Dare Detectives are finished! Rent’s due and their license is suspended, but Dare’s going-out-of-business festivities are interrupted by Madame Bleu—whose abominable snowmen pets are on a chef-stealing, radio-robbing, snowpea-swiping crime wave! Dare races against the clock to hunt down Madame Bleu with the help of corrupt cops and Chinatown’s old crime boss. But can these bunglers really prevent the most audacious—and inexplicably convoluted—crime of the century?
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller, part 4
Creator: Jim Henson
Artist/Writers: Roger Langridge, Marjorie Liu, Ron Marz, Jeff Parker, Francesco Francavilla, Chris Eliopoulos, Janet K. Lee
The much-loved, live-action/puppet combination TV show is now a graphic novel series! Archaia and The Jim Henson Company are proud to present ALL-NEW tales of fantastic wonder and extraordinary myth, as told from the tongue of The Storyteller and his loyal canine companion! Part four of the Storyteller is an adaptation by “The Witch Baby,” based on the unproduced Storyteller teleplay written by Anthony Minghella, Susan Kodieck, and Anne Mountfield. It has been realized here by Nate Cosby, Roman Cliquet, and Adam Street.
The Grand Duke, part 5
Writer:
Artist: Romain Hugault and Yann
The Eastern Front during WWII: Oberleutnant Wulf, a young Luftwaffe pilot, is horrified by Nazi barbarism and at odds with his fellow pilots, even as he finds himself taking to the skies to fight the infamous “Night Witches” — the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, the most decorated female unit in the Soviet Air Force. Motivated only by his desire to return home to his daughter, Romy, Wulf tries to survive the increasingly desperate and ferocious Eastern Front, while Lilya, the “Red Witch,” leads her comrades against the German invaders. A Romeo-and-Juliet story set against the backdrop of WWII aerial dogfights
Join us next week! We will have the exciting new chapters for City in the Desert, Last Days of an Immortal and Mumbai Confidential!
