Image Expo 2015 Highlights

Although Mother Nature is clearly intent on snowing people in, the comic industry refuses to let that stop the fun and we are all grateful. Thursday marked the return of Image Comics' annual event, Image Expo. For this event, the publisher gathers its staff and numerous creators to showcase some of what's on deck for the upcoming year. The new comic announcements are easily the best part of the show. Those new titles always cause a spike in Twitter activity. Those surprises from fan-favorite writers and artists have readers pledging future paychecks for what are sure to be fun comics. And judging by Twitter, this year didn't disappoint. Now that the dust has settled and fans will be dreaming of all the fantastic stories they'll see throughout the year, I want to share some highlights.

I have to start with Spawn, the company's longest running series. This is a book I read as a kid and read currently. Image announced the new writer, Paul Jenkins, beginning with the monumental Spawn #250. That's 250 issues! How awesome is that? The storyteller joining him will be artist Jonboy Meyers. More news for Spawn is the series' digital debut with Spawn: Resurrection #1.

One of my favorite writers, Kelly Sue DeConnick, and artist Emma Rios, take readers back to their fantasy western, Pretty Deadly, in September. I'm still all in.

In this second story arc of PRETTY DEADLY, the mantle of Death has fallen to a little girl, Sissy, who, along with her tattered band of reapers, is tasked with gathering souls whose time has come, or come and passed. An old woman has a dying request. Her son has been missing for more than a year, gone east, and from there to fight in the trenches overseas. She wants to see the boy one last time before she passes. And so Deathface Ginny is dispatched through clouds of mustard gas to find the young man, but between her and her quarry, atop bitter black mount of twenty hands, sits the Reaper of War himself.

DeConnick is an amazing writer and what Rios has done with Pretty Deadly visually is impressive. I hadn't seen much of her work prior to this book, but she's quite the storyteller.

As for debuts from the event, there are several gems of which you should note. This first one comes from writer Marjorie Liu and artist Sana Takeda. It's called MONSTRESS and it's a fantasy series taking place in an alternate 1900s Asia. Besides just being an interesting concept, this title has my attention because I've wondered for years if Liu would take her talents to the creator-owned world. Take a look at the synopsis below pulled from Image's website.

In MONSTRESS, readers are transported into the early 1900s, where immense Leviathans roam the Earth, wielding unimaginable powers that many have long desired to exploit. When a teenage girl with a mysterious past forms a tenuous psychic bond with the most dangerous of all the Leviathans, she becomes the target of both human and otherworldly authorities who will stop at nothing to possess her—to control her, and control the Lord of the all the Leviathans. What they don’t count on is the courage of the girl herself—and the fact that she is slowly becoming more than human...

Eric Canete, Jonathan Tsuei and Leonardo Olea will bring some sci-fi action in the series RUN LOVE KILL. This will also feature CGI build models for the covers by Manu Fernandez.

The story follows a wanted woman in hiding named Rain Oshiro. The narrative style will prominently feature two very different but significantly connected moments throughout her life: "The Past"—which will explore her history as an impressionable student, an abiding soldier, and a wanted fugitive; and "The Present"—which will show her as she is now and how she copes with (and runs away from) the decisions made in her past. At its core, the story is an exploration of choices—both good and bad. And now, how her choices have formed her into the person she has and will become. Set against a background of a futuristic world as only artist Canete can imagine, Rain has just 24 hours to escape a barricaded city while trying to evade a military force determined to either capture or kill her.

The creators said the series contains running, killing and...dinosaurs. Of the words mentioned from the title, "love" was not. Well, allow me to add it in: comic fans LOVE running & killing (preferably at the same time) and dinosaurs. That's certainly a recipe for comics' unique brand of awesomeness.

From Brian K. Vauhan and Cliff Chiang comes PAPER GIRLS. Vaughan, co-creator of the hit series Saga, and Chiang, fresh off his recent Wonder Woman run, reunite for this new series. And although we have few details, this creative pairing has certainly piqued the interests of many comic readers.

PAPER GIRLS is the story of four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls who experience something extraordinary one day...

Having not revealed much else about the book, Vaughan said he and Chiang like to keep surprises. Well, this won't come as a surprise: I'll be reading it. Sign me up.

Another interesting title is Vaughan and artist Steve Skroce's mini-series WE STAND ON GUARD, a military thriller about Canadian freedom fighters standing up against a technologically superior United States. Then there's James Robinson and Philip Tan's HEAVEN, which apparently is centered around a war between humans and God. Writer and artist Emi Lenox will look to take readers on a personal journey about a trip she took to Japan in her watercolor graphic novel TADAIMA. With the interest in Japanese history and culture I have, I may also keep an eye on this one. These are just a few of the books Image had to show off. This is going to be another big year for comics and the indie publisher. Especially as they look to take an even bigger piece of the comic market pie.

Going back over my main highlights, beyond sharing intriguing concepts, they have another aspect in common: they all feature leading ladies. Cheers for a little diversity and a small shift from white, male leads. Image dropped a ton of fun comic news on fans with all of this. They're doing great things with creators and creativity. The freedom they provide for creators to create and the absolute madness (by madness I mean amazing storytelling) that ensues is what comics are about. Image exemplifies that. As I always say: there are comics for EVERYONE. Image easily has books for every reading taste. It's a great time to be a comic fan.

So, which titles have you ready to contribute to Image's constantly growing share in the marketplace? Let me know in the comments. For more on the publisher and the news of the day, head over to Image Comics.

Comic Book Secret Santa

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And happy whatever holiday you celebrate. Tis the season of giving. In that spirit, our favorite comic book characters put in for vacation time from their usual antics to do their Secret Santa shopping. Let's see how that turned out.

I'm sorry, I thought people
would've liked the change.

To: Black Canary
From: Alfred

My dear Dinah, for you I have a(-nother) new costume. I have no doubt you've become quite accustomed to your recent look, but I must suggest another change. This look is not becoming of a hero of your stature. I have taken the liberty of making another costume for you which is certainly more fitting for a Bird of Prey. As the rest of the team would say "kick some..." *ahem* "...ass." Do take care.

Nuff said.

To: Johnny
From: Reed

Johnny, I've designed some contraceptives attuned to your specific DNA. Stop laughing Johnny. No, it isn't my place to dictate what you do in your off time and with whom you do it with. I do, however, suggest you protect yourself. Without going into detail, I deduce that your powers may burn away protection and possibly anything else. While Franklin and Valeria would love a cousin, I think we can all agree that a little Torch (heaven help us if that were plural) running around would be a monumental disaster. I have not discussed this with Sue or Ben, so this is between us. Please do wear these. For everyone's sake.

Herald? Herald?! Are you listening
to me? Turn that device off.

To: Silver Surfer
From: Your friends, the Fantastic Four

Dearest friend Norrin, we bring you the gift of entertainment. We're sure you get bored, so we fitted your board with an amped up XM Radio. While you're out heralding and scouting planets (preferably not Earth) for your master, the Devourer of Worlds, you'll have access to what Johnny and Ben refer to as the "hottest jams." Johnny's taste is quite questionable at best, but it's the thought. Enjoy.

For the man who
has everything.

To: Batman
From: Joker

Hey Bats ol' buddy. Let's say we put our differences aside for a while. For such a great detective, you sure can make some questionable choices. Naughty, naughty. So I got you a little gift, Sidekicks for Dummies. And talk about the gift that keeps on giving. While you read it, I won't even try to kill any of your adopted teammates. As for the rest of Gotham, well that's a different story. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. See ya around Batman.

A steady gig is just what
I need right now.

To: Sara Pezzini
From: Jim Downing (I'm the new Spawn guy over at Image)

I know we haven't met, but I could use your help. I've been getting closer to figuring out who I am, but I could use some assistance. Your detective skills are some of the best in the biz and your other skills would come in handy as well. I know your move to Chicago has been kind of crazy. With all the attention I've received, I've gained a bit of wealth, so money is no object for your services. You've been off in these fantasy lands and dealing with all these other supernatural shenanigans. Hopefully, this will help you get a bit more stabilized. Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anybody about the Witchblade.

I am grateful,
Asgardians. I love
the new toys.

To: Hela
From: All the Asgardians not doing anything with thyselves right now.

Our gift to thee be some damn(-ed) souls. Most of thy clan has been thirsty for battle. Enemies appeared. There was bloodshed. Thou now has souls.







Which of these gifts would you have liked? Do you think these gifts came from the heart? Let the world know. Happy holidays to everyone. Safe travels. Happy reading.

Cover of the Week

Happy New Comic Day! It's a beautiful day for comics. But any day is a good day for comics. There are quite a few books I'm looking forward to including both G.I. Joe books, AvX #5, Winter Soldier #6, and Ultimate Spider-Man #11. This might be an average number of releases and I'm perfectly fine with that.

There were several contenders this week, but in the end the winner was pretty obvious. Nothing against the others but come on, it's Spawn #220. Look at it. Yeah, you like it too.


It's been 20 years since Image Comics was formed and it's been a ball. Todd McFarlane is apparently making his return to more creative duties on the title. That includes starting with this nice cover showing Spawn holding up the "20th" sign. This books has been damn good and one of the top titles I look forward to each month. Can't wait to read this.

What do you think about my pick? Let me know. Happy reading to everyone.

Black Characters You'll Love

Black History Month is about to wrap up, and you know what that means? Nothing really because I celebrate Black history year-round. So even though I did not provide as much content this month as I stated I would, that will be remedied throughout the year. Celebrations consist of many things, and one of those, which I'm doing by posting this is just showing some love for the characters that look like me. Black characters get stereotyped a lot, and as a Black man and a fanboy, I encounter that often. Some of these characters have those within their character. But that's a discussion for later. For now though, let's see who we got.

Let's start off with Black Lightning. I love this pic. It's just so full of energy. His Year One mini was a good read and I was digging his time in the Justice League before that series got all boring and whatnot.

Black Panther. King of Wakanda. Husband to Storm. He's had several series, the recent ones I've followed included his current role as he took over for Daredevil. And that series is being cancelled too. I feel as if they just don't know what to do with T'Challa sometimes. He's rarely just in comic book limbo, but he's rarely doing what he really could be doing. More proof that they don't back Black leads as much as they should. Here's hoping he gets back on track and gets another ongoing. And you better believe that when he does, I'll be reading.

Luke Cage. Power Man. This character has grown much and I'm quite happy about that. He's played a huge role in the Avengers and has developed quite a following because of it. He's also been getting serious action in Thunderbolts. And he's far removed from his tiara wearing days. I'm esctatic about that. I cosplayed him at C2E2 last year and will be doing so again at this years show, with several improvements.

The lady Vixen. I want to read her mini, Return of the Lion, but I'm still missing a few issues. In their relaunch, DC placed Vixen within the pages of Justice League International. I chose to avoid this title, but I am curious as to what she's been up to.

Mister Terrific is an interesting character. Here's a guy I had little knowledge of but was excited to see get his own comic, which I didn't hesitate in reading. I have been enjoying it and am still unhappy about the news of its cancellation with issue 8.

I have little doubt people don't know who this is. Michonne stepped on the scene in Walking Dead, holding a katana (which I love) and two walkers in tow. That's quite an entrance, especially in this comic.

Yo Joe! Here's my guy Stalker. And I'll be honest, in my Joe-verse, he's top man. Hawk may or may not have a spot as General, but I place Stalker above Duke and Flint. He's had a healthy role in the Joe comics over the years and I hope that continues.

Now my man Roadblock. Another of my favorite Joes. As with Stalker, he's played a decent role in Joe happenings in their published years. Also along with Stalker, I hope IDW keeps that going.

GL John Stewart. My favorite Lantern. And that's not totally because he's Black. He's just better to read than the others. I was actually supposed to cosplay him at C2E2 this year, buuut that's not gonna happen.

The original Spawn, Al Simmons, sat at the throne of "Rat City." While he no longer wears the suit due to you know, killing himself about 30 issues ago, he's still special to me. I read him as a kid, and he was my favorite second to the X-Men. As with G.I. Joe, I'm still in the process of hunting down the rest of the issues and I still have a ways to go.

During the process of this I decided to save the best for last. So I present one of my absolute favorite characters in comics. This reaches beyond gender, race, role, or any other aspect. Storm, X-lady supreme holds a special place in my heart.

Don't take this list as being exhaustive or that these were just my favorites. I did not include Blade, Bishop, Cole Train, War Machine, Agent 355, Static Shock (who's getting cancelled too), Prodigy, and so many others. These are just some that I've read over the years. There are many more Black characters out there who will no doubt interest you. I recommend you check them out and get some diversity in your reading. This is Dragon, black and proud, signing off. Thanks for looking.