I'm a bit behind in posting. This has been a crazy roller coaster of a month so far. Regardless, here are the reviews I have found for issue #1 of The Incredibles.
Graphicontent: "Perfect for all ages -- and I mean that: all ages."
Breakfast For Dinner: "This title is a natural for me. I was excited while reading it and I’m excited for the next issue."
CBR: "Where Mark Waid and Landry Walker shine here is in nailing the voices of the characters."
BW Media: "What they got right: Everything"
Stroller Derby: "This is a pretty good all ages book."
This one isn't a review, but the nice folk over at Scans Daily discussed the first issue here.
So people like the book. However, there were also some concerns noted by the reviewers above. As seen below:
Breakfast For Dinner: "There is something about this issue, either how the plot is structured or all the new characters tossed into these 22 pages, that suggests maybe Waid is trying to write this title for kids."
And:
CBR: I read the first two pages half a dozen times and I'm still not entirely sure why the family is going to the mall in order to then go to the doctor's office (which isn't at the mall).
(For those that haven't read the issue, the first two pages in question can be viewed and judged here.)
That's about it. I think it's important to give a fair spectrum of public opinion rather than just highlight the most positive quotes. Overall the reviews are positive even when bundled with specific concerns, and I think that some of said concerns will be resolved as the series progresses.
Time (and future reviews) will tell.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Incredibles #1 - In stores now!
Another new comic out today. This time it's my first issue of the Incredibles, co-written with the relatively unknown Mark Waid. Check out a preview of our collaboration here.
It's unusual for me to have two comics come out in such rapid succession. Knowing that the two books would cross paths like this, I purposefully choose a different writing style for each. Batman is my first real attempt at a narrative voice. Something I purposefully avoided for almost 20 years of comics writing. Early on, I felt it would be a crutch. Now it's just fun. The Incredibles is more traditional writing for me. Lots of characters, arguing with each other. Anyone familiar with my pre-Supergirl work should find the pacing and style of this familiar.
I don't know if familiar = good. In fact, I hear it actually breeds contempt.
It's unusual for me to have two comics come out in such rapid succession. Knowing that the two books would cross paths like this, I purposefully choose a different writing style for each. Batman is my first real attempt at a narrative voice. Something I purposefully avoided for almost 20 years of comics writing. Early on, I felt it would be a crutch. Now it's just fun. The Incredibles is more traditional writing for me. Lots of characters, arguing with each other. Anyone familiar with my pre-Supergirl work should find the pacing and style of this familiar.
I don't know if familiar = good. In fact, I hear it actually breeds contempt.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Batman reviews!
Well, our first issue of Batman: The Brave and the Bold has been on shelves for a few days, and we now have some reviews. It's a bit of an exercise in anxiety, waiting to see if people like or hate your work. I mean, I wrote this book back in April. Eric finished drawing it in... May? I don't know. I don't really pay attention to what Eric does.
Anyway... this issue seems like a relic of the distant past to me. I'm currently working on my issue for next April and May concurrently. This thing? Ancient. That said, I think it may be one of our more fun issues of Batman. And by fun, it probably has our most bizarre moment. A moment that almost everybody who reads it comments on.
I'm talking specifically about this:
People seem to like the Penguin getting hit in the face with a seal. Anyway, here's the reviews:
Too Dangerous For A Girl
"it's a fast, fun ride by Eric Jones and Landry Q Walker"
Every Day Is Like Wednesday
"Landry Walker’s set-up is pretty clever and I greatly enjoyed seeing Jones’ takes on so many of these characters..."
Scifi Pulse.net
"Not bad for a comic based on a cartoon, actually."
But Before I kill You
"It built up to an ending which I'm admitting being moved by, and it sold it for me."
BW Media
"I predict awesomeness every month."
Exile In Geeksville
"It’s all about bringing in the new readers. – Grade A-"
There's also a nice conversation on the DC message boards here.
So there we go. Next Wednesday I think my (real) first issue of the Incredibles will be released, and we'll have a new issue of Batman: The Brave and the Bold out near the end of October.
Anyway... this issue seems like a relic of the distant past to me. I'm currently working on my issue for next April and May concurrently. This thing? Ancient. That said, I think it may be one of our more fun issues of Batman. And by fun, it probably has our most bizarre moment. A moment that almost everybody who reads it comments on.
I'm talking specifically about this:
People seem to like the Penguin getting hit in the face with a seal. Anyway, here's the reviews:
Too Dangerous For A Girl
"it's a fast, fun ride by Eric Jones and Landry Q Walker"
Every Day Is Like Wednesday
"Landry Walker’s set-up is pretty clever and I greatly enjoyed seeing Jones’ takes on so many of these characters..."
Scifi Pulse.net
"Not bad for a comic based on a cartoon, actually."
But Before I kill You
"It built up to an ending which I'm admitting being moved by, and it sold it for me."
BW Media
"I predict awesomeness every month."
Exile In Geeksville
"It’s all about bringing in the new readers. – Grade A-"
There's also a nice conversation on the DC message boards here.
So there we go. Next Wednesday I think my (real) first issue of the Incredibles will be released, and we'll have a new issue of Batman: The Brave and the Bold out near the end of October.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
In stores now!
Our first issue of "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" just arrived in stores. It seems like a long time since we had a new release. Particularly when you consider the volume of work we've been doing. I'm up to the May issue of Batman with scripts and the January (or later) issue of the Incredibles.
FYI: Yeah... our Catman is a bit different from the one on the show. This book was actually finished before that episode aired. However, that doesn't mean we don't have a plan...
Doesn't mean we do have a plan either.
Anyway, new issue. Go get it. Read it.
FYI: Yeah... our Catman is a bit different from the one on the show. This book was actually finished before that episode aired. However, that doesn't mean we don't have a plan...
Doesn't mean we do have a plan either.
Anyway, new issue. Go get it. Read it.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Batman... before Brave and the Bold.
We're now less than two weeks away from the release of our first issue of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. So it seemed like this would be the appropriate time to start making some Batman related posts.
When we announced our work on this book, I mentioned that Eric and I had already been developing something conceptually similar to the current Brave and Bold animated series. Well, I found some of the images. This was very much a work in progress, but I'm going to share it anyway.
Above is the first batch of images Eric created. He was shooting for a 1960's approach. But I wanted to see a bit more of a 1950's lantern jaw look. So this was his next batch:
I was of the opinion that this Batman was to smiley.
We envisioned the series would be titled: Batman and Robin. Robin would have been a key player in the series. But, having just come off of a Supergirl series, we would likely have avoided Batgirl.
Our intent was to revive some of the long lost TV show Batman villains, along with certain iconic trappings of 1950's-60's Batman. It would start off as goofy weird fun, but edge a little to the creepy side by the end of the series. Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a different animal. As it is based off of the current cartoon, we have a little less latitude than we might on a series we created. But sometimes imposed structure strengthens artwork rather than curtailing it. Eric and I work well with guidelines, and we're having tremendous fun on the series. Eric just finished drawing his third issue, and I'm writing my 6th, with at least 3 more mapped out.
When we announced our work on this book, I mentioned that Eric and I had already been developing something conceptually similar to the current Brave and Bold animated series. Well, I found some of the images. This was very much a work in progress, but I'm going to share it anyway.
Above is the first batch of images Eric created. He was shooting for a 1960's approach. But I wanted to see a bit more of a 1950's lantern jaw look. So this was his next batch:
I was of the opinion that this Batman was to smiley.
We envisioned the series would be titled: Batman and Robin. Robin would have been a key player in the series. But, having just come off of a Supergirl series, we would likely have avoided Batgirl.
Our intent was to revive some of the long lost TV show Batman villains, along with certain iconic trappings of 1950's-60's Batman. It would start off as goofy weird fun, but edge a little to the creepy side by the end of the series. Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a different animal. As it is based off of the current cartoon, we have a little less latitude than we might on a series we created. But sometimes imposed structure strengthens artwork rather than curtailing it. Eric and I work well with guidelines, and we're having tremendous fun on the series. Eric just finished drawing his third issue, and I'm writing my 6th, with at least 3 more mapped out.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Zombie gallery.
SLG recently held a zombie themed gallery show in their lounge like studio/office. Featured heavily at the show was the work of Belinda Adams and Pannel Vaughn.
It was a good sized turn out, despite the fact that one of the other galleries had arranged to have the street in front of us closed to promote their event.
Branwyn and Drew. Branwyn has no idea the horrible fate that will soon befall her.
Pannel discussing his work. I think this is when he sold on of his paintings.
Jose harassing Belinda as she tries to work.
Me harassing Belinda as she tries to work. But I'm allowed as I'm going to marry her.
Branwyn meets her dark fate. Captured on canvas forever as a zombie (painted by Belinda during the show).
It was a good sized turn out, despite the fact that one of the other galleries had arranged to have the street in front of us closed to promote their event.
Pannel discussing his work. I think this is when he sold on of his paintings.
Jose harassing Belinda as she tries to work.
Me harassing Belinda as she tries to work. But I'm allowed as I'm going to marry her.
Branwyn meets her dark fate. Captured on canvas forever as a zombie (painted by Belinda during the show).
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Comix4Sight auction!
During the madness that is San Diego ComicCon, Gail Simone approached Eric about creating an original illustration for the Comix4Sight auction benefiting comics writer John Ostrander. John has been battling glaucoma for years now. And s it says on the Comixs4sight website, if he loses the battle he loses his eyesight.
John has undergone surgery, and so far things seem to be going well. But the medical costs are quite high. Hence: the auction.
So Eric has illustrated a full splash page image of Supergirl from our Cosmic Adventures series.
This is now up on eBay, and the bidding his pushing the piece forward fast. To date, Eric has sold very little original art. This is an opportunity to own a a rare original image (not reproduced in print anywhere) and help a comics writer very much in need.
Even if this particular piece is out of your range, check the other items listed. There's a Tiny Titans original drawing by Franco Aureliani, a Daredevil study by Bruce Timm, original Mickey Mouse Sunday comics art by Jim Engel and much more. Apparently you can even be written into a comic by Ed Brubaker.
And if you don't want to participate in the auction, you can also donate directly via the PayPal "Pay" link on the website sidebar.
And please: Spread the word!
John has undergone surgery, and so far things seem to be going well. But the medical costs are quite high. Hence: the auction.
So Eric has illustrated a full splash page image of Supergirl from our Cosmic Adventures series.
This is now up on eBay, and the bidding his pushing the piece forward fast. To date, Eric has sold very little original art. This is an opportunity to own a a rare original image (not reproduced in print anywhere) and help a comics writer very much in need.
Even if this particular piece is out of your range, check the other items listed. There's a Tiny Titans original drawing by Franco Aureliani, a Daredevil study by Bruce Timm, original Mickey Mouse Sunday comics art by Jim Engel and much more. Apparently you can even be written into a comic by Ed Brubaker.
And if you don't want to participate in the auction, you can also donate directly via the PayPal "Pay" link on the website sidebar.
And please: Spread the word!
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