AIPT Comics

NEWSBOOM! Surprise Announces Wynd as limited seriesNew details emerge around Tom Taylor’s Seven SecretsDCeased gets a digital-first series starting this week running 14 chaptersMarvel Comics releases full July schedule with a return to weekly single issuesDuncan Jones’ Moon trilogy to close out as graphic novel on KickstarterMega Man comic announced for AugustJackpot...MOVIE?!Furloughs turn to layoffs at IDWAugust Solicitations at MarvelDC Announces DC Connect - Solicitations for AugustTOP BOOKS OF LAST WEEKDavePlunge #3 (W: Joe Hill, A: Stuart Immonen)Star #4 (W: Kelly Thompson, A: Filipe Andrade, Javier Pina)NathanHawkeye: Freefall #5 (W: Matthew Rosenberg, A: Otto Schmidt)Red Sonja #15 (W: Mark Russell, A: Bob Q)ComicBookRoundUpCritic: 9.2 Lost on Planet Earth #2 (W: Magdalene Visaggio, Claudia Aguirre)Fan: 9.2 Hawkeye: Freefall #5 (W: Matthew Rosenberg, A: Otto Schmidt)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKDave: Venom #25 (W: Donny Cates, A: Mark Bagley)Nathan: Doctor Aphra #1 (W: Alyssa Wong, A: Marika Cresta)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: Batman Beyond #43 (Francis Manapul)Nathan: Rogue Planet #1 (Andy MacDonald)OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: Nathan Simmons - Blood Machines (film and album)June 8 - Silver Linings PlaylistUpcoming episodes of The Stage Moms and Two Drinks & A Haunting

NEWSDiamond announces “comeback” plans for May 20DC eliminating preview days for LCSDC's GENERATION Event Absent from JULY ScheduleDC releases July scheduleBatman: Three Jokers set for AugustDark Nights gets 2 tie-in issues, additional 7th issue, and a September breakSupergirl #42 is going digital-onlyRose City Comic Con Cancelled James McAvoy, a dozen other stars join Sandman audio dramaJeff Lemire bringing Sweet Tooth back to DC, RDJ bringing it to NetflixMarvel starts revealing August/September scheduleMaestro is getting an origin storyX of Swords is coming...in SeptemberMark Waid + Neal Adams collaborating on FFAIPT BOOKCLUB: Upgrade Soul by Ezra Claytan DanielsThe Story So Far: Molly and Hank Nonnar, a lovingly close elderly couple, undergo a cloning/physical perfection process called Upgrade Cell under the care of a legally shaky and potentially unethical group of scientists eventually coming face-to-face with a different, seemingly perfected version of themselves. Philosophically, dramatically and narratively dense Upgrade Soul touches on what it means to be human, beauty, family, intelligence, science, transhumanism, and ultimately love in a deft equally horrifying and beautiful story that eschews the common “what if you could be your best self” question of Superman comics and instead asks “what if you met your best self”What Works: Body language and set dressing, hidden intentions, lettering, balance of horror and beautyWhat Doesn’t: Frequent flashbacks confuse narrative structure, don’t see much of Molly/Hank’s younger life Favorite Artistic Moment: Molly visiting Manuela, 4 grid comparing the twoFavorite Narrative Moment: Henry at grave, Where We Think This is Going: Optioned for a movie, Daniels now working on BTM FDRSSegment: Interview: Chris Arrant - Newsarama Editor1. Walk us through a day in the life of a Newsarama editor.2. Can you think of a time in comics that have been as tumultuous today and with news changings so quickly? How do you keep all the different things straight?3. The 5,000 dollar question...where do you see comics for the second half of 2020? How about 2021?4. What do you think the comics industry can learn from overcoming this hurdle? How would you like to see publishers, distributors, and retailers react and change? 5. What did you want to be when you were little?6. If you could interview one comic creator living or dead for as long as you wanted, who would it be? 7. If you could choose one comic to come out regularly during quarantine times, which would it be?8. What comics are you reading right now?9. You’re super active on Twitter and I’m curious, is that part of being editor at Newsarama, or is that a private endeavor?OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: Chris Arrant - Gardening, magazine reading

NEWSNew Marvel Comics coming NEXT WEEKDigital comics shop shutting downRosenberg comments on Hawkeye being one of the booksAdvance copies of Black Widow out with no release dateDC Comics going big in JuneOver $950,000 going to comic stores via BINC May 12thDiamond says May 20 orders “Better than we thought”Tom Taylor teases:Superman?DCeased: Dead PlanetSeven SecretsHumanoids working with Hero InitiativeMad Cave showcasing virtual conventionMarvel extending free access to some stories in Marvel Unlimited through June 2Image Comics June solicit updateAIPT BOOKCLUB: Nextwave by Warren Ellis and Stuart ImmonenThe Story So Far: What Works: What Doesn’t: Favorite Artistic Moment: Favorite Narrative Moment: Where We Think This is Going:Segment: Interview with Gene Luen Yang - Superman Smashes the Klan debuts May 12.Superman Smashes the Klan is inspired by the 1940 radio drama “Clan of the Fiery Cross”. Did DC provide you with recordings of those shows or transcripts? What was the research like for dipping into this specific period of Superman stories.Obviously and unfortunately, the fight against racism is timeless and that made this story a good candidate for adaptation, but was there anything in the original content you intentionally excluded? What do you think is the quintessential Superman story? Is that also your favorite?I love your concept of the boy scout in Superman and he wears these bright colors due to his immigrant status and make everyone around him know he’s a good guy. It makes sense even if it was subconscious. I’m curious, why the black within the logo?Speaking of Super-Man...might you know when might we see Kong Kenan back in a DC Comics book?I’m incredibly excited for your Shang-Chi series set for a June release. It’s your Marvel debut, congratulations! Can you tell us a bit about your love of the character, what era of the character you’re a fan of, and how excited you are for the movie?How does your process differ writing for different publishers and established properties versus creator owned projects? Do you prefer one over the other? What did you want to be when you were little?What comics are you reading right now?What one artist that you haven’t worked before do you most want to work with?Pie in the sky, what one character would you like to work on you haven’t yet written?Off Topic Top Shelf: Gene Luen Yang - Holo Man

NEWSDC Explains Why It Began Distributing Through Others During DIAMOND ShutdownDiamond CEO Steve Geppi talks and talksSays DC made things awkwardMentions Fox News...Diamond lists titles to be released May 20 from most publishers, DC releases May 19 and 26 release listMarvel clarifies new comics coming the 27thExplains rationale behind delayed releases, full line coming July 15BOOM! Revises May and June solicits March 2020 comic book sales figures are inAWA signs exclusive distribution deal with DiamondComics displays going into 3,000 Walmart storesDan Slott ending Iron Man runAIPT BOOKCLUB: East of West vol 1 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta (issues #1-5)The Story So Far: What Works: What Doesn’t: Favorite Artistic Moment: Favorite Narrative Moment: Where We Think This is Going:OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: David Brooke -  The Last Dance

NEWSDC Comics announces new slate of digitally available comics 7 days a weekFirst week of titlesDC Comics releases Daphne Byrne #4, Batman Giant #4, The Dreaming #20Diamond refutes DC’s claim about canceled ordersJim Lee debuts 20th sketch on AIPT in his 60 days of 60 sketches to benefit comic shops.No new marvel comics next weekKodansha signs on with InkyPen app, adding Attack on Titan, Parasyte, others to Nintendo Switch ReadingBill Sienkiewicz shares risque reference photo, artists take it and run with #billsbuttchallengeAIPT BOOKCLUB: Swamp Thing by Writer: Alan Moore Artist: John Totleben 1982 (SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING BOOK ONE collects issues #20-27)The Story So Far: What Works: What Doesn’t: Favorite Artistic Moment:Favorite Narrative Moment:Where We Think This is Going:OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: Forrest -  Nvidia Shield TV

NEWSDC Announces new distribution model Batman #93 shipping in JuneMarvel continues to announce no new books on MondaysDiamond targets mid-May to start regular shippingSan Diego Comic Con cancelledNew Vault series Giga announcedBOOM! and Netflix kissing in a tree, K.I.S.S…..TODD McFARLANE Calls for Unity, Crossovers, DIGITAL To Combat Coronavirus Comics DownturnNew Writer/Artist Takes Over IDW's SONIC THE HEDGEHOG - But Without Saying WhenJim Lee is on day 19 drawing 60 sketches for 60 daysEd Brubaker, Marcos Martin, and Muntsa Vicente release new post-YA horror series released on WednesdayAIPT BOOKCLUB: Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice! By Jeff Lemire and Michael Walsh (released in collected format April 8)The Story So Far: What Works: What Doesn’t: Favorite Artistic Moment: Favorite Narrative Moment: Where We Think This is Going:Segment: Interview with Mark Russell Billionaire Island, Captain America: Marvels Snapshot #1, Flintstones, Wonder Twins, and Second Coming.I was incredibly excited to read Captain America Marvel Spotlight this month, hopefully we get it sooner or later, can you talk a bit about how that project got off the ground with Kurt Busiek curating? Since we can’t actually see the book can you talk a bit about what RAMÓN PÉREZ is doing with the art? What is your relationship like on the project?How are things going with comics currently on hold, are you working on anything, or is it pencils down right now?Mark, I simply loved your DC Year of the Villain one-shots, they always seemed to go a subvert the idea that many of the one-shots brought and took a different course like with Harley Quinn being a commentary on award shows, how Riddler didn’t get powered up by Lex, and Sinestro’s story feeling like an incredible sci-fi story not needing the even itself to work. When developing these three wildly different stories did you pitch all 3, were there any that weren’t picked up?It seems like every day we’re learning about the US government enriching the rich, helping them with back channel bills and what not, which makes Billionaire Island even more important and poignant. Issue #1 is out, can you tell us a little bit about that series’ creation and whether or not the current pandemic is inspiring the series to change as you script future issues?You’ve written across pretty much every facet of the comics industry including for the big two, the indies, etc. How does your process differ when writing for established properties versus indie? Do you prefer one over the other? What did you want to be when you were little?You’ve probably been asked this a thousand times but...Flintstones was an inspiration of a series. Would you ever want to take on another property and put your spin on it in a 12 issue series?What one artist that you haven’t worked before do you most want to work with?OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: Mark Russell: Stoicism 

NEWSDiamond To Resume Paying Publishers With Partial Payments, DeferralsHumanoids shifts books to September and fallMarvel still releasing collections digitallyDAN DIDIO's Biggest DC Regret is Not Spending Enough Time Developing the NEW 52SDCC Announcement Coming Soon On This Year's Event due to Coronavirus PandemicKEVIN EASTMAN Hosting Online Hangout to Celebrate TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1's Anniversary (36 years since they got the books from the printer)Nominate your favorite comics for the 2020 Ringo Awards nowAIPT BOOKCLUB: All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison/Frank QuitelyThe Story So Far: What Works: What Doesn’t: Favorite Artistic Moment: Favorite Narrative Moment: Where We Think This is Going:Segment: OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: Tales From the Loop - Amazon

NEWSDiamond stops paying vendorsMarvel pauses work and publishing on 1/3rd of May and June releasesMeanwhile, DC donates $250,000 to retailer charityBoom! Halts physical and digital single issues, will release tradesDC releasing books digitally, exploring “multi-distributor” dealMarvel to halt digital release of new comics...for nowPublishers have worked out temporary distribution method with ComicHubNevermind about that ComicHub thing actuallyBad Idea postpones launchLION FORGE LABS Closed, All Employees Laid OffAIPT BOOKCLUB: Venom by Donny Cates/Stegman. We break down the ongoing run with these categories:The Story So Far: What Works: What Doesn’t: Favorite Artistic Moment: Favorite Narrative Moment: Where We Think This is Going:Segment: Frank Gogol Interview: Coming in June, NO HEROINE #1 Ringo Award-nominated writer Frank Gogol (Dead End Kids), father-daughter art team Criss Madd and colorist Shawna Madd, with letters by Sean Rinehart, and cover by Ahmed Raafat. (Gogol also wrote GRIEF, and Dead End Kids)No Heroine is a story about addiction, a protagonist with a checkered past, and vampires, how did you get to this developed story and how long has it been in development?It seems like American history has had a few different periods where vampires were hugely important in pop culture. Do you think it’s time for a another streak? Why?We’ve seen vampire hunters take out the bloodsuckers in a variety of ways and No Heroine #1 offers up a few new ones. What goes into creative kills?Frank, you seem to hustle a lot to get the word out on comics. What are some things you learned when it comes to getting the word out on your comics?Talk about a unique time to be in the comics industry, how’s it looking out there from your perspective?How impacted are you with conventions closing due to the pandemic? What is it about small town america that appeals to you in your stories? I understand Dead End Kids and now No Heroine seem to be set there. When you were little, what did you think you’d be when you grew up?OFF TOPIC TOP SHELF: Gogol makes his picks which include Resident Evil, James Bond, and more.

NEWSDiamond Comics Distributor to halt all comics and product shipments until further noticeAWA moving comics online during Diamond delayDC writes letter to freelancersDC will ship Gotham High to book storesMarvel working on “Larger scale plan” Dark Horse reducing line, offering returnability, Vows Not to Release New Comic Books Digitally Until Print Distribution ResumesValiant engaging readers with Valiant Hero of the WeekTKO offering 50% profits to LCS’Manga publisher Viz still shipping via Simon and Schuster, othersKodansha Comics & VERTICAL Debut on izneo Online PlatformAbrams Spider-Man book delayed - 20 weeks overdueKUBERT SCHOOL Opens To Students Worldwide with New Online ProgramSEGMENT: Anniversary Issues: While Nancy Drew celebrates the legendary character by killing her -- What is our ideal anniversary/milestone issue?TOP BOOKS OF LAST WEEKDaveHellions: (W: Zeb Wells, A: Stephen Segovia)Justice League Dark #21 (W: Ram V, James Tynion IV, A: Alvaro Martinez)ForrestNo One’s Rose #1 (W: Zac Thompson, Emily Horn A: Alberto Jimenez-Alburquerque)Hellions #1 (W: Zeb Wells, A: Stephen Segovia)ComicBookRoundUpCritic: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (IDW, 9.5)Fan: Immortal Hulk #33 (Marvel, 9.7)INTERVIEW: STEVE ORLANDO (Wonder Woman, Darkhold, Martian Manhunter, Kill a Man from AfterShock)Can you give us a brief introduction to Kill a Man (on sale June 3) and why AfterShock felt like the right publisher for this specific story?How does your writing process differ working for the big 2 versus indie publishers? Do you prefer one over the other?You were the main writer on Wonder Woman when her big #750 anniversary issue hit, can you tell us a bit about spearheading that project and what you hoped to accomplish for the character?When you introduce the “Invisible Starfighter” in Wonder Woman #754 as you called it in a recent tweet, do you need to dig into the long boxes to see if it has been done before?Kill A Man focuses on the careers and relationships of two boxers, but according to your Twitter you’re also a pretty big professional wrestling fan. Which wrestler would you most want to write a comic for?There seems to be a reoccurring theme in your work, recently you mentioned in an interview with screenrant, “villains also work when they are dark reflections of a hero” and Darkhold’s solicit reads, “To save them all, the Scarlet Witch must gather the world’s greatest heroes...and unleash their inner darkness.” What is it about inner darkness that appeals to you?Darkhold is your first book at Marvel, what are some of your favorite Dr. Doom stories?Your Martian Manhunter series with Riley Rossmo was a deep dive on one of the most overlooked quote unquote main characters at DC. What Marvel character would you like to do the same for?When you were little, what did you think you’d be when you grew up?Coming off Wonder Woman #754 this week and only a week ago announced you'll be writing at Marvel Comics series I can only imagine your point of view on comics right at this moment is unique. There's a lot to capture all at once! How are you coping and what is your thoughts on the current state of affairs?Segment: Off Topic Top Shelf: Ni No Kuni, Castlevania, Carb Smart Tortillas

NEWSImage announces measures to help retailers during pandemicPublishers are postponing certain comicsMarvelWeird Enough Productions, national comics non-profit, makes materials freeDiamond coordinating retail/publisher Coronavirus responseFree Comic Book Day PostponedVampire: The Masquerade returns to comics at VaultNew details on New WarriorsJames Tynion fed up with social media creates own message boardMarvel June solicitations, any surprises?TOP BOOKS OF LAST WEEKDavePlunge #2 (W: Joe Hill, A: Stuart Immonen)Spider-Woman #1 (W: Karla Pacheco, A: Pere Pérez)ForrestAlienated #2 (W: Si Spurrier, A: Chris Wildgoose)BANG! #2 (W: Matt Kindt, A: Wilfredo Torres)ComicBookRoundUpCritic: The Resistance #1 (AWA, 9.8)Fan: The Resistance #1 (AWA, 9.2)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKDave: X-O Manowar #1 (W: Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum, A: Emilio Laiso)Forrest: Batman: Creature of the Night (W: Kurt Busiek, A: John Paul Leon)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: X-Men #9 (Leinil Francis Yu)Forrest: Killing Red Sonja #1 (Christian Ward) SEGMENT: Interview - John Allison Giant Days writer has Wicked Things #1 out this week from BOOM! StudiosEveryone loves a good who-done-it, what are some of your favorite detective stories and were there any you read or watched to prepare for Wicked Things?If you had to pitch Wicked Things to 18 or 19 year olds, how would you describe it? The plot of Wicked Things #1 revolves around an awards ceremony for detectives. Having won an Eisner, did you approach this issue from your own experience with that award show, or maybe others you’ve attended?The lead character, Charlotte "Lottie" Grote, was first introduced (if I’m not mistaken) in Scary Go Round in the story the Estate January 28, 2009, and while the character is 19 in Wicked Things she’s technically 11 in real people years. That’s a long time for the character to live inside your head and while we’ve seen her in Giant Days and elsewhere, how has she changed--or maybe she hasn’t-- in those 11 years?When crafting a murder mystery detective story are there storytelling elements that take a back seat to the mystery itself? Worldbuilding, for instance, seems a touch harder when the audience is focusing on the detective and their work.I love the little details in Wicked Things #1, from the text on a magazine cover to the name of Charlotte’s gummy bears, are these things right in the script, or do they evolve when making the book?The Tackleverse, or Bobbinsverse as I’ve seen it written, is an incredible thing. You’ve built an entire universe of characters. Are there any inherent pros and cons of building a universe? Might we see you create an entirely new one someday?Originating as a webcomic creator, are there elements of webcomic creation you miss, and things you are happy to leave behind?When you were little, what did you think you’d be when you grew up?What do you hope to see in the comics industry in the future?What comics are you reading right now?Off Topic Top Shelf: John Allison’s pick - Horror Stories: A Memoir: Liz Phair, Bakuman, The Sopranos