Eric Carr's Unfinished Business

Message From Bruce Kulick | KULICK.net - The Official Bruce Kulick Website

With the 20th anniversary of Eric Carr's passing coming this November, Eric's family has scheduled a release of some new discoveries and some remakes of the music left behind. The CD is titled "Unfinished Business" and it's worth checking out if you are a big fan of Eric.

I know it was a very hard time for me back all those years ago to lose a band mate and a real friend, but celebrating his music is a very comforting thing. And as much as I miss him, I do feel like he must really enjoy all the attention while he is in heaven jamming with the other fallen heroes of rock stardom. So check out the CD.

A quick reminder about a few of the events coming up for me, like Madrid, Spain on the 25th of November and Helsinki, Finland on the 26th will be partly in remembrance of Eric Carr's passing.

More info on additional shows coming up in Europe and Brazil is coming soon.

All the best,
Bruce Kulick

Help A Friend Help Children

Texas Metroplex Cosplay Coalition

Dear Friends,

Help me get in the game!

I'm raising money and awareness for my local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

On Oct. 15, 2011, I'll attempt to play video games for 24 hours straight in hopes you'll support me by giving just $1 per hour ($24 total).

Your donation is tax-deductible and 100 percent of your gift goes to help kids.

My fellow Extra Life gamers and I are going to make miracles happen for kids. I can't reach my goal without your support. Any contribution will help, and all donations are tax deductible. Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click the "Support This Participant" button on this page.

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS: ALL 52 FIRST ISSUES OF DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 SELL OUT AND RECEIVE SECOND PRINTINGS!

From DC Comics.com By David Hyde

It’s official! All 52 first issues of DC Entertainment’s historic publishing initiative DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 have sold out from Diamond Comic Distributors in advance of publication. And all 52 issues will receive second printings.
Here’s a further look inside the numbers for DC COMICS-THE NEW 52:
· ACTION and BATGIRL already have third printings and JUSTICE LEAGUE, the bestselling comic book to date for all of 2011, is in its fourth printing.
· AQUAMAN #1 is the eleventh title in DC Comics-The New 52 with sales of more than 100,000. The series joins the sales ranks of the previously announced titles ACTION COMICS, BATGIRL, BATMAN, BATMAN AND ROBIN, BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT, DETECTIVE COMICS, THE FLASH, GREEN LANTERN, JUSTICE LEAGUE and SUPERMAN.
· BATMAN # 1 joins JUSTICE LEAGUE # 1 and ACTION COMICS # 1 as the third title with sales exceeding 200,000 copies.
“We at DC Entertainment thank our creators, our retail partners, and our readers, and remind them all we’re just getting started,” said John Rood, DC Entertainment Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. “We’re thrilled to be making history, but we’re not standing around congratulating each other. We’re working behind the scenes to leverage our recent success into our long term vision for this company and its iconic characters and brands.”
“There’s never been anything like DC COMICS – THE NEW 52, as seen by our unprecedented sales and overwhelming fan enthusiasm,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio. “All 52 first issues have now sold out in advance of publication and each one of the first issues has received a second printing. Backed by DC Entertainment’s massive marketing campaign, dozens of retailer events, and hundreds of headlines from around the globe, this is a watershed moment for the comic book industry. It’s the most significant publishing event in the last 25 years of this company’s long and storied history.”

Happy 70th Birthday Aquaman!

Here is a great post from The Aquaman Shrine to celebrate the King of the Seven Seas 70th Birthday, enjoy.

Today is a very, very special day in the history of Aquaman--it's his 70th birthday!

And when we say 70th birthday, we don't mean the birthday DC Comics has seen fit to give him within their continuity--that's January 29. No, we mean that on this day seventy years ago--September 25, 1941--More Fun Comics #73, Aquaman's debut appearance, hit newsstands (you can see the book for sale in the above picture, two rows up and about four books to the left of the crowded news vendor).

So, with Aquaman hitting the big 7-0, and his new series only days away from debuting, the Shrine thought it a tribute fit for a king to reach out and collect birthday greetings from various writers, artists, and performers, all of whom have been involved with the Sea King in some way over these seven decades.

Some chose to offer old Arthur a birthday message; others reminisced about their time when they were creatively involved with the King of the Seven Seas. The one thing they have in common is that all of them have contributed, by their talent, vision, voice, or craft, to the seven-decade legend of Aquaman:

Dan Abnett, writer, Wonder Woman and The Furies: "Happy 70th Birthday to the Sea King...and sorry about what happened to Mera on my watch."

Norman Alden, voice actor, Super Friends: "I just tripped down a tall building and you know, after 70 years, I am kind of losing my taste for that stuff.

But really and truly I have to let the cat out of the bag and celebrate Aquaman's 70th and my 87th! The guys I worked with [on Super Friends] were the top of the line.

Rob, what this world--and Aquaman--needs is more friends like you. God bless you."

Tony Bedard, writer, Emperor Aquaman: "Happy Birthday, Your Majesty! I have to admit it was the 1960s Superman/Aquaman cartoon that hooked me on you, but I've always seen you as a first-stringer, and I prefer Happy Aquaman to Angry Aquaman any day! I spent my childhood pretending I was you every time I went swimming, and I still think that riding a giant seahorse is the manliest thing in the world! Long Live the Sea King!"

J.E. Bright, writer, Aquaman: Deepwater Disaster and Heroes of the High Seas: "Dearest Aquaman--Were you aware that you share your birthdate with Baroness Vivien Helen Stern CBE? Like you, Baroness Stern was voted into royalty, and like you, she has dedicated her life to criminal justice. Although she's certainly more academic and land-based than your adventurous aqua-self, perhaps there was something circling in the stars on September 25, 1941 that should make villains beware!
XOXO
J. E. Bright"

Kurt Busiek, writer, Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis: "Happy 70th, Aqua-guy! Whether you're the son of a scientist given powers via Atlantean secrets, the child of a lighthouse-keeper and an undersea princess, the all-Atlantean scion of an ancient sorcerer or whatever--as long as you're rocking the orange and green, you'll always be the King of the Seas!"

Nick Cardy, artist, Aquaman: "It was interesting for me to draw it[Aquaman], I enjoyed doing it. With Aquaman, I innovated a lot of things--the fish I used were actual fish. Sometimes I put too many fish in the water, and that can take more time than it does drawing the figures! But I really, really enjoyed it."

J.M. DeMatteis, writer, Adventure Comics and Action Comics: "My first regular superhero gig in comics was writing Aquaman in Adventure Comics (with art by the great Dick Giordano), so the Sea King has a very special place in my heart. I'll never forget the day editor Len Wein called and gave me the assignment: I felt like I'd finally arrived. Happy Birthday, Aquaman: here's to another 70!"

Dan Didio, writer, Co-Publisher, DC Comics: "Happy 70th Birthday to Aquaman, one of the true long lasting greats in DC's Pantheon Of Super Heroes!"

Sholly Fisch, writer, DC Super Friends and Batman: Brave and the Bold: "Your Royal Highness: After 70 years of guarding the seven seas, you've survived death (more than once), cancellation (more than once), and even chairing Justice League Detroit (thankfully, only once). All the best for the next 70 years...even if living underwater does make it hard to blow out the candles!"

Ramona Fradon, artist, Adventure Comics and Super Friends:"Aquaman was a wonderful feature for kids. While he had no personal super powers, his ability to communicate with sea creatures made him as effective as any other super hero, and his ingenious way of utilizing their abilities made them come to life for young readers. I have had more than one adult fan tell me that they had been inspired by reading Aquaman to become marine biologists."

Laura Gjovaag, creator, The Unofficial Aquaman Website: "Happy Birthday, Arthur! Seventy years is just a beginning. Who doesn't enjoy a tale an outcast orphan, a story of a person trying to find his place, the age-old journey of a hero? And when that story is told, you provide a tale of majesty, learning to lead, and being in command. The setting you provide has more potential than most heroes...you have mastered land and sea. Live on in our imaginations, Aquaman. In another 70 years you'll just be getting to middle age."

Patrick Gleason, artist, Aquaman: "Wow! Aquaman you are OLD!

But hey, don't sick a giant octopus on me yet! I'm just saying that I think that stands as a testament to the very real, and important legacy you hold in comics. Now blow out your candles...oh wait we're underwater. Glub, glub! Happy Birthday old chum!"

Bob Greenberger, editor, The Atlantis Chronicles, Who's Who in the DC Universe: "Aquaman entered my life when I began reading the JLA comic in the early 1960s but was delighted to learn more when he gained his own animated series, leading me to add his comic adventures to my expanding reading list. It wasn't until the 'Search for Mera' storyline that I really got to see his potential. I still recall that summer, away at camp, and desperate for the next issue to see what happened. That run, of course, introduced me to the fabulous art of Jim Aparo, who made the Sea King his own.

Since then, he has been interpreted and reinterpreted; denigrated and lauded. It's great to see that a new Aquaman series as part of the Rebooted DCU and to celebrate his 70th. DC isn't much for appreciating its history these days but true fans know and will be celebrating."

Mike Grell, artist, Adventure Comics: "Aquaman and I have a history that goes way back to the very beginning of my career in comics. Julie Schwartz had just looked at my portfolio and called Joe Orlando in to his office to see if there was some work he could throw my way. Joe took a chance and give me a seven page Aquaman backup story called "As The Undersea City Sleeps" by Steve Skeates that would appear inAdventure #435.

When I turned in the pencil pages, Joe pointed out that I had drawn the splash page with a shot of Aquaman angling away, body bent forward in a pose that not only blocked his face from view, I had him mooning the reader. Having survived the Dr. Wertham witchhunt of the '50s Joe felt it his solemn duty to test the Comics Code Authority at every opportunity, so he let it go just to see what would happen. Luckily it passed without incident--but--there was one panel that didn't even get past Joe.

The script called for Aquaman to be seated on his throne, but I had drawn his butt hanging down too far. Joe had me correct it, but not before showing it to Julie and just about everyone else who came by his office. Thirty-nine years later, that panel still bugs me.

That's how I became known as 'The Guy Who Drew Aquaman On The Toilet.'"

Yvet Guichet, artist, Aquaman: "I remember Obsidian Age built up quite a fresh thirst for the Waterbearer before he was reintroduced into the channel of DC lineups back in 2002. Arthur's revamp then was easily a thing of legend. When he needed a new look I had no idea when I designed his new digs how it would be taken off some guy instead of maybe grown? Sort of the way his water hand magically grew into place...then it would have done some unique things too like the hand did. One of those things should have been spawning the new look on his action figure, no? Happy 70th bro!"

Mark Gutleben, actor/performer, Sea World Superheroes Show:"Performing for the kiddies [as Aquaman] was fun. There were times when kids thought I was the Real McCoy! It was very exciting."

Ken Hooper, artist, Aquaman: "I remember getting the job--Kevin Dooley called and asked if I would like to draw the new Aquaman series, in 1990. I remember thinking, oh, Lord...the water guy...boring.... I owned all of one Aquaman book my entire thirty-year life at that point. Thanks, though, to Kevin, and, even more so, to Shaun, it was never boring. Never. And we had such grand plans..."

Michael Jelenic, Producer, Batman: Brave and the Bold: "Wishing you, Aquaman, an 'Outrageous' 70th Birthday...or as you like to call it: 'The One Where Aquaman Turned Seventy Years Old!'"

Dan Jurgens, writer, Aquaman: "I was first exposed to Aquaman as part of the Superman/Aquaman Hour, which was a relatively cool Saturday morning cartoon. That sent me scurrying for the actual comics and I loved what I found. For me, Aquaman was always something of a regal, majestic character. He was a king, for crying out loud!

I had a great time writing the book. Unfortunately, by the time I took it on, it was in really bad shape. Still, with great covers by Michael Kaluta and wonderful interior art by Steve Epting, we gave it our best.

Fortunately, the King of the Seven Seas is in good hands with Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. Aquaman deserves nothing less!"

Paul Kupperberg, writer, Aquaman and Adventure Comics:"People make fun of Aquaman. They joke about his ability to 'talk' to fish, that his superpower is swimming, and about how the bad guys can escape him by just getting out of the water. Thanks to a couple of generations raised on Super Friends, the non-comics reading public may know who Aquaman is, but they don't take him seriously, not like they do the big guns. But for all his being better known as a punch line than a superhero, Aquaman has an endurance that few characters of his vintage can boast.

Beginning as a back-up feature in a 1941 issue of More Fun Comics, Aquaman was one of only a tiny number of comic book superheroes to survive the Golden Age and be continuously published, virtually without interruption, straight through to today. The others were Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow, a handful of heroes in a sea of romance, western, crime, funny animals, and horror comics. Whatever it is about the King of the Seven Seas that saved him from the cancellations suffered by the majority of the 1940s heroes (including such luminaries as the Flash, Green Lantern, and the Atom), Aquaman's maintained it for seven incredible decades, still King of the Seven Seas, and now a major player in the DCU.

Laugh that off!"

Erik Larsen, writer, Aquaman: "Happy 70th Birthday to you, Aquaman. I had a fun visit."

Paul Levitz, writer, Adventure Comics, Publisher, DC Comics:"Congratulations, Aquaman--despite all the tragic tales, you've been one of comics' most consistent heroes over all these decades, swimming against the tides. And thanks for being the very first super-hero I got to write, over half your career ago!"

Original 70th Birthday Illustration by Stewart McKenny (DC Super Friends)!

Shaun McLaughlin, writer, Aquaman: ""Happy Birthday, Artie. You were my favorite super-hero as a kid and you opened some doors for me. I hope the next 70 years treat you kindly."

David Michelinie, writer, Adventure Comics and Aquaman:"Congratulations, Aquaman! Few kings manage to reign for 70 years, even in the off-and-on manner that seems to have defined your rule. And yet here you are, after seven decades of battling monsters, pollution, political corruption, even that insidious bane of the publishing industry: cancellation. You still stand regal, hardy and whole (well, except for that pesky missing hand thing), giving truth to the classic Mel Brooks line, 'It's good ta be da king!' Happy Birthday, Arthur!"

Paula Nelson, actress/performer, Sea World Superheroes Show:"One of my most memorable Mera moments was of 'saving' the finale pyramid from disaster after one of the male superheroes had fallen. Only the guys supported the bottom of the pyramid, but I was confident my shoulders were strong enough to handle it. After all, I had been an Aquamaid (seriously, that's what we were called) at Cypress Gardens--World Water-Skiing Capital--and there women would step in if needed. I successfully filled in for one of the mighty male superheroes and was seriously scolded by the Justice League for doing so! 'Out of character', they said. Quite the contrary, I felt most Mera-like!

Aquaman,

Happy 70th Birthday to my favorite King of the Sea!
Here's to a bright, adventure-filled, BP spill-free year ahead. 
Forever yours,
Mera"

Chuck Patton, artist, Justice League of America: "Happy Birthday, 'Your Majesty', from your pal Chuck Patton"

Joe Prado, artist, Brightest Day and Aquaman: "Happy 70th Birthday, Aquaman! Keep doing what you've always done! Being awesome and protecting us from menaces from the deep, deep seas! Keep your spirit, and brace yourself for a new era of adventures, my friend! And hey! Kick Manta's butt, and give Mera a kiss! :)"

Rod Reis, color artist, Aquaman: "To defend only a city like Gotham or Metropolis is very easy. To defend 70% of the planet Earth, live under water, talk to fishes and ride seahorses a true King is needed. Congratulations Arthur Curry, Happy 7-0 Aquaman! I am honored to color your magazine."

Alan Ritchson, actor, Smallville: "Happy 70th Aquaman! You will always be the king to me! I'll never forget your time on Smallville kicking Clark Kent's butt underwater! I loved knowing that I had the chance in some small way to remind everyone how great you really are! Having had the opportunity to portray the Sea King on Smallville, I was also welcomed into the best part of the comic world, the Aquaman family, the best fans in the world. Thanks AC and here's to another 70 years of greatness!"

Bob Rozakis, writer, Adventure Comics and Action Comics:
"Your pants, they are green
The ocean is blue
Happy 7-0, Sea King
Happy Birthday to you!"
Alex Saviuk, artist, Action Comics: "I can remember my excitement when Julie Schwartz asked me if i would like to do some Aquaman stories as back-up features in Action Comics. The oceans and what lies underneath have always intrigued me, and it was a real treat and an honor to follow in the footsteps of Ramona Fradon, Nick Cardy, and Jim Aparo in chronicling the Sea King's amazing adventures! I believe the mantle has now been passed on to Ivan Reis and Joe Prado and from what I have seen so far, Aquaman couldn't be in better hands! (although if Ivan and Joe ever need a break , I would love to step in for just one more adventure!)

Original 70th Birthday Illustration by Dan Schoening (Aquaman: Deepwater Disaster)!

Steve Skeates, writer, Aquaman: "Hereabouts there are not many heroes these days, even in comics. But Aquaman had been a hero from before even I was born, so I knew he was strong enough to survive my strange writing style--more into form than into content, sometimes silly, often too verbose. What I didn't know was that he would soon become both my best friend and my imagined self, and, as such, would make me not only a better writer, but a better human being as well. Don't ask me how that works; just allow me to thank the Sea King for being who he was."

Roy Thomas, writer, All-Star Squadron: "I'll admit that, when as a kid in the late 1940s I paddled around the local swimming pool, it was always Sub-Mariner, and never Aquaman, that I pretended to be. However, I came to see over the years that Aquaman was (is) a great character in his own right, not just a copy of Prince Namor. I have a particular fondness for the work of Ramona Fradon and Jim Aparo on the character, although Nick Cardy and others have certainly had their moments. And I always loved the fact that, unlike Namor, Aquaman could speak to fish. For a couple of years there I really wanted a pet octopus I could name Topo! So--Happy 70th, Aquaman!"

A bunch of people (besides all those quoted above) were instrumental in the assembling of this special birthday post. The Aquaman Shrine gives special thanks to Correspondent Joe Slab, artist Bill Walko (who drew the above superb Aqua-Family pin-up, commissioned especially for this post!), Marc Tyler Nobleman, Eric Nolen-Weathington, John Karl Schwirian, and Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics, which (accidentally) inspired this whole thing in the first place. Every single one of them was invaluable in the creation of this post!
As we all know, Aquaman is starting his 71st year in a big, big way, with the debut of his new series this Wednesday, Sept. 28th. The Shrine cannot imagine a better way for the King of the Seven Seas to reclaim his rightful place in popular culture, and in the world of comics, than with this new series, written and drawn some of DC's top talent. And thanks to each and every person you see quoted above, the Sea King was able to be in the right place at the right time when this new generation of creators was ready to come along and grab the trident!

Happy Birthday Aquaman!

This post respectfully dedicated to the work of Jim Aparo, Otto Binder, John Daly, Dick Giordano, Bob Haney, Paul Norris, Neal Pozner, and Mort Weisinger.

DC COMICS NYCC PANEL SCHEDULE

From DC Comics.com By David Hyde

Attending New York Comic-Con this year? Don’t miss DCE’s panels throughout the course of the convention. Check out the schedule below:
Friday, October 14
DC: Talent Search
10:30-11:30am
Join DCE’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 1B01
DC ALL ACCESS: Batman
1:15pm-2:15pm
Find out everything you need to know about the Dark Knight Detective and his cohorts in the new DC universe—from Batwoman to Batgirl to Robin, the Boy Wonder! Explore the streets of Gotham City with all-star creators such as Lee Bermejo (Batman: Noel), Chris Burnham (Batman Inc.), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), Greg Capullo(Batman), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Kyle Higgins (Nightwing), Amy Reeder (Batwoman), Scott Snyder (Batman), and Peter J. Tomasi (Batman and Robin)! Room 1A10
Vertigo Visions
3:45pm-4:45pm
Join the writers and artists behind the acclaimed and award-winning brand for a panel about the weird, the wild and the always unexpected with all-star talent including Jason Aaron (Scalped), Brian Azzarello (Spaceman, 100 Bullets), Rebecca Guay (A Flight of Angels), Phil Jimenez (Fairest), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Chris Roberson(iZOMBIE), Douglas Rushkoff (A.D.D.), Marzena Sowa (Marzi), Sylvain Savoia (Marzi) and Scott Snyder(American Vampire)! And introducing some new Vertigo blood! Room 1A22
DC ALL ACCESS: Green Lantern
5:00pm-6:00pm
In Brightest Day, in Blackest Night, the minds behind the Green Lantern franchise take flight—onto the stage to shed some light on the Emerald Warriors! Join the Corps with DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer and Green Lanternwriter Geoff Johns, along with Tony Bedard (Green Lantern: New Guardians), Doug Mahnke (Green Lantern), Ivan Reis (Blackest Night), writer Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps) and more! Room 1A10
Saturday, October 15
DC: Talent Search
10:15-10:45am
Join DCE’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 1A15
VERTIGO: Scary S**T!
10:45am-11:45am
Join Vertigo’s monthly writers as they discuss vampires, zombies, the apocalypse and more, with top creators including Brian Azzarello (Spaceman), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Chris Roberson (iZOMBIE) and Scott Snyder(American Vampire)! And introducing some new Vertigo blood! Room 1A22
DC ALL ACCESS: Justice League
12:00pm-1:00pm
Before they were the World’s Greatest Superheroes, they were considered the world’s most feared vigilantes. Join some of the creators of the new DC universe in a panel discussion headlined by the creative team behind the flagship title of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 — DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. Including all-star creators such as Brian Azzarello (Wonder Woman), Brian Buccellato (The Flash), Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Yildiray Cinar (The Fury of Firestorm), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics,The Savage Hawkman), Francis Manapul (The Flash), Joe Prado (Aquaman), Ivan Reis (Aquaman), Philip Tan(The Savage Hawkman), and Eric Wallace (Mr. Terrific). Room 1A10
DC ALL ACCESS: Superman
1:15pm-2:15pm
With the launch of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52, a new era for Superman begins! Find out what’s in the works for the Man of Tomorrow as we look at his upcoming exploits in ACTION COMICS, SUPERMAN and more! Don’t miss this panel featuring Mahmud Asrar (Supergirl), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One) and others! Room 1A10
DC ALL ACCESS: The Edge/ The Dark
2:30pm-3:30pm
The DC universe is home to all kinds of heroes – including some who barely fit that name! Hear what’s coming up in the pages of titles like JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, SWAMP THING, O.M.A.C., ALL-STAR WESTERN and more, with top talent including Ivan Brandon (Men of War), Paul Cornell (Stormwatch, Demon Knights), Josh Fialkov (I, Vampire), Keith Giffen (O.M.A.C.), Adam Glass (Suicide Squad), Viktor Kalvachev (Men of War), Andy Lanning(Resurrection Man), Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E.), Justin Norman (All-Star Western), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), and Scott Snyder (Swamp Thing)! Room 1A22
Sunday, October 16
MAD
12:15pm – 1:15pm
MAD is more than just the best-selling humor magazine in the nation – it’s also the inspiration for the hit animated series on Cartoon Network, now in its second season! Find out what’s happening with the Usual Gang of Idiots in this panel featuring MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano and TV producer Kevin Schinick!Room 1A24
DC ALL ACCESS: Meet the Publishers
2:45pm-3:45pm
As Co-Publishers of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio are the driving forces behind DC COMICS – THE NEW 52, DC’s digital initiative, and much more, as well as being the artist of JUSTICE LEAGUE and writer of O.M.A.C.! This up-close-and-personal panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions! Room 1A06
DC ALL ACCESS: Young Justice
3:45pm-4:45pm
They may be young – but they’re still heroes! Find out what’s happening for THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, TEEN TITANS and more as DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 unfolds in this panel featuring Franco Aureliani (Tiny Titans), Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans), Tony Bedard (Blue Beetle), Sterling Gates (Hawk and Dove), Jonathan Glapion (Static Shock), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), and Francis Portela (Legion of Super-Heroes)!Room 1A22

BILLY TUCCI FORMS APOSTLE ARTS, LLC. TO PUBLISH THE CHRISTMAS STORY WITH “A CHILD IS BORN”

Fredericksburg, Texas - Billy Tucci, the writer/artist of Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion and creator of Shi, has been very blessed in life. For the past 17-years, the Eisner Award nominee has sold millions of comic books, while garnering numerous comics’ industry accolades and awards. His sincere storytelling efforts have even been recognized by veterans’ groups, the United States Army, and the government of France.

But this Christmas will see the release of the most important work of Tucci’s extensively colorful career – the comic book adaptation of the birth of Jesus with Billy Tucci’s A Child Is Born.

Taken directly from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, A Child Is Born faithfully depicts the Christmas Story as it has never been seen before in graphic novel form. Painstakingly researched with Nativity scholars, Tucci’s highly detailed illustrations, coupled with superstar colorist Paul Mounts’ digital palette, promises that “every panel will feel like a painting” and will bring forth a sense of “being there” as readers accompany the Magi while they follow the Star of Bethlehem.

It’s a journey that Tucci has focused on for almost a decade now, but other commitments and priorities always seemed to have pushed the project aside. But last year, Tucci’s wife Deborah was diagnosed with breast cancer and, according to the artist, it was Deborah’s fight that finally led him down “the right path” in his career. “From the earliest days of Shi to my current mainstream work for DC Comics, every project I’ve approached has been deeply personal to me,” Tucci stated. “And I cannot think of any body of work more worthwhile to my family than to illustrate the story of Mary and Joseph.”

Tucci has found a pair of kindred spirits in his business partners, Evan Archilla and Dr. Jason Peet. Mr. Archilla, grandson of Lost Battalion hero Lt. Colonel Eliel Archilla, first met Tucci last year in Texas, where the two struck up an immediate friendship. “We were having dinner and I asked Billy if he felt that The Lost Battalion was his ‘Magnum Opus,’” the software marketer recalled. “It was then that he told me of his passion to write and draw A Child Is Born. I can’t explain it in earthly terms, but there was something in Billy’s idea that called to me, an ‘invitation’ to be a part of something larger than either one of us could comprehend.”

Within weeks, Tucci returned to San Antonio to discuss the project with Archilla and Dr. Peet, and Apostle Arts, LLC was formed. “What was amazing was just how in tune with each other we were about what type of comic book we wanted to read come Christmas,” Dr. Peet added, “and it soon became very apparent that we all needed to see this become reality.”

In a world of superheroes, it might seem a bit out of the norm to release a Christmas comic book, but Tucci knows that such a “leap of faith” will bring in new consumers who’ve never shopped at comic book stores before. After all, “A Child Is Born is not just another Christmas story…it is THE Christmas Story.”

Under the stunning cover painting by Tucci and painter, Mark Sparacio, the 32-page Billy Tucci’s A Child is Born hosts 24 colorful pages of story, plus bonus artwork and a look behind the scenes detailing Tucci’s long journey to tell the Christmas story. Debuting in comic shops with a $5.99 US price tag, this graphic novella will make the perfect holiday gift for all! For more details e-mail achildisborn@apostlearts.com or visit http://www.facebook.com/achildisborn.

Billy Tucci’s A Child is Born is featured on Page 226 in the September 2011 edition of Previews from Diamond Comic Distributors. Its product code is SEP110740.

Billy Tucci's A Child is Born
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion writer-artist and Eisner Award nominee Billy Tucci faithfully depicts The Christmas Story as it has never been seen before in A Child Is Born, coming soon from Apostle Arts. Adapted directly from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and painstakingly researched with Nativity scholars, Tucci’s highly detailed, beautiful art brings forth a stunning rendition of the greatest story ever told. Colored by Paul Mounts and with a cover by Tucci and Mark Sparacio, this graphic novella is the perfect Christmas gift.

Update Check out Bill's interview with Newsarama.com here.

Archie Meets KISS: The Creators Reveal Details on the Crossover You Never Expected

From Comicvine.com

Archie and the Riverdale Gang has become an American icon. Whether you read it or not, if someone says "Archie" or "Jughead," you know exactly who they're talking about. Archie Comics have made some pretty bold and exciting moves over the years. The gang has been plopped into each decade and its culture in the Archie Americana Series, they've been made into babies, and most importantly, they had a visit from The Punisher... Yes, Frank Castle ended up in Riverdale.

However, starting in Archie #627 (three months from now), American rock icons, KISS, make their way into Riverdale. How weird is that? Sometimes, the weirder something sounds, the better it ends up being. Comic Vine got to interview writer Alex Segura and artist Dan Parent about their work on the four issue mini-series. KISS Army members and Archie fanatic rejoice, it's about to get magical.

How did the idea of KISS entering the world of Archie come about?

Alex Segura: It was really simple, actually. Jon Goldwater, our Co-CEO and Mike Pellerito our president let me know we’d agreed with the KISS team to produce a crossover. So, having written an issue of ARCHIE AND FRIENDS (#156), I threw my hat into the ring. Jon and Mike liked my pitch, and once we got it approved by Gene and Paul, we were off to the races. The chance to work with someone of Dan’s caliber is an honor, I have to say. Once I found out he was drawing the book, this already-awesome assignment got that much better.

Dan Parent: I was pretty psyched when I heard this project was in the works, and especially when I found out I would be involved. Then when I read Alex's plot synopsis I got even more excited. Then to top it off Sabrina plays a major part in the story, and I love Sabrina, so that was the icing on the cake for me!

Were there any bumps in the road trying to get this comic made?

AS: No bumps. Gene, Paul and the entire KISS team have been extremely responsive and supportive, and working with Dan has been a real pleasure. He swung by the office a week or so ago and showed me the first batch of interior pages and they look amazing.

DP: I have the easy part, drawing the fun stuff!

What challenges did you both come across trying to adapt these characters to a more light-hearted book?

AS: I think the biggest hurdle, at least when it came to writing the overall story was just the “why?” What brings these characters to Riverdale and what do we do with them after that? Sabrina plays a key role in that, and once we decided to use Sabrina, that made everything else much easier, and gave the entire story a light, fun and magical tone that works really well. Or so I hope!

DP: Adapting characters to the Archie Universe isn't that hard. We have a lot of guest stars in our books, and there's a certain Archie look that takes over, which most celebrities seem to like. So I try to take their likeness and mix in some of the classic Archie look for sor of a Archie/realistic hybrid.

Did any members of the band have any input on the book? If so, what was one of the weirdest ideas that didn't make it into the story?

AS: I’m still writing the final parts, so there’s plenty of room for weird. Fans of KISS will find a lot of Easter eggs in the books and hopefully be pleased in that regard. Gene and Paul and the KISS gang have seen every script and page of art as they come in, and they’ve been really responsive and supportive. Dan and I are still bouncing ideas around, so I don’t want to talk about what’s on the cutting room floor yet – we may end up using it!

DP: Yeah, some of it is still in progress, so we don't want to give it all away!

Did any of the members of KISS want to put their blood into the ink again?

AS: You’ll have to ask them! Not sure you can repeat something like that, though.

DP: I remember that from the 1970's Marvel series. Now I'm giving away my age!

Which Archie characters will this story center around? Are there any that you wanted to see in the book that just didn't make the cut?

AS: All the key characters are in the story – Archie, Betty, Jughead, Veronica, Reggie, Dilton and Sabrina, with cameos by Josie and the Pussycats, Chuck, Nancy and more. It’s the kind of story that affects all of Riverdale, so you’ll see lots of nods and cameos from characters in the town. But the core characters are the five and Sabrina. The story starts with the gang gathering to cast a protection spell as Halloween approaches – but when something goes wrong, Sabrina’s spell instead conjures up a gang of monsters. But they’re not the monsters you think.

DP: In some of the group shots, I'll try to throw in another offbeat character or two. Look out for a little Junx or a Cosmo in there somewhere!

You've stated that we get to see not the members of KISS, but their persona. Does that mean Starchild being shooting lasers out of his eye? What other KISS-powers will we get to see?

AS: There’s a pretty massive throwdown battle in the second issue that will answer a lot of these questions. I hope Dan had fun drawing it, too! You’ll see a lot of flying, guitars as weapons and fire being breathed in the story, so I hope it’ll please the KISS Army and more.

DP: I'm drawing that now. It's crazy stuff. Yeah, it's the actual KISS characters we see, not Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley, hence all the supernatural elements!

Be honest, will there be any romance between Veronica and Starchild? I could see them settling down in Wyoming and owning a ranch.

AS: No plans for romance. But hey, we have to save something for ARCHIE MEETS KISS 2, don’t we?

DP: Maybe we could get a KISS love triangle going!

Will the Archie gang get any super-powers for this mini-series?

AS: I don’t want to spoil anything, but the story as a whole deals with magic and monsters and the more “adventure” side of Archie and friends, so anything’s possible.

DP: What Alex Said!

Any characters named Beth, Christine, Shandi, or Delilah showing up in the mini-series?

AS: That would be telling!

DP: Since "Beth" was one of their biggest hits, that might make sense!

What are your favorite moments in this comic?

AS: I’ve had a lot of fun writing the Sabrina sections, especially Salem. Any chance I’ve had to have the Demon or Starchild get a joke or snappy remark in has been great, too. Plus, zombies! Did I mention zombies?

DP: My favorite moment so far is the final zombie scene in book 1! Mr. Weatherbee makes a cool zombie!

Who's the bigger KISS fan, Alex or Dan and why?

AS: Dan, definitely. We talked a bit about it at San Diego and he just rattled off a ton of memories relating to KISS. I love music and KISS is definitely a part of that, but Dan grew up listening to them. I bow down to his expertise.

DP: I'm older (not that much!) but I was in junior high when KISS had their huge run of hits in the late 70's, and these were the songs played at all the school dances, so these early "KISS memories" are etched in my mind!

HUGE thanks to Alex Segura and Dan Parent for talking to us about this book! The Archie Meets Kiss saga begins in Archie #627. It looks like it's going to be pretty awesome. What do you guys think? Is this book worth a deuce?