Archive for February, 2010

Princess Diana – Can I Talk?

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

The Amazon Princess shares a few thoughts with her gay fan following.

We all know Heinberg’s stint was a disaster.

I like men. To like men on an island full of women loving and pleasuring one another is really queer. Take that, Wertham!

On the subject of men…Steve Trevor is in the past. You should let him go, too. I’m here to experience Man’s World.

From my “white period” to the number of stars on my panties to my breast plate and boots…Why are gay men so obsessed over my clothes? Not that I don’t love gay men…

Lynda Carter certainly appears nice, doesn’t she?

Admit it, you love my breasts.

Love, love, love Spartacus Blood and Sand! It’s terrible what happened to Barca. Perhaps Achilles will let me…oh, sorry.

Get over the twirl!

Really, get over the twirl. I love that you first twirled when you were four, and how old are you now?

Everyone should have the right to marry the person they love.

Nicola, please give me back real panties. Wedgies are so distracting in the heat of battle.

No, you may not wear my tiara.

Love Is In The Air

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Gail Simone teases Wonder Woman readers with a hint of a budding relationship for the reincarnated Achilles in Wonder Woman #41. Restless, the warrior (Blond Bombshell? Blond Brickhouse?) leaves his island of Thalarion for Man’s World. Like Diana, he intends to show the world the futility of war, even if it means getting his hands a little bloody. It looks like Diana (by way of Ms. Simone) has a surprise in store for Achilles: a love interest. Props for having Diana be a matchmaker! Art by the underappreciated Chris Batista.

Ariel Schrag Roundtable

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

The Hooded Utilitarian site will have a roundtable discussion of Ariel Schrag’s Likewise. Schrag will join at the end of the discussion. This piece appears to be the start.

Likewise is one of a quartet of graphic novels Schrag wrote which chronicle her high school years. The series started with Awkward, followed by Definition, Potential, and Likewise. She was also a writer for Showtime’s The L Word (seasons 3 and 4). Potential is in development for film.

Marvel’s Top 10 Power Couples

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

This week Marvel posted a piece spotlighting its Top Ten Power couples. Of course, Reed and Sue make the list, but there are a couple surprises among the names, including a male couple. Kudos to both Marvel and and the writer in question who followed through with his convictions. Thanks to online friend Mike for bringing this to my attention.

Betylos

Friday, February 19th, 2010

© R. E. BlakesleeBetylos is a fictional character who first appeared in “Origination”, a novel written by American writer R.E. Blakeslee. In his earthly identity, Betylos is Eran Aeggle, an 18-year-old farm boy born and raised in the rural town of Farmington near Rochester. Eran’s life is forever changed by the chance discovery of an object that is sacred to a cult called the Believers on the planet Mahray. As Betylos, he is a hero for the people and Mother Earth. Eran’s desire is to become a botanist and he travels to Buffalo, the City of Light, in hopes of attending the prestigious Alluvium Institute. While the city offers new opportunities and friends, Eran inadvertently falls love with Simon Duncan.

Reflecting the dual nature of earth/alien is Eran’s supporting cast which consists of Grant, a Questioner from Mahray; Herald, a Believer—brother of Grant; Sylva, a Questioner—sister to Grant and Herald; Phyla ‘Mea Richmond, an old British woman and Eran’s employer; Simon Duncan, Eran’s lover; Richard Duncan, Simon’s father; Tee Tee (Takoda Turner), a close friend of Simon’s; Vito Mortino, Vice President of Sales at Duncan Technologies; Susan Saunders, an investigative reporter for The Voice; and Vicki Clopp, a detective for the Buffalo Police Department.

Pale skin and sub-dermal pigments on his torso characterize Betylos’ appearance. Alien symbols comprise a warrior’s chest plate and large-scale wings composed of energy create a comet-like allusion while Betylos is in flight. Betylos possesses extraordinary powers. At the end of Origination it is known that the character has the ability to fly, can see color at night, has formidable strength, healing capabilities, not only internal but external, which can be combined to create the Light of Phusis, a ball of illumination capable of revitalizing the dead, and a type of telepathy. Betylos’ transformation from human to Superhero is imbued through a small stone known firstly as the Seed. The moon, Mahray, from which the Seed is sent, is one of five moons orbiting the second gas giant in a binary star system, Leonis. So far, the light from Sol, Earth’s sun, is Betylos’ only weakness, resulting in death if exposed.

Please visit the Origination website, Lillibridge Press, or Amazon to purchase the book in paperback or eBook.

© R. E. Blakeslee

The Fantastic Spy

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Ah, those shapechangers! Don’t you just love those Protean characters from the Skrulls to Martian Manhunter to the Legion’s Chameleon Boy, and who knows how many others long forgotten. And who would remember if they had names like Zryp or Brunk as so many aliens had back in the late 50s and early 60s? They’re either aliens bent on earth’s domination or selfless heroes if maybe misunderstood in some versions. Or like wiht Xavin, the Skrull who fell in love with Karolina in Runaways, they become cosmic gender benders by transforming their bodies into another sex.

And that’s just what good ol’ Chameleon Boy did way back in Adventure #303, cover dated December 1962 when I was a little more than 4 years old. In Jerry Siegle and John Forte’s “The Fantastic Spy”, the Legion is perplexed when a secret mission is screwed up, and suspicious minds single out newest Legionnaire Matter Eater Lad. Cosmic Boy comes up with a plan to deliver a tiny Doomsday bomb to the United Nations (there’s no United Planets yet!) weapons arsenal on the far side of the world. It’s a simple plan. All he needs is blond wig and glasses for a disguise and for Chameleon Boy to change into a woman so they can pose as newlyweds going on their honeymoon. And good ol Reep, he’s just fine with the idea! You’ll have to get creative imagining slashy goodness between Rokk and Reep! And what’s up with all the women having window seats? Maybe it was the same with air travel back then.


This story is reprinted in Adventure #499 and Legion Archives volume 1.

Gay Previews 4/10

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Welcome to Gay Previews, a monthly list that highlights the work of LGBT and gay friendly creators. Listings are primarily taken from each month’s PREVIEWS. Just refer to the page number in your PREVIEWS copy for more information about each comic. Other sources such as a publisher’s website may be used. In these cases, a link is provided.

If you are a LGBT creator whose work has been accidentally overlooked or is not included in PREVIEWS solicitations, please contact me at glajoe at gayleague dot com to be included.

Inspired by Andy Mangels whose idea this is originally and who dutifully compiled numerous lists before this one.

Names listed in bold face are LGBT or gay friendly creators.

TITAN

TORCHWOOD MAGAZINE #21 Page 316 $9.99

As Torchwood Magazine hits its 21st issue, we take a look at the century when everything changes, plus a quirky look at some of the roads not taken! Also, star interviews, brand new fiction and comic strip action, and all the latest on the fourth season of the hit television series.

MC FARLAND & COMPANY

ILLUMINATING TORCHWOOD DC Page 316 $38.75
Andrew Ireland (Editor)
Created as a spinoff of Doctor Who, the BBC television series Torchwood is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, with much more of an adult flavor than its progenitor. With its memorable characters, adult language, subversive humor, and openly homosexual and bisexual storylines, Torchwood provides a wealth of material for scholarly analysis and debate. Using Torchwood as its focal point, this collection of essays by experts and enthusiasts provides an interpretive framework for understanding the continually developing forms and genres of contemporary television drama.

Pre-order this book from Amazon.

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

ECHO #21 $3.50 Page 186
Terry Moore
The hunter becomes the hunted as Julie and Ivy team-up to track down the serial killer, Cain, and take away his only weapon, the alloy. Stakes are high as the girls must have the alloy to fight an even bigger fight — against an entire army!

ECHO MOON LAKE Vol 4: COLLIDER TP $15.95 Page 186
Terry Moore
Julie Martin’s body is covered in an atomic alloy that has infused her with the DNA of its dead creator, Annie. Now Annie is using Julie to do the impossible, stop the army from activating a 21-mile supercollider guaranteed to destroy the planet. Her only ally, Annie’s boyfriend, Dillon. Collects issues #16-20.

BLUEWATER PRODUCTIONS

VICTORIA’S SECRET SERVICE TP $17.99 Page 212
Terrance Griep and Nadir Balan
They say it takes a thief to catch a thief, and the glamorous field agents of VSS put this to the test when they allow their newest member, the American sneak-thief Scarlet, to take point on her first mission: hoping to derail an imminent coronation, an unknown scoundrel has stolen the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. It’s up to Lark, Raven, Brooke, and Scarlet to steal back these vibrant symbols of the monarchy they have be paid to protect. [New printing.]

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #33 $2.99 Page 52
Brad Meltzer and George Jeanty
Twilght: Part 3 of 5.Twilight has been unmasked. Buildings fall, oceans churn, and the earth moves as titans come together in a bizarre twist!

Conan the Cimmerian #21 $2.99 Page 32
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia
In the final episode of “Kozaki,” Conan realizes just how far he’s fallen–and how a seemingly small incident can impact entire nations and thousands of lives! Sick, surviving on swamp vermin, wounded, and weary, Conan confronts Shah Amurath’s soldiers, grave robbers, and ghosts from his past. We find out exactly how he came to be in the precarious position he’s now in–and if Iniri the sorceress’s eerie predictions come true. This issue features a stunning cover by fan-favorite Conan alumni and Eisner Award-winners Cary Nord and Dave Stewart!

DC

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #11 $3.99 Page 72
Paul Dini, Marc Andreyko, Dustin Nguyen, and Jeremy Haun

Batman, Robin and Abuse join forces to combat the frightening strength of Victor Zsasz’s army! Can Batman and his allies save Gotham City’s kidnapped children? And what happens when Abuse spirals out of control? Meanwhile, in the Manhunter co-feature, the odds are stacked against Kate as she goes up against a new adversary in the courtroom. Her increased frustration with the proceedings gets taken out on every thug in Gotham – but is Manhunter making too many enemies for her own good?

BATWOMAN: ELEGY DELUXE HC $24.99 Page 87
Greg Rucka and J H Williams III
In her first hardcover, collecting tales from DETECTIVE COMICS #854-860, Batwoman battles a madwoman known only as Alice, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, who sees her life as a fairy tale and everyone around her as expendable! Batwoman must stop Alice from unleashing a toxic death cloud over all of Gotham City — but Alice has more up her sleeve than just poison, and Batwoman’s life will never ever be the same. [Advance solicited, on sale JUNE 30.]

Pre-order Elegy from Amazon for $16.49.

DETECTIVE #864 $3.99 Page 71
David Hine, Jeremy Haun, Greg Rucka, and Cully Hamner
The inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over DETECTIVE COMICS in “Beneath the Mask” Part 1 of 2! It’s Black Mask verses Jeremiah Arkham for control of the asylum. But what of the enigmatic Three Beauties, and how does Batman fit into the mad plan? Everything that was set up and teased in Battle for the Cowl: Arkham Asylum and Arkham Reborn is at last revealed, but the answers to the mysteries just might drive everyone – including Batman – mad! Then, in the co-feature, the spotlight is shone on Renee’s personal life. But just who knows about her secret identity, and what will they do with that information? That is the question…

GOTHAM CENTRAL: ON THE FREAK BEAT Vol 3 HC $29.99 Page 88
Greg Rucka, Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark, Jason Alexander, and others. MICHAEL LARK, JASON ALEXANDER
Detective Renee Montoya investigates the disappearance of evidence amid a gang war and travels to Keystone City in an attempt to unveil the truth about a fellow officer’s strange mutation in this collection featuring issues #23-31 of the award winning series. Plus, the dead body of Robin, the Boy Wonder, is found on the streets, forcing the detectives to solve the case while dealing with Batman and The Teen Titans.

Pre-order this book from Amazon for $19.79.

JUSTICE LEAGE: CRY FOR JUSTICE HC Page 90 $24.99
James Robinson and Mauro Cascioli
A new team of heroes – Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Supergirl, Atom, Shazam, Congorilla and Starman – unite to take a proactive approach to fighting crime! Following the deaths of JLA heroes Batman and Martian Manhunter, this new team stands determined to stop evil from ever striking so drastically again. But when Prometheus plans his revenge on the heroes, will this new team be ready to pay the cost for the justice they seek?

Pre-order this book for $16.49 from Amazon.

SECRET SIX #20 $2.99 Page 75
Gail Simone and Jim Calafiore
Catman heads off to the African continent to find the three men who kidnapped his long lost son! He’s been pushed to the very limit, so when the rest of the Secret Six come to his aid, don’t be surprised if Catman decides to kill off his teammates as well!

WONDER WOMAN #43 $2.99 Page 86
Gail Simone and Nicola Scott

The fan-favorite writer/artist team behind SECRET SIX reunite for part two of this (literally!) Earth-shaking story! Who is the leader of the mysterious invasion force attacking our planet, and what connection does she have to Wonder Woman? It’s a War of the Worlds, with Diana in the middle!

WONDER WOMAN: WARKILLER TP $14.99 Page 93
Gail Simone, Aaron LoPresti, Bernard Chang, and Matt Ryan
Wonder Woman and Black Canary go undercover among some of the worst villains of the DC Universe in this title collecting WONDER WOMAN #34-39! Plus, Diana must fight for her life against the man destined by the gods to take her place: Achilles, the Warkiller.

Amazon pre-orders for $10.19

VERTIGO

CODENAME KNOCKOUT: THE DEVIL YOU SAY Vol 1 TP $19.99 Page 112
Robert Rodi, Amanda Conner, Yanick Paquette, and others
Issues #0-6 of the 2001 series are collected at last! Meet Angela St. Grace, agent of the clandestine agency known as G.O.O.D. With her loyal assistant Go Go Fiasco, she battles the forces of E.V.I.L. The catch: G.O.O.D. is run by Angela’s mother. [Advance solicited. On sale May 19.]

Amazon pre-orders for $13.49

GREEK STREET #10 $2.99 Page 116
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
Dedalus is getting closer to solving the mystery behind the murders and figures out the bloody connection between all the players on Greek Street. Meanwhile, the monster returns and Lord Menon’s days seem numbered.[Detective Dedalus is gay.]

MADAME XANADU #22 $2.99 Page 116
Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley
As Madame Xanadu seeks aid from Mr. Jones to locate her sister’s hiding place, Morgana seeks out three artifacts from her past that will complete her rise to power. Will these two strong-willed siblings finally cross paths and battle to the end? [Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]

STUCK RUBBER BABY HC (New Edition) $24.99 Page 119
Howard Cruse
The groundbreaking, award-winning semi autobiographical graphic novel returns in a new 15th anniversary edition featuring an introduction by Alison Bechdel, award-winning author of Fun Home. In the 1960s American South, a young gas-station attendant named Toland Polk is rejected from the Army draft for admitting “homosexual tendencies,” and falls in with a close-knit group of young locals yearning to break from the conformity of their hometown through civil rights activism, folk music and upstart communality of race-mixing, gay-friendly nightclubs. Toland’s story is both deeply personal and epic in scope, as his search for identity plays out against the brutal fight over segregation, an unplanned pregnancy and small-town bigotry, aided by an unforgettable supporting cast.[Advance solicited. On sale June 2.]

Amazon pre-orders for $16.49

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #21 $2.99 Page 103
Marc Bernadin, Adam Freeman, and Al Barrionuevo
Concern grows over the young boy known as River and the identity of his enigmatic benefactor is uncovered. Meanwhile, Grifter and Deathblow make a startling and deadly discovery while searching among the refugees – a trail of dead bodies reveals the presence of extremely unwelcome passengers aboard The Carrier

THE AUTHORITY: THE LOST YEAR #7 $2.99 Page 105
Grant Morrison, Keith Giffen, J M DeMatteis and David Williams
The Authority travel to a reality where the Authority are…hucksters? Are even they prepared to go up against a Midnighter who’s a used car salesman? JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL’s J.M. DeMatteis joins Keith Giffen for this unusual Authority.

Gen 13 #35 $2.99 Page 104
Phil Hester and Cruddie Torian

The remains of Gen 13 wander a post-apocalyptic America struggling not only to stay together as a team, but to simply survive. Unfortunately, an army of robotic zealots intent on wiping the remains of humanity off the face of the Earth has other ideas. Plus, who is The Pathcutter? [Like in the first run, Sarah Rainmaker is lesbian.]

D.E.

THE BOYS #41 $2.99 Page 241
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson
Darick Robertson Hughie goes to work on Superduper, and soon realizes that he’s never seen Supes like these before. With the arrival of new leader Malchemical, the Superduper kids have problems of their own- and Hughie’s unexpected assistance only deepens Butcher’s dark suspicions. MM, in turn, is starting to wonder about Butcher’s motives in all this… our heroes weave a tangled web, in part two of “The Innocents”.

THE BOYS DEFINITVE EDITION HC Vol 2 Vol 2 $75.00 Page 241
Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

The massive second volume of The Boys Definitive Edition features a tip in sheet signed by Garth Ennis at the introductory price of just $75.00. That’s the retail price of the book unsigned! Wotta Deal! After initial promotion the MSRP will be increased to $169.99, so what the @#$% are you waiting for?!

THE BOYS LIMITED EDITION HC Vol 1 (signed) $69.99 Page 241
Garth Ennis and John McCrea
Limited to only 3,000 copies in the WORLD! Signed (on a tip-in plate) by The Boys writer and co-creator Garth Ennis!

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

ALICE THE 101st Vol 1 $12.95 Page 245
Chigusa Kawai
Mondonville Music Academy attracts thousands of elite musicians’ applicants from around the world but only 100 students were accepted into the program every year. But this year, Alistair Lang – he doesn’t even know how to read music score and has no formal music training, was somehow, accepted into the program as 101st student. His classmates wondered how and why he even made it into the program. Everyone outcasted him and called him “The 101st.” One day, during a violin session, the class heard Alistair play his violin, and everyone knew, they were all listening to the answer – why he was accepted in to the program.

HOW TO CONTROL A SIDECAR $12.95 Page 247
Makoto Tateno
Naive and easy-going Kousaka is a bartender at a local popular hangout place. One night, a couple; a young mischievous-sprited guy and a rich, handsome and well-groomed man, walks in. Kousaka noticed that they seemed a bit odd being together – but little did he know, they weren’t there for the happy hour drinks! They were there to approach Kousaka and to be a part of their 3-way relationship. When he finally realized that he was wanted, he was in their messy love triangle that came like a hurricane… Now what would he do? He wants to get out of this relationship… Or does he…

Pre-order from Amazon for $8.73.

IN THE WALNUT Vol 2 $6.95 Page Page 246
Toko Kawai
Unmatching but a cute duo — Hideo Tanizaki, and Sohei Nakai are once again find themselves in a big trouble. What did they do? And how would Tanizaki use his knowledge of art forgery, counterfeit and black market dealing to rectify situations? It’s true, Tanizaki may have sold his soul and some may think he is a corrupted art dealer but deep inside, he has a kind soul and a genuine heart — wants to help people… it’s not always about the money.

Pre-order this manga for $10.36 from Amazon.

INTENSE RAIN $12.95 Page 248
Shinri Fuwa
It became too hard and too complicated to stay in love with him so instead, he chose to break up. It supposed to have turned into a bitter and sweet memory. But when Takaaki was a substitute teacher at high school, he reunites with his ex-boyfriend, Ryuji. He keeps telling himself that he put away his feeling behind him but in reality, he never got over him… and he keeps going back for more…

Pre-order this manga for $8.73.

MAMIYA DOLL HOUSE $12.95 Page 246
Kazuhiko Mishima

Mamiya, owns a small doll house and it’s not just any doll house. They make, customized life-like real-size dolls. Needless to say it’s a bit strange and unique. At Mamiya Doll House, it seems business as usual, but customer’s inquiries are nothing but usual! Their most recent job inquiry includes a doll of a popular celebrity… Why would people want a doll that looks like a celebrity?!

Amazon pre-orders for $8.73

MILLENIUM PRIME MINISTER Vol 4 $12.95 Page 247
Eiki Eiki
“We demand the bill to be retracted from the senate… or else…” Kanata receives a threatening phone after he announces a new policy which shocks the entire country… Then… comes the assassination attempt on Katana… How far would you go to protect your loved one? How can we protect him? And the future of the country is in jeopardy… And what about Katana and Miki’s feelings for each other? So many questions will be answered in this final volume of Millennium Prime Minister.

Amazon pre-orders for $10.36.

MOONLIT PROMISES $12.95 Page 248
Souya Himawari

Roh is an outrageous orphan who has survived on the streets relying solely on his own strength. When he is taken in by a loving grandfather and grandson, Roh begins to believe that life may not be that bad. But when Seishin’s grandfather dies unexpectedly, Roh finds himself responsible for more than just himself!

Pre-order this manga from Amazon.

IDW

THE ART OF P. CRAIG RUSSELL

P. Craig Russell

Now back in stock! For the first time ever, a hardcover volume devoted to one of the most legendary and influential comic book artists of the past 35 years-P. Craig Russell! This book offers readers and fans a chance to witness his immense and phenomenal career from start to present, offering glimpses of previously never-before-seen material from Russell’s files and sketchbooks, as well as beautifully reproduced images of his personal favorites. [Copies of this book are selling on Amazon for just over $100.]

IMAGE COMICS

AGE OF BRONZE # 1 (Reprint) Page 145 $1.00
Eric Shanower
See below for a description.

AGE OF BRONZE TPB Vol 1: A THOUSAND SHIPS $19.95
Eric Shanower

Daring heroes, breathtaking women, betrayals, love and death–the most spectacular war story ever told: The Trojan War. When a lustful Trojan prince abducts the beautiful Queen Helen of Sparta, Helen`s husband vows to recover her no matter the cost. So begins the Trojan War. From far and wide the ancient kings of Greece bring their ships to join the massive force to pledge their allegiance to High King Agamemnon. Featuring the greatest of the Greek heroes: Achilles, Odysseus, and Herakles, along with a cast of thousands. AGE OF BRONZE: A THOUSAND SHIPS reveals hidden secrets of the characters’  pasts, serving up joy and sorrow, leading up to the brink of war, and foreshadowing the terror to come. Age of Bronze will be included in a major international exhibition travelling to three German museums in 2002. The exhibit is centered on the current excavations at Troy and features Age of Bronze in an exhibit devoted to modern interpretations of Troy. Age of Bronze has been nominated for numerous Eisner (The comic industry’s Oscar) Awards. Rack it in your mythology and historical fiction sections for even more sales success. [Copy taken from Amazon.]

Buy this trade new or used from Amazon.

MARVEL

ASTONISHING X-MEN: Exogenetic HC $19.99 Page 92
Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez
“eXogenetic”
Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., has been in some sticky situations, and she isn’t the type who asks for help to get out of them. But when you’re careening towards Earth in the cockpit of a damaged spaceship after being attacked on an exploding asteroid 7.5 million miles from Earth…it’s time to call the X-Men. They might not have much of a plan, or much of a chance, but that’s certainly never stopped them before. Watch as the X-Men go up against all-new versions of some of their worst foes: genetically-manipulated Brood missiles, meat Sentinels and an island monster modled after Krakoa. Superstar artist Phil Jimenez joins writer Warren Ellis for the second installment of this mind-bending series! Collecting Astonishing X-Men  #31-35.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.59

BLACK WIDOW & THE MARVEL GIRLS TP $14.99 Page 103
Paul Tobin, Salva Espin, and Jacopo Camagni
She’s the most efficient spy in the world and one of the world’s dealiest women, but before there was ever a Black Widow, there was the Red Room, a brutal KGB training ground for assassins, undercover agents, and the most ruthless of spies. Now, tasked with removing a rogue weapons dealer from an impregnable safe house, the Black Widow remembers her escape from the Red Room training facility, an escape only made possible with the aid of the most unlikely of allies, the Asgardian sorceress known as Amora, the Enchantress. Collects issues #1 – 4 of the mini.

Amazon pre-orders for $14.99

GIRL COMICS #2 $4.99 Page 16
Kathryn Immone, Louise Simonson, Robin Furth, Jill Thompson, Faith Erin Hicks, Colleen Coover, and others
Already one of the most talked about comics of the year, Marvel is proud to present the second issue of Girl Comics , spotlighting some of the most talented women working in comics today! With something for every comic reader, from the Fantastic Four to the X-Men to the reunion of acclaimed creators Louise Simonson and June Brigman  on the Power Pack, you won’t want to miss this Marvel milestone!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #24 $2.99 Page 66
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Wes Craig
He’s back…Thanos! How did he return? Why is he back? And what does the appearance of the galaxy’s #1 threat mean for our rag-tag band of universal protectors? Find out in the next issue of the comic that CosmicBookNews.com calls “Awesome. Amazingly, jaw-droppingly awesome.” [Phyla (Quasar, now "Martyr") and Moondragon were lovers before Moondragon’s apparent death. Moondragon has since returned to the land of the living while Phyla appears to be dead. Oh wait, she's better.]

MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #5 $3.99 Page 21
Eric SHanower and Skottie Young
The sequel to the New York Times best-selling graphic novel continues! Discover for yourself why CBR.com calls Eric Shanower and Skottie Young the “best writer/artist team in the comics biz” in this adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s beloved novel. The battle for Oz is on as Tip and company go toe-to-toe with General Jinjur’s all-girl Army of Revolt! But will a timely assist from the Queen of the Field Mice be enough to stop Jinjur from turning poor Jack Pumpkinhead into a tart? Find out as the Woggle-bug (maybe) woggles his last wiggle!

NEW MUTANTS #12 $2.99 Page 70
Zeb Wells and Ibraim Roberson
The X-Men are hot on the trail of Cable and Hope and meet Bastion’s forces head-on, in the form of Bastion’s capo William Stryker and his Purifier army. Stryker’s forces score one casualty early, but who wins the battle? At the same time the New Mutants are hitting Bastion’s second-in-command, Cameron Hodge. But going up against Hodge and 100 of his soldiers is way out of their league and one of them won’t walk away from it.

NEW MUTANTS: NECROSHA Vol 2 HC $19.99 Page 95
Zeb Wells, Diogenes Neves, Paul Davidson, and Ibraim Roberson
The dead just won’t stay dead. The New Mutants’ past comes to haunt them as Necrosha hits home. Selene’s master plan busts out of the pages of X-Force and into New Mutants. Plus, what is Illyana Rasputin up to? Emma Frost is not going to settle for this question being unanswered. Collecting New Mutants #6-10 and material from X Necrosha.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.49

RUNAWAYS: ROCK ZOMBIE Vol 10 DIGEST $9.99 Page 102
Terry Moore, Chris Yost, James Asmus, Takeshi Miyazawa, Sara Picheli, and Emma Rios
A group of kids, including a witch, a robot, a mutant and a time-displaced little girl, living together in Los Angeles. What could possibly go wrong? After having to say “goodbye” to one of their own during a conflict with some aggressive alien invaders, the Runaways are attempting to get back to normal — which for them means video games, camping trips and, of course, neutralizing potential violent threats to the City of Angels. Meanwhile, however, the popular DJ at L.A.’s KZIT radio station is concocting a devious scheme. With the help of a mysterious magician, Val Rhymin produces a song guaranteed to take Los Angeles by storm. Using a mystic chant layered in with the tune, the song magically affects anyone who has undergone plastic surgery, turning them into an obedient zombie. And since it’s in L.A., that means a lot of zombies. Collecting Runaways vol 3 #7-10.

Amazon pre-orders for $9.99. Both tradepaperbacks and hardcover versions are currently available for near this price.

X-FACTOR #204 Page 76 $2.99
Peter David and Valentin De Landro
You’re Bolivar Trask, the reanimated leader of the Mutant Response Division. Your mission: Kill every member of X-Factor. How to accomplish that without collateral damage? Easy: hire the team for what seems to be a routine case that will send them into a certain death trap. Problem solved. [David confirmed long standing fan speculation that there is a romantic component to Rictor and Shatterstar's relationship in X-Factor #44, published earlier in 2009 despite the discrepancy in
numbering.]

X-FACTOR: OVERTIME Vol 8 TP $19.99 Page 114
Peter David and Valentin De Landro

The future of mutantkind has never looked so grim! Jamie Madrox, a.k.a. Multiple Man, and the enigmatic Layla Miller find themselves stranded eighty years in the future. Their mission: to find the cause of temporal anomalies that threaten to trigger the collapse of the legendary Summers Rebellion. If they fail, mutantkind as  we know it will be wiped from history! They have only one chance of success. But to seize it, they’ll need to get help from the most ruthless villain ever to blight the Marvel Universe: Victor von Doom! Back in the present, the maniacal Cortex is scheming to tear X-Factor apart. And he plans to use a flawlessly engineered killing machine to do it: former X-Factor ally Shatterstar! Little does Cortex know that Shatterstar has some unfinished romantic business with a member of the team. All’s fair in love and war, but X-Factor is up against a guy who doesn’t mind messing with time itself, if it proves the means to an end. The clock is ticking. Can even the world’s greatest mutant detective agency save the past and the future? Collecting X-Factor #46-50 and X-Factor: Layla Miller.

Amazon pre-orders for $13.49

TOKYO POP

CUTE DEVIL $12.99 Page 295
Hiro Madamrame
Looks are deceiving when it comes to the cutest boy at Akiyoshi Tohru’s schppl. How will Aikiyoshi cope with suddenly becoming Naruse Futa’s pet?

Pre-order this manga for $10.11 from Amazon.

YOU WILL DROWN IN LOVE Vol 2 $12.99 Page 295
Hinako Takanaga
Jinnai and Reiichiro’s relationship hits the biggest road bump as the suave and sexy coworker Kijima enters the scene. After catching onto Jinnai and Reiichiro being an item, he wastes no time trying to come between the two. Business at work prevents Jinnai from stopping the constant come-ons, and worst yet, Reiichiro seems to be welcoming the advances without a second thought. But who or what is Kijima really after…

Pre-order this manga for $10.11 from Amazon.

Patricio Oliver Projects

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Art by Patricio OliverArgentinian artist Patricio Oliver announces various new projects (available in the US).

The Tenebrae Poster (Available February 16th, 2010)

About the Print

11 × 17 Poster printed in full color on high quality 100# stock.
Limited to 50 prints with 50% OF PROFITS to benefit INVISIBLE CHILDREN
Includes 1 (one) KidRobot Cucos Mini Figure

About the Charity
Storytellers. Visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. Invisible Children are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it. As a non-profit Invisible Children work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, Invisible Children hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Invisible Children’s media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what’s happening in the world.

Poster info is here.

Letter-press series of artist designed cards. Edition is limited to 500 hand numbered cards. Letterpress printed in maroon on natural white 110# stock with black envelopes. Five cards & envelopes per pack. More info may be found here.

Oliver’s Haiti Earthquake Relief poster is in full color, measuring 6″ x 11″ and printed on coated stock. All profits from the open edition will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.

This poster can be ordered here.

Cucos Mini Figures 3-Inch (KIDROBOT)

From the dark recesses of Patricio Oliver’s mind come the bizarre children known as the Cucos. Led by the elusive and sinister Cursed Twins, this collection of 3-inch evildoers only exist to cause madness and horror wherever they go. This blind-boxed series includes 13 figures, 2 of which are chases.

Go to Kid Robot!

Visit Patricio Oliver’s website.

About That Spam…

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Hello and apologies! A little while ago it was brought to my attention (thank you for that!) that a huge block of spam was appearing on this site. In an ideal world that wouldn’t happen, but it did. It should be resolved though now there may be a visual problem with a margin of grey showing around the blue of the page layout. Please drop me an email at glajoe at gayleague dot com if you notice any thing spammish or such. It’ll be much appreciated.

Rise of the Pink Ninjas

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Last summer, Sean McGrath heard Maggie Gallagher say the most reprehensible and simultaneously twee-est (is “twee” used in the correct sense of British usage?) thing to ever come out of her voluminous pie hole: “Marriage is not a civil right. In fact, it’s a civil wrong.” Her ability to turn a phrase aside, Mags’ head should have by all rights exploded from just the uncut rage McGrath sent her way (to say nothing of the other people he’s sure were doing the same thing). Ah, “Scanners,” you disappointed me once again. So, what’s a guy to do?

Easy, write a revenge fantasy and get friends to help make it into a comic book.

McGrath now presents to you the fruits of their labors – Rise of the Pink Ninjas: A Gay Fantasia – downloadable at Ortho Comics. Go ahead. It’s free!

See Mad Gallagher throw her weight around!

Stare in wonder at the mysterious Bastard Baby Doll!

Clench your butthole when P & M, the Night Bears, cruise by!

But most of all, enjoy and keep fighting. McGrath wants to start buying gay wedding gifts in this lifetime.

Rise of the Pink Ninjas: A Gay Fantasia
Written by Sean McGrath
Drawn, inked and colored by Benjamin Ruth
Lettered by Christopher Moshier
Cover graphic by Scott McGrath