Trailer for 100 Bullets
You really should check out this trailer for the 100 Bullets comic series. The trailer, like the series, is extremely well done.
Category: Crime
Are You Ready for Red?
I’ve been singing the praises of the Warren Ellis/Cully Hamner mini-series for years. It’s got a cool story and great art by Cully. Red has even been optioned for the big screeen.
So why am I writing about Red today you ask? (And I’m glad that you did.) Because on June 9th, for the first time ever, it will be released as a standalone graphic novel! It will also include the Warren Ellis’ script to the first issue and never-before seen development art by Cully! You can pre-order your copy by clicking here.
The Face of Evil Lookin’ Old
I’ve always considered Charles Manson to be the poster boy for “The Face of Evil.” That may have to change because…
California corrections officials released a photograph taken today of aging convicted mass murderer Charles Manson, replete with receding hairline, fading forehead Swastika carving and a thick, heavily graying beard.
Manson is 74 years old and won’t be eligble for another parole hearing until 2012, but since he’s been unsuccessful in 11 other parole bids, I doubt 12 will be his lucky number.
You can read the full LA Times piece by clicking here.
Beat the Reaper
The Pitch: Beat the Reaper is like The Sopranos meets ER as written by Charlie Huston and Duane Swierczynski
The Overview: Peter Brown, a mafia hitman, now in the witness protection program finds his cover as an emergency room physician blown when he is recognized by one of his own associates. With hitmen in the hospital, Brown will have to use his new skills as a doctor coupled with his hitman abilities if he is to survive.
The Good: Josh Baszell’s writing presents a unique spin on a mafia hitman. Nothing is as it seems. Footnotes. Yes, footnotes. This book moves. The characters.
The Bad: Being dumped in a shark tank. Stuck with a hypo full of **** and another full of infected fluids. Thrown out of a 6th story window.
The Ugly: What Brown has to do to survive.
The Summary: I loved Beat the Reaper. I can’t remember the last time I read a book by a first time author that I enjoyed so much. Bazell has created a winner and I can’t wait for his follow-up.
“Public Enemies” Trailer
The “Public Enemies” trailer is now available here. While it looks okay to pretty good, I was expecting more. Let’s hope that more is what we get.
“Public Enemies” Minus One
Here’s a look at the poster for “Public Enemies” starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. I like the iconic look of the poster but am a bit surprised that Bale wasn’t also featured on it. The movie could be a winner [based on the cast and the subject matter].
The Last Days of American Crime
It was nearly six years ago when I first posted about, the very talented writer and artist, Rick Remender. It’s funny to note, that even in that very first piece, I was excited to hear about Rick’s proposal for “The Last Days of American Crime.” As the years have rolled by Rick has gone on to write, draw and create some really cool comics [Fear Agent, XXXombies, etc.], but it has always been “The Last Days of American Crime” that I’ve wanted to see.
The great news is the wait is almost over. “The Last Days of American Crime” will debut later this year in a three issue [48 pages each] mini-series with art by Greg Tocchini.
Viking Talk & Art
I’m looking forward to is “Viking” by Ivan Brandon [writer] and Nic Klein [artist]. Who wouldn’t want to read a Viking crime story?
If this sounds like something you’d like then check out CBR.com’s mini-interview with Ivan Brandon and a six page preview of Nic Klein’s art.
Then be sure and reserve a copy at your local comic book shop!
Jim Ivey Says, “Slap ‘Em!”
Although I try to limit political discussion [this blog is supposed to be about fun stuff], I do love talking art [comics, movie posters, paperback covers, etc.]. President Obama had a series of political posters which made such an impact with their design that the style is being copied everywhere.
I decided that it would be cool to create a “Obamicon” using a vintage photo and favorite saying of my buddy Jim Ivey.
Anyone On Board Pelham 123?
Some folks are not going to give this one a chance because it’s “another tired Hollywood re-make.” If you ask me [and no, nobody did], any time you combine Denzel Washington, John Travolta, James Gandolfini and put them in a film by Tony Scott it’s worth a look.
And the trailer ain’t bad either.
Crime Comics Lookin’ Good
It’s no secret that I love crime novels, movies and comics. Since 100 Bullets [the partial cover to number 99 is pictured above] is getting ready to end it’s 100 issue run, I was glad to read that DC’s Vertigo line is gearing up to produce a series of crime comics. You can read all about their upcoming titles by clicking here. Filthy Rich, by Brian Azzarello and Victor Santos sounds the most promising to me. I like Azzarello’s writing and after checking out Santo’s blog really dig his art.
Things are looking up for crime comic fans.
The Art of “Viking” Crime
A series that I’m looking forward to is “Viking” by Ivan Brandon [writer] and Nic Klein [artist]. Who wouldn’t want to read a Viking crime comic set in the 9th century? If this sounds like something you might like, then check out this Newsarama interview with Nic Klein [who also previews more of the art].
Sign Me Up for The Eternal Prison
Jeff Somers jumped to the top of my MUST READ AUTHORS list with his first Avery Cates novel, The Electric Church. His second in the series, The Digital Plague was even better. So you can imagine how much I’m looking forward to his third Avery Cates novel, The Eternal Prison. Here’s what we have to look forward to:
Avery Cates is a wanted man. After surviving the worst bioengineered disaster in history, Cates finds himself incarcerated – in Chengara Penitentiary. As Chengara has a survival rate of exactly zero, the system’s most famous gunner must do some serious plotting. And a betrayal or so later, he achieves his goal. At a price.
All he has to do now is defeat some new personal demons, forge some unlikely alliances, and figure out why the people he’s killed lately just won’t stay dead.
Since The Eternal Prison won’t be out until this August, if you haven’t read the first two books now is the time to get on it. If you’ve already read them, you’ll have to be satisfied with hanging out at Jeff’s Blog or the official site for The Eternal Prison.
Bob May: RIP
Bob May passed away today. Many, if not most of you probably don’t recognize the name or face. I know I didn’t right away. The reason that I’m noting his passing is because he played an important role in one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid. Bob May was the man in the robot suit on “Lost in Space.” Although it was Dick Tufeld who provided the robot’s voice, it was Bob May that made the robot move. Together they created one of the most memorable tv characters of all time.
Bob May didn’t have a huge list of credits on the Internet Movie Database. He wasn’t a household or name or have an instantly recognizable face, but he did play a part on one of my favorite shows as a kid and I didn’t want to let his passing go without mention.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.
Viking Crime Story?
I love crime stories. Movies, comics, novels, it doesn’t matter if it’s well done. I’ve read modern crime stories, futuristic crime stories, but I’ve never read a viking crime story. That’s about to change in April. Check out what writer Ivan Brandon had to say about his project:
“VIKING is everything I love about crime fiction filtered through one of the most violent and fascinating periods of human history. It’s been in the works for so long at this point that I’m overwhelmed to finally get to show it to people. The overwhelmingly positive response to the teaser alone has Nic and I humbled.”
