Search Results for: dave johnson

John Benteen’s FARGO: HELL ON WHEELS – Adapted by Howard Chaykin

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I can not wait for this to go live.  Deal me in.


https://zoop.gg/c/fargo

A 96 page prestige format, action packed, hardcover graphic novel starring soldier of fortune Neal Fargo, based on the legendary ‘Fargo’ paperback series by John Benteen! Imagine if Conan was an American in the early 20th century. He still wouldn’t be as hard as Neal Fargo! Written and illustrated by the inimitable HOWARD CHAYKIN!

Exclusive Cover by DAVE JOHNSON.

Contributing artists also include Gary Frank, Butch Guice, Jordi Bernet, Enrico Marini, Robert Tanenbaum, Ron Garney, and more!

Who is Neal Fargo? Fargo has been described as “a combination of Robert E. Howard‘s Conan mixed with Sam Peckinpah‘s The Wild Bunch.  He was a big man, with wide shoulders, narrow hips the long legs of a born and bred horseman. His hair was close-cropped and snow white, though he was only in his thirties. He had grown up hard and never looked back. He’d punched cattle, rough-necked in the oil fields—even fought in the prize rings. He joined up with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and found his true calling—combat. His face was so battered, scarred, weathered and remarkably ugly that it was almost handsome. He drew helplessly admiring looks from the women and cautious, wary looks from the men. He was a soldier of fortune, for sale to the highest bidder—he was Fargo.

What’s the story? Fargo is hired to protect a small railroad on the verge of going out of business from being sabotaged by a larger ruthless and corrupt competitor. Fargo always enjoyed a challenge, and payback was fair play in his book. Fist fights, gunfights, women and whisky, ‘Hell on Wheels’ is a prime example of what makes Neal Fargo a timeless character in the world of adventure graphic novels. Combine that with the unique creative sensibility of Howard Chaykin, no stranger to tough, smart protagonists (with an eye for the ladies) and ‘Fargo: Hell on Wheels’ will be one of the most exciting independent graphic novels of the year!

COMICS for UKRAINE: SUNFLOWER SEEDS – An Amazing All Star Book to Support Ukraine Relief!

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These are just two of the covers available for the benefit book, Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds.  The cover on the left is by Alex Ross and the right is by Dave Johnson.  Click on either to see them biggie-sized.

Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds features an incredible roster of comics talent united under the mission of providing relief to the war-torn Ukraine, which has suffered attacks from neighboring Russia since late February.

“Like everyone, I have been sickened by the atrocities perpetrated on the Ukrainian people for nearly two months,” said Scott Dunbier, editor of the anthology, “and I had to do something, anything, to try and help. The comic-book community is full of good and caring people who have stepped up to say, ‘I stand with Ukraine,’ and to contribute to this book.”

With the exception of hard costs (printing, credit-card fees, marketing) all of the funds raised by Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds will benefit the relief efforts in Ukraine in partnership with Operation USA. Since time of of the essence, once the campaign concludes and payments have been collected by Zoop, all funds will be sent to Operation USA immediately.

“We at OpUSA are so grateful for the support of Mr. Dunbier and all artists and writers involved with this project” says Mary Dolan, Director of Communications. “Operation USA is entirely privately funded, so projects such as Comics for Ukraine play a vital role in building our capacity to provide critical relief where needed most. Proceeds from this project will have a direct impact on the lives of those deeply affected by the ongoing war—improving conditions for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and other nearby countries via the provision of emergency grants and in-kind material aid. We thank all those involved in this meaningful project.”

Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds includes,,,

  • Covers by Alex Ross, Dave Johnson, Art Adams, Bill Sienkiewicz
  • A brand new Astro City short story by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
  • A brand new Chew short story by John Layman and Rob Guillory
  • A brand new Star Slammers short story by Walt Simonson
  • A brand new American Flagg short story by Howard Chaykin
  • A brand new Usagi Yojimbo short story by Stan Sakai
  • A brand new Grendel short story by Matt Wagner
  • A brand new Groo short story by Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragones
  • A brand new Scary Godmother short story by Jill Thompson
  • The Cost of War short story by Louise Simonson and June Brigman
  • Hardrada short story by Dave Gibbons and Chris Sprouse
  • A short story by Mark Waid and Gabriel Rodriguez
  • Bombings short story by Emil Ferris
  • And More…

Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds features an amazing array of talent including many more folks than I’ve listed above.  Plus with “the exception of hard costs (printing, credit-card fees, marketing) all of the funds raised by Comics for Ukraine: Sunflower Seeds will benefit the relief efforts in Ukraine in partnership with Operation USA” makes supporting the project a no-brainer.

Click over to get full details.  If you’re not a comics fan, but want to donate to the cause, there’s a place for that as well.  It’s a tough choice on which variant to get, but I’ve settled on the Dave Johnson cover.  Sound off with your choice if you’re in!

MASTERS OF COMICS by Joel Meadows / Z-View

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Masters of Comics by Joel Meadows

Softcover: 184 pages
Publisher: Insight Comics (June 4, 2019)

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

I love seeing the workspace of creative folks.  It’s cool seeing how they set up the areas where they make the magic.  If you feel the same, then Masters of Comics may be just what you’re looking for.  Joel Meadows takes us into the studios/work spaces of 21 masters of comic art.  A chapter is given to each showing at least one shot of his/her work area and a short, informative interview.  Artists include:

Rafael Albuquerque
Lawrence Campbell
Travis Charest
Frank Cho
Dave Johnson
Michael Kaluta
John Paul Leon
Milo Manara
Shawn Martinbrough
Dan Panosian
Sean Phillips
Frank Quietly
Eduardo Risso
P. Craig Russell
Tim Sale
Yuko Shimizu
Bill Sienkiewicz
Posy Simmonds
Walter Simonson
William Simpson
J.H. Williams III

Masters of Comics rates 4 of 5 stars.
Rating:

Ron Salas’ 100 Bullets Pin-Up Piece!

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Ron Salas posted this on Twitter this morning and throughout the day I kept thinking about the amazing job that he did.  100 Bullets was a crime comic written by Brian Azzarello with art by Eduardo Risso.  Dave Johnson provided the covers.  The series won multiple awards for excellence and remains one of my favorite comics.  Ron’s piece is an excellent tribute.

I’ve known Ron for years and am lucky enough to have several Stallone sketches from him.  You can see more of his art by following Ron Salas on Twitter.  You won’t be disappointed.

Sean Connery Gets an Original Drink and Draw Social Club Tribute!

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The Original Drink and Draw Social Club is made up of a group of extremely talented professional artists (Dave Johnson, Dan Panosian, Jeff Johnson and honorary host – Joe Quesada) who get together regularly to livestream as they draw and hangout.  The cool thing is that they a theme.  I’ve embedded their Sean Connery tribute below and here’s a link to their Original Drink and Draw Social Club Page.

Do you like James Bond? Indiana Jones’ father!?!?! Hunting for Octobers that happen to be red? You’re in for a treat then!

Z-View: Kiss Me Satan #1

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Kiss Me Satan #1 of a five issue mini-series from Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Victor Gischler
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Cover Shown: Dave Johnson

Barnabus Black is a fallen angel.. one of the many that followed Lucifer out of Heaven and the only one who decided to return.  Only going back isn’t that easy.  Black must earn his return.  In the best of worlds that wouldn’t be easy.

Now that Black has a retrieval team from Hell on his tail things just got a whole lot harder.  Especially since he’s been given the task of protecting an old woman with psychic powers from a criminal organization led by werewolves.

Victor Gischler has set up a story that could easily become silly.  Yet, if you’re willing to by into the supernatural elements, you’re in for an action-packed thrill ride.  Juan Ferreyra’s art is a joy and walks the line between serious and cartoony to perfectly fit the story.

Rating: B

Brother Lono Preview

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That’s the special Eduardo Rizzo cover for Brother Lono #1 created by Brian Azzarello [writer], Eduardo Risso [artist], Trish Mulvihill [colorist], Clem Robbins [letterer] and Rev. Dave Johnson [cover artist].

Yep, that’s the same award-winning creative team that brought us 100 issues of 100 Bullets.  Seems only right that they’d all return to bring us the spin-off series Brother Lono.

If you’d like to see an exclusive preview of Brother Lono, you can thanks to USAToday!

Brother Lono – Don’t Call It a Sequel

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The fact that Brian Azzarello [wrriter] and Eduardo Risso [artist] have reteamed for a new eight-issue miniseries  that spins-off Lono from 100 Bullets into his own series delights me to no end.  (It makes me so happy that I write sentences that I would never say in public — “…delights me to no end” indeed.)  That Dave Johnson is back to provide covers for Brother Lono makes the deal even sweeter.

I can’t wait for the book to drop next month.  Thankfully there’s a short interview with Brian Azzarello at CBR.com that features more of Reverand Dave’s art to hold me over.

New Orleans is a Werewolf Town!

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Victor Gischler and artist Juan Ferreyra have a new series coming from Dark Horse comics called Witch Hunt…

Witch Hunt is the story of Cassian Steele, the boss of the werewolf mafia in New Orleans, who needs to kill an old witch Verona before she exposes a secret that could ruin him. A bounty is put out on Verona’s head, and she is forced to run from werewolf mobsters, vampire maids, voodoo wizards, and zombie ninjas that are out to kill her. What they don’t realize is that Barnabus Black, a demon desperately trying to regain his halo, is her protection.

There’s a short interview at Bloody Disgusting with Victor Gischer that will give you some more intell.

This will definitely be a pre-order for me.

Hey!  I almost forgot to mention the cool Dave Johnson cover!

100 Bullets’ Lono is Back!

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100 Bullets by writer Brian Azzarello, artist Eduardo Risso, colorist Trish Mulvihill, letterer Clem Robbins and cover artist Dave Johnson ran for 100 issues and was one of the best crime comics ever.  When it ended, most fans appreciated that the story was done, but hated the loss of their monthly crime fix.

Now, nearly three years later, the entire creative team is returning to bring us a limited series which not only takes place in the same universe as 100 Bullets, but features one of the series most popular characters, Lono.

It’s like Christmas came early.

If you want to learn more about Brother Lono, you can thanks to this interview at Newsarama.

The Urbanbarbarian Speaks

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One of my favorite artists, Dan Panosian is featured in an interview with Chris Arrant over at Newsarama.  Here are a few quotes from the Dan…

  • Dave Johnson, Jeff Johnson and I started Drink and Draw in early 2005 and it’s taken off like Fight Club around the globe. There are literally Drink and Draw Chapters all over the country and all over the world. It’s amazing.
  • Comic Twart is a real honor to be a part of and a great excuse to draw some eclectic/off beat character studies.
  • The Retro 70’s Luke Cage/Iron Fist pin-up/pitch you mentioned was something I really wanted to see Marvel do. I wrote a very fun script for what could be a four issue limited series and I was genuinely thrilled by the tons and tons of re-posts across the internet clamoring for it to happen.
  • I got into the comic business because I loved the Conan comic book so much. Even my website, www.UrbanBabarian.com is a homage to Conan…  I’m drawing issues 9-10 of Conan: Road of Kings written by Roy Thomas for Dark Horse. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am. It’s a dream of mine to work on this book.

Dan also discusses his start in comics, how he hooked up with Image in the early days, what he was doing when he “disappeared” from comics, his work on video games and a character called Duke Nukem, and much, much more.

Heroes Con Report – Thursday & Friday

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Thursday

Doralya [my wife] and I left Port Orange in the Jack Carter mobile headed for Charlotte at approximately 11:30am on the day before the show.  I had a free night at the Westin and so we decided to make a long weekend of it.  My IPOD was full of enough music to get us there and back and we even had a little cooler of Diet Cokes, water and snacks.  Life was good.  My Garmin didn’t let me down and the weather was perfect.  Once we arrived in Charlotte, Doralya dropped me off at the convention center so I could pick up my con pass and then we got our room.

After a bit of unpacking and freshening up, we decided to walk down to Mert’s Heart and Soul for dinner.  If you like Soul food, then this is the place to go.  Doralya had the fried catfish and I went with the traditional fried chicken.  We both had cornbread [as good as cake], mac and cheese and I also had some greens.  Doralya opted for lemonade and I had sweet tea.  We were full of great food so I was thankful for a beautiful evening as we walked back to the Westin.

Friday

That’s Dan Panosian and Jeff Johnson, two of the founding members of Drink and Draw.  I had a Jack Carter sketch commission set up with Dan.  So his table was my first stop.  Dan said that he’d sketched out a piece on the plane, but wasn’t happy with it.  The way he described it was pretty cool, Carter holding a hand gun up and facing the viewer at an angle.  Dan said he might just go ahead and give me the rough if he went with another idea.  I was definitely cool with that.  ; )

I asked Jeff to sketch in my Drink and Draw, Volume II sketchbook. Jeff put an awesome Viking warrior on the inside front cover to go with Dan’s equally cool Red Sonja and Dave Johnson’s creepy guy.  I asked Jeff if he’d be interested in doing a Stallone sketch.  Jeff agreed and did a very cool and on-point sketch of Sly as Cobra.

After setting up the sketch with Jeff, I decided to walk the con floor and see where everybody was.  I’d also set up some sketches before the show with artists so picking them up was also on the list of things to do.  Mike Torrance was at the show, but not set up at a table.  He had some sketch cards for me: Rocky Balboa, Jack Carter, Barney Ross from The Expendables and Sly as John Spartan aka Demolition Man.  I also had Mike do a Rawhide Kid card for my buddy, LittleJohn312.   I had set up a Rocky sketch with Chris Brunner, who went above and beyond by giving me a piece with Rocky and Adrian! Chris is one of the good guys and his comic series with Jason LaTour and Rico Renzi, Loose Ends is gonna kill.

I also had set up two pieces with Robbi Rodriguez.  The first piece I asked for was an iconic shot of Sly as Jack Carter.  Robbi knew exactly what I was talking about and created a piece that just floored me.  I liked it so much that I asked Robbi if he was up for another Stallone.  He said he was and I told him to do what he wanted.  Robbi decided to do Sly as Machine Gun Joe Viterbo from Death Race 2000.    Robbi drew Machine Gun Joe standing on his car with a smoking machine gun and threw in the female co-pilot to boot.  Robbi is the man!  LittleJohn saw the sketches that Robbi was doing and jumped on board for a Snake Plissken.

LittleJohn312, his wife Patricia and my wife met for lunch in the convention center.  The company was better than the food, and the food was a step up from most meals available at conventions.  After lunch, LittleJohn312, Patricia and I made our way to the Comic Twart panel and Doralya decided to go out and enjoy Charlotte.  Chris Sims moderated the Twart panel which consisted of Ron Salas, Dan Panosian, Dave Johnson, Declan Shalvey and Tom Fowler.  The panel was a lot of fun as the artists all worked on Black Widow sketches as they took questions and shared anecdotes with the audience.   The sketches were all later put in the Heroes Con auction.  It’s cool that the Twartists took their show on the road.  If you ever get a chance to see one, don’t miss it.

After the panel I made the rounds of the convention floor to see old pals, meet new artists and set up some sketches.  Although Dave Wachter’s sketch list [photo above taken after he’d done my sketch] filled up quickly on Friday [and again on Saturday], he felt he could get me in on Saturday.  He did and I got one of his best Stallone sketches yet.  I spent the next couple of hours walking and chatting with Michael Golden, Andy Smith, Gene Gonzales [hiding behind his lil’ Punisher sketch below], Joe Pekar, Pat Broderick, Chris DiBari, Dustin Harbin, Casey Jones, Bob McLeod, Chris Moreno, Eric Skillman and others.

At 4pm, LittleJohn312, Patricia and I headed over to the Kickstarter panel.  Dustin Harbin, Jay Potts and Jeremy Bastian answered audience questions and explained why their Kickstarter projects were successful.  At 6pm I made sure I was at the Drink & Draw Social Club Panel.  Dan Panosian, Dave Johnson and Jeff Johnson entertained the crowd and gave us a preview of what to expect at the Drink & Draw scheduled for that evening at Fuel.

That evening Doralya and I met up with LittleJohn312 and Patricia who’d saved us a table outside at Fuel.  The place filled up inside and out with folks there to eat and participate in the Drink & Draw Social.  Specially created Drink & Draw coaster and paper had been created for the event.  Artists would draw whatever struck their fancy and then place it on a centrally located table where folks could buy the art for a donation.  Chris Flick of Capes and Babes and Thomas Zahler of Love and Capes joined us at our table.  I’d never met these guys before [they’re friends of LittleJohn] but they were a blast.  Chris had my wife cracking up with his humor and enthusiasm for art.  Thomas entertained us with a professional level William Shatner imitation.  Not only could Thomas improv as Captain Kirk, he had enough material that he could literally take his act on the road.  Before the evening was over, Chris and Thomas drew Stallone sketches after LittleJohn tipped them to my collection.  Naturally I purchased both with donations to the cause.  LittleJohn ended up with several pieces from the session.  It was growing late, so we called it a night, with the knowledge that Saturday would be a busy day at the show…

Tune in tomorrow for more from Heroes Con 2011.

A Preview of my Heroes Con Report

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I spent this past weekend at HeroesCon and had a blast.  I will do a proper con report later in the week with some photos and more details.  Each year Heroes is a lot of fun, but this year was especially so.  I attended panels, got several new sketches for my Stallone theme collection, discovered some amazing new [at least to me] artists, got to visit with old friends, attended a Drink & Draw session hosted by Urbanbarbarian Dan Panosian, Rev. Dave Johnson and Jeff Johnson [the talents who created D&D], hung out with my wife, LittleJohn and his bride, got the inside scoop on a long-running joke played on Mr. Mean Green Jeans himself, and so much more.

If you’re at all interested in Heroes tune in this weekend!