Interview- Sally of the Wasteland's Victor Gischler

Sally of the Wasteland #1, written by Victor Gischler, was released this week by Titan Comics. The series follows the sassy, silver-tongued Sally and the crew of the Mississippi Duchess on their quest to make it to New Orleans in order to save "Civilization itself." The debut issue gives readers a glimpse of just what's in store for this rag tag group: River Pirates, Mutant Cannibals, and the mysterious Strangers! It's a great set up by Gischler that will leave you wanting to know what happens next. We got to ask Gischler a few questions about his career and what readers can expect going forward.

Geek Hash: You are known for writing both novels and comics. How did you break into the comics industry?

Victor Gischler: My agent happens to handle some other comic book writers (Greg Rucka for example) so he has good industry contacts and got some of my work in front of Axel Alonso. This led to my scripting a Punisher Max one-shot. That was my first ever bit of comic book writing.

GH: Where did the inspiration for Sally of the Wasteland come from?

VG: I wrote a novel called Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse and wanted to do something again in the post-apocalypse vein.  I wanted it to be very B-movie and over the top.  I wanted violence but also irreverent humor.

GH: The first issue sets up the series perfectly. The world you've created, filled with pirates, Crawgators, and a whip-smart lead is very intriguing. Will we be seeing some back story on the event that created this post-apocalyptic world?

VG: You are actually the 3rd person to ask me that which I sort of did not predict.  Ha Ha.  I mean, yes, there will be hints, but really the focus is on the characters and what they are doing in the moment.  They live in a post-apocalyptic world, but how it got that way is not really so important.  Just picture your basic atomic holocaust and you're all set.

GH: What do you enjoy more, creating new characters and worlds like that of Sally and Clown Fatale or taking existing characters like The X-Men and The Punisher and putting your stamp on them?

VG: It's a bit like apples and oranges.  There is a big thrill to writing the characters you read as a kid.  How cool is that?!   But as a person that likes to create and invent, I think ultimately I'd pick creating my own characters if forced to just choose one.

GH: Do you have a character that you'd love to write?

VG: Dr. Strange would be awesome.  And I always wanted to do my own take on Challengers of the Unknown.

Sally of the Wasteland #1 in Comic Shops Today

SHE’S A GLORIOUSLY-GRINDHOUSE GOREHOUND GLAMOR GIRL!

Southern Louisiana, 82 years after the Fall. The apocalypse has come and gone, leaving behind a withered, ravaged landscape of wreckage and mutant crawfish. Still, you gotta laugh, and Sally does, often using her beloved shotgun, Bertha, as the punchline!

Inspired more by lust than common sense, and by a teenage desire to protect Tommy, the object of her desires, Sally leaves her bar job and joins the deranged crew of the Mississippi Duchess on a mission into the remains of New Orleans.

Saving the remains of civilisation plays second best to keeping her sweetheart safe as our smart and sexy princess of the wild frontier runs a gauntlet of gigantic genetic freaks and roving gangs of blood-hungry barbarians!

The ever-so-cute but ever-so-slightly-insane Sally is the wayward daughter of writer Victor Gischler (X-Men, Angel & Faith, Noir) and artistic up-and-comer Tazzio Bettin. This first issue in a fantastic new series proves Armageddon can be fun!

Star Trek Meets Planet Of The Apes!

IDW Publishing Partners With BOOM! Studios For Epic Crossover

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to “mind-meld” with a sentient ape? Or wanted to see a Klingon on horseback, brandishing a rifle? Readers will soon have a chance to peek into just such an alternate future, as IDW Publishing partners with BOOM! Studios for the crossover event of the year: Star Trek/Planet of the Apes.

IDW will publish the crossover, which will mark the first time BOOM! Studios has partnered with another publisher on a series. Together they will bring Star Trek, licensed by CBS Consumer Products, and 20th Century Fox’s Planet of the Apes together in a way that is sure to delight existing fans and make new ones. The series will pair the original U.S.S. Enterprise crew with Taylor, Nova and the cast from the original Planet of the Apes film.

“Planet of the Apes and Star Trek are groundbreaking science-fiction properties and both deal with many of the same social issues and themes,” says Greg Goldstein IDW President & Chief Operating Officer. “A crossover between the two is a natural and long overdue.”

“Before I could read comic books as a child, I could watch science fiction on my television. My dad used to wake me up way past my bedtime to watch Star Trek in syndication—it came on after the nightly news—and I took a Planet of the Apes lunchbox with me to kindergarten every day,” says BOOM! Studios Founder and CEO Ross Richie. “Suffice to say, teaming up these two titans of science fiction on the page in a way that they probably will never meet each other on the silver screen is a huge moment for me personally and emotionally.”

The creative team will be a mix of proven experience and new blood with scripts by beloved Star Trekscribes Scott and David Tipton (Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation 2) and interior art and covers by the British newcomer Rachael Stott.

“With the Klingons secretly backing a renegade gorilla general in a coup for control of Ape City, Captain Kirk finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to help out Dr. Zaius' orangutans,” explains David Tipton. “Taylor won't be happy with that!”

“What an epic pairing! I'm so excited to see Taylor, Kirk...and those damned dirty apes...in our upcoming comic,” says IDW editor Sarah Gaydos, “We're eager to team up these exciting creative forces to bring this to life.”  
 

Marvel Guardians of The Galaxy Star-Lord Figure

When it comes to Marvel figures, I prefer the Marvel Select line as opposed to the Marvel Legends series. The Marvel Select figures tend to be bigger and have much better sculpts than their Legends counterparts. Also, there isn't much of a difference in price points ($19.99 vs $24.99) and I much prefer to pay a few extra dollars for a better looking figure. Unfortunately, I haven't heard anything about a Guardians of the Galaxy line from Diamond, so I had to pick up the Star-Lord Marvel Legends figure when I saw it on a peg at a local K-Mart.


Overall, the figure looks pretty good. It's got a nice sculpt going for it and includes quite a few accessories. Like the Captain America Winter Soldier figure, Star-Lord comes with an interchangeable head. He also comes with two blasters, headphones, orb, and walkman (I have no idea where the walkman attaches). Unfortunately, his hands don't hold the blasters very well and tend to fall out very easily. The figure is part of a build-a-figure series (build-a-Groot) and comes with an arm.

Pretty detailed sculpt

Accessorize!

The Collection so far...

Build-a-Groot!

The Greatest American Heroine

When Marvel recently announced that Thor would no longer be wielding Mjolnir and that the mantle would be taken up by a woman, it made me remember one other hero that was once deemed unworthy of their title. In the pilot episode of The Greatest American Heroine, Ralph Hinkley's (The Greatest American Hero) identity was exposed to he world. He soon became a celebrity, making appearances on television and not long after that, his ego began to get out of control. It became so bad that the aliens that originally gave Ralph his suit returned to Earth and asked him to pick a successor. Eventually, Ralph chose Holly Hathaway to don the cape, much to the chagrin of Ralph's partner Bill Maxwell. The pilot wasn't picked up, but if it had been, it would have concentrated on Bill and Holly working together much like he did with Ralph in the original series.  

via YouTube:

Vans x Star Wars Yoda Aloha 5 Panel Hat

When Vans released their Vans x Star Wars line I knew I would be dropping dollars on it. The first item purchased (for myself) was the Yoda Aloha 5-panel hat. Because of the print, no two hats are the same. The adjustable hat is blue with a leather Vans logo patch on the front and a Star Wars tag on the back.You can find it at Vans stores, vans.com, and skate/surf shops nationwide.

Vans X Star Wars video via YouTube:

Grant Morrison Goes BOOM!

BOOM! Studios released this image. I think it speaks for itself.

BOOM! Studios Full SDCC 2014 Schedule

PANELS
Please note that signing times are subject to change. Fans should check at the BOOM! Studios booth, #2229, in the Exhibit Hall for updates. All panels take place in the San Diego Convention Center except where noted.

Thursday, 7/24/14
12:00–1:00 Editing Comics the BOOM! Way—Join BOOM! Studios creators Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST), James Tynion IV (THE WOODS), Megan Hutchison (AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O' THE WISP), Christopher Sebela (DEAD LETTERS), and Frank Barbiere (BLACK MARKET), along with BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon and Editor Dafna Pleban as they look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry's leading independent publishers and discuss editing do's and don'ts. Room 28DE

1:00–2:00 Breaking into Comics Right Now—If you’re an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don’t want to miss! Join BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon and Managing Editor Bryce Carlson along with some of the industry’s most exciting up-and-coming and established talent, including Frank Barbiere (BLACK MARKET), Chris Miskiewicz (THOMAS ALSOP), Palle Schmidt (THOMAS ALSOP), Vanesa R. Del Rey (HIT, THE EMPTY MAN), Christopher Sebela (DEAD LETTERS), and Royden Lepp (RUST), as they share their breaking-in experiences and give you the most up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry right now. Room 28DE

Friday, 7/25/14
10:00–11:00 Gender in Comics—Join us for a sincere discussion on the topic of gender in comics. We'll explore both the role of gender in the medium in mainstream and independent publishing, as well as the impact of gender politics on the business side of the industry and in the media with a variety of business insiders, pundits, and journalists. Moderated by comics editor Janelle Asselin, the panel will feature Comics Alliance Senior Editor Andy Khouri, BOOM! Studios Editor Dafna Pleban, comics writer James Tynion IV (THE WOODS), Image Comics Director of Trade Book Sales Jennifer de Guzman, WIRED writer Laura Hudson, and IDW Publishing Editor Sarah Gaydos. Room 4

5:00–6:00 The World of Mouse Guard—Get updated on everything MOUSE GUARD, including news on upcoming projects, collectibles, and other surprises with creator, writer, and artist, David Petersen. Plus, enjoy a live reading of several Mouse Guard short stories with David and guests Hal Lublin (THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR), Meredith Salenger (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Hollywood Heights), and a surprise guest! Moderated by BOOM! Studios Marketing Manager Mel Caylo. Room 32AB

6:00–7:00 The Jim Henson Company: Upcoming Comics with Archaia—Thus far in 2014, Archaia—an award-winning imprint of BOOM! Studios—has published beautiful hardcover reprints of the novelizations of favorite Henson properties Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and The Storyteller. Join Archaia as they reveal details of its Henson publishing plan for the rest of the year, including sneak peeks of a never-before-seen brand-new project from the Henson Archives, with panelists Jeff Stokely (JIM HENSON'S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES, FRAGGLE ROCK), Jake Myler (FRAGGLE ROCK), Ian Herring (JIM HENSON'S TALE OF SAND), and Shane-Michael Vidaurri (JIM HENSON'S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES). Moderated by Henson line editor at Archaia Rebecca “Tay” Taylor. Room 32AB

6:15–7:15 Adventure Time: A Totally Algebraic Dramatic Reading—After over two years of ADVENTURE TIME comic books, BOOM! Studios and Cartoon Network continue to break new ground with the July debut of a new limited series, ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY. This marks the first time that one of the writers behind the animated show, Kent Osborne, will write the ADVENTURE TIME comic! To mark the occasion, Osborne has crafted a brand-new, original Adventure Time radio play that will tie into this new comic series, and for the first time anywhere, it will be performed live by voice actors from the show, including Olivia Olson (Marceline) and Jeremy Shada (Finn). Plus, learn more about the show with Osborne and fellow writer Adam Muto (also the inspiration for Gingerbread Muto!), and more about the BANANA GUARD comic series with editor Shannon Watters and artist Mad Rupert. Come prepared with all of your burning questions about the Land of Ooo! Horton Grand Theatre, 444 4th Avenue [NOTE: This is a ticketed panel. Drawings for panel entry tickets will be held starting at 9:00 am in the Autograph Area (upstairs in the Sails Pavilion) on Friday. Each winner will receive entry for two. (Please note: there is limited disabled seating.) The tickets must be presented at the theatre to gain access. The Horton Grand Theatre has assigned seating. Please also wear your Comic-Con 2014 badge. There will be a second drawing shortly following the 9:00 am drawing for “stand-by seating tickets.” The stand-by seating tickets are limited and do not guarantee you access to the panel. Please be inside the Horton Grand Theatre no later than 15 minutes prior to the panel start time or you will forfeit your seat to stand-by seating ticket-holders.]

Saturday, 7/26/14
12:30–1:30 We Are BOOM!—Last year was a banner year for us here at BOOM! Studios, highlighted by the release of our first feature film 2 Guns (starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg) and new first-look deal with 20th Century Fox. Archaia joined us as a new imprint, we expanded the all-ages KaBOOM! lineup, and we launched our newest imprint, BOOM! Box. Join BOOM! Studios Founder and CEO Ross Richie, Editor-In-Chief Matt Gagnon, President of Publishing and Marketing Filip Sablik, President of Development Stephen Christy, and creators Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST, DEATHMATCH), Frank Gibson (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL), Noelle Stevenson (LUMBERJANES), along with some special guests as we share our mission to create the future of comics…now. We are BOOM! Come Innovate With Us. Room 24ABC

3:30–4:30 Big Trouble in Little China: Shaking the Pillars of the Comics Industry—The hilarious adventures of Jack Burton continue as Big Trouble in Little China, one of the most beloved cult films of all time, is now a BOOM! Studios comic series. The series picks up right after the end of the film and, with the guidance of director John Carpenter, it’s the first time new stories of the Pork Chop Express have been told in any medium! Join series writer Eric Powell (The Goon), colorist Michael Garland (THE EMPTY MAN), and editor Ian Brill for a lively discussion of what to expect next in the series and to talk all things BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA. Plus, writer Christopher Sebela (DEAD LETTERS) will be on hand with a special announcement relevant to BIG TROUBLE fans’ interests! Moderated by Comics Alliance Senior Writer Chris Sims. Room 8

Sunday, 7/27/14
1:00–2:00 All-Ages Comics Have Arrived—Quality all-ages comics are back and better than ever! We’re not just talking about “kids” comics, we’re talking about amazing comics that can be enjoyed by young, old, and everyone in between. Join KaBOOM! Editor Shannon Watters as she has a lively and fun conversation with several all-ages creators, including David Petersen (MOUSE GUARD), Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity), Gene Yang (American Born Chinese, Boxers and Saints), and Ian McGinty (BRAVEST WARRIORS, ADVENTURE TIME: CANDY CAPERS). Room 24ABC
 

SIGNING SCHEDULE

The following signings will take place at the BOOM! Studios booth, #2229, unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, 7/23
Sketching:
6-9pm
Coleman Engle (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Ian McGinty (BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)

Signing:
6-7pm
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS)
Jeff Stokely (SIX-GUN GORILLA, TRANSLUCID, JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES)

6-9pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

7-8pm
Natasha Allegri & Garrett Jackson (BEE AND PUPPYCAT)

Also appearing:
Caleb Monroe (DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION)

Thursday, 7/24
Sketching:
All day
Coleman Engle (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Ian McGinty (BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Jen Bennett (ADVENTURE TIME)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)

5-7pm
Mad Rupert (BANANA GUARD ACADEMY, REGULAR SHOW: SKIPS)

Signing:
All day
Elena Casagrande (SUICIDE RISK)
Grace Ellis (LUMBERJANES)
Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST)
Jeff Stokely (SIX-GUN GORILLA, TRANSLUCID, JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES)
Jeremy Sorese (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Megan Hutchison (AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O’ THE WISP)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST, DEATHMATCH)
Royden Lepp (RUST)
Tyson Hesse (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL)
Vanesa R. Del Rey (THE EMPTY MAN, HIT)

10am-12pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

11am-12pm

Natasha Allegri & Garrett Jackson (BEE AND PUPPYCAT)

1pm-2pm
D.S. Talon and E.G. Thompson (BEAUTIFUL SCARS)

2-4pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

2:30-3:30pm
Chris Miskiewicz & Palle Schmidt (THOMAS ALSOP)

3-4pm
David Petersen (MOUSE GUARD)

3:30-4:30pm
Frank J. Barbiere (BLACK MARKET)

Also appearing:
Caleb Monroe (DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION)

Friday
Sketching:
All day
Coleman Engle (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Ian McGinty (BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Jen Bennett (ADVENTURE TIME)
Mad Rupert (BANANA GUARD ACADEMY, REGULAR SHOW: SKIPS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)

Signing:
All day
Elena Casagrande (SUICIDE RISK)
Grace Ellis (LUMBERJANES)
Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST)
Jeff Stokely (SIX-GUN GORILLA, TRANSLUCID, JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES)
Jeremy Sorese (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Megan Hutchison (AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O’ THE WISP)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST, DEATHMATCH)
Royden Lepp (RUST)
Tyson Hesse (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL)
Vanesa R. Del Rey (THE EMPTY MAN, HIT)

10am-12pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

11am-12pm
Christopher Sebela (DEAD LETTERS)

12-1pm
Brian Stelfreeze, Matt Gagnon, and Michael Alan Nelson (DAY MEN)

2-3pm
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS)

3-4pm
Vicki Scott & Bob Scott (PEANUTS)

4-5pm
Rebecca Sugar, Coleman Engle, and Jeremy Sorese (STEVEN UNIVERSE)

4:30-5:30pm

Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Marcus To, and Ian Herring (HACKTIVIST)

5-7pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

Also appearing:
Caleb Monroe (DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION)

Saturday
Sketching:
All day
Coleman Engle (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Ian McGinty (BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Jen Bennett (ADVENTURE TIME)
Mad Rupert (BANANA GUARD ACADEMY, REGULAR SHOW: SKIPS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)

Signing:
All day
Elena Casagrande (SUICIDE RISK)
Grace Ellis (LUMBERJANES)
Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST)
Jeff Stokely (SIX-GUN GORILLA, TRANSLUCID, JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES)
Jeremy Sorese (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Megan Hutchison (AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O’ THE WISP)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST, DEATHMATCH)
Royden Lepp (RUST)
Tyson Hesse (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL)
Vanesa R. Del Rey (THE EMPTY MAN, HIT)

10am-12pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

10:30-11:30am
Kent Osborne & Mad Rupert (ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY)

12-1pm
Joshua Williamson (ROBOCOP)

12:30-3:30pm
Caleb Monroe (DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION)

2-3pm
Grace Ellis, Noelle Stevenson, and Shannon Watters (LUMBERJANES)
Eric Powell (BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA)

2-4pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

3-4pm
David Petersen (MOUSE GUARD)

4-5pm
Max Bemis & Jay Shaw (EVIL EMPIRE)
(Note: This is a ticketed signing. Tickets can be obtained starting on Saturday morning at 9am and are free with purchase of any EVIL EMPIRE or POLARITY item.)

Sunday
Sketching:
All day
Coleman Engle (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Ian McGinty (BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Jen Bennett (ADVENTURE TIME)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)

Signing:
All day
Elena Casagrande (SUICIDE RISK)
Grace Ellis (LUMBERJANES)
Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST)
Jeff Stokely (SIX-GUN GORILLA, TRANSLUCID, JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: WITCHES)
Jeremy Sorese (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
Megan Hutchison (AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O’ THE WISP)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST, DEATHMATCH)
Royden Lepp (RUST)
Tyson Hesse (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL)
Vanesa R. Del Rey (THE EMPTY MAN, HIT)

10am-12pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

10:30-11:30am
Frank Gibson & Tyson Hesse (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL)

11:30am-12:30pm
Vicki Scott & Bob Scott (PEANUTS)

1-2pm
Minty Lewis (REGULAR SHOW)

1:30-2:30pm
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS)

2-4pm
Jon Chad (THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL: THE TASKS Mini-Comic)

2:30-3:30pm
Natasha Allegri & Garrett Jackson (BEE AND PUPPYCAT)

Also appearing:
Caleb Monroe (DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION)

9TH ANNUAL BOOM! DRINK-UP
On Thursday, July 24th from 9pm until close, BOOM! Studios will hold its 9th Annual BOOM! Drink-up at the Odysea Bar, located inside the Hilton Bayfront Hotel at 1 Park Boulevard, two blocks south of the Convention Center. It is open to the public and no RSVP is required. All are welcome!

For more information on San Diego Comic-Con, visit their website at http://www.comic-con.org/cci.

The Humble Transformers Bundle Presented by IDW

via Humble Bundle: 

Transform your comic collection with 104 fantastic comics. The Humble Transformers Bundle Presented by IDW features six stunning Transformers titles of 104 issues collected in 14 volumes. Name your price for the first four volumes of Transformers: Classics. If you pay more than the average price, you'll also get all four volumes of Transformers: All Hail Megatron, Transformers: Autocracy, and Transformers: Spotlight, Vol. 1. Pay $15 or more to get all of the above plus the first two volumes of Transformers: Robots in Disguise, and the first two volumes of Transformers: More than Meets the Eye.

Pay what you want. Purchased separately, this instant comic collection would cost you up to $147, but we are letting you set the price!

Compatible with computers and mobile devices. These comics are available in multiple formats including CBZ, PDF, Mobi and ePub, so they work on your computer, eBook readers and a wide array of mobile devices. Instructions and a list of recommended reading programs can be found here.

Support charities and comic creators. You choose where your money goes: between the comic creators and the Hasbro Children's Fund. If you like this promotion, a tip to Humble Bundle would be greatly appreciated!

Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends - A Firestar Is Born

via YouTube

Get 'Hexed' With Michael Alan Nelson's New Ongoing Series From BOOM! Studios

HEXED #1 Retailer Incentive Cover by Dan Mora

When you’re a thief-for-hire, life can be complicated. When you add the supernatural to the mix, things really get crazy! Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios is pleased to announce the new ongoing series HEXED, a relaunch of the fan-favorite creation from veteran writer Michael Alan Nelson (DAY MEN), with new series artist Dan Mora. This new series dives back into the depths of the Aether with Luci Jennifer Inacio Das Neves, better known as “Lucifer,” the supernatural thief-for-hire, as she takes on the dark denizens of the netherworld in search of wondrous objects for her mentor/mother figure, Val Brisendine. In addition, artist Emma Rios (Pretty Deadly, Strange), who debuted in American comics on the first HEXED series, returns to illustrate covers.

“HEXED is hands-down one of my favorite titles we’ve ever published,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “The original HEXED series with Michael and Emma was a special series for all involved, and ahead of its time in many ways. Emma has gone on to become a titan as a comic book artist and Michael remains one of the best in the business when it comes to dark urban fantasy. Meanwhile, all of us have always wanted to come back to Luci. Her story is barely beginning. Lucifer is sharp, courageous, and just cool, exactly the type of rogue thief you want to follow. And in the tradition of HEXED, we’re debuting another breakout series artist in the incredible Dan Mora. Make sure you get in early on this one!”

Lucifer, who has appeared in FALL OF CTHULHU VOL. 3: THE GRAY MAN and the 2011 HEXED limited series, is a quick-witted mash-up of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lara Croft. HEXED was Pretty Deadly and Amazing Spider-Man superstar Emma Rios’ introduction to the American comics scene back in 2008, and new series artist Dan Mora is poised to continue the trend with his lyrical, horrific, and wholly unique take on Lucifer.

HEXED #1 arrives in comic book shops on August 13th with a main cover by Emma Rios for the price of $3.99

The Purge: Anarchy Prize Pack Giveaway

On July 18th, prepare for Anarchy by checking out the "5 Things To Know Before You Watch The Purge: Anarchy" Interactive GIFs. Move your mouse across the GIFs to control the scene!

The New Founders of America invite you to celebrate your annual right to Purge. The Purge: Anarchy follows an unlikely group of five citizens who, over the course of the night, are hunted across the city in a kill-or-be-killed series of survival scenarios during the annual Purge.

#PurgeAnarchy
#UnitedWePurge

@universalhorror

http://universalhorrorfilms.tumblr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thepurgemovie

We are giving away one The Purge: Anarchy prize pack! Contest starts July 18th and ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 25th. 


There are three ways to enter: 

- Tweet @monkeyjedi and let him know how you would survive The Purge. Be sure to use #PurgeAnarchy or #UnitedWePurge in your tweet!

- Share a link to this post via social medi (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pintrest) and let us know via Twitter (@monkeyjedi) or E-mail (geekhashblog@gmail.com) when you do!

-Check out all of the GIF's below and let us know your favorite "Thing To Know Before You Watch The Purge: Anarchy" Fact via the comment section, Twitter, or E-mail.

One winner will be randomly chosen. Once notified, they will then have 24 hours to respond with a mailing address (No PO Boxes!) or an alternate winner will be chosen.

*Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Purge Prize Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

**Universal Pictures is sponsoring this giveaway and will be shipping the prize to the winner. No PO Boxes. U.S. residents only.

Cover Art For Translucid #4 SDCC Exclusive From BOOM! Studios

Check out this SDCC exclusive cover for Translucid #4. If anyone at SDCC wanted to pick us up one while they're there, we wouldn't complain. Just sayin'.

TRANSLUCID #4

$10, limited to 150 copies, available for purchase from the BOOM! Studios booth (#2229) or the Evil Ink/Coheed and Cambira booth (#1732).


Cover by Alexis Ziritt
Writers: Claudio Sanchez and Chondra Echert
Artist: Daniel Bayliss

In the fourth issue of this critically acclaimed series that deconstructs the dynamic between an urban vigilante superhero and his archenemy, we dive deeper into The Navigator’s troubled past. Things escalate between Cornelius and his father. While The Navigator is fighting off villains, Cornelius is battling his inner demons, which shape the hero he will become.

eigoMANGA Heads To San Diego Comic-Con 2014

San Francisco based comic book publisher, eigoMANGA announces its participation at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 which isheld on July 24 - July 27, 2014 at the San Diego Convention Center.

eigoMANGA Rumble Pak 10 Year Anniversary:

eigoMANGA continues the celebration of Rumble Pak's 10th year in publication with

exclusive comics and giveaways at eigoMANGA's Exhibition Booth #5532.

eigoMANGA Rumble Pak is an Original English-language manga anthology series first published in the Fall of 2014.

Panels and Workshops:

'Showcasing the Best in Korean Comics, Animation, and Its Influence in Today's Hottest Comics'

A team of Korea's prolific artists and animation studios represented by Jongmin Shin (CEO of EGA Studios) showcases the latest and greatest trends in Korean comics and animation. They will also showcase their recent and upcoming productions on some of today's hottest comics. Join Jongmin and crew for this Q&A session moderated by Austin Osueke (Publisher of eigoMANGA).

'Showcasing the Best in Korean Comics, Animation, and Its Influence in Today's Hottest Comics' panel is scheduled for Friday July 25, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm in Room 32AB.

'How To Draw Manga For Kids'

eigoMANGA's team of manga artists and animators will teach kids of all ages tutorials on manga illustrations and storytelling. Join our workshop with seasoned manga artist Mino Miyabi (The Voice Of Innocence, 5D) and Austin Osueke (Publisher of eigoMANGA).

The 'How To Draw Manga For Kids' workshop is scheduled for Sunday July 27, 2013 1:00pm -2:00pm in Room 30CDE.

eigoMANGA's Portfolio Review:

Editors from eigoMANGA will be critique and solicit new work from artists at the Portfolio Review during Friday and Saturday, July 25 and July 26 from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.

eigoMANGA's Booth Events (#5532):

Vanguard Princess Open Gaming And Daily Tournament - Thursday through Sunday, July, 24 and July 27 at 12:00pm - 3:00pm

eigoMANGA's exhibition booth will host daily gaming tournaments of the 2D fighting game,Vanguard Princess.

About eigoMANGA:

eigoMANGA is a production and publishing company that specializes in creating original comic books, animation, and digital media. The company formed an independent game development studio in January 2011 to localize and publish independent Japanese games.

More information about eigoMANGA can be found at www.eigoMANGA.com, www.VanguardPrincess.com, or www.RumblePak.com

Guardians of The Galaxy Titan Hero Series Rocket Raccoon 12" Figure

With Guardians of the Galaxy hitting theaters soon, retailers are starting to line their shelves with lots of Guardians merchandise. Hasbro has the license for the Guardians figure/accessories line. Overall, the toys released for the series are a bit of a disappointment. With the exception of the (extremely hard-to-find) Marvel Legends series of GotG figures, the rest of the line seems cheap and poorly made.

I had to pick up a Rocket Raccoon in some form (love the character!) and the best looking option was the Titan Heroes Series Rocket Raccoon figure. He's the same scale as the rest of the Titan Heroes line (12"), so Rocket is actually a lot smaller than the rest of the figures in the series. The figures in the series are a budget line that you can pick up at big box stores for (depending on the store) $9.99 to $12.99. The nice thing about them is that they're reasonably priced. Unfortunately, they have no articulation. Hopefully, I can find a Marvel Legends Rocket in stores so I don't have to pay scalper prices. For now, this figure will do.

Back of box bio of Rocket

One big ass gun

Rocket in relation to Captain America Titan Heroes figure

BOOM! Studios and 20th Century Fox Consumer Products Announce Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Series

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION Cover by Garry Brown

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES #1 Incentive Cover by Jay Shaw

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES #1 Main Cover by Christopher Mitten

This November, award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios and Twentieth Century Consumer Products are pleased to announce they will launch DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, a new comic book limited series based on the new film from 20th Century Fox.

Written by Michael Moreci (CURSE, Hoax Hunters), the six-issue series bridges the 10-year gap between the Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes films, chronicling the fall of humanity and the rise of Caesar’s ape civilization. Additional creative team details will be revealed at a later date. While the apes of the world have yet to advance as a species, Caesar (portrayed by Andy Serkis in the films) must find a way to unify them to one cause. On the other side of the country, Malcolm (played by Jason Clarke in the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes film) must venture into the decaying Americas with his family to find a cure for the plague slowly killing his wife, Rita.

“Our Planet of the Apes comics stand out to me as some of our best work," said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. "This series marks the first time we’ve ventured into producing print comics based on the new films, and we can't wait to explore this world. The new films are so good—we're honored to add to the mythology.”

In addition, BOOM! Studios and Twentieth Century Consumer Products will debut DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION,  a one-shot comic book prequel to the new film, at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California (a.k.a. San Diego Comic-Con), to be held July 24-27, 2014 at the San Diego Convention Center. Written by Caleb Monroe (CLOAKS, STEED AND MRS. PEEL), illustrated by Tom Derenick (Justice League of America, HYPERNATURALS), and featuring a cover illustrated by Garry Brown (SONS OF ANARCHY), the issue follows the story of Ellie (played by Keri Russell in the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes film) as she struggles to find a cure for the pandemic affecting humanity before it claims her daughter’s life. The issue will retail for $5.00 and will be available for purchase exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con at the BOOM! Studios booth, #2229. The DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: CONTAGION one-shot marks the first time BOOM! Studios has ever exclusively debuted a brand-new comic at a convention.

Directed by Matt Reeves (Let Me In, Felicity), the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes film stars Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, White House Down), Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Rises, The Dark Knight), and Keri Russell (The Americans, Felicity). In the film, a growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species. Twentieth Century Fox will release Dawn of the Planet of the Apes worldwide on July 11th, 2014. For more information, visit dawnofapes.com.

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES #1 arrives in comic book shops in November with a main cover illustrated by Christopher Mitten (CLIVE BARKER'S NIGHTBREED) for the price of $3.99, and a retailer incentive cover illustrated by Jay Shaw (EVIL EMPIRE). 

Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one!

Funko POP! Guardians of The Galaxy - Groot Vinyl Figure

As soon as I laid eyes on him, I had to pick up the Funko POP! Groot figure. The detail on the figure is pretty darn good. Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon were sitting next to Groot on the shelf, but this one really impressed me. As big of a Rocket fan I am, I passed him up in favor of this guy. You can pick up yours at Amazon right now for only $10.29!

Via Amazon:

From the Guardians of the Galaxy film comes this Guardians of the Galaxy Pop! Vinyl Figure! The Guardians of the Galaxy has been around since 1969 and with a movie finally made, Marvel gives the superhero team the Funko Pop! Vinyl treatment! This Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Pop! Vinyl Figure stands about 3 3/4-Inch tall and comes in a window display box. This Groot Pop! Vinyl figure makes a great addition to any Guardians of the Galaxy fan's collection!

eigoMANGA Releases 'Vanguard Princess' Game DLC

eigoMANGA released it's latest DLC for the game 'Vanguard Princess' on Steam.  'Vanguard Princess' gamers can now play as the final boss character, Hilda Rize, in Arcade Mode and Two Player Mode.'Vanguard Princess' is a 2D fighting game for the PC that features an all-female cast each with their own unique fighting style. Players can choose from ten girls with uniquefighting skills and pair them with a younger assistant partner.

The background story in 'Vanguard Princess' is centered around Hilda Rize. As a child, Hilda was the sole survivor of an airplane crash. When government officials discovered that she possessed cosmic abilities, she was held captive under government control and subjected to years of torturous experimentation. Eventually, the experiments triggered a cosmic shock wave that gifted many young girls throughout the world with Hilda's powers and allowed her to flew into the cosmos. Now as an adult and in full control of her powers, she returns to the world and pledges to go on a violent rampage in a quest for vengeance. The gifted girls now referred to as 'Vanguard Princesses' venture out to the battlefield to confront her.

In the DLC, Hilda Rize is updated and player-balanced in order to be enjoyable and competitive alongside the other characters. This DLC also contains an updated and originally uncensored version of the 'Vanguard Princess' game.

Visit the 'Vanguard Princess' website at http://www.VanguardPrincess.com

About eigoMANGA:

eigoMANGA is a production and publishing company that specializes in creating original comic books, animation, and digital media. The company formed an independent game development studio in January 2011 to localize and publish independent Japanese games.

More information about eigoMANGA can be found at 

www.eigoMANGA.com or

www.VanguardPrincess.com