Rising Stars 3-Day Sale

A giant ball of light was heading to Earth, when it flashed everyone in utero was changed.

Years later there was an earth quake at a local elementary school. When pieces of the school started to fall a young boy gave an example of his incredible strength. What will happen to these children with incredible power? How will the world react to them?

Find out this week with half-price issues of the now classic series Rising Stars. A welcome addition to any superhero fans digital collection Rising Stars is the product of legendary comic master J. Michael Straczynski and doesn’t just tell tell the story of up and coming kids with super powers but daring explores the worlds reaction to the arrival of these “Specials” in a way that is entirely unique.

Get all 13 issues of the first Rising Stars story at half-price for the next three days. It’s a sale that will make anyone feel “Special” but only if they act fact and download today.

Download Dave Elliott’s Sharky and Help out The Hero Initiative

Where would comics be with out heroes? They don’t all have to wear capes, carry magic weapons, or use super cool mutant powers but without them comics wouldn’t be what they are today. Then there are the other hero’s the ones working behind the scenes, the pencil jocks who labor tirelessly to produce outstanding material for often times very little profit. There was even a time in comics when health insurance  was a premium, and for a whole generation of legendary cartoonists and comic book creators some could even say it still is.

Even heroes need help sometimes and that’s where The Hero Initiative comes in. An organization intent on helping professional comic creators get the benefits they deserve when they need them the most. A not-for-profit organization, The Hero Initiative raises money year round through auctions, events and of course comics.

This week comiXology is excited to announce that from now until NYCC, all proceeds from Dave Elliott’s classic indie comic Sharky will go directly to the Hero Initiative. Help support independent comic creators everywhere!

Veteran comics creator and publisher Dave Elliott is launching a web comic version of his book Sharky. Image Comics originally published Sharky as a four-issue mini-series in 1998, written by Elliott with art by Alex Horley. The comic guest-stars a “who’s who” of independent comics’ greatest characters: Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon; Harris Comics’ Vampirella; Mike Allred’s Madman; Dark Horse’s The Mask; Evan Dorkin’s Milk and Cheese; Michael T. Gilbert’s Mr. Monster; Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti’s Ash; Keith Giffen’s Trencher; and Al Gordon and Jerry Ordway’s Wildstar.

Download Sharky issues #1 and #2 today to help a great cause and read some great comics.

The Eisner’s on comiXology: Check out Chew

Continting our look at the Eisner winning books currently available for download from comiXology Chanelle is back with her take on Rob Guillory’s and John Layman’s long time Fan favorite series Chew. Chew won this Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series this year and if you at all curious as to why read the review below, download issue #1 for FREE and then check out the rest of the series!

By Chanelle Reyes

Chew is one of those stories that has even the toughest stomach crying for mercy. Detective Tony Chu is a cibopath, meaning he receives physic images with everything he eats except for beets. Yes, beets. He could eat an apple and see pesticides or eat bacon and see a slaughter house.

Though its horrendous for him, he can solve any case with some evidence to chew on. Now this fact didn’t drop my jaw until I witnessed him devour a serial killer’s face apart. I began to think I was crazy for wanting to see what other incapacitated human he’d eat next!

He is thrown into a variation of life or death situations when his secret lands him a job in the FDA force. He now faces dangerous enemies due to the chicken ban from the “bird flu epidemic” all while swooning over a food reporter.”Chew is a book where almost anything can happen, and one of the fun things is the process of revelation of the world it takes place in.”said series creator Rob Guillory in an interview for Mania.com

Chew is able to bring such gross humor with its mix of unique illustration and food-fighting crime. With all the dark superhero comic books today, it is truly a nauseating yet enjoyable time in Tony Chu’s world. “Comics are supposed to be fun. And we’re bringing it back in a way that people have never seen before—ironically, via some pretty dark subject matter.” If your itching for a good story, then you should chew on this.

Kickstart Comics Kicks it into High Gear!

As a publisher KICKSTART COMICS has quickly become a breakout success over the past year with great comics from superstar creators like Jimmy Palmiotti, Joshua Williamson, Justin Grey and many more.  Taking time from a busy schedule to talk about some of the awesome comics; Kickstart productions very own Samantha Olsson Shear has been nice enough to answer a few questions about the company as well as give advice about how to kickstart your own projects. Check out the interview below:

So Kickstart comics has been really making waves lately with some great digital comics. What are your thoughts on digital distribution so far?

Samantha Olsson Shear: We really like what we’ve seen from digital distribution. As an independent publisher, it allows us to find more readership for our titles in places where readers may not have access to the physical book. The more ways that we can reach new readers and expose them to both the comic medium and our books, the better.

What do you hope readers of digital comics will get out of downloading a book from the Kickstart comics collection?

Samantha Olsson Shear: We hope it will encourage them to pick up the others.  And really to just pick up comics in general.  While there is still something great about going and browsing through a comic shop, not everyone has the time or easy access to one.  Comics are a great medium and we are pleased its making strides in the digital space.

It looks like there are a bunch of great books in the works from Kickstart, Can fans expect more digital offerings from you soon?

Samantha Olsson Shear: Absolutely, we will continue to release all of our books digitally as well as in comic stores.

Let’s switch gears for a moment and talk about a few of the recent OGN’s kickstart put out. What can you tell us about them without giving anything away?

Samantha Olsson Shear: Book Smart is a fun, adventure.  It’s a fun twist reminiscent of some great, classic action flicks.  Juan Santacruz’s art gives us some great action with our heroine.  We think readers will really enjoy this. We’ve also been talking to a sexy starlet about the leading role which is still under wraps but has us really excited.

Any chance you could tease us with a bit of what’s to come both in print and digital?

Samantha Olsson Shear: We have DEAD WALKER coming out later in September in time for Hallloween.  It’s perhaps the closest title in our line to something in the horror landscape.  Shannon Denton and Matt Jacobs served up some sinister art.  Also up on the dock are KNOWBODYS from Aqua Teen Hunger Force creator Matt Maiellero and a really stunning period Samurai tale DIVINE WIND from Jeff Amano and Julian Totino Tedesco. It’s sort of a Japanese 300. The artwork (and storytelling) will blow you away.

Now another cool thing about Kickstart comics has been the success of the Blacksmith mini-adventure game available through itunes. How did that project come about?

Samantha Olsson Shear: We were approached by a game developer to make a game out of one of our titles.  Blacksmith was a no brainer there given that the main character belongs to a secret society of weapons makers.  He has to go on the run when he is framed for a murder he didn’t commit.  The game has been getting a lot of positive feedback and launched in the new and notable section a few months back.  It’s really fun.  Type in THE BLACKSMITH on itunes to get the app.

Are there any plans for more games based off of the stellar array of Kickstart comics?

Samantha Olsson Shear: We are definitely discussing which one to adapt next.  We have also done two motion comics on two of our first titles HERO COMPLEX and coming soon BAD GUYS. Hero Complex was viewed by over 1.8 million viewers in its first week.  So when you are talking digital, motion comics are a great medium as well.

So in conclusion, what advice do you have for folks looking to kickstart their own careers, whether in comics or otherwise?

Samantha Olsson Shear: In our short time as publishers, we have striven to make good stories for a wide audience.  Much of that is simply following the type of material we like. Our advice would be to create what you love and not what you think everyone else wants.

Critically Acclaimed Series BONE and RASL Debut on comiXology with Their Own Dedicated iOS Apps

Fans of All Ages Everywhere Can Now Enjoy One of the Greatest Comics of All Time in an Ultra-Intuitive Digital Format

New York NY, July 14^th 2011 –Named “one of the ten greatest graphics novels of all time” by TIME Magazine, BONE is now available for fans of all ages everywhere to read and enjoy in an ultra-intuitive digital format through comiXology, the leading digital comics platform provider for the iOS, Android and Web.  In collaboration with creator Jeff Smith, comiXology has created a dedicated digital comic app of the series for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Created by Smith, a multiple award-winning cartoonist, the critically acclaimed BONE series centers around the humor-laced misadventures of the BONE cousins. Booklist writes: “As many comics fans know, the series chronicles the adventures of the Bone cousins–plucky Fone Bone, scheming Phony Bone, and easygoing Smiley Bone– who leave their home of Boneville and are swept up in a Tolkienesque epic of royalty, dragons, and unspeakable evil forces out to conquer humankind.”  The series will also soon to be made into a major motion picture.

“BONE is a modern day classic,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology.  “We are proud to bring this multiple award-winning comic book into the digital environment for the enjoyment of fans of all ages.”

Published by the #1 children’s book publisher in the world, Scholastic, BONE is one of two books written by Smith that will be released on comiXology. The second, RASL, is a stark, black and white comic book focusing on the hard-boiled adventures of an art thief who hops through dimensional barriers, hiding out on various parallel worlds. In a starred review, Publisher’s Weekly decribed it as “ a stunning narrative that impresses with its originality, sophistication, and complexity.”  RASL will also get its own dedicated app.  And to celebrate their release, BONE #1 and RASL #1 will be free with the other books on sale for $.99 from July 14^th-19^th.

This year, Jeff Smith is celebrating twenty years in the comic book business. In 1991, he launched a company called Cartoon Books to publish his comics work, and against all odds, the small company flourished, building a reputation for quality stories and artwork.  In 2005, Scholastic Graphix began publishing Bone as a series of full-color graphic novels.  With well over 6 million books sold in the U.S. and Canada, BONE has become one of the top selling U.S. graphic novels of all time.

“comiXology is on the pulse of what readers want in the digital world,” said Jeff Smith, creator of BONE. “Based on popular demand, we couldn’t be more delighted to bring BONE to its community of loyal fans and now for the first time ever, on the iPad.”

Creator Jeff Smith will also be hosting an exclusive live Q&A on Reddit, Thursday July 14^th, from 4pm-6pm to answer any questions and thoughts that you have. Please go to www.comixology.com/reddit during that time to chat directly with him.

Any BONE and RASL comics purchased in the dedicated apps will sync and also be available to read in the Comics apps.

About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 10,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

Celebrating 20 years of BONE with a live Q&A with Jeff Smith

To celebrate BONE, which TIME Magazine named “one of the ten greatest graphics novels of all time,” multiple award-winning cartoonist Jeff Smith will hold an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Reddit with us tomorrow from 4-6pm EST for his loyal fans and community.

At 4pm tomorrow, please go to comixology.com/reddit where Jeff will be waiting to answer all your questions, thoughts and Boneville ideas!

Matthew Petz brings War to The Woods!

After a Brief hiatus the comiXology blog is back with all-new interviews from the creators of the coolest digital comics around! Today we’re lucky enough to sit down with former Zuda comics winner and current War of The Woods creator Matthew Petz. His creator owned comic is a unique addition to the comiXology collection and in the interview below Matthew was kind enough to give us some insight into his work and the killer comic he works on.

comiXology: First off Matt thanks for your time. For those unfamiliar with your Book War of the Woods, could you explain what it’s about?

Matthew Petz: Well my standard quick pitch at a con is its’ War of the Worlds meets Wind in the Willows. Basically it’s the classic aliens invade Earth storyline but from the perspective for the Animal kingdom. Specifically we follow a father and son who happen to be otters. Along the way you’ll meet all kinds of new animals as they try to figure out how to survive and fight back.

comiXology: The classic UFO twist makes for a really fun and unique read. What would you say has been your biggest influence for this project?

MP: When I first came up with the idea it was just a straight Aliens invade Earth story focusing on humans. Focusing on animals came from my girlfriend Maria. So In a way she was the most influential person on the story! Beyond that I just love the classic stuff like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Phin the little otter in the story is at the beginning of the classic heros journey, so those classic stories really helped me figure out where I wanted to go. I was also thinking of things like the Walking Dead and The Road, and the Alien films.

comiXology: So just for fun. Do you believe in life out amongst the stars?

MP: Totally. Its’ crazy to think we’re the only life in the universe. Plus life is much more exciting with big mysteries like that. I always roots for the possibility of alines and sea monsters and bigfoots!

comiXology: For the matter. What advice do you have for your fellow humans in the event of an alien invasion?

MP: Ya know I probably think about this stuff too much. In the case of aliens, we might be screwed. Alien technology is probably too much for us realistically. I’d rather try to survive a zombie invasion. Whatever happens first thing you need to do it get your crew together. Being in NY I think you need to get across a bridge quickly or at the very least steal a boat. But you need to follow the golden rule : You don’t have to reload an axe or a machete …. yeah I’ve thought about this too much!

comiXology: Now War of The Woods happens to be one of the few creator owned comics on comiXology as of right now? How did this project come to fruition in the first place?

MP: Well originally War of the Woods, was a winner of DC Comics’ Zuda competition. DC closed Zuda down before I had a chance to actually launch the comic. The one GOOD thing to happen though was that I had a contract already signed. In the end I was essentially bought out and DC was great about giving me my rights back. From there David Gallaher  ( High Moon, and Box 13 ) helped put me in contact with Comixology. They seemed really great and interested in getting the book out there.

comiXology: With the next installment approaching release, any chance you can give us a taste of what’s in store?

MP: Well, this first season really sets up a larger story. It introduces the reader to the main cast and the world at large. I’m finishing the last section now and when we come to the end of part one the big journey will have begun to save Earth.

comiXology: Ultimately what do you hope readers take away from War of the Woods, is there a message hidden among the mayhem?

MP: I really wanted to create an original all ages book, something EVERYONE can enjoy. Beyond the fun of seeing animals fight aliens I hope people connect with the characters and I suppose the main theme is having faith in something despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

comiXology: Given your experiences in the world of digital comics, what would you like to see happen down the road, and where do you see things going from here?

MP: Well digital is the future. I’m definitely of the belief that printed a 20 page comic will become exclusively digital. As tablets get cheaper and more prevalent EVERYONE will own one. At the same time I think we’re seeing that printing a collection of digital content is something consumers very much want. It’s something I want to do with War of the Woods. Have it serialized digitally then collected in a print trade. It’s a really exciting time for comics!

comiXology: Thanks Matt!

Be sure to check out War of the Woods along with all the great digital comics from comiXology. For more cool creator interviews and all the latest on the world of digital be sure to bookmark the blog and check back often!

comiXology’s 3 Day Vertigo Sale

Midnight is the witching hour, and tonight when the clock strikes twelve (EST) comiXology will be unleashing a brand new batch of Vertigo digital comics! Uncover the mysteries of the award winning series The Unwritten, chill with the thrills of American Vampire, savor the stories of Sweet Tooth and experiance some classic Vertigo titles from the beginning plus so much more.

The sale begins at 12:00am 6/2 and continues through the holiday weekend until Monday 6/4 at 11:00pm EST. Don’t delay check out some of the best mature reader comics around before this deal vanishes into thin air.

Vertigo digital sale issues include:

• American Vampire #1-5

• Animal Man #1-9

• Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love #1-6

• Death: The High Cost of Living #1-3

• Demo [Vol. 2] #1-6

• iZombie #1-5 (“Sven the Returned”)

• The Other Side#1-5

• The Sandman Presents: Lucifer #1-3

• Lucifer #1-4

• Sweet Tooth #1-5 (“Out of the Woods”)

• The Unwritten #1-18

• Inside Man #6-12

• Dead Man’s Knock #13-18

• Shade: The Changing Man #106 (“The American Scream”)

• The Sandman #1-8 (“Preludes and Nocturnes”)

• Fables #1-5 (“Legends in Exile”)

• DMZ #1-5 (“On the Ground”)

Scott Pilgrim Keeps On Rocking!

You asked for it and we’ve got it after a weekend of dominating the comixology web store Bryan Lee O’Malley’s modern day masterpiece  Scott Pilgrim is finally hitting the apps with all six volumes ready for download on any Android or iOS device**. Thanks to Oni Press and comics by comiXology all the action, awesomeness and adventure is now available along side all your favorite comics!

You can download the comics by comixology app for the iPhone, iPad and android for FREE and get a FREE preview of Scott Pilgrim Volume #1 Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life along with the hundreds of other free offerings from the coolest digital comics provider around.

So what are you waiting for!? All six volumes of the Oni Press hit that inspired the movie are available for download across all the comixology platforms**. You don’t have to take on the universe by yourself in order to read them just grab your Droid, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and download your favorites today!

**Downloads currently unavailable in the UK and other counties.

Kicking It With Jim Zubkavich Part Two

It’s been a big week here at comixology HQ with lots of great books hitting the apps and big news from some awesome publishers. Earlier this week we brought you a few answers to the questions you’ve had about the totally awesome Image Comics series SkullKickers! now with issue six readily available from comiXology we’re bringing you the rest of those questions curtiousy of super star creator Jim Zubkavich! Skullkickers has quickly become a fan favorite comic worthy of respect and admiration all around. Now with the exciting conclusion to series first arc avaiable for download Jim is here with the low down on what’s to come.

comiXology: With the sixth and final issue out on comiXology this week, what has your experience working on the digital front been like?

Jim Zubkavich: It’s not our final issue! Don’t leave us yet! Believe me, we have more adventures to tell. Although Skullkickers was originally announced as a mini-series, we’ve been given the go ahead by Image for more monster mashy goodness and I assure you that we’re hard at work on the second story arc, which will be arriving late May/early June.

Having an easily accessible digital version of the book is wonderfully flexible. Having a free zero issue available to as a way to bring readers in the door and get them used to the Skullkickers style has been invaluable too.

Misty’s moody color palettes look fantastic, with bright magic effects and lush environments really popping well on screen.

Probably my favorite aspect of the digital issues has been playing with the formatting options that are possible. In our third issue there was a four page spread of the dwarf hallucinating that we had to split into two double spreads for the printed book. In the digital version it’s just one giant panoramic view that pulls in the reader that much more; Very satisfying and engaging.

comiXology: With the collected trade out in stores and the first story arc completed, what’s next for the guys as they continue on the road to fortune and glory?

JZ: We’ve played with some of the fantasy tropes I love but there’s a wealth of other material we can still poke holes in. The second story arc, called ‘Five Funerals and a Bucket of Blood’, is centered around the Skullkickers’ troubles in the capital city. They get themselves embroiled with politics, a thieves’ guild, nature spirits and plant monster. If you enjoyed our first adventure I know you’re going to be equally pleased with what we have planned in the coming months.

comiXology: On that note what’s next for The Skullkickers creative team, any new projects you can tease us with?

JZ:I’m working on a few other story pitches I’m hoping will solidify enough that I can announce them during the summer. Skullkickers is my main priority at this point though, and I want to make sure that we keep the momentum we’ve built so far.

Be sure to check out issues #1-6 right now in the image comics app, the comics by comiXology app. and our web store or you can pick up the trade paperback at your local comic shop. Keep an eye out for more cool news and creator interviews to come, it’s all right here on the comiXology blog!