12 REASONS WHY I LOVE HER FILM FESTIVAL

When I started to hatch a plan to relaunch 12 Reasons Why I Love Her for its tenth anniversary--in stores now!--I had some weird notion that we might one day do a film festival with movies that inspired the book or otherwise have something in common with it. Namely, films with fractured timelines, or multiple storylines that overlap and backtrack and alter how you view what came before, or that otherwise take a unique approach to showing a relationship. I made a list on my phone and I've been carrying it around for god knows how long. Here is what I had settled on, were you inclined to undertake this festival on your own:

Two for the Road (1967), dir. Stanley Donen

Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight (1995/2004/2013), dir. Richard Linklater

Scenes from a Marriage (1973); dir. Ingmar Bergman

5X2 (2004), dir. Francois Ozon

Three Times (2005), dir. Hou Hsiao Hsien

In the Mood For Love (2000)/2046 (2004), dir. Wong Kar-Wai

Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959), dir. Alain Resnais

The Day He Arrives (2011)/In Another Country (2012), dir. Hong San-soo

Reconstruction (2003), dir. Christoffer Boe

Lucas Belvaux's Trilogy (2002)

13 Conversations About One Thing (2001), dir. Jill Sprecher

Sliding Doors (1998), dir. Peter Howitt

ALL TOMORROW'S PARTIES: LADY KILLER #3 PREVIEW

Lady Killer #3 lands in comic book shops this week: Wednesday, March 4. The 2nd printing of #2 is also being released this week. 

Joëlle and I had a nice chat with Comics Alliance about the book, and she showed off the cover process for the issue. Scroll through to see the different stages.

And you can also look through a sneak preview of five pages, right here.

The series got a neat shout-out from Nuke the Fridge, who would like to see cosplay of Josie. We agree!

One of my new favorite comic characters comes from Dark Horse Comics’ Lady Killer. Josie is a hit-woman by night and a house wife and mother by day. She has a great look to her and a great story. She has a few different outfits to her which all look great, so any one of them would be a cool cosplay to see.

Don't forget to follow the Lady Killer tumblr for more regular updates and special sneak peeks and inspiration.

Because there you would have already seen this neat piece of fan art from our friend Monica Gallagher, whose on book Part-Time Princesses is coming soon from Oni Press.

MADAME FRANKENSTEIN trade paperback delayed until March 18

Bad news in regards to the Madame Frankenstein trade paperback, originally due in stores this week. We have been informed that some kind of problem at the docks has delayed the shipment from the printer, and so the books won't be in stores now until March 18.

Our apologies for this most unexpected development. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at some of the design elements and sketches from the book.

For more details on the series, visit the Image Comics page, or join us on Facebook.

DROP DOWN DEAD TONIGHT

Lady Killer #5 (of 5)
Joëlle Jones (W/A/Cover), Jamie S. Rich (W), and Laura Allred (C)

On sale May 6
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

Josie closes in on the truth behind who really wants to end her life as a cheerful housewife, mother, and ruthlessly skilled assassin! Who is really behind the hit? And are they closer to home than she’d like?

“A level of violence that can only be described as Mad Men’s Betty Draper meets Dexter.”—Comic Book Resources

Current Soundtrack: Fifty Shades of Gray soundtrack

LAST CALL on LADY KILLER #2

Final order cut-off for the second printing of Lady Killer #2 is today, Monday, February 9. Dont miss out! More details here. 

For those looking to hear arguments in favor of the book...

Our editor, Scott Allie, spends a lot of time talking about Lady Killer in this recent interview with Bleeding Cool. The site also gives a tremendous review to #2.

And Joëlle has her own chat with Graphic Policy.

Plus a couple more reviews:

* Doomrocket includes us in their weekly round-up

The attention to period detail is very appreciated, and only makes the story more engaging. (In a period piece, there’s nothing worse than getting pulled out of a story because someone’s hair or costume or makeup is incorrect: no such problems arise here.) Aesthetically, even Jones’ art style fits with the era, at times reminiscent of the gorgeous fashion illustration of the time. This is simply well-crafted and entertaining fiction: the only fault to find with it is its brevity as a five-issue mini-series, and that only three more installments remain. (My fingers are certainly crossed for more.)

* Geeked-Out Nation

* RoboFist

Current Soundtrack: Beyoncé, BEYONCÉ [platinum edition]

LADY KILLER #2 GOES TO A 2ND PRINT, PLUS MORE REVIEWS

The response to the second issue of Lady Killer is proving just as strong as the first...

...which itself is picking up new readers in advance of the reprint due out on 2/18. Check out this long review of #1 from Eat Geek Play.

Today we even announced a sell-out and a second print of the issue.

‘LADY KILLER’ #2 CONTINUES SELLOUT, GOES TO SECOND PRINTING

02/05/2015 1:01pm

‘Lady Killer’ Second Issue Continues An Incredible Direct-Market Run

Dark Horse is proud to announce that Joëlle Jones, Jamie S. Rich, and Laura Allred’s Lady Killer #2 has sold out at the distributor level and will receive a second printing, a mere day after its publication.

In Lady Killer #2, Josie’s life grows more complicated than ever. Between the demands of her family life (including her disapproving mother-in-law), the challenges of performing as a ruthless assassin, and being underestimated by the men she works for, how can she do it all—and make it look so good?

The issue’s second-printing cover will feature a new color scheme that’s black, white, and red all over.

Don’t be left behind on the series Gail Simone calls “a gorgeous and darkly funny book, well worth buying.” Order your copy of the second printing of Lady Killer #2 today through your local retailer!

Lady Killer #2 Second Printing (DEC148395)

Joëlle Jones (W/A/Cover) and Jamie S. Rich (W)

On sale March 4

FC, 32 pages; Miniseries

$3.50

Praise for Lady Killer #2:

“As delightful to read as it is to just look at.”—Multiversity Comics

“This feels like a hit in the making.”—Comic Book Resources’ Comics Should Be Good

‘Lady Killer’ Second Issue Continues An Incredible Direct-Market Run

 

Lady Killer #2 second printing cover

A few more links to reviews of Lady Killer #2:

* ComicAttack.Net

* Comic Bastards: score of 4 out of 5

* Comic Vine: 5 out of 5

* Adventures in Poor Taste: 7.5/10

* Rockin' Comics: 4.75/5

* All-Comic.com: 4/5

Current Soundtrack: Björk, Vulnicura

SECOND TIME AROUND

Lady Killer #2 lands today! In comic shops everywhere.

Here are a couple of early reviews:

* Big Comic Page

* Broken Frontier staff pick

* Coming Up Comics

* Graphic Policy

* Multiversity's Comics Should Be Cheap: picked twice!

* Nuke the Fridge

* Backwards Compatible:

Joëlle also made the list for Comics Should Be Good/She Has No Head's 10 Ladies Leveling Up in 2015. Excerpt:

Having read the first issue I can tell you that it’s easily Jones best work (and maybe Rich’s as well?) and the book feels like it could hit pretty big. It’s got a nice easy to pitch high-concept idea—kind of a Mad Men meets Kill Bill…or perhaps Dexter vibe—and paired with a strong completely beautiful execution, this feels like a hit in the making.

And the two of us have a quick chat with Geeked-Out Nation.

Current Soundtrack: Inherent Vice soundtrack

LADY KILLER SELLS OUT, GOES TO SECOND PRINT RUN

Lady Killer Slays the Direct Market 

Dark Horse is proud to announce that the first issue of Joëlle Jones, Jamie S. Rich, and Laura Allred’s Lady Killer has sold out at the distributor level and will receive a second printing!

Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother—but she’s also a ruthless, efficient killer for hire! A brand-new original comedy series that combines the wholesome imagery of early 1960s domestic bliss with a tightening web of murder, paranoia, and cold-blooded survival, Lady Killer has received acclaim from creators and critics alike.

“The best comics feature great talent throwing together the stuff that gets them most excited, like Mike Mignola onHellboy, or Eric Powell on The Goon, or Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips on The Fade Out,” said Dark Horse’s editor in chief, Scott Allie. “Joëlle’s drawn a lot of other people’s stories, but only she could’ve used midcentury fashion, espionage, and ultraviolence to create such a perfectly modern comic.”

To reflect the absolute killing the issue’s first print run made in the direct market, the second-printing cover will feature a special blood-red color scheme.

Find out why the critics are raving. Order Lady Killer #1 today through your local retailer!

Lady Killer #1 Second Printing (DEC148311)

Joëlle Jones (W/A/Cover) and Jamie S. Rich (W)

On sale February 18

FC, 32 pages; Miniseries

$3.50

Praise for Lady Killer #1:

“A gorgeous and darkly funny book, well worth buying.”—Gail Simone

“Dark Horse has spared no expense in making this miniseries loaded with talent.”—Comic Book Resources’ Robot 6

“Jones brings a new level of polish to her artwork on this title, using a clean, confident line that gives Lady Killer a slick retro look.”—The A.V. Club

PREVIEW LADY KILLER #2

Yesterday, Doom Rocket premiered exclusive pages from Lady Killer #2.

Give a look to their coverage here.

Lady Killer #2 goes on sale February 4, 2014.

You can also meet Joëlle Jones at Wizard World Portland this weekend, where she will have a table. 

I'll be hanging around a bit, and I am scheduled to sign at the Dark Horse booth on 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Current Soundtrack: Emile Haynie & Lana Del Rey, "Wait for Life"

LADY KILLER #4 SOLICITATION

Dark Horse has released details of their April titles.

Lady Killer #4 (of 5)

Joëlle Jones (W/A/Cover) and Jamie S. Rich (W)
On sale Apr 1
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries

Josie is a happily dedicated housewife and mother in 1960s suburban Seattle—but she’s keeping a secret from her family: she’s also a contract killer with nerves of steel! But when the tables turn and she finds herself with a target on her own back, she looks for answers from another mysterious, deadly woman!

“A level of violence that can only be described as Mad Men’s Betty Draper meets Dexter.”—Comic Book Resources

Dark Horse's April Solicits

Click through the gallery to see all stages of the cover.

There have also been a few more reviews of #1:

* The Onion AV Club

* Major Spoilers

* A second one from Newsarama

* Thor's Comic Review at Bleeding Cool

And how about this sneak peek at #4 pencils that Joëlle tweeted out?

Current Soundtrack: Ariana Grande, Yours Truly

PASS THE AMMUNITION II: MORE LADY KILLER REVIEWS

I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed by the positive response to Lady Killer. It's starting to feel a little ludicrous how long the list of reviews is becoming. I've never experienced such a stupendous amount of buzz around a title...and I've had some pretty good buzz. Not complaining, mind you. This is a good problem to have.

If you liked the first issue, now is a good time to let your comics retailer know. Lady Killer #2 is on its way to the printer, and I believe the print run will be set soon. Make sure you tell them you want them to order all the issues for you. Final Order Cut-Off for the second one is this coming Monday, January 12.

And if you want a sneak peek of #2, Broken Frontier has an exclusive pair of pages in their new interview with Joëlle and I.

Also, check out Joëlle on the local news:

My first review post was, basically, all the links that were up before I went to bed on the eve of the comic going on sale. These started the next morning:

* Newsarama Best Shots: 7 out of 10

* We The Nerdy: 7/10

* CC2K: 4/5

* Comicosity: 8.5/10

Sort of like how Mad Men took the rich visual glamour of the early 60’s and drenched it in alcoholism, failed relationships, and child neglect, Lady Killer upends the story of the Cleavers with a literal cleaver. It’s always fun to take a lighter look at the darker side, and this book does it with both style and substance.

* Broken Frontier, who already gave us a great slot in their advance picks, now gives us a full review.

By the end of this first issue, the team has thrown Josie into a situation that’s a far cry from her comfort zone—and that’s great news for readers. If you prefer your social commentary with an extra-sharp edge, Lady Killer offers plenty to savor.

* Panel Patter 

This first issue throws us right into the middle of the mystery of Josie Schuller, housewife and professional killer, showing just enough about her and establishing the conflicts which will presumably serve as the main source of tension throughout the series (i.e., the balance between Josie's hidden life and her more public one, and the potential problem her mother-in-law may be). One issue in and Josie is a compelling, complex character. 

 * Bleeding Cool

The writing is very fluid, sucked me right into the plot and held my attention right until the end. Joelle Jones’ art style has a classic but cryptic feel at some points. At the beginning of the issue, when the main character is posing as an Avon lady, there is a panel that sent chills down my spine. The expression on her face was so detailed, but the look in her eyes made me think…”This woman is capable of some pretty crazy stuff.” 

Throwback Thursday: The first drawing of Josie in her Kitty Kat Club costume.

* The 10 Spot ranks us as one of their 10s of the week.

* Comic Vine also gives us a perfect score: 5 for 5.

There are times you need to simply try a brand new comic. LADY KILLER needs to be that comic. With a strange mix of a 1960s wholesome vibe and a some serious violence, this is a refreshing book that gives you something delightfully different.

* Backwards Compatible

Overall this is a miniseries that feels like it has some teeth, the visuals cast and plot all work well together and the creative team feel like they have a handle on the cadence of the story. If you enjoy undercover assassin stories then this will be for you, as for me I’m already caught in the Lady-killers web.

* Geeked-Out Nation

* Comic Book Resources: * * * *

I've been a huge fan of Jones ever since "12 Reasons Why I Love Her," but I feel like she's upped her game here. The art has the same characteristics of her earlier works -- clean, carefully composed characters -- but there are also some differences; the art in general feels a little more fluid, the inks a little slick. In many ways, it reminds me a lot of Paul Pope, whose art always feels like it's going to slide off of the page, but with a tiny bit more self-control imposed by Jones. Jones also does an amazing job of building a fully-realized world through the art. The clothing choices instantly plunge your mindset into the past, and that's before you add in the backgrounds. Everything from wallpaper to home appliances is deliberately chosen to root this book in a specific time period, and it's all meticulously drawn.

* The Frog Queen

Man I love this artwork. I really do. Joelle Jones is brilliant here with this nod at 1950's magazine advertising. Her previous work includes Helheim, The Adventures of Superman, Doctor Horrible, Creepy Comics, Ultimate Spiderman, and the New York Times to name a few. The ink splattered pages subconsciously projects grit into your mind. The action panels are terrifyingly realistic with confrontational character poses that puts you in both in the perspective of the killer and then also the victim. With sensational colorist Laura Allred in her corner, this series deserves some serious awards.

* Mental Floss declares us one of the Most Interesting Comics of the Week

* The Fandom Post grades us A+

Finally, thanks to everyone who came out to our party last night. Things from Another World really put on a great event, and so many people dressed up, it was great. Here's a photo of Joëlel and I at the store.

Current Soundtrack: Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint (Deluxe); Charli XCX, Sucer

PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITION

So, Lady Killer #1 is here. Portlanders, don't forget about our Wednesday release party. It's going to be a blast. Info is here, or you can stream my Spotify playlist for the event, check the embed below.

Reviews have been really good.

* The Geek Initiative dissects the issue and finds it has a lot under the surface. They say it "begs the reader to examine the complexity of characters and people."

* What'Cha Reading? also gives us a longer look. "I loved Lady Killer. It was dark and funny. The writing evoked the 60s well so the juxtaposition of Josie as killer was that much more jarring."

* Nuke the Fridge says "It was just that awesome and everyone needs some awesome in their lives."

* Super Space Chick's Tea & Comics column ranks us "Really Love It."

* Comics Bulletin lists us among their picks of the week. Pole position, in fact.

First up is Lady Killer #1 by Joelle Jones and Jamie S. Rich, published by Dark Horse. Jones is a big draw for me, capable of some very graceful lines, while Rich was a stalwart figure on the indie scene a decade or so ago, and always worth a look. They’re promising a weird juxtaposition of domestic bliss and visceral violence, in a way that reminds me of The Milkman Murders, a seminal work by Joe Casey and Steve Parkhouse that was tongue-in-cheek suburban horror, sort of subsuming the American Dream and traditional social roles

* Likewise with Fantom Comics and their weekly picks. 

Early ’60s housewife turned killer for hire?! Sounds like fun to us, and continues the wonderful recent trend of lady badass series. Glad to see Dark Horse getting in on the game.

* Skelton Pete shares the preview and some kind words.

Writers Joëlle Jones (Helheim) and Jamie S. Rich (It Girl and The Atomics) set the stage in the premiere issue with some “if at first you don’t succeed” mano-a-mano murder worthy of Alfred Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain. Jones is also the illustrator of the series and keeps the line work crisp and the 50’s/60’s details accurate.

* And ComicAttack.net has some particularly nice things to say about Joëlle's hard work.

To go along with a very good story is page after page of some really great artwork from Joëlle Jones. Those familiar with her work already know the level of quality you’ll get here. Those that are new will be very pleased to see what awaits them in this issue. From the character designs to the décor and locations, you will be fully immersed in the time period. The action has a nice visceral flow to it that is more brawler than stylized martial arts scenes. All of it is made complete with the colors of Laura Allred. Making the entire visual experience one that is quite enjoyable and worth several looks after you read it the first time.

* Rockin' Comics may win for the best opening line. 

It’s like Mary Tyler Moore and La Femme Nikita had a baby, and that baby was Lady Killer #1.  Man, I’m just 24 pages into this thing and I want to take this baby home, nurture it, care for it, and watch over it as it grows.  (I think I just called a child and “it”… I’m not sure how I feel about that.)

* Rhymes With Geek rates us 8/10.

Laura Allred has really outdone herself in the coloring of this comic. She perfectly accentuates Jones’ vibrant tone. Each panel looks like piece of pop art fit for a museum. This book has so much beautiful attitude emanating from it, and I can’t think of a single thing I’d change about the way it looks. Right down to the ink spray in the gutters of the pages, the design of this issue is something to admire.

* Big Comic Page drops a 4/5 on us.

There’s something uniquely appealing about the contrast in style that’s going on here, with the saccharine-sweet, whiter-than-white world of the early 60’s being juxtaposed with the brutal reality of the hitman (or hitwoman, in this case). Jones clearly takes great pleasure in playing around with this, having Josie switch from ice-cold – if slightly unlucky – killer to doting housewife at the turn of a page, and throwing in several great visual flourishes along the way.

Jamie S. Rich provides polish to the dialogue here, and it definitely flows smoothly throughout, from Josie’s earnest ‘Avon Lady’ routine during her opening contract to the flirtatious, innuendo-laden exchange with her handler Peck later in the issue. 

* All-Comics.Com also gave us 4/5.

This book may be a comedy, but the art in this book is no joke (insert rimshot here). Honestly, Lady Killer looks amazing. Joëlle Jones is such a talented artist that doesn’t get enough attention for her great work. Lady Killer truly feels like she is on top of her game. Jones is able to capture the feel of the 60’s without making the series look outdated or flat. Speaking of artists who don’t get enough attention, I almost jumped for joy when I saw Laura Allred was coloring Lady Killer. Allred usually doesn’t do a lot of coloring work outside of her collaborations with husband Mike Allred. So anytime you get to see Laura working with other artists it’s going to be a colorful treat.

* A 9/10 from Adventures in Poor Taste

* Broken Frontier Staff Pick

* Multiple picks from Multiversity.

* Feminism/geekery

* Retailer picks at 13th Dimension

* And let's close with an absolute rave, 10/10 from Coming Up Comics.

The hook alone makes this book worth reading, but what propels it to the level of perfection is Jones’ meticulous attention to details. Every line, angle, and trademark ink spatter she puts down on the page creates a world of aesthetic impact—these panels nearly pop right off the page with how perfectly composed they are. Heavily inspired by the era’s slick advertising, Lady Killer has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek when showing pictures of domestic bliss, where a dainty Josie cooks in a spotless apron while a huge knife features in the foreground.

...

Laura Allred’s coloring, however, is what truly brings this issue to life. There is quite literally no one else in the industry who could have colored this book better. Her choices always elevate, never muddle or hinder the artwork, and it’s this final wash of brilliant tones that brings Joëlle’s artwork to the next level."

Current Soundtrack: Snow Tha Product, "Hola;" Nicki Minaj & Jessie Ware, "The Crying Game;" Beyonce & Nicki Minaj, "Flawless (Remix)"

LADY KILLER: New reviews and upcoming appearances

We are just a week and a half out from Lady Killer's debut, and more advance word is rolling in. 

Joëlle and I did one more interview over at Big Comic Page.

BCP: There’s definitely some fairly graphic violence in the first issue, but the series also seems to have a steady undercurrent of dark humour throughout. Was it important for you to strike that balance?

JSR: From day one, Joëlle laid out her plan to really go for it with the violence. If I remember right, she mentioned DEXTER as an indicator of how violent. It was important to us both that Josie’s job not be toothless, that people be genuinely surprised to see her do what she does and that it’s not very nice. We both have a pretty wicked sense of humor, you should hang out with us after a couple of drinks when we’re being catty. We both like the macabre. So, you know, a little ADDAMS FAMILY, a little of the AMERICAN PSYCHO movie.

We also have some pretty positive advance reviews.

* Geek Rex:

One thing I really dig about this first issue is the way Jones and Rich go about setting up the story. Rather than use the bait and switch (as I just did in my short description), they go about it from the opposite direction, showing you her clever cunning as she brutally murders a woman and then giving us her cover story and family life. It really lets us jump right in without basing the whole first issue on a twist that we already know is coming. -

* Geek Chic Elite:

The combination of writing and artwork accomplish the most important thing; making you interested in the characters. They seemed alive with their facial expression and smartly drawn backgrounds bringing the characters to the forefront even more. The familiar setting for the most part becomes forgotten and pages can go by while you get involved with what’s happening in the panels before your eyes.

We continue to update our Tumblr, and also don't forget to come to our January 7 release party at Things from Another World if you are in the Portland area. Joëlle, Laura, and I will all be in attendance, and I am putting together an extensive playlist for the event. 

You can also meet Joëlle at Wizard World Portland on January 23-25 and at Challengers Comics in Chicago on March 20. Original Lady Killer art will be on display at Challengers.

Then we we will both be at Emerald City Comic Con on March 27-29, signing with Dark Horse and probably Oni Press. I'll maybe make an appearance at Image Comics' booth, and also be hanging around Megan Levens' table. I'll post a full schedule once I have it. 

Current Soundtrack: Alison Moyet, Minutes & Seconds (Live)

THE WORLD AND HIS WIFE

More talk about Lady Killer, including an interview with Joëlle over at Dynamic Forces.

We also got a great advance review from the awesome folks at Rock! Shock! Pop!

There’s a fairly wicked sense of humor behind everything that happens here, not just in the opening ‘hit’ but in the way that Josie is so easily able to get her husband (the bread winner) off her scent but maybe not her old German mother-in-law. It will be interesting to see how that part of the story plays out. There are a few good hooks tossed out in this debut issue that should keep readers interested and wanting to stick with the story to see how it ends – Jones and Rich are in fine form here. There’s a lot of wit and weird creativity but at the same time it feels ‘right’ for the era in which it is set, what with some sexism on the part of the few male characters that have appeared so far.

Read the entire Rock! Shock! Pop! review here.

You can also read a joint interview with us at Comicosity.

Finally, if you follow the Lady Killer tumblr, you've already scene our first awesome cosplay. That's our friend Bardot posing as Josie. We hope she starts a trend. Don't be afraid to submit your own take on the character. Do it right, in fact, and folks might be afraid of you!

Current Soundtrack: new Madonna tracks

GET THIS LOOK: LADY KILLER

So, this time for real, this is our last day for preorders before setting the print run on Lady Killer #1, so call your retailer now if you haven't already. Give them the Diamond Order code NOV140021.

Today we released the fully designed covers for the first four issues, including the never-before-seen #4 cover, which you can see in its "raw" form below. In addition to the line work by Joëlle Jones and the coloring by Laura Allred, Kat Larson at Dark Horse is working with us to make each cover another vintage ad parody.

You can see #1 and #4, as well as preview the book and read a new interview with Joëlle over at Comic Vine.

The covers for #2 and #3 are at the Beat.

Thanks, as ever, for supporting this book. We're putting everything we have into it, and we hope it shows.

Current Soundtrack: Playlist of Neptunes productions over on Spotify