You're Custom Text Here
Big announcement today!
Three years ago, Joëlle Jones came to me with an incredible idea and invited me to work with her in developing it. Now that book, Lady Killer, is becoming a reality.
You can read more about the series over at Comics Alliance.
It's written and drawn by Joëlle, with colors by Laura Allred, lettering by Crank, and additional dialogue by me.
Dark Horse is publishing the series starting in January!
Current Soundtrack: Jungle, s/t
Image has released their October solictiations, including...
Current Soundtrack: Morrissey, World Peace is None of Your Business
You coming?
Current Soundtrack: Iggy Azalea, The New Classic (Deluxe)
There's still time to jump on Madame Frankenstein. Our fourth issue is the beginning of the second act, and the final order cut-off is Monday. Give you comic book retailer this code: JUN140554.
Don MacPherson at Eye on Comics gave us a 9/10 for our third issue.
Madame Frankenstein is a fascinating new spin on the Frankenstein concept. Rich has opted to set it in a different period, and the early 20th-century society that serves as the backdrop is really one of the most interesting characters in the book. Artist Megan Levens brings the time to life adeptly. Her style reminds me a great deal of that of Joëlle (Helheim) Jones, which should come as no big surprise. Jones and Rich are frequently collaborators, and she provides the cover art for this series.
So you know we're doing a good job!
Here's some of what you'll see in #4.
Current Soundtrack: Marc Maron's WTF #509 w/ Romany Malco
NOW IN THEATERS...
* Boyhood, Richard Linklater's phenomenal chronicle of one boy growing up, filmed over the course of twelve years.
* Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, a sequel that bests the original. All-ape action!
* Slaughter Nick for President, in which an early '90s TV star discovers he's a folk hero in Serbia. The Searching for Sugarman of schlock TV.
Also, in revival at the Laurelhurst Theater & Pub this week, Mel Brooks' Hitchcock parody High Anxiety. It hasn't aged well, alas.
WATCH IT AT HOME...
* Caught, a moody melodrama from the master Max Ophüls.
* Kissing Jessica Stein, a well-meaning throwback to the early '00s.
* The Lost Moment, a bizarre love triangle of sorts, based on a Henry James story, with a marvelous performance from Susan Hayward. A good double-bill with the Ophüls film.
Current Soundtrack: Damon Albarn, live on French TV
Archer Coe and the Thousand Natural Shocks has been out in book form for a week now, and response continues to be strong. Thanks to everyone who has tweeted at us or messaged to say they were reading and/or finished and liked it.
Given that it's new comics day, if you're heading into the store to pick up your books--perhaps United States of Murder Inc. #3 or the Rocket Girl trade paperback--then consider adding mine and Dan Christensen's comic to your pile.
Don't take my word for it? Listen to these guys.
Forces of Geek gave the book a 7.5 out of 10. I'll take it!
Jamie S. Rich has penned an intriguing guessing game as each turn of the page made me crave the end game even more. There are several subplots that aren’t too heavy and fit in nicely with the overall theme of the story. Dan Christensen’s black and white artwork was simple and effective in illustrating this noir tale.
One, Two, Kapow at First Appearance Comics & Games gives us 4/5. Closing in the gap!
Otherwise the story is fantastic and will keep you guessing about Archer’s sanity until the end. Christensen’s art is a perfect complement for the story as I loved his minimalistic pencils. Keeping it black and white was a great choice for the noir feel of the story. I truly hope the creators have something else planned for Archer as he is a fantastic new character who you could see having many mire adventures.
We also get 4 out of 5 from the Itinerant Librarian.
This is a pretty good noir mystery. The story reveals layers and layers of depth; it may seem a bit convoluted as it can be a bit difficult to keep track of some of the events and flashbacks. Did such and such really happen? However, I think that is all part of the mystery, a way to leave the reader wondering a bit, maybe unsettle the reader a bit as Archer is unsettled in the story. The volume offers some nice and simple art in black and white.
And for those of you who like process, here's a treat. A reference photo I sent Dan for the nightclub scenes, a shot of Peter Lorre in The Black Angel I grabbed off the DVD.
Current Soundtrack: Lily Allen, "Bass Like Home" [free download details]; Lana Del Rey, "Born to Die"
Wow. Response to Madame Frankenstein #3 has been fantastic. It's really getting Megan and I pumped up as we head into the final lap. She's inking away on the finale.
Here's what some people have had to say.
Megan Levens’ art is so moody. It fits the atmosphere perfectly. I am not sure if black and white was the intentional color scheme but it works perfectly. The first image that comes into anyone’s mind when they think of Frankenstein is the classic Universal movie. Not coincidentally in black and white. It also works in the sense that the story itself takes place in a long gone time period. Levans’ facial expressions are also so spot on. This book is like watching a drama on tv and so the body language and facial expressions have a huge part in making the story work overall. She does a fabulous job.
This keeps coming up. Yes, we chose black-and-white on purpose, just for the record.
* 140 Character Reviews: Multiple writers share their tweets about comics. There are several for Madame F, and also one for Archer Coe. Example:
Madame Frankenstein is wonderful to look at and the story has me wanting to know what's going on!!
* Nothing But Comics: They include us in the best covers of the week. "I really like the minimalism of this composition. Quite evocative . . ."
"Madame Frankenstein" has taken a unique blend of elements and made a many-angled, multilayered plot out of a straightforward Frankenstein story. Jamie S. Rich has crammed a whole lot of character development and backstory into only three issues, and he has a beautiful ear for vintage dialogue that doesn't sound hokey. Getting to see past Courtney in this issue was a treat. With her snappy lines and command of a room, it was easy to understand how Vincent and Henry fell in love with her. The narrative's movement between past and present is also fascinating, and it could have been utterly confusing with a less skilled writer and artist.
Speaking of the artist, Megan Levens' work feels refreshingly effortless. Her body language is readable at a glance, her faces are expressive and her period details never feel like obvious chronological signposts. They're just seamlessly, quietly integrated.
Current Soundtrack: Sinead O'Connor, I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss
I like that A Boy and a Girl is already becoming one of those books that people keep discovering.
Natalie drew the above illustration of Charley while at a convention in France last month.
And we just got another great review, this time from one of the writers at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Yes, she only gives us a C+, but because she had such an emotional response to the ending of the book. I like that the comic moved her so much.
It’s hard to review this book because it’s full of twists that I don’t want to spoil. It’s also hard to review because the ending threw me off so completely in the last 12 pages that now I’m like a little gif of confusion and panic. And yet I still want everyone in the whole world to read it, because so much of it is so good, but I want to warn everyone not to read it, because the ending made me so unhappy.
It's very fair reasoning, when you read the whole piece. I hope to hear more reactions like this over time. I'm sadistic!
Current Soundtrack: Depeche Mode, Delta Machine
NOW IN THEATERS...
One of the worst July 4 movie weekends of all time if you look at the major releases. Go small, or see Edge of Tomorrow if you haven't already. Or again.
* Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist, a new documentary about the rise and fall of an Italian bicycle racer.
* Snowpiercer, a mad futuristic vision from Bong Joon-ho. One of the best films of the summer, and one of the best would-be blockbusters of the year.
The NW Film Center will be kicking off their summer-long animation festival with Akira and Grave of the Fireflies as their first two choices.
Also, some folks will be getting A Hard Day's Night in revival thanks to the new Blu-ray release. Portland is one of those places.
WATCH IT AT HOME:
* Hearts and Minds, a newly remastered version of Peter Davis' innovative Vietnam War documentary. It now seems chillingly prescient.
* Judex, Georges Franju's pulpy homage to cliffhanger cinema is a surprising precursor to Archer Coe!
Current Soundtrack: Kele Okereke, Candy Flip
Archer Coe & the Thousand Natural Shocks is now on sale as printed comic!
And so is Madame Frankenstein #3.
I have another interview discussing both books, and a bunch of my other stuff, over at Broken Frontier. Read my conversation with Tyler Chin-Tanner right here.
Newsarama also gave Archer Coe a pretty solid review of 8 out of 10.
Up and comer Dan Christensen was a perfect choice for a book like this. Right off the bat, you're going to notice Christensen's sophisticated simplistic style, shaded gloriously in grayscale for that extra touch of noir. His cartooning nature and storytelling abilities are the big win here. His linework being a cross between something like Andrew MacLean and Darwyn Cooke, his handling of busy club scenes and intimate moments gives the book it's noir/old school pulp feel that it deserves.
And then there is this piece on Madame Frankenstein #3 from Unleash the Fanboy.
Likewise, Backwards Compatible chimes in on Madame Frankenstein #3:
The way Jamie S. Rich is drawing in themes from science to class is an intriguing part of the series. It mirrors the complexity of Mary Shelley’s original work albeit in a shortened form. Thankfully for the modern storyteller a picture is able to tell a thousand words and he is supported in this fact by the art from Megan Levens.
The art has the same level of depth and detail that we have seen in the previous issues. The expressive nature of the characters is put at the centre of most panels and helps make this story feel like the character study it really is.
Madame Frankenstein is a story that deserves your attention; it is well crafted and has a human focus that other stories sometimes fail to deliver.
I am sure more reviews are to come. Both comics are also available on Comixology. Go here to my author's page.
You can also get a multi-format DRM-free option for digital downloads of Madame Frankenstein directly from Image Comics.
Panels from Madame Frankenstein #3
Current Soundtrack: Broken Bells, After the Disco
"Face it, Tiger..."
Don't let all the Archer Coe posts bury the fact that Madame Frankenstein #3 is on sale tomorrow, as well. This one gives us the full backstory on the Henry/Courtney/Vincent triangle.
It's been designated as a Pick of the Week over at the Feminist/Geekery blog. Megan Levens and I will proudly cop to both of those things. Though, she's a way bigger nerd than me.
As I’ve been watching Penny Dreadful recently, I’ve begun to wonder just how someone goes about choosing a person to be their undead bride. Jamie Rich answers this question for us in this issue of Madame Frankenstein, fleshing out the female monster and giving more back story to the original.
Current Soundtrack: Client, Authority
Just a kiss/shot/day away from the release of Archer Coe and the Thousand Natural Shocks.
Cameron Crump conducted a great interview with me while I was in New York, and he's posted it to Comic Attack. Check it out here.
Broken Frontier included the book as a Pick of the Week.
There is also a really nice new review up at the Coming Up Comics blog in case you needed some added convincing.
If you’re a fan of great storytelling and interesting characters, get this as soon as it comes out. You won’t be disappointed.
Otherwise, these men have some questions for you...
Current Soundtrack: Drowners, Drowners
Was surprised to find a couple of Archer Coe drawings on Tumblr. No info on the artist from what I can see, though he or she may be Japanese. Their blog is here.
Love these, though. If you're the artist, please do get in touch.
Current Soundtrack: MKTO, "Classic;" Milky Chance, "Stolen Dance"
Current Soundtrack: Beyonce, "Partition"
Also on sale in physical form this Wednesday, July 2, at long last, is Archer Coe & the Thousand Natural Shocks.
It's been a long time coming! Preview the beginning of the book here.
I've also added physical stock to my webstore. All books bought directly from me come signed.
Current Soundtrack: Bobby Womack, Pieces
On sale this Wednesday, July 2. The issue where the past is revealed, as the creature is ushered toward her new life.
Here are the first six pages. And more details on the issue, including ordering a download from the publisher.
Current Soundtrack: Eno • Hyde, High Life
The folks over at Eat Geek Play asked me to participate in their "Make Me a Mixtape" feature, and I think it will surprise no one that I said yes.
I decided to put together a collection of tunes for all the comics I have coming this summer. So, selections related to Madame Frankenstein, The Double Life of Miranda Turner, and Archer Coe and the Thousand Natural Shocks.
You can listen to the songs and read why I chose them through this link.
You can also hear some folks chatting about Madame Frankenstein over at the Secret Identity podcast. This one here specifically.
Current Soundtrack: Eno & Hyde, Someday World
NOW IN THEATERS...
* Cardboard, a documentary about panhandlers in Seattle.
* Korengal, Sebastian Junger's sequel to the Oscar-winning documentary Restrepo looks at U.S. soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
* Willow Creek, Bobcat Goldthwaite's underwhelming Bigfoot movie.
Portlanders are also treated to a week-long engagement with E.T. The Extra-Terrerestrial.
Finally, I take a look at McCanick on Blu-ray. This corrupt-cop drama stars David Morse and the late Cory Monteith.
Current Soundtrack: Chvrches, The Bones of What You Believe (still so damn good)
I forgot to post this here since I was traveling when it went up, but you can hear a nice long talk with me, covering the gamut of my projects old and new, over at Pat Loika's Loikamania podcast.
Hopefully it will get everyone pumped for next week's dual release of Archer Coe and the Thousand Natural Shocks and Madame Frankenstein #3!
Current Soundtrack: How to Dress Well, "What is This Heart?"
Archer Coe and the Thousand Natural Shocks got a great response at Special Edition: New York City. I'm told that July 2 is going to be the actual release date now, same day as Madame Frankenstein #3. So that will be a great day for me at the comic book store!
Dan Christensen and I talked about the book with Pipedream Comics. You can read the whole chat right here.
It was also cool to see they gave us a positive review when the online serialization started.
With superb monochrome artwork from Dan Christensen which evokes both the weird and wonderful world of classic pulp but also the modern indie quirkiness of Mike Allred, Archer Coe is a really unique book that will evolve into something truly special over the course of it’s run (we’ve been lucky enough to check out the whole thing) so be sure to get involved at the very start as it’s one hell of a ride!
Speaking of good reviews, this very positive one comes from a noir skeptic who had his mind swayed by Archer's hypnotic powers.
All the ingredients of a stereotypical noir are here — the upstanding investigator, the chump husband who hires him, the seductive vamp at the center of the investigation — but none of them play out their roles in the expected way. As the mystery deepens, the story goes off the checklist completely, and Rich takes readers on something reminiscent of a Christopher Nolan film, or maybe even a Gilbert Hernandez comic.
I definitely may have been working something of a Gilbert Hernandez vibe, stuff like Grip and Sloth, sure. And I'm not going to lie, the original pitch contained the line, "a Coen Bros. script but directed by Christopher Nolan." So, kudos to you, sir!
The Outhousers also give us a pretty solid write-up:
Archer Coe and The Thousand Natural Shocks is a sharp, fresh take on the detective genre, blending murder mystery, pulp and honest-to-god psychics. Archer Coe himself is an interesting, gifted character, who seems to only be friends with cats, and I can’t wait to see where the next volume takes him and his cat friends.
And I also like when librarians chime in, this one is Sharon the Librarian:
Archer Coe is a mystery and a mind bending tale. The artwork and story compliment each other perfectly, in a complicated web of coincidences and deliberate action. I liked that Coe is a character that is initially very confident in himself and his abilities, but comes to doubt himself in several ways. The deceptions within the story are deep, and I would hate to ruin the unfolding by giving any big spoilers. So I will leave it with saying that the main players are all masters of mind games, simply using different methods and lures. I am interested in seeing more of Coe, and hope to see more of him in the future.
And one more, from SLUG Magazine:
Archer Coe is definitely a character deserving of his own series, and I will never tire of noir-style comic book storytelling. Jamie Rich has created a character and story worthy of television adaptation, but it remains absolutely intriguing on page.
Finally, you can also hear me chat a little bit, Publisher's Weekly stopped by my table at the Special Edition: New York show, and they included me in their podcast.
Current Soundtrack: The Style Council, The Sound of the Style Council
