Note from the publisher, Alternative Comics. First, a bio of the creator: “Raoul Vezina (1948-1983) was a brilliant cartoonist who came out of the underground tradition and put his own mark on the indie comics of the early 1980s in a handful of titles.” And what’s he best known for? “Crisply and energetically drawn, snappily written, filled with pop culture references, and always funny; Raoul Vezina’s Smilin’ Ed comics were a breath of fresh air when they first appeared thirty-five years ago. All the original comics are collected here for the first time.” Including sixteen pages in full color, this 160-page trade paperback collection will be on shelves later this month.
Animals With Swords
[Back from having a blast at this year’s CaliFur! Good to see you all again.]
Beyond the Western Deep is a popular full-color on-line fantasy comic series written by Alex Kain and illustrated Rachel Bennett. Now the first story arc has been gathered together by Action Labs in a softcover graphic novel. “For over 100 years, the animal races of the Four Kingdoms have lived side-by-side in uneasy truce. But when conflict ignites in the north, old alliances threaten to send the world into chaos. Experience the beginnings of an epic all-ages fantasy in this first collected volume!” All ages perhaps but, as you can see from the web site, rather bloody too. The graphic novel is coming out later in June.
New Furry Toons for Netflix
Ears up! A recent article in Variety talks about a new set of animated TV programs that Netflix has picked up — the majority of which just happen to be very furry. Or anthropomorphic if you want to get technical! Two of the original series created just for Netflix include: Kulipari — An Army of Frogs, coming in 2016. It’s based on the original novel series by NFL star Trevor Pryce (which we have noted at In-Fur-Nation before) about an army of amphibian swamp warriors. Meanwhile Puffin Rock (coming this September) is about an adventurous young puffin (and her less-adventurous little brother) living off the coast of Ireland. The other two original series, Luna Petunia from the folks at Cirque du Soleil and a re-imagining of Tarzan & Jane, may or may not have anthropomorphic elements in them — we’ll see! On top of all that, Netflix has picked up two already-existing animated series for US premier, and they are both plenty furry: Masha and the Bear from Russia, and Elias from Norway — the latter featuring anthropomorphic boats. Check the article to find out more.
Does He Advertise Luggage?
Meanwhile, in another part of the DC Comics universe… Vertigo to be exact. Astro City is of course the well-known “different take on the super-hero concept” comic written by Kurt Busiek. All sorts of characters waltz in and waltz out of its pages, and in Astro City #23, it’s an ape. Yes, Sticks is a talking gorilla, but he’s not in town to be a superhero… he just wants to play the drums in a rock band! This first issue of a 2-part story arc is illustrated by Brent Anderson with, of course, a painted cover by Alex Ross. Look for it now.
The Girls Remain
It has now been 9 months since a very well-known furry artist, James Hardiman, passed away. (Far too soon.) If you had a chance to meet Jim at a furry or comic book convention over the years, you might well have met Pauline Hardiman — she’s his mom, and was something of his business partner for his art sales. Recently, Pauline let it be known that she and Jim’s family are hard at work trying to complete and publish Jim’s last work: A Skunkworks graphic novel, starring the famous sexy skunk sisters Natasha, Lori, and Onyx (and their equally sexy mother, Valencia). Pauline has been working together with Jason Canty of Angry Viking Press to get the graphic novel in publishable shape. Currently Angry Viking Press is running a Kickstarter campaign to finance their latest batch of publications — and the Skunkworks graphic novel is among them. Check it out. There’s some further explanation from Pauline.
And More From DC’s Convergence
Looks like Harley Quinn and her lady-pals aren’t the only ones running into talking animals this month. In Convergence: Adventures of Superman #1, the Man of Steel and Supergirl journey through the mysterious Phantom Zone — and wind up battling an army of intelligent apes from the world of Kamandi, Last Boy on Earth! Fortunately Kamandi and some less destruction-minded animals are there to help out. This one is written by Marv Wolfman, one of DC’s superstars. The art is by Andy Owens and Roberto Viacava, with a cover by Mikel Janin. Again, it’s on the shelves right now.
Kill the Rabbit, Kill the Rabbit…
If you haven’t been keeping up, DC Comics are currently in the middle of a large mega-series known as Convergence, which brings together characters from all over the DC universe. Literally from all over it! Check out the description of Convergence: Harley Quinn #2: “Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy fight Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew – to the death!” We couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried, folks. But then, we don’t get paid to! The issue is written by Steve Pugh (who also did the cover art) with interior art by Phil Winslade and John Dell. It’s on the shelves in comic shops now.
It Followed Him Home…?
Back when your humble ed-otter was a kid, there was a well-known book called The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth. Well now author David Fulk has traveled down a similar road perhaps with his first novel for young readers, Raising Rufus. “Martin Tinker, a shy, studious eleven-year-old, has his small-town world turned upside down when he discovers an ancient, frozen egg in a quarry―and when it thaws and hatches, he finds himself surrogate mom to a baby T. rex! Because of its voracious appetite for meat and tendency to GROW at an alarming rate, it gets harder and harder for Martin and his friend Audrey to keep it hidden from the world. Can Martin discover new reserves of strength to save his outlandish pet―or the town―from a very grim fate?” We’ll soon find out. Raising Rufus is available now in hardcover from Delacorte Books.
Lady Mouse Adventures
Followers of the world-famous Geronimo Stilton series might be aware that not only he but his entire family are known for finding their way into adventure — and writing about it. “Geronimo isn’t the only world-famous adventuring journalist from New Mouse City; introducing his fabulous sister, Thea! The Thea Sisters are five fun, lively students at Mouseford Academy on Whale Island, who want to be real, live journalists just like their hero, Thea Stilton. Between classes and friendships, love and small fits of jealousy, they’re finding college life is really exciting!” Besides numerous novels for young reader’s, Thea’s works have included four full-color Thea Stilton graphic novels. Now Papercutz have brought together all four in a single hardcover boxed set. Check it out over at OverStock.