arcanacomics.com

Telefilm Provides Funding For Clockwork Girl!

Arcana is proud to announce that Telefilm Canada, the federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian audiovisual industry, has provided funding for the Clockwork Girl animated film.

Clockwork Girl tells the tale of a nameless robot girl who has recently been given the gift of life from her creator. While she explores the wonders of an ordinary world she meets an amazing mutant boy and they share a friendship that must overcome their warring families. Created by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, the series was the first release from Arcana’s all ages division, Arcana Kids. Debuting in July 2007 the book received critical acclaim for its astounding artwork and timeless love story (order it at your local retailer with order code MAR083433).

Telefilm Canada is a Crown corporation reporting to Parliament through the Department of Canadian Heritage. Headquartered in Montréal, Telefilm provides services to the Canadian audiovisual industry by means of four regional offices located in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax.. Telefilm’s main goals are celebrating the telling of unique Canadian stories, actively championing a sustainable Canadian audiovisual culture, reward performance, encourage new thinking, and promote diversity.
When recently asked about the Clockwork Girl film, co-creator Kevin Hanna said, “I’m not sure how much I can say, other then I am thrilled that things are going as well as I ever hoped they could be. Working in Hollywood, I know that adaptations are a gamble that often taint the source material. So far everything is going right with Clockwork Girl, the people involved really understand the spirit of the book and the characters. I think fans of the book will be very happy with where this ends up.”

For more information on Clockwork Girl and Arcana Comics, please visit:

www.arcanacomics.com

Mark Poulton Named VP of Operations

Arcana is pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Poulton as Vice President of Operations. Mark began his career at Arcana in the Fall of 2005 when he brought his series Koni Waves to the publisher. Since then he has created several titles for the company including the upcoming Avengelyne vs Koni Waves and Club Vampire. Prior to the promotion, Mark served as Head of Marketing and in his new position, Mark will help Arcana with its continued growth and expansion in the industry. Sean O’Reilly said, “For me to hand off any part of Arcana’s operation is difficult but Mark has proven time and time again, that he is reliable, honest and one of the hardest working guys I know. Some of his first work in this role will be at the San Diego Comic Convention, booth 2514, so be sure to check out his hard work as it’s simply awesome.”

Kade Box Set

Arcana’s most popular character, Kade, the gothic demon hunter is recognized in the first-ever collected commemorative box set! This limited edition box set includes his first appearance in Kade: Identity, featuring a Humberto Ramos cover as well as the set of Kade: Sun of Perdition #1-4, which introduced the comic world to the artistic talents of Stjepan Sejic. But that’s not all! If you really want the ultimate Kade Collection, this is the box set for you, all wrapped in a high-end Greg Horn box! FC $16.95 Diamond code: APR08 3550

Buy the boxset now: http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping Septemeber, Arcana will be publishing Burn #5 by Camilla D’Errico (Diamond Code JUL08 3653), Grant Chastain’s Corrective Measures GN (Diamond Code JUL08 3654), Marlow Soul of Darkness #1 (Diamond Code JUL08 3655) and Tales of Penance #3 by Sean Wise and Paul Gilligan (Diamond Code JUL08 3656). Pre-order them with the Diamond Codes today from any comic book retailer in the world through the Diamond Previews catalog.

Shipping This Month

July sees the release of Burn #3 (Diamond Code MAY08 3594), The Clockwork Girl hardcover (Diamond Code MAR083433) and Hellen Killer issue #3 (Diamond Code APR083549). And just in time for the San Diego Comic Con, Arcana will have the debut of two new titles: Tales of Penance: Trial of the Century #1 (Diamond Code MAY08 3596) and Wingman #1 (Diamond Code MAY08 3597).

Interview with 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo

This month Mark Poulton interviews 100 Girls’ Adam Gallardo. Adam gives us an update on the next installment of 100 Girls, as well as his other projects, and the lowdown on Simon Pulse’s 100 Girls release.

MP: How did you come up with the idea for 100 Girls?

AG: I was working at Dark Horse Comics at the time and had just started pitching ideas to the publisher, Mike Richardson, so I was definitely trying to catch a commercial vibe. I’m not sure to what extent I was successful, I guess we’ll have to see how the Simon and Schuster edition is.

Beyond purely commercial concerns, some of my influences were the films and TV work of James Cameron and Joss Whedon. Both of these guys have stories featuring strong women who resist being classified as either vixens or victims, roles into which most traditional comics want to force female characters. It was important to me to have a strong, central female character. But one with vulnerabilities, of course.

MP: Simon Pulse is releasing a 100 Girls tpb this summer. Does the collection contain all of the issues to date? Is there any bonus material?

AG: All seven issues of the first series are collected in the Simon Pulse edition, but without any extras material. That was a little disappointing to me, but I can live with it. Maybe, if sales warrant it, we can talk them into doing a “Art of 100 Girls” type book. Keep your fingers crossed.

MP: Is the Jenna/100 Girls oneshot still in the works?

AG: This might be a question for our illustrious publisher. I wrote the two-part series about two years ago, and the art has been done for almost that long. When, or even if, it will see the light of day, is unknown to me. I’d like to see it at some point. Maybe as a value-added bonus in the “Art of 100 Girls”?
(Publisher’s Note: with Narwain closing their North American arm, the rights situation of Jenna became a little bit difficult but I’m still talking with Alessandro and I’m hoping to have this problem overcome)

MP: Who would you like to see play Sylvia in a 100 Girls movie?

AG: If some theoretical producer out there wanted to make the movie, I could see it going a couple of different ways. If they keep Sylvia the age she is in the comic, I could see either Dakota Fanning or Abigail Breslin from “Little Miss Sunshine.” If they feel the need to age her up, maybe Emma Roberts. Or we could switch things up and get Masiela Lusha from “George Lopez”.

MP: Are you working on any new projects?

AG: I’m currently writing the second volume of ” Gear School” for Dark Horse Comics. And not too long ago, I sent the script for the next installment of “100 Girls” to Todd!

MP: Before we go, do you have any last words for fans?

AG: I swear that “100 Girls” WILL be back.

Arcana Donates To Boys and Girls Club of America’s REACH for Literacy Program!

Arcana Comics, the home of Kade, Koni and Dragon’s Lair, recently donated thousands of Clockwork Girl comic books to the Boys and Girls Club of America.

The Clockwork Girl, the smash hit comic series from Arcana written by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, tells the tale of a nameless robot girl and her friendship with an amazing mutant boy. The series was the first release from Arcana’s new Arcana Kids imprint and has received critical acclaim for its artwork and touching story.

The Boys and Girls Club of America is a national organization whose mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. It offers many life enhancing programs with caring, adult professionals that provide kids with a fun and educational experience, as well as a safe after-school environment. Headquarters are located in Atlanta, with regional offices in Chicago, Dallas, New York City, and Los Angeles .

Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton said, “The Boys and Girls Club of America and Arcana Kids seemed like a natural fit under the REACH Literacy Program. It is great to work with such a worthy organization and have these comics go towards their main goal of literacy while entertaining and benefiting children.”

For more information, please visit them at:

http://www.bgca.org/

http://www.arcanacomics.com

The Art of ReBoot

ReBoot the first full-length, completely computer-animated TV series was ahead of it’s time. Co-created by Gavin Blair with writing from current DC Comics Senior Vice President, Dand Didio, ReBoot won several industry awards including the Gemini Award for Best Animated Program Series for three straight years between 1995 and 1997. Now fans can relive the magic and go behind the scenes with The Art of ReBoot, the most comprehensive collection of art from the groundbreaking CGI animated series. The book features conceptual design illustrations from UK legend, Brendan McCarthy (Judge Dredd, Shade the Changing Man, Solo), as well as illustrations from Scott Lee (PITT Crew) and Dean Ormstrom (Lucifer). The Art of ReBoot also features a 10 page section of new artwork from leading industry artists. It is a must-have for any ReBoot and animation fan!

As well ReBoot, Rainmaker and Zeros 2 Heroes were recently the recipient of winning the PopVox Digital Marketing Award.

Buy the book now: http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping August, Arcana will be publishing Burn #4 by Camilla D’Errico, Dwight MacPherson’s Dead Men Tell No Tales TPB, Tales of Penance #2 by Sean Wise and Paul Gilligan, and The Gwai #3.

Shipping This Month

June is a big month for Arcana with the release of the Kade Box Set featuring a gorgeous Greg Horn box (APR083550). In addition, this month sees the release of the Dragon’s Lair Hardcover collection, Camilla d’Errico’s Burn #2 (APR083547), and Helen Killer #3 (APR083549). Finally, Arcana Kids releases the second sensational issue of The Gwai #1 (FEB083462).

Interview with Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Dwight MacPherson

This month I got the chance to interview Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Dwight MacPherson. Dwight gives the lowdown on the next installment of Dead Men, as well as what extra pirate booty one can expect in the upcoming Dead Men Tell No Tales TPB.

MP: The Shadowline releases of The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo and Archibald Saves Christmas have been well received by comic fans. With your recent success, was coming back to work on DMTNT something you always had in mind or were you approached for a 2nd volume?

DM: I actually finished writing Dead Men: Decimation in July of 2006 after being approached by Sean about a sequel. To be quite honest, this is something I wanted to see happen much sooner. I love the “Dead Men Universe” and would really like to expand it. Whether that happens or not is entirely up to Mr. Sean O’Reilly.

MP: Speaking of the next installment how is Dead Men: Decimation coming along? What can you tell us about it?

DM: To my knowledge, we are in need of an inker to finish issues 2 and 3. The pencils for all three issues are complete and–I believe–the entire first issue is inked.

I can tell you that Dead Men: Decimation takes place in present times. Blackbeard and every other undead pirate have been chasing the Holy Grail since we last saw them and this volume brings that great chase into present times and finally brings an end to the curse once and for all.

MP: I hear there is also a DMTNT tpb that collects volume 1 in the works. Is there any extra pirate booty in this treasure chest of zombie goodness?

DM: Yes! In fact, it will be in June’s Previews… finally. [laughs]

There are some extra goodies, sure. We’ve been able to include more pin-ups, pirate prose goodness, and a forward by B. Clay Moore. The graphic novel itself is absolutely gorgeous! When you see it, you’re really going to flip. I’m extremely happy with the complete package.

MP: You also contributed a story to the Grunts tpb. How did that come about?

DM: Actually, I was approached by my buddy Shannon Denton who asked me if I’d write a short for the trade. Of course, I said I’d love to. I wrote a story entitled “The Absent Signature” that I believe turned out extremely well. I guess you can see if you agree with me after you read the trade.

MP: What other projects do you have coming down the pipeline?

DM: Next up for me is the Viper Comics graphic novel Kid Houdini and the Silver Dollar Misfits and a story in Image’s Popgun anthology in July, followed by The Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo Book 2 and the Dead Men trade in August. Last but not least, my sci-fi epic M-THEORY will follow in September, October and November. I have several other projects in production, but none that I can speak of at the moment. Gawd… I hate saying that.

MP: Before we go, is there anything else you would like to say?

DM: Yes. Please buy the Dead Men trade. It’s been two years in the making and I truly hope everyone will buy a copy for your personal libraries and to give to family and friends. Also, if you’d like to see more stories from the Dead Men universe, please let Sean O’Reilly know about it. You can accomplish this by posting on the Arcana forum. Decimation will bring an end to the story, but there is so very much that takes place between these storylines that I’d love to flesh out.

Thanks for the interview, Mark! It’s always a pleasure to talk with you.

I decided to get this month’s edition out a little early so fans will have plenty of time to make their Free Comic Book Day plans. Speaking of which…

Arcana Unleashes Free Comic Book Day Plans For ‘08

Free Comic Book Day is this coming Saturday, May 3rd and Arcana is getting in on the action. It is the day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their store. For their part, Arcana Studio is set to release Arcana Studio Presents.

Arcana Studio presents Kade, Wendigo, Burn and 100 Girls — four of Arcana’s iconic series — in one issue of all-new stories published just for Free Comic Book Day 2008! Kade, the enigmatic warrior who doesn’t feel, but always hurts! Wendigo, the little critter lost in the Canadian North! Burn, a prisoner in his own body! Sylvia, one of 100 Girls genetically created for the U.S. government! Arcana Studio Presents features four all-new stories of action, adventure and intrigue in the way that only Arcana can!

To coincide with Free Comic Book Day, Arcana will have several of their creators making special appearances at comic shops across the country. Among those scheduled to sign:

- Clockwork Girl and Kade creator: Sean O’Reilly will be at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles, CA from 12pm to 2pm promoting Kade: Shiva’s Sun, as well as the new Wendigo series from Arcana Kids!

- Dead Men Tell No Tales creator: Dwight MacPherson will be at Mountain Empire Comics in Johnson City, TN from 10am to 4pm promoting the upcoming Dead Men Tell No Tales tpb and Dead Men Decimation graphic novel.

- Gearhead creators: Dennis Hopeless and Kevin Mellon will be at Elite Comics in Overland Park, KS promoting the new Gearhead tpb collecting the smash hit original series that is currently optioned by Darius Films for motion picture development!

- Koni Waves creators: Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks will be at Stormwatch Comics in Berlin, NJ from 12pm to 4pm promoting the upcoming Koni Waves: Ghouls Gone Wild! graphic novel and the battle of the century Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves!

Aaron Nelson Talks Marlow

This month I got the chance to interview Aaron Nelson, who Arcana fans may remember from the Dark Horrors anthology. Well, Aaron has another ghoulish tale to tell in the form of Marlow. However, this zombie isn’t your average chud. I spoke with Aaron to get the lowdown.

MP: What can you tell us about Marlow?

AN: Thanks for asking. I suppose from a pretty high level, the story is about a man mutilated by technology who, upon meeting the Doctor who made him, discovers things about his mutilation (and his maker) that brings him to question the decisions he’s made in his life. In exchange for medicines that keep him from reverting to a zombie state, Marlow does all the dirty work for the pharmaceutical company that mutilated him out of fear of complete transformation. During this journey, where he meets the Doctor who made him, Marlow wonders if he must simply suffer the consequences of his mutilation and revert to a zombie state in order to truly be free.

MP: Who worked on the book with you?

AN: Dario Carrasco Jr and I have collaborated on a number of other projects, and worked closely together on the characters and story. Mathew Reynolds did some really incredible artwork, and L. Jamal Walton was, as always, brilliant with the layouts and lettering.

MP: Arcana fans may remember you from your work on the Dark Horrors anthology. Now, you are working on a book about a zombie with Marlow. Is horror a favorite genre of yours?

AN: I think the operative word there is _may_. (Laughs) I don’t know if I’d say horror is my favorite genre, but I’ve certainly found it to be a genre that readily presents moral, philosophical, and theological issues to the reader. When I began working on Marlow, I wanted to comment not only on issues like globalization, and human experimentation, but also on more engrossing issues like The War on Terror. So, while I was writing Marlow, I was also reading Joseph Conrad’s “The Heart of Darkness” very closely, because I found his concerns about 19th century colonization and exploitation of Africa to be, at the very least, “in line” with the concerns we have about globalization and The War on Terror. Conrad’s big idea (at least from my reading of it) is that perhaps it’s not the dark, undressed people of Africa who are the brutes, but rather the white, well-heeled Europeans. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve always found the Bush Doctrine counter-claim that “America’s the terrorist” to be pretty simplistic and, well, wrong. However, I do think there’s something deeper to be said about us using violence to end violence. Perhaps by fighting al-Qaeda, we’ve, in a sense, “validated” their jihad to them. Perhaps by just glancing at them, we’ve given them a stature they truly don’t deserve.

It’s funny, but, while I was writing Marlow, I was also writing an essay called “Simulating Terror” for an anthology called “Jack Bauer for President: Terrorism and Politics in 24″ (now in bookstores!). It occurred to me that the Bush Doctrine and al-Qaeda agree on one thing: that al-Qaeda can, somehow, destroy America. Osama thinks he can destroy us, and so does Bush. Which is why we’ve taken such a massive action against them. For the Bush Administration, we’re fighting not just for our lives, but for our very way of life. I think that’s a questionable assumption to make.

So, in any case, instead of writing a story that says something bold and simplistic like, “We’re the terrorists”, I decided to write a story that questions whether or not suffering is a part of freedom, and whether or not avoiding suffering can, actually, lead to a life of enslavement.

So, yeah, I like horror. (Laughs)

MP: Is Marlow your typical zombie, ie. Does he eat brains, crave human flesh, hang out at shopping malls?

AN: He’s more of a meso-zombie. He’s on that razor thin line of being human and being a zombie, since he takes medication to prevent him from reverting to a zombie state. His “inner-zombie” is always ready to surface, and he struggles to keep it in check. As for his after-hours inclinations, he’s more inclined to hang out at a dive bar instead of the mall’s T.G.I. Friday’s.

MP: Do you have any plans for Marlow after the graphic novel?

AN: I’m pretty focused on the graphic novel right now. However, if McDonalds wants to create a zombie Happy Meal, that’s cool with me.

MP: Any last words for fans?

AN: Yeah. Marlow really isn’t for everyone. It’s brooding.. dark.. you know.. it’s a horror comic. But, if you’re interested in globalization, the War on Terror, philosophy, post-modernism, that sort of thing, definitely check it out. I hope you enjoy it.

Step Behind the Velvet Rope With Arcana

Arcana Comics announces it’s new horror anthology, Velvet Rope, is now accepting short story submissions. Velvet Rope will be a 64 page, full color, horror anthology scheduled for a Halloween release. Stories will be between 5 to 10 pages long and hosted by the beautiful usher from beyond the grave, Velvet.

Submissions should be in full color and have a horror theme to them. Those interested in submitting stories for consideration should send 3 completed pages (meaning full pencils, inks, colors, and lettered), as well as a story synopsis and expected length of story to Mark Poulton at markepoulton@aol.com. Those whose work Arcana would like to see more of, will be contacted with further instructions.

Wizard World Philadelphia

Wizard World Philadelphia is May 30th to June 1st at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Arcana creators Frank LaPerch and Ash Jackson from Eve: Vampire Diva will be in artist alley, as will the Koni Waves creators: Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks who will be joined by the artist if the upcoming Koni Confidential oneshot Mathew Tow.

For more information on Wizard World Philadelphia, please visit www.wizardworld.com

In This Months Previews

Books in this month’s Previews have an expected release date of July.

Burn #3 (of 6) Burn, a boy fused with a mecha, continues his struggle to find understanding in the madness that is his world. Could the answer come in the innocence of a young orphan girl? And enter the Bikers… Diamond code: MAY08 3594 $2.99

Helen Killer #4 (of 4) Diamond code: MAY08 3595 $2.99

Tales of Penance: Trial of the Century #1 (of 4) Lt. LJ McCloud is assigned to a powder keg case when she has to investigate the homicide of a costumed criminal perpetrated by a masked superhero named Penance. As she begins the investigation, the media circus surrounding the case could leave the city of Atlanta and the entire south hanging in the balance, especially when a mob of vigilantes come seeking vengeance at the police station. Featuring a stunning cover by Greg Horn! Diamond code: MAY08 3596 $3.95

Wingman #1 (of 3) Diamond code: MAY08 3597 $3.95

It’s April and the New York Comic Con is right around the corner. Arcana Comics will be set up and sharing a booth with Platinum Studio. Be sure to stop by and say hello. We’ll be booth #1757. Scheduled to appear are the creators of Kade, Koni Waves, Eve: Vampire Diva, Gearhead, and many more!

Camilla d’Errico Interview

I recently had the chance to chat with the creator/artist of the new manga-influenced Arcana series, Burn, Camilla d’Errico. Fans may know her from her work on Avril Lavigne’s Make 5 Wishes. Now, readers can get the chance to find out the latest about her first creator owned project.

MP: Most comic fans probably know you best for Avril Lavigne’s Make 5 wishes. How did that project come about?

C: The Avril project was produced by House of Parlance, a local Vancouver publishing company, we connected at one of the Vancouver Comic Cons where I was displaying in the artist tables. They really enjoyed my self published book “The Fallen” and saw the potential of collaborating with me on a manga for Avril Lavigne. I was really fortunate to have co-created the story with Joshua Dysart, we had a lot of control over the context of the story, which is really important to me because I base a lot of my creativity on the depth of the characters and plot. The entire project was a whirlwind production once Random House decided to publish it in conjunction with Avril’s newest album release. It was the most intense project I’ve worked on to date!

MP: What other projects have you worked on?

C: I’ve worked on several titles, my most recent work has been with Slave Labour Graphics, working with Serena Valentino on her title “Nightmares and Fairytales”. This to me was a wonderful experience, since the beginning of the series I was a huge fan of Serena’s and of the story, so it was really incredible for me to continue the series and actually conclude the series with my issues.

Another project that I have done has been “Tanpopo” another creator owned series that I started. This book was initially a self published art piece, that was inspired by the German play FAUST. The book has been picked up by OSO and will be re-printed with more pages and more content to flesh out the story into an ongoing series. I’m so excited because OSO plans to publish the book in Asia as well as North America.

Currently I am working with a video game company to develop a Nintendo DS video game. Big Sandwich Studios is producing the game we will be starting the manga version of the game this year. Details are very hush hush, so I can’t give out too many details yet.

MP: Your artwork is very manga inspired. Did you grow up reading manga? How did you develop your style?

C: I actually didn’t grow up reading manga, I grew up reading North American comics, my favourites were Witchblade and The Darkness. Manga didn’t really hit me until I was out of high school. I remember watching a lot of anime, like Sailor Moon and Astro Boy but I didn’t make the connection to comics until later on. Once I finished the mini series “Zevon-7” I toke a year off of comics to really develop my manga style. I wanted to be as authentic as I could, but also use my European influence into the work. I constantly push my style to be as Japanese as I can, but still maintain my own style within that look.

MP: You have a new 6 issue mini-series coming out through Arcana called Camilla d’Errico’s Burn. How did this project come to Arcana and what can you tell us about the series?

C: My first creator owned mini series that will be coming out in May 2008! It’s a six issue series that is completely manga inspired, it has everything I can think of for manga fans. It has mecha, angst, tragedy, comedy and some really big robots.

I first started the series years ago while I was still in college, so its been a work of passion for me for quite some time. I remember conceptualizing the series, and really wanting to create a story that would appeal to a wide audience and deliver a very real and emotional story as well. The main character is Burn a 13 year old oby, and he’s a very tragic character. His world is chattered, his body is destroyed and everything that was his is now gone. The idea of essentially being trapped in your own body, unable to even have the simple control of your own flesh, to me was something that I thought would make this series stand out on an emotional level and add another layer to the story.

I can’t wait for people to read the series and enjoy the visuals as well as enjoy the emotions of the characters and the sheer angst of the story.

MP: Do you have any plans for Burn beyond the mini-series?

C: Originally yes. I had wanted the series to be broken up into two, six issue mini series. I like how it concludes, but to me the story has more potential and if I can, I’d love to see it go beyond just these six issues and follow the original path I set out.

MP: What advice do you have for young artists trying to make it comics?

C: Comics are a tough business; you have to have passion and dedication. It’s important to listen to critiques and not take it personally when people comment on your work, but rather to constantly improve. Talk to as many editors as you can, go to portfolio reviews, get advice, and don’t make excuses for yourself or your work, but instead learn from your art. Every drawing you do will surpass the last, so constantly draw and go for it!

MP: Before we wrap this up, do you have any projects or appearances you would like to mention?

C: Yes! I’d love to plug my new Dark Horse Stationary set that is coming out, its my first time working with DH and I’m really excited about this colab. I have a toy in the new BAXBEAR line, check it out at www.baxbear.com. Also, I have lots of new things coming out, so check out my website www.camilladerrico.com and watch for updates because I’m gearing up for a lot of new things this year! Thanks! Camilla

New Forums Are Up!

Wanna talk to Camilla about Burn? Now’s your chance! The Arcana message board has recently been updated with new forums for titles like Burn, Eve: Vampire Diva, Banzai Girls, Helen Killer, Corrective Measures, and Mwumba. Please stop for a chance to talk to the creators involved in these exciting new projects.

In This Month’s Previews

Burn #2 – Now that Burn’s world has collapsed, he finds himself a walking machine, a living genetic abomination. Burn’s reality exists now only in his mind, imprisoned in his own subconscious, struggling to find answers. The mechanical monster, Shoftiel, controls the body like a puppet master, marching the boy across the dessert towards a new city. Intent on finishing his mission, nothing will halt Shoftiel’s march. 24 pgs, B&W (2 of 6) $2.99 Diamond code: APR08 3547

Dragon’s Lair HC – Travel to a time of Sword and Sorcery; a time of Dragons and Damsels in distress! Follow Dirk the Daring and Princess Daphne as they return from an astonishing adventure in the Free Realms only to be attacked by the great dragon, Singe, and his evil minions. Singe vows revenge against Dirk for killing his offspring, and Daphne is soon caught in the dread dragon’s claws. Now, armed with his courage and skill, Dirk must brave the Dark Kingdom and all its evils in order to save the Princess from Singe! Contains never before seen artwork and sketches from Don Bluth! HC, 7×10 164 pgs, FC $19.95 Diamond code: APR08 3548

Helen Killer #3 – Having failed to prevent the assassination of President McKinley, Helen Keller has been forced out of the Secret Service. Determined to redeem herself, she sets out to bring the architects of the conspiracy to justice. But as Helen closes in on her enemies, the dark forces unleashed by the Omnicle close in on her! 28 pgs, B&W (3 of 4) $2.99 Diamond code: APR08 3549

Kade Box Set – The enigmatic warrior that doesn’t feel, but always hurts. During the Black Sun, under the Eye of God, angels may fall to Earth. These Fallen Angels have left the grace of God and act without consequence. Many try to spite their Creator by possessing the anemic spirits of those who are morally corrupt, using them as their demonic servants. As a Child of the Black Sun, Kade is the ageless balance that tips the dark scale back towards the light, as he hunts the demons and The Fallen. Set includes Kade’s first appearance in Kade: Identity, Kade: Sun of Perdition #1-4, and a Greg Horn Kade: Shiva’s Sun poster, all wrapped in a high-end Greg Horn box! Set, FC $16.95 Diamond code: APR08 3550

Wendigo #2 – Tanu is a sasquatch lost in the Canadian wilderness who must face the Fearsome Creatures in order to find the clues that will lead him to his mother. Tanu has recently partnered up with a splintercat and together they must save Tanu’s mother from the hunters. An all-ages book from Arcana Kids! 32 pgs, FC (2 of 4) $1.99 Diamond code: APR08 3551

Interview With Arcana’s #1 Fan – Jimmy DaSilva

This month I decided to change things up a bit and instead of interviewing an Arcana creator, I decided to interview an Arcana fan. However, this is no ordinary fan. This is Arcana’s #1 fan. People on the forum will recognize him as Clasp99, but now they will get a chance to know Jimmy DaSilva.

MP: With so many choices to choose from and the market dominance of Marvel and DC, how did Arcana Comics become your favorite comic book company?

JD: Arcana became by favorite comic company because of all the great titles it has been producing. I have been collecting Arcana comics pretty much right from beginning. I got into Arcana comics in kind of weird way. A couple years back I was heading out to Pittsburgh for a week on a business trip and wanted to bring some reading material to keep me occupied. I decided to stop by a local comic shop that had just opened in the mall near me, New Moon Comics. I hadn’t collected comics in about 10 years because of a bad experience I had as a teenager with my local comic shop. I picked up a couple titles to see what was going on in comics today. I remember picking up Ultimate X-men, Batman, Superman, Spawn, and a comic called ANT issue #1. It just leapt off of the shelves when I was checking out the independent titles. I really enjoyed all the comics I picked up but of all the titles ANT was by far my favorite. The next time I stopped in to New Moon I went immediately to the indy shelves. There were a couple more titles that looked interesting and happened to also be from Arcana, Kade and Ezra. From that point I was pretty much hooked. After reading Kade and Ezra I remember going to the Arcana Website and seeing if there were any other titles that were out that I my comic shop didn’t have or if there were any other issues I could get. I ordered 1 of everything that was available for purchase.

MP: What was your first Arcana book?

JD: Like I said the very first Arcana book I bought was ANT #1 but Kade and Ezra were very close behind.

MP: What are some of your favorite Arcana titles?

JD: It is hard to narrow it down. I can honestly say that there hasn’t been a title that I haven’t enjoyed. Each one has its own good points. At the top of my list are Koni Waves, Kade, Eve, Ezra, 100 Girls, and Shadowflame.

MP: At last year’s NYCC, Sean O’Reilly commented about your collection of rare Arcana comics, specifically your original Kade without the Arcana logo. What other rare Arcana comics do you own?

JD: I have a version of Kade #1a that was only available through the Arcana website. The cover has an error in which Kade was accidentally drawn without his trademark tattoo. I also have blank sketch covers for 100 Girls #1, Ant #1, and American Wasteland #1.

A couple copies of the Koni Waves/Demonslayer #1 retailer cover with a head sketch by Mark Poulton. I don’t know if you would consider this rare or unique but I have a test copy of the yet unprinted El Arsenal: Teibolera story. A JGM Variant to Shadowflame #1 limited to only 50 copies. Some CGC’d copies of Ant, Ezra, Sundown: Arizona and Kade. But the jewel of my Arcana collection is my copy of the Koni Waves/Demonslayer #1 Museum Edition one of only 25 copies (Possibly even less).

I have almost a complete collection of everything that has been released from Arcana. I am only missing a couple variant covers to Ezra, Kade, Ant, and Gearhead. What I would really love to add to my collection is copies of the props of the Green Spirit Arcana did for the episode of Psyche on the USA Network they helped out with. If anyone has or knows where I can get a copy feel free to PM me the info (clasp99 on the forums)

MP: You also collect original artwork. What are some Arcana pieces you own?

JD: My first original art from Arcana was the retailer cover to the Koni Waves/Demonslayer #1 by Mark Poulton which I pick up at NYCC 2007. Since then I have picked up a couple other nice pieces. Here is a list of everything I have:

The cover art to American Wasteland #2 by Mark Kidwell
A page from Ant issue #2 by Mario Gully
2 pages from Gearhead #2 Kevin Mellon
The Wizard World Chicago Variant cover art to the Koni Waves/Demonslayer #1 by Marat Mychaels
The Retailer Variant cover art to the Koni Waves/Demonslayer #1 by Mark Poulton
2 pages from Shadowflame #1 by Joe Martino
2 pages from Shadowflame #2 by Joe Martino

I also have some commissions that were done for me. Marat Mychaels did a nice piece of Battlestone from Brigade and Koni hanging out at a bar in Hawaii. Ash Jackson did an awesome page of Eve, Koni, and Jinky in action together.

And some sketches that were done in my sketchbook by joe Martino, Mark Poulton, Dexter Weeks, Peter Palmiotti, and Steve Sistilli and Sketch on my Captain America: Fallen Son Blank cover by Mark Poulton, Dexter Week, and Steve Sistilli. Dexter Weeks did a sick sketch of Koni, Red Skull and Captain America for me.

MP: Your Banzai Girl, Eve, Koni commission inspired the creators of Eve and Koni to team-up and plan an upcoming oneshot where both of their characters origins will be linked. How does that make you feel to know you inspired a comic book like that? Also, what other Arcana dream team-ups would you like to see?

JD: I was really excited to hear that Mark and Frank liked the idea of Eve and Koni teaming up. These are two of my favorite characters and it seemed to me like a team up would be so natural. It is going to be cool to see Koni working with a vampire in stead of against one. If it wasn’t obvious by my commission, I would love to see Jinky, Koni, and Eve team up. But I would also like to see Kade and Eve meet, I wonder what would happen if those two crossed paths, Sylvia meet the heroes from Philly, or Koni meet Ezra.

MP: Do you plan on attending any of the upcoming con appearances by Arcana or their creators?

JD: With work and my ever growing family it has been hard to make it to many if any con’s but I always try to make it to at least NYCC. I am really looking forward to it this year since so many of the people from Arcana are going to be there.

MP: What would you like to see in the future from Arcana Comics/Studio?

JD: I have really been enjoying Clockwork Girl from the all ages line. I would like to see more titles in this line that I could read to my kids. It would really great to see Koni, Kade, Eve, etc in an all ages format. I know there has been talk across the internet about it but I would really like to see some of the Arcana titles be made into movies or TV series. As soon as I heard Gearhead was optioned I thought, what a great choice for a movie, Dennis Hopeless’s story was great and would translate easily to the big screen. But any of the titles could easily be made in to a cartoon series. The one thing I would REALLY like to see is the return of Ezra. I hope she isn’t dead forever. I will continue to spread the good word of Arcana and I wish everyone the best of luck.

New York Comic Con

 The east coast’s biggest comic con is just a month away and Arcana Comics will be there in full effect. Arcana Comics is teaming up with Platinum Studio this year at booth #1757. Creators scheduled to appear are Kade’s Sean O’Reilly, Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks from Koni Waves, Marvel Comics’ Cable and Making Waves 2: The Art of Koni Waves cover artist Mike Capprotti, Eve: Vampire Diva’s Frank LaPerch, and many more. The convention runs from April 18th through the 20th. Please visit the cons’ official website for more details:

http://www.nycomiccon.com/

New York Comic Con Exclusive – Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves Boxing Poster

Let’ s get ready to rumble! Designed to look like a vintage boxing poster this piece of art showcases two lovely ladies battling it out for the Indie Comic Queen Crown. Measuring 11″ x 17″ and limited to 500 copies, this is a must have for any fan of Avengelyne or Koni Waves. Available at the Arcana/Platinum Studio Booth (1757) for $5.

Paperback Reader Reviews Eve: Vampire Diva #4

Paperback Reader, the comic book review website, has just written a glowing review for the final issue of Eve: Vampire Diva. Head over to their website and sink your teeth into it:

http://www.paperbackreader.com/review.php?ReviewID=2168

Learn From the Pros

Learn how to create comics from the pros with the Rough Sketch Studio comic courses. Koni Waves artists, Stephen Sistilli and Dexter Weeks, are offering two separate non credited courses with one on one instruction in a real studio environment. The first course is 8 five hour sessions with drawing, inking, page layout, and storytelling. The second course is an additional 8 five hour sessions dealing with coloring, lettering, and portfolio presentation. Each course costs $250 and all students will receive one 24 sheet comic drawing boards, a set of inking pens, and a comic art portfolio. Stephen and Dexter have over 35 years of combined experience in illustration, graphic arts, and computer work. For more information please call (856) 317-1771 or email at roughsketch@comcast.net. Start being a comic book pro today!

In This Month’s Previews

The Clockwork Girl TPB by Sean O’Reilly, Kevin Hanna, & Grant Bond – Experiencing life and love for the first time Huxley and Tesla have formed a unique and inseparable bond. But preventing their happiness, and their love, the two mad scientists wage a vicious war against each other where the Clockwork Girl and the Mutant Boy are bystanders caught in the middle! HC, 110 pgs, FC $14.95

Burn #1 by Camilla d’Errico & Scott Sanders – Welcome to a world where humans and mecha co-exist. What was once thought to be a symbiotic relationship between humans and machines has turned into a full-scale war due to rising resentment by their human creators. In one of the towns, a 13-year-old boy named Burn will find out the true meaning of horror. The arrival of the sentient Shoftiel, a machine programmed to destroy mankind, will forever link the two in a battle of fates. One action, one desperate act of self-preservation will forever change the fate of man and machine. 24 pgs, B&W (1 of 6) $.99

Helen Killer #2 by Andrew Kreisberg & Matthew JLD Rice - Secret Service agent Helen Keller, with the aid of a device which has restored her lost senses, and her partner Jonah Blaylock have traveled to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo to protect President McKinley from Anarchists. As Helen learns to master her new powers, the assassin is moving into position. 28 pgs, FC (2 of 4) $2.99

Recently, I was fortunate enough to interview venture capitalist and upcoming Arcana creator, Sean Wise. Sean’s new series, Penance: Trial of the Century, will debut later this year. 

MP: Hi Sean, for those unfamiliar with venture capital, what exactly does it entail? 

SW: Venture Capital is a type of financing geared for high growth startups. We search for companies that may one day become eBay, Facebook or Google, we give them millions of dollars in return for a piece of their upside. In my case, I do it through a portal called VenCorps (www.VenCorps.com). Whose name was inspired by a certain galaxy wide police force. 

MP: You also mentor the great CEOS of tomorrow with your entrepreneurial boot camps. What can one expect from your course and can you share with us the success stories? 

SW: The Bootcamp is a half day intense training course for founders of high tech high growth startups.  Mostly those looking for funding for the their business.  To date, I’ve done approximately 111 Bootcamps over the last 10 years. The entrepreneurs I’ve mentored have gone on to raise more than $2Billion in Capital. So I’d consider that success. MP: What do you enjoy more: working on your own ventures or passing along your knowledge to others? 

Once again it’s time for our monthly Arcana newsletter. I’m kind of changing the format a bit this month. There’s no interview, but there’s plenty of news to hold you over until March. So without further ado, let’s begin…

Arcana Creators Signing at New Moon Comics!

Several Arcana creators will be on hand this Saturday, February 23rd, as New Moon Comics celebrates their grand re-opening at their new location in Little Falls, NJ. Scheduled to appear are Mark Poulton, Stephen Sistilli, and Dexter Weeks from Koni Waves, Frank LaPerch from Eve: Vampire Diva, and Joe Martino from Shadowflame. For more information on this event visit New Moon Comics at www.newmooncomics.com

New Moon Comics
463 Main Street 1R
Little Falls, NJ 07424-1150
(973) 81-COMIC

How To Create A Comic Book

The Koni Waves creative team was recently invited to film an instructional video with Expert Village, the world’s leading how to video site on the basics of creating your own comic book. Hosted by Koni Waves writer, Mark Poulton, the video goes into writing, penciling, inking, coloring, lettering, and much more. Included in the video are demonstrations on penciling and inking by Stephen Sistilli and a coloring and lettering tutorial by Dexter Weeks. Keep a look out for this video on www.koniwaves.com coming soon!

Yin Yang Trailer

Speaking of videos, the crew behind the soon to be smash hit Yin Yang graphic novel have completed a video trailer for their upcoming release. You can view it here:

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=d41966eb7a9937585db8b&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Eagle Awards

It’s that time of year again, as the nomination process begins for this year’s Eagle Awards. Don’t forget to show support for your favorite Arcana creators and vote. If you need some help making up your mind, remember Frank LaPerch for Favorite Newcomer Writer, Ash Jackson for Favorite Newcomer Artist, Sean O’Reilly for Favorite Comics, and Stephen Sistilli for Favorite Artist: Fully-Painted Artwork. To vote for this year’s nominations, please visit the Eagle Awards at:

http://www.eagleawards.co.uk/nominate.asp

Let’s Get Ready To Rumble

The creative team behind the upcoming Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves oneshot recently released this piece of promotional artwork. It’s a vintage Avenelyne vs. Koni Waves boxing poster. Prints of this poster will be available at the New York Comic Con in April where creators of both characters will be on hand. The Koni Waves guys will be signing at the Arcana booth all weekend long and Avengelyne creator, Rob Liefeld, will be manning his Arcade Comics booth. Pick up a copy of the print and make sure to get them all to sign it!

In This Month’s Previews

Gearhead TPB by Hopeless, Mellon, and Herrera – Shelby Cooper lives just outside a world of spandex politicians and electric cars, but to hell with them and their world. She’s a hot chick with a hotrod. She drives fast, talks trash and hurts people with a big-ass wrench. What does any of that have to do with super powers? On a mission to find her brother and in search of the destiny she never knew she had, Shelby’s life is about to get interesting. Like her father before her, Shelby is Gearhead! SC, 100 pgs. FC $14.95

Helen Killer #1 by Kreisberg and Rice – In 1901, twenty-one year old college student Helen Keller, with the aid of a fantastical device invented by her friend and mentor, Alexander Graham Bell, regains her sight and hearing as well as near super-human strength and agility. Helen is enlisted by the Secret Service to protect President William McKinley who has been targeted for assassination by Anarchists. As a deeper conspiracy to destroy America unfolds around her, Helen discovers that her new abilities come with a dark and terrifying price! 28 pgs, FC (1 of 4) $2.99

Kade: Shiva’s Sun #4 by O’Reilly, Niklovitch, and Hilinkski – The epic journey of the gothic demon hunter concludes in Kade: Shiva’s Sun. The relationship between the Fallen and Kali is revealed to Kade and the demon hunter will never be the same! Alex Niklovitch provides his unique writing insights defining the historical world that Kade is traveling and Stjepan Sejic graces the book with his painted style. This is the issue you can’t miss! Look out for Ashok Bhadana’s variant cover! 32 pgs, FC (4 of 4) $3.95

Wendigo #1 by O’Reilly and Del Gado – An all-ages title from Arcana Kids! Tanu is a sasquatch lost I the Canadian wilderness who must face the Fearsome Creatures in order to find the clues that will lead him to his mother. Using his agility, speed, jumping ability and a mean snow-ball throwing arm, the young sasquatch must find his way back home facing the most fearsome mythological creatures ever whispered about in the wild wilderness. 24 pgs, FC (1 of 4) $.99

Happy New Years! It’s a time of resolutions, getting in shape, and looking forward to all of the great comics on the way. So in honor of the new year, I thought it would be appropriate to talk with Arcana’s head honcho, Sean O’Reilly, and get the lowdown on what to expect in 2008! So without further ado…

Sean O’Reilly Interview

Sean O’Reilly is the owner and operator of Arcana, which began in 2004 as a studio creating comics and began the hard and dangerous road of self-publishing. Four years later through Sean’s work establishing great relationships with Diamond, various printers, and other various clients, Arcana has established itself as a quality publisher for comic books and graphic novels. In addition, Sean is the mastermind behind Arcana’s flagship hero, Kade, as well as Ezra and Clockwork Girl.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Sean regarding Arcana’s 2008 outlook.

MP: Before we get into the new year, what were the highs and lows for Arcana in ‘07?

SO: My personal high this year was Clockwork Girl (and Kiefer!). Great book, great series and it was awesome to see an all ages title do well; I’m really excited about this property and what’s happening with the WIP of Arcana Kids. As well partnering with Platinum has been great and I’m sure the best is yet to come. Lows - how often do people say this, I honestly can’t think of any (or if any happened I managed to move on quickly and focus on the goods).

MP: What releases can we look forward to from Arcana in ‘08?

SO: A new series BURN, The Network, Penance: Trial of the Century, Kagagi, Ripped, Corrective Measures, Kade: Rising Sun, WendiGoGo, Ralph Filmore, The Greatest American Hero and more!

MP: This years sees the first hardcover collection from Arcana with Kade: Sun of Perdition collection which is a departure from the Manga size tpbs Arcana usually releases. Will we see more hardcovers from Arcana? If so, will you collect some oders series in this format?

SO: Yes more hardcovers will be coming and we are going to be doing some olders series in this format including Gearhead, DMTNT, Grunts, and Dragon’s Lair. As well we have a book publishing deal with Simon & Shuster for 100 Girls so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

MP: Last year saw the separation of Arcana between the studio and comic publishing. Can you give us an update on how the studio part is doing?

SO: We’ve done an animated series with Spike TV, lots of vendor work for Disney, a couple projects at Upper Deck and we are planning on doing a lot more work in ‘08.

MP: Gearhead was optioned last year. How are things going with it? Do you think we’ll see more Arcana properties optioned this year?

SO: A screenplay is being worked on and it’s going really well. We have a co-development deal we’ve been working on and there were a couple more options… I prefer the “less talk” and “more action” approach since most options tend to drag on a bit.

MP: You posted a Kade CG animated trailer on the Arcana forum last month. Is that a prelude of things to come? Will Kade be crossing over into video games and/or animated movies soon?

SO: I hope so… we’re pushing in two fronts so we’ll see where this ends up.

Eve: Vampire Diva Joins Forces With Zombina

First it was Koni Waves and ADEMA. Now, Eve: Vampire Diva is teaming up with Liverpool punk band sensation, Zombina and the Skeletones. The band has loaned their song, “Nobody Likes You When You’re Dead,” to promote the new Arcana comics series, Eve: Vampire Diva in a pulse pounding trailer!

http://web.mac.com/flaperch/Site/Eve-Vampire_Diva_Trailer.html

In This Month’s Previews

Grunts TPB

by Keith Giffen, Shannon Eric Denton, and Matt Jacobs - Grunts is a war comic hopped up on super-charged adrenaline, the story of some American soldiers who had a nasty close encounter with the Germans’ enjoyment for using weird science and the occult!

SC, 100 pages, FC $14.95

Clockwork Girl #4

by Sean O’Reilly, Kevin Hanna, and Grant Bond

A nameless robot girl has recently been given the gift of life from her creator, while exploring the wonders of an ordinary world she meets an amazing mutant boy and they share a friendship that must overcome their warring families!

32 pgs, FC (4 of 4) $1.99

Eve: Vampire Diva #4

by Frank J Laperch and Ash Jackson

Eve, the vampire warrior, must stop Barbie Moore’s new single from setting off a supernatural war, but it’s Eve the pop star who must do the dirty work! If Eve survives the potential Armageddon, she must face an even more frightful fate - the debut of her reality show!

32 pages, FC (4 of 4) $3.95

Well that’s all for this month. I will catch up with you in February for all of the latest Arcana Comics news!

Hey everyone, Merry Christmas and welcome to the final installment of this year’s Arcana Comics’ newsletter. Keeping with last month’s newsletter I picked another Arcana creator interview to kick things off. This month’s guest is Jay Busbee.

Jay Busbee Interview

MP: Arcana fans will know Jay Busbee from the old west vampires in Sundown: Arizona. What they might not know, however, is Jay has two new books coming out through Arcana (Ripped and The Network). Let’s talk Ripped first. What can fans expect from this time traveling story?

JB: Global, big-budget action! Conspiracy! Secrets and lies! Sex and violence! It’s all going to be there in RIPPED, a story that encompasses literally all of human history. It begins when a teenager named Adam Fitzpatrick awakens in Dallas, and everything around him seems strangely out of date. He sees a crowd gathered along an avenue, and walks up in time to see a very familiar motorcade proceeding past. From there, Adam finds himself embroiled in the greatest conspiracy in human history. As Adam learns, a select few people have the ability to “rip” through time. Some use it to help humanity; some use it to help themselves. It’s Adam’s challenge to figure out who’s who. And probably buy a little stock in Coca-Cola circa 1930 while he’s at it.

MP: Now, the Network is about a television station devouted 24/7 to superheroes. Where did this idea come from?

JB: In my non-comics life, I’m a sportswriter. (Check out www.sportsgonesouth.com and www.rightdownpeachtree.com for my work! Cheap plug!) So I imagined THE NETWORK as “ESPN for superheroes.” What would such a station look like? How would the people who work there view superheroes? And how would superheroes react to having their every move scrutinized 24-7?

MP: How many issues are each series and is there a tentative release date?

JB: Both are actually going to be OGNs. RIPPED will be approximately 100 pages, and NETWORK about 64, give or take. Both are scheduled for release in the springtime!

MP: I hear you are working on a Kade project with Sean O’Reilly. Is there anything you can tell us about the project?

JB: Yep…it’s the latest story in the saga of Arcana’s favorite demon hunter who cannot feel pain, but always hurts! In this installment, Kade’s in twelfth-century feudal Japan, fighting samurai and invading hordes of Mongols and even a demon or two. We’ll also delve deep into Kade’s character here…does a thousand-year-old immortal get surprised by anything anymore? It won’t be just swordplay, it’ll be a character study as well. But mostly swordplay.

MP: Besides Ripped, The Network and Kade from Arcana, you have Incursion coming out through Platinum Studios. Clearly, you’re a busy guy. What’s your day like for writing?

JB: Pretty much nonstop. I’m a fulltime writer outside of my comics work, so I’ve always got several projects and books going on at once. I try to do my toughest work in the mornings, but that’s not always possible. A lot of times, I’ll do my comics writing while I’m watching my kids at a playground. I keep the laptop screen away from nearby moms when I do that.

MP: With so many projects coming out and in the works, your career really seems to be in overdrive. What advice would you have to aspiring comic book writers?

JB: Develop your own voice. I’ve heard it said that you need to write a million words before you find your own voice, and there’s a lot to that. Develop your own voice, your own perspective of looking at the world. That’ll inform every story you write with a unique flavor. You’ll be able to take the most clichéd comic story on earth—zombies! Ninjas! Paramilitary black ops!—and make it your own.

From there, start making comics. Always keep an idea file handy. Do whatever you’ve got to do to sell artists on your vision. Pitch, pitch, pitch. Comics are harder to break into than any other publishing market I’ve ever seen—I’ve had easier times breaking into magazines that millions read than comics that ten thousand read—but it can be done. It takes time, it takes sustained effort, but it can be done.

MP: And one last thing before I let you go. What are the possibilities of a sequel to Sundown: Arizona?

JB: I would LOVE to do a sequel. I left the door wide open and the lights on for a sequel at the end of the first series. (Spoiler alert.) For those of you coming in late, Sundown: Arizona was the story of a small Arizona town overrun by vampires. And the only way that the townsmen could defeat the vampires was to turn half-vampire themselves….all save the New York newspaper reporter who was trying to get to the bottom of the story. So what might happen when all these half-vampires decide to come after the reporter who avoided the curse that dooms them? There’s a reason the sequel would be called Sundown: Manhattan. So hey, who knows? Like those vampires, maybe Sundown ain’t dead yet!

Thanks for the interview!

In Stores This Week!

Be on the lookout for the first installment of Eve: Vampire Diva! Buzz is growing around this book so you’re sure not to miss it. Eve tells the tale of about a young woman who has to balance the life of being a popstar diva and vampire warrior while starring in a 24/7 reality series!

EVE VAMPIRE DIVA #1 (OF 4)
Price: $3.95
Diamond Code: OCT073255

Breaking News

Hawaii’s hottest detective, Koni Waves, has battled giant tiki monsters, vampire surfers, and zombies, but how will she fare against a fallen angel? Find out soon as Rob Liefeld’s Avengelyne battles Arcana’s Koni Waves. Created by Rob Liefeld in 1995 and originally released through Maximum Press, Avengelyne is the story of an angel who is tricked into questioning God’s love for humans. Sent to Earth to live among humans as her punishment, Avengelyne battles demons and monsters as she prepares herself for Armageddon. The creators responsible for bringing Rob Liefeld’s fallen angel into the Koni-verse are Koni creator’s writer Mark Poulton and artists Stephen Sistilli and Dexter Weeks. “Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Liefeld fan. It’s an honor to get to play with one of his creations. I collected Avengelyne during the Maximum Press days and have a great love for the character. Liefeld fans can rest assured, the character is in good hands,” said Poulton.

For more information on the Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves oneshot, keep checking www.arcanacomics.com and www.koniwaves.com.

Well, that’s all for this month. From everyone at Arcana Comics I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! And come back next month, when I have details of what is in store for Arcana in ‘08!

Can you believe it’s already November. Soon enough, we’ll be decorating for Christmas. But in the meantime, here’s some Arcana Comics news we can give thanks for…

Interview: Frank LaPerch

Here’s an Arcana Newsletter Exclusive! I recently had the opportunity to ask Eve: Vampire Diva writer/creator, Frank LaPerch, some questions regarding his hot new mini-series.

MP: Tell us a little about Eve Vampire Diva. What’s it about?

FL: Eve’s secretly a vampire warrior, but the world knows her as an aging pop star diva.
At night she battles werewolves, vampires and witches and during the day she faces an even scarier lot . . . Hollywood.

As if balancing these two worlds wasn’t difficult enough, her agent, Herbie, signs Eve up for a 24/7 reality show.

The music industry and the supernatural world will collide and Eve is caught in the middle. But it’s just another day in the life for Eve: Vampire Diva.

During the first arc we will catch a glimpse of The Council, the governing body that keeps tabs on the supernatural world. We’ll also meet Eve’s trusted friend and wizard, Girdron. Complicating matters will be Eve’s sordid past with The Council and the possible re-emergence of someone from her past.

MP: How did you come up with the idea behind the story?

FL: It really grew organically from a couple of premises. The first was when my wife, Patti, said I should create a female hero after having a bunch of concepts centering on male protagonists.

I had the look of Eve in my head and knew she was going to be a vampire - but we had plenty of those running around movies and comics, so I just kept thinking about what would make her different.

The rest of the credit goes to the creeping infection of tabloid TV into our public consciousness! I kept thinking of all the reports or accusations that certain celebrities have undergone countless plastic surgeries to keep their youthful appearance.

Then I thought, hmmmmm - what if they were telling the truth when they denied the plastic surgery? What if they weren’t plastic surgery junkies with a superficial obsession with beauty and it was little more simplistic . . .you know, like just being a member of the undead!

From there I just wanted to complicate Eve’s life a bit and came up with her opportunistic agent having cameras follow Eve around for a reality show to make her life a bit more difficult. As if fighting evil vampires, witches and werewolves wasn’t keeping her busy enough!

MP: You released a series of video trailers for the comic, how has the reaction been to them?

FL: It’s been great! They certainly have received a lot of hits in the last month since they’ve gone up and I’ve only heard good things about them. The first one was done in Flash by Grant Cerulo and I was blown away when I first saw it.

The rest came after the darkness that was my PC crash. We bought an IMAC to finish up the comic book files and discovered a neat little program called I-Movie and we cranked out a few more. The PC crash was a blessing in disguise in a way.

MP: Do you see the story continuing beyond the first series?

FL: Certainly! In fact, the first review at Paperbackreader.com by Moya Dawson commented on Eve easily having enough adventures to be an ongoing. Hopefully fan support for the book will allow us to do more stories with our vampire diva!

I can tell you that we already have an origin issue written and a few more stories with some new characters planned out. As soon as Ash finishes coloring issue 4 we’ll be focusing our efforts on the origin issue, so fans can definitely have more Eve in their future.

MP: Are there any real-life female popstars you suspect of being a vampire?

FL: Hmmm, well Cher aged well for quite some time, but we haven’t seen her lately . . . maybe she’s off fighting hordes of supernatural nasties? Maybe an Eve and Cher team-up would be interesting?

As for the current crop of pop-stars, we’ll just have to wait and see how well they age. So I guess if comic fans are pouring over pictures of Britney or Christina Aguilera we’ll know it’s for no other reason than to keep the world safer

MP: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Arcana fans?

FL: Just that I’m excited that the book is coming out and I think people will really like it. I also believe that Ash Jackson, who handled all of the art duties, is going to really turn some heads with his work. It’s stylized look is a perfect fit for this story.

If you like action/adventure/humor with a bit of the supernatural, check us out!
For updates on Eve you can check here at Arcana and our website:

http://www.vampirediva.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

In Stores Now: Kade Shiva’s Sun #0

Everyone’s favorite Gothic Demon Hunter is back in this new series kicking off with a 25 cent preview issue featuring a cover by Greg Horn! Written by Sean O’Reilly and Alex Nikolavitch with art by Clint Hilinksi and Andrew Dalhouse this short story paves the way for the Shiva’s Sun series. As an added bonus, the issue features Kade through the ages and a first look at the Kade: Sun of Perdition hardcover!

In This Month’s Previews

Kade: Sun of Perdition HC

During the Black Sun, under the Eye of God, angels may fall to Earth. These Fallen Angels have left the grace of God and act without consequence. Many try to spite their Creator by possessing the anemic spirits of those who are morally corrupt, using them as their demonic servants. As a Child of the Black Sun, Kade is the ageless balance that tips the dark scale back towards the light, as he hunts the demons and The Fallen.
Mature Themes, HC 7×10, 120 pgs, FC $19.95
Diamond Code: NOV07 3308

Eve: Vampire Diva #2

Eve and Girdron have to battle a witch’s coven at The Tourniquet club. Eve will have no rest as she’s thrust into a party at her apartment for her reality show . . . and Devon shows up on this lovely full moon of a night.
32 pgs, FC (2 of 4) $3.95
Diamond Code: NOV07 3309

Clockwork Girl #3

Experiencing life and love for the first time, an inseparable bond is formed as the awkward couple explore the wonders of the ordinary world. Triumph and tribulations are everywhere for the naïve duo as they try to understand their existence and their place in the world.
32 pgs, FC (3 of 4)
Diamond Code: NOV07 3310