Arcana Comics is proud to announce the legendary Stan Lee will be signing copies of Arcana’s new pop culture magazine Zedura at this year’s San Diego Comic Con!

Stan Lee will be on hand to premiere the new documentary from 1821 Pictures, “With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story.” After the screening, 5 lucky fans will get the opportunity to meet Stan in a private meet and greet and get a signed copy of the new Zedura Magazine featuring Stan on the cover, as well as be invited to the exclusive Zedura Magazine/Stan Lee party. Also, actress Malese Jow from The Vampire Diaries will join Koni Waves writer/co-creator, Mark Poulton for a signing at the Arcana booth (#2415) to promote the upcoming Koni Konfidential. In addition, WWE Divas, the Bella Twins, will appear at the booth, as well as all of your favorite Arcana creators including screenwriter Scott Milam to debut his new graphic novel, Killing Machine!

Clockwork Girl creators, Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna will be on hand to host a panel and premiere new footage from their upcoming animated film. Convention exclusives will include Preview Editions of upcoming Arcana graphic novels, A Cat Named Haiku tote bags, Koni Konfidential skateboards, and a line of new Arcana t-shirts!

The San Diego Comic Con runs from July 22nd to the 25th. For more information, please visit:

http://www.arcana.com

Arcana Studio Presents 2010

This year’s Arcana Studio Presents is the homecoming for Mario Gully’s Ant. Witness a preview of this new series, as well as previews of the next installment of Kade, Red Sun, and the all-new graphic novel, Hope’s Virus all in this specially priced 50 cent issue! Kade: Red Sun and Hope’s Virus artist, Owen Gieni provides a stunning cover!

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

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping in August, Arcana will be publishing Abiding Perdition GN (JUN10 0740), Koni Waves: The Perfect Wave GN (JUN10 0741), Loosely Based GN (JUN10 0742), Philsopher Rex GN (JUN10 0743), And Ripped GN (JUN10 0744) .

Shipping This Month

This June beat the Summer heat with these Arcana new releases: El Arsenal TP Vol. 1 (APR10 0725), Ezra: Evoked Emotions TP (APR10 0726), Ezra: Egyptian Exchange TP (APR10 0727), Kade: Red Sun TP APR10 0728), and Kade: Rising Sun TP (APR10 0729).

Interview with Steven Prouse

This month, Arcana will preview an interview conducted by Zedura Magazine EIC, Erik Hendrix with Coin Operated Boy creator, Steven Prouse. For the full interview, be on the lookout for the first issue of Zedura!

EH: Let’s start at the beginning… What was the first comic you ever read and how did it influence you?

SP: I was actually introduced to comics characters at a very young age through my childhood babysitter – the television. However, I really became a comics reader with Batman #455. That was the beginning of the story arc where Batman fought Scarecrow ending with Tim Drake officially the new Robin. Having known of the characters for years in their television format, this story arc really showed me how very much alive and dynamic these characters still were and it really made me want to explore comics more.

EH: When did you get into creating comics? What was the catalyst?

SP: I was 9 when I created my first comic.Notebook paper and black, blue and red ballpoint pens and I had twin sons of a dead planet. Superstar (a five pointed star with a red cape) and Badstar (a five pointed star with blue cape), battling for the fate of Earth.

I filled a note pad with their adventures. Nothing amazing, but the creation of those stories really took me to places far away from real life – which is exactly what I needed at the time.

In high school I found a muse of a friend who also loved creating comics. We bounced ideas off one another and developed great worlds of fantasy and shared them with others. While those worlds are forever filed in the back of my head, they really helped me develop my love for telling stories.

To read the rest of the interview, be on the lookout for the first issue of Zedura Magazine coming soon from Arcana!

Arcana is proud to announce that “A Cat Named Haiku” has been selected by Teachersand families.com for next year’s TogetheRead program for Poetry Month (April ‘11).

“A Cat Named Haiku” written by Mark Poulton and illustrated by Dexter Weeks, tells the story of the day in the liffe of a mischevious little cat, as he learns a valuable lesson on love told completely in haiku. After disobeying his owner, Haiku discovers at the end of the day even if someone is mad at you it doesn’t mean they still don’t love you. From climbing the curtains to trying to eat the pet goldfish, all of Haiku’s antics are chronicled in the three line poetry of his namesake in this 40 page children’s book intended for ages 6 and up.

The TogetheRead Program helps build better readers by encouraging fun. Teachers know that effective readers think about certain things before, during, and after reading. They’ve interwoven these strategies into the TogetheRead questions and activities so you will be building good reading skills as you talk and have fun together. To learn more about the program, please visit:

www.teachersandfamiles.com

El Arsenal TPB

Simon Masiosare is the best mercenary in the business and he has recently accepted a mission to steal cockroaches, for inside these simple bugs a powerful biological weapon is kept. However, Simon quickly realizes that his timing couldn’t be worse. Collecting El Arsenal #1-3 as well as mucho suplemento.

Buy the book now: http://www.arcana.com/store.php

In Previews

In Previews, for items shipping in June, Arcana has 5 new tradepaperbacks to add to your collection. Included are El Arsenal: Unkown Enemy TP (APR10 0725), Ezra: Evoked Emotions TP (APR10 0726), Ezra: The Egytpian Exchange TP (APR10 0727), Kade: Red Sun TP (APR10 0728), and Kade: Rising Sun TP (APR10 0729).

Shipping This Month

This April Arcana brings you the conclusion to Anywhere with Anywhere #5 (JAN10 0718) and #6 (FEB10 0660), the Fafnir the Dragon GN (FEB10 0661), and the Gauze TP (FEB10 0662)

El Arsenal Interview

This month, we’re including an excerpt from the next issue of the Arcana Magazine, where Erik Hendrix sits down with the creators of El Arsenal: Unknown Enemy, Salvador (Mudo) Vazquez and Ferran Daniel.

EH: Thanks guys for taking the opportunity to chat with us about the book. From the first page, I was bombarded with action, Ramones lyrics, and a main character more interested in chugging beer than getting his job done. What can you tell me about the world we’re checking out in the pages of Unknkown Enemy?

MV: It is a nasty world, the time has come, some (stuff) has happened that a few would call it post apocalyptic, but still the people go on and on. The world is on fire as it is right now, but worse. People just need to survive, everyone in power hates his counterpart, others want their land, their supplies. And with this, the mercs found a goldmine to exploit. Ther mercs involved in Unknown Enemy are chasing what is believed to be the ultimate weapon, some kind of biological lethal virus contained in three cockroaches. By the way, before the world went to the toilet, those biological weapons got banished, that’s why, when some crazy scientist figured out how to bring them back, every one in power wants those filthy critters for their arsenal.

That is for Unknown Enemy, but El Arsenal is about mercs and their misadventures trying to work in this (screwed) up world, playing as weapons to get enemies that aren’t theirs. Just because everyone in power in this world has access to any weapon, they have to rely on who can use it best. The Mercs.

EH: Where did this idea come from originally?

MV: Well, it’s been a while. But it originated in a bar, where a friend of mine asked me to do a story for a short film that never got made. The challenge was to make it with “innagadda da vida” from Iron Butterfly, you know, that 20 minute version. It was planned to be silent, just with the music in the background. I played the song over and over and just got images of semi futuristic bandoleros facing each other in a desert town, Real de Catorce (it’s a famed mine town in the sierra of Mexico, 5 hours from Monterrey, my hometown). I started to write the screenplay, but as I said, it never got made. Couple of years later (circa ‘99) I decided to make it a comic book with Ferran Daniel. The concept got expanded and over the years (5 before it got published with Arcana) it was made a couple times over and over. Lots of workshops, concept art, and ideas of stories beyond the original one were made. It became a faithful companion over the years.

To read the full interview, check out Arcana Magazine #2 on sale in May!

Arcana is proud to announce the upcoming graphic novel, Killing Machine, by screenwriter Scott Milam that is currently in production.

Killing Machine tells the tale of Franklyn J Hurt, an undercover agent for the Global Crime Task Force sent to infiltrate the criminal organization only known as The Syndicate Six. When his cover is blown, his wife taken and daughter murdered before his eyes, Frank wakes up barely a man, a torso with an unrecognizable face, hanging in a warehouse and used as an example fro those who betray The Syndicate Six. However, Frank is rescued by Special Forces and given the bionic treatment. After rejecting his new duties, Frank siezes an opportunity to escape and track down the killers who destroyed his life.

Creator Scott Milam is the screenwriter of the upcoming Mother’s Day, directed by Saw 2-4 and Repo The Genetic Opera’s Darren Lynn Bousman. In addition, he is currently adapting Dark Horse’s The Secret for Universal. Milam brought the idea to producer Daniel Alter, who produced 20th Century Fox’s Hitman, as well as the upcoming Johnny Quest and Hack/Slash films. Alter had the idea to bring the project to Arcana where they have teamed up with newcomer Kenneth Loh on art duties.

Arcana Owner and CEO, Sean O’Reilly said, “Working with Scott has been incredible and it’s simply fascinating to see what his mind comes up with…”

Arcana Releases 60 Graphic Novels in 52 Weeks!

Arcana Arcana is taking 2010 by storm with the release of 60 graphic novels in 52 weeks!

Leading the charge is Arcana’s flagship title, Kade, which will have all four of its past series released in tpb form for the first time. This includes Kade: Original Sun, Sun of Perdition, Shiva’s Sun, Rising Sun, and the brand new Red Sun. In addition, the cult hit Koni Waves will be collected in one huge volume entitled the Perfect Wave. This monster book will serve as a director’s cut to the series including over 30 pages of new scenes, as well as an all-new ending!

Other titles include 3, Arcana Team-up, Dead Men Decimation, Grunts: War Stories, and many more.

Miracle In Stores

Arcana is happy to announce Miracle by aclaimed writer, David Black is now available.

Miracle tells the tale of Martin Foley, a cynical cop working in New York. But when Foley arrives at the East Harlem social club to investigate a murder, he finds no shooter, no victime… There are blood stains on the floor and thirty witnesses, who all agree on what happened: The killer shot the victim six times in the chest at point blank range and ran. A stranger stepped out of the crowd, put his hands on the dead man’s face and the dead man came back to life.

David Black is a professional writer whose credits include Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Sidney Lumet’s 100 Centre Street, and author of The Extinction Event.

A Cat Named Haiku

A Cat Named Haiku Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. Haiku is also a mischievous little cat. A Cat Named Haiku tells the engaging story of a day in the life of Haiku, a feline who puts the “cat” in catastrophe. Follow his misadventures as he learns a valuable lesson about friendship told completely in haiku. Whimsically written by Mark Poulton and beautifully illustrated by Dexter Weeks, this is sure to appeal to the child or car lover in your home!

Buy the book now: http://www.arcana.com/store.php

In Previews

In Previews, for items shipping in June, Arcana will present an all-Kade month. Kade Original Sun TP (MAR10 0697) and Kade Shivas Sun TP (MAR10 0698) will be released. If you haven’t read Kade before this is the perfect opportunity to jump on board!

Shipping This Month

March roars in like a lion for Arcana as we see the release of Anywhere #5 (JAN10 0718), Don Bluth’s Space Ace TP (JAN10 0719), Grunts War Stories TP (JAN10 0720), and Paradox GN (JAN10 0721) .

Interview with Mark Poulton

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton takes questions about his latest project, A Cat Named Haiku from Chrissy, the Arcana intern.

C: Mark, A Cat Named Haiku is quite the departure from what we’ve come to expect from you with Koni Waves?

MP: That was the main appeal for doing this. Working on Koni Waves is great, but Dex (Dexter Weeks from Koni Waves) and I really wanted to do something that woudl appeal to all ages. Dex is a father of two and I’m expecting my first child in May. My wife also works in a classroom and Koni isn’t something for the little ones. Plus, diversity is the key to remaining creative.

C: How did you come up with the idea for the story?

MP: Dex and I had wanted to work together on a children’s book for a long time. It was just the matter of finding the right idea for the book. Dex’s family has 2 cats and my family has 3 so writing a book about a cat seemed a natural. Once I came up with the cat’s name, Haiku, the book seemed to write itself.

C: Was it hard writing a book entirely in haiku?

MP: It was a challenge I enjoyed. The hardest aspect of it was trying to tell a story. Haikus by nature are very whimsical and to not only tell a story, but teach a lesson about friendship was frustrating at times. But I thought it was a very unique idea and I stuck with it and ended up having a blast working on it. Afterwards, I found myself stuck writing and thinking in 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

C: Will we see more of Haiku?

MP: Definitely! Dex and I have already talked about a sequel, Christmas Haiku. We need to finish up some work on Koni Waves and we have another children’s book in the works as well. Eventually though, we’ll get back to more of Haiku’s adventures. We’ve really caught the children’s book bug and want to do more.

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

MP: First, I’d just like to thank everyone for all of the great feedback and comments on A Cat Named Haiku. Dex and I will be promoting it all summer long at the conventions. Besides the book, we’ll have Haiku cat hats and bags for sale. And second, be on the lookout for Koni Konfidential, the 2nd wave of Koni Waves!

The new year has already provided many joys, many difficulties and many opportunities for all of us. Arcana is proud to announce it has recently donated hundreds of all age books to Camp Can-Do (ACS) including The Gwaii, Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom and the Art of ReBoot. Kelli Rivera, the assistant director for sibling week, has been with the organization for 10 years said “I used to watch ReBoot all the time and we love the books you sent. Thank you so much for your donation and please spread the word about the camp”.

Camp Can-Do is an excellent organization that really makes a difference and allows a kid to be a kid. Provided free of charge by the American Cancer Society, Camp Can-Do is a week-long camp for children with cancer, and Camp Can-Do II is a week-long camp for siblings of children with cancer.

Haitian artist Rene Dittmer and Arcana raised almost $1000 selling sketch various covers with all proceeds going to directly to Haitian relief. Rene and his family were lucky to be alive after the devastating 7.0 earthquake struck on January 12th, but his hometown of Port-au-Prince was left in ruins. He is sending updates when he can and we are all hoping for the best for him and his family. Rene has worked on storyboards and concept designs for Arcana’s upcoming project, Kleo.

Arcana has also recently participated in Maple Creek Middle’s Literacy Conference giving away numerous comics, including The Clockwork Girl and A Cat Named Haiku, and also presented work shops for middle school students on developing comics and graphic novels. As well, Arcana has donated books for the Comic Slop at the Hayward Leadership Public School in California to support their comic book club.

Arcana has many more plans for charity events in 2010, and if you have a charity or event, please do not hesitate to contact us to see if we can help.

Gearhead TPB

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. Join her on a road trip that leads from the drag strip all the way to the White House. Like her father before her, she is GearHead.

Created by Dennis Hopeless and Kevin Mellon, the comic in currently optioned by Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Motion Pictures. Collecting the first four issues, along with never before seen pinups and commentary, GearHead is here to stay.

Buy the book now: http://www.arcana.com/store.php

In Previews

In Previews, for items shipping in March and April, Arcana will be publishing Arcana Presents 2010 (JAN10 0717), Anywhere #5 (JAN10 0718), Don Bluth’s Space Ace TPB (JAN10 0719), Grunts War Stories TPB (JAN10 0720), Paradox GN (JAN10 0721), Anywhere #6 (FEB10 0660), Fafnir The Dragon GN (FEB10 0661), and Gauze TPB (FEB10 0662).

Shipping This Month

Arcana kicks off the New Year this January and February with the release of Arcana Magazine #1 (NOV09 0599), Anywhere #3 (NOV09 0600), Avengelyne vs Koni Waves Oneshot (NOV09 0601), Cat Named Haiku (NOV09 0602), Miracle GN (NOV09 0603), and Anywhere #4 (DEC09 0661) .

Interview with Steven Prouse

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Marketing, Jimmy DaSilva interviews Steven Prouse, writer of the original graphic novel, Coin Operated Boy.

JD: Steven, can you give a synopsis of what Coin Operated Boy is about for those not familiar with it?

SP: Coin Operated Boy is the story of a girl named Genesis and her bedroom, in general, with men. She blows through them pretty steadily, but is increasingly tired of the emotional baggage they seem to bring to the table. Her solution: create a robot boy to fulfill her fun times while dumping nothing heavy on her. Things go wrong when the boy becomes self aware and tries to protect his creator from everything, including her friends.

JD: How did you come up with the idea for the story?

SP: I had this close friend in college who was really the big bang for Genesis. Our conversations revolved around how complicated relationships are and how we just wished we could get a little action without all that baggage. She seemed to be every man’s (and a few women’s) wet dream. She was absolutely brilliant, but her down time was beyond exciting.

I wanted to tell a story about our friendship, but in a way that showed the pure comfort we had with each other and didn’t want to do just another sappy, slice-of-life sort of story. I had this story in skeletal form when I heard the Dresden Dolls’ “Coin Operated Boy.” I absolutely loved it, but the general empty love message I saw in the song made me want to tell a story where that sort of connection is only fleeting (as is, in my opinion, the general concept of love). What Genie finds in her friend at the end is far more secure and important than a romance.

JD: What inspires you as a writer?

SP: The human condition; people, relationships, philosphy, theology, politics… how people interact and define their world. Random conversations, smells, other things I read… all of these can ignite a spark in the back of my head.

JD: How did you decide on bringing Coin Operated Boy to Arcana?

SP: I’ve been familiar with Arcana since the early Kade days and wanted to work with a comic publisher with a proven track record for producing high quality books, but small enough that Coin Operated wouldn’t get lost in the monthly melee.

JD: Are there any other projects you are working on?

SP: Always… I am currently working on a mini-series titled “Stink Fist” about a futuristic world where the corporate reanimation of corpses as slave labor won out over robotics. I have a few other things in the works on various other comics, film, and television projects – nothing developed enough to talk about now – and am currently writing an erotica novel (the first chapter is in my notes on my facebook page).

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

SP: Don’t buy the hype… take candy from as many strangers as would offer.

Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, is proud to announce the launch of Arcana Magazine. Debuting on January 27th, 2010, and solicited in the current November Previews (Diamond Code: NOV09 0599) is the new quarterly magazine simply entitled Arcana, the re-designed print version of the on-line comics based magazine Extra Sequential.

The first issue features interviews with Star Wars: Invasion writer Tom Taylor, artist Josh Medors, Singaporean writer Edmund Shern, Surrogates creator Robert Venditti, and ground breaking artist David Mack. Also included are previews from upcoming comics and features such as a look back at the Death of Superman event, a talk with pro cyclist/comics fan Dave Zabriskie, a brief chat with the legendary Marv Wolfman, and an article of the current love affair between musicians and comics, including an interview with Coheed & Cambria’s Claudio Sanchez. There’s also a look at just how to market comics today, a breakdown of popular comic book terms and more.

Arcana #1, a 96 page full color magazine goes on sale January 27th, 2010.

http://www.arcanaquarterly.com

Arcana Studio is proud to announce the KISS Kompendium

Arcana Studio, the award winning art production arm of Arcana has worked on numerous comics, video games and animation for Disney, Sony Animation, ABC, SpikeTV, HBO, CAPCOM, Random House and more…but here’s a MONSTER we recentely worked on.  We were hired to put together this MASSIVE KISS Kompendium published by Harper Collins.  This is a monster and on sale December 8th, 2009.  Just in time for KISSmas.  Check it out at KISSOnline.com

The GwaiI TPB

Recently winning the prestigous Moonbeam Award for best Children’s Graphic Novel, the Gwaii tells the tale of Tanu, 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. Using his agility, speed, jumping ability, and a mean snow-ball throwing arm, the young sasquatch must find his way back home while confronting the most fearsome mythological creatures ever whispered about in the wild wilderness!

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

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping January, Arcana will be publishing Arcana Magazine #1 (NOV09 0599), Anywhere #3 (NOV09 0600), Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves Oneshot (NOV 0601), Cat Named Haiku (NOV09 0602) and Miracle GN (NOV09 0603).

Shipping This Month

This November it’s time to give thanks for Arcana’s releases for the month: Anywhere #1 (SEP09 0590), Don Bluth’s Space Ace #5 (SEP09 0591), and Hero House GN (SEP09 0592).

Interview with Sean O’Reilly

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton interviews Arcana Owner and CEO, Sean O’Reilly, about several topics including a slate of movies that are on the way, as well as what’s in store for Arcana in the future.

MP: First things first, you recently produced and developed the stories for 2 Lion’s Gate films. What can you tell us about them?

SO:  People who know me, know I love the UFC and MMA.  It was a THRILL to be working on projects with Kimbo Slice, Frank Mir, Roger Huerta, Michael Bisping and so many more.  I actually had a drink with Frank and he knew his comic books.  I met director Daniel and he was the one who initially got the ball rolling with Grindstone (Lion’s Gate), and Deboragh, Michael, Barry, Stan and so many more people were critical to getting these projects off of the ground.  I’m really looking forward to seeing these now that the first one is filmed.

MP: As well, you recently produced a Steve Segal film? What’s it about and is there any chance we’ll see Steven at the Arcana booth for SDCC?

SO: I can ony hope so.  The comics to film buzz has helped propel me into the entertainment industry and I’m getting to work on a lot of great
projects.

MP: Arcana has a new pop culture/comic magazine due out in January. What sets it apart from other magazines and what can fans expect?

SO:  Our key people, Kris Bather and David Lapsley, are creating a magazine that is like no other.  It’s focus is art…it’s Wizard meets Maxim with a strong artistic direction.  I really am excited about this magazine as it will open up new doors for our publishing arm.

MP: The Gwaii recently won the Moonbeam Award for best children’s graphic novel. The previous year Clockwork Girl won. How does it feel to have your
work so well received? Also, is producing good children’s product one of your publishing priorities?

SO: I’ve been writing comic books since 2003 so it’s great to get recognition.  Children’s books have become a priority for me since the birth of my first child, my daughter Summer.  Since then we’ve gone on to make a couple more (Kiefer, Phoenix & Harmony) and it really does change one’s motivations.  The demon hunter is still alive but I really wanted to show my kid’s something before they go to bed that won’t bring about nightmares.

MP: Speaking of Kade, what can we expect from him in 2010?

SO:  Jay and I have another installment for Kade called Red Sun.  Set in Siberia, 1020, Kade is hunting for the of the Fallen.  This one is going
straight to graphic novel (after a promo issue) and we have truly set the bar higher with every book starting with Humberto Ramos on Original Sun, Stjepan Sejic’s debut in Sun of Perdition, Clint and Thu’s awesome Shiva’s Sun and Christian Duce’s amazing Rising Sun.  It’s a big world and Jay has been great to work with allowing me to weave all of the mythos in a massive 2500 year tale.

MP: What other big plans does Arcana have?

SO:  We are doing SO many great projects and with limited space I can only name a couple.  Anywhere #1 (only 99 cents!) and Champion #1 is on stands Wednesday Dec. 9th and upcoming graphic novels like Black Jesus has had a TREMENDOUS response through the book market with a very strong initial purchase order, Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen Kingdom has had tremendous reviews already, Hero House is already busy doing instore signings and in 2010 we have 32…yes THIRTY TWO graphic novels already solicited from January through to August 2010.  Working with numerous distributing partners we are proud to release these titles to the book market.  We have had a strong presence in the book market and after winning a couple awards at Book Expo America it’s really helped us set the path for a strong year next year.

As well there are two animated series we’re starting production on and one live action project as well.

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

SO: You cannot change the wind, but you may adjust your sails.

Arcana Comics is proud to announce that the Black Jesus trailer is now online at arcana.com.

Black Jesus (AUG09 0633), created by Jimmy Blondell and David Krintzman, asks the question what happens when someone is born different? Are they accepted? And if they are accepted, what are they accepted as? Chris is born with special gifts and every individual has their own beliefs. Is Chris a Mutant or a Messiah?

To coincide with the release of the book, Jimmy Blondell has created a trailer which he says, “… is a mash up of the Graphic Novel and the screenplay. I infused illustrations and iconography from the comic-book and then I added some rough cut footage from the screenplay. The music element I chose really added a dark edge that helped reflect the stories tone.”

The trailer can be viewed online at Arcana’s official website.

http://www.arcana.com

The Gwaii Wins The Gold Medal At Moonbeam Awards

Arcana is pleased to announce The Gwaii has one the Gold Medal at the 3rd Annual Moonbeam Awards for Best Comic/Graphic Novel! Written by Sean O’Reilly and Grant Chastain and illustrated by the Geat LP, The Gwaii tells the tale of Tanu, a small Gwaii, who searches the Canadian wilderness for his injured mother. With his newfound friend Jaadaa at his side, they must face the most fearsom mythological creatures ever whispered about in the wild wilderness if they are to find their family and their way back home.

The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to support childhood literacry and life-long reading.

The Moonbeam Awards ceremony will be held on October 10th as part of West Virginia’s Book Festival in Charleston, WV.

Velvet Rope One-shot

Admit one to a new collection of horrifying tales! Grab your popcorn and candy, as Velvet, the beautiful usher from beyond the grave introduces Arcana’s brand of spine tingling horror in this annual anthology which includes deadly glimpses of upcoming Arcana titles like Daddy’s Little Girl, as well as an all-new Eve: Vampire Diva short. Featuring stories from some of the top up and coming creators around like Mark Poulton, Bruce A Brown, and Frank LaPerch, Velvet Rope is sure to make a killing at the box office!

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

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping in December, Arcana will be publishing the Anywhere #2 (of 6) (OCT09 0686), Coin Operated Boy GN (OCT09 0687), Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen Kingdom GN (OCT09 0688), and Don Bluth’s Space Ace #6 (of 6) (OCT09 0689).

Shipping This Month

Coming up this month Arcana has a bag full of treats for this coming Halloween with the release of the Black Jesus GN (AUG09 0633), Champion One-shot (AUG09 0634), and Don Bluth’s Space Ace #4 (of 6) (AUG09 0635). Don’t get tricked this Halloween. Make sure to reserve your copies with your local comic shops today!

Interview with David Greenblatt

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton interviews David Greenblatt, writer of the new Arcana GN Ultima Thula.

MP: David, for those unfamiliar with Ultima Thula, how would you pitch it to them?

DG: When an ashamed former war hero’s daughter is abducted by aliens and transported to their hostile planet, he goes on a mission to rescue the one person in his life that is his reason for living.

MP: How did you and Phil come up with the idea for the story?

DG: We both agreed that the most important part of our lives is our families. If anything were to happen to them it would devastate us. We wanted to channel that pure, raw emotion into a story that resonates with the importance of sacrificing all for loved ones.

MP: Prior to working on the graphic novel, were you a fan of comic books? If so, were there any that inspired you while working on the project?

DG: Always loved Superman, The Flash and the Fantastic Four. What inspired us was all things Spielberg and Lucas.

MP: When looking for a publisher, what made you choose Arcana?

DG: Arcana was recommended very highly by other people in the comic book/graphic novel world. Arcana completely got what we are trying to do. This is important for us as we want to do this for the long term. To have creative and business backing like Arcana provides will allow this.

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

DG: We wanted to make something that we were both proud of. It had to please us first and foremost. There are many personal elements that we imbued into the creation. Hopefully what touched us about these characters and their journeys will touch others as well.

www.arcanacomics.com

Arcana Comics is proud to announce the animated teaser for the Clockwork Girl, which debuted at SDCC, is now online at www.clockworkgirl.com!

Directed by Kevin Hanna and produced by Sean O’Reilly, the animated teaser is based on the award winning graphic novel. Last year it was announced that Telefilm funded the development of the screenplay by Jennica Harper allowing the Clockwork Girl to move to production.

The 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.

Co-creator, Sean O’Reilly said, “It’s incredible to see these characters take their first steps. Kevin truly is a visionary and I am thrilled to be working with him on this project.” The Clockwork Girl is currently being developed into a feature length film by Arcana Studio.

The Clockwork Girl Hardcover

The Tinkerer is a mad scientist convinced that mechanical technology is a stable and precise science and is more important than all of the other
sciences. Metal twists and bends, gears, axles, and ratchets work in unison giving life to a conscious machine – The Astonishing Clockwork Girl! The Grafter believes that the natural uncontainable power of biology should be revered against all other sciences. Assembling a body from parts of exhumed corpses, organs, skin, and limbs are stitched together to create the son that he could not have – the Amazing Mutant Boy! Life is beautiful. The Astonishing Clockwork Girl and the Amazing Mutant Boy begin to take their first steps into this world, learning about individual existence, freedom, and choice. But a true understanding of who they are can’t begin until they meet… Arcana’s Sean O’Reilly and Disney’s Kevin Hanna have created this wonderful, all-ages fairytale beautifully illustrated by Grant Bond. This hardcover collects all four issues of The Clockwork Girl along with never before seen images, interviews, and concept art.

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

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping in October and November, Arcana has a bag full of Halloween treats including Black Jesus GN (AUG09 0633), Champion One-shot (AUG09 0634), Don Bluth’s Space Ace #4 (of 6) (AUG09 0635), Anywhere #1 (of 6), (SEP09 0590), Don Bluth’s Space Ace #5 (of 6) (SEP09 0591), and Hero House GN (SEP09 0592) .

Shipping This Month

Arcana ends the Summer with these hot August and September releases from superstar writer Robert Kirkman and artist Paulo Borges. It’s Don Bluth’s Space Ace #1 (MAY09 0645), #2 (JUN09 0689) and #3 (JUL09 0665). In addition, September ends on a groovy note as Chris Harden brings you the release of The Fro: Origin GN (JUL09 0666) Dig it!

Interview with Justin Aclin

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton interviews Justin Aclin, writer of the upcoming superhero frat graphic novel, Hero House, which is currently in this month’s Previews (SEP09 0592).

MP: For those unfamiliar with Hero House, how would you pitch it to them and where did you come up with the idea for such a fun book?

JA: The central concept of Hero House is really easy to explain: it’s about a college fraternity for super-powered students, working together to
be the heroes of tomorrow. Once you get past the high concept, though, it’s really all about the characters. So our entry point into Epsilon Epsilon Psi – the titular frat – is a freshman named Nate Hedges, who was a big-time small-town teen superhero who just feels completely lost and directionless at college. He gets tapped by the university president to pledge the Eps and make sure they’re not getting up to super-powered shenanigans, and a lot of the story is about how he interacts wiht these characters he’d never normally be interacting with. We also learn early on that there’s a black sheep ex-member of the frat, Poltergeist, who had some sort of falling out with his fellow founders early on, and that’s a bit of a mystery that gets explored. If I’ve done my job correctly, when someone’s done with the book they’ll have read a fun, funny superhero action story, but they’ll also have met some characters that are either familiar to them or that they’ve felt like at some point in their lives. I think, even if you’ve never been in a frat or been a superhero, the feeling of starting out in college or someplace new and not knowing exactly who you’re supposed to be in relation to who you used to be is extremely universal.

How I came up with the idea is almost stupid. I remember I was just in my living room one day, probably looking at my DVD collection, when it
occurred to me that both super-teams and fraternities, at least as seen in Animal House, are groups of people who band together for a common goal and give each other code names. And that was it. From there I knew I’d write about a frat that was also a super-team, and all I had to do was figure out who they were and what the whole thing would be about. You can read a lot more about the development of Hero House and see pre-production art and that kind of thing at my blog, www.aclincorp.com.

MP: Did you attend college? If so, did you pledge a fraternity? Any wild stories you can share?

JA: I did attend college at Boston University, home of the Terriers, but I did not pledge a frat. Shocking, I know. But even though I don’t have that specific experience, almost all the frat stuff in Hero House – what it feels like to pledge a group, coming in as a freshman when there are already established group dynamics – all that stuff was based on real experiences. My freshman year I tried out for a sketch comedy group and performed with them for all four years of college. And just like a frat or a super-team, each member got their own codename. I was Hemlock. So even though I was never in a frat, all of that stuff was drawn from my real life.

I don’t think we got to any Animal House-level wildness, though. Most of our parties were right after performances, and consisted of getting drunk and telling each other how awesome we did.

MP: Longtime Arcana fans may remember Hero House from the company’s early days. It was one of the earliest titles signed by the company. After years of work, what was it like to finally see the comic in printed form?

JA: Yeah, this book’s been cooking for a long, long time. At this point, it’s been five years since Arcana even announced they’d be publishing it. I’ve had my fantastic penciler, Mike Dimayuga, from almost the very beginning, but it’s taken us a very long time to get the rest of the art team put together and get the art completed. But it was definitely worth it – Frank E. Stone on inks and Brian Gabrillo on colors are a fantastic addition to the team, and the final product really pops. To finally see it printed and hold in my hands was amazing. It’s the culmination of a life-long dream for me.

MP: Your’e also the head writer on Wizard’s Twisted Toyfare Theatre, which is hilarious by the way. Who would you say is your favorite Mego figure to write for?

JA: Thanks! Yeah, I’ve been writing Twisted Toyfare for about seven years and I’ve been the head writer for the past several, since the Robot Chicken guys left to go work on that show. I was a fan before I started working on it, so I love writing for the classic characters like Doom, Hulk, Thing and especially Spidey. Mego Spidey is the everyman as exasperated jerk and he’s very fun to write for. As far as less established characters, I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Electro and Mysterio, for some reason. I established this kind of adversarial friendship for them and I love when they appear together. I really need to make that happen more often.

MP: The creative team attended SDCC. How was the fans’ reaction to the book?

JA: We did really well at SDCC. Arcana brought a small early print run, but we were completely sold out by the end of the con. Hero House was
actually making its debut at the show, so the fans I got to speak to were picking it up for the first time and hadn’t actually gotten to read the
book yet. A lot of them were Twisted Toyfare fans who were willing to take a chance on the book because I’d written it, and I really appreciate that, or else they were drawn in by the amazing Ed McGuinness cover or Mike’s awesome art in the interior. The early reviews we’ve gotten have been very positive, though.

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

JA: If you buy Hero House, first and foremost you’re getting a solid, well-crafted superhero story with great characters. It’s got a concept that’s potentially and I’m certainly known for a more gag-based comic strip, but it was important to me to let either of those overwhelm the story. You’ll read it and laugh, but this isn’t a collection of jokes. It’s a story that, hopefully when you finish it, you’ll be eager to read the next chapter. And hopefully the next chapter doesn’t take another five years.

www.arcanacomics.com

The third and final issue of Stephen J Cannell’s beloved cult classic arrives in stores TODAY complete with a special Barack Obama cover! The Greatest American Hero himself teams up with writers Christopher Folino and Derek McCaw and superstar artist Clint Hilinski for this exciting re-imagining of the cult classic series.

Buy the Red Foil edition of this collector’s issue now:

http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

Camilla d’Errico’s Burn Now Available As Webcomic!

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.

Superstar artist Camilla d’Errico has now made her critically accalimed series availabe as one of Arcana’s webcomics. Read the entire series at:

www.arcanacomics.com

Don Bluth’s Space Ace!

Arcana Comics is proud to announce that Space Ace is coming back! Fan favorite writer Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible) wrote these reprintings from CrossGen, and a new writing team will carry forward his momentum with issues #4-6!

Follow the adventures of the musclebound hero Ace! The villainous Commander Borf attacks Ace with the “Infanto Ray,” a weapon that transforms him into an adolescent version of himself, and kidnaps his girlfriend Kimberly. It is up to Dexter – Ace’s younger incarnation – to rescue Kimberly and prevent Borf from using the Infanto Ray to conquer Earth. Based on the classic 1980’s video game!

In Previews

This month in Previews, for items shipping July, Arcana will be publishing the Don Bluth’s Space Ace #1 (MAY090645) and Ultima Thula GN (MAY090646).

Shipping This Month

This May sees the release of Arcana’s Matriarch TP (MAR094065) .

Interview with Rock Shaink and Mark Jonathan Stanley

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton interviews Rock Shaink and Mark Jonathan Stanley regarding their involvement in the slate of Arcana properties that are currently in development.

MP: What can you tell us about your involvement in Arcana’s Grunts, Ripped, and Coma?

RS: Let’s see. Where to begin? I guess everything started when Sean got in touch with me about the possibility of working together on something. We grabbed a few drinks a week later, and talked about what I was working on, what we (Mark and I) were working on, and what Arcana was working on, and ultimately how we could come together on something. But, really it ended up being a long conversation on comics, the industry, film, television, etc. that was a total blast. After a few hours at the table we realized we hadn’t really discussed the topic of collaboration in too much detail. So, we finished the first meet with Sean giving me a handful of books, and some scripts/artwork from future projects. I in turn promised to send him a few ideas that may work with what Arcana was planning in the future.
When I got back to my office I couriered copies of the books to my co-writer and read… a lot. I think I read half the Arcana library in one sitting, and immediately fell in love with what these guys were doing.

The next day Sean and I had a great follow up chat, where I gave my thoughts on what I’d read, and Sean then told me he had 2 books he HAD to send us. I in turn told him I had an idea, I’d loved, that was a bit darker then the rest, but judging by what Arcana was publishing and a few of the books they were coming out with later in the year, I think it may just fit the kind of “edgy” thrillers they were willing to take a shot on. So, we again exchanged emails — Sean sending us two soon to be published books (which turned out to be GRUNTS and RIPPED) and myself sending him COMA. And that was the beginning of what became the… well, the beginning. And wow, I just chatted everyone’s ear off.

MJS: Yep. What he said.

MP: How did these projects come about?

RS: As I’d said, Sean sent me a few select books (Ripped, Grunts) he thought fit what we were doing, and I in turn sent him one of my favorite projects (Coma). Ripped was the first one I read, and I immediately called my co-writer to have him read it first. Unfortunately, him being a Brit, and it being 4am over there when I did so, he did not answer.

But, anyway, had he picked up, I’d had told him how much the comic had blown me away, and how well it matched what we were looking for. The creator had done a great job of capturing a fun and exciting story and dropping it into this unique, yet relatable world.

MJS: With Time travel.

RS: Right. So, the next day, or early the next morning, I hear back from Mark and he’s going on about how this book is definitely our next project. I’m of course ecstatic that he’s read RIPPED already. Only to quickly realize…

MJS: I think it was when dinosaurs entered the conversation.

RS: Haha. Yep, it was at the mention of dinosaurs that Mark stopped me, and asked me how the hell I was planning on getting dinosaurs in to WW2?

MJS: It was then we realized we’d not only read two different books, but that neither of the other had read the one we were going on about. Rock had accidently sent me two copies of Grunts, but none of Ripped, and in turn had 2 copies of Ripped, but none of Grunts. So a trade was organized, and back to reading we went.

RS: The next day we chat again and suddenly find ourselves in a bit of a dilemma. We really, really love both books. Two dream projects dropped right in to our laps, and now we had to make a decision as to which to do.

MJS: A few days later we made one of the easiest and most difficult decisions we’ve ever made collectively. Easy because we decided we wanted to do both. Difficult because… well, we decided we wanted to do both.

RS: We sat down, looked at our already well-booked schedules and decided one way or another we had to make room for these. So, we set our reps and Sean (Arcana) to chat to see what we could do to make it work.

MJS: Shortly there after we get word from the powers that be that it’s a full go. And off we go. We decided to dive in to RIPPED first, while we chatted with Shannon from Grunts on some ideas for where the book could go beyond the page.

RS: With Ripped we’re staying inside the world created, while bringing some new unique elements to it, but in chatting with Shannon on Grunts, he had some excellent ideas for where the story could continue off the page, so we wanted time to work that out with him while we attacked Ripped.

MJS: Don’t forget Coma.

RS: And Coma. Yes, Coma, as I’d said was a passion project of mine that I needed to get out of me. I sent Sean a copy of the treatment for Coma that I’d written really for myself. I was immediately unsure of the decision, knowing that the story does dive in to some dark topics, and doesn’t shy away where others may. So, I have to say I was absolutely thrilled when Sean got back to me about thirty minutes later saying “We have to do this”. And from there Coma swiftly joined our burgeoning Arcana/Romark family.

MP: Were you a comic book fan growing up?

RS: Growing up at the end of a dirt road in a tiny little town, where we didn’t even have the option of television until I was 12, left me few options in form of entertainment. I remember my father usually paid my little brothers and I for our chores in the form of baseball cards, but one week he returned with a few packs of cards and a comic book. The choice had to be made. I ended up reading my first ever comic book that day, and I’ve never looked back.

MJS: Being a Brit, and growing up around the time of 2000 AD (the comic, not the actual period!), I was always a big fan of characters like Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper. It’s that element of fantasy, and the great sense of escapism they provide. Comic books were always like movies to me. Something which I probably didn’t realize until I became a little older. But to me, it’s always been like watching a film on the page.

MP:  Arcana fans are probably more familar with Grunts and Ripped, what can you tell us about Coma?
 

MJS: Coma is going to be a kick ass ride from the sick, twisted mind of Rock Shaink. A comic book, and a movie. Other than that, I am sworn to secrecy! But meet me in the bar later. I’m partial to beer!

RS: You know, try as I may, I don’t think I could’ve said it any better then Mark just did. I will add simply that it’s a passion project, and one that jumps right into the deep end of the noir-esque psycho-thriller genre. A pull no punches, no turning away, vivid journey down a very very dark path. Wait, “noir-esque psycho thriller” – did I just make up a new genre?

MP: What do you find most appealing in each of these properties?

MJS: I think it’s the great mix of fantasy meets reality in each project. You see, Rock is more of the reality guy, whereas I tend to lean more toward fantasy. We’ve always been able to combine that to good effect, and usually end up with something that’s absolutely unique on both terms. So finding Ripped and Grunts, two projects that jump in and out of both elements, and pull it off in spades, was something I knew we needed to sink our teeth into.

RS: Each of these books allows us room to flex our own creative muscles independently, and then to bring our work together for the story. With Ripped, I was the guy with the dry-erase board trying to quantify this unique form, or potential idea of “time-travel”… while Mark was at the same time thinking of cool characters and times in history we could mess with. For Grunts it’s the similar process, just this time with behemoth-sized super soldiers and the Germans.

MJS: Both projects feel real, yet of course, they‘re not. But there’s just something happening with them that works on an unconscious level. You’re both connecting and escaping at the same time. It’s the ultimate magic trick. And my hat goes off to all those involved.

MP:  What do you think makes for a successful comic book adaptation?
 

MJS: I think it all comes down to keeping the spirit intact, whilst also staying true to what works on the screen. And that’s something, I feel, which carries all throughout the process. Not just in the writing. There’s a template, but it has to be treated with respect. Sometimes it means changing certain elements. But in the end, if the spirit is still there, then usually what made the comic work, will also make the film work. Usually!
 

RS: Yes, “Usually!” indeed. I can’t agree with that more. I’m a huge comic fan, but at the same time I’m a huge film fan. Finding the ability to stay true to one, while ensuring it works for the other can be quite tricky. However with the blessing of all those involved, I think it’s also one of the most fun elements of what we do as writers. Think about how many times you’ve seen something, heard about something, or read something and said to yourself… “This would be a great movie”. Luckily, we get a shot at actually making that a reality, whether it be; adapting short stories, magazine articles, video games, comics, novels, etc.

MP: You guys are both really busy these days, with many projects in development including the remake of the 80s cult film the Hidden. How did you get involved with this remake? Were you fans of the original?
 

RS: We can’t really say too much about the project, or it’s current status. This project has been a roller coaster ride itself, with lots of ups and downs as far as those involved, etc. All-in-all, it was a ton of fun to write, we had a blast researching it, and luckily for us it’s still a script that gets us a lot of work.

MP: These projects are all going through your company Romark Films. What can you tell us about the company? How it was formed? And what made you guys decide to do it?
 

RS: Romark was born out of our expanding responsibilities as writers, directors and producers. As writers our work was taking on a life of it’s own, and we were suddenly flush with projects that we were shepherding as producers and those we were stepping into as directors. I think for us, Romark became the home in which we could make them all work together.
 

MJS: I think it was also out of our desire to oversee projects from beginning to end. Being a writer is great, but at times it can be very frustrating. Building a company like this not only gives us more freedom on the creative side, but also on the business side. So hopefully it becomes the best of both worlds.
 

RS: I think also as filmmakers this was ultimately a dream we both shared. A place we can both focus on our own creative endeavors, but that also allows us the opportunity to work with other creative writers and directors we highly respect, and at the same time seek out new rising talents with a voice, and passion similar to our own.

MP: Tell us a little bit about the process you guys take when writing something together?
 

RS: We pay our ghostwriters extremely well, and then go on an extended vacation. Haha! But seriously…
 

MJS: I think the best way to look at it would be to compare us both to architects of a great house. (The script being the house in this example.) Together, we’d both meet up and build a sturdy, creative foundation. At that point I would go off and put up the four walls of the house. Meanwhile, Rock would move inside, and decorate each room. Then we’d both meet back up at the top to finish the roof.
 

RS: Can’t agree more. Mark was always the structural engineer to my extravagant painter. I’d jump inside and work on character and dialogue, while Mark would lock down the plot points and act breaks we needed to work around or within.
 

MJS: Over the years though, I’d say the line between those two roles has really started to blur.
 

RS: Definitely. I know on one of our last projects there were actual full scenes we could not for life of us recall who wrote originally. Something I’m finding a lot more in our last few years of work together. And something I think is only allowing us to become better writers in the process.

MP: What else are you guys working on? For yourself? For Romark?
 

MJS: Between us, we’re looking at adapting another comic book – the name of which we can’t mention yet, but which will star rising action star Scott Adkins (Bourne Ultimatum, Wolverine). And we’ve just signed on recently to adapt the brilliant graphic novel “I am Spartacus” by Dan Wickline (30 Days of Night). Solo-wise, I’m also working on a project with Justin Stanley. The title of which, we’re keeping under wraps.
 

RS: We’re stoked to work with Scott on the new project, which is going to be such a fun, fast, and intense actioner. And “I Am Spartacus” was a project we both read the day it came out and fell in love with, so being hired to adapt it, is a fantastic opportunity. Beyond that, and the obvious projects, and development deal surrounding the interview (Coma, Ripped, Grunts) we’ve just wrapped up post on a new comedy TV pilot that I wrote/directed entitled “Weed Shop”, and we are actively moving forward on two others in which we trade off producer hats. Independently, I’m directing a few more music videos and commercials in the oncoming months, crossing my fingers that we get to continue the journey on “Weed Shop” and being excited for the team we’ve just locked down on a new hush-hush psycho/thriller I’m writing/directing for Romark.
 

MJS: Yes, we just left you with a cliffhanger.
 

RS: Dun-dun-dunnnnnnnn.

Arcana Comics is proud to announce that Coma, Grunts, and Ripped have entered a production development agreement with Romark Films.

Romark Films was founded by filmmakers, Mark Jonathan Stanley and Rock Shaink. Shaink, who is currently working on a remake of the 80s’ cult classic, “The Hidden,” is attached to all three projects as the screenwriter with Arcana’s CEO, Sean O’Reilly, set to produce. Romark is currently in production on the the new comedy series “Weed Shop” as well as in prep for the feature films “Reversal” and the graphic novel adaptation “I Am Spartacus”.

Grunts, created by Keith Giffen and Shannon Eric Denton, tells the tale of of an American WW2 squad, who encounter a German superhuman assault squad and starts a Eugenics Race that carries into present day. Ripped, created by Jay Busbee and Jason Flowers, is the story of a college dropout who must stop the end of mankind when he learns he has the ability to travel through time. Meanwhile, Coma is an upcoming project from Arcana Comics created by Rock Shaink which he’ll be developing as a motion picture at the same time.

Clockwork Girl Teams Up With Mashon.com!

Clockwork Girl, the hit series from Arcana, is teaming up with Mashon.com for a new line of e-cards. In addition, users will have the opportunity to make their very own Clockwork Girl online stories. Created by Planetwide Media, MashOn is an interactive suite of online tools which allows users to create and share their own digital stories, e-cards, comic books and graphic novels by combining their personal photos, music, videos and narration to create their own unique personalized story.

For more information, please visit:

www.mashon.com

2009 Harvey Awards

Dear professionals, for your consideration Arcana Comics would like to remind you of the following titles when looking at this year’s Harvey Awards:

Best Graphic Album Original – Koni Waves: Ghouls Gone Wild!

Best Graphic Album Previously Published – Clockwork Girl Hardcover

Best Online Comic – The Matriarch

Best Cover Artist – Stephen Sistilli (Koni Waves, Velvet Rope)

Best Continuing or Limited Series: Camilla d’Errico’s Burn

Best New Series – Corrective Measures

Best New Talent – Grant Chastain (Corrective Measures)

Best Anthology – Velvet Rope

For more information on the Harvey Awards and the official 2009 nomination
ballot, please visit:

http://www.harveyawards.org/

Kade: Rising Sun #1

On the hunt for the demons that plague our earth, and his soul, has been his only objective and it has led him to the Land of the Rising Sun. He senses there’s a demon, an oni, that he must banish… but there’s another person he senses… Is it the return of Ezra? Is it the beautiful assassin Shi? Who is this mysterious woman? Shi creator, Billy Tucci lends his artististic talents to the cover of Kade: Rising Sun #1 joining the list of super star artists like Mike Grell, Greg Horn, Humberto Ramos, and Ben Templesmith who have all left their print on the gothic demon hunter.

Kade: Rising Sun #1 is available this month. Written by Kade creator, Sean O’Reilly, with Jay Busbee and illustrated by CDuce this is the fourth series in the ongoing adventures of Arcana’s flagship title.

Buy the book now:

http://www.arcanacomics.com/store/

In Previews

Last month in Previews, for items shipping April, Arcana will be publishing the Banzai Girls Manga TP (FEB094042) and Kade Rising Sun #3 (of 4) (FEB094043). This month, Arcana offers the following for a May release: Matriarch TP (MAR094065).

Shipping This Month

This March Arcana roars in like a lion with the release of Greatest American Hero #2 (NOV083769) and Kade: Rising Sun #1 (OCT083824) .

Interview with Bruce Brown

This month, Arcana’s Vice President of Operations, Mark Poulton interviews Bruce Brown, writer of the upcoming Arcana books, Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom and Jack and the Zombie Box.

MP: Bruce, you have two upcoming Arcana titles in the works: Howard Lovecraft and the Frozen Kingdom and Jack and the Zombie Box. What can you tell us about them?

BB: Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen Kingdom

After visiting his father in Butler Sanitarium, young Howard Lovecraft ignores his father’s warning and uses the legendary Necronomicon to open a portal to a strange frozen world filled with horrifying creatures and grave danger!

Howard Lovecraft is a twisted, little all ages tale that should thrill Lovecraft fans and if you are not a fan of Lovecraft and just enjoy a dark tale, this is the book for you!

Jack and the Zombie Box

Jack is your typical 3 year old boy who has an imaginary friend named Uncle Bug. After messing up the kitchen, Jack’s dad is given the task of distracting his son while his mom cleans up the mess. To occupy Jack, he plays a DVD of his childhood favorite cartoon. Jack becomes obsessed with the show and his obsession begins to drive his entire family crazy. Basically, Jack is partially based on a true story. My four year old became obsessed with Scooby Doo.

At first I thought it was cool, but five zillion episodes later I thought I was going to lose my mind.

If you have kids, you know what I am talking about! Ha!

MP: How did you get into writing comics?

BB: I had always loved this genre since I can remember. Like most fans, you think to yourself, wouldn’t it be cool if…

Well, one day I had an idea for a story and thought, I can do this. So, I did a little research on comic writing and I got to work. Once I finished, I sent the script off to Marvel. Which, now I know how ridiculous that effort was. To my surprise, I heard back from them. While my script was severely lacking, they said they felt I had talent and should stick with it.

Unfortunately, I have no clue who wrote it. I couldn’t read the signature. But I stuck with it and never gave up on writing comics and it is finally starting to pay off.

MP: Since HP Lovecraft is the main character of one of your books, has Lovecraft’s work always been a favorite of yours?

BB: Actually, I never really read too much Lovecraft until recently. I was asked to co-write a script and it was Lovecraftian in nature. So, I took a crash course in Lovecraft and found out why he is considered the greatest horror writer in modern times. Honestly, it was the author himself who inspired my book.

HP Lovecraft suffered some very tragic events in his life and I was intrigued by what kind of effect that would have on him.

MP: In Jack and the Zombie Box, Jack is obsessed with a DVD of his father’s favorite childhood cartoon. Are there any cartoons you’re obsessed with?

BB: That’s a tough one because I love so many! When I was a kid, I loved Bugs Bunny. As I got older, I became a huge fan of Scooby Doo. Now, I love Brave and the Bold, anything with Batman or superheroes in it; but given what I do, that is not surprising. Ha!

Also, I would have to fess up to watching and enjoying the Little Einsteins. It’s a show for little kids that teaches them about art and classical music. How cool is that.

MP: What else are you working on?

BB: I actually have several irons in the fire right now. But foremost, I am finishing up a pirate horror story.I have done several all ages projects, so I am looking forward to branching into different genres.

I co-wrote a series with Dwight L MacPherson called Interagents that is on the Th3rd World site. I also have a webcomic on drunkduck.com called The Porch that is coming up on having been read by 25,000 readers in the short time it has been out.

In the end, I am just trying to get as much work out there as possible and hope that people enjoy it and come back.

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

BB: Just that I am truly excited about showing them Howard Lovecraft and Jack. First and foremost, I’m a comic reader. I love good stories and I know how disappointing it is to shell out money for weak ones. I hope people give my work a try and let me earn my way into the books they get at their shops.