News

J. Michael Straczynski has announced the formation of a new studio which will create comics, films, TV, video games, more; also announces revival of his 'Joe's Comics' imprint for Image; next will create world peace before flying off into space, searching for more worlds to conquer.

Back in July 1982, the Comics Journal ran an article titled “Archetype Meets Angst” by one Heidi D. MacDonald. Thirty years later, during Comic-Con International surrounded by so many people she knows, we here at The Beat celebrate our Editor-In-Chief, and bestow the honorary title of "exemplar"!

Has it really been 6 years since Alex Ross painted an entire comic? He did do pencils and inks with some computerized painted finishes for a Justice Society/Kingdom Come special edition in '09. Other than that I think it really has been just a page or two here and there since Justice wrapped in '06. Ross is returning to interiors in November for a pulp character (Shadow/Green Hornet / Zoro/ Black Bat / Miss Fury / The Spider) crossover mini-series called Masks from Dynamite in November.

As always, our pals at the CBLDF will be offering fantastic member benefits, throwing a great party and fighting to keep our speech free. Saturday's art auction includes some of their best items yet, with art by Paul Pope, Walt Simonson, Billy Tucci, and more.

Basically if you go to the Darkness and Light gallery on 5th Street on Friday you will see Lego builder recreating a Jim Lee painting in Legos. You don't see that every day. No sir.

Michael Dean, who previously reported on the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art for TCJ, has a fact-filled article on the museum's sudden Monday closure. According to president Ellen Abramowitz, a new space is in place, but papers have not been signed. The lease on the old space was up and it was decided to move.

In a new deal with HarperCollins, it's been announced that Neil Gaiman will be writing five new books next year. And he's bringing Adam Rex and Skottie Young with him.

Brian Wood and Carlos D'Anda have been announced as the creative team for a new Star Wars series debuting next year, from Dark Horse Comics.

The fifth nominee for this year's Russ Manning Award is Dave Wachter, the artist for Night of 1000 Wolves, That Hellbound Train, and several other less-ominous sounding comics.

Say goodbye to nine of Marvel's titles! Marvel Now! ushers in a new world without the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, or... Rogue/Gambit.

Sad news. Writer Roger Slifer is still in a coma following a hit and run accident two weeks ago. Jim Salicrup has been updating his condition on Facebook, and on Sunday posted this from a friend of Slifer's:

Sometimes you get a fuller story when the solicitations are announced, and today would be one of those times. Let's start out with another primary creative change: Dan Jurgens is taking over Firestorm: