Award-winning cartoonist Nate Powell is teaming up with writer Van Jensen for a new graphic novel. Paste Magazine today revealed the cover and an excerpt for Two Dead, Jensen and Powell’s crime thriller set in post-World War II Arkansas. The book is being published by the Gallery 13 imprint of Simon & Schuster. The Civil Rights era […]
The Beat’s Annual Creator Survey, 2018 Edition, Part Three: “I’ve heard that a lot of comic shops are suffering”
We’re back with more thoughts on the state of the comics industry, news and inspirations. Thanks to the creators from all over the industry who took the time to participate at the busiest time of the year- you’ll find some thoughtful perspectives in the comments below – and as always a lot of sneak news. And […]
The Beat Annual Creator Survey 2017 Part 1: What will happen to comics in 2017?
It’s time! The Beat’s Annual Creator Survey is where we look forward to the year to come and reflect a little on what has just passed in comic, with opinions from a wide swath of industry creators, pundits and retailers. This time out, because 2016 was a little rough, I’ve added a question about what inspires our survey takers, because we can all use a little something to feel good about.
Dynamite’s dynamic duo: Grumpy Cat and James Bond
Okay not quite, but they just made some pre-con announcements regarding these two cultural icons: ¶ The second Grumpy Cat collection is coming out, with the series alreayd having sold some 500,000 copies. THAT IS A LOT OF GRUMPINESS. The first collection sold 100,000 units, and the second will have a 140,000 print run! I believe […]
Van Jensen named first ever Comic Book Ambassador of the United States
Here is a thing Donald Trump could not stop: the US has an actual Comic Book Ambassador, and that person is writer Van Jensen, who writes of his duties: A thing that is both unbelievable and true: I am the first-ever Comic Book Ambassador of the United States. I was asked by the U.S. Embassy […]
More teasers: What is…Cryptocracy?
Okay actually, we know this: Cryptocracy is a new book by Van Jenson and Pete woods coming out from Dark Horse in late June. It sounds like a juicy “secret society” comic dealing with The Nine Families, who manipulate whole societies from behind the scenes. When I first saw this promo, it reminded me of Matt Kindt who has a lengthy track record of these kinds of mysterious promos and spy-based work.
The Beat’s Annual Comics Industry Survey, Part One: The Return of Siegel & Shuster and “Casey”
Yep, it’s our annual survey of the comics landscape, from the mainstream to the indies and everything in between. Each year we send out surveys to as wide a swath of comics pros around the world as we can muster…among the answers you’ll find lots of news of 2015 projects, predictions of the year ahead…and right off the bat some startling news from Jeff Trexler about a possible legal bombshell in 2015…and the return of Casey from James Sturm’s epochal comic strip “The Sponsor.” Hold on to your hats and let’s get going.
Kickstarter Power Hour: ‘The Leg’ by Van Jensen and Jose Pimienta
The power of the Kickstarter Power Hour is that you never know when it’ll happen! And here we are, bank holiday Monday, with a whole load of new and exciting crowdfunding projects to tell you about. Let’s start with a just-funded book from the creative team of Van Jensen and Jose Pimienta, ‘The Leg’. Steve […]
Wally West is Back, Thanks to Robert Venditti, Van Jensen, and Brett Booth
Following the end of my personal favourite New 52 run – Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul’s Flash – comes the news that a new creative team will come into place for the series in April. Van Jensen, Robert Venditti and Brett Booth will take over the series. Oh, and WALLY WEST is going to return. […]