Mars Attacks - Your Wallet!

IDW Limited has announced plans for interstellar domination of your wallets this week, beginning with the Mars Attacks: Attack from Space Limited-Edition Hardcover. The book collects the first five issues of the popular IDW comic series drawn by top talent John McCrea.

Drawing on the rich card-based history by Topps, each of these highly collectible and rare books will be paired with hand-drawn sketch cards from a wide variety of artists, ranging from fine-art gallery painters to comic-book and trading-card artists.

All of the sketch cards are official Mars Attacks sketch cards provided by Topps, and foil stamped exclusively for this limited-edition release.

The Red edition will set you back $125, the Blue $400 - definitely one for the major Mars Attacks collector at those prices - but it's a handsome collectible given the promised extras if you are a fan.

“The new Mars Attacks comic has been an absolute blast!” says IDW Limited director Jerry Bennington. “And when we started designs for the limited edition, we wanted to make sure we celebrated not just the IDW comic, but the roots of the series as well. To us, that meant we had to do sketch cards, and we had to do them right.”

Working closely with Topps, IDW Limited has selected a wide variety of top creative talent to provide original, hand-illustrated as well as hand-painted sketch-card art for this special edition. Ranging in diverse style and background, the group assembled for this book is unrivaled in experience and talent. From series artist John McCrea to alternative gallery painter Apricot Mantle to popular trading-card artist Nar!, each participant brings a unique view and twist to the Mars Attacks universe.

“I grew up drawing 'Mars Attacks my school' on the back of my bio homework ,” says gallery artist Apricot Mantle. “To have the chance to be a part of this book, it’s almost unbelievable. I can’t wait for people to see what I have planned.”

The roster of artists selected for the first volume includes:

• Jason Adams
• Ted Dastick
• Alex Deligiannis
• Charles Hall
• Dan Duncan
• Dan Harding
• Gary Kezele
• Miran Kim
• Apricot Mantle
• Chris Mason
• John McCrea
• Nar!
• Sean Pence
• Tim Proctor
• Eric Talbot
• Chris Uminga
• George Webber
• Jeff Zapata

The book will be released in both Red and Blue Label offerings, with each edition being signed by the creative team of John Layman and John McCrea, housed in a custom-built tray case and paired with hand-drawn cards. Red Label books (250 total) will include one sketch card, while each Blue Label edition (50 total) will be packaged with a four-card puzzle-set.

• Available for pre-order now, get your copy: http://idwlimited.com/series/mars-attacks.html

MARS ATTACKS: ATTACK FROM SPACE DELUXE LIMITED EDITION (RED-$125.00; BLUE-$400; 124 pages; 11” x 7.3”; hardcover)

STRIP Magazine Issue 2 on sale for IPad now, print edition in newsagents tomorrow

Slightly ahead of its print release, the digital edition of STRIP: The Adventure Comics Magazine #2 is now on sale for iPad in the iTunes store.

The print edition goes on sale in newsagents across the UK from tomorrow (Friday).

Wrapped in a Crucible-inspired cover by Benard Kolle (colour by Sebastian Cheng), the second stunning issue of Britain’s newest action adventure anthology includes strips from John McCrea, Stephen Downey, John Freeman, Smuzz and more.

• BLACK OPS EXTREME (written by Richmond Clements, art by Stephen Downey) The anti-terrorist team run into trouble in the American Bayou – with survivalists and an angry alligator!

• WARPAINT (by Phil Hester and John McCrea) Re-told from the very beginning - Mia learns more about an ancient war between gods!

• CRUCIBLE (by John Freeman and Smuzz) Trouble on the streets when our adventurers set out to recover a mysterious artifact sought by the Temple of Orlyth!

• OPERATION INFERNO (by Richmond Clements and Nick Dyer) Steampunk spy Ryuu heads to Paris as the British Empire faces a deadly new peril from a dangerous rogue scientist!

• DENIZENS (by Miljenko Horvatic and Maxim Simic) Modern civilisation has been wiped out and the world is a greener, deadlier place...

Plus: KING COBRA SECRETS REVEALED – a special guide to the new incarnation of King Cobra, a hero who first appeared in DC Thomson’s Hotspur! KING COBRA MINI POSTER by Wamberto Nicomedes; and an interview with author Benjamin Read, writer of the highly acclaimed new graphic novel fairy tale, Porcelain!

• Buy the digital edition of STRIP: The Adventure Comics Magazine from the iTunes store (iPad only)

Mars Attacks Judge Dredd!

Step on up and place your bets! An army of angry green men bent on galactic conquest have landed in Mega-City One, but they didn’t count on the grizzled lawmaking legend of Judge Dredd standing in their way.

The skeptics say it’s one man versus an army, but obviously those naysayers don’t know the Judge named… Dredd!

Written by veteran Dredd writer “Action” Al Ewing, drawn by Mars Attacks’ “Joltin’” John McCrea, and sporting covers by “Gorgeous” Greg Staples, these villainous Martians are in for the fight of their lives when they take on Mega-City One’s Number One Lawman.

It’s a September to remember! It’s bug eyes and disintegration rays versus a fully loaded Lawgiver and a zero-tolerance attitude in the Brawl for the Sprawl!

Be on the lookout this September and pick up Issue 1 of Mars Attacks Judge Dredd at your local comic shop…if it's still standing...

Print Media releases online STRIP Magazine Guide and 'Taster'

Print Media has released a special "Taster" guide to STRIP: The Adventure Comics Magazine (now on sale in UK newsagents) which includes the first episode of Black Ops Extreme by John Freeman and PJ Holden (published in the first volume of the title, sold only in UK comic shops and for iPad), and outline plans for new books through 2013 and 2014.

The Supplement which features a cracking cover by John McCrea, coloured by Andrew Elder, was also bundled with the iPad edition of the relaunch issue of STRIP, published last Monday.

Print Media say new subscribers to STRIP Magazine will receive a print edition of this guide as part of their subscription with a future issue.

• View the 'Taster' here

• STRIP Magazine blog: http://stripcomicmagazineuk.blogspot.co.uk

• STRIP Magazine on facebook

STRIP finally hits the high streets

Print Media's STRIP: The Adventure Comics Magazine, an all-ages British adventure anthology comic, is now on sale in selected UK high street newsagents (and available to order from any newsagent).

The title will be on sale in UK comic shops from next week and is already available digitally for iPad.

The new comic – inspired by the great adventure comics of Britain’s comics past such as Eagle, Valiant and Lion - features some great art and stories from some brilliant creators including John McCrea (Hitman, The Boys), Smuzz (2000AD), John Freeman (Doctor Who), Milo Horvatic (Marvel) and Richmond Clements (Renegade) - plus comics news and interviews and other features.

The move to Britain’s high street is the latest stage of publisher Ivo Milicevic's desire to bring the anthology to a wider audience in the UK, in addition to its continued sale in comic shops and as a digital edition for iPad, in association with ROK Comics.

Headed up by long time comic creator Ivo Milicevic, Bosnian-based comics publisher Print Media began the long road to bringing a British version of their action adventure anthology to the UK back in February 2010, after their re-publication of Dan Dare from the 1950s comic Eagle drew the attention of comics fans.

Print Media publishes three comics-related magazines in Bosnia, including Strip Magazin and a localized edition of Metal Hurlant.

Mr Milicevic began to investigate the possibility of bring his STRIP brand to the UK, horrified to discover the British comic characters he had grown up reading such as Steel Claw, the Spider and Black Archer were nothing but distant memory. Although these incredible heroes had been re-published in the former Yugoslavia and indelibly helped shape his life-long love of comics, the British titles that spawned them - weekly comics like Lion and Valiant - were long gone from the news stand, replaced largely with licensed fare and more magazine-based titles for teenagers.

Unimpressed, he decided to take the plunge and trial a new action adventure anthology through UK comic shops. The first volume of STRIP was intended to road test the title and story ideas - and iron out any issues arising from its long distance publishing.

Although Mr Milicevic freely admits the journey has not been easy at times, with the support of some of Britain's best and brightest comic creators those first seven issues got the positive reaction he was hoping for. The response made him all the more determined to join the likes of 2000AD, Commando and The Beano in WH Smiths and other select newsagents.

Offering a mix of action adventure, science fiction and fantasy strips, stories in the pipeline include Dragonrir, a stunning fantasy tale by Miljenko Horvatic and Damir Zitko; a thrilling story of the criminal underworld, Deliverer, by Miljenko Horvatic, drawn by Bernard Kolle; WarWorldz by Stephen Walsh and Giancarlo Caracuzzo; the tale of an ancient warrior battling magic, Thracius, by James Hudnall and Mark Vigoroux; plus the return of other strips, including Age of Heroes by James Hudnall and John Ridgway and The Devil’s Heritage by Jerome Felix and Paul Gastine.

"I am really excited our plans for STRIP Magazine are finally developing as I planned three years ago" says publisher Ivo Milicevic. "There is no certain formula for success, but the Magazine will have some good stories and really great art."

• List of stockists: http://stripcomicmagazineuk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/strip-magazine-1-wh-smiths-store-list.html
Please note you can order STRIP from any newsagent. STRIP is distributed by Warners


• Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strip-Magazine-UK/107449926009722) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/StripMagazineUK)

STRIP - THE ADVENTURE COMICS MAGAZINE Issue 1 (Volume 2) 
Cover by Alan Robinson, colour by Wamberto Nicomedes

• KING COBRA (written by John Freeman, art by Wamberto Nicomedes) A classic British hero resurfaces when the Bank of England is robbed!

• BLACK OPS EXTREME (written by Richmond Clements,  art from Stephen Downey) The anti-terrorist team head for Eastern Europe when a nuclear power station is raided!

• WARPAINT (by Phil Hester and John McCrea) Re-told from the very beginning - one teenager's deadly battle with ancient forces!

• CRUCIBLE (by John Freeman and Smuzz) A deadly task for a mis-matched team of adventurers - in a world where not everything is as it seems!

• OPERATION INFERNO (by Richmond Clements and Nick Dyer) Steampunk spies battle to defence the British Empire!

• DENIZENS (by Miljenko Horvatic and Maxim Simic) Modern civilization has been wiped out and the world is a greener, deadlier place...

• STRIP: THE ADVENTURE COMICS MAGAZINE #1 is available from selected high street newsagents now and in UK comic shops from next week (Diamond order code for UK comic shop orders is MAR132384.)

• The first issue is also available digitally now for iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/app/strip-magazine-2.1/id619259147

STRIP Magazine publisher announces March relaunch date

STRIP Magazine is heading for the UK news stand at last - with a launch date of 28th March 2013.

While the move to get the magazine into WH Smiths and other stores has been delayed several times, Bosnian-based comics publisher Print Media seems confident it has overcome its delivery issues and its owner, Ivo Milicevic, says he is ready to bring the adventure anthology to newsagents is finally underway, after a “test run” of seven issues in UK comic stores.

The line up of the monthly anthology magazine will be a mix of action adventure, science fiction and fantasy strips, alongside feature material about the world of British comics, including the continuation of Black Ops Extreme, centred on a secret anti-terrorism team; Crucible, a creator-owned story described as “science fiction - with swords!”; teen heroine thriller, Warpaint; and the return of 1970s action hero King Cobra, in all-new stories, under license from original publisher DC Thomson.

Creators in the launch issue include Jim Campbell, Richmond Clements, Stephen Downey, Nick Dyer, John Freeman, Phil Hester, Miljenko Horvatic, John McCrea, Wamberto Nicomedes, Maxim Simic and Smuzz.

Plans and strips for the Magazine are fully commissioned for the next 12 months but include:

In Issue 1 -

Black Ops Extreme © Print Media

• Black Ops Extreme by Richmond Clements and Stephen Downey

Continuing the adventures of a covert military unit taking on terrorists across the globe - but facing its own troubles with a possible traitor in its midst!

King Cobra © DC Thomson

• King Cobra by John Freeman and Wamberto Nicomedes

A major action hero for DC Thomson who first appeared in Hotspur in 1976, a new King Cobra takes on old enemies and new

Warpaint © Phil Hester & John McCrea

• Warpaint by Phil Hester and John McCrea

A homeless teen finds herself drawn into a cataclysmic struggle between mankind and elemental monsters bent on the destruction of our world.

• Operation Inferno by Richmond Clements and Nick Dyer

British and French steampunk spies take on the might of the dangerous Prusssian Empire in a feature-length adventure starring teen ninja Black Dragon!

Crucible © John Freeman & Smuzz

• Crucible by John Freeman and Smuzz

Swords meet science fiction as a mis-matched team of adventurers are tasked to recover a sacred relic from an ancient and deadly mine…

Denizens © Print Media

• Denizens by Miljenko Horvatic and Maxim Simic

Spurred by personal tragedy, humanity’s very existence is threatened with destruction when fast-growing plants are released, wiping out all organized centres of civilisation!

Dragonrir

Strips in the pipeline include Dragonrir, a stunning fantasy tale by Miljenko Horvatic and Damir Zitko; a thrilling story of the criminal underworld, Deliverer, by Miljenko Horvatic, drawn by Bernard Kolle; WarWorldz by Stephen Walsh and Giancarlo Caracuzzo; the tale of an ancient warrior battling magic, Thracius, by James Hudnall and Mark Vigoroux; plus the return of other strips, including Age of Heroes by James Hudnall and John Ridgway and The Devil's Heritage by Jerome Felix and Paul Gastine.

WarWorldz

Print Media publishes three comics-related magazines in Bosnia, including Strip Magazin and a localized edition of Metal Hurlant.

"I am really excited our plans for STRIP Magazine are finally developing as I planned three years ago" says publisher Ivo Milicevic. "There is no certain formula for success, but the Magazine will have some good stories and really great art.

Ivo, who grew up with British comic characters such as Black Archer, Steel Claw and The Spider, which were reprinted extensively in former Yugoslavia, has been working in publishing for nearly 25 years. After college, he worked as journalist, and later as a publisher. Print Media's business centres on print for the comic industry.

Complementing the re-launched magazine will be more UK comics albums, adding to its current titles - Iron Moon, Frontier and Mirabilis. Plans include collections of some of the strips published in the first limited edition run, including Black Ops Extreme, drawn by PJ Holden.

• The magazine is not accepting submissions or story pitches at this time

• STRIP Magazine blog: http://stripcomicmagazineuk.blogspot.co.uk

• Find STRIP Magazine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strip-Magazine-UK/107449926009722

• Follow Strip Magazine UK on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/StripMagazineUK

All images © respective creators

Strip #7 on sale today in UK comic shops

The print edition of Strip Magazine #7 is on sale from today in UK comic shops, a Christmas Special that takes a slightly different form to the usual magazine.

It will also mark the final issue of the comic shop only issues, as publisher Print Media retrenches behind the scenes in an effort to get the project ready for its long planned but frustratingly delayed newstand launch next year.

This latest issue includes a new episode of Phil Hester and John McCrea's regular series Warpaint, but the rest of the anthology comic magazine is devoted to a variety of one off stories, including Citadel – a story created by the late, great French creator Moebius, previously published in Heavy Metal back in 1980.

There's also some previews of several all-new stories including Thracius by James Hudnall and Mark Vigouroux; Denizens (left, by Miko Horvatic and Maxim Simic); Dan Barton of Space Command (by myself, drawn by Andrew Chiu), an affectionate comedy homage to space heroes, and the strip that in a small way began the discussion to produce the magazine back in 2010; and Corwin Blays, a festive tale starring a hapless thief.

Feature-wise, there's not so many of these this issue, although David Lloyd's digital project, Aces Weekly gets a two page spot with editor Bambos Georgiou talking about how the project came about and plans for the future.

• If your local comic shop doesn't have copies, quote Diamond Previews code SEP127823 - STRIP MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS 2012 SPECIAL

Although listed as "sold out" the title is listed on the Forbidden Planet web site, so they seem to be expecting copies: see http://bit.ly/strip-magazine07


OK Comics in Leeds also has copies in stock: www.okcomics.co.uk

You can also buy STRIP Magazine #7 for iPad on iTunes (IOS6 only at present, update for older iPads submitted): https://itunes.apple.com/app/strip-magazine-1/id582768929. I did the walkthrough above of the app (created by Rok Comics) for Print Media boss Ivo Milicevic, to give him an idea of what we'd added to augment the print magazine, which he gave me permission to republish.

As it was done at home, there was a point it looked like recording might get interrupted by an excitable feline, but it didn't happen!

The previous digital issues of STRIP - for iPad only at present - are also available for just £1.99 each.

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 1

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 2

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 3

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 4

• The print edition of STRIP #5/6 was split into two digital editions for iPad, which include a small amount of digital extra material, some of which will be featured in future print issues

• STRIP Magazine Issue 5

• STRIP Magazine Issue 6

 

Digital Strip Magazine #7 on sale now

The digital edition of Print Media Productions STRIP Magazine #7 for iPad is on sale now from iTunes.

Diamond UK have confirmed the print edition of STRIP Magazine #7 will be on sale in UK comic shops from Wednesday 19th December.

This edition of the magazine is a Christmas Special that takes a slightly different form to the usual magazine.

While including an exciting new episode of Phil Hester and John McCrea's regular series Warpaint, the Magazine is largely devoted to a variety of one off stories, including Citadel – a story created by the late, great French creator Moebius that was first published in a different translation in Heavy Metal magazine back in 1980.

By way of a hint of things to come next year when the regular magazine returns after a break in production to ramp up properly, the team hope, for news stand release, Print Media also offers a sneak peek at several all-new stories including Thracius by James Hudnall and Mark Vigouroux; Denizens (by Miko Horvatic and Maxim Simic); Dan Barton of Space Command (by John Freeman and Andrew Chiu) an affectionate comedy homage to space heroes, which may return as a regular series in late 2013); and Corwin Blays, a festive tale starring a hapless thief!

The digital edition also features some exclusive extras, such as a quirky festive tune when the app is launched, and added 'data cards' with background information on the characters and some creators, along with a video trailer for David Lloyd's digital project, Aces Weekly.

There's also a bonus taster of PMP's digital partner ROK Comics titles Houdini and The Beatles Story - only in the digital edition

• Buy it on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/app/strip-magazine-1/id582768929


• This edition is IOS6 only - PMP tell us an update is being submitted which will be compatible with older iPads

 

Aces Weekly digital comic gets underway

Progenitor by Phil Hester and John McCrea

Aces Weekly (www.acesweekly.co.uk), an exclusively digital comic art magazine featuring some of the world's finest sequential art creators launched at the weekend and offers a fine mix of strips and creators, combining adventure, science fiction and humour. 

The brainchild of V For Vendetta co-creator David Lloyd, edited by veteran comics creator and form Marvel UK editor Bambos Georgiou, has gathered together top talents from the US, UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, China, New Zealand and the Philippines in this unique publishing project. 

Seven weekly issues form a volume of Aces Weekly for a total cost of just £6.99/$9.99/€7.99 and are accessible once you subscribe on the site. The comic is not available for download from any other on-line site, and is available exclusively digitally.

A volume of Aces Weekly will contain at least 126 pages of top quality comic strip material as well as copious extras such as character sketches, line drawings and unlettered artwork. After the first seven issue volume of ACES WEEKLY has been published on-line there will be a two week break before the next volume begins.
Volume one contains:

• VALLEY OF SHADOWS by David Lloyd & Dave Jackson
• RETURN OF THE HUMAN by JC Vaughn & Mark Wheatley
• PROGENITOR by Phil Hester & John McCrea
• PARADISE MECHANISM by David Hitchcock
• SHOOT FOR THE MOON by Alexandre Tefenkgi & Alain Mauricet
• Plus three pagers by Lew Stringer, Carl Critchlow, Mychailo Kazybrid, David Leach, Phil Elliott, Esteban Hernandez & Rory Walker

As long as you have an internet connection you can access your Aces Weekly volumes from your home computer, laptop or tablet device. Just type in your password and you’ll be able to read whichever volumes you’ve subscribed to.

Forthcoming artists include Kyle Baker, Bill Sienkiewicz, Steve Bissette, Herb Trimpe, Marc Hempel, Yishan Li, Dylan Teague, Henry Flint, James Hudnall, Val Mayerik, Hunt Emerson, Roger Langridge, Dave Hine, Paul Peart Smith and many more.

•  Sign up for Aces Weekly

• Discuss Aces Weekly on the DownTheTubes forum 

Panel Borders on Aces Weekly and 2000AD

Panel Borders: Aces Weekly

Continuing our month of shows about anthologies, Alex Fitch talks to the creator and co-editor - David Lloyd - of a new weekly digital comics anthology, Aces Weekly.
Alex also talks to three of the other contributors - David Leach, John McCrea and Kev Hopgood - about their new strips which will feature in the title and how the creators hope this will open up a new market for British comics in a brand new format.
The first issue of Aces Weekly goes online at www.acesweekly.co.uk on 30th September 2012

8pm, Sunday 23rd September 2012, Resonance 104.4 FM (London) / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / extended podcast after broadcast at panelborders.wordpress.com

Last week's show about The Phoenix comic, featuring a panel discussion with Daniel Hartwell, Neill Cameron, Adam Murphy, Robin Etherington and Patrice Aggs is available now as a 'feature length' podcast.

Clear Spot: 35 years of 2000AD 

In an hour long programme to compliment this month's series of Panel Borders on comic book anthologies, Alex Fitch looks at "The Galaxy's Greatest Comic", 2000AD in its 35th anniversary year, alongside the release of a new Dredd movie, featuring the comic's longest running character.

Alex discusses the recently released 1800th issue of the comic with editor Matt Smith; the process of writing Future Shocks with small press creator David Baillie; the drawing of memorable strips such as Harlem Heroes and Nemesis the Warlock with artists Kev Hopgood and Henry Flint; and the art of putting words in the mouth of indestructible lawman Judge Dredd with letterer Annie Parkhouse.

8pm, Wednesday 26th September 2012, Resonance 104.4 FM (London) / streamed at www.resonancefm.com / extended podcast after broadcast at www.panelborders.wordpress.com

STRIP Digital Issue 5 available for iPad

 

The digital edition of STRIP Magazine #5, published digitally by ROK Comics on behalf of Print Media, is now on sale from iTunes for £1.99.

This digital edition of the anthology comic features many of the stories that appear in the print edition but some bonus items along the way, just for iPad readers – and at a special price.

- In Black Ops Extreme (by John Freeman and PJ Holden) the the do-or-die military team try to end an embassy siege in London - and confront a ghost from their past!

- The battle for the future of Earth hits the streets of Houston in Warpaint (by Phil Hester and John McCrea)!

- Reluctant hero Constant finds himself in a desperate race to find The Devil's Heritage (by Jerome Felix and Paul Gastine)!

- Witness some spectacular elven magic in Age of Heroes (James Hudnall and John Ridgway)!

- Read the magazine's latest STRIP Challenge – an all-new take on Arthurian legend, Half World War by Stephen Baskerville!

All this plus some exclusive, digital-only trailers for the new-look STRIP: The Adventure Comic Magazine, set to debut later in 2012 in print and for digital devices; full information on the new look we're planning in 'Comic Cuts'; an interview with comic creator Nick Abadzis; the crazy antics of Cosmic Patrol and Bogey-Man Bob; and a special taster of two comics from digital partner, ROK Comics - Team M.OB.I.L.E. and Houdini!

The print edition of STRIP Magazine Issue 5 includes additional strip material not included in this digital edition, but these will all appear in STRIP Magazine Digital Issue 6 out at the end of August. This special digital-only Issue 6 will wrap some storylines that complete in the print 'bumper' version of Issue 5 (still stuck in delivery hell), as well as again trailing the new look STRIP.

Promotion for Black Ops Extreme
by Richmond Clement and Stephen
Downey. Black Ops Extreme
© Print Media Productions

The digital issues of STRIP - for iPad only at present - are now available for just £1.99 each.

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 1 here: ht.ly/brSDc 

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 2 here: ht.ly/brSHf 

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 3 here: ht.ly/brSPV 

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 4 here: ht.ly/brSUj

• STRIP Magazine for iPad Issue 5 here: ht.ly/cZ79Q

David Lloyd's Aces Weekly, digital comic - details announced

(Updated 4th August): Bambos Georgiou, the editor of David Lloyd's new digital comic, has been in touch with more news about the project featuring an amazing line up of creator-owned strips.

"The on-line magazine is called Aces Weekly," he reveals.

"Creators contributing are David Lloyd, Kyle Baker, Mark Wheatley, JC Vaughn, John McCrea, Phil Hester, David Hitchcock, Steve Bissette, Dan Christensen, Yishan Li, Algesiras, Alain Mauricet, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Billy Tucci, Mindy McPeak, Kathryn Layno, Kev Hopgood, Ferg Handley, Lew Stringer, David Leach, Carl Critchlow, Colleen Doran, Shaky Kane, Dave Hine, Hunt Emerson, Dylan Teague, Marc Hempel, Paul Maybury, Phil Elliott, Esteban Hernandez, Mychailo Kazybrid, Ben Dickson, Gavin Mitchell, Henry Flint and (believe it or not) many more...

"Most comic companies use creators to make money for the company, this company has been set up to make money for the creators," he adds. "The whole project has been funded by David Lloyd, who has commissioned the web site. This time readers will know their money is going direct to the creators."

Aces Weekly will be released as seven weekly issues which form a volume. Each issue will have at least three landscape pages from six contributors (18 pages per issue), plus extras such as artists sketches etc.

Then there'll be a break in publication before the next seven issue volume begins.

Readers subscribe to volumes which cost £6.99/$10 per seven issue volume.

Aces Weekly will be available exclusively on-line and feature all new material and can be viewed on home computers, laptops and tablets.

Creators come from the UK, US and European comic industries and have been gathered together by David Lloyd who is the publisher. Bambos Georgiou is the managing editor. All strips are creator owned.

- To be updated readers should send their e-mails to info@acesweekly.co.uk

David Lloyd to launch weekly creator-owned digital comic

An all new sequential art magazine will soon be available exclusively through on-line subscription and was devised by David Lloyd, co-creator of V For Vendetta. It will be published as an 18-page weekly and form into seven issue volumes. There will then be a break in publication before the next seven issue volume begins its weekly release.

Contributors lined up for the project so far include David Lloyd, Kyle Baker, John McCrea, Phil Hester, Mark Wheatley, JC Vaughn, Billy Tucci, Bill Sienkiewicz, Steve Bissette, Marc Hempel, Yishan Li, Algesiras, Alain Mauricet, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Lew Stringer, David Leach, Phil Elliott, Carl Critchlow, Esteban Hernandez, Rory Walker, Dylan Teague, Dave Hine, Shaky Kane, Colleen Doran, Dan Christensen, Kev Hopgood, Ferg Handley, David Hitchcock, Paul Maybury, Henry Flint, Hunt Emerson, Roger Langridge, Cosmo White, Paul Peart Smith, Mychailo Kazybrid, Ben Dickson and Gavin Mitchell.

All creators keep the copyright on their individual characters, as one would expect from a company set up by a comic creator.

The on-line magazine has been funded by publisher David Lloyd, who has commissioned a web site - the site name as yet unrevealed - from which the weekly publication can be logged onto and read.

The comic allows creators to reap the benefits of the blossoming digital market without giving up their on-going in print work, but still manages to give subscribers a very good deal.

The comic relies on established names to attract comic readers who are aware of the reputation of the creators. This makes the shift to digital less daunting for creators and readers alike.

The weekly publication does not rely on the potentially huge audience beyond the direct sales market to succeed, but is designed to be viable even on a small percentage of the direct sales market. This can be achieved due to the structure of the company which David Lloyd has created, which is specifically designed to make money for the creators.

A seven issue subscription will cost £6.99/$10. More news as we get it!

John McCrea takes on Mars Attacks! project

US publisher IDW Publishing and Topps have announces multiple Eisner Award-winning creative team for Mars Attacks, an all-new ongoing comic series based on the fan-favourite Mars Attacks franchise - and STRIP Magazine's John McCrea is one part of the line-up.

Debuting in June 2012, IDW’s comic series will offer the first stories of an all-new Mars Attacks universe, bringing the brand’s outrageous action and dark humour to a new set of tales.

Writer John Layman, author and co-creator of the Eisner-winning series Chew, will script the series, with art by John McCrea, best known for his collaborations with Garth Ennis, including Eisner-winner Hitman, whose creator-owned story, Warpaint, is currently running in STRIP Magazine.

Created in 1962, Mars Attacks celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012 with major product launches throughout the year. IDW’s new comic series, as well as high-quality reprints of existing material, will be a cornerstone of that effort.

Originally published by Topps as a series of trading cards, Mars Attacks was created by Len Brown and Woody Gelman, after Brown was inspired by the Wally Wood cover to EC Comics Weird Science #16. The cards went on to achieve cult status for their then-shocking imagery — fully painted by pulp legend Norm Saunders and based on designs by Wood and Bob Powell — and remains a staple of pop culture. Topps revived the franchise in the mid 1990s with a second card set, comic book series and toy line. The story was also adapted into the 1996 feature film Mars Attacks!, directed by Tim Burton.

“We were excited to hear of the award-winning creative team that IDW had secured,” said Ira Friedman, Topps vice president of global licensing. “John McCrea was our first choice to illustrate Mars Attacks and we were thrilled that IDW was able to bring him aboard. His experience drawing over-the-top violence on comics like Hitman, Judge Dredd and The Boys, coupled with John Layman’s penchant for twisted, offbeat humor makes them the perfect team to relaunch Mars Attacks.”

Mars Attacks will include covers by McCrea and alternate covers by such comic-book luminaries as Sam Kieth, Ben Templesmith and Eric Powell. The first issue will also feature a unique approach to variant covers: It will ship with 55 different covers, each depicting one of the original trading cards from the debut set of Mars Attacks from 1962. A complete collector’s set of the 55 covers in a box that replicates the original card packaging will be offered separately as well.

• Mars Attacks #1 will be available in stores in June 2012. More info from IDWPublishing.com. For information on Topps visit topps.com.

Devil's Heritage joins STRIP Magazine line-up

Here's the cover to Issue 3 of STRIP Magazine, on sale in UK comic shops next month.

The Devil's Heritage is a new strip to the title, by Jerome Felix and Paul Gastine and the comic magazine's first ongoing story from continental creators. The story was first published in France by Bamboo as L'Heriatge du Diable.

A mystery adventure set in 1938, the story opens with Paris-based artist Constant trying to find his lost love, Juliette - only to find a clue in a painting from the seventeenth century. But Constant isn't the only person intrigued by the mystery - the Nazis are very interested, too. Soon the hunt is on to find Juliette - and the key to an ancient secret at Renne-le-Chateau.

"The myth of Rennes-le-Château is one many people are asionate about," says Jerome of the story, which will eventually run over three spearate adventures. "It reminds them of Tintin: there are coded parchments, secret passages, mysterious men... and tragic deaths!"

Also in the issue:

• A special Black Ops Extreme 'flashback' story drawn by Nick (Judge Dredd Megazine) Dyer - whose art on this issue's Strip Challenge entry, Black Dragon, secured him the commission (PJ Holden is back on the regular story in Issue 4)

• Wizard Wex battles a deadly monster in Age of Heroes from James Hudnall and John Ridgway

• Young Mia is drawn deeper into an ancient battle of the gods in Warpaint by Phil Hester and John McCrea

• Can a shark expert put an end to Hook Jaw in our classic strip from Ken Armstrong and Ramon Sola?

• Who is Bogey-Man Bob?

The issue also includes interviews with comic creators Jason Cobley and John Ridgway - and a special retrospective feature on Starlord, 2000AD's short-lived stablemate, the comic that first brought Britain Strontium Dog!

• STRIP Magazine Issue 3 is on sale in January 2012. More info at http://stripcomicmagazineuk.blogspot.com and www.printmediaproductions.com

• Read an interview with Jerome Felix and Paul Gastine (in French - Google Translate)

• A promotional trailer for the orginal French version of The Devil's Heritage...

2000AD lined up for London Super Comic Convention

2000AD is to attend the country’s newest comic book convention, the inaugural London Super Comic Convention will take place at the Excel Centre in London on 25th-26th February 2012.

Many of the guests are some of the biggest names to have worked for the House of Tharg, including Brian Bolland, John McCrea, Duncan Fegredo, Paul Cornell, Sean Phillips, Nick Percival and Mike Carey.

The 2000AD booth will be stocked with all the latest graphic novel titles from the imprint, as well as comics and t-shirts.

The event joins the growing list of conventions in 2012 which will see an appearance from the ‘droids’ of, including the SFX Weekender at the start of February, San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic Con.

Matt Smith, editor of 2000AD, said: “We're delighted to be part of the inaugural London Super Comic Convention, which features an impressive line-up of writers and artists attending. It should be zarjaz event that no comic fan should miss!”

“We are delighted that the largest and arguably greatest publisher that Britain has to offer, will be in attendance at our convention,” said a spokesman for the event.

STRIP Magazine #2 on sale now in the UK

STRIP Magazine #2 is on sale now in all good UK comic shops, including many offering mail order.

STRIP Magazine Issue Two, the first comics title from Print Media Productions, features a Hook Jaw cover by Rufus Dayglo, which has also been included as a free promotional poster with the issue.

This issue's line-up is as follows:

• Black Ops Xtreme Part 2, written by John Freeman and drawn by PJ Holden: the team are sent to South America to kill a dangerous terrorist!
• Warpaint Part 2 by Phil Hester and John McCrea: Mia learns more about an ancient war!
• Age of Heroes Part 2 by James Hudnall and John Ridgway: the magician Wex battles for his life against deadly monsters!
• Recovery Inc. by Michael Penick and Dean Deckard: the company is hired to retrieve a top secret stolen prototype!
• Hook Jaw, re-mastered by Jim Campbell and Gary Caldwell: Joy over an oil strike turns sour as the great white shark Hook Jaw attacks!
• 'Cold Hard Facts' - a man from the 20th Century finds the future is not the paradise he expected
• The second winner of our 'Strip Challenge' - "The Citadel Codex", set in ancient Mexico

PLUS - an exclusive interview with comic artist John McCrea, British comics news, a competition to win copies of Paul Gravett's new book 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die and the new collection of Alan Grant and Arthur Ranson's Mazeworld; and a sneak preview of Crucible, one of the new strips coming up next year STRIP Magazine!

You can now subscribe to Strip Magazine online at www.printmediaproductions.com at our introductory rates as advertised in Issue 1 of our new magazine.

• STRIP Magazine #2 is also available digitally from iTunes, published in partnership with ROK Comics

• Buy STRIP Magazine #2 from ForbiddenPlanet.com

• Buy STRIP Magazine #1 from ForbiddenPlanet.com

STRIP Magazine #2 digital edition now on sale

The iPad-only digital edition of STRIP Magazine #2 is now on sale from iTunes - again in advance of the print edition.

Due to a small but unexpected delivery delay from Bosnia, the print edition will not be on sale until 14th December, for which publishers Print Media Productions have apologized.

Featuring a cover by Rufus Dayglo the issue includes:

• Black Ops Xtreme Part 2, written by John Freeman and drawn by PJ Holden: the team are sent to South America to kill a dangerous terrorist!
• Warpaint Part 2 by Phil Hester and John McCrea: Mia learns more about an ancient war!
• Age of Heroes Part 2 by James Hudnall and John Ridgway: the magician Wex battles for his life against deadly monsters!
• Recovery Inc. by Michael Penick and Dean Deckard: the company is hired to retrieve a top secret stolen prototype!
• Hook Jaw, re-mastered by Jim Campbell and Gary Caldwell: Joy over an oil strike turns sour as the great white shark Hook Jaw attacks!
• 'Cold Hard Facts' - a man from the 20th Century finds the future is not the paradise he expected
• The second winner of our 'Strip Challenge' - "The Citadel Codex", set in ancient Mexico
• An exclusive interview with comic artist John McCrea, British comics news, a competition to win copies of Paul Gravett's new book 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die and the new collection of Alan Grant and Arthur Ranson's Mazeworld; and a sneak preview of Crucible, one of the new strips coming up next year STRIP Magazine.

You can now subscribe to Strip Magazine online at www.printmediaproductions.com at the introductory rates as advertised in Issue 1.Until 15th December 2011, a six-issue subscription costs £14.99 including handling and a 12-issue subscription costs £25.99.

From 15th December 2011 subscriptions to the Magazine will be at the normal rate of £16.90 (6 issues) and £33.90 (12 issues).

• Visit www.printmediaproductions.com to subscribe 

• Buy STRIP Magazine #2 from iTunes

Millar and McCrea Create A Blue Peter Superhero

The creator of Kick-Ass and Wanted creating a comic strip for the BBC children's programme Blue Peter?

As odd as it sounds writer Mark Millar visited the new Blue Peter studio in Manchester on 1 November along with STRIP Magazine artist John McCrea to talk about superhero comics and reveal the first page of a Blue Peter themed comic strip. Talking to presenter Barney Harwood, and with Blue Peter dog Barney dressed in a Superman style cape, the pair discussed superhero comics and introduced a one page comic strip written by Mark and illustrated by John.

The Curse Of Bad Peter shows Barney Harwood receive a summons via his Blue Peter badge which turns him into a superhero who has to battle Bad Peter at Manchester's Arndale Centre. The strip is one page long with a second page ready for viewers to complete the story in any way they see fit.

And yes, both creators did receive a Blue Peter badge.

The Curse Of Bad Peter comic strip is available to download as a PDF from the Blue Peter website.

The episode of Blue Peter that Mark Millar and John McCrea appeared in is available for another week on the BBC iPlayer. They appear approximately 12 minutes into the programme.

The annual Blue Peter books used to run comic strips by Bleep and Booster creator Tim. There are more details of the comic strips in the Blue Peter books on Bear Alley.

Strip Magazine launches today in UK comic shops

Read Strip Magazine Issue 1 Sneak Preview by clicking here

STRIP Magazine Issue One is available in British comics shops from today. The digital edition for iPad is also available and can be downloaded from the iTunes Store. The cost of either edition is £2.99. (of course, the digital edition doesn't come with the fab giant Mirabilis poster).

And in case you'd forgotten - STRIP Magazine is an adventure anthology comic featuring some great art and stories from some brilliant creators including PJ Holden (Judge Dredd), John McCrea (Hitman, The Boys), Michael Penick (Insurrection), John Ridgway and many more.

Offering a range of strip stories, comics news, interviews and features, plus a fully re-mastered version of the classic British comic strip Hookjaw, this is a first issue you will not want to miss!

As the title's editor, I'd like to thank everyone who's been involved so far - it's not been the easiest of 'births' - and everyone who's already bought the iPad edition, or is heading out to buy the comic today.

Print Media is a new British company formed by Ivo Milicevic, who has been publishing comics and graphic albums in Bosnia and Croatia for 20 years, working with publishers such as Bamboo, Casterman Dupuis, Les Humanoides Associes and King Features Syndicate.

PMP UK plans to publish comics and graphic albums in the UK market, developing their own characters but also working directly with creators and other publishers to create new graphic albums and comic strips.

• More info at www.printmediaproductions.com

• There's a list of comic shops we know are stocking the title, some of whom do mail order, on the STRIP blog: http://stripcomicmagazineuk.blogspot.com.