L A Con: Behind The Masks Panel

 

 

If you're in the Los Angeles this weekend, don't miss L.A. Con! Here's a panel you might want to attend!

SAG-AFTRA to Host Behind the Masks: Movement Performers’ Role in the Video Game Strike at L.A. Comic Con on Saturday Oct. 5

 

SAG-AFTRA will host the panel “Behind the Masks: Movement Performers’ Role in the Video Game Strike” from 2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. PT on Saturday, October 5. The panel brings together leading video game movement performers Andi Norris, Seth Allyn Austin, Jasiri Booker and Sarah Elmaleh and will be moderated by Linsay Rousseau.

 

SAG-AFTRA is striking this contract so that members working in interactive media (video games) can continue earning a living doing the job they love. Our members’ work and likenesses are being exploited by artificial intelligence, and video game companies have refused to offer a fair deal that addresses this existential threat.

 

WHAT:           Behind the Masks: Movement Performers’ Role in the Video Game Strike panel at L.A. Comic Con

 

WHO:            Andi Norris, Seth Allyn Austin, Jasiri Booker, Sarah Elmaleh and Linsay Rousseau

 

WHERE:        Los Angeles Convention Center Room 308 AB

 

WHEN:          Saturday, October 5, 2025 from 2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. PT

 

 

Thanks to Lynda Dorf for sharing this announcement with us! For more information:

 

CONTACT:    Lynda Dorf

                      SAG-AFTRA Media Relations Consultant

                      lynda@lyndadorf.com

 

Battletoads The Lost Adventure Preview

 

 

This is a super-fun graphic novel. Even though I never played the game or saw the TV pilot, I quickly got up to speed. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story. I hope to give a more complete review at a later day. But for now, please enjoy this preview from Titan Comics.

 

BATTLETOADS – THE LOST ADVENTURE

Author: Simon Furman

Illustrator: Andres Genolet

Publisher: Titan Comics

SC, 80 pages, FC, $14.99

ISBN: 9781787743908

On sale September 24, 2024

 

The graphic novel prequel to the 2020 Battletoads game fills in the blanks of the last thirty years, in a retro beat-em-up adventure for the ages!

 

Dive into the world of Battletoads with The Lost Adventure, as the toads travel the universe in search of the Dark Queen to finally end her tyrannical reign. Pimple, Rash, and Zitz face a horde of powerful opponents, while also attempting to thwart the Dark Queen’s sinister plans.

 

 

 

 

The toadular trio participate in The Grand Fistival, a battle royale which gathered the strongest fighters in the universe. But a secret plot looms in the sewers of the celebration. Will the Toads prevail, or will their bond be tested by an out-of-this-world brawl?

 

 

 

Written by the illustrious Simon Furman, acclaimed for his work on Marvel’s Transformers, as he extends the Battletoads’ saga for their fiercest battle yet. Collaborating with Furman, Andres Genolet, known for Marvel’s Star Wars and The Sensational She-Hulk, lends dynamic visuals.

 

The fantastic illustrations are enhanced by comics colorist Jordi Escuin Llorach, utilizing vibrant hues to provide a visually stunning experience across chaotic brawls.

 

 

 

Uncover the rich history of Battletoads, a videogame franchise by Rare, which has seen the Toady trio battle valiantly against intergalactic evil. 

 

 

 

Whether you are a longtime Battletoads follower or newcomer to the series, The Lost Adventure marks one of the franchise’s greatest spectacles.

 

 

 

 

Battletoads – The Lost Adventure is on sale September 24, 2024 at bookstores, comic shops and digital. Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK.

 

 

 

 Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this cool preview with us!

 

Elric: The Making Of A Sorcerer Preview

 

 

THE MICHAEL MOORCOCK LIBRARY: ELRIC: THE MAKING OF A SORCERER

Author: Michael Moorcock

Illustrator: Walt Simonson

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, FC, 208pp, $29.99

ISBN: 9781787741560

On sale September 24, 2024

 

Witness the birth of a legend as the untold origin story of Elric and his epic ascension to the throne of Melniboné is finally revealed!

 

Featuring one of the most beloved anti-hero characters in fantasy fiction.

 

This stunning epic saga reveals the untold origin story of the classic sword-and-sorcery character Elric and takes place immediately before the opening of the novel Elric of Melniboné.

 

 

 

It chronicles Elric’s transformation from a spoilt, arrogant youth to the future legendary Prince of Melniboné, as he journeys through a series of dream quests to the dragon caves of Imrryr, and to realms undreamed of by man. There he must battle with giants and make peace with the leaders of other wordly kingdoms, whilst fighting off the evil intentions of his bitter eternal rival for the throne, his cousin Yyrkoon!

 

Witness the literal making of a sorcerer as Elric learns not only the ways of the warrior, but also how to protect his homeland with the power of his mighty magic and that of his sentient sword STORMBRINGER.

 

 

 

Featuring truly extraordinary artwork from Walter Simonson, one of the true masters of comic book art. This stunning, full-color book features some of his best work ever, offering astonishing vistas and epic fights unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

 

This book will appeal to those looking for a more ROCK ‘N’ ROLL alternative to the worlds of Tolkien, with its emphasis on the corruptive allure of dark magic and its exploration of passion, love and lust.

 

The Michael Moorcock Library: Elric: The Making of a Sorcerer is on sale September 24, 2024 at bookstores, comic shops and digital. 

 

 

I apologize to Titan and readers that I haven't reviewed this terrific book yet. I've sunk into it on several occasions, but keep getting pulled away to review issues of ongoing series. I hope to address that appalling injustice soon. But don't wait for my review! If you're a fan of Elric, Michael Moorcock, or High Fantasy adventure, order this terrific trade paperback from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Forbidden Planet in the UK!

The Moon Is Following Us #1 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Riley Rossmo

Colorist: Mike Spicer

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 18, 2024

 

Sam and Duncan need a special weapon to rescue their six-year-old daughter, Penny. If they wait for Tash to arrive, they may miss Pigface. Should Sam and Duncan storm the fortress guarded by Cascade soldiers? Or is there another way to meet the arms dealer? Let's grab our guns and swords, leap into The Moon Is Following Us #1, and see what happens!

 

Story

The clock is ticking, and Sam is tired of waiting. She and her husband have trained hard and gained combat experience. Sam believes that if you want something in life, you don't wait for it to arrive. Sam hopes their companion will support her argument. But Brio refuses to participate in a family feud.

 

Life has taught Duncan to be cautious. Failure may not be an option, but it’s always a possibility. Duncan begs her to reconsider. His wife refuses to wait a minute longer for Tash. Sam agrees to do it Duncan's way and sneak into the fortress. Duncan is grateful for that concession. Still, he believes Tash would have a better plan.

 

When they reach the fortress in The Moon Is Following Us #1, Sam’s Bull In A China Shop attack puts the fortress on high alert. Now, instead of slipping in quietly, husband and wife are storming the castle. They measure each step in bullets and blood. Along the way, they find Tash. Their advisor helps them dispatch all the nearby guards. Still, after the immediate conflict ceases, Sam worries that Duncan isn’t fully invested in their fight to free their daughter.

 

After securing Pigface's weapon, Sam and Duncan also need an escape plan. But first, they must sacrifice part of themselves. In Daniel Warren Johnson’s High Fantasy story, heroes gain nothing without cost. Even their best attempts may fail. But while Duncan's reserve irritates Sam, he doesn’t just want his daughter back. When, like Tash and Pigface, Duncan leaves this world behind, he wants it to be with his entire family.

 

Art

Duncan wears synthetic modern armor with a thick arm covering reminiscent of Thorin's oaken shield. Sam wears long armored boots, a bikini, and a spiked helmet in The Moon Is Following Us #1. While Duncan carries a rifle, Sam carries an RPG with a sword affixed as a bayonet. Brio wears a crown and carries a backpack, a bedroll, and the longest firearm. Daniel Warren Johnson and Riley Rossmo’s frog prince smokes a cigarette while he waits. When Sam leads her companion to a precipice, they gaze across a chasm. A castle rises in the distance. A Pegasus circles above the towers. Whatever bridge once aided travelers no longer exists. Sam and Duncan must find a route to the valley. Then, they must scale the fortress' natural defense and stone walls. Either that or take the long, winding road to the castle gates.

 

Mike Spicer lavishes a palette of soft pastels on The Moon Is Following Us #1. Sam’s pink and gold attire and Duncan's green armor glow against teal grass, grey stone, and purple sky. The black Cascade warriors have four legs, a donut chest, and a green face you might not want in your family portrait. Gray shadows fall on vivid flesh tones, clothes, and armor, while purple foregrounds complement gray and purple-gray backgrounds. Yellow invades the background during extreme violence, such as when orange blood sprays from the black-and-green Cascade soldiers. A forked branch aids Tash's footsteps. The hunchback's cape resembles wings composed of fabric swatches. The multiarmed Pigface resembles a humanoid bat with a porcine hat. When Pigface spreads his wings, buyer beware!

 

Black uppercase lettering in white and colored dialogue balloons hover over our heroes in The Moon Is Following Us #1. Amid the highly detailed and richly colored art, the dialogue shrinks for lowered voices and rarely emboldens or swells. Sound effects heighten the clash of arms, while screams and shouts accentuate an intense final battle. Thanks to Image for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Technology, magic, and fairy tales collide in The Moon Is Following Us #1. The fantasy adventure celebrates creativity and imagination, the power of dreams, and parents' love for their children.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

For more cover art and a trailer see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Blade Runner Tokyo Nexus #3 Review

 

Writer: Kianna Shore

Artist: Mariano Taibo

Colorist: Marco Lesko

Letterer: Jim Campbell

Editor: David Leach

Creative Consultant: Mellow Brown

Cover Artists: Gabriel Iumazark, Sam Lofti & Mariano Taibo

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 25, 2024

 

Mead and Stix fought together on Kalanthia. Now, the ex-Marine and combat Replicant work as private investigators in Japan. But Stix has been letting Mead down lately. She tried to learn why, but Sayo interrupted with a plea to help her find her sister. Then Stix refused to search for Miyuki, leaving Mead to check out Sayo’s story. A Blade Runner from Los Angeles told Mead that Sayo’s sister was in the morgue. Sayo identified her sister and let Mead and the Blade Runner search Miyuki's apartment. Then, an arrow impaled Sayo. Sayo told Mead it was her Skinjob partner before she died. But why would Stix shoot Sayo? Let’s leap into Blade Runner Tokyo Nexus #3 and see if we can unravel this perplexing mystery!

 

Story

Mead and Stix realized Sayo’s family had links with the Yakuza. Miyuki's fiancée Alura told Mead that Miyuki disappeared while working on a job for Tyrell. Yet when they searched Miyuki's apartment, Mead and the Blade Runner Rumika discovered she worked for Cheshire. The startup hires Tyrell researchers who experiment on replicants that immigrated to Japan illegally. The Tyrell Corporation sent Rumika to investigate rumors that Cheshire was improving their Replicant models. Rumika’s search led her to Mead, which is why the ex-Marine is working with the Blade Runner.

 

A rumor that a new, unsanctioned combat model is killing people brings Tokyo to the boiling point. Mead discovered that someone killed everyone in the Higashi-gumi (East gang?) organization. In response to the ruthless and efficient slaughter, Yakuza groups are attacking any replicants they find. The societal breakdown may not be as overwhelming as Kalanthia's, the colony world where Stix and Mead served together. But as Tokyo devolves into gang warfare, Tyrell gives Rumika new orders in Blade Runner Tokyo Nexus #3. Instead of retiring replicants, Rumika must arrest or kill any Tyrell scientists and terminate Cheshire's workforce.

 

All of this makes Mead wonder how well she knows her partner. She insists Stix is her associate. Yet, as Rumika points out, Stix lives with her. (At least he does when he’s not chasing after the Yakuza abducting his fellow replicants). Rumika also reminds Mead that Replicants have limited lifespans and grow erratic before they wind down. Stix’s enhanced abilities further shorten a combat replicant’s life. Still, Mead saw too much death in the military. Stix’s enthusiasm for life keeps Mead going. Plagued by the horrors of war, Stix’s presence calms and restrains Mead. She cannot believe that Stix is a murderer. Yet Mead saw him running away as Sayo collapsed. And then, there was Sayo’s dying indictment.

 

 

 

Art

Mead clutches Miyuki’s taxi tickets with Sayo’s blood on her hands. White figures behind a black window regard a replicant in an inclined examination chamber. Computer banks, piping, and overhead lights surround the unconscious replicant bound by a foot-wide band across his chest and arms.

 

A silhouette enters an arcade in Blade Runner Tokyo Nexus #3. Rumika’s left hand toggles a lever sideways while she presses a button with her right. Skull-like ships descend toward one of four bunkers while a tank fires up at the invasion fleet before Game Over prompts Rumika to abandon the classic arcade game. The Blade Runner approaches a wall-mounted payphone, and the cord stretches toward her as she places the receiver to her ear. Then, Rumika returns the receiver to the cradle and walks down a hall created by the backs of arcade games.

 

Neon signs and pink lights color the wall and floor near the red telephone in the arcade. Like Rick Deckard's apartment, yellow and orange light streams through the shutters covering the window of Mead's mauve and tan office. Mead sits in one of many semicircular upholstered couches while other nightclub guests enjoy the singing pink and blue holograms. Silhouettes leap from a roof to a fragile skeletal building. Then their green and blue clothing returns as Mead pursues Stix against a blue and purple sky speckled with white.

 

Jim Campbell fills white balloons and colored narrative boxes with black uppercase dialogue in Blade Runner Tokyo Nexus #3. The letters grow bold for emphasis, italicize for off-camera conversations, and occasionally shrink. Giant red letters enhance Rumika’s gunfire. But the most heartfelt effects are Mead's plaintive cry to her fleeing partner and the sound of her plowing through her Human attackers. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Tyrell made replicants to serve off-world. Yet many illegally immigrated to Earth. As Stix helps people whom others regard as property, his Human partner begins to distrust him. His secret life and rumors of a murderous Replicant could cost Stix his life in Blade Runner Tokyo Nexus #3.

 

Rating 9.2/10

 

To preview interior art see my preview at The Dragon's Cache.

Ridley Scott Graphic Novels

 

 

RIDLEY SCOTT ENTERS GRAPHIC NOVEL SPACE

 

SCOTT FREE AND MECHANICAL CAKE TEAM UP FOR 

THREE ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES,

MODVILLE, HYDE, AND NICK

 

Ridley Scott will lend his meticulous eye and unmatched world-building skills. Mechanical Cake has engaged Comic Book Legend Dave Elliott, Co-founder of Radical

Comics, as Publisher/Editor in Chief and enlisted Top-tier Artists Bill Sienkiewicz, Chris Weston, Dan Panosian, Brian Rood, and Hendry Prasetya

 

Scott Free and Mechanical Cake have partnered together for the launch of three original graphic novel series: Modville, Hyde, and Nick.  Ridley Scott will lend his meticulous eye and unmatched world-building skills to the projects, announced Jesse Negron, CEO, Mechanical Cake.

 

Ridley Scott said, “Mechanical Cake is a terrific company. They understand the art of graphic novels. As an artist and painter, these projects are exciting to me, and I look forward to collaborating with Jesse, Tom, Dave, and the Mechanical Cake team.”

 

Tom Moran, Senior VP Development & Production at Scott Free and overseer of the joint venture with Mechanical Cake added, "Ridley and Tony Scott are known as great filmmakers (Alien, Blade Runner, Top Gun, True Romance) but few people realize their shared first true love of painting and art is what drove both of them into filmmaking. For the first time in Scott Free’s history, we are excitedly diving into comics as a new way to explore art and storytelling."

 

Mechanical Cake has engaged comic book legend Dave Elliott, co-founder of Radical Comics, as Editor-in-Chief and enlisted top-tier artists Bill Sienkiewicz, Chris Weston, Dan Panosian, Brian Rood, Hendry Prasetya, and Eko Puteh.

 

Modville is a Sci-Fi/Southern Gothic crime drama involving AI humans ("mods") in future New Orleans. Hyde imagines a world where Robert Louis Stevenson's “Mr. Hyde” did not die, and instead lives beneath the streets of London where he conducts experiments on others.  Nick is a foundational Yule war story, steeped within the arcane Norse legends. 

 

Modville Book 1 of 8, over 100 pages, drawn by Hendry Prasetya and Eko Puteh, is complete and will be available for pre-order in March 2025, along with first-issue previews of Hyde and Nick. A sneak peek at all three projects is available at Mechanical Cake (sign up for future updates).

 

Mechanical Cake, headquartered in Los Angeles, is a production company formed in 2015 by Jesse Negron (CEO) and Tom Sanders (COO) to pursue the creation, acquisition, and development of breakthrough intellectual properties. Their mission is “Don’t worry about pleasing any of the people any of the time."

 

Official Website: https://www.mechanicalcake.com/