Published by several comic book companies, including Marvel, Dark Horse and DC Comics, Jim Balent has drawn the likes of Batman, Catwoman and Vampirella.  He has also worked on many posters and characters designs for both the video and film industries.

Arcana News for December

Bluewater Productions along with Legend Films is developing the sequel to the cult film "Plan 9 From Outer Space." This oversized issue titled "Plan 9 From Outer Space ... Strikes Again" is scheduled for a March 2009 release. The team will be writers Chad Helder & Darren G. Davis and drawn by Giovanni P. Timpano, both are alumni of the Vincent Price Presents series. Colors by Alex Sollazzo as well as a cover by Nate Watson (Scream Queen for BOOM! Studios).

The film Plan 9 from Outer Space is a 1959 science fiction/horror film written, produced, and directed by Edward D. Wood, Jr.. Because of its script, acting, special effects, and multiple production errors visible in the final version of the film, Plan 9 from Outer Space is often regarded as a leading candidate for the title of "worst movie ever made." It has also earned Wood a posthumous Golden Turkey Award as the worst director ever.

Bluewater describes the oversized one-shot, fifty years after the alien invasion unleashed the unspeakable horror of Plan 9, a corrupt team of government scientists reactivates the zombie horde in order to lure the aliens back to Earth! Their sinister plan: steal the most hideous weapon known to intergalactic intelligence. Only conspiracy theorist, Eugene, and his mother, a former professional wrestler, can expose the shadowy agenda of the government as they fight off the growing zombie horde. This time, a new alien force invades Earth: the revolutionary followers of the martyred Eros. Eugene and his mother join forces with the last remaining heroes of a corrupt government. Together, they must thwart Plan 9 once again, with all life in the universe hanging in the balance.

"Entering into the mind-space of Ed Wood was a huge thrill," said co-writer Chad Helder. "I watched Plan 9 numerous times in order to seed my subconscious mind with Wood's extraordinary imagination that is 100% campy exuberance. After collaborating with Darren Davis on some character ideas, I went full-blast into a campy world of aliens, zombies, professional wrestlers, and mad scientists. I am really happy with the result.

"We wanted to pay homage to the film and since there were so many errors in the film - we had to add some into the comic." Said co-writer Darren G. Davis "Some of the mistakes will be obvious but you are going to have to get your magnified glass to catch everything. This is something that has not be done in comics on purpose."

"Everyone knows about Plan 9 and why it is called the 'worst movie ever made' said artist Giovanni P. Timpano "Plan 9 From Outer Space features aliens, zombies, vampires, ghouls, super bombs and a lot more!

press release courtesy of www.comicrelated.com)

Studio 407's critically acclaimed series Hybrid hits stores on February 25th in trade format. Earlier this year, Myriad Pictures and Studio 407, formed a first-look partnership to make full-length live-action motion pictures. Hybrid is set to start filming next year with Ernie Barbarash (Cube Zero, They Wait) on board to direct.

"This was a real opportunity to take an old fashioned genre, the classic monster story, and bring it into the 21st century. says Hybrid writer Peter Kwong. "The 'hybrid" is unlike any creature that you've ever seen; yet, like all classical monsters, it's very much rooted in contemporary fears and anxieties. That always makes it more interesting as a writer, and, I hope, the audience will agree."

Hybrid is described as: When four friends decide to rent a schooner for the day, everything is smooth sailing until they encounter a derelict ship adrift in the ocean - a massive trawler that looks as if it had been dragged from the bottom of the sea. When they spot a frightened little girl waving at them from the bow, they have no choice but to investigate. As they get closer to the ship, they discover that the girl is not alone.

Comics Bulletin says "If you're a fan of old school, creature feature movies and like a little more monster in your horror, then this is a good book for you."

Ain't it Cool News calls Hybrid: "A good, old fashioned horror story... delivering on all levels."

Pre-order now!

Hybrid TPB is scheduled to be in stores on February 25, 2009.

Full Color 120 pages $16.99

Writer: Peter Kwong Artist: Pablo Churin

Continue the Preview
www.studio-407.com/microsite_hybrid/

About Studio 407
Studio 407 brings together the imagination and creative talents of writers and artists from North America and Asia to generate a flow of distinct and kinetic East-meets-West entertainment. A writer driven studio that blends innovation with tradition, Studio 407 is dedicated to publishing the highest quality in comics and manga, across a wide variety of genres. From capes to kung fu, giant robots to vampires, and secret agents to mad scientists; at Studio 407, we sweat the details. Learn more at studio-407.com.

(press release courtesy of www.comicrelated.com)

(press release courtesy of www.comicrelated.com)

Bluewater Productions is going back to the books that made them popular. Last week it was announced that the “10th Muse” is back but also “Legend of Isis” is on the way this summer as an ongoing series. To top it off “Power of the Valkyrie” is geared for a February 2009 comeback. Originally published through Arcana, it comes home to Bluewater. Written by Chris Studabaker, drawn by Mannix and colored by Farés Ramírez.

Bluewater describes the new “Power of the Valkyrie” series as, philosophic action and adventure continues in this new saga starring Bluewater’s Norse hero and written by Day Prize-nominee Chris Studabaker. Suzanne Bancroft is going to die, and the end of the world will be her fault. A relentless demi-god has declared he will murder Suzanne and her death will begin a chain of events culminating in Ragnarok. Worse yet – her murderer can see her fate. While still trying to understand her new role as the Valkyrie, Suzanne must seek the true nature of fate and ask herself a hard question: how do you fight a battle you’re destined to lose?

“Valkyrie has been a treat to write”, says writer Chris Studabaker. “A lot of use having passing familiarity with Norse mythology, but we used some very different storytelling here, interweaving ancient stories and modern narrative. The idea of modernizing ancient gods provides a lot of fodder for big fights, but the most important aspect of the Norse pantheon has always been their striking humanity and that’s what we’re exploring”.

Studabaker continues, “All these ideas about people, myth, fate, and circles come together incredibly in the full mirrored layout of issue four and his treatment of the mirrored ideas and page layouts are really beautiful. The Fate of Gods and Men is about just that – what history and fate mean to us, our heroes, our gods, and how we comes to terms with the answers”.

“Valkyrie is the darkest of all the Bluewater female titles”, said Darren G. Davis creator of the character. “We wanted to do something that was different from our other classic characters, so we gave this series a more adult feel”.

Boston Based HBComics™ makes bold claim about new “Lazerman™” Comic

In an industry where the future of new titles are uncertain, one indy publisher has addressed the concern in an unusual way; by guaranteeing at least a 12 issue run of their new title, “Lazerman.” HBComics, a Boston based publisher, posted this guarantee on their Myspace blog in response to feedback from their readers about a new title’s chance of success.

“I've had more than a few people echo a concern that I've shared about indy comics for some time…Who wants to start reading a book and be forced to wonder if you'll ever finish the story?” Artist Chris Hebert noted on the HBComics™ Myspace blog. “(So) we are guaranteeing at least 12 issues of Lazerman ™.”

Sighting a minimal production cost, and cost free online distribution techniques, the independent publishers assure that this is a completely attainable promise, claiming the only obstacle would be their own determination to complete the workload. The entire blog can be read at http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=30564833&blogID=451198961

Lazerman™, the title in question, is the story of an awkward comic book geek who, in a bizarre twist of fate, ends up with super-powers of his very own. The title promises to lovingly satirize the super hero genre, while at the same time provide a light hearted hero story in the tradition of classic silver age comics. The title, due out this January, has already made an early appearance at several conventions, including Wizard World Texas, where the book sold out its exclusive convention printing. Lazerman is available through Haven Distributors (www.havendistro.com).

About HBComics™: HBComics™ is an independent comic book publisher, founded by two brothers from Boston. More information on the company, or the titles being produced, can be found at www.hbcomics.com

The second issue of the Storm Front graphic novel came out December 17th, and we have a preview for you today!

Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Storm Front #2

Story by Jim Butcher
Script by Mark Powers
Art by Adrian Syaf
Inks by Rick Ketcham
Colors by Mohan
Cover by Dave Dorman

Harry Dresden is haunted by dark secrets of his past and stalked by a dangerous gangland king as he confronts the powerful vampiress Bianca and continues his investigation into the bizarre disappearance of businessman Victor Sells. Overseen by creator Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files: Storm Front brings the first of his bestselling Harry Dresden novels to life. Storm Front is guaranteed to grab readers with its gripping blend of mystery and fantastic adventure!