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Blue Bloods: Masquerade

Publishing | Italian movie producer Domenico Procacci has purchased Bologna-based graphic novel publisher Coconino Press, adding it to his Fandango filmmaking and book-publishing company. In addition to its own titles, Coconino publishes the Italian editions of works by such artists as Charles Burns, Daniel Clowes, and Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. [Variety]

Publishing | Young-adult novelist Melissa de la Cruz has signed new contracts with Hyperion, the Disney Book Group imprint that publishes her bestselling Blue Bloods series. The deal calls for three companion books to the teen-vampire drama, including Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel. [Variety]

The Last Unicorn

Publishing | IDW Publishing will adapt Peter Beagle's bestselling 1968 fantasy novel The Last Unicorn as a six-issue miniseries. The comic, by writer Peter B. Gillis, artist Renae De Liz and colorist Ray Dillon, will debut in April. [ICv2.com]

Publishing | Simon Jones offers commentary about declining manga sales in Japan: "Some blame was again placed at the industry’s increasing focus on niche genres (just as comics is a spandex ghetto, manga is facing a crisis of the moe slum), but I think this is being overstated as a cause, when it’s really a symptom that is self-feeding.  Manga sales have gone down … it could be lower birth rates, or competition from other media, or internet piracy (come on guys, we don’t need to couch this in flowery language), or any combination of those.  But it all comes down to fewer companies being able to produce mainstream products, because a growing segment of mainstream audiences are no longer willing to pay for them despite increasing demand." [Icarus Publishing]

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Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 100

One zero zero!

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

And look! There's even something going on on this page! Not just yakkity-yakkin' and stuff.

Thanks for sticking around so far, folks. Still got a pretty substantial chunk of story to go. And things look to be heating up in Drytown, so buckle in.

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 099

And on, this the 99th page of THE THIRSTY, I give you:

Art by Gervasio and Jok. Written by Matt Maxwell.

I just realized that Collins' riding coat got ripped in the first chapter and it got patched sometime along the way.  You can see it real clear in panel 3.

I'd try to work up something exciting for the 100th page, but everytime I've tried to, real life has reached up and smacked me in the face.  That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep your eyes peeled, though.

Back on Wednesday.

Straight for the (horror) art | Alex Sheikman's Strangeways illustration

Part of an illustration by Alex Sheikman

For his one-a-day sketch series on his blog, Robotika creator Alex Sheikman drew a terrific illustration based on Strangeways, the Western-horror series by Matt Maxwell and Luis Guragna. The second graphic novel in the series, The Thirsty, is being serialized online right here at Robot 6.

To see the full illustration, visit Sheikman's blog.

First look (I think) at the cover for American Vampire #1

American Vampire #1

Since Vertigo's announcement late Sunday there's been a lot of coverage in the comics and mainstream press about American Vampire, the upcoming monthly series whose first arc is co-written by none other than Stephen King.

But while we've seen several pieces of concept art by Rafael Albuquerque, I believe this is our first look at his cover for Issue 1, which debuts in March 2010. The art accompanies a brief Q&A in USA Today with writer Scott Snyder, who discusses the comic's development, King's involvement, and what he likes about Albuquerque's art.

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 098

Holy cow! That inital 0 digit in the titles is about to become outmoded!

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

Wonder how long the residents of Drytown are going to let this makeover continue, anyways?

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 097

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

Remember kids, in real life, TNT is not to be enjoyed like a fine cigar.

Stephen King helps to unleash American Vampire at Vertigo

Designs for Skinner and Pearl from "American Vampire," by Rafael Albuquerque

Late last night Vertigo announced the March premiere of American Vampire, an ongoing series by short-story writer Scott Snyder and Blue Beetle artist Rafael Albuquerque.

But there's an even bigger name involved -- much bigger: Stephen King, who will write one of the two stories in the initial five-issue story arc.

According to the DC Comics imprint, American Vampire will introduce "a new breed of vampire — a more muscular and vicious species of vampire with distinctly American characteristics."

Snyder's storyline, set in the Jazz Age, will focus on Pearl, an ambitious woman who dreams of becoming a star. King will provide the origin of the first American vampire -- Skinner Sweet, a murderer and bank robber of the 1880s.

“I love vampire stories, and the idea of following the dark exploits of a uniquely American vampire really lit up my imagination," King is quoted as saying. "The chance to do the origin story — to be 'present at the creation' — was a thrill. I owe big thanks to Scott Snyder for letting me share his vision, and sip from his bucket of blood.”

The Daily Beast has more details, including background from Snyder, who has written a Human Torch one-shot and an upcoming X-Men arc for Marvel.

For more, see Comic Book Resource's coverage.

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 096

We've substituted the post day for everyone's favorite ongoing horror/western serial. Let's see if they notice...

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

That's just this week, folks.  Should be back on schedule for Halloween week.  Geez, Halloween already.

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 095

Back from APE, will be collecting thoughts shortly.

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

Huh. Wonder what that's all about, then?

Back on Wednesday, APE posting may be up before then, but other work may supersede it.

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 094

1. Today's page:

Art by Gervasio and Jok. Written by Matt Maxwell

2. I'll still be appearing at APE this weekend. And the Highway 62 compound will feature a special guest in the form of Alex Sheikman, author and illustrator of ROBOTIKA, put out by Archaia Studios Press. His book will be prettier than mine. And hardcover. And in color. Tough to compete with competition like that. But I'll be doing Five Minute Stories and he'll just be doing garden variety sketches. Take that, Alex! Anyways, hope to see some of you there. I know that JK Parkin (Robot6 High Overlord, or Co-High Overlord, depending on who you ask) will be at the show as well. Bet he'll sign your laptop if you leave the browser window open to R6.

3. I turn really old tomorrow. No, older than that. Like so old that this issue of FANTASTIC FOUR came out the month I was born.

4. Turns out that having children ages you prematurely. Who knew?

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 093

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

No funny caption today, though I can think of a few.

Getting ready for the upcoming APE show in SF in five short days from now.  Hopefully the inbound torrential rain won't wash the town away.  Be sure to stop by and say hello, and maybe get yourself a fancy Five Minute Story for your trouble.  Oh, and a look at upcoming chapters of THE THIRSTY, should that tickle your fancy.  See you then!

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 092

See, Wednesday really is new comics day.  You even get a new page of THE THIRSTY.

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

Guest starring, apparently, Warren Ellis this week.  Panel 4 in particular.  And no, I didn't plan that at all.

I mean, I've never even seen Mr. Ellis in a cowboy hat.  Well, maybe that one time in San Diego...

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 091

Welcome, new readers who're stopping by after visiting me at the Long Beach Comic-Con last weekend.  Hope you enjoy the show!

As for the rest of you reprobates, here's the newest page:

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

So maybe Joachim isn't out of the fight yet.  But whose side will he end up on?

Strangeways: The Thirsty - Page 089

Meltdown in progress.  Stand by to receive page.

Written by Matt Maxwell. Art by Gervasio and Jok.

And here you thought that trick only worked for the good guys.

Check in Wednesday to see if de Medina gets away or gets what's coming to him!

And dig this.  Strangeways: Murder Moon was named "Best Local Graphic Novel" by the Sacramento News and Review.  Sacramento's got like, more than a thousand people living there!  That's a lot!  See?  More people than just my mom like it!  Coverage at Robot 6.