DYNAMITE ANNOUNCES CREATIVE TEAM AND LAUNCH DATE FOR NEW COMIC BOOK SERIES BASED ON THE HIT LIONSGATE FILM FRANCHISE, JOHN WICK
06/20/17 @ 11:19 am EST
Source: Dynamite | Categories: Dynamite
Award-winning writer Greg Pak (Planet Hulk, Code Monkey Save World), and artist Giovanni Valletta (Dark Horse Presents) have been tapped as the creative team to bring the world of the hit-film franchise John Wick to the pages of comics, thanks to a new partnership between Dynamite Entertainment and Lionsgate Films. Slated to launch on September 6th, the new series will offer fans of the massively popular character the opportunity to discover his thrilling origin story for the very first time!
When a young John Wick emerges from prison and embarks upon his first epic vendetta, he comes up against a strange, powerful community of assassins and must learn how to master the Book of Rules that guides their lethal business. What are the Three Bills? Who is Calamity? And who was John Wick before he became the Baba Yaga?
Writer Greg Pak says, "I was on board pretty much as soon as I got the call and heard 'John Wick.' I'm a huge Keanu Reeves fan and loved the John Wick movies, which had the kind of kinetic action and intriguing mythology that seemed like a perfect fit for comics. I'm also always happy to work with my friends at Dynamite, who are always a pleasure to make comics with. And the art I saw from Giovanni Valletta blew my mind -- he's totally nailing Keanu Reeves' likeness while creating emotional, dynamic, exciting action. This book is going be BEAUTIFUL. But what really sealed the deal was when Dynamite Editor Anthony Marques said we had the greenlight to tell a John Wick origin story. That was astounding to me -- we're not just telling another fun adventure with the character; we're actually going to be able to add to this character's and world's tremendous mythology by telling an origin story! What could be cooler than that?"
Greg Pak is a Korean-American filmmaker and comic book writer best known for his award-winning feature film Robot Stories, his blockbuster comic book series like Planet Hulk and World War Hulk, and his record-breaking Kickstarter publishing projects with Jonathan Coulton, including Code Monkey Save World, Kickstarter's highest grossing original graphic novel of all time. Pak's recent comics projects include the creator-owned series Kingsway West, Big Trouble in Little China, Escape from New York, and The Totally Awesome Hulk and Weapon X for Marvel. Pak's feature film Robot Stories played in 75 festivals, won 35 awards, screened theatrically across the country, and is now available on DVD from Kino. Pak's feature screenplay Rio Chino won the Pipedream Screenwriting Award at the IFP Market and a Rockefeller Media Arts Fellowship. Pak also wrote the screenplay for the feature film MVP, which premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival.
Artist Giovanni Valletta says, "When Dynamite Editor Anthony Marques asked me if I would like to do some tryouts for this project, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I loved the John Wick film so much, and have been a fan of Keanu Reeves and his work for as long as I can remember. I couldn't be happier to have been picked to work on this project, and I hope the love I have for this movie shines through in my work."
Giovanni Valletta was raised in Caracas, Venezuela and studied Illustration at the Caracas Institute of Design before continuing his studies with Jesus Pastore at the Art Center School of Design. Once Valletta decided to turn his career towards the comic book industry, he attend the Kubert School of Cartooning and Graphic Art, from which he graduated in 2010. Shortly after graduation, Valletta began working for Tell A Graphics alongside owner Joe Kubert, and became a member of the teaching staff at the Kubert School in 2012. His artwork has been featured by a number of top-tier publishers, and is best known for his work on Dark Horse Presents and Pathfinder: Worldscape.
"John Wick is an incredible character - he and the world he inhabits are mysterious, thrilling, sexy, and contagious," says Anthony Marques, Editor for Dynamite Entertainment. "The series that we are doing develops that world even further by delving into his official origin story for the first time. We couldn't have been more fortunate than to have Greg Pak come on board to craft this tale. He has such a great understanding of the characters, their world, and their voices. The artwork Giovanni Valletta is creating is going to leave people breathless. He's found a way to truly immerse the readers into the world of John Wick in a way that I don't think any other artist would have been able to. The thrills, speed, and action are all there on the page!
Marques continued, "This whole process has been an amazing ride - almost as thrilling at the films! We've received the blessings from all of the creators involved with the films, every step of the way. That includes the writer/creator of John Wick Derek Kolstad, as well as Thunder Road, Lionsgate, and even Keanu Reeves. This book is the real deal and people are not going to be disappointed."
"I have been a huge fan of the John Wick franchise since it was first released in 2014," says Dynamite CEO and Publisher, Nick Barrucci. "When I broached the idea in our editorial meeting, it was unanimously agreed upon! The entire Dynamite team is thrilled to have the opportunity to work on such a great property, and we're excited to work with the amazing team at Lionsgate Films to make this new hit comic book series happen!"
The action-adventure film franchise John Wick launched in 2014 and follows the titular hero, a deadly hitman, as he seeks vengeance for the death of a loved one. Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, and written by Derek Kolstad, the critically-acclaimed first installment starred Keanu Reeves and grossed close to $90 million worldwide. Based on the box office success of the first film, the series was greenlit for a sequel, and John Wick 2 opened in February 2017, grossing $165 million worldwide to date. The new partnership between Dynamite Entertainment and Lionsgate Films marks the first time the series will be published in comic book form.
John Wick will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' July 2017 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in September. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of John Wick #1 with their local comic book retailers. John Wick #1 will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, Madefire, and Dark Horse Digital.
PEEK INSIDE THE GARTH ENNIS/THE BOYS HUMBLE BUNDLE!
07/17/19 @ 7:58 pm EST
Peek Inside the Garth Ennis/The Boys Humble Bundle!!97% Off Nearly 5,000 Pages of Comics!
Dynamite and Humble Bundle have teamed together to offer almost all of Garth Ennis's bibliography at the publisher in an unparalleled deal for fans! Starting as low as $1 and with a top tier of only $15, comic readers can get nearly 200 issues that would normally cost over $500! It's the perfect time to binge on The Boys, with the Amazon Prime Video show premiering next Friday, July 26!
The bundle will only be available for a short time, so check it out here!
GARTH ENNIS/THE BOYS HUMBLE BUNDLE!
Dynamite presents this sneak peek into a few highlights of the Humble Bundle. But we can't show everything, as Garth's boundary-pushing mind and his artistic collaborators have cooked up a few very explicit comic books in their day. So buy the bundle to see everything uncensored! The cherry on top is that a portion of all proceeds will be contributed to the non-profit EveryLibrary Institute, which researches and educates on the importance of libraries as pillars of free speech and accessible arts and information!
JENNIFER BLOOD
Don't miss these limited deals! Garth Ennis/The Boys Comics Bundle!
$1 Tier
The Boys #1-14
The Ninjettes #1-6A Train ...
DYNAMITE & ARCHIE CROSSOVER EXTENDED!
Dynamite and Archie Comics announce the extension of the Red Sonja & Vampirella Meet Betty & Veronica series, doubling from 6 issues to 12!
The response from fans, retailers and critics on this series has been an overwhelming hit! Who could imagine that teaming up four of the most iconic female characters in the medium would be so popular? Jokes aside, Dynamite is beyond grateful for all the positive reactions to this book and the perfect way to give back was simple - make more of what people love!
The same beloved creative team, top to bottom will pick right up with issue 7 this November. Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Green Hornet) continues her victory lap writing Red Sonja following her acclaimed run with Carlos Gomez. Plus her further exploration of Vampi and Riverdale's leading ladies. Maria Sanapo (Sheena Queen of the Jungle, Charmed) will keep contributing some of the sharpest and cleanest artwork in comic books. While colorist Vinicius Andrade and letterer Taylor Esposito keep raising the bar. Fans will also be excited for more covers from the existing cast of diverse styles. Including Fay Dalton, Robert Hack, Laura Braga, Dan Parent and Cat Staggs.
"I literally just saw the sales numbers for the first issue and my jaw dropped! I've been completely bowled over by the amount of support for this series," said writer Amy Chu. "Of course I'm excited to continue with the series as long as the fans want. This is my first time working in the Archie universe, and it's been non-stop fun working with Maria. Expect even crazier antics with this next arc!"
Red Sonja ...
VAMPIRELLA POSTER BOOK LETS FANS ENJOY TOP ARTISTS!
The Vampirella Poster Book allows fans to enjoy some of their favorite covers of the Daughter of Drakulon at an increased size and free of logos.
2019 is the Year of Vampirella, celebrating her big 50th anniversary, and Dynamite has made it their mission to spoil Vampirella fans as much as possible across countless new series, reprints, collectibles and more. One great way to celebrate her indelible impact on the comics landscape is a showcase of 24 of the greatest Vampirella covers ever! All at a beautiful 12 by 16 inches poster size on heavy cardstock paper, easily removed from the book that can alternately serve as an art book. Tack up your favorites, give some to your fellow Vampi fans or line an entire Vampirella room with them!
The artists spotlighted in the poster book include Frank Cho, Alex Ross, Joe Jusko, Adam Hughes, Stanley "Artgerm" Lau, Fay Dalton, Guillem March, Derrick Chew, Tyler Kirkham, Warren Louw, Joshua Middleton, Gabriele Dell'Otto, Joseph Michael Linsner, Billy Tucci, Terry Dodson, Jenny Frison, J. Scott Campbell, Lucio Parrillo, Jee-Hyung Lee, Milo Manara, Adam Hughes, Art Adams and Jay Anacleto. A truly unparalleled assembly of talent!
"As both a publisher and a fan, we've been beyond blessed to have some of the greatest cover artists of all time contribute pieces to the Vampirella legacy!," said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. "Picking just one image from each artist and even narrowing the list down to 24 artists - when we originally planned for 20 - was incredibly difficult. We hope fans will appreciate our selections and who knows, there are plenty of covers left..."
F. PAUL WILSON WRITING REPAIRMAN JACK GRAPHIC NOVEL!
Dynamite announces a licensing deal with F. Paul Wilson to bring his "fixer" mercenary to the graphic novel format. The best-selling and award-winning F. Paul Wilson will be the sole writer tackling this original contribution to the urban antihero's saga.
Repairman Jack first appeared in Wilson's 1984 novel The Tomb, as part of his "Adversary Cycle." Over a decade later, Repairman Jack was spun off into a dedicated series of novels and altogether has now starred in more than 20. Jack makes his living fixing problems for people in his future society, often dealing with issues contemporary to our times as well. Through these missions, Jack encounters both the mundane and otherworldly supernatural forces out of his control.
"Originally I agreed just to write new stories for the Repairman Jack graphic novels and have someone else script them, but anal me couldn't give up the reins," said writer F. Paul Wilson. "So I'm doing the whole deal, story and script. Jack's fans can expect to see a lot of familiar faces, while new readers will come away with a damn good idea of who this urban mercenary is, what he does, and how he gets it done."
Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher added, "F. Paul Wilson is one of the most talented and prolific writers of his era. It's always a thrill reading a new Repairman Jack novel and we all agreed that level of action with his unique sprinkling of supernatural and sci-fi elements would translate perfectly to a visual medium. Paul is a longtime fan of comics and we can't wait to announce more!"
The first Repairman Jack original graphic novel will be solicited and released in 2020, with more details coming soon from Dynamite.
VAMPIRELLA ADDS COLLECTIBLE COINS TO BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
Vampirella has dominated the comic book page, and now sets her sights on collectible coins! Dynamite is releasing two coins, and each features a stunning artistic take on Vampirella by top artists Stanley "Artgerm" Lau and Lucio Parrillo!
Dynamite's limited edition coins use an innovative colorization technique over top a base of authentic US John F. Kennedy Half-Dollars plated in real 24-karat gold. Packaged with a full-color Certificate of Authenticity and within an acrylic capsule to protect the coin, this currency is in fact legally able to buy a newspaper or bag of chips - but you won't want to do that!
The coin featuring superstar Lucio Parrillo takes its design from Vampirella (2010) #15, with a classic image of Vampi staring down a skull. One of the hottest artists in comics and pop culture illustration today, Artgerm, has his image originating from Vampirella (2019) #2!
The recommended retail price of these coins are $29.99 each. Though to celebrate Vampirella's big 50th anniversary Dynamite is offering them at a special introductory price of $19.69, denoting the year of Vampi's iconic creation and first appearance.
"In our 15 year history, Dynamite has always strived to offer fans not only the highest quality comic books, but also collectibles of all types," said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher. "Fans were excited about the Red Sonja coins we offered recently, so we knew had to bring our other flagship heroine to this category, with all of the Vampirella hype around Christopher Priest's series, the Vampirella/Red Sonja ongoing and the just announced Vengeance of Vampirella revival."
The Vampirella Lucio Parrillo Collectible Coin and Vampirella Artgerm Collectible Coin will be solicited in Diamond ...
DYNAMITE'S SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2019 PLANS!
07/16/19 @ 12:22 pm EST
Dynamite announces their slate of San Diego Comic Con 2019 panel appearances and creators attending the show!
2019 is a huge year for Dynamite, marking the publisher's 15th anniversary as well as the 50th anniversary of their flagship heroine Vampirella! It's a big year of the San Diego Comic Con as well. The very first SDCC, then actually known as the Golden State Comic Book Convention, was 49 years ago. But wait... Think the math over again, that makes this the 50th convention. 50-50!To celebrate all these anniversaries and other exciting developments in the "Dynamite Universe," the team has prepared a trio of tantalizing talks for longtime fans as well as newcomers jazzed about the latest critically acclaimed titles and more just around the corner. Executive Editor Joseph Rybandt will feature on all panels and be bringing along top tier talent to discuss the past, present and future of Dynamite!
First on Thursday, Dynamite kicks off the convention festivities with the Vampirella 50th Anniversary panel! Come by Room 8 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM to join current Vampirella writer Christopher Priest, legendary Vampi chronicler and scribe of the just announced Vengeance of Vampirella Tom Sniegoski, writer/artist and independent comics legend Joseph Michael Linsner, and veteran Vampi cover artist Joe Jusko. Lead by editor Joseph Rybandt, this merry team of pros will delve into their involvement on current Vampirella projects as well as fondly look back at her 50 years prior. She still looks just as good! And kicks just as much ass!
Then on Friday from 1 - 2 PM in Room 4, the party starts with the Dynamite Entertainment 15th Anniversary panel. Joseph Rybandt is joined by ...
BLACK TERROR BACK IN NEW SERIES FROM DYNAMITE! WRITER MAX BEMIS BRINGS THE DECONSTRUCTION!
The Nemesis of Crime is back in a new limited series by writer Max Bemis (Moon Knight, Polarity) this October!
In this series, Bob Benton aka the Black Terror, is living in the 1970s and contending with his post-war mental health as well as the rapidly evolving social landscape around him. Say Anything band frontman and acclaimed comics writer Bemis is joined by artists Matt Gaudio (John Wick, Bettie Page) and Ruairí Coleman (Cloak & Dagger, Turok). Rounding out the team on colors and letters are Brittany Pezzillo (Bettie Page, Green Hornet) and Taylor Esposito.
Each issue of the series acts as both the next chapter and a standalone deep dive into the Black Terror's life and the chaotic 1970s setting. Fans can expect to see Black Terror's infamous plain-named sidekick Tim, cult leaders, mobsters, experimental drugs and more. Bemis has described the title as a bit of an Alan Moore take, but less depressing and with some 70s Batman DNA.
Writer Max Bemis said, "I loved working with Dynamite on our take on Atari's Centipede and they were kind enough to let my imagination run wild in terms of how I interpreted that world. They've let me go just as nuts with Black Terror, an awesomely designed and conceived vigilante who has never gotten a chance to venture into weirdness. If you're a fan of Swamp Thing or Sandman and making a "conventional" superhero go all wacky, but maybe want a bit more humor with your psychedelic, this is the book for you!"
"Being able to work with Max and the whole creative team on this vision of the Black Terror has been an absolute pleasure," said artist Matt Gaudio. "Those guys allowed me the freedom to interpret it as ...
INCOMING TRANSMISSION FROM MI6... JAMES BOND #1 DECEMBER 2019
ARTGERM'S VAMPIRELLA BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH STATUE BUST!
Dynamite proudly announces a statue bust reproducing Stanley "Artgerm" Lau's not-yet-released, yet already classic cover for Vampirella #2!
This 7.5 inches tall high quality resin bust is Dynamite's most unique rendering of Vampi to date. Artgerm's haunting cover has been expertly translated to the third dimension by veteran sculptor Steve Kiwus. To then be meticulously hand-painted, right down to the heroine's bloody "outfit."
Dynamite already knew that anything Artgerm tackled would turn out spectacular, but the entire team jumped out of their shoes when they saw his latest sultry yet fierce take on the Daughter of Drakulon. When fans went wild following its reveal, everyone knew it just had to be brought off the page and onto the shelf! The pose and scale of the image was perfect for a bust. With the added bed of detailed three-dimensional skulls for a base, it turned out even better than expected! More detailed photos from the produced piece will be shared closer to release.
"It has been a wonderful experience working with Dynamite and contributing my first comic cover to Vampirella's legacy. It's even more exciting to see my art come to life with this bust format statue, which is a first for me," said artist Stanley "Artgerm" Lau. "For all Vampirella fans out there, I hope the statue will be a great addition to your collection and a reminder of how much you love this beautiful and deadly lady."
The bust is priced at only $89.99, allowing even more fans of both Artgerm and Vampirella to pick up this exceptionally striking collectible.
Not only is Dynamite releasing this collectible statue - there is also a new Artgerm Vampirella cover! This October's issue 4 will ...
LUCIO PARRILLO'S BREATHTAKING COVERS SHOWCASED IN NEW ART BOOK!
Lucio Parrillo's long history with Dynamite is showcased for fans in new deluxe art book!
Today Lucio Parrillo is one of the most in demand and acclaimed cover artists in the comics industry. Long before this was universally acknowledged, Dynamite recognized Parrillo's masterful painting abilities and worked with him on countless covers for the biggest titles. The Dynamite Art of Lucio Parrillo is a deluxe hardcover art book reprinting these pieces on oversized high quality paper without logos or other distractions so fans can marvel at the work. It's just one step away from seeing the paintings in person!
"I have been working with Dynamite for over 10 years and have made so many covers of Red Sonja, Vampirella and many other important characters," said Lucio Parrillo. "I grew artistically studying the artists of the past and frequenting the museums of Paris, Rome and Florence. My style blends 19th century classics with a modern twist. Traditional painting techniques are more rare in today's market, with so many going digital, and I think that is a part of what attracts my fans to me."
Parrillo is recognized as one of Red Sonja's greatest cover artists, depicting her throughout her storied barbarian life. He's painted the fiery heroine's early and later life, including the covers of almost every issue of the Queen Sonja series. Parrillo has also crafted countless covers for everyone's favorite Drakulonian, Vampirella! His often dark compositions stick in the minds of collectors. Just as at home in pulpy jungles and Martian sand, Parrillo has also added to the legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs's creations John Carter, Dejah Thoris and Tarzan. Plus even more covers of zombies, pirates and the Chaos! Comics crew!
Add it all together and that's 200 pages of amazing sci-fi ...