New Mutants (the 80s)

Hoy viernes me visitó mi amiga María Fe, entre sus viajes fuera de Lima y demás ocupaciones, habíamos ido postergando el almuerzo de hoy. Desde hacía meses, le había prometido prepararle gnocchis de camote usando los camotes sembrados en la entrada de mi casa: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpxiEs_NpGO8GshM7AEpdZRWUnP4mW0h0Md5fl6JEqeLKX_xnp8aheFTJl63VG2te2DfT4gIU2eAXLrU2d_d-gmxRY-M70-K2Ss-xWII7VoPa8C0a55EGGzWhoY4KjWV3dL7nF-hDfbDr/s1600/b2.jpg

De hecho, esta fue la segunda cosecha de camotes 100% orgánicos, y la ocasión merecía celebrarse. Así que de entrada preparé champiñones rellenos de queso mozzarella con cebolla china y perejil. Por supuesto, los gnocchis de camote fueron los protagonistas del plato de fondo, si bien al inicio se me ocurrió hacer una salsa ligera de queso fresco y maní, al final opté por una salsa blanca que me pareció más neutral, y de hecho fue un acierto, porque otro tipo de salsa hubiese opacado el sabor natural del camote. Al centro coloqué un asado de lechón, marinado en romero, tomillo, clavo de olor y ajos, servido con cebollas a la parrilla.

Como le comentaba a María Fe, me tomó casi tres horas terminar de hacer todo. Por eso de postre solamente hubo un helado (de los que a mí me gustan). Por cierto, el vino que elegí para la ocasión fue un Martínez Lacuesta cosecha del 2007. Lo compré el año pasado en la expovino y lo he tenido almacenado por once meses. Cuando lo vi, recordé esa cita tan divertida de un libro de Alfredo Bryce Echenique “tomar un Martínez Lacuesta, cosecha del 68, y después morir”. Ahora he estado buscando como loco el libro en cuestión pero no me acuerdo cuál es. Como siempre, ella y yo pasamos un rato muy agradable, aunque yo terminé por tomarme casi íntegra la botella de vino...

My comic / mi cómic

Los dejo con un dibujo-homenaje; la versión completa la pueden ver aquí: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-icyjk2Hfg90ZoKPVouqyQWqKwAVa_j7E0_Dr_4hTSRaBygwfwtDCgr3VfLKUZ6f8W0vvWfuiimgWZCKi2G0DhgF5mLOy5_d4O5QNHkTsSsNnyKMqPXxAi4VQGEkBqMohAJ44i3-4RB-0/s1600/a76.jpg

También tienen la versión final de la primera página de la historia que dibujé para mi amigo Aaron Beepat que será publicada en el vol. 7 de THE GATHERING (si prestan atención, verán la dirección de este blog en el graffiti de la cuarta viñeta). Finalmente, una versión más avanzada a lápiz de un proyecto personal, y los créditos de mi historia para el volumen de ciencia ficción de THE GATHERING.
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The New Mutants Special Edition # 1 (by Chris Claremont & Arthur Adams) is one of my all-time favorite Marvel comics. It is about a fantastic world (the mythical realm of Asgard) and the ugly reality of our world. When all the New Mutants are on Asgardian lands they realize how awful the real world is. So, in the last pages they are about to decide if they return to Midgard (Earth) or not. Asgard is a place where discrimination doesn't exist, there is only bravery versus cowardice. The protagonists of the story are mutants and yet everybody seems to respect them. Besides, most of the Asgardians befriend them easily. I always loved the idea of visiting another world. Anyone that has experienced racism or any kind of discrimination can understand how tempting the idea of a radically different reality is.

I've often said that one of my favorite characters is Doug, Douglas Ramsey AKA Cypher. The first time I read about this young mutant was in this very issue. And one of his lines stayed with me and has never abandoned me after so many years: "I read the papers, watch the news-- I listen to the kids back home make stupid, cruel jokes. I want to tell'em they're talking about ME! But I'm scared. I'm not evil --or a crook-- yet people make me feel that I am. Because of what I am".

In case you want to check out a few of the pages from this special comic book check this link:
http://shirtless-superheroes.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-mutants-at-beach.html

In case you wanted to see the final version of the page I drew for my friend Aaron Beepat, here it is (if you pay attention you'll find the address of this blog in the graffiti of panel ). There’s also an updated penciled version of my own project and the credits for my sci-fi story (for an upcoming Gathering issue).

Carretera Central - Marines Perea (Dédalo)



When I was a kid living in Lima, Peru, comic books were hard to come by. Normally you would get some translated editions from legendary Ediciones Zinco (I have hundreds of Zinco comics, everything from Byrne’s Man of Steel, Frank Miller’s Year One, O’Neil & Cowan’s The Question, JM De Matteis Justice League to Paul Levitz’s Legion of Superheroes and George Perez’s Wonder Woman, among many other titles). So, in the 90s, instead of reading whatever it was that DC was putting out at that time, I was reading some of the best titles published in the 80s. That was one of the good things about Zinco, with a limited number of readers, these editions printed in Spain would only select the best from DC.

My pencils / mis lápices

So I was always a decade behind. And that was fine. Sadly, Zinco went bankruptcy and comic books in Spanish disappeared for a while. Sure, there were other editions, from other countries, but none of them came close to Zinco’s quality. Then I traveled to the US in 2000, it was my first time in New York and I bought comic books like crazy. I was still a DC fanboy back then, although I also bought some stuff from Marvel.

In 2006 I started posting on comic book message boards. Immediacy became a necessary currency. Infinite Crisis came along and I decided it was time to vote with my wallet, meaning that I would stop buying DC titles. And the same year I started buying comics monthly through DCBS. That was a big change. No longer did I have to wait years to get the titles I wanted, now I could have them delivered anywhere I needed.

To this day I’m still a happy DCBS customer, they have great offers, great customer service and thanks to the diversity of titles they offer, I’ve ventured into printers that I had never heard of before. That’s why today, most of the stuff I buy comes from Image, Dynamite, Avatar, Zenescope, IDW, Aspen, Archaia, etc. and, of course, at least one or two Marvel books. Zero from DC, though. That’s about to change next month… I just had to preorder Grant Morrison’s Action Comics # 1. I didn’t preorder the next issues and frankly I find the whole DC revamp a bad idea. It’s my opinion, of course. I know that thousands of fans out there are tremendously excited about it, and everyone is buying the new DC 52 titles. I don’t care about them, and I won’t pay for anything except Morrison’s first issue. But what do YOU think about DC’s revamp / renumbering?

My inks / mi entintado

By the way, I’m also including pencils and inks from the story I drew for my friend Aaron Beepat, which will be published very soon. There’s also the spaceship for my upcoming sci-fi story, courtesy of artist extraordinaire José Antonio Martínez Ballón; and finally the penciled version of a personal project I’m working on (can anyone recognize the background?).
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Este jueves se inauguró la muestra “Carretera Central” de Marines Perea en Dédalo; si bien la artista nos ofrece imágenes que nos remiten a conocidos escenarios urbanos, en el uso del color y sobre todo en los contrastes entre tonos cálidos y fríos evidencia una influencia, no sé si conciente o inconsciente, del gran Kandinsky, y como resultado su obra es visualmente cohesiva, sólida. Sin duda, Perea demuestra que es una artista prometedora y, sin duda, nos volverá a sorprender gratamente con futuras muestras.

My pencils / mis lápices

Apenas llegué a Dédalo me encontré con Jaime Bryce, amigo de la facultad de literatura de la Católica; después de haberme encontrado en otras ocasiones con Gabriel Meseth y Gabriela Ibáñez, directora de Polifonía, he sentido como si de nuevo estuviera de regreso en los viejos tiempos, cuando los cuatro nos veíamos a diario, ya sea en clases o fuera de ellas. Aunque pasé toda la noche conversando con el artista Marcos Palacios y Paola Tejada. En el rato que estuve allí solamente hablé con María Elena Fernández, y a diferencia de todas las otras veces, no llegué a ver a Eduardo Lores. La muestra se exhibe hasta el 9 de octubre, recomiendo que vayan a verla.

El día miércoles hubo varias muestras en Barranco, distrito artístico por excelencia. Sala 58, 80m2 y Ex espacio la culpable compitieron por ofrecer diversas propuestas artísticas. No llegué a 80m2, pero sí fui a Sala 58 y me encontré con Iván Fernández Dávila a quien conocí en estudios generales letras, y que ahora es un artista que empieza a ser reconocido. Además de exponer aquí en Lima, esta semana se inaugura su muestra colectiva en la capital de Alemania. También saludé y hablé brevemente con mi amigo del colegio Juan Diego Capurro. La muestra de José Ignacio Iturburu titulada “Neblina” presenta cuadros en formato circular, que en conjunto causan un gran impacto sensorial. Como comentaba Iván, más que arte contemporáneo, es arte moderno, arte en el que se nota el manejo de la pintura, la experiencia del pintor.

Aunque me tomé más vasos de whisky de lo que debería, igual llegué, a eso de las diez de la noche, al Ex espacio la culpable. La muestra que se presentaba era “Aire caliente” de Daniel Barclay. En todo el año no había pasado por este espacio barranquino, y seguramente no hubiera ido si no fuera porque el mismo Barclay me pasó la voz la semana pasada en Lucía de la Puente. Le dije que iría y cumplí con mi palabra, aunque llegué tarde. Me gustó la propuesta del artista, que presenta un cuidado juego de dimensiones y geometrías sobre la base de colores cuidadosamente elegidos. Allí me encontré con Rhony Alhalel, por esas coincidencias curiosas estuvimos conversando el día sábado 17 en Mistura, y el mes pasado en el festival de cine de Lima.

José Antonio Martínez

También estoy incluyendo lápices y tintas de la historia que dibujé para mi amigo Aaron Beepat, que será publicada próximamente. También tienen la nave espacial que aparecerá en mi historia para el volumen de ciencia ficción, cortesía del extraordinario artista José Antonio Martínez Ballón. Y finalmente la versión a lápiz de un proyecto personal en el que estoy trabajando (¿alguien puede adivinar de dónde sale la imagen de fondo?).

Severed # 1 - Scott Snyder

In an industry overruled by big events and even bigger revamps, the new becomes old very fast. Stale, even. But every now and then something appears that makes us remember why diversity is so important, for this or any other medium.

Severed is a horror story disguised as a cautionary tale with supernatural elements. Cautionary because it seems to warn their characters –young boys– about the perils of running away from home, and supernatural because it involves the possibility of true evil in the shape of an ordinary man.

But rest assured, here horror comes from the real, from that which cannot be expressed by words because it surpasses symbolic representation. In a seemingly peaceful and picturesque America –almost out of a Norman Rockwell painting– something dark and sinister lurks. Something that feeds on innocence, on the flesh of children.

A man in his forties, a traveling salesman with ‘shark-like-teeth’ picks up a 12 year-old orphan under false premises. The child is supposed to become his apprentice, but the man –a subtle metaphor for a child molester– has no intentions of teaching any trade to the kid. He’s after one thing: the body of childhood, which is a signifier devoid of any real meaning, because the body of childhood can be found in any 12 year-old male throughout the US. And that’s exactly why this salesman has been traveling for so long, hurting and destroying the lives of dozens if not hundreds of kids.

Jack Garron (12)

Unbeknownst to all the threats he is about to encounter, Jack Garron, a 12 year-old is now a runaway. He is the protagonist of “Severed”, but he’s also the next victim of the salesman. Off to a very promising start, Scott Snyder and Scott Tuft write a heartfelt chronicle grounded in the early 20th century, and Attila Futaki creates panel after panel of glorious art. Luminous fields and dark basements, bodies in motion and facial expressions, page design and even coloring, Futaki proves to be simply one hell of an artist. I’ve already preordered the next 3 issues. I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

About to leave home / a punto de dejar el hogar

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Amazing art by Futaki / asombroso arte de Futaki

En una industria abrumada por los grandes eventos y los aún más grandes relanzamientos, lo nuevo se vuelve viejo muy rápido. Pero de vez en cuando aparece algo que nos hace recordar por qué la diversidad es tan importante, para este o para cualquier otro medio.

The next victim / la próxima víctima

Severed es una historia de terror que llega como una advertencia con elementos sobrenaturales. Advertencia porque parece prevenir a sus personajes -chicos jóvenes- sobre los peligros de escapar de casa, y sobrenatural porque implica la posibilidad del mal encarnado en un hombre ordinario.

Aquí el terror viene de lo real, de aquello que no puede ser expresado por las palabras porque sobrepasa la representación simbólica. En un Estados Unidos pintoresco y pacífico -casi salido de un cuadro de Normal Rockwell- algo oscuro y siniestro está al acecho. Algo que se alimenta de la inocencia, de la carne de los niños. 

Un hombre de cuarenta años, un vendedor viajante con dientes de tiburón recoge a un huérfano de doce años bajo falsas premisas. El niño debería convertirse en su aprendiz, pero el hombre no tiene intenciones de enseñarle ningún oficio. Sólo busca una cosa: el cuerpo de la infancia, que no es otra cosa que un significante desprovisto de significado; y es que, al fin y al cabo, el cuerpo de la infancia puede ser encontrado en cualquier niño norteamericano de doce años. Y es precisamente por eso que el vendedor ha viajado por el país durante años, destrozando la vida de decenas o centenares de muchachos.

Ignorante de las amenazas que está por encontrar, Jack Garron, un fugitivo de 12 años será la próxima víctima del viajante. Él es el protagonista de "Severed". Con un inicio sumamente promisorio, Scott Snyder y Scott Tuft escriben una emotiva crónica de los inicios del siglo XX, y Attila Futaki crea viñetas gloriosas. Campos luminosos y sótanos oscuros, cuerpos en movimiento y expresiones faciales, diseño de página y colores, Futaki simplemente demuestra que es un artista de primera. Ya compré por adelantado los próximos tres números. Estoy seguro que no me decepcionarán.

Hero Comics 2011 - Neil Gaiman

Ralph Reese

I think we all know that the comic book industry hasn’t been too kind with creators in past decades. As a result, many comic book creators have struggled to obtain that which is a given in any traditional line of work, such as medical insurance. “The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment”.
Every year, Hero Initiative puts together a comic book anthology that features the work of some the most prestigious writers and artists of the industry. Hero Comics 2011 reunites the original Sandman creative team for the first time in over 20 years: Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith & Mike Dringenberg. This dream team (no pun intended) come up with “My Last Landlady” a very poetic story fueled by the impressionistic art of two professionals that are way above your average penciler. It’s a mixture of horror and sadness, conformism and ordinary life; in only a handful of pages Gaiman, Keith & Dringenberg create a broody tale that deserves our attention.

In subsequent pages, and sort of like a “behind the scenes”, Sam Kieth illustrates the process of reuniting with Gaiman and Dringenberg to work together. Copying paragraphs from e-mails, Kieth creates a visual journey jam-packed with symbolism and experimentation. It’s such a delight to read the crazy emails these talented people send to each other. It truly complements “My Last Landlady”.

Kieth & Dringenberg

We also have a fantastic page by legendary artist Ralph Reese, famous for his marvelous works in titles like Creepy (I’ve always been a huge fan of his work and I think he was one of the best artists in the 70s). John Layman and Rob Guillory share their most beloved creation, Chew, in a very funny story about experimental drugs. And also from Image, comes Elephantmen by Richard Starkings and Doug Braithwaite; this is a short story about the way that society deals with elders.

Doug Braithwaite

For 3.99, this is a real bargain. Besides getting an awesome comic, you’re also helping creators in need. I’m glad to help and to be a part of this. For more information visit www.heroinitiative.org and make sure to donate a few bucks.

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cover / portada

Todos sabemos que la industria del cómic no ha sido del todo amable con los creadores de décadas pasadas. En consecuencia, muchos de estos autores han tenido que luchar para obtener beneficios que son garantizados en trabajos más tradicionales, como seguros médicos. La Hero Initiative es la primera organización sin fines de lucro dedicada estrictamente a ayudar a los creadores de cómics que así lo necesiten. Hero ofrece apoyo económico para ayuda médica de emergencia, o para necesidades básicas. Es una oportunidad de devolver algo a aquello que tanto entretenimiento nos han dado.

Todos los años, Hero Initiative reúne a diversos autores para una antología que incluye a algunos de los más prestigiosos escritores y artistas de la industria. Hero Comics 2011 reúne al equipo creativo original de Sandman por primera vez en 20 años: Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith & Mike Dringenberg. Este equipo de ensueño, realiza “My Last Landlady” una poética historia reforzada por el arte impresionista de dos profesionales de primera línea. Es una mezcla de horror y tristeza, conformismo y vida ordinaria.

A modo de un "detrás de cámaras", Sam Kieth ilustra el proceso de reunirse con Gaiman y Dringenberg. Copia párrafos de los e-mails y crea una viaje visual cargado de simbolismo y experimentación. Es una delicia leer la alocada correspondencia de estos talentosos autores. Un gran complemento para “My Last Landlady”.

También hay una fantástica página del legendario artista Ralph Reese, famoso por su maravilloso trabajo en títulos como Creepy (siempre he sido un admirador de su obra, y lo considero uno de los mejores dibujantes de los 70). John Layman y Rob Guillory comparten su más querida creación, Chew, en una divertida historia sobre drogas experimentales. Y también de Image llega Elephantmen de Richard Starkings y Doug Braithwaite; en una corta historia sobre cómo la sociedad trata a los ancianos.

My layouts / mis bocetos

Por 3.99, esto es una verdadera ganga. Además de conseguir un cómic estupendo, también ayudas a los creadores que lo necesitan. Me alegra contribuir y formar parte de esto. Para más información visiten www.heroinitiative.org y asegúrense de donar unos cuantos dólares.

Caligula # 3 by David Lapham

In the first issues Felix gained access to Caligula’s inner circle, but seeking revenge and exacting it are two very different endeavors. Felix is now Caligula’s pet, his new favorite, and he has slowly descended into stupor and self-complacency. Rome is, indeed, a corrupted, immoral city, and this young man is not immune to temptation.

Until Caligula plans more harmful activities for Felix; and so the straw that broke the camel’s back comes in an example of bestiality or zoophilic perversity… the emperor of Rome forces Felix to be penetrated by his own horse, the infamous Incitatus. Now, from Suetonius to several other historians, it’s clear that Caligula always had a special place in his heart for this stallion. After all, and this is historically acquirate, he tried to bestow upon the steed the title of Consul.

Brought to the limits, Felix is now a desperate victim, unable to find a way out. He knows it’s impossible to kill Caligula; but when he runs into one of the men that, along with the emperor, raped and killed her mother, he comes to a decision: if he can’t assassinate the ruler of Rome at least he will murder all of his accomplices. And thus, the killing begins.

David Lapham reinvents the world of the Roman Empire magnificently, and he even turns Incitatus into a most sinister and eerie creature. German Nobile provides lavishly illustrated pages, mixing digital painting with other groundbreaking techniques. They are truly the perfect team for such an intense series.   

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En los primeros capítulos Félix accedió al círculo interno de Calígula, pero buscar venganza y obtenerla son dos tareas muy diferentes. Ahora Félix es la mascota de Calígula, su nuevo favorito, y lentamente ha caído en el estupor y la autocomplacencia. Roma es, definitivamente, una ciudad corrompida e inmoral, y este joven no es inmune a la tentación.

Hasta que Calígula cruza aún más el límite. La gota que colma el vaso llega en un ejemplo de lo que podría definirse como bestialismo o zoofilia… el emperador de Roma obliga a Félix a ser penetrado por su propio caballo, el infame Incitatus. Suetonio y otros historiadores han demostrado que este animal siempre tuvo un lugar especial en el corazón de su amo. Después de todo, y esto es históricamente cierto, Calígula intentó que su corcel fuese nombrado cónsul.


Llevado hasta el límite, Félix es ahora una víctima desesperada, incapaz de encontrar una salida. Sabe que es imposible matar a Calígula; pero cuando se encuentro con uno de los hombres que, junto con el emperador, violó y mató a su madre, toma una decisión. Si no puede asesinar al gobernante de Roma al menos podrá aniquilar a sus cómplices. Y es así como la matanza comienza.

Lapham hace un magnífico trabajo al reinventar el mundo del imperio romano, e incluso convierte a Incitatus en un personaje siniestro y espantoso. German Nobile ilustra minuciosamente cada página, aplicando pintura digitalmente y utilizando otras técnicas novedosas. Sin duda, es el equipo creativo ideal para una serie tan intensa. 


Caligula # 1: http://artbyarion.blogspot.com/2011/05/caligula-by-lapham-nobile.html 
Caligula # 2: http://artbyarion.blogspot.com/2011/07/caligula-david-lapham-german-nobile.html

August comic books / Cómics de agosto

August sure was a good month for comic books. Morning Glories # 11 continued the tradition of digging into the past lives of the main characters, this time it was the turn of Ike, the wealthy and selfish kid that has quickly turned into of my favorite characters. Severed # 1 was a very pleasant surprise, can’t wait for the next issues. Red Wing # 2 was so much better than the first issue, why did Jonathan Hickman decided to start with such an uninspiring first issue? But if I had to choose a favorite that’d be Kick Ass 2 # 3, it made me laugh, it shocked me, so much happened here, this is the antithesis of decompression. Hero Comics 2011 and Caligula # 3 were very good, I’ll try to review them in individual posts. And, of course, Butcher Baker Candlestickmaker # 2 was everything I could hope for from such a creative team as the one formed by Ennis and Robertson. So without further ado here you have my comic books from August (and in no particular order):

ARMY OF DARKNESS #1
By James Kuhoric & Sanford Greene The Army of Darkness ongoing series is here and the first story arc features the crossover no one ever expected to see: Army of Darkness vs. Re-Animator! Ash Vs. West! Winner takes all! Following the exciting conclusion of Shop 'Til You Drop (Dead), this first issue finds Ash committed to Arkham Asylum. It's here that he runs afoul of a rather ghoulish and creepy Herbert West... and the battle of the century begins! Featuring covers by (and shipping in equal increments): J.G. Jones (Wanted), Sanford Greene, Gabriel Dell'Otto (Secret War), and Nick Bradshaw. And, as if that weren't enough, there will a 1-in-25 cover by Nick Bradshaw featuring an 'homage' to classic slasher monster films, inserted in orders shipped! Also available Signed by artist Sanford Green! For the 'discriminating collector,' Dynamite presents a High End Limited Edition with a new 'Boomstick Foil' cover by Sanford Greene!

ARMY OF DARKNESS #2
By James Kuhoric, Sanford Greene, & Scott Kester Locked in an insane asylum, surrounded by re-animated abominations, and low on gas, Ash leads a misfit band of wannabe heroes into the depths of a Deadite-infested madhouse. Facing an entire wing of undead inmates, Ash must uncover the Necronomicon and send the evil spirits back before the gateway to the Old Ones is opened, ushering in the destruction of the human race! Its Cthulhu meets 'Chin-Fu' as everyone's favorite one-handed, wisecracking anti-hero discovers that there are worse things than Deadites detailed in the blood-soaked pages of the Book of the Dead! Can Ash uncover the book and save the day before the 'Chosen One' flies over the cuckoo's nest?!

ARMY OF DARKNESS FROM ASHES #1
by James Kuhoric & Fernando Blanco Fresh from the Marvel Zombies vs. AOD crossover! ... well, not 'minty' fresh, but fresh enough from his appearance in the universe of the Marvel Zombies, our un-intrepid hero has returned to his own world ... but what a world it's become! Evil Ash and his Deadite hordes rule the land, and everywhere Ash turns is filled with mutants and monsters! Can Ashley J. Williams gather his 'chosen' and take down the Deadite hordes and restore order to the world? Read on, and find out! The action and post-apocalyptic excitement is once again brought to you by the creative team of writer James Kuhoric and artist Fernando Blanco, and features a stunning painted cover from Arthur (Savage Tales, Marvel Zombies) Suydam and an alternate cover by Fabiano Neves!

ARMY OF DARKNESS FROM ASHES #2 
by James Kuhoric & Fernando Blanco Dynamite proudly presents the return of Ash and the Army of Darkness! Continuing the undead action and excitement from issue #1 (following the crossover of 2007, Marvel Zombies vs. the Army of Darkness), Ash continues to explore the Deadite-infested wastes of Detroit as he attempts to wrestle control of the world back from Evil Ash and his Deadite minions! Featuring another stunning script by James Kuhoric, awesome art by Fernando Blanco, and sure-to-be coveted covers by Arthur Suydam (75%) and a vicious variant chance cover by Fabiano (Marvel Zombies vs. the Army of Darkness) Neves, this is destined to be the most talked about AOD series yet! Also available in a special Foil Cov

BOYS #10 (M)
Hughie has pieced together the mysterious death of a young man, and a super-human is to blame... but is apprehension of the culprit going to be possible? Can a murderer who wears a cape be punished?

BOYS #12 (M)
The plot thickens as Little Nina's backers are revealed, and the Boys dig deeper into the mystery of the exploding supes. Hughie learns the delicate art of prisoner interrogation, and Vas lets slip the secret of the Black Skull Vodka in 'Glorious Five Year Plan,' Part Two!

BOYS BUTCHER BAKER CANDLESTICKMAKER #2 (MR)
(W) Garth Ennis (A/C) Darick Robertson 1982: on the desolate Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, young Royal Marine Billy Butcher finds his calling. But no one can stay at war forever, and trouble comes when he indulges his love of conflict in civilian life. Butcher's life seems locked on a grim course- but help may be at hand from a rather unexpected source... MATURE THEMES

CALIGULA #3 (OF 6) WRAP CVR (MR)
(W) David Lapham (A) German Nobile David (Crossed) Lapham unveils a new tale of ancient Rome and the most feared emperor of all time. The one name that still speaks volumes of how absolute power can corrupt - Caligula. Things in Rome are reaching the breaking point. Caligula's madness is becoming apparent to some. He must go. However successfully acting on it is a very different matter. Virgin blood ceremonies, gladiator fights rigged for added brutality, and dinner parties where guests are randomly slaughtered - is there a limit to Caligula's depravity? Can Felix keep his focus and sanity in the face of so much misery and horro? A modern master of horror, Lapham digs deep into the world of Rome 37 AD and offers a unique epic of sin. Joined by new talent German Nobile who promises to serve up fully-painted pages dripping with blood, this all-new, full-color series will be six issues of evil that will make any Crossed fan smile with glee. For in the age of Caligula, all roads lead to Hell. Caligula #3 is available with a Regular cover by Jacen Burrows, a Wraparound cover by series artist German Nobile, and a special rare Golden retriever incentive.

HERO COMICS 2011 (ONE SHOT)
Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, John Layman, Richard Starkings, Steven Perry, Ralph Reese (w)  Mike Dringenberg, Sam Kieth, Rob Guillory, Chris Ivy, Stephen R. Bissette, Ralph Reese (a)  J. Scott Campbell, Adam Hughes Hero Comics 2011 reunites the original Sandman creative team for the first time in more than 20 years! Gaiman, Kieth, Dringenberg, together again at last! This is BIG! This is THE BEATLES getting back together for one final album-this is an event that is not to be missed! But that's not all, we also have an exclusive CHEW short story by John Layman and Rob Guillory! Chew was one of the most honored and acclaimed books last year, taking the comics world by storm. Its meteoric rise included an Eisner Award for best new series of the year! Plus, we've got a beauty of an ELEPHANTMAN story by Richard Starkings and Dougie Braithwaite! Special bonus-Sam Kieth brings you a behind-the-scenes mini-memoir of how this Sandman-alum project came to be. Plus true-to-life experiences from comics creators who have personally benefitted from the Hero Initiative!

KICK-ASS 2 #3 (MR)
Written by MARK MILLAR Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. The sequel to the New York Times best-selling comic - which spawned the hit movie - continues! By putting on his now-famous green costume and dishing out his own brand of vigilante justice on street thugs and mob bosses alike, high school loser Dave Lizewski changed the world. Now, after a successful first mission with his new team of self-proclaimed 'super heroes'-?JUSTICE FOREVER - Dave and his crew start to understand what living in this new world really means. Plus, the return of Kick-Ass' arch-nemesis THE RED MIST, and things come to a head for HIT-GIRL! 32 PGS./Mature

MORNING GLORIES #11 (MR)
story NICK SPENCER art JOE EISMA cover RODIN ESQUEJO  He's the Glory everyone loves to hate: This issue, learn all the secrets behind Manhattan's most devious young socialite!

PUNISHER #1
Written by GREG RUCKA Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO Cover by BRYAN HITCH Variant Cover by SAL BUSCEMA Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS Blank cover also available TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK. For Frank Castle death comes easy...life is where things gets complicated. Fully loaded with the Eisner winning writer Greg Rucka (Batwoman, Queen and Country, WOLVERINE) and neo-superstar artist Marco Checchetto (Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil), the BIGGEST GUN of all returns with blood on his hands and vengeance in his eyes. As New York City's body counts continue to rise, the city's streets are teeming with more methodical criminals than ever and a police force doing it's best to keep its head above water. The Punisher has returned to serve his own brand of justice with everything's he's got... but can he survive the darkness stored in his own arsenal? Plus bonus pages exploring some of the new personalities in Frank's life...and how closely intertwined living is with dying. 40 PGS./Parental Advisory

RED WING #2 (OF 4)
story JONATHAN HICKMAN, A PLUS! PROJECT art & cover NICK PITARRA & RACHELLE ROSENBERG  'LEARNING TO FLY' Lost in time -- deep in enemy history --  the Captain of the First Wing must find a way home so that he can begin the space-time program that will one day save his future.   

SEVERED #1 (MR)
story SCOTT SNYDER & SCOTT TUFT art / cover ATTILA FUTAKI  'NOTHING WASTED,' Part One 1916. A man haunts the roads; a man with sharp teeth and a hunger for flesh. When 12-year-old Jack Garron runs away from home, he'll see how quickly the American Dream becomes a nightmare. Be there at the beginning of the series that everyone will be talking about!  From Eisner-nominated writer SCOTT SNYDER (American Vampire, Detective Comics), SCOTT TUFT and ATTILA FUTAKI (NYT Best-Selling-Artist: Percy Jackson) comes the most terrifying horror series of 2011--SEVERED.

VAMPIRELLA #8 
(W) Eric Trautmann (A) Fabiano Neves (C) Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic (25%), Paul Renaud (25%), Ale Garza (25%), Fabiano Neves (25%) A lonely stretch of highway. A tiny town in the middle of nowhere. A trio of vicious creatures on a mission of murder and destruction. And all that stands in their way is Vampirella. It's a road-trip through death and horror, as Vampirella, still dealing with the aftermath of her first adventure, faces a threat that may finally be her match.

WALKING DEAD #88 (MR)
story ROBERT KIRKMAN art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN  Every day, it becomes a little bit easier.

ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #1
Writer: Matt Wagner Penciller/Inker: Esteve Polls Covers: Matt Wagner The one and only Matt (MAGE, GRENDEL) Wagner returns to conclude his epic story of Zorro! We return to the story as Alejeandro de la Vega finds out that his son, Don Diego, is pulling double-duty as Zorro. How will this affect Zorro's continuing crusade against the alcalde of Los Angeles, Luis Quintero? Find out in ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #1!

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Agosto fue un buen mes para los cómics. Morning Glories # 11 continuó la tradición de escarbar en el pasado de los personajes principales, esta vez fue el turno de Ike, el acaudalado y egoísta chaval que rápidamente se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes predilectos. Severed # 1 fue una sorpresa sumamente agradable, no puedo esperar a leer las próximas entregas. Red Wing # 2 estuvo mucho mejor que el primer número, ¿por qué Jonathan Hickman habrá decidido empezar la miniserie de manera tan débil? Aunque si tuviera que elegir a mi favorito sería Kick Ass 2 # 3, que me hizo reír y me impresionó bastante, pasaron tantas cosas en este ejemplar que se convierte en la antítesis de la descompresión. Hero Comics 2011 y Caligula # 3 fueron muy buenos, y trataré de revisarlos individualmente. Y, por supuesto, Butcher Baker Candlestickmaker # 2 fue todo lo que podría esperar de un equipo tan creativo como el formado por Ennis y Robertson. Así que, sin mayores preámbulos, aquí están mis cómics de agosto: 

ARMY OF DARKNESS #1
El ejército de la oscuridad se enfrentará al Re-Animador.

ARMY OF DARKNESS #2
¿Cómo enfrentarse a las abominaciones reanimadas?

ARMY OF DARKNESS FROM ASHES #1
El mundo ha cambiado. ¿Podrá ASH encontrar a los ‘elegidos’?

ARMY OF DARKNESS FROM ASHES #2  
Es hora de luchar por el control de un mundo peligroso.

My layouts / mis bocetos

BOYS #10 (M)
Un súper-humano es culpable de la muerte de un joven. ¿Pero será posible capturar a un sujeto con tantos poderes? 

BOYS #12 (M)  
El misterio del “supes” explosivo aumenta. Mientras, el delicado arte de interrogar prisioneros pasa a ser algo fundamental.

BOYS BUTCHER BAKER CANDLESTICKMAKER #2 (MR) 
1982: en las desoladas islas del Atlántico Sur, el joven marine Billy encuentra su vocación. Pero nadie puede estar en guerra para siempre.

CALIGULA #3 (OF 6) WRAP CVR (MR) 
La locura de Calígula es evidente para algunos. Y debe terminar. ¿Pero qué se puede hacer contra el césar? Ceremonias con sangre de vírgenes, luchas de gladiadores y cenas en los que los invitados son asesinados al azar. ¿Hay límite a la depravación de Calígula? ¿Podrá Félix conservar la cordura ante tanta miseria y horror?

HERO COMICS 2011 (ONE SHOT)  
Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth & Mike Dringenberg. El equipo creativo original de SANDMAN reunido por primera vez en más de veinte años.

KICK-ASS 2 #3 (MR)
Al usar un traje verde y luchar contra el crimen, KICK-ASS cambió el mundo. Ahora, después de una primera misión exitosa con su nuevo equipo, Dave intentará comprender qué es lo que significa vivir en este mundo.

MORNING GLORIES #11 (MR)
Él es la gloria que todos odian. ¿Cuáles son los siniestros secretos del chico más adinerado e insoportable de todo Manhattan?

PUNISHER #1 
Para Frank la muerte llega fácil... la vida es lo complicado. Frank regresa con sangre en sus manos y venganza en su mirada

RED WING #2 (OF 4) 
Perdido en el tiempo, el capitán del Primer Ala debe encontrar un camino a casa para iniciar el programa que salvará el futuro.

SEVERED #1 (MR) 
En 1916, un hombre acecha los caminos, hambriento de carne. Cuando Jack, un chaval de doce años, escapa de casa descubrirá qué tan rápido el sueño americano se convierte en una pesadilla. 

VAMPIRELLA #8 
Una carretera. Un pequeño pueblo en medio de la nada. Un trío de viciosas criaturas en una misión de asesinato y destrucción.

WALKING DEAD #88
Cada día es más fácil.

ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #1 
Alejandro de la Vega descubre que su hijo, Don Diego, es el nuevo Zorro. ¿Cómo afectará este descubrimiento al Zorro original?