My ECBACC Weekend

All,

So in a few hours I’ll be heading off to Philadelphia for the weekend to attend the East Coast Black Age of Comics convention. The Glyph Awards will be presented later on tonight, and Miranda Mercury is nominated in four categories, so please wish us luck. I’m pretty sure I’ll also be presenting another award, and I’ll be on three panels tomorrow afternoon, when not manning my table and pushing copies of Miranda and Voltron onto everyone in sight. If you’ll be at the show as well, this is where you can find me, and for more information about the convention, please consult the official ECBACC website.

 

FRIDAY:          

 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Glyph Comics Awards [Award ceremony celebrating the works of people of color in the comic book and speculative fiction industry.]

Moderator/Facilitator:  Jamar Nicholas [Stick, Fist, Knife, Gun, Leon: Protector of The Playground, Detective Boogaloo]

 

SATURDAY:    

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Writer Panel [This panel lead by acclaimed author Alex Simmons and guests will discuss the unique subtleties between writing for books, film, and animation. As well as their personal experience within their professions]

Moderator/Facilitator: Alex Simmons [Comic Book Author: BlackJack, Acrhie, Color of Comics Founder]

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Editing & Creating Comic Books & Graphic Novels [This class will help to give participants a real look at the process of comic book creation from 5 real life professionals!]

Facilitator: Joe Illidge [Comic Book Author & Editor: Milestone, DC Entertainment, Verge TV]

 

4:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Our Images Panel [Welcome to ECBACC’s signature Panel and discussion session where we explore the reach and success of our mission to ennoble the image of Blacks in Science Fiction entertainment and storytelling as well as discuss necessary goals for the future!]

Moderator/Facilitator: W. Foster [Author & Comic Book Historian: The African American Comic Book Encyclopedia]

 

Voltron Solicits + Covers (July 2012)

All,

Solicit material for July’s Voltron related product from Dynamite. “Ten Lions” rolls on, and we’re discussing the best way to let a few tidbits out into the wild ahead of issue 7′s release, so stay tuned for that. Been hard work keeping my mouth (mostly) shut about this, but this second arc is a true escalation in every sense of the word. Meanwhile, in Voltron Year One, Craig Cermak continues to kick major ass, as Sven begins his gradual descent that accelerate by the choice he made on the last page of issue #3.

Thanks again for all the support these past few months, and I really think I’m truly getting the hang of all this monthly comics stuff. More soon…

 

VOLTRON #8

32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +

(W) BRANDON THOMAS

(A) ARIEL PADILLA

(CA) SEAN CHEN

One of Earth’s moons lies in ruins, and the Voltron Force is once again returning back to the planet in a rain of fire and debris. And even though every shred of evidence points to the contrary, Keith is convinced a familiar foe is somehow responsible and secretly pulling all the strings. So while the entire Galactic Alliance ponders a deal with the devil, Keith and his team scramble to track down their powerful new enemy before it strikes again. Except that it’s heading for the last place they would ever expect—the former Planet Doom. Everything is different, and now that the galaxy is dealing with “Ten Lions,” there’s no telling what will happen next… (STK468453)

 

VOLTRON YEAR ONE #4

32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +

(W) BRANDON THOMAS

(A) CRAIG CERMAK

(CA) ADMIRA WIJAYA

Commander Sven has sworn to do everything possible to protect his squad from harm, but what he’s done now puts everything at risk. Backed into a corner, and determined to expose a traitor to the Alliance, Sven can only tell himself that he had no choice but to break a few rules, and use every dirty trick in the book just to survive. And what he and his team have planned from their next mission, a joint operation with the #616, provides a whole new definition to the word counter-mission. Is one Space Explorers life worth their best and probably only chance to know the truth? “Fearless Leader” turns the corner, speeding towards its foregone conclusion… (STK468454)

C2E2 Signing Schedule

All,

Below is my full signing/appearance schedule for this weekend’s C2E2 show. Apparently, I’m kinda busy this year, which should be an interesting change of pace, so hope to see some of you at the Voltron booth (#430), at the Archaia booth (#529), or at the big Voltron: Form Blazing Comics! panel on Saturday. Good chance that when you do, I’ll probably just talk your head off about all things Miranda Mercury and Voltron, so be advised. Everyone have a great show and thanks again for all the support!

FRIDAY-

2:30-4:00 (Booth #529- table #2)

5:00-6:00 (Booth #430)

SATURDAY-

11:00-12:00 (Booth #430)

12:00-1:30 (Booth #529- table 4)

3:15-4:15 (Room #S401abc)

VOLTRON: FORM BLAZING COMICS!

Speakers: Brandon Thomas , Joe Rybandt , Nick Barrucci , Traci Todd

Description:

The Defender of the Universe forms for his C2E2 debut with this highly interactive and family-friendly panel! Meet Chicago’s own Brandon Thomas (Robin, Miranda Mercury), writer of the new Voltron comic series for Dynamite Comics alongside Dynamite Entertainment President Nick Barrucci and Editor Joe Rybandt for insights and secrets into creating the saga. Plus VIZ Media’s Senior Editor Traci Todd launches the new Voltron Force comic line from writer Brian Smith (The Stuff of Legend, The Intrepid Escape Goat) and artist Jacob Chabot (X-Babies, The Mighty Skullboy Army). Plus sneak previews and news on the Nicktoons animated series Voltron Force, live action movie, and a Voltron-sized prize raffle including a subscription to the incredible Voltron Classics line from Matty Collector! Let’s Go Voltron Force!

5:00-6:00 (Booth #430)

SUNDAY-

10:30-12:00 (Booth #529- table #1)

3:30-5:00 (Booth #430)

Voltron Solicits + Covers (June 2012)

All,

Solicits for Dynamite’s June shipping Voltron titles—#7 begins a brand new storyline called “Ten Lions” that I’m sure everyone will be very, very intrigued about once more details release down the road. Also, Sven turns a major corner in Year One #3…

Thanks again for the support everyone, more details and interior artwork coming soon…

VOLTRON #7
32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +

Written by BRANDON THOMAS
Art by ARIEL PADILLA
Cover by SEAN CHEN

After last issue’s shocking conclusion, everything has changed. Planet Doom is no more and one of the galaxy’s most wanted terrorists has returned with an offer to disarm his forces and make peace at long last. But can Earth and the Galaxy Alliance put their trust in this man — and given the economic and societal turmoil raging across the galaxy, can they even afford not to? Keith and the Voltron Force must survive a terrifying new adversary, whose only mission is to pervert and distort everything Voltron stands for, to learn the truth before it’s too late. “Ten Lions” are here, and nothing will ever be the same…

VOLTRON: YEAR ONE #3
32 pages FC • $3.99 • Teen +

Written by BRANDON THOMAS
Art by CRAIG CERMAK
Cover by ADMIRA WIJAYA

Space Explorer Squadron #686 has failed, and every secret once locked in the head of trillionaire industrialist Roswell Rabins is now in the hands of terrorist organizations all over the galaxy. As the Alliance races to minimize the damage, Commander Sven is forced to watch all of his greatest fears come true, and if his squad fails another operation, he’ll be stripped of his command and his team disbanded. So with #686 on the trail of a homegrown terror cell planning something unimaginable, and victory only possible by the most impossible of circumstances, what hope do they have left? “Fearless Leader” rolls on, and the pressure continues to mount…

MIRANDA MERCURY GARNERS FOUR GLYPH AWARD NOMINATIONS!

The nominees for the 2012 Glyph Awards — honoring the best comics by and about African Americans, have been announced, and I’m excited to share the news that Miranda Mercury scored four mentions in the following categories- Story of the Year, Best Writer, Best Artist, and Best Female Character.

Congrats to our fellow nominees and my creative team as Miranda continues to build momentum months after the book’s release. More to come and our girl is in great company this year. Full list of nominations is below.

 

Story of the Year

The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury, Brandon Thomas, writer, Lee Ferguson, artist

“On Being Crazy” from African-American Classics: Graphic Classics Vol. 22, Tom Pumplun, writer, Kyle Baker, artist

Princeless, Jeremy Whitley, writer, Mia Goodwin, artist

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man Volume 1, Brian Michael Bendis, writer, Sara Pichelli, artist

 

Best Writer

Brian Michael Bendis, Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man

Jeff Parker, Thunderbolts

Brandon Thomas, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury

Jeremy Whitley, Princeless

 

Best Artist

Kyle Baker, “On Being Crazy” from African-American Classics: Graphic Classics Vol. 22

Lee Ferguson, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury

Mia Goodwin, Princeless

Rob Guillory, Chew

Sara Pichelli, Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man

 

Best Male Character

Luke Cage, Thunderbolts, Jeff Parker, writer, Declan Shalvey & Kev Walker, artists; created by Archie Goodwin & John Romita Sr.

Miles Morales, Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man, Brian Michael Bendis, writer, Sara Pichelli, artist; inspired by the character created by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko

Moses, Radio Free Amerika; created by B. Robert Bell, writer and penciller, Robert Jeffrey II, co-writer

Mr. Terrific, Mr. Terrific, Eric Wallace, writer, Gianluca Gugliotta & Wayne Faucher, artists; inspired by the character created by Charles Reizenstein and Everett E. Hibbard

 

Best Female Character

Adrienne, Princeless; created by Jeremy Whitley, writer, and Mia Goodwin, artist

Afroella, Afroella, created by Gemma Bedeau, writer, and Lee Fenton Wilkinson, artist

Miranda Mercury, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury; created by Brandon Thomas, writer, and Lee Ferguson, artist

Vielle, Fungus Grotto, created by Ms. Shatia Hamilton, story and art

 

Rising Star Award

B. Robert Bell & Robert Jeffrey II, Radio Free Amerika

Ms. Shatia Hamilton, Fungus Grotto

Whit Taylor, Watermelon

 

Best Cover

Chew #27, Rob Guillory, illustrator

Deadpool Max #7, Kyle Baker, story and art

Mr. Terrific #1, JG Jones, artist, Lovern Kindzierski, colorist

Princeless #1, Mia Goodwin, illustrator

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #4, Kaare Andrews, illustrator

 

Best Comic Strip or Webcomic

Fungus Grotto, Ms. Shatia Hamilton, story and art

Marty’s Diner, Dmitri Jackson, story and art

Café Con Leche, Charlos Gary, story and art

Help Nominate Miranda Mercury for a Hugo Award

So, I was contacted by a couple fans of the book who informed me that as a science-fiction book that released in 2011, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury: Time Runs Out is eligible for a Hugo Award. The one presented for “Best Graphic Story” to be more precise. The Hugo Awards are presented annually for the best science fiction or fantasy works of the previous year, and will be awarded at the upcoming Worldcon in Chicago this summer.

The part where you all come in has to do with how books are nominated and then later voted on. There isn’t a small panel or committee that decides what appears on the final ballot, but a pool of a few thousand fans that attended the previous Worldcon in 2011, or have already purchased their memberships for the shows later this year and the one occurring next year, who are eligible to make nominations. So it is very possible that like me, you already know people that can nominate projects, without even realizing you do.

We need your assistance to cast a wider net and help spread the word about Miranda Mercury to as many eligible nominators as possible, wherever and whenever they may be. Please feel free to spread this link anywhere you think it would do some good, and direct them to the Miranda Mercury website, which contains a lot of information about the book, review clips, interviews, behind-the-scenes material, and even the first chapter and a half of the hardcover to read for free.

Oh yeah, and the nominations have to be in by March 11th, which is roughly nine days away. So it is something of a long-shot this late in the game, but even making a couple dozen more people aware of the book could make a huge difference. And come on, this is Miranda Mercury we’re talking about after all…impossible is kinda what she does…

Thanks all for the constant support these past several months, and more info when we have it…

Voltron #3 Preview + Notes

So, the lofty “commentary embargo” thing I set for myself has already been broken, and there should be a somewhat lengthy piece about #3 appearing online somewhere in the next few days…

It’s cool though, as this is a fairly significant chapter in the first arc, featuring the first appearance of present day Zarkon, the particulars of what happened when past (less evil) Zarkon met Alec Sigis face-to-face the first time, and the reveal of who the “sixth pilot” is. Strangely, the identity of the first pilot might end up being the bigger deal. Hint: it’s obvious and impossible at the same time. Remember how the first issue revealed that Voltron could speak and function without his famous pilots? This is way bigger than that in terms of foreshadowing the long-term direction of the book, and I hope folks enjoy it…

CBR has posted up the first five pages, which are slightly spoilerific, but there are some fun scenes spread all throughout the book. In stores today and if your LCS doesn’t have any, ask them to order you one. Thanks everyone, and back soon with more…