Avatar Press Takes Best Horror Publisher Honors

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

Horror aficionado and blogger extraordinaire Decapitated Dan has released his annual Best Of list for 2013. ?Dan is well known for his weekly list of the best in spooky comics via the Horror Comics Round Up feature that is hosted at Comic Related’s website. ?Among the many horror-related categories, Avatar Press was selected as the Horror Publisher of the Year! ?Here is the write up for the honors:

Horror Publisher of the Year: Avatar Press
AvatarPressLogoI am not ashamed to admit that for the past year or so I was not really on the Avatar bandwagon. Not that what they were doing was bad, it just wasn’t for me. All of that changed in 2013 though when they brought it harder then they ever had before. With titles like?Crossed Badlands, Stitched, Ferals, Night of the Living Dead Aftermath, Extinction Parade, Skin Trade?and the AMAZING??ber?coming out in 2013 they just stole the show. All, yes I will say that again, ALL of these titles blew away any thoughts in my head of the past few years, and sky rockets Avatar to the top of my reading pile. I can not wait to see what they have in store come 2014.

Rounding out the list of honors for the year, Avatar Press’ title Uber took top honors for Best Non-Horror Comic:

Best Non-Horror Title: ?ber
uber-vol-1-enhanced-hcWhen I look back on 2013 2 comics really stand out to me,?Rachel Rising?and??ber.??ber?was a title in which I did not know what to expect, and it blew me away. Like I mentioned a few times so far in this list, I love War comics and in particular, War comics that are told from a non American perspective. Kieron Gillen gave these WWII events a different spin, and placed a what if situation on them. What if the German’s bred super soldiers, what would happen then? From the get go Gillen and artist Caanan White, have just put the pedal to the floor and not let up. I have read about fights involving the Nazi’s, Japanese and with the latest arc the Russians. I am constantly praising how much I love this title, and I can only hope and pray that it stays this good for a long, long time. Easily the Best New Comic of 2013 no matter what genre.

You can see the full list of Dan’s top horror selections for the year right here: ?http://decapitateddan.blogspot.com/2013/12/decapitated-dans-best-of-2013.html

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God Is Dead To Continue in 2014

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

GID07regJonathan Hickman has created a world where mythology meets reality. ?Considered a modern day “Clash of the Titans” this surprising series has captured the imagination of comics readers and ignited a rush in local shops to find the hard to get issues. ?With recent “Enhanced” reprints becoming available, even more fans are finding their way to the series and discovering the madcap world Hickman has created.

Series co-writer Mike Costa will be picking up the reins and continuing the story of God Is Dead beginning with issue #7. ?Costa will bring a deeper look into the violent mythologies as the clash over complete rule of humanity. ?His first solo works can be seen in the pages of the God Is god-is-dead-1-enhancedDead #1 and #2 Enhanced editions which feature not only the full length original issues but also exclusive back up stories that expand the world of GID. ?With the cataclysmic events of issue #6 on the horizon, the continuing series looks at a plethora of new pantheons and puts the world once again upon the cutting board for the gods of old to slice up. ?A new darker threat shows us that even in the bleakest of times, there is room for things to go completely off the rails.

god-is-dead-2-enhancedGod is Dead #7 is listed in the December Previews and retailers will be placing orders for it in the upcoming week. ?Make sure you ask your local comic shop to reserve copies for you so that you can be among the faithful that avoid the divine wrath.

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Avatar on ComiXology 12/18/13

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

The following Avatar Press comics are new to ComiXology on Wednesday 12/18/13:

Same Day As Print:

Crossed: Badlands #43

Crossed43regPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? The end of the ?Gore Angels? story arc is one of the most devastating final chapters of Crossed ever told!? Horror master, DAVID HINE has taken us into the broken mind of an abused girl and spun out her revenge fantasies across the page.? But are you ready for bloody misery that comes with the Crossed infection spreading across Japan?? No one is safe from the horror and misery of the Crossed?no one.

 

 

 

Extinction Parade #4

ExtinctionParade4RegPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? This year?s biggest horror comic continues its brutal march towards annihilation!? His books on zombies have entertained millions of readers and now MAX BROOKS redefines vampires as he brings an all-out war of the undead!? Zombies have been at best a nuisance to the vampire race for thousands of years but never a real threat.? Their clumsy foothold over humans has always been beaten back.? But this time the tide of shambling dead have turned the corner and are rapidly depleting the ranks of the living.? Even with their superior abilities and ferocity, can the vampire race find a way to stop the decimation?

 

New to ComiXology:

Dicks #1 – ?5

Dicks (Color) #1 Regular EditionPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?Garth Ennis and John McCrea (the creative team behind Hitman) have returned to add injury to insult with a completely colorized and remasterbated edition that is guaranteed to offend and amaze. Dougie and Ivor, the shameless bollocks that claim to be private investigators, are back in action with more outrageous antics that will leave no shame uncovered. This series is made for the smart ass comics reader that can?t get enough bathroom humor and downright offensive hobnobery. We dare you not to take offense as Garth Ennis unleashes a torrent of spiteful and crass obscenities that will tickle your funny bone with a snarky horsec**k and leave you reflecting on what a pair of Dicks these two wankers really are.

Fashion Beast #6 – 10

FashionBeast08regularPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?Alan Moore and Malcolm McLaren?s time-lost masterpiece spins a complex web of mythology over a world on the precipice of nuclear annihilation. Doll discovers the frightening truth behind the powerful Patron, Celestine. Beneath the mysterious layers of deformity lies a heart beaten down by the vanities of man and a fashion obsessed mother. Will the revelation of what is really behind the fashion empire boost Doll into immortality or tear her to pieces?

 

 

Gravel #8 – 14

gravelvol2tp jpegPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?Combat Magician William Gravel is back in the second story arc! This issue is a perfect place for new readers to jump in, and returning readers are going to be blown away by what’s in store! Gravel, the explosive series from Ellis and Wolfer, takes a whole new turn as Gravel faces adversaries far more formidable than ever before. Now that he’s got the Sigsand in his possession, Gravel is exposed to extremes of magic he’s never seen — but will he be able to do anything with it? Because that degree of power is getting him noticed by people he never wanted to meet. The Major Seven are magicians of unimaginable power, far beyond anything Gravel has ever faced… and now they want him dead.

 

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Avatar New in Comic Shops 12/18/13

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

New Avatar Press books in comic shops this week on Wednesday 12/18/13:

Crossed: Badlands #43

Crossed43regPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? The end of the ?Gore Angels? story arc is one of the most devastating final chapters of Crossed ever told!? Horror master, DAVID HINE has taken us into the broken mind of an abused girl and spun out her revenge fantasies across the page.? But are you ready for bloody misery that comes with the Crossed infection spreading across Japan?? No one is safe from the horror and misery of the Crossed?no one.? Available with a Regular and Torture covers by Jacen Burrows, Wraparound cover by Gabriel Andrade, and special Red Crossed Incentive cover also by Burrows.

 

Extinction Parade #4

ExtinctionParade4RegPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? This year?s biggest horror comic continues its brutal march towards annihilation!? His books on zombies have entertained millions of readers and now MAX BROOKS redefines vampires as he brings an all-out war of the undead!? Zombies have been at best a nuisance to the vampire race for thousands of years but never a real threat.? Their clumsy foothold over humans has always been beaten back.? But this time the tide of shambling dead have turned the corner and are rapidly depleting the ranks of the living.? Even with their superior abilities and ferocity, can the vampire race find a way to stop the decimation?? Available with Regular, Wraparound, End of a Species and Bloodwashed Retailer Incentive covers by Raulo Caceres. Also, available with a special black Leather cover, limited to just 1000 copies!

Visit the Comic Shop Locator Service to find a local comic book store near you -?http://www.comicshoplocator.com/Home/1/1/57/575

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Avatar for the Holidays at Jersey Comic Con

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

AvatarPressLogoIf you have a mature readers comic lover on your holiday shopping list, Avatar Press has your solution. ?Stop by the Jersey Comic Con this weekend and meet up with Avatar’s traveling team as they celebrate the last big comic show of the year in style. ?We’ll be at the show with all the latest Avatar releases from Alan Moore, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Max Brooks, and George RR Martin.

 

 

CrossedTPBuber-vol-1-enhanced-hc-remarquedWant to discover the violent horrors of Garth Ennis’ Crossed series? ?Or perhaps you are looking for Kieron Gillen’s brutal new war series, Uber, to see what everyone is talking about? ?Are you a mythology buff and a Jonathan Hickman fan? ?If so God is Dead is a perfect book for you. ?Want to read the story Alan Moore wrote right after Watchmen? ?Look no further FashionBeastTPBgod-is-dead-1-enhancedthan Fashion Beast for that piece of comics history. ?Got a George RR Martin fan on your list and don’t know what to get them? ?The Fevre Dream trade and issues of Skin Trade are great additions to their collection. ?And what zombie fanatic’s collection would be complete without Max Brooks’ Extinction Parade or the classic Night of the Living Dead?collections?

Make it a graphic novel and comic book Christmas with the unique vision of Avatar’s uncensored horror line.

For more information on the Jersey Comic Con visit their website here: ?http://jerseycomiccon.info/tickets/

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Hickman’s God Is Dead #4 Rocks The Heavens

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

GodisDead04GodisDead04EndofDaysJonathan Hickman’s modern day “clash of the titans” has electrified the comics community. ?As the world evolves around the return of the gods of old, a fierce war of the most powerful deities ever revered comes to a brutal head. ?The Asgardians have wiped out their competition, setting lesser pantheons ablaze. ?With the fall of Egypt’s powerhouse GodisDead04IconicGodisDead04Vengeanceplayers, Odin now focuses his attention on the grandest of mythologies…by taking the battle to the very halls of Olympus itself to face Zeus.

And the ragtag group of scientists unleash their mad attempts at birthing a god. ?But all the degrees and knowledge in the world can’t prepare them for what they are about to bring into this GodIsDead04Pantheonreality. ?What happens when you manipulate the very DNA of the gods? ?You bring forth an abomination of legend and threaten to send everything you are fighting for into chaos.

This is the war of the gods. ?Pick a side, utter your prayers, and prepare for Armageddon.

 

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Avatar on ComiXology 12/11/13

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

The following Avatar Press comics are new to ComiXology on Wednesday 12/11/13:

Same Day As Print:

 

Skin Trade #4

SkinTrade04regPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? The brutal conclusion is unleashed when Randi Wade finally found the truth about the creature that killed her father.? But now she is face-to-face with a real werewolf and an otherworldly demon that skins people alive.? GEORGE RR MARTIN?s World Fantasy Award winning horror tale comes to a close with a violent and unforgettable final act.

 

 

 

Uber #8

Uber08regPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? The Pacific Theater of war has changed dramatically with the deployment of Japanese super soldiers.? Their use of this new technology alongside their Kamikaze terror strategy is starting to turn the tides of Allied power on the seas.? Join KIERON GILLEN in an epic tale of the evolution of horror in World War II with the arms race now focused upon developing super human warriors.? Is there an answer to the misery of war that will allow for a victor or will both sides be devastated by the amplified violence and destruction?

 

 

New to ComiXology 12/11/13:

Black Gas #1-3 & Black Gas 2 #1-3

bgastpb (2)PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?Horror gets a whole lot more terrifying as Warren Ellis unleashes his full-color zombie epic! A tiny little island off the East Coast of America, that sits on its own tiny little fault in the underlying tectonic plate. An odd little history ignored by almost everyone. Until the night of the big storm, and the creak in the fault line, and the release of something foul from the earth’s guts, blown across the little town on Smoky Island. And the only two people on the island who were outside its reach are now trapped on a black spit of rock with a population who aren’t people anymore. They started eating each other an hour ago.

Chronicles of Wormwood #1 – 6

chroniclesWormwoodTPBPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?Garth Ennis unleashes his next major religious epic in the vein of Preacher, but this-time, he’s taking it up a notch! Wormwood is the anti-Christ, no way around it, his dad is Satan and his demonic powers help him fit right into New York. His best friend is Jesus, who is a black, mentally-challenged, man that just isn’t performing many miracles these days. The pesky Armageddon is coming right up, and it doesn’t look like Pope Jacko is going to be any help in stopping it. Ennis drags the whole world into the gutter with his trademark razor-sharp dialogue, biting wit, and the stunning art of Jacen Burrows, all in full-color.

 

Fashion Beast #1-5

FashionBeast1regularPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?Alan Moore?s and Malcolm McLaren’s unearthed screenplay comes to life as an incredible comic book series almost three decades later! The mid-80’s were a stunning period of brilliance for Alan Moore, seeing him create true masterpieces including Miracleman, Watchmen – and Fashion Beast! Working with Malcolm McLaren (Sex Pistols), Alan Moore turned his attention to a classic re-telling of a fable through his unyielding and imaginative vision. The two developed a story that redefined Beauty and the Beast in a dystopian future city dominated by a fashion house, which Moore then fully-scripted into a huge screenplay. Never previously published, this epic work is now adapted for comics by long-time Moore collaborator, Antony Johnston (Courtyard) preserving every scrap of Moore’s original dialogue. All ten issues have been lovingly illustrated by Facundo Percio (Anna Mercury) and finally a true historical and visionary masterpiece is finally released to the World!

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Avatar New in Comic Shops 12/11/13

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

New Avatar Press books in comic shops this week on Wednesday 12/11/13:

Crossed Vol 7 TP

CrossedVol7TPBPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: From the punishing creation of GARTH ENNIS? Crossed come three master storytellers who take you into the depraved world of uncensored grueling survival horror.? CHIRSTOS GAGE tells the tale of ultimate betrayal as one of the survivors betrays his own kind to live among the monsters in ?Quisling.?? DAVID LAPHAM reveals a new chapter in the deepening insanity overtaking the mind of Crossed: Psychopath survivor Amanda.? And Simon Spurrier returns to Crossed to tell a grindhouse original story about a deranged biker and a stoned hippy in ?American Quitters.?? This volume of Crossed collects issues #29 – 36 of the Crossed: Badlands series.

God is Dead Enhanced #1

god-is-dead-1-enhancedPRODUCT DESCRIPTION: ?The sold out first issue is now available again with this special Enhanced edition! Hickman’s smash series is now an ongoing and the early issues are in huge demand.? But to make it even better, this edition features an all-new second story, not available anywhere else, from co-writer Mike Costa and artist Rafa (Crossed) Ortiz!? Just like with our sold out Uber #0 Enhanced, this will be the LAST printing of #1, and it is limited to only 7500 copies.

 

 

Skin Trade #4

SkinTrade04regPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? The brutal conclusion is unleashed when Randi Wade finally found the truth about the creature that killed her father.? But now she is face-to-face with a real werewolf and an otherworldly demon that skins people alive.? GEORGE RR MARTIN?s World Fantasy Award winning horror tale comes to a close with a violent and unforgettable final act.? Available with Regular, Wraparound, Grisly and Skinned Retailer Incentive covers by series artist Mike Wolfer.

 

 

Uber #8

Uber08regPRODUCT DESCRIPTION:? The Pacific Theater of war has changed dramatically with the deployment of Japanese super soldiers.? Their use of this new technology alongside their Kamikaze terror strategy is starting to turn the tides of Allied power on the seas.? Join KIERON GILLEN in an epic tale of the evolution of horror in World War II with the arms race now focused upon developing super human warriors.? Is there an answer to the misery of war that will allow for a victor or will both sides be devastated by the amplified violence and destruction?? Available with Regular or Wraparound cover by Caanan White, Propaganda Poster cover by Michael Dipascale, and a special Blitzkrieg Incentive cover by Caanan White.

Visit the Comic Shop Locator Service to find a local comic book store near you -?http://www.comicshoplocator.com/Home/1/1/57/575

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Avatar Travels to Jersey Comic Con

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

Jersey Comic Con Christmas Spectacular

AvatarPressLogoIt is the last major comic convention of the year. ?Less than two weeks before Christmas from 12/13 – 12/15 the New Jersey Comic Con will host some of the biggest comic and media guests around. Neal Adams, Jeff Zornow, Primo Cardinelli, James O’Barr, ?Neil Vokes, Mark Texiera, Arthur Suydam, and Tommy Castillo are guests signing at the show in addition to a strong slate of media stars from shows like Arrow, Breaking Bad, and Firefly. ?The timing is perfect for fans looking for that special holiday gift or just looking for one last chance to enjoy a gathering of comic book collectors, dealers, and publishers.

Avatar Press will be in attendance with all your favorite comics and trades available for James Kuhoricreview. ?Stop by and meet comics creator and Vice President of Publishing James “Jim” Kuhoric at the show (yep – that’s me). ?This will be your one stop shop to pick up comics and trades from Alan Moore, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Max Brooks, George RR Martin, Kieron Gillen, Christos Gage, Simon Spurrier, David Lapham, David Hine, and more! ?Comics like God Is Dead, Extinction Parade, Uber, Crossed, and a host of other books will be available to browse through and ask questions about.

Details about the show can be found here at their website: ?http://jerseycomiccon.info/?or by following them at Twitter @jerseycomiccon.

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Killer’s Past Revealed in Absolution: Happy Kitty

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Jim Kuhoric

AbsoHappyKitty1RegAbsoHappyKitty1JapaneseChristos Gage has created a violent crime and drama masterpiece in the world of Absolution. ?The trials of super powered vigilante John Dusk may be the focal point of the series, but the enhancile assassin, Happy Kitty, has captured the imagination of fans. ?The outpouring of interest in the character led Gage to create this special issue that reveals her back story.

AbsoHappyKitty1VideoGameAbsoHappyKitty1DesignJoin Gage as he navigates through the miserable circumstances that turned a special little girl into monster. ?They knew she was different from the moment they found her. ?She was unresponsive to talk, stuck in her own world, and enamored with shooting video games. But one criminal understood the power that came with controlling and directing her single minded violence. ?If all the world is a game…then Happy Kitty is the game master.

Get a special look into the world of Absolution with art by Freakangels illustrator, Paul Duffield. ?Absolution: Happy Kitty #1 is new in comic shops this week.

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