A New Preview of STITCHED #1 by Ennis and Wolfer

Bleeding Cool, the news and gossip website for the comic book and film entertainment industries, had a scoop earlier today which we are happy to present here, as well!
Fresh from the Avatar Press creative department, we proudly present the first eight pages of STITCHED #1, the fearsome first issue of an ongoing series by Garth Ennis and Mike Wolfer!? These preview pages feature the artwork of Mike Wolfer, as he skillfully sets the atmosphere for the horror / war story.
Comic book shop retailers, please don’t forget to place your order for STITCHED, both the first issue and the DVD (featuring the short film, a documentary showing Garth Ennis as a director, and an hour-long career retrospective interview with Garth Ennis) through the September Previews catalog!? Orders are due this week.? STITCHED promises to be a huge hit for fans of CROSSED, too.

STITCHED #1 Regular Cover Edition
$3.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110795

STITCHED #1 ?Gore? Cover Edition
$3.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110796
STITCHED #1 Wraparound Cover Edition
$3.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110797
STITCHED #1 Movie Photo Cover Edition
Ask your retailer for pricing! Diamond Item Code: SEP110798
STITCHED DVD
$15.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110799
Posted in General News, Previews | 3 Comments

September Previews Spotlight on WOLFSKIN: HUNDREDTH DREAM

While Diamond Comics was gracious enough to grant Avatar Press the “Featured Item” accolade in the September Previews catalog for the STITCHED #1 comic book, they also awarded Avatar with the month’s “Spotlight” for our graphic novel collections of WOLFSKIN: HUNDREDTH DREAM!

Created by the comics dream team of Ellis, Wolfer, and Pagliarani, HUNDREDTH DREAM is the second volume in our barbarian epic, following the original WOLFSKIN collection (ISBN 978-1-59291-076-2, Diamon Item Code APR090698). The story follows a lone warrior from the north, frequently drawn into conflicts between mysticism and the dawn of machinery. It’s bloody, it’s barbaric, it’s brilliant!

From the descriptive text in Previews catalog:

“Before history was recorded in stone and ink, some men wrote it in blood! Wolfskin, a nomadic warrior, hopes to find a new purpose in life after the accidental slaughter of his own tribe while in the throes of an uncontrollable berserker rage. Hired as a guide and swordsman for a rescue mission to the volcanic ice plains, he travels north with a band of misfits and magicians whose skills and ideology is perched between prehistory and the advent of technology. What dreadful enemy will they face on the outskirts of civilization, and will Wolfskin even have a place in the world should he slay it?”

A new heroic legend from the darkest corridors of time, this collection of all six issues features the writing talents of long-time collaborators Warren Ellis (Black Summer, FreakAngels) and Mike Wolfer (Gravel, Night of the Living Dead), with stunning artwork by Gianluca Pagliarani (Crossed 3D, Ignition City).

WOLFSKIN: HUNDREDTH DREAM Softcover
$19.99, Diamond Item Code: SEP110814
Cover Artwork by Gianluca Pagliarani (see above)

WOLFSKIN: HUNDREDTH DREAM Hardcover
$27.99, Diamond Item Code: SEP110815
Cover Artwork by Felipe Massafera (see left)

As with every one of our Previews catalog listings, we encourage Avatar fans to BE VOCAL! Tell your local comic shop before the end of September that you want a copy — make sure they stock it for you. After all, comic book retailers are a friendly, accommodating sort!

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New This Week: SUPERGOD and CROSSED VOL. 2: FAMILY VALUES Graphic Novels

What a huge week for Avatar Press fans!? When you head to your local comic shop tomorrow, you’ll find new comics and graphic novels aplenty!? Here’s a spotlight on our latest collected editions, SUPERGOD and CROSSED VOL. 2: FAMILY VALUES.

The SUPERGOD Graphic Novel

From the sparking mad mind of Warren Ellis comes SUPERGOD!? What if the arms race of global superpowers did not yield nuclear stockpiles, but rather messianic beings capable of wondrous miracles and ? when needed ? the ability to unleash the wrath of gods?? But when the scientists, generals, and politicians built super-humans to save the planet, no one ever imagined how their heroes would do it ? or even if they?d want to.? Behold the apocalyptic tomorrow, when supermen kill us all and end the world just because we wanted to be rescued by human-shaped things from beyond Science itself!

Collecting all five issues of the epic miniseries by writer Warren Ellis and artist Garrie Gastonny, the 128-page SUPERGOD graphic novel comes in both softcover and hardcover formats, featuring gorgeous painted covers by Felipe Massafera.? The SUPERGOD collection belongs right next to Ellis’ other groundbreaking superhero epics, BLACK SUMMER and NO HERO, on your book shelf!

SUPERGOD Softcover
$17.99, Diamond Item Code JUN110873

SUPERGOD Hardcover
$27.99, Diamond Item Code JUN110874

Remember, praying to be saved by a man who can fly will get you killed!

The CROSSED VOLUME 2: FAMILY VALUES Graphic Novel

If you’ve been reading CROSSED, you know the terrifying premise:? an outbreak of insanity has swept across the planet, turning millions of people into the homicidal maniacs known as ?the Crossed.?? In FAMILY VALUES, the ranching Pratt family of North Carolina remain uninfected and defiant.? Bonded together over generations by working, living, and learning together, they rely on Joe, the family patriarch, to see them through the apocalypse.? But the Pratt family has a deep, dark secret ? one that threatens to tear them apart, even under the constant threat of the murderous hordes.? You see, some men are turned to Crossed, but are just born evil!? Eighteen year-old daughter Adaline will soon discover which breed is worse…

All seven issues of David Lapham’s horror masterpiece are collected in the FAMILY VALUES graphic novel, featuring artwork by Javier Barreno.? Lapham, best known as the critically acclaimed creator of the gritty STRAY BULLETS series, delivers a tale so twisted, so shocking, it more than earns its place next to the original runaway bestselling CROSSED by superstar writer Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows!? Furthermore, each of the available cover formats (softcover, hardcover, and a special signed hardcover featuring a David Lapham signature) feature Burrows’ distinctive style as he turns Americana art icons on their end!

CROSSED VOLUME 2: FAMILY VALUES Softcover
$19.99, Diamond Item Code JUN110885

CROSSED VOLUME 2: FAMILY VALUES Hardcover
$27.99, Diamond Item Code JUN110886

CROSSED VOLUME 2: FAMILY VALUES Signed Hardcover
$34.99, Diamond Item Code JUN110887

Finally, when you visit your local comic shop tomorrow, also be on the lookout for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: DEATH VALLEY #4, plus LADY DEATH ORIGINS ANNUAL 2011 from sister company Boundless Comics.? Like we said, it’s a big week!

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Avatar Press Announces Brand New VIP Convention Packages

The Avatar Press Road Show continues pushing through America, with four conventions over the next two months, visiting the cities of Detroit, New York, Richmond, and Austin (complete convention info can be found here). And, as they so often do, the folks at Avatar Press will be offering VIP packages at three of these shows! Check out a short summary below, and be sure to click on the links for individual conventions to get more details!


Detroit Fanfare 2011 Lady Death Platinum VIP Set

Over $600 worth of LADY DEATH merchandise, at only a fraction of the cost! If you?re headed to the Detroit FanFare convention (Sept. 24-25), you?ll want to invest in the VIP package that includes two signed hardcovers (LADY DEATH ORIGINS Vol. 1 and ART OF LADY DEATH San Diego Edition), three wickedly-rare VIP editions, and a whopping 35 platinum editions. Available with or without admission tickets to the convention!

2-Day Ticket Included, $265.00
Without Admission, $250.00


New York Comic-Con 2011 Avatar V.I.P. Set

NYCC is the biggest comic show of the East Coast (Oct. 13-16), and Avatar?s making a big splash with guests Mike Wolfer, Jacen Burrows, Garth Ennis, and Si Spurrier! What better time to stock up on the VIP goodies for signing opportunities! Includes a horror library of 11 graphic novels (including three hardcovers), the CROSSED: BADLANDS OPENING SALVO VIP preview of Ennis and Burrows? upcoming series, a WAR GODDESS #1 VIP edition, and a set of 21 CROSSED VIP covers! Available with or without admission tickets to the convention!

4-Day Ticket Included, $275.00
Without Admission, $235.00


Austin 2011 Avatar V.I.P. Set

Join Avatar at the Austin Comic-Con (Nov. 11-13), and get over $600 worth of rare Avatar gems for a third of the price! Includes 10 hardcover graphic novels from Avatar?s most popular lines, a FEVRE DREAM hardcover edition signed by both legendary writer George R.R. Martin and his creative partner Daniel Abraham, the CROSSED: BADLANDS OPENING SALVO VIP edition, a selection of six CROSSED VIP editions, and the full array of CROSSED: AMERICANA prints (seven in all). Available with or without admission tickets to the convention!

3-Day Ticket Included, $219.00
Without Admission, $210.00


Austin 2011 Boundless V.I.P. Set

Not to be outdone by their sister company, Boundless Comics will represent at the Austin show with a VIP set all their own, featuring LADY DEATH and WAR GODDESS. Includes the signed LADY DEATH ORIGINS and ART OF LADY DEATH San Diego edition hardcovers, a glamorous set of three WAR GODDESS Art Nouveau editions, LADY DEATH #10 Austin VIP edition, a set of 31 Gold Foil editions, plus a bundle of six delicious LD art prints! A $550 value, deeply discounted just for you! Available with or without admission tickets to the convention!

3-Day Ticket Included, $199.00
Without Admission, $180.00

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In Stores Today: CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH #1 WonderCon Edition

It’s a wonder to us why clowns even exist, when they inspire such dread and terror in so many people.? That’s why this special cover variant is so darn sweet. Finally, clowns have something to be terrified of: The Crossed!

Illustrated by series artist Raulo Caceres, this cover variant was previously only available at WonderCon 2011, and is limited to just 1,000 copies!? You can find this comic book in stores today!

CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH #1 WonderCon Edition
$5.99, Diamond Item Code JUL110899

Remember, folks: if you can’t find this gorgeous cover at your local comic shop, just tell them the Diamond Item Code and ask them to special order it for you.? There’s lots of great retailers out there who are eager to serve you!

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AVATAR PRESS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ONGOING ?STITCHED? COMIC BOOK SERIES, BASED ON THE SHORT FILM WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY GARTH ENNIS

Following the successful packed-theater premiere of the Stitched film at San Diego Comic-Con 2011, Avatar Press proudly announces the upcoming November 2011 launch of an ongoing comic book series by industry legend Garth Ennis and talented artist/writer Mike Wolfer.? Released simultaneously with the Stitched DVD at comic book shops and specialty stores worldwide, the upcoming Stitched #1 expands upon the events of the short film, laying the groundwork for a continuing saga of American and British soldiers beset by murderous supernatural creatures.

The Stitched film introduced a cast of stranded pilots and commandos, struggling through the mountains of Afghanistan and pursued by both Taliban fighters and strange, undead assailants.? Adapting and building upon the film premise, the comic book series explores the root of this supernatural evil and the extent of its reach.? Ennis explains, ?Our heroes are up against not just inhuman monsters, but the very human evil that guides them.?? The Stitched, glimpsed in the short film for one unnerving battle sequence, are part of a much bigger and nastier picture.? ?They?re essentially undead war machines. ?They’re animated and controlled by a specific process; their masters have been in conflict for a long time and have learned to use the dead as weapons.?

Mike Wolfer, whose atmospheric, gritty artwork brings Ennis? creative vision to life, elaborates on the ongoing series: ?The first issue of Stitched is an expanded adaptation of the short film.? Issues #2 through #6 will adapt the screenplay for the full-length feature which Garth has written, and after that I?ll be scripting new material based on the premise established in the first story arc.?? Regarding the future direction of the Stitched storyline, Wolfer says, ?Without giving too much away, I can tell you that the Stitched threat is not relegated only to war-torn Afghanistan. ?That?s where this modern terror has its roots, but we?re going to find that those roots go back centuries, and they are directed by subversive, human intelligence.”

The Stitched comic book series launches with a #1 issue conceived by Garth Ennis, and adapted from the original film script by writer Mike Wolfer.? Featuring interior and cover artwork also by Wolfer, Stitched #1 is recommended for mature audiences for violence and strong language, and will be available through Diamond Comic Distributors? Previews September catalog with multiple cover variants, including:

STITCHED #1 Regular Cover Edition $3.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110795

STITCHED #1 ?Gore? Cover Edition $3.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110796

STITCHED #1 Wraparound Cover Edition $3.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110797

STITCHED #1 Movie Photo Cover Edition Ask your retailer for pricing! Diamond Item Code: SEP110798

A Mischief Maker Studios production, the Stitched DVD (also solicited through the September 2011 Previews catalog for release in November) features the full 17-minute widescreen film, plus a wealth of bonus features including a stills gallery, the original movie script, and over 90 minutes of bonus footage spread across the film?s ?Making Of? documentary and a career retrospective interview with Garth Ennis.

STITCHED DVD $15.99 SRP, Diamond Item Code: SEP110799

?We are proud to add Garth Ennis? Stitched to our growing line of horror comics,? says Keith Davidsen, Director of Sales and Marketing for Avatar Press.? ?Over the past few years, we?ve established Avatar as the home for innovative storytellers, and as the premiere comic publisher of horror.? Mike Wolfer?s work on Night of the Living Dead, Garth Ennis? creation of the chilling Crossed franchise, David Lapham?s picking up the torch on Crossed and his work on Caligula? these are all titles that prove there?s just no compromise when it comes to terror. ?With a long-form epic like Stitched joining the ranks, we will gladly deliver massacres and mayhem to our fearless fans month in and month out.?

Avatar Press is a groundbreaking independent publishing company which produces a wide variety of cutting-edge comic books, graphic novels, and original web content.? Their high-quality publications include the work of such industry luminaries as Garth Ennis (Crossed, Chronicles of Wormwood), Warren Ellis (Freakangels), David Lapham (Caligula, Crossed: Psychopath), and Alan Moore (Neonomicon).? They also produce a diverse range of licensed projects including the classic zombie epic Night of the Living Dead and George RR Martin?s Fevre Dream.? Their Boundless Comics imprint publishes Brian Pulido?s original Lady Death and Mike Wolfer?s reimagining of the classic femme fatales Pandora, Hellina, and Widow in the series War Goddess.? For more information about Avatar Press, their publications, and creators, please visit www.avatarpress.com.

Mischief Maker Studios, owned by Brian Pulido and Francisca Pulido, is a multi-media entertainment company that develops, produces, and controls a library of properties and storylines, and partners with world renowned creators and clients to realize their full sales potential across all media platforms including film, television, print, online, mobile, gaming, and merchandising. Their first feature film, The Graves, sold to After Dark Films, Lionsgate, Syfy and a dozen international distributors. ?For more info, visit: www.MischiefMakerStudios.com.

For more information on the Stitched film, its DVD release, and the comic book series, please visit the website www.FearTheStitched.com, or contact Keith Davidsen, Avatar Press? Director of Sales and Marketing, via e-mail at keith@avatarpress.net.

Posted in General News | 6 Comments

In Stores This Week: CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: THE LAST BATTLE #6

Get ready for the explosive conclusion to Garth Ennis’ monumental tale of the Anti-Christ, available in stores tomorrow, Wednesday, August 31st. CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: THE LAST BATTLE comes to a close with its extra-sized #6 issue!

Hell on Earth is here, live, from New York! The final issue of THE LAST BATTLE is so epic in scope that it has to be super-sized! The recently-departed Pope Jacko is back and determined to rule New York by turning it into a demonic infested Hell. Danny Wormwood is in way over his head with domestic disasters and literal Armageddon seeming closer than ever. Will Jay be able to rise to the challenge and help, or he is pretty content to sit in the bar and drink? Series artist Oscar Jimenez provides the stunning cover and interior art. Ennis drags the whole world into the gutter with his trademark razor-sharp dialogue, biting wit, and the stunning art of Jimenez, all in full-color.

CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: THE LAST BATTLE #6 Regular Edition
$4.99, Diamond Item Code JUN110888
Cover by Oscar Jimenez (see above)

CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: THE LAST BATTLE #6 Wraparound Edition
$4.99, JUN110889
Cover by Oscar Jimenez (see below)

CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: THE LAST BATTLE #6 Anti-Christ Edition
Ask your retailer for pricing! JUN110890
Cover by Oscar Jimenez


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In Stores This Week: CALIGULA #1 PHOENIX and #2 AUXILIARY Variant Editions

The hypothetical scenario: You’ve heard great things about the CALIGULA series, but haven’t checked it out yet. You’ve heard how superstar writer David Lapham and talented artist German Nobile have been serving up an intense thriller, full of bloodshed and debauchery. It’s got gladiator battles. It’s got virgin sacrifices. It’s got decadent parties where guests are eviscerated at random. And to top it all off, the mad emperor Caligula is an unkillable madman with supernatural power over life and death. You think to yourself, “I’m a horror fan. How did I miss this book the first time around?” But your local comic shop has run out of copies because it’s such a great seller! What do you do?

Well, no worries! Just calmly head to your comic shop tomorrow, (Wednesday, August 24) and happily pick up these newly-released variant editions, debuting this week in stores!? The Phoenix Comicon edition features artwork by Jacen Burrows (NEONOMICON, the upcoming CROSSED: BADLANDS), while the Auxiliary edition showcases art from Michael DiPascale, whose artwork has graced the covers of CROSSED, LADY DEATH, and WAR GODDESS.

CALIGULA #1 Phoenix Comicon Edition
$5.99, Diamond Item Code JUL110884
Cover by Jacen Burrows (see above)

CALIGULA #2 Auxiliary Edition
$3.99, Diamond Item Code JUL110885
Cover by Michael DiPascale (see below)

Posted in General News | 4 Comments

Presenting the Avatar Exclusives for FanExpo Canada 2011

As previously reported, Avatar Press will be headed to Toronto, Ontario, for FanExpo Canada 2011. Check out the two CROSSED exclusive editions that we will make available at the show!

Here’s our CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH #4 FAN EXPO Exclusive Edition, priced at $5.99…

…and here’s our CROSSED: PSYCHOPATH #4 FAN EXPO V.I.P. Exclusive Edition, an extremely rare cover variant:

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Mike Wolfer Signing Tomorrow, August 10th, at Midtown Comics in New York City

Mike Wolfer, the extremely talented writer and artist on such titles as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, GRAVEL, STREETS OF GLORY, WOLFSKIN: HUNDREDTH DREAM, and the upcoming STITCHED ongoing series (based on the film by Garth Ennis), will be in New York City tomorrow, August 10th, signing at Midtown Comics!

Officially on-hand to celebrate the launch of his ongoing series WAR GODDESS with its #0 issue (published by Avatar sister company, Boundless Comics), Wolfer will be more than happy to chat with Avatar fans about his extremely prolific career and his extremely awesome comics!? If you’re in the New York City area, you will find him at the Midtown Comics Downtown location beginning at 5:00pm.? He’ll be signing for an hour.? The address for Midtown Comics Downtown is: 64 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038.? Midtown Comics actually has an awesome Retailer Exclusive Edition of WAR GODDESS #0, as well as other great cover variants of WAR GODDESS, so be sure to pick up your copy (or copies) and get them signed!? Midtown will also be well-stocked with the wide variety of Avatar products by our resident Master of Horror!

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