Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Official LUKE MC BAIN solicitation
"Back to Eden" Part 1 of 4
Country superstar TRACE ADKINS is LUKE MC BAIN, a man who makes the hard decisions. He doesn't say much, but he'll kick your ass if you get out of line. He's returned to his Northern Louisiana hometown to settle a score, but the town has changed, and the people he grew up with need his help. God help anyone who gets in his way.
Trace Adkins has sold over 10 million albums. He competed on "Celebrity Apprentice." You've heard his voice on "King of the Hill." But you've never seen Trace Adkins as LUKE MC BAIN -- an American hero for our times, in a story of right and wrong in the tradition of "Billy Jack" and "Walking Tall". Don’t miss the newest title from 12 GAUGE COMICS, the company that brought you THE RIDE, BODY BAGS, and THE O.C.T.!
Written by David Tischman ("Red Herring," "Bite Club") with artwork by Kody Chamberlain ("30 Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales," "Punks") and covers by Brian Stelfreeze (“Batman,” “Wednesday Comics”).
LUKE MCBAIN is ™ and © 12 GAUGE COMICS, DAVID TISCHMAN, and TRACE ADKINS, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
NEW JASON PEARSON COMIC!
Jason just wrapped up his PUNISHER annual (featuring SPIDERMAN!) and it looks amazing. Writer Rick Remender had this to say about the art team of Jason Pearson and our good friend Dave Stewart:
"Let's face it, I don't care what anyone says to the contrary: comic books' success is entirely dependant on the artist," Remender insists. "A comic artist has to tell a clean and immediately understandable visual interpretation of a story the same as a storyboard artist, but a comic artist also has to make each page a well-refined illustration. Comic book art is the hardest form of art in the world.
"That said, Jason Pearson is one of the great living comic guys on the planet. He tells a clean dynamic story with the polish of a world-class illustrator, stylized and exciting. It's been an absolute treat to get to work with him as well as one of the greatest colorists of all time, Dave Stewart. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You miss this Annual and you'll be missing something very special. Everyone brought the A-game."
Click on the title above to see a stack of awesome preview pages, then go order this book at you local comic shop.Wednesday, August 12, 2009
RED HERRING #1
David Tischman, a good friend of 12 Gauge (and writer of our upcoming LUKE McBAIN series) has a new book on the stands today, drawn by the amazing Phillip Bond. Check it out if you get the chance....here's a review from Newsarama:
Well, it's true, as David Tischman says in a recent Newsarama interview, Philip Bond knows how to draw sexy women. So does David Hahn. That's how we lead into Wildstorm's latest cool caper comic, Red Herring. A young woman in a lacy bra has just slipped into a pump while chatting on her cell phone. Her languorous pose is surrounded by little bits of intimate narration: "It's been crazy-busy at the office and talking to your mother calms you down." We proceed a few pages as Maggie MacGuffin tries to find the right outfit while keeping in mind, as the story title suggests, "Blue Makes Her Look Fat."
With such a stylish beginning, we smoothly move through what is a top-notch sly and sexy story. One goal of this opener is to connect Maggie MacGuffin with male lead, the titular Red Herring. As characters, they could not be more different. They seem to only share the fact that their names represent literary dead ends, false clues in a mystery, but they prove to be very much alive. They are not meant for each other but that could be fun too.
I haven't had quite as much fun with a comic since another Wildstorm series, Mysterius the Unfathomable. This is a totally different scene, the world of high rollers and espionage in Washington D. C., but it's definitely got a similar ultra-cool and clever style. Where Mysterius was very good with details about magicians, Red Herring provides the right balance of insider dealing and conspiracy theorist satisfaction.
We already know that things are never quite as they seem so it makes perfect sense to spice up the ambiguity by having fate bring together a party girl with a conscience, Maggie MacGuffin, and an earnest gumshoe secret agent, Red Herring. Couldn't make matters any worse, could do it? Well, maybe so. Did I mention there is a possible alien subplot and people are already trying to kill Red before he kills them? Yeah, things could get very messy.
This first issue is probably chock full of MacGuffins and red herrings. As for the details that add texture, they build up quite nicely. The narrator mocks Maggie as she struts her way to Capital Hill. "Compromise is the ESSENCE of politics. That's what your AP History teacher said." Maggie works down in the lower levels of Congress "where the offices are small and the salary's even smaller. Two weeks barely pays for a good pair of shoes." At first, we see Maggie filing away papers but then we come to find out this meek office worker is actually the lover of a high powered Congressman.
The tempo slows down for some procedural scenes with the no-nonsense Red Herring. So far, Red is proving to be a little too dry for his own good. But he has this thing about his glass eye and so he may prove to have some interesting issues. . Red is supposed to be about ten years older than Maggie and the plan, according to David Tischman, is to keep these two platonic. That could be a pity. Or maybe it's a red herring.
Well, it's true, as David Tischman says in a recent Newsarama interview, Philip Bond knows how to draw sexy women. So does David Hahn. That's how we lead into Wildstorm's latest cool caper comic, Red Herring. A young woman in a lacy bra has just slipped into a pump while chatting on her cell phone. Her languorous pose is surrounded by little bits of intimate narration: "It's been crazy-busy at the office and talking to your mother calms you down." We proceed a few pages as Maggie MacGuffin tries to find the right outfit while keeping in mind, as the story title suggests, "Blue Makes Her Look Fat."
With such a stylish beginning, we smoothly move through what is a top-notch sly and sexy story. One goal of this opener is to connect Maggie MacGuffin with male lead, the titular Red Herring. As characters, they could not be more different. They seem to only share the fact that their names represent literary dead ends, false clues in a mystery, but they prove to be very much alive. They are not meant for each other but that could be fun too.
I haven't had quite as much fun with a comic since another Wildstorm series, Mysterius the Unfathomable. This is a totally different scene, the world of high rollers and espionage in Washington D. C., but it's definitely got a similar ultra-cool and clever style. Where Mysterius was very good with details about magicians, Red Herring provides the right balance of insider dealing and conspiracy theorist satisfaction.
We already know that things are never quite as they seem so it makes perfect sense to spice up the ambiguity by having fate bring together a party girl with a conscience, Maggie MacGuffin, and an earnest gumshoe secret agent, Red Herring. Couldn't make matters any worse, could do it? Well, maybe so. Did I mention there is a possible alien subplot and people are already trying to kill Red before he kills them? Yeah, things could get very messy.
This first issue is probably chock full of MacGuffins and red herrings. As for the details that add texture, they build up quite nicely. The narrator mocks Maggie as she struts her way to Capital Hill. "Compromise is the ESSENCE of politics. That's what your AP History teacher said." Maggie works down in the lower levels of Congress "where the offices are small and the salary's even smaller. Two weeks barely pays for a good pair of shoes." At first, we see Maggie filing away papers but then we come to find out this meek office worker is actually the lover of a high powered Congressman.
The tempo slows down for some procedural scenes with the no-nonsense Red Herring. So far, Red is proving to be a little too dry for his own good. But he has this thing about his glass eye and so he may prove to have some interesting issues. . Red is supposed to be about ten years older than Maggie and the plan, according to David Tischman, is to keep these two platonic. That could be a pity. Or maybe it's a red herring.
MTV.com on the BOONDOCK SAINTS comic series
Underdog cult hit "The Boondock Saints" took its time finding an audience before it came to to DVD, but now the religiously charged crime drama starring "Spider-Man" villain Willem Dafoe looks to be spawning a sequel film, as well as a comic book prequel. When "Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day" hits theaters in 2010, 12 Gauge Comics will launch an accompanying comic telling the origin of Il Duce, father of the first film's vigilante heroes Connor and Murphy McManus.
"We’re just waiting on Sony for release date for the film," 12 Gauge president Keven Gardner told ICv2.com regarding the comic's release date.
Previously-rumored "Thor" cast member Clifton Collins Jr. will be joining the sequel's cast, along with returning stars Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and Billy Connolly, who played Il Duce. Writer/director Troy Duffy will co-write the comic as well.
"The only fans more rabid than 'Twilight' fans have been the 'Boondock Saints' fans," Gardner said of panel's audience.
Though 12 Gauge has previously released comics through Image, their "Boondock Saints" title will come out solely under its own label. There's no word yet, though, on how the sequel or comic's body count will compare to the impressive heights achieved in the story's first installment.
"We’re just waiting on Sony for release date for the film," 12 Gauge president Keven Gardner told ICv2.com regarding the comic's release date.
Previously-rumored "Thor" cast member Clifton Collins Jr. will be joining the sequel's cast, along with returning stars Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and Billy Connolly, who played Il Duce. Writer/director Troy Duffy will co-write the comic as well.
"The only fans more rabid than 'Twilight' fans have been the 'Boondock Saints' fans," Gardner said of panel's audience.
Though 12 Gauge has previously released comics through Image, their "Boondock Saints" title will come out solely under its own label. There's no word yet, though, on how the sequel or comic's body count will compare to the impressive heights achieved in the story's first installment.
ICv2.com interview
I spoke with Mitlon Griepp of ICv2 during Comic-Con. Here are some highlights from the interview:
12 Gauge Comics will release a Boondock Saints comic in conjunction with the release of Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day in 2010. It will be co-written by writer/director Troy Duffy and Jason Love. The comic will be a side story to the films, and will tell the origin story of Il Duce, the father of the brothers MacManus, who act as vigilantes to clean up the streets of Boston.
According to 12 Gauge President Keven Gardner, the Boondock Saints panel at Comic-Con was a raucous affair. “There was a very, very good response,” he said. “The only fans more rabid than Twilight fans have been the Boondock Saints fans.”
12 Gauge is also releasing Luke McBain, a comic tied to country music star Trace Atkins. The first of four issues will be released in November, which ties into an Atkins tour. Atkins will be the fictional character in the comic, who will be drawn by artist Kody Chamberlain to Atkins’ likenesss. David Tischman will write. “It’s a Walking Tall, Billy Jack kind of revenge story,” Gardner told us.
Boondock Saints and Luke McBain will be released by 12 Gauge under its own imprint; previous titles have all been released by Image. “From a business model it made more sense to do these on our own,” Gardner said. “The Image model didn’t fit for what we needed to do for these particular titles.”
12 Gauge Comics will release a Boondock Saints comic in conjunction with the release of Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day in 2010. It will be co-written by writer/director Troy Duffy and Jason Love. The comic will be a side story to the films, and will tell the origin story of Il Duce, the father of the brothers MacManus, who act as vigilantes to clean up the streets of Boston.
According to 12 Gauge President Keven Gardner, the Boondock Saints panel at Comic-Con was a raucous affair. “There was a very, very good response,” he said. “The only fans more rabid than Twilight fans have been the Boondock Saints fans.”
12 Gauge is also releasing Luke McBain, a comic tied to country music star Trace Atkins. The first of four issues will be released in November, which ties into an Atkins tour. Atkins will be the fictional character in the comic, who will be drawn by artist Kody Chamberlain to Atkins’ likenesss. David Tischman will write. “It’s a Walking Tall, Billy Jack kind of revenge story,” Gardner told us.
Boondock Saints and Luke McBain will be released by 12 Gauge under its own imprint; previous titles have all been released by Image. “From a business model it made more sense to do these on our own,” Gardner said. “The Image model didn’t fit for what we needed to do for these particular titles.”
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
James O'Barr
A few years ago James O'Barr (legendary creator of THE CROW) and I met at a comic convention. He was a big fan of THE RIDE and I had been a big fan of his for years...a few phone calls later we announced he would be doing an original RIDE story for 12 Gauge. A few years have passed and I get asked about it all the time (which just shows how passionate his fans are and what he means to our industry). I talked with James a few months ago and he said he was still plugging away. The great (but scary) thing is the page count grows every time I talk with him. It started as a 22 pager...and here is what he just told a panel at Wizard Chicago (from a CBR report):
To begin, O'Barr was asked about his upcoming comic book projects. "I've been working on this gothic western. It's called ‘Sundown in Hell.’ Yes, I still have a fetish for Joan Jett 30 years later. And there's this series called 'The Ride.' It follows the life of this '68 Camaro," said O'Barr, noting his affection for the vehicle after owning several and working on cars for three decades.
O'Barr mentioned that "Sundown In Hell" will be a 300-page fully-painted project, while "The Ride" will run between 90-100 pages. The projects have been announced for some time, and O'Barr acknowledged have taken him awhile. "It takes me a little longer [to finish a comic], but to me it's worth it to have complete control and not have to compromise on anything."
I've seen some of the work...it is amazing. I can't wait until I get to post that it is done! I don't know when, but I do know it will have been worth the wait.
To begin, O'Barr was asked about his upcoming comic book projects. "I've been working on this gothic western. It's called ‘Sundown in Hell.’ Yes, I still have a fetish for Joan Jett 30 years later. And there's this series called 'The Ride.' It follows the life of this '68 Camaro," said O'Barr, noting his affection for the vehicle after owning several and working on cars for three decades.
O'Barr mentioned that "Sundown In Hell" will be a 300-page fully-painted project, while "The Ride" will run between 90-100 pages. The projects have been announced for some time, and O'Barr acknowledged have taken him awhile. "It takes me a little longer [to finish a comic], but to me it's worth it to have complete control and not have to compromise on anything."
I've seen some of the work...it is amazing. I can't wait until I get to post that it is done! I don't know when, but I do know it will have been worth the wait.
Friday, July 31, 2009
General Update
Just a quick note or two...as you can now see, 12 Gauge has been busy very over the last year, even if there was not a lot of news released to the public.
A little over a week ago our new website started rolling out. When it is done (which should be soon) it will be one of the best in the industry. I loved the old site, but wanted to keep moving forward, and this site will help us do that.
As you might have heard, 12 Gauge is now publishing some comics outside of our long-time partner, Image Comics (see below). This was simply a business decision that made sense for the two books we recently announced. At this point in time I have no reason to believe 12 Gauge won't publish more books through Image, but we'll also be spreading our wings a bit to see how things go. There is certainly no bad blood or anything for the gossip columns; this was simply a business decision on what was best for the new books.
Speaking of those new books, the creation of the LUKE MCBAIN series has been a blast! I've made a lot of trips to Nashville over the past year to help put this deal together, and all of them have been fun. Now, after all the hard work, it has been a real joy to hear the reaction. I was worried about how it would be received in comic book circles, but the feedback has blown me away. David Tischman has written a great story, Brian Stelfreeze has knocked the first cover out of the park, and Kody Chamberlain has given LUKE MCBAIN a life all his own. Sitting at our booth during Comic-Con was when I knew we had a hit. Fans that don't know what country music sounds like were looking at the material, grabbing a MCBAIN poster and asking me when it would be released because they wanted to make sure they didn't miss it.
BOONDOCK SAINTS...what can I say!?! This is a dream come true. I love the movie and can't wait to see ALL SAINTS DAY. Without a doubt the BDS fans are the best in the world (sorry TWILIGHT, not even close). The crew that showed up for our Troy Duffy signing was so fired up it was simply infectious. Once our release date is locked in you retailers better watch out; your UPS driver might not make it to the door with his boxes (I'm kidding, of course. Well, maybe). Keep checking right here for more info...as soon as I have it, I'll post it.
Post Comic-Con I'd like to thank a few folks that helped me keep my sanity last week; Doug Wagner (because it simply could not be done without him), Jana Cook (for always offering your help), as well as David, Kody, Eben, Adam, Jason, Danielle, Brittany, Ford, Thomas, and Heath...all of you helped me out in some form or fashion, and it is greatly appreciated.
I'll also add, I'm really glad July is over. It was a great month, one that was very critical for 12 Gauge, but DAMN, I need some rest! I'm too old to live off of 4 and 5 hours of sleep each night.
Hello August!
A little over a week ago our new website started rolling out. When it is done (which should be soon) it will be one of the best in the industry. I loved the old site, but wanted to keep moving forward, and this site will help us do that.
As you might have heard, 12 Gauge is now publishing some comics outside of our long-time partner, Image Comics (see below). This was simply a business decision that made sense for the two books we recently announced. At this point in time I have no reason to believe 12 Gauge won't publish more books through Image, but we'll also be spreading our wings a bit to see how things go. There is certainly no bad blood or anything for the gossip columns; this was simply a business decision on what was best for the new books.
Speaking of those new books, the creation of the LUKE MCBAIN series has been a blast! I've made a lot of trips to Nashville over the past year to help put this deal together, and all of them have been fun. Now, after all the hard work, it has been a real joy to hear the reaction. I was worried about how it would be received in comic book circles, but the feedback has blown me away. David Tischman has written a great story, Brian Stelfreeze has knocked the first cover out of the park, and Kody Chamberlain has given LUKE MCBAIN a life all his own. Sitting at our booth during Comic-Con was when I knew we had a hit. Fans that don't know what country music sounds like were looking at the material, grabbing a MCBAIN poster and asking me when it would be released because they wanted to make sure they didn't miss it.
BOONDOCK SAINTS...what can I say!?! This is a dream come true. I love the movie and can't wait to see ALL SAINTS DAY. Without a doubt the BDS fans are the best in the world (sorry TWILIGHT, not even close). The crew that showed up for our Troy Duffy signing was so fired up it was simply infectious. Once our release date is locked in you retailers better watch out; your UPS driver might not make it to the door with his boxes (I'm kidding, of course. Well, maybe). Keep checking right here for more info...as soon as I have it, I'll post it.
Post Comic-Con I'd like to thank a few folks that helped me keep my sanity last week; Doug Wagner (because it simply could not be done without him), Jana Cook (for always offering your help), as well as David, Kody, Eben, Adam, Jason, Danielle, Brittany, Ford, Thomas, and Heath...all of you helped me out in some form or fashion, and it is greatly appreciated.
I'll also add, I'm really glad July is over. It was a great month, one that was very critical for 12 Gauge, but DAMN, I need some rest! I'm too old to live off of 4 and 5 hours of sleep each night.
Hello August!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Billy Connelly: comic book character
Scottish funnyman Billy Connolly is set to become a comic-book character.
The Glasgow-born comedian will appear as an assassin called “Il Duce” in the series of comics to come out with the film Boondock Saints II, released later this year.
The world-famous comedian played the same character in the cult 1999 original Boondock Saints.
He said: “I like careering around shooting people and murdering people – I don’t think I would like to do it in my life, but it’s a great chance to pretend.
“I have got a much bigger part in this film and it’s great to be able to do the sequel after 10 years.
“This is streets ahead of most of the things I’ve done.”
The artwork for the comic, by the USA-based 12 Gauge Comics, features Connolly as an aggressive looking bearded figure wearing sunglasses and brandishing two large handguns.
His character, Il Duce, is the father of the two main characters, who are played in the film version by Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flannery.
They play vigilantes who take on Boston’s underworld in a spree of gunfights and violence.
Connolly’s character is ordered to kill his sons, but teams up with them to take on the mob.
Jason Love, a co-writer on the comic book said: “Anybody who loves the films is going to love what we’re going for in the comics.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
12 GAUGE To Publish BOONDOCK SAINTS
Timed to coincide with the cinematic release "Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day," writer/director Troy Duffy is working with 12 Gauge Comics on a comic tie-in project. The original cult hit movie followed brothers Corey and Murphy MacManus, who take it upon themselves to clean up the streets of Boston, ridding their hometown of crime as local vigilantes. The film sequel does not yet have a firm release date, but upon its release, the series will follow. CBR News caught up with Duffy, comic series co-writer Jason Love, 12-Gauge publisher Keven Gardner, and Eben Matthews, who had a "producing" role, to discuss the comic.
Duffy said that the comic will flesh out the fan-favorite character of Il Duce, the brothers' father played by Billy Connolly, in even greater depth than what will be seen in the cinematic sequel. “There was so much interest about that guy and how he became a killer,” Duffy told CBR. “The character was one of those characters that comes in in the last 10 minutes and blows the plot wide open, but he was not in there throughout the film, so I wouldn't have expected so much interest in him. I had to address it, because fans of 'Boondock' were just too interested in this guy and how he became a killer, and why he was where he was, and everything about him.”
Readers will see, among other things, the circumstances behind Il Duce's first kill. “Some very personal things happen to him that's sort of his impetus to begin killing,” Duffy said. “But then there's another person involved, and it becomes much more than just 'one kill for revenge.'”
Duffy told CBR that he had been looking to cross over into the world of comics for some time, and that the second “Boondock Saints” film provided an excellent opportunity to “finally pull the trigger on it.”
Eben Matthews, the creative director and executive producer of graphic design firm Innfusion, helped set Duffy up at 12 Gauge. Matthews said that Duffy's "Boondock Saints" comics are "being done with Troy's intimate involvement, so you are really getting the same experience, tone, and style that has worked so well in the movies." Co-writer Jason Love added that, "It's going to be in canon, and feel, look, and be a natural extension of the films. Anybody who loves the films is going to love what we're going for in the comics."
Eben Matthews continued, saying, "I kind of look at this initial story, it's almost like an extended deleted scene from the film. We take some of the plot elements that are in the film and spin them off into this much larger story that answers some of the questions in kind of a cool and interesting way."
An interior artist has not yet been determined, but 12 Gauge veteran Chris Brunner will be providing the covers. “He's working on a story right now called 'Loose Ends,' and the story he did for 'The Ride' a couple years ago was our best reviewed in terms of art,” 12 Gauge's Keven Gardner said of Brunner. “He was the art director at Upper Deck for a few years, but he wanted to get back into comics. This was a really good fit for him.”
Eben Matthews added, “He's a big fan of the movie, as well, so it's great to have him there geeking out with us. We're doing something really cool. And that first cover is a great image. I think it will get people really excited at Comic Con.”
As to whether Duffy will write other comics projects beyond the “Boondock Saints” tie-in, he said that, if all goes well with this first book, that would certainly be a possibility. "It's one of those things we've always thought about, and 'Boondock's' always been right for it," he said. "We never really had the right people and talked to the right people until we met up with Eben and 12 Gauge. If it goes as well as we hope, and it's as much of a creative outlet for myself and the other artists involved, then we can go just about anywhere with it."
The cover to "Boondock Saints II: All Saint's Day" #1.Given the storied history of the first "Boondock Saints" film--after a calamitous production process, it screened in only a handful of theatres for only a week, but went on to make $100 million in DVD sales--we asked Duffy whether there any strange behind the scenes stories leading up to the second film. The director laughed knowingly, but there was only so much he could say on the record. "Any time you make a movie, you're going to have some interesting, horrifying, and amusing stuff happening. Movies are nothing but triumphs and tragedies all rolled into one, over the course of three to six months," he told CBR. He pointed to the Youtube videos of cast and crew as a good glimpse of what was happening on set. "I didn't even see them until we'd wrapped, actually, I was extraordinarily busy. I just laughed my ass off watching those. There's one where Sean [Patrick Flannery] and Norm [Reedus] are acting like these homeless guys, it's a riot."
Duffy will be attending Comic-Con International this week to promote the "Boondock Saints" film sequel, and signing Saturday at 3:30 at Sony's booth. Fans should also check the 12 Gauge booth for signing times.
"It's kind of interesting for me," Duffy said. "I've never done comics before. I don't quite know what to expect. It's kind of nice, actually, to just jump right into something where you don't know where the bottom is. I'm going in with both feet and hoping we can get this thing done right."
CBR interview with Tischman & Gardner
Though alternative music stars like Gerard Way, Tori Amos and others have explored the medium of comics in recent years, representatives from the world of country music have been notably absent from the art form. Looking to change this is David Tischman, the writer (with Howard Chaykin) behind Vertigo’s “American Century,” “Greatest Hits,” and the upcoming WildStorm series “Red Herring.” His four-issue miniseries “Luke McBain” debuts in November from 12-Gauge Comics, with its title character drawn in the likeness of country star Trace Adkins. Kody Chamberlain is illustrating the series, with covers by Brian Stelfreeze. CBR News caught up with Tischman and 12-Gauge Publisher Keven Gardner to discuss the title.
“Luke McBain” opens with its titular star returning home after serving 14 years in prison. The southern U.S. town McBain finds himself in now is one controlled by greed and corruption, and he's the only one with the courage to set things right. “Keven has built 12-Gauge on this great notion of the modern South and that you can have these great character and action stories in the south,” Tischman told CBR.
“First and foremost, we wanted to create a story that would work for 12-Gauge, regardless of Trace Adkins's involvement. And we definitely did that,” Gardner agreed. “We came up with this story with kind of a 'Walking Tall,' 'Billy Jack' feel to it, a guy who's been in jail for a while, taking the rap for a crime he didn't do. He's really wanting to just relax, get back to the life he left behind. But no good deed goes unpunished. He finds out that his brother owns the town, so he's got to stand up for the people. Whether you know who Trace Adkins is or not, it's a really good story.” (read the rest of the article by doing the title link above!)
“Luke McBain” opens with its titular star returning home after serving 14 years in prison. The southern U.S. town McBain finds himself in now is one controlled by greed and corruption, and he's the only one with the courage to set things right. “Keven has built 12-Gauge on this great notion of the modern South and that you can have these great character and action stories in the south,” Tischman told CBR.
“First and foremost, we wanted to create a story that would work for 12-Gauge, regardless of Trace Adkins's involvement. And we definitely did that,” Gardner agreed. “We came up with this story with kind of a 'Walking Tall,' 'Billy Jack' feel to it, a guy who's been in jail for a while, taking the rap for a crime he didn't do. He's really wanting to just relax, get back to the life he left behind. But no good deed goes unpunished. He finds out that his brother owns the town, so he's got to stand up for the people. Whether you know who Trace Adkins is or not, it's a really good story.” (read the rest of the article by doing the title link above!)
Monday, July 20, 2009
TRACE ADKINS is "LUKE MCBAIN"
COUNTRY STAR TRACE ADKINS BECOMES COMIC BOOK ACTION HERO
"Luke McBain" Is First Original Concept Comic Book Series By A Country Artist
Nashville, Tenn. - July 20, 2009 -- Country music sensationTRACE ADKINS can now add action hero to his ongoing list of career accomplishments. In November, 12 Gauge Comics unleashes "LUKE MCBAIN," a four-issue comic book series featuring a tough Southern hero that is based on the platinum-selling country star.
Other music artists have been involved with the comic book scene including Gerald Way of My Chemical Romance and Tori Amos, but Adkins is the first country artist to be featured as a fictional character in a comic book project.
Writer David Tischman (Red Herring) created the idea with 12 Gauge publisher Keven Gardner, and they spent a lot of time with Adkins to make sure "MCBAIN" feels authentic.
The title character of Luke McBain is drawn to Adkins' likeness and reflects some of the 6'6" singer's philosophy. The story takes place when McBain returns home to rural Louisiana after serving 14 years in prison, having taken the fall for a crime he didn't commit. He finds himself in a town now controlled by greed and corruption, and he's the only one with the courage to set things right. Although the book contains some violence, it is generally suitable for all ages.
"The McBain character became kind of a reflection of Trace Adkins' entertainment persona," notes Tischman. "It breathes a real life personality into the fictional character which is something we wanted. Trace helped a lot with that, and it's something that I think we've worked hard to write into the character."
The comic book series features artwork by Kody Chamberlain (30 Days of Night: Bloodsucker Tales), and covers by acclaimed Batman artist Brian Stelfreeze.
The first issue hits stores across North America in November to coincide with Adkins' tour. It will be available for $3.99 per issue in more than 4,000 comic book stores and other fine retail outlets.
12 Gauge Comics was founded by Keven Gardner in 2004 and currently publishes some of the most successful and critically acclaimed independent comic books in the marketplace today, including "The Ride," "Body Bags" and Rosario Dawson's "O.C.T."
For more information and latest news on Trace Adkins, visit www.traceadkins.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
12 Gauge Comics blasts into Comic-Con 2009! (Booth #2045)
12 GAUGE COMICS is locked, loaded, and ready to take on Comic-Con! We’ll be previewing upcoming comics (both on the page and “in-motion”), announcing new titles, giving away lots of cool freebies, reviewing portfolios and more! Make sure to check us out in our new location, Booth #2045.
12 Gauge Creators signing throughout the show include:
Troy Duffy (writer/director THE BOONDOCK SAINTS & THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY)
David Tischman (LUKE MCBAIN)
Kody Chamberlain (LUKE MCBAIN)
Doug Wagner (THE RIDE)
Steven Grant (THE SAFEST PLACE)
Victor Riches (THE SAFEST PLACE)
David Atchison (THE O.C.T.)
We’ll also be joined by our TWISTORY friends (DUST, 13 CHAMBERS) Davide Fabbri, Mink, Denis Medri, and Danielle Vasinova!
Artists, be sure to stop by and have your portfolio reviewed by Kody Chamberlain (times posted daily).
Confirmed signing times:
THURSDAY:
12:00 - 1:30 Mink, Denis Medri
2:00 – 3:00 Doug Wagner
4:00 – 5:00 Kody Chamberlain
FRIDAY:
12:00 - 1:30 Mink, Davide Fabbri, David Atchision
2:00 – 3:00 Doug Wagner
3:00 – 4:30 David Tischman, Kody Chamberlain
4:30 – 5:30 FEATURED SIGNING with Boondock Saints' Writer/Director, Troy Duffy
Saturday:
11:00 – 12:00 David Tischman, Kody Chamberlain
3:00 – 4:00 Doug Wagner
4:00 – 5:00 David Atchison
For more information, visit www.12gaugecomics.com
or email info@12gaugecomics.com
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