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New York Comic-Con to host Digital Comics Conference

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 31, 2010
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Category: Comic Notes, Digital Comics, Links

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ICv2.com has announced that at the New York Comic Convention there is to be a half day event about the growing digital comics medium.

An ICv2 Release.  ICv2 has announced the ICv2 Comics & Digital Conference at New York Comic Con, a half-day event where industry executives and thought leaders will discuss the impact of the rapidly growing digital channel on the comics and graphic novel medium.

“This year, it seemed critical to offer an event to look at the fastest-growing part of the comics and graphic novel business—digital—to examine where it is, where it’s going, and what it’s going to do to print,” ICv2 President Milton Griepp said.  “Everyone in the industry, from creators to publishers to retailers and librarians, has an interest in this topic.”

The Conference, to be held at the Javits Center on Thursday, October 7th, on the eve of New York Comic Con, will kick off with a preview of the 2010 ICv2 White Paper, looking at the comics and graphic novel business so far this year, including digital sales.

“Digital Comics and Graphic Novels” will bring together a panel of digital comic and graphic novel companies to discuss the present and future of digital comics and graphic novels.

In “Print vs. Digital—War, Co-existence, or Collaboration,” publishers, retailers, and others talk about how the digital revolution will impact print sales.  A fourth session will be announced soon.

Speakers will include the CEOs of all four major digital comic companies (Comixology, Graphic.ly, iVerse, and Panelfly), comic and graphic novel publishers, retailers, and more.

Affordable ticket prices give the Conference a high return on investment.

Transcontinental Printing returns as the event sponsor of the ICv2 Conference, joined by Publisher’s Weekly and Heidi MacDonald’sThe Beat.

Transcontinental, in addition to sponsoring the event, will host its signature Transcontinental Printing Cocktail Party at 5 p.m., a time when attendees, speakers, and panelists can meet, mingle, network, and talk about the events of the day.

i’ve requested some more information, so we’ll see what we get!

Press Release: Digital Comics now iPad-Native!

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 31, 2010
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Category: Links

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Press Release

San Diego, California, 08/26/10 -

Madcap Studios, creators of Digital Comics for the iOS, made a series of announcements today:

First, their automated iPhone comic book app “Digital Comics” received a major update featuring a stunning new iPad-native user interface, as well as general user interface improvements, and bug fixes. For a full list of changes visit:
http://www.digitalcomicsapp.com/#!getit

Second, all iPhone 4s and iPads now feature higher resolution comics at a higher color depth, resulting in a much improved experience on devices that are able to take advantage of it.

Finally, Madcap Studios announced that Aspen Comics are on board and will be working to bring their comics, including titles such as Fathom, Soulfire, and Shrugged, to Digital Comics shortly.

App Reviews

“With Digital Comics, Madcap Studios has developed a fantastic comic book reading experience for the iPad and iPhone.” - AppShopper.com

“Madcap Studios’ Digital Comics app enriches your comic-reading experience with features like automated panel-by-panel reading and action animations.” - Macworld.com

5/5 – “Digital Comics is a great app that does exactly what it says it does!” - Appboy.com

5/5 – “One of the coolest apps I’ve ever used!” - Random App Store Review

About Madcap and Digital Comics

Madcap Studios, creator of Digital Comics for the iOS, is a small software company specializing in Mobile Development, Web Applications, and cutting-edge User Interface Experiences.

Digital Comics is a free app offering users an improved viewing experience over similar apps with features such as automated panel-by-panel viewing, and a highly refined user interface. It features an in-app book store with books priced competitively at $0.99, as well as several free titles.

For more on Digital Comics of Madcap Studios:

Web: www.DigitalComicsApp.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/madcapstudios
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MadcapStudios

Spotlight: Justice League: Generation Lost

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 30, 2010
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Category: Comic Reviews, Images

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Justice League: Generation Lost is a new breed in mobile and digital comics. Published on the iPhone/iPad and online, in conjunction with paper publishing. This allows digital readers to enjoy reading a current series and keep up with the status quo.
JL:GL has begun to garner rave reviews.
The characters are all working well, with Booster and Captain Atom taking on more than ever before.
At issue #8 there is still time to jump on the bandwagon and read this in paper or digital format. Published bi-weekly there is a lot going on and we have 18 more issues to go!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Spotlight: Ultimate Iron Man II

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 29, 2010
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Category: Digital Comics, Images

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On the Marvel app (and now the Comixology Comics app) is the 5 issues mini series on Ultimate Iron Man. This is a good fun series, with some excellent art.


And some more fun for the way the panels scroll as the eye would.
Above & below from issue #3


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Link: iPad Comic Reader

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 28, 2010
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Category: Links

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For all those who read CBR & CBZ comics on the iPad – there is a new reader – ComicBookPad.

For $8.99 you can not only read your ‘legally’ downloaded comics, but you can also have a little bit of multi-tasking, which is rare for the iPad!

Not having an iPad and not having anyone with one contributing to the site (hint, hint) I can only list the specs. I don’t even know if $8.99 is good value!

- Exceptional response time: no freezes, no waiting, no lags
- Page slider lets you skip to a specific page
- Bookmarking
- Grouping comic books into Stacks
- Option to remember last viewed comic
- Music playback from your iTune Library
- Fast USB file transfer
- Supports all major comic book formats (CBR, CBZ, RAR, ZIP)

For more info check out MacWorld

In Maps and Legends: Online, WOWIO and more?

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 27, 2010
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Category: Comic Previews, Digital Comics

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Former Zuda winner ‘In Maps & Legends’ was cut off in its run when the site shut down to concentrate on mobile comics. Well the winner is still out their and available to read. The following is from Robot 6 @ CBR

All the details are here, but briefly, the comic will be available as a downloadable PDF from several distributors as well as on Kindle, and a dedicated website will go live on Sept. 1.

They are currently negotiating with ComiXology, Robot Comics (distributors for Droid phones), Graphic.ly, and Wowio, which covers a lot of bases. It sounds like a complicated process, but good for them for making their comic available on every possible platform—it will be interesting to see which one works the best for them.

I can confirm that the graphic novel is now available from WOWIO on their website:

Kait considers herself just an artist until she gets recruited by a strange man named Bartamus, who shows up at her place and demands she use her skills to save his dying world.

Soon she’s caught between two worlds, and if Bartamus’ world falls, Earth is next — along with untold other worlds.

IN MAPS & LEGENDS 1 launches a digital comic that mixes together urban fantasy, science fiction, & steampunk. This debut issue features art by Niki Smith and story by Michael Jasper, and further episodes are coming soon.

Link: Droid Comic Viewer Review

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 27, 2010
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Category: Links

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Until I get a comic fan who owns an Android mobile (hint, hint) to assist me in my reviews and news about comics on the Android medium. I have to rely on other sites to give me news, reviews, previews and points of view.
Robot Comics are available on the iPhone so I do get a chance to use their technology – they have produced the likes of Robot 13 and Scott Pilgrim to read, among others. I do like their comic reader and I hope to see more from them as soon as possible.

KnowYourMobile.com have reviewed Robot Comics with a very in-depth technological and specification review and with some favourable information and opinions.

There’s a surprising amount of customisation available here. You can adjust the brightness of the application (a setting which is kept separate from your phone’s default brightness), pick different page transition animations and even alter your reading direction (essential when reading Japanese manga, as the novels are presented in right-to-left format, as opposed to the Western tradition of reading from left-to-right).

There’s also the opportunity to pick a custom set of controls, covering all of the available phone inputs from touch screen to keyboard

Check out the rest of the review here

Scott Pilgrim: Vol 4 Now Ready from Robot Comics

Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 26, 2010
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Category: Digital Comics

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Volume 4 of the Scott Pilgrim story is now available from Robot Comics

Scott Pilgrim cover

The fourth Scott Pilgrim volume! It’s summertime, but who can relax? Welcome back to Scott Pilgrim’s nightmarish little existence. His relationship with Ramona Flowers is sweeter than ever, but he’s still got girl troubles, seven evil ex-boyfriends still want to kill him, and worst of all, now she wants him to get a JOB?! Scott Pilgrim, Vol. 4: Now with more kicks, punches, rock & roll, subspace, half-ninjas, experience points, samurai swords, girly action and laughable attempts to seek gainful employment!

  • Title: Scott Pilgrim #4
  • Publisher: Fourth Estate

Available on the iPhone App Store

Download for Android

  • Price: £3.49

    • The First Witch – A Tilt Comic!

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 26, 2010
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    Category: Comic Notes, Comic Previews, Digital Comics

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    The First Witch‘ is a short digital comic story. It is the first ‘Tilt Comic’ developed that uses the ’tilt’ sensors in the iPad and iPhone to create a new comic reading experience. In order to view each frame the reader ’tilts’ the iPad up and down, giving the illusion of looking through a window into another world.

    This is an interesting twist on the mobile and motion comics feel!
    I’ve just downloaded it and will be reviewing it as soon as possible so keep you eyes peeled!

    Hat Tip – Scott McCloud

    Image Comics and Comixology on the iPhone/iPad

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 26, 2010
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    Category: Digital Comics

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    Image comics have joined DC, Marvel and Boom! in joining up with Comixology to produce their own iPhone app. The app will include the Image, Top Cow, Shadowline and Skybound imprints and will include titles like Fell, Chew, Savage Dragon and Jack Staff among others!

    Image Comics enters the digital market today with the launch of the Image Comics app for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The app, developed on the leading digital comic book platform by comiXology, allows fans unprecedented digital access to the creator-owned comics that Image proudly publishes.

    The partnership between Image and comiXology offers Image creators a direct line to digital distribution. Among the independent content now available digitally are Image’smost popular titles, including SAVAGE DRAGON, CHEW, BATTLE POPE and Rob Liefeld’s YOUNGBLOOD. The Image Comics app will also be the first to feature work from Todd McFarlane with the inclusion of HAUNT, created in collaboration with Robert Kirkman (THEWALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE).

    “With the launch of the Image Comics app, we have an opportunity to provide our creators with the digital support that, for many of them, was unattainable before,” says Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. “comiXology has established a very impressive track record of bringing independent content into the digital world. Today represents a milestone in our growth as a company and enables us to increase the availability of the fantastic titles we publish.”

    “Our partnership with Image is indicative of our shared vision to help independent creators thrive in the traditional print community as well as the explosive digital marketplace,” adds David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “The demand for creator-owned content is at an all time high, and we are thrilled to be able to provide fans with what they want. We’re lucky now to work directly with Image and to offer the creators a clear path to the digital market.”

    The Image Comics app is now available for free download from the iTunes App Store. In addition to individual issues for ongoing series, which are priced for $1.99, Image will also offer fans issues of several popular Image titles, sneak peeks of upcoming titles, and other exclusive content for free.

    Hat Tip: Robot 6 @ CBR

    Spotlight: Kill Shakespeare #3

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 26, 2010
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    Category: Comic Reviews, Digital Comics

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    This twisting, turning series is available on the IDW app – shortly after print release!


    My knowledge of Shakespeare is limited to 12th Night at GCSE and adaptations of Romeo & Juliet – but even my uneducated mind can enjoy this tale of deceit and treachery!


    The story is fun and worth reading – at issue #3 you can still jump on the bandwagon and enjoy. The art is slick and detailed with some downright wonderful pages…

    - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

    PSP Comics: Silent Hill, Sonic & Raising Amy

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 25, 2010
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    Category: Comic Previews, Digital Comics

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    Yes Wednesday is new digital comics day! And here is the latest releases from PSP Comics…

    Well, let’s begin anyway with a comic based on the acclaimed and hugely popular video-game Starcraft! And it’s even free! Yes. This sizzling sci-fi action comic, set just before the events of Starcraft II, follows the War Pigs, a disbanded team of shady outlaws reunited for one last mission … Follow this intriguing bunch of characters as they cross paths with zergs, special Cerebus units, protoss, and other familiar Starcraft characters … and events. You can read more about the comic and all the thinking that went behind it in this interview with writer Simon Furman. In the meantime, make sure you get your free copy while it lasts!
    But that’s not all – if you’re more of a horror and infected towns kind of person, or if you simply happen to like Silent Hill … we have the perfect comic for you. All five issues of Silent Hill: Dying Inside are coming to PSN today. And it’s not just the setting that’s good – the comic itself was so popular that the first two issues sold out in record time, and it is completely justified: written by NY Times bestselling author Scott Ciencin, with art by Ben Templesmith (too many good comics to list – but Wormwood fans here know what I mean) and Aadi Salman, and a suitably chilling and gripping story to boot … it’s just as good as it sounds.
    And because big cities look just as nice infected, join a group of outcasts fighting Coney Island’s zombie infestation in We Will Bury You #3. Awesome comic featuring zombies on fire and a very good audio piece by writers Brea and Zane Grant.
    Also out in the store this week is a slice of vintage comic goodness with Journey Into Mystery (1952) #83 to #86. Issue #83 sees Stan Lee introduce the mighty Thor for the very first time; he has famously said that comic books were the mythology of modern days, and therefore set out to create this god-like new hero … Check out his vision here!
    And finally you can also pick up issue #1 of new series Raising Amy, the adventures of a little girl with a very big attitude (you’ll see). Officially “born to be wild”, Amy is a bit of a terror but it’s safe for you readers – just sit back and laugh with this very funny comic strip.

    Here is the complete list:
    2000AD Prog #1694 2000AD
    The Authority #7 DC Comics
    Bayou #8 DC Comics
    The Beagle Boys and the Coastguard Caper Disney Digicomics
    Breathe #3 Markosia
    Criminal: The Sinners (2008) #5 Icon
    DMZ #19 DC Comics
    Ex Machina #6 DC Comics
    Fables #21 DC Comics
    Gen13 #27 DC Comics
    Green Lantern: No Fear #3 DC Comics
    Growing Up Enchanted Markosia
    The Hammer DC Comics
    Hit Monkey (2010) #2 Marvel
    Jonah Hex #19 DC Comics
    Journey Into Mystery (1952) #83-#86 Marvel
    Justice League: Generation Lost #8 DC Comics
    Planetary #8 DC Comics
    Raising Amy #1 Markosia
    Safe Inside #3 DC Comics
    Silent Hill: Dying Inside #1-#5 DC Comics
    Sonic Universe #3 & #4 Archie Comics
    Starcraft #1 DC Comics
    Stormwatch PHD #19 DC Comics
    Street Code #2 DC Comics
    Superduck #14 & #15 Disney Digicomics
    Ultraheroes #8 Disney Digicomics
    We Will Bury You #4 IDW

    Please visit www.playstationcomics.com for prices or to see the whole catalogue – and see ya next week!

    Comixology: Red Sonja, Deadpool & Green Arrow

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 25, 2010
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    Category: Comic Notes, Comic Previews, Digital Comics

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    Following on from the earlier post, Comixology have release a number of new series, available online and on the iPhone/iPad apps.

    As well as the two Green Arrow series, Comixology have released the first 7 issues of the ongoing Deadpool series – including his influential run in ‘Secret Invasion’.
    Dynamite have released issues 0-2 of their Red Sonja series – I have never read a Red Sonja comic, although I know the character, so I may give this one a go!
    Comixology have also released many latest issues of ongoing series – including Irredeemable, Planetary, Justice League: Generation Lost and Witchblade!

    Green ARrow

    Red Sonja #0-2


     Dynamite presents… The ultimate Red Sonja. The opening issue of this new, ongoing series finds Sonja on an epic quest; a quest to rid the world of an ancient evil. And a quest that places her in battle between the Zeddas and the Kingdom of Gathia. The legend of Red Sonja begins here! This story re-introduces Red Sonja to the world of comics, and is a classic in the making!

    Green Arrow #1-3

    Fan-favorite writer Kevin Smith (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) revives the Emerald Archer for a new era in this new ongoing series featuring art by Phil Hester & Ande Parks! Green Arrow escaped death, but the world moved on in his wake. Can he adjust to a DCU he doesn’t recognize? Also available on the web!

    Jeremiah Harm #1-2

    From the original Lobo writing team of Keith Giffen and Alan Grant! But put your “bastiches” away, this ain’t no comedy – just hard hitting science fiction action with a gritty tone and a brutal anti-hero as the lead! When three of the galaxy’s most fearsome criminals escape confinement on a prison planet and wind up on Earth, the authorities have no choice but to free the most wanted man in the universe – Jeremiah Harm – to track these fugitives down and stop them. He doesn’t love you, he doesn’t want to be your friend, he isn’t your super-hero – and God help you if you find yourself in Harm’s way! Also available on the web!

    Deadpool #1-7

    Deadpool is back and crazier than ever! And this time, he’s joined… the Skrull Invasion of Earth?!

    The Death-Defying Devil #1-2

    More exciting comics featuring the greatest heroes of the ages from Alex Ross, Dynamite and Project Superpowers! Joining series mastermind Alex Ross for the debut of The Death Defying ‘Devil is writer Joe Casey and Dynamite exclusive artist Edgar Salazar! Spinning out of the events from Project Superpowers Chapter One and bridging the gap before the debut of Project Superpowers Chapter Two, the mysterious ‘Devil is put on the case to track down the terrorist organization known as ‘The Claw’. Travelling with the equally mysterious Justine, The ‘Devil is also shadowed by a new hero that very well may hold the answers to the ‘Devil’s strange existence, and new clues to the nature of the Urn which imprisoned all of our heroes! Featuring two incredible main covers, one by Ross and the other by John Cassaday, also look for chase covers by John Romita Sr. (inked by Alex Ross) and Edgar Salazar! Also available on the web!

    Starcraft #1-7

    From the bestselling Blizzard computer game comes the most explosive sci-fi action comic ever created! Join the War Pigs, a disbanded team of outlaws reunited by their former captain for one last job: the assassination of Jim Raynor! Also available on the web!

    Magician Apprentice Riftwar Saga #1-3

    Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar Saga begins here! Pug and Tomas are two young boys in Crydee with dreams of becoming soldiers. Choosing different paths, Pug becomes a Magician Apprentice, but a menace from a different world will threaten all there is.

    High Rollers #1-2

    Scarface has nothing on Cameron Quinn, a ruthless upstart out to make a name for himself in this tale of crime and destiny from critically acclaimed mystery novelist Gary Phillips (HIGH HAND, BANGERS)! Phillips shines a harsh light on the action and drama of the L.A. underworld with this inner-cityspin on The Sopranos! A potent mix of American Gangster and THE WIRE, for fans of Brubaker’s CRIMINAL! Also available on the web!

    The Hammer #1

    Calvin School grew up hard and mean on the streets of Hamtown. He worked his way up the underworld ladder, making a brutal name for himself in the rackets. They called him the Hammer. That was then. Now, all Calvin wants is to leave his bloody past behind. But old scores remain unsettled. Old blood remains very, very bad. And sooner or later, the Hammer will fall on Hamtown. Also available on the web!

    Free To Read: Green Arrow, Starcraft & Zuda

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 25, 2010
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    Category: Digital Comics

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    DC Comics, along with the Zuda imprint have released some free comics, available from the Comixology and DC apps…

    Green Arrow #1

    Fan-favorite writer Kevin Smith (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) revives the Emerald Archer for a new era in this new ongoing series featuring art by Phil Hester & Ande Parks! Green Arrow escaped death, but the world moved on in his wake. Can he adjust to a DCU he doesn’t recognize?

    Green Arrow #1

    BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on Green Arrow in this oversized first issue from J.T. Krul and Diogenes Neves! What miraculous event occurred in Star City and what mysteries wait inside for its lone protector? Take aim on a whole new era for the Emerald Archer in this thrilling first issue!

    Starcraft #1

    From the bestselling Blizzard computer game comes the most explosive sci-fi action comic ever created! Join the War Pigs, a disbanded team of outlaws reunited by their former captain for one last job: the assassination of Jim Raynor!

    The Hammer #1

    Calvin School grew up hard and mean on the streets of Hamtown. He worked his way up the underworld ladder, making a brutal name for himself in the rackets. They called him the Hammer. That was then. Now, all Calvin wants is to leave his bloody past behind. But old scores remain unsettled. Old blood remains very, very bad. And sooner or later, the Hammer will fall on Hamtown.

    Reviews and comments to follow….

    Zuda Releases: The Hammer #1 & More

    Posted by :Michael Nimmo On : August 25, 2010
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    Category: Digital Comics

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    Here’s the full list of Zuda Comics Releases for the PSP, iPhone and iPad (Through the DC & Comixology apps)

    You like pink bunnies? We know why. Because they are hard boiled, bad asses. Didn’t know that? Find out for free and check out what’s sale this week from Zuda via the PSP, DC Comics and Comics apps:

    _bayou_zuda_cvr_08BAYOU #8
    Jeremy Love,     Patrick Morgan
    The militaristic canine General Bog inflicts punishment upon Bayou for a rare show of defiance. Can Lee and Bayou escape the imminent danger that General Bog poses?
    Price: 99¢

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    _thehammr_zuda_cvr_01THE HAMMER #1
    Sam Little, Gabe Ostley, Robert Berry, Steve Steiner
    Calvin School grew up hard and mean on the streets of Hamtown. He worked his way up the underworld ladder, making a brutal name for himself in the rackets. They called him the Hammer. That was then. Now, all Calvin wants is to leave his bloody past behind. But old scores remain unsettled. Old blood remains very, very bad. And sooner or later, the Hammer will fall on Hamtown.

    Price: FREE

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    _safeinsd_zuda_cvr_03SAFE INSIDE #3
    Zerocalcare
    Demian’s exoneration could lead to certain death for the alleged terrorists he’d been trying to help. The group finds itself driven underground after a nasty battle with governmental robots.

    Price: 99¢

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    _strtcode_zuda_cvr_02STREET CODE #2
    Emmy Award Winner, Dean Haspiel
    Jack gets into a would-be scuffle with an out-of-line line cook in Carroll Gardens in the wake of 9/11 and encounters a hulk with a basketball.

    Price: 99¢

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