Not Another Genre

Any person, any killer, any place.
Robert Kirkman’s first foray into Hardcore is an exciting and deadly thrill-ride that breaks the barriers of science and espionage. Tapping into the possibilities of brain manipulation and controlling technologies, Kirkman pumps out a high-octane and violent first issue, where assassins can be anywhere or anyone, even the unlikeliest of killers.

Read the full review at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/hardcore-1

Any person, any killer, any place.

Robert Kirkman’s first foray into Hardcore is an exciting and deadly thrill-ride that breaks the barriers of science and espionage. Tapping into the possibilities of brain manipulation and controlling technologies, Kirkman pumps out a high-octane and violent first issue, where assassins can be anywhere or anyone, even the unlikeliest of killers.

Read the full review at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/hardcore-1

“It doesn’t take a village to raise children, it takes a whole galaxy…”
The circumstances of Marko and his family’s exodus from enemy hands have never been preferable, but with his third issue of the outstanding Saga, writer Brian K. Vaughan continues to test the very core of Alana’s strength and resolve. Through physical, mental, and most damning of all, an emotional challenge, Alana grows as a mother, but the stability of her family is all but called into question.

Read the full review at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/saga-3

“It doesn’t take a village to raise children, it takes a whole galaxy…”

The circumstances of Marko and his family’s exodus from enemy hands have never been preferable, but with his third issue of the outstanding Saga, writer Brian K. Vaughan continues to test the very core of Alana’s strength and resolve. Through physical, mental, and most damning of all, an emotional challenge, Alana grows as a mother, but the stability of her family is all but called into question.

Read the full review at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/saga-3

Best known for his Image titles, Existance 2.0, Morning Glories, and the recent Thief of Thieves, writer Nick Spencer is one creator who has truly grown up through Image Comics. Hitting the comics scene in 2009, Spencer has gone from writing small three issue mini-series’ to collaborating with some of the biggest and most well known creators in the entire industry. Though his work eventually caused DC and Marvel to take notice, Spencer continues to return to Image to churn out his most personal work. How did Image influence his style and both a fan, and then creator? Find out below!

Check out the full interview at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/image-month-nick-spencer-talks-his-evolution-at-image-comics

Best known for his Image titles, Existance 2.0, Morning Glories, and the recent Thief of Thieves, writer Nick Spencer is one creator who has truly grown up through Image Comics. Hitting the comics scene in 2009, Spencer has gone from writing small three issue mini-series’ to collaborating with some of the biggest and most well known creators in the entire industry.

Though his work eventually caused DC and Marvel to take notice, Spencer continues to return to Image to churn out his most personal work. How did Image influence his style and both a fan, and then creator? Find out below!

Check out the full interview at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/image-month-nick-spencer-talks-his-evolution-at-image-comics

Almost every character could be Mind the Gap’s villain.
Jim McCann’s Mind the Gap landed itself in this week’s “Must Have Comics” list, and after its first issue alone the label was proved to be well deserved. Ellis “Elle” Peterssen’s out-of-body mystery packs so much mistrust and excitement into its 50+ pages that McCann leaves almost no character safe from the reader’s scrutiny. Elle’s violent attack is only the first step taken in McCann’s thriller, which will surely explode in complexity over the course of the series.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/mind-the-gap-1

Almost every character could be Mind the Gap’s villain.

Jim McCann’s Mind the Gap landed itself in this week’s “Must Have Comics” list, and after its first issue alone the label was proved to be well deserved. Ellis “Elle” Peterssen’s out-of-body mystery packs so much mistrust and excitement into its 50+ pages that McCann leaves almost no character safe from the reader’s scrutiny. Elle’s violent attack is only the first step taken in McCann’s thriller, which will surely explode in complexity over the course of the series.

“Never Forget. We owe the future to the Fascists.”
Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra take the already vast scope of Manhattan Projects and blast it wide open with a massive sci-fi detonation that pushes the title into a much more intricate and complex direction. With issue #2, aptly titled Rocket Man, Hickman introduces an exploding cast of scientists that call the Manhattan Projects home, along with their less optimistic counterparts in Nazi Germany. Rocket Man takes the series in an unexpected direction, one that proves to be much more engrossing, interesting, and layered than predicted.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/image-month-manhattan-projects-2

“Never Forget. We owe the future to the Fascists.”

Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra take the already vast scope of Manhattan Projects and blast it wide open with a massive sci-fi detonation that pushes the title into a much more intricate and complex direction. With issue #2, aptly titled Rocket Man, Hickman introduces an exploding cast of scientists that call the Manhattan Projects home, along with their less optimistic counterparts in Nazi Germany. Rocket Man takes the series in an unexpected direction, one that proves to be much more engrossing, interesting, and layered than predicted.

Jonathan Hickman is no stranger to Image Comics. Beginning his relationship early as a fan, the now Triple-A writer was discovered by Image in 2006, where it became the home of some of his earliest works, includingThe Nightly News,Pax Romana,A Red Mass for Mars, andTranshuman. Hickman’s heavy-lifting as both writer and artist, along with the unrestrained no-holds-barred direction, quickly garnered critical praise in the form of an Eisner Nomination forThe Nightly News, as well as a dedicated following of fans.
As Hickman’s success and career continued to grow, Image remained the home of some of his most dynamic and imaginative projects. Along with artist Nick Pitarra, Hickman released Red Wing, as well as the recent mad science meets alternate history world of Manhattan Projects. If that was not enough, Hickman continues to pump out new works, like the conspiracy epic Secret, and the upcoming Feel Better Now.

Read the full interview at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/image-month-entering-the-mind-of-jonathan-hickman

Jonathan Hickman is no stranger to Image Comics. Beginning his relationship early as a fan, the now Triple-A writer was discovered by Image in 2006, where it became the home of some of his earliest works, includingThe Nightly News,Pax Romana,A Red Mass for Mars, andTranshuman. Hickman’s heavy-lifting as both writer and artist, along with the unrestrained no-holds-barred direction, quickly garnered critical praise in the form of an Eisner Nomination forThe Nightly News, as well as a dedicated following of fans.

As Hickman’s success and career continued to grow, Image remained the home of some of his most dynamic and imaginative projects. Along with artist Nick Pitarra, Hickman released Red Wing, as well as the recent mad science meets alternate history world of Manhattan Projects. If that was not enough, Hickman continues to pump out new works, like the conspiracy epic Secret, and the upcoming Feel Better Now.

Read the full interview at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/image-month-entering-the-mind-of-jonathan-hickman

John Layman and Rob Guillorry’sChewbegan in 2009 to almost instant success, including four printings and an additional reprinting in Image’sImage Firstline. Starring the Cibopathic Tony Chu, an FDA Agent “blessed” with the ability to see the past in the food he eats,Chew quickly garnered both fan and critical acclaim across the entire comics industry. In its first year of publication alone,Chewwent on to receive not only an Eisner for Best New Series (2010), but also two Harvey Awards for Best New Series and Best New Talent (2010).
John Layman, the creator and writer of Chew, took a step away from his busy writing and convention schedule to take a seat with Broken Frontier to talk about the history of Image Comics, his work in the industry, and of course Chew. Grab your fork and knives and prepare yourself for the eccentric and comedic world of Chew.

Read the full interview at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/image-month-john-layman-takes-a-bite-out-of-image

John Layman and Rob Guillorry’sChewbegan in 2009 to almost instant success, including four printings and an additional reprinting in Image’sImage Firstline. Starring the Cibopathic Tony Chu, an FDA Agent “blessed” with the ability to see the past in the food he eats,Chew quickly garnered both fan and critical acclaim across the entire comics industry. In its first year of publication alone,Chewwent on to receive not only an Eisner for Best New Series (2010), but also two Harvey Awards for Best New Series and Best New Talent (2010).

John Layman, the creator and writer of Chew, took a step away from his busy writing and convention schedule to take a seat with Broken Frontier to talk about the history of Image Comics, his work in the industry, and of course Chew. Grab your fork and knives and prepare yourself for the eccentric and comedic world of Chew.

Read the full interview at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/image-month-john-layman-takes-a-bite-out-of-image

Bryan Hitch’s return to the indie comics world.

Image continues to pump out brand new release after brand new release with America’s Got Powers #1. In a fun yet poignant take on America’s obsession with reality TV, super-powered teens fight for their lives in order to join America’s favorite team of heroes.

Hickman continues to dominate Image Comics.
Jonathan Hickman aims to take over Image Comics as the acclaimed writer of Pax Romana, The Nighty News, and Red Mass for Mars delivers yet another fantastic release for the indie publisher. Along with last month’s Manhattan Projects, this week’s Secret #1 unleashes Hickman’s complex and wild imagination upon the world. Secret #1 is a collection of what appears to be several completely unrelated events, but with hints of an epic conspiracy and a secret that promises to take down whole governments, Secret #1 is the beginning of a mystery that I cannot wait to unravel.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/image-month-secret-1

Hickman continues to dominate Image Comics.

Jonathan Hickman aims to take over Image Comics as the acclaimed writer of Pax Romana, The Nighty News, and Red Mass for Mars delivers yet another fantastic release for the indie publisher. Along with last month’s Manhattan Projects, this week’s Secret #1 unleashes Hickman’s complex and wild imagination upon the world. Secret #1 is a collection of what appears to be several completely unrelated events, but with hints of an epic conspiracy and a secret that promises to take down whole governments, Secret #1 is the beginning of a mystery that I cannot wait to unravel.

Win everything Image publishes in May
Our Image Month contest stands revealed, and it’s a whopper! Get creative and your chance to win a copy of every single issue and collected edition Image Comics will release in May. That includes the debut issues of Mind The Gap, Dancer, Epic Kill and Grim Leaper, the relaunched Youngblood, the newest issues of Fatale, Secret,Manhattan Projects, Saga, The Walking Dead, as well as collected editions for Elephantmen, Pigs, Haunt, and more!The PrizeYou heard us right the first time: one person will receive a copy of every Image Comics publication released during May 2012. That’s right, everything that ships is yours!

Learn how to participate at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/contest  !!

Win everything Image publishes in May

Our Image Month contest stands revealed, and it’s a whopper! Get creative and your chance to win a copy of every single issue and collected edition Image Comics will release in May. That includes the debut issues of Mind The Gap, Dancer, Epic Kill and Grim Leaper, the relaunched Youngblood, the newest issues of Fatale, Secret,Manhattan Projects, Saga, The Walking Dead, as well as collected editions for Elephantmen, Pigs, Haunt, and more!

The Prize

You heard us right the first time: one person will receive a copy of every Image Comics publication released during May 2012. That’s right, everything that ships is yours!

Learn how to participate at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/contest !!

How would you have behaved as a teenage superhero?
Landry Walker’s Danger Club is a violent and surprisingly mature take on the traditional teen-hero concept. Combining the intensity of alternative superhero books with the depth of character development seen in the indie press, Danger Club’sfirst issue is explosive, exciting, and lethal.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/image-month-danger-club-1

How would you have behaved as a teenage superhero?

Landry Walker’s Danger Club is a violent and surprisingly mature take on the traditional teen-hero concept. Combining the intensity of alternative superhero books with the depth of character development seen in the indie press, Danger Club’sfirst issue is explosive, exciting, and lethal.

Supreme’s return represents a generation gap between readers.
Alan Moore’s take on Rob Liefeld’s Supreme started and ended far before my first jump into the comics world, so perhaps it’s the time gap or the lack of an interesting story that makesSupreme #63 far from enjoyable. The return of Supreme (yet another of Liefeld’s creations to come back from the dead) is bland and falls flat before the tale ever takes off. Erik Larsen’s adaptation of Alan Moore’s original story notes is a worthy effort, but the book’s attempts to relive bizarre Silver Age tropes while injecting “clever” humor leave so much to be desired.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/image-month-supreme-63

Supreme’s return represents a generation gap between readers.

Alan Moore’s take on Rob Liefeld’s Supreme started and ended far before my first jump into the comics world, so perhaps it’s the time gap or the lack of an interesting story that makesSupreme #63 far from enjoyable. The return of Supreme (yet another of Liefeld’s creations to come back from the dead) is bland and falls flat before the tale ever takes off. Erik Larsen’s adaptation of Alan Moore’s original story notes is a worthy effort, but the book’s attempts to relive bizarre Silver Age tropes while injecting “clever” humor leave so much to be desired.

20 years ago, six star creators rocked the comics world by leaving behind their comfy positions at Marvel Comics to form a company of their own. The story of the journey Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino undertook has been well documented, and Image Comics has rightfully become the major publisher most synonymous with ‘creator-owned comics’.

Broken Frontier celebrates this momentous occasion in comics history throughout April 2012 with a huge Image Month event: four weeks filled with coverage on Image’s past, present and future. Here’s what you can expect: interviews with founders, creators and retailers, guest features, reviews of some of the classic early #1s, a few neat contests, a walk through the company’s rich history, exclusive previews and more!

Contribute your own guest feature

If you’re a creator , retailer, industry member or fan and you want to get involved in our Image Month by contributing your own guest feature, get in touch with BF’s Editor in Chief Frederik Hautain at frederik@brokenfrontier.com for more details.

Image Month: Content Index

For an overview of all Image Month content, go here.

The Hoax Hunters blast off to Mother Russia.
Any fans of the paranormal who found themselves disenchanted with The X-Files are destined to find the tongue-in-cheek tone ofHoax Hunters a welcome treat. Writers Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley created a fun and humorous new title that chronicles the reality TV show Hoax Hunters, a mere public front for a rag-tag paranormal group that seeks out the most bizarre and strange rumors just waiting to be covered up.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/hoax-hunters-0

The Hoax Hunters blast off to Mother Russia.

Any fans of the paranormal who found themselves disenchanted with The X-Files are destined to find the tongue-in-cheek tone ofHoax Hunters a welcome treat. Writers Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley created a fun and humorous new title that chronicles the reality TV show Hoax Hunters, a mere public front for a rag-tag paranormal group that seeks out the most bizarre and strange rumors just waiting to be covered up.

Peter attempts to lead his companions out of France.
It’s no secret that Peter Panzerfaust #1 was an incredible introduction to Kurtis J. Wiebe’s new series, and more importantly one of the best single issues of February. With his second installment, Wiebe changes up the tone of Panzerfaust, focusing less on the “magical” traits of the book’s protagonist, in favor of spotlighting the group of misfits’ strategic escape from Calais.

Read more at http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/p/detail/peter-panzerfaust-2

Peter attempts to lead his companions out of France.

It’s no secret that Peter Panzerfaust #1 was an incredible introduction to Kurtis J. Wiebe’s new series, and more importantly one of the best single issues of February. With his second installment, Wiebe changes up the tone of Panzerfaust, focusing less on the “magical” traits of the book’s protagonist, in favor of spotlighting the group of misfits’ strategic escape from Calais.