Nightmare World’s Dirk Manning to debut new horror web-comic.

After raising the hairs on the back of our necks with his web-comic-turned-graphic novel trilogy NIGHTMARE WORLD, author Dirk Manning is bringing new tales of horror to Shadowline’s revamped and re-launched website and web-comic stable at www.ShadowlineOnline.com.

TALES OF MR. RHEE by Dirk Manning will debut on May 10 in coordination with the launch of Shadowline’s new website www.ShadowlineOnline.com, a new incarnation of the site that hosted his debut comic series NIGHTMARE WORLD for over two years.

“We felt it was time to give our web-site a complete overhaul, making it easier to navigate and more user friendly,” says Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. “Web-designer, D.C. McQueen did a fabulous job and Dirk’s new series seemed the perfect fit for a renewed Shadowline web presence.”

Manning will not only be returning to horror with TALES OF MR. RHEE, but also to the same dark universe he originally unleashed on readers in his NIGHTMARE WORLD trilogy. “TALES OF MR. RHEE is a bit darker than its predecessor, and we’re taking a very noir approach to horror this time as we follow the exploits of a cryptic paranormal trouble-shooter trying to survive and thrive in a post-Armageddon/Rapture world.”

TALES OF MR. RHEE will feature art by Joss Ross, colors by Austin McKinley and lettering by Jim Reddington, all NIGHTMARE WORLD alumni.

“As we gear up for the release of the third and final NIGHTMARE WORLD print collection this coming October,” says Manning, “We knew we fans were already hungry for more intelligent and satisfying horror comics to read on the web, and we’re here to deliver.”
TALES OF MR. RHEE will update with a new page of content every Tuesday and Thursday.

NIGHTMARE WORLD Volume One: “Thirteen Tales of Terror” and NIGHTMARE WORLD Volume Two: “Leave the Light On” are both available at comic shops and book vendors nationwide. NIGHTMARE WORLD Volume Three: “Demon Days” will be released by Shadowline Comics this October.

For more information on these and other web-comics and Shadowline titles both online and in-print, visit www.ShadowlineOnline.com

Five More Image Titles Sell Out Simultaneously

Continuing the recent trend of releasing new series to rave reviews and instant sellouts, Image Comics has announced that BLUE ESTATE #1, GREEN WAKE #1, NONPLAYER #1, UNDYING LOVE #1 and the second printing of THE INFINITE VACATION #1 have all sold out at the distributor level and are going back to press.

Taken together, the five titles are an almost perfect example of the diversity of creator-owned comics showcased by Image on a weekly basis: BLUE ESTATE is a crime comic that leads readers through the tangled web of mistaken identities, backstabbing conspirators and dubious alliances; GREEN WAKE is a riveting horror tale set in a town plagued by a string of grisly murders; NONPLAYER is a sci-fi/fantasy epic that takes inspiration from mutli-player online roleplaying games; UNDYING LOVE is a horror/action series set in modern day Hong Kong that mixes Chinese folklore with vampire mythology; THE INFINITE VACATION is a high concept sci-fi love story set in a parallel reality, where an app that allows users to answer the age-old question of “what if” has changed everyone’s lives forever.

“For years, Image has specialized in producing a wide variety of titles, but we’ve just been blown away by the work these creators are bringing us,” said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “These are writers and artists with singular visions, telling unique stories that you just can’t find anywhere else, and I think that’s something audiences are responding to more and more. We’re more than happy to keep ‘em coming.”

Stephenson also urged direct market retailers to take a closer look at the orders: “We set our print runs based off the orders we receive at final order cut-off, but more and more frequently, we’re finding our overprint estimates aren’t matching demand. Selling out is nice, but honestly, it’s not helping anyone when the books aren’t on the stands. Going back to press takes time, and I’d just as soon have the books available.”

With that in mind, new printings of Image’s most recent sell-out titles are available for order now, with the following ship dates:

FEB118120 BLUE ESTATE #1 (2nd Printing) $2.99 on sale 5/4
FEB118259 GREEN WAKE #1 (2nd Printing) $3.50 on sale 5/4
FEB118267 NONPLAYER #1 (2nd Printing) $2.99 on sale 5/11
FEB118097 UNDYING LOVE #1 (2nd Printing) $2.99 on sale 5/11
FEB118268 THE INFINITE VACATION #1 (3rd Printing) $3.50 on sale 5/11

Infinite Vacation #1 Sells Out, Second Printing Scheduled

Image Comics is pleased to announce yet another sell-out first issue today. A second printing of Nick Spencer and Christian Ward’s Shadowline title, THE INFINITE VACATION #1, has been scheduled to satisfy the demand of readers who missed out on Spencer’s latest hit.

“It’s so great to get all this support from the fans right from the start!” exclaimed Nick Spencer, writer, “I also feel very lucky to have Christian Ward working with me as a co-creator on this project. THE INFINITE VACATION is simultaneously the story of an everyman but also vibrant and surreal — like a visual representation of the subconscious in a technologically-driven world. Christian’s art just hits the mark exactly, and it’s clear that the fans feel the same way!”

Spencer’s other titles with Image/Shadowline include EXISTENCE 2.0, EXISTENCE 3.0, SHUDDERTOWN, FORGETLESS, and he is also currently writing the runaway hit MORNING GLORIES. Christian Ward’s colorful and psychedelic art style filled the pages of another Image comic, OLYMPUS.

“MORNING GLORIES, 27, and now THE INFINITE VACATION. I’m overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the support both fans and retailers have shown to Shadowline and Image,” said Jim Valentino, Publisher of Image’s Shadowline studio.

THE INFINITE VACATION is a high concept science fiction love story taking place in a parallel reality, where an app that allows the user to answer the age-old question of “what if” has changed everyone’s lives forever. The first issue has not only received outstanding fan reaction, but also glowing reviews. Comic Book Resources called it “as smart and engaging a comic as you could hope for.”

THE INFINITE VACATION #1 Second Printing (DEC108124), a 32-page full-color comic book for only $3.50, will be in stores February 16, 2011.

Bomb Queen gets catty with the ladies in early 2011 releases

She’s currently fighting President Obama in the pages of BOMB QUEEN, Vol. VI, but in 2011, Bomb Queen will take girl fights to a whole new level when she takes on HACK/SLASH’s Cassie Hack and the Queen of England!

BOMB QUEEN VS. HACK/SLASH VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL, a one-shot from Bomb Queen creator Jimmie Robinson, hits shelves in February. In it, Tim Seeley’s HACK/SLASH heroine Cassie Hack must face down a horde of perverted slashers who have been released from Bomb Queen’s evil dimension into her unsuspecting world. Among those evil individuals? Bomb Queen herself!

In March, Robinson’s BOMB QUEEN ALL-GIRL SPECIAL #1 will see Bomb Queen waging war against the wider world when she travels to London to kill the Queen of England. But Bomb Queen better not underestimate Her Majesty, who has a few tricks of her own that may spell doom for Bomb Queen. There can be only one Queen!

“Barack Obama is a wuss compared to Cassie Hack and Queen Elizabeth,” says Robinson. “Bomb Queen has a real fight on her hands this time around!”

BOMB QUEEN VS. HACK SLASH VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL (DEC100437), a 32-page full-color one-shot from Shadowline and Image Comics, will be in stores February 9, 2011, for $3.50. BOMB QUEEN ALL-GIRL SPECIAL #1 (JAN110559), a 32-page full-color comic book from Shadowline and Image Comics, will be in stores March 9, 2011, for $3.50.

After spectacular sellout of first issue, 27 #2 also heads back to press for second printing

Ain’t It Cool calls Shadowline and Image Comics’ new hit 27 “intriguingly surprising,” and The Outhouse calls it “easily the most unique comic of the year.” The folks at Graphic Policy “can’t wait to read issue two,” and apparently fans can’t wait either — 27 #2 has sold out at the distribution level!

Shadowline and Image are rushing a new printing to press, which will be on store shelves and in the hands of fans on February 9, the same day as the third issue of the hit miniseries, which is written by Charles Soule (Strongman) and illustrated by Renzo Podesta with lavish covers by W. Scott Forbes.

“It’s fantastic that so many people enjoyed the first issue of 27,” says Soule, “and I’m glad fans have enjoyed the second issue as well. I can’t say it enough that this wouldn’t be possible without the support of the fans — this encore is for you!”

“27 is having a stupendous run, following in the footsteps of MORNING GLORIES and other great Image titles with multiple sellouts,” adds Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. “As the miniseries continues, you can expect more rock and roll, more intrigue, and more crazy fun!”

In 27, the “27 Club” admits only the most brilliant musicians and artists — and kills them dead in their 27th year. Will Garland is a famous rock guitarist, secretly unable to play for months due to a neurological disorder afflicting his left hand. He’s also 27. With mad scientists, long dead rock legends and cosmic entities in his way, can he make it to 28?

27 #2 (of 4) Second Printing (NOV108244), a 32-page full-color comic book in the Golden Age format, will be in stores January 5, 2011, alongside 27 #3 (NOV100455). For the latest info on 27, follow Soule’s blog at http://charlessoule.wordpress.com.

Image Comics comes in three dimensions this February with CAPTAIN WONDER 3D

This February, you’ll be able to enjoy an extra dimension with the release of CAPTAIN WONDER 3D from Image Comics — a comic book featuring the most advanced 3D ever used in the medium!

This 48-page one shot is from comics superstars Brian Haberlin (WITCHBLADE, SPAWN, ARIA) and Philip Tan (Green Lantern, X-Men, SPAWN), who share writing and art duties in this thrilling superhero tale. 3D glasses are included!

“With CAPTAIN WONDER, we developed an all-new 3D process, making this hands down the best 3D in comics,” exclaims Haberlin. “We’re sure we put the wonder back into comics with this book, and comics fans of all ages will not be disappointed.”

Tan says, “Working on Captain Wonder was so much fun, creating a world, new villains, new heroes… It was a blast to work on, and it’s a blast to read. So much new stuff out there is dark these days — it was great to help create something that was fun and light!”

Captain Wonder is the superhero of this world — he’s saved millions of people during his 24-year career. But now everything is going to Hell in a hand basket: Captain Wonder has been missing for the last two months, and the harmony he so carefully protected is beginning to crumble. What happened to Captain Wonder, and when will he return? The answer may lie with Billy Gordon, a 10-year-old boy who may be in danger himself and may be the world’s only hope!

CAPTAIN WONDER 3D, a 48-page full-color one-shot featuring the most advanced 3D technology in comics and the glasses to view it, will be in stores February 16, 2011, for $4.99.

Image Comics and Shadowline thank MORNING GLORIES fans with specially priced trade and price drop

The fans have spoken, making MORNING GLORIES a bestseller! Each issue of the series has been a sellout, and to thank fans, Shadowline and Image Comics are dropping the cover price from $3.50 to $2.99 with issue #7!

For those of you who may have missed an issue of the hit series — written by Nick Spencer (FORGETLESS, EXISTENCE, SHUDDERTOWN) and drawn by Joe Eisma (EXISTENCE) with covers by Rodin Esquejo — Image is also releasing the first trade for the special introductory price of $9.99! The trade collects the first six issues of the hottest series of the year and will be in stores February 16, 2011, one week before MORNING GLORIES #7.

“Issue 7 starts a new story arc, making it the perfect jumping-on point for new fans,” says Spencer. “The combination of the specially priced trade and the lower price for issues is a boon, both for myself and the fans. I get to keep telling an electrifying story while fans get to enjoy all the thrills at a more affordable price!”

Adds Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino, “We wanted to thank the dedicated fans of MORNING GLORIES for all their support. We wouldn’t be able to drop the price of the comic if they hadn’t embraced the series so whole-heartedly. So, thank you, and stay tuned for more twists as the Glories take on the Academy!”

Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. But behind its hallowed doors, something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be!

MORNING GLORIES VOL. 1: FOR A BETTER FUTURE TP (DEC100470), a 192-page full-color graphic novel for the special introductory price of $9.99, will be in stores February 16, 2011. MORNING GLORIES #7 (DEC100486), a 32-page full-color comic for the new low price of $2.99, will be in stores February 23, 2011.

MORNING GLORIES does it again with distribution-level sellout of fourth issue

Newsarama says the fourth issue of MORNING GLORIES feels “like a high-stakes poker game,” and readers must be all in along with Newsarama — the fourth issue of the critically acclaimed and best selling series from Shadowline and Image Comics is already sold out at the distribution level!

Image Comics is rushing a second printing of MORNING GLORIES #4, written by Nick Spencer (FORGETLESS, EXISTENCE, SHUDDERTOWN) and drawn by Joe Eisma (EXISTENCE) with covers by Rodin Esquejo (FRACTURED FABLES), to press. The new printing will be in stores December 22, 2010.

“This fourth consecutive sell-out prior to release continues the unprecedented winning streak both Image Comics and Shadowline have been experiencing in recent months, and I couldn’t be prouder!” notes Shadowline publisher Jim Valentino.

Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. But behind its hallowed doors, something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be! In the fourth issue of this best-selling series, the Glories come together secretly and hatch a plan to rescue one of their own — and to escape from the sinister clutches of the Academy!

MORNING GLORIES #4 Second Printing (SEP108187), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores December 22, 2010, the same day as MORNING GLORIES #5 (OCT100513).

AJ Lieberman takes on crime noir with TERM LIFE OGN

What would you do if you had a family to care for, but everyone from the mob to dirty cops wants you dead?

Writer AJ Lieberman (COWBOY NINJA VIKING) and artist Nick Thornborrow (The Anthology Project) ask just this question of the hero of their new graphic novel TERM LIFE, coming in January 2011 from Image Comics.

“Coming off COWBOY NINJA VIKING, I wanted to write something a little less… insane,” says Lieberman. “And I wanted it to have a lot less Vikings. I’m a huge fan of crime fiction. TERM LIFE is a puzzle — a bloody, violent puzzle! Our hero is trying to do one very simple thing: stay alive for the next 21 days. But the great thing about crime fiction is that the hero rarely gets what he wants.”

“I’d say if you’re into Brubaker or Cooke or Lapham, this is right in your wheelhouse. If, on the other hand, you buy your comics for the stunning art, you’re in luck. TERM LIFE has that in spades!” Lieberman adds.

TERM LIFE: If Nick Barrow can stay alive for 21 days, he’ll die happy. Everyone Nick knows wants him dead: mob bosses, contract killers, and dirty cops. Performing the last act of a desperate man, Nick takes out a million dollar insurance policy on himself, payable to his estranged daughter. The problem? The policy doesn’t take effect for 21 days. 21 days? Nick knows he’ll be lucky to be alive for 21 hours.

TERM LIFE (NOV100427), a 144-page full-color graphic novel written by AJ Lieberman and drawn by Nick Thornborrow, will be on sale January 12, 2011, for $16.99.

MORNING GLORIES #2 and #3 sell out at distribution level
Morning Glories is one of the hottest books in recent memory, as evidenced by continued demand that has led to four printings of issue #1!

MORNING GLORIES #2 has flown off shelves and reorders surpassed expectations, so Image Comics has already ordered a third printing of the issue. Additionally, MORNING GLORIES #3, which hits store shelves October 20, has already sold out at the distribution level! A second printing of the issue is already in the queue!

Critically acclaimed and universally praised, MORNING GLORIES is written by Nick Spencer (SHUDDERTOWN, FORGETLESS, EXISTENCE), drawn by Joe Eisma (EXISTENCE), and covered by Rodin Esquejo.

Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino exclaims, “We’re completely blown away by the demand for this book! We cannot thank the retailers and fans enough for their support!”

MORNING GLORIES: Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country. But behind its hallowed doors, something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be!

MORNING GLORIES #2 Third Printing (SEP108025), a 32-page full-color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores November 3, 2010. MORNING GLORIES #3 First Printing (AUG100483) will be in stores October 20, alongside the Fourth Printing of MORNING GLORIES #1 (AUG108116). The Second Printing of MORNING GLORIES #3 (AUG108189) will be in stores November 10. Finally, MORNING GLORIES #4 (SEP100493) will be in stores November 17.

Issue#2 third printing cover and issue #3 second printing cover shown below