Comics Briefly
This story originally appeared in PW Comics Week on December 12, 2006 Sign up now!
-- Publishers Weekly, 12/12/2006
Barefoot Gen Donated to Libraries
Three thousand libraries in the United States will each receive copies of the graphic novel Barefoot Gen. Comic book publisher Last Gasp and Japanese volunteer group Project Gen have come together to provide the first two volumes of the four volume series of graphic novels to be donated. Barefoot Gen tells the tragic story of the bombing of Hiroshima. The author of the series, Keiji Nakazawa, is a survivor of the harrowing event and a former resident of Hiroshima. He was seven years old when the attack occurred. Librarians who are interested in receiving copies of Barefoot Gen to place in their collection should contact Last Gasp or Project Gen for additional information. Requests will be fulfilled as long as supplies last.
Shadow To Fall On Movie Screens
Columbia Pictures has acquired the screen rights to "The Shadow," a well-known pulp hero that appeared in radio shows, comic strips and comic books throughout the 1930's and 1940's. The movie featuring the Shadow will be produced by Sam Raimi and Josh Donen under the Buckaroo Entertainment banner. Michael Uslan will also have a hand in the movie's production. No actors are currently attached to the project. The first appearance of the Shadow occurred in 1931 during a CBS radio show when an announcer decided to use the title as his moniker. As listeners began to request tales featuring the Shadow, writer Walter B. Gibson was approached to give life to the character. A release date for the movie has yet to be announced.
Comics Artists Speak About Contemporary Graphic Novels
On December 14 The Tribeca Performing Arts Center will present Anthony Lappé and Dan Goldman (Shooting War); Marisa Acocella Marchetto (Cancer Vixen) and James Romberger (Seven Miles a Second) speaking on their most recent work in comics and graphic novels and answering questions from the audience. The evening will be moderated by Calvin Reid, senior news editor of Publishers Weekly and co-editor of PW Comics Week. The program begins at 7 pm at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, located at 199 Chambers Street in lower Manhattan. 212 220-1459
Martin Nodell Passes Away
Martin Nodell, the creator of Green Lantern, passed away on December 9 at the age of 91. Nodell, a Philadelphia native and student of both the Art Institute of Chicago and Pratt Institute of New York, began doing freelance work for several companies in 1938 and eventually landed at All-American Comics. However, Nodell soon grew tired of freelance work and branched out into creating original characters in the hopes of finding a full time assignment. The initial character he created for All-American Comics was Green Lantern. Green Lantern debuted in All-American Comics #16 in 1940. Nodell later went on to draw other legendary comic book characters such as the Human Torch and Sub-Mariner and also worked in the field of advertising.
Broccoli Books Acquires Titles
Manga publisher Broccoli Books has announced that it has acquired three new titles. The first title, Coyote Ragtime Show, is the manga adaptation of a popular animated series. The series stars the young orphan daughter of a legendary pirate who must find her father's hidden treasure in one week or face dire consequences. Hakoiri Devil Princess, the second acquired title, is a romantic comedy featuring a princess from the demon world and the individual who summoned her. Murder Princess, the final title acquired, tells the story of Alita, a princess who is forced to protect her kingdom from a coup d'etat while magically trapped within the body of a bounty hunter. The three titles are scheduled for release in the spring and summer of 2007.
Vertical To Publish Apollo's Song
Vertical Inc. has announced that it will publish its third Osamu Tezuka acquisition. Apollo's Song by Osamu Tezuka will be published as a single volume graphic novel. The graphic novel will be roughly 500 pages in length and will maintain the same format set by Buddha and Ode to Kirihito, Osamu Tezuka's previous works also published by Vertical. Apollo's Song features Shogo, a troubled individual who has lost all faith in the power of love. Shogo is confronted by the goddess of love, who curses him to an eternity of bitter heartbreak. Apollo's Song is scheduled for an American release in June of 2007.
CBLDF Auction Begins
A year-end eBay auction is being held in order to raise funds for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. There are many items up for auction such as rare signed collectibles and original artwork from creators Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman, Clive Barker, Jim Lee and many more. Please visit the eBay auction site to receive additional information and to view and bid on the items available for auction.
