AVATAR E-ZINE

Keeping you up to date with Avatar Press comics, merchandise, and creators
release 11.20.98

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This issue at a glance:
NEWS___________________________________________________
* Marvel Knights Writer, Hot New Artist Debut Cimmerian at Avatar
* Harpy Takes Flight at Avatar
* The Goon, Alizarin’s Journal Make Good on Avatar Expansion Threat
* Maus Covers Previews
EDITORIAL______________________________________________
* CREATOR’S FORUM: Mike Wolfer (Widow, Ragdoll)
* FAN REVIEWS: Paul Dale Roberts reviews recent Avatar Releases
INFORMATION___________________________________________
* January Solicitations – order now from you local comic shop or direct from avatar at
http://www.avatarpress.com/aojan99.htm

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MARVEL KNIGHTS WRITER, HOT NEW ARTIST DEBUT CIMMERIAN AT AVATAR
Veteran writer Tom Sniegoski (Marvel Knights Punisher, Shi, Vengeance of Vampirella) and hot newcomer Jacen Burrows team up to bring you one of the hottest indy debuts of 1999….CIMMERIAN!

Part Mad Max , part Batman, and with a healthy dose of Witchblade thrown in, CIMMERIAN is the story of a future world torn asunder by a rift in reality… a rift that lets monsters roam free in the world. But one woman stands against them. An angry goddess of the Monster faith. She is a savage deity whose purpose is to decide the destiny of the Monsters. Does that make her a friend of humanity… or an enemy? Join Avatar in 1999 to unravel the mystery of the CIMMERIAN!

* check out some preliminary CIMMERIAN artwork at
http://www.avatarpress.com/cimerian.htm

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HARPY TAKES FLIGHT AT AVATAR
Does your current comic fare from the mainstream publishers lack a certain… something? Feeling the craving for a modern measure of blood, babes, and mayhem with that classic twist of Creepy, Eerie, and the other legendary comic mags that Vampi only wishes she could recapture? Gifted artist, benevolent man of medicine, and mad scientist Dr. Dan Parsons has the cure for you.

Years of research have led Dr. Parsons to the inescapable conclusion that unfiltered, unpre-processed, natural independent comics are much, much better for the consumer than the standard homogenized comic by-products available in most stores. Therefore, Parsons, in conjunction with Avatar Press, is making HARPY available to the general public as a cure for the dreaded “comic apathy” syndrome that can result from reading too many comics created and produced by people who clearly don’t give a damn.
Parsons’ beautifully rendered wash painted artwork (reminiscent of Trevlin Utz’ stunning tones on Donna Mia) and lovingly researched and written scripts make HARPY one of the premiere up and coming independent characters today. Get your fix beginning in Threshold #13 in February!

*check out HARPY artwork from Threshold #13 at http://www.avatarpress.com/harpy.htm

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THE GOON, ALIZARIN’S JOURNAL MAKE GOOD ON AVATAR EXPANSION THREAT
Don’t say we didn’t warn you… Avatar shocked its critics with the announcement that we were expanding our horizons beyond the adult adventure / erotic horror / monsters & mayhem comics that we do better than anybody else with the addition of DREAMWALKER to our line.

Make no mistake, Avatar will always be THE publisher who combines quality with balls when it comes to the kind of material we’ve set the standard for over the past two years, but quite frankly, we think we can give the Strangers in Paradises and Johnny the Homicidal Maniacs of the world a run for their money too. To that end, we’re launching several projects in March featuring Dreamwalker, Creed, The Goon, and Alizarin’s Journal.

THE GOON is the top enforcer for the Labrazio Crime family, a tough enough job without the added complications of hordes of undead zombies, hoo-doo witch doctors, giant undead evil laboratory monkeys, and redneck biker werewolves … all seemingly out to kick the Goon’s ass. But with a lot of bullets, a little luck, and the timely assistance of his smartass sidekick, Frankie … the Goon will muddle through. Strange, dark, and extremely funny, the Goon reads a little like Evil Ernie meets Daffy Duck…by way of Preacher. Goon creator Eric Powell is well regarded on the independent scene for his stylish pencils and painted covers on titles such as Razor Uncut and Threshold, and with this dark humor masterpiece he raises his work to even greater heights.

Our other debut title of the month, ALIZARIN’S JOURNAL, features the fully-painted adventures of parapsychologist Alizarin McKinnely. She’s always been fascinated by the sometimes hazy barrier that separates the living from the dead, so when her brother dies mysteriously, Alizarin’s grief drives her to attempt to break the barrier … to make contact with the world of the deceased and determine the fate of her brother. The results could give her more answers than she ever thought possible … but at what price? Alizarin’s creator Matt Busch is an accomplished fantasy artist whose work has appeared everywhere from Star Wars paperback covers and that cool Boba Fett stand-up you’ve seen in Barnes & Noble to the painted cover of the recent Pandora / Shotgun Mary #1.

*Take a look at Matt’s smokin’ artwork at http://www.avatarpress.com/alizarin.htm
Joining these new series in March will be the beginning of an allnew DREAMWALKER mini-series and the first-ever CREED trade paperback.

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MAUS COVERS PREVIEWS
Bill Maus Fan ALERT: The Previews Adult catalog which should be in stores the week of Thanksgiving features a SOLACE cover by Bill Maus! What’s more, it’s the first ever WRAP AROUND cover on any Previews catalog! Of note to Maus collectors is that this piece is a slightly-altered version of the nude cover of Solace #2 (they don’t allow the naughty bits on the cover of the catalog, of course) and Bill was rather clever with his alterations… making this Previews catalog a cool and unique little item for Maus fans. And don’t forget, Solace #1 is now available for preorder from your local comic shop or direct from Avatar Press.

*Check out Bill’s incredible wraparound SOLACE artwork (Previews cover version) at http://www.avatarpress.com/prevcov.htm

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CREATOR’S FORUM by Mike Wolfer
All of my friends tell me that I’m the luckiest guy that they know. Their assessment is based solely on the fact that I’m able to work at home, writing and drawing comics. To an extent, they’re right: I am lucky. I’m able to make money simply by using my imagination, I’m virtually by own boss and my profession revolves around beautiful women, even if they are two-dimensional. I also get to make my own work schedule, which keeps me off of the streets and out of the strip clubs. Well, at least it keeps me off of the streets…!
Of course, my friends aren’t aware of the pressures associated with my line of work, such as deadlines and creative dry spells. The greatest pressure, though, is maintaining a constant level of quality in my work and making sure that readers of WIDOW are equally (or more) entertained by every new adventure that’s published. Let me tell you, pleasing the public is not an easy thing to do.

Since the first appearance of WIDOW in 1987, I’ve done a lot of experimenting with the format of my “Mature Readers” book. I’ve taken the continuing story of WIDOW in various thematic directions, from gothic horror to science-fiction, from inner-city terror to supernatural horror. Through it all, I’ve heard not one complaint from fans of Emma, the woman-spider, who have enjoyed the various styles that make each miniseries unique. Well, okay… I did hear one complaint.

For the third mini-series, titled WIDOW: METAL GYPSIES, I thought that I’d write the three-parter as an all-ages story in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience. While readers thoroughly enjoyed the story concept and characters, they were resoundingly blunt in stating their disapproval of the omission of nudity and sexual overtones present in the two previous mini-series. It was an experiment that taught me a simple and valuable lesson: Don’t mess with success. If readers of WIDOW identify the spicier aspects of the stories as an integral element of the series, then that’s what they’ll get!
During my years of self-publishing, it was a little easier for me to directly interact with WIDOW readers due to the built-in podium that my inside front cover editorials afforded me. There, I could ramble, at length, about nearly anything that was on my mind, whether you wanted to hear about it or not! Now, thanks to this Avatar E-zine, I have the opportunity to discuss a matter that greatly concerns myself, you and the future of WIDOW. Over the years, as the characters in WIDOW and my storytelling ability have grown, I’ve found myself concerned less with what is considered acceptable under the ratings standards that are imposed on comics and more concerned with pleasing the fans of the series at any cost. Slowly but surely, I’ve been creeping past the boundaries of the “Mature Readers” label and in the case of the WIDOW story printed in THRESHOLD #5, I hear that I pushed the limits a little too hard by showing the character of Rissk clearly and graphically masturbating on the splash page [editor’s note: Mike is referring to recent, ah… pressures from certain factions in the comic book industry, not to feedback from his editors at Avatar Press.]. I haven’t heard the readers complain about that scene, mind you…

In extensive discussions with Avatar Press Editor in Chief William “The Wad” Christensen, we’ve found ourselves in a quandary concerning next year’s WIDOW:REVENGE OF RA-ISHA mini-series. Should we continue to constrain WIDOW to the “Mature Readers” format, or should the series follow its natural progression into the realm of “Adults Only” (or X-rated) comics? I have to be honest: It’s a bit creatively stifling to have to assess each scene in a “Can I do this or can’t I” form of self-censorship in order to comply with the “Mature Readers” guidelines when it comes to the sexual aspects of the story.
As I write this, I still don’t know what would be the best thing to do, but as I’ve learned in the past, the ultimate decision about the success or failure of a series is determined by you, the readers. You are the ones who matter most in the whole equation, as it is you who I’m doing all of this for in the first place. So, what do you think? Should WIDOW remain in the status quo “Mature Readers” format or should I cut completely loose and go berserk in the world of adult comics? The polls are now open! After reading the rest of this E-zine, drop Avatar Press a quick e-mail and let us know what you really want from WIDOW and I’ll do my best to live up to the standards that you set for me. The ball, as it were, is in your court!

Just let us know as soon as you possibly can, so that I can set my strip club… Er, I mean, “Drawing” schedule! (Hey… A guy has to do research work, after all.)

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FAN REVIEWS by Paul Dale Roberts

Name: Pandora / Shotgun Mary #1
Publisher: Avatar
Written by: William Christensen and Mark Seifert
Drawn by: Rick Lyon
Price: $3.00
Overviewed by: Paul Dale Roberts, MOE Comments: The scene takes place in New York and Shotgun Mary is on the job, hunting down
demons. Pandora has definitely established herself in the Multiverse as she encounters Shotgun Mary in a well written crossover that will have you on the edge of your seat. The artwork is black and white and drawn with finesse. Rick Lyon displays superb workmanship – Pandora and Shotgun Mary are anatomically correct. I say this because you can pick up a dozen comic books out on the market and most women are misproportioned. Pandora and Shotgun Mary are drawn in such a way that they are appealing and attractive to the eye. Rick gets it right.

Pandora and Shotgun Mary have their hands full with a overbearing demon named Beset, who has goals of sending Pandora to Hell and setting his demonic army upon Earth for invasion purposes. Pandora and Shotgun Mary display excellent team work and their mission interactions are right on Q. The story is high paced and leaves you breathless! Check out the center pages, that displays Pandora and Shotgun Mary going up against a variety of demons. When I saw this, I had to stop for awhile, just to admire the detailed artwork! One word describes this comic book and that word is “wow!”

Name: Cuda #1 of 4 – An Age of Metal and Magick
Publisher: Avatar
Artwork: Tim Vigil, Adam McDaniel, Joe Vigil, Tim Tyler
Plot/Script: Tim Vigil, Scott Franz, Darrell C.L. Donald
Price: $3.50
Reviewed by: Paul Dale Roberts, MOE
Comments: Enter a reality of savage beasts, witchcraft and enchanted lands. Tour the City of Kalingar. When you do, you will never forget this experience! Remember how Conan the Barbarian by Marvel was drawn in the early days and how when the first Conan the Barbarian hit the silver screen, people were scrambling in line to see this blockbuster with Arnold Swarzenegger? This is exactly how I felt with Cuda. This comic book has the makings of a blockbuster movie. Cuda is the barbarian of barbarians and the characters in this story are most unique and original as he encounters a strange woman that is known as the Fire-Moon Watcher or the Crimson Reader or the Seer of the Red Seas. She is alluring and sexy, but Cuda knows how to handle her. The artwork is masterly crafted with fascinating details. There is plenty to look at on each panel. Tim and Joe have a strong eye for minute details, and I was absolutely impressed! Mystery and intrigue is found in this barbaric tale, as Cuda enters a tavern where a dark, mysterious stranger sits in the corner and the story gets wilder by the second. You will find some graphically intense scenes, and I wouldn’t recommend this comic book to people that have a weak stomach. If you need to escape your own dull reality, then this is the reality to step into, and perhaps you can help Cuda seek out the treasure at the Black Tower of Caleth-Mah-Esh!

Rating: My adrenal gland was ready to burst with this powerful and moving story! This story will grip you like a pit bull on your pants leg and won’t let you go! The Vigils throw in plenty of energy with the plot and the artwork, and they know how to get the reader’s attention. From a possible 10, this comic book gets a nuclear 10, that leaves a memorable fallout! Yowza!

Name: Pandora / Widow: ‘Arachne Phobia’ #1
Publisher: Avatar
Written by: Mike Wolfer, William Christensen and Mark Seifert
Artwork by: Mike Wolfer
Price: $3.50
Overviewed by: Paul Dale Roberts, MOE
Comments: Rained all day today and with days like this, there is nothing better than sitting back by the fireplace and pulling out a comic book that will have me smiling from ear to ear! I did just that with Pandora / Widow: ‘Arachne Phobia’ #1 by Avatar! Let’s do a scene change from Vale, Colorado where Pandora’s retreat is, to the ruins of Father Love’s Traveling Salvation Show near Alto Mesa, New Mexico where Widow is. These two have hooked up before, but now it is time for them to come together again. Widow is sunbathing and contemplating her life and recalls how she traveled through dimensions, sacrificed to a demon named Orta and gathers other penetrating memories, that flash through her mind. I started yelling some “yahoos!” as Emma aka the Widow meets Pandora once again.
Remember how I mentioned that Pandora works well with Shotgun Mary? Well, with Widow, this isn’t the case. There is some friction between the two, but when it comes down to it, the teamwork comes into focus – it just takes a bit longer. They get into a close call and Widow transforms quickly, which surprises Pandora, but Pandora has been around for 3,000 years and knows how to handle herself. The excitement builds up as Pandora and Widow enter a large tree hole and discover the lair of Arachne and her spidery servants. Yep, these human servants can transform themselves into some spidery creatures! The suspense and action mounts to a climatic finish that will leave you stunned! High quality artwork and superb storytelling!! You don’t want to miss out on this one!

*Paul Dale Roberts is one of the most prolific fan commentators in comics today. His reviews and commentary can be read regularly in the Comic Book Network Emag (http://hometown.aol.com/ComicBkNet) and other sites as well as letters pages everywhere.
*Avatar Press invites fan reviews of our comics for possible inclusion in the Ezine.

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January Solicitations at a Glance
These items are NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER from your local comic shop or
www.avatarpress.com. Go straight to the order form URL at
http://www.avatarpress.com/aojan99.htm
You may also order simply by responding to this email.

Faust / 777: The Wrath #1 by David Quinn and Tim Vigil
(32 pgs b&w, Mature Readers)
*regular edition $3.50
*adult edition $6.00

Cuda #3 by Vigil, Vigil, McDaniel, Tyler, Franz, and Donald
(32 pgs b&w, Mature Readers)
*regular edition $3.50
*gore edition $3.95
*adult edition $6.00

Threshold #12 by Martin, LeBlanc, Lyon, Christensen, Seifert, and Rebner
(56 pgs b&w, Mature Readers)
*Snowman cover $4.95

*Pandora cover $4.95
*Midnight Doyle cover $4.95
*Midnight Doyle adult edition $6.00

Solace #1 by Bill Maus
(32 pgs b&w, Adults Only)
*regular edition $3.50
*adult edition $6.00
*hardcore adult edition $6.00

Cuda #1 Signed by Tim Vigil, Joe Vigil
(limited to 250 copies) $15.00

777: The Wrath #1 Enamel Pin
(brass full color enamel pin featuring the Tim Vigil artwork from the cover of 777: The Wrath
#1) $5.95

Advance Order note: February advance orders & information are also available online at this time. Go straight to the order form URL at http://www.avatarpress.com/aofeb99.htm

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