Sean is an Eisner Award-winning writer who has worked in both the indie press as well as in the big leagues for titles such as Sentinel, Inhumans, Mystique, Marvel Adventures Spider-Man, Gravity and Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. He's currently moved to the dark side, working exclusively for DC Comics on the Teen Titans. So while I am crushed that I let Doodle Hex slip through my fingers, I am relieved to know the sequel is in good hands.

I've Been Doodle Hexed [Sean McKeever's Official Site]

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

Details on creative teams, launch months, and storylines are still forthcoming. This needs to stop. As a recovering weekly comic book addict, combining comics and video games makes it far too easy for me to justify those weekly comic shop visits. Have mercy!

DC COMICS AND CAPCOM® ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR RESIDENT EVIL®, AND DEVIL MAY CRY® COMIC BOOK SERIES

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Jul 25, 2008 — DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comic books in the world, and Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to join forces to create a comic book series based on Capcom’s popular gaming properties Resident Evil® and Devil May Cry®.

“Capcom is thrilled to be partnering with DC,” said Germaine Gioia, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Comics are a critical component in Capcom’s merchandising strategy for our most cherished franchises, as they target the same discerning, loyal fans that care most about these established brands. DC’s undisputed development and distribution strength within the comic industry make them an ideal partner to further expand two of our most successful and sophisticated gaming properties.”

Details on the new series, including creative team and launch month, will be announced at a later date. Both titles will be published by DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint.

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

The Resident Evil series of video games has sold over 34 million units since the original game was released in 1996, as well as spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. Resident Evil® 5 will revolutionize the Resident Evil series, just as Resident Evil® 4 did. To coincide with the Resident Evil comic book is the latest installment in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 5, which unveils a world where the biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed the menace of Resident Evil was destroyed, a new terror appears in Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil’s returning hero, Chris Redfield, has followed the path of the evil around the globe, and after joining a new organization, heads to Africa, where the latest threat is transforming people and animals into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures. Joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, the duo must work together to unravel the truth behind the evil menace.

The latest in the Devil May Cry series, Devil May Cry® 4 is already a bonafide hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in February. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

“Dante, Nero and the world of DEVIL MAY CRY is a perfect fit for the sensibilities of our studio,” Kanalz said. “We have such terrific inspiration from the anime and games and we intend on meeting the exceptionally high standard of quality that has been set for this.”

The press release, via the official Capcom blog, hints that additional and unannounced Capcom books will be revealed at the San Diego Comic Con this July. It does not, however, indicate if we'll get backstory that explains why Bionic Commando has sausage-filled limbs. My own theory is that he was bitten by a radioactive hot dog while on a field trip, giving him the proportionate strength and speed of a frank that plumps when you cook it. That's totally speculative, though.

Press release follows.

DEVIL’S DUE PARTNERING WITH CAPCOM® ENTERTAINMENT ON NEW COMICS

New titles to include Bionic Commando® and Lost Planet™

Chicago, IL. (May 13, 2008) – This year, one of the biggest names in cutting-edge action comics will team with one of the most respected publishers and developers of video games, as Devil’s Due announces a new publishing deal with Capcom®. As part of an expansive package, Devil’s Due will launch four new titles based on Capcom game properties, including Bionic Commando® and Lost Planet™.

“DDP is very excited to be joining forces with Capcom,” said DDP President Josh Blaylock. “Not only are these awesome games, but they have great stories behind them ripe for comics, including a vintage classic with Bionic Commando that’s been revived along with the new sequel.”

Already a leader in comic books featuring prominent pop culture icons, Devil’s Due heads into Summer 2008 with a rapidly swelling library of new adapted and original titles.

“Devil’s Due is a very passionate and creative comic publisher,” said Germaine Gioia, senior vice president, licensing, Capcom Entertainment. “We are thrilled to be working with DDP to begin evolving some of our highest profile videogame properties in other media.”

More details about Devil’s Due’s plans for Bionic Commando, Lost Planet, and other new Capcom books will be announced at July’s San Diego Comic-Con.

"We are thrilled to be working with DC Comics to further bring to life the Gears of War universe. A lot of our developers are huge comic fans, and have loved the personas and chronicles unique to DC Comics since childhood," said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "The Gears of War storyline and characters that millions of gamers have come to cherish will be a perfect fit under the WildStorm imprint."

DC Comics And Epic Games Announce Plans For Comic Book Series Based On Hit 'Gears Of War' Video Game Franchise

New York, NY - April 18, 2008 - DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, in partnership with Epic Games, Inc., announced plans today to publish a comic book series based on the hugely popular action video game franchise Gears of War. The series is slated to debut from DC's WildStorm publishing imprint in October. More details about the series, including the creative team, will be released at a later date.

The winner of over 30 Game of the Year awards, Gears of War for Xbox 360 and PC features amazing tactical action and multiplayer excitement. The plot thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. Gears of War 2, which continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution, is the sequel to the blockbuster game that sold over 4.5 million copies and redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. Gears of War 2 is being developed exclusively for Xbox 360 and will launch this November.

"We are thrilled to be working with DC Comics to further bring to life the Gears of War universe. A lot of our developers are huge comic fans, and have loved the personas and chronicles unique to DC Comics since childhood," said Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games. "The Gears of War storyline and characters that millions of gamers have come to cherish will be a perfect fit under the WildStorm imprint."

"Big guns and monsters — what a perfect comic book for WildStorm! We have an opportunity to work closely with Epic to add to the canon of the Gears of War mythos, so you can imagine how excited we all are, said Hank Kanalz, VP - General Manager, WildStorm. "Epic sets the bar very high, in graphics, story, and gameplay — and expect no less from our series, starting with our lead-in arc that fills in the gaps between the first game and the upcoming sequel."

I wouldn't say yes. I'd literally scream it. I'd just ask them to be authentic and make it work while being as respectful to the comic story and visuals. So no sudden space vampires as big as a truck, etc...or any uber-boss like that. EA certainly would have the chops to make a beautiful game version of it. They do gore and blood damn well.

XIII will feature the electric performances of white hot superstars Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff, chronicling the adventures of a tattooed amnesiac in the wake of a presidential assassination. Its said to be both "adrenaline-charged" and "gripping", leaving audiences "gasping for more." I'm so excited to potentially asphyxiate while watching!

NBC Reveals Complete 52-Week Programming [Coming Soon]

EA AND IMAGE COMICS ANNOUNCE DEAD SPACE COMIC SERIES WITH BEN TEMPLESMITH AND ANTONY JOHNSTON Limited Edition First Issue Only Available at WonderCon in San Francisco

Chertsey, UK - February 21, 2008 - Electronic Arts and Image Comics today announcd a new comic book series based upon the upcoming original survival horror video game; Dead Space™. This new six-book series set in the Dead Space universe will be written and illustrated by Ben Templesmith and written by Antony Johnston.

The Dead Space comic is the prequel story for the game. This series tells the gut-wrenching tale of a deep space mining colony that unexpectedly pulls an ancient and vicious alien life force from the dark rock.

The first issue will be on comic store shelves from March 3rd (£TBC) each. However, a limited edition version of issue #1 with exclusive cover art will be available at this week's WonderCon in San Francisco. In addition, Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston will be signing the first issue of the Dead Space comic at the convention on February 22nd & 23rd at the Electronic Arts/Image Comics booth where the first 25 people each day will receive a free copy.

"The world of Dead Space has such a deep storyline that it's easily adaptable to other mediums," said Executive Producer of Dead Space, Glen Schofield. "We love the fact our story is being told across multiple forms of media, providing different experiences to different audiences, which all lead to the same dark place."

Ben Templesmith is an Australian commercial artist best known for his work in the American comic book industry - most notably Fell with writer Warren Ellis, published by Image Comics, and 30 Days of Night with writer Steve Niles published by IDW Publishing. The 30 Days of Night novel provoked a bidding war between film studios for the movie rights when the story was pitched a second time with Templesmith's artwork. Ben has been nominated for multiple Eisner Awards three years in a row for his comic work. He has also created book covers, movie posters, trading cards, and concept work for film.

Antony Johnston was born and raised in the Birmingham, England area and is the author of thirteen graphic novels, including Stormbreaker and Point Blanc (adapted from Anthony Horowitz' best-selling Alex Rider novels), The Long Haul, Julius and Three Days in Europe. He writes two ongoing serials, the sci-fi epic Wasteland and the children's fantasy Texas Strangers. He has adapted many of Alan Moore's prose stories to comics, written for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre comics license, and is the only other writer to have penned a story for Greg Rucka's award-winning Queen & Country series. He also writes novels; his debut Frightening Curves won the 2002 American Independent Publishing Award for Best Horror. His second novel, Stealing Life, was published in 2007.

Under development at EA Redwood Shores, Dead Space ships Fall 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system and the PC. This product is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB. More information about Dead Space is available at www.deadspacegame.com.

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In addition to all that Street Fighter stuff, new comics based on the Onimusha and Devil Kings games are planned. Beyond even that, a pair of Capcom art books from Udon—Onimusha Dawn of Dreams: Official Complete Works and the Darkstalkers Graphic File—will eat away at your savings next year. One Darkstalkers art book, please!

New Street Fighter Comics! Plus - New Manhwa, Manga and Art Books [Udon]

"Our past experience with many memorable properties has long inspired us to see what we could accomplish with original content," said Steven Lehrhoff, CEO of Perspective Studios. "The Virgin Comics team, with such a unique creative vision, will make the ideal partner for this undertaking."

Virgin Comics most recently dipped their toes in the video game industry with the announcement that Sony Online Entertainment would be working on an MMO based off of their Ramayan 3392 A.D. series.

I dunno. It just seems to me like this sort of multi-media expansion generally happens best when you aren't expecting it. Look at Sam and Max, or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You get a much different feel to a comic book when you start off thinking, "I'm going to create a comic book" rather than, "I am going to create a multi-platform intellectual property." Call me old-fashioned.

VIRGIN COMICS AND PERSPECTIVE STUDIOS JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP SLATE OF ORIGINAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES

International Comic Publisher and Leading Computer Graphics Animation Studio to Collaborate on Innovative Multi-Platform Franchises

NEW YORK & GLEN COVE, New York - November 27, 2007 - Virgin Comics today announced a partnership with Perspective Studios, an industry-leading computer animation production house, to co-create and develop a diverse slate of original intellectual properties. The goal of the collaboration is to create a compelling portfolio of new characters and franchises for exploitation in multiple formats, including comic books, mobile content, video games and feature films. Virgin and Perspective will initially launch each new franchise as graphic novels and short-form episodic animation for online and mobile distribution, taking advantage of Virgin's substantial relationships in these markets.

The partners expect to focus on content properties that are likely to resonate with online and console gamers. Virgin announced last August that their popular Ramayan 3392 A.D. comic book series has been licensed by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) as the basis for a new massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Perspective has provided animation for many noteworthy and highly-anticipated game titles, including Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto series and Ghost Recon for Ubisoft.

"Perspective is bringing a great deal of experience and versatility to the table," said Sharad Devarajan, Virgin Comics' CEO. "With Perspective's growing animation capabilities and particular expertise with video game animation, we have full confidence that they'll go above and beyond when it comes to fully realizing a unique creative vision."

"Our past experience with many memorable properties has long inspired us to see what we could accomplish with original content," said Steven Lehrhoff, CEO of Perspective Studios. "The Virgin Comics team, with such a unique creative vision, will make the ideal partner for this undertaking."

Virgin Comics and Perspective Studios will be making additional announcements regarding the specific franchises resulting from this collaboration, as well as the talent involved with the properties, in the near future.

"Virgin Comics approached us with a portfolio of amazing comic properties based on Indian lore. We particularly love Ramayan 3392 A.D., as we feel Virgin Comics' telling of The Ramayana is particularly gripping, graphically brilliant and lends itself extremely well to an MMO," said Smedley. "This a fantastic time for us to expand our games to include this culturally rich storyline and we are honored to do this with a diversified, creative and experienced company like Virgin Comics."

Oh I am excited indeed. As someone who has sampled almost everything the MMO world has to offer, the Ramayan 3392 A.D. universe is like nothing I've ever seen. The setting is rich with Indian culture, juxtaposing the spiritual themes of the original Indian epic with technological ones for an enticing mix of old and new that has resonated with comic book readers everywhere. treat this franchise right SOE and you are almost guaranteed a couple months of my thinly stretched MMO-monies.

SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT UNITES WITH VIRGIN COMICS TO CREATE ONLINE VIDEO GAME FRANCHISE Leading Game and Worldwide Comic Companies Join Forces to Develop and Publish Massively Multiplayer Online Video Game Based On the Popular Ramayan 3392 A.D. India-Mythology Inspired Comic Book Series

SAN DIEGO, California & NEW YORK, New York (AUGUST 9, 2007) — Through a deal that joins two of the world's most innovative entertainment brands, Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), a global leader in the online gaming industry, is teaming up with Sir Richard Branson and Deepak Chopra's Virgin Comics to bring the popular, India-based Ramayan 3392 A.D. comic book universe to life as an MMO video game initially for the PC.

The deal was announced today by John Smedley, President of SOE and Sharad Devarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of Virgin Comics.

"Ramayan has inspired the lives of millions of people through the ages. The re-imagining of this great ancient epic through the creativity of a game platform re-affirms the fact that Ramayan is one of the greatest stories ever told," said Deepak Chopra. "The fact that the same creative team of young Indians that created the story will be involved in working with SOE's game development team, is a testament to the innovative and mythic minds of these gifted Indian creators who will take a new generation to new frontiers across the seas of consciousness into new realms of mystery, magic, adventure, and transformation."

Through this exclusive multi-year, worldwide license agreement, SOE will develop and publish an MMO based on Ramayan's story of mythological lore. Virgin Comics will serve as a creative consultant on the project. Virgin's creative involvement with SOE's game development team will be spearheaded by its President and head, Suresh Seetharaman, who has also overseen the development of the comic series. Also involved is acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, a co-founder of Virgin Comics.

"Virgin Comics approached us with a portfolio of amazing comic properties based on Indian lore. We particularly love Ramayan 3392 A.D., as we feel Virgin Comics' telling of The R®m®yana is particularly gripping, graphically brilliant and lends itself extremely well to an MMO," said Smedley. "This a fantastic time for us to expand our games to include this culturally rich storyline and we are honored to do this with a diversified, creative and experienced company like Virgin Comics."

Virgin Comics' Ramayan 3392 A.D., initially released as a comic in late 2006, re-imagines one of India's greatest epics into a futuristic realm. Gotham Chopra, Virgin Comics' Chief Creative Officer commented, "While many of the characters and settings remain familiar to the original lore, we never intended to re-tell the story, but essentially use it as the key inspiration for something fresh. What remains intact to our story are some of the core universal themes like duty, honor, sacrifice, and fraternity while also mining uniquely Indian ideas like karma (how action and consequence are linked) and the malleability of time itself. To bring all of these ideas into a game with SOE is just awesome."

Devarajan concluded, "In a world increasingly dominated with games influenced by a western Tolkien mythos, Ramayan will offer gamers a chance to experience a whole new universe of characters and archetypes derived from one of the oldest cultures on Earth. Our mission at Virgin Comics has always been to allow this generation of Indian youth to have a creative platform through which to speak to the world. Through this collaboration with the likeminded visionaries at SOE, our young Indian creators will make gaming history worldwide."

Actually, Ken was selling some of his Star Trek artwork and The Lost Ones material, too, but I wanted to make sure this gets linked from UK: Resistance. [Note to Cmdr. Zorg - I have plenty of other pictures of Ken Penders and the Sonic the Hedgehog comic books he was selling if you're interested.]

I am assuming layman will be lending a hand in fleshing out the massive 60-year back-story being crafted specifically for the game as well as the planned integration with current Marvel continuity. I'm betting this is going to be the first of many such announcements in the coming months, as to pull this off they're going to need a massive team of comic book talent. That, or the guys who hang out at my local comic shop, the know-it-all jerks.

VETERAN COMIC BOOK INSIDER JOINS FORCES WITH CRYPTIC STUDIOS

LOS GATOS, CA - JULY 17, 2007 - Cryptic Studios, Inc., a leading independent developer of massively-multiplayer online games, today announced that they have added to their growing talent pool with the hiring of a new Design Writer, John Layman. Layman, a twelve-year veteran of the comic book industry and an accomplished game writer, joined the team in their Los Gatos headquarters on Monday, June 25. He will be lending his expertise to Marvel(TM) Universe Online, the highly-anticipated MMO currently in development for PC and the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

"Having a creator like John on our side really demonstrates to our players — present and future — that we strive for authenticity when we bring a universe to life," said Michael Lewis, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "As a company, we are committed to hiring the most creative people in and out of the industry. It's all about delivering high-quality games that stay true to what both gamers and fans of the genre have come to expect from our studio."

Layman's comic credits include written work for several prominent Marvel Comics series, including Gambit, House of M: Fantastic Four, and Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness. He is responsible for several creator-owned titles, including Puffed for Image Comics and Armageddon & Son for Oni Press. Layman also has several notable games to which he has contributed his writing, including Metroid: Hunters for the Nintendo DS(TM) and Marvel Trading Card Game for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) handheld system.

Image courtesy of Silver Bullet Comics

President Gearbox Randy Pitchford stated, "Almost every developer can point to comic books as an influence and inspiration in making games. To say we're delighted to be working with Dynamite Entertainment would be an understatement...I expect that the Brothers in Arms comic series will be an extremely high quality book."

Details of the writers and artists are secret as of right now, but seeing some of the talent Dynamite has drawn in (mmm, Frank Cho) I expect it to be a top-notch book that hearkens back to the golden days of war comics. Then again I am just a big old comic geek so what do I know? I'll just wait for the details. Michael Fahey

Dynamite Entertainment to Produce Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Comic Series

June 14, 2007 Runnemede, NJ - Gearbox Software, Inc. and Dynamite Entertainment are proud to announce the signing of an agreement that will allow for Dynamite to create a new comic book series based on the characters and story of the upcoming Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway video game! The agreement allows Dynamite to draw upon any and all previous Brothers in Arms franchise video games' story lines to develop story lines for the comic series.

Brothers In Arms is based on the true story of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the famed 101st Airborne Division who were dropped behind German Lines on D-day. Players assume the role of Sergeant Matt Baker, a paratrooper (based on Harrison C. Summers and various other people), and the leader of an airborne squad from Fox Company. The Brothers In Arms games are a tactically accurate, "first-person shooter" style of game that combine meticulously researched and historically accurate weapons, weather, and environments with the excitement of first-person, "squad level" command in the European Theater during World War II. The missions range from dropping into France on June 6th to the final defense of Hill 30 eight days later.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is the third entry in the Brothers in Arms series of video games. Once again players can reprise the heroic role of Sergeant Matt Baker, a soldier of the 101st Airborne Division, during Operation Market Garden in the late stages of World War II. The game has many new features, including the ability to command a further squad, from a selection of new specialized units (Bazooka Teams, Machine Gun teams, Mortar Teams, as well as Radio Teams with which to call in artillery support).

Although exact details of the comic book series are in development now with creative and cover artists being kept a closely guarded secret, Dynamite plans for the series to incorporate all the intensity and accuracy of the Brothers in Arms video games. Information on the creative team and scheduling for the series will be released in the coming weeks.

Dynamite stated, "Brothers in Arms is one of the most popular video games in the market today. This should open up new doors for Dynamite, as well as for comic and gaming retailers. We're going to launch this with a unique initiative! This should lead to existing comic fans who have not played the game to sample it, and fans who do play the game can come in to purchase the original comic at the same time. This is a whole new adventure for us on so many levels, and we're really excited to have this opportunity to add another genre to our list of growing titles. Creative details are still in the preliminary stages, but based on the overwhelming response and praise we've had regarding our titles to date, we're positive that comics fans, fans of the game, as well as military enthusiast and action seekers will be blown away by this new addition to our 'dynamite' line up! We're showcasing images from the game to let fans know we're going after the cannon of the game, but with the 'dynamite' ability to execute Dynamite has shown!"

President Gearbox Randy Pitchford stated, "Almost every developer can point to comic books as an influence and inspiration in making games. To say we're delighted to be working with Dynamite Entertainment would be an understatement. I'm excited by Dynamite's dedication to quality comics through art, story telling, and collaboration with the game makers here at Gearbox Software. I expect that the Brothers in Arms comic series will be an extremely high quality book."

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Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII looks, err, different. She looks somewhat depressed. I would be too if I were on the cover of Kuusou Jikken -Vol. 7- ("Imagination Experiment -Vol. 7-). "Hentai doujin" comic books like this often feature famous characters from video games or animation doing shameful, embarrassing things! They're printed in small numbers so that they can hopefully slip under the radar, but are carried in popular bookstores in places like Akihabara and Den-Den Town. This particular doujin comic group, or circle, has done other naughty mangas with the likes of Mai from King of Fighters. So! If you are curious, there are some NSFW-ish Tifa pics at the link below. Just know: There's a reason why Tifa looks glum. Brian Ashcraft

Tifa's New Manga [Akiba Blog]

Morrison's works include amazing runs on the New X-men, Fantastic Four, Justice League of America, Doom Patrol, Animal Man, Superman, and most recently Batman and Wildcats. All good stuff, but for the real Morrison vibe you have to check out his DC Vertigo imprint work, such as Kid Eternity, the Invisibles, and Sebastian O.

Hopefully the ever inventive Morrison can turn the Area 51 movie project into something special, because frankly I wasn't the least bit interested in this project until hearing that he signed on. Michael Fahey

Comicbook author to write 'Area 51' [Variety]

While we don't have a date, a plot, or any details really, I'm betting they are planning to kick the book off somewhere on or around the Halo 3 release...a period of time during which you could put Master Chief on packages of adult diapers and sell a million boxes. Michael Fahey

Halo ongoing series announced by Marvel [Flame War Advance ]

Like Zelda? Comics your thing? Cartoons? We got you covered. Web site Urban Retro Lifestyle has a 196 page PDF of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past comic book as well as the Fox Kids cartoon with a brown-haired Link uttering the unforgettable "Excuuuuuuuuuse me, princess" line. Classic! Brian Ashcraft

Check Out the Zelda Clips and Download [Urban Retro Lifestyle]

A comic book dude. A sci-fi writer. And a baseball pitcher. All three have joined forces to create "industry-changing games." Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, author R.A. Salvatore and Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling have formed Green Monster Games, named after the huge left field wall at Fenway Park. Schilling is a diehard MMORPG player and has appeared at EverQuest conventions. Details are scant, but McFarlane will be the company's lead artist, Salvatore will be creative director and Schilling will be Schilling. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Gamasutra] Thanks, Chilly!

Kotaku reader Jim was coming home from work (read: wandering the streets) when he happened upon a comic on the side of the road. Jim, being the brave soul he is, of course picked it up and begin leafing through. He writes:

I found this inside. I just thought it was some great old school Mario. Look at Bowser! Man that's messed up.

Yes, Jim, that is messed up. So is picking comic books out of the gutter, but whom I am to judge. Brian Ashcraft

In-game tutorials are out. Comic books are the wave of the future. Forget a phonebook-sized manual, the team behind sci-fi MMO Saga of Ryzom offer players a 28-page comic book tutorial for the PC game The Ruins of Silan. The book was created with Planetwide's Comic Book Creator, which is apparently in development for Sony Online Entertainment subscribers. According to the MMO's site,

This comic fully explains one's first steps in Ryzom via screenshots from the beginners' island : from the characters creation to explanation of the windows, skills and quests... Another great reason to join the thousands of new players enjoying Ryzom's new free trial in Ruins of Silan.

I downloaded the Ruins of Silan tutorial and actually thought it seemed really helpful. It was concise, and there were photos. Not sure how useful it will be clicking back and forth from the game to comic, but I do see this kind of tutorial reaching a wider audience for things like how to use electronics and software programs. Who said comic books were dead? Brian Ashcraft

More Here [GameSetWatch]

UPDATE! New pics courtesy of eToychest! Thanks!

Gamasutra's most recent round-up has a tiny blurb and tiny picture about the upcoming Death Jr. manga:

Foundation 9's Backbone Entertainment announced that it is collaborating with Seven Seas Entertainment to produce an original manga based on the Death, Jr. video game franchise. Death, Jr. began as a PSP game and original comic book series, and will soon see a PSP sequel titled Death, Jr. 2: Root of Evil, a new game for the Nintendo DS called Death, Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom, as well as a second comic book series, and an assortment of other collectible merchandise. The new manga, which focuses on Death, Jr. and his girlfriend Pandora, is scheduled to ship in 2007.

I was unable to find anything else about it from either company's websites. If I put my nose on the monitor and squint, that artwork looks real neat! No word on artists or writers ye, but Ted Naifeh did the last set of Death Jr. comics and he's one of my favorites. So hopefully this'll be neat. Eliza gauger

The PR says:

The Halo Graphic Novel is an anthology of original stories set in the Halo universe representing an unprecedented display of visual storytelling. Building on the success of the critically acclaimed Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 video games, the graphic novel will feature the series' iconic characters, weapons and scenarios and the epic struggle against the alien threats known as the Covenant and the Flood.

Coo-uhl!

Marvel and Bungie Studios Bring Video Game Phenomenon Halo To The Comic Book Arena

The modestly reviewed, highly artistic and visually interesting Killer 7 is getting a comic book makeover from Devil's Due according to Monsters and Critics. Killer 7's unique style should translate well to the pages, since the game felt like a playable comic book.

Devils's Due to Publish Comic Based on Capcom's Killer 7 [Monsters and Critics]