By Allen Berrebbi
April 13, 2006 - 22:24
“We've been publishing two specials a year under various titles and
even our regular fans haven't been sure what was and wasn't Big Bang
product. This way there will be no confusion.”
“Erik Larsen and Jim Valentino are two of Big Bang's biggest friends
and fans and we appreciate all they've done for us,” added Big Bang
co-creator Chris Ecker. “Unfortunately, the books have been breaking
even financially or losing money for Image for a long time.”
This won't be the end of Big Bang at Image, however. Erik Larsen is
considering a color reprint of the 100+ page 3-part “Timebomber” story
line which guest starred the Savage Dragon in issues 12, 14 and 18 of
BB.
Big Bang Presents #1 features tributes to two of comic's greatest
creators, Will Eisner and Jack Cole. Protoplasman is a combination of
all eras of Jack Cole's work, from the Claw to Plastic Man through his
pre-code horror and crime stories. “It's kind of a hard-boiled humorous
action series,” offered writer Carlson, “This first story is very much
an homage to Cole's Plastic Man. Artist Mort Todd has done a wonderful
job! Protoplasman will be a regular visitor in the pages of Big Bang
Presents.”
Big Bang's flagship character the Knight Watchman gets the Will Eisner
treatment in ‘”The Camera of Doom,” also written by Gary Carlson, who
considers it one of the best Big Bang comics ever produced. “From day
one I've wanted to mix & match the great artists' styles with
different iconic characters. I still want to see a Bob Kane Ultiman
story, a Simon & Kirby Knight Watchman. This story is our guess as
to what a Will Eisner Batman story might have been like. Jeff Austin
did a wonderful job translating my layouts into finished art.”
Another character scheduled to make her Big Bang debut in BB Presents
#1 is Miss Firecracker. Long time Big Bang and Bong artist Mike Worley
is slaving over this good girl strip in the Bill Ward tradition.
Big Bang Presents #1 featuring Protoplasman and the Knight Watchman is
a 32 page b&w book for $2.95. If all goes well, we're hoping to be
in color by the third issue.