By The Editor
April 20, 2004 - 15:59
Series Upgrades to Monthly with Issue #9
Scott Kurtz' PvP will be moving from a bi-monthly to a monthly schedule beginning this July. The move, starting with PvP #9, follows the June release of the first PVP trade paperback, which collects the first six issues of the Image comic.
Kurtz’s popular online comic strip revolves around the staff of a gaming magazine (including a big blue troll intern named Skull) and their day-to-day adventures. Each issue of PvP collects 22 pages of strips in the same "sideways" landscape format as Frank Cho’s LIBERTY MEADOWS.
While not entirely unexpected, the success of PVP at Image has delighted Kurtz, and the move to monthly status is an tribute to that success.
"I can't believe I just finished my first year with Image Comics,” said Kurtz. “I was so terrified the market wouldn't support a black-and-white humor book that Frank Cho didn't draw, but low and behold, sales have been great and reaction has been overwhelming. Retailers and fans alike have been asking me to go monthly, and I finally feel secure enough to take that plunge."
Image Comics Managing Editor Eric Stephenson is delighted to have PvP under the Image banner. "We're couldn't be happier for Scott and PvP, and we're excited that the comic has been able to build its readership from its early days on the Web. That's not an easy feat for a humor book in today's market!” Kurtz says PvP has given him a personal creative outlet without forcing him to make editorial concessions.
"Image has fulfilled my dream of being a newspaper cartoonist but, unlike the syndicates, they aren't demanding my soul in return. When people read PvP, I want them to remember the days when they looked forward to reading the funny pages. Just like the comics page, every issue of PvP is a great jumping-on point," Kurtz said.
When pressed on the subject, Kurtz revealed his true motivation for the move to monthly. "You can actually blame Geoff Johns and Robert Kirkman,” he explained. “Both of them have been calling me stupid for not going monthly sooner. Hey, kids! Johns and Kirkman read PvP, why aren't you?"
PvP #9 is available for order in the May issue of Previews and goes on sale July 21.
Marvel, DC, Top Cow Join The Event!
With the date for the DF Fan Fest fast approaching, the company announced today several new additions to the already incredible creative line-up!
From Marvel Comics, the one and only Joe Quesada will be on hand for the last two hours (approximately 4:00 PM EST until 6:00 PM EST) of the show (signing a limit of 3 items per fan); From DC Comics, Editorial VP Dan DiDio will be around (in the afternoon) and creator Jimmy Palmiotti will be on hand to meet, greet and sign for the fans in attendance and from Top Cow Productions, flying in from the sunny state of California will be Editor-In-Chief Jim McLaughlin!
“All these guys are close friends, on top of being the best creative forces in the business,” said Nick Barrucci, President of Dynamic Forces. “So to have them all together, and hanging out this Saturday, is not only a real treat for me, but definitely a real treat for the Fans!”
Barrucci also went on to add that, “With the date for the Fest coming up in just a few days, I don’t think I have any more tricks up my sleeve -- or guests -- but never say never!”
Other creators on hand for the FREE Fan Fest include: Brian (100 Bullets, Batman, Superman) Azzarello, Dave (Superman: Red Son) Johnson, Eduardo (Batman, 100 Bullets) Risso, Will (100 Bullets, Superman) Dennis, Nelson (Superman) DeCastro, Chuck (Action Comics/X-Men) Austen, Mark (Wanted, Ultimates) Millar, the legendary Tom Palmer, Michael (Powers) Avon Oeming, Jim (Dreadstar) Starlin and JG (Wanted) Jones, Howard (American Flagg!, Mighty Love, Challengers of the Unknown), Chaykin, Ale (Gen 13) Garza, Kevin (The Escapist) McCarthy and Scott (Amazing Spider-Man) Hanna at the FREE Fan Fest will be: Josh (NYX) Middleton, Jamal (Venture) Igle, Jose (Voice of the Fire) Villarrubia, and Mark (Marvel Knights: 4) Morales.
Also, joining us will be Tommy Castrillo and Rodney Ramos with Andy MacDonald and Ivan Brandon!
* Exclusive Comics available for sale, including HOT comics from Devil’s Due and Top Cow Productions!
* 400 Signed (by artist Jim Lee) Superman posters are available on a first come, first served basis, to the first 400 fans that show up. (that’s right, first 400 fans get the autographed Jim Lee signed posters, and last 2 hours features Joe Q at the show!)
* CGC will be on hand at the Fan Fest accepting submissions. CGC will be giving away 1 free Modern Submission to the first twenty submitters.
* And remember, it’s free to get in (no charge AT ALL to get in), it’s free to get the signatures of your favorite creators! There’s only one catch. You have to show up J!