We're Digital!

Okay, this is cool.  Waiting for your copy of RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN to arrive? Want to share the experience with others? www.Graphic.ly and Archaia have put out the first 23 pages plus the trailer available for digital download on your desktop! Just create a free account and check it out on your computer (next week it will be available on iTunes)

Here’s the full rundown!  Enjoy and thanks for all the awesome support!

FREE ‘DAPPER MEN’ PREVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON GRAPHIC.LY

WHILE A SECOND PRINTING IS ON THE WAY, FANS CAN GET A TASTE OF THIS BUZZWORTHY GRAPHIC NOVEL

Los Angeles, CA (November 23, 2010) – Recognizing that many people missed out on the initial offering of the critically acclaimed RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN hardcover, Archaia and its exclusive digital partner, Graphic.ly, have made 23 pages of the book-including 10, never-before-released pages-available for free digital download right now on the Graphic.ly desktop app while anxious readers wait for copies of the second printing to arrive in stores before the holidays. The download also includes the RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN book trailer as an added feature. The preview will also be available on the Graphic.ly app on the Apple iPhone and iPad the week after Thanksgiving.

Created by Jim McCann and Janet Lee and published by Archaia, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is a modern fairytale that has become the “it-book” of the holiday season because of its breathtaking art and unique yet timeless story. Already on many Holiday Gift Guides, including Publishers Weekly and The New York Times, Archaia is rushing a second printing to meet the incredible demand and ensure that RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN will be available through booksellers everywhere during this holiday season.

“The speed of sales and reception have been incredible,” says the author and co-creator, Jim McCann. “I hope this preview whets your appetite and gives a glimpse into what fans, reviewers and retailers everywhere are talking about. And remember, while the first printing is sold out at Diamond, you can still go into wherever books are sold and either reserve a copy or hopefully some stores will still have them on shelves and holiday gift tables across the country.”

To access the RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN content, readers should create a free account with Graphic.ly at http://graphic.ly/ and click on “Archaia Comics” in the drop-down menu.

A visual tour de force, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (hardcover, full color, 128 pages, 9.5″ x 11″, $24.95), is the debut graphic novel from the minds of award-winning writer Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and critically acclaimed gallery artist Janet Lee. A modern twist on classic fairytales, this is a story about growing up, childhood fears and examining the origins of a world and the things that inhabit it. The incredible decoupage art style combines steampunk fantasy and science fiction with Art Nouveau for a truly unique and groundbreaking book, all sharply dressed in a pinstripe suit and a dapper bowler hat. The book also features a Foreword written by the original Dapper Man, Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”), and a collection of pin-ups featuring works by Adrian Alphona and Christina Strain, Joyce Chin, John Tyler Christopher, Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, David Mack, Dave Perillo, Mike Perkins, Evan Shaner, Mark Smylie, Tom Whalen and Skottie Young. RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is available now wherever are books are sold. To order a copy, use ISBN code 978-1932386905.

About Archaia

Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, Johnny Recon, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, A Tale of Sand, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, and Tumor.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/ArchaiaEntertainment) and Twitter (twitter.com/archaia).

About Graphic.ly

Graphic.ly is a cutting-edge digital content delivery system and community platform for the publishing world. Graphic.ly focuses on comic publishers, creators and enthusiasts, and provides an immersive social experience and marketplace around digital comics and associated merchandise. By expanding its community platform the company is becoming the de facto solution for artists and creators to interact with their fans and expand the reach and influence of their own content. With comics available via applications for the PC Desktop, iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone 7, Graphic.ly is the premiere option for comics fans, creators and publishers alike. For more information, please visit http://www.graphic.ly.

We're flying off the shelves!

Wow!  That was FAST!  Our baby, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN went on sale yesterday and sold out at the distributor within 24 hours!  Don’t panic!  For the full story and how you can still get your copies, keep reading below.

Full press release after the jump

Get 'em while you can!

‘RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN,’ THE IT-BOOK OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, SELLS OUT IN RECORD TIME, SECOND PRINTING RUSHING TO STORES

COPIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT LOCAL AND ONLINE RETAILERS BUT SELLING OUT FAST!

Los Angeles, CA (November 18, 2010) – Hailed in the press and by reviewers everywhere as an “instant classic” and the perfect gift for any reader this holiday season, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN has sold out its initial run of 10,000 copies at the distributor level within the first 24 hours of being on sale.

Created by Jim McCann and Janet Lee and published by Archaia, this modern fairytale has been gaining buzz for months based on its breathtaking art and unique yet timeless story. Already on many Holiday Gift Guides, including Publishers Weekly and The New York Times, Archaia is rushing a second printing to meet the incredible demand and ensure that RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN will be available through booksellers everywhere during this holiday season.

“Reaction to the book has been just incredible, to say the very least,” says writer Jim McCann. “Janet and I are absolutely blown away and extremely humbled by the outpouring of support.”

The overwhelmingly glowing reviews for RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN have certainly helped to drive interest.

·       ”Some of the writing is lyrical and reads like a forgotten fairy tale…The artwork is often stunning, with a texture and depth.” – New York Times (2010 Holiday Gift Guide)

·       ”It’s an instant classic, combining steampunk, science fiction and fantasy with an impeccable fashion sense.” – USA Today

·       ”This book is everything the hype promised it would be…a mind-opening, eye-shutting book that sings to your dreams and dreams of your songs.” – Comic Book Resources (CBR)

·       ”Return of the Dapper Men is something extraordinary, something that makes that little light inside of each and every one of us burn brighter…Jim McCann and Janet Lee set off fireworks…can be compared to many children’s fantasy tales but is utterly unique in each and every aspect.” – Newsarama

·       ”Beautifully packaged title…It may be the first steampunk fairytale I’ve ever read, and hopefully it won’t be the last…gorgeously illustrated story.” – USA Today Pop Candy

·       ”I have never had the privilege of seeing a classic being made from the ground up. That is, until now…This is a story that dares to challenge the reader to dream and follow a different path…These pages can’t be duplicated and each one is a bona fide work of art.” – Ain’t It Cool News

While RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is currently sold out at the distributor level, there is at least one week’s worth of copies available at local and online retailers wherever books are sold. Be sure to pick up or order your copy today!

A visual tour de force, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (hardcover, full color, 128 pages, 9.5″ x 11″, $24.95), is the debut graphic novel from the minds of award-winning writer Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and critically acclaimed gallery artist Janet Lee. A modern twist on classic fairytales, this is a story about growing up, childhood fears and examining the origins of a world and the things that inhabit it. The incredible decoupage art style combines steampunk fantasy and science fiction with Art Nouveau for a truly unique and groundbreaking book, all sharply dressed in a pinstripe suit and a dapper bowler hat. The book also features a Foreword written by the original Dapper Man, Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”), and a collection of pin-ups featuring works by Adrian Alphona and Christina Strain, Joyce Chin, John Tyler Christopher, Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, David Mack, Dave Perillo, Mike Perkins, Evan Shaner, Mark Smylie, Tom Whalen and Skottie Young. RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is available now wherever are books are sold. To order a copy, use ISBN code 978-1932386905.

We're still out there...just be patient...

NYCC is HERE!

After 18 months, it’s BA-AAAAACK!  New York Comic Con is this weekend & there’s tons to see!  If you’re looking to see me, here ya go!  A handy dandy guide!

It's here!!

THURSDAY, Oct 7

7-10 pm – RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN Launch Party & Art Show
Where: Alice’s Tea Cup: http://alicesteacup.com/
102 West 73rd St (73rd & Columbus)
NY, NY, 10023
(212) 799-3006

FRIDAY, Oct 8th

1:00 – 3:00, 5:00 – 7:00 pm: ARCHAIA Booth (#2031)
Selling & signing advanced copies of RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN. These are limited to NYCC so get ‘em while you can!

SATURDAY, Oct 9th

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: ARCHAIA Booth (#2031)

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Marvel – AVENGERS Panel (Room 1A06)

4:00 – 7:00 pm: ARCHAIA Booth (#2031)

SUNDAY, Oct 10th

10:00 – 11:00 am: ARCHAIA Booth (#2031)

11:00 – 12:00 pm: WRITING COMICS Panel (Room 1A23)

12:00 – 1:00 pm: ARCHAIA – ALL AGES Panel (Room 1A17-18)

1:30 – 2:30 pm: MARVEL Booth signing (#1843)

3:00 – 5:00 pm: ARCHAIA Booth (#2031)

WSHEW! There you go!  Have fun, everyone, and be sure to come by and get your Dapper on!
Jim

It's time!

It’s here!  RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is launching at New York Comic Con & to celebrate, we’re throwing a party!  There will be food, beverage, and fun.  Oh, and the original artwork on display and available for sale as well as advance copies of the book!!!  And YOU are invited!

Details after the jump:

Tea time!

Details:
What: RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN Launch Party & Art Showing
Come celebrate the launch of RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN by Jim McCann & Janet Lee, published by Archaia. The original artwork will be on display and available for purchase as will advance copies of the book.

Where: Alice’s Tea Cup: http://alicesteacup.com/
102 West 73rd St (73rd & Columbus)
NY, NY, 10023
(212) 799-3006

When: Thurs, Oct 7, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Food: scones, cake & tea (wine after 8:00 pm courtesy of Bluebird Wines: http://www.drinkbluebird.com)

Come on down & get your Dapper on!

The wait is over...

It's here!!

The genesis of the trailer after the jump.

First off, I have to say, Jeremy Brody did an AWESOME job with that trailer!  Wow! Please, feel free to share the link! And go to YouTube to watch it in full-screen mode. Amazing!

So, I’ve always loved trailers of all kinds- movies, TV shows, and comics.  I was excited when Marvel started doing trailers while I was there (I even wrote a number of them) and I still think that they bring a level of fun & excitement to the projects.  So, when it came time to think about promotions for Dapper Men, I knew I wanted to do a trailer.  Enter: Jeremy.

Jeremy Brody is a great friend who happens to be crazy-talented at a lot of things.  He’s a photographer, web designer, graphic artist, cook…the list goes on.  I hate him for his sheer talent.  He did a lot of the production work on Return of the Dapper Men so he was very familiar with Janet’s art on the book. Knowing I wanted a trailer, he called me up to meet at a cafe and we went through the existing art to come up with a storyline.  We settled on telling Act I in the trailer. And off to work he went.

Given Janet’s decoupage art style, Jeremy was able to separate the layers and give an even greater 3-dimensional feel to the art and story, enabling him to push in or pull the camera out, rotate it, and bring things into and out of focus.  He also designed the beautiful end credits- the effect was also used at the opening when we realized we needed to set the story up for this who may not be familiar with it.  It gave an amazing “Once upon a time” fairy tale feel, and then juxtaposed that with the Big Bang of the creation of the Dapper Men universe, filled with gears and mechanics.

When it came time to score the trailer, I listened to probably 200 different pieces of music on various music blogs, websites, and message boards filled with talented composers and musicians sharing their works with people to use.  I let out an audible sigh when I heard “Ancient Discoveries” by Jonathan Gjertsen on looperman.com.  It was the perfect piece for this.  It has a magical and ethereal quality combined with just enough industrial and eerie elements to it that really capture the overall tone of Return of the Dapper Men.  Jonathan was kind enough to let us use the track for the trailer.  You can hear the full version here.

We went through a few rounds of revisions and tinkering to get the trailer just right, from the way the falling shadows look, to the epic looking scene of the rows of Dapper Men at the end.  I honestly can’t pick my favorite scene because I love them all so much, but I think the moment when the 314 Dapper Men rain down is wonderful to see come to life.  The music and the motion along with our main Dapper slowly falling as the others go out of focus, tipping his hat, really gets across that moment in the book.

As I mentioned, this is just the First Act of Return of the Dapper Men, so imagine what the rest holds in store for you!  We’re only about a week away from New York Comic Con, where there will be Advance New York Comic Con Exclusive Editions available at the Archaia booth (#2031), and just a month away from Dapper Men hitting books stores and comic shops everywhere.  Be sure to preorder your copy from either your favorite online retailers, book store or your local comic store.  It’s something I am proud of and excited for people to read.  I hope you enjoyed the trailer and the sneak peek behind the making of this trailer!

Stay Dapper!
Jim

The Very Dapper TIM GUNN as drawn by Janet Lee

I said we’d have some more announcements as the publication for RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN gets closer, and here’s one that I am very proud and thrilled to announce: Tim Gunn has graciously agreed to contribute by writing the foreword to the book.  He was the first name that came to mind when thinking who would be the ideal person to introduce this book to the reader before they dive into the story, and he did a marvelous job of doing that very thing.  The mood his foreword sets is perfect and I couldn’t be happier.  Janet & I would like to thank Tim for his time, involvement, and amazing contribution.  Welcome to Team Dapper, the original Dapper Man!

Full info and Press Release after the jump

TIM GUNN, THE ORIGINAL DAPPER MAN, PENS FOREWORD FOR ‘RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN’

‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ STAR WRITES INTRO FOR UPCOMING ARCHAIA GRAPHIC NOVEL

Los Angeles, CA (September 20, 2010) – The highly anticipated Archaia graphic novel hardcover, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, just got a lot more dapper with the addition of Tim Gunn to the book’s list of contributors. The co-host of television’s “Project Runway” and best-selling author of Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work has written the introduction to the original fairy tale, which he compares to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, calling it “a transformational experience, a morality tale that is certain to become an instant contemporary classic.”

“I was thrilled and honored to be asked to contribute to RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN!” said Gunn. “After reading the script and seeing the art, I truly believe that this is a work of literature that will be enjoyed by all generations. I would say it’s especially an important work to put before children, many children-elementary school libraries everywhere should purchase several copies each!”

Mr. Gunn’s participation was a dream come true for the creators of RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN,” said writer Jim McCann, “While talking with artist Janet Lee about who would be the ideal person to provide an introduction for the book, she and I both agreed that Tim Gunn was our first choice. Not only is he someone who knows and loves books, but he is also the quintessential Dapper Man. The tone his foreword sets is the perfect entry point to the story that unfolds in the pages that follow.”

“I was flattered that Tim Gunn took the time to read our book,” said artist Janet Lee. “I was humbled when he wanted to be part of it. I can’t think of anyone more dapper than Tim!”

Gunn joins a growing list of acclaimed men and women adding their talents to this unique graphic novel, including award-winning artists and graphic designers from many different mediums.

Follow updates on RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN by becoming a fan on Facebook

A visual tour de force, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (hardcover, full color, 128 pages, 9.5″ x 11″, $24.95), is the debut graphic novel from the minds of award-winning writer Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and critically acclaimed gallery artist Janet Lee. A modern twist on classic fairy tales, this is a story about growing up, childhood fears and examining the origins of a world and the things that inhabit it. The incredible decoupage art style combines steampunk fantasy and science fiction with Art Nouveau for a truly unique and groundbreaking book, all sharply dressed in a pinstripe suit and a dapper bowler hat. RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN will have a limited number of copies available at New York Comic Con, October 8-10 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, and will be available wherever books are sold in November. To pre-order a copy, use ISBN code 978-1932386905 and visit your local retailer or online bookseller.

About Archaia
Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, Johnny Recon, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, A Tale of Sand, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, and Tumor.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/archaiacomics) and Twitter (twitter.com/archaiacomics).

RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN cover, coming in November

RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is leaving for the printer this week, the culmination of over a year’s worth of planning, writing, and art in one beautiful package.  Publisher’s Weekly named it one of the Graphic Novels As Gifts for this holiday season- an incredible honor- and now that gift got a little bit better.  In addition to the main story, we were lucky enough to have an incredible line-up of comic book and graphic artists join in and provide a stunning bonus pin-up gallery.  There are 12 pieces in all and every one is a jaw-dropper.  Who are they?  What do their pinups look like?  Find out after the jump for a full listing!

Continued after the jump.

Archaia sent out the following press release today with the full names and artwork for the pinup gallery.  You can read it below.  There are a number of names that comic fans are familiar with and I was thrilled those artists could be a part of this book.  Then, there are other artists whose work I’ve admired for a while that are either just starting to find work in mainstream comics or are graphic designers who work in mediums outside of comics.  These artists were incredibly giving of their time and talent, bringing their gifts to a project they have never heard of by a person they had never met.  I’d like to personally thank our Fabulous Baker’s Dozen, the thirteen artists who graced us all by turning in incredible works that have made RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN all the more special.  I highly recommend checking out each of these artists’ personal sites for more of their work!

The full pin-up gallery is below the press release.

You can visit your local comic shop or online bookstore to pre-order today!

Thanks & Stay Dapper!
Jim

ALL-STAR ARTISTS GO ‘DAPPER’

‘RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN’ TO FEATURE AN ALL-STAR PIN-UP GALLERY

Los Angeles, CA (September 14, 2010) – As the buzz for the upcoming Archaia original graphic novel RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN continues to grow, so does the roster of Dapper men and women who are contributing to the book Examiner.com has called “groundbreaking” and iFanboy.com says is “shaping up to be the ‘it-book’ of New York Comic Con.”

In addition to award-winning designer Todd Klein providing the cover and interior design work, an incredible array of artists have put on their best bowler hats and pinstripes to create a remarkable gallery of pin-ups that will be appearing in the book. From some of today’s hottest comic book and graphic artists comes a variety of takes on the incredible world and characters of RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN (hardcover, full color, 128 pages, 9.5″ x 11″, $24.95), created from the minds of Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and acclaimed visual artist Janet Lee.

The full list of contributors to the 12 pin-ups featured in the book is as follows:

Adrian Alphona and Christina Strain – http://www.sweetbizarre.com/

Joyce Chin

John Tyler Christopher – http://www.johntylerchristopher.com/

Katie Cook – http://katiecandraw.typepad.com/

Colleen Coover – http://www.colleencoover.net/

David Mack – http://www.davidmack.net/

Dave Perillo – http://montygog.blogspot.com/

Mike Perkins – http://www.mikeperkinsart.com/

Evan Shaner – http://www.evanshaner.com/

Mark Smylie – http://www.archaia.com/blog/titles/artesia

Tom Whalen – http://strongstufftom.blogspot.com/

Skottie Young – http://www.skottieyoung.com/

“The fact that this many people wanted to and agreed to provide their own vision of a world that has existed for so long only in our minds was mind-blowing,” says the book’s author, Jim McCann. “The sheer volume of talent and the spectrum of the way each artist approached the work has been overwhelming and exciting to watch.”

Here is what some of the all-star contributors had to say about their experience, the art and the story of RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN:

“Return of the Dapper Men has a fun, unique story mixed with fairy tale-like artwork that makes this a graphic novel unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s a treat for the reader and sure to be a book that you keep coming back to for another read!” – Katie Cook (Fraggle Rock)

“Jim McCann has let his imagination run free with Return of the Dapper Men and it’s turned into a soaring, joyful parkour of a run. Ably abetted by the absolutely wonderful illustrations by Janet Lee, this book is a remarkable achievement.” – Mike Perkins (The Stand)

“I’m just happy Jim let me draw his characters! I was instantly in love with Janet’s art and designs to begin with. And Jim’s concept alone is just inspiring!” – Adrian Alphona (Runaways)

“After I agreed to contribute a pinup for Return of the Dapper Men, I was given a rather large folder of wordless comic pages to peruse and see what caught my eye. While all of Janet’s character designs would have been fun to interpret, the clockwork angel called out the loudest. A blend of robot and human forms with Victorian sensibilities (holding roman numerals-perfect design elements!), I couldn’t resist taking a stab at envisioning her in my style. I hope I did Janet and Jim proud!” – Tom Whalen (Illustrator, WIRED)

“I was super excited to do a pin-up for the book; such a beautiful story and art. I found a lot of Magritte-esque inspiration from it, so I really tried to incorporate that into my design.” – Dave Perillo (Illustrator, Disney TV Animation)

“I really fell in love with Zoe. Janet’s design was so cute and innocent, I wanted to explore the character in my style and see where I could take her. One of the things I greatly appreciated about the script was the thought put into every aspect. From the names, to philosophical concepts, to certain elements of numerology, I totally dug the subtle nature of everything. I wanted to incorporate this ideology into the piece. I’d can’t wait to read this with my daughter.” – John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade)

A visual tour de force, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN is the debut graphic novel from the minds of award-winning writer Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird) and critically acclaimed gallery artist Janet Lee. A modern twist on classic fairy tales, this is a story about growing up, childhood fears and examining the origins of a world and the things that inhabit it. The incredible decoupage art style combines steampunk fantasy and science fiction with Art Nouveau for a truly unique and groundbreaking book, all sharply dressed in a pinstripe suit and a dapper bowler hat. RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN will have a limited number of copies available at New York Comic Con, October 8-10 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, and will be available wherever books are sold in November. To pre-order a copy, use ISBN code 978-1932386905.

About Archaia

Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, The Black Knight, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, Johnny Recon, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, A Tale of Sand, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, and Tumor.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/archaiacomics) and Twitter (twitter.com/archaiacomics).

Adrian Alphona & Christina Strain

Joyce Chin

John Tyler Christopher

Katie Cook

Colleen Coover

David Mack

Dave Perillo

Mike Perkins

Evan Shaner

Mark Smylie

Tom Whalen

Skottie Young

Tim Gunn's New Book, on sale now

Please pardon the interruption from our usual comic book news for this, a moment to talk about someone else’s book, one without pictures, and one that should be required reading.

“In the Internet age, even the word manners seems antiquated. Life moves so rapidly these days that it’s easy to feel justified in being rude.”

That line comes from the introduction of Tim Gunn’s new book GUNN’S GOLDEN RULES: Life Little Lessons For Making It Work and if anyone knows how to make it work, it’s Tim Gunn.  He is the consummate gentleman, an incredibly thoughtful man, and someone who honors everything that has come before worth honoring.  From looks to literature to Legos (yes, Legos), he’s never forgotten what makes things work and what can break a person- in fashion, friendship, and family.  Most of all, he has never forgotten the power of simple manners and etiquette in a time when so many have.  That’s one of the reasons his new book comes at the perfect time and is essential reading.  But that is only one reason.

Charlie, Tim & me

I’ve had the pleasure of becoming friends over the past few years with Tim, and I can tell you, what you see on TV, read in books, or experience in a passing moment IS Tim.  He is the most genuine person I know.  Honest in every way, courteous to everyone, and thoughtful in every action.  We were riding back on the subway (yes, he takes the subway) from a book signing once at Midtown comics.  Tim had graciously and enthusiastically allowed himself to be in the first issue of MODELS INC., a 4-issue limited series about a murder mystery set in the world of fashion.  In the first issue, Tim starred in the back-up story in which the man who can wear a suit like no other donned a suit unlike any other- the Iron Man suit.  In his every day life, he fights crimes against fashion and in this back-up story, he got to fight crime in 4-color detail with repulsor beams.  Throughout the process of making the book, he was incredible, from being open to the ideas that writer Marc Sumerak and editor Charlie Beckerman presented to being on a variant cover by Phil Jimenez to the promotional appearances John Paretti and myself asked of him.

MODELS, INC

Through it all it was incredibly giving of his time, an endless font of gratitude, and always a gentleman.  You would have thought WE were the celebrities and he had just won a golden ticket to be in a Marvel comic.  It was an amazing introduction.  Now, flashing back, or forward rather, to the subway.  We were taking the subway back to our neighborhood (it turned out he had recently moved just a few blocks from me), and were talking.  It was one of the first times I had the chance to just sit (or stand in this case) and and talk about things outside of comics with him.  I was nervous for all of 10 seconds.  Tim has a way of putting you at ease no matter the setting.  We there we were, chatting away, and a woman I noticed who had been staring at him from the moment we boarded the train, excused herself and asked if he was, indeed, Tim Gunn from Project Runway. Tim replied he was and then introduced me, explaining “We’re doing a Marvel comic together!” The woman talked about her fashion dreams, Tim complimented her on her outfit, thanked her for watching the show, and encouraged her to pick up Models Inc.  All in a polite yet fully engaged conversation.  The woman got off at the next stop, beaming.  In 90 seconds, she had a complete and genuine conversation with Tim Gunn.  And he had meant every word of it.  That’s when I knew that he was a rare man.

Tim Gunn IS Tim Gunn.

You can read that either way and it’s true.  The man you watch each week on Project Runway is as encouraging to designers as he is to a stranger on the subway.  The man you sit and have iced tea with is as interested in what you are doing in your life as he is in what’s happening at Liz Claiborne- if not more so.  He is a gentleman.  He is witty, thoughtful, and just snarky enough without being rude or crass.  And he is open about everything.  I’ve gotten to know that side of him, and now, he’s allowing the world to see that.

His book is more than just a master class in modern manners.  It’s filled with life-lessons that he has learned and applied to his own life from his own experiences.  It’s autobiographical in its approach to these titular “Golden Rules,” covering his early life, personal life, professional life, and life as- he would say- an unlikely TV personality.  He throws open the door and invites you in.  You learn not just why these are important lessons to apply to your own life, but how they have shaped his.  Want more from a book (even though those stories alone are worth the price)?  How about some behind-the-scenes dish about Project Runway, the fashion world, and celebrities that are less genuine or courteous.  He offers up fascinating tales of what NOT to do by telling tales that are as hysterical as they are shocking.  And he names names.  Brave man, Tim!

What are some of these lessons?  Get Inspired If It Kills You.  Never Underestimate Karma.  Don’t Lose Your Sense Of Smell (one of my favorites in its meaning).  When You Need Help, Get It.  Take Risks- Playing It Safe Is Never Really Safe.  There are 18 Rules in all, and every one can be applied to any person I know.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy, which I devoured in a day, laughing and gasping at some of the stories.  I’ve started to re-read it because I found myself swept up in the some of them that I felt the need to go back and see if what I read was what was actually on the page!  And it is, all there for the world to see and learn from.  And you should.  Best of all, now you can!

The book is now available in stores and online, and it is absolutely required reading.  It’s a great gift to yourself and would make a fantastic present for those you secretly think could use better manners!  ABC.com has an excerpt from the book you can read here.

As someone who strives to be genuine and kind to people as much as I can, I found myself learning things in the book that made lightbulbs go off and I smacked my head in “D’oh!” moments, recognizing ways I could or should handle even simple things in a better way.  As a lover of TV and fashion, I was engrossed in finding out more about these people who influence the very clothes on many people’s backs.  And as a friend, I feel as though I know Tim a bit more now.  This really is a gift in the truest sense of the word because this is Tim Gunn giving himself up, both his successes and flaws, for the world to see and learn from.  This IS Tim Gunn.  Personally I’d like to say thanks, Tim.  You really are a wonderful man with lessons we all can learn from.

OH! And if you ever wanted more insight into the life of J. Edgar Hoover, Tim’s father was the infamous FBI director’s ghostwriter and close friend. Tim has an AMAZING story about the rumored man who may have loved dresses that you have to read for yourself.  I won’t spoil it for you here.

Basically, buy the book. Please & thank you.  And as the final chapter says, Carry On!

Jim

CHAOS WAR: ALPHA FLIGHT- November, 2010

So, as was announced today, I’m bringing the original Alpha Flight back in the upcoming CHAOS WAR event.  It will be a one-shot called CHAOS WAR: ALPHA FLIGHT, and features all the people on the cover above.  How did this happen?  Where’s Puck? All this and more…

After the jump

So, I’ve covered a lot of the info on Marvel.com, CBR, and Newsarama (oh, and iFanboy has their unique take on it, too. Maybe I’ll steal Josh’s idea.  Nah) but there are some questions out there still. Click those links, read the stories, and then see if your questions are below!

- Why just a one-shot?  Well, you’ll need to read it to find out!  Yes, I could have written more, but the story is honestly something best done in one.  I’ll always try to set aside my own desire to write more if it doesn’t fit the project.  That said, YES I would do more Alpha Flight if allowed.  So buy this book & spread the word if you like it!

That means YOU!

- Where’s Puck? You may want to check this out.  Sounds like he might be busy.  If it’s him.  (Also, it’s explained in the story)

- What about the Alphans in Space?  Repeat that question 5 times and you’ll reach the appropriate answer.  Seriously, though, you’ll want to read it to see where exactly Shaman, Vindicator, and Guardian have been and how Marrina has joined them.

- What is Chaos War? Here’s a handy dandy video announcing it, and there are a LOT of interviews all around about the upcoming event that pits Hercules’ God Squad vs. the Chaos King.

I imagine there are more questions out there, but for now, enjoy the moment.  THE FLIGHT IS BACK!!

Not THIS (cute!) Alpha Flight

THIS Aplha Flight (if I could, I'd PhotoShop Heather's head for Puck)

Keep Reading,
Jim