Angel of Death Trailer

We've been talking about Ed Brubaker's "Angel of Death" for a while. The trailer is now available on line. Before you go check it out, let me say that it has a lot of violence, at least one shocking/gross scene and comes off like a movie that you'd see in a drive-in. If like me, you're okay with that, then click here.

No Longer Incognito

If you're a fan of Ed Brubaker and/or Sean Phillips then here's something worth checking out -- CBR.com has an extensive first look at the premiere issue of INCOGNITO. Before you click over, know that this is for mature audiences!

On Set with the Angel of Death

We first heard about Ed Brubaker's "Angel of Death" back in July. CBR.com has a set report plus photos [like the one above with Zoe Bell and Ed Brubaker between takes]. You can check it out here.

Incognito No More

If you're a fan of Sean Phillips & Ed Brubaker or well done crime stories then check this out.

Brubaker: The Sleeper Option

It's no secret that I'm happy about Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillip's "Sleeper" graphic novels being optioned for the big screen. The fact that Sam ['Spider-Man"] Raimi may direct with Tom Cruise set to star sweetens the deal, at least in my humble opinion.

If you wonder what Ed Brubaker thinks about it, wonder no more. Simply click here.

Sleeper No More

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips work together. I discovered them by way of their award-winning Criminal series. That led me to their first team up, Sleeper. I couldn't believe how good it was. [Can these two hit nothing but homeruns?]

Sean announced on his blog today the following: Sleeper.

Wow! Great news for Sean and Ed and their fans everywhere. Let's hope that a team comes together to make the movie with the same care and ability that went into "Iron Man," "The Dark Knight" and "Watchmen". In the mean time, if you haven't already, you should check out the four volumes that make up the Sleeper series: Out in the Cold; All False Moves; A Crooked Line; and The Long Way Home.

Brubaker's Angel of Death

I'm a fan of Ed Brubaker's crime fiction so I was glad to hear that he has a new live-action crime series called "Angel of Death" set to premiere in 2009.

Zoe Bell, best known for her work in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" will star as an assassin who, after suffering a severe head wound, becomes so haunted by her victims that she decides to go after the crime family that ordered the hits. What makes this weekly series unique is that each episode will be eight to ten minutes in length and air on-line!

You can read the full story here.

By the way, Sean Phillips, who teamed with Brubaker for Sleeper and Criminal did the promo art above.

Crime Does Pay

It's no secret how great Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' Criminal stories are. If you're not reading them, you should be. If you are on board then you know what I'm talking about. Either way, you can catch up on the latest Criminal news with this Ed Brubaker interview at CBR.com

Not So Smooth Criminal

I've been diggin' Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' Criminal forever. If you haven't ever checked it out [or even if you have] CBR has an advance look at the latest issue. Two things before you go: 1] Criminal is not for kids due to the violence & profanity and 2] The latest is a complete in one issue story, so it makes a great place to jump on board. Okay now, here's the link.

Criminal Thoughts

ZONErs have heard me repeatedly talk up my love for Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Click HERE and see what Sean Phillips has to say about his work with Ed Brubaker on the award-winning series [Coward, Lawless, Second Chance in Hell].

Cool Criminal

You've heard me talk about how much I'm digging Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips work on their award-winning Criminal. Check out this interview with Brubaker and you'll get a glimpse of more cool things in store for Criminal readers.

Criminal Love

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are tearing it up with their series, Criminal. I know I've mentioned my love for their work a time or two, but it was Phillips' stunning cover above that reminded me to spread the word a bit more. So check out the larger version posted over at Sean's blog... and don't forget to pick-up the monthly issues or the first trade paperback.

You'll be glad you did.

Meet Ed Brubaker

I recently discovered Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. I loved their work on Criminal: Coward. Their second story arc, Criminal: Lawless is on pace to be just as good if not better! I'm also digging their work on Sleeper [more about that soon]. Until then, here's an interview with Ed Brubaker thanks to the good folks at Chud.com.

A Better Criminal

I've been digging Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips since the first issue. The second story arc [Criminal #6] has just started and it looks to be even better than the first! Since it has new characters and a new story, it's the perfect jumping on point! Tracy Lawless is ex-military and AWOL. Already prone to violence, Lawless is after his brother's killers and nothing is going to stop him from getting his revenge.

Brubaker and Phillips are responsible for one of the best comics published today and I can't recommend it strongly enough to mature readers [due to the language and violence -- you can probably tell that I edited out some language in one of the panels above].

Criminal #6 rates an A+

Criminally Good

One of the best monthly comics being published today is CRIMINAL by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The first story arc just finished up and is available in a trade paperback. The second arc, Lawless, is getting ready to hit the stands later this month. That's the cover above for part one.

If you're not reading Criminal, you should give it a look. Better yet, check out THIS INTERVIEW with Ed Brubaker and then watch for the new storyline to hit the stands on May 23rd.

Last of the Independents

Last week I ordered two graphic novels that I have been meaning to get for literally years. The first, which I'll talk about today, is Last of the Independents by Matt Fraction and Kieron Dwyer.

I'd meant to purchase Last of the Independents when it was first published back in 2003. I just never got around to it. But when Christopher Mills posted a perfect 6 out of 6 review for it on his Guns in the Gutters blog, my interest was rekindled. Then in this month's issue of Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips [also worth picking up], Matt Fraction joined Charlie Huston and Greg Rucka [two of my favorite authors] in a discussion of 70's crime movies. [The issue is worth picking up just to read their thoughts on the subject.] At any rate, Fraction talks about getting his title Last of the Independents from the unused title for "Charley Varrick" [a 70's crime flick]. So I was sold and ordered Fraction and Dwyer's graphic novel.

Last of the Independents is Fraction's love letter to the creators and fans of the movie "Charley Varrick". Like in the movie, a middle aged guy and his crew knock off a small town bank only to discover it's mob money that they've stolen. There are other similarities, but never does this feel like anything more than a tip of the derby to a movie, a genre and an era that had an enormous impact on crime fiction fans. Fraction's story and script are first rate. He drops us in as the bank is being robbed and introduces us to the main characters quickly without wordy exposition. In fact, he often lets Kieron Dwyer's art tell the tale. Dwyer's art is perfect for the graphic novel. [I've been a fan of his work for some time and hope to someday see a piece by him in my Stallone Gallery.]

One final note, the graphic novel is presented in a "widescreen" format. I usually get annoyed by graphic novels that don't fit nicely on the book shelf. The publisher, AIT/Planet Lar, must have realized how picky collector's can be because this graphic novel comes with a vertical slipcover that makes it possible for it to be shelved on the bookcase with other "regular" graphic novels. Kudos for whoever worked out such a creative and simple solution.

Last of the Independents rates an "A".