Sam Humphries’ New Series “Higher Earth”

Tag: Phil Noto

Review: Ghost #4

Mar. 14 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

Publisher: Dark Horse

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick

Artist: Phil Noto

Release Date: March 13, 2013

With this issue, the first story arc of the Ghost revival comes to a conclusion. After sneaking into a costume ball, Elisa Cameron (Ghost) and her friends confront her killer, Chicago mayor Bobby Chambers, and his accomplices. Cutting the modern-day action are flashbacks to the night Ghost died. Somewhat refreshing is the ending. It does not wrap things up neatly. It leaves some things unresolved if the writer comes back to this world.

This is a wonderfully fresh take on a 20-year-old character. This comic shows the correct way to do a reboot. Instead of continuing the old storyline, this volume goes in a new direction. It keeps the important parts of the story, discards the rest, and molds the book into a wonderful narrative. Ghost is no longer a science fiction creation. She is now a more metaphysical one. Her mission gets a reboot as well. Instead of some nebulous agenda, she has a clear goal. Although the approach might have critics, Kelly Sue DeConnick did a good job with bringing the character to the 21st century.

Although I normally do not notice artwork, this time I did. Phil Noto is an amazing artist. His characters feel alive. More importantly, they can emote. In other comics I would have trouble figuring out how the characters are feeling because their faces do not change. With Ghost, I do not have that kind of trouble. I know exactly what each character is thinking and how they say each line. It is rare for an artist to do that and I appreciate Noto’s artwork even more.

The only criticism I have is that it feels a bit padded. Although an easier read than many other comics I’ve read lately, it still has moments where it slows down. A lot of the flash back scenes run a little longer than they should, especially the flashback to the ball 5 years ago. Had it been a little more streamlined, it would have been a perfect comic. It’s a great comic, but not perfect.

Final Verdict: Positive.

As a long time fan of Ghost, I admit that I like this take on the character. She feels like the Ghost I knew as a teenager, but different at the same time. Her reboot honors the original, but goes in a new direction. It is a must read for fans of the character and worth it when it’s collected in trade.

Images attained from DarkHorse.com.

Tags: Dark Horse, ghost, Joseph Furguson, kelly sue deconnick, Phil Noto

Dark Horse Comics’ Ghost #0 Preview

Sep. 10 Comic Books, Previews no comments

Dark Horse Comics‘ will be releasing issue #0 of Ghost on September 19th. The comic is written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, known for her work on comics such as Osborn: Evil Incarcerated and Captain Marvel. The art is by Phil Noto, who has worked on titles such as X-23, Angel & Faith, and Uncanny X-Men.

Ghost #0 will have us following a paranormal investigation show along the lines of Ghost Hunters but with more of a tabloid TV feel to it. Vaughn Barnes, a formal journalist fired from his last job now runs the cameras for Phantom Finders with Tommy Byers hosting. During an episode being filmed in a cemetery where there have been rumors of a ghostly woman in white being seen, the two unwittingly summon a spirit with the help of a mysterious apparatus. Tommy is much more excited by this than Vaughn and tries to hold a press conference to replicate the results, which proves to be unsuccessful.

We see Vaughn spiraling into a typical damaged character drinking scene only to have Ghost (it is not clear at this time if this will be Elisa, the Ghost from the original series or a completely new character), appear to him. While he is unsure if the apparition is a result of alcohol or an actual entity he carries on a conversation with her anyway. However after she saves him from a dangerous situation he realizes she is a being and not a hallucination.

All in all this is a promising introduction to the new series, but there is a bit of room for improvement. At times the dialog between the two male characters feels a touch campy. While throwing a “Bro” or “Man” in every once in a while may add a little macho humor, having it show up multiple times in the span of a few pages is a little much. The art fits the story-line well but fans of the original series will see a difference in the Ghost character herself. In this first issue she has a more spiritual look with a flowing robe and simple clothes later on, but maybe as the series progresses we will start to see the grittier Ghost complete with her dual pistols. Only time will tell. You can pick up Ghost #0 on September 19th and something tells me this could be the start of an enjoyable series.

Tags: comic book preview, Dark Horse Comics, ghost, kelly sue deconnick, Phil Noto, Shannon Chrismon, Word of the Nerd

Dark Horse News for September 2012

Sep. 05 Anime, Comic Books, Press Release no comments

This month Dark Horse Comics will be offering us a number of items well worth checking out. We have Ghost #0, Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise Part 3, and Oreimo Volume 1 TPB.

In Ghost #0 we follow, Vaughn Barnes, a former journalist who joins the world of reality TV by working as a cameraman on a paranormal investigation show titled Phantom Finders. Throughout the course of the show, a mysterious device summons the familiar form of a woman in white. Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, known for her work on comics such as Osborn: Evil Incarcerated and Captain Marvel, brings a fresh approach to the story. Phil Noto, who has worked on titles such as X-23, Angel & Faith, and Uncanny X-Men, will be bringing us into the visual stunning world of our mysterious Ghost. Ghost #0 will be available September 19th.

Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise Part 3 brings us the exciting conclusion to the three-part series. In the finale the Harmony Restoration Movement has failed sending the four nations back to war. Aang and Fire Lord Zuko must try to bring peace the warring factions but not be able to overcome personal battles. Gene Luen Yang brings us the last chapter of The Promise with his award-winning writing. Gurihiru, who has worked on Thor and the Warriors Four brings us the visual aspect to the final battle. Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise Part 3 will be available September 29th.
In Oreimo Volume One high-school student Kyosuke has classic little sister problems. His 14 year-old sister Kirino is difficult to get along with to put it mildly, however she also has a huge collection of naughty video games and anime. Oreimo is wildly popular in Japan and America in its anime adaptation. The story and characters bring you a funny and surprising experience as you follow along with the mishaps between the two siblings. Written by Tsukasa Fushimi and with art by Sakura Ikeda this promises to be a hilarious offering sure to bring plenty of laughs. Oreimo Volume One is available now.

Tags: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dark Horse Comics, Gene Luen Yang, ghost, gurihuri, kelly sue deconnick, oreimo, Phil Noto

Marvel and Benefit SpyGal: Thrills, Frills, & Espionage No.1 Review

Aug. 17 Comic Books, Editor's Pick, Reviews no comments

Some of you may recall my joyous outpourings back in May when I received news that Marvel Custom Solutions and Benefit Cosmetics would be teaming up to bring us SpyGal #1. Well, since that day I have searched high, low, and every where in between to locate myself a copy and my patience has been rewarded. After a snap decision to stop into Ulta to check out the latest nail polish selections, there it sat behind the checkout counter beaming in all its fabulous glory. The checkout girl gladly added it to my bag along with the fact that she thought the story was so cute and hoped I enjoyed it. Did you hear that, comic review naysayers out there? I just said that a girl that doesn’t read comics thought the story was really good! Possible comic convert at Ulta alert!

The story is just fantastic – simple, but fantastic. SpyGal isn’t here to push an image of beauty at us. She’s here to protect women from being pushed down by the evil agents of YUCK. SpyGal is plucky and independent, a single girl who’s not afraid to run head first into danger to protect her charge. Her entire look is simple and stylish. Elegant cat eye liner, flawless skin, classic red lips all wrapped up in fabulous attire that any girl of any age can rock. SpyGal is about empowering women to realize you can be at the top of your game and still look polished without being too much. She also teaches us, in a few simple panels, not to let embarrassing situations set us back. Get up, brush yourself off, and keep going with a smile. Don’t let the YUCK Agents keep you down ladies!

SpyGal: Thrills, Frills, & Espionage No.1 is a must have for any Benefit Gal, cosmetics junkie, comic book fan, or collector. It’s a feel good read and all around positive story. If your local comic book store cannot locate it or order it then contact your nearest Ulta or Sephora stores. Mine was a free gift with purchase at Ulta so be sure to ask about that as well. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to save the world and look fabulous doing it!

SpyGal: Thrills, Frills, & Espionage No.1
Marvel Worldwide Inc
Writer: James Asmus
Artist and Cover: Phil Noto

Tags: Benefit Cosmetics, comic books, Corinne Strebig, cosmetics, Geek Faerie, James Asmus, Marvel Comics, Marvel Custom Solutions, Phil Noto, review, Sephora, SpyGal, Ulta

Buffy Tackles Demonic Social Media in Season 9 #12 Guarded Part 2

Aug. 07 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

(Imagine Anthony Stewart Head’s voice) “Previously on Buffy Season 9″- Buffy’s consciousness has been reunited with her body and hired by slayer Kennedy for bodyguard service. Oh, and magic is still missing from the world.

In the latest issue, Buffy and Kennedy are guarding the Buffyverse equivalent of Mark Zuckerberg named Theo. Theo has created Tincan – an online social media site with code embedded in it that allows it to work in hell dimensions. If there is something that big and bad, you know it’s gotta be Wolfram and Hart behind it.

I remain slightly ambivalent to the Buffy Season 8 and Season 9 story arcs, but I still feel a loyalty the character and the desire to keep up with her. So I continue with my torn allegiance to the comic book.

First, I’ll share the good. It is always nice to visit old friends ala the Scooby gang. It’s a treat to have a Buffy story feature Wolfram and Hart. And there is positively no Dawn in the story. The ending was surprising enough that I am eagerly waiting for next month’s issue. The art in Buffy has never been under par, but neither has it been really noteworthy. However, I must say there are few panels in this issue that really pop when Buffy and her cohorts are under a starry sky doing some surveillance.

Variant Cover

So, there are good reasons to get issue #12, but there is still some not so good. There’s no Dawn, but there is Kennedy, although I will confess the character is not as annoying in print. And saddest, there is no Scooby gang in this issue and Buffy is at her best with her friends around her.

Are you a die-hard Buffy fan following every issue and do you like where the story is going? Are a fan who pops in or reads the wikis to keep up or did Buffy end with the show for you?

Dark Horse Buffy Season 9 #12, “Guarded Part 2”Andrew Chambliss, George Jeanty, Nathan Massengill and executive producer Joss Whedon

With a variant cover selection, you have your choice of Buffys. My personal fave is Phil Noto’s illustration of Buffy double-fisting some stakes. But George Jeanty with Dexter Vines and Michelle Madsen’s depiction of Buffy doing battle with numerous demon tentacles may be up your alley.

$2.99 out August 8, 2012.

Tags: Bex, Buffy, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Buffyverse, comic books, Dark Horse, Dark Horse Buffy Season 9 #12, Dexter Vines, George Jeanty, Guarded, Joss Whedon, Michelle Madsen, Nathan Massengill, Phil Noto, Rebecca Narkiewicz, Scooby Gang, Season 9, Wolfram and Hart, “Guarded Part 2”Andrew Chambliss

Buffy Season 9 Continues with Guarded Part I

Jul. 08 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

Buffy Season 9 continues in comic book form with a slew of insane storylines that probably would never have seen the light of day in TV form. Coming July 11, in Guarded Part I, we catch up with Buffy, who is still recovering from the discovery that her body has been Buffy-napped and living cheerleader Buffy’s suburban dream life while her mind was placed in a robot. The scheme was orchestrated by the Buffy hating, gun loving, renegade slayer Simone Doffler with the help of Andrew. We learn Buffy was never really pregnant; it was a robot/real body mind swap false positive. What the monkey, Joss Whedon? However, after a run in with slayer-turned-bodyguard for hire, Kennedy, Buffy has quit the coffee shop and has a new job.

As Buffy says “Yep, Kennedy took us corporate.”

There has always been a dichotomy when it comes to Buffy. There is the part of her that wishes she wasn’t The Chosen, but she has never enjoyed the times she has lost her power or has met her competition (like Faith). She also always carries around some angst and now she is feeling self-doubt, having not realized on her own that she was in a robot body. Add to that her struggle with her relevance in this changed world that knows about demons and vampires. That struggle is the most compelling reason I can argue for reading the Buffy comics.

Guarded Pt. 1 is a small piece in a bigger puzzle. Buffy trains under Kennedy to be a bodyguard, protecting rich men from non-supernatural threats, and there is just a small mention of the zompire threat. There are also the usual Buffy/Whedon witticisms that are always fun to read. When asked by a client if they have any bigger bodyguards, Buffy responds, “I only come in Buffy size.” Chances for guffaws come when we meet various demons that, being cut off from their homes due to the ending of magic, have taken jobs as debt collectors and bellhops. Those new jobs lead to humorous, unexpected demon/Buffy encounters. And Buffy as we know her is not one to take orders, she usually wants to be the one giving them, so how will she work out when bossed by another slayer? You’ll have to read it to see.

In spite of loving the giggle inducing moments and what is ultimately at the heart of Buffy the Vampire Slayer- a young woman trying to find her place the world – I am still having issues with Seasons 8 and 9s’ overall story arcs. Entertaining to read, but lacking a driving force to make me want to look further than where we left Buffy and the gang on the edge of a sunken Hellmouth. However, this issue does leave with a little tasty morsel from the past that may tempt me to read a bit more of season 9, albeit begrudgingly.

Pre-order it now from your local comic book store. Written by Andrew Chambliss, penciled by George Jeanty, inked by Nathan Massengill and Dexter Vines, colors by Michelle Madsen, and cover art by Phil Noto.

Tags: Andrew Chambliss, Bex, Buffy season 8, Buffy season 9, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon, Phil Noto, Rebecca Narkiewicz

Astonishing Wed-Men #51

May. 31 Comic Books, News, Press Release, Previews no comments

Gay marriage has been in the news a lot recently. Certain, unnamed, homophobic American States voted against it – Bad thing. Fortunately there have been more positives than negatives. President Obama became the first president to openly support its legalisation and Marvel announced an X-Men gay wedding.

The wedding has been a long time in the coming. In Astonishing X-Men #51 Northstar will wed his long term fella Kyle in an event hyped as the wedding of the year. This event will not go uncelebrated, with a large number of variant covers, including a special create your own wedding cover and comic book stores across the world holding wedding parties on the release date, this is set to be one of the comic book events of the year.

So, without further ado, here is a sneak peak. Enjoy.

Astonishing X-Men #51 Cover

Astonishing X-Men #51 Create Your Own Wedding Variant

Astonishing X-Men #51 Djurdjevic Variant

Preview 1

Preview 2

Preview 3

Preview 4

Cool ah!

The fact that this is such a big deal, I have to admit, makes me a little disappointed. First off, it’s about time that all sexuality was treated equally in all formats and the fact that Marvel are making such a big deal of the wedding will hopefully make other creators realise that readers don’t care if there heroes are gay or straight, just as long as they kick a large amount of ass. The disappointment comes from the fact that, when it comes down to it, this is just two people getting married. Who cares what sex they are? It’s a shame we are not at the point where gay marriage is not as everyday an occurrence as straight marriage, but hopefully the world will get there soon and good on Marvel for taking this massive step. It has already lead to the announcement that a major player in the DC universe is set to come out and who knows the next pair to get married, I for one would like to see X-23 and Psylock tie the knot. Ratings winner!!

ASTONISHING X-MEN #51 (APR120665)

Written by MARJORIE LIU

Art by MIKE PERKINS

Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER

Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC

Create Your Own Wedding Variant by PHIL NOTO

Rated T+ …$3.99

On-Sale—6/20/12

Tags: DC Comics, DUSTIN WEAVER, Gay wedding, Jason Martin, MARJORIE LIU, MARKO DJURDJEVIC, Marvel Comics, MIKE PERKINS, Phil Noto, X-Men

Comics and Cosmetics Collide in SpyGal

May. 09 Comic Books, Press Release 1 comment

Every now and again as a beauty blogger and geek girl, something crosses my inbox that just makes me do more than squee. Oh yes sometimes only dogs and Superman can hear the noise I make.

The style and glamazon gurus at Benefit Cosmetics have teamed up with the geniuses at Marvel Custom Solutions to bring us SpyGal, a stunning beauty who is kicking spy butt and using her fabulous arsenal of gear disguised as cosmetics.

Benefit Gals will notice Benefit Products like They’re Real Mascara and Get Even Pressed Powder making cameo appearances in SpyGal’s beauty bag. Comic lovers will jump for joy as writer James Asmus and artist Phil Noto take on the challenge of bringing SpyGal to life.

Benefit Cosmetics & Marvel Custom Solutions Transform Beauty Bestseller into Comic Book Action Hero

Get ready for thrills, frills & espionage! Marvel Custom Solutions, the custom publishing division of Marvel Entertainment, and Benefit Cosmetics, the San Francisco beauty brand known for its fun instant beauty solutions, have co-created SpyGal, the FIRST EVER beauty-inspired comic book hero.

SpyGal’s wise-cracking, pore-zapping persona was modeled after the POREfessional pore minimizing primer. With over 1 million products sold worldwide, the POREfessional is an international sensation. The POREfessional packaging evokes a vintage female action figure complete with a pore-zapping ray gun and touch-up pro case. She’s smooth! She’s sexy! She’s your secret weapon against pores!

“The superpowers of our bestselling pore minimizer, the POREfessional, created such an international sensation, we knew it was destined for greatness!,” explained Julie Bell, EVP Global Marketing at Benefit Cosmetics. “Marvel, the world’s top storytellers, helped us bring our action hero SpyGal to life in the first ever beauty-inspired comic book.”

Inspired by SpyGal’s covert mission to empower women around the world, Marvel and Benefit assembled a dynamic creative team including fan favorite writer James Asmus (Uncanny X-Men, Captain America) and acclaimed artist Phil Noto (Avengers: The Origin, X-Men Origins) to bring SpyGal to life in her collectors’ item debut comic book. Together they seamlessly blended the trademark humor of Benefit with the iconic action & drama of Marvel storytelling to create a witty, globe-trotting espionage adventure.

“It’s exciting to bring Benefit Cosmetics and Marvel Custom Solutions together for such a historic collaboration,” said John Dokes, Marvel SVP of Integrated Sales and Marketing, Publishing and Digital Media. “SpyGal is a dynamic, nuanced hero for a new generation and combining that with the unparalleled storytelling of Marvel brings fans one of the most unique comics they’ll read all year.”

In addition to pulse-pounding beauty action, this very first issue of SpyGal also delivers an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek into the collaborative process that transformed our globe-trottin’, face-savin’ secret agent into a comic book hero. Plus, fans can use the FREE Marvel AR app to access video content from the glamorous world of makeup using their smartphone or tablet!

“Marvel and Benefit both know that humor and intelligence can be a heroes’ greatest strength, especially when faced with life’s modern problems,” said Marvel Custom Solutions Editor Bill Rosemann. “SpyGal dispenses justice, beauty tips and witty life advice with an effortless grace, while also grappling with work and dating worries. Can SpyGal ever find Mr. Right…or must she sacrifice romance to the demands of her job helping powerful women spread their influence around the world? Writer James Asmus and artist Phil Noto reveal all in SpyGal #1!”

Packed with intrigue, romance and excitement, this limited edition SpyGal comic is available in May at Benefit counters everywhere. It’s undercover…and over the top!

SpyGal Strip 2

I have already begun calling Ulta, Sephora, and my Comic Shop to get my hot little hands on this gem as soon as it’s released. I’m just worried this may only be available at Benefit Boutiques. that means road trip to SOHO in NYC! Who’s coming with?

While SpyGal may not be for everyone, I don’t think fans should brush it off so quickly. I think this one might surprise you; and who knows, maybe those of you with non-geeky spouses might get them into comics too.

Plus, for beauty geeks it’s combining two things we love, looking fabulous and taking on the baddies in heels. Karate chop!

Tags: Benefit Cosmetics, Corinne Strebig, cosmetics, Geek Faerie, James Asmus, Marvel Comics, Marvel Custom Solutions, Phil Noto, SpyGal

BOOM! Studios Unveils ECCC Programming Schedule

Mar. 28 Comic Books, News, Press Release no comments

Hey Nerds:

BOOM! Studios sent their programming schedule for Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) that starts THIS WEEK, from March 30 to April 1. Check it out below!

For Immediate Release:
BOOM! STUDIOS @ EMERALD CITY COMIC-CON 2012
BOOTH #502 and #402BOOM! GUESTS INCLUDE:ADVENTURE TIME Creator: Pen Ward
ADVENTURE TIME Writer: Ryan North
ADVENTURE TIME Artist: Shelli Paroline
ADVENTURE TIME Artist: Braden Lamb
ADVENTURE TIME Artist: Jen Bennett
&
PEANUTS Writer: Shane Houghton
PEANUTS Artist: Matt Whitlock
&
HIGHER EARTH & FANBOYS VS. ZOMBIES’ Sam Humphries
PLANET OF THE APES’ Daryl Gregory
VALEN THE OUTCAST’s Michael Alan Nelson
I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER’s Shannon WheelerBE SURE TO GET
ALL OF BOOM!’S ECCC EXCLUSIVE VARIANTS!

SCHEDULED SIGNINGS & PANELSBOOM! Studios Booth #502
BOOM! Studios All Day SigningMichael Alan Nelson, Writer (Valen the Outcast, 28 Days Later)Sam Humphries, Writer (Fanboys v.s. Zombies)Daryl Gregory, Writer (Planet of the Apes)Shannon Wheeler, Cartoonist (I Thought You’d Be Funnier)KaBOOM! All Day Signing Booth #402
Matt Whitlock, Artist (PEANUTS)Shane Houghton, Writer (PEANUTS)Ryan North, Writer (ADVENTURE TIME)
KaBOOM! All Day Sketching Shelli Paroline, Artist (Adventure Time)Braden Lamb, Artist (Adventure Time)Jenn Bennett , Artist (Adventure Time)BOOM! and KABOOM! Panels and Signing ScheduleFriday 3/30/122:00PM : Emerald City Comic Con opens, KaBOOM! booth begins giving out lottery tickets for Saturday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.3:00PM-4:00PM : Chris Roberson, Writer (ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST)Saturday 3/31/1210:00AM : Mitch Gerads signing, Artist (PLANET OF THE APES) BOOTH #50211:00AM : Lottery ticket cut-off for Saturday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.12:00PM : The winning fifty fans’ lottery ticket numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth (#402) for Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.1:00PM-2:00PM : ADEVNTURE TIME Panel – Room 4C3-42:30PM-3:30PM : ADVENTURE TIME Signing With Pendelton Ward Booth #402
NOTE: Lottery tickets will be given out when the show opens Friday all the way to 11:00AM Saturday morning (or until we run out); 50 random fans will be chosen for this event from the lottery and their numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth at noon on Saturday.

3:30PM : KaBOOM! booth begins giving out lottery tickets for Sunday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

6:00PM : BOOM! Studios Panel – Room 4C3-4

Sunday 4/1/12

10:00AM : Emerald City Comic Con opens, KaBOOM! booth begins giving out lottery tickets for Saturday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

11:00AM : Lottery ticket cut-off for Sunday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

11:30AM : Fifty fans’ lottery ticket numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth (#402) for Sunday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.
NOTE: Lottery tickets will be given out after Saturday’s signing all the way to 11:00AM Sunday morning (or until we run out); 50 random fans will be chosen for this event from the lottery and their numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth at noon on Saturday.

12:00PM-1:00PM : ADVENTURE TIME signing with Pendleton Ward and Chris Samnee – Booth #402

1:00PM-2:00PM : Editing Comics the BOOM! Studios way Panel – Room 201

3:00PM : Mitch Gerads signing, Artist (Planet of the Apes) – Booth #502

3:00PM-4:00PM : PEANUTS Comic panel – Room 3AB

4:00PM-5:00PM : Breaking into Comics panel – Room 4C1-2

Tags: adventure time, Boom! Studios, ECCC, emerald city comicon, Hellraiser, Hilton Collins, Peanuts, Phil Noto, Planet of the Apes, snarked

Sam Humphries’ New Series “Higher Earth”

Mar. 21 Comic Books, Press Release, Previews no comments

It’s 2012, so talk of the end of the world is nothing new around these parts, but we still haven’t solved one big problem: if humanity outlives this planet where will we go? Sam Humphries offers up a fantastic possibility in his upcoming on-going series Higher Earth, which will be released by Boom Studios: move to the Earth in a parallel universe. Here’s the gist:

Space is dead. Why conquer other planets when there’s a perfectly good Earth in the universe next door?

Heidi, a girl born in garbage. Rex, a soldier gone rogue. The only thing between them and their destiny is an empire of a hundred different Earths, across a hundred alternate timelines. One majestic planet dominates them all: HIGHER EARTH.

This sci-fi story is set set in a world where jumping through time is commonplace and humanity’s population has grown exponentially. According to Humphries, “going from one time-line to the next is as natural as taking a flight from New York to London. It’s a massive cognitive leap that is now a day-to-day reality for a civilization of a thousand billion citizens.” And while the magnitude of Humphries’ new world may be enough to hook readers on this new series, Humphries calls Higher Earth a revenge story, pulling us into the lives of two characters battling their way through this huge world, “we follow Rex and Heidi as they slash a bloody path through [the] empire.”

When the book, drawn by Francesco Biagini, reaches stores in May, the full first issue will come with a friendly price tag of $1 and four different main covers contributed by Joe Benitez, Phil Noto, Frazer Irving, and Ben Oliver. However, it doesn’t end there. In addition to the four covers, there will be retailer incentive variants by David Aja, a sketch variant by Joe Benitez and a special CGC certified 9.8 Near Mint variant by legendary artist Michael Golden.

For the Higher Earth fan boys and girls of the future, this is a major drool-fest. The only thing left for me to whet your appetite with now is some preview pages from the book, which leave me thinking one thing, The bear has metal claws! OUCH!