Latest news with #ImageComics
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Image Comics/ Ghost Machine— Sisterhood A Hyde Street Story #1: A Sinister Tale of Revenge
Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story - drops at your Local Comic Shop on July 2nd. Cover A by Artist Leila Leiz & Colorist Alex Sinclair. Image Comics The death of a friendship can be as devastating as when a more 'classic' romantic-style relationship ends, but the former isn't spoken about enough. It is why writer Maytal Zchut felt compelled to pen about the issue through her latest tale for Ghost Machine with Sisterhood — A Hyde Street story, whose issue #1 (of 5) hits comic book shelves everywhere on July 2nd. 'Sisterhood was inspired by my personal experience with an ending friendship. I often describe the series as the story of a friend 'break-up', a topic I feel isn't often covered but can be equally as painful as losing any other significant relationship,' she explains. Zchut says that she wanted to explore ideas of support versus betrayal in these kinds of dynamics, '...and while the characters took on a life of their own, the core of the story taps into my own emotions around this particular struggle.' Moreover, friendships are fostered through common and differing interests, which is why the story of Violet and Sophie—two besties contending with a sorority hazing gone awry and seeking revenge from beyond the grave is certainly suspenseful and supernatural—but what's more eerie is the entire dynamic is palpably relatable. We've all had that opposites-attract kind of friendship that flourishes and is further enriched through bonding experiences. The story that unfolds (and unravels) between Violet and Sophie is no exception. For Sister Hood and Sophie, on Hyde Street — death is never final. Image Comics What is most exemplary was the stylization choices to accentuate these elements. From the coloring to the wardrobe selections, you can see and feel the personas of each girl emanating off the pages and panels. This was all by design. 'Maytal sent me descriptions of the characters and from there I started to imagine what they might look like. After I had the features in mind, I considered how each would dress based on her personality. It also helped the synergy that Maytal and I talked for hours about every detail from what the characters would look like to what they would wear,' explains artist Leila Leiz. Sisterhood Variant Cover C by Artist Peter Snejbjerg and Colorist John Kalisz. Image Comics The most salient aspect of the storytelling was the jarring juxtapositions—the 'Snow White' dress as seen on Sister Hood (the 'psychic/witch') in what appears to be a wedding gown (and is also a bit of a homage to 'Devour', their previous one-shot project together)—has historically symbolized purity and innocence. 'We really considered what outfits would fit with each character. For example, when we were thinking about Sister Hood, we felt she needed to have a warmer presentation to her so when we were contemplating whether to put her in all black or all white, we decided white was much more fitting,' explains Leiz. This stylization of gives her a veneer of being disarmingly kind; but ultimately, was a form of deception that caused Sophie to fatally trust this person. White is now 'reinterpreted' as something dark, sinister, and calculated. Another example is the pastel pink (e.g. the preppy attire, bow ties)—which has long been deemed as a 'feminine' color—and societally associated with romance and sweetness. Here it is disturbingly tethered to suffering and bullying. 'Karma is a great example of this. I modeled her after 60s era Brigitte Bardot and her outfits were heavily inspired by French designers. We felt that pink would be a great fit for the femininity of the sorority, and contrast with the darker elements of the story,' says Leiz. Karma (instigator of the sorority hazing) is a wolf in sheep's clothing and her appearance helps drive that unsettling ambiance in the story. Sister Hood character: a deceptive person whose ulterior motive is to create chaos rather than calm. Image Comics Sisterhood is laced with these aesthetic contrasts to propel character depth and pacing of the narrative: 'One of my favorite looks is Sophie with the letterman jacket, which felt very appropriate for a college student. With the hoodie underneath, it shows that Sophie is more introverted and doesn't want to be noticed, she's just another student walking by. When you see her side by side with Violet when they arrive at college, Violet's outfit suggests she wants to be noticed, so that was a nice contrast as well,' explains Leiz. Dominance and control is another theme explored through these characters's wardrobes: 'I also like Karma's outfit in the pool scene. She's wearing a designer outfit that was very intentional to depict her personality and level of wealth. It gives you a sense of her power and influence the first time you see her,' offers Leiz. Sister Hood with one of her victims. Image Comics Compared with Devour's singular issue, Sisterhood's five issues has afforded Zchut an opportunity to foster a more profound connection with the readers by allowing us to delve into the psyches of these people, 'I wanted to develop the characters more and really dive deeper into the emotion of the story. I feel we've accomplished what we set out to do with this series and all of us have developed our synergy as a team, that within itself shows growth from Devour,' says Zchut. Ultimately, Sisterhood is exploring the lifecycle of friendship— from its birth to its death—albeit with a devious, supernatural twist. In conjuring up a 'Mean Girls'/ Scream Queens ' aesthetically-enriched mood board and coupling it with the homage-like horrors found on 'Fear Street' —it is what makes this an engrossing read from cover-to-cover. SISTERHOOD A HYDE STREET STORY #1 via Ghost Machine and published by Image Comics is out July 2nd, 2025.
Geek Vibes Nation
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
GVN Exclusive: Valeria Favoccia's Character Concepts For 'By A Thread Vol. 2' (ComiXology Originals)
When it was announced that fan-favorite writer Scott Snyder was launching another title for ComiXology Originals and Image Comics, many were excited. However, the intrigue deepened when it was revealed that Scott would collaborate with his son Jack on the project. Thus, on October 10th, 2023, ComiXology Original's 'By a Thread' was born, featuring art by the talented Valeria Favoccia. Synopsis Ten years ago, a deadly and mysterious infection spread across the Earth's terrain, forcing humankind to live in communities precipitously built above the ground. Growing up on Needle Three, Jo barely remembers a time before darkness enveloped the world. But when our hero's community comes under attack by the despotic Charon and his forces, Jo and his friends must decide whether or not to venture across the wasteland in search of a safe haven as the world hangs by a thread. Arriving on June 3rd, Scott and Jack are thrilled to bring fans the second volume of their exciting tale. Ahead of the June 3rd premiere, we're excited to showcase artist Valeria Favoccia's concept art and character descriptions for Scott and Jack's 'By a Thread.' ART and CHARACTER DESCRIPTION by Valeria Favoccia: Charon: When I first heard about him, I suggested his name after the ferryman who carries the souls into the afterlife and I'm very happy that we decided to keep it! I wanted him to look almost inhuman, something that gives you creeps just staring at him, with a solemn presence and a shaman inspiration. I've read some people saying that he looks like Vessel, the Sleep Token singer, but I didn't know the band when I created him, even if it's true that they have similar vibes. Ren She was the hardest one to bring to life. We worked a lot on her design to reach the final result. Her biggest inspo were the swan and Lady Gaga. I love how Gaga has this ethereal elegance but with a creepiness underneath and I wanted to recreate something like that. Also, the Swan is elegant as well, but lethal and fierce. Her weapons remind me of wings and even her cape, when she fights! Admiral For her, I've used the same inspo/design that I used for crystal soldiers and Rowan & Juniper's Father's uniform. She's determined, she doesn't care about the outside world and she's very dedicated to her role, so I didn't want to spill too many emotions on her, just a powerful, cold, military woman. Juniper She's Rowan's twin sister and when I thought about her design I wanted to make it a mirror version of Rowan. So, she has her hair short too, but it goes down her face, she has a cape too, but her one is straight and a sign of power. I wanted a practical outfit that looked like a uniform. Also, I love Devil May Cry very much, so I wanted to give them some sort of Dante/Vergil vibes. Charlie She's the one who cares about the other the most. Her design was inspired by a friend of mine. I want her to almost look like an idol, with short light pink hair and puff lips. She's very clever, she's an engineer, so I wanted to give her a comfy, urban but cool design that almost looks like a repair shop worker. Jo Jo is my favourite one (don't tell the others!!) I was free to explore whatever design I wanted to create, and I think he came out on the first try. He has all the things that I enjoy drawing, messy hair with bold shapes, black scars that almost look like tattoos, a loose tank top and overall, an urban but all-black outfit. I just enjoy drawing him, I wanted something that feels as natural as possible for me, but also to reflect his aura. He's grumpy but brave, he almost lost every hope but has huge beliefs in his friends. Looking at him, you know that he won't let go that easily without fighting until the end. Canon He's the purest soul of the group. I didn't want him to look like a stereotypical Japanese nerd boy, so I gave him a nice twist with his hair -which I think makes him look cool- and I play a lot with his shirt, giving him a fun design to wear. Also, his red glasses are his signature as they give him a more childish look but also joyful. Muscles This was supposed to be a guy in the beginning, if I'm not wrong, a buffed and strong one, but I just wanted a huge girl even too much huge to be real but that nobody asks questions about her stance, she's just like that. Of course, her outfit is inspired by wrestlers and boxers, and I wanted to play with her hair to give her a unique shape. If you look at her you can almost say that's some sort of a buffed Taranee from W.i.t.c.h. series. 😊 Hunter I wanted them to look sneaky and stealthy, something unpredictable. The most important thing in Hunter are their eyes and I play a lot just with their gestures and expressions, I think that even if they're almost completely covered with clothes, they are one of the most expressive character of the group. I designed a hat which I think gave them some more dynamism (and also, I would love to wear one if I could!) and decided their colors that I think goes well with Muscles since I think about them as one thing. ComiXology Originals 'By a Thread, Vol 2, Issue 1 by Scott Snyder, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, and Whitney Cogar comes to digital June 3rd. Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70's who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
UPI
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
DC Comics announces new Black Label series 'Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum'
"Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum" #1 cover by Martín Morazzo and Chris O'Halloran. The five-issue Black Label series goes on sale Aug. 13. Photo courtesy of DC Comics May 16 (UPI) -- DC Comics announced on Friday a new five-issue Black Label series titled Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum. The series, which will begin on Aug. 13, will follow Superman as four new Kryptonites are discovered in deep space. The Man of Steel must discover what effect these new Kryptonites have on him with the help of Batman. Kryptonite is Superman's main weakness, a material from his home planet of Krypton. Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum hails from W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo and Chris O'Halloran, the creative team behind the Eisner Award - nominated Ice Cream Man from Image Comics. "Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum is a story about new types of Kryptonite, and the effect those new types have on Kal-El and his world," said DC group editor Paul Kaminski. "The series offers an opportunity to unleash the acclaimed Ice Cream Man creative team on the DCU, with episodic tales that play with storytelling styles. These tales are often warped, suspenseful and occasionally horrific, and lean into the rich stylings of the silver age Superman franchise," Kaminski continued. Black Label is a DC Comics imprint that feature standalone stories for a more mature audience. DC Comics and Warner Bros. will be releasing the new Superman film from director James Gunn in theaters on July 11. David Corenswet stars as Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
