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Hello again, and welcome to the recently resurrected Panel Discussion. I’m Kieran, and every week I’m going to go through some of the best comics of the week to give you an idea what you should pick up that you might have missed. This is another stacked week with some fantastic first issues and great jumping on points for books you might be behind on, so let’s take a look at what’s on offer.

Image Comics runs away with this week with three stunning new debuts proving why it is still the place to go for independently published comics. The big release this week is Moonstruck #1 by Grace Ellis and Shae Beagle which starts out as a slice of life comic featuring monsters that turns into something very different indeed. There’s werewolves, centaurs and a massive conspiracy getting in the way of everything, but it’s still charming,...

Dynamite Entertainment has been publishing an ongoing Army of Darkness comic book series and we’re going to start featuring it more frequently here on Daily Dead. Similar to the other comics we cover, you can expect an early look at the cover art, previews pages, and interviews for this title.

To get things started, Kristian interviewed Elliott R. Serrano, the writer of the Army of Darkness comic book series, who tells us about writing new adventures for Ash and where the series is headed:

Thanks for taking the time to talk with Daily Dead. Could you tell our readers a bit about yourself and your work in the comic book industry?

Elliott R. Serrano: I’m a writer and columnist for the Chicago Redeye, a sib of the Tribune Company, who specializes in pop-culture and “geek culture.” I write a blog called “Geek To Me” (redeyechicago.com/geektome) where I write about movies,...

This week down at your neighborhood newsstand: The secret lives of a giant man; Mercenary living; Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?; Six in the chamber.

3 Story: The Secret Story of the Giant Man–Matt Kindt is one of those very rare comics creators who can change hats without ever compromising his own personal vision. His drawing style is very indie-friendly: very soft, often black-and-white, almost cute. None of the bold Kirby crackles or aggressive McFarlane inks that put off a lot of non-comics types (or so I’ve noticed). Yet Kindt’s stories often touch on familiar subject matter to die-hards: spies, armageddon, and giant men. So it’s not even so much that he changes hats, I guess, as he manages to combine his many interests into one pleasing package after another. This book, a follow-up to 2009′s almost-the-titled 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man,...

Dynamite Entertainment has been rocking stands with their ongoing Vampirella comic series from writer Eric Trautmann, seeing Vampi in new garb and with a new attitude. This March, perhaps in response to fan outcry wanting to see their classic heroine return to her roots, Dynamite is delivering Vampirella: The Red Room, taking readers into familiar territory. Well, at least familiar clothing.

The Red Room, written by Dan (Nocturnals) Brereton, sees Vampirella venturing into a humans-versus-vampires combat circuit, where she is hunting down a murderous blood sucker.

Below is the, admittedly odd looking, cover art for issue #1. At least the famous outfit is back…...

Dynamite Entertainment's "Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist" #3, available January 2012, is written by Eric Trautmann,with illustrations by Daniel Indro and covers by Alex Ross, Paul Renaud, and Francesco Francavilla :

"...'Flash Gordon', on the run from pursuit ships dispatched by 'Ming The Merciless', finds himself cut off and alone, facing down the deadly hazards of the untamed 'Mongo' wilderness, and the primal rage of 'Prince Thun' of the 'Lion Men'.

"Meanwhile, on an Earth still menaced by the threat of invasion from Mongo, three alien rebels wage a secret battle against Ming , targeting a shipment of powerful extraterrestrial weapons, destined to fall into the hands of the Third Reich..."

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Red Sonja #57

Written by Eric Trautmann

Art by Noah Salonga

Colors by Ranier Petter

Letters by Troy Peteri

Covers by Fabiano Neves, Walter Geovani

Dynamite Entertainment

Release Date: August 31, 2011

Cover Price: $3.99

Red Sonja #57 was so action packed it is ridiculous, and I mean that in a good way. Out on an assassination assignment in Koth, she stumbles into a huge plot between members of an elite family and a ruler that may not be all he seems...one of whom she saved, another who she contracted to kill. The beginnings of the cross and double cross are brought to light, but only after Sonja battles a huge stone golem and dozens of men-at-arms [...]...

Vampirella #9

Written by Eric Trautmann

Art by Fabiano Neves

Letters by Marshall Dillon

Colors by Marchelo Maiolo

Covers by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic, Paul Renaud, Fabiano Neves, Ale Garza

Dynamite Entertainment

Release Date: August 31, 2011

Cover Price: $3.99

First off, let me be honest. I'm not a consistent reader of this character, but I used to be. I was happy to be able to read and review Vampirella #9 since it used to be one of my favorite comics. Over the years, Vampirella has had major upheavals to her origin story, so much so that it got a bit confusing at times. Eric Trautmann has been very mysterious about his version until this book. I got a few glimpses but no detailed information which, truthfully, is intriguing. Fabiano Neves brings a starker image of Vampirella than many artists have in the past...quite a few have given her a more bimbo-like appearance, but I was...

Although Captain America: The First Avenger is still playing at multiplexes, attention has moved on to the possibility of sequels.

We'll be seeing Chris Evans return as the star-spangled do-gooder in next year's The Avengers but he's also set for more solo movies.

Writers Chris Markus and Stephen McFeely believe that although the present-day character from today's comics has to be included in Captain America 2 to show the idea of 'the man out of time', the past may also be a good place to investigate further.

"We certainly want at least a portion of the 1940's," Markus told PopcornBiz, with McFeely adding: "The span of the first movie is about two or three years, and there's a few times in the film where you jump four months, six months ahead. We did that with the intention of saying there are certainly unseen adventures that Captain America went on in...

Press Release – The iconic legend Flash Gordon is making his dynamic splash back into comics with Dynamite Entertainment this November! Flash Gordon – Zeitgeist #1 is written by Eric Trautmann (Vampirella, Red Sonja), from a story and designs by Alex Ross (Project: Superpowers, Kingdom Come, Marvels), and illustrated by Daniel Lindro!

As Flash Gordon’s story begins, it is a time of two-fisted swashbuckling, of fearsome threats and wild adventure-and of ever-growing threats on the horizon. Three valiant humans — Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov — are plucked from the Earth, traveling to the distant planet Mongo. Their exploits are legendary, battling the machinations and terror schemes of the dreaded emperor Ming, the All-Seeing Ruler of Mongo. But they did not fight alone! And coming up, witness a startling meeting with Ming the Merciless! With the fate of our world helpless, can even Flash Gordon save us?

Alex Ross had this...

Dynamite Entertainment will publish a new Flash Gordon comic in November. Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #1 features story and designs by legendary artist Alex Ross, and will be written by Eric Trautmann (Vampirella, Red Sonja) with illustrations by Daniel Lindro. "Finally, after all this time, I'm working on a Flash Gordon series that brings the best I have to contribute to this legendary character and forerunner of all comic books," said Ross. "I couldn't be happier about this project," said Trautmann. "It is a genuine treat to be able to let my inner 'pulpster' out, and write in an idiom I rarely get to play in, which has a rich core of optimism and innocence. We're very much approaching the comic (more)...

Dynamite Entertainment's "Vampirella" #13, available November 2011, is written by Eric Trautmann, with illustrations by Jose Malaga and covers by Fabiano Neves, Paul Renaud, Ale Garza, Wagner Reis :

"...in pursuit of a lost book of forbidden knowledge, 'Vampirella' has been drawn from Russia to the Armenia/Turkey border -- and 'Ani, the 'Ghost City of 1,001 Churches'. Once, the seat of power that rivaled Constantinople, Ani is now a crumbling ruin. And somewhere, lurks the last dark hope of an ancient enemy..."

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A lot to go over, including a whole lot of second issues and a hardcover collection of all of last month’s #1 issues. So let’s get to it!

Justice League #2

Written by Geoff Johns

Art and cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams

1:25 Variant cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

1:200 B&W variant cover by Jim Lee

On sale October 19 • 40 pg, Fc, $3.99 Us • Rated T

Combo pack edition: $4.99 Us

Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for more information.

What happens when the World’s Greatest Detective takes on the world’s most powerful alien? You’ll find out when Batman and Superman throw down. Batman will need all his intellect, cunning and physical prowess to take on The Man of Steel.

This issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.

Author J.K. Rowling unveiled plans for her new Harry Potter mega-site "Pottermore" this week, and even though it's not open for business just yet, she is collecting email addresses and trending in the Twittersphere. Ande Parks and Antony Johnston had their own interpretations of her plans and tweeted accordingly.

Elsewhere, Brad Meltzer demanded great things from "The Muppets," now that the film's first trailer is out. See why, as well as how far along Mark Millar is with his "Supercrooks" script down below.

I'm @brianwarmoth, and this is the Twitter Report for June 23, 2011.

@CBCebulski Dear virus affecting DC computers, instead of sending us spam from their editors' e-mail accts, please send secret internal memos & info.

-C.B. Cebulski, Sr. VP, Creator and Content Development (Marvel)

Harry Potter pt. 1: @andeparks Rowling's big news is a Potter-based World of Warcraft online gaming platform. I see computer time limits in my daughter's future.

Batman: Noel Deluxe Edition Hc

Written by Lee Bermejo

Art and cover by Lee Bermejo

On sale November 2 • 112 pg, Fc, 7.0625” x 10.875”,

$22.99 Us

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ immortal classic A Christmas Carol, Batman: Noel features different interpretations of The Dark Knight, along with his enemies and allies, in different eras, from writer/artist Lee Bermejo (Joker).

In this spectacular, oversized graphic novel, Batman must come to terms with his past, present and future as he battles villains from the campy 1960s to dark and brooding menaces of today, while exploring what it means to be the hero that he is.

Batman Incorporated Vol. 1 Deluxe Edition Hc

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Yanick Paquette, Michel Lacombe and Chris Burnham

Cover by J.H. Williams III

The first seven issues of the hot new series are collected in this new, deluxe edition hardcover!

After Bruce Wayne tells the world that...

The new "X-Men: First Class" poster that arrived for the UK this week left a bit to be desired for some mutant fans, but artist Phil Noto drew some inspiration from the the film and made his own poster. Our feed this morning kicked off with a stack of deserved compliments, and I think you'll see why down below.

Hugh Jackman, meanwhile, rarely finds time in his busy life to use Twitter, but going off of his Wolverine diet and taking a production break in Paris evidently got him in the mood today. His exuberance, a sweet Catwoman sketch from Ted Naifeh and gut feelings about "Thor" and "Dylan Dog" all made the day's retweet list.

I'm @brianwarmoth, and this is the Twitter Report for April 21, 2011.

@RealHughJackman Quick 2 day break in Paris meant Wolverine diet was put on hold! Great spring weather. Loved exploring the Rodin museum. Now back 2 work!

Dynamite Entertainment's "Vampirella" #9, available July 2011, is written by Eric Trautmann, with illustrations by Fabiano Neves and covers by Neves, Paul Renaud, Ale Garza, Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic :

"...On a lonely stretch of highway, 'Vampirella' faces off against her foes: a trio of demonic assassins, drunk on newfound freedom and intent on making the vampiric heroine's death something special..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Dynamite Entertainment's "Vampirella" #7, available May 2011, is written by Eric Trautmann, and illustrated by Walter Geovani, with covers by Geovani, Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic, Paul Renaud and Fabiano Neves :

"...Her name is 'Sofia', a young woman pulled into the maelstrom of violence and supernatural fear that surrounds 'Vampirella'. She's stood at Vampirella's side during the terrifying battle against the 'Lord of Worms', fought the blood-hungry legions of 'Dracula' and survived the clutches of the vile 'Le Fanu'. But who is Sofia, and what secrets lurk in her past?..."

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Horoscope watchers have been scratching their heads this week, thanks to some zodiac changes being implemented. Sign shifts and the addition of a new one called Ophiuchus could impact tattoos all over the place, though comics creators mostly think the whole institution is wacky to begin with and/or wonder what the implications will be for the Marvel Comics super-villain team.

Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man costume has been grabbing some eyes. You'll find out who likes the web-shooters, who's withholding his opinion and who drew a badass Wolverine (even in 2007) down below.

I'm @brianwarmoth, and this is your Twitter Report for January 14, 2010.

Zodiac pt. 1: @swierczy Right now, somewhere in the world, the Zodiac Killer is reading the internet and going, F-----------.

-Duane Swierczynski, Writer ("Cable," "The Immortal Iron Fist")

Zodiac pt. 2: @JimMcCann The next big Marvel villain event? "The Zodiac 13: The Search for Ophiuchus." There,...

Dynamite Entertainment's "Vampirella #2, will be available January 5, written by Eric Trautmann and illustrated by Wagner Reis/Fabiano Neves, with covers by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic, Joe Jusko, Paul Renaud and Lucio Parrillo :

"...'Vampirella' has tracked her prey, the bloodthirsty 'Vlad Dracula' to Seattle and a vicious nest of vampires preying on the young and the lost. In the clutches of 'Le Fanu', one of Dracula's oldest and most trusted lieutenants, Vampirella must face a growing threat more terrifying than any she has ever encountered, for Le Fanu has exposed Vampirella to her own deepest and darkest secrets - Vampirella herself..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Dynamite Entertainment has released a teaser for the first issue of its Vampirella series. Written by Eric Trautmann with artwork from Wagner Reis, the book sees the femme fatale make her long-awaited return to comic books. "Dynamite Entertainment is pleased to reintroduce readers to the scourge of the undead: Vampirella, and she is all that stands between us and the end of the world," reads the publisher's solicitation. "Vampi's back and hot on the corpse-strewn trail of her nemesis, (more)...

Dynamite Entertainment has revealed that Joe Madureira will provide a variant cover for Vampirella #1. Best known for his work on Battle Chasers and Uncanny X-Men, the artist joins Eric Trautmann and Wagner Reis on the creative team. It was previously confirmed that Alex Ross, J. Scott Campbell and Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic will provide alternate covers for the series's debut issue. "Dynamite Entertainment is pleased to introduce (more)...

Eric Trautmann has detailed his first arc on Dynamite Entertainment's new ongoing Vampirella series. Trautmann is best known for his run co-writing Action Comics with Greg Rucka and his work on video games story bibles including those for Halo and Perfect Dark. "Without giving too much away, it's a sort of in media res reappearance of Vampirella tracking down her long-term nemesis, Vlad Dracula," Trautmann told Cbr. "Her search for Dracula has led her to the Pacific Northwest and a particularly problematic nest of vampires. Of course, Dracula and his minions well end up being merely the tip of the iceberg. (more)...

Dynamite Entertainment reports that Eric Trautmann will write and Wagner Reis will illustrate a new "Vampirella" series launching in November.

"...'Vampirella' is back and hot on the trail of her nemesis, 'Vlad Dracula'. It's a darker world for Vampirella, and something even more sinister than vampires lurks in the shadows, something that even Dracula himself has cause to fear, as Vampirella is all that stands between us, and the end of the world..."

The character, created by Forrest J Ackerman for Warren Publishing's "Vampirella" black-and-white horror-comics magazine, was developed by writer Archie Goodwin and illsutrators Frank Frazetta and Tom Sutton for Vampirella #1 (Sept. 1969).

'Vampirella' was originally presented as an inhabitant of the planet 'Draculon', a world where people lived on blood.

While Draculon orbited two twin suns causing droughts across the planet, Vampirella's race, the 'Vampiri', were able to transform themselves into bats at will and sprout wings when required.

Dynamite Entertainment has unveiled Eric Trautmann as the writer on its Vampirella series. Illustrated by Wagner Reis, the upcoming book sees the vampiress cross paths with a sinister force while tracking her nemesis Vlad Dracula. "It's a genuine pleasure to be adding to the 'legend' of Vampirella," said Trautmann. "There's a long roster of talented creators - Forrest Ackerman, Archie Goodwin, Kurt Busiek, Warren Ellis, James Robinson, Grant Morrison to name just a few - have cast a long shadow over Vampirella. "It's an honour to be able to add to that (more)...

"Iron Man 2" can't hide from the general public — or Twitter — any longer. The reviews continue to trickle in, and director Jon Favreau seems to be happy with the buzz he's getting around the Twittersphere.

Yesterday's election in the U.K. has been popular as well, and though I don't feel qualified to weigh in personally, I can support the Batman fantasy from Warren Ellis' tweets. I can also support Jon Rosenberg's re-tinkered schedule commitment for his webcomic "Goats." He announced earlier this week that he would be re-strategizing, and it looks we can still look forward to a weekly posting regiment in the near future over on Goats.com. Check out what all of these fine gentlemen said below, along with Justin Gray's take on "The Human Centipede" and words I endorse from Tim Seeley.

It's all in the Twitter Report for May 7, 2010.

"Iron Man 2...

DC has unveiled a new ongoing series featuring its newly introduced Red Circle heroes. Mighty Crusaders will feature a team including the Shield, the Comet, the Web, the Fox, the Inferno and some yet-to-be-introduced characters. The series will be co-written by regular collaborators Eric Trautmann and Brandon Jerwa (The Shield) and illustrated by Julian Lopez (Outsiders). "The Mighty Crusaders are a government sponsored superteam," Jerwa told Newsarama. "There's (more)...

DC Comics has announced the release of a special one-shot dedicated to the Red Circle heroes titled Mighty Crusaders Special. Bringing together the main four Red Circle characters for the first time, the book will be written by a quartet of scribes and drawn by Superman artist Javi Pina. Eric Trautmann of The Shield; Brandon Jerwa, who writes The Inferno short; Matthew Sturges of The Web; and John Rozum, who writes The Hangman short, will collaborate on the story. It will follow on from a series of one-shots written by J. Michael Straczynski. "A (more)...

"Avatar" may be the most hilariously divisive movie of the holiday season, if not 2009. In the last 24 hours, for instance, G. Willow Wilson has been excited about seeing it, Laurenn McCubbin has been thoroughly dissatisfied with it and Mike Choi has come to the movie's defense with some serious words for its critics.

In other tweets, Dennis Calero spoke up for everyone who grew up with "Sesame Street" actress Alaina Reed Amini. The actress who played Olivia on the show passed away last week. Check out those messages after the jump along with Brian Michael Bendis' shock over "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," Bill Willingham's birthday announcement (which we congratulate him on!) and Jimmy Palmiotti's thoughts on "Brothers."

They're all in the Twitter Report for December 23, 2009.

@DennisCalero goodbye olivia, thank you for making sesame street such a happy place

-Dennis Calero, Artist ("X-Factor," "Legion of Super-...

Welcome to another edition of The Pull List Comic Reviews! We’ve got a lot off good issues to get through, so let’s get to it. As always, Warning: Spoilers Ahead.

Pull Of The Week:

S.W.O.R.D. #1 – Marvel Comics – $3.99 Us

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artists: Steven Sanders, Jamie McKelvie

Score: 9.0

Spinning out of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s seminal Astonishing X-Men run, S.W.O.R.D. is the new title focusing on the organization entrusted to ensure that alien invasions are kept to a minimum. The Sentient World Observation and Response Department’s co-commander, Abigail Brand, has enough on her plate as it is, but having Henry Peter Gyrich – yes, That guy – as your co-commander simply can’t be a good thing.

After making a name for himself with the critically acclaimed Phonogram series, Marvel thought that writer Kieron Gillen would be able to handle the launch of a new,...