Robot Love

Or at least like. WALL-E #0 arrived in comic shops today! A few reviews have already been posted online and so far so good...

Don MacPherson of Eye on Comics writes:

To my amazement, writer J. Torres has done for a Pixar comic book what Roger Langridge did for a Muppet comic book. Torres overcomes the challenges inherent in adapting what one could view as essentially silent film and captures the same kind of cuteness, curiosity and innocence that allowed a computer-generated robot character to mesmerize millions.

Doug Zawisza of Comic Book Resources writes:

No stranger to all ages reads, J. Torres manages to provide a story about the popular reclamation robot that is at once both cute and enjoyable. Capably accompanied by Morgan Luthi's pitch-perfect artwork, Torres' story gives us a peek into what may have transpired before the opening credits of the 2008 animated film.

David Wallace of Comics Bulletin writes:

Just as the movie impressed audiences with a virtually dialogue-free opening 30 minutes that told its story almost entirely visually, Morgan Luthi is called upon to relate the events of this issue almost entirely through his artwork. Luckily, he’s up to the task, with a strong grasp of form and texture that brings the barren landscape of the future planet Earth to life in a way that feels vividly evocative of the film’s initially downbeat atmosphere.

Click the links above to read the full reviews.

And don't forget to pick up your copy of WALL-E #0!

GeekDads Assemble!

I first met Andrew Kardon through Wizard Magazine, where he worked once upon a time. Back then, we were a couple of geeky bachelors who loved comics and related cartoons, TV shows, movies, toys and all things geeky. A decade or so later and we're now both geeky dads who love comics and related cartoons, TV shows, movies, toys and all things geeky.

Andrew is also now a regular contributor to Wired's website with the blog GeekDad: Raising Generation 2.0. He recently interviewed me about my indoctrination techniques and the latest pulp propaganda I've penned. We talk WALL-E here. Read it.

Resistance is futile, children.

E-View

Comic Book Resources has a five-page preview of WALL-E #0 here.

The story, written by yours truly with art by the magnificent Morgan Luthi, is a prequel to the movie.

Don't forget (no disrespectful pun intended) to pick up your copy on Remembrance Day which is this Wednesday, November 11th.

Let me know what you think!

Coming Soon

Just heard from my editor James Lucas Jones at Oni Press with an update on Lola. He received an unbound copy of the book from the printers yesterday and says it "printed really well," the inks "look fantastic" and that the cover is "sharp and classy" looking. I should be getting a copy myself in about a week or two. Right now, the in-store ETA is mid-December since it's printing and shipping from overseas. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at what the cover looks like. Thanks to Keith Wood, Oni designer extraordinaire, for this "3D" preview image (and of course his design skillz).

Lola: A Ghost Story is a 112-page hardcover graphic novel retailing for $14.95 US.

For more info please visit the Oni website.

The Second to Last Airbender

The penultimate issue of Nickelodeon Magazine (a.k.a. Nick Mag) is on stands now. In it is a four-page Avatar: The Last Airbender comic written by yours truly with art by the dynamic Japanese duo known as Gurihiru. There are many other terrific comics within the issue by the likes of Dave Cooper, Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer and others. Over the years, Nick Mag showcased many talented comic creators and cartoonists thanks to editors Dave Roman and Chris Duffy. I'm really sad to see the magazine go, but I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to contribute to a handful of issues, including ones dating back to my earliest days as a professional comic book writer.

The November issue should be on display until Thanksgiving. Get one before they're all gone! If I'm not mistaken, the last issue of Nick Mag has another one of my Avatar comics (illustrated by Corey Lewis).

Please stay tuned.