www.jtorresonline.com

ALA Midwinter

2012-01-17T18:57:00.001-05:00

The American Library Association's midwinter conference takes place January 20-24 in Dallas, Texas. I'll be there Friday to Sunday courtesy of Archie Comics to help promote the forthcoming Jinx graphic novel which is due out this spring. If you're attending the conference, please join us on Saturday night at the launch party...

Hey, Kids! Webcomics!

2012-01-13T21:55:00.001-05:00

Check out Saturday Morning Webtoons for cartoon-inspired comics by Agnes Garbowska, Alex Serra, Andi Watson, Eric Orchard, J. Bone, Jack Briglio, Stephanie Buscema, and more!

We've got weekly and bi-weekly comics updated every Saturday as well as free monthly downloads. So bookmark that portal page! You can also follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Grab a bowl of your favorite cereal and we'll see you on Saturday morning!

Bastion's 7

2011-12-08T13:54:00.001-05:00

Sean "Cheeks" Galloway's long-awaited Bastion's 7 has launched as a weekly webcomic with help from Taffy Table Studios and yours truly.

You can read it here.

A new page every Wednesday!

Geek Hard

2011-11-10T10:54:00.005-05:00

I'm a guest on this week's episode of Geek Hard!

You can listen live this Friday, November 11 starting at 7 PM E.S.T. on RealityRadio101.com. I should be on around 7:35 PM to talk up the recently released Power Lunch and more.

Geek Hard is a weekly internet radio show about comics books, movies, TV, video games, and all things geek hosted by Andrew Young and Mr. Green. More information about the show can be found here.

2011-10-31T09:26:00.002-04:00

Go Download

2011-10-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

Speaking of digital comics and downloads, the first six issues of Teen Titans Go are now available for reading online or on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod!

Go here or download either the DC Comics app or the comiXology app and you'll find Teen Titans Go along with some other great all-ages comics like Batman Adventures, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade, Superman Adventures and more.

The first issue's free! Subsequent issues are only 99 cents each!

It was only a kiss...

2011-10-27T10:48:00.002-04:00

The third issue of Archie Comics' digital exclusive Jinx is now available for download via the Archie app and iVerse's Comics+ app:

"Everything changes in high school. If you're not paying attention, you might kiss your best friend, and Jinx did exactly that! No one knows what to think... except for Charley."

The drama continues!

Ordering Lunch

2011-07-06T09:14:00.003-04:00

Power Lunch Volume 1 by yours truly and artist Dean Trippe can now be pre-ordered from your friendly neighbourhood comic shop. The solicitation can be found in the Oni Press section of the July issue of Previews. Look for it on my birthday, October 12.

You can also pre-order from Amazon.ca and Amazon.com as well as your local book store (October 25 release date).

Power Lunch tells the story of Joey, a boy who gets super power from different foods, and is also about friendship and dealing with bullies. This graphic novel is a full colour, 40-page hardcover and is rated E for Everybody.

Twit

2011-06-29T08:13:00.000-04:00

Twit is a new webcomic illustrated by Eric Kim, artist of Love as a Foreign Language, based on my Twitter feed. I know, it sounds kind of silly, but it was suggested by some fans, I bounced the idea off of Eric, and he took the ball and totally ran with it.

Twit is a one-panel strip that updates every Sunday. We opted for "soft launch" on Father's Day without any hype. There are two strips up now. I wanted to wait until we had a few instalments before making too much noise. Check it out and please tweet, share the link, and/or follow the page here.

Jinx #2

2011-06-25T21:09:00.002-04:00

My second issue of the Archie Comics digital exclusive Jinx is now available for download. I noticed it was available on the Archie Comics app sometime last week, but it hasn't shown up on the main comiXology or Comics4Kids app. Someone also just informed me that Jinx #2 is available on Graphicly, so I'm not sure how all of that works and why it's not showing up across the board at the same time (or thereabouts).

Anyway, I hope people check it out as soon as it's available on their app of choice because IN THIS ISSUE EVERYTHING CHANGES!

Going Back to Calgary, Calgary, Calgary

2011-06-13T11:22:00.001-04:00

I'm a guest at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo this weekend (June 17-19). I'm on a bit of a tight schedule but I should be there for most of Friday and Saturday, although I'll have to duck out early on Sunday to catch a flight.

You can find me in the Guest Creators area at table I-09 flanked by Gail Simone and Dustin Nguyen. We seem to be in a cluster (or island) of tables with Geoff Darrow, Tony Dezunga, and Matt Clark behind us. What a group!

For more information, please go to the Calgary Expo website.

Missed Aang Ventures

2011-06-08T09:00:00.003-04:00

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER—THE LOST ADVENTURES

For three years, millions of eager fans tuned in to watch new episodes of Nickelodeon’s hit animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Ever since, fans have been hungry for more—and now their wait is finally over!

This volume collects the long-out-of-print, fan-favorite comics previously published in Nickelodeon Magazine and with theAirbender DVDs, plus over seventy brand-new comics pages. That’s twenty-six stories set in Airbender continuity, by a host of top-notch talent, many of whom worked on the original animated series!

I've got four stories in this collection which is in stores this week. Two of the stories are illustrated by the dynamic duo of Gurihiru (including the one from Free Comic Book Day), one is by the super talented Johane Matte, and the other by the incomparable Corey Lewis. Two of the stories feature everyone's favourite earthbender Toph. Seriously, Avatar slash comic book fans, what more could you ask for?

Digital Jinx

2011-05-20T13:29:00.001-04:00

Jinx #1 is now available for download!

You can get your digital copy from comiXology if you use a web browser, or via iTunes for your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. I know of three apps offering the series right now: the main comiXology app, their specialized Comics4Kids app, and of course the Archie Comics app. The choice is yours!

Jinx #1 re-introduces the classic Li'l Jinx character re-imagined as a high school freshman written by yours truly with pencils by Rick Burchett and inks by Terry Austin. (I still can't believe I share a credit box with these legends!) The story runs for four issues with the second issue due out in June.

Free Comic Book Download

2011-05-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

This year's Free Comic Book Day was another roaring success! I spent the morning at my local shop Comic Book Addiction where there was a fun street festival-like atmosphere with balloons, face-painting, costumes, BBQ, and lots of families with kids. I signed and I probably gave out close to 100 copies of the Avatar/Star Wars and Rated Free for Everyone comics. And speaking of festivals, I then spent the rest of the day at TCAF giving out even more free comics (definitely over 100 copies there). Thanks to everyone who came to see me at these events!

If you didn't get a chance to pick up the Dark Horse FCBD comics at your local shop, don't worry! You can get them from Dark Horse Digital for a limited time.

Free Comic Book Day

2011-05-04T10:35:00.012-04:00

Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday!

As I've mentioned before, I'm in two FCBD comics this year: "Rated Free for Everyone" published by Oni Press features the first look at "Power Lunch" by me and Dean Trippe; The Avatar/Star Wars flip book from Dark Horse includes an Avatar story by me and Gurihiru.

I'll be signing at Comic Book Addiction in Whitby, Ontario from 10 AM until noon. Then I'll be at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival from about 1 PM until the end of the show.

You can visit the FCBD website to find out what other comics are up for grabs and use their participating comic shop locator to find out where you can get them!

TCAF

2011-04-30T00:14:00.000-04:00

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) is only one week away! I'm pretty excited to be a guest at this year's show which features a Kids@TCAF section. The official TCAF website lists over 30 comic book creators as "Kids and Young Adult" exhibitors, including some of my favourite collaborators and oldest friends in the industry: J. Bone, Scott Chantler, Eric Kim, Matt Loux, Dave Roman, and more!

Since day one of TCAF is on Free Comic Book Day, I'll have copies of Oni Press' "Rated Free for Everyone" and Dark Horse Comics' "Avatar/Star Wars" flip book to give away. (While supplies last!) Please look for me on Saturday afternoon some time after 1 PM (I'm doing a store signing at Comic Book Addiction that morning; more on that later). If you can't make it to the show on Saturday, I'll be there most of the day on Sunday too.

See you there?

In Stores This Week

2011-04-27T07:51:00.005-04:00

LIFE WITH ARCHIE #10

In “Archie Loves Betty: Freshman Year — The First Semester” (Part 4), Archie makes a startling realization about his career, while Betty discovers a new mission.

Meanwhile in “Archie Loves Veronica: The Trial of Reggie Mantle” (Part 4), Reggie stands trial! But for what?

NEW ADDITION: “Jinx” continues in “Li’l Jinx Grows Up!” (Part 4) by award-winning creators J. Torres and artist Rick Burchett.

SCRIPT: Paul Kupperberg, J. Torres
ARTIST: Norm Breyfogle, Rick Burchett, Terry Austin
COVER: Norm Breyfogle
Shipping Date: 4/20/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 4/27/2011
Newsstands: Week of 5/10/2011
Magazine, 80 pgs, glossy stock, Full-Color, $3.99 US

Free View

2011-04-20T08:31:00.003-04:00

The Free Comic Book Day website has previews of the various comics you can pick up from your friendly neighborhood comic shop on Saturday, May 7th!

I'm in Dark Horse Comics' Avatar: The Last Airbender/Star Wars: Clone Wars flip book. My Avatar story is called "Dirty is Only Skin Deep" and it's illustrated by Gurihiru. You can see a preview of Johane Matte's Avatar story in the same book here.

I'm also in Oni Press' Rated Free for Everyone comic book. Dean Trippe and I provide a short story introducing our forthcoming graphic novel Power Lunch. The preview here features the other story in the book called Sketch Monsters.

Don't miss out on these and all the other free comics! Make your Free Comic Book Day plans now!

In Stores Now

2011-04-13T20:13:00.001-04:00

LIFE WITH ARCHIE #9

The married life continues in "Archie Loves Betty: Freshman YearóThe First Semester" Part 3. Archie and Betty struggle as new teachers to connect with their rowdy and sometimes outrageous students.

In "Archie Loves Veronica: The Trial of Reggie Mantle" Part 3, Archie and Veronica take Lodge Industries to new heights! But it's not part of Mr. Lodge's plan. Can the two survive his cunning this time?

"Jinx" continues in "Li'l Jinx Grows Up!" Part 3. Jinx continues her linebacker lesson in friendship as she tackles the school and the whole football team!

SCRIPT: Paul Kupperberg, J. Torres
ART: Norm Breyfogle, Rick Burchett, Andrew Pepoy, Joe Rubinstein, Terry Austin, Janice Chiang, Jack Morelli, John Workman, and Glenn Whitmore
COVER: Norm Breyfogle and Tito Pena
Shipping Date: 3/23/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 3/30/2011
Newsstands: 4/12/2011
Magazine, 80 pgs, glossy stock, Full-Color , $3.99 US

Rated Free for Everyone

2011-04-06T09:36:00.003-04:00

I've just received shiny new copies of Rated Free for Everyone, Oni Press' all-ages offering for Free Comic Book Day 2011. The comic features two stories: Sketch Monsters by Joshua Williamson and Vincent Navarrette; and Power Lunch by Dean Trippe and me. Both are exclusive short stories that you won't see anywhere else, and they introduce full-length graphic novels scheduled for release in the fall.

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 7th. I'll be signing at Comic Book Addiction in Whitby, Ontario from 10 am until noon, and then I'll be at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival from about 1 pm until 5 pm (and also on Sunday).

Please visit the official Free Comic Book Day website for more information about events going on in your neck of the woods.

Preview Time

2011-03-23T11:21:00.003-04:00

Comic Book Resources has preview pages from the star-studded Yo Gabba Gabba: Comic Book Time anthology published by Oni Press.

The sneak peek includes a four-page Super Martian Robot Girl story by the extraordinary Evan Dorkin and an eight-page short starring the Gabbaland gang by the Dear Dracula double team of Joshua Williamson and Vicente Navarette.

Comic Book Time is in stores now!

ForeWord March

2011-03-21T10:11:00.003-04:00

ForeWord Reviews announced this month the finalists for their 2010 Book of the Year Awards. Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures is among the nominees in the Juvenile Fiction category. This came as a total surprise to me, and I'm sure J. Bone too.

ForeWord Reviews' Book of the Year Awards spotlight books from independent publishers. ForeWord is the only review trade journal focused exclusively on independent publishing houses.

The winners of the Book of the Year Awards will be announced at Book Expo America in May.

Fool For You

2011-03-18T09:57:00.002-04:00

Big Shiny Robot has a big shiny preview of Archie & Friends Digest #153. That rascal Reggie Mantle takes the spotlight in a series of April Fools themed stories from contributors like Tom Defalco, Ron Frenz, Tania Del Rio, Gisele Lagace, Tim Levins, and me. That's no joke!

You can check out the preview here.

Look for Archie & Friends Digest #153 in comic shops this week and on newsstands beginning March 22.

Comic Book Time

2011-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Yo Gabba Gabba anthology Comic Book Time is in stores now!

It's a star-studded collection of comic stories by creators like Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer, Mike Allred, Jamie S. Rich, Philip Bond, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Dave McCaig, Corey Barba, Eric Orchard, Dean Trippe, and many others. The book features short stories starring DJ Lance, Brobee, Muno, Plex, Foofa, and Toodee as well as original fairy tales in the spirit of the show's "Story Time" segment.

Comic Book Time is a beautiful oversized hardcover published by Oni Press featuring cover art by animation art director Parker Jacobs. I helped edit the anthology and contributed some comics illustrated by Alison Dare artist J. Bone and Salt Water Taffy creator Matt Loux. It makes a great addition to any library, especially that of a Gabba fan!

Introducing...

2011-03-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

Titus Jay Torres

6 lbs, 8 oz
17" inches

Born March 8 @ 3:09 pm, a month earlier than expected, on the hundredth anniversary of International Women's Day.

It was a complicated pregnancy followed by a complicated birth, but both mama and baby are doing wonderfully today. Big brother Lysander (who gave Titus his middle name) couldn't be happier or more excited to have a little brother. Dad couldn't be prouder of his growing family.

Lost Aang Found

2011-03-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER—THE LOST ADVENTURES

Aaron Ehasz (W), Josh Hamilton (W), Tim Hedrick (W), Dave Roman (W), J. Torres (W), Joaquim Dos Santos (A), Elsa Garagarza (A), Gurihiru (A), Corey Lewis (A), Johane Matte (W/A), Ethan Spaulding (A), and others

On sale July 13
FC, 240 pages
$14.99
TPB, 6" x 9"

This volume collects the long-out-of-print, fan-favorite comics previously published in Nickelodeon Magazine and with the Airbender DVDs, plus over seventy brand-new comics pages. That’s twenty-six stories set in Airbender continuity, by a host of top-notch talent, many of whom worked on the original animated series!

• A must-have for any Airbender fan!

• Twenty-six in-continuity stories, plus bonus content!

• The latest release in an ongoing partnership between Nickelodeon and Dark Horse, to bring you the very best in Airbender books!

In Stores This Week

2011-02-23T16:25:00.002-05:00

LIFE WITH ARCHIE #8

In "Archie Loves Betty: Freshman Year--The First Semester" Part 2, Archie and Betty prep for life as teachers, but Mr. Lodge has other plans. The consequences are costly when Veronica and Reggie get too close to his scheme.

Meanwhile, in "Archie Loves Veronica: The Trial of Reggie Mantle" Part 2, framed by Mr. Lodge, Reggie awaits his trial. Fueled by their new romance, can Betty rescue him before he takes the fall?

NEW ADDITION "Jinx" continues as "Li'l Jinx Grows Up!" Part 2. Charley is becoming a jerk jock and Gigi a diva, but ever-stubborn and truthful-to-a-fault Jinx is about to teach them a linebacker lesson in friendship!

SCRIPT: Paul Kupperberg, J. Torres

ARTIST: Norm Breyfogle, Rick Burchett, Andrew Pepoy, Joe Rubinstein, Terry Austin, Janice Chiang, Jack Morelli, John Workman, and Glenn Whitmore

FRONTISPIECE: Rick Burchett

COVER: Norm Breyfogle and Tito Pena

Magazine, 80 pgs, glossy stock, Full-Color, $3.99 US

Free Comic Book Jay

2011-02-09T00:00:00.032-05:00

The Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) website has unveiled the Gold level comic book offerings for this year's big event. Among them is Dark Horse's flip book featuring Star Wars: Clone Wars and Avatar: The Last Airbender, including "Dirty is Only Skin Deep" a short Avatar story written by yours truly.

But it gets even better, Avatar fans! In a recent press release, Dark Horse announced that there are even more Avatar: The Last Airbender comics on the way this year and next.

Speaking of more comics, as I've previously posted, I'm also in Oni Press' all-ages FCBD title, Rated Free for Everyone, which introduces the forthcoming graphic novel Power Lunch by me and Dean Trippe. Further details on that coming soon.

For now, you can visit the FCBD website for more information including a full list of all the free comics you can bring home from your friendly neighbourhood comic shop on May 7th!

And the nominees are...

2011-02-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Nominees for the 2011 Joe Shuster Awards, Canada's Comic Book Creator Awards, have been announced. Among the nominees are some old friends and former collaborators including Francis Manapul, with what I believe is his first ever nomination, and Scott Chantler who received a whopping three nominations this year!

Oh yeah, and I was nominated in the writing category.

Winners will be announced on Saturday, June 18th at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. You can find the full list of nominees and more information on the Shuster Awards here.

Jinx Preview

2011-01-19T08:42:00.005-05:00

From the Comic Book Resources interview by Shaun Manning:

A staple of Archie Comics' comics and magazines from the 1940s through the '70s, L'il Jinx is set to make her big comeback next month in the pages of "Life with Archie." This time around, however, she's just plain Jinx, aged from the impish six-year-old of the classic strips into a teenager just entering high school. Originally announced as a four-issue miniseries, "Jinx" will instead appear as an ongoing feature in "Life with Archie" magazine beginning with #7, which ships February 8. Each 11-page installment will be written by "Alison Dare" and "Wall-E" scribe J. Torres with art by Rick Burchett. CBR News spoke with Torres about revitalizing the spirited troublemaker.

You can read the interview at CBR and get an exclusive sneak peek at the first four pages from the first instalment of Jinx debuting in Life with Archie #7 next month.

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

2011-01-12T09:49:00.001-05:00

Two posts down you'll find that Lola: A Ghost Story made CBR's "Top 100 Comics of 2010." It also made the final cut for the American Library Association's "2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens" as compiled by their Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).

You can see YALSA's full booklist here. It also includes Time & Again by Jiun Yun, which is a Korean series my wife translates and for which I write the English adaptation.

So, if you're a teen looking for some great graphic novels to read, or know of such a teen, then check out this list.

In Stores Now

2011-01-05T08:33:00.005-05:00

In Life with Archie #6 "Archie and friends must now confront the most shocking development of all, as a beloved friend passes away!"A death in Riverdale? You can't miss this issue!

Plus, there's a sneak peek at Jinx a new feature written by yours truly with art by comic book legends Rick Burchett and Terry Austin.

To learn a li'l more about Jinx check out this short video interview with our editor Suzannah Rowntree.

CBR's Top 100 Comics of 2010

2010-12-29T07:52:00.001-05:00

Along with all the holiday stuff comes the year end "best of" and "top" this or that, including comic books. Comic Book Resources has their own annual "Top 100 Comics" rundown compiled by their staff of bloggers and reviewers. They've just posted the first part of this list counting down their 2010 picks from #100 to #76.

Look who ended up at #98.

Check out the list here.

Free Lunch

2010-12-22T13:30:00.004-05:00

The Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) Committee recently announced the Silver Sponsors and their comic book offerings for FCBD 2011, which is on Saturday, May 7th this time around.

Among them is an all-ages comic from Oni Press called "Rated Free for Everyone." This book features two special FCDB stories introducing two upcoming new titles from Oni: Sketch Monsters from the creators of Dear Dracula, and from yours truly and Dean Trippe...

Please stay tuned for more information and a sneak peek at more artwork from this new project. In the meantime, you can visit the FCBD website for more on the event including a full list of all the free comics you can bring home!

Reggie's Revenge

2010-12-17T12:45:00.002-05:00

From the Archie Comics news page:

Everyone has their favorite holiday; for some people it's Christmas, for others, the Fourth of July. For Reggie Mantle, however, it's April Fool's Day! When April Fool's comes to Riverdale High, everyone has to watch out as Reggie, the "King of Pranks," celebrates it in grand fashion. You've seen what Reggie does for fun on a regular day, but how does he rise to the occasion to prove he really is "the King?" Find out this April Fool's Day in "Reggie's Revenge!"

Joining Reggie for the holiday craziness are creators from all over the"Archie-verse": Tom DeFalco ("Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E."), Tania del Rio ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch"), Ian Flynn ("Sonic"), plus J. Torres, Ron Frenz, Tim Levins and Gisele.

"Reggie's Revenge" appears in ARCHIE and FRIENDS 153, including these other exciting tales: "The April Fool," "Noon Too Soon," "King of Fools" and much more! Log on to ArchieComics.com for further details about"Reggie's Revenge" from Archie Comics!

ARCHIE and FRIENDS 153
COVER: Fernando Ruiz, Mike DeCarlo and Tito Pena
On Sale at Comic Shops: 3/9/2011
Newsstands: 3/22/11
Comic, 32 pgs, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color
$3.99 US

Comics for Christmas

2010-12-10T17:31:00.001-05:00

Kevin Boyd, the Canadian Guest and Comics Programming Coordinator of Fan Expo Canada, has posted a list of "Holiday Season Gift Ideas for the Comic Book Enthusiast." It includes some of the best recently published work of Canadian comic book creators like my pals Andy B., Scott Chantler, and Darwyn Cooke to name a few. The list also has something for young and old in a variety of genres. Looking for gift ideas for that comic book reader on your Christmas list? I'd say it's even a good list of reads for converting that family member or friend who's not that into comics. Check it out!

Offered Again

2010-12-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

For those of you who've been asking about the recently solicited and shipped WALL-E: Recharge hardcover: It's the same previously released volume collecting issues #0-3 of the WALL-E comic series written by yours truly and illustrated by Morgan Luthi. Boom Studios is just making it available once again to friendly neighbourhood comic shops.

Just in time for Christmas!

Hack/Slash: Trailers (Part 2)

2010-12-03T09:05:00.004-05:00

I contributed the story "Psyche" to Tim Seeley's Hack/Slash: Trailers (Part 2) anthology published by Image Comics. It's an homage to Hitchcock, illustrated by Joe Song. If I'm not mistaken, the book hit comic shops a couple of weeks ago. I totally forgot about it until one of the other contributors linked to a recent review on Paperback Horror:

Hack/Slash: Trailers Part 2 is basically to comic books what anthologies are to novels. This specific issue has what they call "13 tales of Naked Fear!", in the style of slasher movie trailers. That's right. 13 mini-bursts of brutal, sexy, bloody, relentless horror stories and imagery from 13 different writers and artists - all done in 62 pages.

You can read the whole review here. You can get more information about the series from its official website. "Mature content" warning for those of you who know me more for my all-ages material (especially you youngsters)!

Archie in April

2010-12-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

LIFE WITH ARCHIE #8

Meanwhile, in "Archie Loves Veronica: The Trial of Reggie Mantle" Part 2, framed by Mr. Lodge, Reggie awaits his trial. Fueled by their new romance, can Betty rescue him before he takes the fall?

SCRIPT: Paul Kupperberg, J. Torres
ARTIST: Norm Breyfogle, Rick Burchett, Andrew Pepoy, Joe Rubinstein, Terry Austin, Janice Chiang, Jack Morelli, John Workman, and Glenn Whitmore
FRONTISPIECE: Rick Burchett
COVER: Norm Breyfogle and Tito Pena

Shipping Date: 2/16/2011
On Sale at Comic Shops: 2/23/2011
Newsstands: Week of 3/8/2011
Magazine, 80 pgs, glossy stock, Full-Color
$3.99 US

It's Story Time!

2010-11-24T09:39:00.063-05:00

GOOD NIGHT, GABBA LAND
Written by J. Torres
Art by Matt Loux

All-star kids' comics creators J. Torres (Batman: The Brave & The Bold, Alison Dare) and Matt Loux (Salt Water Taffy) combine their talents to get the Gabba gang ready for bed!

GABBA BALL
By Chris Eliopoulos

Cartoonist and Yo Gabba Gabba animator Chris Eliopoulos take DJ Lance, Muno, Brobee, Toodee, Foofa, and Plex out for a round of the best new game-Gabba Ball! It's fun and learning with boombox buddies!

The Yo Gabba Gabba board comic books from Oni Press are here! Look for them at your friendly neighborhood comic shop or bookstore. They can also be ordered from the usual online retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters, etc. The Yo Gabba Gabba board comic books are colorful, durable, and most of all fun, Fun, FUN!

They make great Christmas presents too ;)

In Stores Now

2010-11-17T09:52:00.001-05:00

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD VOL. 2
Written by LANDRY Q. WALKER and J. TORRES ; Art by ERIC JONES, CARLO BARBERI and others

Batman battles evil in these adventures from BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7-12, with the help of heroes including Green Arrow, Catman, the Doom Patrol, The Atom, Adam Strange and more, along with appearances by Two-Face, The Joker and more!

* Johnny DC * 128 pg. * Color * Softcover * $12.99

This collection includes two stories of mine: First, Batman teams up with Beast Boy to rescue the Doom Patrol from a fiendish fashionista in a tale artistically tailored by the trendsetting J. Bone! Following that, Batman teams up with Green Arrow in a sequel of sorts to the episode "Return of the Fearsome Fangs" with second-to-none artwork by Carlo Barberi! Pick up your copy today!

Life with Jinx

2010-11-11T09:41:00.001-05:00

From the Archie Comics press release:

Following the dramatic conclusion of the first story arc, LIFE WITH ARCHIE #7 continues the two critically acclaimed series in which Archie Andrew's futures married to Betty and Veronica are explored in two fascinating parallel storylines! In addition to these compelling dramas, the issue features an exciting, brand new title: JINX, based on the classic character L'il Jinx!

You can read the entire press release here.

Yo Gabba Gabba Comics

2010-11-09T09:28:00.001-05:00

I recently received an advance copy of Good Night, Gabbaland from Oni Press. First of all, it looks gorgeous. Artist Matt Loux and the Oni design team did a terrific job with the visuals. The book is a "board comic," a comic book printed on thicker paperboard just like those picture books made for the smaller but rougher readers out there like my two (almost three) year old son. I wrote the book especially for him because he's the biggest little Gabba fan in a house of Gabba fans.

Oni is also releasing a second Yo Gabba Gabba board comic this month: Gabba Ball by cartoonist, animator and all around cool cat Chris Eliopoulos. Look for both books at your local comic shop starting November 17 and bookstores on November 30. Just in time for Christmas!

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love John Byrne

2010-11-05T11:15:00.002-04:00

Someone named haiku321 on YouTube created a "fan film" (for lack of a better term) out of the short comic story "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love John Byrne" from The Copybook Tales series created by yours truly and artist Tim Levins (who also sent me the link).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZJINPT7h7I

Check it out!

Amelia Bloomer Project

2010-11-01T15:42:00.000-04:00

The Amelia Bloomer Project creates an annual list of the best feminist books for young readers, ages birth through 18. The organization is part of the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association. Among the nominees this year are the two Alison Dare collections!

For more information about the Amelia Bloomer Project please visit their blog.

Life with Archie Gets Jinxed

2010-10-28T21:11:00.002-04:00

LIFE WITH ARCHIE #7

In "Archie Loves Betty: Freshman Year--The First Semester" Part 1, Archie & Betty come home to Riverdale to start their careers in education, but Mr. Lodge is out to shut down their beloved Riverdale High!

SCRIPT: Paul Kupperberg
ART: Norm Breyfogle, Andrew Pepoy, Janice Chiang and Glenn Whitmore
FRONTISPIECE: Norm Breyfogle and Tito Pena

Meanwhile, in "Archie Loves Veronica: The Trial of Reggie Mantle" Part 1, newly appointed mayor Moose Mason has his hands full when Reggie is framed for the exposed corporate corruption that lead to his mayoral victory!

SCRIPT: Paul Kupperberg
ART: Norm Breyfogle, Joe Rubinstein, Jack Morelli and Glenn Whitmore
FRONTISPIECE: Norm Breyfogle and Tito Pena

NEW ADDITION, "Jinx" begins a brand new storyline as "Li'l Jinx Grows Up" and starts her first day of high school! Be reintroduced to Jinx, Charley, Greg, Gigi, and more now that they're not so Li'l!

SCRIPT: J. Torres
ART: Rick Burchett, Terry Austin, John Workman, and Glenn Whitmore
FRONTISPIECE: Rick Burchett
COVER: Norm Breyfogle and Tito Pena

Shipping Date: 1/19/11
On Sale at Comic Shops: 1/26/11
Newstands: Week of 2/8/11
Magazine, 80 pgs, glossy stock, Full-Color
$3.99 US

In Stores This Week

2010-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Johnny DC * 32pg. * Color * $2.50 US

This is the last issue of the current series! Although, there's the second trade collection out next month, which includes two of my previous stories, so I'm not quite done with the title just yet...

Wonder Woman Day

2010-10-24T12:35:00.002-04:00

Today is Wonder Woman Day! At least it is in Portland, Oregon and Flemington New Jersey, and anywhere Wonder Woman fans choose to celebrate it. But it's not just about Wonder Woman fandom. It's also a day to raise awareness about domestic violence and raise funds to support programs that help victims of domestic abuse.

You can visit the official Wonder Woman Day website for more information about the organization behind this celebration as well as bid on a host of artwork and merchandise to help them raise money.

For my part, I've decided to donate to a local women's shelter all my royalties from the Wonder Woman issues #11-12 downloads which became available on comiXology just this week.

Central Canada Comic Con

2010-10-18T09:05:00.001-04:00

Central Canada Comic Con takes place Halloween weekend at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. I'll be there all day on Friday and Saturday only. This is the second time I've been invited to C4. My first show was great and I'm told this year it's going to be bigger and better than ever. Please visit the C4 website for the complete guest list, schedules and more information.

Fit to Post

2010-10-15T21:36:00.000-04:00

I was recently interviewed by blogger Jiggy Cruz (you gotta love that name) for Fit to Post on the Yahoo! Philippines News site. He asked me about growing up in Canada, Lola: A Ghost Story, and whether or not I have a "third eye." I think I may have accidentally let it slip about a previously unannounced new project with Dean Trippe for Oni Press. Whoops.

Also, apparently, I soar.

You can read the interview here.

Dead Goombas

2010-10-13T18:45:00.000-04:00

Robot 6 reports:

Cartoonist Tom Williams let me in on a little secret: his next big project. Coming next year from Oni Press is a new graphic novel titled Dead Goombas. Written by J. Torres, the artist William describes it as a B-movie horror dramedy with the tone of the John Landis’ film Innocent Blood except with zombies.

There are four pages of artwork from the book for your viewing pleasure here.

League of Super Evil

2010-10-11T19:41:00.008-04:00

Eek! The episode of League of Super Evil that I wrote a story for aired on YTV on Saturday! I didn't know it was going to be on then, otherwise I would have told people to check it out. I only found out because I record the show now and then. Anyway, my story is the first of two and it's called "Journey to the Center of Evil." It'll probably rerun once or twice this week so please consult your local listings. If you miss it, don't worry YTV reruns the show a lot and it's also on Nickelodeon Canada. Incidentally, I'm listed in the credits as "Joseph Torres" for some reason.

WordFest

2010-10-06T09:43:00.003-04:00

J. Bone and I are guests at WordFest which takes place in Calgary and Banff from October 12-17. This year's stellar line-up includes no less than William Gibson, Yann Martel, and David Suzuki among many, many others. We'll be there to present Alison Dare at three school visits as well as two public events along with award-winning Australian author Richard Newsome:

Thursday, October 14
John Dutton Theatre @ Calgary Public Library
12:30 - 2:00

Friday, October 15
Margaret Greenham Theatre @ The Banfff Centre
1:15 - 2:45

We'll be doing a short presentation, followed by a Q&A session, and then a book signing. For ticket and other information about WordFest, please go here.

School Library Journal

2010-09-20T15:21:00.002-04:00

Both Alison Dare books appear on the School Library Journal's Good Comics for Kids back-to-school reading list and Little Miss Adventures is singled out as an "AA Pick" of the month.

You can learn more about the School Library Journal as well as check out the aforementioned list by going here.

Word on the Street

2010-09-15T21:11:00.003-04:00

Word on the Street Toronto is next Sunday, September 26 at Queen's Park. Tundra Books will have a table in the Market Place area where they'll have copies of the Alison Dare books for sale. Also, don't miss artist J. Bone who will be doing an Alison Dare drawing and Cubee craft demonstration at 3:00 PM in the Kids Activity Tent!

I'm not sure if I can make the festival this year, but if I do go you might be able to catch me at the Tundra table and I'll definitely be cheering Bone on during his demo.

For more information about Word on the Street please go here.

Good Night, Gabbaland

2010-08-27T08:46:00.003-04:00

YO GABBA GABBA: GOOD NIGHT, GABBALAND
Written by J. Torres, art and cover by Matt Loux.

As innovative and fun as the show that inspired them, Board Comics are comics for the youngest comic fans! All-star kids' comics creators J. Torres and Matt Loux combine their talents to get the Gabba gang ready for bed!

Board Comic, 16 pages, $7.99.

What's a "board comic" you ask? Well, just like children's board books (think: The Very Hungry Caterpillar) it's a comic book printed on thick paperboard to be more durable than your average comic book (or picture book) for the youngest of readers. It's more Gabba goodness from your friends at Oni Press in stores in November. Just in time for Christmas!

The Trade and the Bold

2010-08-25T10:37:00.006-04:00

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD VOL. 2
Written by LANDRY Q. WALKER and J. TORRES ; Art by ERIC JONES, CARLO BARBERI and others

Batman battles evil in these adventures from BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7-12, with the help of heroes including Green Arrow, Catman, the Doom Patrol, The Atom, Adam Strange and more, along with appearances by Two-Face, The Joker and more!

* Johnny DC * 128 pg. * Color * Softcover * $12.99

On Sale November 17, 2010

This trade paperback collects six issues from the first series including my Doom Patrol story (actually, it's more of a Beast Boy story) with art by J. Bone and my Batman and Green Arrow team-up (from which this collection gets its title) with art by Carlo Barbieri. There's still time to pre-order a copy from your friendly neighborhood comic shop!

FanExpo 2010

2010-08-23T10:49:00.001-04:00

Canada's biggest gathering of geeks is almost upon us! You can find this geek there on Friday and Saturday in Artists Alley at table P45 alongside the sensational Scott Chantler, the debonair Darwyn Cooke, and jolly ol' J. Bone. Actually, you might want to look behind the long line for Cooke and Bone. Yep, that's me and Scott sitting at the table behind that wall of people!

I should have copies of the Alison Dare books, Lola: A Ghost Story, WALL-E: Recharge, and some of my DC stuff for sale at the show.

For more information about FanExpo, please go here.

Not Quite the End

2010-08-20T10:32:00.002-04:00

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #22
Written by J. Torres • Art and cover by Andy Suriano

An outrageous aquatic adventure is in store for Batman when he teams up with the King of the Seven Seas! It's Batman and Aquaman vs. Ocean Master for the fate of all the water on the planet!

Johnny DC * 32pg. * Color * $2.50 US

On Sale October 27, 2010

Originally solicited as issue #17, my Aquaman adventure finally sees print in #22, which also happens to be the final issue of this incarnation of the comic book series. A new series debuts in its place in November with the regular creative team of Sholly Fisch (Super Friends) and Rick Burchett (Jinx). A second trade is also scheduled for November with more of my stories collected.

Please keep an eye out!

J is for Jinx

2010-08-06T08:38:00.004-04:00

Brigid Alverson interviews me for the Robot 6 blog @ Comic Book Resources:

One of the more intriguing pieces of news to come out of Comic-Con was that the Archie folks are bringing back the venerable cute-kid comic Li'l Jinx, but with an older Jinx and a fresh new look. Even better, the comic is being written by J. Torres (Alison Dare, Lola: A Ghost Story). The series will go direct to digital in four 22-page issues and then see print as a trade paperback.

Not only did J. take time to talk to me about the new comic, but the Archie folks provided some exclusive character sketches of the new, more grown-up versions of Jinx and her friends. Hit the jump for comics and conversation.

To read the interview please go here.

Comic Book Time!

2010-08-04T11:04:00.000-04:00

Oni Press and W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, the award-winning entertainment company and producers of Yo Gabbba Gabba!, have teamed to bring DJ Lance Rock, the residents of his magic boombox - Brobee, Muno, Toodee, Foofa and Plex - along with their Story Time pals from their hit series and live stage show, to the wild world of comics books with the first Yo Gabba Gabba! comics project - Yo Gabba Gabba! Comic Book Time Vol. 1. Featuring an all-new cover from Gabba Animation Art Director Parker Jacobs and new stories from YGG animators, comic book superstars like Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer, Mike Allred, J. Torres, J. Bone, Jamie S. Rich, and many more, this book promises to be a party for the eyeballs of readers young and old!

This hardcover volume is scheduled to be in stores in November but you can pre-order your copy today! Just drop by your friendly neighborhood comic shop and ask them to reserve one for you. The Diamond item code is AUG101105.

Any chance you'll get to revisit Family Dynamic? Loved it!

2010-07-29T20:35:00.001-04:00

We need to get the rights back from DC first, then figure out what to do from there. Thanks for the interest! Please stay tuned?

Ask me anything

Comic-Con 2010

2010-07-21T21:55:00.003-04:00

Hello, everyone. I hope you're all having a good summer. I'm currently in Pasadena visiting family, but tomorrow we're heading to San Diego for Comic-Con.

If you're going to the show, please come and see me at the Oni Press booth where I'll be signing Thursday @ 5:30 pm, Friday @ 4 pm, and Saturday @ 10 am. I'm also on the Yo Gabba Gabba panel on Friday @ 2 pm with the creators of the show Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz as well the one and only DJ Lance Rock!

You can also meet DJ Lance and grab an exclusive Comic-Con promo poster for the upcoming Yo Gabba Gabba Comic Anthology on Saturday from 2:20 – 3:50 pm!

While this convention is mostly about Gabba for me, Oni will also have my other books on hand including Lola: A Ghost Story for anyone interested in picking it up.

(Plus, if you mention this blog post I just might have some Alison Dare bookmarks or stickers for you.)

I hope to see you there!

Previews Catalog

2010-07-12T19:25:00.000-04:00

Attention, Friendly Neighborhood Comic Shops!

The solicitation for the Alison Dare trades from Tundra Books (part of the Random House Family) can be found in the July issue of Previews (with the Aqualad and Artifacts flip cover) on page 330.

The item codes for the books are: JUL101152 and JUL101153.

More information about the books can be found here. Also, feel free to drop me a line with any questions you might have. If I don't have the answer, I will find someone who does!

Thank you for your attention.

Sneak Peek

2010-07-05T10:31:00.004-04:00

Here's some artwork recently posted by Tom Williams on LiveJournal:

It's from our graphic novel Dead Goombas to be published by Oni Press spring 2011. More to come. Please stay tuned.

HRDCV-R

2010-07-03T10:27:00.006-04:00

The hardcover edition of WALL-E: Recharge is now shipping and available from online retailers like Amazon. This book collects issues #0-3 of the WALL-E comic series written by yours truly and illustrated by Morgan Luthi. It's a prequel to the award-winning movie. The trade paperback shipped to stores, including comic shops, back in May but there's no word when the hardcover will hit brick and mortar.

Enter if you DARE!

2010-06-29T12:55:00.001-04:00

There's only one more day left to enter Tundra Books' Alison Dare photo contest! You could win signed copies of Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures and Alison and the Heart of the Maiden, plus bookmarks, pins, stickers, and become a card-carrying member of the exclusive Double Dog Darer's Society!

Details on how to enter can be found here.

Need a little inspiration? Check out the "Alison Around the World" gallery.

Come on, we dare you! We double dog dare you!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Ten

2010-06-19T00:56:00.000-04:00

It's the end of the road for the Double Blog Dare Tour! Today's bloggers help us finish strong. First stop on our last day: Connecticut. Chick with Books calls Alison Dare "kid friendly, and adult enjoyable." She then takes Alison on a search for a Giant Matted Hare!

Next stop: New York City. Pop Culture Junkie brings Alison along with her to Book Expo America. She writes, "I love, love LOVE the illustration style" [of the books] and Alison loved, loved, LOVED hanging out with her in the Big Apple.

Meanwhile, Little Willow interviews yours truly and J. Bone for her Bildungsroman blog.

Finally, the tour concludes where it all pretty much started: Portland. Alison's favorite uncle who's not a spy, Jamie S. Rich, takes us back to a fateful convention, recounts not-so-secret origins, and then takes Alison ghostbusting, appropriately enough, in a bookstore.

I hope you all had as much fun as I did on the Double Blog Dare Tour. If you missed any of the stops along the way, you can always visit them here.You can also follow the continuing adventures of #AlisonDare on Twitter by following @jtorrespants, @TundraBooks, and our daring bloggers.

There's more Alison Dare to come, but in the meantime I'd like to thank all the plucky participants of the tour (and their kids, pets, and significant others who lent a hand, paw, or helped take a picture or two). Super special thanks to our publicist the sensational Sylvia Chan for organizing and managing this online tour. Lastly, thank YOU, daring readers for joining us on these adventures!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Nine

2010-06-18T00:05:00.000-04:00

The penultimate day of the tour saw Alison Dare chasing after the dastardly Baron Von Baron! Naturally, she first searched for him in the motherland Germany... but he easily evaded Alison because she didn't know her way around Frankfurt! Luckily, Alison's uncle Johnny Dare, the international super spy, sent the mysterious Secret Agent Lenore to help her. Lenore was able to track the Baron who fled to the United States. Alison caught up with the big, bad Baron in Pennsylvania where he used an evil clone of Alison against her! Fortunately, another spy friend of Johnny's, Science Agent Yan, was able to aid Alison's escape from the clone. She was then directed to Special Agent Staggs in the Magnolia State. Although, that turned out to be a dead end (no pun intended), Alison helped Staggs solve the case of the Mississippi Mummy! But of all the places in the world, Alison did not foresee finding and finally capturing the Baron in a secret hideout... in the basement of a librarian! Wait till her dad hears about this.

You can continue following the adventures of #AlisonDare on Twitter. Join @TundraBooks, @jtorrespants, and our daring bloggers there. Don't forget to enter the Alison Dare photo contest (follow the links above for some great examples) details of which can be found here. And return to this page tomorrow for the exciting conclusion of the Double Blog Dare Tour!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Eight

2010-06-17T07:58:00.000-04:00

Here's what happened on day eight: Hayley, daughter of Ms. Bookish, gave us our second "fan film" of the blog tour, "Alison Dare vs. the Halogen Light Monster." Alison kicks bulb in it! Nice work, Hayley. Look out, Tim Burton.

The fun continued on the blog of artist Gerald Garcia, where he posted coloring pages you can download! He also posted other Alison sketches he drew, plus a mock cover (see left).

Next, My Ever Expanding Library expands on the legend that is Alison Dare by taking her on a trip to the land of giants! Check out those great photographs of Alison on her adventure.

Lastly, my buddy Sean "Cheeks" Galloway posts his take on Alison Dare on his popular art blog. Sean and I worked on Teen Titans Go a few years back, and we're now jamming on his Bastion's 7 creation.

Only two days left on the tour! I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Seven

2010-06-16T10:59:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, yesterday was day seven of the Double Blog Dare Tour with Alison Dare. Our bloggers got super creative with their contributions to the tour. Lavender Lines shared her own daring adventure presented in photographs called The Case of the Pharaoh’s Cat! Over at Just One More Paragraph, Miss B. shares photographs of her own which recount an attempt to interview Alison while on a leisurely hike in the woods - but she quickly discovers "leisurely" is not in the Daring Dictionary! Meanwhile, Books and Literature for Teens (BLT) proves a bit more successful with the interview thing as they posts their Q&A with the more leisurely yours truly.

Remember, you too can take Alison on an adventure and take pictures of said adventure, and you could win one of three Alison Dare prize packs, including copies of the books! For details on the "Alison Around the World" contest, please visit this page. I double dog dare you to enter!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Six

2010-06-15T12:23:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was day six of the Double Blog Dare Tour! I'm posting this a day late because I've been out of town. But in my absence, the terrific reviews continue to roll in...

Johanna Draper Carlson of Comics Worth Reading writes:

"Torres’ writing is playful, with occasional pop culture references. (The older reader will recognize quotes from such sources as Superman and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.) It’s his humor that gives Alison Dare its unique twist. Many kids dream of magical adventures, and Alison’s experiences fill that desire nicely."

The Shelf Elf has this to say:

"Alison Dare was nominated for an Eisner Award in the Best Title for a Younger Audience category, and I can see why. The books make a neat package, with fast-moving story-lines that will have you turning the pages and laughing too. They are a tad tongue-in-cheek, almost poking fun at the adventure-genre, which adds an interesting layer."

Over at A Journey of Books, we come across the best description of Alison on the tour thus far:

"Alison Dare is the kind of character you want to read about after a particularly depressing day at work or any time you're feeling a bit low. She is spunky and full of pep; practically like caffeine in a book. I loved her and can't wait until I get to introduce my daughter to her..."

More from the blog tour tomorrow! In the meantime, you can follow #AlisonDare, @TundraBooks, @jtorrespants, and our daring bloggers on Twitter. And on't forget about Tundra Books' Alison Dare photo contest which you can enter here.

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Five

2010-06-11T14:54:00.002-04:00

We close out the first week of the Double Blog Dare Tour with some nice reviews...

Bryan of Sequential writes:

"The stories are fun mash-ups of adventure, humour and classic Blue Beetle comics..."

Anna at BookNerds.net calls the Alison Dare books:

"I would definitely recommend these to parents with pre-teen/early teen-aged girls who want to fuel their kids imagination and their thirst for adventure."

Kris the Cajun Book Lady and mom reports:

"These are a good introduction to comics for kids. They brought back memories for me also..."

Marci, another mom, at Serendipitous Readings agrees:

"These graphic novels are appropriate for kids between the ages of 8 and 11 years of age!"

Thanks to all of the participants of the tour this past week for a job well done! See you all on Monday for the Double Blog Dare Tour: Week Two!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Four

2010-06-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

We're on day four of the blog tour! It's Alison's Adventures Across America today. Our intrepid little adventurer's travels take her from the Hawaiian islands to Ashland, Oregon and across the Heartland by train to the deserts of Arizona. Along the way, she gets three thumbs up from sisters Michelle, Leslie, and Aubrey and a hearty recommendation from a monster lover who says "fans of The Mummy (1999, Brendan Fraser) and The Incredibles (2004), covert operations officers, people who like genies" will also like our books. Finally, venturing through the looking glass, Alison also finds a wonderful review of "Little Miss Adventures."

Tomorrow wraps up our first week of the Double Blog Dare Tour. Be there.

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Three

2010-06-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

It's day three, Wendy Lee! Today on the blog tour, Alison Dare travels to fantastic places and teams up with heroes both mighty and mopey: First, she joins forces with fellow kid heroes Jack Hammer and Power Mariah to battle renegade robots! Then, Alison is off to merry ol' England to team-up with a very old teenager! Next, the never-ending battle between good and evil takes Alison to a galaxy, far, far away! Finally, Alison crosses the Rainbow Bridge to Asgard to meet the God of Thunder himself!

Whew. What an adventurous day! More to come tomorrow, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, you can follow #AlisonDare, @TundraBooks, @jtorrespants (that's me!), and our daring bloggers on Twitter!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day Two

2010-06-08T10:39:00.000-04:00

It's day two, Daring-dos! The first stop on the blog tour today has an 8YO aspiring adventurer interviewing Little Miss Adventures herself. Our intrepid interviewer and her mom also contribute a "Why Girls Would Love Alison Dare" top ten list. Meanwhile, Kristen the Librarian from Illinois blogs, "I believe that both boys and girls will love these graphic novels..." and ten-year old John-John proves her right on his mom's blog where he writes, "I liked the story; it didn’t matter that the book was full of girls!" Thanks, John-John! Lastly, the Frenetic Reader (a high school sophomore responsible for the picture you see here) attests to our all-ages appeal, "The Alison Dare series is definitely geared for a younger audience, but I very much enjoyed them."

After visiting today's bloggers, don't forget about Tundra Books' Alison Dare photo contest which you can enter here.

See you tomorrow!

Double Blog Dare Tour: Day One

2010-06-07T10:41:00.000-04:00

It's on like Ali-son! The Double Blog Dare Tour, that is. Open Book Toronto kicks things off for us with a series of photographs called "Alison's Adventures with Open Book"! Then we hop on over to Halifax, Nova Scotia where Rachelle Goguen posts more photos and writes that the Alison Dare graphic novels are, "...fantastic for young readers, especially for young girls whose imaginations don’t start and end in a Disney Princess castle." Next, it's a quick stop in Quebec for a mother and son review at Cindy's Love of Books. Finally, we swoop on over to Santa Barbara, California where I am interviewed on Helen's Book Blog.

Keep an eye on this page as well as the Tundra Books blog for updates! The Double Blog Dare Tour continues tomorrow! Be there!

Christmas in June

2010-05-31T22:06:00.000-04:00

I wrote a short Huntress story for last year's DC Holiday Special. J. Bone was originally the artist but, by no fault of his own, was unable to complete the job. The first draft of the script only had four lines of dialogue, "Merry Christmas" said different ways by different people (happily, sarcastically, etc.), and it was up to the artist to tell the story visually. Bone's third page in particular (which I'm using as a graphic here) had a clever layout and some expert storytelling. Visit his blog to see the other pages and some pretty stellar cartooning here.

Double Blog Dare Tour

2010-05-26T00:13:00.003-04:00

As I've mentioned here before, Tundra Books will be hosting an Alison Dare blog tour June 7-11 and June 14-18. They've recruited a pretty awesome line-up of contributors and tour hosts to help us celebrate the recent release of Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures and Alison Dare and the Heart of the Maiden.

Blogging for us are some new friends like Colleen McKie from Lavendar Lines and Carrie Anne from Another Day, Another Thought (who's already posted a teaser!) as well as some old friends like Johanna Draper Carlson from Comics Worth Reading and my buddy Sean Galloway from Got Cheeks? who's doing a "variant cover" for us! And those are just four of the close to forty fine folks conducting interviews, writing reviews, posting fan art, and taking pictures of Alison Dare in different exciting locations as part of the tour. You can check out the posting schedule and the entire impressive line-up here.

I think this is going to be a blast so don't dare miss it!

Asian Heritage Month

2010-05-12T09:29:00.002-04:00

"Thoughout the month of May, you'll experience wonderful opportunities to explore Asian music, literature, art and dance at the Toronto Public Library."

And comic books! As part of Asian Heritage Month, I've been invited to do a couple of talks about my graphic novels Alison Dare and Lola: A Ghost Story.

Saturday, May 15
11 AM - Noon
Woodside Square Branch, 1571 Sandhurst Circle

Thursday, May 20
5 PM - 6 PM
Centennial Branch, 578 Finch Avenue West

Apparently, you need a ticket for Woodside and tickets will be handed out 30 minutes prior to the event. So you better start camping out now! And in attempt to make things more interesting, I'll be giving away some comics as well as Alison Dare swag such as bookmarks, buttons, and stickers - but only while supplies last!

WHAZAMO!

2010-05-10T21:04:00.001-04:00

Whazamo! is a feature on the Open Book Toronto website that celebrates "the talented graphic novelists and illustrators published by Ontario publishers, as well as draw attention to the new stars of the Canadian graphic novel and comic book scene."

See who they're profiling first as part of "Ontario Graphic Novel Month" here.

OK, it's me.

In case you missed it, there's also an Alison Dare giveaway going on over there right about now.

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

2010-05-06T09:06:00.003-04:00

Earlier this week the Young Adult Library Services (YALSA) of the American Library Association posted the nominees for their annual booklists and awards, including titles in the "Great Graphic Novels for Teens" category. Two books I worked on got the nod: Lola: A Ghost Story, illustrated by Elbert Or and published by Oni Press; and Time & Again published by Yen Press, a Korean manhwa my wife translated and I adaptated.

My graphic novel Days Like This, illustrated by Scott Chantler and also published by Oni, was listed by YALSA way back in 2004. But this is the first time a title that my wife Young and I have worked on together has been recognized. It's also nice to see a handful of our friends' books get listed as well.

One thing that I found a little curious is that two graphic novels about Odysseus and Zeus are listed under non-fiction while biographies about John Wilkes Booth and Vlad the Impaler are in the fiction section. Anyway, to see the entire list of nominees, please go here.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival

2010-05-04T08:28:00.001-04:00

TCAF takes over the Toronto Reference Library this weekend! Check out the impressive guest list, cool programming and panel schedule, plus everything you need to know about this FREE event here.

And this where you can find me at the show...

Saturday, May 8
10:00-11:00
Signing @ Boom Studios
11:00-12:00
"Assemblyline Comics" Panel (The Pilot)
1:00-2:00
Tundra Books
2:00-3:00
Signing with J. Bone @ Tundra Books

Sunday, May 9
11:30-12:15
"Spotlight: Alison Dare" (Novella Room)
1:00-2:00
Signing @ Boom Studios
2:00-3:00
Signing with J. Bone @ Tundra Books
3:00-4:00
Tundra Books

Boom Studios will be selling my WALL-E comics. I'll also probably bring some of my DC and Oni books for sale. Tundra will have copies of "Heart of the Maiden" and "Little Miss Adventures," plus we'll be giving away Alison Dare bookmarks, buttons, and stickers - but only while supplies last! Lastly, J. Bone will be doing some live drawing at "Spotlight: Alison Dare" and will need some models so we hope to see you there!

Open Book Quiz

2010-05-02T00:14:00.003-04:00

Win a copy of Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures or Alison Dare and The Heart of the Maiden! Open Book and Tundra Books are giving away ten (10) copies of the graphic novels written by yours truly and illustrated by J. Bone. All you have to do is read Alison's answers to the Proust questionnaire found here.

Then, send an email to clelia@openbooktoronto.com with the subject line "DARE" and the answer to the question: In Alison Dare's responses to the Proust Questionnaire, what does she say she wants to be?

The contest closes on May 31st. Good luck!

May Days

2010-04-30T10:13:00.005-04:00

I'll be away from my desk quite a bit in May! Here's my schedule at a glance, including books I have coming out this month. You can follow the links for details on the various events...

May 1
Free Comic Book Day
The Dragon w/ Scott Chantler
10 AM - 2 PM

May 8
Toronto Comic Arts Festival
Tundra Books Booth w/ J. Bone
2 PM - 3 PM

May 9
Toronto Comic Arts Festival
Tundra Books Booth w/ J. Bone
2 PM - 3 PM

May 11
Alison Dare in stores today!

May 12
WALL-E trade paperback and hardcover in stores today?

May 15
Asian Heritage Month - Author Visit
Toronto Public Library - Woodside Branch
11 AM

May 20
Asian Heritage Month - Author Visit
Toronto Public Library - Centennial Branch
5 PM

I should be updating this shortly with more TCAF signing times, a panel (I think), and an Alison Dare related event. Please stay tuned!

The Trade and the Bold V2

2010-04-28T11:22:00.004-04:00

Online booksellers like Amazon and Chapters have advanced solicitations for the second Batman: The Brave and the Bold collection. If they're continuing to collect the monthly issues chronologically, and based on the description...

The all-ages comic series based on the acclaimed animated series on Cartoon Network continues! Batman battles evil with the help of some of DC's greatest heroes including Green Arrow, Catman, the Doom Patrol, The Atom, Adam Strange and many more! Also includes thrilling appearances by the top Batman villains including Two-Face and The Joker!

...not to mention the title "The Fearsome Fangs Strike Again," which comes from issue #11 which I wrote, then I should have at least two stories (possibly three) in this book. But since it's an early solicitation with placeholder art for the cover, and with my last story being solicited then moved to a later issue without any warning... who knows! Anyway, if you're inclined to pre-order now you can get at least 20% off from the above mentioned websites.

Free Comic Book Day One Week Away

2010-04-23T11:57:00.005-04:00

For those of you just joining us, Free Comic Book Day is an event held on the first Saturday of May each year. Participating comic book shops around the world give away free comic books and often host creator signings, cosplayers, kid-friendly events, and other fun stuff. Visit the Free Comic Book Day website for more information on what's happening in your neck of the woods.

I'll be appearing at The Dragon in Guelph, Ontario on Saturday, May 1st from 10 AM to 2 PM along with my buddy Scott Chantler.

On top of The Dragon's Free Comic Book Day offerings, I'll also be giving away copies of the Alison Dare preview booklet as well as full issues of Ninja Scroll, Wonder Girl, WALL-E and more! But only "while supplies last."

Hope to see you there!

Mo' Gabba Gabba

2010-04-21T07:05:00.003-04:00

Here are a few more details about the Yo Gabba Gabba comic book anthology from the Oni Press panel at C2E2:

The 128-page anthology will feature art by Matt Loux (“Salt Water Taffy”), Vinny Navarette (“Dear Dracula”), and Julia Vickerman, who does the storyboards for the television series. “Yo Gabba Gabba” art director Parker Jacobs is the artist for the cover of the first volume.

And those are just some of the cool creators contributing to the comic! More names to be revealed in the weeks and months to come. Meanwhile, you can read more about the panel and Oni's other exciting announcements at CBR.

Expo Gabba Gabba

2010-04-17T19:10:00.005-04:00

Earlier today at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, Oni Press made an announcement about a project I've been waiting months to talk about - the Yo Gabba Gabba Story Comic Book anthology!

From the press release:

W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, producers of Yo Gabbba Gabba! and Oni Press, the award-winning entertainment company and powerhouse indie comic publisher, have teamed up to bring the critically acclaimed preschool television series to comic books. DJ Lance Rock, along with the residents of his magic boombox, Brobee, Muno, Toodee, Foofa and Plex, jump from their hit series and live stage show to the wild world of comics this fall, with the first Yo Gabba Gabba! comics project--Yo Gabba Gabba! Story Comic Book Time Vol. 1.

You can read the entire press release at CBR.

I'm helping edit and write for the book which is due out some time this fall. I'm sure Oni will be rolling out more information in the weeks to come, including revealing some of the names of our super cool contributors. Please stay tuned!

Alison Around the World

2010-04-12T11:32:00.017-04:00

Tundra Books is sponsoring a really fun photo contest to promote the return of Alison Dare in May!

If you've heard of Flat Stanley or the Traveling Gnome then you know the general drill: Print and cut out the image(s) pictured above. Take a picture of Flat Alison in front of a famous landmark, or Traveling Alison in an exotic location, or be creative with a common everyday object (see "Alison Under Water" below by Sylvia Chan).

Submit your photograph (and optional caption) to tundra@mcclelland.com by Jully 31, 2010 and you could win one of three Alison Dare prize packs consisting of signed copies of the books, a limited edition button, sticker, bookmark and a membership card naming you a charter member of the all-new Alison Dare fan club!

The three winners will be chosen by me, J. Bone, and you the readers (People's Choice). Tundra will post all the photos on their blog for voting. So come on... I double dog dare you to enter!

Double Blog Dare

2010-04-09T09:50:00.003-04:00

Tundra Books, publishers of the new Alison Dare collections, are looking for a few good bloggers for the Double Blog Dare Tour!

What's a blog tour you ask? Blog tours, like traditional bookstore tours, consist of a designated number of promotional "stops" but online of course. Participating bloggers post reviews, interviews, contests, etc. on designated days. The Double Blog Dare Tour will take place June 7-11 and 14-18. Bloggers can request a date to post, and Tundra has listed some ideas for content, including a fun photo contest, here.

Please feel free to pass along the link to any bloggers you think might want to participate. And please stay tuned for more on that photo contest!

Which comics character would you most like to work with (apart from the ones you have already created for).

2010-04-07T19:55:00.001-04:00

Right now I'm thinking Spider-Man. The Incredibles are a close second.

Ask me anything

My daughter and I are loving the Wall-E comics, but we both want to know... Is there any plans to do more Alison Dare stories in the near future?

2010-04-07T16:05:00.002-04:00

There are no plans for new stories right now, but Tundra Books is publishing two reprint collections in May. New material will depend on how well those books do! My fingers are crossed...

Ask me anything

Of your comic work which project was your favorite?

2010-04-07T16:00:00.002-04:00

My experience writing Teen Titans Go really stands out because of the great people I worked with, the enthusiastic fan response, and the fact that I wrote over fifty issues and happily worked on the series for almost five years.

Ask me anything

Publishers Weekly Interview

2010-03-28T15:07:00.001-04:00

Brigid Alverson recently interviewed me for Publishers Weekly:

Alison Dare is back! A series of funny, kid-friendly tales of a feisty little girl who is the daughter of an archaeologist and a superhero, the Alison Dare comics first came out in 2000 from Oni Press and were very well received, even garnering a nomination for an Eisner Award. Written by J. Torres (Lola: A Ghost Story) and drawn by J. Bone (Super Friends) the two-volume set Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures and Alison Dare: Heart of the Maiden is due out in a new edition from Tundra Books this May. We took the opportunity to talk to J. Torres about Alison's origins and how he feels the comic has stood the test of time.

To read the Q&A, please go here.

2010 Shuster Award Nominees

2010-03-17T21:20:00.005-04:00

The nominees for the 6th annual Joe Shuster Canadian Comic Book Creator Awards have just been announced. Nominees were selected by a panel of jurors provided master lists of eligible creators with work published during the 2009 calendar year. Canadian citizens living at home or abroad, as well as permanent residents, were eligible for consideration. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, June 5th at the University of Toronto's Innis Town Hall as part of the Toronto Comicon Fan Appreciation Event taking place that same weekend.

Congratulations to my fellow nominees!

Outrageous!

2010-03-05T09:02:00.001-05:00

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #17
Written by J. Torres • Art and cover by Andy Suriano

An outrageous aquatic adventure is in store for Batman when he teams up with the King of the Seven Seas! It's Batman and Aquaman vs. Ocean Master for the fate of all the water on the planet!

Johnny DC * 32pg. * Color * $2.50 US

On Sale May 19, 2010

If I'm not mistaken, this is Andy Suriano's first cover for the series. I'm really glad to see it happen because I know he's been dying to take a crack at a cover since the beginning of the series. Speaking of mistaken, I think someone mistakenly left out our faithful inker Dan Davis. Must investigate this outrageous oversight...

Sneak Cheeks

2010-03-01T00:19:00.000-05:00

Sean "Cheeks" Galloway recently asked me to give him a hand with his creator owned property Bastion's 7. Fans of Sean should be familiar with that title and some of its characters as they've been featured in various places including Sean's blog, deviantART site, and a couple of his previous sketchbooks.

My first assignment was to write an introductory webcomic that, interestingly enough, is scheduled to debut at the San Diego comic book convention this year in Sean's new sketchbook.

Got that? It's all part of the plan. Just go with it!

People have apparently been clamoring for more Bastion's 7, so Sean's decided to give a sneak peek here.

Please stay tuned for more.

In Stores Now

2010-02-26T08:44:00.003-05:00

WALL-E #03
Writer(s): J. Torres
Artist(s): Morgan Luthi

Set before the events of the blockbuster Disney/Pixar feature film, we learn how the unlikely duo of a robot and a cockroach became fast friends! You won’t want to miss an issue of this new ongoing series based on the smash-hit film from BOOM Kids!

Well, this is my last issue of WALL-E, at least, for now. Hopefully, I'll be back on the book somewhere down the road. Morgan Luthi is staying on for the second arc, and I hope the new writer has as much fun working him as I did. I think this issue is our best together, especially because we got to cut loose and have some Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote style fun in it.

And in case anyone's wondering why we didn't use the song "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" from the movie in this, long story short, copyright issues. My original script had the song in there, but editorial had to take it out at the last minute and they replaced it with a rather clever made-up song!

Librarians Assemble!

2010-02-22T13:39:00.002-05:00

The Ontario Library Association's (OLA) Super Conference is Canada's largest library and information trade show. It takes place this week, February 24-27 at the Metro Convention Centre in downtown Toronto.

I'll be there on on Friday, February 26 starting at 2 PM signing and giving away preview booklets of Alison Dare at the Tundra Books booth (#720).

Incidentally, the preview booklets are the same ones given out at Reading For The Love Of It, and they're quite spiffy looking. Quantities are limited, and it's first come first served, so get one while supplies last!

More information on the OLA can be found here.

More information on Tundra Books can be found here.

More information on Alison Dare can be found here.