Hack/Slash #13 Cover B by Ben Templesmith

Ben Templesmith’s art and Hack/Slash seemed like such an obvious pairing to me. However, after a little research it seems this is the first time that Templesmith has provided any illustrations to Seeley & the series. What was the frickin’ hold-up?! Cassie embodies the creepy-yet-total-badass combination wonderfully, with the blood on her signature bat a very nice touch. The looming villain with the wall filled with hanging torture tools is the cherry on top, with the perfect use of lighting and colors. If I may be so bold, I demand more Templesmith & Seeley collaborations! It just feels so right.

Spaceman #4 by Dave Johnson

There are so many wonderful techniques the Reverend Dave Johnson uses on this cover. And because he’s a genuine master of his craft, it makes it that much easier to proclaim it as my favorite cover of the week, hands-down. The color scheme of orange and gray, with the mixture of cold and warm colors dominating the majority of the cover make the white bones pop-out that much more effectively and really draws you in to it’s design and beauty as a whole. Such a cool idea with the bones on the arms in crossbones formation, that it makes me wonder when will that tattoo idea catch on with the young folk. “You call that a sleeve? THIS, is a…radical radius?” I want this as a poster, I want this as a print, I want this on the hood of my car. It’s badass, it demands your attention, and it’s the reason you should be submitting your body and soul to the Reverend’s gospel on a daily basis.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #4 by Rafael Albuquerque

Goddamn is this an awesome looking cover. To me, this is what DC’s Ultimate rendition of the Flash would look like; a red-hot crimson blur, angry at the world, looking like he could explode at any moment. I’ve always been a fan of Albuquerque’s wicked style, but this cover in particular feels like he’s taking his game to a whole other level! This is what Hermes would look like if he was appointed one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; streaking down his message of destruction to our world. The last message we would ever hear before total annihilation.

Star Trek #6 by Tim Bradstreet

“The creature within me is gone. I am free of it, and the pain. I am also quite blind. An equitable trade, Doctor. Thank you.” -Spock in The Immunity Syndrome

The Unwritten #34.5 by Yuko Shimizu

Angelic. Purely whimsical and magical, radiating artistic beauty across the entire comic book medium. The fine details in her curly golden locks and hundreds of feathers just leaves me breathless, completely soaking everything in. I saw her face, now I’m a believer. The minute Shimizu opens a gallery anywhere in the world, I’ll be the first one in line to purchase a ticket. Perhaps one day, I’ll even be fortunate enough to own an original piece. Until that time however, we can all continue to glimpse at in awe, cursing the heavens that none of us will ever produce anything remotely close to perfection like Shimizu does.

All Star Western #6 by Ladrönn

Rarely do we see any expression of shock or fright from Jonah Hex, but if you were to put yourself in his current situation, chances are you would crap yourself. Multiple times. I’ve fallen in love with the details Ladrönn puts into the giant bat, right down to every strand of hair. That bat face is just pure terrifying, for if the fright from the size alone didn’t kill you, those sharp teeth certainly would. Next thing you know, you’re a human Capri-Sun. Absolutely stunning cover by Ladrönn, and it’s definitely my favorite cover of the week.

Dark Horse Presents #9 by Mike Mignola

Want to easily have your way with me and my money? Simply have Lobster Johnson on the cover. Doesn’t need to be action-packed or anything like that, just the simple menacing pose will suffice. It works so well to have anything but black as the background, because then you can really hone-in and appreciate the beauty of both characters. This cover once again proves that Mignola remains one of the best cover artists in the business.

Incorruptible #27 by Garry Brown

The colors and loud images just screams “PUNK ROCK!” to me, and here I am moshing away to another Garry Brown cover. It almost feels like I dropped some acid, stared at this cover for a few minutes, and suddenly the dose hit me I could hear what the soundtrack was to this cover. I was transported back to the CBGB in the mid-70′s, and the Sex Pistols and the Ramones formed a Punk Rock Super Group, and the New York Dolls provided the colors. In my opinion, jagged lightning bolts make everything better. Oi! This cover is wicked! Oi Oi Oi!

Jennifer Blood #9 by Tim Bradstreet

“Shot through the heart, and you’re too blame, darling you give love, a bad name…” – Bon Jovi

Prophet #22 by Simon Roy

At first glace I feel much like the main character; I was just dropped into this cover, and have no idea what’s going on. I find myself drawn to the beautiful muted coloring of this illustration, and the intense action between the two foes. Plus it’s a well-known fact that automatically any cover is improved by 46% when you include prehistoric flying reptiles. The gripping of the slimy tongue, the dagger sticking out of it’s neck, and the human ready to swing again with his machete; all beautiful details, which make this cover so damn awesome.

Secret Avengers #23 by Arthur Adams

Finally we get a sneak-peek of that Kevlar outfit that was sewn together with threads from goat’s milk. You know the goat I’m talking about; the one that was spliced with arachnid DNA. It makes perfect sense for Venom to receive the first prototype.

Daredevil: Reborn #2 by Jock

This cover makes me happy. Don’t get me wrong, Jock’s covers always make me happy, but because of the yellow background, I find myself warm and full of smiles. If that sounds slightly odd, then I’ll go with explanation number two; Daredevil is depicted beautifully in the image, and the yellow background really makes him pop. He’s currently a torn soul still trying to redeem himself, and Jock’s raspy interpretation of him really sells it to me. Are you currently holding out for a hero? Then this cover is for you.

Jennifer Blood #1 by Tim Bradstreet

When you have Tim Bradstreet involved in a Garth Ennis project, you know that you’ll be getting some kick-ass covers for sure. With the first issue of Jennifer Blood, we’re treated with nine (you read that correctly) variant covers, and this one is my absolute favorite of the bunch. It’s this cover that gives us the introduction to this new character, and with Bradstreet’s dark and gritty style we get the idea that she’s the kind of broad who isn’t afraid to get a little dirty (or bloody). Jennifer Blood is if the Punisher was a housewife living in the suburbs, and the cover clearly illustrates just that.

Venom Deadpool #1 by Skottie Young

I’ve always been a huge of Skottie’s style. While I do enjoy his interior art in comics, what blows me away every single time are his gorgeous covers. His covers are so good, I’ll buy the crappiest comic just for his cover alone. With this cover, you have the perfectly executed hybrid of Venom and Deadpool. Their costumes really were made for each other. With the addition of the grotesque green tongue, this cover screams “I’d look badass hanging on your bedroom wall”, or at your local punk rock venue.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #6 by Gerald Parel and Dustin Weaver

I nominate this cover to be the image for the first trade. It informs the reader of which main characters are featured, and it’s done in a beautifully almost painted style. The details of each character is enticing and fascinating at the same time, as it keeps you guessing who’s a good witch, and who’s a bad witch. Weaver’s been delivering some great art in general for this series, and this cover proves it a hundred times over.

Thunderbolts #153 by Greg Land and Dan Brown

Believe me, I did a double-take as well when I saw this awesome cover was done in part by Greg Land. Excuse me? Baking powder? Yes, that Greg Land. Sure it’s easy to make a crack that we just haven’t found the porn site where he traced the heroes from yet, but I think it was nothing but honest-to-goodness hard work this time. Is this a new renaissance for Land? As long as he keeps creating covers like this one, I’ll have no more qualms with the man’s work.

I interview the artist Buzz at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Tales of Atomika, Ground Creeper, and more.

I interview creator Jules Rivera at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Marsh Rocket, Valkyrie Squadron, and hand sanitizer.

I interview artist Tim Bradstreet at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Raw Studios, Bad Planet, and more.

I interview creator Rebecca Hicks at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about her comic Little Vampires.

I interview creators Josh Finney and Kat Rocha at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Titanium Rain 2, Transcend, and more.

I interview writer Michael Colbert at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Crazy Mary, Tales of the Supernatural, and more.

I interview the creative team of Darkwing Duck from BOOM! Studios at Long Beach Comic Con 2010. Joining me is James Silvani, Ian Brill, and Tad Stones.

I interview writer Joshua Williamson at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Superman / Batman, Mirror, Mirror, and more.

I interview writer Richard Starkings at Long Beach Comic Con 2010 about Elephantmen and more.

Long Beach Comic Con 2010 wrap-up!

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy Awesome to discuss Day 3 of the Long Beach Comic Con.

In this special episode, Cammy reviews Atomika from Mercury Comics. God created Man, then Man created God.  Special thanks to Sal Abbinanti!

Stay tuned at the end for a special Atomika Contest!