QUEST from Zenescope Preview (Comic)

This November a new adventure in the Grimm Fairy Tales universe from Zenescope Entertainment hits in mini-series format. This is great news, especially as Zenescope has been really rocking the Comic Book market with some great runs in their main titles and tie-ins alike. Being a fan of these titles, it's especially enticing to learn that Pat Shand will be penning this new series titled QUEST. Below is an excerpt from the press release and some tantalizing preview covers, and for an added bonus they included their own Pat Shand interview (though hopefully I get to do my own soon).

Zenescope Entertainment Goes on a Quest this November

Zenescope Entertainment has announced plans to publish a new Grimm Fairy Tales comic book mini-series entitled QUEST. Zenescope’s Pat Shand will be handling the writing the action-packed fantasy series. With this new series, Shand gets to bring back some familiar faces and break new ground as the evolution of the Grimm Universe continues. Quest is scheduled for a November release and is available for pre-order this month in Diamond PREVIEWS.

Quest follows a rogue princess named Aisling who teams up with well-known Grimm Fairy Tales characters, Blake, the fallen Wonderland knight, and Bolder, a dwarf warrior banished from his home. The trio finds itself searching for redemption as they’re tasked with protecting the realm of Myst from the dark shadows of its past.

“Pat’s a very good writer who is really coming into his own now. He’s a great choice for this series because he is able to blend fantasy and dark humor together into his scripts so seamlessly now.” says Zenescope Editor-in-Chief and co-creator of Grimm Fairy Tales, Ralph Tedesco. “Pat describes the story as a middle ground between LORD OF THE RINGS and SKULLKICKERS and I think that’s accurate. It’s fantastical, epic and fun; pretty much what our fans expect from our Grimm Universe titles.”

Included is an Interview with Pat Shand on “Quest” from Zenescope

Zenescope’s Pat Shand takes the reins on Quest, the new November-shipping mini-series that touches every corner of the company’s shared universe. Shand has already built up an amazing body of work with Zenescope, including writing Robyn Hood, Robyn Hood: Wanted, Realm Knights, Grimm Universe and various issues of Grimm Fairy Tales, as well as orchestrating and co-writing the Unleashed event. With Quest, Shand gets to bring back some familiar faces and break new ground as the evolution of the Grimm Universe continues.

Q1.  Pat, we understand that Quest is important because it's the only Zenescope book that sets out to touch all the Realms.  Can you speak to that a little bit in the sense of what the story is?

PAT SHAND: The Zenescope universe is comprised of Earth (the Nexus), which is surrounded by the four realms of power: Myst, Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz. The first series of QUEST follows a group of characters from Myst who are journeying through that Realm, trying to reestablish the Council of the Realms, which is essentially a group of protectors that is meant to keep evil away from the realms of power. If we get a sequel series, it will be set in Wonderland – the idea is that the journey these characters are on spans the entire Grimm universe. As I’m typing this, it sounds all very high fantasy, but I like to think of QUEST as the middle ground between LORD OF THE RINGS and SKULLKICKERS. It’s a constant mix of high and low fantasy, which is fun because if you read ROBYN HOOD, you know that I live pretty firmly in that gothic juxtaposition.

Q2. A couple of your leads might be familiar to long-time Zenescope readers. Can you give us a run-down on the cast? Who are they and why is the titular quest important to them?

PAT SHAND: Some newish players and some old. This team was established in GIANT SIZE GRIMM FAIRY TALES 2012, where I had them actually go to all four realms in one issue, but their quest there failed pretty miserably. Now, they have an actual plan. The cast is:

BLAKE, the forgotten White Knight of Wonderland whose defeat allowed the Jabberwocky to overcome that realm.

BOLDER, the disgraced dwarf who is on the run for his brother’s evil actions.

AISLING, a fallen princess who is the only surviving member of her royal family.

And DRUANNA, who you may know better as the goddess Gaia.

These people should NOT be in a tavern together, much less going on a Quest to save the Realms… and I think that is the most fun aspect of all of this.

Q3.Will this book explore any of the ramifications of Unleashed?

PAT SHAND: Not in this series. UNLEASHED was firmly set on Earth, because the antagonist of that series was not physically able to leave the Nexus. But hey, if we ever get a QUEST TO EARTH series, then I’d probably want to include some of the characters we introduced in UNLEASHED, like Van Helsing and Masumi.

Q4. Would you consider this mini to be a good jumping-on point for those that are curious about Zenescope? It seems like it would be new-reader friendly.

PAT SHAND: Oh, for sure. It’s a new beginning, and the tone is unlike anything we’ve done before. I try to make all of my #1s a jumping on point, but this is especially welcoming toward the uninitiated.

Q5. As a fan yourself, what draws you to a book, and how do you capture that quality for Quest?

PAT SHAND: Two big things. The uniqueness of a book really pulls me in. My favorite books right now are SAGA, ANGEL & FAITH, REVIVAL, HAWKEYE, TEN GRAND, and I’m currently blowing through SWEET TOOTH in trade, and that is phenomenal. These books, while some of the core concepts may be familiar, attack their premise from left field, creating new and interesting work. You’ve seen journey-driven fantasy a LOT before, but I can promise you’ve never seen it done like QUEST.

Also, passion. When a writer or artist has passion for their book and it shows in their work, then I am in from Page One, Panel One, Bubble One. And man, I’ve been pitching this book since I got my exclusive gig and Zenescope and it’s finally happening, so if the passion for these characters doesn’t exude from every page, I’m doing it wrong.

Q6. What else do you have coming up at Zenescope?

PAT SHAND: By the time QUEST comes out, THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS will be close to the end, REALM KNIGHTS will be wrapping up, and my creator owned comics, FAMILY PETS and SUCKERS, with be respectively complete and finishing up. All I can say for sure is that I’ll be working on the third arc of the new WONDERLAND trilogy when LOOKING GLASS is through, but I’ll be deep into writing some new projects that I can’t talk about yet.

Comic Station Issue #34 – Aug 21st 2013

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. We add a little something extra in our Reviews and Recommendation section.

New Releases: Realm Knights #1 from Zenescope starts off this issue of Comic Station by pulling characters from across the Nexus to form a team of heroes to fight threats greater than they could handle alone. Valiant releases Bloodshot #0 to fill in some of the background on their “perfect soldier”. Penny for your Soul: Death #1 from Big Dog Ink continues the tale of the Devils grand-daughter and the balance between Heaven, Hell, and herself. Batman Beyond Universe #1 creates a good jumping on point for new readers, but with plenty of differences since the cartoon trailed behind the comic series.

Review: Lots of reviews this week on Comic Station. Tom Strong and the Planet of Peril #1 from Vertigo Comics. Infinity #1 from Marvel Comics. Watson and Holmes #2 from New Paradigm Studios. Last but not least, Will Eisner’s Fagin the Jew from Dark Horse Comics.

Recommendation: We’ve looked at individual issues on previous Comic Station videos, but Scott recommends the whole Trinity Wars saga from DC Comics.

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we couldn’t get to, a list can be found below the video.

Hosts of the Comic Station:
Paul Neafsey (@PNeafsey)
Scott Kaitz (Owner of The Comic Station Store)
Video Editing: Paul Neafsey
Segment Music: Sean Weiland (Risen Phoenix Studios)

For a full listing of New Releases for Wednesday Aug 21st 2013: Full Article Here

Comic Station Issue #29 – July 17th 2013

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. We add a little something extra in our Reviews and Recommendation section.

New Releases: Since we reviewed Blood Brothers #1 from Dark Horse Comics in last weeks’ Comic Station, we just briefly mention it today. Batman ’66 from DC Comics tries to recapture the old Adam West Batman style, while Red Sonja #1 from Dynamite moves this classic character forward. Boom Comics mixes the vampire craze with mafia to create Day Men #1.

Review: There were five Comic Station reviews this week, so we try to shotgun through them in reasonable time. First,Skin Trade #1 from Image Comics. Second, Oz #1 from Zenescope followed by Dawn: The Swordsman Daughter and Other Tales in third. Rounding out the reviews in fourth and fifth place for this Comic Station issue were The Unforgivable #1 Experiment 11:34 from Brainmachine Comix and Kafka HC from Image respectively.

Extra: Since Scott couldn’t join us for this issue of Comic Station, Paul and Lido remind everyone that Sandiego Comic Con is this week and briefly go over what they’re looking forward to from SDCC.

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we couldn’t get to, a list can be found below the video.

Hosts of the Comic Station:
Paul Neafsey (@PNeafsey)
Lido Giovannchini standing in for Scott Kaitz (Owner of The Comic Station Store)
Video Editing: Paul Neafsey
Segment Music: Sean Weiland (Risen Phoenix Studios)

For a full listing of New Releases for Wednesday July 17th 2013: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/2013/07/17/comic-station-issue-29-july-17th-2013/
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OZ #1 Review (Comic)

I’VE A FEELING WE’RE NOT IN KANSAS ANY MORE.

The Grimm Fairy Tales Universe has long explored, expanded and destroyed the three Realms with Earth stuck in the middle. In all this time, wedged between the Realms of Myst the realm of magic, Neverland the source of imagination, Wonderland a world of dreams, and Earth the Nexus that binds them existed a fourth, Oz “The Realm of Hope”. Finally, with the help of one of the creators of Zenescope’s Grimm Fairy Tales, Joe Brusha takes up the pen and we finally get to take a walk down the yellow brick road in Oz #1.

This is definitely not your grandmothers Wizard of Oz.. The first glimpses show a dark world plagued by witches, shadows, wolves and death. It’s certainly not Kansas, made even more evident contrasted against the bright colors and  vibrant artwork of Rolando Di Sessa and Glauber Matos. Dorothy has the Zenescope flair and independent drive just waiting to burst through her farm girl life.

Just a good ol’ Kansas girl, right?

You can take the farm girl out of the farm, but you can’t take the highborn out of the girl. Dorothy exhibits a hidden power that eludes her, entices her and flows through her – however briefly. From the dark comes Toto. He too is not what he was, but the hulking near-wolf creature quickly takes to our heroine hiding a secret that might well hold the key to why the witches of Oz continue to hunt him. The wolf is a large step up from the little yappy dog of the movies, and I want one!

There is more than just Toto that has changed. Besides the obvious change in Dorothy’s wardrobe the darker elements have also undergone a transformation. The witches have upgraded their help as well. It won’t be a skip down the lane in sunshine, but one more mature. Probably the most dynamic change takes place when Dorothy finally lands in Muchkin Land; let’s just say I don’t see them breaking out into song anytime soon.

In true Zenescope fashion the art is beautiful, Dorothy is beautiful yet strong and there is big trouble brewing. The pacing is fantastic for a first issue setting crumbs of a larger mystery, introducing characters and establishing it’s own presence. There’s a promise that the events in Oz will spill over into the rest of the Grimm Fairy Tale Universe with Dorothy standing at the center of things. As a standalone title or accompanying the Grimm titles, OZ #1 is a fine addition to Zenescope’s lineup, one that I can’t wait to see where this yellow brick road takes us.

Comic Station Issue #24 – June 12th 2013

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. We add a little something extra in our Reviews and Recommendation section.

New Releases: Of the New Releases this week, we cover The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #1 from Dark Horse Comics. Of course, with Man of Steel out, we had to cover Superman Unchained #1 from DC Comics. The final new release we covered this week on Comic Station was Bubble Gun #1 from Aspen Comics, a 10-for-10 title for only $1.

Review: Rather than a review this week on Comic Station, we highlight the remainder of our Philadelphia Comic Con 2013 coverage. Two interviews posted on Tuesday, one with Pat Shand from Zenescope and another with Kim Hutchinson, owner of Big Dog Ink. Finally, our interview with Hollaback Philly posts Wednesday at noon.

Recommendation: There’s no recommendation this week on Comic Station as Scott left us to go to see Man of Steel.

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we couldn’t get to, a list can be found below the video.

Hosts of the Comic Station:
Paul Neafsey (@PNeafsey)
Scott Kaitz (Owner of The Comic Station Store)
Video Editing: Paul Neafsey
Segment Music: Sean Weiland (Risen Phoenix Studios)

For the full list of New Releases for June 12th 2013, see the full article: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/2013/06/12/comic-station-issue-24-june-12th-2013/

Comic Station Issue #23 – June 5th 2013

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. After a very eventful weekend at the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Convention we have plenty of featured articles coming out over the next few days to announce.

New Releases: Vertigo reintroduces an old classic, Astro City #1, this week on Comic Station. Two comic books with movies have new issues, with Kick Ass 3 #1 and Daredevil: Dark Nights #1 both coming out today. Zenescope has a new addition to their lineup, though not tied into the Grimm Fairy Tales world, with Screwed #1 out today.

Review: Comic Station is glad to highlight a review from our newest contributor, Corey Atwood, as he brings us his review of The Art of Remember Me. A futuristic cyberpunk Paris where memories can be bought and altered.

Recommendation: Scott recommends a hands-down favorite of Comic Station with Red Son by Mark Millar.

Philadelphia Comic Con News: We have a Cosplay Photo Gallery, Exclusive First Interview with Zenescope’s unannounced No Tomorrowand much more.

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we couldn’t get to, a list can be found below the video.

Hosts of the Comic Station:
Paul Neafsey (@PNeafsey)
Scott Kaitz (Owner of The Comic Station Store)
Video Editing: Paul Neafsey
Segment Music: Sean Weiland (Risen Phoenix Studios)

For a fulll list of all the comic books coming out June 5th 2013 see the full article: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=87624&action=edit

Screwed #1: Interview at Philadelphia Comic Con

In addition to the major Unleashed event Zenescope has been introducing a number of new titles to their already numerous and popular publishing catalog. One of these new titles reimagines the classic Frankenstein tale in the way only Zenescope could do it. For this title, Screwed, they’ve brought together a talented cast with Keith Thomas, David Miller and the well-known Tyler Kirkham.

Anne awakes to find herself in a strange and dangerous place seemingly teeming with grotesque creatures. She knows she must run and fight, but what she doesn’t know might define her more. She’s a monster herself, a modern day Frankenstein monster. Tyler Kirkham describes Screwed as having, “…horror, action and some flat-out sick, twisted moments!” and goes on to say, “I always thought Zenescope would be a great fit for the story as it has a strong lead female role. I’m extremely excited for this series.” There’s plenty of mystery to be found, from who made her, why and why does she see monsters everywhere?

While at the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con I met with this creative team to discuss Screwed and the ideas behind their own creation brought to life.

More from Zenescope and Screwed will be coming soon on our weekly Comic Station issues
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No Tomorrow: Exclusive First Interview at Phila. Comic Con

Zenescope, well known for their Grimm Fairy Tales series, has created a vast universe of characters and creatures. Being from Horsham PA I met up with them while at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con 2013. I had the chance to talk to them about a number of their titles and few interviews that will be coming soon. As a special opportunity I was offered the chance to conduct an interview about an upcoming comic book title that hasn't even been announced yet,No Tomorrow.

Raven Gregory has written for the titles: Grimm Fairy Tales, Dream Eater, Fly, various Wonderland tie-ins and more. As writer of No Tomorrow, Raven gives us some insight into what to expect from this new title coming out later this summer. Pat Shand also joined us for moral support with No Tommorrow.

Keep an eye out for more information on No Tomorrow from Zenescope to come soon
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Comic Station Issue #22 – May 29th 2013

Comics, Feature

(Edit Post)

May 29, 2013

by PNeafsey

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. Due to Memorial Day the shipment of comics has been delayed and Scott can’t join us, so Paul will be alone again on this issue of Comic Station.

New Releases: With the lack of material, we make due with the New Releases from Image Comics and Zenescope we have access to on Comic Station. First, a follow-up on Image Comics’ Five Weapons #4 by Jimmie Robinson, a current favorite in Paul’s pull-list. As part of our continued interest in Zenescope’s Grimm Fairy Tales run on Comic Station, we look at Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole #1 and Realm Knights (One-shot). From Dark Horse Comics, we follow up on The Last of Us #2 and fully expect this one to sell out too.

Review: We have the first review for Rob Mellesh on this issue of Comic Station as a full-fledged member of Front Towards Gamer. Rob reviewed Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #5 so well we want to go back and read this series. Love his quote, “This is how serialized fiction is meant to be done. Brandon Seifert’s script and Lukas Ketner’s art do it in macabre style.”

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we couldn't get to, a list can be found below the video.

Hosts of the Comic Station:
Paul Neafsey (@PNeafsey)
Scott Kaitz (Owner of The Comic Station Store)
Video Editing: Paul Neafsey
Segment Music: Sean Weiland (Risen Phoenix Studios)

Full list of New Releases for Wednesday May 21st 2013 see the article: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/?p=86947

Comic Station Issue #21 – May 22nd 2013

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. We continue our coverage of Zenescope’s Unleashed event and there’s a special interview announcement at the end.

New Releases: On this week’s Comic Station we look on as DC Comics brings out their opposite to The Movement with a bunch of young Tony Stark wannabees in The Green Team #1. A new kind of superhero enters in The Bounce #!than Image Comics. The classic Snow White story gets a remake and Steampunk venere in Antarctic Press’s Steampunk Snow White One-Shot. We end this issue of Comic Station with Grimm Fairy Tales’ Werewolves: The Hunger #1 from Zenescope.

Review: We continue our coverage of Zenescope's’ Unleashed event with a review of Hunters: The Shadowlands #1in this issue of Comic Station.

Recommendation: Scott highlights a hero who hasn’t always received the admiration he could have with DC Comics’ New 52 Aquaman series.

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we couldn't get to, a list can be found below the video.

Full Article: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/2013/05/22/comic-station-issue-21-may-21st-2013/

Comic Station Issue #17 – April 24th 2013

We at Comic Station try to highlight new releases and other series many might otherwise overlook. We typically don’t report on long-standing series unless revolutionary. We add a little something extra in our Reviews and Recommendation section.

New Releases: For the New Releases this week we look at Jupiter’s Legacy #1 from Image on this Comic Station. After that, we look at Amala’s Blade #1 from Dark Horse Comics, a followup from our review of Amala’s Blade #0 on a previous Comic Station. We also take a look at Helheim #2 as it continues the Viking Epic from the first issue. Of course, we even take a look at East of West #2 from Image Comics, though it lacks the action of the first issue, the plot thickens on this gripping tale.

Review: On this week of Comic Station we have a double-whammy. As part of Zenescope’s new world-altering Unleashed Event, the latest issues, Unleashed #1 and Vampires #1 get the ball rolling in grand style. In Unleashed #1the dangerous new enemy, The Being, has released the classical monsters from their jail cell called the Shadowlands. Of the creatures, werewolves, demons and vampires are among them. As the queen of the vampires, Samira gets her own crossover title in Vampires #1. We at Comic Station are excited for this Unleashed Event, as it gives an epic new story and a great starting point for readers to get into the Grimm Fairy Tales universe.

Recommendation: Scott recommends one of our favorites with Superman Earth One Volume One and Two. It’s perfect timing with the upcoming Superman movie, and look forward to more Superman on future Comic Stations.

Thank you and please leave comments here or on YouTube as we continue to evolve our coverage. For a listing of more New Releases we could not get to, a list can be found below the video.

Full Article and list of new comics: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/2013/04/24/comic-station-issue-17-april-24th-2013/

Unleashed #1: Grimm Fairy Tales: Review (Comic)

The Grimm Fairy Tales universe has seen it's fair share of near-world-ending catastrophes and threats. With their unique take on the classic fairy tales, it's a whole new world. Each character is given a modern twist and expanded plot beyond their origins. In the latest arc, a new enemy has risen that makes the Dark One look like a boyscout. As the primary series title, Unleashed #1, officially kicks off the Unleashed arc with five other crossover titles that will add story on the side.

Not one to kick things off small, Unleashed #1 starts right off with a fight between Gods. In an attempt to avert disaster, Zeus, Neptune and the Grimm Fairy Tale's addition, Heather fight a mysterious new being who has already killed one of their own. Nothing like a fight with a being that can kill Gods to get things rolling. Besides this, he opens a portal to all of the creatures of fairy tale nightmares: vampires, werewolves and countless others.

Read the full Review: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/2013/04/23/unleashed-1-grimm-fairy-tales-review-comic/

Comic Station Issue #9 – February 27th 2013

This issue of Comic Station brings some great New Releases as well as a special one-shot interview with Philadelphia Publisher, 215Ink.

New Releases: For this week we highlight three new number one issue releases on Comic Station #9. The big one,Gaurdians of the Galaxy #0.1 introduces a team that many younger readers, and a few older, might not recognize but will be having their own movie next year. Zenescope publishers have two new issues, Madness of Wonderland #1and The Jungle Book: The Last of the Species #1. Both titles feature Zenescope’s penchant for beautiful artwork and women. Not number ones, but worthy of attention Injustice Gods Among Us #2 and Young Avengers #2 were also shown on Comic Station Issue #9.

Review: Two reviews for the young teen readers. Amala’s Blade #0 from Dark Horse Comics has an assassin turned pirate, and Five Weapons #1 from Image Comics has an hitman-in-training.

Recommendation: Scott’s recommendation for this Comic Station is Warlord of Mars from Dynamite. This is certainly not your Disney’s John Carter.

Special: We had a special one-shot edition of Comic Station on publish on Sunday, with an interview of 215Ink who are publishing a special book: Ignition Anthology. This 300 page collection of over 80 writing/art teams will be releasing at the end of March.

Full Article: http://fronttowardsgamer.com/2013/02/27/comic-station-issue-9-february-27th-2013/

Comic Station Issue #1 – January 2nd 2013

For our first Issue of Comic Station we get right into things by setting up the segments: New Releases, Review and Recommendations.

New Releases: We chose three key additions to highlight from the line-up and even give our impressions and insight into a few series.  While not new, there’s also news that Hellboy in Hell #1 sold out, but don’t fret, there will be a reprint at the end of the month for those who missed it. As a preview for next week, we also mention a little bit about Brian Wood, the author of the new Star Wars #1 coming out next week.

Review: Our first review is one many readers might have missed – Alabaster Wolves by Dark Horse Comics. A young woman is tasked with hunting down monsters by her gaurdian angel, but we come into her life at a time when this routine has grown thin. This short five-issue run features some beautiful artwork by Steve Lieber and relate-able characters by Caitlin R. Kiernan. A full review will be coming to the website soon.

Recommendation: Our resident expert and owner of The Comic Station store, Scott Kaitz, kicks off strong with high praise for Batman: Death of the Family. See what he has to say about this New 52 series.

Please leave comments or suggestions as I look to continue improving this new series.