[SDCC:] THE IMAGE COMICS SHOW

July 25, 2008 on 7:10 pm | In San Diego Comic Con, Uncategorized |

The Image Comics show kicked off with the usual introduction of guests: newly appointed partner Robert Kirkman, Whilce Portacio, Jim Valentino, Rob Liefeld and Erik Larsen. Marc Silvestri walked in directly after the introductions.

The panel started with a few announcements, including Darwyn Cooke doing an issue of Madman, the return of Dan Brereton and Nocturnals, and upcoming animated project for Firebreather and Mice Templar.

“We’re having a big two-issue crossover that will connect the two books,” said Kirkman of the image of Invincible fighting Astounding Wolf-Man. “Apparently, they’re going to fight… very high up in the city.”

October is Walking Dead month, with the hardcover coming out and a collection of all the covers.
“The character in the Walking Dead will be going to Washington and see what’s up,” said Kirkman.
“This is all George Bush’s fault, right?” joked Larsen.

However, the biggest announcement coming out of the Image Comics Show involved a brand new six-issue miniseries featuring art by six of the Image creators—Whilce Portacio, Jim Valentino, Marc Silvestri, Rob Liefeld, Erik Larsen and Todd McFarlane; and written by new partner Kirkman.

Be sure to check out the WizardUniverse.com main page for the EXCLUSIVE FIRST STORY complete with interviews with the creative team. And also check out Wizard issue #203, out this Wednesday, for more.

“When we all layout [our specific issue], we will screw everyone else,” said Silvestri.
“My issue has ten Spawn spreads,” joked Liefeld.

Liefeld explained that Larsen laid out the jam image the group worked on to preview the upcoming series.
“Notice who is almost dead center,” said Silvestri indicating Larsen’s Savage Dragon.

Kirkman explained how he got involved as writer of the series.
“I was sitting at CAPE at in Texas. I was under a tent in the burning hot Texas sun signing autographs, and that phone rang. It’s kind of a dick move to answer your phone while signing autographs, but I like to check in case it’s my son falling off a bridge.”
The call came from Erik Larsen, who pitched the idea to Kirkman who quickly accepted.

In true Image form, the panel contained many jokes and jabs at each other—from Valentino joking about Silvestri’s trademark sunglasses to Kirkman making fun of Larsen talking to him.

Liefeld asked Kirkman if Invincible would join in on Image United now that Kirkman serves as partner.
“I don’t know,” said Kirkman coyly. “Maybe. He can fit in between Dragon and Whilce’s new character.”
“You can fit him in between Witchblade’s boobs,” joked Silvestri.

“There are things that shoot out of this epic miniseries,” said Kirkman. “New series. You’ll be hearing more about that as time progresses. I know it’s hard to believe, but Image has a plan now.”

Questions then opened to the audience.

The first fan asked about the possibility of a Magdelena ongoing series.
Silvestri said that a book is in the works, as well as a feature film.

Another fan asked about the process on the six issues and how backgrounds will be handled.
“The first issue will take place in space. The second in the desert. The third is going to be in Antarctica,” joked Kirkman. “Just horizons lines and white color in every issue.”
“Rocks,” added Valentino.
“It’ll be like, ‘That’s a beautiful house. I wonder why it’s destroyed,’” added Silvestri.

A fan asked if the new mini would feature any of the newer heroes.
“It’s mostly going to be our guys,” said Larsen. “It’s going to be unorganized enough as it is. If we start piling in some more people, it gets complicated.”

A fan asked if Bomb Queen would be joining the ranks of the Image Universe proper more often.
“The Image universe is a very funny thing, it’s very liquid,” said Valentino. “When Erik asked to use Bomb Queen, Jimmie said it was cool.”
“We’re just a big clubhouse,” said Silvestri. “We just pretend to publish comic books.”

A fan asked if there would be anymore Invincible miniseries would be coming out in the same vein as the Atom Eve two-issue origin story. Kirkman began to say that he couldn’t say anything about it—the usual answer he gave throughout the panel. HOWEVER, after being pestered by Silvestri, Kirkman announced a Rex Splode miniseries by the same creative team from Atom Eve.

Anoher fan asked what it would take convince Kirkman to have Invincible join Image United. The panelists agreed that bribery would be a good course of action.
“You sir, may sit down,” said Kirkman after the fan pulled out a dollar bill.
“Dude, that’s twice as much you’ll make at Image,” joked Silvestri.