Messages from Marz

This week brings Artifacts #28, the concluding chapter to the “Truth and Destinies” two-parter featuring Tom Judge, Michael Finnegan and the Magdalena as they hunt for the Glacier Stone. The storyline had a number of inspirations, including the desolate Nordic locations seen in Fincher’s “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” adaptation, as well as famed crazy person Aleister Crowley.

Marco Turini returns for art duties, with Bill Farmer on color. Stjepan Sejic provides the Magdalena-centric cover.

Next month’s Artifacts #29 will be a special issue written by Phil Smith, with art by Kalman Andrasofszky. I’ll return with issue #30, with a new artistic partner in tow, for an Angelus-oriented issue

Cheers,

Ron

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The next Artifacts collection, Volume 5, hit stores recently, from Top Cow/Image. The collection contains issues #19-#23, all written by me with art and cover by Stjepan Sejic. The book contains two story arcs expanding the Artifacts mythology.

The first re-introduces Heart Stone bearer Rachel Harrison, a doctor who moves back to her small hometown, only to find that the town’s history of supernatural goings-on is coming back to literally haunt her. The second arc takes Rapture bearer and defrocked priest Tom Judge to Washington, D.C. to investigate a murder on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. But what at first seems like a ritual killing turns out to be case of demonic possession, including a confrontation on the grounds of the National Cathedral.

Hope you’ll give it a look. We’re continuing to explore the breadth of the Top Cow Universe, as The Darkness and Witchblade titles head for some changes. If you hadn’t heard, it appears Jackie Estacado will perish in an upcoming storyline, and I’ll be returning to the writing duties of Witchblade with October’s #170. Good stuff coming!

Cheers,

Ron

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I’m happy anytime I get to write Magdalena. This week brings Artifacts #27, which stars my favorite monster hunter/supernatural enforcer for the Catholic Church, along with defrocked priest Tom Judge. It’s an interesting pairing to write, one I hope to return to even after this two-part storyline is finished. In this issue, Tom seeks out Magdalena to convince her to aid him in tracking down the missing Glacier Stone. Their quest leads to them a spooky mansion above the arctic circle.

This is artist Marco Turini’s second published issue of Artifacts, though it’s actually the first one that he drew. There’s also some very nice color work by Andy Troy and Bill Farmer, all wrapped in covers by Stjepan Sejic and Marco Turini.

A preview of the issue can be seen here:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=16323

Cheers,

Ron

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This week brings the release of Artifacts #26, the fourth and final part of “Progeny,” the Top Cow Universe crossover. The issue is by me, artist Marco Turini and colorist Andy Troy. This marks Marco’s first issue of Artifacts, as he settles in for a run after taking over art duties from Stjepan Sejic, who departs to launch Aphrodite IX as a monthly title (and to work on volume 2 of Ravine). Marco’s work shows some obvious sensibilities from his native Italy, so his art is an intriguing mix of European and American influences.

The issue brings the story threads of “Progeny” to a head, hopefully in an unexpected way, and sets the stage for ensuing issues of the title. More than that, I don’t want to say, for fear of spoiling the story.

Also released recently is the Blackburn Burrow #4, the final issue of the supernatural Civil War-era tale by me, artist Matthew Dow Smith and colorist Jordie Bellaire, based on Jay N. Levy’s screenplay for Amazon Studios. Go to the Amazon Studios blog Hollywonk, for more information, and links to read the issue as well as download it for free on Kindle:

http://hollywonk.com/post/45264984398

I also wrote an essay on “Three Rules for Writing Visually” for Hollywonk, with some thoughts on writing for comics. Have a look here:

http://hollywonk.com/post/45351125083/marz-3-rules-visual

Cheers,

Ron

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I’m appearing at conventions on back-to-back weekends, something I usually try to avoid, but the shows involved were too enticing to pass up.

On Feb. 23-24, I’ll be at the London Super Comic Con, held at the Excel Centre in London. I believe I’ll be set up at the Top Cow booth, and if all goes as planned, I’ll hopefully have a few copies of Ravine Volume 1 for sale. I’ll definitely be bringing the Shinku TPB with me, so please send me home with lighter luggage.

More information on the show can be found here:

http://www.londonsupercomicconvention.com/

On March 1-3, I’ll be at one of my favorite shows, Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, held at the Washington State Convention Center. I’ll be set up at table C-16, and doing a couple signings at the Dynamite Comics booth as well. I’ll also be joining the Dynamite Comics panel, held 6-7 p.m. Saturday in Hall B. I’ll have copies of both Shinku and Ravine at the show.

And the big news: Chicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije will be joining me for a special signing from noon-1 p.m. Sunday. We’ll be in the signing area, giving away an exclusive mini-litho for The Protectors, the series Bart Sears and I are working on for Athleta Comics, the publishing imprint Israel has founded. We’ll have 200 lithos to give away, so come early!

More information on Emerald City can be found here:

http://www.emeraldcitycomicon.com/

My con schedule for the remainder of the year is taking shape. Be aware, this is a only a partial list, as a number of confirmations/announcements are still falling into place. But thus far, I expect to be at:

• Woodstock Day School Comic Con, Woodstock, NY, April 13.
• C2E2, Chicago, April 26-28.
• MCBA SpringCon, St. Paul, Minnesota, May 18-19.
• Albany Comic Con, Albany, NY, June 16.
• ComiCONN, Trumbull, Conn., Aug. 24.
• Baltimore Comic Con, Baltimore, MD, Sept. 7-8.
• North Carolina Comicon, Durham, NC, Nov. 9-10.

I expect to visit at least a few more shows, so I’ll update with additional appearances as soon as they’re confirmed. Hope to see you this year.

Cheers,

Ron

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Releasing this week is Artifacts #24, a stand-alone issue that catches up with the current Angelus host in the Top Cow Universe, the singularly-named Finch. The story brings Finch, as well as her girlfriend and NYPD detective Danielle Baptiste, to the Angelus dimension, which is under attack from … well, I won’t spoil the details.

The art, of course, is by my usual partner in crime, Stjepan Sejic. The story is self-contained, but plants some seeds that will bear fruit in the upcoming “Progeny” storyline, starting in Artifacts #25, and continuing in Witchblade #164 and Darkness #111 before concluding in Artifacts #26.

A preview of Artifacts #24 has been released, and can be found at Comic Book Resources, as well as other sites. Here’s a link:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=14771

The first review of the issue has already been posted, ReadComicBooks.Net rating it 9 out of 10, calling it “…simply another great installment in a standout fantasy series.” The full review can be seen here:

http://readcomicbooks.net/home/artifacts-24/

Cheers,

Ron

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The initial solicitation is out for Ravine, an original graphic novel by Stjepan Sejic and me, coming from Top Cow/Image on February 13. Newsarama had a “first look” at the project, including 44 images, which can be seen here:

http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=48148

Ravine is a 160-page original graphic novel, with amazing painted art by Stjepan, who has been my artistic collaborator on Witchblade, Angelus and Artifacts for Top Cow. Ravine is a passion project for Stjepan, and I think the book contains easily the best artwork of his career. Ravine is a multi-volume epic fantasy, with a large cast of characters and a lengthy storyline. We expect to be releasing at least one volume a year for the foreseeable future.

Ravine volume 1 will contain more than 120 pages of story, with a wealth of extras including maps, character bios and more, all for $14.99. Believe me, it’s epic in every sense of the word.

Now here’s the important part. Ravine is a creator-owned project for me and Stjepan. That means there is no up-front page rate; we’ve been paid nothing to produce this work. So we depend entirely upon sales to reap any kind of reward. Meaning that if you’re interested in Ravine, we need you to pre-order with your local comic shop. Tell your retailer that you want a copy, so we can boost those initial order numbers. We want to keep producing Ravine for a good, long time, but we can only do that if sales allow us to continue.

You can also check out this Ravine fan site for more art, and ongoing updates:

http://wolverinebs.wix.com/ravine

Thanks in advance for the support.

Cheers,

Ron

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This week, Artifacts #23 hits stores, concluding the two-part “Blood Rites” storyline, focusing on everyone’s favorite defrocked priest, Tom Judge. It’s got a demon, it’s got an exorcism, it’s got Tilly Grimes in some cool pants. The issue’s art is, as always, by my Croatian brother in arms, Stjepan Sejic. (He hates it when you call him the Croatian sensation.)

You can view a six-page preview of the issue here:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=14517

Some nice reviews of the issue have already been published.

ComicBooked:

http://www.comicbooked.com/book-review/review-artifacts-23/

Comic Hype:

http://www.comichype.com/2012/12/10/artifacts-23-let-the-exorcism-begin/

Unleash the Fanboy:

http://www.unleashthefanboy.com/comics/artifacts-23-review/36804

Comic Attack:

http://comicattack.net/2012/12/artifacts23rev/

One Geek Nation:

http://www.onegeeknation.com/2012/12/13/review-artifacts-23/

Read Comic Books:

http://readcomicbooks.net/home/artifacts-23/

I also did an interview with Newsarama about Artifacts past, present and future. That can be read here:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/witchblade-vs-darkness-artifacts-25-ron-marz-interview.html

Cheers,

Ron

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This marks the third year for what’s become known as Comics for Tots. I offer up signed comics in exchange for donations to Toys for Tots. All the money collected (after shipping costs) is spent on toys donated to the Toys for Tots drive. Last year’s drive resulted in donations of more than $500.

Yes, there are many worthy causes that need donation, especially at this time of year. I chose Toys for Tots because my own childhood memories of Christmas are so fondly held, that I hope in some small way, this effort helps make magical memories for those who might not otherwise have them.

We have a couple of unique sketched/signed items this year that are still being prepared, but I can tell you they include artwork by Darryl Banks and Dan Jurgens. I’ll post an update as soon as they’re ready, and then set up an auction (likely on Twitter) to maximize the donation. Check back for updates soon.

Postage is included in the price of each book (or set of books). All books are signed by me, and can be personalized if you desire. Here’s what’s available this year:

*Shinku Vol. 1 TPB, signed by me and artist Lee Moder, who has also sketched a head shot of Shinku inside each volume. The accompanying photo shows the general type of Sketch Lee has done. There are only six of these available, and they’re first come, first served, $50. Mature readers.

*Green Lantern #49, also signed by penciler Darryl Banks. There are only six of these available, and they’re first come, first served, $25.

*Shinku #1-#5, the single issues of my creator-owned book with Lee Moder (mature audiences), all five issues for $30. Mature readers.

*Mystic Volume 2 TPB, art by Brandon Peterson and George Perez, cover by Phil Noto. This is the original CrossGen printing, collecting issues #8-#14, plus CrossGen Chronicles #5. There are five of these available, and they’re first come, first served, $30.

*Scion #6, #7, #8, #9 set, art by Jim Cheung and Rick Leonardi, all four issues for $25.

*The Path Prequel and #1, art by Bart Sears, both issues for $20.

*Friday the 13th: Bad Land #1, #2, art by Mike Huddleston; not exactly a holiday tale, but at least it’s set during a blizzard, both issues for $20. Mature readers.

*Magdalena #1, art by Nelson Blake 2nd, with one of my favorite covers ever by Ryan Sook, $15.

*Broken Trinity #2, art by Phil Hester and Stjepan Sejic, $10.

We also have a unique item donated by my pal, sculptor and artist Paul Harding. Paul has signed and donated a Fables Snow White bust, designed by series artist Mark Buckingham and sculpted by Paul. The first donation of $60 takes it.
SOLD!!!

Payment details and shipping notes

The easiest method of donation is PayPal, so please PayPal your order to: kmarz@nycap.rr.com

On the PayPal form, please include the address to which you want the issues sent. If you’d like the books personalized, please include that info as well. I try to have issues in the mail within 24 hours of the order being received. All comics will be sent via USPS.

For anyone who doesn’t have a PayPal account, please use the Contact button on this website and drop me an e-mail; we’ll figure out something. Also, I WILL mail out to international addresses, but there will be an additional postage charge. If you let me know your location, a postage quote will be sent.

We’ll accept donations right up through Christmas. However, many Toys for Tots drop-off locations are collected by the middle of December (as the Marines need time to sort and deliver donations). So ordering as soon as possible is appreciated.

Thank you all. Your generosity makes this possible. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Holidays,

Ron

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After last week’s barrage, just one new release for this week, Artifacts #22 from Top Cow/Image. The issue begins a new two-part storyline, featuring Tom Judge and Tilly Grimes investigating a ritual murder in Washington, D.C. As always, my artistic partner is Stjepan Sejic.

The “Blood Rites” storyline brings together Tom Judge’s present work as special investigator for the F.B.I., with his past as a defrocked Catholic priest. Though Artifacts regularly touches upon other characters in the Top Cow Universe, Tom Judge is the spine that runs through the series.

Originally, we had planned a Magdalena storyline for these two issues, but some timing issues caused us to delay that storyline until after the “Progeny” crossover that will run through Artifacts #25-#26 and respective issues of Witchblade and Darkness. That Magdalena story will now appear in Artifacts #27-#28. It’s also worth mentioning that Nelson Blake II and I will soon begin working on a five-issue Magdalena/Tom Judge series that was announced at New York Comic Con.

So what’s coming up in Artifacts #24, you ask? Angelus.

Cheers,

Ron

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