Holy crap.
Gestalt Publishing colleague, Shaun Tan, has just won an Academy Award for ‘The Lost Thing.’
Congrats to an incredibly talented and humble guy. Truly deserving of this award and many others.
With Shaun Tan and Wolfgang Bylsma at the launch of Flinch and The Example.
Seriously?
This is getting quite crazy. Newsarama’s amazing praise of The Example last week (where they said “this book should be used in writing classes everywhere, and should be the primary example (no pun intended) for aspiring comic writers to reference when trying to learn how to write dramatic and compelling dialogue.”) on top of all the good reviews for Star Wars: Blood Ties #1, including CBR’S 4.5 star review, has been topped.
The Example has received even more praise from various sources and Star Wars: Blood Ties #2 has picked up that extra half-a-star in a 5 star review at CBR, as well as some nice words from IGN and others.
THE EXAMPLE
“Brief Cases, late trains, and small talk add up to what is probably the best comic of the year!“ “Taylor and Wilson collaborate to create one of the most tension filled comics I have ever read.” - THE OUTHOUSE.COM
“as effing good as the accolades suggest.” – BROKEN FRONTIER
STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES #2
“It’s a natural flow of story, reflecting upon how the past has fueled the present. The two tales come crashing together at the end of this issue, setting up an exciting story for the remainder of this series. 5 stars” - CBR
“Taylor seems poised to add some real depth to this enigmatic bounty hunter without sacrificing his cooler qualities. Whether in revisiting Jango’s death from Boba’s point of view or showcasing his bounty hunting methods, Taylor offers a lot for Fett fans to enjoy in this series.” - IGN
“This comic is awesome. Go out and buy it.” - THE SCI-FI BLOC
This is the first time I’ve ever posted a review in full but I have to do it. ‘The Example’, was released into comic stores a few weeks ago, needing to go back to press for a second printing in the process.
This book, and the play it’s based on, has been quite the critical success, and Gestalt Publishing pointed out this review it received over at Newsarama. It’s one of the best reviews The Example has ever received and, with that talk of Mamet and Beckett, completely head expanding.
Colin Wilson asked me how much we paid the guy…
The Example
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Colin Wilson
Published by Gestalt Publishing
Review by Jeff Marsick
“I was considering making this review a single word, but didn’t figure an interjection like ‘wow’ would do it enough service. Most people would probably not even give this book a second glance, given that it’s black and white, weighs all of eleven pages, and is produced by some company no one’s ever heard of, which is a shame. The thing of it is, this book should be used in writing classes everywhere, and should be the primary example (no pun intended) for aspiring comic writers to reference when trying to learn how to write dramatic and compelling dialogue.
Two people are on a train platform: the woman, Sam, has been a resident for a half hour, and Chris, a business type, has logged three-quarters of one. Their train due in is ten, now fifteen, now twenty-five minutes late. Small talk typical of disgruntled passengers ensues, and Sam postulates that it’s a sort of game-of-chicken that the trains play where as soon as one would-be rider leaves in disgust, the train will arrive. It’s a boredom alleviator, railway style. And sure enough, someone from the platform leaves. But…
He left his briefcase behind. Right there. In the center of the platform, clear as day and in the great wide open.
What follows is not only arguably (and I will if pressed) some of the best dialogue written in comics, but some of the best composition of the sequential medium. Each page is a block of nine panels, where said briefcase is the central character, sitting in Paul Lynde’s favorite spot, with the dialogue as a framing device. In this post-9/11 era, anyone who’s done time in our country’s subterranean transport system can understand and appreciate what terror a lone briefcase can instill. And with the turn of each page, the center square gets subtly bigger, indicative of the stakes-raising with each passing minute.
Now, you may think, “You’re telling me that eleven pages of yakking about a briefcase is great? Really? That’s Bendis on any given day.” Except it’s not. This isn’t banal back and forth for the sake of filling space, nor is the reader fed fiberless trivia about each character. We learn what we need from what they say and are quickly drawn to turn the page as Tom Taylor expertly winds up the tension to a climax that will have you wincing as you turn to the final page.
It’s a book that tastes like Mamet, Beckett, or maybe even Frayn. And it’s funny that I mention these Broadway masters because that’s what I thought as I read this: “What a fantastic play this would be.” Turns out I was on to something, since The Example is the comic adaptation of Mr. Taylor’s ten-minute play of the same name, that has won awards and been performed across the globe from Edinburgh to Sydney (I learned this on Mr Taylor’s credit page after reading it).
Gestalt is an Australian company, and if the rest of their line is as compelling as this tiny one-shot, I might become their biggest fan. The Example is fantastic storytelling in a compact form and should be in everyone’s pull file.”
Big thanks to the reviewer. We will now return your puppy to you, unharmed.
This Wednesday sees the direct-market release of Rombies #0 and The Example. The release date for The Example and Rombies #0 has actually had to be pushed to this Wednesday as both books have had to go back for a second printing! Yes, both books are sold out and are going back to press.
A huge congratulations to Wolfgang Bylsma, Colin Wilson, Skye Ogden and Gestalt Publishing. It’s awesome to see these Australian-made books cracking the international market and kicking head.
So remember, wherever you are in the world this Wednesday (Thursday in Australia), head into a comic store and pick up a copy of Rombies and The Example. If they don’t have any copies, rant at them. If an Australian comic store hasn’t ordered any copies, stage a sit-in protest.
A comic store would be a great place for a sit-in protest; you could read comics while calmly demonstrating your outrage.
Praise for Rombies
A large part of the book’s success stems from the stellar artwork of Skye Ogden. Working in a slightly cartoony style, Ogden’s art is lively and leaps off the page without sacrificing a stunning attention to detail. The Coliseum and its gladiators are beautifully rendered, featuring exquisite period design elements and decorative flairs. His figures are robust and expressive, the pencils impeccably inked with a nice heavy line that lends each character weight and solidity. It’s a unique style, wonderfully matched to Tom Taylor’s crisp, fast-paced script. Like his collaborator’s artwork, Taylor’s script achieves a fine balance between levity and real emotional moments… Taylor delivers a rousing, fun story even if it’s steeped in half-devoured corpses and rivers of blood.” – Broken Frontier
“Did I get what I expected out of this book? No, I got a hell of a lot more. I loved the animated style artwork, and hey how can you not love a zombie lion? The story was done right. It didn’t go where I thought it would, which is a good thing. It’s not a B-movie story that is told here. It is an action pack death fest. I will say this, if Romero directed Gladiator this is what it would have looked like. Check this one out, it is highly enjoyable and I think a must read for zombie fans. 4 stars” – ComicMonsters.com
And The Example
“This Schrödinger’s Cat scenario is explored comprehensively via Taylor’s rhythmic dialogue. Sam and Chris riposte to and fro with the sort of casual offhandedness afforded to transient relationships. It’s almost flirtatious, but never dull, and the naturalness of their humour contrasts beautifully with the silent menace of the briefcase… a burst of applause to all concerned, and a note to other creators and publishers out there – this is an example worth following.” - (Cool) Shite
Trying to keep on top of this. Here are the books I have coming out in the months ahead (now with October and November added).
THE AUTHORITY #23
On sale JUNE 2
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by MIKE S. MILLER
Cover by PHILIP TAN
With the onboard rebellions subdued and attacks from the stowaways repelled, The Authority can once again focus on the nature of their voyage. Is the Carrier leading them to its home – or does it have some other, more sinister agenda? While passing through a vast graveyard of discarded spacecraft, the latest Century Baby detects a faint sign of life. The High goes off on a rescue mission, but what he brings back on board eclipses any danger they’ve faced so far.
STAR WARS: INVASION—RESCUES #2 (of 6)
Tom Taylor (W), Colin Wilson (A), Wes Dzioba (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)
On sale June 30
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
New and vital knowledge sends Finn Galfridian with Jacen and Jaina Solo on a mission to the planet of Artorias. Though Finn does not know if his father, Caled, lives, if there is any chance, he must be warned of new dangers. It’s a hot and dangerous ride to Artorias, and the occupying Yuuzhan Vong are ready with a toothsome, ravaging welcome . . .
Meanwhile, Kaye and Nina, board their newly acquired Vong ship, embark on their own mission. It’s one they can’t refuse: rescuing captives held on a dead planet. There is no telling what peril will meet the rescue party . . .
STAR WARS ADVENTURES: THE WILL OF DARTH VADER
Tom Taylor (W), Brain Koschak (P), Dan Parsons (I), Michael Wiggam (C), and Sean McNally (Cover)
On sale July 21
FC, 80 pages
$7.99
TPB, 5 1/4″ x 7 1/2″
Darth Vader is on a mission for the Emperor!
When the Rebellion’s hit-and-run attacks on Imperial cargo ships become too audacious to be ignored, Darth Vader is sent in to find the Rebel base and destroy it. But the base, hidden in the center of a constantly shifting asteroid field, cannot be attacked directly.
To reach his target, Vader will have to team up with a recently captured smuggler named Zika—and dealing with an unwilling, wisecracking partner may be more of a trial for the Dark Lord than the actual mission!
THE AUTHORITY #24
On sale JULY 7
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art and cover by AL BARRIONUEVO
Deep in space, The Authority wage battle on two fronts. Aboard The Carrier, the combined might of the entire team is barely enough to keep the possessed, reanimated Aegean in check. It’s time for Hawksmoor to finally unleash his secret weapon, but will it be enough? Outside, against the vast entity known as Mondregon, even the immense Carrier is a mere speck. The High’s comeback may prove to be short–lived, as he’s about to face down Mondregon in what could turn out to be a suicide mission.
STAR WARS: INVASION—RESCUES #3 (of 6)
Tom Taylor (W), Colin Wilson (A), Wes Dzioba (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)
On sale July 28
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
Two armies have joined forces for a dangerous rescue mission. Both have experience fighting the Yuuzhan Vong, but this time the encounter takes an unexpected turn, and more is revealed about their enemy’s strange capabilities . . .
Meanwhile, Finn Galfridian and the Solo children race to warn Finn’s father that a trusted friend is a deadly enemy!
• Covers by Jo Chen!
THE AUTHORITY #25
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by AL BARRIONUEVO
Cover by HOWARD PORTER, ALLEN MARTINEZ & WES HARTMAN
In the aftermath of the twin battles with the Aegean and Mondregon, the team assesses the damage and Hawksmoor is forced to explain the origin of his strange, secret weapon. Deathblow is down for the count, and Swift is unconscious with no one able to figure out why she can’t be revived. But there’s not much time to lick their wounds or ease over internal tensions as The Carrier appears to finally be approaching its ultimate destination. Who or what they are about to meet could alter the course of the Wildstorm Universe forever.
On sale AUGUST 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES—A TALE OF JANGO AND BOBA FETT #1 (of 4)
Tom Taylor (W) and Chris Scalf (A/Cover)
On sale Aug 25
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Here begins a multigenerational tale of honor and redemption, starring two of the heaviest hitters in the Star Wars galaxy—the father-and-clone team of Jango and Boba Fett!
Shortly before the start of the Clone Wars, Count Dooku sends Jango Fett on a mission that will affect the course of Boba Fett’s life some twenty years later. But for now, neither of them knows what the future holds in store, and besides, they have their schedule filled dodging monsters and fighting bad guys!
• Jango Fett and Boba Fett together!
• Fully painted art by Purge artist Chris Scalf!
ROMBIES #0
(W) Tom Taylor (A/C) Skye Ogden
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it may crumble in one. Titans battle in the arena. A thumb turns down. A sword comes down. A dead man… stands up? Racing through dark, narrow tunnels beneath the Colosseum, two heroes and a child join together to escape their pursuers. Pursuers who were once men. Hungry men. Undead men. Rombies! Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your brains!
EXAMPLE (ONE-SHOT)
(W) Tom Taylor (A) Colin Wilson
Two people. A train station. An unattended Briefcase. Prejudice versus Preservation. In the war on terror, will suspicion and fear win out? Written by Tom Taylor (The Authority) and illustrated by Colin Wilson (2000AD), The Example is a bleakly humourous meditation on terrorism, paranoia, and personal responsibility.
THE AUTHORITY #26
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by AL BARRIONUEVO
Cover by CHRIS SPROUSE & KARL STORY
When Jack Hawksmoor chose to board the departing Carrier, he chose to hedge his bets. Now that his terrible secret has been exposed, the loss of trust far outweighs the recent loss of life…and the loss of loved ones. But there is no time for anger or mourning. They have reached their destination. Will The Authority find the help for their dying Earth that they seek – or will the end of their journey bring new nightmares?
On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES—A TALE OF JANGO AND BOBA FETT #2 (of 4)
Tom Taylor (W) and Chris Scalf (A/Cover)
On sale Sept 29
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Then: Jango Fett, the most dangerous assassin/bounty hunter in the galaxy, never fails to get his man. But Jango has never had a success that has affected him this way.
Now: Boba Fett has taken up his father’s mantle and lived up to Jango’s fearsome reputation. But a secret from the past has Boba working a case he would normally dismiss and wondering if he actually knew his father as well as he thought . . .
Across the generations, and across the galaxy, if a Fett is on your trail, you’ve reached a dead end!
Fully painted art by Purge artist Chris Scalf!
STAR WARS: INVASION—RESCUES #4 (of 6)
Tom Taylor (W), Colin Wilson (A), Wes Dzioba (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)
On sale Sept 29
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
Jedi-in-training Finn Galfridian learns a secret about his mother that he never knew, but the knowledge only leads to new questions about himself and his unusual ability.
Meanwhile, Kaye Galfridian leads a New Republic attack against a Yuuzhan Vong base, not realizing that the Vong commander’s tactics are meant to buy him time to learn more about his most hated foe: Kaye’s brother, Finn.
New allies, new enemies, and a turning point in the lives of the Galfridian family!
THE AUTHORITY #27
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by AL BARRIONUEVO
Cover by DAVE GIBBONS & KEVIN NOWLAN
1:10 Variant cover by ANDY PARK
One hundred thousand refugees scream inside the Carrier and are gone. Hawksmoor, Flint and Grifter disappear with them – taken by a species of brutal, nightmarish creatures. River’s growing powers as the Spirit of Information hid only a handful of Authority members. As they set out on an impossible rescue, a terrible history is uncovered and the mystery of Swift deepens.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale OCTOBER 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES—A TALE OF JANGO AND BOBA FETT #3 (of 4)
Tom Taylor (W) and Chris Scalf (A/Cover)
On sale Oct 27
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Boba Fett has discovered that his father left a legacy to someone Boba has never heard of. He manages to track down the man, but if he is to learn the reasons behind Jango’s posthumous generosity, Boba Fett must first save the man from an army of bounty hunters who want the guy’s head!
Jango Fett and Boba Fett together!
STAR WARS: INVASION—RESCUES #5 (of 6)
Tom Taylor (W), Colin Wilson (A), Wes Dzioba (C), and Jo Chen (Cover)
On sale Oct 27
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Miniseries
Kaye Galfridian has taken command of a New Republic army, but her first mission has forced her to fight against some of the very refugees she has come to rescue! Mutated by Yuuzhan Vong bioengineering, the refugees have become monstrous killing machines who can only be “saved” by death.
Meanwhile, on their homeworld of Artorias, Kaye’s brother Finn must deal with death on another level, unaware that he has become the enemy’s objective in a new front in the Yuuzhan Vong invasion!
• Set within the time frame of the New Jedi Order novels from Del Rey!
The price of Victory . . .
STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES—JANGO AND BOBA FETT #4 (of 4)
Tom Taylor (W) and Chris Scalf (A/Cover)
On sale Nov 24
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Boba Fett is on a mission to uphold his father’s honor. But when a bounty is paid, and the crime lord who issued it still refuses to call off his vendetta, Boba Fett’s own sense of honor is offended. Forget about bounties; now there’s hell to pay!
Boba Fett takes on a crime lord. Check.
And the crime lord’s army of minions. Check.
And a giant, rampaging rancor. Check and double-check!
THE AUTHORITY #28
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by AL BARRIONUEVO
Cover by TIM SEELEY & ALLEN MARTINEZ
Trapped by bloodthirsty aliens in a distant galaxy with billions of lives on the line, The Authority face impossible odds. Sarah Rainmaker will astonish, The Engineer will kick butt, Grifter will probably blow something up, Jack Hawksmoor will have to make a terrible decision, and Flint will put her fist through some squishy bits!
On sale 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
San Diego Comic-Con is almost here and, once again, I will brave man-made flight machines with Colin Wilson to get there.
This con is looking a lot busier than the last one. I will be signing for The Authority at the DC booth every day. I will also be signing with Colin at the Dark Horse Booth on ‘Star Wars Day’ (Friday) and, on the Saturday, I will be part of the Wildstorm: Stormfront Panel with some great talent. I will also be signing at booth 4500 for Gestalt Publishing and generally hanging around that area as Colin Wilson has his own table at this year’s SDCC with Dave Dorman (which I’m apparently sitting at too). If you’re around, come say hi.
THURSDAY, JULY 22
12-1pm: SIGNING @ DC booth (#1915)
FRIDAY, JULY 23
12:00-1:00: SIGNING @ Dark Horse booth
2-3pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
SATURDAY, JULY 24
1-2pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. WildStorm: Storm Front Panel
What’s new in the WildStorm Universe? VP/general manager Hank Kanalz and senior editor Ben Abernathy bring you up to speed with this inside look into DC’s wildest imprint. Joining Hank and Ben will be Adam Beechen (WildCats), Kurt Busiek (Astro City), Darick Robertson (Fringe: Tales From the Fringe), Tom Taylor (The Authority), Tim Seeley (WildCats), Adam Archer (Ratchet and Clank), Cruddie Torian (Gen13) and others. Room 4
SUNDAY, JULY 25
2:30-3:30pm: SIGNING @ DC booth
MONDAY, JULY 26
Sleeping… hard.
Want to be a zombie? Now you can be, without having to be infected by some sort of super-disease.
Rome was big. Very big. Populating it (and depopulating it in Zombie form) in a comic is a big task. Skye Ogden and I have decided we want real people to walk (and shamble) through Rome’s streets. We want you!
Gestalt Publishing have set up a facebook page – “Be a Rombies Extra.” – If that link doesn’t work just type ‘be a Rombies extra’ into facebook’s search – “Here’s the deal: Post a photo of yourself as a Zombie or Citizen (or both) for the chance to appear in the upcoming Rombies comic series from Gestalt Publishing, written by Tom Taylor (Star Wars/The Authority) & illustrated by Skye Ogden (Vowels)”
A special #0 issue of Rombies will be available in comic stores in August but it it is already available in other places and early reviews have been great.
“A large part of the book’s success stems from the stellar artwork of Skye Ogden. Working in a slightly cartoony style, Ogden’s art is lively and leaps off the page without sacrificing a stunning attention to detail. The Coliseum and its gladiators are beautifully rendered, featuring exquisite period design elements and decorative flairs. His figures are robust and expressive, the pencils impeccably inked with a nice heavy line that lends each character weight and solidity. It’s a unique style, wonderfully matched to Tom Taylor’s crisp, fast-paced script. Like his collaborator’s artwork, Taylor’s script achieves a fine balance between levity and real emotional moments… Taylor delivers a rousing, fun story even if it’s steeped in half-devoured corpses and rivers of blood.” – Broken Frontiers.com
“Did I get what I expected out of this book? No, I got a hell of a lot more. I loved the animated style artwork, and hey how can you not love a zombie lion? The story was done right. It didn’t go where I thought it would, which is a good thing. It’s not a B-movie story that is told here. It is an action pack death fest. I will say this, if Romero directed Gladiator this is what it would have looked like. Check this one out, it is highly enjoyable and I think a must read for zombie fans. 4 stars” – ComicMonsters.com
Skye and I have also been interviewed recently right here, which includes a six-page preview of Rombies #0.
I am incredibly excited to announce here that, after some unforeseen circumstances, The Deep is swimming along nicely again. And joining me 20000 leagues under the sea, is the simply incredible James Brouwer. Click the pic for the new website.
My family are explorers.
We have been for generations.
Some argue that there is nowhere left to explore, that everything on earth that can be discovered has already been found.
They say that to truly explore we need to leave our planet.
While others look up to the stars, my family know that there are also stars beneath us, that there are an infinite number of things that shine brightly in the darkness below.
Most of our world lies unexplored, unexplained. There are things lurking in the seas that have only ever been spoken about in myth.
My family are explorers.
We have been for generations.
We explore…
Heaps going on this week, including Authority and Star Wars, but first up… Rombies!
The Rombies one-shot and The Example are both being offered through Diamond this August – meaning I now have five comics coming into comic stores in August… and that’s even with Invasion skipping that month.
Rombies has been flying along. I’m really happy with the last script I turned in and Skye is about to rip into the series proper. All of this momentum has seen a fair bit of pimping by Gestalt Publishing.
Rombies now has an official website – ROMBIES.COM – which currently has a violently-brilliant new image by Skye Ogden to check out.
Comics website ‘Broken Frontier’ have written a great article about the series and included a 6 page preview (7, considering one is a double page splash) of Rombies.
Skye and I have also done several interviews which should also appear soon.
An announcement this big had to come with a shiny, new look, and I’m happy to say it does. The website has been transformed and it is now the perfect place to announce that I am no longer just a ‘fill-in’ writer on The Authority. According to my editor extraordinaire, Jim Chadwick, I am now allowed to share this news with the world.
I’ve clearly been doing something right and the good people over at Wildstorm have asked me to stick around and finish the whole story arc. I couldn’t be happier about this. I’m still staggered and honored to be working on this title and I’m enjoying the hell out of it. This should be pretty clear when my run begins on May 5 with issue #22 and The Authority tackle Vampires… in space!
Written by TOM TAYLOR • Art by MIKE S. MILLER • Cover by PHILIP TAN
With the on-board rebellions subdued and attacks from the stowaways repelled, The Authority can once again focus on the nature of their voyage. Is the Carrier leading them to its home – or does it have some other, more sinister agenda? While passing through a vast graveyard of discarded spacecraft, the latest Century Baby detects a faint sign of life. The High goes off on a rescue mission, but what he brings back on board eclipses any danger they’ve faced so far.
On Sale June 2, 2010
I also wanted to say a huge thank you to the wonderful Wolfgang Bylsma, Skye Ogden and Jake Gonzales who have worked tirelessly to create this new look to the website. Smell your screen, it still has that new website scent… SMELL IT!
Speaking of new, I’ve begun work on another new comics project which will be announced next month.
And, staying on the ‘new’, my wife is currently four days overdue with our second child… so this may be my last update for a while.
