January 6, 2012

Brian Buccellato’s FOSTER #1 Now Available

Category: Creators — By Kelson

The first issue of Flash co-writer Brian Buccellato’s creator-owned comic, Foster, is now available in a special, 500-print signed limited edition at…

It’s also available digitally (again at the writer/artist’s website), and will be released in a more general print run soon.

FOSTER, a haunted war veteran trying to forget the world at the bottom of a bottle, becomes the guardian of a 6 YEAR-OLD BOY who is the offspring of a woman and a PRIMAL RACE OF SUPERNATURAL CREATURES that lurk on the fringes of society and need him to repopulate. In a world where technology is stuck in the analog ’70s and danger lurks around every corner, three rival factions want the half-breed child. Now Foster must navigate the shadow world, twisted scientists and his own past in order to keep the boy safe while winning his trust, nurturing his humanity, and trying to prevent him from giving in to the monster within. [Read more...]

Last week, Buccellato spoke to Newsarama and Comic Vine about the 6-issue miniseries, which he’s self-publishing through his Dog Year imprint. Check out the interviews for preview pages.

FOSTER
Created by Brian Buccellato
Written and Colored by Brian Buccellato
Art by Noel Tuazon
Letters by Troy Peteri
Cover by Mike Henderson & Brian Buccellato

December 31, 2011

2011: The Year in Francis Manapul Flash Artwork!

Category: Creators, Fun — By Greg Elias

It’s hard to believe that Francis Manapul’s first issue of Flash appeared in April, 2010.  Over less than two years, and 13 total issues, Manapul has already left an indelible mark on the character’s artistic history, pushing to join the ranks of inimitable long-term Flash artists alongside names like Carmine Infantino, Irv Novick, Greg LaRocque, Mike Wieringo and Scott Kolins.

Using innovative layouts and inventive portrayals of sound and perception, Manapul has brought readers deeper into the world of the Flash.  To celebrate a year that saw Manapul take over writing the Flash title with Brian Buccellato – a then-unexpected extension of his Flash run – we present the finest in Francis Manapul Flash artwork from 2011!  Drawing from The Road to Flashpoint and the first four issues of the New 52 story Mob Rule, there’s far more than we could fit into one post.  Check out the highlights after the jump…

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November 25, 2011

Media Blitz!: “The World of the Flash” at IGN (UPDATED w/ Newsarama Exclusive)

Flash co-writers Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato are featured in a new interview at IGN, where they discuss the recent developments in Flash’s powers, new antagonist Mob Rule and the role the twin cities of Keystone and Central will play in their series.

Posted on Wednesday, the same day as the release of new issue #3, the interview is spoiler-free and delves deeply into the collaboration between Manapul and Buccellato.

UPDATE: The two also spoke with Newsarama about the ending to issue #3.  After it was originally posted, an exclusive image from Flash#5 was added to the article.  Check it out after the jump…

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November 19, 2011

Hero Initiative auction

Category: Covers, Creators, General — By Lia

The Hero Initiative is auctioning 104 pieces of original Justice League covers to benefit creators in need. The art was donated by a variety of artists, including popular Flash creators like Francis Manapul and Scott Kolins, and will be sold at three different auctions beginning in December. Because the theme is the Justice League, there are plenty of pieces with the Flash, but also Jesse Quick, the Crime Syndicate’s Johnny Quick, and even the occasional Flash foe.

See all the art pieces here, grouped by when they are to be sold. There are some fairly impressive pieces available, so even if you can’t afford to buy, it’s well worth a look! The site also includes details of when and where the live auctions will be held, and notes that people unable to attend will be permitted to bid by proxy. The proxy bid deadline for the first batch of covers is November 23rd, so be sure to check it out soon.

Hero Initiative is also selling hardcover and softcover books collecting all the art, available in December.

November 1, 2011

Media Blitz!: Flash Team Talks to io9, Comic Impact

The New 52 Flash creative duo of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato maintained their recent level of visibility, already talking to both io9 and Comic Impact this week.

Both sites touch on the status of the Rogues Gallery, the much-lauded artwork and both feature a mention of Wally West.  The two had this to say, regarding the revamped Rogues, to i09:

Will there be any new Rogues or have any been radically redesigned?

FM: I’m still basing it on past continuity, but we’re evolving them. When you read the first arc, it’s about The Flash trying to evolve. You realize in the second arc, that that’s what the Rogues have been doing this entire time.

BB: Trying to keep up with the Joneses.

FM: But obviously it went wrong and they’re not together. We’re going to see what that’s all about and how they came across the powers that they now have.

The Comic Impact interview, from the Long Beach Comic Con, can be seen below:

October 29, 2011

Impulse Sketch by Brian Buccellato (And Flash Hints from Long Beach)

Category: Creators — By Kelson

I had a lot of fun today at Long Beach Comic Con. Barring disaster, photos will be up on Flickr tonight [edit: they are], and my write-up should be ready by the end of the weekend [edit: it is now, a bit later than planned].

First, though, check out this sketch by Brian Buccellato. I talked with him this afternoon, about everything from the latest issue to the Flash’s powers to editor’s notes and recap pages to who would make a good Flash movie (his preferred lead actor: Ryan Gosling), and got this sketch.*

He also gave me a sneak peek at Flash #3, and I’ve got to say: it looks awesome! He says they figure this is the issue that will really win people over and convince them that the success of the first two issues is more than a fluke, and from what I’ve seen, I have to agree.

He mentioned that they have 25 issues planned out already, that the shift from Rogues with weapons to Rogues with powers will be explained in-story, and that we will see continuing consequences of the event at the end of this week’s issue. And yes, we’ll be seeing some of the Rogues very soon.

*Why Impulse? I got a Flash sketch when he did the signing at The Comic Bug last month, and I wanted another character, but one still Flash-related. And I miss Bart as Impulse. Funny story: While I was talking with him, someone else came up and asked for a sketch of the X-Men character of his choice. He went with Nightcrawler…and it turned out that Francis Manapul had also drawn him Nightcrawler in San Diego!

October 26, 2011

Media Blitz!: Manapul and Buccellato Talk Flash at CBR

On the same day as the posting of part two of Newsarama’s interview with the Flash creative team, Comic Book Resources has posted their own conversation with the dynamic duo of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato.

While it covers some of the same ground as the Newsarama articles, the CBR interview does delve further into a few items including the art process, something that has gathered a lot of interest amongst fans drawn to Manapul and Buccellato’s unique style.  Manapul even mentions the color chart, something he first talked about in our interview with him earlier this year.


The article also includes an exclusive look at a page from Flash #3.  Follow the jump for more…

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October 25, 2011

Manapul and Buccellato Talk Barry Allen (via Newsarama, UPDATED 10/26)

Newsarama’s Vaneta Rogers has turned in a new two-part interview with New 52 Flash team Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato.  With issue # 2 due tomorrow, the pair talk about their “vision for Barry Allen” and speak more specifically than before about their process in terms of plotting, art and dialog.

In the first part, posted yesterday, the two touched on the advantage of handling both art and writing responsibilities:

Francis Manapul: Yeah, it’s a much more integrated process. And I do think we’re in a fortunate position to be co-writing, drawing and coloring the book. We’re able to really utilize every aspect of the art to tell the story.

Brian Buccellato: We aren’t interpreting someone else’s script, so there’s no gap between the story and the art. It’s integrated from the idea, all the way through colors. So I think that gives us an advantage, especially with the visuals.

UPDATE: Part two of the interview went up today, including an exclusive sneak preview of art from issue #3.  The team goes into greater detail about the direction of the book, teases upcoming storylines, including the return of the Cosmic Treadmill and reveal more on the nature of Mob Rule.  Check it out here, and then go grab issue #2!

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October 20, 2011

NYCC 2011: Manapul and Buccellato talk Flash (via Newsarama)

The Flash creative team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato gave an interview at last weekend’s New York Comic Con to Newsarama, where they talked a bit about their inspirations for the arc that began with last month’s Flash #1.

Manapul notes a sci-fi tilt to the story that’s about to unfold, and mentions having incorporated aspects from old issues of DC’s Showcase, where the earliest Barry Allen stories appeared.  The two also touch on Barry Allen’s role as a man (and comic book fan) facing a brave new world, the DCU Online game, and speed tricks past and present.  Manapul also talks about a certain idea not fitting until “year two.”  Bring it on!

The first issue of Manapul and Buccellato’s new Flash showed off some gorgeous art and real promise in terms of story and characterization.  This interview reveals a little of what’s ahead, as well as some of the creators’ motivation.  Are you looking forward to the second issue?

Check out the interview over at Newsarama by clicking on the image above.

October 12, 2011

Catch the Flash & Flashpoint Teams at NYCC!

Category: Creators — By Kelson

The new Flash writer/artist team, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, are both scheduled to be at New York Comic Con this weekend. You can also catch the Flashpoint team of Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert.

In addition to signings, Johns will be on Friday’s DC All Access: Green Lantern panel, and Johns, Manapul and Buccellato will all be on DC All Access: Justice League panel on Saturday.

This is Buccellato’s only east-coast appearance on his fall signing schedule, and the only event this fall where you can meet both halves of the current Flash creative team.

Update: Brian Buccellato has posted his schedule for the convention, including three signings:

FRIDAY October 14th
4-5 PM @ THE DC BOOTH (with Francis Manapul)

SATURDAY October 15th
3-4 PM @ THE DC BOOTH

SUNDAY October 16th
3-4 PM @ THE DC BOOTH (with Francis Manapul)