Roche in the Dungeon

Transformers artist/writer/fanboy Nick Roche also happens to be an excellent caricaturist. When I asked him to work his magic for our D&D mascot, he quickly responded with the above art.

I thought he nailed the fun, whimsical image I was looking for. Then fantabulous colorist Josh Perez gave it the hues to really bring it to life, as seen below.

IDW Takes Flight With the Eagles

The voting for the Eagles Awards is now open. Everyone is eligible, so please go and vote!

When casting your votes, please remember these IDW creators and books:

Favourite Writer

Tony Lee

Favourite Writer/Artist

Darwyn Cooke

Favourite Artist: Fully-Painted Artwork

Ben Templesmith

Favourite Colourist

Ben Templesmith

Favourite Letterer

Richard Starkings

Favourite Publisher

IDW

Favourite American Colour Comicbook

Doctor Who

Favourite New Comicbook

Doctor Who

Favourite Single Story Published During 2009

Doctor Who: The Time Machination

Doctor Who: Black Death White Life

Favourite Continued Story Published During 2009

Doctor Who: The Forgotten

Favourite Cover Published During 2009

Doctor Who: The Forgotten #6

Favourite Original Graphic Novel Published During 2009

Parker: The Hunter

Favourite Reprint Compilation

Doctor Who: The Forgotten

Favourite Comics-Related Book

The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novel - Andy Schmidt

Roll of Honour

Peter David

D&D Comics in the Spotlight

I've been interviewed by Bart Carroll, editor of DungeonsandDragons.com, discussing our new line of comics. Of special note, we've revealed the creative team for the ongoing series: writer John Rogers and artist Andrea Di Vito! Above is one of the covers for the #0 issue, this one by Paul Renaud.

See the full interview here.

Facepalm Prime

I've been waiting to use this image since way back in September, when artist Casey Coller turned in the Transformers: Ironhide page with this panel (#1 is in stores today!). I suspect that it will become commonplace on message boards, and sometimes at my expense. But if you can't laugh at yourself, yadda yadda.

And without further ado:

Even millions of years ago, Optimus Prime on the cutting edge of facepalm technology.

Art by Casey Coller

Colors by Joana Lafuente

UPDATE:

The early returns are in on the first issue, and Ironhide is winning by a landslide:

TFormers (10 out of 10)

http://tformers.com/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=1144

Panels on Pages (5 out of 5)

http://panelsonpages.com/?p=23075

TFW2005

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/comics-16/tfw2005-reviews-ironhide-1-169680/

R.I.P. Frank Frazetta

Today, word that Frank Frazetta had passed away spread like wildfire. It's a testament to the legendary artist's influence, not only on other artists, but on generations of people that knew his work through paperbacks, movie posters, and comic strips.

Mere words can't sum up the man's life or bring meaning to the loss. So, I'll just leave you with one of my favorite Frazetta covers.

How to Train Your Dungeons & Dragons

Things on the blog have been quiet this month (what's new?), but with very good reason: I've been trying to tame both dragons and dungeons. In other words, I've been working on the launch for IDW's line of Dungeons & Dragons comics.

I can't reveal who I've been working with on the creative side of things, but I couldn't be more excited. Being an avid roleplayer back in high school (as discussed in this interview on CBR), I kept nagging both Hasbro and IDW about bringing D&D comics back to market. And now my wish has come true.

Much of the work is well underway, but details must be kept under wraps for the time being. Although, I will be putting together a development diary to give fans a peek behind the curtains. Still haven't decided on the home for this project, but there will be plenty of insider info in the #0 issue, coming in August. Seems like a long time, but these four months are going to go by in a flash for me.

If only I could cast a Time Stop spell...

...And Guido Makes Three

What?! Two blog posts in one day? Unpossible, you say? With the Wreckers, anything is possible.

So here's a preview of the third installment of Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers, written by James Roberts and Nick Roche. Those with a keen artistic eye will notice that two of these pages aren't drawn by the fantabulous Nick Roche. But you'll be happy to know that fan-favorite and all-around nice guy Guido Guidi handled the pages involving Kup's team in this issue, and will be seeing some more action in #4, setting up an all-Roche grand finale in #5.

So check out the preview and pick up your copy Wednesday (or Thursday across the pond).

One Will Die!

Over on Nick Roche's blog, the mad Irishman has posted this flier promoting the third issue of Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers, due in stores March 24. Design by Chris Mowry. Go over and say hello to Nick and Chris, and more importantly, buy the issue this week! You won't be sorry!

Also, new release dates posted in the rail on the, ahem, right.

Gally Proof

I’ve made my triumphant return from Gallifrey One, my first Doctor Who convention, and though I’ve picked up a cold, I’m feeling really good about the future of our comics. We made some announcement about our upcoming releases, which was covered by Comic Book Resources here. But the most important thing to come out of the trip was connecting with the fans.

One of our fans from the Northeast wasn’t able to attend, but I brought along his copy of Doctor Who #1 to take his place. And here’s a chronicle of its adventures.

Day One

We left Thursday night so we could set up for the show on Friday morning. Here’s the Comic after helping load the truck.

IDW Shipping Manager Alonzo Simon also joined me for the show, and here he is signing the Comic.

After a surprisingly quick drive from San Diego, we arrived at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott and checked into our room.

Day Two

The next morning, we were joined by Doctor Who artist Matthew Dow Smith and his lovely fiancée, Claire, for breakfast.

Then we began setting up our booth in the dealer’s room, dubbed the Cybermen Room.

Here’s Alonzo helping out some fans at the now completed IDW booth.

Matthew came back after a day of panels and shopping to sign the Comic.

Then we shut down the booth for the day.

Day Three

Since none of the pictures from the previous night are safe for public consumption, here’s the aftermath of the long night and short sleep.

But after a quick shower we were ready to man the booth again.

Saturday saw the most traffic of fans through the show, including this intimidating Dalek.

After another successful day at the show, we had a nice dinner and then relaxed by the pool.

Day Four

After our very successful panel on IDW comics, a couple of panellists came by the booth to sign the Comic.

Here’s series writer Tony Lee. The man has the fortitude of an Ogron, though his voice was starting to fail him by this point.

Joining us for the panel was living legend Richard Starkings, who was nice enough to sign the Comic.

Soon the show had come to a close, and we packed up the booth.

And two hours later, we made it back to the office and unloaded the truck.

Thus came to an end, our great adventure at Gallifrey One.

See you there next year!

—Denton J. Tipton

Reinforcements Have Arrived!

Doctor Who is back on top with another five-bullet review at The Comics Bulletin! Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy already! Cover A by Paul Grist with colors by Phil Elliott shown above.

Praise the Time Lord and Pass the Ammo!

Hey, gang. Sorry to keep you waiting so long. With the holidays upon us, it's been quite hectic making sure the trains run on time with the massive Transformers launch, not to mention the Movieverse with Simon Furman and Carlos Magno's upcoming Nefarious. And can't forget to mention Doctor Who.

Speaking of which, issue 5 is out (cover above by Matthew Dow Smith and Charlie Kirchoff) and gets a nice review at Comics Bulletin, though we dropped a Bullet. But I'm sure we'll fill the chambers when #6 hits on December 16.

Five More Bullets for the Doctor

Doctor Who #4 has been getting the same raves as #3. Check out Comics Bulletin.

And be sure to let us know what you think at letters@idwpublishing.com.

Who in Space...

Doctor Who #4 streets today. Written by Tony Lee, with art by Matthew Dow Smith and Charlie Kirchoff. All topped off with the Paul Grist cover seen above. Check out the preview here. These guys got an extra page in their preview.

Peek-a-Bee

All Hail Megatron #15 arrives in stores Wednesday, featuring a Kup story by Nick Roche and one on Perceptor, written by myself and illustrated by Casey Coller.

And in celebration, here's a preview of Trevor Hutchison's cover for AHM #16 (In stores Oct. 14). People can't seem to get enough of the Hutch!

Five Bullets for the Doctor

Doctor Who #3 has hit the streets and response is positive.

Courtesy of Comics Bulletin: http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/125218018295861.htm

Secret Court

Doctor Who #3 arrives in comic shops across America this week. With this issue, artist Matthew Dow Smith joins Tony Lee for a four-issue arc entitled "Fugitive," where the Doctor finds himself on trial for his life by the Shadow Proclamation!

ON SALE NOW Get it while it's cold

Comic shops were graced this week with a gem by Richard Starkings, Adrian Salmon, and Kris Carter, based on a story by the gracious Gary Russell.






















Preview here.

Hail and Farewell... Almost

It's hard to believe that we've come to the end of the story line that we began nearly a year ago. Transformers: All Hail Megatron #12 hits stores tomorrow. Cover A by Casey Coller and Joana Lafuente, Cover B by Trevor Hutchison and Cover RE by Casey Coller and Joana Lafuente.

Who Made Who?

Doctor Who: Autopia arrives in stores this week, and Major Spoilers has the preview here. Written by John Ostrander with art by Kelly Yates and colors by Kris Carter.

BotCon has gone offline

Thanks to all the fans and guests that made BotCon 2009 the best yet!

And special thanks to those at Hasbro and the Collectors' Club who helped set up the show, and Michael Kelly and Brian Savage in particular.

We'll see you in 2010!