The Kill Shakespeare Bar!
Yes, for one weekend in late March there will indeed be a Kill Shakespeare bar...As a part of FableTown and Beyond (March 22-24) a spot known as Brad's Place will be going back in time to become the Kill Shakespeare Bar, which will host all the attendees. It's a pretty cool olde english-y type of pub that hopefully will inspire some great conversations, laughter, and perhaps even a bar fight or two (but that'll only be between myself and our intern extraordinaire Keith Morris, I predict, though I'm sure that I have many other enemies...).Here is a quick screen grab from the YouTube clip, also show below.
As the Fabletown and Beyond website says:"Every convention has the one bar where everyone ends up hanging out. But, as far as we know, no convention has opened it’s own private bar, specifically for the event. We’re rather proud to be the first. During the entire three days of the show, we’ll have the Kill Shakespeare bar open for the exclusive use of our attendees. It’s in the Lord Essex room of the Kahler Hotel, operated by your host, Brad Thomte (of San Diego Fables Panel fame), as a place where you can enjoy good drinks, good food, and unprecedented small-group access to our wonderful and erudite guests. Buying them a drink in order to ply them for inside information on your favorite Mythic Fiction books is not only allowed—it’s ordained."
Check out Andy B's amazing variant cover for Issue #1!
Last week we gave you a sneak peek of our Cover A for the first issue of Kill Shakespeare: The Tide of Blood. Today we present our variant cover, created by series artist Andy Belanger - and it's amazing!Heavily influenced by the covers of Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, Andy has put together a visual treat that highlights the dangers of Prospero's island (the setting of our new series) as well as the main characters of Romeo, Hamlet and Juliet.
This cover is available as a retail incentive cover, which means that they are rare - if you can get your hands on one then do so immediately. We will also have a limited number of issue with this cover available at comic conventions this spring (but don't tell anyone that...).
Chicago production begins prep for March performance!
We will post more information next month but the Chicago (and Midwest) debut of our Live Stage Reading will take place in March. Playing for three weeks, the production is being produced by Chicago's acclaimed Strawdog Theatre and we're excited to hear about the progress of the production. Director Anderson Lawfer has been sending us earlier concepts and designs for the production and it will be taking our story to a whole new level, in terms of set design, music and performances.Here are a few photos taken from the first read-through of the script with the actors.
We'll keep you updated on the progress of the production over the next little while - it should be a great one!
A preview of our Cover for Issue #1 of The Tide of Blood
We are now one month away from the release of our first issue of The Tide of Blood mini-series and we're getting excited to get it into the hands of our fans as well as new readers. We're quite happy with the story - and the numerous twists and turns that it takes throughout. Just as great for us is the artwork for the series. Andy Belanger has gotten even better in the two years since the last series ended - some of his layouts and characters designs are amazing in this series.Over the next couple of weeks we'll be previewing a number of pages of artwork for the series to pique your interest.
Today we start off with the lead cover for the first issue. It's a great piece of art created by British artist Simon Davis. Simon is a fantastic comic and visual artist who we were introduced to through Richard Starkings (who has been a great mentor to us over the last couple of years). His work on this cover is amazing and really sets the tone for the entire run.
Check this out: Fabletown and Beyond!
In addition to prepping the upcoming issues of our Tide of Blood comic mini-series, we are also preparing for a very busy spring convention season (just as busy as last year's world tour - if not busier!). We're going to attend all of our favourite shows - Emerald City, WonderCon, the Shakespeare Association of American annual conference, C2E2, Calgary, etc. but one new entry in our schedule is an exciting gathering of mythic fiction fan and creators - FABLETOWN AND BEYOND.Hosted by Fables creator Bill Willingham (and his amazing assistant, Stephanie Cooke), Fabletown and Beyond is a celebration of mythic fiction storytelling, defined by the website itself as, "that magic-bound alliance of fairytales, folklore, myth, legend, talking animals and characters from literature, given new life, new challenges to face and new adventures to chronicle. And it’s also the strongest, most vital, movement in comics since superheroes moved in, took over and eventually dominated the comics marketplace for half a century."
The show, taking place from March 22nd - 24th in Rochester, Minnesota, will not only feature Conor and I as guests but also featured The Kill Shakespeare Bar, a local pub that has been turned into an Elizabethan treat for the entire convention (or, at least a cool place to hang out and drink the entire time). The guests are top-notch - Bill Willingham (of course), Mark Buckingham (Sandman, Fables), Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Astro City), Adam Hughes (Batgirl), Mike Carey (The Unwritten, X-Men), Chris Roberson (iZombie) and many others. You can see the full list of special guests here.If you're a fan of any of these artists/creators, or mythic fiction, I recommend the show. It's going to be a small, intimate event where you'll be able to hang out with us the entire time and discuss comics, literature, entertainment, anything.
Preview Pages from Issue #1 of The Tide of Blood
Here are a number of (non-lettered) pages from the first issue of The Tide of Blood. Entitled "The Winter of Our Discontent", the issue finds Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, Othello and the rest of the Prodigals defending their newfound freedom from opposing forces but then discover a greater danger - the wizard Prospero's goal to destroy the entire world.The artwork is by Andy Belanger, with colours by Shari Chankhamma.You can access the two covers for the issue here (Simon Davis' Cover A) and here (Andy Belanger's retailer incentive cover).
Auditions begin for our LIVE STAGE READING in Dubai!
We are quite proud to know that this April will see the international debut of KILL SHAKESPEARE: LIVE STAGE READING. Backstage Dubai, the largest theatre company in Dubai, will be presenting the production at the 2nd annual Middle East Film & Comic-Con in early-April (April 5 - 6th) and then will play it the following week in the city.
Auditions begin next week for the production so if you know anyone in the area that would be interested in trying out click on the poster for more info.And we look forward to attending the show again this year to catch the show and again meet with fans and comic readers. (And this year we will make sure that we have more than enough books to sell, unlike last year when we were sold out before the show even began...)
Top Play of 2012!
It came to our attention earlier today that the Halifax stage production of Kill Shakespeare: Live Stage Reading (which played from Oct 30 - Nov 3 with Lions Den/Vile Passeist production companies) was named by The Coast's Kate Watson as the top play of 2012 in the city! Counting down her top picks, the production was listed as #1, stating:
"This was a unique theatre experience: A combination of projections from a graphic novel and radio-play-style dialogue. The engaging format coupled with an intriguing storyline made Kill Shakespeare a high point for me."
In addition, The Chronicle Herald also listed the production as one of the top twelve of the year, showing a great appreciation for Andy's artwork in the production. You can read their listing here.Congrats to the theatre companies, co-directors Dan Bray and Christine Daniels, the cast and crew, as well as our partner in the event, Hal-Con!
Favourite Films of 2012
Conor and I were asked this week to appear on Global TV's The Morning Show to talk about our favourite (and least-favourite) films of 2012. Joining us was the uber-astute moviegoer Daniel Reynolds (a really great guy - and very smart viewer) in a roundtable format.
Our picks? You can check out the clip below to watch and find out. However, I'll hint a couple things - we talk about Sarah Polley's good and bad efforts, Ben Affleck's chest, and Ridley Scott's scripts...
Last signing of the year!
As the year winds down Conor, Andy and I are still quite busy, prepping the issues for The Tide of Blood, working on the screenplay, and a load of other things.
In between all of this I'm also taking a quick visit to my hometown Timmins (in Northern Canada) and will be doing a signing at the local book store, The Book Bin tomorrow (Saturday) from 1-3pm. It'll be the last signing of anyone from the KS team this year so I'm looking forward to finishing off a busy traveling year (at least 16 conventions) in my hometown!
Anthony and Andy discuss The Tide of Blood (video)
Here is a video taken of Andy and I at New York Comic-Con in October where we discuss the new series arc, THE TIDE OF BLOOD...
Issue #1 of Tide of Blood has very early positive review!
We were able to get a very early sneak preview of our Issue #1 of The Tide of Blood series to the folks at Diamond's Previews World magazine a couple weeks ago... and they liked it so much that they named it a Staff Pick for the month of February!
Kate Henning writes: "If you’re looking for a solid story with complex characters and a little bit of magic, believe me when I say you’d do well to join them." (Click on the image to read the preview.)
We're excited to see what others think of the issue (and series) when it's released in February. Stay tuned for more information on the new series over the next little while.
We made Boing Boing's 2012 Gift Guide!
For those that don't know, Boing Boing is one of the top websites for geeks and overall culture influencers. They put together late last month the items on their 2012 Gift Guide and we are listed on it!
Their pop culture columnist Jamie Frevele, who we met at New York Comic-Con last month, highlights our series and recommends it, "for the Shakespeare lover in your life."
Check out the complete list by clicking on the Boing Boing logo above.(Thanks to Alison Gibbins for being the first to let us know about this!)
The Tide of Blood Issue #1 now available for pre-order!
Now that December is here it is now time for comic shop retailers to order their stock for the month of February, 2013. And what specific comic title is being released in February? Kill Shakespeare: The Tide of Blood, of course!
For those that don't know, comic retailers place all of their orders through Diamond Comic Distributors, which list all of the titles being released in a specific month in a magazine/catalogue called Previews. Everything is ordered two months in advance and retailers will order based on how many copies they think they will be able to sell when it comes out.Conor, myself, Keith Morris and the rest of our team will be doing an extended marketing campaign to retailers this month to make them aware of the new 5-issue arc The Tide of Blood. But we need help from you! Tell your comic retailer that they need to stock lots of copies of our series. Our first issue (back in April, 2010) was sold out immediately and when a 100 Penny Edition of the first issue was released back in 2011 it also sold out immediately. Those facts, combined with the knowledge that we are now entering a fifth printing of Volume 1 (and sales of Volume 2 increasing quickly) means that retailers can play a big role in ensuring the success of our series.So pre-order a copy (or copies) of Issue #1 this month from your retailer!The creative team is back - myself and Conor are writing the issues and Andy Belanger is doing the art. And he's doing some amazing stuff! He gets to play with a lot of fun elements - mystical creatures, cannibals, wizards and, of course, our main heroes that are returning to deal with the magical Prospero.We will be releasing more information about the new The Tide of Blood arc over the course of the month but make sure to let your retailers know - in person, over email, through Twitter and Facebook - that you want a copy!
Andy and Conor talk comics, stage at NYCC (video)
Here is a video from Newsarama (taped at New York Comic-Con last month) that features Andy and Conor talking about the new comic series, the stage show, left-column readers, and most importantly... side boob...
Conor in Miami, Andy at ThoughtBubble
It's been a busy week so we haven't had a chance to post this information but this is a busy weekend for us... Conor is attending the Miami Book Fair this weekend (Sat, Nov 17 - Sun, Nov 18) and Andy is at ThoughtBubble in Leeds, England (as is Simon Davis, who designed the alternate cover for Issue #1 of the new Kill Shakespeare: The Tide of Blood series, debuting in February). So go and check them out if you're in those areas!
Happy Birthday to The Beguiling!
We have been blessed to have gotten to know a lot of retailers and their stores over the last couple of years and it's one of the best parts of the job. Retailers often put their entire lives into their stores and are the culture makers/influencers/purveyors of what is good in the comics industry.
One of the top retailers we have worked with is The Beguiling, located right here in Toronto. We have our second-ever signing at The Beguiling (two days after the first) and the boys there - Chris, Andrew, Peter, everyone - have been great advocates for us (and sold many copies of our books). Chris Butcher in particular has been a true ambassador for comics in the city and is, I believe, currently in Japan taking part in the manga festival/exchange there. In all of the cities we travel to The Beguiling has a great reputation and a number of stores have modeled themselves after them.The Beguiling turns 25 this week and we'd like to wish them a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Global Entrepreneurship Week!
This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week and I'm quite happy to take a moment to highlight a couple organizations and people that have helped us out over the last four-plus years to make Kill Shakespeare a reality. As an entrepreneur it's incredibly important to receive assistance from people along the way and none of what we've created would be possible without everyone that have lended a helping hand.
We've had a lot of highs over the last few years, and a couple lows, but overall it has been a great experience that I wouldn't have traded for the world. It's so great that we have been able to inspire others as well, and I really enjoy teaching entrepreneurship in the many classes and workshops that we host around North America.This past Thursday I sat on a panel hosted by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, which was the first organization to provide us funding back when all of this was just an idea and notion. In addition to funding they've provided us with some great mentorship, networking opportunities and resources (board room, baby!) and our chief contact, Sarah Hashem, has been a treat to work with.
In addition, our CYBF mentor, Josh Howard, this week is receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal of Distinction for the work he's done with us and other start-up companies. Congrats, Josh!
Not To Be Missed!
The reviews are rolling in from Halifax for the Kill Shakespeare show and they are GOOD!
First, Kate Watson, of legendary weekly The Coast, gave the production a very strong review saying:I see over a 100 plays a year, and I'm predicting that Kill Shakespeare will stand out as one of the most memorable and entertaining of 2012.She raved about the cast provided by Lion's Den and Vile Passeist and then concluded by saying the show was "not to be missed".To read the full review click here.After that we got another great shout out from The Chronicle Herald. This is Halifax's largest daily newspaper. The Chronicle ended up giving us a feature length review. Not just on the theatre show (which Elissa Barnard called "marvellous"), but also on the whole concept.The Chronicle was also amazed at the work of Andy B.:Belanger’s illustrations are a beautiful and sometimes extraordinary art, especially when Hamlet must face his own demons in the hall of mirrors sequence.To read more of what the Chronicle, uh, chronicled click here.And remember, Haligonians, there are still three shows left to catch tonight and tomorrow night at 8 PM as well as a 2 PM matinee on Sunday.Thanks to everyone who has gone out to see the show so far, we really appreciate your support.
Bardicide at Bus Stop!
There are tons of memories and photos to share from the Halifax ComicCon, and I promise I'll get right on that but, first, I wanted to make sure our friends and fans in Nova Scotia know they can come and support Kill Shakespeare by attending our....FIRST EVER PRESENTATION OF THE KILL SHAKESPEARE STAGE SHOW ON A "MAINSTREAM" STAGE!!!!The Kill Shakespeare stage show is a 90 minute (including intermission) theatre extravaganza that takes all of Andy's amazing art and uses it as backdrop for a team of actors to stage a radio-play style performance complete with live foley and music.
We've teamed up with the amazing people from Lion's Den Theatre and Vile Passeist Theatre to put the show on for a whole week from Tuesday October 30th, to Sunday November 4th. We'd love for you to come join us. And if you can't make it please think of sharing the news on Facebook and Twitter.
Kill Shakespeare at Bus Stop Theatre (2203 Gottingen Street, Halifax):
Tickets $20, $15 for students and anyone with a HalCon pass.
October 30th - 8 PM. Opening Night: stay for drinks and snacks with the cast, director and co-writer!October 31st - 8 PM Halloween Madness: Costumed guests pay student rate. Free lootbags! November 1st - 8 PMNovember 2nd - 8 PMNovember 3rd – 8 PMNovember 4th – 2 PM Matinee, 8 PM Closing Night/Trivia: Free K.S. swag for winners!See you at the show!