Graphicly Celebrates Free Comic Book Day!

With Free Comic Book Day approaching this Saturday, May 7th, everyone at Graphicly is ecstatic to participate in the celebration of comic books!  

What is Free Comic Book Day? It’s the one day a year where participating comic book shops have an offering of comics that you can get for absolutely free! It’s a great day to go to your local comic book store and check out the free books as well as the other great offerings they may have.  You can find out more at FreeComicBookDay.com and you can find a local comic shop near you by using the Comic Shop Locator.

But just because Graphicly is digital comics, doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the fun and boy do we have a ton of fun planned for you on May 7th. We’ve got free comics and ways to win free comics as well as an iPad 2 or Android Tablet!  Here’s the run down of what we’ve got planned:

Can you believe that for one day, ALL of those books will be free? So you really have no reason not to swing by Graphicly on May 7th, try some new comics and then be elegible to win some great prizes!  We hope everyone has a great Free Comic Book Day and enjoy your comic books!

The Super Sonic Tuesday Update

Hey everyone, we’ve been busy lately getting new content into the store along with working on new features and apps.  Hope everything has been going well for our community members.  It’s been super busy in the Graphic.ly offices recently and energy has been running high.  For example a bunch of the staff from the UK office are here at the Boulder HQ for a visit.  

As you may or may not know Graphic.ly was out in force at San Diego Comic Con, with a bunch of exciting announcements, such as our new iPad app.  The Graphic.ly iPad app utilizes amazingly high-resolution images that allow you to zoom in and see a level of detail that surpasses even the print versions.

Some books now feature Bonus Content; if you can check out Irredeemable #1 you’ll find a commentary track done by Josh Flanagan from iFanboy with creators Mark Waid and Peter Krause along with a new feature to wipe away colors on a page to see the inks beneath.   There is also commentary that’s been added by Ron Richards from iFanboy along with Creator Rick Loverd with Russ Cundiff and Milo Ventimiglia from Divide Pictures.  You can listen to the commentaries by downloading them through the books themselves.  Once they’re downloaded you can hit play in the lower right hand corner of the issue.

We’re also excited to announce that Archaia is distributing their digital comics exclusively through Graphic.ly.  Archaia is home to a fantastic library of titles with the likes of Mouse Guard by David Peterson, a story about mice who live in a medieval society.  The Killer is another title from Archaia by Matz and Luc Jacamon, which is about an unnamed assassin and how his life unfolds.  Both of which are available on Graphic.ly right now.

 

We’ve also released a ton of new books in the last few weeks, 184 in total.  Doesn’t mean we’re slowing down this week.  Check out the new comics from this week below:

Archie Comics

Betty 145, 156 - 158

Betty Cooper is your average small-town girl: wholesome, sweet and extremely devoted to Archie. Unfortunately, the beautiful blond teen often has to play second fiddle to Veronica and her schemes to win Archie’s love. But through it all, Betty remains completely loyal to Archie. She is intelligent, hard working and continues to challenge Archie, as he must choose which girl he really wants. Get the story from her side.

Sonic the Hedgehog 141 - 143, 148 - 149, 153 - 156

Continuing the adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and The Freedom Fighters.  Follow along as we take a look at Sonic 25 years in the future, The original Freedom Fighters, and Sonic’s face off with the greatest assassin on the planet: Nack the Weasel!

Bloodfire Studios

Diary of Night 1 - 2

Tim has gone missing… Again.  Catherine Morrison, a 927 year old vampire, senses that this time something is different.  Driven by recurring nightmares of her past, Catherine and her companion, Anne, set out to find him but find the trail leads to something far more sinister.  Diary of Night fits both in prose and art with previous titles such as Dark Tarot and Vampyrates. The team of Will Allred and Gene Gonzales take a well-worn subject and breathe new life, pun intended, in to it. 

Marvel

Black Panther 1 - 9

The Wakandan super hero is back with Hollywood heavyweight, Reginald Hudlin and fan favorite artist John Romita Jr., team up to breath new life into Black Panther that is sure to excite true believers and the hip-hop faithful. The Black Panther’s origin is retold in a cinematic scope with social satire and all-out action. 

Iron Fist 15 - 18, 21 Avg Rating on iFanboy: 3.8

TALES OF THE IRON FIST! When we last saw Bei Bang-Wen, he was leaping to what seemed to be a certain death off the top of the Taku Forts — would you believe us if we told you that was only the beginning?

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The team is working on a special update that should be coming to everyone soon.  I can’t say what it is for fear that Micah would kill me.  But I can tell you it involves a big publisher.

In the mean one title worth checking while you wait is Sonic The Hedgehog from Archie.  It’s fantastic to be able to reconnect with one of my favorite video game characters from when I was a kid.  The last time I played Sonic the only characters in the game were Sonic, Tales, and Knuckles.  Now there is a bunch of new characters in the Archie comics.  Take this page from issue 154:

 

I recognize two characters on this page; thankfully we have all seven of them tagged.  I love the fact that we tag all the different characters in Graphic.ly as now I know everyone I need to know to enjoy Sonic.  I’ve found new Sonic characters via the character info we have in the reader and now I have some new favorites, like Locke who is Knuckles father and Guardian of one of the Chaos Emeralds.

Whether you’re checking out the iPad app or reading any of the new comics we’ve put in the store and you have any questions or comments please send them my way via email, jons [at] graphicly.com, or our community forum

Archie, Betty, and Veronica as done by Chris Samnee.  Check out his site for a ton more sketches.
If you enjoy Betty and Veronica, we now have 20+ issues in Graphic.ly.

Archie, Betty, and Veronica as done by Chris Samnee.  Check out his site for a ton more sketches.

If you enjoy Betty and Veronica, we now have 20+ issues in Graphic.ly.

veronicaeatslemons:

idratherbeloislane:

Veronica Lodge dressed as Wonder Woman.

My mother would have a coronary if she saw this. She LOVED Wonder Woman and of course you guys know I was named after Veronica Lodge.

veronicaeatslemons:

idratherbeloislane:

Veronica Lodge dressed as Wonder Woman.

My mother would have a coronary if she saw this. She LOVED Wonder Woman and of course you guys know I was named after Veronica Lodge.

Friday Update: Comic Con and Comics

We have a light week this week for the Thursday Update as we ramp up for San Diego Comic Con.  Both Windows and AIR are getting some minor updates before Comic Con fix things behind the scenes.  You should see some speed improvements in both applications. 

Our Windows community members asked that we include people’s names and pictures in comments, so, as we do, we listened and made the change.  Now when a community member hasn’t updated their picture you can still see who made that comment you really liked about Veronica’s hair. 

This week’s comics are both from Archie Comics and BOOM! Studios.  Check out the haul below:  

Archie Comics 

Betty #138 - #139 

Follow Betty in her very own series with such fun adventures as Archie and Adam fighting with each other over Betty and what happens when Archie and Betty go on a picnic? 

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Betty and Veronica #221 

“The Big Prize”: A Halloween costume contest judged by renowned luminaries from the fashion and entertainment worlds leads Veronica to more costume changes than a diva in concert! “Career Daze”: Veronica gets a lesson in judging books by their covers when she realizes that the professional scientists and law enforcement agents at career day are as attractive as the super model! “Code in the Head”: Betty has dropped what appears to be a mysterious code, and it’s got Veronica’s brain doing crazy, cryptic back flips! 

BOOM! Studios 

Challenger Deep #1 - Avg Rating on iFanboy: 3 

When an experimental nuclear submarine is marooned in a deposit of methane ice deep in the Marianas Trench, an elite salvage team mounts a daring rescue to prevent an explosive chain reaction that could lead to global disaster! 

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Cover Girl #1-5

When the world’s biggest action movie star discovers someone’s trying to kill him, he has to keep his adoring public in the dark about the fact that he’s the world’s biggest wimp. So he hires a bodyguard - a Cover Girl who kicks ass and cleans up well for movie premieres! In the vein of Lethal Weapon comes an action-comedy that flips all the gender stereotypes on its head… 

Fall of Cthulhu #1-2 

Forces are moving in the cosmos.  Mankind is on the verge of facing alien beings far beyond its kin.  Is another call for Cthulhu just starting to begin?  Human innocents are caught in the middle and not prepared for the real truth – which will drive them to the brink of insanity.  What happens in a world of Lovecraftian darkness when a god is fated to die?  What things are more vast than the Elder Gods? 

Galveston #1-#4

True fact- fabled pirate Jean Lafitte spent his last years not on the high seas, but in Texas. Guess who his best friend was? Jim Bowie. What adventures must a swashbuckling corsair and an American frontiersman have had together in the Old West? It’s Deadwood with pirates, man. Pirates! 

Dusman7 made a call to arms for the first issue of Galveston, “Oh, come on people, a cool new western mini!  Let’s support new and different comics.  I’m sure at least a few of you out there would love this comic.  I know I’m looking forward to it.” 

Hawks of Outremer #1Avg Rating on iFanboy: 4

BOOM! Studios brings you an epic story by Conan creator Robert E. Howard published in comic book form for the first time ever! As a wandering warrior born and bred on the battlefield, Cormac FitzGeoffrey is a renowned fighter, a ruthless adversary, and a man who is no stranger to the ways of bloodshed and violence. Cormac counts his friends on one hand, so when he learns that his most recent liege has been murdered, nothing will stop his quest for revenge. By oath, a path of vengence will be marked by the blood of his enemies. 

Hunter’s Moon #3-#4  

It starts when stockbroker Lincoln “Linc” Greer, divorced dad, is acquitted of the murder of his son by the local authorities. Meanwhile, who have they picked up in the woods? Is it the kidnapper? It’s becoming clear the entire town’s in on it - if Linc talks to the wrong person, it could jeopardize his son’s life! 

Irredeemable #14Avg Rating on iFanboy: 4

The Paradigm is held captive. Survivor has been abducted. Bette Noir is on the run. And Modeus continues to manipulate Plutonian into committing unspeakable acts of evil. With the team fractured and Gilgamos wounded, how will the Paradigm escape their captors and take the fight back to their former leader? The epic second year of Irredeemable continues to pick up even more momentum with this can’t-miss issue! 

jmsnyder had this comment to say about Irredeemable #14, “What a consistent must read this has been. It has this undertow of dread that you can almost taste as u read it.”

Poe #1Avg Rating on iFanboy: 4.7

Everyone knows that Poe created the detective genre, but did you know he was a detective himself? Finally the secret can be revealed for the first time! Enter the world of POE and follow the famous author of darkness as he tracks the killer of his brother’s friend. Supernatural adventure for fans of books like HELLBOY!

Jmstump (that’s me!) had this to say in his review on iFanboy, “This books is some weird amalgamation of CSI, Sixth Sense, and Sleepy Hollow.”

Unthinkable #5Avg Rating on iFanboy: 5

Novelist Alan Ripley was an unlikely hero, trying (and failing) to stop UNTHINKABLE terror scenarios he imagined from coming true. Now that he’s finally succeeding, will he learn who’s using his mind as a blueprint for terror, and why? 

Alright, who else is excited for Galveston from BOOM! Studios?  I mean Cowboys and Pirates, that’s 5 year old Jon’s dream come true.  All it’s missing is Flame Throwers and Zombies or something equally ridiculous.  Dusman7 also made a call to arms to fellow comic and western fans.  My love for both cannot allow this to go unheard! 

If you haven’t heard through our Newsletter we are going to be at San Diego Comic Con at booth 2229.  We’ll be making some announcements during the convention along with having stuff going on at our booth, for instance we will have some signings from different creators.  Stop by to find out who. 

Micah will also be on a few different panels about Digital Comic Books.  You can find him at the following times and locations: 

Thursday, July 22 

4:30-5:30 Digital Comics Now!— Digital comics are happening right now. A panel of the best and brightest in the new wave of digital comics engage in a wide-ranging discussion of everything from comics on the iPad and iPhone to digital comics on the web and day-and-date-releases. This is your one-stop panel for all the latest digital comics news! Panelists include David Steinberger (CEO of comiXology), Micah Baldwin (CEO of Graphic.ly),Michael Murphey (CEO of iVerse), and Wade Slitkin (CEO of Panelfly). Moderated by Chip Mosher (marketing director, BOOM! Studios). Room 4 

Friday, July 23 

3:00-4:00 Digital Comics and You— A panel of industry professionals ranging from creators to publishers to retailers to entertainment agents discuss the benefits and drawbacks of digital comics and ultimately how digital comics can and will affect you, now that the digital comics revolution has begun. Ben Templesmith (co-creator, Choker, Fell, 30 Days of Night), James Sime (retailer, Isotope: The Comic Book Lounge in San Francisco), Micah Baldwin (Graphic.ly), Scott Agostoni (entertainment agent, William Morris Endeavor), and more surprise guests will discuss, argue and hopefully hear what you think in this honest, no-holds-barred conversation moderated by Ron Richards (iFanboy). Room 32AB  

FYI - The guy who will be heckling Micah at his panels in a Graphic.ly shirt with either a Red Hat or Cape on is most likely me. 

Double FYI - The guy with the black eye after heckling Micah in his first panel is probably me too. (He told me to say that.) 

If you have any questions or comments on this week’s updates please send them my way vie email, jons [at] graphicly.com, or our community forum

comicbooks:

Archie #600 Hero Initiative cover art by Cliff Chiang 

The Hero Initiative (a charity dedicated to helping  			comic creators in medical or  financial need) and Archie Comics have teamed up for Archie Covers:50 Times An American Icon. I’ve always  had a soft spot for Betty and Veronica, so this was a great way to  scratch that itch and help out a great cause. I was curious what a high  school garage band like The Archies might look like today, so  here’s my hipster take on the band. Archie is totally straight-edge! The  covers will be auctioned on eBay at a future date.

comicbooks:

Archie #600 Hero Initiative cover art by Cliff Chiang 

The Hero Initiative (a charity dedicated to helping comic creators in medical or financial need) and Archie Comics have teamed up for Archie Covers:50 Times An American Icon. I’ve always had a soft spot for Betty and Veronica, so this was a great way to scratch that itch and help out a great cause. I was curious what a high school garage band like The Archies might look like today, so here’s my hipster take on the band. Archie is totally straight-edge! The covers will be auctioned on eBay at a future date.