THE SUB-MARINER"S RETURN!!

SUB-MARINER#1
The Initiative
Publisher: Marvel
Writers: Matt Cherniss
Peter Johnson
Artists: Phil Briones

A Marvel of a Mutant: Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner!
By JOHN L. DANIELS JR


As a young kid I looked at the cartoon series: The mighty marvel superheroes when it came on TV in the late 60's. One of the most memorable characters was Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner. Wow! What a champion or at times he was also a notorious villain. I was mesmerized by this character as I am now with the new issue of his new title under the ever present Marvel Initiative (how long is this period going to last in the Marvel Universe?)

The Sub-Mariner was first introduced to comic book readers in 1939. The first exciting adventure was published in Marvel comics#1. He was created and drawn by the incomparable Bill Everett.




The Sub-Mariner's distinctive characteristics of a flap-top head and an angler jaw with high arching eyebrows made him believable as the prince of Atlantis. The most distinctive feature was his winged feet that could propel him out of the water and into the air to battle any opposition. In the late forties at the initial starts of World War II he teamed up with The Human Torch and Toro, Captain America and Bucky to form what was known as the dramatic culmination of THE INVADERS protectors of the Allies and destroyers of the Axis leaders.




The Sub-Mariner was re-introduced to the comic book world when he appeared in the Fantastic Four issue # 4. Prince Namor battled the Fantastic Four but was smitten by Sue Richards. Such battles occurred over the years, Marvel even updated The Sub-Mariner with a unique costume for which he had to wear or his blood boiled and he would become or was known as THE SAVAGE SUB-MARINER. Just when we assume Prince Namor was going to be the rouge of the seas he teams up with three of the greatest marvel heroes in the Marvel universe to form The Defenders (HULK, DR STRANGE and THE SILVER SURFER). Prince Namor was also an AVENGER. He also was teamed up with DOCTOR DOOM in the title MARVEL SUPER-VILLIAN TEAM UP (one of my all time favorite titles).



In 1990 Marvel revised The Sub-Mariner title drawn by the great John Byrne.
In the title NAMOR, the Sub Mariner was now a fighter for the environment and righting wrongs for the sea creatures and the world as a whole. This gentler Namor still kicked hinny and protected the environment to boot! Written and drawn by Byrne this side of Prince Namor was distinguished as a company man and a philanthropist for all. This title was a great series, but I think fans enjoyed the unsettled and unpredictable Namor. As change always come, so does Namor, John Bryne left the popular run and new comer Jae Lee took over writing and drawing the series. Lee's direction had Namor turning back to his savagery ways and once again making the world cower while he was on a rampage.

So now here we are with The Marvel Initiative storyline and his conference with the Black Panther and his appearance in the Illuminati title. What rough seas is The SUB MARINER wadding into now!

In this first Issue of six, Iron Man accuses Namor of Planting Cells on American soil. Iron Man also approaches Namor about the destruction of a Kansas town in the U.S.Namor must find out who killed the townspeople before S.H.I.E.L.D strikes on Atlantis.

I found this story by Matt Cherniss and Peter Johnson predictable but very
intriguing.



I was wondering how they were going to present the Prince of the Seven Seas. Alas the fans will have to read the following five issues to find the initial outcome. Sub-Mariner #1 is a great additive to the Marvel Initiative storyline, but lacking that incredible action and a fiery persona of the Sub-Mariner of the silver and golden age.

I give this an Inquisitive rating of four!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SEPTAGONS STUDIO'S NICK DEFINA

First and foremost I want to Thank Nick Defina for taking time with this interview and giving readers and insight on the incredible title Scorn#1

Could you give the COMICSTORY-ARC readers a little background about your company Septagon Studios?

Septagon Studios was founded in early 2003 by me and my two cousins. The co-creators of Septagon Studios include Philip Defina who is the Vice President and Art Director and Domenic Defina the Art Consultant. In 2005 Septagon Studios became a corporation.



We spent a great amount of time focusing on various ideas and coming up with unique concepts to get Septagon Studios where it is today. We are always learning and studying on how we could push the envelope and take it even further. At Septagon studios we put emphasis on Imagination, and Creativity. We want Septagon Studios to be a company with limitless opportunities.



Septagon Studios combines comic book publishing with various creator services. We plan to offer production services to our creators. We also plan on creating various marketing strategies per book so that each title gets its deserved attention. Some other services we offer include solicitations, advertising, press release writing, and related promotional efforts. We are working towards a gradual expansion to select countries, thus allowing more exposure for our titles and creators.



How is the comic book industry in Canada compared to the United States?


The comic book industry in Canada has had its problems in the past. Publishers have fallen due to various implications. As for competition I’d say it is high. There is a great amount of Canadian publishers that are well established and have built a solid readership through the years. The convention season in Canada is amazing with some big events including the Paradise Comiccon, Fan Expo, Anime North, Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Montréal’s Amazing convention and Vancouver’s Pop Culture Collectibles Fair. There is also a tremendous fan base of comic book readers and collectors in Canada; it’s a fun time especially with the booming economy.



What other type of Genera’s are Septagon Studios producing?


We plan to publish all genres beyond the bracket of superhero titles. We want to bring new innovative ideas and concepts to the industry. We encourage creators to submit creative and original works whether it is a great story or a great artistic masterpiece. We want creators to be free and limitless. Our door is always open for those who want to experiment and break boundaries.



For submission guidelines visit http://www.septagonstudios.com/PROPOSALS.html

For our forums visit http://forums.septagonstudios.com



Are they going to be other titles available soon from Septagon studios?



We have a variety of titles and great projects that will be coming out of Septagon Studios. We have a lot of stuff happening here at Septagon but at the moment we can’t divulge any secrets. Fans, readers and visitors will hear it first on our website. (www.septagonstudios.com ).



What is your goal for Septagon Studios?



One of our main goals that we would like to achieve with Septagon Studios is to be recognized as a great independent publishing company. We hope to become one of Canada’s top comic book publishing companies within the next few years.



Do you have any collaborative projects with other Comic book Studios in or outside of Canada?



Currently we do not have any collaborated projects. However we would like to pair ourselves with some very important individuals and some outstanding companies in the near future.



As President of Septagon studios, do you envision Scorn as just an Indy or mainstream?

We envision Scorn on many different levels. If I had to choose though, I would say I see Scorn as a mainstream title in the independent market. Scorn will be classified in a variety of ways but the fans will ultimately determine the direction of Scorn.


What are some of the Canadian titles that stand out among that others in USA should keep and eye on?



There are many Canadian publishers with great titles it’s hard to narrow down the ones that standout. Some of the works I am currently following are Arcana Studio’s Kade, DMF Comics Silent Leaves, and Udon Comics Street Fighter. All these titles are worth a read.



Scorn is a story with emotion and a realistic insight with violence in today’s society. How important was it to have a creative team such as Moyers and
Neundorf?




It’s very important to have a creative team such as Moyers and Neundorf. They both have a unique outlook on life with very diverse experiences. These experiences are illustrated through the story as well as the distinctive gritty art style in Scorn. Kevin uses real life city events to convey the setting and the mood of Scorn. From a personal insight Kevin Moyers had the following to say.



Kevin Moyers: I grew up in Chicago, Philipp Neundorf grew up in Berlin, and David Hayes grew up in Detroit, so we've all seen our share of violence. Hell, Berlin was cut in half by a giant wall for how long? What Dave and I saw was more street violence growing up. It helps to know it in order to create it.



What would you like to say to all the readership of this title Scorn?



Scorn is a book that is filled with emotion and it can be seen through the amazing artwork of Philipp Neundorf. It’s a story of how an individual takes matters into his own hands when no one else would. Scorn reflects the harsh reality of how current society has evolved. It’s an amazing tale and we are proud to have Scorn as our debut title.

In the words of Kevin Moyers (Creator of Scorn) “See it for what it is; a story with heart. It's not cold and full of corny one line cracks from the hero. It's realistic. So, sit back, crack it open and enjoy”.

Scorn is now available for purchase directly at http://store.septagonstudios.com

and will be hitting retail stores soon.

A new Canadian release!

SCORN#1
PUBLISHER: SEPTAGON STUDIOS
WRITER: Kevin MOYERS
ARTIST: Philipp S. Neundorf

In this crucial period with wars and the recent society in upheaval with global warming and catastrophic events, isn't it comforting to have a friend you can talk with, hang out with and just bond together to keep each other on the strait and narrow!

The fascinating story Scorn written by Kevin Moyers is a realistic and gritty hard-edged story of friendship and revenge for an erstwhile colleague and the best friend of Michael Riggs. Beginning as a newborn, Michael has experienced violence from others. In the hospital for which he was born, a violent past haunts him with the death of his mother. Michael as a young kid was a loner, until a young lad named Glen befriended him. Over the years, they were close; they landed an apartment and worked on automobiles. One day on July 4 a theft of the very car they worked on would change Michael's life forever. On this day, it would bring the death of his friend Glen and the violent meeting of a woman he saved named Sammi.

Septagon studios in Canada publish Scorn #1. Scorn is an independent title, which explores the reality of today's headlines. The story passionately written by Moyers had a tendency to flare up sentiments of injustice. Michael’s feelings arose when Glen’s rights as a victim are not noticed; Moyers writes what others would like to do by the victim's friends or family who are left behind. The artwork by Philipp S. Neundorf is harrowing and displayed eloquently by the characterizations in the panels.

Scorn #1 is a quality-produced title by the sensational creative team of Moyers and Neundorf. Scorn#1 is a clear hit on the Indy scene in comic shops not only in Canada but also in the United States.

Scorn#1 deserves an impressive rating of five stars.

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NICK DEFINA IS FORTHCOMING!!