Big Gems From Small Press January Edition

What’s Up CHU? Mel V. back again with another edition of Big Gems from The Small Press, I want to start out by thanking all the readers of Big Gems Small Press. As more people read and purchase/pre-order books from their LCS the more it helps the LCS stay afloat and I hope Big Gems helps that.
With that said. APRIL is going to be HUGE…right at the start of Comic Con season, so it’s going to be fun to see which of this month’s titles will do well at the cons. This is a record breaking, wallet suffering edition of Big Gems so let’s get to it.
1st. were going to set it off with a triple hitter from After Shock Comics

JACKPOT #1
Manufacturer/Publisher: After-Shock Comics (Release Date: 4/13/2016)
Writer: Ray Fawkes  •  Artist: Marco Failla
Description
Meet the World’s Greatest Con Artists on the eve of the greatest scam in human history –ripping off the Gods themselves! The high-stakes, high-octane story of JACKPOT! Begins here! Ray Fawkes, acclaimed creator of INTERSECT (writer of Gotham by Midnight and Batman: Eternal) teams up with Marco Failla (Spider-Man & the X-Men) to bring a new mind-bending, genre-busting monthly series from AfterShock!
Item #: 1516637  • Diamond code: FEB161046  •  UPC: 66257827201400111
Why I Like It: Ray Fawkes is a great writer, plus this is a $1.99 issue.

BLACK EYED KIDS #1 (MR)
Manufacturer/Publisher: After-Shock Comics   (Release Date: 4/20/2016)
Writer: Joe Pruett  •  Artist: Szymon Kudranski
Description
It’s dark. You’re alone. Then there’s a knock. You open the door to find two seemingly normal kids. They ask to come in, to borrow your phone to call for a ride. You find yourself overcome with an intense fear that you can’t explain. And then you notice their eyes… black… SOLID black. You want to run, but now they’re inside. It’s too late. They have you. Eisner Award winner
Joe Pruett (X-Men Unlimited, Cable) is joined by artist Szymon Kudranski (Spawn, Penguin: Pain and Prejudice) for this terrifying new horror series.
Item #: 1516469  • Diamond code: FEB161048  •  UPC: 66257827199400111
Why I like it: I love conspiracy videos and just watched a Youtube Video the other night on Black Eye Kids. Creepy.

ROUGH RIDERS #1
After-Shock Comics Release: 4/6/2016
Writer: Adam Glass Artist: Pat Oliffe
Description
Led by a young Theodore Roosevelt, a motley crew of soon-to-be American legends must work together to solve a mystery that threatens all of existence. Harry Houdini – street magician and master of misdirection. Annie Oakley – a washed-up entertainer, eager for a chance to prove herself in a real war. Jack Johnson – an undefeated brawler and the son of ex-slaves, determined to get his shot at the heavyweight championship… When a terrifying alien technology destroys the USS Maine, these unlikely allies set sail for bloody Cuba, into the heart of a brewing conflict, to wage a shadow war against the greatest threat mankind has ever known. Before they were famous, they were… ROUGH RIDERS.
Item #: 1516738  • Diamond code: FEB161044  •  UPC: 66257827200700111
Why I like them: Aftershock comics have been putting out quality material since their inception. One, if not more, of this companies books are sure to see a media deal, the quality of their product is too good not to be. This month’s selection has a nice mix of Crime, Horror and Action books…Can’t wait. Another $1.99 release.

KILLBOX #1 CVR A GOODEN
Manufacturer/Publisher: American Gothic Press   (Release Date: 4/13/2016)
Writer: Tom Riordan  •  Artist: Nathan Gooden
Description
A down-on-his-luck bartender. A Yakuza’s wife. A teenager with a penchant for handguns. They may not appear to have anything in common, but they’re all part of the Killbox. The debut series by Tom Riordan brings a vicious game of violence to the streets of Los Angeles, where carefully selected players are picking each other off one by one. Don’t miss this electrifying and brutal book illustrated in blistering inks by Nathan Gooden (DEADEYE).
Item #: 1516658  • Diamond code: FEB161075  •  UPC: 75420776656500111
Why I like it: Another one of this month’s books I cannot wait for. The premise has all the makings of a great read. Anthony spotlighted this one the other night.

UNLEASH #1 (OF 4) (MR)
Manufacturer/Publisher: Amigo Comics   (Release Date: 4/27/2016)
Description
Soon to be a feature film! Assault survivor Emmie wants to change the world by creating her own superhero persona. Unfortunately her plans are limited, as being a hero takes more than a costume. In a strange twist of fate, Emmie forms an agreement with the most unlikely crime-fighting partner you could imagine. Now she can lay her own brand of twisted justice down on sexual predators. Or so Emmie thinks!
Item #: 1516779  • Diamond code: FEB161096  •  UPC: 70802265411800111
Why I like it: AMIGO hit a homerun with the Cult classic Straightjacket, I believe they will strike gold yet again, Get in on this one early, low print runs and fantastic story are always a recipe for a hit. This is my 1st BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR THIS MONTH

BLADE BUNNY #1
Manufacturer/Publisher: Antarctic Press   (Release Date: 4/27/2016)
Writer: Eric Kimball  • Artist: Erwin
Description
The Hare: a ninja assassin whispered about with fear in the darkest corners, a killer known for ruthlessness and cunning… is not in this comic. Meet Bunny, a pretty ninja girl who likes rainbows, dancing and eviscerating bad people when they blink. Hmm, maybe this comic is about The Hare after all.
Item #: 1516475  • Diamond code: FEB161116  •  UPC: 61072102033300111
Why I like it: Bunny could be a really big hit in the cosplay world in the future, if the book takes off, sky’s the limit with this title

4 KIDS WALK INTO A BANK #1
Manufacturer/Publisher: Black Mask Comics   (Release Date: 4/27/2016)
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg  •  Artist: Tyler Boss
Description
A fun(ish) crime caper about children! Eleven-year-old Paige and her weirdo friends have a problem: a gang of ex-cons need her dad’s help on a heist… the problem is those ex-cons are morons. If Paige wants to keep her dad out of trouble, she’s going to have to pull off the heist herself. Like Wes Anderson remaking Reservoir Dogs, 4KWIAB is a very dark & moderately humorous story about friendship, growing up, D & D, puking, skinheads, grand larceny, and family.
Why I like it: I know many people may have written Black Mask off due to the delays of books and such, but I’m sticking with them. Matthew Rosenberg makes his return with the pen, I love the premise of this book and I’m sure that this will not disappoint. BOOK OF THE MONTH #2

JOYRIDE #1 (OF 4)
Manufacturer/Publisher: BOOM! Studios   (Release Date: 4/13/2016)
Description
What’s to Love: After working together on Hacktivist and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials original graphic novel, the writing duo of Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (Batman and Robin Eternal) join forces once again with artist Marcus To (New Warriors, The Flash: Season Zero) for their first creator owned series that takes readers to the stars in this space epic with a punk-rock attitude, perfect for fans of Young Avengers and Runaways. What It Is: In the future, Earth sucks. The stars have been blocked out for so long that people have forgotten there was anything else besides the dumb World Government Alliance watching over them, training children to join the militarized Allied Youth and eliminating all resistance with a giant ray gun. Uma Akkolyte is a girl who shoots first and leaps before she looks, and when she gets a strange message from outside the barricades of SafeSky, she jacks a spaceship and punches through the stratosphere with an unlikely crew of teens who are totally not ready for what they’re about to find.
Item #: 1516641  • Diamond code: FEB161214  •  UPC: 84428400529600111

FORGIVE ME FATHER #1 (OF 3)
Creature Entertainment
Release: 4/27/2016
Writer: John Ulloa
Artist: Ulises Carpintero
Description
Forgive Me Father is a crime novella that tells the story of three different characters bound by a singular fate. What happens when the shepherd loses his flock? When Father Pedro’s faith in his God and church is lost after the violent death of a young friend, he finds himself alone with a despair and anger that can barely be contained. He dreams of finding solace in the arms of a runaway girl. Is she his angel of redemption or a fantasy he’s made-up? Will helping her break the chains of her past be a path to true salvation – or damnation?”
Why I Like it: John Ulloa is quickly is becoming a master at his craft, he nails Atmosphere of crime dramas, I was given a privilege to read this book back at comic con Tell ya this is about as good as it gets. Great action and story pacing really makes the characters stand out. Creature Entertainment is ready to break out and be major players in the Indy scene. BOOK OF THE MONTH #3
Why I Like it: I love everything Creature does. They are a great group of guys. The cover featured above is from some of our other friends at Comic Xposure

DREDD DUST #1 (OF 2)
Rebellion
Release: 4/27/2016
Writer: Arthur Wyatt Artist: Ben Willsher
Description
The Dredd movie sequel comic is back in a two-part special! When Judge Dredd is called to a ruthless gang slaying, it seems a vigilante is at work, but a residue of dust left behind indicate that this is no ordinary perp and Dredd’s quest for answers leads beyond the walls of Mega-City One and into the inhospitable irradiated wasteland called The Cursed Earth! ‘Dust’ is the latest comic-book sequel to the critically-acclaimed cult movie DREDD!”
Item #: 1516540  • Diamond code: FEB161726  •  UPC: 63415847675400111
Why I Like it: Dredd has a great cult following and not only are they fantastic reads, they books do pretty well in the aftermarket.

ERATHUNE #1 (OF 4)
Manufacturer/Publisher: Stranger Comics   (Release Date: 4/6/2016)
Writer: Sebastian A. Jones  •  Artist: Sheldon Mitchell
Description
Many years ago, Buxton Stonebeard was banished from his dwarven home amid a shower of blood. But his cursed axe demands a soul, and so the outcast must return. Accompanied by Skarlok, his unlikely Morkai ally, and Niobe, a budding hero, Buxton must save the town that condemned him.
Item #: 1516543  • Diamond code: FEB161751  •  UPC: 79357463547000111
Why I like it: The good folks at Stranger Comics are making their presence in the world of Fantasy/Action quickly becoming the #1 IMO for that Genre, With media deals already lined up for Niobe, it’s very possible Hollywood is keeping an eye on all projects they drop

CHUM #1 (OF 3)
Manufacturer/Publisher: ComixTribe   (Release Date: 4/27/2016)
Writer: Ryan Lindsay  •  Artist: Sami Kivela
Description
Summer Stanwyck is trapped. She tends bar on the island she grew up on, the local cop is about to become her ex-husband, and she’s wasting time screwing the local reefer kingpin. But when a bag full of cash and drugs appears, she sees a way out… and anyone who gets in her way is shark bait. Chum is Pulp Fiction on the sand, a surf noir story straight off the drugstore paperback rack that will ruin your faith in people, from Sami Kivela, artist on Zenescope’s Realm War, and Ryan K Lindsay, the writer of Dark Horse’s Negative Space.
Item #: 1516485  • Diamond code: FEB161340  •  UPC: 71232155383600111
Why I like it: I’m not going to lie…I’m not sure why I like it, but I am being drawn to it…I have one of those Mel V feelings about this book…Keep an eye out on this one. Very intrigued… Melly senses are tingling lol

SABRETOOTH DAN #1 (OF 3)
Manufacturer/Publisher: Scout Comics   (Release Date: 4/27/2016)
Description
(W/A/CA) C.R. Mountain
If you crossed Calvin & Hobbes with Lord of the Rings, it’s very likely that the result would be Sabretooth Dan! Check out the sword and sorcery comic that stars an orphan with both sabreteeth and an over-active imagination in a LOTR-like world! But when real-world adventure comes knocking, Dan finds it impossible to say no! With breathtaking art, Sabretooth Dan is destined to be an all-ages hit for generations to come!
Item #: 1516741  • Diamond code: FEB161735  •  UPC: 85999000229300111
WHY I LIKE IT: This could be marketed well, with the right exposure I could see this on Cartoon Network…print runs will be small

ROCK & ROLL BIOGRAPHIES IRON MAIDEN
Manufacturer/Publisher: Acme Ink   (Release Date: 4/27/2016)
Writer: Paul H. Birch  •  Artist: Darren Edmonds
Description
Rock and Roll Biographies featuring Iron Maiden! One of the few bands Todd Loren and Revolutionary Comics never got to produce due to legal issues! See how Iron Maiden formed, and learn how their monstrous mascot ‘Eddie’ was created. Forty years of pure metal madness encompassed in 32 pages of comic book history-in-the-making! A must for every Iron Maiden fan!
Item #: 1516737  • Diamond code: FEB160987  •  UPC: 08068771750700511
Why I like it: Believe it or not I’m a huge Iron Maiden fan…lol so I put this on the list for my own selfish purposes. These rock and roll bio comics are hit and miss at times, but Iron Maiden still has an insane fan base and this could be sought after when it’s all said and done
DIVINITY II #1 (OF 4) CVR A KEVIC- DJURDJEVIC
Manufacturer/Publisher: Valiant Entertainment   (Release Date: 4/20/2016)
Writer: Matt Kindt  •  Artist: Trevor Hairsine
Description
The much-anticipated follow-up to the five-time sold-out series that The Onion/A.V. Club calls the ‘Best New Superhero of 2015’ is here! The acclaimed creative team returns for a perfect new jumping-on point into the expansive sci-fi saga that shook the world! At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union – determined to win the Space Race at any cost – green lit a dangerously advanced mission. They sent three cosmonauts farther than anyone has gone before or since. Handpicked orphans with no connections to Earth, trained as devout Communists, and restricted from having families, they became lost in the stars and encountered something Unknown… Something that changed them. Long thought lost and erased from the history books, Abram Adams was the first to return. The few that have been able to reach him believe him to be a deity. They say he can bend matter, space, and even time to his will. But, even with limitless powers, he is concerned only with the secret love he hid away from his superiors and the unborn child he never met. Now, Miska, the female co-pilot of the group, has also returned to Earth…but, unlike Abram she had no secret family. Unlike Abram, she still believes in the Communist ideal. And, unlike Abram, she intends to play a very real role in the return of Soviet glory. Earth is about to meet a new god. And she’s a Communist. How long can it be before the nations of Earth bend before DIVINITY?
Item #: 1516512  • Diamond code: FEB161875  •  UPC: 85899200327790111
Why I like it :DIVINITY was a Smash hit last year and I don’t intend to miss the boat on this one.
WHEW that was a ton of books as you can see it’s a lot of gems this month and that’s only the indie books with smaller print runs. I know the big 3 are prepared to have some epic books as they set up for their big summer events. I feel confident in saying that this is a great time to be a comic fan and a bad time for our wallets.
Thank you guys for reading and please feel free to leave comments in the comment section below, it’s
always good to hear your opinions .Thanks again see yall next month