#The Gant Moth

[jane-d-ankh-veos]

Re-reading Evolution, and it's even better as a whole with some things from the final chapter in hindsight.

These enigmatic metaphors go too well with the Calendar Council's inspiration from "The Man Who Was Thursday" and what its author said: "You ask me who Sunday is? Well, you may call him Nature, if you like. But you will note that I hold that when the mask of Nature is lifted you find God behind."

My mind is passionately gnawing on an AU (NOT meant to be a theory, just a purely self-indulgent fantasy): what if "Death's twin" is literally Life – which makes December the Creator – and the Judgements are merely usurpers (very befitting their usual role of a flawed and cruel Gnostic demiurge who only pretends to be the highest authority) who deposed December just like they banished the Black King of the Adulterine Castle?

Or, if December isn't a deity, simply a rebellious servant (because the Boatman says "we both served the same table once"), what if it was a forced reduction from the former to the latter as a first-warning punishment?

What if this original god of life-and-death truly cared about all creatures equally, but then the likes of the Sapphir'd King decided to devour souls for more power instead of guiding them through rebirth (which Devils reclaimed + which somehow-December-connected frost moths represent) and devised the Great Chain to justify the right of "greater" beings to prey on "lesser" ones?

What if the Liberation of Night isn't an overthrow of natural order but is a return to what it should always have been (before "then the light came") and it's no coincidence that the Anchoress managed to behold god's love and true design only in the darkness? (High-fiving this @gant-eyed-warden’s post.)

What if the Bishop of St Fiacre’s knows it all – and that’s where his hopeful religious devotion comes from despite being a Neathy creature that would never be forgiven and accepted by the Judgements?

...I definitely want to write something about it, but I already have two WIPs, ooooh...

[letheology]

Put together an updated "canon" outfit for Mina!

Some details:

Clothing - Anarchist's Sable - What it says on the tin! A black/dark coloured suit is their preference for clothes, though lately they've been wearing 1920s/devil style dresses sometimes too.

Hat - The Gant Moth - Not actually a mask for them, its a charm on their pocketwatch!

Luggage - Gentleman's Self-Similar Carryall - Ideal for smuggling, but most of the time they don't have anything. When they're working in the Khanate, the tiny drawers and boxes are all full of tea leaves that they sell as part of their front.

Gloves - Censor's Touch - Little mithridacy bonus, for the spy work. And they're VERY soft.

Boots - Infiltrator's Footsteps - Nothing special here. Really, these aren't even shoes!

Adornment - Justificande Cufflinks - There's something to me about Mina and promises, debts, oaths, forgiveness... But this may be something to untangle on a future day.

Weapon - Nuncian Pocket Watch - Includes lockpicks and an entire knife (thanks to the red science). May also include a "lights out" function (thanks to January)

Companion - Violant-Winged Bat - From Nemesis. Still has to help Mina with their memories sometimes. Her name is Mnemonic (Short for "Mnemonic Device")

Affiliation - Dream Shadow of a Curator's Visage - That's just their buddy idk what to tell you.

Home Comfort - F.F. Gebrant's Patent Neathoscope - Vital tool for a Neathy physicist

Ship - Nyx-class Zubmersible - Switched to this from the Yacht during Feast of the Zee this year, as a sort of... slight shift of persona. Leaning more into their spymaster vibes.

Crew - A Conspiracy of Smugglers - Even though this comes from the Midnight Moon, I imagine that for Mina, this is just the Clay Highwayman's gang.

[the-dye-stained-socialite]

What's your opinions on gant? I feel like it could be explored more

so. i have two fics rn that I'm working on. one of them involves some incredibly fucked up stuff with gant. like. horror level. i think gant is an absolutely fascinating color and can absolutely be used in some horrifying ways, especially with its connection to licentiates and the hallowmas moth costume

so. if i ever finish that fic. you will see what i think about gant

[mourningcandles]

Moth-Winged

For @fallenlondonficswap's secret-swap, a much-delayed but much-loved story for @the-dye-stained-socialite. I hope you enjoy.

For the first Hallowmas in many, the Pavillion of Butterflies has not appeared in that quiet park in Elderwick. As the festivities end, Elias Leroux reminisces on a Hallowmas past and a chance meeting within the mirror-bright walls of a glasshouse long-gone.

Rated T . No warnings apply. Gen. POV second person. 1,295 words.

The garlands are unwound from the spokes of your wheelchair. The silk scarf which obscured its heart-shaped back is tucked away in your wardrobe once more, saved for another evening. And your mask… that you wrap in white crepe paper and tuck away for another year. It may not last, for masks are fragile things, but you try all the same.

This year was the first in some years that you have not worn the mask of the moth to the revels. That was the visage you wore on your first Hallowmas, that year when you were thrown headlong into the strange world beneath the one you once knew. There was something about Hallowmas drew you in: the strange new lovers and the old ones in disguise, the wild laughter, the world opened up to you so unexpectedly. Perhaps, hidden behind that mask of gant wings, you became one with the shadows, safe from the tricks and troubles of the season. The horrors passed you by and the wonders, oh what wonders, were yours to see.

Yes, that was how it had been, in a Hallowmas long-gone.

You were younger then, though not by much. You had seen less, won less, and your beloved first wheelchair was still in one piece. A less finely carved piece, but you couldn’t complain. You had been more accustomed to how it handled than your new one, making you a marginally better dancer. There would be dancing. There would be debauchery. There would be a little bit of everything, if one knew where to look.

The Blue-Eyed Moth led you north to Elderwick, where the socialites flocked for salons with the celebrated few. There, the Pavilion of Butterflies shimmered before you. Candlelight flickered off silver plates, leading moths big and small in a dizzy dance about the maze of Surface foliage which suffused the glasshouse. High above it all, upon her throne of wings, sat the Queen of Air and Darkness. She was your hostess, in a way. You ought to greet her. If only you could find the lift up to the balcony, if such a thing existed at all.

The glasshouse was a labyrinth. While the candles illuminated, the view through the throng was obscured by coiled fronds of ferns, clouds of pollen, spores, and mist from pipes far above. The vibrant colors of Surface blooms and silks dizzied the mind, such that you could only make sense of the scene before you by taking it in one segment at a time. To one side were the walkways through the foliage, where masked faces appeared and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Nearby were attendants handing out drinks and pamphlets. Maps, perhaps? Beyond that, a small group seemed to walk hand-in-hand upon the air. A chorus of laughter erupted as one startled upon catching a glimpse of the Masque far below the floor of glass and steel.

There: A maze of ramps arced upwards, each one framing the balcony below like the whiplash lines about an art nouveau fashion plate. They say that the Pavilion represents the Neath, that every facet of London is reflected within its panes. You could see it before you. Each landing held a shadow box view of high society: A handsome couple, arms outstretched to receive kisses from admirers and champagne from attendants. Above, gossiping amid mirrors, stood a set of society youths in masks of mauvine, fuchsine, aldehyde green, bright aniline dyes to burn the eyes. At the highest point, just below the arched glass roof, sat the Queen of Air and Darkness. Moth-masked courtiers raised their cups to her, content to bask in her glory. Upwards you climbed, taking the steep, steady path towards the Queen’s shimmering court.

It was not long before you found yourself lost. While it had seemed simple from below, more balconies seemed to appear where none should have been. It was upon one of these that you met a travelling companion. He was a Well-Attired Tomb-Colonist, his bandaged face glancing between a pamphlet and the dizzying view below.

When he caught you staring, he smiled, nothing but a slight shifting of the wrappings which hid him from view. “I’m hunting butterflies,” he said by way of explanation. With unsteady hands, he passed you the paper.

To your great delight, it was a guidebook on the butterflies and moths of the Pavilion.

“I was given binoculars,” he said, gesturing to the set tucked in his dinner jacket, “but my eyes aren’t quite what they used to be. With or without, I can’t seem to see a thing unless it’s right in front of me. I suppose you might make better use of these things.”

You took the binoculars and offered him the pamphlet. “I believe we might be able to help one another. If you consult the guidebook while I keep an eye on the moths, we might be able to identify these species more accurately than we would alone. Don’t you agree?”

The Well-Attired Tomb-Colonist reached out and accepted the guidebook with a bow. “I would be delighted.”

Together you sighted a vast array of winged insects, as well as spotting some which were suspiciously absent from the guidebook your host had provided. They were of a scarlet deeper than anything you had ever seen.

“I suppose it was the mystery which drew me here tonight,” you remarked. “The illusions played upon the eye and the secrets they hide… Every photographer knows how to alter an image after it’s taken. Only a magician can create such illusions in the moment. And you?”

The Tomb-Colonist gave a noncommittal gesture. “The Saint Elmo doesn’t call to me,” the dead man said. “I shall not die my last death in some dockside brawl. No, I shall be amid the moths.”

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

He gave no reply, only followed your gaze to where a pale moth alighted upon his arm and sighed. Behind his mask, he closed his eyes with the weariness of a life long-lived. “The Queen awaits. Will you come with me?”

You had gone with him to the highest point of the glasshouse. You had seen the Queen of Air and Darkness, her mask white-winged and covered in eyes greener than green. And what had you seen next? Secrets to make the mind reel, absinthe to make vision blur, and dancing to send your heart soaring. And… modern art?

When you returned to your lodgings that night, you found that the skirts of your gown had been stained red where your hands had brushed them. You fretted none, as there is no stain a chemist cannot remove if given the time. The rest of the night had been spent amid the tools of your work, your fine silk skirt rustling softly in your hands. It had taken pepsin of all things to remove the stain. Lukewarm soap did nothing, neither did ammonia or benzine. It was not wine, nor ink, nor paint. It had been blood.

A fleck of it remains on the yellowing guidebook to the moths of a glasshouse long-gone. Perhaps there was something you had taken for granted about Hallowmas: It is one of the few times of the year during which you were not the only one who wears a mask. For every thing discovered, there is another hidden. For every illusion, there is a trick and a truth. Perhaps someday you shall find it. Or perhaps, before those wings of gant, what you seek shall always fade away right before you can truly see it. Either way, there will always be dancing, debauchery, and you, right in the middle of it all. With that pleasant thought, you close the box, setting it aside until Hallowmas calls once more.

[becrystalamazed]

Incoherent Cybele Thoughts

Thinking about Mission: 2110 again. Mainly about the multi-identitied entity that is Laura Gant/Cybele/Neuros. Cybele in particular, because I can never figure her out.

Is she a good mum? A bad one? Is she a wise mentor or the secret villian of the piece? Is she complex or is she inconsistantly written?

It's hard to tell. All the promotional material, press releases etc, make it seem like she should be sympathetic, a victim and a definite Good Guy. Yet her actions in the show just make her seem manipulative nearly to the point of villainy.

She withholds crutial information from Caleb, claiming she doesn't have all the answers, when she clearly does, as she has them later on. She lies to Caleb, such as when she told him his mother was killed by the Roboidz, which is only really partially true. Yes, the body died when the Roboidz took her brain, but her brain survived. I also think the virus did most of the leg work, and even then she, Cybele, still exists. So can you say Laura Gant is dead? What's more, when he finds out information by himself, she sounds borderline angry, my main case being 'How do you know about Neuros' (especially when she earlier claimed not to know what Neuros was) .

And when she does tell the truth and reveal she's his mother, it's only to distract him when he starts to question the extend to what she'd sacrifice to save humanity (Yes, as many recruits as it takes, but also him? The last (known) human? I'm chalking that down to a plot hole) .

But, she is helpful. Her advice is sound, even when her decisions are not (e.g. not telling Caleb about Neuros, not telling Caleb about Arkon until he's a threat, and specifically not telling him Neuros is his mother, leaving him to find out from Neuros herself at the critical point in the fight, shortly before he has to kill her. Because that was always going to go well(!)). And while her methods of keeping him focused aren't always the most ethical (see telling-him-his-mother-was-killed-by-the-roboidz above) they are effective and they are needed. The wording Angel's transmissions indicate they were obviously broadcasted at the beginning of the Roboidz rebellion, and therefore was definitely a trap from Nueros, and Cybele was right to disuade to him from chasing them. And I do think that she must genuinely love Caleb.

All together, it's hard to balance. A character that is both helpful and illogically withholds helpful information. A character that loves her son, yet is harsh on him, manipulates him and uses his amnesia to save herself from the emotional consequences of her actions. A character who wants the desruction of the roboidz, and takes steps that both aid the cause, as well as hindering it. Maybe she's just human with all the contradictions that come with it.

You know what would make this easier? If I could remember anything important from the Cycon Archives. Curse child me for being a child and having a child’s memory, and also being bad at video games and therefore unable to progress past the first few levels and gain access to any important lore!

I think, if I had to make a judgement, I would say her crimes outweigh her virtues. But I don't have to, and I'm trying to avoid my patterns of black-and-white thinking, so let's leave it here.

There were rumours that a series 3 was planned at some point. Part of me doubts it, due to the fact that recruits would no longer be from 100 years in the past. Unless they planned to rename it Mission: 2111. And nobody ever confirmed those rumours. But another part of me feels like there had to have been a third series planned, both because the ending was left open to the potential of another series, and because I didn't like the ending we got. It wasn't narratively satisfying as Caleb is still the last human, as far as we know, meaning humanity waasn't really saved. And it wasn't emotionally satisfying, as Caleb never gets the oppertunity to process and come to terms with killing his mother, his mother trying to kill him and the fact the other half of his mother lied to him about everything.

I think if I could have told the story of Mission: 2110, I would have told it in three parts. And I would have made Cybele a villain. A twist villain. Series one would have been the recruits verses Arkon, with the ending revealing to the Caleb the existance of Neuros (although the mysteries of N lab could still be mentioned, and the end credits would still have her, as a form of clumsy foreshadowing). Then series two would be against Neuros as normal, with the ending being the same as the one we had, but with on extra scene: Caleb confronting Cybele about her lies. And this would go one of two ways: Firstly, she reveals that she only wanted Neuros out the way so she could take control of the Roboidz all along. This would require some character tweaking, and is kinda cliché.

Alternatively, Caleb would say that he’s had enough, and he’s going to leave Futuregate, and her, to search for the rest of humanity. Maybe he’ll return maybe he won’t. The idea of Caleb leaving her causes Cybele to snap, and she seizes control of the Roboidz, this time to force Caleb to stay with her on Futuregate to fight them. This feels a lot more in character. After all, she’s gone to desperate measures to keep her child with her before, and certainly in unhealthy ways. I really want to play into her manipulative side. Maybe she reveals this in the series 2 finale, maybe the audience knows but Caleb doesn’t find out until halfway through series 3. That could be fun.

But regardless, the series ends with Cybele being shut down, at which point Caleb is bombarded with broadcasts from members of the resistance. It’s revealed that they have been trying to contact him the whole time but Cybele was blocking them, at first to keep him focused, but over the course of series two, it changed to stop him leaving and keep him dependent on her. Anyway, my point is actually there is humanity out there, all over the world. They’ve been listening and cheering him on the whole time. And he’s saved them! Happy(er), and complete ending.

I don’t know, I still don’t really know what to think, I just really struggle to see Cybele as a Good Guy, I guess. If you have any ideas share them, and do you like my version of the story?

[dansnaturepictures]

Round up of my wild week 15th-19th May 2023

Unusually since I started doing these posts this post doesn’t include any weekend days, following the set up of last weekend for me meaning I did the post on Sunday evening for the first time and the possible set up of this weekend for me meaning I likely won’t have a chance to do it tomorrow or Sunday I thought I would do one tonight. And this week was quite a notable working week of wildlife watching moments squeezed in to look back on. 

The pinnacle of the week of course was that exhilarating moment on a look at Winnall Moors on an office day yesterday lunch time where I heard and saw a Garden Warbler, an enchanting and thrilling species to see at any time. And my first of the species seen since 2018 taking my year list to the magical 200. I heard Sedge Warbler nicely there too which on its own as one of my favourite birds is quite a big lunch time moment. On Lakeside walks this week the big thing was seeing one Great Crested Grebe pair firmly and consistently on the nest, bringing great hope of adorable humbug chicks. My fingers are crossed. Wonderful views of Whitethroat and hearing them well, swirling Swifts and Swallows, Mallards and both species of geese with great views of their growing and gorgeous young and Moorhen were other great birds seen at Lakeside this week. Wren, Jackdaw and Jay were birds I had a good week for, with Grey Heron seen on the way to Winchester yesterday. It was notable to see birds before reaching Lakeside on lunch time walks early in the week, a great Lesser Black-backed Gull view and beautiful views of two roving Red Kites on Tuesday seeing them at Lakeside too.

A Moorhen at Lakeside on Monday

Mallard duckling at Lakeside on Tuesday evening

Onto butterflies and moths where I had a very exciting week on Lakeside walks. Twice seeing warm looking Small Heath flutter across the grass early in the week and a Common Blue today were two valuable year ticks. Holly Blue was perhaps the star of the week with very exciting and invigorating views of them along the northern path. Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Peacock were other highlights across the week. I saw a few nice little moths at Lakeside this week, and today I saw my headline moth of the week one I love seeing a Silver Y seen on my earliest date in a year which was lovely, my fourth identified moth species of the year. 

Holly Blue at Lakeside on Monday 

The Silver Y 

It was a really good week for other insects for me, with my delve into damselflies really continuing with a great view of Azure Damselfly on Monday, a wonderful species and Blue-tailed Damselfly seen today and some others across the week seen flying. I also was very fascinated to find beetles with a lot of time spent looking for things in the pleasingly ever growing grass of Lakeside and some Bishop's Mitre Shieldbugs that appeared to be mating which was a really fun moment. A gant was interesting to see at home this week with crane flies enjoyed at Lakeside. 

The Bishop’s Mitre Shieldbugs on Tuesday at Lakeside. 

It was a fabulous week of flowers again, with ragged robin at Winnall Moors and dog roses, yellow rattle and water dropwort at Lakeside good new ones for the year this week. White clover, broad-leaved clover, vetch, oxeye daisies, cow parsley, buttercups, hawksbeard, cuckooflower, forget-me-not, wood avens, herb-Robert, yellow iris and medick were other highlights. It was great to enjoy lunch time walks and other time on some lovely days and take in beautiful green and sweet blossom adorned landscapes. 

Wood avens at Lakeside on Tuesday evening

Comfrey at Winnall Moors, another I enjoyed. 

Lovely lunch time at Lakeside on Monday.

Nice sky out the back on Wednesday evening.

[blackswaneuroparedux]

Trailblazer: The blazer in history

There is no article of clothing that can quite match the blazer in both pedigree and street cred. The now-ubiquitous dark blue blazer is inexorably British but has become a permanent icon of American style.

The blazer is both ineffably cool and deeply traditional, equally at ease on a boat or in the board- room, in the classroom or the club. A blazer is almost always the “right” thing to wear for men and women.

Nearly everyone owns a blazer. But few realise that the blazer has its roots in the sport of rowing. The original blazers were warm up jackets worn by oarsmen at the universities of Oxford or Cambridge - the ‘hoodies’ of their time. These sportsmen began wearing the jackets at social events too, where they were rebelliously casual status symbols.

There were several distinct features which set them apart from other jackets: they didn't have darts, vents, shoulder pads, or lining in the back. And they were always finished with hidden-stitch patch pockets and pioneered the flattering three-roll-two button stance and silhouette (a three-button jacket that rolls open to hide, or nearly hide, the top button). The original blazers were deceptively simple, but many of these details can only be achieved with the most skillful tailoring.

Some were made in bright colours or with contrast grosgrain trim. It was one of these early jackets - the "blazing red" coats of Lady Margaret Boat Club, Cambridge - that gave us the name "blazer."

The first mention of it in the Cambridge University Almanac of 1852, where the word blazer is in inverted commas; you see its usage evolve over the next 10 years. By the 1890s, people talk about the cricket blazer, for example.

The blazer crossed the Atlantic in the 1910s. Universities such as Cornell and Princeton began to have blazers on their campuses in the mid-1910s. It is part of the Ivy League look, based on the Oxford and Cambridge blazers.

It has been part of the preppy style vocabulary for the past 100 years – brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hackett and Gant use it. There is a huge market for vintage rowing blazers in the US and Japan – they can fetch thousands of pounds, even when they're riddled with moth holes.

[theywhospeak]

Gaulish 2: Electric Avenue - Part 1: Orthography

So yeah, I’ve been working

I’m a Celt, being half Irish, and I take great pride in my Celtic heritage. I’m also very, very big on linguistics. So I took on the task of making a daughter language of what little we know of a now extinct but once very widely spoken Continental Celtic language, Gaulish.

Please note, this is not a reconstruction, this is just a conlang I decided to make one day which is very largely based off what I’ve found about Gaulish, its vocabulary and its grammar, thus making it a constructed daughter language.

Note: for the sake of clarity, actual, real life Gaulish, the language I used as a basis for this one, will be called Old Gaulish or OG here, and this language will be therefore called Gaulish from now on.

Now then, let’s actually start this off.

ORTHOGRAPHY

Gaulish orthography is largely based off those used by Brythonic languages like Welsh and Cornish, although with its own set of special letters.

This orthography is simple, however it is not regular, with things like <sc> being /χ/ and <sr> being /ɾ/. Old diphthongs have turned into long vowels as well:

Now, here’s the most predictable feature ever for a Celtic conlang:

Initial Mutations

Initial mutations in Gaulish are, as with other Celtic languages, changes to the first letter of words after certain pronouns, articles and prepositions, and in other specific situations as well. It has three: lenition (bugaton), nasalisation (sronton) and fortition (dincaton). Orthographically, they resemble those of Irish Gaelic.

Lenition Bugaton

Lenition causes plosives and affricates to become fricatives, voiceless fricatives to become voiced, and a couple of other peculiar things like /h/ becoming /s/, /m/ becoming /v/ and the silent /s/ in <sr> to become /χ/. It also adds a prothetic /h/ before vowels.

ben (”head”) → bhen

dowt (”person”) → dhowt

gar (”deer”) → ghar

patagonia → phatagonia

tin (”moth”) → thin

cemmon (”change”) → chemmon

fosfor (”phosphorus”) → fhosfor

zagnom (”tin”) → zhagnom

welt (”grass”) → whelt

herr (”billhook,” “sickle”) → sherr

menman (”sense”) → mhenman

alawd (”skylark”) → h-alawd

sron (”nose”) → shron

scandét (”mirror”) → shcandét

chtónewn (”person,” “individual”) → ghtónewn

Lenition tends to happen in these environments:

After the definite article if the noun is feminine:

↳ goss (”leg”), en ghoss (”the leg”)

After these prepositions:

↳ amb (”around”)

↳→ bil (”tree”), amb bhilan (”around a tree”)

↳ and (”inside”)

↳→ bann (”vessel”), and bhann (”inside a vessel”)

↳ ar (”in front of”)

↳→ mon (”mountain”), ar mhonon (”in front of a mountain”)

↳ aw (”away from, out of”)

↳→ min (”mine, ore, mineral”), aw mhiná (”away from the mine,” “(made) out of mineral”)

↳ dí (”from”)

↳→ dír (”dry land”), dí dhíroi (”from a dry land”)

↳ en (”in, inside”)

↳→ Dallon (”Earth”), en Dhallé (”inside the Earth”)

↳ enmesc (”among, amid, within”)

↳→ drung (”group”), enmesc dhrungoi (”within a group”)

↳ ís and wo (”under”)

↳→ oss (”eye”), ís oss, wo oss (both “under an eye”)

↳ owss (”over”)

↳→ gow (”mouth”), owss ghowon (”over a mouth”)

↳ bo (”to, towards”)

↳→ gall (”forest”), bo ghallan (”towards a forest”)

↳ hamal (”like, as, similar to”)

↳→ elant (”doe (a deer),” “a female deer”) hamal h-elantan (”like/as a doe,” “similar to a female deer”)

↳ hep (”without”)

↳→ wisomár (”clover”), hep whisomárow (”without clovers”)

↳ dré (”through”)

↳→ gumb (”valley”), dré ghumban (”through a valley”)

After these pronouns:

↳ jo (”that, who”)

↳→ en dhowt jo bhow marwon  (”the person who died”)

↳ gu (”how, where”)

↳→ gu shent? (”how/where are they?”)

↳ oll (”all, every”)

↳→ oll h-atess (every answer)

↳ Some inflections of personal pronouns and demonstratives (will be explained in another part)

After every prefix, though this does not give vowels a prothetic /h/:

↳ bann (“harmonious,” “melodious”), anbhann (”unharmonious,” “unmelodious”)

Nasalisation Sronton

Nasalisation causes voiced plosives to become nasals, unvoiced plosives, fricatives and affricates to become voiced, /w/ to become /m/ and /χ/ to become /g/. It adds a prothetic /n/ if the word begins with a vowel.

ben (”head”) → mben

dowt (”person”) → ndowt

gar (”deer”) → ngar

patagonia → bpatagonia

tin (”moth”) → dtin

cemmon (”change”) → gcemmon

fosfor (”phosphorus”) → wfosfor

zagnom (”tin”) → dzagnom

welt (”grass”) → mwelt

alawd (”skylark”) → n-alawd

scandét (”mirror”) → gscandét

chtónewn (”person,” “individual”) → gchtónewn

Nasalisation tends to happen in these environments:

After these prepositions: 

↳ dand (”under,” “beneath”)

↳→ át (”furnace”), dand n-átan (”under a furnace”)

↳ en (”into”)

↳→ bolg (”bag, stomach”), en mbolg (”into a bag”)

↳ er (”about,” “concerning” + genitive, “near” + accusative)

↳→ gans (”swan,” “goose”), er ngansá (”about a goose”), er ngansan (”near a goose”)

↳ gant (”according to,” “using,” “for”)

↳→ wid (”wood”), gant mwidon (”using wood”)

After the adverb go, meaning “pretty” or “fairly,” but also used before words, usually adjectives, to make adverbs out of them, something Gaulish shares with the Goidelic languages (go in IG, gu in SG):

↳ angon (”to protect”), go n-angtow (”protectively”)

↳ druc (”bad”), go ndruc (”badly”)

Fortition Dincaton

Fortition is, in short, the opposite of lenition. It devoices voiced plosives, turns /w/ into /b/, /h/ into /χ/, /ɾ/ into /d/, /j/ into /dz/, the silent /s/ in <sr> into /ts/ and /χ/ into /k/. It follows the trend the other mutations have of adding a prothetic consonant before vowels, this time being /t/.

ben (”head”) → pben

dowt (”person”) → tdowt

gar (”deer”) → cgar

welt (”grass”) → bwelt

herr (”billhook,” “sickle”) → cherr

rusc (”beehive”) → drusc

jecht (”language”) → zjecht

alawd (”skylark”) → t-alawd

scandét (”mirror”) → cscandét

chtónewn (”person,” “individual”) → cchtonewn

Fortition tends to happen in these environments:

After these prepositions:

↳ ad (”to,” “towards”)

↳→ anton (”border,” “edge,” “limit”), ad t-anton (”towards an edge”)

↳ echt (”without,” “outside”)

↳→ becc (”beak,” “snout”), echt pbeccon (”without a beak,” “outside of a snout”)

↳ ess (”out of,” “from”)

↳→ werg (”anger”), ess bwergai (”out of anger,” (by extension) “angrily”), jeg (”ice”), ess zjegai (”out of ice”)

↳ gon (”with”)

↳→ grow (”blood”), gon cgrowó (”with blood”)

↳ wéd (”in the presence of”)

↳→ rích (”king”), wéd dríché (”in the presence of a king”)

After the pronoun báp (”every,” “each”)

↳ dawn (”poem,” “chant,” “melody”), báp tdawn (”every poem”)

With that, I don’t have much more to say. Next time I might do pronouns, nouns or sound changes from Old Gaulish. Depends. Oh, well.

Slán! See you! Jacc hú!

[lady-maureen]

Writober, jour 9: Moth

Cela faisait pratiquement quatre heures que le groupe d’étudiants roulait à vive allure afin d’atteindre ce que les gens du coin appelaient « La Montagne Maudite ». La voiture traversa de multiples routes sinueuses et accidentées avant de finalement arriver à destination. Haruka replia la carte routière aussi détaillée que complexe et la rangea dans la boîte à gants.

 « J’ai bien cru qu’on y arriverait jamais, avec toutes ces routes et ces croisements que le GPS ne connaissait pas… dit-elle en poussant un soupir de soulagement.

-Tu vois que tu as bien fait de faire confiance à mon sens parfait sens de l’orientation, rétorqua Jun en coupant le moteur, visiblement fier de sa prouesse. »

 Le couple se retourna afin de prévenir les deux autres qui continuaient tranquillement de somnoler de leur arrivée. Ils se réveillèrent en sursaut et observèrent pendant un instant le paysage montagneux qui se dessinait timidement sous un voile de nuages. Le ciel s’était paré de lumières aux teintes rosées, témoignant du lent déclin du soleil à l’horizon. Les jeunes adultes sortirent du véhicules et prirent le temps de se dégourdir les jambes après ce voyage qui avait semblé durer une éternité. Haruka prit une grande bouffée d’air frais, non mécontente de ne pas respirer l’atmosphère polluée et lourde de la ville.  

 « Vous êtes sûrs que c’est une bonne idée d’être venus ici ? Enfin y a quand même pas mal d’histoires qui circulent sur la région, et j’avoue que je suis pas super rassuré, avoua Fukua, le plus crédule et impressionnable de la bande.

-On en a déjà discuté des millions de fois : on est étudiants en civilisation japonaise et en folklore, ça fait partie de notre job d’aller dans ce genre d’endroits tu sais. Et puis on a fait plein d’autres excursions similaires et il s’est jamais rien passé de bizarre, je ne vois pas de quoi tu as peur, affirma Setsuna en allumant une cigarette.

-Je sais bien mais…je le sens pas ce plan, c’est tout… »

 Sans rien dire de plus, le groupe se mit en route vers le sommet de la montagne, qu’ils souhaitaient atteindre avant la tombée de la nuit afin de prendre de plus belles photos. Au fur et à mesure de leur ascension, la végétation et la présence d’animaux se firent de plus en plus rare, comme si l’environnement ne permettait plus à la vie d’exister et de prospérer. Cette curiosité ne rassura pas Fukua, contrairement à ses camarades qui continuaient tranquillement leur chemin sans prêter attention à cette nature si particulière.

 Environ trois quarts d’heure plus tard, ils parvinrent finalement au but. Ils restèrent bouche bée devant la vue imprenable sur le reste de la chaîne de montagnes. Jun sortit son appareil photo et prit quelques clichés du paysage, qui revêtait une apparence quasi-fantomatique ; entre le soleil désormais absent et les bancs de brume s’installant à de multiples endroits. La température devait avoisiner les cinq degrés, et c’est bien contents d’avoir pensé à les emmener que les étudiants enfilèrent leur doudoune.  Setsuna fouilla longuement dans son sac et en tira un caméscope fraîchement acquis, le matériel de l’école ne suffisant pas à satisfaire son perfectionnisme quant à la qualité des images. Une fois les réglages effectués, elle demanda à tout le monde si elle pouvait commencer à tourner et après avoir reçu une réponse positive, elle lança l’enregistrement.

 « Vendredi 18 septembre, 20h47. Nous venons tout juste d’arriver au sommet d’un lieu que l’on surnomme « La Montagne Maudite ».  Nous avons longuement étudié l’histoire du lieu avant de venir, et son surnom viendrait d’une légende éponyme assez célèbres dans la région : quiconque se rendrait ici la nuit tombée recevrait la visite d’une nuée de papillons de nuit aux ailes étrangement lumineuses. Irrésistiblement attiré par ce phénomène, le promeneur se mettrait à les suivre, sans comprendre ce qui lui arrivait ni même ce qui le poussait à agir de la sorte. Inconsciemment, il se dirigerait vers le bord de la falaise et exécuterait son dernier saut, avant de se fracasser sur les rochers, trente mètres plus bas. La réputation de cet endroit n’a pas été embellie à cause de…

-Putain il est où Fukua ? s’exclama Jun, totalement paniqué.

-Bah…Il était là y a même pas deux secondes…Il a sans doute vu un truc et s’en est approché. Venez, on va le chercher, répliqua Hiruka. »

 Sans interrompre l’enregistrement, les étudiants se mirent à la recherche de leur ami disparu. Ce n’est qu’au bout de dix minutes passées à parcourir les environs que Setsuna l’aperçut se déplacer avec une démarche étrange : les bras ballants le long du corps et la peau d’une pâleur anormale ; il ressemblait à un revenant. La jeune fille alerta immédiatement le reste du groupe et ils se rassemblèrent tous pour aller chercher Fukua, qui ne réagissait à aucun de leur appel. Son attention semblait entièrement portée vers une nuée de papillons de nuits aux ailes scintillantes. Ils avaient beau courir, ils n’étaient pas assez rapides pour pouvoir le rattraper, et c’est totalement impuissants qu’ils assistèrent à sa chute. Un bruit d’os qui se disloquent per��a le silence nocturne. Les trois amis se tenaient immobiles, à la fois choqués et terrorisés. Setsuna brisa cet horrible paralysie et s’approcha prudemment du rebord de la falaise, toujours équipée de son caméscope. Son cri ainsi que son violent mouvement de recul témoignèrent de la véracité du drame qui venait de se dérouler sous leurs yeux.

[bloodstained-ego-blog]

Book Assessment: Performed Man Create Jesus? Is the Religious Mind at Peace Together With Your Thinking Brain?

Yes, this could be a volatile subject, and also the items are only as incendiary. As David Comings himself describes into the foreword he's indeed met a number of weight in recent times. The conversation of that emerged at first, God or Man, has-been hotly discussed for hundreds of years. That is a topic which just about everyone features a thought about, therefore breaks into two camps, located on the one-hand you may have the evolutionists, and also at 180 levels various you may possibly have the different flavors of Creationism. One side relies about scientific proof, although the different seems with ignore any scientific proof, preferring instead to produce a background which fits in the religious texts. Regardless of leaning, many individuals aim at Charles Darwin once the culprit which includes triggered this rift. But as Comings shows, Darwin isn't accountable, much of their concepts had been way-off level. A whole lot worse, a lot of his clinical observations result in the forensic staff a part of prosecuting OJ Simpson seem likeheroes. Performed guy Create God? is a complex guide, at 700 pages barely a fast study. Performed I like it? Yes. Would I recommend it using the standard reader? Perhaps. It is 700 pages of college education Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and mathematics. Sadly I found a great deal of it beyond my highschool class abilities. That talked about, we equally discovered this guide pretty thought-provoking. One reason why opposing the evolutionary back ground could be the inordinate length of time required for an animal with advance. That combined with amazing complexity of the body and notice makes it impossible for those who have be other things than a divine creation. Not very claims Dr. Comings, there are certain types of 'quick' advancement. Among the instances talked about involved the Peppered moth through the Industrial Revolution. Because the pollution increased the peppered moth changed its conceal going from a white with black places with a dark red color. This modification wouldn't normally take place over tens and thousands of centuries, nevertheless happened in a pretty few ages. It's a excellent exemplory case of normal selection. Another fine example is Peter and Rosemary Gant's research of finches about one of the little regarding the Galapogos Islands. This research survived for more than 3 years together with results had been quite interested. During times during the plenty the predominant beak shape had been thin, producing it adept for small smooth seeds; but when a time period of drought came the shape became broader, generating it greater perfect for smashing tough seeds. While they're just two isolated situations, it will strengthen the case of rapid evolution beneath particular circumstances. The question of did individual create god is probably one that would not have a particular response that each and every people can concur about regardless of scientific evidence. It gives been argued because individual initially discovered the art of language, with no question is argued for a couple of centuries with arrive. One aspect though which Dr. Comings does make solidly though is that perhaps your specific response to issue is, it may perhaps not positively matter using the people. With regards to great and bad we lean towards sensible, and we're overall a fairly religious competition. Spirituality doesn't necessarily need add religion. This will be a novel which can be very nearly ensured with begin a fight in even meekest and mildest family. My partner for instance took one glance at the name and requested "so just how will you be and your book planning to relish sleeping on the couch?" The good news is she calmed down later, and just the guide had with rest found on the couch! You may get the content of Did guy Create God from Amazon. More information for book publishing at Kerry Jacobson site

[snarkyoracle]

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AMERIKARATE #6

Writer(s): Brockton McKinney, Corey Kalman Artist Name(s): Daniel Arruda Massa Cover Artist(s): Devin Roth (Cover A), Daniel Arruda Massa (Cover B), Dave Perillo (Cover C), April O’Neil (Cover D) Cover A  – Regular Cover (unlimited): Devin Roth Cover B – Machine Gun Variant (limited to 1500): Daniel Arruda Massa Cover C – Karate Man Variant (limited to 1500): Dave Perillo Cover D – April O’Neil Cosplay Variant (limited to 1500)

Explosions explosively disrupt Sam’s life as Cynthia fights for her legs in the midst of the mysterious robot crime wave. Now it’s up to Kickwell to clean up the city the only way he knows how: with an absolutely insane arsenal of asskicking weapons! If you’ve got a death wish, he’s ready to grant it!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 

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DOLLFACE #9

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza & Bryan Seaton Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza, Colette Turner, Celor Cover A – Dan Mendoza (unlimited) Cover B – Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza Cover C – Colette Turner Pin-up variant cover (limited to 1500) Cover D – Colette Turner Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000) Cover E – Celor Pin-up variant cover  (limited to 1500) Cover F – Celor Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000)

Still feeling responsible for the death of Emily’s girlfriend, Lila goes off on her own to reflect on who she was and what she has become.

Retailer exclusive coves are available, please contact bseaton@actionlabcomics.com.

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $4.99

DOLLFACE VOLUME 2

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza & Bryan Seaton Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza

The adventures continue as Lila, Emily and Ivan set off to sunny California in search of the next witch on Lila’s list. In this story, Emily meets up with her long distance love, Ivan learns more about his ghostly form and Lila exhibits what she’s capable of when pushed to the limits.

Get ready for California carnage in volume two of DollFace: Tales of the ball-jointed witch hunter!

128 pgs./ M / FC                   $14.99

Hero Cats: Midnight Over Stellar City Volume 2 #3

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer Artist Name(s): Alex Ogle (Inks, letters) Cover Artist(s): Alex Ogle

A time for WAR! Can Midnight and the Hero Cats survive Dr. Ross Rex’s all-out assault on Stone City?

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99 

HERO CATS OF SKYWORLD TPB (COLLECTS HERO CATS #16-18)

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer Artist Name(s): Omaka Schultz Cover Artist(s): Omaka and Schultz (Inks), Julie Barclay (Colors), George Gant (Letters)

Bandit of Earth meets the Hero Cats of Skyworld for the first time! A perfect place for new readers to discover the exciting and dangerous realm ruled by Corvus the Crow King.

96 pgs./ E / FC                   $11.99 

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INFINITE SEVEN #7

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch Artist Name(s): Arturo Mesa (Pencils), Geraldo Filho (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Arturo Mesa (Covers A-B), Andrew Herman (Cover C)

In this special issue, we reveal the secret history of the Infinite Seven’s greatest enemy, and discover how he has been manipulating the Infinite Seven and the terrorist group Chimera. This issue sets the stage for an all-out war between the two, and nothing will be the same ever again!

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 

KID SHERLOCK #4

Writer(s): Justin Phillips Artist Name(s): Sean Miller (Pencils), Lesley Atlansky (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Sean Miller

Fear grips the students as an unseen force terrorizes the halls of Baker Elementary. Tensions rise as students continue to fall before the mysterious tripper. Sherlock and Watson must determine if the villain in question is a foe from their past or something else entirely. Time is running out!

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99 

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MEDISIN #4

Writer(s): Jeff Dyer and Mark McKeon Artist Name(s): David Brame (Pencils), Joaquin Pereyra (Colors) Cover Artist(s): David Brame (Cover A) 

First Do No Harm Chapter 4 Ethan Sharp has the ability of fast thinking, but even his powerful mind is struggling to understand the shocking revelation from last issue. And with truth comes consequences as a MEDIC pays the ultimate price for this disclosure. Meanwhile, the MEDICs brace for war as the Lords of Discord begin their assault on Mitokas, headquarters for the Exemplars. Also, Sage’s past finally catches up to him. The final act of our opening story arc begins here!

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99

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MIRACULOUS: PIXELATOR

Writer(s): Zag Entertainment Artist Name(s): Zag Entertainment Cover Artist(s):  Zag Entertainment Arranged and Adapted by: Cheryl Black and Nicole D’Andria

Vincent is a fan of pop singer Jagged Stone and he dreams about getting a picture with his idol where they pose like two friends. But Vincent gets rejected by the star. Akumatized by Hawk Moth, he turns into Pixelator and is determined to do everything he can to capture the image of his idol for good!

64 pgs./ E / FC                   $4.99 

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MIRACULOUS ADVENTURES #3

Created by: Thomas Astruc Written by: Thomas Astruc, Mélanie Duval, Fred Lenoir Bryan Seaton & Sébastien Thibaudeau Artist Name(s): Brian Hess Cover Artist(s): Thomas Astruc, Tony Fleecs Letters by: Justin Birch Edited by: Nicole D’Andria and Bryan Seaton

The Trash Krakken Part 2 Ladybug and Cat Noir are in New York, fighting a terrible menace that threatens to destroy the entire city. Alongside the world’s greatest superheroes, will they be able to stop the Trash Krakken before it’s too late?

32 pgs./ A / FC                   $3.99 

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MISBEGOTTEN: RUNAWAY NUN #1

Writer(s): Caesar Voghan and Eric Granger Artist Name(s): Justin Case, Casey Bailey, and William Bohm Cover Artist(s): Justin Case (Covers A-B), Photo Cover (Cover C)

In a post-apocalyptic world gone medieval, the Church sends their top monk warrior to infiltrate a renegade scientist’s enclave and kidnap the J-Clone, the Lord’s vat-born twin. Saving the holy clone from the cross forces, the monk must confront the truth of his own (very immaculate) birth.

Clones of Marilyn Monroe, Hitler, Gandhi and Jesus… oh my! Misbegotten is cyber-punk religion gone mad!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 

SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS – LIGHTNING ORB #1

Writer(s): Martheus Wade Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils), Gene Fayne (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Martheus Wade and Gene Fayne

Ninja VS Monster Action is Back! After the capture and narrow escape of fourteen year old ninja-in-training, Shainndrea, the Toshigawa Ninja Clan has been forced to move to a new secret base further on the outskirts of Osaka. The evil Red Dragon has taken leadership of the rival Azumi Ninja Clan and is determined to fulfill the contract to capture Shianndrea at any and all costs. Now, with her new commanders in place, the stage is set for the Red Dragon to reveal her most powerful Oni yet, Yawata, the embodiment of war with the powers of lightning. However, Yawata has his own agenda and capture is the furthest from his mind.

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99 

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ACTIONVERSE #1 FEATURING STRAY

Writer(s): Vito Delsante Artist Name(s): Sean Izaakse, Lee Gaston, Chris O’Halloran, Wilson Ramos Jr. Cover Artist(s): Sean Izaakse (Cover A) [COVER A NOT FINAL] Orderable Variant Cover by: David Golding (Cover B), Sean Izaakse and Chris O’Halloran (Cover C) [COVERS B AND C NOT FINAL]

From the ashes of the Actionverse, STRAY is back! New York City is on the brink of a civil war, and only Stray can stop it! What threat from his past has come back to haunt him, and what does the formation of TeenAegis have to do with it? Join as as we look back at “The Rottweiler Years” and introduce artist, Lee Gaston, to the Actionverse! 80’s Homage cover by Sean Izaakse and retailer incentive cover by David Golding (Infested Earth)!

32 pgs./ T / FC                   $3.99 

TOYETICA #2

Writer(s): Marty LeGrow Artist Name(s): Marty LeGrow Cover Artist(s): Marty LeGrow

It’s Accessory Day at Dollington Academy, and all the students are excited! But Trixie’s too busy trying to win over new student Minky to even pay attention. Meanwhile, Bunnard gets the sword he always wanted…and a lot more than he bargained for.

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99 

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VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #7

Writer(s): Jason Martin Artist Name(s): Marco Maccagni Cover Artist(s): Winston Young (Covers A-B), Magenta King (Covers C-D), Arturo Louga (Covers E-F) Cover A – Winston Young Main Cover (unlimited) Cover B – Winston Young Risqué variant (limited to 2000) Cover C – Magenta King Artist variant (limited to 1500) Cover D – Magenta King Artist risqué (limited to 2000) Cover E – Arturo Louga 90s variant (limited to 1500) Cover F – Arturo 90s risqué (limited to 2000)

The Danger Doll Squad hijinks continue as Katie, Janey, and Lila carry on with their adventure leading up to next month’s Danger Doll Squad mini-series debut!!

This Danger Doll Squad tie-in features 3 covers (regular, artist, and 90s style), each with a risqué variant as well!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $4.99 

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ZOMBIE TRAMP #39

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza Artist Name(s): Celor Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (Covers A-B), Daniel Campos (Covers C-D), Hector Sevilla (Covers E-F) Cover A – Dan Mendoza Main Cover (unlimited) Cover B – Dan Mendoza Risqué (limited to 2500) Cover C – Daniel Campos “cocktail” variant (limited to 2000) Cover D – Daniel Campos risqué “cocktail” variant (limited to 2500) Cover E – Hector Sevilla Artist variant (limited to 2000) Cover F – Hector Sevilla Artist risqué variant (limited to 2500)

The battle continues as Janey goes head-to-head with her closest ally in a crazy all-out beach brawl!

Features 3 regular and risqué variants, including two covers from series creator Dan Mendoza (DollFace)!!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $4.99 

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ZOMBIE TRAMP: ORIGINS #3 (VOLUME 1 COLLECTOR EDITION)

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (Covers A-B), Celor (Covers C-D), Dan Mendoza (Covers E-F) Cover A – Dan Mendoza Main Cover (unlimited) Cover B – Dan Mendoza Risqué (limited to 2500) Cover C – Celor SEXY variant (limited to 2000) Cover D – Celor risqué SEXY variant (limited to 2500) Cover E – Dan Mendoza REPLICA variant (limited to 2000) Cover F – Dan Mendoza risqué REPLICA variant (limited to 2500) The final issue of the Zombie Tramp remastered reprint! This highly collectible mini-series has never been released in single issues to the direct market. Zombie Tramp must face off with the crooked Sheriff Rudolf and his elite riot squad if she’s to continue her new undead existence!

Features a new cover by series creator Dan Mendoza, plus an all new SEXY variant, and classic “replica” variant (all with risqué variants)!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $4.99 

September 2017 Solicitations: Action Lab Entertainment AMERIKARATE #6 Writer(s): Brockton McKinney, Corey Kalman Artist Name(s): Daniel Arruda Massa Cover Artist(s): Devin Roth (Cover A), Daniel Arruda Massa (Cover B), Dave Perillo (Cover C), April O'Neil (Cover D)

[gussolomonsjrtest]

A.I.M.

2013 MacArthur Grant winner Kyle Abraham can afford to take risks, as his current season at the Joyce Theater proves. Of the six dances on the program two, are made by other dance makers than Abraham. The opener, “Big Rings,” is by his company member, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, and the other is by Trisha Brown, a “genius award” grantee of an earlier era. The season, which runs October 15-20, is selling like hotcakes, also because of another feature, two performances of a solo Abraham created for American Ballet Theater star Misty Copeland.

Jinakunwiphat’s dance for a team of three women and three men, wearing custom sweat suits by Karen Young, each emblazoned with their real surnames on the back, uses a collage of music that ranges from from Yoyo Ma, playing Camille Saint Saens’s “The Dying Swan,” to rappers Alan Parsons Project, Quad City DJs, and Chance the Rapper, into a score arranged by Zach Berns. The choreographer’s sensibility is hip-hop, and the versatile dancers (Tamisha Guy, Claude “CJ” Johnson, Javon Jones, Catherine Ellis Kirk, Marcella Lewis, and Jae Neal) are adept in street style, which Abraham often references in his own dances.

A.I.M. artists in Keerati Jinakunwiphat’s BIG RINGS. (l-r): Jae Nea, Catherine Ellis Kirk, Tamisha Guy (lifted), Claude “CJ” Johnson, Javon Jones, and Marcella Lewis. photo by Christopher Duggan

Dan Scully’s lighting, here and throughout the program, deftly enhances the choreography with quick, dramatic shifts from silhouette to hard side light to pools that pinpoint dancers, timed musically. The lighting, in fact, adds a dynamic finish to “Rings” by flashing brightly on a lineup of the cast before blacking out; the ending delightfully catches us by surprise.

A.I.M. dancer Marcella Lewis in Kyle Abraham’s SHOW PONY. photo by Sharen Bradford

“Show Pony” is a solo from 2018 performed. On opening night by Marcella Lewis (alternating with Guy in subsequent performances) in a shiny gold body suit by Fritz Masten adds pizzazz. The brief solo to the percussive score “Hatshepsut” by Jiin is a vivid example of Abraham’s unique style of liquid, angularity, unexpected energy shifts, and cannily unpredictable spatial shifts. The dance is over quick as a liquor shot, leaving you agape at its dynamic momentum.

A.I.M.‘s Marcella Lewis in Kyle Abraham’s SHOW PONY. photo by Sharen Bradford

Next, in the recent development of prestigious modern companies’ presenting revivals of classic modern masterworks by others – Stephen Petronio’s Bloodlines Project with works by Merce Cunningham and by his mentor Trisha Brown, for example, and Paul Taylor’s American Modern American Dance initiative and rebranding to commission other choreographers – here, A.I.M. dances Brown’s 1976 piece “Solo Olos.” The opening night cast (Johnson, Jones, Kirk, Donovan Reed, and Jada Jenai Williams) in white pajamas captures Brown’s signature laid-back, momentum-based motion, letting body parts go wherever physical impulses send them. They do a repeating phrase with dancers, by turns, changing their location ns within the formations. It’s been restaged by Brown company members Cecily Campbell and Stuart Shugg, whose meticulous coaching the dancers have organically absorbed.

A.I.M. (l-r): CJ Johnson and Catherine Ellis Kirk. in Trisha Brown’s SOLO OLOS. photo by Stephen Schreiber

Early on, Reed hops off the stage, takes a seat in the front row, grabs a mic, and begins giving the dancers instructions that interrupt and reconfigure the ongoing phrase –  “Jada, reverse!”; “Javon, branch!”; Katherine and CJ, spill!”; etc. The commands seamlessly shift the dancers into and out of unisons with partners in this good-natured game, which ends abruptly with a blackout, when Reed states matter-of-factly, “We’ll be going on…”

A.I.M. director Kyle Abraham in his COCOON.  photo by Stephen Schreiber

Abraham finally appears after intermission with the world premiere of “Cocoon” to Björk music, sung a cappella, in a live arrangement by lead vocalist Nicholas Ryan Gant , backed by a chorus of eight. Wearing a multicolored, moth-like jumpsuit by Giles Deacon, Abraham emerges, Butoh-slow, from a kneeling crouch on the floor upstage and moves glacially on the ground, throughout the first section.

A.I.M. director Kyle Abraham in his COCOON.photo by Christopher Duggan

When he rises, his movement remains measured with occasional abrupt bodily twitches and rippling arms. His demeanor is calm and assured without pyrotechnics. As the last line of the song repeats, “You’ll be given love,” he stands motionless, gazing offstage, while lights gradually fade.  

A.I.M. in Kyle Abraham’s STUDIES ON A FAREWELL. (l-r): Tamisha Guy, Jada Jenai Williams, Claude “CJ” Johnson. photo by Stephen Schreiber

“Studies on a Farewell,” also a premiere and commissioned by the Joyce Theater Foundation, uses the music “Four Studies” by Nico Muhly, a piece for two live violinists (Katherine Liccardo and Chelsea Starbuck Smith) over an electronic track. In the dance for nine, dressed in silky, fitted pajamas in tan and brown tones that match the dancers’ complexions (again by Masten), couples continuously form and dissolve in thoughtfully designed spatial patterns that remain, restless, continuously transforming and tinged with sadness – or perhaps acceptance. The dance represents the work of a maturing artist, who’s confident enough to move beyond virtuosity and who dares to engage our thought and feeling.

A.I.M. in Kyle Abraham’s STUDIES ON A FAREWELL. (l-r): Catherine Ellis Kirk,  Donovan Reed, Claude “CJ” Johnson, and Keerati Jinakunwiphat. photo by Stephen Schreiber

A.I.M. Misty Copeland in ASH by Kyle Abraham with her collaboration. photo by Christopher Duggan

The program closes with another unconventional choice – “Ash,” a solo Abraham created this year for and in collaboration with Misty Copeland. Highlighted by Scully’s cool, kinetic lighting, on a mysterious, shadowy stage, Copeland begins upstage, moving like a delicate, nocturnal creature – a moth, a bird, a firefly – discovering her own materiality, pulling a shoulder, extending her limbs into the dim space around her, tentatively venturing to new locations along diagonal paths in search of something ineffable. She rises to balance on her pointes, fans a leg in a sweeping arc or into a startlingly high extension; she turns with an exquisitely arced rear leg; she darts diagonally here and there with elbows crooked to the sides, clearing her way with toes jutting in front of her.

A.I.M. Misty Copeland in ASH, by Kyle Abraham with her collaboration. photo by Christopher Duggan

Copeland’s artistry makes every detail crystal clear, and Abraham’s movement adds his own personal attitude to her flawless classicism. In a slow, backwards walk towards the audience, Copeland’s outstretched arms and hands subtly waving, “Come on!” with the implied challenge of a Black sister, affirms that, “Yeah, this, too, is a part of who I can be!” before retreating backwards into darkness doing little ballet coupés. The effusive hug between choreographer and dancer at curtain call signals that this collaboration may have other chapters yet to come.

Gus Solomons jr, © 2019

[the-dye-stained-socialite]

i thibk my personal top candidates for a Gant Moth eould either be the female emporer moth, or the pale tussock moth

[cbilluminati]

The Lab sent us over a brief on some of their upcoming books, and we’re sharing with you. Here’s the Action Lab Solicits for April 2017.

  ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER: VOLUME 2-WHERE MY DOGS AT?

Writer(s): Vito Delsante and Scott Fogg Artist Name(s): Reilly Leeds Cover Artist(s): Jay Peteranetz

Action Lab’s adventure continues! After rescuing a falsely imprisoned dog in our last story arc, Percy and the Action Lab League set out to bring down a criminal dog racing ring! And not a hoax! Not an imaginary story! Percy’s secret is revealed and EVERYTHING CHANGES! Written by Scott Fogg and STRAY co-creator Vito Delsante with art by newcomer Reilly Leeds!! Collects issues 4 – 6!

96 pgs./ E / FC                   $9.99

AMERIKARATE #2

Writer(s): Brockton McKinney, Corey Kalman Artist Name(s): Devin Roth Cover Artist(s): Devin Roth, Daniel Arruda Massa, April O’Neil Cover A – Main by Devin Roth (unlimited) Cover B – Karate Commando by Daniel Arruda Massa (limited to 1500) Cover C – Photo Cover: April O’Neil (limited to 1500)

Sam Kickwell has been thrown back into the high-stakes world of professional karating  thanks to the ninja assassin who took his limbless brother’s life. But while he prepares for the fight of the century, he inadvertently comes kick-to-kick with FBI karate expert Cynthia Weaver. Will the two team-up to take down a megalomaniacal maniac…or will their sparks ignite a karate-fire that will consume them both?!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-31 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-31 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-31 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-31 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

BLUE HOUR #5

Writer(s):  Dino Caruso Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi

Blue Hour reaches its climactic conclusion, as open warfare breaks out between three factions among the human colonists and the Maasym.  In a last desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Wardell is forced to make the ultimate choice to prevent genocide or extinction.

32 pgs./ T / FC                   $3.99

  BRIGANDS VOL. 1

Writer(s): Ram V Artist Name(s): Nick Barber, Alex Diotto, Jason Lewis, ROSH, Kel Nuttall Cover Artist(s): Mukesh Singh

A rat-pack of medieval conmen, thieves, cut-throats, hasbeens and never-will-bes are set to carry out the heist of their lives. For some, it is a second chance at a better life. For others, it’s the only chance they’ll ever get. And in the treacherous world of BRIGANDS there are only two sureties to life; the steel in your hand and the promise of a dagger in your back.

Collects BRIGANDS #1-5.

160 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $14.99

DOLLFACE #4

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza & Bryan Seaton Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (regular and Tattered & Torn variants), Bill McKay, Victoria Harris, Xenia Cover A – Standard (unlimited): Dan Mendoza Cover B – Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza Cover C – Risque variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza Cover D – Bill McKay Pin-up variant cover (limited to 1500) Cover E – Bill McKay Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000) Cover F – Marcelo Trom Pin-up variant cover (limited to 1500) Cover G – Marcelo Trom Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000) The tables have turned now on Dollface and the gang, as Zombie Tramp tries to take each one of them out. Are Lila and Ivan ready to deal with such a powerful witch this early in the game?

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-32 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-32 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-32 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-32 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

HERO CATS OF SKYWORLD PT. 1 (HERO CATS #16)

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer Artist Name(s): Omaka Schultz Cover Artist(s): Omaka Schultz Inks: Omaka Schultz Colors: Julie Barclay

A new beginning! Bandit is transported to the Crow King’s realm and it’s a land of magic, dark spirits, and fairies.

Featuring new Hero Cats – Lancelot, Sapphire, Newton, and Madalyn. This is a perfect starting point for new readers.

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99

HERO CATS VOL. 5

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer Artist Name(s): Kyle Puttkammer (Pencils), Tracy Yardley (Pencils), Sey Viani (Pencils), Marcus Williams (Pencils), Sarah Elkins (Inks), Brandon Page (Inks), Sigi Ironmonger (Colors), George Gant (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Jenny Parks

From the streets of Stellar City to the mountains of Mars, the Hero Cats prevail. This volume features a phenomenal tour of talented artists with new visions of familiar faces.

Collects HERO CATS #13-15.

96 pgs./ E / FC                   $11.99

INFINITE SEVEN #3

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch Artist Name(s): Arturo Mesa (Pencils), Geraldo Filho (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Arturo Mesa (Covers A, B, D, E), Josh Greathouse (Cover C) Cover A – Main by Arturo Mesa (unlimited) Cover B – Movie Poster by Arturo Mesa (limited to 1500) Cover C – Artist Variant by Joe Greathouse (limited to 1500) Cover D – Sherlock by Arturo Mesa (limited to 1500) Cover E – Washington by Arturo Mesa (limited to 1500)

Anthony has done the impossible by becoming the newest member of the Infinite Seven, Smash Brannagan. But can he survive his first mission? Training Day gets a new meaning as Anthony and Washington track the Sandsnake to Japan!

NOTE: Covers D and E interlock with 5 covers to be released throughout the first arc to form a MASSIVE Infinite Seven Poster! 

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-33 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-33 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-33 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-33 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

MIRACULOUS #12

Writer(s): Zag Entertainment Artist Name(s): Zag Entertainment Cover Artist(s):  Zag Entertainment Arranged and Adapted by: Cheryl Black and Nicole D’Andria

Fred Haprele was supposed to play the part of a Mime at the premiere of a show, but his stand-in manages to have Fred miss the show. Betrayed, Fred gets akumatized and turns into Le Mime, determined to prevent the performance from happening.

64 pgs./ E / FC                   $4.99

#gallery-0-34 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-34 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-34 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-34 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

MIRACULOUS VOL. 3 CLAWS OUT

Ladybug and Cat Noir must battle against the Pharaoh, a super-villain with the powers of the gods of Ancient Egypt; Copycat, a Cat Noir lookalike who frames him for theft; and Timebreaker, who uses her powers of time travel to go back in time, which means double the Timebreaker and double the Ladybug! Will Ladybug and Cat Noir’s miraculouses finally fall into the hands of the nefarious Hawk Moth? There’s only one way to find out!

SPOTS ON, CLAWS OUT!

Collects MIRACULOUS #7-9.

192 pgs./ E / FC                   $9.99

PETER DAVID’S ARTFUL #5

Writer: Adapted by Nicole D’Andria from the Peter David novel Artist Name: Laura Neubert Cover Artist(s): Laura Neubert Cover A – Main by Laura Neubert (unlimited) Cover B – Concept Sketch by Laura Neubert (limited to 1500)

Drina struggles to fight against her instincts. Meanwhile, Artful and Bram get into even more trouble! Who is friend and who is foe in the latest issue of legendary comic writer Peter David’s Artful?

32 pgs./ A / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-35 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-35 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-35 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-35 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SPENCER AND LOCKE #1

Writer(s): David Pepose Artist Name(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Pencils), Jasen Smith (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Cover A); Maan House (Cover B); Joe Mulvey (Cover C)

When his grade-school sweetheart is found dead, there’s only one friend Detective Locke can trust to help solve her murder — his childhood imaginary panther, Spencer. But when they face a vicious crime syndicate and memories from Locke’s traumatic youth, can this unlikely pair survive long enough to find the truth?

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-36 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-36 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-36 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-36 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

THE CIRCLE #5

Writer: Damon Clark Artist Name(s): Alyzia Zherno Cover Artist(s): Alyzia Zherno (Cover A), Damien Worm (Cover B)

Christian has taken down two and has three to go to break the circle. This is it, his last chance. If he can’t finish the job, his soul will be damned forever.

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

TOMBOY VOL. 3

Writer(s): M. Goodwin Artist Name(s): Michelle Wong Cover Artist(s): M.Goodwin

Addison’s hunt leads her ever closer to a confrontation with the notorious Irene Trent, and the truth behind her mysterious powers.  Fate finally pulls the Brody family back together, but the curse of their bloodline guarantees there are no happily ever afters for monsters. The exciting and epic conclusion to the twelve issue series!

Collects issues #9-12 of the hit series.

128 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $14.99

VAMPBLADE SEASON 2 #2

Writer(s): Jason Martin Artist Name(s): Winston Young Cover Artist(s): Winston Young (cover A-B), Celor (cover C-D), Pow Rodrix (cover E-F) Cover B – Risqué variant (limited to 2000) Cover C – Artist variant (limited to 1500) Cover D – Artist risqué (limited to 2000) Cover E – 90s variant (limited to 1500) Cover F – 90s risqué (limited to 2000) Katie Carva is Vampblade, but now when she transforms, the blades are the ones in control… and the blades are really f$%#@d up! Consequently, so is Katie’s life!!

Features 3 covers (regular, artist, and 90s style), each with a risqué variant as well!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-37 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-37 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 16%; } #gallery-0-37 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-37 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

VORACIOUS: FEEDING TIME #5

Writer(s): Markisan Naso Artist Name(s): Jason Muhr Cover Artist(s): Jason Muhr (Cover A), Markisan Naso (Cover B)

“If you haven’t read Voracious yet, you better get right on it. Incredible story with just as incredible illustration.” (Sci-Clops.com)

Gus Horncrasher is determined to find Owen at any cost, but first he has to go through Captain Jim. Back in Blackfossil, the Sheriff begins to unravel Nate’s secrets, Starlee prepares to leave town and Maribel’s first encounter with Tony is revealed, as the second volume of VORACIOUS concludes.

Featuring a “Dead Leaves” variant cover by VORACIOUS writer Markisan Naso! Limited to just 500 copies!

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-38 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-38 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-38 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-38 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

ZOMBIE TRAMP #34

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza Artist Name(s): Marco Maccagni Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (cover A – regular, B), Marco Maccagni (cover C-D), Marcelo Trom (cover E-F) Cover A – Standard (unlimited): Dan Mendoza Cover B – Risqué (limited to 2500): Dan Mendoza Cover C – variant (limited to 2000): Marco Maccagni Cover D – risqué variant (limited to 2500): Marco Maccagni Cover E – artist variant (limited to 2000): Marcelo Trom Cover F – artist risqué variant (limited to 2500): Marcelo Trom

Xula continues her tests and obstacles to prove her worthiness to Kaiju Queen. But will she accept her final challenge?

Features 3 regular and risqué variants, including a pair of covers by series creator Dan Mendoza (DollFace)!!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-39 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-39 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 16%; } #gallery-0-39 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-39 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

ZOMBIE TRAMP: EASTER SPECIAL

Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin, Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin Artist Name(s): Celor Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (cover A – regular, and B), Celor (cover C and D), Marcelo Trom (cover E and F) Cover B – Risqué (limited to 2500): Dan Mendoza Cover C – Fuzzy Bunny variant (limited to 2000): Celor Cover D – Fuzzy Bunny risqué variant (limited to 2500): Celor Cover E – Sexy Bunny variant (limited to 2000): Marcelo Trom Cover F – Sexy Bunny risqué variant (limited to 2500): Marcelo Trom

When Zombie Tramp comes across flyers for an annual Easter event called “Bunnyland”, she figures it’s a good spot to have some twisted fun. But instead of hiding eggs and doling out chocolate, its more like Pagan sacrifice and giant wicker rabbits!

This all new special issue comes with 3 regular and risqué variant covers!!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-40 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-40 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 16%; } #gallery-0-40 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-40 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

via Action Lab

Action Lab Solicits for April 2017

The Lab sent us over a brief on some of their upcoming books, and we’re sharing with you.

Action Lab Solicits for April 2017 The Lab sent us over a brief on some of their upcoming books, and we're sharing with you.

[outright-geekery]

The Lab sent us over a brief on some of their upcoming books, and we’re sharing with you. Here’s the Action Lab Solicits for April 2017.

  ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER: VOLUME 2-WHERE MY DOGS AT?

Writer(s): Vito Delsante and Scott Fogg Artist Name(s): Reilly Leeds Cover Artist(s): Jay Peteranetz

Action Lab’s adventure continues! After rescuing a falsely imprisoned dog in our last story arc, Percy and the Action Lab League set out to bring down a criminal dog racing ring! And not a hoax! Not an imaginary story! Percy’s secret is revealed and EVERYTHING CHANGES! Written by Scott Fogg and STRAY co-creator Vito Delsante with art by newcomer Reilly Leeds!! Collects issues 4 – 6!

96 pgs./ E / FC                   $9.99

AMERIKARATE #2

Writer(s): Brockton McKinney, Corey Kalman Artist Name(s): Devin Roth Cover Artist(s): Devin Roth, Daniel Arruda Massa, April O’Neil Cover A – Main by Devin Roth (unlimited) Cover B – Karate Commando by Daniel Arruda Massa (limited to 1500) Cover C – Photo Cover: April O’Neil (limited to 1500)

Sam Kickwell has been thrown back into the high-stakes world of professional karating  thanks to the ninja assassin who took his limbless brother’s life. But while he prepares for the fight of the century, he inadvertently comes kick-to-kick with FBI karate expert Cynthia Weaver. Will the two team-up to take down a megalomaniacal maniac…or will their sparks ignite a karate-fire that will consume them both?!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-31 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-31 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-31 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-31 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

BLUE HOUR #5

Writer(s):  Dino Caruso Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi

Blue Hour reaches its climactic conclusion, as open warfare breaks out between three factions among the human colonists and the Maasym.  In a last desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Wardell is forced to make the ultimate choice to prevent genocide or extinction.

32 pgs./ T / FC                   $3.99

  BRIGANDS VOL. 1

Writer(s): Ram V Artist Name(s): Nick Barber, Alex Diotto, Jason Lewis, ROSH, Kel Nuttall Cover Artist(s): Mukesh Singh

A rat-pack of medieval conmen, thieves, cut-throats, hasbeens and never-will-bes are set to carry out the heist of their lives. For some, it is a second chance at a better life. For others, it’s the only chance they’ll ever get. And in the treacherous world of BRIGANDS there are only two sureties to life; the steel in your hand and the promise of a dagger in your back.

Collects BRIGANDS #1-5.

160 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $14.99

DOLLFACE #4

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza & Bryan Seaton Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (regular and Tattered & Torn variants), Bill McKay, Victoria Harris, Xenia Cover A – Standard (unlimited): Dan Mendoza Cover B – Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza Cover C – Risque variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza Cover D – Bill McKay Pin-up variant cover (limited to 1500) Cover E – Bill McKay Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000) Cover F – Marcelo Trom Pin-up variant cover (limited to 1500) Cover G – Marcelo Trom Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000) The tables have turned now on Dollface and the gang, as Zombie Tramp tries to take each one of them out. Are Lila and Ivan ready to deal with such a powerful witch this early in the game?

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-32 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-32 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-32 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-32 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

HERO CATS OF SKYWORLD PT. 1 (HERO CATS #16)

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer Artist Name(s): Omaka Schultz Cover Artist(s): Omaka Schultz Inks: Omaka Schultz Colors: Julie Barclay

A new beginning! Bandit is transported to the Crow King’s realm and it’s a land of magic, dark spirits, and fairies.

Featuring new Hero Cats – Lancelot, Sapphire, Newton, and Madalyn. This is a perfect starting point for new readers.

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99

HERO CATS VOL. 5

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer Artist Name(s): Kyle Puttkammer (Pencils), Tracy Yardley (Pencils), Sey Viani (Pencils), Marcus Williams (Pencils), Sarah Elkins (Inks), Brandon Page (Inks), Sigi Ironmonger (Colors), George Gant (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Jenny Parks

From the streets of Stellar City to the mountains of Mars, the Hero Cats prevail. This volume features a phenomenal tour of talented artists with new visions of familiar faces.

Collects HERO CATS #13-15.

96 pgs./ E / FC                   $11.99

INFINITE SEVEN #3

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch Artist Name(s): Arturo Mesa (Pencils), Geraldo Filho (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Arturo Mesa (Covers A, B, D, E), Josh Greathouse (Cover C) Cover A – Main by Arturo Mesa (unlimited) Cover B – Movie Poster by Arturo Mesa (limited to 1500) Cover C – Artist Variant by Joe Greathouse (limited to 1500) Cover D – Sherlock by Arturo Mesa (limited to 1500) Cover E – Washington by Arturo Mesa (limited to 1500)

Anthony has done the impossible by becoming the newest member of the Infinite Seven, Smash Brannagan. But can he survive his first mission? Training Day gets a new meaning as Anthony and Washington track the Sandsnake to Japan!

NOTE: Covers D and E interlock with 5 covers to be released throughout the first arc to form a MASSIVE Infinite Seven Poster! 

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-33 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-33 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-33 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-33 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

MIRACULOUS #12

Writer(s): Zag Entertainment Artist Name(s): Zag Entertainment Cover Artist(s):  Zag Entertainment Arranged and Adapted by: Cheryl Black and Nicole D’Andria

Fred Haprele was supposed to play the part of a Mime at the premiere of a show, but his stand-in manages to have Fred miss the show. Betrayed, Fred gets akumatized and turns into Le Mime, determined to prevent the performance from happening.

64 pgs./ E / FC                   $4.99

#gallery-0-34 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-34 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-34 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-34 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

MIRACULOUS VOL. 3 CLAWS OUT

Ladybug and Cat Noir must battle against the Pharaoh, a super-villain with the powers of the gods of Ancient Egypt; Copycat, a Cat Noir lookalike who frames him for theft; and Timebreaker, who uses her powers of time travel to go back in time, which means double the Timebreaker and double the Ladybug! Will Ladybug and Cat Noir’s miraculouses finally fall into the hands of the nefarious Hawk Moth? There’s only one way to find out!

SPOTS ON, CLAWS OUT!

Collects MIRACULOUS #7-9.

192 pgs./ E / FC                   $9.99

PETER DAVID’S ARTFUL #5

Writer: Adapted by Nicole D’Andria from the Peter David novel Artist Name: Laura Neubert Cover Artist(s): Laura Neubert Cover A – Main by Laura Neubert (unlimited) Cover B – Concept Sketch by Laura Neubert (limited to 1500)

Drina struggles to fight against her instincts. Meanwhile, Artful and Bram get into even more trouble! Who is friend and who is foe in the latest issue of legendary comic writer Peter David’s Artful?

32 pgs./ A / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-35 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-35 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-35 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-35 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SPENCER AND LOCKE #1

Writer(s): David Pepose Artist Name(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Pencils), Jasen Smith (Colors) Cover Artist(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Cover A); Maan House (Cover B); Joe Mulvey (Cover C)

When his grade-school sweetheart is found dead, there’s only one friend Detective Locke can trust to help solve her murder — his childhood imaginary panther, Spencer. But when they face a vicious crime syndicate and memories from Locke’s traumatic youth, can this unlikely pair survive long enough to find the truth?

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-36 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-36 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-36 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-36 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

THE CIRCLE #5

Writer: Damon Clark Artist Name(s): Alyzia Zherno Cover Artist(s): Alyzia Zherno (Cover A), Damien Worm (Cover B)

Christian has taken down two and has three to go to break the circle. This is it, his last chance. If he can’t finish the job, his soul will be damned forever.

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

TOMBOY VOL. 3

Writer(s): M. Goodwin Artist Name(s): Michelle Wong Cover Artist(s): M.Goodwin

Addison’s hunt leads her ever closer to a confrontation with the notorious Irene Trent, and the truth behind her mysterious powers.  Fate finally pulls the Brody family back together, but the curse of their bloodline guarantees there are no happily ever afters for monsters. The exciting and epic conclusion to the twelve issue series!

Collects issues #9-12 of the hit series.

128 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $14.99

VAMPBLADE SEASON 2 #2

Writer(s): Jason Martin Artist Name(s): Winston Young Cover Artist(s): Winston Young (cover A-B), Celor (cover C-D), Pow Rodrix (cover E-F) Cover B – Risqué variant (limited to 2000) Cover C – Artist variant (limited to 1500) Cover D – Artist risqué (limited to 2000) Cover E – 90s variant (limited to 1500) Cover F – 90s risqué (limited to 2000) Katie Carva is Vampblade, but now when she transforms, the blades are the ones in control… and the blades are really f$%#@d up! Consequently, so is Katie’s life!!

Features 3 covers (regular, artist, and 90s style), each with a risqué variant as well!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-37 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-37 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 16%; } #gallery-0-37 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-37 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

VORACIOUS: FEEDING TIME #5

Writer(s): Markisan Naso Artist Name(s): Jason Muhr Cover Artist(s): Jason Muhr (Cover A), Markisan Naso (Cover B)

“If you haven’t read Voracious yet, you better get right on it. Incredible story with just as incredible illustration.” (Sci-Clops.com)

Gus Horncrasher is determined to find Owen at any cost, but first he has to go through Captain Jim. Back in Blackfossil, the Sheriff begins to unravel Nate’s secrets, Starlee prepares to leave town and Maribel’s first encounter with Tony is revealed, as the second volume of VORACIOUS concludes.

Featuring a “Dead Leaves” variant cover by VORACIOUS writer Markisan Naso! Limited to just 500 copies!

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

#gallery-0-38 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-38 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-38 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-38 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

ZOMBIE TRAMP #34

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza Artist Name(s): Marco Maccagni Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (cover A – regular, B), Marco Maccagni (cover C-D), Marcelo Trom (cover E-F) Cover A – Standard (unlimited): Dan Mendoza Cover B – Risqué (limited to 2500): Dan Mendoza Cover C – variant (limited to 2000): Marco Maccagni Cover D – risqué variant (limited to 2500): Marco Maccagni Cover E – artist variant (limited to 2000): Marcelo Trom Cover F – artist risqué variant (limited to 2500): Marcelo Trom

Xula continues her tests and obstacles to prove her worthiness to Kaiju Queen. But will she accept her final challenge?

Features 3 regular and risqué variants, including a pair of covers by series creator Dan Mendoza (DollFace)!!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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ZOMBIE TRAMP: EASTER SPECIAL

Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin, Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin Artist Name(s): Celor Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (cover A – regular, and B), Celor (cover C and D), Marcelo Trom (cover E and F) Cover B – Risqué (limited to 2500): Dan Mendoza Cover C – Fuzzy Bunny variant (limited to 2000): Celor Cover D – Fuzzy Bunny risqué variant (limited to 2500): Celor Cover E – Sexy Bunny variant (limited to 2000): Marcelo Trom Cover F – Sexy Bunny risqué variant (limited to 2500): Marcelo Trom

When Zombie Tramp comes across flyers for an annual Easter event called “Bunnyland”, she figures it’s a good spot to have some twisted fun. But instead of hiding eggs and doling out chocolate, its more like Pagan sacrifice and giant wicker rabbits!

This all new special issue comes with 3 regular and risqué variant covers!!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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via Action Lab

Action Lab Solicits for April 2017 The Lab sent us over a brief on some of their upcoming books, and we're sharing with you.