ECCC ‘08 - Image Comics Panel Wrap-Up

Article originally published 05/11/2008 at popculturezoo.com

Image Comics gave fans a glimpse into the the coming months with their panel at this year’s Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, Washington. On hand were a few creators working on projects for Image comics, including Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen) and Jay Faerber (Dynamo 5). These creators discussed their history in comics including their influences and experiences with working on various titles for Image.

The panel was largely more of a casual discussion about the comics industry between the creators and fans. Kirkman, Starkings and Faerber spent most of the time chatting nostalgically about the history of the characters and stories that they have each brought to the Image universes. That said, we were able to glean a few bits new info on upcoming projects at Image from the panel, including the following:

Spawn
As has been previously rumored, it was confirmed that two Image founders would be returning to Spawn. No word yet on which two this would be, but it was promised that full details would be unveiled at San Diego Comic Con in July.

Dynamo 5
With the approach of issue 16, fans should expect a lineup change within the team.

Invincible
Invincible will be sporting a new costume soon to commemorate the series reaching 50 issues… though the change won’t be permanent according to Kirkman. on upcoming crossover issue of Noble Causes will feature an appearance by Robert Kirkman’s Invincible. Invincible will also be appearing in Savage Dragon… which prompted a joke by Kirkman that the character would eventually “End up in every Image comic.” In movie news, the film rights option for Invincible (which were previously acquired by Paramount) have expired. There is no additional news on the rights being renewed or picked up by another studio.

Wolf-Man
A ‘Monster Pile-Up’ issue featuring a number of Image Comics monster characters will be released in late July, likely in time for SDCC. The comic will include 4-5 page stories.

War Heroes
This new title from the team Mark Millar and Tony Harris will be what Millar would have wanted from Ultimates 3 had he stayed with the title at Marvel. War Heroes will include a number of alternate covers, including one (#3) that will be fan-designed as part of an Image Comics sponsored contest.

Battle Pope
The animated series which was based on Robert Kirkman’s first comic creation (which was subsequently reprinted by Image) will be distributed on DVD by Spike TV at this year’s San Diego Comic Con. No word yet on if the show will return with new episodes.