JTO | J. Torres Online

San Diego Comic-Con

2008-07-23T12:28:00.007-05:00

I'm off to San Diego in the morning. I'll be signing at the Oni Press and DC Comics booths, so please drop by and say hello if you're going to the show. Here are the days and times:

Thursday @ 6 PM
Oni Press

Friday @ 12 PM
Oni Press

Saturday @ 5 PM
DC Comics

Saturday @ 6 PM
Oni Press

I was also scheduled for a Sunday signing at DC but I don't think I can make it. Hopefully, I'll see you at one of these other times!

Comics Aren't Just for Kids Anymore

2008-07-09T10:30:00.003-05:00

There seems to be a misconception that Family Dynamic is a "cartoony kids comic." Not that there's anything wrong with cartoony kids comics, of course, but if you check out the first four pages from issue #1 below, you'll see that both artistically and thematically, this is not your typical Johnny DC book...

People who've already seen Tim Levins' art here have compared him to the late, great Mike Wieringo. And the story sensibilities of the series are definitely a lot closer to DCU than JDC. If you like what you see, ask your friendly neighborhood retailer to reserve your copy - and please help spread the word about the Family Dynamic!

Almost Paradise

2008-07-07T12:01:00.007-05:00

The Paradise Toronto Comicon is this weekend, Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th, at a new downtown location, the Holiday Inn on King Street.

I'll be sharing a booth with Scott Chantler in Artists Alley on both days, with plans to sell stuff and sign there between noon and about 5 pm, plus I'll also be participating on these panels:

"Writers Guide to Comics"
Saturday @ 11:00-12:00 (Oak Room)

"Creating Comics for Kids"
Sunday @ 11:00-12:00 (Oak Room)

Following the Sunday panel, I'll be signing and giving away free kids comics at the Hero Initiative booth, so I encourage all moms and dads to stop by - and bring change for the donations jar!

For more information about the Paradise Toronto Comicon, please visit their official website.

I hope to see you at the show!

In Stores Next Week

2008-07-02T09:45:00.002-05:00

TEEN TITANS SPOTIGHT: WONDER GIRL
Written by J. Torres; Art and cover by Sanford Greene and Nathan Massengill

DC's mightiest teen goes solo in this volume collecting the action-packed 6-issue miniseries! Currently estranged from Wonder Woman, Wonder Girl's going to need the help of the last man on Earth she ever wanted to see again: Hercules!

DC Universe | 144pg. | Color | Softcover | $17.99 US

Writer's Commentary:
For those of you who have been waiting to read the Wonder Girl: Champion miniseries in collected form, the wait is over! This book not only has Cassie and Diana, but it also features appearances by Robin, Arrowette (yes, Arrowette!), Empress, and Olympian from Global Guardians (no, really!) who not only have to contend with Hercules, but they also go up against the Female Furies (Stompaaaaa!). And before it's all over... somebody dies! You don't want to miss it :)

Coming Attractions (September)

2008-06-25T17:40:00.007-05:00

FAMILY DYNAMIC #2
Written by J. Torres
Art by Tim Levins & Dan Davis
Cover by Sean Galloway

The Family Dynamic meets the dynamic duo known as Blackbird and Little Wing! But are they friends or foes? Or could they even be... family? One thing is for certain, there's no time for such questions with Tragedy Ann, the drama queen of crime, and her loony lackey Tom Foolery threatening to blow up Storm City!

On sale September 17 • 2 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #18
Written by J. Torres
Art by Ethen Beavers
Cover by Alexander Serra

Computer chaos hits New Metropolis, crippling the high-tech city and throwing the Legion into the Dark Ages as communications crash, starships collide and magic takes over! Brainiac 5 has to prove that science is stronger than sorcery...but will he have to give up his place in the Legion to do it?

On sale September 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

Dan Davis @ The Pulse

2008-06-19T19:30:00.006-05:00

Dan Davis, cartoonist extraordinaire, spoke with The Pulse recently about all the cool projects he's working on including a certain (ahem) must-read miniseries debuting from DC in August, which he's inking.

Check out the interview here and get a first look at a couple of interior pages from Family Dynamic #1!

Comics Worth Reading

2008-06-17T09:12:00.012-05:00

Johanna Draper Carlson recently interviewed Tim Levins and me about Family Dynamic. The piece was originally to see print in the August issue of PiQ magazine. Unfortunately, that magazine has recently gone under, so instead Johanna has posted the interview on her Comics Worth Reading blog.

Check it out, and remember, Family Dynamic #1 can be pre-ordered right now from your friendly neighborhood comic store. Look for the issue in stores at the end of August. You don't want to miss it!

Series Finale

2008-05-27T14:04:00.015-05:00

Just got my copies of our final issue today so, as I've been doing pretty much from the start, here are some preview scans to whet your appetite:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fans for their enthusiasm and support for the series throughout its run - and we had a good run, didn't we?

Also, thanks to all the creators who helped make TTG a quality all-ages comic, especially Todd Nauck, Lary Stucker, Dave Bullock, Sean Galloway, Mike Norton, Heroic Age, and Kanila Tripp. Please seek out the other work that these fine artists are doing and continue to support them in their new endeavours! I'd also like to thank Charles Boatner for his terrific work on the letters columns. And last on the list but first in my heart, thanks to Tom Palmer, Jr. for being one of the best editors I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

Enjoy the series finale! And don't forget to keep an eye out for the TTG trades!

Coming Attractions (August)

2008-05-19T19:14:00.007-05:00

FAMILY DYNAMIC #1
Written by J. Torres
Art by Tim Levins & Dan Davis
Cover by Sean Galloway

Pyralis! Sirocco! Troylus! Terran! This is The Family Dynamic, defenders of Storm City who use their mystical Elemental Rings to battle the forces of evil. But what happens when members of their extended family want in on the superhero action? They say the family that plays together stays together – but does that count when they’re playing the good guys? Find out in this exciting new 6-issue miniseries by writer J. Torres (WONDER GIRL) and artist Tim Levins (BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES).

On sale August 27 • 1 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #17
Written by J. Torres; Art by Sanford Greene; Cover by Alexander Serra

A distress call from a stranded United Planets ship pits the Legion against a gang of Thanagarian pirates – and they're not exactly carrying on Hawkman's heroic legacy! The team will have to call in the big guns, but their best hope is 1,000 years away.

On sale August 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

World's Finest

2008-05-12T14:45:00.008-05:00

I recently answered some questions for James Harvey-Richardson of The World's Finest website and the interview was just posted here.

We talk about my work on Teen Titans Go, bringing the series to an end, and what could've been, as well as my current and upcoming comic book plans.

Check it out!

Wonder Girls

2008-04-29T16:25:00.011-05:00

Here are some preview scans from Teen Titans Go #54 featuring the Toon Titans debut of Cassie Sandsmark (a.k.a. Wonder Girl):

As you can see from the wonderful artwork by Ethan Beavers, a number of other characters also make guest appearances in this story.

Look for the issue in stores starting tomorrow!

2008-04-26T09:02:00.009-05:00

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2008

It's only one week away! Free Comic Book Day this year is Saturday, May 3rd. I'll be signing at The Comic Shoppe in Ottawa (the Clyde Avenue store) from 11 am to 4 pm. Along with their Free Comic Book Day offerings, I'll be giving out copies of Ninja Scroll and Teen Titans Go - but only while supplies last!

For more information about The Comic Shoppe, please go here.

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, please go here.

See you at The Comic Shoppe!

2008-04-22T16:06:00.007-05:00

2008 SHUSTER AWARD NOMINEES

The nominees for the fourth annual Joe Shuster Canadian Comic Book Creator Awards were recently announced and can be found here.

I've been nominated in the "Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Writer" category.

They've also just revealed the poster art for this year's awards and I think it's, well, super!
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2008-04-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

START SPREADING THE NEWS...

Convention seasons starts for me this week!

I'll be attending the New York Comic Con taking place (April 18-20) at the Jacob Javits Center.

I have a signing at DC Comics on Friday from 4-5 PM and Saturday from 2-3 PM. I'm not sure who they've paired me up with but chances are it will be one my collaborators. Artists Alex Serra (Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century), Christopher Jones (Batman Strikes), Mike Norton (Jason and the Argobots), Sanford Greene (Wonder Girl) and Todd Nauck (Teen Titans Go) will all be at the show.

You might also find me loitering at the Oni Press booth or hanging out in Artists Alley with Comic Book Idols from this past season.

Hope to see you in the Big Apple!
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2008-04-14T14:47:00.002-05:00

TEEN TITANS... GAP!

I was at the mall last week and as I walked past Gap Kids, I noticed one of the mannequins holding a Teen Titans Go comic! I took a second look and saw that there were Johnny DC comics throughout the window display. Most were TTG, but they also had an issue of Looney Tuness, Batman Strikes, and even Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #1...

I wondered how the window dresser ended up choosing JDC books for the display, so I asked one of the salespeople and he told me it was because The Gap is developing a line of kids clothes using DC characters. I didn't think to ask him if they're using the same comics as props across North America, but I'm curious about that now. So, let me know if you spot anything in your neck of the woods!
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2008-03-31T20:12:00.010-05:00

LOIS & CLARK
Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #13 is out this week, so how about a three-stage look at the nifty cover by Alex Serra...

Writer's Commentary:
This is probably my favorite of my LOSH31 stories to date. But truth be told, it's not much of a "Legion" story - it's more of a "Lois & Clark" story. We also introduce Perry White and Lex Luthor in this issue.

As the title "Back in Metropolis" suggests, the plot focuses on Clark Kent back in the present working at the Daily Planet, trying to prove himself as a writer, and competing for scoops with Lois. However, we do get to see the Legionnaires (including the rarely seen Sun Boy and Element Lad) in flashbacks (flashforwards?) to get a sense of what Clark learned from them while he was in the 31st century.

Alex Serra turns in some of his best artwork for the series to date. And he draws the cutest Lois Lane ever. You have to pick the issue up for that reason alone!
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2008-03-24T10:50:00.010-05:00

TITANS TWO-IN-ONE
Here are some preview scans from Teen Titans Go #53 due in stores next week...

Writer's Commentary:
The first story, illustrated by Joe Quinones, is a take on "Freaky Friday" starring Beast Boy and Mento. The second, illustrated and co-plotted by Todd Nauck, introduces Kid Kold and Ice Kate (see "Brothers and Sisters" blog entry below). Enjoy!
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2008-03-19T22:18:00.002-05:00

INTERVIEW @ MULTIVERSO

I recently did an interview with the Brazilian website Multiverso and talked up Family Dynamic, Wonder Girl, and more.

Check out the Portuguese version aqui.

And the English translation here

Obrigado!
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2008-03-17T21:08:00.008-05:00

FAMILY DYNAMIC @ COMICS BULLETIN

From the interview conducted by Chris Murman:

It’s one thing to pigeon-hole yourself into writing a certain genre, but it is quite a different animal to find a niche you feel passionate about. The latter can be said for J. Torres, DC’s busiest all-ages writer currently on shelves. By not only tackling the Johnny DC line, as well as a few mainline DC titles, Torres has managed to carve out quite a bit of work for himself.

This summer, J. has a brand new series for readers young and old in Family Dynamic. I took a sec to find out more about what’s coming, why it isn’t like other “family” books and why he loves where he is in his career.

Check out the Q&A here.
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2008-03-15T23:10:00.001-05:00

IN STORES THIS WEEK

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY
Written by J. Torres, Scott Beatty, Jai Nitz, and Christine Boylan; Cover by Steve Uy ; Art by Chynna Clugston-Flores, Steve Uy, Ethen Beavers, Sanford Greene, and Alex Serra

Collecting the first seven issues of the explosive new comics series based on the hit Kids WB! cartoon! Don't miss these exciting adventures, as the Legion takes on the Fatal Five and more!

Writer's Commentary:
You get seven (count 'em, seven!) stories in this one volume for a mere $14.99 USD ($19.99 in Canada, but you know that ain't right considering the exchange rate now!). To top it all off, you get a host of hot comic book artists in this one book, including my pals Chynna, Sanford, and Alex turning in some of their finest work ever. Oh, and there's one dude who wrote four of the seven stories who did an all right job.
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2008-03-05T13:46:00.014-05:00

BROTHERS AND SISTERS
With Teen Titans Go #53 coming out later this month, I thought it would be a good time for a look behind the scenes at some of Todd Nauck's new character designs for the issue...

Meet Kid Kold and Ice Skate! They're TTG's take on Captain Cold and Golden Glider. See them face off against Kid Flash and Jinx in a short story co-plotted by Todd.

Since we've already got a "siblings" theme going here, how about a look at a few more pages out of Todd's sketchbook...

In case you missed it, Blackfire (Teen Tyrants version) appeared in TTG #48, Geo-Force saw some action in #51, and Wildfire was introduced in #46.
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2008-03-03T00:01:00.003-05:00

FAMILY DYNAMIC @ COMICBLOC

From the interview conducted by Doug Zawisza:

J. Torres is a name most comic fans and DC comic fans in particular, are familiar with. He’s contributed to Wonder Woman and Blue Beetle for the main DCU line of titles and he’s also been a staple of the Johnny DC line, crafting tales for The Batman Strikes, The Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century and most notably Teen Titans Go! His most recent work has been a six-issue Wonder Girl mini featuring Cassie Sandsmark. That’s not to say he’s gonna stop there.

J. is adding some more depth to the DC section of the comic book racks this spring with his six-issue mini series Family Dynamic. The title focuses on the four members of the Spencer family and their elemental powers—Sloan aka Pyralis, the fire-powered patriarch; Gina aka Sirocco, the mother and air elemental; Luca aka Troylus, the water elemental eldest child and Gio aka Terran, the youngest of the clan and the earth-based member of Family Dynamic. I was able to catch up with J. recently so he could share more with us about this creator-owned series and how it all got started...

Check out the Q&A here:

http://www.comicbloc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1096&Itemid=59

The Family Dynamic hype machine rolls on!
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2008-02-27T09:40:00.006-05:00

FAMILY DYNAMIC @ PIPELINE
Artist Tim Levins recently spoke to Augie de Blieck of Comic Book Resources about Family Dynamic and you can find that conversation here:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=6

With this interview, Tim also unveiled the designs for two more members of our ensemble cast...

Check it out!
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2008-02-25T20:03:00.003-05:00

IN STORES THIS WEEK

BLUE BEETLE: REACH FOR THE STARS
Written by John Rogers and J. Torres; Art by Rafael Albuquerque; Cover by Cully Hamner

In this volume collecting issues #13-18 of the hot series, Jaime has his hands full when he learns the scarab's alien owners are invading Earth - and no one will believe him! Plus, more adventures guest-starring popular Green Lantern Guy Gardner, the Teen Titans, the villainous Eclipso, Typhoon, Giganta and more!

DC Universe | 168pg. | Color | Softcover | $14.99 US

TEEN TITANS GO #52
Written by J. Torres; Art by Alexander Serra; Cover by Joe Quinones

The Teen Titans thought they were the only game in town…so who are all these new teen superheroes popping up all over Jump City? With some of the Titans experiencing some problems with their own super powers, maybe it's a good thing!

Johnny DC | 32pg. | Color | $2.25 US

Writer's Commentary:
I have one story in the Blue Beetle collection, which features Jamie Reyes crossing paths with Live Wire and Superman. Freddie Williams III did the art. If you've never read Blue Beetle before, this is a great introduction to the series, if I do say so myself.

The name Alex Serra should be familiar to TTG readers from "Biography of a Beast Boy." And you'll see the name Joe Quinones again (along with Todd Nauck) in next month's two-in-one issue. In the meantime, here a few more names for you to look out for: Jesse Quick, Changling, and Protector...
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2008-02-22T19:55:00.004-05:00

PARADISE FOUND

Paradise Comics just announced me as a guest for the Toronto Comicon 2008 which will take place on July 12& 13 at the Holiday Inn on King Street.

The organizers of the show will be announcing new guests every weekday between now and July, so make sure to keep an eye on the PCTC website:

http://torontocomicon.com/
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