Big Game Hunting Live - Ticket To Ride

Are you ready for another Big Game Hunting Live? This is a monthly gaming event that takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Players will get a chance to learn and play a different game every month.

On Saturday 3rd August, we will be playing Ticket to Ride!

In this fantastic German game, you try to connect cities across the continent with railroads. The longer your route is, the more points you get. You get extra points for completing your Destination cards – but be careful, as not finishing them will make you lose points!

This game was featured on season one of TableTop and can be viewed below.

If you've never played before, or just want to brush up on the rules, we recommend you come to one of the learn-to-play sessions, taking place at 11am and 1pm. We'll show you the ropes and get you up to speed on how to play.

If you're already familiar with the game and want to jump right in, come along to the full game session at 3pm! This is also suitable for people who attend the learn-to-play sessions earlier in the day. No sign-up is required, and participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

On the day, we will be playing Ticket to Ride: Europe, one of the many editions of the game that have been released. The original game is based in the United States, while other versions include Germany and Nordic Countries. There are smaller expansions including USA 1910, Europe 1912, plus maps for Africa, Asia, Marklin, and the Nordic countries, last year's Halloween expansion and even a Ticket to Ride card game.

All participants will receive a voucher that entitle them to 10% off Ticket To Ride, or any of the expansions or supplements. As Proud Lion is only a small store, we only hold a limited stock so you may have to backorder your copy if we sell out on the day. Other editions and expansions are available to order only.

Rae promises not to hit the table at the end of the game!

New Beginnings - Hunger #1

In the aftermath of the Age of Ultron, we have a short four part miniseries called Hunger. Now having not read Age of Ultron, I was a little wary as the cover has AU Aftermath emblazoned across it. I didn’t know how events from the Bendis maxiseries would tie in and relate to this title. Plus not knowing the storyarc I was worried I would be at a bit of a disadvantage, however I was happy to see that this is not the case.

If you are looking for this on the shelves it won’t be hard to find as the cover features the devourer of worlds himself, Galactus, rendering in glorious Adi Granov artwork. Opening the cover though, the first page sets it all aside and places this firmly in the alternate dimension we know as the Ultimate Universe. The Watchers have bestowed Rick Jones, a teenage boy, with the power cosmic so he can serve as creation's champion. But how will a teenage boy cope with the power and responsibility?

Well at first, badly. Youth has a way of ignoring the bigger picture a lot of the time, and instead concentrates on things like burgers. Seeing as he is shirking his responsibilities, the Watchers shift him back to where he is needed.

At first it could be some kind of missionary quest, as he is plunged into the middle of the Kree-Chitauri war. But this is not the case. Amongst the furore, the Gah Lak Tus swarm is detected, something that it is far greater than the current situation. A huge amount of insectoid-like machines are approaching, and they bear an uncanny likeness to the headgear of a Marvel Universe Celestial with a similar sounding name.

Drawn to the power of the action like moths to a nightlight, they decend upon the scene and it’s only after a series of events that includes Rick unleashing a huge amount of power that things look up.

Momentarily...

Through a temporal crack the real Galactus emerges, hungry and searching for food. It’s a metaphorical Mohammed and mountain situation as Galactus meets the Gah Lak Tus swarm, ending the first issue in a pivotal point for the Ultimate Universe.

Joshua Fialkov - a well know horror writer for titles such as I, Vampire and the film Infected - is helming this title. Having worked with most of the main publishers (and some smaller ones too) this is a large step for him taking on quite a complex and renowned character. The premise of the title does mean that he has a certain amount of free reign though, as the Ultimate Comics line is renowned for taking huge risks. The possibilities are huge and with such a short run of issues, it does feel as if though this miniseries is something of a proving ground for him, but time will tell. He has a good writing style, which is light and in this case isn’t taking things overly seriously. This plays well into Rick Jones’ characterisation.

Captain Britain and MI:13 alum Leonard Kirk is the artist for the issue, and when it comes to big impact pieces, boy can he deliver! Some of the larger spreads in space and the emergence of Galactus are fantastic looking. It did feel though that he needed to fill these bigger spaces in order to really flex his artistic muscles, as some of the smaller images just felt a bit more cramped and lacking in detail. Overall though it is impressive to look at.

As a first issue for a comic I wasn’t really aware of before, I was pleasantly surprised. I think that fans of Galactus will enjoy the spotlight being shone upon him without the Fantastic Four’s involvement, and those who don’t know him it’s a different approach to introduce him.

With only four issues in the series - and beautiful cover art from Adi Granov throughout - it makes it a very collectable proposition, especially in the light of the ComicCon announcement of the forthcoming Cataclysm series.

Matt Puddy could really go for a burger right now.

Summer Holidays 2013 Opening Times - reminder

Quick reminder that I'm off to Brighton with the family this weekend, so I'm leaving you in the very capable hands of the lovely Jo whilst I'm away. She'll be minding the shop on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July. 

On the Friday and the Saturday, we just ask that Reservation Customers refrain from making any alterations to their pull lists in store. If you'd like to add or cancel anything over these two days, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk, tweet us @proudlioncomics or post/message us on the Facebook page and I'll action your request as soon as I'm back in the store on Tuesday 30th July.

This will just help to make things a little easier for myself and Jo. Your understanding is very much appreciated!

Ben Fardon is looking forward to having a well-earned break!

New Beginnings - Ghosted #1

New from Image comes Ghosted, a comic from Joshua Williamson. Now Williamson has had an up and down career with comics and some of his writing hasn’t been as well received as others. So is this a new title which will bring in the fans?

The comic opens in prison where Jackson T Winters is trying to keep his head down whilst avoiding the amorous advances of a fellow inmate. Something that isn’t shied away from in the very first pages in graphic detail. It is only during an arranged prison riot, that a female mercenary calls out to our “hero”, leading him away from life as a superstar criminal behind bars to a plush, slightly decadent, mansion and a meeting with Markus Schrecken.

Shrecken is the typical rich, bored, almost colonial hunter who needs to have the biggest and best trophies, especially those of a supernatural nature. So it comes of no surprise when he announces that the sole reason for Jackson’s removal from incarceration was for him to steal a ghost.

Jackson agrees, and sets out to select his crew. In dialogue that is akin to the first act of the Ocean’s Eleven film, we are introduced to these individuals - plus Edzia Rusnak, a pick made by Schrecken, which immediately puts the reader at unease with her. There is a lot of box ticking with regard to the characters, but this is also in keeping with my analogy to the Ocean's film franchise, and also means that you have a hint or idea of how they may all become useful in future issues.

So with the team assembled and briefed - although not entirely sure how to achieve the task - they arrive at the haunted mansion. Another round of exposition gives you the history of the house, explaining how it is the perfect hunting ground.

So with everyone in the right place and ready to go, how do you steal a ghost? I guess further issues will explore this basic premise further.

Goran Sudzuka is the artist on the project and his style fits very well. His background is hugely indie and the issue is given an almost retro style feel, making this feel even more like a rat pack film. It does vary a little throughout, with frames changing from soft to finer line work, but overall there is a strong feel to it. In parts it is very similar to a colourful Walking Dead. There is almost a little too much expression sometimes too - looking through the issue there doesn’t really seem to ever be a relaxed calm face. Tension is written all over them all and every face seems desperate to impart a motive, which becomes a little tiring by the end.

So as a first issue would I say it’s exciting? Honestly I probably wouldn’t, but is it interesting, most definitely. Regardless that the vehicle for this heist is tried and tested, the idea behind it all is certainly one that is worth taking a look at - how do you steal something that many refuse to believe in?

Matt Puddy is held together with wire a sticky-back plastic.

Digital Canvas Special - Rocketbot.com

In this very special edition of Digital Canvas, I’ll be interviewing my own dear sister to learn more about Rocketbot.com, a site that she’s involved with and thinks that us comic-reading chaps would find interesting!

Todd Marsh: Please give us a brief description of the Rocketbot website for people who haven’t heard of it:

Becky Marsh: Rocketbot is a community site for comic creators/lovers of all ages and skill levels. It’s a place for creators to practise, grow and develop, gaining valuable feedback, hints and tips on making the best of your comic. It’s also a place to share ideas, find like-minded people and collaborate to bring new comics to life.

TM: How is it different from other art-sharing/showcase websites like Deviantart etc?

BM: Where other artistic communities welcome all kinds of art, Rocketbot is just focused on creating comics first and foremost, and all that goes into making comics. It’s difficult on sites like Deviantart to find like-minded people that can help you in a specific area. Rocketbot is all about comics and that’s rather refreshing.

Plus the creators of the site; Gene and Mary, are always on hand to talk to you directly, taking the time to reply with measured suggestions or criticism.

TM: How did you get involved with Rocketbot?

BM: I was lucky enough to already know the co-creator and head cheerleader Gene Kelly through a different site and when he announced his big new website project, I was happy to come along and sign up once Rocketbot had gone live. I am very pleased I did!

TM: Is it an easy site to join?

BM: Perfectly! Anyone can join and what’s more it’s completely free! You can still enjoy the website as a non-member, but membership is needed to upload comics.

TM: And for people who just like to browse, are there any comics or artists you’d particularly recommend?

BM: I’d certainly recommend the top man Gene Kelly himself! An all-rounder with a great sense of humour. His comics (including sibling superheroes Rocket and Bounce) are always impressively done, full of detail, and can always inspire me.

Matt Seniour is another guy who never ceases to amaze me (or make me laugh). His comic Battlecakes is one of my favourites on Rocketbot. Simple, colourful, a great twist on the norm. Trust me you will love this delicious comic!

Or for something a little more serious and mysterious you can’t go wrong with Seyrah’s “The Many Quantum Adventures of Alexandra Byers.” The perspectives, layouts and details in her comics are always pleasing, but what I enjoy most is her amazing storytelling.

TM: The site collectively brought out a graphic novel recently, could you tell us about that? (And where you can get hold of a copy?)

BM: The 1st Rocketbot Anthology was a great way to show off the site’s diversity of comic creators. This anthology was created by the Rocketbot community to highlight the amazing talent and creativity that can be found there. I myself managed to take part, collaborating with Gene to produce “The Explorer”, a short tale about an adventurous girl, her talking monkey and a magic map. It is such an amazing feeling to have your own work out there in print and was such a boost to me when the finished book came through the post. It was also the first time I had worked from someone else’s script. A fantastic learning curve and something I’m looking forward to doing again!

The anthology is available from Amazon: https://www.createspace.com/4107646

TM: Thank you dear sister.

Todd Marsh is paying off Tom Nook one bell at a time.

Summer Holidays 2013 Opening Times & new kids comics section

What a fantastic change in weather we've had! In fact, for many of us now summer is finally here  - it's too hot! To be fair, Superman himself would be dangerously to overcharging in this weather and readers of All Star Superman or this week's Justice League #22 know how badly that can pan out...

School's almost out for summer too, just in time in fact, as we've just launched a wonderful new kids comics section in store featuring Adventure Time, Batman L'il Gotham, My Little Pony. Regular Show, Superman Family Adventures and the wonderful Phoenix comic! It's all at the right height for the younger readers too, I'm sure it's bound to be a big hit.

Our opening times will remain largely unchanged for most of summer, with a few notable exceptions towards the end of July. I'm off to Brighton with the family for a long weekend, so I'm leaving you in the very capable hands of the lovely Jo whilst I'm away. She'll be minding the shop on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July. There will be revised opening times on those days (and the Thursday too) as you will see below.

On the Friday and the Saturday, we just ask that Reservation Customers refrain from making any alterations to their pull lists in store. If you'd like to add or cancel anything over these two days, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk, tweet us @proudlioncomics or post/message us on the Facebook page please and I'll action your request as soon as I'm back in the store on Tuesday 30th July. This will just help to make things a little easier for myself and Jo. Your understanding is very much appreciated!

Don't forget our Superman graphic novel promotion is on until the 26th July, saving you 10% off your Man Of Steel holiday reading. We also place orders every Thursday, with deliveries arriving the very next Tuesday, so if you want anything special to take on a long journey, make sure you don't leave it until the last minute and we should be able to help!

Have a great summer everyone and if you are going on holiday, have a wonderful time! 

Ben Fardon thinks it's time for a Cornetto.

New Beginnings - Justice League #22: Trinity War, part one

Following along from last week’s prelude we have this week, the first part of the main event in Justice League #22.

Now immediately you may notice that the first issue has a rather strange cover, seemingly incomplete. That's because the covers of the this issue of Justice League, plus the next issues Justice League Of America and Justice League Dark form a tryptic image. The concluding three issues’ covers of this crossover will form another image too. This is a fully tied in crossover story, both in terms of plot and presentation.

The build up has promised to shock the readers. There will be a murder. There will be a surprise killer, and there will be big repercussions too. Geoff Johns' first issue certainly keeps this in mind.

Opening on a very wet night in the middle of nowhere, Madame Xanadu hosts a frightened and weary young woman, prompting the psychic to become the issue's narrator, guiding the reader through the entire issue. Her tarot cards introduce the different characters from the DCU, before then expanding on them from wherever they left off in recent issues. Chief among them is young Billy Batson, the newly minted Shazam, who is another significant driving force behind the story. Following on from his recent clash with Black Adam, Billy decides that the best thing to do is visit Kahndaq and scatter his ashes, because, “Bad guys deserve to be buried too.” Guided by a child's morality and ideals, this powerhouse on a par with Superman casually flies into an international crisis in the making, because he recently saw two of his heroes do it as well.

This is essentially the catalyst to bring the Justice League into play, as they seek to remove him from a diplomatic incident. Director Waller sends the JLA in to the fray for similar reasons, albeit with the original Justice League as their targets. With tensions already frayed, things are stretched even further as these two teams do not see eye to eye.

To make matters worse, while on en route Superman and Wonder Womam encounter Pandora, who feels that Superman is the pure of heart soul she needs to open the box. This massively backfires and has enormous repercussions when the Man Of Steel encounters Doctor Light. Their two sets of powers interact with unpredicted and dangerous results, culminating in a shocking moment as Superman apparently kills him in a fit of rage. But is this what has really happened? The Question, the man who epitomises shadows and mystery, is already asking questions about the bigger picture, the real story and the honest truth of the matter. Nothing is clean cut or as it seems.

As a reader, would we really expect anything less from Geoff Johns?

Ivan Reis, who is almost as much of an industry standard as Johns himself, is at the visually creative helm. For those who saw his work on Blackest Night (or recently on the Justice League), you'll be familiar with his strong style and most of the visuals hit the mark. There are a couple of times when I felt perhaps things were a little too overemphasised - Shazam’s boyish glee for example, as he realises that he’s just knocked Superman off his feet. That can be easily overlooked though, when one looks at the other truly iconic images, such as when the Justice League are stood over Captain Marvel demanding to know why he’s in a foreign land. Though small. that image is powerful and imposing. Although there is a clear foreground, everyone has weight and standing.

As the first part, this issue has certainly waded in and got knee deep and dirty with the story. There isn’t any shirking and whilst there aren’t many questions answered - with plenty more asked - you’re already invested and brought into the arc. You may need to hit the ground running with this one, but if you can then it is worth it. I’m almost sad at the thought that there is so few issues to Trinity War.

Matt Puddy wonders who the mysterious individual is on the final page...

Candy Cub waves goodbye

It's funny what can change in a year isn't it? In March last year, we launched Candy Cub - a new department within Proud Lion - bringing imported American candy and soda to your favourite American comic shop.

Since then, we've seen two other dedicated sweet shops open up in the town - both with a substantial array of American food themselves - plus at least one notable large supermarket has also joined the fray (with rumours of a second rival giant store in Charlton Kings following suit). plus Vanilla Coke has now been reintroduced into the UK market.

We've gone from reordering our Candy Cub stock every month to maybe once a quarter, and now some of the stock we do have in is starting to go past its best before date. When we started selling American imports, the stuff was flying off the shelves - it wouldn't have had time to go out of date!

So, with heavy heart and sad face, it's time to bid farewell to Candy Cub for the time being. It's great that these products are becoming more readily available in the area, with dedicated businesses bringing you a broader range than we could ever accommodate! There's no sour grape soda here folks, but I've always believed in a transparent approach to business whenever possible, so it seemed like a brief explanation was in order.

We'll be marking down almost all of the Candy Cub stock in the coming weeks - all cans of soda are now down to just 75p, bottles of A&W Root Beer are now just £3.00, Coconut M&Ms are down to just £1.00 and Dark Raspberry M&Ms are down to £3.50! Come and grab a bargain!

Thank you all for your sweet tooth patronage over the past year!

Ben Fardon is loving the sunshine, but not the heat.

New Beginnings - Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1

DC is prepping for their next crossover – Trinity War – with the debut of a new comic, the Trinity of Sin: Pandora. Arguably some may say that this has been coming since the titular character's appearance in Flashpoint, after which Pandora appeared (in a where’s Wally style) in every first issue of all the initial New 52 releases. This was never completely explained, however this was brought to the forefront of everyone's minds in the DC New 52 2012 Free Comic Book Day special, where we learned the origin of the Trinity of Sin - the Phantom Stranger, the Question and Pandora herself.

Starting around 8000 Years BCE, the story opens with an unnamed daughter finding a golden skull which inadvertently releases the seven deadly sins upon an unsuspecting world (interestingly it appears that they are all the same colours as the variety of Lantern Corps). These sins take corporeal form and wreaking havoc, slaughtering the young woman's village. Called before the Rock of Eternity by the Shazam Council, the Trinity of Sin are duly branded and punished accordingly, with Pandora now fated to walk the earth as an immortal - powerless to do much except witness the horror she has created.

After years of not being able to stop the sins, despite trying to teach the world around her about them, Pandora realises that she can learn from a variety of sources, training herself to fight back.

Finally after millennia have passed, Pandora is visited by a member of the Council. In a moment of huge honesty he proclaims that the judgement passed upon her was not sound or fair, and sets her on the path to redemption. She is charged with relocated the golden skull - which is identified as the legendary Pandora's Box - and using its power to end the curse. Finding the box is one thing though; to find the one either pure enough or dark enough of heart to open it is quite another.

As a first issue, this is very much a character setting story and doesn't feel like an essential part of the Trinity War itself. It does however explain fully the motivation behind Pandora bringing her on par with The Phantom Stranger in terms of understanding their back stories and motivations. Only the Question fittingly remains a mystery in the New 52. 

Ray Fawkes has managed to set up a very credible and fitting corner of the triangle, in anticipation of the main story arc. With his creed coming from Justice League Dark (alongside Peter Milligan and Jeff Lemire), he is also in good stead when it comes to having a calibre of work to support this moving forward too. How this will all fit together is yet to be seen. In the teasers we know that a hero is going to die at the hands of a surprise killer, and as a result this could be a strong lead or a red herring with Pandora. Regardless we know there are presently three Justice League teams and three immortals stepping into the ring to fight it out.

The artwork has been subdivided out through the issue. Daniel Sampere creates a sandwich of pages, around Patrick Zircher’s work. This highlights a transition for the character and segways nicely between the past and present. It’s also the main moments of change and development for Pandora, so you get a good feel of her evolution as well.

The cover artwork is also of interest. On one hand you have a variety of Justice League characters, but also snuck in there are a couple of villains, noticeably Black Adam who I feel could provide a strong role in the coming events.

There is a feel of previous pre-New 52 greats such as Identity Crisis and the year-long 52 series, whilst also very much feeling like it's part of the new continuity. Although you don’t get the full impact of the upcoming Trinity War in this issue, it is definitely a comic that collectors should grab now, and one for those wanting to get the full experience of the Justice League crossover. It would also make a good extended set considering that Trinity War is going to lead straight into September's Villains' Month too. This is not an essential title but there will be ripples and repercussions that are going to be explored in later issues. Still it is an eye opener and a nice, different, take on things.

Matt Puddy urges everyone to get their Villains' Month orders in over the next fortnight!

Carrier bags and charity - Charlie's recovery cycle for MIND

Hi folks,

Last week marked not only the end of the current financial quarter (and the financial year) but also the end of the latest period of collecting money for charity from our sales of carrier bags.

This is our ninth full quarter and together we raised £8.32!

Last time I supported Red Nose Day. This time, I've supported a good friend of the store, whom many of you will know, Charlie from Judder! Charlie is undertaking a cycling challenge to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity. It's a fantastic and personal challenge, and a cause that needs more support and less stigma.

The next carrier bag donation will be in early October. If you have a charity you'd like Proud Lion to support, please email me at shop@proudlion.co.uk.

Big Game Hunting Live - The Last Night On Earth

This weekend heralds the arrival of the second Big Game Hunting Live! This is our monthly gaming event that takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Players will get a chance to learn and play a different game every month.

On Saturday 6th July, we will be playing Last Night on Earth! This horror board game is all about facing an oncoming zombie horde in a small town. You can play as the humans struggling to survive, or the shuffling zombies trying to stop them. The board changes every time, and there are multiple scenarios to play, so you get a new experience every time! This game was featured on season one of TableTop.

If you've never played before, or just want to brush up on the rules, we recommend you come to one of the learn-to-play sessions, taking place at 11am and 1pm. We'll show you the ropes and get you up to speed on how to play.

If you're already familiar with the game and want to jump right in, come along to the full game session at 3pm! This is also suitable for people who attend the learn-to-play sessions earlier in the day. No sign-up is required, and participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you like the base game, you may also like one of the game's expansions: Growing Hunger and Timber Peak. Growing Hunger provides you with new scenarios, characters, items, and boards, to name a few. Timber Peak is both a standalone game and an expansion, featuring several new game components as well as some new gameplay features. You might also like the Zombies with Grave Weapons miniature set, or the Hero Pack which offers up new heroes to add to your game.

All participants will receive a voucher that entitle them to 10% off Last Night on Earth, or any of the expansions or supplements. As Proud Lion is only a small store, we only hold a limited stock so you may have to backorder your copy if we sell out on the day. Expansions are currently only available if you place a customer order (NB: a 25% deposit may be required).

Rae is really enjoying all the sunshine this week!