By Kate Kotler
The Oni Press panel at C2E2 in Chicago this weekend was chock full of exciting news.
Moderator Cory Casoni stated upon starting the panel, “Let’s just get this over with… has anyone not seen this?”
Upon that, he showed the highly anticipated and much discussed trailer for the Scott Pilgram movie. (An epic tale of awesomness starring Michael Cera, based on the popular graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Mally.)
Jamie S. Rich was on hand for the release of Spell Checkers, Vol. 1. If you haven’t read our review of the book, it is described as “Mean Girls with magic. Buffy the Vampire Slayer without the do-gooder whining. The Craft without the crap goth clothes. Trust us, if you like bitchy-high-school-girl-dramities you’ll love Spell Checkers!”
Says Rich of why the book is alluring, “There are no real lessons learned [in this book]. It’s rude and crude – you know, everything you love about teen angst comedies.”
Also on hand, Ray Fawkes, to discuss his new book, Possessions. The story is revolves around a little girl, Gurgazon, who is possessed by demons. Said Fawkes, “Like Spell Checkers – no lessons are learned here.”
While some might say that the book is a little dark for an all ages book, the whimsy and humor of the story really works in its favor to make it a sure hit with the YA readers.
Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt were on hand to chat about their new book, The Sixth Gun which will debut on Free Comic Book Day.
“In case you don’t know about FCBD,” said Cory, “It’s where you go into your comic store and get comics FOR FREE!”
If you miss issue number one on FCBD it will become available again in July 2010, the same day that issue number two hits shelves.
But, perhaps the most electric announcement at this panel was of the new partnership between Oni Press and W!ldbrain Entertainment, the producers of the crazily popular Nick Jr. show, Yo Gabba Gabba!
Gabba mixes retro music and art with colorful characters to create a unique departure from traditional children’s programming. Says Oni Press editor-in-chief James Lucas Jones:
Seeing the show Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz created was a revelation. These were parents who grew up on the same music, television, movies, comics, and video games I did and it comes through every aspect of the show. In addition to creating a group of charming and iconic characters, they consistently bring in top-notch folks to contribute to the program like Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh, House of Fun’s Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer, Biz Markie, the Aquabats and all of the outstanding bands in the Super Music Friends Show. I’m pleased as punch for Oni Press to be joining such a talented and groundbreaking group of creators.”
Special guest at the panel was Brobee (the green one) – the crowd went absolutely wild when he hit the stage… Casoni then showed the attendees five art panels of the upcoming Yo Gabba Gabba! comics.
A fan asked, “I’ve only seen two episodes of Yo Gabba Gabba! and all I remember was jumping and music, how are you going to translate it into comics?”
“If you’re familiar with Oni comics you know that there is a lot of music in our books,” said Casoni, “Yo Gabba Gabba was created by -not by children’s television creators- but by writers who were Dads. So they created this show which is full of retro music and movement and art to be something they could watch with their kids. Go watch it, it’s really awesomely funny – it’s great for all ages.”
