Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency - Graphic Novel Review

Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency  is
Written by David Hine, illustrated by Roy Allan Martinez, Painted by Kinsun Loh & Jerry Choo --
Based on the website fvsa.org -- created by Richard S. Dargan.

Artwork is state of the art--dark and goddamn creepy. The story could be ripped from the headlines in the New York Times (in an alternate universe that you and I would never want to live in-- but one that is closer to our's than any of us would care to admit).

Vampires and zombies were once a reality-- a pestilence that we stamped out -- with much effort and casualties.

But what if the authorities were wrong? What if they really were not completely destroyed-- and they just got smarter-- what if they adapted? What if they look like the goth chick that danced next to you at the thrash metal rock club last Friday night?

Beautiful artwork from Roy Martinez, Kinsun Loh and Jerry Choo.

We got a good look at this new graphic novel, and we think it's got legs. I've run it by some of my harshest critics, and they've all come back with two thumbs up. There's enough back-story to carry this a long way, and I have to say, I'm already liking the characters-- Landra... her brother... I want to know where they're going and I've already found myself invested in their welfare and future-- a sign of good writing. We're looking forward to the next issue. I highly recommend you hop on board David Hine's crazy-ass train-- I'm already hooked! Style and story... vampires and zombies-- awesome!

Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency goes on sale Oct 28^th!

For Immediate Release

UPDATE!

RADICAL’S FVZA #1 SELLS OUT PRIOR TO RELEASE

October 27, 2009, Los Angeles – Radical Publishing is proud to announce that the first printing of FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #1, from writer David Hine (Spider-Man: Noir, Battle for the Cowl: Arkham Asylum) and illustrator Roy Allan Martinez (Son of M), has sold out at the distributor level prior to its release in the direct market.

Shipping with two covers, one by John Bolton and the other by Clint Langley, fans looking forward to purchase FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #1 are encouraged to contact their local comic store and reserve their copy prior to release. Visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you. FVZA is the most recent Radical title to implement the initiative of “Bigger Books! Bigger Value!” with 64 pages for a $4.99 price point. Radical is still reviewing whether to offer a second printing based on incoming reorders.

Based on the popular website FVZA.org, created by Richard S. Dargan, FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency chronicles a world where a deadly disease, representing a new threat of global terrorism, transforms innocent victims into Zombies and a long dormant government task force is called into action: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency. Throughout history, from the Civil War to World War II, the FVZA protected humanity from the blood-sucking and flesh-eating hordes -- until a cure was discovered that sent the undead to their graves. When a new incurable strain of the virus ravages a small town in America, Agent Landra Pecos must call upon her lethal skills to eradicate the threat. But as Landra delves deeper into her investigation of the undead menace, she uncovers shocking secrets that will forever change her family, her world and her life.

“We’re thrilled at the response to FVZA and the continued support of the fans and retailers,” said Radical President and Publisher Barry Levine. “David’s work is absolutely top-notch and we couldn’t be happier with the story he has crafted. With FVZA, we continue to bring the level of quality that fans find synonymous with the Radical brand.”

Fans who may be unable to find a copy at their local comic store will also have a chance to win a free copy of FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency #1 by entering the “Are You Infected?” contest sponsored by Radical and EerieTube.com. Three winners will take home a copy of the sold-out issue along with other amazing prizes by submitting a photo of themselves as the infected undead by October 31st. More details can be found at www.EerieTube.com/contest.html.

About Radical Publishing

Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (producer for Hercules, Caliber, Freedom Formula, Shrapnel, Abattoir, Oblivion and executive producer for the in-development Rex Mundi movie for Warner Bros., written by Jim Uhls and starring Johnny Depp) and entrepreneur Jesse Berger (executive producer for Hercules, Caliber, Freedom Formula, Shrapnel, Abattoir and Oblivion).

For their quality and excellence in 2008, retailers voted Radical Publishing the Gem Award for “Best New Publisher of the Year” from Diamond Comic Distributors. Radical brings the best writing, storytelling and fully painted cover and interior art to the global comic book market, from prominent international talents such as Yoshitaka Amano, John Bolton, Luis Royo, Jim Steranko, Steve Pugh, Warren Ellis, Arthur Suydam, Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti, Flint Dille, Marko Djurdjevic, Ian Edginton, David Hine, Rick Remender, Joseph Kosinski, Nick Percival, Steve Moore, Sam Sarkar, Stjepan Sejic, Dave Wilkins, Tomm Coker, Clayton Crain, Bill Sienkiewicz, Nick Sagan, Clint Langley, Nick Simmons, Patrick Reilly, Weta Workshop, Zombie Studios and many more.

Radical Publishing currently has production deals with Spyglass Entertainment, Peter Berg’s Film 44 and Radical Pictures for Hercules; Johnny Depp's Infinitum Nihil and Radical Pictures for Caliber; and New Regency, Bryan Singer’s Bad Hat Harry Productions and Radical Pictures for Freedom Formula.

For further information, contact:

Gianluca Glazer
Director of Marketing
Radical Publishing
(323) 874-4400
gianluca@radicalcomics.com
www.radicalcomics.com

You don’t need braaaaains to join the Zombie Walk

by Karen Bliss (Metro Canada)

This Saturday is about the only time screaming and running in the other direction is not necessary if you happen to come across thousands of people covered in blood, some with sharp instruments lodged in their head and body. Fear not, it’s the 7th Annual Toronto Zombie Walk, a movement that has spread globally.

“I hate how they confine all the zombies to the sidewalk. Zombies don’t walk on sidewalks!” bemoans founder and organizer Thea Munster with a laugh.

But try explaining that to our men in blue when an estimated 3,000 people show up to The Pit in Trinity Bellwoods Park (bordered by Queen St. W. and Dundas St. W) at 3:30 p.m. all ghouled out in fake blood and other zombie accoutrements, and embark on a walk through the city that ends at Bathurst and Bloor, a.k.a. The Dead End.

“I guess it stops traffic,” Munster admits. “The police have been pretty good. They let me get up to the third or fourth Walk where we were getting 600 people, and then they said, ‘We’ve got to work together on this.’ Last year, with 3,000 zombies, the walk took like five hours because everyone had to stay on the friggin’ sidewalk. I guess it will be the same this year.”

There was also a little matter last year of some unruly brainless zombies thinking it was a good idea to bust into a funeral home — and there were three ceremonies going on. “I had to put out a big apology,” says Munster. “So that was not good. We’re not allowed to go by a funeral home again.”

For the most part, though, The Toronto Zombie Walk is harmless fun. Halloween supplier Creeped Out provides free fake blood for those who don’t keep a vat at home and you can get splattered by volunteers right before the walk begins. And Resident Evil: The Dark Side Chronicles is setting up a makeup tent at noon — get there early.

Munster says people from all walks of death are welcome to walk, even zombie spawn. “I’d say we get about 50 kids between the ages of 5 and 8, and some in strollers as well. It’s incredible. It’s definitely a family event.”