San Diego Comic-Con 2010

My eyes ache. Okay, probably not as much as that dude’s from Hall H, but they're pretty sore. More than a week after returning from SoCal (as any good Geek would call it), I’m still digesting the five-day, all-things-comics, all-things-movies, all-things-television, all-things-toys, all-things-gaming, all-things-cosplay festival that is SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON!

Now, although Capstone Publishers has sent several representatives every year, this was my first pilgrimage to the Mecca of Nerdness. Of course, several veteran Con-goers had already told me all about the good (swag), the bad (long lines), and the ugly (Slave Leia costumes . . . for men!). And, after experiencing it for myself, I’m here to tell you that everything is true. Yes, even the He-Leias!!
In fact, this “everything-ness” has become somewhat of a controversy to Comic-Con insiders. Many hardcore comics fans are quickly becoming skeptical of the event, stating, “Comic-Con? More like ‘Culture Con’! Hollywood has taken over!” Conspiracy theories aside, the movie and television industry has definitely invaded the Con. Giant, billboard-size banners for ALIEN, SALT, SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, IRON MAN and even HBO’s TRUE BLOOD dominated the central corridor of this year’s convention floor. As for comic sellers, creators, and small presses, many of them have been banished to the fringes — stuck between lines for the over-used restrooms and under-stocked concession stands.


And the Stone Arch booth? Somewhere in between. Standing in our eight-by-eight plot between media moguls and comic book insiders was overwhelming, to say the least. The first day, I stood in awe as 130,000 people (and some very convincing aliens) swarmed the convention floor, and I wondered, “Where do we fit in among all this everything?” However, faster than a speeding bullet, I got my answer. Not from bird, not from a plane, but from a tiny Man of Steel. A seven-year-old boy, wearing a custom made Superman uniform, sprinted up to our booth, yelling, “Mom! Mom! Look!” He leaped into the air like a real caped hero and snatched a DC SUPER HEROES book from our table. His mother followed closely behind, and, before I could even ask her name, told me how her son had checked out “EVERY one of these books from the library!” Then as quickly as he came, the boy sped away, probably to investigate other booths filled with Superman movies, video games, comics, and television shows.


That boy got it. He understood that Comic-Con isn’t just about comics anymore. And, it’s not just about movies or television either! Comic-Com has become a place for fans to meet their heroes in ALL forms, face-to-face, eye-to-eye. During the next three days, I met my own heroes. I met authors, creators, illustrators, licensors, a whole lot of fans . . . and few more He-Leias. These interactions rejuvenated me and inspired me to create better books for that tiny Man of Steel. And now that I’m back, yes, my eyes still ache, but they ache for more.


Donnie Lemke
Managing Editor—comics and licensed properties
Capstone Fiction

Introducing DC Super-Pets!

It’s a bird . . . it’s a dog . . . it’s a . . . monkey? Yep — it’s DC Super-Pets!

Almost everyone who’s read a magazine, watched television, or stepped outside the front door knows the name Superman. Or Batman. Or even Wonder Woman, for that matter. They’re three of the most recognized super heroes (and pop icons) of all time. But did you know that the Man of Steel has an entire collection of pets, including a dog, a cat, a monkey, and even a horse, all complete with the same powers as Superman? How about Wonder Woman’s Amazonian pet kangaroo? Or Aquaman’s pet seahorse with telepathic powers?

Though these heroic critters have been making cameos in the pages of DC comic books for more than 50 years, they’ve never been given the star treatment that many feel they deserve. Well, take heart, animal lovers: you’ll soon be introduced to the crazy and exciting world of DC Super-Pets! This new series, coming in January 2011, follows the adventures of super-hero counterparts Krypto the Super-Dog, Ace the Bat-Hound, Streaky the Super-Cat, and a cast of dozens more as they battle villainous pets and humans alike (and maybe some aliens, too!). Similar to our DC Super Heroes line, but written, illustrated, and designed for a younger audience, these full-color chapter books continue the proud partnership between DC Comics and Capstone Fiction, and will be printed under our younger Picture Window Books banner.

Even more exciting is that Eisner Award-winning artist (and comic book fan-favorite) Art Baltazar is our illustrator on this series. Mr. Baltazar is the creator/writer/artist of the hilarious comic-book series Tiny Titans, and now he’s bringing his considerable talents to the chapter book format and introducing a new world of readers to the wild side of the DC Universe. With a cute, humorous, and whimsical style, Art’s work on this series is sure to be a hit with emerging readers hungry for high-flying adventure from the far reaches of the cosmos to the depths of the sea.

Here at the Capstone Fiction offices, we couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to bring DC Super-Pets! to the masses. From the stories, to the logo, to even some of the characters, we’re working closely with our friends at DC Comics to create a totally original series. As we begin to dive into the interior design of these books, we’ll look to add even more value and original material – stuff you won’t find anywhere else in an early chapter book.

Until then, “take a gander” (as my main contact at DC likes to say) at the final covers for the inaugural season of DC Super-Pets! below...

Bob Lentz
Art Director
Capstone Fiction


TM & © DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.

Around the blogosphere

We try to keep our links list (over to the left, if you're reading this at stonearchbooks.blogspot.com) updated when Stone Arch Books is mentioned elsewhere in the blogosphere or on Internet news outlets. But today, there are a couple of things worth pointing out specifically.

Over at Paul Kupperberg's blog, the author of The Kid Who Saved Superman has posted a detailed write-up of his tour to the DC Comics headquarters with some of our staff and the winner of the DC Super Heroes contest. Check it out here.

And author Steve Brezenoff is hosting a contest for a bunch of books at his blog. Click here and leave a comment about a school memory for a chance to win.

Enjoy!

Superman, meet the kid who saved you.

What better way to cap off a whirlwind of press and excitement than by meeting Superman himself? Our own Joan Berge and Michael Dahl are in New York today, and they're touring the DC Comics offices with our contest winner Hakeem Bennett and his hero, Mr. Brown.

Hakeem and his hero, Matthew Brown. If you look closely, you can see seeing-eye-dog extraordinaire Stanley next to Mr. Brown!

And Stone Arch Books' editorial director and author Michael Dahl couldn't resist getting in on the fun, too! (Those of us who work closely with Michael would expect nothing less.)

San Diego Comic Con 2009

Just last month, the rest of the world watched as 150,000 people descended upon the sunny harbor city of San Diego for one purpose: to feast their eyes on everything that the comic book, publishing, film, television, and video game worlds have to offer. Yes, I’m talking about Comic Con International, the largest comic book convention and pop culture phenomenon in the world. Over the past five summers, I’ve had the pleasure of attending this event, and I’ve seen a lot of great product and met a lot of great people. This year was no different, as Stone Arch Books sent me to San Diego in hopes of signing a few more great illustrators to add to our already amazing talent pool. Over two days, I reviewed over 100 portfolios and collected lots and lots of free posters, catalogs, and whatever else I could get my hands on, also known as SWAG (“Stuff We All Get”). Not only that, Comic Con is a great way to get our name out to those who may not yet know us. It’s no coincidence that we now have a working relationship with DC Comics – they found us at Comic Con!

Below are a few snapshots I took while traversing the vast landscape of booths and exhibits (not to mention negotiating the massive throng of people). Until next year...

Bob Lentz
Art Director
Stone Arch BooksThe San Diego Convention Center, home of Comic Con International for 4 1/2 days each July. It’s interesting to note that a vast majority of this convention center was added to house the ever-expanding Comic Con, which in the last 10 years has grown exponentially thanks to big budget superhero films and hyper-realistic video games.


DC Comics consistently has one of the best (and largest) booths at Comic Con, and they offer many great freebies and promotional items. I waited in line for one half hour just to get some posters and buttons. Well worth it.


A quick shot of the “Big Three” banner at the DC booth: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Did we mention that we offer beautiful chapter books featuring the crown jewels of DC Comics and the superhero world?? Pretty awesome to walk into the DC booth knowing that you get to make books with their characters in them.


Just a small sampling of the many costumed Con-goers who masquerade through the halls of the San Diego Convention Center each year. Seen here are a few alien creatures from the “Star Wars” films.


Captain Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series. Is it really Johnny Depp, or a wax figure? You decide. (Actually, it’s another costumed attendee who just happened to look strikingly like the real Mr. Depp...!)


Myself (right) and C.S. Jennings (left), the soon-to-be legendary illustrator on our “Incredible Rockhead” series from Graphic Sparks. C.S. had a booth this year in the small press area, where many freelance illustrators and self-employed comic book artists go to peddle their wares and drum up business. It’s worth mentioning that that is exactly how we came to work with C.S. in the first place – finding him at Comic Con several years ago!

Happy Birthday, Princess!

Today is Wonder Woman’s birthday! Well, actually it’s Lynda Carter’s birthday. But she was Wonder Woman, right? Because of her TV show, every young girl and boy in America knew about those bullet-repelling bracelets and the lasso of truth. The real DC Wonder Woman made her debut in the 40s, along with her Justice League buddies Superman and Batman.

I’m thinking a lot about Wonder Woman these days because, starting in January 2010, we will be introducing her to a whole new generation of kids as part of our DC Super Heroes chapter books. The books are in final edit and the new covers have just been finished. Wonder Woman – Princess Diana of the Amazons. She’s strong, she’s fearless, and she’s intelligent. Google created a new logo to celebrate this year's Comic-con, and it includes Wonder Woman. Why? Because she’s an icon for the 21st Century. She practically invented girl power.

And those bracelets are still working!

Hakeem and Mr. Brown on Fox New York!

And Stanley, of course!

Check out Hakeem (our contest winner), Mr. Brown (his hero), and Stanley (seeing-eye-dog extraordinaire) on Fox's Good Day New York today.

This won't be the last we see of these guys!

Meet the kid who saved Superman

Check out this article in the New York Daily News about our book The Kid Who Saved Superman.

And read more about the contest and the book here.

Stuck in a book

When I was a little girl, all I did was read—to the point where now, I sometimes have a memory and can’t remember whether it happened to me or happened to Jane Eyre or Anne Shirley or Francie Nolan (that scene where Francie pretends her name is Mary to get the doll? I was pretty sure I did that until I reread A Tree Grows in Brooklyn as an adult). I also loved the fact that there was a character in Little Women with my name. How I thrilled at the scenes “I” was in, even to “my” deathbed! So when I heard about the contest our marketing department is holding to highlight our new DC Super Heroes books, I thought immediately of my younger self, and how exciting it would have been for her to get her real name in a book. What a treasure that would have been! (If you haven’t seen the information about the contest, it’s here.)

If I could become a character in any book, I think it would have to be Anne Shirley. I loved how smart, how unconventionally beautiful, and how daring she was. I recently reread the first couple of Anne books and couldn’t help remembering how cool I thought she was when I first read Anne of Green Gables around age nine, sitting in my room, wishing I could be as exciting as Anne. If I could become a character in a Stone Arch book, I think I’d be Sam X—losing shadows! Being hunted by a boomerang! Finding a living statue!

After my son, Sam, was born, I brought home copies of each Sam X book. When he’s old enough, we’ll read them together, so that at each mention of his name, he’ll imagine himself in those same adventures. And maybe his memories will get mixed up with fiction, like mine have. I hope he’s that lucky!

What book would you want to be in?


Beth Brezenoff
Senior Editor
Stone Arch Books

A Childhood Dream Come True

In 1978, Warner Brothers released a theatrical one-sheet (or, a movie poster) bearing a familiar S-shield and the tagline, “You’ll believe a man can fly.” That same year, the studio premiered Superman: The Movie, a film that would help change the landscape of science fiction film and pave the way for today’s surge of comic-book and graphic novel-inspired blockbusters. This film is important because it was my first exposure to the world of comic book fiction, and ultimately opened my eyes to a much larger realm of modern-day mythology. The power, the heroism, the majesty – Superman embodied every idea and fantasy that my budding creative mind could conjure. Fast forward ten years: in late 1988, a young, offbeat director embarked on a new quest to bring the Dark Knight to the silver screen. A far cry from the campy, “Technicolor” Batman portrayed by Adam West in the 1960s, director Tim Burton’s “Batman” was dark and gritty, existing in an alternate Gotham City that hearkened back to the days of Art Deco and film noir. To a young sixth-grader like myself, it was a shock as much as it was a breath of fresh air. Batman was real now; he was human. An intelligent, industrious, and determined hero who received his “powers” through hard work and sheer will.

Flashing forward to the present day, I’d have to say that working in collaboration with DC Comics on the first set of our DC Super Hero titles was an absolute joy. Their attention to the little details, I’m convinced, is why Superman and Batman are by far two of the most recognizable properties in the world. Not only has DC left an imprint on pop culture, but they’ve also managed to maintain the image of two super heroes that made their first appearances during World War II. Just look at how little Superman has changed stylistically in the last 70 years! From pencil sketches to final color, the editors at DC worked with us to ensure that Superman and Batman (along with their respective supporting casts) were given the same treatment in our books. Going with the “animated” designs of each character, we geared these titles toward a young audience that has grown to know “Supes” and “Bats” (as they are sometimes dubbed in the industry) from their appearances in animated cartoon series on television and in film. The design of the books followed that same animated feel, and soon we had rich, entertaining novels brimming with full-color artwork and action-packed sound effects.

For those of you who enjoy seeing the process behind the creation of a book, here is the progression of the Stolen Super Powers cover, from rough pencils to final cover design:

Rough cover pencil:

Rough cover pencil (with revised hero poses):

Final cover inks:

Final cover color:

Final cover design (with title and branding):

Art credits: Sketches, pencils, and inks by Rick Burchett. Colorist: Lee Loughridge.

As we move ahead in our adventure with DC, I look forward to the opportunity of working with them even more closely (possibly even illustrating a title myself . . . ?) to ensure that we produce books that together hold up the integrity of DC Comics and Stone Arch Books. In Season 2 of DC Super Heroes, we’ll see more action and adventure, including the origin of Batman, as well as the introduction of several more super villains. Season 3 will welcome everyone’s favorite Amazon, Wonder Woman, to the fold. After that, could we see some team-ups with some of the DC Universe’s other great heroes?

The future is bright for Stone Arch, for DC, for comics . . . for fiction!

Bob Lentz
Art Director
Stone Arch Books

Is Superman Dead?

When I was 8 years old, I purchased a 12-cent (!) DC comic with the book-length story “The Last Days of Superman.” This was not the amazing graphic-novel blockbuster of 1992, but the earlier Superman, issue 156, October 1962. I must have read that story about 35 times, weeping during the first 20. Of course, Superman didn’t die. How could he? Superman is invincible (except for kryptonite, but that’s not the point).

I thought of that story when I read a recent article in the December issue of School Library Journal. It was titled “Wanted: Male Models” and lamented the lack of male reading models for young children, especially for boys. We definitely need more men to read to their children, to spend more time curled up with a book rather than with a warm TV set or computer monitor. I agree with the writer —we need more male mentors. But I have seen them, and it’s usually at a comic book shop or in the graphic novel section at the local big-chain bookstore.

Wednesday is “new comic book” day across the country. Several of us from the Stone Arch office often visit one of our favorite comic book stores in the middle of the week, either to browse or to get that special issue we’ve been itching for. (For me, it was the new Metal Men by DC artist Duncan Rouleau.) Often, we see other guys there with their kids, all gazing at shiny new covers or vintage editions wrapped in protective plastic.

I frequent another comic shop in downtown Minneapolis, usually on the weekends. I always see dads, and often moms, accompanied by their bright-eyed kids, all of them excited and talking about some new manga adventure or superhero tale. The male models are out there. They are reading, although they may not be in the library. Yet.

Which, I guess, answers the question I posed at the beginning of this posting. Superman isn’t dead. He has a growing horde of new fans. And that makes me hopeful—about reading in general, and in particular, about the imaginations of the young. It also thrills me to partner with DC Comics in our new Super Hero line of original stories about Batman and Superman. This could pull back into the library some of those kids who were looking for their favorite reading material elsewhere. And for me to help create books with the same people who gripped me with their caped crusaders when I was 8 years old . . . wow!

Pastimes and hobbies and ways of spending time will change over the years, but we’ll always need stories. Kids are still reading about superheroes. Maybe they’re hidden in the back corner of a comic book store, or behind a spinner rack blooming with manga, but they are there, and they’re very much alive.


Michael Dahl
Editorial Director, Stone Arch Books

Happy New Year!

2008 was a big year for us at Stone Arch Books.

• We published 102 books (and that doesn't include paperbacks, reprints, audio, or interactive).
• We won a bunch of awards: American Graphic Design Awards for The Adventures of Sam X, our Spring 2008 catalog, our Fall 2007 catalog, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the Golden Duck Award; and Ropes of Revolution won both the Moonbeam Award and the Teacher's Choice Award.
• As part of a restructuring at Capstone Publishers, we assumed responsibility for Picture Window Books' fiction, and now we're publishing a more comprehensive selection of fiction, expanding our age range to preK through grade 9.
• We said goodbye to Kay, one of our designers, and Maryellen (who is now working as the classroom project manager for Heinemann Raintree/Capstone Publishers).
• We welcomed two new editors (Julie and Christianne), an art director (Bob), two designers (Emily and Hilary), and an intern (Sean, who has just officially become an associate editor).
• We solved approximately 250 New York Times crossword puzzles during lunch.
• Two babies were born (Sam, to Beth, and Isla, to Julie).
• We got a bunch of great reviews.
• We moved from our cramped cubicles in "the garage" to more spacious offices downstairs. Our new location is a work in progress—and some of us are still not in our permanent desks—but we've got a lot more room!
• We traveled all over the US—to ALA, SCBWI, Comic-Con, TLA, and helped host PLA here in Minneapolis (where we introduced Jake Maddox to a bunch of happy librarians).
• We had tons of fun!

How can we possibly top 2008? It's going to be tough, but we're pretty sure we can do it. For starters, we've got 106 new books headed to libraries now for our Spring 2009 season. We'll have another 98 the season after that (making our 2009 total 204!). January will mark the launch of our new DC Super Heroes set, featuring Batman and Superman. We've been working on these books for years now, and we're so excited for them to finally be in the hands of readers! But the fun won't end in January—we'll have more new series, great new authors and illustrators, and fantastic new books all year long.

The Stone Arch Books blog is evolving in 2009 too. We want to give you more—more insight, more behind-the-scenes, more commentary. We'll feature more staff members, authors, and illustrators. We'll unveil more new features. And we want to hear from you—please use the comments sections to tell us what you want, what you think, how we can better serve you (as teachers, librarians, parents, readers).

Our resolution for 2009: Innovate more. We know that 2009 is going to bring challenges in every industry, including ours. We've always considered ourselves innovative, but with the new economic atmosphere, we're going to have to be even more creative. We'll have to find new ways to do things. We'll have to do our work differently. It'll be exciting to see what comes out of it.

What's your resolution for 2009? What challenge are you excited to tackle? (Let us know by leaving a comment!)

Happy New Year from all of us here at Stone Arch Books. 2009 may not be easy, but we're pretty sure it's going to be good.

Our SUPER news

It's been incredibly hard to not tell everyone we know this news, but now we can: Stone Arch Books and DC Comics are teaming up!

Here's the press release. We're so excited!


DC Comics, Stone Arch Books Announce New & Easy Super Hero Chapter Books

DC Comics and Stone Arch Books are teaming up with a new set of easy chapter books based around DC Comics’ iconic characters Batman and Superman. The new DC Super Heroes will premiere with 12 titles in Spring 2009.

The full offering will include a total of 48 titles released over four seasons. The second season will add Wonder Woman, the world’s most famous female super hero.

“We are excited to provide young readers with books that will be appropriate for our safety and readability concerns, but will also stay consistent with the dynamic storytelling and thrilling characters that have made the DC super heroes so popular,” says Heather Kindseth, Stone Arch Creative Director.

“The books will showcase brand-new, original stories featuring popular DC Comics characters,” says Michael Dahl, Stone Arch Editorial Director. “The stories will be appealing to both new readers and those already fans of the super heroes.”

The books will be illustrated by veteran DC Comics artists. Stone Arch will handle development, design, and distribution to the school and public library markets.

“These easy chapter books are just one more way to hook a reluctant or struggling reader,” says Joan Berge, President of Stone Arch Books. “The DC characters are well-known and of high interest to the striving young reader, and we hope they will spark a growing interest in reading."

About Stone Arch Books
Stone Arch Books publishes safe graphic novels and chapter books for the striving reader. Stone Arch is part of the Capstone Publishers group based in Mankato, MN, with offices in Bloomington, MN and San Diego, CA. Stone Arch Books' Web site is located at www.stonearchbooks.com.

About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.