Leaf/Internauts team up coming soon from Red Leaf!

The promotional graphic below was posted by one Kelly Bender on the Red Leaf Comics Facebook page earlier today.

I wrote a 16 page stand alone ‎comic book‬ story for publisher Red Leaf Comics 

It's a story of ‎Red Leaf Comics‬ signature character ‎The Leaf‬ meeting ‪‎The Internauts‬ as they're forced to travel back in time to save #‎Canada‬ from an alternative future. 

This ‪#‎comic‬ will be available for purchase Spring 2015 from DriveThruComics & IndyPlanet

Red Leaf is preparing to release the 11th issue of its flagship title and there's no mention of The Internauts in the solication, so this meeting must take place in a subsequent one or a one-shot.

The Leaf: #11A 

Two action-packed stores featuring: The Modern Leaf vs. Death! and The Stitcher -- Man of Many Trades! 

Format: Black & White   

Pages: 20 

Two amazing covers! 

Cover A by Marcelo Salaza

I am not particularly familiar with The Internauts. I do know that they appeared in the fifth issue of the Sky Watcher anthology, however I don't own that one. Red Leaf books often have one-page promos for their titles and/or characters (An idea I recommend strongly, for what it's worth), such as the one for Mary Maple below...

...but while I could swear I've come across one in the past for The Internauts, I can't seem to locate it. I guess it'll be a proper introduction when I get the book!

Being that the story is written by Calgary-born Bender, this is a great opportunity to mention another project of his that is about to be made available soon. Starburn will be released on Wednesday on Comixology.

Finding out more about this book has underscored for me just how much Canadian talent has contributed to England-based publisher AAM-Markosia's books in the past few years. I'd heard of several of their releases but never connected them all as being Markosia books.

I plan on purchasing and discussing some of those books over the next few weeks but being that Markosia has a rather large release library, it's possible that I'm not aware of all of the ones that include Canadian talent. So If you are a Canadian creator who has contributed to one of their books, by all means draw my attention to it in a comment to this post or contact me at jf4nier@gmail.com.

Dino Caruso, Mark Bertolini and Claude St. Aubin, you don't need to bother. ;-)

The Supernatural Agents

My attention was drawn to Saint John's Water Front Studios a few months ago when they posted art on their Facebook group based on Red Leaf Comics characters.  There is an ongoing relationship between the studio and publisher, Red Leaf has published two issues of Water Front's Manga Ganda anthology book.

The third issue, also to be published by Red Leaf, will have a superhero theme and the folks at Water Front are clearly excited to see it released. They have displayed preview art of a team called The Supernatural Agents who are also based out of Saint John.  The images and caption below are lifted from Facebook.

One of the pages from our newest issue of Manga Ganda featuring the Super Natural Agents!..all lettered and colored,..written by Paul Beale, penciled by Tim Fallon, and inks by Jim Hachey and of course lettered and colored by Michel Plourde!..the water front Team!

The image below is cover art for MG3.

At the moment, I know nothing about the individual characters and while I considered writing to Water Front to ask...I won't.  I think I'll just let the book itself serve as an introduction.  Although I could swear I've seen the guy with the tiger stripes somewhere before...

Since Red Leaf was mentioned, I may as well share another rather awesome Robert Norton piece of the five generations of Leaf characters below.  Looking forward to seeing the coloured version.

The Golden Age Leaf / Jill Canada in Small Press Heroes #1

Here's a little something I picked up yesterday.

Small Press Heroes #1c 

They came from the sky!!! Thousands of ships raining down from the stars and bringing death and destruction until the earth's greatest heroes banded together to save the planet!' 

Small Press Heroes is the cooperation of dozens of creators to bring their creator-owned characters to print in one cohesive story. Join the Golden Age Leaf, Seer, White Shadow and others as they save humanity. 

With 10 amazing covers from 10 dynamic creative teams!!!!

Cover C art by Robert Norton and Federico Sioc

This is a nice method by which small publishers and/or emerging talent can get a little exposure for their product.  I was not familiar with the majority of the characters included in the book but was attracted to the project by the appearance of The Golden Age Leaf (as well as the modern day version, and Jill Canada, as seen on the cover above, in a far more combat-appropriate outfit than we're used to).

Find out more about the SPH project here and since the next issue is scheduled for June of this year, if you think you might want to submit something you should probably get on that.

The contact information at the back of the book led me to Robert Norton's deviantart page and another pleasant surprise. Norton has contributed a number of the pin-up on the Red Leaf Comics website, such as the rather lovely version of the Victorian era Leaf character (spelled "Leafe") below.

However, late last year he added a couple of images of a group called NorthForce to his online portfolio.

Yeah, I...I think I can get behind that!

NorthForce is by no means a new concept for Red Leaf; they have been talked about for years and a few strips of it were posted onto the company's message board.  They were most recently meant to appear in early issues of the main Leaf book, but that was postponed in order to let the Leaf character establish himself more solidly beforehand. The eighth issue of the Leaf title was released earlier this week so I suspect that it might not be long until NorthForce leaps onto the scene.

Red Leaf Comics Presents...

...quite a bit of material in the coming days, it would appear...

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that Red Leaf Comics had sent me a digital copy of The Leaf #4.  The above is a panel from that issue.  I'd meant to talk about the book in greater detail but got sidetracked, so here it is.

What struck me while reading it was the character's growth into his role between the 3rd issue, in which The Leaf's career begins, and this one.  Michael McSorly has still only been a crime-fighter for a few weeks by this point.  He's more comfortable...but still has some doubts. He's building something of a network of helpers...including one that appears prepared to force his way into the operation. His world is quickly becoming more fully developed.

My exposure to this character has been quite staggered.  He (and the golden age version of the character) has appeared in a number of books by other publishers, usually in short stories.  I tracked those down while waiting for issue #4 to be available.  Reading them between issues of the ongoing series has helped "sell" his increased comfort level in #4 to me.  Essentially, it felt like watching him gain the experience that has led to his increased confidence in #4.

Getting a hold of those shorts is far easier now.  Red Leaf has collected them in a #0 issue,  packaging them with several pin-ups of the character.  It's interesting to see The Leaf evolve from the early stories in issue #0 to his most recent release.

Red Leaf is in the middle of a rather prolific spell; they have also re-released Red Leaf Comics Presents #1.  That book features three short stories of the Golden Age Leaf, one of which guest-stars Jill Canada, with a new cover (seen at right).

My exposure to Jill Canada has been limited, but I've enjoyed her few appearances and have been anticipating more.  Sounds like the wait will be paying off soon.

Jill will play an important part in the main story of the fifth issue of The Leaf (expected to be available late this month or early next).  Also, The Mountie Brigade will debut in the first of four four-page installments.  The Brigade continues the legacy of the McSorly family as mounted policeman Angus McSorly faces danger during a posting to Mars Dome One in 2125.  Click the "Mountie Brigade" tag below to see preview art of that story in an earlier post. The entire book will be in full-colour.

The second issue of Red Leaf Comics Presents is also on the way, the entire content of which takes place during WW2.  I've been generously provided with a look at one of the covers for that book, which I'm all too happy to share (at left).  Obviously, Jill and the Golden Age Leaf are the main event, but a Man-Fish creature from Eastern Canada will also make its first appearance.

Plenty of Canadian characters in action over at Red Leaf.  Their DriveThru store, for digital purchases, can be reached through this link. Print versions can also be obtained from IndyPlanet.

The Leaf blows into Monty's World!

After coming across it months ago, I finally got to see the image below "in action" recently.

The character displayed is the Golden Age version of The Leaf from Red Leaf Comics, as illustrated by Stuart Berryhill.

I didn't come across the story from which that page originates in a Red Leaf book, however, but from Will Lill Comics' Monty's World #1.  Will Lill, as explained on their Facebook page, is the self-publishing home of T. Warren Montgomery, based in Portland, Oregon.  MW1 is the first of a four-issue anthology series.

The Leaf is not the only character attached to another publisher to find his way into this issue.  Former Namor the Sub-Mariner and Aquaman writer Steve Skeates returned to his roo...huh...seaweed in late 2011 , writing another ocean-based character named Depthon for Surprising Comics.  Depthon was created by Surprising Comics founder Mark Davis and the character's story from All-Surprising Comics #1 continues in Monty's World.

The Leaf and Depthon appearances are preceded and followed by stories about Lightning Marval (the character on the cover) and The Exiles, from 1988, which is only now seeing print.  Throughout the book, Montgomery displays his versatility by serving as writer and/or illustrator and/or letterer.

The print version of the book will be available soon from the Will Lill website, but the digital version can be had for $1.99 on DriveThru.  A preview on the DriveThru page provides a better look at the Lightning Marval character.

Red Leaf announces Trading Card Series A!

Red Leaf Comics is pleased to announce a set of trading cards featuring three heroes and four villains!

Trading Card Series A: Heroes & Villains

Heroes: The Golden Age Leaf, Jill Canada, and The Modern Leaf.

Villains: Zomboid --the Zombie Android, Scorched Earth, Tundrus, Lord of the Tundra, and the Mass. 

The cards will be on sale individually or in a discounted set of seven!

When Red Leaf publisher John Helmer first mentioned (on Twitter) a forthcoming card set which would include three heroes from the company's cast, I automatically assumed that the cards would display the three versions of his flagship character, The Leaf.

Well, two out of three ain't bad. In fact, in this case, I think I prefer it.

The third character is actually Jill Canada, sidekick of sorts to the Golden Age Leaf.  Her appearances have been limited so far, hence my difficulty in scoring a good shot of her.  Here are a few panels from Surprising Theater #2, however.

She also shows up at bottom right on this Golden Age Leaf pinup by Stuart Berryhill.

I don't know what the plans are for Jill.  I suspect that she will also become a so-called "legacy" character whose proverbial torch gets passed down from generation to generation.  And if I'm wrong, well...I suggest it. :-)

Coming soon: The Mountie Brigade!

Red Leaf Comics' flagship character is named The Leaf.  Coming across the character was an indicator that there are more Canadian characters out there than many people realise and one of the inspirations for starting this blog.  I bought the first three issues of the book in print format right around that time.

There are actually three versions of the character; the Golden Age Leaf who fought in WW2, the Silver Age Leaf, whose adventures take place in the 60's and 70's and one set in the present, the Modern Day Leaf. The three appear in the image below.

As stated in the image above, the three are related.  Walter MacSorly (Golden, left) begat James MacSorly (Silver, right) who begat Michael MacSorly (Modern, middle).

But I was recently made aware that Mike will do some "begetting" of his own.

Red Leaf is working on stories of The Mountie Brigade.  And the MacSorly name comes up again.

In the year 2125, Angus MacSorly and the rest of the 101st Mountie Brigade protect the Martian Territories from aliens and other threats trying to destroy Mars Dome One.

Let's have a look:

Looks a touch more dignified than Space Mounties.

Red Leaf has just started a Facebook page specific to The Leaf in addition to their own account.  They also provide updates about their various projects on the website's message board.

A Conversation with Red Leaf Comics' John Michael Helmer

The information below is the result of ongoing e-mail conversation with Red Leaf Comics publisher John Michael Helmer.  John had sent me an early look at one of the covers for All Canadian Comics which drew my curiosity.  This resulted in something of a Q & A which is adapted and duplicated here now (with consent from Mr Helmer, of course).  Indented comments are Mr Helmer's.

...We have a pack of titles coming out covering several different genres and our digital sales at the webstore are strong. We’re very excited about All Canadian Comics #1, Abominable Tales #1, The Leaf #4, Sky Watcher #5, and G.I.s vs Zombies #2. All will be available this year at some point.

The format (for All Canadian Comics) will be twenty to twenty four pages of action and drama each issue. Our goal is to make it 100% Canadian. Most of the creators, writers, and artists ARE Canadian and issue #2 stands to meet that goal. No doubt, ALL the featured characters are Canadian based: heroes, villains, and creatures! Available in print and digital versions with two different covers.

#1 will feature three amazing stories. First off, Mark F Davis' The American Guard travels to Canada on his quest to discover who he is. The American Guard meets up with the Canadian Guard and the fists start flying from there. Mark’s character first appeared in the pages of Surprising Comics and I had a chance to write a ten page story. So I immediately took the AG to Canada and the rest is history.

Canadian Guard is a patriotic hero, selected from the best of the best, so to speak. Mark has designed a guard for every country. I created the Canadian Guard to reflect a sense of strength and intelligence. He’s also someone who will help others in need, regardless of who they are, all of the time.

As to whether the Canadian Guard will appear in other comics or stories...

No doubt. I’m sure Senior Editor Hal Hilden will craft something amazing for the hero.  Hal and I have been working together for several years. He’s a Canadian creator out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He wrote MacSorly #1 –a Canadian Mountie tale of The Leaf before he became The Leaf –Canada’s Greatest Hero. Hal is supervising the title from Canada; he contacts the writers and artists, connects creative teams, and schedules the stories. With Hal in control, the book will be, as it should, 100% ALL Canadian. Hal also wrote the second story: Ministers of Magic.

Ministers of Magic?

I will defer to Hal for that explanation, but as I have read the first few pages, there are hero magicians from each province and an old, wise veteran teacher. They battle it out for a winner-take-all title of Master Magician of Canada to protect the dominion.

And the other story in the first issue?

My favorite: Ogopogo –the Lake Monster. Something is alive up north and it's protecting the lake. I tried to stay true to the actual legend, yet add a new twist. I hope fans enjoy.

So when will the book be out?

Digital sales this week. Print sales as soon as it arrives from the printer. You can get your copies at our webstore.  I encourage fans to check out our books and we’ve got some awesome stories for The Leaf this year and into next! The Leaf, starring the modern version, battles a villain named Pheromone in his evil attempt to destroy Toronto in The Leaf #4. Michael McSorly then travels to Berlin, Germany and uncovers a secret weapon buried in a bunker since 1945 in The Leaf #5.  Check us out at: www.redleafcomics.com

Looking Forward to Canadian Hero Goodness, New and Old

I'm out of town this week, travelling on business, but returning this weekend. The novelty of travel and hotel stay have worn off and I can't wait to get home.

Making me even more eager to get on a Bearskin flight (ahem) is that with a little good fortune and timing, I may have some goodies waiting for me when I get home, just in time for a long weekend. They are:

Red Leaf Comics' The Leaf


I'm a sucker for a character that spans generations. The current Leaf is the third in the line (that's the original above) and has a rather distinctive look.

As a "thank you" for ordering issues one through three from their online store, publisher John Helmer was kind enough to send me a pdf copy of the MacSorley RCMP book. It includes one-page teasers of the other Red Leaf books and serves as a sort of prequel to the multi-generational Leaf story. And down the road, it seems we'll be getting another leaf-wearing chracter in The Canadian Guard. I appreciate the quality customer service and am patiently waiting to read about the Leafs. Or Leaves. Not sure how that works...

Next, the Heroes of the North Omnibus.


The folks at Heroes of the North reached an agreement with Ardden Entertainment to publish their books in October 2011. HotN have since hit the road a bit to promote this book, including an appearance at a store in my area, so I should be able to get my hands on the Omnibus without dealing with brutal shipping charges.

The book is 80 pages long and listed at $5.99 on their website. Here's the solicitation:

When the threat of an international terrorist organization looms, ready to strike North America, the Canadian government is forced to put together an elite team of superheroes - Heroes who kill. This exciting collection relates the dark origins of the controversial Canadian Shield; electro-blasting femme fatale Fleur-de-Lys; drug-addicted nanobot-enhanced Black Terror; loud mouth ninja 8 Ball; west coast speedster Pacifica; and the sultry queens of evil: the disfigured Madame Doom and the deadly Hornet. MATURE READERS ONLY!

The only downside is that I won't get to listen to Nordik's crazy hot accent. ;-)

Last and almost certainly least, we have...Canadian Ninja!


I admit in this case I look forward to this the same way a movie fan may look forward to watching Plan Nine From Outer Space.

I've managed to locate a few reviews for this book, which in and of itself is surprising, since it's from the late 80's. Apparently grammatical errors were a frequent irritant to the reviewers.

Then I looked at the cover, saw the reference to "limited issues" and laughed out loud. It was actually the only issue ever released and I'm reasonably sure old Chuck at Mile High Comics isn't too bummed at unloading it to me for about 80 cents.

I don't mean to crap too much on the people who put this comic together. Hey, they did something I'll never do by getting their own character published at all so more power to them.