By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!
Word has just come in that DFG President and Co-Publisher, Dan Graves, has been in contact with the man known only as "Sopha." Long-time DFG fans will remember "the man with one name" as a creative genius who contributed several key concept ideas to DFG back in the mid-late 1980's. Perhaps his most enduring creation (with DFG President Dan Graves) was the Grim Avenger, who is now one of our headline stars, featured regularly as a member of the Invincibles in DFG's flagship title, Spy Comics Presents... We have no word at this time whether or not Sopha will be returning and bringing his genius back to DFG, only that he and the DFG President have a high level meeting planned for the near future. Stay tuned for further developments.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Spy Comics #5 -- Back on Track!
By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!
Spy Comics Presents...#5 has been plagued by publication delays since last fall. It continues to carry the Winter 2008 date, but 2008 has come and gone. Where is it? "We had some problems," commented DFG publisher Dan Graves, "After the death of Flora Lovartalot, our colourist, the project was temporarily delayed. It was passed along to Frank Daniels to finish, but with his recent problems we have removed him from the project. I'm pleased that Todd Abbot stepped up to the plate and has been colouring the issue." Mr. Graves indicated that we will likely see the completed issue online in early February.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Disciplinary Action Against DFG Production Manager
By Cynthia Martin
DFG ONLINE! Staff reporter
We have just learned that DFG Comics has taken disciplinary action against its production manager Frank Daniels. A press release from DFG corporate HQ issued by V.P. and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews stated, "It has come to our attention that Mr. Daniels has recently used an inappropriate tone when answering fan mail on our fan club site. Mr. Daniels has always been a stellar employee and hard working member of the DFG staff. It is unfortunate that a recent increase in his workload has caused him to become unbalanced. He has been enrolled in an anger management course and has had a letter placed in his file. We apologize to any fans that were offended by either his remarks or tone." Mr. Daniels, who coordinates the production schedules, printing and online publishing of all DFG publications is also widely known as "DFG's Answer Man." He earned this nickname some years ago due to his encyclopedic knowledge of the DFG Universe. Speculation has mounted that Mr. Daniel's recent psycholigical break-down was due the fact that his workload had become unmanageable after the untimely death of DFG colourist Flora Lovartalot. Mr. Daniels, who is known to be quite a multi-tasker, took on ALL of Ms. Lovartalot's former duties in addition to his already overflowing workload. When reached at the DFG Peterborough office, Mr. Andrews added, "I have very little to add to the press release except that Mr. Daniels has been temporarily relieved of his 'public' duties for the period of two months. The fan page will be co-administered in the interim by the team of Martin R. Schoedel (the official DFG Historian), and Antiquda Recordafile (the official DFG Researcher). Fans are still welcome to submit their fan mail and questions to our Official Fan Page."
DFG ONLINE! Staff reporter
We have just learned that DFG Comics has taken disciplinary action against its production manager Frank Daniels. A press release from DFG corporate HQ issued by V.P. and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews stated, "It has come to our attention that Mr. Daniels has recently used an inappropriate tone when answering fan mail on our fan club site. Mr. Daniels has always been a stellar employee and hard working member of the DFG staff. It is unfortunate that a recent increase in his workload has caused him to become unbalanced. He has been enrolled in an anger management course and has had a letter placed in his file. We apologize to any fans that were offended by either his remarks or tone." Mr. Daniels, who coordinates the production schedules, printing and online publishing of all DFG publications is also widely known as "DFG's Answer Man." He earned this nickname some years ago due to his encyclopedic knowledge of the DFG Universe. Speculation has mounted that Mr. Daniel's recent psycholigical break-down was due the fact that his workload had become unmanageable after the untimely death of DFG colourist Flora Lovartalot. Mr. Daniels, who is known to be quite a multi-tasker, took on ALL of Ms. Lovartalot's former duties in addition to his already overflowing workload. When reached at the DFG Peterborough office, Mr. Andrews added, "I have very little to add to the press release except that Mr. Daniels has been temporarily relieved of his 'public' duties for the period of two months. The fan page will be co-administered in the interim by the team of Martin R. Schoedel (the official DFG Historian), and Antiquda Recordafile (the official DFG Researcher). Fans are still welcome to submit their fan mail and questions to our Official Fan Page."
The above picture of Mr. Daniels is courtesy of DFG webmaster, Oscar Foodlecollins.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January Character of the Month: The Troubadour!
DFG heroes have long been the subject of song and legend, but when they perform mighty deeds and defend the helpless of society, who is it that sings of such acts of heroism? Why, THE TROUBADOUR, of course! Meet The Troubadour, the latest addition to the DFG universe of characters! He is a master of song and lyrics, a hero in his own right, for who else could immortalize the Invincibles with victorious verse and dulcet tones? The Troubadour is unabashedly based on Bryan C. Rason, the uncle of DFG President and Co-Publisher Dan Graves. Watch for him in upcoming issues of your favourite DFG Comics!
Monday, January 12, 2009
High-level Meeting Held at DFG Corporate HQ
By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!
Sources have revealed to this reporter that a special high-level meeting took place at DFG Corporate HQ this week between DFG co-publishers Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews, and a variety of other DFG senior staff. Apparently the meeting was held to flesh out the upcoming Spring line-up, which kicked off this month with the introduction of an all-new series Spy Comics: Villains. "We're very excited," said Mr. Andrews, "several of our projects that remain unfinished from last year will come to completion this year, including Spy Comics Presents... #5, the two unfinished issues of Captain Nepto Prime as well as the Spy Classics Annual (origins issue). But in addition to all this you can be sure that DFG has some surprises planned." When asked what new directions DFG has in store, Mr. Graves added, "I can tell you this ... while you have seen us telling many stories from the past in recent months (editor's note: Mr. Graves was here refering to the titles, Spy Classics and Retro-Spy), we feel that it is now time to gaze into our crystal ball and examine the world of DFG in the distant future ... as a result, you can expect to see a special story in the upcoming season entitled, The Invincibles of the 25th Century!" This groundbreaking news was also accompanied by the news of a special tribute issue (for which magazine is yet to be determined) in which Mr. Graves will pay homage to his uncle, Bryan Rason, a country music legend and superstar. "I have a special issue planned that will feature a character based on Bryan... it is the least I could do for someone who has been such an important influence on my life." Mr. Graves refused further comment on these two exciting new developments. Mr. Andrews also noted that Spy Comics Presents #6 will feature the return of Big Jon, a character created and immortalized by Tim Graves in the award-winning 1980's film series produced by DFG Studios. More details as they become available.
Photograph courtesy of Antiquda Recordafile (DFG staff researcher) and posted by Oscar Foodlecollins (DFG webmaster).
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Spy Comics: Villains #1 - Now Online!
DFG has done it again! A new title hits the stands today, Spy Comics: Villains! The first issue features an all-new villain, The Spychiatrist, a creation of DFG fan Louise Expatcanuck. This and every issue of Spy Comics: Villains will be available online at http://www.spycomicsvillains.blogspot.com/
The first issue is written and drawn by Dan Graves, with colouring by Frank Daniels and lettering by Stan Kalligraph.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Villain of the Month for January: Spychiatrist
Being a superhero in the DFG Universe can be a stressful business. So, when a hero crashes emotionally and psychologically under the stress of his duties, who does he call? To whom does he turn? Why, Spychiatrist, of course! But what if the therapist to the heroes is not the trustworthy confidant and counsellor they thought him to be? What if they disclose the intimate details of their lives, their weaknesses, and yes their very identities, to one they thought they could trust because he was sworn to a professional code of conduct? What if this so-called helper of the heroes is actually one of their deadliest foes? This is the storyline that will appear in the first issue of our newest title Spy Comics: Villains set to debut early in 2009. Imagine the havoc that will ensue in the DFG Universe as a key DFG hero reveals his secrets to Spychiatrist who then sells them to the highest villainous bidder! Be sure not to miss this epic event! Spychiatrist was created by one of our fans, Louise Expatcanuck, and further developed by DFG founder Dan Graves. Watch this space for further solicitations for Spy Comics: Villains, coming soon!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Year's Message from The President of DFG: Part I -- 2008 in Review
Dear Fans:
With a new year comes new opportunities, new excitement, and new developments for your favourite DFG comics and characters. But before I preview the upcoming year, it seems right to look back and reflect on 2008 -- a year that had both ups and downs for Canada's premier comic book company. So, relax and journey with me through the year that was (follow the links to view the respective stories).
In January we launched our Online Publications division with the re-release of Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #1, which had been originally published in 2006 as we relaunched our entire print line. The success was so great that we have now moved almost entirely to online publishing.
In February, the DFG offices were embroiled with an apparent scandal over so-called "bedtime heroes." Fortunately, I was able to set the record straight and the controversy subsided. We also received a scare that Todd Abbot had contracted a serious disease, but these rumours were later proven to be false. This was also the month that we became involved in a legal battle with Todd Abbot. This legal battle led to much fan feedback on our site, and indeed, some abuse of this site. Our chief of security issued a stern warning in an attempt to calm things down.
In March, my artwork for the cover of Spy Comics #1(original series - 1981), long thought destroyed, was found and fetched $50,000 on the antiquities market. News soon broke that one of our film characters from the 1980's was set to appear in an upcoming comic. It was soon revealed that this character was Big Jon, a creation of Timothy Graves, under the stage name Timothy David. Indeed Big Jon will be appearing in the upcoming Spy Comics Presents...#6. Another piece of exciting news was the announcement of the return of Canada's Favourite Adventure Strip Character, Captain Nepto, to a regular, ongoing monthly series, Captain Nepto Prime! Then, as if March had not been a busy enough month, DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, was suddenly taken ill and rested at death's door while we all waited in silent vigil. Life had to go on at DFG, though, and Oscar Foodlecollins (DFG's webmaster), in the midst of all this turmoil and sadness, announced the launch of the DFG Fan Club website. Then, as if things weren't bad enough, DFG VP Darryl Andrews' villa was broken into and several valuable pieces of art were stolen. The month ended on a high note, though, when I received word on Easter morning that Sir Milton had made a miraculous recovery!
April was a month of conflict with superstar Todd Abbot after he felt snubbed that he had not been asked to work on the new Captain Nepto Prime series. This was followed by Abbot stealing Darryl's old DTA Comics trademark and attempting to launch his own Nepto series. I strenuously asserted OUR ownership of Nepto.
In May we hired a massage therapist to help reduce the stress around the office brought on by our legal conflict with Todd Abbot. That hire helped us to reduce the tension enough that we were able to come to an agreement with Todd Abbot in which he and Darryl would collaborate on the new Captain Nepto Prime series. I issued a definitive press release to clarify the arrangement. We then announced the official launch of the Captain Nepto Website!
In June we were able to finally get the second issue of Spy Comics Presents online. Todd Abbot once again caused us some trouble with his resignation and I made a suitable response. I also granted the first of a series of interviews with The Canadian Comic Insider.
July was an exciting and productive month as we launched the Spy Classics Website and released Spy Classics #1 - a retelling of the very first Captain Nepto story! Our VP, Darryl Andrews, also got his turn at a series of interviews with the Canadian Comic Insider. However, the biggest news of the month was the return of DFG superstar artist Mark Kendall Andrews to the DFG bullpen, with an issue of Spy Comics that is now scheduled to be the 2009 Annual!
August brought the introduction of a Captain Nepto Daily Comic Strip, by Darryl Andrews. The Todd Abbot resignation required further comment, which I dutifully made. We hired a Director of Philanthropy to deal with all of the requests we get for financial assistance. Finally, Darryl got our merchandising and toy division off the ground with the introduction of a Spymaster action figure sculpted by Leighton Graves.
In September, much of our day-to-day creative work ground to a halt as DFG Corporate HQ moved to its new location.
In October we announced the return of Retro-Spy, a series dedicated to telling tales from the golden-age of DFG. It was to feature a Christmas special which was, sadly, not available in time for Christmas this year. Also, Darryl visited with the Amazing Kreskin who predicted a banner year for DFG in 2009! The highlight of October, though, was the launch of Leighton Graves' newest comic strip, The Glow Kids!
November was a month of tragedy for DFG as our colourist, Flora Lovaratlot, was tragically injured at our new coporate HQ. The incident, with unfounded allegations of negligence on our part, sparked a near-riot. Sadly, Flora subsquently succumbed to her injuries and passed away. Todd Abbot, with whom she had been romantically linked was reportedly distraught, as were we at DFG corporate HQ.
December was a month of regrouping as several of our titles were delayed by Flora's untimely death. Then with the possiblity of the Canadian government falling, DFG was approached by Jack Layton to help form a coalition government. When the G.G. prorogued parliament this possiblity dissapated. Things then slowed down as mourning for Flora continued, although one interesting photo was released unveiling Todd Abbot's inspiration for his new creation, Dogman.
Well folks, it's been quite a year, with many good things and some bad things, but one thing is for certain, we have a great 2009 planned for our fans. Watch this space for details. Oh, and one more thing: in the upcoming days we will be releasing the nominations for the DFG Fan Awards in which you will be able to vote for your favourite comics and creators of 2008. Watch our fan page for details.
Until next time,
I remain,
Dan Graves
President and Co-Publisher, DFG Comics (and subsidiary companies)
With a new year comes new opportunities, new excitement, and new developments for your favourite DFG comics and characters. But before I preview the upcoming year, it seems right to look back and reflect on 2008 -- a year that had both ups and downs for Canada's premier comic book company. So, relax and journey with me through the year that was (follow the links to view the respective stories).
In January we launched our Online Publications division with the re-release of Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #1, which had been originally published in 2006 as we relaunched our entire print line. The success was so great that we have now moved almost entirely to online publishing.
In February, the DFG offices were embroiled with an apparent scandal over so-called "bedtime heroes." Fortunately, I was able to set the record straight and the controversy subsided. We also received a scare that Todd Abbot had contracted a serious disease, but these rumours were later proven to be false. This was also the month that we became involved in a legal battle with Todd Abbot. This legal battle led to much fan feedback on our site, and indeed, some abuse of this site. Our chief of security issued a stern warning in an attempt to calm things down.
In March, my artwork for the cover of Spy Comics #1(original series - 1981), long thought destroyed, was found and fetched $50,000 on the antiquities market. News soon broke that one of our film characters from the 1980's was set to appear in an upcoming comic. It was soon revealed that this character was Big Jon, a creation of Timothy Graves, under the stage name Timothy David. Indeed Big Jon will be appearing in the upcoming Spy Comics Presents...#6. Another piece of exciting news was the announcement of the return of Canada's Favourite Adventure Strip Character, Captain Nepto, to a regular, ongoing monthly series, Captain Nepto Prime! Then, as if March had not been a busy enough month, DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, was suddenly taken ill and rested at death's door while we all waited in silent vigil. Life had to go on at DFG, though, and Oscar Foodlecollins (DFG's webmaster), in the midst of all this turmoil and sadness, announced the launch of the DFG Fan Club website. Then, as if things weren't bad enough, DFG VP Darryl Andrews' villa was broken into and several valuable pieces of art were stolen. The month ended on a high note, though, when I received word on Easter morning that Sir Milton had made a miraculous recovery!
April was a month of conflict with superstar Todd Abbot after he felt snubbed that he had not been asked to work on the new Captain Nepto Prime series. This was followed by Abbot stealing Darryl's old DTA Comics trademark and attempting to launch his own Nepto series. I strenuously asserted OUR ownership of Nepto.
In May we hired a massage therapist to help reduce the stress around the office brought on by our legal conflict with Todd Abbot. That hire helped us to reduce the tension enough that we were able to come to an agreement with Todd Abbot in which he and Darryl would collaborate on the new Captain Nepto Prime series. I issued a definitive press release to clarify the arrangement. We then announced the official launch of the Captain Nepto Website!
In June we were able to finally get the second issue of Spy Comics Presents online. Todd Abbot once again caused us some trouble with his resignation and I made a suitable response. I also granted the first of a series of interviews with The Canadian Comic Insider.
July was an exciting and productive month as we launched the Spy Classics Website and released Spy Classics #1 - a retelling of the very first Captain Nepto story! Our VP, Darryl Andrews, also got his turn at a series of interviews with the Canadian Comic Insider. However, the biggest news of the month was the return of DFG superstar artist Mark Kendall Andrews to the DFG bullpen, with an issue of Spy Comics that is now scheduled to be the 2009 Annual!
August brought the introduction of a Captain Nepto Daily Comic Strip, by Darryl Andrews. The Todd Abbot resignation required further comment, which I dutifully made. We hired a Director of Philanthropy to deal with all of the requests we get for financial assistance. Finally, Darryl got our merchandising and toy division off the ground with the introduction of a Spymaster action figure sculpted by Leighton Graves.
In September, much of our day-to-day creative work ground to a halt as DFG Corporate HQ moved to its new location.
In October we announced the return of Retro-Spy, a series dedicated to telling tales from the golden-age of DFG. It was to feature a Christmas special which was, sadly, not available in time for Christmas this year. Also, Darryl visited with the Amazing Kreskin who predicted a banner year for DFG in 2009! The highlight of October, though, was the launch of Leighton Graves' newest comic strip, The Glow Kids!
November was a month of tragedy for DFG as our colourist, Flora Lovaratlot, was tragically injured at our new coporate HQ. The incident, with unfounded allegations of negligence on our part, sparked a near-riot. Sadly, Flora subsquently succumbed to her injuries and passed away. Todd Abbot, with whom she had been romantically linked was reportedly distraught, as were we at DFG corporate HQ.
December was a month of regrouping as several of our titles were delayed by Flora's untimely death. Then with the possiblity of the Canadian government falling, DFG was approached by Jack Layton to help form a coalition government. When the G.G. prorogued parliament this possiblity dissapated. Things then slowed down as mourning for Flora continued, although one interesting photo was released unveiling Todd Abbot's inspiration for his new creation, Dogman.
Well folks, it's been quite a year, with many good things and some bad things, but one thing is for certain, we have a great 2009 planned for our fans. Watch this space for details. Oh, and one more thing: in the upcoming days we will be releasing the nominations for the DFG Fan Awards in which you will be able to vote for your favourite comics and creators of 2008. Watch our fan page for details.
Until next time,
I remain,
Dan Graves
President and Co-Publisher, DFG Comics (and subsidiary companies)
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