DFG President Meets With Industry Minister to Discuss Stimulus Funding for Canadian Comic Book Industry

By Bob Barnes

Special to DFG ONLINE!

Orrville, Ontario

DFG President and Co-publisher, Dan Graves, & Federal Industry Minister, Tony Clement, took time out during Canada Day festivities in Orrville, Ontario to discuss a stimulus package for the beleagured Canadian comic book industry. "Times are tough all around," said Mr. Graves, "and we were hoping the federal government would step up to the plate with some stimulus funding." Unfortunately, the meeting was cut short by a speech the minister had to make to the local residents as part of the celebrations. "I think that our cause is bleak," added Mr. Graves, "the minister made clear that stimulus funding is for infrastructure projects only, and that the creation of 'funny books' hardly falls into that category. It appears that government funding is not on the table for the company that has been 'Bringing You the Best in Canadian Comics Since 1981.' I did let the industry minister know that if he needs any help with federal infrastructure, that we would be happy to lend our heavy hitters, such as Redman, Cyclone & Tornado, and the Winged Avenger to the government to assist in any heavy-duty building projects." The industry minister is reported as saying that he would "take the matter under advisement."

Happy Canada Day one and all!

Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #5 ... Now Online!

After being plagued with several publication delays, the Winter 2008 edition of Spy Comics Presents (issue #5) has finally hit the stands. "I'm glad to see it finally available to fans," commented DFG president and co-publisher, Dan Graves, who also wrote and drew the issue. "This issue is basically double-sized," added Mr. Graves, "And Flora was supposed to colour it, but then we thought she had died (but later discovered she is alive), then Todd Abbot was going to colour it, but backed out due to other commitments, then our letterer, Stan Kalligraf took ill, so I really had to pull it together on my own. With all my other corporate responsiblities, the issue had to take a backseat, however, it's now available to our faithful fans." This issue concludes the "Battle of the Invincibles" story arc which began in issue #1 way back in 2006. The issue can be viewed by following the ONLINE PUBLICATIONS link in the sidebar, or by clicking here.

Limted Edition B&W Pin-up! Order Now!

In celebration of the publication of Spy Comics #5 (which concludes the "Battle of the Invincibles" story arc, which was begun 3 years ago in Spy Comics Presents #1, 2006), DFG Comics is releasing this limited edition black and white pin-up of the entire Invincibles team (from page 7 of the new issue), with art by Dan Graves! Don't miss out on this limited time opportunity. Order your copy today. Suitable for framing. Only $74.95 cdn (plus s&h).

DFG V.P. Visits Flora at Hospital

In what could only be called a goodwill gesture; DFG Vice-President Darryl Andrews travelled to Mbingo to visit fallen employee Flora Lovartalot. Carrying some fresh cut flowers [Flora's favourite]; Mr. Andrews was quoted as saying,"Problems aside, compassion for people stands above all".

Captain Nepto Prime -- New Issue Now Online! Legacy Numbering Begins!

By Bob Barnes

Special to DFG ONLINE!

After a hiatus of one year, Captain Nepto Prime is back on the stands. "This issue marks a new direction for the series," said Captain Nepto creator and DFG VP, Darryl Andrews. "The series continues to feature stories of Cap "in his prime," that is, the mid-1980's period and as such we decided to adjust the numbering our issues to reflect the legacy numbering." Legacy numbering is when a series that has been rebooted returns to its original numbering, with the cumulative addition of any other issues published in the interim. "The original series ended in 1985 at #9. Cap then became a regular feature in the second Spy Comics series. Last year we relaunched Cap in his own title under the Prime banner. Those issues were unnumbered and known only by their month of release. For example, Captain Nepto Prime - July. Only three issues were released (May, June & July). Thus, this issue is actually Captain Nepto Prime #4, but in order to avoid further confusion we just decided to return to the numbering of the original series, plus the addition of the 3 Prime issues from last year... as a result, we are now at Issue #13! Future issues will be reckoned by the legacy numbering system! It's an exciting development and it really links us to our history while at the same time looking forward to the future."

Captain Nepto Prime #13 marks another development for the series. "The Todd Abbot Studio is taking complete responsiblity for the series from this point on," noted DFG President and Co-Publisher Dan Graves. "Darryl's corporate responsiblities at the Peterborough Office have really taken him away from the drawing board of late, and we feel that it is important that he focus primarily on those very important duties which include licensing and product development. Thus, Mr. Abbot who did both 'ghosted' and credited work in the original series, as well as the pencilling duties of the Prime series has taken over the entire creative duties of the new series and will be doing so with the able assistance of the creative team at his studio. We are very happy that Todd was able to step in for us. He has a deep commitment to Captain Nepto and the Nepto family of characters."

When asked about the fate of the unfinished and previously solicted Captain Nepto Prime August 2008 (the original #4), Mr. Andrews noted, "It's still a project that I'm working on. Due to its length ... over 20 pages ... it slowed up our schedule. I still plan to complete it and release it as either an Annual or King-Sized Special.

When reached for comment, Mr. Abbot stated, "Yes, I'm very happy to finally get to work on the creation that I LARGELY CREATED ON MY OWN. And for the record, while my studio will be assisting me, their contributions will be largely minor. I will write, pencil, and ink all the issues. They will provide assistance with paste-up, colouring and lettering only."

Captain Nepto Prime #13 is now online and can be read by clicking here.

Breaking News - from the Jungles of Mbingo!!

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG Online

Flora Lovartalot is in stable condition after a life-threatening experience. Flora was charged and attcked by a Silverback (gorilla) in the jungles of Mbingo. An eye witness said, "He [the Silverback] was in a bad mood. Flora was on her cellphone in a very serious manner and did not see the beast approach her. Usually gorilla's don't pay attention to anybody, but for some reason he was interesed in Flora. He was about 550 pounds. It happened so fast. All of a sudden he was ontop of Flora, beating his chest."
Reports continue that Flora was knocked to the ground and suffered multiple bite and claw marks. DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, Q.C., K.G. PhD, LLB, was said to be visiting the hospital later today for unknown reasons.

Retro-Spy #2 -- Re-released ONLINE!

DFG Comics is proud to present a re-release of Retro-Spy #2, from January 2007, now online for the first time! In honour of this special occasion, the issue, originally released in black and white now has a full-colour cover. This coloured version of the cover was found amongst the personal effects of Flora Lovartalot. The coloured version of the cover had not previously been released out of respect for Ms. Lovartalot who was presumed dead until late yesterday. Now that it has been determined that she is alive and well, the reprint of Issue #2 with the addition of a full-colour cover can finally be released. This issue features a retelling of the very first appearance of DFG's premiere super-heroine, Nova! Also featured in the issue is Dr. Zed. Dr. Zed (in his civilian identity of master science teacher Gordon Penrose), was the fifth grade teacher of DFG co-publishers Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews. Because Mr. Penrose exerted such a profound influence on the lives of the DFG co-publishers they have included Dr. Zed in several DFG storylines as a respectful homage to their dearly loved mentor, who sadly passed away some years ago. He is fondly remembered and immortalized in his DFG appearances.

Breaking News! DFG Colourist Flora Lovartalot Found Alive in the Jungles of Mbingo!

By Bob Barnes

Special to DFG ONLINE!

Word has just arrived in the DFG News Office that DFG Colourist, Flora Lovartalot, has been found alive in the jungles of Mbingo! Yes, that's right, Flora is alive! Over the past several months, DFG fans have been mourning the loss of one Canada's comic book greats. Last November, when DFG Comics moved into its new head office, tragedy struck when an untethered shelf of artwork fell on the popular colourist. After several days of keeping vigil, DFG fans were saddened to learn that Flora had succumbed to her injuries. It was a sad day for DFG, and an especially sad one for comic book legend Todd Abbot, who had been romantically linked to Flora in the days leading up to her death. But late last night, DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, Q.C., K.G. PhD, LLB, who was on Safari in his birth country of Mbingo in Africa, stumbled onto an ancient village populated by a primitive, pre-industrial civilization deep in the jungle, in which he discovered that Flora Lovartalot is alive and well and being worshipped as a goddess by the local tribes. Goldfarbstein immediately notified DFG president and co-publisher Dan Graves and has begun legal proceedings against Ms. Lovartalot and Todd Abbot, who are now believed to have staged the entire accident as an elaborate piece of life-insurance fraud. When reached for comment, DFG VP and co-publisher Darryl Andrews made the following public statement:

"We are, of course, greatly relieved that Flora is alive. However, if she is in
anyway invovled in any kind of fraudulent activity with respect to the
corporation known as DFG Comics she (and any accesory) will be prosecuted to the
full extent of the law."

At press time, Chief Smith, head of DFG security has initiated a full investigation.

Spy Comics Villains #2 -- The Latest Todd Abbot Masterpiece!

Well, you just can't keep a creative genius down! Fans have been asking, "Where is Todd Abbot?!?!" Well, DFG faithful ones, here he is! Todd has been sequestered away for the last six months working on this newest issue of Spy Comics Villains #2 featuring that all-time favourite DFG villain, The JESTER! This new issue will be posted online soon when the cover becomes available. We just wanted all you DFG fans out there to know that Todd Abbot, that comic book giant, that legend, that Godzilla of the comic book industry is back! And as you can see from the care taken in the above samples, Todd is at his finest ever! Never has his impressionistic and esoteric vision looked so good. View this issue on our online publications page: click here.

With special thanks to Frank Daniels for the colouring job.