Comic Book Resources
Encyclopedia
Comic Book Resources, also known as CBR is a website
dedicated to the coverage of comic book
-related news and discussion.
's then-new miniseries of the same name. Described by the University of Buffalo's research library as "the premiere comics-related site on the Web" this news site has become the favored research and news site on comics and graphic novels by American Libraries and Universities.
In addition to having an active message board, Comic Book Resources also has weekly columns written by various writers in the comics industry. Writers who have written or are currently writing columns for Comic Book Resources include Warren Ellis
, Erik Larsen
, Steven Grant
, Robert Kirkman
, Gail Simone
, Rich Johnston
, Scott Shaw
, Rob Worley
, Rik Offenberger
, Keith Giffen
and Mark Millar
, among others. Other columns are published by comic book historians and critics like George Khoury and Timothy Callahan (who wrote Grant Morrison
: The Early Years). There are also specialised columns like Comic Book Legends Revealed, which has recently been collected into a book Was Superman a Spy? (ISBN 0452295327).
, and sponsored by Comic Book Resources and its participating advertisers. Deriving the idea from the singing contest American Idol
, CBI is a five-week and five-round competition in which each contestant is asked to draw a script provided by guest judges in a period of one week. These invited comic book professionals will then comment on the artists’ work in each round. Fans will then determine which contestants will move on to subsequent rounds by voting in a weekly poll.
A number of winners and runners-up have gone on to work professionally in the comics industry:
Website
A website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
dedicated to the coverage of comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
-related news and discussion.
History
Comic Book Resources was founded by Jonah Weiland in 1996 as a development of the Kingdom Come Message Board, a message forum that Weiland had created to discuss DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
's then-new miniseries of the same name. Described by the University of Buffalo's research library as "the premiere comics-related site on the Web" this news site has become the favored research and news site on comics and graphic novels by American Libraries and Universities.
In addition to having an active message board, Comic Book Resources also has weekly columns written by various writers in the comics industry. Writers who have written or are currently writing columns for Comic Book Resources include Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis
Warren Girard Ellis is an English author of comics, novels, and television, who is well-known for sociocultural commentary, both through his online presence and through his writing, which covers transhumanist themes...
, Erik Larsen
Erik Larsen
Erik J. Larsen is an American comic book writer, artist and publisher. He is best known for his work on Savage Dragon, as one of the founders of Image Comics, and for his work on Spider-Man for Marvel Comics.-Early life:...
, Steven Grant
Steven Grant
Steven Grant is an American comic-book writer best known for his 1985-1986 Marvel Comics mini-series Punisher, with artist Mike Zeck and for his creator-owned character Whisper.-Biography:...
, Robert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead and Invincible for Image Comics, and Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt...
, Gail Simone
Gail Simone
Gail Simone is an American writer of comic books. Best known for penning DC's Birds of Prey, her other notable works include Secret Six, Welcome to Tranquility, The All-New Atom, and Deadpool. In 2007, she took over Wonder Woman...
, Rich Johnston
Rich Johnston
Rich Johnston is a writer who writes about the comic book industry.-Early life:Johnston grew up in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, studied politics at University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and was an advertising copywriter until 2009; he currently lives in Kingston Vale, London, with his wife, Janice...
, Scott Shaw
Scott Shaw (artist)
Scott Shaw is a United States cartoonist and animator, and is also an esteemed conductor of the concert band at Mary Institute and Country Day School...
, Rob Worley
Rob Worley
Rob Worley is an American writer and editor. He is a co-author of Advent Rising: Rock the Planet, a comic book prequel to the Advent Rising video game.-Biography:...
, Rik Offenberger
Rik Offenberger
Rik Offenberger is an American comic book journalist and publicity agent, an early utilizer of the Internet for distributing comics news, and currently the public relations coordinator of Archie Comics.-Career:...
, Keith Giffen
Keith Giffen
Keith Ian Giffen is an American comic book illustrator and writer.-Biography:Giffen was born in Queens, New York City....
and Mark Millar
Mark Millar
Mark Millar is a Scottish comic book writer, known for his work on books such as The Authority, The Ultimates, Marvel Knights Spider-Man, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Civil War, Wanted, and Kick-Ass, the latter two of which have been adapted into feature films...
, among others. Other columns are published by comic book historians and critics like George Khoury and Timothy Callahan (who wrote Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
: The Early Years). There are also specialised columns like Comic Book Legends Revealed, which has recently been collected into a book Was Superman a Spy? (ISBN 0452295327).
Comic Book Idol
Comic Book Idol, also known as CBI, is an amateur comic book art competition created and hosted by award-winning comic writer J. TorresJ. Torres
Joseph Torres, better known as J. Torres, is an award-winning Filipino-born Canadian comic book writer. He is perhaps best known for his run on DC Comics' Teen Titans Go!. He has also done some writing for animation and television.-History:...
, and sponsored by Comic Book Resources and its participating advertisers. Deriving the idea from the singing contest American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
, CBI is a five-week and five-round competition in which each contestant is asked to draw a script provided by guest judges in a period of one week. These invited comic book professionals will then comment on the artists’ work in each round. Fans will then determine which contestants will move on to subsequent rounds by voting in a weekly poll.
A number of winners and runners-up have gone on to work professionally in the comics industry:
- Patrick ScherbergerPatrick ScherbergerPatrick Scherberger is an American comic book penciller, known for his work on the book Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man.-Career:Scherberger's career began when he entered and won an internet competition called Comic Book Idol in 2004...
won CBI1 and has since worked on a number of Marvel ComicsMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
titles like Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, Marvel Adventures: Hulk and GeNext. - Jonathan HickmanJonathan HickmanJonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for the Image Comics series The Nightly News and currently writes FF , and S.H.I.E.L.D for Marvel Comics.-Career:...
was the runner-up in CBI1 but has gone on to work for Virgin Comics (Guy Ritchie's GamekeeperGuy Ritchie's GamekeeperGuy Ritchie's Gamekeeper is a comic book series from Virgin Comics and film director Guy Ritchie. Warner Brothers has acquired the rights to the series for Silver Pictures to produce and Ritchie to direct.- Credits :...
and Seven BrothersSeven Brothers (comic book)John Woo's 7 Brothers is a 2006 five-issue comic book limited series published under the Director's Cut imprint of Virgin Comics. The series was produced by John Woo, written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Jeevan Kang...
), Image ComicsImage ComicsImage Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
(Pax RomanaPax Romana (comics)Pax Romana is a four-issue American comic book limited series written and illustrated by Jonathan Hickman and published by Image Comics.-Plot:...
, A Red Mass for Mars and Transhuman). and Marvel ComicsMarvel ComicsMarvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
(Fantastic FourFantastic FourThe Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
, Astonishing TalesAstonishing TalesAstonishing Tales is an American anthology comic book series published by Marvel Comics originally from 1970-1976. Its sister publication was Amazing Adventures vol. 2...
). - Carlos RodríguezCarlos RodríguezCarlos Rodríguez may refer to:* Carlos Rodriguez , president of the Central Union of Workers, Colombia* Carlos Manuel Rodríguez , beatified Puerto Rican Catholic pastor...
won CBI2 and went on to work on ShadowhawkShadowhawkShadowHawk is a fictional comic book vigilante anti-hero created by Jim Valentino.He was first introduced in the Malibu Sun free promotional magazine in May of 1992...
for Image and Batman and the Outsiders for DC ComicsDC ComicsDC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. - Billy Penn also competed in CBI2 and has since done work on Savage DragonSavage DragonSavage Dragon is an ongoing American comic book series created by Erik Larsen, published by Image Comics and taking place in the Image Universe. The comic features the adventures of a superheroic police officer named the Dragon...
. - Joe Infurnari, another CBI2 contestant, has worked on a couple of titles from Oni PressOni PressOni Press is an American independent comic book publisher based in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1997 by Bob Schreck and Joe Nozemack with the goal of publishing the kinds of comics and graphic novels they themselves would want to read...
, including WastelandWasteland (comic)Wasteland is a monthly comic book series written by Antony Johnston, drawn by Christopher Mitten with covers by Ben Templesmith, and published by Oni Press. Issue #1 debuted in July 2006....
and Borrowed Time as well as on the back-up feature of Jersey Gods with Mark WaidMark WaidMark Waid is an American comic book writer. He is well known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America...
. - Nick Pitarra competed in CBI3 and has gone on to do work for Marvel Comics, on books such as Astonishing Tales.
Awards
- 19991999 in comics-February:* February 3: Pioneering editor Vin Sullivan dies at age 87.* February 26: John L. Goldwater, co-founder of Archie Comics, dies at age 82.-March:* Incredible Hulk is canceled by Marvel with issue #474.-May:...
: Won the "Favourite Comics-Related Website (professional)" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20002000 in comics-February:*Strange Adventures vol. 2, #4, final issue cover-dated February - January :* January 5: Goseki Kojima, co-creator of Lone Wolf and Cub, dies at age 71.* January 6: Mad magazine fixture Don Martin dies at age 68....
: Won the "Favourite Comics-Related Website (professional)" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20012001 in comics-Year overall:* Marvel Comics withdraws from the Comics Code Authority and established its own rating system for its publications.- January :* January 23: Fred Ray, Superman's primary cover artist of the 1940s, passes away at age 80.- September :...
: Won the "Favourite Comics-Related Website (professional)" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20042004 in comics-February:*February 6: Marvel Enterprises and Electronic Arts announce a multi-year agreement in which EA will develop a new generation of fighting video games pitting Marvel superheroes against a new, original set of EA heroes....
: Nominated for the "Favourite Comics-Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20052005 in comics- January :* January 3: Will Eisner, creator of The Spirit, dies at age 87.-April:*April 13:**DC Comics announces the discontinuation of its Humanoids and 2000 A.D. titles....
: Nominated for the "Favourite Comics-Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20062006 in comics-January:*January 1, 2006: Newsweek offer a look back at 2005 through editorial cartoons. *January 2, 2006: The Cincinnati Enquirer cartoonist Jim Borgman starts a blog to detail his creative process...
: Nominated for the "Favourite Comics-Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20072007 in comics-January:*January 10: Superman & Batman vs. Aliens & Predator released.*January 24: The Boys is canceled with issue #6.-February:*February 2: Newsarama reports that The Boys has been picked up by Dynamite Entertainment....
: Nominated for the "Favourite Comics Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20082008 in comics-January:*January 9: Teen Titans: The Lost Annual, delayed since 2003, is published.*January 23: Hellblazer #240, marking the 20th anniversary of the series, is released.-February:...
: Nominated for the "Favourite Comics-Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20092009 in comics-January:*January 1: The direct-to-DVD movie Hulk Vs was released.*January 6: The third and final volume of Hollow Fields has been released.-February:...
: Won the "Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism" Eisner AwardEisner AwardThe Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, and sometimes referred to as the Oscar Awards of the Comics Industry, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books. The Eisner Awards were first conferred in 1988, created in response to the... - 20102010 in comics-Events:*February 18: Jim Lee and Dan DiDio were announced as the new Co-Publishers of DC Comics, both replacing Paul Levitz.-January:*January 3: Tibet dies at age 78...
: Won the "Favourite Comics-Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20112011 in comics-January:*January 4 Axel Alonso is named editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, replacing Joe Quesada.-September:*During the whole month of September DC Comics released 52 brand new titles as part of their The New 52 publishing scheme after canceling all titles in August.-Conventions:*July 2–3 -...
: Won the "Favourite Comics-Related Website" Eagle AwardEagle AwardThere are several distinctions and recognitions known as the Eagle Award.*Eagle Award, the highest rank of the Zambia Scouts Association*Eagle Award, the highest award given to a civilian by the National Guard of the United States... - 20112011 in comics-January:*January 4 Axel Alonso is named editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, replacing Joe Quesada.-September:*During the whole month of September DC Comics released 52 brand new titles as part of their The New 52 publishing scheme after canceling all titles in August.-Conventions:*July 2–3 -...
: Won the "Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism" Eisner AwardEisner AwardThe Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, and sometimes referred to as the Oscar Awards of the Comics Industry, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books. The Eisner Awards were first conferred in 1988, created in response to the...