Image Comics 20th Anniversary Variant Covers by Ghris Giarrusso

On April Fool’s Day at Emerald City Comiccon, Robert Kirkman and Chris Giarrusso tried to pull a fast on the ECCC fans in attendance for the Skybound/The Walking Dead panel. They announced a new project entitled The Walking Dead for Kids, which would be a panel-by-panel recreation of early Walking Dead issues drawn in Giarrusso’s trademark, kid friendly art style. While the new comic series was a hoax, the image would actually be used as part of a new series of variant covers in honor of Image Comics’ 20th Anniversary.

Since then Image has announced that in honor of its 20th anniversary, Giarrusso will recreate twelve classic first issue covers as variants. First to get the “too-cute” treatment is Youngblood #17, which is especially appropriate because Youngblood was the very first Image title. Thanks to iFanboy, we now have pics of the Giarrusso’s first six Image 20th Anniversary variant covers: The Walking Dead, Spawn, The Savage Dragon, Youngblood, Shadowhawk and Morning Glories. My only question is which book will feature the Shadowhawk cover?

To be honest, The Blot’s a huge fan of Giarrusso’s work. I’ve been reading his Mini Marvels and G-Man Comic Bits strips for years, and my copy of G-Man: Learning to Fly (featuring a sketch by Giarrusso) is my favorite comic purchase from my one and only trip to San Diego Comic-Con back in 2009. Honestly, we need more quality all ages material like Giarrusso’s published by the comic book industry!

The first six Image Comics 20th Anniversary variant covers by Chris Giarrusso will be released sporadically over the next four months (May, June, July and August 2012) and The Blot wants them all! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled to The Blot Says… for more details on these awesome variant covers, and hopefully pictures of the second batch of tribute covers.

[Source: iFanboy]

Black Resin Mini Mad'l by MAD

While The Blot was traveling to Colorado, MAD dropped the second colorway of his new line of handmade 3” resin Mini Mad’ls! These figures look incredible, and collectors are definitely going crazy for them. In fact, this Black Mini Mad’l resin figure reportedly sold out in 2.3 seconds flat! I know I can’t wait to get my hands on one. 

20 Black Mini Mad’l resin figures were created for this release sold exclusively at MAD’s online store for $50 each. Each figure comes packaged in a custom gift box, which includes a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. If you’re like The Blot and haven’t been able to snag either the clear or black Mini Resin Mad’ls, fear not! Rumor has it a third colorway will be released soon!

“Muppet Theatre” Screen Print by James V. Carroll

As you all know The Blot’s a Muppet fanatic, so of course I’m all over this newest release from Dark Ink Art (formerly Acme Specialty Art). The “Muppet Theatre” screen print by James V. Carroll celebrates the 35th anniversary of the gone but never forgotten original Muppet Show. What really makes this print special is Carroll’s connection to the Muppet franchise. The San Francisco artist is not only a known contributor to the Muppet fan community, but he actually worked with Palisades Toys for many of their classic action figure designs.

“Muppet Theatre” by James V. Carroll is an 18”x24” hand signed and numbered screen print. This fun Muppet print will be released in three colorways: the crème Standard Edition (limited to 200 pieces), the red Red Carpet Variant (limited to 50 pieces), and the blue Neon Night Variant (limited to 50 pieces). All three versions go on sale at the Dark Ink Art online store today, Tuesday, April 24th, at a random time for $60 each.