THE BLACK BEETLE Goes ComicsPRO!

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Hello Beetlemaniacs,

    the annual ComicsPRO ( the event dedicated to the progress of direct market comic book retailers) was held here in Atlanta this past weekend and for the occasion Dark Horse asked me to do an exclusive cover for The Black Beetle NO WAY OUT #1. This very limited edition of only 300 was given to all retailers attending the event and you can see the cover above.
   I was invited to the event as well to sign the book and it was GREAT to hear from all retailers how much they (and their customers) are loving Black Beetle.

  Speaking of love, NO WAY OUT #2 came out this week and apparently all the stores are already sold out! (tried to find a copy for myself and had no luck)
  I am wondering now if we will see a second printing edition with a brand new variant cover ;)

  Here's a  partial list - in no particular order - of all the press THE BLACK BEETLE NO WAY OUT #2 has got in these past few days.

THANK YOU again for all the love, everyone, we at BB-Team really appreciate it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

CBR
THE BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #2 4.5/5
If there's an award for "fastest growth into a new creative medium," I think Francesco Francavilla's "The Black Beetle: No Way Out" #2 (and the first issue as well) would be strong enough to make him a contender. Readers have known for years now that Francavilla is an excellent artist; now, he's shows that he's a good writer, too.
Francavilla is an artist's artist, and the end result is nothing short of exquisite. "The Black Beetle" is the sort of comic where you hope that we'll eventually see an oversized hardcover edition, because you'll want to pore over every single line.
Every time you read "The Black Beetle: No Way Out" #2, you'll notice a little something extra that might have slipped past you the first time. It was on the third or fourth time through myself that I realized the truth: I'm hooked. Any doubts I had before have been dashed; Francavilla's not just an excellent comic artist, he's a great comic creator in general. Here's to a lot more of "The Black Beetle" in the months and years to come.

COMICS THE GATHERING
Black Beetle: No Way Out #2 10/10
Francesco Francavilla is one of the best there is. His style is very much a unique, iconic one that is instantly recognizable as his own. The way the action flows from panel to panel is effortless for the reader and allows for full submersion in the story. The use of different panel progressions, full pages and splash pages is varied and no one format is overused.


HEROES ONLINE
STAFF PICKS of the Week :: BLACK BEETLE #2
The thing that stands out most about this book in my mind is that, while it is full of wonderful art, a memborable pulpy character, and lots of energy, the book feels almost effortless.  It’s a simple and fun read.

COMICBOOKBIN
The Black Beetle #2 comics Double Advance Review  
BB2 Review #1 8/10
The Black Beetle is the most faithful homage to the pulps since the debut of the Rocketeer. 
BB2 Review #2 9.5/10 
It is good when a comic book series proves itself not to be a fluke after a dynamite debut issue.  How does a creator prove that?  Francesco Francavilla does so by creating a dynamite second issue.

OMNICOMIC
Review - The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2
Plain and simple, The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2 is a solid, quality book that blends a strong narrative with focused art. As a main character, Black Beetle is rife with savvy and observational skills, giving the reader a glimpse at what a genius at work looks like. The second issue continues what is a really fascinating detective book with a lot of panache.

MULTIVERSITY COMICS
Comics Should Be Cheap! (Staff's picks)
The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2: You can’t really go wrong with a second helping of this deliciously orange and black pulp universe from Francesco Francavilla.

RCB READCOMICBOOKS
Black Beetle: No Way Out #2 Advance Review 9/10
What Francesco Francavilla is doing with the script is absolutely refreshing. There are not enough 50's pulp, mobster comics, let alone 50's monster comics with a totally bad ass super hero for a protagonist. [...]
Francesco Francavilla has created something truly great, and after only two issues people will be begging for Black Beetle to carry on further than four issues.

THE WEEKLY CRISIS
Major Releases: BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #2
Black Beetle is classic noir, pulp, and super hero stories all rolled into one, so not only is it an incredibly well done book, it's a time saver, since you can scratch all those itches with a single comic.

ROBOT 6
Food Or Comics?
Francesco Francavilla’s The Black Beetle #2 (Dark Horse, $3.99). I love the latitude Dark Horse is giving Francavilla in the design packaging here – that cover is something special — and luckily, the insides have the promise of being even better given what happened last issue. 

COMICS THE BLOG
You Read These With Your Eyes!
BLACK BEETLE #2
If you like pulp comics, or hardboiled detective fiction, or even just old Batman comics, this is something to pick up.  Francavilla is one of the most talented artists around, and seeing him let loose without having to play by anybody else’s rules is pretty breathtaking.  This could be your new favourite comic.

RCB READCOMICBOOKS
Covers of the Week! 
BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #2
Francesco Francavilla has gone from Eisner-award winning cover artist to being a respected multi-talented creator with his Black Beetle series.  This has been a beautiful continuation of pulp heroes from past eras.

THE NERDIST
Top Picks Black Beetle: No Way Out #2
I hate Francesco Francavilla for making me curse the heavens each month that his phenomenal Black Beetle: No Way Out is only 20-something short pages. After reading this pulpy thrill ride, I don’t want to go back to the real world; I want to rent a run-down apartment in Colt City and swill bourbon while the Beetle delves down into the muck and the mire of the city’s underworld. If you thought issue one went at a breakneck pace, then think again: issue two barely gives you time to catch your breath before plunging you into a brand new sink-or-swim situation. Anchored by phenomenal art and innovative page layouts (seriously, how are more people not talking about this), Francavilla’s sizzling story leaps off the page, making for one of the best books I’ve read in a while.

COMICBASTARDS
Review: The Black Beetle #2 4/5
Even though this is only its second issue, there is a fiercely growing depth throughout the story. [...] Francavilla really gives us a more focused look at his protagonist here, both visually and through his dialogue.
The art in Black Beetle #2 is, again, absolutely stunning, awash as it is in thick atmosphere and shadow, punctured sparingly by bright flashes. Altogether, it’s an unbridled pleasure to look at, with even the panels accentuating its visual storytelling, often becoming as kinetic as the story itself.

GEEKS OF DOOM
Comic Review: The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2
you can tell that this is a total labor of love by Francavilla, and it shows in every way possible. The story is well told, and fits right into the world of the pulpy era of days long gone by. Francavilla writes it like he actually lived through it. This book is ungodly gorgeous too look it.

THE REPTILE REVIEWER
Black Beetle #2 review A+
This is one of the best adventure books out there right now because Francavilla is so confident in his skills and his inspirations that the book practically shines.

BLOODY DISGUSTING
Review: ‘The Black Beetle: No Way Out’ #2 4/5
Francesco Francavilla’s cryptic tale continues to unfold before the reader’s eyes in fantastic fashion. This is such a well-crafted story. It has been a while since I have looked forward to the next issue of a series to come out as I do with “Black Beetle: No Way Out”. Get on board this thrilling ride now if you haven’t already.

WORD OF THE NERD ONLINE
Review: Black Beetle: No Way Out #2
Francavilla [makes] No Way Out a subtle, dynamic story, with plenty of action, that doesn’t sacrifice the mystery building within the pages.
Final Thoughts: Read it and love it!

FORCES OF GEEK
THE BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #2 (OF 4)
Very highly recommended series to get in on the ground level with, and fans of the noir or serial drama will get an extra joy out of this book because of the creator’s heartfelt respect for the radio days.

THE DAY TE WEB STOOD STUPID
Comic Art:Covers of The Week
Black Beetle #2 by Francesco Francavilla 

COMICBOOK THERAPY
Review: BLACK BEETLE #2  4/5
Reading the Black Beetle’s thoughts during his escapades adds another layer to the noir feel. I can almost hear the noir styled music as I read the Beetle’s dialogue.  The lack of information involving the Black Beetle, and how little I care about the omission, continues to surprise me.  The book is having a lot of fun, and the reader doesn’t need to know who the Black Beetle is.  All you need to know is that he is the good guy. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE BLACK BEETLE #1 Back To Print! [With A Brand New Cover]

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Hello Beetlemaniacs,

   Due to the high demand and to the fact #1 is sold out pretty much everywhere (from Diamond/distributor to the local shops) Dark Horse has decided to send #1 back to print so everybody can enjoy THE BLACK BEETLE experience/fun in its entirety :)
   For the occasion I was asked to provide a new cover pretty much overnight, new cover you can see above and which I hope you enjoy.

   Thanks again everyone for making this happen: it really is a dream come true for me to bring Black Beetle in the stores (and in your hands) so seeing becoming this popular is just the cherry on top of this wonderful journey.

   Stick with us for the long run and you will be entertained, I can promise you that :)


   In related news, I wanted also to congratulate my Black Beetle editor supreme and dear friend Jim Gibbons in his well deserved promotion to Associate Editor at Dark Horse. Way to go, Jim, let's keep rockin' this :)


Here's the Official Press Release from Dark Horse about Black Beetle #1 going back to print.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Francesco Francavilla's Black Beetle #1 Being Reprinted!
02/08/2013 12:05pm
 
DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES A SECOND PRINTING WITH AN ALL-NEW COVER!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again! Eisner Award–winning artist Francesco Francavilla’s new series at Dark Horse is already being called one of the year’s best! After receiving unanimous praise from retailers, fans, and every media outlet under the sun, The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 has officially sold out of its first printing!

Now, we are proud to announce that despite our best efforts, demand was just too high to keep stock on shelves. In order to time as closely as possible with the release of the critically acclaimed series’ second issue, Francesco Francavilla and Dark Horse Comics have put together another printing with an all-new cover!

This new series introduces the Black Beetle, a mob-busting costumed supersleuth, as he investigates a bombing that has killed off some of Colt City’s notorious criminals! Steeped in pulp noir with modern sensibility, this is one new series you need to read!

“I am very humbled by the great response that The Black Beetle has received. This is such a work of love that’s been in the making for several years, and I am thrilled to see so many people are really digging the book,” said creator Francesco Francavilla. “It’s my goal to make this a book that can be enjoyed by those who love classic pulp stories, as well as new fans who want a fun, entertaining read. I can’t wait to show everyone what’s coming up next!”

Retailers, the second printing of The Black Beetle #1 is available through Diamond now, using the following order code: DEC128352. This issue will be on sale in the direct market on March 13, 2013.

Fans, look for The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2 at your local comic shop on February 20!

~~~~~~~~~

THANK YOU for all the BB love, everyone :)

Cheers,
Francesco

The BLACK BEETLE #1 SELLS OUT At Diamond!

Hello Beetlemaniacs,

   WE DID IT AGAIN! The Black beetle NO WAY OUT #1 has officially SOLD OUT at distributor level, just like it happened with NIGHT SHIFT #0! :D

   But there is still chance to put your hands on a copy of you haven't done it already: Dark Horse is sending a very limited amount (out of their own stock of comp copies) to Diamond so they can fulfill some of the pending orders. Check with your shop to see if they can still get you a copy.
Here's the official Dark Horse Press Release with the announcement and some preview pages from NO WAY OUT #2, out in stores in 2 weeks (and already in high demand) :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PULP SMASH! FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA’S BLACK BEETLE #1 HAS SOLD OUT AT DIAMOND!
DARK HORSE TRANSFERRING COPIES TO DISTRIBUTOR TO FILL DEMAND!
The response has been unanimous! Eisner Award–winning artist Francesco Francavilla’s new series at Dark Horse is already being called one of the year’s best! Francavilla’s pulp sensation, The Black Beetle: No Way Out, has received overwhelming praise from media, retailers, and fans around the country!

As of today, just two weeks before the release of the series’ second issue, Diamond Comic Distributors has completely sold out of issue #1, and Dark Horse will be transferring stock from other channels to ensure retailers can capitalize on the series’ success!

This new series introduces the mob-busting costumed supersleuth as he investigates a bombing that has killed off some of Colt City’s notorious criminals! Steeped in pulp noir with modern sensibility, this is one new series you need to read!

Praise for the first issue:

“Any pulp and classic noir fan will tell you, there are only a handful of books out on the market that really do the job. An original concept like The Black Beetle will surely give fans of the genre something to cheer for. It’s been a long time coming for this title and it was worth the wait. 10 out of 10.”—Newsarama
“This is a fun, adventure-filled, mystery-tinged story as welcoming to new readers as possible for a comic book. Quite simply, this is good stuff. I may not be the biggest fan of pulp adventures, but I am a self-proclaimed fan of all things good and this is very good indeed. Hopefully, as promised in the text piece at the back of this issue, this is just the beginning. I, for one, cannot wait to get more.”—Comic Book Resources
“The Black Beetle #1 is one of the most exhilarating, stunning superhero comics on the stands . . . This miniseries presents a high-stakes mystery realized through Francavilla’s intensely graphic style, full of innovative layouts and spectacular splash pages.”—The Onion A.V. Club
Retailers, The Black Beetle #1 is available for reorder in limited quantities now.
Fans, make sure to grab your copy while you can! Look for The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2 at your local comic shop on February 20, featuring the attached new art!

Preview pages from The Black Beetle NO WAY OUT #2 out in stores on Feb 20th.
Click on the images for larger view.

~~~~~~~~~~~

THANK YOU again for making this happen, my firends, we at BB-Team really appreciate it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

And here some more press about NO WAY OUT #1

A.V. CLUB  Eisner Award winner Francesco Francavilla became one of the industry’s top talents with his work on Detective Comics, Black Panther, and a bunch of eye-catching covers, and it turns out that his writing is just as strong as his artwork. The Black Beetle #1 (Dark Horse) is one of the most exhilarating, stunning superhero comics on the stands, spotlighting the defender of Colt City as he investigates the bombing of a club that kills some of the city’s most notorious criminals. Picking up after the hero’s introduction in the pages of Dark Horse Presents (also available as Black Beetle: Night Shift #0), this miniseries presents a high-stakes mystery realized through Francavilla’s intensely graphic style, full of innovative layouts and spectacular splash pages. Splash-heavy books can feel slight on the story side, but Francavilla fills each page with information, creating a riveting, dense read.

The credits say the book is “written and directed” by Francavilla, who channels film-noir greats like John Huston, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Alton with his cinematic, chiaroscuro-heavy artwork. His design for the main character combines the best elements of Batman and the Blue Beetle, and although the hero is given no backstory, he makes up for it in personality. Little touches—like the slightest hint of a grin when Black Beetle knocks out a group of armed guards with poison darts—go a long way toward establishing his attitude, that of a hero who kicks ass while retaining a sense of humor. Francavilla’s high-contrast color palette of red and blue gives the book a distinct look, and lends added importance to flashes of different colors, like the book’s yellow villain. Dark Horse has been publicizing this book as “super noir,” and it’s a must-read for fans of either genre. It’s always welcome to see Francavilla bring his unique voice to the heroes of Marvel and DC, but he’s created something truly magical with the Black Beetle, and hopefully this hero has a long, full life ahead of him… [OS]

GEEKIFIED MIND
[Comic Review] The Black Beetle #1 10/10
read it…then read it again, taking in every panel as you go. For once, it may finally be a title you won’t regret investing your time and money in.

THE POST-JOURNAL
Nerding About Comic Books, Toys And New TV Shows
Francavilla's Black Beetle draws heavily from the pulp stories of the '30s and '40s and plays out more cinematic than most comic books. Though it's only planned as a four-issue series for now, I could be on board with a longer run of "The Black Beetle" from Dark Horse.

The Black Beetle NO WAY OUT #1 Is a Smash Hit!

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Hello Beetlemaniacs,

    Dark Horse released the above preview page for NO WAY OUT #2 (coming out in about 3 weeks) so you get another glimpse at what's coming in your new favorite pulp comicbook :)

The Black Beetle has NO WAY OUT from the hands 
of the super-talented and always gorgeous Kate Leth. 
(Photo courtesy Strange Adventures, Halifax NS)

The first issue is getting really close to be sold out everywhere, so make sure to grab a copy if you haven't yet and - most importantly - let your shop know you want all the coming issues: that's a pretty safe way to make sure you get them all and have no holes in your collection.

  And now to PART TWO of a tentatively comprehensive list - in no particular order - of all the press THE BLACK BEETLE NO WAY OUT #1 has got in this past week.

THANK YOU again for all the love, everyone, we at BB-Team really appreciate it :)

Cheers,
Francesco

NEWSARAMA
Best Shots Rapid Reviews: BLACK BEETLE NO WAY OUT #1 9/10
The script keeps things short and to the point, and is dripping with pulp and noir stylings. The artwork is dark and moody and brings the grim streets of Colt City to life as an unwelcoming and harsh place. The pulp noir atmosphere of the story is greatly enhanced by Francavilla’s gorgeous brushwork and gloomy color choices.

THE BEAT
Review: BLACK BEETLE #1
The remarkable thing about Francavilla’s storytelling is that the more he gives away about Black Beetle’s personal character, the more he suggests the unknown. Part of this is due to his concise but spectacle-oriented artwork that makes Black Beetle seem like an imposing but vulnerable force in an increasingly expansive and hostile environment.
It’s rare to find a comic that combines visual experimentation, appealing homage, and well-paced character development so seamlessly, but thankfully for readers, there’s more to come.

IGNBLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #1 Review 9/10
Mr. Francavilla doesn't fool around.

REVIEW FIX
The Black Beetle #1: No Way Out Review: Stellar
This comic is masterfully written with the Black Beetle being one of the most interesting comic characters to date.

CBR CSBG
What I bought – 16 January 2013 | Comics Should Be Good 7.5/10
The story does zip along quite nicely, but it’s Francavilla’s artwork that is the big selling point. It’s superb, of course. [...] he pulls out all the stops on this one. The book is absolutely beautiful, and it’s a pleasure to linger on the pages.
The Black Beetle is a solid superhero pulp story.

BORG.COM
Francesco Francavilla’s Black Beetle is back in No Way Out
Advance Review of #1
6 Reasons to get BB on your comic book store pull list so you don’t miss out.
 Francavilla really sucks you into the past with his classic designs.  His montages on a single or double-page spread begs the reader to take his/her time and examine all the details and signs in the backgrounds.

GEEKADELPHIA
Comic Roundup: The Black Beetle No Way Out #1 (of 4)
It’s the kind of comic that you will love to read as it comes out monthly, and then will fall in love with all over again when you read the trade. Do not miss this book.

MY HOLLYWOOD DREAM
Preview: The Black Beetle #1
The Black Beetle: No Way Out is very cool and stylistic, as a pulp comic it hits all of the right marks and stands out from the crowd.

COMICBOOKBIN
The Black Beetle #1 comics review 9.5/10
The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 is clean comic book storytelling. [...] This is the kind of pulpy mayhem that first made me fall in love with comic books.

THE WEEKLY CRISIS
Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews
the comic is the real deal.  Francavilla's stories are classic pulp, and his art is something to behold.  So get out there and behold it already.

UPROXX
Early Panels: Three Comics To Look Forward To Tomorrow: The Black Beetle NO WAY OUT #1
Francesco Francavilla's gorgeous art compliments some writing that nails the pulp atmosphere without being cheesy, which is harder than you might think.

GRAPHIC POLICY
Pick of the Week – The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1
Francesco Francavilla does pulp this week in Dark Horse‘s The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1.

MULTIVERISTY COMICS
Comics Should Be Cheap!
Francesco Francavilla is one of the best illustrators in the business these days, and pulp action like this is what Francavilla does best. [...] who misses out on this new series is making a terrible mistake. Don’t be one of those people.

CBR ROBOT6
Food or Comics? | Black beans or Black Beetle
a great retro art style and some nice, sophisticated storytelling. I’m in for the duration on this one.

READ COMIC BOOKS
RCB's best covers of the week!
BLACK BEETLE #1

DigBoston and LeaguePodcast Comic Book Picks of the Week
BLACK BEETLE #1
We love us some pulp in the comics and it’s even better if it is fresh squeezed from the mind of Italian writer/artist Francesco Francavilla

UNWINNABLE
My Night in Colt City
At its heart, this is a mystery. There isn’t an ounce of cynicism or parody in this book. It’s clear that Francesco Francavilla is pouring everything into The Black Beetle: No Way Out. The book is a sincere love letter to pulp and noir.

NERDIST
Top Picks: Black Beetle: No Way Out #1
Francesco Francavilla is a man on a pulpy, pulpy mission. [...] The hard-boiled mystery hits the ground running and doesn’t pause to catch its breath.

COMICOSITY
Review: THE BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #1 8.5/10
Francavilla has been one of the top artists of the past few years and it has only gotten better now that he is working on one of his own creations. [...] For The Black Beetle to be able to fit in and stand side by side with the other pulp heroes says tons about the character design.

COMICS THE GATHERING
Black Beetle #1: No Way Out Review 10/10
Pay attention everyone - this is how it's done.
The noir-ish narration works beautifully - it could have been written by Hammett or Chandler themselves, but manages to sound modernized in a way instead of entirely retro.

COMICBUZZ
Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 Review
Francesco is an artist who can really tell a story, not just illustrate it, with his art. If issue one is anything to go by, Francavilla will have to make room on the mantelpiece for some more Eisners for interior work.

BLEEDING COOL
Eleven Thoughts About Eleven Comics
Francesco Francavilla creates a fully realised pulp hereo in The Black Beetle. Do we have a newRocketeer here? It’s looking more and more like it.

UPROXX
The Comic You Should Be Reading This Week: ‘Black Beetle: No Way Out’ #1
Francesco Francavilla is officially the whole package with Black Beetle: No Way Out. He’s had a long, and notable, career as an artist, but here, we get to see what he’s like as a writer, as well. And he does beautifully on both counts.
 Francavilla does more with layouts here that we see in most books on the stands, even well rendered ones. [...] This is a book written by somebody who is in love with Will Eisner’s work and has the feel of something that can match up to him.

A COMICBOOK BLOG
Black Beetle #1 Review 10/10
Put simply, this is good comic booking. From the moment you flip the cover you’re going to be entertained, and left wanting more. For my two cents Francesco Francavilla has created something worthy of sitting next to any of the other popular crime books out there right now. If you haven’t already, go get this.

LUNCH
The Black Beetle Soars!
 Draped in autumn colors and bold black lines, THE BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT (Part 1 of 4) is a new fascination drawn from the fertile mind of Francesco Francavilla courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. If you know anything about pulp heroes, then you're in good company. Pick this one up today - even as a blind buy - and I guarantee you'll be impressed ... once you pick your jaw back up off the floor. It's a slam-bang, swashbuckling adventure from start-to-finish the way they used to make `em, and it'll hopefully be discovered by a brand-new generation of readers demanding that all of the pulps come back in similar style.

PARADOX COMICS GROUP
Mini Reviews 20/01/2013 The Black Beetle 8/10
With some evocative 'camera' angles , along  with the judicious use of a colour palette that leans heavily on reds, blacks a deep blues, Francavilla  brings this fantastically noirish landscape to vibrant life, and marks him out as an increasingly important talent in the industry.

INTER-COMICS
POWER PANELS #002 THE BLACK BEETLE #0 NIGHT SHIFT
This feels like the start of something. If we’re not reading Black Beetle stories for the next few years I’ll be very surprised, and certainly disappointed.

FORCES OF GEEK
The Pull List The Black Beetle #1 A+
Comic books are a mixed bag. Some are good while others are not so good, and then there are those that make you proud to be a fan of the genre. Besides being uber talented, it’s hard to fathom how Francesco Francavilla produced such an outstanding read.
Francesco Francavilla is in a league of his own and anyone who is looking for something different will thoroughly enjoy the work of this Eisner-award winning talent.

FIRST COMICS NEWS
The Black Beetle #1 review 9/10
Francesco has defiantly created a hero that feels ripped from the pages of an old pulp novel, I went so far as to check the copyright information to confirm that this was indeed a new creation, that is how authentic it feels. They even went so far as to create 1940's styled radio show posters that they feature in the editorial pages, it is obviously a labor of love. If you are looking for a good old fashioned pulp adventure featuring a new character uncluttered with decades of history then this is the book that you have been waiting for.

COMIC ATTACK
Dark Horse Reviews: The Black Beetle #1 5/5
This book fits right into that same category of The Shadow and The Spider (Dynamite). Great pulp books with fantastic creative teams behind them. This one was certainly nothing short of brilliant!

HOUSE OF FLYING SCALPELS
THE BLACK BEETLE #1 – CRAWLING THROUGH UNDERWORLD PULP 9/10
There are incredible panel sequences where the central figures moves away or towards the reader. It gives a masterful effect of movement towards a still first person camera, especially when black beetle falls across the page and downwards at the same time. Francavilla clearly has honed his craft and creativity with this book, and it succeeds on a style perspective. 

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Black Beetle NO WAY OUT #1 Is a Hit!

~~ Click on the images for biggie ~~

Hello Beetlemaniacs,

    THE BLACK BEETLE NO WAY OUT #1 came out last week and was met by great acclaim: critics and fans of comics all loved the first installment of this new mini and that can only makes us happy! :)
Editor Jim Gibbons, letterer Nate Piekos, Mike Richardson,  the whole Dark Horse crew, my lovely wife (and editor) Lisa, and myself are trying to give you the best entertaining book possible so we are all happy to see Black Beetle getting so much love all around :)

  Above is a little teaser for issue 2 -which will be in stores on February 20th - and below is the first part of a tentatively comprehensive list - in no particular order - of all the press THE BLACK BEETLE NO WAY OUT #1 has got in this past week.

THANK YOU, everyone, can't wait for you guys to dig into issue 2 :)

Cheers,
Francesco

COMICBASTARDS
Review: The Black Beetle #1 5/5
the Francesco Francavilla-penned, Dark Horse-published “Super-Noir” pulp serial Black Beetle is, without question or compromise, The Shit. You’ll notice that’s a capital “S” there, kids. It’s one of those titles where, after reading it, I just had to sit back and say, “THAT’S how you do it! THAT’S how you comic book!”

COMICVINE
The Black Beetle Review 5/5
Be prepared for some crime fighting adventure that stands out from the rest. You'll want to thank Francesco Francavilla for this comic.

CBR
THE BLACK BEETLE #1 Review 4.5/5
Francavilla uses the entirety of the page, setting up design elements and filling the pages with simple mesmerizing drawings. Add in the fact that Francavilla is also handling colors for this comic and the visuals are even more appealing. Truly, this is his comic book, his character, his passion brought to the printed page.

GEEKS OF DOOM
The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1
I’m willing to bet that The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 is going to be nominated for at LEAST one Eisner award. [...] This is as close to perfection as comics get!!  

NEWSARAMA
Best Shots Extra The Black Beetle #1 10/10
 An original concept likeThe Black Beetle will surely give fans of the genre something to cheer for. It's been a long time coming for this title and it was worth the wait. 

COMICS MATTER
Pull List Review: The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 8/10
It's a standard of excellence I wish I saw more often.  The art is so dynamic and the pacing so swift that you can't help but get swept up in it.

MULTIVERSITY COMICS
Review: Black Beetle – No Way Out #1 8.5/10
 Just as he has studied the look of the pulps and the comics they influenced, Francavilla has scritinized their text and structure, and applied that knowledge to crafting a great comic through and through.
A visual delight, and a genuinely entertaining read, the first chapter of “No Way Out” is just the thing for those with a love for all things pulp, or who just enjoy this talented artist’s work.

COMICBOOKBIN
The Black Beetle #1 Advanced Review 9.5/10
Everything about this issue, from its stylish 399cent (as in $3.99) cover price to its uneven and blocky logo, The Black Beetle drips pulp fiction. This is going to be the must read of 2013. 

THE OUTHOUSERS
Advance Review: The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1
The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 is hugely entertaining and it has all the hallmarks of everything that makes pulp adventure fiction so much fun. It's just a fun ride and so lovingly rendered by writer/artist Francesco Francavilla that you can't help but love it yourself.

GRAPHIC POLICY
Review – Dark Horse’s The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 8.5/10
I went in expecting pulp fun and finished with a smile on my face. [...] There’s an innocence to it, and that makes it a blast to read!

IGN
The Comics Run - Black Beetle: No Way Out #1
The art alone would be reason enough to pick up the book, but luckily the issue #0 that came out a few weeks back showed how viable a storyteller he is in all respects.

READ COMIC BOOKS
Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 Review 10/10
Black Beetle: No Way out #1 could just set the world on fire, and if you’re smart you’ll pick up a copy as soon as possible. This is great pulp storytelling and art married together to bring readers one awesome pulpy story.  

COMICOSITY
HOT FIVE: BLACK BEETLE #1
 If you’ve ever been wistful for those classic comic book days gone by, but want a fresh story to satisfy that urge, this is the book for you.

STUMPTOWN TRADE REVIEW
Indie Comic Review: Black Beetle #1
Part pulp hero, part diesel punk, Francesco Francavilla’s new series Black Beetle is poised to be the must-read book of the year.


NOSTALGIC BOOKSANDCOMICS
Review: Black Beetle #1
The Black Beetle is an urban myth at its finest. Francavilla knows his stuff. He has interwoven his love letter to the genre with the best elements and traditions of mystery, action-adventure, and vigilante super heroics. More than that, this book is unadulterated pulp fiction deeply rooted in noir storytelling conventions.
This is a quality production from Dark Horse. Executed by next big name of the medium, this comic book is sure to garner a faithful following. It’s still early, but this will no doubt be in the running for one of the top books of this New Year. 

OMNICOMIC
Review - The Black Beetle #1
Francavilla offers an extremely fresh take on the noir comic, making the Black Beetle more than just a detective with an axe to grind for whatever reason. The Black Beetle #1 is such a fun throwback comic that shows a lot of commitment on the part of Francavilla, relying entirely on a strong story, inventive lead character and vibrant artwork. 

PANELS ON PAGES
Review: The Black Beetle – No Way Out #1 5/5
Every so often, I read a comic book that makes me say out loud “Man, I love comics.” Such is the case with Dark Horse’s The Black Beetle #1, written and illustrated by Francesco Francavilla. [...] The Black Beetle #1 does everything right. It’s masterfully crafted in every way. The story is presented exactly as it should be. The mood is perfect. 

GEEKQUALITY
We’re No. 1! Noir, Outer Space, and Too Many Bikinis
The best of the bunch this week is a pure noir superhero tale from Dark Horse Comics. The Black Beetle #1 is a classic thriller in the vein of the Shadow or the Green Hornet, or even early pulpy Batman

THE WEEKLY CRISIS
BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #1
with Black Beetle: No Way Out #1, Francavilla has demonstrated that he is a pretty skilled pulp writer.

COMIC IMPACT
The Black Beetle #1 by Francesco Francavilla
There is so much style in this comic you feel like you are reading a movie. Francavilla is a master storyteller being able to get across some great action panel by panel. He also is able to turn a splash page into a painting and get across information in a great way that is both easy to read and eye pleasuring.

DARLING DORK
Dark Horse Presents, The Black Beetle: No Way Out
The composition is note-perfect, too. Francavilla just doesn’t do traditional nine-panel page structure, and this book is all the better for it. Each page bears a greater resemblance to a pulp cover, movie poster or mural than to an actual page, though the effect never becomes intrusive.

ENTROPIC WORLDS
The Black Beetle #1
It’s been a while since I’ve read a comic that hits all aspects of its design so firmly on the nose.
This issue is marketed as part one of a four part miniseries, but I seriously hope that Dark Horse gives the green light to more of The Black Beetle in the future.

POP MATTERS
Second Guessing the Exits: "Black Beetle: No Way Out #1" 7/10
I’m excited to read more of Francavilla’s pulpy patchwork superhero. The art is gorgeous and exciting and the characters are intriguing and mysterious. I definitely want to know more, and I am looking forward to the rest of the mini series. 

BLOODY DISGUSTING
Review: ‘Black Beetle: No Way Out’ #1  4/5 
 It all has an incredibly consistent look and feel. I want more. That is a great start to a new book. And this is only the first part of a four part story. You know it has an ending but I hope it is the start of something bigger we can all look forward to reading.

TALKING COMICS
The Black Beetle #1 Review
Francavilla is constructing a hard-boiled world grounded in reality and awash in blacks, reds, and guns.
The artwork alone is as engaging as the script itself, making for an overall exemplary debut issue.

WORDOFTHENERDONLINE
Review: The Black Beetle “No Way Out” #1
Final Thoughts: It’s the stuff that dreams are made of, Schweetheart. If you haven’t already picked it up, do it now or regret it for the rest of your life. (Yup, too much Bogart in my repertoire)

FRONT TOWARDS GAMER
The Black Beetle in 'No Way Out' #1 Review 8/10
The art and writing are married so perfectly that they capture the essence of a classic crime novel while appealing to modern artistic quality expectations. 

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE GEEKS
A Review: THE BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #1
I’m really enjoying the renaissance of pulp heroes we’ve seen lately, and the Black Beetle is yet another quality installment of that movement. I’m looking forward to keeping up with this one. 

KASTOR'S KORNER
Comics Korner: The Black Beetle #1 Review
Any fan of classic pulp comics will love The Black Beetle. It’s full of action, mystery, great writing and the fantastic art that Francavilla is known for. 

COMICOSITY
MOM’S COVER WATCH
The Black Beetle cover continues the feel of a classic pulp fiction classic. It’s both mysterious and familiar feeling all at once.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Black Beetle NO WAY OUT #4 (of 4)

~~ Click on the images for biggie ~~

Hello Beetlemaniacs,

    I can finally reveal the final cover (and solicits text) of THE BLACK BEETLE first mini: NO WAY OUT #4 will be in stores in April and will reveal who is behind Labyrinto's mask (unless you have guessed it already by then - if you have, than I am proud of your detective skills :))

   Once again, pre-orders mean everything: as you might know by now, we totally sold out of #0 and I received tons of messages from people telling me their store didn't carry any so now they are left out. Stores will rarely order copies of a book if they don't get customers ordering them cause they fear they will be left with unsold copies (fear totally understandable).
   So, please, make sure to let your store know that you want all 4 issue of THE BLACK BEETLE, add the title to your pull list: it's the only way to make sure you are not gonna miss any of these :)


The Black Beetle: No Way Out #4
Written by Francesco Francavilla
Art by Francesco Francavilla
On sale April 17, 2013     
The epic conclusion to Black Beetle’s first series! Colt City’s caped crusader goes head to head with the mysterious villain Labyrinto! Can Black Beetle make it out of this maze of matched wits and matched blows alive?!  

    THE BLACK BEETLE NO WAY OUT #1 will be in stores next Wednesday!
Advance reviews have already started to pour in and - like for NIGH SHIFT #0 - they are all praising how entertaining this book is.

Here's a quick extract from COMICBOOKBIN's ★★★★★ review:
"Everything about this issue, from its stylish 399cent (as in $3.99) cover price to its uneven and blocky logo, The Black Beetle drips pulp fiction. This is going to be the must read of 2013."

So don't miss out on the FUN and make sure to grab a copy this coming week - hopefully you have already put the title on your pull list and don't have to worry ;)



Cheers,
Francesco

THE BLACK BEETLE #0 NIGHT SHIFT SELLS OUT!

Dear Beetlemaniacs,

#0 of your new favorite pulp comicbook has SOLD OUT! 

Thank you for all the support, my friends, and please keep it coming enjoying the new mini which starts next week. The better the book does, the more stories I get to draw, it's that simple :)

Here's the Press Release Dark Horse Comics sent out today to announce the great news!
~~~~
Dark Horse Press Release

January 7, MILWAUKIE, OR: In another amazing show of demand for Dark Horse comics, The Black Beetle: Night Shift has sold out of its entire printing!
Written and drawn by Eisner Award winner Francesco Francavilla, this now-rare “zero issue” collects three Dark Horse Presents stories, from issues #11–#13, and acts as an introduction to Francavilla’s costumed pulp detective.

“[Francavilla] proves that a good, old-fashioned adventure story can still raise the bar in comics, whatever genres one may care to throw into the mix,” Hannah Means-Shannon said in her review of The Black Beetle: Night Shift on The Beat. “The Black Beetle certainly has the potential to become an enduring ‘cult classic,’ inspiring readers to roll up for more ‘twisted thoughts’ from Francavilla in 2013.”

And readers are in luck, as the first full-length series for Francavilla’s The Black Beetle premieres this month with The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1, on sale January 16, 2013!

Coming soon in No Way Out #1, Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters—taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what danger might that murderous bomber do to Colt City and Black Beetle?

Be sure to head to your local comics retailer next week to check out The Black Beetle #1 before it’s gone for good!

Read a 10 Page Preview of The Black Beetle #1 now!

Praise for The Black Beetle:

“If there’s one comic book that we’re most excited for in 2013, it’s Francesco Francavilla’s The Black Beetle. So far, it looks to be a throwback to the serials and film noir of the late ’30s and early ’40s. And now Dark Horse Comics has provided a taste of what to expect with this prologue issue.”—Complex

“Murder! Intrigue! Nazi werewolves! Is there anything else you really need in a book? Considering that everyone from Jim Steranko to Matt Wagner to Warren Ellis is raving about the book, we suggest you hightail it down to your local comic book shop and snag a copy before the trail goes cold.”—Nerdist

“Francavilla is a master of his craft . . . If you enjoyed Francavilla’s work at DC then you owe it to yourself to get on this. The Black Beetle is a delightful slice of skewed madness from one of today’s finest artists.”—Comic Book Resources

“Uncommonly beautiful . . . The Black Beetle is the purest expression yet of Eisner-winning artist Francavilla’s love for pulp, mystery, noir and superhero aesthetics, qualities that art fans have seen on display in a major way with his more than 70 cover illustrations released in 2012 alone.”—ComicsAlliance