"Ender Companion" Review in Latest Booklist Magazine

BOOKLIST MAGAZINE

The Authorized Ender Companion.
Black, Jake (author).
Nov. 2009. 432p. Tor, hardcover, $29.99 (9780765320629). 813.
REVIEW. First published November 15, 2009 (Booklist).

Obviously a labor of love, realized with input from Orson Scott Card’s online fandom and written under Card’s supervision, Black’s compendium contains a wealth of solid information on the people, places, technology, events, and more of the Enderverse, the setting of Card’s cycle of stories springing from an 11-year-old boy’s defeat of aliens who threaten all humanity. The articles and definitions range from single sentences to brief paragraphs to pages-long entries, and include cross-references. A list of battle-school slang; a physical description of the original attacking aliens, the Formics, that was used to design an Ender comic book; and other neat features appear in sidebars. Appendixes include a complete list of Ender short stories and novels, with synopses; a comparative time line of the developments of Ender and his right-hand man, Bean; the Wiggins family tree; a lengthy résumé of the Ender’s Game screenplay’s development; an illustrated explanation of battle-school technology; and a selection of enthusiastic comments from Ender fans. In short, minutiae-for-days for deep-dyed fans and a swell resource for students and teachers.

— Sally Este

In Comic Shops November 18, 2009

Items I wrote/worked on, due in comic book specialty stores this Wednesday, November 18:

Buffy/Angel Figurine Collection Issue #2 -- "Angel" $20.00
The second entry into the series of magazines/figurines focusing on Joss Whedon's Buffyverse features the vampire with a soul, Angel, an extremely popular character who ultimately went on to star in his own smash hit show. Packed with stunning imagery and extensive details on Angel, this collector's edition magazine includes a hand-crafted lead figurine boasting a highly-detailed sculpt of actor David Boreanaz. Each figure comes packaged with the magazine in an individual box. Order yours today!

Part Two of "Writing For Comics" on Writing Excuses Podcast

Te second half of the podcast I did for "Writing Excuses," discussing writing comics, is up here.

NEW "Chaotic: Secrets of the Lost City" Episode

"Chaotic: Secrets of the Lost City" episode "Kickin' Bot" airs on the CW Network on Saturday, November 14. Check local listings for time. (Should be 10 or 11 AM, though.)

Supergirl #50

SUPERGIRL #50
On sale February 17 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US
Written by Sterling Gates, Helen Slater & Jake Black • Art by Jamal Igle, Jon Sibal & Fernando Dagnino • Cover by Michael Turner • Variant cover by Joshua Middleton

Special celebratory 50th issue! Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle reunite to tell an epic, oversized battle royale between the Girl of Steel and a mysterious, diabolical new foe! Still reeling from last issue’s harrowing events, Supergirl is put to the test when she uncovers a terrible secret about her friend and confidant, Lana Lang.

Plus! A look into a day in the life of the Girl of Steel written by Jake Black and Supergirl herself, actress Helen Slater!

Featuring a cover by the man who redefined Supergirl for the 21st century, Michael Turner, SUPERGIRL #50 is an extra-sized extravaganza you won’t want to miss!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Michael Turner), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Joshua Middleton). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

The Authorized Ender Companion

The Authorized Ender Companion is a complete and in-depth encyclopedia of all the persons, places, things and events in Orson Scott Card’s Ender Universe. Written by Jake Black under the editorial supervision of Card himself, The Authorized Ender Companion will be an invaluable resource for readers of the series.

If you ever wondered where Ender went after he left Earth, before he arrived at Lusitania, you’ll find the answer here. If you ever wondered how the battle room worked, you’ll find the answer here. If you forgot the names of the people were who discovered the descolada, the answer is here. The history of Gloriously Bright’s world? Here.

The Authorized Ender Companion contains all that and more. There are character biographies, time-lines, colony histories, and family trees.

A New Direction

I had a change of heart. I'll keep posting to the blog, but it will only be to announce/promote projects. I may comment on the projects, but not much.