Filed under: Comics

Free WoW graphic novel previews for a limited time

by Olivia Grace May 16th 2013 at 3:00PM

WoW's twitter announced last night that, for a limited time only, previews of three of the latest World of Warcraft graphic novels are available for free on both Kindle and iTunes. The three comics avaialble for preview in this book are Pearl of Pandaria, Dark Riders and Bloodsworn. Pearl of Pandaria was released last year, but Dark Riders has only been out for just over a week, and Bloodsworn is currently only available for pre-order in anticipation of its upcoming release on August 13, 2013. So this free preview is a great chance to whet your appetite for the full works. What's more, did we mention it's free?

To get your hands on these previews, it seems like you'll currently need to be a US resident, but you can get hold of them via iTunes or Amazon, simply by following the links. If the previews are sufficiently exciting for you to consider dropping some actual cash into the writers' coffers, then you can obtain all three titles from both Amazon and Barnes and Noble via the links provided on the Blizzard blog post. Naturally, as mentioned, Bloodsworn is currently only available for pre-order.

What do you think of these graphic novels? Is this your preferred format for absorbing World of Warcraft lore? You can also check out WoW Insider's reviews of Pearl of Pandaria and Dark Riders.

Filed under: Comics

Sunday Morning Funnies: Fox Rain

by Amanda Miller May 12th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, SMF is putting a comic into the spotlight. This week, the focus is on Kuo's Fox Rain:

Fox Rain is a WoW-related web comic surrounding the mysteries of the Scythe of Elune. Since October 2012, it has been undergoing a reboot. Although it is being redone in a different style and feel, the comic still features a WoW-inspired world.

The story follows Lis the genius and Biryuk the mysterious, who are on a quest to search for what's most dear to them. The comic is driven by the narrative and geared towards WoW-playing adults who love an involving story.

In the new version, more focus is being put into the artwork and pages often have only two or three panels, giving the story a slower pace that requires readers to invest their time in the characters and their world.

Kuo Comics started making WoW comics back in 2009 with one-off funnies based on raids, cooking dailies and the adventures of the author's Horde guild. After exhausting every punchline she could find, Jenn (aka Volucris) changed the comic to be story-based, linking the old Warcraft 3 and WoW lore together. It also featured guest comics from Keen (Rory) and Ssantoki (a Korean web comic artist) from time to time. Fox Rain was created to weave story, action, and humor into one.

The comic updates every Thursday New Zealand time (Wednesday US time).

"Fox Rain" is a word used in East Asia for what is commonly known as a Sun Shower. The bright light above the falling rain goes perfectly with the theme of Fox Rain.

In the near future, the comics will be translated to Korean and Japanese, so if you're interested, check those out too!

Words from Volucris - "Thanks so much for everyone who reads Fox Rain! And to those who haven't started, please go take a look! The comic will deliver story, fun, action, lotsa wolves and tons more mischief."

Words from Keen - "I love you readers."

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Teh Gladiators

by Amanda Miller May 5th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Every week, SMF is shining the spotlight on one of our weekly WoW-related, regularly updating web comics. This week, we're looking at Teh Gladiators:

Teh Gladiators is written by Uros Jojic and drawn by Borislav Grabovic, both Serbian. They describe it as "a labor of love." Jojic is a player and fan as well as novice writer; Grabovic "is an accomplished artist," and it shows.

It is primarily a story-based comic. Originally, it was a story about arena but has since evolved into "a more free-flowing story about the adventures of three principal characters." Gorrok (the aging warrior), Spin (Tauren) and Vallant (a hunter with two rats) are the stars of the show.

Since the change, it has been less gag-based and moves at a slower pace. In order to keep it moving, the pair started posting two weekly updates.

Teh Gladiators updates every ~~Sunday~~ Wednesday with two comics.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Guilded Age

by Amanda Miller Apr 28th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week on SMF, we're highlighting a regularly updating comic from our list. This week, we're focusing on Guilded Age:

Guilded Age is inspired by WoW, and much more loosely based on Azeroth than most of the other comics on the list. It is written by T. Campbell and Phil Kahn and illustrated by John and Jason Waltrip. It is heavily story-based and features beautiful artwork.

It takes place on the continent of Arkerra. The Kingdom of Gastonia and the World's Rebellion (dubbed "The Savage Races") are at war. Gastonia hires a select group of adventurers (the "Peace-Makers") for diplomatic and reconnaissance missions, as well as criminal investigations.

Meanwhile, on Earth, a man is CEO of a major corporation. He devotes himself to working on a virtual world that he insists is real; he claims to have bridged Earth and another realm.

Read all about the characters or learn more about the crew behind the scenes.

Guilded Age updates every weekday.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Lo'meath & Huilii

by Amanda Miller Apr 21st 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, SMF is featuring a WoW-related web comic that updates regularly. This week, we're shining the spotlight on Lo'meath & Huilii:

Lo'meath & Huilii is a WoW-related machinima comic based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Moeru, the artist, is a Canadian game designer who works on the comic as a hobby. It began in April 2011 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Lo'meath (Low-me-eff) (based on Romeo) is a high-ranking battle mage of the Scryer faction who is creative, poetic and dramatic. Huilii (Hyu-lee) (based on Juliet) is the last apprentice of the Aldor High Priestess. She is dutiful and devoted to her trade, outspoken, yet conservative.

Lo'meath & Huilii updates three times a week.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: What's Shakin'

by Amanda Miller Apr 14th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, Sunday Morning Funnies is spotlighting a regularly updating comic based on or inspired by WoW. This week's feature is What's Shakin':

What's Shakin' is a comic that chronicles "the epic adventures of Coffinshaker and friends." It is based on the original characters from Coffin Comics, which is now about a variety of video games and other topics.

While it is inspired by WoW, it is an original story set in its own world. Shawn Tommelleo, the creator, describes it as "fantasy drama with a splash of humor."

Coffinshaker is the "fun and lovable fire mage" with a big imagination. He's quiet, a touch odd, and really doesn't have much hair. Ell is the "smokin'" hot healer of the group who specializes in defensive magic. Nith is a holy battlemage and trouble-maker, while Pai is a summoner (complete with guardian spirit, Berry, who – alas – can't use magic).

What's Shakin' updates Mondays.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Trigonometry Comics

by Amanda Miller Apr 7th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

SMF is spotlighting a regularly updating WoW-related comic each week. Last week, Contested Territory was featured. To continue the series is Trigonometry Comics:

Trigonometry Comics is a comic about a gnome death knight named Trigonometry. She's a high-functioning psychopath with a talent for deductive reasoning and an obsession with mathematics. Ever since the fall of the Lich King, she's been struggling to find her place in the world. Luckily, she is not alone; she has her friends, Sparcle and Helayne. And then there's Arugadh, a proud, stiff-necked dwarf paladin who would put the death knight into the ground permanently, if not for the fact that they're being forced to work together.

The comic is created by Brett (aka Trigonometry), who is happily married, possesses "no particular talent for mathematics," and is "owned by two cats." Brett creates the comic mainly in-game. It is a good balance of funny, dramatic, and philosophical.

Trigonometry Comics updates on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Contested Territory

by Amanda Miller Mar 31st 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Over the next several months, SMF will spotlight a regularly updating WoW-related comic. To kick off the series is Contested Territory:

What happens when two small girls from either side of the war meet? What happens when they become best friends? Contested Territory is a story about just that; a young orc named Thook and a rescued night elf with no memories named Kithra. Instantly inseparable, the girls face the challenges of Azeroth together, testing the boundaries of friendship, family and faction as they learn what makes them so similar, yet so different.

Raised by loving but cautious Auntie and Uncle, Aguul and Kross, as well as a dear tauren friend, Winthir, Thook and Kithra learn what happens when two enemies meet before they are old enough to understand hatred.

This comic was originally written in 2008, with the prologue and chapters one and two taking place during Vanilla. The comic is done entirely by hand: pencil, pen, colored pencil, and scan.

Contested Territory uploads regularly on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Foppish

by Amanda Miller Mar 24th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

This week, we have a nice long list plus a slew of bonus material. Moeru (of Lo'meath & Huilii) has posted about her experiences at Toronto ComiCon 2013, including a few photos. Coffin, who has been recovering after a convention, posted some cool notes and drawings about the process of creating What's Shakin'.

Kuo is taking naming suggestions for a wolf and NPC posted some sketches in late February. Gratz posted several updates this week (with the much-promised action) and although Contested Territory is still on hiatus, there are several new sketches up that you might find interesting!

Trig, we're all still wishing you well and hoping for a speedy recovery! Ash (of The Trolling of Azeroth) also mentioned being sick, and we hope that by now you're doing much better.

As always, if you have any tips for comics to include, you're welcome to leave a comment with a link!

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Dog dress

by Amanda Miller Mar 17th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

The day has finally come to unveil the new and improved SMF Guide! It features some never-before-seen artwork (as well as some you have) and will guide you through the comics that most often grace this list. A big thanks goes out to the artists who submitted artwork, and for their patience while it was all being assembled. Check it out below!

In comic news, Contested Territory's Maiu is attending PAX East (Boston) March 22-24. She'll be cosplaying Pokemon on Friday and Saturday but wearing a t-shirt to advertise her comic on Sunday. She's also bringing a hard copy of her comic.

In other news, LFG is now on ComiXology! And The Daily Blink has a new t-shirt.

Also, I regret to inform you that Trigonometry is feeling pretty sick, and as such, only managed one comic this week! (*cough*slacker*cough*) But really; we're all wishing you well, Trig.

Coffin also caught a bug and so there's no What's Shakin' this week. Feel better Coffin!

Finally, if you're curious, the GU Comics indiegogo fundraising never did hit its first ad-free goal; however, it surpassed $10,500 which means that the artist will start converting comic images into printable files in preparation for a future print book.

Editor's Note: The gallery was not ready for public consumption yet! Sorry!

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Shwank

by Amanda Miller Mar 10th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

We have a nice full list this week! As always, if you have any tips, don't hesitate to drop some links into the comments section.

In other news, anyone who will be in Orlando for Megacon March 15-17 should definitely stop by and say hi to Coffin. He'll be in the artist alley at table Purple 15, and you should make sure you mention that you're a reader of the comic online because he's promised something special.

And we have one of our regular comics back! Welcome back from your hiatus, From Draenor With Love; we missed you! And speaking of a hiatus, although Contested Territory is out for the month of March, there are already quite a few goodies posted to tide you over, including original character sketches and and chapter covers.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of the SMF Gallery Guide 2.0 later this month! It's going to feature lots of original, never-before-seen artwork from several of your favorite comics.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Back now

by Amanda Miller Mar 3rd 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Contested Territory finishes up Chapter 2 this week and will be taking a one month hiatus while Maiu, the artist, prepares Chapter 3. We can expect to see Chapter 3's cover uploaded on April 1, and the next installment April 2. In the meantime, Maiu will be aiming to post filler every weekday, including character sketches!

On the upside, From Draenor With Love is scheduled to resume this month. In addition, we'll be unveiling the SMF Guide 2.0 later this month, featuring never before seen artwork from some of your favorite WoW-related web comic artists from this list.

As always, if you have a tip for a comic you'd like to see included, leave a link in the comments section!

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Misties

by Amanda Miller Feb 24th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Well folks, we have a nice full list this week! Lots of your favorites have updated, Coffin is back from the land of bad colds, Gratz posted a huge update, and there's even a song and squirrels and stuff.

GU Comics is still fundraising for another week or so, so if you've been interested in donating, or are interested in the project and think you might pass on the link, head on over to indiegogo.

Have any tips for comics that should be on the list? Drop a link into the comments section below!

What's Shakin' Page 116
Guilded Age Chapter 21 Page 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Kuo Fox Rain 21
Arena-Inside Dat Accent and Karma

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Smooches

by Amanda Miller Feb 17th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

We have a new comic to add to the list! Check out The Trolling of Azeroth (thanks for the tip, ash.w.miller!). I've linked the archive and will start next week by including the latest in the list. If anyone has any other tips, feel free to drop them into the comments section!

As an update to last week's comic-funding news, LFG's kickstarter fund was completed on Friday. GU Comics is still funding through indiegogo with the goal to shift the emphasis away from soliciting and managing ad revenue and towards making comics.

Coffin (and therefore What's Shakin') is down for the count this week with a bad cold; boo! Get well! Also, Kuo is back up; glad to hear that your father is doing better, Volucris! Check out Kuo's Facebook page for a couple of character drawings and definitely check out the new site that features only Fox Rain comics. I love the background! It really sets the mood.

In other news, fans of Foxtrot may want to make sure to check out The Daily Blink this week!

Finally, I'd like to congratulate Contested Territory on its 50th strip! Check it out below:

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Proper revenge

by Amanda Miller Feb 10th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Have you heard? LFG is fundraising on Kickstarter for an animated musical short! There are some cool prizes for contributing, including an awesome Squishable Richard that is selling out fast. Even if you can't 'pony' up, you'll benefit - the final production will be public.

And don't forget that you can donate to GU Comics via indigogo until March 8 for cool rewards and to help make it ad-free for everyone - including the creator, who is aiming to decrease his reliance on ad revenue and focus on comic-makin'.

Both sites recently took a hit when from the Blind Ferret Network went down, but are both back up and running and on this week's list.

Guilded Age is now updating five times a week. Yay! (And kind of badass this week. Check it out!) We have an extra comic on the list this week thanks to a tipster. The new SMF Gallery is progressing nicely, and will be unveiled this month. Finally, NPC posted a video of one of this week's comics being drawn from scratch (compressed to 2.5 minutes) and it's awesome.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

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