Epic Canceled

Posted by Rob M. Worley on Feb 18, 2004 in Young Ancient One | 5 comments

The news is up at CBR that the second issue of Epic Anthology will not see print. At this point I haven’t heard anything from Marvel on the subject, although Andy and I have been making regular inquiries since mid-January, the latest one being last Friday.

It’s not really a surprise. It seemed to be a foregone conclusion back in November when the Anthology move was announced. With May solicitations on the horizon and no artwork started on the second issue we figured official word would come soon.

There’re still conversations to be had. More as things develop.

UPDATE: So…it’s officially official. I just got a phone call from Marvel confirming the news. While I’m certainly disappointed we didn’t get to play with those toys longer I’m really proud of the work we did.

A big thanks to Andy, Bill and Dave for helping this newb writer through the process.

Thanks to Stephanie Moore whose insights were invaluable. Stephanie seemed to perpetually be in the unenviable position of having to pass on the bad news each time the people at the top generated it, but she never backed down from handling those responsibilities appropriately.

Also, many thanks to Keith Giffen, David Tischman, Ross Richie and all my friends who lent their thoughts and opinions to the book.

This seems to be the last of “Young Ancient One” for now, but never say “never.”

CBR Likes YAO

Posted by Rob M. Worley on Feb 17, 2004 in Young Ancient One | 9 comments

Augie De Blieck writes in his Pipeline column at CBR:

CBR’s own Rob Worley — we still think of him that way — saw the debut of YOUNG ANCIENT ONE in the pages of EPIC ILLUSTRATED #1 last week. I’ll be reviewing it next week, but I can tell you right now that it’s a fun read evocative of both kung fu movies and classic Spider-Man stories all at the same time.

Looking forward to that review, Augie!

More good vibes for YAO/Epic Anthology

Posted by Rob M. Worley on Feb 15, 2004 in Young Ancient One | 4 comments

Heidi at the newly blog-a-rific 4-Color Review writes:

Epic Anthology: Damn, I sure wish this could have happened after reading this. All three stories were great, with Rob Worley?s take on Young Ancient One a stand out. I loved the husband-wife bickering and the humor infused in the tale. I also loved the Sleepwalker story by Kirkman and Randolph. Trevor Scott, who is becoming a favorite of mine, pencils the third tale titled Strange Magic. All three stories end with cliffhangers, and I would really like to see where they are headed.

I’m not actually sure I understand the opening sentence, but the rest sounds great to me.

People saying nice things about YAO/Epic Anthology

Posted by Rob M. Worley on Feb 14, 2004 in Young Ancient One | 0 comments

NeilAlieN:

Neilalien-Approved Reviews

Epic Anthology #1

So, Neilalien’s been pimpin’ this baby, what’d he think? He liked it! Sleepwalker was the weakest of the three- it just couldn’t overcome being all build-up about a character Neilalien cares nothing about, and the art’s not Neilalien’s style. Young Ancient One was fantastic. Fun kung fu action. Did the Freeze spell freeze the flying bugs too? In many ways, the Ancient One was Dr. Strange’s Aunt May- so maybe this is a good Trouble for Doc fans? Strange Magic was a great surprise- and Dr. Strange fans will really enjoy it. They should enjoy this whole book. These are three decent stories that need to be told to completion!

Ninth Art:

EPIC ANTHOLOGY #1 (Marvel)

These creators worked their arses off to produce good stories, and they got screwed. Buy this comic, and remember their names – because, unlike Bill Jemas, they’ll be back. [Shannon]

4-Color Review (newly blog-a-fied):

EPIC ANTHOLOGY FEATURING: #1: Kirkman?s re-imagined Sleepwalker is a lot more fun than you might imagine, and Khary Randolph?s art is a pleasant suprise as well. First-time comic scribe Rob Worley teams with Andy Kuhn for a pretty fun little Iron Monkey take on Doc Strange?s teacher in Young Ancient One. The dialogue throws you for a page or two, until you settle in and go with the flow. Odd-title out is Strange Magic which never seems to find itself, despite an interesting enough concept. Jason Henderson?s writing seems solid enough, but Greg Scott?s art just doesn?t suit itself to sequential storytelling.

YAO debuts to big fun

Posted by Rob M. Worley on Feb 12, 2004 in Young Ancient One | 9 comments

Last night I signed my first autograph on the interior pages of a copy of “Epic Anthology” #1. The copy went to Karen at my store appearance at Comics & More in Madison Heights, MI.

Tom, who runs the store, had placed a sizable order for the comic and I was very much relieved to see him left with only a handful of extra copies at the end of the night.

Also on hand was author Ryan Kaluzny, supporting his first novel “& Guest”.

It was great fun until the kung fu fighting broke out leaving Tom’s store devastated. A hastily muttered spell unleashed the Mists of Morpheus and brought a tranquil calm over the masses and restored order to the scene.

Click for pictures!

YAO Signing

Posted by Rob M. Worley on Feb 9, 2004 in Young Ancient One | 1 comment

I’ll be signing copies of “Epic Anthology” (featuring my “Young Ancient One” comic) on Wednesday, February 11th at Comics & More in Madison Heights, Michigan, starting at 5:30pm. The store is located at 28059 John R Rd between 12 mile and Gardenia. Call 248.399.3213 for details.

Click here for a Yahoo! Map.