Vamplets Vol 1

Teenage Destiny Harper is at a crossroad in her life. Graduation is coming, and she has zero prospects for the future. Answering an ad for "The Night Care Nursery" seems like a great idea, until she is magically transported to Gloomvania, where dark creatures lurk the streets, and the world is being mysteriously overrun by baby vampyres called Vamplets! Can Destiny serve her term as Governess of "The Nightmare Nursery" and return home? Fairy tales get a modern update in this coming of age tales of monsters, mayhem, and magic!

I would have never imagined myself sitting down to read a book about the adventures in babysitting.  Then again, who would have guessed I’d run across a book about taking care of baby vampires.  Although I had a brief introduction to the world of Vamplets with the Ghost Pony one shot, this is my first good chance to experience the story.  After finishing up this first volume, I’m sure glad I had the chance.

With the exception of her good nature with children, Destiny Harper could not be any less prepared for the world she has been thrown into.  Aided by a kind stinkbug who feels like just as much an outsider, she realizes she must quickly adapt to her new role of nightmare nanny – or perish.  By the end of Volume 1, she does seem to be getting used to how things work in Gloomvania.  Unfortunately though, she also finds out how fast things can fall apart.

Although good is bad and ugly is beautiful in Gloomvania, the opposite is exactly true for the visuals you see here.  The artwork for this book is just so pretty and that is a great thing.  Everything from the world as a whole to the character designs are just fantastic, in both linework and gorgeous colors.

A title like Vamplets is one that may not suit everyone’s tastes, but it certainly can be read by folks of all ages.  It’s got a fun and easy to follow story bordering on sickeningly cute, all set in a wonderful looking world.  I’m curious to see just how things turn out for Destiny, and would say this is a good one to read.  I know I’ll be passing it along to my daughter  next, which I’m sure to regret if she expects more of them.

For more information on Vamplets or other Action Lab titles, check out Action Lab.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Action Lab is one of Whoopi's Favorite Things

Image Copyright ABC Television inc.

 
ACTION LAB's VAMPLETS COMIC FEATURED AS ONE OF WHOOPI’S FAVORITE THINGS
Host of ABC’s THE VIEW gushes over Gloomvania’s little darlings

PITTSBURGH,PA- Whoopi Goldberg gave a very enthusiastic nod to Gayle Middleton’s Vamplets line of plush figures and Action Lab's Vamplet book series on the Wednesday, August 6th episode of the View.  During her “Whoopi’s favorite things” segment, the actress/ comedienne gushed calling Vamplets “A little creepy, but so fun and sweet”. The segment also featured artwork from Action Lab’s first Vamplets’ graphic album, “The Nightmare Nursery: Volume one”, which played on screen in the background.

Created by Gayle Middleton, the talented artist responsible for the redesigns of My little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop for Hasbro, Vamplets is the story of teenager Destiny Harper. With graduation coming and zero prospects for the future, Destiny is at a crossroads in her life. Answering an ad for "The Night Care Nursery" seems like a great idea, until she is magically transported to Gloomvania, where dark creatures lurk the streets, and the world is being mysteriously overrun by baby vampyres called Vamplets! Can Destiny serve her term as Governess of "The Nightmare Nursery" and return home? Fairy tales get a modern update in this coming of age tale of monsters, mayhem, and magic!
Vamplets: The Nightmare Nursery is in stores now, Diamond Item Code: AUG130915.
And you can also pick up Vamplets toys and accessories from www.vamplets.com for $18.95-$24.95.


 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gayle Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

Action Lab Entertainment announces 2014-2015 plans

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES 2014-2015 CREATIVE SLATE
Company unveils its line up at SDCC 2104

PITTSBURGH, PA- Flanked by Action Lab staffers and talent including Ray-Anthony Height, Jeremy Dale, Vito DelSante, Gayle Middleton, Emily Martin, James Wright, Phillip Selvy and Nick Marino, Creative Director and writer/ artist Dave Dwonch announced Action Lab's slate of upcoming releases at the is years San Diego Comic Con International.
New releases include the all new series of Puppet Master books, written by Shawn Gabborin, successfully funded Kickstarter projects like Cazadora by Randy Kintz and Sam Eggleston, Nutmeg by James Wright and Jackie Krofts as well as Erik Taylor and Leia Del Duca's The Pantheon Project.
The line-up also features the return of several popular Action Lab titles. The award winning series, Princeless returns with a new sea faring storyline. Everyone's favorite buccaneer/gumshoe, Smitty returns in a brand new volume of Pirate Eye, and Dean Rankine's hysterical Itty Bitty Bunnies in Rainbow Pixie Candyland return in a new one shot.
Action Lab continues to prove it's the home of creation and innovation. With their 5th anniversary looming in 2015, look for more huge announcements.


 



ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

Action Lab Entertainment Announces San Diego Comic Con 2014 Exclusives

Skyward, Vamplets, Nutmeg and Zombie Tramp convention variants abound.

 

PITTSBURGH, PA- Action Lab Entertainment, your new favorite comic book company returns to the Mecca of American pop culture, Comic-con International: San Diego. This year, Action Lab will have a plethora of show exclusive limited editions available for purchase at their booth.

 Jeremy Dale’s amazing all ages fantasy series SKYWARD, a hit with the young and young at heart will release it’s eighth issue with a show exclusive sketch cover.

Gayle Middleton’s Vamplets, the adorable ghouls from Gloomvania, return with the second hardcover album of the popular series.  Written by Middleton and Dave Dwonch (Cyrus and The Haunted Taxi Cab, Double Jumpers) with art by Amanda Coronado, Action lab will have a convention variant limited to 1000 copies.

Dan Mendoza’s relaunched Zombie Tramp series, now one of Action Lab’s monthly offerings will feature a show exclusive variant cover of the new issue #1 limited to 1000 copies.

And in the tradition of bringing something new to the table, Action Lab will debut their newest creator-owned series, Nutmeg.

Written by James F Wright and illustrated by Jackie Crofts, Nutmeg is the story of two suburban junior high girls who bond when through a twist of fate; a prank on a pompous rival finds them building a criminal empire with their irresistible brownies. It’s sugar and spite and everything not so nice as Poppy and Cassia navigate the world of middle school politics and shady dealings.

All four books, along with the rest of Action Lab Entertainment’s offerings will be available for purchase at Booth 2006 in Hall B all week long.

 For more information, retailers can contact Kelly Dale at kdale@actionlabcomics.com. For press and conventions you can reach Jamal Igle at jigle@actionlabcomics.com.

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCELESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.

Vamplets: The Legend of the Ghost Pony

In this terrifyingly sweet installment, Rasket the Stinkless Stinkbug tells a bedtime story sure to send chills of joy through your spine! The Ghost Ponies have been the harbingers of the weird for years. Whenever they appear, creatures near have disappeared, never to return. Where do they come from? What is their terrible secret? Find out here, in The Legend of the Ghost Pony!

You gotta have cutesy comics like this in your collection too, right?  Right?  I’ve actually been curious about the Vamplets series for a while now for that reason.  I didn’t get to take advantage of Free Comic Book Day 2 aka Halloween Comic Fest last year, so I missed out on grabbing books like Vamplets: The Legend of the Ghost Pony.  Even being a mini comic, I always love getting free books.  Who doesn’t?

Other than covers and tidbits on the overall feel of the book, I really know nothing about Vamplets as a whole.  As the editor so kindly states in this mini, it does take place after the events of another piece in the series.  Even with any prior knowledge, it seems to stand alone on its own well enough.  The book does just as the title states and teases at the history of the Legend of the mysterious Ghost Pony.

The artwork is what it needs to be – obscenely cute, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.  Not having seen any of the other books, I’m not sure if it’s the same, but it works well here regardless.  Whether or not Gayle’s work on Littlest Pet Shop had anything to do with it is hard to say, but I did notice that potential influence in the art.  This again, suits this story perfectly well in my opinion.

With this kind of book, it’s not for everyone.  If you just want something else to read no matter what it is, this is worth it.  On the other hand, if you can’t stand the cavity inducing cute of MLP and the like, then pass.  I think for me I was drawn in just enough to want to know where this elusive Ghost Pony comes from.  I just won’t admit it in public.  Wait….nevermind.

For more information on Vamplets , Ghost Pony or other Action Lab titles, check out Action Lab.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.

Action Lab continues expansion with digital debuts in October!

Action Lab Entertainment, which recently added the mature readers line Danger Zone, to its Eisner-nominated and ever-growing catalog, continues to grow its well-received creator-owned offerings with brand new titles debuting digitally and in new formats this fall.

Released in conjunction with ComiXology at NYCC, the publisher debuted two new titles, and new installments, in the digital provider’s revolutionary new guided view technology. Guided view gives readers the ability to experience comic books in a seamless new format on screens and devices in a more immersive cinematic style.  And now, Action Lab follows that up with more new titles debuting exclusively in digital formats, from multiple applications, each week this October!

Here’s the line-up and schedule for our exciting new DIGITAL DEBUTS:

AVAILABLE NOW:

MOLLY DANGER: Comics legend JAMAL IGLE’S MOLLY DANGER is already one of the hottest books to hit stores this year, and now the story continues in the  DIGITALLY-EXCLUSIVE GUIDED VIEW format!  Whether it’s read in the luscious over-sized graphic album format, or the amazing digital reconfiguration, MOLLY DANGER is all-ages high adventure with a story and art that adult fans will enjoy and bring fun and excitement back to the superhero genre with a totally fresh take on the genre!

VAMPLETS: Quite possibly the cutest little undead ever, GAYLE MIDDLETON’S VAMPLETS has been one of the hottest new properties here at ACTION LAB and now this cartoon gothic tale from the designer of My Little Ponies continues in its DIGITALLY EXCLUSIVE GUIDED VIEW format on COMIXOLOGY! See what all the EXCITEMENT is about as a young woman finds out her new babysitting job might be more than she can handle!

BO PLUSHY GANGSTA: What if Teddy Ruxpin listened to NWA!? The outrageous and hysterical BO PLUSHY GANGSTA from ACTION LAB’S Mature Readers line DANGER ZONE and Russian video game artist PAVEL BALABANOV answer that question, and put the baddest man on the streets into the body of a teddy bear! Bo’s outlandish street-level exploits are available EXCLUSIVELY as a DIGITAL DEBUT, in Guided View format, before they hits print this January! 

ITTY BITTY BUNNIES IN RAINBOW PIXIE CANDY LAND: More irreverent humor from ACTION LAB: DANGER ZONE, DEAN RANKINE’S (Bongo Comics, Mad Australia) ITTY BITTY BUNNIES will appeal to fans of HAPPY TREE FRIENDS and REN AND STIMPY, and the crazy antics of these butt-naked drug-tripping cartoon critters will be available EXCLUSIVELY in Guided View digital format before they hit print in 2014!

RELEASING EACH WEEK - STARTING OCTOBER 16TH:

ZOMBIE TRAMP: She’s got the looks, now she wants the BRAAAAAIIINS!, The cult hit cartoon grind-house comic series ZOMBIE TRAMP by DAN MENDOZA, has found a new home at ACTION LAB: DANGER ZONE. Now you can get to know The Street-walking Dead in this new volume via digital outlets before the sequel series hits stores later this month! 

CRIMSON SOCIETY: In a world where the children of the night and mankind live together in a fragile peace, one young werewolf wants nothing more than to be just a man… MIKE HUNAU’S CRIMSON SOCIETY joins the DIGITAL DEBUTS beginning with a new zero issue only available from ACTION LAB: DANGER ZONE in digital first format, just in time for Halloween! 

SCUM OF THE EARTH: Finally, the sci-fi grindhouse extravaganza SCUM OF THE EARTH by MARK BERTOLINI and ROB CROONENBORGHS rears its alien-stompin’, ass-kickin’ head as another amazing DIGITAL DEBUT entry from ACTION LAB: DANGER ZONE before it hits the stands!

“We are proud that Action Lab is on the cutting edge of digital comic book technology,” says Action Lab president Kevin Freeman.  “These titles all lend themselves perfectly to the digital format, and the Guided View books are nothing short of spectacular.  Our readers are going to absolutely love these books.”

Danger Zone Publisher Jason Martin adds, “While Action Lab remains firmly committed to print comics, offering material digitally, and in new formats, gives us the opportunity to push the envelope even more with our content and offer even more exciting titles from rising global talent! I can tell you, as a creator also myself, Guided View is exactly the evolution of comics from printed page to digital screens that completely works and takes the medium to the next level, without being gimmicky or insulting to the language of the art form. We’re absolutely ecstatic to utilize these new digital formats to better showcase some of the eye-popping comics coming your way from our line!”   

All of these amazing new titles will be in addition to our complete library of titles being offered via all major digital providers, including; ComiXology, Comics Plus, Diamond Digital, and ActilonLabComics.com. And of course in addition to print titles in comic book retail outlets and bookstores via Diamond Distribution. 

ACTION LAB’S DIGITAL DEBUTS: EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, EXCITING CREATORS, A WHOLE NEW WAY TO READ COMICS!!

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

Action Lab was founded in 2010, and received two Eisner nominations in 2012 for its critically-acclaimed all-ages comic Princeless. The publisher has been praised for its diverse library of creator-owned and licensed titles including; Skyward, Ehmm Theory, Pirate Eye and works like the brand new Molly Danger and Vamplets. Action Lab: Danger Zone is the mature readers line from Action Lab entertainment, that features a full range of genre defying creator-owned material.

Be sure to visit the Action Lab website http://www.actionlabcomics.com for more information on all of their titles, or http://www.actionlabcomics.com/action-lab-digital for information on the new Digital First offerings.

Action Lab’s VAMPLETS gets USA TODAY coverage

On the heels of its first smash hit, SKYWARD, comic book publisher Action Lab Entertainment took another step forward by getting its next big release, the kid-friendly VAMPLETS, covered in the August 19 issue of USA Today.

Scheduled for an early October release, VAMPLETS is a 48-page oversized hardcover edition based on the plushy toy line developed by creator Gayle Middleton (who played a large role in the redesign of My Little Pony and The Littlest Pet Shop), co-written by David Dwonch, with art by Amanda Coronado and Bill Blankenship.

VAMPLETS tells the story of Destiny Harper, a teenager who gets pressed into service babysitting a collection of loveable monster babies. USA Today calls the title “great” and “charming”, and notes that the book will help fans of all ages get their vampire “fix.”

“This is another feather in the cap for our company,” notes Action Lab President Kevin Freeman. “The fact that our books are now getting mainstream coverage says a lot about how far Action Lab has come in recent months. VAMPLETS tells an amazing story, and we’re thrilled that people are taking notice. “ Freeman also added that he hopes the worldwide coverage of VAMPLETS will result in everyone, not just comic book fans, giving it a shot and seeing what all the hoopla is about.

VAMPLETS will be available in comic book and book stores everywhere on October 8, and has a cover price of $15.99. A free preview of the book is available on comixology.com as well.

You can read the entire article at http://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/08/19/vamplets/2671583/.

Molly Danger & Vamplets

With the arrival of San Diego Comic Con this week, comic lovers from all spheres are ready to get their hands on all of the new and exclusive books which have come to be a hallmark of the convention.  Action Lab is offering a number of unique variant covers for the occasion including covers from Jamal Igle, Mike Norton, and Jeremy Dale.  However, the biggest thing Action Lab is offering is an advance look into the pages of it's upcoming titles "Molly Danger" and "Vamplets" with exclusive covers just for the convention.

However, there are millions of people who would love to be at the convention and can not.  As such, Action Lab has partnered with Comixology to launch both of our new previews online immediately.  If you log into Comixology you can get a digital first look at Molly Danger and Vamplets using their brand new Guided View technology.  Even if you can't make the con, this is a chance for any comics fan to get a little piece of comic con and a look at the future of both Action Lab Comics and Comixology.

Both books are available now!

Action Lab Entertainment Announces SDCC Events and Exclusives

Official Press Release

 

Critically-acclaimed independent publisher Action Lab Entertainment kicks off its 2013-2014 season with a bang at this year's San Diego Comic Con, held July 17-21 at the San Diego Convention Center.  This marks the company's second appearance at the show, and this year will be marked with special announcements, exclusive books, and a constant stream of well-respected industry professionals.

Confirmed creators to appear at the Action Lab booth include:

 

Jeremy Dale (Skyward)

David Dwonch (Ghost Town)

Kevin Freeman (SubCulture)

Tony Guaraldi-Brown (The Final Plague)

Lea Hernandez (The Garlicks)

Jamal Igle (Molly Danger)

Jason Martin (Night of the 80s Undead)

Gayle Middleton (Vamplets)

Mike Norton (Molly Danger Cover Artist)

Stan Yan (SubCulture)

 

A more detailed guest list, including signing times and additional creators, will be provided as the convention approaches.  The Action Lab booth is located in the Independent Press Pavilion, Table 2202.

In addition to having a number of featured creators, Action Lab will be offering a number of limited-edition convention exclusives available at SDCC.    Among the offerings:

·         A limited edition sneak preview of the upcoming Molly Danger, with two exclusive SDCC covers by fan-favorites Mike Norton and Jamal Igle

·         A limited edition hardcover premier of Vamplets:Nightmare Nursery with exclusive Ghost Pony cover by Gayle Middleton

·         A variant cover of Skyward #1 by Jeremy Dale

·         A white sketch cover of Skyward #2 by Jeremy Dale  

·         A special edition of The Garlicks by Lea Hernandez

·         The premier of Bo Plushy Gangsta with special convention-exclusive cover.

Each of these books will be available in limited quantities while supplies last and most can be signed by their respective creators.  All of the books will also be available in a bundle for a total of $75!

Finally, Action Lab, led by President Kevin Freeman, will be hosting its own panel, "What's New at Action Lab Entertainment," scheduled for Saturday, July 20th at 6:00 PM in Panel Room 28 D-E.  The Action Lab staff and creators will be there to talk about everything that is in store for Action Lab for the next year--including some big announcements, and to answer all of your questions.  Attendees will receive a special NFL Rush Zone Button which they can redeem for a special prize at the Action Lab table in the convention hall.

For more information about Action Lab Entertainment, visit their website at http://www.actionlabcomics.com.