In One Week: The Standard FINALE!

The end is nearly upon us.  In just one week, the final chapter The Standard will be released in select comic shops worldwide.  Remember, this final issue is a double-sized special: over 50 pages of story!  For all of you who’ve stuck with the series this long, you’ll want to pick this up… we’ve saved the best for last!  To whet your appetite, here is an exclusive preview:

ComixTribe’s acclaimed superhero drama returns! The horrifying truth behind Alex Thomas’ murder stands revealed. As The Standard is faced with defeat and despair, Zena Zarthos is haunted by the ghosts of her past and the difficult choices that lie in her future. Is this the beginning of the end?

Writer: John Lees

Artists: Jonathan Rector & Will Robson

Colorist: Mike Gagnon

Letterer: Kel Nuttall

Editor: Steven Forbes

Publisher: ComixTribe

The Standard Will Return!

Anyone who follows me on social media will notice that a lot of my attention lately has been focused on And Then Emily Was Gone, my new comics project, drawn by Iain Laurie and published by ComixTribe. It’ll be getting distributed worldwide through Diamond, and will be releasing monthly starting in July. You can order the first issue in the May Previews: order code MAY141251 F. Make sure you check out the comic’s official blog: visitmerksay.wordpress.com. But amidst the whirlwind of promotion for my new, shiny comics endeavour, some people might be wondering what’s going on with my first comics project. Have I forgotten about The Standard?

Well, first, let me explain why I could never forget about The Standard. I’ll have to go all the way back to 2008. I’d graduated from University with a Joint Honours degree in Film & TV and English Literature, and I had that cold terror in the pit of my stomach that my education was now over, I was an “adult,” and I needed to start figuring out what to do with my life. I wanted to write, I knew that much. That’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do. But I had no real inkling of where to channel that creativity. I was supposed to be making a short film, but that never really panned out the way I wanted to. The process of telling stories through film was an infuriating murk of cost and compromise, and trying to wade through it was leaving me feeling increasingly disillusioned about my ability or inclination to try and pursue my writing dream. But then I shifted mediums to comics – another lifelong love which for some reason I’d never really thought to pair with my love of writing – and everything clicked into place. And rather than dipping my toe in the water, I dove right in, and started with my dream project. I sat and thought, “If I only ever get to make comic, what would be my ultimate comic?” And that’s how The Standard came to be: it was the ultimate passion project for me at that point in my life. And that passion has saw me through a hell of a journey, spanning years now. Sobering thought: I’ve now been making The Standard for longer than I was at University, and come the end of this year I’ll have been making The Standard for longer than I was in high school. This comic has been a significant part of my life, and through The Standard I have found my vocation. How could I possibly forget about something so important to me?

With that established, let me explain why things have been so quiet on this blog since the announcement that Will Robson would be joining Jonathan Rector on the book as co-artist for the last two issues. I’ve been running this blog for years now, and I’ve learned a lot about marketing and promoting your work in that time. And one of the difficult lessons I’ve learned is to not make promises you can’t keep and talk the talk when you can’t walk the walk with comics content to back it up. So, rather than bleating on about hopeful ETAs and constant progress reports/apologies, I’ve waited. I’ve focused on getting this comic done. And now, it nearly is done. Issue #5? Completely finished, done, sitting ready to go to the printers. Issue #6? Not too far behind. The vast majority of the art is completed. Jonathan Rector just recently sent me the final page. Not his final page, he’s still got a couple more to draw. But the literal final chronological page, the end of the story. And I’ll tell you now, when I saw that, it hit me like a sledgehammer. With all that’s happened in my life and all the experiences I’ve had and changes I’ve gone through in the time since the first page of issue #1 arrived in my inbox and The Standard first began to transform from some words of script on a page into a bona-fide comic book, to finally, at last, see the final stop on that journey, our final goodbye to Gilbert Graham and his world… it felt incredible. In all my years of making comics, I’ve never got to see a story right through to its finale, outside of shorts. So to see a page that letterer Kel Nuttall will be writing THE END on is a phenomenal milestone.

That’s something that’s going to make 2014 huge for me. This year will see both And Then Emily Was Gone and The Standard published to completion, and before the year is out I will have not one, but two completed comic credits to my name. I won’t just be a writer who’s working on some comics, I’ll be a writer with a bibliography. Not that I’ll be resting on my laurels: in 2015 I’ll be chasing down some new milestones, namely putting together my first collected graphic novels of my work! But for now I’ve got this goal for 2014 obsessively in mind.

But I don’t want to reach this goal alone. I hope you’ll all come along for the ride. The Standard #5 is complete, The Standard #6 is nearly complete, but you’re not going to see them right away. We’re holding back on the release a little longer. It’s already been several months since The Standard #4 hit, so we feel a little longer won’t hurt. We’re wanting to hold back on releasing The Standard #5 until after the cluster of ComixTribe titles hitting shelves in the summer, so we can use those books to advertise The Standard and generate some interest again in case it’s cooled during the title’s months in hiatus. But when those last two chapters hit, it’ll be in relatively close succession. So, while it’s yet to be set in stone, expect to see The Standard #5 in September and The Standard #6 in November. Though attendees of Glasgow Comic Con, as ever, might be privy to seeing some stuff a little sooner! But the point I want to make is, to all of you out there who have read the book and supported it, I hope you will continue to do so as it comes to its conclusion. Jonathan Rector, Will Robson and colorist Mike Gagnon are absolutely killing it on the visuals, producing some of their most beautiful work yet, and from what I’ve seen, these two issues are going to be on a whole other level above what has come before. I assure you, it’s going to be worth the wait! I’ve not forgotten about The Standard, and I hope you won’t either.

So…fear not, bold reader. For when evil and injustice threaten the world once more… when the time is right… The Standard will return!

 

The Standard #1-#4 are currently available to buy from ComiXology.

The Standard #4 Debuts Worldwide TOMORROW!

Last week saw the debut of The Standard #3 on ComiXology – you can buy it here.  And for those of you who are all caught up on the series, the second half of the Standard saga begins with the release of The Standard #4 in select comic stores worldwide tomorrow!  If you are a terrible person and you forgot to pre-order this latest issue with your local comic shop, it’s not too late to give them this Diamond order code and ask them to get a copy in for you:

AUG131152

If you’re on the fence about picking up issue #4, here’s a little preview to whet your appetite…

WRITER: John Lees

ARTIST: Jonathan Rector

COLORIST: Mike Gagnon

LETTERER: Kel Nuttall

EDITOR: Steven Forbes

PUBLISHER: ComixTribe

COPYRIGHT INFO: © John Lees

PRICE: $3.99

RATING: Teen + Up

FORMAT: Single issue, 28 pages, color (4 of 6 miniseries)

The Standard is back, but not everyone is happy to see him return. And with a monstrous killer still on the loose and the body-count of headless victims continuing to pile up, Gilbert Graham’s heroic comeback might be fatally short-lived. Also: The Standard and The Corpse, face-to-face at last!

The Standard #3 Launches Worldwide THIS WEEK!

It’s been a while, I know.  But on Wednesday, July 10th, a mere 2 days from now, The Standard #3 will go on sale in selected comic shops worldwide!  What’s more, the good folks of ComixTribe are so confident that you’ll love this latest chapter in the series that they are offering a money back guarantee!

Basically, head publisher Tyler James has came out with the brave and ballsy move of saying that if anyone buys the book and doesn’t like it, they need only contact him at tyler.james@comixtribe.com with a valid proof of purchase and a message saying they didn’t like the comic, and he will pay them their money back out of pocket.  The same goes to retailers, so if you want to order in heavier stocks of the book, go for it… what do you have to lose?  The order code is: APR130994.

I must say, it’s incredibly gratifying, and more than a little terrifying, to have someone show such belief in my work.  Here’s hoping I don’t make ComixTribe go bankrupt!  But really, I’m very proud of this issue, and would love for you all to check it out.

Finally, I’ll leave you with a little preview of the third issue, with art from Jonathan Rector, colors from Mike Gagnon, lettering from Kel Nuttall, editing from Steven Forbes, and written by yours truly.  Pick up The Standard #3 on Wednesday: you’ll love it… or your money back!

Advance Review for The Standard #3!

Hey all!  If you’re in Glasgow, make sure to visit the Glasgow Comic and Toy Mart on Saturday 7th April (more info on that tomorrow), as The Standard #3 will make its worldwide debut there.  But some people have had a chance to read the third issue a little early, and so some early feedback is starting to trickle in.  This review comes from Garry McLaughlin, the rising star artist behind such comics as Old Folks’ Home, Good Cop, Bad Cop, Taking Flight and the upcoming horror graphic novel Black Leaf, written by yours truly.  He wrote this excellent, incredibly flattering review of The Standard #3 on his blog:

Managed to do a great trade with John Lees at the Glasgow League of Writers group (http://glowriters.blogspot.co.uk) tonight – ‘Taking Flight’ arrived hot off the press from UKomics this morning, roughly about the same time as John’s stock of the third issue of The Standard dropped, so we swapped.

Just got home and read it, and thought I better get a post up here while it’s fresh.

I loved the Standard when I first caught it. I didn’t know John then; he kind of snuck up on the non-GLoW part of the comics scene in Glasgow with some incredible reviews, and on reading about it I knew I had to get it straight away. I wasn’t disappointed – the first issue occupied this strange beautiful place between the Silver and Dark ages of comics, walking that tightrope with some ease. After setting up the main story and introducing us to some fantastic characters, it ended on a bang, snatching the ground out from under us, and instantly setting its stall as a comic that would be dealing with the unexpected.

The art by Jon Rector (http://jonathanrector.tumblr.com/) was fantastic – dense inks that left enough room for the story to shine through, not dedicated to splashing black across every inch of panel. The art really acted in service to the story, as it should, and the colours and lettering were great too.

The second issue was announced by a beautifully atmospheric cover, and we moved into a different, darker phase of the story. This was becoming a nuanced piece about the difficulties of retiring as a superhero and handing over to younger people who might have a murkier sense of justice and responsibility than you. It also took sideways swipes at celebrity culture and corporate sponsorship, but we were aware by now that underneath all this fairly dazzling superhero stuff, some more repugnant was evolving.

The regular flashbacks revealed the life of the Standard and Fabu-lad, the kid he takes under his wing. That story is a re-telling of the Batman and Robin relationship, but instead of being bound together by the loss of their parents, this dynamic duo are more complex – original Standard Gilbert Graham isn’t the damaged playboy of Bruce Wayne, he’s a fairly solid, dependable chap – maybe even slightly boring. And Alex Thomas/Fabu-lad’s parents aren’t dead – they’re abusive, as revealed in a heart-breakingly poignant scene. That Graham adopts him and helps him transform into Fabu-lad is a twist on the later relationship that was played out in the Batman universe – that Bruce Wayne was a loner, who worked with Robin reluctantly. This issue harks back to a Golden Age when both were in it together, as much for the fun as for the justice.

Yet the introduction of more details about the missing girl in this story and the hinting at the villain, as well as detail on the “Rorschach” style superhero, The Corpse, lean this second issue towards a bleaker place, even if there is still humour.

By this time I was hooked, line and sinker; Jon’s art got better, even he was let down slightly by a different colourist who I felt didn’t quite capture the magic of the first issue, and John’s story was superbly written.

Now, it’s been a long time coming, but I’ve just sat and devoured issue 3. That tightrope between Silver and Dark Age is traversed again as Graham takes up the mantle of the Standard again, coming out of retirement to save the missing girl. The journey to find the villain is a fraught one – in a deft move, Lees darts around some potentially uncomfortable issues that could surround a killer who is child abductor, and in doing so creates a villain that is creepier than we could have ever imagined, and an enemy that makes Graham’s role as superhero look in peril. It also explains the intensely creepy cover, with the evil-looking little girl and her pet skunk…

The skunk relates to the villain in Graham’s flashbacks, The Skunk, a Silver Age villain if ever there was one – someone in it for the rush and the thrill of robbery and extortion, using his deadly pungent gases to commit his heinous crimes. This is intercut with the present day mission to reveal and defeat the kidnapper of the city’s kids. But nothing’s as cut and dry as it seems – even the end to The Skunk’s criminal escapades is dark and tragic, although we find out he turned it around in later years.

Lees uses an interesting device that I think is sometimes overused in comics – the pages of talking heads. However it works really well in this instance, as we see various witnesses and protagonists interviewed for a documentary on The Standard. None of this stuff feels forced or gimmicky; not only is the story strong enough to take the weight of these devices, but their sparing use, and the way in which they are skilfully inter cut acts a lever for the plot, moving it forward in ways that give us lots of character information and backstory without ever feeling expository.

Some of the atmosphere John builds feels straight out of Watchmen, and I’m not overplaying it when I say that this comic feels like it fits directly into a position after that book. It’s like John has recognised the inherent flaw in so much of what followed Alan Moore’s magnum opus – that superheroes just became gritty without any thought for the whys and wherefores – and has positioned his book to pick up some of the questions Moore was asking about his superheroes back then. This isn’t a book that fits into the Marvel/DC mould. It doesn’t feel like common modern deconstruction either.

It feels like a fresh reimagining of the world of comics directly after Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns, exploring what it meant for the world to catch up with the heroes, what it meant to live in a world where villains became increasingly more psychotic and dangerous, not only to the public at large, but also to the heroes themselves. And also what happens to morality and responsibility when the glare of celebrity washes over them?

The Standard issue 3 doesn’t end on  a cliffhanger the way earlier issues did – in fact, you could say that the opening arc is now closed – but we’re left with subtler, sweeter questions that make me desperate to read more. These questions are now dependant on the very interesting characters that Lees has created – I want to know the story of these characters, not just the next part of the plot.

Also on the art, Rector’s digital work looks fantastic, particularly as the book progresses. And the new colourist, Mike Gagnon, issue 2′s flatter, just makes the work sing; his flat blocks are much more suited to the Standard’s time and epoch-hopping nature, and do great service to the rich blacks of the art. Kel Nuttall’s lettering is fantastic too.

A final note on this “comic age” thing I talked about earlier – in taking his lead from the type of work Alan Moore was doing with Watchmen, John has constructed a story and a book that skates casually through Silver and Dark age stuff, but the result is very much Renaissance. This doesn’t feel retro, or like a pastiche. It feels solid and consistent, and is even greater than the sum of its parts.

I can’t wait until all six issues are out and this is available to buy in trade format on some lush paper and with a nice hardback cover, but until that stage, you need to pick up this book.

And I got through this whole post without referring to “indie” once. The comic is that good.It would sit comfortably beside anything that mainstream publishers are putting out there right now, and frankly shits over most of Marvel and the DC New 52.

Head over to the website: http://thestandardcomic.com/

Be sure to check out Garry’s blog, Oscillatum, where you can find this in-depth review and more great comics commentary.  Thanks for the brilliant review, Garry!  “Shits over most of Marvel and the DC New 52” would be a great cover quote for the trade…

 

The Standard #3 Debuts in April!

It’s been a long time coming, but the time is nearly upon us!  That’s right, The Standard #3 is complete, and has gone to the printers.  I’m hoping to have it available in time for the Glasgow Comic & Toy Fair at the Queen Margaret Union on Saturday 7th April.  So, if all goes to plan, that will be the third issue’s worldwide debut.  Whatever happens, though, expect The Standard #3 to hit Forbideen Planet, A1 Comics and Plan B Books in Glasgow in early April.

For readers outside of Glasgow, I’m afraid the wait will be a little longer.  ComixTribe has big news regarding the future of The Standard, which I hope to share with you all next week.  But in preparation for that, we will be phasing out the comic’s availability via digital and print-on-demand formats.  I apologise for any inconvenience, but keep your eyes on this site for iminent updates!

In the meantime, here is an exclusive preview of The Standard #3, written by me, drawn by Jonathan Rector, colored by Mike Gagnon, lettered by Kel Nuttall, edited by Steven Forbes, and published by ComixTribe:

Coming Soon: The Standard #3!

It’s been a long time coming, I know, but the wait is almost over!  The art is finished, and now the finishing touches are just being put on The Standard #3 before it’s ready to go on release.  I’m expecting a release date of early March for the (hopefully!) much-anticipated third issue of the series, and once I have a confirmed date, I’ll share it on here, and you guys will be the first to know.

To celebrate the iminent arrival of The Standard #3, I’d like to debut the cover, as magnificently drawn by Jonathan Rector.  The cover for The Standard #2 was recently put into the running for an Eagle Award, but dare I say it… this cover might just top it:

The Standard #3 is published by ComixTribe.  The comic is written by me, John Lees, drawn by Jonathan Rector, colored by Mike Gagnon, lettered by Kel Nuttall and edited by Steven Forbes.

Introducing Mike Gagnon: Colorist of The Standard #3

Yes, it may seem to some that the role of colorist on The Standard is fast becoming as precarious a gig as teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts or dating Debra Morgan, but I’d like to make the formal announcement that, with The Standard #3, we have a new principal colorist.  This time round, we’re keeping it in the family, as issue #2 flatter Mike Gagnon steps up to the plate as sole colorist.

I want to first thank the talented Gulliver Vianei, colorist of The Standard #2.  He was a joy to work with, prompt in delivering pages and quick with any revisions required.  Sadly, health problems and scheduling clashes meant we couldn’t keep him on for this issue, but I wish him all the best, and much well-deserved success in future.

Looking forward, though initially he kindly agreed to come onboard as a flatter, this was probably a job Mike Gagnon was overqualified for.  An accomplished writer and artist in his own right – with credits such as Monkeys and Midgets, The Island of Dr. Morose and Dagar the Invincible to his name – and he’s the creative mastermind behind emerging comics studio COMICized.  His bright, sharp colors are definitely going to be a worthy compliment to the dynamic pencils of Jonathan Rector, and I hope to have him onboard for the long haul.  Here’s a sneak preview of one of his colored pages:

 

The Standard #3 is coming soon!

You can buy The Standard #1 in print from ComixTribe and  Indyplanet, priced at $3.99, or digitally from Graphicly, Wowio, DriveThruComics and MyDigitalComics, priced at $1.99.  You can also buy it in comic stores in Glasgow.

You can buy The Standard #2 in print from ComixTribe and IndyPlanet, priced at $3.99, or digitally from Graphicly, Wowio,DriveThruComics and MyDigitalComics, priced at $1.99.  You can also buy it in comic stores in Glasgow.

The Standard: A Companion to the New 52

It’s a huge week for comics.  Tomorrow, DC Comics brings its current publishing line to an end with Flashpoint #5, and on the same day launches its new era with Justice League #1.  This is the first of 52 new #1s that will launch over the month of September, DC’s bid to make their comics more accessible to new and lapsed readers.  On the #comicmarket tab on Twitter, fans, retailers and professionals are suggesting indy and creator-owned titles that could work as companions to each of DC’s New 52 titles.  I’d like to enter the fray and throw my hat into the ring, presenting – for those who have not yet heard of it – my superhero comic The Standard.  I’d suggest it as a companion book to Action Comics #1, given how Grant Morrison’s depiction of superheroes, particularly on All Star Superman, was a big inspiration for my own approach to the genre.  And, more tenuously, me and Mr. Morrison are both from Glasgow!

Over 40 years ago, mild-mannered scientist Gilbert Graham became The Standard, the world’s first real life superhero. When he retired, Alex Thomas – formerly The Standard’s sidekick, Fabu-Lad – took on the mantle in his place, transforming The Standard from superhero to celebrity. But somewhere amidst all the sponsorship deals and reality TV shows, Alex lost sight of what Gilbert created The Standard to represent. Now, a young girl is missing, and The Standard has promised to find her. Can Alex Thomas become a hero once more? Or does fate have other plans for The Standard?

The Standard is the story of two different men from two different eras who share the same heroic legacy.  But when a catastrophic event brings the two generations into collision, The Standard is forced to ask if superheroes still have a place in today’s cynical world.  The Standard is a 6-issue comic book miniseries, each chapter 28 pages long.  It is written by me, John Lees, is pencilled and inked by Jonathan Rector, colored by Gulliver Vianei and Mike Gagnon, lettered by Kel Nuttall, and edited by Steven Forbes.  The comic is published by ComixTribe.

The Standard #1 is available from Indyplanet,  priced at $3.99.  You can also buy it digitally for $1.99 from Graphicly, Wowio, DriveThruComics and MyDigitalComics.  This series debut was nominated for two Scottish Independent Comic Book Awards:  Best Comic/Graphic Novel and Best Writer.  Here’s what the critics have been saying about it:

A solid debut for Lees and Rector onto the comic book scene as well as for a new superhero story that may offer something a bit different than what Marvel or DC are doing right now… If you are someone who wants to support “indie” comics but isn’t into the supernatural or angst ridden gothic things, this is the title for you.

– Alex Widen, Brooklyn Comic Books Examiner

The art is fantastic bringing crisp, clean, and beautiful work on every panel. Just like the art, the writing is excellent and panel by panel I found myself feeling as if I was familiar with the characters and developing a bond with them.

– Stephen Jondrew, Project Fanboy

The Standard leaps the hurdle that many independent comics cannot. Some indie comics suffer from low-quality art and writing, and clichés both visually and in the narrative. The Standard carries itself quite well, providing an intriguing story and characters that are both engaging and easy on the eyes. I have to say that as far as creator-owned, independently-published superhero comics go, you’d be hard pressed to find something better.

– Dan Cole, Broken Frontier

In the age of reality television and absolute sensationalism, The Standard is deeply relevant.

– James Miller, Comics Bulletin

Comix Tribe is really publishing a slew or interesting titles these days and The Standard easily lives up to what I am quickly coming to expect from their titles.

– Tom Feazell, Omnicomic

This book reeks of professionalism, looking and acting like a Marvel or DC Comic. The Standard creative team have no fear in showing the world that they are just as smart and clever as the big boys.

– Luke Halsall, Geek Syndicate

The Standard #2 is also available now via IndyPlanet for $3.99, and digitally from Graphicly, Wowio,DriveThruComics and MyDigitalComics, priced at $1.99.  Critics have also praised this issue:

The Standard is a comic book story that is growing. This issue continues to hook you in, further then issue one did. It’s structure is far superior to the already great issue one, making you want more.

– Luke Halsall, Geek Syndicate

Comix Tribe publishing – with the talented team of John Lees, Jonathan Rector, Gulliver Vianei, Mike Gagnon and Kel Nuttall – has us take a look at what it might be like if a human being with actual human emotions was faced with a terrible sense of guilt and loss.

– Tom Feazell, Omnicomic

At any rate, for fans of super hero comics who are consistently put off by crossover events, continuity revamps and endless appearances by a handful of characters, THE STANDARD offers a finite story with new creations and unexpected events. Often times, it is only those “indie” comics that can offer genuine surprises – as the creator is beholden to no one and thus anything can happen – and THE STANDARD is no exception. Regardless of the format, it’s definitely worth a look.

– Alex Widen, Brooklyn Comic Books Examiner

The Standard #2 is once again a great read and in my opinion will appeal to all different ages and types of readers.

– Stephen Jondrew, Project Fanboy

Overall, both issues of The Standard have been a fresh new take on some old comic book themes with a fantastic story that combines drama and action with a nice touch of humor and that’s complemented well by the eye-catching art. If you’re a fan of superheroes at all I can’t recommend enough that you pick this up. The Standard is worth a piece of your comic budget and Lees is a writer that I hope to see a lot more of in the future.

– Bill Janzen, Comics Bulletin

If you’re interested in finding out more about The Standard, check out thestandardcomic.com for regular updates.  Also, if you’re attending New York Comic Con, I’ll be there at the ComixTribe booth, so if you’re attending, stop by, say hello, and pick up the comic and perhaps some other goodies!

The Standard #2: On Sale Now!

The Standard #2 is now on sale!

Once, Gilbert Graham was The Standard, the world’s first and greatest superhero. Now an old man and long retired from crime-fighting, he lives a quiet life as a high school chemistry teacher. But when Alex Thomas – his former sidekick and successor to the Standard mantle – is murdered, Gilbert is haunted by old memories… and faced with a serious decision.

The Standard is a 6-issue comic book miniseries, each chapter 28 pages long.  This second issue is written by me, John Lees, is pencilled and inked by Jonathan Rector, colored by Gulliver Vianei and Mike Gagnon, lettered by Kel Nuttall, and edited by Steven Forbes.  The comic is debuting digitally, published by ComixTribe, and is now available from these platforms, priced at $1.99:

Wowio

DriveThruComics

MyDigitalComics

In the coming days, The Standard #2 will also be available digitally from Graphicly.  Be sure to check thestandardcomic.com for the latest updates.

If you would rather have a print edition of The Standard #2 you can hold in your hands, we’ve got you covered.  Within the next few weeks, you’ll be able to order a copy from IndyPlanet, priced at $3.99.

And remember, readers in the Glasgow area should also be able to pick up the second issue for £3 at local comic shops from mid August.  You’ll be able to buy the comic in Forbidden Planet, A1 Comics and Plan B Books.  The first issue has sold well from these shops, and the local support has been much appreciated.  I hope that carries forward with the second issue.

Don’t forget, The Standard #1 is also still available from Indyplanet, Graphicly, Wowio, DriveThruComics and MyDigitalComics.  The series debut was nominated in two categories at the Scottish Independent Comic Book Awards: Best Comic/Graphic Novel and Best Writer.  Here’s what the critics have been saying about it:

A solid debut for Lees and Rector onto the comic book scene as well as for a new superhero story that may offer something a bit different than what Marvel or DC are doing right now… If you are someone who wants to support “indie” comics but isn’t into the supernatural or angst ridden gothic things, this is the title for you.

– Alex Widen, Brooklyn Comic Books Examiner

The art is fantastic bringing crisp, clean, and beautiful work on every panel. Just like the art, the writing is excellent and panel by panel I found myself feeling as if I was familiar with the characters and developing a bond with them.

– Stephen Jondrew, Project Fanboy

The Standard leaps the hurdle that many independent comics cannot. Some indie comics suffer from low-quality art and writing, and clichés both visually and in the narrative. The Standard carries itself quite well, providing an intriguing story and characters that are both engaging and easy on the eyes. I have to say that as far as creator-owned, independently-published superhero comics go, you’d be hard pressed to find something better.

– Dan Cole, Broken Frontier

In the age of reality television and absolute sensationalism, The Standard is deeply relevant.

– James Miller, Comics Bulletin

Comix Tribe is really publishing a slew or interesting titles these days and The Standard easily lives up to what I am quickly coming to expect from their titles.

– Tom Feazell, Omnicomic

This book reeks of professionalism, looking and acting like a Marvel or DC Comic. The Standard creative team have no fear in showing the world that they are just as smart and clever as the big boys.

– Luke Halsall, Geek Syndicate

If you’ve not read The Standard #1 yet, it’s not too late to catch up.  If you have read it, I hope you’ll also pick up The Standard #2, and let me know what you think!