MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
The Other Side?
One of the most enjoyable All Ages reads around was Volume 1 of LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
(for a review click HERE) 
When volume 2 was announced, it was great news. After the first two issues hit shelves, it was announced that original series artist, Jack Lawrence would be leaving the series. There was quit a bit of disappointment amongst fans. New artist, Paul Gutierrez took over and issue three came out a few months later and then suddenly, nothing.
Again we teased what we had planed last Tuesday for this Tuesday. We’ll get to it- promise. But first we have a bit of distraction - a story that had to be told. It is nice to see loyalty and perseverance, not only to fellow creators but loyal readers as well, when giving up can be so easy. 
This column has gone on at length about the importance of being on time, not just to the readers or the retailers but the entire industry. I’ve been talking to Mike Bullock about the problems he and the LTB team had to deal with from losing the original artist, to the recent medical difficulties the second artist Paul Gutierrez had to overcome and it was an impressive. Still the book was late but in this case, the wait was worth it, the loyalty was nice to see and patience seemed to be the right move.
So, with the recent release of the final issue of volume 2, I figured it was a good time to check in with Mike Bullock to find out what’s been happening.
Mike Pellerito: Mike, the first 2 issues of LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS came out about a year ago, is this right? A lot happened originally to get Volume 2 off the ground and you had this huge setback. What happened?
Mike Bullock: Jack was offered one of those “jobs you can’t refuse” to work on ACTION MAN: ATOM for Panini and unfortunately, there simply wasn’t enough hours in the day to do that and LTB. Since ATOM was something of a dream job for Jack, and it would allow him to continue to have a minor little thing we like to call a “roof over his head”, he really had no choice but to jump on it. It was bittersweet from my point of view, as working with Jack on LTB was something of a dream job for me, but I knew what a great opportunity he had in front of him and since I love him like a brother, I was very happy he’d been given such a chance. My only disappointment is that ATOM isn’t readily available in the States and I miss my monthly dose of Jack Lawrence art. 
>After the initial shock of losing him wore off, I spent several weeks trying to find someone to take over. Let me tell you what, replacing a guy as talented as Jack Lawrence is nigh impossible. Then one day, when I’d all but thrown in the towel, I stumbled upon an old email from Paul Gutierrez. I looked over his site, remembered he’d taken over for Jack briefly on Darkham Vale and I sent him an note asking if he’d like to take a shot at taking over for Jack again.
Paul was very excited to have a chance to work on LTB and he got to work right away. We had some troubles finding a colorist, but soon located Bob Pedroza to handle the pixel pushing. Once this was all in place, it seemed like smooth sailing ahead and issue three came out not long after.
Then Paul’s Grandfather passed away.
Since his Grandparents raised Paul, it was devastating to him, understandably so, and he had to take a few weeks off to deal with such a huge loss. We prayed for Paul and soon he’d made it past that and was back in the saddle.
A few weeks more passed and Paul started having some mysterious health issues, exacerbated by losing sleep by trying to get back on schedule to make up for lost time. He saw a doctor, who couldn’t pinpoint his troubles and then seemed to achieve better health before suddenly ending up in the hospital for a few days. He got back out, but was back in within a short period of time.
It would be nearly a month before he was home again, diagnosed with a rare condition called Hemochromatosis. 
Paul adjusted to his new dietary plan, initiated by his doctors, and once again seemed to be heading upward, when once again, the wheels of life went out from under him and he was diagnosed with clinical depression brought on by the loss of his Grandfather and his medical troubles. Between this and the Hemochromatosis, Paul was ordered by his doctors to stop working altogether.
Now, at first, I prayed for Paul and waited patiently for him to get better. It just didn’t seem right that after all he’d endured that he should lose his job, too. Then, one day earlier this year, I received an email from his wife telling me it would be best to move on without him. I was saddened, as I really enjoyed working with Paul and I didn’t want to accept the fact that he wouldn’t be able to get back in the saddle and finish this project, as he’d always told me he wanted to do. My heart went out to him, but based on her comments it seemed he’d never get back to drawing.
I contacted a few other artists my buddy, Kevin Grevioux introduced me to and found one who seemed well suited to take over LTB. We talked, he did some preliminary sketches, nailed the look of the story and just as he was about to take over, he disappeared.
At this point, I was beginning to believe this volume was never meant to be completed.
Then, a few days later, Paul resurfaced, saying he was on the mend and had completed most of the final issue. God had stepped up and answered our prayers.
He was slow going, but over the next few weeks, Paul finished off issue four and Bob Pedroza colored it up. Dave Lanphear threw some letters on the pages and we sent it off to fine folks at Image.
While the book was at the printer, Paul had another bout of illness that prevented him from attempting to start on volume III and we both decided this was a good place to make a clean break and move on. 
Paul has told me several times to pass on his sincere apologies to everyone who’s been waiting for this book. While I’m sorry it took so long as well, I don’t think this falls into the standard category of “another late book”. I’m sure, after reading this, most of you won’t either.
MP: Is there any way for new readers to get the older issues or at least get caught up for the new issues?
MB: The last I heard, all four issues of volume II are still available from Diamond Comics Distributors. Any comic shop can still order them. While the alternate cover to #1, drawn by the late Mike Wieringo, might be gone by the time this gets printed, the rest are still available as of this writing. After the rabid sell-outs of the first volume, we did a pretty hefty overprint for volume II. It was nearing sell-out status before the delays, but hadn’t quite achieved them when #4 hit the stands.
MP: Usually and understandably, the reaction to a late book can be pretty negative. Has there been any positive response on the strength it took to preserve for Paul?
MB: Absolutely. We’re very fortunate, in that LTB has a very loyal fan base mainly made up of families. To a lot of them, Jack, Paul and I have become extensions of those families. They feel for Paul, just as they would for their real relatives.
Moreover, the first few reviews we received for #4 were very positive, which helps brighten Paul’s day.
MP: Any plans to collect this series and a volume 3?
MB: I’m already laying out the trade for volume II and collecting pin-ups from great artists such as Mike Kunkel, Leonel Castellani, Jimmy Robinson, Jack Lawrence, Kevin Myers, Jimmy Gownley and more. We’d hoped to have it out in time for Christmas, but now it looks like it’ll ship just after the New Year.
Readers will also be happy to note that the new artist is about halfway through with volume III, #1. In order to prevent any further delays in the shipping schedule, we’re going to complete the entire series before soliciting the first issue. So, you can expect to see the first one solicited in Previews early in 2008.
MP: A lot of readers can feel burnt by a late issue, especially a project like LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS that has such a passionate and loyal readership. Any plans to do something for the fans that stayed loyal after the delay?
MB: We’re always doing some sort of contest or other fun stuff, so I’m sure those who stuck around will have a chance at winning something neat in the not-so-distant future. Stay tuned! 
Ok, that’s it for this Tuesday. Next Tuesday one of the authors of a great new project comes by for a great look at the making of said great book. Then the following Tuesday, maybe, possibly, there is a really good chance for a couple of back to school comic graphic novels and a reminder on a good way to drum up some money for your school. Plus, the next big challenge for yours truly at Archie and how you have helped!
As always if you have a great All Ages project let us know.
Get in touch: mikep(at)silverbulletcomicbooks(dot)com
Check out some new All Ages and Younger Reader comic reads on sale this week:
JUL070261 CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #37 $2.25
JUL070259 TEEN TITANS GO #47 $2.25
JUL072158 FRANKLIN RICHARDS MONSTER MASH $2.99
JUL072174 MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #5 $2.99
JUL073285 ARCHIE DIGEST #238 $2.49
JUL073367 BART SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR #13 $4.99
JUL073287 BETTY & VERONICA #230 $2.25
JUL073582 DONALD DUCK CASE OF THE MISSING MUMMY TP $8.99
JUL073296 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #180 $2.25
JUL073583 UNCLE SCROOGE #370 $7.99
JUL073584 WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #685 $7.99
Also, check out some great All Ages comic reviews here at Silver Bullet Comic Books. Thanks to reviewers Ray Tate and Penny Kenny!
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #154
CLICK HERE
Amazing Spider-Girl #12
CLICK HERE
Fantastic Five #5
CLICK HERE
Legion Of Super Heroes In The 31st Century #6
CLICK HERE
Marvel Adventures Avengers #16
CLICK HERE
Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #28
CLICK HERE
Scooby Doo #124
CLICK HERE
Simpson’s Comics #134
CLICK HERE
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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