New Spy Comics Artwork leaked!

By Fawney Bologna
Special to DFG ONLINE!

DFG ONLINE! has learned that a new issue of Spy Comics may be in the works.  The last issue published was issue #5, Winter 2008, which was the conclusion of the "Battle of the Invincibles."  The cover and some artwork for #6 (originally slated for Spring 2009) has circulated on the internet for years, but the issue was never published.  The new artwork appears to be from an all-new issue, presumably #7, and appears to feature a flash-back to Spy Comics #5 as well as an all-new sequence including detectives William Holden and Frank Bates, who have frequently provided comedy relief for the Invincibles team.

DFG Executive Chairman, Mrs. Sepultra Thunder, who was brought in a couple of years ago to restructure DFG operations, has been tight-lipped and refused to comment on the circulating artwork. DFG ONLINE! did manage to reach Todd Abbot, of Todd Abbot Studios, Inc., who has provided comic artwork packaging for DFG for many years to ask if he had a hand in the issue.  "I have not had anything to do with this new artwork. If you look carefully you will see none of the Todd Abbot Studios touches, like the tops of heads in the bottoms of panels, or 'Joe boxes' in the corners of rooms. Quite frankly, I am very frustrated by this whole thing. Todd Abbot Studios has an exclusive contract with DFG Comics to provide comic artwork for all DFG titles.  We were not asked to provide artwork for this new issue, and if this is the case it is a clear breach of contract."

But DFG production manager Frank Daniels provided some clarification: "Mr. Abbot is not technically correct. His contract with DFG ran out on Dec. 31, 2014. Now, I'm not saying there is a new issue of Spy Comics in the works, but if there were, DFG would not be bound to use the Todd Abbot Studio for such a project."   Inside sources at DFG who do not wish to be named have told DFG ONLINE! that the reason DFG has not published any new work in the last five years is the result of a conflict with the Todd Abbot Studio and as a result DFG ceased publishing new comic book work and have put their efforts into other properties, including telecommunications and religious institutions.  DFG was dissatisfied with the work of the Todd Abbot Studio but could not break the contract. Now that the contract has lapsed, we will likely see new comics coming at last from DFG.

DFG: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, or "How the Todd Abbot Studio Works its Magic"

By Fawney Bologna
Special to DFG ONLINE!

It is no secret that DFG  Comics feature some of the ugliest women in comic books.  This became such an industry joke that back in the 1990s a limited edition 2-volume treasury was released entitled "DFG: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly."  The collection highlighted DFG superheroes (the good), DFG villains (the bad), and the DFG women (the ugly).  This collection is now a much-sought-after item on the convention circuit, with the few rare copies selling for five figures.   Since that unfortunate treasury was released, DFG has worked very hard to change its reputation with respect to "ugly women."  A recent leaked photo of a page from Spy Comics Presents... #6 brought about an investigation into what happens when a picture of an ugly woman crosses the desk of DFG art director, Flora Loveartalot. This reporter learned that Flora sent the art back to the Todd Abbot Studio, where it orginated, with the express instructions to clean up the artwork and re-submit it with a more attractive drawing.  When questioned, Ms. Loveartalot denied the allegations:  "I find it very disturbing that people would think we don't allow ugly women in our books at DFG. In fact, it is a very sexist allegation.  Not every woman is a beautiful goddess. Women come in all shapes and sizes and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  DFG has a proven track record of publishing comics with lots of ugly women.  I am shocked, utterly shocked, that you would think we would refuse to publish a drawing of an ugly woman."

However, when the Todd Abbot Studio, which "ghosts" most of the artwork done for DFG was contacted, another side of the story was revealed: "DFG sends stuff back to us all the time," said Todd Abbot, founder and director of the studio.  In fact, Mr. Abbot showed this reporter the offending page and offered a rare inside look at how the studio works its magic.  "When we sent the offending page in for approval, Flora stamped it 'REJECTED'.  Now to be fair, she didn't say anything about the woman being ugly, however, it is an unwritten rule with DFG, ever since that unfortuate 2-volume treasury back in the '90s, that any picture of an ugly woman needs to be redrawn.  We knew what needed to be done when we got the page back." 

Mr. Abbot showed me the original page:

After it was returned, an Abbot junior staffer removed the offending damsel:

And finally, Todd Abbot himself redrew the woman to the unspoken specifications:

DFG ONLINE approached DFG VP Darryl Andrews with these allegations.  Mr. Andrews refused to comment except to say, "Those photos are doctored.  These allegations are ridiculous.  It's just another example of Todd Abbot trying to slander DFG Comics.  I have nothing further to add, except that I think the woman in the picture is still pretty ugly."

DFG to Release Unpublished Dailies from the Todd Abbot Studio

By Bob Barnes, special to DFG Online

We have just learned from inside sources that DFG is planning to release a 2009 aborted daily strip version of the popular 1980's DFG TV series, "Mitchum and Felix."  The classic program (which is now available on VHS cassette) featured Dan Graves as the hard-boiled PI, Mitchum, and Peter Repas as his geeky computer-savvy side-kick, Felix.  This award-winning series followed up Graves and Repas's earlier acclaimed private detective outing, "the Holden and Bates Mystery Hour."

It seems that in 2009 DFG contracted the Todd Abbot Studio to produce a daily strip of "Mitchum and Felix", but the strip was never released as the result of the so-called "DFG Implosion" of that same year when DFG ceased publishing as a result of a major lawsuit launched against it by Todd Abbot, seeking ownership for content and characters he claimed to have created while "ghosting" for DFG over the years.

Recent reports seem to indicate that DFG and Abbot have buried the hatchet and are once again on collaborative terms.  Could the release of this lost work signal a new springtime for DFG?  Only time will tell!  Pictured below is the lost artwork for the "Mitchum and Felix" daily.

DFG Re-organization Unveiled

Special to DFG ONLINE
by Bob Barnes

Depiction of Mrs. Sepultra Thunder
courtesy of Todd Abbot Studios

At a news conference this morning, Mrs. Sepultra Thunder, DFG's new executive director, unveiled the new staffing structure that will take DFG Comics into the future. Mrs. Thunder, a former fashion magazine executive and heiress to a major publishing family empire was engaged by DFG earlier this month to reorganize DFG and bring it into the modern era.  The 59 year old has lived up to her name.   As reported last week, several employees and contracters were let go, with thundrous reverberations echoing in the DFG corridors:  "The first, and most decisive move we needed to make," said a confident Mrs. Thunder, "was to sever all ties with the Todd Abbot studio. This studio of 'ghost artists' has proved unreliable throughout DFG's 31 year history, and yet, the management has continually engaged their services to meet the deadline pressures of an unrealistic multi-titled product line.  Not only has their work been unreliable, it has been grotesque, to say the least.  I had never read a comic book until Mr. Graves and Mr. Andrews engaged me to reorganize this company.  The first book I picked up was Captain Nepto Prime.  Good Lord, I thought, this is supposed to be Canada's favourite adventure strip character since 1981?  Spare me.  My infant grandson draws better pictures."

Mrs. Thunder then proceeded to explain the changes in the production department: "Clearly, the production schedule of DFG titles has been consistently mismanaged.  Customers will not stand for the delays that DFG has been well-known for.  There are many unfinished story arcs that have been left dangling for several years, all the while, the production department continues to push for new titles.  I was introduced to the production manager, a certain Frank Daniels, who has been known to ghost write for DFG as well.  It was clear that not only was he responsible for completely mismanaging his department, since at least 1985, he also had a signficant anger management problem that the company has tried unsuccessfully to help him address.  Well, let me tell you, I simply won't stand for any of this sort of nonsense.  As of last week, Mr. Daniels was terminated, as were several members of his department.  I am personally assuming responsiblity for this department and will be bringing over some of my own staff from my own consulting firm, Wind, Storm, Fire & Assoc., to carry out the day-to-day responsiblities."

Mrs. Thunder then turned to other support areas of DFG operations, "We have a so-called chief of sercurity, one Augustus Smith.  This position was clearly created for him as a sinecure without any significant responsiblity, after his retirement as chief of police.  He has not succeeded in tracking down the culprits who were behind various attacks on the DFG website, nor the thefts of DFG property, nor the person responsible for leaking sensitive information to the press.  DFG is not going to be a place where anyone gets a free ride.  Chief Smith has been terminated."

Mrs. Thunder also outlined the dismissal of several other low-level support staff employees and bullpen artists.  She then turned to the new structure:

"Effective immediately, I have appointed Ms. Flora Loveartalot to be the artistic director of DFG.  Ms. Loveartalot has a proven track recorded of getting the job done and has signficant untapped gifts in human resource management.  Her abilities are vital to bringing DFG forward."

She noted as well that Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews will stay on in figure-head positions as Co-Publishers, as well as President and VP respectively, but all day-to-day operations will be handled by herself.  "Mr. Graves and Mr. Andrews will return to what they do best, writing and drawing comic books," she added.

One of the only other staff members to remain is DFG janitor, Ernest Wontellalie, otherwise known as the employee with nine lives.  "Someone has to help me clean up this mess that is known as 'DFG Comics,'" she said, "and it might as well be a janitor.  And besides, I think he's kinda cute."

"Ghosts" Fired at DFG

One of Canada's most storied comic book companies, DFG Comics, is dramatically smaller today after a sweeping round of firings.

The Bradford, Ont.-based studio behind such titles as Spy-comics, Captain Nepto and Retro Spy, is one of Ontario’s oldest comic art studios and one of the province’s top employers of comic book talent.

On Monday, our on location reporter, Bob Barnes reported that DFG had dismissed 7 employees, bringing the company’s head count down to just 11 staff.

Dan Graves, chief executive officer of DFG, confirmed the firings. “We've had project after project lined up, some that had been in the works for months,sometimes years, which failed to materialize. It was high time these people responsible for the missed production dates were held accountable".

Our Reporter, Bob Barnes has learned many of the employees released were a part of a large "ghost artist" team operating under the stylings of Todd Abbot. Mr. Graves has left DFG HQ after issuing his statement to attend a Funeral, but other key players are said to still be on-site. Mr. Barnes is staying at the location to try to obtain further exit comments.

Breaking News!

While not confirmed, initial reports from sources inside DFG HQ speculate that a mass firing will be conducted today. All staff is in attendance today for an update on the new organizational changes prompted by new hire Sepultra Thunder. Our "on the Beat" reporter Bob Barnes is on site reporting. Watch this space for developments as they are released.

DFG Suspends Operations

DFG SUSPENDS OPERATIONS TO EVALUATE REORGANIZATION OPTIONS



March 12 2012 – As a result of the suspension of operations approximately 20 full-time and temporary employees have been impacted. DFG president and CEO, Dan Graves could not be reached for comment.
###

DFG Names Executive Chairman

DFG President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Graves appointed "maverick visionary" Ms. Sepultra Thunder as Executive Chairman of DFG Comics Division.

Bradford, ONT., March 4, 2012

Graves today announced that its board of directors has agreed upon the appointment of Ms.Thunder.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Sepultra's caliber and experience step up to lead DFG into the future” said Graves. “We are at a critical moment and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Sepultra is a maverick visionary with a proven track record of execution. She is a strong communicator who is customer focused with deep leadership capabilities. Furthermore, she has worked behind the scenes for the past eight months tracking missed opportunities by the DFG brand and has recognized an overall stale production environment. I am very confident that Sepultra has a solid understanding of our business model."


This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of DFG and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including execution of growth strategies, transformation initiatives and restructuring plans; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by DFG's businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by DFG and its customers, suppliers and partners; the protection of DFG's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the hiring and retention of key employees; expectations and assumptions. DFG assumes no obligation, but does intend to update these forward-looking statements.

© 2011 DFG Comics. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. DFG shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

DFG President & Todd Abbot Visiting Hong Kong!?!

Company sources are confirming that both DFG President Dan Graves and disgruntled DFG artist Todd Abbot have temporarily set aside their differences and are exploring "The Land of the Rising Sun" together. Details of the visit haven't become yet known; but nothing short of blockbuster news is expected from this duo.
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DFG VP Ties the Knot With Love of Life

By Whois Keepintrack

On Special Assignment in Kelowna, BC

It was all smiles and joy this week in the DFG Comics British Columbia office as DFG Co-Publisher an V.P. tied the knot with the lovely Christine Gagne.  The liturgy was conducted by DFG's very own president and publisher Dan Graves and witnessed by DFG comic book artist and superstar Mark Andrews.  "The terrace of Sparkling Hill Resort was the perfect spot for such a lovely occasion - a lovely couple, a lovely venue *choke*," said Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, KC, QC, PhD, LLB, DFG's chief legal counsel as he choked back tears of joy.  "We are just so happy for Darryl  and Christine," said Chief Augustus Smith, head of DFG security, who headed a full security detail to ensure party-crashers and paparazzi did not intrude on this sacred moment.  "I guess I'm happy," said comic book legend and superstar Todd Abbot, "I mean, if Darryl is happy, then I guess I am happy.  Perhaps he'll drop the assault charges he has against me in all his euphoria."  Mr. Abbot was not present for the occasion but watched the event on his 4" screen from his holding cell in the Carnage City Police Department. 

When Dan Graves was approached for an interview after the event, all he could say, was single word, "Joy."  After they signed the register, and received the nuptial blessing, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews,m being presented by the priest, recessed down the aisle and then glided into their first dance, "Fly me to the Moon."

"It was the most lovely wedding I have ever been at," said DFG colourist, Flora Lovartalot, "we wish them all the best, and thank Dan Graves for his generosity in giving us a quarter of a day off work to enjoy this special day."  DFG offices are expected to be open this Saturday for staff to make up the time they missed to attend the wedding.

-30_

Todd Abbot Celebrates 41st Birthday -- in Loneliness!

Special to DFG ONLINE by Fawney Bologna

Poor Todd Abbot; the guy just doesn't seem to get any respect.  Todd Abbot turned 41 yesterday, but it looks like his chickens are finally coming home to roost as not a single person showed up to his birthday party.  The party was held at DFG Corporate HQ in the lunchroom.  It was planned by DFG social convenor Ima Partianimmal.  Invitations were sent out weeks in advance and a special cupcake (with candle) and party hat were even ordered for Todd, but sadly, there he sat, in the DFG lunchroom, with no one to help him celebrate.  Oscar Foodlecollins, DFG webmaster, passed by the lunchroom but did not go in.  When asked why he missed the party, Foodlecollins said, "I had to take a massive dump."  DFG president Dan Graves was out of the country on business and DFG VP Darryl Andrews, who heads up the DFG West office in Kelowna, BC was in Prince George preparing to open a satellite bullpen.  Ima Partianimmal was asked why she did not attend the party she convened: "I plan parties, I don't go to them.  I hate to mix work and pleasure."  But other DFG insiders said that Todd really has burned most of his bridges at DFG.  Some time ago he was involved in insurance fraud with the supposed death and disappearnce of his then-lover, DFG Colourist Flora Lovaratlot, then he faked his own death, and then there have been the numerous lawsuits he has filed against DFG, and of course, the failed hostile takeover bid. "The sad truth is," our inside source revealed, "that nobody really likes Todd. He's actually just a mean prick."  The DFG executive apparently sent this special birthday greeting to Todd: "Dear Todd.  Happy Birthday."  When contacted for elaboration on this curt message, DFG VP Darryl Andrews said, "We wished him a happy birthday.  I don't see how we can be criticized in any way.  That cupcake and hat took us $2.49 over budget on our hospitality account this year.  In a year that we have faced signficant fiancial hardships, I think Todd should be please at the recognition he has received."  We tried to reach Todd Abbot for comment, but we did not want to disturb him as he was found crying next to the DFG dumpster.

Cache of Unpublished DFG Art Found in Garage!

 By Fawney Bologna
Special to DFG ONLINE!




Word came into DFG Comics today that a cache of unpublished and rare DFG artwork has been found in a garage in Carnage City!  Seen in these photos is DFG VP Darryl Andrews showcasing a small selection of this spectacular find!  Especially important is the original cover for the DTA edition of Captain Nepto #1.  A complete dollar evaluation of the find is forthcoming, but the entire value is expected to be in six figures.

(photos courtesy of DFG staff photographer "Flash" Bulbous, with special thanks to DFG webmaster Oscar Foodlecollins)

Todd Abbot Hiding in Plain Sight, well...not exactly...

Special to DFG Online
By Whois Keepintrack

Since asking for public assistance in locating the missing Todd Abbot; three reports have come forward linking the artist attending the 3rd Annual Carnage City Elvis Festival. In disguise as "Elvis", Mr. Abbot reportedly left the event abruptly after some DFG fan's saw thru his disguise. A photo of Mr. Abbot retreating is posted as an exclusive here.

Todd Abbot for Governor- General?!?

by Whois Keepintrack
Special to DFG Online

Bill Shatner may take Canada boldly where no country has gone before, but DFG's own Todd Abbot had recently mentioned that he thought it time for Canada to appoint a comic book legend, (meaning himself) to the position of Governor General.

Momentum of this campaign was halted by the sudden murder attempt upon Mr. Abbot's life and the current status as to his whereabouts cast further mystery and doubt of his pursuit of this most prestigious title.

Please keep watching this website for updates

 and do contact the webmaster if you have any

information regarding Mr. Abbot's whereabouts.

(pictured above: Rideau Hall - the official residence

of the Governor-General of Canada)

Todd Abbot checks out of Hospital

By Whois Keepintrack
Special to DFG Online

Amid an on-going murder investigation, international death threats, a case of mistaken identity and scandal; Todd Abbot quietly checked out of the Carnage City Hospital earlier today. His whereabouts at press time remain unknown.

FBI continues Probe

Investigators probing the murder attempt of cartoonist Todd Abbot are trying to find a common tie with the DFG artist and Swedish artist Lars Vilks.

The FBI has been interviewing DFG staff members.

DFG staffer Frank Daniels commented that the FBI agents asked a series of questions intended to discover the possibility that Mr. Abbot had been working on a secret assignement with a Political slant. Mr. Daniels reportedly commented that if Mr. Abbot were working on such a project, he wouldn't create something harmful.

The FBI began interviewing DFG Staff members after sending out a letter from FBI Assistant Director James Kallstrom asking for assistance in the investigation.

Cartoonist 'murder plot' suspects still held

By The Assiciated Press
Special to DFG Online

Thursday, 11 March 2010 19:41

A Croatian man and a woman from the US held in relation to an alleged plot to murder DFG Comic Legend Todd Abbot, have had their periods in Garda custody extended.

The man and the woman were brought before a special sitting of Waterford District Court at 9am. The two can now be questioned for a further 72 hours.

Their arrests on Tuesday morning were part of an international investigation into alleged death threats against DFG cartoonist Todd Abott.

Five others - three Algerians, a Libyan and a Palestinian - were also arrested on Tuesday morning and they had their periods of detention extended last night.

Mr. Abbot apparently has been confused with Swedish Artist Lars Vilks who is under treat from al-Qaeda for a political cartoon he drew two years ago. Mr Abbot claims to simply be a super hero artist who does not have any kind of political agenda. How the two artists have been confused is still under investigation.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the possible movements in Ireland last September of US citizen Colleen LaRose, who described herself as 'Jihad Jane'. They are trying to ascertain how much time, if any, she spent with two of those currently under arrest.
La Rose was subseqeuntly arrested by the FBI and indicted on charges in relation to the plot against Todd Abbot and secondly, Lars Vilks.

Gardaí have today again stressed there is no threat to the public here from any section of the Muslim community.

Suprise Gala Banquet for Peter Repovski's 40th Birthday!

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!
Carnage City Convention Centre

Overcome with surprise as he was led into the Carnage City Convention Centre earlier this evening, DFG superstar and comic book great, Peter Repovski, had this to say, "What a surprise... I never expected this."  The festivities were in honour of his 40th birthday and expertly organized with care and detail by his better half, Pauline Houle.  "I was told that I was on my way to deliver a lifetime achievement award to DFG president and co-publisher Dan Graves, I never thought the party was in my honour... I am humbled."   With well over 1200 people in attendance, Mr. Repovski was quickly led to the microphone where he greeted his family, friends, and many adoring fans. "I don't know what to say, except, don't forget to renew your subscriptions to DFG. Oh, and thank you for the party." 

Dan, Jimmy Repas, Peter

The festivities were a welcome diversion from the ongoing crisis on the west coast, where comic book legend, Todd Abbot, is still in hospital recovering from a gunshot wound following the attempt on his life.  DFG president Dan Graves explained, "With all the labour disruptions, the opening of the west-coast office, the lawsuits, the hostile take-over bid, and the attempt on Todd's life, we are just happy to put all that aside for one evening and celebrate this wonderful moment with Pete.  He is truly one of the greats of the industry and has always been a close personal friend.  I am honoured to be with him here tonight.  I think Pauline did a great job pulling this all together.  Congratulations, Peter, on 40 years... may there be many more."

                                                                                                                   

DFG VP Darryl Andrews took time out from his busy west-coast schedule to send this telegram..."Pete:  I hope you have a wonderful day STOP Sorry I can't be there STOP  Please accept the best wishes of all the DFG west-coast team STOP And watch out for the bad kalbassa STOP.

Noted guests in attendance were Whitney Houston, Jerry Mathers, the Ecumenical Patriarch, Jerry Lewis, The Amazing Kreskin, Mikail Gorbachev, Sheldon Moldoff, Stan Lee, and Desi Arnez Jr. Pete's family was also well represented by his sisters and his father, a well-known member of the Macedonian community, Mr. Jimmy Repas. 

In honour of the occasion, DFG has released a special limited edition of M&M's with Peter's baby picture.  These will be in limited supply so order this special collectors' item while supplies last.  Cheques and money orders can be sent to DFG HQ, Carnage City (no COD's please).

Congratulations Peter, from all of us at DFG!

New Person of Interest Named

Special to DFG Online
By Bob Barnes
Chief Smith has revealed to the media that little known DFG staffer, Downey Onheluky has been added as a 'person of interest' by the Carnage City Police in the ongoing investigation of murder attempt on Mr. Todd Abbot.

Todd Abbot Sues DFG from Hospital

By Fawney Bologna
Special to DFG ONLINE
Kelowna, B.C.

"I'm going to sue those bastards!" were Todd Abbot's first words spoken after waking up from the emergency operation, which removed a bullet from his chest. Citing an unsafe working environment, Mr. Abbot has issued a claim for Compensation with the W.S.E (We Sue Everybody) Law Firm. A statement from that firm stated, "Workers who are injured as a result of serious negligence or on-the-job accidents are entitled to workers' compensation through their employer. However, when a worker has sustained catastrophic injuries such as those Mr. Abbot has suffered as a result of DFG dictating a forced relocation clause, additional claim of benefits needs to be pursued".

Listed in the lawsuit are DFG President Dan Graves and VP Darryl Andrews. A police investigation into the alleged murder attempt on Mr. Abbot's life is currently under investigation.