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.

A New Page For Our Online Comics!

DFG President and Co-Publisher Dan Graves announced today that DFG's online publications are moving to a new home! Effectively immediately, DFG Comics will be part of the Webcomics Nation community. "By placing our titles on this site we are able to consolidate all our titles onto one webpage and reach a much wider community, " said Mr. Graves. Mr. Graves noted that this development was largely due to the work or recently reinstated Production Manager, Frank Daniels. "Frank took the bull by the horns and got the job done. We're very pleased," add Mr. Graves. "We hope all our fans will visit this new site. The old pages for individual DFG titles will gradually disappear over the upcoming weeks as all of DFG's books become available on this one site. We will continue to maintain this Blogger page as our main source for information and news about DFG Comics. In addition, we will continue to maintain both our DFG Fan Club page and our Captain Nepto page. All other pages will gradually disappear in favour of the new site."

The new site can be found by clicking here.

Another DFG Superstar Creator from the Past to Return?!

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!

Word has just come in that DFG President and Co-Publisher, Dan Graves, has been in contact with the man known only as "Sopha." Long-time DFG fans will remember "the man with one name" as a creative genius who contributed several key concept ideas to DFG back in the mid-late 1980's. Perhaps his most enduring creation (with DFG President Dan Graves) was the Grim Avenger, who is now one of our headline stars, featured regularly as a member of the Invincibles in DFG's flagship title, Spy Comics Presents... We have no word at this time whether or not Sopha will be returning and bringing his genius back to DFG, only that he and the DFG President have a high level meeting planned for the near future. Stay tuned for further developments.

Injury to Colourist Sparks Near Riot

By Bob Barnes
DFG ONLINE Staff Reporter

Fans took to the streets this afternoon after learning of the freak accident that hospitalized DFG colourist Flora Lovartalot late last evening (click here for full story). What can only be described as a near-riot broke out in front of DFG corporate HQ. Carnage City Police Chief Seamus McMullen (pictured in the top photograph) was forced to subdue one distraught fan who was calling for the blood of DFG co-publishers Graves & Andrews. "I'll tell ya, it was quite a scene," said McMullen, "fortunately, after some tazer applications, tear gas, and rubber bullets, the crowd dispersed peacefully." A similar crowd gathered later outside the Carnage City General Hospital to hold vigil for Flora (see lower picture). The Carnage City P.D. was on hand to ensure no violence erupted.

This reporter spoke with several fans outside the hospital. "We just want Flora to know that we love her, and are praying for her recovery," said one teary-eyed woman. Another man added, "I think everyone is being hard on poor Ernest (editor's note: Ernest Wontellalie -- the DFG janitor who improperly secured the shelving unit that fell on Flora). No one ever uses those tether straps... it was just a freak accident." DFG enthusiast Javier Santamotzarello was on hand to lead in a special prayer vigil and candlelight service.

Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews have been unavailable for comment, although Mr. Andrews was spotted at a local bistro in the company of several foreign investors, reputedly closing an overseas licensing deal. Mr. Graves has avoided the media.

August Villain

Our August Villain is Insanity.

Insanity was introduced in the final issue (#8) of the original Spy Comics series, way back in 1985. Insanity was actually a wealthy high society heir named Sherrinford P. Worthington IV. Worthington had been committed to the Carnage City Asylum for mental health issues. He soon began to manifest strange abilities such as the ability to induce vertigo when others gazed upon his stare. He could also put his victims into a temporary state of insanity. In Spy Comics #8, he escaped from the asylum and began to wreak havoc in Carnage City. Chief Augustus Smith called upon The Spymaster to help track him down, but The Spymaster fell victim to Isanity's deranged touch.

Sadly, the story was never completed, as the series was rebooted and relaunched later that year. Many old threads were never picked up... the Insanity story is one of those. Will Insanity make a return to the DFG Universe anytime soon? Only the DFG "brass" knows for sure, and they're keeping things under their hats for now. Be sure to follow DFG ONLINE! newsposts for future developments and the possible return of Insanity!

DFG President Comments on Todd Abbot Resignation

Press Release
DFG Corporate Head Office
Carnage City
August 7th, 2008

From the Desk of the President and Co-Publisher
Dear Fans:
Earlier this week, Mr. Todd Abbot announced on his website that his "25 year exclusive contract" with DFG Comics had expired and that he intended to pursue work with other publishers. I wish to inform the DFG readership that Mr. Abbot has never had an "exclusive contract" with DFG Comics, much less an exclusive contract for 25 years. Mr. Abbot has done much work for DFG over this time frame and we at DFG consider him part of the DFG family. There is also no truth to the rumour that I was not pleased with Mr. Abbot's work on Captain Nepto Prime and that is why I removed him from the title. Nepto creator Darryl Andrews wanted to take the book in a new direction so I immediately reassigned him to some work on the Spy Classics Annual (origins issues), in which he was allowed to complete his long-delayed Cyclone & Tornado origin story. In addition, I assigned him the origin of the Warrior, but he has yet to turn it in.

To summarize, Mr. Abbot has always been welcome to work with other publishers and I continue to welcome any contributions that he might make to the DFG stable of titles. We are grateful for his past contributions and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Sincerely,
Dan Graves
President and Co-Publisher

Captain Nepto picture courtesy of Todd Abbot. Colouring by Flora Lovartalot. Scan by Oscar Foodlecollins.

Always Surprises at DFG!!

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG Online

With so much attention being given to the 2009-2010 schedule, reporters forgot to ask company President Dan Graves about news on any upcoming project that might already be in the works. "I knew it would knock everybody on their ass, so I kept it quiet", was Mr. Graves' only response to the new Captain Nepto comic-strip that seemed to appear magically and without notice Online today. To view the new strip, click here.

Canadian Comic Insider Interviews DFG President Dan Graves

By Millicent Mortificus - Special to DFG ONLINE!

Superheroes are everywhere these day; in print, in film and as toy/food tie-in promotions at your favourite fast food restaurants. Daniel F. Graves is the President of the Canadian Small Press Juggernaut, DFG Comics. We were granted an exclusive interview, over breakfast, at Toronto's Fairmount Royal York Hotel to discuss the comic book industry and, more specifically, the present day goings-on at DFG Comics Corporate Head Office.


CCI: Thanks for meeting with us.
DFG: I must say, it is always a pleasure to do these interviews. Of the thousands that I've done over the past two decades, I've always enjoyed interviews with your esteemed publication.

CCI: With 25+ years of DFG comics in the DFG canon, do you have any intention to slow down?
DFG: Absolutely not! DFG Comics, and its subsidiaries are a lifetime passion and labour of love. As I've said in the past, one of the great things about DFG publications and productions is that they occur in "real time." Unline many of our competitors, and especially those south of the border, 25 years of DFG comics is 25 years of real time. That's why the Spymaster and Nepto have aged; that's why we've introduced a whole new generation of heroes; and that's why the DFG universe will forever remain full of surprises.

CCI: Has the success of DFG Comics surprised you?
DFG: Not really... I always knew we had something great on our hands. That's why we we've been able to outlast so many small presses, and as an aside, why we were able to acquire other small presses over the years. We're simply the best. I mean, come on, who has a hero like Captain Nepto in their stable. He can do most anything, fly, swing on a rope when he's tired of flying, go deep sea in that super-scientific sub of his, and don't get me started on the wig -- can you tell me any other company who has a superhero known for his wigs? Fanbloodytastic, I say.

CCI: The Spymaster has greatly evolved over the years, what's your personal favourite period?
DFG: My all-time favourite Spymaster period is the early-eighties, when his character and identity were just forming. He started out a bit grim, but eventually took on a more mainstream, brighter persona. I mean, falling in love with Nova, a voluptuous woman from another dimension? That's hardly grim and gritty, yet that period had a charm of its own. In the mid-eighties when I went dark with him again -- a period I also like very much -- I think we lost something, particularly his connection to the rest of the DFG universe. That was what was so great about the early period. He and Nepto were the two lead characters, and Darryl seemed to have them teaming up, all chummy and buddy-buddy every other issue or so. In the recent years I've tried to catch that flavour of he and Nepto remaining the leaders of the DFG stable of heroes. In Spy '96 they had one final team-up and in the recent story-arc, he and Nepto are adversaries as they have come to represent very different perspectives on what it means to lead the next generation of DFG heroes. I suppose when it comes down to it, I really prefer the Spymaster out of costume, as Julius Smithers. I feel that Julius has grown beyond the Spymaster role and has become the elder statesman of the DFG universe. Again, this is the result of naturally ageing our characters. You can't have a 70 year old running around in a costume.

CCI: Is there any particular storyline you would like to change?
DFG: Absolutely not. I am dead-set against retcons (retroactively changing continuity -- ed.). Some of our competitors take great pride in changing the origins and history of their characters every second month or so. If it's in the DFG canon, it's in the DFG canon! Period! However, I'm not opposed to going back and adding details here and there -- things that were not revealed the first time around that can be nicely added without contradicting old continuity. I made a mistake early in my career as a comic book creator and attempted to do that with the Spymaster. Faithful DFG readers will know that he has two different origins, one from the original Spy Comics series (1981-84), and one from the 1985 series. In the first series he gets amnesia and becomes a criminal called the Swift Mugger. When his memory returns he becomes the Spymaster in order to right his wrongs. In 1985, his wife is killed and he becomes the Spymaster to exact revenge and track down her killer. I have long wanted to resolve this discrepency and will be doing so in Spy Comics Annual #1 (the origin issue) due out later this summer. I can assure you that neither origin will be contradicted or wiped out! Those who are faithful to either version will be happy with the result, I think.

There are many things that I could regret doing. For example, the Radiation Master is probably the silliest villain ever created, but instead of ignoring him, I think that he has a great place in the DFG universe as a "loser villain." We can make gold out of whatever old crap we might find in the canon!

CCI: What's you favourite cover and why?
DFG: I always loved the Spymaster/Nova wedding cover from the original Spy Comics series. It was just so silly. I never drew the inside story until last year when I did the story for Retro-Spy #2. Instead of having them actually get married, it was just a hook to draw in the reader and serve as the plot point on which the Invincibles come to be! Other favourites include the very first cover Spy Comics #1 (1981) cover, which I redrew for #1 of the second series (1985). I'm planning on doing it again, with a twist. I always loved Darryl Andrews' cover for Captain Nepto #1 (1981) and have recently recreated it for Spy Classics #3! My other favourite is Captain Nepto (original series) #9 from 1984 (the last issue of the original series) that Flora just coloured as part of our collectors' series.

CCI: Have you had any experience with the big American publishers like Marvel or DC trying to cherrypick some of DFG's talent?
DFG: Repovski did some work for Dark Horse, but that was with my blessing, of course. I never want to hold anyone back from following their dreams. If working for DC or Marvel is their dream, well then let them go, I say. The truth is, most of our creators love DFG so much that you couldn't pay them enough to work anywhere else!

CCI: Does DFG still obtain all filming rights or are some characters already optioned for possible film productions?
DFG: We are very protective of our film rights. As you know, DFG has its own production studio and has done several television series and big-screen films (as well as some made for TV films). Perhaps our biggest success was the Bates & Holden TV series. This is one example where the film characters made the transition to the comic page. This is why we retain all rights -- it's called synergy, my friend. If we let the rights go, then we can't capitalize on such cross-over possibilities. Another area that we will be moving into is toy production. Watch for DFG Action Figures Series One which will be hitting toy stores for Christmas. Figures will include the golden age Spymaster, Nepto, Redman, the original Sy Clopps, Killer Shark, the Blaster, and the Radiation Master.

CCI: Would you like to be the 'Stan Lee' of DFG with walk-ons in every movie?
DFG: What? Are you kidding me? Haven't you seen any of our films? I'm in every one of them! I was doing that before Stan Lee even thought of the idea. And by the way, missy, I have much more substantial roles that Mr. Lee.

CCI: You have two brothers, yet neither has produced a comic...any reason for that?
DFG: They can't draw. But they are award-winning actors. Again, watch the movies.

CCI: Which villain is your favourite?
DFG: The original Sy Clopps. You'll understand why next year when the 2009 Spy Classics Annual #2 finally tells his origin. If you want a hint, check out the Sylvester Clopps family photo posted elsewhere on this page. I've also recently developed a real soft-spot for the Radiation Master, just because he's so absurd. I mean, the guy has no head!

CCI: Which character do you think has the greatest potential that to date remains a secondary character?
DFG: Freddy.

CCI: Tell me a little about the upcoming finale of Spy Comics Presents The Invincibles.
DFG: It will all wrap up in Issue #5. While it is a battle between Julius' team and Nepto's team, it really is the culmination of the psychological battle between Julius and Nepto. It will set the stage for the next major era of the DFG universe, changing it forever.

CCI: In terms of sales, which DFG title is the most successful? The most popular?
DFG: Spy Comics Presents and Captain Nepto Prime seem to always go head-to-head in sales, with Spy Classics coming third and Retro-Spy in fourth.

CCI: Spy Classics is one of my favourite titles , what can fans expect to see in the upcoming year?
DFG: Well, you know about the "all-origins" annual, and I've mentioned plans for next years' all-villains origin annual. Issue three retells Captain Nepton #1 (from 1981) and includes story and art by Andrews, Repovski and myself. I'd like to retell the first Cap/Spymaster team-up... watch and see!

CCI: Any plans for a special Christmas Holiday edition?
DFG: Oh yes, you must be psychic. It will actually be an issue of Retro-Spy and will take place in DFG Golden-age period. It will be entitled, "The Invincibles Save Christmas!"

CCI: Are you and Todd Abbot friends?
DFG: No.

CCI: Describe your best day.
DFG: Every day is a great day at DFG!

End of Part One of Interview

A Message from the Publisher

May 18th, 2008

Dear Fans:

As you will know, DFG Comics has recently been embroiled in a series of "creator-related" controversies with former DFG artist and staffer, Mr. Todd Abbot. The most recent controversy involved Mr. Abbot's seizing of an old DFG trade imprint (DTA Comics) and the rights to early Captain Nepto material. We at DFG planned to launch a new series, Captain Nepto Prime, set during the Silver Age of DFG (mid-late 1980's), while Mr. Abbot announced that DTA would be launching a rival Captain Nepto, Captain Nepto: The Original, set during DFG's Golden Age period (early 1980's). Things appeared to be at a stalemate, but thanks to the herculean efforts of DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, LLB, PhD, QC, KG, who acted as mediator, Mr. Abbot & DFG Comics have come to an agreement. Mr. Abbot, and Nepto creator Darryl Andrews, will be collaborating on a single new Captain Nepto series, Captain Nepto Prime, co-published under the DFG and DTA banners. However, the series will differ significantly from DFG's previously announced series of the same title, as it will be set in Cap's earliest period (the period of Mr. Abbot's series). Mr. Andrews will handle the scripting and inking chores, while Mr. Abbot will provide the pencil artwork. I am pleased to add that Flora Lovartalot will be doing the colouring. I will be personally editing the title.

This agreement has meant that the previously solicted cover cannot be used for the first issue (the costume worn by Cap on the cover is from the late silver age period, whereas the new series will feature his original costume, wig and all!). We hope to be able to use Mr. Andrew's cover art for a future issue of Spy Comics.

I wish to thank DFG fans for their patience during this controversy. I am pleased that Mr. Abbot has returned to the DFG fold, and I am especially thrilled that we will be reuniting two giants from the original Captain Nepto series to return their hero to his former glory.

Committed to bringing you "the Best in Canadian Comics,"

I remain,

Dan Graves
President and Co-Publisher,
DFG Comics

Spy Comics #2 Nearly Ready to Go to Press!

Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #2 is nearly ready to go to press. Because fans have been demanding it, here is a preview of the cover, with art by Dan Graves, and the new DFG colourist, Flora Lovartalot. Watch for the complete issue to be posted on our online publications page soon!

DFG's "Big Three" -- or was that DFG's "Big Four"

By Bob Barnes

DFG ONLINE Staff Reporter

Todd Abbot is once again reported to be "furious" over another DFG "snub." The latest altercation comes on the heels of the "Captain Nepto Prime" snub earlier this week, in which Abbot was excluded from contributing to the new Captian Nepto Prime series. However, the latest controversy involves a picture posted to the DFG website by Vice-President and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews, earlier today. The photo is entitled "DFG's Big Three: Pete, Dan and Darryl." But note, there is a fourth individual (whose hand and arm can be seen on Pete's left shoulder) who was cropped out. Abbot claims that this is him. "I was in on the ground floor during the Golden Age of DFG," said Mr. Abbot, "It's common knowledge throughout fandom that we were known as the 'big four.'" The picture was apparently taken at a DFG reunion c. 2000, at which Mr. Abbot was reportedly present, but had imbided considerable quantities of alcoholic beverages. "This photo was taken for a prominent fan magazine and it was supposed to acompany an article that outlined the influence of the 'big four,'" said Mr. Abbot, "Obviously the brass at DFG not only wants to cut me out of the current picture, but out of the canonical history of DFG as well! I can only say that I find this behaviour very hurtful." When asked about the photo, DFG President and Co-Publisher Dan Graves commented, "It's always been the 'big three.' There was never a 'big four.' Mr. Abbot is clearly delusional and has never adequately dealt with his alcohol problem. Incidentally, the figure cropped out of the picture is actually Pete's Dad, Jim Repas, who was present when Peter received a life-time achievement award for his contribution to the industry." Mr. Graves asked any further questions to be directed at DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, who, incidentally has completely recovered from his earlier health scare.

Good News for DFG Comics at Easter!

By Bob Barnes
DFG ONLINE Staff Reporter

DFG head offices received good news this Easter morning when Dan Graves was notified that Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, DFG legal counsel, who had been on death's door in a coma, had woken up and was in good form. "He seems to be recovering well, almost miraculously," commented Dr. Alphonsus Mortibus of Carnage City Hospital. What had begun as chest pains a couple of weeks back quickly developed into pneumonia, a series of angina attacks, as well as decreased brain functioning. On Friday, this week (Good Friday), all hope was thought lost. Funeral arrangements had been made, a priest had been called to his bedside and last rites read. "I'm just relieved for him and his family," added DFG President and Co-Publisher, Dan Graves, "It just goes to show that miracles do happen... A Happy Easter, one and all."

Watch for updates on Sir Milton's condition as they develop.

ONLINE Publications Page Updated

DFG Comics has updated its ONLINE Publications page. This page now includes several of our current publications, brief synopses of each issue, and solicitations for upcoming issues. You can visit us by clicking here or by clicking on the link in the right-hand column of this page. A meet the staff page is also under construction. It will eventually include brief biographies and pictures of the DFG. Watch for further details.

Breaking News -- DFG Legal Counsel Hospitalized!

By Cynthia Martin

Freelance Journalist

"Good Lord! No!" These were the words of Chief Augustus Smith last night, upon learning that DFG legal counsel, Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, had been hospitalized due to chest pains earlier that day. The condition of Sir Milton, an icon of the legal community, is currently unknown. Chief Smith made the following comment: "Obviously any health scare for Sir Milton is of great concern given his advanced age."

Sir Milton was born in 1873 in the small Kenyan village of Mbingo. His father was a British medical missionary and his mother, who died last year, was a gypsy fortune-teller. The family returned to England in the late in 1882, where Milton became the youngest person ever to earn a law degree. He was "called to the bar" in 1884, quickly becoming partner in a prominent London law firm. He is the last remaining Victorian QC. He was elected to the British Parliament in 1905 and after serving as an officer in the First World War, was knighted by King George V (grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II) in 1919 for exemplary service to the British Empire. He has the distinction of being the last living "Knight of the Garter" from the reign of King George V. He retired from his firm in 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War, but was pressed into service as an undercover agent for His Majesty's Secret Service for the duration of the War. As a retirement hobby, Sir Milton earned a PhD in Molecular Biology and has lectured widely on the subject. In the 1970's he authored the seminal work, Fun with Molecules: What the Microscope Can Teach Us About the Funny Bone. He lived as a recluse for many years until he was invited by DFG President, Dan Graves, to join the company as its legal counsel.

"The hospitalization for Sir Milton is a crushing blow for DFG, at the moment," added Chief Smith. Sir Milton & Chief Smith have been actively engaged in dealing with several legal problems faced by DFG in the recent days.

Please keep Sir Milton, his seventh wife Minnie, and their, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and their dog Rufus in your prayers.

He's Back -- BIG JON Makes Leap from Silver Screen to Comics Page!

By Bob Barnes

DFG ONLINE Staff Reporter

He's back, he's mean, he's mad-as-hell, and he doesn't like anybody... noooobody. That's right, Big Jon, the feature character of several DFG short films of the 1980's is back! The character was imortalized by veteran actor Timothy David. Mr. David, now in retirement, was present at a press conference this afternoon outside DFG corporate head office. President and Co-publisher Dan Graves made the following statement: "Big Jon was always one of our most popular characters from our film ventures. We've been pressed by fans to bring him back for many years. We've just been waiting for the right moment, and well, we've found it." When asked in which DFG title Big Jon would be appearing, Mr. Graves was circumspect, "Let's just say that just like in the films, Jon can pop up just about anywhere." Longtime fans of Big Jon will recall that Jon, filled with rage, would just show up anywhere, anytime, and take out his anger on anyone who passed him by.

In an interview with Jon actor, Timothy David, Mr. David explained Jon's personality in this way,"I've always understood Jon to be a troubled soul. It's just that we don't know what really drives him. His past is shrouded in mystery. I always played him as if he never really had any motive for his actions -- a sort of post-modern kind of portrayal. Perhaps nothing really drives him. Maybe he's just hurts people for no reason other than he can. That's the way I kind-of played him, anyway." DFG Vice President and Co-publisher Darryl Andrews concurred,"If you think of Redman as DFG's altruistic optimist, and Nepto as our existentialist, then Big Jon really is the post-modern man. To him, none of the rules of society make sense any longer. For Jon, there is no meta-narrative, there is no meaning, there is no quest for truth, there is no angst. He just hurts people, and that's what makes him a mystery to those who cross his path. That's also what makes him so dangerous and unpredictable." When asked about how he felt about the enduring popularity of the character he created, Mr. David added, "I'm so pleased that his popularity continues. To me, Jon stands for what happens when we lose sight of our shared human narrative; when we lose sight of our common story. The story of Big Jon is a cautionary story, to which we must constantly return, lest we become as he." With these words the press conference came to a close. Watch for Big Jon in an upcoming DFG Comic.

Publicity sketch provided by Frank Daniels. Thanks to webmaster Oscar Foodlecollins for the scan.

DFG Movie Character from the 1980's Makes Jump From Silver Screen to Comics Page!

By Bob Barnes
DFG ONLINE Staff Reporter

Breaking News! A press conference with DFG President and Co-Publisher Dan Graves is scheduled for 2 PM tomorrow, at which it is expected that DFG Comics plans to announce that one of its 1980's film characters will be appearing in an upcoming DFG Comic. Rumours abound as to which character it will be, but this reporter has not be able to confirm any of the rumours. Given recent security upgrades at DFG Corporate Head office -- in light of several recent media leaks -- it is unlikely that we will know the identity of the character until the press conference.

This is not the first time that a DFG character has made the jump from the silver screen. William Holden and Frank Bates, the popular "comic relief" members of The Invincibles began as a the stars of a popular film serial. Stars Dan Graves and Peter Repas won several awards for their portrayals of the bumbling detectives.

DFG Film Studios ceased production in the late eighties but can still be viewed at review cinemas and film festivals across North America.

The Many Faces of Chief Smith -- Panoramic Poster!

DFG Comics has released a retrospective of the career of Chief Augustus Smith in the form of a panoramic poster entitled The Many Faces of Chief Smith. Since his first appearance in the very first DFG comic, Spy Comics Vol. 1, #1, in 1981, Chief Smith has been one of the most important supporting characters in the DFG universe. As DFG executive Darryl Andrews noted, "In the DFG universe everyone ages naturally, there's none of this 'slowed time' crap that you encounter in our competitors' publications. That's why we've seen Chief Smith go through the aging process over the years and his appearance has changed. We all get older and we all look different as the years go by."

Chief Smith has gone through many changes in his life since his first appearance. Perhaps the most traumatic event in his life was the death of his daughter Sarah at the hands of Capt. Nepto's foe, the Unknown Strangler, back in Spy Comics Vol. 2, #3 (Jan/Feb 1985). Her death left Smith a grimmer and more driven figure, as he was now all alone in the world with the exception of his younger brother, Sgt. John Smith, also of the Carnage City Police Force.

Smith retired from the force in 1996 (as seen in Spy '96 #3, Mar. 1996) handing over the reigns to his former Chief Inspector, Shamus McMullen. However, after Julius Smithers became Governor General, Smith was pressed back into active service as the director of the national Security and Intelligence Service (and also serves presently as tactical advisor to the Invincibles). He remains, even at his advanced age, a crucial character in the DFG universe.

The character of Chief Augustus Smith is based on his real-life namesake who now serves as a security advisor to the management of DFG Publications.

The poster features art from throughout the publishing history of DFG Comics by DFG artists Darryl Andrews, Dan Graves, Frank Daniels, and comic book legend Todd Abbot.

For a closer view of the poster, click on the image, above.

DFG President and Co-Publisher Issues Press Release Explaining "Bedtime Heroes"

Press Release
February 28th, 2008
DFG Corporate Head Office

Dear DFG Comics readers:

This press release is to clear up a serious misunderstanding that has occurred as the result of a press leak earlier this month. It was widely reported (click here) that DFG was intending to introduce “Bedtime Characters” into its new line-up. This is factually true. However, the rumour surrounding these characters is not. There is nothing untoward or questionable about these characters. It is all a gross misunderstanding.

At a meeting of our DFG creative team in mid-January, when we were brainstorming a dozen or so sure-fire hits for our 2008 publishing schedule, our Senior Creative Consultant, Leighton Graves, suggested the concept of introducing “Bedtime Heroes.” DFG Co-publisher and Vice-President Darryl Andrews asked what he meant by this. Leighton responded, “You know, heroes that you create when you are lying in bed at night and can’t sleep… You come up with their names, costumes, powers, alter egos, supporting cast and origin stories. You eventually fall asleep and when you wake up you never actually get around to committing your ideas to paper. We all have these characters bouncing around in our minds – why don’t we add them to the DFG roster?”

The consensus of the team was unanimous. We decided to incorporate these characters into our current titles and maybe even give some their own books! Unfortunately, someone leaked the term “Bedtime Heroes” to the press and, well, they ran with it.

Again, I wish to repeat that DFG Comics remain a wholesome form of family entertainment. DFG in no way intended to suggest otherwise. Rest assured that you and your children can continue to read DFG comics without any fear of the “bedroom antics” reported in the tabloid press. Indeed, DFG hopes to widen its scope in the new line-up of titles by publishing a “funny animal” comic entitled Captain Nepto and his Furry Friends.

Sincerely,

Dan Graves
President and Co-Publisher, DFG Comics

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The Origin of Redman!!

Each month D.F.G. Online will feature the history of one of it's main characters. This month relive the history of one of D.F.G.'s greatest heroes: Redman.

Redman was created by Dan Graves in 1982. His first appearance was in Spy Vol 1, #2.

Joe Schmultz, an astronomer, was simply out driving his car when a meteor crashed nearby, giving him superpowers. Initially thinking he could get rich robbing banks with his new powers, Joe thought the better of it and became the crime fighter Redman. Joe kept fragments of the meteor which have protected him against serious injury. The master armchair villian, The Blue Menace, has the distinction of being Redman's first nemesis.

Redman illustration by Darryl Andrews, copyright 2008.

The Todd Abbot Interview: Part I

In considering the most influential and important comic book artists of all time, Todd Abbot's name is never far from the top of anyone's short list—indeed many of today's industry professionals wouldn't hesitate to call him simply the best there ever was. Few artists of his calibre contemplate and study the art form as intensely—and with such obvious love for the form—as our passionate (and often, angry) interview subject, Todd Abbot. Our DFG ONLINE staff reporter, Bob Barnes had the pleasure of interviewing the artist in his Modular home in February 2008. The first part of this serialized interview is presented below:

DFG On-line: Todd, you were in on the early days of DFG. Can you tell us how you came to the company?

Todd Abbot: Well, as I recall, it was about 1982, and I was still a student in art college looking for a part-time job to break into the industry, trying to fill out my portfolio, and build up my resume. An acquaintance told me about DFG and set me up for an interview with DFG president & publisher, Dan Graves. It was around the time that DFG was first expanding, you’ll remember those days…

DFG-OL: Actually, that was a bit before my time…

TA: Oh, yes, well – when you get to be a giant like me, you forget that not everyone else has been around so long. Anyway, Dan was basically snatching up a whole bunch of small presses. Even Captain Nepto started out under a different publisher, Darryl Andrews’ DTA Comics, before it was published under the DFG label. Dan was very aggressive and was on a spending spree. He snatched up DTA, SPM, Superb and a few others – I can’t remember them all – and consolidated a whole bunch of their characters and titles under the DFG banner. In the process, Capt. Nepto creator Darryl Andrews came on as co-publisher and vice-president of DFG and eventually became so consumed in his management responsibilities that he had less time to draw. He needed some help on the Capt. Nepto books and basically, I was brought on to help out Darryl. At the time Dan was inking a lot of Darryl’s stuff to keep things on track in terms of our publishing schedule. Dan was really too busy, too, what with running the company and jet-setting around the world, so I started doing some of the backgrounds, eventually took over much of the inking, and pretty soon Darryl was only drawing heads and faces and I was doing pretty much everything else. I was really “ghosting” for Darryl when all was said and done.

DFG-OL: You say, “ghosting,” but I’ve seen your name on many of those early issues…

TA: After the legal disputes began, Dan & Darryl went back and credited me on a chunk of my work. They just didn’t seem to want the lengthy, drawn-out legal battle I was prepared to give them. And frankly, I don’t blame them – I’m one formidable son of a gun! They didn’t credit me on everything, though. There’s still a lot of early DFG stuff that you can go back and say, “That’s Todd Abbott’s work.”

DFG-OL: Your years at DFG seemed to come to an end as quickly as they began.

TA: Yeah, about the mid-eighties, I think. They did their first re-launch of Spy Comics around ’85 and I was gone by the time all that business shook down.

DFG-OL: So what happened?

TA: Well, it’s complicated. I alluded to the legal troubles earlier. You see, I wanted a fair shake at what I drew and what I created. And everything had either Dan or Darryl’s “John Henry” all over the friggin’ place. Well, dammit, I’m Todd Abbot … I’m my own man with my own friggin’ creative integrity. I went to the bosses and they began to give me this sob story about how times were tough for the industry. This was the early days of the black & white explosion when every Tom, Dick, and Harry were setting up presses in their basements and publishing any old crap. To be fair, they did need to do some consolidating, but cripes, I was the friggin’ backbone of DFG! They whined on about how they’d over-expanded, all the while telling me how much they valued me. I just said, “You friggin’ jokers can tell a judge just how much you friggin’ value me ‘cause I’m gonna sue your pants off for creator rights!” Well, that’s when Dan went back and put my name on all the reprints and gave me a tidy little royalty check to shut me up. Boy, did I have those two clowns shaking in their boots.

DFG-OL: But that little conversation had some negative repercussions, too…

TA: Oh yeah, you bet! They were hopping mad! They never showed it in person. In person they were all nice and buddy-buddy, and “we’re all one big DFG family.” But they stopped giving me work. They brought in some guy, I can’t remember his name, Colin something-or-other, and he started picking up the inking and backgrounds on Nepto. That sure was a mistake ‘cause it looked like the guy had pigeons in his pen – it was all one big, scribbly freakin’ mess! Well, needless to say, after a couple of issues he was gone.

DFG-OL: And they didn’t call you back?

TA: Call me back? Nah, they were so busy acting like corporate fat-cat big-shots that they hired some guy named Curtis-something to act as editor-in-chief. This guy basically had no experience in the industry – like, you know, he couldn’t tell a comic book from a “Big Little Book.” You know what I’m saying? The guy was a friggin’ “suit.” Anyway, when they sacked Colin, I made an appointment with Dan and he told me to talk to Curtis. Well, after weeks of not returning my calls, I finally get in and he tells me that they’re scaling back, consolidating, putting both Nepto and Spymaster in a relaunch of Spy Comics and that I was no longer needed. That was late ’84. So, I shook the dust off my feet and left town.

DFG-OL: That must have hurt.

TA: Hurt? Hurt?! What are you, stupid? Of course it hurt. Here I was – Todd friggin’ Abbot – a comic book legend, man, and these two goons and their lap-dog in a suit give me my walking papers?! After all we’d been through together? It more than hurt. It stung deep, man.

DFG-OL: This really touches a soft spot, then…

TA: Well, I eventually got over it. I later learned that they let Peter (Repas) Repovski (creator of Nitro: The Man with the TNT Punch) go, too. If I was giant, then Repovski was friggin’ Godzilla, man. He was THE KING. Nobody came close to him. No one could touch him. And these two friggin’ no-talents sack us, we’re two friggin’ giants.

DFG-OL: I think they also let Frank Daniels go, too.

TA: Who?

Coming Soon: Part II of the Todd Abbot Interview, which will include the famous fight over the Cyclon/Tornado issues of Capt. Nepto, some lost artwork, a recounting of Todd’s late 1980’s advertising work, and Todd’s Return to DFG in 1996.

This interview is copyright 2008 by DFG ONLINE, and may not be reproduced or redistributed, in whole or part, by any means without the express written permission of the editors.