Spy Classics Annual -- Will It Finally Appear THIS YEAR?

By Bob Barnes

Special to DFG ONLINE!

Frank Daniels has been a busy man since he returned last week to DFG after an extended medical leave. "There's much to be done," said Mr. Daniels. "The biggest thing accomplished this week was the move to the Webcomics Nation community for all our online publications. To date Spy Comics Presents, Captain Nepto Prime, and Spy Comics: Villains have all made the move. We hope to have Retro-Spy and Spy Classics posted over there later this week! And speaking of Spy Classics, it is my earnest desire to bring out the long-delayed Annual, this spring." Mr. Daniels was, of course, refering to the much anticipated Spy Comics Annual #1 - Origins Issue, which was slated to be released last spring. "It's easily our most delayed book, even more delayed than the Captain Nepto Prime August 2008 issue. I really want to get our publications back on schedule. The fans expect something better from us and we plan to deliver! Thus, I am starting with our most delayed book and plan to have it available very, very soon. As a teaser, we have released the completed cover which is a composite piece with art by both Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews. I did the colouring, myself." When asked why the book has been delayed so long, Mr. Daniels noted, "Well, it is the work of so many different DFG talents. Both Dan and Darryl have work in the issue, Todd Abbot has a story and last year's legal disputes with him caused some delays. And of course, the death of our colourist Flora Lovartalot has also been a problem. I'm confident, though, that we can get this thing done and that the fans will be very pleased."

DFG Comics Welcomes President Obama to Canada

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!

DFG Comics has extended a warm welcome to U.S. President Barak Obama on his first trip to Canada. A delegation from DFG HQ were received at Rideau Hall where, following a private audience with the Governer General and the American President, Mr. Obama was presented with an original piece of Todd Abbot artwork commemorating the occasion. The artwork (pictured above) features Canada's Favourite Adventure Strip Character since 1981 (Captain Nepto), giving the "thumbs-up" sign to the President. In honour of the occasion, DFG is releasing a limited number of signed prints of this beautiful Todd Abbot piece. Glossy 8 x 10's are available for a limited time (signed and numbered by the artist) for the low, low price of $99.99 (+ shipping and handling and applicable sales taxes). The artwork is suitable for framing and will hold pride of place in many living rooms and offices for years to come. DFG is currently in conversations with Canada Post to have the artwork appear on an upcoming postage stamp.

Disciplinary Action Against DFG Production Manager

By Cynthia Martin
DFG ONLINE! Staff reporter

We have just learned that DFG Comics has taken disciplinary action against its production manager Frank Daniels. A press release from DFG corporate HQ issued by V.P. and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews stated, "It has come to our attention that Mr. Daniels has recently used an inappropriate tone when answering fan mail on our fan club site. Mr. Daniels has always been a stellar employee and hard working member of the DFG staff. It is unfortunate that a recent increase in his workload has caused him to become unbalanced. He has been enrolled in an anger management course and has had a letter placed in his file. We apologize to any fans that were offended by either his remarks or tone." Mr. Daniels, who coordinates the production schedules, printing and online publishing of all DFG publications is also widely known as "DFG's Answer Man." He earned this nickname some years ago due to his encyclopedic knowledge of the DFG Universe. Speculation has mounted that Mr. Daniel's recent psycholigical break-down was due the fact that his workload had become unmanageable after the untimely death of DFG colourist Flora Lovartalot. Mr. Daniels, who is known to be quite a multi-tasker, took on ALL of Ms. Lovartalot's former duties in addition to his already overflowing workload. When reached at the DFG Peterborough office, Mr. Andrews added, "I have very little to add to the press release except that Mr. Daniels has been temporarily relieved of his 'public' duties for the period of two months. The fan page will be co-administered in the interim by the team of Martin R. Schoedel (the official DFG Historian), and Antiquda Recordafile (the official DFG Researcher). Fans are still welcome to submit their fan mail and questions to our Official Fan Page."

The above picture of Mr. Daniels is courtesy of DFG webmaster, Oscar Foodlecollins.

DFG Comics to Help Form Coalition Government?

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!

Word has just hit the streets that DFG Comics Co-Publisher and Vice-President Darryl Andrews has been approached by Federal NDP leader Jack Layton to help form a coalition government. Support for the Liberal-NDP-Bloc alliance seems to be crumbling as the Liberal party seeks to install a new leader and seems determined to go it alone. Jack Layton, determined to topple the Harper government, approached the DFG VP late yesterday in a reported back-room deal that will bring an NDP-DFG alliance into the House of Commons to form a government. "People are really fed up with what is happening in Canadian politics, right now," said Mr. Andrews, "Jack called me and said, 'Look, Darryl, DFG Comics is just about as popular as any of the parties in the House at present. I think with the support of DFG fans, we could have a groundswell of support and convince the Governor General that we could topple the Harper government and form a government of our own that would ensure at least 4 years of stability for Canadians during this time of economic crisis.'" When asked how he responded, Mr. Andrews, clearly enthused said, "Hell, ya! I'm in Jack." Todd Abbot is already reported to be seeking a cabinet seat in the prospective government.

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.

Halloweens of DFG's Past

Well, Halloween 2008 has come and gone, but we at DFG are ones who like ongoing celebrations and festivities. DFG has always tried to celebrate spirit of any given special day and here, from our extensive DFG archives, is one such example. Pictured are your ever popular DFG co-founders Dan & Darryl preparing for an evening of "trick-or-treating" back in the early 1990's! Always fans of the early horror film genre, the DFG co-founders masqueraded as two classic monsters, with Darryl as Dracula and Dan as the Frankenstein Monster. Rights for the Universal versions of the characters could not be obtained so they dressed the lesser-known but equally classic versions from the British Hammer films series. Pictured with them are two unidentified junior "trick-or-treaters."

Kreskin Predicts Banner Year for DFG Comics

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!

DFG Vice-President and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews led a contingent of staff members from the DFG Peterborough branch office to a very special appearance of the world-renowned Amazing Kreskin. Kreskin, the author of several books and the star of a memorable TV programme, met the DFG executive and had this picture taken together. Kreskin, is known for his numerous accurate predictions about world events as well as reading the minds of audience participants as they concentrate on the subject in question.

Kreskin placed his predictions for DFG's upcoming year in an envelope that was signed and sealed by a member of the law firm Goldfarbstein and Associates. The envelope will be opened and the predictions read in Oct. 2009. What does the future hold for DFG and will Kreskin's predictions come true? Only time will tell. The only thing Mr. Kreskin would say was, "2009 will be a banner year for DFG Comics!"

DFG is "On The Move!"

By Gus Gunn

Special to DFG ONLINE

Fans have been asking why DFG has been slow releasing several of its promised Fall books and the answer came in a press release today from DFG President and Co-Publisher, Dan Graves. "We've kept this fairly quiet up to this point but DFG is moving into a new corporate HQ on Oct. 6, 2008 and this has delayed some of our Fall publications." Delayed books include the long-anticipated Spy Classics Annual #1: The Origins Issue, Captain Nepto Prime July & August issues, and Spy Classics #4. Mr. Graves noted, however, that Spy Comics Presents...#5 is still on track for a Winter 2008 release, as is the Retro-Spy Christmas Special. "We are optimistic that the late releases can be fit in before the end of the year," added Darryl Andrews, Vice President and Co-Publisher, "In fact we have our staff working through the night to bring these projects to completion. However, you must understand that a move of this magnitude means that all hands have been on deck to relocate the DFG offices."

DFG Comics, with its creative, marketing, production and merchandising divisions now has a staff of over 200 people and has apparently outgrown its previous modest offices. The new offices are quite attractive and will be situated to better serve the needs of the growing company. When questioned if the US stock market crisis has affected the company, Mr. Andrews noted, "Of course not... we are a private company owned completely by Mr. Graves and myself. DFG is secure and safe in these turbulent and economic times. Fans may rest assured that DFG will be around for many years to come!"

Is Repovski Returning to DFG?

By Gus Gunn

(At the Toronto Fan Expo)

Special to DFG ONLINE!

Is Peter Repovski returning to DFG? "That's what it looks like," said DFG enthusiast Javier Santamotzarello who snapped this photo of the superstar inker shaking hands with DFG president and co-publisher Dan Graves, at Repovski's booth at the Toronto Fan Expo.

"Let's just say that Pete and I go back a long way, and it was just nice to see an old friend again... and one who is doing so well in the industry, at that," commented Mr. Graves. But when pressed about Repovski's possible return to DFG, Mr. Graves added, "I really can't comment on that at this time. It is true that Pete has some of my pencilled artwork which he is intending to ink for a future issue of Spy Comics, but I really can't talk about other future plans between DFG and Repovski. Certainly no deall has been signed at present and Pete is very busy working on other projects, presently. My hope is that he will have something for us in the near future. I promise that I will keep you updated with future developments."

Peter Repovski, the creator of Nitro: The Man with the TNT Punch contributed widely to DFG Comics in the mid-1980's with his own Nitro title as well as several other projects. He is widely known as the "Godzilla of the Comics Industry," because of his gigantic status amongst professionals. Mr. Graves and Mr. Repovski were present at the show with DFG Vice President and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews, signing copies of the recently released Spy Classics #3, an previously unpublished collaboration from 1996.

When asked about Dan's interpretation of Nitro in the recent Spy Comics Presents title, Mr. Repovski simply replied, "LOL."

Early Photo Features DFG Creators and Creator of the SPM Heroes!

STOP THE PRESS -- ANTIQUE PHOTO OF DFG CREATORS FOUND IN DFG ARCHIVES!

By Bob Barnes, Special to DFG ONLINE!

A previously unknown photo, dated c. 1977, was has been found in the DFG Archives. DFG staff researcher, Antiquda Recordafile, discovered the photo earlier this week. "It's a truly remarkable find," said Ms. Recordafile, "as it features DFG superstars and one fan from the very earlier years of DFG." Depicted in the photo, left to right, are DFG Co-founder (and creator of Captain Nepto), Darryl Andrews; next is Craig Hodgson (a DFG fan from the very beginning); Simon McClenaghan, creator of the SPM Heroes (Electrolight, the Black Shadow, Formation Man, SuperFly, Speed Burner, and the Bow); and DFG Co-Founder (and creator of the Spymaster), Dan Graves. Mr. Graves' head his partially cut-off because it is believed he was holding up the camera to take the picture. "I believe that the photo was taken at an early DFG Staff lunch, held annually on the occasion of Mr. Andrews' birthday," added Ms. Recordafile, "I think that Craig Hodgson had won a contest to have lunch with the DFG superstars depicted here and that explains his presence at an otherwise closed event." When DFG President and Co-Founder Dan Graves was reached for comment, he stated, "Ah yes, I have fond memories of those lunches, and of course, of the people. These were great days for the industry... We were so young and optimistic. It was before the cynicism of the eighties and the narcissism of the nineties. These were good times and these were certainly good people. I'm glad we all had the chance to work together at the very beginning of DFG!"

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.

Spy Comics Presents 2009-2010 Lineup Revealed!

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!

At a press conference at DFG Corporate HQ late last evening DFG Co-Publishers Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews released the 2009/2010 lineup for Spy Comics Presents. "With the "Battle of the Invincibles" storyline wrapping up in Issue 5, the Winter 2008 issue, we felt it was time to unveil the next story arc," commented Mr. Andrews, "Dan has been working very hard plotting the next five issues and has begun breakdowns on #6 already." An exciting development was the release of the cover for #6 which was drawn by Darryl Andrews and coloured by Flora Lovaratlot. "I'm very pleased with Darryl's cover," said a smiling Mr. Graves, "It really catches the flavour of the issue quite nicely. While fans have voted Captain Nepto Prime their favourite series to date, it seems like everyone wants a crack at Spy Comics Presents, our flagship title." Mr. Graves was of course refering not only to Darryl's cover but also to Mark Andrews' recently released cover for an upcoming issue. We asked Mr. Graves about Mark's issue and when it would be appearing, "Well, Frank Daniels, our production manager, is working very closely with Mr. (Mark) Andrews to determine when he will have the issue ready. We can slip it in any time because it appears that the story will be self-contained. At this point, though, we're scheduling its release after the upcoming story arc is completed, probably as issue #11)." Darryl Andrews added that he was quite pleased that his brother had agreed to put pencil to paper and return to DFG. When asked about the future story arc, Mr. Graves revealed the following, "Well, the upcoming arc is all about the fall-out from the first arc. I realized that while the Invincibles story arc was complete, there were a lot of loose ends and new directions. I really want to explore what the DFG universe looks like in a post-Nepto, post-Spymaster age. To this end I came up with the idea that Spy Comics Presents... should, at least for the next arc, be a team-up book that showcases our many under-utilised characters. The arc will deal with what the DFG universe looks like in a world where the heroes are trying to work out a new morality after the fall-out of the Julius/Nepto battle and a world in which the politicians and public figures have lost faith in their heroes." The press conference concluded with the following announcements about upcoming issues of Spy Comics Presents...

Spy Comics Presents... 2009/2010 lineup (Subject to change).

Spy Comics Presents… The Grim Avenger and the Flea #6 (Spring 2009)
In the wake of Prime Minister Jangle’s new anti-vigilante laws, Chief Smith takes over the leadership of the reconstituted Invincibles team and establishes them in their new headquarters. At the same time the Grim Avenger and the Flea attempt to stop the rampaging maniac Big Jon who is wreaking havoc on downtown Carnage City.

Spy Comics Presents…Yugoslav-man and Tito-lad #7 (Summer 2009)
When Holden and Bates are hunted for aiding and abetting the outlawed costumed heroes, there is only one thing they can do to hide from the police… adopt costumed identities of their own!

Spy Comics Presents … The SPM Heroes #8 (Fall 2009 Issue).
The SPM Heroes Back in Action? Featuring Electrolight, the Bow, the Black Shadow and Formation Man. When the rest of the Invincibles go on a mission to break The Grim Avenger, the Flea and William Holden out of the Carnage City Stockade, a group of second-string heroes, known as the SPM heroes (Super Powered Men) are left on monitor duty only to find themselves challenged by the notorious Carnage City Criminal Consortium (the C4 Group!).

Spy Comics Presents … Chief Smith, The Agent, and the All-New Spymaster #9 (Winter 2009 Issue)
(vs. Chief McMullen & the Carnage City Police force.)
With all of the Invincibles’ heavy hitters locked in the Carnage City Stockade, it’s up to Chief Smith, the Agent and the All-new Spymaster to break them out… with the help of the SPM heroes and the newest addition to the team – Spydog!

Spy Comics Presents … The End of the Invincibles? #10 (Spring 2010 Issue)

Who will save the Invincibles when the entire team finds itself locked away in the Carnage City Stockade?

Spy Comics Presents ... Nepto #11 (Summer 2010 Issue)

The Mark Andrews Issue!

August Hero(ine) ~ NOVA

Nova is our August hero. Nova was created in the early 1980's by Dan Graves in order to introduce a female superheroine into the DFG lineup. "It really was a male dominated company in those days," recalled the DFG Publisher and Founder, "Nova was to be introduced in the first never-published Spy Comics annual in 1983 or 84. That annual never came together, although she did appear in her civilian identity in another unpublished story, which was to follow the annual." According to Mr. Graves she was to have assumed the civilian identity of Kim Kane and begun work as secretary to Carnage City Gazette editor-in-chief, J.S. Frederickson, who was also Julius Smithers' boss. "Dan was getting a little ahead of himself in those days," recalled co-publisher Darryl Andrews, "he was great at drawing advance covers and cover concepts, but a bit slow on doing interior stories and art. As a result Nova appeared on several covers, but never on any inside stories. She was also to appear in the unpublished Invincibles mini-series of 1983." When asked about Nova, DFG enthusiast Javier Santamotzarello commented, "She really was one of the characters always lurking in the background of the golden-age of DFG but never really making it to the front page, like Nepto, Spymaster and Redman. I have several early sketches that I picked up at conventions. Perhaps my most prized possession is the unpublished cover for the original Spy Comics #13 which was to feature the marriage of Spymaster and Nova." Dan Graves remembered this cover, "Yes, it was all a bit absurd... for some reason I thought that Nova would be a good love interest for the Spymaster. I can't recall my reasoning anymore. That cover (which featured the Spymaster in top hat and tails marrying a wedding-dress clad Nova) was just absurd." Mr. Graves revisited that story in Retro-Spy #2, last year, which featured the first appearance of Nova since the early 1980's. In that story it was revealed that she was an alien from another dimension who was brought back to earth by the Invincibles and joined their team. Spy Comics Presents #1 (2006) revealed that she had since returned to her own dimension and homeworld. "She didn't make it into either the 1985 or the 1996 relaunch," said Darryl Andrews, "and so I was absolutely flabergasted when Dan brought her back for the Retro-Spy issue, and even more surprised to see her appearances in recent issues of Spy Comics Presents!" Regardless of her inauspicious early days, it looks like our favourite heroine from another dimension, who still has a crush on Julius Smithers, is back to stay. Watch for future appearances in upcoming DFG Comics titles!
Nova picture by Darryl Andrews scan courtesy of Oscar Foodlecollins

Pencilled Pages of Spy Comics Presents #5 Leaked!

Special to DFG ONLINE!

By Bob Barnes

Pencilled artwork by Dan Graves for pages 1 & 2 of Spy Comics Presents The Invincibles #5 has been leaked to the press! The images were posted earlier today by DFG webmaster Oscar Foodlecollins after being handed to him by an unnamed source. The source is likely DFG janitor Ernest Wontellalie, who has been known to leak material in the past and has been disciplined for such indescretions. DFG enthusiast Javier Santamotzarello commented on the leaked pages: "It looks like Dan Graves is continuing the theme from issue four in which the inner psychologies of Julius and Nepto are explored in parallel while the main story unfolds." Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #5 is to be the conclusion of the current story arc, so the fact that pages have been leaked is significant as DFG has been trying strenuously to keep the details of this issue under wraps. Neither of Dan Graves nor Darryl Andrews, DFG's co-publishers, could be reached for comment.

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

Captain Nepto Prime August -- See What All the Controversy is About! Coming Soon!

Check out the Official Captain Nepto Website for updates on the controversial "new direction" of Captain Nepto Prime!

(click here)

DFG President Comments on Todd Abbot Letter

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE
(the above image is taken from SPY Classics #1, and courtesy of Mr. Todd Abbot).

"I was shocked..." were the words of DFG president and co-publisher, Dan Graves, earlier today when asked to comment on a letter by Todd Abbot, posted on the DTA Comics website (click here for the text of the letter), in which Mr. Abbot claimed that Captain Nepto Prime was coming to and end after only four issues and that he had been reassigned to other work. "After all that we went through to get Prime up and running and honour his contribution to the early Captain Nepto era, I'm really quite frustrated that he continues to grand-stand like this," said Mr. Graves. Mr. Graves was, of course, referring to the drawn out-legal battle with Mr. Abbot after he registered the defunct DTA label, under which Captain Nepto had originated, and announced that he would launch his own classic Nepto series to compete with DFG's Captain Nepto Prime. Through the herculean efforts of Sir Milton Goldfarbstein, QC, DFG legal counsel, an agreement was reached to bring Abbot and DTA back into collaboration with DFG's Darryl Andrews. "We were moderately pleased with the results of the new series," added Mr. Graves, "but Todd came to me and said that he had other projects that he wanted to pursue. Being the stand-up fellow that I am, and being committed to offering the 'the best in Canadian comics,' Darryl and I brainstormed a new direction for Prime, thus allowing Todd to continue on other projects. What really frustrates me, though, is that Todd would make a public announcement before details have been confirmed. The media frenzy has been out of control and the phones ringing off the hook. Sometimes I just wish Mr. Abbot would keep his own counsel and leave the promtional work to our DFG professionals." Mr. Graves also took the opportunity to introduce DFG's newest staff member, their new publicist, Selina Silvurtungdevull, who will be handling such press releases in the future.

Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #3: Ready for July 1 Release!

By Bob Barnes
Special to DFG ONLINE!

Word is just in from DFG corporate head office that Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #3 is in press and due for release, July 1, 2008! Co-publisher Dan Graves noted, "We realize the issue #2 was released a bit late, but we're happy to say that #3, the summer issue, is on track!" Mr. Graves also noted that #4, the fall issue should be available about mid-September. Issue #3 features part three of the "Battle of the Invincibles" and co-stars Holden and Bates, Glow Girl, and the Grim Avenger as they attempt to stop the assassination of Norbert J. Jangle, the mayor of Carnage City (and the former villain, the Jester), at the hands of Captain Nepto and his renegade band of heroes.

"We're especially happy that the cover is a collaboration by DFG founders Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews," said DFG production manager, Frank Daniels. "When Captain Nepto Prime changed directions and was set at an earlier period of Cap's career, the original cover proposed for issue one of Prime, by Darryl Andrews, proved to be unusable, as the costume worn by Cap is from a later period of his career, and therefore anachronistic. However, Dan designed a cover for Spy Comics Presents... that incorporates Darryl's Nepto/Jester picture quite nicely. We're very pleased with the results."

The current story arc is set to run through Issue #5 (the winter issue).

Story and art by Dan Graves, colouring by Flora Lovartalot. Cover by Graves, Andrews, and Lovartalot.

Cover scan courtesy of Oscar Foodlecollins.

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

DFG Releases Captain Nepto Collectors' Series Covers

Press Release

"The Last Shall be First!"

In celebration of the launch of the new Captain Nepto Prime series, DFG Comics is releasing a special set of collectors' series covers IN FULL COLOUR! The covers featured in the series are from the original Captain Nepto series which ran through the early 1980's and ended in January 1985 when Cap went to his "new look" and moved to the relaunched Spy Comics title (sharing the title with The Spymaster). The first cover, just released is #9, the final issue of the original series. What makes this even more special is the fact that the cover DFG has used is the "limited edition UK release cover," which depicts more characters than the North American Edition (the North American edition featured only the Jester, Alligator and the Blaster, whereas the Mummy, Crusher and Killer Shark were added for the UK release!). The cover is from what fans call "The Golden Age of DFG" and features vintage art by Darryl Andrews and is newly coloured by DFG's staff colourist, Flora Lovartalot.