Checker Comics (Small Press I)

TEMPLAR #1 AVAILABLE NOW FOR ADVANCE MAIL ORDER

Checker Comics' Tale of Modern Knighthood Ships Mid-January

DAYTON, Ohio - The debut issue of Templar from Checker Comics is available now for advance ordering on the Checker website at www.checkercomics.com. Fans can reserve copies of Templar #1, a full-color action/adventure comic based on the tragic history of the mysterious Knights Templar, for shipment upon publication in mid-January 1999.

Templar #1 introduces readers to the troubled history of the Templar Order and to its clandestine modern remnants, who have survived in secrecy for seven centuries since their betrayal by the Church during the dark days of the Inquisition. Today's Templars comprise a vast and shadowy international network, seldom participating in the events of the world, but constantly training and preparing themselves to answer again the call of God - a call which may come much sooner than they think, because the Church has uncovered their existence and seeks Templar aid in a holy war the likes of which the world has never seen. But one among them has doubts about the motives of the Church, and remembers well the betrayal that drove the Templars underground.

Checker Comics Publisher Mark Thompson, who writes and edits Templar, thought the fascinating history of the Templars, and the dynamics of religious conflict provided fertile ground for a comic book.

"There's a few religious comics out there, but mostly they advocate one belief system or another. We wanted to focus on the idea of religion as a source of conflict, to explore fanaticism by opposing superhuman forces of the great religions," Thompson said.

Jamie Hurtt, the talented pencil behind Templar's fantastic interior art, worked with Thompson to develop a look for the contemporary knights that reflected their history, but also the advanced technology that makes them a feared fighting force in modern combat.

"We ended up with a manga-esque 'giant robot' look where medieval armor bristles with hoses and hydraulics. The Templar battle dress really lends itself to dramatic, statuesque poses," Hurtt said.

Templar #1 (32 pp. full color) sells for $2.95, which includes all shipping and handling, and can be purchased exclusively by mail order from Checker Comics.

Checker Comics Publishing became the first Internet mail-order-exclusive comic book publisher in November 1998, when it began offering its line only via its website at www.checkercomics.com. The company was founded in 1997 and published its first title in March 1998. Checker Comics is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.

Let me know if you like small press stuff, or if you prefer boardroom slug-it-outs like at Marvel.

Robert

PS - Late breaking News

'Barbarella' Creator Dies at 68 Associated Press

PARIS (AP) - Jean-Claude Forest, who created the sultry sci-fi comic strip character Barbarella and designed sets for the '60s cult movie that starred Jane Fonda, has died, his publisher said today. He was 68.

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