-
Monthly Archive
-
Departments
-
Site Admin
Site Search
Top 50 Tags
Networks
View UKSFBN's Authority
Date Archive: February 2008
Feb
27
Mr. T returns in graphic novel from UK indie publisher Mohawk Media
Posted in: Press Room on 27th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
UK-based publisher Mohawk Media says: "In anticipation of the major worldwide launch of their Mr. T graphic novel in summer 2008, British publisher Mohawk Media has announced that they are celebrating with a special Limited Advance Edition.
"With a total number of only 4,000 copies, Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition is now available. It marks the return to prominence of Mr. T, the Mohawk muscleman who was voted the fourth 'Greatest American' in a recent global BBC poll, muscling in front of the likes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Feb
27
Gollancz Books to publish William Heaney autobiography
Posted in: Press Room on 27th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
"We have just signed up William’s autobiography (not quite as much of a departure as you might think for Gollancz). Just who does William think he is? You can read his excessively jaundiced but rather entertaining thoughts on the business of being a 'real' writer, as well learning a little about wine from someone who is at least a real drinker at his blog: butforthegrape.livejournal.com."
Source: Simon Spanton, Gollancz Books
Feb
26
Solaris announces deal for Keith Brooke’s new sf thriller: ‘The Accord’
Posted in: Press Room on 26th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Mark Newton of Solaris Books tells us about the brand new science fiction novel, by British writer Keith Brooke: "The Accord, a virtual utopia where the soul lives on after death and your perceptions are bound only by your imagination. This is the setting for a tale of love, murder and revenge that crosses the boundaries between the real world and this virtual reality.
Feb
26
Out Now: ‘24: The Official Companion: Season 6′ from Titan Books
Posted in: Press Room on 26th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Titan Books have sent through a press release to announce the publication of their latest Official Guide to the hit TV series 24. Titan informs us: "Over the past seven years, millions of viewers have avidly followed the adventures of LA Counter-Terrorist Unit's Special Agent Jack Bauer through labyrinthine plots and nail-biting suspense.
"With top ratings and bestselling DVDs, millions of viewers on both sides of the Atlantic are anticipating the show's return to Sky One and Fox in 2008. 24: The Official Companion: Season 6 celebrates the show's dramatic sixth season, as author Tara DiLullo Bennett provides in-depth breakdowns for each episode, behind-the-scenes secrets and interviews with the shows stars - including Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland, and Mary-Lynn Rajskub (Chloe) - replete with unseen pictures and episode stills.
Feb
25
Climb aboard StarShipSofa.com for top genre podcasting from the UK
Posted in: Press Room on 25th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
UK-based Podcaster Tony Smith has been in touch to introduce us to his long-running show StarShipSofa, which puts out a mix of author profiles, interviews and narrated short fiction from some of the very biggest and brightest stars in the genre firmament.
Tony told us: "For two years now I've been putting out a weekly show on SF literature. Each week I will take a SF author, either one of the new writers (Iain M. Banks, Charles Stross etc) or one of the golden greats (Heinlein, Moorcock, Vonnegut) and do a in depth show on that particular writer, looking at their lives and work.
Feb
25
BSFA marks 50th anniversary year with £500 short story competition
Posted in: What's On on 25th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
2008 is the 50th anniversary year of the British Science Fiction Association and as part of their year-long celebrations, they've announced the launch of a short story competition for writers from the UK and Ireland, with a £500 first prize for the bets example, as decided by their illustrious panel of judges.
The BSFA's Martin McGrath has been in touch with the pertinent details: "To mark the anniversary we're publishing Celebrations: an original anthology of British SF featuring some of the biggest names in the genre. We've also got the 50th Anniversary BSFA Awards at Eastercon - as well as a range of panels looking back over the last 50 years of fandom at the Con - picking this year's best novel and a 'retro' award for 50 years ago.
"Then there's the new BSFA website, our AGM will feature a panel of fans who were around at the founding of the BSFA, we're having a birthday party in November and we're running a 50th Anniversary short story competition.
Feb
24
Editor Kate Lloyd on launching Titan’s Official ‘Supernatural’ Magazine
Posted in: Press Room on 24th February 2008 by Sandy Auden
Can't get enough of Dean and Sam Winchester, the sexy demon hunters in Supernatural? Want to find out more about the mythologies, stories and action at the centre of this highly successful TV series? Well, your wait is over: Titan will be indulging your senses and answering all your questions in their new Supernatural magazine.
With issue #1 released this month - featuring interviews with stars Dean and Sam, an in-depth article about the boys' Chevy Impala (even the cars can act in this show) and all the latest hot news from behind the scenes - the new magazine is sure-fire winner. So how did magazine head honcho, Kate Lloyd get such a plum of a job?
Feb
24
Out Now: Three new graphic novel titles from Titan UK
Posted in: Press Room on 24th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The UK's largest graphic novel publisher, Titan Books UK, have announced the publication of three new titles at the end of last week: Pride of Baghdad, Criminal: Lawless and Jeff Hawke: Overlord. Read on for the low-down on all three.
Feb
23
Solaris to publish Ellen Datlow’s Poe-inspired fiction anthology
Posted in: Press Room on 23rd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
In a recent press release, Solaris Books have announced that they are delighted to have purchased a brand new anthology from one of genre fiction's leading editors, Ellen Datlow.
Solaris Books' Mark Newton tells us: "To coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allen Poe, Solaris are pleased to announce an anthology of remixed and reimagined tales inspired by his work and edited by multi-award winner, Ellen Datlow.
"Top genre names including Sharyn McCrumb, Lucius Shepard, Pat Cadigan and M. Rickert are lending their talent to this project, retelling such classics as 'The Fall of the House of Usher', 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Masque of the Red Death'. The anthology, simply titled Poe, will be published in both the US and UK, in January 2009.
Feb
23
Write Fantastic world-building panel discussion, Newcastle, February 29th
Posted in: What's On on 23rd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Dr Gail-Nina Anderson will be moderating the discussion between panel members Stan Nicholls, Deborah J Miller and Chaz Brenchley. The event is free, but the Lit & Phil requests that you reserve a seat by phone, email or in person.
More info: www.literaturenortheast.co.uk
Source: The Write Fantastic
Feb
23
Second Justin Gustainis ‘Quincey Morris’ novel due from Solaris
Posted in: Press Room on 23rd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Solaris Books have announced a new deal for Amercian supernatural mystery author Justin Gustainis: Solaris will be publishing Evil Ways, the second book in Gustainis' Quincey Morris series.
Solaris' Mark Newton tells us: "Hot on the heels of Black Magic Woman, Justin Gustainis' breakthrough dark fantasy novel, comes the second Quincey Morris investigation.
"In a story that ranges from Baghdad to L.A., Evil Ways sees eccentric billionaire, Walter Grobius, attempt to unleash a devastating magical apocalypse. Quincey Morris, and his partner, white witch Libby Chastain, are drawn into their deadliest case yet..."
Feb
22
Introducing ‘Baby Boomers’, from UK indie publisher Orang Utan Comics
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
UK independent publisher Orang Utan Comics have announced the launch of a new comics title - Baby Boomers - which they are describing as "Calvin and Hobbes meets Spy vs Spy". Orang Utan's Managing Editor & Co-Founder Ian Sharman says: "Baby Boomers is a heartwarming tale of two adorable infants and their ongoing desire to cause each other as much physical pain as possible.
"Join writer Richard McAuliffe and artist Chad Cicconi as they do their part to convince the next generation of comic readers that perhaps having children might not be the best option to take; while at the same time reassuring those who have already spawned that things really could be much worse."
Feb
22
Out Now: ‘Black Static’ issue #3, from TTA Press
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
The third issue of Black Static: Transmissions from Beyond - the magazine of dark, edgy short fiction from TTA Press - is out now and available from the TTA website and all good bookstores and magazine outlets.
TTA's Roy Gray dropped us a line to tell us about the line-up for this latest issue: "Black Static is for readers who enjoy horror that's a little more obscure and mysterious than usual. And we have a great line-up of seven short stories from a good mix of familiar names and rising stars.
Feb
22
Out Now: three more Edward Gorey classics reprinted by Pomegranate
Posted in: Press Room on 22nd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
US-based publisher Pomegranate has been steadily producing a growing series of reprint editions of classic tales and poems by celebrated illustrator, artist and cartoonist of the macabre Edward Gorey.
Their latest three re-released Gorey titles are The Wuggly Ump, The Gilded Bat, and The Fantod Pack. Dan Rabot of Pomegranate Europe has been in touch to tell us a little more about each of these titles.
Feb
18
Out Now: Andrew Humphrey’s ‘Other Voices’, from Elastic Press
Posted in: Press Room on 18th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Andrew Hook, publisher at UK indie Elastic Press, has been in touch to tell us: "Our first book this year is now available from our website and all good bookstores.
"Other Voices by Andrew Humphrey was published on 1st February and features stunning cover artwork by Nicola L Robinson and an introduction by Eric Brown.
"The launch event for this book is a little delayed due to venue problems, however we’ll be celebrating its arrival at Jurnet's Bar, Wensum Lodge, King Street, Norwich from 7.30 p.m. on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Feb
17
UKSFBN Quick Links Listing for 17.02.08
Posted in: Press Room on 17th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Another quick round-up of links of genre-fiction related interest gleaned from the RSS feeds and websites of the world...
Feb
16
Books Received February 1st - 16th 2008
Posted in: Books Received on 16th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Our latest round-up of the books that have been sent in to UKSFBN in the past couple of weeks. As always, many thanks indeed to the publishers concerned for bringing these titles to our attention.
Click on any of the book covers for ordering information from either Amazon.co.uk or the book's publisher.
Feb
13
Derek Gunn announces two new ‘Vampire Apocalypse’ titles
Posted in: Press Room on 13th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Vampire Apocalypse: A World Torn Asunder is the first book in the Vampire Apocalypse series from Irish author Derek Gunn. It's published by KHP Industries, US and UK, under their Black Death Books imprint) and currently available worldwide.
Now, Derek Gunn tells us that two new Vampire Apocalypse books are in the pipeline: "Vampire Apocalypse: Descent into Chaos is with the publishers and should be released in late 2008 / early 2009 and the third book in the series, Vampire Apocalypse: Fallout, is nearing completion."
Feb
13
Guy Adams on ‘Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger’ and ‘Deadbeat: Dogs of Waugh’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 13th February 2008 by Sandy Auden
As we mentioned yesterday, UK independent publisher Humdrumming are currently in the last couple of days of their website-relaunch sale. Two of the titles on offer are Guy Adams' zombie series Deadbeat, books one (Makes You Stronger) and two (The Dogs of Waugh).
Deadbeat: Makes You Stronger introduces freshly dead (and re-animated) zombie Max, a regular in the Deadbeat nightclub and a man with a sense of curiosity that can get him killed (again). Enlisting the help of his dead nightclub friends he sets off to discover why you would be taking a full coffin away from a graveyard and, more importantly, why is the occupant still breathing?
Feb
12
‘Basil Copper: A Life in Books’ launch, BFS Open Night, London, Feb 23rd
Posted in: What's On on 12th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Hosted by the British Fantasy Society and PS Publishing, the bio/bibliography Basil Copper: A Life in Books, compiled and edited by Stephen Jones, will be launched on Saturday, February 23rd at The Upstairs Bar, Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AA from 6.00 p.m. onwards.
Among those signing copies will be: Basil Copper, editor/co-designer Stephen Jones, artists Randy Broecker and Les Edwards, co-designer Michael Marshall Smith and publisher Peter Crowther. Special Guests (subject to commitment) will include legendary anthology editors Hugh Lamb, Michel Parry and David A. Sutton.
Feb
12
Two days left to grab yourself a Humdrumming bargain
Posted in: Press Room on 12th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Guy Adams of UK independent publisher Humdrumming has been in touch to let us know that there's still time (according to the count-down on their homepage) to grab yourself a bit of a bargain in the Humdrumming Sale.
Guy tells us: "Here at Humdrumming we've been steadily gathering a name for ourselves over the last three years, publishing attractive books by such respected authors as Mark Morris, Garry Kilworth, Gary Fry, Gary McMahon and James Cooper.
Feb
11
Three-book US deal for debut fantasy author Robert V.S. Redick
Posted in: Press Room on 11th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
John Jarrold, of the John Jarrold Literary Agency has been in touch to let us know about a major US deal for one of his clients.
John tells us: "Susan Howe, Rights Director at Orion, has sold US rights in a debut fantasy trilogy by US author Robert V S Redick to Random House's Del Rey imprint in New York for a substantial six-figure sum in US dollars after a hard-fought auction negotiated by Editor-in-Chief Betsy Mitchell."
Feb
10
Strong UK contributor line-up for Ash Tree’s ‘Exotic Gothic II’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 10th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Editor Danel Olson is currently working on Exotic Gothic II: New Tales of Taboo, the sequel to the anthology Exotic Gothic, which was published by Canadian independent Ash Tree Press in October 2007. The contributors list is still in the process of being finalised, but we understand there's likely to be a strong UK contingent in the final assortment.
Feb
10
Bob Byrne signing, The Bernard Shaw, Dublin, February 14th
Posted in: What's On on 10th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
More info: www.clamnuts.com
Source: Joe Gordon, FP Blog Log
Feb
8
Mark Morris confirms BBC deal for new Doctor Who novel
Posted in: Press Room on 8th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Mark says: "The new novel will be entitled Ghosts of India, and will be published in September. I'm incredibly excited to be writing another Who book so soon after [his previous Doctor Who novel] Forever Autumn [Amazon]."
More info: www.markmorriswriter.com
Source: Mark Morris RSS feed
Feb
8
Manga artists signing, Orbital Manga, London, February 23rd
Posted in: What's On on 8th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Emily Man, from comics store Orbital Manga of Covent Garden, London, has been in touch to tell us about a launch event and competition that they're organising to mark the launch of The Mammoth Book of Best New Manga on February 23rd from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.
Emily tells us: "Manga artists Karen Rubins, Chie Kutsuwada, Nana Li and John A Short will be at orbital Manga to sign copies of The Mammoth Book of Best New Manga and the first ten customers to buy both volumes one and two will also receive a free Manga illustration drawn and signed on the day by one of the artists!"
Feb
7
UKSFBN Quick Links Listing for 07.02.08
Posted in: Press Room on 7th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
More links of genre-fiction related interest scoured from the Internet for your convenience and reading pleasure...
Feb
7
James Lovegrove on his forthcoming Solaris novel, ‘The Age of Ra’
Posted in: UKSFBN Talks To on 7th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
A couple of weeks ago, we reported on a new deal for UK author James Lovegrove for a novel called The Age of Ra, to be published by Solaris Books.
Intrigued by the concept, we dropped James a line with a few questions to see if he'd be prepared to shed a little more light on the background to the new novel.
Feb
6
Books Received January 1st - 31st 2008
Posted in: Books Received on 6th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Another round-up of the books that have been sent in to UKSFBN in the past few weeks. As always, many thanks indeed to the publishers concerned for bringing these titles to our attention.
Click on any of the book covers for ordering information from either Amazon.co.uk or the book's publisher.
Feb
6
Virgin Books horror list announces Williams and Campbell titles
Posted in: Press Room on 6th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Virgin Books are launching a new paperback horror range later this year and they've been in touch to let us know that their first two titles will be The Unblemished by Conrad Williams and The Grin of the Dark by Ramsey Campbell.
Virgin Books' Emily Cary-Elwes had the following to tell us about the first two titles: "The Unblemished is an epic drama of flesh-eating monsters and hunted survivors that rivals 28 Days Later, artfully interweaving the stories of a mother determined to protect her only daughter, and a serial killer who believes he is the rightful heir to an ancient dynasty of flesh eating monsters.
Feb
5
Solaris buys Simon R. Green’s ‘Nightside’ series for UK publication
Posted in: Press Room on 5th February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
From a Solaris Books press release: "Solaris is very excited to announce the purchase of the first six books in Simon R. Green's Nightside series for UK publication.
Feb
3
UK comics community IndieReview.co.uk adds new features for 2008
Posted in: Press Room on 3rd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
Rachid Otsmane, editor-in-chief of UK independent comics publishers' portal and community website IndieReview.co.uk has been in touch to tell us the latest news from the site: "IndieReview.co.uk is a young Community helping push forward the awareness and recognition of independent UK Comics and Manga creators through reviewing and displaying relevant articles and works created in the UK.
"The site was established in 2007, has undergone some major refurbishment ready for 2008. The Community has worked towards their aim of bringing UK Indie Comics / Manga talent to the public through a selection of resources and reviews of small press releases, and the site has introduced of a number of new member incentives.
Feb
2
Iain M. Banks’ ‘Matter’ available for download on iTunes / Audible [+]
Posted in: Press Room on 2nd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
There will also be an abridged audio CD edition [Amazon] available from February 7th, as well as the hardcover edition [Amazon], published by Orbit Books at £18.99, although the usual sort of online discounts may well apply to these latter two editions...
[+] Edit, 04.02.08 DaveH points out, via the comments (below) that there's also an unabridged version available via www.Audible.co.uk, priced £17.50, although that will involve downloading yet another bit of proprietary software...
More info: iTunes
Source: Orbit Books website
Feb
2
Robert Rankin, David Warner, Rupert Degas signing, FP London, Feb 13th [++]
Posted in: What's On on 2nd February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
FP says: "Robert Rankin is one of the country's most renowned humorous fantasy writers. He has written 29 novels and is an unrepentant Luddite who writes his bestselling novels by hand in exercise books. David Warner is an accomplished stage and screen actor. He has appeared in The Omen, Tron, Time Bandits, Star Trek, Titanic and Tim Burton's Planet of The Apes. Rupert Degas is an actor who has lent his voice to animated films, TV shows, radio productions and also audio books."
[+] Edit, 04.02.08 - FP have been in touch to let us know that Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, King Kong) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter movies) will also be appearing at the signing.
[++] Edit, 08.02.08 - FP have now added Sarah Douglas, who played the villainess Ursa in Superman The Movie and Superman II, to the line-up as well.
More info: www.forbiddenplanet.com
Source: Forbidden Planet press release
Feb
1
Titan Books launches brand new comic strip in Torchwood Magazine
Posted in: Press Room on 1st February 2008 by Sandy Auden
The new Torchwood comic strip is an exclusive feature of Torchwood: The Official Magazine – the BBC monthly companion to the award-winning sci-fi drama out now from Titan Magazines.
The comic series kicks off with The Legacy of Torchwood 1 - the tale of a misguided Torchwood scientist whose creation sets off on a rampage of gruesome violence. As ever, it falls upon the Torchwood team to save the day! The Legacy of Torchwood 1 is written by the legendary Simon Furman (Transformers), and pencilled by SL Gallant (DreamWorks Tales).
Steve White, Senior Comics Editor of Titan Magazines, is in charge of the Torchwood project so we squeezed into his hectic schedule with some burning questions...
Feb
1
Out Now: Diana Wynne Jones’ new fantasy novel, ‘The Game’
Posted in: Press Room on 1st February 2008 by UKSFBN admin
HarperCollins' children's publishing division has been in touch this week to tell us about a brand new fantasy novel by one of Britain's best-known children's writers, Diana Wynne Jones. This is what they had to tell us about the new book: "A dark castle in Ireland, a mysterious, secret game, and a host of magnificent characters – Diana Wynne Jones' latest magical offering is a splendid blend of the familiar and the unusual.
"Hayley's parents disappeared when she was a baby, so she has been brought up by her grandparents. Her grandmother is extremely strict; she cannot tolerate Hayley getting even a speck of dirt on her clothes, and thinks it's improper for a young lady to wear trousers. Her grandfather is a mysterious man who is always working, beavering away at his computer studying the mysterious, other-wordly Mythosphere.