View Full Version : Is The Atheist #1 Shipping Late?
I didn't see it on the list of books at my LCS website. Does anyone know?
So, I am guessing that this was cancelled before it even got to press. Does anyone know?
Scott Beeler
04-02-2005, 02:07 PM
I think it's a little too early to assume that it's cancelled. It's a full month late, which is not unprecendented for a comic. For a first issue, yes, very unfortunate, but I still wouldn't write it off completely.
I think it's a little too early to assume that it's cancelled. It's a full month late, which is not unprecendented for a comic. For a first issue, yes, very unfortunate, but I still wouldn't write it off completely.Very true, indeed. It's just that nobody has really heard anything on it, and I have always been a "glass half empty" guy anyway. :)
Apathy Boy
04-04-2005, 11:38 PM
Woo hoo! We have an ATHEIST #1 sighting! Diamond (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/expected_041305.txt) has it listed as coming out on April 13.
With Image these days, it seems like you have to add 4-12 weeks to the announced ship date before you can actually get the comic in your hands.
Woo hoo! We have an ATHEIST #1 sighting! Diamond (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/expected_041305.txt) has it listed as coming out on April 13.
With Image these days, it seems like you have to add 4-12 weeks to the announced ship date before you can actually get the comic in your hands.I did indeed see it listed at my LCS as arriving tomorrow. After you read it, check back at this thread and we will discuss.
Apathy Boy
04-18-2005, 10:49 PM
Awesome, awesome book. Don MacPherson at The Fourth Rail (http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/critiques/041105/atheist1.shtml) said THE ATHEIST had a GLOBAL FREQUENCY vibe to it, and damned if he wasn't right (though Sharpe's already a more interesting character than anyone who appeared in the latter series).
As a godless heathen, I'm mildly disappointed that this book isn't really about atheism. But since Phil Hester rightfully pointed out that evil always converges in Winnipeg, I'll cut him some slack on that point.
(Random change of subject: is "atheist" the only word to break the "I before E, except after C" rule?)
Awesome, awesome book. Don MacPherson at The Fourth Rail (http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/critiques/041105/atheist1.shtml) said THE ATHEIST had a GLOBAL FREQUENCY vibe to it, and damned if he wasn't right (though Sharpe's already a more interesting character than anyone who appeared in the latter series).
As a godless heathen, I'm mildly disappointed that this book isn't really about atheism. But since Phil Hester rightfully pointed out that evil always converges in Winnipeg, I'll cut him some slack on that point.
(Random change of subject: is "atheist" the only word to break the "I before E, except after C" rule?)Well, there is monotheist as well, but that is basically the same type of word as atheist.
glecharles
05-12-2005, 07:01 AM
Where's the discussion of The Atheist? Excellent comic!
A black-and-white thriller with a tinge of horror, Hester and McCrea have fashioned a taut debut issue that effectively sets the stage for both an intriguing storyline and an engaging lead character. Antoine Sharpe, dubbed "the Atheist" by his government handlers, has lept onto my top 10 list of favorite characters ever! Hester delivers an engaging story, showing Sharpe in action and firmly establishing not only the character, but the overall premise as well: dead people are inexplicably, and seemingly randomly, taking over the bodies of the living. "I see. Reincarnated people."
McCrea does a great job of laying out what is predominantly well-written, well-paced exposition and setup, effectively using shadows, facial expressions and body language to develop the cast of characters, major and minor, without ever falling into the talking head trap. It's for comics like this one that I'll be happily cutting back on the Big Two's spandex set.
Track down the first issue if you haven't picked it up already. Both Midtown and Mile High have it available online, with Midtown selling it at a discount off its cover price!
josh straightedge
05-13-2005, 02:06 AM
I enjoyed this a lot.
McCrea's pencilwork is more of a serious style, not as silly as his Demon or Hitman work. And why Phil Hester doesn't write more I'll never understand. The Coffin was genius and this is shaping up to be good also.
Apathy Boy
09-03-2005, 04:43 PM
Hot diggety damn. This is probably the best book I'm reading right now.
Issue #2 was awesome. A being composed of sentient "smart" cancer cells? Icky but cool.
Hot diggety damn. This is probably the best book I'm reading right now.
Issue #2 was awesome. A being composed of sentient "smart" cancer cells? Icky but cool.
I agree. This book is one of the best, most unexpected surprises of the year. It's nice when a book improves from Issue #1.
zilla31
09-07-2005, 08:51 AM
def a great read... any idea when #3 is out? can't wait...
def a great read... any idea when #3 is out? can't wait...November (10 characters)
Phil Hester
09-10-2005, 02:32 PM
Antoine Sharpe's worst enemy so far has been the Justice League. John's been in their employ lately, but should be freed up soon. #3 will definitely ship in Nov. Something actually happens this issue, too.
The good news is: we've been green lit for another arc. This one will be a little more science fiction oriented, but features the same caustic lead we've all come to love. Tentatively entitled Scylla. Remote influencing, imagined beings, killer robots, crime families and Sharpe's first real arch nemesis.
So glad you've enjoyed it. May be some film/TV news soon, I hope.
noh-varr
09-13-2005, 12:27 PM
I love this series! Can't wait for issue 3 and glad to hear that both the series will start appearing more reguraly and their will be more! Don't forget everyone, Hester's book Stronghold is coming out this month too!
Tobias March
09-14-2005, 12:29 PM
More Hester, moremoremoremoremoremore!! :D
Apathy Boy
02-05-2006, 01:35 PM
Whew. So a lot more ATHEIST is on the way, eventually.
A ROSARY BY ANY OTHER NAME
"The Athiest" is a fine comic published by Desperado/Image Comics. Created by Phil Hester and John McCrea, after issue four a new artist, Will Volley, will take over the art duties, though McCrea remains co-creator and co-owner and will return to the book when his drinking schedule allows.
But there will also be a Hollywood-friendly title change to aid those afraid to put a TV series called The Atheist on air. It will eventually be called "Antoine Sharpe: The Atheist," just as DC did with Hellblazer and Constantine, one getting smaller while the other gets larger until they switched. The next story arc will be "Antoine Sharpe: Effigy." Hate the name change, though. I find it sad that we live in a society so closed-minded that it wouldn't accept a TV show about someone who didn't believe in god (not that THE ATHEIST is even about that).
zilla31
02-05-2006, 03:08 PM
wait... did issue 3 really come out in nov? i only ever got through #2 but was really enjoying it (though it migh thave been cancelled before i got this update today). let me know so i can track it down ahead of #4 (which comes out when?)
Phil Hester
02-06-2006, 11:58 AM
Don't panic! #3 hasn't shipped. I just read a PDF of the issue, so I know it exists. McCrea really knocked it out of the park. Just a matter of it being physically printed and shipped.
As for the title- I have mixed feelings. We wanted an attention getting title and it worked maybe a little too well. I know the studios we are speaking with are worried about backlash from both atheist groups and religious fundamentalists. Personally, I got really down when I got some letters from atheist/agnostic folk who were offended by the title. Luckily, most of them were cool once they read the book. Still, my take is- every second I have to spend defending the title rather than pitching what the book is actually about (sci-fi/horror/philosophy/whatever) is a lost second. I hope the work speaks regardless of the title. Look at it this way, if the thing is ever a mainstream hit you can say you were down with the book way back when it had the original title.
And, I'm not too proud to say it, money talks. The Atheist is not my last good idea- the money from a TV or movie deal would free me to pursue many more of those ideas as comics. That's my goal- more decent comics.
Thanks for waiting so patiently!
zilla31
02-06-2006, 12:12 PM
dude - people are WAY too sensitive these days. i swear sometimes it feels like people are just looking for something to get up in arms about. i personally have no problem w/ the title (esp after you read the book). looking forward to #3 (and beyond)... thx.
noh-varr
02-06-2006, 04:01 PM
I don't get how atheists can be offended when they don't (to my knowledge and the definition) have nothing to believe in. Agnostics I kind of understand but atheism I thought was a lack of faith, belief, in something more then yourself. So how can they go hey your stepping on my beliefs? I think people do get too sensitive and like to complain. We're Americans it's our right to bitch. :)
But I am waiting for the third issue! It's a great read and I want more.
zilla31
02-06-2006, 05:08 PM
what's a nihalist (sp) again?
noh-varr
02-06-2006, 08:30 PM
"He's a nihilist he doesn't believe in anything not even nihilism." - Big Leboski.
Sorry all joking aside, it's a belief that life and existance has no meaning thus since life is meaningless they believe in nothing. It's based on some Russian philosopher's work.
Atheists believe in no dieties. Or lack a religion. It's origins I'm unsure of, but it covers many people from those who are proclamed Atheists, to Agnostics (who usually believe in a higher power just either don't think it has a form thus no religion or have yet to see a view they see as absolute they also have no formal organized religion) to technically Taoists (who believe in the way or Tao but no diety) and Buddhists (since again they believe in the universe as a force but not a diety). Taoists and Buddhists CAN believe in a diety but typicaly as a whole those religions do not. But the atypical view of an atheist is one who doesn't believe in god and has no religion (which by definition of no god can be a false statement).
So long winded thing aside, I can understand someone who's an Atheist who's a Buddhist or Taoist but I don't think they would recognized themselves as Atheists per se. All those who I know who proclaim themselves as Atheists can honestly care less what you say about Atheism since to them it's a lack of something and holds nor creates any values to them.
The end.
Phil Hester
02-06-2006, 09:29 PM
You know, for a while we were going to call it The Nihilist, but 1) A lot of people don't know how to pronounce it and 2) Sharpe does believe in something, namely human potential- you'll see it in #4's grisly conclusion.
cactusmaac
02-07-2006, 06:04 AM
Glad to hear #3's on the way.
Title-wise, I wasn't sure why it was called The Atheist since as far as I know, atheism is the belief that God does not exist. As opposed to agnosticism which acknolwedges the possibility that God may exist but demands prof and evidence of it.
Reading the comic, I thought The Rationalist or The Skeptic would have been a more apt title.
zilla31
02-07-2006, 11:20 AM
"He's a nihilist he doesn't believe in anything not even nihilism." - Big Leboski.
HA - i LOVE that movie and this is exactly what i was thinking of when i wrote my original post... very cool that you picked up on that ;)
josh straightedge
02-08-2006, 11:27 AM
I really dug the 2 issues I read. Waiting patiently for issue 3.
Apathy Boy
03-26-2006, 02:27 PM
We have proof that god exists... The third issue of THE ATHEIST finally came out.
Another fantastic issue. Antoine Sharpe is shaping up to be the most intriguing character in comics. I love the scene where we get to see how Sharpe sees the world. "That mind of yours! Driven by logic but not confined to it!" Good stuff. You just know that Sharpe's going to live up to his words on the final page.
And Hester is sooo good at the little things, like bringing the reader up to speed on previous events in a subtle manner. I had forgotten about Nguyen's being a recovering addict, and I love how Hester worked that in so organically and in a way that added to the characterization of the two heroes.
Some minor quibbles: I still think the cover looks funny with "ANTOINE SHARPE IS" added to the title and I was a bit underwhelmed by the revelation that the mastermind was
Benjamin Franklin.
Not because I think the guy should be sacrosanct or anything, but because that revelation felt kind of random. Apart from the glasses, I don't think anything in the story would've led us to that conclusion.
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