Curtis Comic

Curtis Comic

Parent company	Dae Han Realty
Status	Defunct (September 20, 2002 (2002-09-20))
Founded	Virginia, United States (August 16, 2002 (2002-08-16))
Founder	Curtis Lee
Country of origin	United States
Headquarters location	200 S. Van Dorn St. A320 Alexandria, VA 22304, Virginia
Distribution	Worldwide
Key people	Curtis Lee Doug Lee William Shepard Daniel Berry Mindy Rhode
Publication types	Comic books
Nonfiction topics	Fiction
Fiction genres	Horror, fantasy, sports, drama, mystery and science-fiction
Imprints	Curtis Comic (imprint)
Number of employees	5

Curtis Comic is the first English comic book publisher to specialize in only Korean comics (manhwa) and was the last to do so. Curtis Comic was launched by Curtis Lee when he realised that the popularity of manga could open a door to Korean manhwa. The publisher was promoted at several comics conventions. In all, thirteen titles were made.

History

Curtis Comic was founded by Curtis Lee when he relised that with the growing popularity of manga, that could open up for Korean comics, manhwa, which are much similar to the other. The titles Curtis Comic range from many genres; horror, fantasy, sports, drama, mystery and science-fiction which were sold in comics shops in the United States and Canada.^[1][2] Curtis Comic was the third publisher to publish manhwa, after ComicsOne released Redmoon, and Tokyopop published the series Ragnarok from Comic Champ. Later to promote the company, Curtis Lee attended Otakon, San Diego Comic-Con International, and Dragon-Con and also planned to attend Wizard-Con, Pittsburgh Comic-Con and San Diego Comic-Con International the year after. Curtis also planned to bring some of the Korean manhwa artists along with him.^[3][4] Curtis Comic unententionally stopped after the second issue of all their series and nothing was heard of the company again.

Products

Curtis Comic published thirteen titles in all.^[1] According to Curtis Lee, he was also planning on producing toys and animation, and maybe making a whole magazine like Viz Media's Animerica Extra or Dark Horse Comics' Super Manga Blast. Curtis claimed if he had to choose a favorite, they would be Into the Storm, PSI, and Slasher.^[3] Curtis Comic has no real rating system, however adult titles are labeled with "Mature Readers"^[5][6][7] which makes up the majority of titles. The titles could be found at comic shops and the popular retailers such as Mile High Comics, Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., New England Comics, and Westfield Comics.^[8] All thirteen titles were reviewed by Sequential Tart in its September 2002 online issue.^[1][9] Curtis Comic always had the same general staff for all their manhwa: Curtis Lee (publishing), Doug Lee (translating), William Shepard (retouch and lettering), Daniel Berry (editing), and Mindy Rhode (design).^[10]

Barchetta

Barchetta (Korean: 바르케타 ) was written and illustrated by Seongkyu Lee, and was originally published in Korea by Seoul Cultural Publishers, Inc..^[10][11][12] Barchetta follows the adventures of a criminal named Kill, who has attached the weapon "Barchetta" to his arm. Kill was one day offered immunity only on one condition: to kill an evil pope reigning over his town. At the moment a gang burst into the scene trying to take over the task, and many will not leave alive. The manhwa was rated for Mature Readers.^[5][10] Sheena McNeil gave the first issue of Barchetta an over average review of "8". Sheena positively said about the main character, "Kill may not be the most original name, but he's definitely a character you'll remember" and has a unique personality. Sheena went on to say that, "The art is quite good in this fast paced manhwa, and even though it's just the first issue, there's a few twists that really grab you so there's never a dull moment." She overall recommended the title and said, "Barchetta is well worth a read if you've liked others of that genre, and even if you haven't because it has its own unique flavor."^[11] Sheena McNeil later reviewed the second issue of Barchetta, and said "This series is definitely intriguing" with characters easy on the eyes and every once in a while a random picture of one of the girls and said, "these random pics don't really distract you from what's going on." Sheena stated that she is very caught up in the story and said, "Barchetta is one manhwa you should check out!"^[12]

Bloody School

Bloody School was written by Kyongwon Yoo and illustrated by Seonmo Yang, and was originally published in Korea by Seoul Cultural Publishers, Inc..^[13][14][15] The story follows a group of vampires called "Four Blood" brought together by the chairman of the school. Josh, the leader is the chairman's favorite and Ray indiscriminately kills female students for blood. Josh is ordered by the chairman to look after Ray. Ray goes against the chairman and kills Josh by trapping his best friend, Steve. The series was rated for Mature Readers.^[6][15] Sheena McNeil reviewed the first issue of Bloody School and gave it an above average rate of "7". Sheena praised the series as a "wonderfully done horror manhwa" and went on and said "The art style is unique and beautiful, and the character designs are great in that the "Four Bloods" are not how one normally pictures vampires, but they couldn't be drawn any other way and still achieve the same effect." Sheena also recommended Bloody School as "a different type of vampire comic."^[13] Sheena McNeil went on to praise the series in her review for the second issue. She stated the "series is actually really good" and the second issue was even better than the last. The characters' wings add fear to the scene and she highly recommends the series.^[14]

ESP

ESP (Korean: 초 ESP ) was written by Jihoon Park and illustrated by Takyoung Lee and was originally published in Korea by Haksan Culture Company into six full volumes.^[16][17][18] A group super powered kids with ESP are training, however when training the earth is under attack by the evil group. Max, the leader of the evil group is the strongest of them all, leading to an epic duel between the two. Unlike most, ESP is however not a mature title.^[18][19] Sheena McNeil gave ESP a regular average review of "5" and said that "The storyline is alright for the first issue, but it definitely has room to grow." She stated that the manhwa overall seems like a quick skim through the whole story but overall said that "being that it's just the first issue, this manhwa has room to grow."^[16]

Eternal Mirage

Eternal Mirage (Korean: 이터널 미라쥬 (ETERNAL MIRAGE) ) was written and illustrated by Miro and originally released in Korea by Sigongsa.^[20][21] Eternal Mirage follows the story of many boys and girls making up the Centurian System are trained to fight against an evil tribe. The tribe invades one day killing them all. However, Irian, the leader of the Centurian System was resurrected by mysterious sorcerers. Unlike most, Eternal Mirage is however not a mature title.^[22] Sheena McNeil gave Enternal Mirage a "6" rating. "The art is fluid, seeming detailed even though it's not" and she also explained that the demons are very interesting characters and she would like to know more about them, yet it is more about the "magically charged children". She also that the series "could turn into a real interesting story".^[20] Sheena went on and also reviewed the second issue, she said that the second was much more improved from the last. Sheena said "True we still know little of the magical children on the side of good, but the story has gotten a lot more interesting" especially knowing that now everyone isn't powerful. However she also said "I can't help cheering for the Devil's army though. The demons are suave, sexy, powerful ... and have the coolest wings!" Overall she said that she is hooked on the series and "Humor, action, beauty all come together with an improving storyline to make for a great manwha."^[21]

Extreme

Extreme was written by Haeryong Chong and illustrated by Ha Chae, it was originally published in Korea by Seoul Cultural Publishers, Inc..^[23][24] A girl named Amanda and her parents passed by a man named Sean, a very talented inline skater with unbelievable speed. He turned down an offer to join a group of skaters. After flirting with some girls, he returned home only to receive a unintentional phone call that he didn't want. Unlike most, Extreme is however not a mature title.^[25] Sheena McNeil gave a positive review for the first issue and said, "Readers of all ages and both sexes will love this manhwa. Inline skating is in, and people love to see difficult stunts pulled off." She also said that the characters appeal to all sexes and said "Haeryong Chong did an amazing job of showing this while still showing the effort such moves require." She recommended the title for any skating fan.^[23] Sheena also reviewed the second issue and said, "Sexy characters combined with the beginnings of an intriguing plot as well as some amazing in line skating. Extreme is certainly that." Sheena stated that "characters are developed, humor is imployed, and the plot thickens" and highly recommends the second issue.^[23]

Into the Storm

Into the Storm was written by Jihoon Park and Takyoung Lee, in Korea it was originally published by Haksan Culture Company.

Title	Author, (and) Illustrator	Mature Readers?
Into the Storm	Jihoon Park and Takyoung Lee	No
Knight Gunner	Kiho Jeon and Jeongwook Ko	Yes[7]
Minos	Jongil Kim	Yes[26]
Moon	Yoojeong Lee	Yes[27]
Pandemonium	Jeongtae Lee	Yes[28]
PSI	Yongha Hong and Dongsan Kim	Yes[29]
Slasher	Jinwoo Lee and Chulhee Lee	Yes[30]
Zero Taker	Yoonyul Choi and Kimgoon (k1mg00n)	Yes[31]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} McNeil, Sheena (9 September 2002). "Curtis Comic: Manhwa in the West" (SHTML). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). http://www.sequentialtart.com/archive/sept02/ao_0902_4.shtml. Retrieved 2009-03-12. 
2. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Welcome to CURTIS COMIC!". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/about.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Lee, Curtis (PHP3). Curtis Comic - Bringing Manhwa into the Public Consciousness. Interview with Isaac Alexander. Animefringe Online Magazine. http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.10/feature/3/index.php3. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
4. ^ Staff (2005-12-06). "Interview: Infinity Studios and Manhwa" (PDF). Anime Tourist. http://www.katavila.com/articles/atpages/infinitystudios.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-13. ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ ^{a b} Lee, Curtis. "Barchetta". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/BARCHETTA.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
6. ^ ^{a b} Lee, Curtis. "Bloody School". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/bloody.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
7. ^ ^{a b} Lee, Curtis. "Knight Gunner". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/knight.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
8. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Links". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/links.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-17. 
9. ^ "The Report Card" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 9 September 2002. 9. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?typeID=9&issue=2002-09-01. Retrieved 2009-03-12. 
10. ^ ^{a b c} Lee, Seongkyu; Doug Lee (1 September 2002). "Barchetta". Barchetta. Curtis Comic (United States: Curtis Comic, Inc.) 1 (1): 1–2. 
11. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (9 September 2002). "Barchetta vol.1 #1" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 1232. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1232&issue=2002-09-01. Retrieved 2009-03-12. 
12. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (10 January 2003). "Barchetta vol.1 #2" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 6 (10). 1683. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1683&issue=2009-03-09. Retrieved 2009-03-13. 
13. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (9 September 2002). "Bloody School vol.1 #1" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 1232. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1232&issue=2002-09-01. Retrieved 2009-03-12. 
14. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (10 January 2003). "Bloody School vol.1 #2" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 6 (10). 2035. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=2035&issue=2009-03-09. Retrieved 2009-03-13. 
15. ^ ^{a b} Yoo, Kyongwon; Seonmo Yang; Doug Lee (16 August 2002). "Bloody School". Bloody School. Curtis Comic (United States: Curtis Comic, Inc.) 1 (1): 1–2. 
16. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (9 September 2002). "ESP vol.1 #1" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 1226. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1226&issue=2002-09-01. Retrieved 2009-03-12. 
17. ^ "초 ESP 1권" (in Korean) (ASP). ESP. Haksan Culture Company. 1997-04-03. http://www.haksanpub.co.kr/comics/c_detail.asp?comics_id=C0000044&comics_sub_id=1. Retrieved 2009-03-14. ^{[dead link]}
18. ^ ^{a b} Park, Jihoon; Takyoung Lee; Doug Lee (1 September 2002). "ESP". ESP. Curtis Comic (United States: Curtis Comic, Inc.) 1 (1): 1–2. 
19. ^ Lee, Curtis. "ESP". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/esp.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-14. 
20. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (9 September 2002). "Eternal Mirage vol.1 #1" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 1243. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1243&issue=2002-09-01. Retrieved 2009-03-12. 
21. ^ ^{a b} McNeil, Sheena (10 January 2003). "Eternal Mirage vol.1 #2" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 6 (10). 1686. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1686&issue=2009-03-09. Retrieved 2009-03-14. 
22. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Eternal Mirage". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/psi.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-15. 
23. ^ ^{a b c} McNeil, Sheena (9 September 2002). "Extreme vol.1 #1" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 1230. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1230&issue=2002-09-01. Retrieved 2009-03-16. 
24. ^ McNeil, Sheena (10 October 2002). "Extreme vol.1 #2" (PHP). Sequential Tart (Sequential Tart) 5 (9). 1687. http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=1687&issue=2009-03-16. Retrieved 2009-03-16. 
25. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Extreme". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021213183212/www.curtiscomic.com/extreme.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-16. 
26. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Minos". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/minos.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
27. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Moon". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/moon.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
28. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Pandemonium". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/pandemonium.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
29. ^ Lee, Curtis. "PSI". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/psi.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
30. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Slasher". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/slasher.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16. 
31. ^ Lee, Curtis. "Zero Taker". Curtis Comic, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2009-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20021014105817/http://www.curtiscomic.com/zero.htm. Retrieved 2009-02-16.