Zuda comics now online

A scene from Leprenomicon, one of the 10 new web comics posted on DC Comics' new imprint Zuda Comics. Written by Gregg Delcurla, illustrated by Fernando Ruiz, and colored by Matthew Petz

Well, DC Comics has officially launched Zuda Comics, and the first 10 are online ready to be viewed and voted on.

I've read a lot of commentary on Zuda's flash-based viewing system, but I had no problems either loading or viewing the comics. In fact, I loved the full-screen feature. Here's what it looked like on my work monitor:

I haven't had a chance to read them all, but I would definitely check out the first couple of pages of Black Swan by Mulele Jarvis, and be sure not to miss Leprenomicon by Kubert School instructor and super-cool nice-guy Fernando Ruiz of Archie fame.

I plan on checking out the rest over the weekend...if I can find the time. Here are some links to coverage of the Zuda Comics launch:

Zuda Launches; Usual Questions Raised
The Comics Reporter

Zuda launches with comics contest, strong reactions
Crave: The Gadget Blog

Zuda Comics Creators' Contracts
Mike Lynch Cartoons

DC Comics Zuda message board

Background of Zuda artists

In case anyone out there was interested, Comic Book Resources has the skinny behind the creators of the first line of Zuda Comics.

And as a special note to Kubert students and Archie fans: Watch Fernando Ruiz draw here!

Zuda Comics

On October 30, 2007, DC Comics, the popular comic book publisher behind the Zudacomics.com imprint, will post 10 web comic entries for public view and invite people to vote for their favorite. Editors may also declare as many as six submissions to be instant winners during the calendar year.

Zudacomics.com is designed to allow aspiring cartoonists to register at its web site and submit an eight-panel sample of their work.

Now, not all of the cartoonists on the first list of 10 are aspiring artists. I see Howard Shum, creator of the Image series Gun Fu (inspired now doubt by that crappy Christian Bale movie where they're karate-chopping each other with guns...unemotionally. Can't remember the title...) I also see Pop Mhan's name, as well as...Fernando Ruiz?!?!

That's right Kubert students and Arcie fans...Fernando Ruiz is behind one of the strips. So that means once the 10 strips are posted, sign up and start voting. Here's a description of Fernando's title. To view a description of the other nine, click here:

Leprenomicon
Writer/Artist: Greg DelCurla/Fernando Ruiz
Summary: In old Ireland, when the banshee sings for you it means that your time on this Earth is coming to an end. But American Michael O’Connor refuses to take this news lying down. With the (forced) help of a kidnapped Leprechaun, he intends to solve the mystery of his own death even if it turns the world of faeries, gods, and plain old normal folk upside down.

First 10 Zuda Contestants Named
DC Comics

An Escape From the Slush Pile: A Web Site Tries Out New Comics
The New York Times

Hat tip to: K. Rian Miller