2005 in comics

Events

April

*April 13:
**DC Comics announces the discontinuation of its Humanoids and 2000 A.D. titles.
**Powerade and DC Comics show the first of four new online comics (at http://www.flava23.com) starring LeBron James as superhero "King James". Written by Ron Perazza with art by Rick Leonardi ("Batgirl").
*April 20: DC Comics launches the new DC Direct website (at http://www.dcdirectonline.com).
*April 26: Artist Ed Benes ("Superman") extends his exclusive agreement with DC Comics for an additional three years.
*April 28:
**Marvel Enterprises and Paramount Pictures announce an agreement under which Paramount will distribute up to ten films over an eight-year period to be produced by Marvel. The first titles will include "Captain America" and "Nick Fury" with budgets ranging from $45 million to $180 million; release expected in 2007 or 2008.
**Marvel Enterprises announces settlement of all pending litigation with Stan Lee over claims for participation in profits from various sources.
**Marvel Comics announces the creation of a custom comic book written by Brian Michael Bendis ("Ultimate Spider-Man", "The New Avengers") and featuring superheroes such as Spider-Man, Captain America and the Fantastic Four in a military-themed storyline. More than one million copies of the “Salute Our Troops” comic book were to be distributed to the troops and their families in May.

May

*May 5: Artist George Pérez ("The New Teen Titans", "Wonder Woman", "Justice League of America") signs a 5-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.
*May 19: Artist J. G. Jones ("Villains United", "Wonder Woman") signs a 2-year exclusive contract with DC Comics.
*May 31: Artist Bart Sears ("Captain America and the Falcon") signs a 2-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.

June

*June 6: Artists Adam Kubert ("Ultimate Fantastic Four", "Ultimate X-Men") and Andy Kubert ("Marvel 1602", "Origin", "Ultimate Iron Man", "Ultimate X-Men") sign 3-year exclusive agreements with DC Comics.
*June 11: Harvey Awards winners announced.
*June 28: Artist Justiniano ("Day of Vengeance", "The Human Race") signs a 2-year exclusive contract with DC Comics.

July

*July 12: Writer Bill Willingham ("Fables") renews his exclusive contract with DC Comics for an additional two years.
*July 13:
**DC Online launches a new website for kids (at http://www.dccomics.com/dckids/) featuring Johnny DC.
**DC Comics' DC Direct announces the new Looney Tunes Golden Collection action figure series. The sculptures would be officially unveiled later in the week at San Diego's Comic-Con.
*July 15: Eisner Awards ceremony is held at the Comic-Con International convention in San Diego, California.
*July 19: Joe Quesada extends his contract agreement with Marvel Comics, and in addition to his current role as Editor-in-Chief, he will take on the added role as the Chief Creative Officer, Publishing.
*July 26: Writer Mark Waid ("Legion of Super-Heroes", "Empire") signs a 2-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.

August

*August 2: Artist Tony Daniel ("Teen Titans", "Spawn", "X-Force") signs a 2-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.

eptember

* September 6:
** The New York Times is to carry a comic strip by Chris Ware within its pages. [http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001055055 Editor and Media magazine]
** Marvel has changed its corporate name to "Marvel Entertainment, Inc" and is to produce its own movies based upon comics characters such as Captain America, Nick Fury and the Avengers. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=120d13d5a7b42801b73b78521eaa832d&threadid=42601 Newsarama]
*September 8: Contributors have been announced for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's annual SPX anthology. Scott Morse and Jordan Crane are amongst the forty creators. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=6dc2678d98208f5ab00e8c08654a2baa&threadid=42815 Newsarama]
*September 12: Doonesbury is dropped and then promptly reinstated by The Guardian. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/pete_ashton_guardian_drops_doonesbury/ The Comics reporter]
*September 13:
**The Ignatz Awards nominees are announced, with Gilbert Hernandez receiving three nominations. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/spx_pekar_goh_ignatz_nominees/ The Comics Reporter]
**Dynamic Forces acquire license to print comics based on the Highlander films and . [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=5af20431881f5c7411f0bdea70f91569&threadid=43182 Newsarama]
**Raymond Chiavarino dies. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/maric_raymond_chiavarino_1927_2005/ The Comics Reporter]
*September 19: Joe Ferrara is elected to the Board of Directors of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=28a0a5e5630bff07365483427bafd6da&threadid=43739 newsarama]
*September 20: Marvel Comics announce Neil Gaiman's next project as being related to The Eternals. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=39ad9d37884b057cb96d72cbefd969dc&threadid=43792 newsarama]
*September 21: Art Spiegelman's next project, "Portrait of the Artist as a Young %@?*!", is to be serialised in the Virginia Quarterly Review, commencing in the Fall 2005 issue. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/egon_spiegelmans_next_project/ The Comics Reporter]
*September 22: Bill Watterson answers fifteen selected questions from fans around the world to publicise the upcoming release of "The Complete Calvin and Hobbes". [http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/calvinandhobbes/pw_watterson.html Andrews McMeel press release]
*September 23:The two day Small Press Expo opens with Harvey Pekar as special guest.
*September 25: The 2005 Ignatz Awards are announced at the Small Press Expo. Amongst the winners were David B, voted the Outstanding Artist and , voted Outstanding Graphic Novel. [http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/09/2005_ignatz_awa.html The Beat] [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cr_sunday_magazine15/ The Comics Reporter]

October

*October 1: Lea Hernandez steps down as editor of Girlamatic.com, to be replaced by Lisa Jonté. [http://www.comixpedia.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2886&topic=8&newlang= comixpedia]
*October 3: Jay Stephens launches his own blog [http://monsterama.blogspot.com] . [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cartoonist_launch_halloween_ish_sites/ The Comics Reporter]
*October 4: "The Complete Calvin and Hobbes" is released. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/powerhouse_ch_collection_drops_today/ The Comics Reporter]
*October 5: Matt Madden is interviewed by Bookslut. [http://www.bookslut.com/features/2005_10_006800.php Bookslut]
*October 8: Art Spiegelman is one of 196 inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. [http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/10/09/academy_inducts_196_into_the_fold/ Boston.com]
*October 10:
** Dark Horse license the rights to reprint a number of manga titles, including Juon. [http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7638.html ICv2.com]
**Peter Schjeldahl of The New Yorker analyses graphic novels. [http://www.newyorker.com/critics/books/articles/051017crbo_books1 The New Yorker]
*October 11: "Marvel 1602" wins the inaugural graphic novel Quill Award. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/marvel_1602_volume_i_wins_quill/ The Comics Reporter]
*October 13: The tenth annual International Comic Arts Festival begins in Washington, D.C.. [http://go.to/icaf ICAF]
*October 14:
**Lynd Ward is profiled by In These Times. [http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/article/2339/ InTheseTimes]
**The Oberlin Review profiles Marjane Satrapi. [http://www.oberlin.edu/stupub/ocreview/2005/10/14/arts/article1.html Oberlin Review]
**"Maus and Beyond", an exhibition looking at comic book and graphic novel portrayals of the Shoah, opens at the Centennial College, Toronto. It runs until November 30. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a918c2be494062f857eb6194e9b3e6d0&threadid=48116 newsarama]
*October 16: Bob Andelman, biographer of Will Eisner, picks 10 graphic novels for a beginner to start with. [http://www.detnews.com/2005/books/0510/16/0ent-349586.htm Detroit News]
*October 17:
** Charles Burns is interviewed by The Book Standard. [http://www.thebookstandard.com/bookstandard/news/author/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001307334 The Book Standard]
** The Melvin Gelman Library of George Washington University is to add 300 graphic novels to its collection. [http://www.gwhatchet.com/media/paper332/news/2005/10/17/News/Gelman.To.Add.300.Graphic.Novels-1022578.shtml?norewrite&sourcedomain=www.gwhatchet.com GWHatchet]
**The New York Times profile "Little Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Splendid Sundays!", a collection of Little Nemo strips publishing them as originally printed. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/17/books/17nemo.html?ex=1131598800&en=9331fc504c8caef6&ei=5070 New York Times]
** Hunt Emerson has adapted John Ruskin's "Unto This Last" into comics format, retitling the work "How To Be Rich". Two thirds of the 15 000 print run will be distributed to secondary schools in the United Kingdom. [http://www.newstatesman.com/Arts/200510170033 New Statesman]
**Tom Gill, former Lone Ranger artist, dies. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/tom_gill_1913_2005/ The Comics Reporter]
*October 18:
** Dale Eaglesham signs a two year exclusive contract with DC Comics. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a3465259106143cef5aa8d064e128a94&threadid=46850 newsarama]
**Watchmen is named as one of Time magazine's top 100 English language novels published since 1923. [http://www.time.com/time/2005/100books/the_complete_list.html Time]
**Carla Speed McNeil launches the online serialisation [http://www.lightspeedpress.com/] of Finder. McNeil has suspended the publication of the work in comic book format, although serials will still be collected and published as graphic novels. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/finder_begins_its_on_line_era/ The Comics Reporter]
*October 19: Yuki Suetsugu has had her work pulled by publisher Kodansha after accusations of plagiarism were levelled at the Mangaka. [http://www.manganews.net/news.php?article=442 Manga Jouhou]
*October 20: Dave Sim and Al Nickerson have placed a DC Comics contract, as annotated by Sim, [http://albert.nickerson.tripod.com/creatorsbillofrightsfables.html] and a precursor to the Creator's Bill of Rights [http://albert.nickerson.tripod.com/creatorsbillofrightscm.html] on the web. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/go_read_dave_sims_dc_contract/ The Comics Reporter]
*October 23: Joe Sacco is profiled by The Oregonian. [http://www.oregonlive.com/O/artsandbooks/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/112971980075620.xml&coll=7&thispage=1 The Oregonian]
*October 24: Roger Stern is interviewed by newsarama. [http://www.newsarama.com/general/Stern/RogerStern.htm newsarama]
*October 26: Stephen King is to launch a comic book series with Marvel Comics based upon his Dark Tower series. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=1c317d7e9b7e46019463af010a17df7e&threadid=47647 newsarama]
*October 27:
**The latest Xeric grants are announced. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=92a7063c98c210ec06783001151c72bd&threadid=47739 newsarama]
**Image Comics launches a new website. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=92a7063c98c210ec06783001151c72bd&threadid=47743 newsarama]
**Thomas N. Thornton, CEO of Andrews McMeel Publishing, responds to perceived criticisms of the company's new Calvin and Hobbes collection. [http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/departments/syndicates/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001391214 Editor & Publisher]
**Michael Kilian, current writer of the Dick Tracy comic strip, dies. [http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-0510270009oct27,1,6083229.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true Chicago Tribune]
**Todd McFarlane is to be guest of honor at February 2006's inaugural New York Comic-con. [http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/10/mcfarland_a_goh.html#more The Beat]
*October 31:
**Carly Berwick laments the lack of great female comic book artists. [http://www.artnewsonline.com/currentarticle.cfm?art_id=1924 Art News Online]
**The Guardian profiles Chris Ware. [http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,6109,1605195,00.html The Guardian]

November

*November 2:
**Scott Morse announces he is to launch his own imprint, Red Window. He has established a distribution deal for his imprint with AdHouse Books. [http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7763.html ICv2.com]
*November 3: Mark Millar announces he is to take a six month sabbatical from comics for health reasons. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=8c7e759c08446bfedf36ebb01b62a084&threadid=48314 newsarama]
*November 4:
**The Harvey Awards have ended their ties with New York’s Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art and are now to be presented at the Baltimore Comic-Con, with the 19th awards to be presented on Saturday, September 9, 2006. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=480bc84f022e3fb3542e42c0806c006f&threadid=48487 newsarama]
**Don Bluth donates over a million pieces of artwork to the Savannah College of Art and Design. The donation consists of animation cels, preliminary sketches and associated drawings. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=11946732dd285f2651486fd3c952b93d&threadid=48454 newsarama]
**Alan Moore is interviewed in The Independent. [http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/interviews/article324487.ece The Independent]
*November 6: It is reported that Thomas Hayden Church is to play Sandman in the "Spider-Man 3" movie. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=c178c19a5c182c16dd2fd9b5a6c68fca&threadid=48616 newsarama]
*November 7:
**Slate present a slide show essay on "Calvin and Hobbes". [http://www.slate.com/id/2129373/?nav=tap3 Slate]
** Newspapers in the United States are reported to be considering carrying manga strips from January 2006. The two strips reportedly up for inclusion are "Van Von Hunter" and "Peach Fuzz". [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1104AP_Japan_Sunday_Comics.html Seattle Post Intelligencer]

*November 8: Alan Moore is profiled by Publishers Weekly. [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6282157.html Publishers Weekly]
*November 9:
**Marvel releases its third quarter financial statement. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=f2fc0d8f8f7b9fa8836342d8b5bf90e0&threadid=48875 newsarama]
**IDT Entertainment announce an animated Hellboy project. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=f2fc0d8f8f7b9fa8836342d8b5bf90e0&threadid=48876 newsarama]
*November 10: Paramount has optioned the movie rights to Charles Burns' recently completed graphic novel, "Black Hole". [http://www.fantagraphics.com/blog/archive/2005_11_01_fantagraphics_archive.html#113155394859103014 Fantagraphics]
*November 11:
** Arnold Drake is interviewed by newsarama. [http://www.newsarama.com/general/ArnoldDrake/DrakneInterview.htm newsarama]
** Pulitzer prize winner Michael Ramirez discusses the "L.A. Times" decision to let him go. [http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001478619 Editor and Publisher]
** David Simpson is fired by Tulsa World amid allegations of plagiarism. [http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=4106544&nav=6uy6 Associated Press]
*November 12: The "L.A. Times" profiles selected artists featured in the "Masters of American Comics" exhibition, which opens at Los Angeles' Hammer Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art on Nov. 20. [http://www.calendarlive.com/galleriesandmuseums/cl-et-comics12nov12,0,4625765.story?coll=cl-art-features L.A. Times]
*November 14: Chris Morgan, ("") is hired to draft a script for Universal's adaptation of DC Comics "The Psycho", by James Hudnall and Dan Brereton. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=41d13ec043e5d89c9dfe0fef22b6f9e8&threadid=49345 newsarama]
*November 15: Daniel Acuña signs an exclusive contract with DC Comics. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=498380e18731b1a56442259d54e4745d&threadid=49511 nesarama]
*November 16:
** Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher, editorial cartoonist of the "Baltimore Sun", has been offered a buyout along with other members of the paper's staff. [http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001523410 Editor & Publisher]
** Harvey Pekar takes his American Splendor series to Vertigo, with a mini-series slated for 2006 with Dean Haspiel handling some of the art chores. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=2d82a1795986d756f7148df7fbf4c645&threadid=49596 newsarama]
*November 17:
** Steve Lafler moves to self publishing his next works. [http://bohoworker.blogspot.com/2005/11/direct-market-is-such-bore.html Lafler's blog]
** Doug Harvey writes of "10 Comics That Shook The World" in L.A. Weekly [http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/52/features-harvey.php LA Weekly]
*November 18: The Trailer for "Superman Returns" is released. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=6ad755e9fadcaee6b33d67f045fa46f3&threadid=49786 newsarama]
*November 19: Nominees for the second Grand Prix RTL de la BD are announced. [http://www.actuabd.com/breve.php3?id_breve=1297 ActuaBD]
*November 20:
** Cartoonist Lou Myers dies. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/21/nyregion/21myers.html?ex=1133499600&en=72a76707afecd903&ei=5070 New York Times]
** "The New York Times" reviews "Absolute Watchmen", an expanded collection of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' comic book series of the 1980s. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/20/books/review/20itzkoff.html?ex=1133499600&en=b50bd6686c724418&ei=5070&pagewanted=all New York Times]
** It is reported that Posy Simmonds and Raymond Briggs are to be featured on the cover of the 2006 edition of the Royal Society of Literature's annual magazine, having been made fellows of the society earlier this year. [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1646769,00.html The Observer]
*November 21:
** "The Guardian" cartoonist David Austin dies. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4456488.stm BBC] "
** Time" magazine has archived its articles related to comics - [http://www.time.com/time/archive/collections/0,21428,c_comics,00.html Time archive] . [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/time_archives_its_comics_articles/ The Comics Reporter]
*November 22: The United Kingdom's "Press Gazette" names its 40 most influential journalists, and includes three cartoonists, Gerald Scarfe, Carl Giles, and Matt Pritchett. [http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletins/media/article/528942/press-gazette-honours-journalists-hall-fame-exhibition/ Media Bulletin]
*November 23:
** Duncan Fegredo is to provide art for the 2006 Hellboy miniseries, "Darkness Calls". [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=320f377b8620274b837cdac55826b4c9&threadid=50280 newsarama]
** Marvel Comics allows fans to vote on writer Chris Claremont's next project via its website. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=91c756cd6c2514bc45caec96db05fce5&threadid=50267 newsarama]
** Marvel also launch the podcasting of company press conferences via its website. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=91c756cd6c2514bc45caec96db05fce5&threadid=50253 newsarama]
*November 26: Berenstain Bears author Stan Berenstain dies. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/stan_berenstain_1923_2005/ The Comics Reporter]
*November 27: Claypool Comics asks for consumer help to ensure Diamond Comics Distributors continue to carry their products. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=91c756cd6c2514bc45caec96db05fce5&threadid=50545 newsarama]
*November 28:
** The Association des Critiques de Bande Dessinee announces the fifteen works it is considering for its Prix de la Critique . Joe Kubert's "Yossel: 19 Avril 1943" is amongst those in the running for the award, won in 2004 by the French edition of "Blankets" by Craig Thompson. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/eisner_kubert_tardi_up_for_acbd_prize/ The Comics Reporter]
** Malaysian cartoonist Lat is awarded a Special Jury Award at the 2004 Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards. [http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/National/20051130080627/Article/indexb_html New Straits Times]
** Archie Comics and The Veronicas settle their dispute over the rights to the name "The Veronicas". [http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20051128005228&newsLang=en Business Wire]
** "The New York Times" explores the use the two biggest American comic book publishers have made of the epic storyline in their releases this year. [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/28/business/28comics.html New York Times]
** RK Laxman's "Brushing Up the Years: A Cartoonist's History of India 1947-2004" is published. [http://www.ndtv.com/ent/booksreview.asp?id=1776&bookname=Brushing+Up+the+Years NDTV.Com]
*November 29:
** Christian Lax wins the second Grand Prix RTL de la BD. [http://www.toutenbd.com/article.php3?id_article=1400 ToutenBD]
** According to reports, the Cartoon Network will not be commissioning a sixth series of the animated Teen Titans series. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=7a9a86da3bcdf63af04fdd14d25888ea&threadid=50748 newsarama]
*November 30 2005:
** "Slate magazine" re-evaluate "Watchmen" in the wake of the release of the "Absolute Watchmen" edition. [http://www.slate.com/id/2131269/?nav=tap3 Slate]
** Jim Sasseville dies, aged 78. Sasseville was a former collaborator with and colleague of Charles Schulz. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/jim_sasseville_1927_2005/ The Comics Reporter]

December

*December 1 2005:
** Lorenzo Mattotti is awarded the Grand Prix by the jury at the Blois comics festival. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/blois_festival_honors_mattotti/ The Comics Reporter]
** Selected DC Comics superheroes are to appear on United States postal stamps in 2006. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/let_the_licking_wonder_woman_jokes_begin/ The Comics Reporter]
** Four of the seven charges against comics retailer Gordon Lee have been dropped. Lee still faces three misdemeanor counts of Distribution of Harmful to Minors Material charges. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cbldf_4_of_7_charges_dismissed_in_gordon_lee_case_after_thursday_hearings/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 3 2005:
** The "That's Life" panel, by Mike Twohy, ends. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/mike_twohys_thats_life_ends/ The Comics Reporter]
** Marvel Comics: The line of comics based upon Stephen King's Dark Tower series is to be pushed back until February 2007. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=e4c04d20baf0607388d3ef418d208863&threadid=51196 newsarama]
*December 4 2005: Pakisatini based group Jamaat-e-Islami, have placed a price of around €7,000 upon the head of what it believes to be one cartoonist of 12 cartoons. The cartoons were actually drawn by separate illustrators, and were solicited by Denmark newspaper "Jyllands-Posten" as part of an editorial point regarding commentary on public figures. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/8200_bounty_on_cartoonists_heads/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 5 2005:
** It is reported that Fox are to make a sequel to this year's "Fantastic Four" movie, with a proposed release date of July 4 2007. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=3971bbf677607fff9f3fb8369062711f&threadid=51414 newsarama]
**The "Webcomics Examiner" announces its Web comics of 2005. [http://webcomicsreview.com/examiner/issue051212/best2005.html Web Comics Examiner]
** Les Mauvaises Gens, by Etienne Davodeau, wins Grand Prix de la Critique for 2005. The prize is awarded by L'Association des Critique et Journalistes de Bandes Dessinees. [http://www.bdzoom.com/index.cfm?page=display&class=info&object=info20051205075241&rub=coulisse# BdZoom]
** The trailer for X3 is launched online. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=daa47a8115e595b9474c067366e87dd2&threadid=51416 newsarama]
*December 6 2005:
** ICv2 announces it is to host a Graphic Novel Conference at the New York Comic-Con. [http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/7838.html ICv2]
** Chris Batista signs an exclusive agreement with DC Comics. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a078bb73e451394eb18f1e76506994bd&threadid=51585 newsarama]
** It is reported Stephen King's role in the line of comics based on his Dark Tower series will be "Executive Editor and Creative Director". [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=9312ec15f360099c75be6e14d629c732&threadid=51560 newsarama]
** Bill Jemas announces plans to launch a comic book line. [http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7899.html ICv2]
*December 7 2005:
** The death of Bill Fraccio is announced as having occurred "about three weeks ago". Fraccio, who got his start in the Golden Age, worked for EC, Hillman Publications, Dell Comics, and others, and at Charlton Comics from 1956-79. [http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2005_12_07.html#010669 News From Me]
** The Angoulême Festival announces the nominees under consideration for awards at the 2006 festival. Charles Schulz, Jeff Smith, Chris Ware and Jaime Hernandez are amongst the many contenders. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/angouleme_announces_prize_nominees/ The Comics Reporter]
** Italian cartoonist Gipi wins the Prix Goscinny, an annual prize awarded by jury and named in honour of Rene Goscinny. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/gipi_wins_2005_prix_goscinny/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 8 2005:
** Pierre Wazem wins the Swiss Prix International de la Ville de Geneve. [http://www.papiers-gras.com/Historique/Collectif/PrixDeLaVille/Prix%20de%20la%20Ville%202005.htm Papiers-gras.com]
** Warren Ellis is to revamp Marvel's New Universe line, originally launched in 1986 by Jim Shooter. [http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/NextWave/pressconference.htm newsarama]
** Jonathan Shapiro, cartoonist for the "Cape Times" under the pen name Zapiro, wins the Principal Prince Claus Award. [http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=139&art_id=vn20051208061521715C998776 IOL]
** Canada's Doug Wright Awards are to become an annual affair. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/doug_wright_awards_to_be_annual_event/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 9 2005: Bill Griffith and James Sturm are interviewed by Washington Post Comics page editor Suzanne Tobin online. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2005/12/07/DI2005120700496.html?referrer=emailarticle Washington Post]
*December 11 2005: Roger Sabin reviews recent graphic novels in "The Observer". [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,6903,1664429,00.html The Observer]
*December 12 2005:
** American cartoonists participate in "Black Ink Monday", producing cartoons for publication based upon the decline in the number of newspapers which keep an editorial cartoonist on staff. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/black_ink_monday_is_all_around_us/ The Comics Reporter]
** Tom Spurgeon interviews Comic Book Legal Defence Fund Executive Director Charles Brownstein. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/the_comics_reporter_at_the_pulse_121205/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 13 2005: "The Village Voice" nominates three graphic novels within its favorite 25 books of the year. [http://www.villagevoice.com/books/0550,vls,70946,10.html Village Voice]
*December 14 2005: Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson's run on the "Flash Gordon" strip is to be collected by Image Comics and Eva Ink Publishing. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=343b052d5ed1114ebdfecdc7af681e40&threadid=52365Newsarama]
*December 15 2005:
** Marvel Comics settles its lawsuit with City of Heroes over trademark and copyright issues. [http://www.out-law.com/page-6462 Out-Law.com]
** The judges for the 2006 Eisner Awards are announced. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/2006_eisner_judges_announced/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 17 2005:
** Jacques Faizant, cartoonist on "Le Figaro", retires. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1936624,00.html The Times]
** Andrew Arnold of "Time" opinion on the ten best comics works released in 2005. [http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1142132,00.html Time]
*December 18 2005: Cuban cartoonist Rafael Fornes Collado dies. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/rafael_fornes_collado_1917_2005/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 19 2005: It is reported that cartoonist Joe Martin is to launch his own syndicate to better promote his own work. He was previously syndicated by Tribune Media Services. [http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001700640 Editor & Publisher]
*December 20 2005:
** Ben Katchor's new strip is to be debuted in "The Forward". [http://openpr.com/news/1678.html Open Public Relations]
** "Comixpedia" names its 25 People in Webcomics for 2005. [http://altertainment.net/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=622&page=1 Comixpedia]
*December 26 2005:
** Bud Blake dies aged 87 years old. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/images/uploads/Bud_Blake_Obit_2005.pdf The Comics Reporter]
** Marvel Comics is to produce custom sized comic book inserts featuring Spider-Man for distribution via newspapers. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/spider_man_to_newspapers_as_insert/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 28 2005:
** Cartoonists Mike Luckovich and Mike Peters nominate some of their favorite editorial cartoons of the year. [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5068106 npr]
** Audrey Puente reports on "A New Golden Age of Comics" for CBS. [http://wcbstv.com/entertainment/local_story_362094021.html CBS]
** Kurt Busiek signs an exclusive two year agreement with DC Comics. [http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?s=ad3412363ea73b231edc23562d89ff04&threadid=53770 newsarama]
** It is reported that Robert Crumb has filed suit against Amazon regarding usage of his "Keep on Truckin"' image. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/robert_crumb_sues_amazoncom/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 29 2005: A sale of cartoon art opens in London, with artwork of Dan Dare strips by Frank Hampson amongst the work offered for sale. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4562090.stm BBC]
*December 30 2005:
** Scott McCloud is planning to tour the United States in support of his forthcoming book, "Making Comics". [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/scott_mccloud_plans_50_state_tour/ The Comics Reporter] , [http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-12/31/content_508385.htm China Daily]
** A Turkish court of appeal has overturned a decision which saw the newspaper "Evrensel" fined $8000 because of a cartoon by Sefer Selvi which caused Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to sue for defamation. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/details_on_turkish_cartoon_decision/ The Comics Reporter]
*December 31 2005:
** Maurice Dodd, writer of The Perishers strip since the late 1950s, dies. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4574092.stm BBC]
** Modern Tales announces it is to expand its operations and launch free webcomic strips, supported by advertising. [http://www.talkaboutcomics.com/blog/?p=381 Talk About Comics blog]
*December 31 2005: Jean Ollivier, French comic book creator and the writer behind "Vaillant", dies. [http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/jean_ollivier_1925_2005/ The Comics Reporter]

First issues by title

These comic books were the first issued in each series.

;"" #1 (of 6):"Released:" May 4, 2005 by DC Comics. "Written by:" Steve Englehart. "Covers and artwork by:" Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin. "Summary:" This semi-monthly 6-issue limited series pits Batman against the Joker as the Joker enters a gubernatorial election using the campaign slogan "Vote for me or I'll kill you!" From the same creative team of the acclaimed run on "Detective Comics" in the late 1970s.;"Daredevil vs. Punisher" #1 (of 6):"Release:" July 6, 2005 by Marvel Comics (Marvel Knights imprint). "Story and artwork by:" David Lapham ("Stray Bullets"). "Summary:" Following Wilson Fisk's fall from power as the Kingpin of crime, the city descends into chaos. This 6-issue limited series by Eisner Award winner Dave Lapham brings together Daredevil and the Punisher in a competition for the soul of Hell's Kitchen as each seek to restore order in their own unique way. Marvel villains featured include Hammerhead and the Jackal. "Rating¹:" PSR+/Parental Advisory;"" #1 (of 3):"Release:" July 6, 2005 by Marvel Comics. "Written by:" John Layman ("Gambit"). "Cover and pencils by:" Scot Eaton ("Captain America"). "Inks by:" Don Hillsman ("Gambit"). "Summary:" A 3-issue limited series tie-in to House of M. "Rating:" T+;"G.L.A." #1 (of 4):"Release:" April 6, 2005 by Marvel Comics. "Written by:" Dan Slott. "Cover and pencils by:" Paul Pelletier. "Inks by:" Rick Magyar. "Summary:" With the "real" Avengers disassembled, the Great Lake Avengers step in to try to deal with one of their most powerful villains in this 4-issue limited series. This first issue includes special appearances by Captain America, Thor, the Vision, Scarlet Witch, and Hawkeye. "Rating:" PSR;"House of M" #1 (of 8):"Release:" June 1, 2005 by Marvel Comics. "Written by:" Brian Michael Bendis. "Covers by:" Esad Ribic ("Loki" mini-series). "Pencils by:" Olivier Coipel. "Inks by:" Tim Townsend. "Summary:" It is the Avengers and X-Men versus an out of control Scarlet Witch, and Magneto, in an 8-issue limited series billed as the 'Marvel event of the decade'. Each issue has a special variant cover. "Rating:" T+;"Hunter-Killer" #1:"Release:" March 17, 2005 by Top Cow Productions. "Written by:" Mark Waid. "Cover and pencils by:" Marc Silvestri. "Inks by:" Joe Weems and Eric Basaldua. "Summary:" The genetic super-race of humans living in secret must be constantly monitored and policed to ensure the safety of the planet. When one of them goes rogue, upsetting the balance of world power, only the group known as the Hunter-Killers can stand up to them. This issue follows the 16-page prequel (issue #0) released December 8, 2004.;"Young Avengers" #1:"Release:" February 9, 2005 by Marvel Comics. "Written by:" Allan Heinberg (television's "The O.C.", "Sex and the City", and "Party of Five"). "Cover and pencils by:" Jim Cheung. "Inks by:" John Dell. "Summary:" Following the events of "Avengers Disassembled", it is the story of a group of teenage superheroes, each of whom pattern themselves after a member of the Avengers. Marvel's editor-in-chief Joe Quesada said, “I think that fans will see on the very last page of issue #1, how the entire Marvel Universe will end up somehow revolving around the events that happen in "Young Avengers".” "Rating:" PSR;"Young Avengers" #1 "Director's Cut":"Release:" March 16, 2005 by Marvel Comics. "Summary:" This reprint of "Young Avengers" #1 includes DVD-style extras. 48 pages. "Rating:" PSR

=Publications by release date=

Released January 26, 2005

;Hardcovers:*"Loki" — Marvel Knights (Rating: PSR+):*:This book collects the 4-issue limited series "Loki" from 2004.

Released February 9, 2005

;Comic books:* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #1 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):*: A new ongoing series by TV writer and producer Allan Heinberg with artwork by up-and-coming artist Jim Cheung.

Released March 16, 2005

;Comic books:* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #1 "Director's Cut" — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):*: This 48-page reprint of the original "Young Avengers" #1 includes DVD-style extras.:* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #2 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released March 17, 2005

;Comic books:* "Hunter-Killer" (2005 series) #1 — Top Cow Productions:*: A new ongoing series by Mark Waid with artwork by Marc Silvestri and Joe Weems.

Released April 6, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #7 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):*: Beginning a new 6-part story featuring the Scorpion, written by Fred Van Lente with art by Leonard Kirk and Jonathan Glapion.:* "G.L.A." #1 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):*: A new limited series by Dan Slott with artwork by Paul Pelletier and Rick Magyar.:* "Incredible Hulk" #80 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released April 20, 2005

;Comic books:* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #3 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released April 27, 2005

;Comic books:* "Exiles" #63 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):* "Hunter-Killer" (2005 series) #2 — Top Cow Productions

Released May 4, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #8 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):* "" #1 (of 6) — DC Comics:*: A new limited series written by Steve Englehart with artwork by Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin (all of late 1970s "Detective Comics" fame).:* "G.L.A." #2 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released May 11, 2005

;Comic books:* "Aquaman" #30 — DC Comics:* "" #191 — DC Comics:* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #4 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released May 18, 2005

;Comic books:* "" #2 (of 6) — DC Comics:* "" #65 — DC Comics:* "Exiles" #64 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released May 25, 2005

;Comic books:* "Incredible Hulk" #81 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)

Released June 1, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #9 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Aquaman" #31 — DC Comics:* "Exiles" #65 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*"House of M" #1 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*: A new limited series written by Brian Michael Bendis with covers by Esad Ribic.:* "Incredible Hulk" #82 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*: Stand-alone story by Peter David with cover and artwork by Jae Lee.

Released June 8, 2005

;Comic books:* "" #3 (of 6) — DC Comics:* "" #192 — DC Comics:*: The origin of Mr. Freeze is told from a new perspective in this 5-part story by J.H. Williams III and Dan Curtis Johnson ("Chase") with art by Seth Fisher ("").

Released June 15, 2005

;Comic books:* "" #4 (of 6) — DC Comics:* "" #66 — DC Comics:* "G.L.A." #3 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released June 22, 2005

;Comic books:*"House of M" #2 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released June 29, 2005

;Comic books:* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #5 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released July 6, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #10 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Aquaman" #32 — DC Comics:* "" #5 (of 6) — DC Comics:* "" #67 — DC Comics:* "" #193 — DC Comics:* "Daredevil vs. Punisher" #1 (of 6) — Marvel Knights (Rating: PSR+):*: A new limited series with story and artwork by Eisner Award winner David Lapham.:* "Exiles" #66 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR):* "" #1 (of 3) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*: A new limited series tie-in to House of M. Written by John Layman with art by Scot Eaton.:* "G.L.A." #4 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*"House of M" #3 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Hunter-Killer" (2005 series) #3 — Top Cow Productions:* "Incredible Hulk" #83 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*: Begins a 4-part House of M tie-in with artwork by Jorge Lucas and cover by Andy Brase.

Released July 20, 2005

;Comic books:* "Exiles" #67 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*"House of M" #4 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #6 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Incredible Hulk" #84 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released July 27, 2005

;Comic books:* "Daredevil vs. Punisher" #2 (of 6) — Marvel Knights (Rating: PSR+)

Released August 3, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #11 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "" #2 (of 3) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released August 10, 2005

;Comic books:* "Exiles" #68 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*"House of M" #5 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Young Avengers" (2005 series) #7 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*:Andrea Di Vito takes over on pencils. Cover by Jim Cheung.:* "Incredible Hulk" #85 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released August 24, 2005

;Comic books:* "Daredevil vs. Punisher" #3 (of 6) — Marvel Knights (Rating: Parental Advisory)

Released September 7, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #12 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Exiles" #69 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*: Begins a new 3-part House of M story. Cover and pencils by new artist Paul Pelletier.:* "" #3 (of 3) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Incredible Hulk" #86 — Marvel Comics (Rating: Parental Advisory)

Released September 14, 2005

;Comic books:* "Daredevil vs. Punisher" #4 (of 6) — Marvel Knights (Rating: Parental Advisory)

Released September 21, 2005

;Comic books:* "Exiles" #70 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

;Trade paperbacks:* "" — Marvel Comics (Rating T+):*: This 168-page book collects "Exiles" #62–68. Story by Tony Bedard with a cover by Mike Mckone.

Released September 28, 2005

;Comic books:*"House of M" #7 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released October 5, 2005

;Comic books:* "Amazing Fantasy" (2004 series) #13 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):* "Incredible Hulk" #87 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+):*: Cover and pencils by Adam Kubert.

;Graphic novels:* "The Quitter" — Vertigo (Rating: Mature Readers):*: In this 104-page, black-and-white graphic novel, author Harvey Pekar (American Book Award-winning series "American Splendor") tells the story of his troubled teen years for the first time. It is the universal tale of a young man's search for himself through the frustrations, redemptions and complexities of ordinary life. With artwork and cover by Dean Haspiel ("American Splendor", "Opposable Thumbs"). Hardcover, ISBN 1-4012-0399-X.

Released October 12, 2005

;Comic books:* "Exiles" #71 — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Released October 19, 2005

;Comic books:* "Daredevil vs. Punisher" #5 (of 6) — Marvel Knights (Rating: Parental Advisory)

Released October 26, 2005

;Comic books:*"House of M" #8 (of 8) — Marvel Comics (Rating: T+)

Footnotes

:¹ Ratings are provided by the publisher: [http://marvel.com/catalog/ratings.htm Marvel Comics ratings] .

Initial appearances by character name