Fellowship Previews: IDW's INFESTATION 2 Press Conference Recap

The Fellowship was fortunate enough to attend the video press conference regarding IDW's INFESTATION 2 which starts in January. Writer Chris Ryall and editor Bobby Curnow hosted the event. The properties that are tied into this event include" G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.

INFESTATION 2 is a stand alone from the first story and the INFESTATION: OUTBREAK. Ryall stated that these tie-ins are a part of the properties' continuity, but won't affect the current storylines. It was decided to go with Lovecraftian monsters this time since they used zombies with the first event.

INFESTATION 2: TRANSFORMERS takes place during the "Hearts of Steel" time-frame. "If you've ever wanted to see a steampunk version of Optimus Prime fight a giant monster, this is the place," said Curnow. Historical figures will also be interacting with the Transformers.

INFESTATION 2: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS will take place in the Eberron campaign, a first for comics. "It's less swords and more sorcery," Curnow said. Ryall added that the appearances of tentacles during this campaign made more sense. Abraxis Wren is the main character of the book.

INFESTATION 2: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES promises the turtles go "further into the sewers" to deal with the tentacled threat. Curnow added "this book has a really great horror vibe."

INFESTATION 2: G.I. JOE "This is basically a cross between One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and your favorite horror movie" said Curnow. "You may or may not see your favorite Joes get involved," but will have Crystal Ball, Storm Shadow and Interrogator from COBRA.

INFESTATION 2: TEAM-UP is meant to be a lighthearted break in between all the action and horror. "It is sort of a letting off of steam as this bigger, more important event is going on," Ryall said. "I did my best to make this funny." The one shot includes characters from GROOMLAKE and WEEKLY WORLD NEWS (including Bat Boy), both written by Ryall.

INFESTATION 2: 30 DAYS OF NIGHT takes place at the North Pole, where characters from the other tie-ins may or may not converge with one another to deal with this threat.

Other notes:

Danger Girl was to be heavy involved in this event. She still will be, only to a lesser degree.
The retailer incentive covers are interlocking. Also, if a retailer orders 25 copies, they will receive 25 temporary tattoos.
There is an ashcan prequel available to retailers.
Will there be a third INFESTATION? Ryall acknowledged that everything is a trilogy now days and they have thought of doing a third. When asked if their recently acquired property MARS ATTACKS! could be involved, he was a little vague.

Here is INFESTATION 2's checklist:

January

Infestation 2 #1 (1/25/12) - Duane Swierczynski (writer) + David Messina (artist)

February

Infestation 2: TRANSFORMERS #1 (2/1/12) - Chuck Dixon (writer), Guido Guidi (artist)

Infestation 2: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Eberron #1 (2/8/12) - Paul Crilley (writer),Valerio Schiti (artist)

Infestation 2: TRANSFORMERS #2 (2/15/11) - Chuck Dixon (writer), Guido Guidi (artist)

Infestation 2: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Eberron #2 (2/22/12) - Paul Crilley (writer) + Valerio Schiti (artist)

Infestation – Team Up (2/29/12) - Chris Ryall (writer), Alan Robinson (artist)

March

Infestation 2: TMNT #1 (3/7/12) - Tristan Jones (writer), Mark Torres (artist)

Infestation 2: G.I. JOE #1 (3/14/12) - Mike Raicht (writer), Valentine De Landro (artist)

Infestation 2: TMNT #2 (3/21/12)Creators: Tristan Jones (writer), Mark Torres (artist)

Infestation 2: G.I. JOE #2 (3/28/11) - Mike Raicht (writer) + Valentine De Landro (artist)

April

30 Days of Night (4/4/12) - Duane Swierczynski (writer), Stuart Sayger (artist)

Infestation 2 #2 (4/11/12) - Duane Swierczynski (writer) + David Messina (artist)