VISIT VIZ MEDIA AT LICENSING EXPO BOOTH #A137

VIZ MEDIA SHOWCASES WORLD’S HOTTEST ANIME TITLES AT 2013 LICENSING EXPO

ACCEL WORLD, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC TRILOGY, ‘K’ And NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, Among The New Titles To Be Showcased

San Francisco, CA, June 17, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, returns to Las Vegas for the 2013 Licensing Expo with a robust catalog of some of the world’s top anime properties. The 2013 Licensing Expo is the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event and takes place June 18^th-20^th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. VIZ Media will be located in Booth # A137.

The annual Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com) is the licensing industry's premier trade event for leveraging properties and brand equity to develop merchandise, Licensing Expo attracts more than 400 exhibitors representing more than 5,000 brands and properties in entertainment; sports; fashion and apparel; publishing; art and design; automotive; animation/anime; home and housewares; and lifestyle. Attendees from more than 80 countries represent the world's leading retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors and licensing agents.

Anime properties VIZ Media will highlight at 2013 Licensing Expo include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)

NARUTO has become the hottest animated series across North America and is one of VIZ Media’s most successful manga and animated properties in terms of sales. NARUTO has aired on TV since 2005, and is currently the most watched anime program on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. On HULU, the 500+ subtitled episodes have reached over 200 million views. In addition, digital downloads are available on all major platforms including iTunes, Xbox, Amazon, Google and Xbox. NARUTO’s continuous popularity has brought more than 1000 consumer products to the U.S. market, including video games  from Namco Bandai (7 million copies sold), graphic novels from VIZ Media (127 million copies sold), and trading card games from Bandai America (10 million packs sold). 

In May 2013, the first official fan-designed t-shirt contest took place. The contest’s success resulted the immediate interest from numerous retail buyers. VIZ Media continues to secure new licensees and expand to new product lines, ranging from digital products to food and beverage items.

More information is available on the official website at VIZ.com/naruto.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE TRILOGY (Rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences)

Based on the bestselling medieval dark fantasy manga (graphic novel) series created by Kentaro Miura, the BERSERK animation is beloved by not only anime and manga fans, but also holds a large following in the action-fantasy world. To date, 31 million BERSERK graphic novels have been sold worldwide. The trilogy has been nominated for multiple international movie awards for its extreme precision, and dynamic graphics.

The first two movies screened at a special premiere event in San Francisco in Spring 2013, and the third film will debut Summer 2014. Figures and accessories made in Japan are currently available in the U.S. High-end collectors figures are scheduled for released in early 2014.

For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

ACCEL WORLD (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)

Based on award winning novel (3.5 million copies sold in Japan), ACCEL WORLD takes place in the year 2046 when the virtual world becomes reality. All 24 subtitled episodes are available on Hulu and the series is top rated in the Science Fiction Anime category. In addition, 100,000 copies of Namco Bandai’s Accel World PSP and PS3 games have sold in Japan.  Currently apparel, accessories, and figures are available in the US market.  ACCEL WORLD continues to venture into new item categories in 2013.

For more information on ACCEL WORLD, please visit: VIZAnime.com/accel-world.

K (Rated ‘T’ for Teens)

From GoHands, the studio that brought you the cyberpunk anime film series Mardock Scramble, and the enigmatic writers’ collective GoRA Project comes K. The highly anticipated series revealed little information on the plot until the its simultaneous debut in 54 countries in 2012. Upon its release, K instantly attracted the attention of a wide fan base. The first K publicity event in Japan resulted in attendance exceeding 250% of capacity, and sold out of 5000 event tickets in 15 minutes. All 13 episodes are currently streamed on Hulu and are top ranking in the Action Adventure Anime category.

For more information about K, please visit VIZAnime.com/k.

Additional VIZ Media anime properties available for license include:

• BLEACH
• DEATH NOTE
• INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT
• LAGRANGE: THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE
• NARUTO
• NARUTO SPINOFF: ROCK LEE AND HIS NINJA PALS
• TIGER & BUNNY
• VAMPIRE KNIGHT
• ZETMAN

For more information on other VIZ Media anime properties, please visit: www.viz.com/anime.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

###

DARK HORSE OFFICIALLY UNVEILS THE

GAME OF THRONES^® WHITE WALKER STATUE!

This highly anticipated collectible featured in

Diamond Comics Distributors’ September-dated PREVIEWS catalog!

MILWAUKIE, OR, JUNE 17–Following its “sneak” debut to the industry at this year’s Toy Fair International, Game of Thrones fans have been clamoring for an official release date, and images of HBO^® and Dark Horse’s White Walker statue.

Arriving at finer comic shops, bookstores, and specialty retailers on December 18, 2013, the White Walker is a hand-painted, numbered limited edition collectible. Each bust is packaged in full-color collector box, will include a numbered certificate of authenticity. Retail price is $124.99.

White Walkers, or the Others, are a fierce mythological race who are seldom seen as they lurk and prey in their land in the frozen north of Westeros. The Wall was constructed ages ago to keep them isolated.  This evil creature speaks in cracked tones and brandishes a deadly icy weapon, as immortalized in this beautiful collectible piece.

 “The first appearance of the White Walker was the climax of the show’s second season,” Dark Horse’s David Scroggy recalled. “We thought that would be a perfect image to seize. We used exotic resins to simulate his ice spear, and will also re-create the striking blue luminosity of his piercing eyes. Game of Thrones is one of the best television sagas ever, and we owe it to the audience to capture every detail. Hopefully, we’ve succeeded.”

About Dark Horse

Founded in1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, Guillermo Del Toro and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE: Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

About HBO Global Licensing
HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO^® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network’s award-winning programming.  With products created around classic series like the The Sopranos^® and Sex and the City^® to current hits like True Blood^® and Entourage^®, items include fashion apparel, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, games, books as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands.  Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City.  HBO Licensing & Retail products are also sold internationally across Europe, Asia and Australia.

The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL SHOWCASES JAPANESE HARAJUKU  FASHION CULTURE AND STREET STYLES WITH “HARAJUKU KAWAII!! IN S.F.” EVENT

J-Pop Lovers And Fashionistas Invited To Catch A Unique And Colorful Fashion Event At The 5^th Annual J-POP Summit Featuring Top Japanese Models Highlighting The Epitome Of “Kawaii” Culture And Design

San Francisco, CA, June 17, 2013 – The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, has announced “Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.,” a special fashion event that will feature popular Japanese models and live music. The colorful show, which is produced in conjunction with ASOBISYSTEM, an entertainment company based in Harajuku, Tokyo, will showcase some of the latest hip Japanese fashions from a variety of designers and augments this year’s J-POP Summit theme of “Make Kawaii Universal.” The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival takes place across Japantown Saturday and Sunday, July 27^th and 28^th.

“Harajuku Kawaii!! in S.F.,” will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 27^th on the J-POP Main Stage located in Japantown’s Peace Plaza. The dynamic fashion show will feature a number of popular Japanese models including Una, Saki Sato, Ayumi Seto and YURA. Una will also complement the show with a special live on-stage musical performance. Admission is free!  

“Harajuku Kawaii!! in SF” will also have a pop-up store on the NEW PEOPLE Mezzanine Floor selling exclusive lines of fashion merchandise imported strait from Harajuku! Participating brands include: SPINS (spinns.com/) , GLADNEWS (gladnews.jp/) as well as Innocent World (innocent-w.jp/), and Helcatpunks (hellcatpunks.com) and many more!

“Kawaii” is a universally celebrated Japanese word that means “cute” or “loveable” and has become a prominent aspect of Japanese popular culture and expressed in fashion, music, anime, games, characters, and cosmetics. The word has become part of daily youth vernacular and is widely used to comment on style and fashion. The Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shibuya districts of Tokyo are regarded as the birthplaces of kawaii culture and legions of devotees around the world follow these trends closely to catch the latest fashions coming from these areas.

Additional details are available at www.J-POP.com.

Participating Harajuku Fashion Models Include:

UNA (http://una.asobisystem.com)

Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career as a  model by getting a snapshot taken by a fashion magazine in 2010. It didn't take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks, edgy fashion style, and perfectly balanced body proportions, she represents a new type of model capable of expressing not only kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. This iconic figure of the Harajuku street scene will also debut her first musical single, "JUICY JUICY," on August 14^th.

SAKI SATO (http://asobisystem.com/satosaki)

Born 1993, her unique fashion style caught the eye of numerous magazine editors and she has been featured in many fashion spreads. Eventually Sato became an in-house model for the fashion magazine, “Zipper,” and she has participated in many fashion events since.

AYUMI SETO (http://asobisystem.com/setoayumi)

Born 1993, Ayumi Seto mainly models for the fashion magazine, “Zipper.” Her coordination and creative hairstyles have caught the attention of many teenage girls in Harajuku, and her popularity in the scene has skyrocketed. Today, Ayumi models for magazines, participates in fashion events, and also works as a buyer for several apparel shops.

YURA (http://asobisystem.com/yura)

Born 1993, YURA mainly models for the fashion magazines, “KERA” and “Zipper.” The contrast of her bright cuteness against unique personality as a nerdy gamer draws attention and has grown her popularity among Japanese teens, especially through her eccentric tweets. YURA became one of the most wanted cover girls in fashion now and participates in numerous fashion events in Tokyo.

“Showcasing the latest popular and emerging fashion trends from Japan has always been a prominent aspect of the J-POP Summit Festival and this year, we are especially proud to partner with ASOBISYSTEMS to present this special event,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “Our goal is to create and celebrate true culture rather than mere trends and for the 2013 J-POP Summit, we have put an extra emphasis on supporting and nurturing the unique content born in Harajuku such as music, fashion, and overall lifestyle. ‘Harajuku Culture’ has evolved into ‘Kawaii Culture’ and gained an ardent global following. We look forward to J-POP Summit attendees joining us to celebrate this colorful and creative movement!”

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees. More information about J-POP Summit Festival is available at:J-POP.com.

###

Harajuku model Una will appear at 2013 J-POP Summit.

Harajuku model Yuka will also appear at 2013 J-POP Summit.

DARK HORSE DELUXE GETS GRIMM!

Hit NBC TV Show to See Full Product Line from Dark Horse

JUNE 14, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse Comics’ toys and collectibles imprint, Dark Horse Deluxe, is proud to offer new items based on characters and stories from the hit NBC show Grimm! The Grimm collectibles from Dark Horse are licensed through NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products.

Grimm is a cop drama inspired by the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales, following Portland homicide detective Nick Burkhardt into a reality he never knew existed. Once he discovers this new world, and his role in it, he has to deal with much more than the usual criminals and investigations. With his partner Hank and ally Monroe (who is also a magical creature called a Blutbad), Nick delves into cases involving bees, bats, bears, and more!

“As Portland residents, we feel a special kinship with a series filmed in our hometown,” Dark Horse Product Development VP David Scroggy observed, “although we would have been drawn to Grimm if it were filmed in North Dakota. The production team has been most accommodating, inviting us to visit the sets, examine the props, and meet with the key design and VFX staffers to help inform our line. This kind of cooperation is rare, and it has ensured a great accuracy down to the smallest details.”

Dark Horse Deluxe is launching their Grimm line with an assortment of products. The centerpieces of this first wave are sculpted, wearable pin replicas of Nick’s key and one of the coins of Zakynthos.

Nick is bequeathed the key as his dying Aunt Marie introduces him to his destiny as a Grimm, warning him to guard it with his life. The key is revealed to have a map carved on the outside, which is etched into the replica pin’s surface. Two small loops on the key allow the wearer to easily convert it from a pin to a hanging pendant. The mysterious, ancient coin of Zakynthos has a long history of bringing a bad end to its possessors, although the Grimms seem strangely immune. While its purpose remains a mystery, various dark forces are seeking it and will kill to attain ownership of it. The Dark Horse coin pin replica is given an antique finish over zinc alloy, re-creating the patina of antiquity.

An embossed, heavy-gauge, litho-printed, classic tin lunchbox, a sixteen-ounce pint glass, a deluxe coffee mug, and an embroidered skull-design patch round out the initial range of collectibles. Dark Horse will continue to offer more Grimm products, including busts, journals, and playing cards, and some very cool lenticular items. Stay tuned . . .

Look for these Grimm collectibles on sale September 25, 2013, at fine retailers everywhere!

About Dark Horse Comics

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

About NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group

NBCUniversal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group manages all global ancillary television business endeavors for the NBCUniversal Television Group, including third-party home entertainment distribution, consumer products, musical soundtracks, special markets projects and the NBCUniversal Online Store. For the latest product updates and an overview of the properties managed by the group, visit the NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products portal at http://nbcuconsumerproducts.com.

IDW To Feature AMERICA’S ARMY in Digital Distribution Agreement June 14th, 2013 Redstone Arsenal, Alabama / San Diego, CA (June 14, 2013) – IDW and the U.S. Army announced today they have entered into an all-new digital distribution agreement to feature the U.S. Army’s America’s Army Comics on virtually every digital platform -- the IDW Comics app; Comics by comiXology for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook, Windows 8 and the Web; Apple iBooks; Amazon Kindle; Barnes & Noble Nook; and Kobo.   The America’s Army Comics let readers delve into the storyline behind the highly successful America’s Army PC game (www.americasarmy.com) that provides players an inside perspective and virtual role in the U.S. Army. For over eleven years America’s Army (AA) players have been able to experience Army-influenced training and missions as they learned about the necessity of teamwork and leadership for success.  The AMERICA’s Army Comics were created as a way to let players further explore the game’s storyline and character plots of Soldiers’ lives when deployed or at home.  Initially launched for America’s Army 3, the new AMERICA’s Army Comics are setting the stage for the upcoming America’s Army: Proving Grounds game to be launched later this year. "IDW is proud to work with the America's Army team to bring this comic series to digital comics readers everywhere,” said Jeff Webber, IDW’s Vice President of Digital Publishing. "This is a great action story and a perfect complement to the game. Who would have suspected that the Army has strong comic creators too!" “This partnership with IDW is an exciting step for us as we are able to work together to bring America’s Army and stories of U.S. Army Soldiers to a larger readership, said Marsha Berry, Project Manager for America’s Army. AMERICA’s Army Comics tell the story of U.S. Soldiers deployed to Czervenia, a tiny foreign nation in the middle of a chaotic conflict. From a seemingly insignificant nation of Czervenia, President-General Adzic and his army set upon a campaign of annihilation against the neighboring Republic of the Ostregals, setting in motion a mysterious plan that could change the course of world power forever. America's Army must create new experimental combat teams, forged together in secret Proving Grounds, and uncover the General's insidious plot before time runs out. Today’s announcement kicks off with the release of four AMERICA’s Army Comics -- America’s Army Issue 1: Knowledge is Power, America’s Army Issue 2: Rise to the Challenge, America’s Army Issue 3: Under a Watchful Eye and America’s Army Issue 4: Escalation.  Over the coming months, the Army will release new issues that further the plot for the game’s missions and maps. The America's Army comic series is produced by Michael Barnett and written by M. Zachary Sherman (Radical Studio’s Shrapnel).   At the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con, M. Zachary Sherman and comic book artist Scott Brooks will be signing special edition art and comics at the IDW booth.

About IDW IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; HBO’s True Blood; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Warner Brothers and Barry Sonnenfeld are attached to adapt LORE into a feature film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, with Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film. About America’s Army America's Army (www.americasarmy.com) products use innovative technology to provide authentic and entertaining Army experiences that reflect the lives, training, technology, skills, careers and values of a United States Army Soldier. The flagship is the America's Army PC Game, the official game of the U.S. Army. It's rated T for Teen and can be downloaded free from Steam.  The Army launched America's Army in July of 2002, America’s Army: Special Forces in 2003, and America’s Army 3 in June 2009.  The next version of the game, America’s Army: Proving Grounds, brings the best features of the previous games to a new AA environment that stresses small unit tactical maneuvers.  The America’s Army Comic series, which includes online and mobile issues available for download, lets readers further explore the America’s Army storyline and delve deep into character plots of Soldiers’ lives when deployed and at home. America's Army is produced by the Army Game Studio, part of the AMRDEC Software Engineering Directorate at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville Alabama.

SIX-GUN GORILLA #1
SELLS OUT
GOES TO SECOND PRINT


 

  
   

 

June 13th,  2013 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that in less than 24 hours since its release, SIX-GUN GORILLA #1 has sold out at at the distributor level and the publisher has rushed to a second printing.

 

Comic book fans should keep in mind first printings of SIX-GUN GORILLA #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use www.comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one!

 

Inspired by an obscure public domain character, SIX-GUN GORILLA is created and written by Simon Spurrier (X-MEN: LEGACY, CROSSED: WISH YOU WERE HERE) with interior art by Jeff Stokely (FRAGGLE ROCK, THE REASON FOR DRAGONS) and featuring a cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Ramón Pérez (A TALE OF SAND, WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN), SIX-GUN GORILLA is a pulpy mash-up of Western weirdness and lo-fi science fiction unlike anything else on the stands!

 

Welcome to “the Blister” -- a bizarre other-world colonized by humans sometime in the 22nd century, which quickly became a hotly-contested source of fertile land and natural resources long ago exhausted on Earth. In this new frontier, a rogue gunslinger and his companion wander across a wilderness in the grips of a civil war, encountering lawlessness, natives, and perversions of civilization in a world at the crossroads between the past and the future. The fact that said gunslinger is a bio-surgically modified silverback gorilla toting a pair of enormous revolvers is neither here nor there.

SIX-GUN GORILLA #1 second print ships with a striking new cover by Joe Querio (EXTERMINATION) with a retail price of $3.99.
 

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey's SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos' FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis' POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 GUNS will be released as a feature film from Universal Pictures August 2nd, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel's HEROBEAR AND THE KID and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED.

                         

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                 

May 6, 2013

 

Las Vegas, NV – is welcoming the 2013 Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con (www.AmazingLasVegasComicCom.com ) to be held on June 14-16, 2013 at the South Point Hotel & Casino.

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR NEW TALENT!

We are very proud to announce that NEVADA PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS YOUTH will be on site Sunday at 12 noon accepting a check for that Charity work that Jay and his fabulous crew from Maximum Comics continuously contribute too.

 

EVENT INFO:

WHAT:   Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con

WHERE: South Point Hotel & Casino | 9777 Las Vegas Blvd., So. | Las Vegas, NV 89183

WHEN:   Friday-Sunday June 14-16, 2013      TIMES: Fri 3-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm

WHO:     Open to all ages.  A family friendly event    *SPECIAL FAMILY DAY ON SUNDAY*                                 http://amazinglasvegascomiccon.com/programming/kids-day/

COST:     $25/$35 Daily Admission | $50  3-day all Access pass | $150 VIP w/Full 3-day Passes | KIDS 10 & under        FREE with paid adult

Comic Book Convention brings STAR Power to Las Vegas

 

Confirmed guests include Jim Lee (Batman HUSH, Superman, Justice League, The X-Men); Stan Lee (Creator/Marvel Comics Legend); Greg Capullo (Batman); Rick Remender (Captain America, Uncanny Avengers, Uncanny X-Force); Humberto Ramos/Ryan Stegman (Spider-man); Skottie Young (Marvel Now); Gerry Duggan (Deadpool); Jessica Nigri (Cosplay Superstar); Mat Nastos (Phineas & Ferb); Tony Fleecs (My Little Pony) as well as some of the most popular artists to be held on Artist Alley.  For a full listing please visit the website.

 

Big News/Top Stories: UPDATES

Stan Lee is coming to Vegas!  Stan is 90 years young and the creator of what is largely known as the Marvel Universe!  Somehow, everyone is a FAN! Whether it’s Iron Man, The Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man or one of the many others, everyone knows and likely loves the Marvel brand!

 

Jim Lee is also coming to Vegas! Jim is an industry legend and known as the best comic book artist of all time!  His launch of the X-Men franchise sold the most of ANY single comic book.  Jim has moved on since with Best Selling runs of Batman, Superman and Justice League at rival DC Comics, which he runs for Warner Bros.

 

For more information and to see the other special guests, please visit the official website http://amazinglasvegascomiccon.com/special-guests/

 

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL GUESTS TO INCLUDE:

Comic legend Rob Liefeld (Cable, Deadpool, X-Force, Youngblood & More); Greg Capullo (Batman); Rick Remender (Captain America, Uncanny Avengers, Uncanny X-Force); HumbertoRamos, Ryan Stegman (Spider-man); Skottie Young (Marvel Now!), Gerry Duggan (Deadpool); Jessica Nigri (Cosplay Superstar); Mat Nastos (Phineas & Ferb); Tony Fleecs (My Little Pony); Neal Adams (Comic Book Legend: Batman, X-Men)

 

About Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con | www.AmazingLasVegasComicCon.com| www.facebook.com/jaycompanycomics & www.facebook.com/events/453615694711885/?fref=ts

Jimmy Jay, organizer of the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con has been building his comic brand since January 2011 with the annual Amazing Arizona Comic Con in Phoenix and the 2012 launch of Image Comic Expo  in the San Francisco Bay area. This three-day event is a pop culture extravaganza touting scheduled appearances of more than 100 of the top names in comic books from the past and present.  This event is housed the South Point convention facilities spanning nearly 70,000 SF  to include exhibit halls B, C and D with additional break out rooms for panels and programs.  Exhibit halls will be jam packed with vendors and creators buying, selling, and trading rare collectibles, enjoying the large video game arena, costume contests, entertaining panel discussions and much more. The purpose of the Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con is to unite the fans and the celebrities within the comic book hobby world together in a fun, family friendly setting. THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Legend Neal Adams's Variant Cover of Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead #1 Debuts at Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience

Skybound and Wizard World's Fourth Limited Edition Cover in the Wizard World Series Free to Full-Price Attendees

NEW YORK, June 13, 2013 – Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams will create the fourth in a series of exclusive Wizard World variant covers of Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead #1 comic, provided for free to all full-price attendees at Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience, June 28-30 at Basketball City (Pier 36) in Manhattan.  Wizard World and Skybound, Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, have teamed to produce the line.
Adams will be on hand at Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience to sign copies of the limited-edition comic,  produced in extremely limited quantities and available to fans only while supplies last.  The first three covers, illustrated by superstar artists Michael Golden, “Zombie King” Arthur Suydam and Julian Totino Tedesco, respectively, were huge hits at Wizard World events in Portland (February, Golden), St. Louis (March, Suydam) and Philadelphia (June, Tedesco).  A different creator will draw the variant cover art for each of the remaining scheduled Wizard World shows this year.

Adams has also drawn a second, sketch Black & White cover, which will be provided to VIP guests at the event.

Independent third-party comic book grading service CGC, a leader in the industry, will accept TWD #1 variant and Signature Series submissions at its Wizard World NYC Experience exhibitor booth.

The Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience will be a bonanza for fans of the AMC series based upon The Walking Dead, as headliners Norman Reedus (“Daryl Dixon”), Laurie Holden (“Andrea”), Michael Rooker (“Merle Dixon”), Jon Bernthal (“Shane Walsh”) and Chandler Riggs (“Carl Grimes”) will appear at the event. They will be joined by other well-known celebrities, including Stan Lee, Patrick Stewart and WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, as well as a top-drawer collection of well-known artists, a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the fourth event on Wizard World’s 2013 calendar and the promotion's first at Basketball City.

The Walking Dead graphic novels accounted for seven of the 10 bestselling titles of the year and were #1 overall for both 2011 and 2012.

Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under. Event hours are Friday, June 28, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

About Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty-one years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Clone, Ghosted, Invincible Universe and Witch Doctor. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com.

About Skybound

Skybound is Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics and home to his creator-owned works including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. Skybound also develops and fosters other talented writers, creators and artists and publishes their comic book series and graphic novels: Clone, Ghosted, Invincible Universe and Witch Doctor. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S., where Kirkman serves as Executive Producer/writer. Kirkman is also developing a new show with FOX International Channels based on his upcoming comic book series set in the world of exorcism. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com.

About Wizard World
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The 2013 event schedule to date can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
June 28-30 – Wizard World Comic Con New York City Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
January 24-26, 2014 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
April 4-6, 2014 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
June 19-22, 2014 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

SIDE-SCROLLING, BRAWLING, AND BUTTON-MASHING INSPIRE BORN TO LOSE BURN THE ORPHANAGE kicks off Image Comics trilogy in August

BURN THE ORPHANAGE: BORN TO LOSE #1 cover art by series co-creator/writer and artist Sina Grace                 BURN THE ORPHANAGE: BORN TO LOSE #1 variant cover by Rob Guillory BURN THE ORPHANAGE: BORN TO LOSE #1 exclusive Hastings cover by Riley Rossmo

Debut Issue Features Variant Covers by Rossmo, Guillory   Starting in August, Image Comics will show readers that revenge is a dish best served with blazing side-scroller-style action when it publishes BURN THE ORPHANAGE, the first part of the BORN TO LOSE trilogy by Sina Grace (THE LI’L DEPRESSED BOY, NOT MY BAG) and Daniel Freedman (UNDYING LOVE). Rock was a young orphan when he was left for dead in a burning building, and now he’s out to find the person responsible. With action inspired by 1980s video games like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage, Rock will take on every goon and punk in the city, along with his friends Lex and Bear, who bring their own talents into the mix. "I'm lucky enough that I get to work with one of my best friends on a comic book that was birthed from a love of video games, music, and styles of our shared childhood,” said Grace, who both co-writes and draws the series. “We're going to put our rough and tough hero Rock through the wringer in Burn the Orphanage, and I'm glad that the industry embraces the product of our intense friendship." Co-writer Freedman agreed. "Burn the Orphanage is Sina’s and my baby to the world,” he said. “While it was in our collective womb, we piped in shred guitar and 8-bit techno. Birthed it by way of interstellar travel. Nursed it on an unhealthy amount of side-scrolling, brawling, and button-mashing. And clothed it in the fur-lined rags of our childhoods, meaning acid washed jeans, bandanas and fishnets. I'm just excited for people to finally get a look at this monster. " Grace and Freedman talked about the BORN TO LOSE trilogy and their influences, appropriately, at IGN. BURN THE ORPHANAGE, the first issue of the BORN TO LOSE trilogy, will feature a variant cover by CHEW artist Rob Guillory and a Hastings-exclusive cover by Riley Rossmo (BEDLAM, DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS), both of which were revealed on MTV Geek. BURN THE ORPHANGE: BORN TO LOSE #1 will be in stores on August 7 and is available now to pre-order from the June issue of Previews (Diamond Code JUN130429).