Friday, February 22, 2008

Super Real Newsletter 2/22/08

WONDERCON THIS WEEKEND

Just a quick note to let you know I’ll be exhibiting at San Francisco

Wondercon this weekend, in the artist alley (space AA71).

I'll have the entire run of Super Real of course, as well as prints,
sketch
cards, art, and my brand new 2008 sketchbooks (fresh from the printer).
The
new book is 32 pages and includes black and white and many color pages
of
commission work, fan art, pinups, sketches and more! I think it's my
best
book yet. I'll have those available from the website upon my return.
http://superrealgraphics.com/page3.html

It should be a great weekend!
http://www.comic-con.org/wc/


MARVEL MASTERPIECES SKETCH CARDS

As I mentioned last time, I’m doing a series of 200 sketch cards for
the
upcoming Marvel Masterpieces 2 Upper Deck trading card series (which
are
randomly filled in the sets).

They won’t be released for some time, but once they are, I’ll
update about
it. Additionally, once they’re completed I’ll be receiving a set of
10 blank
cards that I plan to offer as one-of-a-kind originals to sell on eBay.

In the meantime, I’ve been doing some custom, personal sketch cards,
to
offer on eBay (there aren’t currently any up, but will resume next
week):
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZheykidzcomics

Most of the ones I’ve done have also been added to my gallery:
http://jasinmartin.deviantart.com/


GNOME PRINT PROMO

The first book I’m publishing outside Super Real, via my new OGN line
Super
Real Graphics Presents, Gnome, is cruising along it’s release
schedule. It’s
available for order in the current February Previews catalog (page 342)
for
April release.

We’re currently offering a free limited edition print by the creator
Dave
Dwonch to any retailer who’s stocking the book. So if you’re
interested in
one of those, check the retailer list on the site, or talk to your
local
shop.

You can also see the print, and view a full nine page preview of the
book at
the site too:
http://superrealgraphics.com/Gnome.html


2008 CONVENTIONS

2/22-24 WonderCon San Francisco, CA
4/12 Portland Comic Show Portland, OR
4/18-20 New York Comic Con New York, NY
4/26-27 Stumptown Comics Fest Portland, OR
5/10-11 Emerald City Comicon Seattle, WA
7/24-27 Comic Con International San Diego, CA

We’ll see how the shows go, but I hope to add at least one more
date…


As always, there’s much more going on, so stay tuned to the blog for
more
frequent updates on all things Super Real!
www.superrealgraphics.com/blog.html

Thanks,
Jason

Super Real
www.superrealgraphics.com
Hey Gang,
I've got the superflu, but, assuming I'm over it by Saturday morning,
I'll be making my way up to San Francisco for Wondercon. I'm only doing
a couple of things for the show, so, here's where you can catch me.

Saturday
2pm-3pm Signing - Top Cow
3pm - 4pm Panel - Top Cow
4pm - 5pm Panel - Dark Horse

Sunday
12pm-1pm Signing - Top Cow

Here's hoping the vitamins I've been taking all week do their thing.
See you in San Fran.

j.
www.thefialkov.com

Thursday, February 21, 2008

NEW TOYS POP STRAIGHT OFF THE PAGES OF DEVIL'S DUE
DDP launches new Devil's Due Pop line with transformable toys from
Jeffrey Brown and Top Shelf, Dirge figures from 'Xombie,' and plush
toys from Shawnimals

Chicago, IL. (Feb. 21, 2008) – This March, comic book icons bounce
out
of the pages of Devil's Due and into a new line of action packed life
accessories called DEVIL'S DUE POP. Beginning with a package of
classically retro Golden Age Sheena: Queen of the Jungle stickers,
DEVIL'S DUE POP will include an array vinyl toys, personal journals,
and usable artwork based on the properties that have made Devil's Due
Publishing one of the ten largest comic book publishers in the U.S.

DEVIL'S DUE POP expands in April with a Halloween journal covered with
artwork from the Masters of Comic Book horror, such as Bill Siekiewicz
and Sean Phillips, who are covering Devil's Due's current Michael
Myers miniseries Halloween: Nightdance. May will see the release of an
original plush Geeky Ninja straight from the Ninjatown line by
Shawnimals. Then, in June, DEVIL'S DUE POP will release its first
vinyl figure based on Dirge from James Farr's Xombie: Reanimated.

Still to come will be an original transforming vinyl toy from creator
Jeffrey Brown, based on his Top Shelf comic The Incredible
Change-Bots. First out will be Brown's robot Balls, who transforms
between his battle-ready robot guise into an unsuspecting golf cart.

DEVIL'S DUE POP brings the company's mission to proliferate
ComicCulture to new places and spaces, with plenty of vinyl toys and
functional art product lines on their way in 2008.

Products shown are not final and are subject to licensor approval.

For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net.

# # #

About Devil's Due Publishing:
After exploding on the comic book scene by igniting the "80s retro
revival" in the industry, Devil's Due quickly became one of the largest
and most popular comic book publishers in the United States. Today
DDP's
lineup is a diverse mix of original properties and licensed books
including Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, G.I. Joe,
Storm Shadow, Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, DemonWars, Voltron, The
Nye
Incidents, and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash, which is currently in
pre-production as a feature film for Rogue Pictures.

Devil's Due: reminding everyone that "Pop culture IS our culture". For
more information on Devil's Due Publishing, please
visit http://devilsdue.net.
The Boy Who Made Silence #2
Joshua Hagler (Story and Art)
Thomas Mauer (letters)
Full Color
36 Pages
$3.99 / £2.00

Available for pre-order now via Diamond Previews using order code FEB08
3388.

In The Boy Who Made Silence, deaf child Nestor Gudfred inexplicably
creates utter silence around him, which compels the people near him
into each other's pasts and memories. As his religious rural community
looks to him as a prophet, the story follows Nestor and a diverse cast
of richly imagined characters as he comes of age, falls in love, and
begins a search for his father.

The series has received advance praise from many of the best talents
in the industry:

"Hagler's debut issue is an impressive start. Not only can Hagler
paint, but he has the proper focus on telling the story. It's subtle,
understated work. And it's beautifully reproduced -- the colours are
rich and vibrant, in a way that makes everything else l've read this
week look washed out and cheaply printed." -- Paul O'Brien, X-Axis

"Brilliant, beautiful, original, authentic, and inspiring! One of the
best comic book reading experiences I've had in a long time." -- David
Mack, author and artist of Kabuki

"In his first work... Hagler finds his true voice. And this is just
the art alone, to say nothing of the moody and reflective
impressionistic story [upon which] he effortlessly floats us along..."
-- Sam Kieth, author and artist of The Maxx, Zero Girl, Ojo

Please visit http://www.markosia.com for more details
MegaCon is more than just great comics and media guests and anime programming. This year’s convention features a score of great gaming events as well. Come out to MegaCon ’08 and get involved in all your favorite role playing, CCG and miniature games. Just keep in mind that while some games are free to participate, some will require a small entrance fee.



Here are just some of the games that will be available during MegaCon ’08.



Blackmoor
Episode: 75 Teacher’s Pet
Episode: 76 Remembrance
Episode: 77 Leaving the Nest
The Annual Blackmoor Interactive


Living Greyhawk

LG Cores: This year at MegaCon we will have the first three Year Seven Core Scenarios (COR7-01, COR7-02, COR7-03).



Sheldomar Valley

We are pleased to offer two Year Seven Sheldomar Valley adventures (SHE7-01, SHE7-02).



Living Arcanis

This year we’ll be offering four scenarios including LA-SP4-18 “A Parting of Mists”, LA-SP5-04 He Who Conquers Himself and (2) Current! Invisible Kings Scenarios.



TerrorWerks

MindGame Productions presents a live-action, first-person shooter experience that places you in the role of US Space Marines and corporate personnel exploring a derelict space station. Solve puzzles and hands-on challenges in this live-action science-fiction horror experience, while combating aliens and undead horrors with full automatic airsoft weapons.



Legends of the Shining Jewel

LSJ51 "The City That Never Sleeps"
LSJ52 "Taking the Plunge"
LSJ53 "Double Jeopardy"



Fellowship of the White Star

FWS A101: London Fires
FWS A102: Snakes on a Plain
FWS A103: Our First Opportunity, Part one of The White Realm series



Broken Swords & Battered Shields Fantasy RPG



Hardened Heroes & Fiendish Foes Steam Pulp RPG



Shadowrun

SRM02-22 Backlash

SRM02-23 Prodigal Son
SRM02-24 Hubris and Humility



One World by Night



Pokemon the Collectible Card Game



Hordes



World Of Warcraft™ trading card game



Star Wars Miniatures

Raid on Endor
150-point constructed DCI tournament

Powerful Starfleets at Your Command



MechWarrior



Battlefield Evolution



Heroclix



HorrorClix



Magic: the Gathering



Yu Gi Oh!



Warhammer



Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader Tournament (RTT)



Babylon 5

A Call to Arms: the Battle for Coriana VI



Blood Bowl

Megabowl 2007



Flames of War

Battle of Normandy



Universal Fighting System



Anachronism



Naruto, the Role Playing Game



Settlers of Catan



Puerto Rico



Starmada: The Admiralty Edition



For more details on these games and others, including game descriptions, specific game days, times and costs, stop by www.megaconvention.com.



If you want to play any of these games, you need to buy your tickets to come to MegaCon ’08. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at: https://protected6.purehost.com/d30063092/ordering.asp, or by stopping into any Coliseum of Comics store.



MegaCon is proud of its relationship with this year’s sponsors: Coliseum of Comics, Blam! Ventures, Students of the Unusual and Hot Flips.



We look forward to seeing you in Orlando, Florida for MegaCon ’08 on March 7-9, 2008. For more information, stop by www.megaconvention.com.
AMERICAN GREAT” – MR. T – RETURNS IN MAJOR GRAPHIC NOVEL BY BRITISH PUBLISHER

“A-TEAM” ACTION HERO BREAKS OUT INTO WORLD OF BOOKS

In anticipation of the major worldwide launch of their Mr. T graphic novel in summer 2008, British publisher Mohawk Media has announced that they are celebrating with a special Limited Advance Edition.

With a total number of only 4,000 copies, Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition is now available. It marks the return to prominence of Mr. T, the Mohawk muscleman who was voted the fourth “Greatest American” in a recent global BBC poll, muscling in front of the likes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

‘It’s great to be the star of a graphic novel’, says Mr. T. ‘And great entertainment is always driven by great writing!’

Mr. T continues: ‘There’s my long-time fans, but there’s also a new generation because of “A-Team” reruns, my cartoon show reruns, and the renewed interest in “Rocky III” following the recent sequel. That’s humbling, and this graphic novel is my method of reaching them all. I’m so proud of all my life’s work, but to see myself in this book feels extra special.’

Author Christopher Bunting adds: ‘We’ve seen comebacks happen over and over again in the entertainment industry, whether it's John Travolta, the Spice Girls, or fictitious characters such as Indiana Jones or Rambo. Now it’s Mr. T’s time.’

Bunting continues: ‘I’m often drawn to writing “mystery” dramas, where threads weave a much larger tapestry, with the core being the human journey, in the vein of “Lost” or “Heroes”. Therefore my attention had increasingly turned to novels and scriptwriting, and away from the shrinking comic industry. This graphic novel has been the perfect vehicle. I could approach it as a novel, yet also incorporate the finest elements from comics and television.

‘And besides, when Mr. T calls you personally, wanting you to do it, you don’t dare say no!’

Editor Stuart Buckley adds: ‘This book’s star is already a household name known and loved the world over, making this possibly the world’s highest-profile graphic novel. It’s a call for celebration, hence this Limited Advance Edition.’

Buckley continues: ‘Most so-called “graphic novels” are reprints of comics, the equivalent of cobbling together a bunch of episodes of a TV show and calling it a “movie”; or works that, in their desire to be highbrow, determinedly distance themselves from their comic forefather.

‘Neither makes full use of the inherent potential in graphic novel storytelling. This book – an all-original like Mr. T himself – does.’

Mr. T, who contributes world-exclusive interviews to the graphic novel and acts as its Executive Editor, adds: ‘I’ve always strived to be a good role model to children and adults alike. I can’t think of a better way to do that than by encouraging people to read! What would I say to anyone who doesn’t read my graphic novel? “I pity the fool!” ’

Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition can be ordered direct from publisher Mohawk Media at www.mohawkmedia.co.uk for the exclusive price of £15.99 / $39.00 including delivery. Alternatively, from April 2008, it will be available through bookstores worldwide, including online, by quoting its 13-digit ISBN: 9780955680403.
Super Real Graphics invites retailers to join the Army of Gnome!

Any retailers that carry Super Real Graphics Presents: Gnome are
eligible
for a free listing in the Super Real Graphics "Friends of Gnome" online

store directory at http://superrealgraphics.com/Gnome.html and will
receive
the signed and numbered, limited edition print by 'Gnome' creator Dave
Dwonch (with Daniel Logan).

http://img135.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gnomeprintcolorvn7.jpg

Gnome, the April releasing first offering from SR Graphics new OGN
line, can
be found on page 342 of the February Diamond Previews catalog, and
features
an enchanting tale where the simple yard decorations we take for
granted as
“Garden Gnomes”, are actually Earths greatest protectors. In 1956,
it’s up
to one lonely gnome to answer the call, and defend the Earth once more
from
an untimely end. You can also see a full nine page preview of the book
at
it’s website.

Retailers interested in receiving the limited edition print and
directory
listing, simply contact Super Real Graphics via the website with your
stores
mailing address and any relevant store specific information (ie phone
number, website, etc) and you'll be added to the list.

http://www.superrealgraphics.com/2008/02/friends-of-gnome-comic-shop-directory.html

As an added bonus, participating stores will be automatically entered
into a
random drawing to win the original pencil art from the print!

Readers looking for a copy of the print can either check the list of
participating retailers, or enquire with their local shop.

We know one of the keys to success in this industry is a healthy
relationship with retailers, and hope that this offer is a step in that
direction.

Super Real Graphics Presents: GNOME
64 pages, digest sized (6x9), Full Color, $6.99
DIAMOND ORDER CODE FEB084007

http://superrealgraphics.com/http://superrealgraphics.com/Gnome.html

##################

http://www.superrealgraphics.com/Gnome/Gnome_cover_wrap_final_med.jpg

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Jason

Super Real
www.superrealgraphics.com
DEVIL'S DUE CAPTURES ITS OWN SHAWNIMAL
Shawn Smith designs exclusive plush Geeky Ninja figure to attack
shelves in May

Chicago, IL. (Feb. 20, 2008) – Collectible toy designer Shawn Smith
has a brand new fanboy-friendly ninja flying out of his Ninjatown line
in May, and it's kicking down the door at Devil's Due. The Shawnimals
mastermind has already produced a whitehot clan of Wee Ninjas that
have sliced up toy shelves as micro-plush collectibles and made their
way to an upcoming Nintendo DS game. Now, the cute, button-eyed
inhabitants of Ninjatown have a new hobby – comic book collecting –
and will kick off Devil's Due's new line of toys and functional
artwork titled Devil's Due Pop.

The 8-inch tall Geeky Ninja plush figure comes geared up to geek out
with his own securely polybagged comic book and plushy ninja instincts
to defend his Wednesday reading material.

Devil's Due will also release a spriral bound Ninjatown Journal in
May, filled with swarms of fast flying and furious Wee Ninjas, and
plenty of space for aspiring ninjas to keep track of their own
adventures. Geeky Ninja and and the Ninjatown Journal will both be
part of Devil's Due Publishing's new line of Devil's Due Pop vinyl
toys, personal journals, usable artwork, and other pop culture infused
life accessories based on properties that will be announced soon.

Devil's Due will be working closely with Shawnimals to produce a line
of exclusive plush toys, stationary and comics, which will include a
new Ninjatown comic book series following in June with more details to
come.

Images and products are still under development and are subject to
licensor approval.

For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net.

# # #

About Devil's Due Publishing:
After exploding on the comic book scene by igniting the "80s retro
revival" in the industry, Devil's Due quickly became one of the largest
and most popular comic book publishers in the United States. Today
DDP's
lineup is a diverse mix of original properties and licensed books
including Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, G.I. Joe,
Storm Shadow, Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, DemonWars, Voltron, The
Nye
Incidents, and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash, which is currently in
pre-production as a feature film for Rogue Pictures.

Devil's Due: reminding everyone that "Pop culture IS our culture". For
more information on Devil's Due Publishing, please
visit http://devilsdue.net.
[PRESS] 'SPOOKS' SELLS OUT AT DIAMOND, GETS STRUZAN COVER
Issue #1 of Schifrin, Hama, and Salvatore's action/horror series gets
big orders while issue #4 gets a movie poster legend

Chicago, IL. (Feb. 20, 2008) – The first issue of Devil's Due's new
monster-packed, military action series Spooks sold out from Diamond a
week after hitting comic book racks, and issue #4 added yet another
huge creator to its ranks.

"It's hard getting a new idea out there into such a crowded field, and
for the fans to get behind us is wonderful -- when you spend years
working on something you just hope people will enjoy it, and we're
absolutely delighted with the response so far," said writer Ryan
Schifrin. "It's been a labor of love from the start, as I worked with
Bob Salvatore and Larry Hama to take a spark of an idea and turn it to
an epic."

Spooks' all-star writing staff of Schifrin ("Abominable"), Hama (G.I.
Joe, Wolverine), and Salvatore (DemonWars) along with artist Adam
Archer was enough to propel the first issue to sell-out status. Issue
#4 will add big-name artist Drew Struzan to its credits.

Struzan, who is well known for his "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones"
posters graces the cover to Spooks' climactic ending with brand new
cover showcasing his legendary talents.

"Bob [Salvatore] – with his sons Geno and Bryan – gave the
supernatural elements real depth, while Larry made the military
response feel real, and kick serious butt," Schifrin stated. "Together
the creative team laid the groundwork for Spooks to be huge, and
there's much more to come – some of which you'll see on the website
and in the collected edition. This first arc is only the beginning."


For more information, please visit www.spooksthecomic.com and
www.devilsdue.net.

# # #

About Devil's Due Publishing:
After exploding on the comic book scene by igniting the "80s retro
revival" in the industry, Devil's Due quickly became one of the largest
and most popular comic book publishers in the United States. Today
DDP's
lineup is a diverse mix of original properties and licensed books
including Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, G.I. Joe,
Storm Shadow, Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, DemonWars, Voltron, The
Nye
Incidents, and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash, which is currently in
pre-production as a feature film for Rogue Pictures.

Devil's Due: reminding everyone that "Pop culture IS our culture". For
more information on Devil's Due Publishing, please
visit http://devilsdue.net.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

THE COOLEST COMIC BOOK YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER EVER CONFISCATED!
New Comic Series Brings ‘New Twist’ to ‘Old Testament’

FLANDERS, NJ (February 5, 2008) – JMG Comics, a division of JMG Studios is pleased to announce the upcoming release of its first comic book series, MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES.

MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES brings classic bible heroes to life in a whole new way! Drawn in the popular manga style and featuring “mecha” (robots), a mainstay of manga, this new series is sure to satisfy fans of imaginative action and adventure. The characters, themes and stories remain the same, only the setting has changed – to a futuristic world of aliens, robots and advanced technology!

“Just like modernized versions of Shakespeare's plays, by taking a solid, meaningful story and translating its elements as faithfully as possible into a new setting, we hope to bring out some of the more amazing details that might get missed by today's readers,” said co-writer Tom Hall.

The first issue, shipping in May, re-imagines the legendary tale of David, the shepherd boy who took down the giant, Goliath. The 32-page, full-color comic book retails for $2.25 US.

“David is a young kid who has to go toe-to-toe with a giant super robot covered in every conceivable type of weapon,” said Hall. “Other than that, everything is what the Bible describes, down to the small details that most versions of the tale gloss over.”

“The series is designed to appeal to anyone, whether religious or not” said Managing Editor Paul Castiglia, a veteran comic book writer and editor who has worked for Archie Comics among other notable comic publishers. “Our aim was to create an all-ages series with broad appeal, so that even those who consider the bible ‘mythology’ on par with Greek and Roman legends may embrace it.”

“The stories of the Old Testament are universal – they can be found among several religions and cultures. Our creative team consists of Christians who approach the material with a Christian worldview and we’ve strived to make this the coolest comic book your Sunday School teacher ever confiscated!”

He added that the series is meant to appeal to anyone who enjoys manga (especially “mecha”), video game heroes like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man, Transformers and other robot toys, and the animated versions of DC and Marvel superheroes.

The creative team for MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES #1: DAVID VS. GOLIATH includes writers Tom Hall (King, Robot 13) & Joey Endres (Megazeen), with pencils and inks by Thom “Kneon Transitt” Pratt (Disney) and colors and letters by Daniel Bradford (King, Robot 13). Also included are bonus comic strips by popular Australian writer/artist Dean Rankine. Each issue features fully painted covers by fan-favorite Jeff Slemons, who has done covers for several comic book publishers and whose work has been featured in successful ad campaigns. The series is edited by Paul Castiglia (Archie, DC, Dark Horse, Antarctic Press). JMG Studios owner John-Marc Grob (Marvel, owner-producer of FriendFish and various animation projects) is editor-in-chief.


Future issues will present the the further adventures of David as well as classic tales of such bible heroes as Daniel, Joseph, Jonah and others. Other series are in development, including “Beyond,” a horror/sci-fi/fantasy anthology aimed at older teens and beyond.

ANCHOR DISTRIBUTION is the exclusive distributor for the initial launch of MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES. Anchor will handle distribution for comic shops, Christian bookstores, libraries, churches, schools and other retailers. JMG Studios will provide flyers and wall posters for free upon request, and a customized ashcan at a portion of cost to help promote the comic book. For ordering and promotional information email paulc@jmgstudio.net

While Anchor will also handle reorders, JMG Comics is currently exploring partnering with additional reorder distributors.

MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES can be found on the Internet at www.mmbibleheroes.com and www.myspace.com/mechamangabibleheroes

For press, licensing/merchandising, movie/TV rights and all other inquiries, please email paulc@jmgstudio.net

MECHA-MANGA BIBLE HEROES 1: DAVID VS. GOLIATH, ships May, 2008. 32-page, full-color comic, $2.25 US.

MECHA MANGA BIBLE HEROES Copyright © 2007, 2008 by Paul Castiglia, Tom Hall, Joey Endres, Jeff Slemons, Thom Pratt, Daniel Bradford. All rights reserved.
A Dummy's Guide to Danger: Lost at Sea Receives Exclusive Cover Treatment



February 19, 2007: With the sequel to the critically acclaimed series A Dummy's Guide to Danger set to sail away this March, Viper Comics is pleased to announce they are printing a series of exclusive covers to coincide with the release of the first issue.



First up is a limited edition Boston Red Sox cover printed exclusively for Double Midnight Comics & Collectibles based in Manchester, New Hampshire. Featuring Mr. Bloomberg in an "I Love Papi" t-shirt, the special Boston issue is limited to 200 copies.



The second limited edition cover comes directly from the publisher and will carry throughout the entire four issue mini series. Coined the Selleck Variants, the alternative covers will resemble the originals with only one small difference… Each character featured on the four covers will don his or her mustaches.



The Selleck Variants will be limited to 200 copies each.



Created and written by Jason M. Burns (The Expendable One, The Sleepy Truth) with art by Joe Eisma, A Dummy's Guide to Danger: Lost at Sea picks up where the first series left off. After surviving the maniacal onslaught of The Flesh Collector, private investigator Alan Sirois and his paraplegic ventriloquist dummy partner, Mr. Bloomberg, return in this action filled and humor laced sequel that finds the mismatched duo aboard a mystery cruise where a real mystery has started to unfold.



A Dummy's Guide to Danger: Lost at Sea issue 1 will ship to stores in mid March.



For more information on Double Midnight Comics and how to purchase a copy of the Boston Variant, visit www.dmcomics.com.



For more information on A Dummy's Guide to Danger and how to purchase a copy of the Selleck Variants, visit www.vipercomics.com.



A Dummy's Guide to Danger: Lost at Sea

4-Issue Mini

32 Pages/Color/$3.25
Diamond Previews: FEB08 4094
Official PR: Little Foot's Matt Dembicki attends SPACE expo

Little Foot Publishing's Matt Dembicki will be attending the SPACE
small press expo in Columbus, OH this weekend March 1 - 2. He will be
on hand to discuss his creator owned book Mr. Big and the upcoming
anthology Trickster. In addition, Dembicki will be hosting a panel
discussion featuring luminaries in the field.

Panel details:

1:00 PM Antholo-geez! Anthology publishers vent. Hosted by Matt
Dembicki (Trickster) with Dara Naraghi (Panel), Allen Freeman (Slam
Bang), Rafer Roberts (Plastic Farm), Mark Innes (Comics Eye) and Bob
Corby (Oh,Comics!, Untitled).

For more info on SPACE please visit:
http://www.backporchcomics.com/space.htm

For more info on Little Foot please visit:
http://www.littlefootcomics.com
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LONG AWAITED NEW NARUTO!

Highly Anticipated New Manga Story Arc Launches Featuring A Teenage Naruto And Offers New Volumes Every Two Months

San Francisco, CA, February 20, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of the long-awaited new NARUTO manga story arc beginning with Volume 28, which is the first to feature Naruto as a teenager. The volume is expected to hit stores nationwide on March 4 with an estimated retail price of $7.95 and will include an exclusive full-color poster insert in the first print run. New editions of the hit series will now debut every two months.

NARUTO, rated T for Teens, has captivated millions with its story of a young ninja in training. The new volume picks up two years after Naruto left to train with Jiraiya. Now a teenager, he reunites with his old friends to find out everyone is stronger than before -- and maybe even stronger than he is! Gaara has even become the Kazekage, the leader of the Village Hidden in the Sand. But even with all that power, Gaara is kidnapped! Who is behind this shocking abduction and what do they want? Can Naruto save Gaara without becoming a victim himself?

First introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999, NARUTO quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga (graphic novel) targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. Today, Naruto is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan’s history and has achieved immense success not only as a manga and TV series, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading card games and video games. NARUTO currently enjoys widespread domestic success where it debuted as the best selling manga title in North America. NARUTO has sold over three million copies to date and regularly appears on USA Today’s Bestseller list and Bookscan’s Graphic Novel Top 50. Volume 7 also won the prestigious 2006 Quill Award in the Graphic Novel Category. VIZ Media also distributes the NARUTO animated series on DVD (which has sold over 350,000 copies domestically.) For more information go to www.NARUTO.com
- more -
“Japan’s favorite ninja has become the world's favorite ninja and we are very excited to announce the debut of the new teenage Naruto!,” says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. “The release of Volume 28 is the culmination of our Naruto Nation campaign that began in 2007 and brought an unprecedented increase in the publication of new NARUTO volumes – 3 per month. With lots of new characters and stories, readers who grew up with our young ninja in training will delight in the new changes. For those who have yet to see what the buzz is about, this volume is a wonderful entry point into an action packed series that has captivated millions of readers!”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

BOOM! Studios WonderCon 2008
Schedule of Signings, Panel, and Portfolio Reviews
(Booth #821, 823)


February 18th, 2008 - BOOM! Studios arrives at WonderCon with an aggressive schedule of signings, portfolio reviews and their annual WonderCon panel guaranteed to make heads go BOOM! (Schedule Below)


The scheduled events for all three days of WonderCon 2008 includes:


Co-founder and Publisher Ross Richie will be reviewing portfolios at scheduled times.


WARHAMMER: FORGE OF WAR and the upcoming WARHAMMER: CONDEMNED BY FIRE artist Rahsan Ekedal will be signing at scheduled times.


CTHULHU TALES: THE RISING cover artist Josh Ellingson will be signing once on Saturday.


FALL OF CTHULHU cover artist and UNCLE CTHULHU poster artist Patrick McEvoy will be signing at scheduled times. Patrick is also known for his work on Archaia Studios Press comic, STARKWEATHER: IMMORTAL.


LEFT ON MISSION creator and writer Chip Mosher will be signing at scheduled times. Chip is also the Marketing and Sales Director for BOOM! Studios.


FALL OF CTHULHU, DOMINION, SECOND WAVE and X ISLE writer Michael Alan Nelson will be signing at scheduled times.




Official BOOM! Studios WonderCon 2008 Schedule (Booth #821, 823)


Friday , Feb. 22nd


1pm - 2pm - Warhammer: Forge of War artist Rahsan Ekedal signing
1pm - 2pm - Fall of Cthulhu and Uncle Cthulhu artist Patrick McEvoy signing
1pm - 2pm - Fall of Cthulhu/Dominion/Second Wave/X Isle writer Michael Alan Nelson signing
3pm - 4pm - Portfolio Review with Publisher Ross Richie
3pm - 4pm - Left On Mission writer Chip Mosher signing


5:30pm - 6:30pm - BOOM! Studios Panel - Room 236/238 - the panel where your head will go BOOM!




******************************************




Saturday , Feb. 23rd


1pm - 2pm - Warhammer: Forge of War artist Rahsan Ekedal signing
1pm - 2pm - Fall of Cthulhu and Uncle Cthulhu artist Patrick McEvoy signing
1pm - 2pm - Fall of Cthulhu/Dominion/Second Wave/X Isle writer Michael Alan Nelson signing
2pm - 3pm - Left On Mission writer Chip Mosher signing
3pm - 4pm - Portfolio Review with Publisher Ross Richie
4pm - 5pm - Cthulhu Tales: The Rising cover artist Josh Ellingson signing
5pm - 6pm - Warhammer: Forge of War artist Rahsan Ekedal signing
5pm - 6pm - Fall of Cthulhu and Uncle Cthulhu artist Patrick McEvoy signing
5pm - 6pm - Fall of Cthulhu/Dominion/Second Wave/X Isle writer Michael Alan Nelson signing




******************************************




Sunday , Feb. 24th




12pm - 1pm - Warhammer: Forge of War artist Rahsan Ekedal signing
12pm - 1pm - Fall of Cthulhu and Uncle Cthulhu artist Patrick McEvoy signing
12pm - 1pm - Fall of Cthulhu/Dominion/Second Wave/X Isle writer Michael Alan Nelson signing
2pm - 3pm - Left On Mission writer Chip Mosher signing
2pm - 3pm - Portfolio Review with Publisher Ross Richie
ARTESIA RETURNS IN LONG-AWAITED ARTESIA BESIEGED #3

Kearny, NJ -- Feb 19, 2008 -- ASP and Mark Smylie are proud to announce the return of ARTESIA. The epic military fantasy story of the warrior queen continues where it left off with ARTESIA BESIEGED #3 (of 6, April 2007, $3.95, 32 painted pages, Diamond Code: FEB08 3464). To prove we really mean it, check out a few of the finished pages at www.artesiaonline.com

And to catch up on the first two issues, be sure to order and read ARTESIA BESIEGED #1 (Diamond Code: FEB08 3465) and ARTESIA BESIEGED #2 (Diamond Code: FEB08 3466).

“It’s incredibly cathartic to get back to painting,” said ARTESIA creator and ASP Publisher Mark Smylie. “Building a new company with my partner Aki has taken far more time than I expected, but I wanted to do it right, I wanted to create a special kind of company. Unfortunately, that forced an involuntary ARTESIA delay. Now that we’ve brought on some additional help, I’m finally able to get back to it. I’m so grateful to every fan, old and new alike, who has waited patiently for ARTESIA’s return. I promise, it’ll be worth the wait.”

ARTESIA BESIEGED #3
“As I Lay Dying.” Stabbed and poisoned, Artesia hovers on death’s door while ghosts and spirits debate when she will die and King Euwen presses his assault on the city of Abenton and the palisades of the Daradjan camp. Mature Readers (Strong Sexual Content, Nudity, Graphic Violence, and Adult Content).

ARTESIA and all of ASP’s titles are available at finer comic book retailers and bookstores worldwide.

ABOUT ARCHAIA STUDIOS PRESS
Mark Smylie founded Archaia Studios Press (ASP) in 2002 as a new home for his epic fantasy comic book, Artesia (first published by Sirius Entertainment). Artesia, winner of ForeWord Magazine’s Best Graphic Novel of 2003, and its sequels -- Artesia Afield and Artesia Afire -- gave ASP its foundation. Artesia: Adventures in The Known World, a roleplaying game written by Mark, expanded ASP into the world of gaming; the game won the Origins Award for Role-Playing Game of 2005. Now Mark and publishing partner Aki Liao have expanded ASP to include a line of idiosyncratic and creator-driven comic books and graphic novels in the fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres, as well as translations of several of Europe’s best titles. More information can be found at www.aspcomics.com
BLOOD BOWL COMING TO BOOM!



Los Angeles - February 18th, 2008 - BOOM! Studios is putting the fantasy back into fantasy football (as in elves, dwaves, orcs, and ogres) with the release of BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #1. The five-issue mini-series brings together best-selling BLOOD BOWL novelist Matt Forbeck and his trademark twisted blend of humor and action with soon to be fan-favorite artist Lads Helloven for the first-ever BLOOD BOWL comic book.

The new miniseries, BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT, brings to life the world-renowned Games Workshop's tabletop fantasy football game, BLOOD BOWL.

"This miniseries is a natural fit for BOOM! after doing the WARHAMMER 40,000 and WARHAMMER series," said Ross Richie, Co-Founder of BOOM! Studios, "BLOOD BOWL combines the best parts of fantasy and football: gore and guts."

Bestselling author Matt Forbeck kicks off the BLOOD BOWL miniseries with a throw-down between the legendary Bad Bay Hackers and their hated rivals: the Orcland Raiders. Artist Lads Helloven's detailed and hilarious illustrations will make readers both cringe and laugh at the on-field violence.

BOOM! Studios adds BLOOD BOWL to its already-existing line of hugely successful comic books and graphic novels based on Games Workshop properties, including the worlds of WARHAMMER and WARHAMMER 40,000.

"I love games, I love BLOOD BOWL, and I love comics," said Matt Forbeck, writer of BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT. "Working with BOOM! on this has been a dream: a funny, twisted, violent dream about humans, ogres, and orcs fighting over a prized pigskin decorated with sharp and shiny spikes."

Besides the best-selling BLOOD BOWL series of novels for the Black Library, Matt Forbeck has written numerous novels and comics including EBERRON: MARKED FOR DEATH, DRACULA'S REVENGE, DEADLANDS: ONE SHOT, SECRET OF THE SPIRITKEEPER, and the novelization of the upcoming MUTANT CHRONICLES film.

Matt Forbeck is also a leading game developer with twelve Origins awards and five ENnie awards, having developed and co-wrote THE LORD OF THE RINGS ROLEPLAYING GAME and REDHURST ACADEMY OF MAGIC, and designed the games BRAVE NEW WORLD: THE ROLEPLAYING GAME and MARVEL HEROES BATTLE DICE, among countless others. He also co-wrote the recent HARVEY BIRDMAN, ATTORNEY AT LAW video game for the PS2, the PSP, and the Wii.

BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #1 is featured in this month's February 2008 Diamond Previews catalogue and will ship in April of this year. BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #1 Cover A has a Diamond Code of FEB083594 and Cover B has a Diamond Code of FEB083595.

There will be an extremely limited C cover for BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #1 available as a 1-in-10 retailer incentive. Fans should check with their retailer for details on availability.

About BOOM! Studios

Winner of Wizard Magazine's "Best New Publisher," BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com ) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects from some of the industry's biggest talents. Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.

BOOM! Studios co-founder Andrew Cosby's television series EUREKA recently finished its second season at the Sci-Fi Channel, having launched to impressive ratings this past summer and consistently winning several key demographics on basic cable. EUREKA is the highest-rated series in the Sci-Fi Channel's history.
DRAGONFIRE LASER SEARS INTO THE FUTURE

Dragonfire Laser releases wooden Pirate tarot deck.


(Fort Wayne, IN- February 18, 2008) Dragonfire Laser Crafts announced today the release of a prestige format full set of woodengraved Pirate Tarot cards. The Pirate Tarot contains all 78 cards of both the major and minor arcana etched into 1/16 cherry woodthat has been oiled for an aged hardwearing finish. The full set is available for $500.00. Each of the cards can be purchased separatelyas well. The Pirate Tarot is shipping now!

Lucas Amodio, President of Dragonfire Laser Crafts, commented, “I love the way these cards turned out. The beautifully drawndetail brings out the meaning in each of the cards. They have a lighter feel that fits the swashbuckling theme perfectly.” The pinecollector’s box holds the entire pirate tarot deck and can have any card engraved on the top. All images were created with a swashbucklingfeel to be easilyread. A book of interpretations is planned to be released in late March or early April.

This product is only available directly through Dragonfire Laser Crafts and can be ordered at http://www.dragonfiresigns.com/store.php?crn=212. If you would like to be on the mailing list for all Dragonfire Laser Crafts news please make sure and sign up by emailing newsletter@dragonfirelaser.com.

About Dragonfire Laser Crafts: Started in 2006, Dragonfire Laser Crafts had one goal, to give the customer exactly what they desire. Since their inception, they have stuck to that goal and by listening to their customers have created many different products in a staggeringnumber of industries. Their vision and skill have helped them conquer multiple industries including: Ornaments, Awards, Ancestry,Gaming, Glassware and many more!

Dragonfire Laser Crafts- Forging your visions with fire!

Monday, February 18, 2008

At OpenEducation.net we recently reviewed the use of comic books as a tool for teaching reading in the school setting. At that time, we omitted a review of Manga as a possible genre for use. We have since added the following post:

http://www.openeducation.net/2008/02/14/manga-another-comic-format-worthy-of-classroom-consideration/


Our three initial posts were:

http://www.openeducation.net/2008/01/23/innovative-teaching-comic-books-in-the-classroom/

http://www.openeducation.net/2008/01/24/innovative-teaching-chris-wilson-discusses-the-comic-book-movement/

http://www.openeducation.net/2008/01/27/the-twelve-best-comic-books-for-the-classroom/

If you have any feedback on our approach or treatment of the topic I welcome your input.

Thanks and have a great week.

Tom Hanson
Editor
OpenEducation.net
Baltimore MD (Feb. 18, 2008) - The creators known collectively as MOB -- David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil), Michael Avon Oeming (Mice Templar, Powers, Omega Flight) and Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, New Avengers, Mighty Avengers) -- are coming to the Baltimore Comic-Con, set for September 27-28, 2008 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The critically acclaimed David Mack is the creator of Kabuki, the long-running indy hit which began at Caliber Comics, developed further at Image, and finally landed at Marvel's Ion imprint. He has both written and illustrated Daredevil.

Whether as a writer, artist or filmmaker, Michael Avon Oeming always has a new project brewing. He has written and or illustrated a wide variety of titles including Bastard Samurai, Cross Bronx, Foot Soldiers, Six, Beta Ray Bill, Red Sonja, and Highlander. His Mice Templar, from Image Comics, has received significant praise from the critics, as has his long-running hit, Powers.

One of the most influential creators working in the medium today, Brian Michael Bendis developed Ultimate Spider-Man and has written the title since its inception. Along the way he wrote an epic run on Daredevil, and also wrote New Avengers: Illuminati, House of M, Ultimate X-Men, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Spider-Woman: Origin, Elektra and Daredevil: Ninja. Before coming to Marvel he wrote Fire, A.K.A. Goldfish, Jinx, Torso and Sam & Twitch. His current work includes New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Secret Invasion, Halo, Powers and the upcoming Spider-Woman.

"Mike Oeming has been one of our most popular, rock solid guests since the earliest days of the Baltimore Comic-Con. We're very happy to have him back and thrilled that he's bringing along his MOB friends," said Marc Nathan, the show's promoter. "If there's someone who fits the term 'an artist's artist." it's David Mack, and if there's a writer with a bigger following in comics than Brian Michael Bendis, I'm not sure who that would be. This is one of our most requested group appearances in the history of the show. It's great to share this kind of news with all of our fans."

This news comes after a series of other high profile announcements from the convention. The trio joins Guest of Honor Bernie Wrightson, and such notables as Jim Lee (Batman: Hush), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg), Ron Garney (Wolverine), Frank Cho (Mighty Avengers) and Jim Shooter (Legion of Super-Heroes) at the show. Creators Mark Wheatley and Robert Tinnell are featuring the Baltimore Comic-Con in their weekly EZ Street series on ComicMix.com, and popular artist Tom Raney (Ultimate X-Men, Stormwatch) also has joined the show.

Other guests lined up for this year's convention include (in alphabetical order) Kyle Baker (The Bakers), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Steve Conley (Star Trek, The Escapist), Amanda Conner (JSA Classified, Terra), David Finch (World War Hulk, New Avengers), Ramona Fradon (Aquaman), John Gallagher (Buzzboy, Roboy Red), Michael Golden (Micronauts, The 'Nam), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle, Black Lightning), Adam Hughes (Catwoman), Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Action Comics), J.G. Jones (52, Wonder Woman), Dean Haspiel (Brawl), Stuart Immonen (Ultimate Spider-Man), Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Ultimate X-Men), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man, The Order), Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Jonah Hex), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate X-Men, Strange), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween, Heroes), Vincent Spencer (Zombie-Proof), J.C. Vaughn (Zombie-Proof, 24), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest, The Wicked West), Mike Vosburg (Lori Lovecraft), and Mark Waid (Flash, Boom! Studios).

A list of publishers, studios, manufacturers and service organizations attending the show will be forthcoming.

The Harvey Awards will return to the Baltimore Comic-Con for the third consecutive year. The awards dinner and ceremony will be held Saturday night, September 27, following the convention's normal hours. As in 2007, the first 300 paid attendees and honorees at the 2008 Harvey Awards Ceremonies will receive a Hollywood style bag of swag. Last year's bag included The EC Archives: Two-Fisted Tales - Volume 1 from Gemstone Publishing, a complete base set of the soon to be released Jericho Season One trading cards from Inkworks, an exclusive pin from AdHouse Books, a Comic-Con exclusive edition of 30 Days of Night: Red Snow #1 from IDW Publishing, a Toon Tumbler from Popfun Merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach. Nomination ballots are presently online at www.harveyawards. org. Kyle Baker will return as Master of Ceremonies for the evening's events.

For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, email cardscomicscollecti lbes@yahoo. com or call (410) 526-7410. The guest list and other information can be found on the convention's website or on it's MySpace (www.myspace. com/baltimorecom ics) page.

For more information about the Harvey Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, email baltimorecomiccon@ yahoo.com
Strangeco
And FriendsWithYou
Are Proud to Present The Release of
Wish Come True




Join STRANGEco, FriendsWithYou and Yoyamart for the release of Wish Come True, a brand new set of magical toys for kids and grown-ups alike. Artists Sam Borkson and Arturo Sandoval, aka FriendsWithYou, in attendance.

Zip Zap Zoo make this WISH COME TRUE


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008
3:00 to 6:00 pm
Yoyamart
15 Ganesvoort Street (@ Hudson)
New York, NY
For more information please visit: http://www.STRANGEco.com