PRESS RELEASE - HICKMAN FREES PAX ROMANA
Jonathan Hickman releases debut issue for free!
29 February 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - THE NIGHTLY NEWS' Jonathan Hickman will be releasing the first issue of his all new miniseries, PAX ROMANA, to coincide with its second issues, due in stores next week.
"I'm extremely proud of PAX ROMANA," said creator Jonathan Hickman. "It's enough of a departure from my first project, The NIGHTLY NEWS, that I had concerns about how it would be initially received. The fact that we printed more copies – the fact that we sold out of those copies – has been wonderful."
Last year Jonathan Hickman's second miniseries, PAX ROMANA, debuted to critical acclaim, hot on the heels of his debut, THE NIGHTLY NEWS. While PAX ROMANA has a very different approach than its predecessor, a sold out print run and subsequent praise once again solidified Hickman as a creator to watch out for.
PAX ROMANA #2 (OCT072016), a 32-page full color comic for $3.50, will be in-stores March 3rd, 2008. The entire first issue can be read at http://www.pronea.com/samples/PR1sample.html.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently four partners in Image Comics (Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Hot off the press!!!
Chinese Hero vol. 5, Lunar Legend Tsukihime vol 5, , and Metro Survive vol 1, AVAILABLE NOW!!!
SAN JOSE, CA – February 2008 – DrMaster has just announced the publication of Chinese Hero: Tales of the Blood Sword volume 5 by Wing Shing Ma, Lunar Legend Tsukihime volume 5 by TYPE-MOON and sasakishonen, and a new series by Yuki Fujisawa, Metro Survive volume 1.
Chinese Hero vol. 5
Hero defeats Steel Bull and rescues the captured people in Steel Bull Valley. However, before dying, Steel Bull lets out a battle cry, calling a stampede of mad bulls charging into the valley and furiously attacking everyone. The crazed bulls are eventually defeated, but with tragic consequences... While Hero is trying to get back to China Tower, he meets a soothsayer who tells him that he is going to be lonely for the rest of his whole life. Hero sees this as a dark omen of more unfortunate events to come… Meanwhile, China Tower is attacked while Hero is gone, and Zhi, Qin and Ghost Servant fight for their lives as they desperately try to fend off the Black Dragon Gang. Will China Tower be crushed? And will Zhi, Qin and Ghost Servant come out alive? Find out what happens in this action-packed volume of Chinese Hero!
Lunar Legend Tsukihime vol. 5
After rescuing Shiki from his dangerous encounter with Roa, Ciel warns him in vain to stay away from Arcueid, who may have an ulterior motive. Meanwhile, Shiki cannot shake off the feeling that he knows Roa, and a visit to the garden of his house jolts his memory, piercing him with visions of Roa as a child, along with a voice telling him that he will become a "true monster" someday.
Metro Survive vol. 1
Mishima is your average spineless pushover, working as a repairman for the Exopolis Tower, Tokyo's largest and hottest high-rise business and entertainment building. He promises to come home in time to celebrate his son's birthday, but when he lets his pushy boss saddle him with overtime, the task takes him all night. On the morning subway train heading home, a massive earthquake strikes and collapses both Exopolis and its underground train lines. Now Mishima is trapped deep underground with the other passengers of the train, some of whom are less than cooperative. Will he be able to take the initiative for once and lead them all to freedom, or will they starve in their underground prison?
Availability
The three titlesare available NOW. Chinese Hero: Tales of the Blood Sword vol. 5 will be priced at $18.95. Lunar Legend Tsukihime vol. 5 and Metro Survive vol. 1 will each be priced at $9.95. Visit www.drmasterbooks.com for more detailed series information.
About DrMaster Publications, Inc.:
From Japan we bring unique stories and characters, brought to life through suspenseful science fiction, relationship dramas, and side-splitting comedies. And from China, we have offerings rich in history and mystique, and titles with unmatched action and suspense. By brazenly going against the grain and laughing in the face of conformity, DrMaster Publications Inc. introduced something different to the legion of comic book fans whose cravings lie outside the superhero box. Choosing the path less traveled we have journeyed across the Pacific to bring US readers, the acclaimed works from Japan and China's biggest and brightest!
Each of our books is like a glimpse into a new realm as seen through the eyes of the authors and artists. You don’t just read a DrMaster book—it jolts you to life, as you are propelled through the pages. Please click here for a list of our current and upcoming titles. And feel free to tour the site. Regular updates will follow as our line of “masterful” comic series expands.
About DGN Productions International:
DGN Productions (Digital Graphic Novel Productions) is a newly-formed production company and studio made up of industry veterans within the comics and video game industries. Through strategic licensing of key comic book titles and the use of recognized industry professionals within the fields of animation and video game development, DGN Pro. Intl. is dedicated to producing cutting-edge video games, comics and animated features adapted from some the biggest and brightest in Hong Kong, Japanese and Korean comic book properties. DGN Productions Intl. was founded June 2004 and is based in Fremont, California.
Chinese Hero vol. 5, Lunar Legend Tsukihime vol 5, , and Metro Survive vol 1, AVAILABLE NOW!!!
SAN JOSE, CA – February 2008 – DrMaster has just announced the publication of Chinese Hero: Tales of the Blood Sword volume 5 by Wing Shing Ma, Lunar Legend Tsukihime volume 5 by TYPE-MOON and sasakishonen, and a new series by Yuki Fujisawa, Metro Survive volume 1.
Chinese Hero vol. 5
Hero defeats Steel Bull and rescues the captured people in Steel Bull Valley. However, before dying, Steel Bull lets out a battle cry, calling a stampede of mad bulls charging into the valley and furiously attacking everyone. The crazed bulls are eventually defeated, but with tragic consequences... While Hero is trying to get back to China Tower, he meets a soothsayer who tells him that he is going to be lonely for the rest of his whole life. Hero sees this as a dark omen of more unfortunate events to come… Meanwhile, China Tower is attacked while Hero is gone, and Zhi, Qin and Ghost Servant fight for their lives as they desperately try to fend off the Black Dragon Gang. Will China Tower be crushed? And will Zhi, Qin and Ghost Servant come out alive? Find out what happens in this action-packed volume of Chinese Hero!
Lunar Legend Tsukihime vol. 5
After rescuing Shiki from his dangerous encounter with Roa, Ciel warns him in vain to stay away from Arcueid, who may have an ulterior motive. Meanwhile, Shiki cannot shake off the feeling that he knows Roa, and a visit to the garden of his house jolts his memory, piercing him with visions of Roa as a child, along with a voice telling him that he will become a "true monster" someday.
Metro Survive vol. 1
Mishima is your average spineless pushover, working as a repairman for the Exopolis Tower, Tokyo's largest and hottest high-rise business and entertainment building. He promises to come home in time to celebrate his son's birthday, but when he lets his pushy boss saddle him with overtime, the task takes him all night. On the morning subway train heading home, a massive earthquake strikes and collapses both Exopolis and its underground train lines. Now Mishima is trapped deep underground with the other passengers of the train, some of whom are less than cooperative. Will he be able to take the initiative for once and lead them all to freedom, or will they starve in their underground prison?
Availability
The three titlesare available NOW. Chinese Hero: Tales of the Blood Sword vol. 5 will be priced at $18.95. Lunar Legend Tsukihime vol. 5 and Metro Survive vol. 1 will each be priced at $9.95. Visit www.drmasterbooks.com for more detailed series information.
About DrMaster Publications, Inc.:
From Japan we bring unique stories and characters, brought to life through suspenseful science fiction, relationship dramas, and side-splitting comedies. And from China, we have offerings rich in history and mystique, and titles with unmatched action and suspense. By brazenly going against the grain and laughing in the face of conformity, DrMaster Publications Inc. introduced something different to the legion of comic book fans whose cravings lie outside the superhero box. Choosing the path less traveled we have journeyed across the Pacific to bring US readers, the acclaimed works from Japan and China's biggest and brightest!
Each of our books is like a glimpse into a new realm as seen through the eyes of the authors and artists. You don’t just read a DrMaster book—it jolts you to life, as you are propelled through the pages. Please click here for a list of our current and upcoming titles. And feel free to tour the site. Regular updates will follow as our line of “masterful” comic series expands.
About DGN Productions International:
DGN Productions (Digital Graphic Novel Productions) is a newly-formed production company and studio made up of industry veterans within the comics and video game industries. Through strategic licensing of key comic book titles and the use of recognized industry professionals within the fields of animation and video game development, DGN Pro. Intl. is dedicated to producing cutting-edge video games, comics and animated features adapted from some the biggest and brightest in Hong Kong, Japanese and Korean comic book properties. DGN Productions Intl. was founded June 2004 and is based in Fremont, California.
IMAGE COMICS SOAR WITH EAGLE AWARDS!
Image Comics sweeps nominations for 2007 Eagle Awards!
28 February 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Fans from across the pond have honored Image Comics with an overwhelming amount of nominations in their annual Eagle Awards, the most prestigious comic book award in the United Kingdom.
"Receiving this many nominations is an unprecedented honor," said Image Comics Executive Director Eric Stephenson. "Everyone at Image is very happy with the nominations and thanks all of our fans who participated."
Nominations range from Image Central creators such as Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman, Jamie McKelvie, Jay Faerber and Robert Kirkman to titles such as Proof and The Walking Dead. In addition, Image founder Jim Valentino's imprint, Shadowline, has specifically received an immense amount of support for everything from their editor, Kris Simon, to titles such as Bomb Queen and Cemetery Blues.
Fans can still vote for their favorite creators at www.eagleawards.co.uk. For more information on the Image Comics nominated, please see www.imagecomics.com.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently four partners in Image Comics (Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
Image Comics sweeps nominations for 2007 Eagle Awards!
28 February 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Fans from across the pond have honored Image Comics with an overwhelming amount of nominations in their annual Eagle Awards, the most prestigious comic book award in the United Kingdom.
"Receiving this many nominations is an unprecedented honor," said Image Comics Executive Director Eric Stephenson. "Everyone at Image is very happy with the nominations and thanks all of our fans who participated."
Nominations range from Image Central creators such as Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman, Jamie McKelvie, Jay Faerber and Robert Kirkman to titles such as Proof and The Walking Dead. In addition, Image founder Jim Valentino's imprint, Shadowline, has specifically received an immense amount of support for everything from their editor, Kris Simon, to titles such as Bomb Queen and Cemetery Blues.
Fans can still vote for their favorite creators at www.eagleawards.co.uk. For more information on the Image Comics nominated, please see www.imagecomics.com.
Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently four partners in Image Comics (Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.
www.rue-morgue.com
________________________________________
ON STANDS MARCH 3!
UP FROM UNDERGROUND
Spotlight on Indie Horror: With a shoestring budget and huge aspirations, director Jim Mickle and his guerrilla crew took to the streets of New York to make Mulberry Street, an intelligent, socially conscious, apocalyptic rat-virus movie. Plus: A look at The Living and the Dead, The Lost and
After Dark’s 8 Films to Die For.
by Mitch Davis, Kier-La Janisse, Dave Alexander, James Grainger, Last Chance Lance, Justine Warwick and Brad Abraham
MASSACRE AT HAMILTON HIGH
Director Paul Lynch tells the story of creating Prom Night, Canada’s first slasher franchise, in all of its early ‘80s, low-budget glory.
Plus: An interview with composer Paul Zaza, reviews of the sequels and a preview of the in-name-only remake.
by James Burrell
ILLUSTRATING THE INDESCRIBABLE
A Lovecraft Retrospective collects 85 years of art influenced by the Dark Prince of Providence.
by Monica S. Kuebler
ROLLING WITH THE REAPER
Want a send-off that reflects your freewheelin’ lifestyle? Try a hearse bike.
by Last Chance Lance
DEPARTMENTS:
NOTE FROM UNDERGROUND
Theft.
DREADLINES
Screenwriting duo scares up new Argento and Carpenter films; Director Bruce LaBruce expands gay art-porn canon to include zombies.
CINEMACABRE
CineMacabre presents reviews of Cloverfield, I Am Legend, The Orphanage, One Missed Call, Spiral, Catacombs, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, The Blood Shed, Lake Placid 2, Hack!, Fallen Angels, Die and Let Live, Days of Darkness, Day X, and more! Reissues: reviews of Tragic Ceremony, Guru the Mad Monk, The Nude Vampire, The Loreley's Grasp, Killing Spree, Swamp Thing: The Series, Ricco the Mean Machine, and more!
CINEMARQUEE
Earth vs. The Flying Saucers (1956).
BOWEN’S BASEMENT
Spotlight: Getting Sticky for The Green Slime.
BLOOD IN FOUR COLOURS
Spotlight: Halloween. Plus reviews of The Evil Dead, High Moon, Innocent Vol. 1 TPB, Therefore Repent! and The Killing Joke – Special Edition.
THE NINTH CIRCE
Spotlight: Brian Keene’s Dark Hollow. Plus reviews of Chicago TV Horror Movie Shows: From Shock Theatre to Svengoolie, Tales from the Cult Film Trenches, Dr. A.C. Presents Horror 101, Haunted America, Haunted Heritage, Michael A. Arnzen’s Proverbs for Monsters, Gerard Houarner’s Road From Hell, and more!
TRAVELOGUE OF TERROR
The World Famous Frankenstein 1818 Pub – Edinburgh, Scotland.
THE GORE-MET
Menu: Horror Rises from the Tomb (1972).
AUDIO DROME
Spotlight: James Fisher’s Aberrant. Reviews of La morte ha fatto l‘uovo OST, The Other Side OST, Halloween III: Season of the Witch OST, The Monster Squad OST, Zombie Battle Axe, The Scared Stiffs, Horrorpops, Horror of 59, Zombie (live), and Cavalera Conspiracy.
PLAY DEAD
Dementium: The Ward, Half-Life 2: Zombie Panic and Parasites Unleashed.
CLASSIC CUT
Rene Laloux and Roland Topor’s The Savage Planet.
GIVEAWAYS THIS ISSUE:
Twenty new subscribers will win a prize pack including a Them DVD and a Them Hoodie. Courtesy of Dark Sky Films.
________________________________________
ON STANDS MARCH 3!
UP FROM UNDERGROUND
Spotlight on Indie Horror: With a shoestring budget and huge aspirations, director Jim Mickle and his guerrilla crew took to the streets of New York to make Mulberry Street, an intelligent, socially conscious, apocalyptic rat-virus movie. Plus: A look at The Living and the Dead, The Lost and
After Dark’s 8 Films to Die For.
by Mitch Davis, Kier-La Janisse, Dave Alexander, James Grainger, Last Chance Lance, Justine Warwick and Brad Abraham
MASSACRE AT HAMILTON HIGH
Director Paul Lynch tells the story of creating Prom Night, Canada’s first slasher franchise, in all of its early ‘80s, low-budget glory.
Plus: An interview with composer Paul Zaza, reviews of the sequels and a preview of the in-name-only remake.
by James Burrell
ILLUSTRATING THE INDESCRIBABLE
A Lovecraft Retrospective collects 85 years of art influenced by the Dark Prince of Providence.
by Monica S. Kuebler
ROLLING WITH THE REAPER
Want a send-off that reflects your freewheelin’ lifestyle? Try a hearse bike.
by Last Chance Lance
DEPARTMENTS:
NOTE FROM UNDERGROUND
Theft.
DREADLINES
Screenwriting duo scares up new Argento and Carpenter films; Director Bruce LaBruce expands gay art-porn canon to include zombies.
CINEMACABRE
CineMacabre presents reviews of Cloverfield, I Am Legend, The Orphanage, One Missed Call, Spiral, Catacombs, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, The Blood Shed, Lake Placid 2, Hack!, Fallen Angels, Die and Let Live, Days of Darkness, Day X, and more! Reissues: reviews of Tragic Ceremony, Guru the Mad Monk, The Nude Vampire, The Loreley's Grasp, Killing Spree, Swamp Thing: The Series, Ricco the Mean Machine, and more!
CINEMARQUEE
Earth vs. The Flying Saucers (1956).
BOWEN’S BASEMENT
Spotlight: Getting Sticky for The Green Slime.
BLOOD IN FOUR COLOURS
Spotlight: Halloween. Plus reviews of The Evil Dead, High Moon, Innocent Vol. 1 TPB, Therefore Repent! and The Killing Joke – Special Edition.
THE NINTH CIRCE
Spotlight: Brian Keene’s Dark Hollow. Plus reviews of Chicago TV Horror Movie Shows: From Shock Theatre to Svengoolie, Tales from the Cult Film Trenches, Dr. A.C. Presents Horror 101, Haunted America, Haunted Heritage, Michael A. Arnzen’s Proverbs for Monsters, Gerard Houarner’s Road From Hell, and more!
TRAVELOGUE OF TERROR
The World Famous Frankenstein 1818 Pub – Edinburgh, Scotland.
THE GORE-MET
Menu: Horror Rises from the Tomb (1972).
AUDIO DROME
Spotlight: James Fisher’s Aberrant. Reviews of La morte ha fatto l‘uovo OST, The Other Side OST, Halloween III: Season of the Witch OST, The Monster Squad OST, Zombie Battle Axe, The Scared Stiffs, Horrorpops, Horror of 59, Zombie (live), and Cavalera Conspiracy.
PLAY DEAD
Dementium: The Ward, Half-Life 2: Zombie Panic and Parasites Unleashed.
CLASSIC CUT
Rene Laloux and Roland Topor’s The Savage Planet.
GIVEAWAYS THIS ISSUE:
Twenty new subscribers will win a prize pack including a Them DVD and a Them Hoodie. Courtesy of Dark Sky Films.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
TOMY AND D3PUBLISHER OF AMERICA UNLEASH NARUTO™: NINJA DESTINY FOR
NINTENDO DS™
Explosive 3D Ninja Combat Headed for Stores Today
LOS ANGELES – February 26, 2008 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of
America, Inc. (D3PA), publishers of interactive entertainment software,
today announced that NARUTO™: Ninja Destiny for the Nintendo DS™
handheld system has shipped to retailers nationwide. Featuring stunning,
cinematic techniques and the original orange-clad ninja, the fighting
game promises vibrant 3D battles that are true to VIZ Media’s hit
animated TV series NARUTO.
“NARUTO: Ninja Destiny is easy to pick-up and play yet challenging to
master for the core fighter, setting the bar even higher for the
possibilities of 3D fighting games on the Nintendo DS,” said Mark
Shinohara, executive vice president, TOMY Corporation. “With the unique
gameplay possibilities made possible by the touch screen and two-player
wireless combat, fans can unleash their inner ninja like never before.”
“It’s been very gratifying to see the NARUTO brand grow and evolve with
each new iteration,” said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing,
D3PA. “As fans of the series ourselves, we are always looking to bring
NARUTO to broader audiences and introduce new ways to bring these
amazing characters to life.”
Players can take their ninja battles on the road with NARUTO: Ninja
Destiny, the first 3D head-to-head NARUTO fighter for the Nintendo DS.
Featuring scenes, characters, and storylines up to the 140th episode of
the hit anime series, the game improves upon the Japanese original with
additional characters, content, and improved frame rate. Any aspiring
ninja can unleash powerful jutsu and take advantage of items to brawl
his way to victory against 16 different characters. Dual-screen combat
will allow fierce battles to unfold on the top screen while special
power ups can be strategically unleashed on the touch screen for fast,
frenetic action. Designed to appeal to both fighting game veterans and
newcomers, players can endeavor to become a proficient ninja master by
chaining together a string of deadly combos. NARUTO: Ninja Destiny
offers an intense single-player story and versus mode, along with
wireless multiplayer combat.
For more information on NARUTO please visit www.naruto.com. For more
information on NARUTO: Ninja Destiny, please visit
www.NarutoNintendoGames.com.
About TOMY Corporation
With U.S. headquarters in Santa Ana, California, TOMY Corporation is one
of the worlds’ oldest and most endearing toy companies. For more than
eight decades, TOMY has developed and manufactured a broad portfolio of
exciting and educational toys, games and video games for children of all
ages. Known for its innovation, quality and safety, TOMY’s mission is to
produce toys, videogames and merchandise for North America that
entertain and inspire children and adults. The Consumer Software
Division currently publishes for the Nintendo GameCube™, Game Boy®
Advance, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ home video game system. TOMY Corporation
is a subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (aka TAKARATOMY in
Japan). More information is available at www.TOMY-USA.com.
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
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, 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 at www.VIZ.com.
About D3Publisher of America, Inc
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with
headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. D3Publisher of America’s strategic focus
is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers
that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los
Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for
personal computers, major console platforms, and handheld systems,
including Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy® Advance,
PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system,
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft,
and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products,
visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.
NINTENDO DS™
Explosive 3D Ninja Combat Headed for Stores Today
LOS ANGELES – February 26, 2008 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of
America, Inc. (D3PA), publishers of interactive entertainment software,
today announced that NARUTO™: Ninja Destiny for the Nintendo DS™
handheld system has shipped to retailers nationwide. Featuring stunning,
cinematic techniques and the original orange-clad ninja, the fighting
game promises vibrant 3D battles that are true to VIZ Media’s hit
animated TV series NARUTO.
“NARUTO: Ninja Destiny is easy to pick-up and play yet challenging to
master for the core fighter, setting the bar even higher for the
possibilities of 3D fighting games on the Nintendo DS,” said Mark
Shinohara, executive vice president, TOMY Corporation. “With the unique
gameplay possibilities made possible by the touch screen and two-player
wireless combat, fans can unleash their inner ninja like never before.”
“It’s been very gratifying to see the NARUTO brand grow and evolve with
each new iteration,” said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing,
D3PA. “As fans of the series ourselves, we are always looking to bring
NARUTO to broader audiences and introduce new ways to bring these
amazing characters to life.”
Players can take their ninja battles on the road with NARUTO: Ninja
Destiny, the first 3D head-to-head NARUTO fighter for the Nintendo DS.
Featuring scenes, characters, and storylines up to the 140th episode of
the hit anime series, the game improves upon the Japanese original with
additional characters, content, and improved frame rate. Any aspiring
ninja can unleash powerful jutsu and take advantage of items to brawl
his way to victory against 16 different characters. Dual-screen combat
will allow fierce battles to unfold on the top screen while special
power ups can be strategically unleashed on the touch screen for fast,
frenetic action. Designed to appeal to both fighting game veterans and
newcomers, players can endeavor to become a proficient ninja master by
chaining together a string of deadly combos. NARUTO: Ninja Destiny
offers an intense single-player story and versus mode, along with
wireless multiplayer combat.
For more information on NARUTO please visit www.naruto.com. For more
information on NARUTO: Ninja Destiny, please visit
www.NarutoNintendoGames.com.
About TOMY Corporation
With U.S. headquarters in Santa Ana, California, TOMY Corporation is one
of the worlds’ oldest and most endearing toy companies. For more than
eight decades, TOMY has developed and manufactured a broad portfolio of
exciting and educational toys, games and video games for children of all
ages. Known for its innovation, quality and safety, TOMY’s mission is to
produce toys, videogames and merchandise for North America that
entertain and inspire children and adults. The Consumer Software
Division currently publishes for the Nintendo GameCube™, Game Boy®
Advance, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ home video game system. TOMY Corporation
is a subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (aka TAKARATOMY in
Japan). More information is available at www.TOMY-USA.com.
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
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, 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 at www.VIZ.com.
About D3Publisher of America, Inc
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with
headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. D3Publisher of America’s strategic focus
is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers
that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los
Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for
personal computers, major console platforms, and handheld systems,
including Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, Game Boy® Advance,
PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system,
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft,
and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products,
visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.
Ruthless Monarchy rules USA in Political thriller
Film-maker Jonathan Mostow Collaborates with
Virgin Comics to Create “The Megas”
New York, February 27, 2008---Campaigns, delegates and primaries are front page news, and Hollywood director Jonathan Mostow [Director of BREAKDOWN, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, and upcoming THE SURROGATES starring Bruce Willis] has taken American politics into his own hands with today's release of THE MEGAS, an action-packed science fiction comic book series from Virgin Comics.
"I have always admired the medium of comic books and graphic novels, so I am incredibly excited to have my own new entry in the field. From concept to story to visual design, my experience on THE MEGAS has been as creatively rewarding as working on a movie." said creator Jonathan Mostow.
THE MEGAS is a metaphor for the America we live in today, a society of two classes, the privileged few…and everyone else. A country where all men are not created equal. Royal crime, sex and backstabbing punctuate the futuristic thriller that Mostow intends to develop into a feature film. "A society in which a tiny minority of rich and powerful pull the strings to insure their own self-interest under the auspices of everyone else's security…sound familiar?" asks Gotham Chopra, Virgin Comics' Chief Creative Officer." I was hooked the moment Jonathan told us his story of THE MEGAS and am sure that this comic series is going to engage readers - and viewers someday - in a way few stories really do."
"We’re thrilled to add Jonathan Mostow to Virgin Comics' team of Hollywood creative partners,” said Sharad Devarajan, Virgin Comics CEO. "THE MEGAS is an important new series in our Director's Cut line of properties." Virgin Comic’s Director’s Cut series also includes collaborations with John Woo, Nicolas and Weston Cage, Guy Ritchie and others.
Jonathan Mostow wrote and directed BREAKDOWN, U-571 starring Mathew McConaughey and Harvey Keitel. He also directed Terminator 3: Rise of the Machine. He also will be helming Disney’s upcomung tentpole The Surrogates (also based on a graphic novel) starring Bruce Willis which goes into production this spring.
About Virgin Comics
Virgin Comics is a character entertainment company creating original stories and epic myths for worldwide audiences. The company was founded in November 2005 by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Enterprises Ltd., alongside author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman. Virgin is developing new stories with acclaimed filmmakers, actors and musicians including John Woo, Guy Ritchie, Terry Gilliam, Dave Stewart, Ed Burns, Nicolas Cage, Duran Duran, Sachin Tendulkar and others. Feature films based on Virgin Comics’ characters are also in the works, including an animated feature The Secrets of the Seven Sounds, Guy Ritchie's Gamkeeper (with Warner Bros and producer Joel Silver) and Virulents with FOX, directed by John Moore (The Omen, Max Payne). Virgin Comics also formed a joint venture with NBC-Universal to create new science fiction properties for graphic novels and television with the SCIFI Channel. The first title in this series, The Stranded, premiered in January 2008. www.VirginComics.com
Film-maker Jonathan Mostow Collaborates with
Virgin Comics to Create “The Megas”
New York, February 27, 2008---Campaigns, delegates and primaries are front page news, and Hollywood director Jonathan Mostow [Director of BREAKDOWN, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, and upcoming THE SURROGATES starring Bruce Willis] has taken American politics into his own hands with today's release of THE MEGAS, an action-packed science fiction comic book series from Virgin Comics.
"I have always admired the medium of comic books and graphic novels, so I am incredibly excited to have my own new entry in the field. From concept to story to visual design, my experience on THE MEGAS has been as creatively rewarding as working on a movie." said creator Jonathan Mostow.
THE MEGAS is a metaphor for the America we live in today, a society of two classes, the privileged few…and everyone else. A country where all men are not created equal. Royal crime, sex and backstabbing punctuate the futuristic thriller that Mostow intends to develop into a feature film. "A society in which a tiny minority of rich and powerful pull the strings to insure their own self-interest under the auspices of everyone else's security…sound familiar?" asks Gotham Chopra, Virgin Comics' Chief Creative Officer." I was hooked the moment Jonathan told us his story of THE MEGAS and am sure that this comic series is going to engage readers - and viewers someday - in a way few stories really do."
"We’re thrilled to add Jonathan Mostow to Virgin Comics' team of Hollywood creative partners,” said Sharad Devarajan, Virgin Comics CEO. "THE MEGAS is an important new series in our Director's Cut line of properties." Virgin Comic’s Director’s Cut series also includes collaborations with John Woo, Nicolas and Weston Cage, Guy Ritchie and others.
Jonathan Mostow wrote and directed BREAKDOWN, U-571 starring Mathew McConaughey and Harvey Keitel. He also directed Terminator 3: Rise of the Machine. He also will be helming Disney’s upcomung tentpole The Surrogates (also based on a graphic novel) starring Bruce Willis which goes into production this spring.
About Virgin Comics
Virgin Comics is a character entertainment company creating original stories and epic myths for worldwide audiences. The company was founded in November 2005 by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Enterprises Ltd., alongside author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman. Virgin is developing new stories with acclaimed filmmakers, actors and musicians including John Woo, Guy Ritchie, Terry Gilliam, Dave Stewart, Ed Burns, Nicolas Cage, Duran Duran, Sachin Tendulkar and others. Feature films based on Virgin Comics’ characters are also in the works, including an animated feature The Secrets of the Seven Sounds, Guy Ritchie's Gamkeeper (with Warner Bros and producer Joel Silver) and Virulents with FOX, directed by John Moore (The Omen, Max Payne). Virgin Comics also formed a joint venture with NBC-Universal to create new science fiction properties for graphic novels and television with the SCIFI Channel. The first title in this series, The Stranded, premiered in January 2008. www.VirginComics.com
THE 008, SHEPARD FAIREY AND UPPER PLAYGROUND PARTNER
TO SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
[February 26, 2008- Los Angeles] To further support Democratic candidate Barack Obama's presidential bid, The 008, Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground have partnered to create t-shirts of Fairey's widely circulated Obama campaign poster. In the past month, Shepard Fairey announced his endorsement of Barack Obama by creating a limited run of posters, adorned with a portrait of the Senator that have become instant collectibles along with the words "Hope" and "Progress" that have become defining slogans of the campaign.
On February 25th, 1,000 t-shirts and over 10,000 posters were sent to Obama supporters in Ohio and Texas to promote Obama's bid in this pivotal primary. Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground are now offering the same t-shirts being distributed throughout Texas for purchase at Upper Playground stores and through www.UpperPlayground.com. The t-shirts, coming in both a "Hope" and "Progress" edition, respectively, are available for $25. All proceeds from the sales of the 008/Shepard Fairey/Upper Playground collaborative Obama t-shirt will go directly to creating more campaign t-shirts, posters, and stickers by other artists in support of Obama's bid for President. The t-shirts will be available on Wednesday, February 27th.
Shepard Fairey announced through his web site, www.ObeyGiant.com, that, "I believe with great conviction that Barack Obama should be the next President. I have been paying close attention to him since the Democratic convention in 2004. I feel that he is more a statesman than a politician."
Upper Playground recently endorsed Obama's campaign by creating campaign posters with the art of the Date Farmers. They wrote on their web site, "We at Upper Playground are pleased to announce our support of Barack Obama in 2008. For too long we have been plagued by mediocrity and incompetence at the Executive level. As an international company, we feel that it is time to support a candidate that truly embodies the American spirit in both his campaign and his ideologies. We believe that Barack Obama is that candidate."
The 008, Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground would like to thank everyone who continue their support of the Barack Obama campaign.
For more information, please visit www.008themovement.org, www.obeygiant.com and www.upperplayground.com.
About Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey is known as one of the most prolific and notorious street artists of his generation, creating memorable graphics that have spread through urban centers all over the world. His iconic "Obey Giant" street art campaign has led Shepard into becoming of the premier exhibiting artists of the past 15 years. In 2003, he opened his design agency, Studio One, which has produced artwork for numerous companies, including 20th Century Fox and Reprise Records. As of 2004, Shepard Fairey founded and is the creative director of Swindle Magazine.
About Upper Playground
Based in San Francisco, California, Upper Playground was founded in 1999 and has become a leader in today's progressive art movement with its innovative apparel line and art gallery, FIFTY24SF. Recognized as a catalyst for the fusion of fashion with art, Upper Playground produces apparel lines bi-annually and features designs from notable local and international artists. The apparel line is sold nationally and internationally in over 300 boutiques and online. Upper Playground's FIFTY24SF Gallery showcases art from some of the best contemporary artists in the world with its monthly art exhibits. Please visit www.UpperPlayground.com for more information.
About 008 (The Movement)
The 008 is a volunteer group of young professionals with extensive entertainment and political experience who have united with the common goal of electing Barack Obama President of the United States. Pooling rolodexes, social and intellectual capital, along with the objective of fueling a Movement that strategically unifies and mobilizes a new generation of inspired, politically-active Americans. The 008 formed in December of 2006. For more information about 008 visit www.0008themovement.org.
The 008 is a purely volunteer organization. If you are interested in donating, fundraising or working for the official Barack Obama campaign please visit www.barackobama.com
TO SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
[February 26, 2008- Los Angeles] To further support Democratic candidate Barack Obama's presidential bid, The 008, Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground have partnered to create t-shirts of Fairey's widely circulated Obama campaign poster. In the past month, Shepard Fairey announced his endorsement of Barack Obama by creating a limited run of posters, adorned with a portrait of the Senator that have become instant collectibles along with the words "Hope" and "Progress" that have become defining slogans of the campaign.
On February 25th, 1,000 t-shirts and over 10,000 posters were sent to Obama supporters in Ohio and Texas to promote Obama's bid in this pivotal primary. Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground are now offering the same t-shirts being distributed throughout Texas for purchase at Upper Playground stores and through www.UpperPlayground.com. The t-shirts, coming in both a "Hope" and "Progress" edition, respectively, are available for $25. All proceeds from the sales of the 008/Shepard Fairey/Upper Playground collaborative Obama t-shirt will go directly to creating more campaign t-shirts, posters, and stickers by other artists in support of Obama's bid for President. The t-shirts will be available on Wednesday, February 27th.
Shepard Fairey announced through his web site, www.ObeyGiant.com, that, "I believe with great conviction that Barack Obama should be the next President. I have been paying close attention to him since the Democratic convention in 2004. I feel that he is more a statesman than a politician."
Upper Playground recently endorsed Obama's campaign by creating campaign posters with the art of the Date Farmers. They wrote on their web site, "We at Upper Playground are pleased to announce our support of Barack Obama in 2008. For too long we have been plagued by mediocrity and incompetence at the Executive level. As an international company, we feel that it is time to support a candidate that truly embodies the American spirit in both his campaign and his ideologies. We believe that Barack Obama is that candidate."
The 008, Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground would like to thank everyone who continue their support of the Barack Obama campaign.
For more information, please visit www.008themovement.org, www.obeygiant.com and www.upperplayground.com.
About Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey is known as one of the most prolific and notorious street artists of his generation, creating memorable graphics that have spread through urban centers all over the world. His iconic "Obey Giant" street art campaign has led Shepard into becoming of the premier exhibiting artists of the past 15 years. In 2003, he opened his design agency, Studio One, which has produced artwork for numerous companies, including 20th Century Fox and Reprise Records. As of 2004, Shepard Fairey founded and is the creative director of Swindle Magazine.
About Upper Playground
Based in San Francisco, California, Upper Playground was founded in 1999 and has become a leader in today's progressive art movement with its innovative apparel line and art gallery, FIFTY24SF. Recognized as a catalyst for the fusion of fashion with art, Upper Playground produces apparel lines bi-annually and features designs from notable local and international artists. The apparel line is sold nationally and internationally in over 300 boutiques and online. Upper Playground's FIFTY24SF Gallery showcases art from some of the best contemporary artists in the world with its monthly art exhibits. Please visit www.UpperPlayground.com for more information.
About 008 (The Movement)
The 008 is a volunteer group of young professionals with extensive entertainment and political experience who have united with the common goal of electing Barack Obama President of the United States. Pooling rolodexes, social and intellectual capital, along with the objective of fueling a Movement that strategically unifies and mobilizes a new generation of inspired, politically-active Americans. The 008 formed in December of 2006. For more information about 008 visit www.0008themovement.org.
The 008 is a purely volunteer organization. If you are interested in donating, fundraising or working for the official Barack Obama campaign please visit www.barackobama.com
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Friends-
Issue four of CWR has arrived, and as usual, we have some really cool stuff for you to read!
A nifty cover designed by Elliott Serrano:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com
Our feature interview with Steve “The Dude” Rude and his wife and partner Jaynelle Rude:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/therudes.html
Also: join our Google Group and you might win one of 5 DVD sets of NEXUS THE ANIMATED SERIES!
Plus: some great columns!
Matt Maxwell on whether DC might have given up on the graphic novel market:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed17.html
Avril Brown on good first dates for the geek set:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril4.html
Marc Mason on hating comic book geeks and the self-loathing it brings:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason4.html
Brandon Jerwa with part one of his essay on how he got involved with G.I. JOE:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa3.html
Jessica Blackshear with more advice, including how to deal with dating a rabid fan:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jess5.html
PLEASE: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs- we are not at this time an ad-supported site, so we're making this e-zine for the love of it. We hope you share it with us! Enjoy the reading!
Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
Issue four of CWR has arrived, and as usual, we have some really cool stuff for you to read!
A nifty cover designed by Elliott Serrano:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com
Our feature interview with Steve “The Dude” Rude and his wife and partner Jaynelle Rude:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/therudes.html
Also: join our Google Group and you might win one of 5 DVD sets of NEXUS THE ANIMATED SERIES!
Plus: some great columns!
Matt Maxwell on whether DC might have given up on the graphic novel market:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed17.html
Avril Brown on good first dates for the geek set:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril4.html
Marc Mason on hating comic book geeks and the self-loathing it brings:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason4.html
Brandon Jerwa with part one of his essay on how he got involved with G.I. JOE:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa3.html
Jessica Blackshear with more advice, including how to deal with dating a rabid fan:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jess5.html
PLEASE: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs- we are not at this time an ad-supported site, so we're making this e-zine for the love of it. We hope you share it with us! Enjoy the reading!
Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
BLAYLOCK READIES NEW BOOK, HEADS TO MEGACON
Devil's Due founder to appear at Orlando convention in March with a
new art book slated for April
Chicago, IL. (Feb. 21, 2008) – Devil's Due President and creator Josh
Blaylock (G.I. Joe, Kore) has big plans for March and April, including
signings during Orlando's MegaCon at the Orange County Convention
Center Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9, and a brand new book
set to hit racks in April. Blaylock will be located in the Orange
section of the convention hall at table #14 during MegaCon, signing
books, sketching and promoting PROLIFERATING COMICULTURE: THE ART,
RANTS AND COMMENTARY OF A COMIC BOOK UPSTART.
"2008 is already shaping up to be a year of major expansion for
Devil's Due," Blaylock said. "The launch of our Devil's Due Pop line,
the success of the Halloween: Nightdance, and the continued
development of Hack/Slash at Rogue Pictures are only the beginning of
a year's worth of new projects. PROLIFERATING COMICULTURE is the
result of my experiences getting Devil's Due to this point."
The new book mixes Blaylock's unique background as an artist and
writer with his business-savvy outlook on the comic book industry,
including new artwork and insights into where the comic book industry
is headed.
For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net
Devil's Due founder to appear at Orlando convention in March with a
new art book slated for April
Chicago, IL. (Feb. 21, 2008) – Devil's Due President and creator Josh
Blaylock (G.I. Joe, Kore) has big plans for March and April, including
signings during Orlando's MegaCon at the Orange County Convention
Center Friday, March 7, through Sunday, March 9, and a brand new book
set to hit racks in April. Blaylock will be located in the Orange
section of the convention hall at table #14 during MegaCon, signing
books, sketching and promoting PROLIFERATING COMICULTURE: THE ART,
RANTS AND COMMENTARY OF A COMIC BOOK UPSTART.
"2008 is already shaping up to be a year of major expansion for
Devil's Due," Blaylock said. "The launch of our Devil's Due Pop line,
the success of the Halloween: Nightdance, and the continued
development of Hack/Slash at Rogue Pictures are only the beginning of
a year's worth of new projects. PROLIFERATING COMICULTURE is the
result of my experiences getting Devil's Due to this point."
The new book mixes Blaylock's unique background as an artist and
writer with his business-savvy outlook on the comic book industry,
including new artwork and insights into where the comic book industry
is headed.
For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net
Dear Friends, Family, and Associates,
We've been hard at work for the past few months bringing you the new and improved itsallinyourhands online network.
I am proud to announce that ITSALLINYOURHANDS.TV IS LIVE!
You are now able to create a profile, make friends, and comment on your favorite videos, making the itsallinyourhands universe more interactive then it has ever been before. You will also now have the power to EMBED YOUR OWN VIDEOS, using itsallinyourhands as a playground to tell your own interactive stories and receive realtime talkback from our audience.
As always, we continue to have some of the best shows on the web. The new episode of BLANKSLATE is up and ready for your vote, and make sure to check out our new interview show THIS WEEK where Diahnna Nicole Baxter, the star of Satacracy 88, talks to show creators and discusses the network's latest releases. Look for the premiere of our new shows in the coming weeks as well as new episodes of old favorites like MOONSHINE.
Now it's time for my big news that I'm stating here first: THE FINAL EPISODE of SATACRACY 88 will be premiering at itsallinyourhands.tv next month. It is an amazing finale to this roller-coaster of a show, but more importantly it is the prelude to a brand new series that will launch in the summer of 2008. That's all I can say right now, except that you can rest assured the mythology of Satacracy 88 is safe, alive and thriving in this new epic adventure story that taps into the worlds of both The Futurist and Bull's Eye.
Once again, thank you for your support! We couldn't have hit this milestone without you.
Make sure to sign up and leave me a comment on my profile page:) Looking forward to hearing from all of you soon!!
All the best,
Brad
We've been hard at work for the past few months bringing you the new and improved itsallinyourhands online network.
I am proud to announce that ITSALLINYOURHANDS.TV IS LIVE!
You are now able to create a profile, make friends, and comment on your favorite videos, making the itsallinyourhands universe more interactive then it has ever been before. You will also now have the power to EMBED YOUR OWN VIDEOS, using itsallinyourhands as a playground to tell your own interactive stories and receive realtime talkback from our audience.
As always, we continue to have some of the best shows on the web. The new episode of BLANKSLATE is up and ready for your vote, and make sure to check out our new interview show THIS WEEK where Diahnna Nicole Baxter, the star of Satacracy 88, talks to show creators and discusses the network's latest releases. Look for the premiere of our new shows in the coming weeks as well as new episodes of old favorites like MOONSHINE.
Now it's time for my big news that I'm stating here first: THE FINAL EPISODE of SATACRACY 88 will be premiering at itsallinyourhands.tv next month. It is an amazing finale to this roller-coaster of a show, but more importantly it is the prelude to a brand new series that will launch in the summer of 2008. That's all I can say right now, except that you can rest assured the mythology of Satacracy 88 is safe, alive and thriving in this new epic adventure story that taps into the worlds of both The Futurist and Bull's Eye.
Once again, thank you for your support! We couldn't have hit this milestone without you.
Make sure to sign up and leave me a comment on my profile page:) Looking forward to hearing from all of you soon!!
All the best,
Brad
IDW Publishing To Release First Ever Star Trek: New Frontier® Comic Series
Created by New York Times Best-Selling novelist Peter David, New Frontier features all-new stories and the official continuation of the books
San Diego, CA (February 26, 2008)- New York Times best-selling novelist Peter David, author of the first Star Trek® series designed exclusively for print, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Star Trek: New Frontier saga with its first-ever comic book series. The five-part epic, debuting from IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing.com) in March with artist Stephen Thompson (Beneath the Valley of Rage), features all-new stories and the official continuation of the runaway hit novels from Pocket Books.
Star Trek: New Frontier #1 also marks the debut of IDW's Star Trek: Second Stage, an all-new publishing lineup for the company's sophomore year of Star Trek storytelling, showcasing some of the top Star Trek storytellers in comics, books and television, including legendary comics artist John Byrne, IDW's new rising stars Scott and David Tipton and the grande dame of Star Trek writing, D.C. Fontana. The new lineup takes flight following IDW's launch year, which included marquee titles like Star Trek: Year Four, the hit miniseries Klingons: Blood Will Tell and the fan-favorite Alien Spotlight one-shots.
To mark the debut of the Second Stage lineup, IDW will launch Star Trek: New Frontier with a special limited edition retailer incentive that includes a new Quad Cover™ format, with four separate covers bound directly onto the same issue, "so people can get four covers without having to buy the issue four times," says Andrew Steven Harris, Star Trek editor at IDW Publishing. The first cover is painted, while the other three are drawn. Another limited edition incentive cover will feature David as a Starfleet captain on the bridge of his ship, crewed by a number of notable guest stars.
New Frontier
In the new story, Turnaround, the most dangerous experimental vessel in the galaxy-a prototype time ship-has vanished, and it appears that the man who stole it is none other than Starfleet Admiral Edward Jellico. Only Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the Excalibur have a hope of finding him before the ship, intended purely for scientific exploration, is used to disrupt the space-time continuum.
"Peter has written a cracking good story for us," says Harris. "It's like a Star Trek version of The Hunt for Red October, with all sorts of gripping sequences and a number of remarkable twists. The moment I read the pitch, I was totally hooked. Peter is an incredible writer, so you can pick up this book if you've never read New Frontier stories before and you'll be able to follow it right away. At the same time, if you're familiar with the stories and characters, it feels like it's being written for the long-time fans."
This is the first time this crew has been featured in a comic book series, though they appeared in a one-shot published by Wildstorm in 2000, also written by David. Paired with David this time is artist Stephen Thompson, a relative newcomer who previously worked for Fangoria Comics before the horror publisher discontinued its comics line.
"He's a real find for us," says Harris. "He's almost a complete unknown here in the States, and he really delivers the goods. He's taken a lot of people by surprise, and fans online are already raving about him when we post previews of his work. It's got a slightly darker, grittier look than if we were doing a typical Kirk-and-Spock story, and it's exactly what we were looking for. This is everything that New Frontier should be in comics form."
ABOUT IDW PUBLISHING
IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea and Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among its best-selling titles are Hasbro's THE TRANSFORMERS; CBS's STAR TREK; and Fox's ANGEL. IDW's 30 DAYS OF NIGHT film from Sony Pictures was released in October 2007 and was the #1 movie in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at www.idwpublishing.com.
ABOUT CBS CONSUMER PRODUCTS
CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company's extensive library of titles. Additionally, the group oversees the CBS Retail Store and online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.CBS.com.
® & © 2008 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.
Created by New York Times Best-Selling novelist Peter David, New Frontier features all-new stories and the official continuation of the books
San Diego, CA (February 26, 2008)- New York Times best-selling novelist Peter David, author of the first Star Trek® series designed exclusively for print, celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Star Trek: New Frontier saga with its first-ever comic book series. The five-part epic, debuting from IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing.com) in March with artist Stephen Thompson (Beneath the Valley of Rage), features all-new stories and the official continuation of the runaway hit novels from Pocket Books.
Star Trek: New Frontier #1 also marks the debut of IDW's Star Trek: Second Stage, an all-new publishing lineup for the company's sophomore year of Star Trek storytelling, showcasing some of the top Star Trek storytellers in comics, books and television, including legendary comics artist John Byrne, IDW's new rising stars Scott and David Tipton and the grande dame of Star Trek writing, D.C. Fontana. The new lineup takes flight following IDW's launch year, which included marquee titles like Star Trek: Year Four, the hit miniseries Klingons: Blood Will Tell and the fan-favorite Alien Spotlight one-shots.
To mark the debut of the Second Stage lineup, IDW will launch Star Trek: New Frontier with a special limited edition retailer incentive that includes a new Quad Cover™ format, with four separate covers bound directly onto the same issue, "so people can get four covers without having to buy the issue four times," says Andrew Steven Harris, Star Trek editor at IDW Publishing. The first cover is painted, while the other three are drawn. Another limited edition incentive cover will feature David as a Starfleet captain on the bridge of his ship, crewed by a number of notable guest stars.
New Frontier
In the new story, Turnaround, the most dangerous experimental vessel in the galaxy-a prototype time ship-has vanished, and it appears that the man who stole it is none other than Starfleet Admiral Edward Jellico. Only Captain Mackenzie Calhoun and the crew of the Excalibur have a hope of finding him before the ship, intended purely for scientific exploration, is used to disrupt the space-time continuum.
"Peter has written a cracking good story for us," says Harris. "It's like a Star Trek version of The Hunt for Red October, with all sorts of gripping sequences and a number of remarkable twists. The moment I read the pitch, I was totally hooked. Peter is an incredible writer, so you can pick up this book if you've never read New Frontier stories before and you'll be able to follow it right away. At the same time, if you're familiar with the stories and characters, it feels like it's being written for the long-time fans."
This is the first time this crew has been featured in a comic book series, though they appeared in a one-shot published by Wildstorm in 2000, also written by David. Paired with David this time is artist Stephen Thompson, a relative newcomer who previously worked for Fangoria Comics before the horror publisher discontinued its comics line.
"He's a real find for us," says Harris. "He's almost a complete unknown here in the States, and he really delivers the goods. He's taken a lot of people by surprise, and fans online are already raving about him when we post previews of his work. It's got a slightly darker, grittier look than if we were doing a typical Kirk-and-Spock story, and it's exactly what we were looking for. This is everything that New Frontier should be in comics form."
ABOUT IDW PUBLISHING
IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea and Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among its best-selling titles are Hasbro's THE TRANSFORMERS; CBS's STAR TREK; and Fox's ANGEL. IDW's 30 DAYS OF NIGHT film from Sony Pictures was released in October 2007 and was the #1 movie in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at www.idwpublishing.com.
ABOUT CBS CONSUMER PRODUCTS
CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company's extensive library of titles. Additionally, the group oversees the CBS Retail Store and online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.CBS.com.
® & © 2008 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.
VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES THEATRICAL SCREENINGS OF MANGA INSPIRED FILM - NANA
IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK
Story of Two Women Searching For Love And Meaning Amidst the Hustle and
Bustle of Tokyo A Box Office Hit In Japan
San Francisco, CA, February 26, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has
announced a pair of new theatrical runs scheduled for New York and Los
Angeles of NANA, a live action film directed by Ootani Kentarou and
based on the best-selling shojo manga (graphic novel) series by Ai Yazawa.
NANA will screen in Los Angeles, March 21-27 at the IMAGINASIAN CENTER
and then in New York, April 4-10 at the IMAGINASIAN THEATRE. Press
screenings for both locations are also planned and theater information
follows at the end of this release.
NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they
share the same name, they couldn't be more different. Nana "Hachi"
Komatsu follows her boyfriend to Tokyo and hopes to make a new start,
while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk
rock beauty who has the ambition to make it big in the world of rock and
roll. Although these two young women come from vastly different
backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. What sets them apart,
however, is the stark difference between their lives. One Nana comes
from a small town, following her friends and boyfriend but ultimately
looking for her own goal to obtain, while the other Nana has a
single-minded aim to make her dream and band, the Black Stones, among
the best in Japan.
NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006,
grossing more than 4 billion yen and staying in the Top 10 for several
weeks. The main theme from the film, “Glamorous Sky,” took the number 1
spot on Japan’s Oricon charts in its first two weeks of sales and
quickly sold over 450,000 copies. Another song from the film, “Endless
Story,” took the number 2 spot on the same chart in its first week of
release and sold over 300,000 copies. The English version of the manga
series has sold over 22 million copies in Japan, is published
domestically by VIZ Media under its SHOJO BEAT imprint.
“NANA presents a realistic and sometimes gritty portrayal of two modern
women searching for love, careers and a sense of purpose amidst the
urban bustle of Tokyo,” says Manami Iboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ
Pictures. “The manga series on which the film is based has been
critically acclaimed and demonstrates the versatility of manga-inspired
plots to transition from print to film in such a compelling way. NANA
was warmly received at its U.S. premiere at the 2007 New York Anime
Festival, and we look forward to audiences in Los Angeles and New York
enjoying the film.”
Theatre information:
LOS ANGELES
Press Screening: March 5, 2:00pm
Theatrical Screening: March 21-27
IMAGINASIAN CENTER
251 South Main Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-1033
NEW YORK
Press Screening: March 19, 2:00pm
Theatrical Screening: April 4-10
IMAGINASIAN THEATRE
239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
New York 10022
(212) 371-6682
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese
live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii
(cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from
a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North
America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA
LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue
to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of
Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is
an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S.
publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of
Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
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
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, 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
IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK
Story of Two Women Searching For Love And Meaning Amidst the Hustle and
Bustle of Tokyo A Box Office Hit In Japan
San Francisco, CA, February 26, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has
announced a pair of new theatrical runs scheduled for New York and Los
Angeles of NANA, a live action film directed by Ootani Kentarou and
based on the best-selling shojo manga (graphic novel) series by Ai Yazawa.
NANA will screen in Los Angeles, March 21-27 at the IMAGINASIAN CENTER
and then in New York, April 4-10 at the IMAGINASIAN THEATRE. Press
screenings for both locations are also planned and theater information
follows at the end of this release.
NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they
share the same name, they couldn't be more different. Nana "Hachi"
Komatsu follows her boyfriend to Tokyo and hopes to make a new start,
while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk
rock beauty who has the ambition to make it big in the world of rock and
roll. Although these two young women come from vastly different
backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. What sets them apart,
however, is the stark difference between their lives. One Nana comes
from a small town, following her friends and boyfriend but ultimately
looking for her own goal to obtain, while the other Nana has a
single-minded aim to make her dream and band, the Black Stones, among
the best in Japan.
NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006,
grossing more than 4 billion yen and staying in the Top 10 for several
weeks. The main theme from the film, “Glamorous Sky,” took the number 1
spot on Japan’s Oricon charts in its first two weeks of sales and
quickly sold over 450,000 copies. Another song from the film, “Endless
Story,” took the number 2 spot on the same chart in its first week of
release and sold over 300,000 copies. The English version of the manga
series has sold over 22 million copies in Japan, is published
domestically by VIZ Media under its SHOJO BEAT imprint.
“NANA presents a realistic and sometimes gritty portrayal of two modern
women searching for love, careers and a sense of purpose amidst the
urban bustle of Tokyo,” says Manami Iboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ
Pictures. “The manga series on which the film is based has been
critically acclaimed and demonstrates the versatility of manga-inspired
plots to transition from print to film in such a compelling way. NANA
was warmly received at its U.S. premiere at the 2007 New York Anime
Festival, and we look forward to audiences in Los Angeles and New York
enjoying the film.”
Theatre information:
LOS ANGELES
Press Screening: March 5, 2:00pm
Theatrical Screening: March 21-27
IMAGINASIAN CENTER
251 South Main Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-1033
NEW YORK
Press Screening: March 19, 2:00pm
Theatrical Screening: April 4-10
IMAGINASIAN THEATRE
239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
New York 10022
(212) 371-6682
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese
live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii
(cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from
a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North
America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA
LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue
to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of
Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is
an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S.
publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of
Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
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
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, 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
Radical Publishing set to debut their first titles in May, 2008
February 25th, 2008, LOS ANGELES – Radical Publishing, publicized at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, has announced the release of Hercules #1 and Caliber #1, for May of 2008.
In a bold move to introduce these premiere titles to the public, Hercules #1 and Caliber #1 will be offered in it’s first printing at the low price of $1 while being printed as a 32-page premium stock softbound prestige format package with cardstock covers.
“We feel that once the comic buyer gets past buying a book from a brand new publisher and sees the high quality of writing, artistic work and production that Radical offers, that they will look to continue with the series and seek out our other titles,” stated Radical Publishing’s Publisher and Co-founder Barry Levine. “We feel that the $1 price tag of Hercules #1 and Caliber #1 will spur people to make that initial leap.”
Issues #2 and the rest of both miniseries will go on sale for $2.99, and both series continue monthly.
Hercules (DCD# MAR083922), which reinvents the popular mythical story of the half man/half god warrior whose only solace lays in bloody battlefields, was visually created for Radical Publishing by the potent combination of Jim Steranko, Imaginary Friends Studios and WETA Workshop (King Kong, Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia).
Jim Steranko has created the main cover for Hercules #1, as well as a special sketch incentive cover for issue #2, with an exclusive limited run.
Hercules is written by Steve Moore, famous for his work in Warrior Magazine, 2000AD and his collaborations with Alan Moore (ABC comics and the novelization of the Wachowski brothers V for Vendetta adaptation).
Interior art is being done by the awe-inspiring Imaginary Friends Studios, known for their work for companies such as DC Comics, Electronic Arts, Top Cow, Cartoon Network, WizKids and Upper Deck.
“This isn’t going to be anything like the popular television show of the 1990s. Expect this Hercules to be a dark and conflicted character, more in the epic vein of Frank Miller’s 300; a mixture of myth, legend and historical accuracy,” says Levine.
Hercules will run as a 5 issue miniseries, each issue containing 32 pages.
Caliber (DCD# MAR083921) is the unconventional telling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as a Western set in the Pacific Northwest.
With all of its great symbolism, magic and spirit of adventure, this tale is that of an engraved six-gun, given to Arthur by an Indian shaman and imbued with supernatural power to fire only by the one who will use its power for the right reasons.
“This story doesn’t faithfully follow the Arthurian myth and it is such great fun to see how Sam takes twists and turns leading the reader down a meandering path of thwarted expectations and surprises,” says Levine, “The Magnificent Seven was never like this.”
Caliber is created and written by Sam Sarkar, Director of Development at Johnny Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil.
Imaginary Friends Studios’ artists Garrie Gastonny and Stanley “Artgerm” Lau have created fully-painted cover art for the miniseries, while Gastonny has continued with breathtaking, fully-painted interiors. Caliber will also run as a 5 issue, 32 page miniseries with issue #1 containing 31 pages of interior story, adding an even greater value for a $1 book.
Hercules #1 and Caliber #1 are featured in the March 2008 Diamond Previews and will ship in May of this year. Hercules #1 has a Diamond code of MAR083922 and Caliber #1 has a Diamond code of MAR083921.
About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (a producer on Rogue Pictures Blood on the Tracks, and executive producer for the in development Warner Brothers Rex Mundi movie, written by Jim Uhls (Jumper, Fight Club) and starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Picture’s R.I.P.D), his protégé Jesse Berger, and longtime writer, illustrator, and publisher David Elliott (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).
Radical Publishing is set to bring the best in writing, storytelling and fully-painted cover and interior artwork to the global comic book market by prominent international talents such as Yoshitaka Amano, John Bolton, Luis Royo, Jim Steranko, Steve Niles, Ian Edginton, Steve Moore, Sam Sarkar, Dan Abnett, Stjepan Sejic, Dave Wilkins, Steve Pugh, James Heffron, Nick Percival, Bryan Edward Hill, Nelson Blake, Glenn Fabry, Bill Sienkiewicz, WETA, Imaginary Friends Studios, and many more.
www.radicalcomics.com
February 25th, 2008, LOS ANGELES – Radical Publishing, publicized at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, has announced the release of Hercules #1 and Caliber #1, for May of 2008.
In a bold move to introduce these premiere titles to the public, Hercules #1 and Caliber #1 will be offered in it’s first printing at the low price of $1 while being printed as a 32-page premium stock softbound prestige format package with cardstock covers.
“We feel that once the comic buyer gets past buying a book from a brand new publisher and sees the high quality of writing, artistic work and production that Radical offers, that they will look to continue with the series and seek out our other titles,” stated Radical Publishing’s Publisher and Co-founder Barry Levine. “We feel that the $1 price tag of Hercules #1 and Caliber #1 will spur people to make that initial leap.”
Issues #2 and the rest of both miniseries will go on sale for $2.99, and both series continue monthly.
Hercules (DCD# MAR083922), which reinvents the popular mythical story of the half man/half god warrior whose only solace lays in bloody battlefields, was visually created for Radical Publishing by the potent combination of Jim Steranko, Imaginary Friends Studios and WETA Workshop (King Kong, Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia).
Jim Steranko has created the main cover for Hercules #1, as well as a special sketch incentive cover for issue #2, with an exclusive limited run.
Hercules is written by Steve Moore, famous for his work in Warrior Magazine, 2000AD and his collaborations with Alan Moore (ABC comics and the novelization of the Wachowski brothers V for Vendetta adaptation).
Interior art is being done by the awe-inspiring Imaginary Friends Studios, known for their work for companies such as DC Comics, Electronic Arts, Top Cow, Cartoon Network, WizKids and Upper Deck.
“This isn’t going to be anything like the popular television show of the 1990s. Expect this Hercules to be a dark and conflicted character, more in the epic vein of Frank Miller’s 300; a mixture of myth, legend and historical accuracy,” says Levine.
Hercules will run as a 5 issue miniseries, each issue containing 32 pages.
Caliber (DCD# MAR083921) is the unconventional telling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as a Western set in the Pacific Northwest.
With all of its great symbolism, magic and spirit of adventure, this tale is that of an engraved six-gun, given to Arthur by an Indian shaman and imbued with supernatural power to fire only by the one who will use its power for the right reasons.
“This story doesn’t faithfully follow the Arthurian myth and it is such great fun to see how Sam takes twists and turns leading the reader down a meandering path of thwarted expectations and surprises,” says Levine, “The Magnificent Seven was never like this.”
Caliber is created and written by Sam Sarkar, Director of Development at Johnny Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil.
Imaginary Friends Studios’ artists Garrie Gastonny and Stanley “Artgerm” Lau have created fully-painted cover art for the miniseries, while Gastonny has continued with breathtaking, fully-painted interiors. Caliber will also run as a 5 issue, 32 page miniseries with issue #1 containing 31 pages of interior story, adding an even greater value for a $1 book.
Hercules #1 and Caliber #1 are featured in the March 2008 Diamond Previews and will ship in May of this year. Hercules #1 has a Diamond code of MAR083922 and Caliber #1 has a Diamond code of MAR083921.
About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (a producer on Rogue Pictures Blood on the Tracks, and executive producer for the in development Warner Brothers Rex Mundi movie, written by Jim Uhls (Jumper, Fight Club) and starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Picture’s R.I.P.D), his protégé Jesse Berger, and longtime writer, illustrator, and publisher David Elliott (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).
Radical Publishing is set to bring the best in writing, storytelling and fully-painted cover and interior artwork to the global comic book market by prominent international talents such as Yoshitaka Amano, John Bolton, Luis Royo, Jim Steranko, Steve Niles, Ian Edginton, Steve Moore, Sam Sarkar, Dan Abnett, Stjepan Sejic, Dave Wilkins, Steve Pugh, James Heffron, Nick Percival, Bryan Edward Hill, Nelson Blake, Glenn Fabry, Bill Sienkiewicz, WETA, Imaginary Friends Studios, and many more.
www.radicalcomics.com
Inside the Comic Writers Studio – Episode 16
Acclaimed Planet Hulk creator Greg Pak speaks exclusively to ComicBloc
(San Antonio, Texas) February 25, 2008 – The creative force behind the Planet Hulk and World War Hulk events for Marvel Comics, Greg Pak spoke recently with Eric Moreno of ComicBloc.
http://www.comicbloc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1095&Itemid=114
During the discussion, Pak spoke about his time working for former Texas Governor Ann Richards, his first series at Marvel Warlock and translating his filmmaking skills to the comic book medium. While speaking on the subject of acclaimed authors Neil Gaiman and Grant Morrison, Pak had this to say:
"Few writers have had such a massive impact upon the genre and are as beloved by their fans as Gaiman and Morrison. So taking on a project in their wake is a pretty insane undertaking. At the same time, every single project I've done for Marvel has been following on the heels of giants—how dare any of us follow up on the classic stories of folks like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby? The answer is that of course we dare — that's our calling and our job."
ComicBloc (www.comicbloc.com) is a conglomerate of members and readers that seeks to elevate the status of the sequential art into the mainstream. This is a regular series featured exclusively at ComicBloc. Past guests include: Virgin Comics Editor Ron Marz, Wildstorm: Armageddon author Christos N. Gage, Whiteout author Greg Rucka, Dynamo 5 creator Jay Faerber and Devil's Due writer Andrew Dabb.
Acclaimed Planet Hulk creator Greg Pak speaks exclusively to ComicBloc
(San Antonio, Texas) February 25, 2008 – The creative force behind the Planet Hulk and World War Hulk events for Marvel Comics, Greg Pak spoke recently with Eric Moreno of ComicBloc.
http://www.comicbloc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1095&Itemid=114
During the discussion, Pak spoke about his time working for former Texas Governor Ann Richards, his first series at Marvel Warlock and translating his filmmaking skills to the comic book medium. While speaking on the subject of acclaimed authors Neil Gaiman and Grant Morrison, Pak had this to say:
"Few writers have had such a massive impact upon the genre and are as beloved by their fans as Gaiman and Morrison. So taking on a project in their wake is a pretty insane undertaking. At the same time, every single project I've done for Marvel has been following on the heels of giants—how dare any of us follow up on the classic stories of folks like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby? The answer is that of course we dare — that's our calling and our job."
ComicBloc (www.comicbloc.com) is a conglomerate of members and readers that seeks to elevate the status of the sequential art into the mainstream. This is a regular series featured exclusively at ComicBloc. Past guests include: Virgin Comics Editor Ron Marz, Wildstorm: Armageddon author Christos N. Gage, Whiteout author Greg Rucka, Dynamo 5 creator Jay Faerber and Devil's Due writer Andrew Dabb.
Monday, February 25, 2008
NORTH WIND RECEIVES UNPRECEDENTED ORDER INCREASE AFTER SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE IN STORES AND ONLINE AT MYSPACE COMIC BOOKS
BOOM! STUDIOS SEES A 30% INCREASE IN ORDERS FROM ISSUE #3 TO #4
Los Angeles - February 22nd, 2008 - After pioneering the first simultaneous release of a comic book online and in stores with North Wind, BOOM! Studios saw an unprecedented 30% increase in orders from issue #3 to issue #4.
Comic book retailers send in orders for issue #4 of a new comic series only after issue #1 goes on sale. NORTH WIND #1, #2 and #3 were all ordered before the MySpace promotion was announced.
"We usually see a dip of 10% or more between issues #3 and #4 of any of our series. That said, we saw nearly a 20% increase in orders between issue #3 and #4 of NORTH WIND. An increase like this has never happened in the history of our company. Never. Bottom line - we are talking about a 30% increase over the norm," said Chip Mosher, Marketing and Sales Director for BOOM! Studios.
"This promotion has been an unqualified success. From selling out, to the second printing of issue #1, to the strong re-order activity, we couldn't be happier," said Ross Richie, Co-Founder of BOOM! Studios.
NORTH WIND #1 was released simultaneously in comic book stores and online at MySpace Comic Books on January 4th and sold out within 10 days. In conjunction with this release, BOOM! Studios commissioned a trailer for NORTH WIND that was featured on MySpaceTV and the MySpace log-in page. The trailer received 10,000 hits in 10 days. NORTH WIND #1 has gone to a second printing that will hit stores when issue #3 ships.
NORTH WIND, written by David DiGilio, who is best known for writing the film EIGHT BELOW and creating the ABC TV show TRAVELER, is a five issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles after a new ice age has covered the earth. NORTH WIND chronicles the rise of a new hero in a dystopian world where people burn books for fuel, and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. The first issue features a cover by Andrew Huerta with interior artwork by newcomer and future Spider-Man artist, Alex Cal.
MySpace, the world's most popular social network, and BOOM! Studios, a leader in comic book and graphic novel publishing, announced a partnership January 3rd to provide the MySpace Comic Book community with free digital downloads of BOOM! Studios' highly anticipated new comic book series, NORTH WIND. Throughout the five-issue mini-series, MySpace users will be able to download all the issue of NORTH WIND for free exclusively on the MySpace Comic Books profile (http://myspace.com/comicbooks) the day each issue hits store shelves.
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.
BOOM! STUDIOS SEES A 30% INCREASE IN ORDERS FROM ISSUE #3 TO #4
Los Angeles - February 22nd, 2008 - After pioneering the first simultaneous release of a comic book online and in stores with North Wind, BOOM! Studios saw an unprecedented 30% increase in orders from issue #3 to issue #4.
Comic book retailers send in orders for issue #4 of a new comic series only after issue #1 goes on sale. NORTH WIND #1, #2 and #3 were all ordered before the MySpace promotion was announced.
"We usually see a dip of 10% or more between issues #3 and #4 of any of our series. That said, we saw nearly a 20% increase in orders between issue #3 and #4 of NORTH WIND. An increase like this has never happened in the history of our company. Never. Bottom line - we are talking about a 30% increase over the norm," said Chip Mosher, Marketing and Sales Director for BOOM! Studios.
"This promotion has been an unqualified success. From selling out, to the second printing of issue #1, to the strong re-order activity, we couldn't be happier," said Ross Richie, Co-Founder of BOOM! Studios.
NORTH WIND #1 was released simultaneously in comic book stores and online at MySpace Comic Books on January 4th and sold out within 10 days. In conjunction with this release, BOOM! Studios commissioned a trailer for NORTH WIND that was featured on MySpaceTV and the MySpace log-in page. The trailer received 10,000 hits in 10 days. NORTH WIND #1 has gone to a second printing that will hit stores when issue #3 ships.
NORTH WIND, written by David DiGilio, who is best known for writing the film EIGHT BELOW and creating the ABC TV show TRAVELER, is a five issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles after a new ice age has covered the earth. NORTH WIND chronicles the rise of a new hero in a dystopian world where people burn books for fuel, and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. The first issue features a cover by Andrew Huerta with interior artwork by newcomer and future Spider-Man artist, Alex Cal.
MySpace, the world's most popular social network, and BOOM! Studios, a leader in comic book and graphic novel publishing, announced a partnership January 3rd to provide the MySpace Comic Book community with free digital downloads of BOOM! Studios' highly anticipated new comic book series, NORTH WIND. Throughout the five-issue mini-series, MySpace users will be able to download all the issue of NORTH WIND for free exclusively on the MySpace Comic Books profile (http://myspace.com/comicbooks) the day each issue hits store shelves.
About BOOM! Studios
Winner of Wizard Magazine's "Best New Publisher," BOOM! Studios (
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.
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award
The first-ever Thalberg Memorial Award, presented to Darryl F. Zanuck in 1938 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Though the Oscar® statuettes are more widely known, perhaps no other Academy Award is as important as this one - the very first Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award ever presented. Honoring the contributions of both Thalberg and Darryl F. Zanuck to the art of film, it stands as a wonderful association between these two giants of Hollywood motion pictures.
This award was first conceived by the Academy to honor Irving G. Thalberg (1899-1936), the brilliant MGM executive, a genius known as the "boy Wonder" who died tragically at the age of 37. After first becoming head of production at the Universal Film Manufacturing Co. at the age of 20, he soon became vice president and head of production for Louis B. Mayer, then assumed the position of vice president and supervisor of production when Mayer's studio became part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Over the next eight years under Thalberg, MGM became Hollywood's most prestigious film studio with Thalberg personally supervising the studio's top productions including discovering story properties, refining scripts, editing and supervising reshoots.
The Thalberg Memorial Award is the rarest and most prestigious honor bestowed by the Academy. Voted by the Academy's Board of Governors, it is presented to "creative producers whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production." The most worthy recipient was also the first, Darryl F. Zanuck. Like Thalberg, Zanuck began his career in Hollywood at a very young age, first working as a scriptwriter for Warner Bros. At the tender age of 23, he became head of production for Warner. Soon thereafter, he led the migration to sound films with The Jazz Singer (1927). Four years later co-founded Twentieth-Century Pictures (1933), and after the merger with Fox Films in 1935, Zanuck assumed the leadership of Twentieth-Century Fox, bringing such successful titles as The Grapes of Wrath (1940) How Green was My Valley (1941), The Longest Day (1962) and The Sound of Music (1965) to the silver screen.
The Thalberg Memorial Award is only given an average of once every other year. As of this writing, there are only 36 recipients, and it has not been presented in over seven years (since 2000, to Dino De Laurentiis). The fraternity of Thalberg Award honorees are some of the most important and influential figures in the history of motion pictures, including such luminaries as David O. Selznick, Walt Disney, Samuel Goldwyn, Cecil B. DeMille, Jack Warner, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
This award was the very first Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award ever presented, given to Darryl F. Zanuck in 1938. At the lower front-facing portion of the base, an engraved bronze nameplate reads, "Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to Darryl F. Zanuck for the Most Consistent High Quality of Production Achievement During 1937". In the years before 1937 Zanuck was responsible for such classics as Public Enemy, 42nd Street, Little Caesar, and Les Miserables. (Zanuck subsequently won two more Thalberg Awards, in 1944 and 1950 - the only person to have ever won three).
Zanuck's Thalberg Award measures 13 in. tall, with a green marble base measuring 3 ¾ in. diameter at its widest point. The bronze of both the bust and the nameplate exhibits a slight patina from age. It is larger in size and more dramatic looking that any of the later Thalberg bronzes - it stands alone in the history of Hollywood.
Expected Sale Price: $150,000 +
Provenance: Originally acquired from Darryl Zanuck's daughter, Darrilyn Zanuck. Lot includes a handwritten note of provenance and sale from Ms. Zanuck on personal stationery, along with assorted Zanuck memorabilia items including period family photographs.
The first-ever Thalberg Memorial Award, presented to Darryl F. Zanuck in 1938 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Though the Oscar® statuettes are more widely known, perhaps no other Academy Award is as important as this one - the very first Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award ever presented. Honoring the contributions of both Thalberg and Darryl F. Zanuck to the art of film, it stands as a wonderful association between these two giants of Hollywood motion pictures.
This award was first conceived by the Academy to honor Irving G. Thalberg (1899-1936), the brilliant MGM executive, a genius known as the "boy Wonder" who died tragically at the age of 37. After first becoming head of production at the Universal Film Manufacturing Co. at the age of 20, he soon became vice president and head of production for Louis B. Mayer, then assumed the position of vice president and supervisor of production when Mayer's studio became part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Over the next eight years under Thalberg, MGM became Hollywood's most prestigious film studio with Thalberg personally supervising the studio's top productions including discovering story properties, refining scripts, editing and supervising reshoots.
The Thalberg Memorial Award is the rarest and most prestigious honor bestowed by the Academy. Voted by the Academy's Board of Governors, it is presented to "creative producers whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production." The most worthy recipient was also the first, Darryl F. Zanuck. Like Thalberg, Zanuck began his career in Hollywood at a very young age, first working as a scriptwriter for Warner Bros. At the tender age of 23, he became head of production for Warner. Soon thereafter, he led the migration to sound films with The Jazz Singer (1927). Four years later co-founded Twentieth-Century Pictures (1933), and after the merger with Fox Films in 1935, Zanuck assumed the leadership of Twentieth-Century Fox, bringing such successful titles as The Grapes of Wrath (1940) How Green was My Valley (1941), The Longest Day (1962) and The Sound of Music (1965) to the silver screen.
The Thalberg Memorial Award is only given an average of once every other year. As of this writing, there are only 36 recipients, and it has not been presented in over seven years (since 2000, to Dino De Laurentiis). The fraternity of Thalberg Award honorees are some of the most important and influential figures in the history of motion pictures, including such luminaries as David O. Selznick, Walt Disney, Samuel Goldwyn, Cecil B. DeMille, Jack Warner, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
This award was the very first Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award ever presented, given to Darryl F. Zanuck in 1938. At the lower front-facing portion of the base, an engraved bronze nameplate reads, "Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to Darryl F. Zanuck for the Most Consistent High Quality of Production Achievement During 1937". In the years before 1937 Zanuck was responsible for such classics as Public Enemy, 42nd Street, Little Caesar, and Les Miserables. (Zanuck subsequently won two more Thalberg Awards, in 1944 and 1950 - the only person to have ever won three).
Zanuck's Thalberg Award measures 13 in. tall, with a green marble base measuring 3 ¾ in. diameter at its widest point. The bronze of both the bust and the nameplate exhibits a slight patina from age. It is larger in size and more dramatic looking that any of the later Thalberg bronzes - it stands alone in the history of Hollywood.
Expected Sale Price: $150,000 +
Provenance: Originally acquired from Darryl Zanuck's daughter, Darrilyn Zanuck. Lot includes a handwritten note of provenance and sale from Ms. Zanuck on personal stationery, along with assorted Zanuck memorabilia items including period family photographs.
VIZ MEDIA TEAMS WITH MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT TO BRING HOT MANGA TITLES TO
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Country’s Mix Of Western And Asian Culture Creates A Growing Demand For
Diverse Titles
San Francisco, CA, February 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one
of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive
publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its
continued global expansion with a new distribution agreement with Madman
Entertainment to offer a wide variety of Shueisha manga (graphic novel)
series to the burgeoning market in Australia and New Zealand. Shueisha
Inc., is one of Japan’s largest publishers and is a parent company of
VIZ Media.
Some initial VIZ Media titles to be published will include smash hit
properties like NARUTO, set to debut in March, BLEACH, scheduled to
launch in April, and DEATH NOTE, which will be introduced in May.
Several popular shojo series such as THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE †, FULL
MOON, LOVE*COM and NANA are also set for publication this year along
with action favorites that include ONE PIECE, D. GRAY MAN, BLACK CAT and
CLAYMORE.
Madman is Australia’s number one distributor of manga (graphic novels),
with a wide range of popular titles already available, including some of
the industry’s biggest licenses. In late 2006-early 2007, Madman was a
key sponsor of the Tezuka – The Marvel of Manga exhibition at the
National Gallery of Victoria and the Gallery of New South Wales, and
also launched a dedicated manga section on its website, www.madman.com.au.
“Madman is honored to be working with VIZ Media and their incredible
range of manga brands, and thrilled at the prospect of introducing these
to a wide range of readers in our territories," says Tim Anderson,
Managing Director of Madman Entertainment. "Australian and New Zealand
readers have developed a real thirst for manga and based on similar
agreements forged in other rising markets, Madman looks forward to
combining efforts with VIZ Media to offer the most comprehensive
catalogue to date in these countries."
“Madman Entertainment has become a dominant player in the emerging
Australian and New Zealand manga scene and we are excited to partner
with them to bring some of the hottest titles to readers there." says
Hyoe Narita, Executive Vice President, VIZ Media. "Manga has become a
truly global entertainment medium and agreements like this will continue
to provide innovative means to develop and establish international
markets offering a range of compelling content."
About MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT
THE MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP proudly showcases the best in Japanese
anime, world cinema, art house film, Australian independent features and
animation. Madman is Australia's leading distributor of home
entertainment and an industry innovator with a sought-after interactive
and DVD authoring studio; printing division; film production
involvement; and a range of DVD and video labels. Madman was recently
awarded exclusive DVD distribution rights to the Cartoon Network and SBS
home entertainment labels. Web site: www.madman.com.au
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.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Country’s Mix Of Western And Asian Culture Creates A Growing Demand For
Diverse Titles
San Francisco, CA, February 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one
of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive
publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its
continued global expansion with a new distribution agreement with Madman
Entertainment to offer a wide variety of Shueisha manga (graphic novel)
series to the burgeoning market in Australia and New Zealand. Shueisha
Inc., is one of Japan’s largest publishers and is a parent company of
VIZ Media.
Some initial VIZ Media titles to be published will include smash hit
properties like NARUTO, set to debut in March, BLEACH, scheduled to
launch in April, and DEATH NOTE, which will be introduced in May.
Several popular shojo series such as THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE †, FULL
MOON, LOVE*COM and NANA are also set for publication this year along
with action favorites that include ONE PIECE, D. GRAY MAN, BLACK CAT and
CLAYMORE.
Madman is Australia’s number one distributor of manga (graphic novels),
with a wide range of popular titles already available, including some of
the industry’s biggest licenses. In late 2006-early 2007, Madman was a
key sponsor of the Tezuka – The Marvel of Manga exhibition at the
National Gallery of Victoria and the Gallery of New South Wales, and
also launched a dedicated manga section on its website, www.madman.com.au.
“Madman is honored to be working with VIZ Media and their incredible
range of manga brands, and thrilled at the prospect of introducing these
to a wide range of readers in our territories," says Tim Anderson,
Managing Director of Madman Entertainment. "Australian and New Zealand
readers have developed a real thirst for manga and based on similar
agreements forged in other rising markets, Madman looks forward to
combining efforts with VIZ Media to offer the most comprehensive
catalogue to date in these countries."
“Madman Entertainment has become a dominant player in the emerging
Australian and New Zealand manga scene and we are excited to partner
with them to bring some of the hottest titles to readers there." says
Hyoe Narita, Executive Vice President, VIZ Media. "Manga has become a
truly global entertainment medium and agreements like this will continue
to provide innovative means to develop and establish international
markets offering a range of compelling content."
About MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT
THE MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP proudly showcases the best in Japanese
anime, world cinema, art house film, Australian independent features and
animation. Madman is Australia's leading distributor of home
entertainment and an industry innovator with a sought-after interactive
and DVD authoring studio; printing division; film production
involvement; and a range of DVD and video labels. Madman was recently
awarded exclusive DVD distribution rights to the Cartoon Network and SBS
home entertainment labels. Web site: www.madman.com.au
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.
Toy Fair 08 announcements
Domo
Dark Horse is very proud to announce the spring release of a line of merchandise based on the popular Japanese NHK mascot Domo. The product line includes a unique self-mailer stationery set, an adorable sculpted refrigerator magnet, an embroidered patch, two separate journals, and a flocked vinyl Domo in four variations. The stationery, photo journal, and patch will release in April, followed by the flocked journal, sculpted magnet, and the limited-edition flocked vinyl figures in June—see edition size and info below.
Classic Brown—Limited Edition
Royal Blue—Limited to 500
Fabulous Fuchsia—Limited to 500
Polar White—Limited to 250
The Spirit
In celebration of Will Eisner’s 1940s classic creation, and the summer ‘09 release of the film directed by comics-to-film savant Frank Miller, Dark Horse will be releasing two separate lines of products based on The Spirit. This spring, fans can look forward to statues, busts, PVC sets, sculpted magnets, and more based on the classic comics. Soon to follow will be a line of products based on the film adaptation.
MINDstyle
Dark Horse has signed an agreement to act as exclusive sales agent for the entire program of licensed products for MINDstyle—a California-based company which has recently emerged as a leading manufacturer of high-end collectible figures. The initial offerings, slated for release beginning in April 2008, will include deluxe limited-edition vinyl figures and specialty products based on the classic Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal, comics artist Frank Cho’s Liberty Meadows, and award-winning painter Brom’s acclaimed book The Plucker.
Hellboy
Dark Horse Comics is bringing forward a new presentation of some classic merchandise based on the award-winning graphic novels by Mike Mignola. Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Lobster Johnson will be boxed as a three-pack of PVC figures. The Hellboy PVC figure will also be available in a new book-and-figure boxed set that will include a special new edition of the graphic novel that started it all, Seed of Destruction, with new cover art by Mike Mignola. Additionally in June, a Hellboy ceramic coffee mug is on its way, with a brand-new Mignola design in full color. Dark Horse is currently working with Mignola on a new series of art-based T-shirt designs, which should also be available this spring.
Doctor Who
Weta Collectibles and Dark Horse are pleased to announce the launch of Doctor Who statues based on the new BBC series! The first statue, Dalek’s Destruction, is from the episode titled “Dalek,” from the ninth Doctor Who series, starring Christopher Eccleston. The second piece, The Cybercontroller, is from the “Age of Steel” episode from the tenth series (new series 2006, Part 2 of a two-part story), starring David Tennant as the Doctor. Both statues will be available in May 2008. Also on the horizon is a Sontaran Helmet, with edition size and pricing still to be determined.
Weta Originals Victorious Mongoose 1902a Ray Pistol
The fourth installment of the revered Weta Originals Raygun series will be available in March ’08. This limited edition ray pistol is handcrafted and made out of metal with a hand-carved wooden handle. It comes with its own display case, certificate of authenticity, and an assortment of implements and crafting tools.
Lenore
Based on original art from Roman Dirge, with his full involvement and approval, the latest Lenore PVC set is morbidly charming. Depicting Taxidermy in his chair, looming with his empty-eyed stare, The Spam Witch on her broom with cat and dog in tow, and Lenore in her cute little bunny suit with a knife AND a mallet! The second Lenore PVC set by Dark Horse Deluxe will be available in March 2008.
Vampire Hunter D PVC Set
Based on the revered illustrations of Yoshitaka Amano, this is the first in a line of upcoming Vampire Hunter D products. Featuring D, Doris, and Magnus, these are some of the finest representations of these characters ever made! Meticulously sculpted and painted by Tim Bruckner, this set truly captures the beauty and attitude of these beloved characters. The Vampire Hunter D PVC set will be available July 2008.
Serenity
In conjunction with the launch of the new Serenity: Better Days series in March, Dark Horse will be releasing a pair of lunch boxes. Featuring the traditional Serenity logo that fans have come to know and love, the original lunch box also depicts the ship herself, and is trimmed by a colorful band of Serenity’s spacey intergalactic currency. The second lunch box spotlights the anime-style art from Mark Brooks and Peter Gilstrap’s Fruity Oaty Bar commercial.
Kull Bust
The Savage Sword collection continues with one of Robert E. Howard’s most enduring characters, Kull, who after being exiled from his native Atlantis as a youth, and an adventurous career as a slave, pirate, and gladiator, emerges as king of the mythical kingdom of Valusia. This is the second in a series of busts from The Savage Sword collection. Following the release of Conan in December, the Kull bust will be available this June.
Samurai Champloo Mini-busts
One of today's most popular anime series is getting the 3-D treatment. Created and directed by renowned animation talent Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for the mega-hit Cowboy Bebop, this work centers around a trio of unforgettable characters: Mugen, Jin, and Fuu. We are bringing them all forward as limited-edition pieces that are faithful to every nuance of the Japanese originals. The three mini-busts will be sold separately and will be available this July.
Classic Comic Book Characters #8–#12
Dark Horse continues their ongoing Classic Comic Book Characters line with six new “Syroco-style” statuettes releasing in 2008. Slated for a March release, Classic Comic Book Character #8: Grendel will be the first this year, followed by Cutter in April, Green Lama and Ghost in May, The Goon in June, and The Rocketeer in July. Inspired by the "Syroco" statues of the 1940s and sculpted by those fine folks at Yoe! Studio, nearly 50 different statues have been released thus far to wide acclaim. Many statuettes in the series have sold out and now command collector’s prices.
Domo
Dark Horse is very proud to announce the spring release of a line of merchandise based on the popular Japanese NHK mascot Domo. The product line includes a unique self-mailer stationery set, an adorable sculpted refrigerator magnet, an embroidered patch, two separate journals, and a flocked vinyl Domo in four variations. The stationery, photo journal, and patch will release in April, followed by the flocked journal, sculpted magnet, and the limited-edition flocked vinyl figures in June—see edition size and info below.
Classic Brown—Limited Edition
Royal Blue—Limited to 500
Fabulous Fuchsia—Limited to 500
Polar White—Limited to 250
The Spirit
In celebration of Will Eisner’s 1940s classic creation, and the summer ‘09 release of the film directed by comics-to-film savant Frank Miller, Dark Horse will be releasing two separate lines of products based on The Spirit. This spring, fans can look forward to statues, busts, PVC sets, sculpted magnets, and more based on the classic comics. Soon to follow will be a line of products based on the film adaptation.
MINDstyle
Dark Horse has signed an agreement to act as exclusive sales agent for the entire program of licensed products for MINDstyle—a California-based company which has recently emerged as a leading manufacturer of high-end collectible figures. The initial offerings, slated for release beginning in April 2008, will include deluxe limited-edition vinyl figures and specialty products based on the classic Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal, comics artist Frank Cho’s Liberty Meadows, and award-winning painter Brom’s acclaimed book The Plucker.
Hellboy
Dark Horse Comics is bringing forward a new presentation of some classic merchandise based on the award-winning graphic novels by Mike Mignola. Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Lobster Johnson will be boxed as a three-pack of PVC figures. The Hellboy PVC figure will also be available in a new book-and-figure boxed set that will include a special new edition of the graphic novel that started it all, Seed of Destruction, with new cover art by Mike Mignola. Additionally in June, a Hellboy ceramic coffee mug is on its way, with a brand-new Mignola design in full color. Dark Horse is currently working with Mignola on a new series of art-based T-shirt designs, which should also be available this spring.
Doctor Who
Weta Collectibles and Dark Horse are pleased to announce the launch of Doctor Who statues based on the new BBC series! The first statue, Dalek’s Destruction, is from the episode titled “Dalek,” from the ninth Doctor Who series, starring Christopher Eccleston. The second piece, The Cybercontroller, is from the “Age of Steel” episode from the tenth series (new series 2006, Part 2 of a two-part story), starring David Tennant as the Doctor. Both statues will be available in May 2008. Also on the horizon is a Sontaran Helmet, with edition size and pricing still to be determined.
Weta Originals Victorious Mongoose 1902a Ray Pistol
The fourth installment of the revered Weta Originals Raygun series will be available in March ’08. This limited edition ray pistol is handcrafted and made out of metal with a hand-carved wooden handle. It comes with its own display case, certificate of authenticity, and an assortment of implements and crafting tools.
Lenore
Based on original art from Roman Dirge, with his full involvement and approval, the latest Lenore PVC set is morbidly charming. Depicting Taxidermy in his chair, looming with his empty-eyed stare, The Spam Witch on her broom with cat and dog in tow, and Lenore in her cute little bunny suit with a knife AND a mallet! The second Lenore PVC set by Dark Horse Deluxe will be available in March 2008.
Vampire Hunter D PVC Set
Based on the revered illustrations of Yoshitaka Amano, this is the first in a line of upcoming Vampire Hunter D products. Featuring D, Doris, and Magnus, these are some of the finest representations of these characters ever made! Meticulously sculpted and painted by Tim Bruckner, this set truly captures the beauty and attitude of these beloved characters. The Vampire Hunter D PVC set will be available July 2008.
Serenity
In conjunction with the launch of the new Serenity: Better Days series in March, Dark Horse will be releasing a pair of lunch boxes. Featuring the traditional Serenity logo that fans have come to know and love, the original lunch box also depicts the ship herself, and is trimmed by a colorful band of Serenity’s spacey intergalactic currency. The second lunch box spotlights the anime-style art from Mark Brooks and Peter Gilstrap’s Fruity Oaty Bar commercial.
Kull Bust
The Savage Sword collection continues with one of Robert E. Howard’s most enduring characters, Kull, who after being exiled from his native Atlantis as a youth, and an adventurous career as a slave, pirate, and gladiator, emerges as king of the mythical kingdom of Valusia. This is the second in a series of busts from The Savage Sword collection. Following the release of Conan in December, the Kull bust will be available this June.
Samurai Champloo Mini-busts
One of today's most popular anime series is getting the 3-D treatment. Created and directed by renowned animation talent Shinichiro Watanabe, best known for the mega-hit Cowboy Bebop, this work centers around a trio of unforgettable characters: Mugen, Jin, and Fuu. We are bringing them all forward as limited-edition pieces that are faithful to every nuance of the Japanese originals. The three mini-busts will be sold separately and will be available this July.
Classic Comic Book Characters #8–#12
Dark Horse continues their ongoing Classic Comic Book Characters line with six new “Syroco-style” statuettes releasing in 2008. Slated for a March release, Classic Comic Book Character #8: Grendel will be the first this year, followed by Cutter in April, Green Lama and Ghost in May, The Goon in June, and The Rocketeer in July. Inspired by the "Syroco" statues of the 1940s and sculpted by those fine folks at Yoe! Studio, nearly 50 different statues have been released thus far to wide acclaim. Many statuettes in the series have sold out and now command collector’s prices.
BIONICLE COMES TO PAPERCUTZ
Publisher of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Classics Illustrated, and Tales
from the Crypt presents LEGO characters’ origin
BIONICLE, one of the most popular game and action-figure lines for
boys, is coming to comic-book shops in May 2008 (and bookstores in
June) as a quarterly series of graphic novels from Papercutz. BIONICLE
#1 -- which features the origin story, “Rise of the Toa Nuva” -- is
written by Greg Farshtey, the main creator of BIONICLE’s world and
storyline.
In novels, video games, and of course the original LEGO toys, BIONICLE
tells the adventures of the Toa, six heroes who are part machine and
part living creatures. In BIONICLE #1, the series’ all-important
origin, the Toa arrive on the tropical island guarded by the Great
Spirit Mata Nui only to find it under siege. The powerful and evil
being Makuta has cast the Mata Nui into an unending sleep and is
attacking the island’s villagers, the Matoran. The armed and armored
Toa, who wear Masks of Power and can control the elements, leap into
the fight against Makuta. But Makuta has unleashed mechanical insects
called Bohrok to destroy everything in their path. During the fight,
the Toa transform into the Toa Nuva, with new armor, weapons, and Masks
of Power. But will all of that be enough to defeat Makuta?
The artists of Papercutz’s BIONICLE #1 are Carlos D’Anda (known for DC
Comics’ Outsiders), Aliens vs. Predator storyboard artist Richard
Bennett (Marvel’s X-Men), and Randy Elliott (Marvel’s Spider-Woman).
The series reprints stories created for LEGO’s BIONICLE club, which has
over a million members. The stories have not appeared in print for
several years.
In general, each Papercutz volume -- 112 pages in full color with a
trim size of 5” x 7 1/2” -- will present a year’s worth of stories. The
books will appear in two formats: hardcover for $12.95 and paperback
for $7.95. The release of BIONICLE #1 dovetails with LEGO’s plans to
release all-new Toa Nuva figures; LEGO is planning a huge promotional
effort, including a partnership with McDonald’s.
BIONICLE, launched in 2001, is LEGO’s hottest toy line since the
original LEGO blocks.
• It’s a favorite among boys age 7 through 12, earning more than $150
million in annual revenue.
• The website BIONICLE.com attracts two million unique visitors per
month.
• BIONICLE characters appear on apparel, bedding, stationery, board
games, and other products.
• Scholastic has sold more than 1.5 million copies of BIONICLE chapter
books.
• Universal Studios is planning a direct-to-DVD release of a BIONICLE
movie for the end of 2009.
Publisher of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Classics Illustrated, and Tales
from the Crypt presents LEGO characters’ origin
BIONICLE, one of the most popular game and action-figure lines for
boys, is coming to comic-book shops in May 2008 (and bookstores in
June) as a quarterly series of graphic novels from Papercutz. BIONICLE
#1 -- which features the origin story, “Rise of the Toa Nuva” -- is
written by Greg Farshtey, the main creator of BIONICLE’s world and
storyline.
In novels, video games, and of course the original LEGO toys, BIONICLE
tells the adventures of the Toa, six heroes who are part machine and
part living creatures. In BIONICLE #1, the series’ all-important
origin, the Toa arrive on the tropical island guarded by the Great
Spirit Mata Nui only to find it under siege. The powerful and evil
being Makuta has cast the Mata Nui into an unending sleep and is
attacking the island’s villagers, the Matoran. The armed and armored
Toa, who wear Masks of Power and can control the elements, leap into
the fight against Makuta. But Makuta has unleashed mechanical insects
called Bohrok to destroy everything in their path. During the fight,
the Toa transform into the Toa Nuva, with new armor, weapons, and Masks
of Power. But will all of that be enough to defeat Makuta?
The artists of Papercutz’s BIONICLE #1 are Carlos D’Anda (known for DC
Comics’ Outsiders), Aliens vs. Predator storyboard artist Richard
Bennett (Marvel’s X-Men), and Randy Elliott (Marvel’s Spider-Woman).
The series reprints stories created for LEGO’s BIONICLE club, which has
over a million members. The stories have not appeared in print for
several years.
In general, each Papercutz volume -- 112 pages in full color with a
trim size of 5” x 7 1/2” -- will present a year’s worth of stories. The
books will appear in two formats: hardcover for $12.95 and paperback
for $7.95. The release of BIONICLE #1 dovetails with LEGO’s plans to
release all-new Toa Nuva figures; LEGO is planning a huge promotional
effort, including a partnership with McDonald’s.
BIONICLE, launched in 2001, is LEGO’s hottest toy line since the
original LEGO blocks.
• It’s a favorite among boys age 7 through 12, earning more than $150
million in annual revenue.
• The website BIONICLE.com attracts two million unique visitors per
month.
• BIONICLE characters appear on apparel, bedding, stationery, board
games, and other products.
• Scholastic has sold more than 1.5 million copies of BIONICLE chapter
books.
• Universal Studios is planning a direct-to-DVD release of a BIONICLE
movie for the end of 2009.
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