COMICS LEGEND STAN LEE AND SHAMAN KING MANGA CREATOR HIROYUKI TAKEI PRESENT THEIR NEW COLLABORATION…
ULTIMO (KARAKURIDÔJI ULTIMO)


San Francisco, CA, April 4, 2008 — VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), and POW! Entertainment (POWN.PK), at the VIZ Media press event at the 2008 New York Comic-con will be highlighting this historic partnership. Stan Lee will be participating with VIZ Media, one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, to announce that one of its parent companies (and one of the largest publishers in Japan), Shueisha Inc., will debut the exciting prologue chapter of ULTIMO (KARAKURIDÔJI ULTIMO) — the historic collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee, creator of many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular SHAMAN KING manga series, published in Japan by Shueisha and in North America by VIZ Media.

ULTIMO represents a first-of-its-kind partnership between Lee and a Japanese manga creator. The 32-page prologue, which features 3 full-color pages, will debut in a special April issue of the Japanese manga magazine Jump SQ., the sibling publication of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, which is historically the best-selling manga magazine in Japan. The special, standalone issue is called Jump SQ.II.

Stan Lee says, “I am deeply honored for this great opportunity to collaborate with an award-winning artist/writer of the stature of Hiroyuki Takei. I enthusiastically expect that the combination of an American story-telling style merged with Takei-san’s acclaimed Japanese style will result in our joint creation ‘ULTIMO’ presenting an original, exciting type of manga that will appeal to comicbook fans around the world”.

The ULTIMO story: High above Farmless City, citizens are stunned by the sudden appearance of two floating figures. Are they human boys, monolithic robots, or something much more strange? As the battle ensues between them, destruction and devastation falls on the hapless city. One figure is Vice, and seems to be as evil as his name implies. The other is Ultimo, intent on trying to stop Vice from wreaking more havoc. But who are Vice and Ultimo really? Where did they come from? A new mystery begins with the fate of the world possibly hanging in the balance!

Lee’s own company, POW! Entertainment, worked with Jump SQ. parent company Shueisha and with JEA and Dream Ranch (a Sony Music company) to facilitate the development of ULTIMO.

“The collaboration between Stan Lee and Hiroyuki Takei is a tremendous event,” says Marc Weidenbaum, SHONEN JUMP Editor-in-Chief. “Stan Lee is as big a legend as there can be in American comics, and Japan is without comparison for its massive comics culture. Lee’s collaboration with an artist as gifted as Hiroyuki Takei creates a bridge between Eastern and Western popular storytelling traditions and the pair has created something very new and special.”

For over half a century, Stan Lee has been synonymous with superhero comics. In addition to creating countless memorable series and characters, including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and Daredevil, he served as the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Lee remains a hugely respected and dynamic figure in the entertainment industry and continues to develop a variety of film, television and video game properties.

Unconventional author/artist Hiroyuki Takei began his career by winning the coveted Hop Step Award (for new manga artists) and the Osamu Tezuka Award. After working as an assistant to famed artist Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN), Takei debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 with Butsu Zone, an action series based on Buddhist mythology. His multicultural adventure manga SHAMAN KING debuted in Japan in 1998 and has been adapted into a popular animated television series. The SHAMAN KING manga series is also published in North America by VIZ Media; for many years it was serialized in English in SHONEN JUMP magazine.

Lucky winners will have the opportunity to attend this special event as well as receive a copy of the Jump SQ.II issue signed by Hiroyuki Takei and Stan Lee. For more information on ULTIMO and how to win one of the outstanding prizes please visit www.shonenjump.com/ultimosweeps. Fans can also sign up for the SHONEN JUMP newsletter to receive updated information on this event.

For more information on ULTIMO, SHONEN JUMP and VIZ Media please visit www.shonenjump.com or www.viz.com.

About POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc.
POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc. (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company, was founded by world-famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman, Esq. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW!, capitalizing on this combined expertise, specializes in franchises for the entertainment industry, including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with other individuals and entities of entertainment’s top echelon, including studios and networks, in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises.

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.

April 3rd, Bristol UK – With just five weeks to go until the largest comics show in the United Kingdom, guests and schedules are starting to be announced. Once more hosted by the British Empire & Commonwealth Exhibition Hall and Ramada Plaza Hotel, this year’s lineup promises to be the biggest and the best so far (http://www.comicexpo.net) …

It all kicks off on Friday 9th May with Diamond UK Retailers Day (exclusive presentations to UK & European retailers of the major releases for the rest of this comics year) and the Orangutan Comics Film Night ’08 for all early arrivals, starting 6pm at the Ramada Plaza Hotel (more details available at http://www.myspace.com/bicefilmnight)

Saturday 10th May and Sunday 11th May feature two full days of events, including presentations on upcoming Marvel and DC releases, the world famous Hypotheticals panel hosted once again by Dave Gibbons, DC Portfolio reviews by editors Karen Berger, Eddie Berganza and Hank Kanalz, the Saturday evening presentation of The Eagle Awards (first presented in 1976, these are the comics industry’s longest established awards). As usual, the first 1000 people through the door on Saturday are eligible for a free goodie bag – in previous years this has contained graphic novels, comics, posters, badges, action figures and once again the contents are a well-kept secret…strictly first come, first served, strictly one per person.

Special Guests signing, sketching and/or hosting talks throughout the weekend include:-

Jim Shooter - Editor-in-Chief Marvel Comics 1978–1987 Founder and Publisher of Valiant Comics and Defiant Comics. Shooter began his career as writer on The Legion of Super Heroes in DC’s Adventure Comics. He has also written The Avengers and Secret Wars (Marvel). Magnus Robot Fighter, Doctor Solar and Harbinger (Valiant). He will be the new writer of the Legion series, beginning with issue #37, returning to the Legion, a little over 30 years from his previous run, it will be his first major published comic book work in years.

Walt Simonson - Writer / Artist on Star Slammers, The Mighty Thor, Orion, Fantastic Four, Elric: The Making of a Sorcerer (written by Elric's creator, Michael Moorcock), X- Factor (with Louise Simonson), Manhunter (written by Archie Goodwin) for which he won the Shazam Award and Hawkgirl.

Louise Simonson - Writer on Magik of the New Mutants as part of a four-issue Mystic Arcana. Magnus Robot Fighter (ibooks). Warlock, New Mutants, Galactus the Devourer, Superman: Man of Steel and Steel Author of two books for teens based on the Justice League cartoon: The Gauntlet and Wild at Heart (Bantam Books)

Jim Starlin - Writer / Artist best known for "cosmic" tales and space opera and as the creator of the villain Thanos. Works include Captain Marvel, Warlock, Metamorphosis Odyssey, Dreadstar, Cosmic Odyssey, Batman, Gilgamesh II, Silver Surfer, the Thanos and Infinity Gauntlet sagas and Marvel Universe: The End. He is currently writing and drawing The Death of the New Gods for DC.

Yanick Paquette - Artist on Ultimate X-Men, Civil War: X-Men, Adventures of Superman, Areala Warrior Nun, Avengers, Gambit, Gen¹³, JLA, Superman: The Man of Steel, Terra Obscura, Tomorrow Woman, Transmetropolitan: Filth of the City, Seven Soldiers: The Bulleteer, Wonder Woman, Xena: Warrior Princess.

Dave Gibbons - Legend of the British Comics Industry. Artist on HARLEM HEROES, DAN DARE and ROGUE TROOPER which he co-created. He was the original artist on DOCTOR WHO Weekly/Monthly. Most famous for his collaboration with Alan Moore on WATCHMEN. Recently he produced the Eisner Award winning graphic novel, THE ORIGINALS.

Mike Carey - Writer of Ultimate Fantastic Four, X-Men, Wolverine. Vertigo’s Crossing Midnight, Lucifer, Hellblazer and the adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere. Wildstorm’s Wetworks, Marvel’s Spellbinders, Virgin Comics The Stranded. Author of the Felix Castor Novels: The Devil You Know, Vicious Circle and Dead Men's Boots from Orbit.

Alan Davis - Artist on Captain Britain (Marvel UK). Artist on Captain Britain (Marvel UK), Marvelman (Warrior) and DR & Quinch (2000AD), Batman and the Outsiders and Detective Comics (DC) Creator writer and artist on Excalibur and Clandestine. During his career he has written and drawn most of Marvel and DCs'characters and titles including JLA: The Nail & Another Nail, The Avengers, X-Men and Killraven. Fantastic Four: The End. He is currently writing and drawing the new Clandestine series.

Mark Buckingham - Eisner Award winning artist on Vertigo's Fables. A regular on Vertigo titles such as Hellblazer, Sandman, Shade the Changing Man and Death: The High Cost of Living he is also well known for his work on Miracleman (Marvelman in the UK). As well as extensive runs as artist on Batman: Shadow of the Bat and The Titans (DC), Generation X and Peter Parker:Spide -Man(Marvel). He has recently designed Sandman and Fables based Statues for DC Direct and has just illustrated his first Children's book; Neil Gaiman's Odd and the Frost Giants.

Paul Cornell - Novelist, TV writer and comics writer. Best known for his work on the new Doctor Who, he has also written for the Primeval TV series. He's the writer of the Marvel Comics series Wisdom and 2000AD's XTNCT. He has just begun a new ongoing title for Marvel: Captain Britain and MI-13.

Many, many other guests are listed on the official website: http://www.comicexpo.net/08guests.html


Tickets for the Bristol International Comic Expo are available online for six pounds per day for adults, or just one pound for 12 to 16 year olds under the Kids For A Quid scheme. As usual, all accompanied attendees under the age of 12 get in for free. Book now via: http://www.comicexpo.net/08tickets.html


Next week – what EXpo EXclusives will be available? Who is bringing what to which table? What’s the Virtual Bristol Anthology up to this year? And what’s this Comics Fete thing for the kids all about?

PRESS RELEASE -- AMERICAN FLAGG! ARRIVES IN JULY!
Long-awaited AMERICAN FLAGG! collection comes this July!


21st March 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This July, Howard Chaykin's AMERICAN FLAGG! arrives for the series' 25th anniversary in its much-anticipated hardcover definitive edition.

"This hardcover goes well beyond my wildest initial expectations," Chaykin said. "The past few years consisted of remastering and restoring every line of every panel on every page to ensure this is the best edition possible. I have been extremely fortunate to have both Image Comics and Dynamite Entertainment working hard on this hardcover, and they have made me, as a creator of one of my most personal works, as happy as possible. I couldn't be happier."

In AMERICAN FLAGG!'s dystopian future, America and its corporations have fled the Earth for the relative safety of Mars. Their abandoned planet has been ravaged by war and a recently fired television star, Reuben Flagg, becomes its reluctant champion. The award-winning series' first fourteen issues will be collected in a definitive edition hardcover designed by Chip Kidd and contains Chaykin's never-before-seen sketchbook and an all-new, 12-page story written and illustrated by Chaykin, all book-ended between an introduction by THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY author Michael Chabon and an afterword by ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN artist Jim Lee.

Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen stated, “Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg! was one of the series that defined the 1980s. Chaykin on American Flagg! --Simonson on Thor -- Miller on Daredevil -- Alan Moore on Swamp Thing -- that was the good stuff. Chaykin's book explored mature themes not common in comics at the time and the intense mix of satire science fiction, coupled with his amazing art was applauded by readers the world over. Fans have been patiently waiting for this but we wanted this to be the definitive collection."

“The old adage of good things come to those who wait will prove itself again, once retailers and fans have the book in their hands," Dynamic Forces President Nick Barrucci added. "This is one of the first projects in which we were involved as a publisher, and it’s taken longer than any other project. Reconstructing the pages has been harder than anyone of us could have imagined. We’ve all worked together and are bringing a piece of history to the fans and retailers, as this is Howard Chaykin’s seminal work. Once we were finalizing the restoration, and realized we could have the Hard Cover in stores for the 25th Anniversary, we decided to add more content by adding issues #13 and #14, the epilogues to the first 12-issue novel, to this collection. This collection will have a lot of material in one package, and, we hope, that when fans and retailers hold it in their hands, they will appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears we all put in to this book, to get it as right as possible."

The AMERICAN FLAGG! hardcover will be available in stores and then also at the San Diego Comic Con in July 2008. The first softcover volume (collecting issues #1-6 and the new story) will arrive in September with the second volume (#7-14) arriving in Winter.


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.


Dynamic Forces (Runnemede, NJ) is the comic book and collectible industry's top producer of limited edition and autographed memorabilia, including comic books and lithographs and has ranked as high as one of the top five suppliers of Diamond Comic Distributors.

Stargate Infinity:

The Complete Series

Arrives on DVD May 13th, 2008 from Shout! Factory







All 26 Episodes In One Action-Packed Boxed Set!



A generation after the SGC first stepped through the alien device known as the Stargate, the universe has become a much different place. The war with the evil parasitic Goa’uld is won. The once top-secret Stargate Command and its work have been declassified, and beings from other worlds are living and working among us.



But now there’s a new threat from a warrior race known as the Tlak’kahn, and when SGC veteran Major Gus Bonner is convicted of a war crime he didn’t commit, he must lead a group of young SGC cadets through the Stargate to protect the life of an Ancient from their hostile new enemies. Along the way, the team visits unknown worlds and cultures, learning that life—no matter where you are in the universe—may never be easy, but should always be cherished.



Inspired by the blockbuster feature film and its two popular television spinoffs (Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis), Stargate: Infinity further explores the universe through the eyes of those few who are brave enough to venture through the mysterious Stargate. Own this 4 DVD box set with the never-before-seen animated character walking models bonus feature for $34.99.



Bonus Features Include:

Ø Animated Stargate Effects Test

Ø Never-Before-Seen Animated Character Walking Models

Ø Original Concept Art

Oban Star-Racers Vol. 2

“The Oban Cycle”

Featuring All 13 Uncut Episodes in Glorious 5.1 Surround Sound,

Seamless 2-D and 3-D Animation

and Chockfull of Bonus Features

Arrive on DVD May 20, 2008 from Shout! Factory







U.S. audiences can finally experience the groundbreaking, seamless combination of 2-D and 3-D animation



SYNOPSIS



The satellite tournament on Alwas has been completed, and Molly and the crew of the Whizzing Arrow have qualified to compete on Oban for the mysterious Ultimate Prize. Can young Molly outrun the competition, save Earth and win the power to bring her mother back to life? See this epic anime adventure which features spectacular mixed-media, combining 2D Japanese-animated characters with 3D animated ships and races. To maintain the quality and originality of this project, creator and animator Savin Yeatman-Eiffel spent nine years on a personal mission to complete this series with no influence from outside investors. The final 13 episodes of the award-winning Oban Star-Racers fly onto DVD in this thrilling 2-disc set for $19.99!



Already an international sensation, the award-winning, Tokyo-produced OBAN STAR-RACERS flies onto DVD in this thrilling 2-disc set featuring the final 13 episodes! U.S. audiences can finally experience the groundbreaking, seamless combination of 2-D and 3-D animation and the excitement, suspense and wonder of the OBAN CYCLE as it’s never been seen or heard before—in glorious 5.1 and completely UNCUT!

The Race For The Ultimate Prize Continues!


Special Features Include:
The Making Of Oban Star-Racers (Part Two)
Star-Racer Profiles
Concept Art
Original MIPCOM Presentation
Full Opening Title Sequence

Transformers Comic Series Continues Story From
Blockbuster Movie


All-new official sequel from IDW picks up where the movie left off


San Diego, CA (April 1, 2008)-IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing.com) is releasing the official continuation of last summer's blockbuster Transformers movie, from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro. The first storyline to spin out of the hugely successful movie, Transformers Movie Sequel: The Reign of Starscream continues the story from where the movie ended.

Co-writers Chris Ryall, who also wrote the Transformers Movie Prequel, and Chris Mowry present a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and dark ambition, featuring both old and new Transformers characters. "The movie left fans with some questions at the end, and we get a chance to answer them here," says Ryall. "We pick up on what happened at the end and reveal the fates of some of the surviving film characters. Take Starscream - we find out where he was headed and what he was doing. We also introduce new characters. In doing so, we bridge the gap between the last movie and the next movie, coming in '09."

In the first issue of the five-part comic series, when Megatron falls in battle Starscream assumes the role of Decepticon leader on Earth. Mustering his surviving allies, he sets out to put his own plan in motion. But before he can do that, he'll need to retrieve a fallen comrade, carry out a plan of revenge and leave Earth to meet up with a major player in the Decepticon army.

The Reign of Starscream #1 features art from fan-favorite Alex Milne, who also illustrated the Transformers Movie Adaptation, and cover art by Milne and Gabriel Rodriguez, artist for Joe Hill's Locke & Key. A special variant cover has also been created by longtime Transformers artist James Raiz.

The first issue (item code FEB08 3801) will be in stores in April; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

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; Paramount/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.

BASIL GOGOS Returns To Comic Book Shops with NECK BOLT PUBLISHING!

Basil Gogos, the definitive master of movie monster portrait art, makes
his return to comic books in June as cover artist for the upcoming
graphic novel, THE TRAP-DOOR MAKER: A PREQUEL TO THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
from Neck Bolt Publishing. Written & illustrated by Pete Bregman, and
originally published in three parts, THE TRAP-DOOR MAKER is the
critically acclaimed graphic novel that tells the story of Erik prior to his
infamous life as "The Phantom Of The Opera," when the disfigured genius
traveled the globe as a magician and sideshow horror. His unique skills
and inventions eventually earned him a job as the palace architect and
political assassin for the Shah of Persia. THE TRAP-DOOR MAKER tells
the tale of Erik?s origins, actions, and ultimate betrayal.This 168-page
Collected Edition trade paperback will also include a bonus comic
adaptation of Gaston Leroux's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Chapter 1.

Basil Gogos is best known for his striking portraits of movie monsters
which appeared on the covers of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine in
the 1960s and 70s. Created by publisher James Warren and editor
Forrest J Ackerman, Famous Monsters of Filmland premiered in 1958 and was
aimed at young readers who were then discovering the classic horror films
of the '30s and '40s on television. Gogos' first work for Warren was
the cover of Famous Monsters of Filmland #9 in 1960 featuring an
impressionistic portrait of Vincent Price from House of Usher painted in
shades of red, yellow and green. Over the next two decades, he created
almost 50 covers for Famous Monsters, many of which have become iconic
images of that period. Gogos also provided cover art for several other
Warren magazines including Creepy, Eerie, Spaceman, Wildest Westerns and The
Spirit.

Basil Gogos' Famous Monsters cover art featured most of the classic
horror characters such as The Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein's
monster, Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, King Kong, Godzilla and The
Creature from the Black Lagoon, expertly portraying them as both frightening
and sympathetic. Due to a resurgence of interest in classic horror films
and collectibles, Gogos returned to the horror genre in the 1990s.
During this time, new Gogos monster portraits appeared on trading cards,
lithographs and magazine covers. He has also painted CD covers for rock
stars Rob Zombie, The Misfits and Electric Frankenstein.


"Some of the first classic monster images that I can remember being
exposed to were Basil's stunning cover paintings for Famous Monsters Of
Filmland. His work is one of the things that got me hooked on monsters as
a kid, and I think that I can safely speak for millions of other
monster fans when I say this," says Bregman. "Words can't express the
excitement I felt when Basil agreed to paint the cover of my book! It feels
great being able to introduce his iconic work to a whole new generation.
Quality never goes out of style!"

THE TRAP-DOOR MAKER: A PREQUEL TO THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will be
distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. and available in comic book
stores everywhere in June 2008.

To find a comic book store near you, call the Comic Shop Locator
Service, toll free, at 1-888-COMIC-BOOK, or use the CSLS online at
http://www.comicshoplocator.com

For more information about THE TRAP-DOOR MAKER and Neck Bolt
Publishing, please visit neckboltpublishing.com. For more information about Basil
Gogos, please visit basilgogos.com.

PRESS RELEASE - WELCOME TO THE CHARLATAN BALL!
Joe Casey and Andy Suriano bring the magic this June!


1 April 2008 - Magic comes crashing down on reality this June in the pages of the ongoing CHARLATAN BALL with series writer, IRON MAN: ENTER THE MANDARIAN's Joe Casey, and artist, STAR WARS: CLONE WARS' Andy Suriano, at the helm.


"This series is meant to be a chaotic head trip from start to finish," said Casey. "To me, creator-owned means total freedom. Andy and I feel like we've been let off the leash. It's been a long time coming for us, and we can't wait to mainline this book directly into the veins of the Direct Market... and beyond!"


CHARLATAN BALL follows C-level magician Chuck Amok and his pet rabbit, Caesar, as they're unknowingly entangled in a multi-dimensional war they can't even begin to comprehend, where magic is the main weapon of choice for all its combatants. The only one who knows the truth is the one who brought him here: the untrustworthy Demon Empty, and he's not talking. The series follows the misadventures of Chuck and Caesar thrown headlong into a world of super-psychedelia.


CHARLATAN BALL #1 (APR082158), an ongoing 24-page comic book for $2.50, will be available in stores June 11th.


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.

MR. T SET FOR COMIC BOOK BATTLES WITH FAMOUS FACES!

MR. T CROSSOVERS BEGIN WITH MR. T VERSUS DRACULA!

Any day with a “fool” in it, especially April Fool’s Day, was always going to be a day of dedication to Mr. T, the Mohawk muscleman known for the catchphrase, “I pity the fool!”

Having recently launched their Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition Graphic Novel, publisher Mohawk Media have decided to celebrate April Fool’s Day with the announcement of Mr. T Versus, a series of comic magazines which see Mr. T doing battle with other famous characters.

The first confirmed title is Mr. T Versus Dracula.

Explaining the series, author Christopher Bunting says: ‘When I proposed these crossovers, Mohawk Media jumped at the chance and went to great lengths to make them happen. Who can blame them? Two legends … a living legend and an undead legend … going toe to toe. It doesn’t get much more exciting than that!’

Bunting continues: ‘Kicking – or should that be biting – off the series is Dracula. How is someone as devious as him going to handle someone as straight talking as Mr. T? And as powerful as Dracula is, he’s not met anyone as tough as Mr. T before!’

As Mr. T says in the story: ‘All these suckers with their fancy powers! They need a reality check, and only one guy can do that, and that’s me, Mr. T!’

‘Ain’t no difference if they’re a vampire, a dinosaur, a mutant, if they’re doing wrong, then it needs Mr. T to set things straight with a swift right!’

Although many details of Mr. T Versus are being kept closely guarded, Mohawk Media has offered an exclusive glimpse into the series at: http://www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/mrtversus.htm

The Mr. T: Limited Advance Edition Graphic Novel is available now direct from publisher Mohawk Media at www.mohawkmedia.co.uk for the exclusive price of £15.99 / $39.00 including delivery. Alternatively, from Friday 4 April 2008, it will be available through Amazon and all major online bookstores. It will also be available though bookstores worldwide by quoting its 13-digit ISBN: 9780955680403.

AAM/Markosia, publishers of King Kong, Starship Troopers, Eleventh Hour and the critically acclaimed The Boy Who Made Silence, are proud to announce their new title Lazarus: Immortal Coils.


Others use the name, but there is only one LAZARUS! The Biblical figure that disappeared from history returns! Gehenna City looks like any other metropolis but it's citizens are unaware they're hosts for demons, and only Lazarus can stop the invasion. A story 1,974 years in the making, Lazarus: Immortal Coils reveals the definitive origin of the eternal warrior.


Publisher Harry Markos, states, "I am very excited about this title, which I am confident is going to attract a ton of positive reviews. Joseph's script is amazing, you can see almost immediately that this is no ordinary take on the Lazarus story but something quite unique and remarkable. The stunning art brings the tale to life and immerses the reader into a dark and frenetic world filled with all manner of intrigue and action. It's going to surprise a lot of people!"


Created by Joseph Gauthier, Carlos Rafael, and Alex Lugo, Lazarus: Immortal Coils is a six issue mini-series available for pre-order in April Previews using order code APR08 3485.


For more information please visit www.markosia.com

OVER 4.1 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA
SOLD AT PROFILES IN HISTORY'S 31st HOLLYWOOD AUCTION

A RARE KING KONG SIX-SHEET POSTER SOLD FOR $345,000.00

Calabasas, CA, March 28, 2008 - Profiles in History offered over 1100 iconic Hollywood items at a two day Hollywood memorabilia auction - March 27 & 28, 2008.

TOP 30 AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS:
$345,000.00 King Kong six-sheet movie poster.
$126,500.00 Leaping Alien Warrior figure from Aliens.
$115,000.00 "Ming the Merciless" cape from Flash Gordon. (Univ., 1936)
$115,000.00 Hydraulic screen-used Velociraptor from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II.
$103,500.00 Michael Keaton's complete "Batman" costume from Batman Returns.
$97,750.00 Pteranodon display with a full set of Pteranodon babies from Jurassic Park
III.
$74,750.00 Shanghai Express three-sheet poster (Paramount, 1932).
$74,750.00 Robin Sachs screen-used Sarris costume from Galaxy Quest.
$69,000.00 John Wayne costume from She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.
$57,500.00 Louise Brooks in Diary of a Lost Girl [Tagebuch] German one-sheet poster.
$51,750.00 Julie Andrews signature coat from Mary Poppins.
$48,875.00 Danny DeVito "Penguin" display study from Batman Returns.
$46,000.00 Greta Garbo portrait by Edward Steichen from A Woman of Affairs.
$46,000.00 Bob Keeshan jacket and pants worn as "Captain Kangaroo".
$43,125.00 James Cauty Lord of the Rings original drawing "iconic masterpiece of the
psychedelic era".
$43,125.00 Trio of costumes worn byBruce Willis,Milla Jovovich & Chris Tucker in The
Fifth Element.
$43,125.00 Halle Berry hero "Storm" battlesuit from X-Men.
$43,125.00 James Marsden hero "Cyclops" battlesuit from X-Men.
$43,125.00 Screen-used purple Thermian from Galaxy Quest.
$40,250.00 No One Man three-sheet poster.
$37,375.00 Screen-used Baby Stegosaur from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II.
$37,375.00 Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's Monster.
$34,500.00 Triceratops screen-used head from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II.
$34,500.00 Screen-used Velociraptor insert head from Jurassic Park III.
$34,500.00 The Wolf Man one-sheet poster.
$34,500.00 Alien Queen maquette from Aliens.
$34,500.00 Full-scale Velociraptor display study from Jurassic Park III.
$31,625.00 Maltese Falcon window card.
$31,625.00 Baby T-Rex display study from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II.
$31,625.00 Dilophosaurus display study from Jurassic Park.

Prior Hollywood auctions highlights have included the "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); A full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); the Command Chair from the "U.S.S. Enterprise" ($304,750); the original "Robot" from Lost in Space ($264,500); Luke Skywalker's light saber from Star Wars ($195,500); the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000); George Reeves' Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500); the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from Alien ($126,500); a full-scale T-Rex head from Jurassic Park ($126,500), Christopher Reeve's 'Superman' costume from Superman: The Movie ($115,000) and The Wizard of Oz 'Winkie' Guard Costume ($115,000).

For more information about Profiles in History and to download a complete catalog of items available for auction via mail, phone, fax, internet or live via (HYPERLINK "http://www.ebayliveauctions.com/" \o "http://www.ebayliveauctions.com/" www.ebayliveauctions.com), please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.profilesinhistory.com/" \o "http://www.profilesinhistory.com/" www.profilesinhistory.com.
Note: All prices include fifteen (15%) percent Buyer's Premium.

NEWS FROM PAPERCUTZ

NEWSWEEK LOVES CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED
The schoolkids’ best friend is back and getting rave reviews from the
mainstream press

“Dazzling.” “Wonderful.” “A visual masterpiece.”

That’s how NEWSWEEK'S Malcolm Jones describes books from Papercutz’s
new CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED imprint. The magazine’s March 31 issue, on
newsstands now, features “Everything Is Illuminated,” a three-page
overview of comics based on classic literature.

CI’s THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, drawn by Michel Plessix, receives Jones’

highest praise: “Every frame is drawn and colored with meticulous care.

Every elegant page is composed with a dual purpose: to enchant the eye
and to further the various narratives.”

Jones also covers Papercutz’s version of Charles Dickens’s GREAT
EXPECTATIONS (by Rick Geary, best known for his TREASURY OF VICTORIAN
MURDER series for NBM Publishing) and previews the upcoming edition of
Lewis Carroll’s THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS by Kyle Baker (TALES FROM THE

CRYPT, WHY I HATE SATURN, PLASTIC MAN). “CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED always
had the goods,” Jones concludes. “Looks like it still does.”

NEWSWEEK’s piece is only the newest in a stream of praise and
attention that mainstream news outlets have paid to CLASSICS
ILLUSTRATED. Under the headline “Revised ‘Classics’ Illustrate New
Interest in Quality,” Scripps-Howard News Service’s Andrew Smith says,
“Papercutz is certainly putting its best foot forward. . . . [with] a
roster of talented European and American artists” and adds that CI
“promises comics adaptations that any sort of reader can enjoy.” He
calls GREAT EXPECTATIONS “riveting” and says of THE WIND IN THE
WILLOWS, “Mr. Toad and company come to life in a heart-stoppingly
beautiful ride through a fantasy world loved by children worldwide.” In

Canada’s national newspaper, THE GLOBE AND MAIL, Nathalie Atkinson
calls CI’s books “excellent,” points out that they “will lure both
adults and children,” and praises THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS for its “page

after page of lush detail.” From THE WASHINGTON TIMES and the MEMPHIS
COMMERCIAL APPEAL to THE BUFFALO NEWS and the SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN,
publications all over the country have paid flattering attention to
CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED.

CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED was the creation of Albert Lewis Kanter
(1897-1973), a visionary publisher. Kanter believed that comics could
introduce young readers to great literature. In 1941, he launched
CLASSIC COMICS (changed to CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED in 1947). For thirty
years, Kanter produced more than 200 CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED and CLASSICS
ILLUSTRATED JUNIOR publications. They introduced young readers
worldwide to fiction, history, folklore, mythology, and science.

In 1990, the Berkley Publishing Group and First Publishing revived
CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED as a series of graphic novels featuring new
adaptations by such top graphic novelists as Baker, Geary, Bill
Sienkiewicz, and Gahan Wilson. Papercutz will reprint many of the
Berkley-First books. Papercutz has also obtained rights to new
adaptations of the classics by some of the world's finest graphic
novelists. Published under the CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED DELUXE imprint,
they devote three to five times as many pages as the previous series
and more fully capture the depth of the original novels.

For more information, visit http://myspace.com/papercutzcomics or
http://www.papercutz.com/classics/windwillow/willowhome.html,