Hey gang,
Sorry for four e-mails in one week. But, I plum forgot that the TV
movie I co-wrote with my Cleaners (coming Fall 2008 from Dark Horse!)
co-writer Mark Wheaton airs this weekend on Sci Fi.
I have no idea how much of my script is still there, or if it's any
good. I do know that it stars Judd Nelson and Isabella Rosselini. I
suspect at at least one or more times somebody peels off their skin. I also
know that if it gets good ratings they play it more, and I get paid
more.
So, in the name of my bank account, please, tune into Sci-Fi Channel on
Sunday night at 9pm Eastern to Watch: Infected.
I look forward to being mercilessly teased.
j.
www.thefialkov.com
Friday, April 25, 2008
THE 008 AND UPPER PLAYGROUND PARTNER WITH ARTISTS
MORNING BREATH
TO SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
Morning Breath's Barack Obama Poster
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2008 - In an ongoing effort to secure Democratic hopeful Barack Obama's presidential bid, The 008 and Upper Playground have collaborated with Brooklyn-based Morning Breath to create a new limited screenprint of the duo's portrait of Obama. The Morning Breath poster is part of an ongoing series of artist collaborations in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
The Morning Breathe limited screenprint is now available for purchase online through www.upperplayground.com. The posters will be signed and numbered by the artists and are made at a limited quantity of 200, and retail at $200. The poster is a pre-sale item and will not ship until May 21, 2008. All proceeds from the sales of the Morning Breath Obama posters will go directly to creating more campaign T-shirts, posters and stickers by other artists in support of Obama's bid for President. Previously, Munk One's poster, also sold through Upper Playground was used in a bus shelter visability campaign throughout Philadelphia prior to the primary in Pennsylvania.
The 008 and Upper Playground are also pleased to announce an upcoming Independent Barack Obama Campaign Poster Art exhibition featuring all the artists who have contributed poster art for this Barack Obama 2008 campaign and many more still to be revealed. In the past two months, with the support of The 008, Upper Playground endorsed Obama's campaign by creating posters featuring artwork from The Date Farmers, Mac, Sam Flores, and Munk One, as well as printing T-shirts with Shepard Fairey's Obama poster graphics to help support the grass roots campaign. The exhibition will feature work from the Upper Playground collaborations, as well as work from some of the biggest names in contemporary art that will soon announced. The 008 and Upper Playground will announce full details, exhibiting artists, and location in the next month.
For more information on Morning Breath (www.morningbreathinc.com) and their endorsement for Obama, please visit www.upperplayground.com.
The 008, Morning Breath, Munk One and Upper Playground would like to thank everyone who continues their ongoing support of the Barack Obama campaign.
About Morning Breath
Morning Breath, Inc, consisting of Doug Cunningham and Jason Noto, is a creative studio focusing on visualization, illustration, and design. Their works break through the clutter by delivering fresh and innovative creative solutions targeted to the youth culture. In addition to commercial projects, Morning Breath is actively involved in the arts and has had several successful gallery show nationwide. In all of their creative works, Morning Breath continually strives for the balance of art, design, and advertising.
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 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.008themovement.org.
The 008 is a purely volunteer organization. If you are interested in volunteering for, donating to, or learning more about the official Barack Obama campaign please visit www.barackobama.com.
MORNING BREATH
TO SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
Morning Breath's Barack Obama Poster
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2008 - In an ongoing effort to secure Democratic hopeful Barack Obama's presidential bid, The 008 and Upper Playground have collaborated with Brooklyn-based Morning Breath to create a new limited screenprint of the duo's portrait of Obama. The Morning Breath poster is part of an ongoing series of artist collaborations in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
The Morning Breathe limited screenprint is now available for purchase online through www.upperplayground.com. The posters will be signed and numbered by the artists and are made at a limited quantity of 200, and retail at $200. The poster is a pre-sale item and will not ship until May 21, 2008. All proceeds from the sales of the Morning Breath Obama posters will go directly to creating more campaign T-shirts, posters and stickers by other artists in support of Obama's bid for President. Previously, Munk One's poster, also sold through Upper Playground was used in a bus shelter visability campaign throughout Philadelphia prior to the primary in Pennsylvania.
The 008 and Upper Playground are also pleased to announce an upcoming Independent Barack Obama Campaign Poster Art exhibition featuring all the artists who have contributed poster art for this Barack Obama 2008 campaign and many more still to be revealed. In the past two months, with the support of The 008, Upper Playground endorsed Obama's campaign by creating posters featuring artwork from The Date Farmers, Mac, Sam Flores, and Munk One, as well as printing T-shirts with Shepard Fairey's Obama poster graphics to help support the grass roots campaign. The exhibition will feature work from the Upper Playground collaborations, as well as work from some of the biggest names in contemporary art that will soon announced. The 008 and Upper Playground will announce full details, exhibiting artists, and location in the next month.
For more information on Morning Breath (www.morningbreathinc.com) and their endorsement for Obama, please visit www.upperplayground.com.
The 008, Morning Breath, Munk One and Upper Playground would like to thank everyone who continues their ongoing support of the Barack Obama campaign.
About Morning Breath
Morning Breath, Inc, consisting of Doug Cunningham and Jason Noto, is a creative studio focusing on visualization, illustration, and design. Their works break through the clutter by delivering fresh and innovative creative solutions targeted to the youth culture. In addition to commercial projects, Morning Breath is actively involved in the arts and has had several successful gallery show nationwide. In all of their creative works, Morning Breath continually strives for the balance of art, design, and advertising.
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 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.008themovement.org.
The 008 is a purely volunteer organization. If you are interested in volunteering for, donating to, or learning more about the official Barack Obama campaign please visit www.barackobama.com.
RAY HARRYHAUSEN & JULES VERNE TEAM UP AGAIN FOR THE COMIC SERIES "BACK TO MYSTERIOUS ISLAND"
BELLINGHAM, WA - "Mysterious Island" is a 19th Century novel by Jules Verne that was turned into a film by Ray Harryhausen in 1961. Fast forward to 2008 to Bluewater Productions "Back To Mysterious Island". Written by Max Landis and penciled by Kevin Gentilcore. Alternate covers are by Matt Frank and Eagle award nominee Azim Akberali. Issue 4 will feature a cover by Ray Harryhausen himself!
"Back to Mysterious Island" is described as, Two zoologists who've been hired to survey the day to day life of penguins on a rogue iceberg end up finding out their job is a lot more complicated than they originally
expected. The entire primary cast is original, although Landis created a plot device to fit in a slew of Harryhausen monsters that a lot of people will probably be happy to see. The group later discovers that their secret helper is the reclusive Captain Nemo (first introduced in Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea).
“When we were going through the Ray Harryhausen catalog this was one of the stories we were excited to tell. It has everything from action, adventure and a giant chicken.” stated Bluewater publisher Darren G. Davis. “This is a classic tale from Jules Verne and Max Landis did an amazing job" Davis continues "Our Ray Harryhausen tales are unique, not adaptations from the films. We are trying to tell the stories of these established characters".
Writer Max Landis said" Ray Harryhausen's films have always been important to me. Something about the personalization of monsters, something I'd been unfamiliar with when I first saw the movies as a child. I remember seeing seventh Voyage Of Sinbad for the first time when I was seven or eight, but I must've seen it a dozen times before then. See, I was a Godzilla kid. I was raised in a very, very movie-reverrent household, and Godzilla was like mothers-milk. However, though I didn't realize it then, Godzilla was just a stepping stone."
Landis continues, "So when I came across this job; found out Id have the opportunity to take that Cyclops who'd diligently entertained me for so many hours, died a thousand deaths in his struggle against the dragon, into my hands, I was ecstatic. To make him walk, and talk, move and fight and exist, even if only on paper…Well, it was the answer to a question I didn't know I'd asked."
Artist Kevin Gentilcore, "Back To Mysterious Island has been really cool and fun to work on! It is a great story and very unique with it's handling of all things Harryhausen with respect to the original Verne concept. Oh and don't forget the monsters! Fans won't be disappointed!"
To order “Back to Mysterious Island” go to the new issue of PREVIEWS: DIAMOND CODE MAY08 3668
For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit them online (http://www.bluewatercomics.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!
# # # #
ABOUT BLUEWATER: Bluewater Productions is a creative studio founded in 2004 by Darren G. Davis; creator of such popular characters as THE 10th MUSE, ISIS, VSS and JUDO GIRL! Bluewater Productions has published with Image Comics, Alias Enterprises and Arcana Studios. Visit Bluewater Productions online at http://www.bluewaterprod.com.
BELLINGHAM, WA - "Mysterious Island" is a 19th Century novel by Jules Verne that was turned into a film by Ray Harryhausen in 1961. Fast forward to 2008 to Bluewater Productions "Back To Mysterious Island". Written by Max Landis and penciled by Kevin Gentilcore. Alternate covers are by Matt Frank and Eagle award nominee Azim Akberali. Issue 4 will feature a cover by Ray Harryhausen himself!
"Back to Mysterious Island" is described as, Two zoologists who've been hired to survey the day to day life of penguins on a rogue iceberg end up finding out their job is a lot more complicated than they originally
expected. The entire primary cast is original, although Landis created a plot device to fit in a slew of Harryhausen monsters that a lot of people will probably be happy to see. The group later discovers that their secret helper is the reclusive Captain Nemo (first introduced in Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea).
“When we were going through the Ray Harryhausen catalog this was one of the stories we were excited to tell. It has everything from action, adventure and a giant chicken.” stated Bluewater publisher Darren G. Davis. “This is a classic tale from Jules Verne and Max Landis did an amazing job" Davis continues "Our Ray Harryhausen tales are unique, not adaptations from the films. We are trying to tell the stories of these established characters".
Writer Max Landis said" Ray Harryhausen's films have always been important to me. Something about the personalization of monsters, something I'd been unfamiliar with when I first saw the movies as a child. I remember seeing seventh Voyage Of Sinbad for the first time when I was seven or eight, but I must've seen it a dozen times before then. See, I was a Godzilla kid. I was raised in a very, very movie-reverrent household, and Godzilla was like mothers-milk. However, though I didn't realize it then, Godzilla was just a stepping stone."
Landis continues, "So when I came across this job; found out Id have the opportunity to take that Cyclops who'd diligently entertained me for so many hours, died a thousand deaths in his struggle against the dragon, into my hands, I was ecstatic. To make him walk, and talk, move and fight and exist, even if only on paper…Well, it was the answer to a question I didn't know I'd asked."
Artist Kevin Gentilcore, "Back To Mysterious Island has been really cool and fun to work on! It is a great story and very unique with it's handling of all things Harryhausen with respect to the original Verne concept. Oh and don't forget the monsters! Fans won't be disappointed!"
To order “Back to Mysterious Island” go to the new issue of PREVIEWS: DIAMOND CODE MAY08 3668
For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit them online (http://www.bluewatercomics.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!
# # # #
ABOUT BLUEWATER: Bluewater Productions is a creative studio founded in 2004 by Darren G. Davis; creator of such popular characters as THE 10th MUSE, ISIS, VSS and JUDO GIRL! Bluewater Productions has published with Image Comics, Alias Enterprises and Arcana Studios. Visit Bluewater Productions online at http://www.bluewaterprod.com.
JOHANNA STOKES' STATION LAUNCHES INTO THE STRATOSPHERE THIS JUNE FROM
BOOM! STUDIOS
220 miles above Earth, murder rocks the International Space Station.
April 24th, 2008 (Los Angeles, CA) -- Two hundred and twenty miles doesn't seem that far unless you're looking down. Five nations have come together to build the crowning achievement in space travel, but now one astronaut is dead. Is it sabotage? An accident? Or murder? Find out in BOOM!'s new mini-series, STATION!
A thriller in the vein of WHITEOUT, STATION is the creation of Johanna Stokes, writer of the EUREKA TV episodes "Right as Raynes" and "Purple Haze," with art by newcomer Leno Carvalho. A 4-issue monthly mini-series beginning this June, STATION explores murder at the extreme edges of the earth.
Bringing a Hitchcockian level of suspense little-seen in the comics medium, STATION puts a new twist on the classic "locked room" murder mystery, focusing on space tourist Dyson as he tries to find out why one of his crewmates is dead, who killed him, and why.
"Johanna always amazes me with her versatility as a writer," said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "STATION shows a whole new side to her talent. The action is great. The suspense is great. This is going be a must-buy for both comic and mystery fans everywhere!"
Stokes is familiar to fans of BOOM! Studios' work, having written MR. STUFFINS, DEATH VALLEY, and SAVAGE BROTHERS. Stokes has also contributed to BOOM!'s anthology books PIRATE TALES, ZOMBIE TALES, and CTHULHU TALES.
With STATION, Stokes takes the "locked room" thriller to new heights, playing on the classic conventions of mystery while infusing the narrative with a great cast of characters and the intrigue of the stars.
"I'm thrilled to hear the fan praise and glad that readers are giving me a chance," Stokes said. "And I'm also glad that I've found a place that will let me tell the stories I want to tell. STATION will live up to the hype."
STATION #1 features cover art by Leno Carvalho, item order code: APR083635.
About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." 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
220 miles above Earth, murder rocks the International Space Station.
April 24th, 2008 (Los Angeles, CA) -- Two hundred and twenty miles doesn't seem that far unless you're looking down. Five nations have come together to build the crowning achievement in space travel, but now one astronaut is dead. Is it sabotage? An accident? Or murder? Find out in BOOM!'s new mini-series, STATION!
A thriller in the vein of WHITEOUT, STATION is the creation of Johanna Stokes, writer of the EUREKA TV episodes "Right as Raynes" and "Purple Haze," with art by newcomer Leno Carvalho. A 4-issue monthly mini-series beginning this June, STATION explores murder at the extreme edges of the earth.
Bringing a Hitchcockian level of suspense little-seen in the comics medium, STATION puts a new twist on the classic "locked room" murder mystery, focusing on space tourist Dyson as he tries to find out why one of his crewmates is dead, who killed him, and why.
"Johanna always amazes me with her versatility as a writer," said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "STATION shows a whole new side to her talent. The action is great. The suspense is great. This is going be a must-buy for both comic and mystery fans everywhere!"
Stokes is familiar to fans of BOOM! Studios' work, having written MR. STUFFINS, DEATH VALLEY, and SAVAGE BROTHERS. Stokes has also contributed to BOOM!'s anthology books PIRATE TALES, ZOMBIE TALES, and CTHULHU TALES.
With STATION, Stokes takes the "locked room" thriller to new heights, playing on the classic conventions of mystery while infusing the narrative with a great cast of characters and the intrigue of the stars.
"I'm thrilled to hear the fan praise and glad that readers are giving me a chance," Stokes said. "And I'm also glad that I've found a place that will let me tell the stories I want to tell. STATION will live up to the hype."
STATION #1 features cover art by Leno Carvalho, item order code: APR083635.
About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." 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.
Wizard World Philadelphia
Indy comic book creator and co-founder of Angry Drunk Graphics, Steve Vincent is going to be a guest artist at Wizard World Philadelphia. Wizard rarely puts indy artists on as guests, so this should be fun. He will be selling his newest book "The Stopping of Harold" along with other books published by Angry Drunk Graphics at the Angry Drunk Graphics table.
Angry Drunk graphics will also have special guest Douglas Paszkiewicz at their table to sign his books and meet fans. A rare appearance.
Who is he? here is his bio-
Douglas Paszkiewicz has been in the comics industry as a writer and illustrator for 9 years having done work on books for image comics, DC comics, Adhesive press, and others. His self published comic Arsenic Lullaby a dark humor cult favorite has been nominated for several awards and is one of the few Indy comic success stories. With a cast including an alcoholic cereal mascot, a witch doctor living in the suburbs and a dead movie cowboy Arsenic Lullaby is know for being unlike any other book on the shelves as well as being delightfully despicable. Aside from Arsenic Lullaby his twisted sense of humor and clean polished illustrative style can also been seen often in MAD Magazine. When he is not drawing or writing he is cutting himself with car keys because it feels just as fulfilling as drawing or writing.
Samples of his work can be seen at www.arseniclullabies.com among other places.
Odd Tales Book 5 "The Stoppping of Harold" available now!
We still have a few copies of the "All Ages" book "The Stopping of Harold" leftover from NYComiccon. It is for sale in the Odd Tales section of our website. This is a limited print and they will be printed differently when these are gone.
What it's about, a whole town falls apart when a little boy stops.
24 pages B/W
Ronald McDonald House Benefit at Lousy Land
We will be vending at Lousy Land
This Satur day from 2 until 11 p.m.
Bands include Lousy Break, The Wretched Ones, Reactor Radio and more!
Get there early and have some fun with new frien ds!
Doors open at 1- BYOB- 12 punk bands
$10 donat ion, all of the money goes to THE RONAL D McDON ALD HOUSE in Long Branc h
A great show for an even bette r cause
35 third avenu e in Long Branc h, New Jerse y
door prize s, raffl es and some great punk rock
come to the show and make a diffe rence in a sick kids life
Indy comic book creator and co-founder of Angry Drunk Graphics, Steve Vincent is going to be a guest artist at Wizard World Philadelphia. Wizard rarely puts indy artists on as guests, so this should be fun. He will be selling his newest book "The Stopping of Harold" along with other books published by Angry Drunk Graphics at the Angry Drunk Graphics table.
Angry Drunk graphics will also have special guest Douglas Paszkiewicz at their table to sign his books and meet fans. A rare appearance.
Who is he? here is his bio-
Douglas Paszkiewicz has been in the comics industry as a writer and illustrator for 9 years having done work on books for image comics, DC comics, Adhesive press, and others. His self published comic Arsenic Lullaby a dark humor cult favorite has been nominated for several awards and is one of the few Indy comic success stories. With a cast including an alcoholic cereal mascot, a witch doctor living in the suburbs and a dead movie cowboy Arsenic Lullaby is know for being unlike any other book on the shelves as well as being delightfully despicable. Aside from Arsenic Lullaby his twisted sense of humor and clean polished illustrative style can also been seen often in MAD Magazine. When he is not drawing or writing he is cutting himself with car keys because it feels just as fulfilling as drawing or writing.
Samples of his work can be seen at www.arseniclullabies.com among other places.
Odd Tales Book 5 "The Stoppping of Harold" available now!
We still have a few copies of the "All Ages" book "The Stopping of Harold" leftover from NYComiccon. It is for sale in the Odd Tales section of our website. This is a limited print and they will be printed differently when these are gone.
What it's about, a whole town falls apart when a little boy stops.
24 pages B/W
Ronald McDonald House Benefit at Lousy Land
We will be vending at Lousy Land
This Satur day from 2 until 11 p.m.
Bands include Lousy Break, The Wretched Ones, Reactor Radio and more!
Get there early and have some fun with new frien ds!
Doors open at 1- BYOB- 12 punk bands
$10 donat ion, all of the money goes to THE RONAL D McDON ALD HOUSE in Long Branc h
A great show for an even bette r cause
35 third avenu e in Long Branc h, New Jerse y
door prize s, raffl es and some great punk rock
come to the show and make a diffe rence in a sick kids life
‘Super-Creator’ Comes to USA
French embassy hosts Christophe Blain; critics compare him to Vonnegut
& Daumier
“Christophe Blain is one of those super-creators in France that very
few English-speaking people have heard of.” — Read About Comics
“[Blain’s] styles of figuration and lighting marry Daumier and Munch.”
— Booklist
“Like Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut.” — School Library Journal
Blain is the writer and artist behind Isaac the Pirate, the
best-selling graphic-novel series about an artist who accidentally
turns buccaneer and falls through a series of hilarious adventures. The
book won the prestigious Angoulême International Comics festival’s
highest award. Blain has also written and drawn graphic novels such as
the critically lauded The Speed Abater and contributed to Lewis
Trondheim and Joann Sfar’s popular Dungeon books.
The French embassy’s Cultural Services Department is bringing Blain to
the United States as part of its French Authors on Tour program
(www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?article50&tout=ok). NBM, the publisher
of Dungeon, Speed Abater, and Isaac the Pirate in the United States, is
delighted to work with the Embassy on Blain’s tour.
At this writing, Blain is scheduled for the following events (and more
may be added soon).
Saturday, April 26
7 p.m.
Secret Headquarters
3817 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-666-2228
www.thesecretheadquarters.com
shq@thesecretheadquarters.com
Sunday, April 27
12 noon: Booth 318 (Hi De Ho Comics)
2 p.m.: Booth 732 (French Cultural Services)
4 p.m.: Royce Hall, Room 306 (lecture followed by wine reception)
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
UCLA
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095
213-237-6552 or 800-728-4638 x72665
www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks / www.hidehocomics.com
info@hidehocomics.com / nicole.hayes@latimes.com
Monday, April 28
7 p.m.
Book Soup
8818 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-659-3110 or 800-764-BOOK
www.booksoup.com
info@booksoup.com
Thursday, May 1
6 p.m.
Floating World Comics
20 Northwest 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503-241-0227
www.floatingworldcomics.com
jason@floatingworldcomics.com
French embassy hosts Christophe Blain; critics compare him to Vonnegut
& Daumier
“Christophe Blain is one of those super-creators in France that very
few English-speaking people have heard of.” — Read About Comics
“[Blain’s] styles of figuration and lighting marry Daumier and Munch.”
— Booklist
“Like Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut.” — School Library Journal
Blain is the writer and artist behind Isaac the Pirate, the
best-selling graphic-novel series about an artist who accidentally
turns buccaneer and falls through a series of hilarious adventures. The
book won the prestigious Angoulême International Comics festival’s
highest award. Blain has also written and drawn graphic novels such as
the critically lauded The Speed Abater and contributed to Lewis
Trondheim and Joann Sfar’s popular Dungeon books.
The French embassy’s Cultural Services Department is bringing Blain to
the United States as part of its French Authors on Tour program
(www.frenchculture.org/spip.php?article50&tout=ok). NBM, the publisher
of Dungeon, Speed Abater, and Isaac the Pirate in the United States, is
delighted to work with the Embassy on Blain’s tour.
At this writing, Blain is scheduled for the following events (and more
may be added soon).
Saturday, April 26
7 p.m.
Secret Headquarters
3817 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-666-2228
www.thesecretheadquarters.com
shq@thesecretheadquarters.com
Sunday, April 27
12 noon: Booth 318 (Hi De Ho Comics)
2 p.m.: Booth 732 (French Cultural Services)
4 p.m.: Royce Hall, Room 306 (lecture followed by wine reception)
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
UCLA
405 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095
213-237-6552 or 800-728-4638 x72665
www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks / www.hidehocomics.com
info@hidehocomics.com / nicole.hayes@latimes.com
Monday, April 28
7 p.m.
Book Soup
8818 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-659-3110 or 800-764-BOOK
www.booksoup.com
info@booksoup.com
Thursday, May 1
6 p.m.
Floating World Comics
20 Northwest 5th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
503-241-0227
www.floatingworldcomics.com
jason@floatingworldcomics.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Friends-
Issue eight 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
Alex Robinson interviewed! The award-winning writer/artist of BOX OFFICE POISON, TRICKED, LOWER REGIONS, and TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN sits down with Marc Mason and talks art school, indy publishing, winning awards, and managing expectations!
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/alexrobinson.html
Plus: some great columns!
Matt Maxwell offers up some advice to people who take superhero comics a bit too seriously:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed20.html
Avril Brown presents the first ever Miss Marvel Universe pageant:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril8.html
Marc Mason discusses the legacy of John Byrne and why he should get more respect than he seems to these days:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason8.html
Elliott Serrano talks about the power of comics to mold a young person’s life:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw11.html
Brandon Jerwa interviews CHECKMATE writer Eric Trautmann:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa7.html
Saurav Mohapatra offers advice on balancing new fatherhood with deadlines:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid3.html
PLEASE: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs- 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 eight 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
Alex Robinson interviewed! The award-winning writer/artist of BOX OFFICE POISON, TRICKED, LOWER REGIONS, and TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN sits down with Marc Mason and talks art school, indy publishing, winning awards, and managing expectations!
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/alexrobinson.html
Plus: some great columns!
Matt Maxwell offers up some advice to people who take superhero comics a bit too seriously:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed20.html
Avril Brown presents the first ever Miss Marvel Universe pageant:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril8.html
Marc Mason discusses the legacy of John Byrne and why he should get more respect than he seems to these days:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason8.html
Elliott Serrano talks about the power of comics to mold a young person’s life:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw11.html
Brandon Jerwa interviews CHECKMATE writer Eric Trautmann:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa7.html
Saurav Mohapatra offers advice on balancing new fatherhood with deadlines:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid3.html
PLEASE: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs- 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
Dear friends, family, and associates,
I'm excited to announce that the first of the THREE FINAL EPISODES of Satacracy 88 is up at itsallinyourhands.tv.
Thanks to our amazing cast and crew, it's some of the best work we've ever done. I'm proud to share it with all of you.
Check it out: http://itsallinyourhands.ning.com/Satacracy_88/page/show?id=1970503%3APage%3A9241
Though the series will reach its climax over the next two weeks, this is not the end of the line for 88. Right now we are developing the next chapter of her life as one of The Knights of a Hundred Sorrows.
I can't say too much more about it yet, except that it will begin to unfold slowly in places familiar to 88 and Futurist fans and will soon grow into an epic online adventure.
It is because of the continuing support of our fans that we have been able to bring our story to the conclusion it deserves. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Thanks for tuning in to watch our work over the past two years. It's been an exciting ride and I can't wait to go on more adventures with you in the future.
All the best,
Brad
I'm excited to announce that the first of the THREE FINAL EPISODES of Satacracy 88 is up at itsallinyourhands.tv.
Thanks to our amazing cast and crew, it's some of the best work we've ever done. I'm proud to share it with all of you.
Check it out: http://itsallinyourhands.ning.com/Satacracy_88/page/show?id=1970503%3APage%3A9241
Though the series will reach its climax over the next two weeks, this is not the end of the line for 88. Right now we are developing the next chapter of her life as one of The Knights of a Hundred Sorrows.
I can't say too much more about it yet, except that it will begin to unfold slowly in places familiar to 88 and Futurist fans and will soon grow into an epic online adventure.
It is because of the continuing support of our fans that we have been able to bring our story to the conclusion it deserves. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Thanks for tuning in to watch our work over the past two years. It's been an exciting ride and I can't wait to go on more adventures with you in the future.
All the best,
Brad
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
GARY PHILLIPS' HIGH ROLLERS DEBUTS FROM BOOM! STUDIOS THIS JUNE
CRIME DOES PAY!
April 23rd, 2008 (Los Angeles, CA) -- Critically acclaimed mystery novelist Gary Phillips (L.A. NOIR, BANGERS) and BOOM! Studios bring comic fans the new crime series HIGH ROLLERS, an inner-city spin on THE SOPRANOS, featuring stunning artwork from Sergio (AFTER THE CAPE II) Carrera with inspired covers by Brett (THE SURROGATES) Weldele.
A tale of crime and destiny in the vein of SCARFACE, HIGH ROLLERS spotlights Cameron Quinn, "CQ." a ruthless enforcer out to make a name for himself, with Phillips shining a harsh light on the action and drama of the L.A. underworld. HIGH ROLLERS is a four-issue miniseries, coming out monthly for fans of violent and penetrating crime stories like THE SOPRANOS and THE WIRE!
"We're happy to have such a talented crime writer of Gary Phillips' caliber (pun intended) working with us," said BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Mark Waid. "Gangsters and the Mafia are America's new vampires - the dark creatures of the underground that fascinate and appall us - and there is no one better to explore this territory than Gary Phillips."
Phillips continues his comic book career with BOOM! Studios having written ANGELTOWN for DC's Vertigo imprint and both SHOT CALLERZ and MIDNIGHT MOVER for Oni Press. With HIGH ROLLERS, Phillips explores the L.A. crime underworld using gritty characters in high-stakes situations bringing to bear not only his experience as a crime novelist but also his experience as a native Angeleno.
"This is a story about the city and the people that live in it," said Phillips. "Crime stories appeal to readers because of their escapist tendencies, but these are also stories about our world - America today - and the dangerous allure of anti-heroes who exist by their own code."
The past few years have seen the increasing popularity of crime fiction in various media, from HBO's THE WIRE to Ed Brubaker's CRIMINAL. What began in the early ' 90s with shows like LAW & ORDER and HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET continues to evolve today with movies like AMERICAN GANGSTER and the GRAND THEFT AUTO video game franchise, marking a shift from showcasing police who patrol the streets to focusing on those who must survive in them. HIGH ROLLERS continues this trend of urban intrigue and action from the perspective of the criminal.
HIGH ROLLERS #1 features cover art by Brett Weldele, item order code: APR083634.
About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." 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.
CRIME DOES PAY!
April 23rd, 2008 (Los Angeles, CA) -- Critically acclaimed mystery novelist Gary Phillips (L.A. NOIR, BANGERS) and BOOM! Studios bring comic fans the new crime series HIGH ROLLERS, an inner-city spin on THE SOPRANOS, featuring stunning artwork from Sergio (AFTER THE CAPE II) Carrera with inspired covers by Brett (THE SURROGATES) Weldele.
A tale of crime and destiny in the vein of SCARFACE, HIGH ROLLERS spotlights Cameron Quinn, "CQ." a ruthless enforcer out to make a name for himself, with Phillips shining a harsh light on the action and drama of the L.A. underworld. HIGH ROLLERS is a four-issue miniseries, coming out monthly for fans of violent and penetrating crime stories like THE SOPRANOS and THE WIRE!
"We're happy to have such a talented crime writer of Gary Phillips' caliber (pun intended) working with us," said BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Mark Waid. "Gangsters and the Mafia are America's new vampires - the dark creatures of the underground that fascinate and appall us - and there is no one better to explore this territory than Gary Phillips."
Phillips continues his comic book career with BOOM! Studios having written ANGELTOWN for DC's Vertigo imprint and both SHOT CALLERZ and MIDNIGHT MOVER for Oni Press. With HIGH ROLLERS, Phillips explores the L.A. crime underworld using gritty characters in high-stakes situations bringing to bear not only his experience as a crime novelist but also his experience as a native Angeleno.
"This is a story about the city and the people that live in it," said Phillips. "Crime stories appeal to readers because of their escapist tendencies, but these are also stories about our world - America today - and the dangerous allure of anti-heroes who exist by their own code."
The past few years have seen the increasing popularity of crime fiction in various media, from HBO's THE WIRE to Ed Brubaker's CRIMINAL. What began in the early ' 90s with shows like LAW & ORDER and HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET continues to evolve today with movies like AMERICAN GANGSTER and the GRAND THEFT AUTO video game franchise, marking a shift from showcasing police who patrol the streets to focusing on those who must survive in them. HIGH ROLLERS continues this trend of urban intrigue and action from the perspective of the criminal.
HIGH ROLLERS #1 features cover art by Brett Weldele, item order code: APR083634.
About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." 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.
DRMASTER PUBLICATIONS PRESENTS
YASUSHI SUZUKI’S GOTHS CAGE
SAN JOSE, CA – April, 2008 – DrMaster Publications proudly announces the production of the highly anticipated picture book by internationally acclaimed video game designer Yasushi Suzuki (a.k.a. – D-Suzuki), Goths Cage (previously titled Phantoms).
Goths Cage is an enchanting manga-esque picture book anthology of three short stories with a malicious twist of love and romance. It is based on Yasushi Suzuki’s art series that was previously released online in Japan under the name Phantoms KADAN. Suzuki-san re-adapts his art series and transforms it into a bewitching picture book with entrancing grace and charm. Each of his gothic tales is exquisitely crafted with elegant detailed illustrations that transport readers into an enchanted world of gothic glory.
In his first story, Glass Magic, Suzuki-san does a twisted take on the classic Cinderella tale. An ugly corpse-like servant girl wishes to fall in love with a prince and become a beautiful princess. Then a sinister old witch offers her a magic potion that can grant her heart’s desires, but in order for the magic to work she must abandon her soul. She gets rid of her memories, her face, and her master to become a cruelly beautiful glass princess.
In another of Suzuki’s splendidly dark tales, the shop keeper of an enchanted barbershop attends to his beautiful victim under the moonlight. He snips away at her thoughts and memories, mystically cutting away all her painful memories that scar her heart. However, because she is sapped of her thoughts and memories, all that is left is her pitiful empty body.
Prepare to be mesmerized by Yasushi Suzuki’s spine-chilling tales of love and entrancement this Fall 2008, because this enchanting collection of spellbinding illustrations and twisted tales is a must-have!
About the Creator:
Yasushi Suzuki is a world renowned video game conceptual designer and animator. His work on IKARUGA (Sega), Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), Radiant Silver Gun (Sega), and so many other games, mainly under the gaming development giant TREASURE GAMES, has earned him a following few other conceptual designers can match. He has also meticulously compiled a stunning cache of his own work history in an art book – The Art of Yasushi Suzuki,which showcases nearly 100 images, some of which were designed specifically for the collection, including art from the video games Ikaruga (Sega), and Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), as well as cover art from the Japanese language version of George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire.
Availability
Goths Cage will be available October 2008, and will be priced at $12.95. All 32 pages of the hardcover book will be printed in full-color.
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.
YASUSHI SUZUKI’S GOTHS CAGE
SAN JOSE, CA – April, 2008 – DrMaster Publications proudly announces the production of the highly anticipated picture book by internationally acclaimed video game designer Yasushi Suzuki (a.k.a. – D-Suzuki), Goths Cage (previously titled Phantoms).
Goths Cage is an enchanting manga-esque picture book anthology of three short stories with a malicious twist of love and romance. It is based on Yasushi Suzuki’s art series that was previously released online in Japan under the name Phantoms KADAN. Suzuki-san re-adapts his art series and transforms it into a bewitching picture book with entrancing grace and charm. Each of his gothic tales is exquisitely crafted with elegant detailed illustrations that transport readers into an enchanted world of gothic glory.
In his first story, Glass Magic, Suzuki-san does a twisted take on the classic Cinderella tale. An ugly corpse-like servant girl wishes to fall in love with a prince and become a beautiful princess. Then a sinister old witch offers her a magic potion that can grant her heart’s desires, but in order for the magic to work she must abandon her soul. She gets rid of her memories, her face, and her master to become a cruelly beautiful glass princess.
In another of Suzuki’s splendidly dark tales, the shop keeper of an enchanted barbershop attends to his beautiful victim under the moonlight. He snips away at her thoughts and memories, mystically cutting away all her painful memories that scar her heart. However, because she is sapped of her thoughts and memories, all that is left is her pitiful empty body.
Prepare to be mesmerized by Yasushi Suzuki’s spine-chilling tales of love and entrancement this Fall 2008, because this enchanting collection of spellbinding illustrations and twisted tales is a must-have!
About the Creator:
Yasushi Suzuki is a world renowned video game conceptual designer and animator. His work on IKARUGA (Sega), Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), Radiant Silver Gun (Sega), and so many other games, mainly under the gaming development giant TREASURE GAMES, has earned him a following few other conceptual designers can match. He has also meticulously compiled a stunning cache of his own work history in an art book – The Art of Yasushi Suzuki,which showcases nearly 100 images, some of which were designed specifically for the collection, including art from the video games Ikaruga (Sega), and Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), as well as cover art from the Japanese language version of George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire.
Availability
Goths Cage will be available October 2008, and will be priced at $12.95. All 32 pages of the hardcover book will be printed in full-color.
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.
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE DEBUT
OF NEW ANIMATED FANTASY ACTION SERIES–
BUSO RENKIN
New Series on DVD Is Based On Popular Manga By The Creator Of RUROUNI KENSHIN And GUN BLAZE WEST
San Francisco, CA, April 23, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the debut of a new animated fantasy action series – BUSO RENKIN – to be released as a DVD box set on April 29th. The 3-disc set is rated 'T+' for Older Teen and features the first 13 episodes (of 26 total) with an estimated retail price of $49.98. The second half of the series is slated for release later this year.
The DVD box set comes in a collector’s box with a foil slipcase and features exclusive art prints. The DVD also features special bonus interviews with the English voice cast and series director.
BUSO RENKIN introduces audiences to Kazuki Muto, a high school student who thinks he's saving a girl from a monster, but it turns out that he's the one who needs saving! Kazuki is stabbed and killed while fighting a homunculus, a malevolent creature that feeds on humans. A girl, Tokiko Tsumura, revives him by replacing his heart with an alchemical device called a kakugane. With this device, Kazuki can create his own Buso Renkin, a powerful alchemical weapon in the form of a huge lance, capable of destroying homunculi. With his new weapon, Kazuki decides to join forces with Tokiko to eliminate the evil homunculi and destroy their master, the strange and eccentric Papillon Masked Creator!
“BUSO RENKIN is the newest animated series from VIZ Media and will enthrall teen and young adult audiences with its unique story and fantastic characters,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales, VIZ Media. “Fans of RUROUNI KENSHIN will be excited to see this new series inspired by the work of master manga creator
Nobuhiro Watsuki, and we are pleased to offer the first half of the show in such a comprehensive release. Fans of Watsuki’s work now have two compelling ways to enjoy this series, as both a manga series and an animated program. With a mix of fantasy, action and comedy, we look forward to BUSO RENKIN developing a strong domestic following.”
BUSO RENKIN is based on a popular 10-volume manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Watsuki also created the notable wandering swordsman drama RUROUNI KENSHIN and the western action series GUN BLAZE WEST. All three series are published domestically by VIZ Media. BUSO RENKIN manga volumes 1-3 were all featured in Bookscan’s Top 50 Graphic Novel list in 2007, and in Japan the manga series has sold more than 3.3 million copies.
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.
OF NEW ANIMATED FANTASY ACTION SERIES–
BUSO RENKIN
New Series on DVD Is Based On Popular Manga By The Creator Of RUROUNI KENSHIN And GUN BLAZE WEST
San Francisco, CA, April 23, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the debut of a new animated fantasy action series – BUSO RENKIN – to be released as a DVD box set on April 29th. The 3-disc set is rated 'T+' for Older Teen and features the first 13 episodes (of 26 total) with an estimated retail price of $49.98. The second half of the series is slated for release later this year.
The DVD box set comes in a collector’s box with a foil slipcase and features exclusive art prints. The DVD also features special bonus interviews with the English voice cast and series director.
BUSO RENKIN introduces audiences to Kazuki Muto, a high school student who thinks he's saving a girl from a monster, but it turns out that he's the one who needs saving! Kazuki is stabbed and killed while fighting a homunculus, a malevolent creature that feeds on humans. A girl, Tokiko Tsumura, revives him by replacing his heart with an alchemical device called a kakugane. With this device, Kazuki can create his own Buso Renkin, a powerful alchemical weapon in the form of a huge lance, capable of destroying homunculi. With his new weapon, Kazuki decides to join forces with Tokiko to eliminate the evil homunculi and destroy their master, the strange and eccentric Papillon Masked Creator!
“BUSO RENKIN is the newest animated series from VIZ Media and will enthrall teen and young adult audiences with its unique story and fantastic characters,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales, VIZ Media. “Fans of RUROUNI KENSHIN will be excited to see this new series inspired by the work of master manga creator
Nobuhiro Watsuki, and we are pleased to offer the first half of the show in such a comprehensive release. Fans of Watsuki’s work now have two compelling ways to enjoy this series, as both a manga series and an animated program. With a mix of fantasy, action and comedy, we look forward to BUSO RENKIN developing a strong domestic following.”
BUSO RENKIN is based on a popular 10-volume manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Watsuki also created the notable wandering swordsman drama RUROUNI KENSHIN and the western action series GUN BLAZE WEST. All three series are published domestically by VIZ Media. BUSO RENKIN manga volumes 1-3 were all featured in Bookscan’s Top 50 Graphic Novel list in 2007, and in Japan the manga series has sold more than 3.3 million copies.
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.
PRESS] 99-CENT SPECIAL TO UNLEASH HAMA AND 'OMEGA'
'G.I. Joe' and 'Wolverine' writer to begin new 'Spooks: Omega Team' series from Devil's Due
Chicago, IL. (April 16, 2008) – Devil's Due breaks out an elite military comics task force this July with writer Larry Hama's 99-cent Spooks: Omega Team #0. The series will spin out from the pages of Devil's Due's current Spooks series, which Hama is writing along with NewYork Times Best Selling fantasy author R.A. Salvatore (DemonWars) and writer/director Ryan Schifrin ("Abominable"), and feature a black ops task force formed to deal with the worst supernatural threats ever faced by mankind. The first three issues of Spooks so far have sold out and the decision was made to move to monthly status. Series creator Schifrin said, "I grew up reading Larry's GI JOE comics and I wanted to give Larry an opportunity to do a monthly series where he has total creative freedom to do whatever he wants. I'm so happy that the fans have supported us and provided this chance to expand the world of SPOOKS."
Hama is known for his Godfather status as one of the defining creators behind G.I. Joe. He also has an advisory role on the Joe film, currently in production. Hama, who is notorious for his action writing on G.I. Joe and Wolverine, will team up with Spooks artist Adam Archer for issue #0 before kicking off Omega Team #1, which will bring on DDP artist Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Halloween: Nightdance).
Omega Team #0 takes Hama's team to South America, where rumors of voodoo and zombie slaves threaten to erupt into a global catastrophe when the taskforce uncovers an even greater evil. The 24-page event will also feature cover art by Jim Daly and Grant Goleash.
For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net and www.spooksthecomic.com.
# # #
About Devil's Due Publishing:
A proliferator of comic-pop culture, DDP is one of the largest and most popular comic book publishers in North America, with a diverse line-up of both original and licensed properties. Based in Chicago and Los Angeles, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, and Rogue Pictures. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and life accessories under the imprint DDPOP, found in specialty stores this Summer.
'G.I. Joe' and 'Wolverine' writer to begin new 'Spooks: Omega Team' series from Devil's Due
Chicago, IL. (April 16, 2008) – Devil's Due breaks out an elite military comics task force this July with writer Larry Hama's 99-cent Spooks: Omega Team #0. The series will spin out from the pages of Devil's Due's current Spooks series, which Hama is writing along with NewYork Times Best Selling fantasy author R.A. Salvatore (DemonWars) and writer/director Ryan Schifrin ("Abominable"), and feature a black ops task force formed to deal with the worst supernatural threats ever faced by mankind. The first three issues of Spooks so far have sold out and the decision was made to move to monthly status. Series creator Schifrin said, "I grew up reading Larry's GI JOE comics and I wanted to give Larry an opportunity to do a monthly series where he has total creative freedom to do whatever he wants. I'm so happy that the fans have supported us and provided this chance to expand the world of SPOOKS."
Hama is known for his Godfather status as one of the defining creators behind G.I. Joe. He also has an advisory role on the Joe film, currently in production. Hama, who is notorious for his action writing on G.I. Joe and Wolverine, will team up with Spooks artist Adam Archer for issue #0 before kicking off Omega Team #1, which will bring on DDP artist Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Halloween: Nightdance).
Omega Team #0 takes Hama's team to South America, where rumors of voodoo and zombie slaves threaten to erupt into a global catastrophe when the taskforce uncovers an even greater evil. The 24-page event will also feature cover art by Jim Daly and Grant Goleash.
For more information, please visit www.devilsdue.net and www.spooksthecomic.com.
# # #
About Devil's Due Publishing:
A proliferator of comic-pop culture, DDP is one of the largest and most popular comic book publishers in North America, with a diverse line-up of both original and licensed properties. Based in Chicago and Los Angeles, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, and Rogue Pictures. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena: Queen of the Jungle, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and life accessories under the imprint DDPOP, found in specialty stores this Summer.
PRESS RELEASE - JOSH MEDORS BENEFIT AUCTION AT UPCOMING EMERALD CITY COMIC CON
Auction to benefit Josh Medors' fight with cancer at this year's Emerald City Comic Con
23 April 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Unknown to the general public, FRANK FRAZETTA'S SWAMP DEMON, RUNES OF RAGNAN, WILLOW CREEK, GI JOE and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT
artist Josh Medors has been fighting cancer for the past several months. In his time of need, Image Comics and Frazetta Comics have stepped in organize an auction with all proceeds going straight to Josh.
"Josh is a good friend, father and artist. With the support from the comic industry that he loves so dearly, we can all help with costly medical bills and ease his pain just a little would be most appreciated,"
said Frazetta Comics Editor/Artist Jay Fotos. “We are under a crunch, for the show is just a few weeks away, so anyone that would like to donate please contact me as soon as you can so we can get your
donations there for the auction in time, we are also taking PayPal donations as well that go directly to Josh.”
Many of the industry's finest are donating items to auction, including Frank Frazetta himself. Any other creators interested in donating are encouraged to contact Jay Fotos at jayfotos@cox.net.
The Josh Medors Benefit Auction will take place Saturday, May 10th at the Emerald City Comic Con. If you would like to make a PayPal donation, please do so to jmedors1@insight.rr.com.
Contributors thus far:
Frank Frazetta
Jerry Beck
Brian Haberlin
Tom Beland
Mark Kidwell
Todd McFarlane
Nat Jones
Tony Moore
Peter Bergting
Richard Starkings
Steve Niles
Kody Chamberlin
Jay Fotos
Rick Remender
Christian Beranek
Ahmet Zappa
Image Comics
IDW Publishing
Zenescope Entertainment
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
Auction to benefit Josh Medors' fight with cancer at this year's Emerald City Comic Con
23 April 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Unknown to the general public, FRANK FRAZETTA'S SWAMP DEMON, RUNES OF RAGNAN, WILLOW CREEK, GI JOE and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT
artist Josh Medors has been fighting cancer for the past several months. In his time of need, Image Comics and Frazetta Comics have stepped in organize an auction with all proceeds going straight to Josh.
"Josh is a good friend, father and artist. With the support from the comic industry that he loves so dearly, we can all help with costly medical bills and ease his pain just a little would be most appreciated,"
said Frazetta Comics Editor/Artist Jay Fotos. “We are under a crunch, for the show is just a few weeks away, so anyone that would like to donate please contact me as soon as you can so we can get your
donations there for the auction in time, we are also taking PayPal donations as well that go directly to Josh.”
Many of the industry's finest are donating items to auction, including Frank Frazetta himself. Any other creators interested in donating are encouraged to contact Jay Fotos at jayfotos@cox.net.
The Josh Medors Benefit Auction will take place Saturday, May 10th at the Emerald City Comic Con. If you would like to make a PayPal donation, please do so to jmedors1@insight.rr.com.
Contributors thus far:
Frank Frazetta
Jerry Beck
Brian Haberlin
Tom Beland
Mark Kidwell
Todd McFarlane
Nat Jones
Tony Moore
Peter Bergting
Richard Starkings
Steve Niles
Kody Chamberlin
Jay Fotos
Rick Remender
Christian Beranek
Ahmet Zappa
Image Comics
IDW Publishing
Zenescope Entertainment
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
Here are the BOOM! Studios titles that are solicited in April Previews 2008 and will be in-Store June 2008.
Enjoy!
BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #3 (Cover A)
BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #3 (Cover B)
Written by Matt Forbeck
Drawn by Lads Helloven
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083652
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083653
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
Welcome to the hyper-violent hilarity of BLOOD BOWL, the miniseries that puts the fantasy (as in elves, dwarves, orcs, and ogres) back into football! As the Bad Bay Hackers face off against the hated Underworld Creepers, they discover a traitor within their midst, a teammate hired to kill their star player! The assassin soon learns a hard lesson that every Blood Bowl veteran knows by heart: Just wanting to kill someone on the pitch doesn't mean you can do it - even if he's on your team!
CTHULHU TALES: THE SERIES #4 (COVER A)
CTHULHU TALES: THE SERIES #4 (COVER B)
Written by Mark Waid & Mark Sable
Drawn by Various
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083640
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083641
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
52 writer Mark Waid makes his Cthulhu Tales debut with a macabre story that gives retailers and fans a glimpse of the future of BOOM!’s entire horror line! Plus: writer Mark Sable (GROUNDED, FEARLESS) creeps in with his take on the Lovecraft mythos, and the terrors he’s seen will take your breath away!
CTHULHU TALES VOL. 1 TPB
Written by Keith Giffen, Andrew Cosby, John Rogers, Johanna Stokes, Michael Alan Nelson, Casey Grey, Hans Rodinoff, and Brendan Hay
Illustrated by Various
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-1934506158
Diamond Code: APR083642
Collecting the critically acclaimed trio of one-shots: Cthulhu Tales, Cthulhu Tales: The Rising, and the sold-out Cthulhu Tales: Tainted. Featuring Lovecraftian-laden stories by Keith Giffen, Andrew Cosby, John Rogers, Johanna Stokes, Michael Alan Nelson, Casey Grey, Hans Rodionoff, Brendan Hay, and more. Lovecraft lives again!
DOMINION TPB
Created by Keith Giffen
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Tim Hamilton
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-1934506424
Diamond Code: APR083655
From the creator of 52 and ANNIHILATION, Keith Giffen! An alien microbe, traveling through space, arrives on Earth and discovers humanity. As it enters an array of innocent human bodies, it remakes them into something new, something powerful…but, most ominously, something wanting its own homeland -- its own dominion. This trade paperback collects the critically acclaimed mini-series showing the battle between ordinary humans and this new, alien invader that takes over mortal bodies and infuses them with untold power!
FALL OF CTHULHU #14 (COVER A)
FALL OF CTHULHU #14 (COVER B)
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Mateus Santolouco
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083643
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083644
The final showdown between the Gray Man and Lucifer over the fate of mankind and the otherworldly conflict that could consume us all! What horrible price has the Sheriff paid to tip the balance in our favor? Will it be enough to save humanity? The answers are here—but the ongoing adventures of the FALL OF CTHULHU cast will continue next month in FALL OF CTHULHU: GODWAR!
Bonus: Text stories from FALL OF CTHULHU fiction contest winners, the Roncoli Brothers!
FALL OF CTHULHU VOL. 2: THE GATHERING TPB
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Various
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99
ISBN13: 9781934506493
Diamond Code: APR083645
A war is brewing as the Dreamlands is in upheaval and Mister Arkham plots his strategy on Earth. With only mankind standing in the way of a godwar, players and pawns move into place, choose new allegiances, and struggle with their role in Mister Arkham’s plans for universal domination. Who will survive? Secrets are revealed as the next chapter in the war of Lovecraftian gods continues! Collecting issues 6-10 of the critically acclaimed ongoing series!
HIGH ROLLERS #1
Written by Gary Phillips
Drawn by Sergio Martín Carrera
Covers by Brett Weldele
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083634
Scarface has nothing on Cameron Quinn, a ruthless upstart out to make a name for himself in this tale of crime and destiny from critically acclaimed mystery novelist Gary Phillips (HIGH HAND, BANGERS)! Phillips shines a harsh light on the action and drama of the L.A. underworld with this inner-city spin on THE SOPRANOS! A potent mix of AMERICAN GANGSTER and THE WIRE, for fans of Brubaker's CRIMINAL!
NORTH WIND TPB
Written by Dave DiGilio
Illustrated by Alex Cal
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-1934506448
Diamond Code: APR083656
As seen on MySpace Comic Books! Written by David DiGilio, best known for the movie EIGHT BELOW and TV's TRAVELER, the NORTH WIND TPB collects the five-issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles. A new ice age has covered the Earth. In this dystopian future, people burn books for fuel and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. From this violent, damaged world, a hero will rise! For fans of MAD MAX ,THE ROAD WARRIOR and Antony Johnston's WASTELAND.
SALEM: QUEEN OF THORNS #2
Written by Chris Morgan and Kevin Walsh
Illustrated by Wilfredo Torres
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083636
The controversial series continues! The Queen of Thorns has set her sights on Hooke and his accomplices and will not rest until he is captured—and forced to face the truth about who and what he is! A new hero in the tradition of Robert E. Howard's SOLOMON KANE and Clint Eastwood's The Man with No Name, from the screenwriter of WANTED and THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT!
SCREAM QUEEN #2
Written by Brendan Hayes
Illustrated by Nate Watson
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083637
BOOM!’s first horror-romance continues! The Terror of Rumson continues to stalk high-schooler Molly, intent on making her dreams come true—and eager to use a chain saw to do it! THE DAILY SHOW staff writer Brendan Hay continues to bring a FRIDAY THE 13TH-meets-AMERICAN PIE sensibility to his horror series debut!
STATION #1
Written by Johanna Stokes
Illustrated by Leno Jefferson
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083635
Two hundred and twenty miles doesn’t seem that far…unless you’re looking down. Five nations have sent their finest astronauts to operate Earth’s first multinational space station…but now one of them is dead. Is it sabotage…an accident…or murder? A thriller in the vein of WHITEOUT, from the writer of the EUREKA TV episodes “Right as Raynes” and “Purple Haze."
WARHAMMER 40,000: EXTERMINATUS #1 (COVER A)
WARHAMMER 40,000: EXTERMINATUS #1 (COVER B)
Written by Ian Edginton and Dan Abnett
Drawn by Daniel Lapham
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083649
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083650
In this series, we focus on the Inquisitors of Warhammer 40,000. The most insidious and dangerous threat in the 41st Millennium is the one you cannot see. It is this thought that spawned the Inquisition, an organization devoted to rooting out traitors, heretics, mutants and aliens that undermine Humanity. They scour the Imperium searching for threats without, and within.
Immediately following the events of WARHAMMER 40,000: DAMNATION CRUSADE, Inquisitor Delius Alastor is dispatched to investigate why a pair of dormant Titans has gone undetected beneath the city of Carrion Gulf?
After a mission that saw his retinue slaughtered and left him terribly scarred at the hands of a Thousand Sons Chaos Space Marine, Alastor is stricken with nightmares - but knows he cannot yield to the fear. The eyes of the Inquisition are on him, curious as to how deep his wounds truly go. Is Alastor capable of meeting what lurks beneath Carrion Gulf?
Warhammer 40,000 novelist Dan Abnett, multiple Eisner Award-nominee Ian Edginton, and rising star artist Chad Hardin bring you another tale of savage Warhammer 40,000 action.
ZOMBIE TALES: THE SERIES #3 (COVER A)
ZOMBIE TALES: THE SERIES #3 (COVER B)
Written by Joe R. Lansdale, Karl Kesel
Drawn by Eduardo Barreto, Jon Reed
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083638
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083638
Experience the fatal finale of Joe R. Lansdale’s zombie-battlefield epic, “THE WAR AT HOME”! Plus, what’s hungrier after the apocalypse than a zombie? Writer Karl Kesel (FANTASTIC FOUR) is more than happy to show you…at your own risk. ZOMBIE TALES—bringing out your undead every month!
Enjoy!
BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #3 (Cover A)
BLOOD BOWL: KILLER CONTRACT #3 (Cover B)
Written by Matt Forbeck
Drawn by Lads Helloven
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083652
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083653
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
Welcome to the hyper-violent hilarity of BLOOD BOWL, the miniseries that puts the fantasy (as in elves, dwarves, orcs, and ogres) back into football! As the Bad Bay Hackers face off against the hated Underworld Creepers, they discover a traitor within their midst, a teammate hired to kill their star player! The assassin soon learns a hard lesson that every Blood Bowl veteran knows by heart: Just wanting to kill someone on the pitch doesn't mean you can do it - even if he's on your team!
CTHULHU TALES: THE SERIES #4 (COVER A)
CTHULHU TALES: THE SERIES #4 (COVER B)
Written by Mark Waid & Mark Sable
Drawn by Various
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083640
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083641
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
52 writer Mark Waid makes his Cthulhu Tales debut with a macabre story that gives retailers and fans a glimpse of the future of BOOM!’s entire horror line! Plus: writer Mark Sable (GROUNDED, FEARLESS) creeps in with his take on the Lovecraft mythos, and the terrors he’s seen will take your breath away!
CTHULHU TALES VOL. 1 TPB
Written by Keith Giffen, Andrew Cosby, John Rogers, Johanna Stokes, Michael Alan Nelson, Casey Grey, Hans Rodinoff, and Brendan Hay
Illustrated by Various
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-1934506158
Diamond Code: APR083642
Collecting the critically acclaimed trio of one-shots: Cthulhu Tales, Cthulhu Tales: The Rising, and the sold-out Cthulhu Tales: Tainted. Featuring Lovecraftian-laden stories by Keith Giffen, Andrew Cosby, John Rogers, Johanna Stokes, Michael Alan Nelson, Casey Grey, Hans Rodionoff, Brendan Hay, and more. Lovecraft lives again!
DOMINION TPB
Created by Keith Giffen
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Tim Hamilton
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-1934506424
Diamond Code: APR083655
From the creator of 52 and ANNIHILATION, Keith Giffen! An alien microbe, traveling through space, arrives on Earth and discovers humanity. As it enters an array of innocent human bodies, it remakes them into something new, something powerful…but, most ominously, something wanting its own homeland -- its own dominion. This trade paperback collects the critically acclaimed mini-series showing the battle between ordinary humans and this new, alien invader that takes over mortal bodies and infuses them with untold power!
FALL OF CTHULHU #14 (COVER A)
FALL OF CTHULHU #14 (COVER B)
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Mateus Santolouco
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083643
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083644
The final showdown between the Gray Man and Lucifer over the fate of mankind and the otherworldly conflict that could consume us all! What horrible price has the Sheriff paid to tip the balance in our favor? Will it be enough to save humanity? The answers are here—but the ongoing adventures of the FALL OF CTHULHU cast will continue next month in FALL OF CTHULHU: GODWAR!
Bonus: Text stories from FALL OF CTHULHU fiction contest winners, the Roncoli Brothers!
FALL OF CTHULHU VOL. 2: THE GATHERING TPB
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Various
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99
ISBN13: 9781934506493
Diamond Code: APR083645
A war is brewing as the Dreamlands is in upheaval and Mister Arkham plots his strategy on Earth. With only mankind standing in the way of a godwar, players and pawns move into place, choose new allegiances, and struggle with their role in Mister Arkham’s plans for universal domination. Who will survive? Secrets are revealed as the next chapter in the war of Lovecraftian gods continues! Collecting issues 6-10 of the critically acclaimed ongoing series!
HIGH ROLLERS #1
Written by Gary Phillips
Drawn by Sergio Martín Carrera
Covers by Brett Weldele
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083634
Scarface has nothing on Cameron Quinn, a ruthless upstart out to make a name for himself in this tale of crime and destiny from critically acclaimed mystery novelist Gary Phillips (HIGH HAND, BANGERS)! Phillips shines a harsh light on the action and drama of the L.A. underworld with this inner-city spin on THE SOPRANOS! A potent mix of AMERICAN GANGSTER and THE WIRE, for fans of Brubaker's CRIMINAL!
NORTH WIND TPB
Written by Dave DiGilio
Illustrated by Alex Cal
SC, 6x9, 128pgs, FC, SRP: $15.99
ISBN-13: 978-1934506448
Diamond Code: APR083656
As seen on MySpace Comic Books! Written by David DiGilio, best known for the movie EIGHT BELOW and TV's TRAVELER, the NORTH WIND TPB collects the five-issue mini-series set in a future Los Angeles. A new ice age has covered the Earth. In this dystopian future, people burn books for fuel and Skinrunners trade valuable pelts for rations and warmth. From this violent, damaged world, a hero will rise! For fans of MAD MAX ,THE ROAD WARRIOR and Antony Johnston's WASTELAND.
SALEM: QUEEN OF THORNS #2
Written by Chris Morgan and Kevin Walsh
Illustrated by Wilfredo Torres
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083636
The controversial series continues! The Queen of Thorns has set her sights on Hooke and his accomplices and will not rest until he is captured—and forced to face the truth about who and what he is! A new hero in the tradition of Robert E. Howard's SOLOMON KANE and Clint Eastwood's The Man with No Name, from the screenwriter of WANTED and THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT!
SCREAM QUEEN #2
Written by Brendan Hayes
Illustrated by Nate Watson
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083637
BOOM!’s first horror-romance continues! The Terror of Rumson continues to stalk high-schooler Molly, intent on making her dreams come true—and eager to use a chain saw to do it! THE DAILY SHOW staff writer Brendan Hay continues to bring a FRIDAY THE 13TH-meets-AMERICAN PIE sensibility to his horror series debut!
STATION #1
Written by Johanna Stokes
Illustrated by Leno Jefferson
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: APR083635
Two hundred and twenty miles doesn’t seem that far…unless you’re looking down. Five nations have sent their finest astronauts to operate Earth’s first multinational space station…but now one of them is dead. Is it sabotage…an accident…or murder? A thriller in the vein of WHITEOUT, from the writer of the EUREKA TV episodes “Right as Raynes” and “Purple Haze."
WARHAMMER 40,000: EXTERMINATUS #1 (COVER A)
WARHAMMER 40,000: EXTERMINATUS #1 (COVER B)
Written by Ian Edginton and Dan Abnett
Drawn by Daniel Lapham
24pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083649
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083650
In this series, we focus on the Inquisitors of Warhammer 40,000. The most insidious and dangerous threat in the 41st Millennium is the one you cannot see. It is this thought that spawned the Inquisition, an organization devoted to rooting out traitors, heretics, mutants and aliens that undermine Humanity. They scour the Imperium searching for threats without, and within.
Immediately following the events of WARHAMMER 40,000: DAMNATION CRUSADE, Inquisitor Delius Alastor is dispatched to investigate why a pair of dormant Titans has gone undetected beneath the city of Carrion Gulf?
After a mission that saw his retinue slaughtered and left him terribly scarred at the hands of a Thousand Sons Chaos Space Marine, Alastor is stricken with nightmares - but knows he cannot yield to the fear. The eyes of the Inquisition are on him, curious as to how deep his wounds truly go. Is Alastor capable of meeting what lurks beneath Carrion Gulf?
Warhammer 40,000 novelist Dan Abnett, multiple Eisner Award-nominee Ian Edginton, and rising star artist Chad Hardin bring you another tale of savage Warhammer 40,000 action.
ZOMBIE TALES: THE SERIES #3 (COVER A)
ZOMBIE TALES: THE SERIES #3 (COVER B)
Written by Joe R. Lansdale, Karl Kesel
Drawn by Eduardo Barreto, Jon Reed
24pgs, FC SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code (Cover A): APR083638
Diamond Code (Cover B): APR083638
Experience the fatal finale of Joe R. Lansdale’s zombie-battlefield epic, “THE WAR AT HOME”! Plus, what’s hungrier after the apocalypse than a zombie? Writer Karl Kesel (FANTASTIC FOUR) is more than happy to show you…at your own risk. ZOMBIE TALES—bringing out your undead every month!
DRMASTER PUBLICATIONS PRESENTS
YASUSHI SUZUKI’S GOTHS CAGE
SAN JOSE, CA – April, 2008 – DrMaster Publications proudly announces the production of the highly anticipated picture book by internationally acclaimed video game designer Yasushi Suzuki (a.k.a. – D-Suzuki), Goths Cage (previously titled Phantoms).
Goths Cage is an enchanting manga-esque picture book anthology of three short stories with a malicious twist of love and romance. It is based on Yasushi Suzuki’s art series that was previously released online in Japan under the name Phantoms KADAN. Suzuki-san re-adapts his art series and transforms it into a bewitching picture book with entrancing grace and charm. Each of his gothic tales is exquisitely crafted with elegant detailed illustrations that transport readers into an enchanted world of gothic glory.
In his first story, Glass Magic, Suzuki-san does a twisted take on the classic Cinderella tale. An ugly corpse-like servant girl wishes to fall in love with a prince and become a beautiful princess. Then a sinister old witch offers her a magic potion that can grant her heart’s desires, but in order for the magic to work she must abandon her soul. She gets rid of her memories, her face, and her master to become a cruelly beautiful glass princess.
In another of Suzuki’s splendidly dark tales, the shop keeper of an enchanted barbershop attends to his beautiful victim under the moonlight. He snips away at her thoughts and memories, mystically cutting away all her painful memories that scar her heart. However, because she is sapped of her thoughts and memories, all that is left is her pitiful empty body.
Prepare to be mesmerized by Yasushi Suzuki’s spine-chilling tales of love and entrancement this Fall 2008, because this enchanting collection of spellbinding illustrations and twisted tales is a must-have!
About the Creator:
Yasushi Suzuki is a world renowned video game conceptual designer and animator. His work on IKARUGA (Sega), Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), Radiant Silver Gun (Sega), and so many other games, mainly under the gaming development giant TREASURE GAMES, has earned him a following few other conceptual designers can match. He has also meticulously compiled a stunning cache of his own work history in an art book – The Art of Yasushi Suzuki, which showcases nearly 100 images, some of which were designed specifically for the collection, including art from the video games Ikaruga (Sega), and Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), as well as cover art from the Japanese language version of George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire.
Availability
Goths Cage will be available October 2008, and will be priced at $12.95. All 32 pages of the hardcover book will be printed in full-color.
About DrMaster Publications Inc.:
DrMaster Publications Inc. is a uniquely quirky publishing company that was started in 2004. Specializing in bringing interesting graphic novels from Japan and China, across the Pacific for American audiences, DrMaster Publications offers a myriad of titles to cater to its various niche readers. The company is what some may call a boutique publisher, which tailors each its titles to suit every reader’s unique desires. Ranging from side-splitting comedies and heart-wrenching dramas to explosive action adventures and enchanting fantasies, DrMaster books provide 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 visit www.drmasterbooks.com for information on 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.
Goths Cage
ISBN: 978-1-59796-157-8
Price: $12.95
Full Color
Purgatory Kabuki volume 1
ISBN: 978-1-59796-070-0
Price: $9.95
B/W
The Art of Yasushi Suzuki
ISBN: 978-1-59796-069-4
Price: $26.95
Full Color
YASUSHI SUZUKI’S GOTHS CAGE
SAN JOSE, CA – April, 2008 – DrMaster Publications proudly announces the production of the highly anticipated picture book by internationally acclaimed video game designer Yasushi Suzuki (a.k.a. – D-Suzuki), Goths Cage (previously titled Phantoms).
Goths Cage is an enchanting manga-esque picture book anthology of three short stories with a malicious twist of love and romance. It is based on Yasushi Suzuki’s art series that was previously released online in Japan under the name Phantoms KADAN. Suzuki-san re-adapts his art series and transforms it into a bewitching picture book with entrancing grace and charm. Each of his gothic tales is exquisitely crafted with elegant detailed illustrations that transport readers into an enchanted world of gothic glory.
In his first story, Glass Magic, Suzuki-san does a twisted take on the classic Cinderella tale. An ugly corpse-like servant girl wishes to fall in love with a prince and become a beautiful princess. Then a sinister old witch offers her a magic potion that can grant her heart’s desires, but in order for the magic to work she must abandon her soul. She gets rid of her memories, her face, and her master to become a cruelly beautiful glass princess.
In another of Suzuki’s splendidly dark tales, the shop keeper of an enchanted barbershop attends to his beautiful victim under the moonlight. He snips away at her thoughts and memories, mystically cutting away all her painful memories that scar her heart. However, because she is sapped of her thoughts and memories, all that is left is her pitiful empty body.
Prepare to be mesmerized by Yasushi Suzuki’s spine-chilling tales of love and entrancement this Fall 2008, because this enchanting collection of spellbinding illustrations and twisted tales is a must-have!
About the Creator:
Yasushi Suzuki is a world renowned video game conceptual designer and animator. His work on IKARUGA (Sega), Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), Radiant Silver Gun (Sega), and so many other games, mainly under the gaming development giant TREASURE GAMES, has earned him a following few other conceptual designers can match. He has also meticulously compiled a stunning cache of his own work history in an art book – The Art of Yasushi Suzuki, which showcases nearly 100 images, some of which were designed specifically for the collection, including art from the video games Ikaruga (Sega), and Sin & Punishment (Nintendo), as well as cover art from the Japanese language version of George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire.
Availability
Goths Cage will be available October 2008, and will be priced at $12.95. All 32 pages of the hardcover book will be printed in full-color.
About DrMaster Publications Inc.:
DrMaster Publications Inc. is a uniquely quirky publishing company that was started in 2004. Specializing in bringing interesting graphic novels from Japan and China, across the Pacific for American audiences, DrMaster Publications offers a myriad of titles to cater to its various niche readers. The company is what some may call a boutique publisher, which tailors each its titles to suit every reader’s unique desires. Ranging from side-splitting comedies and heart-wrenching dramas to explosive action adventures and enchanting fantasies, DrMaster books provide 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 visit www.drmasterbooks.com for information on 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.
Goths Cage
ISBN: 978-1-59796-157-8
Price: $12.95
Full Color
Purgatory Kabuki volume 1
ISBN: 978-1-59796-070-0
Price: $9.95
B/W
The Art of Yasushi Suzuki
ISBN: 978-1-59796-069-4
Price: $26.95
Full Color
VIZ MEDIA TEAMS WITH NCM FATHOM TO PRESENT BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF
NOBODY
ON THE BIG SCREEN FOR ITS U.S. DEBUT IN SPECIAL TWO-NIGHT EVENT
Best-selling Animated Series Feature To Be Shown In More Than 300 Movie
Theatres Nationwide
San Francisco, CA, April 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of
the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive
publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that it
will partner with NCM FATHOM, the entertainment division of National
CineMedia, to present the epic action anime hit BLEACH THE MOVIE:
MEMORIES OF NOBODY in more than 300 theatres across the country on June
11 and 12.
Adapted from the wildly popular animated series and a best-selling manga
series (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media) by
acclaimed Japanese artist Tite Kubo, BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF
NOBODY will make its North American debut in this two-night theatre
experience including an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the talent
behind the characters as well as interviews of this highly-anticipated
premiere with the Japanese Director, Noriyuki Abe, Producer Ken Hagino
and Character Designer, Masashi Kudo.
Advance purchase tickets will be available from May 2-8 to all
subscribers of the SHONEN JUMP e-mail newsletter (sign-up is available
at www.shonenjump.com). Details will be included in an upcoming SHONEN
JUMP Newsletter and fans are encouraged to take advantage of the
opportunity to purchase advance tickets before they go on sale to the
general public on May 9 at presenting theatre box offices and online at
www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theatre locations and
prices, please visit the www.FathomEvents.com website (theatres are
subject to change).
BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY begins as unidentified beings known
as “Blanks” start popping up. They are soon followed by a Soul Reaper
named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings
and the even more mysterious girl, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn
more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap
Senna. Banished from the Soul Society long ago, the clan’s leader has
sent sending the World of the Living and the Soul Society on a collision
course, and Senna seems to be the key to his diabolical plot for
revenge. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the two worlds from
annihilation?
“VIZ Media is very excited to partner with NCM FATHOM, one of the
nation’s leading theatrical event organizers, to stage this multi-city
big screen debut for BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY,” says Liza
Coppola, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations & Partnerships, VIZ
Media. “The premiere will offer a rare opportunity to see a brand new
story inspired by the successful animated television series BLEACH,
presented in a theatrical setting – the same way the film was originally
offered in Japan. For those not yet familiar with BLEACH, this is also a
wonderful introduction to the characters and thrilling action that have
made the property such a hit in North America. We invite everyone to
come out and enjoy these events!”
“NCM Fathom has experienced great success bringing VIZ Media events to
movie theatres and we are excited to continue our partnership that
benefits anime fans across the country,” said Dan Diamond, vice
president of NCM Fathom. “From the Metropolitan Opera to anime, NCM
Fathom offers alternative in-theatre entertainment for everyone.”
BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally.
The manga series has been licensed to more than a dozen countries, and
has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America the
manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed
weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has
further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action
figures, trading cards and other merchandise. BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES
OF NOBODY is rated T for Teens. For more information on BLEACH and
BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY please visit the official BLEACH
website at bleach.viz.com or www.viz.com.
About National CineMedia, LLC
NCM LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America
through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC
Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal
Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in
the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre
operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature
program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting
and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM
LLC’s national network includes over 15,250 screens of which over 13,200
are part of the company’s Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC’s DCN
covers 169 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50). During 2007,
approximately 542 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres
owned by the NCM LLC founding members (excluding Loews). National
CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 43.6% interest in and is the
managing member of NCM LLC. For additional information, visit
www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.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
(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.
NOBODY
ON THE BIG SCREEN FOR ITS U.S. DEBUT IN SPECIAL TWO-NIGHT EVENT
Best-selling Animated Series Feature To Be Shown In More Than 300 Movie
Theatres Nationwide
San Francisco, CA, April 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of
the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive
publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that it
will partner with NCM FATHOM, the entertainment division of National
CineMedia, to present the epic action anime hit BLEACH THE MOVIE:
MEMORIES OF NOBODY in more than 300 theatres across the country on June
11 and 12.
Adapted from the wildly popular animated series and a best-selling manga
series (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media) by
acclaimed Japanese artist Tite Kubo, BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF
NOBODY will make its North American debut in this two-night theatre
experience including an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the talent
behind the characters as well as interviews of this highly-anticipated
premiere with the Japanese Director, Noriyuki Abe, Producer Ken Hagino
and Character Designer, Masashi Kudo.
Advance purchase tickets will be available from May 2-8 to all
subscribers of the SHONEN JUMP e-mail newsletter (sign-up is available
at www.shonenjump.com). Details will be included in an upcoming SHONEN
JUMP Newsletter and fans are encouraged to take advantage of the
opportunity to purchase advance tickets before they go on sale to the
general public on May 9 at presenting theatre box offices and online at
www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theatre locations and
prices, please visit the www.FathomEvents.com website (theatres are
subject to change).
BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY begins as unidentified beings known
as “Blanks” start popping up. They are soon followed by a Soul Reaper
named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings
and the even more mysterious girl, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn
more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap
Senna. Banished from the Soul Society long ago, the clan’s leader has
sent sending the World of the Living and the Soul Society on a collision
course, and Senna seems to be the key to his diabolical plot for
revenge. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the two worlds from
annihilation?
“VIZ Media is very excited to partner with NCM FATHOM, one of the
nation’s leading theatrical event organizers, to stage this multi-city
big screen debut for BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY,” says Liza
Coppola, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations & Partnerships, VIZ
Media. “The premiere will offer a rare opportunity to see a brand new
story inspired by the successful animated television series BLEACH,
presented in a theatrical setting – the same way the film was originally
offered in Japan. For those not yet familiar with BLEACH, this is also a
wonderful introduction to the characters and thrilling action that have
made the property such a hit in North America. We invite everyone to
come out and enjoy these events!”
“NCM Fathom has experienced great success bringing VIZ Media events to
movie theatres and we are excited to continue our partnership that
benefits anime fans across the country,” said Dan Diamond, vice
president of NCM Fathom. “From the Metropolitan Opera to anime, NCM
Fathom offers alternative in-theatre entertainment for everyone.”
BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally.
The manga series has been licensed to more than a dozen countries, and
has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America the
manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed
weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has
further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action
figures, trading cards and other merchandise. BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES
OF NOBODY is rated T for Teens. For more information on BLEACH and
BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY please visit the official BLEACH
website at bleach.viz.com or www.viz.com.
About National CineMedia, LLC
NCM LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America
through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC
Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal
Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in
the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre
operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature
program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting
and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM
LLC’s national network includes over 15,250 screens of which over 13,200
are part of the company’s Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC’s DCN
covers 169 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50). During 2007,
approximately 542 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres
owned by the NCM LLC founding members (excluding Loews). National
CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 43.6% interest in and is the
managing member of NCM LLC. For additional information, visit
www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.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
(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.
Hey gang,
The following has been going around, and, if you can help at all,
please read up. I've known Josh for four or five years, and aside from
being a kick ass artist, he is one of the sweetest guys in this business.
He's best known for his work with Steve Niles, and has been doing some
amazingly fresh work as a horror artist. He's far too young to be
going through this crap, and, the world being what it is, well... y'know...
Read up on what you can do to help.
--
It has come to my attention one of Image's own, Josh Medors (artist of
the upcoming FRANK FRAZETTA'S SWAMP DEMON), has long been fighting
cancer. While things have been on the upswing, a recent analysis showed a
recently removed tumor has come back and unless his radiation therapy
helps, he may only have three months to live.
In light of this news, we've immediately organized an auction for this
upcoming Emerald City Comic Con to support Josh.
From Frazetta Comics Editor, Jay Fotos:
------------------------------------------------------------------
I have some not good news...
Josh Medors, artist on Frazetta's Swamp Demon has cancer, he went in
and got a tumor removed from his spine a few months ago and it's back and
with more specialists involved found out it's a very rare cancer that
is normally found in the brain.
He is in kemo therapy now and was told if this does not work he has 3
months to live.
Of course like most freelance artists he does not have insurance.
So, I would like to do as much as I can to raise some money to help pay
for
some of his bills.
I'm working with Image Comics now on setting up a auction at Emerald
City Comicon(in 2 weeks)...that Frazetta Comics will have a booth
at.
So I ask everyone here is that you can donate something for this
auction that would be greatly appreciated.
Josh is a good friend, father and artist.
With the support from the comic industry that he loves dearly, we can
all help ease his pain just a little would be most appreciated.
Please contact me on what you would like to donate.
They can be sent to:
Jim Demonakos
c/o ECCC Medors Auction
10706 57th Pl. W.
Mukilteo, WA 98275
--
If you sniff around you can find more info, and more ways to help.
j.
www.thefialkov.com
The following has been going around, and, if you can help at all,
please read up. I've known Josh for four or five years, and aside from
being a kick ass artist, he is one of the sweetest guys in this business.
He's best known for his work with Steve Niles, and has been doing some
amazingly fresh work as a horror artist. He's far too young to be
going through this crap, and, the world being what it is, well... y'know...
Read up on what you can do to help.
--
It has come to my attention one of Image's own, Josh Medors (artist of
the upcoming FRANK FRAZETTA'S SWAMP DEMON), has long been fighting
cancer. While things have been on the upswing, a recent analysis showed a
recently removed tumor has come back and unless his radiation therapy
helps, he may only have three months to live.
In light of this news, we've immediately organized an auction for this
upcoming Emerald City Comic Con to support Josh.
From Frazetta Comics Editor, Jay Fotos:
------------------------------------------------------------------
I have some not good news...
Josh Medors, artist on Frazetta's Swamp Demon has cancer, he went in
and got a tumor removed from his spine a few months ago and it's back and
with more specialists involved found out it's a very rare cancer that
is normally found in the brain.
He is in kemo therapy now and was told if this does not work he has 3
months to live.
Of course like most freelance artists he does not have insurance.
So, I would like to do as much as I can to raise some money to help pay
for
some of his bills.
I'm working with Image Comics now on setting up a auction at Emerald
City Comicon(in 2 weeks)...that Frazetta Comics will have a booth
at.
So I ask everyone here is that you can donate something for this
auction that would be greatly appreciated.
Josh is a good friend, father and artist.
With the support from the comic industry that he loves dearly, we can
all help ease his pain just a little would be most appreciated.
Please contact me on what you would like to donate.
They can be sent to:
Jim Demonakos
c/o ECCC Medors Auction
10706 57th Pl. W.
Mukilteo, WA 98275
--
If you sniff around you can find more info, and more ways to help.
j.
www.thefialkov.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
April 22, 2008, New York, NY – Valiant Entertainment is giving fans and retailers a treat by releasing the X-O Manowar: Birth hardcover edition one week earlier than originally planned. The new edition was originally scheduled for release on April 30, but Valiant has decided to make it available one week early.
“The books came back early from the printer and they looked so good we didn’t want to wait the extra week to get them out to fans,” said Walter J. Black, Senior VP & Publisher of Valiant Entertainment. “Putting together this hardcover edition has been a labor of love for us, and we figured our diehard fans would appreciate getting their hands on it a little bit earlier than expected.”
X-O Manowar: Birth collects issues #0-6 of the landmark series that sold over 8 million copies and was originally published in 1992. The material is being collected for the first time in this hardcover edition and has been digitally recolored. The book also features a brand new story by Bob Layton, a look at Joe Quesada’s original layouts for X-O Manowar #0 and a new cover by Sean Chen. The complete solicitation copy can be seen below.
X-O MANOWAR BIRTH HC
By Bob Layton, Jim Shooter, Joe Quesada & Barry Windsor-Smith
This digitally recolored and remastered Valiant special edition collects the full X-O Manowar origin story from issues #0-6 for the first time ever, and includes an all-new "The Rise of Lydia" story by Bob Layton and a new cover by Sean Chen! Aric Dacia is a Visigoth barbarian captured by spider aliens and enslaved aboard their starship until he steals their ultimate weapon - the X-O Manowar armor. Aric returns to Earth only to find that 1600 years have passed. Now, the most primitive man on the planet wields the most technologically advanced weapon in existence! Features explosive artwork by Barry Windsor-Smith and Marvel EIC Joe Quesada and a story by legendary creators Bob Layton and Jim Shooter!
X-O Manowar: Birth is still available to order by using Diamond Order Number: FEB084088.
To read a 33-page preview of X-O Manowar: Birth, follow this link: http://www.valiantentertainment.com/features.php.
For more information on X-O Manowar: Birth and other Valiant Entertainment titles, please log on to their website at www.valiantentertainment.com.
About Valiant Entertainment:
Valiant Entertainment is a character-based entertainment company that owns and manages some of the most popular comic characters ever created across all media, including feature films, television, video
games, new media, publishing, and consumer products. Since their creation in 1990, Valiant characters have sold over 80 million comic books, 8 million video games, and Valiant became one of the three
leading comic character-based companies globally. In addition, the "Valiant characters are often called the most important characters created since the Marvel revolution of the 1960s" (Sequart, 2006).
VALIANTTM characters include X-O MANOWAR®, BLOODSHOT®, HARBINGERTM, ETERNAL WARRIORTM, DOCTOR MIRAGETM, NINJAKTM, SHADOWMAN®, RAITM, and
QUANTUM & WOODYTM, among many others. Visit www.ValiantEntertainment.com for more information.
“The books came back early from the printer and they looked so good we didn’t want to wait the extra week to get them out to fans,” said Walter J. Black, Senior VP & Publisher of Valiant Entertainment. “Putting together this hardcover edition has been a labor of love for us, and we figured our diehard fans would appreciate getting their hands on it a little bit earlier than expected.”
X-O Manowar: Birth collects issues #0-6 of the landmark series that sold over 8 million copies and was originally published in 1992. The material is being collected for the first time in this hardcover edition and has been digitally recolored. The book also features a brand new story by Bob Layton, a look at Joe Quesada’s original layouts for X-O Manowar #0 and a new cover by Sean Chen. The complete solicitation copy can be seen below.
X-O MANOWAR BIRTH HC
By Bob Layton, Jim Shooter, Joe Quesada & Barry Windsor-Smith
This digitally recolored and remastered Valiant special edition collects the full X-O Manowar origin story from issues #0-6 for the first time ever, and includes an all-new "The Rise of Lydia" story by Bob Layton and a new cover by Sean Chen! Aric Dacia is a Visigoth barbarian captured by spider aliens and enslaved aboard their starship until he steals their ultimate weapon - the X-O Manowar armor. Aric returns to Earth only to find that 1600 years have passed. Now, the most primitive man on the planet wields the most technologically advanced weapon in existence! Features explosive artwork by Barry Windsor-Smith and Marvel EIC Joe Quesada and a story by legendary creators Bob Layton and Jim Shooter!
X-O Manowar: Birth is still available to order by using Diamond Order Number: FEB084088.
To read a 33-page preview of X-O Manowar: Birth, follow this link: http://www.valiantentertainment.com/features.php.
For more information on X-O Manowar: Birth and other Valiant Entertainment titles, please log on to their website at www.valiantentertainment.com.
About Valiant Entertainment:
Valiant Entertainment is a character-based entertainment company that owns and manages some of the most popular comic characters ever created across all media, including feature films, television, video
games, new media, publishing, and consumer products. Since their creation in 1990, Valiant characters have sold over 80 million comic books, 8 million video games, and Valiant became one of the three
leading comic character-based companies globally. In addition, the "Valiant characters are often called the most important characters created since the Marvel revolution of the 1960s" (Sequart, 2006).
VALIANTTM characters include X-O MANOWAR®, BLOODSHOT®, HARBINGERTM, ETERNAL WARRIORTM, DOCTOR MIRAGETM, NINJAKTM, SHADOWMAN®, RAITM, and
QUANTUM & WOODYTM, among many others. Visit www.ValiantEntertainment.com for more information.
Radical announces Jim Steranko covers for Hercules
April 22nd, 2008, LOS ANGELES – Radical Publishing is proud to announce that legendary, award winning artist Jim Steranko has provided covers for issue #1 and #2 of Hercules: The Thracian Wars. Steranko also designed the Hercules character and created the logo that is being used on all issues of Radical's Hercules. For issue #2 of Hercules: The Thracian Wars, Jim Steranko's cover is a homage to the popular 1968 Incredible Hulk King-Sized Special #1 cover. The story of Hercules: The Thracian Wars is described as:
Three thousand two hundred years ago, a tormented soul walked the Earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules, powerful son of the god king Zeus, received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labors and the loss of his family, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the gods finding his only solace in bloody battle. Over the years he warmed to the company of six similar souls, their only bond being their love of fighting and the presence of death. These men and woman never question where, why, or whom they go to fight, only how much they will be paid. Knowing this, the King of Thrace has hired these mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. However, Hercules begins to question King Cotys' motives when he takes his army out to battle and sees them practice on innocent men, women, and children. Deep in his soul something stirs, but is it enough to stop a mad king and his army of the damned from marching across Greece or even Olympus itself?
"Obviously, we are very honored to have Jim Steranko, a legend in this business, to provide not only these two gorgeous covers but to have helped shape our Hercules character using his vision and expertise," stated Radical Publishing President and Publisher, Barry Levine. "This, combined with the designs and interior artwork of Imaginary Friends Studios based on Steve Moore's epic adventure, creates a unique Hercules that no one has ever attempted to bring to life."
In discussing his cover for issue #1 of Hercules: The Thracian Wars, Jim Steranko explains,
"The series' story takes place after the Labors, we felt the traditional action approach would be a cliche. The Radical version is different from all other comics' versions and I felt my cover should underscore that quality. So, instead of casting it in spine-cracking action, I did the opposite: I visualized a silently inert, fearsomely intense Hercules, a Hercules just before the storm, a moment crackling with tension! I deliberately hid his face in shadow--except for a slash of light across one eye that reveals his fierce, tortured, inner emotions."
Hercules: The Thracian Wars #1 (DCD# MAR083922) is featured in March 2008 Diamond Previews catalogue and will ship in May of this year. Hercules: The Thracian Wars #1 will ship with two covers, one by Jim Steranko for cover A and one by Admira Wijaya and Sunny Gho of Imaginary Friends Studios for cover B. Cover A will ship in 3:1 ratio to cover B.
Hercules: The Thracian Wars #2 (DCD# APR084073) is featured in April 2008 Diamond Previews catalogue and will ship in June of this year. Hercules: The Thracian Wars #2 will ship with three covers, one by Greg Broadmore of WETA Workshop, one by Admira Wijaya and Sunny Gho of Imaginary Friends Studios, and a limited edition cover by Jim Steranko (DCD# APR084074) that is available as a 1-in-20 retailer incentive.
About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (Producer for Rogue Pictures Blood on the Tracks, and Executive Producer for the in development Warner Brothers Rex Mundi movie, written by JIM UHLS starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Picture's R.I.P.D), his protégé Jesse Berger, and longtime writer and publisher David Elliott (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).
Radical Publishing is bringing 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, Stjepan Sejic, Dave Wilkins, Steve Pugh, James Heffron, Tomm Coker, Clayton Crain, Bill Sienkiewicz, Weta Workshop, Imaginary Friends Studios, and many more.
www.radicalcomics.com
April 22nd, 2008, LOS ANGELES – Radical Publishing is proud to announce that legendary, award winning artist Jim Steranko has provided covers for issue #1 and #2 of Hercules: The Thracian Wars. Steranko also designed the Hercules character and created the logo that is being used on all issues of Radical's Hercules. For issue #2 of Hercules: The Thracian Wars, Jim Steranko's cover is a homage to the popular 1968 Incredible Hulk King-Sized Special #1 cover. The story of Hercules: The Thracian Wars is described as:
Three thousand two hundred years ago, a tormented soul walked the Earth that was neither man nor god. Hercules, powerful son of the god king Zeus, received nothing but suffering his entire life. After twelve arduous labors and the loss of his family, this dark, world-weary soul turned his back on the gods finding his only solace in bloody battle. Over the years he warmed to the company of six similar souls, their only bond being their love of fighting and the presence of death. These men and woman never question where, why, or whom they go to fight, only how much they will be paid. Knowing this, the King of Thrace has hired these mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. However, Hercules begins to question King Cotys' motives when he takes his army out to battle and sees them practice on innocent men, women, and children. Deep in his soul something stirs, but is it enough to stop a mad king and his army of the damned from marching across Greece or even Olympus itself?
"Obviously, we are very honored to have Jim Steranko, a legend in this business, to provide not only these two gorgeous covers but to have helped shape our Hercules character using his vision and expertise," stated Radical Publishing President and Publisher, Barry Levine. "This, combined with the designs and interior artwork of Imaginary Friends Studios based on Steve Moore's epic adventure, creates a unique Hercules that no one has ever attempted to bring to life."
In discussing his cover for issue #1 of Hercules: The Thracian Wars, Jim Steranko explains,
"The series' story takes place after the Labors, we felt the traditional action approach would be a cliche. The Radical version is different from all other comics' versions and I felt my cover should underscore that quality. So, instead of casting it in spine-cracking action, I did the opposite: I visualized a silently inert, fearsomely intense Hercules, a Hercules just before the storm, a moment crackling with tension! I deliberately hid his face in shadow--except for a slash of light across one eye that reveals his fierce, tortured, inner emotions."
Hercules: The Thracian Wars #1 (DCD# MAR083922) is featured in March 2008 Diamond Previews catalogue and will ship in May of this year. Hercules: The Thracian Wars #1 will ship with two covers, one by Jim Steranko for cover A and one by Admira Wijaya and Sunny Gho of Imaginary Friends Studios for cover B. Cover A will ship in 3:1 ratio to cover B.
Hercules: The Thracian Wars #2 (DCD# APR084073) is featured in April 2008 Diamond Previews catalogue and will ship in June of this year. Hercules: The Thracian Wars #2 will ship with three covers, one by Greg Broadmore of WETA Workshop, one by Admira Wijaya and Sunny Gho of Imaginary Friends Studios, and a limited edition cover by Jim Steranko (DCD# APR084074) that is available as a 1-in-20 retailer incentive.
About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (Producer for Rogue Pictures Blood on the Tracks, and Executive Producer for the in development Warner Brothers Rex Mundi movie, written by JIM UHLS starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Picture's R.I.P.D), his protégé Jesse Berger, and longtime writer and publisher David Elliott (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).
Radical Publishing is bringing 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, Stjepan Sejic, Dave Wilkins, Steve Pugh, James Heffron, Tomm Coker, Clayton Crain, Bill Sienkiewicz, Weta Workshop, Imaginary Friends Studios, and many more.
www.radicalcomics.com
SCI FI/VIRGIN COMICS GETS NEIGHBORLY WITH THE SUPERHEROES AND SPOUSES OF 'SUPERBIA'
Comic Book series from
SCI FI Channel/Virgin Comics Joint Venture
New York, New York – April 22, 2007 – SCI FI/Virgin Comics, the year-old joint venture between SCI FI Channel and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Comics, announced today the imprint’s second title, Superbia. Imagine if the members of the Justice League moved to Wisteria Lane with spouses in tow, and you get a hint of what life is like in Woodshire Village, a planned community for superheroes, their spouses, girlfriends and domestic partners. Superbia is created and written by Lisa Klink and Jordan Gorfinkle. It is expected to be released this summer.
“We're thrilled with the success of our ground-breaking partnership with Virgin Comics which is designed to expand our business beyond the television screen with the creation of new multiplatform properties,” said Dave Howe, President of SCI FI. Our first title, ‘The Stranded,’ sold out on stands and is now in development as a television pilot. Superbia is a fun and uniquely original concept that also shows great promise.
"’Superbia’ is the perfect expansion of our partnership with SCI FI, offering a completely different type of story than our first series, The Stranded. The team at SCI FI continue to be a flagship partner for Virgin Comics as we try and bring a new voice to the comic industry," said Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Virgin Comics.
When the newest residents of Woodshire Village, a pair of young newlyweds, moved to the quaint cul-de-sac, they expected life to be strange. But “strange” doesn’t quite cover it. A residential community for superheroes, Woodshire Village boasts affordable housing and easy commutes to all major crime scenes. And when the heroes are away, the spouses play.
One would expect Woodshire Village to be the safest community imaginable however it’s not without its share of secrets, scandal, mystery and murder. With the superheroes off saving the world – their “day job” – it’s up to their partners at home to solve the crimes occurring in their own backyards and preserve the safety of their protected enclave.
With new comic book titles serving as the creative genesis, SCI FI/Virgin Comics are developing fresh properties that integrate the unique spirit and vitality of both brands. Innovative, multi-platform projects are being considered across all mediums from publishing, film and television to digital and gaming.
The venture’s first title, The Stranded (written by Mike Carey) has been a must-read for comic book fans since July. The Stranded collection will be available later this summer at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders and booksellers everywhere.
Utilizing the global creative and synergistic resources that exist at SCI FI Channel, part of NBC Universal, and Virgin Comics, the partnership aims to attract some of the most talented creators from the worlds of comic books, television and movies. SCI FI and Virgin Comics have brought together a multimedia, creative editorial board with members representing comic books, television, movies, digital, gaming, licensing and merchandising.
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
Virgin Comics LLC 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, Hugh Jackman, Dave Stewart, Jonathan Mostow, Edward 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 Gamekeeper, 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 SCI FI Channel. The first title in this series, The Stranded, premiered in January 2008 and has already been green-lit for further development as a television pilot. www.VirginComics.com
Comic Book series from
SCI FI Channel/Virgin Comics Joint Venture
New York, New York – April 22, 2007 – SCI FI/Virgin Comics, the year-old joint venture between SCI FI Channel and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Comics, announced today the imprint’s second title, Superbia. Imagine if the members of the Justice League moved to Wisteria Lane with spouses in tow, and you get a hint of what life is like in Woodshire Village, a planned community for superheroes, their spouses, girlfriends and domestic partners. Superbia is created and written by Lisa Klink and Jordan Gorfinkle. It is expected to be released this summer.
“We're thrilled with the success of our ground-breaking partnership with Virgin Comics which is designed to expand our business beyond the television screen with the creation of new multiplatform properties,” said Dave Howe, President of SCI FI. Our first title, ‘The Stranded,’ sold out on stands and is now in development as a television pilot. Superbia is a fun and uniquely original concept that also shows great promise.
"’Superbia’ is the perfect expansion of our partnership with SCI FI, offering a completely different type of story than our first series, The Stranded. The team at SCI FI continue to be a flagship partner for Virgin Comics as we try and bring a new voice to the comic industry," said Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Virgin Comics.
When the newest residents of Woodshire Village, a pair of young newlyweds, moved to the quaint cul-de-sac, they expected life to be strange. But “strange” doesn’t quite cover it. A residential community for superheroes, Woodshire Village boasts affordable housing and easy commutes to all major crime scenes. And when the heroes are away, the spouses play.
One would expect Woodshire Village to be the safest community imaginable however it’s not without its share of secrets, scandal, mystery and murder. With the superheroes off saving the world – their “day job” – it’s up to their partners at home to solve the crimes occurring in their own backyards and preserve the safety of their protected enclave.
With new comic book titles serving as the creative genesis, SCI FI/Virgin Comics are developing fresh properties that integrate the unique spirit and vitality of both brands. Innovative, multi-platform projects are being considered across all mediums from publishing, film and television to digital and gaming.
The venture’s first title, The Stranded (written by Mike Carey) has been a must-read for comic book fans since July. The Stranded collection will be available later this summer at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders and booksellers everywhere.
Utilizing the global creative and synergistic resources that exist at SCI FI Channel, part of NBC Universal, and Virgin Comics, the partnership aims to attract some of the most talented creators from the worlds of comic books, television and movies. SCI FI and Virgin Comics have brought together a multimedia, creative editorial board with members representing comic books, television, movies, digital, gaming, licensing and merchandising.
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com
Virgin Comics LLC 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, Hugh Jackman, Dave Stewart, Jonathan Mostow, Edward 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 Gamekeeper, 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 SCI FI Channel. The first title in this series, The Stranded, premiered in January 2008 and has already been green-lit for further development as a television pilot. www.VirginComics.com
Hey gang,
First off, pleasure seeing those of you I saw at NYCC. The show was an
absolute blast, and everyone should really go through the effort to
check it out next year.
I've got a bunch of books coming out this month, so I'll just keep it
short, and keep these updates coming regular.
This week sees the release of the Vengeance of Vampirella TPB
collecting my first four chapters of Vampirella, plus a bonus 'prequel' story by
Phil Hester. It's got a ton of back up material, including a script
each from both Phil and I. If you forgot to preorder, you can give the
following info to your retailer who can grab you a copy through Diamond.
JAN083341 VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA TP $15.95
Hope you check it out, and I'll see you guys soon,
j.
www.thefialkov.com
First off, pleasure seeing those of you I saw at NYCC. The show was an
absolute blast, and everyone should really go through the effort to
check it out next year.
I've got a bunch of books coming out this month, so I'll just keep it
short, and keep these updates coming regular.
This week sees the release of the Vengeance of Vampirella TPB
collecting my first four chapters of Vampirella, plus a bonus 'prequel' story by
Phil Hester. It's got a ton of back up material, including a script
each from both Phil and I. If you forgot to preorder, you can give the
following info to your retailer who can grab you a copy through Diamond.
JAN083341 VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA TP $15.95
Hope you check it out, and I'll see you guys soon,
j.
www.thefialkov.com
“STRANGE & STRANGER: THE WORLD OF STEVE DITKO” to debut at the
MOCCA
Art Festival (June 7/8th).
Fantagraphics Books is proud to announce that Strange and Stranger:
The World of Steve Ditko – the first critical retrospective of Steve
Ditko, the co-creator and original artist of the Amazing Spider-Man –
will make its much-anticipated debut on Saturday June 7th, 2008 at
the MOCCA Comics Art Festival. The author, Blake Bell, will be on
hand both days at MOCCA to sign copies of the book and will debut his
slide show presentation on Ditko’s work as part of the festival’s
programming. As well, a bookstore signing event at Jim Hanley’s
Universe will take place during the festival weekend.
In addition to updates, teasers, and media news on Bell’s Steve Ditko
web site at www.ditko.comics.org, readers will be able to keep
abreast of updates on the book’s Facebook and MySpace pages, as well
as multiple radio and print appearances. For example, Wizard magazine
will be running a 6-page feature, excerpting from the Amazing Spider-
Man chapter, in its July issue – out in early June). Also, beginning
tomorrow, the book’s Introduction will be posted on
www.fantagraphics.com, with an additional excerpt being made
available to Fantagraphics’ 20/20 Club members.
Available in comic-book stores nation-wide in mid-June, and in
mainstream book stores in early July, the book will explode many of
the myths of Ditko’s career, as well as present reams of rare and
unpublished Ditko artwork. All at once, the book functions as a
biography of the artist, and an examination of his work (spotlighting
over 300 images) with commentary on what makes Ditko one of history’s
greatest sequential storytellers from the author and some of comics
most skilled and articulate comic creators.
2008 will mark the year when Steve Ditko fans the world over will
have the opportunity to celebrate the artist’s 50-plus year career
with this definitive volume from Blake Bell and Fantagraphics Books.
A selection of images in a variety of formats is available for
publication. For additional information, contact Eric Reynolds at the
numbers above.
TITLE INFORMATION:
Strange & Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko
By Blake Bell
$39.99 Hardcover
220 pages, full-color, 9” x 12”
Diamond order code: MAR08 3707
ISBN 978-1-56097-921-0
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2008
MOCCA
Art Festival (June 7/8th).
Fantagraphics Books is proud to announce that Strange and Stranger:
The World of Steve Ditko – the first critical retrospective of Steve
Ditko, the co-creator and original artist of the Amazing Spider-Man –
will make its much-anticipated debut on Saturday June 7th, 2008 at
the MOCCA Comics Art Festival. The author, Blake Bell, will be on
hand both days at MOCCA to sign copies of the book and will debut his
slide show presentation on Ditko’s work as part of the festival’s
programming. As well, a bookstore signing event at Jim Hanley’s
Universe will take place during the festival weekend.
In addition to updates, teasers, and media news on Bell’s Steve Ditko
web site at www.ditko.comics.org, readers will be able to keep
abreast of updates on the book’s Facebook and MySpace pages, as well
as multiple radio and print appearances. For example, Wizard magazine
will be running a 6-page feature, excerpting from the Amazing Spider-
Man chapter, in its July issue – out in early June). Also, beginning
tomorrow, the book’s Introduction will be posted on
www.fantagraphics.com, with an additional excerpt being made
available to Fantagraphics’ 20/20 Club members.
Available in comic-book stores nation-wide in mid-June, and in
mainstream book stores in early July, the book will explode many of
the myths of Ditko’s career, as well as present reams of rare and
unpublished Ditko artwork. All at once, the book functions as a
biography of the artist, and an examination of his work (spotlighting
over 300 images) with commentary on what makes Ditko one of history’s
greatest sequential storytellers from the author and some of comics
most skilled and articulate comic creators.
2008 will mark the year when Steve Ditko fans the world over will
have the opportunity to celebrate the artist’s 50-plus year career
with this definitive volume from Blake Bell and Fantagraphics Books.
A selection of images in a variety of formats is available for
publication. For additional information, contact Eric Reynolds at the
numbers above.
TITLE INFORMATION:
Strange & Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko
By Blake Bell
$39.99 Hardcover
220 pages, full-color, 9” x 12”
Diamond order code: MAR08 3707
ISBN 978-1-56097-921-0
PUBLICATION DATE: June 2008
VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES THEATRICAL SCREENINGS OF SLAPSTICK COMEDY -
MAIKO HAAAAN!!!
Hilarious Look Into Japanese Culture And The Geisha World To Screen In
Los Angeles, New York And Seattle
San Francisco, CA, April 21, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has
announced upcoming theatrical runs scheduled for New York, Los Angeles
and Seattle of MAIKO HAAAAN!!!, a film directed by Nobuo Mizuta.
From acclaimed screenwriter Kankuro Kudo of PING PONG, Yaji and Kita:
The Midnight Pilgrims and Takashi Miike's Zebraman, MAIKO HAAAAN!!!, is
a slapstick comedy with an energetic twist of manic Japanese humor and a
colorful introduction to the little-seen Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
world. The recent premiere of this film at the Austin Fantastic Fest
2007 was very successful. MAIKO HAAAAN!!! will screen in New York, April
18-24, Seattle May 2-8 and Los Angeles, May 23-29, with a special Press
Screening in Los Angeles on May 1. Details and theatre information
follow at the end of this release.
MAIKO HAAAAN!!! centers on a Japanese salary man named Kimihiko Onizuka
(Sadawo Abe, from KAMIKAZE GIRLS) who dumps his girlfriend because he
believes he can only fall in love with an apprentice Geisha, otherwise
known as a 'Maiko.’ He decides to pursue his dream of courting a real
Maiko in Kyoto. The lavish and private Maiko Houses become a social
barrier partly caused by a rival who is actually also a millionaire
baseball player (Shinichi Tsutsumi). But Kimihiko remains undaunted and
embarks on the most wild journey using some outlandish premises to gain
entry to the Geisha inner sanctum. Meanwhile, Kimihiko’s girlfriend (Kou
Shibasaki) tries to win him back by leaving Tokyo to become a Maiko herself.
“Imagine a frenzied and comedic version of Memoirs of a Geisha coupled
with Forrest Gump and you have a pretty good idea of the fun in-store in
MAIKO HAAAAN!!!,” says Manami Iboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures.
“Aside from the over-the-top plot and comedic performances, the film
also provides a unique and colorful introduction into Japanese culture
and the Maiko world to domestic audiences and we are sure audiences will
be delighted by this rollicking story."
For more information on MAIKO HAAAAN!!! please visit www.viz-pictures.com.
Theatre Information:
NEW YORK (exclusive)
Theatrical Screening: April 18-24
IMAGINASIAN THEATRE
239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.), New York 10022
LOS ANGELES
*Press Screening: May 8 - 2:00PM
Theatrical Screening: May 23-29
IMAGINASIAN CENTER
251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(*If you would like to attend the press screening in Los Angeles, please
RSVP to evelyn@viz.com)
SEATTLE
Theatrical Screening: May 2-8
GRAND ILLUSION CINEMA
1403 NE 50th Street, Seattle, WA 98105
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. For
more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com. © 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
(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
###
MAIKO HAAAAN!!!
Hilarious Look Into Japanese Culture And The Geisha World To Screen In
Los Angeles, New York And Seattle
San Francisco, CA, April 21, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ
Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has
announced upcoming theatrical runs scheduled for New York, Los Angeles
and Seattle of MAIKO HAAAAN!!!, a film directed by Nobuo Mizuta.
From acclaimed screenwriter Kankuro Kudo of PING PONG, Yaji and Kita:
The Midnight Pilgrims and Takashi Miike's Zebraman, MAIKO HAAAAN!!!, is
a slapstick comedy with an energetic twist of manic Japanese humor and a
colorful introduction to the little-seen Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
world. The recent premiere of this film at the Austin Fantastic Fest
2007 was very successful. MAIKO HAAAAN!!! will screen in New York, April
18-24, Seattle May 2-8 and Los Angeles, May 23-29, with a special Press
Screening in Los Angeles on May 1. Details and theatre information
follow at the end of this release.
MAIKO HAAAAN!!! centers on a Japanese salary man named Kimihiko Onizuka
(Sadawo Abe, from KAMIKAZE GIRLS) who dumps his girlfriend because he
believes he can only fall in love with an apprentice Geisha, otherwise
known as a 'Maiko.’ He decides to pursue his dream of courting a real
Maiko in Kyoto. The lavish and private Maiko Houses become a social
barrier partly caused by a rival who is actually also a millionaire
baseball player (Shinichi Tsutsumi). But Kimihiko remains undaunted and
embarks on the most wild journey using some outlandish premises to gain
entry to the Geisha inner sanctum. Meanwhile, Kimihiko’s girlfriend (Kou
Shibasaki) tries to win him back by leaving Tokyo to become a Maiko herself.
“Imagine a frenzied and comedic version of Memoirs of a Geisha coupled
with Forrest Gump and you have a pretty good idea of the fun in-store in
MAIKO HAAAAN!!!,” says Manami Iboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures.
“Aside from the over-the-top plot and comedic performances, the film
also provides a unique and colorful introduction into Japanese culture
and the Maiko world to domestic audiences and we are sure audiences will
be delighted by this rollicking story."
For more information on MAIKO HAAAAN!!! please visit www.viz-pictures.com.
Theatre Information:
NEW YORK (exclusive)
Theatrical Screening: April 18-24
IMAGINASIAN THEATRE
239 East 59th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.), New York 10022
LOS ANGELES
*Press Screening: May 8 - 2:00PM
Theatrical Screening: May 23-29
IMAGINASIAN CENTER
251 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(*If you would like to attend the press screening in Los Angeles, please
RSVP to evelyn@viz.com)
SEATTLE
Theatrical Screening: May 2-8
GRAND ILLUSION CINEMA
1403 NE 50th Street, Seattle, WA 98105
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. For
more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com. © 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
(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
###
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA …. “The swamp is my world. It is who I am; it is what I am. I was once a man. I know the evil men do. Do not bring your evil here, I warn you.” Beware the wrath of Swamp Thing! Enter into a mind-bending world where a humanoid mass of plant matter comes to life and fights evil in the swamp, protecting the environment and humanity from the supernatural and evil threats that dare enter the swamp. On July 15, 2008, Shout! Factory will unleash the DVD box set of Swamp Thing: The Series Volume 2. This live action series is packed with the first 25 suspenseful episodes from Season 3 of the cult TV series. Swamp Thing fans demanded more and here it is, the 4-DVD box set of Swamp Thing: The Series Vol. 2 is priced for everyone to own at $39.99.
When an attempt on Dr. Alec Holland’s life leaves him consumed by deadly chemicals and fire, the swamps of Louisiana transform him into a superhuman creature hell-bent on ridding the swamp—and the world—of the evil that men do, beginning with his arch nemesis, Dr. Anton Arcane, the mad scientist responsible for Holland’s monstrous new incarnation as Swamp Thing.
Inspired by and based on the DC Comics character, Swamp Thing has become a major, recognized brand through comic books, film and television. Starring Dick Durock (reprising his title role from the popular Swamp Thing feature films), Mark Lindsay Chapman, and Carrell Myers, Swamp Thing, the original television series that ran on USA Network from1990-93, follows the tortured creature that was once a man and his quest to regain the humanity that was taken from him, purging the swamp of evildoers along the way.
About NBC Universal Video, Music & Product Development
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. The NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution division is responsible for the distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages. NBC Universal Video, Music & Product Development manages all ancillary television business endeavors for The NBC Universal Television Group, including third-party home video distribution, merchandising and licensing, musical soundtracks, special market projects and the NBC Universal Online Store. About Shout! FactoryShout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, Calif. Its fine products are distributed by Vivendi Visual Entertainment. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.
When an attempt on Dr. Alec Holland’s life leaves him consumed by deadly chemicals and fire, the swamps of Louisiana transform him into a superhuman creature hell-bent on ridding the swamp—and the world—of the evil that men do, beginning with his arch nemesis, Dr. Anton Arcane, the mad scientist responsible for Holland’s monstrous new incarnation as Swamp Thing.
Inspired by and based on the DC Comics character, Swamp Thing has become a major, recognized brand through comic books, film and television. Starring Dick Durock (reprising his title role from the popular Swamp Thing feature films), Mark Lindsay Chapman, and Carrell Myers, Swamp Thing, the original television series that ran on USA Network from1990-93, follows the tortured creature that was once a man and his quest to regain the humanity that was taken from him, purging the swamp of evildoers along the way.
About NBC Universal Video, Music & Product Development
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. The NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution division is responsible for the distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages. NBC Universal Video, Music & Product Development manages all ancillary television business endeavors for The NBC Universal Television Group, including third-party home video distribution, merchandising and licensing, musical soundtracks, special market projects and the NBC Universal Online Store. About Shout! FactoryShout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, Calif. Its fine products are distributed by Vivendi Visual Entertainment. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.
Hey Comics Media & Retailers,
A few cool announcements in Top Shelf land:
*********************************************
THERE’S BUZZ EVERYWHERE FOR THE JULY RELEASE OF
Alex Robinson's TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN
*********************************************
One of the coolest books to hit this summer will be Alex Robinson's
latest
masterpiece, TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN. Please visit the website and
check
out the awesome cover and the preview pages we have showcased there.
Here
are all the details:
TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN
by Alex Robinson
-- a 128-page HARDCOVER graphic novel, 5 1/2" x 7 1/2"
-- ISBN: 978-1-891830-98-3, $14.95
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=565
"This is Alex Robinson's best book, and one of the rare comics not
written
by Stan Lee to perfectly capture the tragedy and triumph of being a
teenager. Totally recommended."
-- Brian K. Vaughan, author of Y: The Last Man, Pride of Baghdad, and
Runaways
Andy Wicks is a forty-something father of two who's tried everything to
quit smoking -- from going cold turkey, to the latest patches and
nicotine
chewing gums -- so he figures he'll give this hypnosis thing a try.
What's
the worst that could happen? Unfortunately, Andy gets dealt a fate
worse
than death -- high school! Transported back to 1985, Andy returns to
his
formative years as a gangly, awkward teenager. Is he doomed to relive
the
mistakes of his past, or has he been given a second chance to get
things
right? One thing's for sure … this time he's going to ask out
that girl
from math class...
*********************************************
ALSO SHIPPING IN JULY:
MORE ALL-AGES GRAPHIC NOVELS!
*********************************************
YAM by Corey Barba
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=603
-- an 88-page graphic novel with a full-color section, 6 1/2" x 9"
-- ISBN: 978-1-60309-014-8, $10.00
As featured in Nickelodeon Magazine, where more than 900,000 readers
have
basked in the fun that is Yam!
Top Shelf is proud to present an all-new, "silent" all-ages graphic
novel
series … Yam and his fun-loving friends live on the remote
tropical island
of Leche de la Luna, and are always getting mixed up in surreal
adventures.
Whether it's encountering cupcakes that spring to life, befriending
potted
flowers, or exploring the mysterious ruins on the island, this small
boy in
his hooded, footy pajamas always ends up having a blast with his
friends.
The debut graphic novel, simply titled YAM, is anchored by the
full-length
story "Toy with My Dreams," in which Yam develops a crush on a girl
much
too old for him, but ends up being able to communicate with her in his
dreams. The graphic novel also contains a full-color section and
several
short stories which have seen print in Nickelodeon Magazine. Sure to be
a
real treat for anyone who's a fan of OWLY or KORGI.
Also featured this month is the revised edition of:
PINKY & STINKY by James Kochalka
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=57
--ISBN 978-1-891830-29-7, $15.00
*********************************************
IN OTHER NEWS:
KINDT AND LEMIRE SCORE BIG AWARD NOMINATIONS!
*********************************************
The 2008 award season is shaping up to be The Matt & Jeff Show here at
Top
Shelf!
Matt Kindt's critically beloved thriller SUPER SPY has been nominated
for
the Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album--Reprint! Originally serialized
on
Top Shelf's web site, SUPER SPY earned accolades everywhere as soon as
it
was collected and published as a gorgeous full-color graphic novel.
SUPER
SPY fans include everyone from Attack of the Show's Blair Butler to
comic
super-retailer (and former Eisner judge) James Sime, as well as
institutions from the Teacher Librarian Magazine to The Comics Journal.
This is his third Eisner nomination!
SUPER SPY:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=571
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-96-9, $19.95
Jeff Lemire also turned heads this year with TWO Eisner nominations for
his
graphic novel trilogy ESSEX COUNTY. The first two parts of the trilogy,
TALES FROM THE FARM and GHOST STORIES, were nominated together for the
coveted award for Best Graphic Album--New! And on top of that, Jeff
himself
was honored with a nomination for Best Writer/Artist! Combine that with
the
Canadian Joe Shuster Award Nomination for Outstanding Canadian Comic
Book
Cartoonist (Writer/Artist) and his win of the American Library
Association
Alex Award, and it's starting to seem like time for Jeff to buy a new
trophy case!
ESSEX COUNTY (VOL 1): TALES FROM THE FARM:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=25&title=537
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-88-4, $9.95
ESSEX COUNTY (VOL 2): GHOST STORIES:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=25&title=568
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-94-5, $14.95
ESSEX COUNTY (VOL 3): THE COUNTRY NURSE
(the final volume -- will be published in October!)
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=25&title=569
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-95-2, $9.95
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Your friend thru comics,
Chris Staros
Top Shelf Productions
A few cool announcements in Top Shelf land:
*********************************************
THERE’S BUZZ EVERYWHERE FOR THE JULY RELEASE OF
Alex Robinson's TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN
*********************************************
One of the coolest books to hit this summer will be Alex Robinson's
latest
masterpiece, TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN. Please visit the website and
check
out the awesome cover and the preview pages we have showcased there.
Here
are all the details:
TOO COOL TO BE FORGOTTEN
by Alex Robinson
-- a 128-page HARDCOVER graphic novel, 5 1/2" x 7 1/2"
-- ISBN: 978-1-891830-98-3, $14.95
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=565
"This is Alex Robinson's best book, and one of the rare comics not
written
by Stan Lee to perfectly capture the tragedy and triumph of being a
teenager. Totally recommended."
-- Brian K. Vaughan, author of Y: The Last Man, Pride of Baghdad, and
Runaways
Andy Wicks is a forty-something father of two who's tried everything to
quit smoking -- from going cold turkey, to the latest patches and
nicotine
chewing gums -- so he figures he'll give this hypnosis thing a try.
What's
the worst that could happen? Unfortunately, Andy gets dealt a fate
worse
than death -- high school! Transported back to 1985, Andy returns to
his
formative years as a gangly, awkward teenager. Is he doomed to relive
the
mistakes of his past, or has he been given a second chance to get
things
right? One thing's for sure … this time he's going to ask out
that girl
from math class...
*********************************************
ALSO SHIPPING IN JULY:
MORE ALL-AGES GRAPHIC NOVELS!
*********************************************
YAM by Corey Barba
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=603
-- an 88-page graphic novel with a full-color section, 6 1/2" x 9"
-- ISBN: 978-1-60309-014-8, $10.00
As featured in Nickelodeon Magazine, where more than 900,000 readers
have
basked in the fun that is Yam!
Top Shelf is proud to present an all-new, "silent" all-ages graphic
novel
series … Yam and his fun-loving friends live on the remote
tropical island
of Leche de la Luna, and are always getting mixed up in surreal
adventures.
Whether it's encountering cupcakes that spring to life, befriending
potted
flowers, or exploring the mysterious ruins on the island, this small
boy in
his hooded, footy pajamas always ends up having a blast with his
friends.
The debut graphic novel, simply titled YAM, is anchored by the
full-length
story "Toy with My Dreams," in which Yam develops a crush on a girl
much
too old for him, but ends up being able to communicate with her in his
dreams. The graphic novel also contains a full-color section and
several
short stories which have seen print in Nickelodeon Magazine. Sure to be
a
real treat for anyone who's a fan of OWLY or KORGI.
Also featured this month is the revised edition of:
PINKY & STINKY by James Kochalka
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=57
--ISBN 978-1-891830-29-7, $15.00
*********************************************
IN OTHER NEWS:
KINDT AND LEMIRE SCORE BIG AWARD NOMINATIONS!
*********************************************
The 2008 award season is shaping up to be The Matt & Jeff Show here at
Top
Shelf!
Matt Kindt's critically beloved thriller SUPER SPY has been nominated
for
the Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album--Reprint! Originally serialized
on
Top Shelf's web site, SUPER SPY earned accolades everywhere as soon as
it
was collected and published as a gorgeous full-color graphic novel.
SUPER
SPY fans include everyone from Attack of the Show's Blair Butler to
comic
super-retailer (and former Eisner judge) James Sime, as well as
institutions from the Teacher Librarian Magazine to The Comics Journal.
This is his third Eisner nomination!
SUPER SPY:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=12&title=571
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-96-9, $19.95
Jeff Lemire also turned heads this year with TWO Eisner nominations for
his
graphic novel trilogy ESSEX COUNTY. The first two parts of the trilogy,
TALES FROM THE FARM and GHOST STORIES, were nominated together for the
coveted award for Best Graphic Album--New! And on top of that, Jeff
himself
was honored with a nomination for Best Writer/Artist! Combine that with
the
Canadian Joe Shuster Award Nomination for Outstanding Canadian Comic
Book
Cartoonist (Writer/Artist) and his win of the American Library
Association
Alex Award, and it's starting to seem like time for Jeff to buy a new
trophy case!
ESSEX COUNTY (VOL 1): TALES FROM THE FARM:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=25&title=537
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-88-4, $9.95
ESSEX COUNTY (VOL 2): GHOST STORIES:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=25&title=568
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-94-5, $14.95
ESSEX COUNTY (VOL 3): THE COUNTRY NURSE
(the final volume -- will be published in October!)
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog.php?type=25&title=569
-- ISBN 978-1-891830-95-2, $9.95
*******************************************************
*******************************************************
Your friend thru comics,
Chris Staros
Top Shelf Productions
Monday, April 21, 2008
VIRGIN COMICS AND STAN LEE’S POW! ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCE NEW COMIC SUPERHERO UNIVERSE
Prolific “Father of the Superhero” and Founder of the Marvel Universe Returns to Comics to Create a New Universe of Superheroes with Virgin Comics!
NEW YORK, NY—April 21, 2008 – Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man and the Marvel Comics Universe of superhero characters, announced today he will be forming a new partnership with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Comics.
Lee is one of the most influential figures in popular culture and the character entertainment industry, having created characters that generate billions of dollars in sales from comics, films, animation, merchandise and games. In his new partnership with Virgin, Stan Lee will return to comic books as both a writer and editor, to oversee the creation of an entirely new universe of superhero characters.
“What a dream assignment!” enthused the always-ebullient Lee. “I can’t wait to start pitting my newest, most exciting superheroes against comicdom’s most powerful, diabolical super villains and then have the fun of tossing them into far-out, thrill-a-minute adventures to challenge the readers’ imagination! And who better to share in the fun, creating wondrous new worlds without limit, than the incredibly talented and dedicated guys at Virgin Comics!”
"Stan Lee is a cultural icon and we welcome him to his new home, Virgin Comics, for this bold new chapter in his great legacy," said Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group president and founder.
The new universe will initially be anchored around the exploits of a team of ten superheroes of various backgrounds and origins. As this team evolves, readers will learn that not all of these heroes are what they seem, as infighting, abuses of power and internal struggles will slowly challenge these heroes as they learn the real villains may lurk within themselves.
“As a creator, storyteller and visionary, Stan Lee has created characters that have inspired the imaginations of generations of audiences around the world and spoke to the core of humanity, transcending race, religion and culture” said Virgin Comics’ CEO, Sharad Devarajan. “It is our greatest joy to bring him back to the industry he helped define, and though Stan's creations have already changed the face of entertainment, we are confident that the best is yet to come.”
“Stan Lee is unquestionably one of history's greatest story-tellers. To collaborate with him, and have him guide and nurture artists and writers through Virgin Comics will be one of the legacies of this company. As the head of all things creative at the company, I bow down in reverence!” added Virgin Comics’ Chief Creative Officer, Gotham Chopra.
As a former Editor-in-Chief at Marvel Comics, Lee trained some of the industry’s most influential creative talents under a system called the “Marvel Method.” Though not commonly used in the industry today, Lee’s process enables the writer and artist to sculpt the story together from the ground up in iterative stages, rather than writers just delivering a full script to an artist in more of a segmented fashion. As editor of this new superhero universe at Virgin, Lee intends to once again work with artists in a similar fashion, allowing a new generation of artists from the comic book and video game industries an opportunity to learn and collaborate with Lee.
Gill Champion POW!’s President and COO said “The arrangement with Virgin strengthens our position as a leader in creating new high concept superheroes for today’s fans. Comic Books and other means of new media distribution are a great way to introduce our properties. In Virgin, we have found a partner who understands the importance of Stan’s global brand.”
The new universe will be unveiled in early 2009 and will initially be launched as a series of ten graphic novels linked into a series of online animated shorts. The story is intended to provide a seamless online and offline experience allowing audiences numerous entry points and engagement synergies as they immerse themselves into this universe of heroes.
Virgin Comics LLC 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, Hugh Jackman, Dave Stewart, Jonathan Mostow, Edward 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 Gamekeeper, 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 SCI FI Channel. The first title in this series, The Stranded, premiered in January 2008 and has already been green-lit for further development as a television pilot. www.VirginComics.com
POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc. (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company with a first-look deal with Disney, 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. www.powentertainment.com
ANNOUNCE NEW COMIC SUPERHERO UNIVERSE
Prolific “Father of the Superhero” and Founder of the Marvel Universe Returns to Comics to Create a New Universe of Superheroes with Virgin Comics!
NEW YORK, NY—April 21, 2008 – Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man and the Marvel Comics Universe of superhero characters, announced today he will be forming a new partnership with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Comics.
Lee is one of the most influential figures in popular culture and the character entertainment industry, having created characters that generate billions of dollars in sales from comics, films, animation, merchandise and games. In his new partnership with Virgin, Stan Lee will return to comic books as both a writer and editor, to oversee the creation of an entirely new universe of superhero characters.
“What a dream assignment!” enthused the always-ebullient Lee. “I can’t wait to start pitting my newest, most exciting superheroes against comicdom’s most powerful, diabolical super villains and then have the fun of tossing them into far-out, thrill-a-minute adventures to challenge the readers’ imagination! And who better to share in the fun, creating wondrous new worlds without limit, than the incredibly talented and dedicated guys at Virgin Comics!”
"Stan Lee is a cultural icon and we welcome him to his new home, Virgin Comics, for this bold new chapter in his great legacy," said Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group president and founder.
The new universe will initially be anchored around the exploits of a team of ten superheroes of various backgrounds and origins. As this team evolves, readers will learn that not all of these heroes are what they seem, as infighting, abuses of power and internal struggles will slowly challenge these heroes as they learn the real villains may lurk within themselves.
“As a creator, storyteller and visionary, Stan Lee has created characters that have inspired the imaginations of generations of audiences around the world and spoke to the core of humanity, transcending race, religion and culture” said Virgin Comics’ CEO, Sharad Devarajan. “It is our greatest joy to bring him back to the industry he helped define, and though Stan's creations have already changed the face of entertainment, we are confident that the best is yet to come.”
“Stan Lee is unquestionably one of history's greatest story-tellers. To collaborate with him, and have him guide and nurture artists and writers through Virgin Comics will be one of the legacies of this company. As the head of all things creative at the company, I bow down in reverence!” added Virgin Comics’ Chief Creative Officer, Gotham Chopra.
As a former Editor-in-Chief at Marvel Comics, Lee trained some of the industry’s most influential creative talents under a system called the “Marvel Method.” Though not commonly used in the industry today, Lee’s process enables the writer and artist to sculpt the story together from the ground up in iterative stages, rather than writers just delivering a full script to an artist in more of a segmented fashion. As editor of this new superhero universe at Virgin, Lee intends to once again work with artists in a similar fashion, allowing a new generation of artists from the comic book and video game industries an opportunity to learn and collaborate with Lee.
Gill Champion POW!’s President and COO said “The arrangement with Virgin strengthens our position as a leader in creating new high concept superheroes for today’s fans. Comic Books and other means of new media distribution are a great way to introduce our properties. In Virgin, we have found a partner who understands the importance of Stan’s global brand.”
The new universe will be unveiled in early 2009 and will initially be launched as a series of ten graphic novels linked into a series of online animated shorts. The story is intended to provide a seamless online and offline experience allowing audiences numerous entry points and engagement synergies as they immerse themselves into this universe of heroes.
Virgin Comics LLC 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, Hugh Jackman, Dave Stewart, Jonathan Mostow, Edward 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 Gamekeeper, 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 SCI FI Channel. The first title in this series, The Stranded, premiered in January 2008 and has already been green-lit for further development as a television pilot. www.VirginComics.com
POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc. (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company with a first-look deal with Disney, 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. www.powentertainment.com
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