J. Scott Campbell joins Finch by going Beyond Wonderland
Zenescope Entertainment has just released news that superstar artist J. Scott Campbell (Gen 13, Danger Girl, Spider-Man) has completed a cover for the very soon to be released BEYOND WONDERLAND #1 which debuts at Comic Con in San Diego later this month. The same issue is already featuring a cover by the renowned David Finch (Ultimatum, Moon Knight, New Avengers) and now Campbell will join Finch as both artists’ covers will ship at a 50/50 ratio to retailers.
“It’s an exciting time when two amazing artists in this industry both offer to do covers for your series.” Said Zenescope VP Ralph Tedesco, “I can’t thank J. Scott or David enough for the work and brilliance they put into each of their pieces.”
Beyond Wonderland is the sequel mini-series to Zenescope’s indie hit Return To Wonderland and is a dark, horror-filled take on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Tedesco describes the series as “American Beauty meets Jacob’s Ladder with a nightmarish version of Carroll’s classic sprinkled throughout.”
Said David Finch regarding Zenescope’s 'Wonderland' series, "Every so often something comes along that just seems so obvious that you don't know why it hasn't always been done.”
There is still some time for retailers to place their orders for Beyond Wonderland #1 featuring the covers by Finch and Campbell by using Diamond order code JUN084373.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
PRESS RELEASE - LARSEN STEPS DOWN AS STEPHENSON BECOMES NEW IMAGE COMICS
PUBLISHER!
/As Erik Larsen steps down as Publisher of Image Comics, Eric Stephenson
takes over!/
July 1 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - As announced at Wizard World Chicago this
weekend, Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen is stepping down from his
current position and will be replaced by Executive Director Eric
Stephenson, effective immediately.
"Being the publisher has been a blast, but it's long past time I put my
focus on what matters most to me - creating new comics," said Larsen.
"We accomplished the goals I set out for the company, and it's long past
time for me to go back to doing what I do best. Even more so, I feel
Eric deserves the position as he's completely instrumental in our
company's recent success. It's an honor to hand him the reins."
Stephenson's background with Image goes back to the inception, as Jim
Valentino's assistant. He later went on to work as the managing editor
of Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios before returning to Image as Director
of Marketing in 2001. Stephenson became Executive Director in 2004.
Stephenson added, "Even after over sixteen years of working with Image
off and on, I'm more excited about the company now than I've ever been.
The unprecedented variety of creators, genres and formats we've been
publishing really reflects what I love so much about this medium, and
I'm looking forward to carrying on and growing upon this tradition."
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 .
PUBLISHER!
/As Erik Larsen steps down as Publisher of Image Comics, Eric Stephenson
takes over!/
July 1 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - As announced at Wizard World Chicago this
weekend, Image Comics Publisher Erik Larsen is stepping down from his
current position and will be replaced by Executive Director Eric
Stephenson, effective immediately.
"Being the publisher has been a blast, but it's long past time I put my
focus on what matters most to me - creating new comics," said Larsen.
"We accomplished the goals I set out for the company, and it's long past
time for me to go back to doing what I do best. Even more so, I feel
Eric deserves the position as he's completely instrumental in our
company's recent success. It's an honor to hand him the reins."
Stephenson's background with Image goes back to the inception, as Jim
Valentino's assistant. He later went on to work as the managing editor
of Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios before returning to Image as Director
of Marketing in 2001. Stephenson became Executive Director in 2004.
Stephenson added, "Even after over sixteen years of working with Image
off and on, I'm more excited about the company now than I've ever been.
The unprecedented variety of creators, genres and formats we've been
publishing really reflects what I love so much about this medium, and
I'm looking forward to carrying on and growing upon this tradition."
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
MashON.com San Diego Comic-Con Sweepstakes
Register at MashON.com for a chance to Win $5,000.00 Cash Prize
San Diego, CA July 1, 2008 – 2008 San Diego Comic-Con Booth #5367 -- MashON.com announces the launch of the "MashON 2008 San Diego Comic-Con Sweepstakes where you could win the $5,000.00 Cash Grand Prize. The Sweepstakes starts on July 1, 2008 at 3:00pm and ends on July 27, 2008 at 12:00pm. To enter the Sweepstakes you must register for a free MashON.com account with a valid email address. You can also register in person by visiting the MashON.com Booth #5367 at San Diego Comic-Con. If you are already a MashON.com account holder, please log onto MashON.com to enter. The complete rules and regulations are available at MashON.com.
Sweepstakes Details
Overall Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
Total Grand Prize Cash Value: $5,000.00
Sweepstakes begins Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at 3:00pm (PST) and ends at 12:00pm (PST) on Sunday, July 27, 2008. Winners will be announced no later than Sunday, July 27, 2008.
IMPORTANT: Winners of this Sweepstakes will be identified and contacted only via their MashON.com account information, it is ESSENTIAL that you make sure that the e-mail we have on file when you register for this Sweepstakes is current and operating. You must be 13 years of age or older to participate and a legal resident of the United States (excluding the State of Rhode Island, and excluding Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, military installations and commonwealths) as of July 27, 2008 to participate in this Sweepstakes. By entering this Sweepstakes, you agree to all of the terms and conditions in the “MashON.com 2008 San Diego Comic-Con Sweepstakes” Official Rules and Conditions. Please read them completely and thoroughly.
About MashON.com
MashON is a interactive suite of online tools which allows user to create engaging digital stories, by combining their own photos, sounds, video, and artwork. The result is an authentic user-generated rich media creation that can be instantly shared with friends and syndicated across the web and on their social networks.
Please visit: www.MashON.com.
Register at MashON.com for a chance to Win $5,000.00 Cash Prize
San Diego, CA July 1, 2008 – 2008 San Diego Comic-Con Booth #5367 -- MashON.com announces the launch of the "MashON 2008 San Diego Comic-Con Sweepstakes where you could win the $5,000.00 Cash Grand Prize. The Sweepstakes starts on July 1, 2008 at 3:00pm and ends on July 27, 2008 at 12:00pm. To enter the Sweepstakes you must register for a free MashON.com account with a valid email address. You can also register in person by visiting the MashON.com Booth #5367 at San Diego Comic-Con. If you are already a MashON.com account holder, please log onto MashON.com to enter. The complete rules and regulations are available at MashON.com.
Sweepstakes Details
Overall Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
Total Grand Prize Cash Value: $5,000.00
Sweepstakes begins Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at 3:00pm (PST) and ends at 12:00pm (PST) on Sunday, July 27, 2008. Winners will be announced no later than Sunday, July 27, 2008.
IMPORTANT: Winners of this Sweepstakes will be identified and contacted only via their MashON.com account information, it is ESSENTIAL that you make sure that the e-mail we have on file when you register for this Sweepstakes is current and operating. You must be 13 years of age or older to participate and a legal resident of the United States (excluding the State of Rhode Island, and excluding Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, military installations and commonwealths) as of July 27, 2008 to participate in this Sweepstakes. By entering this Sweepstakes, you agree to all of the terms and conditions in the “MashON.com 2008 San Diego Comic-Con Sweepstakes” Official Rules and Conditions. Please read them completely and thoroughly.
About MashON.com
MashON is a interactive suite of online tools which allows user to create engaging digital stories, by combining their own photos, sounds, video, and artwork. The result is an authentic user-generated rich media creation that can be instantly shared with friends and syndicated across the web and on their social networks.
Please visit: www.MashON.com.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Friends-
Issue thirteen of CWR is now online, and if I may be so bold, we’ve put together our best issue yet! We’re calling it the “Video Special” and here’s what we have for you:
CAPTAIN BLASTO filmmaker Chris Preksta interviewed! The creator of the online superhero sensation sits down with Elliott Serrano to talk about indy filmmaking, comic book movies, and tips for those aspiring to make their own superhero flicks!
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/captainblasto.html
Reviews of IN ODD WE TRUST, TIM SALE: BLACK & WHITE, ZORRO, THE LOST BOOKS OF EVE and more!
http://reviews.comicswaitingroom.com
Elliott Serrano interviews DC comics editor Jann Jones in a video segment you absolutely have to see to believe:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw16.html
Marc Mason tackles the subject of mortality and what it should mean to a geek:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason13.html
Avril Brown recaps Wizardworld Chicago and produces video interviews with indy creator Kurt Dinse and a cosplayer rocking a Warren Ellis’ Anna Mercury ensemble:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril13.html
Brandon Jerwa reveals a dark secret from his past: he was once SPROCKETMAN. Yes- there are pictures:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa10.html
Vince Moore takes a flamethrower to Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s run on the FANTASTIC FOUR:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vince21.html
Saurav Mohapatra returns with a look at the film adaptation of WANTED and whether it works:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid4.html
All wrapped in a terrific Elliott Serrano designed cover:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com
Remember: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs. Enjoy the reading!
Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
Issue thirteen of CWR is now online, and if I may be so bold, we’ve put together our best issue yet! We’re calling it the “Video Special” and here’s what we have for you:
CAPTAIN BLASTO filmmaker Chris Preksta interviewed! The creator of the online superhero sensation sits down with Elliott Serrano to talk about indy filmmaking, comic book movies, and tips for those aspiring to make their own superhero flicks!
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/captainblasto.html
Reviews of IN ODD WE TRUST, TIM SALE: BLACK & WHITE, ZORRO, THE LOST BOOKS OF EVE and more!
http://reviews.comicswaitingroom.com
Elliott Serrano interviews DC comics editor Jann Jones in a video segment you absolutely have to see to believe:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw16.html
Marc Mason tackles the subject of mortality and what it should mean to a geek:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason13.html
Avril Brown recaps Wizardworld Chicago and produces video interviews with indy creator Kurt Dinse and a cosplayer rocking a Warren Ellis’ Anna Mercury ensemble:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril13.html
Brandon Jerwa reveals a dark secret from his past: he was once SPROCKETMAN. Yes- there are pictures:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa10.html
Vince Moore takes a flamethrower to Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s run on the FANTASTIC FOUR:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vince21.html
Saurav Mohapatra returns with a look at the film adaptation of WANTED and whether it works:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid4.html
All wrapped in a terrific Elliott Serrano designed cover:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com
Remember: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs. Enjoy the reading!
Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF NARUTO THE MOVE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL
Latest Feature Length Animated Adventure Has World’s Favorite Ninja In Training Battling A Mysterious New Threat
San Francisco, CA, July 1, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL on July 29. The 2-disc set continues the exciting saga of a mischievous young boy training to become a ninja and features 60 minutes of special bonus features. The DVD, rated T for Teens, has an estimated retail price of $29.98.
In the latest feature film, Naruto, Shikamaru and Sakura are in the middle of returning a lost ferret to its owner, supposedly the easiest mission ever. Or so they think! When a young knight, Temujin, attacks them out of nowhere, they are drawn into a fierce struggle over a treasure harboring legendary power – the Stone of Gelel. Temujin's master wants to use the stone's power to create a utopia, while the last of the clan who once controlled the stone wants to keep it sealed away forever. Naruto and the others, along with help from Gaara and Kankuro, must protect the stone from those who want to misuse its power. When the dream of utopia becomes a nightmare, it'll take a ninja to set things right!
Several never-before-seen bonus segments on NARUTO THE MOVIE 2 include a feature on “Creating the World of Naruto 2” and one on how to “Write and Adapt Like a Ninja,” plus “Words From Japan,” “Production Art Gallery,” “Original Storyboards,” and the “Original Japanese Movie Trailers.” In addition, the disc contains a director’s commentary track and a trailer for the upcoming third NARUTO movie, NARUTO THE MOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM, which will be released by VIZ Media in the near future.
“NARUTO fans won’t want to miss this exciting latest adventure featuring everyone’s favorite band of young ninja,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL will have viewers at the edge of their seats as our hero and his friends face a menacing new threat. The new release also contains an array of insightful bonus features that give a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of the work that went into making the film. This thrilling new release is not one to miss!”
First introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999, NARUTO, created by Masashi Kishimoto, quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga (graphic novel) targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. Today, Naruto is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan’s history and has achieved immense success not only as a manga and TV series, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading card games and video games. NARUTO enjoys further widespread domestic success where it debuted as the best selling manga title in North America. The manga series (also published by VIZ Media) has now sold over three million copies to-date in the US and regularly appears on USA Today’s Bestseller list and Bookscan’s Graphic Novel Top 50. NARUTO is one of the most popular animated series in North America and is also distributed domestically by VIZ Media. The show is regularly ranked as the #1 program for boys aged 6-17 on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block of programming.
For more information go to www.NARUTO.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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment 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.
Latest Feature Length Animated Adventure Has World’s Favorite Ninja In Training Battling A Mysterious New Threat
San Francisco, CA, July 1, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL on July 29. The 2-disc set continues the exciting saga of a mischievous young boy training to become a ninja and features 60 minutes of special bonus features. The DVD, rated T for Teens, has an estimated retail price of $29.98.
In the latest feature film, Naruto, Shikamaru and Sakura are in the middle of returning a lost ferret to its owner, supposedly the easiest mission ever. Or so they think! When a young knight, Temujin, attacks them out of nowhere, they are drawn into a fierce struggle over a treasure harboring legendary power – the Stone of Gelel. Temujin's master wants to use the stone's power to create a utopia, while the last of the clan who once controlled the stone wants to keep it sealed away forever. Naruto and the others, along with help from Gaara and Kankuro, must protect the stone from those who want to misuse its power. When the dream of utopia becomes a nightmare, it'll take a ninja to set things right!
Several never-before-seen bonus segments on NARUTO THE MOVIE 2 include a feature on “Creating the World of Naruto 2” and one on how to “Write and Adapt Like a Ninja,” plus “Words From Japan,” “Production Art Gallery,” “Original Storyboards,” and the “Original Japanese Movie Trailers.” In addition, the disc contains a director’s commentary track and a trailer for the upcoming third NARUTO movie, NARUTO THE MOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM, which will be released by VIZ Media in the near future.
“NARUTO fans won’t want to miss this exciting latest adventure featuring everyone’s favorite band of young ninja,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL will have viewers at the edge of their seats as our hero and his friends face a menacing new threat. The new release also contains an array of insightful bonus features that give a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of the work that went into making the film. This thrilling new release is not one to miss!”
First introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999, NARUTO, created by Masashi Kishimoto, quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga (graphic novel) targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. Today, Naruto is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan’s history and has achieved immense success not only as a manga and TV series, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading card games and video games. NARUTO enjoys further widespread domestic success where it debuted as the best selling manga title in North America. The manga series (also published by VIZ Media) has now sold over three million copies to-date in the US and regularly appears on USA Today’s Bestseller list and Bookscan’s Graphic Novel Top 50. NARUTO is one of the most popular animated series in North America and is also distributed domestically by VIZ Media. The show is regularly ranked as the #1 program for boys aged 6-17 on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block of programming.
For more information go to www.NARUTO.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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment 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.
JUST MONTHS LEFT UNTIL THE ELECTION, A NEW CANDIDATE ENTERS THE RING!
Forget John. Don't even think about Barrack. And push Hillary out of
your brain. Bill too, while you're at it... Because there's a new
champion for the American people and his name is Uncle Slam! Part
soldier, part machine, and all patriot–Uncle Slam is coming to the
rescue in this funny and biting one-shot that isn't going to take
anything else sitting down. It's about time that UNCLE SLAM FIGHTS BACK!
“Uncle Slam is an idealistic innocent. He believes in the American
Dream, but his vision of that dream is a little warped,” said creator
Ande Parks. “Our story features Uncle Slam fighting a giant robotic
version of the evils facing our nation... terror, immigration, and gay
marriage, on the stage of the Republican Convention! What could be more
American than that?!”
“With all the drama already in full swing from the primaries and the
guaranteed tension that's going to mount right before the 2008 election,
we think UNCLE SLAM is the breath of satiric relief the comic
community's going to need,” commented Oni Press Editor in Chief James
Lucas Jones.
When asked about working on UNCLE SLAM, artist T.J. Kirsch responded, “I
was excited from the start to work with Ande Parks and Oni on Uncle
Slam. Who wouldn't want to draw a comic starring an out-of-touch
patriotic superhero and his robo-dalmatian? These characters have great
personality and I hope that comes through.”
“UNCLE SLAM FIGHTS BACK will leave our hero in a better place than we
find him,” concluded Parks. “Our story helps Slam remember what he
really used to fight for; the promise of a country where a man could
wake each morning certain that he would be greeted by a safe, warm house
in a safe, warm neighborhood with safe, warm potential at every corner.
Oh, and a safe, warm, perfectly fried corndog.”
UNCLE SLAM FIGHTS BACK! The biting political satire hits stands just in
time for the 2008 convention season. With 48 black-&-white pages of
madcap comedy for only $4.99, this is a “not-to-miss” title leading up
to this year's election.
Forget John. Don't even think about Barrack. And push Hillary out of
your brain. Bill too, while you're at it... Because there's a new
champion for the American people and his name is Uncle Slam! Part
soldier, part machine, and all patriot–Uncle Slam is coming to the
rescue in this funny and biting one-shot that isn't going to take
anything else sitting down. It's about time that UNCLE SLAM FIGHTS BACK!
“Uncle Slam is an idealistic innocent. He believes in the American
Dream, but his vision of that dream is a little warped,” said creator
Ande Parks. “Our story features Uncle Slam fighting a giant robotic
version of the evils facing our nation... terror, immigration, and gay
marriage, on the stage of the Republican Convention! What could be more
American than that?!”
“With all the drama already in full swing from the primaries and the
guaranteed tension that's going to mount right before the 2008 election,
we think UNCLE SLAM is the breath of satiric relief the comic
community's going to need,” commented Oni Press Editor in Chief James
Lucas Jones.
When asked about working on UNCLE SLAM, artist T.J. Kirsch responded, “I
was excited from the start to work with Ande Parks and Oni on Uncle
Slam. Who wouldn't want to draw a comic starring an out-of-touch
patriotic superhero and his robo-dalmatian? These characters have great
personality and I hope that comes through.”
“UNCLE SLAM FIGHTS BACK will leave our hero in a better place than we
find him,” concluded Parks. “Our story helps Slam remember what he
really used to fight for; the promise of a country where a man could
wake each morning certain that he would be greeted by a safe, warm house
in a safe, warm neighborhood with safe, warm potential at every corner.
Oh, and a safe, warm, perfectly fried corndog.”
UNCLE SLAM FIGHTS BACK! The biting political satire hits stands just in
time for the 2008 convention season. With 48 black-&-white pages of
madcap comedy for only $4.99, this is a “not-to-miss” title leading up
to this year's election.
Monday, June 30, 2008
MySpace Dark Horse Presents turns one year old!
One year ago, Dark Horse partnered with premier social networking
site, MySpace, to make publishing history by relaunching the
company’s flagship anthology title, Dark Horse Presents. To
celebrate the anniversary we return with some of the key players who
helped launch the series online.
Gerard Way and Gabriel Bä take their smash hit The Umbrella Academy
in a new direction, with a short story delving into the team's teen
years, when Vanya and The Kraken kicked out the jams in their punk
band, The Prime-8’s. Last year’s MDHP #1 saw the debut of Joss
Whedon’s Eisner-nominated feature “Sugarshock.” One year later,
Joss returns along with his brother Zack with an exclusive comics tie
in to Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog, their much talked about series
of upcoming musical webisodes. This eight page feature introduces the
world to Captain Hammer, Dr. Horrible’s squeaky clean arch enemy.
And celebrated low-brow artist Tara McPherson joins the fold with a
hauntingly beautiful tale, “How to Heal a Broken Heart.”
Each month a newcomer to the comics industry, a previously
unpublished writer or artist, debuts on MDHP. Issue #12 features
artist Steven Young, who teams with John Arcudi (B.P.R.D.) in a
western tale full of subtlety, horror, and intrigue.
“Ever since the original DHP was canceled, I've been trying to bring
it back, because I love anthologies, love the absolute liberty it
gives you to try new things” says editor Scott Allie. “Hellboy
Weird Tales was an attempt to rekindle that, The Dark Horse Books of
Hauntings, etc., was also an attempt, but MDHP is the real thing. It
gives us the flexibility to jazz around as much as we want to.” He
continued, “with the sorts of creators we're working with these
days, it's essential to have a place to do this. And with so many
amazing people showing their stuff off online, it's great to know
that there's something to throw their way as well.”
MySpace Dark Horse Presents is a free online anthology that provides
fresh content the first Wednesday of every month, with stories
archived so that it's never too late to join in and catch up. To find
out more, check out:
www.myspace.com/darkhorsepresents
About MySpace.com
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier
lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular
culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating
web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming,
music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups,
college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a
connected community. As the first ranked web domain in terms of page
views*, MySpace is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of
its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member
experience.
MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its
members to express their creativity and share their lives, both
online and off. MySpace’s international network includes localized
community sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan,
France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Canada,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Austria, and Latin America.
*Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, June 2007. For
more information on comScore Networks, please go to http://
www.comscore.com.
About Dark Horse Comics:
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how
integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling
medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant.
The company is known for the progressive and creator friendly
atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to
publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola,
Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has
developed such successful characters as The Mask, Timecop, and
SpyBoy. Additionally, their highly successful line of comics and
products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana
Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange,
Tim Burton, Trigun, and Serenity. Today Dark Horse Comics is the
third largest comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as
one of the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.
One year ago, Dark Horse partnered with premier social networking
site, MySpace, to make publishing history by relaunching the
company’s flagship anthology title, Dark Horse Presents. To
celebrate the anniversary we return with some of the key players who
helped launch the series online.
Gerard Way and Gabriel Bä take their smash hit The Umbrella Academy
in a new direction, with a short story delving into the team's teen
years, when Vanya and The Kraken kicked out the jams in their punk
band, The Prime-8’s. Last year’s MDHP #1 saw the debut of Joss
Whedon’s Eisner-nominated feature “Sugarshock.” One year later,
Joss returns along with his brother Zack with an exclusive comics tie
in to Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog, their much talked about series
of upcoming musical webisodes. This eight page feature introduces the
world to Captain Hammer, Dr. Horrible’s squeaky clean arch enemy.
And celebrated low-brow artist Tara McPherson joins the fold with a
hauntingly beautiful tale, “How to Heal a Broken Heart.”
Each month a newcomer to the comics industry, a previously
unpublished writer or artist, debuts on MDHP. Issue #12 features
artist Steven Young, who teams with John Arcudi (B.P.R.D.) in a
western tale full of subtlety, horror, and intrigue.
“Ever since the original DHP was canceled, I've been trying to bring
it back, because I love anthologies, love the absolute liberty it
gives you to try new things” says editor Scott Allie. “Hellboy
Weird Tales was an attempt to rekindle that, The Dark Horse Books of
Hauntings, etc., was also an attempt, but MDHP is the real thing. It
gives us the flexibility to jazz around as much as we want to.” He
continued, “with the sorts of creators we're working with these
days, it's essential to have a place to do this. And with so many
amazing people showing their stuff off online, it's great to know
that there's something to throw their way as well.”
MySpace Dark Horse Presents is a free online anthology that provides
fresh content the first Wednesday of every month, with stories
archived so that it's never too late to join in and catch up. To find
out more, check out:
www.myspace.com/darkhorsepresents
About MySpace.com
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier
lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular
culture, and making a positive impact on the world. By integrating
web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming,
music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups,
college communities, and member forums, MySpace has created a
connected community. As the first ranked web domain in terms of page
views*, MySpace is the most widely-used and highly regarded site of
its kind and is committed to providing the highest quality member
experience.
MySpace will continue to innovate with new features that allow its
members to express their creativity and share their lives, both
online and off. MySpace’s international network includes localized
community sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan,
France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Canada,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Austria, and Latin America.
*Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, June 2007. For
more information on comScore Networks, please go to http://
www.comscore.com.
About Dark Horse Comics:
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how
integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling
medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant.
The company is known for the progressive and creator friendly
atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to
publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola,
Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has
developed such successful characters as The Mask, Timecop, and
SpyBoy. Additionally, their highly successful line of comics and
products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana
Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange,
Tim Burton, Trigun, and Serenity. Today Dark Horse Comics is the
third largest comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as
one of the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.
Bluewater Productions teams up with Distortions Unlimited to develop horror comics
Bellingham, WA- Bluewater Productions, Inc presents a unique horror comic that revolves around existing full-scale monster and alien animatronics in the new series titled “Distortions Unlimited.”
The three issue series is based off of licensed characters crafted by Distortions Unlimited based in Greeley, CO. Distortions is world-renowned for creating shocking props, masks and animatronics that have been the mainstay of the dark amusement industry for the last 30 years. The company is best known for reproducing the 16ft queen alien from the film “Alien” cast from the original molds, as well as designing the stage props for music industry icon Alice Cooper’s Brutal Planet tour.
Daniel Crosier, writer and illustrator on the series, has a unique connection with the project. “I grew up near the Distortions studio in Greeley. I used to tour the studio when I was a kid and was fascinated by their creations. I suggested to Darren Davis the president of Bluewater to partner with Distortions to develop another horror comic. Darren liked the idea, so we approached them with the concept. Distortions was enthusiastic about the partnership and green-lighted the project.”
The entire series focuses on Distortions’ Rage animatronic. Described as half Neanderthal, half beast, and all fury, the Rage is one of Distortions’ most popular characters. Ed Edmunds, president of Distortions elaborates of the protagonist of the books. “Rage has been a fan favorite for years. The sheer size of the piece commands attention and really gives people a good scare. He’s a great character to base the series on.”
The first issue of the series delves into the horror unleashed on the earth with the collapse of a mine. The plot was crafted with multiple, intertwining layers that combine fantasy and true-life events ripped from today’s headlines.
Crosier will bring a unique look to the books by illustrating with his watershed technique. All covers and interior pages of the series will be created with graphite on wood poplar panels. Crosier’s influence for the series is Dark Horse’s “B.P.R.D. 1946”. The books will have a high contrast, distressed, organic look.
The creative team will also include veteran inker Peter Palmiotti. Palmiotti has worked for a variety of comic publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image.
The announcement of the Distortions series falls in line with two additional titles in the horror genre being released by Bluewater. “Vincent Price Presents” and “Bartholomew of the Scissors” will hit the shelves this October to coincide with Halloween festivities.
The release date is for the first issue of Distortions Unlimited will be announced shortly.
About Bluewater Productions, Inc
Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one if the top independent production studios of comic, young adult books and graphic novel titles. In the tradition of great storytelling and cutting edge art, Bluewater has stormed onto the comic book and graphic novel scene. With impressive titles, including such smash hits as the “10th MUSE,” “VSS,” “THE LEGEND OF ISIS,” and “Wrath of the Titans” and “Sinbad” from legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen and the upcoming series “Vincent Price Presents” based off the late horror icon, Bluewater Productions is committed to continue to produce engaging stories with art from both the top names in the industry alongside up and coming stars.
Bellingham, WA- Bluewater Productions, Inc presents a unique horror comic that revolves around existing full-scale monster and alien animatronics in the new series titled “Distortions Unlimited.”
The three issue series is based off of licensed characters crafted by Distortions Unlimited based in Greeley, CO. Distortions is world-renowned for creating shocking props, masks and animatronics that have been the mainstay of the dark amusement industry for the last 30 years. The company is best known for reproducing the 16ft queen alien from the film “Alien” cast from the original molds, as well as designing the stage props for music industry icon Alice Cooper’s Brutal Planet tour.
Daniel Crosier, writer and illustrator on the series, has a unique connection with the project. “I grew up near the Distortions studio in Greeley. I used to tour the studio when I was a kid and was fascinated by their creations. I suggested to Darren Davis the president of Bluewater to partner with Distortions to develop another horror comic. Darren liked the idea, so we approached them with the concept. Distortions was enthusiastic about the partnership and green-lighted the project.”
The entire series focuses on Distortions’ Rage animatronic. Described as half Neanderthal, half beast, and all fury, the Rage is one of Distortions’ most popular characters. Ed Edmunds, president of Distortions elaborates of the protagonist of the books. “Rage has been a fan favorite for years. The sheer size of the piece commands attention and really gives people a good scare. He’s a great character to base the series on.”
The first issue of the series delves into the horror unleashed on the earth with the collapse of a mine. The plot was crafted with multiple, intertwining layers that combine fantasy and true-life events ripped from today’s headlines.
Crosier will bring a unique look to the books by illustrating with his watershed technique. All covers and interior pages of the series will be created with graphite on wood poplar panels. Crosier’s influence for the series is Dark Horse’s “B.P.R.D. 1946”. The books will have a high contrast, distressed, organic look.
The creative team will also include veteran inker Peter Palmiotti. Palmiotti has worked for a variety of comic publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image.
The announcement of the Distortions series falls in line with two additional titles in the horror genre being released by Bluewater. “Vincent Price Presents” and “Bartholomew of the Scissors” will hit the shelves this October to coincide with Halloween festivities.
The release date is for the first issue of Distortions Unlimited will be announced shortly.
About Bluewater Productions, Inc
Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one if the top independent production studios of comic, young adult books and graphic novel titles. In the tradition of great storytelling and cutting edge art, Bluewater has stormed onto the comic book and graphic novel scene. With impressive titles, including such smash hits as the “10th MUSE,” “VSS,” “THE LEGEND OF ISIS,” and “Wrath of the Titans” and “Sinbad” from legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen and the upcoming series “Vincent Price Presents” based off the late horror icon, Bluewater Productions is committed to continue to produce engaging stories with art from both the top names in the industry alongside up and coming stars.
McFARLANE TOYS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ACTIVISION
TO PRODUCE GUITAR HERO(tm) ACTION FIGURES
TEMPE, Ariz. ~ McFarlane Toys announces a partnership with Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) to produce action figures from the hit video game franchise, Guitar Hero®. The first line is expected to hit store shelves this fall.
The hugely popular Guitar Hero franchise delivers the ultimate guitar-bending experience and enabling aspiring axe-shredders everywhere the chance to Unleash Their Inner Rock Star. Featuring a wide variety of music spanning five decades, the franchise is highlighted by countless original recordings from many of the most beloved artists of all time.
Represented in the first line of action figures are four of the Guitar Hero game’s most popular characters:
JOHNNY NAPALM
AXEL STEEL
LARS ÜMLAUT
GOD OF ROCK
“We have very recently begun creating toys based on video games,” says McFarlane Toys CEO Todd McFarlane. “With Activision, we get to work on arguably one of the biggest video game franchises out there, and capitalize on the wide-ranging demographic that encompasses this game.”
Each figure has 15-18 moving parts. Additionally, a unique guitar is included with each character that is removable and interchangeable with the other figures. Each figure also comes with a sculpted Guitar Hero logo base.
McFarlane Toys’ 6-inch action figures retail for $10-$15.
Visit www.SPAWN.com for updates and the all the latest and to-the-minute news.
###
About McFarlane Toys:
Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn and the founder of SPAWN.com, is the force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America’s top action figure manufacturers. With an eclectic array of movie, TV and music licensing tie-ins – as well as the officially licensed teams of the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, McFarlane Toys has become a leader and redefined the standards within the action figure industry. For complete information on this pop-culture powerhouse, visit SPAWN.com.
About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $2.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
TO PRODUCE GUITAR HERO(tm) ACTION FIGURES
TEMPE, Ariz. ~ McFarlane Toys announces a partnership with Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) to produce action figures from the hit video game franchise, Guitar Hero®. The first line is expected to hit store shelves this fall.
The hugely popular Guitar Hero franchise delivers the ultimate guitar-bending experience and enabling aspiring axe-shredders everywhere the chance to Unleash Their Inner Rock Star. Featuring a wide variety of music spanning five decades, the franchise is highlighted by countless original recordings from many of the most beloved artists of all time.
Represented in the first line of action figures are four of the Guitar Hero game’s most popular characters:
JOHNNY NAPALM
AXEL STEEL
LARS ÜMLAUT
GOD OF ROCK
“We have very recently begun creating toys based on video games,” says McFarlane Toys CEO Todd McFarlane. “With Activision, we get to work on arguably one of the biggest video game franchises out there, and capitalize on the wide-ranging demographic that encompasses this game.”
Each figure has 15-18 moving parts. Additionally, a unique guitar is included with each character that is removable and interchangeable with the other figures. Each figure also comes with a sculpted Guitar Hero logo base.
McFarlane Toys’ 6-inch action figures retail for $10-$15.
Visit www.SPAWN.com for updates and the all the latest and to-the-minute news.
###
About McFarlane Toys:
Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn and the founder of SPAWN.com, is the force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America’s top action figure manufacturers. With an eclectic array of movie, TV and music licensing tie-ins – as well as the officially licensed teams of the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, McFarlane Toys has become a leader and redefined the standards within the action figure industry. For complete information on this pop-culture powerhouse, visit SPAWN.com.
About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $2.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
NEW 'VAMPIRE HUNTER D' COMICS COMING FROM DDP
Devil's Due to add a Western flair to the popular manga and novel series
Chicago, IL. (June 28, 2008) – Devil's Due proudly announces a publishing deal with Digital Manga Publishing that will bring original Vampire Hunter D comics to the U.S. Already a cult favorite among fans, the hugely popular international star of novels, manga, and full-length animated movies will make his monthly U.S. comic-book debut from DDP.
The first series, entitled American Wasteland, will have a noticeably North American feel never before seen in the Vampire Hunter D mythos, while closely paying respect to the history of "D."
"Vampire Hunter D is one of those anime and manga properties that transcends many audiences," said DDP President Josh Blaylock. "What Mr. Kikuchi has allowed us to do is to bring an American feel to the story, while at the same time delivering the D that everyone knows and loves."
Originally created by Japanese novelist Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D follows its title character in a distant post-apocalyptic future where vampires have overrun Earth. Half human and half vampire, D is a supernaturally enhanced vampire hunter forced to survive as an outcast from both humans and vampires.
More details regarding DDP's release dates and creative team for American Wasteland will be available soon.
About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, 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, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
Devil's Due to add a Western flair to the popular manga and novel series
Chicago, IL. (June 28, 2008) – Devil's Due proudly announces a publishing deal with Digital Manga Publishing that will bring original Vampire Hunter D comics to the U.S. Already a cult favorite among fans, the hugely popular international star of novels, manga, and full-length animated movies will make his monthly U.S. comic-book debut from DDP.
The first series, entitled American Wasteland, will have a noticeably North American feel never before seen in the Vampire Hunter D mythos, while closely paying respect to the history of "D."
"Vampire Hunter D is one of those anime and manga properties that transcends many audiences," said DDP President Josh Blaylock. "What Mr. Kikuchi has allowed us to do is to bring an American feel to the story, while at the same time delivering the D that everyone knows and loves."
Originally created by Japanese novelist Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D follows its title character in a distant post-apocalyptic future where vampires have overrun Earth. Half human and half vampire, D is a supernaturally enhanced vampire hunter forced to survive as an outcast from both humans and vampires.
More details regarding DDP's release dates and creative team for American Wasteland will be available soon.
About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, 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, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
DDP RECRUITS REMENDER FOR 'THE CORPS!'
'Fear Agent' writer to launch new military action/thriller series based on characters from Lanard
Chicago, IL. (June 28, 2008) – Devil's Due will bring on one of comics' strongest action writers this Fall for a brand new high-octane military and espionage series based on one of the toy industry's longest running action figure lines. Launching in October, DDP will present the brand new ongoing series The Corps! written by Rick Remender (Fear Agent, Wolverine: Dangerous Games).
"The Corps! will be a high tension, high stakes, shotgun blast of adventure set all over the world," says Remender. "The Corps! is a merging of the intrigue of Mission: Impossible, the ugly wartime realism of Band of Brothers and the high adventure of a 007 film."
The Corps! will build on characters already established in Lanard Toys' two-decade old line of action figures and vehicles that has included more than 50 releases. For the first time in the history of The Corps! DDP will construct a gigantic universe built from the kind of explosive plot-twisting surprises that Remender is known for.
"The series will take place from the frozen planes of the Arctic, to the unexplored depths of the Atlantic, to the treacherous slums of Brazil and as far as the cold vacuum of space," Remender teases.
More news and information will be available about The Corps! from DDP this July at San Diego Comic-Con.
About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, 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, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
'Fear Agent' writer to launch new military action/thriller series based on characters from Lanard
Chicago, IL. (June 28, 2008) – Devil's Due will bring on one of comics' strongest action writers this Fall for a brand new high-octane military and espionage series based on one of the toy industry's longest running action figure lines. Launching in October, DDP will present the brand new ongoing series The Corps! written by Rick Remender (Fear Agent, Wolverine: Dangerous Games).
"The Corps! will be a high tension, high stakes, shotgun blast of adventure set all over the world," says Remender. "The Corps! is a merging of the intrigue of Mission: Impossible, the ugly wartime realism of Band of Brothers and the high adventure of a 007 film."
The Corps! will build on characters already established in Lanard Toys' two-decade old line of action figures and vehicles that has included more than 50 releases. For the first time in the history of The Corps! DDP will construct a gigantic universe built from the kind of explosive plot-twisting surprises that Remender is known for.
"The series will take place from the frozen planes of the Arctic, to the unexplored depths of the Atlantic, to the treacherous slums of Brazil and as far as the cold vacuum of space," Remender teases.
More news and information will be available about The Corps! from DDP this July at San Diego Comic-Con.
About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, 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, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)