Gene Colan, Alex Robinson, Mark Morales, and Sean McKeever Come to Baltimore!
Baltimore, Maryland - August 11, 2008 - The Baltimore Comic-Con has just added 4 more guests to its already-packed list of attendees!
Gene Colan (Daredevil, Tomb of Dracula), Alex Robinson (Too Cool to be Forgotten, Box Office Poison), Rags Morales (Identity Crisis, Batman Confidential), and Sean McKeever (Teen Titans, Countdown) have all signed on to attend 2008's Baltimore Comic-Con.
"It's an honor and a privilege to welcome Genial Gene Colan to our show," said show promoter Marc Nathan, "and it's a real pleasure to have Alex, Rags, and Sean as returning guests this year!"
A full list of retailers can now be found on our website.
Swamp Thing co-creator and Frankenstein artist Bernie Wrightson will be the show's Guest of Honor.
He headlines a guest list that includes, in alphabetical order, Michael Bair (Identity Crisis, 52), Kyle Baker (Nat Turner, The Bakers), Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Secret Invasion), Ivan Brandon (NYC Mech, Marvel Comics Presents), Buzz (JSA), Jim Calafiore (Exiles, Countdown), Dennis Calero (X-Factor, Countdown), Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales, Kong: King of Skull Island), Howard Chaykin (Wolverine, American Flagg), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier, The Spirit), Frank Cho (Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers), Steve Conley (Star Trek, The Escapist), Amanda Conner (Green Arrow/Black Canary, JSA Classified), Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts, Tellos), Steve Dillon (Punisher, Preacher), David Finch (World War Hulk, New Avengers), Ramona Fradon (Aquaman, Mermaidman and Barnacleboy), John Gallagher (Buzzboy, Roboy Red), Ron Garney (Wolverine, Skaar: Son of Hulk), Michael Golden (Micronauts, The 'Nam), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Mike Grell (John Sable, Iron Man), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle, Black Lightning), Dean Haspiel (American Splendor, Brawl), Adam Hughes (Catwoman), Stuart Immonen (Ultimate Spider-Man), Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, Action Comics), J.G. Jones (52, Wonder Woman), Robert Kirkman (Invincible, Ultimate X-Men), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man, Empire), Rich Koslowski (Marvel Comics Presents, Sonic the Hedgehog), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon, Image EIC), Jim Lee (All Star Batman & Robin, Wildcats), Norman Lee (Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane), the Luna Brothers (The Sword, Girls), David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil), Mark McKenna (Banana-Tail, Annihilation: Conquest), Bob McLeod (New Mutants, Spider-Man), Pop Mhan (Blank, Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Mike Mignola (Hellboy, Disney's Atlantis), Mark Morales (Civil War, Secret Invasion), Phil Noto (Danger Girl, Jonah Hex), Michael Avon Oeming (Mice Templar, Powers), Mike Okamoto (Hellraiser, Chaos! Quarterly), Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Jonah Hex), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate X-Men, Strange), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tom Raney (Annihilation: Conquest, Ultimate Secrets), James Robinson (Superman, JSA), John Romita Sr. (Amazing Spider-Man), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Perhapanauts, X-Men: First Class), Andy Runton (Owly), Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween, Heroes), Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man, Feast of the Seven Fishes), Jim Shooter (Legion of Super-Heroes), John K. Snyder III (Grendel), Mark Sparacio (Heroes for Hire, Captain Action), Robert Tinnell (EZ Street), Peter Tomasi (Nightwing, Green Lantern Corps), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan, Grimjack), Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock - The Lost Battalion), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest, The Wicked West), Matt Wagner (Zorro, Grendel), Mark Waid (Flash, Boom! Studios), Mark Wheatley (Frankenstein Mobster, Mighty Motor Sapiens), Ron Wilson (The Thing), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).
The Harvey Awards will return to the Baltimore Comic-Con for the third consecutive year. The awards dinner and ceremony will be held Saturday night, September 27, 2008, following the convention's normal hours. As in 2007, the first 300 paid attendees and honorees at the 2008 Harvey Awards Ceremonies will receive a Hollywood-style bag of swag. Last year's bag included The EC Archives: Two-Fisted Tales - Volume 1 from Gemstone Publishing, a complete base set of the soon-to-be-released Jericho Season One trading cards from Inkworks, an exclusive pin from AdHouse Books, a Comic-Con exclusive edition of 30 Days of Night: Red Snow 1 from IDW Publishing, a Toon Tumbler from Popfun Merchandising, and an exclusive Harvey Awards keychain from LaserMach. Final ballots are presently online at www.harveyawards.org. Kyle Baker will return as Master of Ceremonies for the evening's events.
Tickets are now available for sale. For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, email cardscomicscollectilbes@yahoo.com or call (410) 526-7410. The guest list, ticket information, directions, and other information can be found on the convention's website or on its MySpace page.
For more information about the Harvey Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, e-mail baltimorecomiccon@yahoo.com.
Friday, August 15, 2008
PRESS RELEASE - DARWYN COOKE, MIKE ALLRED AND J. BONE MIX IT UP WITH MADMAN!The award-winning creator of DC: THE NEW FRONTIER illustrates and all-new MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS story!
14 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - DC: THE NEW FRONTIER author Darwyn Cooke will collaborate with writer J. Bone this November for an all-new story featuring Mike Allred's seminal creation, Madman, in MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14!
"Darwyn and I are like twins separated at birth," Allred said. "We dig all the same things and get ridiculously excited about whatever we're working on. We also throw fits whenever we're told 'no' by 'the Man', and, sometimes to our detriment, have a 'burned earth policy' when it comes to doing a project the way we want. Fortunately, we usually get the support needed to build our visions, and MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS is a prime example of that. Image Comics could not be more supportive in their backing me up with all my crazed paper dreams in MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS. They're just as jazzed as I am to invite Darwyn and mutual pal, and cool genius, J.Bone, on MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14!"
While Cooke and Allred have worked together on various projects such as CATWOMAN and THE X-STATIX, this will mark the very first time Darwyn and collaberator J. Bone have delved into a full story featuring Snap City's number one superhero. Their short, "Madman: The Movie," takes Frank Einstein and company down the treacherous road to Hollywood as a film studio intends to loosely adapt Frank's life story with some very strange results.
MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in-stores November 19th, 2008. In addition, Allred fans can meet the creator himself mere weeks before the issue's release on October 4th at San Francisco's Neon Monster.
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 five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, 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.
14 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - DC: THE NEW FRONTIER author Darwyn Cooke will collaborate with writer J. Bone this November for an all-new story featuring Mike Allred's seminal creation, Madman, in MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14!
"Darwyn and I are like twins separated at birth," Allred said. "We dig all the same things and get ridiculously excited about whatever we're working on. We also throw fits whenever we're told 'no' by 'the Man', and, sometimes to our detriment, have a 'burned earth policy' when it comes to doing a project the way we want. Fortunately, we usually get the support needed to build our visions, and MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS is a prime example of that. Image Comics could not be more supportive in their backing me up with all my crazed paper dreams in MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS. They're just as jazzed as I am to invite Darwyn and mutual pal, and cool genius, J.Bone, on MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14!"
While Cooke and Allred have worked together on various projects such as CATWOMAN and THE X-STATIX, this will mark the very first time Darwyn and collaberator J. Bone have delved into a full story featuring Snap City's number one superhero. Their short, "Madman: The Movie," takes Frank Einstein and company down the treacherous road to Hollywood as a film studio intends to loosely adapt Frank's life story with some very strange results.
MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in-stores November 19th, 2008. In addition, Allred fans can meet the creator himself mere weeks before the issue's release on October 4th at San Francisco's Neon Monster.
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 five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, 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.
PRESS RELEASE - VALENTINO, SIMON AND SILVERLINE SPROUT BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE! Image Comics' Silverline, Kristen Koerner Simon and Jim Valentino tell the tell of a blue spruce searching for a home!
13 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This holiday season Silverline Books, the all-ages book division of Image Comics' Shadowline, presents Kristen Koerner Simon and Jim Valentino's all-ages story of a little blue tree without a home, but not without hope; BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE.
"One of my unattained career goals was to do a children's book and when Kris brought BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE to me, I instantly knew this would be it," said Valentino. "Not only did I love the gentle message of accepting the differences in ourselves and others but the challenge of drawing a story where the principal character was a tree was too much to pass up!"
Just in time for the Holidays comes BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE, a heartwarming tale of Bruce, a blue spruce who wants nothing more than to be chosen by a special family as their Christmas tree. Engagingly written by Kristen Koerner Simon, illustrated by Image Comics co-founder and award-winning artist Jim Valentino and featuring painted color by THE SURREAL ADVENTURES OF EDGAR ALLAN POO's Avery Butterworth, BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE will charm even the most cynical of Scrooge's all year long.
BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE (ISBN: 978-1-60706-008-6), a 32-page square-sized hardcover for $9.99, will be in stores November 5, 2008.
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 five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, 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.
13 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - This holiday season Silverline Books, the all-ages book division of Image Comics' Shadowline, presents Kristen Koerner Simon and Jim Valentino's all-ages story of a little blue tree without a home, but not without hope; BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE.
"One of my unattained career goals was to do a children's book and when Kris brought BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE to me, I instantly knew this would be it," said Valentino. "Not only did I love the gentle message of accepting the differences in ourselves and others but the challenge of drawing a story where the principal character was a tree was too much to pass up!"
Just in time for the Holidays comes BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE, a heartwarming tale of Bruce, a blue spruce who wants nothing more than to be chosen by a special family as their Christmas tree. Engagingly written by Kristen Koerner Simon, illustrated by Image Comics co-founder and award-winning artist Jim Valentino and featuring painted color by THE SURREAL ADVENTURES OF EDGAR ALLAN POO's Avery Butterworth, BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE will charm even the most cynical of Scrooge's all year long.
BRUCE: THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE (ISBN: 978-1-60706-008-6), a 32-page square-sized hardcover for $9.99, will be in stores November 5, 2008.
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 five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, 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.
Shepard Fairey / OBEY
Presents Exhibition of Art and Concert To Be Featured At
"Manifest Hope Art Gallery"
During Democratic National Convention
Spotlight on artists and musician across the nation who use their voices
to amplify and motivate the grass roots movement
surrounding the Barack Obama Campaign
Shepard Fairey, Evolutionary Media Group, MoveOn.org and Upper Playground present the Manifest Hope Gallery (www.manifesthope.com) in Denver, CO during the Democratic National Convention. The Manifest Hope Gallery celebrates the pivotal role that art and music play in creating cultural momentum and shines a spotlight on artists across the nation who use their voices to amplify and motivate the grass roots movement surrounding the Barack Obama Campaign. The Manifest Hope Gallery highlights the central themes of the progressive grass-roots movement: Hope Change, Progress, Unity and Patriotism.
The Manifest Hope Gallery will showcase both known and new artists, some of the finest modern contemporary artists, acclaimed NY painters and sculptors, activated grass roots and street artists. Manifest Hope Gallery will present the most widely recognized pieces seen throughout the 2008 presidential primary campaign, as well as newly commissioned works and previous works on loan from some of the United States top artists. Shepard Fairey is one of the most prolific and infamous urban artists known world wide for his iconic image of Andre The Giant, and the designer of the highly visible HOPE posters, stickers and shirts that have been embraced by the grassroots movement that surrounds the Barack Obama campaign inspired the efforts in this gallery exhibition.
The Manifest Hope Gallery will be open to the public in Denver, CO at the Democratic National Convention, between Sunday August 24th, 2008 and Thursday, August 28th, 2008 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily. Housed within the Andenken Gallery (2990 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205) and an additional adjacent warehouse. The Manifest Hope Gallery spans 10,000 sq. ft. and will draw together a works as varied as the voices of the artists who created them.
A MoveOn.org online contest, calling for entries of visual art from grassroots supporters of Senator Obama, was launched August 4th. Five artists selected from among the submissions will show their work for the first time at the Manifest Hope Gallery. These five pieces will be chosen by a panel of judges include famed artists Ross Bleckner, April Gornik, Eric Fischl, Shepard Fairey, musicians Moby, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and DJ Spooky, and Cydney Payton; Executive Director & Chief Curator MCA Denver, and Nancy Spector; Author & Guggenheim Curator of Contemporary Art.
The five finalists selected to show in the Manifest Hope Gallery will hang alongside well-known artists such as Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores, Ron English, Chris Pastras, Mel Kadel and Date Farmers. Other artists included in the exhibition include: Justin Bua, Todd Lockwood, David Choe, Maya Hayuk, Cathie Bleck, CRO (Go Tell Mama), The Mac, Evan Hecox, Lukas Ketner, Gary Baseman, Scot Lefavor, Lisa Congdon, Amy Martin, and many more. Resident DJ Jeremy Sole will on hand all week to inspire music inside the art galleries.
On Wednesday, August 27th at 6:00 pm, Manifest Hope and partner San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will host Unconventional '08 with musical performances on an outdoor stage to feature artists such as: Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, Nada Surf and DJ Z Trip. Tickets are free and a limited amount will be available by visiting Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver. Additionally, there will be an intimate invite only VIP performance songwriter in the round performance featuring Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley, Zooey Deschanel of She and Him, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and singer/songwriter Jonathan Rice.
This special evening of entertainment will be sponsored by American Apparel, AT&T, CH2M Hill, Northern California Laborers, Northwest Carpenters, Pacific Gas & Electric, Safeway and Tesla Motors, presented by skImpact with music stages curated by Noise Pop.
Schedule
Monday, August 25 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Tuesday, August 26 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Wednesday, August 27 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Wednesday, August 27 - 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Manifest Hope and partner San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will host Unconventional '08 with musical performances.
NADA SURF
SILVERSUN PICKUPS
COLD WAR KIDS
CLAP YOUR HANDS AND SAY YEAH!
DJ ZTRIP
- Limited number of tickets available for free at the Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver
Thursday, August 28 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Senator Barack Obama is a champion for arts and culture who is the first presidential candidate to have developed a policy regarding support of the arts prior to entering office. He believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Manifest Hope Gallery is a powerful and unique show of support for this unique candidate.
Presents Exhibition of Art and Concert To Be Featured At
"Manifest Hope Art Gallery"
During Democratic National Convention
Spotlight on artists and musician across the nation who use their voices
to amplify and motivate the grass roots movement
surrounding the Barack Obama Campaign
Shepard Fairey, Evolutionary Media Group, MoveOn.org and Upper Playground present the Manifest Hope Gallery (www.manifesthope.com) in Denver, CO during the Democratic National Convention. The Manifest Hope Gallery celebrates the pivotal role that art and music play in creating cultural momentum and shines a spotlight on artists across the nation who use their voices to amplify and motivate the grass roots movement surrounding the Barack Obama Campaign. The Manifest Hope Gallery highlights the central themes of the progressive grass-roots movement: Hope Change, Progress, Unity and Patriotism.
The Manifest Hope Gallery will showcase both known and new artists, some of the finest modern contemporary artists, acclaimed NY painters and sculptors, activated grass roots and street artists. Manifest Hope Gallery will present the most widely recognized pieces seen throughout the 2008 presidential primary campaign, as well as newly commissioned works and previous works on loan from some of the United States top artists. Shepard Fairey is one of the most prolific and infamous urban artists known world wide for his iconic image of Andre The Giant, and the designer of the highly visible HOPE posters, stickers and shirts that have been embraced by the grassroots movement that surrounds the Barack Obama campaign inspired the efforts in this gallery exhibition.
The Manifest Hope Gallery will be open to the public in Denver, CO at the Democratic National Convention, between Sunday August 24th, 2008 and Thursday, August 28th, 2008 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily. Housed within the Andenken Gallery (2990 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205) and an additional adjacent warehouse. The Manifest Hope Gallery spans 10,000 sq. ft. and will draw together a works as varied as the voices of the artists who created them.
A MoveOn.org online contest, calling for entries of visual art from grassroots supporters of Senator Obama, was launched August 4th. Five artists selected from among the submissions will show their work for the first time at the Manifest Hope Gallery. These five pieces will be chosen by a panel of judges include famed artists Ross Bleckner, April Gornik, Eric Fischl, Shepard Fairey, musicians Moby, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and DJ Spooky, and Cydney Payton; Executive Director & Chief Curator MCA Denver, and Nancy Spector; Author & Guggenheim Curator of Contemporary Art.
The five finalists selected to show in the Manifest Hope Gallery will hang alongside well-known artists such as Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores, Ron English, Chris Pastras, Mel Kadel and Date Farmers. Other artists included in the exhibition include: Justin Bua, Todd Lockwood, David Choe, Maya Hayuk, Cathie Bleck, CRO (Go Tell Mama), The Mac, Evan Hecox, Lukas Ketner, Gary Baseman, Scot Lefavor, Lisa Congdon, Amy Martin, and many more. Resident DJ Jeremy Sole will on hand all week to inspire music inside the art galleries.
On Wednesday, August 27th at 6:00 pm, Manifest Hope and partner San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will host Unconventional '08 with musical performances on an outdoor stage to feature artists such as: Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, Nada Surf and DJ Z Trip. Tickets are free and a limited amount will be available by visiting Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver. Additionally, there will be an intimate invite only VIP performance songwriter in the round performance featuring Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley, Zooey Deschanel of She and Him, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and singer/songwriter Jonathan Rice.
This special evening of entertainment will be sponsored by American Apparel, AT&T, CH2M Hill, Northern California Laborers, Northwest Carpenters, Pacific Gas & Electric, Safeway and Tesla Motors, presented by skImpact with music stages curated by Noise Pop.
Schedule
Monday, August 25 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Tuesday, August 26 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Wednesday, August 27 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Wednesday, August 27 - 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Manifest Hope and partner San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will host Unconventional '08 with musical performances.
NADA SURF
SILVERSUN PICKUPS
COLD WAR KIDS
CLAP YOUR HANDS AND SAY YEAH!
DJ ZTRIP
- Limited number of tickets available for free at the Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver
Thursday, August 28 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open to the Public
Senator Barack Obama is a champion for arts and culture who is the first presidential candidate to have developed a policy regarding support of the arts prior to entering office. He believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Manifest Hope Gallery is a powerful and unique show of support for this unique candidate.
Gary Reed, publisher of the diverse Caliber Comics in the 1990's and current publisher of Transfuzion, discusses the early days of Caliber and how it led to the formation of Transfuzion on the ComicRelated Recap Podcast. http://www.comicrelated.com/podcast.html
He also elaborates on his role with Desperado Publishing that he is active in now. In addition, Gary talks about the early days of his stores and conventions and how he became involved in the start up of McFarlane Toys. Slaughterhouse is also discussed and Gary provides some insight into the new Deadworld series.
An enlightening discussion from a creator who has been involved in almost all facets of the comic business.
Also, check out the lengthy interview that ran in the U.K.'s From the Tomb magazine as Desperado has put up the pages on their website.
http://www.desperadopublishing.com/CREATORS/ReedInterFromTomb1.htm
He also elaborates on his role with Desperado Publishing that he is active in now. In addition, Gary talks about the early days of his stores and conventions and how he became involved in the start up of McFarlane Toys. Slaughterhouse is also discussed and Gary provides some insight into the new Deadworld series.
An enlightening discussion from a creator who has been involved in almost all facets of the comic business.
Also, check out the lengthy interview that ran in the U.K.'s From the Tomb magazine as Desperado has put up the pages on their website.
http://www.desperadopublishing.com/CREATORS/ReedInterFromTomb1.htm
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Hey gang,
Just a quickie... In this week's Firebreather #2, you can check out a three page back up feature starring Li'l Duncan Rosenblatt by Tony Fleecs and myself. Mark my words, this is not the last time you'll see Tony's name in an amazing comic book this year, so, y'know, start your collecting.
And, while you're at it, the solicit for The Cleaners is up from Dark Horse is up right here: http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-214/The-Cleaners-1 The Cleaners is the brain child of Mark Wheaton, who some of you may remember as the best man at my wedding and an all around great guy. He's an absolute gem of a writer, and I'm totally honored to be alongside him as Dark Horse introduces him to the comics world. Art by the kickass Rashan Ekedal, and it's truly a sight to behold. Make sure you place your orders accordingly, folks.
And that'll do 'er for this week. Please, don't forget to vote daily for Alibi over at http://www.myspace.com/pilotseason. We're currently in last place, and I blame the communists. Let's show 'em what America is made of!
Cheers!
j.
www.thefialkov.com
Just a quickie... In this week's Firebreather #2, you can check out a three page back up feature starring Li'l Duncan Rosenblatt by Tony Fleecs and myself. Mark my words, this is not the last time you'll see Tony's name in an amazing comic book this year, so, y'know, start your collecting.
And, while you're at it, the solicit for The Cleaners is up from Dark Horse is up right here: http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-214/The-Cleaners-1 The Cleaners is the brain child of Mark Wheaton, who some of you may remember as the best man at my wedding and an all around great guy. He's an absolute gem of a writer, and I'm totally honored to be alongside him as Dark Horse introduces him to the comics world. Art by the kickass Rashan Ekedal, and it's truly a sight to behold. Make sure you place your orders accordingly, folks.
And that'll do 'er for this week. Please, don't forget to vote daily for Alibi over at http://www.myspace.com/pilotseason. We're currently in last place, and I blame the communists. Let's show 'em what America is made of!
Cheers!
j.
www.thefialkov.com
Zenescope teams with Hustlenomics for Toyz Nation Expo
Hustlenomics Magazine, one of the more popular car and model magazines
featuring the latest in hip hop, hot rides and beautiful models, has
teamed with Zenescope Entertainment for the Toyz Nation Expo on August
23rd in Atlanta, GA.
Hustlenomics will be holding multiple competitions at the Expo, some of
which include a model search and a gaming tournament. Winners will
receive cash prizes and will also be featured in Zenescope's upcoming
comic book mini-series entitled STINGERS which follows a hardcore bounty
hunter who goes up against a group of aliens attempting to colonize on
Earth.
"We're thrilled to be part of the Toyz Nation Expo with Hustlenomics. I
think exposure like this shows how the comic book industry has become
more widely accepted as a part of mainstream entertainment." said
Zenescope Vice President Ralph Tedesco.
Go to www.Hustlenomics.com or www.ToyzNation.com for more information on
how you can win big in Atlanta!
Hustlenomics Magazine, one of the more popular car and model magazines
featuring the latest in hip hop, hot rides and beautiful models, has
teamed with Zenescope Entertainment for the Toyz Nation Expo on August
23rd in Atlanta, GA.
Hustlenomics will be holding multiple competitions at the Expo, some of
which include a model search and a gaming tournament. Winners will
receive cash prizes and will also be featured in Zenescope's upcoming
comic book mini-series entitled STINGERS which follows a hardcore bounty
hunter who goes up against a group of aliens attempting to colonize on
Earth.
"We're thrilled to be part of the Toyz Nation Expo with Hustlenomics. I
think exposure like this shows how the comic book industry has become
more widely accepted as a part of mainstream entertainment." said
Zenescope Vice President Ralph Tedesco.
Go to www.Hustlenomics.com or www.ToyzNation.com for more information on
how you can win big in Atlanta!
IDW RELEASES FUBEAR STUDIOS HC, BASED ON DIRECTOR DAVID SLADES’ SHORT FILM MEATDOG
(San Diego, August 13, 2008) -- What is Fubear? Fubear is the schism that exists between "funny ha-ha” and “funny-strange.” At least that’s what creator David Slade tells us.
Coming this August from IDW Publishing, Fubear is a nice, small, square hardcover collection of the illustrations which served as inspiration for the animated comic/horror short "Meatdog: What’s Fer Dinner”, a short film that premiered at Comic Con in July 2008 and will play to the over seven million users of Xbox LIVE this fall.
David Slade, the man behind the bear—Fubear Studios that is— is a motion picture director best known for his 2005 thriller and cult hit Hard Candy, as well as the 2007 movie adaptation of the IDW graphic novel 30 Days of Night, which opened at No. 1 at the box office. Slade, who originally trained in fine arts in his hometown of Sheffield, England, works not only in film and animation, but is also known as a brilliant graphic artist.
“Making films, dark thrillers, sometimes you need some light, but it has to be sincere,” says creator David Slade, “so I set off in search of my psyche in just my underwear, taking with me a handgun, a crutch, a pencil, and a shovel. In the end they all came to play, but mostly just the pencil. The pencil became a computer and various printing techniques, and that most recently became animation. I love learning craft and technique, and I delve into my psyche to get the meat.”
Fubear Studios brings a collection of Slade’s characters to life with his vivid illustration style. Included are "Meatdog" himself (a dog made of meat cuts); "Bearleftbear" (obsessive-compulsive bear in a car); the "Alienbears" (hungry, carnivorous octarian creatures from another universe); "Drumming Dogs," "Hazmat Bears" from a chemical psychoverse, and many more.
In “Meatdog”, the animated short for Xbox, Slade sends a church of evil occult pigs, a carnivorous rabbit, and a slobbering hound in pursuit of Meatdog, pitting our unlikely hero against, well, unlikely villains.
Discover the world of Fubear Studios when the hardcover book hits shelves in August, IBSN number 978-1-60010-332-2.
About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television's #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; Hasbro's The Transformers, and the BBC's Doctor Who. IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children’s book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.
(San Diego, August 13, 2008) -- What is Fubear? Fubear is the schism that exists between "funny ha-ha” and “funny-strange.” At least that’s what creator David Slade tells us.
Coming this August from IDW Publishing, Fubear is a nice, small, square hardcover collection of the illustrations which served as inspiration for the animated comic/horror short "Meatdog: What’s Fer Dinner”, a short film that premiered at Comic Con in July 2008 and will play to the over seven million users of Xbox LIVE this fall.
David Slade, the man behind the bear—Fubear Studios that is— is a motion picture director best known for his 2005 thriller and cult hit Hard Candy, as well as the 2007 movie adaptation of the IDW graphic novel 30 Days of Night, which opened at No. 1 at the box office. Slade, who originally trained in fine arts in his hometown of Sheffield, England, works not only in film and animation, but is also known as a brilliant graphic artist.
“Making films, dark thrillers, sometimes you need some light, but it has to be sincere,” says creator David Slade, “so I set off in search of my psyche in just my underwear, taking with me a handgun, a crutch, a pencil, and a shovel. In the end they all came to play, but mostly just the pencil. The pencil became a computer and various printing techniques, and that most recently became animation. I love learning craft and technique, and I delve into my psyche to get the meat.”
Fubear Studios brings a collection of Slade’s characters to life with his vivid illustration style. Included are "Meatdog" himself (a dog made of meat cuts); "Bearleftbear" (obsessive-compulsive bear in a car); the "Alienbears" (hungry, carnivorous octarian creatures from another universe); "Drumming Dogs," "Hazmat Bears" from a chemical psychoverse, and many more.
In “Meatdog”, the animated short for Xbox, Slade sends a church of evil occult pigs, a carnivorous rabbit, and a slobbering hound in pursuit of Meatdog, pitting our unlikely hero against, well, unlikely villains.
Discover the world of Fubear Studios when the hardcover book hits shelves in August, IBSN number 978-1-60010-332-2.
About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television's #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; Hasbro's The Transformers, and the BBC's Doctor Who. IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children’s book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.
RANDY JACKSON PRESENTS
AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW LIVE
EXTENDS TOUR DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND
* * *
25-DATE NATIONAL TOUR NOW INCLUDES STOPS IN LAS VEGAS, SAN DIEGO, PHOENIX, GRAND PRAIRIE AND HOUSTON
* * *
TICKETS ON SALE THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 15TH-16TH
LOS ANGELES (August 12, 2008) - Due to overwhelming fan demand, Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew LIVE has added further dates to its 2008 North American tour, expanding across 25 cities this fall to include Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Prairie, TX and Houston, TX. Presented by Glacéau vitaminenergy™- your natural energy source! - and promoted by AEG Live, the tour arrives hot on the heels of the top-rated smash MTV program, which attracted more than 11 million fan votes last week and recently won the Teen Choice Award for Best Reality Dance Show as broadcast on FOX TV. Beginning in Miami on September 18th, 2008 and running for five weeks across the country through October 23rd in Houston, TX, the tour will feature five of the hottest dance crews from the show's first two seasons as they battle it out, live on stage each night.
Tickets to Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew Live will go on sale the weekend of August 15th-16th, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Fans can visit www.dancecrew.aeglive.com for the latest tour updates and information.
"We're excited to bring AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW closer to you, LIVE," said Randy Jackson, the show's Executive Producer. "And we're thrilled we could just add these five shows to satisfy all you fans in Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Texas. We heard your requests and read your blogs, and we're making our way across the nation to give America what it wants. AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW has the greatest fans, and we just want to say thanks by giving them the hottest show of the year."
The electrifying tour will feature the return of America's Best Dance Crew Season 1 winners, the incredible masked men of JabbaWockeeZ. They'll be joined by the amazing b-boys on wheels, BreakSk8, an equally exciting crew full of surprises. With three open spots remaining, competition will go into overdrive as crews previously featured on the show battle it out to earn a coveted spot on the tour; the full lineup will be announced after the show's live Season 2 finale episode on Thursday, August 21st.
Fans caught a glimpse of the upcoming tour when JabbaWockeeZ appeared on the Teen Choice Awards broadcast on FOX. America's Best Dance Crew, which was ranked #4 on the Top 10 Dance Shows of All Time as listed in the August 4th issue of TV Guide, airs Thursday's through August 21st on MTV, with several encore presentations throughout the week.
Tour dates and itinerary follow.
Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew Live Presented by Glacéau vitaminenergy™ - Tour Itinerary
September
18 Miami, FL Waterfront Theatre at the American Airlines Arena
19 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
20 Atlanta, GA Boisfeuillet Jones Civic Center
21 Clemson, SC Littlejohn Coliseum (Theater Mode)
23 New York, NY WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden
25 Boston, MA Citi Performing Arts Center
26 Atlantic City, NJ The Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall
27 Sewell, NJ Commerce Bank Arts Centre
29 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
30 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
October
1 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
3 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple Theatre
4 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Theatre
5 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
6 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre
8 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
11 Oakland, CA Oakland Paramount Theatre of the Arts
13 Everett, WA Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center (Theater set-up)
14 Portland, OR Rose Garden - Theater of the Clouds
16 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
17 Las Vegas, NV Orleans Arena (Theater set-up)
18 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena (Theater set-up)
19 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
22 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre - Grand Prairie
23 Houston, TX Jones Hall
About AEG Live:
AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring for a variety of programming, and multi-media production. AEG Live, the nation's second-largest concert promotion and touring company, is comprised of special event, broadcast and exhibition divisions, fourteen regional offices, and numerous state-of-the-art venues nationwide. The company's national promotion arm is currently producing tours and productions including Bette Midler "The Showgirl Must Go On" and Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas; and "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," an international tour of the artifacts of King Tut. Recent and upcoming promoted concert tours have included artists such as Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, Hannah Montana, Spice Girls, Prince, Christina Aguilera, Kenny Chesney, So You Think You Can Dance, Paul McCartney, High School Musical, American Idols Live and The Color Purple. Goldenvoice, the company's Southern California-based regional promotion division, created and operates the award-winning annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival as well as Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival. The company operates NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas, NOKIA Theatre Times Square, and recently opened NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. For more information, go to www.aeglive.com.
AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW LIVE
EXTENDS TOUR DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND
* * *
25-DATE NATIONAL TOUR NOW INCLUDES STOPS IN LAS VEGAS, SAN DIEGO, PHOENIX, GRAND PRAIRIE AND HOUSTON
* * *
TICKETS ON SALE THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 15TH-16TH
LOS ANGELES (August 12, 2008) - Due to overwhelming fan demand, Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew LIVE has added further dates to its 2008 North American tour, expanding across 25 cities this fall to include Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Grand Prairie, TX and Houston, TX. Presented by Glacéau vitaminenergy™- your natural energy source! - and promoted by AEG Live, the tour arrives hot on the heels of the top-rated smash MTV program, which attracted more than 11 million fan votes last week and recently won the Teen Choice Award for Best Reality Dance Show as broadcast on FOX TV. Beginning in Miami on September 18th, 2008 and running for five weeks across the country through October 23rd in Houston, TX, the tour will feature five of the hottest dance crews from the show's first two seasons as they battle it out, live on stage each night.
Tickets to Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew Live will go on sale the weekend of August 15th-16th, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Fans can visit www.dancecrew.aeglive.com for the latest tour updates and information.
"We're excited to bring AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW closer to you, LIVE," said Randy Jackson, the show's Executive Producer. "And we're thrilled we could just add these five shows to satisfy all you fans in Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Texas. We heard your requests and read your blogs, and we're making our way across the nation to give America what it wants. AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW has the greatest fans, and we just want to say thanks by giving them the hottest show of the year."
The electrifying tour will feature the return of America's Best Dance Crew Season 1 winners, the incredible masked men of JabbaWockeeZ. They'll be joined by the amazing b-boys on wheels, BreakSk8, an equally exciting crew full of surprises. With three open spots remaining, competition will go into overdrive as crews previously featured on the show battle it out to earn a coveted spot on the tour; the full lineup will be announced after the show's live Season 2 finale episode on Thursday, August 21st.
Fans caught a glimpse of the upcoming tour when JabbaWockeeZ appeared on the Teen Choice Awards broadcast on FOX. America's Best Dance Crew, which was ranked #4 on the Top 10 Dance Shows of All Time as listed in the August 4th issue of TV Guide, airs Thursday's through August 21st on MTV, with several encore presentations throughout the week.
Tour dates and itinerary follow.
Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew Live Presented by Glacéau vitaminenergy™ - Tour Itinerary
September
18 Miami, FL Waterfront Theatre at the American Airlines Arena
19 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
20 Atlanta, GA Boisfeuillet Jones Civic Center
21 Clemson, SC Littlejohn Coliseum (Theater Mode)
23 New York, NY WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden
25 Boston, MA Citi Performing Arts Center
26 Atlantic City, NJ The Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall
27 Sewell, NJ Commerce Bank Arts Centre
29 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
30 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
October
1 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
3 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple Theatre
4 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Theatre
5 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
6 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre
8 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
11 Oakland, CA Oakland Paramount Theatre of the Arts
13 Everett, WA Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center (Theater set-up)
14 Portland, OR Rose Garden - Theater of the Clouds
16 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
17 Las Vegas, NV Orleans Arena (Theater set-up)
18 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena (Theater set-up)
19 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
22 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre - Grand Prairie
23 Houston, TX Jones Hall
About AEG Live:
AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance, touring for a variety of programming, and multi-media production. AEG Live, the nation's second-largest concert promotion and touring company, is comprised of special event, broadcast and exhibition divisions, fourteen regional offices, and numerous state-of-the-art venues nationwide. The company's national promotion arm is currently producing tours and productions including Bette Midler "The Showgirl Must Go On" and Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas; and "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," an international tour of the artifacts of King Tut. Recent and upcoming promoted concert tours have included artists such as Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, Hannah Montana, Spice Girls, Prince, Christina Aguilera, Kenny Chesney, So You Think You Can Dance, Paul McCartney, High School Musical, American Idols Live and The Color Purple. Goldenvoice, the company's Southern California-based regional promotion division, created and operates the award-winning annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival as well as Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival. The company operates NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas, NOKIA Theatre Times Square, and recently opened NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. For more information, go to www.aeglive.com.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Get ready to Vamp it up as Project: Rooftop joins forces with Harris Comics for our newest drawing contest focusing on Vampirella entitled Vampirella ReVamp. That's right, in a P:R first we're partnering with the publishing company of the character for an unprecedented contest. Open to professionals, amateurs, vampires and aliens, we're putting out the call for redesigns of the vivacious Vampirella.
In addition to our usual P:R staff roundtable review, we will have two special guest judges for the finalists, Trina Robbins, Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton. Trina Robbins created the original costume design of Vampirella.Joe Jusko has done some of the most memorable art in Vampirella's history, notably his distinctive covers and work in the fully painted book, Blood Lust. and Dan Brereton is the cartoonist & creator of The Nocturnals, and is working on a 2008 Vampirella Quarterly Halloween Special.
Harris Comics has provided these incredible prizes:
Grand Prize (1) -
The winning entry will appear as a pinup in a future issue of Vampirella, and receive two comics signed respectively by Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton.
Second Prize (1) -
A Vampirella wall poster illustrated by Jose Gonzalez, and receive two comics signed respectively by Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton.
Third Prize (1) -
A Vampirella T-shirt illustrated by Stephen Segovia, and receive two comics signed respectively by Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton.
In addition to these prizes, the finalists selected by the judges will also be up on a fan poll at Vampirella.com for the "Fan Selection" prize of a limited edition Vampirella print.
Send in your Vampirella redesigns to projectrooftop@gmail.com, with the subject line: "ReVamp" Please include your full name, age, website and mailing address for prize shipment. International winners may be responsible for prize shipment. All the usual P:R Guidelines apply.
All entries must be received by Monday, September 8th, 2008!
----------------------------------------
About Project: Rooftop:
Project Rooftop is where cartoonists and illustrators bring their costume design skills to task in tribute to the superheroes and villains we've grown up with. This site is intended to promote excellence in costume design as well as foster continued interest for these amazing characters. It was founded by artist Dean Trippe and writer Chris Arrant. For more information, visit www.projectrooftop.com
About Harris Comics:
Harris Comics is the owner and publisher of Vampirella, one of the most recognizable and beloved icons in horror. Vampirella will be celebrating her 40th Anniversary in 2009.
Vampirella (R) and her likeness are registered trademarks of Harris Publications, Inc.
In addition to our usual P:R staff roundtable review, we will have two special guest judges for the finalists, Trina Robbins, Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton. Trina Robbins created the original costume design of Vampirella.Joe Jusko has done some of the most memorable art in Vampirella's history, notably his distinctive covers and work in the fully painted book, Blood Lust. and Dan Brereton is the cartoonist & creator of The Nocturnals, and is working on a 2008 Vampirella Quarterly Halloween Special.
Harris Comics has provided these incredible prizes:
Grand Prize (1) -
The winning entry will appear as a pinup in a future issue of Vampirella, and receive two comics signed respectively by Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton.
Second Prize (1) -
A Vampirella wall poster illustrated by Jose Gonzalez, and receive two comics signed respectively by Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton.
Third Prize (1) -
A Vampirella T-shirt illustrated by Stephen Segovia, and receive two comics signed respectively by Joe Jusko and Dan Brereton.
In addition to these prizes, the finalists selected by the judges will also be up on a fan poll at Vampirella.com for the "Fan Selection" prize of a limited edition Vampirella print.
Send in your Vampirella redesigns to projectrooftop@gmail.com, with the subject line: "ReVamp" Please include your full name, age, website and mailing address for prize shipment. International winners may be responsible for prize shipment. All the usual P:R Guidelines apply.
All entries must be received by Monday, September 8th, 2008!
----------------------------------------
About Project: Rooftop:
Project Rooftop is where cartoonists and illustrators bring their costume design skills to task in tribute to the superheroes and villains we've grown up with. This site is intended to promote excellence in costume design as well as foster continued interest for these amazing characters. It was founded by artist Dean Trippe and writer Chris Arrant. For more information, visit www.projectrooftop.com
About Harris Comics:
Harris Comics is the owner and publisher of Vampirella, one of the most recognizable and beloved icons in horror. Vampirella will be celebrating her 40th Anniversary in 2009.
Vampirella (R) and her likeness are registered trademarks of Harris Publications, Inc.
JEFF LEMIRE'S ESSEX COUNTY WINS DOUG WRIGHT AWARD!
(Final volume in Previews now)
**************************************************
2008 is continuing to be a banner year for Toronto cartoonist Jeff Lemire
and his ESSEX COUNTY trilogy of graphic novels: he was honored on Friday
with the Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. This award is the
latest of several honors received by the ESSEX COUNTY trilogy, published by
Top Shelf Productions: already the first two volumes have been awarded the
Alex Award from the American Library Association/YALSA (for adult books
with teen appeal), the Shuster Award for Outstanding Canadian Comic Book
Cartoonist (Writer/Artist), and nominations for one Harvey and two Eisner
awards. This most recent award arrives just as the trilogy's final volume,
THE COUNTRY NURSE, is listed for retailer pre-order in the Diamond PREVIEWS
catalog (order code AUG08-4324).
The Doug Wright Award, announced August 8th in an evening ceremony at the
Toronto Public Library, celebrates the best in Canadian cartooning. "It's a
great honor to be included in the lineage of incredible Canadian cartooning
talent which the Wright awards help to shine a light on every year," said
Lemire after the ceremony. "It's even nicer to receive such a beautiful
award (designed by Seth himself) from a jury which includes some of my own
favorite cartoonists and writers including Seth, Ho Che Anderson, Mariko
Tamaki and Chester Brown." The ceremony's guest of honor was Lynn Johnston,
the award-winning creator of "For Better or For Worse."
Lemire's ESSEX COUNTY trilogy is an intimate portrait of one small-town
community through the years, charged with themes of family, memory, grief,
secrets, and reconciliation. The first two volumes, TALES FROM THE FARM and
GHOST STORIES, have earned rave reviews from critics (including two starred
reviews from Booklist), leading The Oregonian to name ESSEX COUNTY "a
trilogy that firmly establishes Lemire as one of the premier storytellers
in the graphic arts." THE COUNTRY NURSE, which completes the trilogy, will
be published by Top Shelf in October.
"The Essex County Trilogy has been a true labor of love for me," says
Lemire, "and now that the final volume is due to be released, I'm very
excited for my readers to be able to share in its conclusion with me."
ABOUT JEFF LEMIRE: Born in a tiny farming town in southwestern Ontario,
Canada in 1976, cartoonist Jeff Lemire now resides in Toronto. His
previous projects include two issues of his self-published anthology comic
Ashtray (2003) as well as the Xeric-Award-winning graphic novel Lost Dogs
(2005). His Essex County trilogy has been nominated for the Ignatz Award
and two Eisner Awards, received the American Library Association’s Alex
Award (for adult books with teen appeal), and won the Joe Shuster Award for
outstanding Canadian comic book cartoonist. Most recently, he was named
Best Emerging Talent at Canada’s Doug Wright Awards in August 2008.
Following the Essex County trilogy, Lemire is currently preparing The
Nobody, a graphic novel for DC/Vertigo, and an untitled future project for
Top Shelf.
For more information about the 2008 Doug Wright Awards, visit:
http://www.wrightawards.ca/
For more information about Jeff Lemire and ESSEX COUNTY, visit:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/jefflemire
(Final volume in Previews now)
**************************************************
2008 is continuing to be a banner year for Toronto cartoonist Jeff Lemire
and his ESSEX COUNTY trilogy of graphic novels: he was honored on Friday
with the Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. This award is the
latest of several honors received by the ESSEX COUNTY trilogy, published by
Top Shelf Productions: already the first two volumes have been awarded the
Alex Award from the American Library Association/YALSA (for adult books
with teen appeal), the Shuster Award for Outstanding Canadian Comic Book
Cartoonist (Writer/Artist), and nominations for one Harvey and two Eisner
awards. This most recent award arrives just as the trilogy's final volume,
THE COUNTRY NURSE, is listed for retailer pre-order in the Diamond PREVIEWS
catalog (order code AUG08-4324).
The Doug Wright Award, announced August 8th in an evening ceremony at the
Toronto Public Library, celebrates the best in Canadian cartooning. "It's a
great honor to be included in the lineage of incredible Canadian cartooning
talent which the Wright awards help to shine a light on every year," said
Lemire after the ceremony. "It's even nicer to receive such a beautiful
award (designed by Seth himself) from a jury which includes some of my own
favorite cartoonists and writers including Seth, Ho Che Anderson, Mariko
Tamaki and Chester Brown." The ceremony's guest of honor was Lynn Johnston,
the award-winning creator of "For Better or For Worse."
Lemire's ESSEX COUNTY trilogy is an intimate portrait of one small-town
community through the years, charged with themes of family, memory, grief,
secrets, and reconciliation. The first two volumes, TALES FROM THE FARM and
GHOST STORIES, have earned rave reviews from critics (including two starred
reviews from Booklist), leading The Oregonian to name ESSEX COUNTY "a
trilogy that firmly establishes Lemire as one of the premier storytellers
in the graphic arts." THE COUNTRY NURSE, which completes the trilogy, will
be published by Top Shelf in October.
"The Essex County Trilogy has been a true labor of love for me," says
Lemire, "and now that the final volume is due to be released, I'm very
excited for my readers to be able to share in its conclusion with me."
ABOUT JEFF LEMIRE: Born in a tiny farming town in southwestern Ontario,
Canada in 1976, cartoonist Jeff Lemire now resides in Toronto. His
previous projects include two issues of his self-published anthology comic
Ashtray (2003) as well as the Xeric-Award-winning graphic novel Lost Dogs
(2005). His Essex County trilogy has been nominated for the Ignatz Award
and two Eisner Awards, received the American Library Association’s Alex
Award (for adult books with teen appeal), and won the Joe Shuster Award for
outstanding Canadian comic book cartoonist. Most recently, he was named
Best Emerging Talent at Canada’s Doug Wright Awards in August 2008.
Following the Essex County trilogy, Lemire is currently preparing The
Nobody, a graphic novel for DC/Vertigo, and an untitled future project for
Top Shelf.
For more information about the 2008 Doug Wright Awards, visit:
http://www.wrightawards.ca/
For more information about Jeff Lemire and ESSEX COUNTY, visit:
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/jefflemire
Macmillan And Tor Books Launch Tor. Com
Science Fiction And Fantasy Online Community Debuts At The San Diego International Comic Convention With Live Web Coverage Of Convention Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEW YORK, NY (July 23, 2008) – Macmillan and world-leading science fiction and fantasy publisher Tor Books have launched Tor.com (http://tor.com), the first and only online destination for the global science fiction and fantasy community. Tor.com makes its official debut at the San Diego International ComicCon to be held July 24-28, 2008 where the website will offer exclusive convention coverage.
Devoted exclusively to the world of science fiction and fantasy, Tor.com will offer regular features including original content from leading authors throughout the SF/Fantasy publishing arena, along with image galleries from today’s most celebrated science fiction and fantasy artists. In addition, Tor. com presents a wide menu of blogs from a diverse line-up of noteworthy SF luminaries as well as SF/fantasy news, commentary, and community. Tor.com will also serve as a major social networking destination where registered member SF and fantasy enthusiasts can engage with one another and personalize their online experiences.
Tor.com makes its debut with new original fiction and art, coverage from the San Diego ComicCon, exclusive blogs and original short stories from Hugo Award-winning British SF writer Charles Stross (Singularity Sky, The Concrete Jungle, Accelerando) and film critic-turned Campbell Award Winner for Best New Writer John Scalzi (Old Man’s War, Agent to the Stars).
Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Senior Editor of Tor Books and Tor.com’s Editor-in-Chief, said: “We are proud and delighted to serve science fiction and fantasy aficianados everywhere, a community that has been expanding and evolving since the 1930s. Our objective with Tor.com is to bring this vibrant community a science fiction convention that never ends.”
“This is truly an exciting period for SF and fantasy, reflected by the many extraordinary creative talents in the field. We look forward to bringing the SF/fantasy community together – and bringing the dialogue to Tor.com,” said Tom Doherty, President and Publisher of Tor Books.
Said Brian Napack, President of Macmillan: "Tor and Tom Doherty have long been at the center of the SF and fantasy world. Tom and Tor have been voted Locus poll’s “Best Publisher’ for the past 20 consecutive years. It makes perfect sense for Tor.com to be the place that SF content, coverage, and community come together online. Our goal in all of this is to provide a platform for science fiction to freely spread online.”
ABOUT TOR BOOKS:
Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, is a New York-based publisher of hardcover and softcover books, founded in 1980 and committed (although not limited) to SF and fantasy literature. Between an extensive hardcover and trade-softcover line, an Orb backlist program, and a stronghold in mass-market paperback, Tor annually publishes what is arguably the largest and most diverse line of science fiction and fantasy ever produced by a single English-language publisher. Books from Tor have won every major award in the science fiction and fantasy fields, and for the last twenty one years in a row has earned recogniton as Best Publisher in the Locus Poll, the largest consumer poll in science fiction.
For more information, visit www.tor-forge.com
ABOUT MACMILLAN:
Macmillan is a global publisher of fiction and nonfiction books, educational content and services, scientific information, magazines and digital media. In the US, the group includes Farrar, Straus & Giroux; Henry Holt; St. Martin's Press; Tor Books; Picador; Macmillan Audio; Bedford, Freeman & Worth; and Scientific American. Macmillan is the US subsidiary of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, GMbH, a global media company based in Stuttgart, Germany.
For more information, visit www.macmillan.com.
Science Fiction And Fantasy Online Community Debuts At The San Diego International Comic Convention With Live Web Coverage Of Convention Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEW YORK, NY (July 23, 2008) – Macmillan and world-leading science fiction and fantasy publisher Tor Books have launched Tor.com (http://tor.com), the first and only online destination for the global science fiction and fantasy community. Tor.com makes its official debut at the San Diego International ComicCon to be held July 24-28, 2008 where the website will offer exclusive convention coverage.
Devoted exclusively to the world of science fiction and fantasy, Tor.com will offer regular features including original content from leading authors throughout the SF/Fantasy publishing arena, along with image galleries from today’s most celebrated science fiction and fantasy artists. In addition, Tor. com presents a wide menu of blogs from a diverse line-up of noteworthy SF luminaries as well as SF/fantasy news, commentary, and community. Tor.com will also serve as a major social networking destination where registered member SF and fantasy enthusiasts can engage with one another and personalize their online experiences.
Tor.com makes its debut with new original fiction and art, coverage from the San Diego ComicCon, exclusive blogs and original short stories from Hugo Award-winning British SF writer Charles Stross (Singularity Sky, The Concrete Jungle, Accelerando) and film critic-turned Campbell Award Winner for Best New Writer John Scalzi (Old Man’s War, Agent to the Stars).
Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Senior Editor of Tor Books and Tor.com’s Editor-in-Chief, said: “We are proud and delighted to serve science fiction and fantasy aficianados everywhere, a community that has been expanding and evolving since the 1930s. Our objective with Tor.com is to bring this vibrant community a science fiction convention that never ends.”
“This is truly an exciting period for SF and fantasy, reflected by the many extraordinary creative talents in the field. We look forward to bringing the SF/fantasy community together – and bringing the dialogue to Tor.com,” said Tom Doherty, President and Publisher of Tor Books.
Said Brian Napack, President of Macmillan: "Tor and Tom Doherty have long been at the center of the SF and fantasy world. Tom and Tor have been voted Locus poll’s “Best Publisher’ for the past 20 consecutive years. It makes perfect sense for Tor.com to be the place that SF content, coverage, and community come together online. Our goal in all of this is to provide a platform for science fiction to freely spread online.”
ABOUT TOR BOOKS:
Tor Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, is a New York-based publisher of hardcover and softcover books, founded in 1980 and committed (although not limited) to SF and fantasy literature. Between an extensive hardcover and trade-softcover line, an Orb backlist program, and a stronghold in mass-market paperback, Tor annually publishes what is arguably the largest and most diverse line of science fiction and fantasy ever produced by a single English-language publisher. Books from Tor have won every major award in the science fiction and fantasy fields, and for the last twenty one years in a row has earned recogniton as Best Publisher in the Locus Poll, the largest consumer poll in science fiction.
For more information, visit www.tor-forge.com
ABOUT MACMILLAN:
Macmillan is a global publisher of fiction and nonfiction books, educational content and services, scientific information, magazines and digital media. In the US, the group includes Farrar, Straus & Giroux; Henry Holt; St. Martin's Press; Tor Books; Picador; Macmillan Audio; Bedford, Freeman & Worth; and Scientific American. Macmillan is the US subsidiary of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, GMbH, a global media company based in Stuttgart, Germany.
For more information, visit www.macmillan.com.
VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES THEATRICAL SCREENINGS
OF VISUALLY STRIKING DARK COMEDY
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Film About A Married Couple’s Unconventional Relationship Based On Popular Manga Comic
San Francisco, CA, August 11, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced a series of special theatrical screenings of HAPPILY EVER AFTER, a live-action comedy directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi (Memories of Tomorrow) and based on a popular manga (graphic novel) series by Yoshiie Gouda.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER will screen in Seattle, WA August 15-21 at the Grand Illusion Cinema, followed by Scottsdale, AZ for a showing on October 4th at the Scottsdale International Film Festival, and then onto Pittsburgh, PA for a screening on October 10th at the 2008 Japanese Film Festival at the University of Pittsburgh. Information on each of the venues follows at the end of this press release. VIZ Pictures also plans a DVD release of the film in February 2009.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER was the subject of controversy upon its initial release in 2007 for its depiction of a co-dependent and devoted, but troubled wife, and her boorish, unemployed and often abusive husband. But director Yukihiko Tsutsumi keeps the laughs coming as he explores a sensitive subject in a visually striking, and darkly comedic way. Yukie Morita (played by Miki Nakatani of TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO) works hard at a noodle shop and struggles to make ends meet, while her husband Isao (played by Hiroshi Abe of Godzilla 2000) hangs around all day gambling and getting into trouble. Isao's uncontrollable temper often results in the dinner table being overturned and their meal on the floor. Everyone advises Yukie to leave Isao, but her love for him is unconditional because he was the one who initially saved her from misery with his unconditional love.
“HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a visually inventive, and engrossing comedy that makes you feel warm, despite its depiction of a series of unluckiness and failures in life,” says Manami Iiboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “This is not a story about an unhappy marriage, but about a journey of reuniting twin souls, overcoming successive hardships and problems with laughter. We are very pleased to present this unconventional love story to theatrical audiences."
Theatre information:
SEATTLE - Theatrical Screening: August 15-21
Grand Illusion Cinema
1403 NE 50th St. , Seattle WA 98105
(206) 523-3935 / http://www.grandillusioncinema.org/
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Theatrical Screening: October 4
Scotts Dale International Film Festival
For details visit http://www.scottsdalefilmfestival.com
PITTSBURGH, PA - Theatrical Screening: October 10
2008 Japanese Film Festival at University of Pittsburgh
For details visit http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc/news/index.shtml
For more information on HAPPILY EVER AFTER and other VIZ Pictures films please visit www.viz-pictures.com.
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 (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.
OF VISUALLY STRIKING DARK COMEDY
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Film About A Married Couple’s Unconventional Relationship Based On Popular Manga Comic
San Francisco, CA, August 11, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced a series of special theatrical screenings of HAPPILY EVER AFTER, a live-action comedy directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi (Memories of Tomorrow) and based on a popular manga (graphic novel) series by Yoshiie Gouda.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER will screen in Seattle, WA August 15-21 at the Grand Illusion Cinema, followed by Scottsdale, AZ for a showing on October 4th at the Scottsdale International Film Festival, and then onto Pittsburgh, PA for a screening on October 10th at the 2008 Japanese Film Festival at the University of Pittsburgh. Information on each of the venues follows at the end of this press release. VIZ Pictures also plans a DVD release of the film in February 2009.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER was the subject of controversy upon its initial release in 2007 for its depiction of a co-dependent and devoted, but troubled wife, and her boorish, unemployed and often abusive husband. But director Yukihiko Tsutsumi keeps the laughs coming as he explores a sensitive subject in a visually striking, and darkly comedic way. Yukie Morita (played by Miki Nakatani of TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO) works hard at a noodle shop and struggles to make ends meet, while her husband Isao (played by Hiroshi Abe of Godzilla 2000) hangs around all day gambling and getting into trouble. Isao's uncontrollable temper often results in the dinner table being overturned and their meal on the floor. Everyone advises Yukie to leave Isao, but her love for him is unconditional because he was the one who initially saved her from misery with his unconditional love.
“HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a visually inventive, and engrossing comedy that makes you feel warm, despite its depiction of a series of unluckiness and failures in life,” says Manami Iiboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “This is not a story about an unhappy marriage, but about a journey of reuniting twin souls, overcoming successive hardships and problems with laughter. We are very pleased to present this unconventional love story to theatrical audiences."
Theatre information:
SEATTLE - Theatrical Screening: August 15-21
Grand Illusion Cinema
1403 NE 50th St. , Seattle WA 98105
(206) 523-3935 / http://www.grandillusioncinema.org/
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Theatrical Screening: October 4
Scotts Dale International Film Festival
For details visit http://www.scottsdalefilmfestival.com
PITTSBURGH, PA - Theatrical Screening: October 10
2008 Japanese Film Festival at University of Pittsburgh
For details visit http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc/news/index.shtml
For more information on HAPPILY EVER AFTER and other VIZ Pictures films please visit www.viz-pictures.com.
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 (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.
Monday, August 11, 2008
WWE Hall of Famer, Jerry "The King" Lawler gets Headlocked!
(San Diego, CA) For one generation of fans, he is "The King of Memphis" and the guy who slapped Andy Kaufman on Late Night with David Letterman. For another generation of fans, he is the diva-obsessed voice of WWE Monday Night Raw. Now this Hall of Famer looks to add another title to his already impressive resume….
Comic Book Artist.
"The King" has signed on to provide a cover for the critically acclaimed comic book series, Headlocked: The Tryout from AAM/Markosia and Visionary Comics Studio. Lawler's fully painted cover will grace the first issue of the new mini-series, available now for pre-order in Diamond's Previews and shipping in October. For Lawler, an accomplished artist, the combination of wrestling and comics was a no-brainer. "I'm a huge comic book fan and I've wanted to do some comic book work for a while now and what better way to get my start than with a wrestling comic? So when (Headlocked writer/creator) Mike Kingston asked me if I would be interested in doing a cover, I jumped at the chance."
VCS Creative Director, C.Edward Sellner is delighted that "The King" chose to lend his artistic talents and star power to their debut comic series. "The man's been on television, in movies, and he's a household name to three generations of wrestling fans, so we're obviously very pleased to be publishing Jerry Lawler's first comic book work."
For Kingston, a lifelong wrestling fan, the chance to collaborate with one of his favorite wrestlers was definitely a dream come true. "I've always been a huge Lawler fan. I used to trade for tapes of Memphis wrestling back before you could find everything on the internet. Getting to work with him and actually getting to watch him physically paint the cover has easily been my career highlight thus far."
Headlocked debuted late last year with the acclaimed one-shot Headlocked: Work of Art, now available on Wowio, drawing praise from both wrestling and comic book fans alike including WWE/ECW superstar Rob Van Dam, TNA Champion Samoa Joe, reality TV star Jonny Fairplay. TNA star Daivari, and ECW original Blue Meanie. The story features Mike Hartmann, a skinny theater major, and his unlikely journey to become a professional wrestler.
"It's a little peek behind the curtain," according to series creator Mike Kingston. "It's a story about all the crazy stuff that goes into what you see on television. When a guy shows up on a WWE show, he most likely already has four to seven years in the wrestling business but you rarely hear anything about that. Headlocked is the chronicle of that journey for Mike Hartmann."
But because of his unusual perspective, Hartmann tends to take a different approach to things. "He approaches wrestling the same way he did acting. He bulks up just like an actor preparing for an action movie and he moves to Philadelphia, which is essentially Hollywood for aspiring wrestlers. Because of his background, we're able to put a little more focus on the craft of professional wrestling and examine its place as a true performance art."
While the book obviously deals quite a bit with wrestling, Kingston cautions against just seeing it as just a wrestling comic. "There are a lot of coming of age themes in Headlocked. The story is just as much about Hartmann becoming a man as it is about him becoming a wrestler. He's a nineteen-year old college kid who has given up his relatively safe existence to chase this crazy dream and at the same time he's almost totally reinventing who he is from the ground up. And he's doing this while navigating through the darker underbelly of the wrestling business as a total outsider."
According to Kingston, the upcoming mini-series Headlocked: The Tryout picks up right where Headlocked: Work of Art finished up. "Hartmann has just moved to Philadelphia having secured a tryout with the legendary Leo "The Legbreaker" London for admission into his wrestling school. For the most part, things up until this point have been fairly effortless for Hartmann. This is where he starts to get the idea that he might just be in over his head."
Headlocked: The Tryout #1 is available for pre-order in the August Edition of Previews: Diamond Order Code: AUG083662.
About Visionary Comics Studio: Having launched in 2006, VCS is the world's first Teaching Studio for aspiring comics' creators. Working with creators on series they own, VCS paves the way for those creators to bring their works to the mainstream market. With a line of creator-owned books, its own studio line, licensed work and other special projects, Visionary is all about bringing something new to the comics industry. For more information, check out our web site: www.visionarycomics.com
About Visionary Comics: Having launched in summer of 2008, VC is the digital publishing arm of Visionary Comics Studio, bringing the studio's creator-owned, original, classic and studio books to digital publication through association with Wowio.
About AAM / Markosia: AAM / Markosia Enterprises, Ltd. is a multi-faceted publishing company specializing in sequential story-telling. Markosia has become known for quality art and stories. Founded in 2005, the company has always been committed to integrity and excellence in our craft. For more information, visit www.markosia.com .
(San Diego, CA) For one generation of fans, he is "The King of Memphis" and the guy who slapped Andy Kaufman on Late Night with David Letterman. For another generation of fans, he is the diva-obsessed voice of WWE Monday Night Raw. Now this Hall of Famer looks to add another title to his already impressive resume….
Comic Book Artist.
"The King" has signed on to provide a cover for the critically acclaimed comic book series, Headlocked: The Tryout from AAM/Markosia and Visionary Comics Studio. Lawler's fully painted cover will grace the first issue of the new mini-series, available now for pre-order in Diamond's Previews and shipping in October. For Lawler, an accomplished artist, the combination of wrestling and comics was a no-brainer. "I'm a huge comic book fan and I've wanted to do some comic book work for a while now and what better way to get my start than with a wrestling comic? So when (Headlocked writer/creator) Mike Kingston asked me if I would be interested in doing a cover, I jumped at the chance."
VCS Creative Director, C.Edward Sellner is delighted that "The King" chose to lend his artistic talents and star power to their debut comic series. "The man's been on television, in movies, and he's a household name to three generations of wrestling fans, so we're obviously very pleased to be publishing Jerry Lawler's first comic book work."
For Kingston, a lifelong wrestling fan, the chance to collaborate with one of his favorite wrestlers was definitely a dream come true. "I've always been a huge Lawler fan. I used to trade for tapes of Memphis wrestling back before you could find everything on the internet. Getting to work with him and actually getting to watch him physically paint the cover has easily been my career highlight thus far."
Headlocked debuted late last year with the acclaimed one-shot Headlocked: Work of Art, now available on Wowio, drawing praise from both wrestling and comic book fans alike including WWE/ECW superstar Rob Van Dam, TNA Champion Samoa Joe, reality TV star Jonny Fairplay. TNA star Daivari, and ECW original Blue Meanie. The story features Mike Hartmann, a skinny theater major, and his unlikely journey to become a professional wrestler.
"It's a little peek behind the curtain," according to series creator Mike Kingston. "It's a story about all the crazy stuff that goes into what you see on television. When a guy shows up on a WWE show, he most likely already has four to seven years in the wrestling business but you rarely hear anything about that. Headlocked is the chronicle of that journey for Mike Hartmann."
But because of his unusual perspective, Hartmann tends to take a different approach to things. "He approaches wrestling the same way he did acting. He bulks up just like an actor preparing for an action movie and he moves to Philadelphia, which is essentially Hollywood for aspiring wrestlers. Because of his background, we're able to put a little more focus on the craft of professional wrestling and examine its place as a true performance art."
While the book obviously deals quite a bit with wrestling, Kingston cautions against just seeing it as just a wrestling comic. "There are a lot of coming of age themes in Headlocked. The story is just as much about Hartmann becoming a man as it is about him becoming a wrestler. He's a nineteen-year old college kid who has given up his relatively safe existence to chase this crazy dream and at the same time he's almost totally reinventing who he is from the ground up. And he's doing this while navigating through the darker underbelly of the wrestling business as a total outsider."
According to Kingston, the upcoming mini-series Headlocked: The Tryout picks up right where Headlocked: Work of Art finished up. "Hartmann has just moved to Philadelphia having secured a tryout with the legendary Leo "The Legbreaker" London for admission into his wrestling school. For the most part, things up until this point have been fairly effortless for Hartmann. This is where he starts to get the idea that he might just be in over his head."
Headlocked: The Tryout #1 is available for pre-order in the August Edition of Previews: Diamond Order Code: AUG083662.
About Visionary Comics Studio: Having launched in 2006, VCS is the world's first Teaching Studio for aspiring comics' creators. Working with creators on series they own, VCS paves the way for those creators to bring their works to the mainstream market. With a line of creator-owned books, its own studio line, licensed work and other special projects, Visionary is all about bringing something new to the comics industry. For more information, check out our web site: www.visionarycomics.com
About Visionary Comics: Having launched in summer of 2008, VC is the digital publishing arm of Visionary Comics Studio, bringing the studio's creator-owned, original, classic and studio books to digital publication through association with Wowio.
About AAM / Markosia: AAM / Markosia Enterprises, Ltd. is a multi-faceted publishing company specializing in sequential story-telling. Markosia has become known for quality art and stories. Founded in 2005, the company has always been committed to integrity and excellence in our craft. For more information, visit www.markosia.com .
NOMINATED FOR ABSOLUTELY NO AWARDS! (Wow.)
The most offensive thing Kyle Baker's ever done! And that's saying something! He outdoes himself with SPECIAL FORCES #3, a book that will hereafter be known throughout fandom as THE CREEPY BONDAGE ISSUE. It gets so much worse from here.
See a preview here:
http://thebakersanimationcartoons.blogspot.com/
Buy it here:
http://www.midtowncomics.com/Neshop/SearchResult.asp
Or at your local comic book shop:
http://csls.diamondcomics.com/
Cheers!
latest kb books: HOW TO DRAW STUPID,
NAT TURNER (Single Volume HC)
THE BAKERS: BABIES & KITTENS
SPECIAL FORCES #3
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/qualityjollity
blog: http://thebakersanimationcartoons.blogspot.com/
eye candy: http://www.kylebaker.com/
newsletter: http://www.kylebaker.com/www/newsletter/newsletter.htm
The most offensive thing Kyle Baker's ever done! And that's saying something! He outdoes himself with SPECIAL FORCES #3, a book that will hereafter be known throughout fandom as THE CREEPY BONDAGE ISSUE. It gets so much worse from here.
See a preview here:
http://thebakersanimationcartoons.blogspot.com/
Buy it here:
http://www.midtowncomics.com/Neshop/SearchResult.asp
Or at your local comic book shop:
http://csls.diamondcomics.com/
Cheers!
latest kb books: HOW TO DRAW STUPID,
NAT TURNER (Single Volume HC)
THE BAKERS: BABIES & KITTENS
SPECIAL FORCES #3
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/qualityjollity
blog: http://thebakersanimationcartoons.blogspot.com/
eye candy: http://www.kylebaker.com/
newsletter: http://www.kylebaker.com/www/newsletter/newsletter.htm
PRESS RELEASE - SHADOWLINE LAUNCHES THE DEFINITIVE TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY!Acclaimed graphic novelist Ted McKeever begins THE TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY with the completion of TRANSIT!
8 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Beginning this October, Image Comics' Shadowline will team with critically-acclaimed artist Ted McKeever for a project over twenty years in the making, THE TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY, beginning with the completed TRANSIT.
"To think after 20 years that I would be returning to TRANSIT is almost abstractly absurd," said McKeever. "TRANSIT had become my personal holy grail, but now, with this collected hardcover edition, I can roam free of it's gaping wailing and allow it to scab over while I move on to new roads."
Those new roads include the subsequent volumes of The Ted McKeever Library, EDDY CURRENT and METROPOL. Each edition will feature the definitive versions of McKeever's vision, including all the original covers, unused art and TRANSIT's never-before-seen ending. These graphic novels consist of McKeever's inter-connected magnum opus in his world of tomorrow - from industrial wastelands torn by war, cities on the verge of self-destruction and one of the most twisted takes on superheroics to ever grace the comics medium.
Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino said, "While Shadowline loves to introduce the world to some of the most exciting new talent, bringing in someone of Ted's caliber at such a major capacity is something we're equally passionate about. We cannot wait to help bring his most personal works to their completion and look forward to more in the future!"
TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY HC VOL. 1: TRANSIT (AUG082275), is a 156-page black & white hardcover for $24.99, and will be in stores October 1st.
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 five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, 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.
8 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Beginning this October, Image Comics' Shadowline will team with critically-acclaimed artist Ted McKeever for a project over twenty years in the making, THE TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY, beginning with the completed TRANSIT.
"To think after 20 years that I would be returning to TRANSIT is almost abstractly absurd," said McKeever. "TRANSIT had become my personal holy grail, but now, with this collected hardcover edition, I can roam free of it's gaping wailing and allow it to scab over while I move on to new roads."
Those new roads include the subsequent volumes of The Ted McKeever Library, EDDY CURRENT and METROPOL. Each edition will feature the definitive versions of McKeever's vision, including all the original covers, unused art and TRANSIT's never-before-seen ending. These graphic novels consist of McKeever's inter-connected magnum opus in his world of tomorrow - from industrial wastelands torn by war, cities on the verge of self-destruction and one of the most twisted takes on superheroics to ever grace the comics medium.
Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino said, "While Shadowline loves to introduce the world to some of the most exciting new talent, bringing in someone of Ted's caliber at such a major capacity is something we're equally passionate about. We cannot wait to help bring his most personal works to their completion and look forward to more in the future!"
TED MCKEEVER LIBRARY HC VOL. 1: TRANSIT (AUG082275), is a 156-page black & white hardcover for $24.99, and will be in stores October 1st.
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 five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, 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.
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