Friday, October 03, 2008

I wanted to let you know that we’ll be airing a special STAR WARS FAN MOVIE CHALLENGE episode of Atom TV (http://www.atom.com/atomtv/) our weekly TV show on COMEDY CENTRAL, this upcoming MONDAY, OCT. 6 at 2 am! Fans of Star Wars will get the chance to see all their favorite fan films on the airwaves, including George Lucas himself introducing the 2008 Selects winner, the Juno spoof PADME (if you haven’t seen it yet, check it out here: http://www.atom.com/funny_videos/sw_padme/). Other favorites include this year’s Best Comedy Winner TARKIN N FRIENDS, the ever-popular CHAD VADER, and a montage of the best SW clips Atom has to offer, including favorite PINK FIVE.








The episode will premiere Monday night/Tuesday AM (depending on your sleep patterns!) on Comedy Central, so make sure to set your DVR (or stock up on caffeine-laced drinks!), but if you can’t watch it the first time, Comedy Central will be replaying the episode throughout the week:

· Wednesday, 10/8 at 12:30pm

· Thursday, 10/9 at 2am

· Sunday, 10/12 at 10am (yes, daylight hours!)

So there are plenty of chances to catch it if you can’t make it up that late this Monday! I really hope you’ll be able to get the word out about this great show, and please make sure to check out ATOM TV for the best collection of Web clips on TV.


Below are the shorts featured on this episode of "Atom TV":

"Paraphrase Theatre: Tarkin’ n Friends," by Will Carlough: Best Comedy Winner, 2008.

"Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager," by Aaron Yonda and Matt Sloan: Darth’s brother manages a grocery store. George Lucas Selects Winner, 2007.

"Padme," by Robert Reeves: Spoof of the movie “Juno,” set in full “Star Wars” fashion. George Lucas Selects Winner, 2008.

"SW Grindhouse," by Michael Ramova: A movie trailer, spoofing “Grindhouse” in “Star Wars” fashion. Best Parody Winner, 2008.

"Incident At Toshi Station," by Tyler Soper: An animated parking lot set in “Star Wars.” Best Short Subject, 2007.

Montage clips of films, including: “Jar Jar’s Walking Papers,” an animated short where Lucas decides to kill the Jar Jar character (Best Animation Winner, 2002), “Pink5,” about a valley girl trying to help the fight in the galaxy (George Lucas Selects Winner, 2003) and “Silent But Deadly,” about Storm Troopers harassing their neighbors (Finalist, 2002).
From iTunes to streaming video and exclusive, online content, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS not only premieres tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network, but also paves the way for the most extensive digital distribution effort in the history of Lucasfilm Ltd..

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 4, each week’s new episode will be available at the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com) for $1.99 an episode, or $39.99 for a season pass to all 22 episodes. Both “Ambush” and “Rising Malevolence,” which air tonight, will be available starting Saturday. This pattern will continue throughout the season, with each new episode available at the iTunes Store the day after its Cartoon Network premiere.

Additionally, a half-hour, behind-the-scenes special about the making of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will be available on the iTunes store as a free download, beginning today.

At the official Star Wars site, www.starwars.com, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will be available for online, streamed viewing beginning Friday, Oct. 10. The episodes will also be seen at www.cartoonnetwork.com. Streaming episodes will be available exactly one week after airing on Cartoon Network. At any given time, two episodes will be available for free, online viewing.

And there’s even more original, digital content for CLONE WARS viewers.

Starting with “Rising Malevolence,” the series’ second episode, StarWars.com will offer a regular podcast – one that combines news and information with the creativity of Lucasfilm. It will be available both at StarWars.com and at iTunes. At both locations, the podcast will be free for fans who want to learn more about the secrets of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS.

Moreover, StarWars.com will offer an exclusive, entirely new online graphic novel, with new insights into the CLONE WARS galaxy. Written by Star Wars expert Pablo Hidalgo, its weekly installments will feature four different artists, each of whom illustrates a new “chapter.” Each of the 23 “chapters” will serve as an introduction to that week’s episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS.
SPIKE TV ANNOUNCES ALL-STAR LINE-UP AND HONOREES FOR “SCREAM 2008”



APPEARANCES BY: SETH ROGEN, KEVIN SMITH, LIV TYLER, SAMUEL L. JACKSON,

THE OSBOURNES, GUILLERMO DEL TORO, PAUL RUDD, ROB ZOMBIE, KRISTEN BELL AND MANY MORE



“SCREAM 2008” To Honor Visionaries Tim Burton And Wes Craven With Discretionary Awards



Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2008” Premieres Tuesday, October 21 At 9:00 PM, ET/PT



New York, NY, October 2, 2008 – Spike TV has announced that it will present film legends Tim Burton and Wes Craven with discretionary awards for their groundbreaking achievements in the horror, sci-fi, fantasy and comic book genres during “SCREAM 2008.” The celebration will gather the industry’s most talented men and women to honor these two filmmakers, who have molded the genre with their innovative style and foresight. The third annual televised event tapes on Saturday, October 18 at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, CA and premieres Tuesday, October 21 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on Spike TV.



Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2008” will also feature appearances and performances by Kristen Bell, Julie Benz, Darren Lynn Bousman, Thomas Dekker, Guillermo Del Toro, Summer Glau, Samuel L. Jackson, Doug Jones, Kerli, Stan Lee, The Osbournes, Jared Padelecki, Ron Perlman, Amanda Righetti, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Kevin Smith, Liv Tyler, Gerard Way, Rob Zombie and many more to be announced shortly.



With such films to his credit as “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Sweeney Todd,” Tim Burton has contributed more to the genres of fantasy, sci-fi and horror than any other filmmaker of his generation. Burton is a rare filmmaker who has successfully crossed these genres and Spike TV is thrilled to honor him with the 2008 SCREAM Immortal Award.



Wes Craven, the genius behind “The Hills Have Eyes,” “Swamp Thing,” the “SCREAM” franchise and “The Nightmare on Elm Street,” will be presented with this year’s SCREAM Mastermind Award. This award is presented to a filmmaker whose unique vision of horror, science fiction and/or fantasy has been deemed important, critically-acclaimed and culturally significant. The 2006 award was presented to Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.



Fan voting for this year’s awards began Friday, September 12 and is open until Friday, October 17. To vote or to view exclusive red carpet and backstage coverage, visit scream.spike.com.



Michael Levitt, Casey Patterson and Cindy Levitt serve as executive producers for “SCREAM 2008.” Greg Sills is supervising producer, Gary Tellalian and Austin Reading are producers and Ryan Polito will direct.



Spike TV is available in 97.3 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.
Work in a medium that publishers and studios love
WRITING COMIC BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS
http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs4200.asp?c=mbs


WHEN: Four weeks, November 3 - December 1; online chats on Mondays,
9-10 pm ET
WHERE: Online
LEVEL: Introductory
PRICE: $350


You don't have to draw to make a graphic novel. But you do have to
know how to write comics, attract a great artist, find the right
publisher, and work with all of them. This course will take you
through the process from devising a proposal and writing word
balloons to surviving Comic-Con International and handling Hollywood.



You will learn:

• The most popular genres, formats, and styles

• Techniques and mistakes of visual storytelling

• The care and feeding of artists

• How the publishing companies' decision-makers work

• What they want from you -- and what they don't want

• The basics of comics contracts and partnerships

• The power and pain of self-publishing

• Marketing to the comics industry and the wider world


THE INSTRUCTOR
David Seidman is a comics writer, consultant, and publicist. He has
written SIMPSONS COMICS, the nonfiction graphic novel SAMUEL MORSE
AND THE TELEGRAPH, and the photo novel FANTASTIC 4. He was one of the
founding editors of Disney Comics, where he specialized in
discovering new talent. He has taught comic book writing at UCLA,
marketed comics and graphic novels for Claypool Comics and NBM
Publishing, and edited comics for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. He
hosts a monthly networking dinner for Los Angeles' comic book
professional community.

TESTIMONIALS
“If you are really serious about getting into comic book writing,
David's course is for you!” -- Monica Mueller
“David couldn't have taught a more enjoyable and informative class
about comic writing and the comic industry.” -- Nancy Carlson
“I recommend David's class not only for writers but for editors as
well -- he gives plenty of insight on what to look for in good comic
writing.” -- Shann Dornhecker
“If you want to learn about writing comic books or graphic novels,
then you've GOT to take David's course!” -- Bruce Gordon
“David is great -- he obviously has a passion to share his craft with
others.” -- Josh Gloer

Mediabistro.com is a website dedicated to anyone who creates or works
with content, or who is a non-creative professional working in a
content/creative industry. That includes editors, writers, producers,
graphic designers, book publishers, and others in industries
including magazines, television, film, radio, newspapers, book
publishing, online media, advertising, PR, and design. Mediabistro’s
mission is to provide opportunities to meet, share resources, become
informed of job opportunities and interesting projects and news,
improve career skills, and showcase your work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs4200.asp?c=mbs
Contact David Seidman at davidseidman@earthlink.net or 310-652-4369.
Contact Mediabistro at shauna@mediabistro.com or 212-389-2000.
AAM/MARKOSIA's announces Troopers one-shot - 'WAR STORIES' for December 2008
New Starship Troopers one-shot to be published by AAM/Markosia

AAM/Markosia, publishers of the hit series Kong: King of Skull Island, Starship Troopers and the critically acclaimed The Boy Who Made Silence, announce the release of a Starship Troopers one-shot this coming December, 'War Stories: Tasch', scripted by the talented Cy Dethan with art from newcomers Neil van Antwerpen and Peter-David Douglas.

Cy Dethan explains, "'War Stories: Tasch' is essentially an "origin" piece. Before signing up for Pathfinder training, Private Naomi Tasch was a specialised sniper, working alongside a Mk-II combat Neodog. Neodogs are genetically and cybernetically altered animals with enhanced intelligence and physical attributes, linked to their handlers through a complex set of implants. During a full-scale planetary evacuation, Tasch's Neodog partner goes missing and she puts her career and life on the line to find him. In doing so, she demonstrates the loyalty, single-mindedness and raw brilliance that will one day make a Pathfinder out of her."

'War Stories: Tasch' is van Antwerpen and Douglas's first published work. 'We've shared a common passion of creating comics for as long as we can remember,' said artist van Antwerpen, 'After years of honing our skills on personal projects and small press books the break finally came when publisher Harry Markos offered us a one-shot Starship Troopers issue written by Cy. Needless to say we took it!''We'd both read Cy's "Bad Blood" story arc which was drawn by Paul Green and thought it was incredible,' said inker Peter-David Douglas, ' so it's thrilling for us to be involved in a project like this. We hope that it will be a springboard to regular work in the industry, something we've worked very hard towards.'

Launched in 2005 AAM/Markosia has been a leader in the independent publishing field. 2008 marked their most ambitious campaign to date as the company debuted a range of new titles, with many more to follow in 2009. In addition, AAM/Markosia will be exhibiting at many conventions around the globe, including New York Comic Con, San Diego Comicon, Angouleme, The Birmingham International Comics Show and the Bristol Comic Expo.

For interviews, press releases and any other information regarding this title or any other AAM/Markosia titles please contact harry@markosia.com
Visit the AAM/Markosia website at www.markosia.com
PRESS RELEASE - ROBERT KIRKMAN GUARANTEES: ON-TIME IN '09!All Robert Kirkman penned titles now featuring guaranteed ship dates!

2 October 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Starting this January, Robert Kirkman gives his books the one thing fans have demanded for years - guaranteed ship dates!
"That's right, kids, this time it's for real," said Kirkman. "Every single one of my titles - WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN and BRIT - will now be guaranteed to ship by their solicited date. This isn't an empty promise and I've taken that extra step of hiring Aubrey Sitterson, an editor for my entire line, a guy you may know from his days at Marvel."

Aubrey Sitterson, who first worked with Kirkman on titles such as THE IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN and MARVEL TEAM-UP, has been quietly working with Kirkman for the last several months, ensuring the upcoming resolicited books hit their target date.
Sitterson said, "I spent years wrangling Robert at the House of Ideas. Now, I'm champing at the bit to crack the whip and mix whatever metaphors necessary to get every last one of his books out on time - no exceptions and no excuses!"
The guaranteed ship dates will begin this January, with ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #12, BRIT #12, INVINCIBLE #58 and THE WALKING DEAD #57.

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 - SILVERLINE MISSES THE BOAT THIS DECEMBER!All-ages graphic novel reveals the final fate of the forgotten Churamane!


1 October 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Shadowline's all-ages Silverline book imprint expands this December with the story of the one species too lazy to get on Noah's Arc, MISSING THE BOAT.


"MISSING THE BOAT is a project I knew we had to publish based off the concept alone," said Silverline Publisher Jim Valentino. "The idea of a species so lazy they doomed themselves to extinction really caught me, but Justin Shady's [aka Wayne Chinsang] story combined with Dwellephant's innovative art style really brought the whole thing together."


MISSING THE BOAT solves the riddle of what happened to the Churamane, a particularly lazy and not too terribly bright species that lived a long time ago and vanished without a trace. Intelligently written with wonderfully vibrant art, this story will delight adults as well as children and, if you're not looking, may even teach a lesson or two.


MISSING THE BOAT (OCT082310), a 96-page hardcover graphic novel for $18.99, will be released December 17th, 2008. For more information, please see www.shadowlinecomics.com/silverline.

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

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

DDP AND HYPERGRAPHIA PARTNER WITH AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND THE HERO INITIATIVE
TO ASSIST COMIC ARTIST JOSH MEDORS' CANCER FIGHT


CHICAGO, IL (October 1, 2008) – Devil's Due Publishing announced today that it would partner with Hypergraphia Comics, the American Cancer Society and the Hero Initiative to assist comic artist Josh Medors' fight against cancer. Hypergraphia will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of their graphic novel, Sabbath: All Your Sins Reborn, to the Hero Initiative, to be used directly in Medors' battle with spinal cancer.

Devil's Due and Hypergraphia Comics will also host a special evening at The Bean Post Pub in Brooklyn to raise additional funds for Medors' medical expenses. The benefit event will take place Saturday October 4, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Medors, well-known for his art in the Sabbath series, has fought cancer since the beginning of the Sabbath line. Sabbath: All Your Sins Reborn is a special edition collection of the Matt Tomao/Josh Medors horror title, Pogrom.


"We are thankful for the support of Devil's Due and Hypergraphia," said Tomao. "They have really extended a kind hand to help Josh in his battle and gone above and beyond, a true testament to their friendship."

The Bean Post Pub is located at 7525 5th Ave. in Brooklyn.


For more information or to make a donation to Josh Medors, please visit Devil's Due Publishing at www.devilsdue.net or the Hero Initiative at www.herointitative.org.



About Devil's Due Publishing
Proliferators of comics culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, and Rogue Pictures. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and life accessories under the imprint DDPOP, found in specialty stores this summer.
Horror comic meets presidential politics

SARAH PALIN: COVER GIRL ON NEW TALES FROM THE CRYPT COMIC BOOK

Daughter of original Crypt publisher pens editorial in response to
Palin-inspired book-banning controversy



Whether or not vice-presidential candidate Governor Sarah Palin
explored the possibilities of banning books back when she was mayor
of Wasilla, Alaska, the controversy has placed her front and center
on the latest cover of the TALES FROM THE CRYPT comic book published
by Papercutz. Half of the comic's print run has a special cover
featuring Palin, wielding a hockey stick as she asks the horror-
hosts, the Crypt-Keeper, the Old Witch, and the Vault-Keeper, "Didn't
we get rid of you guys in the 50's?" Every edition of the comic will
feature "A Special Editorial" by Cathy Gaines Mifsud, daughter of the
legendary publisher of MAD magazine and the original TALES FROM THE
CRYPT.



“TALES FROM THE CRYPT is not endorsing any political
candidates . . . . nor are we attacking any candidates,” Gaines
Mifsud says -- but, she adds, TALES does care about freedom and
censorship. As Gaines Mifsud points out, the forces of censorship
pushed her father to stop publishing TALES and other horror comics.
“What usually seems to be behind banning books is an attempt to
repress ideas that may offer alternative political views. This is
not only un-American -- blatantly violating the very concept of free
speech -- but it is assuming that people are unable to come to their
own informed conclusions.”



Both editions of TALES #8, which will be on sale in October, will
contain Gaines Mifsud’s editorial and are identical except for their
covers. In writer-artist Christian Zanier’s “She Who Would Rule the
World” (a story unconnected to Governor Palin, by the way), a pair of
misguided scientists help turn a homeless woman into a near-
invincible, power-hungry being bent on becoming a human weapon of
mass destruction. In addition, horror novelist Joe R. Lansdale
(winner of Bram Stoker horror awards for best-sellers such as Leather
Maiden, Bubba Ho-Tep, and The Bottoms) and his brother, John L.
Lansdale, write “Virtual Hoodoo,” drawn by James Romberger, about a
video-game company employee who takes gruesome mystical revenge after
an idea of his is stolen.



TALES FROM THE CRYPT, published bi-monthly and cover-priced at $3.95,
is a 48-page full-color revival of the classic 1950s horror comic
book. Half of the copies will feature the Palin cover, and half will
feature the standard cover.



You can order TALES FROM THE CRYPT through NBM Publishing at
800-886-1223.

For previews and more, visit www.papercutz.com and http://
www.myspace.com/papercutzcomics.
Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008 To Be Held This Weekend Oct 4-Oct 5

Bethesda, Maryland; September 29, 2008 - Come see the best Bush bashing, Republican ripping, McCain mangling and best of all, Obama backing cartoonists in America!!!!!

Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008 will be held this weekend, Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.


Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days and is good for both Outside Looking In and the Small Press Expo the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons,

In celebration of this most historical election, Outside Looking In has gathered the best alternative political cartoonist from across the United States for a special two days of panel discussions, interviews and autograph sessions.

Information on the panels, interviews, directions and exhibitors can be found at http://www.spxpo.com.

Here is a partial list of the political cartoon guests at this special event:

Tom Tomorrow is making a very rare comic convention appearance in conjunction with Outside Looking In and SPX is the award winning cartoonist, Tom Tomorrow, one of the pioneers in the alternative political cartooning field. The creator of the strip "This Modern World " and its protagonist, Sparky The Wonder Penguin, will promote his newly released book, "The Future Is So Bright I Can’t Bare To Look!". Visit Mr. Tomorrow’s web site at http://www.thismodernworld.com.

Lloyd Dangle, who is attending SPX as a guest for the first time in many years, is the creator of the long running social and political cartoon series "Troubletown". Mr. Dangle also has a new book out, "Troubletown, I Told You So!". See his cartoons at http://www.troubletown.com. Be sure to catch Lloyd interviewing Tom Tomorrow on Saturday afternoon.

Ted Rall is the President-elect of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (A.A.E.C.) and has traveled extensively to Central Asia. Author, ATTITUDE editor, cartoonist, columnist and sometime TV personality, Ted’s most recent book is “Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?” and his latest cartoon collection is, “America Gone Wild”. For more information on Ted Rall, visit his website at http://www.tedrall.com.Ruben Bolling is the creator of the multi-faceted, multi-paneled social and political weekly strip, Tom The Dancing Bug. His most recent book is “Thrilling Tom The Dancing Bug Stories”. SPX is grateful that Ruben is making his first appearance at SPX in a number of years. Visit his web site at http://www.gocomics.com/tomthedancingbug/.Matt Wuerker is the cartoonist and illustrator at Politico.Com and the weekly Politico newspaper. His cartoons and illustrations have been published by Smithsonian Magazine, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and The Nation. You can see his cartoons at http://www.politico.com. Jen Sorensen Jen is the creator of the political/social commentary strip "Slowpoke" and is now the political cartoonist for The Village Voice. She is also syndicated nationally and is (unfortunately) one of the few women political cartoonists. She will be at SPX to sign her latest book, "One Nation, Oh My God". Visit her website at http://www.slowpokecomics.com.

Keith Knight is the creator of the syndicated daily and Sunday strip
"The Knight Life", as well as his long running strips "The K Chronicles" and "(th)ink". His latest books are "The Complete K Chronicles" from Dark
Horse books and his self published "I Left My Arse In San Francisco". He draws
regularly for Mad Magazine and ESPN the Magazine. Visit his web site at http://www.kchronicles.com/

Nate Beeler Nate is the syndicated political cartoonist from The Washington Examiner. He won the John Locher Memorial Award as The Best College Political Cartoonist and will be making his first appearance at SPX.Visit his web site at http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/NateBeelerToons.

For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at mailto:webernard@spxpo.com.

SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.

As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at http://www.cbldf.org/.

Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book and graphic novel festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and fans together to celebrate the art of visual storytelling.
The Jedi face a devastating new Separatist weapon that’s in the hands of General Grievous in the second of two episodes that mark the season premiere of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, an all-new animated series debuting Friday, Oct. 3 on Cartoon Network.

In “Rising Malevolence,” which premieres at 9:30 p.m., an attack by an unimaginably destructive weapon aboard a mysterious warship leaves Jedi Master Plo Koon and his clone troopers struggling to survive until Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano can find them. They discover that the ship is piloted by Grievous himself.

“Rising Malevolence” follows the 9:00 p.m. debut of the episode “Ambush.” STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will introduce new episodes at 9:00 p.m. Fridays on Cartoon Network.

Series supervising director Dave Filoni helms the episode “Rising Malevolence” from a script by Steve Melching. George Lucas is the series’ creator and serves as executive producer, and Catherine Winder is producer.

“Rising Malevolence” features several prominent series debuts, most notably those of Jedi Master Plo Koon, General Grievous and his menacing warship, the Malevolence. Also appearing for their first time in the series are Anakin Skywalker and his padawan, Ahsoka.

Plo Koon’s presence was established in Star Wars: Episodes I, II and III, but his character was seen fleetingly in those films. Nevertheless, just as the seldom-seen Boba Fett became a fan favorite after The Empire Strikes Back, Filoni grew fascinated by Plo Koon. He chose the relatively unknown Jedi Master as his first project of character development.

“I liked the design of the Plo Koon character, and I also liked that he was a Jedi Master,” Filoni says of his initial attraction. “Like so many Star Wars fans, I had always wondered what other Jedi were like – and The Clone Wars presented an opportunity to explore those characters”

Melching said he, Filoni and script supervisor Henry Gilroy worked hard to reveal Plo Koon’s character by example – and, at the same time, offer greater perspective on the ways of the Jedi. Moreover, they reveal in “Rising Malevolence” an important connection between Plo Koon and Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s Padawan learner.

“We were able to examine both Plo Koon’s personality and Ahsoka’s background by showing their bond and the extreme loyalty of Anakin and Ahsoka to their Jedi comrades,” Melching says. “They know he’s stranded and might not be alive, but if there’s even a chance, they’re going to find him. They have to deviate from their mission to try to rescue him, but they can’t endanger their larger mandate.”

The episode offers numerous scenes of Plo Koon and a small group of clones stranded in a disabled escape pod, which Melching says offered opportunities to expand on the thoughts, sensibilities and unique attributes of each clone trooper.

“The clones are really an army of one – they’re all the same guy. But their experiences in the war are all different, and that affects their relationships with other clones and their Jedi leaders,” Melching says. “They may all seem be the same guy, but they’re developing different personalities, and we work hard to show how they think, where they come from. That helps to define each episode. After all, the clones are ultimately the key to this war.”

Trademark information for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS images:
TM & © 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
BOOM! STUDIOS ANNOUNCES THE EARTH SHATTERING
FALL OF CTHULHU: APOCALYPSE


September 30th, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - The Apocalypse is upon us! Since the beginning of the FALL OF CTHULHU storyline, readers have been anxiously awaiting the moment when all the tale's threads begin to tie together into the ultimate war between gods and men. As of now, they wait no longer. Let the Apocalypse begin!

"FALL OF CTHLHU: APOCALYPSE is what we've all been waiting for," said FALL OF CTHULTHU series writer Michael Alan Nelson. "This is the final showdown between ALL of our characters, great, small, and unseen. If you've been itching for some full-on divine smackdowns coupled with violent descents into irreparable madness, then you won't want to miss APOCALYPSE."

FALL OF CTHLUHU has been BOOM!'s flagship series for the past few years with critical acclaim and a strong fan base since its first issue. As the series progressed, Nelson's vision of H.P. Lovecraft's mythos spawned several popular BOOM! titles, from the monthly anthology CTHULHU TALES, Nelson's FALL OF CTHULHU: GODWAR, NECRONOMICON and the upcoming NYARATHOTEP.

"Many critics chastise writers for using other properties or characters if they deviate from the original material even a scotch," said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "But at the same time, critics love to pounce on writers who don't develop the pre-existing properties. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. What I like about Michael is his ability to do justice to the source material while still utilizing it to tell his own unique story. APOCOLYPSE is where he gets to tell his masterpiece."

FALL OF CTHULHU: APOCALYSPE #1 features cover A and B with Diamond item order codes of SEP083814 and SEP083815 respectively.

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.
http://www.heebmagazine.com/blog/view/1050

HEEB Best Comics of 5768: NAT TURNER

#1 (of 10) Nat Turner by Kyle Baker (Abrams)

With brutal attention to historical detail, writer/artist/animator Kyle Baker draws the story of Nat Turner and his 1831 slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia . This punch-you-in-the-soul charcoalishly-illustrated nearly-silent graphic novel doesn’t glamorize, heroicize, politicize, or judge what some deem a killing spree, and others, the beginning of the civil rights movement / resistance; it just shows it—packing a visceral and emotional whoomph. In fact, much of the material was adapted directly from Turner’s matter-of-fact prison diary. One for the libraries. JEFF NEWELT

Thank you, HEEB...and Happy New Year! -eg

latest kb books: HOW TO DRAW STUPID & OTHER ESSENTIALS OF CARTOONING
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

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Friends-

It’s time for issue nineteen of CWR! Here’s what we have for you in this edition:

Artist Mukesh Singh interviewed! The artist of DEVI, GAMEKEEPER, and JENNA JAMESON’S SHADOWHUNTER sits down with fellow Virgin Comics alumnus Saurav Mohapatra and talks about his artistic training, what it was like to draw the famous sex symbol, and what advice he’d give younger artists:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mukeshsingh.html

Reviews of THE MARTIAN CONFEDERACY, CITY OF DUST, THE ROBERTS, ORDINARY VICTORIES, DUGOUT, and our first REVIEWS PODCAST:
http://reviews.comicswaitingroom.com

New CWRtv! Elliott Serrano chats with indy writer/artist Jeff Zwirek:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/cwrtv.html

Matt Maxwell returns from Baltimore with a look at the recent con and his quest for a good crab cake:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed28.html

Marc Mason mourns the end of the MINX line and offers up an idea of one thing that could have saved it:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason19.html

Avril Brown says that more superheroes should observe the religious holidays:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril19.html

CONTEST: Do you think you can BE Alan Moore? Prove it and win a copy of the MINDSCAPE OF ALAN MOORE DVD:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/toc.html

All wrapped in the usual, excellent, Elliott Serrano-designed cover:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com

Remember: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs. Enjoy the reading!

Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
Hello, Readers/Reviewers -

Just a lil' note to say that a newest issue of Broken Lines is now for sale. The promo book has been split into two issues, and I have just released issue #3. Issue #4 should be out in early 2009. Yes, I am still chipping away at it. Thanks for your past support!

Tom,
Standard Design

buy one! ----> http://www.broken-lines.com
DRMASTER PRESENTS AN ACTION-PACKED END TO THE SUMMER!

NEPHYLYM, MAMORU THE SHADOW PROTECTOR & THE FOUR CONSTABLES AVAILABLE
NOW!


SAN JOSE, CA – September 2008 – DrMaster Publications has
announced the release of the new fantasy-action manga Nephylym vol. 1
by Rei Kusakabe, Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2, the comedy manga
series by Sai Madara, and The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium
Dagger vol. 2, the kung fu action-packed, brilliantly colored manhua
series by Andy Seto and Tony Wong.

Nephylym vol. 1
Shun has a unique power to electrically charge metal materials. A
mysterious winged angel-like being named Air picks up on his powers
and chooses him to become her partner, thus enhancing Shun’s powers.
Shun soon finds out that his classmate Sanari (the class hottie),
also has a winged angel partner of her own, named Blissful. She
explains to Shun that these beings are called Nephylym, and they
choose suitable humans to be their "Answerers" to help them purify
evil elements (Noirs). Together with Sanari and Tsukasa (Shun’s
rival in love and an Answerer as well), they battle alongside their
Nephylym against Noir that possess human beings.

Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2
Mamoru Kagemori is a dull high school boy who’s not handsome,
athletic, or intelligent. But he is actually the eldest son of the
400-year-old Ninja clan specializing in protecting their neighbors,
the Konnyakus. And the object of Mamoru’s protection is none other
than their only daughter, Yuna Konnyaku, a natural born accident-
prone troublemaker. When Yuna enters an idol contest and makes it to
the finals, despite her hilariously bizarre performance, Mamoru has
to go all out with his ninja skills in order to fend off perverted
judges and crazed fans! But if Yuna becomes an idol will Mamoru still
be able to protect her?

The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger vol. 2
Emotionless and Yuan-Shan Lan are engulfed in an intense battle, when
they discover a spy with evil intentions… While Iron Fist and Cold
Blooded fight for their lives as they get closer to finding the evil
mastermind behind all the vicious killings. Who is he? And what
machinations does he have planned? The plot thickens as more secrets
are revealed… You don’t want miss out on all the kung fu fighting
action!

Availability
Nephylym vol. 1, Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2, and The Four
Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger vol. 2 are ALL AVAILABLE
NOW. Nephylym vol. 1 and Mamoru the Shadow Protector vol. 2 are each
priced at $9.95. The Four Constables-Secret of the Delirium Dagger
vol. 2 is fully-colored and will be priced at $13.95.

About DrMaster Publications Inc.:
DrMaster Publications Inc. is a uniquely quirky publishing company
that was started in 2004. Specializing in bringing interesting
graphic novels from Japan and China, across the Pacific for American
audiences, DrMaster Publications offers a myriad of titles to cater
to its various niche readers. The company is what some may call a
boutique publisher, which tailors each its titles to suit every
reader’s unique desires. Ranging from side-splitting comedies and
heart-wrenching dramas to explosive action adventures and enchanting
fantasies, DrMaster books provide a glimpse into a new realm as seen
through the eyes of the authors and artists. You don’t just read a
DrMaster book-it jolts you to life, as you are propelled through the
pages.


Please visit www.drmasterbooks.com for information on our current and
upcoming titles. And feel free to tour the site. Regular updates will
follow as our line of “masterful” comic series expands.

About DGN Productions International:
DGN Productions (Digital Graphic Novel Productions) is a newly-formed
production company and studio made up of industry veterans within the
comics and video game industries. Through strategic licensing of key
comic book titles and the use of recognized industry professionals
within the fields of animation and video game development, DGN Pro.
Intl. is dedicated to producing cutting-edge video games, comics and
animated features adapted from some the biggest and brightest in Hong
Kong, Japanese and Korean comic book properties. DGN Productions
Intl. was founded June 2004 and is based in Fremont, California.

Nephylym volume 1
ISBN: 978-1-59796-181-3
Price: $9.95
Availabilty: 09/28/2008

Mamoru the Shadow Protector volume 2
ISBN: 978-1-59796-184-4
Price: $9.95
Availabilty: 09/28/2008

The Four Constables: Secret of the Delirium Dagger volume 2
ISBN: 978-1-59796-129-5
Price: $13.95
Availabilty: 09/28/2008
ASYLUM RELEASES WARLASH:DARK NOIR #1 ONLINE READERS COPY



ASYLUM PRESS HAS ANNOUNCED THE RELEASE OF A READABLE 16-PAGE PREVIEW OF THEIR NEW ONGOING SERIES WARLASH:DARK NOIR



Sept. 29, 2008 (Los Angeles) To get fans ready for the October issue of Warlash Dark Noir #2, Asylum Press is giving fans almost half of the #1 issue online for free! PDF Preview can be seen at: www.warlash.com/Warlash_DN01.pdf . The Warlash Dark Noir # 1 issue includes: four stories, 56 pages, and one low price of $3.95 allow every reader to get a serious value for their comic book dollar.



Frank Forte, CEO of Asylum Press describes, “So many fans stress if they have missed a first issue. Too often it’s simply too hard to pick up a new series if you are already behind on what’s going on. We want to make that a bit easier for them!” In this giant sized first issue, Warlash, an armored warrior of the apocalyptic future, is back with a vengeance. This issue reintroduces Warlash with four tales of hard boiled crime noir terror. With interior art by Frank Forte, Szymon Kudranski, Steve Mannion and a cover by Bruno Werneck, the tales of mutant cyborgs, satanic rituals and seedy crimelords come to life.



Preview can be seen at: www.warlash.com/warlash_DN01_PREVIEW.html

PDF Preview can be seen at: www.warlash.com/Warlash_DN01.pdf



WARLASH:DARK NOIR #1 will be offered again in the OCT. Diamond Previews and ship DEC 2008.



Fans should sign up for the asylumpress newsletter at www.asylumpress.com/newsletter



www.asylumpress.com



Title: WARLASH:DARK NOIR

Ship Date: DEC 2008

ISBN: 0-9768509-9-0

ISBN13: 978-0-9768509-8-4

Retail price $3.95

56 pgs full color perfect bound

Diamond code:JUN083689



WARLASH QUOTES:


"A rollercoaster ride over razor blades" -- R.S. Rhine / Deaditor-In-Chief

GirlsandCorpses.com




ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS

Founded in 1999 by Frank Forte, Asylum Press is a unique publishing house specializing in high profile projects from some of the industry's biggest names. Publishing superhero comics with Warlash: Zombie Mutant Genesis, continuing their tradition of horror with Undead Evil, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell, the upcoming Asylum of Horrors and Beyond Lovecraft, venturing into dark humor with Billy Boy The Sick Little Fat Kid and The Cletus and Floyd Show, Asylum Press continues to be on the cutting edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.
Small Press Expo To Be Held This Weekend, Saturday October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2008


Bethesda, Maryland; September 29, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, will be held this weekend, Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.

In addition to a wide ranging series of panels and interviews, there will also be the presentation of the Ignatz Awards on Saturday night, October 4 at 9PM.

Information on the panels, interviews, directions and exhibitors can be found at http://www.spxpo.com.

This year, SPX is pleased to have the following special guests attending this year’s event:

Richard Thompson is a long time contributor to The New Yorker and a first time guest at Small Press Expo. Richard contributes a weekly political/social strip to The Washington Post called Richards Poor Almanac. Richard is also a contributor to The Atlantic Magazine, National Geographic and U.S. News and World Report and won the National Cartoonists Society's Magazine and Book Illustration Award. He is also a syndicated cartoonist, whose strip Cul De Sac is now in over 100 newspapers. Richard will be signing copies of Cul De Sac: No Exit, the first Cul De Sac collection at SPX.


Joost Swarte is best known to American audiences for his covers and illustrations for The New Yorker, along with his internationally recognized comic and poster work. He has extended his unique cartoon style into the world of industrial design by designing stained glass installations, sculptures and furniture, as well as the Toneelshuur Theater in Haarlem, The Netherlands. SPX is proud to host Mr. Swarte in one of his rare United States appearances.


Ben Katchor is making his first appearance at SPX. Mr. Katchor is known for his books “Julius Knippel, Real Estate Photographer”, “The Jew Of New York”, and “Beauty The Supply District”. He is a contributor of comics to both The New Yorker and the New York Times and has a regular strip that is printed in Metropolitan Magazine. Mr. Katchor has turned his talents to the stage, writing the libretto and creating the backgrounds for the plays “The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island” and “The Rosenbach Company”. Vist his web site at http://www.katchor.com

Bryan Lee O’Malley is the creator of the Scott Pilgrim (http://www.scottpilgrim.com) series of books issued by Oni Press. Scott Pilgrim was named Best Indy Comic of the Year by Entertainment Weekly and was recently optioned as a motion picture by Universal Studios. Bryan has been nominated for both the Eisner and Harvey Awards and is a past recipient of the Joe Schuster Award for Best Canadian Cartoonist and the Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent. Bryan’s web site is http://www.radiomaru.com/.

Hope Larson is the creator of the recently released book, Chiggers, published by the Atheneum imprint of Simon & Schuster. She was the recipient of the 2006 Ignatz Award in the category Promising New Talent and the Eisner Award for Special Recognition in 2007. Her previous works include Gray Horses published by Oni Press and Salamander Dreams, her web comic subsequently published by Adhouse Books. Hope’s web site is
http://www.hopelarson.com/.

For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at mailto:webernard@spxpo.com.

SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.

As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at
http://www.cbldf.org/.

Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book and graphic novel festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and fans together to celebrate the art of visual storytelling.

Monday, September 29, 2008

ASYLUM RELEASES WARLASH:DARK NOIR #2 TRAILER AND PREVIEW

ASYLUM PRESS HAS ANNOUNCED THE RELEASE OF A TRAILER AND 16-PAGE PREVIEW OF THEIR NEW ONGOING SERIES WARLASH:DARK NOIR

Sept 29, 2008 (Los Angeles) Frank Forte, creator of The Vampire Verses, Insidious Tales and The Asylum Of Horrors, is releasing the first issue of a new character, Warlash, through his company Asylum Press. Five stories, 48 pages, and one low price of $2.95 allow every reader to get a serious value for their comic book dollar.

Action Packed second issue! Warlash, armored warrior of the apocalyptic future, returns. This issue continues the “Phlegm Fatale” storyline wherein Warlash battles a biogenic beast in the sewers below Pittsburgh. By Frank Forte. In "Enter:The Bladeviper, Warlash"fights a sexy blade wielding villainess. J.C. Wong's art is stunning. In the final chapter of “Grubbs” where Warlash battles a shape-shifting maniac. Art by Steve Mannion. In Wormwar part 2, a Warlash must find out who is building giant worms by Szymon Kudranski. In “The Demon” , Warlash is confronted with a satanic riteand hellspawned beast they have released. And finally "Tentacles", where an injection transforms a bum into something...more, by Nenad Gucunja. Cover by Bruno Werneck.

Preview can be seen at: www.warlash.com/warlash_DN02_PREVIEW.html
PDF preview can be seen at: www.warlash.com/WARLASH_Dark_Noir_2.pdf
Trailer can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e93xTSUxA7E
Diamond Preview link at:http://previewsworld.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=6&s=221&ai=74407&ssd
NOTE: Retailers are free to take any images and the PDF preview and post it on their sites to generate sales.

Fans should sign up for the asylumpress newsletter at www.asylumpress.com/newsletter

Title: WARLASH:DARK NOIR #2
Ship Date: DEC 2008
Retail price $2.95
48 pgs full color perfect bound
Diamond Code:OCT083866

WARLASH:DARK NOIR #1 can also be ordered through Diamond Distributors > if anyone missed the first issue.

Asylum Press is distributed by Diamond Distributors and Haven Distributors.

WARLASH QUOTES
"A rollercoaster ride over razor blades"
-- R.S. Rhine / Deaditor-In-Chief --GirlsandCorpses.com

ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS
Founded in 1999 by Frank Forte, Asylum Press is a unique publishing house specializing in high profile projects from some of the industry's biggest names. Publishing superhero comics with Warlash: Zombie Mutant Genesis, continuing their tradition of horror with Undead Evil, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell, the upcoming Asylum of Horrors and Beyond Lovecraft, venturing into dark humor with Billy Boy The Sick Little Fat Kid and The Cletus and Floyd Show, Asylum Presscontinues to be on the cutting edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.
In “Ambush,” the premiere of Lucasfilm Animation’s STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, episode director David Bullock (“Justice League: The New Frontier”) and writer Steve Melching (“The Batman”) recall the Yoda of The Empire Strikes Back. This first episode of the brand-new, CG-animated series airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Oct. 3 on Cartoon Network.

In the episode, Jedi Master Yoda and three clone troopers must face off against Count Dooku’s dreaded assassin Asajj Ventress and her massive droid army to prove the Jedi are strong enough to protect a strategic planet and forge a treaty for the Republic.

“I wanted to bring back some of the impish fun of Yoda from Episode V (The Empire Strikes Back) and instill it into the Clone Wars era as he is leading these three clones in a desperate situation,” Melching says. “Yoda became a very serious character in Episodes I, II and III, and I thought this was a great opportunity to show his clever, fun side as well as his inspirational and warrior side.”

While Melching crafted the words, Bullock and supervising director Dave Filoni focused on elevating Yoda’s action – and ensuring that his diminutive scale alongside the other characters didn’t interfere with his intense battle scenes. Bullock offered kudos to fellow director Rob Coleman, who offered tips on keeping Yoda consistent with his legacy. Coleman served as an animation director on Star Wars Episodes I, II and III, and was responsible for Yoda’s famous lightsaber duel with Count Dooku.

“When I was storyboarding Yoda’s big fight scene in ‘Ambush,’ Rob (Coleman) told me that George (Lucas) liked to flip a switch so that Yoda would go from very reserved to ‘springy,’” Bullock says. “Overall, the episode is a good mix of the impish Yoda of The Empire Strikes Back, some serious, reflective moments, and Rob’s ‘ninja Yoda’ for the action bits. And Yoda kicks some serious butt in this episode.”

The assignment to direct “Ambush” was taken with great reverence by Bullock.

“I'm really proud of the fact that this episode went to me to direct as I knew it was ‘the Yoda episode,’” Bullock says. “It wasn't even titled ‘Ambush’ until it was in layout – for months it was just called ‘The Yoda Episode.’ Any chance to work with the main Star Wars characters is a thrill because we knew we were adding to their history, but it was also a bit unnerving because we knew that it had to be handled properly or the fans would not buy it.”

Attached you’ll find a new image from “Ambush.” Stay tuned for more information and images throughout the next week, leading to the series premiere of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Oct. 3 on Cartoon Network.

Caption information:

Jedi Master Yoda and three clones survey a Separatist army just before battle in “Ambush,” the first episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, which premieres at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Oct. 3, on Cartoon Network.

Trademark information for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS images:
TM & © 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd.. All rights reserved.
DANCE YOUR CARES AWAY AND CELEBRATE
25 YEARS OF JIM HENSON’S ICONIC FRAGGLE ROCK™

The Fraggle Rock Complete Series Collection - The Ultimate DVD Set – Includes The Entire Award-Winning Series - Rockin’ Onto DVD November 4, 2008

From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment Street Date: November 4, 2008
Order Date: October 8, 2008

DVD SRP: $139.98


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
From a fun-loving group of furry subterranean creatures came millions of fans, 100 original songs, 96 total episodes, four seasons… and one Fraggle Rock Complete Series Collection! Dance your cares away with the all-new, fully loaded collectible set of the entire award-winning series, including Season 4 available for the first-time ever on DVD! The Complete Series Collection is sure to be a fan favorite with over 47 hours of content on an impressive 20 discs, including over two hours of never-before-seen bonus features and an original Fraggle Rock illustration poster - all presented together in custom premium, collectible rock packaging!



With more than 1.3 million DVD’s sold to date and five international Emmy awards, the Fraggle Rock series is adored by millions of fans worldwide. Fun-loving Fraggles – Gobo, Mokey, Red, Wembley and Boober - are joined by tiny diligent Doozers and giant Gorgs, in one fantastical, musical world. Share in the music and memories that have kept fans rockin' for 25 years in the ultimate Fraggle Rock Complete Series Collection!



DVD SYNOPSIS

The Jim Henson Company’s beloved children’s television series, Fraggle Rock, ran four seasons (96 episodes) from 1983 to 1987 on HBO. Starring a diverse and quirky group of cave-dwelling creatures, the world of Fraggle Rock is a unique place where three different, yet surprisingly similar communities learn to live and work in harmony.



The Fraggles love to sing and dance, work just thirty minutes a week and spend most of their days dancing their cares away. They are joined by their industrious neighbors, the Doozers, tiny green workers that build elaborate structures the Fraggles find irresistibly tasty; and the Gorgs, giant creatures who live in the garden above Fraggle Rock guarding their cherished radish patch.



Through the fun of the Fraggle five - level-headed, practical Gobo; spiritual, artistic Mokey; exuberant, athletic Red; nervous, indecisive Wembley; worrisome Boober - and the unique mix of music, from folk, blues and gospel to country and rock, the series entertains and encourages an understanding and embracing of diversity.



Never-before released episodes from season four included in the Fraggle Rock Complete Series Collection are “Sprocket’s Big Adventure,” “Wembley’s Wonderful Whoopie Water,” “Sidebottom Blues,” “Uncle Matt’s Discovery,” “Junior Faces the Music,” “A Tune For Two,” The Perfect Blue Rollie,” “A Brush With Jealousy,” “Wembley’s Flight,” “Red’s Blue Dragon,” “Wonder Mountain,” “Space Frog Follies” and “Boober Gorg.”



DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

“Let the Music Play” featurette

“Directing the Fraggles” featurette

“The Inner Gorg”: Interviews with performers inside the costumes

“Designing the Puppets”: Interviews with puppetmakers

You Cannot Leave the Magic: Last day of Shooting

Celebrating Fraggle Rock: Excerpts from wrap party, featuring Jim Henson

Dance Your Cares Away: Evolution of Fraggle Rock Theme Song

Original Fraggle Rock illustration poster

*special features subject to change





MARKETING SUPPORT

The DVD release will be supported with a national consumer marketing campaign that includes online advertising and promotions. The aggressive publicity campaign kicked off with a Comic Con event featuring the popular RED puppet. The grassroots online program includes sneak peeks on fan websites, online exclusives and more.



PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 1983-1987
Title Copyright: © 2008 The Jim Henson Company. JIM HENSON’S mark & logo, FRAGGLE ROCK mark & logo, characters and elements are trademarks of The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

Type: TV on DVD

Rating: Not Rated

Age Target: Perfect for Fraggle Fans of all ages, from 0-99!

Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned

Format: Full Screen

Total Run Time: Over 47 hours

DVD Audio Status: 2.0 Stereo

Program Website: www.henson.com
FALL OF CTHULHU: NUCLEAR BALLERINA
GOES STRAIGHT FROM THE COMICS AND ONTO YOUR WALL


Limited Edition Poster Suitable For Framing

September 26nd, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Your wall simply does not have the horror it needs without the FALL OF CTHULHU: NUCLEAR BALLERINA poster! This is your chance to own this standout cover from issue #9 of the critically acclaimed FALL OF CTHULU series by cover artist Patrick McEvoy!

"In the world created by H.P. Lovecraft, there are things that happen on a huge scale, and events so insignificant they barely happen at all. Yet he managed to imbue every incident great or small with a creepy, disturbing strangeness," said poster and FALL OF CTHULHU artist Patrick McEvoy. "This picture was a good chance for me to try to visually capture that mood."

Measuring 24" x 36", this poster is limited to 1,000 copies and is suitable for framing. The FALL OF CTHULHU: NUCLEAR BALLERINA poster has a Diamond item order code of SEP083818 and is priced at $14.99.


About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.
DDP RELEASES DECEMBER SOLICITATIONS

New Devil's Due releases include 'Dread Force' from former Transformers artists and 'Zen Intergalactic Ninja' by Joe Casey



Chicago, IL. (September 29, 2008) – Devil's Due Publishing gains three brand new series in December, as the publisher announces a packed catalog by former Transformers creators, and all-star writers Joe Casey and Rick Remender. Dawn of the Dread Force, Zen Intergalactic Ninja, and The Corps! bolster an already thriving library of creator-owned and licensed titles.



Dawn of the Dread Force #0 sets off a blockbuster-scaled mini-series about a post-apocalyptic world where humans and gladiator machines are at war. After creating a workforce of powerful robots, the mechanical giants rebel against their creators. The book comes courtesy of a group of former Transformers artists. The team includes former Transformers Armada artist James Raiz, Gerardo Sandoval (Tomb Raider), Rob Armstrong (Transformers: G1), coloring wizard Danimation (Street Fighter, X-Men Unlimited), Simon "Seed" Bork, Misty "Sayda" Coats, and writer Kurt Hathaway (Supreme).



Also launching in December will be DDP's Zen Intergalactic Ninja series from writer Joe Casey (Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin, Gødland) with artist Lee Ferguson (Green Arrow/Black Canary, Halloween: 30 Years of Terror). The new series brings back the classic extraterrestrial martial arts master as he finds himself alone on Earth and in search of a partner. Issue #1 features spectacular re-mastered cover art by Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and another cover by Lee Ferguson.



Fear Agent writer Rick Remender brings issue #1 of his new series The Corps! in December, redefining the military team comic in an edgy suspense-filled world built from the toy line by Lanard. Featuring artwork by Mike Penick and brilliant cover artist Tony Shasteen, The Corps! promises gut-wrenching plot-twists that will leave readers guessing at the bottom of every page.



For a complete listing of DDP's December titles visit:



http://devilsdue.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=224&Itemid=51




About Devil's Due Publishing:

Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios and production arms including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, Rogue Pictures, DiVide Pictures and Kevin Spacey's Triggerstreet Productions. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.
DEL REY MANGA ANNOUNCES NEW MANGA SERIES, GUIDE FOR 2009

NEW YORK, NY – September 27, 2008 – Del Rey Manga, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, today announced an eclectic range of new manga titles to be published in Summer and Fall of 2009. The new series acquisitions feature some of the best characters that the manga world has to offer, including fighting maids, a temperamental rain goddess, and—in a unique twist—cute, talking bacteria.

Take a look at the world of bacteria through the lens of manga! MOYASIMON: TALES OF AGRICULTURE, by Masayuki Ishikawa, follows Tadayasu Souemon Sawaki, a first-year college student at an agricultural university in Tokyo. Tadayasu has a one-of-a-kind talent that may just come in handy at school: the ability to see and communicate with adorable bacteria and microorganisms! While this series showcases the author’s zany sense of humor, the series is so scientifically accurate it’s legitimately educational, too! The cute creatures have been a merchandising hit in Japan. A hilarious comedy and fantastical drama, MOYASIMON: TALES OF AGRICULTURE is otaku-friendly and filled with scientific facts, making for a unique manga experience. Del Rey Manga editor Tricia Narwani says, “Del Rey Manga has always ventured into new territory with our list, but this time, we’ve licensed something that has a true claim to total originality: the wholly unique and irresistibly charming Moyasimon: Tales of Agriculture.” The manga will make its North American debut in Fall 2009.

Learn more about the rich, complex world of CLAMP’s Tsubasa with the TSUBASA CHARACTER GUIDE 2, set for publication in Summer of 2009. This second guide picks up where the first guide left off, and covers volumes 8-14 in the bestselling series. Fans can learn more about beloved characters such as Sakura and Syaoran, and discover details on “crossover” characters from other CLAMP series, including Cardcaptor Sakura and xxxHOLiC. Also featuring brand new full-color art and a fold-out poster, this fully-illustrated companion to Tsubasa is a must-have for CLAMP fans looking to broaden their reading experience.

Atsushi Suzumi brings her talent to the Del Rey Manga lineup again with AMEFURASHI, a new shôjo manga. A small Japanese village’s fortune is dependent on the whims of the Amefurashi, the rain goddess. Gimey, a village resident, ends up meeting Amefurashi on his own and discovers that she’s actually a cute little girl! Gimey must now try to persuade her to save his village—by keeping this somewhat temperamental, demanding goddess happy. Suzumi is a co-creator of Haridama: Magic Cram School, published this summer by Del Rey Manga, and is also known as the creator of the popular series Venus vs. Virus. AMEFURASHI will be published in July 2009.

RAN is a rising talent in the manga world, having worked with superstar Ken Akamatsu on Mao-chan, which goes on sale from Del Rey Manga in November. Del Rey will publish MAID WAR CHRONICLE, written and illustrated by RAN, in May 2009. Playing into “Maid culture” with a sense of zany, non-stop action and humor, MAID WAR CHRONICLE starts by following Cacao, who has landed her dream job as a live-in maid for the Prince of the Urbansberg Kingdom. However, the kingdom finds itself under siege and the Prince and his five maids make their escape. In order to win back his kingdom, the super-cute maids need to be the warriors that the Prince needs—and be ready to save the day!

ABOUT KODANSHA LTD.:

Kodansha is the largest trade book and magazine publisher in Japan. Founded in 1909, the company by virtue of its long history, the quality of its publishing, and its established network of sales and marketing is regarded as the trade book market leader in the publishing business in Japan. Moreover, Kodansha has been recognized as the leading publisher with a mission to introduce Japan through its publishing business.

ABOUT DEL REY MANGA:

Del Rey Books (http://www.delreybooks.com ) was founded in 1977 as an imprint of Ballantine Books, a division of the Random House Publishing Group, under the guidance of the renowned Judy-Lynn del Rey and her husband, Lester del Rey. Del Rey publishes the best of modern fantasy, science fiction, and alternate history. Ballantine Books is an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, which is a publishing group of Random House, Inc, the U.S. publishing company of Random House, the trade book publishing division of Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's leading international media companies. In 2004 it expanded by launching Del Rey Manga (www.delreymanga.com ), which has grown to be a major force in the U.S. graphic-novel field. Bestselling titles include Tsubasa, Negima, xxxHolic, and The Wallflower.
CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES AND DEL REY MANGA

ANNOUNCE MANGA PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP

First Book in Newly Formed Partnership, Bakugan Battle Brawlers: The Battle Begins, Will Launch in December 2008



NEW YORK, NY – September 27, 2008 – Del Rey Manga, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, in collaboration with Cartoon Network Enterprises, today announced a new manga publishing partnership that will launch with original manga based on two of Cartoon Network’s most successful series: Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Ben 10 Alien Force. This announcement marks the first partnership between Cartoon Network and the Random House Publishing Group’s manga imprint.

Christina Miller, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises says, “Cartoon Network is the home to many of the leading brands, and manga and film-comics are natural extensions of our rich and immersive content. As one of the category’s best publishers, Del Rey Manga will bring these stories to life, starting with the incredibly successful Bakugan later this year.”

The first book published under the new partnership will be released in December 2008. Bakugan Battle Brawlers: The Battle Begins, incorporates full-color stills from the animated show in a manga-style graphic novel format. A second volume will follow in March 2009. As one of the hottest boys properties currently in the market, Bakugan, has been a hit in the US since it first aired on Cartoon Network in February of this year. A character-rich animated series aimed at boys 6-11, Bakugan follows the adventures of Dan and his fellow Battle Brawlers as they use strategy and skill to unleash their Bakugan power and save Vestroia and Earth from destruction.

Ben 10 Alien Force: Ben 10 Returns, the first title for the hit Cartoon Network franchise, will be published in April 2009 and follows the same format, drawing art directly from the cartoon itself. The top-rated Ben 10 Alien Force show chronicles the adventures of everyone’s favorite hero, Ben Tennyson. Armed with the Omnitrix, which gives him the ability to transform into different alien superheroes, Ben , his cousin Gwen and former foe-now-friend Kevin Levin are on a mission to defeat the evil DNALIENS and save the Earth.

Original black-and-white, manga-style graphic novels based on Bakugan and Ben 10 Alien Force will release in Summer 2009 and Fall 2009, respectively.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Cartoon Network. Fan favorites Bakugan and Ben 10 Alien Force are beautifully crafted animated series that lend themselves well to this unique artistic form of manga,” says Mutsumi Miyazaki, director of licensing and acquisitions for Del Rey Manga. “Our partnership with Cartoon Network will provide a new and exciting opportunity for Del Rey Manga as we further expand our publishing program.”



ABOUT CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES:

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array animation franchises including Ben 10, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Chowder, The Secret Saturdays, The Powerpuff Girls, [adult swim] and more, as well as serves as licensing agent for Nelvana Enterprises and Spin Master’s Bakugan brand.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.



ABOUT DEL REY MANGA:

Del Rey Books (http://www.delreybooks.com) was founded in 1977 as an imprint of Ballantine Books, a division of the Random House Publishing Group, under the guidance of the renowned Judy-Lynn del Rey and her husband, Lester del Rey. Del Rey publishes the best of modern fantasy, science fiction, and alternate history. Ballantine Books is an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, which is a publishing group of Random House, Inc, the U.S. publishing company of Random House, the trade book publishing division of Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's leading international media companies. In 2004 it expanded by launching Del Rey Manga (www.delreymanga.com), which has grown to be a major force in the U.S. graphic-novel field. Bestselling titles include Tsubasa, Negima, xxxHolic, and The Wallflower.
Hey gang,
Just a quick note to let you know that Episode 2 is up on http://www.lg15.com as well as on http://www.hulu.com. It should also be up on imeem.com, dailymotion.com, and myspace.com shortly. I LOVE this episode, and can't wait for y'all to check it out.

For those interested, I'm the guest on this week's Word Balloon podcast. I talk about The Cleaners, Afro Samurai, Vampirella, Cyblade, and just about everything I've ever worked on. There's also a big ol' chunk on LG15, so, please swing by http://www.wordballoon.com and check it out.

There's also a feature length interview with me up on Sci-Fi website i09.com. Read that here: http://io9.com/5055465/lonelygirls-resistance-isnt-futile-explains-lg15s-fialkov

And, for those old school Fialkov fans, I just uploaded all of the Poorly Drawn Animals Animated Adventures to youtube. You can watch those here: http://www.youtube.com/user/joshfialkov

And, that's all the news that's fit to print or some such nonsense.

Thanks for all the love and support, and I hope you're enjoying the shows as much as we are making 'em.

j.
http://www.thefialkov.com
http://www.lg15.com