PRESS RELEASE - PX! IS IN SERVICE OF THE QUEEN THIS DECEMBER!
The critically acclaimed all-ages series continues!
8 October 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - The two-time Eisner nominee, PX!, returns this December courtesy of series creators Manny Trembley and Eric A. Anderson in an all-new graphic novel!
"It's amazing to see our passion project continue after the the second printing of PX! Book One," said Trembley. "We have big plans for the series - and this book, which focuses on Weatherby, is just the beginning of a much larger story.”
PX! BOOK 2: IN THE SERVICE OF THE QUEEN picks up where the first volume left off, as the villainous Pollo recruits help from the underworld in his plot to take over the world's computers. It's up to Dahlia, Panda, Wikkity and Weatherby to not only fight back against Pollo's army, but also save Dahlia's father from their grasp. Unfortunately, victory comes in the form of a dark secret from Weatherby's past that may also be his own undoing.
PX! BOOK 2: IN THE SERVICE OF THE QUEEN (OCT082309), a 152-page softcover for $16.99, will be in stores December 10th, 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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Stories Behind the Battles Captivate Viewers in STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS
Writer Steve Melching adores the thrill of a space battle and the majesty of a lightsaber duel, but he knows that behind the best Star Wars tales are stories that resonate with great moments and amazing characters.
The Emmy Award-nominated writer of such animated favorites as The Batman and X-Men has penned eight episodes of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, was credited as one of the writers of the animated film of the same name, and has written more than 4,000 lines of dialogue for the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars Lightsaber Duels” game for the Wii, which will be released by LucasArts on Nov. 11.
Melching’s passion for story-telling is evident in “Shadow of Malevolence,” an all-new episode of the hit animated series premiering at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 on Cartoon Network.
In the second of a three-episode arc, “Destroy Malevolence” finds Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Master Plo Koon utilizing long-range Y-wing bombers to lead a bold strike on General Grievous’ warship, the Malevolence, and its destructive ion cannon.
“THE CLONE WARS is really an opportunity to tell those great old war stories, and ‘Shadow of Malevolence’ is very much like a World War II tale of going behind enemy lines on pretty much a suicide mission,” Melching says. “It’s the small band of heroes racing against time, and while you may think they’ll accomplish the mission, you still wonder if they’ll all make it out alive.
“These are the great stories to tell – stories of bonding and heroism and sacrifice, and this was a particularly great opportunity to have Anakin and Ahsoka working together and coming together as a team, getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the throws of battle.”
Melching’s Hollywood lineage dates back to his grandfather’s assistance in building the enormous King Kong hand that would eventually grasp Fay Wray in the 1933 film classic. Seeing 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope as a 9-year-old in a small Honolulu theater only reinforced his path. A self-proclaimed Air Force brat with a laundry list of “hometowns,” Melching made his way to USC School of Cinematic Arts because, as he says, “that’s where George (Lucas) went.” Though he’s an established top writer for animation, Melching gained the attention of the Star Wars universe with his work on Troops, the popular Internet parody that melds Star Wars with TV’s Cops.
“I grew up loving all Star Wars, so I was always using my imagination to come up with these various characters and universes,” Melching says. “To do it professionally, it’s good to come from a place of deep knowledge of the material, but you do have to separate yourself enough to tell a clear story that isn’t mired down in insider minutiae. The story must appeal to a broader audience, not just the hardcore fans.”
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS airs at 9 p.m. Fridays on Cartoon Network. Dave Filoni is supervising director, George Lucas is the series’ creator and serves as executive producer, and Catherine Winder is producer.
Writer Steve Melching adores the thrill of a space battle and the majesty of a lightsaber duel, but he knows that behind the best Star Wars tales are stories that resonate with great moments and amazing characters.
The Emmy Award-nominated writer of such animated favorites as The Batman and X-Men has penned eight episodes of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, was credited as one of the writers of the animated film of the same name, and has written more than 4,000 lines of dialogue for the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars Lightsaber Duels” game for the Wii, which will be released by LucasArts on Nov. 11.
Melching’s passion for story-telling is evident in “Shadow of Malevolence,” an all-new episode of the hit animated series premiering at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 on Cartoon Network.
In the second of a three-episode arc, “Destroy Malevolence” finds Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Master Plo Koon utilizing long-range Y-wing bombers to lead a bold strike on General Grievous’ warship, the Malevolence, and its destructive ion cannon.
“THE CLONE WARS is really an opportunity to tell those great old war stories, and ‘Shadow of Malevolence’ is very much like a World War II tale of going behind enemy lines on pretty much a suicide mission,” Melching says. “It’s the small band of heroes racing against time, and while you may think they’ll accomplish the mission, you still wonder if they’ll all make it out alive.
“These are the great stories to tell – stories of bonding and heroism and sacrifice, and this was a particularly great opportunity to have Anakin and Ahsoka working together and coming together as a team, getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the throws of battle.”
Melching’s Hollywood lineage dates back to his grandfather’s assistance in building the enormous King Kong hand that would eventually grasp Fay Wray in the 1933 film classic. Seeing 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope as a 9-year-old in a small Honolulu theater only reinforced his path. A self-proclaimed Air Force brat with a laundry list of “hometowns,” Melching made his way to USC School of Cinematic Arts because, as he says, “that’s where George (Lucas) went.” Though he’s an established top writer for animation, Melching gained the attention of the Star Wars universe with his work on Troops, the popular Internet parody that melds Star Wars with TV’s Cops.
“I grew up loving all Star Wars, so I was always using my imagination to come up with these various characters and universes,” Melching says. “To do it professionally, it’s good to come from a place of deep knowledge of the material, but you do have to separate yourself enough to tell a clear story that isn’t mired down in insider minutiae. The story must appeal to a broader audience, not just the hardcore fans.”
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS airs at 9 p.m. Fridays on Cartoon Network. Dave Filoni is supervising director, George Lucas is the series’ creator and serves as executive producer, and Catherine Winder is producer.
Hi Friends,
Our SXSW short about the USA Peace Movement, GRAND WHEEL is now online at -
http://vimeo.com/1917372
After premiering at SXSW 2008, this timely 6 minute short has played more than 20 of the top film festivals across the country. In addition to the USA screenings, the sometimes controversial film has recently found a global audience, with festival screenings in Russia, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and Denmark. GRAND WHEEL was also awarded the Special Jury Prize for Best Cinematography at the 2008 Canadian Film Festival in Toronto.
If you dig the film, you can help us out a lot by posting the link, giving some coverage or by casting an IMDB Vote at-
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1195481/
Sincere thanks and God Bless all your dreams!
Gavin Heffernan
Our SXSW short about the USA Peace Movement, GRAND WHEEL is now online at -
http://vimeo.com/1917372
After premiering at SXSW 2008, this timely 6 minute short has played more than 20 of the top film festivals across the country. In addition to the USA screenings, the sometimes controversial film has recently found a global audience, with festival screenings in Russia, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece and Denmark. GRAND WHEEL was also awarded the Special Jury Prize for Best Cinematography at the 2008 Canadian Film Festival in Toronto.
If you dig the film, you can help us out a lot by posting the link, giving some coverage or by casting an IMDB Vote at-
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1195481/
Sincere thanks and God Bless all your dreams!
Gavin Heffernan
Dark Horse Launches The Spirit
Collectibles Program
One of the most anticipated new films of the year is Frank Miller’s movie adaptation of Will Eisner’s comic strip, The Spirit, opening Christmas Day. A classic action-adventure-romance, The Spirit tells the story of a former rookie cop who returns mysteriously from the dead to fight crime from the shadows of an urban jungle. Dark Horse Deluxe has channeled the noir mood and exotic images of this Lionsgate release and brought the world of Central City into being with a new range of officially licensed collectibles—including a sculpted bust and statue, a beautiful snow globe, and a unique LED illuminated journal. As the movie opens nationwide, fans will be anticipating the arrival of these fine collectibles with the same eagerness with which they rushed to theaters to see the film.
The Spirit is portrayed by Gabriel Macht, who brings a larger-than-life heroic quality to the role. His performance inspired the initial sculptures: a limited-edition bust, full-size, limited-edition statue, and elaborate sculptural high-end snow globe. He was very generous in his cooperation for these projects, and the results are apparent in the realism of the finished work.
In selecting the creative team for this assignment, Dark Horse enlisted two of the most noted digital sculptors around to create the 3D versions of the moody hero. Hot on the heels of their stunning statues of the characters from the recent Batman smash hit, Kolby Jukes and Oluf Hartvigson have created, respectively, Dark Horse’s statue and bust.
The bust, which is the latest example of what is now a well-established area of modern collecting, measures 4.30"W X 3.15"D X 6.00"H . Packaged in a protective foam cube in deluxe color packaging, this piece is a hand-numbered limited-edition of only 750 copies for worldwide distribution. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $59.99 and The Spirit Movie mini-bust is scheduled to release on January 28, 2008.
The Spirit Statue presents the masked avenger in full figure (1:7 Life Size). The dimensions measure 11.21"W X 7.34"D X 8.5"H. Peering over a rooftop of Central City, The Spirit is poised and ready to spring. Sculpted by Kolby Jukes, this piece is also a numbered limited-edition of only 750 copies for worldwide distribution, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.00. It will be released on Christmas Day.
The continual snowfall is a graphic theme in The Spirit, as it as often been in Frank Miller’s graphic stories, and creates a visual atmosphere that oozes drama. Therefore, it was not hard to imagine a beautiful snow globe that would capture and reproduce the effect. Central City, as depicted in the film, essentially becomes one of the main characters. The detail was focused on the buildings and fire escapes, and the movie’s tagline acts as a rooftop sign. A high-quality 120mm glass sphere encases a liquid sky that is spackled with a miniature flurry of white. Crafting the miniature environment was a technical challenge for Dark Horse and sculptors Jukes and Hartvigson, but the result is a unique collectible that is fascinating. Limited to only 500 pieces, packaged in a foam cube in color packaging, The Spirit Movie Snow Globe has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $99.99, and will be available in retail stores in late November.
Long known for it’s modern artist journal and stationery line, Dark Horse Deluxe has come up with a new journal for The Spirit. A moody silhouette of the hero stands against a snow-spackled night sky. This cover is enhanced with a dozen or so tiny lighting elements concealed inside the journal’s cover. When activated by a hidden on/off button, the colored jewels in the snowflakes swirling around The Spirit light up as if under a streetlight on an urban winter’s night. The journal itself is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", with 128 interior pages suitable as a compendium of the owner's secret thoughts . A logo-lettered book spine conceals spiral binding. The publication date for this item is December 6, 2008, just in time for the film release. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $14.99.
Collectibles Program
One of the most anticipated new films of the year is Frank Miller’s movie adaptation of Will Eisner’s comic strip, The Spirit, opening Christmas Day. A classic action-adventure-romance, The Spirit tells the story of a former rookie cop who returns mysteriously from the dead to fight crime from the shadows of an urban jungle. Dark Horse Deluxe has channeled the noir mood and exotic images of this Lionsgate release and brought the world of Central City into being with a new range of officially licensed collectibles—including a sculpted bust and statue, a beautiful snow globe, and a unique LED illuminated journal. As the movie opens nationwide, fans will be anticipating the arrival of these fine collectibles with the same eagerness with which they rushed to theaters to see the film.
The Spirit is portrayed by Gabriel Macht, who brings a larger-than-life heroic quality to the role. His performance inspired the initial sculptures: a limited-edition bust, full-size, limited-edition statue, and elaborate sculptural high-end snow globe. He was very generous in his cooperation for these projects, and the results are apparent in the realism of the finished work.
In selecting the creative team for this assignment, Dark Horse enlisted two of the most noted digital sculptors around to create the 3D versions of the moody hero. Hot on the heels of their stunning statues of the characters from the recent Batman smash hit, Kolby Jukes and Oluf Hartvigson have created, respectively, Dark Horse’s statue and bust.
The bust, which is the latest example of what is now a well-established area of modern collecting, measures 4.30"W X 3.15"D X 6.00"H . Packaged in a protective foam cube in deluxe color packaging, this piece is a hand-numbered limited-edition of only 750 copies for worldwide distribution. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $59.99 and The Spirit Movie mini-bust is scheduled to release on January 28, 2008.
The Spirit Statue presents the masked avenger in full figure (1:7 Life Size). The dimensions measure 11.21"W X 7.34"D X 8.5"H. Peering over a rooftop of Central City, The Spirit is poised and ready to spring. Sculpted by Kolby Jukes, this piece is also a numbered limited-edition of only 750 copies for worldwide distribution, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.00. It will be released on Christmas Day.
The continual snowfall is a graphic theme in The Spirit, as it as often been in Frank Miller’s graphic stories, and creates a visual atmosphere that oozes drama. Therefore, it was not hard to imagine a beautiful snow globe that would capture and reproduce the effect. Central City, as depicted in the film, essentially becomes one of the main characters. The detail was focused on the buildings and fire escapes, and the movie’s tagline acts as a rooftop sign. A high-quality 120mm glass sphere encases a liquid sky that is spackled with a miniature flurry of white. Crafting the miniature environment was a technical challenge for Dark Horse and sculptors Jukes and Hartvigson, but the result is a unique collectible that is fascinating. Limited to only 500 pieces, packaged in a foam cube in color packaging, The Spirit Movie Snow Globe has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $99.99, and will be available in retail stores in late November.
Long known for it’s modern artist journal and stationery line, Dark Horse Deluxe has come up with a new journal for The Spirit. A moody silhouette of the hero stands against a snow-spackled night sky. This cover is enhanced with a dozen or so tiny lighting elements concealed inside the journal’s cover. When activated by a hidden on/off button, the colored jewels in the snowflakes swirling around The Spirit light up as if under a streetlight on an urban winter’s night. The journal itself is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", with 128 interior pages suitable as a compendium of the owner's secret thoughts . A logo-lettered book spine conceals spiral binding. The publication date for this item is December 6, 2008, just in time for the film release. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $14.99.
UNIQUE BLUEWATER HORROR TITLE “BARTHOLOMEW OF THE SCISSORS” SELLS OUT
BELLINGHAM, WASH. (October 8, 2008) – Bluewater Productions announced this week their latest horror title; BARTHOLOMEW OF THE SCISSORS issue #1 has completely sold out.
This unique title has a cutting edge style of art - wood burning. Daniel Crosier produced the art and Chad Helder writes the series.
This classic horror tale is described as; Spectral Phantasms have invaded our world. These ghostly creatures from another dimension occupy the human brain and endow their host with spectacular paranormal abilities. Private investigator Gordon Watt, long aware of the spectral phantasms, investigates a bizarre series of scissor-murders. With the help of a powerful psychic named Jessica, Gordon soon discovers a connection between the phantasms and the mystery of a vengeful, undead boy named Bartholomew. But humanity faces a greater threat: the White Blob emerges from the abyss to colonize pockets of human society. Gordon and Jessica must enlist the help of Bartholomew and the hideous power of his Scissor Swarm or face assimilation by the growing colony of the White Blob.
There are currently no plans to go back for a second printing for BARTHOLOMEW OF THE SCISSORS #1. Fans are encouraged to visit their comic shop and pre-order their favorite BWP books before it’s too late! Bluewater is close to selling out of their “Vincent Price Presents” title. Jason Schultz BWP Vice-President says, “We did a huge overprint on Vincent Price and we are almost sold out of issue #1”.
“People are impressed with this title. I get more questions on how Daniel Crosier did the art on this title. I have seen the original art and yes they are done of panels on wood – it is inane but cool at the same time.” said BWP Managing Editor Darren G. Davis. “It just goes to show that you don’t have to be mainstream to reach the market. Readers just want great stories with great art, and if you can deliver that to them, they’ll come back for more every month.”
For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit them online at their all-new, recently redesigned Web site (http://www.bluewatercomics.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!
About Bluewater Productions:
Bluewater Productions, Inc. is one if the top independent production studios of comic, young adult books and graphic novel titles. In the tradition of great storytelling and cutting edge art, Bluewater storms onto the comic book and graphic novel scene. With more titles than ever, including smash hits such as the 10th MUSE, VSS, and THE LEGEND OF ISIS, Bluewater is poised to continue to produce engaging stories with art from both the top names in the industry alongside with up and coming stars.
As of May 2007, Bluewater Productions, Inc. moved from production studio to publisher, in conjunction with legendary filmmaker, Ray Harryhausen -- the genius behind some of the greatest movie magic of all-time while continuing to publish it's popular superhero line starring it's flagship character the 10th Muse. Bluewater has also just signed a publishing deal with William Shatner, Roger Corman and Lionsgate.
BELLINGHAM, WASH. (October 8, 2008) – Bluewater Productions announced this week their latest horror title; BARTHOLOMEW OF THE SCISSORS issue #1 has completely sold out.
This unique title has a cutting edge style of art - wood burning. Daniel Crosier produced the art and Chad Helder writes the series.
This classic horror tale is described as; Spectral Phantasms have invaded our world. These ghostly creatures from another dimension occupy the human brain and endow their host with spectacular paranormal abilities. Private investigator Gordon Watt, long aware of the spectral phantasms, investigates a bizarre series of scissor-murders. With the help of a powerful psychic named Jessica, Gordon soon discovers a connection between the phantasms and the mystery of a vengeful, undead boy named Bartholomew. But humanity faces a greater threat: the White Blob emerges from the abyss to colonize pockets of human society. Gordon and Jessica must enlist the help of Bartholomew and the hideous power of his Scissor Swarm or face assimilation by the growing colony of the White Blob.
There are currently no plans to go back for a second printing for BARTHOLOMEW OF THE SCISSORS #1. Fans are encouraged to visit their comic shop and pre-order their favorite BWP books before it’s too late! Bluewater is close to selling out of their “Vincent Price Presents” title. Jason Schultz BWP Vice-President says, “We did a huge overprint on Vincent Price and we are almost sold out of issue #1”.
“People are impressed with this title. I get more questions on how Daniel Crosier did the art on this title. I have seen the original art and yes they are done of panels on wood – it is inane but cool at the same time.” said BWP Managing Editor Darren G. Davis. “It just goes to show that you don’t have to be mainstream to reach the market. Readers just want great stories with great art, and if you can deliver that to them, they’ll come back for more every month.”
For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit them online at their all-new, recently redesigned Web site (http://www.bluewatercomics.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!
About Bluewater Productions:
Bluewater Productions, Inc. is one if the top independent production studios of comic, young adult books and graphic novel titles. In the tradition of great storytelling and cutting edge art, Bluewater storms onto the comic book and graphic novel scene. With more titles than ever, including smash hits such as the 10th MUSE, VSS, and THE LEGEND OF ISIS, Bluewater is poised to continue to produce engaging stories with art from both the top names in the industry alongside with up and coming stars.
As of May 2007, Bluewater Productions, Inc. moved from production studio to publisher, in conjunction with legendary filmmaker, Ray Harryhausen -- the genius behind some of the greatest movie magic of all-time while continuing to publish it's popular superhero line starring it's flagship character the 10th Muse. Bluewater has also just signed a publishing deal with William Shatner, Roger Corman and Lionsgate.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
ACCLAIMED GRAPHIC ALBUM “BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE” AND GRAPHIC NOVEL “SUPERMAN: RED SON” TO BE DEVELOPED INTO MOTION COMICS
Second Chapter of “Watchmen” Motion Comics Now Available on iTunes and other Digital Distributors
Burbank, Calif., October 8, 2008 – Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the renowned graphic album “Batman: Black & White” and graphic novel “Superman: Red Son” are being developed into short-form digital Motion Comics. In addition the first and highly anticipated second chapter of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics are now available for download via iTunes, Amazon Video on Demand, Xbox Live and the Sony PlayStation Store. Summary editions of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics are available to Verizon Wireless V Cast customers as well as Sprint TV customers via the DC Comics Channel.
Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics are a new way for comic fans to connect with their favorite characters and the stories they know and love through short-form digital content. The Motion Comics slate draws on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a new visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork.
“We’re delighted to bring these defining graphic novels to our Motion Comics slate,” said Diane Nelson, President, Warner Premiere. “We are working diligently, and in constant collaboration with our colleagues at DC Comics, to ensure the artwork and story of the original creators are as authentic as possible.”
Watchmen – Motion Comics
The second chapter of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics is now available via iTunes, Amazon Video on Demand, Xbox Live and the Sony PlayStation Store. This gripping chapter is set against The Comedian's funeral where Silk Spectre recalls her horrific assault at the hands of The Comedian and while Nite Owl and Doctor Manhattan recount their own experiences that reveal The Comedian to have been a larger-than-life enigma: a hero and a villain in one costume. Warner Bros. Digital Distribution will debut chapter three of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics the week of October 20 and future chapters every two weeks thereafter. Chapter one is also now available from the digital content providers listed above.
Summary editions of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics are available to Verizon Wireless V Cast customers as well as Sprint TV customers via the DC Comics Channel.
“Working with Warner Premiere on the creation of the Watchmen Motion Comics has been great,” said Dave Gibbons, the original illustrator of the critically-acclaimed series. “The level of care and detail the team is putting into the animation is amazing. I think fans will be very pleased.”
“Watchmen” takes viewers through the critically acclaimed DC Comics and Hugo award-winning graphic novel by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Set in 1985 at the height of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union, costumed avengers have been banned with the exception of two – The Comedian and Rorschach. During this time the mysterious murder of a United States government official named Edward Blake occurs in New York, possibly by Soviet Communists. It is later confirmed that Blake is actually a costumed avenger – The Comedian.
The news of the murder is discovered by his fellow costumed avenger, Rorschach who sets out to discover the murderer. During his search viewers discover whether Rorschach is really insane or if he’s uncovered a plot to murder super-heroes and, even worse, millions of innocent civilians. On the run from the law, Rorschach reunites with his former teammates in a desperate attempt to save the world and their lives. But what they uncover will shock them to their very core and change the face of the planet. Following two generations of masked superheroes from the close of World War II to the icy shadow of the Cold War comes this groundbreaking comic story — the story of the Watchmen.
Batman: Black & White
A new addition to the Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate, “Batman: Black & White” is taken from three award-winning volumes of short stories starring the Caped Crusader. The Motion Comics will reflect the original and diverse visions of various artists and writers as they tell stories in the now-infamous world of Gotham City.
The “Batman: Black & White” stories are told from the perspective of Batman and range in theme from the unsettling drama of solving a brutal murder to the light comedy of fighting bad guys with a broken nose. These short episodes also touch on elements of romance, mystery and even the supernatural. And like any exciting Batman story, classic villains such as The Joker, Harley Quinn and Two-Face make heralded appearances. It’s Batman as seen through the prism of some of today’s most eloquent graphic artists and writers.
Superman: Red Son
Warner Premiere Motion Comics is proud to bring “Superman: Red Son” to its Motion Comics slate. Based on the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel written by Mark Milar and drawn by Dave Johnson, “Superman: Red Son” will take viewers back in time to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union where Superman is fighting for the Communists. Raised in Russia, Superman grows to become the Soviet Union's greatest weapon as the world is transformed into a communist state opposed only by a crumbling capitalistic America and its President Lex Luthor. Now as Superman stands on the brink of ultimate power, three heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, each make a valiant stand to destroy the reign of the Man of Steel.
Release dates for “Batman: Black and White” and “Superman: Red Son” will be announced in the coming months, as well as the next assortment of titles coming to the Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate. ###
About Warner Premiere
Warner Premiere is a Warner Bros. Entertainment production company focused on the development, production and marketing of feature-length-DVD and short-form digital content for this growing space. Warner Premiere is committed to being at the creative forefront in the evolution of quality product in the direct-to-consumer business, creating material that exemplifies the commitment to story, production and brand equity for which Warner Bros. is known.
About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) was founded in October 2005 to manage Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group’s electronic distribution streams over existing, new and emerging digital platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, wireless and more. WBDD also oversees the WBHEG’s worldwide digital strategy, partnerships in digital services and emerging new clients and business activities in the digital space.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, which has been in continuous publication for more than 70 years, is the world’s largest English-language publisher of comics and the home of some of the world’s most recognized icons, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Sandman. DC Comics has a long history of innovative publishing and is a unique asset in the media world for both Warner Bros. Entertainment and parent company Time Warner. DC characters permeate pop culture around the world through comic books, graphic novels, blockbuster feature films, live-action and animated television series, direct-to-video releases, online entertainment and consumer product licensing and marketing agreements.
DC SUPER HEROES, WATCHMEN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
(s08)
Second Chapter of “Watchmen” Motion Comics Now Available on iTunes and other Digital Distributors
Burbank, Calif., October 8, 2008 – Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the renowned graphic album “Batman: Black & White” and graphic novel “Superman: Red Son” are being developed into short-form digital Motion Comics. In addition the first and highly anticipated second chapter of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics are now available for download via iTunes, Amazon Video on Demand, Xbox Live and the Sony PlayStation Store. Summary editions of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics are available to Verizon Wireless V Cast customers as well as Sprint TV customers via the DC Comics Channel.
Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics are a new way for comic fans to connect with their favorite characters and the stories they know and love through short-form digital content. The Motion Comics slate draws on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a new visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork.
“We’re delighted to bring these defining graphic novels to our Motion Comics slate,” said Diane Nelson, President, Warner Premiere. “We are working diligently, and in constant collaboration with our colleagues at DC Comics, to ensure the artwork and story of the original creators are as authentic as possible.”
Watchmen – Motion Comics
The second chapter of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics is now available via iTunes, Amazon Video on Demand, Xbox Live and the Sony PlayStation Store. This gripping chapter is set against The Comedian's funeral where Silk Spectre recalls her horrific assault at the hands of The Comedian and while Nite Owl and Doctor Manhattan recount their own experiences that reveal The Comedian to have been a larger-than-life enigma: a hero and a villain in one costume. Warner Bros. Digital Distribution will debut chapter three of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics the week of October 20 and future chapters every two weeks thereafter. Chapter one is also now available from the digital content providers listed above.
Summary editions of the “Watchmen” Motion Comics are available to Verizon Wireless V Cast customers as well as Sprint TV customers via the DC Comics Channel.
“Working with Warner Premiere on the creation of the Watchmen Motion Comics has been great,” said Dave Gibbons, the original illustrator of the critically-acclaimed series. “The level of care and detail the team is putting into the animation is amazing. I think fans will be very pleased.”
“Watchmen” takes viewers through the critically acclaimed DC Comics and Hugo award-winning graphic novel by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Set in 1985 at the height of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union, costumed avengers have been banned with the exception of two – The Comedian and Rorschach. During this time the mysterious murder of a United States government official named Edward Blake occurs in New York, possibly by Soviet Communists. It is later confirmed that Blake is actually a costumed avenger – The Comedian.
The news of the murder is discovered by his fellow costumed avenger, Rorschach who sets out to discover the murderer. During his search viewers discover whether Rorschach is really insane or if he’s uncovered a plot to murder super-heroes and, even worse, millions of innocent civilians. On the run from the law, Rorschach reunites with his former teammates in a desperate attempt to save the world and their lives. But what they uncover will shock them to their very core and change the face of the planet. Following two generations of masked superheroes from the close of World War II to the icy shadow of the Cold War comes this groundbreaking comic story — the story of the Watchmen.
Batman: Black & White
A new addition to the Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate, “Batman: Black & White” is taken from three award-winning volumes of short stories starring the Caped Crusader. The Motion Comics will reflect the original and diverse visions of various artists and writers as they tell stories in the now-infamous world of Gotham City.
The “Batman: Black & White” stories are told from the perspective of Batman and range in theme from the unsettling drama of solving a brutal murder to the light comedy of fighting bad guys with a broken nose. These short episodes also touch on elements of romance, mystery and even the supernatural. And like any exciting Batman story, classic villains such as The Joker, Harley Quinn and Two-Face make heralded appearances. It’s Batman as seen through the prism of some of today’s most eloquent graphic artists and writers.
Superman: Red Son
Warner Premiere Motion Comics is proud to bring “Superman: Red Son” to its Motion Comics slate. Based on the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel written by Mark Milar and drawn by Dave Johnson, “Superman: Red Son” will take viewers back in time to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union where Superman is fighting for the Communists. Raised in Russia, Superman grows to become the Soviet Union's greatest weapon as the world is transformed into a communist state opposed only by a crumbling capitalistic America and its President Lex Luthor. Now as Superman stands on the brink of ultimate power, three heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, each make a valiant stand to destroy the reign of the Man of Steel.
Release dates for “Batman: Black and White” and “Superman: Red Son” will be announced in the coming months, as well as the next assortment of titles coming to the Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate. ###
About Warner Premiere
Warner Premiere is a Warner Bros. Entertainment production company focused on the development, production and marketing of feature-length-DVD and short-form digital content for this growing space. Warner Premiere is committed to being at the creative forefront in the evolution of quality product in the direct-to-consumer business, creating material that exemplifies the commitment to story, production and brand equity for which Warner Bros. is known.
About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) was founded in October 2005 to manage Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group’s electronic distribution streams over existing, new and emerging digital platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, wireless and more. WBDD also oversees the WBHEG’s worldwide digital strategy, partnerships in digital services and emerging new clients and business activities in the digital space.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, which has been in continuous publication for more than 70 years, is the world’s largest English-language publisher of comics and the home of some of the world’s most recognized icons, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Sandman. DC Comics has a long history of innovative publishing and is a unique asset in the media world for both Warner Bros. Entertainment and parent company Time Warner. DC characters permeate pop culture around the world through comic books, graphic novels, blockbuster feature films, live-action and animated television series, direct-to-video releases, online entertainment and consumer product licensing and marketing agreements.
DC SUPER HEROES, WATCHMEN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
(s08)
IDW presents Kevin Colden’s award-winning true-life crime tale,
Fishtown, in deluxe hardcover format
“A fresh version of an old true crime pulp novel.”
-Philadelphia Weekly
“Stark and chilling”
-Comicon.com
(San Diego, October 8, 2008) In 2003, the city of Philadelphia was shocked by an act of violence so brutal it almost defies description. The ensuing trial and intense media scrutiny unearthed the story of the murder of 16-year-old boy who was led into an empty lot in the city’s Fishtown section by his girlfriend and beaten to death by three boys he knew—one of them his best friend.
In IDW Publishing’s upcoming, fact-based, fictional hardcover graphic novel Fishtown, author and Philadelphia native Kevin Colden examines the motives of the murderers through loosely-based characters, imagined conversations and confessions directly aimed at the reader.
Inspired in 2005 by newspaper articles, television coverage, and snippets of trial testimony, Colden originally intended to create a more fact-based account of the story, but hit a roadblock due to inaccessible trial transcripts and ongoing litigation. Says the author, “At that point, I began to think about the reaction the public was having to the story and wrote the events how I imagined they occurred. When I finished the script I realized I had hit on a deeper emotional truth than the facts alone could have shown.”
In March 2007, the first chapter of Fishtown was awarded a self-publishing grant from the Xeric Foundation which Colden declined in order to publish the piece as a weekly webcomic at www.ACT-I-VATE.com, a web-based collective of established and up-and-coming cartoonists. “I mistakenly put Fishtown online before hearing from the Xeric committee. It turned out there was a conflict with their policy regarding simultaneous web and print release, so I chose to decline the grant money and take my chances with the limitless potential of the web.” The Xeric Foundation remained supportive of Fishtown, and in 2008, partly as a result of Colden’s decision, reversed their policy and now support concurrent web serialization for grant recipients.
Fishtown presents a chilling portrait of teenage angst gone horribly wrong by threading fact with fiction, reality with fantasy, and weaving a tapestry of connected vignettes that add up to a devastating treatise on the human condition. In its yearlong run at ACT-I-VATE, it garnered near universal praise for its confrontational and unflinching dramatization of the events leading seemingly average kids to turn into vicious killers.
Fishtown, a 120-page hardcover-with-dustjacket (ISBN 1-60010-273-8, Diamond order code SEP08 4143) will be in stores on November 12.
About IDW:
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, Calif. 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.
About Kevin Colden:
Kevin Colden is the author and artist of numerous graphic short stories and novellas including Strangle/Switch at ZudaComics.com, Todt Hill at The Chemistry Set (with writer Neil Kleid), and RED (with writer Elizabeth Genco). His work has appeared in anthologies from Alternative Comics, Desperado Publishing, and SMITH Magazine, and is on display in the permanent collection at MoCCA. He lives in New York City.
Fishtown, in deluxe hardcover format
“A fresh version of an old true crime pulp novel.”
-Philadelphia Weekly
“Stark and chilling”
-Comicon.com
(San Diego, October 8, 2008) In 2003, the city of Philadelphia was shocked by an act of violence so brutal it almost defies description. The ensuing trial and intense media scrutiny unearthed the story of the murder of 16-year-old boy who was led into an empty lot in the city’s Fishtown section by his girlfriend and beaten to death by three boys he knew—one of them his best friend.
In IDW Publishing’s upcoming, fact-based, fictional hardcover graphic novel Fishtown, author and Philadelphia native Kevin Colden examines the motives of the murderers through loosely-based characters, imagined conversations and confessions directly aimed at the reader.
Inspired in 2005 by newspaper articles, television coverage, and snippets of trial testimony, Colden originally intended to create a more fact-based account of the story, but hit a roadblock due to inaccessible trial transcripts and ongoing litigation. Says the author, “At that point, I began to think about the reaction the public was having to the story and wrote the events how I imagined they occurred. When I finished the script I realized I had hit on a deeper emotional truth than the facts alone could have shown.”
In March 2007, the first chapter of Fishtown was awarded a self-publishing grant from the Xeric Foundation which Colden declined in order to publish the piece as a weekly webcomic at www.ACT-I-VATE.com, a web-based collective of established and up-and-coming cartoonists. “I mistakenly put Fishtown online before hearing from the Xeric committee. It turned out there was a conflict with their policy regarding simultaneous web and print release, so I chose to decline the grant money and take my chances with the limitless potential of the web.” The Xeric Foundation remained supportive of Fishtown, and in 2008, partly as a result of Colden’s decision, reversed their policy and now support concurrent web serialization for grant recipients.
Fishtown presents a chilling portrait of teenage angst gone horribly wrong by threading fact with fiction, reality with fantasy, and weaving a tapestry of connected vignettes that add up to a devastating treatise on the human condition. In its yearlong run at ACT-I-VATE, it garnered near universal praise for its confrontational and unflinching dramatization of the events leading seemingly average kids to turn into vicious killers.
Fishtown, a 120-page hardcover-with-dustjacket (ISBN 1-60010-273-8, Diamond order code SEP08 4143) will be in stores on November 12.
About IDW:
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, Calif. 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.
About Kevin Colden:
Kevin Colden is the author and artist of numerous graphic short stories and novellas including Strangle/Switch at ZudaComics.com, Todt Hill at The Chemistry Set (with writer Neil Kleid), and RED (with writer Elizabeth Genco). His work has appeared in anthologies from Alternative Comics, Desperado Publishing, and SMITH Magazine, and is on display in the permanent collection at MoCCA. He lives in New York City.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
WHAT: Authors of Presidential Material, the eagerly anticipated biographies of Barak Obama/John McCain in comic book form, to sign copies at bookstores in New York City on Wednesday, October 8th, Los Angeles on October 9th, and Orange County October 10.
WHO: Jeff Mariotte (author: Presidential Material: Barak Obama) and Andy Helfer (author: Presidential Material: John McCain)
Obama author Jeff Mariotte is an award-winning, bestselling writer of more than 30 novels, including original supernatural thrillers River Runs Red and Missing White Girl, horror epic The Slab, and Stoker Award nominated teen horror series Witch Season, as well as books set in the universes of CSI: Miami, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Supernatural, Spider-Man, Superman, and Star Trek.
Andy Helfer, author of the John McCain bio, has been one of comics’ most innovative forces since 1980. During his tenure in charge of Paradox Press, an experimental imprint of DC Comics, he published the original graphic novels Road to Perdition and A History of Violence, both of which became major feature films. He is also the author of well-received and critically lauded graphic novel biographies of Ronald Reagan and Malcolm X.
WHERE/WHEN: 2-4pm, Wednesday, October 8
Forbidden Planet, 840 Broadway
NY, NY 10003
5-7pm, Wednesday, October 8
Jim Hanley’s Universe
4 W. 33rd Street
NY, NY 10001
6 pm – 9 pm, Thursday, Oct 9
Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
4 pm – 7 pm, Oct 10, Comics Unlimited,
16344 Beach Blvd, Westminster CA 92683
WHAT: IDW Publishing’s comic book biographies of John McCain and Barack Obama will hit bookstores October 8 and will also be available on mobile phones. The larger-than-life personal stories and come-from-behind political victories of Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain have electrified the political discourse in this country and around the world. PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: BARACK OBAMA (Author: Jeff Mariotte/Artist: Tom Morgan) and PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: JOHN MCCAIN (Author: Andy Helfer/Artist: Stephen Thompson) presented in one of the true American art forms, the comic book.
Already a collector’s item, the books can also be pre-ordered at www.presidentialcomics.com. Fans can also purchase the comic books for their mobile devices for the UCLICK mobile comic book reader available on phones through top U.S. carriers, the mobile Internet at http://m.gocomics.com, and on the iPhone App Store.
WHO: Jeff Mariotte (author: Presidential Material: Barak Obama) and Andy Helfer (author: Presidential Material: John McCain)
Obama author Jeff Mariotte is an award-winning, bestselling writer of more than 30 novels, including original supernatural thrillers River Runs Red and Missing White Girl, horror epic The Slab, and Stoker Award nominated teen horror series Witch Season, as well as books set in the universes of CSI: Miami, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Supernatural, Spider-Man, Superman, and Star Trek.
Andy Helfer, author of the John McCain bio, has been one of comics’ most innovative forces since 1980. During his tenure in charge of Paradox Press, an experimental imprint of DC Comics, he published the original graphic novels Road to Perdition and A History of Violence, both of which became major feature films. He is also the author of well-received and critically lauded graphic novel biographies of Ronald Reagan and Malcolm X.
WHERE/WHEN: 2-4pm, Wednesday, October 8
Forbidden Planet, 840 Broadway
NY, NY 10003
5-7pm, Wednesday, October 8
Jim Hanley’s Universe
4 W. 33rd Street
NY, NY 10001
6 pm – 9 pm, Thursday, Oct 9
Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
4 pm – 7 pm, Oct 10, Comics Unlimited,
16344 Beach Blvd, Westminster CA 92683
WHAT: IDW Publishing’s comic book biographies of John McCain and Barack Obama will hit bookstores October 8 and will also be available on mobile phones. The larger-than-life personal stories and come-from-behind political victories of Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain have electrified the political discourse in this country and around the world. PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: BARACK OBAMA (Author: Jeff Mariotte/Artist: Tom Morgan) and PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL: JOHN MCCAIN (Author: Andy Helfer/Artist: Stephen Thompson) presented in one of the true American art forms, the comic book.
Already a collector’s item, the books can also be pre-ordered at www.presidentialcomics.com. Fans can also purchase the comic books for their mobile devices for the UCLICK mobile comic book reader available on phones through top U.S. carriers, the mobile Internet at http://m.gocomics.com, and on the iPhone App Store.
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS puts a new shine on a very recognizable part of Star Wars lore as the Y-wing bombers make their debut in “Shadow of Malevolence,” an all-new episode of the hit animated series premiering at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, on Cartoon Network.
In the second of a three-episode arc, “Destroy Malevolence” finds Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Master Plo Koon utilizing long-range Y-wing bombers to lead a bold strike on General Grievous’ warship, the Malevolence, and its destructive ion cannon.
The Y-wing bombers were first seen among the Rebel Alliance’s primary starfighters in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. “Shadow of Malevolence” director Brian Kalin O’Connell, writer Steve Melching and supervising director Dave Filoni were inspired by the concept of showing the Y-wings “fresh off the showroom floor.”
“We like to find ways to draw connections between The Clone Wars and the original trilogy,” Melching says. “In the original Star Wars, the X-wings and the Y-wings have truly been through the wars, and they’ve had the crap beaten out of them. We thought it would be fun to imagine that they were originally manufactured during the Clone Wars – so for us, they came off the assembly line and into battle.”
O’Connell says the artists behind The Clone Wars were excited about “introducing” the Y-wings – and putting the series’ lead characters into a full-fledged space battle for the first time.
“Guys like (design/concept artists) Russell Chong and Killian Plunkett, along with Dave (Filoni) come from a classic Star Wars background, so they understand that Ralph McQuarrie feel of the 1970s, and they do it right,” O’Connell says. “We don’t want to change the lore, we want to add to it. By introducing the Y-wings, we get to add a new dimension, a little history.” Some people, he realizes, might think that it’s “just a vehicle.” Nevertheless, O’Connell says, “We know it’s a huge deal for the fans. We don’t let it distract from the story, but we still get to add the geek shot – and when we do, we try to do it justice.”
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS airs at 9 p.m. Fridays on Cartoon Network. George Lucas is the series’ creator and serves as executive producer, and Catherine Winder is producer.
Anakin Skywalker leads a small band of Y-wing bombers through a dangerous nebula in “Shadow of Malevolence,” an all-new episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, airing at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, on Cartoon Network.
Trademark information for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS images:
TM & © 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
In the second of a three-episode arc, “Destroy Malevolence” finds Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Master Plo Koon utilizing long-range Y-wing bombers to lead a bold strike on General Grievous’ warship, the Malevolence, and its destructive ion cannon.
The Y-wing bombers were first seen among the Rebel Alliance’s primary starfighters in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. “Shadow of Malevolence” director Brian Kalin O’Connell, writer Steve Melching and supervising director Dave Filoni were inspired by the concept of showing the Y-wings “fresh off the showroom floor.”
“We like to find ways to draw connections between The Clone Wars and the original trilogy,” Melching says. “In the original Star Wars, the X-wings and the Y-wings have truly been through the wars, and they’ve had the crap beaten out of them. We thought it would be fun to imagine that they were originally manufactured during the Clone Wars – so for us, they came off the assembly line and into battle.”
O’Connell says the artists behind The Clone Wars were excited about “introducing” the Y-wings – and putting the series’ lead characters into a full-fledged space battle for the first time.
“Guys like (design/concept artists) Russell Chong and Killian Plunkett, along with Dave (Filoni) come from a classic Star Wars background, so they understand that Ralph McQuarrie feel of the 1970s, and they do it right,” O’Connell says. “We don’t want to change the lore, we want to add to it. By introducing the Y-wings, we get to add a new dimension, a little history.” Some people, he realizes, might think that it’s “just a vehicle.” Nevertheless, O’Connell says, “We know it’s a huge deal for the fans. We don’t let it distract from the story, but we still get to add the geek shot – and when we do, we try to do it justice.”
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS airs at 9 p.m. Fridays on Cartoon Network. George Lucas is the series’ creator and serves as executive producer, and Catherine Winder is producer.
Anakin Skywalker leads a small band of Y-wing bombers through a dangerous nebula in “Shadow of Malevolence,” an all-new episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, airing at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, on Cartoon Network.
Trademark information for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS images:
TM & © 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Anime After Dark Film Festival expands to Monterey California.
Monterey , CA – October 6th, 2008
The Anime After Dark film festival, launching October 18th in Boston, has officially opened ticket sales for their next tour date. The festival will be continuing Thanksgiving weekend at Monterey, California’s Golden State Theatre.
This second date will run as a three night event November 28th – 30th and will feature the addition of the Miyzaki classic, Princess Mononoke.
The event will be hosted by Dekker Dreyer and Jessie Pridemore with voice actors Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Pratt.
The addition of this festival date continues Anime After Dark’s mission to bring great anime features to world-class theatrical venues.
Buy tickets for the Monterey Anime After Dark film festival online at http://www.goldenstatetheatre.com/anime
Tickets for Boston Anime After Dark are still available online at http://www.animeafterdark.net, and offline at The Somerville Theatre and TokyoKid (Harvard Square)
For more information contact
The Golden State Theatre
417 Alvarado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 372-3800
Monterey , CA – October 6th, 2008
The Anime After Dark film festival, launching October 18th in Boston, has officially opened ticket sales for their next tour date. The festival will be continuing Thanksgiving weekend at Monterey, California’s Golden State Theatre.
This second date will run as a three night event November 28th – 30th and will feature the addition of the Miyzaki classic, Princess Mononoke.
The event will be hosted by Dekker Dreyer and Jessie Pridemore with voice actors Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Pratt.
The addition of this festival date continues Anime After Dark’s mission to bring great anime features to world-class theatrical venues.
Buy tickets for the Monterey Anime After Dark film festival online at http://www.goldenstatetheatre.com/anime
Tickets for Boston Anime After Dark are still available online at http://www.animeafterdark.net, and offline at The Somerville Theatre and TokyoKid (Harvard Square)
For more information contact
The Golden State Theatre
417 Alvarado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 372-3800
Monday, October 06, 2008
At ComicCon, Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution announced a new way for comic book fans to connect with their favorite characters and stories they know and love through short form digital content called Motion Comics. These draw on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a new visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork.
The first Motion Comic to debut was Watchmen which was taken from the critically-acclaimed Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore graphic novel.
Today, Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution announced the second chapter in the Motion Comics series debuted on iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand. The second chapter is set against The Comedian's funeral where Silk Spectre recalls her horrific assault at the hands of The Comedian and while Nite Owl and Doctor Manhattan recount their own experiences that reveal The Comedian to have been a larger-than-life enigma: a hero and a villain in one costume.
The second chapter of the Watchmen Motion Comic is also going to be available on Xbox Live and the Sony PlayStation Store over the next several days. In addition customers of Verizon Wireless who have V Cast and Sprint customers with Sprint TV access can view abbreviated versions of the Motion Comics on their respective services.
Every two weeks a new chapter will debut on these providers. Chapter 3 will debut the week of October 20.
Additional Information:
Watchmen – Motion Comics
“Watchmen” Motion Comics takes viewers through the critically acclaimed DC Comics and Hugo award-winning graphic novel by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Set in 1985 at the height of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union, costumed avengers have been banned with the exception of two – The Comedian and Rorschach. During this time the mysterious murder of a United States government official named Edward Blake occurs in New York, possibly by Soviet Communists. It is later confirmed that Blake is actually a costumed avenger – The Comedian.
The news of the murder is discovered by his fellow costumed avenger, Rorschach who sets out to discover the murderer. During his search viewers discover whether Rorschach is really insane or if he’s uncovered a plot to murder super-heroes and, even worse, millions of innocent civilians. On the run from the law, Rorschach reunites with his former teammates in a desperate attempt to save the world and their lives. But what they uncover will shock them to their very core and change the face of the planet. Following two generations of masked superheroes from the close of World War II to the icy shadow of the Cold War comes this groundbreaking comic story — the story of the Watchmen.
The first Motion Comic to debut was Watchmen which was taken from the critically-acclaimed Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore graphic novel.
Today, Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution announced the second chapter in the Motion Comics series debuted on iTunes and Amazon Video on Demand. The second chapter is set against The Comedian's funeral where Silk Spectre recalls her horrific assault at the hands of The Comedian and while Nite Owl and Doctor Manhattan recount their own experiences that reveal The Comedian to have been a larger-than-life enigma: a hero and a villain in one costume.
The second chapter of the Watchmen Motion Comic is also going to be available on Xbox Live and the Sony PlayStation Store over the next several days. In addition customers of Verizon Wireless who have V Cast and Sprint customers with Sprint TV access can view abbreviated versions of the Motion Comics on their respective services.
Every two weeks a new chapter will debut on these providers. Chapter 3 will debut the week of October 20.
Additional Information:
Watchmen – Motion Comics
“Watchmen” Motion Comics takes viewers through the critically acclaimed DC Comics and Hugo award-winning graphic novel by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. Set in 1985 at the height of the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union, costumed avengers have been banned with the exception of two – The Comedian and Rorschach. During this time the mysterious murder of a United States government official named Edward Blake occurs in New York, possibly by Soviet Communists. It is later confirmed that Blake is actually a costumed avenger – The Comedian.
The news of the murder is discovered by his fellow costumed avenger, Rorschach who sets out to discover the murderer. During his search viewers discover whether Rorschach is really insane or if he’s uncovered a plot to murder super-heroes and, even worse, millions of innocent civilians. On the run from the law, Rorschach reunites with his former teammates in a desperate attempt to save the world and their lives. But what they uncover will shock them to their very core and change the face of the planet. Following two generations of masked superheroes from the close of World War II to the icy shadow of the Cold War comes this groundbreaking comic story — the story of the Watchmen.
IDW RELEASES A GRITTY TRIBUTE TO RETRO B-MOVIES—
STEPHEN ROMANO’S SHOCK FESTIVAL
(San Diego, October 6, 2008) IDW Publishing presents an illustrated history of the strangest, most outrageous B-movies you've never seen! An elaborate work of illustrated fiction, Shock Festival – which hits stores October 25 - is a raunchy, hilarious tall tale of imaginary exploitation films, lavishly brought to life with hundreds of never-before-seen original movie posters and memorabilia items.
It's the retro-dazzle of Grindhouse meets the authentic "mockumentary" appeal of Spinal Tap!
Acclaimed screenwriter/author Stephen Romano (The Riot Act, Masters of Horror) joins forces with legendary comic artist/film designer Tim Bradstreet (Hellblazer) and film actor/director Thomas Jane (The Mist, The Punisher) to take you behind the scenes of 101 of the strangest, lowest-common-denominator, most outrageous B movies you’ve never seen.
Shock Festival depicts an alternate universe of B-movie actors, producers, and directors, all struggling for the brass ring as they churn out the most shocking exploitation films ever made, packed with sex, gore, cheap monsters, and psycho killers!
Two years in the making, Shock Festival is illustrated with over 600 movie posters, photos, lobby cards and more - all created by Romano, Bradstreet and a talented team of award-winning artists, including Emmy-nominated animation director David Hartman (Starship Troopers: Roughnecks, Spiderman) and Michael Broom (The Mist, Alien vs. Predator: Requiem).
“Shock Festival is a blend of the most bizarre, obscure, monster movies, blaxploitation films, slasher flicks, and perverted sci-fi celluloid masterpieces no one has ever seen,” says co-publisher/artist Tim Bradstreet. “From the super sexy Starfire Beyond the Galaxy, to the nauseating Universe of Bloody Zombies, Shock Festival makes you grin with delight at the idea of a parallel universe of trashy films that should have existed.”
According to creator Stephen Romano, “We wanted to do a book that was a complete fabrication, but remain completely true to the spirit of these films we love. Basically what you are looking at is a sort of ‘historical novel’ that uses the period and the art styles of movie posters of the ‘70s and ‘80s to tell a compelling story. It’s an epic tale disguised as a garish, over-the-top work of ‘psychotronic’ film journalism,” he explains.
Romano combined his own experience of working in Hollywood with a longstanding passion for the world of B-movies to create the story. “There’s a rogues’ gallery of whacky characters populating this story, which begins in 1970 and ends in 1987,” Romano explains. “I'm also a character in the book—a nerdy journalist who tracks down his heroes and eventually gets to make his own movie at the end.”
The book will be released on October 25 in a deluxe, oversized 9” x 12” hardcover edition. Recommended for mature readers only.
HC • FC • 356 pages • 9" x 12" • $39.99 • ISBN: 978-1-60010-322-3
Shock Festival is co-branded by IDW Publishing and Raw Entertainment.
Raw Entertainment is the brainchild of artist Tim Bradstreet, who serves as art director/designer and illustrator on the project, and Hollywood actor/director Thomas Jane, who appears in the book as the wild and crazy B-movie tough guy Elliot Swann.
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.
PRAISE FOR STEPHEN ROMANO AND SHOCK FESTIVAL:
“SHOCK FESTIVAL is one of the greatest homages to B-cinema ever undertaken!”
--FANGORIA
“SHOCK FESTIVAL is stunning! A milestone achievement!”
--DREAD CENTRAL
“(STEPHEN ROMANO) brings a fresh, unique voice that is firmly grounded in the genre’s history, yet daring and different than anything that’s come before.”
--BRIAN KEENE
New York Times Best-Selling Author of GHOUL and CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD
“’Stephen Romano writes likes on fire, and not just with some fancy notion like ‘the muse” or “the lord.” No, he writes like someone just SET HIM ON FIRE!”
--JOHN SKIPP
New York Times Best-selling author of THE SCREAM and THE LONG LAST CALL
“His voice is polished, clean, powerful . . . this is a guy with a vision, a dark and mesmerizing worldview . . . brutal, full on street cred, sharp, insightful, human, authentic, but smooth and altogether pure.”
--TOM PICCIRILLI
Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of HELLBOY: EMERALD HELL
“God bless you, Stephen Romano. For you have recognized what we all should know: the whole of the human race has sinned.”
--JOE R. LANSDALE
New York Times Best-Selling Author of THE TWO BEAR MAMBO
STEPHEN ROMANO’S SHOCK FESTIVAL
(San Diego, October 6, 2008) IDW Publishing presents an illustrated history of the strangest, most outrageous B-movies you've never seen! An elaborate work of illustrated fiction, Shock Festival – which hits stores October 25 - is a raunchy, hilarious tall tale of imaginary exploitation films, lavishly brought to life with hundreds of never-before-seen original movie posters and memorabilia items.
It's the retro-dazzle of Grindhouse meets the authentic "mockumentary" appeal of Spinal Tap!
Acclaimed screenwriter/author Stephen Romano (The Riot Act, Masters of Horror) joins forces with legendary comic artist/film designer Tim Bradstreet (Hellblazer) and film actor/director Thomas Jane (The Mist, The Punisher) to take you behind the scenes of 101 of the strangest, lowest-common-denominator, most outrageous B movies you’ve never seen.
Shock Festival depicts an alternate universe of B-movie actors, producers, and directors, all struggling for the brass ring as they churn out the most shocking exploitation films ever made, packed with sex, gore, cheap monsters, and psycho killers!
Two years in the making, Shock Festival is illustrated with over 600 movie posters, photos, lobby cards and more - all created by Romano, Bradstreet and a talented team of award-winning artists, including Emmy-nominated animation director David Hartman (Starship Troopers: Roughnecks, Spiderman) and Michael Broom (The Mist, Alien vs. Predator: Requiem).
“Shock Festival is a blend of the most bizarre, obscure, monster movies, blaxploitation films, slasher flicks, and perverted sci-fi celluloid masterpieces no one has ever seen,” says co-publisher/artist Tim Bradstreet. “From the super sexy Starfire Beyond the Galaxy, to the nauseating Universe of Bloody Zombies, Shock Festival makes you grin with delight at the idea of a parallel universe of trashy films that should have existed.”
According to creator Stephen Romano, “We wanted to do a book that was a complete fabrication, but remain completely true to the spirit of these films we love. Basically what you are looking at is a sort of ‘historical novel’ that uses the period and the art styles of movie posters of the ‘70s and ‘80s to tell a compelling story. It’s an epic tale disguised as a garish, over-the-top work of ‘psychotronic’ film journalism,” he explains.
Romano combined his own experience of working in Hollywood with a longstanding passion for the world of B-movies to create the story. “There’s a rogues’ gallery of whacky characters populating this story, which begins in 1970 and ends in 1987,” Romano explains. “I'm also a character in the book—a nerdy journalist who tracks down his heroes and eventually gets to make his own movie at the end.”
The book will be released on October 25 in a deluxe, oversized 9” x 12” hardcover edition. Recommended for mature readers only.
HC • FC • 356 pages • 9" x 12" • $39.99 • ISBN: 978-1-60010-322-3
Shock Festival is co-branded by IDW Publishing and Raw Entertainment.
Raw Entertainment is the brainchild of artist Tim Bradstreet, who serves as art director/designer and illustrator on the project, and Hollywood actor/director Thomas Jane, who appears in the book as the wild and crazy B-movie tough guy Elliot Swann.
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.
PRAISE FOR STEPHEN ROMANO AND SHOCK FESTIVAL:
“SHOCK FESTIVAL is one of the greatest homages to B-cinema ever undertaken!”
--FANGORIA
“SHOCK FESTIVAL is stunning! A milestone achievement!”
--DREAD CENTRAL
“(STEPHEN ROMANO) brings a fresh, unique voice that is firmly grounded in the genre’s history, yet daring and different than anything that’s come before.”
--BRIAN KEENE
New York Times Best-Selling Author of GHOUL and CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD
“’Stephen Romano writes likes on fire, and not just with some fancy notion like ‘the muse” or “the lord.” No, he writes like someone just SET HIM ON FIRE!”
--JOHN SKIPP
New York Times Best-selling author of THE SCREAM and THE LONG LAST CALL
“His voice is polished, clean, powerful . . . this is a guy with a vision, a dark and mesmerizing worldview . . . brutal, full on street cred, sharp, insightful, human, authentic, but smooth and altogether pure.”
--TOM PICCIRILLI
Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of HELLBOY: EMERALD HELL
“God bless you, Stephen Romano. For you have recognized what we all should know: the whole of the human race has sinned.”
--JOE R. LANSDALE
New York Times Best-Selling Author of THE TWO BEAR MAMBO
Comics on Comics (http://www.comicsoncomics.com/ ) returns to The Comic Bug (http://www.thecomicbug.com/ ) this Wednesday, October 8! Host Robbie Peron welcomes Comicraft's Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), along with comedians Boris Hamilton (Late Night With Conan O'Brien), Ron McGehee (Last Comic Standing 2) and Ed Salazar (UCB's Tournament of Nerds) for another round of comics & comedy!
The Comic Bug is located at 1807 1/2 Manhattan Beach Blvd in Manhattan Beach. The taping begins at 8pm, so show up early to grab a good seat!
For general inquiries, please email press@comicsoncomics.com. For talent booking, please e-mail talent@comicsoncomics.com.
About Comics on Comics:
Comics on Comics is a video podcast where "The Greatest Comic Minds Meet The Greatest Minds In Comics." The show, which gathers three professional comedians and one comic book creator for a round-table discussion of the latest comic book news, is hosted by Robbie Peron (The Best Damned Sports Show) and is taped in front of a live audience. Comics on Comics is produced and distributed by Retcon Media.
About Retcon Media:
Retcon Media is a dynamic production company that is dedicated to exploring the full potential of new media. Several web concepts are currently in the works along with feature film and animated projects in development. Retcon Media is located in Los Angeles, CA.
The Comic Bug is located at 1807 1/2 Manhattan Beach Blvd in Manhattan Beach. The taping begins at 8pm, so show up early to grab a good seat!
For general inquiries, please email press@comicsoncomics.com. For talent booking, please e-mail talent@comicsoncomics.com.
About Comics on Comics:
Comics on Comics is a video podcast where "The Greatest Comic Minds Meet The Greatest Minds In Comics." The show, which gathers three professional comedians and one comic book creator for a round-table discussion of the latest comic book news, is hosted by Robbie Peron (The Best Damned Sports Show) and is taped in front of a live audience. Comics on Comics is produced and distributed by Retcon Media.
About Retcon Media:
Retcon Media is a dynamic production company that is dedicated to exploring the full potential of new media. Several web concepts are currently in the works along with feature film and animated projects in development. Retcon Media is located in Los Angeles, CA.
RADICAL PUBLISHING
Solicitation copy
DECEMBER 2008 shipping
City of Dust #3 Cover A - Clint Langley – Diamond Code: OCT084325
City of Dust #3 Cover B - Lucio Parrillo – Diamond Code: OCT084326
City of Dust #3 Cover C - Michal Ivan – Diamond Code: OCT084327
CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY #3
Writer STEVE NILES
Artist and Colorist ZID
Letterer CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
28 pages, FC, December, $2.99
Blood fills the streets as Khrome's detective instincts awaken him to the truth behind the serial murders. Khrome may be too late as the terror below the clouds reaches up to the highest levels of the city, and in the aftermath of a massacre, evil once imagined becomes very, very real.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Freedom Formula #5 Cover A - Patrick Reilly wraparound cover – Diamond Code: OCT084328
Freedom Formula #5 Cover B - Alan Brooks cover - Diamond Code: OCT084329
Freedom Formula #5 Cover C - Alex Ruiz cover - Diamond Code: OCT084330
FREEDOM FORMULA: GHOST OF THE WASTELAND #5
Writer EDMUND SHERN
Artist: CHRIS JOHNSON
Colorist: IMAGINARY FRIENDS STUDIOS
Letterer STANLEY ONG
28 pages, FC, December, $2.99
Decimated by betrayal, the street gangs unite for one final act of rebellion. The Corporation lets Daedalus loose on the streets, as they spin their web of destruction. Will Zee fulfill his legacy? The Freedom Formula race is full throttle, and the prize is survival
Solicitation copy
DECEMBER 2008 shipping
City of Dust #3 Cover A - Clint Langley – Diamond Code: OCT084325
City of Dust #3 Cover B - Lucio Parrillo – Diamond Code: OCT084326
City of Dust #3 Cover C - Michal Ivan – Diamond Code: OCT084327
CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY #3
Writer STEVE NILES
Artist and Colorist ZID
Letterer CHRIS ELIOPOULOS
28 pages, FC, December, $2.99
Blood fills the streets as Khrome's detective instincts awaken him to the truth behind the serial murders. Khrome may be too late as the terror below the clouds reaches up to the highest levels of the city, and in the aftermath of a massacre, evil once imagined becomes very, very real.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Freedom Formula #5 Cover A - Patrick Reilly wraparound cover – Diamond Code: OCT084328
Freedom Formula #5 Cover B - Alan Brooks cover - Diamond Code: OCT084329
Freedom Formula #5 Cover C - Alex Ruiz cover - Diamond Code: OCT084330
FREEDOM FORMULA: GHOST OF THE WASTELAND #5
Writer EDMUND SHERN
Artist: CHRIS JOHNSON
Colorist: IMAGINARY FRIENDS STUDIOS
Letterer STANLEY ONG
28 pages, FC, December, $2.99
Decimated by betrayal, the street gangs unite for one final act of rebellion. The Corporation lets Daedalus loose on the streets, as they spin their web of destruction. Will Zee fulfill his legacy? The Freedom Formula race is full throttle, and the prize is survival
DDP TO DISTRIBUTE TWO ISSUES OF 'HACK/SLASH' OUTSIDE OF DIAMOND
Publisher stands behind creator-owned horror series amid licensing dispute and will distribute 'Hack/Slash' #'s 16-17 outside of Diamond
Chicago, IL. (October 5, 2008) – In a show of support for its top-selling creator-owned title, Devil's Due Publishing will distribute the previously solicited Hack/Slash issues 16 and 17 directly, rather than through Diamond Comic Distributors. The decision follows Diamond's receipt of a Cease and Desist letter regarding the issues from an unknown, recently registered company, Re-Animator, LLC, in connection with Dynamite Entertainment's Nick Barrucci. Hack/Slash #15 will be available for re-order as well.
A property dispute has arisen between Brian Yuzna (the producer and owner of the Re-Animator film franchise for over twenty years) and a recently registered company, Re-Animator LLC over the rights to the Re-Animator logo in various merchandise categories, which appears in the current Hack/Slash story arc, "Cassie & Vlad Meet the Re-Animator."
"Devil's Due have done a fantastic job of keeping the spirit of the Re-Animator films alive in the Hack/Slash cross-over," says Yuzna "It has been a pleasure to collaborate with such a talented crew. And I am proud to be working with them after the admirable stand they have taken in the face of economic coercion. This company exemplifies the independent spirit of the genre film and comics community. It may seem crazy to Re-Animator fans to think that a company that had nothing to do with the classic films could actually claim ownership of the "Re-Animator" brand and threaten to stop anyone else from creating comics, films or merchandise with the word 'reanimator' or 're-animator' in it- even the actual producer of the films that created the brand—but in this wacky world that is exactly what has happened."
The decision to distribute the issues outside of Diamond was not easily made. "We deliberated internally long and hard," says DDP President Josh Blaylock, "But this was in good conscience not something I felt we could roll over and just accept. I've reviewed the facts, spoken to copyright, corporate and entertainment attorneys, and resolved that this, in my own personal opinion, is a ridiculous bully tactic that only hurts Tim [Seeley] and all of the creators who work so hard to make Hack/Slash the great book that it is and abuses the Diamond policy of staying out of legal issues."
"Unfortunately, a dispute over the publishing rights in regards to the Re-Animator characters has arisen between DDP and Re-Animator LLC, and we have been advised by Diamond's attorney's to not distribute issues #16 and #17 of the series Hack/Slash, plus process any additional reorders for #15 as well. It is our understanding that DDP will be self distributing the issues previously mentioned, and beginning with Hack/Slack #18, will once again be distributed by Diamond," said Bill Schanes, Vice President of Purchasing for Diamond.
The situation comes during a banner year for Hack/Slash, which has included a sell-out of the series' first Omnibus collection, the addition of screenwriter Justin Marks to the Hack/Slash film in development at Rogue pictures with director Todd Lincoln, and a nomination in the category of "Best Comic Book" for the 2008 Spike TV Scream Awards. Fans can still vote for Hack/Slash on Spike TV's website:
http://www.spike.com/event/scream/page/vote/category/28725
"It's been a really great year for Hack/Slash with the SG Annual, the sold out Omnibus, a Spike TV Scream Awards nomination, and gaining lots of new readers and such," said writer and creator Tim Seeley. "I just want to do the right thing and with your support and understanding, we'll do everything in our power to get this book out there and things will be back to normal in no time. Thank you, readers and retailers!"
To order Hack/Slash, retailers should visit DevilsDue.net where two levels of discounts are available ranging from 50-60% off the cover price. These offers will only apply to Hack/Slash #'s 15-17 for a limited time. Hack/Slash orders can be placed through the DDP Store by going to:
http://tinyurl.com/hackslash
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.
Publisher stands behind creator-owned horror series amid licensing dispute and will distribute 'Hack/Slash' #'s 16-17 outside of Diamond
Chicago, IL. (October 5, 2008) – In a show of support for its top-selling creator-owned title, Devil's Due Publishing will distribute the previously solicited Hack/Slash issues 16 and 17 directly, rather than through Diamond Comic Distributors. The decision follows Diamond's receipt of a Cease and Desist letter regarding the issues from an unknown, recently registered company, Re-Animator, LLC, in connection with Dynamite Entertainment's Nick Barrucci. Hack/Slash #15 will be available for re-order as well.
A property dispute has arisen between Brian Yuzna (the producer and owner of the Re-Animator film franchise for over twenty years) and a recently registered company, Re-Animator LLC over the rights to the Re-Animator logo in various merchandise categories, which appears in the current Hack/Slash story arc, "Cassie & Vlad Meet the Re-Animator."
"Devil's Due have done a fantastic job of keeping the spirit of the Re-Animator films alive in the Hack/Slash cross-over," says Yuzna "It has been a pleasure to collaborate with such a talented crew. And I am proud to be working with them after the admirable stand they have taken in the face of economic coercion. This company exemplifies the independent spirit of the genre film and comics community. It may seem crazy to Re-Animator fans to think that a company that had nothing to do with the classic films could actually claim ownership of the "Re-Animator" brand and threaten to stop anyone else from creating comics, films or merchandise with the word 'reanimator' or 're-animator' in it- even the actual producer of the films that created the brand—but in this wacky world that is exactly what has happened."
The decision to distribute the issues outside of Diamond was not easily made. "We deliberated internally long and hard," says DDP President Josh Blaylock, "But this was in good conscience not something I felt we could roll over and just accept. I've reviewed the facts, spoken to copyright, corporate and entertainment attorneys, and resolved that this, in my own personal opinion, is a ridiculous bully tactic that only hurts Tim [Seeley] and all of the creators who work so hard to make Hack/Slash the great book that it is and abuses the Diamond policy of staying out of legal issues."
"Unfortunately, a dispute over the publishing rights in regards to the Re-Animator characters has arisen between DDP and Re-Animator LLC, and we have been advised by Diamond's attorney's to not distribute issues #16 and #17 of the series Hack/Slash, plus process any additional reorders for #15 as well. It is our understanding that DDP will be self distributing the issues previously mentioned, and beginning with Hack/Slack #18, will once again be distributed by Diamond," said Bill Schanes, Vice President of Purchasing for Diamond.
The situation comes during a banner year for Hack/Slash, which has included a sell-out of the series' first Omnibus collection, the addition of screenwriter Justin Marks to the Hack/Slash film in development at Rogue pictures with director Todd Lincoln, and a nomination in the category of "Best Comic Book" for the 2008 Spike TV Scream Awards. Fans can still vote for Hack/Slash on Spike TV's website:
http://www.spike.com/event/scream/page/vote/category/28725
"It's been a really great year for Hack/Slash with the SG Annual, the sold out Omnibus, a Spike TV Scream Awards nomination, and gaining lots of new readers and such," said writer and creator Tim Seeley. "I just want to do the right thing and with your support and understanding, we'll do everything in our power to get this book out there and things will be back to normal in no time. Thank you, readers and retailers!"
To order Hack/Slash, retailers should visit DevilsDue.net where two levels of discounts are available ranging from 50-60% off the cover price. These offers will only apply to Hack/Slash #'s 15-17 for a limited time. Hack/Slash orders can be placed through the DDP Store by going to:
http://tinyurl.com/hackslash
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.
Hey gang,
First off, wanted to point you to Dark Horse Presents over on Myspace.com. This is a short story by super-genius Mark Wheaton (creator of the Cleaners, coming in a month or so from Dark Horse, with additional writing help from me). It's a brilliant little horror short, with spectacular art from series artist Rashan Ekedal. You can check that out here: http://www.myspace.com/darkhorsepresents
And, after that, swing by www.lg15.com for chapter 3 of LG15: The Resistance which just went live. It's one of my favorite episodes thus far, and I hope y'all check it out. And, as always, make sure to tell your friends, family, readers, and total strangers. There's also a little player set up on the home page of www.thefialkov.com where you can watch all the episodes to date in one easy peasey sitting.
Alright gang, see you in a week. Thanks for all the love and support.
j.
www.thefialkov.com
www.lg15.com
First off, wanted to point you to Dark Horse Presents over on Myspace.com. This is a short story by super-genius Mark Wheaton (creator of the Cleaners, coming in a month or so from Dark Horse, with additional writing help from me). It's a brilliant little horror short, with spectacular art from series artist Rashan Ekedal. You can check that out here: http://www.myspace.com/darkhorsepresents
And, after that, swing by www.lg15.com for chapter 3 of LG15: The Resistance which just went live. It's one of my favorite episodes thus far, and I hope y'all check it out. And, as always, make sure to tell your friends, family, readers, and total strangers. There's also a little player set up on the home page of www.thefialkov.com where you can watch all the episodes to date in one easy peasey sitting.
Alright gang, see you in a week. Thanks for all the love and support.
j.
www.thefialkov.com
www.lg15.com
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