PRESS RELEASE - IMAGE COMICS AND THE COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND DEFEND YOUR LIBERTIES LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
/Image Comics Expands Support of Comic Book Legal Defense Fund!
/
20 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - At today's ComicsPRO Annual Meeting, Image Comics announced plans to further expand its support of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, the comics' industry's first response in the fight against censorship. Image will support the not-for-profit organization with a second installment of LIBERTY COMICS and will launch The CBLDF Liberty Series,* *a series of high-end variant covers featuring Image's strongest titles with exclusive artwork not available anywhere else. All proceeds of both projects will go directly towards the Fund's important defense of comics' First Amendment rights.

"Image Comics was founded on defending comics' creative freedom and the CBLDF continues the fight for securing the free speech rights we all depend on to do business," Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said. "It's important to us to ensure that they have the resources they need to continue that important work. The CBLDF stands up for every creator, retailer, publisher, and fan in this industry, so it's important to us, as a publisher, to stand up in support of their work."

The first step in Image's expanded support of the Fund will be the launch of the CBLDF Liberty Series. These special edition comics will come at a slightly higher price and every dollar earned will go towards supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's efforts to defend the industry's rights to support a full line of comics. * *Every variant in the CBLDF Liberty Series* *is available as a separate line item from the regular series, allowing fans and retailers an easy opportunity to make a big difference. Full details about participating books in this series will be released later this Spring, for the program's launch this Summer.

This October, Image Comics will release LIBERTY COMICS #2, the sequel to last year's all-star anthology which raised over $30,000 to benefit the Fund. The second volume will continue the original's tradition of featuring high end creators like Mike Mignola, J. Scott Campbell, Darwyn Cooke, Mark Millar, Walter Simonson, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and Art Adams with a with a whole new roster to be announced in advance of this year's Comic-Con International: San Diego.

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein says, "Image Comics has been extraordinary in their support of the CBLDF. As a corporate member they are one of the pillars of the business community who support the Fund's work. With Liberty Comics and the new Liberty Series of covers, they are increasing their support in a way that will ensure we are able to continue to perform our legal work, and expand our education mission in new directions. We are grateful to Image Comics, its partners, and creators for lending such extraordinary support to the CBLDF."

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_ .

GRAPHIC NOVELS GET OVERDUE REVIEW RESOURCE

Graphic Novel Hovel, a graphic novel review site with a difference, has launched today.

Firstly, Graphic Novel Hovel is one of the only, if not the only, dedicated graphic novel review websites.

Secondly, the identity of its reviewer - a former professional comic book reviewer who has gone on to become a graphic novelist - remains a secret.

Known only as The Masked Reviewer, he (or she) claims that this is in order not to alienate potential employers, while also maintaining complete autonomy and impartiality.

“When my first graphic novel was released, I was very surprised to discover that there’s limited graphic novel review resources, online and in print,” says The Masked Reviewer.

“Sure, there’s plenty that review comics, but I’m making a big distinction here. I’m referring to graphic novels. These books are breaking into the mainstream and often outselling their comic counterparts.”

The Masked Reviewer continues: “While what few online graphic novel reviews that exist are usually amateur and would never get within a millions miles of print.”

“I had to do something. Using experience gained while a reviewer for a leading magazine, combined with the knowledge gained since becoming a published comic book and graphic novel writer, I hope to bring some insightful reviews to the world wide web. Graphic novels are finally going to get the attention they deserve.”

“With my identity a secret, I can say what I really think about the good, the bad and the ugly! I don’t intend to pull any punches!”

Graphic Novel Hovel is online at http://graphicnovelhovel.blogspot.com/

FARSCAPE #2 SECOND PRINT SELLS OUT
GOES TO THIRD PRINTING!

FARSCAPE 10th Anniversary Sees 3rd Printing
of Both Issues #1 And #2


FARSCAPE #2 - 3rd PRINT

Los Angeles - March 19th, 2009 - Following immediately after the news that FARSCAPE #1 has sold out of two printings and is going into a third, BOOM! Studios announced today a third printing of the second issue of the FARSCAPE comic book.

"It's clear that excitement is high for FARSCAPE as it hits its tenth anniversary," said Marketing and Sales Director Chip Mosher. "Fans can't get enough."

"We were excited just to go into a third print of FARSCAPE #1," said Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "So when we found out both printings of #2 were gone, we couldn't believe our eyes! It's a real honor to work with The Henson Company and Rockne S. O'Bannon and the entire creative team and see such a tidal surge of interest."

Diamond Comics Distributors is making the third printings of FARSCAPE #1 and #2 available for retailers to order now. The third printing of FARSCAPE #1 has an expected in-store date of April 29th.

The first printing of FARSCAPE #1 was released on Christmas Eve 2008 and sold out in a record five days while the first print of FARSCAPE #2 sold out in seven days. The fourth and final issue of the miniseries will be appearing on stands very soon.


FARSCAPE #2A
(1st print) FARSCAPE #2B
(1st print) FARSCAPE #2
(2nd print)

The FARSCAPE comic series is written by FARSCAPE television series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon with script by Keith R.A. DeCandido, interior art by Tommy Patterson and cover art by fan-favorites Dennis Calero and Joseph Corroney.

Picking up directly where the television miniseries FARSCAPE: THE PEACEKEEPER WARS left off, fans can look forward to show creator O'Bannon steering their favorite characters into new and original stories, keeping with the existing canon - and then extending it!

Debuting on the SCI-FI Channel in 1998, FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, who has a freak accident during an experimental space mission that catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he's trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology - a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his quest for home from a distant galaxy.

A groundbreaking award-winning sci-fi production, FARSCAPE from The Jim Henson Company and [HALLMARK] has become a global favorite. Named by TV Guide as one of television's "Best Cult Shows Ever" and most recently named by EMPIRE Magazine as one of the "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time," FARSCAPE is known for the overwhelming fan-based campaign that led to its miniseries production. The show has continued to find new audiences as it airs in syndication and is available on iTunes and DVD.

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

For Immediate Release



STAR TREK OFFICIAL MOVIE PREQUEL COMIC BOLDLY GOES TO iPHONE AND GOOGLE ANDROID MOBILE DEVICES!




(San Diego, March 19, 2009) -- Star Trek: Countdown, the official prequel to the new Star Trek movie being released by Paramount Pictures on May 8, 2009, is going to mobile devices! The four-issue mini-series is now available on Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch, and Google’s Android Mobile Devices through iVerse Media’s digital distribution technology. Visit IDWPublishing.com for more information about Star Trek: Countdown.



From director/producer J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III, Lost and Alias), producer Damon Lindelof (Lost) and screenwriters and executive producers Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman (Transformers, MI: III) comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, Star Trek, featuring a young, new crew boldly going where no one has gone before. The film stars Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Zoë Saldana, John Cho, and Eric Bana.



The first three issues of the Star Trek: Countdown mini-series, including the completely sold out Star Trek: Countdown #1, are available now. Issue #4 will be available digitally April 1, 2009 - the same day the print version goes on sale.



“Star Trek: Countdown has been one of IDW’s most anticipated titles this year and I’m happy to make it available to as broad of an audience as we can,” said IDW Publishing’s CEO, Ted Adams.



Star Trek: Countdown is a must read for Star Trek fans of any kind, offering important details relating to the upcoming feature film. The story is presented by J.J. Abrams and plotted by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It is written by Mike Johnson (Superman/Batman) and Tim Jones, and features stunning art by David Messina (Star Trek: Mirror Images). Messina also provides covers for the series.



“As a die-hard ‘Trekkie’ myself, I can’t tell you how excited we are to bring this series to Apple and Google’s mobile platforms,” said iVerse founder Michael Murphey. “The scripts by Tim Jones and Mike Johnson are fast paced and compelling, and the artwork by David Messina looks amazing on these devices.”



Star Trek: Countdown is published by IDW Publishing in conjunction with Paramount Pictures, J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, Kurtzman/Orci Productions and CBS Consumer Products.





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.



About iVerse Media

iVerse Media (http://www.iversecomics.com) is a leading digital distributor of comics books on mobile platforms including Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, Google's Android OS, and (coming soon) Mac and PC. iVerse provides unique distribution solutions for comic book publishers and creators, and is the only company currently offering a multi-platform "Total Digital Distribution" solution for digital comics.



About CBS Consumer Products

CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company's extensive library of titles. Additionally, the group oversees the CBS Retail Store and online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.CBS.com



About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

Comics on Comics Live w/ Len Wein & Steve Marmel Saturday March 21 @ Meltdown Comics!

"Comics on Comics' Journal, March 19, 2009: Sam Hamm screenplay in alley this morning, tire treads on torn pages. That script was a tragedy; Hayter saw its true face. Watchmen film finally released. Love it, hate it ... who judges this movie? Hurm. Must investigate further..."

Join us as the Doomsday Clock strikes twelve and Comics on Comics Season 2 begins with its awesome Watchmen-themed season premiere!


Produced in conjunction with the Warner Brothers' Tales of the Black Freighter DVD release party at Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles, this is one show you don't want to miss!


Comic book legend and original Watchmen editor, Len Wein, along with comedians Steve Marmel (The Fairly Oddparents, Danny Phantom, Yin! Yang! Yo!), Sax Carr (Tournament of Nerds, Comics on Comics Radio) and Graham Elwood (ComedyFilmNerds.com, The Sarah Silverman Program) join pop guru Bob Peterson (CC2K) and host Juan-Manuel Rocha to discuss the book's cultural impact and social significance, the controversial movie adaptation, the Watchmen video game and more!

Pending availability, a special surprise guest may also appear (for a clue, re-read the journal excerpt above).

The taping will be held at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood this Saturday, March 21 at 8pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome, but show up early as seats will go fast!


Additionally, Meltdown's famous art gallery will host the final night of its world-renowned Watchmen-inspired art show, Physical Nostalgia, as well as the DVD premiere of Warner Brothers' Tales of the Black Freighter (which includes the awesome Hollis Mason documentary Under the Hood and other cool stuff)!

You can RSVP for this event on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=58040277431&ref=mf

Or you can find us online at ComicsOnComics.com

Meltdown Comics is located at 7522 W Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles. Street parking is available.

For general inquiries, please email press@comicsoncomics.com.

About Comics on Comics:

Comics on Comics is a WebTV series 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 Juan-Manuel Rocha 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.

FARSCAPE #1 GOES TO 3RD PRINTING!


FARSCAPE #1 - 3rd PRINT

Los Angeles - March 18th, 2009 - Just in time for the 10th anniversary of FARSCAPE, BOOM! Studios announced today a third printing of the FARSCAPE #1 comic book.

"We were blown away by the reaction to the first printing of FARSCAPE #1," said Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "So when we went to a second print, we were pretty darn happy. We cannot believe that we have sold completely out of all of that now!"

"Marketing and Sales Director Chip Mosher and I couldn't believe our eyes," said BOOM! co-founder Ross Richie. "It's clear that the FARSCAPE fans have spoken, and the Direct Market retailers have listened!"

Diamond Comics Distributors will make the third printing of FARSCAPE #1 available on April 8th. At that time the third printing's code will open for orders, and a Diamond Daily article will also run alerting retailers to its availability. The third printing of FARSCAPE #1 has an expected in-store date of April 29th.

The first printing of FARSCAPE #1 was released on Christmas Eve 2008 and sold out in a record five days. The fourth and final issue of the miniseries will be appearing on stands very soon.


FARSCAPE #1A
(1st print) FARSCAPE #1B
(1st print) FARSCAPE #1C
(1st print) FARSCAPE #1
(2nd print)

The FARSCAPE comic series is written by FARSCAPE television series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon with script by Keith R.A. DeCandido, interior art by Tommy Patterson and cover art by fan-favorites Dennis Calero and Joseph Corroney.

Picking up directly where the television miniseries FARSCAPE: THE PEACEKEEPER WARS left off, fans can look forward to show creator O'Bannon steering their favorite characters into new and original stories, keeping with the existing canon - and then extending it!

Debuting on the SCI-FI Channel in 1998, FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, who has a freak accident during an experimental space mission that catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he's trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology - a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his quest for home from a distant galaxy.

A groundbreaking award-winning sci-fi production, FARSCAPE from The Jim Henson Company and [HALLMARK] has become a global favorite. Named by TV Guide as one of television's "Best Cult Shows Ever" and most recently named by EMPIRE Magazine as one of the "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time," FARSCAPE is known for the overwhelming fan-based campaign that led to its miniseries production. The show has continued to find new audiences as it airs in syndication and is available on iTunes and DVD.

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

PRESS RELEASE - EVIL AND MALICE SAVE THE WORLD WITH SILVERLINE BOOK'S ALL-AGES SUPERHERO COLLECTION THIS MAY!

Jimmie Robinson's all-ages classic returns to print courtesy of Jim Valentino's Silverline Books!

18 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - EVIL AND MALICE, Jimmie Robinson's all-ages superhero series, finally gets collected this May in a 128-page trade paperback aimed at younger readers!

"A definitive collection of EVIL & MALICE has been a long time coming and I'm very happy it's with the folks at Silverline Books," Robinson said said. "Over the years I've heard a lot of demand for a superhero series older readers could share with their younger siblings, nieces and nephews. Considering Shadowline's continued pushes into the younger reader market with their own Silverline Books division, they seemed like the right home to bring back EVIL & MALICE. I'm highly anticipating its upcoming reception with fans - new and old alike!"

EVIL & MALICE: SAVE THE WORLD collects the entire story of Evelyn and Malinda, the 13-year old twin daughters of an infamous (but soft-hearted) villian, The Black Eye. Once a collective of villains makes life miserable for dad, Evelyn and Malinda take it upon themselves to strike back -- as superheroes! They're quickly thrown into a madcap race against time until their father discovers their identities and grounds them for life!

EVIL AND MALICE: SAVE THE WORLD TPB (MAR092470), A 128-page full-color tradepaperback for $14.99, will be in stores May 20th, 2009.


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.

Dragonfire Laser Craft Obtains the EVE Online License




Fort Wayne, Indiana –March 17, 2009 - Dragonfire Laser Craft announced today that they are licensees for the worldwide phenomena MMORPG Eve Online. The first round of products, available for immediate shipping, includes dog tags representing each of the four playable races, flasks and heated coffee mugs. Other products that are ready to go include dog tags with customized logos for corporations. In March, rank insignia pins for the factional warfare will be available.


EVE Online is the critically acclaimed massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) from CCP, headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland with additional offices in Atlanta and Shanghai. The thriving community of over a quarter of a million subscribers explores and conquers the expanses of space as starship pilots. Forming corporations and alliances is vital to survival in the vibrant, politically-charged landscape of New Eden. These groups enjoy having merchandise that lets them show their pride as fans and players.

“We are amazed at the response,” commented Dragonfire Laser Craft CEO Lucas Amodio. “Sales were brisk at the EVE Fanfest in Iceland last November and they received the products with open arms. We are excited to be able to offer them affordable, high-quality goods that reflect the passion they feel about their favorite game.”

Fans can purchase EVE-related products at http://www.dragonfiresigns.com/store.php?crn=222. Retailers should contact lys@sphinxgroup.com for terms on carrying the Dragonfire Laser Craft line of products. To be added to the Dragonfire Laser Craft mailing list email lucas@dragonfirelaser.com. Visit the Dragonfire website at www.dragonfirelaser.com to see the full line of products available for customization.


About Dragonfire Laser Crafts:
Started in 2006, Dragonfire Laser Crafts had one goal: To give customers exactly what they desire. Since their inception, they have stuck to that goal and by listening to their customers have created many different products in a staggering number of industries. Their vision and skill have helped them conquer multiple industries including: ornaments, awards, ancestry, gaming, glassware and many more.

Dragonfire Laser Crafts- Forging your visions with fire!

www.dragonfiresigns.com

www.dragonfirelaser.com

www.biblequoteshop.com

The heroes of the Republic have repeatedly beaten back the assaults orchestrated by the evil Separatist forces, but an entirely new threat – lethal mercenary Cad Bane – will emerge from the shadows in “Hostage Crisis,” the thrilling conclusion to the first season of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, March 20 on Cartoon Network.



Count Dooku seeks to spring a Separatist prisoner from Republic captivity, but his profile prevents him from getting close enough to set in motion his malevolent plan.



Enter Cad Bane, the galaxy’s most fearsome bounty hunter, as ruthless as he is deadly. He is quintessentially cold, cruel and calculating – and when the price is right, he can’t be stopped. Backed by Dooku and the Separatists, he’s bringing his unique skill set and impressive arsenal to bear against the very heart of the Republic. Bane brazenly brings the fight to the Senate’s doorstep, with a rogues gallery of galactic scum as his allies.



“This episode gave us the chance to do something totally different, to go in a new direction with the series,” says supervising director Dave Filoni. “We’ve seen the good guys and the bad guys, from the top of the food chain to the cannon fodder on the front lines. Now we get to look at some of the opportunists, at the mercenaries operating without a side. It’s a whole new dynamic we haven’t seen yet, and at the same time it’s very Star Wars.”



Patterned after the laconic gunslingers of spaghetti Westerns, Bane is lethally cool and relishes being a bad guy. He is unflappable in the face of danger, and even welcomes the opportunity to pit his formidable skills against the legendary prowess of the Jedi Knights. Filoni says the inspiration from the red-eyed bounty hunter came directly from George Lucas.



“He had a clear idea for this bad guy who plays by his own set of rules, whose moral code is dictated by his fee,” says Filoni. “And he had sketches and concepts dating back to the original films. If Boba Fett was sort of the Man With No Name of the Star Wars galaxy, then Cad Bane is his counterpoint – his Lee Van Cleef. So that’s how we built the character, with that in mind. It’s a cool parallel to our world, and a cool balance in theirs.”



Making his STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS debut in Friday’s season finale, Bane has already established a place as a fan-favorite – among the series’ creators and crew.



“The crew loves Cad Bane, and I really think the fans will, too,” says episode director Giancarlo Volpe. “He brings a serious bad-ass sensibility to Star Wars. He’s a lethal and ruthless bounty hunter, and you see that right away in the episode. Unlike Boba Fett, Cad doesn’t take prisoners.”

COMICS EXPERT DANNY FINGEROTH GIVES A FREE PRESENTATION ON THE LIFE AND ART OF GRAPHIC NOVEL TITAN WILL EISNER AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, AT 8:00 PM.

New York, MARCH 17, 2009

THE SPIRIT OF COMICS: THE LIFE AND ART OF WILL EISNER

Only one name stretches from the beginning of the history of the comic book through the modern era of the literary graphic novel: WILL EISNER.

On Monday, March 23rd, comics writer and critic DANNY FINGEROTH will give an illustrated presentation about the life, work, and influence of the great writer and artist.

Taking a tour through Eisner's life-in effect, a journey through comics history-the presentation will serve as an introduction to those who'd like to know more about how the graphic novel phenomenon (which has spawned hit comics-based movies like THE DARK KNIGHT and WATCHMEN), and will offer new insights for those who may already know the work of Eisner and his creative descendants.

ABOUT WILL EISNER:
Born in 1917, Eisner was raised in the tenement Bronx of the Great Depression. He was a pioneer in the creation of comics of the “golden age” of the 1930s and '40s, achieving immortality with his noir crime fighting superhero, THE SPIRIT. In 1978, Eisner reinvented himself-and the medium-with his graphic novel A CONTRACT WITH GOD, the first of a series of works focused on early 20th century Jewish life in America. At the time of his 2005 death, Eisner was working on THE PLOT, a comics-form refutation of the resurgent Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

ABOUT DANNY FINGEROTH:
A longtime writer and editor at Marvel Comics, Fingeroth has spoken about comics at the Smithsonian Institution and The Metropolitan Museum. He recently curated and moderated an enlightening series of talks with comics creators (AL JAFFEE, JULES FEIFFER, and HARVEY PEKAR) at the YIVO Institute. He's the author of DISGUISED AS CLARK KENT: JEWS COMICS, AND THE CREATION OF THE SUPERHERO (Continuum) and THE ROUGH GUIDE TO GRAPHIC NOVELS (Penguin).

Monday, March 23, 8:00 pm
Columbia University
Broadway and 116th Street
New York City
Schermerhorn Hall
Room 501
FREE ADMISSION

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
212-854-2581
mg27@columbia.edu

On the Passing of Jose “Pepe” Gonzalez

New York (March 16, 2009) – It is with great sadness that Harris Comics has learned of the passing of Jose “Pepe” Gonzalez. He was 70 years old.

Gonzalez is best known for his work on Vampirella. Starting with Vampirella #12 in 1971 and together with Archive Goodwin, Gonzalez created horror classics that have stood the test of time as some of the finest examples of the comics medium. His work was thrilling, sensuous and beautiful. He brought the character to life, elevated her to an icon and, most deservedly, won over a legion of fans who have never forgotten him. To this day, many would say his was the definitive rendition of the character.

He was one of the greatest artists comics has ever seen. He will never be replaced and he will be sorely missed.

Joe Jusko had this to say: "I can honestly say that my life long affinity for Vampirella was born due to the discovery of Jose Gonzalez' breathtaking work. From the splash page of Vampirella #21 through the very last panel, my 12 year old eyes had never seen a woman drawn in comics as Gonzalez drew them; beautiful, mysterious, sexy (but never slutty). I have forever tried to capture the glamour and sensuality that he brought to the character, but as all who have tried since have always come up tragically short. There will always be only one definitive Vampi artist in most readers' eyes and he will always be the great Jose ‘Pepe’ Gonzalez."



_________________///Bon Alimagno, Editorial Director, Harris Publications

PRESS RELEASE - THE LUNA BROTHERS GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO DONATE AND WIN!The Luna Brothers support a very worthy cause!

16 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - In conjunction with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, THE SWORD's Luna Brothers are spearheading a contest to raise money for the organization, giving fans the chance to win in a big way.

"When our friend, Rommel, told us that he was running the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help fight blood cancers, we were more than happy to help out for such a worthy cause," Jonathan Luna said.

Working in conjunction with the Society's Team In Training member, Rommel S. Calderon, the Lunas have developed a contest in which fans can enter a chance to win a signed and personalized copy of the GIRLS: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION hardcover and a sketch of your choosing by The Luna Brothers! Second prize includes signed copies of ULTRA: SEVEN DAYS and THE SWORD, VOL. 1: FIRE. And third is a personalized Spider-Woman: Origin trade paperback. All fans have to do is donate $10 or more via the contest's website. Each $10 donation counts as one entry, so, the more you donate, the better your chances of winning. All proceeds will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team In Training. The cutoff for entries will be June 29th, 12pm PST, and the winner will be announced on July 3rd.

More information and the entry details can be found at http://tnt.rcalderon.com.
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.

New Wallace & Gromit Game Demo Now Available, Series Premiere Coming March 24

Limited-time preorder offer begins today: save 25% and get two free games





SAN RAFAEL, CA, March 16, 2009 – Interactive entertainment pioneer Telltale, Inc. and Aardman Animations are announcing that Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures, the new comedy game series based on the colorful claymation duo, will premiere for PC on March 24. The digitally-distributed four episode series of Wallace & Gromit adventures will be delivered monthly from http://www.telltalegames.com. The series' Xbox LIVE® Arcade debut will follow soon.



In Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures, the world of West Wallaby Street comes alive in four brand new stories you can play. Like the films, each Wallace & Gromit episode finds the earnest inventor and his faithful canine companion embarking on ambitious new ventures laced with unexpected (and always amusing) complications. Players will experience all of their favorite elements from the acclaimed Wallace & Gromit films: imaginative storylines; warm, character-based humor; creative contraptions; physical comedy; and a distinct visual style. A demo that showcases both Wallace and Gromit as playable characters can be downloaded exclusively from Yahoo (http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/wallace-and-gromit/) and FilePlanet.com today. Starting tomorrow, the demo will be available from Telltale's website and mirror sites around the web.



For PC, Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures is available as a downloadable, four episode bundle from Telltale's website (http://www.telltalegames.com/wallaceandgromit). In the March 24 premiere episode, "Fright of the Bumblebees," Wallace & Gromit are struggling to find success with a honey business plagued by giant problems. Subsequent episodes, scheduled for May, June, and July, will take the duo from an underground beach resort to a sprawling carnival to a country club hiding an age-old mystery.



In a special preorder offer, which starts today and will run through March 23, customers can get the full, four episode series on PC for just $26—a 25% discount off the regular $34.95 price. Customers who preorder will also receive two free bonus episodes, one from Telltale's acclaimed second season of Sam & Max (named Adventure Game of the Year by PC Gamer, IGN, and Adventure Gamers) and one from Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People (runner-up for IGN's Adventure Game of the Year award).



To take advantage of this limited-time offer or to view the latest game trailer, visit the official Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures website at www.telltalegames.com/wallaceandgromit.





About Wallace & Gromit

Wallace
An endearing and affable inventor. Ever enthusiastic, Wallace's hair-brained, over-ambitious, yet well intentioned ideas consistently get him and his faithful hound into trouble. A definite penchant for cheese and crackers, not to mention fashionable knitwear!

Gromit
Wallace's long-suffering loyal pooch. Gromit cares greatly for Wallace even though he's often railroaded into his master’s mad-cap plans. Though cultured and sensitive, preferring order and the quiet life, Gromit displays amazing courage and heroism when it comes to getting his master out of self-made scrapes. Always showing astonishing initiative, Gromit is definitely the intelligent one of the pair.

About Telltale, Inc.

Telltale is a pioneer of new forms of interactive entertainment that build upon strong foundations in traditional and new media. Founded in 2004 by video game industry veterans with decades of experience, Telltale has quickly become the leading online episodic gaming publisher and developer, delivering award-winning interactive experiences that showcase engaging stories, compelling characters, and rich worlds. Telltale has created a regular, ongoing schedule of established online episodic series across all major gaming and entertainment platforms and channels.

Telltale's games include the award-winning Sam & Max episodic series; Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, the first episodic series for WiiWare based on the Homestarrunner.com Flash cartoons; and Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures, coming soon to Xbox Live Arcade and PC. Telltale also has created games based on television's popular CSI series in partnership with Ubisoft, and on Jeff Smith's epic Bone graphic novels. Telltale has built a robust digital distribution channel at www.telltalegames.com, and also publishes its games with select partners.

About Aardman

Aardman, based in Bristol (UK), co-founded and run by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, is a world leader in animation. It produces feature films, television series and television commercials for both the domestic and international market. The studio has won over 400 international awards including 4 Oscars®.

Aardman's multi-award winning productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm that reflects the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the very special people who make up the Aardman team. The studio's work is often imitated and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning and amusing independent and commercial productions. www.aardman.com

BLUEWATER COMICS FOR JUNE 2009

Warlock #4
Author(s): Nick Lyons
Artist(s) Jacob Bear
Cover Artist(s): cover by Matt Bellisle
In the climactic final issue of this mini-series, Tom, Hugh, and Rachael face off against the seven Warlocks. Can the Warlocks be stopped once and for all or will the they continue their reign of terror on everyone and everything in their path?



Vincent Price Presents #10
Writer: Darren G. Davis & Chad Helder
Pencils: Pat Broderick
Cover Artist(s): cover: Pat Broderick
Vincent Price Presents: shocking tales of the macabre and the mysterious in the Gothic tradition of horror icon, Vincent Price. In this month's issue, an advertising executive encounters a nightmarish retribution when a fender-bender unleashes "Road Rage" in the twisted mind of a sinister adversary. Drawn by DC Comics artist Pat Broderick



William Shatner Presents: Tek War #1
Writer: William Shatner & Scott Davis
Pencils: Erich Owens
Cover Artist(s): 2 covers: Erich Owens & Mike Coffey
After spending 4 years in cryogenic stasis for crimes he is certain he did not commit, Jake Cardigan is mysteriously released. Finding himself lost in a world that has changed since his incarceration, Jake tries and put his life back together. His wife and son are gone, or in hiding, and Jake; fights the strong urge to self-medicate using a digital drug called Tek. Offered a job to locate a missing enigmatic scientist, Jake can already feel the puppet strings manipulating him to return to the life that got him jailed in the first place. And his troubles are only beginning. The epic futuristic adventure, based on William Shatner's best-selling TekWar novel series begins!



Lionsgate Films: Leprechaun #2
Writer: Zach Hunchar
Pencils: Kris Carter
Cover Artist(s): cover: Photo cover
From the cult film from Lionsgate. Imagine simple tales of legend. Which are not tales or legends at all. And far from simple. Imagine no further as Leprechaun issue 2 continues the journey of the last of the Leprechauns. The dark forces have scattered his one true love. Now, new allies emerge that hold keys to his survival.



Female Force: Caroline Kennedy
Author(s): Neal Bailey
Artist(s) Ryan Howe
Cover Artist(s): cover by Vinnie Tartamella
This comic series has been featured on CNN, FOX NEWS & OK! Magazine. Join Bluewater as we explore the life and times of Caroline Kennedy in the final installment of the first series of politically themed Female Force series, exploring strong women and the events that shaped their lives. From Camelot to the recent election, see the impact that the last child of the Kennedy dynasty has had in shaping the new America!



Legend of Isis #2
Writer: Aaron Stueve
Pencils: Ivan Barriga
Cover Artist(s): 2 covers van Barriga and Neil Chenier
Who or what is the Scarab Queen?! Why is Isis is in the hospital?! Who destroyed the museum?! And just who the heck is that pointing a gun at Scott?! Find out some of the answers to the above questions in the second outstanding issue of The Legend of Isis.

Friends-

It’s time for issue 29 of Comics Waiting Room! We’ve mixed up the format a bit this time around, so check us out! Here’s what we have for you:

Brandon Jerwa is back, and he’s talking about his new webcomic, WIDE AWAKE, his new radio show, and the play he’s writing with CWR honcho Marc Mason.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa17.html

Marc Mason gives BATTLESTAR GALACTICA a proper send-off and says it’s the best science-fiction show in television history.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason29.html

Matt Maxwell decries the lack of an easy way for kids to find comics on their own, and points out how that hampers the growth of the industry.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed37.html

Elliott Serrano remembers his first time… in the credits box, that is, as his first solo-written comic hits the shelves this month.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw24.html

Avril Brown watched the WATCHMEN movie and has a post-mortem.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril28.html

Jocelyn Saddler looks beneath the mask, checking out the new Black Panther and the new Batman.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/bb7.html

Saurav Mohapatra offers up some instruction to aspiring comics writers on how not to over-write your scripts.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/npg11.html

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

Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room