Friday, April 03, 2009

IDW Takes NYTimes Best Seller List By Storm!



Angel: After the Fall Beats out Watchmen - Twice!





San Diego, CA (April 3, 2009) – It’s a good day to be a vampire! IDW Publishing’s Angel: After the Fall Volume 1 and Volume 3 captured two of the New York Times Graphic Books Best Seller List (hardcover) top three spots, knocking Watchmen down to fourth place.



“Even without a current TV show, Angel has remained a fan-favorite character,” says IDW’s Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Chris Ryall. “Writer Brian Lynch, working with Angel creator Joss Whedon, has really delivered an epic story that picked up from the amazing cliffhanger of the show’s finale. It’s great to see that fans like what we’re doing.”



On its second printing and with direction from Whedon, Angel: After the Fall Volume 1 picks up number three on the Best Sellers List. Volume 1 begins where the TV series left off and chronicles Angel, Spike and the rest of the cast who survived the final episode. Angel: After the Fall Volume 3, number two on the Best Sellers List, advances the plot and puts long-time friends-turned-enemies on a collision course.



Capping off a great week for IDW, Transformers: Beast Wars Omnibus makes a strong showing at number three for the Graphic Books Best Seller List (paperback), featuring the ultimate fan guide for some of the most revered characters in the Transformers Universe.



“Beast Wars Omnibus goes beyond the Beast Wars story to offer insights into the characters,” Ryall said. “With the inclusion of two reprinted stories, Omnibus gives fans a really in-depth look at the Wars, and we’re gratified to see them enjoying the book.”



Learn more about all of IDW’s top quality books at IDWPublishing.com.



About IDW
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
On the list of the “20 All-Time Coolest Heroes”


NANCY DREW: COOLER THAN BATMAN?

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY says so


Papercutz’s Nancy Drew outranks Batman in ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’s new list, “20 All-Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture.” You can find Nancy’s entry at http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20268279_3,00.html. The list also includes such icons as Robin Hood, Harry Potter, and James Bond.


Nancy hits #17 on EW’s list. (Batman is #18.) “The first female hero embraced by most little girls, Drew lived in an endless summer of never-ending adventures and unlimited potential,” says her entry. EW also notes Nancy’s influence on sleuths such as Veronica Mars and SCOOBY-DOO’s Velma.


Nancy’s been a star since her first appearance in the 1930 novel THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK. Papercutz gave her a new, manga-influenced look when it launched her new series of graphic novels in 1995. The Papercutz comics have been consistently popular, and the first volume is currently in its eighth printing.


Nancy’s most recent Papercutz book, #16, features “What Goes Up…” by writers Stefan Petrucha & Sarah Kinney and artist Sho Murase. It’s a timely tale of shady investment bankers who’ll do anything to recover their lost fortune -- and too bad for Nancy when she gets in their way! Full-color paperback: 5” x 7 ½”, 96 pages, $7.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-134-5 Also in collector’s hardcover: $12.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-135-2


The next issue, #17, features “Night of the Living Chatchke” by Petrucha, Kinney and Murase. When Nancy finds that mysterious artifacts have been vanishing, she uncovers a surprise: the ruins of a long-forgotten city filled with priceless ancient treasures that certain people will do anything to get! Full-color paperback: 5” x 7 ½”, 96 pages, $7.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-143-7 Also in collector’s hardcover: $12.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-144-4. Available in May.


For more information, visit Nancy’s Papercutz web page: http://www.papercutz.com/nd/nd_moreinfo.html.





SEE PREVIEWS AND MORE AT WWW.PAPERCUTZ.COM

You can order through NBM Publishing at 800-886-1223.

For previews and more, visit Papercutz’s web site (http://www.papercutz.com),

the company’s blog (http://papercutz.com/blog/)

and its MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/papercutzcomics).
IRREDEEMABLE #1
SEES SAME DAY SELL OUT!



Second Print Is On The Way

With A 1-in-20 Incentive



Stores Across The Nation May Still Have Comic In Stock





April 2nd, 2009, Los Angeles - BOOM! Studios' newest release IRREDEEMABLE #1 saw a same day sell out this past Wednesday. Fans should keep in mind, that while distributor Diamond Comics is completely sold out, IRREDEEMABLE #1 may still be found at direct market retailers across the country.

In response to unprecedented demand, BOOM! Studios and Diamond Comics Distributors are making the second printing of IRREDEEMABLE #1 available for retailers to order immediately.

The IRREDEEMABLE #1 second print (FEB098596) will feature a sketch variant of the original Barry Kitson cover. BOOM! will also be offering a 1-in-20 incentive with the second printing. This incentive will be an unsigned first print of IRREDEEMABLE #1C that was originally offered as a 1-in-50 incentive signed by Mark Waid.

“These days, my only question when I order BOOM! books is ‘How many zeroes?’” Exclaimed Eisner-award winning retailer Atom! Freeman, the owner of Brave New World in Newhall, California. “Perfectly executed licensed books. Exciting creator owned titles. Make room in the front of the catalog for BOOM! Someday, we’re gonna look back on 2009 as the year BOOM! started slugging it out with the big boys.”

With IRREDEEMABLE, Mark Waid dares to ask the question: what if the world’s greatest hero decided to become the world’s greatest villain? IRREDEEMABLE is a “twilight of the superheroes”-style story from the writer of KINGDOM COME and EMPIRE!

The first printing of IRREDEEMABLE #1 shipped with variant covers by John Cassaday (ASTONISHING X-MEN, PLANETARY) and Barry Kitson (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) in a 75/25 split.

The first twelve issues of the series will feature incentive covers by hot newcomer Jeffrey Spokes that will spell out I-R-R-E-D-E-E-M-A-B-L-E! IRREDEEMABLE #1 has interiors by Peter (POWER OF SHAZAM) Krause and also features a special afterword by Grant Morrison.



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.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

PRESS RELEASE - THE SOLD-OUT INVINCIBLE #60 FLIES AGAIN NEXT WEEK!INVINCIBLE #60 Second Printing Brings The Invincible War Back to Shelves!

2 April 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - After a nearly instantaneous distribution level sell-out, Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley's INVINCIBLE #60 returns next week with a cover by Ottley featuring the villains of the issue's done-in-one mega-crossover, 'The Invincible War'!

"Telling an entire inter-company crossover in a single issue is something I've had my eye on for awhile," Kirkman said. "It wasn't easy to do, but the results are totally kick ass! I got the chance to play with Image's full line of superheroes, including a few you haven't seen in awhile, like PITT! It was a lot of fun for me to put INVINCIBLE and company through the ringer in a fight that completely devastated the planet, but poor INVINCIBLE has no idea the worst is yet to come as 'The Invincible War Aftermath: Conquest!' begins next issue!"

INVINCIBLE #60 began with a bang as INVINCIBLE's greatest nemesis attacked the Earth with his army of Invincibles from throughout the multiverse, forcing the entire armada of Image superheroes including SPAWN, PITT, WITCHBLADE, DARKNESS, SAVAGE DRAGON, YOUNGBLOOD, MADMAN, DYNAMO 5 to strike back against the unrelenting horde! In addition, the oversized issue sets the stage for 'The Invincible War Aftermath: CONQUEST!' storyline beginning in issue #61.

INVINCIBLE #60 2ND PRINTING (FEB098569), a 40-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores April 8th, 2009. INVINCIBLE #61 (FEB092421), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores April 22nd, 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.
PROFILES IN HISTORY TO AUCTION OVER 200 HAND-SCULPTED WAX FIGURES FROM THE HOLLYWOOD WAX MUSEUM MAY 1, 2009

Liz Taylor, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Barbra Streisand, Tom Cruise, The Beatles, Princess Diana, Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali,
Michael Jordan, Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy Among the Stars, Athletes and Historical Figures To Be Offered to the Public for the First Time.

Calabasas, CA, April 2, 2009 - For the first time in its 44-year history, the world-famous Hollywood Wax Museum is offering hand-sculpted wax figures and original costumes for auction. Over 200 figures, including top stars, musicians, athletes, and historical individuals that have been seen by millions of visitors in Hollywood, CA and Branson, MO from the 1970s to present will be sold by Profiles in History, the world's leading Hollywood memorabilia dealer, on Friday, May 1, 2009. Worldwide bids can be placed either in person, via mail, phone, fax or live on the Internet at HYPERLINK "http://www.liveauctioneers.com/\"www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Authentic costumes including Robert Englund's "Freddy Krueger" costume; Jason Voorhees' costume from Freddy vs. Jason; Irene Ryan's "Granny" hat from The Beverly Hillbillies and an original Cats costume on a life-size display figure will be available. These items also come from the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum, under the same ownership.

The Hollywood Wax Museum's famous figures were meticulously crafted by its previous team of wax sculptors, artists and costumers as tributes to the most iconic people and the most cherished moments in classic and current entertainment.

Now the longest running attraction of its kind in the nation, the Hollywood Wax Museum was created by storied entrepreneur Spoony Singh, and all three locations continue to be owned by and operated by his sons and grandson. Their company, Kuvera Attractions, recently retired the figures and original Hollywood costumes available in this exclusive auction through Profiles in History while making renovations in the Hollywood and Branson museums.

"This is an exciting time for us," said Partner Tej Sundher, Singh's grandson. "We are putting the finishing touches on our largest renovation of the Wax Museum in Branson since we opened it in 1996, and our focus is solely Hollywood-centric. We are no longer showcasing athletes and historical personalities at any of our Museums. We are also providing more opportunities for visitors to get into the sets with the stars for incredible pictures, so we are working with a different team of artists who are using new techniques to create life-like figures that are somewhat less fragile than the older ones."

According to Joe Maddalena, President and CEO of Profiles in History, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a true piece of Hollywood's history. Millions of people from all over the world have visited the Hollywood Wax Museum and seen these amazing wax figures, each of them a piece of art in itself. Profiles in History is honored to be selected by the wax museum to handle these treasures and to pass them on to collectors."

Each figure comes with a signed certificate of authenticity from the Hollywood Wax Museum. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to assist in the ongoing effort to preserve the historic Walk of Fame.

Highlights of the wax figures being offered include:

Film / TV Stars:
Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Cruise, Barbra Streisand, Charlie Chaplin, Clint Eastwood, Will Smith, Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Wizard of Oz cast, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Henry Winkler, Seinfeld cast, MASH cast, Lucille Ball, The Three Stooges, Don Johnson, Star Trek cast

Musicians:
The Beatles, Cher, Elton John, Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash

Athletes:
Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Joe Montana, Mike Tyson, Mark McGwire, Hulk Hogan

Historical Figures:
Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton; Princess Diana; The Last Supper / 12 Apostles

A downloadable catalog of all the available wax figures will soon be available at HYPERLINK "http://www.profilesinhistory.com\"www.profilesinhistory.com.

About Profiles in History:
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation's leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts. Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia. Their auctions include costumes, props and set pieces from both vintage and contemporary film, television, and rock 'n roll. Profiles in History's location in Calabasas Hills, CA- virtually a stone's throw away from every major Hollywood studio - ensures a constant flow of fantastic and rare collectibles. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, they are proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history.

Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); a King Kong six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the "U.S.S. Enterprise" ($304,750); the original "Robot" from Lost in Space ($264,500); Luke Skywalker's lightsaber ($240,000), the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000); George Reeves' Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500); the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from Alien ($126,500); a full-scale T-Rex head from Jurassic Park ($126,500), the Leaping Alien Warrior figure from Aliens ($126,500), Christopher Reeve's 'Superman' costume from Superman: The Movie ($115,000), C-3PO's helmet $120,000, The Wizard of Oz 'Winkie' Guard Costume ($115,000); a "Ming the Merciless" cape from Flash Gordon ($115,000) and the Hydraulic screen-used Velociraptor from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II. ($115,000).
Asylum Press Goes Direct to Retail with Fearless Dawn #1

Fearless Dawn #1 available to retailers for preorder

(April 2, 2009-Los Angeles) Asylum Press announced today that they will begin an official direct to retail sales program with their first release Fearless Dawn #1. After not meeting Diamond Comic Distribution’s new benchmark of a purchase order in the amount of $2500.00, Asylum Press decided to take matters into their own hands and go direct. Their terms are as follows:

Fearless Dawn #1 cover price $2.95,
60% discount:$1.18,
Asylum Press pays shipping
Net 30 days for payment(flexible)
No Minimums

To order directly, retailers should contact Frank Forte at asylumpress@aol.com

“Although we received 1,200 orders for Fearless Dawn #1, we simply didn’t meet Diamond's purchase order benchmark, “ explained Frank Forte Asylum Press CEO. “1200 is a significant order for us especially considering the state of the market place. Good customer service is the key to any successful business and we simply cannot deny demand for our products. Steve Mannion is a master at hilarious in your face fun and we expect this book to do quite well.”

Fearless Dawn #1 is at the printer and ready to print and should be released the end of April. A preview of the book can be found at www.Fearlessdawn.com. FEARLESS DAWN #1 will also be carried by Haven Distributors May catalog (for shipping June 2009). www.havendistro.com. Steve Mannion's The Bomb collection (featuring the origin of Fearless Dawn) Diamond Code: JUN083688 is also available for direct order. For a preview of the book visit :www.asylumpress.com/thebomb.html.


ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS:
Founded in 1999 by Frank Forte, Asylum Press is a unique publishing house specializing in high profile projects from some of the industry's biggest names. Publishing superhero comics with Warlash: Zombie Mutant Genesis, continuing their tradition of horror with Undead Evil, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell, the upcoming Asylum of Horrors and Beyond Lovecraft, venturing into dark humor with Billy Boy The Sick Little Fat Kid and The Cletus and Floyd Show, Asylum Press continues to be on the cutting edge of comic and graphic novel publishing. Asylum Press is distributed by Diamond Comics, Haven Distributors and Partners Publishers Group.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Focusing this year mostly on the Best of British Comics around the Bristol International Comic Expo returns at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on 9th and 10th May 2009, with a special one day extra event – Small Press Expo 2009 at the nearby Mercure Holland House Hotel (full details of both locations at http://www.fantasyevents.org/index2.html).

One ticket, two Expos. Pre-orders via the website, and these are running so high only limited tickets will be available on the Saturday at least….booking is highly advised (this also reserves Expo Exclusives book as per the website).

Guests over the events include:

Kevin O’Neill (in association with Top Shelf and Knockabout)
Alan Davis (with exclusive new DR & Quinch print only available at the Expo)
Dave Gibbons
Mark Buckingham
John Charles
Mike Collins
Rob Williams & John Higgins (in association with Com.X)
Gary Frank
Ian Gibson
David Hine
Lee Garbett
John M Burns
Lee Bradley
John Watson
Ian Culbard
Phil Winslade
Hunt Emerson & Gilbert Shelton (in association with Knockabout)
Simon Bisley & Mike Ploog (in association with Reed Comics)
Charlie Adlard
Sean Phillips
James A. Hodgkins
Duncan Fegredo
Neil Edwards
Gary Spencer Millidge
Dylan Teague
Tim Pilcher
Joel Meadows
Shaky Kane
Boo Cook
Al Davison
Laurence Campbell
John McCrea
Dave Shelton
Martin Hayes
Jock
Asia Alfasi
Ian Sharman
Tony Lee
Ferg Handley
Peter Hogan
Steve Cook
Robert Deas
Kris Justice
Kat Nicholson
Liam Sharp
Dan Boultwood
Andie Tong
Emma Vieceli
Ian Edginton
Paul Grist
Graham Bleathman
Henry Flint
Lew Stringer
Lee Townsend
Andy Diggle
Siku
Roger Langridge
Jim Boswell
Gary Erskine
Bambos!
Jon Davis-Hunt
Cy Dethan
David Baillie
Kirsty Swan
Paul Gravett
Ilya
Stephen Baskerville
Jason Cardy
Emily Hare
Mike Carey

Plus SP Expo comics from:
Steve Tanner (Time Bomb)
Howard Hardiman (Cute But Sad)
David Goodman (Zip Gun)
John Anderson (Soaring Penguin)
Paul Rainey (There’s No Time Like The Present)
Tom McNally (Semiotic Cohesion)
Willie Lengers (Itch Publishing)
Tom Meddings (Unedible)
Will Morris-julien (Butternut)
Michael Burness (Unico Comics)
Stephen Paul Coffey (Best of What’s Left)
Luke Paton (The Adventures Of Kez And Luke)
Andrew Cheverton (Angry Candy)
Dan Barritt (Ragadabah)
Nic Wilkinson (Insomnia Publications)
Isaac E C Lenkiewicz (Duh Brain Comics)
Amsel Von Speckelsen (Underfire Comics)
Chris Denton (Massacre For Boys)
Chin-Hsuen Lee (Tpcat Comic)
Steve Tillotson (Banal Pig)
Geoffrey Banyard (Fetishman)
Richard Scott Butler (Cherubs Comics)
Sally Jane Thompson (IndieManga)
Mathew J Pallett (Stir Fried)
Samantha Borras (Inspired)
Chris Lynch (Monkeys With Machineguns)

Panels will run throughout both days, EXpo EXclusives available at various times (signed ashcan of the new DC Vertigo comic from Mike Carey & Peter Gross available only at the Vertigo Panel, for example), and a host of signings, sketchings and comics to check out….

http://www.fantasyevents.org/index2.html

Saturday 9th May. Sunday 10th May. Bristol. See you there!
COMIC BOOK STORE THROWS PARTY FOR THE CITY

Challengers Comics celebrates one year anniversary with party and sale!



(Chicago IL, April 1, 2009) Challengers Comics is throwing a city wide party this Saturday April 4th, 2009 at 5pm. As a way to say thank you to their customers and the city that gave them a home, Challengers is having a party complete with food and drink to celebrate the one year anniversary of the store officially opening. In addition to the party, all back issues will be $1.00. The store encourages all interested to swing by and say “hello” or simply search the back issue bins for great deals. Challengers is located at 1845 N. Western Ave #2R, Chicago IL 60647.

“We didn’t want this to be our store and customers just shopped here,” explained Patrick Brower co owner of Challengers Comics. “We wanted it to be the customers store and we just happen to work here.” W. Dal Bush, the other half of Challengers Comics ownership continued, “We wanted a store that brought a high level of professionalism to our retail industry. Comic books are now in the mainstream. More Hollywood blockbusters than not are based off them. The New York Times now has a best selling graphic novel list. We are proof that the family unfriendly, grimy disorganized stereotype of a comic shop is history.”

To see more about Challengers Comics visit www.challengerscomics.com. To be added to their mailing list for events and news email patrick@challengerscomics.com. As always Challengers encourages frequent and lively conversation on comic as an art form. To join their shout box to discuss anything pop culture related visit http://challengerscomics.com/index.php?option=com_blastchatc&Itemid=36.



About Challengers Comics:

Challengers Comics opened their doors in April 2008 with the goal to open a store that embodied everything that W. Dal Bush and Patrick Brower had learned in their decades of experience working in comic book retail. Patrick and Dal have been life long friends and comic book fans. Challengers is a place to gather, to communicate and to enjoy to comic books as an art form.

Challengers Comics – Be Challenged! – www.challengercomics.com
STEVE WIEBE SEEKS TO RECLAIM “DONKEY KONG” WORLD RECORD LIVE ON G4 STAGE AT E3

Wiebe’s Highly Anticipated Attempt Will Air Live June 2, Only on G4


LOS ANGELES, April 1, 2009 – Legendary gamer Steve Wiebe will attempt to reclaim his “Donkey Kong” throne at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and G4 viewers will have a live front-row seat to all the action. Wiebe was the first person on record to break a million points in “Donkey Kong,” a high score that he ultimately lost to his nemesis Billy Mitchell as documented in the popular film “The King Of Kong: A First Full Of Quarters.” Twin Galaxies, the authority on video game score rankings, will provide the official “Donkey Kong” unit and be on-hand to record Wiebe’s score as he attempts to break Mitchell’s world record and reclaim victory. G4 is bringing fans exclusive access to this special event on Tuesday, June 2 as part the network’s week-long E3 coverage.

Wiebe lived a quiet life in Washington until he lost his job at Boeing and found solace in his video game obsession, “Donkey Kong.” At the time, Billy Mitchell, a hot sauce mogul and an icon in the world of competitive gaming, held the record for the highest “Donkey Kong” score, and Wiebe made it his mission to break that record. He not only perfected his game but surpassed Mitchell’s record and ended up with a thought-to-be-impossible 1,000,000 points. A wave of media coverage followed and Wiebe quickly became a celebrity in his hometown of Seattle. Meanwhile, Mitchell hatched a plan to reclaim his fallen "Donkey Kong" record and, in the months that followed, Wiebe and Mitchell engaged in a cross-country duel to see who could set the high score and become the real “King of Kong.”

Wiebe’s story is featured in the documentary “The King Of Kong: A First Full Of Quarters,” which G4 aired as a world television premiere last year. The film ranked as one of G4’s highest rated telecasts ever and more than doubled the network's total day household delivery.

Since the documentary and the loss of his title to Mitchell in 2007, Wiebe has attempted to break the record four other times but to no avail. With his latest attempt in October 2008, he scored 1,000,200, which is only the second time that a million point score has been achieved in public but it was still not enough to knock off Mitchell. Now, as he gears up for his fifth effort, fans can witness live what Wiebe hopes will be his sweet revenge and gaming history.

Twin Galaxies will also be on-hand to ensure the challenge is legitimate every step of the way. The company will provide the official “Donkey Kong” unit that has all the required factory default settings, as well as a senior referee who will make sure Wiebe’s attempt is officially recorded and will announce his victory if he succeeds.

For more information on G4, E3 and Steve Wiebe please visit http://g4tv.com

About Comcast Entertainment Group
Based in Los Angeles, Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming; G4, offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity and "geek culture" for the male 18-34 demo; and FEARnet, the world's premier horror and thriller destination on demand, online and on mobile devices. E! is currently available to 96 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the United States. In 2006, E! launched the E! Everywhere initiative underscoring the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere from online to broadband video to wireless to radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 60 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America, is available in more than 65 million cable and satellite homes nationwide. FEARnet is a joint venture between Comcast, Sony Pictures Television and Lionsgate. FEARnet.com ranks as the number one horror web site and FEARnet On Demand is one of the top five VOD networks.
Tabloia Mailer #293478

Wow, fans! It’s been years since we’ve published any books (besides a few chintzy mini-comics)! It’s been over half a year since our last weekly mailer! It’s been four months since we’ve made any appearances, or even bothered to update our website, www.tabloia.com ! The economy is poor and the comics industry is suffering! IS THIS THE END OF TABLOIA??!!

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DORIS DANGER SIGNS ON WITH SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS!

That’s right, fans! We’ve been dying to tell you for over a year!, but waiting for negotiations to be finalized! At last the contract is signed! Expect a 96-page, digest-sized (5”x7.5”) DORIS DANGER treasury, published by Slave Labor (that’s www.slgcomic.com ) this year! Be sure to write in and congratulate us, and tell us how proud you are of us! More soon!

* * *

TABLOIA VS. THE DIABOLICAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION KNOWN AS THE I.R.S.!

We’ve been dying to tell you for over a year and a half!, but waiting for negotiations to be finalized! At last the papers are signed! At last the story can be told!

At their most insidious and dishonest, the lying, bullying, evil I.R.S intimidated that Tabloia was a hobby and not a profession, and that Tabloia therefore owed $13,000!

Those criminal, %&&%@?!-sucking %&*#$-holes, in reality, owed Tabloia thousands of dollars! It took a year and a half of beating them off with a stick (and the most expensive lawyer Tabloia could find) . . . with the result being, those pieces of &%$!?&*$ had to eat our bagoo, pay out, and acknowledge that TABLOIA IS NOT A HOBBY! So kiss &%?$#*, you lousy #@!&-wits!

Be sure and write in and congratulate us on that taxing, hard-fought victory, against perhaps the most wicked force of evil the world has ever known!

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BABY ANNOUNCEMENT!

In the thick of all this Tabloia excitement and business, on March 1st 2009, Tabloia’s artistic hack, Chris Wisnia, had a second baby son! Be sure and write in to congratulate Chris, and welcome baby Boris to the Wisnia artistic hack family! You can look forward to meeting him at the next convention!

* * *

WONDERCON MARCH 2009 UPDATE!

Tabloia’s artistic hack, Chris Wisnia, will be unable to attend last month’s Wondercon 2009 (see “Baby Announcement” above)! He’ll sorely miss seeing all of you and bitterly resents his family for this poorly scheduled birth of his son, so be sure and write in and let Chris know how much you’ll miss seeing him!

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APRIL FOOL’S ANNOUNCEMENT!

Tabloia Weekly Magazine doesn’t celebrate April Fool’s, fans! We think it’s cruel!

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* * *

See you soon,
Rob Oder,
Editor-in-Chief
Tabloia Weekly Magazine!
www.tabloia.com
For immediate release 4/1/09

No Quarter no longer in Zenescope's Plans
Zenescope Entertainment and No Quarter Entertainment have decided to cancel their plan to launch the pirate-themed comic book entitled NO QUARTER which was originally set for a June 2009 release date. The venture was anticipated by Zenescope fans, especially those hungry for a pirate series. "We feel bad that we let our fans down a bit after promoting the release and getting some great feedback but unfortunately sometimes the unexpected occurs." said Zenescope Executive VP, Ralph Tedesco "We do wish No Quarter Entertainment luck with their future endeavors and hopefully the book will be published at some point, even if it's not under the Zenescope label."
Zenescope will still be launching two brand new titles this summer that have yet to be announced, both are set to debut preview issues at Comic Con International in July.
COMIC BOOKS 101 OFFERS
VISUAL PRIMER TO THE COMICS INDUSTRY

The Book, Due in June and co-written by Chris Ryall and Scott Tipton, features Contributions from Many Entertainment Luminaries

(San Diego, March 31, 2009) – Chris Ryall, IDW Publishing’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, and Scott Tipton, comics101.com’s founder, are proud to announce the May release of Comic Books 101, available for pre-order in Diamond's Previews catalog being released to comics shops tomorrow, April 1.

Comic Books 101, coming from IMPACT Books, is a 288-page prose-with-illustrations primer to the comic-book industry. The book serves as an overview to the industry, discussing:

- the history of comics
- the top publishers
- most popular characters
- pioneering creators
- a full rundown of Hollywood movie and TV adaptations.

The material is presented through prose chapters, personal asides, anecdotes and sidebars, and contributions from comic-book luminaries, and features over 100 full-color illustrations detailing historic moments, characters, covers and creators.

Comic Books 101 is the natural outgrowth of the long-running Comics 101 column run by Scott Tipton at the Web site of the same name. The weekly column has been running since its launch at Kevin Smith’s Movie Poop Shoot.com site in 2004. Prior to joining IDW, Ryall served as that site’s Editor-in-Chief.

Comic Books 101 features an all-new introduction from comic-book great Stan Lee, and includes all-new sidebar contributions from Clive Barker, Joe Casey, Paul Dini, Joe Hill, Brian Lynch, Gene Simmons, Mark Waid, Marv Wolfman, and many more. Harlan Ellison contributed a brand-new, 1,500-word recollection detailing the first comic book he ever read as the book’s "outroduction." The book also features many all-new chapter illustrations and cartoon images from artists like Mark Engblom, David Messina, and Nick Roche, dozens upon dozens of images of classic covers, characters, and creators, and a cover by Locke & Key artist Gabriel Rodriguez.

“It’s been a pleasure to assemble Comic Books 101 for many reasons, not least of which was the chance to get recollections and remembrances from so many creators we’ve long admired,” said 101 co-writer Chris Ryall. “The book offers plenty of entertaining stories for longtime fans as well as offering new fans or comic-curious folks an easy, illustrated intro to all facets of the industry. If you want to know who Western Publishing is, where Superman—and his creators—came from, the different types of manga, the differences between a comic and a graphic novel or which TV and movie adaptations were the best and the worst, all of that and so much more is right here in this book.”

“The motivation behind the column has always been a simple one,” asserted 101 co-writer Tipton. “Introduce new readers to the world of comics with entertaining history lessons that celebrate both the grand and the goofy, the silly and the sublime. Comic Books 101 allows us to take that philosophy to the next step, with both a more detailed historical approach and 'Guest Lectures' from some of the biggest names in comics and popular culture.”

Comic Books 101, ISBN: 978-1-60061-187-2, is a 288-page, 8” x 8” softcover book with a retail price of $22.99. It is available for pre-order through the April '09 Diamond Previews catalog (page 317, Diamond order code APR09 1125) or at Amazon.com.



About Chris Ryall
Chris Ryall is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at IDW Publishing. He is also an Eisner-nominated writer of comics such as Groom Lake, Zombies vs. Robots, Beowulf, Clive Barker’s The Great and Secret Show, George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead, Gene Simmons House of Horrors, Doomed, and Shaun of the Dead. His first children’s picture book, Transformers: I Am Optimus Prime, also published by IDW, will be released in May. More information about these titles can be found at www.IDWpublishing.com. Ryall maintains a daily blog at ryalltime.blogspot.com and has contributed a weekly TV Recommendations column to www.Comics101.com since its inception.

About Scott Tipton
Scott Tipton, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Comics 101.com, writes the weekly column of the same name, the site's most popular and highly trafficked column. In recent years, Scott has crossed over from comics historian to comics creator, writing such comics as Spike: Old Wounds, Spike: Lost and Found, Angel: Auld Lang Syne, Klingons: Blood Will Tell, Star Trek: The Next Generation: Intelligence Gathering, Star Trek: Mirror Images and Angel: Smile Time for IDW Publishing. Scott's upcoming comics projects include Astro Boy: Underground, Angel: Not Fade Away and Spock: Reflections. Readers looking for Scott's latest ruminations on comics past and present need only tune into www.Comics101.com, where a new column is posted every Wednesday without fail.

About IMPACT Books
IMPACT Books publishes the finest in comic, fantasy, sci-fi, Manga and popular art. For more information visit www.IMPACT-Books.com

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

BOOM! STUDIOS @ ECC 2009
BOOTH #406

EMERALD CITY CONVENTION EXCLUSIVES:


MARK WAID SIGNING...
IRREDEEMABLE #1 "MARK WAID IS EVIL" SILVER HOLOFOIL
&
THE INCREDIBLES: FAMILY MATTERS #1 MR. INCREDIBLE GOLD HOLOFOIL - BOTH LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!


FARSCAPE #1 RYGEL HOLOFOIL - LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!


CARS: THE ROOKIE #1 RUBY RED LIGHTNIN' MCQUEEN HOLOFOIL - LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!


THE MUPPET SHOW COMIC BOOK #1 KERMIT GREEN HOLOFOIL -- LIMITED TO 500 COPIES!

Mark Waid and Michael Alan Nelson will both be signing at booth #406. Come by for signing schedule!


ECC BOOM! STUDIOS PANEL:

WHEN: April 4th, Saturday, 2009 at 12:00pm-1:00pm
WHERE: Panel Room 3B
DESCRIPTION: BIG. BOLD. BOOM! STUDIOS ECCC PANEL - BOOM! Studios' E-i-C Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, Irredeemable), Publisher Ross Richie, and Managing Editor Matt Gagnon (Hexed, The Unknown) are at it again. At the last two big shows, panel attendees learned about new Farscape books, brand new Mark Waid original series and even BOOM!'s new co-publishing deal with Fox Atomic. What's next? Well, if your head didn't explode at the last two panels --attend this panel and it certainly will.

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


Game Brings Comic Book Back Matter Into The 21st Century




March 31st, 2009 - Los Angeles - BOOM! Studios is proud to announce Justin Lundgren as the winner of the UNTHINKABLE Altered Reality Game earning him a unique hardcover of UNTHINKABLE #1 signed by series creator Mark Sable and BOOM! E-i-C Mark Waid.






"It was a lot of fun. The puzzles were challenging and pretty creative," said winner Justin Lundgren. "I'm glad I won the game and I am looking forward to getting my prize!"

Premiering this May from BOOM! Studios, Mark (TWO-FACE: YEAR ONE) Sable's new five issue mini-series UNTHINKABLE features covers by Paul (PUNISHER NOIR) Azaceta and Kristian (DMZ) Donaldson, with interior art by THE REMNANT's rising-star artist Julian Totino Tedesco.






UNTHINKABLE follows Alan Ripley, a best-selling author who joins a think tank commissioned after 9-11 to think the unthinkable and protect America from possible nightmare terrorist scenarios. But years later, when the think tank's imaginary terror plots become frighteningly real, can he stop the UNTHINKABLE from coming to pass?

To promote the comic book's release, BOOM! Studios and Mark Sable devised an Altered Reality Game, taking extended story elements that would otherwise be comic book back matter and creating an interactive game that players across the country could actually participate in.






"We worked almost as hard on the ARG as the comic itself," said UNTHINKABLE creator Mark Sable. "I was astounded by not just the extent of participation, but how smart the players were in hunting down my fictional characters. Their engagement made all our work worth it, and I hope we can return the favor with a comic series that builds on what they experienced in the game."






The first mission was to find all the members of the Think Tank that were communicating with the term "Krammada Elbas" and at what time they would be communicating. Searching for the term "Krammada Elbas" in Google sent players to the following sites:

http://peakoilishere.blogspot.com/
http://isomergrenade.livejournal.com/
http://bringontheendtimes.wordpress.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/11/8a7/747

Written completely by UNTHINKABLE creator Mark Sable, all of the above sites feature what traditionally would be"back matter" content that extends and enhances the story of the impending UNTHINKABLE mini-series. The answer to mission one's question as to whom in the Think Tank were communicating using this codeword was: Heinrich Greisman, Thurston Veigh, and Nathaniel Houston with the time being 5:30.






The second mission asked for a list of countries Nathaniel Houston visited, his current reading list, and how exactly he and other members were communicating. The answers to these questions were found on Houston's LinkedIn site, his Amazon Wish List, and twitter conversations that the three Think Tank members were engaged in.





Mission three was the hardest of all the missions to complete, with a "photograph" of Nathaniel Houston being sent to all participating players. Just from the photo, they had to figure out where the character Houston was located. Unbeknownst to the players, the .jpg had geolocation information embedded within the file. That geolocation information took players to Al Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. With a little more digging, this would lead the player to discover that Al Abaiq, Saudi Arabia houses an Aramaco oil refinery. It is this refinery that plays a significant role in the first issue of UNTHINKABLE.

"It was a pleasure to be involved in such a ground-breaking new way to tell the back story of a comic book," said Chip Mosher, Marketing and Sales Director of BOOM! Studios. " With WATCHMEN, Alan Moore really took back matter to the next level, and with the UNTHINKABLE ARG, people down the road will see this as a completely new way to enhance the storytelling of sequential art."

UNTHINKABLE #1 is written by Mark Sable and drawn by Julian Totino Tedesco with first issue covers by Paul Azaceta and Kristian Donaldson. The first issue of UNTHINKABLE ships in May and has a Diamond Code of MAR094127.

To find a comic book store near you, go to the comic shop locator, www.comicshoplocator.com.



About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.
OBAMA COMICS WITH A TWIST FROM DEVIL'S DUE IN JUNE
Ruthless Political Satire from Larry Hama and an Alternate Reality from Mark Powers

March 31, 2009

CHICAGO, IL: Straight from Barack Obama's home city, Devil's Due announces three Obama inspired items available this June.

DRAFTED: 100 DAYS: Devil's Due's original Sci-Fi hit returns with this double-sized one-shot featuring the President who could have been. Mark Powers offers a poignant look at a man the world never got to see achieve his true greatness when a race from beyond the stars drafted our planet into intergalactic war. See how he struggles, just as every other man, woman and child on Earth does in this truly inspiring story. As can be expected from Powers, there's one other difference about our hero in this story in that due to an injury... he is MUTE.

1-Shot 48 Page Special

BARACK THE BARBARIAN: QUEST FOR THE TREASURE OF STIMULI: Devil's Due and Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine) take political satire to a whole new level. Hama, a surprise hire to some, but not to those who truly know his tastes, will take a look at the current state of politics both past and present and isn't afraid to point fun at Washinton's sacred cows. In the distant future the story of Barack Obama has become a little... distorted. According to THE MADDOWIAN CHRONICLES he was the one destined to save the great republic of America and dethrone the overpaid despots of the time. Join Barack, Sorceress Hilaria, her demi-god trickster husband Biil, Overlord Boosh and Chainknee of the Elephant Kingdom. Who can the lone barbarian trust, if anyone?

Ongoing Series.

"Yup, we did it, we made Obama books!" states DDP President Josh Blaylock, "But I guarantee you these are unlike ANY others out there."

Look for these items shipping in early June, and keep an eye out for exclusive variant covers available at this year's San Diego Comic-Con!

***********

***********

About Devil's Due Publishing:

"Proliferators of ComiCulture", 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 a presence in Los Angeles and Chicago, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, and Rogue Pictures. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company also produces toys through it's imprint DDPOP.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Princess Diana and Condoleezza Rice Will Be the Subjects of the Next ‘Female Force’ Comic Books

Bluewater Productions is proud to announce Princess Diana and Condoleezza Rice will be the subjects of the newest additions to the “Female Force” biographical comic book series. The “Female Force” books feature some of the most influential women of our time.

“Female Force: Princess Diana” written by Chris Arrant, takes a close look at the admirable British icon who won hearts around the world as a princess, public figure, philanthropist and parent. The book will be available in July.

“Female Force: Condoleezza Rice” written by Christopher Ward & Nick Lyons, chronicles Rice's life from childhood to her accomplished career as the first black woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. Due in stores in August, this issue will document how Rice became one of the most powerful women of the past decade.

“Female Force” cover artist Vinnie Tartamella did both covers.

The “Female Force” series was recently featured on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” CNN, MSNBC and Fox News, and in People magazine, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and thousands of other media outlets.

Diamond Comic Distributors reports advance sales for the monthly series’ next installment, featuring Michelle Obama, have already made the book its top-selling independent comic for April. Overwhelming demand for the Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin books has prompted multiple printings.

To find a comic book store near you, go to the comic shop locator, www.comicshoplocator.com. “Female Force” books are also available on Amazon.com, where they have been ranked among the site’s top 300 books.
PRESS RELEASE - JASON PEARSON COLLECTS BODY BAGS THIS JUNE!Jason Pearson's long out of print high-octane action series with a paternal twist returns in a completely new collection just in time for Father's Day!

30 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This June Image Comics brings back Jason Pearson’s long out of print BODY BAGS: FATHER'S DAY mini-series in an all-new collection!

“I’m very happy to see the FATHER’S DAY trade paperback in print after so many years," Pearson said. "People have been asking for this collection for a while now, and after the success of the BODY BAGS: ONE SHOT, the timing is finally right. There are lots of new Mack and Panda fans that are just discovering these characters and they need access to the story that started it all.” BODY BAGS collects the sold-out origin story of Mack (a.k.a. Clown Face), the best ‘body bagger’ in the business, and the sudden arrival of his estranged daughter, Panda, as a rival 'bagger' threatens to end her life. In short order Mack has to learn just how he'll handle a wild teenage daughter determined to follow in her daddy’s lethal footsteps. In addition, the collection will feature never-before-seen artwork and bonus materials that will have fans old and new coming back for more!

BODY BAGS, VOL. 1: FATHER'S DAY TP (APR090358), a 128-page full color softcover for $14.99, will be in stores June 17th, 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.
TALES FROM THE CRYPT MEETS DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

TFTC #13 presents “Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid” and “Guitar Demon”

TALES FROM THE CRYPT #13, on the stands in July, digs into one of the most in-demand pop-culture phenomena: the stunningly popular DIARY OF A WIMPY KID graphic novels.


The Stinky Dead Kid -- TALES’ version of the Wimpy Kid -- appears in two stories. “Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid” explains exactly how he became a Stinky Dead Kid, and “Guitar Demon” (a satire on the computer game GUITAR HERO) pits him into battle with a popular musical toy possessed by an evil entity.


DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, featuring middle-school loser Greg Heffley, started as a Web series that’s attracted more than 20 million viewers -- roughly 70,000 per day. The first WIMPY KID book hit #1 on the NEW YORK TIMES’ children’s best-seller list, and the other two in the series have sold comparably well. Fox has announced that it is developing the books into a movie.


TALES FROM THE CRYPT #13 is written by Stefan Petrucha and Jim Salicrup and drawn by Rick Parker. It’s a full-color, 48-page comic book, cover-priced at $3.95.




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

SEE PREVIEWS AND MORE AT WWW.PAPERCUTZ.COM

You can order through NBM Publishing at 800-886-1223.

Visit Papercutz’s web site (http://www.papercutz.com),

blog (http://papercutz.com/blog/)

and MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/papercutzcomics).
Friends-

Issue 30 of Comics Waiting Room is here! We’ve got lots of good stuff for you to read this out, so here we go:

John Layman interviewed! The comics veteran has a new book coming from Image in May, CHEW, and Marc Mason gets the scoop!
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/johnlayman.html

Brandon Jerwa takes a look at, and recommends, the new BOOM!KIDS line of books.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa18.html

Marc Mason watched the animated WONDER WOMAN film and started asking why it’s been so hard to get a live-action film going.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason30.html

Matt Maxwell digs into his archives and remembers a time when a great cover truly meant everything in getting a comic into a kid’s hands.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed38.html

Elliott Serrano looks at the “Dark Reign” and laments how far the Marvel Universe has fallen from greatness.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw25.html

Avril Brown takes a look at what makes for genuinely great television.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril29.html

Jess Blackshear reviews the book HOW TO BREAK BAD NEWS.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jess18.html

Vince Moore watched the BATTLESTAR GALACTICA finale and found it wanting.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vince32.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