Thursday, June 25, 2009

PRESS RELEASE - JEFF PARKER AND STEVE LIEBER GO UNDERGROUND WITH IMAGE COMICS THIS SEPTEMBER!

The artist of WHITEOUT and writer of AGENTS OF ATLAS team up for the four issue mini-series, UNDERGROUND!

25 June 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - As Warner Brothers gears up to release WHITEOUT, its Eisner-winning artist Steve Lieber returns to the adventure genre with a new thriller from Image Comics, pairing with acclaimed AGENTS OF ATLAS and EXILES writer Jeff Parker on the September shipping UNDERGROUND!

“UNDERGROUND is a fast, tough story about people who have been pushed into tight corners — both ethical and literal,” Parker said. “None of them knew they were about to be caught up in a life or death struggle, it’s a situation that has spiraled out of control. I’ve known Steve Lieber for years and he’s the best at this. No one can put the real world on the comics page the way he does. He draws real people and puts them in real danger.”

In UNDERGROUND, Park Ranger and avid caver Wesley Fischer is on a one-woman mission to stop Stillwater Cave from being turned into a tourist trap, but public opinion is not on her side. When locals begin blasting in the cave, Wes and a fellow ranger investigate – and a confrontation spirals into a deadly chase deep under the Kentucky mountains!

Lieber added, “We knew Image was the right publisher for UNDERGROUND as we like how they’ve expanded the comics audience with titles like THE WALKING DEAD and now VIKING. We want to continue pushing the reading public with UNDERGROUND.”

UNDERGROUND #1 (JUL090341), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores September 23rd, 2009. For more information, please see http://www.undergroundthecomic.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.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

G4 AND LUCASFILM PRESENT THE FIRST-EVER
TELEVISED PANEL IN SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON HISTORY



Star Wars™ Comic-Con Spectacular Will Feature Exclusive Footage
and Exciting Announcements from the LIVE Lucasfilm Presentation



Hosted by G4’s Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira, the Two-Hour Special
Will Premiere on G4 Saturday, July 25 at 2pm ET/PT



LOS ANGELES – June 24, 2009 — Lucasfilm Ltd. and G4 are joining forces for a milestone in San Diego Comic-Con International’s 40-year history – the first-ever, exclusive television broadcast of a presentation from the massive pop culture convention. The Star Wars Spectacular! will air Saturday July 25th at 2:00pm ET/PT only on G4, and will feature never-before-seen footage, breaking news, surprise announcements, guest stars and more. In addition, G4 will present three hours of live coverage from the Comic-Con floor, beginning at 4:00pm ET/PT.

Traditionally, details surrounding Lucasfilm’s primary panel presentation are closely guarded secrets, with only 6,500 lucky on-site fans allowed access to the wealth of coveted information from a galaxy far, far away. But this year, G4 – the network that delivers all of the latest and greatest news on comic books, games, technology and pop culture – is offering TV viewers the one-of-a-kind opportunity to share the excitement with an exclusive broadcast of the panel. G4’s Attack of the Show hosts Kevin Pereira and Olivia Munn will join Lucasfilm’s Steve Sansweet and a galaxy of guests from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and beyond – including supervising director Dave Filoni, and voice talent from the show – to provide an insider look at the Star Wars universe, with never-before-seen footage and a LIVE table read of an exclusive new Clone Wars script.



In addition, fans are invited to participate in the panel itself by submitting Clone Wars questions through a special G4 micro-site. Questions will be answered during the live presentation by Dave Filoni and other Clone Wars creatives!



2009’s Comic-Con International also marks another Lucasfilm milestone – the launch of the all-new Star Wars Stories Project. Fans of the Saga will have the unique opportunity to become a part of the Star Wars universe by contributing to Lucasfilm’s own historical archive. Soliciting movie memories and nostalgia, the Star Wars Stories Project invites fans to share their own tales of fandom through video testimonials. In addition to online submissions, fans will have the opportunity to record their stories at Lucasfilm’s pavilion on the Comic-Con floor.



Fans are invited to upload their fan stories at http://g4tv.com/comiccon



About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production; LucasArts, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems and PC; Lucas Licensing, which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties; and Lucasfilm Animation, which is currently producing Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a CG-animated half-hour television series produced jointly with the latest addition to the Lucas family, Lucasfilm Animation Singapore. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses. Lucasfilm's motion-picture productions include three of the 20 biggest box-office hits of all time and have received 19 Oscars and more than 60 Academy Award nominations. Lucasfilm's television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif.





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 U.S. and the E! Everywhere initiative underscores 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 63 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America, is available in more than 64 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.



Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
ATTENTION ALL VIDEO GAMERS!!!!



THQ*ICE ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE CLOSED BETA TEST FOR





WHO: THQ*ICE LLC



WHAT: The chance to play Dragonica™ Online before it’s made available to the public by registering for the exclusive closed beta test. A limited amount of activation keys are available and will be issued on a first-come / first-served basis so don’t delay.



HOW: Online: Register at http://dragonica.thqice.com

Twitter: Follow at http://twitter.com/dragonicathqice

Facebook: Join at http://facebook.com/dragonica



WHEN: Play Begins: June 30th, 2009

Play Ends: July 14th, 2009



ABOUT: Dragonica Online is the first MMO to merge 3D side-scrolling, fast-paced combat and a hilarious, yet devastating, skill system. Join the quest to vanquish the threat of evil - explore a fantastical world rife with monsters to battle, challenges to overcome and adventures to discover. Choose your class, master powerful skills, and grow your character into a legendary hero. Participate in exciting Closed Beta Test events and much more!
ASYLUM PRESS
P.O. BOX 2875
Hollywood CA 90078
WWW.ASYLUMPRESS.COM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
Contact: Shirley Forte - Publicity Director / Asylum Press asylumpress@aol.com

Fearless Dawn #1 UPDATE
Fearless Dawn #1 started shipping June 15th to retailers and distributors

Fearless Dawn #1 still available to retailers for order
(June 24, 2009-Los Angeles) Asylum Press announced today that Fearless Dawn #1 is printed and is shipping to distributors and retailers as of June 15th. Asylum Press is continuing 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, the book was cancelled (by Diamond). Asylum Press decided to take matters into their own hands and go direct. Their terms are as follows:

Fearless Dawn #1 (of 4) 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
A preview of the book can be found at www.asylumpress.com
.
FEARLESS DAWN #1 will also be carried by Haven Distributors May catalog (COMICS #1) (for shipping June 2009). http://www.havendistro.com. The book is also available from Tony Shenton :Shenton4Sales@aol.com. Fans can buy the book at the following online retailers: TFAW.com, Houseofmysterioussecrets.com, dcbservice.com, instocktrades.com,Heavyink.com, forbiddenplanet.com, AtomicMadhouse.com

Fearless dawn #2 (of 4) is scheduled to ship Oct. 2009. 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 http://www.asylumpress.com/thebomb.html

ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS: Asylum Press is distributed by Diamond Comics, Haven Distributors and Partners Publishers Group.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

PRESS RELEASE – SILVERLINE BOOKS DEBUTS TWO NEW CHILDREN’S GRAPHIC NOVELS, THE LAVA IS A FLOOR AND TIMOTHY & THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL, THIS AUGUST!

Silverline Books expands line of children’s graphic novels with THE LAVA IS A FLOOR and TIMOTHY & THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL!

22 June 2009 (Berkeley, CA) – This August Silverline Books, the children’s graphic novel imprint from Image Comics, debuts two all-new titles showcasing the human side of two very fantastic situations, THE LAVA IS A FLOOR by writer Justin Shady with artist Jeremy R. Scott and TIMOTHY & THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL by writer Michael Bullock with artist Michael Metcalf!

"I was immediately impressed with the way THE LAVA IS A FLOOR and TIMOTHY & THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL both appeal to a child’s sense of humor, while the vivid imagery captures the imaginations of new and reluctant readers alike, " Silverline Publisher Jim Valentino said. “Both books give unique twists on the everyday experiences of children, making them enjoyable for both kids and their parents.”

Silverline Books continues its tradition of bridging the gap between comics and children’s story books for a new generation of fans with THE LAVA IS A FLOOR and TIMOTHY AND THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL. THE LAVA IS A FLOOR is the story of a brother and sister troubled by a typical childhood dillema; they’re bored. Although these are not your typical sibling duo--they’re monsters living in the crater of a volcano! Using their imaginations they pretend to be the strangest creatures they can think of: humans! In TIMOTHY AND THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL, a young boy named Timothy soon finds out that with a seemingly normal beach towel he can transport himself to other worlds and times, including into the midst of an inter-galactic war!

THE LAVA IS A FLOOR (JUN090325), a 32-page full color hard cover book for $12.99, will be in stores August 5, 2009. TIMOTHY AND THE TRANSGALACTIC TOWEL (JUN090327), a 112-page full color book $16.99, will be in stores August 26, 2009. For more information please see http://www.silverlinebooks.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.
Hey gang,
This week sees the release of the massive Outlaw Territory western anthology from Image Comics. I was honored to be a part of this big ol' book put together by the mighty Michael Woods. You can find out more about the book at the blog located here: http://outlawterritoryanthology.blogspot.com/

I'm in some pretty damn respectable company, and I'm immensely proud of how my story (with amazing art by Christie Tseng) turned out.

In other news, Noel and I will have a huge announcement about our next book come Comic-Con next month, as well as hopefully some news about Elk's Run's next iteration.

As always, feel free to follow me at my blog, on Facebook, or on Twitter for more up to date and less newsworthy bites. Addresses below.

See you soon,

j.
www.thefialkov.com
Multi-BAFTA award-winning chat show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross airs Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BBC AMERICA.



In the June 26 episode, Jack Black joins Jonathan and promptly challenges him to take his shirt off to see who looks better. Jonathan admits he’s not wearing underwear and is afraid where this all might lead. When Jonathan asks him about his recent weight loss, Jack lets him in on the secret of the "Mime Diet", he also announces the name of the new Tenacious D song, Death Star. Looking very grown up and sophisticated in a suit and tie, Jack admits that, with his 40th birthday coming up in August, "it's time to put childish things away. It's the new me - suits, tie and adult times."

Also joining Jonathan is newly reformed boy-band Take That plus comedian Sue Perkins and restaurant critic Giles Coren of the British hit Supersizes.



Matthew Fox, David Mitchell and Robert Webb, Davina McCall, and Reverend & The Makers appear on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross Friday, July 3.



Sacha Baron Cohen (Bruno) and Florence and the Machine sit down with Jonathan, Friday, July 10.
Comics on Comics Live w/ Transformers Executive Producer Don Murphy this Saturday June 27 @ Meltdown Comics in Hollywood!



Autobots, Rollout! On Saturday, June 27, it's Comics on Comics vs. Transformers at Meltdown Comics!

Host Juan-Manuel Rocha welcomes mega-producer Don Murphy (Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Shoot ‘Em Up), animation and video game writer/producer Flint Dille (GI Joe, Transformers), along with comedians Tom Franck (Comics and Comics), Asterios Kokkinos (Cracked Magazine, NPR's Marketplace) and Claude Stewart (Comics Unleashed, Last Comic Standing) as they explore The Transformers' cultural impact and social significance, the movie adaptations, and all things giant robot!

The taping begins at 8pm and admission is FREE! Be sure to show up early to grab a good seat!

You can RSVP for this event on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95526364210

Or you can find us online at ComicsOnComics.com

Meltdown Comics is located at 7522 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles.

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.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Friends-

Issue 36 of Comics Waiting Room in now online! Here’s the line-up!

Mark Powers and Ardian Syaf interviewed! Avril Brown chats with the creative team behind the DRESDEN FILES graphic novels and gets the scoop on adapting Jim Butcher’s hero for comics.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/dresdenfiles.html

Guest columnist! Cami Berardi of Comic Book File steps in to discuss whether or not comics have reached a tipping point as far as pricing readers out of the market.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vg.html

Marc Mason pays tribute to one of the greatest comics of the 80s: Scott McCloud’s DESTROY!!
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason36.html

Matt Maxwell digs into the archives and examines the Darwyn Cooke masterpiece, THE NEW FRONTIER.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed44.html

Jocelyn Saddler has found the perfect way to get new readers into comics: give them FABLES to read.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/bb11.html

Vince Moore discusses how the situation in Iran is hitting closer to home for him more than most.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vince37.html

Enjoy the reading!

Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
ESSENTIAL NEW PHOTO BOOK FROM

DARK HORSE DOCUMENTS THE LIFE AND CAREER OF A PUNK ROCK LEGEND



EERIE VON’S MISERY OBSCURA FEATURES OVER 250 PHOTOS, CHRONICLING A CAREER OF OVER 20 YEARS



JUNE 22, MILWAUKIE, OR–From the deepest depths of punk rock’s 1970s primordial wastelands, through the stygian goth swamps of the 1980s, and on into the bloodstained arenas of 1990s heavy metal, Eerie Von witnessed it all.

Beginning as the unofficial photographer for punk legends the Misfits and later taking charge of the bass guitar as a founding member of underground pioneers Samhain and metal gods Danzig, the evil eye of Eerie’s camera captured the dark heart of rock’s most vital and bleeding-edge period, a time when rock and roll was not only dangerous, but downright menacing. Eerie Von’s Misery Obscura offers firsthand insight into everything from the Misfits’ humble beginnings in Lodi, New Jersey, to the heights of Danzig’s stadium-rock glory alongside metal superstars Metallica.

“I’ve been planning this book for twenty years,” Eerie Von stated. “The fans have been begging for it almost as long. It's been a great ride, and I’m glad to be able to share some of it with those who were there, and those who wish they were.”

Misery Obscura is not only an essential visual document of music history; but Eerie’s scrapbook-style stories of triumph and damnation bring to life an era the likes of which will never again be seen. Featuring layout and design by Tom Bejgrowicz, who conceived and executed the release of the infamous Misfits “Coffin Box,” Eerie Von’s Misery Obscura: The Photography of Eerie Von (1981-2009) arrives on shelves this October, just in time for Halloween!
In past years the Oni Press Talent Search has been a terrific success, and this year we’re excited to continue our search for up and coming artists at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California July 22nd - 27th, and through the mail until August 15th.

THE GUIDELINES

In order to have your portfolio reviewed, you must illustrate at least one of the below stories. Realizing that different artists are geared towards different subject matter, three professional writers have each developed a five-page script, using a different genre and showcasing a different personal scripting style.


Supernatural comedy titled Our Hero by Philip Gelatt, writer of Labor Days, and Indiana Jones Adventures.
http://www.onipress.com/talent_search_2009/our_hero_by_Philip_Gelatt.pdf

Espionage thriller titled Cold City by Antony Johnson, writer of Wasteland and the Dead Space video game series.
http://www.onipress.com/talent_search_2009/cold_city_by_Antony_Johnston.pdf

Western drama titled Medicine Show by Frank Beaton, writer of various short stories appearing in This is a Souvenir, Outlaw Territory, 24/Seven and others.
http://www.onipress.com/talent_search_2009/medicine_show_by_Frank_Beaton.pdf


At San Diego Comic-Con we will be conducting the Oni Press Talent Search in lieu of portfolio reviews. In order to guarantee a portfolio review appointment with an Oni editor during regular convention hours you will need to illustrate one or more of the three scripts provided. In addition to presenting the original art at the review session, interested parties must also bring with them 8 ½”x11″ photocopies of both penciled art and inked art for Oni Press to keep as reference. Each photocopied page should include the artist’s name, phone number, and e-mail address. The samples are preferred in a manila envelope that also includes the artist’s name and contact information in the address line.

Not attending Comic-Con? While Oni Press DOES NOT accept unsolicited submissions, we will accept Oni Press Talent Search submissions postmarked before August 15th, 2009 and mailed to:

ONI PRESS TALENT SEARCH 2009
1305 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Suite A
Portland, OR 97214

Mailed submissions should be submitted in a manila envelope and include 8 ½”x11″ photocopies of both penciled art and inked art for Oni Press to keep as reference. Each photocopied page should include the artist’s name, phone number, and e-mail address. Submitters will get an e-mail response from Oni Press in three to six months.

If you have any questions concerning Oni Press Talent Search 2009, please email them to talentsearch@onipress.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your interest and good luck!

Jill Beaton
Assistant Editor and Talent Search Coordinator
Oni Press


Oni Press will not be reviewing portfolios of individuals who have not followed the above guidelines in person or via mail.

Please do not mail us your original ideas or project proposals! Oni Press does not accept unsolicited submissions, except at conventions and only as leave-behind materials. Leave-behind materials should be no larger than 8 ½”x11″ and should include all pertinent contact information, overview, sample script, and sample sequential art in a manila envelope with clearly printed contact information in the address line. Writers may submit without art. Leave-behind materials will not be reviewed on site, but all leave-behind materials will be reviewed upon returning to the Oni offices. Within 3-6 months an editor from Oni Press will contact you regarding your work.

--
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
###


Eisner winning writer and novelist Greg Rucka joins Eisner winner Zeus Comics in Dallas for a special appearance promoting Batwoman’s lead debut in Detective Comics #854. Zeus brings Rucka all the way down from Oregon for this special Dallas signing on Saturday June 27th from 10am to 6pm.


“This is quite a coup that Zeus gets to share this monumental release with Greg,” said Zeus’ out gay owner Richard Neal. Rucka’s Batwoman represents one of DC Comics first lesbian lead characters. The new Detective issue also features a back-up story starring Batwoman’s former love interest Renee Montoya as the Question.


Rucka has taken a direct approach in creating positive images of gay characters in comics. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has recognized Rucka with four media award nominations for his comic work.


Rucka’s extensive comic career includes DC Comics’ Wonder Woman, Batman, Gotham Central, Action Comics and Checkmate, Marvel Comics’ Wolverine, Elektra and Black Widow and Oni Press’ Queen and Country and White Out. His comic White Out releases in September as a major motion picture starring Kate Beckinsale and Gabriel Macht.


Rucka’s novel work includes the Atticus Kodiak series and Queen and Country series. Zeus will have copies on hand of his new Atticus Kodiak novel Walking Dead.


The signing is open to the public. All fans are encouraged to bring their own books and comics to sign. Zeus will have a selection on hand for purchase as well.


Pick up a copy of Detective Comics #854 starring Batwoman on Wednesday June 24th and meet writer Greg Rucka on Saturday June 27th from 10am-6pm.


Zeus Comics is located at 4411 Lemmon Avenue in Dallas, Texas 75219. Get Details at http://www.zeuscomics.com/ or 214-219-8697.

link: http://www.zeuscomics.com/events/greg_rucka_signs_at_zeus_comics_for_the_detective_comics_debut_of_batwoman