Thursday, September 17, 2009

ASYLUM PRESS RELEASES FREE FIRST ISSUE OF GRAPHIC NOVEL FARMHOUSE FOR THE IPHONE
THE FIRST ISSUE WILL BE FREE IPHONE APP AND DOWNLOADABLE PDF
FARMHOUSE WILL BE RELEASED AS A 6-ISSUE MINI-SERIES FOR THE IPHONE FIRST, LATER ON OTHER PLATFORMS AND AS A PRINTED BOOK FOR SUMMER 2010
Asylum Press announced today that it will release its latest graphic novel entitled Farmhouse to the Comics by comiXology iPhone comic store and reader before it goes to print. Farmhouse is written by Playwright Elizabeth J. Musgrave and illustrator Szymon Kudranski (Batman, Zombie Cop).

Farmhouse is a dark character drama set in a mental institution set in the town of Paintsville in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. In this tale, Sam Corneile, A drifter, returns home to take a job at a local mental institution where he discovers a group of patients being exploited under an art therapy regimen. While there, he falls for Helen, a feisty but troubled female who dares him to confront his past.


Farmhouse #1 Free issue: http://www.farmhousecomic.com/farmhouse1FREE.pdf
Comics by comiXology on iTunes: http://itunes.com/apps/Comics

Farmhouse website: www.farmhousecomic.com
Farmhouseblog: http://farmhousecomic.blogspot.com/
Farmhouse Asylum Press www.asylumpress.com/farmhouse.html

“I am very excited to work with comiXology on delivering Asylum Press’ comics to the iPhone. There are millions of iPhone users and it opens up our reader base quite significantly,” says publisher Frank Forte, “The comics market has needed to get to new fans for over a decade and this seems to be the best way to do it. We hope it will drive readers to their local comics shops.”

"Asylum has a lot of fun comics with a wide range of genres," said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. "Farmhouse is a dark, brooding drama that is unique in our offerings and we hope gets the attention it deserves."



The Comics by comiXology App is a digital comic store, library and reader for the iPhone and iPod Touch that has over 200 comics from nearly 30 popular comic publishers and many independent comic writers.

Images for use with this press release can be found here:
http://www.asylumpress.com/pressimages/comixology/comixology01.html

About comiXology:
Since 2007 Iconology, Inc. has been working to expose more people to the world of comics, through comiXology.com and related applications. ComiXology.com, brick-and-mortar comic book retailer tools, iPhone and Blackberry apps and digital comics are all connected through the ComiXology platform.

About Elizabeth J. Musgrave:
Elizabeth J. Musgrave has over 10 plays and 1 feature film to her credits. In 2006 her full length play Darwin’s Pâté ran at the Pan Andreas Theater in Hollywood CA for 9 weeks. In 2004 her short play The Soundman, was part of the 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL (Lone Star Ensemble) performed at The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center in North Hollywood. For her screenplays, she has placed quarter-finals and semi-finals in The Chesterfield Writers Film Project, Writers’ Script Network, and Fade In competitions. Additionally, she has placed in the quarter-finals for her TV spec in the Scriptapalooza contest. She also had the opportunity to work alongside legendary producer Ray Stark with two of her projects.

About Szymon Kudranski:
An artist, graphic designer, concept artist, photographer.Born in 1986 in Poland.Draw first,befoure he learn to walk. Has many exhibitions around a world individual and group as well. In age of 17 Steve Niles ask him draw one of his novel in "30 Days of Night Annual 2004". Since
than Szymon cooporated with many publishers (Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Asylum Press, Markosia,Mamtor, Dead Dog Ent.) mostly working on comics.He work digital and traditional .

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, Tony Shenton and Partners Publishers Group to the booktrade.
PROFILES IN HISTORY TO OFFER THE FIRST APPLE MACINTOSH PLUS, SERIAL NUMBER 0001, GIVEN TO
GENE RODDENBERRY BY APPLE COMPUTER

Iconic Technological Artifact Will Be Part of Their Huge October 8-9, 2009 Auction


Calabasas, CA, September 17, 2009- Profiles in History, the world's leading auctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia, will be offering the first Apple Macintosh Plus computer, given to Gene Roddenberry by Apple Computer, Inc. Bearing the serial number F4200NUM0001, this wonderful association between the visionary computer designer/manufacturer and legendary Star Trek creator is a stellar example of the powerful synergy between technology and entertainment. This amazing artifact, which is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Gene Roddenberry's son, Rod, will be a special addition to Profiles in History's October 8-9, 2009 auction of Hollywood memorabilia. It has an estimated sale price of $800-$1200.

"This is the personification of life imitating art. Gene Roddenberry's vision inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and aerospace. This milestone computer, given to Gene by Apple's innovators, is a symbol of this synergy," said Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History.

Already announced as part of the same auction are Michael Jackson's iconic illuminating white glove that he wore on the Victory tour as well as the original cover art from The Jacksons "Victory" album.

Complete Description of VERY FIRST APPLE MACINTOSH PLUS [SERIAL NUMBER 0001] GIVEN TO GENE RODDENBERRY BY APPLE COMPUTER:

This is the very first Macintosh Plus 1Mb personal computer to come off the assembly line at Apple Computer in Fresno, California. It was presented to Gene Roddenberry as a gift by Apple Computer, Inc. and bears the serial number F4200NUM0001. The Macintosh Plus was a revelation among personal computers when it came on the market in 1986. With 1 Mb RAM (upgradeable to 4Mb), it supported the double-sided floppy disk format and was the first Mac with a SCSI port for fast data transfer to and from an external hard drive. The Macintosh was the first mass produced computer to utilize the mouse and the Macintosh Plus was the longest-lived Macintosh with production until 1990. It features the beige-colored case with 9 in. display, 3.5 in. floppy drive and includes the short keyboard, external floppy drive, mouse and Apple logo deluxe padded carrying case. An incredible artifact with a wonderful association between the visionary computer designer/manufacturer and legendary Star Trek creator. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Gene Roddenberry's son, Rod. For more information about Profiles in History and to download complete catalogs from previous auctions, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.profilesinhistory.com/" \o "http://www.profilesinhistory.com/\"www.profilesinhistory.com.

About Profiles in History:
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the world's leading auctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia. 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 artifacts. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and public & private 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 T.I.E. Fighter filming miniature from Star Wars ($402,500); a King Kong six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the "U.S.S. Enterprise" ($304,750); Harrison Ford's hero blaster from Blade Runner ($258,750); the original "Robot" from Lost in Space ($264,500); Luke Skywalker's lightsaber ($240,000); a Frankenstein one-sheet movie poster ($212,400); 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).

###
DECEMBER 21, 2012: BELIEVE THE HYPE?




NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 17, 2009) — Walk around any big city and you’ll see ubiquitous ads plastered on bus shelters and telephone booths suggesting that the world may come to an end on December 21, 2012. Turn on the TV and chances are there will be a 2012 doomsday special on History Channel or miniseries on SyFy. Browse the New Age shelves of any bookstore and you’ll find 2012 is a full-blown genre of its own.

All of which is seemingly building up to what director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day) is calling the “mother of all disaster movies,” entitled, of course, 2012 (worldwide release by Sony Pictures on November 13, 2009).

Can this apocalyptic hype possibly have any substance, or is it just Hollywood marketing gone mad? Clearing a path between fantasy and reality, Alexandra Bruce’s new book 2012: Science or Superstition surveys the entire 2012 landscape, asking questions such as:

How did 2012 come to mean “The End of Time”?


Does the Maya calendar predict apocalypse in 2012?


Did psychedelics facilitate the Maya “Cosmovision”?


Should we worry about Earth Crustal Displacement?


Is there a geomagnetic pole shift under way?


Is the Yellowstone Supervolcano getting ready to blow?


Is the Earth losing its Mojo?


What the hell is “Planet X”?
Uniquely amongst a vast array of 2012 literature, this companion book to the #1 documentary film about 2012 features interviews with the leading experts — including Graham Hancock, John Major Jenkins, Daniel Pinchbeck, Alberto Villoldo and many others — and insightful, detailed analysis of the broad spectrum of opinion, debate, research and myth regarding the most compelling “end times” prediction of the 21st century.

As author Bruce points out, “The 2012 meme has evolved beyond any debates about the relevance of the Maya Long Count calendar to the lives of contemporary human beings. 2012 is about us on planet Earth at this time.”

More information is available at www.2012SOS.com. For review copies please send email requests to books@disinfo.com.

About the Author: Alexandra Bruce is the author of five non-fiction books about popular culture, science and spirituality. This is her third book for The Disinformation Company, following Beyond The Bleep: The Definitive Unauthorized Guide to “What The Bleep Do We Know!?” and Beyond The Secret: The Definitive Unauthorized Guide to “The Secret.”



# # #


Title: 2012: Science or Superstition
Author: Alexandra Bruce
Category: Mind, Body, Spirit / Popular Culture
ISBN: 978-1-934708-28-6
Trim Size: 5 x 8 inch; 352 pages
$14.95 (U.S.) / $18.00 (Canada) / £10.99 (UK)
Trade Paper, First Edition
HONG KONG'S ‘DEVASHARD' GRAPHIC NOVEL SET FOR THE BIG SCREEN
-Vanquish Motion Pictures captures a brand new fantasy epic-


LOS ANGELES, CA. The highly anticipated fantasy/epic graphic novel series ‘DevaShard' is slicing its way to the silver screen.


Vanquish Motion Pictures and its toppers Jay Douglas and Nav Gupta won out a long and fierce bidding war that ignited after Hong Kong-based Fluid Comics debuted the novel at San Diego's Comic-Con.


Moving quickly on the property, Douglas and Gupta will produce and co-write the script with pen pal Heather Kenealy, from a screen treatment by Kevin Grevioux, co-creator of the ‘Underworld' franchise, who has just been tapped to adapt the 25 issue book, as well as exec produce.


The epic tale of ‘DevaShard,' inspired by Asian mythology and crafted by Fluid Comic's Zen, Keith Burns and Johnny Tam, centers on two forsaken sons, one born of darkness, the other of light, struggling to find their place in a grim world riddled with corrupt kingdoms, cursed demons and terrifying magic. The DevaShard series is published by Fluid Comics seniors Simon Squibb and Helen Griffiths and has been met with rave reviews since its Asia release.


"The densely diverse world and characters which DevaShard possesses is just too damn cool not to be seen on screen," said Douglas.


"Not only is the cover art by Frank Cho and Simon Bisley amazing, but the book's stylized visuals and east-meets-west flare are seriously insane," Gupta added.


Currently, Douglas and Gupta are also producing the globe-trotting video game adventure franchise "Broken Sword" with Radar Pictures while Grevioux is hot off setting up his own comic book creations, "The Pale Horseman" and "I, Frankenstein."
ATARI TEAMS UP WITH IGN AND SCION TO GIVE GAMERS EVERYWHERE THE CHANCE TO WIN A BRAND NEW CAR!
Cryptic Studios Superhero MMORPG Title Champions Online™ Character Creator Contest Gives Players the Chance to Customize Their Own Superhero and Win a New Customized Scion XB or Other Great Prizes

(New York, NY) - Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, has teamed up with IGN and Scion to bring the Champions Online™ Character Creator Contest to gamers everywhere, giving them the chance at winning a brand new customized Scion! Cryptic Studios, the award winning developer of Champions Online, has created a custom character creation client to give players a chance to experience the power of total customization. Create the ultimate hero in Champions Online and you can win a brand new Scion – customized to reflect the individuality of your hero!



IGN users will vote on the ultimate Champion to determine the winner, so sign up today by visiting http://championsonline.ign.com/. Users will be instructed to do the following:


1. Register an account with Champions Online (no purchase necessary)

2. Enter the Contest on IGN.com

3. Download and install the character creator

4. Create your champions in the character creator and submit



Qualified users will be able to create and submit their own uniquely customized characters. There is no need to purchase Champions Online to enter the contest and each contestant may submit up to five entries. IGN will pare down the submission pool to the top 200 characters, with Cryptic selecting the best ten for IGN to post online. Online users vote for their favorite, and the winner will not only have his or her character integrated in a future content expansion of Champions Online but will also receive a Scion.



Contest participants must be legal U.S. residents 18 years or older and must register with both IGN and Cryptic. IGN collects/verifies contest’s legal requirements (ex. age, residence). The contest requires the Cryptic Launcher. For gamers not currently playing Champions Online, there will be a contest specific installer available for download from IGN. For current players, simply connect to the contest ‘shard’ to automatically install a small patch. The shard is only available after registering for the contest with IGN. Entrants must be online to create and submit their characters.





About Atari:

The Atari group, mainly comprised of the Atari brand, Atari catalogue of IPs, Cryptic Studios Inc., Eden Games and its newly created London studio, is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 50 countries through an international distribution network; Atari also distributes video games notably in North America, through its US subsidiary Atari Inc. and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.



Atari benefits from an extensive catalogue of popular games based on original franchises (Test Drive, Alone in the Dark, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, etc.), Cryptic Studios titles (Star Trek Online, Champions Online), publishing properties (Ghostbusters, The Chronicles of Riddick, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).



© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.



About Cryptic Studios

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com.
ONE MODEL NATION - CONTROVERSIAL POLITICAL BAND'S HISTORIC STORY UNCOVERED IN FIRST CINEMATIC GRAPHIC NOVEL

Donovan Leitch and C. Allbritton Taylor to release One Model Nation's epic story




Los Angeles, CA (September 16, 2009) - One Model Nation, the first graphic novel of its kind, will be released by Image Comics on October 28, 2009 in book stores nationwide. Writer C. Allbritton Taylor and One Model Nation historian Donovan Leitch, piece together the band's epic journey, revealing the final dark days of the Baader-Meinhof Gang and the band's mysterious disappearance only months later.

In 1977, four young men were the voice of their generation.

In 1978, they disappeared.

Afrodisiac and Street Angel illustrator Jim Rugg brings you a complete view of the political art noise band, One Model Nation.

With Scorsese-esque electricity, One Model Nation captures the arts and politics of an era whose influence can not be measured.

"This is a life's work for me." Says C. Allbritton Taylor. "From the Munich Olympics to the heyday of raves, hip hop to state-of-the-art handguns, this era has informed modern culture, fashion, politics, technology, you name it. But this dark time has been a relative German secret which only recently has begun to be revealed, mostly due to the birth of the internet. On a personal level I needed to see this time and place fleshed out into people and events that make sense yet maintain heroic proportions. Donovan spent years researching the multitude of bizarre and overwhelming events in which these people lived their lives and made their noble, everyman decisions. This story needed to be told."

"I have always been fascinated by post-war Germany, the counter-culture revolutionaries and their violent upheaval against the rise of capitalism in a Communist country. The fact that One Model Nation, four musicians who helped to create electronica, was unwittingly pulled into the battle being waged between these two forces makes their story all the more compelling. This is the equivalent to a Syd Barrett German epic," says Donovan Leitch.

ONE MODEL NATION Product Details
Writer: C. Allbritton Taylor
Historian: Donovan Leitch
Art & cover: Jim Rugg
Publisher: Image Comics (October 28, 2009)
Colors: Jon Fell
Letter: Rowan Aldrin
Editor: Joe Keatinge & Michael Allred
Paperback: 144 Pages / Full Color
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-10: 1607061570
ISBN-13: 978-1607061571


For a sneak peak at the first chapter of the book please click on the following link: http://www.imagecomics.com/OneModelNation_SneakPeek.pdf

About One Model Nation
www.onemodelnation.com

About Image Comics
www.imagecomics.com
PRESS RELEASE - IMAGE COMICS FOUNDER JIM LEE PROVIDES VARIANT FOR COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND BENEFIT ANTHOLOGY, LIBERTY COMICS!
Image Comics Founder Jim Lee provides gorgeous rendition for the CBLDF anthology's limited edition cover!


17 September 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - JIM LEE, the fan favorite artist of Batman, X-Men & WildC.A.T.s, provides the Image Comics published Comic Book Legal Defense Fund benefit anthology, LIBERTY COMICS #2 with an all-new, limited edition 1-in-25 variant cover based off his collaboration with Sandman writer NEIL GAIMAN.


"Jim has long been a true Defender of Liberty with his ongoing support of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and his cover goes above and beyond the call of duty," CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein said. "We're very thankful for his generosity."


LEE and his story with NEIL GAIMAN, '100 Words', lead off an all-star ensemble of industry greats in the all-new second volume of LIBERTY COMICS. Passionate comic book storytelling, all in service to an important cause, the incredible contributions list includes a Painkiller Jane story by JIMMY PALMIOTTI and JIM RUGG; a new Mr. Gum adventure from MIKE ALLRED, DAVE JOHNSON and JAMIE S. RICH; The Apocalypstix by RAY FAWKES and CAMERON STEWART, a return to Channel Zero by BRIAN WOOD; a preview of Choker by BEN MCCOOL and BEN TEMPLESMITH; and a special Martha Washington piece by DAVE GIBBONS, alongside exclusive material by PAUL POPE; KATHRYN & STUART IMMONEN; CHYNNA CLUGSTON; PAUL GRIST; and JASON AARON & MORITAT. LIBERTY COMICS already features two covers, one by Batman: The Long Halloween's TIM SALE and a new Kick Ass image by creator JOHN ROMITA JR.


LIBERTY COMICS #2 (AUG090303), a 48-page full color comic book for $4.99, will be in stores October, 14 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.
PRESS RELEASE - IMAGE COMICS INVITES YOU TO LIVE TO SEE LAST CALL IN DECEMBER'S FORGETLESS!
All-new series features the final dangerous days of New York's most notorious nightclub, FORGETLESS!


16 September 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This December Image Comics presents the last night of New York's most dangerous night club, FORGETLESS, courtesy of writer Nick Spencer and artists W. Scott Forbes, Marley Zarcone & Jorge Coehlo.


"FORGETLESS is akin to Rashomon in a night club, just with a lot more bullets," Spencer said. "In a way, FORGETLESS may be the first action-thriller perfect for fans of the films 'Go!' and 'Igby Goes Down', especially with how Scott, Marley & Jorge's styles each combine different aspects of indie and blockbuster action comics. FORGETLESS will certainly be a night to remember."


In FORGETLESS Sonia and Sara, two struggling models turned professional killers, want to make sure their favorite night club goes out with a bang. The club's final night features differing perspectives at the pen of Forbes, Zarcone & Coehlo, revealing there's much more going on than anyone could ever expect.


Image Comics Vice-President Jim Valentino added, "Having worked with Nick on his EXISTENCE 2.0 and upcoming 3.0 series, I was very interested in seeing what he came up with next. Considering this combined with his extremely impressive roster of artists has me highly looking forward to what FORGETLESS has to offer."


FORGETLESS #1 (of 5), a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores December 9th, 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.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

IDW to Launch TRANSFORMERS Ongoing Comic Book Series


First ongoing series in five years

Coming in November



San Diego, CA (September 15, 2009) – Following the huge success of this summer’s blockbuster TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN movie, from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, IDW Publishing is proud to launch The TRANSFORMERS, under license from Hasbro and written by the critically-acclaimed Mike Costa. This all-new ongoing series starts off with a bang by treating fans to two huge events that are so CYBERTON-shattering that the lives of the TRANSFORMERS characters will never be the same.


“We’ve pulled out all the stops for our first ongoing TRANSFORMERS series and now is a great time for the new series,” said IDW’s TRANSFORMERS editor, Andy Schmidt. “Since TRANSFORMERS #1 is the beginning of a whole new journey for TRANSFORMERS comics, it’s the perfect opportunity for new readers to get into the brand.”



Helmed by Mike Costa (G.I.JOE: COBRA) with art and covers by returning, fan-favorite artistic dynamo Don Figueroa, The TRANSFORMERS will debut in November. The ongoing series is also the launching point for two new miniseries, TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE and TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers, debuting in December and January, respectively.



To help TRANSFORMERS fans rejoin the world of comics, IDW is also releasing TRANSFORMERS: Continuum, written by Schmidt himself. This special 32-page, ad-free book runs through all the fun and excitement of the last five years worth of stories that paved the way for the new journey to begin. TRANSFORMERS: Continuum will also be available in November.





The TRANSFORMERS #1 will be available in stores in November. Diamond order codes #SEP09 0852.



TRANSFORMERS Continuum will be available in stores in November. Diamond order codes #SEP09 0849.






Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.


About IDW
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renown for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.

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. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.
Baltimore Comic-Con 2009 Welcomes Neal Adams!


Baltimore, Maryland - September 9, 2009 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to announce the inaugural appearance of legendary creator Neal Adams as a guest at our 10th Anniversary show on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th, 2009.

Neal Adams is hailed as one of the one of the modern masters of comics, defining the look for many DC Comics characters, including Batman, Deadman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow. His work on Strange Adventures' Deadman feature at DC caught his readers' eyes, and he soon found himself as a regular featured cover artist. At Marvel Comics, his art graced the pages of the epic Kree-Skrull War saga in The Avengers and his acclaimed run on X-Men was responsible for revitalizing the title and saving the book from cancellation. In addition to working for many of the up-and-coming companies during the 1980s publishing boom, he later went on to found Continuity Comics.

Besides having received numerous industry awards, including induction into the Harvey Awards' Jack Kirby Hall of Fame, Neal is reknowned for his social work within the artistic industry. His lobbying for creators' rights, including royalties and the return of artwork, resulted in the modern system of art being returned to the artists who created it, along with better benefits, including sales royalties. His most recent efforts found him collaborating with Joe Kubert and Stan Lee in an effort to force the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland to return Holocaust survivor Dina Babbitt's wartime artwork created during her Nazi captivity. Neal created a 6-page comic book, which he pencilled and inked, highlighting the injustice suffered by Dina. In recognition of his efforts on Dina's behalf, Neal will be receiving the Hero Award at the Harvey Awards ceremony Saturday night at the Baltimore Comic-Con.

"We are elated to have such a great member of the comics community attending the show and Harveys banquet," said Baltimore Comic-Con promoter Marc Nathan. "Of all the people in comics that we look to bring to the show, I think he is the single-most requested individual."

Other Guests
In addition to Neal Adams, the Baltimore Comic-Con is pleased to announce the following guests: Josh Alves (Arachnid Kid), Harold Buchholz (Apathy Kat), Jamie Cosley (Tony Pony), Tom Feister (GI Joe: Origins), Jenni Gregory (Ka-Blam), Allan Gross (Cryptozoo Crew), Rebekah Isaacs, sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (DV8), Michael McElroy (Ka-Blam), Scott Neely (Scooby Doo), Jamar Nicholas (Leon, Protector of the Playground), Bobby and Peter Timony (Zuda Comics), Ted Tucker (Captain Happy), and Todd Webb (Nick Magazine).

Already announced guests, new and returning, include: Jason Aaron (Wolverine), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Dick Ayers (Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos), Paul Azaceta (Amazing Spider-Man), Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers), Ryan Bodenheim (Red Mass for Mars), Doug Braithwaite (Wolverine: Origins), Pat Broderick (Vincent Price Presents), Buzz (Atomika), Jim Calafiore (Batgirl), Eric Canete (Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin), Nick Cardy (Aquaman), Jerry Carr (Cryptozoo Crew), Tommy Castillo (Kong: King of Skull Island), Mike Cavallaro (ACT-I-VATE), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman), Jo Chen (New Avengers: The Reunion), Sean Chen (Dark Reign: Fantastic Four), Jimmy Cheung (New Avengers: Illuminati), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Frank Cho (Ultimates 4), Chris Claremont (X-Men Forever), Steve Conley (Star Trek: Year Four), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), J.M. DeMatteis (Metal Men), Todd Dezago (Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man), Michael Dolce (Descendant), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden), Jim Dougan (ACT-I-VATE), Jan Duursema (Star Wars: Legacy), Sarah Dyer (Superman Adventures), Steve Englehart (Avengers), Rich Faber (Roboy Red), Jay Faerber (Noble Causes), Michel Fiffe (ACT-I-VATE), David Finch (Ultimatum), Bob Fingerman (Recess Pieces), Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men), Franco (Tiny Titans), Simon Fraser (ACT-I-VATE), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Ron Garney (Wolverine: Weapon X), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Spider-Man 1602), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Sanford Greene (Marvel Adventures Spider-Man), Tim Hamilton (ACT-I-VATE), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Tony Harris (Ex Machina), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jennifer Hayden (ACT-I-VATE), Mark Hempel (Absolute Sandman), Greg Horn (Cover Stories: The Art of Greg Horn), Adam Hughes (Power Girl), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Kathryn Immonen (Runaways), Stuart Immonen (New Avengers), Joe Infurnari (ACT-I-VATE), Chris Ivy (Beast Boy), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Joe Jusko (Kolchak: Tales of the Night Stalker), Karl Kesel (Marvel Apes), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man), Scott Koblish (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds), Joe Kubert (Wednesday Comics), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Michael Lark (Daredevil), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Greg LaRocque (Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man), Jerry "The King" Lawler(Headlocked), Norman Lee (GeNext), Steve Lieber (Underground), Luna Brothers (The Sword), Andy MacDonald (NYC Mech), David Mack (Kabuki), Tom Mandrake (The Outsiders), Mike Manley (Batman: Brave and the Bold), Larry Marder (Beanworld), Laura Martin (Thor), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Mark McKenna (BananaTail), Mike McKone (Amazing Spider-Man), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Pop Mhan (World of Warcraft), Mark Morales (Secret Invasion), Doug Murray (Jungle Girl Season 2), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Batgirl), Kevin Nowlan (The Spirit), Mike Oeming (Mice Templar), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Agents of ATLAS), Dan Parsons (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Guest of Honor George Perez (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Comics Armor Wars), Khoi Pham (Mighty Avengers), Whilce Portacio (Spawn), Eric Powell (The Goon), Buddy Prince (Night), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jack Purcell (Gotham Underground), Mike Raicht (Army of Darkness), Tom Raney (Dark Reign: Hawkeye), Brian Reber (Captain Britain and MI13), Kat Roberts (ACT-I-VATE), Alex Robinson (Too Cool to be Forgotten), James Robinson (Superman), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Iron Man & The Armor Wars), Stephane Roux (Amazing Spider-Man), Andy Runton (Owly), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Tim Sale (Heroes), Ian Sattler (Final Crisis: Aftermath), Scott Christian Sava (Dreamland Chronicles), Alex Saviuk (The Phantom Generations), Marc Silvestri (Witchblade), Walt Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (Dean Koontz's Nevermore), John K. Snyder III (Doctor Mid-Nite), Allison Sohn (Star Wars trading card artist), Taki Soma (Rapture), Richard Starkings (Elephentmen), Jim Starlin (Strange Adventures), Brian Stelfreeze (Final Crisis Aftermath: Ink), Paul Storrie (Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons), Karl Story (Batman: Streets of Gotham), Mark Texeira (Punisher), Robert Tinnell (EZ Street), Peter Tomasi (Blackest Night: Batman), Herb Trimpe (Hulk), Billy Tucci (Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion), Jim Valentino (Shadowline Comics), Rob Venditti (The Surrogates), Dexter Vines (Wolverine), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest), Doug Wagner (The Ride), Matt Wagner (Grendel), Mark Waid (The Incredibles), Len Wein (Justice League of America), Mark Whealey (Lone Justice), Renee Witterstaetter (Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira -- The Artist's Great Escape), Brian Wood (sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics, Northlanders), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms), and Thom Zahler (Love & Capes).

Tickets
Please buy your ticket in advance via http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets.htm to avoid the ticket line the day of the show.

Hotels
Our previously-announced deadline for discounted hotel rooms has been extended by the participating hotels! A good number of rooms have been sold already, but there are some still available through this offer, so please take a look at http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/hotels.htm for details on room availability at hotels around the Baltimore Convention Center.

Harvey Awards Ticket Sales
Ticket sales for the 2009 Harvey Awards and Banquet will be made available within the next week. Please keep an eye on our websites and press releases for further details as information becomes available.

We will continue to providing details on guestss, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming leading up to the show. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and ComicSpace pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held October 10-11, 2009. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, October 10th.

As we continue to get ready for this year's show, we would like to remind you to mark your calendar for next year's Baltimore Comic-Con dates: August 28-29, 2010.

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 10th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Oct 10-11, 2009. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 4 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.
Bad Kids are going to Harvard Square...
coincidence...or something more?
Bad Kids Go to Hell
Issue #3 Comic Book Signing
Issues 1 and 2 Already Sold Out!
Limited Copies of 3 Issues Available Only At:
NEW ENGLAND COMICS
Meet Co-Creator/Co-Writer
Barry "Bazza" Wernick
TODAY
Wednesday, September 16
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm in Harvard Square
*FREE Signed Issue 1 Foil Laminates or BKGtH backpack for those who dress up in private school uniforms.


New England Comics
BKGtH Comic Book Signing
TODAY: Wed., September 16
TIME: 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Harvard Square
14A Eliot St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
MORE: Issues 1 and 2 are already sold out! But a limited supply of copies are being made available along with the latest Issue 3.
Meet Co-Creator/Co-Writer
Barry "Bazza" Wernick and get Issues 1,2, and 3 signed. Dress up in a private school uniform, and get a free Issue 1 Foil Laminate. Other cool BKGtH licensed merchandise sold exclusively at www.badkidsgotohell.com will also be available at the signing.



Join Our Mailing List!
Follow the Bad Kids on Twitter @BadKidsGoToHell
Check out the official webpage: http://www.badkidsgotohell.com
DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES

THE APPOINTMENT OF DIRK WOOD AS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS



SEPTEMBER 14, MILWAUKIE, OR—It was announced today that Dirk Wood will now serve as the new director of communications for Dark Horse Comics. In his new role, Wood will continue to coordinate all trade-show efforts for Dark Horse, as well as key presentations that the company makes externally. He will continue to serve as the primary contact for all direct-market retailers, as well as helping to oversee programs through Diamond, including, but not limited to, Final Order Cutoff and Free Comic Book Day. While maintaining these previous responsibilities, as well as taking on new challenges, Wood will continue to play a key role in establishing and maintaining the company’s image and message.

Dirk Wood has served the company for over fifteen years, with roots in the direct market through Dark Horse’s sister company, Things From Another World. Eight years ago, Wood moved over to Dark Horse’s in-house sales team and successfully opened many of the company’s larger accounts in the gift and specialty market. He then moved to coordinating all of the company’s trade shows in 2003, and has helped to increase the company’s visibility throughout the industry. After moving to the director level four years ago, Wood helped to redefine the company’s image in the direct market, while assisting the outreach to all new markets and platforms. In his time at Dark Horse, Wood has proven himself to be one of the most versatile faces in the company and an asset to the company’s continuing growth in all areas.

“In a market that keeps changing, it remains a source of pride that I work for and represent one of the constants, Dark Horse Comics,” says Wood. “I look forward to these new challenges, and to continue working to further cement and grow our status as the largest independent comic-book publisher in the world.”

Please join us in congratulating Dirk for his past accomplishments and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
PRESS RELEASE:

Our Sentence is Up: Seeing Grant Morrison's The Invisibles, a non-fiction look at the landmark series, is in this month's Previews catalog (order code SEP091084). The book, authored by Patrick Meaney, is published by Sequart Research & Literacy Organization.



Our Sentence is Up offers an accessible look at Grant Morrison's complicated and ambitious comics masterpiece, paying attention to its themes, philosophy, and how it changes with each reading.



The Invisibles has been hailed as a seminal comic, called the key to Morrison's overall body of work, and seen as the inspiration for The Matrix and its successors. But it's also frequently written off as incomprehensible or just too out there.



Written in a conversational, personal style, Our Sentence is Up opens up The Invisibles through an in-depth, issue-by-issue analysis of the series, making sense of its complex ideas, fractured chronology, and delirious blend of fiction and reality. The book also explores the real-world relevance of the comic, particularly how its fictional conspiracy theories became reality in the 2000s.



The book also features a wide-ranging interview with Grant Morrison, covering how his formative childhood experiences found their way into The Invisibles and how his life and the comic became intertwined in the '90s. Morrison also explores the series in retrospect, how it holds up to the War on Terror and the Obama presidency, and what he currently thinks will happen in 2012.



The book sports a foreword by Morrison expert Timothy Callahan (CBR), author of Sequart's Grant Morrison: The Early Years. The book also sports an original cover by award-winning artist Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I Rule the Night).



Our Sentence is Up (softcover, 6"x9", 372 pages, B&W, $26.95 MSRP) is available exclusively through comic book stores. See the books section of the September 2009 Previews catalog (bottom of page 315), where the book is a spotlighted item. Please be sure to ask your store to order a copy (order code SEP091084), as you cannot be assured your store will order any copies.



About the Publisher: Sequart Research & Literacy Organization is a non-profit devoted to the study and promotion of comic books as a legitimate art. It publishes a line of books aimed at making comics scholarship accessible. For more information and to check out the revamped website, click here.



Legal Disclaimer: the Invisibles and related characters are © and TM Grant Morrison. This book is not endorsed by DC Comics or Vertigo.



- - - - - - - - - -
CLAUDIO SANCHEZ
SETS THE WORLD OF KILL AUDIO LOOSE
ON PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON !!!

IN STORE APPEARENCE!

LIMITED EDITION
KILL AUDIO ACTION FIGURE

Free SDCC Exclusive
KILL AUDIO Preview Book
from BOOM! Studios
with Every Purchase!

In-Store Appearance!
Wednesday, September 16th
4:30-6 pm


LOS ANGELES- September 15th, 2009 - Come meet Claudio Sanchez, frontman of the acclaimed rock band Coheed and Cambria and comic book author, at the official signing for his toy, KILL AUDIO, and THE AMORY WARS comic.

FREE SDCC EXCLUSIVE KILL AUDIO preview comic with toy purchase!

WHEN: Wednesday, September 16th, 4:30-6 pm

WHERE: Comic Evolution
206 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
253-770-6464
www.comic-evolution.com



KILL AUDIO follows the adventures of an immortal little troll who struggles to find purpose in a land where creativity is a controlled substance. When musical creativity spirals into chaos, KILL AUDIO discovers his life mission.

Supported by a wildly eccentric posse and a nemesis hell-bent on proving his mortality, KILL AUDIO takes on non-sensical musical sub-genres while traipsing across a vivid landscape, all of which could only come from the intense mind of Claudio Sanchez.

About BOOM! Studios:
BOOM! Studios (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, including Philip K. Dick's DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, The Henson Company's FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. BOOM! recently launched its youth imprint, BOOM! Kids, with Pixar's THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney's THE MUPPETS. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its fourth anniversary.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Friends-

Issue 42 of Comics Waiting Room in now live! Here’s what we’ve got!

The Marvel and DC Changes: What They Mean to You! Marc Mason examines the recent moves by the Big Two and tells you exactly what effect it will have on the traditional comics buyer.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason42.html

Talking About Comics! Avril Brown breaks down her love of talking about the art form, both with fans and with those who have never picked up a comic before.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril38.html

Eye on the Stormbringers! Vince Moore returns to the CWR roost with an in-depth review of this recent miniseries.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vince41.html

Paul Levitz and the Direct Market! Matt Maxwell offers up food for thought on what the exit of DC’s publisher means to the direct market itself.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed49.html

Titanic vs. Empire! Elliott Serrano rebuts a fellow writer’s assertion that TITANIC is a better movie than THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ccw34.html

Enjoy the reading!

Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room
Hey folks,
After much delay, you can now check out Chapter Three of Tumor for Kindle and the Kindle App on iPhone/iPod Touch for just a buck right here:

http://www.amazon.com/Tumor-Chapter-3-ebook/dp/B002OFVPA8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1252773973&sr=1-4

As always, we'll put it up for free in a few weeks.

Talking of free, another of my short stories that was previously only on Kindle is available over on Feedbooks.com You can check it out in a variety of formats for free right here:

http://feedbooks.com/userbook/7465

Thanks for reading, and keep on checking http://www.tumorthecomic.com for more behind the scenes special features!

j.
www.thefialkov.com
THE 2009 TOP SHELF MASSIVE $3 SALE
CELEBRATING THE SURROGATES DEBUT AT ITUNES
AND ITS THEATRICAL RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 25TH
*******************************************************

Top Shelf's MASSIVE $3 SALE kicks off today to celebrate the debut of
THE SURROGATES on iTunes, as well as the theatrical release of the
SURROGATES on September 25th.

Just in time for the theatrical release of SURROGATES starring Bruce Willis,
fans can now read the original graphic novel that inspired the upcoming blockbuster
on their iPhone and iPod touch. THE SURROGATES App for the iPhone -- developed
for the iPhone by iVerse Media (www.iversemedia.com) -- features two full
issues of the original comic book mini-series formatted for the iPhone screen
for only $0.99. The remaining three issues of the series can be downloaded
inside the Application as an "In App Purchase" for only $0.99 per
issue. Or, if you prefer, you can simply download "THE SURROGATES #1"
for FREE in the iTunes App Store.

So, to celebrate THE SURROGATES, for the next ten
days -- thru Friday September 25th (the opening day of the film!) -- Top Shelf
is having a giant $3 graphic novel web sale. When you visit the site, you'll
find over 100 graphic novels and comics on sale -- with 55+ titles marked down
to just $3 (!) and 45 key titles slashed!

To go directly to the list of items on sale at the
Top Shelf website, just click here:

http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals

But here are a few sample sale items:

-- $3 Books: The Barefoot Serpent, The Country Nurse, Sulk, After the Snooter, That Salty Air, and more!
-- $3 Books: Please Release, Tales of Woodsman Pete, Less Than Heroes, Fox Bunny Funny, The King, and more!
-- $3 Books: Regards from Serbia, Comic Book Artist, Hutch Owen, Delayed Replays, Micrographica, and more!

-- Slashed Prices: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Lost Girls, From Hell, Blankets, Carnet De Voyage, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: The Surrogates, Essex County, Swallow Me Whole, Clumsy, Veeps, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: Far Arden, Super Spy, Owly, Korgi, Johnny Boo, and more!

-- Freebies with every order: The 2009 Top Shelf Sampler and the 2009 Owly & Friends!

Please note that Top Shelf now accept PayPal (as well as Visa, MasterCard, Amex,
and Discover -- all secure), and that this sale is good for retailers as well
(and comic book shops will get their wholesale discount on top of these sale prices).

http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals
http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals

Your friend thru comics,

Chris Staros
Top Shelf Productions
Sci-Fi Meets Fantasy in Dragons Vs Robots, a New Transmedia Property
Announced Today by Massiverse, Inc.

Free online game and manga series for children
debuts today at www.dragonsvsrobots.com, with feature film and more to come



NEW YORK, September 14, 2009 - An epic battle between science and nature has begun! Massiverse, Inc., a new media development company that creates original and interactive transmedia properties, is announcing their exciting first property: Dragons Vs Robots. Sci-fi meets fantasy in this unique world designed for kids ages 9 to 14, where futuristic robots and mythical dragons battle for control over the planet Earth. Today Massiverse gives a first look at the vast Dragons Vs Robots universe at http://www.dragonsvsrobots.com, where a free battle game and manga series have been unveiled.

Dragons Vs Robots was conceived by entertainment writer and producer M. Raven Metzner, whose credits include the prime time television series Six Degrees for Touchstone/ABC, and seasoned media and technology executive Jesse Soleil. Spanning over 200 years and three generations of future history, the Dragons Vs Robots narrative involves a devastating energy crisis that leads to the rise of powerful robots and the reawakening of ancient dragons. The source of their conflict is Protium, a rare energy resource that serves as a life force for both dragons and robots. Humans, who also need this precious substance to resolve the energy crisis, must choose their allegiance- and so the battle lines are drawn.

Massiverse defines transmedia as integrated narrative storytelling that uses traditional and emerging mediums to develop a long-term personal relationship between customers and a brand. Dragons Vs Robots is the first of several original transmedia properties planned by the company. In addition to the battle game and manga series launching today, the Dragons Vs Robots saga will also be told through a trading card game, novels, animated webisodes, and a full-length feature film, providing multiple entry points for engagement and revenue. Plans are also in the works for a toy line.

"The future of media lies in building compelling, recognizable entertainment that works across platforms seamlessly," says Massiverse CEO and Dragons Vs Robots co-creator Jesse Soleil. "By telling the Dragons Vs Robots story in so many different ways, we are setting up an engaging and immersive universe for our customers, as well as a lucrative business proposition for our investors."

Starting today, all are invited to visit http://www.dragonsvsrobots.com and choose a side in the epic fight. Use the Dragons Vs Robots character creator to become a majestic dragon or a futuristic robot. Then send your personalized character into battle! The simple yet addictive Dragons Vs Robots online battle game is a free, safe way for children to become part of this dynamic universe, with each win driving up the player's ranking and tipping the balance in the power struggle. The outcome online will ultimately shape the overall Dragons Vs Robots story.

The Dragons Vs Robots: Blade Guardian manga series, also available for free on the website, puts another spin on the narrative. Authored by Metzner and illustrated by artist Jo Tokutora, Blade Guardian follows the journey of 14-year-old adventurer Sid Oda as he treks across the territories formerly known as China and Japan to find his missing family. As the series unfolds, Massiverse plans to offer customized print-on-demand services for players of the online game. The company is also pursuing release of the Blade Guardian series through traditional publishing channels.

"We aren't just releasing a game, manga series, book series, trading card game, or movie," says Dragons Vs Robots editorial director and co-creator M. Raven Metzner. "It's a complete universe with interlocking narratives. Dragons Vs Robots provides educational entertainment, with our young protagonists' heroic adventures set against a backdrop of real-world science and mythology, but more importantly, this is a world, a history, and an experience that kids will want to get lost in."

The team developing Dragons Vs Robots has years of experience creating quality children's entertainment products for companies that include Scholastic, The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Disney, and is dedicated to maintaining a similarly high level of quality with the Dragons Vs Robots franchise. Although the world may seem very different from our reality, the characters and situations are recognizable and relatable for kids and families, and all Dragons Vs Robots content is age appropriate and kid-friendly. The free battle game and COPPA-compliant website have been carefully designed to maintain visitors' online safety and reinforce responsible browsing behavior. The transmedia structure encourages kids to combine the online and offline components, to enable play and reading both online and offline.

Other Dragons Vs Robots components currently under development or in the planning stages include a trilogy of tween novels, a live action feature film (in collaboration with Jinks/Cohen Productions), toy and trading card lines, and a series of animated webisodes. Enhancements to the online battle game will also roll out over time, with the possibility of expansion onto next-gen consoles. These projects represent a rich transmedia experience with multiple revenue streams, and Massiverse is actively seeking partners and investors to collaborate on Dragons Vs Robots projects and help bring the universe to life. To learn more about Massiverse and inquire about business opportunities, visit http://www.massiverse.com.


About Dragons Vs Robots
Dragons Vs Robots is a cross-media property built upon real-world science, mythology, and literacy. The series brings together science fiction and fantasy in an epic storyline pitting futuristic robots against mythical dragons. Designed for kids ages 9 to 14, Dragons Vs Robots includes manga, books, an animated webisode series, a feature film, and a trading card game, all linked through a rich online experience. Each component stands on its own as entertainment, but when combined with other pieces creates a rich and engaging world that encourages fans to immerse themselves in the Dragons Vs Robots narrative. To choose your side and enter the world of Dragons Vs Robots, visit http://www.dragonsvsrobots.com.

About Massiverse, Inc.
Massiverse is a 21st-century new media development company that creates original, interactive transmedia properties, integrating traditional and emerging communication mediums, gaming, and powerful narrative storytelling. Massiverse specializes in developing complex interactive systems that work across multiple mediums, including: massively multiplayer online games, virtual worlds, alternate reality games, television, webisodes, mobisodes, feature films, gaming platforms, mobile, and print (both traditional and digital). The Massiverse team is made up of industry veterans whose significant experience creating quality entertainment includes projects with Scholastic, The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney, and other prominent studios. To learn more, visit http://www.massiverse.com.