Project: Rooftop Returns, with artist
Cory Walker's Supergirl Collection



As comic universes enter their own brightest days and heroic ages, the superhero fashion site Project: Rooftop (www.projectrooftop.com) returns in the new year with new work, a new site design, and new contributors.

Earlier this week, P:R posted a collection of artwork by artist Cory Walker (Invincible) showcasing various interpretations of DC's Supergirl character. Through several original illustrations and numerous sketches, Walker explores different costume possibilities for Supergirl. This will be a regular feature, with upcoming collections of different characters by other superstar artists in the comics field.

In addition to these collections, P:R is encouraging artists to submit their own redesigns of their favorite characters. Past contributions include Black Widow by Stuart Immonen (New Avengers), Wonder Woman by Jamie McKelvie (Phonogram) and the Spectre by Dean Trippe.

"Our concerted calls for redesigns of specific characters will return," said P:R editor Chris Arrant," but those will be on a limited basis. We're open to submissions year-around from artists redesigning characters of their own choosing."

Joining the eclectric crew than runs P:R are three new contributors who will help judge and discuss entries. Joining the fold are writers Andy Khouri, Tim Callahan and Jessi Reid.

Project: Rooftop is where cartoonists and illustrators bring their costume design skills to task in tribute to the superheroes and villains we've grown up with. This site is intended to promote the idea of superhero costume redesigning as a skill, specific to superhero media. We also aim to foster continued interest for these amazing characters and spotlight up-and-coming creators.

AREA23A TO RELEASE “BEST WORST MOVIE”

New York, NY (February 24, 2010) – Area23A, the event-based film distribution company formed in January by industry veteran Richard Abramowitz and Kirt Eftekhar, founder of Ocule Films, announced today that it will theatrically release the award-winning “Best Worst Movie” which has been an official selection in over thirty film festivals. The documentary had its world premiere at South by Southwest and has received several awards including the Top Ten Audience Favorite at Hot Docs 2009. Area23a will open the film in Austin, Los Angeles, New York and other markets to follow this Spring.

In “Best Worst Movie” Michael Paul Stephenson makes his directorial debut by exploring one of the worst and most critically panned movies ever made, Troll 2, which he starred in twenty years ago as a child.

In 1989, Italian director, Claudio Fragrasso cast small-town dentist Dr. George Hardy and a group of unwitting Utah actors in the ultra-low budget horror film, Troll 2. Soon after its disastrous release, Dr. Hardy retired from his short-lived acting career and returned to dentistry in his hometown of Alabama, unaware of the legions of fans that would one day recognize him as a cult movie luminary.

“Best Worst Movie” reveals the improbable heartfelt story of an Alabama dentist-turned-cult-movie icon and an Italian filmmaker as they come to terms with their internationally revered cinematic failure.

Stephenson and his wife, Lindsay Stephenson produced "Best Worst Movie" under their production company, Magic Stone Productions. Brad Klopman also serves as a producer.

Of the acquisition, Stephenson says “Our movie – that we have devoted the last four years to – can not be in better hands than with Area23a. They have demonstrated their ability to skillfully handle specialized films in a crowded market place. The recent success of “Anvil!” is only the most recent example of Richard’s expertise in theatrical film distribution.”

Abramowitz adds “We are very excited to bring ‘Best Worst Movie’ to theaters across the country. The movie has been generating both incredible word-of-mouth and critical acclaim through the festival circuit. Audiences are appreciating the film’s humor and are also moved by its homage to bad movies and, at least in this case, the good people who make them.” Said Eftekhar, "Keep your eyes open: we're bringing a "Best Worst Movie/Troll 2" party to your town soon..."

Area23a is currently distributing the acclaimed “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” “The Mighty Uke,” “American Harmony,” and “They Came to Play.” Later this year it will release Sandy Cioffi's “Sweet Crude."

THE NEW DOCTOR WHO ARRIVES ON BBC AMERICA IN APRIL

Starring Matt Smith with lead writer Steven Moffat



New York - February 25, 2010 - BBC AMERICA announced today that the new era of the BBC’s iconic BAFTA-winning drama, Doctor Who, will make its U.S. premiere on Saturday, April 17, 2010, soon after the UK broadcast.



Doctor Who, BBC AMERICA’s highest rated series ever, continues its tradition of rebooting with new lead actors and creative team. Matt Smith debuts as the new, Eleventh incarnation of the famous Time Lord alongside a new travelling companion, the enigmatic Amy Pond (Karen Gillan).



“Britain has a tradition of reinventing its iconic characters, like James Bond and Sherlock Holmes - and Doctor Who. In introducing the Eleventh Doctor, writer Steven Moffat is opening the show to a whole new audience, while serving fans with an exciting mix of inter galactic, time travelling adventures. We can't wait to meet his new Doctor!" comments Richard De Croce, Senior Vice President Programming, BBC AMERICA.



BAFTA-winning writer Steven Moffat, creator of some of the most frightening and award-winning Doctor Who episodes to date, takes over as lead writer and executive producer. Writers for the new series include Richard Curtis (The Boat that Rocked, Love Actually), Chris Chibnall (Law & Order UK, Torchwood), Toby Whithouse (Being Human, Torchwood), Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Sherlock) and Simon Nye (Men Behaving Badly, Hardware).



Guest stars include SAG Award winner Alex Kingston (ER, Flash Forward), Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo (The Secret Life of Bees, Hotel Rwanda) and Tony Curran (24).



Travelling both through time and space, the new series has the mysterious Doctor and Amy Pond together exploring sixteenth century Venice, France during the 1890s and the United Kingdom in the far future, now an entire nation floating in space. The first three episodes of the 13-episode series have been confirmed as The Eleventh Hour, written by Steven Moffat, The Beast Below, also by Moffat and Victory of the Daleks by Mark Gatiss.



Moffat’s work includes the hit comedy Coupling, the critically-acclaimed thriller Jekyll, the new BBC series Sherlock and along with Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish, the screenplay for The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn - which is being directed by Steven Spielberg.



Piers Wenger (Ashes to Ashes) and Beth Willis (Ashes to Ashes) are the executive producers. It is a BBC Wales production for BBC ONE and distributed by BBC Worldwide.



BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 66 million homes.

U.S. Army Launches Second Chapter of America's Army - The Graphic Novel



SILVER SPRING, MD, February 25, 2010 -- The U.S. Army announced today that it has launched the second chapter of America's Army - The Graphic Novel, a free online publication based on America's Army 3 (AA3), the only action game that delivers an authentic and entertaining Army experience by reflecting the training, technology, actions, and career advancement of a Soldier within an exciting, free game experience. Chapter 2 is live now on the America’s Army website (www.americasarmy.com/graphicnovel/).



The online graphic novel allows readers to explore the storyline behind the AA3 game through stories that showcase Army operations, Military Occupational Specialties, and high tech equipment while following the lives of U.S. Army Soldiers at home station and while deployed. Readers will discover stories of bravery and teamwork by Soldiers whose jobs include Intelligence Analyst, Medic, UAV Operator, Infantryman, and Apache Helicopter Pilot.



In Chapter 1: Knowledge is Power, readers followed the deployment of a U.S. Army Long Range Surveillance (LRS) team as a conflict arose between two fictitious countries, Czervenia and the Republic of the Ostregals. In this issue, Chapter 2: Rise to the Challenge, viewers pick up the story after the Czevenian invasion of the Ostregals and learn how the U.S. Army Soldiers rise to the challenge. Readers follow the life of Combat Medic Roy Lacroix who is put to the test and gains strength for life by demonstrating honor and integrity to succeed and accomplish the mission. Players can get peek at an abbreviated version of the graphic novel on the Official America’s Army channel on YouTube located at www.youtube.com/americasarmy.



In future versions of AA3, players will be able to assume the important role of Combat Medic, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 68W. By completing medic training, players will learn to treat minor and major injuries in single player training missions and render advanced medical treatment in multiplayer missions. All players will have Combat Life Saving (CLS) training as part of Basic Combat Training so they can assist and stabilize an injured or incapacitated teammate. Two players of prior versions of America’s Army who completed medic training actually used the medical skills they learned playing the game to respond successfully in life-threatening situations.



The online graphic novel features an original flash interface with advanced viewing controls to grab and flip pages as one would a printed comic and to zoom-in on a specific panel to more easily read it and enjoy the art. Many pages have context links so readers can click to learn more about Army life, jobs, or gear or reference the “field manual” which offers readers a glossary of terms and Army acronyms. Soon the America's Army Graphic Novel Issue 1: Knowledge Is Power will debut in a new motion comic format. While remaining true to the original artwork and story line, the motion comic adds a rich audio track, camera motion, and atmospheric elements to propel the story from its fast paced opening through to the daring helicopter rescue at the end.




About America’s Army



The Army creates and distributes America’s Army so that young Americans can virtually explore Soldiering in the U.S. Army like Soldiers experience it – as individuals and as members of teams. Through the Game’s virtual experiences, young Americans can explore the Army from basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and medic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to operations in defense of freedom. Along the way, they can join elite Army units and experience the strength of Army teamwork, values, and technology within an engaging environment. The game has become an online phenomenon, consistently ranking among the most popular PC action games played online. The games are rated T for Teen and can be downloaded free from Steam (www.americasarmy.com/steam) and from various partners listed on the www.americasarmy.com website. They are also distributed at local Army Recruiting stations, ROTC Detachments, and Army events.

In the America's Army game, players are bound by Rules of Engagement (ROE) and grow in experience as they navigate challenges in team-based, multiplayer, force-on-force operations. In the game, as in the Army, accomplishing missions requires teamwork and adherence to the Army’s core Values. Through its emphasis on team play, the game demonstrates these Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage and makes them integral to success in America's Army.

The Army launched America’s Army in July of 2002, and has released major updates to the game every few months. These releases feature new technologies, missions, Army units, and occupations. In keeping with the dynamic nature of Soldiering, the America's Army game will continue to expand and allow players to explore the Army of today, tomorrow and the future. The most recent version of the game, America’s Army 3, launched in June 2009. Players can learn about America’s Army on the Official America’s Army channel on YouTube located at www.youtube.com/americasarmy where players can take part in game ‘Mission Challenges” or at the America’s Army Facebook page.

IDW Launches Star Trek® Movie Adaptation Comic
Six-issue series offers exclusive scenes not in film



San Diego, CA (February 25, 2010) – With a record-breaking run at the box office and huge sales of the tie-in comic books, fans proved they can’t get enough of the blockbuster film Star Trek. Now, director J.J. Abrams and screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have teamed up with IDW Publishing to present Star Trek: The Official Movie Adaptation. This six-issue miniseries details every pivotal moment from the film, including scenes from the original screenplay that were not in the final movie. The same creative team that brought fans the New York Times bestselling Star Trek: Countdown will again make Trek magic.

With issue #1 available in stores this week, the Star Trek: The Official Movie Adaptation offers yet another layer to this already complex and engaging new reality. “Everything about this movie was great, and when you have so much amazing material, not all of it can make the final cut,” said IDW Star Trek Editor Scott Dunbier.

Working closely with screenwriters Orci and Kurtzman, and with the consultation of Abrams, Countdown writers Mike Johnson and Tim Jones again join forces with renowned artist David Messina on the movie adaptation.

"We are excited to bring fans a unique way to experience the movie again," said Johnson and Jones, "especially with the amazing David Messina on board. The band is back together."


Star Trek: The Official Movie Adaptation #1 (of 6; $3.99, 32 page color; a licensed product of CBS Consumer Products) is now available in stores. Diamond order code #DEC09 0908.


© 2009 Paramount Pictures Corporation. ® & © 2009 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About IDW Publishing
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.

COMICSPRO'S EXCLUSIVE IMAGE
Image Comics' makes an exclusive appearance at this year's ComicsPRO annual meeting, featuring Robert Kirkman!


Berkeley, CA -- 25 February 2010 -- Many of the nation's top comic book retailers will converge on Memphis, TN this April for ComicsPRO's Annual Members Meeting, and WALKING DEAD creator and Image COO Robert Kirkman will be delivering the keynote speech. Image Comics will also be making an exclusive appearance at the 2010 retailer event.


"While reviewing our options for the 2010 calendar, Image Comics has decided to put its focus for retailer events on ComicsPRO," said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "We feel the organization does a massive amount of good for the comics industry and with the ever-growing amount of competing events, we felt the need to reaffirm our support for our retail partners by making our appearance at this year's annual meeting our sole retailer event for 2010."


ComicsPRO is the only trade organization for Direct Market comic book retailers. Their goals are not that different from trade organizations in other industries: to promote advocacy, education and opportunity for their members. Each annual meeting focuses on the many issues this unified, yet independent retailer organization faces and works towards building a stronger future. In addition to Kirkman, Stephenson and Image PR & Marketing Coordinator Joe Keatinge will also attend. The company's decision to so strongly support this year's annual meeting has been met with great enthusiasm by members of ComicsPRO's Board of Directors.


ComicsPRO President and Flying Colors Comics owner Joe Field added: "When a key supplier like Image Comics decides that their time, energy and focus are best spent meeting with ComicsPRO retailers in Memphis, it highlights the dedication Image has to professional, dedicated comics specialty retailers. We hope more retailers notice this and make plans to join us for the only retailer-directed trade event in the comics' business."


"What I admire most about Image Comics is its commitment to creators and their independence," ComicsPRO Board of Directors member and Comix Experience owner Brian Hibbs said. "It's amazing to see that same level of commitment and passion being brought to bear for the benefit of the independent comic book retailer as well. This energy and support can't help but make the best retailer-focused event that much better!"


The ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting is March 24-27th, 2010 at the Hilton Memphis. For more information on the meeting, visit http://comicspro.org/meet10.html


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. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Today, We Will Bury You
Zombie epidemic sweeps 1920s New York City in all-new series

Co-written by Heroes star Brea Grant and in stores now

Signing at Desert Island Comics this Friday




San Diego, CA (February 24, 2009) – In 1920s New York City, life is hard — and then the zombies appear. Actress Brea Grant (Heroes, Halloween II) and her brother, Zane, weave a historical horror in We Will Bury You, available today in comic stores everywhere and in digital form for the Sony PSP tomorrow. The four-issue series follows two unlikely heroines from the margins of society as they fight to survive and battle the spreading zombie infection. Desert Island Comics in Brooklyn, NY, will host the sibling team for a signing of their first comic this Friday, February 26th at 7 p.m.

“Zane and I have been working together on music or other creative endeavors for a long time,” said Brea Grant. “We have a similar sense of the world, sense of humor and work ethic, so it just really works out.”

We Will Bury You is set during the Roaring Twenties, a time of great change for American society. The Grants add the chaos of zombies to this already challenging era to create an ingenious new horror story that offers an engaging look at the human condition.

“Besides the aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties being a great and underused environment for horror, there were a lot of big changes going on during that time period,” said Zane Grant. “The country was divided in a lot of complicated ways that are still relevant today.”

Artist Kyle Strahm provides the series’ stark images, with covers by Ben Templesmith (Wormwood), Eisner-winner Nate Powell, Trevor Hutchison (Transformers: All Hail Megatron) and Nathan Fox (DMZ).

“We wanted someone who could conceptualize both the beauty of the era and the grotesque nature of the zombies,” added Brea. “Kyle’s portfolio had these amazing, scary monsters alongside futuristic images and realistic faces. Everything he draws feels a little mystical, yet bizarre. He has no trouble showing the sickening nature of what we were visualizing.”

Issue #1 debuts today, February 24th, and sets the stage for disaster, introducing the series protagonists and painting a historically accurate picture of this pivotal time. The series is available both in print and digital formats. We Will Bury You #1 on the PSP will also feature audio commentary from the Grants, discussing the process of creating such a unique story.

“Brea and Zane have crafted a compelling story with a unique take on the zombie subgenre,” commented IDW editor Denton J. Tipton. “Their shared love for the comics medium really shines through, as does their understanding of dramatic storytelling, all delivered with a distinctive voice.”


We Will Bury You #1 (of 4; $3.99; 32 page) is now available in stores. Diamond order code DEC09 0924.

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


About IDW Publishing

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.

The Last Unicorn Launches at WonderCon
The six-issue miniseries of Peter S. Beagle’s enduring tale to debut with
exclusive WonderCon cover



San Diego, CA (February 23, 2010) - Peter S. Beagle's acclaimed and enchanting fantasy, The Last Unicorn, has delighted fans for more than forty years. Now, IDW Publishing is pleased to launch The Last Unicorn comic book adaptation of Beagle's acclaimed novel at WonderCon, one of the country’s leading comics and pop culture conventions, held April 2nd through the 4th in San Francisco. Under the close direction of Beagle himself, writer Peter B. Gillis, illustrator Renae De Liz and her husband, colorist Ray Dillon, have all joined forces with IDW to capture the depth of this heartfelt story. Beagle will be a guest of WonderCon and host a panel to discuss his famous story. A signing at the IDW booth with an exclusive variant cover number one issue will follow.

“I’m delighted that IDW is doing this adaptation of my book,” says Beagle, “and by the real effort everyone there has made to stay true to what I wrote. Together with the creative team of Peter, Renae, and Ray, they are achieving something I honestly hadn’t believed possible and I cannot wait to debut it at WonderCon.”

The Last Unicorn was originally published in 1968 and became an instant classic, selling more than five million copies worldwide. Beagle created some of the most delightful and real characters in modern fantasy fiction, and also wrote the screenplay for the incredibly popular animated film that was adapted from his novel.

By turns darkly humorous and deeply moving, The Last Unicorn follows what may be the very last unicorn on her journey to discover what happened to the rest of her kind. The unicorn encounters a magical cast of both good and evil characters during her quest, as she explores a world transformed by the lack of unicorns, and by the selfish disillusionment of a king.


The Last Unicorn #1 (of 6, $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in April 2010. Diamond order code FEB10 0936.


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


About IDW Publishing

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned 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.

DARK HORSE
announces publication this June of...

THE ODDLY COMPELLING ART OF

DENIS KITCHEN

Collection brings Kitchen, the artist, to the forefront

Introduction by Neil Gaiman and essay by Charles Brownstein

"I think ‘Oddly Compelling’ is a very good title for a book of Denis Kitchen's work, and describes it very well." — R. Crumb

Feb. 23, 2010 - Milwaukie OR - A well-known personality in the comics world, Denis Kitchen has worn many hats: as a longtime publisher, founder of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, book author and literary and art agent. But his career as a pioneering underground comix artist has been overdue for rediscovery.

First announced for publication from his own Kitchen Sink Press over 20 years ago, but never produced, The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen is the first collection of work by the underground cartoonist and acclaimed publishing pioneer. In addition to his comix, this book features a wealth of unpublished material: paintings, covers for underground newspapers and comix, rare strips and illustrations and historic photos of Kitchen and many of his contemporaries.

Acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman provides a funny and insightful introduction and an essay by Charles Brownstein (Eisner/Miller) provides context and a career overview.

The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen finally brings Kitchen the artist to the stage. This compendium includes approximately two hundred illustrations, most unseen since their original publication in the late '60s and '70s, many not seen even by serious comix fans.

“I always thought it was rather a shame that Kitchen became a publisher and businessman to the neglect of his artistic talent …he was a gifted and exceptional artist …I think his downfall was women …the big sap!” — R. Crumb

Designed by John Lind, winner of a 2009 American Graphic Design Award for his work on Underground Classics, The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen will appeal to fans of underground comix and comics history and will allow a new generation to discover Kitchen's curious body of work.

The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen is a full color, 200 page, 9x12 hardcover priced at $34.99.

Currently offered in this month's Previews catalog with a Diamond Code of FEB100040. The book goes on sale June 9, 2010.

THE BOONDOCK SAINTS HIT COMIC STORES IN MAY

A two-issue comic book miniseries

Shipping May ’10 – June ’10 from 12-Gauge Comics





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





Birmingham, AL (February 24, 2010) - It’s official! The BOONDOCK SAINTS make the move to comics this May, in the two issue limited series “IN NOMINE PATRIS” from 12-Gauge Comics.

TROY DUFFY’s original BOONDOCK SAINTS film is one of the most successful independent movies of all time, with a fiercely loyal and devoted fan base. Now, on the heels of the recent theatrical release of THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY, this new limited series marks the first official story to take place outside of the cult-hit films. Already tagged as both “Certified Cool” and a “Staff Pick” by Diamond Comic Distributors, THE BOONDOCK SAINTS: IN NOMINE PATRIS is destined to take the comic book marketplace by storm.

Written by BOONDOCK SAINTS creator/writer/director TROY DUFFY and comic scribe J.B. LOVE, (with art by newcomer GUUS FLOOR and covers by CHRIS BRUNNER) “In Nomine Patris” is the perfect companion to the recent movie (coming to DVD and BLU-RAY March 9th). Conceived as a "deleted and extended sequence", the comics expand on the story and characters in ALL SAINTS DAY and delve deeper into the secret origin of the "Original Saint", IL DUCE.

Join the McMANUS BROTHERS as they uncover the full extent of their family’s legacy of violence, leaving a path of vengeance in their wake!

This is just the beginning of the Boondock Saints in comics! THE SAINTS ARE COMING!

#####



THE BOONDOCK SAINTS is ™ and ©2010 Boondock Saints, LLC. All Rights Reserved. THE BOONDOCK SAINTS Comic Series is ©2010 INNFUSION INC + Boondock Saints, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

About the Publisher



12-Gauge Comics was founded by Keven Gardner in 2004 and currently publishes some of the most successful and critically acclaimed independent comic books in the marketplace today, including the recent hit LUKE MCBAIN, featuring country music mega-star TRACE ADKINS as the lead character. 12-Gauge members Jason Pearson, Brian Stelfreeze, Cully Hamner, and Doug Wagner are creating new and innovative multi-media concepts for the company, including Pearson’s run-away hit BODY BAGS and THE RIDE, which debuted as the top-selling black and white comic of the year in 2004. 12-Gauge helped develop THE O.C.T. (Occult Crimes Taskforce), an original comic book concept co-created and starring actress ROSARIO DAWSON. 12-Gauge has found a niche in the music industry; packaging comics for the rock band Coheed & Cambria, with other music-related projects currently in development. For more information, please visit www.12gaugecomics.com or email info@12gaugecomics.com.

SHOUT! FACTORY & MARVEL ANIMATION, INC.

ANNOUNCE CONTENT PARTNERSHIP



Shout! Factory Secures Home Entertainment Rights to Marvel Animation’s The Super Hero Squad Show



Los Angeles, Calif., – Shout! Factory and Marvel Animation, Inc. announced today a new alliance to bring Marvel’s successful animated series The Super Hero Squad Show to the home entertainment marketplace. Under the multi-year deal, Shout! Factory will be the exclusive U.S. home entertainment distributor with licensing rights to the action-packed half-hour episodes of The Super Hero Squad Show, Marvel Animation’s highly successful animated series currently airing on Cartoon Network. The announcement was made by Shout! Factory founding partners Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos and Marvel Animation President Eric Rollman.



“We are thrilled with this exciting opportunity to work closely with Marvel Animation, a globally recognized studio for its fantastic productions and pop culture content. This strategic partnership with Marvel continues to build on our continuing success in distributing some of the most premiere brands to the marketplace,” stated Shout! Factory founding partners. “The Super Hero Squad Show has become one of the most popular animated series on television. There’s a lot of interest from loyal fans, and we plan to do a great job with upcoming releases. We hope that this is just the start of a mutually beneficial relationship.”



“We have found a tremendous and passionate partner in Shout! Factory who bring some of the most innovative DVD releases to market, and always with unique bonus features and packaging that deliver the best value to the fans,” stated Eric Rollman, President of Marvel Animation. “We have some great ideas for the upcoming Super Hero Squad Show DVDs and look forward to continuing the Super Hero Squad experience from Cartoon Network to our fans on DVD.”



The Super Hero Squad Show launched on Cartoon Network US in October 2009 to tremendous ratings and continues to deliver impressive numbers in its regular M-F 8:30am and Saturday 7:30pm time slots.



Boasting a stellar ensemble of voice talent from Hollywood, The Super Hero Squad Show animated series features super-stylized versions of Marvel’s popular characters (including Captain America, Silver Surfer, Thor, Hulk, Wolverine and Iron Man) with a comedic twist. Marvel has attracted some top voice talent to play the roles of Marvel’s iconic heroes and villains of Marvel Super Hero Squad, including Tom Kenny (aka Spongebob) as Iron Man, Captain America and M.O.D.O.K., Grey DeLisle (Fairly Oddparents) as Ms. Marvel and the Enchantress, Alimi Ballard (NUMB3RS) as the Falcon, and Charlie Adler (Cow & Chicken, Transformers 1 & 2) as Dr. Doom. In addition, superstar guests have joined the cast to play various villains and heroes from throughout the Marvel universe, including Shawn Ashmore (X-Men films) as Iceman, LeVar Burton (Ali, Roots) as Rhodey, Taye Diggs (Private Practice) as the Black Panther, Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) as Dormammu, Greg Grunberg (Heroes) as Ant-Man, Mark Hamill (Star Wars) as the Red Skull, Lena Headey (Sarah Connor Chronicles) as the Black Widow, Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) as Sif, Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Ugly Truth) as Stardust, Wayne Knight (Seinfeld) as Egghead, James Marsters (Smallville, Buffy The Vampire Slayer) as Mr. Fantastic, Jennifer Morrison (Star Trek, House) as the Wasp, Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) as Hawkeye, Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Meet The Spartans) as Ka-Zar, George Takei (Heroes, Star Trek) as Galactus and Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl) as the Valkyrie. The cast is also joined by comics legend Stan Lee (co-creator of Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor and many other Marvel characters) in a recurring role as the Mayor of Super Hero City.



When the greatest heroes on the planet unite to face the world’s greatest villains, you get the biggest, most family-friendly Super Hero team-up in TV history… The Super Hero Squad Show. It’s no small job protecting Super Hero City from the wild, weird (& even wacky) villainy of Villainville’s infamous baddies… but Iron Man, Wolverine, the Hulk, the Silver Surfer, Thor and the Falcon are always up for the job. Shouting “Hero Up!” as they rush into battle, the Squad must keep Dr. Doom’s minions from gathering pieces of the Infinity Sword. Otherwise, Doom will use the Sword to rule the universe! Luckily, the City is filled with Marvel super-hero guest-stars to help out in a pinch. These brave heroes totally deliver the action – but with plenty of humor on the side.



Shout! Factory plans a strategic rollout of The Super Hero Squad Show home entertainment product-line later this year, utilizing the same sales and marketing strengths that has made them one of the leading independent studios in the entertainment industry.



About Marvel Entertainment, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.



About Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. With its fingers on the pulse of pop culture, Shout! Factory continues to impact the entertainment media landscape through acquisition of top quality programming for home entertainment releases. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit ShoutFactory.com

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IDW Partners with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising to Release New Comic Book Series Based on
The A-Team

Two Original Titles Hit Shelves This March In Advance Of Upcoming Feature Film



San Diego, CA (February 22, 2010) – In anticipation of the summer movie event The A-Team, starting in March, IDW Publishing, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox Licensing), will launch two A-Team comic book series, entitled A-Team: Shotgun Wedding and A-Team: War Stories. The original stories penned and inked by some of the industry’s biggest names, will give fans an in-depth look at the upcoming action-adventure from Twentieth Century Fox – The A-Team – which will hit theatres June 11, 2010. Each series will be available as single issues in March and April, and collected into individual graphic novels in May.

“Like many, I was a huge fan of the original A-Team television series in the 80’s,” said A-Team comic editor and co-writer Tom Waltz. “I’m happy to report, after reading the new movie script, the updated A-Team movie has all the wit, swagger and kick-ass action of the original series, but tells a story much bigger than was possible on the show. For our comics, we’ve worked directly with the filmmakers to build a solidly action-packed foundation for a new generation of A-Team fans.”

“This comic project is the ideal collaboration between the studio, the production, the filmmakers and the publisher maximizing everyone’s talents for the best product. IDW has demonstrated their ability to bring on some of the best writers and artists in the comic book industry and work closely and effectively with all the constituents. The A-Team has a huge following and these comics, much like the upcoming film, contemporize this enormously popular action-adventure franchise and deliver fresh, compelling stories and art to the fans,” said Virginia King, Vice President U.S. Sales for Fox Licensing & Merchandising.

Taking inspiration from the eagerly anticipated feature film – The A-Team – the comic book series provides the back story for the characters in the film and documents several of the team’s first missions. War Stories features four stand-alone, bi-weekly issues that each focus on a different member of the team, offering details of their Desert Storm adventures as Army Rangers before each joins The A-Team.

Co-written by comics great Chuck Dixon (G.I. JOE) and Erik Burnham (Nanovor: Game Day), the series kicks off with Hannibal and B.A. in March, followed by Face and Murdock in April. Each team member’s story will feature a different artist in order to best bring out every character’s individual personality. Hugo Petrus (Marvel Illustrated) will provide interior art for Hannibal, and Casey Maloney (G.I. JOE: Rise of Cobra) tackles B.A. in March. In April, Alberto Muriel (Legion: Prophets) revives Face, followed by Guiu Vilanova (After the Fire), who delivers Murdock. Fan-favorite artist Michael Gaydos (Alias) will provide covers for every issue.

“I was a devoted A-Team fan from the first episode and love all of these characters. Pure action and excitement,” said Chuck Dixon. “I jumped at the chance to join Erik and work on this property and it's been better than expected. The dialogue and characterizations came so naturally to me, it was scary.”

Also starting in March, A-Team: Shotgun Wedding, a bi-weekly four issue series, gives fans a taste of the team’s missions after they’ve officially formed The A-Team. This original adventure, co-plotted by the movie’s director, Joe Carnahan, and Waltz (who also handles the scripting) follows the team from frigid Alaska to sunny San Diego and onto a wedding cruise that becomes utter chaos. Artist Stephen Mooney (Angel: After the Fall) adds heat to every explosion, while John K. Snyder III offers eye-catching covers.


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


A-Team: Shotgun Wedding #1 (of 4; $3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores on March 10, 2010. Diamond order code JAN10 0987.

A-Team: War Stories: Hannibal ($3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores on March 17, 2010. Diamond order code JAN10 0989.

A-Team: Shotgun Wedding #2 (of 4; $3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores on March 24, 2010. Diamond order code JAN10 0988.

A-Team: War Stories: B.A. ($3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores in March 2010. Diamond order code JAN10 0991.

A-Team: Shotgun Wedding #3 (of 4; $3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores in April 2010.

A-Team: Shotgun Wedding #4 (of 4; $3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores in April 2010.

A-Team: War Stories: Face ($3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores in April 2010.

A-Team: War Stories: Murdock ($3.99; 32 pages) will be available in stores in April 2010.

About The A-Team
THE A-TEAM follows the exciting and daring exploits of a colorful team of former Special Forces soldiers who were set up for a crime they did not commit. Going “rogue,” they utilize their unique talents to try and clear their names and find the true culprit. THE A-TEAM in theaters only June 11, 2010.

Liam Neeson, whose many credits include the Oscar-winning “Schindler’s List” and the recent box office hit “Taken,” portrays Hannibal Smith, a master planner of inventive missions requiring split-second timing, unusual skills and a team of incredibly proficient and…eccentric soldiers; Bradley Cooper, who shot to movie superstardom in the smash comedy “The Hangover,” is Templeton “Face” Peck, who can procure anything for the Team’s unorthodox and daring activities; Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, a professional mixed martial artist and a top rated UFC light heavyweight, is B.A. Baracas, the Team’s driver and muscle; and Sharlto Copley, who stars in the surprise summer hit “District 9,” is H.M “Howling Mad” Murdock, a gifted pilot – and certified loon. Jessica Biel (“The Illusionist”) stars as Capt. Charisa Sosa, a former love interest of Face’s, but who’s now relentlessly pursuing the Team for a crime not of their doing. Patrick Wilson (“Watchmen”) is Lynch, a mysterious CIA operative who is a key player in the Team’s most explosive mission.

Joe Carnahan (“Narc,” “Smokin’ Aces”) directs from a screenplay by Skip Woods (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”), Carnahan, and Carnahan’s writing partner Brian Bloom (writing credit not final), based on the television series “The A-Team.” The producers are Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Jules Daly, Stephen J. Cannell, Alex Young, Iain Smith, and Spike Seldin.


About IDW Publishing

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.


About Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

IRONHIDE Returns to Comics
All-new TRANSFORMERS comic series begins in May



San Diego, CA (February 19, 2010) – This May, fan-favorite IRONHIDE is back from the dead for his own four-issue series—or is he? Under license from Hasbro, TRANSFORMERS: IRONHIDE explores the history of OPTIMUS PRIME’s best friend and the aftermath of his shocking death in TRANSFORMERS #1.

“Just because he’s dead, doesn’t mean he’s not important! This is comics, folks!” said IDW TRANSFORMERS editor Andy Schmidt. “While IRONHIDE’s death is extremely important to what’s happening in the ongoing TRANSFORMERS series, it turns out it’s even more important to the TRANSFORMERS home world of CYBERTRON.”

Located on CYBERTRON, TRANSFORMERS: IRONHIDE weaves a rich tale of consequences past and present. Comics mainstay Mike Costa pens this exciting story, with art by the talented Casey Coller. Coller and Marcelo Matere will provide eye-catching covers.

“If you’re a TRANSFORMERS comic fan, this is a must-have. The story has huge ramifications for the ongoing TRANSFORMERS comic saga,” adds Schmidt.



TRANSFORMERS: IRONHIDE #1 (of 4; $3.99, 32 page; full color) will be available in stores in May. Diamond order code: MAR10 0988.


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

About IDW Publishing

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned 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.


About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MoCCA ADULT EDUCATION RESUMES IN MARCH WITH CLAREMONT, DeFALCO, AND O’NEIL MASTER CLASSES

NEW YORK (Feb 16, 2010) – The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art – MoCCA is proud to announce the spring offerings from its Education Department. Organized and headed by Senior Vice-President of Education, DANNY FINGEROTH, the season’s initial offering will be:

MASTER CLASS SERIES IN COMICS WRITING
3 sessions, TUESDAYS, March 16 & 23; April 13
6:30-8:30 pm
March 16: CHRIS CLAREMONT
March 23: TOM DeFALCO
April 13: DENNIS O’NEIL
$100 tuition | $90 for MoCCA members
[Individual sessions: $40 | $35 for MoCCA members]

CHRIS CLAREMONT, TOM DeFALCO, AND DENNIS O’NEIL will each hold a master class session in comics writing. These three extraordinarily accomplished writers have written some of the highest profile and most acclaimed comics of all time, with bodies of work that have played significant parts in defining the modern versions of The X-Men (Claremont), Spider-Man (DeFalco), and Batman (O’Neil). Each of them will condense the most important things they know about writing into highly-concentrated (and entertaining!) lecture form. This is a rare opportunity to hear these top names in the field speak about what makes for great comics writing.

CHRIS CLAREMONT has encountered more success than most writers ever dream of. Best known for his work on Marvel Comics’ X-Men, he has written other seminal characters such as Batman and Superman, originated several creator-owned series, is published throughout the world in many languages, and has authored nine novels. His unbroken 17-year run on Uncanny X-Men is the stuff of industry legend. The story arc “Dark Phoenix,” with its radical treatment of its central character, paved the way for the reinterpretation of superhero mythos. Current projects include the ongoing Marvel series X-Men Forever, X-Women, drawn by renowned Italian artist Milo Manara, the young adult novel Wild Blood, a contemporary urban dark fantasy, and the screen play Hunter’s Moon.

TOM DeFALCO, a former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics with over thirty books currently in print, has written comic books, graphic novels, short stories, prose novels and books like Spider-Man: The Ultimate Guide and Comic Creators on Fantastic Four. He was also a major contributor to The Marvel Encyclopedia and The Marvel Chronology. DeFalco has recently worked on Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Titan Comics, The Man From RIVERDALE for Archie Comics, Flash Gordon for Ardden Entertainment, The Flying Fool for Moonstone Books, The Super Seven for Stan Lee Comics and, of course, The Spectacular Spider-Girl for Marvel Comics.

DENNIS O’NEIL is an award-winning comics writer and editor (best known for his landmark work on characters such as Batman and Green Lantern), and an educator at institutions including New York University and The School of Visual Arts. He has also been a journalist, critic, television writer, best-selling novelist (novelizations of The Dark Knight film and the epic Batman: Knightfall comics storyline, and the original novel Green Lantern: Hero’s Quest), and has published dozens of short stories. He lives in Nyack, N.Y. with his wife, Marifran.


And starting in April, MoCCA Education will present two more incredible courses:

ANATOMY FOR CARTOONISTS WORKSHOP
Instructors: R. SIKORYAK AND KRIOTA WILLBERG
4 sessions, Mondays April 19 & 26, May 3 & 10.


HOW TO WRITE COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
Instructor: DANNY FINGEROTH
4 sessions, Tuesdays April 20 & 27, May 4 & 11

Details on these two courses will be announced soon.


For more information and to register, call 212-254-3511 or go to www.moccany.org.

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization dedicated to the preservation, study and display of all forms of comic and cartoon art. The museum promotes greater understanding and appreciation of the artistic, cultural and historical significance of comic and cartoon art through a variety of events, exhibitions, and educational programs. The museum is located at 594 Broadway (between Houston and Prince Streets) in New York City. MoCCA is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 12:00-5:00 pm. Suggested donation to the museum is $5 but free for MoCCA Members as well as for children 12 and under (when accompanied by a paying adult). For more information about the museum and MoCCA events, exhibitions and programs, visit the museum's Website (www.moccany.org).