Thursday, May 13, 2010

A REFORMED KILLER FINDS HIS HAPPY PLACE IN BALTIMORE
Bizarre New Crime Series from David Hahn and Stephen Scott Hits the Streets in August

Berkeley, CA - 13 May 2010 - Artist DAVID HAHN joins newcomer STEPHEN SCOTT tell a story of doomed romance, bloodshed and the outer limits of human potential in MURDERLAND, published by Image Comics

Scott states, "In MURDERLAND, I wanted to do several things: (1) Teach people what an Arabber is before they are all gone, (2) show why Baltimore is more like a difficult lover than a crack head relative, and (3) stir funny feelings about a bearded woman. All I'm sure we did was mix some comedy with solid action and strangely authentic characters."

"Method is the money character," says Hahn. "Not just another pretty face, but one with the most unusual body issues I've ever seen. She is at one moment beautiful, then unexpectedly repulsive. I have a certain squeamishness regarding Method's 'hair powers,' but I have to say, I have never seen a writer so unafraid to 'ugly-up' his female lead without just beating her up. This is like nothing else I've drawn or even seen in mainstream comics."

BOO COOK, who provides the flip cover for the first issue, adds, "It just so happened that I was fired up about Baltimore from watching THE WIRE, and the MURDERLAND pitch just hooked me in."

"I've been a fan of David's artwork since his PRIVATE BEACH days, so I was thrilled when he and Stephen approached Image with MURDERLAND," says Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Together, they've come up with one of the more unique takes on the vigilante concept, and I think fans of crime comics are going to eat this up."

MURDERLAND unfolds on the "complicated" streets of Baltimore, Maryland. The Arabber is a reformed killer bent on bringing peace to his hometown. Method is his lover and partner in crime, but she may not be long for The Arabber's crusade.

MURDERLAND #1, a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores August 4, 2010.

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers 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.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Radical and Dogtown to develop interactive games

For Immediate Release

May 12th, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – Dogtown Studios and Radical Publishing, under the Radical Interactive banner, are proud to announce a partnership to jointly produce a brand new iDevice (iPhone, iTouch,iPad) game that will offer exceptional quality and excitement for the casual, as well as the experienced, gamer. The game will be released in summer 2010 and, over the next several weeks, both companies will release information about the game itself, and the production process.

“From the very beginning, I’ve always envisioned Radical as a multimedia brand that goes beyond just comics and film.” states Radical Publishing’s president and founder Barry Levine “With Radical Interactive, we will be adapting games based on the Radical Publishing library as well as creating original properties for iDevices. Really the sky is the limit and we’re excited to be working with Dogtown as we venture into this new market.”

Rasmus Hansson, partner and producer for Dogtown Studios adds, “Our main goal with this game is to win over all types of gamers, offering simplicity and complexity combined into an experience never before seen on the iDevice.”


www.RadicalPublishing.com
www.DogtownStudios.comAbout Dogtown Studios

Dogtown Studios is a developer and publisher of digital interactive games. As one of the first companies to start developing for the iDevice (iPhone, iPod, iPad) family in early 2007, Dogtown Studios current focus is mobile and online gaming and has the reputation of being a truly agile organization with the ability to quickly adapt operation and strategy to the changes that are rapidly happening in this evolving industry.

Dogtown Studios’ goal is to become a leading publisher of the most innovative, cross platform, casual, multiplayer games in the world. Their most current, and last successful product was Project 72, a top seller in the iTunes App Store in all its categories. Ranked #7 of all action games.

Dogtown Studios is privately own, born and operated in the heart of Dogtown (Venice Beach), and founded in 2007 as Moyo Studios branch of interactive gaming.

About Radical Publishing

Radical Publishing is founded by Barry Levine (producer for Hercules, Caliber, Freedom Formula, Shrapnel, Abattoir, Oblivion, The Last Days of American Crime and executive producer for the in-development Rex Mundi movie for Warner Bros., written by Jim Uhls and starring Johnny Depp) and entrepreneur Jesse Berger (executive producer for Hercules, Caliber, Freedom Formula, Shrapnel, Abattoir, Oblivion and The Last Days of American Crime).

For their quality and excellence in 2008, Radical Publishing was granted the Gem Award for “Best New Publisher of the Year” from Diamond Comic Distributors. Radical brings the best writing, storytelling, and fully painted cover and interior art to the global comic book market, from prominent international talents such as Yoshitaka Amano, Rain Beredo, John Bolton, Matt Cirulnick, Tomm Coker, Clayton Crain, Flint Dille, Marko Djurdjevic, Ian Edginton, Warren Ellis, E. Max Frye, Antoine Fuqua, Justin Gray, Paul Gulacy, David Hine, Joseph Kosinski, Clint Langley, Richard Lee, Alex Maleev, Leonardo Manco, David Manpearl, Stephan Martinière, Francesco "Matt" Mattina, Peter Milligan, Steve Moore, Arvid Nelson, Wayne Nichols, Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti, Nick Percival, Vincent Proce, Steve Pugh, Patrick Reilly, Rick Remender, Luis Royo, Nick Sagan, Sam Sarkar, Stjepan Sejic, M. Zachary Sherman, Bill Sienkiewicz, Wesley Snipes, Jim Steranko, Arthur Suydam, J.P. Targete, Greg Tocchini, Andree Wallin, Dave Wilkins, Concept Art House, Haberlin Studios, Meduzarts Digital Environment Studio, Weta Workshop, Zombie Studios, and many more.

Currently, Radical Publishing has production deals with Spyglass Entertainment and Peter Berg’s Film 44 for Hercules, with Johnny Depp's Infinitum Nihil for Caliber, and with New Regency and Bryan Singer’s Bad Hat Harry Productions for Freedom Formula.
SJS Comic Promotions & Three J Productions set the stage for a new mini-series

Warwick, RI, May 11, 2010: Since 2002, writers, artists and fans have converged on Philadelphia each May to acknowledge Black creators and comics featuring Black characters, particularly superheroes. To celebrate the release of The Enforcers Zero Issue - The Director's Cut, which debuts at The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) on May 15, Publisher of Three J Productions, LLC and Creator, Carl Herring Jr. plans to also offer a limited number of copies of The Enforcers Part One featuring Maddox Turner, before its July release date.



Carl Herring Jr. has been reading and collecting comic books for over thirty years, particularly a fan of the comic books from the sixties right up until the mid eighties. Losing interest in comics in the nineties, Carl decided to create his own characters and write story lines that could entertain like the stories from days long gone. Carl also wanted to seek out talented artists who could recreate those master strokes reminiscent to the artists of his yester years. Thus with this in mind, Three J Productions, LLC was born.



Having created the company, now it was time to create the book. Carl sat down one night to pen his first story. Several weeks later Carl finished his first script. The book was The Enforcers. The title of the story was “The Chosen Ones.” With script in hand, Carl set out to find an artist. After several months of going through samples of various artists, Carl came across the portfolio samples of Tod Smith, the perfect artist to give the book the old school look. After reading the script, Tod agreed to do the artwork. The Zero Issue was released in 2005.



The Enforcers focuses on America's war on drugs that has taken a turn for the worst as drug lords across the country unite to create stronger drug cartels that openly challenge the nation's law enforcement communities. To combat these cartels, newly appointed Federal Drug Czar, Senator Lawrence Fulton has created The Enforcers Project. The goal of The Enforcers Project is to place small teams of specially trained and equipped men and women appointed as D.E.A. Enforcers in major cities throughout the nation. Their mission will be to target specific drug cartels and use all their resources to destroy the illegal operations.



To kick-start a five-issue Enforcers mini-series set to begin the summer of 2010, Carl is re-launching The Enforcers: Zero Issue. This Director’s Cut version includes several new pages of artwork and is printed in full color. Regarding the mini-series, Tod Smith will again be contributing his art to the series, with Carl performing the writing duties. The mini-series will run from the summer and continue through 2011 and will be published by Three J Productions, LLC.



Fans and members of the press can find Carl Herring Jr. at the Three J Productions booth at ECBACC on Saturday May 15, 2010 from 10 am to 7 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel 1800 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA.. For more information about Three J Productions LLC, Carl Herring Jr. or the Enforcers mini-series, visit http://threejproductions.com.



SJS Comic Promotions is owned and operated by freelance Promotions Consultant, Susan Soares. Opening its doors officially in 2009, Soares has been working in the comic book industry since 2007 as a part of Jolly Rogue Studios. The purpose of SJS Comic Promotions is to provide support and guidance to comic book creators in the areas of marketing and promotions of their properties. Currently SJS Comic Promotions represents Dandelion Studios, Fallenmage Productions, Jolly Rogue Studios, Paper Dragon Ink and Three J Productions LLC.
Fresh New Talent for the Upcoming Geek Prom!

High School bands No Big Deal and Braincage will perform at Phoenix Comicon



April 13th 2010 Phoenix, AZ: High school bands Braincage and No Big Deal will be performing at the Geek Prom at Phoenix Comicon, on Saturday, May 29th.



“I love their music, you can tell they have fun performing,” said Katie Charland, Phoenix Comicon's Community Outreach Manager.



Braincage first started out in Gilbert, AZ, in 2007. The trio is Jeremy on lead guitar, Sean who is bass and lead vocals, and Zeb on the drums. All three members write their own music. Braincage had their first live performance in April of 2009. Braincage has since been performing at high schools and local events throughout the Phoenix area.



No Big Deal is Mesa, Arizona's newest pop-rock band. The four piece band features Austin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Jacob on vocals and bass, Justin on drums and Ryan with vocals and lead guitar. They are looking forward to playing Con-flavored covers as well as some original tunes of their own. No Big Deal is quickly making a big splash in the young Phoenix music market with their great original tunes and cool covers.



“I’m very excited to hear some Comicon related tunes!” said Convention Center Director Matt Solberg.



Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture event of the southwest, presenting guests and programming for hobbyists and fans by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, TV, and gaming industries.  Entering its ninth year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 10,000+ attendees to its May 27-30, 2010 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency located in downtown Phoenix.



For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com
HOW SAFE IS YOUR KITCHEN?
Grapes come to life in Corey Lewis's SEEDLESS from Image Comics

Berkeley, CA - 12 May 2010 - Just when you thought it was safe to go to the supermarket for a bag of grapes, Corey Lewis (Sharknife, Peng) reminds us that aliens could be anywhere in his new one-shot from Image Comics, SEEDLESS. In SEEDLESS, grapes come from another planet, battle for freedom, and take a young girl on the adventure of a lifetime.

"I consider it like the movie BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED meets the video game MEGAMAN," says Lewis. "Originally, SEEDLESS was an online comic supported by Seattle-based video game store Pink Gorilla. The grape characters in SEEDLESS are from one of the first comics I created when I was twelve years old. The story is a bright and colorful, action-packed adventure for kids and adults!"

In SEEDLESS, Harmony Treblecleff is the daughter of an eccentric inventor, but she thought she led a pretty normal life. Normal, that is, until the grapes she grabbed from the kitchen came to life! Suddenly, Harmony is being attacked by a rogue Grape Tyrant from a distant planet (aptly named Crazy) and his many tiny minions. Her only hope is the intervention of a new special breed of heroic grape warriors -- ones that are SEEDLESS!

SEEDLESS, a 128-page full-color trade for $12.99, will be in stores August 4, 2010.

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers 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.
TODD MCFARLANE TO ATTEND BALTIMORE COMIC-CON 2010
McFarlane to appear Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the 11th annual Baltimore Comic-Con

Berkeley, CA - 10 May 2010 - Image Comics Founder and Partner Todd McFarlane is set to appear at Baltimore Comic-Con 2010 on Saturday, August 28, 2010. The creator of the groundbreaking comic book SPAWN will take part in signings and other events during the show.

"I'm thrilled to be able to participate in this year's Baltimore Comic Con," says McFarlane. "It's good to know events still exist where comics are the main focus, instead of being swallowed up by competing entertainment such as movies and video games. I appreciate all the support Baltimore Comic Con has provided Image with in the past, and I am looking forward to attending and meeting with fans."

Marc Nathan, organizer of the Baltimore Comic-Con, adds, "The Baltimore Comic-Con could not be more thrilled about hosting Todd McFarlane at this year's convention. Image Comics continues to be at the top of all our publishing partners. We all know how popular Todd is and look forward to a great time!"

From budding baseball player to comic book artist extraordinaire to family man, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane has a wealth of experience in the world of entertainment. McFarlane's road trip to creative autonomy began when he accepted an assignment penciling for Marvel/Epic Comics in March 1984. From there, he worked his way to the top of the talent roster before leaving Marvel to help found Image Comics with six other artists. It was then that Todd introduced his own character, Spawn. In 1994, Todd founded McFarlane Toys. Over the years, the company has become one of the largest, most renowned toy manufacturers in the world.

Don't miss SPAWN creator Todd McFarlane at this year's 11th annual Baltimore Comic-Con. He will appear one day only, on Saturday, August 28, 2010.

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers 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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 7TH 2010


THREE SHOTS FROM THE SIXTH GUN – ONI PRESS' NEW ONGOING SERIES GETS A NEW COVER, FULL PREVIEW, & WEB SPECIAL!


Last weekend was Free Comic Book Day, and since about noon last Saturday the Oni offices have been getting absolutely slammed with requests from fans and retailers alike who were unable to get their hands on the first issue of Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's new ongoing series THE SIXTH GUN #1. The fact of the matter is the run is completely out of stock.

BUT YOU'RE IN LUCK! In anticipation of just such a response Oni has decided to reissue THE SIXTH GUN #1, with an amazing new cover, for release on the same day as THE SIXTH GUN #2 and to seal the deal Oni is releasing the entire first issue for you to preview online!

Secure yourself a copy of the new printing before they sell-out by filling out an order form and telling your local comic shop retailer to order you THE SIXTH GUN by Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt:

SIXTH GUN #1 – Order Code: MAY10 1087
SIXTH GUN #2 – Order Code: MAY10 1088

Then you can immediately jump into the new ongoing series that Comic Pros are calling:

"An absolute winner in every way." -Jason Aaron (SCALPED, WOLVERINE)

"...plants the round of their story square between your eyes. Read it, damn you! Read it!" -Greg Rucka (STUMPTOWN, QUEEN & COUNTRY)

"...came out with guns blazing and I'm ready for more." -Jeff Parker (AGENTS OF ATLAS, MYSTERIUS THE UNFATHOMABLE)

"...full of creepy, atmospheric scenes and bizarre concepts, beautifully realized." -Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY TRINITY, AVENGERS)

“The west just got a whole lot wilder... and weirder!" -Andy Diggle (DAREDEVIL, THE LOSERS)

"Say hello to your new favorite comic." -Matt Fraction (INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, UNCANNY X-MEN)

And, because Oni Press loves you, any purchases made at the Oni Press Online Store (www.onipress.com) between May 8th and May 16th will receive a complimentary copy of the Free Comic Book Day Edition of THE SIXTH GUN #1 (while supplies last)!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 7TH 2010


THREE SHOTS FROM THE SIXTH GUN – ONI PRESS' NEW ONGOING SERIES GETS A NEW COVER, FULL PREVIEW, & WEB SPECIAL!


Last weekend was Free Comic Book Day, and since about noon last Saturday the Oni offices have been getting absolutely slammed with requests from fans and retailers alike who were unable to get their hands on the first issue of Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's new ongoing series THE SIXTH GUN #1. The fact of the matter is the run is completely out of stock.

BUT YOU'RE IN LUCK! In anticipation of just such a response Oni has decided to reissue THE SIXTH GUN #1, with an amazing new cover, for release on the same day as THE SIXTH GUN #2 and to seal the deal Oni is releasing the entire first issue for you to preview online!

Secure yourself a copy of the new printing before they sell-out by filling out an order form and telling your local comic shop retailer to order you THE SIXTH GUN by Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt:

SIXTH GUN #1 – Order Code: MAY10 1087
SIXTH GUN #2 – Order Code: MAY10 1088

Then you can immediately jump into the new ongoing series that Comic Pros are calling:

"An absolute winner in every way." -Jason Aaron (SCALPED, WOLVERINE)

"...plants the round of their story square between your eyes. Read it, damn you! Read it!" -Greg Rucka (STUMPTOWN, QUEEN & COUNTRY)

"...came out with guns blazing and I'm ready for more." -Jeff Parker (AGENTS OF ATLAS, MYSTERIUS THE UNFATHOMABLE)

"...full of creepy, atmospheric scenes and bizarre concepts, beautifully realized." -Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY TRINITY, AVENGERS)

“The west just got a whole lot wilder... and weirder!" -Andy Diggle (DAREDEVIL, THE LOSERS)

"Say hello to your new favorite comic." -Matt Fraction (INVINCIBLE IRON MAN, UNCANNY X-MEN)

And, because Oni Press loves you, any purchases made at the Oni Press Online Store (www.onipress.com) between May 8th and May 16th will receive a complimentary copy of the Free Comic Book Day Edition of THE SIXTH GUN #1 (while supplies last)!