Friday, July 30, 2010

Top Cow Brings Top Talent to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con!

Baltimore, Maryland - July 30, 2010 - Top Cow Productions is excited to be returning to the Baltimore Comic-Con in 2010 for its 11th annual show. A recurring exhibitor at the annual comic book event, the premiere publisher will be bringing some of their star writers and artists, as well as an exciting show exclusive.

Stop by the Top Cow booth to meet Angelus, Artifacts, Magdalena, Velocity, and Witchblade writer Ron Marz, Artifacts and The Darkness artist Michael Broussard, Velocity and Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer artist Kenneth Rocafort, and upcoming Pilot Season: The Asset writer and Top Cow Productions Publisher Filip Sablik.

"Baltimore Comic-Con is my hometown show and one of my personal favorites to exhibit at each year," stated Top Cow Productions publisher Filip Sablik. "This year, we're thrilled to be coming back to Baltimore with the Artifacts team of Ron Marz and Michael Broussard as well as artist of Velocity, Kenneth Rocafort. The Baltimore fans know how to treat creators right and so these guys were all too eager to make a return appearance!"

Top Cow will also be offering an exclusive Velocity #1 variant by Michael Broussard with interiors by Kenneth Rocafort at the show as well.


2010 Top Cow Velocity #1 variant by MIchael Broussard

In addition to Top Cow Productions, publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image Comics, and Top Shelf Comix.

Our guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis: The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers: Luke Cage), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Dan DiDio - Sunday only (The Outsiders, Co-Publisher, DC Comics), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet: Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine: Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602: Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns - Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn: Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane - Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Pop Mhan (Ender's Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers: The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow: Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker's Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team: Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority: The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade: Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men: Origins), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft: Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet: Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love).

Regretfully, Al Feldstein will be unable to join us due to illness, but looks forward to returning next year!

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. 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, August 28th.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th 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 August 28-29, 2010. 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 5 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.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

THE SXSW FILM FESTIVAL, THE ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE, AND THE AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY
Present ...

BOB RAY’S DOWN & DIRTY AUSTIN FILM TOUR

(Austin, TX)— Not content to sit back and allow current independent film
marketing and distribution practices to dictate the fate of his art,
award-winning film maker Bob Ray is foregoing the old model of angling for
distributors. Instead, he’s taking charge and taking his show on the road
to promote the world premier of his new film “Total Badass”, as well as
“Hell On Wheels”, his critically acclaimed documentary on the resurgence
of female roller derby.

Producer Mike S. Ryan (“Junebug,” “Palindromes,” “Fay Grim”) captured the
zeitgeist of many independent filmmakers when he noted, “Market forces are
so shaping independent content that we have castrated the whole reason
indie got started in the first place.” So with a staunch DIY spirit, a
running vehicle, and his innovative films in tow (“Total Badass”, “Hell on
Wheels”, “Rock Opera”, and his “CrashToons”) Ray is determined not to sit
idly by and allow, as Ryan put it, “innovative work that seems alien to
our commercial marketplace” to be drowned out by the onslaught of mindless
sequels and remakes fed to the masses from the corporate-controlled film
biz.

Serving as the world premiere for Ray’s third feature, “Total Badass,”
Ray’s tour delivers the Texas tale of a counter-culture renaissance man as
he defiantly endures the last six months of felony probation and
ultimately must change his ways when a financial crisis befalls his
estranged family. Ray’s second feature film, “Hell on Wheels,” the
critically acclaimed documentary chronicling the new era of roller derby
mania, will also screen in cinemas along the tour.

Grassroots through-and-through, this tour joins forces with local derby
leagues (to date, 529 derby leagues operate worldwide) and film groups to
serve up a slice of the Austin magic to theaters across the U.S. and
Canada. Presented by roller derby leagues, many of the “Hell on Wheels”
screenings will feature post-screening discussions with reps from local
leagues, as well as Ray himself, to further explore the birth of modern
derby, celebrate its continuing growth and examine the connection with
each local stop’s community. “Total Badass” screenings will also feature
Q&A’s with Bob Ray. For selected tour dates, the subject of the
documentary, Chad Holt, will accompany Ray and share his signature brand
of mayhem and humor with filmgoers.

About Bob Ray: Under the Austin, Texas based CrashCam Films moniker, Bob
Ray catapults the Austin counterculture onto the big screen, reveling in
its inspiring, unique and deliriously offbeat glory. Frequently fusing
comedic elements into tense and dramatic scenarios, his films push
cinematic boundaries while challenging and delighting viewers.

Ray’s work includes the critically acclaimed roller derby documentary
“Hell on Wheels,” myriad short films and music videos for Nashville Pussy,
Riverboat Gamblers, Fuckemos, Golden Arm Trio and more. Bob Ray frequently
collaborates with musical pioneers like …And You Will Know Us By The Trail
of Dead and Butthole Surfers, and he has worked with The Polyphonic Spree,
Black Eyed Peas, Blur, Jurassic Five, Modest Mouse, Clinic, Hank Williams
III, X-Ecutioners, Eels and many other artists. His films have screened
as official selections in over 70 film festivals as well as cinemas all
over the world (BAM Cinematek, SXSW, American Cinematheque at the Egyptian
in L.A., Australian Centre for the Moving Image, etc.). In 2003, Ray
received a High Times Magazine nomination for a Stony Award for his first
feature film, “Rock Opera”. Ray’s raucous, sidesplitting CrashToons
animated shorts have been featured on Turner Network’s SuperDeluxe.com,
Playboy.com and Comedy Central’s Atom.com.

This year Bob Ray brings you the new documentary “Total Badass,” an
outrageous and hilariously seedy venture into the Austin underground with
wild man-about-town, social deviant, musical/stunt performer, sex addict,
Guinea pig enthusiast, writer/publisher, father, weed dealing felon and
Texas maniac Chad Holt.

Bob Ray’s Down and Dirty Austin Film Tour

July 29 Portland, OR @ Clinton St. Cinema
7:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons
*sponsored by Rose City Rollers
9:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

July 30 Seattle, WA @ Central Cinema
7:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

July 31 Salem, OR @ Salem Cinema
Roller Derby Film Festival!!! Hell on Wheels screening with Brutal Beauty
and Blood on the Flat Track

Aug 1 Eugene, OR @ David Minor Theater
5:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons
*sponsored by Emerald City Roller Girls

Aug 2 Chico, CA @ Cal Skate
7:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons
*sponsored by NorCal Roller Girls

Aug 3 Berkeley, CA @ El Cerrito Theater
7:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons
9:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

Aug 4 San Francisco, CA @ Roxie Theater
7:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt
9:15 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons

Aug 5 San Francisco, CA @ Roxie Theater
7:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt
9:15 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons

Aug 12 Los Angeles, CA @ Echo Park Film Center
7:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

Aug 13 Los Angeles, CA @ American Cinematheque
9:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

Aug 14 Phoenix, AZ @ MADCAP Theaters
7:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons
9:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

Aug 15 Las Cruces, NM @ The Fountain
7:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons

Aug 16 Marfa, TX @ Padre’s
7:00 Hell on Wheels with CrashToons
9:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt

Aug 21 Austin, TX
7:00 Total Badass with CrashToons
*with filmmaker Bob Ray and Chad Holt



Jenny Bendel
CEO & Executive Producer
Rock 'n Load

"Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join the revolution at:

FB - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000727447092&ref=mf Twitter
- @JennyBendel, @Rock_and_Load

www.rocknload.us
Mark Batty Publisher Presents:
REVELATIONS AND THE STUPID CREATURES
New York, NY - July 29, 2010 - In Revelations & the Stupid Creatures, John Murphy pairs his distinctive plush Stupid Creatures with the Book of Revelation, one of the Bible's most descriptive and interpreted sections. A multi-headed dragon; beasts that resemble a lion, calf, man and an eagle; seven angels and more get commissioned treatments from Murphy. Illustrator Liana Finck complements the creatures with her expressive take on this epic tale. Together, the two artists have created an illustrated Book of Revelation as vivid as William Blake's.

Revelations & the Stupid Creatures is the first in what will be an ongoing series of artists, working in all mediums, responding to the Book of Revelation, the next of which will be Revelations and Dog by Michael Caines.

About John Murphy and Liana Finck

John Murphyis a plush toy artist from Asheville, North Carolina. For seven years he made plush toys for customers all over the world. To date he's written and co written five books about plush toys, including the bestselling Stupid Sock Creatures and stuffed toy how-to book Closet Monsters, which be released in October of 2010. He was recently interviewed in the plush art trade magazine Stuffed and is a featured designer in Green Design (Mark Batty Publisher) and Dot Dot Dash (Gestalten Books, 2006), and Art Doll Adventures (Li Hertzi, 2007). He currently works for a wilderness therapy camp for at risk teens, and will be taking a residency at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Wisconsin this September. Find out more about John and his work at www.stupidcreatures.com.

Liana Finck is a graphic novelist and designer based in New York. She graduated from Cooper Union College and is a recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship. Her first graphic novel, Phèdre: A Comic Tragedy, can be downloaded for free from Lulu.com.
About Mark Batty Publisher

Mark Batty Publisher (http://www.markbattypublisher.com) is an independent publisher dedicated to making distinctive books on the visual art of communicating, showcasing the visual power and innovation of contemporary culture in all of its varied poses. Today, the visual comes at us from more places than ever, and its dissemination is faster and more advanced every year. Books from Mark Batty Publisher capture this acceleration on the pages of every book. Affordable, well designed, thoughtfully created, and produced to last, MBP books are artful products that readers want to hold onto forever.

# # #

Revelations and the Stupid Creatures
By John Murphy & Liana Finck
Page Count: 48 pages
Size: 9.25 x 11.5 inches (23.5 x 29.2 cm)
Format: Color throughout; Casebound
Publication Date: July 2010
Price: US $34.95 UK £25 CA $47
ISBN: 9780982075456

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

JANET AND ALEX EVANOVICH’S TROUBLEMAKER

A SUCCESS AT COMIC-CON!



JULY 27, SAN DIEGO, CA—Last week, fourteen-time number-one best-selling author Janet Evanovich’s first-ever graphic novel, Troublemaker, saw a much-anticipated worldwide English-language release.

Troublemaker is available everywhere, from department stores to bookstores and comic shops across the U.S., making the title one of the most widely distributed the company has published without any Hollywood tie-ins.

Cowritten by daughter Alex Evanovich, Troublemaker is the continuation of the popular Barnaby series, which features the high-stakes misadventures of the main character, Alex Barnaby; NASCAR driver Sam Hooker; and, of course, Beans, the Saint Bernard. The third book in the series, this exciting new volume delivers more fast cars, fast-paced action, and steamy romance.

“I’ve loved comics all my life and it’s really exciting to be working with Dark Horse to produce my very own graphic novel,” said Janet Evanovich. “I’m also excited that I could do this with my daughter Alex (the family comicaholic).”

“This is a groundbreaking project in which Janet and Alex are telling the third chapter of an established prose series in graphic-novel format,” said Dark Horse president Mike Richardson. “We feel that this book will open up the characters to a brand-new audience, as well as expanding the authors’ fan base.”

In celebration of the release, both Janet and Alex Evanovich attended San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, appearing on the company’s publishing panel on Friday, and signing in the Dark Horse booth later that day. Janet and Alex greeted hundreds of excited fans, and hosted one of the largest crowds of the convention.

Additionally, the two appeared at the Barnes & Noble in the Mira Mesa Market Center, and drew an even larger crowd of fans who could not attend the convention.

Janet and Alex Evanovich’s Troublemaker Volume 2 arrives in November.



About Dark Horse Comics

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and best-selling prose author Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as The Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Mass Effect, Tim Burton, Serenity, and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry’s leading publisher of licensed material.
For Immediate Release

Independent comics publisher Free Lunch Comics is proud to announce their latest graphic novel, Sky Pirates of Valendor: Volume 1!

Sky Pirates of Valendor: Volume 1 available for pre-order through Diamond Distribution. The 148 page graphic novel appears on page 284 of the August Previews Catalog and carries the order number: AUG101028 SKY PIRATES VALENDOR GN.

Sky Pirates of Valendor recounts the debut adventure of Pirate Captain Tobin Manheim and the rest of the crew of the Rogue's Revenge. Set in the fantasy world of Valendor where giant continents float on oceans of sky! A mix of steampunk and high fantasy where magic co-exists with futuristic technology, Valendor is a fully realized world, with complex social structures, a guild-driven economic system, and a host of political intrigue.

Sky Pirates is the brainchild of Everett Soares, the award winning author of several stories appearing in Comicbook Artists Guild's publications. He has won the Best Writer Award in CAG for the last two years. Sky Pirates debuted in and placed as the runner up in the 2007 Edition of Small Press Idol, a talent competition for independent comics projects run by Ian Shires. Shortly after the competition, Sky Pirates secured a publishing deal with Free Lunch Comics.

Penciller Brian Brinlee illustrated the epic story. Soares and Brinlee have collaborated for years on Sky Pirates of Valendor and other projects. The inking team consists of Michael W. Kellar, Alex Rivera and Keith Murphey. New York City based illustrator James Rodriguez provided the cover art for the graphic novel.

Free Lunch Comics has been publishing since 1998 and features several titles in addition to Sky Pirates, including: Bigger, Only in Whispers, Pork 'N Beans, Beyond the Kuiper Belt, The Original Nutty Funsters, Cookie Bear and the Good Girl Art of Norman Katz.

To celebrate the inclusion of Sky Pirates of Valendor in the Previews Catalog, the various creators of the book will be appearing at comic stores throughout New York and New England. A partial list follows:

July 28, 2010 Friendly Neighborhood Comics, Bellingham, MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
July 31, 2010 Harrison’s Comics, Salem MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 4, 2010 Most Excellent Collectibles, Enfield CT with Free Lunch Comics President Matt C. Ryan
August 7, 2010 Casablanca Comics, Portland, ME featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 8, 2010 Double Midnight, Manchester, NH featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 14, 2010 Comic Monstore, Salisbury NC with Michael W. Kellar, contributing Inker
August 14, 2010 That's Entertainment, Worcester MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 21, 2010 New England Comics, Brockton MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 22, 2010 Modern Myths, Northampton MA with Keith Murphey, contributing Inker and Art Director
August 22, 2010 Alternate Universe, Milford CT featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 28, 2010 Jetpack Comics, Rochester NH featuring Creator Everett Soares
More dates and locations to be announced

Once again, the order code is AUG101028 SKY PIRATES VALENDOR GN. Use this number to pre-order your copy of the book through your local comic store. Use www.comicstorelocator.com to find the store nearest you!
Mandeville and Top Cow Shoot for Feature Adaptation of “Crosshair”
Deal Closes at Comic-Con

(Los Angeles, CA; July 28, 2010) – Mandeville Films’ partners David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman announced today that Mandeville and Top Cow Productions will join forces to produce a feature film version of Top Cow’s comic book “Crosshair.” Mandeville learned of the project of the eve of San Diego’s Comic-Con, and, after extensive negotiations, closed the deal over the weekend to adapt the comic to the big screen.

Created by Marc Silvestri, written by Jeff Katz, and illustrated by Silverstri and Allan Jefferson, “Crosshair” follows a former CIA assassin turned suburban superdad who faces his most dangerous enemy ever - himself. Justin Weller learns that he has 48 hours until a suppressed program in his brain will turn him into an unstoppable killing machine aimed at the President of the United States. Weller races against the clock to uncover and reverse the source of his trigger.

“When Top Cow showed us this story, we jumped at the chance to work on this project with them,” said Hoberman. “Our companies are similarly aligned with the goal of delivering one-of-a-kind stories.”

“Crosshair is a unique premise in which the main character is both the hero and the villain,” said Lieberman. “This dichotomy is very unsettling, which makes it a fantastic twist for audiences.”

"After working with the Mandeville guys on ‘Alibi,’ we knew Crosshair could not be in better hands,” said Top Cow President Matt Hawkins. “When they said they wanted to turn the property into film, Marc Silvestri and I were incredibly excited."

Mandeville’s partners Hoberman and Lieberman will produce. Crosshair writer Katz will co-produce for Top Cow. Executive producers are David Manpearl of Mandeville, “Crosshair” Creator Silvestri and Top Cow‘s Hawkins.

Top Cow lit up the comic book industry when Universal’s adaptation of Top Cow’s “Wanted,” starring Angelina Jolie, scored $207 million in worldwide box office in 2008.

This is the second collaboration between Mandeville and Top Cow. At last year’s Comic-Con, the two joined forces to develop a feature version of Top Cow’s title, “Alibi.”



About Mandeville Films and Television

Since its original founding in 1995, Mandeville Films and Television has become one of Hollywood’s premier production entities, having obtained over $1.2 billion in theatrical box office grosses and with over 30 films currently in development or production. Mandeville founder David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman have been involved with over 100 motion pictures as producers or studio executives. Mandeville’s feature film hits include the most successful romantic comedy of 2009, “The Proposal,” starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Mandeville, in association with Relativity Media, produced the upcoming film “The Fighter,” based on the true story of boxing legend Micky Ward, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams; and directed by David O. Russell. For USA Television, Mandeville produced the hit series “Monk,” the multiple Emmy-winner that ran for eight seasons, and is now producing the police drama series “Detroit 1-8-7” for ABC, starring Michael Imperioli. Mandeville is currently headquartered at The Walt Disney Studios, where Mandeville is currently preparing to start production on a new “Muppets” feature.

About Top Cow Productions Inc.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. (www.topcow.com), a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, was founded in December of 1992 by artist Marc Silvestri, who also co-founded Image Comics earlier that same year. Top Cow currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and two licensed) in the industry’s Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise, WITCHBLADE, was TNT’s #1 original film of 2000 and the subsequent TV series was released on DVD on July 29, 2008. A feature film, co-produced by Platinum Studios, Inc. and Arclight Films, is slated to begin production in Australia with director Michael Rymer. WITCHBLADE is also the first American property to be fully adapted in Japan as an original anime and manga by Studio GONZO in 2006. Top Cow’s other flagship property, THE DARKNESS, was developed into a major next-generation video game release by Starbreeze and 2K Games and achieved platinum sales status. WANTED, an Eisner-nominated miniseries published by Top Cow from 2003-2005, is now a major motion picture from Universal Pictures starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. Virtually all of Top Cow’s other properties are in development as feature films, live-action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die-cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and roleplaying games.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The World at Your Fingertips: TCJ.com Announces Global Blogging


JULY 27, 2010 - SEATTLE, WA—The Comics Journal website TCJ.com has just launched a major platform for comics news and commentary by bloggers from all over the world. On the opening day of this international gateway, you can expect to see new blog posts from respected correspondents in Argentina, Australia, Italy, The Philippines, Sweden and Turkey. Each of these nations will have its own ongoing blog on TCJ.com and over the next several weeks we will be adding blogs from every corner of the globe. All blogs will be in English but each post will have a link allowing it to be translated into the language of the blog’s home country or any one of more than 50 other languages. Our ultimate goal is to provide a hub of communications from the comics communities of virtually every nation on Earth.

While you're there, check out the constant flow of smart comics blogs and essays on TCJ.com. Among the features scheduled for this week are Chris Mautner on Top Shelf's Swedish Invasion, Tom Crippen on American Son, eye-popping Golden Age covers by Alex Schomburg and illustrations by Robert Binks; Roland Kelts on Tokyopop after the downsizing, R.C. Harvey on death in the funnies; and much more! Recent posts have included a new interview with Gahan Wilson, Gary Groth's past interviews with Harvey Pekar, and the strangest comics Shaenon Garrity has ever seen.
JOSS WHEDON’S FAVORITE HEROINE RETURNS IN



http://www.orderwave.com/assets/FOX/20100723/Buffy.png



SEASON EIGHT



Fans Can Purchase Their First Taste Of The Motion Comic Series On iTunes
Right Now With New Episodes Debuting Each And Every Week





All 19 Episodes To Debut On DVD January 4 From Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment







Buffy followers can enjoy more slayer action with the very first episode of the motion comic series “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” Season Eight available now on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com), with new episodes available every week from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. A continuation of Joss Whedon’s hallowed shows and based on the award-winning comic book series by Dark Horse Comics, the gripping saga of the vampire-killing legend picks up where the television series ended: thousands of slayers around the world have been activated, Sunnydale has been blown up and Buffy has relocated to Scotland.



iTunes episodes are available for $.99/$1.99 HD each, or with a season pass for $14.99/$29.99 HD and can be found at www.iTunes.com/Buffy. All 19 episodes will make their official debut on DVD January 4, 2011 which will include limited edition Jo Chen packaging and a collectible reprint of Dark Horse Comic’s first book in the series.



Comic-Con attendees visiting the Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment booth (#4313) witnessed the debut of the exclusive trailer for “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” Season Eight. The Dark Horse booth (#2615) also screened the trailer along with hosting a signing with creator Joss Whedon.



Three-time winner of Diamond’s Gem Award – including Comic Book of the Year – the “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” comic book also earned an Eisner Award for “Best New Series.”



Synopsis
Following the destruction of the Hellmouth in the explosive finale of the television series, Buffy and her trusted friend Xander have relocated to a citadel in Scotland to oversee the thousands of newly activated slayers from across the globe. Using their new home as command-central in their fight against evil, Buffy and her allies lead these new slayers as they take on vamps, zombies and now the U.S. government who declare, in the wake of Sunnydale’s destruction, that slayers are nothing more than international terrorists.





Jones Soda Promotion
Striking a unique partnership, Jones Soda has created 6 custom themed “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” Motion Comic labels exclusively for San Diego Comic Con. During the convention, the Jones Soda RV circled the San Diego Convention Center giving away free samples to Buffy fans. (Image is attached)





About TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.





About DARK HORSE COMICS
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as The Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, their highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, Serenity and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as one of the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.
ENGINEERING TO BRIDGE - OFFICIAL STAR TREK

CAPTAIN'S LOG APPLICATION FROM PARAMOUNT DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT NOW AVAILABLE ON APPLE APP STORE

Record and Share Earthly Expeditions on iPhone 4 While

Boldly Seeking Out New Life and Civilizations


LOS ANGELES - Stardate 07272010 - The future begins now as Paramount Digital Entertainment announces the availability of the official Star Trek Captain's Log application for iPhone 4. With a flick of the wrist, the Captain's Log app transforms the iPhone 4 into a Star Trek-inspired Starfleet communicator.



Using the Captain's Log communicator, users can capture voice recordings, text entries, take photos and map GPS locations of their voyages as they travel planet Earth. Officers can select their preferred Enterprise class level, whether taking the role of Captain, Engineering, Science/Medical, Enterprise, or assuming the identity an enemy Romulan or Klingon officer.



Users can share their logs with friends on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and via email, with other Captain's Log iPhone users, or choose to keep logs as private personal records. To deliver the most advanced Starfleet communicator to date, Captain's Log utilizes iPhone 4 features including front-facing camera, retina display, multitasking capabilities and gyroscope support, showcasing a 3D model of the Starship Enterprise.



The application works with iPhone and iPod Touch devices running iOS 4.



The Captain's Log application for iPhone 4 is now available on the Apple App Store for $1.99, or can be purchased via: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-trek-captains-log/id339085223?mt=8.


For more information, including the app icon and screenshots, please visit: http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/client_page.asp?i=169.



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STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Paramount Digital Entertainment

Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, virtual worlds and emerging technologies.


Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Worldwide Television Distribution.


About Bad Robot Interactive

Bad Robot Interactive is a part of Bad Robot Productions, which was formed by filmmaker J.J. Abrams in 2001. The company has produced television series such as ALIAS, LOST, FRINGE and UNDERCOVERS (fall 2010), and feature films such as CLOVERFIELD, STAR TREK, and the upcoming MORNING GLORY. Bad Robot is based in Los Angeles.


About CBS Consumer Products

CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Paramount Network Television and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company's extensive library of titles. Additionally, the group oversees the CBS Retail Store and online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.CBS.com.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Returns to Weekly Television Fall 2010 with
ELVIRA'S MOVIE MACABRE (tentative title)

Production Begins Immediately on Slate of 26 Films to Air, With Premiere Set for Weekend of September 25 Throughout U.S. in National Syndication and on THIS! Television Network


San Diego (Comic-Con), July 24, 2010 – She's baaaaack! The world's sexiest, most outrageous and completely original movie hostess EVER is making her long-anticipated return to weekly television this fall, when ELVIRA'S MOVIE MACABRE (tentative title) premieres on THIS! Television and in national syndication throughout the U.S. the weekend of September 25 (see local listings for station/day/time). The weekly two-hour movie block is distributed by Trifecta Entertainment & Media, and will air on television stations representing more than 80% of U.S. households.

When asked about her return to weekly television, Elvira said "All I can say is, IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!"

"Elvira will be every bit as relevant as the first day she burst onto the scene; a beautiful opinionated woman who always delivers just what her audience expects from her,"
said Hank Cohen, CEO/Partner, Trifecta Entertainment. "At Trifecta, we take pride in bringing proven and trusted brands to the syndicated marketplace; Elvira is a time-tested and wildly successful brand unto herself and her new show perfectly exemplifies our strategy."

Who would have imagined back in 1981 that the hostess of a local Hollywood horror movie show would grow to become a household name? Elvira was the first horror host ever to be syndicated nationally, and the Mistress of the Dark has remained one of the most original and outrageous characters in popular culture today. This fall, she returns to national syndication with 26 horror movies, accompanied by her one-of-a-kind commentary. B-movie actors and directors beware, because nothing escapes the keen eye and sharp tongue of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

Elvira's reign as 'Queen of Halloween' has now spanned nearly three decades and includes two feature films, an IMAX film, long-running syndicated television series and 2 motion control rides. She has appeared in National ad campaigns for Pepsi and Coors, recorded 5 music CDs, published 4 books and licensed over 400 products, including three pinball machines, BC Rich guitars, three comic book series, Elvira’s ‘Night Brew’ beer, ‘Evil’ perfume and the best selling female Halloween costume of all time.

ELVIRA’S MOVIE MACABRE is a 34D Production and is written and produced by Cassandra Peterson and Ted Biaselli. The series' Executive Producer is Anita First.
Elvira is played by actress-writer Cassandra Peterson.

About Trifecta Entertainment & Media
Trifecta Entertainment & Media is a unique and innovative independent multi-media company engaged in the development, production, distribution, advertiser sales and media sponsorships of programming across a diverse spectrum of media platforms. The vast experience of the firm's partners and staff brings vision, creativity, professionalism, and the ability to take advantage of the constantly changing television and media landscape. The company currently handles the television syndication of numerous original and off-network series, including Cold Case Files, Punk'd, Laguna Beach/The Hills, American Idol Rewind and Jack Hanna's Into the Wild, as well as movie packages from DreamWorks and Paramount. Trifecta Entertainment & Media has offices in New York and Los Angeles.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® HONORS BIGGEST NAMES IN ENTERTAINMENT AT COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2010


Star Wars, Sylvester Stallone, Comic-Con and More Receive Recognition From The World Record Authority


NEW YORK - July 26, 2010 - Guinness World Records®, the global authority on record-breaking achievements, descended on Comic-Con International 2010, to honor the best of the best in television, film, comics, video games and toys. During the four-day pop-culture extravaganza, Guinness World Records presented records for Star Wars, Rocky, Saw and even to the record breaking convention itself for being the largest of its kind! The book's Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday traveled from the London headquarters to present these achievements in advance of the Guinness World Records 2011 release on September 15th.

"Comic-Con remains the premier destination for pop-culture enthusiasts and is host to all of the biggest names in entertainment. That's exactly the kind of place that Guinness World Records wants to be," said Glenday.

Guinness World Records presented the following records at Comic-Con:

Most Successful Horror Movie Series - SAW - Producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg accepted the Guinness World Record for the 'Most Successful Horror Movie Series' with $732 million total global box office sales.



Most Successful Sports Movie Franchise - Rocky - Stars of the upcoming theatrical release The Expendables and co-stars of Rocky IV, Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren, accepted the Guinness World Record for the 'Most Successful Sports Movie Franchise for Rocky', grossing $1,251,372,491 throughout its six installments, running from Rocky (November, 21 1976) to Rocky Balboa (December 20, 2006).


Strawberry Shortcake box art



Largest Comic Book Convention - Comic-Con International in San Diego, garners over 125,000 attendees, making it the largest comic book convention in the world. David Glanzer, Director of Marketing and Publicity for Comic-Con, accepted the record.





Highest Rated Animated Sci-Fi Television Series - Airing on Cartoon Network, the popular CGI series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, received the record for the 'Highest Rated Sci-Fi Animation Show on TV' averaging a viewership of 4 million at its launch. On hand to accept the award were Supervising Director Dave Filoni, CG Supervisor Joel Aron and Lead Designer Kilian Plunkett.



Strawberry Shortcake box art


Most Ultimate Fighting Championships Heavyweight Championship Bouts Won - With seven wins between 1997 and 2008, Randy Couture accepted the Guinness World Record for the 'Most Ultimate Fighting Championship Heavyweight Championship Bouts Won'.



Most WWE Royal Rumble Championships Won - 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin was presented with the Guinness World Record for the 'Most Wins of the World Wrestling Entertainment Royal Rumble' with three wins in 1997, 1998, and 2001.



Most Chocolate Bars Eaten in One Minute - The record-breaking bonanza continued with THQ setting the record for the Most Chocolate Bars Eaten in One Minute. The record of 3 Milky Ways was set jointly by Pat Bernaletti and Joey Chestnut to highlight the release of THQs Red Faction: Armageddon.



Highest Rated Animated Series (Current) - Futurama - With a favorable 80% rating on Metacritic.com, FUTURAMA creator Matt Groening and executive producer David X. Cohen accepted the award for the highest rated animated series currently on television.



Most Eisner Awards in One Category - Todd Klein accepted the record for the most Eisner Comic Award wins in one category. Klein received 15 wins in the Best Letterer/Lettering category from 1993 to 2008.



Tallest Structure Built With Interlocking Bricks - LEGO - Julie Stern, Brand Relations Manager for LEGO, accepted the award for the tallest structure built with interlocking plastic bricks. The structure was 99 ft 1 in high and was constructed by children and adults at an event organized by Lego Norway in Oslo, Norway, on April 24, 2010.


This world renowned and celebrated annual, Guinness World Records 2011, contains the most comprehensive collection of the greatest and most amazing accomplishments from around the world and beyond. A "must-have" for both knowledge-seekers and aspiring record-breakers of all ages, Guinness World Records 2011 is available September 15th for the suggested retail price of $28.95. New to this year's book launch Guinness World Records will also introduce an iPad and iPhone version that will be available for a full interactive experience. .For more information about Guinness World Records 2011 or to find out how you can participate in Guinness World Records Day 2010, visit our website at: www.guinnessworldrecords.com


About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.
mage Comics and Concept Art House Bring China’s Best-Selling Daomu Series to the U.S.
First issue to arrive in stores this December

BERKELEY, CA - July 26, 2010 – Image Comics and Concept Art House announced plans to release a series of Daomu comics based on one of China’s best-selling novel series. This will be Daomu’s debut in the U.S., following a successful graphic novel launch in China earlier this year. The upcoming comic book series is the first of several Daomu releases planned to include games, an animated series, and a feature film.

Daomu, which translates to “tomb raider,” explores an underground world that has been active in China for thousands of years. After witnessing his father’s violent murder, Sean Liu discovers that his family belongs to a secret society of tomb raiders. Led by his uncle, Sean joins an elite team of Daomu to go deep underground in search of answers. Who are they? Who—or what—killed Sean’s father? And what horrors await beneath the earth’s surface? With a distinctive digital art style and high-energy adventures steeped in Chinese tradition and superstition, the comic series will follow Sean’s coming of age as a modern-day tomb raider and his quest to uncover the truth behind his father’s death.

The Daomu Bi Ji or “tomb raider’s journal” novel series on which the comics are based has become a sensation in China since its debut in 2007, reaching well over 20 million fans. Concept Art House, a leading digital art and entertainment company with a focus on transmedia storytelling, is responsible for the popular novel’s conversion to graphic format. Their first Daomu graphic novel released in Asia in early 2010 and quickly secured the #2 spot on Dangdang.com, China’s leading ecommerce website. Though Western audiences have long embraced Japanese comics and cartoons, Daomu’s arrival in the U.S. is a first for a high-profile Chinese entertainment property.

“The quality of comics in China is exceptional,” says Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. “Daomu is no exception. Daomu has exemplary digital art and an outstanding story. We’re excited to be bringing this amazing graphic novel to the United States for its first English translation.”

“American comics are extremely popular among Chinese comic book fans due to their great stories and amazing artwork. We believe the American audience will love Daomu for the same reasons,” says James Zhang, Concept Art House’s CEO. “Image is a great partner, not only because they understand quality art and story, but also because they truly respect the creator’s vision. We’re thrilled to be working with Image to introduce Daomu to the U.S.”

Intended for readers ages 13 and up, the first Daomu comic book will release this winter. To learn more, visit Image Comics at http://www.imagecomics.com.

About Image Comics
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 five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound, 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.

About Concept Art House
Concept Art House is an international high-end art service provider and original IP developer focused on digital entertainment formats. The company is based in San Francisco, California with a full production art studio in Shanghai, China. Concept Art House holds the exclusive worldwide rights to Daomu, a transmedia property based on the most popular novel series in China. The company’s extensive digital entertainment experience includes 2D, 3D, and social game development in conjunction with companies including Activision, Blizzard, Disney, Electronic Arts, Hasbro, Sony Online Entertainment, Zynga, and others. For more information please visit the company’s website at www.conceptarthouse.com.