Saturday, February 05, 2011

WHILE WITCHBLADE'S AWAY...
A 2 Issue Story Arc Starring Witchblade's Partner and Guest Artist Matthew Dow Smith

Berkeley, CA - February 4, 2011 -

Image Comics has announced that Top Cow Productions' WITCHBLADE is taking a break from recent events for a special two-part part story. Guest artist Matthew Dow Smith joins writer Ron Marz for a supernatural crime story that, for once, doesn't star the Witchblade!

This two issue story arc in issue 142 and 143 focuses on special investigator Patrick Gleason, who is usually seen by the side of his partner, Sara Pezzini, bearer of the Witchblade. When Patrick travels to upstate New York to visit an old friend, he ends up helping a local rookie police officer transport a deadly mob assassin back to New York City. The killer, Vincent "No Prints" Petramale, claims to have never killed anyone, but when circumstances go horribly wrong, Gleason has to figure out who the real threat is, and fast!

The prolific veteran writer Ron Marz (whose credits include ARTIFACTS, ANGELUS, and Green Lantern) said, "These issues seemed like a perfect chance to put the spotlight on Sara's partner, Patrick Gleason, and explore his character a little more fully than we've been able to in a while. I think people will come away from these issues with a little different perspective on Gleason. And, of course, the chance to work with my buddy Matt Smith again is great, while Stjepan Šejić skipped ahead to work on #144 and #145."

Artist Matthew Dow Smith (DOCTOR WHO) added, "I had a lot of fun working on these two issues. While it's always great to draw WITCHBLADE herself, I think this was an interesting addition to the series."

WITCHBLADE #142, a 32 page full-color comic book, is in stores now. WITCHBLADE #143 will be for sale in stores March 9, 2011.

Friday, February 04, 2011

WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU
MAKES YOU STRONGER!

ENTER THE
STRANGE TWISTED SCI-FI WORLD OF
MALIGNANT MAN
A BRAND NEW ORIGINAL SERIES
BY BOOM! STUDIOS
COMING THIS APRIL!

The hospital sent cancer patient Alan Gates home to die.
Instead, his tumor transformed him into something
more than human...

February 3, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA - This April enter the twisted sci-fi action epic MALIGNANT MAN, where a doomed cancer patient discovers the sickness thought to kill him will transform him into something more powerful than he could ever imagine! Written by James Wan, fan-favorite author Michael Alan Nelson (28 DAYS LATER, DINGO) and art by international sensation Piotr Kowalski, MALIGNANT MAN is sure to be the most exciting original sci-fi series on comic book stands this April!

“MALIGNANT MAN will shock and awe!” says BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. “If you're looking for an epic adventure that's action packed, pulse-pounding sci-fi at its very best, you can do no better than BOOM! Studios' newest series MALIGNANT MAN!”

MALIGNANT MAN tells the story of Alan Gates, a cancer patient with a terminal diagnosis, who's resigned to his fate...until he discovers that his tumor is actually a mysterious parasite! Granted a second lease on life and incredible, otherworldly powers, Alan must fight against an evil army buried beneath society's skin, all the while unlocking the secrets of his forgotten past. Dark, twisted, and unlike anything else on the stands, MALIGNANT MAN is a sci-fi thriller that can't be missed!

MALIGNANT MAN is written by James Wan and Michael Alan Nelson (28 DAYS LATER, DINGO) with art by Piotr Kowalski. This title ships in April with A and B covers in a 50/50 split by Trevor Hairsine and Rael Lyra respectively and carries a Diamond Code of FEB110851.

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com)2009 “Best Publisher,” of the year, generates a wide-ranging catalog of multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated comic books and graphic novels featuring some of the industry’s top talent, including Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, 20th Century Fox’s 28 DAYS LATER and DIE HARD, The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. This past fall saw BOOM! teaming up with the legendary Stan Lee, creator of Marvel Comics’ characters Spider-Man, The Hulk, and The X-Men for a line of original superhero series, the legend’s first new superhero creations in nearly 20 years. BOOM!’s youth imprint, BOOM Kids!, is an undisputed industry leader publishing Disney/Pixar’s THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney’s THE MUPPETS, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its sixth anniversary.
CREATE A SUPERHERO CHARACTER FOR THE STAN LEE FOUNDATION!
Receive Global Recognition And An Award For Your Superhero Character

The legendary Stan Lee, Image Comic partner and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane are currently hosting an online contest for illustrators to "Design a Superhero Character for the Stan Lee Foundation."
http://www.talenthouse.com/stan-lee-foundation-create-a-superhero

The winner will get to spend the day at Todd McFarlane's studio in Tempe, AZ with Mr. McFarlane!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r2cBGXhwkQ

The contest ends Monday, Feb 7th. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

For Immediate Release: After 12 years of producing Paradigm Shift as both an online serialized graphic novel and three collected and printed volumes, creator Dirk Tiede announced the sale of his 5000th book. The landmark sale occurred at Ohayocon in Columbus, OH the weekend of January 28 through 30, 2011.

Dirk, pioneer cartoonist and illustrator, accomplished this amazing feat through a variety of different methods but most notably via his convention schedule. Dirk travels the country attending conventions as far and as large as San Diego Comic Con, several of which he has been invited as a Featured Artist or even Guest of Honor. In 2011 alone, Dirk is scheduled for a dozen convention appearances, three of which are Guest of Honor and Featured Artist titles. Dirk also successfully raised the funds needed for his entire run for Paradigm Shift: Emergence, his third book through presales.

Paradigm Shift, currently in its fourth chapter, focuses on smart-ass detectives Kate McAllister and Mike Stuart who are propelled into the paranormal while investigating a strange back alley mauling. Kate was one of the best detectives in Chicago, until she developed a bad case of lycanthropy. Now she and her partner Mike are on the run to find the truth. This serialized graphic novel is a police procedural punctuated by explosive gunfights, sardonic humor, and supernatural horror set in a gritty and authentic Chicago backdrop.

Dirk I. Tiede was born in California, grew up in the Midwest, and cut his teeth as a graphic artist in Chicago. He holds a BFA in commercial art from Millikin University, but has been drawing comics for as long as he can remember. He began Paradigm Shift as an online comic in 1999, and is a founding contributor to premiere comic portal Modern Tales. His artwork is showcased in the books Toon Art: The Graphic Art of Digital Cartooning and Webcomics, appears the documentary Adventures in Digital Comics, and was featured in Season 3 of NBC’s Heroes. In 2008, Dirk relocated to Boston’s North Shore with his wife, where he continues to work as a professional cartoonist and freelance illustrator.

For more information on Paradigm Shift, Dirk Tiede or to view his full convention schedule, visit his website at http://www.paradigmshiftmanga.com.
For Immediate Release: One year ago, DarkBrain.com launched an innovative and edgy new website. Since that launch, publisher Andrew Zar and dozens of artists have worked very hard to produce and publish online over 400 pages of serialized graphic novels featuring voice over narration from some of the most renowned adult film stars and rock musicians. To celebrate their first birthday in the world of web comics, DarkBrain.com is excited to announce their entry into the world of mobile comics and even print comics.


Beginning in February 2011, DarkBrain will introduce their existing and all upcoming issues of their comics in a movie (MP4) format so that it is easily viewable on mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, Androids and PSPs among others. In addition to the existing series CHURCH OF ONE, MIRROR, MIRROR, THE BUTCHER and SORTAN-VALTA, stories slated for 2011 that will be available in this new format include LOCKED OUT, GRACE COMES HOME, RASHIDA'S ASCENSION (members-only), GENESIS OF AURORA and HAZMAT. Most titles will be delivered in a bimonthly format on the site so readers get plenty of action as the story builds to the conclusion. As in their existing Flash comics, these mobile comics will have a PG-13 version available for free and an uncensored version for members. The release schedule that DarkBrain has announced is as follows:



· Feb. 1 – LOCKED OUT: EYE OPENER GN available for download to members.

· Feb. 9 – RASHIDA’S ASCENSION #2 featuring Raylene in a bone-chilling performance.

· Feb. 14 – MIRROR, MIRROR #5 starring Tabitha Stevens as Brenna in her final appearance.

· Feb. 23 – CHURCH OF ONE #2 with Tabitha Stevens returning as Pastor Holly.

· Mar. 2 – GENESIS OF AURORA #2, the second chapter in our first creator-owned series.


The milestone month of February also brings the completion of two of DarkBrain’s most popular titles: LOCKED OUT and MIRROR, MIRROR. To commemorate their completion, DarkBrain is taking steps into unknown territory. For LOCKED OUT, besides making the four issue story into the mobile comic format, the web comic publisher has also made a digital download version of the complete graphic novel. To view and download this full graphic novel, readers must possess a paid membership to DarkBrain.com. Memberships are available for 3 month increments for only $20. For members, both the graphic novel and the mobile comics for all series feature completely uncensored content designed for the mature reader.

DarkBrain’s 2nd popular title, MIRROR, MIRROR is truly going where DarkBrain has never gone before – print. With the story coming to a shocking end, all five issues of MIRROR, MIRROR have been collected and will be available in an actual printed graphic novel, featuring uncensored content and a foreword written by legendary adult film star Tabitha Stevens, who also plays the role of Brenna, the cursed dominatrix in MIRROR, MIRROR. MIRROR, MIRROR: FORGIVENESS is currently in pre-order through DarkBrain.com and will be sold through IndyPlanet.com and for retail distribution through ComicsMonkey.com. MIRROR, MIRROR: FORGIVENESS is due for release on February 14, 2011 in conjunction with the web release and mobile comic release of the fifth and final installment to the series. As an incentive to pre-order, DarkBrain also announced that the initial print run will be autographed by Tabitha Stevens.
For Immediate Release: One year ago, DarkBrain.com launched an innovative and edgy new website. Since that launch, publisher Andrew Zar and dozens of artists have worked very hard to produce and publish online over 400 pages of serialized graphic novels featuring voice over narration from some of the most renowned adult film stars and rock musicians. To celebrate their first birthday in the world of web comics, DarkBrain.com is excited to announce their entry into the world of mobile comics and even print comics.


Beginning in February 2011, DarkBrain will introduce their existing and all upcoming issues of their comics in a movie (MP4) format so that it is easily viewable on mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, Androids and PSPs among others. In addition to the existing series CHURCH OF ONE, MIRROR, MIRROR, THE BUTCHER and SORTAN-VALTA, stories slated for 2011 that will be available in this new format include LOCKED OUT, GRACE COMES HOME, RASHIDA'S ASCENSION (members-only), GENESIS OF AURORA and HAZMAT. Most titles will be delivered in a bimonthly format on the site so readers get plenty of action as the story builds to the conclusion. As in their existing Flash comics, these mobile comics will have a PG-13 version available for free and an uncensored version for members. The release schedule that DarkBrain has announced is as follows:



· Feb. 1 – LOCKED OUT: EYE OPENER GN available for download to members.

· Feb. 9 – RASHIDA’S ASCENSION #2 featuring Raylene in a bone-chilling performance.

· Feb. 14 – MIRROR, MIRROR #5 starring Tabitha Stevens as Brenna in her final appearance.

· Feb. 23 – CHURCH OF ONE #2 with Tabitha Stevens returning as Pastor Holly.

· Mar. 2 – GENESIS OF AURORA #2, the second chapter in our first creator-owned series.


The milestone month of February also brings the completion of two of DarkBrain’s most popular titles: LOCKED OUT and MIRROR, MIRROR. To commemorate their completion, DarkBrain is taking steps into unknown territory. For LOCKED OUT, besides making the four issue story into the mobile comic format, the web comic publisher has also made a digital download version of the complete graphic novel. To view and download this full graphic novel, readers must possess a paid membership to DarkBrain.com. Memberships are available for 3 month increments for only $20. For members, both the graphic novel and the mobile comics for all series feature completely uncensored content designed for the mature reader.

DarkBrain’s 2nd popular title, MIRROR, MIRROR is truly going where DarkBrain has never gone before – print. With the story coming to a shocking end, all five issues of MIRROR, MIRROR have been collected and will be available in an actual printed graphic novel, featuring uncensored content and a foreword written by legendary adult film star Tabitha Stevens, who also plays the role of Brenna, the cursed dominatrix in MIRROR, MIRROR. MIRROR, MIRROR: FORGIVENESS is currently in pre-order through DarkBrain.com and will be sold through IndyPlanet.com and for retail distribution through ComicsMonkey.com. MIRROR, MIRROR: FORGIVENESS is due for release on February 14, 2011 in conjunction with the web release and mobile comic release of the fifth and final installment to the series. As an incentive to pre-order, DarkBrain also announced that the initial print run will be autographed by Tabitha Stevens.
IMAGE COMICS RELEASES ZIGGY MARLEY'S MARIJUANAMAN; IN STORES APRIL 20th
A Hero For A New Generation


Berkeley, CA - 3 February 2011 -


He's a Grammy Award-winning musician, an irrefutable Reggae star, and staunch environmental and social activist. In April, ZIGGY MARLEY steps into another creative arena with the release of MARIJUANAMAN from Image Comics.


Based on a character conceived of by Ziggy Marley, written by Man of Action Studios JOE CASEY (GØDLAND, BUTCHER BAKER) and illustrated by JIM MAHFOOD (KICK DRUM COMIX, MIX TAPE), MARIJUANAMAN promises to shatter all expectations -- this is not the comic you think it is! The oversized deluxe hardcover graphic novel tells the tale of a noble extraterrestrial champion, who has arrived on Earth to deliver an important message and at the same time save his own planet.


"MARIJUANAMAN represents the hope of the future... the hope that we will utilize all of the power that the universe has given us to save our planet," Marley explained.


Casey spoke of being part of the creative trio, "Mahfood and I have been friends for over a decade and I've been a big fan of his for even longer. This was the perfect project for us to collaborate on because Ziggy's given us a great concept to go nuts with. This book goes beyond just being a comic... this book is an experience."


Mahfood added, “It’s been a really unique and thrilling project for me to work on. Ziggy Marley is a visionary and MARIJUANAMAN is his, so he's involved in every step, but he's also been cool enough to let Joe and I cut loose and really spread our artistic wings on this project. Through our collaboration, we are creating something that has a unique flavor and feeling. MARIJUANAMAN is not going to be what people except it to be.”


Discover a new hero for our times with MARIJUANAMAN, a 48-page oversized full-color hardcover by Ziggy Marley, Joe Casey, and Jim Mahfood. The book will be in stores April 20, 2011, for $24.99.




ABOUT ZIGGY MARLEY


A five-time Grammy winner and Reggae icon, Ziggy Marley has had a fruitful career, in which he has released twelve albums to much critical acclaim. His early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father, Bob Marley. As front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, Ziggy released eight best-selling albums that garnered three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down." Ziggy's first solo album, DRAGONFLY (RCA Records), was released in 2003. His second solo release, LOVE IS MY RELIGION (Tuff Gong Worldwide), won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Reggae Album. His third solo album, FAMILY TIME (Tuff Gong Worldwide), scored him a 5th Grammy award. Ziggy continues his creative path this year with a new album entitled WILD AND FREE, which will be released alongside MARIJUANAMAN this Spring. For more information, visit www.ziggymarley.com and www.marjuanamancomic.com.


ABOUT JIM MAHFOOD


Jim Mahfood single-handedly introduced Live Art to the American comic book scene. Food has worked for every major comic book publisher and his list of comics credits include Clerks (with filmmaker Kevin Smith), Grrl Scouts, Stupid Comics, Felt, Bad Ideas, various Spider-Man books for Marvel, One Page Filler Man, Kick Drum Comix, Carl, the Cat That Makes Peanut Butter Sandwiches, and more. His illustrations have appeared in magazines like Playboy, MAD Magazine, Star Wars Gamer, URB, BadAzz, Mofo, BPM, and so on. He's painted murals in such locations as the Spike TV building, Munky King toys, IGN.com, and the Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central. For more information, visit www.jimmahfood.com




ABOUT JOE CASEY


Joe Casey is a founding partner of Man of Action Studios, a creative development company formed in 2000 by graphic novelists Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle. Based in Los Angeles and New York, Man Of Action Studios created the popular BEN 10 TV franchise as well as the new series Generator Rex. Currently they are supervising producers/story editors on the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man animated series premiering in 2012 on Disney/XD. Man of Action wrote the X-Men and Superman comic book series and currently publish their original creations through Image Comics. They wrote the best-selling video games X-Men: Legends for Activision, and Darksiders: Wrath of War for THQ. For more information, visit www.manofaction.tv.




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 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.
2011 HARVEY NOMINATION BALLOTS AVAILABLE!
SCOTT KURTZ TO HOST HARVEY AWARDS!

BALTIMORE, MD (February 3, 2011) -- The Executive Committees of the Harvey Awards and the Baltimore Comic-Con are proud to present the official Nomination Ballot for this year's Harvey Awards. Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, one of the industry's most innovative talents, the Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art.

Ballots can be downloaded from HarveyAwards.org and completed forms can be e-mailed to harveyballots@hotmail.com. Ballots are due for submission by Monday, March 28, 2011. In addition to being available on the website, ballots will be sent to all major publishers and distributed at comic conventions. We look forward to your participation and input in this process, and we look forward to seeing you at the Baltimore Comic-Con and the Harvey Awards.

Returning for his third consecutive Harvey Awards, Scott Kurtz will be the Master of Ceremonies for the awards banquet, to be held Saturday, August 20, 2011 as part of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "We are thrilled that Scott agreed to come back to Baltimore and help to make the Harvey Awards ceremony as fun and exciting as the last few years have been!" said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con.

Scott Kurtz has been creating his own comic strips since he got hooked on Garfield in the 4th grade. In 1998, his comic strip, PvP, debuted on the world wide web (pvponline.com) with 700 daily readers. Over the last 10 years, PvP has grown into a genuine Internet phenomenon, growing in readership to an estimated 150,000 readers per day, a monthly title from Image comics, winning a Harvey Award in 2010 for Best Online Comics Work, and winning the Eisner Award for best digital comic in 2006. Scott co-wrote the book "How To Make Webcomics" and co-founded webcomics.com to help assist others in forging their own creative destinies.

Nominations for the Harvey Awards are selected exclusively by creators - those who write, draw, ink, letter, color, design, edit or are otherwise involved in a creative capacity in the comics field. The Harvey Awards are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. 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 20. Additional details about the Harvey Awards and the awards ceremony will be released over the next few months.
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 6 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
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th 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 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

SEATTLE, PREPARE TO GET KICKED
Skullkickers Vol 1 ECCC Exclusive HC Announced


Berkeley, CA - 2 February 2011 –

Image Comics and Emerald City Comic Con announced that an exclusive hardcover edition of the SKULLKICKERS, VOL. 1 TP will be available at the upcoming Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle. Writer Jim Zubkavich and artist Edwin Huang have been handily bashing the heads of readers with their own brand of dark comedic violence and high fantasy adventure in each issue of SKULLKICKERS, leading up to this collection of the series' incredible first arc.

"We're ecstatic to be launching the first SKULLKICKERS trade at the Emerald City show and wanted to make it extra special for people in attendance," explained Zubkavich. He also added a piece of advice for the fans, "This limited run hardcover edition is a beauty and solid enough to work well as a monster bludgeoning device in a pinch. Don't leave Seattle without it!"

Emerald City Comic Con takes place March 4-6 this year in Seattle, Washington. For more information about the show and all the Image creators that will be attending, visit www.emeraldcitycomicon.com.

SKULLKICKERS, VOL. 1, a rowdy 144-page full color trade paperback collecting issues 1-5, will be on sale in stores on March 9 at the low introductory price of $9.99. The hardcover edition will be available exclusively at ECCC for $25. Find out more about the world of SKULLKICKERS at www.skullkickers.com.
ASYLUM PRESS RELEASES APRIL 2011 SOLICITATIONS

Feb. 2, 2010 (Los Angeles) Frank Forte, publisher of Asylum Press, announces the release of previews for the company's April solicitations (Featured in Diamond Comics' Feb. Previews). Black Powder, written and illustrated by Dwayne Harris, is a very exciting action adventure series that takes place during the catastrophic New Madrid earthquake of 1812. Each issue will be double-sized at 56 pages and retail for $7.95. The book will be published quarterly. Also released is the collected WARLASH:DARK NOIR signed pack. This three-issue mini series features the creators Frank Forte (Zombie Terrors), Szymon Kudranski (Spawn), Royal McGraw (Batman: Commissioner Gordon, Steve Mannion (Fearless Dawn), Nenad Gucunja (Undead Evil) and more. This is a great way for collectors to get the full series. Comes bagged and boarded with a signed print.

BLACK POWDER #1 (OF 3)
56 Pages (Double-sized) FC $7.95 perfect bound General Readers
Written and Illustrated by Dwayne Harris
Cover by Dwayne Harris
ISBN13: 978-1-61724-024-9

Synopsis: DOUBLE SIZED FIRST ISSUE!--A Bloody Frontier Adventure!--Set during the catastrophic New Madrid earthquake of 1812. Black Powder is the story of Robert Young, a former captain in the Barbary Wars, and his river journey on America's first steamboat to rescue the woman he loves from a gang of river pirates led by his cutthroat nemesis and former commander, Samuel Mason. On the way he encounters hostile Indians, swashbuckling battles, and several historical figures, all set against the backdrop of an earthquake that sinks islands, reverses the flow of the Mississippi river and wrenchingly exposes the fractures of a new nation itself.

Preview can be seen here:
http://www.asylumpress.com/Black_Powder_preview.html

Official site:
http://www.blackpowdercomic.com
___________________________________________
WARLASH: DARK NOIR SIGNED PACK

Title: WARLASH:DARK NOIR SIGNED PACK
Issue Number:1,2,3
Includes signed print WARLASH vs. ZOMBIE
Comes bagged and boarded

Writers’ and Artists’ Names: Frank Forte, Szymon Kudranski, Robert S. Rhine, Royal McGraw, Nenad Gucunja, Steve Mannion, J.C. Wong
Cover Artists: Bruno Werneck, Aly Fell

Intended Audience: Mature Readers
ISBN13: 978-1-61724-041-6

Synopsis:
Features a collection of Warlash:Dark Noir #1-3 ALL signed by creator Frank Forte. Also included is a Warlash Vs. Zombie print signed by Frank Forte. Warlash, armored warrior of the apocalyptic future, is back. These issues reintroduce Warlash with eight tales of hard boiled crime noir terror. In “Phlegm Fatale” Warlash battles a biogenic beast in the sewers below Pittsburgh. By Frank Forte “Grubbs” introduces Warlash to the seedy underside of the city he is sworn to protect. Art by Steve Mannion. In Wormwar part 1, a secret formula is stolen from an underground lab and Warlash must find out who by Szymon Kudranski. In “The Demon”, Warlash is confronted with a satanic rite and hell spawned beast they have released. Other creators feature Royal McGraw, Nenad Gucunja and J.C. Wong. Covers by Bruno Werneck and Aly Fell. Comes bagged and boarded.

Preview can be seen here:
http://www.warlash_DN_Home.html/
Official site:
http://www.warlash.com/

ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS:
Founded in 1999 by Frank Forte, Asylum Press is a unique publishing house specializing in high profile projects from some of the industry's biggest names. Publishing action/adventure comics with Warlash, Black Powder, Fearless Dawn and DTOX. Also, continuing their tradition of horror with Undead Evil, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell, Asylum of Horrors, Zombie Terrors, EEEK! and Beyond Lovecraft, venturing into dark humor with Billy Boy The Sick Little Fat Kid and The Cletus and Floyd Show, Asylum Press continues to be on the cutting edge of comic and graphic novel publishing. Asylum Press is distributed to the comics trade by Diamond Comics, Haven Distributors and Tony Shenton and to the booktrade by SCB Distributors, Ingram, Baker and Taylor and Turnaround U.K.

www.asylumpress.com
27-29 MAY – EXCEL LONDON – ROYAL VICTORIA DOCK

Nominations Open for Eagle Awards 2011 & Joint Ownership Announcement



What was your favourite comic of 2010? Which artists and writers really grabbed your attention? Nominations open on Friday 4 February and run until 7 March for the world-famous Eagle Awards, so head on over to www.eagleawards.co.uk to make your voice heard!



The top five nominations in each section will then be verified and voting gets underway on 14 March – let us know who you want to see honoured on the big night of 27 May at the London MCM Expo by picking your favourites of 2010.



Once again the awards ceremony will be streamed LIVE to the world over the internet via www.mcmbuzz.com which proved extremely popular in 2010.



Introduced in 1976, the Eagles are the comics industry’s most prestigious fan-selected awards, giving the entire comics community the opportunity to vote for the finest publications and brightest talent of the past year, with categories covering the whole world of comics, including manga, movies and webcomics.



MCM Expo Group managing director Paul Miley and the Eagle Awards’ Cassandra Conroy are delighted to announce that going forward the Eagle Awards will be co-owned and organised equally by both parties.



Last October the Eagles moved to their new home at London MCM Expo, London’s Comic Con - www.londonexpo.com - and 2011 sees the awards return to Excel once again – this time back in their traditional May slot.



“All nominees will be invited to the Awards Ceremony at May’s London MCM Expo and the winners will be offered the opportunity to give an acceptance speech,” said Cassandra Conroy. “The full list of Award Winners will be released to the world 27 May.”






To buy tickets to the London MCM Expo at Excel London on 27-29 May, please visit: www.mcmexpogroup.com/store



ABOUT THE EAGLE AWARDS:



Introduced in 1976, the Eagles are the comics industry’s longest established awards. Acknowledged as the pre-eminent international prizes, they have been featured on the covers of leading US and UK titles across the last 28 years ranging from Uncanny X-Men and Swamp Thing to MAD and 2000 AD.



Unique in the comics industry in that they reflect both the professional and the reader’s choice, the Eagle Awards comprise of two distinct stages:

(i) A Nominations Form allows the entire comics community to choose their favourites.

(ii) The top five nominations then appear on the voting form for the readers and fans to choose from, thus focusing the fans with no wasted votes.





ABOUT THE MCM EXPO GROUP:



London MCM Expo is organized by the MCM Expo Group as one of a number of pop culture events in their portfolio. London’s Comic Con, it is supported by major media companies such as Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, Wizards of the Coast, Manga Entertainment, SFX and NEO to name but a few.



Taking place each May and October at London’s massive Excel exhibition centre, the London MCM Expo is now the main focus and must-be event for UK fans and industry to attend to promote new releases and forthcoming productions whether comics, movies, videogames, DVDs or books.



Over the last decade, the London MCM Expo has grown into the one UK show that is not to be missed. To find out more, visit: www.londonexpo.com
TOP-NOTCH POP CULTURE CREATORS HEADLINE

GNOMON'S ONLINE MASTER CLASSES 2011 LINEUP


Renowned Artists From All Aspects of the Entertainment Industry

Share Their Expertise in Specialized Courses Accessible Worldwide



HOLLYWOOD, CA - Feb. 2, 2010 - Gnomon School of Visual Effects - the leading training facility in digital and entertainment arts - will digitally connect artists with esteemed professionals from the entertainment and visual effects industries with its Master Classes 2011. From February 11-25, in a private online community, participants will interact with and learn from some of the VFX leaders behind blockbuster projects including "Avatar," "District 9" and "Transformers 2" in a comprehensive instruction block that covers nearly every aspect in the digital arts production pipeline.



Including more than 30 hours of lectures, community interaction across private forums and direct contact with the creative leads from legendary production houses like Dreamworks and conceptual design hubs like the Weta Workshop, Gnomon's Master Classes 2011 will provide highly-specialized and in-depth education in the industry's most critical realms. Whether getting feedback from "Avatar" art director and motion graphics supervisor Neil Huxley or drawing on the endless expertise of Gnomon's founder Alex Alvarez, students will learn precisely how to apply their newly learned skills to the growing and lucrative industry of entertainment arts.



"Whether it's experienced in a museum, blockbuster film or an immersive game, imaginative, inspiring art conveys and strengthens stories in ways that no other medium can achieve," said Alex Alvarez, founder and CEO of the Gnomon School of Visual Effects. "Simply put, the instructors we've brought together for this year's online Master Classes are the best in the industry at that-creating art that fascinates and inspires like nothing else can."



Master Classes 2011 ticket holders will be able access twelve specialized sets of instruction covering everything from motion graphics and lifelike character-design to prop fabrication and environment lighting. Focused software instruction will cover essential VFX tools like Maya, ZBrush and Photoshop, and explore their professional applications. Artists of all levels-from aspiring young artists to seasoned VFX professionals-will receive detailed feedback from instructors coupled with high definition, on-demand courses accessible at any time during the two-week period.



"Ever a faithful resource for those looking to further their careers, hone their artistic eye, or stay on top of the latest software toolsets, the Master Classes put artists in a convenient digital environment where they can learn from the best so they can achieve their best," mentioned Alvarez.



Users can purchase digital tickets to the entire suite of 12 classes for $295 and get more information at http://www.gnomonschool.com/master/2011/. The complete course offerings are listed below.



Course listings include:



3D Design for Production

Instructor: Vitaly Bulgarov, 3D Cinematic Artist



Motion Graphics for Feature Film

Instructor: Neil Huxley, Motion Graphics Director for "Avatar"



A Pungent Character: Getting Grit into Imaginary Faces

Instructor: David Meng, Lead Creature Designer for "District 9"



Digital Character Physiology

Instructor: Rick Grandy, Digital Character and Pipeline Supervisor



Independent Dystopia

Instructor: Grzegorz Jonkajtys, Director of "The 3rd Letter" and "ARK"



The Making of 'Dirge'

Instructor: Alex Alvarez, CEO and Founder of Gnomon School of Visual Effects



Three Hour 3D Figure Study

Instructor: Jeremy Engleman, 3D Painter at Dreamworks Animation



Creating Realistic Skin with Mari

Instructor: Gareth Jensen, Texture Artist at Double Negative



ZBrush to Photoshop - Character Design Tutorial

Instructor: Scott Spencer, Digital Sculptor at Weta Workshop



Character Design for Illustration

Instructor: Paul Tobin, Concept Designer at Weta Workshop



Film and Prop Fabrication

Instructor: Rick Hilgner, Concept Designer at Creative Concepts Enterprises



Environment Lighting & Progressive Rendering

Instructor: Alex Sandri, Freelance 3D Artist



For more information or to schedule an interview with Eric Miller, Managing Director of the Gnomon Workshop at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, please call Nick Parker at 310-694-3138.



About Gnomon School of Visual Effects

Located in Hollywood, Gnomon School of Visual Effects is an innovative training facility that stresses the importance of creativity in digital entertainment production. The school believes that while technology offers new tools to create impressive computer-generated characters and worlds, it is not the technology that drives results, but the artist. Gnomon instructors are industry professionals that bring their experience and connections into the classroom to give the next generation of production artists an outstanding start to their careers. The results speak for themselves, as the flagship Digital Entertainment Production program boasts a 90% job placement rate. Many graduates go on to work on blockbuster movies and games.



About Gnomon Workshop

Since 2000, The Gnomon Workshop has provided artists and students with the educational resources they need to succeed as artists in the entertainment industries. Whether they're interested in design, modeling, effects, animation, storytelling or matte painting, these DVDs provide a valuable educational resource for students around the world. The Gnomon Workshop is the sister company of the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, which provides professional caliber visual effects instruction to students and professionals in Los Angeles, California.
MAD SCIENTISTS ARE A GIRL'S WORST ENEMY
New Title The Intrepids Arrives in March

Berkeley, CA - 2 February 2011 – Mad scientists are a disease and this March, fans will meet the cure: THE INTREPIDS! Image Comics continues to promote the best new talent by introducing this six-issue miniseries by the up and coming creative team of writer Kurtis Wiebe and artist Scott Kowalchuk.

THE INTREPIDS are a collection of runaway homeless teenagers that have been taken in and cared for by an aging inventor named Dante. Applying his brilliance, he crafts marvelous technological contraptions and with his vision and help, the motley crew he has assembled agree to use his gadgets for the betterment of mankind. Together, they combat tyranny and stop madmen from bringing harm to the world!

"THE INTREPIDS is a James Bond-style action-adventure that takes mad science to new heights. It'll be wild, it'll be action packed and it'll have sexy dames with rocket packs!" says Wiebe. “It's really our best case scenario to be publishing this book with Image. They've been producing some of the most engaging work in comics."

"Kurtis and I have had a lot of fun developing this book," adds Kowalchuk. "That fun will shine through. We're extremely proud of the series, and we hope the fans will have as good a time with it as we do!”

Originally announced with the title of RAT BASTARDS, THE INTREPIDS reverted to the series’ original name to avoid a trademark conflict with a previously published title.

THE INTREPIDS #1 (JAN110555), a 24-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores on March 2, 2011. Meet the INTREPIDS at www.theintrepids.com.
BANTAM BOOKS AND DYNAMITE ANNOUNCE COMIC ADAPTATION OF GEORGE R.R. MARTIN’S A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE

NEW YORK, NY – February 2, 2011 – Bantam Books, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, announced today the acquisition of the comic book and graphic novel rights to the worldwide bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. The series will be illustrated by Tommy Patterson and adapted by Daniel Abraham, the award-winning and bestselling author of The Long Price Quartet. The first issue of the monthly comic—which will be published by Dynamite Entertainment—is planned to release in late spring 2011, with compilations of the comics in graphic novel form to follow under the Bantam imprint. With the television adaptation of A Game of Thrones scheduled to air on HBO starting in April 2011, the comics and graphic novels will further expand the Song of Ice and Fire series into a new medium, creating opportunities for readers old and new to immerse themselves in this bestselling world.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
GEORGE R. R. MARTIN sold his first story in 1971 and hasn't stopped. As a writer-producer, he worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. In the mid-90s he returned to prose and began work on A Song of Ice and Fire. He has been in the Seven Kingdoms ever since. He lives with the lovely Parris.

DANIEL ABRAHAM is the author of ten books and more than thirty short stories. He has been nominated for the Hugo, the Nebula, and the World Fantasy awards, and won the International Horror Guild Award. He has written the graphic novel adaptations of George R. R. Martin's novel Fevre Dream and novella "Skin Trade," and original scripts for Wild Cards: The Hard Call. He also writes as MLN Hanover and James S. A. Corey. He lives with his family in the American southwest.

Artist TOMMY PATTERSON’S credits include Farscape for Boom! Studios, the movie adaptation The Warriors for Dynamite Entertainment, and Tales From Wonderland the White Knight, Red Rose and Stingers from Zenescope Entertainment. He has a BS in Studio Art and also works as a graphic designer. Patterson lives in Western Kentucky with his wife and daughter.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
Long ago, in a time long forgotten, a mysterious event threw the seasons of the world out of balance. Now the kingdom is blessed by golden summers that go on for years, and cursed by cruel winters that can last a generation. In the cool north of this kingdom is a royal family ruled by Eddard Stark. The symbol of the royal house of the Starks is a direwolf; their motto is “Winter is coming.” As indeed, it is. For the Iron Throne of Westeros is once more under contention. With Eddard’s help, Robert Baratheon won it away from the corrupt Targaryens, who had ruled Westeros for generations. But when Eddard is summoned south to help an aging king hold the throne they both won, he finds himself enmeshed in a web of treachery and lies, as faction after faction plays that most dangerous game of all: the game of thrones.

ABOUT BANTAM BOOKS:
BANTAM BOOKS, established in 1945, is one of the most successful publishers of adult fiction and nonfiction. In addition to being the nation’s largest mass market paperback publisher, Bantam publishes a select yet diverse hardcover list, which includes the bestselling novelists Dean Koontz, Lisa Gardner, George R.R. Martin, and Louis L’Amour, one of the bestselling writers of all time. Bantam is also the proud publisher of some of the landmark nonfiction books published in the last two decades including Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Dr. Christiane Northrup’s Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, and the #1 bestseller Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers, as well as notable bestselling memoirs, such as Iacocca by Lee Iacocca and William Novak; It Doesn’t Take A Hero by General Norman Schwarzkopf with Peter Petre, and John Glenn: A Memoir by John Glenn and Nick Taylor.

ABOUT DYNAMITE:
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT, the publishing division of DYNAMIC FORCES, INC., was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, Green Hornet, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Project Superpowers, Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time and more!

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Michael Avon Oeming, Mel Rubi, Marc Guggenheim, Stephen Sadowski, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent!

DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles - including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's PROJECT SUPERPOWERS - have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%). The company has also been nominated for several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award.

Monday, January 31, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/31/2011:
Sarah Oleksyk's IVY book release party & Art Exhibit


This February, Floating World Comics in downtown Portland, OR is proud to host a release party for the Oni Press publication Sarah Oleksyk's debut graphic novel IVY.

The comic follows Ivy, a teenage girl raised by a single mother in a small coastal town in Maine, longs to leave her home and achieve her dream of becoming a painter. Unfortunately, daily life doesn’t run smoothly for someone whose anger often gets the better of her, and who makes enemies more easily than friends. But when Ivy begins a long-distance relationship with a kindred spirit, she gets a glimpse of freedom and acceptance too good to pass up. Only while trying to escape her troubles does she start to realize that while she can leave home, she can’t run away from herself.

Sarah Oleksyk is a Russ Manning award-nominated cartoonist and creator of multiple critically-acclaimed mini-comics. IVY is Sarah's first full-length graphic novel. Published by Oni Press: IVY features 218 pages in an prestige hardcover format for $19.99.

“A rare tale of adolescence as it is, not as one wishes it could be. IVY will inspire you and break your heart.” – Hope Larson (Mercury, Gray Horses)

Read the first chapter here: http://saraholeksyk.com/ivy.html

LISTING INFORMATION:

WHO: Sarah Oleksyk
WHAT: IVY Book Release Party and Art Exhibit
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 3rd 6-10PM, Artwork will be on display until Feb. 28th.
WHERE: Floating World Comics
20 NW 5th Ave #101
Portland, OR 97209
(503)241-0227


Sarah Oleksyk is a member of the Tranquility Base art studio located in Old Town, Portland. Before signing with Oni, she self-published previous chapters of Ivy to sell at conventions and on her website. Her comics have also been published in the Best American anthology series and Papercutter. IVY is Sarah’s first published work, earning her a 2010 Russ Manning nomination as Best New Cartoonist.

Oni Press Inc. is a leading publisher of independent, creator owned comic books. Founded in 1997 on the belief that comics can be used to tell any story, Oni Press has published hundreds of different comics and graphic novels. Their creator-owned comics have won numerous book, library, and comic awards. With a strong focus on character, genre, and story driver creator-owned work, Oni Press has become one of the most well respected publishers in the comic industry. www.onipress.com
CHAD LINDBERG

GUEST-STARS ON NBC’S THE CAPE FEBRUARY 7

AND STARS IN ANCHOR BAY’S I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE

OUT ON Blu-ray™ and DVD FEBRUARY 8



Lindberg is Best-known as Fan-favorite “Ash” from the CW’s Supernatural

and “Jesse” from The Fast and the Furious



Hollywood, CA (January 31, 2011) Chad Lindberg will guest-star as “Hicks” in an episode of NBC’s The Cape entitled “Goggles and Hicks” at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, February 7 and on Tuesday, February 8 Anchor Bay Entertainment will release the unrated grindhouse revenge film I Spit on Your Grave starring Lindberg, on Blu-ray™ and DVD, announced talent manager Beth McIntosh of Chaotik.



According to NBC’s episodic description: “GOGGLES AND HICKS”

A TEAM OF TECH SAVVY ASSASSINS DISCOVERS THE CAPE’S IDENTITY–Badly bruised and exhausted, The Cape (David Lyons) heeds advice from Max (Keith David) to take some time off to recover. Determined to finally kill The Cape, Peter Fleming (James Frain) hires a tech-savvy team, including Goggles (guest star Pruitt Taylor Vince) and Hicks (guest star Chad Lindberg), to track and destroy The Cape. Meanwhile, Orwell (Summer Glau) faces digital challenges against the team’s strong expertise and Dana (Jennifer Ferrin) becomes more involved in uncovering the truth about Vince’s case.

Also starring: Ryan Wynott (Trip), Vinnie Jones (Scales), Martin Klebba (Rollo), Dorian Missick (Marty), Anil Kumar (Ruvi) and Izabella Miko (Raia).

Lindberg, who has over 25 film and 20 TV credits to his name, is best known to audiences from his roles of “Ash” on The CW’s Supernatural and “Jesse” from the hit film The Fast and the Furious. In addition to recurring roles on Supernatural and CSI: NY, Lindberg has guest-starred on numerous hit TV shows, creating a devoted fan-following whose Twitter campaign helped resurrect the character of “Ash” who had been killed off.



Last year’s family crime-drama Once Fallen, starring Lindberg and Brian Presley along with four Oscar®-nominated actors: Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Taraji P. Henson and Peter Weller, is now available on Blu-ray™ and DVD from First Look.