Friday, April 29, 2011

HOW THE OLD WEST WAS WEIRD!
Image Comics Presents a Series of One Shots with Can't-Miss Creative Teams

Berkeley, CA – 29 April 2011 – Westerns, one of the truly original American genres! From books, movies and comics, the genre has always held a special place in the hearts of fans. This summer, Image Comics and Visionary Comics, along with Strider Nolan and Pinnacle Entertainment are bringing westerns to comics in a big way. But not just any western... the weird western! With a mix of horror, steampunk and the supernatural, the old west was never a more frightening and weird place than with DEADLANDS!

The old west will get a fresh new take in the DEADLANDS comics with the exciting interpretations of a list of super star talents. Those contributing their masterful storytelling to the series will include: David Gallaher, Steve Ellis, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, Lee Moder, Ron Marz, Bart Sears, Steve Niles, and Francesco Francavilla.

Ron Marz, who also heads up the project as series editor, stated, "It's been amazing. All these guys have been wanting to do a western, and there it was, the perfect chance. The books have each taken shape by creator choice. We couldn't have hoped for better."

C. Edward Sellner, Creative Director for Visionary and writer of the four part backup series appearing in each book also commented on the enthusiasm of the teams, "We just keep hearing how much fun everyone is having and this stuff looks like some of the best work of their careers. I think everyone loves westerns, and everyone loves a scary story, so when you combine the best of both, you get something everyone can love."

While Deadlands is based on the popular RPG game from Pinnacle, one doesn't have to be a gamer to love the books, explained Marz, "If you love westerns, if you love horror tales, if you love good comics, great art and storytelling, you'll love these books. Part of my job was to make sure these books were accessible to all."

The first book out of the gate is DEADLANDS: THE DEVIL'S SIX GUN by the Harvey award-winning team of David Gallaher and Steve Ellis. In classic Faustian tradition, a weapons maker comes to America to pursue the American dream in the former colonies. Instead, he becomes immersed in plots and manipulations to gain unearthly power through the supernatural Ghost Rock. His goal? To make a gun that can kill anything, including the powerful Hellstromme! Its a journey that will cost him everything he loves, including his soul!

DEADLANDS (APR110410), the first 32 page full color one shot in this series of weird westerns, will be available in stores June 15, 2011 for $2.99.

ABOUT VISIONARY COMICS STUDIO

After debuting in 2006, Visionary Comics Studio is now one of the most popular, up and coming creative production studios and digital publishers. By providing freelance talent representation, setting up projects for print publication, and through VCS’ own digital publishing line, VCS works with and provides services for just about every major comic publisher. For more information, go to our web site: www.visionarycomics.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.
Baltimore Comic-Con Welcomes Walter Simonson in Time for Thor Release

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - April 29, 2011 - Just in time for the release of Marvel Studio's motion picture Thor, which opens on May 6, 2011, the Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce classic Thor writer/artist Walter Simonson as a confirmed guest for this year's show. The show will take place August 20-21, 2011 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.



Simonson is best known for his run on The Mighty Thor throughout the 1980s. His classic run was recently collected by Marvel in The Mighty Thor Omnibus by Walter Simonson, a massive tome which featured issues #337-355, #357-369, and #371-382, as well as the mini-series, Balder the Brave #1-4.Simonson Thor Omnibus



Simonson will be joining a host of other creators who have worked on the God of Thunder attending this year's show, including inker Mark Morales and colorist Laura Martin. Morales was nominated for the Harvey Award for Best Inker on Thor in 2008, 2009 and 2010, winning the Award in 2009. Martin was nominated for the Harvey Award for Best Colorist on Thor in 2008 and 2009, taking home the Award in 2008. Both artists were part of the creative team that reintroduced Thor and the other Asgardians into the Marvel Universe.



"Walter Simonson is one of the seminal creators to have both written and illustrated Thor," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "His work redefined the character in the '80s and with the release of Marvel Studio's Thor next week, the timing to revisit his run couldn't be better. We are thrilled to have him attending the show again this year."



In addition, Nathan will be traveling up to Boston this weekend for the Boston Comic-Con, taking place April 29 through May 1, 2011 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA. The fun-filled show features a great guest list and host of vendors catering to every comic fan's needs. If you are in the area and attending the show, be sure to swing by the Cards, Comic & Collectibles booth to get a surprise announcement about the Guest of Honor for this year's Baltimore Comic-Con!


Other confirmed guests for the Baltimore Comic-Con including: Jason Aaron (Scalped, PunisherMAX); Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Cliff Chiang (Greendale); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl, Hulk); David Finch (Brightest Day, Batman: The Dark Knight); Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl); Mike Grell (Action Comics, The Pilgrim); Steve Hamaker (Bone); Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Zatanna); J.G. Jones (Doc Savage, DC Universe Legacies); Barry Kitson (Secret Invasion, Amazing Spider-Man); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Vision, Strange); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL); and Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Iron Man 2.0).



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, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.

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 21th.



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 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.

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.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Austin Books & Comics hosts Free Comic Book Day

Elric writer Chris Roberson and CCP Comics signings, plus Stormtroopers, giveaways and more!



Austin, TX---Thursday, April 28, 2011– Central Texas’s biggest and oldest comics and pop culture retailer, Austin Books & Comics, is proud to announce their day-long activities on upcoming Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 7. Event features include guest author signings, 501st Legion Stormtroopers, giveaways, frozen goodies and more.



It's the biggest day of the year for Austin Books & Comics, and this one is going to top them all. Everyone who comes in on Saturday, May 7 from 8 am to 7 pm gets to choose 10 free comics from a huge selection that will introduce readers to new titles, classic reads, and many of our favorites that we've added to the official Free Comic Book Day titles.



Comic writer and New York Times bestseller Chris Roberson (Superman, iZombie, Stan Lee’s Starborn) will be signing copies of the first issue of his new Elric: The Balance Lost series from Boom! Studios, featuring author Michael Moorcock's legendary Multiverse and sensational art by Francesco Biagini. Elric was introduced in Marvel Comics' Conan the Barbarian in the early 1970s. Neil Gaiman called Elric’s creator Michael Moorcock “my model for what a writer was” while Warren Ellis said he is one of the “eight core sites in my creative genome.” This new Elric classic debuts on Free Comic Book Day, and you can get your copy free and signed at Austin Books & Comics.



Austin Books & Comics is hosting a special visit by CCP Comics, an independent collective of comic artists and writers. CCP Comics formed in 2007 to fulfill a dream of creating original web and print comic books. Since then, they’ve self-published several comic issues and anthologies. Driven by a furious passion and dedication to the industry they love, CCP Comics is one of the most exciting up and coming independent comic book publishers in Texas. Their latest comic release, Electron Boy, is created by writer/artist Erik Martin and available for purchase online.



Hero's Frozen Treats is the exclusive on-site vendor of frozen desserts for Free Comic Book Day, including "Heroic Shaved Ice" coming in sizes of “villain,” “hero,” “super-hero” and “big daddy” (a nod to the beloved Kick Ass comic series). Hero’s proprietor Dustin McMillian is huge comic books buff. His Hero's Frozen Treats trailer on East 6th Street features a collage by a local Austin artist made out of a box of old comic books.



Other special Free Comic Book Day features include a door prize drawing for a $100 Austin Books gift certificate for one lucky winner. There’s also a planned repeat appearance by members of the 501st Legion Stormtroopers, invited back after being such a huge hit at our recent Star Wars Day event. Our custom store character, Sidekick Girl, will also make an appearance, thanks to our friends at Lucy in Disguise on South Congress. Austin Books & Comics is located at 5002 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin, TX.



About Austin Books & Comics

www.austinbooks.com

Central Texas’s biggest and oldest comics and pop culture retailer, Austin Books & Comics has been in business since 1977. Austin Books & Comics is a multiple Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retail finalist, and was inducted into the Austin Chronicle's 'Best Of’ Hall of Fame. The Austin Chronicle has referred to Austin Books as “the Library of Alexandria of comics,” while Ain’t It Cool News says that Austin Books & Comics is the “one-stop shop for anything comic related.” Austin Books & Comics is proud to host both frequent and surprise celebrity guest signings and events. Our partners include Scare For a Cure and Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

THE POUND Launching This Month

IDW and Frozen Beach Studios partner for online comic series

Issue #1 available for free digital download for the iPadTM, iPhone® and Sony PSP


[The Pound cover image]San Diego, CA (April 27, 2011) – IDW Publishing and Frozen Beach Studios today announced the launch of the latest supernatural thriller comedy by Frozen Beach, entitled THE POUND. Created by Stephan Nilson and Charles Pritchett, THE POUND will be available digitally, and a collection of the entire five-issue series will be released in September 2011. To introduce readers to this exciting new series, THE POUND #1 is currently available for free through the IDW Comics iPad and iPhone app and will be available through the Sony Digital Comics store for PSP on June 1, 2011. Additionally, Frozen Beach Studios is also hosting the free Issue #1 of THE POUND on their Web site at www.frozenbeachstudios.com/pound. Here, the comic can be downloaded as a PDF or CBZ.

Rated five out of five stars by Kitty’s Pryde, THE POUND follows Cleveland Animal Control Specialists Scott Allison and Howard Lynch, who have lost their jobs due to budget cuts and decide to start their own private stray animal retrieval business. At first it’s business as usual – retrieving a mother raccoon and her newborn litter from a crawlspace or removing bats from basements – but everything changes the night they receive a call about a large dog running loose in the halls of the high school.

“Being an advocate for digital comics, with over 70% of my monthly pull list in that format, I felt it was time to back my words with action,” stated Stephan Nilson, writer and co-creator of THE POUND. “Everyone working on THE POUND wanted to deliver a top-notch, original content comic series digitally first. Doing it through IDW Publishing's store front, with its wide reach, is the perfect place to distribute our book to the world.”

Reviews continue to pour in for THE POUND. Comics Bulletin called it an “easy recommendation.” Still on the Shelf called it a “fun read.” Comic reviewer Todd H. Latoski praised THE POUND for “some of the best dialogue I have read in a long, long, LONG time.”

Underpaid, under-equipped and in way over their heads, Scottie and Howie take it upon themselves to help rehabilitate monsters looking to join society, and stop a plan to turn all Clevelanders into werewolves. For a more in depth look into the character of Howie, follow him on Twitter (@Howie_Lynch) as he continues to tweet exclusive introductions into the comic series.

The first issue of THE POUND is available online for free starting today, through the IDW Comics app for iOS devices, followed by issue #2, for sale starting on May 10, 2011. THE POUND #1 will be available for free for the Sony PSP on June 1, and Issue #2 will be available for sale the same day.


THE POUND #1 (of 5) is now available digitally through the IDW Comics app [http://itunes.com/apps/idwpublishing/idwcomics].



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


About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC's Doctor Who; Toho’s Godzilla and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio; and is the print publisher for EA Comics.

IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.


About Frozen Beach Studios
Frozen Beach Studios was established in 2009 by Stephan Nilson and Charles Pritchett as a studio, which produces comics, graphic novels, television series and movies. Together the two creators have over thirty years experience in writing, print production, animation and filmmaking. Their combined skill set results in a perfect balance of talent and experience required to create and produce any project from start to finish. The name Frozen Beach Studios is homage to the creators’ home bases in sunny Florida, the seasonal New York and the frozen coast of Prince Edward Island. Visit Frozen Beach Studios online at www.frozenbeachstudios.com/ to view a complete list of published titles.


Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Content purchased from the iTunes Store is for personal lawful use only. Don’t steal music.
Four NY Times Bestselling Authors Help HPA Members Compete to Donate the Most Books

Since 2009, Harry Potter fans across the world have joined the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) to donate more than 55,000 books to local communities through ‘Accio Books!’ This year, the HPA is not only donating books, it’s building a library. To help do it, four New York Times bestselling authors have taken the helm as heads of houses for the House Cup competition. HPA members who donate books will earn points for their selected houses: Gryffndor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin.

The Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) is partnering with the Bedford-Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School (BSNBCS) in Brooklyn, NY to build the “Imagine Better” library for their students.
“Accio Books is one of the most successful campaigns that the HPA conducts and each year our members are more than up to the challenge,” said HPA Executive Director Andrew Slack. “The House Cup competition is a way to turn the campaign into a friendly and exciting competition. The heads of houses are a big part of that as they rally their members.”

Representing Gryffindor is Melissa Anelli, author of Harry, A History. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and is currently writing her second nonfiction book. Melissa is the webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron, one of the leading Harry Potter sites, and consumes more coffee than is healthy for anyone. She is also on the Board of Directors for the HPA and has a particular passion for Accio Books. To spice up the competition, Melissa is offering two free tickets to Leakycon, a large Harry Potter conference being held this July in Orlando, FL, to the Gryffindor who donates the most books.

"Harry Potter taught a generation to love reading,” said Melissa. “It is fitting that now we are sharing that love with an even younger generation."

John Green appears on behalf of Hufflepuff and his goal is to decrease worldsuck. He is the author of several books, including Looking for Alaska, a Printze Award winner. John co-hosts a popular YouTube channel with his brother Hank called Vlogbrothers, through which they created a unique community of Nerdfighters. He is also giving incentive to his house by promising to record the outgoing voicemail message of the member who donates the most books.

"Through books we are continually making connections, from reader to character, from reader to author, from reader to reader,” said John. “Books inspire conversations that we otherwise wouldn't have. I love Accio Books because it gives us the opportunity to give as many kids as possible the love of reading, inspiration, and the knowledge that they aren't alone."

Maureen Johnson is this year’s head of Ravenclaw. She has written nine young adult novels including: 13 Little Blue Envelopes, Suite Scarlett, Scarlett Fever and The Bermudez Triangle. She recently released The Last Little Blue Envelope. She spends an unreasonable amount of time online, earning her the dubious honor of “Most Interesting Twitter User to Follow” in Mashable’s Social Media Awards. Maureen has a passion for young adult literature, which shows in her desire to be a part of Accio Books. Ravenclaw fans of Maureen will likely scramble to donate the most books because the Ravenclaw prize is to become “BFFs” with Maureen if you have the most donations.

Slytherin head of house is Holly Black, the author of The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe, Valiant and Ironside. She is currently working on The Curse Workers series as well as The Good Neighbors graphic novel series. She recently released the novel Red Glove. This is the first time Holly has worked with the HPA but her interest is clearly just as strong. To entice the few, yet passionate, Slytherin members she has promised to send a book to every person who donates in the name of her house.

By fighting the Illiteracy Horcrux and creating a library for young students, members of the HPA have the opportunity to help a school transform its educational environment and inspire the students in ways only books can do. The heads of houses are exceptional role models and leaders who are helping to further literacy in a creative and passionate way.
The Bedford-Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School needs books in good condition of all types including fiction, non-fiction, reference, historical, biographical, geography, science topics for their students in grades K-5.

Accio Books runs through the end of April but the school will continue to accept donations past that date.

###


The HP Alliance (www.thehpalliance.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit that engages Harry Potter fans in social activism. With over 70 active chapters and 40 volunteer staff, the HPA has donated five cargo planes to Haiti, 55,000 books, protection for thousands in Darfur, and made huge strides in anti-genocide, LGBT, and media reform advocacy, and more. Covered in hundred of major publications and praised by JK Rowling, Harry Potter celebrities, Paul Farmer, and a slew of NGO’s the HPA recently came in first place in the Chase Bank Community Giving Contest on Facebook winning $250,000.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Jeff Smith Returns to the Baltimore Comic-Con!

Bone 20th Anniversary Collection Makes Its East Coast Debut in Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - April 26, 2011 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is excited to announce the addition of renowned cartoonist Jeff Smith to the growing line-up of creators for this year's show, taking place August 20-21, 2011. As a pioneer of self-publishing, the Harvey and Eisner Awards-winning Smith is best know for his classic all-ages fantasy epic, Bone, an award-winning adventure about three cartoon cousins lost in a world of myth and ancient mysteries, as well as his current science-fiction series, RASL.



Jeff_Smith_Fall_2010.jpgDebuting in July 1991, Bone is now a New York Times bestselling series published by Scholastic Books. July 2011 marks the 20th Anniversary of Bone #1 and to celebrate this momentous achievement, Smith's own Cartoon Books is releasing a limited edition slipcase collection. The Bone: 20th Anniversary Full Color One Volume Collector's Box Set will make it's East Coast debut right here in Baltimore.



In 2009, Smith was the subject of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, Bone, and the Changing Face of Comics, and he is currently working on his creator-owned series, RASL, a sci-fi noir tale about an inter-dimensional art thief.



In addition, the Baltimore Comic-Con also welcomes Steve Hamaker, the artist responsible for supplying Smith's 1344-page masterpiece with vibrant color. Hamaker joined Smith at Cartoon Books in 2000 and was tasked with the mission of bringing Bone from black and white to full-color for Scholastic Books. His work on the series has been nominated for the Harvey and Eisner Awards for Best Coloring.



BONE_20th_Collector_Box_2"We couldn't be more pleased to have Jeff Smith and Steve Hamaker here in Baltimore," said Marc Nathan, show promoter for the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Jeff paved the way for self-publishing and practically conceived the modern American graphic novel. His work was made that much better by Steve's amazing coloring."



Other confirmed guests for the show including: Jason Aaron (Scalped, PunisherMAX); Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Cliff Chiang (Greendale); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl, Hulk); David Finch (Brightest Day, Batman: The Dark Knight); Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl); Mike Grell (Action Comics, The Pilgrim); Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Zatanna); J.G. Jones (Doc Savage, DC Universe Legacies); Barry Kitson (Secret Invasion, Amazing Spider-Man); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Vision, Strange); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); and Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Iron Man 2.0)

.



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, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace

pages.




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 21th.





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 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.

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.
NEW SERIES HITS THE MARK
Image Comics and Benaroya Publishing Offer $1 Debut Issue of Marksman

Berkeley, CA – 26 April 2011 – The battle for New San Diego will begin this July for just $1 when Image Comics and Benaroya Publishing introduce MARKSMAN! This new six-issue miniseries will feature the action-packed story of Dave Baxter, an acclaimed new writer/producer who is making his comics debut with such experienced comic book artists as Javiar Aranda (Star Trek), Garry Leach (Marvelman), and Tomm Coker (UNDYING LOVE).

MARKSMAN begins sixty years after the nation's oil supply has finally run out and debts have been called in, resulting in a civil war that has splintered America into warring fiefdoms. New San Diego is a technocratic utopia that offers the last bastion of peace and prosperity, provided you live within its walls. Drake McCoy is its best protector. McCoy, an expert marksman, defends the city from the numerous threats in the wasteland outside the walls. But when the oil rich Lone Star state sends a powerful army to steal New San Diego’s energy technology, even Drake’s leadership and skill may not be enough to fend off the siege.

This action-packed series contrasts the classic taste of a western against the harsh backdrop of a post-apocalyptic future. With the first issue debuting just in time for San Diego Comic Con, including a SDCC exclusive variant cover, this is one comic you won’t want to miss! Watch as San Diego experiences a battle the likes of which you could never have imagined.

MARKSMAN #1 (MAY110435) is a 32 page full color action adventure comic book that will hit stores on July 20th with the low cover price of just $1!

ABOUT DAVE BAXTER
Dave Baxter is a writer/producer whose first feature film, Shooting Lily, won the 1996 SXSW Film Festival. Dave is making his comic book debut with Benaroya Publishing and Image Comics on the title MARKSMAN. Dave is also the recipient of the 2004 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation/Tribeca Film Institute screenwriting grant for two science themed film projects he currently has in development.

ABOUT JAVIER ARANDA
Javier Aranda is a Spanish artist who’s worked with publishers like DC Comics, Marvel, IDW, Devil’s Due Press, Avatar Press, and most recently Image Comics and Benaroya Publishing. He is best known for his work on Star Trek, World Of Dungeons & Dragons, Infinity, Inc., Hellina, and MARKSMAN. Javier has also published several short-stories and collaborated with other artists and writers on several Spanish market magazines, books, storyboards, and merchandising.

ABOUT GARRY LEACH
Garry Leach is a British artist known for his work on MARVELMAN with writer Alan Moore and as one of the founders of Atomeka Press with Dave Elliott. Garry is co-creator of Warpsmith and has worked on titles like Judge Dredd, THE V.C.s, Global Frequency with Warren Ellis, and has illustrated cards for the Magic: The Gathering collectible cards game.

ABOUT TOMM COKER
Tomm Coker has worked on comic book characters ranging from Batman to Wolverine and X-men to Punisher. He's contributed art to various video games, toy lines, cartoons and film projects. In 2003 he co-wrote and directed his first studio feature (Catacombs) and is now co-writing and illustrating a creator owned book for Image Comics (UNDYING LOVE). Tomm lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter, two cats and a dog.

ABOUT BENAROYA PUBLISHING
Founded in 2009 by Michael Benaroya, Benaroya Publishing is a company dedicated to the creation and cultivation of intellectual property by focusing on thrilling and compelling storytelling. Based in Los Angeles, California, Benaroya Publishing launches their debut titles this Spring under the Image Comics label. With David Elliott (FALL OUT TOY WORKS and co-founder of Radical Publishing) at the helm as in-house Editor-in-Chief, Benaroya Publishing promises to bring fresh new ideas, and uniquely told stories to the comics literary world.

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.
Duke Nukem Tears into Comics

First comic series for baddest good guy ever starts in July


[Duke Nukem #1 Cover]San Diego, CA (April 26, 2011) – IDW Publishing and Gearbox have joined forces to bring “The King” to comics for the very first time, in DUKE NUKEM: GLORIOUS BASTARD. An integral part of the massive Duke Nukem relaunch happening in June with the long-awaited release of the Duke Nukem Forever video game, this four-issue series will kick off in July and bring all the awesome battles and babes (and beers!) that Duke fans have wanted for more than a decade. Rising comics and video game writer Tom Waltz (Silent Hill: Past Life, Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime) pens DUKE NUKEM: GLORIOUS BASTARD, while artist Xermanico fills every panel with non-stop fun and action. Waltz and Xermanico are also the brains and brawn behind the special Duke Nukem Forever one-shot pack-in comic, which is featured in the Duke Nukem Forever: Balls of Steel special edition game boxset.

“I know plenty of fans have been asking for it and we’re excited to finally bring it to ‘em,” said David Eddings, Vice President of Business Development at Gearbox Software. “Duke will be in some of the most insane action-packed stories that will show fans a whole new side of the one and only King. That’s the marketing-speak for saying it’s gonna f&#king rock!”

Debuting in July with issue #1, DUKE NUKEM: GLORIOUS BASTARD combines time-traveling Nazi UFOs, space pigs, and a hot French Resistance babe code-named the “French Tickler,” as they all run head-on into Duke Nukem. It’s an action-packed and mayhem-filled collision course in the making, and for some of them (the ones that don’t look good in bikinis, that is), it’s gonna end painfully.

“Duke Nukem is the kind of character that comic books were made for,” said Waltz. “He’s over-the-top, bombastic, rude, crude, and doesn’t have a politically correct bone in his muscle-bound body—I love him! Xermanico and I had an absolute (and literal) blast writing and drawing the pack-in comic for the video game, and it’s been no different with this new mini-series. Get ready for fun because, when it comes to The King, the only rule is that there are NO rules!”

In addition to an inspirational movie poster-like regular cover, DUKE fans can ask their local comic store about a variant Duke Nukem Forever concept-art team cover and the awesomely over-the-top foil-stamped, glow-in-the-dark, embossed cover by John K. Snyder III.


DUKE NUKEM: GLORIOUS BASTARD #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in July. Diamond order code MAY11 0328.


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


About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for EA Comics.

IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.


About Gearbox
Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms. Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation and development of their original blockbuster franchise, Borderlands, and has developed numerous top selling add-on packs for Borderlands. Additionally Gearbox now has ownership of the Duke Nukem franchise, created and developed the Brothers in Arms series and developed games and added value to many of the industry’s top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk, James Bond and others. Gearbox Software’s success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega of America and Take-Two/2K Games.

Currently Gearbox Software is in development with Duke Nukem Forever published by 2K Games, Aliens: Colonial Marines, published by Sega, and other unannounced AAA games for multiple platforms including the Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Windows PC, Mac, Nintendo DS, PSP and more.
PEEP SHOW
50 Girls 50 Gets Previewed in Elephantmen

BERKELEY, CA – 26 April 2011 – Before he became the regular artist on ELEPHANTMEN, astonishing newcomer Axel Medellin was selected from a number of gifted applicants in the talent search for Frank Cho and Doug Murray's 50 GIRLS 50. With the first issue of their four-issue sci-fi miniseries set to debut this June, Richard Starkings is showcasing Axel's 50 GIRLS 50 work in his own sci-fi series, with a preview set to run in ELEPHANTMEN #31, on sale May 11.

Starkings commented, "Axel is clearly the hardest working artist in comics, and this is obviously a big year for him. It's hard for me to believe today that he presented me with a fully painted ELEPHANTMEN sample page over three years ago and now 22 gorgeous pages of full colour art every month! 50 GIRLS 50 shows yet another side to Axel and I for one can't wait to lick every page!"

"I'm so glad that Axel is the new regular artist for ELEPHANTMEN,” added Cho. “Not only is Axel a superb storyteller, he's one of the most dedicated artists in the business. I can't wait to see how his work progresses over the months ahead!"

Readers enjoying Axel Medellin’s depiction of the dystopian future of ELEPHANTMEN will see an altogether different side of his work as they're introduced to the very special crew of the ship ESS Savannah. The gritty streets of Los Angeles circa 2259 are replaced with the sleek interiors of a state of the art spacecraft and the lush forests of alien worlds for a dangerously enjoyable journey through space.

ELEPHANTMEN #31 (FEB110456), a 32-page full color science fiction comic book, including a five-page preview of 50 GIRLS 50 #1, will be available in stores May 11 for $2.99. 50 GIRLS 50 #1 (APR110392) will be landing in stores June 1 for $2.99.

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.
SHFT.com FOUNDED BY

ACTOR ADRIAN GRENIER AND FILM PRODUCER PETER GLATZER

HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR TWO 2011 WEBBY AWARDS



(Los Angeles, CA. April 26, 2011) SHFT.com has been nominated for two 2011 Webby Awards in the category of Green for best website and Online Film & Video / Documentary Individual Episode for "Gardens NYC: Patrick's Place". The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet including Websites, interactive advertising and online film and video.



SHFT.COM is a new media platform, offering original video series, curated shopping, and a host of resources that speak to a modern, inspirational, eco-conscious lifestyle. The website founded by actor Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer enters into its second year since launching out of WIRED magazine's pop-up shop in New York in 2010. SHFT.com built a platform that uses media to curate the myriad sustainable choices now available to us and to highlight the cultural shift taking place. The site has three main silos: SHOP with products and gadgets; READ with news and blogs; and WATCH with both aggregated and original videos. SHFT's mission is to nudge the ideas of sustainability into popular culture.



The duo has also taken SHFT offline to curate pop-up shops and art galleries, and they have collaborated with WIRED, LACMA, Estee Lauder, and Toyota in their first year. "Six years ago, we felt the tide shifting and knew there would be a burgeoning market and audience in this space and we wanted to create a beautiful portal for it. As filmmakers, we were driven to tell this narrative and position these ideas. It's a new world, and this is how we need to live today," says producer Peter Glatzer.



SHFT's Founding Partners are Stonyfield Farm and Marvell Semiconductor.



Webby Awards voting ends on the April 28, 2011.



Here's the link to vote for SHFT.com:

http://t.co/MAMBz6u



Help us make SHFT happen.



For more information visit

www.shft.com
BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND SOLD OUT!



San Diego, CA - Ape Entertainment announced today that a second printing of BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND will soon be on the way. The second printing, scheduled for an early May release, will give fans who missed the instant sell out debut of BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND a chance to check out what is soon to be the most talked about comic of the year. Please note that Copies of the first printing may still be available at your local retailer.

“We just want to thank all the fans of the book, old and new, for giving BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND a try” said David Hedgecock CEO of Ape Entertainment. Hedgecock went on to say “We know there are a lot of you who missed out on the first printing and we are moving as quickly as we can to make sure all of you who still need a copy will be able to get one with as little delay as possible.”

“Between the streets, Vietnam and the C.I.A., Black Dynamite thought he had seen it all. But nothing could have prepared him for his most dangerous mission yet! In BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND, the world’s greatest Blaxploitation sensation uses his fists of fury to shut down a secret island where The Man still plays by 1850’s rules!” Inspired by the 2009 feature film BLACK DYNAMITE, SLAVE ISLAND is based on a story by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns and Scott Sanders; written by Brian Ash (The Boondocks), with art by Jun Lofamia.

“We couldn't be happier with the response the book is getting,“ says author Brian Ash. “What's even more exciting is it’s just the tip of the iceberg for what's in store for the fans. The movie's cult following seems to be growing by the day and with the Animated Series coming to Adult Swim next year, we're looking forward to exploring this character in all his iterations.”

For more updates on Black Dynamite, visit www.blackdynamite.com or become a fan on Facebook.
For second printing pre-sales, visit: http://www.blackdynamitemovie.com/store/comics/black-dynamite-slave-island

For more information on Ape Comics, visit www.apecomics.com.
Follow us online on twitter: twitter.com/apecomics.
Friend us on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/ape-entertainment.

About Ape Entertainment:
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E Erwin. Ape Entertainment is home to such popular titles as WHITE PICKET FENCES, LITTLE GREEN MEN, GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, and SCRATCH9 and is also the North American publisher for DreamWorks Animation’s KUNG FU PANDA and THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR; Classic Media’s RICHIE RICH and CASPER SCARE SCHOOL; and American Greetings’ STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE.

About Ars Nova:
Ars Nova is a New York-based production company specializing in multi-platform programming for film, television, web and live entertainment. Upcoming projects include: BLACK DYNAMITE: THE ANIMATED SERIES and a live-action adaptation of Rick Veitch’s BRAT PACK. www.arsnovaent.com
Papercutz Celebrates Children’s Book Week with Geronimo Stilton Appearances



San Francisco, CA: May 2nd marks the beginning of Children’s Book Week and publishers nationwide are planning events. Papercutz, the premier publisher of such popular graphic novel series as DISNEY FAIRIES, HARDY BOYS, NANCY DREW and THE SMURFS, is celebrating with a unique series of author and artist appearances in the San Francisco Bay area.



Geronimo Stilton, an editor at The Rodent’s Gazette in New Mouse City, travels through time to defend history from his arch nemeses, the Pirate Cats. Geronimo has appeared in 7 volumes published by Papercutz, selling over 400,000 copies, the most recent being this past January with GERONIMO STILTON #7 “Dinosaurs in Action.” Geronimo Stilton is a best-selling children’s book series, originating in Milan, Italy in 2000. Geronimo came to the United States in 2004 with Scholastic publishing to date over 40 chapter books which have sold 12 million copies. For the first time since the graphic novel series launched in the fall of 2009, members of the Italian creative team will travel to the US for a limited number of appearances and workshops in honor of the national celebration of books and reading for youth.



Writers Leonardo Favia and Michele Foschini and artist Ennio Bufi, direct from Italy, will offer a special class to learn to draw Geronimo and his friends. The masterminds behind Geronimo will also offer sketches and autographs to all fans in attendance. Fans of all ages can attend at these two Barnes & Noble locations:



May 5 – 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Barnes & Noble

119 Colma Boulevard

280 Metro Center

Colma, CA 94014



May 6 – 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Barnes & Noble

Hacienda Crossings

4972 Dublin Boulevard

Dublin, CA 94568



Then on May 7th, Free Comic Book Day, Geronimo Stilton graphic novel artist Ennio Bufi, as well as writers Foschini and Favia, will meet the readers, make sketches and sign the Papercutz Geronimo Stilton graphic novels at comics shops Lee’s Comics 1020 N. Rengstorff Avenue, Suite F in Mountain View, CA from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and then from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Atlantis Fantasyworld 1020 Cedar Street in Santa Cruz, CA. These appearances are timed to coincide with the release of Geronimo Stilton’s special Free Comic Book, which also features a full-color short story from the SMURFS graphic novel series, also published by Papercutz.



Leonardo Favia, with a degree in publishing, journalism and cinema, after working for a daily paper, a library and a video game company, decided - of all things - to write comics. He scripts Geronimo's graphic novel adventures, as told him by Geronimo himself! Michele Foschini is a translator and publisher who has written all sorts of comics. A longtime collaborator of Geronimo Stilton, he is currently chronicling some of the time-travelling adventures of Geronimo Stilton, aided by his frequent partner-in-crime, Leonardo Favia. Ennio Bufi started his career as a sculptor. He then became a character designer for the first season of the Geronimo Stilton animated series. He is currently drawing his second Geronimo Stilton graphic novel, and he lives in Turin, in northern Italy.



For more information on the Geronimo Stilton graphic novel series, visit the Papercutz website at http://www.papercutz.com.

Monday, April 25, 2011

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE NOW
'68 #1 Marches Back to Press

Berkeley, CA – 25 April 2011 – The first issue of Image Comics' grisly new zombie comic, '68, has impressed ravenous horror fans so much that the first printing sold out at the distribution level right as copies were hitting the shelves. In an effort to provide comic shops with uninterrupted availability of this gruesome new miniseries, a second printing of '68 will return to stores soon with an all new cover by artist Nat Jones.

'68 originally began as a one shot which can be found in HORROR BOOK, VOL. 1 TP, an anthology that also contains other horror titles such as CREATURE FROM THE DEPTHS, FRANKENSTEIN, and FULL MOON.

The first issue of the new '68 miniseries delves straight away into the base camps, dark jungles and tunnels of Vietnam in 1968, where writer Mark Kidwell (Bump) guides doomed young soldiers among the countless rotting undead victims of war. Artist Nat Jones (FRANK FRAZETTA'S DEATH DEALER) illustrates the fine details of decomposition and Jay Fotos (LOCKE & KEY, SPAWN) provides expert coloring, including plenty of bloody red gore!
Besides receiving plenty of attention from enthusiastic zombie fans, '68 has also captured the attention of the press:

"Image already has a flesh-eating hit with Robert Kirkman's THE WALKING DEAD, and it may soon have another, with the '68 creative team — writer Mark Kidwell, penciler and inker Nat Jones and colorist Jay Fotos — and their horrific emphasis on war-torn drama, carnage, gore and loads of blood spatter. " — USA Today

"...the team behind '68 actually come across as horror fans and it shows in their work and the details." — Player Affinity

"Deserving of great praise, '68 is a brilliant example of story and art fused together! ...This is an incredibly smart and captivating look at war through the zombie genre. When you start reading, you’ll ask yourself, “Why didn’t anyone think of this before?” No comic book fan should miss out on '68..." — Fangoria

"There just aren't very many original zombie stories left out there, but '68 is going to be one of them." — Newsarama

"The entire '68 team is blown away by the news of our first issue selling out!" said Kidwell. "As independent creators, we all share a huge workload in bringing the book to the readers, and it's deeply gratifying to all of us that '68 has found its audience and been so enthusiastically received.

"Huge thanks to everyone who picked up the book and to those who took the time to let us know how much they liked it! We invite you all to stick with us as we move deeper into the jungles. It's gonna be a nightmare!"

'68 #1 Second Printing (MAR118186), a gory 32-page full color war/horror comic book, as well as '68 #2 (MAR110569, MAR110570 and MAR110571) will each be on sale May 18, 2011 for $3.99. HORROR BOOK, VOL. 1 TP (APR082177), a 128-page full color anthology of horror comics, is still available for $14.99.

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.
12-GAUGE COMICS

JULY 2011 SOLICITATIONS



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

I.C.E. and LOOSE ENDS turn up the heat in July!

I.C.E #1 - Special introductory price of $1.00

Both books previewed in 12-Gauge's FCBD title, "I.C.E."



Birmingham, AL (April 25, 2011)


I.C.E. #1 (of 4)

Writer: Doug Wagner

Artist: Jose Holder

Cover Artist: Brian Stelfreeze

Colors: Michael Wiggam

$1.00 (special introductory price)


I.C.E. #1 - Blasting into comic stores for only $1.00!

The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement agency (a.k.a. I.C.E.) is charged with keeping our borders secure. The politics are complicated, but they don’t matter to COLE MATAI, leader of the best tactical group I.C.E. has to offer. For him, it’s all about protecting the public from men like LUIS MORALES, head of a ruthless Mexican drug cartel. When Morales notices that some of his drug runners are stealing inventory, he takes it personal. Shockwaves hit three U.S. cities as members of his cartel are savagely murdered over a period of weeks, all at the hands of Morales. The cross-country manhunt for this vicious killer begins here---don’t miss it!



LOOSE ENDS #1 (of 4)

Writer: Jason Latour

Art and Cover: Chris Brunner

Colors: Rico Renzi

$3.99 (please note size: 7 - ¼” x 11”)


"Smart as a weasel. Pretty as a southern sunrise. Raw as a freshly stabbed knife wound. LOOSE ENDS is all that. As well as just flat-out good. Damn good." - Jason Aaron (SCALPED, WOLVERINE)

No one seemed to notice Sonny Gibson as he stepped back into ‘The Hideaway’; a dusty little honky-tonk nestled off the Carolina highway. But before the night was over, Sonny would be on the run. From the law, from the criminals, even from himself.

LOOSE ENDS is a gritty, slow cooked, "southern crime romance", that follows a winding trail down Tobacco Road, through the war torn streets of Baghdad, and into the bright lights and bloody gutters of South Florida...12-Gauge style.

* Look for the LOOSE ENDS preview in the FCBD edition of I.C.E.!



####

About the Publisher

12-Gauge Comics was founded by Keven Gardner in 2004 and currently publishes some of the most successful and critically acclaimed independent comic books in the marketplace today. 12-Gauge members Jason Pearson, Brian Stelfreeze, Cully Hamner, and Doug Wagner are creating new and innovative multi-media concepts for the company, including Pearson’s run-away hit BODY BAGS and THE RIDE, which debuted as the top-selling black and white comic of the year in 2004. After solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with by packaging THE O.C.T. (Occult Crimes Taskforce), an original comic book concept co-created and starring actress ROSARIO DAWSON. THE O.C.T. has been featured on “The Today Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Access Hollywood,” and many other media outlets.

In 2009 12-Gauge began to firmly solidify its unique identity by publishing under its own banner (prior titles were through Image Comics), starting with the company's first licensed property, THE BOONDOCK SAINTS: The Comic Series -- which made a major splash. With all new stories by series creator/director TROY DUFFY, the comics have been selling-out and exposing the 12-Gauge brand to an all-new audience. 12-Gauge then moved into the untapped market of country music with superstar recording artist TRACE ADKINS. In LUKE MC BAIN, Adkins lends his likeness to a hard-as-nails character in an adventure story of revenge and redemption. Trace went on a wide publicity tour for the comics; highlights being a guest appearance on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and a feature story in “USA Today”. 2010 closed strong with the release of 25 TO LIFE, a limited series that pushed the boundaries of the traditional law enforcement procedural.

2011 looks equally promising; the recently launched high-concept series MAGUS is rewriting the world of magic as we know it. R.P.M., from NYT #1 Bestselling author MICK FOLEY, is a crossover hit, and the just announced action-franchise I.C.E. is generating strong buzz in the industry. Other 2011 titles include the zombie-noir themed DEADTOWN and the gritty crime drama LOOSE ENDS. For more information, please visit www.12gaugecomics.com or email info@12gaugecomics.com.
PLANET OF THE APES #1
SEES PRE-RELEASE SELL OUT!



"RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES"
MOVIE TRAILER
DRIVES
NEW ROUND OF APES-MANIA
&
PHENOMENAL AMOUNT OF
LATE-BREAKING ADVANCED REORDERS
LEADING TO UNPRECEDENTED
PRE-RELEASE SELL OUT



ISSUE #1 WILL BE AVAILABLE
AT YOUR LOCAL COMIC SHOP
THIS WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2011



April 25, 2011 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios is excited to announce that PLANET OF THE APES #1 is sold out...days before release! Fans everywhere have been buzzing with Apes-mania since the recent unveiling of the RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES movie trailer, leading comic book retailers to make a phenomenal amount of late-breaking advanced reorders for BOOM! Studios' PLANET OF THE APES #1 and creating this unprecedented pre-release sell out!

BOOM! Studios will be working closely this week with Diamond Comic Distributors and Haven Distributors in evaluating demand for a second printing.

While BOOM! Studios, Diamond Comic Distributors and Haven Distributors are sold out of PLANET OF THE APES #1, comic shops across the nation will have the first printing of PLANET OF THE APES #1 this Wednesday, April 27, 2011 available for sale. So make sure you get a copy before it's gone! Don't know where to find your nearest comic shop? Please use www.comicshoplocator.com.



“The support behind this series is astounding,” says BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. “A sell out before the on-sale date is a huge feat that only goes to show how excited the people are for Apes in general, and this comic in particular. With such a fantastic creative team like Daryl Gregory and Carlos Magno on the series, fans can be sure to expect only the best Apes action issue after issue.”

“I'd like to personally thank the creative team behind PLANET OF THE APES for delivering a first issue that floored us from the first page,” says BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “From the script, to the art to the colors and lettering, once all the pieces started coming together we knew this series was going to be huge. PLANET OF THE APES fans, prepare for a lot of surprises and thrills because this is just the beginning!”

Taking place before the original 1968 PLANET OF THE APES movie — but true to the continuity of the first five films — BOOM! Studios' PLANET OF THE APES #1 begins in a time when Ape society reaches a new golden age. But there are ripples of dissent in both the ape and human ranks. Tensions will rise and soon all will be caught in chaos! Amidst all this uncertainty...what is the fate of The Lawgiver?

Written by Daryl Gregory with art by Carlos Magno, PLANET OF THE APES #1 ships with an A & B cover by Karl Richardson and Carlos Magno respectively, a special 1-in-10 "Damn Dirty Apes" incentive cover and a retailer variant for Larry's Comics by Chad Hardin! This title ships April 27th, 2011 and carries a Diamond Code of FEB110852.

About BOOM! Studios
Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent, including Mark Waid's series IRREDEEMABLE, Stan Lee’s SOLDIER ZERO, THE TRAVELER, and STARBORN (the first new series in print from the industry icon in 20 years), new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker as well as 20th Century Fox’s PLANET OF THE APES, 28 DAYS LATER, and DIE HARD, Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, and The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE. BOOM!’s recently rebranded all-ages imprint, KABOOM! will see publication of PEANUTS, SPACE WARPED, Roger Langridge’s SNARKED, Scholastic’s WORDGIRL and DUCKTALES, as well as continuing to publish fan-favorite Disney Afternoon series DARKWING DUCK, CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS along with Disney standards MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE, and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES.
The Road to TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON Begins

Prequel comics offer first taste of hugely anticipated film

Movie adaptation launching May 25th


[TF Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation image]San Diego, CA (April 25, 2011) – Starting today, TRANSFORMERS fans worldwide can begin the journey to TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON, one of the summer’s most anticipated movies, set to be released by Paramount Pictures on July 1, 2011. Coming from IDW Publishing and Hasbro, two monthly comic series give readers the first look at this intergalactic adventure. TRANFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - RISING STORM leads right into the mega events of the film, while TRANFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - FOUNDATION offers the never-before-seen tale of how OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON became bitter enemies.

“With a third sure-to-be-blockbuster film on the way, we’re presented with a unique opportunity to really get to the heart of the conflict between OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON,” said series editor Andy Schmidt. “These are the most character-driven stories we’ve told yet.”

Written by comics mainstay John Barber, the four-issue series TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - FOUNDATION explores the most hidden secrets of CYBERTRON, with the masterful art of Andrew Griffith. The second four-issue series, TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - RISING STORM, sets the stage for the biggest, boldest threat to both Earth and CYBERTRON yet, brought to life in gripping detail by artist Carlos Magno. “Rising Storm focuses on the direct threat in the new film and how these new players set the stage for the climactic finale in the film,” says Schmidt. Several issues of both series are available in comic stores throughout North America, with the graphic novels launching on May 18th wherever books are sold.

“We had a lot of lead-time on the TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON books, which has allowed our artists to bring their A-game and try new things. These are going to be the best looking TRANSFORMERS books to date,” added Schmidt. “We’re reaching a new level with these and we’re all happy with the outcome.”

Coming on May 25th, fans can get a sneak peek of all the movie action with TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON MOVIE ADAPTATION, written by John Barber with art by Jorge Jimenez Moreno. The AUTOBOTS, led by OPTIMUS PRIME, are back in action, taking on the DECEPTICONS, who are determined to avenge their last defeat, as favorite heroes return in a face-off against MEGATRON and STARSCREAM.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - RISING STORM #1 #2, #3 ($3.99 each, 32 pages, full color) are now available in stores.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - RISING STORM #4 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in May.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON – RISING STORM ($17.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores on May 18, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-60010-918-5

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - FOUNDATION #1, #2 ($3.99 each, 32 pages, full color) are now available in stores.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - FOUNDATION #3 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores on April 27, 2011.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - FOUNDATION #4 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in May.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON - FOUNDATION ($17.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores on May 18, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-60010-918-8

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON MOVIE ADAPTATION ($17.99, 104 pages, full color) will be available in stores on May 25, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-60010-917-1


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

About IDW Publishing 
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC's Doctor Who; Toho’s Godzilla and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio; and is the print publisher for EA Comics.

IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.


About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About the Film
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON, is directed by Michael Bay, written by Ehren Kruger and produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. © 2011 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved.