CONTRABAND COMICS LAUNCHES!

Creator-Owned Publisher Set For Digital Debut!

August 15, 2012, Tempe, AZ—Creativity feeds off creativity, ever seeking new inspiration—ever providing that next spark. Each generation inspires the next to improve—to go beyond. Each advancement in the creation and/or delivery of imagination pushes the boundaries of what can and cannot be. This document is not a selling point. It is a call to arms disguised as a sales pitch. It is an introduction to a revolution that is already underway. A revolution sparked by those who, through the years, have been fearless enough to conquer new ground, and given rise by new technologies that empower the mass dissemination of creativity outside the limits of well-established tradition.

Contraband Comics (and other independently crafted, funded and imagined outlets for the delivery of storytelling) is what happens when the tools used to create and provide content evolve to a state that allows for the rapid exchange of ideas/stories/nightmares/daydreams between creator(s) and audience.

Formed by writer, Jon Goff (Spawn, Halo Evolutions), as an outlet for creator-owned comic book projects that span the vast range of genres, topics and acceptable behavior, Contraband has but one goal…to entertain (not everyone…but anyone).

Showcasing top artistic talent, both established and up-and-coming, Contraband Comics’ initial wave of books features stories co-created and illustrated by Marat Mychaels (Grifter, Deadpool Corps), Travis Sengaus (The Adventures of Spawn) and Jim Hanna (Philly, Spotlight).

“Creating comics isn’t easy…but it’s never been easier,” said Goff. “What we’re trying to do with Contraband, aside from telling the best stories we can, is to show that this can be done. And not just by us…by anyone. The tools are there, and the talent exists—you can see it all across the Web—all that remains is the drive and—just as important—the inspiration.”

To that end, Contraband has teamed with iVerse Media, who will be handling the digital distribution of Contraband’s titles, exclusively through their Comics Plus app.

“I love comics—good, old-fashioned print comics—as much as anyone, and we will be working to make each of our books available to retailers moving forward,” Goff continued, “but as we launch, our focus will be on digital distribution and the team at iVerse has shown amazing support for not only what we’re doing, but also creator-owned content as a whole. I don’t think we could’ve found a better home.”

Michael Murphey, CEO of iVerse Media, offered, "I've been fans of the guys at Contraband for years now. They're producing exciting, action packed comics that I can't wait to read. We're proud to have them exclusively in Comics Plus."

The first wave of Contraband titles consists of…

·      BLINDSIDE by Marat Mychaels (creator/illustrator) and Jon Goff (writer) – The worlds of superheroics and espionage merge head-on in an all-out, bullet-riddled, adrenaline rush blockbuster! Debuts August 22^nd exclusively on Comics Plus.

·      BIG HITTERS by Travis Sengaus (co-creator/illustrator) and Jon Goff (co-creator/writer) – This science-fiction action/adventure follows the exploits of a pair of sanctioned hitmen – called “Hitters” – as they navigate the seedy underbelly of an advanced post-war universe. Debuts September 5^th exclusively on Comics Plus.

·      JACK RABBIT by Jim Hanna (co-creator/illustrator) and Jon Goff (co-creator/writer) – A supernatural crime-noir thriller that follows an ex-boxer-turned-private detective as he investigates the darker corners of 1930’s Los Angeles, where truth and myth merge in a surreal mixture of violence and hope. Debuts September 19^th exclusively on Comics Plus.

For an advanced sneak peek the Contraband Universe, you can download the FREE Contraband Comics Primer, a 40-page comic book featuring the opening scenes from all three titles listed above (Big Hitters, Blindside, Jack Rabbit) exclusively through the Comics Plus app or by following the link below… http://digital.comicsplusapp.com/series_comic_details.php?product_id=com.iversecomics.contraband.comics.contraband.comics.primer.07092012

About Contraband Comics

Launched in 2012, Contraband Comics is a creator-owned, independent comic book publisher with a focus on providing quality titles across multiple genres. Founded by writer/artist, Jon Goff, and featuring a talented line-up of comic book creators, including Travis Sengaus, Marat Mychaels, Jim Hanna, Fco Plascencia, Comicraft and more, Contraband’s only goal is to entertain. Contrabrand Comics are available exclusively on iVerse Media’s ComicsPlus digital platform. Learn more about Contraband Comics on their Website: http://www.contracomics.com

About Jon Goff

Jon Goff has developed content for comic books, action figures and video games while working with many of the top companies across the entertainment industry, including The McFarlane Companies, 343 Industries, Microsoft Game Studios, Marvel Comics, MEGA Brands, Gentle Giant Studios, WETA Workshop, ABC Studios, Tor Books, DK Publishing, Prima Games and more. Jon’s credits include Tor Books’ Halo-themed anthology, Halo Evolutions, the monthly Spawn comic book title and The Adventures of SPAWN online comic. Follow Jon on Twitter: @Jonathan_Goff

About Marat Mychaels

Marat Mychaels (Grifter, Deadpool Corps) is a veteran of the comic book industry, having provided artwork for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics and more. Marat’s current focus is the launch of his creator-owned title, Blindside, as part of Contraband Comics, along with steady work on DC Comics New 52 titles, including Hawk and Dove and Grifter.  Follow Marat on Twitter: @MaratMychaels

About Travis Sengaus

Travis Sengaus is an illustrator and animator from Calgary, Alberta, who has provided artwork for various comic, video game and animation projects. His credits include The Adventures of SPAWN online comic book and production work for Table Taffy Studios.

Follow Travis on Twitter: @TravisSengaus

About Jim Hanna

Jim Hanna is an artist/writer based in Mesa, Arizona. He has provided art for Arcana Studio, Upper Deck, Red 5 Comics, Cryptozoic Entertainment and Marvel/The Hero Initiative. Jim’s newest project is the creator-owned title, Jack Rabbit, part of Contraband Comics’ initial wave of titles. Follow Jim on Twitter: @jimhanna

About iVerse Media. LLC

iVerse Media (http://www.iversemedia.com) is a digital content distributor focused on the world of comics and popular culture. Founded in 2008, the company was one of the first to launch digital comics on Apple’s iOS platform. As of April 2012, over 12 million products in the iOS App Store have been downloaded that are powered by iVerse, making the “iVerse Engine” one of the most popular and widely used platforms for reading digital comics in the world. The company is principally located in Waco, TX.

For more information, visit www.comicsplusapp.com.

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This has not been a sales pitch. This has been an introduction. What you choose to do with the information provided is beyond anyone’s control but your own. Join us, or go on your merry way. Better yet…carve your own path.