Friday, January 27, 2012

COMIC CREATORS REACT TO THE SECRET HISTORY OF DB COOPER!

With only two months left until the truth is made known, and amidst continued government interference, a handful of comic creators have decided to take the risk and read the first issue of Brian Churilla's THE SECRET HISTORY OF DB COOPER. Simply knowing the truth is dangerous enough, but in a show of support they have all stepped forward to add their praise to the upcoming comic! THE SECRET HISTORY OF DB COOPER hits comic stores world wide on March 14th 2012. The truth will be known!

"DANG!  Killer! This comic is CRAZY COOL, beautiful to look at and a blast to read!"
-Michael Allred (Madman, iZOMBIE)

“Few people can pull off the strangeness and monster boogie the way Brian Churilla does with THE SECRET HISTORY OF D. B. COOPER. He takes history and conspiracy and samurai swords and one-eared teddy bears, tosses them in a blender with lots of slime-dripping beasties, and mixes up a story of mental warfare that goes down nice and smooth. Here's a secret that deserves to see the light of day.”
-Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Wolverine)

"This is the book Brian Churilla was born to create. Eerie, compelling, energetic, fun … packed with monsters, mystery, mind-tripping and mayhem. I can't wait to delve deeper into the secrets…"
-Kurt Busiek (Astro City)

"A dazzling work of sheer lunacy. Everything you want from a conspiracy comic, plus, Monsters!"
-Joshua Hale Fialkov (I; Vampire, Echoes)

"The only mystery more confounding than the ultimate fate of D.B. Cooper is why Brian Churilla isn't already the biggest thing in comics. After readers get a look at THE SECRET HISTORY OF D.B. COOPER that will change in a hurry."
-Phillip Hester (Wonder Woman, The Darkness)

"Brian Churilla has taken one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century and transformed it into one of the most innovative comics of the 21st. THE SECRET HISTORY OF DB COOPER is absolutely required reading."
-Joe Keatinge, (Glory, Hell Yeah)

"Wow. I love this book."
-Mike Mignola (Hellboy)

"I love what [Brian] does, it has so much punch, vitality, and fun in it... The book is loaded with fun stuff: inter-dimensional travel, intrigue, otherworldly monsters, a wicked little teddy bear... you won’t be disappointed!"
-J.H. Willaims III (Batwoman)

"A super surreal pulp-infused assassin story topped up with violence and sass."
-Jim Zub (Skullkickers, Makeshift Miracle)
Reminder:  Ron Marz comes to Northern Virginia with Baltimore Comic-Con
 
Ron Marz Artifacts #15 coverBALTIMORE, MARYLAND - January 27, 2012 -As a last-minute reminder, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter Marc Nathan is bringing superstar writer Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo) to the Shoff Baseball & Sports Card Shows & Comic Book & Nonsports Card Show in Tyson's Corner, VA this Sunday, January 29th.  Stop by to see Ron and Marc, discuss this year's show, and buy some comics and cards!  Marc will also have Exhibitor and Artist Alley forms for this years convention on September 8th and 9th.   

For more information about Shoff show, please go to their website, http://shoffpromotions.com/.  The January 29th event will be held at the Tysons Corner, VA Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn), 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22102 from 10am-3:30pm, and admission is only $3/person.  Be sure to stop by!

On Saturday, January 28th, Ron will be stopping by Cards Comics & Collectibles of Reisterstown, MD, 100 A Chartley Drive, Reisterstown, MD  21136 from 11am-2pm (which will feature 50% off trade paperbacks and hardcovers during Ron's visit!) and Laughing Ogre Comics in Fairfax, VA, 10647 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032-2202 from 4pm-7pm.

Guest List
The 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con will feature the following announced guests:

Laura & Michael Allred - Madman, iZombie
Greg Capullo - Batman, Spawn
Frank Cho - Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows
Steve Conley - Bloop
Rich Faber - Roboy Red
John Gallagher - Buzzboy
Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez - Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman
Keith Giffen - Superman, OMAC, Green Arrow
Larry Hama - G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The 'Nam
Dean Haspiel - Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City
J.G. Jones - Wanted, Doc Savage
Scott Kurtz - PvPonline.com
David Mack - Kabuki 
Ron Marz - Artifacts, Voodoo
David Petersen - Mouse Guard
Frank Quitely - All Star Superman, Batman & Robin
Walter Simonson - Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers
Scott Snyder - Batman , Severed, Swamp Thing
Billy Tucci - A Child Is Born, Shi
Matt Wagner - Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel
Mark Waid - Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredemable
 
...With more on the way!  Stay tuned to our website or use the "Sign up" link at the bottom of our website to receive update announcements as we make them!
 
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 13th 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 September 8-9, 2012. 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 7 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.
VIZ MEDIA BRINGS THE WONDROUS MINIATURE ADVENTURES OF STUDIO GHIBLI’S
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY TO READERS IN A NEW SERIES OF BOOKS

Releases Based On The New The Film By Hayao Miyazaki’s Famed Animation Studio Include Film Comics, Art And Picture Books

San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings the miniaturized adventure of famed Studio Ghibli’s newest animated creation – THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY – to readers everywhere with a collection of ARRIETTY film comics, art and picture books set to debut on February 7th, 2012. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is scheduled for North American theatrical release on February 17th, 2012.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is based on the celebrated novel, The Borrowers, by Mary Norton and was produced by Studio Ghibli, the famed animation company founded by Hayao Miyazaki, which also created Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo. The new film, with planning/screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, will feature the voice talents of Bridget Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett and Will Arnett for its English language release.

Arrietty isn’t your ordinary fourteen-year-old girl – she is small enough to make her home under the floorboards of a typical house, “borrowing” what she and her family need from the giants in whose shadows they live. A young boy named Shawn befriends Arrietty, but when adults discover the Borrowers, Arrietty and Shawn must work together to save her family.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY PICTURE BOOK · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN · Available February 7th, 2012
The colorful and easy-to-read THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY Picture Book is a full-color hardcover edition that will appeal to younger readers especially. The book uses the vividly colored animation cel art from the feature film combined with simplified text to retell the story of Arrietty and her adventures.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY FILM COMICS · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $16.99 U.S. each / $19.99 CAN each · Available February 7th, 2012
The official 2-volume film comic of THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY re-tells the film’s story with vivid full-color frames.

THE ART OF THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN · Available February 7th, 2012
Co-founded by the legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli films enthrall and enchant audiences across the world. The Art of series gives fans the opportunity to follow their favorite film from initial concept to the silver screen, thanks to hundreds of sketches, concept drawings, and animation cels, plus in-depth interviews with the creators.

“Fans and readers of all ages won’t want to miss these new additions to VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli Library of titles,” says Masumi Washington, Senior Director, Editorial. “Studio Ghibli has mastered the ability to tell poignant and engaging stories that captivate both children and adults, and their latest film, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY, continues this tradition. Our forthcoming picture book and film comics are fun ways for young readers to visit the world of ARRIETTY while the gorgeous art book will be a must-have for the ardent Studio Ghibli fan or those who want to know more about the evolution of the film. Discover the adventures in-store for this band of ‘borrowers’ in these new releases scheduled for February!”

More information on VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli titles is available at www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.
John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man: Artist’s Edition in Stores February 1st!
IDW and Marvel present classic stories, all scanned from original art
 
[Spider Man Artist Edition Cover]San Diego, CA (January 27, 2012)— JOHN ROMITA’S THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: ARTIST’S EDITION is the next book in the ongoing Artist’s Edition series from IDW Publishing. Collecting six classic issues from Romita’s stellar run on The Amazing Spider-Man, each and every page scanned from the original art and presented at full size, the same as it looked on Romita’s drawing table.

“It’s such a treat to put these books together and be able to get up close and see pages by great artists, like John Romita,” said Artist’s Editions Editor, Scott Dunbier “His work is so precise and clean, he is one of the true masters of the Silver Age of comics.”

As Harry Knowles of Aintitcool.com wrote, “Track this puppy down–go down to your local comic shop and pre-order it. You don’t want to try picking this up on the second hand market.” John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man: Artist’s Edition is in stores on February 1st.

[Spider Man Interior Page]What is an Artist’s Edition? Artist’s Editions are printed the same size as the original art. While appearing to be in black & white, each page has been scanned in COLOR to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art—for example, you are able to clearly see paste-overs, blue pencils in the art, editorial notes, art corrections. Each page is printed the same size as drawn, and the paper selected is as close as possible to the original art board.

Previous Artist’s Editions include DAVE STEVENS’ THE ROCKETEER: ARTIST’S EDITION and WALTER SIMONSON’S THE MIGHTY THOR: ARTIST’S EDITION. The ROCKETEER ARTIST’S EDITION won two Eisner Awards last year, for Best Archival Project and Best Design.

JOHN ROMITA’S THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: ARTIST’S EDITION ($100, hardcover, black and white, 152 pages,) will be available in stores in February. ISBN: 978-1-61377-144-0.

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 Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.  For more information visit www.marvel.com
.
IMAGE TO CAPTURE THE SECOND VOLUME OF MORIARTY
Moriarty: The Lazarus Tree Gets Collected in March
 
 
Writer Daniel Corey returns in March with more adventures of the nefarious Professor Moriarty, arch nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, in MORIARTY: THE LAZARUS TREE VOL 2 TP from Image Comics. Collecting issues #5 through #9 of the ongoing series, MORIARTY: THE LAZARUS TREE features artwork from Anthony Diecidue (Stan Lee's TIME JUMPER) and comic book legend Mike Vosburg (HBO Tales from the Crypt), with colors by Perry Freeze and letters and design by Dave Lanphear.
 
Following the misdeeds of the original supervillain, it is 20 years after the death of Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty finds himself afflicted with unsettling visions. He sets sail for Burma in search of an old ally, but finds himself caught up in a city on the brink of revolt, a troublesome Imperial Policeman, and a secret that holds the key to his destiny.
 
Here's what reviewers are saying about MORIARTY: THE LAZARUS TREE:
 
TOP TEN ONGOING COMICS OF 2011 - ComicBook.com
 
"To me, the book is what I imagine Kubrick's take on Holmes lore might be..."The Daily BLAM!
 
"Professor Moriarty is treated with the respect a villain of his caliber should be treated. Pick it up!" - Impulse Gamer
 
"It's fast-paced, entertaining and extremely clever..." - Comiclist
 
"This comic is a lot of fun. It’s really easy to get caught up in the adventure of MORIARTY and Corey has crafted a villain of such diabolic proportions." - Freakin Awesome Network
 
"...It’s an incredible adventure that’ll leave you begging for more by the time you reach the final panel." TOP FIVE BOOKS OF 2011 - Mass Movement Magazine
 
MORIARTY: THE LAZARUS TREE, VOL. 2 TP, a 136-page full-color paperback, will be on sale in stores March 14th for $14.99 and is available to order in the January 2012 edition of Diamond Previews (JAN120526, ISBN: 978-1-60706-490-9). For more information, please visit www.professorjamesmoriarty.com and www.facebook.com/daniel.corey.
 
About Daniel Corey
Daniel Corey is a director, screenwriter, playwright, and novelist. He has authored screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, two comic series, and a novel.
 
About Anthony Diecidue
Anthony’s work includes principal art for Stan Lee and Walt Disney Home Entertainment's digital motion comic series TIME JUMPER, MORTAL KOMBAT VS. DC COMICS for Midway Games, PROPHET with writer Daniel Corey at DangerKatt Creative Studio and MORIARTY with Daniel Corey for Image Comics.
 
About Mike Vosburg
Mike Vosburg has worked for Marvel and DC as well as drawing the entire run of cover inserts for the HBO Tales from the Crypt series, and winning an Emmy as a director on the HBO animated series Spawn. Most recently Mike has storyboarded The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawntreader and Journey to the Center of the Earth.
 
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.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

FUNNY VALENTINES: A TRIBUTE TO JACK DAVIS 
Group Art Exhibition Opens February 11 At Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery

January 25, 2012 – Seattle, WA. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery celebrates the legacy of legendary artist Jack Davis with a group exhibition “Funny Valentines: A Tribute to Jack Davis” opening Saturday, February 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Davis is among the most influential American artists of his time. He created comics art for the seminal EC imprint and contributed to subversive magazines like MAD, as well as illustrating popular record albums, memorable movie posters, trading cards, mainstream magazines, and advertising campaigns.

Seattle-based Fantagraphics Books recently published the career retrospective Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture. To commemorate the occasion, a stellar group of accomplished artists from diverse disciplines have created works demonstrating the influence of this prolific artist. Between 1959 and 1963, Davis drew four sets of “Funny Valentines” for the Topps trading card company. This series provided the inspiration for the show, which features two-dozen contemporary cartoonists, illustrators, graphic designers, and fine artists. Exhibiting artists include Peter Bagge, Nikki Burch, Art Chantry, Tom Dougherty, Jesse Edwards, Ellen Forney, Art Garcia, Roberta Gregory, Charles Krafft, Jason T. Miles, Pat Moriarity, Tom Neely, Joe Newton, Ries Niemi, John Ohannesian, Augie Pagan, Eric Reynolds, Bob Rini, Johnny Ryan, Frank Santoro, SHAG, Matthew Southworth, and Jim Woodring. Original works by Jack Davis will also be displayed.

The opening reception on Saturday, February 11 promises to be a festive affair. Davis will appear at 6:30 PM via Skype from his home in Atlanta. Many exhibiting artists will also be present. A limited number of advance copies of Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture will be available with a special signed bookplate. Please join us to pay homage to this extraordinary artist. This event coincides with the 4th anniversary installment of the colorful Georgetown Art Attack, featuring visual and performing arts presentations throughout the historic neighborhood.


FUNNY VALENTINES: A TRIBUTE TO JACK DAVIS
An exhibition featuring Peter Bagge, Nikki Burch, Art Chantry, Jack Davis, Tom Dougherty, Jesse Edwards, Ellen Forney, Art Garcia, Roberta Gregory, Charles Krafft, Jason T. Miles, Pat Moriarity, Tom Neely, Joe Newton, Ries Niemi, John Ohannesian, Augie Pagan, Eric Reynolds, Bob Rini, Johnny Ryan, Frank Santoro, SHAG, Matthew Southworth, and Jim Woodring. 

Opening Reception Saturday, February 11, 6:00 to 9:00 PM 

Exhibition continues through March 7, 2012

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery 
1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport Way S,) 
Seattle, WA 98108 | 206.658.0110 
Open daily 11:30 – 8:00 PM, Sunday until 5:00 PM
Get ready to rumble as wrestling legends Jake "the Snake" Roberts & the Honky Tonk Man invade the Calgary Expo 
(Calgary, Ab) The Calgary Expo will be laying the smackdown this April as they prepare for the arrival of Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Kizarny aka Dr. Nick Sinnful, Honky Tonk Man and Mr. Beefy Goodness.

Jake “The Snake” Robertshas been one of the most infamous names in wrestling for over 20 years.  Some of his competitors include fellow Calgary Expo guest Honky Tonk Man as well as the late Andre the Giant.  Jake was the creator of the DDT finishing move. He’s known for the use of various snakes during his act including a reticulated python and a devenomized cobra.

Honky Tonk Manis best known for his work with the WWF but has also worked extensively for the WCW.  He held the WWF Intercontinental Championship for a record 64 weeks, and many opponents felt the wrath of his Shake Rattle ‘N Roll. He is currently touring the independent circuit and has competed against some of the ring’s biggest names including Jake the Snake and Hulk Hogan.

Kizarnyis a Canadian wrestler, writer, artist and publisher. As well as working for the WWE, Kizarny has also wrestled for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and is currently is touring with the independent circuit.  He co-created a book with his brother titled Between Chapters and is responsible for writing, illustrating and publishing the comic book series Fred the Possessed Flower.

Mr. Beefy Goodnessaka Vance Nevada has over thirty years of wrestling experience under his belt.  Since his debut in 1993, he has won several titles and has over 1300 professional matches under his belt.  Some of his competitors in the ring include Honky Tonk Man, Cyrus the Virus and Tatanka.

“I grew up watching wrestling, it was a big part of my childhood,” states Event Director Kandrix Foong. “I started getting into it with Wrestlemania III, which featured Jake the Snake and the Honky Tonk Man. Having wrestlers at our show adds an energy that’s both electrifying and nostalgic.  Calgary has such a rich wrestling history, and I’m really excited for them to attend – as I’m sure a lot of our fans will be.”

The Calgary Expois a non-profit organization that showcases the incredible talent of comic creators, artists, actors, voice actors, musicians, writers and pop culture icons from all over the world.  Founded in 2006, the convention has grown rapidly to become the 2nd largest pop culture convention in all of Canada with an attendance of 30,000 people in 2011.

Guests for the 2012 Calgary Expo currently include Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street), Amanda Tapping (Stargate: SG-1, Sanctuary), Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica, 24), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Adam West (original Batman), voice actor Tara Strong (My Little Pony: Friendship is magic and The Powerpuff Girls), Hayden Panettiere (Heroes, Scream 4), Adam Baldwin (Serenity, Firefly, Full Metal Jacket), John Noble (Fringe), Dave Prowse (Star Wars) Tom Felton (Harry Potter 1-8), Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica), Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers in the 25th Century), Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), and Billy West and John DiMaggio (Futurama)
 
The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo will be held April 27 – 29, 2012 at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Advanced tickets are now on sale at www.calgaryexpo.com
 
For more information, visit our website at www.calgaryexpo.com
eFX Inc. Enters the Marvel Universe
With a New Line of Prop Replicas
to be Introduced This Spring

Limited-Edition Prop Replicas and Collectibles Based on Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and More to be Revealed in 2012
                   BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2012) After making full-scale prop replicas and collectibles for some of the most iconic science-fiction, fantasy and action franchises of all time, eFX Inc. announced today that it will unveil an all-new line based on film and comics characters in the Marvel Universe.
                  eFX, which has acquired worldwide rights to create Marvel collectibles, plans to reveal its new line of Marvel collectibles in the first quarter of 2012, and to display the first collectible prop replicas from the upcoming Marvel film The Avengers at WonderCon in Anaheim, Calif., from March 16 to March 18.
                  Included in its initial line-up of limited-edition Marvel collectibles are expected to be Captain America shield, Thor’s hammer and a full-scale Iron Man Mark V mask.  As fans worldwide anxiously await the May 4 theatrical release of The Avengers – which brings together some of the most famous Super Heroes ever created – eFX will continue introducing new Marvel-based collectibles based on these incredible characters.
In addition to prop replicas and high-end collectibles, eFX will also offer a series
of items inspired by Marvel characters and properties, which, like the replicas, will be available on its website at www.efxcollectibles.com and at select retail locations.  Prices are expected range from $49 to $1,500 and more.
                  “The Marvel universe is extraordinary, diverse and exciting – just like Marvel’s fans around the world – and we are really eager for them to see what we are creating with guidance and input from the Marvel team,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc. “Marvel’s comics and movies offer virtually endless possibilities for absolutely incredible propreplicas.”
                  Since its inception more than four years ago, eFX has created the highest quality, limited-edition collectibles based on many of the most recognized and iconic properties in the world.  Many of its sold-out, limited-edition creations are prized and sought-after by fans.
                  Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and other characters from the Marvel universe join an incredible list of properties within the eFX portfolio, including the Star Wars Saga, Star Trek, the original Battlestar Galactica, and classic Disney movies.
                  More details about eFX’s current and upcoming collectible pieces can be found at the eFX Inc. website, www.efxcollectibles.com

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety ofmedia over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
ONI PRESS UNVEILS NEW COMPANY LOGO
Independent comics publisher Oni Press is adopting a brand new look! Now a respected mainstay with a dedication to creator-driven comic books, Oni Press entered the publishing game late in 1997, at a time when the comic industry was down and conventional wisdom had suggested it would never bounce back. Over the next decade-and-a-half, the company beat the odds, producing a consistently successful line of comics and graphic novels while adapting to expanding markets and new technologies.  To honor this bold new future, Oni Press has reimagined its most recognizable feature: the company logo. 
Yep, for the first time since we started publishing in 1997, we’ve done a complete overhaul of our logo,” wrote Oni Press editor-in-chief James Lucas Jones in an e-mail to the company's creator base. “The original Oni Press logo was designed by the amazing Dave Gibbons and based on a small trinket that publisher Joe Nozemack’s brother had brought back with him from a trip to Japan. It’s an iconic image that has served us well for a long time. We can’t thank Dave enough for contributing such a significant piece of our company’s brand and identity.”
Jones joined Oni Press in 1999, beginning as an assistant editor before helming books like Brian Wood and Steve Rolston's Pounded and Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim series. “As Oni Press has evolved over the last several years,” he continued, “we felt it was time for a change. We’re not the same company we were in 1997 and Art Director Keith Wood has continually raised the bar in terms of our books' design and packaging. It was time to let him loose on the company’s core iconography. Throughout 2011, Keith worked with Cory Casoni (Director of Sales & Marketing), Joe Nozemack (Publisher), and myself to narrow down the pool of potential designs and refine his initial concepts into the modern, versatile, and downright awesome logo that will soon adorn all of our new comics.”

Fittingly, the new logo will debut on one of Oni Press' newest and most original acquisitions:
Brian Churilla’s The Secret History of D.B. Cooper. The first issue of this full-color series ships to comic book stores on March 14, 2012. The revamped Oni Press icon will appear on all books following, and there will also be merchandise and promotional items featuring the image available at conventions throughout the year.
“This is only the beginning,” promises Director of Marketing Cory Casoni. “We have plenty of big announcements and new publishing initiatives on the way. It would be easy for us to rest on our laurels, but instead we're going to make the next couple of years our biggest yet.”


CAMILLA D'ERRICO'S
TANPOPO
COMING FROM
BOOM! STUDIOS
IN MARCH!


January 26, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios brings the beautiful world of artist Camilla d' Errico to life this March with her new hardcover graphic novel TANPOPO.

This stunning visual journey combines stories of old with Camilla d'Errico's unique artistic style. TANPOPO brings to life the story of a mysterious young girl, Tanpopo, who takes a journey to experience true emotion. The story of Tanpopo is inspired and narrated by passages from classic literature and poetry. The words and images are woven together, telling Tanpopo’s story as she is guided by the Faustian devil, Kuro, on her journey into the world of humanity and what it means to feel.

The chapters in this volume are reflective of Goethe’s Faust, Samuel L. Coleridge’s Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, and Psu Sung Ling’s Strange Stories From a Chinese Studio. The result is a text that dances hand-in-hand with d’Errico’s ethereal artwork; manga and poetry fused to create its own unique beauty.

“TANPOPO is a completely new type of book,” says Matt Gagnon, Editor-in-Chief of BOOM! Studios. “It is a new graphic novel experience that combines an Camilla's unique aesthetic in both the storytelling format and character development. We're combining classic literature with her ephemeral art.”
“I love teaming up with creators like this,” says Ross Richie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BOOM! Studios. “We used Kickstarter in a new way to bring the public comics that they might never see otherwise. Camilla d'Errico's work is both lovely and literary. We are proud to bring books like this into the market."

Tanpopo (the Japanese word for Dandelion) is superhumanly intelligent and inhumanly emotionless. Attached to a mysterious machine, she is ruled by her mind and vast knowledge. But one day, her heart rises up to struggle against her ruling mind. Torn and confused, she now seeks her humanity, longing to feel what other humans feel.

Kuro, disguising himself as The Poodle, hears Tanpopo's lamentations, and promises her that she can experience all human emotions, especially love and happiness. Alas, this kind of offer doesn’t come without a price … Kuro is The Devil in disguise, and he is after Tanpopo’s Soul. The series follows Tanpopo’s journey into the human world, as she is confronted with the reality of life and death. As she goes out into the world, she meets a variety of characters and is plunged into challenging obstacles.

TANPOPO, written and drawn by Camilla d'Errico, will ship this March. This title features the first 3 chapters of her self-published work as well as an all new chapter that finishes this volume for a total of 176 pages of story. This book carries a price point of $24.99 with a Diamond Code of JAN120963.


About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) is 2009 and 2010’s “Best Publisher” and an Eisner and Harvey Award winner, generating a constellation of bestselling comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent, including Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, 28 DAYS LATER, and Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KABOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Roger Langridge’s SNARKED, and Scholastic’s WORDGIRL. BOOM!’s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler’s I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER.
TopWare announces 3SwitcheD Retail Box
Intergalactic entertainment in six thrilling levels!

Karlsruhe, Germany January 26th - TopWare Interactive announced today the European retail release of 3SwitcheD™, an arcade-puzzle game for MAC and PC.

3SwitcheD™ combines classic “match-three” style gameplay with vibrant visuals and innovative glasses-free 3D. The new “3D-ETTM” technology utilizes the common cameras found in most laptops, desktops and smartphones to give players 3D perspective control by tracking their eye and head movements.

The game may offer innovative new technology, but at the heart of “3SwitcheD™” lies the solid, time tested “match-three” style gameplay that will keep players engaged for hours on end. If the entrancing gameplay isn’t enough on its own, players can compete for dominance on a live global leaderboard.

3SwitcheD™ has something for everyone, from the casual gameplay to the competitive ranking system; this game is fun for the whole family.

For more information please visit: www.3SwitcheD.com
For more information about "3D-ET" please visit: www.3d-et.com


About TopWare Interactive
TopWare Interactive, headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, is an international interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1991, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software on most current gen gaming platforms including PC, MAC, Xbox 360®, PlayStation® 3, and Wii™. A privately held company, TopWare is the first German based company appointed as a licensed worldwide publisher for both Microsoft and Sony for their respective platforms, and has additional offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and Petaluma, California.

MoCCA’s Winter/Spring Comics and Animation Classes Start February 7th!
 
NEW YORK (January 18, 2012) – The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art – MoCCA – is proud to announce the winter/spring offerings from its Adult Education Department, organized and headed by Senior Vice-President of Education, Danny Fingeroth:
 
The classes are:
 
HOW TO WRITE COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
with DANNY FINGEROTH
 

and

 

DRAWING FOR ANIMATED CARTOONS: Design and Storyboarding

with STEPHEN DeSTEFANO
 
and
 
THE ART AND TECHNIQUE OF COMIC BOOK INKING
with PHYLLIS NOVIN
 
and
 
COMICS STORYTELLING WORKSHOP INTENSIVE [one session]
with DEAN HASPIEL
 
 
and
 
MoCCA MASTER CLASS SERIES:
                                  
            PAUL LEVITZ                       FEBRUARY 7
            PETER DAVID                     MARCH 20
 
 
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS!
Register early and save on tuition!
Details below!
 
 

About the classes:

 
HOW TO WRITE COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
Instructor: DANNY FINGEROTH
4 sessions, MONDAYS February 27; March 5, 12, & 19   
6:30 PM-9:00 PM
 
TUITION:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by February 15:
$250 | $240 for MoCCA members
Register after February 15:
$285 | $275 for MoCCA members
 
 
DANNY FINGEROTH will lead a hands-on workshop in writing comics and graphic novels, suitable for novices as well as experienced writers. Combining lectures, assignments in class and at home, and roundtable critiquing, the class will cover writing for all kinds of comics, including autobiographical, historical, “indy” and superheroes.
 
Note: Please come to the first session with three “springboards” (short ideas for stories). We will choose one to be your project for the course.
 
 
DANNY FINGEROTH was the longtime group editor of Marvel's Spider-Man line and the writer of comics including Darkhawk and Deadly Foes of Spider-Man. He has taught comics writing at NYU, The New School, Media Bistro, and at The MiMaster Institute in Milan, Italy. Danny created and edited Write Now magazine, the only how-to publication dedicated to comics writing and writers. He is the author of The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels and co-author (with artist Mike Manley) of How to Create Comics from Script to Print. He's also written the books Superman on the Couch and Disguised as Clark Kent. His latest book, The Stan Lee Universe (from TwoMorrows), co-edited with Roy Thomas, is about the life and career of the writer who changed comics forever. Danny serves on MoCCA's board of advisors and on the board of directors of the Institute for Comics Studies.
 
 

DRAWING FOR ANIMATED CARTOONS: DESIGN AND STORYBOARDING

Instructor: STEPHEN DeSTEFANO
4  sessions,  MONDAYS March 26; April 2, 16, 23 [No class April 9]
6:30 PM-9:00 PM
 
TUITION:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by March 15:
$250 | $240 for MoCCA members
Register after March 15:
$285 | $275 for MoCCA members
 
In this eye-opening course, STEPHEN DeSTEFANO will focus on design and composition for characters, backgrounds and storyboards—in other words, on the overall drawing process for an animated production. The course will show you how to design characters and backgrounds from a script, and how to compose shots for storyboards from the same script—all with a focus on drawing.
 
NOTES:
 
(1) Tools required for class. 2 pencils, an eraser, a sense of humor.
(2) Students will be supplied with an animation script to work from from; model sheets of characters, props and backgrounds to incorporate into their storyboards; and several sheets of thumbnail and storyboard templates.
 
 
STEPHEN DeSTEFANO began his cartooning career in 1985 drawing the fondly remembered ‘Mazing Man for DC Comics. In 1992, he began working in television animation, drawing backgrounds for Nickelodeon's original Ren and Stimpy Show, eventually being promoted to storyboard artist. Studios and productions he has storyboarded for include Warner Bros (on Batman, Superman, Batman Beyond, and The Brave and the Bold); Universal Studios (on Earthworm Jim, Baby Huey, Beethoven, and The Woody Woodpecker Show); and Cartoon Network on several productions, including his own animated pilot film, The Thundermans. Stephen has served as an art director for Katbot, a Disney Television production, and as storyboard and design supervisor on Adult Swim's The Venture Brothers. (eventually being dubbed "the guru" by show creator Jackson Publick). He continues to work in animation, as well as comic books. His graphic novel, Lucky in Love (co-created with writer George Chieffet), was recently published by Fantagraphics Books.
 
 
 
THE ART AND TECHNIQUE OF COMIC BOOK INKING
Instructor: PHYLLIS NOVIN
4  sessions,  WEDNESAYS March 28; April 4, 18, 25 [No class April 11]
6:30 PM-8:30 PM
 
TUITION [includes materials fee*]:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by March 15:
$220 | $210 for MoCCA members 
Register after March 15:
$245 | $235 for MoCCA members 
 
[*Instructor will provide the following materials: brushes, copies of pencil art for students to work over, and printed information and reference.
 
Students must bring (and pay for) their own black ink, white ink, a Crow Quill pen with two nibs, and Frisket.]
 
 
This hands-on inking course, taught by PHYLLIS NOVIN, is designed for those new to comic book inking as well as for those who want to expand their basic inking skills. The course is primarily brush-orientated, but will also include instruction in the use of crow quill pens and other tools. Through working with these tools of the trade, you’ll learn inking techniques and develop a sense of the “thinking behind the inking.” The goal for the course is for each student to have created at least two inked pages by its end.
 
 
PHYLLIS NOVIN learned her craft while apprenticed to Bob Layton of Iron Man fame while working at Valiant Comics. She went on to work at DC, Marvel, Crusade and others. She expanded her repertoire to include animation-style comics inking and has worked on Johnny Bravo (Cartoon Network), Rugrats (Nickelodeon), Futurama (Bongo), and is currently working on The Simpsons for Bongo.
 
 
 
COMICS STORYTELLING WORKSHOP INTENSIVE
Instructor: DEAN HASPIEL
TUESDAY, April 3 [ONE SESSION]
6:30 PM-9:30 PM
 
TUITION:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by March 15:
$75 | $65 for MoCCA members
Register after March 15:
$80 | $70 for MoCCA members
 
In this three-hour intensive session, Brooklyn’s own DEAN HASPIEL will share his knowledge of how to tell stories in words and pictures. Whether you goal is to create your own stories from first inspiration to finished comic—paper or digital—or to work as part of a collaborative team, Dean will show you how ideas become images and images become stories. Combining an interactive lecture with in-class assignments and critiques of each student’s work, this class will test the limits of your storytelling abilities as you stretch heretofore-unknown narrative muscles.
 
[Note: Students are expected to bring sketchbooks and pencils. A sense of wonder wouldn’t hurt, either.]
 
 
Emmy award winning artist, DEAN HASPIEL, created the Eisner Award nominated Billy Dogma, the semi-autobiographical digital comic, Street Code, helped pioneer personal webcomics with the invention of ACT-I-VATE, and co-created/co-curates http://tripcity.net, a Brooklyn-filtered, multimedia salon. Dean has drawn many great superhero and semi-autobiographical comic books published by Marvel, DC/Vertigo, Dark Horse, IDW, Image, Scholastic Graphix, Toon Books, Top Shelf, Playboy, The New York Times, and Tor.com, including critically acclaimed collaborations with Harvey Pekar (American Splendor, The Quitter), Jonathan Ames (The Alcoholic), Jonathan Lethem (Cousin Corinne’s Reminder), Tim Hall (The Last Mortician), and with Inverna Lockpez on the Harvey Award winning, Cuba: My Revolution. Dean illustrated the Super Ray comics art for HBO’s Bored To Death, for which he won an Emmy award for his work on the opening title sequence.
 
 
 
MoCCA MASTER CLASS SERIES:
 
These extraordinarily accomplished creators each brings a distinct and strong point of view to the work they do. This is a rare opportunity to hear these top names in their respective fields speak about what makes for great work.
 
 
 
MASTER CLASS: THE CRAFT OF COMICS WRITING: THE LONG AND SHORT OF PLOTTING
Instructor: PAUL LEVITZ 
One session, TUESDAY, February 7 [rescheduled from the fall]
6:30 PM-8:30 PM
 
TUITION:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by February 1:
$40 | $35 for MoCCA members
Register after February 1:
$50 | $45 for MoCCA members
 
From one of comics’ undisputed master plotters, PAUL LEVITZ, a discussion of how to construct plots to suit story structures long and short, building ideas from character, and tools for analyzing the form to develop your goals. Everything you ever wanted to know about plotting comics but were afraid to ask!
 
 
PAUL LEVITZ was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1956, and entered the comics industry in 1971 as editor/publisher of The Comic Reader, the first mass-circulation fanzine devoted to comics news.  He continued to publish TCR for three years, winning two consecutive annual Comic Art Fan Awards for Best Fanzine. His other fan activities included editing the program books for several of Phil Seuling’s legendary New York Comic Art Conventions. He received Comic-con International’s Inkpot Award in 2002 and the prestigious Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award in 2008. Levitz also serves on the board of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
 
Levitz is primarily known for his work for DC Comics, where he has written most of their classic characters including the Justice Society, Superman in both comics and the newspaper strip, and an acclaimed run on The Legion of Super-Heroes, a series he’s recently returned to write.  Readers of The Buyers’ Guide voted his “Legion: The Great Darkness Saga” one of the 20 best comic stories of the last century, and visitors to the site comicbookresources.com selected the same story as #11 of the Top 100 Comic Book Stories of All Time. Cumulatively, Levitz has written over 300 stories with sales of over 25 million copies, and translations into over 20 languages. As a DC staffer from 1973, Levitz was an assistant editor, the company’s youngest editor ever, and in a series of business capacities, became Executive Vice President & Publisher in 1989 and then served as President & Publisher from 2002-2009. He continues as a Contributing Editor, but is now concentrating on writing and teaching. Paul is the author of the monumental history book, 75 Years Of DC Comics: The Art Of Modern Mythmaking, published by Taschen, which won the 2011 Will Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Book.
 
 
 
MASTER CLASS IN COMICS WRITING
Instructor: PETER DAVID
One session, TUESDAY March 20, 2012
7:00 PM-9:00 PM

TUITION:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Register by March 10:
$40 | $35 for MoCCA members
Register after March 10:
$50 | $45 for MoCCA members
 
Here's how PETER DAVID succinctly describes his MoCCA Master Class:
 
“All the comics writing info I can cram into two hours.”
 
PETER DAVID is a prolific, award-winning author whose career, and continued popularity, spans more than two decades. He has worked in every conceivable media: Television, film, books (fiction, non-fiction and audio), short stories, and comic books, and acquired followings in all of them. In the literary field, Peter has had over fifty novels published, including numerous appearances on the New York Times Bestsellers List. Peter’s comic book resume includes an award-winning twelve-year run on The Incredible Hulk, and he has also worked on such varied and popular titles as Supergirl, Young Justice, Soulsearchers and Company, Aquaman, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, X-Factor, Star Trek, Wolverine, The Phantom, Sachs & Violens, and many others.
 
 
Unless otherwise indicated, all classes will be held at:
MoCCA
594 Broadway (between Houston and Prince Streets)
Suite 401
New York, NY 10012
 
For more information and to register, call 212-254-3511 or go to www.moccany.org.
 
The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization dedicated to the preservation, study and display of all forms of comic and cartoon art.  The museum promotes greater understanding and appreciation of the artistic, cultural and historical significance of comic and cartoon art through a variety of events, exhibitions, and educational programs.   The museum is located at 594 Broadway (between Houston and Prince Streets) in New York City.  MoCCA is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 12:00-5:00 pm.  Suggested donation to the museum is $5 but free for MoCCA Members as well as for children 12 and under (when accompanied by a paying adult).  For more information about the museum and MoCCA events, exhibitions and programs, visit the museum's Website (www.moccany.org).