DARK HORSE: STUMPTOWN COMICS FEST 2012 SCHEDULE

APRIL 27, MILWAUKIE, OR— This weekend, Portland's own Stumptown Comics Fest takes over the Oregon Convention Center for its largest show ever! Dark Horse is giving you a look at all the awesome happening through Sunday!



FRIDAY, APRIL 27

Drink and Draw with Peter Bagge at Bridge City Comics

Bridge City Comics, 3725 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm


In celebration of the release of Peter Bagge's newest comics series, Reset, Dark Horse Comics and Bridge City Comics present the official 2012 Stumptown Comics Festival kickoff event -- a Friday night Drink and Draw for visiting and local artists, publishers, and all festival-goers!

Bagge will be in attendance as the guest of honor with copies of Reset #1 to sign, and party guests will be provided with complementary art supplies to draw to their hearts' content. Snacks and drinks (21+ with valid I.D.) will be served, complements of Bridge City, Dark Horse, and Ninkasi Brewing.

Admission to this event is free, and the drawing starts at 7:00 p.m.





SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Signings at the Dark Horse Booth

11:00 – 11:30 p.m. Tyler Crook (B.P.R.D.)—FREE B.P.R.D.comic

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)—FREE Usagi Yojimbocomic and print

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Erika Moen and Jeff Parker (Bucko)—FREEBucko print

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Peter Bagge (Reset)—FREE Reset print and exclusive

Stumptown Comics Fest Reset Passport

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Michael Avon Oeming (Rapture, Victories, Valve Presents)—FREE Victories print and head sketches for Victories and Rapture



Panels

1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Spotlight on Peter Bagge, Room B-114

Best known for his comic-book series Hate, which helped to define the grunge generation, and his recent contributions to Reason magazine, Peter Bagge is always willing to confront hard-hitting societal issues with intelligence, wit, and funny bone intact. Join us for a conversation with the multiple Harvey and Eagle Award-winning cartoonist, whose newest series, Reset, has just been launched in the Dark Horse Originals line. Moderated by Ryan Alexander-Tanner.

2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Of Rabbits and Ronin: Spotlight on Stan Sakai, B114

World-renowned cartoonist Stan Sakai has been writing, drawing, and even hand-lettering his beloved rabbit samurai series Usagi Yojimbo for twenty-seven years and counting. Join Sakai for a discussion of Usagi's history and future, as well as demonstrations and all-ages audience participation! Moderated by Usagi series editor, Diana Schutz.

3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Euro Comics In Translation, B114

Join Diana Schutz, Executive Editor of Dark Horse's Manara Library and Blacksad, for an informative look at what it takes to bring Europe's most celebrated titles to new audiences in America. This panel will delve into the process on properly editing, translating and publishing Euro Comics for a very different market. All this will culminate in a sneak peek of and discussion on the upcoming highly anticipated Blacksad: A Silent Hell by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido. Moderated by Eisner and Harvey award-winning editor and writer Joe Keatinge.

5:00 – 5:45 p.m. Dark Horse Originals: Genius Redefining Genre, Room B-114

Join Dark Horse Comics editor Philip Simon and PR director Jeremy Atkins to hear about the latest comics and graphic novels coming out in the Dark Horse Originals line, an imprint that Mike Richardson describes as a place for "unique creators with unique visions expressed in quality graphic novels." Dark Horse Originals has brought you such favorites as Blacksad, Citizen Rex, De:Tales, 3 Story, and more! Don't miss special guests Peter Bagge, Jeff Parker, and Erika Moen, who will talk about their new Dark Horse Originals projects!




SUNDAY, APRIL 29

Signings at the Dark Horse Booth

12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Peter Bagge (Reset)—FREE Reset print and exclusive

Stumptown Comics Fest ResetPassport

3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Steve Lieber (Alabaster)—FREE Alabaster print





Panels

12:00 – 1:45 p.m. Quenched Consciousness: A Tribute to Jean "Moebius" Giraud, B114

Join Quenched Consciousness curator Ian MacEwan, Dark Horse Moebius line editor Scott Allie and famed Madman cartoonist Michael Allred in a tribute to the master creator moderated by Glory & Hell Yeah writer Joe Keatinge. This look back at Giraud's illustrious career will include art and insight into his many works including the Incal, Blueberry, Arzak, The Aedena Cycle, The Airtight Garage, Silver Surfer: Parable and movies such as Alien, Tron, Fifth Element and Jodorwsky's Dune. The discussion will begin with an introductory career overview by MacEwan followed by interviews with Allred and Allie about their one-on-one interactions with the master himself, the inspiration Giraud gave them and his global affect on the medium and industry alike. The panel includes a screening of the rarely seen documentary, Moebius Redux, directed by Hasko Baumann. 2-HOUR SESSION


2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Beyond the Cape: Genre Fiction in Comics, B114

Join moderator Christian Lipski and creators Vera Brosgol, Brian Churilla, Brian Hurtt, Lukas Ketner, Batton Lash, Steve Lieber, Dylan Meconis, Ron Randall, and Brandon Seifert in a conversation about the other kinds of comics. Horror, sci-fi, western, romance -- creators talk about the world outside the super-human. Is the 'mainstream' expanding to include other genres, or are the smaller publishers growing their audience? What are the publishing options for non-super titles? Is it a worthwhile direction for authors and artists?


4:00 – 4:45 p.m. Making History, B114

What do a Victorian robot, theology scholar, and rabbit ronin have in common? They're the stars of three very different stories in historical settings: Boilerplate: History's Mechanical Marvel; Family Man; and Usagi Yojimbo. Join their creators--Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett, Dylan Meconis, and Stan Sakai--for a lively discussion of history and storytelling.

ABNETT AND LANNING
DO COSMIC AT BOOM!
THIS FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

April 26th, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday May 5th, fan-favorite scribes Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning bring their cosmic brand of superheroes to BOOM! Studios with an all-new, all-original 16-page story featuring their new series THE HYPERNATURALS. This original story serves as a prelude that leads directly into the first issue of THE HYPERNATURALS #1, which goes on-sale in July.

Featuring a cover by Francesco Mattina (NOVA) and interior art by Brad Walker (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) and Tom Derenick (JLA, NEW X-MEN), the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY EDITION of THE HYPERNATURALS includes a brand new 16-page story that will not be reprinted in the first issue of the series.

A universe trembles. It is the far future; the human race has finally colonized the galaxy, preserving an era of prosperity that's only possible because of The Hypernaturals. They're a celebrated, galaxy-wide superhero task force that keeps the peace. That is, until they all mysteriously vanish. Now, as the galaxy teeters on the brink of chaos, it's up to a group of retired and long forgotten Hypernaturals - and their novice recruits - to save the galaxy from complete destruction. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, the superstar writing duo behind Annihilation and The Legion, launch an all-new original series that takes cosmic super-heroes to a new frontier. Experience the special preview issue of The Hypernaturals this May and pick up the #1 issue this July!

About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of Eisner and Harvey Award-winning, 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, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and GARFIELD. 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.

   
 

Avengers Assemble!
Cartoon Art Museum Exhibition:  May 12 – October 21, 2012

San Francisco, CA:  "And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes and heroines found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Avengers were born—to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand! Through the years, their roster has prospered, changing many times, but their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then—for now, the Avengers Assemble!"

The Cartoon Art Museum celebrates five decades of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes with Avengers Assemble!, an exhibition featuring some of the most iconic characters in comic book history, including Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, The Wasp, Hawkeye, Black Widow and The Incredible Hulk.  Artists featured in this retrospective include Jack Kirby, who co-created the series with writer Stan Lee in 1963; John Buscema, considered by many to be the definitive Avengers artist; and Neal Adams, whose photo-realistic style changed comics forever in the 1960s and 1970s.  Rarities from infrequent Avengers artists will also be featured, including works by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko; DC Comics Vice President Jim Lee; and Sal Buscema, one of Marvel’s most prolific pencilers.  Contemporary Avengers artists John Romita Jr. and Frank Cho will also be spotlighted.

This exhibition is sponsored in part by the Big Wow! ComicFest, which will feature an exhibition of original Avengers artwork at the San Jose Convention Center on May 19 & 20.  Highlights from this exhibition will be incorporated into Avengers Assemble! At the Cartoon Art Museum the following week.

Big Wow! ComicFest is the Bay Area’s largest comic convention this year, including dozens of special guests and exhibitors.  Featured guests include Jim Lee (Batman, Justice League of America), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing, Heavy Metal), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Travis Charest (Metabarons), Kevin Nowlan (Superman vs. Aliens), Sergio Aragonés (MAD, Sergio Aragonés Funnies), Bob Layton (Iron Man, Avengers), Frank Cho (Avengers, Liberty Meadows) and many, many more guests and special exhibitors!  Please visit http://www.bigwowcomicfest.com/ for a full list of exhibitors and programming.

Please visit the Cartoon Art Museum’s website, http://cartoonart.org , for announcements regarding additional programming throughout the exhibition’s run.

*****
Cartoon Art Museum • 655 Mission Street • San Francisco, CA 94105 • 415-CAR-TOON • www.cartoonart.org <http://www.cartoonart.org>
Hours:  Tues.  Sun. 11:00 - 5:00, Closed Monday
General Admission:$7.00 • Student/Senior:$5.00 • Children 6-12:$3.00 • Members & Children under 6: Free

The Cartoon Art Museum is a tax-exempt, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to the collection, preservation,
study and exhibition of original cartoon art in all forms. 

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST IN PLANETOID

New Image Comics series pits man against machine in June

Silas is a hardened space smuggler, calloused by tragedy and grueling labor — but when, in the new Image Comics series PLANETOID by Ken Garing, his ship crashes on a living, metal planet, it will take all of his experience and resources to survive.

Garing's five-issue series is a grim vision of a desolate industrial landscape. The titular planetoid, a sphere of discarded wreckage and machinery, has its own intelligence — and its own mandate to survive, at the cost of the few humans who have also found themselves stranded on its surface. These people form the core of PLANETOID's story.

"The world of Planetoid is that of a vast, abandoned industrial landscape," said Garing. "The story, however, will revolve around the efforts of the planetoid's inhabitants as they struggle together against extraordinary odds in the hope of building something new out of the devastation."

Garing pits man against machine in a primal struggle, using the color palette of his painted interiors to contrast the combatants — the occasional splash of human blood amidst the monochromatic grays and rusts of the planetoid.

The first issue of PLANETOID was an exclusive digital comic on Graphicly, but now will appear in print under the Image Comics banner on June 13. PLANETOID #1 (APR120419) is available for pre-order in the April issue of Previews. Each full-color monthly issue will be 32 pages long, with no ads, for $2.99.

"Ken Garing is off to a spectacular start with this bit of survivalist SF. This is just an introduction to the ruinous, dystopian world of Planetoid, and I’m eager to see what horrors yet remain in its crevices. Highly recommended." — iFanboy  

ENCORE KICKS OFF THE SUMMER WITH The CAPTIVATING TWO-PART Crime DRAMA “THORNE: SLEEPYHEAD” AND
“THORNE: SCAREDY CAT” PREMIERING ON TUESDAY, JUNE 12 AND WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 AT 9PM ET/PT

Directed by Stephen Hopkins (“House of Lies,” “24”) and Benjamin Ross (“RKO 281”), the

Two-Part Event Stars David Morrissey, Aiden Gillen, Sandra Oh, Natascha McElhone and Eddie Marsan

Also Debuting This Summer on ENCORE: The Original Interview Series “Movie Talk with Peter Bart” will Premiere Sunday, May 20^th at 10am et/pt; Series Features Charlize Theron, George Clooney, Jonah Hill, Michelle Williams, Octavia Spencer and Others

Beverly Hills, Calif., FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – This summer, ENCORE will present the U.S. television premiere of the riveting two-part crime drama event “Thorne: Sleepyhead” on Tuesday, June 12 at 9pm et/pt and “Thorne: Scaredy Cat” on Wednesday, June 13 at 9pm et/pt.  ENCORE will also debut the all new original interview series featuring some of today’s biggest film stars, “Movie Talk with Peter Bart,” on Sunday, May 20th at 10am et/pt. 

“‘Thorne’ will take viewers along a gripping, suspenseful journey with the complex and quirky Detective Tom Thorne,” said Stephan Shelanski, EVP of Programming for Starz Entertainment. “The series is an edgy and engrossing addition to the collection of favorite genres ENCORE offers viewers.”

“Thorne: Sleepyhead,”  part one of the eerie and atmospheric crime drama event, stars acclaimed actor David Morrissey (“The Walking Dead,” Centurion, State of Play) as the compelling Detective Inspector Tom Thorne who possesses a gritty sensibility and an unhinged desire to discover killers. Morrissey is joined by cast members Natascha McElhone (Romeo and Juliet (2013), “Californication”), Aidan Gillen (Dark Knight Rises, “Game of Thrones,” “The Wire”) and Eddie Marsan (Snow White and the Huntsman, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows).  In “Thorne: Sleepyhead,” Thorne investigates a series of unusual attacks on young women. The first three victims are found dead, however the fourth victim – Alison Willetts – survived an excruciating attack and is unlucky to be alive.

The two-part event continues with “Thorne: Scaredy Cat.” In this fast-paced, spine-tingling examination of power and submission, Morrissey as Thorne is joined by Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy”) as Detective Sergeant Sarah McEvoy, who appears to be a tough, calm and capable cop to her male colleagues, yet is simultaneously battling a serious drug addiction that is progressing. “Thorne: Scaredy Cat,” chronicles the investigation of two female victims found at the same time – killed in the exact same way. Detective Thorne finds himself on the hunt for not one, but two serial killers who seem to be working together, yet killing separately.

Both “Thorne” installments and are adaptations of Mark Billingham’s bestselling novels “Sleepyhead” (2001) and “Scaredy Cat” (2002). “Thorne” was produced by Jolyon Symonds, written by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble. “Thorne: Sleepyhead” is directed by Stephen Hopkins (“House of Lies,” “24”) and “Thorne: Scaredy Cat” is directed Benjamin Ross (“Poppy Shakespeare,” “RKO 281”). Thorne is A Stagereel/ Cite-Amerique Co-Production in Association with Sky/ The Movie Network/ Movie Central/ Auburn Entertainment LLP/ Content Film/ 87 Films and Artists Studio Production.

On Sunday May, 20^th ENCORE will debut a new original series hosted by Hollywood’s leading insider Peter Bart.  “Movie Talk with Peter Bart” offers a unique, in-depth, look into the careers of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors and filmmakers, who have forever influenced the way we see and experience film. The 20-episode, weekly series, features celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Sir Ben Kingsley, George Clooney, Jonah Hill, Danny DeVito, Michelle Williams, Don Cheadle, Octavia Spencer, John Cusack, and more.  Following the May 20th series premiere at 10am, subsequent episodes will air Sunday mornings, between 9am – 11am et/pt on ENCORE (check local listings).

“With his remarkable ingenuity paired with the prominent relationships he has cultivated throughout his career, Peter Bart brings viewers a unique and intimate take on the traditional celebrity interview format,” said Shelanski. “‘Movie Talk with Peter Bart’ will feature some of the industry’s most renowned and respected heavy hitters in a candid and refreshing dialog.”

Peter Bart’s longstanding relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and distinguished career as a studio executive and entertainment journalist, allow him to report on the ever changing marketplace and illuminate the industry’s key players. Previously, Bart hosted the ENCORE Original series “In the House with Peter Bart and Peter Guber.” “Movie Talk with Peter Bart” is produced by 3DD Group and Peter Bart for ENCORE and the series produced by Lyndy Saville in association with KNBC, Turner Scandinavia and Latin America, Sundance Spain, Portugal, Canada and Asia.

Hero Initiative Brings John Romita Jr. to Baltimore

  

Avengers vs. X-Men #1 John Romita Jr. Variant

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - April 25, 2012 -  The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce the addition of comic super-star John Romita, Jr. to the growing line-up for this year's show, taking place September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Romita, Jr. will be appearing at the Hero Initiative booth both Saturday and Sunday.

Romita, Jr., the son of comic legend John Romita, began his illustrious career in comics in 1977 penciling a 6-page story in Marvel's Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11. Throughout his 35-year career, he has drawn such characters as Spider-Man, Daredevil, the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, the Punisher, and Thor.

Most recently, Romita, Jr. finished working on the follow-up to Mark Millar's Kick-Ass and is the current series artist for Marvel's Avengers, which relaunched in 2010.

The Hero Initiative is a federally charted not-for-profit corporation dedicated to helping comic book creators in their hour on need. By providing financial safety nets for medical aid, financial support for the necessities of life, and an avenue back to paying work, the Hero Initiative, through the support of its donors, has been able to grant more than $500,000 to over 50 comic veterans.

For more information about how to help support the Hero Initiative, please visit www.heroinitiative.org. For more information about the Baltimore Comic-Con, please visit baltimorecomiccom.com

.

Other confirmed guests for the show include:

Laura & Michael Allred (Madman, iZombie), Greg Capullo (Batman, Spawn), Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales), Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Frank Cho (Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows), Steve Conley (Bloop), Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen:  Silk Spectre), Lar deSouza (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do), Dan Didio (O.M.A.C.), Garth Ennis (The Shadow, Hellblazer, Preacher, The Boys), Rich Faber (Roboy Red), David Finch (Batman:  The Dark Knight), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman), Keith Giffen (Superman, OMAC, Green Arrow), Gene Ha (Justice League), Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The 'Nam), Cully Hamner (Action Comics), Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City), Jamal Igle (KISS, Supergirl, The Ray), J.G. Jones (Wanted, Doc Savage), Barry Kitson (Captain America, Iron Man, Fantastic Four), Scott Kurtz (PvPonline.com), David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo), Bob McLeod (DC Comics Presents:  Wonder Woman), Mark Morales (Avengers vs. X-Men), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Frank Quitely (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2:  30 Days of Night One-Shot), Walter Simonson (Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers), Scott Snyder (Batman , Severed, Swamp Thing), Ryan Sohmer (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do), Brian Stelfreeze (ICE), Karl Story (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9), Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin), Billy Tucci (A Child Is Born, Shi), Matt Wagner (Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel), Mark Waid (Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredemable), and Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein).
 

...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 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.

RIVEN SENDS A SHIVER THROUGH

 DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

APRIL 25, MILWAUKIE, OR—Riven, the latest tale set to debut in Dark Horse Comics’ legendary anthology Dark Horse Presents, marks a new beginning for horror fans! 

Dark Horse Comics recently announced the Riven graphic novel, the third collaboration between cowriters Bo Hampton (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and Robert Tinnell (The Wicked West), which is slated to hit stores August 22.  Riven’s three-part story beginning in Dark Horse Presents #14 will serve as a chilling introduction to their world of terror.

“Dark Horse Presents is bringing together such a great mix of talent and stories at the moment that it’s honestly an honor to be included in the book. From all the chatter Dark Horse Presents has been generating it’s clear the book is appealing to discerning, articulate readers—and those are precisely the sorts of people we hope are attracted to Riven,” said Robert Tinnell. 

Riven’s Katya has been in a coma for five years, and when she awakes, everything has changed. Now she is a gorgeous teenager with a mysterious, gruesome past, becoming aware of a growing, terrifying power inside her body, triggered by the touch of the full moon, eager to break free . . . Can Katya solve the mystery of her blood-drenched nightmares before they become reality?

“It was a great spawning ground in its original incarnation and I’m really happy to be part of Dark Horse Presents now. I’m looking forward to seeing the Riven pages in that format,” Bo Hampton added.

Check out Riven in Dark Horse Presents #14, on sale July 18!

About Dark Horse Comics

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

 

Arcade Brewery Launches its Kickstarter Fundraising Initiative

Chicago-based craft brewery looks to the public to help support its unique business model of blending collaboration, art, and beer.

CHICAGO, IL – April 23, 2012 – Arcade Brewery, a new Chicago craft brewery, is already gaining buzz through its collaborative efforts with the likes of “The Walking Dead” creator Tony Moore, graphic designer SEIBEI, and author Jason Aaron.

The start-up brewery has aggressively pursued the goal of creating fun and collaboration around their brand of beers.  Arcade Brewery’s latest endeavor of involving their community begins today with the launch of their Kickstarter fundraising effort. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/417753817/arcade-brewery

Arcade Brewery was conceived in 2010 when artist Christopher Tourre created his community-based art project, Public Brewery.  Public Brewery created a community around the beer-making process as Tourre held homebrew workshops out of his house and transformed art spaces into experimental breweries in which the public could participate in the production of the beers.

In 2011, Tourre reached out to his friend, Lance Curran, about the prospect of creating a brewery on the tenants of Public Brewery.  Tourre’s vision was to create a brewery that would utilize crowdsourcing through an online website to help create many aspects of the beer production, from label design to the ingredients that go into the breweries seasonal beers. 

Curran, a director at Threadless.com, was immediately interested and began reaching out to other artists to participate.  His direction of the Threadless Comics-On Tees line led him to create another brand for the prospective company, 6-Pack Stories: an original comic book played-out across each bottle of a unique 6-pack of beer.  Arcade’s first 6-Pack Story will feature the artwork of Tony Moore (co-creator of The Walking Dead) and is written by Eisner and Harvey Award nominated writer Jason Aaron.  Arcade has also joined forces with graphic designer SEIBEI to create an 8-bit logo for their first signature beer, the Arcade Brewery Grapefruit IPA.

Arcade’s Kickstarter has set a goal of $30,000 to start.  The duo explain on their Kickstarter page that the funds will be used to help offset the costs of initial equipment and supply purchases which are often a great barrier for any entrepreneur looking to break into the craft beer market.  Some of the prizes include basic Arcade Brewery swag, private brewery tastings, commissioned artwork by popular comic artists, a custom Arcade Brewery arcade cabinet, and even your own likeness in a future 6-pack story for one lucky $10,000 donor.

“Even with all the fun that we have to offer our customers, we realize that the beer inside the bottle has to be exceptional as well,” Tourre says. “We are confident that we will offer something engaging and unique to an already exciting and inspiring market.”

MELTDOWN COMICS SETS CROSSHAIRS ON MARKSMEN FINALE Meltdown Comics proudly presents an autograph signing for the release of MARKSMEN VOL1 TRADE PAPERBACK, produced by Benaroya Publishing and published by Image Comics. MARKSMEN writer David Baxter will be on hand May 2nd, starting at 7:00 P.M., to sign copies. In addition to having the trade paperback, David will also have FREE copies of MARKSMEN issue #1 to give away. If you never experienced MARKSMEN, now is your chance! After massive recession the United States government collapsed and a civil war erupted between the cities and states to keep any last resources to themselves. This destroyed our country’s infrastructure and most of its population…the Big Collapse. Out of the ashes rose New San Diego, one a few cities that survived by cutting itself off from the outside world. Rebuilt by a group of top scientists and protected by the Navy Seals stationed at the Coronado Navel Base, NSD became a technological utopia. Sixty years later the ancestors of those Navy Seals still protect the city as… The MARKSMEN. Here are what critics have had to say about MARKSMEN: “This is a great conclusion to the series – it’s action basically all the way” - Civilian Reader “The action is solid, and the story adds layers to the already interesting original concept as it progresses.“ – Geeks of Doom “A home run.” – Comic Buzz “David Baxter is mashing together two distinct genres – science fiction and westerns – and does a great job of blending them together.” – First Comic News MARKSMEN autograph event will take place in at Meltdown Comics on May 2nd from 7-9 at 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. For more information, please call (323) 851-7223 About Meltdown Comics At 9000 square feet, Meltdown is the largest pop culture emporium west of the Rockies. It’s ever-shifting stock holds new discoveries for even the most discerning reader and if you are new to the game the dimmest ember of obsession shall be fanned into a great bonfire here. Meltdown’s proprietors have seized every opportunity to upgrade service within the store resulting in unparalleled relationships with vendor and consumer alike. This means that as a customer of Meltdown, you have access to a worldwide network of purveyors of pop and if you don’t see what you want in front of you Meltdown can procure it almost instantaneously. About David Baxter David 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 MARKSMEN. 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. He previously wrote for Star Trek: Voyager and became a member of the WGA when he wrote an epic racing film called Nuvolari for 20th Century Fox.He recently completed Speed King, a biopic about murdered racing legend Mickey Thompson for Bandito Bros and Producer/Director Mike McCoy. About Benaroya Publishing Founded by Michael Benaroya in 2009, Benaroya Publishing is a comic book and graphic novel production company dedicated to thrilling and compelling storytelling. A subsidiary of Benaroya Pictures, Benaroya Publishing is based in Los Angeles, CA and launched their debut titles in the Spring of 2011 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. For more information, visit www.benaroyapublishing.com.

SUPURBIA #1 SELLS OUTS AGAIN!
GOES TO THIRD PRINT!

April 25, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – BOOM! Studios is proud to announce SUPURBIA #1 has completely sold out of its second printing and will be going to an amazing third print as BOOM! Studios works diligently to meet demand!

SUPURBIA #1 third print features writer Grace Randolph (Marvel's NATION X, HER-OES) and artist Russell Dauterman with a brand-new cover illustrated by Joshua Covey (THE AVENGEFULS). SUPURBIA #1 third print is available from Diamond Comic Distributors.

SUPURBIA fans should keep in mind while Diamond Comic Distributors have completely sold out, second printings of SUPURBIA #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use www.comicshoplocator.com to find one!

What goes down when the capes come off? Meet the "Real Housewives" of Earth's greatest super-team, the Meta Legion! It's the egos, the tantrums, and the betrayals of the super set. Find out what happens behind the masks as superhero families are faced with the sordid problems of everyday life - and then some! From rising star writer Grace Randolph (Marvel's NATION X, HER-OES) and hot new artist Russell Dauterman, this series takes the familiar super-team and turns it on its head with a scandalous, TMZ-fueled look at what it's like to live with a superhero!

SUPURBIA #1 third print ships with a must-have all-new cover by Joshua Covey!

About BOOM! Studios
Eisner, Harvey, and Best Publisher Award-winning 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, 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.

ASYLUM PRESS ANNOUNCES ZOMBIE TERRORS AS A DIGITAL COMIC SERIES ON IPAD, IPHONE, ANDROID, PC/MAC & KINDLE FIRE
April 24, 2012 (Los Angeles) Frank Forte announces that Asylum Press will release a Zombie Terrors as an ongoing digital series.


Zombie Terrors (ongoing series) is an anthology of the undead. It gathers together artists and writers from all over the world to have their hand at everyone’s favorite brain eaters. Issues 1-5 will feature content form the Zombie terrors TPB released in 2010, and issues 6 and on will feature all new content.
Zombie Terrors will also be available on Comixology. Comics+ (Iverse), Graphicly, Diamond Digital as well as stand alone apps and epubs on KindleFire, Nook, Kobo, ibookstore, and Googlebooks.
“We’re very excited about the possibility of reaching so many people all over the world, “ explains publisher Frank Forte, “tablets and smart phone ownership is exploding and we want to provide great comics content. The one obstacle we face is coordinating releases an all platforms and devices. We’ll be updating which comics are available on which platforms on our website.”
Zombie Terrors #1 is a morbid flesh rotting collection of zombie tales. Featuring an international cast of artistic talent. Frank Forte delivers Beheaded, a tale of a crazed hillbilly who takes trophies off of his zombie victims. "The Feast" tells the tale of a gourmet chef taken hostage by a greedy mob boss, By Royal McGraw and Aduato Silva. In "Hate", by Doug Williams, a recently turned undead still has some semblance of his humanity--and he hates it. Pin-ups by David Hartman. Many flesh-eating tales to shock and horrify! !
Asylum Press digital initiative cover preview link:
http://www.asylumpress.com/new-releases
www.asylumpress.com
www.twitter.com/asylumpress
http://www.facebook.com/asylumpress

ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS:
Founded in 1999 by Frank Forte, Asylum Press is a unique publishing house specializing in high profile projects from some of the industry's biggest rising stars. Steve Mannion’s Fearless Dawn is the company’s newest title and has been a great fan favorite. Publishing action/adventure comics with Black Powder: A Bloody Frontier Adventure, Trenchcoats, Cigarettes and Shotguns, Warlash: Zombie Mutant Genesis. And continuing their tradition of horror with Undead Evil, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell, Asylum of Horrors, Zombie Terrors, EEEK! Asylum Press continues to be on the cutting edge of comic and graphic novel publishing. Asylum Press is distributed by Diamond Comics Distributors, Liber Distributors and Tony Shenton and to the Booktrade by SCB Distributors, Ingram and Baker and Taylor. Distributed in the U.K. by Turnaround Distribution.

This weekend, is the 2012 MoCCA Fest and we're pretty excited that our own P. Craig Russell (who did that stunning artwork above) is their very first Guest of Honor.
We'll be debuting Craig's new book, the eagerly anticipated fifth volume of The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde: The Happy Prince at the show, several weeks before it's available anywhere else.
We'll also have ten advance copies of the the signed and numbered edition of the book (How limited?  200 copies and the ten copies for sale will all be within the first twenty-five) which are quarterbound in real cloth and fine paper with a tip-in sheet signed by P. Craig Russell.  Also, it's a tremendous opportunity to have Craig personalize your copy!
Also attending the show is our esteemed publisher, Terry Nantier, Brooke Allen, Neil Kleid and Papercutz's own Rick Parker!
Be sure to stop by and visit us at Booth J4!
Also, our June Solicitations are out, and we've got the latest volume of Rick Geary’s Treasury of XXth Century Murder, this time focusing on Lovers’ Lane: The Hall-Mills Mystery as well as the signed, limited edition of P. Craig Russell’s The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde Vol.5: The Happy Prince that we mentioned above.
Treasury of XXth Century Murder: Lovers’ Lane
The Hall-Mills Mystery
Rick Geary

New Brunswick, New Jersey, Thursday, September 14, 1922. Reverend Hall and Mrs. Eleanor Mills take a stroll in the town’s park in the evening. Shots are heard. 2 days later, their bodies are found laying on the ground very neatly next to each other with her hand on his thigh, love letters strewn around them, the scarf on her neck covering up the deep bloody slit in it. Reverend Hall, himself married, was in an open secret of an affair with Mrs. Mills, a married woman of his choir. The perfect ingredients for a juicy scandal and fascinating investigation which the nation’s press hungrily devours. Alas, no clues or evidence are sufficient to make an indictment stick. Was it suicide? A jealous rival? The case reopens again 4 years later as new information is brought to light, indicting the reverend’s wife but she is an upstanding member of her community, denying to the last that her husband had any affair…

6×9, 80pp., B&W jacketed hardcover, $15.99,
ISBN 978-1-56163-628-0
See previews
———————————————————————————-
The Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde
Vol.5: The Happy Prince The Signed Limited Edition
P. Craig Russell

Here is the signed and numbered edition strictly limited to 200 copies. Quarterbound in real cloth and fine paper with a tip-in sheet signed by P. Craig Russell.
The Happy Prince is arguably the most famous and well loved of Oscar Wilde’s nine fairy tales, rivaled only by The Selfish Giant. It is also a very timely tale at a time of controversy over the increasing chasm between rich and poor…
The Happy Prince has lived a life of opulence but has died young and his soul inhabits a beautiful ruby encrusted statue covered all over in gold leaf. From his perch high above the city he is witness to all the poverty, misery, and hopelessness in which his people have been living. When a small barn swallow in flight to the warm south ahead of the approaching winter stops to rest upon the statue the Happy Prince prevails upon him to delay his travels in order to remove his gold leaf a piece at a time and shower it upon the poor citizens.
Out of love for the Happy Prince the swallow does his bidding.
As the days pass the Prince’s beauty is stripped away and as winter sets in the bird’s fate is sealed. In the spring the townspeople finding only a dull statue with a broken lead heart and a dead bird consign the worthless objects to the ash heap. Only an emissary of God recognizes them as the most valuable treasures of the city and brings them to the gardens of heaven.
8 ½ x 11, 32pp., full color jacket hc: $50, ISBN 978-1-56163-629-7
See previews
See regular edition
———————————————————————————-
NEW from EUROTICA:
SIZZLE #54
Omaha the Cat Dancer is on the home stretch!
Also in this issue: more of Mona Agent X, Barbarian Chicks, the end of Peanut Butter vol.6, the return of Gambedotti.
Quarterly magazine, 48pp. full color, 8 ½ x11, $5.95
To see more, click the button on the Eurotica home page

Ninth Art Press Unleashes “Hellbound II” Anthology of Horror Comics 

BOSTON, April 21—Ninth Art Press – in association with the Boston Comics Roundtable -- announces the publication of “Hellbound II,” an anthology of all-new horror comics by artists and writers from greater Boston. The paperback edition will be on sale at the MoCCA Festival in New York on September 28^th and 29^th, the Maine Comics Arts Festival on May 19th, at selected comics shops in the region, and online.  

“Hellbound II” was edited by Roundtable member Jesse Lonergan, who latest graphic novel, “Joe and Azat,” was among the notable titles listed in “Best American Comics 2011.” It was designed and produced by the Uruguayan-born cartoonist known only as Roho, whose work has appeared regularly in the “Boston Weekly Dig.”

“Hellbound II” features twelve chilling and horrifying tales in comics form, with additional art in a variety of styles. In all, it features the work of twenty-three artists and writers. These tales range from Joshua Hoaglund’s “Mount Auburn Night,” about creatures in the famed Mount Auburn Cemetery, to Gabriel Robinson’s “The Red Calf,” inspired by a Scandinavian folktale, and Gregery Miller’s “Nostalgia,” which grew from childhood imagination.

Reviewers have already praised “Hellbound II” for how such short comics can be so scary. At spandexless.com, which reviews non-superhero comics, David Anderson wrote of these tales, “Some are funny, some are creepy, almost all of them made me go ‘holy s**t.’ There’s a lot of talent condensed into this volume, both in terms of writing and art.”

Jen Vaughn of the Schulz Library at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont wrote: “Often the failing of a horror anthology is that you read WITH the intention of being scared and, thus, thumb through the pages bravely. A well-written comic is not necessarily terrifying until at night, it twists itself in the dark of your room, and you can suddenly recall images. . . . ‘Hellbound 2’ is perfect for the horror fan.”

The comics in “Hellbound II” come in a variety of styles. For “The Plague,” written by Patrick Flaherty, artist E. J. Barnes used scratchboard, and the “Cambridge Chronicle” said, “The resulting images for the story are dark, detailed and textured.” In “Breath of Life,” Clayton McCormack used heavy inks to replicate the mood of H. P. Lovecraft’s stories. Caitlin Plovnick’s “Eye Contact” may look like a light-hearted newspaper cartoon, but could be the most frightening story of all.

“RobMeBlind.com” by J. L. Bell and Andy Wong looks at the new horrors embedded in social media while Logan Faerber’s “Grampire” considers how an elderly vampire gets his daily blood. “Dolly” by Lindsay Moore and Alex Cormack conjures up the horror films of the 1990s. Ansis Purins’s “Zombre” and John Hillard’s “Eugene” offer new takes on notorious monsters, and “Necrocomicon” by Nathan Kitler and Jerel Dye unfolds at the horror that might lurk in a comic book itself.

“Hellbound II” made its first appearance on Halloween 2011 in an Art Edition, with covers of hand-crafted paper and a screen-printed presentation box, limited to 25 copies. The new edition is a traditional, 96-page paperback at the affordable price of $10.00, with all the scares and chills of the original.

DARK HORSE DIGITAL ANNIVERSARY SALE

DARK HORSE DIGITAL CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR! 

April 24, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse Digital reaches a new landmark, turning one year old this Friday. To thank our loyal fans, Dark Horse announces an anniversary appreciation discount.

This weekend, Dark Horse Digital is offering 10% off all titles in the web store, with an additional coupon to newsletter subscribers and new subscribers who have signed up by this Thursday. And yes, the coupon stacks with an even greater discount off your order! 

The sale starts this Friday (April 27) and ends Sunday (April 29) at midnight PST—so head over to Dark Horse Digital and sign up for the Digital Newsletter to maximize your discount on some incredible comics.

Dark Horse Comics launched its standalone comic-reader app and digital store on April 27, 2011 and has received incredible support from the continuously growing digital-comics fan base.

Since then, Dark Horse Digital has grown significantly in numbers and readership featuring it's most popular, best selling titles including Star Wars, Buffy, Serenity, Hellboy, Conan and Mass Effect as well as exclusive digital only comics such as Falling Skies, Prototype 2 & Dragon Age. Dark Horse Digital also provides sales and discounts for its reader base on a weekly basis. We currently offer thousands of comics and are continuing to increase the digital availability of the Dark Horse back catalog.

Dark Horse Digital is available through all modern web browsers and features cloud storage in both the Android (beta) and iOS apps. 

About Dark Horse Digital

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. In 2011, the company that revolutionized the comic industry proudly presented its groundbreaking digital-publishing program, Dark Horse Digital.

Dark Horse Digital offers its most popular titles at an unprecedented value, while providing the highest-quality reading experience possible. Single-issue comics are priced as low as just $0.99, and there is also an extensive list of free introductory #1 issues. Additionally, DH Digital’s “bundles” group together story arcs spanning multiple issues into affordable packages, allowing readers to get all the issues that comprise a complete narrative, starting at just $3.99 and up. And through cloud-based technology, Digital Store purchases can be read and enjoyed on your laptop, desktop, mobile browser, and Dark Horse Bookshelf app, available now on iTunes.

To get started, simply log on to Digital.DarkHorse.com or download the app to create an account, and begin building your collection today.

RENEGADE UNLEASHES THE WAR OF 1812 Historical Graphic Novel, The Loxley’s and the War of 1812, debuts in June   Renegade Arts Entertainment proudly presents an adventure full of action, drama and history with THE LOXLEY’S AND THE WAR OF 1812. Written by Alan Grant (2000 A.D. Judge Dredd) and with beautifully colored artwork from Claude St Aubin (R.E.B.E.L.S., Batman: Turning Point) and Lovern Kindzierski (Animal Man), this paperback features a 101 page story about a Canadian family caught up in the war, as well as a 53 page summary of the war and its implications for Canada and America, written by acclaimed Canadian military historian Mark Zuehlke, presented with maps and illustrations. Also, for every 3 copies that retailers order of THE LOXLEY’S AND THE WAR OF 1812 from Diamond Comic Distributor, they will receive one FREE copy.   The story follows the Loxley’s, a Canadian family living in the Niagara peninsula as they're torn apart by the American invasion of Canada in 1812, and the subsequent war that raged across both countries as British troops, Canadian militia, and First Nation warriors sought to thwart the expansionist plans of the American government. The story follows the characters through key historical events as they deal with the realities of war on their doorstep, the personal loss, setbacks and victories tied into the conflict.   In addition to the graphic novel, Renegade Arts Entertainment has also hired Oscar nominated screen writer Tab Murphy (Thundercats, Batman: Year One) to adapt the story into a school play, most recently performed at the Canmore Collegiate High School Theatre, as well as a movie screenplay.   Fans wanting more on THE LOXLEY’S AND THE WAR OF 1812 can visit Renegade’s website, www.1812timeline.com, which incorporates the fictional characters from the book, and takes you through the events leading up to, during and after the war.   THE LOXLEY’S AND THE WAR OF 1812, a 176-page full-color paperback, will be on sale in stores June, 2012 for $19.99 and is available to order in the April 2012 edition of Diamond Previews (APR121209, ISBN: 978-1-908217-04-1). Retailers receive one FREE copy for every 3 ordered. For more information, please visit www.renegadeartsentertainment.com and www.facebook.com/LoxleysandtheWarof1812.   ABOUT RENEGADE ARTS ENTERTAINMENT We publish comic books, but only a few and we are very discerning on our choices. The mix so far has been from experienced A list writers and artists and newer blood who pitched projects just too good to turn down.   Some of our projects have come from within Renegade itself, like Alan Grant' and Shane Oakley's Channel Evil and Alexander Finbow and William Simpson's Shades Of Gray. These are projects that our creators are passionate about and all of us at Renegade believe are of the highest quality. For more information, please visit www.renegadeartsentertainment.com.