“Spartacus” boot camp gets cast lean and mean

Intensive four week training bulks up season 3

Each year, the cast and stunt performers of the STARZ original series “Spartacus” convene a month before production to go through vigorous training to get into Gladiator shape and prepare for the extensive action sequences featured in every episode.

“Meticulous choreographing is necessary to ensure the safety of the actors performing the stunts,” says stunt coordinator Allan Poppleton, who has overseen each of the “Spartacus” boot camps. “For four weeks, we work the cast to the point of exhaustion, combining cross training elements- everything from cardio, basic gymnastics, foot and movement work, unarmed combat, body awareness, reactions, weaponry, and functional cross fit circuits.”

While this is one of the most difficult processes for an actor to go through, the results are incredibly satisfying, as bodies are literally transformed into machines.  “Lean and mean is the result required” says Poppleton, “but it also helps form an amazing bond between myself, the actors and stunt performers.”

“Spartacus Boot Camps are famous now for pushing you to your absolute limits,” says star Liam McIntyre. “This year they found a new level with military inspired training. I’ve never been so fit in my whole life. This boot camp will kick your ass. This year it kicked it twice.”

ONI PRESS ANNOUNCES CHANGES IN ITS SALES & MARKETING TEAM

It is with both optimism and sadness that Oni Press announces the departure of a longtime employee and the addition of two new members to its sales and marketing team.

Thomas Shimmin and Amber LaPraim are taking joint positions as Marketing Coordinator, while the current Director of Marketing, Cory Casoni, is leaving Oni Press to consult for NAMCO BANDAI Games, Inc. as the Head of Marketing for ShiftyLook.

Casoni joined Oni Press in 2008. Prior to becoming part of the company he had been manufacturing T-shirts for Oni Press, including the well-known Scott Pilgrim limited edition shirts. Casoni was the first hire in a series that led to the current complement of employees now at Oni Press.

“Transitions are always a little difficult, and always a little bittersweet,” Oni Press publisher Joe Nozemack said. “We hate to lose any of our valued workforce, but at the same time, we can't begrudge Cory for accepting a great opportunity when presented. He’s got a passion for gaming and comics, and this new job combines both. In his time with us, Cory has been integral to growing Oni Press’ presence in the existing marketplace and finding us new markets to sell our comics. Under his guidance, we have successfully launched some of our best-selling titles, including The Sixth Gun and the award-winning graphic novels One Soul and Petrograd. He was also at the marketing helm during the height of Scott Pilgrim mania. We couldn't have weathered that without him.”

Both Shimmin and LaPraim joined the Oni Press Marketing Department earlier this year. Shimmin has been working with Casoni interfacing with direct market comic retailers, including a concentrated push for Brian Churilla's buzz book The Secret History of D.B. Cooper. LaPraim has been operating as Oni Press’ logistics coordinator and organizing convention appearances, including recent stops at the Emerald City Comic Con, Stumptown Comics Fest, and Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. 

“Having the staff already on board makes the switchover all the easier,” said Oni Press editor in chief James Lucas Jones. “Tom and Amber are more than ready to step into this position and we’re excited to have them on full time.”

Founded in 1997, Oni Press, Inc. has become one of the comic industry’s most well respected independent comic publishers; focusing on genre, character, and story driven creator-owned work.

Baltimore Comic-Con Spearheads New "British Invasion" with Addition of Brian Bolland

  

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - May 10, 2012 -  The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to announce the addition of British comic legend Brian Bolland to the growing line-up of guests for this year's show, taking place September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Bolland, best known for his meticulously detailed line work, is one of the artists who helped define Judge Dredd for the British anthology series 2000 AD. In 1982, Bolland spearheaded what has become known as the "British Invasion" of the American comic industry, blowing open the doors for some the most prolific creators from across the pond to showcase their work throughout the States.

Bolland's cover work for such DC Comics titles as Animal Man, The Invisibles, and Wonder Woman defined the look and feel of these books through the late-'80s and early-'90s. His most recent work includes Cover Story: The DC Comics Art of Brian Bolland, which hit stores last September, and covers for DC Comics' Dial H, one of the titles in the second wave of books from the New 52, which hit stores this past week.

"We are delighted to have Brian Bolland attending this year's show," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "His influence on both the world of British and American comics continues to be felt through his eye-catching composition gracing the covers of DC Comics."

In addition to Bolland, other confirmed guests for the show including: 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 webcomic www.bloopstree.com); 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); John Romita, Jr. (Avengers Vs. X-Men); Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge); Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night One-Shot); Walter Simonson (Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers); Ryan Sohmer (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Scott Snyder (Batman, Severed, Swamp Thing); 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, Irredeemable); and Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein). 

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 8th.

Please take a moment to help us spread this message using the social media links embedded, reposting, or retweeting!

 

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.

Don Bluth's Dragon's Lair Digital Comics No. 4-6 Now on App Store

(May 10, 2012- Santa Barbara, California)- zuuka Comics, developer of the Cut The Rope digital comic engine, announced today the launch of Issues No. 4-6 of Don Bluth's Dragon's Lair Comic series. Based on the original classic arcade game released in 1983, the first-ever digital release of Don Bluth's Dragon's Lair Comic is available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store.

* In Issue No. 4, Dirk the Daring has one day left to save Princess Daphne from the clutches of the the deadly dragon Singe and while there may not be snakes, hydras and zombies, there's pits of boiling lava standing in his way. Oh, and threatening mud men too.

* Issue No. 5 sees Dirk going further into the Dark Kingdom, making it almost impossible for Halvern and Leraene to track him. And with the duo finally loosing complete sight of him, Dirk's adventures are only beginning... including trying to make it past a flaming pit of fire and clever little goons who want nothing more than for Dirk to fall into the flames.

* Unearthing a giant cavern full of gold, Issue No. 6 has Dirk praising the saints until he notices the deadly dragon and captured Princess Daphne. Will Dirk free the princess from the evil dragon or tempt fait too far and meet his doom? Lead on, adventurer... your quest awaits.

Device Requirements:
* iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
* Requires iOS 4.0 or later
* 31.5 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Don Bluth's Dragon's Lair Comic App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Issue No. 1 is free, and issues No. 2-6 are available for $1.99 each through In-App Purchase.
About zuuka:
zuuka publishes zuuka Comics, iTalk and iStoryTime - an interactive storytelling experience delivered to the convenience of your mobile device - which features a series of illustrated and narrated books created by parents for kids. iStoryTime books have been highlighted in the New York Times, LA Times, CBS Early Show, theiPhoneMom, CNET and is decorated with Publisher's Innovation Award, PTPA Media's Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval, the Children's Technology Review's Editor's Choice Award and Reader's Choice for Best Apps for Kids. With over 100 titles to choose from including favorites such as Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Peter Pan and Binky the Pink Elephant, iStoryTime books are an excellent tool for both educating and entertaining children ages two years and up. These storybooks can be enjoyed in several different modes ranging from automatic to manual, depending upon the development and preferences of the user. Copyright (C) 2012 zuuka. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

MULTIVERSE STUDIO RELEASES STREET FIGHTER BOBBLE BUDDS

Super Deformed World Warriors Now Available

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (May 9th, 2012) – Leading toy manufacturer Multiverse Studio Inc. today announced the latest wave of Bobble Budds® figures featuring the classic videogame fighting franchise Street Fighter® is now available. Coinciding with the 25^th anniversary of the Street Fighter® game franchise, collectible enthusiasts and fighting game fans can display their affection for this beloved videogame series by collecting their favorite world warriors in super deformed bobble head form.

Utilizing the distinct character designs of Street Fighter’s most iconic combatants, Multiverse Studio presents the latest wave of affectionately adorable Bobble Budd figures. Each Bobble Budd measures 3.5-inches tall and features the exclusive bobble locking mechanism for optimal functionality and display. The initial assortment will feature 4 world warriors to collect: Ryu, Chun-li, Sagat, and Blanka, with subsequent characters rolling out later this year.

Additionally, Bobble Budds is proud to announce official 2012 sponsorship of the Evolution Championship Series (EVO Championship), the largest and longest-running fighting game tournament series in the world, taking place July 6-8, 2012 at Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas. Please swing by our booth to checkout Bobble Budds!

Street Fighter Bobble Budds are available at select online retail outlets, including:

Capcom® Store: http://shop.capcom.com/store/capcomus/search?keywords=bobble+budds

Big Bad Toy Store:http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=bobble+budds

Entertainment Earth: http://www.entertainmentearth.com/hitlist.asp?searchfield=bobble+budds&eeshop=&x=0&y=0

SOTA Toys Online: http://www.sotatoysonline.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=327.

For more information about upcoming Bobble Budd products, please visit: http://bobblebudds.com or http://www.facebook.com/BobbleBudds

PROFILES IN HISTORY
IS SET TO AUCTION OFF
THE PORSCHE FROM
"RISKY BUSINESS"

 

LOS ANGELES- MAY 10- Profiles in History, run by Joe Maddalena, is proud to announce that the Porsche from Risky Business will be up for sale at their mega Hollywood auction in July.

This is the screen-used 1979 Porsche 928 used by Tom Cruise as "Joel Goodsen" in Risky Business. The Porsche features a 5-speed manual transmission, 16-inch offset 5-hole aluminum alloy wheels, a three-spoke steering wheel and a cork on cork leather interior. The car’s exterior was originally painted green when it arrived to the set and was then painted gold by the production and pressed into use.

There were three driving cars used in the making of the film (plus a gutted “dump car” that plunged into Lake Michigan): 1) a 1981 automatic transmission car fitted with 15-inch “flat-face” 5-hole wheels, cork and brown interior and 4-spoke steering wheel; 2) a 1978 5-speed, with cork, brown and crème interior, rented only for one interior shot when the car was knocked out of gear by Rebecca DeMornay’s character; 3) the 1979 5-speed car being offered which enjoyed considerably more screen time than the 1981 automatic. This Porsche was shot primarily in driving scenes with wide shots where the whole car was in view, as well as in some of the chase scene with Guido the pimp.

The VIN of this Porsche being offered appears on the production records for the film and, according to a recent in depth documentary on the subject entitled “The Quest for RB928,” producer of Risky Business, Jon Avnet, goes on record to state that the young Tom Cruise learned how to drive a stick (manual transmission) with this very car.  Risky Business went on to become one of the biggest cult classics of the 1980s and helped launch the career of superstar Tom Cruise. In addition, the film exposed the Porsche brand to a whole new generation of future buyers. This 1979 5-speed remains as the only known surviving documentable car which also happens to have the most screen time in this modern classic film. The car’s odometer reads 102,755 miles and it is in operating condition. This car was on exhibit at the Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver in 2009 and many Porsche enthusiasts have called this the most famous Porsche 928 in the world. It is pictured above and is estimated to fetch $40,000 – 60,000.



ABOUT PROFILES IN HISTORY
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation's leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts.  Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph "Joe" Maddalena learned early on how to turn his passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Needing to support himself, Joe turned to his hobby of buying and selling historical documents as a potential way to earn revenue. On weekends he scoured old Hollywood bookstores for letters and rare books. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985. A lifetime member of the Manuscript Society, Joe is widely recognized as the nation's leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents. Profiles in History has established itself as the world’s largest auctioneer of original Hollywood memorabilia, having held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia and owning virtually every Guinness Book record prices for original screen-used memorabilia. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, Profiles in History is proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the "Cowardly Lion" costume from  The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); Steve McQueen's "Michael Delaney" racing suit from Le Mans  ($960,000); a Panavision motion picture camera used by George Lucas to film Star Wars ($624,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day  ($488,750); Marilyn Monroe's platinum & diamond wedding band from her marriage to Joe DiMaggio ($504,000); Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds” dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes  ($356,500); a King Kong 1933 six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); Luke Skywalker’s light saber from Star Wars  ($240,000); Margaret Hamilton’s “Wicked Witch” hat from The Wizard Of Oz ($230,000); and The Invisible Man 1933 one-sheet movie poster ($230,000). From the history-making Debbie Reynolds Auction in June 2011, Profiles in History sold the Marilyn Monroe "Subway" Dress from The Seven Year Itch for $5.52M, the Marilyn Monroe signature red-sequined showgirl gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes for $1.44M and the Audrey Hepburn Ascot Dress from My Fair Lady for $4.44M. In February, 2012, Profiles in History arranged the sale of a pair of Judy Garland screen-used Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz  to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. In addition, Joe Maddalena is the star of Syfy's hit show, Hollywood Treasure. With already 24 episodes aired, Hollywood Treasure is gearing up for an exciting return on May 22, 2012 at 10pm (ET/PT) taking viewers into the fascinating world of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia.
 

A DAME TO DIE FOR IN FATALE

Horror noir series gets collected in June

The Image Comics horror noir series FATALE debuted in January 2012 and swiftly became acclaimed creators Ed Brubaker's and Sean Phillips' best-selling collaboration to date. Its first story arc, contained in issues #1-5, is being collected into a trade paperback, FATALE: DEATH CHASES ME, to be published by Image this June.

FATALE follows a mysterious woman named Josephine who trails trouble wherever she goes and the doomed men who get tangled in her web. FATALE: DEATH CHASES ME opens in present day with Nicolas Lash meeting a beautiful, mysterious woman in a cemetery, but the intrigue he becomes part of begins in 1939 and unfolds in 1956 San Francisco as Josephine flees from a horror that has pursued her for almost two decades.

The series, the first issue of which has received five printings, was a wide critical success:

"You'd be hard-pressed to find a better creative team working in comics right now than Brubaker and Phillips."
— Comics Alliance

"Combining the noir flavor from their previous works with fresher horror elements, Fatale is a completely unique title that offers an intriguing, fast-paced mystery."
— Complex

"This is not a story about life or death; it’s a story about salvation. You know from the start that everything has been shot to hell and know the characters are scrambling to make sure it doesn’t get worse. The different stakes in [FATALE] leads to a different kind of storytelling from Brubaker and Phillips. They keep you guessing throughout this book, trying to figure out what they are doing and where the characters are going."
— Newsarama

"[FATALE] is sinister, brilliant and quite possibly the best thing Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have ever done. That is saying something."
— IGN

FATALE: DEATH CHASES ME (APR120439) is a 136-page trade paperback for $14.99. It is available for pre-order from the April issue of Previews. Its ISBN is 978-1-60706-563-0 and it will be in stores on June 27.

A new story arc begins with FATALE #6 (APR120536), set in mid-'70s Los Angeles, where Josephine is trying to start a new life — but in a place like post-Manson Family L.A., the darkness that follows her can't be far behind. It will be in stores on the same day as FATALE: DEATH CHASES ME, June 27.

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.

Canadian Comic Creators Cross Channel to Kill Shakespeare in Bard’s Country

­­

London, UK - The creators of IDW Publishing’s Kill Shakespeare comic book series look to court controversy this month by bringing their take on Shakespeare and his characters to the birth country of the Bard himself this month on a two-week signing and convention tour of England.

“Colonists” Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col will be appearing at the Bristol Comic Expo as well as the Kapow! Comic Convention this month, along with a number of store signings in London, Manchester, Leeds and Stratford-upon-Avon. Series artist Andy Belanger will be joining the duo for the Kapow! Convention and a London signing.  The trip to the U.K. is the final leg of their spring 2012 convention tour, which has seen them make appearances all over North America as well as at the Middle East Film & Comic-Con in Dubai last month.

To prepare for the tour IDW Publishing is proud to announce that they are releasing a fourth printing of Kill Shakespeare Volume 1: A Sea of Troubles.  Originally released in April, 2010, this is the first half of the series that pits the Bard’s greatest heroes against his most menacing villains in a quest to track down and kill – or save – a wizard by the name of William Shakespeare. 

IDW is also proud to announce that Del Col and McCreery have received their second straight Joe Shuster Award nomination for Best Writing in a comic series.  The duo is pitted against such talents as Jeff Lemire and Kathryn Immonen in the category.

“We’re quite chuffed to see what people in England think of our take on the Bard,” says McCreery.  “We expect some nay-sayers but we’re eager to show everyone that this project is just as vital a reflection of the Bard’s work as anything coming out of the Globe Theatre or Stratford-on-Avon.”

Kill Shakespeare has been in hot water before after Shakespearean scholar Kimberly Cox denounced the series as “bullshit” and said that “these guys really are helping to kill Shakespeare.”  However, the adventure series, which incorporates Hamlet, Juliet, Othello, Richard III, Lady Macbeth, Puck and others, has received high praise from media such as the New York Times, NPR, BBC, CBC and Fangoria.  The series has also spawned a 90-minute stage show that debuted in association with Toronto’s acclaimed Soulpepper Theatre company in November of 2011 and is scheduled to tour to various locations across North America this fall.

The current signing schedule includes:

Sat, May 12 – Sun, May 13	Bristol Comic Expo
Wed, May 16	Travelling Man (Manchester)
Thu, May 17	Travelling Man (Leeds)
Fri, May 18	Forbidden Planet London Megastore
Sat, May 19 – Sun, May 20	Kapow! Comic Convention

Published by IDW Publishing, more information about the series can be found at www.killshakespeare.com.  The graphic novel is available at all major comic and book stores and digitally through iTunes or ComiXology.

Pocket God Comics Goes Sharktastic with “Gem Cell Research: Part 2 of 4”
SAN FRANCISCO - May 9, 2012 – Ape Entertainment and Bolt Creative announced today that Pocket God Comics issue No. 16 is now available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod
touch. In part two of “Gem Cell Research,” the girls’ gem is still in disrepair and the only way to fix it is with a laser.
The only way to get the laser is to catch the Laser-Shark, but is that really such a good idea? Are they going to need a bigger raft, or just end up as shark-bait? Nevermind that… who is Linsee cuddling up with? And how is Nooby’s new see-weed buddy doing? All these questions and more are answered in this Sharktastic Laserific issue.
Based on Pocket God, one of the best-selling iPhone apps of all-time, the full-color digital comic book series is one of the most successful digital comics to-date. The comics are available on the App Store via iVerse Media, a digital distribution partner of Ape Entertainment.
Free Extras:

• The Pygmy Peril Newsletter: No. 16 is now available with more Fan Art, and ‘Dev-Corner’ profiles another member of the Pocket God crew, Thomas Dye. There is also a new feature: “Chillin’ with a Villain” as well as an announcement about the first competition in the official OLYMPYGS competition.
  
• Exclusive re-mastered version of the first Pocket God animated short
  
• All that, plus the usual features, letters and of course the LITTLE GREEN MEN too!
  

Pricing and Availability:The Pocket God Comics App is available for $.99 USD from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
For more information, please visit http://www.ApeComics.com or www.boltcreative.com.
About Bolt Creative
Bolt Creative is a San Francisco-based developer and publisher of original games, including the hit iOS phenomenon Pocket God, ranked by Apple as the #9 Top Paid App of All Time. Since its 2009 launch, Pocket God has mushroomed into a full franchise with the original game hitting multiple online and mobile platforms, Pocket God: Journey to Uranus bringing players and pygmies into outer space, and Pocket God: The Runs hitting iOS in the spring of 2012. The digital Pocket God Comics series has become one of the most successful digital comic series available and continuously outperforms megabrands. Fans can also purchase Pocket God merchandise such as figurines, apparel, and plush. Bolt Creative's goal is to develop games that crack them up and entertain players for countless hours. For more information, please visit www.boltcreative.com.
About Ape Entertainment
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E. Erwin. Ape Entertainment is the comic book home to innovative new titles as LITTLE GREEN MEN, SCOUTS, and HEROIC. Ape is also the North American publisher for licensed properties SHREK, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, and CUT THE ROPE. Visit Ape Entertainment online at http://www.ApeComics.com.
About iVerse Media, LLC
iVerse Media (http://www.iversemedia.com) is a digital content distributor focused on the world of comics and popular culture. Founded in 2008, the company was one of the first to launch digital comics on Apple’s iOS platform. As of Oct 2011 over 5 Million products in the iOS App Store have been downloaded that are powered by iVerse, making the “iVerse Engine” one of the most popular and widely used platforms for reading digital comics in the world. The company is principally located in Waco, TX. For more information on iVerse Media, please visit: http://comicspl.us.

Archie’s Sunday Finest Hits Shelves Tomorrow

Collecting Bob Montana’s 1940s and early 1950s Sunday strips

San Diego, CA (May 8, 2012) – IDW Publishing is pleased to announce the launch of ARCHIE’S SUNDAY FINEST, available in comic book stores this Wednesday. This hardcover collection features full-color Archie Sunday strips, presenting classic Archie themes and characters by cartoonist Bob Montana.

“We are thrilled to continue the Eisner award-winning series with the all new Archie’s Sunday Finest,” said Greg Goldstein, IDW President and COO. “This oversize volume will allow fans to see Montana’s brilliance for themselves with these never before reprinted strips. ”

Archie Andrews and the gang are such universal characters that one may not even think of them as having been created by anyone in particular, much less having been drawn from life. But of course, they were. Originally springing from the imagination of Archie Comics co-founder John L. Goldwater, and fleshed out by the supremely-talented Montana, Archie and his friends – Jughead, Betty and Veronica, and Reggie remain pop culture icons to this day.

In these rarely seen Sunday newspaper comics from the late 1940s and early 1950s—including the very first Archie strips—Montana draws on the facts, fantasy, feelings, and fun of his own high school days in Haverhill, Massachusetts to build upon the legendary characters created by Goldwater.

This Sundays-only collection continues the Eisner Award-winning series from IDW's Library of American Comics in an oversized 10" x 13" format. Edited and designed by Dean Mullaney with an introduction by David Allen.


ARCHIE’S SUNDAY FINEST ($49.99, 160 pages, hard cover, full color) will be available in comic book stores May 9, 2012. Diamond order code JAN120480; ISBN 978-1-61377-152-5.


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

Marvel Entertainment Signs Exclusive Single Issue English Language Digital Comics Agreement With ComiXology

New York, NY—May 8, 2012—Today Marvel Entertainment, one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, announced it will exclusively distribute single issue English-language digital comics worldwide with comiXology, the largest digital comics platform.
This multi-year agreement reinforces Marvel’s commitment to bringing its unparalleled library of popular characters and acclaimed stories to fans with a dedicated commitment to technology partner comiXology.
“As the industry leader, Marvel is committed to growing the comics market through digital innovation—and bolstering our existing partnership with comiXology continues that,” explained Peter Phillips, SVP & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media. “This agreement is a huge win for current and future fans of the Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man and Marvel’s entire library of exciting characters.”
Marvel fans will enjoy continued access to single-issue digital comics via the Marvel apps available for Apple iOS and Android, as well as the new web-based Marvel Comics Shop, all powered by comiXology. Marvel comics can also be found on the comiXology platform available on Apple iOS, Android, Kindle Fire and comixology.com.
In addition, starting today, Marvel’s digital comics will be available through comiXology’s Digital Storefronts for brick-and-mortar retailers.
“We’re extremely proud that Marvel has chosen comiXology as its partner,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Our expanded relationship will foster increased innovation and accelerate plans for more points of distribution and reading. I’m more than thrilled.”
The comiXology-powered Marvel Comics app launched in 2010 and has remained one of the top grossing apps in the iTunes store. As the first major comics company to offer single issues for digital purchase and featuring the largest library of digital comics, Marvel continues to be the industry leader in digital innovation.
You can download the Marvel Comics app right here and experience the greatest comics books in the world, featuring the Avengers, Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine and more!
About Marvel
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.
About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web — comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.

Stan Lee, Mike Deodato Jr., George Pérez, Greg Capullo Among 250+ Talented Creators Set For 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 3 At Pennsylvania Convention Center

World-Class Lineup Also Includes Harvey Tolibao, Phil Foglio, Carlo Pagulayan, Yanick Paquette, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 8, 2012 – Whether it's “The Avengers,” “Superman,” “Spider-Man,” zombies, vampires or just about any character ever, more than 250 talented creators at Artist Alley at 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con have probably drawn them. Fans can meet superstars like Stan Lee, Mike Deodato Jr., George Pérez, Greg Capullo, Harvey Tolibao, Phil Foglio, Carlo Pagulayan, Yanick Paquette, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden and dozens of others at the event, set for the Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 31 – June 3.

The roster includes internationally-known artists and writers as well as top local talent from the Philadelphia area.

In addition to Lee, co-creator of many of the most memorable comics franchises in history (“Spider-Man”, “X-Men,” “Avengers” and “Fantastic Four” among them), some of the notables attending are Deodato Jr. (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman”), Eisner Award winner Pérez (“Superman,” “Gren Lantern”), Capullo (“Batman,” “Spawn”), Tolibao (“Green Arrow,” “Silver Surfer”), Foglio (“Magic: The Gathering,” “Girl Genius”), Pagulayan (“Hulk,” “Silver Surfer”), Paquette (“Wolverine,” “Weapon X”), Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”), Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Golden (“X-Men,” “Daredevil”), Stephen Segovia (“Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates,” “X-Men”), Boris Vallejo (painter), Julie Bell (painter), Ariel Olivetti (“Cable,” “Punisher: War Journal”), Miguel Sepulveda (“Red Lanterns,” “JLA”), Carlo Barberi (“Deadpool,” “The Flash”), Ramon F. Bachs (“Batgirl,” “LoSH”), Nathan Edmondson (“Grifter,” “Who is Jake Ellis?”) and Alex Saviuk (“Spider-Man” newspaper strip, “The Flash”).

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Top celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers, Thor), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Scott Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”), Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Body of Proof”), WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, “Burn Notice”) are also scheduled among more than 60 special guests at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con.

For more on the event, including hours, celebrities, creators, vendors, VIP and photo opportunities, programming schedules, evening entertainment, autographs, sponsorship and volunteer information and more, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****

May 31 - June 3 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

August 9-12 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

September 29-30 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

October 26-28 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con

November 30 - December 2 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

TBD 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS NEW AND EXISTING

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA MEMBERS A SPECIAL

YU-GI-OH! TRADING CARD PREMIUM

This Week’s Issue of North America’s Leading Digital Manga Magazine Features Series Conclusion Of BAKUMAN。 And Interview With Manga Creator Takeshi Obata

Leading manga publisher VIZ Media continues to offer a plethora of fan-favorite, must-read manga (graphic novel) content along with exclusive creator interviews and a special collectable trading card premium for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members throughout the month of May.

Current WEEKLY SJ ALPHA members, as well new subscribers that secure an annual membership to North America’s premier digital manga magazine, are encouraged sign up at http://www.sjalpha.com/sign-up before June 22^nd, 2012 to receive a special limited edition collectable – a Slifter the Sky Dragon YU-GI-OH! promo card! Fans of the print SHONEN JUMP magazine have already been treated to two previous God Cards (Obelisk and Ra), and the trilogy is now complete with this release. Just like the other God cards, each Slifer the Sky Dragon has Kazuki Takahashi Sensei's printed signature!

                                                                         

Another not-to-be-missed offering will be the release of the final chapter of the smash hit series BAKUMAN。, written by Tsugumi Ohba and drawn by Takeshi Obata. The concluding chapter will debut digitally in the May 7^th issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, available on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly.

As the critically acclaimed BAKUMAN。 series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) reaches its climactic conclusion, fictional manga creators Moritaka and Akito’s series, Reversi, proves so successful they are awarded their own anime series. It’s been a long wait for Moritaka, who promised Miho Azuki in middle school that they’d get married when she did the voice for a character in his anime series. With everything on the line, Miho gives the performance of a lifetime. Now, with the anime series about to air, Moritaka needs to find the perfect words to ask Miho to marry him!

As a bonus feature, available exclusively to WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members, the publication is proud to present a very special interview with Takeshi Obata, the renowned artist of BAKUMAN。 who also created the artwork to the acclaimed series, DEATH NOTE.

Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Single issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Each issue may be read on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly, and also on the updated VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, 4 Yu-Gi-Oh! cards throughout the year delivered to your door, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com. 

AMY DEVLIN AND RASCAL RACCOON THE LATEST ONI PRESS CHARACTERS JUMPING FROM PAGE TO SCREEN

Oni Press is excited to announce that two more of their comic books have been set-up for adaptations for television and motion pictures. The Amy Devlin Mysteries series of graphic novels is in development at the E! Network as part of their inaugural slate of original script-driven programming, while the original graphic novel Rascal Raccoon's Raging Revenge has been optioned by Warner Bros. as a special effects-driven comedy helmed by the director of A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas. Both properties have Oni Press' sister company, Closed on Mondays, attached as producers.

“We're extremely pleased with how things are coming together for both of these books,” said Oni Press publisher Joe Nozemack. “They both represent the varied creative philosophy behind the Oni Press publishing line: unique, creator-driven projects representing the best in genre fiction.” Nozemack was co- producer on Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and is actively involved in the adaptations of Oni Press titles .

The Amy Devlin Mysteries books are written by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir, veteran television writers with credits on a wide variety of shows, including Kim Possible and Arli$$. They are also known for having worked with actress Rashida Jones to bring her story Frenemy of the State to comics. Art for the Amy Devlin books has been by Christopher Mitten and the team of Dove McHargue and Kate Kasenow.

The series was announced as being in development with the E! Network as E! makes its move into creating original scripted content. The series, which features twenty-something detective Amy Devlin in a new take on the crime-scene procedural, is being spearheaded by writer/director Daniel Barnz, whose film Won't Back Down is due in theaters in September. Barnz will executive produce with Closed on Mondays' Eric Gitter and Andy Bourne.

Gitter is also on the production team for Rascal Raccoon's Raging Revenge , along with Closed on Mondays’ Noah Greenshner. The parody of classic animation is heading to Warner Bros., the pioneering studio behind many of the cartoons that inspired writer Brendan Hay and artist Justin Wagner to create the comedy graphic novel. Hay has previously written for The Simpsons, Robot Chicken, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Closed on Mondays is partnering with Ken Franchi and Todd Strauss-Schulson of Ulterior Productions. Writer Matt Fogel is attached to craft the screenplay, and Strauss-Schulson, who previously lensed A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, will direct. The story of an animated raccoon whose life is turned upside down when he finally succeeds in killing his cartoon nemesis will be a combination of live-action and CGI.

“Both Amy Devlin and Rascal Raccoon are books that Oni Press is extremely proud of’” Nozemack concluded. “ These new ventures will introduce a fresh audience to the material, while also giving the books' fans a new way of looking at the stories they already love. We couldn't be happier with the partners we've made and the possibilities going forward.”

Apocrypha Entertainment and The Comics Waiting Room present THE AISLE SEAT:  LIFE ON THE EDGE OF POPULAR CULTURE!

Collecting the best of Marc Mason’s THE AISLE SEAT columns, interviews, and convention reports!

Tempe, AZ, May 8, 2012:  Apocrypha Entertainment and The Comics Waiting Room (cwr.comicswaitingroom.com) are proud to present THE AISLE SEAT: LIFE ON THE EDGE OF POPULAR CULTURE, a best-of collection of writer Marc Mason’s (THE JOKER’S ADVOCATE, RED SONJA: RAVEN, YOU’LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE) work at The Comics Waiting Room over the past six years. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to chat with some of the brightest lights in the world of comics, Film, and TV, and I have always tried to make the most of it. I’ve also written some opinion pieces that stirred up more than a little trouble. Best of all, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of amazing comic-cons and report on the real experience you can have when you do the show right,” Mason notes. “To me, that’s what The Aisle Seat is really about- getting to the heart of someone’s story and to the reality behind the façade. Something like San Diego has become myth at this point. But what lies behind the myth is often far more intriguing.”

THE AISLE SEAT book contains interviews with creators such as Matt Wagner, Garth Ennis, John Layman, Jennie Breeden, Danielle Corsetto, Craig Thompson, and many more. Commentary topics include the link between comics and the fetish community, the poor treatment of Wonder Woman in regards to film, and the controversial call to end new comic day. You also get an inside look at shows in Seattle and Phoenix, as well as San Diego.

“I’m excited about the book version,” Mason adds. “It’s wild to me, seeing the last six years of my journalistic efforts distilled this way, and I think it shows the kind of high-quality work I do. Running a website isn’t always easy, but seeing this book reminds me of why it is worth the effort.”

THE AISLE SEAT also contains an introduction by Brandon Jerwa (SHOOTERS, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, G.I. JOE) and a back cover pull quote from Javier Grillo-Marxuach (THE MIDDLEMAN, LOST, MEDIUM). It is now available via Amazon in paperback for $10 and in Kindle format for $8.