Signature Events Are Sure to Bring Out Everyone's Inner Geek

Twenty-five events to choose from will add even more excitement to this year's Con weekend

Phoenix Comicon 2012 is finally less than a week away! By now, you’ve seen our amazing guest list, but have you checked out our signature events yet? This year, our tireless directors and volunteers have put together 25 fantastic parties, contests and panels for your entertainment.

At Phoenix Comicon, you can look for the love of your life at Geek Speed Dating, dance the night away at the Steampunk Ball, bid on original art for a good cause and much, much more. Here are all the great events that we have lined up for you this year:

Anime Café

Bleeding Cool Fan Awards

Brain Eating Contest

Captain’s Cantina: Opening Night Sci-Fi Party

Charity Art Auction

Cosplay Roast: Naruto

Doctor Who: Party Like a Time Lord

Fashion Show

Geek Prom

Geek Speed Dating

High School of the Dead

Iron GM

The Magic Cauldron for Young Wizards and Witches

Marvel vs. Capcom: The Party!

Masc

Plants vs Zombies

Sidekick Training

Sketch Off

Steampunk Ball

Stitched Movie Reunion: Screening and Panel

Texas Hold’em Tournament

Vic Micnogna: Live in Concert

William Shatner: Meet & Greet

Zombie Beauty Pageant

Zombie Walk

Festivities kick off Thursday afternoon May 24th and continue throughout the weekend. Spend the day checking out the exhibitor hall, meeting our Guests, buying that hard to find geek item, then attend concerts and dances that last till 2AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Director of Marketing, Jillian Squires is so excited that she cannot contain her excitement, “I wouldn't know what to do if I had to choose between the Zombie Beauty Pageant or the Geek Prom?” She continues, “Thankfully, they're on different days, so I can see both!”

Full event passes to Phoenix Comicon 2012 are only $40 till the weekend of the show, and kids twelve and under always get in for free (with paid adult membership).

Phoenix Comicon 2012 is expected to draw over 30,000 attendees to its May 24-27, 2012 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.  For more information about events and scheduling, check the Signature Events page at www.phoenixcomicon.com.

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE LATEST YU-GI-OH! ADVENTURES WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW

YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL MANGA SERIES IN JUNE

Brand New Action Adventure Series Follows A Young Boy’s Quest To Fulfill His Destiny And Become A Dueling Champion; Vol. 1 First Editions Include Limited Edition YU-GI-OH! Trading Card

San Francisco, CA, May 17, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, notably expands its bestselling YU-GI-OH! manga (graphic novel) brand with the forthcoming release of the newest series in the popular franchise. YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL launches on June 5^th under the company’s SHONEN JUMP imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Volume 1 First Editions will also contain a limited edition collectable YU-GI-OH! trading card.

YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL is based on an original concept by Kazuki Takahashi with story by Shin Yoshida and artwork created by Naohito Miyoshi. The new series takes place in a futuristic city where augmented reality Duels are all the rage. Duelists, using devices called D-Gazers, can interact with their environment and their opponents as never before. With more awesome monsters and unbelievable cards, the future of Yu-Gi-Oh! starts right here! No one loves Dueling more than Yuma Tsukumo, but unfortunately for him, no one is worse at it! This isn’t going to stop Yuma from trying though. When Yuma calls on the memory of his parents during the Duel, a strange being called Astral appears, and the encounter is the start of Yuma’s amazing Duel journey!

“YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL is the successor to YU-GI-OH! 5D’s and takes the art of Dueling to the next level in this exciting latest saga of the internationally popular franchise,” says Mike Montesa, Editor. “The manga series, which is ongoing in Japan, closely follows the YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL animated show currently airing on North American television on the CW network’s Toonzai animated program block. With plenty of action and supercharged Duels featuring a colorful new array of monsters, manga readers won’t want to miss a single adventure as Yuma Tsukumo strives to become a famous champion and fulfill his destiny!” 

Artist/author Kazuki Takahashi first tried to break into the manga business in 1982, but success eluded him until YU-GI-OH! debuted in the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1996. YU-GI-OH!'s themes of friendship and fighting, together with Takahashi's weird and imaginative monsters, soon became enormously successful, spawning a real-world trading card game, video games, and three popular anime series including the two original YU-GI-OH! series as well as YU-GI-OH! GX.

More information on YU-GI-OH! is available at: www.viz.com/yu-gi-oh.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.

Joe Kubert's Tarzan of the Apes: Artist's Edition coming in September from IDW

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic creation

San Diego, CA (May 18, 2012) – Joe Kubert is one of the most lauded artists in the history of comics, a true living legend. He has been a vital creative force since the 1940s and remains so to this day. He has had defining runs on Hawkman, Enemy Ace, Tor, Sgt. Rock, and many others. Among his career highlights is Tarzan of the Apes, and Kubert's rendition could arguably be called the definitive comic adaptation of the Ape-man.

“To have the Tarzan stories I drew commemorate the 100th anniversary of a strip I fell in love with as a kid is the thrill of a lifetime,” said Joe Kubert, writer and artist of all the stories in this Artist's Edition.

This Artist’s Edition collects six complete Kubert Tarzan adventures, including the classic four-part origin story. Each page is vividly reproduced from the original art and presented as no comics readers have seen before. For fans of Kubert and Tarzan, this new entry in the Eisner-winning Artist’s Edition line must be seen to be believed!

2012 is the centennial year for Tarzan. Created by master storyteller Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan is instantly recognizable to countless fans around the globe. Other notable creations of Burroughs’ include John Carter of Mars, Korak, Carson of Venus, and At the Earth’s Core.

"I first read these comics when I was 10 years old, and they remain some of my favorite stories ever," said Editor Scott Dunbier, "this is Joe Kubert at his absolute best."

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

JOE KUBERT’S TARZAN OF THE APE: ARTIST’S EDITION ($100, hardcover, black and white, 156 pages, 12” x 17”) will be available in stores September 2012.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books. IDW can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/#!/idwpublishing and http://tumblr.idwpublishing.com/ and on Twitter at @idwpublishing.

DANCER TAKES THE STAGE, SELLS OUT

New series' first issue and three more Image Comics titles get second printings

DANCER #1, the first issue of a new Image Comics thriller series by Eisner-nominee Nathan Edmondson (WHO IS JAKE ELLIS?) and Nic Klein, has sold out at the distributor level the same day that it was in stores, May 16.

Following the flight through Milan of an ex-assassin and the woman he loves, a ballerina named Quinn, as they evade a sniper's bullets, the debut garnered early raves on the day of its release.

"The best example of what's possible without a man in tights is this week's first issue of Dancer, from Image Comics."

— CNN Geek Out

"Dancer is another new series from Image that is flat-out wonderful... You'll be hooked from page one as the action kicks into high gear with some beautiful art from Nic Klein. This issue is paced so well and by the time you're finished with the book, you just want more. Fantastic story and dialogue from writer Nathan Edmondson."

— Comic Vine

DANCER #1's second printing is available for order now (APR128084) and will be in stores on June 13, the same day as DANCER #2.

Also selling out on its Wednesday release date this week was the second issue of the Teen Titans-meets-The Lord of the Flies series DANGER CLUB by Landry Q. Walker and Eric Jones (Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade) that MTV Geek calls " a relentless and unique take on the 'teen superhero team' genre." continuing its strong performance after a critically-acclaimed first issue that also sold out and received a second printing. Its second printing (APR128085) will be in stores on June 13.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #3 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra (THE RED WING) also sold out this week. The alternate history science fiction series that Comics Alliance calls "pure mad science in comic book form" continues its nuclear assault on readers' minds, with sales numbers on the third issue matching those of the first. The second printing of THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #3 (APR128086) will also be on shelves on June 13.

SAGA continues its soaring success with a sell-out of its third issue this week, as Image Publisher Eric Stephenson revealed in an interview with ICv2 that SAGA #1's sales are nearing 70,000 copies. The latest issue of the Brian K. Vaughan-penned, Fiona Staples-drawn epic series was called "stunning, entertaining, and relevatory" by Comic Book Resources. A second printing of SAGA #3 (APR128087) will be in stores on June 13 as well.

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.

The Crow Comic Book flies again IDW Brings back James O’Barr’s iconic anti-hero this summer! San Diego, CA (May 17, 2012) – Proving that the spirit of vengeance is timeless, Bram Stoker Award-winning author and co-screenwriter of the original The Crow film, John Shirley, has teamed with Eisner Award-nominated, Fishtown artist Kevin Colden, to bring the dark spirit back to comics. Concurrently, the film’s producer Edward R. Pressman, in conjunction with Relativity Media and Dimension Films, is in pre-production on a gritty reinvention of the 1994 cult classic to be directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez (Before the Fall) and written by Jesse Wigutow. The comic book, which explores its own unique storyline from the film, is set in Tokyo, Japan where the Crow returns in the guise of a foreign exchange student named Jamie Osterberg. When Haruko, the love of his life, is stolen away from him, Jamie must search for answers–ones that turn deadly, and transform him into the spirit of vengeance, the Crow! With a sword that seeks truth, the Crow hunts down those responsible for this crime, discovering a web of horror that may lead him to kill his one true love. “I was thrilled to help bring James O’Barr’s The Crow to the screen, and am equally thrilled to rediscover the character in this new incarnation of The Crow for IDW—it’s as if he’s come back from the grave all over again,” said Shirley. “It feels like The Crow is taking me on the journey into some very dark realms. All I can do is come along and hope to survive the trip. It helps to have a great talent like Kevin Colden along.” “I’m very happy to be able to bring back The Crow with such esteemed creators,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “To be able to lead off with John Shirley and Kevin Colden in a story that takes the concept of James O’Barr’s The Crow in very unexpected ways is as thrilling to me as it hopefully will be to fans.” Also featuring covers from Kyle Hotz and Ashley Wood, the vibrant, exotic setting and rich mythology of Japan should prove a thrilling and intriguing environment for Shirley and Colden’s fresh take on the beloved hero. The first of the monthly five-issue series will be released in print and digital in July, with more series to follow. Plans have also been announced for The Crow original creator James O’Barr to return with his own new series. THE CROW #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in July. Diamond order code MAY12 0349. Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books. IDW can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/#!/idwpublishing and http://tumblr.idwpublishing.com/ and on Twitter at @idwpublishing. About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coasts Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film. ###

About IDW IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

THE DEADLY DAMES OF CINEMAX'S HIT SERIES
FEMME FATALES RETURN TO THRILL THIS MAY
Season Two Debuts Friday, May 25, 2012 at 11 PM
Super-Sized Season Finale Airs August 10th

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – The groundbreaking, hit anthology series FEMME FATALES returns to Cinemax this May with 12 all-new pulse-pounding episodes.  Beginning Friday, May 25^th at 11 PM, Femme Fatales ripped from the pages of the bestselling magazine, is the cult smash Entertainment Weekly calls “a badass-chick anthology series” and Geek Monthly hails as “50% Tarantino, 50% Sin City, 100% Cool.”
 
The sexy, thrilling anthology series is about powerful, sexy and dangerous women styled in the tradition of pulp stories, film noir and graphic novels.  The half-hour program features stories inspired by such noir classic as Double Indemnity and Pulp Fiction and classic thriller TV series like The Twilight Zone.

In each stand-alone episode, which is part of a bigger interweaving mythology, women find extraordinary ways of coping with their problems, channeling their survival instincts and bringing out their inner guile.   The series was recently honored as an Official Selection of the prestigious Sitges Film Festival in Spain which screened seven episodes from the series first season. 

The season premiere, “16 Minutes of Fame,” is a sly murder mystery and satire on today’s popular reality series like “Jersey Shore” and “Big Brother.”

Notable guest stars in the series include Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Independence Day), Jeff Fahey (Lost, Grindhouse), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers), Antonio Sabato, Jr. (General Hospital, Bones), Kyle Gass (Tenacious D), Steve Railsback (The Stunt Man, Lifeforce), Leilani Sarelle (Basic Instinct), Robert LaSardo (Nip/Tuck, Death Race), Reggie Hayes (Girlfriends), Paul Rae (True Grit), Dean Haglund (The X-Files, The Lone Gunmen), Charlie O’Connell (Crossing Jordan), Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager) , Nikki Griffin (Fast & The Furious III) and legendary film director and Oscar® nominee Paul Mazursky.

Fan Groups Invade Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con – Browncoats and Jedi Knights and Ghostbusters, Oh, My!  

More Than 20 Role Playing, Podcaster, Sci Fi, Superhero, Re-Creation Groups Boost Event, May 31 – June 3 at Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 17, 2012 – From mainstream franchises like Star Wars and Ghostbusters to cult favorites like “Star Trek” and “Firefly,” fan groups supporting movies and TV shows have become a staple of Wizard World events.  More than 20 clubs, podcasters, cosplayers, historical societies and charitable organizations will be on hand at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, interacting with fans and enhancing the atmosphere and attendee experience.

Groups Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con-goers will encounter include:

• 501st Garrison Carida, a chapter of the world’s definitive Imperial costuming organization. No matter where you live, the power of “Vader’s Fist” can be felt through professionally organized charity, fundraising, and promotional events feature the “bad guys” of Star Wars.
• 726th Marine Strike Group, Starfleet Marine Corps, dedicated to the same principles as other members of STARFLEET International (SFI), including community service and charity fund raising, as well as a focus on organizations that associate with or assist military members, veterans and their families.
• Alliance Live Action Role Playing (LARP), dedicated to recreating the Days of Legend as we would like them to be.  Around since 1989, it is one of the largest live action fantasy medieval games with over a dozen active chapters in the United States and Canada, with more on the way.
• Camden Riversharks, a member of The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.  The Riversharks play their home games at Campbell's Field, which is situated at the base of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge offering a clear view of the Philadelphia skyline.
• Capital City Jedi Knights, a non-profit club whose primary objective is to teach and perform staged combat lightsaber duels for conventions, community, and charity events.
• League of Superheroes, the original Superhero costuming resource forum on the web, boasting over 2500 members and growing.  Since July 16, 2004, League of Superheroes has been promoting, helping, and encouraging the growth of the costuming community one hero at a time.
• Legendary Women, Inc., an organization that works to promote the positive portrayal of women in the media and to help empower women in their daily lives via philanthropy.
• Mav Oya’la Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs, Pennsylvania representative providing a nexus for Mandalorian costumers, giving them a collective identity and representation within the Star Wars costuming community.
• MegaPodzilla, which since 2009 has been rampaging the geek landscape like the podcast equivalent to a 100 foot radioactive lizard with horn rimmed glasses and a pocket protector.
• NYC Browncoats, one of numerous independent, but similarly minded, fan groups, dedicated to Joss Whedon’s television series “Firefly”, and its subsequent follow up movie, Serenity.
• NYC Cosplayer Network, a non-profit group involved in community volunteerism. Its costumed performers volunteer for free at a variety of family focused activities, and perform for children’s hospitals, street fairs, and local comic book store special events.
• NY Jedi, a community of sci-fi fans, actors, martial artists, costumers and performers who share a particular passion for fight choreography and Light Sabers. Utilizing stage-combat and Martial Arts based techniques, NY Jedi creates fight-scenes with this iconic weapon of the Sci-Fi Fandom.
• PaperKeg, a Philadelphia-based podcast promoting the way comics were meant to be read -- by hearing about them. It features chatter about industry news, the books we're reading, the digital scene, a special book club, and your letters to end the show.
• Pennsylvania Browncoats, a group of several hundred “Firefly”/Serenity fans located in or near Pennsylvania, which organizes social events, such as meetups, shindigs and outings, as well as charitable activities..
• Pennsylvania Star Wars Collecting Society, whose goals are to enhance the collecting experience of its members, share information to help members become better collectors and find the Star Wars collectibles they're looking for, to create a collecting network where hot items can be bought and sold at fair prices and to interact and socialize to share an appreciation of Star Wars collectibles and culture.
• Philadelphia Ghostbusters, a local Ghostbusters Franchise that helps to raise money for various charities, as well as make special appearances at events. Whether it’s being invited to benefits, participating in charity walks, or just roaming the streets of Philly, the PGB put a smile on everyone’s face and serves the community well.
• Philly Comix Jam, a group of cartoonists in the greater Philadelphia area that meets monthly to draw comics, discuss the industry and exchange critiques. Its members are local comic book professionals, aspiring artists and enthusiastic fans.
• Pixelated Dimensions, a source for the most captivating discussion of film, TV, video game, music, and popular culture anywhere in the world. The weekly podcast delivers the latest scoops and freshest interviews from the entertainment world.
• Recreating History, a select group of talented and diverse enthusiasts who have come together for a common goal; to recreate historical events in authentic and fictional performances that extend from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries to a wide array of audiences.
• Star Wars: In Character, a podcast that takes a closer look at some of the more obscure characters in the Star Wars universe. Backstories, histories, and details fans never knew, wanted to know, or ever need to know about some of the saga's greatest characters that may have been overlooked.
• Strife of Nations, a Northeast Pennsylvania based LARP that utilizes PvP game play to create a unique LARP experience. The three races of Latac compete to control the land, and become the victors of the battle.
• USS Iwo Jima, an independent science fiction fan group based on a Star Trek theme, located in the Greater New York City area and looking to expand into Philadelphia and South Jersey.
• USS Storm, NCC-1694, a chapter of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association. Based out of Atlantic City, N.J., its members gather for monthly meetings, walk-a-thons, and quarterly events and join a large family of friends who share common interests not only in “Star Trek” itself, but in the concepts and ideals that the series embraces with its storytelling.
• WGTR “World Grand Theft Radio,” the nationwide internet radio station No. 1 worldwide Halloween radio station in Sept & Oct. With over 30 original shows a week live, “our mission to make your on air dreams come true!”

Top celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers, Thor), comics legend Stan Lee (creator, “Spider-Man,” “X-Men”), 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.

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.

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.wizardworld.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.wizardworld.com.

IDW Brings The Love This August Thom Zahler returns with new Love and Capes series Exclusive variant releasing at San Diego Comic-Con San Diego, CA (May 17, 2012) – IDW Publishing is excited to announce LOVE AND CAPES: WHAT TO EXPECT, the fourth installment of the Harvey Award-nominated comic book series. The fan-favorite “heroically super” romantic comedy by creator Thom Zahler is back with an addition to the cast, a super baby! Mark and Abby are expecting, but they’re not telling anyone yet. Will they be able to keep the secret from Darkblade, the world’s best detective? Plus, Mark has a secret of his own. “I’m thrilled to be able to tell another chapter in Mark and Abby’s adventures. And there’s no greater adventure than parenthood,” said Zahler. “Except, of course, for a fight for existence itself against an all-consuming galactic threat, and this book isn’t about that. Well, probably not. Fifty-fifty, tops.” The first issue will be in stores in August, but a special “Baby Name” cover variant will be released in July during San Diego Comic-Con. The exclusive variant is drawn by Zahler and features Mark and Abby exchanging baby names. Fans will have a chance for Zahler to draw their name into Abby’s notepad, as another baby name idea for the couple. LOVE AND CAPES: WHAT TO EXPECT will contain special guest inkers for the covers throughout the series including Sean Tiffany, Jerry Ordway, Mike Manley, Chris Bailey, and Rich Faber. Fans looking to catch up on the series will be pleased to learn that the first three collections of Love and Capes will be reprinted and offered again in August. Also, the entire Love and Capes series is now available digitally from IDW and ComiXology. In addition, last February, Zahler offered a free digital six-page Love and Capes Valentine’s Day story that has never been printed. For those who missed it, click here to download the comic! LOVE AND CAPES: WHAT TO EXPECT #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in August. Diamond order code JUNE12 0384. LOVE AND CAPES, VOL. 1: DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? ($5.99) is now available in ComiXology here: http://bit.ly/LuvCapes1. LOVE AND CAPES, VOL. 2: GOING TO THE CHAPEL ($7.99) is now available in ComiXology here: http://bit.ly/LuvCapes2. LOVE AND CAPES, VOL. 3: WAKE UP WHERE YOU ARE ($7.99) is now available in ComiXology here: http://bit.ly/LuvCapes3.

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coasts Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

THE COLOSSALS ARISE IN DEBRIS

New dystopian mini-series from Image Comics in July

The future looks bleak for humankind in DEBRIS, the new Image Comics/Shadowline mini-series by the co-creators of the critically acclaimed GREEN WAKE, Kurtis J. Wiebe (PETER PANZERFAUST, GRIM LEAPER) and Riley Rossmo (REBEL BLOOD, COWBOY NINJA VIKING). Earth itself, covered with the detritus of civilization, has risen up against humans, as ancient spirits called the Colossals take physical forms constructed from the debris to wage war against the destructive species.

In the midst of this chaos, a warrior woman named Maya becomes the champion of humankind. She sets out to find the world's last source of pure water, combatting Colossals along the way as she fights to save her fellow humans.

"I'm very fond of Scandinavian and European folklore, so I injected a lot of those concepts into the monsters that will appear throughout the series," Wiebe told Comic Book Resources in an April 25th interview. "It's also very influenced by Native American (Canadian) mythology and even a touch of Mayan for some of the creatures. I like the idea that all these ancient monsters were once part of our world and have returned to end us when we are at our weakest."

With a look inspired by video games like Final Fantasy, DEBRIS boasts extraordinary creature design by Rossmo and vivid colors by Owen Gieni (AVENGELYNE) that set the comic apart from many other post-apocalyptic visions of Earth.

In an April 27th interview at IGN about the influence of the revolutionary video game series, Wiebe noted that DEBRIS shares the subject of "a world-changing battle against impossible odds, which is a constant theme throughout Final Fantasy." The IGN feature also included several FF-inspired teasers, showing Maya in battles against various Colossals.

In May, Wiebe also talked about the hotly-anticipated series at iFanboy, where a six-page preview of DEBRIS #1 was posted.

DEBRIS is a monthly four-issue miniseries published under Image Comics' Shadowline imprint. The first issue will be in stores on July 25. It is available for pre-order now from the May issue of PREVIEWS with the code MAY120516.

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.

MR. T GOES FROM GOLD TO GREEN

Publisher Mohawk Media has launched its Mr. T series through its range of environmentally-friendly, paperless Eco Comics.

Mr. T joins other famous names at Eco Comics including Dracula, Robin Hood, Dick Turpin, and Tough Guy.

The Hollywood hard man, renowned for his image of Mohawk haircut, gold chains and catchphrases, previously appeared in print in the publisher’s graphic novels.

Editor Stuart Buckley says: "It was always our intention to release the Mr. T graphic novel as a comic book series. Each chapter was intentionally structured to be the same length as a comic book.

"However, we’ve had to adjust to market demands. The graphic novel has sold out. The digital titles of Eco Comics have no print run, and so will never sell out, meaning every T fan can order a copy. The added satisfaction is that the environment hasn’t suffered as a result of paper production.

"The clean cut art of JL Czerniawski makes this series a joy to behold in any format."

"This is great, and I am truly humbled," is how Mr. T describes becoming the star of a comic book in the foreword. And in the world exclusive interviews throughout the series, he goes further, including stating why he is an even tougher comic book hero than Wolverine.

Series writer Chris Bunting adds: "I’ve gone to great lengths to do things never attempted, such as making T as close to a super hero as possible while retaining his classic persona. After over twenty-five years of fame, this action icon finally gets a rogues' gallery, and even a new catchphrase. Old and new T fans can expect plenty of other surprises too.

"Plus the amazing formats offered by Eco Comics really help bring this classic character into the digital age."

The first five issues of Mr. T are available to order now in various digital formats via the Eco Comics store: www.mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomics The US dollar cover price is 0.99 for the first issue, and 1.95 for subsequent issues.

NEW FROM VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT,

A STIRRING NEW ANTHOLOGY OF FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION AND CYBERPUNK SHOWS WHY THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE

New Literary Release Features 13 Innovative Stories From And About Japan By An International Collection Of Some Of Sci-Fi Fiction’s Most Acclaimed Authors

San Francisco, CA, May 16, 2012 – VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint announces the release of THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE, a new fiction anthology featuring science fiction and fantasy stories from some of today’s greatest writers from both Japan and the English-speaking world. The book is now available from the company’s Haikasoru imprint and has a MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN. An eBook edition will also be available for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader™ Store.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE offers a selection of original and classic science fiction about Japan from some of the greatest writers in the world. Stories include a web browser that threatens to conquer the world, the longest, loneliest railroad on Earth, a North Korean nuke hitting Tokyo, a hollow asteroid full of automated rice paddies, and a specialist in breaking up “virtual” marriages. And yes, giant robots. These thirteen stories from and about the Land of the Rising Sun run the gamut from fantasy to cyberpunk, and will leave readers knowing that the future is Japanese!

“THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE is a stirring new anthology and the first release of original prose fiction by Haikasoru,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru Editor. “Japan is a nation long renowned for its futuristic worldview, and THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE will engross readers with short stories by authors such as cyberpunk legends Pat Cadigan and Bruce Sterling, New York Times bestselling author Catherynne Valente, the enormously popular and prolific Japanese writer Hideyuki Kikuchi, and hot new writers Rachel Swirsky, David Moles, and Ken Liu, who have all already won or been nominated for the Nebula and Hugo awards. We look forward to readers discovering and enjoying this new collection!”

For more information on THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.