THE HOUSE FROM AMERICAN
HORROR STORY
SET TO SELL FOR $12,000,000.00
AFTER ITS APPEARANCE
ON Syfy's
"HOLLYWOOD TREASURE"

THE EPISODE AIRS THIS TUESDAY
NIGHT MAY 29 AT 10PM ET/PT
ON THE Syfy Channel
 

LOS ANGELES- MAY 25- The house from American Horror Story will be featured on the upcoming episode of Syfy's Hollywood Treasure. American Horror Story developed a tremendous cult following during its premiere season and the whole series was centered around the house which is now going on the market. The house became as much a character as any of the people were and is as equally impressive in real life as it was on the show. The episode will air Tuesday, May 29th at 10 PM ET/PT on Syfy.

Construction of the house began in 1904 and was completed in 1908. The Catholic Church added a chapel addition in 1954.  The house sits on approximately 3/4 an acre and is around 12,000 square feet. The home was built by renowned architect Alfred Rosenheim and is currently a designated historic monument.  The house will be going on the market for $12,000,000.00 and Joe and the staff of Profiles in History will help market the property around the world with Brad Downs of Rodeo Realty Inc. of Beverly Hills, California.


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 Needing to support himself, Joe turned to his hobby of buying and selling historical documents as a potential way to earn revenue.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 Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985.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of the Manuscript Society, Joe is widely recognized as the nation's leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents.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.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PANEL DISCUSSION, SHONEN JUMP ALPHA FAN MEET-UP

AND ANIME VIDEO PROGRAMMING SCHEDULED FOR FANIMECON 2012

Publisher Invites Fans To Northern California’s Largest Annual Anime Convention To Be Held This Weekend

VIZ Media has detailed its participation at FanimeCon 2012, which is scheduled to take place May 25-28 at the San Jose Convention Center, located in San Jose, CA. FanimeCon is Northern California’s largest annual anime convention. VIZ Media, the nation’s biggest publisher and distributor of manga and anime content, plans to hold an informative panel discussion as well as a fan meet-up for its popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA digital manga magazine. Details on FanimeCon 2012 are available at: www.fanime.com.

In addition, convention attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of video programming featuring episodes from some of VIZ Media most popular anime series such as BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE, TIGER & BUNNY, and ZETMAN.

Fans and convention attendees are invited to learn insights and latest updates into the company’s manga and anime releases at the VIZ Media Panel, taking place Saturday May 26^th from 3:00pm – 4:00pm in Panel Room 3. Attendees will also get opportunities to win exclusive prizes throughout the panel.

VIZ Media will also hold a special SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Fan Meet-Up on Saturday May 26^th from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in Panel Room 1. Gift bags filled with a variety of fun collectables will be given away (while supplies last) and attendees can meet the SHONEN JUMP ALPHA staff and other WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA readers, and learn all about what the nation’s premier digital manga magazine has in-store for future issues. Fans who purchase memberships to WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA at the meet-up will receive a special gift (while supplies last). 

Each new digital issue of WEEKLY SJ ALPHA treats manga (comics) fans in 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. Currently featured series include popular titles such as BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO.

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 SJ ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com or VIZManga.com. 

###

STarz TO AIR “SPARTACUS”

IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER for the first time EVER

Marathon to Begin Airing Friday, June 8^th at 9 PM ET/PT

Beverly Hills, Calif., May 24, 2012 – For the first time, Starz will air all 29 episodes of Spartacus in chronological order, beginning with “Gods of the Arena,” then “Blood and Sand,” and concluding with “Vengeance,” Friday nights from 9pm - 11pm ET/PT, beginning June 8^th.

“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”

Episodes to air June 8 & 15

June 8	9pm	Past Transgressions
	10pm	Missio
	11pm	Paterfamilias
June 15	9pm	Beneath The Mask
	10pm	Reckoning
	11pm	The Bitter End (Series Finale)

The House of Batiatus is on the rise, basking in the glow of its infamous champion Gannicus (Dustin Clare), whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women. These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control; he’ll freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand. And he’ll have his loyal and calculating wife Lucretia by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts. Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power, and bleed Capua dry.

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand”

Episodes to air June 22, 29 and July 6, 13, 20

June 22	9pm	The Red Serpent
	10pm	Sacramentum Gladiatorum
	11pm	Legends
June 29	9pm	The Thing In The Pit
	10pm	Shadow Games
	11pm	Delicate Things
July 6	9pm	Great And Unfortunate Things
	10pm	Mark Of The Brotherhood
	11pm	Whore
July 13	9pm	Party Favors
	10pm	Old Wounds
	11pm	Revelations
July 20	9pm	Kill Them All (Series Finale)

Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands.  Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend.

“Spartacus: Vengeance”

Episodes to air July 20, 27 and August 3, 10

July 20	10pm	Fugitivus
	11pm	A Place In This World
July 27	9pm	The Greater Good
	10pm	Empty Hands
	11pm	Libertus
August 3	9pm	Chosen Path
	10pm	Sacramentum
	11pm	Balance
August 10	9pm	Monsters
	10pm	Wrath Of The Gods (Series Finale)

On the heels of the bloody escape from the House of Batiatus, the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic. Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) leads before it can inflict further damage. Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man that condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death, or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his budding army from breaking apart. 

           

The “Spartacus” series is executive produced by Rob Tapert (The Grudge, “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”), Steven S. DeKnight (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and The Evil Dead), and Joshua Donen (The Quick and the Dead).

About Starz Entertainment
Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 20.1 million and 33.6 million subscribers respectively.  Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands.  Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LMCA).

GODZILLA'S ONE CRAZY SUMMER! IDW announces digital Godzilla comics, new characters, and a new title! May 23, 2012 San Diego, CA – Expanding what has become an explosive publishing partnership, this summer IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd.are bringing even more kaiju chaos to comic fans everywhere! May 23rd brings the launch of Duane Swierczynski and Simon Gane’s new, ongoing Godzilla series, which features covers by Arthur Adams and Tony Harris! That’s not all, though! That same day, after much anticipation, Godzilla will finally hit digital platforms!  Available on iOS, Android, and Nook, IDW’s entire back catalog of catastrophic, giant monster destruction will be available as single issues and trades.  Not only that, but the new Godzilla ongoing will launch day and date with two exclusive digital variant covers! This bounty of crushing comics destruction comes hot on the heels of IDW’s announcement of Orc Stain creator James Stokoe’s Godzilla: The Half-Century War, a generation-spanning tale packed to the gills with Stokoe’s trademark hyper-detailed linework and nearly-psychedelic colors. If any comics creator out there was born to draw giant monsters leveling crowded metropolitan areas, folks, it’s James Stokoe. And as if all that city-stompin’ goodness wasn’t enough, IDW has made the necessary space in Godzilla’s monstrous world for even more of Toho's creatures, with more than 20 of Godzilla's co-stars joining the roster of licensed characters. From fan favorites such as JET JAGUAR to lesser-known greats like the gargantuas, SANDA and GAIRA, the future of Godzilla at IDW is bound to be even more action-packed than ever. Needless to say, it’s going to be a chaos-drenched summer for Godzilla fans. Hopefully they all have insurance. Godzilla #1• 32 pages • $3.99 • in stores May 23 • Diamond order code: MAR120364 Godzilla: The Half-Century War #1 • 32 pages • $3.99 • in stores 8/22 • Diamond order code: JUN120326 Godzilla: Legends TPB • 128 pages • $19.99 • in stores June 13 • Diamond order code: APR120372 Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters, Vol. 3 TPB • 104 pages • $17.99 • In stores now • Diamond order code: MAR120367 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 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.

THREE FUGITIVES, FIVE PRINTINGS

SAGA #1 goes back to press again

SAGA #1's fourth printing is on shelves today, but it sold out at the distributor before even arriving in stores, necessitating a fifth printing for the issue. The runaway science fiction hit by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is the second new Image Comics series to receive a fifth printing of its first issue this year. The other is the horror noir series FATALE by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.

In an interview with ICv2 at the time SAGA #1's fourth printing was announced, Image Publisher Eric Stephenson revealed that the issue was "getting to the 70,000 mark." Stephenson also cited strong sales of the title in the digital marketplace. SAGA, like most Image Comics books, is available same-day digitally on multiple platforms.

SAGA #1's fifth printing (APR128195) is scheduled to be in stores on June 13, the same day as SAGA #3's second printing (APR128087). SAGA #4 (APR120555) will be in stores on June 20.

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.

'Kids Day' Activities Highlight Sunday, June 3, At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Face Painting, Superhero Improv, Arts & Crafts, Mascots, 'Kid-Friendly' Booths, Passport Program, Costume Contest Lead Special Children's Programming At Pennsylvania Convention Center; Kids Under 10 Free With Paid Adult

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 23, 2012 – Move over, mom and dad.  Sunday, June 3, is “Kids Day” at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, with activities designed especially for children all day (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Face painting, Superhero-themed panel room programming, an appearance by the Camden Riversharks mascot, the famous Wizard World Kids Passport program, Costume Contest and more are all a part of the fun for the younger ones.

Admission for kids 10 and under is free with a paid adult (two free kids per adult).

Some of the highlights of Kids Day include:

• Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Passport (all day) – upon arrival, kids should go directly to the Kids Day booth (No. 613) to pick up a Passport, which will guide them to kid-friendly booths, activities, celebrities and artists.  Kids who earn stamps at each stop will win a prize.
• Walnut Street Theatre - Superhero Improv (11 a.m.) - Working with a "Superhero theme" participants will take on a superhero persona. Kids will use their superhero power to tackle a specific mission given by the teaching artists.  Limited to the first 30 to sign up!
• Superhero Arts and Crafts (noon) - This is not an ordinary arts & crafts session, this is specifically made for superheroes! Kids can come join the Justice Twins, Wonder Woman and Supergirl to make their very own superhero mask to wear for the Kids Costume contest.
• Kids Costume Contest (1 p.m.) - Too cute to resist! It's like Halloween in June as kids show off their best costumes and win prizes.
• Camden Riversharks (all day) – Meet the fun Camden Riversharks mascot, usually seen greeting kids and other fans at the Atlantic League baseball team's games in the shadow of the Ben Franklin bridge, but today roaming the Pennsylvania Convention Center
• Face painting (all day) – Talented Wizard World face painters have kids as their canvas, with butterflies, kitty whiskers, flowers and more.
• Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (all day) – Learn a little more about the game and how to get on the field as the EPYS celebrates 40 years of promoting youth soccer in the region.
• Fun Fan Groups – Meet costumed characters from the N.Y. Jedi, Philadelphia Ghostbusters, 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs.  What a blast!
• Kid-friendly celebrities (all day) – Well, we like to think every Wizard World celebrity loves kids, but Peter Mayhew and Melissa Joan Hart will be stamping Passports and saying an extra hello.
• Kid-friendly artists (all day) – Visit super-talented artists Christine Larsen, Sara Richard, Mark Pingitore and Georgia Ball in Artists Alley for a Passport stamp and maybe a commissioned piece!

Top celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers, Thor), comics legend Stan Lee (creator, “Spider-Man,” “X-Men”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Patrick Stewart (“Star Trek: The Next Generation,” X-Men), Scott Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”), WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, “Burn Notice”) are 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.

***** 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

BOOM Studios Presents
MICHAEL MIDAS: CHAMPION!
Behind Every Cape And Cowl
There’s A Human Side.

May 23rd, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – This June, BOOM! Studios is proud to announce MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION by Jordan B. Gorfinkel and Scott Benefiel. Wrapping a classic fairy tale in superhero comic book clothing, MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION blends the heart of It’s A Wonderful Life, the majesty of The Princess Bride and the thrills of Spider-Man.

MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION is the inspirational life story of Michael Midas, who, as told by a grandmother to her grandson, grows from being a boy—dealing with a playground crush stolen from him by a tormenting bully—into a crimson hero who dons a mask and battles evil, particularly the bully of his youth, who has, naturally, become his supervillain arch-nemesis. Through his triumphs and trials, Michael becomes a superhero so dedicated that he loses touch of what’s important in life—his loved ones—puttting them and the whole Earth on a path to complete destruction. But given a rare second chance, can Michael Midas Champion set things right? Will he?

Chris Renaud, director of DESPICABLE ME and DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX, said, “MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION delivers a dynamic narrative and spectacular illustration while answering the question, ‘How do you balance a family and superpowers?’ Everyone can recognize their own life in the character of Michael Midas and that’s what makes it fun. I truly enjoyed reading this story.”

MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION is a full throttle, heart string tugging, all ages book filled with suspense, action, romance and wonderfully poignant scenes told in a cinematic wide-screen layout. A story that will touch a part of everyone that reads it.

Bonus: each issue also showcases an original short story, created by The Troika, the former Batman editors Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Scott Peterson and Darren Vincenzo, and special guests, including legendary Dark Knight writer/creator Denny O’Neil.

MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION will ship this July. This title is a six-issue mini-series which is accessible to all ages. Attention Consumers and Retailers--All six issues of Michael Midas Champion are complete, insuring on-time delivery and low-risk ordering.

Each issue will run 48 pages (with no interior ads) in a unique “Widescreen Comics” landscape format and will carry a $4.99 price point, with a Diamond Comics Distribution Order Code of MAY120978.

About Jordan B. Gorfinkel

Creator/Writer Jordan B. Gorfinkel, a.k.a. “Gorf” is a former Batman editor for DC Comics. Gorf is best known for creating the ambitious and critically/commercially- acclaimed epic Batman: No Man’s Land, as well as conceiving Birds of Prey. Since then, he has founded Avalanche Comics Entertainment which has worked with companies such as Microsoft, TOMS Shoes and Clorox.

“I cooked up Michael Midas Champion with all of my favorite illustrated storytelling ingredients: action, adventure, drama, mythos, suspense, romance, horror, redemption, drool-inducing art and most of all, heart and soul. My fondest hope is that fans will read it and fall in love with comics again like it’s their first time.” —Michael Midas Champion Creator/Writer Jordan B. “Gorf” Gorfinkel.

“It’s been fantastic working with Gorf. He’s seen it all in this industry and it shows in his writing — action, suspense, amazing characters — everything in the world of Michael Midas is fully realized and the final product is a book that’s simply outstanding.” — Adam Staffaroni of BOOM! Studios

About Scott Benefiel

Artist Scott Benefiel renders with a vibrant and dynamic style that captures both American and European aesthetics. He has worked with such publishers as DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, IDW, Disney, Humanoids and others, penciling titles like GHOST, SUPERMAN, JLA, JSA, SILVER SURFER, GHOST/HELLBOY, and more. He is an accomplished artist and designer in the video game industry on titles such as TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTON, THE BOURNE CONSPIRACY, SILENT HILL 5 and more. And he has illustrated for animated television series, including MINORITEAM for Cartoon Network, and the award-winning animated feature ROBOTECH: THE SHADOW CHRONICLES.

About Jonny Rench

Colorist Jonny Rench provided the striking and lush “American Animé”-style Michael Midas Champion coloring before his untimely passing. Jonny was deeply admired for his prolific coloring of the Wildstorm Universe (on tiles such as The Authority, The Programme, Ratchet & Clank and Human Target), as well as his work for Aspen, Dark Horse and Devil’s Due.

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.

THIS JULY
ABNETT AND LANNING DO COSMIC AT BOOM!
with THE HYPERNATURALS!

May 22rd, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – Fresh off rave reviews on their Free Comic Book Edition, this July fan-favorite writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning launch HYERNATURALS #1! This summer “DnA” bring their cosmic brand of superheroes to BOOM! Studios with an all-new ongoing series!

Featuring covers by Francesco Mattina (NOVA), Phil Noto (X-23), Timothy Green II (ANNIHILATORS), and Trevor Hairsine (X-MEN: DEADLY GENESIS) with interior art by Brad Walker (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) and Andres Guinaldo (RESURRECTION MAN), the first issue of this new ongoing series ships in July!

“We are excited and thrilled to be in the DnA business, and it’s clear from the fan reception that they’re doing what they do best,” said BOOM! Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ross Richie. “I’m excited to see where they can take things when the gloves come off in their own storytelling universe, where characters can die, major events can change, and Dan and Andy are unleashed to do their own thing, unfettered by decades of continuity or obligation to trademarks.”

"I couldn't be more excited about this series," says Matt Gagnon, Editor-in-Chief of BOOM! Studios. "DnA have built a devoted fan base by being phenomenal storytellers who bring integrity and passion to everything that they do. In THE HYPERNATURALS they truly take the gloves off and craft a breathtaking, original world."

With the Free Comic Book Day Edition serving as a stand-alone prelude, fans do not need to know anything about THE HYPERNATURALS to access and enjoy this new 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. After reading the Free Comic Book Day Edition, pick up the #1 issue thisJuly!

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.

    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: eigoMANGA Heads To FanimeCon 2012

(San Francisco, CA) – May 22, 2012 -- San Francisco based comic book publisher, eigoMANGA announces its participation at FanimeCon 2012 to be held on May 25-28, 2012 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. eigoMANGA will host two panels at FanimeCon.

eigoMANGA's first panel is "eigoMANGA's 2012 Industry Panel". The eigoMANGA team will showcase their latest animation licenses and scheduled launches. eigoMANGA launched its animation venture in 2011 with three animation titles; now it has expanded to over 50 animation titles and its first full length animated film.

eigoMANGA's second panel is 'Vanguard Princess'. 'Vangurd Princess' is a independent 2D fighting (doujin) game was originally released in Japan in 2009 and has amassed over 2 million downloads worldwide. eigoMANGA's game development team discusses the opportunities and challenges of adapting the popular doujin game to the U.S. market. eigoMANGA is hosting a championship tournament at the panel. The champion crowned at FanimeCon will earn an opportunity to defend title at Anime Expo 2012 in Los Angeles, CA; and ultimately go on to defend the title at Comic-Con International 2012 in San Diego, CA.

eigoMANGA's Industry Panel is scheduled for Friday, 8pm - 9pm at Panel #2. The 'Vanguard Princess' presentation is scheduled for Sunday, 2pm - 3pm at Panel #2. The main speaker at both panels is eigoMANGA's Publisher, Austin Osueke.


About eigoMANGA:

eigoMANGA is a comic book publishing company that specializes in creating original comic books, animation, and digital media productions.

More information about eigoMANGA can be found at http://www.eigoMANGA.com

CATCH THE SAMURAI ACTION OF NEW

RUROUNI KENSHIN MANGA REBOOT ON

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPLHA

Digital Manga Updates for 2^nd Half of May Include Continuation Of Monday 40% Promo on Select Volume 1 Titles, HONEY AND CLOVER Debut

VIZ Media rounds out the month of May with big news for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members as it debuts in today’s issue the new RUROUNI KENSHIN manga (graphic novel) reboot – RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION.

RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION will be serialized once a month in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA. To celebrate the upcoming live action movie, Nobuhiro Watsuki, the original creator of RURUNI KENSHIN (published by VIZ Media in North America, rated ‘T’ for Older Teens) reinvented his classic manga with all-new twists and turns. Action, romance, and historical intrigue abound in RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION, the tale of a wandering swordsman during Japan’s chaotic Meiji Restoration. Join Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and others as they take up their swords once again!

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.

VIZ Media also continues its special May manga promotion on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, offering a 40% off discount on five select Volume 1 digital titles (Reg. MSRP: $4.99, Sale Price: $2.99) each Monday through the end of the month.

Discount Manga Titles for May 21^st Include:

HIKARU NO GO Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

TEGAMI BACHI Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Discount Manga Titles for May 28^th Include:

BLEACH Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

CLAYMORE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

DRAGON BALL Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

KEKKAISHI Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

Finally, in addition to updates to 19 other series, shojo fans can look forward to the debut on May 28^th of HONEY AND CLOVER (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). Created by Chica Umino. the story follows Takemoto, a sophomore art student in Tokyo, who thinks his greatest worries in life are finding ways to eat more meat and getting to class on time. But with friends like his, life is never going to be that tame.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 55 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop PC-enabled computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. The free VIZ Manga App is the top application for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

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

A LOOK INSIDE BLACK OPS IN THE ACTIVITY

Comic written with cooperation of members of U.S. Military & Intelligence

They do their work in secret, the goals of their missions and the discipline, teamwork, and skills needed to carry them out well out of the sight of the American public. However, on May 2, 2010, an elite team of Navy SEALs carried out Operation Neptune Spear, killing Osama bin Laden and launching "Black Ops" into the American consciousness.

Among the imaginations captured by these elite forces was that of Nathan Edmondson, a writer (WHO IS JAKE ELLIS, DANCER) who was inspired to create THE ACTIVITY, a comic book series that follows the lives of members of the special operations group Intelligence Support Activity. Drawn by Mitch Gerads (with guest issues by Marc Laming), THE ACTIVITY depicts the training and covert missions of Team Omaha within the real-life organization with glimpses of the "regular" lives they live where no one knows about their real jobs.

The insight into the lives of special operatives, as well as the bleeding-edge technology they employ in their missions, is founded on Edmondson's desire to create a true-to-life depiction of life in Special Forces. A trip to Washington D.C., as well as extensive research and networking, yielded defense contractor contacts and sources within special ops.

"I flew to Washington, D.C. and interviewed colonels and captains and a general face-to-face, gleaning what info I could," Edmondson told MTV Geek at the time of THE ACTIVITY #1's publication. "I’ve had the scripts reviewed by individuals from the Pentagon and JSOC [Joint Special Operations Command].... Often it was a matter of those advisors directing me and us to specific reading material, or simply telling us, 'no, that doesn’t make sense.'"

Edmondson's commitment to accuracy won the aid of many of the book's advisors, including Major Rusty Bradley of the US Special Forces, who co-scripted issue six of THE ACTIVITY. Major Bradley is the hero responsible for leading the team that took Sperwan Ghar in the decisive battle in Afghanistan, as is accounted in his book, LIONS OF KANDAHAR. Bradley's co-writer, embedded Special Forces reporter Kevin Maurer, is an ongoing advisor to the book and wrote the foreword to the trade.

The first trade paperback collection of THE ACTIVITY, containing issues #1-5, will be for sale on June 6 (ISBN 978-1-60706-561-6).

THE ACTIVITY #6, in stores now and drawn by Laming, shows events west of the Congo in the Civil Affairs career of Team Omaha's newest member, code name "Fiddler," that led her to being recruited by the Intelligence Support Activity

THE ACTIVITY #7 is the launch of a new story arc, "Goat Hunt," which sees members of Team Omaha being sent to Uzbekistan for their latest mission after incriminating evidence is discovered on a Chinese freighter. It was co-written by actual Navy SEALs whose identities cannot be revealed. It is available for pre-order now from the May issue of Previews and will be in stores on July 18.

THE ACTIVITY creator Nathan Edmondson and artist Mitch Gerads are available for interviews and, as an added bonus, some their research contacts will also be answering questions along with them. Please contact Image Comics PR and Marketing Director Jennifer de Guzman at jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com to set up an interview with the team of THE ACTIVITY.

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.