THE WORLD BLEEDS!

DRACULA WORLD ORDER IS HERE!

ALL STAR CAST OF ARTISTS JOIN WRITER IAN BRILL TO BRING DRACULA BACK TO LIFE

Tonci Zonjic, Rahsan Ekedal, Declan Shalvey, and Gabriel Hardman bring you Dracula like you’ve never seen him before!

Available in select retail stores and exclusively on comiXology

June 8th 2012 – Los Angeles – When Ian Brill set out to write a new vision of Dracula, he called on some of the greatest talents in comics to bring it to life —Tonci Zonjic (WHO IS JAKE ELLIS?), Rahsan Ekedal (ECHOES, SOLOMN KANE), Declan Shalvey (THUNDERBOLTS, 28 DAYS LATER), and Gabriel Hardman (HULK, BETRAYAL OF THE PLANET OF THE APES). This June 13th, comic fans everywhere can find DRACULA WORLD ORDER at select retailers across the North America and exclusively worldwide digitally on comiXology across their entire platform including iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the web.

Following in the foot steps of Sam Humphries’ OUR LOVE IS REAL and SACRIFICE, Ian Brill’s DRACULA WORLD ORDER is self-published by the author and is offered digitally on comiXology while at the same time a very limited 300 copy print run will be available from these retailers:

·      4 Color Fantasies in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

·      Beach Ball Comics in Anaheim, CA

·      The Beguiling in Toronto, Canada

·      Collector's Paradise in Winnetka and Pasadena, CA

·      Comix Experience in San Francisco, CA

·      Desert Island in Brooklyn, NY

·      Laughing Ogre Comics in Lansdowne, VA, Fairfax, VA and Columbus, OH

·      Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles, CA

·      Midtown Comics in New York City, NY

·      Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, OK

·      It can also be purchased online from Things From Another World (http://www.tfaw.com).

Featuring an all star cast of today’s best artists and written by Ian Brill, DRACULA WORLD ORDER tells the story of how the greatest villain of all, Count Dracula, takes advantage of a world on the brink of economic collapse. In a world where the top 1% of the population are vampires, the rest of the human race are prisoners…or the 1%’s next meal. Dracula’s own son Alexandru leads the 99% in rebellion against the Vampire elite – in a battle that will leave you breathless.

Within four startling chapters Tonci Zonjic (WHO IS JAKE ELLIS?), Rahsan Ekedal (ECHOES, SOLOMN KANE), Declan Shalvey (THUNDERBOLTS, 28 DAYS LATER), and Gabriel Hardman (HULK, BETRAYAL OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) bring their amazing talents to Brill’s story. With Zonjic, Jordie Bellaire (BETRAYAL OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, FANTASTIC FOUR), and Stephen Downer (DRACULA: THE COMPANY OF MONSTERS, DRACULA THE UNCONQUERED) bring searing color art, with the amazing Josh Krach lettering the book. All of this under an amazing cover by Shalvey and Bellaire.

Advance praise for DRACULA WORLD ORDER:

“This would be incredibly cool even if it didn't have some of my favorite artists working! Brill is making one of those books that get me excited about comics, and I would like to read a lot more of this. Read DWO and spread the word, this is the real deal!” says Jeff Parker, writer of HULK and THUNDERBOLTS.

Brill will be celebrating the release of DRACULA WORLD ORDER is dual signings on the release date.  He will be at Beach Ball Comics in Anaheim, CA from 12-2 and Collector’s Paradise in Winnetka, CA from 5-8.

Learn more at HTTP://WWW.DRACULAWORLDORDER.COM

HEAVY WEAPONS AND A DEADLY RACE AGAINST TIME BECKON READERS TO EXPLORE

METAL GEAR SOLID: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS,
NEW FROM VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT

Action-Packed New Novel By Famed Japanese Author Explores Key Characters And The Plot’s Connection To Previous Metal Gear Solid Franchise Videogames

San Francisco, CA, June 6, 2012 – VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint brings the high octane futuristic military action of Metal Gear Solid to North American readers with the release of METAL GEAR SOLID: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS, a brand new fiction title by the late Japanese science fiction author, Keikaku (Project) Itoh. The forthcoming novel, which is inspired by the massively successful videogame franchise, hits retailers on June 19^th with an MSRP of $15.99 U.S. / $18.99 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.

METAL GEAR SOLID: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS delivers the latest bullet-ridden adventures of Solid Snake, a crack soldier who is part of a worldwide nanotechnology network known as the Sons of the Patriots. Time is running out for Snake though, as he will soon succumb to the FOXDIE virus, but not before spreading the disease to nearly everyone he encounters, in essence becoming a walking biological weapon. Snake will need every advantage he can get, as the SOP network is about to be hacked by his old enemy Liquid Ocelot, and whoever controls SOP controls the world.

“2012 marks the 25^th Anniversary of the Metal Gear Solid videogame franchise and we’re very excited to mark the occasion with the release of this novel,” says Nick Mamatas, Editor, Haikasoru. “GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS is also far more than simply a prose version of the videogame; it goes into great detail in its explorations of the characters and of the plot’s connection to previous games, realistically filling out the ‘world’ of Metal Gear Solid. This book also features an essay by Metal Gear Solid game creator, Hideo Kojima, who was a personal friend of Itoh’s. Videogame and military fans, as well as sci-fi readers and action aficionados, will want to be sure to pick up this new release!”

Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots sold more than 5,000,000 copies in 2009 and garnered tremendous international acclaim. The game, which was developed by Konami for Sony’s Playstation platform, is part of a multi-million dollar global franchise that originated in Japan. In addition to the videogames, the Metal Gear Solid franchise has spawned a variety of related comics, American novelizations, collectable figures. The property’s latest videogame chapter, METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING, is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2012. 

Keikaku (Project) Itoh was born in Tokyo in 1974 and graduated from the Musashino Art University. In 2007, he debuted with Genocidal Organs, and took first prize of the “Best SF of 2007” in SF Magazine. He is also the author of HARMONY (published in North America by Haikasoru 2010), which won the Japan SF and Seiun Awards in Japan and was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award in the U.S. After a long battle with cancer, Itoh passed away in March 2009. The ending of the 2010 Sony PSP game, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, was dedicated to him.

To read an excerpt of METAL GEAR SOLID: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS, please visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/94470789/Metal-Gear-Solid-Guns-of-the-Patriots-Excerpt.

For more information on METAL GEAR SOLID: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS 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.

AFTER 25 YEARS, THE SCHWARTZ IS STILL WITH YOU

 

25^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray
 

Prepare For Ludicrous Speed as Mel Brooks’ Classic Parody Arrives on Blu-ray August 7 With All New Bonus Material

  

The farce is strong in the “uproarious salute to science fiction” (The Hollywood Reporter) when SPACEBALLS: 25^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION blasts off on Blu-ray August 7 from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Comedy legend Mel Brooks leads an all-star cast of cutups including John Candy (Splash), Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters) and Bill Pullman (Ruthless People).

When the evil Dark Helmet (Moranis) attempts to steal all the air from planet Druidia, a determined Druish Princess (Daphne Zuniga), a clueless rogue (Pullman) and a half-man/
half-dog creature who's his own best friend (Candy) set out to stop him.  But with the forces of darkness closing in on them at ludicrous speed, they'll need the help of a wise imp named Yogurt (Brooks) and the mystical power of "The Schwartz" to bring peace and merchandising rights to the entire galaxy!

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment combed the desert to bring fans an all-new featurette for the SPACEBALLS: 25^TH ANNIVESARY EDITION Blu-ray entitled “Farce Yourself! Spaceballs and the Skroobing of Sci-Fi.”  Mel Brooks takes fans on a guided tour into the making of the SPACEBALLS saga, exploring the film’s inspiration, its production, visual effects (including the sizzling creation of “Pizza the Hut”), how the film directly tears down the adventurous (Star Wars), the scary serious (Alien) and even the apocalyptic (Planet of the Apes) in his own uninhibited way and its epic status as Mel Brooks’ most successful and beloved fan favorite film.  Additional bonus features include commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, still galleries, trailers, film bloopers and more.

Five Hours of Blu-ray Special Features

• NEW!! Farce Yourself! Spaceballs and the Skroobing of Sci-Fi featurette
• Commentary by Mel Brooks
• Additional Commentary Tracks:
  • Mawgese
  • Dinkese
• Spaceballs: The Documentary featurette
• In Conversation: Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan featurette
• John Candy: Comic Spirit featurette
• Watch the Movie in Ludicrous Speed featurette
• Still Galleries:
  • Spaceballs: The Behind-the-Movie Photos
  • Spaceballs: The Costume Gallery
  • Spaceballs: The Art Gallery
• Trailers
  • Exhibitor Trailer with Mel Brooks Introduction
  • Theatrical Trailer
• Film Flubs:
  • Edge of the Mirror
  • Grabs Himself Early
  • The Magic Reappearing Ring
  • More Than His Head
  • No End in Sight
  • Track Behind Dot
• Storyboards-to-Film Comparison

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

###

DEATH RIDES A DARK HORSE!

DARKSIDERS^® II GETS DIGITAL COMIC SERIES! 

JUNE 6, LOS ANGELES, CA  – E3: From the mind of Joe Madureira comes a full-blown Darksiders^® II digital comic series from Dark Horse Comics!

Delving into the days before the Apocalypse, Darksiders^® II: Death’s Door is a pivotal contribution to the world of the anticipated new game. 

Created in collaboration with THQ’s Vigil Games^TM, the studio co-founded by Joe Madureira, this original story follows Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, on a mission to destroy a rogue demon. Chasing the creature across magical realms and even through time, Death’s quest takes him on a heart-pounding adventure that reveals some of the greatest mysteries of the games! 

Written by Andrew Kreisberg (Batman Confidential, Green Arrow and Black Canary, FOX’s Fringe) and drawn by Roger Robinson (Batman: Arkham City, Azrael), Darksiders^® II: Death’s Door reveals essential secrets from the world of the upcoming game. 

The five issue series will be available tri-weekly exclusively online at Dark Horse Digital and the Dark Horse Comics iOS and Android app for 99 cents each, starting July 4. 

As previously announced, fans of the series can get an exclusive Darksiders^® II #0 printed prequel comic from Dark Horse Comics when they preorder the Best Buy exclusive Darksiders II: Angel of Death Edition for Xbox 360 ^® or PlayStation® 3!

Darksiders^® II: Death’s Door #1 is on sale July 4^th from Dark Horse Digital.

Preorder your copy of Darksiders II today.

About Darksiders II

Awakened by the End of Days, Death, the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen embarks on a quest to redeem his brother's name. Become the terrifying force which everything fears but nothing can escape. 

The original Darksiders^®, released in January 2010, received critical acclaim including the Best Fantasy Game 2010 award from IGN. Darksiders followed the story of WAR, wrongly accused of starting the apocalypse, on a quest to reclaim lost honor and take revenge on those who wronged him.

About THQ

THQ Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.  THQ, Darksiders, Vigil Games and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About Dark Horse Comics

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

 

Ape Entertainment Debuts Strawberry Shortcake Comic Classic on App Store

SAN DIEGO, CA – June 6, 2011 – Ape Entertainment, along with American Greetings Properties, the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM), today announced the Strawberry Shortcake classics issue No. 1 from 1985 is now available on the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.  Download directly by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/app/strawberry-shortcake-comics/id481026839.

Digitally recolored to enhance the fun and fruity colors that Strawberry Shortcake is known for, “The Great Pie Baking Contest” classic is available for the first time in digital format and features Strawberry, Huckleberry Pie, and all their friends. For more than three decades Strawberry Shortcake has been a favorite with moms and daughters for teaching wholesome values, going on fantasy adventures and proving that little girls can do big things. 

“Our initial release of the first-ever digital comics app for Strawberry Shortcake has exceeded expectations by ten fold. We’re very excited to offer those same fans a new digital twist on a proven classic,” said David Hedgecock, CEO of Ape Entertainment. “It’s an important series for us that helps teach fans about friendship and cooperation. It’s berry, berry special.”

Strawberry Shortcake “The Great Pie Baking Contest” classic app is available for $.99 on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.iTunes.com/appstore. 

With the addition of app enhancements included in the digital downloads of the comics to assist consumers in locating their nearest comic book retailer, Ape hopes that Strawberry Shortcake will inspire new readers to discover the exciting world of comics through their local comic book shops.
For more information, please visit www.Ape-Entertainment.com or www.KiZoic.com.

CHAYKIN’S SEMINAL AMERICAN FLAGG FINALLY AVAILABLE DIGITALLY ON COMIXOLOGY

INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE FORWARD BY WARREN ELLIS

June 6th, 2012 – New York, New York — Dynamite Entertainment and comiXology have teamed up to release legendary comic creator Howard Chaykin’s classic American Flagg! digitally across the entire comiXology platform — including iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web. Long considered a classic, this exclusive digital release also includes a brand new forward by bestselling comic creator and novelist Warren Ellis — only available on comiXology. The forward, along with first arc of the American Flagg series marks the beginning of a new era for this groundbreaking masterpiece as it moves into the digital age.

“Bringing the work of a master creator like Howard Chaykin to the forefront of the digital realm defines what comiXology is at it’s very core” says comiXology CEO and Co-Founder David Steinberger “Being able to distribute lost classics to new readers is something we’re striving to continue as we push forward in 2012.”

Lauded for its status as a cult classic and unparalleled in it’s impact on today’s comic scene, Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg! brings it’s unique indie spirit to comiXology and is available for download as individual single issues and as a completed Graphic Novel.

“There are few great comic works as influential and well respected as Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg!  The work is, in my opinion, one of the most important works from the 1980’s.  Howard was ahead of his time with American Flagg!  He was a visionary, and Flagg!, as well as The Shadow and other works show why he is one of the most respected creators in comics.” saysDynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci “Offering American Flagg! digitally is ideal in bringing the classic series to a new generation of readers.  We couldn’t be more excited about having both this incredible series by Chaykin with a new forward by Ellis available digitally on comiXology.”

A monumental achievement in modern sequential art, American Flagg tells the story of Reuben Flagg and the world he inhabits following the devastating events of the Year of the Domino. In a future where planet Earth has been torn asunder by a wave of natural disasters and civilization is forced to plot a new course for itself as the United States government flees to Mars, Flagg must deal with all the remaining factions left behind.

"When I first produced American Flagg! back in the early '80s, I had no idea just how much I got right about the dystopic future careening toward us.  Needless to say, I'm delighted to have the material available digitally,” said legendary series creator Howard Chaykin. “Now get to work, you intellectual-property pirates, thieves, and scumbags--here's one more thing to steal.”  

A welcomed addition to the vast offerings of digital comics available on the comiXology platform, American Flagg continues to stand the test of time decades after it’s original release. Newly recolored and restored, American Flagg is available for download  as one graphic novel collecting the first twelve issues or individual issues on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web as well as the comiXology Digital Storefront program. Colliding with the future it so ably depicted thirty years ago, American Flagg has never been more widely available to readers — both new and old — than it is today.

 

About Dynamite Entertainment
Dynamite Entertainment was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Shadow, The Boys, Green Hornet, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, Game of Thrones and more!

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Michael Avon Oeming, Mel Rubi, Marc Guggenheim, Stephen Sadowski, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Jae Lee, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent!

Dynamite recently won the Diamond Gem Award for Best Publisher Under 4% of market share for 2011!

DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles - including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's PROJECT SUPERPOWERS - have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. Several of their titles have also hit The New York Times Best-Sellers list: The Boys, Vampirella Archives, Robert Jordan's New Spring and Wheel of Time graphic novels. In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%). The company has also been nominated for several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award.

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.

Frank Oz, Robert Kirkman, James Remar and
TV’s Ever-Popular The Simpsons to be Honored July 26 at 38th Annual Saturn Awards

The Only Awards for the Best in Genre Entertainment
Will Present Special Achievement Awards to Industry Greats

LOS ANGELES – June 6, 2012 – The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films will bestow its top honorary achievement awards on renowned director Frank Oz, Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman and actor James Remar on July 26, when the Academy presents the 38th annual Saturn Awards.

Oz, Remar, Kirkman and producers of The Simpsons are expected to attend this year’s Saturn Awards ceremony at the Castaway Event Center in Burbank, Calif. 

“Genre filmmaking continues to dominate movies, TV and entertainment, and for four decades the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror film has been the only organization to honor the talented artists whose vision of wonder know no bounds,” said Academy President Robert Holguin.  “They stimulate our imaginations and showcase the best in contemporary filmmaking and television, and we’re proud to honor these remarkable people – and to announce the winners of this year’s Saturn Awards – at this year’s awards show.” 

The enormous talents of FRANK OZ have left an indelible mark on science-fiction and fantasy films – and for his extraordinary contributions, Oz will receive the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Film’s LIFE CAREER AWARD. As an actor and performer, he has brought to life such iconic characters as Yoda in the Star Wars Saga and Miss Piggy from The Muppets.  As a filmmaker, the legendary Jim Henson asked him to co-direct the watershed 1982 epic The Dark Crystal; Oz also directed the 1987 screen version of Little Shop of Horrors; such edgy comedy classics as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Death at a Funeral; and the big-screen adaptation of The Indian in the Cupboard.

Veteran actor JAMES REMAR is well-known to current audiences Showtime hit Dexter as Harry Morgan, father and mentor of the title character, and in the past three decades has appeared in more than 130 films and television shows.  His wide range of talents have been seen on TV in projects as varied as Sex and the City, Jericho and Battlestar Galactica, while his film work has left an equally strong impression on audiences – from roles in 48 Hours and The Cotton Club to Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming Django Unchained.  Remar will receive a LIFE CAREER AWARD from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.

ROBERT KIRKMAN, recipient of this year’s INNOVATOR AWARD, is executive producer, creator and writer for AMC’s blockbuster horror series The Walking Dead, and his transition from comic books to television has been one of the most extraordinary in the entertainment industry.  Teaming with filmmaker Frank Darabont, Kirkman created a series that has been embraced both by genre enthusiasts and mainstream television audiences, who are captivated by its mix of genuine horror, unrelenting suspense and captivating drama.

This year’s MILESTONE AWARD goes to the TV series that has skewered popular culture and societal issues like no other – THE SIMPSONS, the longest-running sitcom on American TV, the longest-running animated program in TV history, and the longest-running primetime scripted television series.  Its 507 episodes, produced by Gracie Films, have featured some of the biggest, most talented names in the entertainment industry, and continues to break new ground in animation and in television.

Due to prior commitments, filmmaker Martin Scorsese, whose Hugo is among this year’s leading Saturn Awards nominees, is unable to participate in this year’s awards show.  As previously announced, the Academy’s VISIONARY AWARD will be presented to him at a later date.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films was founded in 1972 by noted film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed to honor and recognize films often overlooked by mainstream awards.  Over the years, the Academy has expanded its reach to include recognizing excellence in television and home entertainment, as well as other genres, including adventure, thriller and action.

The organization’s qualifying period for the 38th annual Saturn Awards was Feb. 1, 2011, to Jan. 31, 2012.  This year’s Saturn Awards will be presented on Thursday, July 26.  For a complete list of nominations and more information about the Academy, visit www.saturnawards.org.

+++ The 20-year old Alex is at the heart of the survival horror adventure +++

Karlsruhe, Germany, June 6, 2012 – Now the cat is out of the bag: The German Publisher TopWare Interactive announced at E3 in Los Angeles that "Sacrilegium" will be the next title from the company owned developer - Reality Pump Studios. The in-house development team that’s responsible for creating many successful franchises such as the "Two Worlds" titles, or the acclaimed "Earth" series, is looking to revive and renew the survival horror genre in terms of story and atmosphere, as well as in the gameplay and level design, as they look to set the new standards.

The story is about Alex, a 20-year Californian - smart, friendly and independent. She’s a college student that while fully aware of her breathtaking beauty, she never is looking to use it to her advantage. Keeping in shape with combat and self-defense training, she’s honed specific martial art skills that will come to her aid during her perilous journey through the province of "Sacrilegium". Being the adventurous type, she jumps head first into a maelstrom of events, descending with her friends into a world beyond the known reality. The complex and multifaceted action drives the young heroine half around the globe, from the foggy banks of San Francisco to the remotest corners of Europe. She encounters a large array of dangerous and mysterious monstrosities along the way, including the enigmatic Moroi – a creature most resembling a vampire, but able to eat a vampire for breakfast. Alex must utilize all of her skills and survival instincts, employing her knowledge and heart to survive and to save her soul from certain corruption. Sacrificing her own mortality for the safety of her friends, Alex discovers more than she ever bargained for on the road to truth and salvation, with unforeseen and unnatural twists and secrets revealed, right up until the very end. 
 
"Sacrilegium" is realized on the new GRACE 2 engine (Graphics Rendition And Creation Engine), which was also developed by Reality Pump Studios. The predecessor of this engine was already the basis for "Two Worlds 2" and it attributed largely to the success of the title. But Reality Pump did not rest on these laurels, but once again pushed the properties of the program forward. The first pictures of the results will be available very soon, with the exact features of this engine being presented at a later date. It’s no exaggeration to say that the results of the GRACE 2 Engine, will leave players awestruck.

"It pleased us", said Miroslaw Dymek, CEO of Reality Pump Studios, "that we succeeded to develop the GRACE 2 engine in a way, that enables us to present models and landscapes that make photos look like charcoal drawings compared to the game. After all the years that we ‘ve dealt with the appearance of medieval stories, it was time to pool the experience acquired and integrate that into a modern action adventure. We’ve definitely achieved that with "Sacrilegium".

For more information about the game please visit: http://www.sacrilegium.com

IDW Publishing and Nickelodeon Launch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Comics App Exclusively on iOS TMNT Comic Books to be Featured in IDW Comics and comiXology Mobile Apps for Android, Kindle Fire and more San Diego, CA (June 5, 2012) – Nickelodeon and IDW Publishing proudly announced the launch of an all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book app exclusively for iTouch, iPad and iPhone. The app includes the complete Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic collection, including the ongoing series, “micro-series,” one-shots, and many original black and white classics on digital platforms.  Additionally, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series is now available through IDW Comics and comiXology mobile apps for Android, Kindle Fire, and more. “We’re thrilled to be continuing our partnership with IDW; their expertise in comic book development is unsurpassed,” said Paula Allen, SVP Global Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “We’re very excited to have our comics available to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans digitally via this new app.” “From day one, TMNT's comic book re-launch has been met with outstanding support and excitement from fans of all ages and we at IDW couldn't be happier,” said series writer Tom Waltz.  “This is definitely a much-beloved property that has evolved in so many fun and interesting ways over the years, in so many different media markets, and the leap to digital just seems another fitting step in that ongoing evolution.” “IDW is very excited to launch this series,” said IDW CEO and Publisher Ted Adams. “Fans have been demanding to read IDW’s TMNT collection digitally since IDW published the first issue. This is an excellent way for people to catch up on the entire series.” Since the 2011 launch of Nickelodeon and IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book partnership, comic enthusiasts and fans alike have enjoyed the vivid new stories and high quality print editions of the beloved classics featuring the work of talented new creators like Dan Duncan and co-creator of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Comics can be found in the stand-alone TMNT Comics app, IDW’s Apple iPad™, iPhone® and iPod touch®, app – IDW Comics, and on the Web at read.idwpublishing.com. The series is also featured in the Comics by comiXology platform for iOS, Android, Web and Kindle Fire. TMNT digital comics are only available at this time for US readers. About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro's The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC's Doctor Who; Toho’s Godzilla and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. 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. As a recognized leader in digital comics, IDW’s digital partners include: comiXology, iVerse Media, Cryptozoic Comics, Panelfly, Digital Manga, Diamond Digital, NEC, Zero Sum and Smart Ebooks. The IDW digital line is available worldwide on top platforms and devices including: Apple iOS apps and iBooks, Android, Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle, Kobo Vox, Sony PSP, Nokia and RIM BlackBerry. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.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. About Nickelodeon Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES

BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY ARMORED EDITION FOR Wii U

Become the Dark Knight Like Never Before with the Reimagined Action Game of 2011

Featuring Enhanced Gameplay Made Possible with the Wii U GamePad

 

BURBANK, Calif. – June 5, 2012 – Step into the Arkham action like never before! Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Batman: Arkham City™ Armored Edition for the Wii U™ system from Nintendo. Developed by WB Games Montréal the game delivers the same impactful story and gameplay of the award-winning blockbuster created by Rocksteady Studios, now with enhanced gameplay features made possible with Wii U and the Wii U GamePad™.  The game is scheduled for release holiday 2012. 

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition contains all of the content from Batman: Arkham City, including all available downloadable content, and introduces Battle Armored Tech (B.A.T.) Mode and the new Armored Suits for both Batman and Catwoman.  Fans can become the Dark Knight like never before with the upgraded battle suit that gives players an additional power-up by allowing them to build kinetic energy during combat.  When activated, players enter B.A.T. mode and dole out more damage than previously possible. 

“Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition harnesses the power of the Wii U system and the Wii U GamePad with features that allow fans to further immerse themselves in the role of Batman like never before,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “WB Games Montréal evolved the incredible hit game by Rocksteady into a truly unique experience on Wii U.”

“WB Games Montréal is very excited to unveil the all new Wii U features we’ve created in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition,” said Reid Schneider, Vice President and Executive Producer, WB Games Montréal.  “The new controller allows for a different twist on the Batman: Arkham City game, as players now have the power of the Batcomputer and gadgets in the palm of their hands.” 

The Wii U GamePad provides instant access to the wrist-mounted Batcomputer throughout the game, allowing players to use the touch screen to seamlessly select objectives, choose their gadget, track forensic evidence, upgrade their gear, detonate explosive gel, and more, all while remaining immersed in the action. Additionally, all gadgets have been reimagined to utilize the power of the GamePad, offering an unprecedented level of accuracy when using the Batarang and scanning for clues.

Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players flying through the expansive Arkham City – five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum – the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Featuring an incredible Rogues Gallery of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals including Catwoman, The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face, Harley Quinn, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze and many others, the game allows players to genuinely experience what it feels like to be The Dark Knight delivering justice on the streets of Gotham City.

For more information on Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, visit www.facebook.com/batmanarkhamcity.  .

Tabcum Entertainment and Arc Entertainment

Arc Entertainment Announces US Theatrical Release of ‘Knockdown’

‘Knockdown’ won best feature film at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, SOHO Int’l Film Festival, and SENE.

Los Angeles, CA – June 1, 2012….Tabcum Entertainment is proud to announce the opening of ‘Knockdown’ (Foreign titles ‘Bangkok Bound and ‘The Bad Penny’), an action/thriller starring Casey T. Evans, Tom Arnold, and Bai Ling, directed by Todd Bellanca.

When:  June 8^th

Where:  Selected Cities

KNOCKDOWN centers on Jack “The Ripper” Stemmons (Evans), whose boxing career is destroyed by a bookie (Arnold) who fixes the fight of his life. After he attacks the bookie in revenge, the boxer must escape and ends up in Bangkok under the spell of a prostitute (Ling) who is part of a scheme to force Stemmons into the city’s notorious underground fight clubs.

Casey T. Evans stars in this movie.  As a boxer himself, he fought his last pro (WBC) fight specifically for this film, and gained a record 97 pounds for the role.

Tom Arnold and Bai Ling co-star.

Arc Entertainment has distributed the smash hits Ironclad and Bunraku.