THE COLORFUL SIGHTS, SOUNDS, AND FLAVOR OF JAPANESE POP CULTURE RETURNS TO

SAN FRANCISCO NEXT WEEKEND FOR THE

2012 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

Thousands Expected To Visit Japantown For 4^th Annual Weekend-Long Event Celebrating Japanese Fashion, Film, Music, Anime, Technology

And Pop Culture

San Francisco, CA, August 16, 2012 –  The colorful sights, styles, sounds and flavors of Japanese pop culture returns to the Bay Area as the 2012 J-POP Summit Festival commences next weekend – Saturday and Sunday, August 25^th and 26^th. The annual Festival, now in its fourth year, is organized by NEW PEOPLE, San Francisco’s dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue, and presented in association with the Japantown Merchant Association. Complete details on participants and a comprehensive schedule of events at the 2012 J-POP Summit are available at: www.J-Pop.com.

The theme for 2012 is “Cyberpop Overload!,” and the all-day, weekend-long celebration will offer many unique attractions that have made the J-POP Summit Festival a fun yearly gathering for the Bay Area’s pop culture savvy. In addition to two full days of music, film, fashion and other events, a contingent of 8 of the city’s premiere gourmet food trucks will offer delectable treats to complement approximately 100 local vendors and merchants.

Adult attendees over 21 may also enjoy a new Tokyo-Style sparkling sho-chu cocktail as J-POP Summit sponsor, Takara Sake USA, will offer its Takara Can Chu-Hi JPOP, a refreshing carbonated alcohol beverage available in white peach and grapefruit. Valid ID is required. Takara Can Chu-Hi is a popular brand of summertime sparkling sho-chu cocktail in Japan.

Attendees are also invited to stop by J-POP Summit Main Sponsor UNIQLO and its photo shooting booth, UNIQLOOKS, located in the heart of Japantown Peace Plaza. UNIQLOOKS (http://uniqlooks.uniqlo.com) is a fun social and global fashion community to share fashion style featuring UNIQLO clothing worn by individuals around the world. Attendees can show up in their best J-POP outfit and UNICLOOK’s professional styling team will take a great picture in coordination with UNICLO clothing on site.

More fashion events are also scheduled including a Shibuya Girls Fashion Contest by Liz Lisa, GRAMM & FRILL fashion show by h.NAOTO, and a Lolita fashion contest by BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT. Details can be found at www.J-POP.com.

At the festival’s main outdoor stage in Peace Plaza, join the 2012 J-POP Summit Festival’s lively MC Steve C, as he leads off this year’s extensive roster of events! A veteran San Francisco talk radio personality, Steve C is also a popular health and fitness radio show talk host with RadioSlot.com.

Celebrating the Festival’s theme of “Cyberpop Overload,” will be a dynamic array of video game-inspired artists and DJs that will produce mesmerizing and danceable sets from Random Encounters, The Glowing Stars, SpacEKrafT, DJ Amaya, DJ REViSE and Vex Mode. Live rock and pop sets will also take place on the main stage of Japantown’s spacious Peace Plaza with FREE live sets for “J-Pop Lovers” by Kylee (Sony Music), The Akabane Vulgars, All Ages, Capital, and the Bay Area Girls. Band information and scheduled set times are available at www.J-Pop.com.

Anime fans can celebrate Evangelion, one of Japan’s most successful and revered sci-fi properties, throughout the 2012 J-POP Summit with several attractions and events inspired by the venerable property. The Festival is proud to present the U.S. premiere of the EVANGELION POP-UP MUSEUM, a very special, time-limited exhibit, to be staged inside the venue’s 3^rd Floor SUPERFROG Gallery for the duration of the Festival. General admission to The EVANGELION POP-UP MUSEUM is $5 with re-entry stamp. The EVANGELION POP-UP MUSEUM will offer an extensive collection of original concept and production art, character drawings and other key artifacts from the famed Evangelion:1.0 You Are (Not) Alone. and Evangelion:2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. film series. Both of these feature films will be also screened in the NEW PEOPLE Cinema on Sunday, August 25^th. Evangelion: 1.11 will play at 5:15pm; Evangelion: 2.22 will screen at 7:30pm.

The Evangelion-themed activities continue with “Real Escape Game x Evangelion: Escape from an Angel,” which takes a variety of cues and imagery from the smash hit sci-fi anime series. “The Real Escape Game,” is an inventive puzzle solving interactive game event, originally created in Japan, which requires players to cooperate and use their intuition and detective skills to solve multiple mysteries within a limited time. Multiple game sessions will be held throughout the weekend. Advance tickets are $25 if purchased 6 hours before event; Tickets at the door (subject to availability) are $30. Each game session lasts about 90 minutes. Advance tickets and complete game details and game times are available at: http://realescapegame.com/.

The technology-inspired dance and music events continue as Vocalekt Visions presents a special Vocaloid holographic live event, featuring virtual pop star Hatsune Miku. Vocalekt Visions is a unique concert troupe, which composes music using Vocaloid software and presents it as a “concert” using a unique HD projection system and special screen to give a smooth, lifelike holographic appearance to Vocaloid singers, as they would normally appear on stage. Also complementing the Vocalekt Visions concert with a live on-stage performance will be distinguished Vocaloid dancers from the Bay Area. Two shows will be held, inside the NEW PEOPLE Cinema on Saturday, August 25^th, at 7:30pm and at 9:00pm; tickets are $15.00. Advance tickets and more information are available at:

www.j-pop.com/2012/vocalekt-visions.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2011, the two-day event attracted 55,000 attendees. More information about the J-Pop Summit Festival is available at J-Pop.com.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

BOOM! Studios
  September Previews for
November Shipping 2012

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 GRACE RANDOLPH'S SUPURBIA #1 (A)
GRACE RANDOLPH'S SUPURBIA #1 (B)
Written by Grace Randolph
Drawn by Russell Dauterman
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 

 

THE FAN-FAVORITE PHENOMENON RETURNS IN A BRAND NEW ONGOING SERIES! Meet the Meta Legion, the world’s foremost faction of crime-fighting capes. But what happens when the masks come off and the heroes are faced with the sordid problems of everyday life in the suburbs? From rising star writer Grace Randolph (Marvel’s NATION X, HER-OES) and hot new talent Russell Dauterman, GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA is a unique new twist on the superhero genre that appeals to both diehard fans and readers completely new to comics. New stories, new characters, new drama... Don’t miss out on what Bleeding Cool called “The Superhero Comic We’ve Been Waiting For”!

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GRACE RANDOLPH'S SUPURBIA VOL. 1 
Written by Grace Randolph
Drawn by Russell Dauterman
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99

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

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EXTERMINATION #6 (A)
EXTERMINATION #6 (B)
Written by Simon Spurrior
Drawn by Jeffrey Edwards and V Ken Marion
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 

The Alliance’s assault on the Abattoir continues! Having hijacked the monstrous alien landtrain, Nox & Red Reaper lead their rag-tag group of former heroes and

villains to the heart of the EDDA H.Q. in search of Absolute and their only hope of survival. Heroes will die -- it’s just a matter of how many...

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FREELANCERS #2 (A)
FREELANCERS #2 (B)
Written by Ian Brill
Drawn by Joshua Covey
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 

Val and Cass, the Kung Fu bounty hunters, search for a businessman who ripped off his celebrity clients for millions, but they better hustle before their new reality star competition finds him first! The young guns: writer Ian Brill (DARKWING DUCK) and artist  Joshua Covey bring you another hot tale, exposing a side of Hollywood even the paparazzi can’t show you!

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FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #8 (A)
FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #8 (B)
Written by Sam Humphries
Drawn by Jerry Gaylord
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

 

The zombies ruined Comic-Con. They overtook the entire city of San Diego, ate J-Mac and Drake, and left Rob and Burger MIA. But after last issue’s shocking twist, the Wrecking Crew has had enough... and they’re about to live up to their namesake.

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HELLRAISER #20 (A)
HELLRAISER #20 (B)
Written by Clive Barker, Mark Miller
Drawn by Janusz Ordon, Marcio Loerzer
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

 

FINAL ISSUE! IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS! While Harry D’Amour and the Female Cenobite try to rein in the escaped Hellions, a revelation about Elliott Spencer’s past gives Kirsty Cotton a chance to succeed where the world’s combined military might has failed. Clive Barker’s newest chapter of the Hellraiser saga comes to its shocking conclusion.

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HELLRAISER: THE ROAD BELOW (A)
HELLRAISER: THE ROAD BELOW (B)
Written by Brandon Seifert
Drawn by Ibraim Roberson
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 

Kirsty Cotton, caught in the middle of a deadly family feud! The shocking story of the first time The LeMarchand Box summoned Kirsty Cotton continues!
 Rising star Brandon Seifert (WITCH DOCTOR) and hot artist Ibraim Roberson (UNCANNY X-MEN) shed new light on Kirsty Cotton’s reign in Hell!

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 HIGHER EARTH #7  (A)
 HIGHER EARTH #7 (B)
Written by Sam Humphries
Drawn by Francesco Biagini
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

 

After the cataclysmic events of the last issue, Heidi seeks out an unlikely ally, one with an even greater stake in the matters at hand. But is this new ally friend or foe? And what connection do they have to the highest earth of all? It's up to Heidi to keep one step ahead of the Queen's forces as she struggles to keep everyone she's ever held dear safe, and more importantly, alive... 

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THE HYPERNATURALS #5 (A)
THE HYPERNATURALS #5 (B)
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Drawn by Tom Derenick and Andres Guinaldo
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning continue the cosmic thrills that they were never allowed to do until now!  With Sublime’s motivations in question, Thinkwell, Bewilder and Clone 45 must find a way to work with their greatest enemy if they’re going to face an even greater threat, one that might destroy the Quantinuum all together…

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PLANET OF THE APES: CATACLYSM #3 (A)
PLANET OF THE APES: CATACLYSM #3 (B)
Written by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman
Drawn by Damian Couceiro
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: AUG120918
 

 

Running out of options, Cornelius, Prisca and the others try to find shelter before the fragments of the moon set off an even greater calamity: the destruction of the dam, and the only thing keeping Ape City away from the devastating waters... 

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STEED AND MRS. PEEL #3 (A)
STEED AND MRS. PEEL #3 (B)
Written by Mark Waid, Caleb Monroe
Drawn by Steve Bryant
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: AUG120922
 

 

John Steed and Emma Peel are not fooled by the con the new Hellfire Club has pulled over Parliament and the leaders of the UK -- but will they live long enough to do anything about it? Find out as the first arc of the swinging spy-fi series reaches its breathtaking conclusion!

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STEED AND MRS. PEEL: THE GOLDEN GAME
Written by Grant Morrison, Anne Caulfield
Drawn by Ian Gibson
SC, 160 pgs, FC, SRP: $16.99

 

John Steed reunites with Emma Peel to investigate the disappearance of his new partner, Tara King, as the legendary Grant Morrison (ALLSTAR SUPERMAN, ARKHAM ASYLUM) and Ian Gibson (THE BALLAD OF HALO JONES) enter Steed and Mrs. Peel into “The Golden Game”! Also, Mr. Peel comes back to England from the Amazon -- but some unwanted guests have come along for the ride. Emma Peel fights forher husband’s life in “Deadly Rainbow”! 

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ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 1 
Written by Ryan North
Drawn by  Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, Mike Holmes 
SC, 128 pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99

It’s ADVENTURE TIME™! Join Finn the Human, Jake the Dog, and Princess Bubblegum for all-new adventures through The Land of Ooo. The top-rated Cartoon Network show now has its own comic book! Don’t miss the first collected volume of this critically acclaimed “all-ages classic” that has fans and critics alike calling it “the best new comic of 2012”!

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ADVENTURE TIME #10 (A)
ADVENTURE TIME #10 (B)
Written by Ryan North, Shane Houghton and Chris Houghton
Drawn by Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, Shane Houghton and Chris Houghton
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99


THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO JUMP INTO THE ALL-AGES SENSATION! Join Jake the Dog and Finn the Human as they have sensational adventures in the magical land of Ooo! If you haven’t checked out the comic book adaptation of the hit Cartoon Network show, now’s the time!

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ADVENTURE TIME: MARCELINE AND THE SCREAM QUEENS #5 (of 6) (A)
ADVENTURE TIME: MARCELINE AND THE SCREAM QUEENS #5 (of 6) (B)
Written by Merdith Gran, Polly Guo
Drawn by Meredith Gran, Polly Guo
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 

DON’T MISS THIS HIT ADVENTURE TIME MINI-SERIES! The Scream Queens are about to hit the biggest gig of their lives…and Marceline can’t take the heat! Can PB help the band find their center? 

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BRAVEST WARRIORS #2 (A)
BRAVEST WARRIORS #2 (B)
Written by Joey Comeau
Drawn by Mike Holmes
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 
 

POWER! RESPECT! The Bravest Warriors are clowning around on a very special planet that needs their help! But can they overcome their own fears in time to do

it? The comic adaptation based on the new TOTALLY AWESOME show from ADVENTURE TIME creator Pendelton Ward! Don’t miss out on this hot new series!

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GARFIELD #7 (A)
GARFIELD #7 (B)
Written by Mark Evanier
Drawn by Gary Barker, Dan Davis, Mike DeCarlo
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99

 

A holiday where you eat and watch TV -- that’s Garfield’s kind of day!That’s right, this month, in addition to a hilarious tale by the Garfield Dream Team of Evanier, Barker, and Davis -- we also have a special Thanksgiving story! What’s for dinner? Find out in the pages of GARFIELD!

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PEANUTS VOL. 2 #4 (of 4) 
Written by: Charles M. Schulz, Vicki Scott
Drawn by CHarles M. Schulz, Vicki Scott
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
 

Election year fever spares no one... not even the Peanuts gang! It's class election time as Charlie Brown and Frieda go head-to-head for the coveted Student Body President title. We can't reveal the winner here, but you can be sure it'll tickle your funny bone as PEANUTS closes out Volume 2!

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GARFIELD VOL. 1  
Written by Mark Evanier
Drawn by  Gary Barker, Dan Davis, Mike DeCarlo
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $13.99


An extra-large collection of the fat cat’s return to comics! Garfield and the gang have returned to comics in a big way, and this delicious package brings the fun home to you & your family. Written by GARFIELD & FRIENDS TV Show scribe Mark Evanier, and drawn by the amazing team of Gary Barker, Dan Davis, and Mike DeCarlo, you’ll enjoy this as much as Garf loves lasagna!

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DON'T FORGET BOOM! STUDIOS COMICS
ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH THE

BOOM! STUDIOS COMICS APP!



BOOM! Studios Digital Comics can also be found
through any of these fine digital vendors!

ELVIS PRESLEY’S PERSONAL NOTES REVEALED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEW ‘GRAPHIC ELVIS’ DIGITAL BOOK APP

 

Newly released app shares notes, memorabilia and reflections by Elvis, combined with original artwork and short stories from acclaimed graphic novel writers and authors

  

MEMPHIS, TN — August 16, 2012  – “Graphic Elvis: The Interactive Experience,” is a new interactive digital book app from Liquid Comics, created under license from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

With a release date timed to celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley around the 35^th anniversary of his passing on August 16, 2012, the digital book app features for the first time, a number of Elvis’ handwritten personal notes and reflections written in the margins of his personal book collection at Graceland. 

The notes reveal rare insights into the inner workings of the legendary music icon, showing his deep spiritual quest and exploration of the mystical.  Elvis shared his passion to seek out the deeper mysteries of life commenting, “All I want to know is the truth, to know and experience God. I'm a searcher, that's what I'm all about…"

In a section of the interactive app called “The Searcher,” readers can zoom in and explore selected pages from Elvis’s books with doodles, words, numerological notes and handwritten phrases with sayings such as:

“God loves you, but he loves you best when you sing” 

“O Lord thy sky is so great and my plane is so small”

“If one can't give what they have and share then they will always be empty”

In another section of the app called “The Legend,” rare photos and memorabilia from the archives at Graceland in Memphis are showcased, including Elvis’ signed boxing gloves from Muhammad Ali; a letter from Douglas Fairbanks inviting Elvis to London to perform for the royalty of England; and sketches of Elvis’ wardrobes by his longtime designer Bill Belew.

Elvis shared the impact of comic books on his life in his famous acceptance speech for the 1971 Top Ten Outstanding Men of America award. “When I was a child ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books and I was the hero of the comic book…so every dream that I’ve dreamed has come true a hundred times.”

Honoring Presley’s love of comic books, each section of the app is interweaved with original artists renditions of Elvis in imagined scenarios as well as short stories and animations by acclaimed graphic novel creators, including Stan Lee (co-creator of the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man).

Stan Lee commented on his participation of the book by saying, "What a thrill it is for me to be included in a book celebrating the life of Elvis Presley. I remember the time I first saw him on TV, when he burst upon the music scene like a blazing comet. I remember his indescribably rich voice, his incredible sense of rhythm, his magnificent range-- from rock, to pop, to ballads and hymns. I remember the indescribably powerful impact he had on the youth of the nation-- and the world. How lucky we were to have seen and heard him, because there was only one Elvis Presley, whose songs and whose memory will live forever.”

Stan Lee was joined by some of the most acclaimed graphic novel creators in the industry to portray the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in unprecedented visual styles. Graphic Elvis creators included, Paul Pope, Jimmy Palmiotti, John Cassaday, Paul Gulacy, Ryan Kelly, Greg Horn, Jeevan J. Kang, Jeff Spokes, John Higgins, Mukesh Singh, Steve Rude, Celia Calle, Dean Hyrapiet, Joe Petruccio, Joshua Dysart, Stan Goldberg, Saumin Patel, Tony Millionaire, Samit Basu, Chris Eliopoulos, Peter Bagge, Michael Avon Oeming, Keron Grant, Gilbert Hernandez and many more.

“Elvis Presley transcended every entertainment medium he touched, from music to movies to concerts, and now to graphic novels,” stated Liquid Comics Co-Founder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan. “We are honored to work with some of the most acclaimed creators in graphic fiction to commemorate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll on the 35^th year anniversary of his death.”

Liquid Comics developed Graphic Elvis: The Interactive Experience, with mobile app developer, Pixo Entertainment. The app is now available for download across all iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android enabled devices. A free ‘lite’ version of the app features previews of various sections of the book as well as an animated short and a few pages of Elvis’s notes. The full app can be downloaded for a purchase of $9.99.  

In addition to the digital app, Liquid Comics has released an exclusive slipcase, hardcover, 12” x 12” record-album sized collector’s book, Graphic Elvis. The book, which is priced at $195 and limited to only 2,500 copies worldwide, is available with limited supplies from major online retailers and at www.GraphicElvis.com.  

 

Batman to Star Wars Come to New Edmonton Expo

October 20-21, 2012

What:              

Edmonton Expo 2012 is a new pop culture convention produced by the team behind Canada's second largest comic-con, the Calgary Expo and the founder of the long-running Edmonton Collectible Toy & Comic Show. The City of Champions will now host its own all-ages comic-con and unite fans of film, TV, comics, gaming, anime, horror, and sci-fi. Celebration of all things pop culture! The Edmonton Expo will also be offering workshops and panels.

Special Guests Include: Iconic Adam West from classic 'Batman' to the voice of 'Quahog's Mayor' on Family Guy ­ and pow! recently got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star; and Billy Dee Williams who is best known as the roguish 'Lando Calrissian' in the Star Wars trilogy and 'Harvey Dent' in Tim Burton's Batman. Full guest line up to be announced in coming weeks. 

''So many people have a passion for pop culture and we here at the Calgary Expo felt it was about time to bring some of that passion to Edmonton, '' states Kandrix Foong, event director Edmonton Expo. ''Adam and Billy are icons in pop culture with careers spanning over fifty years, and we are very proud to bring them to Edmonton ­ heroes in a City of Champions. ''

Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre, Hall E; 7515 - 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

When: Saturday, October 20, 2012 - Sunday, October 21, 2012

10am to 6 pm Saturday, 10am to 5 pm Sunday

                                                                                                             

Tickets on Sale: Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 10am MST

www.EdmontonExpo.com

Actor/Comedian Phil LaMarr to Host the 2012 Harvey Awards

Phil LaMarr

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 16, 2012 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce that actor and comedian Phil LaMarr will host this year's Harvey Awards banquet and ceremony, taking place on the evening of Saturday, September 8, 2012. The Baltimore Comic-Con, which will be taking place September 8-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center, has been the home of the Harvey Awards since 2006.

 Phil LaMarr is best known as a cast member of Fox's MADtv, a sketch comedy show based on characters and situations from MAD magazine, which was found in 1952 by Editor Harvey Kurtzman (namesake of the Harvey Awards) and Publisher William Gaines. The show first aired in 1995 and ran for 14 seasons, of which LaMarr was a cast member for 5 seasons (1995-2000).

In addition to his comedic acting, LaMarr is also an accomplished voice actor for such renowned shows as Futurama, Kaijudo, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Static Shock, Evil con Carne, Samurai Jack and Justice League Unlimited, as well as recurring roles on King of the Hill, Family Guy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Young Justice and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron.

As a lifeling comics reader, LaMarr says: "I'm excited and honored to be a part of the Harvey Awards this year, and I am looking forward to meeting many of the people I spend every Wednesday afternoon with."

The change in host this year from Harvey Award mainstay Scott Kurtz was due to a family conflict. Kurtz, a friend of both the Baltimore Comic-Con and the Harvey Awards, will return in the future.  "Scott worked really hard to make the show this year, and we all understand and respect that family commitments must take priority," said Marc Nathan, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter.  "Scott is always welcome here in Baltimore!"

For your chance to see Phil LaMarr host the 2012 Harvey Awards, please visit http://baltimorecomiccon.com/harvey-awards/ where you can purchase your tickets to the banquette, which are now on sale.

This year's confirmed guests for the show including: Guest of Honor, Stan "The Man" Lee (Saturday only!); Jason Adams (Sculptor); Josh Adams (Doctor Who, Sherlock); Neal Adams (First X-Men, Batman: Odyssey); Ken Bald (Golden Age Timely/Marvel artist); Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); Brian Bolland (Dial H, Cover Story: The DC Comics Art of Brian Bolland); Harold Buchholz (Archie Comics); Mark Buckingham (Fables, Doctor Who); Frank Cammuso (Knights of the Lunch Table, Otto's Orange Day); Greg Capullo (Batman, Spawn); Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows); Steve Conley (Bloop webcomic www.bloopstree.com); Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen:  Silk Spectre); Lar deSouza (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Dan Didio (O.M.A.C.); Garth Ennis (The Shadow, Hellblazer, Preacher, The Boys); Rich Faber (Roboy Red); David Finch (Batman:  The Dark Knight); Franco (Tiny Titans, Superman Family Adventures); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); SL Gallant (GI Joe); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman); Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!); Gene Ha (Justice League); Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The 'Nam); Cully Hamner (Action Comics); Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City); Jason Horn (Ninjasaur); Jamal Igle (KISS, Supergirl, The Ray); J.G. Jones (Wanted, Doc Savage); Barry Kitson (Captain America, Iron Man, Fantastic Four); David Mack (Kabuki); Mark Mariano (Happyloo); Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo); Mark McKenna (Star Wars, Banana Tail); Bob McLeod (DC Comics Presents: Wonder Woman); Mark Morales (Avengers vs. X-Men); Jamar Nicholas (Leon: Protector of the Playground); Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western); Dan Parent (Archie, Veronica, Kevin Keller); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brian Pulido (Lady Death); Frank Quitely (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin); John Romita, Jr. (Avengers Vs. X-Men); Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge); Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night One-Shot); Walter Simonson (Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers); Ryan Sohmer (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Scott Snyder (Batman, Severed, Swamp Thing); Brian Stelfreeze (ICE); Karl Story (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9); Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin); Billy Tucci (A Child Is Born, Shi); Matt Wagner (Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel); Mark Waid (Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredeemable); Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein); Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).

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

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

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