Programming At 2012 Wizard World Austin Comic Con To Include 'Star Trek: TNG' Reunion, Q&A's With Patrick Stewart, Eliza Dushku, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Evening Parties

Dean Cain, 'The Walking Dead' Cast, Other Celebrities, Artist Sessions, Comics, Movies, TV Panels At Austin Convention Center, October 26-28

NEW YORK and AUSTIN, Texas, October 19, 2012 – Wizard World today announced its most robust Austin Comic Con programming schedule ever, with a variety of sessions with top celebrities, superstar artists, industry insiders, evening parties, costume contests and dedicated kids activities, Oct. 26-28, 2012, at the Austin Convention Center.  A once-in-a-generation special reunion of the cast of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” individual Q&A's with Patrick Stewart, Eliza Dushku and WWE® Superstar CM Punk® are among the more than 15 celebrity panels among the nearly 50 scheduled during the three days.
The evening entertainment includes the popular “Wizard World Drink & Draw” on Friday, Oct. 26, and “Wizard World Masquerade Party” on Saturday night.

Some of the more interesting panels include:

· Interactive celebrity Q&A's with Stewart, Dushku, Punk, Dean Cain and Lou Ferrigno.
· Eight cast members of “Star Trek: TNG,” on stage for the first time in the U.S., including Stewart (Captain Picard), Jonathan Frakes (Commander William T. Riker), LeVar Burton (Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge), Michael Dorn (Lieutenant Worf), Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi), Brent Spiner (Lt. Commander Data) and Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher).  This is an additional, paid event.
· “The Walking Dead” stars Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker and Jon Bernthal discuss the popular AMC show.
· “Star Trek: TNG” breakout sessions featuring the ladies (Sirtis, McFadden) and a selection of the men (Frakes, Burton, Spiner, Dorn) from the series.
· Creator spotlights with industry giants Neal Adams, Mike McKone, Bernie Wrightson, Humberto Ramos and more.
· Comprehensive discussions of a wide range of topics from vampires to series cancellations to webseries and more.
· Costume contests for adults (Saturday) and Kids (Sunday) for an early start to Halloween.
· Kids Day on Sunday, with a full slate of activities specially designed for the youngsters.

Unless noted, programming events take place in the designated General Programming Rooms (Ballroom FG, Ballroom E, Room 12AB) on the fourth floor of the Austin Convention Center.  Many are included as part of standard Wizard World Austin Comic Con admission; VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities.  Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels.  Programming subject to change; attendees should check the schedule board on site for updates.

A full list of Wizard World Austin programming is below; further details on each at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-tx.html (subjects, guests, times and rooms subject to change):

Friday, Oct. 26
2:00 – 2:45pm Tanya Memme Q&A (Ballroom E)
3:00 – 3:45pm Creator Spotlight: Bernie Wrightson (Room 12AB)
3:00 – 3:45pm Craig Parker Q&A (Ballroom E)
3:00 – 3:45pm Star Trek: TNG Enterprise Bridge Restoration (Ballroom FG)
4:00 – 4:45pm Creator Spotlight: Mike McKone (Room AB)
4:00 – 4:45pm Paul McGillion Q&A (Ballroom E)
5:00 – 5:45pm Making Webcomics, With Scott Kurtz And Brad Guigar (Room AB)
5:00 – 5:45pm Sofia Milos Q&A (Ballroom E)
5:00 – 5:45pm DCU Online: Bringing The Comic Universe To Life (Ballroom FG)
6:00 – 6:45pm Cancelled! What Do You Mean, Cancelled? (Room AB)
6:00 – 6:45pm Voice Acting With Vic Mignogna (Ballroom E)
6:00 – 6:45pm The Women Of Star Trek: TNG W/ Marina Sirtis And Gates McFadden (Ballroom FG)
8:00 – 11:00pm Wizard World Drink & Draw (Hilton Austin/Salon J, 6th Floor)

Saturday, Oct. 27
11:00 – 11:45am Kosplay Kombat: DC Vs. Marvel (Room 12AB)
11:00 – 11:45am Dean Cain Q&A (Ballroom E)
11:00 – 11:45am First Comics: The Relaunch! (Ballroom FG)
12:00 – 12:45pm Creator Spotlight: Neal Adams (Room 12AB)
12:00 – 12:45pm Vampire Lore And Other Urban Myths And Legends w/Dr. Rebecca Housel (Ballroom E)
12:00 – 12:30pm Patrick Stewart Q&A (Ballroom FG)
1:00 – 1:45pm From Conception To Page (Room 12AB)
1:00 – 1:45pm Digital Painting (Ballroom E)
1:00 – 1:45pm The Boondock Saints Q&A (Ballroom FG)
2:00 – 2:45pm Creator Spotlight: Humberto Ramos (Room 12AB)
2:00 – 2:45pm Adult Star Wars Origami: Christopher Alexander (Ballroom E)
2:00 – 2:45pm Eliza Dushku Q&A (Ballroom FG)
3:00 – 3:45pm Storytelling With Michael Golden: Taking It To The Next Level (Room 12ab)
3:00 – 3:45pm Zenescope: Big Hitters And Bigger News (Ballroom E)
3:00 – 3:45pm Larry Nemecek’s Trekland: Between The Cracks...2012 Double-Whammy Edition! (Ballroom FG)
4:00 – 4:45pm Back To The Drawing Board Artist Q&A (Room 12AB)
4:00 – 4:45pm Webseries Creators Anonymous (Ballroom E)
5:00 – 5:45pm From Comics To Film (Room 12AB)
5:00 – 5:45pm Shadow Bringers: From Idea To Internet (Ballroom E)
5:30 – 7:00pm Star Trek: The Next Generation 25th Anniversary Reunion – Paid Event (Ballroom FG)
6:00 – 6:45pm Batman And Psychology (Room 12AB)
6:00 – 6:30pm WWE® Superstar CM Punk® Q&A (Ballroom E)
7:00pm – 9:00pm Wizard World Adult Costume Contest (Ballroom FG)
7:00pm – 9:00pm Wizard World Masquerade Party (Maggie Mae’s @ 323 East 6th St.)

Sunday, Oct. 28
11:00 – 11:45am Hound Kids Presents Border-Pups: Crashbat And Super Space Sheriffs Book Reading (Ballroom E)
11:00 – 11:30am My Life As The Hulk w/Lou Ferrigno (Ballroom FG)
12:00 – 12:45pm Drawing Cartoon Characters (Ballroom E)
12:00 – 12:45pm The Walking Dead Q&A w/Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker And Jon Bernthal (Ballroom FG)
1:00 – 1:45pm Hey, Kids Comics! Ape Entertainment Talks About Comics For Kids Of All Ages! (Ballroom E)
1:00 – 1:45pm How To Get Into The Game Industry (Ballroom FG)
2:00 – 2:45pm Wizard World Kids Costume Contest (Ballroom E)
2:00 – 2:45pm Jonathan Frakes, Levar Burton, Brent Spiner & Michael Dorn (Ballroom FG)
3:00 – 3:45pm Kids Star Wars Origami: Christopher Alexander (Ballroom E)
3:00 – 3:45pm Star Trek: State Of The Franchise (Ballroom FG)

*Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first served basis. each room will be cleared before panels.

Wizard World Austin Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages 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.  Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, October 28, is “Kids Day,” with an array of programming specially designed for children.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World Austin Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-tx.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 *****
October 26-28, 2012 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 - December 2, 2012 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
February 22-24, 2013 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
May 30 - June 2, 2013 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 8-11, 2013 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22, 2013 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

 

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ART BOOK SURE TO BECOME MOST COVETED ITEM OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

 

Todd McFarlane Productions and Image Comics to release Todd McFarlane’s

long awaited visual biography

 

Tempe, Ariz.— October 18, 2012 - At long last, The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil’s in the Details, Todd McFarlane’s first and only art book, is scheduled to hit shelves nationwide Wednesday, November 21, 2012.

 

A visual biography celebrating almost 30 years of artwork from one of the comic industry’s most popular and iconic artist personalities, The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil’s in the Details, is not just another art book. It follows McFarlane’s journey from a young comic book fan mimicking his favorite artists, to his subsequent rise to comic book stardom. McFarlane, himself, provides hundreds of anecdotes throughout the 400-page book, walking the fans through his groundbreaking career.

 

“I broke into this industry when I was 23 years-old. The only way to put a book like this together is to have actually spent more than two decades creating the art within it,” said McFarlane.

 

“The passage of time allows you to build up a body of work, that as you step back, has meaning, and can be an inspiration for other artists along the way. I’m happy to be able to collect my autobiography in both a written and visual format. I hope the wait has been worth it!”

 

Fans will receive an up close and personal look at McFarlane’s creative take on beloved characters from both DC and Marvel Comics, and learn more about his history making move in helping to form Image Comics, where he published his brainchild, Spawn. With copious amounts of rarely seen black and white original pieces of his most famous work, and numerous drawings of the comic book industry’s most popular characters, this is a book that can’t be missed. In addition, fans get an exclusive peek at McFarlane’s first forays into various media (toys, film, animation, music videos, video games), where he put his creative stamp on everything through his signature eye-catching imagery.

 

Available just in time for Black Friday, The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil’s in the Details will be available nationwide Wednesday, November 21^st.  The oversized hard cover book (9x12) is limited to 5000 copies, with 700 signed and numbered editions available.  Each book retails at $64.99 and $100, respectively, and would make the perfect gift for any art fan!

 

# # #

 

About Todd McFarlane Productions 

Todd McFarlane Productions (TMP) is the company behind the monthly comic book Spawn. Created by Todd McFarlane, Spawn debuted in May 1992, selling 1.7 million copies, making it the bestselling independent comic book of all time. Spawn is published in nine languages and distributed in more than 32 countries. Currently, TMP releases the long-running Spawn monthly comic now in its 20th year. Other TMP titles include Haunt, Hellspawn, and Sam & Twitch. For complete information, visit www.McFarlane.com; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liketoddmcfarlane; Twitter: http://twitter.com/Todd_McFarlane (Todd_McFarlane) and YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/McFarlaneCompanies

THE WALKING DEAD'S ADLARD COVERS CLONE #1

New Image Comics/Skybound series debuts in November

Image Comics and Skybound are excited to announce that the first issue of CLONE, the new ongoing series by David Schulner (executive producer Do No Harm) and Juan José Ryp (Black Summer, Wolverine: The Best There Is), will receive a special variant cover (SEP128098) by THE WALKING DEAD artist Charlie Adlard.

CLONE is a high-tension thriller about a man who discovers not only that a legion of clones of himself exist, but also that they're after his family. With a taut story by Schulner and stunning artwork by comics master Ryp and colors by Felix Serrano (THIEF OF THIEVES), the series joins the ranks of genre boundary-pushing comics like WITCH DOCTOR and THIEF OF THIEVES published by Robert Kirkman's Image Comics imprint, Skybound.

Final orders for the variant cover are due by Monday, October 22, so retailers and readers alike should get their orders in now!
###

ABOUT ROBERT KIRKMAN
Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, The Astounding Wolf-Man and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Witch Doctor, Guarding the Globe and Clone.  Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and in April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. AMC is developing Thief of Thieves as a potential series with Kirkman serving as creator/executive producer and writer. Your destination for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com.

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.

SEX CRIMINALS UNLEASHED AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

New series by Fraction and Zdarsky to be released in 2013

Comic book creators Matt Fraction (CASANOVA, Avengers vs. X-Men, The Invincible Iron Man) and Chip Zdarsky (Prison Funnies, Monster Cops) invite you to come with them as they release SEX CRIMINALS through Image Comics in 2013. This brand-spanking new sex comedy follows two young lovers as they go on a lust-fueled crime spree with a twist -- when they have sex, time itself seems to stop. Set in a world where the laws of time and space are as dubious and mutable as the laws of man and society, SEX CRIMINALS promises to scandalize, titillate, and provoke when it bursts onto the comics scene next year.

"Not to toot our own horns, but there's never been a comic book like Sex Criminals before,” Fraction tossed off. "There've been comedy books with sex, or sex comics with comedic moments, but no book with 'sex comedy' as its narrative thrust. Hard to imagine, but comedy and sex, which fit together so naturally literally everywhere else in the entertainment world, don't get done in comic books. Chip and I are thrilled to be the first ones in there to plant our seed.”

Zdarsky, legendary cartoonist for National Post and impish Canadian prankster, topped that statement: "This project brings together my two loves: crime and an in-depth exploration of the Western banking system and its ill-effects on society. I've spent years working for newspapers and magazines and am looking forward to completing my 'dying industry trifecta' and give comic books my all while holding back the tears.”

Fraction and Zdarsky, having searched long and hard for the perfect collaboration, knew they were destined for each other if only the right project came along. "Chip is a singular creator in the world of comics: he's smart, he's talented, he has an eye unlike any other, and he makes me laugh like a jackal,” Fraction spewed forth. "He's like a smutty Day-Glo Will Elder that spells words with u's where they don't belong and uses the metric system. I'm excited to think the words 'SEX CRIMINALS' will now appear in his obituary later this year.”

Zdarsky gushed "There's a very short list of people who I would want to work with on a comic project and Matt Fraction is at the top of that list. I love the humour he brings to his projects and always thought he should do something all-out funny, because, frankly, there aren't enough funny books out there since Identity Crisis. No wait. Was Blankets before or after Identity Crisis?”

Image Comics was unavailable for comment.

An ongoing comic series that puts the comic back in comics, and the sexy back into sex crime, SEX CRIMINALS comes in 32 full-color pages for a cover price of $3.50.

# # #

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION
@thesexcriminals
sexcriminals.tumblr.com

U.S. Army Launches 2^nd Issue into the America's Army Comics App for iPad and Android Tablets

Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, October 18, 2012 – The epic U.S. Army adventure continues as the free America’s Army Comics app for iPad and Android tablets now features the second issue of the America’s Army comic series.  The app, which can be downloaded from iTunes (http://bit.ly/NkcahT) and from Google Play (http://bit.ly/ScK4FS), expands the storyline behind the America’s Army game.

The App now features the first two issues in this episodic and interactive comic book. The first issue, Knowledge is Power, immerses readers in the Ostregal Islands where a humanitarian mission soon turns mysterious and deadly when a Long Range Reconnaissance Team witnesses an ominous scientific discovery deep in an enemy forest that could jeopardize the mission and endanger the entire world.  In the second issue, Rise to the Challenge, readers follow the life of Roy Lacroix from a high school student to a Special Forces medic deployed in Czervenia.  On the front lines, Roy demonstrates honor and integrity as he encounters familiar faces from his past and confronts a new, sinister enemy that could throw the region into chaos.

                                                                                                                     

Through an experience highlighted by animated panels, authentic sound effects and bold musical scores, readers learn about Soldiers and the missions they do, their values, their jobs or Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), the high-tech equipment and gear they use, and the vast network of support on which they rely.  If fans want to learn more they can explore the app’s interactive Intel section that showcases characters, state-of-the-art gear, technology, weapons, aircraft and more.

America's Army comics are written by M. Zachary Sherman (Radical Studio's Shrapnel) and created by the Army Game Studio, developers of the highly successful America's Army PC games.

About America’s Army

America's Army products use innovative technology to provide authentic and entertaining Army experiences that reflect the lives, training, technology, skills, careers and values of a United States Army Soldier. The flagship is the America's Army PC Game, the official game of the U.S. Army. It's rated T for Teen and can be downloaded free from Steam ( http://store.steampowered.com/app/13140/). The Army launched America's Army in July of 2002, America’s Army: Special Forces in 2003, and America’s Army 3 in June 2009 with updated maps and missions released as recently as June 2012.  In keeping with the dynamic nature of Soldiering, the America's Army game will continue to expand and allow players to explore the Army of today, tomorrow and the future.  The America’s Army Comic series, which includes online and mobile issues, lets readers further explore the America’s Army storyline and delve deep into character plots of Soldiers’ lives when deployed and at home. America's Army is produced by the Army Game Studio, part of the AMRDEC Software Engineering Directorate at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville Alabama.

This January, MARS ATTACKS IDW! Bloodthirsty Martians Take On All-Star IDW Properties in an Extinction-Level Event!   San Diego, CA (October 17, 2012) – IDW Publishing regrets to inform you that this January, many of your most beloved characters are coming under attack. Vicious, bloodthirsty Martians have descended from the skies and crossed through infinite panels and dimensions seeking total comic book conquest! Batten down the hatches and assemble your militia, because 2013 is kicking off with MARS ATTACKS IDW! Beginning in the first week of January, Topps’ terrifying Martian conquerors are infiltrating many of IDW’s prized titles in five weekly one-shots. It’s going to take guts, smarts, and the brute force of an unprecedented army of talented comics creators to fight them off! “It seems natural for the Mars Attacks Martians to go on the offensive—attacking is right there in their title—and now we see that they’re just too out of control to keep their warlike ways confined to their own series,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief and strategic planner of this five-pronged invasion. “And as exciting as the weekly attack is going to be, I’m equally enthused about the insane cover variations going on with each issue. Read on and be amazed by the talent assembled to offer visual clues of what we’d be in for had the Martians attacked more than just five top IDW titles.” Invasion alarms start sounding January 2, when MARS ATTACKS POPEYE. Martin Powell, Terry Beatty, and Tom Ziuko will team up to chronicle the Martians pulling into a port of pain to take on the spinach-enhanced sailorman. Fans can be certain it’ll be all hands on deck with a high wave advisory with the MARS ATTACKS POPEYE cover by Ray Dillon—all of Dillon’s covers will mimic the look of worn out trading cards, complete with back-cover text just like an old Mars Attacks card set—and retailer incentive covers of MARS ATTACKS MISS FURY by J. Bone and MARS ATTACKS OPUS by Berkeley Breathed! January 9, the battlefront expands across time and space to the same 1970s New York City when MARS ATTACKS KISS, a twisted retelling of the very first Kiss comic book! Will the Martians’ hunger for otherworldly destruction be a match for the sheer force of rock n’ roll? Only Chris Ryall, Alan Robinson, and Tom Ziuko will have the answer! Featuring a cover by Ray Dillon and incentive covers of MARS ATTACKS JUDGE DREDD by Greg Staples and MARS ATTACKS THE STARSLAMMERS by Walter Simonson! The mighty leaders of the KISS Army are calling in the cavalry, and something tells us it’s not Doctor Love! January 16, the Martian menace takes the fight to the world’s pre-eminent poltergeist punishers when MARS ATTACKS THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS! When Martians invade, Erik Burnham and Jose Holder know just who they’re gonna call! Everyone knows Venkman, Stantz, Spengler, and Zeddemore ain’t afraid of no ghosts, but what about aliens? With a cover by Ray Dillon and incentive covers of MARS ATTACKS MADMAN by Michael and Laura Allred and MARS ATTACKS CHEW by Rob Guillory, the streams of comic book awesomeness are sure to be crossed! January 23, the drums of war begin beating double-time when the Martian armada clashes with Cybertron’s finest when MARS ATTACKS THE TRANSFORMERS! Daring to take on Optimus Prime’s fearsome army, this epic battle of Martian versus machine will be chronicled by Shane McCarthy and Matt Frank with a cover by Ray Dillon! If that daring incursion wasn’t enough, this one-shot will also feature incentive covers of MARS ATTACKS STRANGERS IN PARADISE by Terry Moore and everyone’s favorite vampire antihero sharpening his teeth for MARS ATTACKS SPIKE by Franco Urru! That’s right, Angel fans, you get one last look at IDW’s version of Spike, thereby proving all the rules are meant to be broken in this insane weekly event! January 30, just when the brawl for it all seems like it can’t get any bigger, MARS ATTACKS ZOMBIES VS. ROBOTS! Chris Ryall, Andy Kuhn, and John Rauch will be there to chronicle the titanic terror when the three battle-hardened armies collide! As the final blows for galactic supremacy are struck, they’ll be accompanied by a cover from Ray Dillon and incentive covers of MARS ATTACKS ROG-2000 by John Byrne and MARS ATTACKS CEREBUS, by Dave Sim! This January, everything is on the line and fans of all callings are encouraged to sign up and do their part. The Green Menace from the Red Planet is attacking from all angles and no theater of war will go untread upon as MARS ATTACKS IDW! Will you welcome our new Martian overlords, or will you take up arms with comics’ greatest heroes and give them the boot? Decide quickly-- saucers are en route! MARS ATTACKS POPEYE  (FC, 32 pages, $3.99) in stores January 2, 2013. Diamond Code: NOV12 0321. MARS ATTACKS KISS (FC, 32 pages, $3.99) in stores January 9, 2013. Diamond Code: NOV12 0324. MARS ATTACKS THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS (FC, 32 pages, $3.99) in stores January 16, 2013. Diamond Code: NOV12 0327. MARS ATTACKS THE TRANSFORMERS (FC, 32 pages, $3.99) in stores January 23, 2013. Diamond Code: NOV12 0330. MARS ATTACKS ZOMBIES VS. ROBOTS (FC, 32 pages, $3.99) in stores January 30, 2013. Diamond Code: NOV12 0333. Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books. IDW can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/#!/idwpublishing and http://tumblr.idwpublishing.com/ and on Twitter at @idwpublishing.

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

K-Studio Announces Launch Event

For New Comic Art Studio in Los Angeles

An ICv2 Release.  Korean government agency KOMACON (the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency) will host a launch event for K-Studio, a new studio of talented young Korean comic artists, in Los Angeles this Thursday.

KOMACON (the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency) supports and promotes Korean comics and animation.  It established a physical headquarters for K-Studio in Los Angeles in August 2012 to directly meet and partner with American comic publishers, studios, and creators.  Six of Korea's emerging comic artists, selected via a national competition, moved to Los Angeles to work alongside American editors and creative teams.  KOMACON is working with experienced and highly respected American comic industry support and will also commit to financially support appropriate collaborations between K-Studio and American companies, studios, or creators.

The event will include brief remarks by officials of KOMACON (including Chief Directory Hyun-se Lee) and KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), opportunities to meet the artists and view their art, and a reception to follow.

Press, comic publishers, creators, and other comic professionals are invited.

Date and time: 5:00 p.m., October 18, 2012

Venue: Garden Suite Hotel, 681 S., Western Ave. (at Wilshire), Los Angeles, CA

RSVP: Milton Griepp, ICv2, Mgriepp@ICv2.com

The artists of K-Studio are:

Yoon, Jung Geun

An ambitious and experienced young artist with stunning skill in painting, Yoon has done character design and other work for videogame companies, a poster illustration for the TV series Falling Skies commissioned by Dark Horse Comics, and is an accomplished graphic novel artist.

Kim, Rockhe

His drawing shows a firm foundation in anatomy, yet still retains a stylish feel. He is a highly accomplished storyboard artist for many major Korean films.

Lee, In Hyuk

His full color graphic novel art is done with an unbelievably speedy hand. His work for videogame producers includes an adaptation of a prose novel.

Jang, Haemi

She is a rising graphic novel artist and illustrator, who received Korean industry acclaim due to an exhibition of her astonishing black and white ink work.

Lee, Chan Hyuk

His art developed after a tour of duty in Iraq with the Korean Army.  He has a great passion for graphic novels, with a cinematic style.

Choi, Jun Huck (Cory)

An experienced and prolific comic artist, Cory's work, including the popular series "The 77th Mutant," is featured on the popular Korean Website Daum.  He was the Grand Prize Winner of the Lycos Comic Award.

Edmonton Expo Guest Line Up Change

Holy bad back, Batman! A guest lineup change and a personal message from Adam West himself: 

"Adam West here...a crazy thing happened a few months ago in the bat cave: Bane broke my back and cracked three of my vertebra. Unfortunately, last week while I was in New York my back was re-injured.  It is with a heavy heart that I'm making my first cancelation in 47 years of appearing at conventions.

…I'm quite jealous of my good friend Burt, who will now be joined by the Feline Fatale Julie Newmar, Supernatural's Misha Collins, and the 6 million dollar man himself, Lee Majors."

Special Guests, including: Lee Majors (The Six Million Dollar Man), Julie Newmar (Classic Catwoman), Burt Ward (Classic Robin), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian in Star Wars; Harvey Dent in Tim Burton’s Batman), Nichelle Nichols (Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek), Casey Orr & Chuck Varga (horror shock-rock Musicians in GWAR), Dave Lawrence (FUBAR), Chris Claremont (Writer X-Men franchise), Mike Grell (CW's Arrow), Jewel Staite (Serenity, Firefly, L.A. Complex), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase in Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)…and more!

What:               Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo

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

When:              Saturday Oct 20 – Sunday Oct 21, 2012

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

HELLBOUND III: DARKNESS Press Release:

Boston Comics Roundtable (BCR) and the Andromeda Gallery in Allston are proud to announce the 2012 Gallery Show and Halloween Costume Party in support of Hellbound III: Darkness on Saturday, October 27th at 6:00pm! The Boston Comics Roundtable's horror anthology celebrates its third year and will be showcasing all-new original art from the 11 gruesome narratives, pinup art, and cover that comprise Hellbound III: Darkness.

To help launch this collection of illustrated darkness, Hellbound III's creative team of Roho, Jerel Dye, and Kyle Anderson of the Boston Comics Roundtable is inviting the public to an evening of enjoyably horrific revelry. Events will include sketch fighting, zombie/monster caricatures, and a costume contest in which party guests will compete to win a FREE, creators-signed Art Edition of Hellbound III: Darkness! All proceeds will go toward funding Boston Comics Roundtable publishing endeavors. Following the Art Edition printing, a normal-sized offset edition of Hellbound III: Darkness will be available at local comic stores, online, and shows.

Admission is FREE.

Andromeda Gallery
119 Braintree StreetSuite 320, Allston, MA, 02134
617-835-9129

Additional information can be found here:

Facebook Event
Google+ Event

ABOUT BOSTON COMICS ROUNDTABLE
The Boston Comics Roundtable is an independent organization of local cartoonists and writers since 2006. The group meets weekly to workshop, network, and socialize. Meetings are open to the public. Information regarding publications, artist galleries, and meetings can be found at http://www.bostoncomicsroundtable.com/.

ABOUT ANDROMEDA GALLERY
Andromeda Gallery is an alternative space in which the public can learn and indulge in the new wave of art inspired by animation, comics and video game culture. It seeks to represent and promote artists who are deeply influenced and inspired by this new wave of visual culture; therefore, offering fresh exciting art works for new and seasoned art collectors. The gallery welcomes suggestions about shows, collaborations and ideas for furthering art experiences for both artists and the general public.

Power Up! Jason David Frank To Attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2

Joins Headliners Patrick Stewart, Stan Lee, Eliza Dushku, Michael Madsen, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Gillian Anderson, Many Others At New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, October 16, 2012 – Best known for his role as “Tommy Oliver” in the long-running TV show “Power Rangers,” Jason David Frank will morph his way to Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2012, at New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  Frank, also a highly accomplished and respected martial artist with 34 years experience, will sign autographs, meet fans, pose for photos and conduct an interactive Q&A panel.

Frank morphed into a series of different rangers over the years: “Mighty Morphin Green and White,” “Red Zeo,” “Red Turbo,” and then returned in 2004 as the “Black DinoThunder Ranger.”  All in all, “Tommy” appeared in more episodes than any other character, 225 in total, and appeared in both full-length movies, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie (1995) and Turbo (1997).

In addition to owning/operating Rising Sun Karate and MMA, with two schools in Texas and one in California, Frank has taken on several small and big screen roles with his most recent being The One Warrior, an action/fantasy film which also stars James Russo and Dominic Keating.  In the story, the character of The One Warrior finds himself in a mythical world where he must destroy the Evil Lord Shoukata.

Frank joins such stars as “Star Trek: The Next Generation” actor Sir Patrick Stewart, comics legend Stan Lee, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku, Reservoir Dogs headliner Michael Madsen, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and “X-Files'” Gillian Anderson atop the standout lineup of celebrities scheduled to the event.  They will be accompanied by an All-Star collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the final event on Wizard World's 2012 calendar.

Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages 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.  Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, December 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.

For more on the 2012 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.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 *****
September 28-30, 2012 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28, 2012 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 - December 2, 2012 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
February 22-24, 2013 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
May 30 - June 2, 2013 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 8-11, 2013 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

VIZ MEDIA DEVELOPS A NEW ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES BASED ON THE HIT BOYS ANIMATED ACTION ADVENTURE SERIES MONSUNO, AIRING ON NICKTOONS

New VIZ Kids Series Debuts 2013

San Francisco, CA, October 15, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, continues to expand its library of original graphic novels as it announces the acquisition of the North American publishing rights for MONSUNO, an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between this group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. The MONSUNO publishing series will debut with a graphic novel, written by Brian Smith with artwork by Erwin Prasetya, delivering all new, original adventures beginning late Spring 2013 under the company’s VIZ Kids imprint. MONSUNO Volume 1 is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Like the animated series, the MONSUNO graphic novels will follow Chase Suno and his friends as they search for Chase’s father and discover the power of Monsuno. The first adventure introduces a new villain to the MONSUNO universe, and kicks off long before Chase had ever heard of Monsuno, when scientists experimented with Monsuno essence. One such scientist, Dr. Moto, tried to create her own Monsuno, but the experiments went horribly wrong. Trapped in an icy lab, Dr. Moto’s tests have continued, and now Chase, Bren and Jinja have stumbled upon the horrifying results!

“Being a teenager with access to controllable 15-foot-tall hybridized monsters is everything you’d want it to be and more in this action-packed new series coming next Spring from VIZ Kids,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “Our MONSUNO graphic novel series will deliver original stories inspired by the hit animated program seen widely on Nicktoons, and offer inspirational characters, gripping action, and high-stakes adventure that combines with a dose of impromptu humor to produce a fun adventure with monstrous potential! Look for this new title coming soon in 2013!”

The Monsuno series, created by Jared Wolfson and Jeremy Padawer, is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line. The Topps Company produces Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.

For more information on MONSUNO or other VIZ Kids properties, please visit: VIZKids.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 digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA 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.

Spartacus® Legends Allows Fans Opportunity to Create Gladiator Gear to Be Placed In-Game

Contest offers unique opportunity for fans of the

international smash STARZ television series

BEVERLY HILLS — October 15, 2012 — Today, Ubisoft and Starz Entertainment announce an upcoming “Spartacus Gear of Legends” community contest, allowing gamers and show fans to design items that will be voted on and put into the Spartacus® Legends video game. Launching in early 2013, Spartacus Legends will be available for Xbox LIVE® Gold subscribers as part of the pilot free-to-play program on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and as a free-to-play title on PlayStation®Network. The contest presents a unique opportunity for fans to not only decide on their favorite design, but for a gamer’s work to be integrated into a console game.

Held on the Spartacus Facebook Page (URL), the Spartacus Gear of Legends contest will open in two separate phases—one for weapon submissions and another for armor submissions. Gamers and fans will be able to submit designs that will be voted on by the community. One winning design will be chosen from each category and be integrated into the upcoming fighting game. Liam McIntyre, who plays Spartacus on the Starz original series, and show creator Steven DeKnight will both assist in choosing the winning designs.

Developed in collaboration with the critically acclaimed television series from STARZ, Spartacus Legends invites you to take the role of the Lanista and own your very own stable of elite gladiators. Follow your gladiators’ journey from training to arena and watch as they strive to reach legendary fame—or meet death at the hands of another. Experience raw, visceral combat using multiple fighting styles and thousands of weapon combinations. Then compete with friends either offline and online to see if you have what it takes to conquer the arena once and for all.

“Spartacus: War of the Damned” is scheduled to air on STARZ in January 2013. The upcoming final season takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius. These victories have not only forged the legend of Spartacus, but have greatly increased the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. Rome is indeed beginning to tremble at the threat Spartacus now represents. The “Spartacus” franchise (“Blood and Sand,” “Gods of the Arena,” “Vengeance”) airs in more than 150 countries and has been translated into 15 languages. In the United States, viewership for the show has grown with each season, and is one of the highest rated cables series, with more than six million viewers watching each episode.

For more information on Spartacus Legends, please visit: http://starz.com/spartacuslegends

About Ubisoft:

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 26 countries and has sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2011–12 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 1.061 billion euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

SPARTACUS: TM & © Starz Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. STARZ and related service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Game Software © 2012 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Kinect, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.