New “Strip Search” reality game show for web cartoonists set to premiere this Friday, March 1 at www.stripsearch.tv

Twelve artists face off in competition for a reward that could change their lives!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle, WA – February 26, 2013 – As Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho’ Holkins head into the 15^th year of their Penny Arcade webcomic, they are now creating an opportunity for a new generation of artists with the “Strip Search” online reality game show. Through a variety of events and challenges, twelve artists will fight, claw, write, and draw until only one remains!

The “Strip Search” project was greenlit by a Penny Arcade Kickstarter stretch goal last year and will premiere this Friday, March 1 at www.stripsearch.tv, with new episodes airing on Tuesdays and Fridays. The winner earns $15,000 cash and space at Penny Arcade’s Seattle office for one year along with support from the company’s robust business and merchandising resources.

Mike Krahulik says “’Strip Search’ gives us the opportunity to throw a spotlight on some of the incredible and undiscovered talent out there.”

Participating artists culled from a rigorous selection process of nearly 1,000 entrants worldwide, run the gamut, from 20-year old Canadian Abby Hoffman, who is just now getting her start with the “Junior Scientist Power Hour” strip, to 31-year old Tavis Maiden, who creates the family-oriented journal comic “Stranger Danger” from his home in Mesa, Arizona. In the premiere episode airing Friday, March 1, the artists get to know each other as they settle into a Seattle lakefront mansion where they’ll live together through the duration of the show.

In speaking about the appeal of the show and the opportunity, “Strip Search” artist Nick Trujillo from Northern California says “I think within every creative person, there’s a desire to do your own thing or have your own intellectual properties.” Nick’s excited about the potential for pursuing this in connection with the show.

Amy Falcone, another participant who hails from a small fishing village in Connecticut, relays “I wanted to be part of ‘Strip Search’ because I’ll be getting critiques from people in the industry. Most importantly, I’m going to find out how far I still need to go before I’m at the level where I can be a pro.”

The “Strip Search” website, which is now live, features introductory videos for each artist along with bios and links to their work, and will also share news, highlights and more throughout the season.

About Penny Arcade

Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny Arcade (www.penny-arcade.com) keeps its finger on the pulse of the gaming industry, prompting conversation and controversy alike from community members to industry experts. What started as a hobby for Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and Mike “Gabe” Krahulik has grown into an online phenomenon now entering its 15^th year, serving over 70 million page views a month to millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and global PAX events (www.paxsite.com), Penny Arcade has expanded its reach to include the PA TV web broadcasting channel, The Penny Arcade Report, a growing line of merchandise, a video game series and management of Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a gamer-driven charity for children that spans the globe.