Brits invade the latest BACK ISSUE magazine, with a colossal 25-inch long fold-out cover!

BACK ISSUE #63 watches the USA’s and UK’s comics worlds cross over in a “British Invasion” issue, highlighted by a colossal 25-inch long fold-out triptych cover by RON WILSON and DAVE HUNT, never before seen in the US! This issue features a history of Marvel Comics in the UK, appearances of the Beatles in comics, DC Comics' British talent pool of the 1980s, and such classic and the history and behind-the-scenes secrets of such influential series as V for Vendetta, Excalibur, Marshal Law, Doctor Who, and a “Pro2Pro” interview with PETER MILLIGAN and BRENDAN McCARTHY. It showcases the talents of KAREN BERGER, BRIAN BOLLAND, ALAN DAVIS, DAVE GIBBONS, STAN LEE, DAVID LLOYD, ALAN MOORE, DEZ SKINN, and others—and loads of art originally produced for the UK market. Edited by MICHAEL EURY.

84-page FULL-COLOR magazine

Print version: $8.95 cover price

Digital Edition: $3.95

Diamond Comic Distributors Order Code: 

DEC121348

In anticipation of this book's release, TwoMorrows Publishing is letting readers download a FREE PDF PREVIEW at this link:

http://www.twomorrows.com/media/BackIssue63Preview.pdf

The PRINT EDITION (with 

FREE DIGITAL EDITION)

 

or DIGITAL EDITION ONLY may be ordered at this link:

http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1069

BACK ISSUE #63 is in stores March 20.

Since 1994, TwoMorrows Publishing has been bringing a new day to comics fans, through its award-winning line of magazines and books.

FIVE WEAPONS GETS A SECOND PRINTING

Jimmie Robinson's new series delivers fun, freshness

The Image Comics imprint Shadowline, helmed by Image co-founder Jim Valentino, has another hit on its hands with Jimmie Robinson's FIVE WEAPONS, as the first issue sold out in its first week of release, prompting an immediate reprint.

The second printing of FIVE WEAPONS #1 will be in stores on April 3 and it can be pre-ordered now (Diamond Comics code JAN138340).

A young-adult-friendly story of the "new kid" at a high school that trains the children of the world's greatest assassins, FIVE WEAPONS has been roundly praised for its fresh take on a manga-esque concept:

"'Five Weapons is both fun and clever, and that's a combination you shouldn't ever pass up."
- Comic Book Resources (4-star review)

"Five Weapons is a textbook example of how to create a first issue that leaves readers wanting more as soon as possible. Robinson introduces the main character, uses his unfamiliarity with the setting as an excuse to drop a lot of information on us, gives us brief and evocative descriptions of the cast, seeds a few mysteries, delivers a good amount of action, and then leaves you wanting more. It's a good comic, with an absurd idea played perfectly straight for a setting, with a good protagonist. The art is engaging and the story shows promise. It's well worth your time."
- Comics Alliance

"Five Weapons is deserving of the highest of recommendations for anyone who loves the comic medium and it's pretty age appropriate for younger readers too. Every aspect of Five Weapons adds to a unique comic experience, with a script that is as colorful and varied as the joyful cartooning that it's paired with. There's no end to the amount of fun, humor, light action, and mystery that is packed across every page."
- Multiversity Comics

"Everything about this is so fun that its going to keep me coming back for more, that's for sure."
- Major Spoilers (4.5-star review)

IT’S HIGH TIME FOR…

Cheech & Chong’s

Animated Movie

 Comedy Legends Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s Grammy® Award Winning Albums 

Come to Life on Blu-ray and DVD April 23

Limited Theatrical Engagement Rolling Out in Celebration of 420

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 8, 2013) – Everyone’s favorite stoner duo are back - and animated - in CHEECH & CHONG’S ANIMATED MOVIE, rolling its way into Blu-ray and DVD April 23 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Directed by Branden and Eric D. Chambers, this high-larious feature-length adventure is the perfect film to watch at home with your best buds!

CHEECH & CHONG’S ANIMATED MOVIE showcases the legendary toker jokers like you've never seen them before – in animation. Catch the buzz as their most outrageous routines and laugh-out-loud lines from their ground breaking Grammy Award-winning albums come to life, including the original Ode recordings of "Dave's not here,” “Let's make a dope deal" and more. With help from a bud-lovin' body crab named Buster, Cheech & Chong “the masters of the smokin’ word” deliver the ultimate comedy high and give you the munchies for more.

In celebration of 420, CHEECH & CHONG’S ANIMATED MOVIE will be featured on the big screen in a limited theatrical engagement. Details and theater listings will be announced in the coming weeks.

The CHEECH & CHONG’S ANIMATED MOVIE Blu-ray and DVD is loaded with bonus material including joint commentary from Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, as well as commentary by the directors and producer Lou Adler, taking fans inside the minds of the duo that’s been making audiences laugh for generations.

CHEECH & CHONG’S ANIMATED MOVIE Blu-ray Special Features:
●   Joint Commentary featuring Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong
●   Commentary featuring Branden Chambers, Eric D. Chambers and Lou Adler
●   Commentary featuring Tommy Chong and Paris Chong
●   Low Maintenance Listening Mode
●   "Medical Marijuana Blues" Blind Mellon's recording session
●   Cheech and Chong Gallery

The animation for CHEECH & CHONG’S ANIMATED MOVIE was produced entirely at Los Angeles based Chambers Bros. Animation. The film was produced by Lou Adler, Branden Chambers, Eric D. Chambers and Houston Curtis.

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film, a News Corporation company. Representing over 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 as well as all third party distribution partners on DVD, Blu-ray™, Digital Copy, Digital HD™, and VOD (video-on-demand). 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.

COMIXOLOGY CO-FOUNDERS TO JOIN TOP INDIE COMIC BOOK CREATOR SHANNON WHEELER ON SXSW GEEK STAGE ON SATURDAY AT 5PM
Thought-provoking discussion of comic books’ and graphic novels’ digital transformation and comiXology Submit, revolutionary self-publishing platform for indie comics creators
Join comiXology CEO and co-founder and CEO David Steinberger, his fellow co-founder John D. Roberts, and Shannon Wheeler, creator of the critically-hailed “Two Much Coffee Man” series, for an exploration of the digital revolution in comic books and graphic novels.  Among the agenda items will be comiXology Submit, a platform unveiled this week that enables independent comics creators, from promising new talent to established veterans, to reach a global audience of comic book fans.  
ComiXology created the first viable digital marketplace for leading publishers, and cracked the code on enjoying comics and graphic novels on mobile devices, with Guided View™ technology that turns reading comics into an immersive, cinematic experience.
  • WHO: David Steinberger, CEO and co-founder, comiXology
John D. Roberts, co founder, comiXology
Shannon Wheeler, indie comic book creator (“Too Much Coffee Man”)
• WHERE: SXSW Interactive GEEK Stage Palmer Auditorium Austin, TX
• WHEN: Saturday, March 9 5:00-5:45 pm (Open Bar for one hour afterwards at 6pm)

HOAX HUNTERS "FLIP” OUT IN APRIL

This April, the critically acclaimed Image Comics series HOAX HUNTERS presents a fun and unique issue that can be readily enjoyed by both current readers and new fans. Riffing on the hook of the series, where a group of "myth-busters” travel the world dispelling various lore on their reality TV show, issue #9 of HOAX HUNTERS presents both sides of their story. One half shows what happened on-air, what you'd see if you watched an episode; the other shows what happened behind the scenes, how the HOAX HUNTERS team manipulated everything—in this case, a haunted house confrontation—that happened to make it appear to be fake.

"With issue #9 and the use of the flip book feature, we allowed ourselves a dynamic and uncharacteristic way to show what happens in front of and behind the camera to super fun effect,” said Steve Seeley, co-writer.

The issue will literally have two opposing halves and thus two covers, each from Joe Eisma (MORNING GLORIES). Readers will be able to check out one half of the story then flip the comic over for the other half. Brent Schoonover (MR. MURDER IS DEAD) fills in as guest artist for this special issue.

"This is, to me, a great representation of everything that Hoax Hunters is about—fun, inventive, and willing to take risks," said co-writer Michael Moreci.

HOAX HUNTERS has met with critical praise since its launch:

"Fresh, exciting, and delightfully bizarre”—Ain't It Cool News

"10 of 10”—Newsarama

"Out of all the new comics that debuted this year, none of them captured my imagination like Hoax Hunters."—Horror Talk

"A comic on the verge of greatness”—Read Comic Books

"A-"—Weekly Comic Review

"Worth the cover price each and every month”—IGN

HOAX HUNTERS #9 will be in stores April 17 (Diamond Code FEB130447) and is available now for preorder. Readers who want to learn more can visit www.hoaxhunterscomic.blogspot.com.\

For Immediate Release:

Devolver Digital Doubles Down!

Indie Game Champs Bring Their Chops to VOD Film Releasing
    

Devolver Actively Looking for Films at SXSW & Elsewhere

For Release Later This Year

AUSTIN, TX – March 7, 2013 – Devolver Digital, well-known as a leading champion in the production, marketing, and distribution of independent video games, today announced that they are adding independent film distribution and promotion to their repertoire. Citing a shortage of attractive options for independent filmmakers who want help promoting their cable VOD and digital releases, the notoriously spunky bunch from Austin, TX has added team members in Los Angeles and San Francisco to build its film effort, Devolver Digital Films, and navigate the rapidly evolving digital distribution landscape.

Co­-Founder and Partner Mike Wilson says his own experience as a filmmaker seeking distribution led him and his partners to the decision to expand Devolver Digital in to film. “It just seems a shame that often a filmmaker works so hard to complete the film, work the festival circuit for another six months to a year, and then hopefully is finally offered a cable and digital VOD deal…but then when it’s time to get the word out, they once again find themselves on their own. The filmmaker is exhausted by that point, as is their network… and most know all too well it’s not enough to just put your film on cable and other digital outlets if nobody knows it’s there. We hope to be that much needed second or third wind to truly find an audience for the film at the home stretch and finish line.”

Devolver Digital’s outspoken passion for indie games, developers and fans has earned them no minor measure of industry notoriety. With this expansion they aim to apply that same fiercely creative devotion to indie filmmakers and their projects.

Andie Grace joins Devolver Digital Films as VP of Acquisitions and “Head Cheerleader” from San Francisco, after a 13­year stint on the executive staff of Burning Man, where she ran the Communications Department, a role that included supporting hundreds of film and television projects’ production and distribution. A filmmaker herself with several production credits, Grace is eager to engage with films from a different side of the table and to put her PR and cultural expertise to work for independent filmmakers. “I’m excited to join Devolver precisely because their philosophy on supporting independents is one I truly share. Indie is where all the bravery and creativity happens, and that’s what I want to be a cheerleader for,” she says.

Devolver is also interested in working with traditional cable VOD and DVD distributors to bring their libraries to emerging “games-first” audiences, who might not be properly served anymore through these means.

Grace and Wilson will both be at SXSW Film in Austin starting on Friday, and are actively seeking completed and near-completed projects for release under the Devolver banner later this year. Filmmakers and distributors interested in discussing partnerships should contact films@devolverdigital.com. To learn more please visit http://www.devolverdigital.com.

Zombies vs Cheerleaders, based on the successful sketch card series from 5FINITY Productions, has been published since 2010. It has consistently been one of the top selling small press indie comics of the last two plus years, with seven issues of the series and four one-shots published as well as the Volume One TPB.

ZvC has seen crossover stories with Tim Seeley's Hack/Slash, Batton Lash's Supernatural Law, Mark Rahner's Rotten, and Rich Koslowski's The 3 Geeks. Superstar artists such as Dean Yeagle, Mike DeBalfo and Pasquale Qualano have created covers for ZvC, which is well known for its outstanding covers, in addition to the eclectic, entertaining stories and characters. Now, ZvC will continue its fun and thrills under award winning creator Rich Koslowski's 3 Finger Prints.

Pre-order below titles before the end of March in order to have a lot of reading fun in May 2013!

ZOMBIES VS. CHEERLEADERS VOLUME 2 #2

(W) Steven L Frank, Eric Esquivel, Dave Baker, Rich Koslowski (A) Danielle Gransaull, Jason Pedersen, Robert Long (C) Ryan Kincaid (50%), Jason Pedersen (25%), Matt Hebb (25%)

The return of fan-favorites Becky & Bob and Pinkerton Fox! And introducing Monika Hurst, Leader of C.H.E.E.R. Exciting stories to read by the campfire!

Includes the first three Z-v-C puzzle variant covers!

MATURE THEMES
32pgs, FC    $3.99

ZOMBIES VS. CHEERLEADERS VOLUME 2 TP

(W) Steven L. Frank (CA) David Cutler

The eternal war between cheerleaders and zombies continues!

Reprinting Zombies Vs. Cheerleaders #4-7 as well as the Becky & Bob one-shot and the Hack/Slash Meets Zombies Vs. Cheerleaders crossover!

All of the hot covers are featured, too! Dean Yeagle's Mandy will jump by but also covers by Jeremy Dale, Rich Bonk, Bill McKay, Pasquale Qualano, Ryan Kincaid & Jason Worthington, Elizabeth Torque, Jose Jaro and many more!

Get caught up on the terrifying, yet hilarious, adventures that reside within the pages of ZvC!

MATURE THEMES

SC, 172pgs, FC    $19.95

“The best British action movie in years”

-- XFM.com

“Utterly brilliant”

-- Heyuguys.com

“Explosive action”

-- The Daily Mirror (UK)

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ACT LIKE A CRIMINAL TO

CATCH A CRIMINAL …

FOLLOWING ITS MARCH U.S. THEATRICAL RELEASE, LONDON’S ELITE CRIME-FIGHTING FORCE BRINGS OLD SCHOOL, BARE-KNUCKLE TACTICS TO BLU-RAY/DVD IN THIS STYLISH ACTION THRILLER STARRING RAY WINSTONE AND GOLDEN GLOBE® WINNER DAMIAN LEWIS (“HOMELAND”)

THE SWEENEY

Street Date: April 2, 2013

SRP: $19.98 (DVD)/$24.98(BLU-RAY/DVD COMBO)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Tearing up the streets of London, THE SWEENEY is a stylish and exhilarating action thriller proving sometimes you have to act like a criminal to catch a criminal.  Directed by Nick Love and based on the popular 1970s U.K. television show of the same name, the U.K. box office smash (opening theatrically in the U.S. this March) is based on the Sweeney Flying Squad, London's elite crime-fighting force – a branch of the Metropolitan Police specializing in tackling armed robbery and violent crime.  Led by legendary Detective Jack Regan (Winstone) and his loyal partner, the group is not afraid to use old school, bare-knuckle tactics to bring down the modern underworld. Now, with a master criminal on the loose and a major bank heist in progress, Regan will do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if that means defying the orders of his boss (Lewis) and taking the law into his own hands.

CAST

·         Ray Winstone (The Departed, Hugo)

·         Damian Lewis (“Homeland”, Dreamcatcher)

·         Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger, Cassandra's Dream)           

·         Musician Ben Drew (“Ill Manners”, “X Factor”)

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Type: DVD/Bluray/DVD Combo

Catalog #:  (DVD) EOE-DV-7343/(Combo) EOE-DV-7425

Running Time: 112 mins.

Rating: R

Genre:  Action/Adventure

Aspect Ratio: (BD) 1080p High Definition 1.78:1/(DVD )16 x 9 (2.35:1)

Audio: (BD) DTS 5.1 Surround/(DVD) 5.1 Dolby Digital

Language: English w/ SDH Subtitles

For the latest breaking news on THE SWEENEY and other releases, follow Entertainment One on Twitter: http://twitter.com/eOneHomeVideo

Pulse Pounding Peril Comes To Temple Run

(SAN DIEGO, CA- March 7th, 2013) Ape Entertainment and Imangi Studios announced today that issue four of the Temple Run Digital Comic is available at the app store. This issue is part four in The Chosen One Story Arc and can be downloaded at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/temple-run-comics/id571061997?mt=8&ls=1
Guy has escaped the pack of screeching demon monkeys that were chasing him.  Or has he simply led them all straight to Scarlett and her team?  You can bet it’s the latter!
As the group struggles to escape the temple, they begin to discover that their current predicament and situation is far stranger than they could have ever guessed!
Join us on this pulse pounding path of peril that expands the world of the TEMPLE RUN app game!
And don’t peek ahead to the shocking last panel!  You will want that to be a surprise!
Temple Run was written by Adam Cogan & Ben Lichius. Art created by Tony Varga and Diego Rodriguez was the Colorist. 
Ape Entertainment COO Brent Erwin explains "The coolest thing about Temple Run is that we need to match the intensity of the story with the activity of the characters. This issue does not disappoint in that regard for sure!"

Created by Imangi Studios, Temple Run® is the most exhilarating running game on the App Store. Players test their reflexes as they race down ancient temple walls and along sheer cliffs. They swipe to turn, jump and slide to avoid obstacles, collect coins to buy power ups, and run as far as they can through an ever more challenging terrain.
For more information, please visit www.ape-entertainment.com or www.imangistudios.com.
About Ape Entertainment
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock and Brent E. Erwin. Ape Entertainment is the comic book home to innovative new titles such as LITTLE GREEN MEN, SCOUTS, and HERO WITHIN.  Ape is also the North American publisher for licensed properties THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, POCKET GOD, and CUT THE ROPE. Visit Ape Entertainment online at http://www.ApeComics.com.
About Imangi Studios
Imangi Studios was founded by husband and wife team Keith Shepherd and NataliaLuckyanova in 2008. With the addition of artist Kiril Tchangov in 2009, the three person studio developed mega-hit Temple Run, which currently boasts over 125 million downloads since its release in August 2011. They also released the game Temple Run: Brave in partnership with Disney/Pixar, the perfect adaptation of the original game and the Disney/Pixar movie Brave. It quickly achieved worldwide success, hitting No. 1 in 49 countries and remaining in the top 2 of all paid apps for the first month of release. Based in Raleigh, NC, the self-funded, fully independent studio previously developed Harbor Master, geoSpark, Hippo High Dive and Max Adventure for IOS. Temple Run launched in the Android Marketplace in 2012. www.imangistudios.com
About Dimensional Branding Group, LLC:
The San Francisco Bay Area based brand extension agency focuses on brand licensing, business development and promotion services with a unique emphasis on the interactive and digital channels. DBG specializes in developing toys, games, iconic brands and digital trademarks into entertainment placement and new extension markets. Its clients include PlayStation, (including game titles such as God of War, Ratchet and Clank, and Little Big Planet), Jenga, Skee-Ball, Chronicle Books, Miniclip and its company owned titles, Worst-Case Scenario, Bob's Space Racers, Fight My Monster & Temple Run. www.dimensionalbranding.com

Nathan Fillion Of 'Serenity,' 'Firefly,' 'Castle,' To Attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 1-2

Joins Stan Lee, Summer Glau, William Shatner, WWE® Superstars John Cena® And Daniel Bryan® At Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, March 7, 2013 – Nathan Fillion, star of the hit ABC-TV series “Castle” and well-known to fans for his iconic roles in the series “Firefly” and film Serenity, will make his first Wizard World appearance at Philadelphia Comic Con on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, native portrayed “Captain Malcolm Reynolds” in “Firefly” and its continuation Serenity, vaulting him into the spotlight.  After a few other well-received appearances, the Emmy Award nominee landed the title role in the hugely popular “Castle,” as the quirky writer “Richard Castle,” who helps New York detective “Kate Beckett” (Stana Katic) solve crimes.  Fillion will also appear in the feature film Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, due out this summer.

Fillion will meet Wizard World fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and conduct an interactive Q&A at Philadelphia Comic Con.  He will join comics legend Stan Lee, Summer Glau (Serenity, “Firefly”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), WWE® Superstars John Cena® and Daniel Bryan®, “The Walking Dead” duo of Michael Rooker and Norman Reedus, and Manu Bennett (“Arrow,” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, “Spartacus: Vengeance”) as headliners scheduled at the event, held May 30 – June 2.

Fans will also be able to purchase “Nathan Fillion VIP” tickets, for the full experience including photos, autographs and reserved seating at the Fillion programming panel, sure to be an extremely popular event.

Wizard World Comic Con events 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.  Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con show hours are Thursday, May 30, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, May 31, noon - 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
March 22-24 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World New York City Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
January 24-26, 2014 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

COMIXOLOGY’S SUBMIT SELF-PUBLISHING PLATFORM FOR INDEPENDENT COMICS CREATORS
POISED TO TRANSFORM THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY

Turnkey marketing and sales channel for independent comic book and graphic novel
creators; works by Shannon Wheeler, Becky Cloonan, and Jake Parker and other top creators available today

New York, NY, March 6, 2013 – Starting now, independent comic book and graphic novel creators can build a worldwide following and profit from their work. Through a portal called comiXology Submit, from comiXology, the revolutionary digital comics platform, independent creators simply need to upload their comic book and graphic novels for approval at no cost. ComiXology does the rest, from transforming the work with comiXology’s Guided View™ reading technology, to making it available on comiXology’s buy once, read anywhere digital comics platform, which includes an iTunes top 10-grossing iPad app, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire and Windows 8 apps, and a web store and reader at www.comixology.com.  Creators and comiXology equally split all profits, with creators maintaining full ownership of their work.       
ComiXology Submit enables independent comics creators, from promising new talent to established veterans, to reach a global audience of comic book fans for whom comiXology already created the first viable digital marketplace for leading publishers. At the same time, comiXology Submit bolsters comiXology’s commitment to bringing its customers the best and most diverse content available.
Independent creators’ works will be transformed into Guided View™ , comiXology’s groundbreaking technology that turns reading comics into an immersive, cinematic experience. Works from Shannon Wheeler (“Too Much Coffee Man” cartoons), Jake Parker (“The Antler Boy and Other Stories”), Becky Cloonan (“Wolves,” ”The Mire”), Richard Stevens (“Diesel Sweeties”) and other top independent creators are available today, with many more to follow now that the platform is open 
"While we continue to push ourselves to innovate the digital comic experience, comiXology Submit provides an incredible opportunity for creators to sell their work to a highly targeted and global audience of comic book and graphic novel fans,” said David Steinberger, comiXology co-founder and CEO. "The next generation of creators will reap great benefit alongside more well known creators selling books that are no longer available in print."
“This is also about making sure we always have the best, most diverse content available, the best reading and buying experience, and at the same time, supporting comic book creators around the globe," said John D. Roberts, comiXology co-founder.
“ComiXology Submit opens it up for independent comic books artists, creating the chance to digitally publish comics that one can sell everywhere,” said Shannon Wheeler, creator of the critically hailed “Too Much Coffee Man” series and a contributing cartoonist to The New Yorker.  “When I created ‘Too Much Coffee Man’ 20 years ago in Austin, I spent many late nights making the stupid comics. Then I spent long days bugging shop owners to sell my stuff. Then I spent minutes losing the invoices, ensuring I never got paid. With comiXology Submit, I could have spent all that time creating my comics and I'd have gotten paid twice as often too.”
More details about comiXology Submit will be unveiled on Saturday at 5:45 PM CST at SXSW Interactive, as comiXology co-founder and CEO Steinberger takes the stage with fellow co-founder Roberts and Wheeler on the SXSW GEEK Stage at the Palmer Auditorium in Austin, TX.
Creators interested in submitting works for approval can visit http://submit.comixology.com. Comic book fans interested in finding works by independent creators now available on comiXology are invited to visit http://www.comixology.com/submit.
About comiXology
Founded in 2007, comiXology revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View™  reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become one of iTunes’ top 10-grossing iPad apps in 2011 and 2012.  Its new comiXology Submit platform enables independent comics creators to efficiently self-publish and immediately profit from their work.  Offering the broadest library of comic book content from the top 75 publishers, plus leading and emerging independent creators, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan.  The privately held company is based in Gotham City.  For more information visit www.comixology.com.

Fans, Fun and Fantasy Rule The Web
JourneyQuest Returns

(March 6th, 2013, Seattle, WA) After a triumphant return from Emerald City Comic Con, Zombie Orpheus Entertainment announced the release of their collected award-winning webseries JourneyQuest Season 2: City of the Dead as an all new remastered feature film experience.  This season features Fran Kranz (Cabin in the Woods, Dollhouse) and Bob Sapp (Conan, The Longest Yard) and was named a Top Ten webseries of 2012 by Scifipulse.com. Journeyquest Season 2 is available in digital release in partnership with Redux, in HD,DRM-free formats. Redux's platform will power the streaming and sale of the film across the web, Connected TV, and mobile.  Fans can pay $7 for the download and assorted special features or $10 for a bonus package with the Season One feature cut exclusively at www.journeyquestmovie.com.  Pre-orders of the directors cut DVD are also available at www.fansupported.net and www.paizo.com for delivery in April.  

Their motto—Fan Supported, Creator Distributed—has never been more true as this season was made possible with a $113,000 Kickstarter campaign. “This season proves that fans can drive the production of quality entertainment,” says executive producer Ben Dobyns, “allowing independent creators the freedom to make extraordinary ongoing shows without network oversight.”  Distribution partner Redux explained “Redux's platform will power the streaming and sale of the film across the web, Connected TV, and mobile.”
About Journeyquest Season 2: City of the Dead:
Perf (Christian Doyle), a wizard cursed with a wisecrackingsword, has been captured by an assasin intent on delivering him and his companions to the Wicked Kings. Meanwhile Karn the Unpleasant (Bob Sapp) and Queen Starling (Jen Page) strive to protect their throne from the Kings while Wren (Emilie Rommel Shimkus), the bard assigned to chronicle Perf’s epic, faces professional competition from rival songsmith Silver Tom (Fran Kranz). JourneyQuest is made available under a Creative Commons license, allowing the public broad rights to share, remix, and enjoy the work.
Fans can check out the lastest developments on all  Zombie Orpheus webseries at www.zombieorpheus.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZombieOrpheus?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zombieorpheus
YouTube.com at http://www.youtube.com/zombieorpheusent
About Zombie Orpheus:
Zombie Orpheus is a multimedia production company dedicated to developing and producing original, scripted content for web distribution. Their mission is to to thrill fans of fantasy, science fiction, and horror with tales of high adventure, smart comedy, and surprising twists and turns. Their productions are Fan Supported and Creator Distributed.

About Redux:
Redux was founded by a group of UC Berkeley Electical Engineering and Computer Science engineers passionate about combining technology they developed while at UC Berkeley with great user experiences to create a product used by millions everyday. We launched at the beginning of 2010 from our offices across campus and grew 10x in 2011 passing 3.5 million monthly users. We're the top-downloaded app on Google TV, and will be on over 100 million Connected TV devices by the end of 2013.

'Zombie King' Arthur Suydam's Variant Cover of Robert Kirkman's 'The Walking Dead #1' Debuts at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

Skybound and Wizard World's Second Limited Edition Cover in the Wizard World series Free to Full-Price Attendees

NEW YORK, March 6, 2013 – Combining the legends of Robert Kirkman and his groundbreaking, Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, and Arthur Suydam's unique and prolific work in the zombie genre led to the second in a series of exclusive Wizard World variant covers of Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead #1 comic, provided for free to all full-price attendees at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, March 22-24 at America's Center.  Wizard World and Skybound, Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, have teamed to produce the line.

Suydam will be on hand at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con to sign copies of the limited-edition comic,  produced in extremely limited quantities and available to fans only while supplies last.  The first cover, illustrated by superstar artist Michael Golden, was a huge hit at Wizard World Portland Comic Con last weekend.  A different superstar artist will draw the variant cover art for each of the six remaining scheduled Wizard World shows this year.  More cover artists will be announced shortly.

Independent third-party comic book grading service CGC, a leader in the industry, will accept TWD #1 variant and Signature Series submissions at its Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con exhibitor booth.

Laurie Holden, who stars as “Andrea” in the AMC series based upon The Walking Dead, will attend Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con.  Comics legend Stan Lee, Harry Potter star Tom Felton, Happy Days headline Henry Winkler, Homeland headliner Morena Baccarin and WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® are among the other top celebrity guests scheduled to appear.  They will be joined by a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World’s 2013 calendar and the promotion's inaugural event in St. Louis.

The Walking Dead graphic novels accounted for seven of the 10 bestselling titles of the year and were #1 overall for both 2011 and 2012.

Wizard World St. Louis 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, March 24, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children. Event hours are Friday, March 22, 3-8 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

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 and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Witch Doctor, Invincible Universe 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 2012. 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 destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com

About Skybound
Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, Thief of Thieves and Clone as well as Witch Doctor and Invincible Universe. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind 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. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles is www.Skybound.com or www.TheWalkingDead.com

About Arthur Suydam
Award winning creator and Marvel artist Arthur Suydam’s meteoric rise to superstardom for his work for the smash hit series Marvel Zombies broke graphic novel records, immediately placing the artist in the category of comic legend.

Suydam was recently honored with: the Spike TV Scream Award, (best writer, best artist, best comic of the year) Suydam’s short story Christmas Carol was chosen for inclusion in The Mammoth Book of Horror and Legends for best comic horror stories of all time and The Art of Painted Comics (2008). Suydam was recently honored with the prestigious Spectrum Gold Award for Excellence in Illustration, the San Sebastian Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and numerous fan-site favorite awards across the globe.

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 2013 event schedule to date can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
March 22-24 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World New York City Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
January 24-26, 2014 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FREE sticky DOT comics

iPAD APP FOR KIDS

New Digital Destination For Young Readers To Debut 30 Parent-Trusted Manga & Graphic Novels, Including POKÉMON, VOLTRON FORCE^® And LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE™

San Francisco, CA, March 5, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, has announced the launch today of sticky DOT comics, its new kids comics app for the Apple iPad^® and iPad^® mini.

Sticky DOT comics, a proprietary app developed by VIZ Media, brings the best all-ages comics to the iPad with content featuring fan-favorite characters both familiar and new. Fans can securely browse, download and read a diverse collection of popular manga and graphic novels including full volumes of POKÉMON, MAMESHIBA, MR. MEN LITTLE MISS™, REDAKAI and VOLTRON FORCE^®.

sticky DOT comics is available for free download through the iTunes Store. Individual volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for a debut price of $2.99-$3.99 per volume. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new series and volumes, as well as free previews, will be added frequently.

sticky DOT comics Launch Week Titles Will Include:

·         PokÉmon Adventures

·         PokÉmon Adventures: DIAMOND AND PEARL/PLATINUM

·         PokÉmon Black and White

·         PokÉmon: DIAMOND AND PEARL ADVENTURE!

·         Mameshiba: On the Loose!

·         Little Miss Sunshine: here comes the sun!

·         Mr. Strong: Good Thing I Came Along!

·         Redakai

·         Voltron Force

“Now with the sticky DOT comics iPad app, fans of any age can take their favorite family-friendly manga and graphic novels on the go,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, VIZ Kids. “There’s something for everyone in this debut, including the adorable adventures of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, the action of REDAKAI, and the awesome fun of POKÉMON, available for the first time in digital form, and we’ll be adding more exciting series and content to sticky DOT comics soon!”

For more information on sticky DOT comics, please visit the dedicated sticky DOT comics page on iTunes.

For more information on VIZ Kids graphic novels and manga, 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 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.

HER UNIVERSE CREATOR ASHLEY ECKSTEIN REVEALS NEW MONTHLY ONLINE

COLUMN, "ASK ELLEN," OFFERING SUPPORT AND ADVICE FOR FANGIRLS

NEW YORK, NY - March 5th, 2013 - Bullying has been a major problem in the fangirl community and actress Ashley Eckstein has been an advocate in the anti-bullying movement. Wanting to help fight this issue and many other concerns which directly affect fangirls, Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and founder of Her Universe™, a leading sci-fi apparel line for women, announced today a new monthly online column offering support and advice to female fans on matters that affect them. The new "Ask Ellen" column is written by Ellen Connell and will run throughout the month on the Her Universe blog at www.HerUniverse.com. "Ask Ellen" will be an ongoing sounding board addressing everyday issues that affect the lives of fangirls and offering possible solutions to these problems.

"Ellen and I have been friends for many years now," said Ashley Eckstein. "This past summer after attending San Diego Comic Con together we both felt a need to do more for the fangirl community. I wanted to find a way to offer advice to fangirls dealing with everyday issues like bullying and Ellen felt compelled to put her knowledge from her studies in clinical psychology to good use. Together we came up with the idea for our column, 'Ask Ellen.' I grew up reading the 'Dear Abby' column in the newspaper, so I am very excited to be able to offer something similar to our fangirls."

Ellen Connell has a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology and is working towards becoming licensed as a Psychologist in California. Before returning to graduate school for her degree, she worked in the animated television and film industry for several years. Two of those years, she worked at Lucasfilm Animation as a Script and Casting Assistant Production Manager for the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and met Eckstein. Although Connell loved working on The Clone Wars, she also felt called toward another passion—helping people directly as a therapist. Having grown up as a theatre geek who loved fantasy, Connell didn't always fit in with the other kids in her class, and she remembers feeling the loneliness that came from thinking that she didn't belong. After learning to improve her self-esteem as an adult, she felt a desire to help people, especially girls, who struggle to feel better about themselves. Connell left Lucasfilm to attend graduate school, training in psychology, and is currently working as a psychotherapist in San Diego.

"I'm really excited to work with Ashley and the Her Universe community through the 'Ask Ellen' column," Connell said. "I hope to offer support to girls who are struggling to feel good about themselves. I'm glad Her Universe provides a community for fangirls, and I look forward to contributing to it in any way I can."

The "Ask Ellen" column is part of a special year-long campaign, "Year of the Fangirl," which will highlight and recognize one of the fastest growing segments of the sci-fi/fantasy/pop culture audience...women. Every day a different fangirl will be spotlighted on HerUniverse.com, to showcase the community's diversity, dreams and interests.

The "Year of the Fangirl" campaign officially launched February 25th; however, additional elements and opportunities for female fans will be added throughout the year including a very special event in coordination with San Diego Comic Con. More information will follow soon.




About Her Universe 
Her Universe was launched in 2009 by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica and with BBC Worldwide for Doctor Who and with CBS Consumer Products for Star Trek. You can learn more about Her Universe and purchase the current line of fangirl apparel and accessories by going to www.heruniverse.com and by following Eckstein on Facebook (facebook.com/HerUniverse) and Twitter (twitter.com/HerUniverse).