Friday, April 05, 2013

SEX #1 READY FOR THIRD GO-'ROUND

Provocative first issue sells out of 2nd printing

SEX #1, the attention-grabbing first issue of a new Image Comics series by Joe Casey and Piotr Kowalski, has sold out of its second printing at the distributor level the same week as its release and will immediately receive a third printing, to be in stores on May 1.

SEX, the story of a former superhero who hangs up his cape to pursue the kind of life he had forbidden himself, burst onto the scene in early March, with an exclusive edition of the first issue available only at Emerald City Comicon in Seattle. Its first printing, in stores on March 6, sold out the same week as its release and prompted praise from critics:

"...for as much as this title begs for the attention of being called a porno mag disguised as a comic book, it refrains from titillation in favor of creating a fascinating character study amongst a fully realized neo-noir world.”
- IGN

"For those looking for dazzling art and an interesting psychological drama, then definitely pick up Sex #1.”
- Bloody Disgusting

SEX #1's third printing is available to order now (Diamond code FEB138534), and its second issue will be in stores on April 10.
CapeTown Film Fesr Color Logo


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LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR THE “CAPETOWN FILM FESTIVAL” CO-PRESENTED BY ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY  AND THE AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE AND SPONSORED BY TNT’s FALLING SKIES AT THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE IN HOLLYWOOD
Complete Lineup Includes Screening Details and List of Special Guests
Seven Day Festival to Run April 30th – May 6th
(NEW YORK, NY) - April 5, 2013 - Entertainment Weekly today announced the complete lineup for the EW CapeTown Film Festival (CapeTown ) in Los Angeles. The inaugural film festival, in conjunction with American Cinematheque and sponsored by TNT’s Falling Skies, will feature Sci-Fi, Superhero, and Fantasy screenings along with Q&A Panels and special guests including Kurt Russell, John Carpenter, Neil Gaiman, Terry Gilliam and Edgar Wright.  The EW CapeTown Festival will run from Tuesday, April 30th through Monday, May 6th at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA. 
Tickets go on sale April 8th and can be purchased at the Egyptian Theatre box office (6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028), on www.fandango.com (theatre zip code 90028) or by calling 1-800-FANDANGO (Egyptian Theatre code: 2206).  A limited number of tickets will also be available during a special April 6 presale at the Egyptian Theatre box office for EW subscribers. Tickets will be sold only between noon and 5 p.m. to EW subscribers who bring 1) their photo I.D. and 2) a recent issue of EW with a subscription label on the cover that matches their I.D. The presale is also for American Cinematheque members with photo I.D.

The complete lineup is listed below:

EW CapeTown Film Festival Schedule of Events - Egyptian Theatre, Los Angeles
Twitter:     @SidGrauman
Facebook: 
http://www.facebook.com/egyptiantheatre

Tuesday, April 30
Special Announcement Coming Soon! 
           
Wednesday, May 1
7:30pm            Shaun of the Dead
                        Special guest: Edgar Wright

Thursday, May 2
7:30pm           The Thing
                       Special guest: John Carpenter

Friday, May 3
7pm                 Escape from New York
                        Special guest: Kurt Russell
                        Bonus! Advance Screening of TNT’s Falling Skies Season 3 Premiere (show premieres June 9th)
                        Special guest: Noah Wyle
                       
Saturday, May 4
“May the 4th Be With You” Celebration
10am              Return of the Jedi – INVITATION ONLY
  2pm              Return of the Jedi
  6pm              Return of the Jedi
10pm              Return of the Jedi

Sunday, May 5
10am               Despicable Me

1pm                 Coraline
                        Special guests: Neil Gaiman and Travis Knight

4pm                 The Goonies
                        Special guest: Richard Donner

8pm                 Twelve Monkeys
Special guest: Terry Gilliam
The evening with Terry Gilliam is co-presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles.

Monday, May 6
7:30pm            Star Trek (2009)
                        Special guest: Leonard Nimoy

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE NORTH AMERICAN RELEASE OF INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION ON BLU-RAY

New Set Collects 4 Feature Films Based On The Classic Fantasy Adventure Manga & Anime Series Created By Rumiko Takahashi, Now In High Definition For The First Time

VIZ Media brings the classic anime feature film action of INUYASHA home to fans across North America with the brand new release of the INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION. The new 2-disc set is available now on Blu-ray, and contains 4 complete feature films from the venerable fantasy action adventure franchise, each rated TV-14, including INUYASHA THE MOVIE 1: AFFECTIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 2: THE CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 3: SWORDS OF AN HONORABLE RULER and INUYASHA THE MOVIE 4: FIRE ON THE MYSTIC ISLAND.

The INUYASHA MOVIE COLLECTION carries an MSRP of $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN, and features bilingual language options including English dubbed as well as original Japanese audio with English subtitles. Bonus features include a production art gallery and the original theatrical trailers for each film.

The INUYASHA movies are based on Rumiko Takahashi’s highly successful manga about the adventures of a Kagome, a Japanese schoolgirl who is transported back in time to feudal era Japan, where she encounters and befriends Inuyasha, a half-demon boy. Together they battle against evil demons and make new friends and allies. In these four feature films, our heroes take on new challenges and battle strange foes. With their crew of demon-slaying friends, Kagome and Inuyasha will face the adventures of their lives! 

INUYASHA has established itself as one of the most popular and successful manga and anime properties in North America and Japan, and has captivated fans with its stunning artwork, beautiful animation, compelling characters and sophisticated storytelling. The INUYASHA animated TV anime series and feature films are based on characters originally developed by famed manga creator, Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for INUYASHA in 2002. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporated a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. Digital versions of the INUYASHA manga series are now available on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® or iPod® touch, Android smart phone or tablet. INUYASHA anime episodes are also featured on VIZAnime.com, the company’s premiere web site for free streaming anime content.

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© 2001 Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise • Sho-Pro • NTV • Toho • Yomiuri-TV Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.
© 2002 Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan • YTV • Sunrise • Sho-Pro • NTV • Toho • Yomiuri-TV Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.
© 2003 Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan • YTV  • Sunrise • ShoPro • NTV • Toho • Yomiuri-TV Enterprise  All Rights Reserved.
© 2004 Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan • YTV  • Sunrise • ShoPro • NTV • Toho • Yomiuri-TV Enterprise  All Rights Reserved.



Thursday, April 04, 2013

logo
O
minous Odes launches 2013 convention season for Wayward Raven
(New York, New York- April 4th, 2013) Wayward Raven announced today the release of their short story collection Ominous Odes to help kick off their 2013 convention season. Ominous Odes is a collection of published short stories as well as never before seen new releases. The stories tell tales of the dark and eerie that always lurks just outside of human perception, fleeting upon the cusp of vision. A dark lottery ticket, a future serial killer, a tragic female legend and a detective on the trail of a killer all reside within. This collection is available in both hardback and digital form on Amazon and can be purchased at http://wwraven.com/YsoFci. Fans can bring their copies to Boston Comic Con April 20-21 or Wizard World Philly to get them signed.  Fans who visit wearing Wayward Raven apparel of any type will receive a free comic book!
Why bring a short story collection to a comic book convention,” asked Mark Frankel, CEO/COO of Wayward Raven. “Because Wayward Raven is a lifestyle brand as opposed to a product specific line. We offer horror, sci fi, fantasy and we have children's products coming down the pike. Our products span different genres but ALL of our products cater to alternative culture fans.”
Comic Titles:
The Ascendant is a fantasy-horror comic book that follows a Duke of Hell named Cail who developed a crisis of conscience after eons of unrepentant malevolence. He escapes to the land of the living where demons he once set free wreak havoc and in an act of redemption sends them back with his dark blade.http://www.facebook.com/TheAscendantComic
Horsemen is a sci-fi/action comic where a team of cosmic guardians confront a nemesis bent on destroying freewill throughout the multi-verse. Plots are revealed throughout the galaxy and tragedy visits upon the Horsemen as they gallop across the stars trying to prevent the ultimate catastrophe.http://www.facebook.com/Horsemencomicseries
Book Titles
The Cell tells the story of seventeen year old Les Logan, an aspiring comic book artist who begins to doubt himself after Aki Kubo, his friend and creative partner, dies in an accident in which Les is involved. From beyond the grave, Aki contacts Les through a cell phone and tells him there’s a problem. Aki can’t cross over because a girl named Rachel is wasting her second chance at life after receiving his donated liver. Les must help her so Aki can move on to the afterlife.
And if that wasn't enough good stuff, check out our web comic at www.damnheroes.com. Damn Heroes is a journey of a gentle man making his way in the big city, giving back to the friendly and vivid characters of that utopia with love and respect. Hero City is paradise on earth, a garden of Eden nurtured and protected by some of the most respected superbeings on the planet.
Okay, okay, you got us. It is actually the exact opposite. YOU go be the only norm in a city of big headed, self-righteous superheroes. Go on, I dare you! New content every Wednesday!
For more information visit www.waywardraven.com or like us at http://www.facebook.com/waywardravenmedia .
Ars longa, vitae brevis. Wayward Raven… soaring on winds of imagination
About Wayward Raven:
 Wayward Raven Media’s comic books and prose had their debut at the 2012 New York Comic-Con and have been growing ever since. The ranks include Mark Frankel, Joshua Lee Andrew Jones and Alexander Sapountzis. They can be followed on Twitter: Mark @PantherPitt, Joshua @JLAJones, and Alexander @asapountzis

WITH SPRING, A NEW CROP OF IMAGE FIRSTS

$1 editions of six Image Comics first issues

Image Comics has announced the release of six new "Image Firsts” editions, printings of popular series' first issues that only cost $1.00, to land in stores on May 1 just in time to coincide with Free Comic Book Day. The six new titles are BEDLAM #1 by Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo, GREAT PACIFIC by Joe Harris and Martín Morazzo, MIND THE GAP #1 by Jim McCann and Rodin Esquejo, MORNING GLORIES by Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma, PETER PANZERFAUST #1 by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Tyler Jenkins, and SUPER DINOSAUR #1 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard.
BEDLAM, first published in October 2012, is a horror thriller about a former mass-murderer who is rehabilitated and puts his mind, formerly committed to atrocious acts of violence, to protecting the city he once terrorized. The collection of its first six issues will be released on May 1. Image Firsts edition Diamond code: FEB138575
In GREAT PACIFIC, which first hit shelves in November 2012, a wealthy young Texan takes on an unlikely frontier — a floating island of garbage in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Claiming it for himself as New Texas, Chas Worthington finds out that taking land is a very different thing from keeping it. GREAT PACIFIC #6 was in stores on April 3, and its first trade paperback, "TRASHED!”, collecting its first five issues, will be in stores on May 1. Image Firsts edition Diamond code: FEB138576
MIND THE GAP is a supernatural mystery that debuted in May 2012, following the ensuing events after Elle Peterssen, a beautiful and rich young woman, is attacked in the subway and left for dead. While her body lies comatose, Elle's mind can observe what goes on around her. She alone holds the key to her attack, but she can't even remember who she was. MIND THE GAP #10 will be in stores on May 1, and its second volume, collecting issues #6-10, "WISH YOU WERE HERE,” will be in stores on May 29. Image Firsts edition Diamond code: FEB138577
MORNING GLORIES, set in the elite boarding school Morning Glories Academy, has been a cult favorite since 2010. A complex and ever-unfolding mystery, MORNING GLORIES pits over-achieving teenagers against a baffling and dangerous curriculum — and against each other. Its fourth volume, TRUANTS, collecting issues #20-24, will be in stores on April 24. Image Firsts edition Diamond code: FEB138578
PETER PANZERFAUST, a re-imagining of the classic Peter Pan tale set in World War II France, has been steadily gaining popularity since its first issue landed in stores in February 2012. Its tenth issue was released in March and PETER PANZERFAUST VOLUME TWO: HOOKED!, collecting issues #6-10 will be in stores on May 15. Image Firsts edition Diamond code: FEB138579
SUPER DINOSAUR is an all-ages adventure story written by the creator of THE WALKING DEAD. Young Derek Dynamo and his best friend, who happens to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex with super-cool robotic enhancements, take on Earth's — and Inner-Earth's — baddest baddies. Its third trade paperback, collecting issues #12-17, was in stores in February and issue #20 will be in stores on April 24. Image Firsts edition Diamond code: FEB138580
The new Image Firsts issues will be in stores on May 1, joining thirty-one other Image Firsts editions, including some of Image's most popular titles like THE WALKING DEAD, SAGA, FATALE, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, and INVINCIBLE. All are available for order now!

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

BOOM! STUDIOS LAUNCHES
MIKE CAREY'S SUICIDE RISK THIS MAY

 

   
 

April 3, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – This May, BOOM! Studios proudly launches SUICIDE RISK, the first original ongoing series from an independent publisher by Eisner Award-nominated author Mike Carey (X-MEN, THE UNWRITTEN). The highly anticipated series will feature interiors by artist Elena Casagrande (HULK, HACK/SLASH).

Super-powered people are inexplicably rising from the streets and there's a big problem: Too many supervillains, not enough superheroes. Heroes are dying, and cops are dying twofold. Humanity is under-powered and good people are suffering untold tragedies trying to stem the flow. Beat cop Leo Winters is one of those struggling to make a difference. And the answer just might come in the form of two lowlifes with a dark secret. SUICIDE RISK is a high octane, mind-bending series created by one of the industry's greatest storytellers.

“SUICIDE RISK is  a story set against the backdrop of the world's first ever superpower activations - a fast-spreading trend with a single moving source and a million unintended consequences,” explained Mike Carey. “When cop Leo Winters goes looking for a man and a woman who are literally selling superpowers on the street, he triggers a series of events which will change his life and the lives of those he loves forever - and potentially, end the world.  What I love about writing this book (I mean, besides working with Elena) is that it's outside of any existing continuity.  We can make our own rules and then play out the consequences all the way.”

SUICIDE RISK #1 will arrive in stores on May 1st with with a cover by Tommy Lee Edwards (MARVEL 1985, TURF) and a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code of MAR130918. The premier issue will also feature a retailer incentive cover by Stephanie Hans (YOUNG AVENGERS).

About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphreys’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.
VIZ MEDIA REACHES NEW MILESTONE WITH WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP iPAD NEWSSTAND APP DEBUT

Leader In Digital Manga Distribution Expands Access To North America’s Popular Weekly Digital Manga Anthology Featuring The Latest Chapters Released The Same Day As Japan

San Francisco, CA, April 2, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, unveils the latest milestone with WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, the weekly digital serial anthology that features the synchronized latest chapters of a variety of popular manga series debuting on the same day as the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine counterpart.

Beginning today, readers can take advantage of the new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Newsstand App available for the Apple iPad® and iPad® Mini. New issues debut each Monday, and subscriptions are available through the Newsstand App for only $2.99 (U.S. / CAN) a month, with automatic monthly renewals. Apple Newsstand is a built-in application on Apple iOS devices that provides access to digital versions of hundreds of nationally and internationally syndicated newspapers and magazines. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Newsstand subscribers may also access their issues through the VIZ Manga digital platform.

“VIZ Media continues to drive innovation in content distribution, and with the new application, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP now joins other marquee publications that have embraced Apple’s Newsstand in recent months.” says Gagan Singh, Executive Vice President, Digital Business. “The Newsstand App lays the groundwork for future expansion of the magazine and offers our fans yet another way to access their favorite manga. We are excited with this latest development in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP’s evolution!”

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP currently features the latest installments of some of the world’s most popular manga series including BLEACH, CROSS MANAGE, a new color version of DRAGON BALL, NARUTO, NISEKOI, ONE PIECE, ONE-PUNCH MAN, TORIKO, and WORLD TRIGGER, released each week to North American readers on the same day as their general release in Japan. Monthly series such as BLUE EXORCIST, RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL debut on the closest Monday after the Japanese release.

Every digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga titles. Annual memberships will continue to be available through vizmanga.com as well as VIZ Manga apps on iOS, Android and Kindle for just $25.99 (USD/CAD). Annual members will get exclusive YU-GI-OH! promotional trading cards throughout the year (cards are not available to iPad Newsstand subscribers), and access to additional magazine content, including creator interviews and insightful promotional videos. Current subscribers can also access their account via the Newsstand App.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit shonenjump.viz.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.

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Tuesday, April 02, 2013

COMIXOLOGY AND HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
TEAM UP TO DEBUT WARRIORS MANGA IOS APP
Experience thirteen manga titles inspired by Erin Hunter’s epic Warriors series now available across comiXology’s entire platform and the Warriors Manga iOS app
April 2nd, 2013 – New York, NY – ComiXology and HarperCollins Publishers announced today the debut of the Warriors Manga iOS App that includes thirteen titles from the Warriors Manga series that will also be available on comiXology – the revolutionary digital comics platform available across the iPhoneiPad, AndroidKindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web. Warriors’ fans that own an iPad with Retina display will now see more than ever before with comiXology’s high definition file format dubbed CMX-HD!
“Warriors is an amazing series that’s a phenomenon among younger readers. We’re thrilled to present these graphic novels in new and exciting ways with comiXology’s cinematic Guided View reading technology,” says comiXology’s co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “We’re also excited to help expand the readership of Warriors to a new audience of fans worldwide through comiXology’s international reach.”
“The release of the Warriors Manga iOS App allows Warriors fans to take some of their favorite manga with them wherever they go,” says Corinne Helman, Vice President, Digital Publishing and Business Development. “We’re excited to have our books available on the comiXology platform.”
Here is a list of the Warriors Manga titles being released:
Warriors: The Rise of Scourge
Warriors: The Lost Warrior
Warriors: Warrior's Refuge
Warriors: Warrior's Return
Warriors: Tigerstar and Sasha # 1: Into the Wild
Warriors: Tigerstar and Sasha # 2: Escape from the Forest
Warriors: Tigerstar and Sasha # 3: Return to the Clans
Warriors: Ravenpaw's Path # 1: Shattered Peace
Warriors: Ravenpaw's Path # 2: A Clan in Need
Warriors: Ravenpaw's Path # 3: The Heart of a Warrior
Warriors: SkyClan and the Stranger # 1: The Rescue
Warriors: SkyClan and the Stranger # 2: Beyond the Code
Warriors: SkyClan and the Stranger # 3: The Rescue
These Warriors Manga titles can be purchased, downloaded and read through the Warriors Manga iOS app as well as comiXology's Comics4Kids iOS app with "parent friendly sync" and the entire comiXology platform.
Warriors is a New York Times best-selling series by Erin Hunter chronicling the fantastic adventures of the four Clans of wild cats: ThunderClan, WindClan, ShadowClan and RiverClan in their forest home.
The Warriors Manga series is the graphic adaptation of the popular novel series, which includes some original stories in the Warriors universe. Originally published in 2007, the Warriors Manga features a host of talented writers and artists including Erin Hunter, Dan Jolley, Bettina Kuroski, James Barry, and Don Hudson.
About HarperCollins
HarperCollins Children’s Books is one of the leading publishers of children’s books. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many timeless treasures — Charlotte’s Web, The Chronicles of Narnia, Goodnight Moon, Where the Sidewalk Ends, the Ramona series, Where the Wild Things Are; and popular new classics—The Graveyard Book, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and the Warriors and Fancy Nancy books. Consistently at the forefront of digital innovation, HarperCollins Children’s Books delights young readers through engaging storytelling in all formats, including ebooks and apps. HarperCollins Children’s Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, one of the leading English-language publishers in the world and a subsidiary of News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). Headquartered in New York, HarperCollins has publishing groups in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia/New Zealand, and India. You can visit HarperCollins Children’s Books at www.harpercollinschildrens.com and HarperCollins Publishers at http://www.harpercollins.com/.
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.
IDW Announces Creative Team for THUNDER AGENTS!
Publisher touts and all-star team for an all-star book!

San Diego, CA (April 1, 2013) – At WonderCon, IDW finally unveiled the creative team that will be re-launching the legendary THUNDER AGENTS this August.

Phil Hester (Godzilla, Green Arrow) will be writing with Andrea Di Vito (Dungeons & Dragons) providing interiors as the dynamic THUNDER AGENTS go about putting an end to global evil before punching out for the day.



“I'm thrilled to be working with Andrea on this book,” said Hester. “His style hits all the right notes, combining the best of modern storytelling sensibilities with classic super hero dynamism. Our goal is to preserve what was unique about the original Wally Wood-helmed run, but inject it with the high-octane action and resonant character development modern readers demand. Andrea's work will convey to readers the sense of excitement we feel as creators."

“I am very excited about the creative team assembled for the IDW launch of THUNDER AGENTS,” said David M. Matthews, Managing Director of Radiant Assets, owner of the property.  “I have a great respect and appreciation for Phil and Andrea’s work, and I’m ecstatic over having Jerry Ordway and Dave Sim contributing covers.  It really doesn’t get much better than that!”

"Let me tell you, nobody's more excited to be doing bona fide superheroes at IDW than I am," said THUNDER Agents editor Tom Waltz. "And to have it be a classic property like THUNDER Agents and have it being kicked off by the massively talented duo of Phil Hester and Andrea Di Vito, not to mention covers by living legends Jerry Ordway and Dave Sim?! Consider me over the moon!"

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents © 2013 Radiant Assets, LLC.  All rights reserved.
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About IDW

IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio.
IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Warner Brothers and Barry Sonnenfeld are attached to adapt LORE into a feature film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, with Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

Monday, April 01, 2013

SHOOTING LIKE A GIRL HAS NEVER BEEN SO DEADLYTurra:Gun Angel Indieagogo campaign is LIVE

(Memphis, Tennessee-April 1, 2013) Marshal Pictures and Maw Productions announced a joint effort to bring indy comic book heroine Turra to life. The character originated within
the pages of Maw Productions
Jetta Tales of the Toshigawa graphic novel series and carried her own in her book Turra: Bombs and Betrayal. With an established cult following and a film company who excels in genre movies as an art form, the obvious next step was to bring Turra to the big screen. Budding ingénue, Rachel Alig has been cast in the lead role and a plethora of rewards make this a crowdsourcing drive to watch. Getting in at the ground level of a kick ass action movie has never been easier! Donate to the campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/turra-gun-angel-feature-opening-scene
About Turra: Gun Angel:
Turra has been raised as a ninja assassin and is burnt out on the endless training and constant killing. She leaves Japan to become a bounty hunter in America. After the particularly brazen extraction of a target from a night club, Turra is visited by an elder member of the Japanese Mafia who offers her a job she can’t refuse. Being Turra, however, she does refuse and she soon lands in the middle of Yakuza Civil War! 
Renown artist, Jamal Y Igle (Supergirl, Nightwing) also gave his support, "Martheus [Turra's Creator] is a fantastic talent and taking such a huge leap like this, bringing Turra to life is a bold, worthy endeavor. We have to do what we can to help this project get the funding it needs, and add to the diversity of voices in the film industry."
Want to find out more visit www.turragunangel.comLike Marshal Pictures at https://www.facebook.com/marshal.picturesFollow Marshal Pictures on twitter at https://twitter.com/@MarshalPicturesLike MAW Productions at https://www.facebook.com/groups/157217357709159/Follow MAW Productions at  https://twitter.com/MartheusAW
About Marshal Pictures:The folks at Marshal Pictures love making movies. No matter how big or small the budget, their goals are always the same: produce movies that entertain people, give donors a great experience for their generous support and provide the best possible ROI for investors.
About MAW productions:
MAW productions is a small indy graphic novel publisher who punches well above their weight.  Headed by Martheus Wade (Oxygen Network's Bad Girls Club, Jetta: Takes of the Toshigawa) MAW productions has mastered a heady blend of Asian cultural lore, strong female role models, and modern high speed action. Their titles include Turra: Gun Angel and Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sequart Research & Literacy Organization (
sequart.org) is proud to announce the release of its newest book of comics analysis, The Devil is in the Details: Examining Matt Murdock and Daredevil, edited by Ryan K. Lindsay.

For half a century, Daredevil has been an outsider and a paradox, a loner, a down-to-earth super-hero, a blind man with super-powers, and the star of some of Marvel’s most celebrated stories.

The Devil is in the Details examines both Daredevil and his alter ego, Matt Murdock, from a variety of critical perspectives. Whether it’s explorations of Daredevil’s troubled history with love, his relationship to Foggy Nelson or Spider-Man, or new takes on his classic runs, this is one book no Daredevil fan or scholar should be without.

The book features a foreword by Ralph Macchio, who guided Daredevil as the title’s editor from 1984 to 1995. Contributors include Timothy Callahan, Jon Cormier, Julian Darius, Matt Duarte, Stéphane Guéret, Christine Hanefalk, Forrest Helvie, Manuella Hyvard, Geoff Klock, Nicolas Labarre, Ryan K. Lindsay, Vinny Murphy, Will Murray, Henry Northmore, Marie-Laure Saulnier, Kevin Thurman, and M. S. Wilson. The book sports a cover by Alice Lynch. It runs 246 pages, retails for $15.99 
in print, and is also available on Kindle for $5.99.

The longest essay in the book, Blind Dates and Broken Hearts: The Tragic Loves of Matthew Murdock by Ryan K. Lindsay, is also available as a Sequart single.

About the Publisher: Sequart Research & Literacy Organization is a non-profit devoted to the study and promotion of comic books as a legitimate art form.  It publishes books and documentaries aimed at making comics scholarship accessible.  For more information, click
here.

Legal Disclaimer: Daredevil, Matt Murdock, and related characters are trademarks of Marvel Comics.  This book is not endorsed by Marvel Comics.

OUR FUTURE DYSTOPIA IN LAZARUS

New sci-fi Image series from Rucka and Lark debuts in June

LAZARUS, the upcoming Image Comics series by the Eisner Award-winning creative team of Greg Rucka (Whiteout, Queen and Country, Gotham Central, Wonder Woman) and Michael Lark (Daredevil, Gotham Central, Scene of the Crime) is set in a dystopia where society has reverted to a feudal state — the elite Families who control the wealth control every aspect of the world, and those without are their vassals and serfs. Serving these powerful Families are individuals called their "Lazarus” — lethal protectors of their families' interests. The Lazarus of the Carlyle Family, which controls the world's genetic research and development, is a young woman called Forever. Her story starts the day she is killed.
To writer Rucka, the dystopia he created for LAZARUS isn't a far-fetched science fiction world; it's a logical extrapolation of where our society is heading. After talking to a friend who works in finance and considering the Occupy Movement, Rucka asked himself, "What would the world look like if 99% became 99.99999%? What if the 1% became the .00001%? What happens when that much wealth and power becomes that concentrated?”
He continued, "That's how the world was born, this idea that wealth equals power, until such a point that the wealth becomes almost irrelevant to that power because everything is now owned, and power settles amongst a very select few, and everyone else is on the outside.”
Concentration of power leads to the powerful using all means to protect what they have — and that is where Forever comes in. Manipulated by her Family patriarch to believe she is his beloved daughter, Forever is willing to kill and die for him. But even though she lives in the elite world, she will never be part of it. Regarded variably as a tool, pet, and science project, Forever must break through her lifelong conditioning to find out what and who she really is in a world that sees her as something less — and more — than human.
"If you ask me what the series is about, yes, it's about this dark vision of the future, certainly,” said Rucka. "But it's about Forever, her journey, the questions of nature versus nurture, and of power, and of corruption.”
Lark's art, on gorgeous display in the four-page "prelude” released after its unveiling at Emerald City Comicon in March, renders Forever's world in deep shadow and is heightened with moody colors by Santi Arcas, perfectly capturing the fractured, violent world of LAZARUS as well as Forever's vulnerability and naïveté, which her deadly exterior belies.
"I'm trying to demonstrate the contrast between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots,'” said artist Lark. "Because one side has, literally, EVERYTHING, and the other has NOTHING, the contrast is strong. In issue two we are really going to see that, with scenes in the homes of the Carlyles juxtaposed with scenes of the extreme poverty facing the rest of society. I realize that while we in the United States haven't seen this come to pass — yet — there are other parts of the world where it is already a stark reality.”
Lark agrees that his and Rucka's main character is the key to LAZARUS's story. "We are seeing this world through Forever's eyes, and her journey in this story is not going to be an easy one. The readers need to be able to feel her confusion and pain, as well as her toughness and strength.”
"LAZARUS is a book I've been looking forward to from the moment Greg shared the rough idea with me," said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "Every step of the process leading up to this series' debut has just further fueled my anticipation: learning that Greg would be collaborating with the amazing Michael Lark, reading the first script, seeing Michael's initial pages, see the first colored work… This is truly inspired work by a pair of comics' absolute best, and I can't wait for everyone else to be able to love this book as much as I do."
LAZARUS #1 will be in stores on June 26 and is available for pre-order now (Diamond Comics code APR130420) from the April issue of Previews.

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DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON PRESS RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
April 1st, 2013
 
WHAT IS DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON:
 
  The most exciting new independent comic is not coming from Marvel, DC or even Image.  Instead, two creators with works in print from nearly every publisher have decided to self-publish and are seeking fans help to do it.  DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON is a new Kickstarter from two high-profile indie creators.  
 
 
  Created by writer Mark Sable (TWO FACE: YEAR ONE; GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES) and artist Salgood Sam (THEREFORE REPENT, SEA OF RED, Warren Ellis’ GHOST RIDER 2099), DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON serves as a prequel to Bram Stoker’s DRACULA.  Part historical fiction, part horror fantasy, it chronicles the transformation of Vlad Dracula from Impaler to vampire Count.
 
WHY KICKSTARTER?
 
   Why has Sable, whose recent work includes Image’s GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES and Boom! Studio’s UNTHINKABLE – both of which have been optioned as for film production, with Sable writing the screenplay for the former - chosen to go the Kickstarter route?
 
   “With comics becoming an increasingly disposable medium, we wanted to create something unique.   Not just a collectors item – although our print editions will be exclusive to Kickstarter backers – but an artifact,” said Sable.  The two most popular incentives are hand bound leather and leatherette editions, designed to evoke the kind of tome that one might have found in Vlad The Impaler’s time.
 
   Sable and Salgood also wanted to involve the readers in the process of creation.  “All backers will receive access to an exclusive behind the scenes ‘making of” blog.  But we’re also literally offering a readers a chance to be a part of the story", noted Salgood, who is drawing cameo appearances for select backers.
 
   Backers can have stories created for themselves.  Sable, who will be teaching at SVA’s new visual narrative MFA program, is offering script evaluations. He's also agreed to write the first chapter of a very generous backer’s graphic novel, which Salgood will provide the cover for.  Both Sable and Salgood have created custom pledge tiers at backers requests, and will continue to do so.  Prospective backers are only limited by their imagination.
 
   A little over a week into the drive, backers seem to be responding.  DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON has reached one third of it’s goal.
 
HOW DO WE KNOW SABLE AND SALGOOD WILL DELIVER?
 
   The success of Kickstarter projects like The Veronica Mars movie shows that Kickstarter has some life on it.  But some worry that corporations like Warner Brothers will crowd out more independent projects.  Others worry that many comics projects still remain unfulfilled despite reaching their goals months ago.
 
   Salgood Sam feels confident that they’ll get the book in backers hands in plenty time.  “I’ve been self-publishing for a long time, most recently with my autobiographical comic Dream Life.” Serialized in his quarterly REVOLVER anthology after a successful Indiegogo fundraiser, it has consistently been on time.  Salgood points out they’ve been “conservative” in what they’ve asked for and how much time they’ve asked for completion and delivery.
 
   The goal of the Kickstarter is to fund the creation of the first of four DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON graphic novels, the first of which will be available in 2014.  But 10-15 page chapters will be released through Salgood Sam’s revolver, available digitally or in print as early as July of 2013.
 
WHY DRACULA?
   Is there room for another vampire comic?  “I was asked the same question about zombies with GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES”, Sable said, referring to his sold out Image mini-series about Marines and Taliban teaming up to take down zombies in Afghanistan.  “They are both incredibly powerful metaphors, much like superheroes.  In GRAVEYARD, the zombies were representative of the unstoppable forces of an unseen insurgency.” 
 
   In DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON, Sable and Salgood mine vampirism as a way of extending life, an addictive drug and an ancient weapon of mass destruction, spreading a vicious plague.  Just as GRAVEYARD was known for extensive research and edgy political relevance, so is DRACULA: “It may be set over 500 years in the past, but SON OF THE DRAGON deals with a misguided war against Islam, with terror used as a weapon on both sides.”  Sable compares it to 300 and FROM HELL in terms of historical fiction.
 
   But there’s still plenty of room for the fantastic.  “Bram Stoker was very vague about how Dracula became a vampire,” Sable points out, but adds “there are clues.” One such clue is The Scholomance, which Sable describes as a legendary school of dark magic, a kind of “Evil Hogwarts”.  Sable is surprised no one has picked up Stoker’s hints, but is thrilled to have the chance to offer a unique take on Dracula that’s faithful to both history and the novel.
 
 
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT DRACULA: SON OF THE DRAGON
 
   The Kickstarter page for this project – a “staff pick” is located at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/78669939/dracula-son-of-the-dragon
 
   In addition, Salgood Sam maintains a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/DraculaSonoftheDragon

   Mark Sable has been updating his website - marksable.tumblr.com – daily with inspiration for the series, a preview of the backmatter included for the book.
 
   Both can be reached on twitter at @Marksable & @Salgood, 
 
   For those in the Los Angeles area, Mark Sable will be hosting a LIVE event in conjunction with The Original Drink and Draw Social Club on Thursday, April 11th 2013 from 8PM onward at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown LA.  Artists professional and amateur alike are welcome to drink and, well, draw their own versions of Dracula for a chance to appear as pinups in the book alongside guest artists such as Paul Azaceta, Nathan Fox and Robbi Rodriguez (and more).  Sable will live-tweet any art created at the Drink and Draw event, and more importantly, buy as many drinks for contributing artists as he can afford.