Wayward Raven Announces Free Comic Book Weekend!

Free comic book day? Try nationwide free comic book weekend!!!!

At Wayward Raven Media, we believe that one day simply isn’t enough to enjoy free comics. That’s why we are giving away one of our flagship books The Ascendant issue #1 for free digitally from
Friday 5/3 at noon until Monday 5/6 at noon!
The Ascendant has demons, an ancient conjurer, and epic battles in Rome including one at the Coliseum itself. The story follows a Duke of Hell named Cail who has changed his ways and gone on a crusade to vanquish the evil he once let slip upon the mortal realm. Demons, both personal and real, stand in the way of his redemption as a great threat stirs in the fiery pit.
You can get a digital copy of The Ascendant #1 at all weekend long! Download it here http://waywardraven.com/free-comic-book-day/. The Ascendant #2 is now available through the Wayward Raven Media website along with other comics, prose and the webcomic Damn Heroes. Ars longa, vitae brevis,
Wayward Raven Media
Soaring on the winds of imagination…
Follow: @Waywardraven
Like: http://facebook.com/waywardravenmedia
http://waywardraven.com

DRAGON AGE: THE WORLD OF THEDAS

 SELLS OUT!

REPRINT OF VOLUME 1 TO ARRIVE

AT RETAIL STORES ON JULY 10!

MAY 2, MILWAUKIE, OR—Following the same pattern as other stunning Dark Horse art books, Diamond Comics and many retailers around the country are now sold out of the critically acclaimed Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1, from the writers and artists of the Dragon Age games.

In response, Dark Horse is reprinting the acclaimed art book. The reprint is available for reorder now, with an on-sale date of July 10.

For Dragon Age newcomers, this comprehensive volume brings you up to speed on everything you need to know about the game’s regions, religions, monsters, magic, and more!

For dedicated fans, never before have the secrets of BioWare’s epic fantasy been revealed so completely and so compellingly. This stunning art book is filled with never-before-seen art by the creators of the games!

Praise for Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1:

“This book is a perfect introduction to the Dragon Age universe, explaining literally everything you need to know, even many things that hardcore DA fans won’t know yet. Dragon Age: The World of Thedas is an absolute must read for so many reasons and for so many people.” – Read Comic Books

Fans: Head to your local comic shop or bookstore to get your hands on a copy of the first printing of Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1 while you can! Supplies are limited, and demand is high!

  

Retailers: The second printing of Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1 can be ordered with the code DEC120055.

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Good Dog
by Graham Chaffee

96-page black & white 8.25" x 10.25" hardcover • $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-60699-653-9

In-Store Date: June 15, 2013 (subject to change)

Ivan, who is plagued by terrible nightmares about chickens and rabbits, is a good dog — if only someone would notice. Readers accompany the stray as he navigates dog society, weathers pack politics, and surveys canine-human interactions.

Good Dog's story and pen-and-ink art are deceptively simple, but Chaffee uses the approachability of the subject matter as a device to explore topics such as independence, security, assimilation, loyalty, and violence. Preteen-and-up dog fanciers, especially, will warm to the well-meaning Ivan and his exploits with a motley assortment of Scotties, Bulldogs, and mutts. Chaffee combines illustrative gravitas with cartooning verve and creates a richly textured, dog’s-eye view of the world. The story is a rousing Jack London-esque adventure as well as a moral parable.

Advance Praise:

"Graham Chaffee has been one of my favorite cartoonists since I fell in love with his 1997 debut graphic novel, Big Wheels. Combining tremendous empathy towards his characters, concise storytelling and exquisite detail, Chaffee's comics are sublime. I am eagerly awaiting Good Dog. I'll plan my week around reading it." – James Sturm (Market Day)

"Good Dog is a book as seemingly lost in time as its canine hero Ivan. Graham Chaffee has a real talent for charming anthropomorphic cartooning and his clean, appealing storytelling and expressive brushwork evoke the work of an alternative golden age of comics; an age perhaps in which superheroes never existed and the medium told more straightforward, poignant stories." – James Romberger (7 Miles a Second, Post York)

"Getting into the mind of a dog — that's a real trick. I know, I've tried. Getting into the whole heart and soul of a dog is another whole feat. Graham Chaffee not only does it with aplomb (he draws GREAT dogs), he gets into the whole dog's life — and so should you." – Nick Abadzis (Laika)

"I got choked up a couple of times which is the one of the best things a comic can do to me. Compliments to Mr. Graham Chaffee. Really solid storytelling and excellent art. Reminiscent the best way of Jack London's The Call of the Wild." – Farel Dalrymple (Pop Gun War)

ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Graham Chaffee is a professional tattoo artist and cartoonist living in Los Angeles, CA. His previous books include The Most Important Thing and Other Stories (1995) and The Big Wheels (1997).

JUPITER'S LEGACY #1 SELLS OUT

First issue of Millar/Quitely title gets second printing

JUPITER'S LEGACY #1, the first issue of the Image Comics series that marks the return, after ten years, of Mark Millar and Frank Quitely as a creative team, has sold out. An issue that ably and enticingly lays the foundation of the story and themes of the series — including the wise use of power, generational clash, and moral entropy — JUPITER'S LEGACY #1 has gone back to press for a second printing, which will be in stores on June 5.

The debut of the new series, which was in stores on April 24, broke Image sales records for 2013 and has been roundly praised by critics:

"Mark Millar proves that he still has his finger on the pulse of popular consciousness with Jupiter's Legacy #1, a premiere issue that explores superheroics in a way that is both refreshing and cynical.... Frank Quitely delivers some of the loveliest art amongst this week's new releases. The aesthetic of Jupiter's Legacy blends a powerful realism with a sense of the fantastical in a way that is seamlessly integrated with Millar's narrative.”- IGN

"Jupiter's Legacy is elegantly written and drawn by Millar and Quitely; this is a book to be proud of.”- Comic Book Resources

"Jupiter's Legacy has depth and then some. It's a thought experiment concerning the generational gap between the idealistic, overtly heroic 'greatest generation' and today's hyper-commercialized, disaffected youth who exist in a culture which lacks the same certainty of purpose.”- Bloody Disgusting

"Jupiter's Legacy #1 is off to a hot start with a lot of promise to be one of the best mini-series of the year.”- Geeks Unleashed

"Frank Quitely's art is astounding as always.”- Comicosity

The second printing of JUPITER'S LEGACY #1 by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely is available to pre-order now with the Diamond code MAR138318 and will hit comic book store shelves on June 5.

Hot Topic and Her Universe Join Forces for
Star Wars Day 2013

NEW YORK, NY - May 1st, 2013 - Star Wars fans already know that the Force is everywhere but on May 4th the stars align for those who live and breathe every moment of the Star Wars saga. This day is a special opportunity to celebrate all things in that "galaxy far, far away" and, of course, to say, "May the 4th Be With You!" For the second year in a row, Her Universe™, the leading sci-fi merchandise line for fangirls, is teaming up with Hot Topic to offer new exclusive Star Wars dresses and fashion tops created by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

On May 4th, the popular Star Wars By Her Universe line will debut six new fashion pieces exclusively on Hottopic.com. The first 500 customers who purchase a Star Wars by Her Universe item online at Hottopic.com beginning at 1am PST on May 4th will receive a FREE Star Wars by Her Universe cinch sack. In addition, all day on May 4th Hottopic.com and Starwars.com (the official Star Wars website), and their social media sites, will celebrate this special fan holiday with fan-themed content and giveaways.

"I am thrilled to be working with Hot Topic again to celebrate May the 4th Be With You," said Ashley Eckstein. "I am also excited to debut a new design with one of our favorite guest designers, Denise Vasquez. Denise brought her unique 'Day of the Dead' inspired style to a new design featuring Boba Fett."

With the growing audience of female Star Wars fans, Hot Topic and Her Universe have a number of new tops and, for the first time, Star Wars by Her Universe dresses to offer them. The new Hot Topic apparel line features popular villains Boba Fett and Darth Vader as well as fan favorite Rebels Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.

In celebration of "May the 4th Be with You," Her Universe will also be offering 20% off of all current Star Wars apparel on www.HerUniverse.com on May 4th (Hot Topic product only available on Hottopic.com). In addition, while visiting the Her Universe website, fans can also view the past and present honoree's for "fangirl of the day" - part of a very special year-long campaign, the "Year of the Fangirl," which spotlights and recognizes fangirls of all ages showing their diversity, dreams and interests. Anyone can nominate a fangirl to be highlighted on the site. Go to www.HerUniverse.com for more information.


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).

About Hot Topic 
Hot Topic is a mall- and web-based specialty retailer beloved by rebellious and expressive teens for more than 20 years. Hot Topic offers music and pop culture junkies band-related apparel and accessories, licensed merchandise, and fashion apparel and accessories. Hot Topic operates 621 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and an online store at hottopic.com. Find Hot Topic on Twitter (twitter.com/hottopic), Facebook (facebook.com/hottopic), YouTube (youtube.com/hottopic) and Instagram (instagram.com/hottopic).

In this video Ashley Eckstein talks about her new Star Wars by Her Universe fashion collection for Hot Topic!

Look stunning, while you pledge your allegiance to the dark side, in this Japanese Stormtrooper tank dress from Her Universe featuring art used on Japanese Tea Towels. Available exclusively at Hot Topic.

Look retro chic in this Japanese Star Wars poster tank dress from Her Universe and available exclusively at Hot Topic. Ultra soft, it is the perfect dress for summer.

The second design from the Dia de Muertos collection by Her Universe guest designer, Denise Vasquez, features everyone's favorite bounty hunter, Boba Fett, on this tank and his famous line, "He's No Good To Me Dead." Available exclusively at Hot Topic.

Everyone loves the famous scoundrel, Han Solo, which is why Ashley Eckstein has featured him on this new tee just in time for May the 4th exclusively at Hot Topic!

Ashley Eckstein sublimated this classic Empire Strikes Back poster on a t-shirt for the Star Wars by Her Universe line at Hot Topic! Ultra soft and comfortable, it captures the romance in Ashley's favorite movie from the Star Wars franchise.

Featuring art from one of the fan favorite Star Wars posters, Darth Vader and the stars are accented by silver foil on this Her Universe poster tank, perfect for summer, and available exclusively at Hot Topic.

This Star Wars by Her Universe cinch sack is FREE to the first 500 customers who purchase a Star Wars by Her Universe item on May 4th at Hottopic.com! May the 4th Be With You!

VIZ MEDIA TO PARTICIPATE IN 2013 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY WITH 2 FREE COMICS SHOWCASING TOP KIDS AND TEEN SERIES

Readers Encouraged To Support & Visit Local Retailers To Receive Special Giveaway Comics Featuring UGLYDOLL, HELLO KITTY, DRAGON BALL And RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION

VIZ Media delights comic book and manga (graphic novel) fans as it announces its participation in this year’s Free Comic Book Day. Scheduled for May 4^th, Free Comic Book Day is an annual promotional campaign in the North American comic book industry to help bring new readers into independent comic book stores nationwide. Free Comic Book Day began in 2002 and is coordinated by the industry's single largest distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors. Readers should visit freecomicbookday.com to find a local participating retailer. VIZ Media will participate this year as a Gold Level Sponsor and will offer two FREE releases (available while supplies last) – a VIZ Kids comic sampler and a VIZ Media manga sampler.

The VIZ Kids Free Comic Book Day sampler (rated ‘A’ for All Ages) includes an excerpt from GOIN’ PLACES!, the first volume of the forthcoming UGLYDOLLS graphic novel series. Featuring the work of Uglydoll creators Sun-Min Kim and David Horvath, artists Ian McGinty and Phillip Jacobson, and writer Travis Nichols, among others. UGLYDOLL Vol. 1 will debut on July 2^nd under the VIZ Kids imprint, with an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

VIZ Media’s all-ages Free Comic Book Day sampler will also include a HELLO KITTY short written and illustrated by Jacob Chabot from HELLO KITTY: HERE WE GO!, an excerpt from MAMESHIBA: ENCHANTED, written by James Turner and illustrated by Jorge Monlongo, and an excerpt from the forthcoming POKÉMON POCKET COMICS. HELLO KITTY: HERE WE GO! is scheduled for release in October 2013, MAMESHIBA: ENCHANTED will be available SEPTEMBER 2013 and POKÉMON POCKET COMICS will be released in October 2013.

To promote the all-ages Free Comic, VIZ Media created a fun video featuring Horvath, McGinty, Jacobson, Nichols, Chabot and Monlongo, discussing their love for comics. The video can be viewed at http://youtu.be/Td2fDoxOzqY

The VIZ Media Free Comic Book Day manga sampler is aimed at teen and older readers and will offer excerpts from RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION and DRAGON BALL. The sampler also includes an exclusive RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION poster.

RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION (rated ‘T’ for Teens) is the new samurai action adventure from creator Nobuhiro Watsuki that debuts on June 4^th. During the violent upheaval of Japan’s Bakumatsu era, Hitokiri Battosai was a feared and ruthless assassin. But now that the Meiji Restoration has begun to heal the wounds of civil war, Battosai has taken up a new name... and a new calling! He is now Himura Kenshin, a wandering samurai who has vowed to only draw his sword to protect those in need. But not everyone is pleased with Kenshin's new direction, and enemies from his dark past have vowed to bring him down!

DRAGON BALL is the classic fantasy adventure series created by Akira Toriyama. To celebrate the launch of a new DRAGON BALL 3-in-1 omnibus (rated ‘T’ for Teens) on June 4^th, an excerpt in the VIZ Media FREE Comic Book Day manga sampler will showcase the seminal series. DRAGON BALL is a wry update on the Chinese "Monkey King" myth, and introduces readers to Son Goku, a young monkey-tailed boy whose quiet life is turned upside-down when he meets Bulma, a girl determined to collect the seven "Dragon Balls." If she gathers them all, an incredibly powerful dragon will appear and grant her one wish. But the precious orbs are scattered all over the world, and to get them she needs the help of a certain super-strong boy.

For information on other titles available from the VIZ Kids imprint, please visit www.vizkids.com.

For more information on other manga titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.

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THE LAST OF US: AMERICAN DREAMS #1

 SELLS OUT!

REPRINT TO ARRIVE AT RETAIL STORES ON MAY 29!

MAY 1, MILWAUKIE, OR—In a show of demand for Dark Horse Comics’ newest video-game series debut, Diamond Comics and retailers around the country are now sold out of the critically acclaimed first issue of The Last of Us: American Dreams.

In response, Dark Horse is reprinting the first issue. The reprint is available for reorder now, with an on-sale date of May 29, the same day The Last of Us: American Dreams #2 goes on sale. 

Coscripted by The Last of Us creative director Neil Druckmann and comic superstar Faith Erin Hicks, American Dreams is the must-read tie-in to the upcoming game release from Naughty Dog!

Praise for The Last of Us: American Dreams #1:

“In The Last of Us: American Dreams #1, Druckmann and Hicks’ dialogue is engaging, their characters are likable and the storytelling flows enjoyably and smoothly.”—Comic Book Resources

“This comic has not only successfully whet my appetite for the game, but it manages to show that strong female characters can exist without compromising themselves or running around in their underwear. If you missed this book go to your comic shop right now and buy it. NOW!”—Comic Bastards

Fans: Head to your local comic shop or bookstore to get your hands on a copy of the first printing of The Last of Us: American Dreams #1 while you can! Supplies are limited and demand is high!

  

Retailers: The second printing of The Last of Us: American Dreams #1 can be ordered with the code MAR138243. It was also featured in Monday's edition of Previews Plus.

APE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES SESAME STREET COMICS!

Ape Entertainment and Sesame Workshop release Sesame Street Comics for Free Comic Book Day

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -May 1, 2013 - Ape Entertainment today announced in partnership with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization, the release of the first comic book featuring the cast of the beloved children’s show Sesame Street to coincide with national Free Comic Book Day on May 4. The new and original comic book series emphasizes educational and entertaining content for younger readers.

A Free Comic Book Day edition of the standard comic will be made available for free from participating comic retailers.  The premier issue of Sesame Street comics will be available in stores nationwide on Wednesday May 1. Produced in full color, the standard Sesame Street comic edition features 5 interlocking covers, which when placed side by side depict an “on the Street” scene featuring Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Grover and the whole Sesame Street gang. Each of the 5 editions is full color, 28 pages, includes 5 Sesame Street stories and retails for $3.99.
The premier issue also includes the first in a series of “How to Read a Comic” features for parents to help new comic readers. Each “How to Read a Comic” highlights aspects of reading a comic aloud.  The first in the series describes how speech bubbles provide the narration and dialogue of the story. The “How to Read a Comic” features will be part of each Sesame Street comics issue and are also available online at http://ape-entertainment.com/kizoic/about/sesame-street/sesame-street-how-to-read/.
"We are so excited and proud to release our very first Sesame Street comic in time for Free Comic Book Day and to bring the Sesame Street characters to comics,” said Ape Entertainment COO Brent E. Erwin. “Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Grover, and the whole Sesame Street gang have made the jump to the comic book page thanks to our talented comic creators here at Ape and we could not be more proud, it’s simply amazing."
“Comics have always seemed a natural extension for Sesame Street because they reflect the banter and humor that's such an iconic element of the TV show,” said Betsy Loredo, Executive Editor at Sesame Workshop. “We want to offer kids great content in every type of book that might attract them and to bring families together over a good story. We know comic book aficionados want to share their favorite format with their own preschoolers, so we are excited to offer an age-appropriate Sesame Street comic with stories that are designed from the start to be read aloud.”
Ape Entertainment’s mission to grow the comics industry by increasing awareness about comics among a new generation of readers takes a giant step forward with the release of its new Sesame Street comic this month.  Ape Entertainment hopes young readers and their parents will discover the exciting world of comics and start visiting a local comic book shop.  Parents can find a local comic shop in their area and plan a trip for Free Comic Book Day by visiting the Comics Shop Locator service at http://www.comicshoplocator.com.

For more information, please visit www.apecomics.com or www.sesameworkshop.org.
About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 150 countries, and other acclaimed shows including The Electric Company, to help bridge the literacy gap. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

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 as LITTLE GREEN MEN, SCOUTS, and HEROIC.  Ape is also the North American publisher for licensed properties POCKET GOD, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, and CUT THE ROPE.



Visit Ape Entertainment online at http://www.ApeComics.com .

 
 
 

 

 

May 1st, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – Every comic book fan's favorite of the day is almost here...Free Comic Book Day will be held this Saturday, May 4th across North America and around the world. BOOM! Studios is proud to participate both as a Gold Sponsor with the KaBOOM! SUMMER BLAST comic and a variety of creator signings.

The KaBOOM! SUMMER BLAST Free Comic Book Day edition is an explosion of all-ages awesomeness with sample stories from popular series including ADVENTURE TIME, PEANUTS, GARFIELD, and ICE AGE. As if that wasn't enough, the KaBOOM! SUMMER BLAST is the first place for fans to discover two brand new all-ages series! The 48-page anthology book features the debut of a new 6-page HEROBEAR AND THE KID story by creator Mike Kunkel and a 4-page short story starring the fan-favorite REGULAR SHOW characters by Brian Butler. This a free comic for every member of the family!

Max Bemis, creator of BOOM!'s latest breakout original hit series POLARITY, leads the charge with two signings in Southern California. The Say Anything front man will be signing at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles from 12-2pm. Golden Apple is located at 7018 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 where both POLARITY #1 and #2 will be available for purchase at the event. Later that day, Max will also be signing at Beach Ball Comics in Anaheim beginning at 4pm. Beach Ball Comics will also have copies of POLARITY #1 and #2 available for purchase and is located at 3024 W Ball Rd., Anaheim, CA 92804.

Some other current BOOM! Studios and KaBOOM! creators participating in signings include:

Eric Esquivel (FREELANCERS) appearing at Jesse James Comics in Glendale, AZ and Samurai Comics East in Mesa, AZ.
Chris and Shane Houghton (ADVENTURE TIME, PEANUTS, FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES) appearing at Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, CA.
Kassandra Heller (ADVENTURE TIME) appearing at Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, CA.
Vicki Scott, Alexis Fajardo, Justin Thompson (PEANUTS) appearing at Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff in Concord, CA.
Mike Kunkel (HEROBEAR AND THE KID) appearing at Collector's Paradise in Pasadena, CA.
Jerry and Penny Gaylord (FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES, ADVENTURE TIME) appearing at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, MD.
Danielle Corsetto (ADVENTURE TIME VOL 1 PLAYING WITH FIRE OGN) appearing at Beyond Comics in Frederick, MD.
Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb (ADVENTURE TIME) appearing at New England Comics in Brookline, MA.
Matt Talbot (ADVENTURE TIME) appearing at Jetpack Comics in Rochester, NH.
Brian Stelfreeze (DAY MEN) appearing at Heroes Aren't Hard To Find in Charlotte, NC.
Tommy Lee Edwards (SUICIDE RISK) appearing at Ultimate Comics in Durham, NC.
JJ Harrison (ADVENTURE TIME) appearing at Dragon's Keep in Provo, UT.

Plus BOOM! Studios will be set up at 4 Color Fantasies in Rancho Cucamonga, CA with a great selection of KaBOOM! titles including ADVENTURE TIME, PEANUTS, GARFIELD, and much more. Check with stores for details and signing times! Head to freecomicbookday.com for more information on the event, participating stores, free comics available, and creator signing details.

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey's SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos' FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis' POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 GUNS will be released as a feature film from Universal Pictures August 2nd, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel's HEROBEAR AND THE KID and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED.

VIZ MEDIA INVITES FANS TO CATCH AN EXCLUSIVE BERSERK ANIME DOUBLE FEATURE EVENT AT SAN FRANCISCO’S NEW PEOPLE CINEMA ON MAY 11^th

Screening Event Includes North American Premiere Of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY, And All Ticketholders Receive Exclusive Gift Pack

VIZ Media reminds anime fans of the upcoming special double-feature theatrical presentation of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and the exclusive North American premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY taking place on Saturday, May 11^th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. Two double-feature screenings (presented with dubbed English dialogue) are scheduled for 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

VIZ Media also invites Neon Alley members nationwide to catch back-to-back airings of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY taking place the same day at the same times – Saturday, May 11^th – at 3:00pm and 8:00pm PST. More details and sign-up information are available at: www.neonalley.com.

Tickets to the NEW PEOPLE Cinema double-feature are $25.00 each and are available online at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films/films-5-2013/. A special galley exhibit featuring original BERSERK production art from Studio 4ºC will also be showcased in the theatre lobby. Upon arrival, each ticketholder will also receive an exclusive gift pack that features exclusive BERSERK promotional collectables including a tote bag, fan, beverage koozie, bookmarks, and more.

A variety of other exclusive BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC memorabilia – including collectable figures, a special art book, cell phone charms, and Japanese theatrical pamphlets autographed by Studio 4ºC CEO Eiko Tanaka – will be given away to lucky winners who attend the screenings at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema premiere. Neon Alley viewers will also have a chance to watch and win one of 50 one-of-a-kind pieces of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC production art available exclusively during the premiere event. Please visit www.facebook.com/neonalleynetwork for more details on the special giveaway items. 

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY picks up the story as Guts believed, for three years, that his mission was to pursue Griffith’s dream together with him. But in order to become Griffith’s equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The Band of the Hawk will face an army 30,000 strong!

For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

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Signed Berserk Art Book to be given away as a prize.

Berserk Super Deformed Guts figure to be given away as a prize.

Berserk goodie bag to be given to all attendees of NEW PEOPLE screening.

RESIDENT ALIEN: THE DOCTOR IS BACK!

HOGAN & PARKHOUSE’S CRITICAL HIT RETURNS WITH A NEW MURDER MYSTERY!

APRIL 30, MILWAUKIE, OR—Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse return with their critically acclaimed story of an alien hero named Harry in an epic second series beginning this summer!

Beginning with a #0 issue, this four-issue miniseries takes you deep inside another murder mystery alongside comic’s favorite medical detective.

A straightforward suicide . . . or a murder? At first, undercover alien Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle thinks the local police have this death solved, and then things get personal when one of his only human friends becomes a suspect. Also: The feds figure out that Harry’s hiding in the Pacific Northwest!

Praise for Resident Alien:

“This is an amateur sleuth story like you’ve never seen before and is not to be missed by fans of crime comics.”—Newsarama

“The ultimate stranger, the classic town, Resident Alien takes an old premise a step further and lays the groundwork for a potentially great piece of literature.”—Comics Bulletin

“This is one of those great creative pairings: Hogan and Parkhouse are in sync on Resident Alien and the reader gets to reap the reward of their hard work.”—Comicosity

“I hope that people are checking it out so that it can possibly go on; the premise and the world built are massive. The alien craze of the ’90s may be over, but books like this can easily rejuvenate people’s interest.”—Comic Bastards

Resident Alien: The Suicide Blonde #0 is on shelves August 18^th!

Resident Alien: The Suicide Blonde #1 is on sale September 11^th in comic stores everywhere!

About Dark Horse Comics

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

DARK HORSE AND BIOWARE UNVEIL

THE LATEST IN THE LINE OF MASS EFFECT COLLECTIBLES!

All-new 6” Turian Cruiser ship to hit shelves in November!

MILWAUKIE, OR, APRIL 30–One of the cornerstones of both Dark Horse’s publishing and product line in recent years, has been the massive video game franchise, Mass Effect.

To date, Dark Horse Deluxe has released four different ships, as well as limited edition variant, and high end editions. Up next is the Turian cruiser, which bears some slight resemblance to the Normandy, due to the cooperative effort between the Turians and the human race in the Alliance ship’s construction. This race in Mass Effect, are members of the Citadel Council, well known for their military role, and their contribution of starships to the Citadel Fleet.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support gamers have given our Mass Effect ship replica series," Dark Horse's David Scroggy remarked, " and look forward to continuing the line with this latest release. We have been working directly with the Mass Effect game design team, interfacing with them to obtain the exact 3D design specs that ensure accuracy of detail.”

Each Turian Cruiser Replica package will contain an insert card, with a unique code, that will enhance the Mass Effect game experience for individual consumers.

For an additional sneak peak, check out the exclusive on Kotaku! 

Look for this exciting new release in Diamond’s Previews catalog shortly, with a release date set for November 6, with a retail price tag of $34.99!

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IDW LIMITED GETS DANGEROUS! LIMITED-EDITION DANGER GIRL/G.I. JOE ANNOUNCED San Diego, CA (April 30th, 2013) -- Today, IDW Limited announced plans to offer more limited-edition covert action with a deluxe hardcover of DANGER GIRL/G.I. JOE (http://idwlimited.com/series/gi-joe.html). This action-packed crossover will be presented in spectacular fashion with both Black and Red Label editions poised to infiltrate the top shelf of collectors everywhere. “The great thing about DANGER GIRL/G.I. JOE,” said John Royle, “is you don’t have to know these characters to know you’re going to enjoy this book. This is a perfect jumping-in point and a great read for longtime fans. It’s fun from the first page to the last and that’s exactly what this limited-edition version gives you. From case to cover, it’s all fun and all action!” DANGER GIRL/G.I.JOE Limited Edition will be presented in two tiers of increasing rarity. The Red Label edition will be limited to just 175 copies, each of which is hand-numbered and signed by DANGER GIRL co-creators J. Scott Campbell and Andy Hartnell, and series artist John Royle.  The Black Label edition will be housed in a hand-built tray case and limited to only 50 copies, with each signed by the same lineup of talented creators and featuring a hand-drawn piece of art from the amazing John Royle. “DANGER GIRL/G.I.JOE is all about being over-the-top,” said IDW Limited director Jerry Bennington. “The biggest explosions, the most unforgettable Femme Fatales, the ninja-est ninjas! Everything has to be larger-than-life and that’s exactly what IDW Limited delivers with this edition. The awesome cases, the killer new covers, and the amazing artwork from John (Royle). This book EXPLODES off the page. Seriously, we tried to add a detonator but they said something about compliance issues…” Whether you’ve got to scuba through shark-infested waters or rappel through Cobra’s rooftops, do whatever’s necessary to get to IDWLimited.com today and secure your copy. DANGER GIRL/ G.I. JOE DELUXE LIMITED EDITION (RED-$95; BLACK-$300; 124 pages; 10” x 6.5”; Tray Cased Hardcover)  http://idwlimited.com/series/gi-joe.html

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. About Hasbro, Inc. Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, LITTLEST PET SHOP and G.I. JOE.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 170 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on The Hub TV Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

JORDAN HINSON and TYLER DAWSON JOIN

BUNKER

Written/Directed by NED EHRBAR, Film Co-Stars Ryan Patrick McGuffey

Los Angeles, CA – April 30, 2013 –  Jordan Hinson (Eureka) and Tyler Dawson (Bellflower) have joined the cast of BUNKER, a sci-fi rom-com written and directed by Ned Ehrbar (Co-op of the Damned). Also joining the cast this week is Australian actress Ursula Mills.

Hinson, Dawson and Mills join a cast that already includes Ryan Patrick McGuffey (The Anniversary), Paul Telfer (Vampire Diaires, NCIS) and Jaime Gallagher (Red Wing). Filming commences the first week of May in Los Angeles. Bunker is being produced by Coco Quinn and Ryan Patrick McGuffey for Lonesome Jack Productions.

Bunker is a sci-fi comedy short film that tells the classic tale of boy meets girl in a bunker during the robot apocalypse. With humanity in tatters and a robot apocalypse raging outside, one survivor learns that even the bleakest of conditions can't dampen the human impulse to flirt. But getting the girl is never easy and not everything is as it seems in this bunker.

Director Ned Ehrbar said of Bunker "It' a post-apocalyptic love story... sort of like a Nora Ephron rom-com set in the Terminator universe," in his Indiegogo video, which you can see here:  http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-make-bunker

As the Bunker team counts down the final four days of their Indiegogo campaign, there will be teaser update videos posted from cast members. Just $1,000 away from their final fundraising goal of $10,000, anything to help get the word out is a major bonus and GREATLY appreciated.

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Arthur Must Break Morgana’s Spell Over Gwen Before All is Lost

When MERLIN Returns to Syfy This Friday

Impassioned Love, Timely Magic Take Center Stage as

the Final Five Episodes of MERLIN Begin Airing

Friday, May 3, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy

Time is running short and only Arthur’s impassioned love and Merlin’s timely magic can stop Morgana’s spell from dooming Gwen to an eternity of evil in “With All My Heart,” the first of the final five episodes of MERLIN, which airs Friday, May 3, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy.

The series lauded by Entertainment Weekly as “an utterly charming mini-epic” barrels toward its stunning conclusion in five episodes fraught with tension, revelation – and, of course, filled with magic.

The first of the five episodes is this week’s “With All My Heart.”  In it, Merlin must act fast before Morgana’s twisted power over Gwen takes control of the queen forever. But Gaius warns him that only the most powerful magic can save Gwen – a task that will not be easy, even for Merlin

As Morgana tightens her grip on Camelot, one thing is clear: She will not give up her puppet without a fight … and both Merlin and Arthur will need to risk everything to save Gwen.

In her fifth and final season playing Gwen, Angel Coulby said she was overjoyed when presented with the storyline, and was very excited to take her character in new, wicked directions.

“It gave me a chance to do something different with a character I'd been playing for a long time – and it’s just so much fun being bad,” Coulby explains. “I'm not quite sure what this says about me, but I think there's something liberating about playing a villain. Plus, I got to try to kill Bradley – um, I mean Arthur.”

While Coulby and Katie McGrath (who portrays Morgana) have both said they’ll miss their long-running characters when MERLIN ends, neither will be sorry they needn’t ever again return to Trefil, the South Wales village where the climactic scenes of “With All My Heart” were filmed. Over the series’ five-year run, numerous episodes have featured the renowned limestone quarries of the South Wales village. Neither actress has many pleasant memories of the location.

“No matter what the weather is like anywhere else in the world, it’s always raining in Trefil,” Coulby recalls. “It’s always raining and cold, or it’s way too hot, and it’s very exposed.”  Still, she says, “It looks fantastic on screen.”

McGrath concurs: “We were in Trefil a lot during the first seasons, then we stopped filming there – and the producers realized the high production quality of this unused quarry on the side of a mountain, so we returned. Sure, they’re sitting in an office in London with their tea, and we’re there on buses in minus-4 temperatures and hawks overhead waiting for us to die so they can feast on our bones. It was always a trial to film in Trefil.”

MERLIN fans needn’t travel anywhere but Syfy this Friday, May 3, when “With All My Heart” debuts at 10 p.m. ET/PT, kicking off the final five episodes ever of the most magical series on TV.

All four previous seasons of MERLIN are now available on DVD, on iTunes and on Netflix. Be sure to follow the latest news on MERLIN at the Official Merlin page on Facebook.