APHRODITE IX #1 REPRINTED

Top Cow's Free Comic Book Day offering to be available for purchase

APHRODITE IX #1, the Free Comic Book Day offering from the Image Comics imprint Top Cow, is being reprinted and will be offered for sale on June 12, the same day as the relaunch's second issue. The second printing features an all-new cover by Sjepan Sejic and its cover price is $2.99.

Matt Hawkins (THINK TANK) and Stjepan Sejic (RAVINE, ARTIFACTS) have teamed up to bring back the fan-favorite green-haired, amnesiac assassin. Aphrodite IX awakes to find she must navigate an unrecognizable Earth that is being contended over by warring factions of the cybernetically enhanced and genetically enhanced.

Aphrodite IX was originally created by David Wohl and David Finch in the best-selling graphic novel published in 1996, which is being offered again as part of the relaunch in a limited edition APHRODITE RELOADED hardcover edition. The hardcover, set to be in stores this summer, features updates to the script by series co-creator and writer David Wohl.

APHRODITE IX #1's second printing (APR138007), APHRODITE IX #2 (APR130429) and APHRODITE IX: Reloaded (APR130445) are available now for pre-order.

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICSImage Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Eisner Award Nominee Julian Totino Tedesco's Variant Cover of Robert Kirkman's ‘‘The Walking Dead #1’’ Debuts at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

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

NEW YORK, May 17, 2013 – Argentine artist Julian Totino Tedesco will draw the third in a series of exclusive Wizard World variant covers of Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead #1 comic for Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 30 – June 2, it was announced today by Wizard World and Skybound, Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics.  The covers proved to be extremely popular at Portland Comic Con in February and St. Louis Comic Con in March, celebrating the groundbreaking, Eisner Award-winning comic book series.

Tedesco will be on hand at the Pennsylvania Convention Center throughout the event to sign copies of the limited-edition comic, produced in extremely limited quantities and available to fans only while supplies last.  The first two covers were illustrated by Michael Golden (Portland) and Arthur Suydam (St. Louis).  A different superstar artist will draw the variant cover art for each of the five remaining scheduled Wizard World shows this year.  Neal Adams is drawing the cover for the NYC Experience (June 28-30), and 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 (must have a CGC witness) submissions at its Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con exhibitor booth.

Norman Reedus ("Daryl Dixon"), Michael Rooker ("Merle Dixon") and Jon Bernthal ("Shane Walsh"), stars of the AMC series based upon The Walking Dead, will attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con.  Comics legend Stan Lee, “Firefly” and Serenity headliners Gina Torres and Summer Glau, John Barrowman of “Torchwood” and WWE® Superstar John Cena® 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 third event on Wizard World’s 2013 calendar and one of its flagship shows.

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 Philadelphia Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTC.BB: WIZD), 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, June 2, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children. Event 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.

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. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are 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. 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 are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com.

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 *****
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World Comic Con NYC 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
April 4-6, 2014 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

GLOBAL YAOI MANGA PUBLISHER SuBLime LAUNCHES THE NEW SERIES BLUE MORNING

Courtly Intrigue Between A Noble Family’s Capable Butler And His Young Charge Offers A Tender Story Of The Conflict Between What Duty Demands And What The Heart Desires  

San Francisco, CA, May 16, 2013 – SuBLime, the global yaoi manga (graphic novel) publishing initiative between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), delivers an intriguing new series about aristocratic drama and the intricate relationship between the loyal butler of a noble family and a young heir he is duty-bounty to look after in the print debut of BLUE MORNING, by creator Shoko Hidaka. The new manga (graphic novel) series launched on May 14^th, is rated M’ for Mature Audiences, and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor and mentor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.

“Young Akihito Kuze is destined for nobility, but he first must learn to navigate and grapple with what his butler Katsuragi and society want in a person of high position and what Akihito wants for himself,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As Akihito stands on the brink of manhood, he realizes he is in love. Fans won’t want to miss the tender drama of BLUE MORNING about the conflicts between what duty demands and what the heart desires!”

Yaoi manga creator Shoko Hidaka’s previously published English-language releases include Restart and Not Enough Time. Her works have also been published in French and German.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

About SuBLime

SuBLime is a global yaoi/boys’ love manga publisher, and is a partnership between VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate). This bold, global publishing initiative will present English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide available at www.SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide.

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Yuuutsu na Asa Volume 1 © Shoko Kidaka 2009   

Graphic Novel Writing

WHEN Materials available starting May 23 Discussions start Thursday, May 30, 9-10 pm ET - Full Schedule WHERE Online PRICE $550 (or $525 for AvantGuild members - details) Details & registration: http://www.mediabistro.com/Graphic-Novel-Writing-crs7887.html

You don't have to be an artist to make the next Batman or Persepolis. You just have to know how to write, attract artists, and make the world notice. Learn how to write a graphic novel script that will attract editors and agents. We'll show show you the entire graphic novel writing process, from devising a proposal and writing word balloons to surviving Comic-Con International and handling Hollywood. You'll learn how to express your ideas -- whether they be intensely personal or compellingly commercial -- through the graphic-storytelling medium. No drawing ability is required.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Develop ideas for a great story 
• Structure a story 
• Write effective dialogue 
• Connect with the right artist 
• Avoid a beginner's creative and career missteps 
• Get the green-light from an editor

By the end of class, you will have:

A first draft of your script and an understanding of how to get it sold. 

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through video-based lessons
• Discussions: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via IM and video
• Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
• Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

Details & registration:

http://www.mediabistro.com/Graphic-Novel-Writing-crs7887.html

Marvel To Conduct Programming Panels, Portfolio Reviews At

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 2

Character-Based Entertainment Leader Brings 'Breaking Into Comics The Marvel Way' And 'From NOW To Infinity' To Pennsylvania Convention Center; Talent Scout C.B. Cebulski, Others To Review Attendees' Work

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 16, 2013 – Marvel Entertainment will host two programming panels and conduct two portfolio reviews at the 2013 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Friday, May 31, through Sunday, June 2 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The panels are entitled “MARVEL: Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way,” set for Friday at 5 p.m. Saturday's panel, “MARVEL: From NOW! to Infinity,” will take place from 4-5 p.m. Additionally, Marvel will be accepting portfolios on Friday and Saturday, and talent scout C.B. Cebulski and others will conduct reviews on Saturday and Sunday from 2-3:30 p.m. in Room 110.

“We are excited to bring an industry leader like Marvel to Wizard World shows,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “Many of our fans have a close connection with the movies, comics and characters Marvel produces, and these two panels and review sessions are excellent additions to an already packed lineup for Philadelphia Comic Con attendees.”

Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee, co-creator of many of those characters, is among the headliners at Philadelphia Comic Con, which will be held May 30 – June 2. “Torchwood” and Zero Dark Thirty star John Barrowman, “Serenity” and Firefly standouts Gina Torres and Summer Glau, William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), “The Walking Dead” trio of Michael Rooker, Norman Reedus and Jon Bernthal, Manu Bennett (“Arrow,” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) are among the top celebrities at the event.

Barry Kitson (“Amazing Spider-Man”), Phil Noto (“Uncanny X-Force”), Khoi Pham (“Scarlet Spider”), Julian Totino Tedesco (“Thunderbolts”) and Leinil Yu (“Indestructible Hulk”) lead a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers, many with Marvel connections, attending the show.

The first panel, “Breaking Into Comics the Marvel Way,” features Kitson, Noto, Tedesco, Yu and Cebulski helping aspiring artists find out the answers on how to get their foot in the door and make their job MARVEL.

Then, “From NOW! to Infinity” highlights the current slate of Marvel NOW! titles and the forthcoming summer mega-event Infinity, with editors Tom Brennan and Jake Thomas, Noto, Pham, Yu, Cebulski and other Marvel guests taking questions on what’s to come in the Marvel Universe.

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., 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 Marvel:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) 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 *****

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

April 4-6, 2014 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

Richard Matheson, William Friedkin and
Vince Gilligan to be Honored During
the 39th Annual Saturn Awards on June 26

Three Legends Who Shaped – and Reshaped – Genre Entertainment to Receive Special Achievement Awards 

LOS ANGELES – May 15, 2013 – Their creations have become towering achievements in genre entertainment, and on June 26, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films will recognize the continually influential work of Richard Matheson, William Friedkin and Vince Gilligan at the 39th Annual Saturn Awards.

Matheson, Friedkin and Gilligan are all expected to attend the Saturn Awards Ceremony at the Castaway Starlight Ballroom in Burbank, Calif.

This year’s Saturn Awards ceremony will be hosted by actress Virginia Madsen, who won a Saturn Award as Best Actress for her performance in 1992’s Candyman and received an Oscar® nomination for Actress in a Supporting Role for 2004’s Sideways.

“The recipients of this year’s special Saturn Awards have influenced generations of fans – not to mention other creative minds – and their accomplishments truly rank among the great contributions to science fiction, fantasy and horror,” said Academy President Robert Holguin. “They have provoked our thoughts, invaded our dreams and set our minds soaring to new heights, and the Academy is genuinely thrilled to pay tribute to them and their works.”

From the moment he published his first short story, “Born of Man and Woman,” at age 24, RICHARD MATHESON has been a singular voice in fiction, whose prolific written work is as unforgettable as the television and filmed entertainment it has inspired for more than half a century. In addition to more than 25 novels and nearly 100 short stories, Matheson wrote 14 timeless episodes of The Twilight Zone – including “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” “Little Girl Lost,” “The Invaders” and “Night Call.”  As a screenwriter, he has adapted his own work and also seen his writing serve as the basis for other screenwriters – resulting in such indelible entertainment as Steven Spielberg’s Duel, The Incredible Shrinking Man, I Am Legend and The Omega Man, Stir of Echoes, Real Steel, What Dreams May Come, The Legend of Hell House and Somewhere In Time.  At the 39th Annual Saturn Awards, Matheson will receive the Academy’s VISIONARY AWARD.

This year’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD will be presented to WILLIAM FRIEDKIN, whose cinematic accomplishments as a director, producer and screenwriter have included such classic films as The Exorcist, The French Connection, Sorcerer and last year’s widely acclaimed Killer Joe.  Few filmmakers have challenged audiences with a blend of reality and fantasy as regularly and boldly as Friedkin, whose career began with a feature film starring Sonny and Cher – and went on to include multiple Academy Awards and nominations, cementing his place as one of the industry’s most remarkable voices, bringing a new reality to genre filmmaking.

Television producer and creator VINCE GILLIGAN is the recipient of the DAN CURTIS LEGACY AWARD, a new award named for the legendary producer of such remarkable TV entertainment as the original Night Stalker films, the iconic TV series Dark Shadows, and the epic miniseries The Winds of War and War and Remembrance.  Likewise, Gilligan’s work has changed the face of television as writer and executive producer of The X Files and the creator, writer, producer and director of the wildly successful AMC series Breaking Bad, winner of six past Saturn Awards.

The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films was founded in 1972 by noted film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed to honor and recognize films often overlooked by mainstream awards.  Over the years, the Academy has expanded its reach to include recognizing excellence in television and home entertainment, as well as other genres, including adventure, thriller action, dark drama and edgy entertainment.

This year’s Saturn Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 26, at the Castaway Starlight Ballroom in Burbank.

For a complete list of nominations and more information about the Academy, visit www.saturnawards.org or the Facebook page for The Saturn Awards.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: eigoMANGA Announces It's FanimeCon 2013 Plans

(San Francisco, San Jose) – May 15, 2013: San Francisco based comic book publisher, eigoMANGA unveils the company's event schedule for FanimeCon 2013 which is held on May 24-27, 2013 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California.


'Vanguard Princess' Arcade Gaming:

eigoMANGA is inviting attendees to play the acclaimed fighting game, 'Vanguard Princess' at FanimeCon's Gaming Hall.

'Vanguard Princess' is a 2D fighting game that features an all-female cast each with their own unique fighting style. The game is available for PC digital download and across multiple devices such as TV, Mac®, PC, Android tablets and smartphones through the OnLive® Game Service. More information about 'Vanguard Princess' is available on http://www.eigoMANGA.com/vanguard

'Vanguard Princess' Arcade Gaming will be available 24 hours throughout the entire weekend at FanimeCon's Gaming Hall.


Advance Movie Screening Of 'Padak':

eigoMANGA presents an advance movie screening of 'Padak', a feature-length animation film.

'Padak' is an award-winning film about the lives of fish in a seafood restaurant. Some fish accept their fate while others fight to change it. 'Padak' is directed by Lee Dae-hee. More information about 'Padak' is available on http://www.eigoMANGA.com/padak

The 'Padak' advance movie screening is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 4pm - 5:30pm at FanimeCon's Film Room.


'eigoMANGA Industry Panel':

eigoMANGA's Publisher Austin Osueke will discuss the company's latest projects, releases, and initiatives. His topics of discussing will be game announcements concerning 'Vanguard Princess', theatrical and digital media plans for 'Padak', and announcements regarding eigoMANGA's comic book publications.

eigoMANGA's Industry Panel is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 9am - 10am at Panel #4.



About eigoMANGA:

eigoMANGA is a comic book publishing company that specializes in creating original, comic books, animation, and digital media productions. The company formed an independent game development studio in January 2011 to localize and publish independent Japanese games.

More information about eigoMANGA can be found at http://www.eigoMANGA.com

BOOM! STUDIOS REVEALS
SIMON SPURRIER'S SIX - GUN GORILLA
IN STORES IN JUNE 

 

  
   

 

 

May 15, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA - This June, BOOM! Studios launches a bold new mash-up of Western and Sci-Fi with SIX-GUN GORILLA. Because the only thing better than a gorilla in a comic book is a gorilla with gigantic, matching six-shooters.

Inspired by an obscure public domain character, SIX-GUN GORILLA is created and written by Simon Spurrier (X-MEN: LEGACY, CROSSED: WISH YOU WERE HERE) with interior art by Jeff Stokely (FRAGGLE ROCK, THE REASON FOR DRAGONS) and featuring a cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Ramón Pérez (A TALE OF SAND, WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN), SIX - GUN GORILLA is a pulpy mash-up of Western weirdness and lo-fi science fiction unlike anything else on the stands!

Welcome to “the Blister” -- a bizarre other-world colonized by humans sometime in the 22nd century, which quickly became a hotly-contested source of fertile land and natural resources long ago exhausted on Earth. In this new frontier, a rogue gunslinger and his companion wander across a wilderness in the grips of a civil war, encountering lawlessness, natives, and perversions of civilization in a world at the crossroads between the past and the future. The fact that said gunslinger is a bio-surgically modified silverback gorilla toting a pair of enormous revolvers is neither here nor there.

“The words “Six-Gun Gorilla” have squatted in my psyche – as immovable as only a revolver-packin’ primate can be – since I first heard them. How could I pass up the chance to breathe new life into such an insane, evocative title (so sinfully neglected since its inception as a 1939 pulp serial)?” explained Spurrier, “In deference to its unknown writer, our new version has mutated into a comic unlike any other: a relentless blast of deconstructive weirdness, gunsmoke, surreal frontiers and Awesome Ape Action. Six-Gun Gorilla is a head-poppin’, civil-warrin’, wilderness-crossin’ epic with sly sci-fi notes: a love-letter to the Western genre, signed with a flourish by a black-furred and blood-drenched fist.”    

SIX - GUN GORILLA #1 will arrive in stores on June 12th with a cover by Ramón Pérez and carries a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code APR130933. And don’t forget to ask your retailer about the incentive cover by James Harren (B.P.R.D.)!

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.

ONI PRESS’ GEORGE ROHAC MOVING ON TO WHAT PUMPKIN STUDIOS

Oni Press announces the departure of valued employee and Director of Business Development, George Rohac.

Rohac started at Oni Press as the Director of Operations in 2010 and played a crucial role in many aspects of the position, including print buying, Scott Pilgrim mania, and maintaining the timeliness of our production schedule. Just recently, George was promoted to Director of Business Development, where he helped secure the projects Penny Arcade and Double Fine Action Comics.

“George is going to be extremely missed. His ideas and work ethic helped further progress Oni Press as one the best independent publishers in the industry,” said president and publisher Joe Nozemack.

George will be moving on to become Director of Business Development for What Pumpkin Studios, best known for the popular webcomic Homestuck.

Oni Press Editor in Chief, James Lucas Jones said, “We have had many successes because of George and for that we are grateful. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to hearing more about his endeavors.”  

Founded in 1997, Oni Press, Inc. has become one of the comic industry’s most well respected independent comic publishers; focusing on genre, character, and story driven creator-owned work.

SEX, DEATH, AND LIVE TV

Fraction and Chaykin team up on SATELLITE SAM

This July, acclaimed comic book creators Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Casanova, Iron Man) and Howard Chaykin (BLACK KISS, AMERICAN FLAGG) will take readers back to the Golden Age of Television, a time when innocence was as manufactured a fiction as the perfect families in the comedies that captivated audiences at home. Their new Image Comics series SATELLITE SAM, debuting in July, takes a look at the darkness behind the small screen when, in 1951, Carlyle Bishop, the star of the beloved serial "Satellite Sam” turns up dead in a filthy flophouse.

Carlyle's son Michael has a hunch that his father's death was anything but natural, but the only clue is a box full of photographs of women in various states of undress — and Mike can't bring himself to stay sober long enough to make any sense of it.

For Fraction and Chaykin, SATELLITE SAM is a chance to tell a murder mystery while simultaneously divesting the 1950s of its mantle of moral purity.

"It's a detective story, a history of television, and a record of addiction, sex, and depravity during a time when the antiseptic shine off Ozzie and Harriet obscure what was really happening in the world,” said writer Fraction. "And these are just a few of the many joys that come from telling a story about television while it was being invented as a mass medium in New York City.”

The creative team researched television's early days in preparation for the series, getting a feel for the era and for the people who lived real lives while inventing an idealized — and fictionalized — image of families and relationships.

"We'd been talking about SATELLITE SAM for a while, but what really got it going was a long Winter's day Matt and I spent wandering New York, feeling the city's ghosts, its lost and found architecture, ending up at the Paley Center, where we watched kinescopes of long dead men and women, acting out children's fantasies, while living complex lives off-camera,” said Chaykin. "To say that I'm both having the time of my life collaborating on this project, and getting my ass kicked in the process, is to grossly understate the case.”

SATELLITE SAM is an ongoing black-and-white series. Its first issue can be pre-ordered now from the May issue of Previews and will be in stores on July 3.

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICSImage Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

 

Loyalty or Love? Mordred’s Decision Will Shape

the Destiny of Camelot on This Friday’s MERLIN

With three episodes left, the fate of the kingdom rests
on the Druid Knight’s decision;
MERLIN airs May 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy

A troubled Mordred must choose between love and loyalty – and ultimately decide the fate of a kingdom – in “The Drawing of the Dark,” an all-new episode of MERLIN premiering Friday, May 17, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, on Syfy.

“The Drawing of the Dark” is the last standalone episode of MERLIN before the epic two-part series finale, which airs May 24 and May 31.

A Saxon attack on a Camelot supply convoy leads to Mordred to reunite with the love of his youth, a Druid girl named Kara. He helps her escape, but when she is caught and sentenced to death, Mordred is torn between his two worlds. Little does he realize that the path he chooses will shape Camelot's destiny.

As the drums of war beat ever louder, a desperate Merlin feels trapped by the cruel circle of fate: Is he powerless to stop his dreams for Albion from crumbling to dust?

After appearing in a few early seasons of MERLIN as a young boy bound to Morgana and her dark magic, Mordred returned to the story in Season Five with both a new, loyal-to-Arthur resolve and a new actor playing the role: Alexander Vlahos.

“Mordred is a difficult problem for Merlin, because no matter how hard Mordred works to prove his loyalty to the king, Merlin knows what the future holds and the role Mordred is destined play,” says Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin.

“Mordred has become one of Arthur’s most trusted, able Knights, and a man of magic like Merlin,” Morgan explains. “So it’s difficult for Merlin to make decisions and act in the present on things that won’t happen until the future.”

The core MERLIN cast welcomed newcomer Vlahos to the team quickly, and appreciated his dedication to preserving the groundwork of the first four seasons – and the foundation Asa Butterfield (Hugo) set down as the original actor portraying Mordred – while crafting a new story of his own.

“Alex is very clever,” says Katie McGrath, who plays Morgana. “He really did look at everything Asa had done and used that as a starting point to play Mordred. He was very conscious that Mordred is a very popular character, and he wanted to do him justice. But he has really taken that and made the character his own.”

MERLIN fans will see which way Mordred turns when “The Drawing of the Dark” debuts Friday, May 17, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, only on Syfy.

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.

The SurReal Mother Geek Hatching Golden EggThe SurReal Mother Geek Kickstarter is LIVE!

(May 14, 2013-Dayton, Ohio) G33k & Co. announced today that the The SurReal Mother Geek kickstarter is officially live. Geek humor merges with well known nursery rhymes to create new memories parents and children alike will cherish. The ambitious campaign will give funding to both digital and print formats of the book and is striving to make the digital version of the book both interactive and accessible to children of different reading levels.  All editions are will be full color.  In less then a day the campaign has already hit the top 6 choices for kids books in the kickstarter community. Want to donate to the campaign? Visit http://kck.st/19igZzw to donate today! 
Diana Pressnell, The SurReal Mother Geek mastermind, saw the need for a bridge between the world of children's products and the vast geek subculture while her own kids were young. Pressnell explains, “When my kids were younger, I wanted to share my interests and hobbies with them. The tools to do so were few and far between.” 
Sample: (Sung like Sing a Song of Sixpence)
Sing a song of geekery,
A pocket full of die
Imaginations running wild
There's nothing we won't try..
The book itself will cover many of the aspects of geekdom including pirates vs. ninjas, zombies, apocalypse planning, anime, science fiction, fantasy, Cthulhu, vocabulary, food preferences, electronics, steampunk, gaming, and superheroes.
Want more information visit http://www.surrealmothergeek.comLike us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/surrealmothergeekFollow us on Twitter at:@RealMotherGeekSupport the campaign via social media in just one click http://www.surrealmothergeek.com/share/

About G33k & Co.:
G33k and Company is an umbrella for Kalijor Press, G33k 2.0 and, The SurReal Mother Geek. From games and books to bibs and blankets, G33k and Co is the one stop shop for the heirloom geek of tomorrow. We are a conglomerate of like-minded business partners dedicated to providing geek entertainment for the whole family for today, tomorrow and many generations to come.

THE ART OF BIOSHOCK INFINITE SOLD OUT!

REPRINT TO ARRIVE AT RETAIL STORES ON JULY 3!

MAY 13, 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 The Art of BioShock Infinite.

In response, Dark Horse is reprinting the popular art book. The reprint is available for reorder now, with an on-sale date of July 3.

In The Art of BioShock Infinite, delve deeper into the sky city of Columbia and its inhabitants. This deluxe hardcover features an introduction by creative director Ken Levine and production designs and concept illustrations focusing on main characters Booker DeWitt, Elizabeth, and Songbird from the BioShock Infinite video game. See the evolution of Sky-Hooks, Heavy Hitters, the populace of Columbia, Vigors, airships, and much more!

Irrational Games’ BioShock Infinite was the best-selling console title in March of this year and is the highest-rated game of 2013 to date, with perfect review scores from Game Informer, Eurogamer, USA Today, the Associated Press, Entertainment Weekly, and many more.

Praise for The Art of BioShock Infinite:

“Once again on a roll, Dark Horse have given video game fans and life-long enthusiasts

one of the best art books to ever be released.”—Shogun Gamer

“Dark Horse’s The Art of BioShock Infinite is a wild ride for Infinite fans and even those just looking for another classy coffee table book to impress their geeky company. The early sketches, unused ideas, and various portraits and paintings are reason enough to pay the admission price, and this is one example of how to do an art book right.”—Popzara

Fans: Head to your local comic shop or bookstore to get your hands on a copy of the first printing of The Art of BioShock Infinite while you can! Supplies are limited, and demand is high!

  

Retailers: The second printing of The Art of BioShock Infinite can be ordered with the code OCT120060. It is also featured in today’s edition of Diamond Daily.

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DARK HORSE SUMMONS 

CONAN AND THE PEOPLE OF THE BLACK CIRCLE!

Beloved Hercules and Hulk team, Van Lente and Olivetti, reunite!

MAY 13, MILWAUKIE, OR –Dark Horse announced today that two of the hottest names in comics, writer Fred Van Lente and artist Ariel Olivetti, will reunite for a Conan epic like no other!

In Conan and the People of the Black Circle, a four-issue miniseries set a decade after the current Conan ongoing series, fans will find Conan like they’ve never seen him—fully painted by Olivetti!

“I’m thrilled to be working from one of the best Conan stories Howard ever wrote, with the most interesting female lead and one of the Cimmerian’s most compelling adversaries,” stated Van Lente. “But what I’m most excited about is seeing what Ariel Olivetti does with my scripts—he was born to draw Conan, and his painted artwork should attract anyone who doesn’t know anything about Conan or Robert E. Howard but just loves things that are awesome.”

Assassins, dark magic, and a beautiful noblewoman mean trouble for the Cimmerian barbarian unlike he’s ever seen in this full-tilt escapade through the mountains of Afghulistan!

With The Legend of Conan in development with Universal Studios, Dark Horse’s Conan is essential reading.

Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1 is on sale October 16 in comic shops 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.

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