VIZ MEDIA CELEBRATES THE ANIME SERIES “K” DURING A SPECIAL “K DAY” AT 2013 ANIME EXPO

Hit Action Anime Series Comes To The Nation’s Largest Anime Convention With Exclusive Episodes Premiere And Appearances by Special Guest KANAME☆ And English-Language Cast

San Francisco, CA, June 21, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, celebrates the action and kinetic storyline of one of its newest anime properties – K – at the 2013 Anime Expo, taking place July 4^th–7^th at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. Now celebrating its 22^nd consecutive year, Anime Expo is sponsored by the SPJA and is the nation’s largest anime convention. VIZ Media will host a variety of special activities and panels throughout “K Day,” on Friday July 5^th.

Anime Expo Industry Guest and official Fushimi cosplayer from Japan KANAME☆ (appearing courtesy of King Records) will be a special guest for the day. English-language voice actors Patrick Seitz (voice of Reisi Munakata), Stephanie Sheh (voice of Neko), Matt Mercer (voice of Kuroh Yatogami) and Keith Silverstein (voice of Mikoto Suoh) will also be in attendance.

Join the English language staff and cast at the celebration, beginning with the exclusive K Episodes 1 & 2 English Language World Premiere at 11:15am in Room LP1. At 12:15PM, directly following the premiere and held in the same room, Josh Lopez, VIZ Media Dub Producer for K, will join the staff and cast in a Behind the Scenes Q&A on the process of bringing K to North America. At the end of the panel, fans will receive an exclusive commemorative Neko character fan.

The celebration continues with a special autograph session with the K English language dub cast from 2:30-3:30pm in the Anime Expo Autograph Area. Each attendee will receive an premium poster to get signed by the guests. The autograph session will be followed by a photo opportunity at the VIZ Media booth (#1501) with K cast and staff, including Johnny Yong Bosch (English voice of Fushimi), and the K cosplayers of ACParadise.com. Attendees that show up in K Project cosplay will receive a special gift. Finally, end the day with a photo op with KANAME☆ at the VIZ Media booth K wall at 5:30pm. Meet this legendary cosplay idol as he brings the cool and suave Fushimi to life.

 

"K is such a gorgeous and action packed series, we knew it was an excellent choice for a special event at Anime Expo,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “K makes its Neon Alley broadcast premiere on July 12^th, and we're thrilled to give AX attendees an opportunity to meet some of the staff and cast that helped bring K to North America. We are also honored that one of the most renowned male cosplayers in the world, KANAME☆, will be joining us! "

For those who can’t attend K Day on Friday July 5^th, the festivities continue throughout the show. KANAME☆ will appear at the VIZ Media booth on Saturday July 6^th at 2PM for a special autograph session and photo opportunity, and will appear at the booth for additional photo ops through the show (please check the daily booth schedule). All days of the show, attendees can find the special ACParadise NEKO cosplayer around the show floor to receive an exclusive NEKO bell (while supplies last).  Attendees can also stop by the VIZ Media booth to play the King’s Game for prizes – check the daily booth schedule for game times.

 

K is set in a world where history has taken a slightly different course from the one we’re familiar with and follows the story of a young boy whose life is caught in a psychic war between seven kings. Yashiro Isana, also known as Shiro, is wanted for a crime he has no recollection of committing. He finds himself being hunted by the groups Homura, led by Mikoto Suoh, “The Red King,” and Scepter 4, led by Reisi Munakata, “The Blue King.” While on the run, another young man named Kuroh Yatogami helps him. Will this fated encounter change Shiro’s life forever?

For more information on K and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit www.VIZAnime.com/k.

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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Third Time's a Charm for Stan Lee and the Baltimore Comic-Con

  

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - June 21, 2013 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is honored to announce that Stan "The Man" Lee will be the returning to Baltimore for the third year in a row at this year's convention. The 14^th Annual show will be taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of September 7-8, 2012.

For this year's show, Lee will be making appearances both days, signing autographs and posing for photographs with fans in attendance of the show.

He is known the world over as the architect of the Marvel Universe and the Father of Modern Comics. Along with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Lee co-created some of the most iconic characters of the Silver Age, including the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange.

Lee began his career in comics in 1939 at the age of 16, working for Martin Goodman at Timely Comics. He made his writing debut in 1941 with a text filler story in Captain America Comics #3 and wrote his first back-up story for the title two issues later. Lee continued to write for the publisher and, at the age of 19, was installed as interim editor. With a head for business and an eye for comics, Lee graduated to become editor-in-chief and art director of the comics division.

Throughout his illustrious career, which has spanned more than 70 years, Lee has been a writer, editor, publisher, President, and Chairman at Marvel Comics. He's made cameo appearances in 17 films based on his creations-including Iron Man 3, Marvel Studios' follow-up to The Avengers.

"Having Stan back for a third year is just incredible for both the fans and the show as a whole," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "With him appearing both days again this year, we're setting the stage for our biggest and best year yet!"

Details regarding ticket pricing for signings and VIP packages will be released over the next few weeks. To receive the latest information about Stan Lee and all of the Baltimore Comic-Con news, sign up for our mailing list at baltimorecomiccom.com!

Stan Lee joins our previously announced guests, including: Brian Bolland (Dial H); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Jimmy Cheung (Avengers vs. X-Men); Frank Cho (Savage Wolverine); Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre); J.M. DeMatteis (Phantom Stranger); David Finch (Justice League of America); Dave Gibbons (The Secret Service); Keith Giffen (Masters of the Universe); Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan); Barry Kitson (Empire); Roger Langridge (Popeye); Paul Levitz (World's Finest); Kevin Maguire (World's Finest); Mike Mignola (Hellboy In Hell); Jimmy Palmiotti (Batwing); George Perez (World's Finest); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Joe Prado (Earth 2); Ivan Reis (Aquaman); Chris Samnee (Daredevil); Louise Simonson (X-Factor); Walt Simonson (The Mighty Thor); Allison Sohn (sketch card artist); Mark Waid (Indestructible Hulk); and Bill Willingham (Fables).

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 7-8, 2013. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 7th.

LIVE VIEWING JAPAN ANNOUNCES SPECIAL L.A.

J-ROCK CONCERT FILM THEATRICAL PREMIERE OF LUNA SEA: FOR JAPAN A PROMISE TO THE BRAVE

Legendary Visual Kei Alt Rock Band Captured In A Kinetic 2 Hour Live Concert Film Originally Staged Following Japan’s Tohoku Earthquake; Catch The Exclusive One Night Only Screening!!!

Los Angeles, CA, June 21, 2013 – Live Viewing Japan, a distribution company focused on bringing Japanese entertainment media to an international audience, is proud to announce its latest North American concert film theatrical screening as it premieres LUNA SEA For JAPAN A Promise to The Brave 2012 in Sendai LIVE VIEWING in LA – for one-night-only – at the Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE, in Los Angeles, CA, on Friday, July 5^th at 7:00pm.

Tickets are $20.00 and are available at: http://lunasealiveviewinginla.com.

Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE is located at 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Faced with the overwhelming disaster immediately following the massive Tohoku Earthquake on 3/11/2011, the iconic J-rock band LUNA SEA released a poignant message titled “From LUNA SEA for JAPAN" just days afterward and followed with the brand new song, “PROMISE.” The band also staged a massive charity concert at the Saitama Super Area – “LUNA SEA for JAPAN A Promise to The Brave 2012 In Sendai” – to provide relief and raise funds for the Japanese Red Cross. This 2-hour concert film captures the emotion and power of that show.

Live Viewing Japan also extends a special invitation to 2013 Anime Expo attendees at the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center to catch this exclusive J-rock concert film premiere! Regal Cinema L.A. LIVE is a short walk from the L.A. Convention Center grounds, located adjacent to the Nokia Theatre and Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

LUNA SEA is a legendary J-rock band that formed in 1989 and the group is considered one of the most successful and influential of the Visual Kei movement that swept Japan throughout the 90s. Founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist INORAN while still in high school, the band was originally called Lunacy. In 1989 they recruited vocalist RYUICHI, lead guitarist SUGIZO, and drummer Shinya, a line-up that has remained constant ever since. Their storied career and alt rock sound continues to inspire many of the latest Japanese bands. LUNA SEA enjoyed massive popularity in Japan throughout the 90s and performed on tours across Asia, Europe, and also played at the historic Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, CA.

LUNA SEA evolved its hard/alt rock sound over 7 bestselling albums that weaved punk and Goth influences as well as string and violin-driven ballads and softer melodies into their sonic signature. The group disbanded in 2000, and its members pursued various solo careers, before reforming in 2010 for a series of special tours and concerts. LUNA SEA is expected to release a new record, their first in 13 years, later this year. More information on LUNA SEA is available at the band’s official web site (Japan) at: http://www.lunasea.jp.

About Live Viewing Japan:

Live Viewing Japan is a Japanese-based media distribution company focused on bringing a variety of entertainment properties to a global theatre-going audience. More information on the company and its projects is available at: www.liveviewing.jp.

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LUNA SEA

GREEN KNIGHT 'INSPIRATION TO J.R.R. TOLKIEN' COMES TO GRAPHIC NOVELS

Eco Comics has announced that it is bringing the legendary Green Knight to its range of comic books and graphic novels.

The Green Knight first appeared in the famous 14th-century medieval Arthurian tale, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In it, he confronted King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

He is also notable as he appears to have been highly influential on J.R.R. Tolkien, who translated an edition of the fantasy story before going on to write The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The character will make his comic book debut in the series featuring the publisher's other legendary green character, the leafy-headed Green Man.

Writer Chris Bunting explains: "The Green Knight is pure comic book fare. He is a powerful giant green knight, and seems barking mad. He makes the ideal foil for the Green Man.

"Does any association remain with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? You will have to keep reading to find out.

"Expect a visually stunning Green Knight, yet one that is respectful to how he was originally intended. A character that clearly inspired J. R. R. Tolkien deserves nothing less."

The character will join other famous faces at the award-winning 'green' publisher, including, among others: Dracula, Robin Hood, Green Man, Dick Turpin, Englishman, and Mr. T.

Eco Comics sees the Green Knight as a perfect fit to this roster, especially as many scholars consider Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as the world's first eco-poem. He will go on to play a prominent role in the publisher's plans.

Exclusive Green Knight preview art is available on the publisher's blog blog.mohawkmedia.co.uk, and the character's own dedicated Facebook page facebook.com/official.GreenKnight

The Green Man comic book, featuring the Green Knight, is available now from www. mohawkmedia.co.uk/ecocomics

BOOM! STUDIOS
REVEALS SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2013
EXCLUSIVES 

June 19th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – BOOM! Studios proudly unveils its exclusive items for Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 including new debuts and fan favorites! Both BOOM! Studios and its all-ages imprint, KaBOOM! Studios, will be return to Comic-Con International in full force from July 18th to the 21st with exclusives for ADVENTURE TIME, ADVENTURE TIME: CANDY CAPERS, ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE, REGULAR SHOW, HEROBEAR AND THE KID, PEANUTS, BRAVEST WARRIORS, SUICIDE RISK, SIX-GUN GORILLA, DAY MEN and ROBOCOP: LAST STAND. Highlights include the ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 1 ENCHIRIDION EDITION HARDCOVER, which will echo the fabled tome from the animated show with its leatherette and gold foil cover treatment, and the ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 2 HARDCOVER SDCC exclusive with a unique cover by Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Aaron Renier (SPIRAL BOUND). 

ADVENTURE TIME ENCHIRIDION VOL 1 HARDCOVER
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Stephanie Gonzaga
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$75


ADVENTURE TIME VOL 2 HARDCOVER
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Aaron Renier 
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$50


REGULAR SHOW ASHCAN MINI-COMIC
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Jon Chad 
Final Art Coming Soon
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$35


DAY MEN #1
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Brian Stelfreeze
Final Art Coming Soon
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


FAIRY QUEST VOL 1 OUTLAWS HARDCOVER
BOOM! EXCLUSIVE 
ART BY Humberto Ramos
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$40


ROBOCOP VOL 1 HARDCOVER
SDCC EXCLUSIVE 
ART BY Frank Miller
(ONLY 250 AVAILABLE)
$35


SIX-GUN GORILLA #1
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Jeff Stokley
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


SUICIDE RISK #1
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Kris Anka
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


CONNECTING COVERS
ADVENTURE TIME: CANDY CAPERS #1 & ADVENTURE TIME #18
SDCC EXCLUSIVES
ART BY Bryan Turner
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE OF EACH)
$10 EACH


ADVENTURE TIME: PLAYING WITH FIRE "3-D" COVER 
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Stephanie Gonzaga
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20

BRAVEST WARRIORS #10
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Noelle Stevenson
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #1
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Natasha Allegeri
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #6
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY KASSANDRA HELLER
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


HEROBEAR & THE KID #1 ANIMATION CELL
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY MIKE KUNKEL
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$15


PEANUTS #9
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Mike Kunkel
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


REGULAR SHOW #1
SDCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY Sina Grace and Shaun Steven Struble 

(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10

 

 

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.

THIRD ANNUAL NERD HQ RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO JULY 18-21,

FINDS NEW HOME AT PETCO PARK

Popular “Conversations for a Cause” To Return

LOS ANGELES, June  20, 2013– Zachary Levi and The Nerd Machine, a multimedia company that brings the best of apparel, accessories, and both long and short form video content to its global clientele, announced today that Nerd HQ will return to San Diego July 18th-21st in a new location, Petco Park (100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101), home of the San Diego Padres. 

Over the last three years, Nerd HQ has continually expanded and given fans a unique experience while in San Diego for the international comic book and entertainment festival.  This year Nerd HQ will again provide fans with a home base where they can experience cutting edge technology and gaming showcases, exciting autograph signings, cornerstone events and exclusive parties, including Levi’s annual NERD Party.

“With the move to Petco Park, we can bring fans an even bigger, more dynamic experience during Nerd HQ 2013.” said Zachary Levi, Founder of The Nerd Machine.   “Moving to the ballpark is a major step in the growth of Nerd HQ and will allow us to expand our tradition of offering exclusive access to new games, technology, and the opportunity for intimate conversations with some of the Hollywood's most influential celebrities and creatives.”

Returning this year is the very popular philanthropic panel series, “Conversations for a Cause” which will stream through The Nerd Machine YouTube page, NerdMachineTV. Last year’s panels raised $140,000 for Operation Smile and consisted of some of the most talked about films, television shows and video games, including: “Chuck,” “Doctor Who,” “Grimm,” “NTSF,” “Robot Chicken,” “The Man with the Iron Fist,” “Expendables 2,” “Tomb Raider” and “Twilight.” Panelists included many of today’s top actors, actresses and film and game makers including Ashley Greene, Guillermo del Toro, Jason Ritter, Jared Padalecki, Joss Whedon, Kellan Lutz, Lucy Liu, Nathan Fillion, RZA, Seth Green, Stan Lee, Terry Crews, and Zachary Levi, among many others. This year’s panels, which will be announced in the coming days, are sure to bring fun surprises and intriguing discussions. Individual tickets will sell for $22, with proceeds benefiting Operation Smile.

For more information, schedule updates and tickets please visit www.thenerdmachine.com.

Facebook: The NERD Machine, https://www.facebook.com/thenerdmachine, Twitter: @thenerdmachine,

Instagram: Nerdmachine, Vine: The Nerd Machine

ABOUT THE NERD MACHINE - The Nerd Machine is a multimedia company dedicated in bringing its global clientele the best of apparel, accessories, software, hardware, music, and both long and short form video content. We not only put a premium on customer satisfaction and input but also collaboration, as we believe that some of the very best ideas may come out of the very community we serve. Our goal is to nurture an environment where community interaction thrives, creating the best and most forward thinking products available on the market. And, philosophically speaking, spearheading a "mission of redefinition" that changes the global perception of what a nerd is, and thereby allow everyone to celebrate the nerd in themselves. The question is: What are you nerdy about?

VIVA LA NERDOLUTION

EXPERIENCE A WHOLE NEW WAY TO WATCH MOVIES THIS 

SUMMER WITH THE NEW SnagFilms 

What is SnagFilms Beta?

SnagFilms Beta is a free streaming social video platform that offers thousands of award-winning movies from independent filmmakers. The new social video experience will be officially released to the public early this summer on SnagFilms.com before rolling out to all mobile devices. 

This new social discovery features custom profiles for all SnagFilms members. Each profile will allow members to become an official film aficionado among their friends by simply posting reviews of films they love. Other members of the community can then find any film recommendations provided by trusted friends or critics, receive personalized recommendations based on previous movie preferences, and easily find great movies selected by the SnagFilms editorial team. 

SnagFilms Beta will connect you with other fans in ways that are extremely social, well-curated, and personalized for each user. 

About SnagFilms

Co-founded in 2008 by Ted Leonsis and Rick Allen, SnagFilms is a premier, ad-supported, social video-viewing platform offering lovers an extensive library of free movies on demand. The platform features world class discovery tools empowering members to discover, watch, and recommend a wide range of professional online video content. The SnagFilms viewing experience is available everywhere, enabling audiences to watch professional, award-winning video, including 110,000 affiliate sites and its sector-leading applications on mobile, set-top box, and home entertainment devices. 

'Man of Steel' Star Michael Shannon, Zachary Quinto, Stan Lee, Norman Reedus, John Barrowman, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® Among Prominent Celebrity Guests At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 8-11

Pop Culture Festival At Donald E. Stephens Convention Center In Rosemont, Ill., Also To Feature 'Serenity/Firefly' Stars Alan Tudyk And Summer Glau, Brandon Routh, Henry Winkler, Six More WWE® Stars, Superstar Comics Creators

NEW YORK and ROSEMONT, Ill., June 20, 2013 – Man of Steel is the blockbuster hit of the summer, and Michael Shannon, who stars as “General Zod,” and Zachary Quinto, Star Trek and “American Horror Story” star, are among the top celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 8-11 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.  The standout roster will also include Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee, “Torchwood” and Zero Dark Thirty headliner John Barrowman, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead” and Boondock Saints.  It is the fifth in the 2013 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

The longest-running and highest-attended show on the Wizard World calendar, 2013 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con will also feature “Serenity” and Firefly alums Alan Tudyk and Summer Glau, Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: TNG," Stand By Me), Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, Henry Winkler (“Happy Days,” “Royal Pains”), Sarah Wayne Callies, Michael Rooker and Jon Bernthal of “The Walking Dead,” Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory) and Verne Troyer (Austin Powers).

Lee will be in attendance on Friday and Saturday; Shannon, Quinto and Punk will appear on Saturday only; Reedus, Tudyk and Glau will be in attendance on Saturday and Sunday; Barrowman and Wheaton will appear all three days; and Routh will appear for photo ops on Thursday evening, then all day on Friday and Saturday.

WWE fans will also have the opportunity to meet WWE® World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler™, WWE® Diva AJ Lee™, WWE® Hall of Famer Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat™ and The Shield™ (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns).  It's the largest presence ever for WWE at a Wizard World event.

Additionally, all full price attendees will receive a free copy of the Exclusive Variant Cover of The Walking Dead #1 comic, available only at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con.

Superstar comics creators scheduled to attend include Chris Claremont (“Uncanny X-Men,” “Spider-Man”), Alan Davis (“Captain America,” “Thor”), Esad Ribic (“Avengers vs. X-Men,” “Wolverine”), Pasqual Ferry (“Gambit,” “Hulk”), Harvey Tolibao (“Green Arrow,” “Silver Surfer,”), Scott Snyder (“Batman,” “Detective Comics”), Greg Capullo (“Spawn,” “Haunt”), Kenneth Rocafort (“Superman,” “Action Comics”), Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Superman”) and Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”).

Also not to be missed in the autograph area are actors Wil-Yun Lee (Total Recall, Die Another Day), Tara Strong (“My Little Pony,” “Fairly Oddparents”), Allison Mack (“Smallville,” Superman/Batman: Public Enemies), Michael Rosenbaum (“Smallville,” “Justice League”), James and Oliver Phelps (Harry Potter), Denis O'Hare (“American Horror Story,” “True Blood”), Morena Baccarin (“Homeland,” “Stargate SG-1”), Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers”), Linda Blair (The Exorcist, Repossessed) and Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The King of Queens”).

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 Chicago Comic Con show hours are Thursday, Aug. 8, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 9, noon – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place all four days at the event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more.  Sunday, Aug. 11, is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Chicago Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event.  Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed –  will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Cosplay Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

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

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 *****
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
June 19-22, 2014 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

KEVIN SMITH’S ORIGINAL GRAPHITTI DESIGNS COMICS ARE ALREADY ON COMIXOLOGY!

April 20^th(ish), 2013 – NYC, NY/LA, CA /That Shady Looking Van With All The Smoke Coming out of it – Just in time for Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie (okay, maybe not just in time as we found ourselves a little preoccupied this past April 20th when the books actually did come out) comiXology is pleased to announce a digital distribution deal with Graphitti Designs and View Askew to distribute Kevin Smith’s original Clerks comics through comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web.
“At first I was like ‘Dude! We need to get more 90’s comics on comiXology’ and then I was like ‘didn’t that Kevin Smith guy do a bunch of great stuff, when that one movie came out?’ and then the next thing I know I’m looking at this stuff in Guided View and it’s just like…whoa!” said comiXology’s PR guy Chip Mosher.
“I figured ‘What The Hell?’ sounds cool to me,” said Kevin Smith "I've been digitally manipulating myself since I was 12, but I'm gonna enjoy my digital comics way more than that favorite pastime! I'm ecstatic the adventures of Jay and Silent Bob are joining comiXology in the 21st century!"
In a puff of smoke, these books appeared April 20th, 2013 as Kevin Smith and company hit the road for Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie tour. Fans of Kevin Smith’s one of a kind Clerks universe can now experience Bluntman & Chronic, Clerks, Chasing Dogma and the Tales From The Clerks collection…and in comiXology’s unique Guided View™ reading technology. Which makes for one trippy reading experience.
The full list of books released includes: (In case you didn’t actually read the above paragraph).

Clerks
Tales From The Clerks
Bluntman and Chronic
Chasing Dogma

In addition to these latest offerings comiXology was suckered into is a proud sponsor of Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie Tour, chipping in for gas and munchies along the tour’s 14-city wide route this summer. Fans of all things Jay & Silent Bob can follow the action on Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus as updates on tickets and tour stops roll in.
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 New York City. For more information visit www.comixology.com.

Webcomic Artist Katie Rice Wins Top Prize in Penny Arcade’s Strip Search Reality Show!
Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins select Rice to work on site at Penny Arcade office for one year, along with additional support and rewards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seattle, WA – June 20, 2013 – In this week’s season finale episode of Penny Arcade’s Strip Search, Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins selected California-based artist Katie Rice as the grand prize winner.  Katie created the new “Camp Weedonwantcha” comic for the online reality show’s final challenge, which can now be viewed at www.campcomic.com. As the winning Strip Search artist, Katie will receive $15,000 cash along with space at Penny Arcade’s Seattle office for one year and support from the company’s robust business and merchandising resources.

As Katie described the ideas behind the “Camp Weedonwantcha” comic on Strip Search, she talked about her interest in creating a kids in peril story, inspired by the notion of having young characters in a survival setting.  This is a camp where parents never come to pick up their kids, and is “dangerous, but fun.”  The first comics Katie created for the Strip Search program are now live at www.campcomic.com, along with the character bios and merchandise concepts she created for the show.  The comic will begin updating weekly, beginning in the coming weeks – ideal for the kick-off of the summer camp season.

“Reflecting on the experience has just been incredibly positive,” said Rice. “From the Artist friends I’ve made to the actual prize, I’m excited for what my future in Seattle holds!”

The two runners-up, Maki Naro and Abby Howard, also created strong contenders for the final challenge.  Maki describes his Sufficiently Remarkable comic as a “love song for the mediocre” and “an ode to the magic that happens in life.”  In Abby’s black comedy Last Halloween, monsters try to take over the world on the fabled holiday, with the young child Mona as the only one who notices.  Maki and Abby can be followed on www.sci-ence.org and www.jspowerhour.com, respectively.

The “Strip Search” project was initially greenlit by a Penny Arcade Kickstarter stretch goal and has been airing new episodes each Tuesday and Friday at www.stripsearch.tv.  Penny Arcade co-creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho’ Holkins have been presiding over the competition, serving as judges in head-to-head elimination challenges.  The 12 participating artists were culled from a rigorous selection process of nearly 1,000 entrants worldwide. The artists all lived together in a lakefront mansion in Seattle, WA, where Penny Arcade is based.  All episodes are available for viewing at www.stripsearch.tv.  The website also includes background information on each of the artists, as well as samples of work created over the course of the season.  DVD and Blu-Ray Set pre-orders to the first season of Strip Search begin next week, featuring commentary from crew and never-before-seen footage from each episode!

About Penny Arcade

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

JOLLEY RESURRECTS BLOODHOUND

AT DARK HORSE WITH CROWBAR MEDICINE!

Milwaukie, OR, JUNE 19—Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce the long-awaited return of the beloved series Bloodhound, from writer Dan Jolley (Prototype 2) and artist Leonard Kirk (X-Factor)!

Previously published by DC, Bloodhound begins a new five-issue series, Crowbar Medicine, that will take our hero, Travis Clevenger, to new intensities the Big Two would have never allowed—establishing Clev as the next Dark Horse superhero. 

Travis Clevenger may not have superpowers, but he can put a beatdown on anyone who does! Consulting with the FBI in exchange for release from prison, Clev is getting his life together when an out-of-control superhuman’s destructive rampage and a rogue scientist’s response—offering designer superpowers to anyone who can afford them—shock the nation, leading to Clev’s biggest case yet!

Bloodhound’s acclaimed three-parter in the pages of Dark Horse Presents concludes today, familiarizing readers with what Bloodhound is all about through a complete story and paving the way for his epic return.

Additionally, the first volume of the long-out-of-print original Bloodhound series is in stores today, collecting the acclaimed DC series from Dan Jolley, Leonard Kirk, and Robin Riggs—232 pages of brutal goodness.

Praise for Dan Jolley’s Bloodhound:

“Four-color crime and punishment like they just don’t make anymore. It’s good for the blood.”—Warren Ellis

“Leonard Kirk, Eddy Barrow, Robin Riggs, and Moose Baumann did a fantastic job on the art in this book. The subtle character work is great, telling a story well beyond the words being spoken, and when the violence breaks out, jeez does it look good in that wincing and turning away from the page kind of way.”—Fanboy Comics

“Clevenger’s tragic story of lust, murder, and betrayal is extremely grounded, feeling more like Sin City than Superman.”—Den of Geek

Bloodhound: Crowbar Medicine #1 is on sale October 16 in comic shops everywhere!

Bloodhound Volume 1: Brass Knuckle Psychology and Dark Horse Presents #25 are available today. 

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.

Aluna Trilogy in the Works!
NEW YORK, June 19, 2013 - Aluna, the Latin American superhero created by actress Paula Garces and her creative partner, Antonio Hernandez will be released as a trilogy starting with book one this Fall.
Aluna is the story of a young woman, taken from the New World by the Spaniards and raised as royalty in Spain during the 1500s. As if by fate, she is forced to travel back to the New World, only to discover that she has great powers that she must harness to defend her new homeland.
The creators tapped Seattle based Allegory to develop and publish the series.
“I’ve always been a fan of comic books but felt that strong female Latina leads were lacking, so along with my creative partner, Antonio Hernandez, we created Aluna. We’re so happy with how well the character has been received by fans playing the Aluna character in Heroes of Newerth that we can’t wait to release the first of three books this Fall” comments Paula Garces.
Allegory’s publishing imprint will develop the books and will eventually produce a portfolio of digital products and merchandise based on the title.
“We’ve wanted to create a compelling female heroine for two years now. A character who is strong and has a complex back story. When Paula and Tony shared the story of Aluna with us, we knew we needed to be apart of this franchise. This is a groundbreaking book and we feel honored to be apart of it” said Chad Smith, CEO of Allegory.
Dooma Wendschuh and Corey May, founders of sekretagent Productions, have been attached to write all three books. This writing duo is the creative force behind such popular game titles as Assassin's Creed and Army of Two.
“This story is full of action, but it also has pretty epic romance elements. Aluna is a badass. She's tough as nails given everything she's been through. We're going to help her find her softer side”, remarks Dooma Wendschuh.
Ibraim Roberson, whose recent credits include X-Men, Hellraiser and mostly recently, Max Brooks’s, The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, has been attached to create the art.
"Ibraim Roberson is just the right artist for Aluna.  His work on The X-Men and Clive Barker's Hellraiser has consistently demonstrated a pacing and organic style that is a perfect mesh to Dooma's writing.  Giving the adventures of Aluna a whole new level of realism, action, and drama. Plus, the artwork produced by Ibraim is going to be lush and beautiful and will perfectly capture the majesty of the old world” remarked Lee Koshe, Allegory’s Creative Director.
Additionally, S2 Games, the creators of the popular online game series, Heroes of Newerth have partnered with Paula Garces’ Further Lane Productions and Allegory to develop an ongoing portfolio of avatars for the Heroes of Newerth game based on the Aluna character. The first avatar, Stardust Aluna, was recently released by S2 games.  The second avatar will be released at Comic Con International this July and will be followed by future avatars.
About Paula Garces
Paula Garces is well known as “Maria” from the hit 2011 film, "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas", starring in all three installments of the Harold & Kumar franchise. Ms. Garces can been seen as Flora Hernandez in Marc Cherry's new series "Devious Maids" on Lifetime network.  Paula will also appear as Lea Marquez on the legendary soap, "All My Children," premiering on Sunday June 23rd at 10pm on Hulu.com. On the small screen, Paula began her career on the daytime drama, "Guiding Light", and later earned Alma Award nominations for her portrayal of Officer Tina Hallon on FX’s "The Shield".
About Allegory
Allegory is a transmedia company engaged in several aspects of entertainment including publishing, children's education, games, applications, television and digital platforms. Allegory employs some of the most talented artists, writers and developers in the entertainment and interactive industry. Allegory is headquartered in Seattle and maintains offices in New York and San Diego.
Allegory is committed to design driven experiences and exceptional storytelling with a purpose. For more information about Allegory, please visit www.allegorymedia.co.
About sekretagent Productions
sekretagent Productions creates and/or produces the characters, worlds and stories behind some of the best selling and most critically acclaimed filmed and interactive entertainment on Earth. In the business of imagining and producing new, original IP, sekretagent works with the world's leading publishers, studios and corporations, providing content creation, screenwriting, interactive development and film /video production services in the motion picture, video game and advertising industries. For more information about sekretagents Productions, please visit www.sekretagents.com.
About S2 Games
S2 Games is a game publisher and developer with a mission to identify, develop, evolve and unleash the future of online multiplayer games. Since its inception in 2003, S2 has been focused on driving innovation into the global online game space, through identifying and solving industry issues, listening closely to its passionate gamer base and incorporating features that gamers truly want.
Active in sponsoring and helping drive many global tournaments for their flagship title Heroes of Newerth, S2 is focused on providing the best online multiplayer gaming experience and opportunities for its fans to shine. For more information about S2, please visit www.s2games.com.