Friday, August 30, 2013

GLOBAL YAOI MANGA PUBLISHER SuBLime DEBUTS YOUKA NITTA’s ACCLAIMED SERIES EMBRACING LOVE AS A SPECIAL 2-IN-1 EDITON

In This Tender Love Story By The Creator Of STARTING WITH A KISS, Two Gorgeous Adult Film Stars With An Immediate Attraction To Each Other Must Find A Way To Express Their Feelings

SuBLime, the global yaoi manga (graphic novel) publishing initiative between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), offers a sizzling summer release with a 2-in-1 manga edition of EMBRACING LOVE, by acclaimed yaoi creator Youka Nitta. This new edition is available now and is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, carrying an MSRP of $16.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN.

EMBRACING LOVE introduces readers to Iwaki Kyousuke and Katou Yoji, two hugely popular adult film stars looking for a way out of the industry. Their chance arrives when they’re both invited to audition for a new erotic film. Imagine their surprise when the director decides the only way for him to choose who will get the coveted lead role is for them to perform one of the film’s love scenes on the spot – with each other! Things get even crazier when Katou decides to take drastic measures to ensure he can continue seeing Iwaki after film production wraps. How will Iwaki respond to Katou’s impulsive act?

“Readers will not want to miss the North American republication of one of creator Youka Nitta’s most popular yaoi manga series, now in a 2-in-1 edition,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “This is a steamy love story about two impossibly gorgeous actors that feel an immediate attraction to one another, but don't know how to express their love. Gradually, they begin to nurture and embrace their feelings and embark on the most romantic relationship of their lives!”

Youka Nitta made her publishing debut with GROUPIE in 1995, and since then has become one of the most prolific and popular yaoi creators worldwide. Her most well-known series, Embracing Love, has been adapted into both a drama CD as well as an anime series. Nitta’s other popular manga series, STARTING WITH A KISS, is also published in North America by SuBLime. More information about Youka Nitta is available on her English-language website at: http://nittayouka.com.

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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EMBRACING LOVE: 
Haru Wo Daiteita © 2012 Youka Nitta

2013 Baltimore Comic-Con Costume Contest Sunday, September 8th
Sponsored by StylinOnline.com!


2012 Costume Contest Winners-a
2012 Costume Contest Winners
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 30, 2013 - This year, StylinOnline.com is bringing more than their "Tower of T-shirts" to the Baltimore Comic-Con -- they're sponsoring the highly-demanded and hugely popular Annual Costume Contest, expanding on the number and range of prizes and awards to participants.

The Baltimore Comic-Con Costume Contest is one of the most popular events at the show, attracting fans from far and wide who come to dress up as their favorite characters, show off their hard work in creating fantastic-looking costumes, or to observe and/or photograph costumed attendees -- just look at our Facebook photos sections to see where the volume of photos are!

New to this year's costume contest is our MC, Joe Bronzi.  Joe is a Long Island comedian, working professionally for 15 years. He headlines "A" rooms all over North America like Zanies, Hilarities, the Absolutes in Canada, the Comedy Works, and Wiseguys. He's worked regularly for four cruise lines, and is a favorite at casinos like the Borgata, Tropicana, MGM, Mohegan Sun, and Turning Stone. Check him out further at joebronzi.com.  Joe will be hosting the contest as Baltimore Comic-Con cosplay participants compete for fabulous cash and prizes!

2013's adult prize packages include:
  • Overall Best Costume
    • $1000 Grand Prize in Cash
  • Prizes in each of the streamlined Adult Men and Adult Women categories:
    • $150 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 1st Place
    • $75 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 2nd Place
    • $50 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 3rd Plac
  • Group category (winning groups divide prize amount between members)
    • $200 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 1st Place
    • $150 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 2nd Place 
  • Fan-Favorite as voted on by those in attendance for the Costume Contest:
    • $150 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate 
  • Kids Prizes in each of the Newborn to Age 11 and Age 12 to Age 17 categories:
    • $75 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 1st Place
    • $50 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 2nd Place
    • $20 StylinOnline.com Gift Certificate for 3rd Place 

2012 Costume Contest Winners
 Each winner will also receive free admittance to the Baltimore Comic-Con in 2014!

Register to join the contest at booth #2805!  Adult Categories have a $5 entry fee per person and, as always, kids up to age 17 can enter the costume contest for free!   

Please join us Sunday, September 8th at 1:00pm as StylinOnline.com proudly presents the annual Baltimore Comic-Con Costume Contest!!

"Stylinonline.com is a great friend to Baltimore Comic Con and a perfect fit to sponsor our Costume Contest!" said Marc Nathan, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter.

Stylinonline.com is the Premier Pop Culture Clothing Superstore on the web. With such a great selection, it is easy to pick something out to show your true passion from super-heroes, TV, or the latest movies on a t-shirt, hat, hoodie, or even a singing Soft Kitty! So stop by and see Stylinonline.com's Tower of T-shirts at the Baltimore Comic-Con or online anytime and come help them support all of the Costume Contest winners!


I'll See You In Baltimore 2013
Our previously announced guests include: Josh Adams (Doctor Who); Neal Adams (First X-Men); Mark Bagley (Fantastic Four); Art Baltazar (Aw Yeah Comics!, Tiny Titans); Brian Bolland (Dial H); Harold Buchholz (Archie Comics); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Sal Buscema (Amazing Spider-Man); Frank Cammuso (Knights of the Lunch Table, Otto's Orange Day); Jimmy Cheung (Avengers vs. X-Men); Frank Cho (Savage Wolverine); Steve Conley (Bloop); Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre); Jamie and Tyler Cosley (Cody the Cavalier, Ninja Squirrel); J.M. DeMatteis (Phantom Stranger); David Finch (Justice League of America); Franco (Aw Yeah Comics!, Tiny Titans); John Gallagher (Buzzboy, Roboy Red); Zack Giallongo (Broxo); Chris Giarrusso (G-Man); Keith Giffen (Masters of the Universe); Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!, The Dumbest Idea Ever!); Joe Hill (Locke and Key); Jason Horn (Ninjasaur); Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan); Denis Kitchen (The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen); Barry Kitson (Empire); Roger Langridge (Popeye); Paul Levitz (World's Finest); Kevin Maguire (World's Finest); Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space); Mark Mariano (Happyloo); Billy Martin (Vitriol, the Hunter); Dave McDonald (Hamster Sam); Mark McKenna (Star Wars, Banana Tail); Jason Mewes (Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie); Mike Mignola (Hellboy In Hell); Jamar Nicholas (Leon: Protector of the Playground); Chris O>Matic (The Chris O>Matic Show!); Jimmy Palmiotti (Batwing); Dan Parent (Archie, Veronica, Kevin Keller); George Perez (World's Finest); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Joe Prado (Earth 2); Ivan Reis (Aquaman); Dave Roman - Saturday only (Astronaut Academy, Teen Boat); Chris Samnee (Daredevil); Jeff Schultz (Archie, Jughead); Louise Simonson (X-Factor); Walt Simonson (The Mighty Thor); Kevin Smith (Batman: The Widening Gyre); Allison Sohn (sketch card artist); Frank Stack (My Cancer Year); Bobby Timony (Night Owls, Detectobot); Mark Waid (Indestructible Hulk), Bill Willingham (Fables); and Thom Zahler (My Little Pony). .

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 7 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 7th.

AMC's "Comic Book Men" Invade Baltimore Comic-Con to Tape an Episode of Their Series and Launch Their Comic Book, "Cryptozoic Man"
Stash Boys Sign Con-Exclusive Copies of the Comic Book at Autograph Signing in Booth #2414 on Sunday, September 8

amc

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 30, 2013 - AMC's "Comic Book Men" will be filming an episode for the upcoming third season of the series (premieres Sunday, October 13 at midnight ET/PT) at the Baltimore Comic-Con, where the cast will launch their first collaborative comic book "Cryptozoic Man" and sign Con-exclusive copies for fans. Cast members Walt Flanagan, Bryan Johnson, Michael Zapcic, and Ming Chen will be at Booth #2414 for the filming and signing throughout the day, and the legendary Executive Producer Kevin Smith will even stop by to help celebrate the launch.
Comic Book Men
"Comic Book Men" cast. Front Row: Kevin Smith; Back Row: Ming Chen, Bryan Johnson, Walt Flanagan, Michael Zapcic
"Cryptozoic Man" follows Alan Ostman, a middle-aged husband/father, who sees his life quickly unravel when his daughter goes missing on a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest...Bigfoot country. After Gray aliens abduct him from a roadside bar, he learns that the fate of the world is dependent on trapping the world's most legendary cryptids...not to mention defeating a psychopath in a pig-shaped leather bondage mask. Alan knows he has his work cut out for him.

AMC's "Comic Book Men," a half-hour unscripted series, captures the world of comic book store, Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, and its fanboy staff and customers. The Secret Stash comic book and novelty store in Red Bank, New Jersey serves not only as a place for people to buy, sell, or trade cool stuff; but also to hang out and be part of a community that loves comics. "Comic Book Men" documents the daily banter of The Secret Stash and its employees and devoted customers, as well as the emotion of buying and selling collectibles and comic memorabilia. Season three will step back into the lives of these hilarious Stashers and follow them as they celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Superman, re-visit the devastation of Hurricane Sandy a year later, and even explore the festivities of the launch of their own comic book!

"Comic Book Men" cast members include:
 
* WALT FLANAGAN
Walt Flanagan was appointed Store Manager of The Secret Stash upon its inception in 1997 by his high-school friend and store owner, Kevin Smith. Flanagan has penciled for several comic books including Karney and War of the Undead written by Bryan Johnson, as well as Batman: Cacophony and Batman: The Widening Gyre, both written by Kevin Smith. Flanagan may be most well-known for his small, but memorable appearances in several of Smith's films including Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma, always uttering the immortal line, 'Tell 'em, Steve-Dave!'. Flanagan is currently working on the sequel to The Widening Gyre.

* BRYAN JOHNSON
Bryan Johnson has appeared in a number of his long-time friend Kevin Smith's films including Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma. In 2000, Johnson wrote, directed and starred in Vulgar which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was based on the clown cartoon featured in the intro of Smith's first movie, Clerks. Bryan has also penned comic books including Karney and War of the Undead. Currently, Johnson is the host of the podcast, "Tell 'Em Steve-Dave!" along with Walt Flanagan and Brian Quinn. In 2010, the show won two Podcast Awards: People's Choice and Best Comedy. It was also named a Best of 2010 audio podcast by iTunes. Although he is not officially an employee at The Stash, most days, Johnson can be found holding court on a stool behind the front counter.

* MICHAEL ZAPCIC
Michael Zapcic has an encyclopedic knowledge of every issue of every comic known to man. Zapcic began his career at Secret Stash in 2000 and is still in awe that he is able to make a living doing something he is so passionate about. In addition to helping Walt run Secret Stash, Zapcic hosts a weekly podcast called "I Sell Comics" with Ming Chen on Smith's radio network S.I.R.: SModcast Internet Radio. Zapcic, who resides in Long Branch, NJ, met and married his beautiful wife, Julia, after she noticed him reading a copy of Wizard: The Magazine of Comics. Together, they have two boys, Mitch and Daniel.

* MING CHEN
Ming Chen's road to the Stash all began in 1995 when the Kevin Smith follower developed a fan website based on the movie Clerks. Smith, who appreciated Chen's work, reached out and asked him to create a website for his production company, View Askew Productions. Fifteen years later, not only does Chen continue to work on all of Smith's online projects, but has also ventured into several other areas within the Kevin Smith empire, most recently hosting a weekly podcast called "I Sell Comics" with Michael Zapcic on Smith's radio network S.I.R.: SModcast Internet Radio. Chen is not only the technical expert for The Stash, but also the perfect person to ask to do the jobs no one else wants to do. During his free time, Chen does pro bono website work for two non-profit organizations, Street Poets Inc. and The Kenny Gordon Foundation. Chas been married to his wife, Debbie, for 9 years and has two children, Lillian and Harrison.

* Executive Producer KEVIN SMITH
@ThatKevinSmith spent nearly twenty years making filthy movies like Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and, most recently, Red State. When not working in movies, Smith can be found podcasting every waking moment of his life over at his online empire, SModcast.com. If he's not hosting shows like Hollywood Babble-On, Jay & Silent Bob Get Old or Fat Man on Batman, Smith can be found on a stage, answering for his crimes in lotsa different Q&A DVD's: An Evening with Kevin Smith, An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder, A Threevening with Kevin Smith, Too Fat for Forty, Kevin Smith Burn in Hell, and Jay & Silent Bob Get Old: Teabagging in the U.K. He's also the happy host of several shows at his YouTube channel, YouTube.com/SeeSMod, as well as the front man and creator of SPOILERS, a movie "revue" show on Hulu.

Smith has also written no less than three New York Times best selling books: TOUGH SHIT: LIFE ADVICE FROM A FAT, LAZY SLOB WHO DID GOOD, My Boring-Ass Life and Batman: Cacophony - the latter of which was improved dramatically by Comic Book Man Walter Flanagan's artwork. These books sit beside Smith's other published works, which include Silent Bob Speaks, Shootin' the Shit with Kevin Smith, and Batman: The Widening Gyre (also with Flanagan).

Smith has written Green Arrow for DC Comics and Daredevil for Marvel Comics, as well as adapted his un-produced screenplays for The Green Hornet and The Bionic Man into comics series for Dynamite. He's also written several comic books based on his movies, including Clerks, and The Adventures of Bluntman and Chronic, starring Jay and Silent Bob.

  
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.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT DEBUTS CELEBRATED SCI-FI AUTHOR CATHERYNNE M. VALENTE’S MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL

Award Winning New York Times Bestselling Author Delivers An Exciting Collection Of Inventive Short Stories Inspired By Japan

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint delivers an exciting collection of stories and poems by New York Times best-selling fantasy and science fiction author, Catherynne M. Valente, as it announces the release of MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL. The new book is available now through all major book retailers, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. An eBook edition is also available for $8.99 (U.S. / CAN) for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, and the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

A woman who dreams of machines; a paper lantern that falls in love; the most compelling video game that you’ve never played – and that nobody can ever play twice. This collection of Catherynne M. Valente’s stories and poems with Japanese themes includes the celebrated novella, “Silently And Very Fast,” the award-nominated, “13 Ways of Looking at Space/Time,” and “Ghosts of Gunkankima,” which originally appeared in a tiny book smaller than a human palm and was published in a limited edition of only 24.

“MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL is Haikasoru’s first release by a non-Japanese author, but Catherynne Valente’s vivid prose and Japanese inspirations make this collection ideally suited to our publishing mission,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s editor. “The collection of inventive short stories and poems also features some of Valente’s most admired stories, including the Hugo Award-nominated novella, ‘Silently and Very Fast’ and the Locus Award finalist ‘13 Ways of Looking at Space/Time,’ along with a pair of brand-new stories to anchor the collection: the semi-autobiographical, meta-fictional, and utterly magical, “Ink, Water, Milk, and the cinematic, demon-haunted, “Story No. 6.”

Catherynne M. Valente has been lauded by many as one of the best writers to emerge in the science fiction/fantasy genre in the last decade. A New York Times bestseller for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (#8, May 2011), she has also been a Hugo Award nominee in multiple categories, including Best Novel, Best Novella, Short Form Editor, and Best Fan Cast. She has been a Hugo Award winner for Best Fan Cast, a two-time World Fantasy Award nominee, three-time Locus Award winner (in the same year in three categories), and an Andre Norton Award winner.

For more information on MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the website at www.haikasoru.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL © 2013 Catherynne M. Valente

Baltimore Comic-Con Drink & Draw 2013

Drink and Draw
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 29, 2013 - Can't wait for September 7th to roll around for your first day at the Baltimore Comic-Con? Then good news! The Baltimore Comic-Con Drink & Draw to benefit Team Cul de Sac and the Michael J. Fox Foundation will be taking place from 6pm-8pm on September 6th, 2013 at the Pratte Street Ale House, 206 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201 - across from the Baltimore Convention Center!
 
Join artists, cartoonists, and fans for FREE food, great beers, original art, rare collectibles, and door prizes! Gather with artists and attendees to have a great time and benefit a great cause.
 
Team Cul de Sac (TCDS) is a TEAMFOX fundraising effort initiated by Chris Sparks in honor of his friend Richard Thompson, the cartoonist behind the Cul de Sac comic strip who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.  TCDS asked cartoonists across the world to contribute artwork to a fundraising book and auction to raise additional money. Hundreds responded and sent artwork in, the result of which was Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's published by Andrews McMeel.  The book is a multiple 2013 Harvey Award nominee, and Chris Sparks received the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Eisner Awards for his efforts towards the book and the charity.
 
September 6th, 2013 - from 6-8 PM Interested in donating art? Need more information? Contact Joe Sutliff at joe@joesutliff.com or check our event's Facebook page for details! 
 
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.
NAMCO BANDAI Games Brings BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

New game from NAMCO BANDAI's ShiftyLook project featuring arcade-infused side-scrolling action, secret characters, hidden levels and more

Tokyo, Japan – August 29, 2013 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc. (TYO: 7832), today announced the launch of BRAVOMAN®: Binja Bash! for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, a brand-new side-scroller featuring Bravoman in his first new game in 25 years. New game follows the fresh take on the classic game character re-imagined by NAMCO BANDAI's ShiftyLook project, with over 200 Bravoman webcomic strips and six Bravoman web animated episodes produced to-date.

“ShiftyLook was established on the simple precept that classic games are immensely awesome, and Bravoman's emergence as the dominant brightly-colored stretchy hero action comedy slice of life franchise of our generation embodies what ShiftyLook strives to do,” said Rob Pereyda, producer, BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! and producer and editor-in-chief of ShiftyLook at NAMCO BANDAI Games. “Only the best will be able to master the art of parry spamming and supering, so we are hoping that not just casual gamers, but on-the-go, hardcore gamers like myself will enjoy  BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash!”

The story of BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! centers on Bravoman, the one and only super-unequaled hero of excellence, as he fights to save Neo Kyoto from the evil Doctor Bomb and his legion of robot ninjas. Players must engage in fierce side-scrolling combat with myriad Binjas as well as powerful boss characters before facing off against Doctor Bomb himself in a final epic showdown that will test the player's gaming skills to their very core. Along the way, players can look for hidden levels, special power-ups and loads of fun never seen this way on the go!

In the Hero Builder, players can unlock the Bravo Corps, powerful secret characters, by using parts from vanquished Binjas and bosses collected throughout story mode. Each unlocked character has their own unique abilities and in-game story, so fans of Bravoman both old and new will want to experience the game in these brand-new ways. The greatest players who run the brutal gauntlet of assembling and then beating the game with all characters may just be in for a special surprise.

For players who want to play with friends, BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! has them covered! After defeating any boss in story mode, players can enjoy competing for high scores in the game's fast-paced Boss Battle mode. This additional gameplay mode will pit Bravoman against the player's boss of choice and provide a rare chance for gamers around the world to earn a healthy dose of well-earned Bravoman-induced self-esteem.

As a bonus feature, BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! features a special mobile-optimized introductory Bravoman comic as well as all six episodes of the Bravoman animated series produced to-date. The brightly-colored stretchy hero action comedy slice of life cartoon stars Emmy® Award-winner Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs), Annie Award-nominated Dee Bradley Baker (The Clone Wars) and Romi Dames (Winx Club).

BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! was developed by Hiptic Games and is powered by Unity.

The BRAVOMAN: Binja Bash! App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.AppStore.com.
Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 Panel Schedule! 
 
 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 29, 2013 - You demanded it and we are ready to deliver -- the 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con panel schedule! This year is even more chock-full of comic book goodness than in the past, with sessions ranging from creator spotlights to industry tutorials, and featuring expanded Children's programming in the Kid's Love Comics area on the show room floor!  There is something for everyone! 
 
Saturday, September 7
  
Room 301
  
11:00-12:00 - Tools of The Trade For Comic Writers  

Writer of The C-Listers, Jon Jebus discusses some of the technology he uses to write anywhere, collaborate virtually, keep projects organized, and interact with his audience.
  
12:00-1:00 - Powered by Creators: Bryan J.L. Glass Comes to Dark Horse

Bryan J.L. Glass, known for his Harvey Award-winning series The Mice Templar, unveils his new creator-owned Dark Horse comic! Be the first to learn about this exciting new series!  

1:00-2:00 - Twenty Years of Strangers in Paradise
  
Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise turns 20 this year and you're invited to join the celebration! Join Terry and CBLDF's Charles Brownstein as they discuss the life and times of Katchoo and Francine and Terry's new series, Rachel Rising. This is a panel no fan will want to miss!
  
2:00-3:00 - Usagi Yojimbo Celebration
  
Usagi Yojimbo turns 30 next year, and we're starting the party early! Creator Stan Sakai and editor Diana Schutz talk about bringing the adventures of the rabbit ronin to the page. Plus, Thom Zahler (Love and Capes) discusses designing the Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook celebrating Usagi and David Petersen (Mouse Guard) talks about his contribution to the Yearbook.
   
3:00-4:00 - We Are BOOM!
  
You will not want to miss this jam-packed, inspiring hour as BOOM! Founder & CEO Ross Richie and Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon along with special guest creators reintroduce BOOM! Studios to the world of comics. This won't be your average publisher panel droning on and on through a series of press releases and stale cover images. Find out what makes BOOM! Studios different than every other comic publisher in the market and why 2013 has been a transformative year for us. We are BOOM! Come Innovate With Us.   

4:00-5:00 - The World of Archie
  
Want to know what's up with Archie and the gang? Interested in exciting heroes like The Fox? Can't get enough of Sonic? Then this is the panel for you!
  
5:00-6:00 - CBLDF: Banned Comics!
  
Every year comics are banned in libraries all over the United States; learn how you can fight back! In recent years, comics that have been targeted for bans include all-ages classics like Bone by Jeff Smith and Dragonball by Akira Toriyama, as well as acclaimed books for adult readers like Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and others. Learn more about what comics have been banned and challenged, why comics are banned, and how you can help by being a part of CBLDF's efforts for Banned Books Week!

Room 302-303
  
11:00-12:00 - The British Invasion
   
In the 1980s, a number of British writers and artists started producing work for American comics and brought a new attitude to the stories. That spirit is kept alive today by creators such as Mike Carey (The Unwritten), Paul Jenkins (Deathmatch), and Roger Langridge (Popeye). Join them, and moderator Robert Greenberger, for a lively look at the current state of the British Invasion.
  
12:00-1:00 - A Marvel-ous Panel
  
Some of Marvel's top creators - including Mark Waid, Mark Bagley, and Ed McGuinness - talk about their work for The House of Ideas with moderator Robert Greenberger. Marvel fans- you know you gotta be here! 
  
1:00-2:00 - Spotlight On George Perez
  
Artist and writer George Perez has a career that spans four decades and has the rare distinction of being one of the top creators in the comic book business consistently for the mass majority of his career. His credits are too numerous to list and his contributions to the mythology of Marvel and DC comics are profound and enduring. After over a decade working exclusively with DC Comics, Perez is embarking on a new chapter in his career at BOOM! Studios. Join BOOM! Founder and CEO Ross Richie in a reflection of Mr. Perez's first four decades of work and a discussion of what the future holds for this comic book luminary. Plus be the first to find out what Mr. Perez's new project at BOOM! will be!
  
2:00-3:00 - Valiant Comics: The Road to Unity
  
Join an all-star panel of Valiant insiders for a must-see round of news and announcements about the most talked-about publisher in comics! Featuring creators J.G. Jones (Eternal Warrior), Barry Kitson (Harbinger, Bloodshot), Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar), and Jim Zub (Shadowman), alongside Publisher Fred Pierce and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani, find out everything you need to know about the massive repercussions of UNITY and what's next for Valiant's greatest heroes - only at Baltimore Comic-Con!
  
3:00-5:00 - The Official East Coast Fables Panel

The Official East Coast Fables Panel will feature Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Adam Hughes, Barry Kitson, Chrissie Zullo, and more of the extended Fables family for a whole TWO HOURS. Join them as they discuss the past, present and future of the series, do giveaways and more for the first hour and then go behind-the-scenes and delve inside the construction of a new Fables story in the second hour.
  
5:00-6:00 - IDW Presents: Joe Hill
  
As the Locke family's long ordeal comes to a close with Locke & Key: Alpha, join IDW's VP of Marketing, Dirk Wood, as he moderates a discussion with award-winning author, Joe Hill. Come find out Joe's thoughts on the end of his run on Locke & Key, and his plans for the future! Featuring Q&A, hi-jinx, and tales told in the inimitable Joe Hill style!
  
Room 305
  
12:00-1:00 - CBLDF's Comics on Trial, Part 1-A National Disgrace: Moral Panic and the Birth of the Comics Code 
  
CBLDF proudly debuts Comics on Trial-a new lecture series covering the history of comics censorship and the court cases that changed the medium. In part 1, witness how comics were under attack from the very beginning! Attacks in the popular media gave way to comics burnings in the 1940s. This sparked a wildfire of moral panic culminating with the U.S. government investigating comics before a national audience in 1954 where the face-off between Frederic Wertham and William Gaines changed the medium forever. CBLDF executive director Alex Cox tells the sordid tale.  
  
1:00-2:00 - "Use Your Words (& Pictures)": Cooperative Comics Lessons to Transform
  
Professional Development for Early Childhood Education provides a foundational balance of individual and group achievement. Share and learn ways creating comics together can deliver content and life lessons to your students. An elementary mini-lesson addressing anti-bullying strategies and integrating comics characters will be demonstrated, followed by a hands-on activity, then Q&A for reflection and refinement. Presentation and materials available via email.  
  
2:00-3:00 - Self Publishing: You Can Do It
 
Alpha Girl Comics' Amy Chu and other successful self publishers talk candidly about how they got their first comics off the ground. Be prepared to take notes - we'll talk nuts to bolts about collaboration, print vs. digital, marketing, and importantly, the money stuff.

3:00-4:00 - CBLDF's Comics on Trial, Part 2: Counter Attacks:  How Prosecution of Retailers Changed the History of Comics
 
In 1970, two Manhattan bookstore clerks were arrested and convicted of selling obscene material for Zap #4, featuring work by R. Crumb, Spain, and other underground greats. Later in that decade, convention promoter and high school English teacher Phil Seuling was busted for selling a book in the same series, hastening a chain of events that would create the comics specialty market, where the CBLDF has been defending retailers since 1986. Learn the true story of how retailers have been prosecuted for selling comics and how their struggle changed the face of the medium from CBLDF executive director Alex Cox in the second part of CBLDF's Comics on Trial. Some of the visual material in this presentation may not be appropriate for all audiences.  
  
Room 307-310
  
11:00-12:00 - DC New 52 Panel
Introduced by: DCE Co-Publisher Dan DiDio
Hosted by: DC Comics Editor In Chief Bob Harras
DCE Panelist(s):  Cliff Chiang, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, David Finch, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Robert Venditti

See what DC Entertainment has in store for DC Comics - The New 52 in this panel hosted by DC Comics Editor In Chief Bob Harras and featuring top creators including Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, All-Star Western), Amanda Connor (Harley Quinn), David Finch (Justice League of America, Forever Evil), Ivan Reis (Justice League), Joe Prado (Justice League), and Robert Venditti (Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps). This panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions about your favorite comic books! 

1:00-4:00 - Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Event

Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes have come to Baltimore! Best known for their roles as Jay and Silent Bob in the View Askewniverse films, Smith and Mewes are fan-favorites among comic and movie enthusiasts alike. This special three-hour event includes: A screening of the all-new animated film: Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, and a live podcast Q&A with Kevin and Jason. This private event is available as a separate event ticket which is on sale at the ticket booth (separate from convention admission) and seating is limited. As part of the Baltimore Comic-Con, admission to the show is also required.

Art Auction (Booth #2505)
  
5:00 - Auction of 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook art
  
The art created for the 2013 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook celebrating 30 years of Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo will be auctioned at this special event! Don't miss this opportunity to own original art featuring Stan's characters as depicted by artists including Frank Cho, Brandon Peterson, David Petersen, Michael Golden, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Chrissie Zullo, Mark Texeira, Steve Conley, Thom Zahler, Craig Rousseau, Frank Cho, and many others!

Sunday, September 9

Room 301

11:00-12:00 - Team Cul de Sac

When Richard Thompson, the creator of the comic strip Cul de Sac, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, his friend Chris Sparks began a fundraising effort to honor his friend. With Richard's support, he asked others to donate artwork featuring the Cul de Sac characters for a Team Cul de Sac book with proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research. The resulting book was nominated for four Harvey Awards. How did it do? Come to the panel and Chris Sparks and Mike Rhode will let you know! The fundraising continues as Joe Sutliff talks about the Drink and Draw event from this past Friday and Carolyn Belefski talks about the upcoming Moving Day Parkinson's walk. Any other contributors are welcome to join in on stage. Plus, there will be fun things for sale!   

12:00-1:00 - Spotlight on Ramona Fradon

Ramona Fradon is one of the few major female freelancers of her generation. The legendary artist co-created Metamorpho, and is well known for her art on Aquaman, Plastic Man, Super Friends, and Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy. Join Ramona and moderator Robert Greenberger as they look at her amazing career in comics.   

1:00-2:00 - Color In Comics

A conversation between award winning colorists José Villarrubia (Batman Year 100, King Conan, Sweet Tooth) and Laura Martin (Thor, The Stand, X-Men). They will discuss all aspects of modern comic book coloring: history, industry, aesthetics and techniques. Samples of work will be shown. If you want to learn about color from two of the best professionals in the industry, this is your chance. 

2:00-3:00 - Spotlight on Frank Stack

Frank Stack, sometimes working as Foolbert Sturgeon, is one of the legends of Underground Comix. His book, The New Adventures of Jesus (1962), is considered by some to be the first underground comic. He's also the creator of Dorman's Doggie and has contributed to Rip Off Comics, Snarf, and illustrated Our Cancer Year by Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Frank, along with moderator Denis Kitchen, talk about his life and work.   

Room 302-303

11:00-12:00 - Toy Design: From Paper to Plastic 

Toy sculptor Paul Harding and comic artists Cliff Chiang & Mark Buckingham discuss statue and action figure design from the concept stage to the finished sculpture. How do they approach control art? What do they enjoy most about the process? Do they use traditional or digital media? Stay for a special look at how Paul translates concept art to three dimensional sculptures.
Other guests: TBA 
 
12:00-1:00 - Spotlight on Mike Mignola

The famed creator of Hellboy, the B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, and more, is also known for his work on the Hulk, Batman, and even Rocket Raccoon! Here's your chance to spend an hour with Mike and learn more about his work in comics.  
  
1:00-2:00 - Spotlight On Mike Carey
  
Eisner Award-winning writer Mike Carey's work spans comics, novels, film, and television. Carey made his initial impact in the US comic market with the longest running and most successful SANDMAN-related spinoff series from Vertigo - LUCIFER. Since then he's solidified himself as a nuanced, character-driven creator on other critically-acclaimed Vertigo series such as CROSSING MIDNIGHT and THE UNWRITTEN; while becoming a mainstream fan favorite on series like X-MEN and ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR. This year, Carey launched his first ongoing, original series with from an independent publisher SUICIDE RISK from BOOM! Studios. Join BOOM! Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon as he moderates a lively discussion with Carey about his career, his process, and his inspirations. 
 
2:00-3:00 - IDW: The Big Panel 

Join IDW's VP of Marketing, Dirk Wood, with industry legend Walter Simonson, and a host of special surprise guests! Find out what IDW has planned for the rest of 2013 and beyond! Madcap laughs, Q&A, announcements, prizes, and a guest appearance from a creator you won't believe!
  
3:00-4:00 - CBLDF Presents: Spotlight On Brian Wood 

Since 1997, Brian Wood has been one of the most popular creators in comics, writing, illustrating, or designing comics for almost every major publisher.  He has worked on modern classics as diverse as DMZ, STAR WARS, and NORTHLANDERS, and in almost every genre, including hard sci-fi, historical fiction, horror, and young-adult.  This panel takes a look at his work, starting with CHANNEL ZERO, and up through to current hits such as THE MASSIVE, MARA, and X-MEN.  Moderated by CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox.

Room 305
  
11:00-12:00 - 
Mission in a Bottle: From Honest Tea to a Graphic Novel
  
Join Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman as he discusses Mission in a Bottle, the new graphic novel he co wrote with Barry Nalebuff, illustrated by Sungyoon Choi. Mission in a Bottle is the graphic novel telling the story of the founding of Honest Tea-in addition to being a funny story about two guys learning how to make tea, it's also a business book with insights into making a successful start-up. Goldman will discuss the making of a business book in graphic novel format, using comics to present complex information, how to run a mission driven business in a profit driven world, and keys to successful entrepreneurship. Moderated by The Beat's Heidi MacDonald.

1:00-2:00 - Genderizing Comic Books - Christina L. Blanch and Jeff Barbanell (CAPE)
 
Using comic books to teach about gender may seem unorthodox to some, especially in higher education. However, its usage can make the material less daunting to the students. Students also seem to open up more to discussion when using comic books. In this presentation we will view a selection of the Superman Family of Comics to show how gender is represented and how that can be used to discuss gender roles. With this presentation, seeing comics through the lens of gender, ideas can be garnered to show education how to use comics books to engage students in a subject that most dislike analyzing. 
 
  
Room 307-310
  
1:00-4:00 - Costume Contest sponsored by Stylin' Online! 
  
The fun begins at 1:00 pm! With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don't want to miss! Adult Categories have a $5 entry fee per person. Contest registration at booth #2505.  
  
Kids Love Comics Pavilion (2405)
  
Kids Love Comics Pavilion is brought to you by The Comic Book Diner (comicbookdiner.com) Comics Podcast, all about the business and fun of creating comics and graphic novels; and the Baltimore Comic-Con.
  
SATURDAY
  
Kids Love Comics Spotlight Stage Saturday

11am - Drawing Funny Animals with Mark McKenna
The jungles in Mark McKenna's book Banana-Tail are teeming with monkeys, rhinos, zebras, snakes, hippos, and more. Join Mark as he discusses the creation of Banana-Tail and shows you how he draws all of those funny animals.

12pm - Simple Shapes Make Super Characters with Dave McDonald
Every character in comics and cartoons starts out as a simple shape. Dave McDonald, Award-Winning Cartoonist of Hamster Sam, teaches you the secrets of creating cool characters from simple shapes and telling fun stories.

1pm - Doodle! Scribble! Draw! hosted by Mark Mariano
Join in a frenetic game where you and professional comic artists pit scribbles against one another in a series of improvisational drawing quests. Do you have the courage to doodle silly things for a crowd? Will the crowd have the imagination necessary to help the teams complete the quests and win the Doodle Scribble Draw championship belts?  Art Baltazar (Superman Family Adventures) and Jamie Cosley (Cody the Cavalier) vs. Franco (Superman Family Adventures) and Chris Giarrusso (G-Man)!

2pm - Kids Who Make Comics hosted by John Gallagher with Katie Gallagher and Tyler Cosley
Some kids like to read. Some kids like to draw. Tyler Cosley and Katie Gallagher are two kids that make their own comics! Katie co-wrote Zoey & Ketchup and Tyler is the author/artist of Ninja Squirrel. In this interview you'll learn what it takes to be a comic creator.

3pm - Drawing Dynamic Characters with Chris Schweizer
Chris Schweizer's Crogan's Adventures is an exciting historical fiction graphic novel series. It's overflowing with action, suspense, comedy, and dynamic characters. In this workshop, Chris will demonstrate how he draws his characters to be full of personality and emotion. It's a must see for any aspiring artist.

4pm - Making Comics with Dave Roman
So, you want to draw your own comic? First, you should learn the basics of storytelling. In this fun workshop, the audience will work with New York Times Best-Selling author and creator of Astronaut Academy, Dave Roman, to create a crazy four panel comic.

5pm - Drawing Wrestlers with Jesus Marquez
It's an inside look at the craft of caricaturing as pro wrestling enthusiast, Jesus Marquez, takes the rough and tough wrestlers from the squared-circle to the drawing pad. Come on by and request your favorite superstar! 

6pm - Groove Is In The Art
The forecast is calling for a Jam Drawing with chances of Dance Outbursts in this exciting art experiment. Music can make us happy, make us cry, invoke childhood memories, but what kind of drawings will it inspire? YOU can draw alongside a bunch of guest artists with DJ Chris O>Matic spinning the tunes.


Imagination Station: Comics, Arts, and Crafts Saturday

11:00am - 12:45pm - Wall of Heroes
Draw your own Superhero and add it to our Wall of Heroes!

1:00pm - 2:45pm - Create a Cape
You won't be able to fly and it won't give you super powers, but you can still have fun making your own cape! 

3:00pm - 4:45pm - Make a Mask  The best way to protect your secret identity is to make and wear your own superhero mask!

5:00pm - 6:45pm - Paperbag Puppet Pals
Make a monster! Make a sidekick! Make a strange animal! With a paperbag, crayons, construction paper, glue sticks, and your imagination, your Puppet Pal can be whatever you want!

  
SUNDAY

Kids Love Comics Spotlight Stage Sunday

11am - Making Comic Strips with Dawn Griffin
Do you have a funny idea for a comic strip? Dawn Griffin is the creator of the popular webcomic, Zorphbert & Fred. She'll share her insight on creating comic strips and the audience will work with Dawn to create a comic strip.  
12pm - Drawing Aliens, Robots, and Nature with Steve Conley
The beautiful world of Steve Conley's new book, BLOOP, is full of trees, flowers, lush landscapes, and a splash of aliens and robots. Join Steve as he teaches you how to draw the nature that surrounds us and all the  awesome aspects of BLOOP!

1pm - Drawing Heroic Females and Felines with Mike Maihack
Mike Maihack is the amazing author/artist of the upcoming graphic novel, Cleopatra in Space: Target Practice, from Scholastic/Graphix. In this workshop, Mike will share his technique for drawing super heroines like Supergirl and Batgirl. He'll also be drawing cats, and who doesn't love cats?!

2pm - Doodle! Scribble! Draw! hosted by Mark Mariano
Join in a frenetic game where you and professional comic artists pit your scribbles against one another in a series of improvisational drawing quests. Do you have the courage to doodle silly things for a crowd? And will the crowd have the imagination necessary to help the teams complete the quests and win the Doodle Scribble Draw championship belts? Jason Horn (Ninjasaur) & John Gallagher (Buzzboy) vs. Frank Cammuso (Otto's Orange Day) & Dan Parent (Archie Comics)!

3pm - The Imagination Aquarium with Jamar Nicholas 
Ever find yourself stuck for cartoon ideas? Put on your wetsuit and dive into the IMAGINATION AQUARIUM, where cartoonist Jamar Nicholas will help you catch ideas in your net and create awesome cartoons!

4pm - Groove Is In The Art
The forecast is calling for a Jam Drawing with chances of Dance Outbursts in this exciting art experiment. Music can make us happy, make us cry, invoke childhood memories, but what kind of drawings will it inspire? YOU can draw alongside a bunch of guest artists with DJ Chris O>Matic spinning the tunes.

Imagination Station: Comics, Arts, and Crafts Sunday

11:00am - 12:15pm - Wall of Heroes
Draw your own Superhero and add it to our Wall of Heroes!

12:30pm - 1:45pm - Create a Cape
You won't be able to fly and it won't give you super powers, but you can still have fun making your own cape! 

2:00pm - 3:15pm - Make a Mask
The best way to protect your secret identity is to make and wear your own superhero mask!

3:30pm - 4:45pm - Paperbag Puppet Pals
Make a monster! Make a sidekick! Make a strange animal! With a paperbag, crayons, construction paper, glue sticks, and your imagination, your Puppet Pal can be whatever you want!
 
  
I'll See You In Baltimore 2013
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.