SEAN ASTIN’S POPULAR POLITICAL RADIO SHOW VOX POPULI IS FUNDED FOR A SECOND SEASON, NOW DEVELOPING AN APP TO EXTEND THE SHOW’S REACH AND IMPROVE THE LISTENER’S EXPERIENCE

Astin Gains Support from Political Heavyweights such as Michael Medved and Robert Kennedy Jr, as well as Celebrity endorsement from colleagues Edward James Olmos, Matthew Modine, Skeet Ulrich, and Corey Feldman.  

LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2013) – Popular film and television actor and political enthusiast Sean Astin has announced the second season of his online political radio show Vox Populi: Voice of The ‘Occasionally Interested’ People and is now developing an APP for the show’s listeners.

With just five days to go in his crowdfunding campaign, Sean Astin is pushing hard to finish strong by raising the necessary funds to create a world class app for the show, “At this point, it’s all about the APP. People love helping create something that’s specific and real.” says Astin

Astin, successfully reached his Kickstarter crowdfunding goal of $30,000 and is now well on his way to his final stretch goal.  “It is absolutely clear to me now that the single best way to extend the reach of the show is to offer a complete experience for our listeners with a state-of-the-art app”, says Astin, “This app will allow for real time streaming, live call-in and text participation, as well as the ability to easily search archived episodes by issues and guests.”

"There's nothing that's phony about Sean Astin. What you see is what you get. And that's a tremendously winning quality for talk radio." says Michael Medved, radio talk show host, author and political commentator.

With support from fans and friends alike Sean reached his initial goal in just 15 days. "For everybody that understands freedom of speech, please KickStart Sean!" was the message from Edward James Olmos, actor & activist.  “Crowdfunding is a great litmus test for any project,” Astin said. “It’s a powerful market research tool that help creators determine if there’s enough consumer interest in their project to justify moving forward -- myself included.” Astin’s campaign has raised $35,410 (and growing) from 385 backers, with an average donation of $90. 

The show first launched in May 2012 and has already streamed 31 two-hour episodes over the Internet, brilliantly matching guests with opposing viewpoints. The premise of the show is to use civil discourse to explore often hot-button topics. Astin expertly interviews notable subjects while effortlessly guiding the broader conversation, creating a unique and accessible model for political talk radio. 

“I’ve had to hustle from day one,” Astin commented. “I have literally contacted everyone I know to help drive awareness and donations for my campaign. I believe in it that much.” Astin recently partnered with FilmBreak, an integrated marketing and distribution platform for filmmakers and studios, to assist with strategy, branding and execution of the campaign.

At a recent event hosted by FilmBreak at Cross Campus in Santa Monica, Astin announced a slew of new rewards as well, including by popular demand, a sit-down chat over coffee for $500 (Los Angeles only), or a personal appearance at an event with a one-hour question-and-answer session and another one-hour event photo and autograph session for $10,000. “I know that experiential rewards are really compelling for my fans, and I’m willing to go to bat for my show and for them by offering these kinds of options,” Astin said.

After donating to the project, actor and friend Corey Feldman posted on the campaign page, “Goonies Never Say Die! I got your back!  Now go get ‘em!!”

To Check Out The Rewards and Donate to Vox Populi:
Please Visit http://www.StartTheVox.com

About Sean Astin

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist and producer best known for his film roles as 'Samwise Gamgee' in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, 'Mikey Walsh' in "The Goonies," and the title character of "Rudy." In television, he appeared as 'Lynn McGill' in the fifth season of "24" and currently voices 'Raphael' in the Nickelodeon "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" TV series. Astin is currently in production for the much-anticipated series "The Strain" for FX based on Guillermo del Toro's Novel Series.

'IMAGINE AGENTS' #1 SELLS OUT,
BOOM! STUDIOS RUSHES TO
A SECOND PRINTING

  

   IMAGINE AGENTS #1 Second Printing cover by Bachan

 

October 25,  2013 (Los Angeles, CA) BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that IMAGINE AGENTS #1, one of its newest original series written by Brian Joines (Noble Causes) and illustrated by popular Mexican artist Bachan (El Bulbo, Justice League), has sold out at the distributor level (copies may still be available at the retailer level). The publisher has rushed to a second printing.

The latest in a series of BOOM! Studios originals sell-outs, IMAGINE AGENTS #1 sold through its initial print run within a week of its release. Comic book fans should bear in mind that first printings of IMAGINE AGENTS #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one!

"The overwhelming response to our lineup of original series this year has been astounding," says BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. "IMAGINE AGENTS is the latest in what's turning into a rolling thunder of sold-out first issues for BOOM! originals. I knew Brian Joines and Bachan had delivered something special, but the level of excitement for this series is even greater than I imagined (pun may or may not be intended). This series will put a smile on your face."

WHY WE LOVE IT:  Brian Joines’ story is one of wit, originality, and heart, complemented by imaginative and lovable art by Bachan. 

WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT: Big action and bigger fun in the vein of "Men in Black" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?", with a dash of Chew.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Ever try to wrangle an illiterate, 30-foot tall rock monster away from his five-year-old best friend? Or calm down a 400-pound, muscle-man rag-doll during her daily temper tantrum? For Dave and Terry, it’s all in a day’s work. As agents for I.M.A.G.I.N.E., they are responsible for keeping your imaginary friends in line…

Little do they know that six-year-old Elliot and his best bear-friend, Furdlgurr, are about to be entangled in a plan to change everything!
 

Praise for IMAGINE AGENTS:

"What lies behind that deceptively simple concept is a story that can go from being goofy and over-the-top on one page, to breaking your heart on the next page." - Multiversity Comics

"After reading this issue I am eager to see what Joines and Bachan come up with next, in terms of both plot and crazy awesome new figments, as the book quickly established itself as one of the most unique, imaginative books on the racks." - 9.5 out of 10 - Comicosity

"I really loved the thought and care that was put into this comic." - Geeked Out Nation

“IMAGINE AGENTS is a nice suprise and is further proof that the comic book industry could use more all-ages books.” - 8 out of 10 - Flipgeeks

“Overall this is a beautiful all-ages book, populated with some really inventive creature creations.” - 4 out of 5 - Drunk On Comics

IMAGINE AGENTS #1 second print ships with a striking new cover by Bachan and carries a retail price of $3.99 with a Diamond Code of SEP138034. It is anticipated to be in stores on November 20th, 2013, alongside IMAGINE AGENTS #2.

 

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 was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures 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. In June 2013, BOOM! Studios acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, and other many great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into an exclusive partnership with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of combined titles, and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. 

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES DIGITAL MANGA UPDATES FOR OCTOBER

Eight New Manga Series Launch This Month Along With Updates To More Than 35 Additional Ongoing Series

VIZ Media welcomes Fall with a brand new digital manga update that features more than a dozen new titles on VIZManga.com and available for digital download through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, and also for NOOK tablets and devices.

New manga series debuting this month from VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump and Shonen Jump Advanced imprints include COWA! (one-shot), MUHYO & ROJI’S BUREAU OF SUPERNATUAL INVESTIGATION, NORA: THE LAST CHRONICLE OF DEVILDOM, and YU-GI-OH! MILLENIUM WORLD. From the Shojo Beat comes AISHITERUZE BABY, BOYS OVER FLOWERS, and VOICE OVER: SEIYU ACADEMY. The first volume of the venerable X also debuts in a 3-in-1 edition.

More than 35 additional acclaimed manga series also have new volume debuts. Don’t miss notable multi-volume weekly updates for acclaimed fan favorites such as CASE CLOSED, THE LAW OF UEKI, SKIP BEAT!, TAIL OF THE MOON, WHISTLE!, YU-GI-OH! DUELIST, and YUYU HAKUSHO.

New Titles Available Now Include:

AISHITERUZE BABY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Kippei Katakura is a 17-year-old playboy who spends his time chasing girls, careless of their feelings. But when his 5-year-old cousin Yuzuyu comes to live with his family after her mother's sudden disappearance, Kippei is put in charge of taking care of her. As Kippei gets to know Yuzuyu and starts to understand how she feels, he also begins to realize that all girls were like Yuzuyu once...

COWA! (One-Shot) · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

Paifu, a half-vampire half-werekoala, is always getting into trouble with his best buddy, José the Ghost. But when the Monster Flu sweeps through town, the fun and games are over. If the monsters don't get the medicine soon, everyone will die! With all the adults sick, it's up to the kids to save the day!

MUHYO & ROJI’S BUREAU OF SUPERNATUAL INVESTIGATION, Vols. 1-2 ·

Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Are you a victim of unwanted spirit possession? Is there a ghost you need sent up and away...or down to burn for all eternity? If the answer is yes, then you need Muhyo and Roji, experts in magic law. Serving justice to evil spirits is their specialty.

VOICE OVER: SEIYU ACADEMY Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Hime Kino’s dream is to one day do voice acting like her hero Sakura Aoyama from the Lovely ♥ Blazers anime, and getting accepted to the prestigious Holly Academy’s voice actor department is the first step in the right direction! But Hime’s gruff voice has earned her the scorn of teachers and students alike. Hime will not let that stand unchallenged. She’ll show everyone that she is too a voice acting princess, whether they like it or not!!

X 3-In-1, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · $13.99

Their Destiny Was Foreordained… The fate of the world is at stake in this gorgeously illustrated masterwork from the four-woman artistic team CLAMP! Kamui Shiro is a young man who was born with the power to decide the fate of the Earth itself – a destiny he can barely bring himself to believe. But as other players involved in the prophecy begin to gather around him – the "Seven Seals," with the power to protect the Earth, and the ""Seven Harbingers," who are fated to destroy it – he has no choice but to come to terms with his fate.

New Series Launching October 29^th:

BOYS OVER FLOWERS, Vols. 1-2 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Although Tsukushi Makino is from a poor family, she attends an elite school for the super rich, where her life has become intertwined with the "F4," the ruling boys of the school, in a whirlwind of love and confusion!

NORA: THE LAST CHRONICLE OF DEVILDOM, Vols. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

Nora, an unruly demon, has defied his superiors one too many times. For the sake of his "education," Nora is sent to live among mortals and enters a bond of servitude with cool-as-ice star student Kazuma Magari. Kazuma is about to learn the ways of the underworld... and Nora will learn more from the "real world" than he ever thought possible!

YU-GI-OH! MILLENNIUM WORLD, Vols. 1-2 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

The final saga of the YU GI OH! epic! After many deadly duels, Yugi has collected the three Egyptian God Cards, the key to remembering his own past life as an Egyptian pharaoh. When the cards take Yugi's soul back in time, can he defeat the villains of the past and achieve his ultimate destiny?

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform, registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever.

The platform features a massive library of the most popular manga series in the world, with over 1,500 volumes across more than 160 different series, and new series and volumes added every Tuesday.

All manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application starting from $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) each and readers can also explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

Download the free VIZ Manga App for your Android and iOS devices at www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

###

COWA! © 1997 by BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA Inc.

SEIYU KA! © Maki Minami 2009/HAKUSENSHA,Inc.

A New Tale From A Zombie Classic Deadworld: Restoration The “Grand-Daddy” Of All Zombie Comics Reanimates This December San Diego, CA (October 25, 2013) – IDW Publishing is proud to announce Deadworld the renowned zombie classic will come back to life this December.  Gary Reed and Sami Makkonen, the same creative team that brought us Deadworld: War of the Dead, continue where they last left off and push the story into even darker territory with Deadworld: Restoration. “I’m excited about this series,” said writer Gary Reed, “And the title of the series, Restoration, ties in with a number of different elements within the story.  Yes, some things are restored but it’s not going to be what most people think.” The lepers have been slaughtered, the people who escaped the breeder pits head for the safety of New Washington, and now the zombies are under the control of Donna, the half-human/half-zombie hybrid.  With King Zombie dead, Donna is the leader of the zombies…or is she? Deadworld: War of the Dead was the first Deadworld to be presented in color and won the Ghastly Award as Best Mini-Series of 2012 as well as received the same nominations from the Shel Dorf Awards and the Comic Monsters Awards.  Check out the next chapter to the series described by Talking Comics as “frightening, haunting, gloomy, grave and delectably, mystifying.” Gary Reed is the one of the original writers of the Deadworld series and long time contributor as well as the co-created and writer of the Harvey Award nominee for Best New Series, Baker Street. Sami Makkonen of Eisner Award nominated series Hatter M fame has won the prestigious Sarjis Award in Finland for Best Illustrator and is the artist for IDW’s recently released Ryse: Son of Damocles digital interactive graphic novel

About IDW IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist's Edition imprint. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; and Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

SEX CRIMINALS IS PURE ECSTASY!

Fans can’t get enough of Fraction & Zdarsky's groundbreaking new series - reprints on the way!

Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky are the masterminds behind SEX CRIMINALS, one of the hottest debuts of the year. Image Comics is proud to announce that SEX CRIMINALS #2 has sold out at the distributor level after one day on store shelves, and will be going back to press for a second printing. On top of that, SEX CRIMINALS #1 is going back to press for an earth-shaking third printing to meet reader and retailer demand!   Fraction and Zdarsky's ongoing series about love, lust, and larceny gathered massive critical acclaim with the first issue, and the response to the second issue has been just as thunderous:   "We didn't think Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky's Sex Criminals could possibly get any better than its stellar first issue. We were wrong. Issue #2 builds on the solid foundation established in the first installment and elevates it to something very close to perfection." -Melissa Grey, IGN   "Zdarsky's art beautifully captures those precious moments without feeling crude or obscene - even when taking place in a porn shop." -Tony Guerrero, ComicVine   "If you read Sex Criminals #1 last month you might be asking yourself, “What could be better?” The answer: Sex Criminals #2." -Max Delgado, Unleash the Fanboy   "Hilarious, poignant, and an absolute joy to read, Sex Criminals continues to be a hit." -Jimbus Christ, Bloody Disgusting   "But most importantly, Zdarsky has really put together a great visual style for this book, and the moments where Jon and Suzie find themselves the only ones able to move have a fantastical, dream-like quality to them that looks great." -Matt LeMaire, The MacGuffin   SEX CRIMINALS #2 may still be available in your local comic store while supplies last, and is available digitally on the Image website (imagecomics.com) as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com).   The third printing of SEX CRIMINALS #1 arrives in stores on 11/27, and can be pre-ordered now via Diamond Code SEP138244.   The second printing of SEX CRIMINALS #2 arrives 11/27, can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code SEP138245.    SEX CRIMINALS #3 releases on 11/27 and can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code SEP130638.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS

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

RAT QUEENS #2 TRIUMPHS ITS WAY TO A SECOND SELL-OUT

Fresh new fantasy series sells out two issues in a row, second print coming

RAT QUEENS #2, from writer Kurtis J. Wiebe and artist Roc Upchurch, has sold out at the distributor level after its first day of release! This marks the second consecutive sell-out for Wiebe and Upchurch's tale of rowdy young adventurers, and is a sure sign that fans alike simply can't get enough of this series. In order to meet reader and retailer demand, RAT QUEENS #2 will be going back to press for a second printing. "Rat Queens #2 is another great issue that has a little bit of everything, and anybody should find something to enjoy about it." -John Ernenputsch, Comicosity   "This is a book that feels like it has legs just based on the unique concept alone, but it’s the ability of Wiebe and Upchurch to put pure entertainment on every page and favor strong characters above all else that should make Rat Queens a mainstay on your pull list." -Vince Ostrowski, Multiversity Comics   "[T]his really is one of the most perfect comic books to come out in recent memory. This character-driven tale is outrageously funny, while still having an interesting story that has real substance to it." -Joey Caswell, All-Comic   RAT QUEENS #2 may still be available in your local comic store while supplies last, and is available digitally on the Image Website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, and Android.    The second printing of RAT QUEENS #2 arrives 11/27 can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code SEP138246.    RAT QUEENS #3 also releases on 11/27 and features two covers by Roc Upchurch. Cover A can be pre-ordered now using Diamond Code SEP130629, and Cover B can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code SEP130630.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS

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

New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE
Goes COMIKAZE at Stan Lee’s Pop-Culture Expo

 

Thorpe to Reveal Secrets to Creating Captivating Content on 3 Panels at Comikaze 2013

 

Los Angeles, CA – New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE returns to Stan Lee’s Comikaze, teaming up with her partners from the celebrated web series, “The Ladies and the Gents”, revealing insider secrets for creating high-caliber comedy content for the web. Thorpe will also appear on 2 additional panels at the convention: “The Geekie Awards: An Awards Show By Geeks for Geeks” with event creator Kristen Nedopak; and “Web Series Creation 101—How Do You Build A Guild?” with moderator Katrina Hill.

 

With more than 60 episodes of fan-favorite web series “The Ladies & The Gents” under her creative belt, Thorpe is poised to expose her behind-the-scenes experiences on Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 10:00am in room 303AB on the panel “How to Get 150 Celebs in a Bathroom: Creating Collaborative Comedy for the Web”.

 

The panel brings together the prolific producers, directors and cast from the innovative L.A.-based web series, “The Ladies and The Gents”, to share insights and adventures into developing original comedic content for the web that involved over 150 talents. Moderated by Jo Bozarth (The Ladies, The Further Adventures of Cupid and Eros), Thorpe will be joined by Steven Lekowicz, Robb Padgett, and Tanya Ihnen (Vampire Zombie Werewolf, Life from the Inside); Avi Glijansky (The Further Adventures of Cupid and Eros, The Silverlake Badminton and Adventurers Club); Phil Morris (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Smallville, Justice League-Animated); America Young (BAMF Girls Club, Mask & Cape, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2); and Beth Fisher (Bloom, After Judgment).

 

Premiering to rave reviews and showcased at the Big Screen Little Screen event earlier this year at SAG, “The Ladies & The Gents” explores the shenanigans during ‘one night, one LA club, two restrooms’. (theladiesandthegents.com) Thorpe is thrilled to be part of such an innovative project, explaining: "It was such a delight to work with this team! We created 20 weeks of original content, 60+ episodes, that mix geek humor with slapstick humor and I'm really proud that we were able to provide a forum for 150 web celebs to showcase their scripts & talents."

 

Recently, Thorpe appeared as a judge and nominee at the 1st Annual Geekie Awards. She was proud to have two of her series nominated, including “Shelf Life”, which just finished its 4th season (shelflifeseries.com) and “Night of the Zombie King” (goldtheseries.com), in which she’s a series regular. Thorpe’s artistic spirit was also recently showcased in Cupcake Quarterly Magazine, where she appeared in a vintage costume of her favorite “ElfQuest” character (made by the comic’s creator!). Thorpe also writes the new monthly column “Red Carpet Rundown” for Ms. In The Biz Magazine, offering up ways to rock the red carpet with style and fun while on a budget. (msinthebiz.com)

 

A popular presence in the New Media scene, Thorpe is in demand as an expert panelist & speaker, a host and presenter, a writer & producer, content creator, actress and director. She speaks at events around the country, appearing on numerous panels at Comic-Con, Wonder Con, Emerald City Con, GeekGirlCon and Stan Lee's Comikaze. Thorpe currently holds the film & TV rights to the iconic fantasy franchise, “ElfQuest”, has been nominated twice to the Board of Directors for IAWTV and hosted 4 events for the non-profit organization Celebrate the Web.

 

Where: 

COMIKAZE 2013 – Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA

 

Panel 1:  

How to Get 150 Celebs in a Bathroom: Creating Collaborative Comedy for the Web—Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 10:00am, Room 303AB

 

Panel 2:  

The Geekie Awards: An Awards Show By Geeks for Geeks—Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 2:00pm in Room 303AB

 

Panel 3:  

Web Series Creation 101: How Do You Build A Guild?—Friday, Nov. 1st at 2:00pm in Room 304 ABC

For Information About STEPHANIE THORPE visit: www.TheStephanieThorpe.com

Follow Her on Twitter @thestephthorpe

THE FIFTH BEATLE TO PARTNER WITH ROLLING STONE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

Tenth anniversary issue of Rolling Stone Italy will include Italian version of Brian Epstein graphic novel three weeks prior to official release date

MILWAUKIE, OR, OCTOBER 24– Thanks to a collaboration between Dark Horse Comics and Panini Comics, the world premiere of the long-awaited graphic novel written by Vivek J. Tiwary, drawn by Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker and dedicated to the manager of the Beatles, Brian Epstein, is arriving in Italy. The Fifth Beatle is the latest addition to the prestigious 9L Panini catalogue and will be released in Italy in partnership with Rolling Stone Italy to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the magazine.

With this joint venture between Panini Comics and Rolling Stone, The Fifth Beatle will be first made available at newsstands in Italy at the beginning of November, three weeks before it is released in other territories. A special Italian version of The Fifth Beatle will be sold bundled with the tenth anniversary special edition of Rolling Stone Italy – the Italian version of the most popular music magazine in the world.

The graphic novel chronicles the early years of The Beatles seen through the eyes of the brilliant Brian Epstein, an entrepreneur, but above all a friend of the Fab Four. His tragic and inspiring human story is meticulously reconstructed by Tony Award-winning Broadway  producer, Vivek J. Tiwary (Green Day's "American Idiot", “The Addams Family”, “A Raisin In The Sun”) and is made ​​concrete by the beautiful drawings of Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker. The graphic novel is being adapted into a feature film which will be produced by Tiwary and Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (AMERICAN BEAUTY, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK.) Tiwary will be a Panini Comics special guest at Lucca Comics and Games, an Italian event held in the heart of the Tuscan city from October 31^st until November 3^rd.to present “The Fifth Beatle” to Italian readers and press and give fans an opportunity to meet the author.

“I’ve been researching The Fifth Beatle for more than two decades,” says Tiwary, “it’s a true labor of love! And since Italy is a country passionate about the Beatles, music and graphic novels, I'm simply honored that we are debuting The Fifth Beatle in partnership with Rolling Stone Italy. I could not be happier that our Italian fans will be the first in the world to read The Fifth Beatle and to learn the untold true story of the Beatles manager Brian Epstein. It's a story that I know will inspire them as much as it has inspired me.”

The Fifth Beatle follows the Liverpool quartet from obscurity to the release of Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the album that marked a watershed in the history of rock music and established The Beatles as true cultural icons. But The Fifth Beatle is above all the story of a visionary-- Brian Epstein, the man who, with his intuitions, led the Fab Four to unprecedented international stardom. A life of triumphs and tragedies, ambitions and fears – Epstein suffered to hide his homosexuality from the world – friendship and loneliness, until his premature death at the age of 32. It is a story full of dreams and music, the greatest music of all time 

The Fifth Beatle will be available outside of Italy on November 19^th in a hardcover, oversized library format for $19.99. In addition, both a collector’s edition and limited edition hardcover of this groundbreaking graphic novel will also be available, featuring a wraparound, textured cover and a section of bonus materials including Beatles and Brian Epstein memorabilia, artist sketches, and alternate covers, for $49.99 and $99.99.

“If anyone was the fifth Beatle, it was Brian,” said Paul McCartney in 1999.

Watch the official trailer of The Fifth Beatle at www.FifthBeatle.com

BOOM! STUDIOS ANNOUNCES '2 GUNS' CREATOR STEVEN GRANT'S NEW MINISERIES, 'DECEIVERS'

  

    Cover image by Stephane Roux

 

October 24,  2013 (Los Angeles, CA) In December, BOOM! Studios will debut their newest original series, DECEIVERS, written by Steven Grant (2 GUNS, 3 GUNS) and illustrated by newcomer Jose Holder (INCORRUPTIBLE). It will ship with a main cover by Stephane Roux (Birds of Prey, GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA). A Steven Grant signed incentive cover will also be available for retailers to order.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Everybody loves a good underdog story, and we’re no exception. Make that double for your classic Robin Hood-style “steal from the rich, give to the poor” yarns, and when you couple that with Steven Grant’s (2 GUNS) crackling dialogue and beautiful artwork from Jose Holder? We couldn’t resist!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: DECEIVERS is a globetrotting espionage action/comedy populated by charming, clever characters and thrilling sleight of hand, perfect for fans of films like "Catch Me If You Can" and the "Ocean’s 11" series.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Lincoln McCord and Prince Adony Zaruka are two American con men living abroad in Europe, posing as an oil magnate and the descendant of long-lost royalty in order to live the high life by leeching off the European elite. But when an international thief begins wreaking havoc on their marks, the deceivers are enlisted by a rogue CIA agent to help entrap him.

DECEIVERS #1 will arrive in stores in late December and carries a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code OCT13 0993. It’s also available for order directly from boom-studios.com.

 

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 was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures 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. In June 2013, BOOM! Studios acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, and other many great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into an exclusive partnership with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of combined titles, and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. 

Calico Horses and the Patchwork Trail To Be Released January IDW Publishes Lorraine Turner’s Young Adult Novel   San Diego, CA (October 24, 2013) – IDW Publishing is pleased to announce the January release of the prose novel Calico Horses and the Patchwork Trail by Lorraine Turner.  When the Spirit of Horse speaks to a ten-year-old girl through her dreams and calico patches magically appear as if from nowhere, the residents of Saddlecrest, Nevada have a genuine mystery on their hands. It's the story of how a girl ripped apart by divorce helps the wild mustangs torn from the range. Together they face uncertainties brought on by the decisions of others. When Carrie's mom decides to uproot her from their familiar Jersey Shore surroundings to the dusty deserts of Nevada, the move is as prickly to Carrie as the cactus beside her new home. But something mysterious greets her when she closes her eyes each night—like a winding path, her dreams guide her to the horses of the Calico Mountains. Are her developing psychic abilities bringing visits from horse spirits or is her troubled mind playing tricks on her? Her new friend Milla has nightmares of her own—she's the daughter of a government official known as "The Horse Killer." How can a few children make a difference to the plight of the foals snatched from their homes without warning? Like the tiny patches of cloth that adorn a calico quilt the clues draw them all together. Follow the Calico Horses as they lead us down the trail of adversity to the peaceful pastures found by helping one another. The genesis of this story was born out of Turner’s experiences as a meditation teacher. The author, who is also the Art Director for the Library of American Comics, began to notice strange and usual images during her daily meditations. “My twenty-minute tranquility sessions had me seeming to fly over fields covered in calico fabric that morphed into brown withered crops,” says Lorraine Turner, “As the months went by these became more vivid, showing me mountains and horses covered in tiny flowered scraps of fabric. Each meditation gave me more and more bits of information, which eventually led me to the Calico Horses living by the Calico Mountains in Nevada. It was as if my meditations were guiding me to the true story that needed to be told—of wild horses no longer free, much like the children faced with the decisions brought on by parents as they try their best to move forward in life A portion of all proceeds from this novel will be used to help the horses that are being torn from their freedom.  In support of this project, Turner will be offering art/mediation workshops at various horse sanctuaries around the United States. She has also partnered with the Emmy awarding-winning video team she worked with in her days with the NBA to produce an online video trailer (http://youtu.be/9_5g0QbMoOg). Lorraine Turner is the art director at the Library of American Comics and is a two-time Emmy-winning graphic artist who was a lead designer for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers for ten years, producing print and television graphics, as well as in-game videos. She is an Eisner-nominated designer who has also brought her unique style to projects for top coaches and athletes, and created award-winning bi-lingual children's activity books that were used as templates by NBA teams.

About IDW IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist's Edition imprint. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; and Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

VELVET CRUSHES STORE SHELVES IN AN IMMEDIATE SELL-OUT

Brubaker & Epting show once more why they're a bestselling creative force in their newest spy epic!

Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting, the award-winning and bestselling team behind the smash-hit Captain America: The Death of Captain America and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, have reunited at Image Comics on VELVET, a hard-hitting espionage comic set during the height of the Cold War and international gamesmanship. VELVET #1, debuting today, has sold out at the distributor and will be going back to press for a second printing to meet demand.   The fans have already spoken about this highly-anticipated reunion between Epting and Brubaker, and the press shares their enthusiasm:   "An intoxicating debut, Velvet is required reading for anyone with a fondness for cheap spy novels and period-piece espionage; for everyone comfortable at the dark end of the street." -John Parker, ComicsAlliance   “Velvet #1 is Ed Brubaker doing what he does best: dark, thrillers with a noir vibe. With the help of his Captain America and Winter Soldier artist Steve Epting, Velvet is poised to be a fantastic new book” -Kelly Thompson, Comic Book Resources   "Velvet truly does feel like both of these guys at the top of their game doing a series perfectly crafted to each of their artistic strengths." -Ian Stephen, All-Comic   "Brubaker and Epting have shown us time and time again that they make a fantastic team–you’ve likely seen their excellent Captain America work–but this is truly something else." -Matt LeMaire, The MacGuffin   "Steve Epting's art here is evidence why I'm so fond of him as an artist. He jumps right in and captures the feel of the time period perfectly. Combined with Elizabeth Breitweiser's colors, this book is a visual feast." -Tony Guerrero, ComicVine   "A brilliant start to a series I am over the moon to see on the stands, Velvet #1 is yet another masterpiece waiting to happen from the hands of Brubaker and Epting." -Matthew Santori-Griffith, Comicosity   VELVET #1 may still be on sale at your local retailer while supplies last. In addition, VELVET #1 is available digitally on the Image website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, and Android.    The second printing of VELVET #1 will be in stores on 11/20 and can be pre-ordered now using Diamond Code SEP138207.    VELVET #2 releases on 11/20 and can be pre-ordered now with Diamond Code SEP130646. Retailers should verify their orders on Velvet #2 to meet anticipated demand as the series already has impressed fans and critics worldwide.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS

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