Thursday, December 26, 2013

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: HYRULE HISTORIA IS TOPS FOR 2013!
ZELDA LANDS #6 ON AMAZON’S YEAR-END LIST
December 26, MILWAUKIE, OR—In a monumental year for entertainment, Dark Horse Comics has secured its place in video-game-art history with The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia™, which charted in the top ten as one of 2013’s best-selling books globally. 
In February, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia soared to the top of the Nielsen BookScan charts, making it the #1 book in America.
In addition, the book reached #1 on the Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestseller lists. Dark Horse announced a record print run, with the number continuing to grow as The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia dominated orders in the UK, China, Italy, Spain, and Canada.
“We knew this book was going to be one of the highlights of the year before it even hit catalogs,” said Dark Horse’s president and publisher, Mike Richardson, “but no one could have predicted the unprecedented success and acclaim this book has received. Hyrule Historia has earned a place in the Dark Horse history books!”
This handsome hardcover contains never-before-seen concept art, the full history of Hyrule, the official chronology of the games, and much more! Starting with an insightful introduction by the legendary producer and video-game designer of Donkey Kong™, Mario™, and The Legend of Zelda™, Shigeru Miyamoto, this book is crammed full of information about the storied history of Link™’s adventures from the creators themselves! As a bonus, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia includes an exclusive comic by the foremost creative team of The Legend of Zelda manga—Akira Himekawa!

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is a must-have for any Legend of Zelda fan!

Praise for The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia:

“Perfect for Zelda fans and appealing to gaming historians, Zelda: Hyrule Historia is a shelf worthy piece of non-fiction about a great fiction.”—Newsarama

“With the full gamut of chronology on full display and a nearly ridiculous amount of history and artwork to sift through, this collection is huge and exhausting. It’s also well worth it, as this guide is the only one in its existence that could gather so many facts about such a beloved series and make it as terrific looking as it is.”—EGM Now

Hyrule Historia fulfills on its premise: a history of Hyrule, the wonderful, legendary world we’ve been falling in love with again and again since 1987. If you’re looking for the latest collector’s piece to celebrate your love for the franchise, look no further: Hyrule Historia is it.”—IGN

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is a work of love for all Zelda fans. The creative team really wanted to give something back to the people on the 25th Anniversary of the franchise and with this book they nailed it. With tons of concept art, an official timeline, insight into the creative process, and a wonderful comic, this book is one that any Zelda fan will find worthwhile. If you like Zelda, buy it.”—Weekly Crisis

Look for this highly sought-after release at your local comic shop or bookstore today! Order online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Things From Another World!
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ARCHAIA CASTS A SPELL WITH
'AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY:
WILL O' THE WISP'


 An Aurora Grimeon Story: Will O' the Wisp Cover
  
December 26,  2013 - Los Angeles, CA - Award-winning publisher Archaia Entertainment, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, is thrilled to announce AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O’ THE WISP, an original graphic novel debuting in January. From the creative team of writer Tom Hammock and artist Megan Hutchison (who both work as film production designers) comes an eerie mystery filled with danger, Hoodoo, and murder, and featuring a beautiful package design that includes a diary-like clasp.
“We’re very happy to debut Archaia’s 2014 line of original graphic novels with WILL O’ THE WISP,’ said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “Tom and Megan have created an engaging, supernatural tale complete with a smart protagonist, a spooky setting, and even a pet raccoon named Missy! Combined with Archaia’s high production values, we’re very proud to start the new year with such a beautiful title.”
After her parents’ accidental death by mushroom poisoning, young Aurora Grimeon is sent to live with her estranged grandfather on Ossuary Isle, a fog-covered island of graves set deep in the southern swamps. There she will meet the sinister residents who care for the tombstones and mausoleums, living out their lives by the strange rules of Hoodoo magic. When ghostly things start happening out in the swamp and island residents start disappearing, Aurora thrusts herself into the middle of the mystery, uncovering secrets that might be better left buried!
AN AURORA GRIMEON STORY: WILL O’ THE WISP arrives in comic shops on January 22nd with a cover price of $24.95 under Diamond order code SEP130877. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one! It’s also available for order directly from boom-studios.com.
 
About Archaia Entertainment
Archaia (archaia.com) is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 75 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as MOUSE GUARD, RUST, COW BOY, CURSED PIRATE GIRL, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, and ARTESIA. Archaia has also published an entire line of graphic novels in partnership with The Jim Henson Company, including the multiple award-winning JIM HENSON'S TALE OF SAND and such beloved tales as THE DARK CRYSTAL, THE STORYTELLER, and FRAGGLE ROCK. In addition to its partnership with Henson, Archaia has forged creative partnerships with storytellers in all facets of the entertainment industry, resulting in print and digital expansions of such noted properties as BLEEDOUT and HAWKEN (video games), IMMORTALS and PLANET OF THE APES (film), and SPACE: 1999 (television). Alongside these celebrated titles, Archaia has released English translations of numerous renowned foreign titles to much fanfare, including THE KILLER, Sergio Toppi’s SHARAZ-DE: TALES FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS, and THE SECRET HISTORY. In June 2013, Archaia was acquired by BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com). Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios 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.
One Day Only 12/26!  $3.99 Digital Sale on BETTY BLUES and MADISON SQUARE TRAGEDY
As a holiday gift to you, we've discounted two of our newest titles for one day only for just $3.99 each. It's the perfect opportunity to try out some of the great books that we publish.
MADISON SQUARE TRAGEDY: The Murder of Stanford White by Rick Geary

Stanford White is one of New York’s most famous architects having designed many mansions and the first Madison Square Garden. His influence on New York’s look at the turn of the century was pervasive. As he became popular and in demand, he also became quite self-indulgent. He had a taste for budding young showgirls on Broadway, even setting up a private apartment to entertain them in, including a room with… a red velvet swing. When he meets Evelyn Nesbit, an exquisite young nymph, cover girl, showgirl, inspiration for Charles Dana Gibson’s “The Eternal Question” and for the later movie “The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing,” he knows he’s on to something special. However, Evelyn eventually marries a young Pittsburgh decadent heir with a dark side who develops a deep hatred for White and what he may or may not have done to her, setting up the most scandalous murder of the time.

BETTY BLUES by Renaud Dillies

Little Rice Duck has built himself quite the reputation around the West Wood, playing his trumpet in bars with their smoky, sweaty ambiance, tequila sunrises, and jazz. But between his trumpet and his flame Betty, things are going astray. Betty is drowning her need of him in expensive champagne, something someone else is more than happy to provide... something he'd much prefer, like her, would just stay chilled.

MADISON SQUARE TRAGEDY: The Murder of Stanford White
On sale today at:
BETTY BLUES by Renaud Dillies
Amazon

Tuesday, December 24, 2013



Mark Sheppard to Join PHXCC 2014
Phoenix Comicon is proud to announce that actor Mark Sheppard will be attending Comicon 2014.
Mark Sheppard is is an English actor and musician best known for his roles in the TV series' Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica and Firefly..
“We are very excited to welcome Mark Sheppard and his extensive acting experience to Phoenix Comicon 2014,” says Convention Director Matt Sorberg.
Sheppard became a professional musician at age 15 and enjoyed many years as a recording and touring artist. He recorded albums for many groups throughout Europe and eventually moved to the United States. After some Stage work, Sheppard began his career in Television. His notable roles include the demon Crowley on Supernatural, lawyer Romo Lampkin on the Battlestar Galactica reboot, Interpol investigator James Sterling on Leverage and small-time crime lord Badger on Joss Whedon's Firefly.
For film work, Sheppard has appeared in notable movies, In the Name of the Father, Unstoppable and Megalodon. Currently, you will still continue to see Sheppard on Supernatural. His latest movie, Sons of Liberty is currently in post-production as well.
Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Entering its twelfth year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 65,000 attendees to its June 5-8, 2014 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.
For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.


Don Rosa to Join PHXCC 2014
Phoenix Comicon is proud to announce that comic book artist Don Rosa will be attending Comicon 2014.
Don Rosa is an American  comic book writer and illustrator known for his stories about Scrooge McDuck, Donald Duck and other Disney characters..
“We are super happy to welcome Don Rosa to Phoenix Comicon 2014,” says Marketing Director Jillian Squires.
Rosa's career started in 1969 while still college when he won an award as "best political cartoonist in the nation in a college paper." After working for various newspapers for a number of years, he discovered a Gladstone Publishing comic book in 1986. It was the first American comic book that contained Disney characters since the 1970s. Always interested in Disney characters, Rosa drew his first Donald Duck story, Son of the Sun. Son of the Sun, Rosa's first professional comic story was nominated for a Harvey Award for "Best Story of the Year."
In 1991, Rosa started creating The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, a 12 chapter story about his favorite character. The series was a success, and in 1995 he won an Eisner Award for best continuing series. Rosa is currently happily retired.
Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Entering its twelfth year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 65,000 attendees to its June 5-8, 2014 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.
For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.


Mark Bagley to Join PHXCC 2014
Phoenix Comicon is proud to announce that comic book artist Mark Bagley will be attending Comicon 2014.
Mark Bagley is an American comic book artist known for his work with popular Marvel Comics and DC Comics titles.
“We are very excited to welcome Mark Bagley and his years of comic book artist experience to Phoenix Comicon 2014,” says Convention Director Matt Sorberg.
Bagley got his start in the comics industry in 1983 after finishing first place at the Marvel Try-out Book competition. After some work with Marvel, he was assigned to the new teenage superhero series, New Warriors in 1990. From there, Bagley became penciller for Spider-Man's flagship title, The Amazing Spider-Man. He would go on to be considered the definitive Spider-Man artist of the mid-1990's.
In 2000, Bagley was assigned to Ultimate Spider-Man and would enjoy the longest continuous run of any creative team on a mainstream Marvel superhero comic. This would help him earn recognition in Wizard Magazine's top ten artists of the 00's. In 2008, Bagley signed an exclusive deal with DC Comics and worked on notable titles Batman and Justice League of America. Bagley is currently back at Marvel Comics and has taken over penciling duties on Fantastic Four.
Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Entering its twelfth year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 65,000 attendees to its June 5-8, 2014 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.
For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.


Patrick Rothfuss to Join PHXCC 2014
Phoenix Comicon is proud to announce that author Patrick Rothfuss will be attending Comicon 2014.
Patrick Rothfuss is an American fantasy writer best known for the series The Kingkiller Chronicle.
Marketing Director Jillian Squires says that, “We are very please to welcome Patrick Rothfuss and his fans to Phoenix Comicon 2014.”
In 2007, Rothfuss published The Name of the Wind, which is the first part of the projected three-part The Kingkiller Chronicle series. The second part of the series,The Wise Man's Fear was published in 2011. The Name of the Wind was name one of the "Best Books of the Year" for Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror in 2007 by Publishers Weekly. Rothfuss has also been a #1 The New York Times Best Seller as well.
In addition to writing, Rothfuss has also been a college lecturer at his alma mater, the Unviversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The third part of The Kingkiller Chronicle, The Doors of Stone is currently in progress now.
Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Entering its twelfth year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 65,000 attendees to its June 5-8, 2014 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.
For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.

Monday, December 23, 2013

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES AN ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL FROM NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHORS MATT KINDT AND BRIAN HURTT!


MILWAUKIE, OR, DECEMBER 23—Matt Kindt, the award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of MIND MGMT and Red Handed, and Brian Hurtt, the award-winning, New York Times best-selling artist of The Sixth Gun and The Damned, are soon to publish Poppy! and the Lost Lagoon, the first in a new graphic novel series for children. The book follows the story of Poppy Pepperton, a ten-year-old girl with a typographic memory who goes on globe-spanning adventures with her sidekick Colt Winchester (who thinks he’s her legal guardian). Publishers Weekly announced last week that Poppy! and the Lost Lagoon will be published in 2015 by Dark Horse Comics.
  
When Poppy is summoned by Ramses MV, a reincarnated Egyptian king now cursed to remain in his lavish Manhattan penthouse (long story), she knows to expect something strange. Ramses doesn’t disappoint! He shows her Mummy Mouth, a shrunken mummy head that speaks a riddle once a year. Mummy Mouth gives her a clue that sends Poppy, Colt, and Ramses’s cat Krums to Old Macadamia to investigate the Lost Lagoon and an ancient civilization that lived on the back of a gigantipus (a giant octopus). Along the way she will find mysteries, adventures, friends, and family in the unlikeliest of ways. But a sinister robot is dogging their steps—is it programmed to help them or to stop them from learning an ancient secret?
  
It’s been so exciting to see Matt thrive at Dark Horse, and I’m thrilled that he’s continuing that relationship with Poppy! and the Lost Lagoon,” said Dark Horse editor Brendan Wright. “He and Brian are bringing just the right light touch and level of imaginative detail to make a truly fun children’s book. It’s hard to believe this is their first graphic novel in the genre!”

Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson has acquired world English rights from Charlie Olsen of InkWell Management.

Matt Kindt is the New York Times best-selling and Harvey Award–winning writer and artist of the comics and graphic novels MIND MGMTRed HandedRevolver3 StorySuper Spy2 Sisters, and Pistolwhip. Brian Hurtt is the New York Times best-selling artist of the hit fantasy-western series The Sixth Gun. He burst onto the comic scene with the second arc in Greg Rucka’s critically acclaimed series Queen & Country and has since worked on the Queen & Country spinoff DeclassifiedSkinwalker, and DC’s critically acclaimed Gotham Central, as well as the DC series Hard Time and The Damned. Both authors live and work in the St. Louis metro area.
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GLOBAL YAOI MANGA PUBLISHER SuBLime LAUNCHES EXTENSIVE DIGITAL YAOI MANGA CATALOG ON
AMAZON KINDLE STORE

North America’s Most Diverse Digital Yaoi Manga Collection Is Now Available For The World’s Best-selling e-Reader!

San Francisco, CA, December 23, 2013 SuBLime, the global yaoi manga publishing initiative between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), has announced the launch of its extensive manga (graphic novel) catalog for Amazon Kindle devices, including Kindle Fire tablets and the new Kindle Paperwhite. Global users of the world’s best-selling e-reader already have instant access via the Amazon Kindle Store to 53 titles by some of the top creators in the yaoi genre. 

Volumes are generally available for purchase and immediate download directly from the Kindle Store for $5.99 (U.S. / CAN) each (subject to Amazon’s own discount). Individual volumes are generally rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers. New series debuts and updates for ongoing titles will be added regularly as part of SuBLime’s regular digital release schedule throughout 2014.

Among the many SuBLime digital releases in the Kindle Store that are sure to capture the attention of fans are several highly acclaimed titles such as AWKWARD SILENCE, by Hinako Takanaga, EMBRACING LOVE, by Youka Nitta, DEVIL’S HONEY, by Isaku Natsume, OKU-SAN’S DAILY FANTASIES, by Noboru Takatsuki, and TABLEAU NUMÉRO 20, by est em, in addition to many more. Please visit the Amazon Kindle Store for a complete list of launch titles. 

“The launch of the SuBLime catalog on the Amazon Kindle Store arrives just in time for the holidays and gives readers a new way to enjoy a diverse selection of fun and sexy yaoi manga with the crisp resolution, compact portability, and affordability the Kindle devices are renowned for,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “We look forward to expanding our catalog substantially in the coming year and to utilizing the Kindle Store to deliver even more of the best the yaoi genre has to offer!”

The SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com will also continue to offer downloadable PDFs for each title that are interoperable with all Kindle devices, with no region restrictions.

For more information on SuBLime’s print and digital titles, please visit www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga, Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga, or Tumblr at sublimemanga.tumblr.com.

For more information on Amazon Kindle devices, please visit https://kindle.amazon.com.


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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EmbracingLove-2in1-GN01Comp
EMBRACING LOVE: 
© 2012 Youka Nitta/Libre Publishing


TableauNumero20Comp

TABLEAU NUMERO 20: 
© 2009 Esutoemu/LibrePublishing
'DAY MEN' #2 SELLS OUT,
BOOM! STUDIOS RUSHES TO
A SECOND PRINTING


  DAY MEN #2 2nd Printing Cover
   DAY MEN #2 Second Printing cover by Brian Stelfreeze

December 23,  2013 (Los Angeles, CA) - BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that DAY MEN #2, the critically acclaimed vampire noir series from writers Matt Gagnon (FREELANCERS) and Michael Alan Nelson (SUPERGIRL, HEXED) and featuring Brian Stelfreeze’s (WEDNESDAY COMICS) first sequential storytelling work since 2005, has sold out at the distributor level. This follows the quick sellout of the first printing of issue #1. The publisher has rushed to a second printing.
DAY MEN is the latest BOOM! Studios original series to see success beyond the first issue. Comic book fans should bear in mind that first printings of DAY MEN #2 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!
“I couldn’t be more grateful and appreciative to the comic book industry for embracing this series like it has,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief and DAY MEN writer Matt Gagnon. “We love telling these stories. From all of us on DAY MEN—and at BOOM!—thanks for your overwhelming support.”    
For thousands of years, the world has been controlled by the “50 Families”—a secret network of vampire covens engaged in a timeless struggle for power. But when the sun rises, the vampires are forced to employ the services of a human who acts as their daytime fixer and protector. Trained for centuries to be the mortal soldiers of their vampire employers, the Day Men go forth at sunrise, alone into the world, to do the bidding of their sleeping benefactors.
In issue #2: Virgo Family Day Man David Reid is not having a good day. A full-blown war has erupted between the Virgo and Ramses families, and David is left to pick up the pieces while his vampire employers sleep. But with the Ramses’ legendary Day Man Jacob the Burner on his tail, will David even make it to sundown?
 
Praise for DAY MEN #2:
“…DAY MEN has a lot of potential and exceeds initial expectations. Matt Gagnon and Michael Alan Nelson write a great multidimensional plot that balances well with Brian Stelfreeze’s detailed artwork. DAY MEN is a great read for any vampire fan.” - Major Spoilers
“This book is a perfect example of how the script and the art working together can make for some pretty magical storytelling.” - Comic Bastards
“There isn’t one panel that won’t just ‘wow’ you, whether it’s filled with attack dogs defending a distillery or a Virgo family meeting. Between Stelfreeze’s pencils and Darrin Moore’s colors you will be hard pressed to find a book that looks better than this.” - Comic Attack

DAY MEN #2 second print ships with a new cover by Brian Stelfreeze and carries a retail price of $3.99 with a Diamond Code of NOV138111. It is anticipated to be in stores on January 15, 2014.
 
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.