THE WORLD’S GREATEST ASSASSIN IS ABOUT TO GET PULLED OUT OF RETIREMENT IN SEXCASTLE
Early extended preview of the original graphic novel that Matt Fraction calls “a perfect mix of homage and comedy” revealed

“Sexcastle is a perfect mix of homage and comedy, action and irony, loving tribute and hilarious send-up of the great, good, and ungodly-bad action movies of the ‘80s. I don’t remember the last time a debut book hit me this hard. Literally, this book punched me in the face. It’s THAT mean.” —Matt Fraction

In this original graphic novel by Kyle Starks, the World’s Greatest Assassin has left the world of killing and moved to a small rural town—only to be pulled back into the field in SEXCASTLE—an original graphic novel from Image Comics on March 18, 2015. Image Comics is pleased to provide an early extended preview of the book here.

"I was raised on '80s action movies, romanced by the genre: the big action, tough guy dialogue, ridiculous situations and fantastic villains,” said Starks. “I just wanted to make the best possible comic using that language and I'm excited to share it with as many people as I can.”

SEXCASTLE (ISBN: 978-1-63215-300-5) is an exciting and hilarious action romp in the style of classic '80s action films and in the vein of Grosse Pointe Blank. It will hit shelves March 18. It can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code JAN150621.

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.

WRECK THE HALLS WITH GODZILLA!!!!

EL REY NETWORK STORMS THE HOLIDAYS WITH A “KAIJU CHRISTMAS” MARATHON FEATURING OVER 48 HOURS OF THE ICONIC GODZILLA FILMS

BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 AT 6 PM ET

Join El Rey Network for a “Kaiju Christmas” marathon that brings you over 48 hours of giant monster mania featuring the original King of the Monsters, Godzilla.  El Rey Network is celebrating the iconic fire-breather with a mega marathon that befits this behemoth’s pop culture impact.  The Godzilla marathon stomps into homes with the original film that started it all,  “Gojira” on Wednesday, December 24 at 6 PM ET and culminates with “Godzilla VS. Biollante” on Saturday, December 27 at 3:45 AM ET.  

The “Kaiju Christmas” Godzilla films will air in the following order:

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24

“Gojira” at 6 PM ET

In the very first Godzilla film a 400-foot-tall mutant dinosaur called Gojira, awakened from the depths of the sea, becomes a rampaging nuclear nightmare, complete with glowing dorsal fins and fiery, radioactive breath. Crushing ships, villages, and buildings in his wake, Gojira marches toward Tokyo.

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” at 8:15PM ET

American reporter Steve Martin witnesses a 400-foot amphibious monster, brought back to life by underwater nuclear testing, go on a rampage through Tokyo.

“Rodan” at 10:15 PM ET

A giant pterodactyl whose wings create massive, destructive winds as it flies by makes its way to Japan.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 25

“Ghidorrah: The Three Headed Monster” at 12:00 AM ET

The citizens of Tokyo are subjected to an ill-tempered atomic mutant: the triple-headed Ghidrah, who breathes electric volts in all directions.

“Godzilla Raids Again” at 2:00 AM ET

Tsukioka and Kobayashi fly scout planes for a small fishing fleet, based in Osaka. A mechanical problem forces Kobayashi to set his plane down on remote Iwato island, and as he and Tsukioka are trying to make repairs, they are drawn to the sound of a horrendous conflagration and discover two enormous dinosaurs battling each other amid the snowy wastes of the island. 

“Godzilla vs. Monster Zero” at 3:45 AM ET

Following discovery of the mysterious Planet X in our solar system, a joint U.S./Japanese space exploratory mission is organized. The explorers discover aliens who claim their planet has been under constant attack from the powerful Monster Zero. 

“Godzilla vs. Mothra” at 6:00 AM ET

A battle royale between two of Japan's most dangerous threats.

“Godzilla’s Revenge” at 8:00 AM ET

A precocious little boy has real-life traumas including harassment by bullies and kidnapping by a gang of bank robbers. He escapes these dilemmas mainly by taking frequent naps, during which he dreams of journeys to Monster Island to partake in Godzilla's exploits.

“Terror of Mechagodzilla” at 9:45 AM ET

A race of malevolent aliens bent on world domination unleash the ultimate weapon of destruction on mankind, leaving them with no hope for survival but the power of the mighty Godzilla. 

“Godzilla vs. Biollante” at 11:45 AM ET

After rising from his volcanic grave, Godzilla is threatened by a mutated rosebush.

“Gojira” at 2:15 AM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” at 4:30 PM ET

[See description above]

“Rodan” at 6:30 PM ET

[See description above]

“Ghidorrah: The Three Headed Monster” at 8:15 PM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla Raids Again” at 10:15 PM ET

[See description above]

FRIDAY DECEMBER 26^th

“Godzilla vs. Monster Zero” at 12:00 AM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla vs. Mothra” at 2:15 AM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla’s Revenge” at 4:15 AM ET

[See description above]

“Terror of Mechagodzilla” at 6:00 AM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla vs. Biollante” at 7:45 AM ET

[See description above]

“Gojira” at 10:15 AM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” at 12:30 PM ET

[See description above]

“Rodan” at 2:15 PM ET

[See description above]

“Ghidorrah: The Three Headed Monster” at 4:00 PM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla Raids Again” at 6:00 PM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla vs. Monster Zero” at 7:45 PM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla vs. Mothra” at 10:00 PM ET

[See description above]

SATURDAY DECEMBER 27^th

“Godzillas Revenge” at 12:00 AM ET

[See description above]

“Terror of Mechagodzilla” at 1:45 AM ET

[See description above]

“Godzilla vs. Biollante” at 3:30 AM ET

[See description above]

To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at http://bit.ly/ElReyChannelfinder

About El Rey Network

El Rey Network is a new 24-hour English language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective, the network unites the most culturally diverse generation in history through fearless, badass and original content that awakens the renegade in everyone. The network's action-packed content is anchored by original signature dramas, feature films, grindhouse genre, cult classic action, and horror/sci-fi. El Rey Network LLC (www.elreynetwork.com) is jointly owned by Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures with a minority stake held by Univision Networks & Studios, Inc.

THE ART OF HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE™ LIMITED EDITION HAS THE POWER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milwaukie, OR – Just in time for fans’ holiday wish lists, Dark Horse and Mattel announce that the biggest art book of 2015 - The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - will receive a limited edition release. Restricted to 4,000 copies, The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Limited Edition comes packaged in a deluxe Castle Grayskull slipcase, with an exclusive foil embossed cover and portfolio print, coming in at just under 400 pages with commentary written by Tim & Steve Seeley. In 1982, the world was introduced to He-Man® and Masters of the Universe®. What followed was a cultural sensation that changed the landscape of children’s entertainment forever! Join Mattel and Dark Horse in this comprehensive retrospective chronicling the decades-long epic journey of He-Man from toy, to television, to film, to a true pop culture phenomenon! The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe includes rarely seen images of concept sketches, prototypes, and more from Mattel’s archives. Featuring beautifully restored art from master illustrator Earl Norem—celebrated artist of the most memorable He-Man images, interviews with Dolph Lundgren, Paul Dini, Erika Scheimer, and many more! The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Limited Edition is on sale in comic shops April 15th and April 28th in bookstores.  Pre-order your copy today from these fine retailers: Think Geek PopCultcha Big Bad Toy Store Forbidden Planet TFAW Dark Horse Booth at 2015 Conventions ### About Dark Horse Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, uch as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material. HE-MAN, MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE and associated trademarks and copyrights are owned by, and used under license from Mattel.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Art of He Man and the Masters of the Universe HC

Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con Attendees To Receive 'The Walking Dead #1' Limited Edition Exclusive Variant Cover By Michael Cho, January 9-11

Cartoonist/Illustrator To Draw First Cover In 2015 Series At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center For Full-Price Attendees; VIP Fans Get Additional B&W Sketch Cover At Registration

NEW ORLEANS, December 22, 2014 – Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Skybound, Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, today announced that cartoonist/illustrator Michael Cho will draw the first in a yearlong series of Limited Edition Exclusive Variant Covers of The Walking Dead #1 comic, to be provided free to all full-price attendees at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, January 9-11. Skybound’s The Walking Dead created by Kirkman, the groundbreaking, Eisner Award winning comic book series, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The exclusive The Walking Dead #1 edition will be produced in extremely limited quantities and is available at registration to fans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center only while supplies last. VIP attendees will receive an additional black & white sketch version of the comic.

Cho, based in Toronto, has drawn covers and stories for books like “Batman Black and White,” “Age of the Sentry” and “X-Men First Class” for Marvel and DC. His comic story “Trinity” was selected by editor Neil Gaiman for the Best American Comics anthology in 2010 and he’s won a few other awards and nominations for his comic work. Michael has also put out an art book of his drawings, “Back Alleys and Urban Landscapes” with Drawn & Quarterly and his latest graphic novel “Shoplifter” from Pantheon Books debuted in September.

“Michael Cho is an excellent choice to debut the 2015 The Walking Dead #1 exclusive variant cover series with Wizard World,” said Kirkman. “His interpretation sets a strong example for the quality fans can expect throughout 2015.”

“Wizard World is proud to be working with an artist as accomplished as Michael Cho on the first book in the series,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO and President. “With Season 5 of The Walking Dead in full swing, the franchise is more popular than ever at Wizard World shows, and Michael's work is a great start to the highly collectible series.”

The artists for future books will be announced as they are selected. A similar series in 2013 featuring exclusives of The Walking Dead #1 proved to be wildly popular with fans. The full schedule of 2015 Wizard World shows is available at www.wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.

Stars of “The Walking Dead” TV series scheduled to attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con include Norman Reedus, Michael Cudlitz, Sarah Wayne Callies, Scott Wilson, Michael Rooker and Andrew J. West. Other top celebrities on hand include Ian Somerhalder and Paul Welsey (“The Vampire Diaries”), Tom Felton (Harry Potter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Brett Dalton (“Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Kevin Conroy (“Batman, The Animated Series,” “Justice League”) and WWE® Divas The Bella Twins™.

In addition to Cho, Artist Alley at New Orleans Comic Con will feature Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Impulse”), Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Billy Martin (keyboardist, “Good Charlotte,” artist, Disney), Mark Bagley (“Fantastic Four,” “JLA”), Pasqual Ferry (“Wolverine,” “X-Men”), David Baldeón (“The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wolverine”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Ken Kelly (KISS Album Covers, “Micronauts”) and many others.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con show hours are Friday, January 9, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, January 10, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, January 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more on the 2015 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://wizd.me/NewOrleansPR.

About Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman is the creator of many popular comic books, including the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, and the new exorcism comic, Outcast which was released in June 2014 and recently received a pilot pickup for CINEMAX with Fox International.

Since entering the comics scene with his self-published cult-hit Battle Pope in 2000, the Kentucky native has risen to fame as one of the most successful names in comics and entertainment. In 2008, Kirkman became a partner at Image Comics, and in 2010, he opened Skybound, his own imprint at Image, which publishes his titles as well as other original work.

That same year, Kirkman continued to expand his presence in the entertainment industry, becoming a creator, executive producer and writer on The Walking Dead television show. The show is in production on its fifth season and has become the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time. To date The Walking Dead is the #1 on television among the coveted 18-49 demo.

Kirkman is also slated to executive produce AMC’s upcoming The Walking Dead companion series.

Under the Skybound Entertainment umbrella Kirkman wrapped production on his first feature film, Air, starring The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus and Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.

About Skybound Entertainment

Since opening its doors in 2010, Skybound Entertainment has grown into a multiplatform entertainment company. Skybound CEO Robert Kirkman is creator of the award-winning The Walking Dead comic book series, the inspiration for the hit TV show of the same name where he serves as creator and executive producer. To date The Walking Dead is the #1 on television among the coveted 18-49 demo.

Skybound Entertainment and Kirkman just wrapped production on their first feature film, Air, starring The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus and Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou. The film is slated to be released in the spring of 2015.

Skybound released Kirkman’s new exorcism comic, Outcast, in June 2014 which recently got the green light for a television pilot with CINEMAX and Fox International. Kirkman will serve as creator and executive producer of the series.

Skybound Entertainment and digital entertainment company Maker Studios recently announced a deal for the studio to produce and air four digital series based off Skybound IPs.

Comic book titles published by Skybound include The Walking Dead, the superhero-comic Invincible, all-ages comic Super Dinosaur, the revenge drama Dead Body Road, and heist comic Thief of Thieves.

Skybound also creates a wide range of merchandise, including video games, apparel, board games, and action figures.

For more information, please visit Skybound online at www.skybound.com and www.thewalkingdead.com.

About Wizard World

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World also produces socialcon featuring social media stars and will be launching ConTV, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM).

Wizard World 2015 schedule available at: http://wizd.me/PRSchedule2015.

Image Comics:
The Best of 2014

Independent publishers’ titles dominate
end-of-the-year lists

Image Comics congratulates its creators on the inclusion of their titles on an overwhelming number of taste-making media outlets’ “Best of 2014” lists. After a banner year of sold-out series launches, bestsellers, and awards galore, we are pleased and proud to see the hard work and passion the writers and artists who create ground-breaking comics continues to be recognized. Here are a few of those best-of lists: NPR Best Books of 2014  SEX CRIMINALS VOLUME 1: ONE WEIRD TRICK by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky — “Sex Criminals bubbles over with joyous energy.” RAT QUEENS VOLUME 1: SASS AND SORCERY by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch — “The Rat Queens are the very best kind of strong female characters. Their flaws are believable, their friendships are solid (if liberally peppered with expletives) and they can rid your town of trolls — for a hefty price, of course.” FATALE DELUXE EDITION VOLUME 1 by Ed Brubaker and Sean P. Phillips — “Josephine is an irresistible cipher trapped by her own seductive web, and the H.P. Lovecraft-inspired baddies incite real shivers.” PRETTY DEADLY VOLUME 1: THE SHRIKE by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Ríos —  “The art alternates scratchy chaos and arresting tableaux, and the crisscrossing stories, built on other stories and folded within yet more stories, become a dream-logic commentary on the West's construction of its own mythology.” The Washington Post Best of 2014: Top 10 Graphic Novels SAGA DELUXE HARDCOVER BOOK ONE by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples — “World-class talent teams up to create this galactic adventure that is comics’ best space opus of our time.” The A.V. Club The Best Comics of 2014: Ongoing and special series     ALEX + ADA by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna — “...the patient world-building and careful character exposition—backed by Luna’s confident track record—promise an enjoyable slow burn for however long the series lasts.” MANIFEST DESTINY by Chris Dingess and Matthew Roberts — “It offers all the ensemble drama of Robert Kirkman’s title with a less claustrophobic atmosphere, exploring the sweeping landscape of the American frontier by detailing Lewis and Clark’s Western expedition.” SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples — “Saga is truly a title where anything and everything is possible” SAVAGE DRAGON by Erik Larsen — “Years pass, stories come and go, and even the main characters change, but Larsen’s 22-year epic keeps on rolling.” SEX CRIMINALS by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky — “this creative team has brought more depth to their high concept by exploring the dark side of this sexy situation.”  SHUTTER by Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca — “Writer Joe Keatinge builds an engaging narrative as he explores Kate’s secret family history and the way it upends her life, but the main attraction of this series is the superb artwork by Leila Del Duca and colorist Owen Gieni, who realize this extraordinary setting in impeccable detail.” SOUTHERN BASTARDS by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour — “The team does exceptional work creating an atmosphere that combines down-home Southern charm with a pervasive sense of menace, and the juxtaposition of these two elements is what gives Southern Bastards its inimitable attitude.” THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie — “In the year 2014 there is nothing more interesting for the gods and goddesses of ancient myth than to be pop stars, so that’s what they do.” ZERO by Ales Kot et al — “The book is constantly evolving, and Kot’s decision to work with a new artist every month has brought astounding depth and personality to the series’ visuals as the story ventures deeper into Edward Zero’s psyche.” Mother Jones The Best books of 2014 SAGA DELUXE HARDCOVER BOOK ONE by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples — “...readers with fortitude will love Saga for its arch dialogue, exhilarating plot, and, above all, exquisite art: Fiona Staples imagines alien races of soldiers, journalists, bounty hunters, and baby nannies with staggering visual inventiveness. There are nights when I pull Saga off the shelf just to stare at it.” Vulture The 10 Best Comics Series of 2014  RAT QUEENS by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch (#7) — This “sword-and-sorcery tale about a band of lady adventurers is probably the most gleefully foulmouthed series on stands today, and the world is better for it.” THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie (#6) — “Every once in a while, the comics industry produces a series that is truly, effortlessly hip…. The dialogue is as slick as the art, and the tale is as outlandish as it is readable.” SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (#3) — “Vaughan and Staples really outdid themselves this year. Their story of a family caught in the middle of an intergalactic war has never been funnier or more heartfelt…” Vox.com The Best Comic of 2014 THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie — “...a jewel of a comic from writer Kieron Gillen, a deeply talented creator of charming, gritty characters and familiar yet intriguing comic book worlds. Artist Jamie McKelvie, Gillen's partner in crime for past comics like Phonogram and Young Avengers, gives Gillen's cutting prose beautiful life.” Paste Magazine The 25 Best Comics of 2014 DEADLY CLASS by Rick Remender and Wes Craig (#25) — “Remender’s accounts of homelessness and LSD overload resonate with authenticity.” PRETTY DEADLY (#22) by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Ríos — “Art and story alike refute our expectations, making Pretty Deadly feel less like a western than a new myth.” PROPHET (#19) by Brandon Graham, Simon Roy, et al — “...think of the VHS box art to every grindhouse sci-fi movie in the ‘70s and ’80s. If all of those movies accurately reflected the air-brushed, hyper-imaginative splendor hinted at in their cover, and merged into a giant 100-hour epic directed by Moebius, it would probably look something like Prophet.” BLACK SCIENCE by Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera (#15) — “Black Science is vintage sci-fi wrung through a punk rock meat grinder.” SOUTHERN BASTARDS by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour (#10) — “Any worthwhile Southern lit gets compared to Faulkner or O’Connor or McCullers, and even though the violence is at the forefront of Southern Bastards, the sadness and the pain of the South lies almost visible just underneath. It’s a story of the South — it’s the story of the South.” EAST OF WEST by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta  (#8) — “...it’s equally (and wonderfully) over-the-top and human, with briefly-encountered ideas that could sustain a series on their own.”  SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (#2) — “...few ongoing comics thoroughly hold readers in such rapt attention, dying to get their hands on the next installment.” SEX CRIMINALS by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky (#1) — “I wouldn’t trust most comic creators to turn a sexual awakening into compelling pulp fiction, but Fraction and Zdarsky pull it off masterfully.” Mental Floss The 25 Most Interesting Comics of 2014   ALEX + ADA by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna (#25) — “...an engaging examination of what it means to be human and free at a time when true artificial intelligence seems just around the corner.” STRAY BULLETS: KILLERS by David Lapham (#14) — “When it first started, the crime genre was all but nonexistent in comics, but today there are a lot to choose from (many influenced by Stray Bullets), yet Lapham is proving he’s still the best.” SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (#8) — “With daring content full of graphic sex (often involving robots) and brutal violence, it’s been one of the most addicting monthly reads out there.”  SEX CRIMINALS by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky (#5) — “There is no other comic out there quite like Sex Criminals. After its strong debut last year, it now qualifies as a phenomenon with sales big enough to make it a career-defining book for its two creators.”   What Culture 10 Best Comics of 2014 SEX CRIMINALS by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky (#8) — “Despite having such a ludicrous, high concept premise – and the pair definitely go whole hog with that, Zdarsky filling porn shops with dirty punning titles and the first issues list of made up sexual positions being particular highlights – the series frequently touches upon serious issues of sexuality.”  SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (#5) — “Warmly written and beautifully drawn, Saga is nonetheless a rollercoaster of smart but heartbreaking plot twists, with Vaughan frequently dangling the most monstrous of cliffhangers. Cosmic family drama with ghostly babysitters and gorgeous people – comic books are pretty great.” THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie (#1) — “The Wicked + The Divine has more than delivered as a magical thriller that comments on the relationship between art and fandom, features some amazing pop art visuals from McKelvie (not to mention some fierce wardrobe choices), and generally is easily the most engaging comic book of the year.” Multiversity Comics Best New Series   SHUTTER by Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca (#4) — “By the time you were done with that first issue, you didn’t want to just read about this story and its world. You wanted to live in it.” DEADLY CLASS by Rick Remender and Wes Craig (#3) — “This is a comic about stray kids who, in the absence of blood relatives, have cobbled together a new family. Deadly Class feels like Remender’s most personal work to date.” THE WICKED + THE DIVINE by Kieron Gillan and Jamie McKelvie (#2) — “If you can appreciate smart characters, smart design, and just smart comic books, then you can appreciate The Wicked + The Divine.” SOUTHERN BASTARDS by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour (#1) — “This series creates a new world that uses characters, not flash, to draw readers in, even as they want to avert their eyes.”  Best Ongoing Series   EAST OF WEST  by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta (#8) — “Within its pages, it contains everything that’s good about the art form.”  DEADLY CLASS by Rick Remender and Wes Craig (#7) — “...one of the most brilliant comics of the year…” SHUTTER by Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca (#4-tie) — “Everyone should be reading this fantastic, manic, imaginative and, most importantly, fun book.” ALEX + ADA by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna (#4-tie) — “I love this book, and if you’re a fan of character-driven sci-fi that’s inventive and beautiful (and I hope you are), then you just might as well.” SOUTHERN BASTARDS by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour (#4-tie) — “Southern Bastards doesn’t feel like any other ongoing series…” SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (#3) — “ Month in and month out Saga is an emotional tidal wave.” Best Mini Series SUPREME: BLUE ROSE by Warren Ellis and Tula Lotay (#7) — “...one of the year’s most gorgeous books.” STARLIGHT by Mark Millar and Goran Parlov (#4) — “It’s a emotionally fulfilling tale, and by god is it a beautiful one.”  Best Issue THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #5 by Kieron Gillan and Jamie McKelvie (#6-tie) — “Though WicDiv had already gained our love with the first four issues, the conclusion to ‘The Faust Act’ showed just how unpredictable this series could be.”  LAZARUS #9 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark (#6-tie) — “This issue was its grand finale, finding all of the threads coming together, and it was a beautifully symphony conducted by Rucka and fully realized by Lark, Brian Level and colorist Santi Arcas. This book didn’t just meet its potential here, it surpassed it entirely, and it only continues to build ever since.” THE FADE OUT #1 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (#4-tie) — “Brubaker and Philips have created something special, a frequent result of their partnership, and The Fade Out #1 is the tantalizing first glimpse of a world made up of Technicolor fantasies and the secrets they hide.” SOUTHERN BASTARDS #2 by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour (#2) — “Southern Bastards #4 defied every reader’s expectation of what an ongoing series could be...” Best Writer  Greg Rucka, LAZARUS (#8-tie) — “The fact that Rucka, through his skill as a writer, was able to grab the core of my being and shake the shit out of it ensured his place on my shortlist of the year’s best writers.” Jonathan Hickman, EAST OF WEST and THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS (#8-tie) — “His grandiose ideas and steady plot builds are everything I want from comics.” Brian K. Vaughan, SAGA (#7) — “After (redacted), I felt like he was the world’s greatest monster, but then I realized the fact he can make me feel that way is why he isn’t that, but the world’s greatest comic writer.” Warren Ellis, SUPREME: BLUE ROSE and TREES (#6) — “ I suppose you could call 2014 a perfect storm of Warren Ellis’ work in comics, as he made 3 major contributions to the comic stands and each one was just as strong as the next.” Matt Fraction, ODY-C, SATELLITE SAM, and SEX CRIMINALS (#4) — “...he took what could have easily been a one note concept and developed it into one of the funniest and most heartfelt books in comics.” Ed Brubaker, THE FADE OUT, FATALE, and VELVET (#3) — “Each of Ed Brubaker’s series creates a new world, and comic fans should keep exploring them for as long as possible.” Jason Aaron, SOUTHERN BASTARDS (#2) — “... the only way to know it is an Aaron story is to marvel at its excellence.” Best Artist Goran Parlov, STARDUST (#10-tie) — “Few artists can take you inside the heart of a character as well as Parlov.” Tula Lotay, SUPREME: BLUE ROSE (#7-tie) — “...pushes the boundaries of the realism of the medium and enters a very surreal and dream-like state and is, simply, beautiful.” Wes Craig, DEADLY CLASS (#6) — “Fantastic covers, interesting page designs, unimpeachable cover treatments, Wes Craig’s got a hell of a lot going for him.” Jamie McKelvie, THE WICKED + THE DIVINE (#5) — “...excellent character design and powerful storytelling...” Leila del Duca, SHUTTER (#3-tie) — “...her ability to take a situation that’s completely insane – and she’s given many of those – and extract emotional truths from them is already unparalleled.” Fiona Staples, SAGA (#3-tie) — “Staples is the most imaginative artist working in the industry today. The character designs she’s created are unlike anything that have ever existed before and will never be duplicated. Years from now, artists will use Saga as the standard for what science fiction should look like.” Frank Quitely, JUPITER’S LEGACY (#2) — “...his intricate line-work and acute attention to the most minor of details sets him apart from most modern artists.” Best Cover Artist Fiona Staples, SAGA (#5) — For those of us that consider ourselves cover connoisseurs, Staples’ Saga covers are to be treasured. For those that are new to comics these covers will be remembered fondly later in life as igniting a passion for the art form that are comics and more specifically comic covers.” Jenny Frison, REVIVAL (#2) —  “‘I want to read this. It looks awesome.’” Jamie McKelvie and Matthew Wilson, THE WICKED + THE DIVINE (#1) — “...nothing short of a comic book phenomenon.” Most Overlooked Comic  TREES by Warren Ellis and Jason Howard (#3-tie) — “This book is science fiction at its best because it enlightens as well as entertains and expresses the joys and fears that colors every human being’s experience.”  ALEX + ADA by Sarah Vaughn and Jonathan Luna (#3-tie) — “Despite its sci-fi trappings, Alex + Ada is a romance book. The characters are well written, and their relationship feels true. If you’ve ever disparaged the lack of diversity in comic genres, you owe it to yourself to support this book.” ComicBook.com The 20 Best Comics of 2014   STARLIGHT by Mark Millar and Goran Parlov (#19) — “...an exciting adventure story that has a lot to say about the qualities that make life worth living, offering a cathartic and meaningful conclusion.” ZERO by Ales Kot et al (#15) — “...a growing story that connects every issue into a larger tale about the cost of violence and importance of empathy.” STRAY BULLETS: KILLERS by David Lapham (#12) — “The return of Stray Bullets after an almost 10 year hiatus has revealed that is has lost none of its power while away.” SOUTHERN BASTARDS by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour (#10) — “...one of the most brutal and honest reflections of the American South and heartland to be found in any medium.” DEADLY CLASS by Rick Remender and Wes Craig (#7) — “Craig’s cartooning is absolutely superb. He conveys story, emotion, and impact on each page with striking compositions and layouts.” SAGA by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples (#5) — “There is a good reason that so many readers have responded to these characters and the story they occupy; it's nearly perfect.”

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.