Comics and Graphic Novel Market Reaches $870 Million
According to New Estimate by Comichron and ICv2
  

“The market for comics and graphic novels in the U.S. and Canada reached $870 million at retail last year, according to a new estimate prepared jointly by ICv2’s Milton Griepp and Comichron’s John Jackson Miller.
"I’ve been networking with Milton on questions of the numbers underlying the business since he was at Capital City Distribution and I was editing Comics Retailer magazine back in the 1990s,” Miller said.  “It’s been great to formally collaborate on these estimates for the first time, and I think the result is the most inclusive and accurate picture of the market either of us has ever been able to produce.”  

“I’m very excited about the market model this collaboration with John has produced,” Griepp said.  “I’ve always had great respect for John’s work in the area of comic sales, and putting our heads together has enabled us to build a model that all can use to analyze and understand the market.”

As presented in the accompanying infographic, the 2013 analysis by ICv2 and Comichron was divided up between periodical comics (what some call “floppies” or “pamphlets”), graphic novels, and digital download-to-own sales.   Graphic novels contributed the largest portion ($415 million) and comic books nearly as much ($365 million), and digital (based on numbers released yesterday by ICv2) continued to grow faster than the market at $90 million. All print figures are calculated based on the full retail price of books sold into the market, and do not account for discounting or markup.

According to the report by Comichron and ICv2, comics periodical sales occur primarily in the comics store channel ($340 million) and to a declining degree in the “newsstand” channel ($25 million).  For book format products, well over half of all graphic novel sales ($245 million) occur in the book channel, with a smaller share ($170 million) in the comics store channel.

ICv2 and Comichron also collaborated on market estimates for 2011 and 2012, revising earlier estimates by both.  According to the new report, comics periodical sales grew from $300 million in 2011 to $335 million in 2012; graphic novel sales grew from $390 million in 2011 to $400 million in 2012; and combined comics and graphic novel sales grew from $690 million in 2011 to $735 million in 2012.  

Incorporating ICv2 digital comic market size estimates ($25 million in 2011 and $70 million in 2012), the total market grew from $715 million in 2011 to $805 million in 2012.

“It’s great that the comics market has found new ways to grow even as the over-all book and magazine markets remain challenged,” Griepp said. “It’s proof of the fundamental entertainment and literary value of the comics medium.”

“According to our records here at Comichron, without adjusting for inflation, this is the highest dollar value the market has reached since 1993,” Miller said.  “That’s great for the business, and we’re excited to see what comes next.”

Comichron

Comichron is the world’s largest public repository of comic-book sales figures, featuring data from the 1930s to today about comic book and graphic novel circulation, cover prices, and market shares on its website, http://www.comichron.com. With data and analysis on the distant past as well as the present, Comichron serves as a trusted resource for academics studying the the historical reach of the medium and for collectors seeking accurate information about how many copies of a comic book originally circulated.

ICv2

ICv2 is the #1 industry source on the business of geek culture, including comics and graphic novels, manga and anime, movie/TV products, and hobby games, on its Website, www.ICv2.com, and in its magazine, Internal Correspondence.  For the people on the front lines of the geek culture business, staying ahead of the trends isn't something that can be left to chance-it's a basic necessity for being successful.  That's why ICv2 is the #1 source of news and information for the buyers, gatekeepers, and tastemakers on the front lines.  ICv2 is where trend-watching is a science.

UNIVERSAL CABLE PRODUCTIONS EXPANDS COMIC BOOK DEVELOPMENT ROSTER WITH THREE NEW ALL-STAR DEALS:

Signs Renowned Graphic Novel Writer Warren Ellis To Develop His First Original TV Series;
Options Horror Comic Book “Night Mary” And The Kickstarter, Breakout Hit “Five Ghosts”

Universal City, Calif. – July 23, 2014 – As Comic-Con International 2014 #CCSD kicks off in San Diego, Universal Cable Productions (UCP) today announced three new deals that will bolster UCP’s genre library and generate excitement among comic book enthusiasts. UCP has signed award-winning graphic novel writer Warren Ellis (New York Times best-seller “Gun Machine”, and “Iron Man: Extremis” - the Marvel Comics graphic novel and basis for “Iron Man 3”) to develop Ellis’ first original TV series in collaboration with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment (“The Walking Dead”, “Terminator”).  

Additionally, UCP and IDW Entertainment have optioned the horror comic book “Night Mary” with the intent to co-develop it as a live action TV series. UCP has also optioned the Kickstarter funded, breakout hit “Five Ghosts” written by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham from Black Mask Studios to develop it as an original TV series.

“We love genre at UCP and thankfully so do audiences. We've made it a priority to seek out great properties that will attract equally great creators to adapt them,” said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development, Universal Cable Productions.  “From Warren’s dynamic plots and complex characters to the dark and suspenseful world of ‘Night Mary,’ and the creative mash-up of five literary icons in the cult hit ‘Five Ghosts,’ they are all provocative, distinctive and have the promise to be a whole lot of fun.”  

Based on the acclaimed IDW Publishing property created by Rick Remender and Kieron Dwyer, “Night Mary” follows a young woman trained to be a lucid dreamer. Her father owns a sleep disorder clinic where she enters the dreams of his patients. When a patient is revealed to be a serial killer, she is placed in jeopardy as nightmares and reality become frighteningly intertwined. John Pogue (“The Quiet Ones”) has been tapped to write and direct the pilot. Ted Adams and David Ozer from IDW Entertainment and David Alpert and Rick Jacobs from Circle of Confusion (“The Walking Dead”) will serve as executive producers along with John Pogue.   

“Five Ghosts” is the stylish, pulpy adventure by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham that tells the story of a 1930s-era treasure hunter possessed by five literary ghosts (Merlin, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Musashi, and Dracula) whose unique abilities he can draw on during his adventures. “Five Ghosts” was funded on Kickstarter in 2012 and previewed at San Diego Comic Con that year when Matt Pizzolo (who would later co-found Black Mask Studios) shared his San Diego Comic Con table with then-unknown writer Frank Barbiere. “Five Ghosts” was picked up by Image Comics and premiered at Emerald City Comic Con becoming one of the breakout hits of 2013. UCP has optioned the TV series rights from Black Mask and has signed on Evan Daugherty (“Snow White And The Huntsmen”, “Divergent”) to write the pilot and serve as executive producer. Chris Bender and Jake Weiner from Benderspink (“Horrible Bosses 2”, “The Hangover”) will also serve as executive producers along with Jake Wagner as producer, and Matt Pizzolo and Brett Gurewitz as co-executive producers.

UCP’s currently untitled Warren Ellis project with Valhalla Entertainment marks the renowned writer’s first foray into television.  "I've been strongly drawn to television over the last few years, and working with brilliant and determined collaborators like Gale and the UCP team, I'm delighted at the opportunity to add my voice to the new, novelistic TV form that's evolved so dramatically," said Ellis. 

“There are very few writers who have been able to so completely influence a medium as Warren has with comic books. I am very excited to be able to collaborate in bringing his unique vision to television for the first time,” added Hurd.

Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE, currently in development at Microsoft, as well as the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN.  The film RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013.  His GRAVEL books are in development for film at Legendary Pictures, with Tim Miller attached to direct.  IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. Warren Ellis is currently working on a non-fiction book about the future of the city for Farrar Straus Giroux. His newest publication is the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR, from FSG Originals.  His next book will be the novella NORMAL, also from FSG, and his most recent comics project is TREES from Image Comics. A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.

###

About Universal Cable Productions

Universal Cable Productions (UCP) creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across media platforms for domestic and international distribution.  UCP’s content library spans classics such as Emmy-award winning, “Monk,” and cult favorites “Psych,” “Battlestar Galactica” and “Warehouse 13.” UCP’s programming can be seen across various networks, including: “Covert Affairs,” “Dig” (fall 2014), “Playing House,” “Royal Pains,”  “Satisfaction” and “Suits” on USA Network; “Ascension” (fall 2014), “Defiance,” “Dominion,” and “12 Monkeys” (2015) on Syfy; “Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce” (fall 2014) on Bravo; “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” on Machinima Prime/YouTube, Syfy and DVD/Blu-Ray; and “Side Effects” on Awesomeness TV/YouTube.  Universal Cable Productions is a part of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. Follow us @UCPisTV.  

About IDW Entertainment

IDW Entertainment launched in November 2013 to fund and develop film and television properties based on IDW's extensive catalog. The division is currently in development on a slate of properties including Chuck Dixon’s epic Winterworld, being developed with Xbox; V Wars by New York Times best-seller Jonathan Maberry with writer/executive producer Tim Schlattman (Dexter, Smallville); action packed comic series Pantheon with co-creator Michael Chiklis (The Shield); Life Undead, with showrunner Paul Zbyszewski (S.H.I.E.L.D., Hawaii Five-O, Lost); and Brooklyn Animal Control, based on the darkly thrilling comic from writer/director J.T. Petty (Splinter Cell, Hellbenders). IDW also has several active theatrical projects in development: Lore, at Warner Bros. with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson set to star; World War Robot, with Jerry Bruckheimer producing at Disney and Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay; and Zombies vs. Robots, at Sony with Platinum Dunes and Circle of Confusion producing.

About IDW Publishing

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; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and 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; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

About Black Mask Studios
Black Mask Studios (www.blackmaskstudios.com) is a publishing/production company that specializes in utilizing 'transmedia storytelling' to expand comic book creators' audiences across multiple media platforms. Launched in 2013 by musician/entrepreneur Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion, Epitaph Records, ANTI- Records), writer/director and producer Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller, Occupy Comics, Wired Magazine's "World's Most Wired in Comics"), and comic book writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), the company's mandate is to bring comic book storytelling to new frontiers. Black Mask's initial slate included the political, not-for-profit Occupy Comics (founded by Pizzolo with Alan Moore, Charlie Adlard, Art Spiegelman, Molly Crabapple, Ben Templesmith, and dozens more), the animal-rescuing vigilantes story Liberator, Adam Egypt Mortimer and Darick Robertson's transreal, cyberpunk adventure Ballistic, and the multi-platform gangster odyssey 12 Reasons To Die by Ghostface Killah and RZA. Black Mask will unveil its Year 2 Slate at San Diego Comic Con in July 2014.

IDW Entertainment And UCP To Develop NIGHT MARY As A Live-Action Series John Pogue To Write The Pilot San Diego, CA (July 23, 2014) – IDW Entertainment and Universal Cable Productions announced today they are co-developing IDW Publishing’s horror comic book, Night Mary, created by Rick Remender and Kieron Dwyer, as a live-action television series. Night Mary will join an impressive roster of innovative and original scripted content from Universal Cable Productions. John Pogue, who wrote and directed the recently released film, The Quiet Ones, has been tapped to write and direct the pilot. “We love genre at UCP and thankfully so do audiences. We've made it a priority to seek out great properties that will attract equally great creators to adapt them,” said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development, Universal Cable Productions. “The dark and suspenseful world of ‘Night Mary’ gives us a great landscape to work from and has a lot of promise to deeply immerse fans.” "Remender and Dwyer's Night Mary is a shockingly inventive and ingenious story with mind-bending potential,” said Pogue. “And I'm thrilled to be collaborating with UCP, IDW and Circle to bring this to television. Night Mary explores the next frontier—the human brain—through the dark adventures of a lucid dreamer, and what happens when conspiratorial elements attempt to turn our reality into a living nightmare.” Based on the acclaimed IDW Publishing graphic novel, Night Mary follows a young woman trained to be a lucid dreamer. Her father owns a sleep disorder clinic where she enters the dreams of his patients. When a patient is revealed to be a serial killer, she is placed in jeopardy as nightmares and reality become frighteningly intertwined. "Of my creator-owned projects, Night Mary has always held a special place, definitely the best thing Kieron Dwyer and I created together,” said Rick Remender.  “It's very gratifying to see it finding new footing as a television series, ten years after its initial publication, and with such a skilled team at the helm.” Ted Adams and David Ozer from IDW Entertainment and David Alpert and Rick Jacobs from Circle of Confusion (The Walking Dead) will serve as executive producers. Night Mary is available now as a collected trade paperback at local comic book stores (CSLS), bookstores, and on digital devices. John Pogue is represented by Resolution, Circle of Confusion, and Matthew Saver. About UCP Universal Cable Productions creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across multiple media platforms and outlets for domestic and international distribution. UCP produces “Covert Affairs,” “Playing House,” “Psych,” “Royal Pains” and “Suits” for USA; “Defiance,” and “Warehouse 13” for Syfy and “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” for distribution on Machinima Prime/YouTube, Syfy and DVD/Blu-Ray. Universal Cable Productions is a division of NBCUniversal. About IDW Entertainment IDW Entertainment launched in November 2013 to fund and develop film and television properties based on IDW's extensive catalog. The division is currently in development on a slate of properties including Chuck Dixon’s epic Winterworld, being developed with Xbox; V Wars by New York Times best-seller Jonathan Maberry with writer/executive producer Tim Schlattman (Dexter, Smallville); action packed comic series Pantheon with co-creator Michael Chiklis (The Shield); Life Undead, with showrunner Paul Zbyszewski (S.H.I.E.L.D., Hawaii Five-O, Lost); and Brooklyn Animal Control, based on the darkly thrilling comic from writer/director J.T. Petty (Splinter Cell, Hellbenders). IDW also has several active theatrical projects in development: Lore, at Warner Bros. with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson set to star; World War Robot, with Jerry Bruckheimer producing at Disney and Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay; and Zombies vs. Robots, at Sony with Platinum Dunes and Circle of Confusion producing.

About IDW Publishing 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; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and 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; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

IDW PUBLISHING KICKS OFF SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON WITH THE TRANSFORMERS HUMBLE BUNDLE Transformers Fans Can Pay What They Want For The Ultimate Transformers Digital Comic Collection While Also Supporting A Child-Focused Charity San Francisco & San Diego, Calif. - July 23, 2014 - Here's a bundle that's “more than meets the eye.” Humble Bundle and award-winning publisher IDW Publishing, under license from Hasbro, are kicking off San Diego Comic-Con with a digital comic collection of epic proportions. Customers can pay what they want while also supporting a child-focused charity in the Transformers Humble Bundle presented by IDW. https://www.humblebundle.com/books Customers can name their price for Transformers Classics, Volumes 1-4, featuring a digital reincarnation of 48 issues from the original comics. Those who pay more than the average price will also receive Transformers: All Hail Megatron, Vol. 1-4, Transformers: Autocracy and Transformers: Spotlight, Vol. 1. Customers who pay $15 or more will receive all of the above, plus Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, Vol. 1 and 2 and Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Vol. 1 and 2, bringing a total of nearly 100 comic book issues to the bundle. “The iconic TRANSFORMERS brand is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with this bundle offering.  Whether a new reader who wants to get in on the epic TRANSFORMERS adventure, or a long-time fan looking to round out their digital comic collection, this offering is the perfect combination of classic and current stories,” said Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s Director of Global Publishing. “Add the fact that a portion of the proceeds will be used to support an amazing charity like the Hasbro Children’s Fund, and you’ve got an event Optimus Prime himself would be proud to join.” “We’re very happy to collaborate with Hasbro to offer this mega selection of Transformers comics,” said Jeff Webber, IDW’s VP of Digital Publishing. “This bundle highlights all the facets of IDW’s Transformers line – Classics from the ‘80s, stories from the beginnings of the IDW’s stories of the TRANSFORMERS Universe, and some of the latest and greatest comics!” As with all Humble Bundles, customers can choose how their purchase dollars are allocated, between the comic creators, Humble Bundle, and the determined charity (the Hasbro Children's Fund). The Transformers Humble Bundle runs for two weeks and ends Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 11 a.m. Pacific time. About Humble Bundle Humble Bundle organizes pay-what-you-want plus charity promotions for awesome digital content and puts the power directly in the hands of the consumers, offering them fully-featured titles at prices they set themselves. Consumers pay what they want and decide how to allocate their money between content creators, charity and a humble tip. Humble Bundle also offers the Humble Store, a digital storefront that features great games at great prices with a portion of sales going to select charities. Since the company's launch in 2010, Humble Bundle has helped empower its community to allocate more than $40 million toward charity to date. For more information, please visit https://www.humblebundle.com. About Hasbro Children’s Fund The Hasbro Children’s Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to empower childhood by bringing “the sparkle of Hope, the joy of Play and the power of Service” into the lives of the children across the globe. Working with strategic charitable partners, the grants made through the Hasbro Children’s Fund support programs that deliver; stability for children in crisis; pediatric physical and mental health services; hunger security; educational programs; quality out of school time programming and programs that empower youth through service.  To learn more about these programs and how they are making a difference for children worldwide, please visit www.hasbro.org. About Hasbro Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP.  From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 180 territories around the world, and for the U.S. on Hub Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

About IDW Publishing 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; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and 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; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

ComiXology Celebrates Their 5-Year Digital Comics Anniversary

With A Special ComiXology Submit Bundle: 100 Books For 10 Bucks

July 23^rd, 2014 – San Diego, CA. / New York, NY. – ComiXology, the revolutionary digital comics platform, celebrates their 5-year anniversary of delivering digital comics to fans across the globe by offering 100 books from their comiXology Submit self-publishing program for just 10 bucks U.S. — a savings of 94% off the cover price.

“ComiXology Submit lets creators connect with customers from anywhere across the globe, getting a whole new generation of comics into the hands of the widest possible customer base,” said comiXology co-founder and Director of Submit & Digital Storytelling John D. Roberts. “We’re happy to celebrate our 5-year anniversary with this great deal on these great books from comiXology Submit.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate our 5-year anniversary by getting so much new and undiscovered talent into readers’ hands through this bundle,” said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “We did a similar promotion at SXSW this past spring that was a smashing success, and it’s exciting to do this again today.”

Debuting at Comic-Con International in 2009, comiXology’s digital comics platform offers over 50,000 books from more than 75 publishers, providing the widest selection of digital comics in the world.

The comiXology Submit self-publishing platform allows independent creators and cartoonists to upload at no cost their comic books and graphic novels for sale on comiXology.

Creators and cartoonists interested in submitting works can visit http://submit.comixology.com.

Comic book and graphic novel fans interested in discovering works by independent creators and cartoonists on comiXology are invited to visit http://www.comixology.com/submit.

About comiXology

ComiXology, an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become a top ten grossing iPad app in 2011 and 2012 and the top grossing non-game iPad app in 2012 and 2013. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from over 75 publishers – and independent creators as well – comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan. ComiXology is based in New York City, with operations in Los Angeles and Paris. For more information visit www.comixology.com.

FLASH GORDON IS BACK! BIF BANG POW! AND KING FEATURES SYNDICATE ANNOUNCE NEW LICENSE AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FLASH GORDON

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 23, 2014) - After a four year hiatus, Bif Bang Pow! proudly announces a return to Mongo with a new license from King Features Syndicate to release a series of brand-new products and collectibles from the 1980 sci-fi cult-classic film Flash Gordon. "Bif Bang Pow! is well positioned in the character toys and collectibles market and we are delighted to have a new agreement with them," said Jarred Goro, North American Licensing Manager for King Features. "Flash Gordon and the other classic characters in his world are cultural icons. Bif Bang Pow! crafts quality merchandise with incredible attention to detail. The fans are going to love this new and expanded collection!"    Bif Bang Pow! is thrilled to return to Mongo, working on new Flash Gordon action figures and collectibles to add to its ever-expanding lineup of iconic branded products. Bif Bang Pow! will debut the first-ever line of 3 3/4-inch movie action figures to include Flash Gordon, the dreaded Ming the Merciless, Princess Aura, Prince Barin, Dr. Zarkov, and other popular characters from the film. In addition to new "retro" scale action figures (and possibly even vehicles this go 'round!), Bif Bang Pow! will add prop replicas, journals, tin lunch boxes, drink ware, license plate frames, and more to the Flash Gordon line of collectibles. Merchandise is scheduled to hit the marketplace throughout the term of the license. "We're excited to be working with King Features Syndicate once again," said Jason Lenzi, co-founder of Bif Bang Pow! "Fans have missed our Flash Gordon products, and have always wished we had taken things further than we were originally able to. Now, with a renewed interest in that colorful cast of characters, thanks to projects like Ted and a brand-new Flash Gordon movie in the works, we believe now is the perfect time to introduce new collectibles to veteran and novice fans alike. It would seem that the rest of the world has finally caught up with us Flash Gordon true believers, and to paraphrase the words of the immortal Queen, 'the continuation is OURS for the making'!" Scheduled for initial release in early 2015, the entire Flash Gordon movie line will be exclusively distributed through EE Distribution (www.eedistribution.com), a division of Entertainment Earth, Inc., and sold direct to consumers at www.entertainmentearth.com and other fine specialty retailers.

About Bif Bang Pow!

Bif Bang Pow!™ (bifbangpow.com) produces first-rate collectibles for such popular properties as Star Trek™, Dexter^®, The Big Bang Theory™, Saturday Night Live™, The Awesomes™, Mike Tyson Mysteries™, Adventure Time™, Regular Show™, Penny Dreadful™, The Venture Bros.™, The Six Million Dollar Man™, Flash Gordon™, KISS™, Battlestar Galactica™,  NCIS™, andThe Twilight Zone™. Founder Jason Lenzi is a seasoned television producer and the ultimate fan of cultish pop culture. So when he created his company in 2005, he took the fan's perspective. His idea was to bring items to the marketplace that he himself would want to own.  Cultivated from TV, movies, books, comics, music, and more, Bif Bang Pow!'s mission is to provide high-quality action figures, toys, and collectibles to the massive cult audience (and kids of all ages) that wishes these toys were already in their collection.

About King Features Syndicate

King Features Syndicate is a member of Hearst Entertainment and Syndication Group, which combines Hearst Corporation's cable network partnerships, TV programming activities, newspaper syndication and merchandise licensing operations. King Features is the world's premier distributor of syndicated features to newspapers, magazines, web portals, mobile outlets and news organizations worldwide. It is one of the largest and most experienced organizations in merchandise licensing and entertainment. It represents some of the most recognizable global brands, including Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor Man and Olive Oyl. For more information, please visit www.kingfeatures.com. Follow us on Twitter @KingFeatures. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KingFeatures.

Peavey® to Release Line of Licensed Star Wars™ Products

at San Diego Comic-Con International

Music Industry Leader Unveiling Line of Out-of-this-World Guitars and Accessories

July 23, 2014, Meridian, MS – Peavey Electronics®, industry-leading musical instrument and audio equipment manufacturer, is pleased to release a line of licensed guitars and accessories adorned with graphics based on the legendary Star Wars film franchise. The products are to be unveiled at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International.  “Star Wars is a giant in the world of film, TV and video games, and the same can be said of Peavey in the music industry – so this collaboration just makes sense,” comments Peavey’s Tony Moscal. “I can’t wait for movie fans and musicians to see what we’ve come up with.” Peavey’s line of Star Wars products is perfect for musicians and collectors alike. The products include full size Rockmaster® electric guitars, three-quarter size Rockmaster® electric guitars, half-size acoustic guitars, ukuleles and accessories.  The line will be on display at this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego, at Peavey’s booth (#2913-P) in the Star Wars Pavilion. Peavey’s regular line of Star Wars products will be available for purchase, in addition to two exclusive light side/dark side collector model guitars. Only 50 guitars have been created for each of these exclusive collector models. With a basswood body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard, Peavey’s Rockmaster guitars provide excellent balance, playability and tone, and feature Star Wars characters in a high gloss finish. A three-quarter size student model of the Rockmaster electric guitar is also available, and both guitars come with cable and picks. Ideal for starter musicians, Peavey’s half-size acoustic guitars are made of genuine wood with steel strings. The guitars include a removable headstock cover with matching graphics that protects fingers from string ends, and come with Peavey picks and a strap. Scenes from the Star Wars films are featured on the instruments in high gloss finish.  Also suitable for players of all ages or collectors, the line of products includes 20” ukuleles decorated with Star Wars characters. Made of genuine wood and featuring a high gloss finish, the instruments have easy-to-play nylon strings and locking tuning pegs which help to keep the instrument in tune. In addition to these high-quality instruments, Peavey is producing a selection of Star Wars-themed straps and picks. To learn more about Peavey’s line of award-winning musical instruments and audio equipment, visit www.peavey.com.  About Peavey Founded in 1965, Peavey® is one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment. Peavey has earned more than 180 patents and distributes to more than 130 countries. Peavey is a member of the top 150 licensee list. Peavey and its MediaMatrix®, Architectural Acoustics®, Crest Audio®, Composite Acoustics® and Trace Elliot® brands and affiliates can be found on concert stages and in airports, stadiums, theme parks and other venues around the world. To find out more, visit www.peavey.com.   STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & ©  Lucasfilm Ltd.

San Diego, CA – Comic-Con International – July 27, 2014 –Richard Hatch, legendary actor and bestselling author of Battlestar Galactica fame will be teaming up with The Winner Twins, Brittany and Brianna Winner, teenage national bestselling sci-fi authors, for an instructive panel at Comic-Con, entitled “How to Create Your Own Novel: From First Idea to Publishing and What You Need to Sell Your Idea to TV and Film.”

 

“Many people dream of some day becoming authors themselves, but are clueless on how to follow through on their dreams,” says Hatch. The Twins presented a similar panel together with Hatch at Wonder-Con 2014 to a standing room only audience, while a couple hundred disappointed fans were turned away.

“We remember when we were just attendees at Comic-Con back when you could just walk up and buy a ticket” Brianna Winner said. “We had a manuscript, a dream, and absolutely no idea what we were doing. Information on how to proceed was hard to find.”
“We cram everything we’ve learned the hard way into an hour, so that others don’t have to go through the frustration we went through,” added Brittany. “It is step by step, uncensored, and straight to the point.”The Twins have taughttheir award-winning creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the world. They’ve had a booth at Comic- Con for seven years now, having literally grown up at these conventions. “If it wasn’t for Comic- Con we wouldn’t be the people we are today,” The Twins offered in unison. 

Watch for announcements of surprise guest panelists and new top secret information on the twins new feature film  project, set to star Rampage Jackson.

Rampage Jackson, Richard Hatch and other special guests will be signing at various times throughout the week at The Winner Twins Booth #1601.

The event will be held as part of San Diego Comic-Con International’s scheduled programming:
San Diego Convention Center
111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Sunday, July 27, 2014
4:00pm - 5:00pm (Room 7AB)
         
About The Winner Twins
Brittany and Brianna, are national bestselling, multiple award-winning science fiction novelists, screenplay writers and producers. Their novels include THE STRAND PROPHECY, EXTINCTIONS EMBRACE, RED MOON RISING and THE PERFECT COMPATIBILITY TEST. They’ve also published an educational book on how they craft their stories called SECRET WRITING METHOD and several comic books. The twins have won numerous awards for their novels including Best Young Adult Fiction and Best First Book Fiction, and they have been featured prominently in national newspapers, online and on television programming for networks like CNN, G4, ABC, HLN, the CW. The twins also founded and run a 501-C3 nonprofit organization called Motivate 2 Learn and they have taught their unique creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the country. The twins were recently honored to contribute to Penguin’s acclaimed educational publication, NOW WRITE! SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY AND HORROR, along with such notable authors as Harlan Ellison, Ramsey Campbell, and Piers Anthony. They have been officially recognized as prodigies by The World Council for The Gifted and Talented. Their official website is www.winnertwins.com.

About Richard Hatch
Richard Hatch is an actor probably best known for his role as Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica television series, and also as Tom Zarek in the remake of Battlestar Galactica. Hatch later created his own space opera entitled The Great War of Magellan. He has written a comic book series and a role-playing game in support of this, and is presently working a novel trilogy with Brad Linaweaver who co-authored many of Hatch's Battlestar Galactica novels. Hatch has also been a part of a new reality TV series called Who the Frak?, which he created and appears in as himself. The series is touted as "the world's first social network reality drama". When not acting Hatch lectures and conducts workshops on acting, self-expression, and communication throughout the world.

IDW KICKS OPEN THE DOORS TO COMIC-CON WITH ORPHAN BLACK!   The Hit Sci-Fi TV Show Takes On Another Form In New Comic Book Series San Diego, CA (July 23, 2014) – Orphan Black, the acclaimed sci-fi series by Temple Street Productions, assumes a new identity in the form of a comic-book series from IDW Publishing. IDW’s series will not be a clone of the show but will feature some all-new stories set in the complex and thrilling world of Orphan Black. “Orphan Black, in addition to being a captivating TV series, is a perfect premise for comics,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “And as the second season has expanded the series in exciting new directions, that has only increased the amount of stories we’ll be able to tell in comic-book form.” Orphan Black, which has just been renewed for a third season, centers on Sarah Manning, who after witnessing the suicide of a woman that appears to be her doppelgänger comes into the knowledge that this woman and indeed herself, are two of many biological clones. Sarah takes on the woman’s identity and uses her position as a police detective to uncover the mystery behind what she is and what that means. IDW Publishing is known for its authenticity and attention to detail when approaching licensed properties and Orphan Black is sure to be a comic book series a delight existing fans and make new ones. “We’re so thrilled for Orphan Black to take shape as a comic series and join the ranks of IDW’s impressive roster,” said John Young, Managing Director of Temple Street Productions. “Orphan Black was met with an enormous amount of enthusiasm at last year’s Comic-Con which really inspired us to give back to fans of the show through a medium so vital to the science fiction world.” IDW will be working closely with the show’s producers to expand the Orphan Black world. The first cover image seen here is by artist Nick Runge. The full creative teams and series details will be announced soon, with the first comic-book series launching in early 2015. Striker Entertainment on behalf of Temple Street Productions brokered the deal. Follow IDW Publishing on Facebook and Twitter for more information and details as they become available. About Temple Street Productions Temple Street Productions is a leading producer of television, film and digital media content based in Toronto and Los Angeles. A selection of Temple Street’s past and present projects include ORPHAN BLACK (BBC America, Space), BEING ERICA (CBC, SOAPnet), THE NEXT STEP (Family Channel), WINGIN’ IT (Family Channel), COOK'D (YTV), OVER THE RAINBOW (CBC), RECIPE TO RICHES (CBC), COVER ME CANADA (CBC), BILLABLE HOURS (Global, Showcase), CANADA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (CTV), HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA? (CBC), QUEER AS FOLK (Showtime, Showcase), and DARCY’S WILD LIFE (NBC, Discovery Kids, Family Channel).  For more company information www.templestreetproductions.com, twitter @TempleStreet and connect with us on Facebook.

About IDW Publishing 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; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and 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; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

GODS GO GOTH AS THE WICKED + THE DIVINE REVEALS VARIANT BY STEPHANIE HANS, EARLY ARTWORK

The third issue of the hit series takes a stroll on the dark side

“Not solely because of my art-crush on Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, I had the honor of losing my shit over The Wicked + The Divine.” —Max Bemis, lead singer of Say Anything, Polarity

The third issue of writer Kieron Gillen and artist Jamie McKelvie’s electric series THE WICKED + THE DIVINE will feature a bright and vibrant variant cover by the painterly Stephanie Hans (Journey into Mystery), but the story will veer into the shadows.

In the third issue of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, Laura has no choice, she’s made a pact with Luci and now must seek out gothest-of-gods: The Mórrígan.

New York Times bestselling writer Matt Fraction said of the series, “Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s The Wicked + The Divine is better than Young Avengers. Better than Phonogram. Better than Watchmen. Better than The Bible.”

THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #3 arrives in stores on 8/20, and will be available for $3.50. It can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code JUN140587. The variant cover B by Stephanie Hans is available to pre-order with Diamond Code JUN148168. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is 7/28.

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.

SCIENCE CHANNEL RETURNS TO

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL WITH THE UNEXPLAINED FILES

Star of the “The Exorcism” Linda Blair makes a special guest appearance

TWITTER: @ScienceChannel #UnexplainedFiles

(New York) – Science Channel announced today that Comic-Con International audiences will get an exclusive, first-look at the sophomore season of the network’s hit series THE UNEXPLAINED FILES. On Friday, July 25 at 7 PM PT in Room 7AB, Science Channel panelists will reveal never-before-seen footage from the series, and share eye-witness accounts of strange happenings including the location of a possible paranormal superhighway, evidence of the Mexican Chupacabra, and the real story of the exorcism that inspired the film The Exorcist. In addition, Linda Blair, star of the 1973 classic film The Exorcist, will also join THE UNEXPLAINED FILES panel to discuss her experiences on the set of the film.

 

Featured panelists appearing for THE UNEXPLAINED FILES include: Ken Gerhard, a Crytozoologist who will speak to the “Mexican Chupcabra” phenomenon; Troy Taylor, a noted author, writer and supernatural historian who has studied exorcisms extensively; and Chuck Zukowski, Paranormal Freelance Investigator and Comic- Con veteran who has been researching and investigating the paranormal superhighway for nearly 30 years.

 

In season two of Science Channel’s THE UNEXPLAINED FILES 12 all-new episodes will launch viewers into another gripping exploration of the unknown by investigating more of the most puzzling, global incidents from the United States and Russia to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mexico and more. Using dramatic reconstructions, riveting never-before-seen footage, first-hand eyewitness accounts, and expert interviews, THE UNEXPLAINED FILES takes a scientific look at the inexplicable, uncovering paranormal activities that have mystified scientists, inspired legends, and captured the human imagination for centuries. Many of the stories featured will reveal new evidence and bring forward previously undisclosed eyewitness accounts to shed light on stories that have baffled experts for years.

Season two of THE UNEXPLAINED FILES makes its world premiere on Science Channel Tuesday, July 29 at 10 PM ET/PT.

For more information on this year's lineup, please visit: SCIENCECHANNEL.com and Comic- Con International: San Diego 2014 at

http://www.comic-con.org/cci/friday

SCIENCE CHANNEL PRESENTS THE UNEXPLAINED FILES

Friday, July 25, 2014, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:  Room 7AB

THE UNEXPLAINED FILES is back with all new tales that will dare you to question everything. Each episode includes some of the world's best and most baffling true stories, including bizarre occurrences, mysterious disappearances, mutated species, strange buildings, and more. Science Channel is serving up an all-new lineup of incredible, unexplained mysteries with a deep science twist including the exploration of the real exorcist, paranormal highways and the Russian Lake Beast to name a few. Gripping never-before-seen footage, eyewitness experts, and the world's greatest scientific minds will be on hand to talk about their experiences and findings, shedding light on these age-old mysteries of the unknown. Exclusive prizes and collector items will be given to a few lucky audience members.

About Science Channel

Science Channel, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is home for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of “how” and “why not.” The network is a playground for those with audacious intellects and features programming willing to go beyond imagination to explore the unknown. Guided by curiosity, Science Channel looks for innovation in mysterious new worlds as well as in its own backyard. Science Channel and the Science Channel HD simulcast reach nearly 80 million U.S. households. The network also features high-traffic online and social media destinations, including ScienceChannel.com, facebook.com/Science Channel and twitter.com/ScienceChannel.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 pay-TV programmer reaching 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content on more than 210 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery also controls Eurosport International, a premier sports entertainment group, including six pay-TV network brands across Europe and Asia. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.