Neal Adams, Leinil Yu, Rafael Albuquerque, Salvador Larroca, Jim Cheung Headline More Than 315 Comics Creators At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 21-24

Mike Zeck, Marv Wolfman, Arthur Suydam, Greg Horn, Rob Prior Also Among Leading Artists & Writers At Wizard World's Largest Pop Culture Festival At Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

ROSEMONT, Ill., August 8, 2014 – Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Leinil Yu (“Hulk,” “Wolverine”), Rafael Albuquerque (“Superboy,” “American Vampire”), Salvador Larroca (“Avengers vs. X-Men,” “Captain America”) and Jim Cheung (“Iron Man,” “Fantastic Four”) are among the more than 315 comics artists and writers scheduled to attend Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 21-24 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. It is largest and longest-running of the 16 events in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature more than 50 celebrities as well as a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

Mike Zeck (“Spider-Man,” “Punisher”), Marv Wolfman (“DCU Online,” “Crisis on Infinite Earths”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Greg Horn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Avengers”), Rob Prior (“Heavy Metal,” “Spawn the Impaler”), Andrés Guinaldo (“Superboy,” “JLA's Vibe”), Alvaro Martinez (“Cataclysm,” “Ultimate X-Men”),Carmen Carnero (“The Punisher,” “The Superior Foes of Spider-Man”), Michael Golden (“Batman,” “Hulk”), James O'Barr (“The Crow,” “Uncoffined”), Mike McKone (“Justice League United,” “Astonishing X-Men”) and many others will appear in Artist Alley throughout the four-day convention.

In addition, VIP attendees will receive a free copy of Guardians of the Galaxy #17, featuring an exclusive variant cover drawn by Martinez. Many other artists will have exclusive lithographs and prints, provided free to VIPs and available to all fans for purchase.

David Boreanaz (“Bones,” “Angel”), Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead,” Boondock Saints), Matt Smith and Karen Gillan (“Doctor Who,”), Katie Cassidy (“Arrow,” “Gossip Girl”), Patrick Stewart (X-Men, “Star Trek: TNG”) William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker”) and comics legend Stan Lee top the celebrity roster at the event. Wrestling fans are geared for the appearance of five WWE standouts, including WWE® Superstars John Cena®, Batista™ and Bray Wyatt™, WWE® Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino™ and WWE® Diva Paige™.

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, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Chicago Comic Con show hours are Thursday, August 21, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, August 22, noon-7 p.m.; Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, August 24, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://wizd.me/ChicagoPR.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizd.me/PR.

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS A SEXY PARANORMAL ROMANCE WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW MANGA SERIES SPELL OF DESIRE

In This New Series From The Creator Of MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, A Romance Develops Between A Young Witch And Her Handsome But Mysterious Protector

San Francisco, CA, August 7, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings a hot new paranormal romance to fans and readers this month with the debut of the manga series SPELL OF DESIRE.

Volume 1 of the new series, created by Tomu Ohmi, is available now and published under the Shojo Beat imprint. SPELL OF DESIRE is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Future English editions of the 5-volume manga series will be released quarterly.

A digital version is also now available for $6.99 (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

In SPELL OF DESIRE, Kaoruko Mochizuki runs an herb shop in a small seaside town. One day, a mysterious man dressed in black named Kaname Hibiki enters her shop and reveals that Kaoruko is actually a witch. And what’s more, Kaoruko needs Kaname to help control her awakening power! 

“SPELL OF DESIRE is a sexy supernatural romance story between a witch and her mysterious handsome bodyguard/protector. Shojo manga fans will love the gorgeous artwork and the passionate relationship that develops between Kaoruko and Kaname,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Manga creator Tomu Ohmi first captured the attention of fans and received acclaim from critics with her other supernatural shojo series, MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, and we look forward to readers falling under the spell of her latest captivating manga release.”

Manga creator Tomu Ohmi debuted in 2000 with the supernatural manga Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou. She also is the creator of MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, which is published in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand by VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat imprint.

For more information on SPELL OF DESIRE, or other shojo manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

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

###

MAJO NO BIYAKU © 2012 Tomu OHMI/SHOGAKUKAN

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS THE COMEDIC CULINARY BATTLE MANGA SERIES FOOD WARS!

A Talented Young Chef Enrolls At An Exclusive Culinary School Known For Its Brutally Low Graduation Rate

San Francisco, CA, August 7, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, invites readers and aspiring gourmands to savor the delicious new manga (graphic novel) series, FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, now available.

The action-packed, saucy comedy about a boy’s determination to become a top chef features a story by Yuto Tsukuda with artwork by Shun Saeki and is published under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint. FOOD WARS! is rated “T+” for Older Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The ongoing series will see new volumes released on a bimonthly basis.

Digital versions of FOOD WARS Vols. 1 and 2 are already available for $6.99 each (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com, through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^®, iPod^® touch, and Android-powered smart phones, and through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

In FOOD WARS!, Soma Yukihira’s old man runs a small family restaurant in the less savory end of town. Aiming to one day surpass his father’s culinary prowess, Soma hones his skills day in and day out until one day, out of the blue, his father decides to enroll Soma in a classy culinary school! Can Soma really cut it in a place that prides itself on a 10 percent graduation rate? And can he convince the beautiful, domineering heiress of the school that he belongs there at all?!

“FOOD WARS! is a titillating and tasty new manga release that ranks as one of the most popular titles currently featured in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump. We are looking forward to North American fans discovering this funny and appetite-inducing series,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor. “There is great attention to detail in the food preparation depicted in both the writing and art of this series, and each volume also includes special recipes that readers can try at home. See a different sort of hell’s kitchen unfold as young Soma faces a seemingly insurmountable array of challenges in his quest to become one of the world’s greatest chefs.”

Yuto Tsukuda won the 34^th Jump Juniketsu Newcomers' Manga Award for his one-shot story Kiba ni Naru. He made his Weekly Shonen Jump debut in 2010 with the series Shonen Shikku. His follow-up series, FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, is his first title to be translated into English and released in North America.

Manga artist Shun Saeki made his Jump NEXT! debut in 2011 with the one-shot story Kimi to Watashi no Renai Soudan. FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA is his first Shonen Jump series.

For more information on FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, or other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

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

###

SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA © 2012 by Yuto Tsukuda, Shun Saeki /SHUEISHA Inc.

THE SPREAD IS ALL-CONSUMING
The first and second issues of the science-fiction series sell out immediately

The second issue of Justin Jordan (DEAD BODY ROAD, the Luther Strode series) and Kyle Strahm’s (HACK/SLASH, HAUNT) SPREAD has sold out immediately at the distributor level and will head into a second printing. The series continues to grow in popularity, as SPREAD #1 has sold out once again and will be sent into its third printing. Both issues have sold out completely as readers discover the infectious story that has been compared to John Carpenter’s The Thing. The scheduled reprintings will arrive on 9/10 to meet customer demand.

Praise for SPREAD:
“A very good case for creepiest apocalypse ever.” —USA Today

“One read, and I'm infected. Spread gets under your skin in all the right ways. Read this now. Your eyeballs will thank you.” —Jason Aaron (SOUTHERN BASTARDS, Scalped, Thor God of Thunder, Wolverine & the X-Men)

“A.) A bio-morphic planetary spread B.) An ax swinging survivor named NO and C.) A red stained baby giggle'n in the snow speak'n squiggles... SOLD! SPREAD, Jordan & Strahm give me nothing but HOPE for the future of horror.” —Nathan Fox (Dogs of War, Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers, Fluorescent Black)

"...A dude armed with an axe & a baby fighting monsters with eyeballs that try to eat you. I love this comic. Strahm’s art is visceral and kinetic, you’ve never seen dead things drawn so alive.“ —Nick Pitarra (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS)

"Kyle Strahm's art is so f***ing gross and awesome I couldn't wait to see what he was about to draw on the next page. I feel like I need to wash ink off my hands after reading this. Good stuff." —Skottie Young (Rocket Raccoon, Fortunately the Milk, Oz)

"Just when you think you know what kind of creepy-as-Hell story Jordan, Strahm, and Sobreiro are telling, they shift gears and bring you something that elevates SPREAD to epic levels of apocalyptic
horror." —Cullen Bunn, (The Sixth Gun, Helheim)

"A perfect fusion of everything great about 80s American horror with a Chanbara movie twist and a healthy respect for the fine art of sequential storytelling." —TIM SEELEY (REVIVAL, HACK/SLASH, Batman Eternal)

"Spread is a really good horror/action movie I get to be on the ground floor for and watch every month. Kyle Strahm's art is the best I've seen from him today. Wispy and and organic. Going from quiet to horribly disgusting in 0 to 60. Really excited to see where this goes." —Mike Norton (REVIVAL, Battlepug, The Answer)

"Tell me there’s a comic about a baby and her pet badass fighting to survive packs of degenerate cannibals and the world-eating gore virus that made them, you’ve got my interest. Tell me Kyle Strahm is drawing
the thing you’ve got my money. Kyle spits nightmares from the tip of his pen and Spread is the book he was born to draw." —Dennis Hopeless (Avengers Arena, Avengers Undercover, Cable and X-Force)

“SPREAD reminds me of watching horror movies in my parents' basement with a rowdy group of friends, a bag of Cheetos, and a case of beer that we found in the woods.” —Chris Burnham (NAMELESS, Batman Incorporated, Officer Downe)

SPREAD #1 reveals that ten years ago, humanity unleashed something ancient that couldn’t be controlled that would later be called "The Spread." Now, deep inside a quarantined zone, one man named No has found what might be the key to stopping it forever and saving the world.

In SPREAD #2, the situation looks bleak for No. Raiders, slavers, and a hungry flesh-eating Spreadworm stand in his way.

SPREAD #1 and #2 have completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores. It is currently available digitally on the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.

Image Comics is pleased to announce that these first two issues will be going back to print to meet customer demand and to provide further opportunity for retailers to convert more readers to this popular new sci-fi pulp horror. The third printing of SPREAD #1 (Diamond Code JUN148395) will release on 9/10. The second printing of SPREAD #2 (Diamond Code JUN148396) will release on 9/10.

SPREAD #3 will arrive in stores on 9/10 and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code JUL140576.

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.

Marvel Comics & Wizard World Reveal 'Death of Wolverine #1' Exclusive Variant Cover By John Tyler Christopher For Richmond Comic Con

VIP Attendees Receive Free Copy At Greater Richmond Convention Center, September 12-14; Continues Year-long Series In Which Marvel Offers Exclusive Books At All 16 Wizard World Shows

NEW YORK, August 7, 2014 – Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today revealed the latest edition of its 2014 series of exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles with the unveiling of Death of Wolverine #1, drawn by noted artist John Tyler Christopher. VIP attendees at the inaugural Wizard World Richmond Comic Con, September 12-14 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, will receive a free copy of the limited-edition book at registration.

Christopher, who also drew the Amazing Spider-Man #1 variant cover for Atlanta Comic Con in May, is scheduled to be on site at the event to sign copies of Death of Wolverine #1 (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

The exclusive version of Death of Wolverine #1 will be limited to 3,000 copies and provided free at registration to all Wizard World Richmond Comic Con VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages.

Carpenter's work follows the first nine entries in the Wizard World variant cover series: Miracleman #1 and Miracleman #2, both drawn by Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams for Portland Comic Con (Jan. 24-26) and New Orleans Comic Con (Feb. 7-9), respectively; Wolverine #1, illustrated by noted cover artist Greg Horn, for Sacramento Comic Con (March 7-9); Daredevil #1 by Michael Golden for Louisville Comic Con (March 28-30); Wolverine & The X-Men #1 by David Mack for St. Louis Comic Con (April 4-6); Hulk #1 by Mike Grell for Minneapolis Comic Con (May 2-4); Christopher's Amazing Spider-Man #1 for Atlanta Comic Con (May 30 – June 1), Amazing Spider-Man #1.2 by J.G. Jones for Philadelphia Comic Con (June 19-22) and 100^th Anniversary X-Men Special #1 by Jorge Molina for San Antonio Comic Con (Aug. 1-3). Alvaro Martinez has completed a cover of Guardians of the Galaxy #17 for Chicago Comic Con (Aug. 21-24).

“John Tyler Christopher has proven time and time again why he’s one of the best cover artists working today,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “He knows how to make a cover that really jumps out at you and we couldn’t be happier with the design he’s turned in for this exclusive cover for Richmond Comic Con.”

Christopher is an illustrator from Seattle, Wash., currently based out of Atlanta. A member of Studio Revolver, his work has appeared on the covers of Witchblade, as a designer for Star Wars Miniatures, and in the pages of Dungeon & Dragons, a variety of White Wolf publications & Mutants and Masterminds.

“'Wolverine' is one of the classic Marvel characters, always well represented at Wizard World shows, and John Tyler Christopher has done another excellent job in the latest version of this popular series,” says John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO.

The beginning of the end is now here...The Death Of Wolverine! Three Months To Die, the loss of Wolverine's healing factor – all led to this, the single most important X-Men event of the decade. Logan has spent over a century being the best there is at what he does...but even the best fade away eventually. Over the years, Logan has been a warrior, a hero, a renegade, a samurai, a teacher-and so much more. But now, the greatest X-Men hero will play a role he's never played before in this special weekly event brought to you by industry superstars Charles Soule and Steve McNiven.

Steven Yeun, Sarah Wayne Callies, Michael Rooker and Jon Bernthal of “The Walking Dead,” Adam West and Burt Ward of “Batman”, Manu Bennett (The Hobbit, “Arrow”), Dave Bautista (a.k.a. WWE® Superstar Batista™, also starring in the summer blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy), WWE® Hall of Famer Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat™ and James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Torchwood”) are among the celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Richmond Comic Con. It is the 11^th of 16 events scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known comics artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

In addition to Christopher, superstar comics creators scheduled to attend include Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams (“Batman,” “X-Men”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Flash”), Kevin Eastman (Co-Creator, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”), Joe Caramanga (“Iron Man & The Armor Wars,” “Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man”), Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential”), Golden (“Hulk,” “Star Wars”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) and Horn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Avengers”).

For more on the 2014 Wizard Richmond Comic Con, go to http://www.wizd.me/RichmondPR.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, cosplay, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con

BOOM! STUDIOS HAS A FEW TRICKS UP THEIR SLEEVES WITH 'CLOAKS'
 

CLOAKS #1 Main Cover by W. Scott Forbes


CLOAKS #1 Retailer Incentive Cover (1 in 10) by Phil Noto

August 6,  2014 - Los Angeles, Calif. - Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios is pleased to announce the September debut of CLOAKS, a new limited series that combines the thrills of a good magic trick with a Black Ops twist. This new magical thriller is created by actor David Henrie, who learned a thing or two about magic in his role as Justin Russo on the Disney Channel Original Series Wizards of Waverly Place. Henrie, alongside writer Caleb Monroe (STEED AND MRS. PEEL, Batman) and artist Mariano Navarro (PROTOCOL: ORPHANS), have created the Robin Hood of Wall Street, tricking the rich out of their money and inadvertently winding up on the radar of a covert Black Ops organization.

“CLOAKS combines two of our favorite story elements: magic and spies,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “Both partially involve deceit in order to be successful and that’s just one of the reasons this combo created the beginnings of a great story. David, Caleb, and Mariano introduce us to a likable rogue with a penchant for stealing from the rich to give to the poor—with a decidedly modern spin. Stay sharp to catch the misdirections in CLOAKS, and prepare to have a lot of fun.”

In the Big Apple, a highly skilled street illusionist named Adam blows the minds of crowds with logic-defying acts, while surreptitiously using his artistry to steal from corrupt Wall Street investment bankers and re-distribute their ill-begotten wealth to those in need. He’s a modern-day Robin Hood, but his travails garner the attention of the local authorities. While evading their pursuit, Adam is confronted by three Suits and quickly ascertains that freedom has a cost—in order to maintain his liberty, he must join this clandestine Black Ops organization simply known as CLOAKS.

CLOAKS #1 arrives in comic shops on September 3rd with a cover price of $3.99 under Diamond order code JUL140963.  The first issue will ship with a main cover by W. Scott Forbes and retailer incentive cover by Phil Noto. 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.

 

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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! 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, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.

Diamond to Distribute Creative Mind Energy Publications Worldwide

(BALTIMORE, Maryland) — (August 5, 2014) —Graphic novel publisher Creative Mind Energy (CME) has signed a supply agreement with Diamond Comic Distributors to distribute their line of products worldwide to comic book specialty stores, book stores, mass-market merchandisers, libraries and other outlets excluding markets in Asia.

CME is an up and coming comic book and graphic novel publisher providing a wide range of genres for readers of all ages to enjoy. The publisher’s first original graphic novel The Gifted is showcased in the October issue of Diamond’s PREVIEWS catalog.

The first volume in an ongoing series, The Gifted, shows what life is like for animals struggling to survive in a world laid to waste by humanity’s violence, abuse and exploitation. Through the eyes of the lone wolf the reader gains a unique perspective experiencing first hand his desperation, hunger and fight for survival. Hand painted watercolors and minimal text is all that is needed to depict a strong and moving story in this graphic novel.

CME President Damian Wassel Sr. remarked “Diamond understands the comic book market better than anyone else and they are an established name in the book trade. We couldn’t be in better hands.”

“We are pleased to start a relationship with Creative Mind Energy and are thrilled they are working with us to expand their business using Diamond’s many resources,” said Diamond’s Vice President of Purchasing, John Wurzer. “The unique books will be able to provide readers with great stories, filled with striking artwork that they can discover for the first time at their local comic book specialty shop or book store.”

Customers looking to pre-order Creative Mind Energy titles should contact their local retailer, or find a comic shop near them at www.comicshoplocator.com. 

****

ABOUT CREATIVE MIND ENERGY (CME)- An emerging family business, Creative Mind Energy, LLC (CME) develops original creative content for print, film, television and video games. Our projects range from comic books, to young adult novels, to feature length screenplays. We think of ourselves as a creative think tank. We live at the crossroads of quality and innovation. We approach our projects with one overriding goal...to create something absolutely amazing. At CME, we imagine extraordinary things.

ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.

ABOUT DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS (DBD)—DBD is a division of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., and is dedicated to making a wide selection of graphic novels and other pop culture merchandise available globally to bookstores, libraries, schools, online retailers, mass merchants and others. DBD is the home to a number of world class publishers including IDW Publishing, publisher of 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, My Little Pony, G.I. Joe and Transformers; Image Comics, publisher The Walking Dead, Saga, Chew, and Morning Glories; Oni Press, Top Shelf Productions, and many others.  For more information, visit Diamond Books on the web at www.diamondbookdistributors.com.

© 2014 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, and PREVIEWS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.

BOOM! STUDIOS AND ITS IMPRINTS EARN 30 HARVEY AWARDS NOMINATIONS FOR TITLES PUBLISHED IN 2013
 

August 6, 2014 - Los Angeles, Calif. - Publisher BOOM! Studios is pleased to announce it has earned 30 nominations for the 2014 Harvey Awards, which honor the best in comics for the 2013 calendar year. The nominations include honors for titles published under BOOM! imprints Archaia and KaBOOM! This is the most amount of nominations the publisher has ever earned in a single year.

The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. They are the only industry awards both nominated by and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.

The nominations for titles published by BOOM! Studios and its imprints include:

Best Artist
Jeff Stokely for SIX-GUN GORILLA

Best Cartoonist
David Petersen for MOUSE GUARD: THE BLACK AXE (Archaia)

Best Letterer
Deron Bennett for CYBORG 009 (Archaia)


Steve Wands for ADVENTURE TIME (KaBOOM!)


Britt Wilson for ADVENTURE TIME WITH FIONNA AND CAKE (KaBOOM!)



Best Inker
Vanesa R. Del Rey for HIT


Brian Stelfreeze for DAY MEN

Best Cover Artist
Goñi Montes for CLIVE BARKER'S NEXT TESTAMENT


Brian Stelfreeze for DAY MEN

Most Promising New Talent
Jeff Stokely for SIX-GUN GORILLA

Best New Series
SIX-GUN GORILLA


SUICIDE RISK

Best Continuing or Limited Series
HIT


MOUSE GUARD: LEGENDS OF THE GUARD VOL. 2 (Archaia)

Best Anthology
MOUSE GUARD: LEGENDS OF THE GUARD VOL. 2 (Archaia)


SPERA VOL. 3 (Archaia)


THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR (Archaia)



Best Graphic Album - Original
CYBORG 009 (Archaia)


THE REASON FOR DRAGONS (Archaia)



Best Graphic Album - Previously Published
THE KILLER OMNIBUS VOL. 1 (Archaia)


MOUSE GUARD VOL. 3: THE BLACK AXE (Archaia)


POLARITY



Best Single Issue or Story
ADVENTURE TIME 2013 ANNUAL #1 (KaBOOM!)


SUICIDE RISK #5

 

Best Domestic Reprint Project
FRAGGLE ROCK CLASSICS VOL. 2 (Archaia)



Best American Edition of Foreign Material
THE KILLER VOL. 4 (Archaia)

 

Special Award for Humor in Comics
Ryan North for ADVENTURE TIME (KaBOOM!)

 

Special Award for Excellence in Presentation
CYBORG 009, Edited by Stephen Christy, Designed by Jon Adams (Archaia)


THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR, Edited by Joe LeFavi, Designed by Scott Newman (Archaia)

 

Best Original Graphic Publication for Younger Readers
ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 1: PLAYING WITH FIRE (KaBOOM!)

 

“I couldn’t be happier—and couldn’t be prouder—to see our creators and our team here at BOOM! earn all of these nominations” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “Last year, with titles like POLARITY, SUICIDE RISK, and HIT, we got into a rhythm with our originals that we were really pleased with, and the industry seemed to feel the same way. Couple that with bringing Archaia into the fold with their slate of beautiful books like MOUSE GUARD, THE REASON FOR DRAGONS, and CYBORG 009, and 2013 was a very strong year for us. It’s just so gratifying to have all the hard work from our creators and our team recognized like this.”  

The rest of the 2014 nominees can be seen on the final ballot on the Harvey Awards official website. Voting is open to comic book creators (those who write, draw, ink, color, letter, design, edit or are involved in the creative aspect of comics) until August 14, 2014. The 27th Annual Awards will be presented at a ceremony held at Baltimore Comic-Con on September 6th, 2014.

For more information, visit www.harveyawards.org/.

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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! 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, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.
 

ABOUT THE HARVEY AWARDS
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. The Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories, ranging from Best Artist to the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame. They are the only industry awards both nominated by and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.Beginning in 1988 at the Chicago Comic-Con, the Harveys enjoyed runs at the Dallas Fantasy Fair, Oakland’s Wondercon, the Pittsburgh Comicon, and the Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art.  In 2005, the Harveys have joined the Baltimore Comic-Con, held each year at the Baltimore Convention Center.  We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Baltimore Comic-Con.

The Harvey Awards are presented annually to those creators and publications that receive the most votes from their peers in the comics industry. At the beginning of each year, nominating ballots are sent to comics professionals and publishers. Qualifying professionals are able to nominate up to five entries in each category. The top five nominees, plus ties, in each category are placed on the final ballot, which is mailed in the Spring. Final ballots are returned one month later and the votes are tabulated. Winners are announced each year at the Harvey Awards banquet.

The Harvey Awards Executive Committee, or subgroups of the Executive Committee, oversees the publication and mailing of the nominating ballots, tabulation of the nominees, publication and mailing of the final ballot, tabulation of the final votes and organization and presentation of the awards. The Executive Committee does not nominate candidates for the Harvey Awards, nor engage in selection of the candidates or winners. This is done solely through votes cast by the comics professionals who choose to participate in the process.

Ballots are made available to all qualifying comics professionals, either directly from the Harvey Awards Executive Committee, or from publishers who receive bundles of ballots and disseminate them to professionals in their employ.

The Harvey Awards Executive Committee and its subgroups work strictly on a volunteer basis. The Harveys employ no paid staff and are completely funded from the generous donations of its sponsors.