LIFE GOES ON IN
BOB FINGERMAN’S
MINIMUM WAGE

Alternative comics classic returns in a new October collection

After a nearly 15-year hiatus, Bob Fingerman’s edgy, critically-acclaimed series MINIMUM WAGE has returned! The place: Brooklyn, before it was a hipster Mecca. The protagonist: Rob, a 25-year-old, recently divorced cartoonist. The problem: How the hell do you get back on the dating horse when you’ve split from the woman you thought was the love of your life, moved back in with your mom, and you — gasp! — are trading in your indie cred to draw superheroes for a living? Rob goes for broke in the Image Comics graphic novel MINIMUM WAGE VOLUME ONE: FOCUS ON THE STRANGE, in stores in October. The slice-of-life, Eisner Award-nominated alternative comics darling returned to shelves in 2013 with MAXIMUM MINIMUM WAGE — a deluxe hardcover edition of the title’s original run, featuring brand-new material. It was drawing MINIMUM WAGE once again that inspired Fingerman to revive the title. “My creative juices are fully rejuvenated after putting together the deluxe Maximum Minimum Wage collection last year," said Fingerman, "so I've never been more excited to be back in the harness, putting Rob and the gang through their paces.” MINIMUM WAGE VOLUME ONE: FOCUS ON THE STRANGE will be in comic book stores on October 8 and in bookstores on October 21. It is available for pre-order now. The book will debut at the Alternative Press Expo (APE) in San Francisco on October 4 and 5. Fingerman is a special guest of the convention.

MINIMUM WAGE VOLUME ONE: FOCUS ON THE STRANGE by Bob FIngerman ISBN 978-1-63215-015-8 Diamond Comic order code AUG140588 152 pages, paperback $14.99 In comic book stores October 8, bookstores October 21 Rated Mature Collects MINIMUM WAGE #1-6

Praise for MINIMUM WAGE: “Minimum Wage #1 proves that Bob Fingerman is nowhere near short on stories to tell. Rather, it’s proof positive that he’s more willing to be emotionally raw and honest than ever, while never losing sight of the essential comedy of life. It’s early in 2014, but Minimum Wage looks like it’s well on its way to being one of the sharpest looks at the human struggle that mainstream comics will produce this year. Not bad for a comic that seeded its roots in the very specific ’90s landscape of Indie Comics. It’s more relevant and personal than ever.” –Vince Ostrowski, Multiversity Comics “I had no doubt that Minimum Wage would be a triumphant return…, but I’m still blown away by the quality and craftsmanship. Whether you read the original series or not, you’ll fall right into step with this story. Pick it up and don’t put it down.” –Hannah Means Shannon, Bleeding Cool “Fingerman has outdone himself. This book is raw, alternately hilarious and depressing, hopeful and forlorn and most of all honest.” –Doc Benway, Go Collect Praise for MAXIMUM MINIMUM WAGE: “Maximum Minimum Wage is a hefty tome from the cartoonist Bob Fingerman, who confesses in his introduction that this just might be the final version of this semi-autobiographical work. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with Mr. Fingerman’s work. Maximum Minimum Wage is one of the ups. The characters are still flawed and I still wonder about some of their choices, but now, 10 years later, the story feels more grounded: I could see them as real people who make mistakes, sometimes big ones. The last page of the story, more than half way through before a ton of extras, left me feeling sympathetic for the main character who was riddled with doubt on one of the big days of his life.” –New York Times “Fingerman’s depictions of oddballs and crazies across New York’s social strata is entirely on target, hilarious, and cringe-worthy.” –Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “The cult ‘90s comic strip Minimum Wage, about a cartoonist and his pals, cuts as deep and as dark as Louie and Girls. Thankfully, it’s getting a new deluxe collection with a foreword from superfan and The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman.” –Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List” “Minimum Wage is an important comic. If I were tasked with introducing someone to comics in an attempt to make them love and cherish the medium as much as I do, I’d give them Watchmen, Bone, Savage Dragon, and Minimum Wage. To me, those are the cornerstones of the foundation of what I read early on that firmly established my love of the comic book medium. In my opinion, those four books show you the wide range of what comics can offer.” –Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD), from his foreword “The sweetly profane tale of a neurotic, sarcastic, artist trying to figure out the rest of his life. Not sure exactly how Bob Fingerman videotaped and wrote this book about me, but I’m here to tell him he got all the names wrong.” –Scott Aukerman, Comedy Bang Bang “Intensely funny and addictive, Fingerman captures true love and Brooklyn with incredible honesty and tenderness. I always scream with joy when I see the new Minimum Wage at the bookstore, and now here’s the collected edition that we can all scream for.” –Margaret Cho “Fingerman’s comics are all about the sloppiness and failure and noise and triumphs and quiet and joy and sadness that arrive completely off-schedule in a day, or in a life. Plus, he draws cute chicks.” –Patton Oswalt

Preview

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.

COPPERHEAD NAILS IT, SELLS OUT
The science fiction western series branded a hit

“Go buy this book.”
 —Comic Book Resources

“Copperhead is the best Image debut of the year and my favorite new comic.”
—Brian K. Vaughan

Writer Jay Faerber (NEAR DEATH, DYNAMO 5), artist Scott Godlewski (Dracula: The Company of Monsters), colorist Ron Riley (NEAR DEATH, DYNAMO 5), and letterer/designer Thomas Mauer (UNDERTOW, UMBRAL) have won the hearts of readers with their new science fiction western series COPPERHEAD. Issue #1 has sold out completely and is being fast-tracked to a second printing to meet customer demand.

"Scott, Ron, Thomas and I are blown away by the response Copperhead's gotten,” said Faerber. “We've been having a ton of fun in the mining town of Copperhead, and we're thrilled people are responding to it. The ride is just beginning!"

In COPPERHEAD #1 readers meet Clara Bronson, a single mother who takes the position as new sheriff in Copperhead, a small mining town on a distant planet. But while Clara might seem like an ordinary lady in all respects, she has one or two secrets she’s hiding… and secrets don’t last long in a small town like Copperhead.

Set in the 24th century and featuring Western archetypes through a sci-fi lens, COPPERHEAD is a fresh new series that Faerber described as “Deadwood meets Firefly.”

COPPERHEAD #1 has 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 this first issue will be going back to print to meet customer demand. The second printing of COPPERHEAD #1 (Diamond Code AUG148041) will release on 10/8.

COPPERHEAD #2 releases 10/8 as well and will be available for pre-order with Diamond Code JUN148095. 

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.

AMC RETURNS TO THE TABLE FOR A SECOND SEASON OF UNSCRIPTED

ARM-WRESTLING SERIES “GAME OF ARMS”

Series was Network’s highest weeknight original series premiere

NEW YORK, NY, September 11, 2014 – AMC today announced that it has ordered a second season of its unscripted arm-wrestling series, “Game of Arms,” which premiered last February with 1 million viewers, delivering the network’s highest weeknight original series premiere.  The network has ordered 10 one-hour episodes of the series, which goes inside the raw, highly-competitive world of underground arm-wrestling. The competition series follows members of various regional arm wrestling clubs, as they hit the road each week to compete in intense matches, often sacrificing their jobs, health, and even relationships in pursuit of victory.

“With its cinematic look, raw intensity, and fascinating view of a little-known subculture, ‘Game of Arms’ has become a defining unscripted series for AMC.” said Eliot Goldberg, AMC’s senior vice president of unscripted programming.  “Undertow Films delivered a visually stunning first season and we are thrilled to continue to explore these fascinating characters and rivalries in season two.”

“Game of Arms” is executive produced by Matt Renner and Ethan Prochnik, Emmy^® Award-winning producers of “Deadliest Catch,” and their partner, Dan Ilani, through their shingle, Undertow Films. The project is overseen for the network by unscripted programming executives Eliot Goldberg, Marco Bresaz, and Andrea Beckerman.

Season one ratings averages, live+7, across initial 10 episodes:

Total audience, 747,000 viewers

Adults 25-54, 428,000 viewers

Adults 18-49, 450,000 viewers

The “Game of Arms” pick-up follows on the heels of the network’s recently announced order for three additional unscripted series slated for 2015: “All-Star Celebrity Bowling,” adapted from Chris Hardwick’s hit web series features two new celebrity casts facing off each week in a fun-filled bowling match for charity; the untitled Billy Corgan wrestling docu-drama which follows Corgan in his latest undertaking as creative director of Resistance Pro, a Chicago-based wrestling league; and “Visionaries,” (working title) which follows the employees of Vision Scenery as they design and construct Hollywood sets, props and models for commercials, TV, music videos, films and other productions.  The network recently premiered its newest unscripted series, “4^th and Loud,” which airs Tuesday’s at 10:00pm ET, and  follows the inaugural season of the L.A. KISS Arena Football League team, featuring co-owners Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, of KISS fame.

###

About AMC

Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade, or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row, and six of the last seven with the current back-to-back honoree, “Breaking Bad.” The network boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last two years with “The Walking Dead.” AMC’s original drama series include “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead,” “Hell on Wheels,” “Turn,” “Halt and Catch Fire” and the forthcoming “Breaking Bad” prequel, “Better Call Saul.” AMC also explores authentic worlds with bold characters through its slate of unscripted original series including “Talking Dead,” “Comic Book Men,” “Game of Arms” and “4th and Loud.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More. 

About Undertow

Undertow Films is a television production company specializing in high stakes, cinematic, character-driven storytelling in both TV and Film. The company was formed by Matt Renner and Ethan Prochnick, Emmy® award-winning producers of "Deadliest Catch," and their partner and former Paradigm agent, Dan Ilani. Undertow is the creative team behind shows such as History Channels' “Shark Wranglers,” chronicling the dangerous science of tagging Great White sharks, “Game of Arms” for AMC, which explores the highly competitive world of American arm-wrestling, and “Airplane Repo,” a series for Discovery Channel based in the high-stakes world of airplane heists.

The Live Debate: Is Snowden a Hero?

Experts on both sides will debate live on stage at the Hero Round Table

FLINT, MI – IS Edward Snowden a hero, or a traitor? The Hero Round Table, the largest conference on heroism, will host a live one-hour debate next month to find out.

Snowden instantly became famous—and an outlaw—when he released documents proving the US government used mass surveillance on its own citizens. Since then, he has fled the country and become a fugitive living in Russia.

The Hero Round Table brings together people from all walks of life interested in creating real-life heroism. Its founder, educator Matt Langdon, says Snowden presents a particularly difficult case for hero experts.

“On the one hand, he did exactly what we train people to do: he spoke out when he saw someone doing something wrong,” Langdon said. “But he also broke US law to do so. So is he a hero or a villain?”

Langdon says the conference will allow the debate to unfold between experts on both sides. Representing the pro-Snowden view is Coleen Rowley, a whistleblower who outed corruption in the FBI. Rowley also traveled to Russia to present Snowden with an award for his actions.

On the anti-Snowden side is retired US Marine Corps Major, Dan Pantaleo, who was present in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks. Pantaleo says government surveillance protected American lives and that Snowden betrayed his country.

The debate will be moderated by Scott Baker, editor-in-chief of theblaze.com.

“This is a debate unlike any other you’ve seen,” Langdon said. “There will be no easy outs or soft answers. We’re going to push both experts and find out what’s really going on in the Snowden case.”

Langdon says the debate will be open to all conference attendees. Speakers include world-famous psychologist Philip Zimbardo as well as athletes, storytellers, educators, nonprofit leaders and scholars.

About the Hero Round Table:

The Hero Round Table is a cross-disciplinary conference on heroism in today’s world. Talks and discussions come from experts in the worlds of psychology, education, philosophy, sports, storytelling and more.  The Hero Round Table provides an opportunity for those interested in heroism around the world to meet, collaborate, and learn how heroism thrives.

NBM HEADS TO SPX 2014

Patrick Atangan's Invincible Days Makes It's Debut

On September 13-14th, you can find some of the most prestigious names in comics at the 2014 Small Press Expo (aka SPX).

Unlike many conventions that are geared toward pop culture or corporately owned comics, SPX was created in 1994 to promote artists and publishers who produce independent comics. SPX hosts an annual festival that provides a forum for artists, writers and publishers of comic art in its various forms to present to the public comic art not normally accessible through normal commercial channels.

This weekend, you can find NBM at Table F1-F2, where we'll have our latest book on hand, Invincible Days.

By the author of the Yellow Jar and Silk Tapestry, this collection of short stories forms a singular narrative that reveals the tiny moments when you realize you are at the precious end-days of youth.  Atangan creates an intricate mosaic from his own childhood memories as well as those gathered from friends and family. Bittersweet, joyful and reflective, these are the type of marking moments that best define us as adults.

Unfortunately, creator Patrick Atangan cannot be there, but we'll have some of his original art that's we'll be raffling off.  Purchase any of his books to enter to win.

In addition, we'll have some previews of our upcoming books including Jude Nude by Etienne Davodeau, Dungeon: Twilight, Volume 4, as well as our special accordion book, Pascal Rabaté’s Street View, it needs to be seen to be believed!

We'll also have a fashionably EARLY preview of a book that will have everyone talking come SPRING 2015, Annie Goetzinger’s Girl in Dior.

We’ll also be offering all of our latest titles and prints are available for free with any $30 purchase, with a signed version free with a $50 purchase.

Throughout SPX, NBM can be found at tables F1-F2.

VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT DELIVERS FAIRY ACTION AND ADVENTURE IN NEW

WINX CLUB: MAGIC COLLECTION OMNIBUS

Comprehensive Anthology Collects All 9 Original Graphic Novel Adventures Of WINX CLUB Into A Single Full-Color Edition

San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings the exciting fairy adventures of WINX CLUB to readers this month with WINX CLUB: MAGIC COLLECTION, a brand new omnibus edition scheduled for release on September 16^th that bundles all 9 full-color volumes of the hit original graphic novel series. 

WINX CLUB: MAGIC COLLECTION runs more than 800 full-color pages and will be published under VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / CAN.

WINX CLUB is based on the smash hit property created by Iginio Straffi and inspired by the animated series that is widely seen on Nickelodeon Junior. The graphic novels follow the magical adventures of best friends – Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna and Aisha – who attend Alfea, a school for fairies in the amazing dimension of Magix. With powers drawn from sunlight, science, music, nature and flame, the girls learn together even as they regularly battle their rivals, a trio of witches known as The Trix.

Before Bloom became part of the Winx Club, she was living a normal teenager’s life. All that changed one day when she discovered she’s actually got magical powers! Between enrolling in Alfea School for Fairies and learning to control her newfound powers, Bloom’s life is anything but ordinary now. Luckily, she’s got special fairy friends who encourage and support her – and help fight against wicked villains!

“WINX CLUB is a unique adventure property that strongly resonates with fans, and we are delighted to offer their graphic novel adventures in this new omnibus edition,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “The Winx fairies are all about friendship, fashion and fun. As they battle unpredictable monsters and the trouble-making Trix witches from Cloudtower Academy, they become stronger fairies and closer friends. Join Bloom and the rest of the WINX CLUB fairy crew for their action-packed escapades in this new full-color release from Perfect Square!”

Iginio Straffi is the founder and CEO of Rainbow Group, as well as creator of its most famous property, the Winx Club. Born and raised in Italy, Straffi initially began as a comic book artist for Italian publishers Comics Art and later Sergio Bonelli Editore, where he worked on the Nick Raider series. At the age of 27, he moved to France to work on production and storyboarding and went on to direct several animated TV series and feature films. Following that, he returned to Italy and founded the Rainbow Group animation studio. Winx Club debuted in 2004 and became a worldwide success, now broadcast in over 130 countries and available in all major markets in the U.S. on the Nickelodeon network.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga, graphic novels and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

For more information on 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 monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine 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.

###

© 2013 Rainbow S.r.l. and Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Series created by Iginio Straffi.

DC COMICS SUPER HEROES GET THE PLUSH TREATMENT
AS BLEACHER CREATURES—FAMED FOR ITS INCREDIBLY TRUE-TO-LIFE
PRO-SPORTS PLUSH FIGURES—TAKES ON COMIC BOOK FAVORITES

New DC Comics Plush Figures to Debut October 1 include Superman, Batman, and the Green Lantern Corps, Plus Many Others

Super Heroes can be cuddly, too—and the company with the super-powers to make them so is Bleacher Creatures. The innovative Pennsylvania-based licensing manufacturer, whose incredibly true-to-life plush figures of pro-sports stars has won them official partnerships with the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB, will launch a brand-new line of DC Comics plush figures on October 1 under license with Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Entertainment, representing the greatest Super Heroes (and Super-Villains!) in the galaxy.

Bleacher Creatures’ DC Comics roster includes Superman from Man of Steel as well as the Batman Classic TV Series, featuring Batman from the 1960s TV show and his fellow crime-fighters Robin and Batgirl, as well as his nemeses Catwoman and The Joker. Bleacher Creatures’ DC Comics comic-book plush will feature Super-Villainess Harley Quinn, the Teen Titans, and the Green Lantern Corps.

Other DC Comics–inspired entities to be represented in future Bleacher Creatures line-ups include Richard Donner’s Superman, and theatrical releases Green Lantern and The Dark Knight Trilogy.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment to create these very special Bleacher Creatures plush figures,” says Matthew Hoffman, founder and president of Bleacher Creatures. “As the father of young kids who love Super Heroes—heck, as a kid myself when it comes to Batman and Superman—this is pretty much a dream come true. Our goal is for the plush figures to inspire both a sense of awe and a sense of play.”

“Bleacher Creatures is renowned for their fun, quality character plush, making them a great choice to bring the characters of the DC Comics universe to life with their unique product assortment,” says Karen McTier, executive vice president, Domestic Sales and Worldwide Marketing, WBCP.

###

About Bleacher Creatures

Bleacher Creatures is an innovative licensing manufacturer that produces a variety of children’s toys through partnerships with professional sports leagues and entertainment companies. Bleacher Creatures are incredibly true-to-life plush figures of the greatest athletes and entertainment icons, allowing young fans (those who are young at heart) to put their passion in play. Bleacher Creatures' goal: to encourage fun, inspiration and, of course, play among fans of any age. 

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About DC Entertainment

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.

GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS
OF WEBCOMIC FAME SELLS OUT
The popular webcomic is now a bestselling print series
 

Ryan Browne’s (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, BEDLAM) hilarious webcomic sensation GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS has expanded its readership now that it's a print series, and with that comes a huge increase in popularity—enough to sell out immediately and garner a second printing to meet customer demand.

"Sold out? Are you serious?” said Browne. “I know my mom bought a couple of copies but you guys must really love your God Hates Astronauts! Wait'll you see what other awesomely stupid things I plan to force you to look at in issue two!"

In GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS, a NASA-funded group of arrogant "super people" must stop a rash of farmers that have been using rocket-powered silos to launch themselves into outer space. As these Astro-Farmers fire themselves all over the galaxy, NASA must utilize their every resource (a guy with a ghost-cow head, a bunch of magic bears, and a Chicago cop with robot arms) to avoid an intergalactic incident.

Praise for GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS:
“There's not a lot more I can say about God Hates Astronauts as a whole. It's funny, it's crass, it's absurd, it manages to pack more gut-busting laughs into a 30 page comic than some do in an entire series… While, yes, this is still the farce that you know and love, there is the beginnings of a genuine and more earnest story being told here, and this first issue is an excellent hook for both new readers and old. If you're looking for a comic to have you crying with laughter, look no further than God Hates Astronauts.” —David Henderson, Multiversity Comics

“Browne is carving out a unique space for himself with this series. There isn't really anything exactly like it on the stands and that's exactly what we all look for in comics, right? God Hates Astronauts #1 the most fun book of the week.” —Matt Little, Comic Book Resources

“If you've ever found yourself thinking, ‘Man, I sure wish there were some comic out there that flawlessly combined talking animal alien space warriors, astro farmers, true romance, and bestiality.’ I have some very good news for you: God Hates Astronauts has arrived.” —Tres Dean, IGN

“It will make you laugh a lot. You may need a change of pants. I don't know, but it's probably a good idea to get an extra pair out before reading it just in case. Pants wetting aside, God Hates Astronauts is one of the hilarious and most fun comics on the stands. If you're just looking to have a good time, then you've found the right book.” —Chase Magnett, ComicBook.com

GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #1 has 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 this first issue will be going back to print to meet customer demand. The second printing of GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #1 (Diamond Code AUG148040) will release on 10/8.

GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #2 releases 10/1. Cover A by Browne will be available for pre-order with Diamond Code AUG140651. Cover B by Jim Rugg will also be available for pre-order with Diamond Code AUG140651.

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.

TOOTH & CLAW REVEALS
ALEX ROSS VARIANT COVER
Issue two of the new Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey series will feature a special variant cover
 

TOOTH & CLAW, the exciting new fantasy epic from bestselling writer Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Astro City), artist Benjamin Dewey (I Was the Cat, Tragedy Series), Eisner-winning colorist Jordie Bellaire (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, PRETTY DEADLY), and letterer John Roshell of Comicraft will feature a very special variant cover by artist Alex Ross of Marvels and Kingdom Come fame.

In TOOTH & CLAW, a secret conclave of wizards brings a legendary champion forward through time from the forgotten past to save the world—with disastrous consequences. Featuring swords, sorcery, beast-wizards, gods, vast animal empires, golems of radioactive decay, crystalline badlands, con women, ancient armories, young love, mystery, blood and death and treachery and destiny… TOOTH & CLAW is the sprawling, world-building fantasy series readers won't want to miss out on.

Ross’s creative process was immediately inspired by TOOTH & CLAW’s fantasy-feel when approaching his variant cover. "The world in TOOTH & CLAW is kind of a quasi-medieval fantasy, joined with classical designs,” said Ross. “That made me think of paintings like The Raft of the Medusa, and I wanted to capture that feeling, with the characters and situations from the series. Although really, the only reference I had was the Pogues album, Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, so in a way, that was my reference and my inspiration."

"It's an unusual subject for Alex,” added Busiek. “But he's painted such a wild range of stuff for Astro City that I was sure he'd do something amazing. So I showed him the art to the first issue, and he was glad to join in. And he really outdid himself, I'd say—it's a gorgeous, moody cover that really encapsulates what's going on in this world."

Ross was also influenced by Dewey’s caliber of artwork. "At this point, we all know what great work Kurt can do, but look at this awesome artwork by Ben Dewey!” said Ross. “This is some of the most impressive and elaborate illustration you can find in comics. How often do you see a world of animal protagonists in a comic story related with such realism and pathos? This book looks damn unique to me, and isn’t that what we should all be looking for?"

TOOTH AND CLAW #1 (Diamond Code SEP140540) will be available on 11/5 as a double-sized 44 page issue with no ads for only $2.99.

TOOTH AND CLAW #2 (Diamond Code OCT140609) Cover A by Benjamin Dewey will be available on 12/3. Cover B by Alex Ross will be available with Diamond Code OCT140610. 

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.

BOOM! STUDIOS HEADS TO ROSE CITY COMIC CON FOR DEBUT APPEARANCE

September 10,  2014 - Los Angeles, Calif. - Award-winning comic book publisher BOOM! Studios is pleased to announce it will be attending Rose City Comic Con for the first time, which will take place at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, during the weekend of September 20-21.

BOOM! can be found at booth number 1201 and will host the following creators all weekend:

• Aubrey Aiese (Lumberjanes, Adventure Time: Pixel Princesses, Adventure Time: Seeing Red)
• Wook-Jin Clark (Adventure Time: The Flip Side)
• Zachary Sterling (Adventure Time: Playing with Fire, Adventure Time: Seeing Red)

For $30, fans can purchase a customized illustration of their choice on a blank sketch cover of a variety of comics.

The following creators will be signing at the booth on Saturday:

• Christopher Sebela (Dead Letters, Escape from New York), 12pm-1pm
• Marc Andreyko (Clive Barker’s Nightbreed) and Ben Meares (Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Bestiary), 2pm-3pm
• Joshua Williamson (RoboCop), 3pm-4pm

BOOM! will have a Rose City Comic Con exclusive variant for Lumberjanes #6 illustrated by Aubrey Aiese (who also happens to be the book's letterer) available for purchase through the convention for $10.00 while supplies last.

For tickets and more information on Rose City Comic Con, visit rosecitycomiccon.com.

Lumberjanes #6 Rose City Comic Con Variant by Aubrey Aiese

-xxxxxx-
 

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 comprised of four distinct imprints. The original Studios imprint is home to Mike Carey's Suicide Risk; James Tynion IV's The Woods; Mark Waid's Irredeemable; Sons of Anarchy; and Big Trouble in Little China. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 Guns was 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, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe; Mike Kunkel’s Herobear and the Kid; and Natasha Allegri's Bee and PuppyCat. BOOM!'s experimental imprint BOOM! Box publishes The Midas Flesh and Lumberjanes. 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, and Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand. 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. In August 2014, BOOM! Studios began a similar first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox TV to develop properties for the small screen.

Visit SuBLime During YaoiCon 2014 At Booths ^#23 & ^#24

GLOBAL YAOI MANGA PUBLISHER SuBLime ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION AT YAOICON 2014,

NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST YAOI EVENT

Publisher Will Announce a Major New Yaoi Series At Its Panel As Well As Showcase Its Extensive Roster Of Titles At Its Booth

San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2014 – SuBLime, the global yaoi manga publishing initiative between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), announces its participation at YaoiCon 2014 and invites attendees to enjoy a weekend of fun and passionate yaoi fandom.

YaoiCon 2014 takes place the weekend of September 12^th-14^th at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel. YaoiCon is North America’s preeminent fan event devoted exclusively to yaoi. Full details are available at: www.yaoicon.com. SuBLime will be located in the Dealers’ Hall in booths ^#23 and ^#24 throughout the entire convention.

Catch the latest updates directly from the SuBLime publishing team during the SuBLime Industry Panel, scheduled for Saturday, September 13^th at 2:00PM in the Regency C panel room. The team will have games and prizes as well as updates on many ongoing series. Fans will want to be sure to stay until the very end to catch a big, new publishing announcement!

During its presence at YaoiCon, SuBLime will have copies of all currently available print titles for sale at a discounted rate at its booth. Fans can enjoy an additional 10% discount when purchasing all available volumes of a series. In addition, special advance print copies of Shoko Hidaka’s BLUE MORNING Volume 5 (rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers) will be made available ahead of its October street date.

While at the booth, YaoiCon attendees can also enter to win these awesome prizes: a complete set of print AND digital editions of AWKWARD SILENCE (Vols. 1-4), a complete print set of CRIMSON SPELL (Vols. 1-5), or a digital-only title of their choosing from the SuBLime catalog. 

SuBLime titles are offered worldwide in print and digital formats. For digital editions purchased directly from www.SuBLimeManga.com, readers have two methods of access – a DRM-free downloadable PDF that is viewable on any PDF-enabled eReader device and computer, and via the online manga viewer found on the web site. Readers can also purchase SuBLime’s digital editions through e-tailers such as Kindle, Nook, and Kobo.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga, Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga, and Tumblr at sublimemanga.tumblr.com.

About SuBLime

SuBLime is a global yaoi/boys’ love manga publisher, and is a partnership between VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate). This bold, global publishing initiative will present English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide available at www.SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide.

###

YUU−UTSU NA ASA © SHOKO HIDAKA 2014／TOKUMA SHOTEN