Thursday, September 18, 2014

Matt Fraction’s CASANOVA RETURNS TO IMAGE
IN STYLE

Hardcover “Complete Edition” volumes monthly starting in October

“All a comic would have to do is say ‘Matt Fraction’ on the front for me to pick it up and feel excited about what was inside.” –Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
Image Comics is very pleased to announce the return of CASANOVA by Matt Fraction (SEX CRIMINALS, SATELLITE SAM, Hawkeye), Gabriel Bá (The Umbrella Academy, Daytripper), and Fábio Moon (Daytripper, B.P.R.D.) in a series of deluxe hardcover “Complete Editions.” The first of these, CASANOVA VOLUME 1: LUXURIA, will be released in October 2014, followed by CASANOVA VOLUME 2: GULA in November, and CASANOVA VOLUME 3: AVARITIA in December.
Casanova “Cass” Quinn was born into a life of wealth and privilege but turned his back on it to pursue his own interests — namely stealing, spying, and living a hedonistic life with few moral compunctions. The black sheep in a family of international super-spies, Cass is pulled back into their sphere after an evil organization targets the Quinns. In a game of hidden agendas and double espionage across parallel universes, Cas must choose an identity. Is he the decadent thief named Casanova Quinn? Or is he the top secret agent named… Casanova Quinn?
Writer Fraction is known for his metafictional winks and deft melding of genres in the mega-hit SEX CRIMINALS, and CASANOVA puts his skill at the forefront in a science fiction spy story shot through with psychedelia, with gorgeous art by renowned Brazilian artists Bá and Moon.
In January 2014, Image Comics announced that CASANOVA would return with a fourth volume, ACEDIA, co-written by Fraction and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon.
Each Complete Edition of CASANOVA collects four issues of the critically-acclaimed series in a deluxe, oversized hardcover volume, complete with covers and extra content. VOLUME 1: LUXURIA will be in comic book stores on October 22 and bookstores on November 4; VOLUME 2: GULA will be in comic book stores on November 12 and bookstores on November 25; VOLUME 3: AVARITIA will be in comic book stores on December 17 and bookstores on December 30. All are now available for pre-order.
CASANOVA VOLUME 1: LUXURIA by Matt Fraction and Gabriel Bá
  • ISBN 978-1-63215-161-2
  • Diamond Comics code AUG140576
  • 168 pages, hardbound, full color
  • $29.99
  • Rated Mature
  • In comic book stores 10/22; bookstores 11/4
CASANOVA VOLUME 2: GULA by Matt Fraction and Fábio Moon
  • ISBN 978-1-63215-181-0
  • Diamond Comics code SEP140603
  • 168 pages, hardbound, full color
  • $29.99
  • Rated Mature
  • In comic book stores 11/12; bookstores 11/25
CASANOVA VOLUME 3: AVARITIA by Matt Fraction and Fábio Moon
  • ISBN 978-1-63215-191-9
  • Diamond Comics code OCT140617
  • 176 pages, hardbound, full color
  • $29.99
  • Rated Mature
  • In comic book stores 12/17; bookstores 12/30
Praise for CASANOVA, Matt Fraction, Gabriel Bá, and Fábio Moon:

Casanovis a brutally elegant fever dream of science fiction, spy movies and super-heroes, ripped through a hole in space-time specifically to blow your mind.” –Laura Hudson,
 Comics Alliance
“The idea of “Why not?” that is the spirit Fraction, Bá, and Moon capture in Casanova; a story told by creators stoned out of their heads on the possibilities that the medium provides.” –David Faust, Sequart
“With such a wide cast and with so much going on, it’s impressive to see how much love and attention Fraction gives to every character, to every moment and to every event happening all at once. Nothing is left underdeveloped or pushed out of the way to for something better; it all feeds into itself like an ouroboros of pop-fueled pandemonium. This comic feels like the pure id of Fraction, limitless in scope and entirely open-ended from every perceivable angle.
“And good lord, Gabriel Bá is basically perfect.” –Matthew Meylikhov, Multiversity Comics
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.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

RUMBLE MEANS WAR
A new ongoing action/adventure series
about a warrior god wrecking havoc

Co-creators John Arcudi (writer of BPRD, Savage Wolverine, A god Somewhere and the Eisner-nominated The Creep) and James Harren (artist on Conan, BPRD, and cover artist for the Hawkeye vs. Deadpool) team up once again for the launch of an epic and bizarre action/adventure series filled with fantasy and page-turning thrills arriving on December 17.

In RUMBLE, a scarecrow—a warrior scarecrow god called Rathraq, that is—walks into a bar...and it’s all downhill from there. After a long absence, Rathraq is back and very unhappy. This is bad news for his old enemies, yes, but even worse news for everyone else, including bartender Bobby LaRosa who finds himself caught in the chaos.

RUMBLE is an eclectic mix of tone and genre, something that Arcudi commented on as adding depth and a dose of reality to the story. “Rumble is not just fantasy, not just action, not just drama, or not just humorous, you know? That’s too limiting. That’s not how we live. You wake up happy, then something happens that messes up your whole day (of course, in the case of Rumble, that ‘something’ just so happens to be a giant sword-wielding scarecrow and some monsters), but you still manage to have a laugh that night. What I like about this book is that any character can have a day like that. Any of them, human and non-human."

Arcudi also cited Harren’s flexibility in art styles as allowing for smooth transitions throughout RUMBLE. “James’s art allows us to go in all the directions the story needs to go. Nobody draws ferocious action the way James does. Monsters smashing each other’s heads in, that’s in the book, and James kills on it! But he also can set a spooky mood, and while his idea of what’s ‘funny’ is rather bizarre, that’s exactly what the book needs!”

The characters of RUMBLE must adapt along with the readers and will go through various transformations along the way. Arcudi added: “What I hope will be entertaining to readers is Bartender Bobby’s unique way of adapting to his new and rapidly changing world. That’s also true of Rathraq, the warrior scarecrow. He has to adapt to his new world as well, but in a very different way and for very different reasons. From those kinds of perspectives grow all kinds of interesting plot lines and stories! And they’re just two of the many characters we’ll be playing with.”

RUMBLE is a modern-day action fantasy series where rundown dive bars, undead kitty cats, psycho skinheads, and giant mummies run amok. RUMBLE #1 will be available on 12/17, and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code OCT140580. 
 
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.
Norman Reedus, William Shatner, Robert Englund, Manu Bennett, Eliza Dushku, Ralph Macchio Headline Celebrity Guests At Inaugural Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con, November 7-8-9
Dean Cain, James Marsters, Scott Wilson, Michael Rooker, Lou Ferrigno Also Headline Pop Culture Festival At Cox Business Center
TULSA, Okla., September 17, 2014Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead, Boondock Saints), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Manu Bennett (“Arrow,” The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Eliza Dushku (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” True Lies) and Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid, The Outsiders) are among the celebrities scheduled to attend the inaugural Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con, November 7-9 at the Cox Business Center. It is the 15th of 16 events scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known comics artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.
Reedus, Englund and Dushku will appear on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9; Shanter will attend on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8; Bennett and Macchio are scheduled for all three days.
Other notables scheduled include Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” God's Not Dead), James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Torchwood”) Scott Wilson (“The Walking Dead,” “The X-Files”), Alan Tudyk (“Firefly,” Wreck-It Ralph), Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead,” The Wolf of Wall Street), Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead,” Guardians of the Galaxy), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, “Heroes”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The King of Queens”), Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers”), Sara Underwood (“Attack of the Show”) and the Boondock Saints duo of Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco.
Superstar comics creators scheduled to attend include Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams (“Batman,” “X-Men”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Flash”), Billy Martin (Lead Guitarist/Keyboardist - “Good Charlotte”), Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Warlord”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential”), Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Star Wars”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”) , James O'Barr (Creator – “The Crow”), Greg Horn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Avengers”) and Rob Prior (“Heavy Metal,” “Spawn the Impaler”).
Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con show hours are Friday, Nov. 7, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tulsa Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor.
For more on the 2014 Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con, visit http://wizd.me/TulsaPR.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, the Wizard World Film Festival, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more.
Full event information can be found at http://www.wizd.me/PR.
Wizard World Remaining 2014 Schedule
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
VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS GLOBAL PRESENCE WITH MANGA TO BE SHOWCASED AT INTERNATIONAL POP CULTURE AND COMIC CONVENTIONS

Simon & Schuster UK To Feature VIZ Media Titles In India and London; Madman Entertainment Group To Showcase VIZ Media Manga At Major Shows Across Australia And New Zealand

San Francisco, CA, September 17, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, expands its global footprint as it collaborates with key multi-national distribution partners to showcase the company’s manga (graphic novel) properties at several upcoming high-profile international comics and pop culture conventions taking place in markets eager for high quality, officially licensed English manga content.

VIZ Media publishes one of the world’s most extensive and diverse catalogs of manga in English and will be highlighted by Simon and Schuster UK Ltd. and Madman Entertainment at several of the largest comic book and pop culture conventions happening across the UK, New Zealand, Australia and India throughout the rest of 2014.

VIZ Media is proud to partner with Simon & Schuster UK Ltd., one of the UK's leading publishers and distributors, to showcase an extensive array of manga at the MCM Comic Con in London (October 24th – 26th), as well as at several massive comics and pop culture conventions taking place in India. Simon & Schuster UK manages VIZ Media’s manga portfolio for this emerging but substantial consumer territory. Titles were subject of tremendous attention at the the recent Comic Con India in Bangalore and will be showcased again at Comic Con India in Hyderabad (Oct. 10th – 12th) and the 2014 Mumbai Film and Comics Convention taking place December 19th – 21st.
Simon & Schuster UK has been an exclusive distributor of VIZ Media manga titles since 2007 across all of the company’s imprints, including Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump Advanced, Shojo Beat, Shonen Sunday, Perfect Square, VIZ Signature, the Studio Ghibli Library and the Haikasoru literary imprint. The partnership’s expansion to India, where the Simon & Schuster India division has begun to offer select English-language titles, looks to cultivate a diverse new vertical market for manga.

VIZ Media is also proud to partner with the Madman Entertainment Group, the Australian-based leading independent theatrical and home entertainment distribution company for Oceana, to showcase the company’s extensive roster of manga titles at New Zealand’s 2014 Armageddon Expo, happening October 25th – 27th, as well as at PAX Australia (Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd) and the renowned SupaNova Expo shows in Adelaide (Nov. 21st – 23rd) and Brisbane (Nov. 28th - 30th).

Madman Entertainment is Australia and New Zealand’s leading distributor of manga content and has handled VIZ Media titles in Oceana since 2008.

“A key goal of VIZ Media’s overall strategy is to make manga global in both its access and fan-base and to develop a sustainable and substantial international market for high quality, officially licensed manga in English,” says Kevin Hamric, Senior Director of Publishing Sales and Marketing. “The popularity of manga at conventions across the UK, Oceana and now in India is a strong testament the growing international appeal. We look forward to working with our international partners to deepen VIZ Media’s presence on a global level and to continuing to deliver the best in manga content to a broad international base of readers.”

For more information on Madman Entertainment Group, please visit: www.madman.com.au

For more information on Simon & Schuster UK, please visit: www.simonandschuster.co.uk

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, 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.

ComiXology Announces Second Wave of DRM-Free Publishers
New participating publishers include
IDW Publishing, Valiant Entertainment, Oni Press, Fantagraphics Books and more
September 17th, 2014 – New York, NY – Today comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform, unveiled the latest group of publishers offering DRM-free backups, allowing comiXology customers to download and store copies of their books. ComiXology’s new DRM-free backup feature was announced this past July during Comic-Con International.
The second wave of participating publishers include IDW Publishing, Valiant Entertainment, Oni Press, Fantagraphics Books, Aspen Comics, Action Lab Entertainment, Th3rd World Studios, A Wave Blue World, Blind Ferret Entertainment, Caliber Comics, Creative Impulse Entertainment, Devil’s Due Entertainment, GT Labs Comics and Kingstone Media. They join Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Zenescope Entertainment, MonkeyBrain Comics, Thrillbent, and Top Shelf Productions in offering this new option to customer. Creators using comiXology Submit also have the option to offer their comics, graphic novels, and manga as DRM-free backups.
“After the wildly successful launch during Comic-Con International we’re thrilled to offer our customers an even greater selection with this next wave of publishers offering DRM-free backups,” said comiXology VP of Communications & Marketing Chip Mosher. “We look forward to continuing to work with more publishers in offering DRM-free backups to comics fans worldwide.”
To obtain the DRM-free backups of digital comics on comiXology, customers can go to the “My Books” section of comixology.com on their desktop computers and click the button that appears next to their books. Books and series from the second wave of participating publishers will be available for backup starting today. Backups from participating publishers can be downloaded in high definition PDF and CBZ.
Customers will continue to enjoy all their purchases – whether available as a DRM-free backup or not – on the comiXology platform in comiXology’s exclusive cinematic Guided View reading experience, anytime and anywhere.
With over 50,000 comics and graphic novels from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers the widest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and cinematic Guided View reading experience makes it the best digital platform for comic and graphic novel fans worldwide.
Find your favorite comics and graphic novels at www.comixology.com and try the comiXology app available on all major mobile platforms. 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 offices in Los Angeles. For more information visit www.comixology.com.

LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER SALUTES SUPER HEROES AT ITS
45TH ANNIVERSARY GALA VANGUARD AWARDS ON NOVEMBER 8th IN LOS ANGELES

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, GEORGE & BRAD TAKEI, ZEV YAROSLAVSKY
HONORED FOR THEIR GROUNDBREAKING LEADERSHIP
SUPPORTING THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Los Angeles, CA (September 17, 2014) – Longtime LGBT activists George & Brad Takei, Marvel Entertainment, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky will be honored at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 45th Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards in Los Angeles on November 8th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, presented by Wells Fargo. The high-profile annual event will celebrate the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 45th anniversary of making the world a better place for LGBT people.

“As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the world’s largest provider of programs and services for LGBT people, we’re excited to honor some very deserving Super Heroes in our movement,” said Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “George and Brad Takei are two of the nation’s most visible, dedicated and influential LGBT activists. Throughout his four decades of services to Los Angeles, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky has been a fierce champion for LGBT people and strong ally to the Center. And Marvel Entertainment, through its award-winning portrayals of LGBT characters and storylines that parallel the struggle to end discrimination against our community, has helped brighten the lives of LGBT kids—and adults alike—around the world.”  

One of the premier LGBT charity events in the nation, the Center’s Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards will bring together more than 1,200 LGBT people and their allies to enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment, while saluting some superheroes in the LGBT movement. The evening also features an extensive auction that includes high-end items, packages and experiences.

The November 8 event will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., which is also when bidding opens for the silent auction. The dinner and show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $400; as always the Center’s sustaining donors receive a limited number of half-price tickets. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit lgbtvanguardawards.org or call TAI Events at 310-996-1188.  

Event sponsors include: Wells Fargo, State Farm, Hollywood Forever, Anita May Rosenstein Foundation, American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Cadillac, Nordstrom, Out@Warner Bros., Southern California Gas Company, UBS, US Bank, The David Bohnett Foundation, The Huntington, DirecTV, Pacific Federal, Ralphs/Food4Less, and LA Pride.
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About the Los Angeles LGBT CenterSince 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s more than 450 employees and 3,000 volunteers provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people can be healthy, equal and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.

MovieMaze™ The Plumber Premieres at Long Beach Comic Con
Live Appearance by Star Brian Prisco

September 16, 2014, Los Angeles, CA — MovieMaze™, the world's first live-action interactive movie app, will unveil its new movie The Plumber at Long Beach Comic Con, Sept 27-28 at Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA.
In front of a live audience, MovieMaze™ co-creator Erik Lundmark will present scenes from The Plumber, an interactive comedy fantasy sci-fi adventure. At the end of every scene, audience members will vote on what the hero will do next! Will the Plumber track down the Evil Cho and foil his plot to take over the world? Or will he unwittingly help a coven of dark witches terrorize the desert? And should he believe anything he is told by a cranky, beached mermaid? The audience will decide the answers to these questions and others at this family-friendly interactive movie show. Plumber star Brian Prisco (Geeks Who Drink) will be on hand to meet fans.
When MovieMaze™ was first released it got more than 2000 organic downloads in 4 weeks and averaged 4.5 stars on iTunes and Google. In more than 100 countries around the world, thousands of iPhone, Android, and tablet users continue to find their own adventures with Indeep Sheet, the hero of the first MovieMaze™ movie, The Mechanic.
The Plumber goes live on Apple iTunes and GooglePlay for download to mobile devices later this fall. The MovieMaze™ app, which is FREE and includes the first MovieMaze™ movie, The Mechanic, is available for iOS and Android devices NOW.
One of the most popular features of MovieMaze™ is the various “dead ends” that the hero encounters along the way. The Plumber features three such endings submitted by MovieMaze™ fans in last spring’s “Kill the Plumber” contest. See them first at Long Beach Comic Con. For tickets and information, visit the LBCC website: http://longbeachcomiccon.com
MovieMaze™ is a free download available at:
iPhone and iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/moviemaze/id717099109?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.moviemaze.com
MovieMaze™ Ltd. is a UK company formed through a joint venture between London-based Stickmen Pictures Ltd. and Leomark Studios LLC, a US film production and distribution company in Los Angeles.
VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES SCI-FI MANGA SERIES
WORLD TRIGGER IN GRAPHIC NOVEL FORMAT

Two Unlikely Heroes Are Earth’s Last Hope Against Alien Invaders In New Manga Action Series Straight From The Pages Of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP; Series To Debut In Print And Digitally

San Francisco, CA, September 16, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the print and digital launch of creator Daisuke Ashihara’s thrilling sci-fi action manga series – WORLD TRIGGER – in a dedicated graphic novel format on October 7th. The series is currently being serialized chapter-by-chapter SIMULTANEOUS to Japan in the pages of the digital anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP.

WORLD TRIGGER will be published under the Shonen Jump imprint with the first two volumes releasing simultaneously on October 7th. Volumes 1 and 2 are rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN each. New volumes are scheduled to be released bi-monthly.

Digital versions of WORLD TRIGGER also will launch for $6.99 (USD/CAN) each on the same day 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, comiXology and GooglePlay stores.

Destroy thy Neighbor! Earth is under constant threat from Neighbors, invincible monsters from another dimension that destroy humanity’s way of life. At least there are the elite agents of Border, warriors who co-opt alien technology to fight back. Our hero Osamu Mikumo may not be the best agent, but along with his Neighbor friend Yuma, he’ll do whatever it takes to defend life on Earth as we know it.

In the series’ opening volume, when straight-laced Osamu meets a feisty humanoid Neighbor named Yuma, everything that he thinks is right is turned on its head. Can the two natural enemies ever become friends?

Things become tense and the action heats up in Volume 2. Osamu has protected the feisty Neighbor’s identity ever since they met, but he’s about to get a rude awakening when he discovers that Border has ways of sniffing out traitors in their midst.

WORLD TRIGGER begins four years after a gate to another dimension opens,  letting alien Neighbors invade and the unlikely heroic duo of Osamu and Yuma must deploy powerful weaponry called Triggers to defeat the invaders and save the world,” says Hope Donovan, Editor. “WORLD TRIGGER has captivated fans in serialized form in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, and with the anime releasing in October, we can’t wait to introduce even more readers to the manga series with the simultaneous launch of the first two graphic novels in early October.”

WORLD TRIGGER creator Daisuke Ashihara began his manga career at the age of 27 when his manga, Room 303, won second place in the 75th Osamu Tezuka Awards. His first full series, Super Dog Rilienthal, began serialization in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2009. WORLD TRIGGER is his second serialized work to appear in Weekly Shonen Jump and chapters also run in the English digital counterpart published by VIZ Media. Daisuke Ashihara is also the author of several shorter works, including the manga one-shots Super Dog Rilienthal, Trigger Keeper and Elite Agent Jin.

For more information on WORLD TRIGGER, 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.

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WorldTrigger-GN01 Comp

WORLD TRIGGER © 2013 by Daisuke Ashihara/SHUEIHSA Inc.


WorldTrigger-GN02 Comp

WORLD TRIGGER © 2013 by Daisuke Ashihara/SHUEIHSA Inc.

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES ROSE CITY COMIC CON 2014 SCHEDULE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—  Join Dark Horse Comics at Rose City Comic Con! We’ll be at the booth handing out giveaways and offering free signings with comics creators! Come check out our comics, books, and products for sale!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Certain restrictions may apply. All events are subject to change.
SIGNINGS
Below are featured comics and the writers and/or artists who will be signing them. Free comics, prints, or posters will be available at each signing while supplies last. Comics will also be available for sale, availability pending.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.  NEVERBOY Tyler Jenkins, Kelly Fitzpatrick
11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.  THE VICTORIES Michael Avon Oeming
12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. NEXUS Mike Baron, Steve Rude
1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.  HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D. Alex Maleev

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.  POP Jason Copland
3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.  STAR WARS Jeremy Barlow (Darth Maul), Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman (Legacy)
4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.  DREAM THIEF Jai Nitz
 
5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m.  SUNDOWNERS Tim Seeley
                                  LADY KILLER Joëlle Jones, Jamie S. Rich
   
6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m. FIRE AND STONE Chris Roberson and Patric Reynolds (Aliens), Joshua Williamson (Predator), Christopher Sebela (Alien vs. Predator), Paul Tobin (Prometheus)
6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m.  BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Nicholas Brendon*
*This is a ticketed event. Only Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics or materials provided by Dark Horse Comics, please. Two items per person. No photos. Wristbands will be distributed on Saturday at show opening at the Dark Horse booth.
 
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. PROJECT BLACK SKY Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight), Christopher Sebela (Ghost)
10:00 a.m. .–11:50 a.m. LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS, TOMB RAIDER, CONAN RED SONJA Gail Simone
11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.  EMILY AND THE STRANGERS Cat Farris

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. TERMINATOR SALVATION Pete Woods
                                     TREKKER Ron Randall
1:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS, TOMB RAIDER, CONAN RED SONJA Gail Simone
   
1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.  CONAN RED SONJA Jim Zub 
                                   BAD HOUSES Sara Ryan     
2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.  BANDETTE Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover
                                  PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES Paul Tobin, Ron Chan
3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.  GRENDEL VS. THE SHADOW Matt Wagner, Brennan Wagner
                                  FEAR AGENT Tony Moore
                                  DREAM THIEF Jai Nitz

PANELS
Check out these panels featuring our creators!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Spotlight: Alex Maleev

Room: Panel Room 7

Time: 11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.

Alex Maleev, best known for multiple collaborations with Brian Michael Bendis for Marvel comics, is returning to the world of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy this fall. In December, Dark Horse will launch Hellboy and the B.P.R.D., Maleev’s first work on the beloved beast of the apocalypse since 2003’s “Still Born” from the anthology series Hellboy: Weird Tales. Join us for an exclusive first look at the upcoming series, as well as a career-spanning discussion.
Spotlight: Greg Rucka
Room: Panel Room 7

Time: 1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.

Eisner Award–winning writer and novelist Greg Rucka has made a name for himself by crafting powerfully complex and human stories that can make the most fantastical characters feel real. Sit in on a conversation with the writer of Lazarus, Stumptown, Whiteout, and Veil that gets to the heart of how he gives characters souls.
Demented Heroes: The Dark Side of Superhero Comics

Room: Panel Room 2

Time: 2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.

While film may favor the classic depiction of capes and cowls, many of today’s comics continue to push the definition of “hero.” Some of the industry’s biggest and brightest have taken the superhero concept and turned it on its head. Many are creating characters and worlds that revel in a much darker vision of high-powered heroes and villains, making it hard to determine whom the reader should be rooting for. Join us for a discussion about the darker take on costumed characters with writers Tim Seeley (Sundowners), Jai Nitz (Dream Thief), and writer/artist Michael Avon Oeming (The Victories), moderated by Dark Horse editor in chief Scott Allie.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Panel

Room: Panel Room 1

Time: 3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.

The heart of the Scooby gang and one of the most powerful big bads join forces for a panel guaranteed to slay the audience. Join Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris), and Clare Kramer (Glory) as they give you all the details and answer every question about working on one of the greatest shows in pop culture. Moderated by the editor in chief of Dark Horse Comics, Scott Allie.
Baron and Rude: 30 Years on Nexus

Room: Panel Room 6

Time: 3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.

Join writer Mike Baron and artist Steve Rude, the award-winning creators of the long-running comic series Nexus. After three decades and three publishers, the creators reveal for the first time the behind-the-scenes trials involved in creating such an enduring book.
Spotlight: Tony Moore

Room: Panel Room 7

Time: 3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.

Tony Moore is an Eisner-nominated artist and the cocreator of The Walking Dead and Fear Agent. He’s worked on some of the biggest characters in comics, including the Punisher, Ghost Rider, and Deadpool. Join Tony to find out what it takes to be one of the most influential comic artists of the last decade.
A Universe of Terror Drawn to One Panel: Prometheus, Aliens, Predator, and Beyond!

Room: Panel Room 2

Time: 5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m.

Nearly thirty years ago, Dark Horse rewrote the rules of licensed comics with the release of Aliens, continuing the story of Ridley Scott’s iconic film franchise! Predator and the iconic crossover Aliens vs. Predator followed. Now, the publisher partners with 20th Century Fox again, to bring sci-fi epic Prometheus to comics! Two months away from the launch of the ambitious and highly anticipated crossover Fire and Stone, join Dark Horse editor in chief Scott Allie, writers Paul Tobin (Prometheus), Joshua Williamson (Predator), Christopher Sebela (Alien vs. Predator), and the Aliens team of writer Chris Roberson and artist Patric Reynolds, to discover what’s in store for this grand universe!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Dark Horse Manga: An Afternoon with Carl Horn
Room: Panel Room 2

Time: 12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.

Dark Horse’s history with Japanese comics can be traced back to the company’s earliest years, with a legacy that includes such legendary series as Oh My Goddess!, Lone Wolf and Cub, Berserk, and many more! Today Dark Horse continues to publish some of the industry’s best-selling titles, like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Oreimo, and the works of the creative powerhouse CLAMP. Join Dark Horse’s resident manga guru and editor extraordinaire, Carl Horn, for a look at the past, present, and future of manga at Dark Horse.
Spotlight: Matt Wagner

Room: Panel Room 7

Time: 1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.

Writer/artist Matt Wagner began his career in 1982 with the publication of his most well-known character, Grendel. Since that time, in addition to his own creations, he has lent his talents to the likes of such notable characters as Batman and the Shadow, along with many others, and is currently pitting Grendel against the latter in an upcoming series copublished by Dark Horse and Dynamite Entertainment. Join us for a look back at Wagner’s storied career, as well as current and future projects.
30 Years of Masters of the Universe

Room: Panel Room 2

Time: 3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.

Next year, one of the most beloved toy and entertainment franchises of the 1980s will receive a deluxe hardcover treatment from Dark Horse chronicling thirty years of the powers of Eternia! Now, we invite you to join writer Tim Seeley, original series animator Tom Cook, and more for a sneak peek of the upcoming The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, and a discussion of what makes He-Man one of the most enduring cartoon legacies of all time!
Spotlight: Ethan Nicolle

Room: Panel Room 7

Time: 3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.

Ethan Nicolle is one half of the dynamic duo that brought you the hit comics series and animated series Axe Cop. Sit in on this already-legendary panel that is all about the world he and his little brother made. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to ask some questions.