DARK HORSE TAKES HOME MULTIPLE DIAMOND GEM AWARDS

“DARK HORSE PRESENTS,” “SERENITY” EARN DIAMOND’S TOP AWARD FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—This week, Diamond Comic Distributors announced the recipients of the prestigious Diamond Gem Awards, the pinnacle of sales achievement for publishers, vendors, industry executives, creators, and more, with Dark Horse Comics receiving several accolades for its 2014 projects. Dark Horse dominated among independent publishers for the second year running, with the new launch of Dark Horse Presents earning Anthology of the Year for the third consecutive time. This year’s Dark Horse wins are as follows: • Licensed Comic Book of the Year: Serenity: Leaves On The Wind #1 (NOV130031) • Licensed TP/HC of the Year: Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Search Library Ed. HC (OCT130056) • Anthology of the Year: Dark Horse Presents 2014 #1 (JUN140010) “The Gem Awards are very important to us, since they originate within the retail community. We are honored that our work has been chosen for recognition in such a major way,” said Dark Horse president and founder Mike Richardson. “Thank you to all our retail partners for their support this year, and we look forward to continuing our success in 2015.” Dark Horse congratulates the editors, creators, and licensors who worked on each of the above titles and thanks our retail partners for all their support in 2014! ### About Dark Horse Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

ETHAN YOUNG’S NANJING BRINGS WORLD WAR II TO CHINA

BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—In August, award-winning graphic novelist Ethan Young (Tails) brings bravery in the face of an overwhelming enemy to the forefront of one of the biggest mass murders of World War II. Exploring the horrors of the Nanjing Massacre of 1937, Nanjing: The Burning City focuses on two abandoned Chinese soldiers trapped in the city as they desperately attempt to escape. Outnumbered by the invading Imperial Japanese Army, they’ll encounter the horrors and terrifying effects of war—but they’ll soon learn that no enemy can destroy the spirit of resistance and bravery. Written and drawn by Independent Publisher Book Award winner Ethan Young, Nanjing: The Burning City delves into one of the most contentious events of World War II. Impeccably researched and drawn in Young’s critically acclaimed style, the original graphic novel brings new insight into one of World War II’s forgotten tragedies. “My purpose with this book is not only to inform readers of the event, but also to stretch my storytelling skills,” Young told Robot 6. “I wanted to craft something both classical and cinematic, something I’ve never done on this scale. My hope is that anyone who picks up this book, without reading the words, can visually follow what’s going on.” Nanjing: The Burning City hits stores August 2015 for $24.99. Praise for Ethan Young “Young’s style is fresh and accessible, conveying remarkable emotional tones through subtle use of lines, and consistently emphasizes the power of inking. It’s not surprising that Young finds plenty of work as an illustrator based upon his eye for striking single panel compositions, but his layouts and pacing are also memorable.”—The Beat ### About Dark Horse Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

Pop Culture Icon Bruce Campbell To Host New Original Series “Last Fan Standing” For Upcoming Digital Network CONtv

Cinedigm And Wizard World’s New Network To Launch This February With Fan-Favorite Film, TV And Original Entertainment Geared Towards the Comic Con Community

(Los Angeles, CA) January 9, 2015 - The forthcoming digital streaming service CONtv has announced it will be kicking off production for a new original series, “LAST FAN STANDING,” a game show hosted and produced by fan-favorite actor Bruce Campbell (The Evil Dead, Army Of Darkness). Created in partnership with Pop Quiz Entertainment, the series will be filmed live on the ground at Comic Con conventions nationwide with first show taping on Saturday, January 10 at New Orleans Comic Con. “LAST FAN STANDING,” engages event attendees through a proprietary audience response system, where all patrons plays along, competing for cash and prizes. The show culminates with the top four players vying for the coveted tilted as Campbell hunts for the “LAST FAN STANDING.” ​

Scheduled to launch next month, CONtv is a joint venture between Cinedigm, a leading independent content distributor, and Wizard World, a leading producer of live pop culture multimedia conventions. “LAST FAN STANDING” will be shot throughout various Wizard World events throughout 2015, and will premiere on CONtv later this year.

Wonder how much Thor's hammer weighs? Or how much damage the Vorpal blade would inflict on a 5th-Level Cleric? Fans finally find vindication in their hours studying comics, films, movies and more with host and horror icon Campbell in this outrageous new quiz show. A collaboration between his own production entity and Pop Quiz Entertainment, this will be Campbell’s first digital series.

“At a live preview during Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con last August, six hundred screaming fans could barely hold their seats! It was obvious to us that this would be a hit,” said Chris McGurk, CEO of Cinedigm Entertainment. “With a host as beloved in the fan community as Bruce, there’s no better fit for CONtv than ‘LAST FAN STANDING.’ We think of this series as a celebration of the pop culture obsession and fan engagement that makes the CONtv audience so special.”

“The audience went crazy for ‘LAST FAN STANDING’ when we debuted the game at Chicago Comic Con this summer! CONtv is the perfect place to reach true fans, and we can't wait to challenge our audiences to find out who is the ultimate pop culture guru,” said Campbell.

“We love that CONtv will be bringing the excitement and action of our conventions to fans across the country,” says John Macaluso, CEO of Wizard World. “By shooting ‘LAST FAN STANDING’ on location, CONtv viewers will be able to join in on the fan experience even when they aren’t able to be at the convention in person.”

Steve Sellery, CEO of Pop Quiz Entertainment commented, “We created ‘LAST FAN STANDING’ to celebrate the excitement and the fandom of each audience member, while providing them the chance to compete in a live game show. This truly is a unique and highly experiential platform that we trust will become a ‘fan favorite’ well into the future.”

The new series joins the recently announced “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD,” a horror-competition series from Alpine Labs, BlackBoxTV and Revolver Picture Company. An unprecedented mash-up of the reality and scripted genres, “FIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” follows a collection of online celebrities including Joey Graceffa, Jesse and Jeana (PrankvsPrank), Justine Ezarik (iJustine), and more, as they face challenges in an attempt to survive the undead’s relentlessly grisly, and frighteningly realistic onslaught.

Additionally, CONtv also recently announced an expansive portfolio of acquired film and television content available on the new digital network. Carefully selected for the passionate fans that make up the CONtv audience, the new partnerships enable the network to carry a deep catalogue of the best in pop culture obsession from pulse-pounding horror, to short-lived TV series, to cult classic films.

Upon its launch in February 2015, the digital service will be offered as a free ad-supported platform as well as a low-cost monthly subscription of $6.99/month with content exclusives, audience rewards, a dynamic second-screen experience, and ticketing bundle opportunities for Wizard World conventions. CONtv plans to launch across a wide spectrum of devices including Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, Samsung Smart TV, Windows, Mac OS, mobile, and tablet devices.

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About CONtv

CONtv is a new digital entertainment network exclusively dedicated to the fanspace. Launching in early 2015, CONtv will offer audiences access to thousands of hours of original programming, elusive cult films and television shows, celebrated genre movies, and exclusive live coverage of Comic Con events nationwide. From quirky original series to an eclectic catalog of 1200 must-watch titles, CONtv’s seemingly endless stream of animé, fantasy, grindhouse, horror, martial arts, sci-fi, and superhero content will be available on demand through a free, ad-supported format or a low-cost, subscription-based model of $6.99 a month for premium content. CONtv is a partnership of Cinedigm Entertainment Group, the nation’s largest independent distributor of digital entertainment, and Wizard World, producers of the largest chain of Comic Con and pop culture conventions in the U.S. Together, they provide an unrivalled experiential hub of content, community, and conventions across the broad spectrum of platforms including Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, Mac OS, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Windows, Xbox, mobile and tablet devices.

About Cinedigm

Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with over 60,000 physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television. The company’s library of over 52,000 films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films®, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company®, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including National Geographic, Discovery, Scholastic, NFL, Shout Factory, Hallmark, The Jim Henson Company and more.

About Wizard World

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

About Pop Quiz Entertainment

Pop Quiz Entertainment develops and produces experiential events and branded entertainment platforms for network, cable, syndicated and online distribution, as well as live audiences across the nation. Pop Quiz Entertainment is the media and production division of Rising Tide Sports & Entertainment Group, with offices in Greenville, South Carolina and Delray Beach, Florida. Pop Quiz Entertainment is currently producing several shows, for live and broadcast audiences, including: “Last Fan Standing,” “Quest ForThe Best: The Armed Forces Trivia Challenge”, “Hasbro Live,” and “Match Play.”

Kamandi: The Last Boy On Earth Like You’ve Never Seen Him! The Jack Kirby Artist’s Edition Library Adds Essential Series San Diego, CA (January 9, 2015) – Of all Jack Kirby’s celebrated DC Comics creations, perhaps none has struck such an enduring chord with readers as his post-apocalyptic adventure Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth. Now, to the delight of fans far and wide, this much-anticipated series joins the esteemed ranks of Jack “King” Kirby’s Artist’s Editions! Long after the age of super heroes, Kamandi triumphed as humanity’s last beacon in a world ruled by beasts. Traveling the remnants of civilization after a great disaster, the Last Boy on Earth found both friends and foes among the irradiated animal kingdom that now inhabited the world. Written and drawn by Kirby, the series was unique to comics and completely unlike anything else readers had seen. "To me personally, Jack Kirby is the greatest creator in the history of comic-book storytelling, period,” said Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman. “At the age of ten, Kamandi was my all-time favorite character, and now, at the age of fifty-two, he still is. This series was the reason I decided to dedicate my life to comics, hoping and dreaming if I worked hard, I could try to follow in Kirby’s giant footsteps." This enthralling Artist’s Edition features some of the most influential complete issues from the revered series, including issues 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9, along with additional covers and other bonus material. At 160 pages and measuring 12” by 17,” this Artist’s Edition will amaze and delight fans this May!

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist's Edition imprint. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

Media Alert: Star Wars backlist debuts on comiXology

Today Marvel Comics debuts over 62 Star Wars collections on comiXology. Comprising of over 8,000 pages of material, go here to see all the Star Wars offerings today.
Don’t forget! Marvel Comics will also debut the NEW Star Wars #1 ongoing series on Wednesday that will be available on comiXology.

DARK HORSE COMICS AND BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT TEAM UP FOR WORLD OF WARCRAFT® BOOK SERIES

New Series to Detail World of Warcraft’s Mythology FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce a multi-volume series detailing the history of the Warcraft® universe: World of Warcraft®: Chronicle. World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1 is a journey through an age of myth and legend, a time long before the Horde and the Alliance came to be. This definitive tome of Warcraft history reveals untold stories about the birth of the cosmos, the rise of ancient empires, and the forces that shaped the world of Azeroth and its people. “We often get questions from players who want to know more about the origins of the Warcraft universe, and the rise and fall of their favorite characters” said Paul Sams, chief operating officer of Blizzard Entertainment. “This new series digs deeply into all of that—we can’t wait for players to read it.” This beautiful hardcover book features over twenty full-page illustrations by World of Warcraft artist Peter Lee and marks the first in a multipart series exploring the Warcraft universe; from the distant past to the modern era. “This is an amazing project that will be absolutely irresistible to the legion of Warcraft fans. The people at Blizzard have been great to work with and we are extremely happy and proud to be working with them,” added Dark Horse President Mike Richardson. World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1 is on sale November 4, 2015 in comic shops and November 17 in bookstores!  Preorder your copy today! ### About Dark Horse Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, uch as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material. About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes eighteen #1 games* and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players. *Sales and/or downloads, based on internal company records and reports from key distribution partners.

World of Warcraft Composer Jason Hayes and His Videogame Tribute Band Critical Hit to Perform for Wizard World Fans Throughout 2015

Exclusive Convention Performances Begin Saturday at New Orleans Comic Con

Music and videogames will come together at Wizard World Comic Con events throughout 2015, when composer Jason Hayes and Critical Hit, an A-list videogame music band performing original arrangements and electrifying live concerts of music from the most celebrated videogames of all time, performs at every Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) event of the year, beginning this weekend on January 9 at New Orleans Comic Con at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Check out Critical Hit’s new music video here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E8IJDPh3Xk

In New Orleans, attendees can enjoy a live performance in the main events hall prior to the Wizard World Costume Contest. Additionally, the band, whose convention performances in 2015 are exclusive to Wizard World shows, will be on hand for select programming panels throughout the weekend.

Hayes, lead composer on the original release of Blizzard’s hit title World of Warcraft, performs alongside all-star musicians that record for top-grossing videogames and tour with the biggest names in popular music. Critical Hit’s unique sound blends a variety of musical styles from rock to classical and beyond.

Embark on a rediscovery of timeless pieces from The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Mario, Kingdom Hearts, Skyrim, World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Metal Gear Solid, Halo, Mega Man, Pokemon, Sonic The Hedgehog, Tetris, and more.

An exclusive Critical Hit VIP experience is available for sale through Wizard World’s website, where music lovers and video game enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes to enjoy a personalized, unplugged concert in a small venue, hang out with the composer and musicians, and even learn tricks and tips for getting into the music and video game industries.

Learn more about Wizard World and pick up a Critical Hit VIP pass on their official website: http://www.wizd.me/PR.

Learn more about Critical Hit on their official website: http://www.criticalhitband.com.

About Critical Hit

Critical Hit was founded in 2013 by videogame industry veterans Jason Hayes and Michael Gluck. Their passion for videogames, music composition, and live performance led to the formation of Critical Hit, a band featuring the best musicians in the industry. Their recently-released debut album, Critical Hit Volume 1, is currently available.

Learn more about Critical Hit on their official website: http://www.criticalhitband.com.

About Critical Hit's Founders

Jason Hayes is an award-winning composer and member of Blizzard Entertainment's development team, where he works on titles in the popular World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo franchises. Jason has also contributed to the soundtracks of Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

While his stirring videogame scores have reached millions around the globe, his desire to get closer to game music fans led to the formation of Critical Hit, a band that performs engaging arrangements of gaming's greatest hits.

Follow Jason Hayes on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonhayesmusic.

Michael Gluck performed videogame and anime music piano concerts under the stage name “Piano Squall” to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  He toured Brazil as part of the orchestral game music concert series Video Games Live, with performances in Brasilia, Curitiba, and Rio de Janeiro. Michael is the first independent musician to publish a videogame and anime piano solo album, entitled GAME. His music has been featured on major entertainment websites and publications, including IGN, MTV, Destructoid, and Newtype Magazine.

Follow Michael Gluck on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/gluckit

About Wizard World

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

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

DOCTOR WHO’S MATT SMITH & KAREN GILLAN
WILL ATTEND WALKER STALKER CON
SAN FRANCISCO JANUARY 31ST-FEBRUARY 1ST

San Francisco, CA – In addition to the 45 guests previously
announced, Walker Stalker Con has announced that Doctor Who’s
Matt Smith (the 11th Doctor) and Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) will be
attending the convention, located at the the Fort Mason Center on
January 31st & February 1st, 2015.

Matt Smith & Karen Gillan will also be doing a separated ticket
event called, NIGHT OF THE DOCTOR on Saturday night. For more
information on this event visit www.nightofthedoctor.com.

Walker Stalker Con returned to it’s inaugural city of Atlanta in
October of 2014 where it’s attendance count reached nearly 35,000
fans across it’s three day span. It also assembled more cast
members of The Walking Dead than any other convention has, as
well as other horror genre actors.

Walker Stalker Con is not just a convention. It is a fan meet-up
and an opportunity for each guest to come away feeling like
they’ve had an amazing experience and became part of a greater
community of zombie lovers! Walker Stalker Con is two days of
events, panels, and experiences that zombie fans won’t find
anywhere else!

Confirmed guests for the convention include:

David Morrissey / Jon Bernthal / Robert Englund / Steven Yeun

Scott Wilson / Emily Kinney / Chandler Riggs / Andrew J. West

Seth Gilliam / Michael Rooker / Sarah Wayne Callies / Manu Bennett

Michael Cudlitz / Josh McDermitt / Christian Serratos

Alana Masterson / Lawrence Gilliard Jr / Brighton Sharbino

Laurie Holden / IronE Singleton / Greg Nicotero / Jeff Kober

Chad Coleman / Sunkrish Bala / Tyler James Williams

Melissa Hutchison / Sonequa Martin-Green / Jose Pablo Cantillo

Travis Love / Daniel Thomas May / Eugene Clark / Jay Bonansinga

Juan Gabriel Pareja / Vincent Ward / Lew Temple / Nick Gomez

Neil Brown Jr. / Noel G / Anthony Guajardo / Madison Lintz

Ronee Blakley / Amanda Wyss / James Allen McCune / Kyla Kenedy
Mackenzie Lintz

The full event schedule can be found at
http://walkerstalkercon.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c419cc2ced13e931f32be4e38&id=37bb79f2fd&e=9d1648f98c

Follow on Twitter @WalkrStalkrCon, @Walker_Stalkers
On Facebook at Walker Stalker Convention
Official hashtag for the convention is #WSCSF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Actor Phil Morris of Seinfeld and Smallville fame launches a new podcast

LOS ANGELES, CA - January 8th, 2015 - Actor and martial artist Phil Morris launches his new podcast Living the Dream. Phil has been entertaining the world for over three decades. The characters he's played range from fast-talking lawyer Jackie Chiles on Seinfeld to Superman's mentor Martian Manhunter on the long-running hit Smallville. From indie hit Black Dynamite to Disney Channel's Shake it Up to starring in four seasons of the recent TV One sitcom Love That Girl!, Phil is living his dream as an actor. In his new podcast Phil invites friends from all walks of life who've achieved something great to talk about their journey. Through intimate conversations with long-time friends Phil hopes to discover what it takes to achieve your goals in life.

 

Phil drew great inspiration from his father Greg Morris. Greg was a television icon, famous for his role as tech genius Barney Collier on Mission Impossible. From a young age Phil saw the hard work and determination needed to thrive in the entertainment industry. He applied those lessons to his own experiences and found a path to his goal of being an actor.  

 

"With this show I want my audience to not only listen, but connect with the guests in a real way. I want them to hear about the sacrifices along with the success stories," said Morris. "It's important for us to relate to one-another on a human level and recognize that you have the ability to do whatever you set your mind to."

 

Living the Dream with Phil Morris is published weekly with the first two episodes going live today; guests are Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10, Legion of Superheroes) and Alphonso McAuley (The Middle, Breaking In). The podcast is produced by Dekker Dreyer with music by Munyungo Jackson and is available through Stitcher, iTunes, and on www.livingthedreamshow.com.

JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OFFERS $35,000 IN CASH PRIZES

The fourth annual festival in April is accepting submissions of

features, documentaries, and shorts until Feb. 10

Dubuque, IA (Dec. 17, 2014)  — The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in Dubuque, Iowa, will award more than $35,000 in cash prizes during its fourth annual festival, April 23-26, 2015.

The festival has extended its regular submission deadline to Jan. 31 and its late deadline to Feb. 10. Films can be submitted through WithoutaBox or Film Freeway.

“We can’t wait to see this year’s submissions,” said Executive Director Susan Gorrell. “It seems that every year we are blown away by the quality and unique films we receive.”

Winners will be announced in five categories – Grand Jury, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short, and Best of Iowa – at the Awards Ceremony & Gala on Saturday, April 25.

The largest prize, $15,000, will go to the Grand Jury winner. Nominees for that award will be culled from nominees for Best Documentary and Best Feature.

The rest of the prizes are as follows: $8,500 for Best Documentary, $8,500 for Best Feature, $3,000 for Best Short, and $500 for Best of Iowa.

“Awarding cash prizes helps to not only create excitement around the awards ceremony, but also aids filmmakers in offsetting the high costs of creating an independent film,”Gorrell said. “These filmmakers are often putting everything they have into their craft and we want to honor their hard work.”

The top three nominees in each category will receive free travel and accommodations to Dubuque.

Official Selections of the festival will receive a partial reimbursement of their submission fee - $30 for features and documentaries and $10 for shorts.The festival will accept no more than 35 features and documentaries.

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is committed to building partnerships with filmmakers and film distributors through ongoing activities that include hosting special screenings, filmmaker panels, community events and culminates in the festival each year.  In its third year, MovieMaker Magazine named the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.”  This year, no more than 35 independent films will be screened during the four-day event.

VIZ MEDIA OPENS 2015 WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW SHOJO MANGA SERIES METEOR PRINCE

An Unlucky Girl Experiences A Reversal Of Fortune When She Encounters A Handsome Alien Prince Who Only Has Eyes For Her

San Francisco, CA, January 7, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, kicks off 2015 with the launch of the new shojo manga (graphic novel) series – METEOR PRINCE – available now.

This romantic comedy about a princely alien that meets his match in a human girl was created by Meca Tanaka. The series is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be offered in print under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint and digitally via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. The concluding edition of this 2-volume series will be released in the spring. 

In METEOR PRINCE, strange accidents always seem to happen around Hako Natsuno – so much so that she’s been dubbed the “Queen of Bad Luck.” It’s hardly surprising then that a naked alien prince falls from the sky to tell her that out of all the girls in the universe, he’s come to Earth to mate with her. Does this mean Hako’s luck has changed, or…?

“Shojo manga fans will have a fun way to begin their new year with the launch of this adorable and hilarious romantic comedy,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Editor. “Hako’s atrocious luck has always been a deterrent for human boys, but an alien prince with super powers just may be Hako’s perfect match!”

Manga creator Meca Tanaka made her debut in 1998. Her previous works include Omukae Desu, Pearl Pink, and Kisu Yori mo Hayaku (Faster Than a Kiss). METEOR PRINCE was originally featured in Japan in LaLa magazine.

For more information on METEOR PRINCE and other manga titles published by 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 ONE PIECE, 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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Otome to Meteo © Meca Tanaka 2013/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

Caliber Comics releases The Nain Rouge graphic novel
Based on ancient folktale of the “Red Legend”

Detroit (January 6, 2015).  Folkteller Stories and Caliber Comics have teamed up to bring the story of the Nain Rouge legend to life in an original graphic novel.  Released nationally in both print and digital, the Nain Rouge: The Red Legend is a full color graphic novel of 84 pages telling the tale of the impish harbinger of doom throughout the 300 year history of Detroit.

The Nair Rouge is the dwarf that resided in the Detroit area before the French moved in.  Shunned by Cadillac, the Nain Rouge placed a curse onto the entire region of Detroit. Two teen friends learn of the curse and seek to drive him out of the city before the curse grows throughout the city.

Written by Josef Bastian and illustrated by Patrick McEvoy (Fall of Cthulhu from Boom, Gatesville Company from Speakeasy, and Archaia’s adaptation of Piers Anthony’s Starkweather: Immortal), the graphic novel follows the three novels written by Bastian,   who along with  his co-creator, Carl Winans, launched the Folkteller studio.  Folkteller’s goal is to spotlight what they term as a new genre, Crytofolk; a style of immersive storytelling that resurrects old and obscure folklore and legends from around the world.

“We are so excited to share this wonderful story with the world in so many different ways,” said Bastian, “Nain Rouge is the first of such endeavors that utilize descriptive narrative to present the tales in thought provoking, visually rich stories that appeal to a global audience.”

According to Caliber Comics’ publisher, Gary Reed, The Nain Rouge will be available in both print for the graphic novel as well as a three issue comic book series in various digital formats.  Currently Caliber’s titles are available on most of the apple platforms, Comixology, iVerse’s Comics Plus, Drive Thru Comics, and many more.  “This is a fantastic all ages tale that weaves history and folklore together yet maintains a modern sensibility.”

About Folkteller
Folkteller is the brain child of Josef Bastian and Carl Winans who strive to bring some well know folk tales, and perhaps some not so well known, back into the public’s eye with novels, comic books, and other immersive storytelling.  The Nain Rouge is the first of a series of projects dealing with classic folk tales.

About Caliber
After nearly a decade long hiatus, Caliber Comics, one of the leading independent publishers of the 1990s, relaunched in 2014.  Gaining a reputation for diversity, Caliber was instrumental in many of today’s top comic creators.  Caliber continues its rebirth with an array of quality and diverse titles.  www.calibercomics.com.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH FRESH DIGITAL MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA

Commence 2015 With Digital Launch Of 5 Exciting New Manga Titles And Updates To 17 Other Ongoing Series; Take Advantage Of Special Holiday Digital Promotion Until January 15^th

VIZ Media opens 2015 and offers fans a fun way to begin the New Year with fresh digital manga for January.

The company also has extended its holiday digital manga promotion thru January 15^th. Take advantage of this special opportunity to save up to 70% off on digital manga volumes across scores of favorite series featured on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App. Many volumes are available for only $1.99 each. Also check other digital manga partner sites for similar special pricing.

Readers can look forward to the launch of five brand new manga titles throughout the month, including the shojo series, METEOR PRINCE, DRAGON BALL Z creator Akira Toriyama’s quirky comedy JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN, and the release of SHIRAHIME-SYO and DUKLYON: CLAMP SCHOOL DEFENDERS, by the legendary manga creative team of CLAMP. Also scheduled to make its digital debut in January is the post-apocalyptic cyber thriller, THE THIRD.

Additional digital manga updates for the month include 17 new volumes for other acclaimed titles including the exciting not-to-be-missed series finales for JOJO’s BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 1 – PHANTOM BLOOD (Digital MSRP: $10.99), Mouryou Kiden: Legend of the Nymph (Vol. 3), and Mikansei No. 1 (Vol. 2), Other continuing series receiving January updates include CASE CLOSED (Vol. 53), KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS (Vol. 2), LUCKY STAR (Vol. 7), MY LOVE STORY!! (Vol. 3), NISEKOI (Vol. 10), ONE PIECE (Vol. 73), SGT. FROG (Vol. 2), two volumes of VIDEO GIRL AI (Vols. 10-11), ZONE-00 (Vol. 4) and many more!

Readers can enjoy all of these new manga titles that are available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones and 7” tablets. Titles also may be purchased through the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, ComiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. These dynamic digital platforms offer fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy a massive catalog of new and classic manga titles that spans more than 2,450 volumes across more than 215 different series.

New January Digital Manga Series Debuts:

METEOR PRINCE, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / CAN (Sale Price $4.99) · Available Now!

Strange accidents always seem to happen around Hako Natsuno – so much so that she’s been dubbed the “Queen of Bad Luck.” It’s hardly surprising then that a naked alien prince falls from the sky to tell her that out of all the girls in the universe, he’s come to Earth to mate with her. Does this mean Hako’s luck has changed, or…?

JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / CAN (Sale Price $4.99) · Available Now!

Manga legend and creator of Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama, is back with the quirky comedy Jaco the Galactic Patrolman! Retired scientist Omori lives alone on a deserted island while continuing his research into time-travel. His quiet life is interrupted when galactic patrolman Jaco crash-lands and decides to move in with him. This agent from space claims to be elite, but sometimes it can be a little hard to believe. Can Jaco get along with the old man long enough to save the earth from a dangerous threat?

SHIRAHIME-SYO (Complete In One Volume) · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $4.99 U.S. / CAN (Sale Price: $3.99) · Available January 13^th!

Legends say that when it snows, it is because the snow princess is crying. From CLAMP, creators of Chobits and Cardcaptor Sakura, comes a collection of five tragic tales, all connected by the bond of snow. SHIRAHIME-SYO is CLAMP’s return to traditional Japanese form and story-telling. Featuring luscious watercolors and gentle brushstrokes, it is a beautiful departure from CLAMP’s usual fare. Discover for yourself the mystery behind the snow.

DUKLYON: CLAMP SCHOOL DEFENDERS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available January 20^th!

In a crisis, a team of justice appears from nowhere. People call them Duklyon, the Clamp School Defenders. To defend our peaceful life, they carry on struggling rain or shine. The enemy, a secret society of evil, is out to conquer the Earth. Go and fight, our Duklyon! Save our Earth! Don’t miss the exciting adventure by CLAMP!

THE THIRD, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available January 27^th!

Many years after a devastating war, Earth is now being watched by a group of beings known as The Third, named for a third red eye on their forehead that can access various computer networks. Navigating this barren, apocalyptic landscape is Honoka, a jill-of-all-trades who uses her powers to keep her friends from The Third’s deadly grasp. This prequel to the action packed anime series takes readers to a time before Honoka is known as the formidable but graceful Sword Dancer, to the beginning of her quest to save the world, to a time when she scarcely understands the powers with which she has been blessed…

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the comiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

All manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each, and readers can also explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

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