Friday, September 11, 2015

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES ROSE CITY COMIC CON 2015 SCHEDULE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Visit Dark Horse Comics at Rose City Comic Con for free swag, such as comics, buttons, posters, and more! Check out our show exclusives, signings, and panels, too!
Lady Killer artist Joelle Jones will be designing graphic leggings live at the Dark Horse Booth on Saturday morning.  We’ve teamed up with Bombsheller, the clothing company of the future to produce her design overnight!  Place an order on Saturday and Bombsheller will custom make them for you to pick up at the Dark Horse booth on Sunday! Bombsheller make the highest quality graphic leggings in the world and we are thrilled to be showing off how quickly they can get art from Joelle’s imagination onto your body.
Join Dark Horse Comics for the Rose City Comic Con After Party at Dante's, featuring Dark Horse themed drinks, Lonesome's Pizza, the HappyMatic photobooth, DJ Sean Aaberg of Pork Magazine, and Rogue's Hellboy Right Hand of Doom ale on tap.  Free to badge holders (21+). Get ready for a weekend of fun!
SIGNING SCHEDULE
BOOTH #1013
All creators signing in our booth offer their autographs for FREE. FREE prints, comics, or posters are provided for signings (while supplies last). You may purchase or bring items to be signed. Please note that some of the titles listed below have not been released for sale yet—in those cases, special prints will be available.
Lines may also be closed for some signings due to crowding or time restrictions.
All events are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Please ask the Dark Horse Comics staff if you have questions.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10:30 a.m.–11:20 a.m.  GIRLFIEND: Jacob Pander, Arnold Pander

11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.  LADY KILLER: Joëlle Jones
12:30 p.m.–1:20 p.m. KING TIGER: Randy Stradley
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. BARB WIRE: Chris Warner, Patrick Olliffe
2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m. HARROW COUNTY, WITCHFINDER: Tyler Crook
                                 THE PAYBACKS, THE GHOST FLEET, BUZZKILL: Donny Cates
                                 THE GHOST FLEET: Daniel Warren Johnson
3:30 p.m.–4:20 p.m. COLDER, THE WITCHER, PROMETHEUS, PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES: Paul Tobin
                                 BANDETTE: Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover
4:30 p.m.–5:20 p.m. CALL OF DUTY: Larry Hama
5:30 p.m.–6:20 p.m. THE STRAIN: Mike Huddleston
                                 ALIENS: Chris Roberson, Patric Reynolds

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
10:30 a.m.–11:20 a.m.  MISFITS OF AVALON: Kel McDonald
                                      THE ROOK: Paul Gulacy

11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.  GRENDEL VS. THE SHADOW: Matt Wagner, Brennan Wagner
12:30 p.m.–1:20 p.m. THE NEW DEAL: Jonathan Case
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. HIGH CRIMES, ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: Christopher Sebela
                                 HIGH CRIMES: Ibrahim Moustafa
2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m. MULAN: REVELATIONS: Marc Andreyko
                                 POWER CUBED: Aaron Lopresti
3:30 p.m.–4:20 p.m. THE PAYBACKS, THE GHOST FLEET, BUZZKILL: Donny Cates
                                 THE GHOST FLEET: Daniel Warren Johnson
PANEL SCHEDULE
Please join us at the panels below, brought to you by Dark Horse Comics and friends! Please visit http://rosecitycomiccon.com/programming/ for more panels featuring Dark Horse creators, as well as guidelines for attending panels.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
10:30 a.m.–11:20 a.m.  Panel Room 8  
Lady Killer Spotlight
Josie Schuller is a picture-perfect homemaker, wife, and mother—but she’s also a ruthless, efficient killer for hire! Join the creative team behind Lady Killer (Joëlle Jones, Jamie S. Rich, and Laura Allred) for a tell-all on the making of this hit new series.
11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.  Panel Room 3  
Comic Collaborations: Barb Wire vs. King Tiger 
It’s the behind-the-scenes battle of the century! Creative forces Randy Stradley (King Tiger) and Chris Warner and Patrick Olliffe (Barb Wire) face off in an epic battle of styles, with a frank discussion and comparison of their working process to bring a comic to life. If you want to make comics, this is the can’t-miss panel of Rose City!
2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m.  Panel Room 3   
Dark Horse Comics: Writers on the Craft and Creation of Comics
Whether it’s a tale of a 1930s caper in a famous hotel or a 1960s housewife turned assassin, there’s a lot to love about the dynamic reach of stories told in comics. Join industry veterans Jonathan Case (The New Deal), Larry Hama (Call of Duty: Black Ops III), Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), and Paul Tobin (The Witcher, Colder, Plants vs. Zombies) as they discuss turning an idea into a full-fledged story—and how they continue to keep their writing fresh.
2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m.   Panel Room 8  
High Crimes Spotlight
The Eisner-nominated digital series has just made its way to print. Come hear how writer Christopher Sebela and artist Ibrahim Moustafa brought this crime story to life.
4:30 p.m.–5:20 p.m.  Panel Room 3  
The King of Horror Media: Comics, Movies, or TV?
Which popular horror format reigns supreme: comic books, movies, or television? Join panelists Mike Huddleston (The Strain), Paul Tobin (Colder, Prometheus), Tyler Crook (Harrow County), and Chris Roberson (Aliens, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.) for a discussion about their favorite horror stories and how horror has influenced their work and career.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
12:30 p.m.–1:20 p.m.  Panel Room 3  
Dark Horse Manga
Free Hatsune Mix fan for panel attendees while supplies last!
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! Now Dark Horse continues to publish some of the industry’s best-selling titles, like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Oreimo: Kuroneko, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Satoshi Kon’s Opus, Unofficial Hatsune Mix (as seen on David Letterman), and the works of the creative powerhouse CLAMP. Join Dark Horse editor Carl Horn and special guests for a look at the past, present, and future of manga at Dark Horse!
2:30 p.m.–3:20 p.m.     Panel Room 3
Comics and Twitter: How to Hang Out without Being an Annoying Jerk
Social media is tricky. As a person working in comics, how do you get people to recognize you and share your amazing new comic without being an annoying jerk? Fans, what are the best ways to engage with your favorite folks? Let’s start by talking about Twitter. Join some of Twitter’s finest tweeters: Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Ant-Man), Erica Henderson (Squirrel Girl, Jughead), Christopher Sebela (High Crimes, Welcome Back), Daniel Warren Johnson (Ghost Fleet, Space-Mullet, Green Leader), and your host, Donny Cates (Buzzkill, Ghost Fleet, The Paybacks), as we try to crack the code to becoming super famous and having a ton of fun using Twitter! Oh, it's also Donny’s birthday! So use #BirthdayPanel on Twitter to RSVP and make sure you get your party favors!
 

Rose City Comic Con 2015 'The Strain' Exclusive Print

Limited Edition of 125 | $15 -- Available at the Dark Horse booth.  

Rose City Comic Con After Party

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW POKÉMON MANGA BOX SET AND POCKET COMICS RELEASES

New Multi-Volume Manga Box Sets On The Way This Fall For POKÉMON ADVENTURES And POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE Along With A New POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE POCKET COMIC

San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, expands its POKÉMON manga (graphic novel) catalog with several notable new releases forthcoming this Fall.

Set for publication under the company’s Perfect Square imprint, the POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE Box Set Vol. 3 is now available, and will be quickly followed by the October publication of POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE POCKET COMICs Vol. 2 along with the POKÉMON ADVENTURES MANGA BOX SET Vol. 4. These new POKÉMON manga and box set titles are each rated ‘A’ for All Ages.

POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE Vol. 3 · MSRP: $25.99 U.S. / $29.99 CAN · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages · Available Now! 
Meet Pokémon Trainers Black and White! His entire life, Black has dreamed of winning the Pokémon League! Now he embarks on a journey to explore the Unova region and fill a Pokédex for Professor Juniper. White has an exciting career as the Trainer of a talented troupe of performing Pokémon. She dreams of making her Tepig Gigi a star! Together, Black and White continue on their journey... What surprising new Pokémon – and people – will they meet next?! 

In the latest BLACK AND WHITE box set, which features art by Satoshi Yamamoto and story by Hidenori Kusaka, Team Plasma leader N shakes Black's faith in his relationship with his Pokémon. Then, just when Black is about to call it quits and go home, he gets a last-minute chance to earn the final Pokémon badge he needs to be eligible to compete in the Pokémon League! How will Black regain his confidence in time to win this crucial gym battle...? Box set features the concluding manga editions – Vols. 15-20 – of the POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE series along with a collectible mini poster.

POKÉMON ADVENTURES Box Set Vol. 4 · MSRP: $54.99 U.S. / $69.99 CAN · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages · Available October 6th  
These volumes containing the FireRed & LeafGreen story arc feature art by Satoshi Yamamoto and story by Hidenori Kusaka. It starts off with Green about to meet her long-lost parents, but then they are sucked into a vortex created by a mysterious Pokémon! Red and Blue want to help, but first they must improve their battle skills. Then, the Three Beasts of Team Rocket are up to their old tricks again! In the EMERALD story arc, Gold and Crystal are back! Professor Oak sends the two friends to help rescue Red, Yellow, Blue and Green – who have all been turned to stone! But first, the pair must fight a fearsome creature that Archie, the former leader of Team Aqua, wished into existence using the powers of the Wish Pokémon Jirachi! Box set contains all of the POKÉMON ADVENTURES FireRed & LeafGreen and EMERALD manga series – Vols. 23-29 – along with a collectible mini poster.

POKÉMON Black AND WHITE POCKET COMICS Vol. 2 · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages · Available October 6th  
A pocket-sized book jam-packed with four-panel comic strips featuring POKÉMON Black AND WHITE characters, Pokémon vital statistics, Pokémon trivia, Pokémon puzzles, and Pokémon fun quizzes! To the forest! To the sea! To Legendary Island! Join our Pokémon pals on a quest through Unova for the Legendary Joke – while testing your Pokémon knowledge and laughing all the way! 

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. To date more than 260 million POKÉMON video game titles and over 21.5 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold in more than 73 countries in addition to substantial publishing and merchandise sales. VIZ Media is the official North American publisher for POKÉMON manga graphic novel series including POKÉMON ADVENTURES XŸY, POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND & PEARL, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HeartGold & SoulSilver, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE and also distributes a wide variety of POKÉMON home media including animated series and feature films.

For more information on other Pokémon manga and anime 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 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.

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES NEW EDITOR IN CHIEF

SCOTT ALLIE, DAVE MARSHALL, FREDDYE MILLER TO ASSUME NEW EDITORIAL ROLES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse is pleased to announce new positions for key Editorial department staff.
Effective immediately, Dave Marshall takes on the role of editor in chief, Scott Allie assumes the responsibilities of executive senior editor, and editorial coordinator Freddye Miller adds the position of editor to her title.
“Scott will refocus his efforts as executive senior editor to do what he does best: serve as one of the best editors in the business, while helping to curate and develop new content,” said Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson.
Additionally, Dark Horse is proud to announce the hiring of Comic Book Resources guest contributor and former Candlewick Press sales assistant Cardner Clark in the position of assistant editor.
“Evolution and innovation are our constant goals at Dark Horse, and we couldn’t accomplish them without the hard work and dedication of our Editorial staff,” said Richardson. “A combination of industry experience and young, new voices is vital to our success as a company. These advances in Editorial structure personify that special combination which distinguishes both Dark Horse and the modern comics landscape as truly unique.
“Our goal is to move the art form forward, and I can think of no better candidates than our creative and enthusiastic Editorial staff to lead the charge.”
“I feel so fortunate to have built my career in comics here,” Dave Marshall told Entertainment Weekly. “One of the things that’s special about Dark Horse is the way that it supports your pursuit of your passions, no matter how diverse they may be."
Read more about Dark Horse’s Editorial changes exclusively on Entertainment Weekly.
Please join Dark Horse in congratulating our staff in their new positions!
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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 materia

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Smart Lists and Enhanced Library Options debut on comixology.com
Today comiXology expands customizable Smart Lists and Enhanced Library Options to comixology.com. These are features that debuted on June 22nd with the 3.7 Fire Tablet, Android and iOS comiXology app update. Now available on the web, these features make it easier than ever for fans to organize and dive into their library of comic books, graphic novels and manga.
Just navigate to My Books on comixology.com to experience these new features, including:
  • Smart Lists allow for a quick and easy way to track what you're reading through "In Progress" and "Unread" lists. You'll also have the ability to see what you've recently downloaded through the "Recently Purchased" list and create your own "Wish List" using our enhanced recommendation feature.
  • You can also navigate to Browse Library, Bundles, Wish List, Backups, and Archive. Browse Library is where you can drill down into the depth of your collection with new sorting and filtering options.
  • Clicking on "See All" to the right can expand each of these lists. In addition, there's a menu on each title that opens a pop-up with power user options.
  • You also can select from the same views offered in the comiXology apps – cover view, detail view, and list view. These, as well as three quantity options, can be selected on the upper-right corner.
  • "Wish List," "Backups," and "Archive" sections all received these same helpful sorting options listed above.
The official FAQ with images and explanations can be found here: http://support.comixology.com/customer/en/portal/articles/2110487-how-do-i-use-smart-lists-on-the-web-
Actress Mira Furlan Makes Her Debut in 'Lantern City' #6

Mira Furlan
Mira Furlan

Martha Ellen Grey
Martha Ellen Grey in Lantern City #6
 
September 10,  2015 - Los Angeles, CA - Award-winning publisher Archaia, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, and Macrocosm Entertainment are excited to reveal a new character in Lantern City, Martha Ellen Grey. Martha, in both the comic book series and upcoming television series in development, is portrayed by Mira Furlan. Furlan is a fan-favorite actress (Babylon 5 and Lost) that brings intelligence and passion to every role, and will make her debut in issue #6 on sale in October.
 
Martha Ellen Grey is the mother of Killian Grey, the head of the Grey Empire, which is the ruling class of Lantern City. Smart, power-hungry, and fierce, the matriarch will do anything to protect her son and keep him in power.
 
"Martha Grey, an almost Shakespearean character, complex and complicated, impossible to label or categorize. My first thought when I ‘met’ her was, ‘Gertrude, Hamlet's mother.’ As with the character of Gertrude, the key to Martha is her intricate, difficult, almost deviant relationship to her equally complex son, Killian,” said Mira Furlan. “I cannot wait to bite my teeth into this meaty role. It will be a big challenge and a great pleasure, as it always is with truly great roles."
 
The Lantern City comic series is the newest extension of a larger transmedia universe. Along with the television show, an illustrated novel, Rise (also available as an app), was published. Lantern City combines the epic scope of the Star Wars series with the street-level intensity and attention to detail of The Wire. The series blends action, romance, unique sci-fi, and political upheaval in an engaging narrative.
 
In the Lantern City ongoing comic series, Sander Jorve just wants to keep his wife and son safe. Living in the brutalized lower class of Lantern City means living in near constant darkness, the enormous walls of the city always looming overhead, while the ruling class enjoys the elevated, interconnected towers and airships above. When Sander’s brother-in-law, the persuasive activist Kendal, convinces him to infiltrate the brutal ranks of the Guard, he’s set on a dangerous path that will test his abilities and beliefs, all in the name of making a difference for his family and his caste.
 
Lantern City #6, written by Matthew Daley and Mairghread Scott and illustrated by Carlos Magno, arrives in comic shops on October 14th with a cover by Benjamin Carré for the price of $3.99 under Diamond order code AUG151247. The Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers to order the issue is September 21. Issues #1-5 are readily available through local comic shops (use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one), digital distributors like comiXology, or directly through boom-studios.com.
 
For more information on the Lantern City franchise, visit lanterncitytv.com.


Lantern City #6 cover by Benjamin Carré
 
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.
 
ABOUT MACROCOSM ENTERTAINMENT
Founded by Trevor Crafts in 2013 Macrocosm (macrocosm.tv) is a new voice in transmedia entertainment. The Emmy® Award winning Macrocosm brings dynamic engaging content to all global and multi-platform distribution models. Film projects have included Deep in the Heart starring John Gries, and the 2015 Sundance Film Festival selection Experimenter starring Peter Sarsgaard and Winona Ryder. Creators of the Lantern City (lanterncitytv.com) franchise, Macrocosm published its first Lantern City illustrated prequel novel Rise in 2013 and shortly after released the iOS and Android app, as well as the audio book read by Bruce Boxleitner. In October 2014 Macrocosm announced its partnership with Archaia an imprint of award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios to create the monthly LANTERN CITY comic, which will be an extension of the television series currently in development.
WE STAND ON GUARD KEEPS RECRUITING READERS
The first issue of the political science-fiction series flies off shelves, goes straight to second printing

New York Times bestselling and multiple Eisner-award winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, PRIVATE EYE) and legendary storyboard artist Steve Skroce’s WE STAND ON GUARD’s action-packed military thriller about a future where a heroic band of Canadian civilians must defend their homeland from invasion launched to critical acclaim this summer and has been rushed to a second printing in order to meet customer demand.
Comic Book Resources raves, “We Stand on Guard #1 looks fantastic… [it’s] had high expectations tied into its very DNA and, overall, I think readers will be very pleased with what they find.” ComicList says, “We Stand On Guard has all the makings of a classic series.”
In WE STAND ON GUARD #1, it’s 100 years from now and a heroic band of Canadian civilians must defend their homeland from invasion… by the United States of America! The hyper-detailed combat between badass freedom fighters and giant f***ing robots begins in this spectacular 40-page first issue.
“The fact that a comic book about Canadian freedom fighters could sell out of more than 90K copies (with zero variant covers!) is a testament to Image, our heroic retailing partners, and most importantly Steve Skroce and the international team of superstars we're lucky enough to have as collaborators. Thanks so much to all the readers out there for supporting new creator-owned work. And if you haven’t checked out our epic miniseries yet, we’re not planning to collect the story anytime soon, so this new printing of #1 is the ideal way to get caught up on the Two-Four’s bloody campaign,” said Vaughan.
WE STAND ON GUARD #1 remains available for purchase across all digital platforms, including the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com), the official Image Comics iOS app, Comixology’s website (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.
WE STAND ON GUARD #1, 2nd printing (Diamond Code AUG158130), arrives in stores on October 7th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is September 14th.
WE STAND ON GUARD #2, (Diamond Code JUN150510) and WE STAND ON GUARD #3 (Diamond Code JUL150548) are available now.
WE STAND ON GUARD #4 (Diamond Code AUG150498) will be available on October 7th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is September 14th.


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.
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF RANMA ½ ANIME SERIES SET 7 LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SET

Legendary Comedy And Martial Arts Action Series Reaches
Exciting Finale In The Concluding Home Media Edition Available In A Special Blu-Ray Collectable And Standard Edition DVD Set

San Francisco, CA, September 8, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, prepares fans for the final home media installment of the celebrated gender-bending martial arts action comedy based on the popular manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi as it announces the release today of RANMA ½ Set 7.

VIZ Media has released the entire gender-bending martial arts action comedy in its original Japanese series order across seven Limited Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD Box Sets. RANMA ½ is rated TV-14 and is based on the popular manga series originally created by Rumiko Takahashi.

The RANMA ½ Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set 7 carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. The final set of the series contains Episodes 139-161 on 3 discs, presented in full 1080p high-definition resolution with the series’ original, uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. The Blu-ray edition also contains a full color art card and a 32-page booklet with individual episode summaries.

Blu-ray bonus features include clean openings and endings as well as series trailers and the concluding installment of “We Love Ranma Part 8 - We Love Rumiko Takahasi.” The set comes in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

The RANMA ½ Standard Edition DVD Set 7 also features the final 23 episodes with the original, uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio, with bonus features that include clean openings and endings and trailers. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. The Standard Edition DVD set is available with an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

The madcap days of martial arts mayhem comes to a thrilling conclusion in the final set of RANMA ½! Ranma is challenged by Ryoga to fight yet again, but this time he is completely defeated by Ryoga's new technique, the "Lion's-Roar Blast." It is said that the more miserable the user, the stronger the technique becomes - does Ranma have a chance against the tragic Ryoga?! Then, Ranma must master martial arts cheerleading, but in order to win, he is going to have to cheer up Upperclassman Kuno! Finally, Ranma's mother at last comes to the Tendo Dojo, but why is Genma doing everything he can to stop Ranma from meeting her? Akane feels sorry for Ranma, who barely remembers his own mother, and forms a plan to bring them together. 

RANMA ½ manga creator Rumiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s most prolific and respected manga artists and is the creator of several long running series including MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½, and INUYASHA – all published in North America by VIZ Media. The spotlight on her prolific career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and also spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another— MAISON IKKOKU ran from 1980 to 1987, RANMA ½ from 1987 to 1996, and INUYASHA from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include MERMAID SAGARUMIC THEATERONE-POUND GOSPEL, and RIN-NE (all also published in North America by VIZ Media).

For more information on RANMA ½ or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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Ranma_Set7-3D-BlurayLimitedEdition
©Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan

Wizard World Comic Con Nashville Attendees to Receive 'The Walking Dead #1' Limited Edition Exclusive Variant Cover By Jerome Opeña, September 25-27

‘Marvel Zombies’ Artist Has Drawn 18th Cover In 2015 Series Available At Music City Center For Full-Price Attendees; VIP Fans Get Additional B&W Sketch Cover At Registration
TheWalkingDead01WizWorldNashville2015.jpg.jpegNASHVILLE, Tenn., September 8, 2015 -- Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Skybound, Robert Kirkman 's imprint at Image Comics, today announced that Eisner Award winner Jerome Opeña has drawn the 18th in a yearlong series of Limited Edition Exclusive Variant Covers of The Walking Dead #1 comic, to be provided free to all full-price attendees at Wizard World Comic Con Nashville, September 25-27. Skybound’s The Walking Dead created by Kirkman, the groundbreaking, Eisner Award winning comic book series, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The exclusive The Walking Dead #1 edition will be produced in extremely limited quantities and is available at registration to fans at the Music City Center only while supplies last. VIP attendees will receive an additional black & white sketch version of the comic.

Opeña is a comic book artist who has been working full time in the industry since 2005. He got his start with Humanoids Publishing and went on to contribute work to: Image, Dark Horse, and Marvel.

Best known for his frequent collaborations with writer Rick Remender (“Fear Agent,” “Punisher,” and “Uncanny X-Force”), he also has teamed with Jonathan Hickman on The Avengers and was one of the artists on the Infinity series.

Opeña’s latest project was the “Avengers: Rage of Ultron” which is a graphic novel by writer Rick Remender. The graphic novel was released in May of 2015. Opeña is currently doing various covers for Marvel Comics.

The artists for future books will be announced as they are selected. A similar series in 2013 featuring exclusives of The Walking Dead #1 proved to be wildly popular with fans. The full schedule of 2015-16 Wizard World shows is available at http://www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.
The Wizard World Comic Con Nashville celebrity roster includes Danny Trejo (Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn ), Candice Patton ("The Flash"), Jewel Staite (“Firefly,” “Stargate: Atlantis”), the “Dukes of Hazzard” trio of John Schneider (“Smallville”), Tom Wopat (Broadway hits “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago”) and Catherine Bach (“The Young and the Restless”), the “CHiPs” tandem of Erik Estrada (“Sealab 2021”) and Larry Wilcox (“Lassie”) and Jim Cummings (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Lion King”), Jodie Sweetin (“Full House”) and many others.
In addition to Opeña, Artist Alley in Nashville will feature Neal Adams (“Batman,” “X-Men,”), Billy Martin (“TMNT New Animated Adventures”), Harvey Tolibao (“Green Arrow,” “Silver Surfer”), Julian Totino Tedesco (“X-Treme X-Men,” “Venom”), Claudio Aboy (“Heavy Metal,” “Marilyn”), Stephanie Hans (“Journey Into Mystery,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Justice League,” “Green Lantern”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Rob Liefeld (“Deadpool,” “X-Force”), Brad Guigar (“Evil Inc.,” “Phables”) and more.
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, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 19th of 24 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World calendar, Nashville show hours are Friday, September 25, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, September 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Nashville, visit http://www.wizd.me/NashvillePR.
About Robert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman is the creator of many popular comic books, including the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible , all-ages Super Dinosaur, and the new exorcism comic, Outcast which was released in June 2014 and recently received a pilot pickup for CINEMAX with Fox International.
Since entering the comics scene with his self-published cult-hit Battle Pope in 2000, the Kentucky native has risen to fame as one of the most successful names in comics and entertainment. In 2008, Kirkman became a partner at Image Comics, and in 2010, he opened Skybound, his own imprint at Image, which publishes his titles as well as other original work.
That same year, Kirkman continued to expand his presence in the entertainment industry, becoming a creator, executive producer and writer on The Walking Dead television show. The show is in production on its fifth season and has become the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time. To date The Walking Dead is the #1 on television among the coveted 18-49 demo.
Kirkman is also slated to executive produce AMC’s upcoming The Walking Dead companion series.
Under the Skybound Entertainment umbrella Kirkman wrapped production on his first feature film, Air, starring The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus and Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.
About Skybound Entertainment
Since opening its doors in 2010, Skybound Entertainment has grown into a multiplatform entertainment company. Skybound CEO Robert Kirkman is creator of the award-winning The Walking Dead comic book series, the inspiration for the hit TV show of the same name where he serves as creator and executive producer. To date The Walking Dead is the #1 on television among the coveted 18-49 demo.
Skybound Entertainment and Kirkman just wrapped production on their first feature film, Air, starring The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus and Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou. The film is slated to be released in the spring of 2015.
Skybound released Kirkman’s new exorcism comic, Outcast, in June 2014 which recently got the green light for a television pilot with CINEMAX and Fox International. Kirkman will serve as creator and executive producer of the series.
Skybound Entertainment and digital entertainment company Maker Studios recently announced a deal for the studio to produce and air four digital series based off Skybound IPs.
Comic book titles published by Skybound include The Walking Dead, the superhero-comic Invincible , all-ages comic Super Dinosaur, the revenge drama Dead Body Road, and heist comic Thief of Thieves.
Skybound also creates a wide range of merchandise, including video games, apparel, board games, and action figures.
For more information, please visit Skybound online at www.skybound.com and www.thewalkingdead.com.
About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. (http://www.wizardworld.com ) 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, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2015 Wizard World Comic Con schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.