Wizard World Tapped as Exclusive Amateur Tour for TEKKEN 7 by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Featured Throughout 2016

Tournament, Free-Play For Hugely Popular Fighting Game Franchise From BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Set For Wizard World Gaming Portland, February 19-21; Only Touring Event To Feature TEKKEN 7 In North America

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., February 5, 2016 – Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announces that the arcade version of TEKKEN 7, the latest chapter of the popular fighting game franchise published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., will be featured at Wizard World comic con, pop culture and gaming conventions throughout 2016.

Fans attending Wizard World Portland will have a thrilling opportunity to play TEKKEN 7 at a touring event in North America in 2016. The TEKKEN franchise has garnered a passionate and loyal following in North America and we’re enabling these fans to experience TEKKEN 7 starting in Portland. There, attendees will enjoy both free-play and a sanctioned tournament during the event that is taking place February 19-21 at the Oregon Convention Center.

“Gamers are anxious to get to play the next chapter of the famed TEKKEN franchise, and we couldn’t be more pleased that Wizard World is one of the few venues across North America where fans play it,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “It is an early payoff for our attendees of Wizard World’s partnership with such a prominent name in gaming as BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment.”

“The BANDAI NAMCO gaming area at Wizard World New Orleans was a big hit, and we have a lot more surprises and activities planned throughout the year,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “We’re excited to take TEKKEN 7 on the road to enable fans across the United States to experience first hand the incredible fighting action of TEKKEN 7!”

As previously announced; BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the Official Anime Entertainment Partner for the 2016 Wizard World comic con and gaming tours, bringing BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment games to fans throughout the country.

TEKKEN 7 will be one of the marquee titles that BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America will have featured at Wizard World events all year. The gaming leader’s presence at Wizard World shows will be even greater in 10 key markets that will feature major gaming activations and an eSports tournament streaming stage (www.wizardworldgaming.com): Portland, Ore. (Feb. 19-21); St. Louis (April 1-3); Minneapolis (May 6-8); Philadelphia (June 2-5); Sacramento, Calif. (June 17-19); Columbus, Ohio (July 29-31); Orlando, Fla. (August 5-7); Chicago (August 18-21); Austin, Texas (September 23-25); and Pittsburgh (November 4-6).

Wizard World events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, gaming, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, anime, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 2016 Tour schedule is currently comprised of events in major cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Cleveland and others.

About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content — including all major video game consoles, iOS, mobile and online. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA®, RIDGE RACER® and ACE COMBAT®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (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 Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2016 Wizard World Comic Con schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.

# # #

ROCHE LIMIT RINGS IN A NEW STORY ARC
The critically-acclaimed sci-fi hit returns for its third and final arc

The bestselling team of writer Michael Moreci (HOAX HUNTERS) and artist Kyle Charles (‘68) will launch the final story arc in their ongoing dark sci-fi series ROCHE LIMIT this March.

Previously in ROCHE LIMIT, the Roche Limit colony, and consequently most of Earth itself, crumbled under the onslaught of the insidious Black Sun.

Following the fan-and-critic-favorite CLANDESTINY, ROCHE LIMIT: MONADIC #1 kicks off the final chapter in the ROCHE LIMIT trilogy. Earth is in ruins after the Black Sun’s annihilation of the planet. Now, in the last remaining human city, its inhabitants fight for survival while a chosen few realize that their world may not be what it seems.

“After what's still, to me, a surprising amount of success, the Roche Limit story is coming to an end—the end I've always envisioned, and I can't wait to take readers there,” said Moreci. “This volume, Monadic, will continue to push the story deep into cerebral sci-fi and deliver the kind of suspenseful and existential story Roche Limit is known for. I can't wait for it to start, but I'm dreading seeing it end!"

"To go from being a fan, to drawing these last two volumes, is about as weird and odd as the world of Roche Limit, itself,” said Charles. “Our creative team is sad to see the series draw to a conclusion but we're making sure it's going to kick butt for the fans of Roche, new and old."

ROCHE LIMIT: MONADIC #1 (Diamond code: JAN160550) hits stores Wednesday, March 16th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, February 22nd.

  

 

  

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.

CIRCUIT-BREAKER IS AN ELECTRIC READ
An all-new series about one girl robot who must save humanity

Bestselling writer Kevin McCarthy and artist Kyle Baker (Plastic Man) team up for an all-new series, CIRCUIT-BREAKER, launching from Image Comics this March.

CIRCUIT-BREAKER #1 is set in the aftermath of World War IV, where the heroic robots that saved Japan during war are outlawed. Now they’re turning against mankind, waging a campaign of terror across the last city on Earth.
“If Circuit-Breaker isn’t the best Shakespearean-Sentai, shōjo-shōnen superhero, soap-opera satire on the market, it’s at least in the alliteration. I mean, the conversation,” said McCarthy.

Meanwhile the vengeful robots’ original creator builds one more soldier—disguised as his teenaged granddaughter—and tasks her with dismantling the marauding mechanical militia. But as she begins to question her programming, will she be the last hope for humanity, or the final nail in our coffin?

McCarthy went on to describe the creative process of working with Baker. “The real hero here is my fellow Circuit-maker, Kyle Baker. There’s a lot going on in this book, and he took every one of my crazy ideas and obscure references and brought them to (artificial) life. I’m excited for everyone to see this book.”

McCarthy added: “Readers can expect our story to take a lot of left turns. So many in fact, that we made a complete... circuit? (Sorry.)”

CIRCUIT-BREAKER #1 (Diamond Code JAN160521) will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, March 16. The final order cutoff deadline for comic book retailers is Monday, February 22.

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.

ALOHA, HAWAIIAN DICK TAKES A DARKER TURN
An all-new noir story from B. Clay Moore and Jacob Wyatt

The critically-acclaimed HAWAIIAN DICK noir begins an all-new, five-issue miniseries by fan-favorites B. Clay Moore and Jacob Wyatt in ALOHA, HAWAIIAN DICK #1, which launches from Image Comics this April.

“Jake and I have been working on this book for some time, and I'm excited to see Hawaiian Dick return to the shelves looking better than ever,” said Moore. “With the announcement that NBC is working toward a television show, we hope interest is at an all-time high.”

While Byrd remains in 1954 Hawaii, in ALOHA, HAWAIIAN DICK #1 we meet another Byrd back in the States, and his impending arrival on the scene is destined to change the landscape of HAWAIIAN DICK forever.

Moore added: “The tone of Aloha is a little darker than previous series, as events take place that alter the entire perspective of our lead characters. I think new readers will feel comfortable, and long-time readers will be rewarded for their patience.”

ALOHA, HAWAIIAN DICK #1 (Diamond Code FEB160483) will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, April 20th. The final order cutoff deadline for comic book retailers is Monday, March 28th.

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 OPENS FEBRUARY WITH ITS LATEST DIGITAL MANGA UPDATE

New Titles Include NARUTO: SHIKAMARU’S STORY And SCHOOL JUDGMENT, Along With WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Anniversary Promotion And Updates To 17 Other Series

VIZ Media starts February with a new digital manga update that features a wide array of series debuts and new additions to scores of other continuing titles.

New manga series launches for the month include BEHIND THE SCENES!!, the latest romantic shojo comedy by the acclaimed creator of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB. Also debuting in February will be NARUTO: SHIKAMARU’S STORY, the latest release in the series of NARUTO original prose novels. SCHOOL JUDGMENT: GAKKYU HOTEI is the tense new student courtroom drama by the artist behind the bestselling DEATH NOTE manga, while JUDAS rounds out February’s new series launches with its edgy supernatural action saga.

This month, VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP marks the 4^th anniversary of the magazine’s move to a digital publication. A promotion is underway now and runs until February 8^th offering a chance for new & renewing subscribers to win a variety of Shonen Jump products, including jackets, t-shirts and other unique items. Visit http://shonenjump.viz.com/ for more information!

Readers are also invited to browse February’s selection of Digital Manga Bundles that offer the opportunity to dive into multiple collected volumes from a wide selection of acclaimed series at special savings over buying the volumes individually. Bundles are available to readers for a limited time exclusively from VIZManga.com and comiXology.

BEHIND THE SCENES!!, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available Now!   

It’s two months into Ranmaru’s college career, and if he’s learned one thing, it’s that he’s really uncomfortable around other people. But when he stumbles into a zombie mob attack, he’s totally forced out of his comfort zone! Of course it’s just a movie shoot, but when he wakes up from his ignoble faint, he’s been whisked away behind the scenes with the Art Squad! Could this group of weirdos be what Ranmaru’s been looking for all his life?!

NARUTO: SHIKAMARU’S STORY · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

DIGITAL MSRP: $10.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available Now!    

This newest release in the series of NARUTO original prose novels continues the focus on key characters from the bestselling manga series and is complemented by cover art by Masashi Kishimoto. Two years after the Great Ninja War, Shikamaru spends his days racing around, hands full as one of Konoha’s key protectors. Then, large numbers of ninja from every region are reported missing. Even Sai disappears. And the place where the missing shinobi end up is the mysterious empire, the Land of Silence. As a ninja, as an adult, to protect all that he is responsible for, Shikamaru must do battle with the shadow of a new generation.

SCHOOL JUDGMENT: GAKKYU HOTEI, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available Now!   

At Tenbin Elementary, there is only one way to settle a dispute—in a court of law! All quarrels bypass the teachers and are settled by some of the best lawyers in the country…who also happen to be elementary school students. SCHOOL JUDGMENT is a new series that features story by Nobuaki Enoki, with artwork by Takeshi Obata, the famed artist behind the smash hit manga series DEATH NOTE as well as the hugely successful manga BAKUMAN。and ALL YOU NEED IS KILL (all of which are also published by VIZ Media).

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

DIGITAL MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available February 23^rd  

Judas, cursed for his sins, is the spirit of Death – he is without form, and has enslaved young Eve to carry out the most heinous of acts. Together in spirit and body, they must slay 666 people so that Judas can regain his humanity. Using Eve as his vessel of destruction, Judas' dark, blood-soaked journey will leave a trail of sin, death, and – hopefully for Judas – redemption.

February Digital Manga Bundle Promos (Available All Month):

DEMON LOVE SPELL (Entire Series) · $23.99

·         Vols. 1-6

HIKARU NO GO Bundle I · $39.99

·         Vols. 1-10

HIKARU NO GO Bundle II · $52.99

·         Vols. 1-15

HIKARU NO GO Bundle III (Entire Series) · $68.99

·         Vols. 1-23

JIU JIU (Entire Series) · $15.99

·         Vols. 1-5

KAZE HIKARU Bundle I · $41.99

·         Vols. 1-12

KAZE HIKARU Bundle II (Entire Series) · $69.99

·         Vols. 1-23

Additional digital manga updates for February also includes new volumes for 17 other continuing VIZ Media series. Notable releases include not-to-be-missed volumes for ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM (Vol. 8), FOOD WARS! (Vol. 10), MY HERO ACADEMIA (Vol. 3), ONE PIECE (Vol. 77), and ULTRAMAN (Vol. 3) as well as shojo manga additions including MAID-SAMA 2-in-1 omnibus (Vol. 3), QQ SWEEPER (Vol. 2), and SO CUTE IT HURTS (Vol. 5). Also don’t miss the exciting series finales of CHEEKY ANGEL (Vols. 19 & 20), CROWN OF THORNS (Vol. 2), DEADMAN WONDERLAND (Vol. 13) and Kannazuki no Miko (Vol. 2).

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 Google Play Stores.

Most 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. Readers can also explore 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.

###

Urakata!! © Bisco Hatori 2015/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

 

Capcom To Feature Street Fighter® V At Wizard World Gaming Throughout 2016 Event Tour, Beginning In Portland, February 19-21

Video Game Industry Leader To Offer Competitive Tournament, Free Play For Attendees At Ten Wizard World Events

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., February 2, 2016 – Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced an agreement to feature the highly-anticipated Street Fighter® V fighting game at Wizard World Gaming events throughout 2016, beginning in Portland, Ore., from February 19-21 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Event attendees can visit the Capcom free play area at Wizard World Gaming shows to play Street Fighter V. Additionally, at the main event stage, gamers can compete in a tournament for $3,000 in cash as well as other prizes, with the action streamed live online for a global audience.

“With the much-anticipated release of Street Fighter V on February 16, we are excited about having Capcom on board as we roll out our gaming shows across the country,” said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World, Inc., “Wizard World live events will be a prime place for both established pros and casual gamers to square off head-to-head amongst their peers, gaming influencers and TV and film celebrities.”

Wizard World Gaming Portland kicks off a season-long series of gaming-focused events which will coincide with Wizard World comic con shows throughout 2016 in the following additional cities: St. Louis (April 1-3); Minneapolis (May 6-8); Philadelphia (June 2-5); Sacramento, Calif. (June 17-19); Columbus, Ohio (July 29-31); Orlando, Fla. (August 5-7); Chicago (August 18-21); Austin, Texas (September 23-25); and Pittsburgh (Nov. 4-6).

Wizard World events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, gaming, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, anime, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 2016 Tour schedule is currently comprised of 18 events, in major cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Cleveland and others.

About Capcom

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Monster Hunter™, Ace Attorney®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Tokyo, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on at www.capcom.com or www.capcom-unity.com.

Capcom, the Capcom logo, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (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 Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2016 Wizard World comic con schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.

VIZ MEDIA CONTINUES WINTER ANIME VIEWING FUN WITH FEBRUARY DIGITAL CONTENT UPDATE

Don’t Miss Brand New Action And Adventure With Fresh Episodes Of HUNTER X HUNTER, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN And SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL; Also Catch The Exclusive U.S. Premiere Of SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS

VIZ Media moves into February and continues to heat up the winter season for fans with the latest monthly digital anime content update.

This month, audiences will be treated to the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes straight from Japan in (subtitled) weekly simulcasts every Thursday. Also dive into the exclusive U.S. premiere of SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS (Season 5). This is the first time this final climactic season of the original SAILOR MOON anime series has been officially available in the U.S. Enjoy 2 exciting subtitled episodes every week!

The interstellar SAILOR MOON action continues throughout February with all-new, English dubbed streamed episodes of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL every week. New dubbed content for the month is complemented by not-to-be-missed episodes for additional hit VIZ Media anime series such as HUNTER X HUNTER and RANMA ½.

New anime content for February includes:

HUNTER X HUNTER

·         The supernatural action adventure of HUNTER X HUNTER Season 1 continues in February with Episodes 27-39 available to stream in their entirety featuring brand new subtitles that are true to VIZ Media’s original translations of the manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

·         The pulse-racing ninja action of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN continues all month with simulcasts every Thursday of the latest episodes straight from Japan.

·         Don’t miss the simulcasts of Episode 447 on February 4^th, Episode 448 on February 11^th, followed by Episode 449 on February 18^th, and Episode 450 on February 25^th.

RANMA ½

·         The hilarious hijinks of the classic anime martial arts adventure, RANMA ½, continues during February with the addition of Season 6, Episodes 116-138, available to stream now in their entirety with dubbed English dialogue!

SAILOR MOON

·         Catch the streaming premiere of SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS (Season 5) with 2 subtitled episodes every Monday.

·         Episodes 175 & 176 are available now, followed by Episodes 177 & 178 on February 8^th, Episodes 179 & 180 on February 15^th and Episodes 181 & 182 on February 22^nd.

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL

·         Enjoy the all-new English dubbed streams of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL throughout February with a brand new episode every Friday.

·         SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Season 1 action continues with Episode 13 FINAL BATTLE - REINCARNATION available to stream beginning February 5^th, followed by the beginning of the Black Moon Arc on February 12^th! 

VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. has over 4,200 subtitled and English dubbed episodes and movies from more than 37 series! VIZ Media’s streaming content also reaches an expansive on-demand U.S.-based audience on Hulu, which enables viewers to watch shows anytime, anywhere across devices including Xbox One, PlayStation^®4, Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu -enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.

Additional information on VIZ Media’s streaming anime is available at: http://www.viz.com/anime/streaming/.

###

ALAN PAYNE JOINS DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT!

Twenty-Five Year Graphic Novel Veteran Joins Rapidly-Growing Publisher as
Vice President of Sales & Marketing

FEBRUARY 1, 2016, MOUNT LAUREL, NJ: As part of Dynamite Entertainment's continued expansion, the publisher welcomes the longtime comics and graphic novel professional to its growing staff.

A veteran of more than 25 years as a comic book professional, Alan began his career at DreamHaven books in Minneapolis before moving to Malibu Comics in 1992. Most recently, Payne joins Dynamite after nearly ten years with IDW Publishing, where he built one of the most reputable graphic novel sales departments in the industry. Alan not only managed all sales and marketing into traditional brick and mortar and online retail, but placed IDW's titles into the mass market, achieving unparalleled success. The company saw incredible sales growth under Payne's watch, and initiated new category offerings in both children's and prose books. Previously, he served as the National Sales Manager for TokyoPop and was integral part in their dominance of the manga industry, departing at the height of their success.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to be involved in expanding Dynamite and working with it's fabulous staff. I've always admired Dynamite's ability to initiate programs for properties from Red Sonja to Army Of Darkness, Vampirella, Flash Gordon, The Shadow, Doc Savage, Bob's Burgers, and recently one of the greatest icons known world wide - James Bond.  This is a great time to be a part of their continued growth," says newly appointed VP of Sales & Marketing, Alan Payne. "Dynamite has some amazing properties that appeal to a wide variety of fans and we are going to have a lot of fun getting the next round of amazing books into the hands of current and new readers."

"Alan's experience in bringing comics and graphic novels to a larger audience is second to none. He helped blaze the trail of graphic novels to bookstores beginning with manga and took TokyoPop to the height of their success. After joining IDW, he was instrumental in building and establishing one of the most successful bookstore programs in the industry bringing licensed and creator driven comics to a larger audience," says Dynamite CEO/Publisher, Nick Barrucci. "We are proud to have someone of Alan's reputation and expertise joining the Dynamite team as our Vice President of Sales & Marketing and bringing Dynamite to the next level, taking our diverse library of comics to a larger audience."

 

 

About Dynamite Entertainment:
Dynamite was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, The Shadow, Red Sonja, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, A Game of Thrones, and more.  Dynamite owns and controls an extensive library with over 3,000 characters (which includes the Harris Comics and Chaos Comics properties), such as Vampirella, Pantha, Evil Ernie, Smiley the Psychotic Button, Chastity, and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt.  In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and bestselling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Kevin Smith, Alex Ross, Neil Gaiman, Andy Diggle, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Marc Guggenheim, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner, Gail Simone, Steve Niles, James Robinson, and a host of up-and-coming new talent.  Dynamite is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles - including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger's Project Superpowers - have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors.  In 2005, Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%) and again in 2011.  The company has also been nominated for and won several industry awards, including the prestigious Harvey and Eisner Awards.

Dynamite Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dynamitecomics
Dynamite Twitter: http://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
Dynamite Official Website: http://www.dynamite.com/
Comic Shop Locator Service: 1-888-comicbook, or visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com/

IDW GAMES BRINGING TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES BOARD GAME TO KICKSTARTER! GET READY TO KICKSTART SOME SHELL WITH A LAIR FULL OF EXCLUSIVE CONTENT San Diego, CA (February 2nd, 2016) IDW Games is set to launch a Kickstarter campaign of radical proportions! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shadows of the Past, designed by Kevin Wilson, is a scenario-driven, miniatures-based combat board game, and its Kickstarter campaign is live now, featuring a host of exclusive gaming and publishing content, including an exclusive April O'Neil Hero Pack! “Kickstarter seems like an incredibly fun way to show the game to the fans,” said Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator, Kevin Eastman. “It’s almost like having a month long convention celebrating all things Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We’ll be able to show off all kinds of aspects of this awesome game and the IDW comic universe it comes from. There’s so much to be really excited for, but I’ll save some of the fun for when the campaign’s actually live!" Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shadows of the Past will feature story content from the hit ongoing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IDW comic. Featuring a lasting story arc, the game allows two to five players will battle their way through a series of 60-90 minute missions with players developing their characters strengths, fighting styles, and equipment along the way. Expect to see all kinds of fan-favorite characters show up as the Turtles call on their closest allies for help in battling their deadliest foes. “This campaign will allow us to interact with fans and give them a strong idea of what they’ll be getting in this game,” said IDW's VP of New Product Development, Jerry Bennington. “We feel this is the definitive Turtle board game experience, and with the help of the fans, we’ll upgrade the game and add even more content to it, leveraging our talented staff and even some creators from the past that may surprise you.” The Kickstarter campaign is live now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idwgames/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-shadows-of-the-past-b Backers have the choice between two versions of the game, both featuring exclusive boxes and content only available through Kickstarter. Once the game meets its funding goal, all backers will gain the ability to play as not just the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but as their long-time ally April O'Neil if they so choose. For the classic collectors, there's a deluxe "Works Edition," which comes with four exclusive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles miniatures based off Kevin Eastman's art style. More goodies will be added to both tiers as the campaign continues. To learn more about IDW Games visit http://idwgames.com/games/tmnt/, “like” facebook.com/idwgames and follow @idwgames for more updates and spoilers.

About IDW Games IDW Games publishes both creator-owned and licensed tabletop games. The division was launched in 2014 and has quickly found success with one of the top-selling card games of the year the Japanese import card game Machi Koro. IDW Games offers a mix of popular licensed games such as The X-Files and CHEW as well as strategic hobby games such as Tammany Hall and Yedo. About IDW 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; Disney’s classic characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Uncle Scrooge; Paramount/CBS’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Zombies vs. Robots by Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to acclaimed imprints such as the Library of American Comics, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, IDW Artist’s Editions, and Top Shelf Productions. IDW Entertainment launched in November 2013 to distribute productions globally and to develop film and television properties based on IDW's extensive catalog.  Three projects are set up: “Wynonna Earp,” a property distributed globally by IDW Entertainment and licensed to Syfy in the U.S.; “Brooklyn Animal Control”, a property created by JT Petty and produced by David Goyer, has a pilot order at USA; and Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, with writer/executive producer Max Landis at BBC America. IDW Entertainment’s development slate of properties includes the chilling vampire thriller, V Wars, by New York Times Best-Seller Jonathan Maberry with writer/executive producer Tim Schlattmann (“Dexter,” “Smallville”); political conspiracy series, Cobb, with writer/executive producer Thania St. John (“Chicago Fire,” “Covert Affairs”); supernatural action series, Pantheon, with co-creator Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”); Wormwood by Ben Templesmith with writer David M Stern (“The Simpsons, Ugly Americans); among others. IDW also has several active theatrical projects in development.  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; and Alex Kurtzman is producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.