GLOBAL YAOI IMPRINT SUBLIME LAUNCHES A VALENTINE’S DAY MANGA PROMOTION WITH LEADING ONLINE RETAILER THE RIGHT STUF

Celebrate Love Yaoi-Style With Special Pricing Available For A Limited Time On The Entire SuBLime Manga Catalog!!

San Francisco, CA, February 12, 2016 – SuBLime, the leading global English-language yaoi manga (graphic novel) publisher, invites readers to accent Valentine’s Day with the launch of a special promotion offering 40% off its entire print catalog featured on leading anime/manga web retailer, The Right Stuf.

The Valentine’s Day promotion runs from February 12^th through the 17^th and covers more than 60 popular SuBLime volumes by some of Japan’s most revered yaoi manga creators. Please visit www.rightstufanime.com/publisher/SUBLIME for more details and to browse the entire roster of available series.

Notable SuBLime series offered for Valentine’s Day include:

LOVE STAGE!! · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Vols. 1-4 Available Now!

Though his family is packed with famous celebrities, Izumi Sena is just your average guy. Currently a college student, he is a huge otaku with aspirations of becoming a manga creator. But one day he gets roped into filming a TV commercial and meets hot young actor Ryoma Ichijo. Could this be the same boy he starred in a commercial with over ten years ago?!

THE WORLD’S GREATEST FIRST LOVE · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers ·

Vols. 1-3 Available Now!

In this series by Shungiku Nakamura, when Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future?

AWKWARD SILENCE · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers ·

Volumes 1-5 Available Now!

Satoru Tono is too shy to speak to classmate Keigo Tamiya. Instead he fills his sketchbook with drawings of the boy he likes. But perhaps Keigo has noticed him too...?

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

About SuBLime

SuBLime is a global yaoi/boys’ love manga publisher presenting English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide available at www.SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide.

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AWKWARD SILENCE © 2006 Hinako Takanaga

Toy Fair 2016: “Outlander” Collectibles Debut at Dark Horse

Hit Starz Show to See Full Product Line FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY— Dark Horse Comics’ toys and collectibles imprint, Dark Horse Deluxe, is proud to offer new items based on characters and stories from the hit Starz show Outlander! The Outlander collectibles from Dark Horse are licensed through Sony Pictures Television in a deal brokered by Knockout Licensing. Outlander is a popular television drama that tells the story of World War II army nurse Claire Randall. While on her honeymoon, Claire is transported to 1743, where her freedom and life are threatened. To survive, she marries Jamie Fraser, a dashing Scots warrior with a complicated past and a disarming sense of humor. A passionate relationship ensues, and Claire is caught between two vastly different men in two inharmonious lives. Dark Horse senior product development manager Rebecca Dudeiros said, “With our new collectible line we hope to convey the lush and mysterious life that Claire is thrown into. We want to bring the consumer into the world of Outlander with items that make them feel like they are part of the story.” Dark Horse Deluxe is launching its Outlander line with an assortment of products. The centerpieces of this first wave are the stainless steel stein and the beautifully sculpted Crown and Thistle pin. A coaster set, magnetic bookmarks, magnet four-pack, Crown and Thistle journal, and embroidered patch round out the initial range of products. Dark Horse will continue to offer more Outlander products, including a program of collectible items. Stay tuned . . . Look for these Outlander collectibles on sale March 2016 at fine retailers everywhere! The second season of Outlander debuts April 9, 2016. Outlander is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company, and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television. Visit Dark Horse at Toy Fair 2016 Booth 4845. ### 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

Toy Fair 2016: Dark Horse Reveals New Character in Line of "Game of Thrones®" Figures!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY—Dark Horse Deluxe, an imprint of Dark Horse Comics, has revealed the latest figure in an ongoing series of characters from the critically acclaimed HBO® series Game of Thrones®: the Night King. The masterfully sculpted figure finely details the leader of the White Walkers. It measures eight inches in height and is packaged in a collectors’ window box. The Night King will be the twenty-fourth figure in the series and is slated for in-store release in September of 2016. “The Night King’s confrontation with Jon Snow in the aftermath of the Hardhome battle is one of the most dramatic moments of Game of Thrones to date. We are very excited to have captured the power of this character in a stunning new figure,” Dark Horse Product Development head David Scroggy remarked. Response to the Game of Thrones collectible figure line has been overwhelming, and additional characters are in development for release in summer and fall 2016. The Night King figure will be joined by Ygritte, Margaery Tyrell, Oberyn Martell, Grey Worm, and Varys. Dark Horse also recently announced a limited-edition bust statue of the Night King, which will be released in March 2016. Game of Thrones figures have a suggested retail price of $24.99 and are packaged in deluxe window box packaging. Visit Dark Horse at Toy Fair 2016 Booth 4845. ### About HBO Global Licensing HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network's award-winning programming. With products created around hit series like Game of Thrones® and True Blood® as well as classic series like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, and Entourage, items include fashion apparel, figures, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, prop and costume replicas, games, books, and beverages, as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Global Licensing products are also sold internationally across Europe (www.hboshopeu.com), Asia and Australia. 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

McFARLANE TOYS DECLARES 'WAR'

Gears of War partners with McFarlane as part of new video game figure lineup

Tempe, Ariz. – February 12, 2016– Legendary comic book and toy creator Todd McFarlane announced today that his company, McFarlane Toys has partnered with one of the gaming industry’s hottest properties, Gears of War, to produce a line of highly collectible action figures.  Known for its gritty, gory, hyper realistic gameplay, Microsoft’s Gears of War has been an Xbox staple for nearly a decade.  The franchise revolutionized cover-based combat, and drew millions of Xbox Live users in with its addictive multiplayer.  One of the most anticipated video games of the year, Gears of War 4 is slated to release Holiday 2016, exclusively on Xbox One.

McFarlane Toys is well known for producing excellent figures in the gaming genre, and currently produce and hold the action figure license for the Halo, and Assassin’s Creed franchises.  The Gears of War figures will be based on the upcoming Gears of War 4 video game and will be a part of McFarlane’s new 2016 Collector Box Program. The figures will stand a full seven inches tall, have an average of fifteen points of articulation for incredible poses and play action and feature game accurate accessories and weapons.  The Gears of War 4 action figures will boast the same meticulous level of detail that McFarlane has become known for over the last two decades.

“The game does such a great job of giving these characters big dynamic personalities.” said Todd McFarlane, Creative Director and CEO of McFarlane Toys. “We’re going to make sure all that personality gets represented in the action figures.”

The Gears of War 4 action figures will be available at major retail locations beginning Fall of 2016.  Fans of both McFarlane Toys and Gears of War can check www.mcfarlane.com and the McFarlane Toys social media channels for updates and news.

McFarlane Toys will be exhibiting at International New York Toy Fair. By appointment only.

ABOUT GEARS OF WAR
Gears of War takes place on Sera, an Earth-type planet recovering from lifetimes of violence and conflict.  Leaving violence to the pages of history, Sera begins a golden-age of culture, science and arts; but the energy demands of this new age soon surpassed conventional means.  Again, wars raged.  That all ended on Emergence Day, when a sentient species of creatures known as the Locusts erupted from underground.  Now Sera fights for its survival.

ABOUT MCFARLANE TOYS:
Grammy-and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn, is the creative force behind McFarlane Toys, one of America’s top action figure manufacturers. McFarlane Toys has become an industry leader, redefining the standards within the action figure market. For complete information on this pop-culture powerhouse, visit http://www.mcfarlane.com; http://www.facebook.com/mcfarlanetoys; http://www.twitter.com/Todd_McFarlane and http://www.instagram.com/mcfarlane_toys_official.

Toy Fair 2016: Dark Horse Partners with Peanuts to Distribute Limited-Edition Snoopy Qee Mystery Figures!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY—Dark Horse Deluxe will produce a mystery box assortment of two-inch figures in the popular mini Qee format that will put a unique design spin on Snoopy, the lovable beagle from the popular Peanuts comic strip. Dark Horse sees Snoopy as a must-have for the company’s designer line of collectible toys and has created variations of color and design to pique the interest of customers. The first collection offers eighteen different versions of the figures in various colors and with unique surface treatments, including metallic, flocked, black-light sensitive, glitter, and glow in the dark. “We have worked with Peanuts for many years, and to see this fun take on Snoopy is a thrill,” Dark Horse Product Development head David Scroggy said. “The mystery box format means that which design is inside is a surprise. Some are common and some are rare. It is the thrill of the hunt as consumers chase after the rarest of the variants.” This all-new assortment of colorful designs, featuring an array of colors and exotic surface treatments, is sure to stun both collectors and casual fans at their first presale appearance at Toy Fair 2016! All eighteen designs will be on display at the Dark Horse exhibit booth (#4845) at the Jacob Javits Center. Slated for release in summer 2016 for the US and Canadian markets only, the collectible figures will be produced and sold in a fifteen-figure mystery box counter display with a retail price of $6.99 per figure. Visit Dark Horse at Toy Fair 2016 Booth 4845. ### About Peanuts Worldwide The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CODENAME BABOUSHKA ENDS WITH A BANG

Writer Antony Johnston (THE FUSE, The Coldest City, Daredevil) and artist Shari Chankhamma (SHELTERED, The Sisters' Luck) will conclude the first story arc in their ongoing modern pulp spy thriller series CODENAME BABOUSHKA this March.

Previously in CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH, the enigmatic Contessa, the last heiress to a noble Russian line (and secret deadly assassin!), was blackmailed by the U.S. government to carry out dirty jobs even the C.I.A. can't sanction—like “persuading” a retiring crime lord to sell her his secrets.

In CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH #5, the gauntlet is thrown down! Everything explodes…or at least, it will if Baboushka can’t stop it. Don’t get in her way!

"The Conclave of Death ends with a bang—and, unsurprisingly, several deaths!” said Johnston. “But long after the smoke clears, Baboushka will be forever changed. The future is full of guns, high-kicks, and yet more secrets to be revealed..."

CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH #5 Cover A by Shari Chankhamma (Diamond code: DEC150575) hits stores Wednesday, March 9th. CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH #5 Cover B by Kate Leth will also be available Wednesday, February 24th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, February 15th.

  

  

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.

BLOODY MARY FINDS NEW HOME AT IMAGE COMICS

Bestselling and Eisner-Award-winning writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, War Story) and artist Carlos Ezquerra (Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Adventures in the Rifle Brigade) present an action-packed tale of future warfare and a heroine whose faith lies firmly in firepower in BLOODY MARY, coming from Image Comics this March.

“It's fantastic to see Bloody Mary back in print in this new edition from Image, said Ennis. “About time, really, Mary's been missing in action for far too long.”

Ezquerra added: "Mary Malone is one of my best loved comic characters."

BLOODY MARY is set in a world only slightly worse than our own, a third great European conflict has dragged the major powers into a lethal war of attrition. Now, Mary Malone, the most dangerous assassin in a land of killers, must face both a man who cannot die and a crazed cult leader whose flock are all too ready to die for him.

BLOODY MARY (ISBN: 978-1-63215-761-4) hits comic book stores on Wednesday, March 9th and bookstores on Tuesday, March 15th, and will be available for $16.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond code DEC150636. It can be preordered now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indiebound. 

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.

Toy Fair 2016: Dark Horse and 343 Industries Unveil Latest In "Halo 5: Guardians" Collectibles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY—At Toy Fair 2016, 343 Industries and Dark Horse Deluxe are set to release a new set of replica ships based on Halo 5: Guardians. A detailed polyresin six-inch replica of the stealth UNSC Prowler is the first release in the line of ship replicas from Halo 5: Guardians, followed by the beautifully crafted Covenant Banshee and the first Forerunner vehicle in the line, the Phaeton. All are slated for summer 2016 releases. “With the success of our previous Halo ship replica offerings, we are really excited to dive into the Halo 5: Guardians universe!” Dark Horse Product Development manager Chris Gaslin said. To date, 343 Industries and Dark Horse have produced three Halo replica ships with a fourth on the way, including the UNSC Pelican Dropship, the UNSC Infinity, the Covenant Truth and Reconciliation, and the forthcoming UNSC Pillar of Autumn, which will be released in May 2016. 343 Industries and Dark Horse have also produced two blockbuster comics series with canonical story lines written by writers from the video game franchise, Halo: Initiation and Halo: Escalation, and will release the graphic novel Halo: Fall of Reach in spring 2016. “Since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with spaceship models. The more detailed, the better. There was something so visceral about holding a ship in your hands, feeling the weight and heft of it, and if I’m honest, swooping them low and tight above a hedge or a lawn and pretending I was making a bombing run on Endor. The Dark Horse replica Halo ships are exquisitely crafted, and now have pride of place in my Halo collection, and adding Forerunner, UNSC, and Covenant craft to my collection is a selfish and guilty pleasure. Nowadays I may not make those bombing runs, but I confess, I’ll still voice my own sound effects as I swoop them from the couch to the mantle,” said Frank O’Connor, franchise development director of 343 Industries. Additional products will be included in the Halo program, so fans and retailers are encouraged to keep an eye on the news in the coming months for more information! Visit Dark Horse at Toy Fair 2016 Booth 4845. ### 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

Halo 5 UNSC Prowler Ship Replica

Halo 5 Covenant Banshee Ship Replica

Halo 5 Phaeton Ship Replica

Toy Fair 2016: The Wild Hunt For "Witcher" Collectibles Ends At Dark Horse!

Dark Horse Deluxe to Produce Product Line Based on the Acclaimed Video Game FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY—The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, created by CD Projekt RED, was the most popular and critically acclaimed video game of 2015. The hit game is based on the best-selling fantasy novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski. Dark Horse Deluxe, in partnership with CD Projekt RED, is proud to announce a high-end product line based on The Witcher debuting in fall 2016. The products derived from the series will span a large range, including statues, busts, and action figures; prop and jewelry replicas; and barware, stationery, and other collectibles. This exciting new line of products debuts with a stunning set of figures. “We are truly excited to bring the Witcher 3 characters to life! Wild Hunt fans requested figures of Geralt, Ciri, Yen, and other collectibles multiple times, and now, thanks to this cooperation, we’re finally able to fulfill these requests without putting an arm and a leg on the price tag. I truly hope Witcher fans notice all the love and the excellent craftsmanship put into creating them!” said Rafał Jaki, business development manager for CD Projekt RED. The first Witcher figures to be released are Geralt, Triss, and Yennefer, followed by Ciri and the Wild Hunt King, Eredin. Each will be designed to the character’s likeness, custom painted, and displayed in deluxe window box packaging with a suggested retail price of $29.99. Dark Horse Comics has published multiple Witcher tie-ins, including two comic series turned graphic novels in The Witcher: House of Glass and The Witcher: Fox Children, as well as a best-selling art book, The World of The Witcher. “Although Dark Horse has been bringing Witcher forward as graphic novels and art books for a couple of years, we have only begun exploring Geralt of Rivia’s world. And there is quite a world to explore! We are developing a variety of collectible products, in conjunction with the team at CD Projekt RED, with the initial launch of figures as the portal,” noted Dark Horse’s VP of Product Development, David Scroggy. “We are planning a colorful and untamed range of high-quality enhancements to one of the most beautiful and original games we have seen. We hope this journey is a long one, and that fans will join us for the ride.” The Witcher games have collectively earned over 250 industry awards and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released in May 2015 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One and was named Game of the Year by IGN, GameSpot, Metacritic, and the Golden Joystick awards. Visit Dark Horse at Toy Fair 2016 Booth 4845. ### About CD PROJEKT RED CD PROJEKT RED is a development studio established in 2002, based in Warsaw and Cracow, Poland. Creators of The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. Both RPGs were praised by critics and fans, gathering over 200 awards and selling over 10 million copies to date. Originally a PC developer, CD PROJEKT RED has also released The Witcher on Mac and The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360, PC and Mac. On May 19th, 2015, the studio released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a fantasy open world RPG available on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Playstation®4 and PC. The developer is also working on Cyberpunk 2077 in collaboration with Mike Pondsmith, the original designer of the pen-and-paper Cyberpunk® futuristic RPG system in which the upcoming game is set. CD PROJEKT RED’s mission is to take the passion they have for games and harness it to make the best RPGs in the world. Along with GOG.COM, the Internet's leading destination for the best DRM-Free games in history on PC and Mac, CD PROJEKT RED is part of the Warsaw Stock Exchange listed (ISIN: PLOPTTC00011) CD PROJEKT Group. 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

PATRICK O'CONNELL JOINS DYNAMITE FROM DC ENTERTAINMENT!

25-Year Direct Market Veteran to Serve as Sales Manager
in the Rapidly Growing Publisher's Manhattan Office

February 9, 2016, Mt. Laurel, NJ: Following news last year of Dynamite Entertainment's expansion into offices in New York City, the publisher welcomes another alumni from DC Comics to its growing staff.

Patrick O'Connell joins Dynamite after over seven years with DC Comics. This veteran of over 25 years in the comic book industry began his career as a senior manager and buyer at the legendary New York City retailer, St. Mark's Comics. Following that, O'Connell moved to the direct sales department of DC Comics where he worked under industry luminary, Bob Wayne.

"I feel very fortunate to have found a home at a publisher that has so many iconic and beloved characters, some of which happen to be personal favorites," says Dynamite Sales Manager Pat O'Connell. "I'm excited to work with the Dynamite Entertainment team and welcome the opportunity to join their efforts to stay true to their namesake!"

"Pat O'Connell makes a great addition to the Dynamite team, bringing so many qualities that are essential for retailer relations. He's excited about our projects, he's easy to strike up a conversation with, and having previously worked behind the counter, he understands retailer and consumer needs," says Keith Davidsen, Marketing Manager. "Dynamite continues to grow with experienced, capable staff members. Pat brings fresh new ideas and enthusiasm to our company, and will be happy to share those attributes with the comic shops. We're proud and lucky to have him."

"DC's departure from the east coast created a unique opportunity for us to acquire some of their incredibly talented staff, to further grow Dynamite both as a publisher and organization," says Dynamite CEO/Founder Nick Barrucci. "Pat brings strong relationships with retailers and consumers. We are excited to have him on board to help Dynamite and our retail partners put more comics into the hands of readers."

Patrick O'Connell joins the growing staff in Dynamite's recently opened Manhattan office.

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/

Sweatshirt adds comfy flair to PLUTONA fans’ wardrobe

What’s better than curling up in a warm sweatshirt with a good comic? Image Comics is pleased to bring fans of Jeff Lemire and Emi Lenox’s beloved PLUTONA miniseries a very special sweatshirt.

A replicate of the sweatshirt worn by Mie in the critically-acclaimed PLUTONA—a story about five suburban kids discovering the body of the world’s greatest superhero in the woods one day—the PLUTONA sweatshirt is available at participating comics retailers and will be sold directly to consumers at the Image Comics booth at WonderCon, Emerald City Comic Con, San Diego Comic Con, and New York Comic Con while supplies last.

Readers can join in on the heartfelt, coming-of-age journey with their very own pear-featured sweatshirt.

PLUTONA sweatshirts are available in Unisex SM-2XL. Comics retailers can order the PLUTONA sweatshirt using:

PLUTONA, Unisex Small: JAN160713
PLUTONA, Unisex Medium: JAN160714
PLUTONA, Unisex Large: JAN160715
PLUTONA, Unisex XLarge: JAN160716
PLUTONA, Unisex XXLarge: JAN160717

PLUTONA (ISBN: 978-1-63215-601-3) trade paperback hits comic book stores on Wednesday, May 18th (Diamond Code MAR160642) and will be in bookstores on Tuesday, May 24th. It can also be pre-ordered at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and IndieBound.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICSImage 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.

Eisner and Harvey Award Winner “Beasts of Burden” Returns This Spring

Dorkin and Thompson Discover What the Cat Dragged In! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson return to the characters that won them the 2005 Eisner Award for Best Short Story with a new one-shot comic: Beasts of Burden: What the Cat Dragged In! This standalone adventure is a perfect entry point for readers new to the award-winning series. When curiosity gets the best of Burden Hill’s cats (and one reluctant raccoon), sleeping demons are awakened and black magic is unleashed on the town of Burden Hill. Award-winning comics creators Evan Dorkin (Eltingville Club, Milk and Cheese) and Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother) first introduced these very special investigators in The Dark Horse Book of Hauntings and the other Dark Horse Book of . . . anthologies, for which they won coveted Eisner Awards for Best Short Story and Best Painter. In 2009, the beasts of Burden Hill received their own miniseries, Animal Rites, which garnered widespread critical acclaim. In 2010, they met up with Mike Mignola’s Hellboy, cementing these unlikely heroes in the pages of Dark Horse history. The one-shot Beasts of Burden: What the Cat Dragged In (MAR160030) is in stores May 4, 2016. Preorder your copy today at your local comic shop! ### 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.