VIZ MEDIA BEGINS HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF BLEACH ANIME SERIES FOR THE

FIRST TIME ON BLU-RAY

Complete Uncut First Set Of The Acclaimed Paranormal Action Adventure Based On The Smash Hit Manga Series

Debuts This Summer

San Francisco, CA, July 29, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, unleashes the tense anime action drama of BLEACH on Blu-ray for the first time with the home media release of Set 1.

Now available, BLEACH Set 1 presents the complete, uncut first 27 episodes of the popular series on 4 Blu-ray discs, and carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. Episodes are available with dialogue selections for dubbed English as well as subtitled, Japanese 2.0 audio, with episodes presented in their original 4:3 format.

In the BLEACH anime series, for as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling – to protect the world of the living and the dead as a Substitute Soul Reaper. When Rukia is taken away to face the ruthless justice of the Soul Society, Ichigo and his friends must cross over and do battle in the spirit world...

“Fans have eagerly anticipated the release of BLEACH on Blu-ray, and this summer we invite them to expand their personal anime collections with the release of the first set of this riveting series,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation.

The BLEACH animated films and TV series (distributed in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘TV-14’) are based on a smash hit manga series created by Tite Kubo (also published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’ for Teens).

For more information on BLEACH manga and anime titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.

***MEDIA ALERT***

MIRAMAX^® AND EL REY NETWORK RELEASE TRAILER FROM SEASON THREE OF THE EL REY NETWORK ORIGINAL

'FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES'

Series returns Tuesday, September 6^th at 9pm ET

Watch the trailer here: youtu.be/KtBblKJXsLQ  

L to R – DJ Cotrona (Seth Gecko) and Zane Holtz (Richie Gecko).  Photo credit: El Rey Network/Robert Rodriguez

Los Angeles/Austin, TX, July 29, 2016 – Miramax^® and El Rey Network released today the all new trailer from the third Season of the dark and highly-addictive original drama “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series”.  This season the Gecko brothers find themselves in the vortex of the culebra world, thrust into a fight against the forces of Hel as they assemble an unlikely crew to take on the new enemies determined to take them down.  

Season three features a returning ensemble cast including D.J. Cotrona, Zane Holtz, Eiza González, Jesse Garcia, Madison Davenport, Brandon Soo Hoo, Emily Rios and Jake Busey. New cast joining the third season are: Ana de la Reguera ("Jane the Virgin”, "Narcos") who will have a recurring role as Lord Venganza Verdugo, one of the seven remaining culebra Lords; Marko Zaror (“Machete Kills”) as Zolo, an Aztec warrior trained in hell; Tom Savini (“Friday the 13^th”, “From Dusk Till Dawn”) as Burt, a retired demon hunter who smokes more medical marijuana than he sells; Maurice Compte (“Breaking Bad”, “Narcos”) as Brasa, a mysterious Rasputin-like figure who takes on the Gecko brothers; and Nicky Whelan (“House of Lies”, “The Wedding Ringer”) whose character will be revealed during the season.

Miramax^® is distributing “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” internationally in all territories.  

To find El Rey Network in your area please check out the channel finder at http://bit.ly/ElReyChannelfinder

“From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” social media: 

Facebook:        facebook.com/DuskElRey

Twitter:           twitter.com/DuskElRey

Instagram:       instagram.com/DuskElRey

“MIRAMAX^®” and the “MIRAMAX” Logo are the registered trademarks, trademarks and service marks of Miramax, LLC.

VIZ MEDIA FORGES PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP WITH ROOSTER TEETH PRODUCTIONS TO DEVELOP RWBY TITLES

Partnership Kicks Off With Publication of RWBY Manga Title In 2017, With Other Books Based On The Smash Hit Animated Series Forthcoming

San Francisco, CA, July 28, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has announced a partnership with Rooster Teeth, the Austin, TX-based entertainment and media company behind the globally acclaimed animated series RWBY, the first western anime series to be distributed to Japan.

VIZ Media and Rooster Teeth will focus on a variety of publishing formats based on RWBY, starting in 2017.

RWBY is Rooster Teeth’s award-winning anime series that tells the story of four different girls brought together for one legendary purpose. Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang are students at Beacon Academy, an ancient school designed to train the monster-slayers knows as Hunters and Huntresses. Unfortunately, monsters aren’t the only threat in the world of Remnant, and if these girls want to graduate, they’ll have to learn to work together – both on the battlefield and in the classroom.

“The Rooster Teeth-VIZ Media partnership will showcase the strong creative vision and production expertise between our two entertainment companies to expand the vivid and exciting world of RWBY globally in bold new ways that fans will love,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director for VIZ Media.

“Through the new RWBY titles, readers will discover more about the RWBY universe and delve deeper into the characters and storylines they love, as well as go on all new adventures,” said Rooster Teeth Head of Animation Gray G. Haddock. “We are thrilled to be working with VIZ Media to bring such beautiful books to RWBY’s audience.”   

Rooster Teeth has one of the most active and engaged fan bases in the world and possesses a massive global footprint of more than 25 million subscribers to its YouTube network, and more than 3 million unique monthly visitors to RoosterTeeth.com and 1.8 million registered community members. Rooster Teeth is a subsidiary of Fullscreen, Inc., a global youth media company that develops online creators and produces multi-platform entertainment experiences.

For additional information manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About Rooster Teeth Productions, LLC

Rooster Teeth is a pioneering studio responsible for some of the biggest online series in history, such as the award-winning and longest-running web series, Red vs. Blue. They also produce the globally acclaimed animated series RWBY, the first western anime series to be distributed in Japan; the award-winning Rooster Teeth Podcast; and Immersion, a reality format that brings video game theory to the real world. Rooster Teeth has a massive global footprint of more than 25 million subscribers to its YouTube Network, 3 million unique monthly visitors to its RoosterTeeth.com hub and 1.8 million registered community members. The company was founded in 2003, and is now a subsidiary of Fullscreen, Inc., a global youth media company that develops online creators and produces multi-platform entertainment experiences. Discover more at RoosterTeeth.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 DELIVERS A MEMORABLE WEEKEND OF JAPANESE POP CULTURE INSPIRED FUN

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Celebration Was Another Smashing Success With The Most Diverse Program Of Live Events Ever Presented

San Francisco, CA, July 28, 2016 – J-POP SUMMIT 2016, returned to the Bay Area for its 8^th annual all-sensory celebration of vibrant Japanese pop culture. This year, the Festival drew more than 20,000 attendees to historic the Fort Mason Center located in San Francisco’s Marina district.

Recognized internationally as a preeminent platform for showcasing the vivacious and cutting edge latest trends in Japanese pop and rock music, fashion, film, popular art, and pop culture, the J-POP SUMMIT 2016 also added special focused attractions this year that highlighted Ramen, Sake and Travel. An Interactive Summit also featured a display of innovative new Japanese consumer tech products and was complemented by a conference and idea-thon led by a vanguard of visionary entrepreneurs and tech visionaries from Japan and the Bay Area.

“J-POP SUMMIT 2016 was the most successful Festival we have staged to-date in terms of the sheer diversity of programming and the wide range of different attractions,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of the J-POP SUMMIT Committee. “Each year we strive to present a unique and memorable Festival and we are very gratified that J-POP SUMMIT has continued to evolve and grow and has remained such a vital part of the Bay Area’s annual summertime calendar. We look forward to 2017!!”

Music

Japan’s princess of pop, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, returned for her second headlining appearance at J-POP SUMMIT and kicked off this year’s festival with a frenzied, dance-driven concert for a sold out crowd at The Regency Ballroom. The singer delivered many hits from her newest Best of KPP anthology release.

Continuing throughout the weekend at Ft. Mason, additional J-POP SUMMIT 2016 live music performances were held by the electronic dance group, WORLD ORDER, all-female pop rock band, Silent Siren, pop house unit, Wednesday Campanella, idol dance troupe, Tokyo Performance Doll, kimono cosplay duo, YANAKIKU, and the ani-pop duo, GARNiDELiA.

Fashion

The J-POP SUMMIT 2016 also gathered a colorful vanguard of edgy and unique Japanese fashion labels and purveyors. Highlights of this year’s programming included workshops, exhibits, apparel items and accessories from modern Japanese style clothing brand, SOU•SOU, along with a variety of other handpicked items and brands from Japan in the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON area. The Festival also celebrated the return of Guest of Honor and fashion visionary, Sebastian Masuda, art director and an extremely influential artist for Harajuku kawaii culture, for a special series of events and attendee meet-and-greet sessions, as well as rising pop star and fashion model, UNA, for a special live performance.

Other Guests of Honor from Japan

A diverse range of Japanese pop personalities, artists and celebrities also appeared as special Guests of Honor. In addition to the aforementioned musical artists, special guests included the pop art creator, Kaori Wakamatsu, visual pop artist Hiroyuki-Mitsume Takahashi, artist Ken Hamazaki a.k.a. “The Red Man”, renowned Japanese chef Tasuo Saito and Japanese celebrity Yu Hayami. Japan’s drag royalty and singer, Mitz Mangrove, along with Domo, the mascot for network NHK, and Japan’s favorite Go-Torch Characters also made live appearances.

Ramen Summit

The Ramen Summit was curated by Yoshiyuki Maruyama, Executive Chef of San Francisco’s own Orenchi Beyond.Five top-rated ramen makers from the Bay Area, New York and Japan joined -  Hinodeya Ramen Bar from Japan (and opening in San Francisco this summer in Japantown), Naruto Ramen from New York, Iza Ramen, Orenchi Beyond and Ramen Taka from Bay Area. Plans are being made for an even larger Ramen Fest next year at J-POP SUMMIT 2017.

Sake Summit

The Sake Summit area was the most extensive yet presented at any J-POP SUMMIT and added a festive libation to the weekend’s events and also gave attendees the opportunity to learn about the world of sake from a variety of premier sake purveyors that included Kikusui; Otokoyama; Hakushika; Kurosawa; Katana; Hakutsuru; Fukuju; Sequoia Sake and Takara Sake USA.

Travel Pavilion

This year, J-POP SUMMIT 2016 debuted an extensive “VIRTUAL TRIP TO JAPAN” attraction from JAPANKURU, a travel organization encouraging millennial tourism to Japan. Guests dove deep into Japanese culture and “visited” three Zones that featured interactive experiences fusing the past, present and future and showcasing what makes Japan a travelers’ delight. Highlights included the debut of KURUKI, Japankuru’s new kawaii (cute) blue dog character that made live appearances on the stage. A visit to “Tokyo Daijingu,” a mock-up of a major Shinto shrine in Tokyo was the most popular experience, and guests prayed for good fortune in the “Shrine" and received fortunes and prizes. The Kawaii Station highlighted “Harajuku,” the world-renowned mecca of “kawaii (cute)” culture and legions of attendees and fashion devotees donned colorful and fancy pop-inspired ensembles and accessories. 

J-POP Drag Queen Contest

The first-ever J-POP SUMMIT Drag Contest was held on the Main Stage with local celebrity drag hosts D’Arcy Drollinger and Heklina, and J-POP SUMMIT’s Guest of Honor Mitz Mangrove as a special celebrity judge. Five contestants competed, displaying anime, manga, and cherry blossom motifs and making the event one of the highlights of the Sunday stage activities.

Interactive Summit

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 marked the second annual Interactive Summit, bringing Japanese and Japanese-American tech along for the ride. Startups and worldwide corporations alike debuted the latest in Japanese innovation, from Yamaha’s autonomous motorcycle-riding humanoid robot “Motobot,” to MESH’s network of buttons that make any device smart, to INUPATHY’s dog collar that lights up different colors based on your pup’s emotions.

Mazda zoomed in at full speed with displays of its new CX-3 and MX-5 MIATA cars. But guests didn’t have to wait to drive them: Mazda used Sony’s Gran Turismo to let attendees sit behind a real wheel and drive laps in Mazda’s latest vehicles on a professional raceway without even leaving the venue. Likewise, TOTO brought its A100 Washlet, a toilet seat fit for 2016 with its bidet pump, heating, automatic seat opener and push-button controls to adjust the whole experience.

Meanwhile, the Sessions at Gallery 308 buzzed with the combined entrepreneurial spirit of Japan and San Francisco/Silicon Valley’s unique symbiotic bi-national relationship that is driven by technological innovation. Featuring panels on Designed IoT and Robotics, the event began with a startup pitch contest, “Innovation Weekend SF 2016,” where founders presented their businesses to a wide range of professional attendees. The winner was Velo Lab for its smart key lock called Skylock. The runner-up was to Butterfly. Both teams will be invited to Tokyo at the end of this year for the Innovation Weekend Grand Finale 2016 to compete with other winners and runners-up from all over the world.

About J-POP SUMMIT

J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, held every summer in San Francisco, CA. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a landing platform for new trends from Japan.

Official website: www.j-pop.com

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JPOPSUMMIT/featured

Al Jaffee to Receive Harvey Kurtzman Hall of Fame Award

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - July 28, 2016 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is September 2-4, 2016 at the Baltimore Convention Center, and will once again host the Harvey Awards on the evening of September 3, 2016. We are privileged to announce the addition of legendary MAD Magazine creator and industry luminary Al Jaffee for a special panel at the Baltimore Comic-Con and bestowal of the Harvey Kurtzman Hall of Fame Award. Mr. Jaffee will be joining us on Saturday, September 2nd. Tickets for the show and awards ceremony are now available.

Al Jaffee, MAD Magazine cartoonist and creator of the celebrated fold-in cover, is a Guinness World Record holder with the longest career of a comics artist (over 73 years!). His early career was spent as an artist for Timely Comics and Atlas Comics, and later again working for Stan Lee again as an editor on Timely's humor and teenage comics, including the Patsy Walker titles. His syndicated strip, Tall Tales, was collected and published by Abrams in 2008, winning the 2009 Harvey Award for Best Cartoonist and the Special Award for Humor in Comics. After time spent at MAD Magazine, he followed Harvey Kurtzman to Trump and Humbug, the former of which was recently collected and reprinted by Dark Horse. After both efforts folded, Jaffee returned to MAD Magazine, where he continues to provide fold-in covers to this day.

His work can be most recently be found in Tall Tales from Abrams (2008), the MAD Fold-In Collection 1964-2010 from Chronicle Books (2011) and Al Jaffee's Mad Life by Mary-Lou Weisman (and illustrations by Al Jaffee) from HarperCollins (2010). Al has received numerous awards that celebrate his long career. He was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2013. He has received the Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society in 2008 as well as their Humor Comic Book Award in 1979. He was also Best Cartoonist in 2001 for his work on MAD Magazine. He has received the Sergio Award from the Comic Art Professional Society and the Inkpot Award at the San Diego Comic-Con.

"This is such a huge honor," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Not only to have such a giant among giants of the comics field at the show, but to be able to celebrate his storied career and contributions to the industry at the Harvey Awards ceremony. We're exceptionally proud, and fans won't want to miss his panel Saturday at the show!"

TICKETS

General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

While they are available, be sure to take advantage of discount rate arrangements we have made with hotels near the Baltimore Convention Center. For all the details, see:

http://baltimorecomiccon.com/about/hotels/

GUARANTEED PARKING

To make parking easy and stress-free, we have partnered with Parking Panda, the nationwide leader in online parking reservations, to allow attendees driving to the show to purchase guaranteed parking near the Baltimore Comic-Con. Click here to book your guaranteed parking spot, or if you need help or have questions, call 800-232-6415.

In addition to on-site CGC grading, this year's confirmed guests for the show include: Neal Adams (Superman: The Coming of the Supermen); Scott Ethan Ambruson (Azteca: Ciudad Paradiso); John Anderson (The Infinites); James Asmus (All-New Inhumans); Sean Astin (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); Hayley Atwell (Marvel's Agent Carter); Jeff Balke (Zombies vs Cheerleaders: St. Patty's Day Special); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); Carolyn Belefski (Curls); Christy Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood); Bret Blevins (Harley Quinn Road Trip Special); Danica Bradshaw (Wayward); Nick Bradshaw (Spidey); June Brigman (Power Pack); Reilly Brown (Deadpool); Harold Buchholz (Archie Comics); Mark Buckingham (Miracleman); Dave Bullock (The Rocketeer at War!); Jim Calafiore (Leaving Megalopolis: Surviving Megalopolis); Ben Caldwell (Scooby Apocalypse); Chris Campana (The Accelerators); Richard Case (Doom Patrol); Christa Cassano (Ghetto Klown); Mike Cavallaro (The Fox); Elias Chatzoudis (Grimm Fairy Tales presents Oz: Reign of the Witch Queen); Howard Chaykin (Imperium); Sean Chen (Aliens vs. Zombies); Lee Cherolis (Little Guardians); Frank Cho (The Totally Awesome Hulk); Amy Chu (Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death); Steve Conley (Bloop); Matthew Clark (Justice League); Richard Clark (Archie vs. Predator); Katie Cook (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic); Stephen Coughlin (Sanctuary); Mike Curtis (Dick Tracy); J. Robert Deans (Crass Fed); Jeff Dekal (New Avengers); J.M. DeMatteis (Scooby Apocalypse); Matt Dembicki (Captive of Friendly Cove); Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts); Charles C. Dowd (Lilith Dark); Paris Cullins (Blue Beetle); Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); Joe Eisma (Morning Glories); Tod Emko (A Piggy's Tale); Joe Endres (Colossians); Steve Englehart, courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America); David Finch (Batman); Meredith Finch (Wonder Woman); Veronica Fish (Archie Comics); Shane Fisher (Dick Tracy); Chris Flick (Capes & Babes); Ramona Fradon (Spongebob Freestyle Funnies); Francesco Francavilla (Afterlife with Archie); Franco (Aw Yeah Comics: Action Cat!); Alexis Frederick-Frost (Adventures in Cartooning); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); SL Gallant (G.I. Joe); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman '66: The Lost Episode); Joe Giella courtesy of Hero Initiative (Green Lantern); Keith Giffen (Legends of Tomorrow); Jason Gounger (Legio Ex Mortis); Anna Gownley and Jimmy Gownley (The Dumbest Idea Ever!); Stephen Green (The Legacy of Luther Strode); Dawn Griffin (Zorphbert & Fred); Rob Guillory (Chew: Demon Chicken Poyo); Laura Lee Gulledge (Will & Whit); Brian Haberlin (Witchblade), Bo Hampton (3 Devils); Tony Harris (Lost Boys); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Meghan Hetrick (Red Thorn); Jason Horn (Ninjasaur); Adam Hughes (Betty & Veronica); Ken Hunt (Talon); Al Jaffee (MAD Magazine, Saturday panel and Harvey Awards only); Paul Jenkins (Replica); JG Jones (Strange Fruit); Justin Jordan (The Legacy of Luther Strode); Dan Jurgens (Action Comics, Saturday & Sunday only); Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance); Tom King (Batman); Barry Kitson (Empire: Uprising); Samantha Kyle (Paul & Olly); Hope Larson (Batgirl); John Layman (Chew: Demon Chicken Poyo); Paul Levitz (Doctor Fate); Mike Lilly (Red Agent); Aaron Lopresti (courtesy of Painted Visions, Legends of Tomorrow); Nate Lovett (Actionverse Featuring Midnight Tiger); Joe Linsner (Harley Quinn); Kevin Maguire (Howard the Duck); Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space); Mike Manley (The Phantom); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Laura Martin (Wonder Woman); Ron Marz (Convergence: Batman and Robin); John McCrea, courtesy of Hero Initiative (Judge Dredd); Ed McGuinness (Spider-Man/Deadpool); Tradd Moore (The Legacy of Luther Strode); Mark Morales (Convergence); Joe Mulvey (SCAM); Jamar Nicholas (Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America); Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool & Cable: Split Second); Chris Otto (A Dog's Life); Greg Pak (Teen Titans); Tom Palmer (Doctor Strange); Yanick Paquette (Batman/Superman); Dan Parsons (Convergence: Nightwing/Oracle); Candice Patton (The Flash); Brent Peeples (Gold Key: Alliance); Paul Pelletier (Justice League); Andrew Pepoy (Futurama Comics); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Uncanny Inhumans); Shelley Pleger (Dick Tracy); Lyle Pollard (Scarlet Huntress); Mark Poulton (A Cat Named Haiku); Eric Powell (The Goon); Andy Price (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic); Brian Pulido (Lady Death: Chaos Rules); Kyle Puttkammer (Hero Cats: Midnight Over Stellar City); Ron Randall (Convergence: Catwoman); Khary Randolph (Robin War); Tom Raney (Ninjak); Paul Renaud (Superman/Wonder Woman); Joe Rivera (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1953); Rafer Roberts (A&A: The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong); Emily Romano (Comic Art House); Craig Rousseau (Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl); Stephane Roux (Harley Quinn and Power Girl); Joe Rubinstein (Convergence: Batman and Robin); Nei Ruffino (Silk); Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man newspaper strip); Stuart Sayger (Hellboy 100); Mark Schultz (Conan the Slayer); Bart Sears (Bloodshot); Jeff Shultz (Betty and Veronica); Louise Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Walter Simonson (Ragnarok); Matt Slay (TMNT Micro-Series); Andy Smith (Earth 2, Thanos GN); Brian Smith (SpongeBob Comics); John K. Snyder III (Doctor Midnight); Allison Sohn (Red Sonja); Charles Soule (Star Wars: Poe Dameron); Mark Sparacio (Sheena: Queen of the Jungle); Jim Starlin (Thanos: The Infinity Finale); Joe Staton (Dick Tracy); Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther); Mark Stokes (Zombie Boy Comics); Paul Storrie (Sheena: Queen of the Jungle); Karl Story (Thors); Ben Templesmith (Blackholers); Mark Texeira (Doctor Strange); Chad Thomas (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Amazing Adventures); Frank Tieri (Harley Quinn and her Gang of Harleys); Vivek J. Tiwary (The Fifth Beatle); David Trustman (The Rise); Billy Tucci (Harley's Little Black Book); James Tynion IV (Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); Rick Veitch (Miracleman); Emilio Velez Jr. (The Dodgeball Teens); Mark Waid (All-New, All-Different Avengers); Michael Watkins (Pantha); Todd Webb (Mr. Toast Comics); Mark Wheatley (Doctor Who); Matt Wieringo ('Ringo Scholarship Fund); Marcus Williams (Hero Cats); Ron Wilson (Marvel Two-In-One); Rich Woodall (Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl); John Workman (Shutter); Sasha Yosselani (Comic Art House); and Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friends Forever). 

   

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

CRACKLE RELEASES EXTENDED TRAILER AND KEY ART FROM ITS NEW SCRIPTED ORIGINAL SERIES, ‘STARTUP,’ STARRING MARTIN FREEMAN, ADAM BRODY, EDI GATHEGI AND OTMARA MARRERO

The 10-Episode Drama from Ben Ketai is Set To Premiere Tuesday, September 6

EXTENDED SERIES TRAILER HERE!

CULVER CITY, Calif. (July 27, 2016) – Crackle, Sony’s streaming network, today released an all new extended trailer and key art from the network’s highly anticipated scripted drama, “StartUp,” starring Martin Freeman (“Fargo,” “Sherlock”), Adam Brody (“CHiPS,” “The League”), Edi Gathegi (“The Blacklist,” The Blacklist: Redemption) and Otmara Marrero (“Graceland”).

Launching Tuesday, September 6, 2016, the 10-episode, one-hour series is set amongst the unconstrained, yet opportunistic streets of Miami and weaves a complex and exciting narrative, focusing on the high-stakes struggle of what one will do to reach ultimate success. But this is not your average startup incubator story. “StartUp” is about the emergence of GenCoin, a brilliant, yet controversial tech idea centered around digital currency-an idea that gets incubated on the wrong side of the tracks by three strangers who don’t necessarily fit the mold of “tech entrepreneurs” and a crooked FBI agent who will go to any length necessary to take them down.

Martin Freeman (“Fargo,” “Sherlock”) plays FBI agent Phil Rask, specializing in financial crimes. Rask crosses paths with Nick Talman, played by Adam Brody (“CHiPS,” “The League”), a sharp and intelligent financier at a boutique firm in Miami, but it’s not Talman that Rask is after--it’s his father. Nick has a problematic relationship with his wealthy, irresponsible father, who disappears and forces Nick to stash his ill-gotten gain—instead of going to the FBI, he decides to hide the money by investing in a tech startup pitched by the unorthodox Izzy Morales, a tech whiz out to change the world, played by Otmara Marrero (“Graceland”). Edi Gathegi (“The Blacklist,” TWILIGHT) also stars in the series as Ronald Dacey – second-in-command of the local Haitian gang. When Ronald discovers that the money he left with Nick’s father has vanished, Ronald moves on to the next best thing—his son. An unexpected partnership forms between Ronald, Nick and Izzy which culminates in a dangerous alliance that make them a target for Rask (Freeman), who plans to take a journey to the very pit of darkness to take down the unsuspecting trio.

Cast also includes Wayne Knight ("Seinfeld”) who plays Benedict Blush, a wildly successful entrepreneur with blue collar sensibilities; and Aaron Yoo (21, “Blacklist”) who plays Alex Bell, a premiere tech venture capitalist that everyone wants in their corner.

“StartUp” is produced by Critical Content and Hollywood Gang Productions. Tom Forman, Andrew Marcus, Ray Ricord, Gianni Nunnari and Shannon Gaulding all serve as executive producers. The series is written by Ben Ketai (“Chosen,” THE FOREST) who also serves as executive producer and director. Adam Brody and Anne Clements (“Cleaners”) serve as producers.

For more information, visit the official “StartUp” Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/StartUpCrackle.  For news updates, follow @StartUp_Crackle and @Crackle on Twitter.  Join the conversation with #StartUpOnCrackle.

About Crackle

Crackle, a unit of Sony Pictures Television, programs movies, popular TV shows, original series and feature films for the worlds connected audience.  Available in 21 countries on every screen, Crackle is always freely accessible with no subscription required.  The streaming TV network houses a robust library of original programming available anytime, anywhere on every connected device. Follow @Crackle on twitter for real time updates.  For additional information, please go to www.crackle.com   

About Hollywood Gang

Hollywood Gang is responsible for creating groundbreaking content, having produced 300, IMMORTALS, SE7EN, DEPARTED and the FROM DUSK UNTIL DAWN franchise.  Currently in pre-production on THE DOMESTICS for MGM, Hollywood Gang has projects in development at Warner Brothers, Lionsgate, ITV and STX.  They are launching their next international franchise by bringing to the big screen the beloved anime ROBOTECH for Sony Pictures with James Wan directing.

About Critical Content

Critical Content is a leading global independent content studio. Launched in October of 2015, the company focuses on unscripted and scripted programming for broadcast, cable and digital platforms.  Critical Content currently has more than 60 projects in production for more than 30 different networks. Series include “Home Free” (FOX), “Catfish” (MTV), “StartUp” (Crackle), “The Woodsmen” (History), “Pretty.Strong.” (Oxygen), “Boonies” (Nat Geo), “The Great Food Truck Race” (Food Network), “Young and Hungry” (Freeform), “Tia Mowry at Home” (Cooking Channel) and “Car Matchmaker” (Esquire).

IDW Publishing Recaps Comic-Con 2016 New Series, TV Shows, Eisners, & More! San Diego, CA (July 27, 2016) – This Comic-Con International was IDW Publishing’s most successful yet with high profile booth signings, in demand exclusives, and major announcements! Each day’s announcements were bigger than the next and here’s your guide to what’s next from IDW that made a splash at the con: Wynonna Earp Season 2 announced – The hit Syfy series was renewed for a second season based on the comic by Beau Smith and with showrunner Emily Andras returning to bring more Wynonna Earp adventures to the small screen. Batman/TMNT Adventures + Star Trek/Green Lantern – IDW continues its successful crossovers with DC Comics with these exciting new series. Star Trek: Boldly Go – Following the events of the new movie, a new Star Trek series will arrive in October with the current creative team of Mike Johnson and Tony Shasteen. Post-Revolution – New Transformers series Lost Light and Optimus Prime from James Roberts and John Barber were announced in addition to more details regarding the new direction and creative team for G.I. Joe from Aubrey Sitterson and Giannis Milonogiannis. Saucer State – Paul Cornell and Ryan Kelly bring their Vertigo series Saucer Country back in the form of Saucer State coming in 2017. Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four Artist’s Edition – The latest and greatest Artist’s Edition was announced as Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four which hits this December. Jurassic World – A new Jurassic World series was teased on the IDW panel. More details to come! The Misfits – A spin-off series of Jem and the Holograms, starring their popular rivals, is in the works with script by Jem writer Kelly Thompson and covers by Shouri. It’s Alive! Imprint – IDW unveiled its newest imprint, It’s Alive!, from Drew Ford. Insufferable – The next arc of Mark Waid and Peter Krause’s Insufferable hits this October. Alex Toth’s Bravo For Adventure Artist’s Edition – News of another master’s Artist’s Edition was unveiled with this Alex Toth edition announced. Yakuza Demon Killers – The next big horror series from IDW was unveiled with advanced preview pages Written by Amit Chauhan and illustrated by Eli Powell. --- Eisner Awards – To top it all off, IDW Publishing walked away from the Eisners with three awards including Best Reality-Based Work for March Book Three which recognizes the entire team of Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell, Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books for Walt Kelly’s Fairy Tales edited by Craig Yoe, and Best Coloring for Jordie Bellaire who won in part for her work on X-Files. --- IDW Publishing would like to thank all its creators, fans, and the staff of Comic Con International for another amazing year and we look forward to doing it all again with you in 2017!

About IDW IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM) is a fully integrated media company, which includes publishing, games, entertainment, and the San Diego Comic Art Gallery. IDW Publishing’s comic book and graphic novel catalog includes some of the world’s most popular entertainment brands, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Disney’s classic characters. At IDW’s core is its commitment to creator-owned comics including 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, Wormwood, Ragnarök, V-Wars, and Archangel by bestselling sci-fi author William Gibson. IDW Publishing is also home to the acclaimed and award-winning imprints; Top Shelf, The Library of American Comics, Yoe! Books, and Artist Editions, showcasing the greatest original art ever published in American comic books. IDW Games’ diverse line-up includes the international phenomenon Machi Koro, as well as hit licensed games such as X-Files, Back to the Future, The Godfather, and TMNT. IDW Entertainment currently serves as the worldwide distributor of Wynonna Earp airing on the Syfy Channel in the U.S. and is producing BBC America’s Dirk Gently, based the best seller by Douglas Adams starring Elijah Wood and Sam Barnett, and Brooklyn Animal Control for USA Network.

IDW and Top Shelf Awarded Three Eisner Awards At 2016 Ceremony! San Diego, CA (July 25, 2016) – IDW and Top Shelf celebrated two award wins, plus one shared award, at Friday night’s Eisner Award ceremony held annually at Comic Con International in San Diego! With 10 nominations, IDW, Top Shelf Productions, Yoe! Books, and The Library of American Comics would like to thank the judges and the voters of this year’s awards. Winning the award for Best Reality-Based Work was the widely acclaimed second volume of Congressman John Lewis’ memoir, March Book Two. This Eisner award recognizes the entire team of Congressman Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell! Walt Kelly’s Fairy Tales edited by Craig Yoe was awarded Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books from Yoe! Books with a lavish look at the legendary artist’s wondrous work. “Craig is one of comics’ leading archeologists and we are thrilled for him to win this much deserved Eisner,” says Greg Goldstein, IDW’s President and COO. “The Yoe! Books imprint at IDW continues to yield some of the most interesting and important archival books in this category, and Walt Kelly’s Fairy Tales is an outstanding example of Craig’s passion for comic book history.” Once again receiving recognition for her work across the industry is Jordie Bellaire for Best Coloring including her work on The X-Files. “Being nominated for Eisners is always such an honor in itself, and sitting in a ballroom full of amazing creators during the ceremony is even more inspiring,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer. “So to leave the awards show with three Eisner Awards is a welcome bonus in that regard, as well as a nice testament to the creativity of all involved.” Thank you once again, to the judges and congratulations to all of the nominees and winners at this year’s awards!

About IDW IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: IDWM) is a fully integrated media company, which includes publishing, games, entertainment, and the San Diego Comic Art Gallery. IDW Publishing’s comic book and graphic novel catalog includes some of the world’s most popular entertainment brands, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Disney’s classic characters. At IDW’s core is its commitment to creator-owned comics including 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, Wormwood, Ragnarök, V-Wars, and Archangel by bestselling sci-fi author William Gibson. IDW Publishing is also home to the acclaimed and award-winning imprints; Top Shelf, The Library of American Comics, Yoe! Books, and Artist Editions, showcasing the greatest original art ever published in American comic books. IDW Games’ diverse line-up includes the international phenomenon Machi Koro, as well as hit licensed games such as X-Files, Back to the Future, The Godfather, and TMNT. IDW Entertainment currently serves as the worldwide distributor of Wynonna Earp airing on the Syfy Channel in the U.S. and is producing BBC America’s Dirk Gently, based the best seller by Douglas Adams starring Elijah Wood and Sam Barnett, and Brooklyn Animal Control for USA Network.