Friday, October 14, 2016

IDW Publishing NYCC 2016 Announcements Roundup
Announcements Included Lennon, Darkness Visible, The Cape Sequel, And More
 
San Diego, CA (October 14, 2016) – The dust has settled on New York Comic Con 2016 and in its wake are new exciting announcements of what’s on the horizon for IDW Publishing in 2017.

A new graphic novel entitled Lennon: The New York Years was announced on the IDW Publishing: Indie Books On The Rise panel. Adapted from the novel by award-winning author David Foenkinos, the graphic novel chronicles Lennon’s final years living in New York and is beautifully adapted by Eric Cobeyran and French artist Horne. It will arrive in May 2017.

Darkness Visible was also announced during the show, a new horror series from bestselling author and screenwriter Mike Carey (Unwritten, Lucifer, Girl with All the Gifts) and writer and producer Arvind Ethan David (Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency). The upcoming series introduces readers to a world where demons co-exist with humans in the mid-20th century and will hit stands this February.

Fan-favorite series The Cape and Half Past Danger will both make a return in 2017 with new sequels in the works. The Cape: Fallen will fill in a gap in time during the original Cape series and will re-unite the creative team of Joe Hill, Jason Ciaramella, Zach Howard, and Nelson Daniel. Half Past Danger 2 sees writer/artist Stephen Mooney return to IDW with a brand new adventure set in the world he created in the original series.

Two established series will come to IDW with the popular web comic Cosmic Scoundrels by Matt Chapman (Gravity Falls) and Andy Suriano (Samurai Jack) making its way to print with exclusive new content as well as Eisner Award-winning Return of the Dapper Men by Jim McCann and Janet Lee coming to Top Shelf with Time of the Dapper Men.

Other highlights included cast signings for Wynonna Earp and Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency which wrapped around the IDW Publishing booth. Dirk Gently had its world premiere screening for a captive audience at the world famous Madison Square Garden in anticipation of the television broadcast debut on Oct. 22. The packed Wynonna Earp panel was treated to the exciting news that the episode order for Season Two has been upped from 10 episodes to 12 so even more Wynonna than originally expected making the wait that much more worth it!

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements on the horizon heading into 2017 as we gear up for another year of critically acclaimed comics from the best creators working today!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF
JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE ON ADULT SWIM

The Acclaimed Multi-Generational Fantasy Action Anime Series Launches On Leading Animation Network On October 15th

San Francisco, CA, October 13, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, delivers exciting anime news as it announces the broadcast premiere of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PHANTOM BLOOD on Adult Swim’s Toonami.

The opening episode of Season 1 of the action-packed, multi-generational paranormal adventure series will debut on Saturday, October 15th at 12:30 a.m. EST/PST, with future episodes scheduled to air each Saturday. Toonami is the anime programming block on Adult Swim, Turner’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE is based on Hirohiko Araki’s critically acclaimed Shonen Jump manga series that depicts the multigenerational exploits of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil. In the anime series, the Aztecs – the people of the sun – once prospered in ancient Mexico. They had a bizarre stone mask that brought eternal life and the power of a domineering ruler to he who wore it, but at some point, the mask disappeared without a trace. Years later, in the late 19th Century, when men's lifestyles and outlooks on life were quickly changing, Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando meet, and the stone mask binds them to a rather curious fate...

“Audiences will definitely want to catch the launch of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PHANTOM BLOOD on Adult Swim,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Packed with heroic main characters, flamboyant villains and plenty of over the top action, this series is without equal!” 

VIZ Media is the master distributor for the JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE anime series and also publishes print and digital editions of the JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). VIZ Media is also the North American master merchandise licensee for JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE.

For additional information on JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE and other anime and manga titles distributed and 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.
KaBOOM! to Debut ‘Adventure Time: Islands’
Original Graphic Novel in November

 
October 13, 2016 (Los Angeles, Calif.) – KaBOOM!, an award-winning imprint of publisher BOOM! Studios, and Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of the network, are excited to announce Adventure Time: Islands, a new original graphic novel coming in November.
Written by show writer Ashly Burch and illustrated by Diigii Daguna, the Adventure Time: Islands original graphic novel stars Bunny Girl (a.k.a. Jo) and is set roughly a thousand years before the current Adventure Time timeline.
Launched in February 2012, KaBOOM!'s award-winning Adventure Time comics are based on the hit Cartoon Network original series. From the mind of series creator Pendleton Ward and produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Adventure Time follows the unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, best buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants—and always find themselves in the middle of heart-pounding escapades. To date, KaBOOM! has published over 50 issues of the main Adventure Time comic series, eight original graphic novels, several spinoff limited series, and recently launched a new ongoing series called Adventure Time Comics.
Adventure Time: Islands (ISBN 978-1-60886-972-5, full color, 6” x 9”, 80 pages) will feature a cover illustrated by the artist team of Braden Lamb & Shelli Paroline, who were the original artists on KaBOOM!’s Adventure Time comics for the first 36 issues. It carries a retail price of $9.99 under Diamond Code SEP161396. It will be released in November 2016 and is available to pre-order now through local comic book shops or booksellers.


About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates New York Times best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints: the "Studios" imprint is home to The Woods, Grant Morrison's Klaus, and Big Trouble in Little China; imprint "BOOM! Box" publishes Lumberjanes, Steve Jackson Games' Munchkin, and Giant Days; All-Ages imprint "KaBOOM!" publishes Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts, Jim Davis’ Garfield, and Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time. And the "Archaia" imprint is home to Mouse GuardCow Boy, and numerous Jim Henson Company properties. Since 2013, BOOM! Studios has had a unique first-look feature film relationship with 20th Century Fox and since August 2014 BOOM! has had a similar first-look relationship with Fox's television studio to develop properties for the small screen.

ABOUT CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks’ award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment.

Cartoon Network  is Turner’s global entertainment brand offering the best in original animation for kids and families and known as an industry leader for putting its fans at the center of everything by applying creative thinking and innovation across multiple platforms. Seen in 192 countries and over 370 million homes with the original hit series Adventure TimeThe Powerpuff GirlsSteven UniverseWe Bare Bears and The Amazing World of Gumball, Cartoon Network also takes its responsibilities to its audience seriously by addressing those issues affecting families with the Stop Bullying: Speak Up campaign and by promoting education and creative development through its commitment to STEAM enterprises and an integral involvement in Computer Science for All, the White House initiative empowering young people to generate skills to thrive in our digital world.

Cartoon Network is part of Turner, a Time Warner company that creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult multi-platform content for consumers around the world. Turner brands and businesses include CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN.com, TBS, TNT, TCM, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, iStreamPlanet and ELEAGUE.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management and Dark Horse Comics Team Up to Teach Tsunami Preparedness


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SALEM, Ore. – Oct. 12, 2016 – Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management and Dark Horse Comics team up to prepare for the Great Oregon ShakeOut on October 20 and introduce Without Warning: Tsunami, a new comic touting tsunami preparedness. The 16-page comic strip sequence chronicles a mother/daughter camping trip on the Oregon coast when an earthquake and resulting tsunami strike. The duo stays safe and helps others in danger.
Without Warning: Tsunami is the second time that the partners have come together to collaborate on bringing preparedness messaging to youth. In 2013, OEM’s Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo approached Dark Horse with a proposal. An avid comic book fan herself, Rizzo knew that it was a good way to reach a new target audience. In August 2014, Without Warning was released, telling a story of an Oregon teen who reunites with her family after a major Cascadia Earthquake.
“The events in Tohoku, Japan in 2011 brought new awareness to the reality of what could happen in Oregon in the aftermath of a Cascadia quake,” said Rizzo. “The first Without Warning comic helped to educate young people about what to do in the aftermath of a high-magnitude earthquake. This second comic about tsunamis is a logical follow up and story continuation.”
Rizzo came up with both stories which were scripted and illustrated by Dark Horse team members Jeremy Barlow and David Hahn. 
Oregon is located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 600-hundred mile earthquake fault stretching from offshore Northern California to Southern British Columbia.  According to scientists and other experts, a large 9.0 or higher earthquake could strike Oregon at any time.
“Dark Horse is proud to support emergency preparedness and Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management with the Without Warning: Tsunami comic,” said Mike Richardson, president of Dark Horse Comics. “We enjoy partnering with an organization dedicated to making Oregon’s residents safe and prepared for a natural disaster, and are proud to contribute our talents and resources to the cause.”
Without Warning: Tsunami will be released on October 12 and available online at http://bit.ly/2dWuS0G. Printed copies can be obtained through local county emergency management offices.

About Dark Horse

For thirty years, 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. Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, 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.
BLUEFIN OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR BANDAI’S STUNNING NEW SOUL OF CHOGOKIN MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS MEGAZORD

High-End Die-Cast Metal Addition To The Soul Of Chogokin Line Features 5 Iconic Power Rangers Dinozords That Combine To Form The Powerful Giant Robot From The Classic Sci-Fi Action Series

Anaheim, CA, October 12, 2016 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, opens pre-orders for an extraordinary new release as it details Bandai’s Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord.

Scheduled for retail release in May 2017, the Soul of Chogokin Megazord set is a spectacular example of Bandai’s proprietary Chokogin engineering and features high-end die-cast renditions of the iconic Power Ranger DinozordsTyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl that can combine into a hefty and intricately detailed giant robot that stands over 10 inches tall.

Bluefin showcased the Soul of Chogokin Power Rangers Megazord for the first time ever in combined robot form at the recent 2016 New York Comic Con. Fans will not want to miss the opportunity to add this meticulously crafted, die-cast enhanced masterpiece to their own collections.

The new Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and also from a variety of leading online outlets. Pre-orders are available now.

Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord
Height: Approx. 10 inches · MSRP: $299.99 · Available May 2017!
Megazord sequence initiated! The Megazord makes its long awaited debut in the Soul of Chogokin line with exquisite detail and a fully articulated combined robot mode capable of recreating the most dynamic poses from Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. The set features combinable, high-end die-cast versions of the iconic Dinozords – Tyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl. And just as depicted in the show, the five zords can combine to form the massive Beast Tank Dino Tanker just before the final transformation into the giant Megazord.


About Bluefin
Based in Anaheim, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya, Capcom, Blitzway and Iron Studios, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Hero Cross, Mr. Hobby, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.
IDW PUBLISHING JOINS COMICBLITZ SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE!
The Growing Platform Announces New Premier Publisher
and Pricing Structure

San Diego, CA (October 12, 2016) – ComicBlitz, the “All You Can Eat” subscription service, announce a partnership with IDW Publishing, as a digital distributor for the premier comics publisher.  Hundreds of comics and graphic novels will be rolling out over the next few months on the platform, starting today with over 125 issues of titles such as Transformers, GI Joe, Star Trek, My Little Pony, Dungeons & Dragons, Locke & Key, The Crow, Angel, Judge Dredd and more.  Upcoming titles include 30 Days of Night, Jem and The Holograms, Angry Birds, Skylanders, Samurai Jack, The Maxx, Danger Girl, and even more from the initial wave of titles.

“Partnering with ComicBlitz to make our extensive backlist of titles available to a wider audience is an exciting next step in IDW’s publishing growth,” says IDW Publishing President and COO, Greg Goldstein. “ComicBlitz’s business model is a smart, easy way to discover your new favorite comic and we hope that their subscribers will enjoy what we have to offer.”

“We are proud to have IDW as a partner, and to offer their widely accessible line of books to our readers,” says ComicBlitz co-founder and CEO, Jordan Plosky. “IDW’s diverse line of books are some of the easiest entry points for new readers into the world of comics.  We are extremely excited to share them with our readers.”

In conjunction with the release of that content, ComicBlitz is now providing more value than ever for those who sign up. For a limited time, ComicBlitz is lowering the price of their Unlimited Plan from $9.99 to $7.99 per month.  For the price of 2 comics, users now have unlimited access to over 4,500 comics and graphic novels at their fingertips.

In addition, ComicBlitz has added an all-new Basic Plan, a low cost entry point for new users!  For the price of one new comic, at just $3.99/mo, users have unlimited access to any ten comics of their choosing, as well as access to features like offline reading, bookshelf usage, rating, reviewing, and social media sharing.

“We feel that money should never be the reason for someone not being able to enjoy comics.  We love the medium of comics, and want to be able to share it with anyone interested”, says CEO Jordan Plosky.  “By creating different price points, we can appeal to a larger audience, and their needs.”
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About IDW
IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTC: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 TransformersMy Little PonyStar TrekTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesGhostbusters, and Disney’s classic characters. At IDW’s core is its commitment to creator-owned comics including 30 Days of NightLocke & KeyWormwoodRagnarökV-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-FilesBack to the FutureThe 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.

About ComicBlitz
ComicBlitz is an “all you can eat” subscription service based out of Los Angeles, CA.  Plans range from $3.99 for 10 comics a month, to $7.99 for unlimited reading of their library of over 4,500 comics and graphic novels from dozens of publishers. ComicBlitz is currently available as an iOS app in the Apple App Store, and as a mobile responsive web browser, for laptops and desktops, and other mobile devices via web browsers
Caliber Comics releases 5 Graphic Novels with Diamond Comic Distributors
 
October 12, 2016.  Caliber Comics is proud to announce the release of five exciting graphic novels in Diamond’s October solicitations for delivery in December. These books are currently available to order through Diamond Previews.
 
CALIBER PRESENTS #2.  Caliber Presents is a graphic novel size anthology bringing forth new voices along with comic veterans to provide an eclectic mix of quality and diversity. From drama to horror to science fiction, each edition of Caliber Presents has all new material along with some previews of classic Caliber material and an Artist Sketchbook. In this issue, Ghost Sonata is previewed and artist Sami Makkonen provides the sketchbook along with regular tales of horror, science fiction, action/adventure, and mystery. Contained in Issue 2 are stories written by Sam Costello,  Ken Meyer Jr., Glenn Moane, Gary Reed, Mark Bertolini, Jason Walz, Gary Scott Beatty, E. Mayen Briem, Orion Petitclerc; with art by Trevor Denham, Ken Meyer Jr., Predrag Ivanovic, Andy Bennett, Jason Jarava, Sami Makkonen, Jason Walz, Gary Scott Beatty, Denis Vermesse, Marcelo Salaza. DIAMOND #OCT161379 $9.99.
 
DAEDWORLD: SLAUGHTERHOUSE brings back the long running classic that for many is seen as the godfather of the zombie comic book craze. Humans find themselves trapped in a world of the walking dead and the living that will do anything to survive. The promise of Safe Haven reveals a much darker and sinister purpose, when victims find themselves in a medical facility which will stop at nothing to combat the zombie plague. Researchers try a scientific approach to save mankind - humans as guinea pigs! Natural diseases such as leprosy, AIDS, and cancer are used to infect the zombies. Survivors find that the greatest horror may not be the zombies but other humans. To the unfortunate, Safe Haven becomes known as the Slaughterhouse. Story by Gary Reed, art by Sami Makkonen (HELLRAISER, MAD HATTER). DIAMOND #OCT161380 $9.99.
 
THE DISCIPLES:  So, you think you know the truth about magic? Wicca, Voodoo, Chaos, Tarot…call it what you will…but it is much different than believed. This isn’t the old school of speaking in rhymes and staged theatrics, there are fundamental elements at work that are so powerful, so dangerous and cosmic, they threaten to tear the very fabric of reality asunder. But who guards us against this impending onslaught? The Disciples, a misfit group of old school and new school seers, magicians, and wielders of the Black Arts whose own internal politics pose as great a threat to their survival as any outside influence. Written by: Chris Dows, Colin Clayton, art by: Laurence Campbell (PUNISHER MAX, WOLVERINE, B.P.R.D., MOON KNIGHT), Larry Shuput. DIAMOND #OCT161381 $16.99.
 
SIN ETERNAL: An innocent man descends into Hell to witness the sinners doomed for eternity. Like Dante, he is taken deeper to see the energy that drives the sins. Each of the 25 levels of Hell are drawn by different artists. Artists including Guy Davis, Michael Lark, Vince Locke, Galen Showman and David Mack. Written By Gary Reed.  DIAMOND #OCT161382 $13.99.
 
VELDA: GIRL DETECTIVE Volume 1: A multi-leveled representation of the more lurid of the 1950s crime comics as if it actually existed as a classic Golden Age comic.  This collected series is more than a passing homage to the noir films and hard-boiled detective school of writing of the 1950s as it included in various issues special features such as a Velda paper doll kit and the complete 1952 Velda pinup calendar. The comics also include vintage ads to amuse readers as well as featurettes such as "Hawkshaw Hawk, Bird Detective" and "Neolithica: Girl of the Pleistocene." Written and drawn by Ron Miller. DIAMOND #OCT161383 $12.99.
 
About Caliber Comics:
 
During the 1990’s, Caliber Comics was one of the leading independent comic companies that helped to launch the careers of dozens of today’s top comic creators. Putting into print over 1,300 comics and books in the marketplace. Today, Caliber offers its vast library of comics and graphic novels in both print and digital formats, with new book releases rolling out that feature a wide diverse line of subject genre with the emphasis on creator owned titles. For more information visit www.calibercomics.com
BLUEFIN OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR BANDAI’S STUNNING NEW SOUL OF CHOGOKIN MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS MEGAZORD

High-End Die-Cast Metal Addition To The Soul Of Chogokin Line Features 5 Iconic Power Rangers Dinozords That Combine To Form The Powerful Giant Robot From The Classic Sci-Fi Action Series

Anaheim, CA, October 12, 2016 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, opens pre-orders for an extraordinary new release as it details Bandai’s Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord.

Scheduled for retail release in May 2017, the Soul of Chogokin Megazord set is a spectacular example of Bandai’s proprietary Chokogin engineering and features high-end die-cast renditions of the iconic Power Ranger DinozordsTyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl that can combine into a hefty and intricately detailed giant robot that stands over 10 inches tall.

Bluefin showcased the Soul of Chogokin Power Rangers Megazord for the first time ever in combined robot form at the recent 2016 New York Comic Con. Fans will not want to miss the opportunity to add this meticulously crafted, die-cast enhanced masterpiece to their own collections.

The new Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and also from a variety of leading online outlets. Pre-orders are available now.

Soul of Chogokin Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Megazord
Height: Approx. 10 inches · MSRP: $299.99 · Available May 2017!
Megazord sequence initiated! The Megazord makes its long awaited debut in the Soul of Chogokin line with exquisite detail and a fully articulated combined robot mode capable of recreating the most dynamic poses from Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. The set features combinable, high-end die-cast versions of the iconic Dinozords – Tyrannosaurus, Mastadon, Triceratops, Saber-toothed Tiger and Pteradactyl. And just as depicted in the show, the five zords can combine to form the massive Beast Tank Dino Tanker just before the final transformation into the giant Megazord.


About Bluefin
Based in Anaheim, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya, Capcom, Blitzway and Iron Studios, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Hero Cross, Mr. Hobby, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.
REBORN A SMASH HIT
The new series from Millar and Capullo rushed back to print on day of release


“An absolute gem: the most fun debut of 2016. Make room in your buy pile for this one. You won’t regret it.” —Flickering Myth
 
Image Comics is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated new series REBORN by Mark Millar (HUCK, Kingsman: The Secret Service) and Greg Capullo (Batman) which launched today is being rushed back to print immediately to keep up with the overwhelming customer demand.

REBORN explores a jaw-dropping world of possibility in a sprawling, science-fiction/fantasy epic that readers won’t want to miss out on. Where do you go when you die? Not heaven or hell; somewhere else. Somewhere you have to fight to survive. Somewhere the people from the past are waiting for you—the good and the bad.

REBORN #1 remains available for purchase across all digital platforms, including the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com), the official Image Comics iOS app, Comixology’s website (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.

REBORN #1, 2nd printing (Diamond Code AUG169429) and REBORN #2 Cover A-E will be available on Wednesday, November 16th. The final order cutoff for retailers is Monday, October 24th. 
Advance praise for REBORN #1:

“Delivered what I had hoped to see on Batman with Reborn. It was exactly what I wanted to see previously, but here it was on a new title… If his Batman looked like this, I would wait the extra time in-between arcs just to see his art… His art shines on this issue from the mundane to the extreme fantasy elements.” —Comic Bastards

“This is masterful storytelling.” —AiPT!

Reborn #1 is like the methed-out love child of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Frank Frazetta. An epic tale of sci-fi and fantasy with an emotional core that packs a wallop… an absolute gem: the most fun debut of 2016. Make room in your buy pile for this one. You won’t regret it.” —Flickering Myth

“When a Mark Millar-penned comic comes out, you can bet a movie adaption won’t be far behind… But the number one thing to get excited about is that Batman artist Greg Capullo is bringing Reborn to life. We’ve watched him pump out one stylish, hard-hitting Batman comic after another for the past five years, and now we’re ready to watch him unleash his talent on a wholly original concept with Millar.” —IGN
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.

Baltimore Comic-Con Says Goodbye to the Harvey Awards

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - October 12, 2016 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to have served as the host the Harvey Awards. During our eleven years as the longest-running host and primary sponsor, the awards grew in participation and stature, and were broadened to include appreciation of material such as Best Online Comics Work and Best Original Graphic Publication For Younger Readers.
We're thankful to the Harvey Awards Committee, headed by Paul McSpadden, for bringing the awards to Baltimore, and the guidance and assistance of Denis Kitchen and Nellie Kurtzman for recognizing that the Baltimore Comic-Con was the right home for the awards. We'd also like to thank the award's hosts over the years, including Kyle Baker, Scott Kurtz, Phil Lamar, Vivek J. Tiwary, Michael Uslan, and Bill Willingham, as well as the many keynote speakers including Sergio Aragones, Brian Michael Bendis, Dean Haspiel, Ross Richie, Jerry Robinson, and Gail Simone, and Mark Waid. We must also thank the countless sponsors, volunteers, presenters, nominees, winners, and voting members of the comics community.
We are proud to have presented to Harvey Awards ceremony attendees such memorable moments as Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. sharing the stage together, the tribute to Nick Cardy, and the various hilarious videos (including ones with the real Stan Lee and the fake one!) that became recurring features of the event. We wish the event continued luck in the future in their new venue, which we expect to be announced by the Harvey Awards Committee in the coming days.
The Baltimore Comic-Con is a celebration of comic books and cartooning and as such, we owe a great debt to Harvey Kurtzman. Hosting the Harvey Awards was, to us, an expression of our love for Harvey's work and a celebration of the creators who follow in his footsteps.
In the coming months, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

NYC’S PARAMOUNT BUILDING TO FREEZE ITS CLOCK TOWER AT 11:48AM TO COMMEMORATE THE VICTIMS
 OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS TOWER SHOOTINGS OF 1966

HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS VICTIMS AND THE VICTIMS OF CAMPUS VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 10/12/16
RELEASE OF KEITH MAITLAND’S FILM, TOWER

Tower pic.jpg
*3 Critics' Choice Documentary Awards Nominations including BestDocumentary Feature*
NEW YORK, NY – Kino Lorber announced today that the Paramount Building at 1501 Broadway in conjunction with Keith Maitland’s award-winning film TOWER, will freeze the iconic three clocks at 11:48am until Wednesday, October 13th, 2016.  This is the first time the clock has been frozen since the end of WWII.
50 years ago on August 1st, 1966, a sniper rode the elevator to the top floor of the University of Texas, Austin, Tower, and opened fire at 11:48am, holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes.  When the gunshots finally ceased, the toll included 16 dead, three dozen wounded, and a shaken nation left trying to understand.  In Keith Maitland’s critically acclaimed documentary TOWER, the film’s subject, 18-year-old freshman, Claire Wilson was the first person shot from the Tower.  Claire, who was eight months pregnant, was walking with her boyfriend Tom, who reached down to help her; he was struck down as well.  For over an hour of the siege, Claire remained exposed to the shooter, conscious and steadily losing blood, while knowing that her boyfriend had been killed and that she lost her baby.  After 90 minutes losing blood and laying on the hot Texas pavement, Claire was saved by a fellow 17-year-old student, John Fox, who rushed into the line of fire to pull her to safety. 
I am honored that they have chosen to remember the events of the Tower shooting in this remarkable way. Drawing attention to this memory is a way to learn from our past, and focus on our present and future together”, said Claire Wilson. 
TOWER is executive produced by Meredith Vieira and Luke Wilson and won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at SXSW 2016.  TOWER combines archival footage with rotoscopic  animation of the dramatic day, based entirely on first person testimonies from witnesses, heroes and survivors of America’s first documented mass school shooting, in a seamless and suspenseful retelling of the unfolding tragedy.  The film highlights the fear, confusion, and visceral realities that changed the lives of those present, and the rest of us, forever - a day when the worst in one man brought out the best in so many others. 
Killer Impact, a Killer Content company, is a producing partner on TOWER, and facilitated the participation of the Paramount Building and The Edition Hotel premiere events. Impact supports ambitious filmmaking of consequence, in this case, as a way of reminding the world that victims of violent crime must neither be forgotten nor should we ignore the takeaways. Impact will continue to amplify the #getanimated about gun violence messaging as a critical issue of our times, and along with Keith Maitland, Meredith Vieira Productions and Kino Lorber, is grateful to the Paramount Building, The Edition Hotel and everyone out there who spreads the word about standing up against senseless violence on behalf of victims, their families and the world. “TOWER’s timely, artistic and insightful retelling reminds us all of an event that has only become more meaningful in our communities and the amazing way in which people have the capacity to rise up as a result,” said Duane McLaughlin, President, Killer Impact.
The Paramount Building once housed the Paramount Theatre.  The structure is currently the 360th tallest building in New York City.  It was designated a New York City Landmark in 1988.  Today, the Paramount Building is known for its large four-faced clock near the top of the pyramidal architectural feature, with the hours denoted by five-pointed stars (forming a circle of stars as used in the  Paramount Pictures logo), topped by an ornamental glass globe.  At the outset of World War II, the globe and clock were painted black to maintain blackout conditions for fear of an enemy invasion; they were restored in 1996.
  
FOR CALL TO ACTION:
Twitter Handle: @TOWERfilm
Hashtag: #TOWERtogether
Hashtag: #GetAnimated
Kino Lorber suggests a call to action, get involved by snapping a photo of clocks stopped at 11:48am and spread on social.  Kino Lorber will release TOWER nationwide starting 10/12/16. 

ABOUT KILLER IMPACT
Killer Impact, Inc., a Killer Content company, is a financing and co-producing partner to Killer Films and third-party producers. It is Killer Impact’s mission to provoke open dialogue, ignite awareness and encourage advocacy of socially relevant issues by producing engaging, artful, content. Killer Impact supports under-represented voices in storytelling, providing a means of creative and financial participation in projects that challenge convention and advance diversity.

ABOUT KINO LORBER
Kino Lorber, Inc. was founded in 2009 by industry veterans Donald Krim and Richard Lorber. Combining the staffs, libraries and resources of Kino International, Lorber Films and Alive Mind Cinema, Kino Lorber has quickly become new leader in distributing the finest Art-house and International films.
Through its varied group of labels, Kino Lorber, Inc. offers the best in contemporary, classic and documentary films that aim to engage, provoke, stimulate, and entertain today's audiences.
With a library of more than 1,000 titles, Kino Lorber, Inc. releases over 25 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Lorber Studio Classics, Kino Classics and Alive Mind Cinema banners, including five Academy Award® nominated films in the last seven years. In addition, the company brings over 70 titles each year to the home entertainment market with DVD and Blu-ray releases under its five house brands, distributes a growing number of third party labels, and is a direct digital distributor to all major platforms including iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Vimeo, Fandor and others.
Recent theatrical releases from Kino Lorber have included Jean-Luc Godard’s 3D masterpiece, Goodbye to Language, Ana Lily Amirpour’s mesmerizing debut, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night and Gueros, an experimental voyage of self-discovery from Mexican director Alonso Ruiz Palacios that won all the top awards at the Mexican Oscars. Specializing in documentaries in the areas of enlightened consciousness, secular spirituality and culture, Alive Mind Cinema seeks to provide audiences with intellectually provocative films that deliver the "aha" response of a transformative experience. Critically acclaimed films from the Alive Mind Cinema collection include Awake: The Life of Yogananda, Bikes vs Cars and The Messenger. Kino Classics has recently brought to limited theatrical engagement F.W. Murnau’s universally revered The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and the definitive restoration of The Phantom of the Opera.
Current and upcoming theatrical releases from Kino Lorber include Jafar Panahi’s Taxi, the most recent film from acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, Guy Maddin’s The Forbidden Room, a hilarious and wildly unhinged psychedelic trip of a film that played at Sundance, Berlinale TIFF, NYFF, and Miguel Gomes’ 3-part epic Arabian Nights, the second installment of which was Portugal’s foreign film submission to the 87th Academy Awards.
VIZ MEDIA RELEASES FIRST IN A NEW SERIES OF TOKYO GHOUL NOVELS

TOKYO GHOUL: DAYS Includes Six All New Short Stories Featuring Favorite Characters From The Bestselling Manga About The Hidden World Of Flesh-Eating Ghouls

San Francisco, CA, October 11, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, serves readers a fresh dose of dark thrills with the release of TOKYO GHOUL: DAYS, the first in a new line of novels inspired by the smash hit manga series created by Sui Ishida.

TOKYO GHOUL: DAYS is set to debut on October 18th under the VIZ Signature imprint. The title—a collection of linked short stories—will be released in print with an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN. It will be available digitally for $8.99 from VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App and worldwide from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, and GooglePlay stores. Future volumes in the ongoing TOKYO GHOUL novel series will be published quarterly.

In the book, many conflicts and incidents arise involving the clientele of the café Anteiku, where Ghouls gather. Yoshimura, the café’s owner, is watching a certain someone. What sort of darkness will that person bring between those who hunt and those who are hunted?

“The TOKYO GHOUL manga series has become a fan-favorite with its unique blend of visceral action and teen angst. The first title in the new spin-off series of prose stories dives further into the surreal world of TOKYO GHOUL as it explores the rituals, lives and backgrounds of the main characters, their motivations and their own dark secrets,” says Nick Mamatas, Editor. 

Manga creator Sui Ishida was born in Fukuoka, Japan. He is the author of TOKYO GHOUL and several TOKYO GHOUL one-shots, including one that won him the Young Jump 113th Grand Prix award in 2010. TOKYO GHOUL began serialization in Weekly Young Jump in 2011 and was adapted into an anime series in 2014.

For additional information on TOKYO GHOUL and other 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.

Monday, October 10, 2016

VIZ MEDIA PREVIEWS 2017 PUBLISHING ACQUISITIONS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Publishing Roster Expands With New Titles For 2017 Release ANONYMOUS NOISE, AFTER HOURS, GOLDEN KAMUY, TOKYO GHOUL: RE, BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATION And VAMPIRE KNIGHT: MEMORIES

San Francisco, CA, October 10, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, thrilled legions of fans at its official panel event at the recent 2016 New York Comic Con during which it detailed a host of brand new manga publishing acquisitions.

VIZ Media previewed each of the 6 new titles that include the music-driven romance in ANONYMOUS NOISE, the story of a queer woman finding her place in the music scene in AFTER HOURS, a survival treasure hunt adventure in GOLDEN KAMUY, and the creepy flesh-eating drama of TOKYO GHOUL: RE, the new sequel to the bestselling manga series. Also announced was the launch of BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATION, which continues the action-packed ninja saga by famed creator Masashi Kishimoto, as well as VAMPIRE KNIGHT: MEMORIES, an ongoing collection of short stories from the original series’ beloved creator Matsuri Hino. 

Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future.

New VIZ Media Publishing Acquisitions for 2017 Release

ANONYMOUS NOISE · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Debuts Spring 2017
A girl who loves to sing, Nino Arisugawa experiences her first heart-wrenching goodbye when her beloved childhood friend, Momo, moves away. And after Nino befriends Yuzu, a music composer, she experiences another sad parting! With music as their common ground and only outlet, how will her unrequited loves play out? Since both boys promised Nino that they would find her one day through her singing, she holds on to that hope and continues to reach out with her voice. Now in high school, Nino serendipitously reunites with Yuzu, but she yearns to see Momo again...

AFTER HOURS · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Debuts Summer 2017
Emi Asahina is 24, unemployed, and not really sure what she wants to do with her life. When a friend invites her to a dance club, Emi doesn’t expect much but decides to give it a try…and ends up hiding in the corner after her friend ditches her for a dude! Emi figures the night is a bust, but then an exciting woman comes to her rescue. Kei is a DJ, and her effortless self-confidence captivates Emi. Is this the start of something special or just one wonderful night?

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATION · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·
Debuts Spring 2017
Naruto was a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief. He achieved his dream to become the greatest ninja in the village and his face sits atop the Hokage monument. But this is not his story... A new generation of ninja are ready to take the stage, led by Naruto's son, Boruto!  

GOLDEN KAMUY · Rated ‘M’ for Mature · Debuts Summer 2017
The winner of the 2016 Manga Taisho Award. “Sugimoto the Immortal,” a surviving soldier of the Russo-Japanese War, seeks the riches promised by a gold rush in Hokkaido, Japan’s frozen north. Instead, he stumbles upon the tale of a vast stash of Ainu gold and sets off on a dangerous treasure hunt with only a young Ainu girl as his guide. Just one problem: the map to the treasure was tattooed on the skins of criminals, and Sugimoto has to vie with said criminals, the military, wild animals and even a specter of the Shinsengumi to piece together the map. 

TOKYO GHOUL: RE · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Debuts Fall 2017
A new sequel to the bestselling TOKYO GHOUL by creator Sui Ishida set after the events of the main series. The main character is Haise Sasaki, a Ghoul Investigator assigned to oversee a squad of unruly young Investigators that have had ghoul traits experimentally implanted into them. The pressure is on this experimental and temperamental squad to become the best Ghoul Investigators and their mettle will first be tested tracking down a gruesome ghoul known as “Torso.” 

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: MEMORIES · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·  Debuts Summer 2017
Vampire Knight: Memories is a continuing collection of short stories from creator Matsuri Hino that delves into Yuki and Zero's time as a couple in the past, and explores the relationship between Yuki's children and Kaname in the present. These are gorgeously drawn and heartfelt stories sure to delight fans of the original series.

For additional information on manga 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.