Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Tales

Children's Book from BOOM! Studios

Announced

The Perfect Way for Fans to Share Their Love of the
Cult-Classic Fantasy Film with Their Kids


Cover image illustrated by Cory Godbey

Los Angeles, Calif. (February 2, 2017) – BOOM! Studios and The Jim Henson Company are proud to announce JIM HENSON’S THE DARK CRYSTAL TALES, a new children’s book set for release this summer by acclaimed writer and artist Cory Godbey (Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of Cinderella). The publication is a follow-up to last fall’s best-selling JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH TALES, also written and illustrated by Godbey.

Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Tales delves deep into the Skeksis-ruled land of Thra in this beautiful look at some of Jim Henson and Brian Froud’s finest creations from the beloved cult-classic film The Dark Crystal. In one tale, when a little bird is hurt in a Skeksis net, Jen takes it to the Mystics for healing and learns how every act of kindness grows like ripples in a lake.

“The themes woven within The Dark Crystal have never been more important for children or the parents of those children to hear,” said Godbey. “As the UrSkek tells Jen, ‘...we all are a part of each other.’ For this book, my goal was to create three stories which reflect those ideas and honor the tone of Jim Henson's original, groundbreaking film. These stories explore how a single act can ripple outward and how you can never know who it will touch or who it might help.”

“Cory Godbey brings tremendous beauty to Jim Henson’s visionary creations as seen in the bestselling Labyrinth Tales. We were eager to work with Cory again and witness his take on the colorful, rich world of The Dark Crystal,” said Editor Sierra Hahn. “What new chapters await young Jen and Kira long before their fateful meeting? Cory’s genius is in full effect in the delightfully spun The Dark Crystal Tales.”

Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Tales is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ Archaia imprint, home to an acclaimed line of ambitious and award-winning graphic novels, including Mouse Guard by David Petersen; Rust by Royden Lepp; Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand by Jim Henson, Jerry Juhl, and Ramón K. Pérez; The Realist by Asaf Hanuka; and Hacktivist by Alyssa Milano, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Marcus To.

For more on Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Tales and more from BOOM! Studios, please visit www.boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.


ABOUT THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy®-nominated Sid the Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, and Pajanimals, the CG-animated preschool series Doozers, the digital citizenship series for preschoolers Dot., the Netflix series for young preschoolers Word Party, the marine biology themed animated series on PBS KIDS Splash and Bubbles and the Netflix Original preschool show Julie’s Greenroom, starring award-winning actress Julie Andrews. Features include Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, as well as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and MirrorMask. Television productions include Fraggle Rock, the sci-fi cult series Farscape, Henson Alternative’s No, You Shut Up! and the TV film Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow.

With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character- building and visual effects group with international film, television, theme park and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of- the-art and vintage equipment. The Company’s Henson Alternative brand is currently touring Puppet-Up! – Uncensored, a live puppet improvisational show.
http://www.henson.com
www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
www.twitter.com/hensoncompany

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 Guard, Cow 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.
 

100% OF IMAGE COMICS’ WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 25TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT COVER PROCEEDS TO GO TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Image Comics is pleased to reveal the first five of 11 variants planned for March’s 25th anniversary theme month—“Women’s History.” The variants will serve to celebrate the careers of women in comics, the strides made throughout comics history made by the women’s movement, and the company’s history of shaking up the status quo. 100% of the proceeds made from these March Women’s History variant covers will be donated to Planned Parenthood.

“Many of Image Comics’ staff—myself included—and an ever-growing catalog of some of the most talented writers and artists in the industry, feel strongly about supporting women’s reproductive rights,” said Corey Murphy, Director of Sales at Image Comics. “Women have come a long way in this country, and the progress that’s been made is in part due to the efforts Planned Parenthood has made in sex education and affordable, preventative healthcare. I’m extremely proud to be a part of a company that’s unafraid to take a stance in supporting a non-profit that’s recently been under fire. This month we celebrate Women’s History, the strides the women have made in the comics industry, and the difference that everyone—male and female—has made by coming together in spreading equality.”

Each month of Image’s 25th year will boast a theme for special anniversary variants, beginning with Wednesday, February 1st—the exact date of Image Comics’ founding in 1992, and the date of this year’s “Image Comics Day.”

Available in stores on Wednesday, March 1st:

RAT QUEENS #1 by Kurtis J. Wiebe & Owen Gieni, variant artwork by Colleen Doran (Diamond Code DEC168662)
ROYAL CITY #1 by Jeff Lemire, variant artwork by Emi Lenox (Diamond Code DEC168665)

Available in stores on Wednesday, March 8th:

• THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #27 by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie, variant artwork by Chynna Clugston-Flores  (Diamond Code DEC168658)
• MOTOR CRUSH #4 by Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart & Babs Tarr, variant artwork by Leslie Hung  (Diamond Code DEC168659)
• EAST OF WEST #32 by Jonathan Hickman & Nick Dragotta, variant artwork by Meredith McClaren (Diamond Code DEC168668)
• LOW #16 by Rick Remender & Greg Tocchini, variant artwork by Vanesa R. Del Rey (Diamond Code DEC168663)

Available in stores on Wednesday, March 15th:

• MOONSHINE #6 by Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso, variant artwork by Jill Thompson (Diamond Code DEC168660)

Available in stores on Wednesday, March 22nd:

• SHE WOLF #7 by Rich Tommaso, variant artwork by Marian Churchland (Diamond Code DEC168661)
• MAGDALENA #1 by Tini Howard, Ryan Cady & Christian Dibari, variant artwork by Roberta Ingranata (Diamond Code DEC168666)

Available in stores on Wednesday, March 29th:

• MONSTRESS #11 by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda, variant artwork by Sanya Anwar (Diamond Code DEC168664)
• OLD GUARD #2 by Greg Rucka & Leandro Fernandez, variant artwork by Nicola Scott (Diamond Code DEC168667)

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.

“NUMBER ONES” VALUE-PRICED ANTHOLOGY ARRIVING IN MARCH!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, Ore., (February 1, 2017)—Trying to decide what to read next and not sure where to start? We have the perfect offering for your next binge read! Join our all-star roster of creators in the value-priced collection Dark Horse Number Ones, which contains full debut issues of eight different comics series for just six bucks and is slated for release on March 29, 2017. Whether you’re looking for science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime, or action/adventure, this affordable collection includes an issue for everyone, including entire first issues from some of Dark Horse’s most notable creators: -  Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s The Umbrella Academy #1 -  Mike Mignola’s Hellboy in Hell #1 -  Joëlle Jones and Jamie S. Rich’s Lady Killer #1 -  Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston’s Black Hammer #1 -  Matt and Sharlene Kindt’s Dept. H #1 -  Brian Wood and Mack Chater’s Briggs Land #1 -  Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook’s Harrow County #1 -  Kurtis Wiebe and Mindy Lee’s Bounty #1 This full-color, 224-page trade paperback retails at just six dollars!  Find your new comics muse or hero in the Dark Horse Number Ones collection! The trade paperback is currently available for preorder at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound, Things From Another World, DarkHorse.com, and more. Order your copy today! ### About Dark Horse For more than 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.

“By the time the rest of the world took his evil seriously, it was too late to stop the Red King from coming to power”

A preview From BALTIMORE: THE RED KINGDOM by Legendary HELLBOY creator Mike Mignola, acclaimed novelist Christopher Golden, award winning children’s book illustrator Peter Bergting and colorist Michelle Madsen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The epic conclusion to the Baltimore saga from Dark Horse Comics MILWAUKIE, Ore., (Jan. 31, 2017)—Mike Mignola, the legendary creator of Hellboy and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novelist Christopher Golden reunite for the epic conclusion to Baltimore with Baltimore: The Red Kingdom, a five part comic book series from Dark Horse Comics co-written by Mignola and Golden, with art by award winning children’s book illustrator Peter Bergting, colors by Michelle Madsen and stunning covers by Ben Stenbeck (Frankenstein Underground). “By the time the rest of the world took his evil seriously, it was too late to stop the Red King from coming to power,” said acclaimed co-writer and novelist Christopher Golden. “Now his evil spreads. The weak and the monstrous fall into line behind him. As the Red Kingdom grows, it’s never been more important to rise up and resist!” In Baltimore: The Red Kingdom, Lord Baltimore is missing. The Red King—evil incarnate—is taking over the world. Baltimore’s team has been driven apart, with some of them dying on the frontlines, while others are in hiding. Since the day he set out for revenge on the vampire who killed his family, Baltimore’s fight has gotten bigger than he’d ever imagined, but what role will he take as evil finally threatens to consume the world? The first issue of Baltimore: The Red Kingdom is on sale from Dark Horse Comics on February 1, 2017. ### About Baltimore: After a devastating plague ends World War I, Europe is suddenly flooded with vampires. Lord Henry Baltimore, a soldier determined to wipe out the monsters, fights his way through bloody battlefields, ruined plague ships, exploding zeppelins, and submarine graveyards on the hunt for the creature who’s become his obsession. About Dark Horse: For more than 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. 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.

Preview Page: "Baltimore: The Red Kingdom"

Preview Page: "Baltimore: The Red Kingdom"

Preview Page: "Baltimore: The Red Kingdom"

Preview Page: "Baltimore: The Red Kingdom"

BLUEFIN EXPANDS TAMASHII NATIONS’ S.H.FIGUARTS MARVEL LINE WITH NEW EXCLUSIVE

DOCTOR STRANGE ACTION FIGURE SET

Extraordinary S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI Action Figure Debuts In April For U.S Market And Will Be Followed By The June Release Of Doctor Strange With An Exclusive Burning Flame Effect Accessory Available Only From Bluefin!

Anaheim, CA, January 31, 2017 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, expands its line of officially licensed Marvel inspired action figures from Tamashii Nations with the announcement of the S.H.Figuarts Doctor Strange & Burning Flame Set.

Scheduled for a June 2017 release in the U.S., the 1/12-scale Doctor Strange set includes a uniquely colored burning flame effect that will be available exclusively from Bluefin. The fully poseable recreation of the superhero sorcerer features the lifelike facial expressions of Benedict Cumberbatch, which are replicated with superb detail utilizing Tamashii Nations’ proprietary digital coloring print technology.

Collectors building their own personal Marvel toy universe will not want to miss the release of the S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor Set in April. The Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor is the first S.H.Figuarts Marvel item officially available for domestic collectors and features the extraordinary level of detail that has made the S.H.Figuarts line a favorite among fans and retailers worldwide.

Both Doctor Strange and Iron Man figure sets will be available from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide and from a variety of leading online outlets. Pre-orders are available now.

S.H.Figuarts Dr. Strange & Burning Flame Set

Height: Approx. 6 inches · MSRP: $84.99 · Available June 2017

You might think you've entered the Mirror Dimension when you see these out of this world accessory parts included in the S.H.Figuarts Doctor Strange & Burning Flame Set. The array of interchangeable flame and magic effect parts allow you to truly bring to life the fantastic world of superhero sorcerer Doctor Strange. The set includes interchangeable head part, interchangeable hand parts, interchangeable hand parts for effects, effect parts, and several burning flame effects.

S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor Set

Height: Approx. 7 inches ·  MSRP: $119.99 · Available April 2017

Recreate Tony Stark’s lab with the S.H.Figuarts Iron Man Mark VI and Hall of Armor Set! The S.H.Figuarts Hall of Armor project begins with the iconic Mark VI suit from Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3 and the Avengers, revamped with a completely refined sculpt. The spectacular Hall of Armor includes LED light-up features in the front, back and sides to illuminate one’s armor collection. Set includes interchangeable hand parts, interchangeable shoulder part set, interchangeable leg armor set, and effect parts set, and various Hall of Armor attachment accessories.

Bluefin is the exclusive North American master distributor for a comprehensive array of Bandai Tamashii Nation S.H.Figuarts products for numerous hit pop culture properties including Dragon Ball, Kamen Rider, Marvel Superheroes, Naruto, Power Rangers, Sailor Moon, Star Wars, Suicide Squad, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bruce Lee, Freddie Mercury and more. Additional product information is available at: http://www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/tamashii-nations/s-h-figuarts.html.

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 and Taiwan 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, Bandai Shokugan, and Capcom, and is also the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Blitzway Studios, Mr. Hobby, SEN-TI-NEL, Storm Collectibles, and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.

Wizard World Relaunches WizardWorld.com Website With Upgraded Appearance, Functionality

Fresh Front Facing Look of Wizard World continues to signal a new day at the re-imagined event and entertainment company

LOS ANGELES, February 2, 2017—Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced the relaunch of its website, www.wizardworld.com, with a fresh redesign providing users more relevant information on its nationwide tour of pop culture conventions and associated business units, in a highly intuitive and sleek format. The all-encompassing new look and feel is in line with the Wizard World brand’s standing as a leader in the industry and the company’s expansion into other areas of the entertainment world. The website was designed in partnership with and under the direction of Charles Bell of Tool Studios, a leader in creative custom solutions.

“Our website is the front facing look of the company and a critical component of how our fans discover and experience all that Wizard World has to offer,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World President & CEO. “That’s why it is so important for us to have a professional, easily navigable site that highlights our shows and entertainment options, but that also has the ability to seamlessly include two very important and transcendent new Wizard World business units which will be announced in the coming days. Wizard World is shedding its old small-time skin and is aggressively moving into the vanguard of the pop culture event and entertainment space.”

Maatta added: “Charles Bell’s team at Tool Studios was instrumental in helping the Wizard World Team design an improved user experience that will allow us to better connect digitally with consumers. We are very proud to showcase Wizard World on the new site as we progress forward into new verticals.”

On the refreshed wizardworld.com site, fans are able to more easily:

• purchase tickets and VIP packages for Wizard World Comic Con, SocialCon, Touring and related events across North America
• discover which celebrities, comic creators, hosts and other guests will attend shows
• find information and schedules of entertainment, special events, photo ops, autographs and other attractions at each convention

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 2017 Wizard World Comic Con schedule continues in Portland, February 17-19, at the Oregon Convention Center, the second event on the 16-convention slate.

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service, SocialCon™ (www.socialcon.com) and Wizard World Touring. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The Wizard World 2017 schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com.

Caliber Comics Solicits 5 Graphic Novels in February’s Diamond Previews for April Delivery

 

January 31, 2017.  Caliber Comics is proud to announce the release of five exciting graphic novels in Diamond’s February solicitations for delivery in April. These books are currently available to order through Diamond Previews.

 

THE SEARCHERS – VOLUME ONE: THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME. Before there was the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen there was The Searchers. At the dawn of the 20th century the greatest literary adventurers from the likes of Wells, Verne, Doyle, Burroughs, and Haggard were created. All thought to be the work of pure fiction. However, a century later, the real-life descendants of those famous adventurers are recruited by the legendary Professor Challenger in order to save mankind's future. Collected for the first time is one of Caliber’s most critically acclaimed series. Written by the team of Colin Clayton and Chris Dows (2000AD’s BISON, AUTUMN, THE DISCIPLES) and illustrated by Art Wetherell (STAR WARS, NEGATIVE BURN). DIAMOND # FEB171450 $14.99.

 

FLESH & STEEL. From the shores of Asia comes a blend of fantasy and medieval trappings.  Inspired by the legend of the Golem creature. From exile, an ancient Golem guardian of steel is summoned back into battle! Enticed by the promise of a place amongst men, the Golem heeds the call of the newly ascended Emperor in his campaign to destroy the very Resistance who created and abandoned him. Raising his blade against those he once swore to protect, the Golem will face his greatest battle yet. From upcoming Singapore writer Shaun Kang and illustrated by Ernani Faraon. DIAMOND # FEB171447 $16.99.

 

JAZZ: MIDNIGHT. Award-winning veteran comic writer/artist Gary Scott Beatty's (INDIE COMICS MAGAZINE) jazz piano man Dean Fontessa returns in five standalone stories that come together with a twist - like a masterful, cool jazz solo! Beatty's illustration style drops readers into the late night music clubs of 1957. A fantastic, innovative and unique blend of art and text to depict the rhythm of the times! “Jazz: Midnight is a beautiful marriage between 50’s stylized art and captivate writing that only Beatty can provide.” – Solutions-By-Us. DIAMOND # FEB171449 $7.99

 

SIXSMITHS – VOLUME TWO. It's The Simpsons meets The Osbournes! In an all new collection. The Sixsmiths are a family of suburban Satanists recovering from the global recession. Their eldest daughter, Jezabelle, has returned to the fold with a frightening amount of zeal. Meanwhile, recently converted Dennis O'Dowell finds that adopting a new faith has not made him as cool as he had hoped. When the Sixsmith's church burns down, the whole community is embroiled in a crisis. What hidden enemy has brought them this low? Or is the Dark Lord punishing them for their weakness? From Australian writer Jason Franks with a host of Australian artists tagging along. "Hilarious, profane, and even moving, the Sixsmiths is a book you should be reading. Or Lucifer will reap your soul." - Justin Jordan. DIAMOND # FEB171451 $16.99

 

HELSING: LEGACY BORN. From writer Gary Reed (DEADWORLD, RENFIELD) and artists Guy Davis (HELLBOY, BPRD, BATMAN), John Lowe (SPIDER-MAN, GREEN LANTERN, X-MEN, BATMAN) and Bruce McCorkindale (GODZILLA). She was born into a legacy she wanted no part of and pushed into a battle recessed deep in the shadows of the night. Samantha Helsing is torn between two worlds... two allegiances... two families. The legacy of the Van Helsing family and their crusade against the "night creatures" comes to modern day with the most unlikely of all warriors. Collects the entire Caliber Comics series. DIAMOND # FEB171448 $14.99

 

About Caliber Comics:

 

Caliber Comics is one of the leading independent comic companies in the industry today. During the 1990s the company 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

Dark Horse Comics Unleashes "Lead Poisoning: The Pencil Art of Geof Darrow"

An Oversized Hardcover to be Published in 2017 Along with a New Edition of "Hard Boiled" and "The Shaolin Cowboy: Who’ll Stop the Reign?"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, Ore., (Jan. 30, 2017)—Geof Darrow’s slick, precise inks and stunning detail have amazed comics fans for decades, from his early work with Moebius to Hard Boiled, his first collaboration with Frank Miller, to the overwhelming success of his current series, The Shaolin Cowboy. Now Darrow provides incredible insight into his process by sharing the pencil drawings behind his meticulous inks in a huge hardcover collection, Lead Poisoning: The Pencil Art of Geof Darrow. Dark Horse Comics will release the oversized 128 page book, 9x12” HC and priced at $34.99, in July ahead of Darrow’s appearance at San Diego Comic Con. Featuring well-known covers and never-before-seen drawings alike, Lead Poisoning is a behind-the-scenes look that reveals perfectionism at its best, showing how clean and perfect the initial drawings can be as well as the bizarre alterations that appear to happen on the fly. Featuring commentary by Darrow and his notable peers, Lead Poisoning: The Pencil Art of Geof Darrow is a hardcover that brings you right to Darrow’s drawing board. “Geof Darrow is one of the most talented creators to ever work in comics,” said Dark Horse Comics Publisher Mike Richardson “In 2017 Dark Horse is proud to be celebrating over two decades of his amazing art with the release of Lead Poisoning, along with a brand new edition of Hard Boiled, the iconic graphic novel he created with comics legend Frank Miller. Not one to rest on his laurels, Geof is also busy creating mayhem with new, adventures of his epic character, the Shaolin Cowboy. ” In April, Dark Horse will publish the first issue of a new four-part mini-series by Darrow and award winning colorist Dave Stewart, The Shaolin Cowboy: Who’ll Stop the Reign? In September, Dark Horse will release a new edition of Hard Boiled, featuring a new introduction by Frank Miller and recolored by Stewart. Before he was a Three-time Eisner Award winner (and loser), Geof Darrow was born in Cedar Rapids, IA. He is an ex-altar boy, garden mechanic and boom operator on a soft-core adult film. He resides in Chicago IL and his artwork inspires and disillusions fans and artists alike: “Geof Darrow is a master . . . His combination of technical ability and a genuinely individual voice is an inspiration for me and for generations of other artists across the world.”—Frank Quitely “Trying to describe Geof Darrow’s work to someone unfamiliar with it is a little like trying to describe a waterfall to someone who’s never seen water. It’s tranquil above the falls, a thrill ride down the slope, and explosively lethal at the bottom of the cataract.”—Walter Simonson "No one draws violence quite like Geof Darrow.”—NEW YORK MAGAZINE’s VULTURE “Geof Darrow is without a doubt one of the best creators in our field, meticulous, a superb craftsman, and in Shaolin Cowboy Geof becomes a master choreographer, making the battle scenes a vivid and nightmarish vision of Dante’s Inferno.”—Sergio Aragonés “A profound sense of the absurd encapsulated in elegant line. Darrow has crafted high-definition realities since before hi-def was even a thing!”—Duncan Fegredo “Geof Darrow experiments with the versatility of the comic book format and, damn, does he have the skills to back it up."—FREAK SUGAR “To say that Geof Darrow is unique is a bit of an understatement. I think he’s just plain brilliant.”—Mike Mignola Preorder Lead Poisoning: The Pencil Art of Geof Darrow on Amazon, and Penguin Random House.  About Dark Horse For more than 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.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PREORDERS FOR BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE HOME MEDIA AND THE LAUNCH OF THE BORUTO MANGA SERIES

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE Comes To Blu-ray And DVD; New BORUTO Manga Series Depicts The Adventures Of The Legendary Ninja’s Rebellious Son

San Francisco, CA, January 30, 2017 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has announced preorders for the home media release of BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE as well as Vol. 1 of the manga series BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS.

Set to debut on March 28^th, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will be released as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and as a Standard Edition DVD. The action-filled anime feature film is based on the smash hit NARUTO anime and manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto and follows the rebellious son of the legendary ninja who seeks to become an even greater ninja. The film’s English dubbed audio track features the cast just announced for the forthcoming anime series, highlighted by Amanda Miller in the lead role of Boruto, Cherami Leigh as Sarada, and Robbie Daymond as the mysterious Mitsuki. Japanese dialogue with English subtitle options will also be included on both releases.

The BORUTO manga series will launch in print and digitally on April 4^th and will be published under the Shonen Jump imprint. The series features story by Ukyo Kodachi and artwork by Mikio Ikemoto. Preorders for the print edition of Vol. 1 are now available.

For a limited time, a FREE collectible mini-poster will be available as a special gift with purchase for BORUTO: NARUTO THE NEXT GENERATIONS Vol. 1 preorders placed with online anime retailer, The Right Stuf. Purchasers will receive one of three designs randomly selected at the time of fulfillment while supplies last.

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

MSRP: $29.98 U.S. / $34.99 CAN · Available March 28^th    

Catch the home media debut of BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, presented in crisp 1080p HD video with DTS-HD audio 5.1 featuring English and Japanese dialogue options. The Combo Pack Set also includes a bonus OVA for NARUTO.

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE Standard Edition DVD

MSRP: $19.98 U.S. / $24.99 CAN · Available March 28^th    

A movie-only Standard Edition DVD release of BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE.

In BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, an inconceivable foe lies in wait as Sasuke, the Five Kage and Boruto with a determination of steel, charge into another dimension! With Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, Hidden Leaf Village is planning to host the Chunin Exams to train new shinobi from the village and from five of their allied villages. Among the entrants are Sasuke's daughter, Sarada, who adores Naruto, Mitsuki, an exceptionally talented yet mysterious shinobi… And Boruto, Naruto's son who shows great potential, but despises his father.

Sasuke, who’s been on a mission, appears before Naruto to warn of a strange impending danger he has sensed. Shrouded with an evil aura, Momoshiki and Kinshiki appear during the Exams and attempt to weaken and kidnap Naruto. Boruto is petrified and unable to do a thing while Sasuke guards him. As Naruto steps in front to shield them, he smiles faintly and disappears in front of Boruto.

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

PRINT MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available April 4^th

Naruto was a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief. He achieved his dream to become the greatest ninja in his village, and now his face sits atop the Hokage monument. But this is not his story... A new generation of ninja is ready to take the stage, led by Naruto's own son, Boruto!

VIZ Media is the official North American distributor and master licensor for the BORUTO anime and manga properties as well as the original NARUTO manga series and the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films. 

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

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields 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 VIZ.com.

Discover Science, Candy, & Awesome Adventure in The Not-So Secret Society from BOOM! Studios

Free Weekly Digital All-Ages Comics Launch Today and Original Graphic Novel
On-Sale in Summer 2017

Los Angeles, Calif. (January 30, 2017) – BOOM! Studios is proud to announce THE NOT-SO SECRET SOCIETY, an all new multi-platform graphic novel experience! The writing team of Matthew Daley (Lantern City) and Arlene Daley call on twenty-five years of combined education experience to create this thrilling, coming-of-age adventure which premieres today with free, weekly mini-comics and activities at www.teamNS3.com and arrives in a full-length original graphic novel this summer.

“We set out to write a book that celebrates a spirit of adventure, the boundless possibilities of science and imagination, and inclusion—things that are more important than ever,” said Matthew Daley.

Madison, Dylan, Emma, Aidan, and Ava have pretty normal lives for a group of twelve-year olds: they go to school, participate in extracurricular activities, and, oh yeah, they also have AWESOME ADVENTURES. Together they form The Not-So Secret Society (also known as NS3). But when they invent a candy-making machine for their school’s annual science fair, things don’t go according to plan . . . and their candy creation comes to life and escapes, threatening to destroy the entire city!

With their strong background in education and experience as parents, the creator team behind The Not-So Secret Society have made targeted resources to go with the comic for teachers and librarians.

Arlene Daley added, “As an educator, I know it is essential that we provide resources for fellow teachers and librarians. We wanted to support the work of these unsung heroes of childhood development.”

Co-created by Macrocosm’s Trevor Crafts (Lantern City) and Ellen Crafts, and illustrated by Wook Jin Clark (Adventure Time: The Flipside), The Not-So Secret Society is an all-ages adventure that celebrates the value of teamwork and lifelong friendships.

Clark added, "I loved adventure books as a kid—and still love them as an adult! It's the best of both worlds, being an adult who gets to draw this kind of story for a whole new generation of readers!"

This all-new original graphic novel is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ KaBOOM imprint, home to popular all-ages series such as Steven Universe and Adventure Time, inspired by their respective hit animated series on Cartoon Network; The Deep by Tom Taylor and James Brouwer, which has become a hit animated series on Netflix; Brave Chef Brianna by Sam Sykes and Selina Espiritu; and Mega Princess by Kelly Thompson and Brianne Drouhard.

For more on The Not-So Secret Society, check out www.teamNS3.com for the first chapter of the free, weekly mini comics PLUS a printable NS3 activity and more right now!

Further information on BOOM! Studios can be found at www.boom-studios.com and on Twitter at @boomstudios.

Further information on Macrocosm can be found at www.macrocosm.tv.

ABOUT MACROCOSM
Macrocosm (macrocosm.tv) is a new voice in transmedia entertainment. The award winning Macrocosm brings dynamic engaging content to global audiences. Films include the upcoming documentary on the origins of Sesame Street "Street Gang" and “Experimenter” a 2015 Sundance Film Festival hit and critical darling. Creator of “Lantern City” (lanterncitytv.com), Macrocosm published the illustrated novel “Rise” in 2013 and in 2014 partnered with BOOM! Studios, to create the “Lantern City” comic book series, one of UPROXX Top Ten Comics of 2015. 

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 Guard, Cow 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.