EVERY ISSUE OF GOD COUNTRY
RUSHED BACK TO PRINT

PORTLAND, OR, 03/24/2017 — The bestselling series GOD COUNTRY by Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw (REDNECK) is being rushed back to print on issues #1, #2, and #3 in order to keep up with overwhelming customer demand.

In GOD COUNTRY, Emmet Quinlan, an old widower rattled by dementia, isn't just a problem for his children—his violent outbursts are more than the local cops can handle. When a tornado levels his home—as well as the surrounding West Texas town—a restored Quinlan rises from the wreckage. The enchanted sword at the eye of the storm gives him more than a sound mind and body, however. He's now the only man who can face the otherworldly creatures the sword has drawn down to the Lone Star State...

GOD COUNTRY #1-3 remain 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.

GOD COUNTRY #1, 4th printing (Diamond Code FEB178359), GOD COUNTRY #2, 3rd printing (Diamond Code FEB178360), GOD COUNTRY #3, 2nd printing (Diamond Code FEB178361), and GOD COUNTRY #4 Cover A by Geoff Shaw & Jason Wordie and GOD COUNTRY #4 Cover B by Gerardo Zaffino and Jason Wordie will be available on Wednesday, April 19th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, March 27th.

Select praise for GOD COUNTRY:

“There's a solidness and relatability to this book (despite the space monsters) that gives the narrative some weight even despite the no-frills plotting. There's something special about God Country.” —Newsarama

“Fresh, and original, and Emmett is simply awesome.” —Graphic Policy

“If this book was a gymnast it wouldn't just stick the landing, it'd throw in a couple of extra flips and fucking shatter the Earth as it landed... If I could give God Country #1 six out of five stars I would… It's definitely a book that you need to read, so make sure you get your LCS to order it for you, you would be a fool not to.” —Comic Bastards

“It'll be the book that makes everyone say, ‘Whoa, where did this come from?!’ It's a truly stunning debut.” —Nerdist

“Stunning.” —Horror Talk

“One of the finest books I've read. Everything about this book is captivating. It's human and tender, but pulls in elements of the fantastic in a tight and compelling story. I cannot say enough good things about this book. This is a story that demands your attention.” —Comicosity

“One of the most oddly satisfying action/adventure that I have ever read. It was breathtaking in a way that is impossible to explain, because it involves so much more than words. I highly suggest reading it.” —Outright Geekery

“This story will be special.” —Multiversity Comics 

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling 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 Comics, Skybound Entertainment, 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.

IDW Publishing Hires Michael J. Martens as
Director of Trade Sales

Longtime Industry Veteran Martens Will Oversee
IDW’s Penguin Random House Relationship

SAN DIEGO, CA / March 24, 2017 – IDW Publishing has tapped Michael J. Martens as its new Director of Trade Sales, effective immediately. Starting in April, Penguin Random House will serve as IDW’s distribution partner for trade paperback and hardcover titles to the book and mass markets, and in his new role, Martens will act as the publisher’s direct liaison.

With more than three decades of industry experience to draw from, Martens’ invaluable knowledge of the inner workings of the comic and book category will greatly extend IDW’s reach in bookstores worldwide, getting the publisher’s massive library of backlist content in front of new readers and strengthening its foothold in that thriving marketplace.

“Michael was, and continues to be, a key player in pioneering the graphic novel category in libraries and bookstores,” said Greg Goldstein, IDW’s President and COO. “His expertise and unparalleled relationship with our new distribution partner will give IDW an even greater advantage for continual success and steady growth in today’s competitive market.”

Martens’ previous experience includes Dark Horse Comics where he held a variety of positions including VP of Marketing, VP of Business Development, and VP of Trade Sales before resigning in 2016. Prior to that, his storied comics career began at Capital City Distribution as one of their first employees in 1982 where he wore multiple hats including Transportation Manager, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Customer Service.

“While consulting with IDW during their integration with Penguin Random House it was clear to me how strong the IDW and Top Shelf lines are so I jumped at the chance when they offered me a more formal arrangement,” said Michael Martens. “I’m looking forward to maintaining the incredible momentum of the March series as well as positioning their many other important titles in a way they can be discovered by new readers.”

About IDW IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: 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 on the best seller by Douglas Adams starring Elijah Wood and Sam Barnett.

Caliber Comics solicits 5 Graphic Novels with Diamond Comic Distributors for June

 

March 23, 2017.  Caliber Comics is proud to announce the release of five exciting graphic novels in Diamond’s April solicitations for delivery to retailers in June. These books are currently available to order through Diamond Previews.

 

LEGENDLORE: THE REALM CHRONICLES – VOLUME 1:  Dungeon & Dragons meets Game of Thrones as four modern day teens are transported to a Middle-Earth-esque realm they only thought existed in books and film. Follow the adventures of these teens into the unknown as the world unfolds before them. And what hope do these teens have? How can they survive against wizards, dwarves, dragons, and trolls if they had a hard time making it in high school? One of Caliber Comic's longest running critically acclaimed comic series. Featuring the writing of Stuart Kerr and Ralph Griffith (Deadworld, OZ) with art by Guy Davis (Hellboy, B.P.R.D.). The first of a 12 volume set to collect the entire run of The Realm and Legendlore. "A great adventure comic…there’s an audience out there just waiting for a book of this caliber…and you owe it yourself to be a part of that audience." - Comic Shop News. 156 pages. Black and White. DIAMOND  # APR171500  $16.99.

 

GULF WAR JOURNAL – BOOK ONE: Harvey Award Nominee, Don Lomax (MARVEL’s The ‘Nam, Punisher), assembles his Desert Storm Journal comic series and brings back the central character from his critically acclaimed Vietnam Journal books. Scott "Journal" Neithammer comes out of retirement to cover the first Persian Gulf War. He finds himself also caught up in the war between the Pentagon and the press. Fed up, he heads off into the desert on his own to report the real story. Writer and Artist Don Lomax has won numerous awards for his authentic depictions of the conflict in Vietnam and the war in Iraq. "First rate...alternates documentary-style reporting with documentary-style fiction. One of the five best war comics." - Don Thompson, The Comics Buyer's Guide. "Stresses authenticity. Anyone who saw the real city of Khafji in Saudi Arabia will recognize landmarks in the comic book." - Ron Jensen, The Stars and Stripes. 118 Pages. Black and White. DIAMOND  # APR171498  $16.99.

 

GAPO THE CLOWN – BIG, FAT, AND GREASY:  Collecting over 370 comic strips of Tony Miello's very bad clown! Move over Krusty the Clown; there's a new and obnoxious clown on the scene and he hails from the city of Detroit! His lack of morals and human decency are always leading him and the poor people around him into odd situations that lead to hilarity. Contains every web strip, every strip produced for print, and a few strips never seen before, making this the complete Gapo the Clown collection. “This collection of comic strips is infused with the same underdog maverick spirit that seems to be the DNA of anything born of the Motor City.” – Bill Morrison, Creative Director of Bongo Comics. 110 Pages. Black and White. DIAMOND  # APR171497 $14.99.

 

THE RIPPER LEGACY:  From writer Jim Alexander (Judge Dredd, Spider-Man) and Mark Bloodworth (Deadworld, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser). He is considered the most infamous murderer in history. His very name inspires terror. He is Jack the Ripper. How can his evil and brutal methods affect the world, some 120 years after the last known victim of the Ripper was put to rest? But the terrible past of Jack the Ripper will manifest itself into the present day! "...a damn good psych thriller, well-plotted, paced just right." ​- Richard Burton, Forbidden Planet Reviews;  “Alexander has a gift for dialogue that brings you into a strange and morbid world that spans generations.” – Geek Syndicate. 101 pages. Black and White. DIAMOND # APR171501 $14.99.

 

HORROR CITY – VOLUME ONE:  A team of American and international artists has been brought together to create Horror City, a horror anthology loaded with TEN tales of terror, black humor and twist endings. For those that enjoy Tales of the Crypt, Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, and Tales of the Darkside, prepare yourself for Horror City. 120 pages. Black and White. DIAMOND  # APR171499 $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

VIZ MEDIA ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS ANIME SERIES

Digital, Broadcast, Home Media And Merchandising Rights Acquired For North And Latin America For New Anime Series Focusing On The Rebellious Son Of Legendary Ninja

Hulu Will Be U.S. Streaming Partner, With Simulcast Series Premiere On April 5^th

San Francisco, CA, March 23, 2017 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has announced the acquisition of digital, broadcast, home media and master merchandising rights to BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS. VIZ Media acquired the rights for the highly-anticipated anime series for the North American and Latin American markets.

In partnership with VIZ Media, the first episode of the new series will make its U.S. simulcast premiere on Hulu beginning April 5^th, the same day as its premiere in Japan. New episodes will continue to premiere weekly on Wednesdays.

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS is the action-packed continuation of the famed NARUTO anime series and focuses on the adventures of the son of the celebrated ninja. Ahead of the next installment of the famed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN franchise, Hulu subscribers can catch up on the entire NARUTO SHIPPUDEN collection beginning March 23^rd by visiting the official show page, and future episodes of BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS will become available to stream here: hulu.com/boruto.

As the series opens, the life of the shinobi is beginning to change. Boruto Uzumaki, son of Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki, has enrolled in the Ninja Academy to learn the ways of the ninja. Now, as a series of mysterious events unfolds, Boruto’s story is about to begin!

“We are very excited to announce the acquisition of BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS and know that fans everywhere will be looking forward to the debut of these new episodes,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Senior Manager of Animation Marketing. “The stage is set for intense adventures featuring a fresh cast of ninjas from the Hidden Leaf Village!”

VIZ Media plans to create an English dub for series episodes featuring the talented cast highlighted in BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE including Amanda Miller in the lead role of Boruto, Cherami Leigh as Sarada, the daughter of Sasuke from the original NARUTO series, and Robbie Daymond as the mysterious “synthetic human” shinobi, Mitsuki.

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.

IMAGE COMICS’ APRIL FOOLS’ VARIANTS
FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY WILL GET FANS TALKING

PORTLAND, OR, 03/23/2017 — Image Comics is pleased to reveal the first eight of 11 variants planned for April’s 25th anniversary theme month—can you guess the month’s theme? APRIL FOOLS! Image Comics’ creators are unleashed all month long to prank fans with these covers—they’ll make comics readers do a double-take every Wednesday.

Each month of Image’s 25th year will boast a theme for special anniversary variants. The following covers are sure to get comic fans and collectors talking.

Available in stores on Wednesday, April 5th:

• ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN #1 by Kyle Starks, cover by Kyle Starks (Diamond Code JAN178689)
• SONS OF THE DEVIL #11 by Brian Buccellato & Toni Infante, cover by Toni Infante (Diamond Code JAN178694)

Available in stores on Wednesday, April 12th:

• SPAWN #272 cover by Todd McFarlane (Diamond Code JAN178693)

Available in stores on Wednesday, April 19th:

• BLACK SCIENCE #29 by Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera, cover by Rafael Albuquerque (Diamond Code JAN178692)
• CURSE WORDS #4 by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne, cover by Ryan Browne (Diamond Code JAN178684)
• EAST OF WEST #33 by Jonathan Hickman & Nick Dragotta, cover by Nick Dragotta (Diamond Code JAN178691)
• THE FIX #9 by Nick Spencer & Steve Lieber, cover by Steve Lieber (Diamond Code JAN178685)
• I HATE FAIRYLAND #12 by Skottie Young, cover by Skottie Young (Diamond Code JAN178686)
• INVINCIBLE #135 by Robert Kirkman & Ryan Ottley, cover by Ryan Ottley (Diamond Code JAN178688)
• PLASTIC #1 by Doug Wagner, cover by Daniel Hillyard (Diamond Code JAN178687)

Available in stores on Wednesday, April 26th:

• SAVAGE DRAGON #223 by Erik Larsen, cover by Jock (Diamond Code JAN178690)

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling 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 Comics, Skybound Entertainment, 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.

CRIME ROMANCE VIOLENT LOVE ARRIVES IN PAPERBACK THIS MAY
Collecting issues #1-5

PORTLAND, OR, 03/23/2017 — Creators Frank J. Barbiere (FIVE GHOSTS, The Revisionist) and Victor Santos (THE MICE TEMPLAR, Polar) will release the first trade paperback collection of their pulpy romance series VIOLENT LOVE this May.

Oozing with style and action, VIOLENT LOVE is the tale of Daisy Jane and Rock Bradley, two of the most notorious bank robbers in the American Southwest—who fell in love.

“VIOLENT LOVE is a true passion project for Victor and I,” said Barbiere. We're wild about the characters we've created, and hope readers are hooked by the pulpy action and romance of volume one!”

“I always wanted to create a true romance story,” said Santos. “This is wild love—epic scope, betrayal, violence, and passion. VIOLENT LOVE is my Valentine's gift to comic books.”

VIOLENT LOVE TP VOL. 1: STAY DANGEROUS (ISBN: 978-1-5343-0044-6, Diamond code: MAR170849) hits comic book stores Wednesday, May 24th and bookstores Tuesday, May 30th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, April 24th.

VIOLENT LOVE TP VOL. 1: STAY DANGEROUS is available for preorder via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

Select praise for VIOLENT LOVE:

“A beautifully put together book, filled with great pacing, stunning visuals, and awesome characters. Frank J. Barbiere and Victor Santos are a match made in heaven.” —Nerdist

“The title is utterly accurate: Barbiere and Santos tap into a long tradition of doomed, guns-blazing romance in their nesting tales of crime and passion in the ‘60s and ‘80s.” —Paste Magazine

“VIOLENT LOVE will draw you in and never let go.” —AiPT!

“VIOLENT LOVE [has] a beating heart beneath its pulpy and blood-soaked surface.” —Newsarama

“[VIOLENT LOVE] comes screaming out of the gate with a gritty and unrelenting story of graphic violence and moving drama.” —All-Comic

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling 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 Comics, Skybound Entertainment, 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.

DYNAMITE SIGNS KYLE HIGGINS AND JORGE FORNÉS
FOR NEW MAGNUS SERIES!

THE NEXT GENERATION OF GOLD KEY'S ROBOT FIGHTER
STARS IN ALL-NEW SOLO SERIES, LAUNCHING IN JUNE 2017

March 21, 2017, Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment is proud to announce that Magnus, the comic book series with futuristic action and cybernetic intrigue, returns with an all-new interpretation of the character courtesy of writer Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and artist Jorge Fornés (Amazing X-Men). With a debut issue set for release in June, Magnus #1 includes a bonus Turok back-up story by Chuck Wendig (Hyperion) and Álvaro Sarraseca (Witchblade), a continuation of the serial in the Magnus sister title, The Sovereigns.

The all-new Magnus takes the famous Philip K. Dick question and turns it on its side: Do humans dream of owning electric sheep? Artificial intelligences, rather than becoming our overlords, have settled into an uneasy symbiosis with humanity - they work for us as our colleagues and servants, earning vacation-time they spend in a boundless digital universe running on human-maintained server farms. But not all A.I.s are cool with the deal. Enter Magnus, a human psychologist tasked with navigating both worlds in order to bring recalcitrant AIs back into productive society...

Writer Kyle Higgins says, "Our take on Magnus is quite different from what's come before. In a Black Mirror sort of way, we'll be looking at our world plus thirty years, the way artificial intelligence technology could progress, and the host of problems that might develop… including a 'Cloud World' that A.I. systems create for themselves, to live and exist together, free from humans and the physical (robotic) forms that were built for them. As we'll learn early on, it's rare for humans to be able to upload themselves to the Cloud World and not lose their minds, and that's where Dr. Kerri Magnus comes in. Not only can she walk between both worlds, but Dr. Magnus has an affinity for artificial intelligence: she makes a living as a psychologist, specializing in artificial intelligence patients."

"When Dynamite originally launched our Gold Key line in 2014, we reestablished the universe, cementing a new foundation for fans that we've continued to build on," says Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. "The audience for characters like Magnus, Solar, and Turok is immense, and we're growing the brand with The Sovereigns, a team book exploring the future of the classic characters and introducing the next generation in their heroic legacy. We priced its launch at an affordable and desirable $1.00 for 48 pages of thrilling action, to bring these incredible stories to the widest audience possible. The Sovereigns and the all-new Magnus are a renaissance for these legendary characters, helmed by some of the industry's top talents (Higgins, Wendig, Ray Fawkes, Aubrey Sitterson, Johnny Desjardins, and more). We can't wait for audiences new and old to pick up these issues and experience the mind-blowing fresh concepts."

The debut issue of Magnus features a wide selection of cover variants, providing fans and retailers with the freedom of choice! The cover artwork features the talents of Giuseppe Camuncoli (The Amazing Spider-Man), interior artist Jorge Fornés, Aaron Conley (Rocket Raccoon & Groot), and Daniel Warren Johnson (Man-Thing), respectively. Five limited variant editions in "Black & White" and "Virgin Art" formats are also available as retailer incentives for comic shops that support the launch issue by achieving stocking thresholds.

Originally published by Gold Key Comics from 1963 through 1977, Magnus: Robot Fighter chronicled the adventures of a skilled martial artist in the year 4000 A.D., a futuristic dystopia where humans were hopelessly dependent on robots... and therefore were especially vulnerable to rogue artificial intelligences. Since the original comic book run, Magnus has continued at several comic publishers before finding its home at Dynamite Entertainment in 2014. In additional to the 2014 and now 2017 eponymous series, the character has also appeared in Dynamite's Doctor Spektor: Master of the Occult, Gold Key: Alliance, and The Sovereigns.

Magnus #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' April 2017 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in June. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies with their local comic book retailers. Magnus will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.

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

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

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES NEW SHOJO MANGA SERIES THE WATER DRAGON’S BRIDE

Romantic Adventure From The Creator Of The Bestselling Manga Series DAWN OF THE ARCANA Launches This Spring

San Francisco, CA, March 21, 2017 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, announces a fresh new fantasy adventure shojo manga series with the debut of THE WATER DRAGON’S BRIDE on April 4^th.

The new series, by Rei Toma, the creator of the critically acclaimed manga series, DAWN OF THE ARCANA (also published by VIZ Media), is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint. Volume 1 will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. THE WATER DRAGON’S BRIDE also launches digitally via VIZ.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Future volumes of the ongoing series will be published on a quarterly basis.

In THE WATER DRAGON’S BRIDE, in the blink of an eye, a modern-day girl named Asahi is whisked away from her warm and happy home and stranded in a strange and mysterious world where she meets a water dragon god!

“Rei Toma’s previous series, DAWN OF THE ARCANA, was a beloved bestseller, and shojo readers and fans of romantic fantasy adventure are going to love her latest work,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Join Asahi on her perilous quest to return home, with plenty of adventure, romance and excitement along the way!”

Manga creator Rei Toma has been drawing since childhood and created her first complete manga work for a graduation project in design school. Her subsequent short story manga, “Help Me, Dentist,” went on to attract a publisher’s attention and marked her professional debut. After finding success as a manga artist, acclaim in other art fields followed as she went on to illustrate several novels and video game character designs. Rei Toma is also the creator of the manga series, DAWN OF THE ARCANA, which is available in digital and print editions in North America from VIZ Media.

For more information on THE WATER DRAGON’S BRIDE or other manga titles available from 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.

BOOM! STUDIOS ANNOUNCES THE

MOUSE GUARD ALPHABET BOOK

David Petersen Teams with Illustrator Serena Malyon to Teach the ABCs

Through the World of Mouse Guard

Los Angeles, Calif. (March 13, 2017) -  BOOM! Studios is proud to announce the MOUSE GUARD ALPHABET BOOK, a new all-ages hardcover publication from Mouse Guard creator David Petersen and illustrator Serena Malyon set to debut in September.

Learn the ABCs in the world of David Petersen’s Mouse Guard where brave mice protect one another from predators large and small, explore the expansive nature around them, and thrive in harsh conditions. Hand-painted by Malyon (Magic in the City, Button Hill), this is a look into a beautiful world with rich culture and stalwart friendships, worth exploring one letter at a time.

"The idea for the alphabet book came from my wife, Julia," Petersen explains. "There were a few Mouse Guard projects she’d been suggesting for years that I brushed off in favor of more Legends of the Guard. One was last year’s coloring book, and once that was rolling I gave an alphabet book more consideration. After all, Mouse Guard has been around long enough that early fans are now having children. But we’d come to the realization that, artistically and production-wise, we couldn't entertain the idea if I had to illustrate all of it.

"I like having the different art styles in Legends of the Guard with my work as a visual anchor, but for an alphabet book, it made much more sense for one strong artistic voice. Serena is certainly that voice." 

"Working on this book was a dream come true," enthuses Malyon. "Mouse Guard was the first graphic novel I ever picked up. I was enchanted by the way it was drawn, I was captivated by the subject matter, and it had a world that I wanted to explore. It’s a comic I’ve been inspired by for years, and I couldn’t believe it when David and BOOM! Studios got in touch with me. Getting to work with David directly on a Mouse Guard book was an incredible experience. He gave me a lot of freedom with what I painted and how I depicted the world, so I’m really excited to share my vision of Mouse Guard."



Mouse Guard Alphabet Book is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ Archaia imprint, home to an acclaimed line of ambitious and award-winning graphic novels, including 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 news on the Mouse Guard Alphabet Book and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to www.boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.


About BOOM! Studios:
BOOM! Studios was founded by Ross Richie in 2005 with the singular focus of creating world-class comic book and graphic novel storytelling for all audiences. Through the development of four distinct imprints—BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia—BOOM! has produced award-winning original work, including Lumberjanes, The Woods, Giant Days, Klaus, and Mouse Guard, while also breaking new ground with established licenses such as WWE, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Adventure Time and Jim Henson Company properties. BOOM! will also bring their original series to life through unique first-look relationships with 20th Century Fox in film and with Fox Television. Please visit www.boom-studios.com for more information.

BLUEFIN STEPS INTO THE RING WITH NEW TAMASHII NATIONS S.H. FIGUARTS ACTION FIGURES BASED ON WWE WRESTLING SUPERSTARS

The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H are the Latest S.H. Figuarts Releases with Undertaker and Kane Set for July

Anaheim, CA, March 21, 2017 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, steps into the ring with new S.H. Figuarts WWE action figures from Tamashii Nations featuring iconic professional wrestlers The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H.

Tamashii Nations’ new 6-inch wresting figures are their first products developed for the WWE Universe. The figures are fully poseable with over 30 points of articulation and each figure makes use of Tamashii’s proprietary Digital Color Technology on the head sculpts, resulting in portraits with an uncanny lifelike resemblance to the WWE superstars.

All S.H. Figuarts WWE figures are packed with signature accessories, optional expression parts, and interchangeable hands.

The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin figures are available now at Toys R Us stores and hobby and specialty shops nationwide, including RingsideCollectibles.com. Triple H debuts this week, first at RingsideCollectibles.com, followed by retail and specialty shops. Then in July “The Brothers of Destruction” Undertaker and Kane—available for pre-order now—join the line.

S.H. Figuarts WWE The Rock

Height: Approx. 6.25 inches · MSRP: $49.99 · Available Now!

Can you smell what the Rock is cooking? S.H. Figuarts is proud to present the action figure for America's top WWE wrestler: The Rock. This 6.25" (16cm) figure brings all of S.H. Figuarts technology has to bear to replicate the wrestler in all his glory. The Rock includes three heads with different expressions, one pair of posable hands, three pairs of fixed-pose hands, and a microphone.

S.H. Figuarts WWE Stone Cold Steve Austin

Height: Approx. 6.25 inches · MSRP: $49.99 · Available Now!

Here's the bottom line, 'cause Stone Cold says so! S.H. Figuarts is proud to present the action figure of one of America's top WWE wrestlers: Stone Cold Steve Austin. This 6.25" (16cm) figure brings all of S.H. Figuarts technology has to bear to replicate the wrestler in all his glory. Stone Cold's figure includes three heads with different expressions, two pairs of posable hands, a vest, two cans, and two "splash effect" parts.

S.H. Figuarts WWE Triple H

Height: Approx. 6.25 inches · MSRP: $51.99 · Available Now!

The king of kings, Triple H, joins the S.H.Figurarts series as he appeared in the late 1990s. Full action gimmicks and posing let you replicate all his trademark moves! The 160mm figure includes two optional expression parts, optional left and right hands, left and right hands with posable fingers, sledgehammer, and water bottle.

S.H. Figuarts WWE Undertaker

Height: Approx. 6.5 inches · MSRP: $54.99 · Available July

From out of the shadows comes the latest addition to the S.H.Figuarts WWE line, the ominous  Undertaker! Undertaker is meticulously realized in 6-inch scale with strategically placed joints for ultimate articulation. Set includes his iconic hat, interchangeable right hand, jointed interchangeable hands (left and right), and interchangeable heads (x3).

S.H. Figuarts WWE Kane

Height: Approx. 6.5 inches · MSRP: $54.99 · Available July

The incredibly articulated and realistic S.H. Figuarts WWE line continues with “The Big Red Machine,” Kane! This spectacular 6-inch rendition of Kane comes with a variety of accessories including and interchangeable head piece designed with his iconic mask. Set includes interchangeable hands (left and right), jointed interchangeable hands (left and right), towel, and 2 interchangeable heads.

Bluefin is the exclusive North American master distributor for a comprehensive array of Bandai Tamashii Nations S.H. Figuarts products for numerous hit pop culture properties including Dragon Ball, Kamen Rider, 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.

VAMPIRELLA ROCKS WITH THE DEMON, THE STARCHILD,
THE SPACEMAN, AND THE CATMAN!

Rock 'n Roll Legends Meet Horror Comics Icon in

KISS/Vampirella, Debuting in June

March 20, 2017, Mt. Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment proudly brings together two of its bestselling brands for a horror/music extravaganza in KISS/Vampirella #1, the debut issue in a new comic book series uniting the legendary rock 'n' roll ban with the comic industry's iconic mistress of the macabre! Written by Chris Sebela (Captain Marvel, Alien vs. Predator) and illustrated by Annapaola Martello (Scarlet Witch, Spider-Gwen), KISS/Vampirella will be a miniseries event launching in June 2017.

Los Angeles is a strange town on the best of days, but in the summer of 1974, the City of Angels feels especially demonic. As temperatures soar and wildfires burn, all sorts of strange creatures are drawn to town... including Vampirella. While Vampi goes out and hunts down monsters all across La La Land - defending humanity from evil - she's also killing it every night on stage as a member of an all-girl rock group - defending rock 'n' roll from a dying scene. Help arrives in the form of four creatures who've just flown into town: The Starchild, The Demon, The Spaceman, and The Catman. Away from their home turf and trying to record their new album, KISS discovers that all their favorite L.A. bands have mysteriously broken up, disappeared, sold out, or gone crazy. Led by a driver who moonlights in the occult and haunted by satanic strangers dressed in black, KISS finds themselves drawn into a web of conspiracy that threatens to kill rock 'n' roll itself!

Gene Simmons says, "I have been in love with Vampirella (who hasn't?), ever since Forry Ackerman created her. I knew Forry, and he spoke fondly of Vampi, almost as if she was real. For a wide-eyed kid who grew up voraciously devouring the pages of Warren publications (including Famous Monsters of Filmland), it's a personal thrill to witness this momentous event in our four-decades-old, proud comic book history. I can't wait to see and read KISS/Vampirella."

Writer Chris Sebela says, "Setting it in the 1970s, I wanted the book to feel like a drive-in movie at times, but one that has a heart to it and actual characters. Because KISS is so much larger than life, it's no fun if they don't have something pushing back against them. Having them in their early days, there's more room to throw them into the action and have them be unsure what to do. That's where the fun happens. There's big action scenes, sleazy clubs, scary strangers dressed all in black, crazy monsters, and on-stage pyrotechnics. It's as fun as it is dark, I hope! Meanwhile, Vampirella is seen so often as a kind of lone monster hunter that I really wanted to see Vampirella in a group situation. She has to get along with them and they have to work together to get things done. So I put her in a band. It's an all-girl rock group with a witchy gimmick. I got to create the rest of the band members and establish their look with artist Annapaola Martello and I got to write songs, which no one ever told me how much fun that is."

"KISS are living legends, and Vampirella is comic book royalty. We're both honored and humbled to work so closely with Gene and Paul to bring their world-renowned alter-egos to comics alongside our horror heroine," says Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. "The raging guitar chords and pyrotechnic spectacle of their stage shows are the perfect backdrop for the kind of action that our own resident monster hunter, Vampirella, is known for. Between The Demon spitting blood and Vampi thirsting for it, this comic will appeal to the shock rock fiend in all of us!"

The debut issue of KISS/Vampirella features a wide selection of cover variants, providing fans and retailers with the freedom of choice! Three art covers feature the talents of Juan Doe (cover artist of Dynamite's bestselling KISS #1 launch), Carli Idhe (Womanthology: Space), and Roberto Castro (Lords of the Jungle), respectively. Dynamite also offers a Photo edition cover featuring KISS posing with a Vampirella model, a Cosplay edition, and a Blank Authentix edition for fans to illustrate themselves (or, for convention-goers, to commission their favorite artists to illustrate). Five limited variant editions in "Black & White" and "Virgin Art" formats are also available as retailer incentives for comic shops that support the launch issue by achieving stocking thresholds.

As America's #1 Gold Record Award winning group of all time (and that's in every category), KISS can easily be named one of rock's most influential bands. The Rock N Roll Hall of Famers have released 44 albums and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. The origins of KISS comic books date almost as far back as the inception as the band itself, having been an integral part of comics culture since their 1977 appearance in Howard the Duck #12 and 1978's Marvel Comics Super Special: Kiss. Today, nearly 40 years later, Dynamite Entertainment is the proud home to the comic book series KISS, KISS: The Demon, and now KISS/Vampirella.

Vampirella is a raven-haired heroine who remains, even after 45 years of publication, one of the comic industry's most well known characters, due in no small part to Dynamite Entertainment. Since Vampirella's very healthy resurgence in 2010, Dynamite has published three volumes of a monthly series, several miniseries and one-shot specials, and crossovers with multimedia brands and comic book peers. The Vampirella franchise is a haven for writers and artists with a penchant for the macabre.

KISS/Vampirella #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' April 2017 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in June. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies with their local comic book retailers. KISS/Vampirella will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.

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

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