TOP COW GETS AMAZING IN ARIZONA

Image Comics imprint exhibiting at Phoenix convention

Top Cow, the imprint of Image Comics founded by WITCHBLADE creator Marc Silvestri, will be exhibiting Amazing Arizona Con in Phoenix on January 25 through 27 (booth #409). Matt Hawkins, Top Cow President and creator of the hit new series THINK TANK, will be representing the company, which will be selling two THINK TANK convention exclusives.

The first exclusive is a photo wraparound cover of THINK TANK: MILITARY DOSSIER #1, the behind-the-scenes look at the characters and technology from series by Hawkins and Rahsan Ekedal. The MILITARY DOSSIER #1 variant is limited to 250 copies.

The second THINK TANK convention exclusive is a lithograph by ARTIFACTS and RAVINE artist Stjepan Sejic depicting the series' hero, David Loren in his natural element of explosions and equations. The exclusive lithograph is limited to 25 copies.

In addition, Hawkins will also be appearing on three panels at Amazing Arizona Con:

Saturday, 11:00 a.m., Room 2
BREAKING INTO COMICS
Matt Hawkins from Top Cow Productions teams up with respected industry vet and long time editor Brian Augustyn giving tips for budding writers and artists on how not only to get your foot into the door, but staying IN the business.

Saturday, 2:00 p.m., Room 1
IMAGE COMICS
With John Layman, Richard Starkings, and Matt Hawkins - All talk about their personal experience in bringing their independent visions to life under the most diverse publisher in mainstream comics. From CHEW, to ELEPHANTMEN, to THINK TANK and CYBERFORCE. Here's your chance to find out the ins and outs of these projects and working with the Image Comics system.

Sunday, 2:00 p.m., Room 2
KICKSTARTER
Keys to launching a successful campaign Featuring Matt Hawkins of Top Cow/Cyberforce, and others. See what techniques worked for them, see what they would do different. What is difficult in the process, and rewards.

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, 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.

Phoenix Comicon is proud to announce Steve Rude, Dave Beaty, Mike DeBalfo, Shannon Eric Denton, Eric M. Esquivel, Tony Parker, Alfred Trujillo, Andy Bohn, Ben Glendenning, Brian Augustyn, Daniel Bradford, and Denny Riccelli will be joining us for 2013.

“ We certainly are not holding out on Comic Book guests this year. We have a ton of fantastic and talented people on hand for 2013.”  Convention director Matt Solberg

Steve Rude is the co-creator of the groundbreaking Nexus comic series. Throughout his career he has won multiple awards including the Kirby award for best artist and many Eisner's for artistic achievement.

Comic artist, wirter and graphic designer Dave Beaty, who's worked with BOOM Studios, Marvel and DC among others. He has produced numerous award winning illustrations.

Mike Debalfo began his career by illustrating covers for Zenescope entertainment in 2009.  Debalfo continued drawing  overs for the companies most popular series including Grimm Fairy tales, Wounderland,and  Grimms Myths & legends. In 2012, he began working with Aspen Comics on Soulfire volume four.

Shannon Eric Denton is writer producer and artist who has worked with Cartoon Network, Warner Bros., NBC, Disney, Sony, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount, CBS,  DC Comics and many many more. Denton has also worked in the games industry on titles such as God of War  and Neo-Pets.

Comic book writer and journalist Eric M. Esquivel, has contributed to Boom! Studios, Bleeding Cool, Moonstone Books and many more.

Illustrator and storyteller Tony Parker, who works with Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, DC, and most recently Aspen Comics. Other properties he's worked on include the HERO Initiative covers, Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40K, Elephantmen, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Conan, Godzilla, Starship Troopers, and a myriad of pen and paper role playing games.

Comic book artist Alfred Trujillo has worked professionally in the omics industry since 2010. Zenescope, Big Dog Ink, Chameleon and Moonstone were the beginning. In 2012, Alfred gave up life behind a corporate desk and began his own company 183 DEGREE STUDIO writing and drawing his first creator owned book PROJECT: SHADOWS.

Andy Bohn has been a local creator since Phoenix Comicon 2010. In that time he focuses on creating, writing, and illustrating his own comic story, Elvatron Chronicles. Andy has also worked on various books such as Unite and Take Over: Stories Inspired by Songs of The Smiths, Mark of the Pterren and more.

Artist and writer Ben Glendenning has created SuperWorld, R.I.F.T. And more recently Tin Star Tex. Glendenning also created the series Skulljammer.

Daniel Bradford is a comic artist and co-creator of Robot 13, KING!, and disappointing monsters.

Comic book editor, writer, and creator of The Comic Book Insider, Bryan Augustyn, known  as an editor for DC comics. He work on  many of the most popular series including Batman, Flash, Justice League of America, and Wonder Woman. He has also worked as a writer for many other publishers including Marvel, Dark Horse, and Wildstorm.

Denny Riccelli is the creator of popular webcomics including Get That Chicken, Lollygagging, and Cousin Harold

Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Entering its eleventh year, Phoenix Comicon is expected to draw over 40,000 attendees to its May 23-26, 2013 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix.
For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.

Morgana’s Deceptions Ensnare Princess Mithian
on This Friday’s Episode of MERLIN

Janet Montgomery reprises role for “Another’s Sorrow,”

an all-new episode premiering Jan. 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy

Arthur’s one-time fiancée Princess Mithian comes in search of the King’s help on this week’s episode of MERLIN, but only Merlin and Gwen seem to see the earmarks of a trap in “Another’s Sorrow,” which premieres Friday, Jan. 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT Friday on Syfy.

Reprising her Season Four role as Princess Mithian is Janet Montgomery, most recently the star of Made in Jersey. Montgomery’s film credits include the award-winning Black Swan and Our Idiot Brother, and she has had recurring roles on the popular television series Entourage and Human Target.

In “Another’s Sorrow,” Morgana and King Odin make a sinister pact to lure Arthur to his death, using Princess Mithian as the perfect bait. To ensure the task is completed, Morgana conjures a deception so powerful that the whole of Camelot is taken in – even Merlin himself. But as the storm clouds gather, will the young warlock see through the lies, or will Morgana at long last fulfill her dreams of revenge?

MERLIN fans have become accustomed to lead actor Colin Morgan’s transformations to his elder version, Emrys. This Friday night, it’s Katie McGrath’s turn in a prosthetic mask as Morgana disguises herself to move freely about Camelot.

“Everybody says ‘You got to do prosthetics’ like it’s the most amazing thing – but I have to admit that I was massively allergic, and it was very painful,” McGrath recalls. “Colin is so good at it, and they’ve done it for so many years with Colin, that I think they just expected they’d put it on me and it would all be fine.

“Instead, I got very sick and it really was not pleasant. Then, everybody was wonderful about it, making sure I wasn’t in the prosthetic for too long and that I got resting periods.”

McGrath said that, as she never quite understood the degree of difficulty to act behind a false face, she developed even greater respect for her friend Morgan’s acting ability.

“What you don’t realize is that acting in a prosthetic really does sap your energy,” McGrath said. “You’re exhausted by it. You’re constantly aware of something on your face. Colin was really good about telling me how it works and how the subtle movements on your face don’t translate, so you almost have to over-do everything because you’re moving your face and then that’s moving something on top. Small movements don’t work, so it’s a completely different way of acting.”

And what did McGrath think of her appearance?

“I actually resembled my grandmother,” she said with a laugh, “which was really weird.”

MERLIN fans will be able to see the Morgana transformation for themselves when “Another’s Sorrow” debuts Friday, Jan. 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, only on Syfy.

All four previous seasons of MERLIN are now available on DVD, on iTunes and on Netflix. Be sure to follow the latest news on MERLIN at the Official Merlin page on Facebook.

FROM THE RING TO THE SCREEN, MIKE “THE
MIZ” MIZANIN STARS IN ALL-NEW MOVIE,
THE MARINE 3: HOMEFRONT

Action Packed Special Features on Blu-ray and DVD on March 5

LOS ANGELES, CA (Jan. 22, 2013) — Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and WWE Studios unveil a brand new chapter in one of the most action-packed film franchises of all time with THE MARINE 3: HOMEFRONT. The third installment starring WWE Superstar, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and rising star Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism II), throws down on Blu-ray and DVD on March 5.

WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin delivers a knock-out performance in the most explosive, action-packed Marine adventure yet. After returning to his hometown on leave, Sgt. Jake Carter learns that his sister has been abducted by a band of violent extremists. To save her, Carter launches a daring one-man assault on their base of operations...only to discover the group’s ruthless leader is plotting a deadly terrorist strike. With time running out, Carter realizes he’s the only man who can stop the impending massacre -- but this American hero may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save thousands of innocent lives.

Showcasing one tough cast, THE MARINE 3: HOMEFRONT stars Mike “The Miz” Mizanin (WWE Superstar), Neal McDonough (Captain America, Justified), and Ashley Bell. In preparation for the film, “The Miz” trained one-on-one with several production personnel, including stunt coordinator Ernest Jackson, armorer Robert Fournier and military advisor Darrion Holiwell. The movie was directed by Scott Wiper (The Condemned) and filmed in Vancouver, Mission and Maple Ridge, B.C.

Jammed pack with adventure, explosions, and excitement, THE MARINE 3: HOMEFRONT is loaded with bonus material including behind the scenes look at the making of the film, and interviews with the cast. The DVD and Blu-ray allow fans to get an inside peak from filming on a derelict ferry formerly known as the Queen of Sydney, the 3100 ton, 336 foot vessel, built for the B.C. Ferry Corporation.

THE MARINE 3: HOMEFRONT DVD and Blu-ray Special Features
    ●    Shipwrecked: Breaking Down the Boat
    ●    The Miz Rocks the Boat
    ●    The Miz Declassified
    ●    Casting Call: Ready to Enlist
    ●    Miz Journal

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital HD™. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

About WWE Studios

WWE Studios continues to strategically diversify its slate of films, which includes theatrical releases and direct-to-home premieres, under the guidance of President Michael Luisi. Upcoming films for WWE Studios include: "Dead Man Down," which was co-financed with IM Global and will be distributed by FilmDistrict, starring Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace; "The Hive," which was co-produced with Troika Pictures, starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin; “12 Rounds” and “The Marine” sequels, which were co-produced with 20th Century Fox and feature WWE Superstars Randy Orton and The Miz, respectively; "The Curse of the Ghost Bear!," an animated feature from Warner Brothers Animation that will find Scooby Doo and the gang teaming up with WWE Superstars to solve a mystery at WrestleMania; and "No One Lives," which was co-produced with Pathé Films and world premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival during Midnight Madness, and stars Luke Evans and WWE Superstar Brodus Clay.

LEGO® STAR WARS®: The Empire Strikes Out™
Animated Special Arrives on DVD

Packed with Humor, Action and Fun – and an Exclusive Darth Vader
LEGO Minifigure!

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (January 22, 2013) – After a record breaking debut on Cartoon Network, The LEGO Group and Lucasfilm announced today that LEGO® Star Wars™: The Empire Strikes Out will release on DVD this coming March 26, 2013. The 22-minute original standalone special will bring the same tongue-and-cheek humor fans know and love in a brand new epic adventure featuring everyone’s favorite LEGO Star Wars characters. Distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, the DVD will include an exclusive collectible Darth Vader LEGO minifigure and is available now for preorder at www.foxconnect.com/awesome.

Filled with charm, action and irreverent humor this original story features characters, locations and vehicles across the entire LEGO Star Wars universe including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, C-3P0, R2-D2, Darth Maul, and more. When the premiere of LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out aired on Cartoon Network, it became the number-one telecast of the day with kids ages 6-11 and boys ages 2-17. Written by Emmy Award winner Michael Price (The Simpsons), the show features many of the beloved Star Wars voice-actors fans know and love including Anthony Daniels, Sam Witwer, Ahmed Best and more.

SYNOPSIS:

HOLD ON TO YOUR BRICKS….FOR AN ALL-NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURE!

Your favorite characters are back to save the galaxy in LEGO® Star Wars®: The Empire Strikes Out™. The heroes of the Rebel Alliance including heroic Luke Skywalker, swaggering Han Solo and steadfast Princess Leia have no time to celebrate their victory over the Empire as a new Imperial threat arises. But as Jedi-in training Luke embarks on this next mission, he discovers that his celebrity status as a “Death-Star-Blower-Upper” can be a double-edged lightsaber when he’s constantly mobbed by crazed fans. So much for secret missions! Meanwhile, Darth Vader and Darth Maul are locked in a hilarious “Sith-ling” rivalry as they compete for the Emperor’s approval. It’s an action-packed comic adventure that’s out of this world!

# # #

Lucasfilm, Star Wars and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick & Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film, a News Corporation company. Representing over 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions as well as all third party distribution partners on DVD, Blu-ray™, Digital Copy, Digital HD™, and VOD (video-on-demand). Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

About the LEGO Group

The LEGO Group (www.LEGO.com) is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities through its products, which can be purchased in more than 130 countries. Visit www.LEGO.com.

Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth Proves so Popular Debut Issue Sells Out, Gets Second Printing

The first issue of the new Image Comics series Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth, has sold out at the distributor level the same week as its release and will be reprinted. The second printing of Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth #1 (DEC128159) will be in stores on February 20.

The first issue of the new Image Comics series Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth, has sold out at the distributor level the same week as its release and will be reprinted. The second printing of Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth #1 (DEC128159) will be in stores on February 20.
The four-issue miniseries by Ken Kristensen and MK Perker tells the story of a hapless, happy-go-lucky kid loathed by his deadbeat family and bullying classmates who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances. The second issue hits store shelves on February 13, and final orders from comic book retailers are due in on Monday, January 21.
Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth #1 was released on January 16 and received much positive critical attention:
"Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth is a fantastic book like no other. This oddball story features slightly risqué humor with fantastic art. Perker and Kristensen have a lot to live up to with the remaining three issues. If it’s anything like the first issue, we’re in for a great ride."

•      Comic Book Therapy
  

"Kristensen and Perker are two endlessly talented individuals and Todd, The Ugliest Kid On Earth is the culmination of their shared vision. Give it a shot. You might be surprised."

•      Geeks of Doom
  

"Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth is a fantastic mini-series to sink your teeth in. Ken Kristensen definitely shows that his screenwriting chops translate well to the ink and color form, as in one issue we already have a good idea of what drives each and every character."

•      Watch Play Read
  

The Digital Version of TODD is available at ComiXology, and at Image Comics,and is coming soon to iTunes and ComicPlus.

VIZ MEDIA BEGINS 2013 WITH THE ALL-NEW WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL MANGA MAGAZINE

The Bold Digital Transition Of North America’s Most Popular Weekly Manga Anthology Now Releases Manga Chapters The Same Day As Japan

San Francisco, CA, January 21, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, ushers in 2013 with the dawn of a whole new era of manga with today’s first issue of the new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine. The weekly serial anthology features the synchronized latest chapters of various manga debuting on the same day as the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine counterpart, including flagship series NARUTO, BLEACH, ONE PIECE and more.

Formerly known as WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the next phase in the evolution of VIZ Media’s popular digital manga magazine will now simply be known as WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP. The publication features a brand new look and logo, along with a completely redesigned website at ShonenJump.com.

To learn about the new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, please watch the anthem video at http://youtu.be/d-mjfJ4fptk.

“The ‘ALPHA’ phase of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP marked our bold transition to an entirely new digitally-based format and attracted thousands of new readers in the process,” says Andy Nakatani, Editor-in-Chief. “With that transition now complete, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP will be even closer aligned with our Japanese counterpart, and domestic readers finally will be able to enjoy the latest chapters of their favorite manga series on the same day as Japanese fans. This is the beginning of an exciting new era in international digital manga publishing!”

Also launching in today’s issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is the brand new superhero comedy series ONE-PUNCH MAN (rated ‘T’ for Teens) from writer ONE with artwork by Yusuke Murata (also the artist for EYESHIELD 21, published by VIZ Media). In this new action-comedy, everything about a young man named Saitama screams "AVERAGE,” from his lifeless expression, to his bald head, to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking fellow doesn't have your average problem... He's actually a superhero that's looking for tough opponents! The problem is, every time he finds a promising candidate he beats the snot out of them in one punch. Can Saitama finally find an evil villain strong enough to challenge him? Follow Saitama through his hilarious romps as he searches for new bad guys to challenge!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is available exclusively on the VIZ Manga digital platform, and features the latest installments of BLEACH, CROSS MANAGE, NARUTO, NISEKOI, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO on the same day as their general release in Japan. Monthly series such as BLUE EXORCIST, RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL will debut on the closest Monday after the Japanese release.

Every digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga titles. Annual membership is available through the VIZ Manga digital platform for just $25.99 (USD/CAD), and provides readers with permanent access to 48 weekly issues each year. Members can also look forward to exclusive YU-GI-OH! promotional trading cards throughout the year (the first card will be Number 88: Gimmick Puppet of Leo), and access to additional magazine content, including creator interviews and insightful promotional videos.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit www.ShonenJump.com.

To learn more about ONE-PUNCH MAN, and to read a free preview, please visit ShonenJump.com/node/1394.

To learn more about VIZ Manga and to download the VIZ Manga App, please visit VIZManga.com and www.viz.com/apps.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

BOOM! STUDIOS LAUNCHES

POLARITY

FROM SAY ANYTHING’S MAX BEMIS

THIS APRIL

January 21, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – This April, BOOM! Studios is pleased to launch POLARITY, an all-new four issue limited series, from SAY ANYTHING frontman Max Bemis. The highly anticipated series will be written by creator Bemis and illustrated by up-and-coming artist Jorge Coelho.

Timothy Woods is a bipolar artist stuck in the world of hipsters, meaningless sex, and vain art -- better known as Brooklyn. But after he survives a near fatal car accident, Timothy discovers that his mental instability is more than just a disorder, and that his bipolar medication hasn't just been subduing depression and uncontrollable mania...it's been suppressing his super powers! Now it's time for Timothy to stand up to his disease alongside an onslaught of wretched human villainy as he finally finds his place in the world.

“In perhaps what is the most exciting development to me in my artistic life since I formed Say Anything, I'm thrilled to announce that my first comic series, POLARITY, will be debuting in April through the wonderful folks at BOOM! Studios. I am an obsessive comics fan to say the least so this is the actualization of a long time dream, and I foresee myself continuing to write A LOT in the future, so this will, hopefully, be where it all begins,” says Bemis.

“I think fans of my music in particular will be excited that the roots of POLARITY lie in the story that I created for the musical that never was, but became the blueprint for our first record …IS A REAL BOY. In many ways, this is that same story, told through a different medium,” added Bemis.

SAY ANYTHING music fans will also want to note that every issue will come with a free download for a new original song written and performed by Bemis! Each song will not be available anywhere else and will be written specifically to accompany the comic project.

"Max Bemis is one of the most exciting new voices I've worked with in comics," said Matt Gagnon, Editor-in-Chief of BOOM! Studios. "He's an astounding creative force who has inspired many with his music and has expertly, remarkably transitioned his artistic vision to comics. I can emphatically tell you that Max is a legit comic book fan and a student of the medium. Get ready for one of the breakout talents of 2013."  

POLARITY #1 ships in April with a cover by Frazer Irving (UNCANNY X-MEN, HIGHER EARTH), along with retailer incentive covers by W. Scott Forbes (FORGETLESS, 27) and Irving. The first issue is a 32 page, full color issue that retails for $3.99 and is available for order under Diamond Code FEB130853.

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphreys’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.

For Immediate Release:

(not final cover)

The living will forever be obsessed with death and those who have started on that grand adventure before them. This Fall, Fantagraphics presents two books to capture the imagination and haunt each and every night by the young and talented Julia Gfrörer and Ben Catmull.

Black Is the Color
by Julia Gfrörer

September 2013

$9.99 Paperback • 72 pages
Black-and-white • 6" x 9"
ISBN: 978-1-60699-717-8

The push and pull, ebb and flow of the water calls out to all men. In this harrowing new graphic novella, Black Is the Color, Julia Gfrörer delicately hatches away this sailor-at-sea story until the reader drowns in imminent destruction. Gfrörer states, "Black Is the Color is my most ambitious single story comic to date, and I'm thrilled that Fantagraphics will be publishing it in a format that matches my vision for the work." Originally serialized at the Study Group web collective, Gfrörer's work is as seductive as the mermaids she draws beneath the waves.

(final cover may vary)

Ghosts and Ruins
by Ben Catmull

September 2013

$19.99 Hardcover • 88 pages
Black-and-white • 10.25" x 8.50"
ISBN: 978-1-60699-678-2

Continuing his expanding Fantagraphics catalog, Ben Catmull's chilling compendium of long-forgotten and still-occupied haunted houses joins his 2006 critically-acclaimed Monster Parade. "For Ghosts and Ruins I wanted to take my obsessions with ghost stories, abandoned architecture, and forgotten history and illustrated them with images full of shadows, atmosphere, and texture. I'm looking forward to see how people react to a book that approaches the horror genre not with adrenaline fueled sadism or tongue in cheek goofiness but with haunting meloncholy and a little deadpan humor," Catmull summarizes. This coffee-table sized collection is the perfect gift for the future ghost in your life, and fans of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton are sure to enjoy these sweeping landscapes that echo of loss, dilapidation and dread.

Coming September of 2013, make room on your bookshelf for Julia Gfrörer's Black is the Color and Ben Catmull's Ghosts and Ruins.

---

More ways to stay in touch with Fantagraphics:

• FLOG! The Fantagraphics Blog (RSS)
• Twitter - @fantagraphics
• Fantagraphics Books on Facebook
• Fantagraphics Books on Google+

Baltimore Comic-Con Welcomes Back DeMatteis, Giffen, and Maguire!

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - January 21, 2013 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce the return of J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen,and Kevin Maguire to this year's show, taking place the weekend of September 8-9, 2013 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

 

Writer J.M. DeMatteis began his career in the late-'70s working on DC Comics' horror line of books. In 1980, he moved over to Marvel, where he worked on The Defenders and Captain America. Over the next 30 years, DeMatteis would write nearly every major character in both the DC and Marvel Universes, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Silver Surfer, Daredevil, and Doctor Strange. DeMatteis is currently co-writing the Phantom Stranger along with Dan Didio for DC Comics.

Keith Giffen is a writer/artist who has worked on such titles as OMAC, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and his creator-owned series, Hero Squared. Giffen is currently working on Threshold and the recently announced Masters of the Universe ongoing series for DC Comics.

Artist Kevin Maguire, who has worked with both Giffen and DeMatteis on several books, began his a career in 1987. He has worked on such high-profile titles as Batman Confidential, Captain America, and X-Men, and he is currently working with Paul Levitz and George Perez on DC Comics' World's Finest, which stars the Huntress and Power Girl.

DeMatteis, Giffen, and Maguire are well-known for their run on DC Comics' Justice League in the late '80s, which added a humorous brand of storytelling to the superhero team dynamic and brought a lighthearted tone with fantastic humor - something different in a comic landscape that was filled with "grim and gritty" books.

"We couldn't be happier to have these three creators reuniting once again at this year's show," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Their appearance together at the show in 2011 was a real treat to fans who attended the show and who attended their panel. Their work in comics in the late-'80s helped to lay the groundwork for many of today's modern characters."

Giffen, DeMatteis, and Maguire join already announced guests: Mark Buckingham (Fables); Frank Cho (Savage Wolverine); Dave Gibbons (The Secret Service); Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan); Barry Kitson (Empire); Paul Levitz (World's Finest); Mike Mignola (Hellboy In Hell); George Perez (World's Finest); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Chris Samnee (Daredevil); Louise Simonson (X-Factor); Walt Simonson (The Mighty Thor); Allison Sohn (sketch card artist); and Mark Waid (Indestructible Hulk).

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

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution

promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications

registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations

harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet

general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 9 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

ShiftyLook Premiers GALAGA From Ryan North, Christopher Hastings, & Anthony Clark!

During one of its recent livestreams, ShiftyLook announced a webcomic adaptation of Galaga, written by a giant cardboard cutout of Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics), illustrated by Christopher Hastings (The Adventures of Dr. McNinja) and colored by Anthony Clark (Beartato). Good news everyone! ShiftyLook has since secured the real, live Ryan North and the new Galaga webcomic has just launched today on ShiftyLook.com!

 

Based on the retro arcade classic from NAMCO BANDAI Games, Galaga delves into the lives of Penelope and Betty as they do what gamers do best: protect the earth from alien invaders! Galaga is the latest in ShiftyLook’s ever-growing line of retro games-turned-webcomics. Ryan, Chris and Anthony join the ranks of the ever-growing line of creative superstars working with ShiftyLook, including Alex Culang and Raynato Castro (Buttersafe), Scott Kurtz (PvP) and many more.

 

Galaga updates twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, exclusively on ShiftyLook.com! Head over to www.shiftylook.com/comics/galaga for the first few strips, and explore all the other great webcomics absolutely free and exclusively at ShiftyLook.com!

NOTED CRIME AUTHOR'S PRIVATE EYE JUMPS FROM COMICS TO PROSE!

Pro Se Productions, a Publisher specializing in Heroic Fiction, New Pulp and multiple genres, announces today the licensing of a modern hard boiled PI Character originally appearing in a DC Vertigo mini series and created by one of the leading writers of modern Crime Pulp Fiction.

Angeltown The Nate Hollis Investigations Moonstone 2011

“Pulp is associated with many genres,” Tommy Hancock, Partner in and Editor in Chief of Pro Se stated. “None, though, probably as much as the Crime/Mystery field, particularly the PI tale.   That’s why Pro Se is proud to announce that Nate Hollis, a character created by Gary Phillips for the 2005 Vertigo miniseries ANGELTOWN is now a part of Pro Se’s future prose lineup.”

A noted crime and mystery writer, Gary Phillips is the creative mind behind the Ivan Monk series as well as books featuring Las Vegas’ showgirl-turned- courier, Martha Chaney.  Phillips has also contributed to multiple collections, including one of Moonstone’s AVENGER CHRONICLES, and is one of the two driving forces, along with Hancock, behind Pro Se’s upcoming major release BLACK PULP.

“ANGELTOWN,” said Hancock, “introduced the world to Nate Hollis, as hard boiled and two fisted as any detective that came before him.  Not only does Nate have all the classic attributes of a Pulp PI, but he’s set squarely in the modern era and is also enhanced by all that comes with that.   Pro Se is excited about the future of Nate Hollis, including new anthologies and even novels written by the best authors in New Pulp, including Gary himself.”

Nate Hollis Creator Gary Phillips

Hollis’ creator, Gary Phillips added, “I’m jazzed that Tommy and the fine folks at Pro Se Press have taken on producing the further outings of Nate Hollis and the other characters in his orbit.  Tough customers such as shotgun-wielding female bounty hunter Irma Ducett aka Irma Deuce, and Nate’s ex-pro football playing granddad, Obadiah "Clutch" Hollis, current owner of a neighborhood dive frequented by the squares and the strange.  Certainly I’m looking forward to seeing how other writers will devise cases for Nate and, of course, I’ll be penning some new stories too.  It’s going to be a blast.”

Hancock stated that announcements would be forthcoming concerning publication of the first Nate Hollis book from Pro Se, fully expecting a book to be published in the first half of 2013.

Nate Hollis originally debuted in Angeltown, a five-part miniseries from DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint, January-May 2005.  The strip was then collected and reprinted in hardcover graphic novel form as Angeltown: The Nate Hollis Investigations, with two new prose short stories added, by Moonstone Books in 2011.