SHOGAKUKAN-SHUEISHA PRODUCTIONS GRANTS MERCHANDISE RIGHTS FOR BELOVED DORAEMON FRANCHISE TO VIZ MEDIA FOR AMERICAS REGION

Beloved Cat-Type Robot From The Future Will Debut In English This Summer On Disney XD Channel

Tokyo, Japan, May 28, 2014 – Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (ShoPro) has announced an agreement with their subsidiary, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, for DORAEMON merchandise rights for the Americas. VIZ Media will become the North & Latin American master merchandise licensee for the celebrated anime property, overseeing the licensing and development of a range of new products in all categories.

Both ShoPro and VIZ Media will be highlighting DORAEMON at the upcoming Licensing Expo, taking place June 17^th-19^th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States. Please visit them on the show floor at the DORAEMON booth, #P200.

Currently, DORAEMON may be found in North America through digital manga via Amazon Kindle, as well as game apps for mobile devices. A MEET! DORAEMON exhibit was also held earlier this year at the Bernice Pauhi Bishop Museum in Honolulu, HI.

The DORAEMON anime series is set to premiere in English this summer on the Disney XD channel. Dubbed English episodes will be seen for the first time in North America.

DORAEMON will be among the titles showcased at the 2014 Licensing Expo and available to potential product partners. For over 30 years, Licensing Expo has connected the worlds' most influential entertainment, character, fashion, art and corporate brand owners with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers. The annual event is the premiere meeting place for the global licensing industry.  

DORAEMON is one of the most beloved character properties worldwide and started as a manga (graphic novel) series created by Fujiko F. Fujio in 1970. It later became a popular anime series in Japan and product franchise that continues to be smash hit worldwide, especially in Asia. The comedy series depicts the adventures of Doraemon, a blue cat-type robot from the 22^nd century traveling back in time to help a boy named Noby using various secret gadgets that comes from his Four-Dimensional Pocket. Episodes often offer simple lessons to young viewers about honesty, cooperation, courage, and respect.

DORAEMON marks its 45^th Anniversary in 2015 and continues to be a major worldwide franchise with over $500 million in annual global retail sales and over 600 active licensees. Over 140 million copies of the manga have been published, and DORAEMON also holds the largest box office attendance record in Japan of any movie franchise, toppling Godzilla, with 34 feature films released to-date and over 100 million tickets sold last year alone. The property’s first 3D feature film, Stand By Me Doraemon, is set for release in Japan in August. The Doraemon character is also Tokyo’s bid to act as its Special Ambassador for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Additional information on DORAEMON and other titles and properties available can be found here: http://www.viz.com/.

About Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.

ShoPro is a subsidiary of Japan's largest publishing houses: Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc. and Hakusensha Inc. Together, they distribute the majority share of the most popular magazines and comic books in Japan. ShoPro was founded in 1967 for the purpose of licensing and merchandising the properties owned by Shogakukan Inc. ShoPro has since experienced steady growth and expanded into two main sectors: the Media sector and the Educational Development sector. They represent some of the world's most popular entertainment brands for the Japanese market. By maximizing the advantages of close relations to all Shogakukan group companies, ShoPro provides Shogakukan and Shueisha properties, as well as client companies overseas, with powerful licensing and merchandising programs supported by a comprehensive blend of selected media.

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.

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TNT Reveals the Key Art for Suspenseful New Drama Series Legends,

Starring Sean Bean as an Undercover Agent with One Hell of an Identity Crisis

Series from Producers of Homeland is Based on Novel by Master Spy Novelist Robert Littell

TNT revealed the key art today for the first season of Legends, premiering Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).  The suspenseful new drama follows an undercover agent who is plunged into a terrifying mystery over his own identity, starring Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings). Based on the award-winning book by master spy novelist Robert Littell, Legends is being produced by Fox 21, with Howard Gordon (Homeland, 24), Alexander Cary (Homeland, Lie to Me) and Jonathan Levin (Charmed), Brad Turner (24) and showrunner David Wilcox (Fringe) serving as executive producers.

In Legends, Bean plays Martin Odum, an undercover agent working for the FBI's Deep Cover Operations (DCO) division. Martin has the uncanny ability to transform himself into a completely different person for each job. But he begins to question his own identity when a mysterious stranger suggests that Martin isn’t the man he believes himself to be.

Legends also stars Ali Larter (Heroes) as Crystal McGuire, a fellow operative who has a history with Martin; Morris Chestnut (American Horror Story, Nurse Jackie) as Tony Rice, a smart, quick-witted and charming DCO agent; Tina Majorino (Grey's Anatomy, True Blood) as Maggie Harris, the newest member of the DCO team; Steve Harris (The Practice, Awake) as Nelson Gates, the director of the DCO Task Force; and Amber Valletta (Revenge) as Sonya Odum, Martin's ex-wife; and Mason Cook (The Lone Ranger) as Martin's pre-teen son, Aiden.

Connect with TNT's Legends

Website: http://LegendsTNT.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LegendsTNT

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LegendsTNT

About Fox 21

Fox 21 is a production company housed within Twentieth Century Fox Television devoted to making creatively ambitious scripted series for the cable television market, as well as unscripted shows for both cable and broadcast networks. Fox 21 currently produces the Emmy and Golden Globe winning Homeland starring Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, the critically acclaimed smash hit Sons of Anarchy (with FX Productions), the breakout animated comedy Brickleberry from Daniel Tosh and The Witches of East End starring Julia Ormond and Jenna Dewan-Tatum. The studio also produces Howard Gordon’s upcoming Tyrant, Open from Ryan Murphy, Salem from Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, Legends from Howard Gordon and Jonathan Levin, and is developing the drama series The Bastard Executioner (with FX productions) from Kurt Sutter and Imagine TV’s Brian Grazer.

About TNT

TNT is television's destination for drama. Seen in 101 million households and ranking among cable's top networks, TNT is home to such original drama series as Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes,Falling Skies, Perception, Dallas and Franklin & Bash. TNT's upcoming slate of scripted dramas includes the original series The Last Ship, Murder in the First, Legends, The Librarians, Public Morals, Proof and Transporter The Series, which will make its U.S. television debut on the network this fall. TNT also features such dramatic unscripted series as Cold Justice, APB with Troy Dunn and the upcoming On the Menu and Wake Up Call. In addition, TNT is the cable home to popular dramas like Hawaii Five-0, Castle, The Mentalist, Bones and Supernatural; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

TNT is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. Turner Broadcasting creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Connect with TNT

Website: www.tntdrama.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TNTWeKnowDrama

Twitter: twitter.com/TNTweknowdrama | twitter.com/TNTPR

Mobile: www.tntdrama.com/mobile

Watch TNT app available for iOS and Android devices.

BOOM! STUDIOS LAUNCHES NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH 'BOOM! TUBE'

May 28, 2014 - Los Angeles, CA - Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios is excited to announce the launch of BOOM! Tube, an all-new weekly series from the BOOM! Studios' YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the latest news on comics, creators, and announcements from the publisher. The series will provide weekly news on the latest titles coming out from BOOM! Studios and its imprints, including Archaia, KaBOOM!, and BOOM! Box.

 

“This is what we mean when we say, ‘Come innovate with us.’ We’re always looking for new ways to engage with our fans and since YouTube is one of the largest social networks on the planet, this was the obvious next step,” said BOOM! Studios Vice President of Publishing & Marketing Filip Sablik. “BOOM! Tube is a way for us to share our passion for our latest releases, along with what goes on behind-the-scenes, special creator interviews, and a few fun surprises along the way.”

 

BOOM! Tube will be hosted by Stephanie Hocutt and will feature a rotating cast of guest co-hosts who will come in to offer their unique perspective on the coming week’s BOOM! Studios releases.

 

BOOM! Tube kicks off today, May 28th, with a look at this week’s new comic releases, including the debut of CLIVE BARKER’S NIGHTBREED #1. Don’t want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the BOOM! Studios YouTube channel.

 

ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey’s SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos’ FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis’ POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 GUNS was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel’s HEROBEAR AND THE KID, and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.

'YOU TOOK TOO LONG, NOW FIRST PRINTINGS ARE GONE!'
'BEE AND PUPPYCAT' #1 GOES TO
SECOND PRINTING

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1 2nd Printing Cover by Leslie Hung
 

May 28,  2014 - Los Angeles, CA - Natasha Allegri’s charming magical girl series has captured hearts, and KaBOOM!, an award-winning imprint of publisher BOOM! Studios, is pleased to announce that BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1 has sold out at the distributor level and is set for a second printing.

Comic book fans should bear in mind that first printings of BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one!

Written by Natasha Allegri (ADVENTURE TIME WITH FIONNA AND CAKE) and Garrett Jackson, and illustrated by Allegri, BEE AND PUPPYCAT is based on the Cartoon Hangover short (which can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOG_UtLxh58) that went on to become the most funded web series project in Kickstarter history. Allegri had built up a big fan-following on Tumblr while working on the Adventure Time cartoon, then created gender-swapped characters, Fionna and Cake, that became so popular, they were put into the show. Her newest creation, BEE AND PUPPYCAT, is a slice-of-life story with a twist, and it has so much comedy and enchantment you can’t help but be swept up.

“It’s really gratifying to see the comic book community respond to BEE AND PUPPYCAT like this,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “We couldn’t wait to work with Natasha again and help her bring this magical world to life in comics. We’re fans of Bee and PuppyCat ourselves, so it’s a crazy amount of fun telling new stories that are additive to the web series.”

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1 is a quirky new take on the magical girl genre with Bee, the forever unemployed main character who can’t seem to figure out life, and the mysterious PuppyCat, a stray…whatever it is…that she stumbled across who has a powerful secret. Fighting bad guys has never been so funny!

Praise for BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1:

“The book is absolutely bonkers, an original and fantastical adventure that would be maddening if it wasn't also so darn cute.” - IGN

“...‘Bee and PuppyCat’ #1 is a debut with great imagination and style. The tone is unusually complex, surreal and tender with hints of joy and grief.” - Comic Book Resources

“It’s too adorable to pass up and offers the right amount of pure-hearted humour to keep you coming back for more.” - Comics: The Gathering

“Read it and share it with your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or neighbors kids. I cannot say enough positive things about this unique and adorable tale about friendship and adventure.” - Comic Addiction

“The art is adorable, the characters are funny and charming, and both stories’ set up appear to be pretty darn good. All in all, Bee and PuppyCat #1 is a sweet, engaging first issue and one highly recommended for readers of all ages.” - Kabooooom

“‘Bee & PuppyCat #1’ is great for both new and old fans alike, and this tale of magical girls and talking cats (dogs?) is off to an amazing, charming start, and is my new favorite thing!” - Capeless Crusader

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1 second print ships with a new cover by Leslie Hung (ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA AND CAKE) under Diamond Order Code APR148228 and carries a retail price of $3.99. It is anticipated to be on sale June 18, one week after issue #2 hits on June 11th.

ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey’s SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos’ FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis’ POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 GUNS was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel’s HEROBEAR AND THE KID, and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.

WWE® Superstar Batista™ and WWE® Hall of Famer Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat™ To Attend Wizard World Richmond Comic Con, Saturday, September 13

“The Animal” And “The Dragon” To Attend Inaugural Wizard World Event At Greater Richmond Convention Center

RICHMOND, Va., May 28, 2014 – WWE Superstar Batista and WWE Hall of Famer 'The Dragon' Ricky Steamboat, will attend the inaugural Wizard World Richmond Comic Con on Saturday, September 13, as announced today by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD). Steamboat will sign autographs and pose for photo ops from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., while Batista will sign autographs and pose for photo ops from 2 p.m.- 5:15 p.m. followed by a Guardians of the Galaxy questions and answer session at 5:15 p.m.

Wizard World Richmond Comic Con is the third announced appearance by Batista on the Wizard World Tour. Batista (credited as Dave Bautista) is featured as “Drax” in the upcoming Marvel blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy, which debuts in theaters just weeks before his Wizard World Richmond Comic Con appearance.

“I am originally from the DC area, and it’s great to be coming home,” says Batista. “I'm thrilled that I get to meet fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and talk to them about ‘Drax’ in person, and it's always great meeting the WWE Universe from my neck of the woods.”

Wizard World Richmond Comic Con will mark the return of WWE Hall of Famer 'The Dragon' Ricky Steamboat to the Wizard World Tour after successful appearances at Wizard World Comic Cons in Philadelphia and Chicago in 2013.

Steamboat spent much of his ring career in WWE where he was best known as The Dragon. Admired by WWE fans for his physical rivalries with the likes of Don Muraco and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Steamboat’s greatest contribution to WWE history remains his WrestleMania III bout against Randy Savage. In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 93,000, The Dragon beat Macho Man to win the Intercontinental Title in a bout that was so technically sound and exciting it has been shortlisted on “Best of” lists ever since.

“I’ve performed many times here in Virginia during my WWE Hall of Fame career, and I am excited to be back,” says Steamboat. “It’s always great to meet and give back to the fans that had an opportunity to see me perform. I am looking forward to Wizard World Richmond Comic Con.”

Batista and Steamboat join such noted pop culture figures as Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Jon Bernthal and Michael Rooker of “The Walking Dead,” James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Torchwood”), Manu Bennett (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, “Arrow”), Adam West and Burt Ward (“Batman”), Alan Tudyk (“Firefly,” Wreck-It Ralph), Eliza Dushku (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” True Lies), Michael Madsen (“Tilt,” Reservoir Dogs) and others currently scheduled to attend Wizard World Richmond Comic Con, set for August 1-3 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Additional celebrities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Wizard World Richmond Comic Con is the 11th of 16 events scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known comics artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions. Show hours are Friday, Sept. 12, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-richmond.html.

About Wizard World:

Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con

Ben Templesmith Returns To IDW With New Series The Squidder is Coming! San Diego, CA (May 28, 2014) – This July, IDW Publishing and 44FLOOD come together again to release an all-new four-issue series, The Squidder, from famed comic artist Ben Templesmith. Templesmith returns to IDW as a triple threat with a series in which he writes and provides story, art, and lettering, as well as the primary covers. The Squidder mixes action, horror, science fiction, and fantasy elements with a touch of “Squidly” destruction. Templesmith first gained renown as the artist responsible for the singular style of 30 Days of Night, which he co-created with noted horror-master, Steve Niles, and that went on to well documented success as a major motion picture. Templesmith has previously written and drawn the series Singularity 7 and multiple Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse miniseries. “Ben was there at the start of IDW’s first comic publishing, so it’s great that his return with The Squidder coincides with our 15th anniversary,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “Although, don’t get me wrong, a new series from Ben is welcome at any time. And thanks to our partnership with Ben’s new venture, 44FLOOD, this just may become a very nice regular occurrence.” The Squidder, which was the focus of a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign for a limited graphic-novel edition of the story, centers on an old soldier, one of the last of the legendary Squidder Legions, from a forgotten war. The post-apocalyptic world seems to have left him behind, but it remains to be seen if a discarded relic with a death wish and a rebellious Squid priestess can overthrow humanity’s tentacled alien overlords. “The Squidder is equal parts Mad Max, Cthulhu creatures, and everything I love about early 90s Dolph Lungren action films,” said Ben Templesmith. “All of us at 44FLOOD are excited to be working with IDW to bring our projects into comic book shops and book stores. IDW has some of the best and most dedicated people in all of comics.” Templesmith has returned to his roots to do the tentacle/Cthulhu-orientated book he's always promised, and IDW is proud to release another stunning and original project with an artist so important to the foundations of the company. Follow us on Facebook at IDW Publishing and 44FLOOD for more news and details on this project and more.

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist's Edition imprint. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

The New 52: Futures End Co-Writers Jurgens and Giffen Come to Baltimore!

  

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - May 28, 2014 - Come to Baltimore's Inner Harbor for the premiere inaugural three-day Baltimore Comic-Con, September 5-7, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center!

  

Joining our line-up of comics super-stars are two titans of the industry: Dan Jurgens and Keith Giffen! Both have written and drawn significant storylines at major publishers over the course of their respective careers.

  

Jurgens, who has written or drawn virtually every major title at Marvel and DC, started his career at DC Comics on The Warlord, and worked his way through titles including Booster Gold, Green Arrow, and Justice League of America. He is also the writing talent behind the award-winning "Death of Superman" storyline, which was part of his 10-year run on the Superman title.

He moved over to Marvel Comics to launch The Sensational Spider-Man, followed by Captain America and a 7-year run on Thor. He has since returned to DC Comics where he returned to Booster Gold and has contributed art and writing on numerous New 52 titles.

 

Giffen has gained acclaim for his art and writing contributions to many titles, series, and events over the course of his career. Noted for his contributions to multiple runs of DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes, he is also part of the creative team behind the humorous Justice League International, Justice League Europe, Formerly Known as the Justice League, and JLA Classified. He is also responsible for creating DC's Lobo and Ambush Bug characters. At Marvel Comics, Giffen's work includes a relaunch of The Defenders, Annihilation and the event's supporting titles, and Nick Fury's Howling Commandos.

 

He has also contributed to titles such as Dark Horse's Division 13 and Agents of Law, Valiant's Solar, Man of the Atom, X-O Manowar, and Magnus, Robot Fighter, Tokyopop's I Luv Halloween, BOOM! Studios' Heroes Squared, Image's Common Foe and Tabula Rasa, and many others titles and publishers, big and small.

 

Together, Giffen and Jurgens are teaming up to co-write DC Comics' The New 52: Future's End, a year-long series set 5 years into the future of DC's continuity.

  

"Future's End promises to be a really fantastic story," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con, "and we are so happy to have Keith and Dan to the show, as we know our fans are as well!"

This year's previously confirmed guests for the show include: Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Dave Bullock (Batman Black and White); Greg Capullo (Batman); John Cassaday (Doc Savage); Bernard Chang (Green Lantern Corps); Sean Chen (Amazing Spider-Man); Jimmy Cheung (Infinity); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (X-Men:  Battle of the Atom); Richard Clark (House of Gold & Bones); Steve Conley (Bloop); Alan Davis (Wolverine); Rachel Deering (In the Dark); Todd Dezago (Tellos); Tommy Lee Edwards (Star Wars); Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys); Ray Fawkes (Constantine); David Finch (Forever Evil); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (All-Star Western); Dave Gibbons (Watchmen); Bryan JL Glass (Mice Templar); Michael Golden (The Ravagers); Cully Hamner (Animal Man); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Fred Hembeck (Garfield); Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan); Justin Jordan (Luther Strode, Green Lantern: New Guardians); Barry Kitson (Empire); Aaron Kuder (Action Comics); David Mack (Shadowman); Kevin Maguire (Guardians of the Galaxy); Alex Maleev (Moon Knight); Billy Martin (Vitriol, The Hunter); Ron Marz (Witchblade); Bob McLeod (X-Men: Gold); Tradd Moore (Deadpool Annual); Mark Morales (New Avengers); Dan Parent (Archie, Veronica, Kevin Keller); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Joe Prado (Justice League); Brian Pulido (Lady Death); Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk); Ivan Reis (Aquaman and The Others); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Craig Rousseau (Perhapanauts); Joe Rubinstein (The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe); Andy Runton (Owly); Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man); Louise Simonson (Power Pack); Walter Simonson (Thor); Andy Smith (Superman #23.1: Bizarro); Allison Sohn (sketch card artist); Charles Soule (Thunderbolts); Jim Starlin (Thanos: The Infinity Revelation); Ben Templesmith (The Memory Collectors); Peter Tomasi (Batman and Two-Face); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Herb Trimpe (GI Joe:  A Real American Hero); Billy Tucci (Shi); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); Mike Vosburg (Lori Lovecraft); Mark Waid (Daredevil); Lee Weeks (Daredevil); Bill Willingham (Fables); Renee Witterstaetter (Joe Jusko: Maelstrom); Thom Zahler (My Little Pony); and Mike Zeck (Secret Wars). 

Unfortunately, the previously-announced JG Jones will be unable to attend the 2014 Baltimore Comic-Con, but we look forward to featuring him as a guest again in the future!

  

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.

 

RETURN TO THE WORLD OF
REIMAGINED CLASSIC TALES WITH
CAMILLA D'ERRICO'S 'TANPOPO' VOL. 2

TANPOPO VOL. 2 Cover by Camilla d'Errico
 

May 27,  2014 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios invites you to explore the world of classic literature in an all-new way with Camilla d'Errico's hauntingly beautiful TANPOPO VOL. 2. d’Errico continues the story of innocent young Tanpopo as she learns the depths of human emotion, led by mysterious guides who might wish her more harm than good in this manga-style, hardcover volume that comes with a beautiful slipcase.

“Camilla’s work is so visually stunning—as an artist, she has a style and point-of-view that’s uniquely hers,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “TANPOPO is a book that effortlessly sparks your imagination and tugs at your heartstrings.”

Camilla d'Errico's mythic and mystical take on literature is told through the unfolding narrative of Tanpopo—a mysterious girl guided by Kuro, the devil in disguise. Following the TANPOPO VOL. 1 hardcover, this second hardcover edition continues Tanpopo’s journey into human emotion through the works of Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and a foray into 1001 Arabian Nights. In TANPOPO VOL. 2,  a fresh wound of the heart is torn open by the unmasking of Kuro's deadly deception with Ni. His lessons in human emotion push Tanpopo to the limits of her resolve.  Is this part of his plan as her otherworldly guide or has he underestimated Tanpopo’s dogged independence?   

TANPOPO VOL. 2 arrives in comic shops on May 28th with a cover price of $24.99 under Diamond order code FEB141054, and wherever books are sold on June 3rd under ISBN number 978-1-60886-337-2. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one! It’s also available for order directly from boom-studios.com.

ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey’s SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos’ FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis’ POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 GUNS was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel’s HEROBEAR AND THE KID, and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.

THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL IS A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLER

Ben Hatke’s The Return of Zita the Spacegirl has hit the New York Times Best-Seller List at #1. 

The Zita the Spacegirl series is the story of a girl who accidentally ends up in outer space.  Lost and alone, she manages to both make friends and save the world . . . and set herself up for even more adventures when all she really wants is to go back home.  The Zita the Spacegirl books are generally acclaimed for creating an active, dynamic girl hero who succeeds through making friends, rather than by physical force alone. 

Beloved of kids (and adults!) all around the US, Zita the Spacegirl has inspired make-your-own cosplay and fanart from the likes of Jenni and Matt Holm, Jarrett Krosoczka, Gene Luen Yang – and even origami Zitas from Tom Angleberger’s fans.

The Return of Zita the Spacegirl is the final book in Ben Hatke’s Zita the Spacegirl trilogy.  But don’t worry – Ben will be back with more books!  In September, First Second will be publishing his first picture book comic, Julia’s House for Lost Creatures. 

MACHI KORO EXPANSION TO SUPPORT FIVE-PLAYER GAMEPLAY THIS FALL’S HARBOR EXPANSION WILL ADD NEW MECHANICS AND A FIFTH PLAYER OPTION   San Diego, CA (May XX, 2014) – Today, IDW Games announced a small-box expansion for the hotly anticipated Machi Koro card game. Machi Koro: The Harbor Expansion will include 10 new establishments, one new starting establishment, two new landmarks (82 cards total), and the ability to play Machi Koro with up to five players. Machi Koro will hit shelves this July, and the expansion will follow before Christmas. “There are so many exciting elements to this expansion," said Pandasaurus Director of Marketing, Molly Wardlaw. "Get ready for more zany properties, more players, and even more fun!"            This is the second major announcement from IDW Games this month regarding Machi Koro. At the beginning of May, it was announced that five copies of an exclusive pre-order card would be included in each game headed to the Hobby Market. With today’s expansion announcement, it becomes clear that the exclusive pre-order card will be compatible with the new Machi Koro: Harbor Expansion. The expansion will offer players new game mechanics and a variant play option that changes which resources are available for purchase at the start of each game. “Machi Koro has been a focal point for IDW Games,” said IDW Director of Business Development, Jerry Bennington. “There’s been nothing but positive response regarding us bringing the game to the U.S. and we hope this expansion announcement shows our commitment to supporting Machi Koro with everything we can do.” This first expansion not only adds the ability to bring a fifth player to the table for your Machi Koro sessions, there’s also big changes to the strategy as players will be working to complete six landmarks instead of the four required to win the base game.  Further changing the landscape of Machi Koro, the expansion changes how each game begins, as only 10 types of establishments will hit the table for any one game. This move should add variety to an already incredibly re-playable game. The pre-order exclusive card offer ends on May 28th, so fans are encouraged to head to their friendly local game shop and put their order in today! Follow IDW Games on Facebook (www.facebook.com/idwgames) and Twitter @IDWGames for breaking news, random fun and the opportunity to play more games!

About IDW Games IDW Games is a burgeoning division of IDW Publishing created with the intention of bringing high-quality strategic board games to market featuring several of IDW's creator-owned and licensed products. IDW Games offers both big and small box games providing entertainment for fans of all ages.