IT GIRL ON HER OWN

New MADMAN spin-off from Image in August

Mike Allred's MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS wrapped up in 2009 with issue #17, with Madman and Adam Balm on a universe-wide tour with their band, leaving the rest of the Atomics back on Earth. This is when writer Jamie S. Rich (Spell Checkers, You Have Killed Me) started dreaming up a plan for It Girl, Luna Romy, who can take on the properties of anything she touches.

That dream becomes reality in August, when the first issue of IT GIRL AND THE ATOMICS will be published by Image Comics. Written by Rich, drawn by Mike Norton (REVIVAL, Battlepug), with covers by MADMAN's creator Mike Allred and colors by Laura Allred, IT GIRL AND THE ATOMICS follows It Girl as she tries her hand as a solo crimefighter and adventurer.

But while It Girl is taking her new job seriously, learning the ropes — and pitfalls — of fighting crime on the street, her creative team gets to have all the fun. 

         

"I got a small taste of what it was like to channel the Allred spirit when I wrote a couple of short pieces featuring Madman and Mr. Gum, and it was quite delicious," said Rich. "That’s how I came to propose doing a spin-off as a way to keep the Snap City crew in the public eye."

A meeting of the principles at K!ckstarter in 2011 solidified the plan. IT GIRL gained an artist in Norton, and a collaboration was born.

The first issue of IT GIRL AND THE ATOMICS catches up readers on just enough of back story to throw them straight into a new adventure. Readers who have never read MADMAN and long-time fans will be equally able to enjoy the story of It Girl confronting the man who murdered her sister (don't worry — she's fine now) and becoming the test subject in one of Dr. Flem's space-time experiments.

"The Atomics really captured a vintage spirit that we don’t see in superhero books often enough anymore," said Rich. "I want readers to have such a good time, they’ll finish every issue wanting more of the same."

Allred describes himself as "a proud papa" of Rich's and Norton's effort. "I'm just excited and flattered that anyone would want to take my characters and devote this kind of attention to them," he said. "Mike Norton is rocking it on this book. He’s a dynamo. Seeing him and Jamie take It Girl and the gang on their own adventures is like I’ve raised these kids, put them through college, and now I am watching them establish their own place in the world."

IT GIRL AND THE ATOMICS is a full-color series, debuting on August 8 in comic book stores and digital platforms. It is available for pre-order now from the June issue of Previews. (JUN120428)

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.

+++ Raven's Cry and the new Reality Pump game are the highlights of the program +++


Karlsruhe, Germany, June 5, 2012 - TopWare Interactive announces the lineup for the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)  in Los Angeles, focusing on the two potential blockbusters "Raven’s Cry" and the newest title from in-house developer  Reality Pump. TopWare interactive shows previously unpublished photographs and videos for all the games and allows the first insight into the breathtaking worlds the year’s lineup.

These titles are presented by TopWare Interactive at E3 today:


Raven's Cry

"Raven's Cry" is an Action-Adventure title that is realized under the direction of TopWare Interactive and the Finnish Studio, Octane Games. The game traces in detail the revenge story of Christopher Raven during the 17th century. As a child, Raven had to watch his family being slaughtered by pirates, where as an adult he feels not only his passion for vengeance, but the physical pain endured as well, a result of the attack when his left hand was completely severed. Raven swore to himself, that he would hunt down and kill every soul involved on that fateful day, whether his soul would be corrupted or not.

"Raven's Cry" is a game that also lays emphasis on the character’s past, represented through flashbacks of Christopher Raven's life. Also allowing the player to choose his path of vengeance, decisions play a major role in the fun factor of this already acclaimed title. Clearly showing that life as a pirate, has very little to do with the glorified view Hollywood has conveyed of the 17th century. The game will be released for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 in 4th quarter of 2012.


The new Reality Pump game

On Monday, the 4th June 2012, the new title of the developer Reality Pump will be presented  at the E3. The Polish software company has earned an excellent reputation with the "Earth" series and the "Two Worlds"  franchise worldwide, and will show the industry that the new in-house GRACE 2 engine has the ability to be superior to all other engines currently on the market.

There will be a separate press release on the announcement at E3.


Planets Under Attack

The Russian developer Targem games (known for "Battle vs. Chess") has a very simple goal in mind, to develop a strategy game that allows immediate entry into the genre, where anyone can play whether you’re familiar or not, anyone who is able to use a mouse. The project, which was first announced under the working title "Planets at War," is now almost ready for the market, and anyone who has played is reporting it’s non-stop addictiveness. Anyone can play it, even if you’ve never sampled the genre before, unlike past strategy titles that take tons of time and extreme effort to learn. Those times will be a thing of the past with the release of "Planet Under Attack".

The goal of the game is to conquer planets and fulfill certain tasks. To do so, a certain amount of space ships can be released to do their duty with a mouse click, to attack neutral or enemy stars, commanding them to attack, occupy and defend at the players will. New areas can be managed with another simple click of the mouse, as the new planets provide resources (in the form of space vehicles and money) to the conqueror. A campaign through the galaxy begins, as "Planet under Attack" enables both singleplayer, LAN or online-mode. The multilingual (EFIGS) game will be released in July 2012 for PC, Mac, Xbox 360 Live and PlayStation 3 Network.


Check vs. Mate

Now available on the American market is "Check vs. Mate", presently known in Germany as "Battle vs. Chess". Finally the famous strategy game is brought to the United States with this exciting, innovative and visually stimulating translation of the mother of all strategy games -  Chess. The most successful game in history is finally lifted onto the state-of-the-art level of computer gaming technology. Based on the world famous "Fritz!" chess algorithms by ChessBase, "Check vs. Mate" is a game created with lively animated figures on lovingly designed battlefields in the eternal struggle of order versus chaos. The game will soon be released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, NDS, Wii, PSP and iOS.


Dream Pinball 3D II

In  2006 "Dream Pinball 3D" was the first game from the Pinball simulation series, with the press enthusiastically rating the game consistently at the 80% mark. Trademark of the series, developer A.S.K. Homework provides sophisticated gameplay with ballistic characteristics that are based in reality. Realistic dynamics and fixed camera angles similar mimicking actual pinball tables, guarantee a gaming experience that ascends technology and revives a time before gaming was digital.

The successor "Dream Pinball 3D II"  will be published in 2012 and will guarantee the realistic appearance, but of course boasting all new 3D graphics and physics engine. Additionally, there are other challenges added, including the mesmerizing labyrinth, which was incorporated into the game simply as a bonus. All eight new tables can be played in their own special way, and promise long lasting fun, with the multiplayer rounding off an enjoyable and successful gaming experience. "Dream Pinball 3D II" appears in 2012 for PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, NDS, Wii, PSP and iOS.


Dream Pinball 3D (iOS)

In addition to the successor for the older "Dream Pinball 3D" an implementation of the original for the iOS platform is on its way as well. The iPad-, iPhone and iPad Touch users no longer need to miss out on the legendary fun. With four extra tables for the Apple platform, A.S.K. Homework now has added even more realistic gameplay. The game is in the last stage of development and is to be released later this year.


A-men

As already announced, TopWare Interactive will also be publishing "A-men" (short for Army men) for Sony's new handheld console - the PlayStation Vita. The development studio Bloober Team, wakes a genre that has inexplicably been in a deep sleep for years now, but whose best-selling games have inspired players of all generations. "A-men" is a strategy game built for the most modern technology of mobile gaming, while still immersing the player with carefully designed levels to entice and inspire the most tactical approach possible.

The player takes control of teams up to five men, the team members identified by their vastly different personalities and abilities. The heroes must complete various tasks over several missions, whether in factory buildings or in the great outdoors. All characters, whether be the Spy, the Muscle Man, the Commando, the Mechanic or the Soldier can be altered in the game, making "A-men" also have a touch of character development. "A-men" appears exclusively for the PlayStation Vita in 2012.


For more information about the game please visit: http://www.topware.com

ENCORE KICKS OFF THE SUMMER WITH The CAPTIVATING TWO-PART Crime DRAMA “THORNE: SLEEPYHEAD” AND
“THORNE: SCAREDY CAT” PREMIERING ON TUESDAY, JUNE 12 AND WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 AT 9PM ET/PT

Centering on the complex and unpredictable Detective Inspector Tom Thorne (David Morrissey), this ENCORE Original delves into a pair of spine-tingling, unspeakable crimes. Adapted from two favorites in Mark Billingham’s bestselling series of novels, “Sleepyhead” (2001) & “Scaredy Cat” (2002), Thorne leads an intense chase through chilling crime scenes, deliberately manipulated clues and, ultimately, the darkest depths of London.

“Thorne: Sleepyhead” is directed by Stephen Hopkins (“House of Lies,” “24”) and executive produced by the series star, actor David Morrissey (“The Walking Dead,” Centurion, State of Play), who portrays Detective Inspector Tom Thorne. Morrissey is joined by cast members Natascha McElhone (Romeo and Juliet (2013), “Californication”), Aidan Gillen (Dark Knight Rises, “Game of Thrones,” “The Wire”) and Eddie Marsan (Snow White and the Huntsman, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows).

While investigating a series of unusual attacks on young women, Thorne finds himself revisiting the nightmares of his past as he races against time to find a mysterious serial killer. His first three victims are found dead. The fourth victim, Alison Willetts survived an excruciating attack, which left her in a vegetative state where she is struggling to stay alive. Thorne knows that there are more deaths to come, as the killer enjoys toying with Thorne just as much as he gets a thrill out of pursuing his sick fantasy.

“Thorne: Scaredy Cat” is the second chapter in the “Thorne” series and delivers a suspenseful, spine-tingling examination of power and submission. This chilling adaptation of Mark Billingham’s bestselling novel stars actor and executive producer, David Morrissey as the compelling Detective Inspector Tom Thorne. Morrissey is joined by Sandra Oh (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Eddie Marsan and Aidan Gillen.

After the bodies of two female victims are found at the same time – killed in the exact same way – Thorne finds himself on the hunt for not one, but two serial killers who seem to be working together, yet killing separately. Thorne starts to unravel a case that twists and turns back through ten years. And when the suspect escapes, he finds himself on a desperate hunt for two killers again – one who is desperate to stop and one who is terrified of the consequences if he does.

THORNE “SLEEPYHEAD” premieres Tuesday, June 12^th on ENCORE at 9pm ET/PT.

THORNE “SCAREDY CAT” continues Wednesday, June 13^th on ENCORE at 9pm ET/PT.

Neil Gaiman, Jim Lee, and Kurt Busiek Love THE GARLICKS

In less than two weeks, Lea Hernandez's Kickstarter campaign for her sixth graphic novel, THE GARLICKS: PANDORA ORANGE, FAIL VAMPIRE (www.kickstarter.com/projects/divalea/the-garlicks-pandora-orange-fail-vampire), has garnered huge attention and praise from across the blogosphere, Twitter, journalists, comics creators, and even Kickstarter's staff. 

THE GARLICKS is the comics diary of Pandora Garlick, a vampire with no powers, who wants to be a graphic novelist. Pandora finds her drawing time cut into by her baby sister Ham (who got all the vampire powers, including shapeshifting into a fish), parents who don't believe Ham can change into a fish, and a gang of dumb but dangerous demon hunters.

THE GARLICKS is Hernandez's first all-ages title and her first in full color. The print edition will have an introduction by Eisner Award-winning creator of Scary Godmother, Jill Thompson.

THE GARLICKS has been featured at io9.com, The Beat, Comics Reporter, Comic Book Resources, and the San Antonio Express-News Comic Geek Speak blog, and is a Staff Pick in the Comics category at Kickstarter.com.

Here’s what comics pros are saying about Lea Hernandez and THE GARLICKS:

“Lea's stuff is terrific.” Neil Gaiman

“Lovely work.” Jim Lee, Justice League, co-publisher, DC Comics

“Charming, funny, human, silly, gorgeous, sweet and smart, all in one family-sized vampiric package -- I can't wait." Kurt Busiek, Marvels, JLA/Avengers, Astro City

“Like manga stylie, fun, all-ages comix with vampires and laffs? [Lea Hernandez's] got a Kickstarter for just that!” Jill Thomson, Scary Godmother, Sandman

Other notable comics pros backing THE GARLICKS include Scott McCloud (Zot!, Understanding Comics, Making Comics), Christy Marx (Jem, Babylon 5), Mike Norton (Battlepug), Kazu Kibuishi (Flight, Amulet), Peter Krause (Irredeemable, Insufferable), Ande Parks (Lone Ranger) Dan Mishkin (Amethyst, Blue Devil), Brianne Drouhard (DC Nation Amethyst, Teen Titans Go!, Transformers Animated), and Shaenon Garrity (Skin Horse, Narbonic).

The press is impressed as well.

“Based on the art alone, this should be a success.” -- Heidi MacDonald, The Beat (http://www.comicsbeat.com/2012/05/23/)

“Lea Hernandez is a stalwart of modern comics. Working with Warren Ellis and Gail Simone – but mostly on her own – she pioneered the vanguard to creating original manga-styled graphic novels and continues to push in that direction on a regular basis. -- Rich Johnston, Bleeding Cool (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/05/29/lea-hernandez-garlicks-a-kick-staker-project/)

“It's lovely to look at and fun to read.” -- Brigid Alverson, The Kickstand at Comic Book Resources (and 2012 Eisner Awards judge) (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=38952)

“I love funny stuff and after reading about Lea Hernandez’s new Kickstarter program for her graphic novel, THE GARLICKS, I knew I wanted it...she’ll not only create a great story, but a beautiful book collection as well.” -- Tom Mason, Comix 411 (http://comics.gearlive.com/comix411/article/q308-kickstarter-the-garlicks-by-lea-hernandez/)

Interview about THE GARLICKS with Ashley Neuhaus at “Amber Unmasked” (http://www.amberunmasked.com/kickstarter-the-garlicks-pandora-orange-fail-vampire/)

Interview about THE GARLICKS with David Carter at Yet Another Comics Blog (http://yetanothercomicsblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/garlicks-interview-q-with-lea-hernandez.html) 

Article about THE GARLICKS by Lauren Davis at io9.com (http://io9.com/lea-hernandez/)

Article about THE GARLICKS at San Antonio Express-News Comic Geek Speak by Rene Guzman (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/geekspeak/2012/05/lea-hernandez-kickstarting-the-garlicks-graphic-novel-via-kickstarter/)

And finally, a testimonial from Kurt Busiek (Marvels, JLA/Avengers, Astro City )

“The graphic novels of Lea Hernandez don't come along every day, but when they do, they're must-reads. So THE GARLICKS is cause for celebration. Charming, funny, human, silly, gorgeous, sweet and smart, all in one family-sized vampiric package -- I can't wait. And I've already been waiting longer than you. So let's get this done.”

For more information, visit THE GARLICKS’ Kickstarter page: www.kickstarter.com/projects/divalea/the-garlicks-pandora-orange-fail-vampire

THE SAGA CONCLUDES -

STARZ ANNOUNCES THE FINAL SEASON OF “SPARTACUS”

SEASON THREE TITLE UNVEILED

“SPARTACUS: WAR OF THE DAMNED”

THE EPIC 10-EPISODE SEASON TO PREMIERE

JANUARY 2013

Beverly Hills, Calif. – Date June 4, 2012 – STARZ announced today the upcoming season of the international hit series “Spartacus” will be the conclusion of the saga.  With a visual style completely unique to television, the franchise has amassed both critical and popular acclaim to become the most successful on the network and one of the highest rated programs in all of cable television.  More than six million weekly viewers watched last season, “Spartacus: Vengeance,” which has amassed more than 2.5 million Facebook fans. Globally, the series airs in 150 countries in more than 15 languages.

“The fans have been tremendously supportive of our show,” says creator and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight.  “We did not come to this decision lightly.  It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I.  Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus' journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who's been along for the ride."

"Steven DeKnight, Rob Tapert, Josh Donen and Sam Raimi have made one of the most groundbreaking shows we have ever seen," says Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. "’Spartacus’ is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world.  We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after ‘War of the Damned,’ as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy.  While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans.”

“Spartacus: War of the Damned,” currently in production in New Zealand, takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius.  These victories have not only forged the legend of Spartacus, but have greatly increased the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. Rome is indeed beginning to tremble at the threat Spartacus now represents.

The Emmy^® nominated series, already known for its groundbreaking production and visual style, has set the bar even higher to bring the story to its epic conclusion.  This year, new sets will include the construction of a full city, a Roman Villa, and the scene of the epic battle along the Appian Way.

Airing in 150 countries, the series is considered an unqualified smash around the world, including Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and more.  The enormous international success has led to global licensing for a variety of rights, including: authentic prop replicas, publishing, soundtracks, motion comic books, trading cards, and a few more major deals soon to be announced.

In the US and abroad, the DVDs continue to be one of the most popular titles sold at all major retailers, appearing in the Top 10 of all TV titles sold. 

The “Spartacus” franchise began its run Friday, January 22, 2010 with “Blood and Sand.” It was followed a year later with the prequel, “Gods of the Arena” (January 21, 2011).  “Vengeance” hit the air on January 27, 2012 and “War of the Damned” is scheduled to air January 2013.

“Spartacus: War of the Damned” sees the return on Liam McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa). This year, Todd Lasance joins the cast as Gaius Julius Caesar, along with Simon Merrells, who will be playing Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.

About Starz Entertainment
Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 20.1 million and 33.6 million subscribers respectively.  Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands.  Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com<http://www.starz.com>) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LMCA).

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES AMERICA INC. ANNOUNCES DARK SOULS:

Artorias of the Abyss DLC FOR CONSOLES

New Dark Souls content coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PlayStation Network;

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition available on PC via Steam and Games for Windows -- LIVE

SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 1, 2012) – Leading videogame publisher, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced the Dark Souls®: Artorias of the Abyss downloadable content (DLC) pack for Dark Souls®, the critically acclaimed action role-playing game (RPG) developed by FromSoftware. The DLC pack will be available this winter in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft through Xbox LIVE® for 1200 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system through the PlayStation®Network for $14.99. Dark Souls®: Prepare to Die™ Edition for PC will be able for purchase in North America through Steam and Games for Windows® -- LIVE beginning August 24.

Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss for consoles and Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition for PCs will include sprawling new maps and environments, new boss characters, enemies, non-player characters (NPCs), an arsenal of new weapons and armor and additional challenging content for stalwart heroes to face as they return to the deadly world of Lordran. Players will also experience an untold chapter in Dark Souls. Darkness born in the forests of Oolacile is expanding and engulfing the kingdom and all of its people. Only the strongest players will be able to stop the spread of darkness.

Both titles will include an online match-making feature that creates one vs.one, two vs. two and four-player battle royale scenarios; allowing gamers to showcase their skills against other Dark Souls players around the world.

“Dark Souls fans are a highly determined group of gamers, they’ve earned their stripes through countless melee encounters and challenging boss battles; releasing new content with Artorias of the Abyss will extend their adventures even further,” says Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “NAMCO BANDAI has also been actively listening to the PC community and we are excited bring Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition to PC gamers via Steam and Games for Widows Live.”

The tense dungeon crawler, dragon brawler, features fearsome enemy encounters in an intertwined world full of extreme battles, rewarding challenges, nuanced weaponry and magic, and the flexibility to customize each character to suit any desired play style. The innovative online component allows gamers to draw from the collective experience of the Dark Souls community as they either help or sabotage each other on the journey through the world of Lordran to save the land from darkness. With a massive, open world design, Dark Souls encourages deep exploration and an adaptable gameplay experience.
Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss will be available this winter in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will be available in North America and Europe on August 24, 2012 on PC through Steam and Games for Windows Live. For more information on both titles, please be sure to visit www.PrepareToDie.com and www.facebook.com/DarkSouls.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES NEW SPACE BATTLE FANTASY MANGA SERIES BARRAGE IN WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA JUNE 4^TH ISSUE

New Series Kicks Off In North America Just Two Weeks After Japanese Debut

Leading manga publisher VIZ Media thrilled fans last weekend during its panel discussion at the FanimeCon 2012 anime convention with the announcement of the launch of the new manga (graphic novel) series – BARRAGE – in the company’s digital WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA magazine beginning Monday, June 4^th. New chapters of BARRAGE will debut every week.

BARRAGE is an exciting space battle fantasy series by creator Kouhei Horikoshi that just debuted in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump on May 21^st. The series is set on a planet called Industria, which is in a state of chaos, and its fate lays in the hands of Astro, a kid from the slums!

Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Single issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Each issue may be read on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly, and also on the updated VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, 4 Yu-Gi-Oh! cards throughout the year delivered to your door, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

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

###

SENSEI NO BARRAGE © 2012 by Kouhei Horikoshi/SHUEISHA Inc.

A DARK CROP IN HARVEST

New miniseries from Image/Shadowline in August

Who gets to live? Who has to die? In the underworld of illegal organ harvesting depicted in the new Image Comics/Shadowline miniseries HARVEST, money answers that question — and Dr. Ben Dane is determined to change that. But as writer A.J. Lieberman and artist Colin Lorimer will show in the August 1 release of HARVEST's first of five issues, Dr. Ben's motives aren't entirely pure.

Lieberman (COWBOY NINJA VIKING, TERM LIFE) and Lorimer (Dark Horse Presents) delve into the dark trade with the story of a drug-addicted ex-surgeon with a bent take on how to right past wrongs.  Framed for murder by Jason Craven, his former boss in the harvesting trade, Dr. Ben decides to exact revenge by making house calls on his former "patients" to take back the organs — and the years of life — their money bought them. Helping Ben are Mariko, a Yakuza enforcer, and a six-year-old boy named Noah.

"I'm not really spoiling anything in saying that Noah is really the personification of Ben's subconscious," said Lieberman in a May 29 interview at Comic Book Resources. "But both characters help keep Ben alive as he stumbles around trying to do something in this world that is larger than himself, something meaningful. And trust me when I say this, most of the time Ben f―s it all up."

Lorimer provides visuals for the HARVEST with heavy black shadows, gritty environments, and plenty of dark atmosphere.

"The story always dictates the style," said Lorimer in the CBR interview. "It's quite a dark tale so I tried to keep it quite muted in tone and in places dirtied up the art to give it a little added texture."

HARVEST is a five-issue full-color miniseries, debuting on August 1. Its first issue is available for pre-order now from the June issue of Previews (JUN120439.)

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.

EXTERMINATION #1
GOES TO SECOND PRINT!

May 31st, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that EXTERMINATION #1 has gone to second print 7 days before its release on June 6th!

EXTERMINATION #1 features writer Simon Spurrier (X-CLUB, CROSSED: WISH YOU WERE HERE, WOLVERINE: DANGEROUS GAMES) and hot newcomer Jeffrey Edwards on the art. EXTERMINATION #1 second print is now available from Diamond Comic Distributors.  This new ongoing series debuts June 6th with a full first issue for only $1!

Comic book fans should keep in mind first printings of EXTERMINATION #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use www.comicshoplocator.com to find one!

WE LOST. THEY WON. In the wake of an apocalyptic alien invasion, the world’s greatest super-heroes and deadliest super villains must form an alliance despite their bitter pasts. Arch-enemies Nox, a driven hero, and Red Reaper, a ruthless villain, enter into a volatile partnership for the greater good. What happens when battle lines are redrawn and foes become unlikely allies in a desperate war for the fate of the planet --and of the human race?

EXTERMINATION #1 second print ships with a must- have all new cover drawn by Kalman Andrasofszky with colors by Nolan Woodard.

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.

MAY'S FIFTH WEDNESDAY PRODUCES SELL-OUTS

GRIM LEAPER #1 and AMERICA'S GOT POWERS #2 get 2nd printings

May 30 was a "Fifth Wednesday," giving comics readers an extra week in May to pick up new comics. They — and comics retailers — responded by snapping up the debut of the new Image Comics/Shadowline miniseries GRIM LEAPER by Kurtis J. Wiebe (PETER PANZERFAUST, DEBRIS) and Aluisio Santos and the highly anticipated second issue of AMERICA'S GOT POWERS by Jonathan Ross and Bryan Hitch.

Both issues have sold out, and both the second printing of GRIM LEAPER #1 (APR128252) and the second printing of AMERICA'S GOT POWERS #2 (APR128259) will be in stores on June 27, the same day as GRIM LEAPER #2 and AMERICA'S GOT POWERS #3.

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.

EVERYTHING CHANGES IN WITCHBLADE'S THIRD COMPENDIUM

Full-color, 1280-page volume collects issues #101-150

Image Comics and Top Cow Productions are proud to announce that the long-awaited WITCHBLADE COMPENDIUM VOLUME 3, which collects fifty full-color issues, will land in stores June 27th, 2012.

Definitive WITCHBLADE writer RON MARZ (ARTIFACTS, SHINKU) along with an electrifying roster of artists that include STJEPAN SEJIC (ANGELUS), ADRIAN MELO (Ms. Marvel), SAMI BASRI (Power Girl), MATTHEW DOW SMITH (Dr. Who) and more, continue Top Cow's groundbreaking Compendium format with this massive, 50-issue full-color volume collecting the most explosive tales from the Witchblade canon.

Sara Pezzini, New York Police Detective and bearer of the Witchblade, discovers she is with child, gives up the Witchblade, becomes a mother, finds herself overwhelmed by the dark side of the Witchblade, and eventually finds she must choose between the Witchblade and her career — all collected in this volume!

"As a reader, I'm an easy mark for big, fat collections. So as a writer, I'm thrilled to have the bulk of my Witchblade run collected into one big compendium,” Ron Marz said. “The 50 issues in this volume really show the character arc we put Sara Pezzini through, from becoming a mother to making an almost unthinkable decision about her career as an NYPD detective. I had some great artistic collaborators in Stjepan Sejic, Adriana Melo and Sami Basri. Their work especially deserves to be preserved in this format."

WITCHBLADE COMPENDIUM VOLUME 3 is a full color, 1,280 page that collects issues #101-#150. This collection will be offered as both a softcover edition retailing for $69.99 and a limited edition hardcover edtion retailing for $99.99. Both editions will be in stores June 27th, 2012.

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.