SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER PULLS NO PUNCHES WITH NUDE “BEARIANT” COVER 

PORTLAND, OR, 05/26/2017 — From writers Jody LeHeup (former editor of Uncanny X-Force, Deadpool, Quantum and Woody) and Sebastian Girner (editor of SOUTHERN BASTARDS, DEADLY CLASS, BLACK SCIENCE), newcomer artist Nil Vendrell, colorist Mike Spicer (HEAD LOPPER, MYTHIC), and letterer Dave Lanphear comes a modern tall tale for the ages. Image Comics is pleased to reveal a limited SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 Nude variant (or shall we say, “beariant”?) cover.

After being betrayed by the bears that raised him, the legendary SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER wanders the forest he’s sworn to protect, fist-fighting bears, eating flapjacks, and being the angriest man the world has ever known! When wild-eyed, super-strong bears attack the citizens of Major City, Shirtless ventures into the human world to do what he does best… PUNCH THOSE BEARS IN THE FACE! But all is not as it seems. Someone is manipulating Shirtless… and only by confronting the demons of his past can Shirtless hope to save his future!

SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER is a an over-the-top action/comedy chock full of humor, colorful characters, larger-than-life battles, and high adventure. It's the story of a wrathful man at war with himself, what happens when we allow anger to rule our lives, and what we can do to set things right.

The #WarOnBearror begins with SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 available on Wednesday, June 21st. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, May 29th.  

• SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 Cover A Robinson (Diamond Code APR170718)
• SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 Cover B Fowler (Diamond Code APR170719)
• SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 Cover C Suriano (Diamond Code APR170720)
• SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 Cover D Nude Beariant (Diamond Code APR178205)

Select praise for SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER:

“As wonderfully wild as it is completely literal.” —IGN

“Over-the-top, intentionally offensive, raunchy, cheesy, campy, and totally ridiculous. It’s also, not surprisingly, really fun.” —Pixelated Geek 

“This is one of the funniest comics I have read in a long time.” —Monkeys Fighting Robots

“I am pro all Bear vs Man action and very excited.” —Kieron Gillen

“Shirtless Bear Fighter is the sort of uninhibited fun we desperately need in comics and you will love it.” —Rick Remender

“Listen up people! You HAVE to order this comic NOW. It has everything you can ask for. BEARS! FIGHTING! SHIRTLESSNESS! Did I mention BEARS?” —Declan Shalvey

“Shirtless Bear-Fighter is the most delightfully insane comic book I’ve ever read. If it clears customs from the Canadian printer—you must own it!” —Gerry Duggan

“100% no bullshit. Shirtless Bear Fighter is one of the most insane and brilliantly engaging comics I've maybe ever read in my life. GOD DAMN this book is why comics exist. ORDER UP!” —Donny Cates

“This is one of the greatest Bear-Brawl'n, Wrestling, Maple Syrup, Bacon Love'n, Epic-stories never told...TOLD! Don't miss this!!!” —Nathan Fox

“There is no greater feeling than crushing friends’ spirits with honesty when I ask for my opinion of their work. Shirtless Bear-Fighter denies me that joy because it’s genuinely awesome.” —Jhonen Vasquez 

“This book is MARVELOUS.” —James Asmus 

“These dudes are insane. I mean that as a compliment. Give their book a look.” —Jason Latour

“Spend all your fish-money to get Shirtless Bear-Fighter… Hilarious animal abuse at its finest!” —Fred Van Lente

“I loved this book. Its only flaw is we never actually get to see Shirtless Bear Fighter's flap jack. Don't let bears wipe their ass on America, support Shirtless Bear-Fighter!” —Joshua Dysart 

“This is awesome in the crazy bananas way comics should be. You can feel Jody LeHeup & Sebastian Girner having a blast on every page. Pre-order.” —Paul Azaceta

“This is gonna be killer! Order today!” —Cliff Chiang

“Look, if even the NAME ‘ShirtlessBearFighter’ doesn't get your interest, I don't know what even...! Pre-order this thang! —Cully Hamner

“If you care about anything great in the universe, you'd be reading Shirtless Bear Fighter by my buddies Sebastian Girner and Jody LeHeup!! Amazing!” —Jerome Opeña‏

“You really need this book in your life.” —Tom Muller

“Shirtless Bear-Fighter is a fun insane ride worth your attention. You won't have this much fun reading a comic! Get it!” —Mike Benson

“Some real depth behind the fun concept and humor.” —Paul Tobin

“Do you like crazy shit? Try this.” —David Lopez

“Shirtless Bear-Fighter is the only comic that will save you in the event of a global apocalypse! Hysterical work by Jody LeHeup, Sebastian Girner, etc.” —David Gallaher 

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

SPAWN DIRECTOR’S CUT A HIT, RUSHED BACK TO PRINT FOR FOIL ENCORE EDITION

TEMPE, AZ, 05/26/2017 — Image Comics is pleased to announce that the special SPAWN #1: DIRECTOR’S CUT EDITION by comics legend and Image Comics President, Todd McFarlane, is being fast-tracked for a special reprint.

The cover C by McFarlane will receive a foil treatment and will be rushed back to print for SPAWN #1 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT FOIL ENCORE EDITION in order to keep up with overwhelming customer demand.

The DIRECTOR’S CUT includes the original artboards of SPAWN #1, commentary from McFarlane himself on each page, and bonus, never-before-seen art.

The reprint, SPAWN #1 25TH ANNIVERSARY DIRECTOR’S CUT FOIL ENCORE EDITION (Diamond Code APR178627), will be available in comic stores on Wednesday, June 28th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, May 29th.

In the summer of 1992, famed comic book artist Todd McFarlane shook up the industry when he unleashed his very own comic creation, SPAWN to the world. Published by the newly formed Image Comics, the debut issue of SPAWN would also be the very first publication for the company co-founded by McFarlane himself. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of SPAWN—which sold 1.7 million copies in its debut year and is currently on issue #275, keeping pace to become the longest running independent comic ever when it reaches issue #301.

The inaugural issue of SPAWN began the saga of Al Simmons who was once the U.S. government’s greatest soldier and most effective assassin. Mercilessly executed by his own men, Simmons was resurrected from the ashes of his own grave in a flawed agreement with the powers of darkness, he was reborn as a creature from the depths of Hell. Now Al Simmons is locked on Earth fighting the evil that is locked with him. Unable to save the love of his life, Wanda, he makes it his mission to save her daughter, Cyan.

For more information about SPAWN fans can visit http://www.mcfarlane.com.

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS
AN ACTION-PACKED HIT

PORTLAND, OR, 05/26/2017 — Jim Mahfood (Tank Girl, Clerks) hits big with his glorious return to the beloved GRRL SCOUTS in MAGIC SOCKS. In order to keep up with the increased demand, Image Comics is pleased to announce that GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS #1 will be fast-tracked to a second printing.

In GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS, readers meet up with Gwen, Daphne, and Rita as they reunite for a pulse-pounding psychedelic adventure through the streets of Freak City. This first issue is stuffed to the gills with an action-packed story, bonus art, soundtrack, sketchbook, and behind-the-scenes bonus content.

GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS will remain available for purchase across all digital platforms, including the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com), the official Image Comics iOS app, Comixology’s website (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.

GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS #1, 2nd printing (Diamond Code APR178670), GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS #2 Cover A by Mahfood (Diamond Code APR170812), Cover B by Sienkiewicz (Diamond Code APR170813), and Cover C Pride Month (Diamond Code MAR178610) will be available on Wednesday, June 21st. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, May 29th.

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Wizard World Breaks Out Anime Pavilion, New Initiatives In Philadelphia, June 1-4

Renewed Commitment To Anime Includes Special Category in Costume Contest, Maid Cafe, Interactive Game Shows, Added Programming, More Beginning At Pennsylvania Convention Center

PHILADELPHIA, May 26, 2017 – The vibrant, creative world of anime has for years been a part of Wizard World Comic Cons, from attendees’ cosplay to the variety of programming and exhibitors committed to the Japanese animation craft. Now, Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) is unveiling a series of initiatives to bolster this popular element of its shows, beginning in Philadelphia, June 1-4.

Cosplayer extraordinaire and anime uber-enthusiast Super Kayce is leading the effort, introducing enhanced activities that Wizard World attendees can enjoy all weekend, including the Anime Pavilion, which features:

• The return of the dedicated Anime category to the world famous Wizard World Costume Contest
• Maid Cafe open all four days, provided by local cafe Moe Mahou Maid Cafe, with “maids” in full uniform with lots of personality
• Interactive Anime & Pokemon game shows
• Cosplay character Meet & Greet on Saturday in the Maid Cafe
• Voice actors Lex Lang (“Kuzuki” in Fate Stay Night, “Maxie” in Pokemon Generations), Sandy Fox (“Haruna” in Durarara!x2, “Mina” and “Momiji” in Naruto) and Steve Blum (“Spike Spiegel” in Cowboy Bebop, “Zeb Orrelios” in Star Wars Rebels)
• Anime vendors
• Cosplay photo Meet-ups throughout the entire weekend!

“We have seen the influence and popularity of anime at Wizard World shows, so we are proud to enhance this area with a huge boost in offerings for fans of the genre,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World President and CEO. “We will look to Kayce and anime enthusiasts for ways to help us make this an even better experience moving forward.”

Some of the planned future initiatives include a manga library for fans to share and view collections, a dedicated streaming anime room, anime gaming as part of Wizard World Gaming, hands-on workshops and more.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia also features standout celebrities Jesse Eisenberg (Batman v Superman, The Social Network), Chuck Norris (The Delta Force, “Walker, Texas Ranger”), John Cusack (Say Anything…, Better off Dead…), Gene Simmons (KISS Frontman), Famke Janssen (X-Men, GoldenEye), Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, The Avengers ), Guardians of the Galaxy stars Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”) and Sean Gunn (“Gilmore Girls”) and the “Riverdale” foursome of K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes and Cole Sprouse among those scheduled to attend the comic con and pop culture extravaganza in Center City Philadelphia.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings hosted by stars and directors and more. The event is held in conjunction with the Wizard World Horror Festival. Additionally, there will be a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, June 3, at 9 p.m., hosted by star Barry Bostwick.

Wizard World is the home of the most creative comics artists and writers on the planet. Artist Alley in Philadelphia will feature Guy Gilchrist (“Muppets,” “The Pink Panther”), Jordan Gibson (“Howard the Duck,” “Where is Jake Ellis?”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Tom Cook (“The Smurfs,” “He-Man”), Danny Fingeroth (“Spider-Man,” “Iron Man”), Victor Dandridge (“The Samaritan,” “Origins Unknown”), Bob Camp (“Ren and Stimpy,” “G.I. Joe”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Deadpool”), Clinton Hobart (licensed Disney fine artist), Victor Dandridge (“The Samaritan”) and many others.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The seventh event scheduled on the 2017 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 1, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, June 2, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.

For more on the 2017 Wizard World Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR.

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

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

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

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ANNOUNCES ON SALE TICKETS AND INITIAL ROSTER OF LIVE MUSIC ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event Announces Advance Tickets and First Musical Guests of Honor;

BAND-MAID, Babyraids Japan, Misaki Iwasa And YANAKIKU To Perform

San Francisco, CA, May 25, 2017 – J-POP SUMMIT 2017, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced advance tickets for this year’s 2-day festival will go on sale on Friday, May 26^th exclusively at: www.J-POP.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 9^th and 10^th at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture located in San Francisco’s Marina district. Attendees will experience this year’s theme ARTS, EATS and INNOVATIONS; a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop culture featuring live music, Japanese food and travel attractions, and interactive technologies. The festival is accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional events highlighted by celebrity Guests of Honor.

The festival also announces its first line-up of Guest of Honor artists scheduled to perform:

BAND-MAID

Babyraids Japan

Misaki Iwasa (Former AKB48)

YANAKIKU

Additional artists and performers will be announced! Artist Meet-and-Greet event details also coming soon!

This year’s festival branding visuals feature striking artwork created by artist Hiroyuki-Mitsume Takahashi, who also attends the festival as a Guest of Honor. Guest details can be found at www.J-POP.com/Guests.

2017 marks the 9^th consecutive year J-POP SUMMIT has been held in San Francisco.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 (Fort Mason Center-only) Tickets are available for VIP, 1-Day, 2-Day, and Kid’s Passes (ages 0-12). Adult single-day passes start at only $35.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $50.00 each. Additional ticket purchase details can be found at:

http://www.J-POP.com/2017/Tickets.

Visit www.J-POP.com for festival information and a comprehensive listing of all the available J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ticket options.

About J-POP SUMMIT

J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, held every summer in San Francisco, CA. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a landing platform for new trends from Japan.

Official website: www.j-pop.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPOPSummit/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JpopSummitFest

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpopsummit

IMAGE+ MAGAZINE WELCOMES NEW ONGOING WYTCHES COMIC, ED PISKOR COMIC STRIP, AND AN INCREASED PAGE COUNT

PORTLAND, OR, 05/25/2017 — Image Comics is pleased to announce that the Diamond Gem Award-winning IMAGE+ magazine, Vol. 2 #1 will feature an overall increased page count, an original autobiographical comic strip from Ed Piskor, and the return of Scott Snyder and Jock’s smash hit WYTCHES. Vol. 2 of the magazine will hit comic book shops this August.

"We’ve received so much incredible feedback about IMAGE+ from retailers, creators, and especially fans, but as enthusiastic as the response has been, we’re still constantly trying to find ways to make the magazine even better," said Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics. "With that in mind, we’re increasing the page count so that we can expand our coverage of Image titles and include even more all-new comics content so that when we return to Previews this summer, Image+ Vol. 2 is the dictionary definition of ‘new and improved.’”

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the chilling horror series WYTCHES ever since the first season ended on a brutal cliffhanger. Now, Snyder and Jock are back with a taste for the upcoming second season of the series by serializing what happens next in IMAGE+. How did Sailor make it to safety? What has she been doing since? The answers can be found exclusively in IMAGE+ with an extra-sized first chapter this issue.

David Brothers, Branding Manager at Image Comics and the Editor of IMAGE+, added: "I'm pretty proud of the first volume of IMAGE+, but this second year is going to be even bigger and better. The longer page count will let us publish even more comics in the pages of the magazine, including the next chapter of Jock & Scott Snyder's WYTCHES and a nice assortment of shorter strips from some creators I'm really excited about, in addition to the interviews and profiles that our readers love. Our goal is to be the best magazine for comics, and I think we're well on our way!"

In addition to the return of WYTCHES, IMAGE+ will also feature an original, recurring, autobiographical comic strip from Ed Piskor titled, IMAGE OF YOUTH!

This new chapter in IMAGE+ will weigh in at a hefty 80 PAGES at no additional cost—meaning more room for meatier, in-depth interviews, exciting sneak peeks into new titles, and long-form features on comics, creators, cosplay, conventions, and comics culture. IMAGE+ remains the number one source for news and information about Image Comics, and now is the perfect time for fans to get in on the ground floor.

IMAGE+ Vol. 2 #1 will be available to consumers to purchase for $1.99 at their local comic shop. Better yet, beginning with this Vol. 2 #1 issue, IMAGE+ will once again be available for free for anyone already purchasing a copy of Diamond’s Previews Catalog.

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

DECLAN SHALVEY TEAMS UP WITH PHILIP BARRETT AND JORDIE BELLAIRE FOR SAVAGE TOWN
THIS SEPTEMBER
A small-time gangster gets in big-time trouble in this original graphic novel

PORTLAND, OR, 05/25/2017 — Declan Shalvey (INJECTION, All Star Batman) takes the helm as a writer, with artist Philip Barrett (Matter, Where’s Larry?) and Eisner Award-winning colorist Jordie Bellaire (INJECTION, PRETTY DEADLY), for SAVAGE TOWN, an original graphic novel coming this September from Image Comics.

Loosely based on real events at the turn of the millennium, SAVAGE TOWN follows Jimmy “Hardy” Savage, the head of a small gang in Limerick City, Ireland. His presence has been tolerated, up until now, by the two large gangs that hold Limerick in their grasp. With these rival gangs, the local cops, his best mate, and his mammy all out to stick a knife in him, will he live long enough to get to the top? More importantly, will he pay me back for that fiver I gave him last week?

“SAVAGE TOWN is a gritty crime story with Irish charm,” said Shalvey. “Inspired by the troubled past of Limerick City, this story tells the tale of Jimmy Savage, a small-time crook who manages to fail his way up the criminal ladder. I'm excited for the world to discover Philip Barrett on this book, an artist who is without a doubt one of the best storytellers in Ireland right now. Pick SAVAGE TOWN up in September; it's the best hangover cure Image can offer.”

“SAVAGE TOWN manages at once to be dark, funny, and an original and honest take on the mangy underbelly of shiny, happy, Celtic Tiger Ireland—and watch out, these fleas are hungry!” said Barrett. “I'm really thrilled and proud to be part of the team.”

SAVAGE TOWN (Diamond code: JUN170700, ISBN: 978-1-5343-0246-4) will arrive in comic book stores Wednesday, September 6th and bookstores Tuesday, September 12th. The final order cutoff deadline for comics retailers is Monday, August 14th.

SAVAGE TOWN is available for preorder via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo. 

Advance praise for SAVAGE TOWN:

“SAVAGE TOWN features the kind of writing and art that'll have you devouring the whole thing at one sitting. If you like seeing comics realizing their potential, or if you just like a damn good story, this one's so far up your street it's parked outside your house.” —Garth Ennis (Preacher, ADVENTURES IN THE RIFLE BRIGADE)

“SAVAGE TOWN is as authentic as it is passionately constructed. Page one, panel one, you find yourself fully immersed in this very fascinating time and place. A really wonderful book.” —Rick Remender (DEADLY CLASS, SEVEN TO ETERNITY)

“One hell of a page-turner. Ireland's answer to STRAY BULLETS, but with a voice all its own. Declan, Phillip, Jordie and Clayton are coming out of the gate with a real winner here.” —Chris Samnee (Black Widow, Daredevil)

“With SAVAGE TOWN, Shalvey and Barrett serve up a brilliant beer-soaked, working-class crime tale overflowing with quick-witted humour and an underlying desperation that will have you cheering for the shiftiest of characters.”
—Ed Brisson (Iron Fist, THE VIOLENT)
 

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

DOUG WAGNER & NIC RUMMEL JOIN FORCES FOR THE HEART-PUMPING ANARCHY OF
THE HARD PLACE

PORTLAND, OR, 05/24/2017 — Image Comics is pleased to announce Doug Wagner, Nic Rummel, and Charlie Kirchoff’s new high-energy action series THE HARD PLACE, which will launch this August.

In THE HARD PLACE, readers meet ex-con AJ Gurney, a legendary wheelman in Detroit, who has decided it’s time to go straight. He returns home to work in his father’s garage and disappear into anonymity.

But during a visit to the bank, AJ is recognized by two violent bank robbers, and they demand AJ be their getaway driver. To ensure his compliance, they take a young female hostage; unfortunately, she happens to be the daughter of a Russian crime lord. AJ now finds himself pursued by a bitter police department and hunted by every asset of the Russian mob. Without a doubt, he’s in a very hard place.

“This book is crazy,” said Wagner. “If you’re into high-octane car chases, badass Russian mobsters, and nonstop chaos, THE HARD PLACE delivers all that in spades.”

THE HARD PLACE is a car wreck disguised as a comic book. Readers won’t want to miss a single second of it.

THE HARD PLACE #1 Cover A by Stelfreeze (Diamond Code JUN170668), Cover B by Rummel (Diamond Code JUN170669), and Cover C by Stelfreeze (Diamond Code JUN170670) will launch on Wednesday, August 23rd. The final order cutoff deadline is Monday, July 31st. 

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ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of bestselling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.