Thursday, January 27, 2011

ACTIONOPOLIS Publishes Brand New Series DRAGONBLOOD

DRAGONBLOOD: THE AWAKENING – The First Book in the Series – - Now available!

LOS ANGELES---- ACTIONOPOLIS, LLC launches the eagerly anticipated Dragonblood: The Awakening. Christopher E. Long, author of The Blackfoot Braves Society as well as numerous comics for Marvel Entertainment, introduces readers to Dragonblood: The Awakening, a new action series based off of the original comic book. The book brings ancient Chinese mythology to life in a vivid modern-day setting and features interior illustrations from Flash Gordon artist Jim Keefe. Dragonblood simultaneously releases in downloadable e-book apps compatible on iPad, iPhone, PC, Mac, Kindle, Android and Nook readers.

DRAGONBLOOD- A Chinese mystic injects a young man with the blood of the last dragon! The mystic does so in an effort to create a warrior capable of saving mankind from an ancient evil intent on enslaving the planet. Though this warrior is now imbued with the knowledge and power of the ancients it may not be enough to stop this ancient evil from delivering darkness on Earth to all mankind.



For more information about the new line of ACTIONOPOLIS books visit http://www.actionopolis.com

ACTIONOPOLIS: When Adventure Is Your Destination!





ABOUT CHRISTOPHER E. LONG
Christopher E. Long's most recent work is Deadpool for Marvel Comics. He has worked in the comics field for years having had one of his comics optioned as a feature film by Warner Bros. and his previous novel for young adults was critically praised. He is currently writing a new young adult novel and other unannounced projects.

ABOUT JIM KEEFE
Jim Keefe went to the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in Dover. After his graduation, he got a job as a colorist at King Features. At King Features, Keefe also started doing illustration work, most notably as the artist on Flash Gordon.

ABOUT ACTIONOPOLIS
Actionopolis is the brainchild of publisher Shannon Eric Denton, who has years of experience with companies such as Cartoon Network, Warner Brothers, Disney, Sony, ToyBiz, Marvel Entertainment, FoxKids, DC Comics, and Nickelodeon. He and his Komikwerks co-founder Patrick Coyle have been publishing comics online and in print through their publishing company Komikwerks since 2000.

ABOUT KOMIKWERKS
Komikwerks has been partnered with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment to publish a line of premiere Internet comics called Stan Lee's Sunday Comics on Komikwerks.com. Komikwerks also provided exclusive content to the AOL: RED website. Komikwerks has been featured in many news and entertainment periodicals including Variety, USA Today, and Wizard Magazine. Komikwerks published the graphic novel World of Quest which was turned into an animated series of the same name. Komikwerks has several feature films in development as well.
MBP Relocates to DUMBO

Finds More Spacious Accomodations

NEW YORK - January 21, 2011 - MBP has abandoned its Midtown Manhattan office for the more plentiful space and cheaper booze of DUMBO, Brooklyn. With a bit more breathing room here at headquarters we can now finally further our plans for forcing through changes to the FIFA instant-replay regulations, as well as continue to make the illustrated books you love. If you want to give us any tips on how to do either, you know how to find us:



Mark Batty Publisher
68 Jay Street, Suite 410
Brooklyn, NY 11201

718.834.8000



We're wading in boxes here so certain media requests might take slightly longer than usual to process, but all should be back to normal next week.

About Mark Batty Publisher
Mark Batty Publisher (http://www.markbattypublisher.com) is an independent publisher dedicated to making distinctive books on the visual art of communicating, showcasing the visual power and innovation of contemporary culture in all of its varied poses. Today, the visual comes at us from more places than ever, and its dissemination is faster and more advanced every year. Books from Mark Batty Publisher capture this acceleration on the pages of every book. Affordable, well designed, thoughtfully created, and produced to last, MBP books are artful products that readers want to hold onto forever.
ComiXology Announces Program for Retailers to Sell Digital Comics

Industry’s first digital storefront affiliate program provides roadmap for retailers to thrive in digital marketplace

New York, NY / January 27th 2011 – comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, announced today the industry’s first Digital Storefront Affiliate program for retailers. The program will empower comic book merchants to prosper from the sale of digital comics with a comiXology-powered store and reader. Leveraging comiXology’s technology will provide retailers the foundation for future digital initiatives as the program evolves.

The comiXology Digital Storefront Affiliate program offers retailers the opportunity to tap into comiXology’s vibrant digital marketplace with a simple integration into their existing site. These retailers will be able to offer their customers access to comiXology’s library of digital comics and integrated reader from participating publishers. Consumers will now be able to purchase digital comics online from their local comic store’s digital storefront for the first time. All digital purchases will also be compatible with the Comics by comiXology platform, providing fans the ability to enjoy their comics on their mobile devices and on the Web at their retailer’s websites by way of cross-platform synchronization.

"By having a comiXology-powered store and reader integrated with our existing new and back-issue comics website, we will provide our customers with even more access to the comics they love while increasing their loyalty to us,” said Chris Powell, General Manager and CRO of Lone Star Comics and mycomicshop.com. “Having seen comiXology’s Retailer Tools and Pull List services, we trust comiXology’s technology to help us thrive in a market where customers are interested in both print and digital comics. ComiXology will help us provide the one-stop shopping that customers are looking for.”

Participating publishers will benefit from comiXology’s Digital Storefront Affiliate program through wider distribution on the Web and by strengthening the bonds between publishers, comic stores, and fans that have so successfully made comics a major force in world culture. comiXology plans to announce participating publishers in the coming weeks.

"The comiXology digital sales and reading platform embedded directly on a retailers website is a great opportunity for retailers to participate in the digital comic business,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “As a result, the program will create a new marketplace online for publishers and retailers to increase revenue streams while strengthening their relationships. It also marks the beginning of new way of thinking for retailers, which will ultimately lead them to taking full ownership of their digital initiatives as we continue to roll out the stages of the program.”

ICv2 recently announced a strategic agreement with comiXology to provide customer support for all comiXology’s retail initiatives including its Retailer Tools and the Digital Storefront Affiliate program. Milton Griepp, CEO of ICv2, Steinberger, and comiXology CTO and co-founder John Roberts will demo the Digital Storefront Affiliate program at the upcoming ComicsPRO conference in February.

“Comic retailers have built and nurtured the local communities that support the comics business, and it’s important that those retailers have a way to participate in and profit from the digital comics revolution,” said Roberts.“ Building on the success of our Retailer Tools, we look to expand our relationship with retailers by helping brand each digital storefront to the specific retailer, while hosting it at no cost. With a plan to integrate the Retailer Tools and Pull List, comic retailers will become a one-stop shop for all comic readers needs.”

“Digital comics can be a great tool for reaching out to new or lapsed customers, and retailers should not be afraid of this new format. Instead, they should look for ways to make the digital format complement their existing print business," Powell added.

To request more information about the Digital Storefront Affiliate program, retailers can visit http://retailers.comixology.com/digital_form/

About comiXology

Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 5500 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.
WIZKIDS ANNOUNCES THE QUARRIORS DICE BUILDING GAME

(January 27, 2011-Hillside NJ) – WizKids announced today the addition of the Quarriors Dice Building GameTM to their summer 2011 product release schedule. Players take on the roles of Quarriors —mighty mystical warriors—who have the power to capture dangerous quarry from the untamed Wilds! They must conjure the mysterious powers of Quiddity, cast powerful spells, and summon their creatures to battle if they hope to overcome rivals and earn their rightful place as the Champion!

The game features 130 custom molded dice, 53 creature and spell cards and everything needed to play for 2 to 4 players.

“Quarriors has the frenetic excitement of a dice battle game,” said co-designer Eric Lang “with an added ‘deckbuilding’ twist: players customize their dice pools during the game using resources generated by their rolls.”

“It takes the best of deckbuilding games without the tedium of shuffling” said Mike Elliott the other co-designer of the game, “take a typical deckbuilding game, add the speed and fun of dice and in 60 minutes you’re on your second or third game trying unique strategies against your opponents.”

“When Mike and Eric first showed us the game we were amazed at how quick it was to set up and play and really get to the strategic elements of the game. We are excited to continue WizKids tradition of innovating core hobby gaming and believe this will really resonate with players who want to get the most out of a gaming session” said Lax Chandra President of WizKids.

Find us on the web at http://www.WizKidsGames.com/Quarriors or friend us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Wizkids to see the latest developments from Wizkids as they happen!
ESCAPE INTO THE FANTASY OF NONPLAYER
Newcomer Nate Simpson Makes Monumental Debut at Image

Berkeley, CA - 25 January 2011 –

Image Comics carries on its tradition of introducing the best new talent with an all-new title from rising star Nate Simpson. Combining references to massively multi-player online roleplaying games and science fiction/fantasy mainstays with exquisite illustration, Simpson's NONPLAYER is planned as a six-issue miniseries, with the first installment out in April.

NONPLAYER is the story of Dana Stevens, a young woman who retreats from the dismal workaday world of the future into the digital fantasy realm of Jarvath, where she's a fearless warrior. Dana is not alone in her pursuits, however, and before long, her adventures begin to cat-and-mouse back and forth between the two worlds.

Prior to NONPLAYER, Simpson made video games come to life for their players in his previous job as a concept artist. After taking a year off to "learn how to make comics," though, he is quickly establishing himself as not only as a gifted illustrator, but as a storyteller with a wonderfully unique voice as well.

“A comic book is just about the most elaborate thing a person can create without assistance, which sounds like heaven to somebody who's spent fourteen years in video game development,” Simpson explained. "I've had a lot of fun putting all the nuts and bolts of this story together and figuring out how best to approach everything in terms of production, and I can't wait to share this story with people."

Added Image Publisher Eric Stephenson, "It's always a pleasure to link up with a creator as well-rounded and imaginative as Nate. Every aspect of NONPLAYER is so well-considered, it's like working with an old pro. As first timers go, Nate is one of the most impressive I've ever seen."

Indeed, Simpson has built a panoramic world through sequential art, with each interior page more lovingly executed than the last. The dual worlds of NONPLAYER are depicted with detailed rendering, whether in Dana's real world or in the lavishly real game world. The overall effect is not dissimilar to the lush artwork found in some of Europe's best and most loved comics, but with a distinct flavor all Simpson's own.

NONPLAYER, a 32-page full-color science fiction and fantasy comic will be in stores April 6, 2011, for $2.99. For more information, visit www.nonplayercomic.com.
IDW Announces Second Printing for
INFESTATION #1

The Opening Salvo in IDW’s Multi-Title Zombie Event Sells Out

Second Printing Available in Stores on February 16th


INFESTATION #1 2nd Printing coverSan Diego, CA (January 27, 2010) – IDW Publishing is excited to announce that INFESTATION #1 has sold out! Setting the stage for the company’s massive INFESTATION event, IDW is rushing a second printing of this debut issue to stores. INFESTATION #1 kicks off an epic adventure that invades Star Trek, Ghostbusters, TRANSFORMERS, and G.I. JOE comics with hordes of zombies and infected robots. Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (The Thanos Imperative, Legion of Super-Heroes) and illustrated by David Messina (True Blood), INFESTATION #1 starts the multi-title event with a bang, and never lets up. To meet the continued demand and ensure readers can get in on the brain-eating action, the second printing of INFESTATION #1 will be in stores on February 16th, and readers should check availability with their local store.

“The response to INFESTATION has completely exceeded our expectations,” said Chris Ryall, IDW Chief Creative Officer and Editor in Chief. “This project has been in the works for years and it’s very regarding for all of us at IDW to see it getting such a positive response.”

This initial 32-page INFESTATION story begins in IDW’s own ZOMBIES VS. ROBOTS universe, where something goes terribly wrong and ultimately infests the worlds of TRANSFORMERS, STAR TREK, G.I. JOE, and GHOSTBUSTERS. From there, the story spins ferociously into each of the four properties throughout February and March, and culminates in April’s bombastic finale, INFESTATION #2.

In February, TRANSFORMERS: INFESTATION #1 and #2 and STAR TREK: INFESTATION #1 and #2 will ship bi-weekly. The TRANSFORMERS title will also be penned by Abnett and Lanning, with fan-favorite Nick Roche handling the art. STAR TREK: INFESTATION will be written by mainstay writers Scott and David Tipton and illustrated by Gary Erskine (Dan Dare) and Casey Maloney (Zipper).

March will see the release of the bi-weekly G.I. JOE: INFESTATION #1 and #2 by writer Mike Raicht and artist Giovanni Timpano, as well as GHOSTBUSTERS: INFESTATION #1 and #2 by Erik Burnham (The A-Team: War Stories) and Kyle Hotz (Marvel Zombies).

Artist John K. Snyder III (Phoenix Without Ashes) will provide covers for the two INFESTATION issues, as well as 1950s sci-fi film-inspired images for each of the four involved series.

INFESTATION #1, 2nd printing ($3.99, 40 pages, full color) will be available in stores on February 16, 2011. Diamond order code DEC10 8147.

TRANSFORMERS: INFESTATION #1 and #2 (each: $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be in stores on February 2 and 16, 2011, respectively. Diamond order codes DEC10 0337 and DEC10 0340.

STAR TREK: INFESTATION #1 and #2 (each: $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be in stores on February 9 and 23, 2011, respectively. Diamond order codes DEC10 0332 and DEC10 03335.

G.I. JOE: INFESTATION #1 and #2 (each: $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be in stores on March 2 and 16, 2011, respectively. Diamond order codes JAN11 0472 and JAN11 0475.

GHOSTBUSTERS: INFESTATION #1 and #2 (each: $3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be in stores on March 9 and 23, 2011, respectively. Diamond order codes JAN11 0467 and JAN11 0470.

INFESTATION #2 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores on April 6, 2011. Diamond order code FEB11 0291.



Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.


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 and G.I. JOE, Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for EA Comics and ComicMix.

IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

DEBUT ISSUE OF FREAKSHOW SELLS OUT FROM APE ENTERTAINMENT

DARK SUPERHERO SAGA TAKES COMIC SHOPS BY STORM

Ape Entertainment is pleased to announce that FREAKSHOW #1, the debut creator-owned comic from creators David Server & Jackson Lanzing with art by rising star Joe Suitor, has sold out from the publisher. This marks an exciting start for the highly anticipated miniseries, which is poised to introduce a new, original brand of post-apocalyptic superhero action to audiences all over the world.

"FREAKSHOW is an incredibly exciting project with roots in the superhero, science-fiction, and horror genres, so we knew we'd be able to turn some heads with comics fans", says Ape Co-Publisher David Hedgecock, "but the response to the book from fans and retailers has been truly overwhelming. We're thrilled to finally get this book into the hands of our readers."

The sell-out follows an auspicious preview run at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, which also sold out on the convention floor. Interest has been bolstered by positive early reviews from such websites as SlashFilm and Comic Book Resources, as well as the attachment of veteran screenwriter Mark Protosevich (I AM LEGEND, THOR, the upcoming MASS EFFECT), who has been announced to write and possibly direct a feature adaptation of the comic for producers Jennifer Klein (PEARL HARBOR) and Sheldon Turner (UP IN THE AIR).

"We've always hoped the world of FREAKSHOW would resonate with people, so the feedback we've gotten so far from fans we've met at conventions and online has been tremendously exciting and gratifying," said Server. "We couldn't be more thankful that retailers are taking a chance on our book," adds Lanzing, "and we plan to reward readers with three issues of characters, story, and art that's like nothing else on the stands."

Since Ape Entertainment recognizes that this sell-out will limit retailers from ordering further copies of FREAKSHOW #1, there are plans to release a digital version of the book as soon as possible. A similar digital format is planned for issues #2 and #3, and details will be announced by Ape upon release.

To find out for yourself why Fangoria gave FREAKSHOW #1 four out of four skulls, calling it "noteworthy and original" with "stylish artwork and attention grabbing storytelling", make sure to contact your local retailer and reserve a copy as soon as possible. The book will be arriving in stores January 26th, and will be followed monthly by issues #2 and #3. Those issues are still available for ordering from Diamond Comics distribution using ordering codes #DEC100718 and #JAN110927 respectively.

For more information about FREAKSHOW, visit http://www.freakshowcomic.com.

You can also join our 1,200+ member fan community and get exclusive access to original art and updates at http://www.facebook.com/freakshowcomic.

For the latest on Ape Entertainment, including the successful KiZoic line, please visit http://apecomics.com.

About Ape Entertainment: Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E Erwin. Home to such popular titles as GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, SUPERHUMAN RESOURCES, BLACK COAT, ATHENA VOLTAIRE, and THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS, it is also the North American publisher for DreamWorks Animation licensed properties SHREK, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, and KUNG FU PANDA.

About FREAKSHOW: FREAKSHOW is the upcoming 3-issue comic book miniseries from writers David Server & Jackson Lanzing, with art by Joe Suitor. In the aftermath of a catastrophic chemical explosion in a major city, five refugee survivors develop monstrous mutations, faulty "superpowers" that leave them hideous but powerful. Their humanity seemingly stripped away, they must navigate the clandestine military quarantine zone that has engulfed the city, balancing their thirst for revenge with their new ability to exact it. But as they draw closer to their goal, they begin to realize that their own dark origins may be more closely linked to the devastation than they thought...

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

ORIGINAL UK SERIES, BEING HUMAN, RETURNS NEXT MONTH ON BBC AMERICA’S SUPERNATURAL SATURDAYS FOR A MONSTER THIRD SEASON



Russell Tovey as George, Sinead Keenan as Nina, Aidan Turner as Mitchell and Lenora Crichlow as Annie

New York, NY – Being Human, BBC AMERICA’s original hit supernatural series about a group of friends trying to live normal lives despite their unusual afflictions, is back – and, says creator and writer, Toby Whithouse, "It is, without doubt, our best season yet.”



“A third season is a unique opportunity because it allows you to take all the best bits of season one and season two," he says. "What we took from season one is the domestic element and very strong stories of the week with very strong guest characters. Season two had much more of an epic sweep and a breadth of ambition. Season three has allowed us to combine all those things.”



A BBC AMERICA co-production, Being Human stars Russell Tovey, Sinead Keenan, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner as werewolf George, werewolf Nina, ghost Annie and vampire Mitchell - four friends doing the best they can to cope with the supernatural challenges of their lives while trying to blend in with their human neighbors. The showdown last season with Kemp and Lucy Jaggat has forced some changes for the friends. Couple George and Nina plus Mitchell have fled their beloved house in Bristol and are looking for a new house to rent in Wales. They are also without Annie, who is stuck in purgatory and desperately trying to escape. Being Human premieres on Supernatural Saturday, February 19, 9:00p.m. ET/PT for eight weeks.



Leaving the memories of their much-loved former house behind, George, Nina and Mitchell settle into their new home – a kitsch bed and breakfast named Honolulu Heights that boasts many benefits for supernatural sharers – a large basement providing a safe and sheltered environment on a full moon, for one.



Season three boasts an impressive array of guest-stars, including Lacey Turner (EastEnders) as Lia, who Mitchell meets in Purgatory, Robson Green (Wire In The Blood) as primitive werewolf McNair, Michael Socha (This Is England '86) as McNair's son Tom, Paul Kaye (It's All Gone Pete Tong) as twisted vampire Vincent, Craig Roberts (Young Dracula) as teenage vampire Adam; Nicola Walker (MI-5) as social worker Wendy, James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral) as George's father George Sr; and Jason Watkins making an eventful return as vampire leader Herrick.



Being Human first premiered on BBC AMERICA in 2009 and quickly won over fans and critics alike, and has even spawned a US remake. The New York Times recently said that the UK series “has energy, and interesting characters, and a pulpy momentum that keeps you engaged in its kitchen-sink drama meets Bram Stoker story lines,” and Variety called it “improbably absorbing, wonderfully sly.” In addition, the cast and creator have appeared to sold-out crowds at the last two years of San Diego Comic Con. Season one and two of Being Human are available on DVD and Blu-ray on the BBC AMERICA Shop and iTunes.



BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 68 million homes.

Monday, January 24, 2011

WORLD’S FIRST VIRTUAL SPORTS THEME PARK REWARDING KIDS FOR ACTIVE PLAY TO LAUNCH THIS SPRING – FUNGOPLAY.COM

Online World Introduces Sports-Themed Games, Customizable Avatars and Original Characters with “Connected” Sports Gear To Track Play Periods
And Reward Kids For On-The-Go Real World Physical Activity


NEW YORK – January 24, 2011 – An all-new virtual world is launching this spring for online and mobile platforms that bridges the gap between offline and online play in a way that is truly interactive and social, combining the interests of children with the attributes that parents seek -- FunGoPlay. An online sports theme park, FunGoPlay separates itself from all other virtual worlds through “connected” sports gear that rewards kids every time they use them in the real world by tracking their play periods and earning them medals, points, and power-ups in the online world.

Targeted at 6-11 year old boys and girls, FunGoPlay comes from a group of industry veterans across different fields – entertainment, digital media and licensing - with a common mission to deliver a safe, affordable online entertainment experience that both parents and children will love. By merging the most appealing aspects of online gaming with the joys of real world play, FunGoPlay connects new technologies with classic play patterns like nothing ever before.

“Our research shows that kids’ activity levels are determined when they are eight and nine years old. Not coincidentally, this is the time that they are being sucked into the often sedentary lifestyle of video games and surfing online,” said FunGoPlay President, David Jacobs. “We saw an opportunity to combine two leading kid passions—digital entertainment and real world active sports play—so we changed the game by introducing a virtual world that rewards kids for playing and being active in the real world. We see this as a future of online gaming that both parents and children can enjoy.”

"FunGoPlay has developed a model that could change the face of sporting goods," said David Mauer, former President of Mattel USA and current CEO of EB Brands, the Yonkers based manufacturer that will be creating the initial line of FunGoPlay sports gear. "This is the future of products staring us right in the face, and most importantly, gets kids to be more active, thereby improving their health in a significant way."

At its core, FunGoPlay is a humorous and light-hearted online sports world that offers kids fun games, funny characters and fully customizable avatars combined with ample rewards and achievements. When children enter the site they are greeted by a vast universe filled with different sports-themed venues and events based on everything from core sports like basketball, baseball, soccer and football to extreme and non-traditional sports such as skateboarding and outdoor games. Games will consist of quick, fun mini-games along with more elaborate single and multiplayer games.

FunGoPlay features an engaging storyline that is told through the FunGoPlay All Stars, a cast of characters that kids can play with and against throughout the world. Every character in the game possesses a rich history and distinct personality that will develop during the course of a child’s interaction with the site. To intermingle with these characters and navigate the universe, kids will utilize their own fully customizable avatars – called FunGoPlayers -- that can be created through one of the deepest databases any online world has ever seen.

FunGoPlay will utilize a Freemium subscription model offering kids access at a variety of levels. Pricing will be announced at a later date. For more information on FunGoPlay, visit www.fungoplay.com.

FunGoPlay is entering the digital space during a period where entertainment technologies capture the interests of children, but also as childhood obesity rates have risen to unprecedented levels and continue to rise. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America is overweight or obese*. This makes the need to introduce activities that use virtual avenues to encourage real world play all the more crucial.

Research shows that currently 89 percent of kids 8-17 play online games making it the number one youth activity** with a projection that 46 percent of all 3-11 year olds will play in virtual worlds in 2011***. This demographic will be one segment of a market that will hit 20 million during this same year†. Concurrently, FunGoPlay will be entering the mobile space at a time of similar growth in that category, much of it again spawned by the younger sect. In 2011, 64 million people in the US will play mobile games. Children will be a large segment of that as studies show that 49 percent of kids 6-11 use mobile phones to play games†† and two-thirds of children ages 4 to 7 have used an iPhone or iPod touch and 85% have used one owned by a parent†††.

*Letsmove.gov
**Norton Online Family Report, June 2010
***eMarketer, April 2009
†Kzero, 2009
†† American Kids Study January 2010
†††PBS Kids.Org/Joan Ganz Cooney Center, November 2010


About FunGoPlay
FunGoPlay (www.fungoplay.com) is an online sports theme park and the first virtual world to bridge online and offline play through the use of ‘connected’ sports gear. Conceptualized by industry veterans — including music industry pioneer and start-up expert Steven Lerner, children’s content development, TV distribution, merchandising and licensing veteran David Jacobs (Sesame Workshop/HIT Entertainment), and writer and franchise director of kids properties Fabian Nicieza (Batman, X-Men, Transformers, etc.) -- the site caters to the online gaming needs of today’s 6-11 year olds. FunGoPlay delivers customizable avatars, fun games, and a social community while rewarding active offline play.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

comiXology Teams With ICv2 to Expand Retailer Network and Increase Brick and Mortar Growth Opportunities

ICv2 to manage customer service and support for comiXology’s retailer tools

New York, NY / January 20th – comiXology announced today a strategic agreement with ICv2, the #1 source for business information in the comic industry. ICv2, led by CEO Milton Griepp, will work closely with comiXology to further develop, manage and expand its relationships with brick and mortar comic book retailers as new programs and technologies are introduced to help retailers prosper.

The relationship will also build on comiXology’s Retailer Tools, which have been growing sales and improving the operational efficiency of local comic stores since 2009 with their online pull list management software and free cover gallery for any Website. The Retailer Tools includes the widely used comiXology Pull List app, enabling fans to pre-order comics for pick up from their local stores through the app. ICv2 will be handling sales, marketing, and customer service for The Retailer Tools.

“From day one, we always understood that the brick-and-mortar retailers are the backbone of the comic industry community,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Making them stronger businesses creates a greater opportunity for us to collaborate and grow the comic marketplace together. Milton’s insight during his term on our board has been a huge asset to us and we are glad to partner with him to advance our retailer relations and technology.”

comiXology recently launched a new Pull List Email format, empowering retailers to attract new customers by directing consumers who aren’t already connected to a retailer towards an established comiXology retailer.

“What attracted us to comiXology was the vision of a platform for fans, retailers, and publishers that enhances sales of all comics, both physical and digital,” said Griepp. “ICv2’s long experience with the retailer community, combined with comiXology’s unique platform, offers huge opportunities to grow the business at a time of dynamic change in the industry.”

About comiXology

Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts nearly 5000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

About ICv2

ICv2 is the industry’s source on the business of comics and graphic novels, also covering manga and anime, movie/TV products (including cool DVDs, figures, and more), and hobby games (collectible, cool board, minis, RPGs) daily on its Website, ICv2.com, and in its magazine, Internal Correspondence. For the people on the front lines of the pop culture business, staying ahead of the trends isn’t something that can be left to chance—it’s a basic necessity for being successful. That’s why ICv2 is the #1 source of news and information for the buyers, gatekeepers, and tastemakers on the front lines. ICv2 is where trend-watching has become a science.
BOOM! STUDIOS'
THE ANCHOR VOL. 1 WINS
2011 GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS
FOR TEENS AWARD


January 21, 2011 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that for the second year in a row the Young Adult Library Service Association (YALSA) has selected a BOOM! Studios original graphic novel, THE ANCHOR VOL. 1: FIVE FURIES, as one of their 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

This year, YALSA has compiled a list of 63 titles out of 89 official nominations presented annually at the ALA midwinter conference. These titles are recommended for readers ages 12 to 18 and are chosen for their ability to "meet the criteria of both good quality literature and appealing reading for teens."

"We can't express how excited we are to receive this honor once again!" says BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. "It's a pleasure to see that the hard work and dedication of the entire BOOM! staff does not go unnoticed. Thanks to YALSA for the opportunity to say once more that we produce 'Great Graphic Novels for Teens'"

Anyone may view the list of other award recipients at the American Library Association website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/ggnt11.cfm

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) 2009 “Best Publisher” of the year, generates a wide-ranging catalog of multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated comic books and graphic novels featuring some of the industry’s top talent, including Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, 20th Century Fox’s 28 DAYS LATER and DIE HARD, The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. This fall sees BOOM! teaming up with the legendary Stan Lee, creator of Marvel Comics’ characters Spider-Man, The Hulk, and The X-Men for a line of original superhero series, the legend’s first new superhero creations in nearly 20 years. BOOM!’s youth imprint, BOOM Kids!, is an undisputed industry leader publishing Disney/Pixar’s THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney’s THE MUPPETS, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its fifth anniversary.