CHILDISH GAMBINO AND LI’L DEPRESSED BOY GO TO “CAMP”

THE LI’L DEPRESSED BOY #10 features special guest appearance by Glassnote Recording Artist

Special limited edition cover only available on the “Camp” Tour 

Image Comics announces that “Li'l Depressed Boy” will take a trip to Camp Gambino in issue #10 of the series, featuring a special guest appearance by rapper Childish Gambino, who kicks off his much anticipated “Camp” tour with a string of sold-out shows including opening night on April 5^th in Austin, TX.   A limited number of copies featuring an exclusive cover designed by THE LI’L DEPRESSED BOY artist Sina Grace will be available for purchase only on the Camp Tour starting in Iowa City on April 16^th.  

In the issue, a concert rekindles a memory of loneliness and a person who made a difference in Li'l Depressed Boy's life -- rapper Childish Gambino, who urges him to climb out of his cocoon and experience the world. The experience will lead Li'l Depressed Boy on a new path in his life, sending the comic series in a new direction. The appearance in the comic marks the first time a guest will participate in the actual narrative and not just as a setting.

"It's eerily alarming how much the themes in Childish Gambino's 'Camp' are going to play out not only in this issue, but the story arc to come," said artist Sina Grace.

"When I came across his music, it quickly ascended to the top of every playlist,” said writer S. Steven Struble. “I feel a kinship with what he says in his songs. He's creating something earnest and true to his life, and I'm trying to do the same with mine."

As Grace simply puts it: "He loves the comics, we love the music, we wanted to make art together.  His appearance is bringing the best out of both Struble and myself."

Initial solicitations of the issue featured a different cover and story summary from the issue's final incarnation. THE LI'L DEPRESSED BOY #10 will include additional story pages and will be in comics stores on April 25 and can be pre-ordered now with the Diamond Comics code (NOV110460).

ABOUT THE LI'L DEPRESSED BOY

Originally an anthologized web-comic, THE LI'L DEPRESSED BOY found its print home at Image Comics in 2011, maintaining a cult status early on. The series follows the non-adventures of a rag doll boy on his quest for love, happiness, and a good album on vinyl.
For More information, visit www.depressedboy.com
On Twitter - @struble, and @SinaGrace

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. 

ABOUT CHILDISH GAMBINO

Childish Gambino released his Glassnote Records debut album CAMP on November 15^th, 2011 and has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in music. Landing at #11 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and #2 on the Billboard Hip-Hop charts, CAMP has received critical acclaim from publications such as The Source, XXL, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, NPR and more. Childish Gambino, with his unique blend of hip-hop genres and lyrical genius, has gone from a viral cult following to a mega sensation.

Childish Gambino’s much anticipated “Camp” Tour will hit a total of 35 cities across the United States and Canada, including performances at Coachella, Sasquatch and Bonnaroo Music Festivals. 

For any additional information, please check out www.childishgambino.com and www.iamdonald.com and @DonaldGlover

“CAMP” TOUR

April 5, Austin, TX at Stubbs (SOLD OUT)

April 6, Houston, TX at House of Blues (SOLD OUT)

April 7, Dallas, TX at Palladium Ballroom

April 10, Tucson, AZ at Rialto Theatre

April 11, Phoenix, AZ at Venue of Scottsdale (SOLD OUT)

April 16, Iowa City, IA at University of Iowa

April 18, Sacramento, CA at Ace of Spades (SOLD OUT)

April 19, Oakland, CA at Fox Theatre (SOLD OUT)

April 30, Sayreville, NJ at Starland Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

May 9, Chicago, IL at Riviera Theatre (SOLD OUT)

May 10, Minneapolis, MN at Epic

June 5, Denver, CO at Ogden Theatre

June 7, St Louis, MO at The Pageant

June 10, Atlanta, GA at The Tabernacle (SOLD OUT)

June 12, Orlando, FL at Hard Rock Live

June 13, Miami, FL at The Fillmore

June 15, Indianapolis, IN at Egyptian Room

June 16, Cleveland, OH at House of Blues

June 18, Pittsburg, PA at Stage AE

June 19, Buffalo, NY at Town Ballroom

June 21, Boston, MA at Bank of America Pavilion

June 22, Philadelphia, PA at River Stage at Penn’s Landing

June 23, Baltimore, MD at Pier Six Pavilion

June 25, New York, NY at Central Park Summerstage (SOLD OUT)

July 25, Kansas City, MO at Beaumont Club

July 27, Asheville, NC at The Orange Peel

July 28, Charlotte, NC at Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre

July 29, Richmond, VA at The National (SOLD OUT)

July 31, Toronto, ON at Echo Beach

Aug 1, Montreal, QC at Metropolis

Aug 3, Detroit, MI at The Fillmore

Eternal Descent and Calabash Animation Launch Animated Series on IndieGoGo Star studded heavy metal series from IDW Publishing puts music and comics in motion (San Diego, March 29) --The Eternal Descent comic series from IDW Publishing has bridged the worlds of music and comics like no other, with an army of chart topping heavy metal stars including Joe Satriani, Wayne Static, Gus G, Arch Enemy, Periphery, Shadows Fall, and many more appearing throughout the saga. In Eternal Descent's continued effort to explore the unholy alliance between heavy metal and high fantasy, they have teamed up with Calabash Animation, the acclaimed animation studio led by Sean Henry and Wayne Brejcha, to bring an animated reimagining of Eternal Descent! Having tested their mettle with a 2 minute animated preview, they are now in pre-production for a 22 minute pilot episode, which would realize Eternal Descent as a fully animated TV show. Eternal Descent is pleased to announce that Mike Sizemore is handling the script, and if you love animation, fantasy, and heavy guitars, then this could be the show you’ve been waiting for! See the preview and find out how you can get involved at: www.indiegogo.com/eternaldescent While Eternal Descent aims to have a complete series commissioned by a network, the pilot will be released online, to be enjoyed for free. The pilot will be launched as an episodic web series with 5 action packed installments! Eternal Descent remains entirely creator owned and they want to include the fans as much as possible. Sharing this message will be a huge help to their cause, but if you would like to contribute directly, the have created an awesome array of rewards, perks and experiences to show their appreciation. From signed comics to custom ESP Guitars, Eternal Descent has got you covered! Bringing this project to life will be a creative challenge, and they want you to be a part of the production every step of the way. Eternal Descent will be shooting exclusive behind-the-scenes footage to release alongside the animated series, so you’ll get to see how the animators work their magic and follow studio sessions with the incredible guest guitarists who have always been a part of this world. The pieces are in place, the descent begins! To learn more about Eternal Descent visit www.EternalDescent.com and for further information, images, review copies and interview opportunities with the creators and musicians who appear in Eternal Descent, contact press@eternaldescent.com .

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; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coasts Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘sPlatinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER GEORGE LUCAS
COMES THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF THE MEN
WHOSE BRAVERY MADE THEM HEROES AND
WHOSE ACTIONS MADE HISTORY 

 

Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. Lead an All-Star Cast
In The High-Octane Action-Adventure Coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download
Just in Time for Memorial Day on May 22

Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment present the remarkable story of an inspirational group of men whose legendary bravery was cemented in the sky in RED TAILS, soaring onto Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital Download May 22.  Set for release just prior to Memorial Day, RED TAILS stars Academy Award® Winner Cuba Gooding Jr.* (Jerry Maguire) and Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard** (Hustle & Flow) leading a powerful ensemble cast in this high-flying epic inspired by the real-life adventures of the first African-American combat unit to serve in World War II.

Italy, 1944.  As the war takes its toll on Allied forces in Europe, a squadron of black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen are finally given the chance to prove themselves in the sky... even as they battle discrimination on the ground.  Featuring jaw-dropping aerial action and thrilling special effects, RED TAILS is a breathtaking tribute to the unsung heroes who rose above extraordinary challenges and ultimately soared into history.

Directed by Anthony Hemingway, RED TAILS features an extraordinary cast which includes David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees), Elijah Kelly (Hairspray), Tristan Wilds (“90210”), Method Man (“The Wire”), Ne-Yo (Stomp The Yard), Michael B. Jordon (Chronicle), Leslie Odom, Jr. (“Smash”), Marcus T. Paulk (Take the Lead), Kevin Philips (Pride), Andre Royo (“The Wire”), Daniela Ruah (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Gerald McRaney (“Major Dad”), Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”). The film was produced by Rick McCallum and Charles Floyd Johnson and written by John Ridley and Aaron McGruder.

The RED TAILS Blu-ray™ is loaded with special features including the documentary Double Victory along with profiles of the filmmakers and behind-the-scenes featurettes.  The Blu-ray™ and DVD will be available for an average retail price of $25.00 and $20.00 respectively.  Prebook is April 25.


RED TAILS Blu-ray Combo Pack Special Features

• Double Victory: The Tuskegee Airmen at War
• George Lucas: Executive Producer
• Anthony Hemingway: Director
• Terence Blanchard: Composer
• The Cast of Red Tails
• Movie Magic
• THX Media Director

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC

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

DARK HORSE TO RELEASE MIKE MIGNOLA

AND CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN’S NEW NOVEL

JOE GOLEM IN A DELUXE HARDCOVER EDITION!

MARCH 29, SALT LAKE CITY, UT–In conjunction with the release of Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s latest collaboration earlier this week, and Mignola’s appearance at this weekend’s World Horror Convention, Dark Horse is pleased to announce a limited-edition hardcover release of Joe Golem and the Drowning City.

After a séance gone horribly wrong, strange men wearing gas masks and rubber suits abduct the aging psychic Orlov the Conjuror, sending his young assistant Molly McHugh racing through the canals of a submerged Manhattan. As Molly flees her captors through a sunken city full of scavengers, her one hope comes in the form of two strange men: Simon Church, a Victorian-era detective kept alive by clockwork gears and magic, and his assistant, Joe, whose mysterious past is hinted at in dreams of stone and witches.

“Joe and his world are made up of all those things I love: crumbling ruins, strange Victorian devices, and unknowable supernatural forces,” said cocreator Mike Mignola. “These are the very same elements that went into the creation of Hellboy, but here hammered into different shape and relocated to New York City. Hellboy is Joe’s country cousin.”

The deluxe limited-edition collection features multiple illustrations by Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, as well as a signature plate signed by both Mignola and Golden, and is presented in a handsome slipcase. Additionally, only the Dark Horse edition will feature the previously unpublished story “Joe Golem and the Copper Girl.”

The deluxe hardcover edition of Joe Golem and the Drowning City will be released in an extremely limited edition of only 1,000 copies on September 26, and will retail for $99.99.

GERARD BUTLER STARS IN THE TRUE STORY OF ONE MAN’S
MISSION TO SAVE THE CHILDREN FROM JOSEPH KONY’S
LORD’S RESISTANCE ARMY

 

 

Meet the Real Sam Childers, Founder of the Angels of East Africa,
On Blu-ray and DVD June 5th

 

Gerard Butler (300) delivers a blazing performance as Sam Childers, the impassioned biker and ex-criminal turned crusader in MACHINE GUN PREACHER from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. From Golden Globe® nominated director Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball), MACHINE GUN PREACHER is the moving true-life story of discovery and redemption as Sam Childers takes up the fights for the children of East Africa and their freedom from Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

 

An Official Selection at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival and featuring the Grammy® and Golden Globe® nominated song “The Keeper” by Chris Cornell, MACHINE GUN PREACHER is complete with special features and commentary on the must-own Blu-ray and DVD on June 5th.

 

MACHINE GUN PREACHER is the inspirational true story of Childers (Butler), a former drug-dealing criminal who undergoes an astonishing transformation and finds an unexpected calling as the savior of hundreds of kidnapped and orphaned children in East Africa. The explosive, real-life tale of a man who has rescued over a thousand orphans from starvation, disease, and enslavement, Machine Gun Preacher is written by Jason Keller (Relativity’s Mirror Mirror) and also stars Michelle Monaghan (Source Code), Golden Globe® winner Kathy Baker (Cold Mountain, Picket Fences), Madeline Carroll (Mr. Popper’s Penguins), Academy Award® nominated Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), and Souleymane Sy Savane (Damages). Producing is Forster, along with Relativity’s Robbie Brenner, Safady Entertainment’s Gary Safady and Craig Chapman, and GG Filmz’s Deborah Giarratana.

 

MACHINE GUN PREACHER will be available on Blu-ray and DVD June 5 and was theatrically-released by Relativity Media.

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

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

As Fourth Season of MERLIN Comes to an End

With Friday’s Season Finale on Syfy,

Cast and Creator Offer a Look Back … and Forward

Colin Morgan, Bradley James & Katie McGrath, Co-Creator Johnny Capps

Reflect on Season Four and Look Forward to All-New Fifth Season of MERLIN

 Thirteen episodes of sorcery and swordplay, dragons and demons, bewitchings and betrayals comes to a head this Friday when the fourth season of MERLIN culminates in an exhilarating season finale entitled “The Sword in the Stone, Part 2,” premiering March 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT only on Syfy.

For cast members Colin Morgan (Merlin), Bradley James (Arthur) and Katie McGrath (Morgana), the fourth season has been filled with memorable moments for both the actors and viewers.

Morgan is particularly enthused about developments for the title character, who has gone from the King’s servant to his best friend and closest adviser. The fourth season presented some frustrating speed bumps in that relationship as Arthur’s traitorous uncle Agravaine wielded far more power and influence over the King than Merlin would have seen fit.

“After Uther died, there was an interesting transition within the characters as Arthur put family over friends,” Morgan recalls. “That was a difficult transition for Merlin to overcome. One of the key elements in the finale is Arthur seeing his uncle for who he is, and positively reflecting on Merlin’s valued friendship. Arthur always knew Merlin was a good friend and a trusted guy, but to realize he’s loyally been there the entire time is a big revelation for Arthur and certainly paves the way for where we’re going in Season Five.”

McGrath’s Morgana has experienced a true roller-coaster ride in Season Four, initiating one coup of Camelot after another before finally succeeding – if only for a few brief moments.

“I loved it when you see Morgana sitting on the throne after she has taken Camelot,” McGrath explains. “The difference in her body language and attitude and her presence is miles away from her coronation in Season Three, and even further away from what it had been in earlier years. I think it shows how far she has come and how much she has changed throughout the series.”

The entire series has changed, observes James – for the better, in his estimation.  “We’ve gradually gotten closer to the legend, which requires us to get a little bit warped, because the legend is really quite dark.  That shift has been fantastic. It’s what the show has needed, and what we have needed as actors because it has really kept our interest alive and provided us with a lot of new fun and challenges.”

Filming has begun on Season Five in Wales and France, and the cast is anxious to see what’s next for their characters and the series. But what do they hope is on the horizon?

“Merlin revealing his magic is definitely going to be the ultimate test for Arthur and Merlin, and I think it might be explored in the fifth season,” Morgan says. “The levels of trust between friends is one thing, but Arthur’s distrust of magic is something that runs longer than he and Merlin have been friends. It will take much more influence and much more work to break and to overcome. Certainly we’re entering into that territory, but it’s never going to be an easy task for Merlin. Still, it has to happen sooner or later.”

Underscoring just how strong all of its characters are, McGrath adds: “I'd like Camelot to realize that Morgana has a point. The persecution is unjust, and that magic has a place in the kingdom.”

MERLIN co-creator and executive producer Johnny Capps also offers a tantalizing possibility of things to come: “I think,” he says, “the return of Mordred would be very interesting.”

Stay tuned.

“The Sword in the Stone, Part 2,” an all-new episode of MERLIN, airs Friday, March 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT only on Syfy.  All three seasons of MERLIN are now available on DVD and on iTunes.  Be sure to follow the latest news on MERLIN at the Official Merlin page on Facebook.

NERDIST INDUSTRIES’ CEO PETER LEVIN JOINS COMIXOLOGY’S ADVISORY BOARD

 March 29th, 2012 – New York, NY— ComiXology, the world’s largest digital comics platform available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web with over 50 million comic and graphic novel downloads to date, is proud to announce that Nerdist Industries’ CEO Peter Levin has joined comiXology’s Board of Advisors. In this new role, Levin will advise comiXology on strategic initiatives and partnerships as well as business and corporate development.
Nerdist Industries, a multi-platform creator of genre and popular-culture content, was most recently in the news when founder Chris Hardwick announced the launch of the Nerdist YouTube Channel with a slate of two-dozen new shows as well as their pre-Comic-Con International lightsaber relay race "Course of the Force" in partnership with Lucasfilm LTD., Machinima and Octagon.
Levin now joins an Advisory Board that includes geek culture veteran and CEO of ICv2 Milton Griepp, longtime president and editor-in-chief of DC Comics and MAD Magazine and Double Nickel Entertainment co-founder Jenette Kahn, and former head of ZDNet and investor in and advisor to several technology startups Jeff Ballowe.
Levin was co-founder and CEO of GeekChicDaily until it merged with Nerdist in 2011 to form Nerdist Industries. Levin serves as an Executive Advisor to Japanese media juggernaut Yoshimoto Kogyo and recently advised Rovio Mobile (Angry Birds).
About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web— comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.
About Nerdist
Nerdist Industries is a multi-platform creator of genre and popular culture content – a true next generation media company. Founded in 2008, Nerdist is the brainchild of comedian, author, podcaster and new media personality and Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick. In 2011, Nerdist and GeekChicDaily merged to form Nerdist Industries with Hardwick serving as Founder and Chief Creative Officer and digital media entrepreneur Peter Levin, co-founder of GeekChicDaily, serving as Chief Executive Officer. Nerdist Industries consists of a popular website at Nerdist.com; a premium YouTube channel (youtube.com/nerdist), a top comedy/popular culture podcast network on iTunes, recently named one of the top 10 best comedy podcasts by Rolling Stone and sold as a television show to BBC America; a following of over 1.6 million Twitter fans, which Time Magazine named as one of the 140 most influential brands on Twitter; a book, The Nerdist Way, by The Penguin Group; a plethora of live events and much more. Nerdist Industries investors include Legendary Pictures, Mandalay Enterprises, Machinima CEO Allen DeBevoise, Japanese media juggernaut Yoshimoto Kogyo, Gamespy founder Mark Surfas and Revolution Studio's Joe Roth. Nerdist Industries' partners in its YouTube channel include The Jim Henson Company, Broadway Video Entertainment and The Chernin Company. Nerdist Industries is headquartered at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood, CA.

DARK HORSE PRESENTS: “RADIO GA GA”!

MARCH 28, MILWAUKIE, OR—“Radio Ga Ga” is the newest and zaniest story to come to the pages of the Dark Horse Presents anthology.  

Written by Chad Lambert and drawn by Apriyadi Kusbiantoro, “Radio Ga Ga” is the story of a young man with a dream who gets mistaken for an assassin. People think radio personalities are crazy, but sometimes it’s the listeners who are truly flippin’ nuts. Especially when they can get you arrested by the Secret Service. 

“Writers are supposed to write what they know, and no one knows how to fail at broadcasting more than me. I never realized my pain was so funny to others,” said Chad.

“I’ve been sitting on these radio stories for fifteen years, but I was always kind of embarrassed to share them. Then one day, out of the blue, my wife informed me that these tales would make fascinating comic-book stories. So, if you like ‘Radio Ga Ga,’ blame her.”

“Chad’s self-deprecating sense of humor makes his pain and suffering fun to draw. I’m proud to have this story be my debut at Dark Horse,” stated Apriyadi.

Check out “Radio Ga Ga” in Dark Horse Presents #14, on stands July 18!  

About Chad Lambert

Chad Lambert is a five-time Howard E. Day Memorial Award finalist and two-time Champion City Award nominee for his work in creator-owned small press comics. His recent work includes Kung Fu Panda from Ape Entertainment. Lambert spent several years in radio (1996–2002) as both an on-air personality and producer.

 About Apriyadi Kusbiantoro

Apriyadi Kusbiantoro is an Indonesia-based illustrator and founding member of Urakurek Animation Studio. His recent works include biographies of George Carlin and the Three Stooges for Bluewater’s COMICS series.

 About Dark Horse Comics

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists.  In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and best-selling prose author Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and the Occultist. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan the Barbarian, Mass Effect, Serenity, and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry’s leading publisher of licensed material.

 

Dark Horse Comics Panels noted in red.

Additional panels featuring Dark Horse creators, projects and products noted in black.

Friday • March 30^th

 ECCC Spotlight Series: Brian Wood
  Room: 211
Time: 3:00 - 4:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, join creator Brian Wood as he talks about his work on Conan, DMZ, Northlanders and many others.

 Falling Skies Screening and Q&A
  Room: 4C1-2
Time: 3:00 - 4:00

TNT's epic drama Falling Skies makes its debut appearance at Emerald City Comicon this year. Watch a never-before-seen clip from the season 2 premiere episode and hear from the show's actors and producers about the new season. Falling Skies, basic cable's #1 new series of 2011, is set to return this June to continue its extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle (ER) stars as Tom Mason, a former college professor and father of three, who has become an unlikely leader for the 2nd Massachusetts civilian resistance group. The series chronicles the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. Falling Skies comes to TNT from DreamWorks Television and is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. Remi Aubuchon and Greg Beeman also serve as executive producers.

Drawing Inspiration: The Art of the Whedonverse  
Room: 4C1-2
Time: 5:00 - 6:00

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-panels look at the dynamic artwork of Dark Horses Joss Whedon titles, from pencils to inks to colors to print. Dark Horses public relations director, Jeremy Atkins, will lead a discussion with artists Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Phil Noto (Angel & Faith, Dollhouse), Chris Samnee (Serenity), and inker Andy Owens (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for an inside look at the artists processes. We'll be showcasing a variety of art from past and future issues of these best-loved titles, including exclusive reveals and first looks!

ECCC Spotlight Series: Camilla d'Errico
  Room: 211
Time: 6:00 - 7:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, Camilla d'Errico talks about how she made her dreams reality by giving up on the 9 to 5 grind and becoming a full time artist.

EXPANDING THE EXPERIENCE: VIDEO GAMES TO COMICS AND BACK AGAIN
  Room: TCC 102
Time: 6:00 - 7:00

When Dark Horse partnered with BioWare to expand the Mass Effect story line into comics, video-game tie-in comics were finally legitimized. Now, Dark Horse is widely recognized as the leading publisher of video-game comics, with launches throughout 2012 digitally and in print. Join us for an hour long preview of what’s to come this year, with exclusive news and announcements on current and upcoming projects with BioWare, Valve, Activision, and Bungie!

Saturday • March 31^st

ECCC Spotlight Series: Rick Remender
 Room: 211
Time: 11:00 - 12:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour Uncanny X-Force writer Rick Remender joins us. Rick is also the writer/creator of comics such as Fear Agent, The End League, Strange Girl, Black Heart Billy, Last Days of American Crime, Sea of Red, Sorrow, Night Mary, XXXombies and Doll and Creature.

Dark Horse Comics: Powered By Creators 
Room: 4C1-2
Time: 4:00 - 5:00

Just over twenty-five years ago, Dark Horse stepped into the comics-publishing arena with a different agenda. While the publisher has gained much notoriety for its popular licensed titles, like Buffy and Star Wars, one mission remains the same: to give comics top creators a venue for showcasing their work and retaining their ownership of it. Join Dark Horse's public relations director, Jeremy Atkins, along with a cast of premier talent, for news on all of Dark Horse's 2012 publishing launches and new Dark Horse Presents stories. Guests include Steve Niles (Criminal Macabre), Steve Lieber (Alabaster), Francesco Francavilla (Black Beetle), Sanford Greene (Rotten Apple), Ethan Nicolle (Axe Cop), Adam Warren (Empowered), Paul Tobin (Falling Skies), and Brian Wood (The Massive), and a few surprise drop-ins!

Sunday • April 1^st

ECCC Spotlight Series: Steve Niles 
Room: 211
Time: 12:00 - 1:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, modern master of horror, Steve Niles, talks about what it takes to craft a good horror story, working with artists like Sam Kieth and Ben Templesmith and how his creation of 30 Days of Night changed the face of horror comics.

 Axe Cop
 Room: 3AB
Time: 1:00 - 2:00

Ethan and Malachai Nicolle, creators of Axe Cop, will do a live Q&A, show images and videos of new Axe Cop material, etc. Always a fun and highly interactive panel.

Mythic Fiction Comics: The Next Mega-Genre?
Room: 3AB
Time: 12:00 - 1:00

From Mage, Sandman and Bone to Fables, Castle Waiting, Hellboy and more, mythic fiction has been a fascinating -- and growing -- presence in comics. What is mythic fiction? Why is it so popular? And could it really become the next big thing in the comics field? Join moderator Kurt Busiek (Arrowsmith), Matt Wagner (Mage), Rachel Edidin (Dark Horse Comics), Bill Willingham (Fables) and Chris Roberson (Memorial) for a lively discussion about mythic fiction in comics, from its roots to it future.


ECCC Spotlight Series: Brandon Graham and Adam Warren in Conversation
  Room: 211
Time: 1:00 - 2:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. Brandon Graham and Adam Warren join you this hour for a conversation talking about finer points of their work. Their western takes on manga have delighted readers locally and abroad. Expect a vivid and lively discussion. 

The True King of Camelot Meets His Destiny in

“The Sword and the Stone, Part 2,”

the Fourth Season Finale of MERLIN this Friday on Syfy

The legend’s most iconic moment arrives for Arthur, Merlin

and all of Camelot in March 30 episode

With Camelot firmly in the grasp of Morgana and her reign of terror, Merlin must go to extraordinary measures to restore Arthur’s faith and prove to the young King that he was truly born to rule in the second half of the thrilling two-episode MERLIN season finale, “The Sword in the Stone, Part 2,” premiering Friday, March 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy.

Arthur has seen his kingdom overthrown by Morgana (Katie McGrath) and the powerful Southron warlord Helios (Terence Maynard) – and discovered his most trusted uncle Agravaine (Nathaniel Parker) has deceived him.  Now, Arthur has lost the ability to believe the people of Camelot would ever follow his lead.

But Merlin (Colin Morgan) guides Arthur (Bradley James) to one the most iconic symbols of the Arthurian legend to prove his worth: The sword in the stone.

There, Excalibur awaits, and Arthur may be able to embrace his destiny.

The sword in the stone has been handled with MERLIN’s now-familiar mix of intrigue and ingenuity – interpreted, asso many elements of Arthurian lore have been, with a unique perspective. When Arthur and Merlin find Excalibur, they share a moment of awe – and the look on their faces, Morgan says, was genuine.

“We really felt the importance of the moment,” Morgan says, recalling being on location in Wales to film the scene. “It’s one of those images that we have read about for so long – we have them so ingrained in our heads – that there’s something really stirring to have it right there in front of you and to act it out.”

“I think our fans will find the scene an intriguing, interesting take on the legend,” he adds. “Bradley and I were both genuinely aware that it was a very iconic moment, and we realized it was such a very special thing to be part of – and that made it one of the most fun days of filming during the entire season.”

It’s an example of the intricate, iconic pieces of the Camelot legend that need to fit perfectly within the world that has been created for MERLIN, says co-creator and executive producer Johnny Capps.  In addition to Excalibur and the stone, those elements include the Arthur-Gwen-Lancelot love triangle, Morgana’s siege of Camelot, Merlin’s rekindling of Arthur’s complete trust, and Arthur’s realization of his true destiny.

Capps says that plotting the path and scripting the details for incorporating those elements led to healthy debates between him and co-creator and executive producer Julian Murphy.

“Arguing is sort of an essential for creating, and it comes from a place of passion for the show,” Capps explains. “But I do think we have the most ridiculous arguments: We had a morning where we completely fell out because we were arguing over the qualities of pixie dust.

“It’s not because we don’t like each other, it’s because we have strong, passionate feelings about the show. The thing about creating and making shows is that it’s incredibly personal. I think the more passionate you argue about something, the better it becomes – because you make sure that idea is watertight by arguing it and having large conversations. You make sure the concept or the story line or the characters will absolutely work. It is absolutely part of the creative process,” Capps says. Then he adds, with a laugh: “So we argue … and then Julian always admits that he’s wrong.”

“The Sword in the Stone, Part 2,” the fourth season finale episode of MERLIN, airs Friday, March 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT only on Syfy.  All three seasons of MERLIN are now available on DVD and on iTunes.  Be sure to follow the latest news on MERLIN at the Official Merlin page on Facebook.

For Immediate Release:

Get The Walking Dead Vol. 1 Free

at the

ComiXology Booth @ Emerald City Comicon’12

ComiXology @ Emerald City Comicon ’12 March 30^th- April 1^st Booth #308

ComiXology and Skybound partner up to give out 2,500 free digital copies of The Walking Dead Vol. 1 

first come, first serve

ComiXology @ ECCC ’12: Giveaways, Panels, and more!

March 28^th - New York NY, - Following the unprecedented demand for the free Walking Dead Vol.1 giveaway at WonderCon '12 earlier this month, comiXology - the world’s largest digital comics platform available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web- will be at Emerald City Comicon’12 doing it again! So make sure you visit comiXology (booth #308) during Emerald City Comicon at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington from March 30^th-April 1^st to get one of 2,500 free digital comic giveaway codes for The Walking Dead Vol.1.

Teaming up once again with The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman’s Skybound, comiXology is out make ECCC’12 unforgettable for comic fans with a free “taste” of the first graphic novel — regularly $8.99 for 140 pages —that the hit The Walking Dead TV show is based on. The first 2,500 Emerald City Comicon’12 attendees to come by comiXology’s booth (#308) will receive a limited edition promotional postcard imprinted with a unique download code redeemable for The Walking Dead Vol. 1 exclusively on comiXology.com in exchange for an email sign up.

In addition to the must-have The Walking Dead Vol. 1 giveaway, comiXology will be providing a hands on demonstrations of it’s Comics by comiXology digital comics platform at their booth all weekend long. Comic fans should not miss their chance to get a look at the all new 3.1 iOS upgrade that includes the CMX-HD digital comics format for the new iPad and features new sharing capabilities.
All ECCC ’12 attendees are invited to attend the special “ComiXology Open Discussion Panel” where comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger will answer questions from the audience on “Everything Digital” with no topic off limits. The “ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital Panel” will be on Saturday, March 31^st from 2:00pm- 3:00pm in Room 3.
Most recently, comiXology was in the news for their Comics by comiXology 3.1 iOS update. This update featured not only new sharing capabilities but also the debut of CMX-HD digital comics format to meet the challenge of the new iPad screen. ComiXology debuted 3.1 with a little over 100 titles in this new format. And, only five days later, comiXology was able to offer over 1,000 titles in CMX-HD format. CMX-HD upgraded files are a free upgrade to those who have previously purchased and at no additional cost for new purchases.
Shortly before the 3.1 announcement, comiXology announced they had surpassed 50 million comic books and graphic novel downloads since the inception of their Comics by comiXology digital comics platform - with 5 million of those downloads happening in this past December alone. In addition, this past October saw Comics by comiXology start to consistently chart as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store on new comics release day — a trend that has continued throughout 2012. Then in November, Comics by comiXology was selected as a pre-loaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire alongside Facebook and Twitter. By the end of 2011, comiXology had powered three of the top 20 grossing iPad apps — with Comics by comiXology coming in at number 11 for the entire year.

What: Emerald City Comicon 2012
When: March 30^th - April 1^st, 2012
Where: The Washington State Convention Center, Seattle WA
Booth #: 308

Giveaway: Limited edition promotional postcard imprinted with a unique download code redeemable for The Walking Dead Vol. 1 exclusively on comiXology.com in exchange for an email sign up.
Panels: Saturday, March 31^st from 2:00pm - 3:00pm - ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital Panel with comiXology’s David Steinberger - Room 203.

About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web— comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.
About The Walking Dead: "The Walking Dead" is a monthly black-and-white comic book series created by Robert Kirkman that follows a group of survivors through a world overrun by The Walking Dead as they struggle to survive an even deadlier threat: Living humans so terrified about their own survival that they are willing to sacrifice everything else. Winner of the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series, the Skybound comic has been translated into more than 30 languages, and is available in over 50 countries worldwide. IGN called it "one of the best monthly comics available" and Complex hails it as "one of the best comic series of all time." It's also become the highest-rated drama on basic cable of all time. The AMC television series, with Kirkman serving as a writer and executive producer, had 11 million viewers for the season two premiere and was instantly renewed for a third season. As the first TV drama to be launched around the world simultaneously, it's in 120 countries, translated into 33 languages and is in 250 million households. The Walking Dead also dominated the New York Times' bestseller lists for graphic novels and was the top seller for 2011. www.Skybound.com is your destination for all news and merchandise for Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles.