IDW’S G.I. JOE LAUNCHES IN JANUARY 2009
WITH THE FIRST OF THREE NEW SERIES



(San Diego, CA; January 13, 2009) – This month IDW Publishing debuts the singularly titled G.I. JOE, the first of three initial comic book series in which the elite military force G.I. JOE and COBRA are fully revitalized and re-established for a new generation of fans.



IDW set the stage with a kick-off issue, G.I. JOE #0, released in October, 2008, after it was announced that IDW had reached a deal with Hasbro to re-launch the G.I. JOE comic book franchise.



The first title IDW will release in January is G.I.JOE#1, written by Chuck Dixon and featuring art by Robert Atkins. This title follows G.I. JOE as it explores an all-new threat, a shadowy organization that was first introduced to the team in a #0 issue story. Dave Johnson (100 Bullets) will provide covers for the series, as will Robert Atkins. Cover art variations are embedded in this press release. The first issue features a special wraparound variant cover by superstar artist Gabriele Dell’Otto (Secret War).



In February, IDW launches G.I. JOE: ORIGINS #1, a series that re-envisions the G.I. JOE team for a new generation. Larry Hama’s unique blend of strong characterization and action storytelling, honed over decades of writing these characters, to effective use in looking at the formations of the G.I. JOE organization and just who the characters on the team really are. Hama will be joined on this series by artist Tom Feister (Ex Machina). Each issue will come with two regular covers, one by Andrea Di Vito and one by Feister himself.


Finally, launching in March, G.I. JOE: COBRA #1, kicks off a four-part miniseries written by Christos Gage and Mike Costa, with art by Antonio Fuso, and covers by Howard Chaykin (American Flagg) and Fuso. This series provides a unique look at the new status quo for the primary threat in the G.I. JOE universe. The series views the sinister COBRA organization from a ground-floor view as a familiar G.I. JOE team member seeks to infiltrate Cobra and learn their inner workings.



In addition to these titles, IDW will be launching comics that lead into next summer’s G.I. JOE live-action major motion picture from Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, as well as deluxe reprints of past fan-favorite tales. Details for both these projects will be released soon.



G.I. JOE #1 launches in January 2009; FC • 32 pages • $3.99

G.I. JOE: ORIGINS #1 debuts in February 2009; and G.I. JOE: COBRA #1 premieres in March 2009.



About IDW:
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, Calif. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; Hasbro's The Transformers, and the BBC's Doctor Who. 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. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children's book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.



About Hasbro:

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2008 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PRESS RELEASE - SILVERLINE BOOKS WISHES EVERY DAY COULD BE A KITE DAY! All-new children's graphic novel from DEAR DRACULA artist Vicente Navarrete! 13 January 2009

(Berkeley, CA) - Continuing the tradition of Silverline Books all-ages' graphic novels like DEAR DRACULA, BRUCE THE LITTLE BLUE SPRUCE and MISSING THE BOAT is Vicente Navarette's take on a favorite pastime, KITE DAY! "After being so taken with DEAR DRACULA, I was extremely pleased to once again work with Vinny on KITE DAY," Silverline Books Publisher Jim Valentino said. "KITE DAY is exactly the kind of book Silverline Books looks for: engaging graphic novellas that bridge the gap between comics and traditional all-ages' books suitable for kids and parents alike."

Told in a delightful rhyming narrative, KITE DAY is a charming all-ages book that takes the reader on a fanciful journey through the imagination of a spirited, young-at-heart elderly man on his kite flying afternoon. KITE DAY (DEC082278), a full-color 48-page 8.5 x 5.5 hardcover for $9.99, will be in stores February 4th, 2009.

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

PRESS RELEASE - PROVE YOU'RE A PROOF FREAK AND WIN!Contest allows fans the chance to become a PROOF freak!

12 January 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - It's easy to say you're a big fan, but PROOF creators Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo give you the chance to show it with the upcoming Prove You're A PROOF Freak Contest!

"Since issue number one, Riley and I have been blessed with a terrific fan base who often go out of their way with grassroots efforts to promote the series," Grecian said. "The Prove You're A PROOF Freak contest takes it one step further, by giving fans the chance to show off their fandom in a creative way - cut cardboard, sculpt ice, paint the side of your house, mow the logo into your corn field - do whatever it takes within legal means to show the world how much you love PROOF! Our favorite PROOF display could have three readers winning big!"

Photos of entries are due to letterstoproof@gmail.com no later than 12:00 PM EST time on April 1st, 2009. The top ten entries will be published in PROOF, with the second runner up receiving a copy of PROOF #1 signed by Grecian and the first runner up receiving an original sketch by Rossmo. The Grand Prize winner will be drawn into PROOF as a Victorian-era circus freak, created using their name and likeness, and will receive a page of art from the issue they appear in! In addition, those entries done in conjunction with their local comic book shop will also award their store with a signed copy of PROOF #1 and an original page of PROOF art!

PROOF VOL. 1: GOATSUCKER (MAR082085), a 128-page full-color tradepaperback for $9.99, and PROOF VOL. 2: THE COMPANY OF MEN (OCT082281), a 128-page full-color tradepaperback for $12.99, are available now.

Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo are the sole judges of this contest. Their decision will be final. No purchase necessary. All photos sent in will become the property of Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo. The character based on the grand prize winner will also be the property of Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo. Image Comics is not responsible for contest results or displays. Visit the Proof forum at ImageComics.com for updates.

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

BOOM!@MELTDOWN THIS JANUARY


Will Mark Waid be ringing up your latest purchase?
Come to Meltdown on Wednesdays and find out.


BOOM! Studios Staff Works At Los Angeles Comic Shop
Every Wednesday In January
In Support Of HEXED On MySpace/Comic Books Promotion




LOS ANGELES - January 12th, 2009 - Always wanted Mark Waid to ring up your weekly comics purchase so you can pry industry gossip out of him? Well, come to Meltdown Comics and Collectibles for the remaining Wednesdays in January and you just might get your wish.


This past week, BOOM! Studios surprised the Wednesday night crowd at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles by working the floor at the Los Angeles comic shop in support of BOOM!'s recent HEXED on MySpace/Comic Books promotion.


In fact, every Wednesday for the rest of January, Meltdown's customers will find BOOM! staffers at the store - helping to sell not just HEXED but all the latest comic releases.


Last week saw the release of BOOM!'s latest comic HEXED #1 on MySpace.com/Comicbooks on the same date the comic hit store shelves. The announcement was made by E-i-C Mark Waid in a video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw1UTwEA790


"Some of the best times I had growing up came from hanging at my LCS on new comic book day. We just thought what better way to support the release of HEXED than spending our Wednesday evenings helping out at Meltdown?" said Marketing and Sales Director Chip Mosher. "And hey, who doesn't like to get paid to hang out at comic book store?"


The first night the BOOM! team members were out in force at Meltdown, they got some nice surprises when they met regular customer Percy Carey a.k.a. rapper MF Grimm, author of DC/Vertigo's SENTENCES. Some of BOOM!'s own rising talents like Gabriel Hardman (ZOMBIE TALES #4) and Pierluigi Cothran (ZOMBIE TALES #6 and #10) also stopped by to get their weekly comics fix.


In the end, BOOM! staffers not only talked up the arrival of HEXED but also heard from fans about what keeps bringing them back every week. And hearing from fans is what makes working in comics so special.


About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com ) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.

IDW debuts Terminator Salvation Movie Prequel #1





(San Diego, January 12, 2009)

In January, IDW Publishing debuts the comic book prequel to the next Terminator movie, Terminator: Salvation. The movie is the fourth instalment in the big screen contingent of the action series, starring Christian Bale as John Connor and directed by McG. The movie opens in May 2009.



Terminator: Salvation Movie Prequel is written by Dara Naraghi (Lifelike) with art by Alan Robinson and cover by Nick Runge.



The year is 2018. With John Connor as the voice of the resistance, the scattered remnants of humanity find themselves united against their common enemy: Skynet and its Terminators. Through a patchwork system of radio transmitters, hacked satellite phones, and encrypted computer networks, resistance leader Elena Maric in Detroit, and Nigerian mining engineer Bem Aworuwa, have formed an unlikely friendship and drawn up battle plans to take the fight to the Terminators!

Like the film they tie-in to, IDW’s Terminator comics will push the timeline of the franchise past Judgment Day and into all new territory, allowing for stories and visuals previously only hinted at on film. The series will take the core concept of the Terminator films and give them a more global scope showing not just John Connor, but other humans who are either trying to survive or are actively part of the resistance. Writer Dara Naraghi says he was interested in exploring new themes—not just the action of a monumental battles, but also the game of basic survival the characters find themselves facing in such a war torn and desolate future.

“All over the world, people find themselves having to band together regardless of what their previous station in life or prejudices might have been,” Naraghi explained.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99 Diamond order code: NOV084118

© 2008 Halcyon Consumer Products, LLC.




About IDW:
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, Calif. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; Hasbro's The Transformers, and the BBC's Doctor Who. 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. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children's book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.

THE WAIT IS OVER! GUNNERKRIGG COURT, DEVIL’S PANTIES, MOUSE GUARD RPG IN STORES

Chicago, IL -- Jan 12, 2009 -- The long-awaited release of several key titles from Archaia is over. Tom Siddell’s GUNNERKRIGG COURT: ORIENTATION, Jennie Breeden’s THE DEVIL’S PANTIES VOL. 2, and the MOUSE GUARD ROLEPLAYING GAME hit stores Wed, Jan 7. Make sure your store got them in and spread the word.

“I am very excited for these titles to have made the shelves,” glowed Mark Smylie, Publisher of Archaia. “We’ve been lucky to work closely with our creators who always give us their best. Thanks to Tom, Jennie, David and all of their fans for their patience. But we believe the wait was worth it. The books look beautiful. And who wouldn’t want to play a mouse in an RPG?”

Mark continued: “As for our other titles…we’ll soon be releasing the rest of our publishing schedule. Archaia is coming back in a big way with new and exciting projects, as well as our critically acclaimed titles. Yes, including Artesia.”

GUNNERKRIGG COURT: ORIENTATION (Creator: Tom Siddell, ISBN: 1-932386-34-3, Diamond Order Code: FEB083463, $26.95, 296-page hardcover, all ages). Antimony Carver is a precocious and preternaturally self-possessed girl starting her first year at gloomy Gunnerkrigg Court, a very British boarding school that has robots running around alongside body-snatching demons, forest gods, and the odd mythical creature. The opening volume in the series follows Antimony through her orientation year: the people she meets, the strange things that happen, and the things she causes to happen as she and her new friend, Kat, unravel the mysteries of the Court and deal with the everyday adventures of growing up.

THE DEVIL’S PANTIES, VOLUME 2 (Creator: Jennie Breeden, ISBN: 1-932386-36-X, Diamond Order Code: FEB083471, $19.95, 296-page hardcover, black-and-white, Mature Readers). The Devil's Panties is NOT in fact, satanic porn. It is actually an autobiographical online comic strip about a girl in flame boots who works at a comic shop and occasionally hangs out with a pirate. Follow Jen as she goes kilt hunting at conventions with her leaf blower and discovers sparkly butterfly toys that no child should play with. When her boyfriend has LAN parties in their garage, she hits the clubs.

MOUSE GUARD ROLE-PLAYING GAME (Designer: Luke Crane, Writers: Luke Crane and David Petersen, Illustrator: David Petersen, ISBN-13: 978-1-932386-88-2, Diamond Order Code: JUN083656, $29.95, 240-page 8 x 8 hardcover roleplaying game core rulebook). Join the Mouse Guard and defend the Mouse Territories against predators and dangers, in this roleplaying game for the Mouse Guard comic book series! The game is intended for all levels of game-playing experience by award-winning game designer Luke Crane and is based on a simplified version of his Burning Wheel rules system. Includes art and extensive background material on the Mouse Territories specially prepared by Mouse Guard creator David Petersen. Ages 10+ (Mild mouse-on-mouse violence.)

Be on the lookout for MOUSE GUARD: FALL 1152 LIMITED EDITION BLACK-AND-WHITE HARDCOVER to hit the shelves in February.

As always, all Archaia titles are available worldwide at finer comic book shops, bookstores, amazon.com, the Archaia Store at Indie Press Revolution (www.indiepressrevolution.com).

ABOUT ARCHAIA
Founded in 2002, Archaia is known for creating meaningful literature that is constantly shaping and changing minds. From its multiple Eisner nominations and awards to its numerous awards from IGN, Wizard, and ForeWord—including Mouse Guard, The Killer, Awakening, Revere, Robitika, Killing Pickman and Artesia—to its newest and critically acclaimed titles—Titanium Rain, God Machine, Primordia, and Trial by Fire—Archaia truly is the House that Creators built!

Jedi General Aayla Secura makes her series debut in “Jedi Crash,” an all-new episode of the animated hit STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS that premieres at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Jan. 16, on Cartoon Network.



When Anakin is gravely injured in battle, General Secura must teach Ahsoka the Jedi philosophy of having no personal attachments, even as they brave an unfamiliar planet in search of medical help for their stricken leader.



A Twi’lek Jedi Knight, Aayla Secura first appeared in Dark Horse Comics’ “Star Wars: Republic” series, and most famously made brief but memorable appearances in both Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. But before this episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, she never had a speaking role.



“This was our opportunity to really find out what she was like,” says supervising director Dave Filoni. “When we were developing her, the original concept for her voice was street tough and recognizably American. Then we hit on the idea of giving her more of a French accent, and that really helped us define her personality. Jennifer Hale does a great job voicing Aayla, adding new dimensions to the character and making her into something like a tough, older sister to Ahsoka.”



He says Secura understands Ahsoka’s difficult position, but also wants Anakin’s Padawan to recognize the importance of the Jedi philosophy toward personal attachments. “She realizes Ahsoka cares for Anakin, but she takes an approach that’s almost like, ‘I don’t have time for these emotions, kid.’



“Jedi have a range of personalities and attitudes, and she’s very different from Kit Fisto and Anakin Skywalker. That’s such a huge aspect of this series,” Filoni says. “We are able to fully realize these characters as walking, talking individuals with great and different personalities, to show the entire galaxy of Jedi.”

Radical Publishing brings Steranko, Suydam, Niles, Hine, Remender, Pugh and Sarkar to

New York Comic-Con 2009



January 12th, 2009 – In its debut appearance at the New York Comic-Con, Radical Publishing will feature daily raffles and signings at booth #1415 with a roster of special guests drawn from the top talent in the comics industry, including Jim Steranko, Arthur Suydam, Steve Niles, David Hine, Rick Remender and Steve Pugh. Fans who visit the Radical booth will find the company's complete library of titles, including HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1, from Steve Pugh & Warren Ellis, and SHRAPNEL: ARISTEIA RISING #2, both released early exclusively for the show.



Also available will be a deluxe free preview book of Radical Publishing’s new 2009 titles, showcasing the work of such talents as Luis Royo, John Bolton, Clayton Crain, Nick Percival and Joseph Kosinski (director of the heavily anticipated upcoming Disney TRON sequel TR2N), in addition to the creators signing throughout the weekend at the Radical booth.



Radical will also host a special panel Saturday, Feb. 7 in Room 1A07 from 5:15 p.m.--6:15 p.m., with guests Jim Steranko, Arthur Suydam, Steve Niles, David Hine, Rick Remender, Steve Pugh and Sam Sarkar spotlighting their newest titles for Radical Publishing. After the panel, Radical will conduct a special drawing in which winners receive a framed poster from one of the featured creators: HERCULES: THE KNIVES OF KUSH, signed by Jim Steranko; CHOLLY AND FLYTRAP: CENTER CITY, signed by Arthur Suydam; FVZA: FEDERAL ZOMBIE AND VAMPIRE AGENCY, signed by David Hine; CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY, signed by Steve Niles; THE LAST DAYS OF AMERICAN CRIME, signed by Rick Remender; HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD, signed by Steve Pugh; and CALIBER: FIRST CANON OF JUSTICE, signed by Sam Sarkar.



Each poster remains limited to one printing, making them highly valuable collector items. Additionally, panel guests will receive a limited and numbered special 3-D edition of the Radical preview book, with the numbers used to determine the winners of the drawing.



“This is a really exciting time for the company right now,” said Radical Publishing President and Publisher Barry Levine. “We have a great lineup of new titles involving our guests to introduce at the show, along with a very special surprise announcement to be made at our panel. This is a great opportunity for fans to meet us, to see our complete library of titles and what we have in store for 2009.”



New York Comic-Con runs Feb. 6-8, 2009 at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City. The full lineup of Radical Publishing's events for the show can be found below.



SIGNINGS & EVENTS, RADICAL PUBLISHING BOOTH #1415:



Visit the Radical Publishing booth throughout the convention for surprise announcements of additional creator signings.



FRIDAY, FEB. 6



From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (professionals only)

STEVE NILES will be signing copies of CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY and the Radical Publishing preview book.

STEVE PUGH will be signing copies of HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1 and the Radical Publishing preview book.



From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

STEVE NILES will be signing copies of CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY and the Radical Publishing preview book.

STEVE PUGH will be signing copies of HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1 and the Radical Publishing preview book.



5 p.m. sharp

Special raffle giving away signed comics and Radical Creation clothing.



From 5 to 6 p.m.

JIM STERANKO will be signing special-edition copies of HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS issues #1 and #2 along with the Radical Publishing preview book.

ARTHUR SUYDAM will be signing copies of HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS #5, CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY #1 and the Radical Publishing preview book.





SATURDAY, FEB. 7



From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

STEVE PUGH will be signing copies of HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1 and the Radical Publishing preview book.



From 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

JIM STERANKO will be signing special-edition copies of HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS issues #1 and #2 along with the Radical Publishing preview book.



From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

STEVE NILES will be signing copies of CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY and the Radical Publishing preview book.

DAVID HINE will be signing copies of the Radical Publishing preview book, promoting his upcoming title FVZA: FEDERAL VAMPIRE AND ZOMBIE AGENCY.



From 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

STEVE PUGH will be signing copies of HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1 and the Radical Publishing preview book.

DAVID HINE will be signing copies of the Radical Publishing preview book, promoting his upcoming title FVZA: FEDERAL VAMPIRE AND ZOMBIE AGENCY.

EDMUND SHERN will be signing copies of FREEDOM FORMULA: GHOST OF THE WASTELAND.



From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

JIM STERANKO will be signing special-edition copies of HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS issues #1 and #2 along with the Radical Publishing preview book.

STEVE NILES will be signing copies of CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY and the Radical Publishing preview book.

RICK REMENDER will be signing copies of the Radical Publishing preview book.



From 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Room 1A07)



THE 2009 RADICAL PUBLISHING PANEL AT NEW YORK COMIC CON





SUNDAY, FEB. 8



From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

STEVE PUGH will be signing copies of HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1 and the Radical Publishing preview book.

RICK REMENDER will be signing copies of the Radical Publishing preview book.



From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

STEVE NILES will be signing copies of CITY OF DUST: A PHILIP KHROME STORY and the Radical Publishing preview book.



From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

DAVID HINE will be signing copies of the Radical Publishing preview book, promoting his upcoming title FVZA: FEDERAL VAMPIRE AND ZOMBIE AGENCY.



Just before 5 p.m.

Special raffle giving away signed comics and Radical Creation clothing.





About Radical Publishing



Radical Publishing is founded by BARRY LEVINE (Producer for HERCULES, CALIBER, FREEDOM FORMULA and Executive Producer for the in-development REX MUNDI movie from Warner Bros., written by JIM UHLS and starring JOHNNY DEPP); his protege JESSE BERGER (Executive Producer for HERCULES, CALIBER and FREEDOM FORMULA); and longtime writer/publisher DAVID ELLIOTT (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).



Radical Publishing brings the best writing, storytelling and fully painted cover and interior art to the global comic book market, from prominent international talents such as YOSHITAKA AMANO, JOHN BOLTON, LUIS ROYO, JIM STERANKO, STEVE PUGH, WARREN ELLIS, ARTHUR SUYDAM, STEVE NILES, MARKO DJURDJEVIC, IAN EDGINTON, DAVID HINE, RICK REMENDER, JOSEPH KOSINSKI, NICK PERCIVAL, STEVE MOORE, SAM SARKAR, STJEPAN SEJIC, DAVE WILKINS, TOMM COKER, CLAYTON CRAIN, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, NICK SAGAN, CLINT LANGLEY, NICK SIMMONS, PATRICK REILLY, WETA WORKSHOP, ZOMBIE STUDIOS and many more.



Radical Publishing currently has production deals with Universal Studios, Spyglass Entertainment, PETER BERG's Film 44 and Radical Pictures for HERCULES; JOHN WOO's Lion Rock Productions, JOHNNY DEPP's Infinitum Nihil and Radical Pictures for CALIBER; and BRYAN SINGER's Bad Hat Harry Productions and Radical Pictures for FREEDOM FORMULA.

PRESS RELEASE, for immediate distribution

Studio 407's Unleashes Sci-fi/Horror Mini-Series Netherworld on March 25th

January 12, 2009 - Studio 407 is excited to launch the first issue of "Netherworld" on March 25th. Studio 407 recently announced that their vampire series The Night Projectionist was picked up by Myriad Pictures along with the much anticipated Hybrid which starts filming later this year, directed by Ernie Barbarash (Cube Zero, American Psycho 2). Now comes an original new series Netherworld, which takes the zombie/undead genre to a terrifying new level. Adding to Studio 407’s growing stable of horror titles, Netherworld is penned by emerging writing talent Chad Jones and penciled by Brazilian artist RB Silva.

Jones says "I've been writing genre for as long as I can remember. So, I was kicking around a novel idea and was trying to describe the creature concept in the story to a friend and made the off-hand comment, "well it's not like they're alien zombies or anything..." Jones continues "And I stopped. And I thought, hmm.... that would be kind of awesome. Alien zombies. Hell, I gotta write that! And suddenly, Netherworld became my obsession. Everything else that I had been writing, planning to write or thinking about writing, got put to the side and I started hammering the keyboard like a mad person. And Netherworld came out in a flourish of alien body parts, political intrigue, humans running for their lives and lots and lots of blood. "

Preview "Netherworld" at: http://studio-407.com/microsite_nw/index.html

Netherworld is described as: On a distant planet, a team of specialists investigate the mysterious remains of an alien civilization brought to the brink of extinction. Dead alien bodies litter the streets of a massive city of an once majestic, extraterrestrial culture still strange and foreign to them. As the team unravels the enigma surrounding this cataclysmic event, they discover the planet’s horrible secret, and soon find themselves surrounded by a legion of undead aliens. The comic series is written by Chad Jones and artist RB Silva.

Jazma calls "Netherworld": "Intense!"
Broken Frontier says "It may be the best small press sci-fi book going."

Bringing out of this world action with full on terror, Netherworld blends Aliens with Dawn of the Dead, and will be sure to satisfy both horror and science fiction fans alike.

You can pre-order "Netherworld" now by using the Diamond order code: DCD item # JAN094420

For more information on Studio 407, visit them online at (http://www.Studio-407.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!

About Studio 407

Studio 407 brings together the imagination and creative talents of writers and artists from North America and Asia to generate a flow of distinct and kinetic East-meets-West entertainment. A writer driven studio that blends innovation with tradition, Studio 407 is dedicated to publishing the highest quality in comics and manga, across a wide variety of genres. From capes to kung fu, giant robots to vampires, and secret agents to mad scientists; at Studio 407, we sweat the details. www.Studio-407.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Valentine's Day is coming up, and since I write comicdom's most romantic superhero book, I figure I ought to do something to celebrate. So I am. I'm doing a giveaway.

Love and Capes is the perfect Valentine's Day present for the comics fan, or someone you want to introduce to comics. No Valentine? Enter the contest and maybe Love and Capes will help you win over that special someone.

You and your valentine could win:
All nine issues of Love and Capes, signed by the author
Two matching Love and Capes t-shirts
A set of Love and Capes pins
A box of Ghirardelli chocolates. (No endorsement implied. They're my chocolate of choice, and I think you'll like them too.)
Your name in the Free Comic Book Day 2009 issue of Love and Capes.
No purchase necessary. Winner will be chosen by random drawing on February 2nd, 2009. Winner will be notified and prizes will be sent immediately thereafter.

You can sign up at http://www.loveandcapes.com

CAROLINE KENNEDY TO BE FEATURED IN FEMALE FORCE COMIC SERIES

As part of its continuing series to feature influential and iconic women, Bluewater Productions unveiled the next subject for it Female Force comic series: Caroline Kennedy. Written by Neal Bailey and drawn by Ryan Howe this one-shot will be in stores in June.

The daughter of President John F. Kennedy and current aspirant for Hillary Clinton's soon-to-be-vacated U.S. Senate seat, Kennedy, an accomplished author, attorney and education advocate, will be featured in the June issue of the bi-monthly series.

Bluewater chose Kennedy as its next comic book subject before the news broke of her interest in New York politics. “She was on the short list before all the hype about the Senate seat. She is an amazing person who has done a lot for education,” said publisher Darren G. Davis.

“I hope readers enjoy my rendition of one of the most influential families in political history,” said artist Vinnie Tartamella.

The latest addition to the Female Force series follows the biographies of Sen. Clinton, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama, announced earlier this year. Female Force comic books showcase influential women who are making and shaping modern history. The “Sarah Palin: Female Force” comic book is available for order through Diamond Distributors, order code DEC083826.


About Bluewater Productions:

Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers 10th MUSE, VSS and THE LEGEND OF ISIS. Bluewater publishes comic books with legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen and soon will launch a series in conjunction with sci-fi icon William Shatner. Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers. For more information, visit www.bluewateprod.com.

INTERVIEW SERIES WITH AL JAFFEE, JULES FEIFFER, HARVEY PEKAR IN NEW YORK BEGINS WEDS. JANUARY 21.

New York, January 11, 2009

From Danny Fingeroth:

The YIVO Institute presents one-on-one interviews with three titans comics, whose work has had seismic effects on the general culture.

Al JAFFEE, JULES FEIFFER, and HARVEY PEKAR will be interviewed by comics writer and critic DANNY FINGEROTH.

YIVO’s “Comics and the American Jewish Dream” series kicks off WEDS. JAN 21 at 7:00 pm with:

"The MAD, MAD, MAD (Jewish) World of AL JAFFEE"

A graduate of New York’s High School of Art and Design, JAFFEE worked as an editor, writer and artist for Stan Lee at Timely (later Marvel) Comics during the 1940s. In 1955, Jaffee joined “the Usual Gang of Idiots” at MAD Magazine, where he’s been a mainstay ever since, entertaining generations with his Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions and Mad Fold-Ins. Join us as JAFFEE provides snappy answers to provocative questions about his art and life, including his new book, Tall Tales (Abrams).

About Danny Fingeroth:
Series curator and moderator DANNY FINGEROTH, a longtime writer and editor at Marvel Comics, has spoken about comics at the Smithsonian Institution and The New School. He’s the author of Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero (Continuum) and The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels (Penguin).

Wednesday, January 21, 7:00
The YIVO Institute For Jewish Research
15 West 16th Street / New York, NY 10011

Series Continues With
JULES FEIFFER: Tuesday, February 3, 7:00 P.M.
HARVEY PEKAR: Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 P.M.

ADMISSION TO PROGRAMS: $25 / YIVO members: $18 / students: $12
FOR TICKETS: Call 212-868-4444 or visit WWW.SMARTTIX.COM
FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.YIVO.COM

DATE: January 10, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The New York Comicon 2009 Educational Panels will offer real world advice and hands-on interaction with top comic industry pros in an unprecedented scheduling lineup.

Highly respected working comic pros will be teaching aspiring creators secrets of the craft and business of creating comics at the convention on February 6-8 in Manhattan. Many of these top creators are making their first appearance at the New York Comicon, including several who are traveling over from Europe.

Artists to discuss penciling include Georges Jeanty, Cully Hamner, Jerry Ordway, Whilce Portacio, Ron Garney, and Rags Morales. Writers will include Peter Milligan, Frank Tieri, Geoff Johns, Peter Tomasi, Fabian Nicieza, Christos Gage, Len Wein, Marv Wolfman, and Jimmy Palmiotti.

In addition to writing and penciling classes, there will also be interactive panels on inking, coloring, computer-generated comics, comic strips, editing, and even comics for young readers.

"The New York Comicon will offer a lineup of world-class educational panels that rivals any convention," says Educational Panel organizer Buddy Scalera. "We have an amazing mix of creative voices, styles, and disciplines. Every one of these creators has reached the top of this creative profession because of their commitment to the craft and business of creating entertaining comic products."

To keep the level of conversation on the appropriate educational level, the panels are hosted by respected editors and other creators, Hosts include Steve Wacker, Filip Sablik, Dave Devries, Glenn Herdling, Dan Goldman, Brian Haberlin, Matt Herring, and TJ May. A series of panels will be hosted by Andy Schmidt, creator of Comics Experience.

Many people go to conventions to break into the comics industry. Educational panels offer actionable and practical advice for people seeking information and guidance. Working editors from mainstream and independent companies will talk about breaking into the industry, including Mike Marts, Scott Allie, Rob Levin, Nick Lowe, and Jann Jones.

In addition, "Creator Connections" is hands-on networking panel offered on Saturday, which connects like-minded creators and helps them initiate their first creative collaboration.

The convention offers a wide range of educational panels throughout the weekend. However, Room 1A15 is the only room that is exclusively for educational panels. "In the past when I've run educational panels, I've seen determined artists and writers virtually camp out the entire weekend and soak up ever minute of the experience," says Scalera. "With this lineup, I wouldn't be surprised to see people living in there from Friday to Sunday. I just hope they shower every morning."


COMPLETE EDUCATIONAL PANEL LISTINGS
ROOM 1A15

FRIDAY
Writing: Story Structure
2:00 – 3:00 Learn how to structure a complete issue from beginning to end. Pace, panel breakdown, and story arc discussed by professional writers who work for mainstream publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse & more.
Featuring:
Peter Milligan
Frank Tieri
Peter Tomasi
Fabian Niceiza
Geoff Johns
Host: Steve Wacker


Self-Publisher Secrets
3:15 – 4:15 Learn about self-publishing your comics by people who have become publishers. Some success stories…and some not so successful stories. Hear what to do, what to avoid…and much more!
Featuring:
Host: Filip Sablik – Top Cow
Darren Sanchez – After Hours Press
Sean O'Reilly – Arcana Studio
Ross Richie BOOM! Studios


Penciling: Page Layout
4:30 – 5:30 See how real professional artists break down a script and thumbnail a page. Actual working pros show you how they determine the layout, the story flow, and specific panels from a real comic book script.
Featuring:
Georges Jeanty
Cully Hamner
Jerry Ordway
Host: Buddy Scalera


Inking: Art & Craft
Presented by Comics Experience
5:45 – 6:45
Professional inkers discuss the art and craft of inking comic book pages. Presented by Comics Experience. Presented by Comics Experience.
Featuring:
Nelson DeCastro
Bob Almond
Klaus Jansen
Mike Perkins
Host: Andy Schmidt of Comics Experience





SATURDAY
Art: Page Design & Layout
11:00 – 12:00 Interactive discussion by working pros on the importance and role of page layout. Deep insights on how to create believable backgrounds and environments.
Featuring:
Whilce Portacio
Ron Garney
Rags Morales
Host: Dave Devries


Writing for Comics, Video Games, and Television
12:15 – 1:15 Professional comic book writers discuss the craft and business of working in television, film, video games, and more.
Featuring:
Jimmy Palmiotti
Len Wein
Christos Gage
Marv Wolfman
Host: Buddy Scalera


Meet the Editors
1:30 – 2:30 Talk to actual working editors from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and more as they discuss the business. Learn about submissions, professionalism, and what it takes to make it as an editor.
Featuring:
Host: Glenn Herdling
Mike Marts – DC Comics
Scott Allie – Dark Horse
Rob Levin – Top Cow
Nick Lowe – Marvel Comics


Creator Connections
2:45 – 4:00 Meet your next creative partner in this fun, interactive networking session. Many indy titles and careers have been launched through this panel. Be sure to bring business. cards and samples of your work. A great way to break into comics.
Featuring:
Host: Buddy Scalera
Co-Host: Jarrett Alexander


Breaking In…& Staying In
Presented by Comics Experience
4:30 – 5:30
Breaking into comics is just half the battle. The other half is staying in. Discussions and advice from writers, editors, artists, and inkers who have seen it all. Literally.
Presented by Comics Experience.
Featuring: Host: Andy Schmidt of Comics Experience


Going Paperless: Using Computers to Draw Comics 2009
5:45 – 7:30
Learn how to use your computer to create professional-level comics. An annual panel on the state of the art techniques.
Featuring:
Host: Dan Goldman
Cameron Stewart
Steve Ellis
Rami Efal
Dennis Calero


SUNDAY
Cutting Edge Digital Comic Coloring Techniques
11:00 – 12:45
Watch a professional colorists use a computer to color a comic book page. Discussions of software, hardware, and technique.
Featuring: Host: Brian Haberlin


Comic Strips Creation
1:00 – 2:00 How to write and draw newspaper-style comic strips. Pacing, design, and even syndication from working comic strip creators.
Featuring:
Chris Eliopoulos
Chris Giarusso
Danielle Corsetto
Brad Guigar
Tom Wilson
Host: Matt Herring


Comics for Kids
2:15 – 3:15 Meet your next creative partner in this fun, interactive networking session. Many indy titles and careers have been launched through this panel. Be sure to bring business cards and samples of your work.
Featuring:
Chris Eliopoulos
Jeff Parker
Art Baltazar
Franco Aureliani
Jann Jones
Host: TJ May


Scalera is known within the comic book industry as the creator of the popular Comic Artist's Photo Reference book series and the CD-ROM series Visual Reference for Comic Artists. He has extensive writing credits, including many for Marvel Comics and other independent publishers. He gained experience organizing large projects as the former Wizard World Online Editor and the creator of Wizard School, another popular educational resource.

Zenescope teams with Pat Croce

Best-selling author, motivational speaker and former Philadelphia 76ers President, Pat Croce, will be co-publishing a pirate-themed comic book series with Zenescope Entertainment entitled NO QUARTER. Croce is an expert in pirate history and in 2005 founded THE PIRATE SOUL museum in Key West , Florida . Zenescope Entertainment, a Philadelphia based comic book and graphic novel publisher known mostly for its dark and edgy brand, was also founded in 2005 by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco.

NO QUARTER is a “hardcore and gritty pirate series unlike anything seen before.” says Zenescope VP Ralph Tedesco. The story follows Charlie Drake, a young man who finds that his bloodline is anything but ordinary then sets out to find a new life and in the process becomes a legend.

A preview issue of NO QUARTER written by Croce (Pirate Soul, I Feel Great and You Will Too!) and Adam Slutsky with artwork by Mark Sparacio (Jonah Hex) and cover by Joe Benitez (The Darkness, Wraithborn) will debut at New York Comic Con February 6th, 2009. The twelve issue series will be released in May 2009 and will also feature the “Party Like A Pirate” contest in which entrants will have a chance to win a trip to Key West , Florida .

Kyle Baker Teams Up with Webcarzz
to Drive Original Comic Series

Acclaimed Cartoonist to Bring the Webcarzz World to Life

Las Vegas, Kids@Play Summit at CES, January 8, 2009 – Webcarzz, Inc., the company developing the upcoming virtual world targeted towards boys and their affinity for cars and racing, today announced it has entered into a partnership with world-renowned cartoonist Kyle Baker. Baker will develop a comic book series based on the signature Webcarzz world, an isometric playground populated by original cars that kids are creating. The announcement was made in a press conference today as part of the Kids@Play Summit at CES.

"The world of cars and racing – from a kids perspective – is something that I am very interested in exploring," remarked Baker. "As both a father and an artist, I can appreciate the imaginative design of the Webcarzz world with its bold shapes and colors. It is the perfect setting for a new comic book."

"Comic books and graphic novels are increasingly used to fuel new brands and intellectual properties in the video game space – and our relationship with Kyle is sure to spark the interest of consumers all around the world," said Nique Fajors, Executive Vice President, Webcarzz Inc. "Kyle's talent, combined with his exceptional sense of humor, will no doubt deliver an outstanding comic book that captures the vision and quality of the Webcarzz world and further entertains our consumers."

An accomplished cartoonist, comic book writer, animator and artist, Baker has authored thirteen graphic novels, including You are Here, Why I Hate Saturn and King David. He was a writer and artist on Disney's PHINEAS AND FERB, and penned two Plastic Man books for Vertigo/DC Comics and Nat Turner, Cartoonist Volume 1 & 2 and The Bakers collection.

Baker is world recognized and the recipient of eight Eisner Awards, including four wins in the "Best writer/Artist: Humor" category. Baker has also won five Harvey Awards, several Glyph Comics Awards and three awards for his comic series Nat Turner (Best Cover, Best Artist, and Story of the Year); in 2007, he won Best Artist for The Bakers.

In addition to his comic work, Kyle Baker cartoons have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vibe, Esquire, BusinessWeek, Rolling Stone, The Village Voice and many other magazines, newspapers and books. His work in animation has appeared on MTV and he contributed to the Shrek and Looney Tunes movies.

Webcarzz is an integrated game experience that combines the depth of a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) and the competition of circuit track racing in a casual environment where all roads lead to fun. Webcarzz' environment is comprised of shapes and structures that are constructed in real-time 3D as the players explore and interact through the game's cities. The game is currently in closed beta. For more information on the closed beta test, email info@webcarzz.com.

About Webcarzz, Inc.
Webcarzz™ (www.webcarzz.com) is the next evolution in casual massively multiplayer online games. Targeted towards boys ages 6-12, Webcarzz offers the competition of circuit track racing in a casual environment where all roads lead to fun. Webcarzz.com is a COPPA-compliant site (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and offers safe chat services. The company is funded by Meakem Becker Venture Capital (www.mbvc.com). Webcarzz was formed in 2007 and is based in San Rafael, CA. To learn more about Webcarzz, visit us at www.webcarzz.com.

About Kids@Play
Kids@Play Summit is a conference and exhibition held at CES in Las Vegas that explores how kids, from toddler to teen, play, learn, communicate and entertain themselves in the digital world. For more information visit http://www.kidsatplaysummit.com

WILLIAM SHATNER PRESENTS JOINS FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

The “William Shatner Presents” comic series at Bluewater Productions will blast off with a special one-shot collectors edition in honor of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY this spring.

On May 2nd, Free Comic Book Day the annual promotion sponsored by Diamond Distributors where participating comic book shops around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores.

Bluewater Productions and iconic actor/novelist William Shatner are providing a free 32 pages comic specifically for the occasion. The highlight of the book will be an original story prologue from the upcoming Tek War series.

This 12-page prequel takes place 4 years before the initial storyline. The story centers on protagonist Jake Cardigan’s arrest and conviction for murder as well as Tek trafficking. The story also leaves several clues as to important plot points that will happen in the series. We get an insiders look at the Tek War universe and the history behind Jake’s troubled past.

The book will also feature a previews of the other Shatner-based comic series Quest for Tomorrow and Man O' War as well as a sneak peek of the yet-untitled original story developed by Shatner.

We are also please to announce the writing/art teams of the different series. William Shatner will be producing and editing each of the series with Craig Nevius. On top of these three series, Shatner will be debuting the forth series in this one-shot. It will be a brand new creation for both Shatner and Bluewater.


THE TEK WAR CHRONICLES
ARTIST: Erich Owens (Star Trek)
WRITER: Scott Davis (Ray Harryhausen: 20 Million Miles More, War of the Elementals)

SYNOPSIS:
Tek War, William Shatner’s detective noir science fiction novel serves as the foundation of this new comic book series. Set in the 22nd century, the storyline will loosely follow the original tale set out in the first novel of the series. Jake Cardigan is a police officer wrongly convicted of a crime and suddenly released from prison to find an enigmatic scientist involved in the drug trade. He does this on behalf of a mysterious benefactor.

Fans of the novel series will recognize many familiar characters and get introduced to a new rouges gallery of players. It will be a rollercoaster of plot twists and turns as we get closer and closer to the ultimate secret of the digital drug called Tek.

QUEST FOR TOMORROW
ARTIST: James R. Howard
WRITER: David McIntee (novelist: Star Trek & Dr Who.
Comic books: Ray Harryhausen’s: Jason and the Argonauts

SYNOPSIS:
This story will work as both a new interpretation of the “Quest For Tomorrow” trilogy, and as an extension. It's not going to be a radical remake such as the new Battlestar Galactica, but more of a back-to-the-basics reinvigoration. The book will feature the character of Jim, who has become a fan favorite. The fast-paced, action-oriented plot is steeped in matters of family and identity, and will focus on issues social relevance tackling the demonization of youth.

MAN O’ WAR
ARTIST: Patrick Broderick (DC Comics artist – Firestorm/ Green Lantern)
WRITER: C.J. Henderson (novelist Man O’ War & Jack Hagee : comics: The Phantom & Kolchak)

SYNOPSIS:
In the near future, the population of the Earth has lumbered past the ten billion mark. Most of the planet's natural resources are dwindling or gone. The only thing keeping the ever-increasing masses of Earth alive are the vast food vats of Mars and the mining operations of the asteroid belts. But, the promised rewards for those who thirty years previous went to the stars to save humanity have never materialized. Instead of a new world to homestead, the colonists have been turned into virtual slaves by Red Planet, Inc., the corporation granted the charter to develop Mars.

Now, cheated, lied to, with no hope in sight, the Martian colony has begun to boil with talk of strikes and revolution. A stop in production would mean riots and chaos on Earth, billions dead in a matter of weeks. It would mean war, plague and famine at levels never before known. Into this most explosive political situation is thrust Benton Hawkes, the most trusted diplomatic negotiator alive. All sides agree, he the only man to be trusted to avert a catastrophe which could bring destruction to the entire solar system.

But, bitter reasons of his own, Hawkes wants nothing to do with Mars. And, on top of that, there are those who don't want to see the situation calmed, and who will do nothing to stop Hawkes from interfering with their plans.

The comic is now available for order through Diamond Distributors, order code JAN090019. To find out more information about Free Comic Book Day go to www.freecomicbookday.com.

About Bluewater Productions:

Bluewater Productions, Inc., is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers 10th MUSE, VSS and THE LEGEND OF ISIS. Bluewater publishes comic books with legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen and soon will launch a series in conjunction with sci-fi icon William Shatner. Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers. For more information, visit www.bluewateprod.com.

ASYLUM PRESS EXTENDS AGGRESSIVE FREE COMIC PLAN

(Jan. 7, 2008 -Los Angeles) Asylum Press announced they will extend their free comic book gift plan. From now until Jan. 31 everyone who signs up for their mailing list will receive three free comic books mailed to them by the end of the month. The choice of comics will be at the discretion of the publisher. All free books will be mailed out by the end of January at the latest. Fans can sign up for the newsletter by emailing asylumpress@aol.com and put Christmas Newsletter promotion in the subject line. Fans should make sure and place their mailing address in the body of the email. This offer is only good in the United States. Fans outside the US can get the free comics by paying $12.95 which covers USPS Global Express shipping.

Asylum Press CEO Frank Forte explains, “Times are tough all over right now. This is our little way of giving back. We have had great success with our releases Asylum of Horrors #1 and Steve Mannon’s The Bomb and want to say Happy New Year!” Asylum Press will be releasing Warlash Dark Noir # 2(OCT083866))this quarter as well and information on this issue at http://www.warlash.com/ and can be found at most comic book retailers nationwide.

Fans can check out the numerous titles available at www.asylumpress.com and signing up for the newsletter will ensure the most up to date information on releases, previews and sales!

ABOUT ASYLUM PRESS
Founded in 1999 by Frank Forte, Asylum Press is a unique publishing house specializing in high profile projects from some of the industry's biggest names. Publishing superhero comics with Warlash: Zombie Mutant Genesis, continuing their tradition of horror with Undead Evil, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell, the upcoming Asylum of Horrors and Beyond Lovecraft, venturing into dark humor with Billy Boy The Sick Little Fat Kid and The Cletus and Floyd Show, Asylum Press continues to be on the cutting edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.

JOE HILL’S SMASH-HIT LOCKE & KEY SERIES CONTINUES

WITH LOCKE & KEY: HEAD GAMES #1



(San Diego, CA; January 7, 2009) – In 2008, award-winning novelist Joe Hill launched his first-ever comic book series, Locke & Key. The first volume of this acclaimed series, Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft, was recently collected in a hardcover volume. And now Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez are set to release the first chapter of the book’s highly anticipated follow-up, Locke & Key: Head Games, in January 2009.



When Locke & Key debuted in early 2008, it was met with critical acclaim: IGN.com said "Locke & Key is a breath of fresh air in the comic book industry. A modern suspense thriller meets something more wondrous and magical;” Wizard magazine wrote "solid pacing and plot twists, combined with Rodriguez’s clean lines and detail pencils, make Locke & Key a lock for best horror book of the week” and the Detroit Metro Times said the book "stands apart from the rest of the cookie-cutter comics on display these days."



Further, it was optioned by Dimension Films, and Hill’s work on the series was recently awarded with the Wizard Magazine Best Horror Writer 2008 honors.



Locke & Key tells of the Locke family, who relocate after an unspeakable tragedy to Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them... and home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all.



In Locke & Key: Head Games features the stunning art of Gabriel Rodriguez. Following a shocking death that dredges up memories of their father's murder, Kinsey and Tyler Locke are thrown into choppy emotional waters, and turn to their new friend, Zack Wells, for support. However, the Locke family has no idea that Zack Wells hides a dire secret that tracks back to their father and Keyhouse, a secret Zack is willing to protect at any cost.



Locke & Key: Head Games #1 (Diamond Order Code NOV08 4115), a 32-page comic book, will be in stores in January 2009.



About IDW
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, Calif. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount's Star Trek; Fox's Angel; Hasbro's The Transformers, and the BBC's Doctor Who. 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. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children's book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.



About Joe Hill: Recently awarded Best Horror Writer for Locke & Key from Diamond Comic Distributors. As a novelist, Joe Hill has received the Bram Stoker Award for Best Fiction Collection and Best First Novel, the British Fantasy Award for Best Collection and Best Short Story, and the Sydney J. Bounds Best Newcomer Award.

PRESS RELEASE, for immediate distribution

Studio 407 Inks Publishing Deal with Argentina's Altercomics

January 5, 2009 - Studio 407 is excited to announce a deal with Argentina's Altercomics for distribution in North America. The four titles Studio 407 is picking up are The Spark, Jailed, Primordial Man and Fictionauts. The Spark GN by rising stars Martin Renard and Nahuel Sagarnaga Cozman, is a sci-fi/super-hero tale for all ages, and will be the first book to be released in the publishing deal. It is available now to order, and will be in stores March 25, 2008.

Preview The Spark GN at: http://studio-407.com/spark/preview.html

"We're very excited about bringing these books to the States." Says Studio 407's Editor-In-Chief Chad Jones. "There's a lot of great talent south of the border and we're very lucky to be able to work with them."

The local comic industry in Argentina has continued to thrive despite the economic adversity the country has faced. While many Argentine creators have made the successful crossover to North America and Europe, they also passed on their knowledge to successive generations which in turn helped fuel the boom in self-publishing in Argentina.

Adds Jones, “A lot of these guys have been honing their craft working for publishers abroad, and I think this is a great opportunity for Argentine talent to step into the spotlight as a force behind creator-owned work. As you can see from what Nahuel has done with The Spark (which looks like Matt Wagner doing manga), they have their own distinct take on things.”

"We are very pleased that Studio-407 has chosen our stories and demonstrated so much interest in publishing them." Explains Matias, publisher at Altercomics. "We feel more like a part of their family now and we hope that all the US readers can enjoy these books as much as the readers in Latin America have."

The Spark is described as: Fifteen years ago, a phenomenon called “The Spark” created four super-humans who sacrificed themselves to stop a worldwide cataclysm. Now, The Spark has happened again, creating a new generation of heroes. As three heroes emerge to accept their responsibility as protectors of humanity, everyone wonders, where’s the fourth? Turns out, not everybody wants to be a super-hero. Lucas has been hiding his powers because he has other responsibilities to contend with — school, his full-time job to help his mom with the bills and a little sister who’s more than a handful. But when an alien horde arrives to turn the planet, does Lucas leave his family to save the earth? What’s a super-hero to do?

The Spark ISBN# 978-1-935385-01-1
Writer: Martin Renard
Artist: Nahuel Sagarnaga Cozman
Full Color 84 pgs. $13.99

Look for Jailed, Primordial Man and Fictionauts to be released throughout 2009

For more information on Studio 407, visit them online at (http://www.Studio-407.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!

About Studio 407

Studio 407 brings together the imagination and creative talents of writers and artists from North America and Asia to generate a flow of distinct and kinetic East-meets-West entertainment. A writer driven studio that blends innovation with tradition, Studio 407 is dedicated to publishing the highest quality in comics and manga across a wide variety of genres. From capes to kung fu, giant robots to vampires, and secret agents to mad scientists; at Studio 407, we sweat the details. www.Studio-407.com.

About Altercomics

Altercomics Studios is a group of artists from Argentina that have been producing comic books and manga since 2004. Some of the titles that have already been published in Argentina, include Time 5, Primordial Man, 78 mph and Fictionauts. They have also produced comics for companies such as Avatar Press (USA), Tokyo Pop (USA), Arcana (Canada), and Makma Studio (France). Altercomics ultimate goal is telling captivating and intriguing stories that entertain and provoke. www.altercomics.com.ar

2009 Arrives With New ALTERCATIONS: Volume 2 of the History of Super-Hero Activity in 20th-Century North America Now Available

Writer/artist David Yurkovich has (finally) completed volume 2 of his 2-part graphic novel series ALTERCATIONS. Volume 1 was completed and published in 2002. Shortly thereafter, Yurkovich spent time completing AV2 but was side-tracked, first with two graphic novel projects for Top Shelf Productions (LESS THAN HEROES and DEATH BY CHOCOLATE: REDUX) and later with the production of the benefit/tribute magazine MANTLO: A LIFE IN COMICS.

Yurkovich's ALTERCATIONS "history" contains 10 unique stories, each highlighting a specific decade of the 20th century and tracing the evolution of the super-hero from lone vigilante to sophisticated, contract player. As was the case with AV1, each story in AV2 contains a 1-page text introduction by Yurkovich and renowned essayist Alfred Pinchley.

The five stories in AV2 cover the latter half of the 20th century and include appearances by Yurkovich's signature teams (Threshold [The Super-Heroes of Philadelphia] and NYSS, the New York Super-Hero Syndicate) as well as several new characters and teams. Of particular fandom note is the 1960s chapter "Born to Be Fab," which features The Fab Fore (a golf-inspired quartet of super-heroes that includes a fond homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's most fantastic collaboration).

ALTERCATIONS: Volume 2, an 80-page full-color bookshelf graphic album with glossy, cardstock covers is available exclusively at IndyPlanet. It is not available via the direct market. AV1 is still available for purchase directly from SGC. To view sample pages and for more information on this project, visit the ALTERCATIONS page at SGC.

RADICAL PUBLISHING

Solicitation copy

MARCH 2009 shipping







HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #2

Created by STEVE PUGH and WARREN ELLIS

Based on a story by WARREN ELLIS

Writer and Illustrator STEVE PUGH

Letterer STEVE PUGH

28 page, FC, March $2.99

3 covers



Hotwire #2 Cover A – Steve Pugh

Hotwire #2 Cover B – Stjepan Sejic

Hotwire #2 Cover C – Alan Brooks





Alice wakes with a broken nose and a surly house guest. As more city blocks fall to the rioters, a murdered man staggers into Police City Central and discovers his death was only the start of the worst day of his life.













SHRAPNEL: ARISTEIA RISING #3

Creator MARK LONG & NICK SAGAN

Writer M ZACHARY SHERMAN

Artist BAGUS HUTOMO

Colorist LEOS “OKITA” NG

Letterer SEAN KONOT

28 pages, FC, March, $2.99

2 Covers



Shrapnel #3 Cover A – Marek Okon

Shrapnel #3 Cover B – Borkur Eiriksson



As war rages across the Solar System, Sam launches a desperate gambit to evacuate all the non-hostile civilians from Venus before the unthinkable occurs. The military that Sam once served will accept nothing less than complete surrender, forcing her into an agonizing decision. She must choose between saving the lives of the innocents in exchange for the sacrifice of their freedom or sacrifice these same lives for a freedom that will remain undying.

FARSCAPE #1 GETS SECOND PRINTING

First Printing Saw Sell Out In 5 Days

Near Universal Critical Acclaim



LOS ANGELES - January 5th, 2008 - BOOM! Studios announced today that after selling out in five days, FARSCAPE #1 will be receiving a second printing. The second print will have a slightly altered cover to distinguish itself from the first printing.

Diamond Comics Distributors will make the second printing of FARSCAPE #1 available on January 14th, at that time the second printing's code will open for orders, and a Diamond Daily article will also run that day alerting retailers to its availability.

FARSCAPE #1 second print has a tentative street date of February 4th.

"All of us involved with the Farscape comic books are ecstatic that the fans have embraced the project in such an overwhelming way," said BOOM!'s Managing Editor Matt Gagnon. " I couldn't be happier with the team we have in place. We're having a blast continuing the Farscape mythos, and we hope it shows."

FARSCAPE #1 is written by television series creator Rockne S. O'Bannon with script by Keith R.A. DeCandido, interior art by Tommy Patterson and cover art by fan-favorites Dennis Calero and Joseph Corroney!

Picking up directly where the television miniseries FARSCAPE: THE PEACEKEEPER WARS left off, fans can look forward to show creator O'Bannon steering their favorite characters into new and original stories, keeping with the existing canon - and then extending it!

Since the release of FARSCAPE #1, critics across the internet have raved:


"...a must-read..." - Newsarama

"...This is the best comic of a TV show ever done..." - Comics And...

"Every word and panel could be shot for a FARSCAPE episode... it's a great to day to be a FARSCAPE fan." - Weekly Comic Book Review

"FARSCAPE is probably the best TV series made into comics I have seen so far." - Independent Comics Site

"Fans of the TV series should rejoice ..." - Broken Frontier

"...FARSCAPE #1 is everything that made FARSCAPE a cult hit and fan favorite, successfully translated to a new medium." - Watch Farscape

"There's action, sex, exposition, and a bit of humor... Pretty much everything you want in a FARSCAPE episode. Color me happy." - Comixtreme

"...the scenes definitely ring true to the show, even some four years later." - Comic Book Resources

"...for those of you who weren't FARSCAPE fans during the TV series run and don't understand what the buzz is about, this is a perfect opportunity to jump in!" - Comic Related

"It's good. Very good... Strongly recommended." - Dave's Rants


Debuting on the SCI-FI Channel in 1998, FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, who has a freak accident during an experimental space mission that catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he's trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology - a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his quest for home from a distant galaxy.

A groundbreaking award-winning sci-fi production, FARSCAPE from The Jim Henson Company and [HALLMARK] has become a global favorite. Named by TV Guide as one of television's "Best Cult Shows Ever" and most recently named by EMPIRE Magazine as one of the "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time," FARSCAPE is known for the overwhelming fan-based campaign that led to its miniseries production. The show has continued to find new audiences as it airs in syndication and is available on iTunes and DVD.

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.

BACK ON THE RACKS!
DEVIL'S DUE BOOKS BEGIN HITTING STORES

Chicago, IL. (September 11, 2008) – After a rough 4th quarter in 2008 and a brief delay in production, DDP books are shipping once again. The company's hit series Hack/Slash dropped last week with issue #18, alongside the trade paperback DemonWars vol. 2, "The Demon Spirit".

According to DDP Assistant Publisher Sam Wells, DDP books scheduled for January shipping include:

January 7, 2009
Mercy Sparx #2
Rest #2

January 21, 2009
Spooks: Omega Team #4
Hack/Slash #19

January 28
Sheena: Dark Rising #2

"I want to personally thank all of the retailers and fans who have loyally stuck by our side during this difficult time," said Josh Blaylock, President, "2008 was not easy for anyone, but for those of us who pull through we'll all come out stronger. We have a tremendous amount of inventory on order and you will see over a dozen releases coming through the pipeline by the end of February."

DDP plans to release its 2009 publishing slate in the very near future, including the all new Vampire Hunter D, Bionic Commando and Humanoids series'.

******


About Devil's Due Publishing:
Proliferators of comic culture, DDP is one of the largest and most established comic book publishers in North America, carrying a diverse line-up of original, creator-owned and licensed properties. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, DDP has many projects in development for film and television with major studios including 20th Century Fox, ABC Family, and Rogue Pictures. DDP's titles include Drafted, Lost Squad, Sheena, Dungeons & Dragons, DemonWars, Voltron, Rest, Serpo and the cult-favorite Hack/Slash. The company recently launched a line of cutting edge designer toys and lifestyle accessories under the imprint DDPOP.

Friends-

Issue 24 of CWR has arrived! This is the final new issue of 2008, and we’ve done our best to leave you with some great stuff to read… and see!

The first annual CWR Round Table Interview! Marc Mason leads seven of the CWR crew in a roundtable discussion about the best of 2008, the worst of 2008, the economy’s effect on comics, and what to look forward to in 2009!:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/cwr2008.html

Reviews of ULTRA, the TWILIGHT MOVIE, and a podcast focused on Oni Press, including CROGAN’S VENGEANCE, SALT WATER TAFFY, RESURRECTION and more:
http://reviews.comicswaitingroom.com

New CWRtv! Elliott Serrano vs. SECRET INVASION and only one can survive!:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/cwrtv.html

Marc Mason says diversity in comics is right in front of your face:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/mason24.html

Avril Brown shows off a new X-MEN related tattoo, takes on love, and offers up a new year’s resolution:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/avril24.html

Vince Moore wonders if comics and feminism is really a pair worth fighting for:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/vince30.html

Matt Maxwell doesn’t know if 2008 was a great year for comics or not, but he does have a couple he’d like to point out to you:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/fullbleed32.html

Saurav Mohapatra reacts to the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and ponders how to respond to them:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/ninepanelgrid7.html

Brandon Jerwa offers up a top ten list of great holiday entertainments:
http://www.comicswaitingroom.com/jerwa16.html

Remember: If you read something at CWR that you like, pass it on to friends and blogs. Enjoy the reading!

Marc Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Comics Waiting Room

PRESS RELEASE - ERIK LARSEN FREES SAVAGE DRAGON FOR FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!Erik Larsen's seminal creation comes for free on Free Comic Book Day 2009!

12 December 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - On Free Comic Book Day 2009, fans will get an unprecedented chance to jump on board one of comics' most legendary superhero series as Image Comics and creator Erik Larsen give away an entire issue of SAVAGE DRAGON!
"For Free Comic Book Day I wanted to give readers an exciting stand alone issue that would give them an idea of what I'm doing with the book after February's relaunch in #145," Larsen said. "It's a great introductory issue for new readers and it features the start of something huge!"

SAVAGE DRAGON #148 will contain a completely self-contained adventure introducing brand new cast members set to make a huge impact and also act as primer to the series' new direction as Dragon makes his long-awaited return to the Chicago Police Force. While Larsen's overhaul and relaunch of the title three issues prior was already covered in the Chicago Tribune, Yahoo! News and Radar Magazine, among others, this jumping on point promises to gain additional heat as Free Comic Book Day rolls forward. Fans unable to get the Free Comic Book Day edition will be able to order a Director's Cut shipping after the event, featuring exclusive materials not available anywhere else.

SAVAGE DRAGON #148 FCBD EDITION (JAN090007), a 32-page full color comic book for absolutely free, will be in stores May 2nd. SAVAGE DRAGON #148 DIRECTOR'S CUT, a 32-page full color comic for $3.50, will be in stores May 6th.

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

Hey gang,
Tomorrow is the finale of LG15: The Resistance. It's a '12in12' which means you get twelve videos in twelve hours, starting first thing in the morning. Follow along, interact with the characters, and post comments on the site! I'm IMMENSELY proud of the finale, and really do hope you all check it out. You can watch it at www.lg15.com for the best interactive experience possible.

And, while you're savoring twelve hours of Josh made succulence, may I also entice you to check out this week's episode of the www.televisionzombies.com podcast? There's a little segment with myself and Christopher Ryder, the Post-Supervisor and editor of LG15: The Resistance. We talk all sorts of nonsense, and come in at around the one hour mark.

Finally, if you'd rather get an eyeful of my beautiful wife (and, I wouldn't blame you), you can check out her quick cameo in this segment for local PBS KCET. http://kcet.org/socal/2008/12/the-peoples-university.html It's about the power of public libraries. And, hell, while you're at it, make sure to watch her burn up the screen on TCM's Fanatic series, viewable on youtube right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF-13M53XYw

How cool is my wife? That cool.

Alright gang, thanks for reading/watching/tolerating.

See you on the flip side,

j.
www.thefialkov.com
www.lg15.com

PRESS RELEASE - SHADOWLINE FACES SAVAGE AND GALLANT SELLOUTS! Shadowline reports sell outs of debut books, SAVAGE and I HATE GALLANT GIRL!


11 December 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - Image Comics’ Shadowline is proud to announce two of their newest and most diverse debuts, SAVAGE and I HATE GALLANT GIRL, have completely sold-out at a distribution level.


"Shadowline's steadfast commitment to diversity is what drives the entire imprint," Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino said. "Having two completely different titles reach a similar success simultaneously is a very important occasion for us and one we hope drives readers to future issues of these wonderful books."


SAVAGE teams horror master Steve Niles with celebrated painted artist Mike Mayhew along with Dan Wickline and Jeff Frank to craft a hardcore thriller pitting werewolves against Bigfoot in an intense battle royale. On the other hand, I HATE GALLANT GIRL, a runner-up in the Who Wants To Create A Superheroine Contest by writer Kat Cahill and artist Seth Damoose, takes a very different approach at the super-hero genre as a young woman rejected to be the world's next Gallant Girl decides to take destiny into her own hands. Limited quantities of both issues may still be available at your local comic book store.


SAVAGE #2 (SEP082267) and I HATE GALLANT GIRL #2 (OCT082311), both 32-page full color comic books for $3.50, are in stores now.


Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

3.5 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA
SOLD AT PROFILES IN HISTORY'S 33rd HOLLYWOOD AUCTION

Luke Skywalker' Lighsaber Sells for $240,000, C-3PO's Helmet $120,000, Signed You Only Live Twice Script $96,000, Leading Sales And Attracting Bidders Worldwide


Calabasas, CA, December 11, 2008 - Mark Hamill's hero "Luke Skywalker" lightsaber from Star Wars and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, bought for $240,000, topped all items at Profiles in History's 33rd Hollywood auction, held December 11th, 2008. In all, bidders paid $3.5 Million for 500+ items offered by Profiles in History, the world's leading company in the sale of Hollywood memorabilia. Other auction highlights include:

· $120,000 Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi original "C-3PO" droid helmet worn by Anthony Daniels
· $96,000 Second Draft Original Handwritten Manuscript of You Only Live Twice Signed ByRoald Dahl
· $96,000 Full-Sized Animatronic "Joe" From Mighty Joe Young
· $90,000 Signature "Wolverine" black leather battlesuit from X-Men
· $84,000 First British Edition of You Only Live Twice Inscribed By Ian Fleming To The Real James Bond
· $78,000 Original 82-inch diameter hero "United Planets Cruiser C-57D" flying saucer filming miniature from Forbidden Planet
· $72,000 Custom-built "1937 Mercedes" German staff car from Raiders of the Lost Ark
· $72,000 Marlon Brando complete signature "Jor-El" costume from Superman: The Movie
· $66,000 Original screen-used "Santa Jack" stop-motion puppet, dog "Zero" puppet, skeleton Reindeer puppet and Jack's prop trashcan with presents from A Nightmare Before Christmas
· $39,000 Jim Carrey complete signature "Riddler" costume from Batman Forever
· $39,000 Original Harry Potter Art By Thomas Taylor For The Back Cover of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone
· $21,600 Greta Garbo portrait by Clarence Sinclair Bull from Inspiration
· $19,200 Screen-Used Animatronic "Gizmo" Puppet from Gremlins 2: The New Batch

Note: All prices include a Buyer's Premium.


On December 12-14, Profiles in History will be conducting the largest auction of Hollywood memorabilia in history as they present the entire inventory of the world famous Collectors Book Store in Hollywood, the largest archive of Hollywood history outside of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Included in the three day auction event will be costumes, movie posters, scripts, portraits, movie stills, lobby cards, fan magazines, press books and other miscellaneous items-some rare and one of a kind. The schedule for Worldwide bidding, which can be placed in person, via mail, phone, fax or live on the Internet via eBay Live Auctions (HYPERLINK "http://www.ebayliveauctions.com/" www.ebayliveauctions.com) or (HYPERLINK "http://www.liveauctioneers.com/" www.LiveAuctioneers.com) is as follows:
· Friday, December 12, 2008: 11:00 AM PST;
· Saturday and Sunday, December 13 & 14: 10:00 AM PST.

Virtually every film and television show that was made will be represented. The opening bid for each lot will be just $200-$300, making it possible for everyone to have the opportunity to take home a piece of Hollywood history. Many times there will be a collection of five, ten, twenty or even hundreds or thousands of pieces in one lot.

Prior Hollywood auctions highlights have included the "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); A full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); a King Kong Six-Sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the "U.S.S. Enterprise" ($304,750); the original "Robot" from Lost in Space ($264,500); Luke Skywalker's light saber from Star Wars ($195,500); the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000); George Reeves' Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500); the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from Alien ($126,500); a full-scale T-Rex head from Jurassic Park ($126,500), the Leaping Alien Warrior figure from Aliens ($126,500), a Christopher Reeve's 'Superman' costume from Superman: The Movie ($115,000), The Wizard of Oz 'Winkie' Guard Costume ($115,000); a "Ming the Merciless" cape from Flash Gordon ($115,000) and the Hydraulic screen-used Velociraptor from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II. ($115,000).

Matthew Wood Gives Evil a Voice

in STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS



Matthew Wood is the voice of villainy as both General Grievous and the battle droids throughout STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, but evil gets a special opportunity to shine in “Lair of Grievous,” an all-new episode of the hit animated series that premieres at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Dec. 12, on Cartoon Network.



In the episode, General Grievous must prove himself worthy of the Separatists after his repeated defeats at the hands of the Jedi. As a test for his cyborg subordinate, Count Dooku lures Jedi Knights Kit Fisto and Nahdar Vebb to Grievous’ forbidding enclave to provide deadly sport for the humbled Separatist general.



Though Wood provides the distinctive sounds of Grievous and the battle droids, voice acting is not his “day job.” Since 1990, Wood has been among the chief innovators in digital sound technology at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Sound, working on such films and TV properties as The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Mission: Impossible, Con-Air, Wall-E, Munich and Armageddon. In addition, he recently received an Oscar nomination for his work on Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood.



Wood first dipped into the voiceover world with Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, and first performed as General Grievous on the big-screen in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. As a relative insider, he knew what George Lucas was looking for in terms of the character’s sound, so he anonymously slipped his own audition tape into the casting pipeline. Lucas made the selection blindly, never knowing his eventual Grievous was already on staff.



“I like playing a villain because it’s just no-holds-barred,” Wood says. “Villains don’t have an inner critic; they just speak their mind and make demands, come hell or high water, with no ramifications. And Grievous is a classic villain – he uses four lightsabers, he’s a Jedi killer, and I haven’t seen any humanity left in him. He knows about as much of the dark side of the Force as you can without having the Force, and now he’s just out for blood. I haven’t seen any redeemable qualities in him. That kind of puts him up on the list of all-time great villains.”



Wood says he combines a low-pitched, deep voice, lots of yelling and a Bela Lugosi-influenced eastern European flair in his intonations of Grievous. When the voice is filtered through the computer, it is combined with the general’s trademark cough to signify his biomechanical nature. The bottom line for Wood is to capture the core of villainy within Grievous.



Wood also provides the voices of the battle droids in the series, which allow him to explore another end of the villain spectrum; as cannon fodder for the Separatists, the battle droids are used primarily as comic relief.



“I love playing both –and it’s especially fun when they’re together because I get to play that juxtaposition,” Wood says. “Grievous is so exasperated at the thought that he’s stuck with these idiotic, low-rent droids that can just be bowled over by Jedi, no problem.



“On the other hand,” he says, “the battle droids have this weird kind of desperation to them. They really want to succeed, but they just know that it’s not within their programming to do a good job. So there’s this weird, funny kind of sadness to them. It’s great to do both the villainy and the comedy.”

Studio 407
www.studio-407.com



Havoc Brigade 02
893010002177
$3.99

A renegade Major has turned the world's most advanced piece of military hardware -- an experimental Havoc-class battlesuit -- into an instrument of terror. The world watches as the unstoppable solider rampages through London causing untold destruction. When the Major turns his sights to New York, the military turns to the only surviving member of the Havoc Brigade to stop the carnage at all costs.

--

Demon Squad 01
893010002184
$3.99

Deep in America’s heartland, evil is lurking and waiting. Demons prey on gullible and unsuspecting teenagers whose fears and insecurities draw these soul suckers to them like moths to a flame. When a paranormal infestation leads to a suicide epidemic in a small town, the Demon Squad is sent in to wipe out the supernatural plague — although they may bust a few heads along the way. Led by the gruff, take-no-prisoners Dr. Facchio, the Demon Squad is a rag tag team of scientists, mercenaries and mystics who are the frontline between us and the bloodsucking demons of the night.


--

Night Projectionist 02
893010002191
$3.99

As the vampire coven descends upon the hapless victims trapped inside the movie theater, the mystery of who Dragos is and why he’s facing off against his former brethren unravels. Is he there to save the people of Crosstown Falls or to save his own neck? What part did he play in the destruction of his village centuries ago — and is history repeating itself?

--

Smuggling Spirits
ISBN: 978-1-935385-03-5
$24.99

Set in a nightmarish vision of the past where deadly monstrosities roam the shadows of Prohibition-Era America, Al Stone is a bootlegger who finds himself on the run when he inadvertently stumbles upon the bloody secret of the creatures’ survival. As the beasts close in to take back what’s theirs, Al and his young ward, Nathan, make their final stand in this blend of horror, drama, action and suspense.

POWER OF THE VALKYRIE COMES HOME TO BLUEWATER

VANCOUVER, WASH. (December 11) – Bluewater Productions is going back to the books that made them popular. Last week it was announced that the “10th Muse” is back but also “Legend of Isis” is on the way this summer as an ongoing series. To top it off “Power of the Valkyrie” is geared for a February 2009 comeback. Originally published through Arcana, it comes home to Bluewater. Written by Chris Studabaker, drawn by Mannix and colored by Farés Ramírez.

Bluewater describes the new “Power of the Valkyrie” series as, philosophic action and adventure continues in this new saga starring Bluewater’s Norse hero and written by Day Prize-nominee Chris Studabaker. Suzanne Bancroft is going to die, and the end of the world will be her fault. A relentless demi-god has declared he will murder Suzanne and her death will begin a chain of events culminating in Ragnarok. Worse yet – her murderer can see her fate. While still trying to understand her new role as the Valkyrie, Suzanne must seek the true nature of fate and ask herself a hard question: how do you fight a battle you’re destined to lose?

“Valkyrie has been a treat to write”, says writer Chris Studabaker. “A lot of use having passing familiarity with Norse mythology, but we used some very different storytelling here, interweaving ancient stories and modern narrative. The idea of modernizing ancient gods provides a lot of fodder for big fights, but the most important aspect of the Norse pantheon has always been their striking humanity and that’s what we’re exploring”.

Studabaker continues, “All these ideas about people, myth, fate, and circles come together incredibly in the full mirrored layout of issue four and his treatment of the mirrored ideas and page layouts are really beautiful. The Fate of Gods and Men is about just that – what history and fate mean to us, our heroes, our gods, and how we comes to terms with the answers”.

“Valkyrie is the darkest of all the Bluewater female titles”, said Darren G. Davis creator of the character. “We wanted to do something that was different from our other classic characters, so we gave this series a more adult feel”.

To order issue #1 through Diamond use the order code: DEC083828: POWER OF THE VALKYRIE.

For more information on Bluewater Productions, visit them online at their all-new, recently redesigned Web site (http://www.bluewaterprod.com), or check them out in your local comic book shop!

New from Papercutz in February 2009

HARDY BOYS and TALES FROM THE CRYPT

Two of Papercutz’s most popular series are back with new issues

HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel #16: “SHHHHH!”
By Scott Lobdell and Paulo Henrique
Joe and Frank Hardy find themselves on the strangest bodyguard duty
ever -- protecting the five children of a visiting dignitary during a
field trip to the National Library of Education in Washington, D.C.
The job sounds easy, but before the boys get done, they're going to
need help from the most unexpected ally of all ... their mom,
librarian Laura Hardy!
Full-color paperback, 5” x 7½”, 96 pages, $7.95, ISBN
978-1-59707-113-0
Also in collector’s hardcover: $12.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-114-7

TALES FROM THE CRYPT Graphic Novel #6: “U-Tomb”
By Fred Van Lente, Mort Todd, John L. Lansdale and Jim Salicrup
What’s better than the latest batch of terror tales from the Crypt-
Keeper, the Old Witch and the Vault-Keeper? How about even more
stories than before? That’s what you get when you mix the chills of
Tales from the Crypt with the short, funny style of online videos!
“U-Tomb” packs more monsters, psychos, vampires, and zombies into
the pages of Tales from the Crypt than ever!
Full-color paperback, 5” x 7½”, 96 pages, $7.95, 978-1-59707-136-9
Also in collector’s hardcover: $12.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-137-6

TALES FROM THE CRYPT Comic Book #11

By David Gerrold and others


Award-winning author David Gerrold brings his science fiction
credentials to Tales from the Crypt! As one of the most popular
writers of the original Star Trek television series, Gerrold’s work
will make this issue the most spaced-out one yet!

Bi-monthly comic book, 48 pages, full color, $3.95, UPC 071896453065 11



SEE PREVIEWS AND MORE AT WWW.PAPERCUTZ.COM

You can order through NBM Publishing at 800-886-1223.

For previews and more, visit www.papercutz.com and http://
www.myspace.com/papercutzcomics.

Hey sweet cheeks:

After too long an absence, my online comic "KELLY" returns to exactly
the gut-wrenching moment where it left off:

http://www.act-i-vate.com/44-39-1.comic

-------allmylovetoyou------> d!
Dan Goldman
dangoldmandotnet

FARSCAPE #1 RELEASE DATE

DECEMBER 24th

The wait is almost over!



December 9th, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - When you enter your local comic shop on December 24th BOOM! Studios' much-anticipated FARSCAPE #1 will be waiting for you just in time for the holidays!



"We originally solicited this for November, but we pushed back the release because we had to make sure the book was the best product possible for fans awaiting FARSCAPE's return," said Chip Mosher, BOOM!'s Marketing and Sales Director. "And let me tell you, it will be worth the wait!"



FARSCAPE #1 is written by television series creator Rockne O'Bannon with script by Keith R.A. DeCandido, interior art by Tommy Patterson and cover art by fan-favorites Dennis Calero and Joseph Corroney!



Picking up directly where the television miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars left off, fans can look forward to show creator O'Bannon steering their favorite characters into new and original stories, keeping with the existing canon - and then extending it!



Debuting on the SCI-FI Channel in 1998, FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, who has a freak accident during an experimental space mission that catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he's trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology - a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his quest for home from a distant galaxy.



A groundbreaking award-winning sci-fi production, FARSCAPE from The Jim Henson Company and [HALLMARK] has become a global favorite. Named by TV Guide as one of television's "Best Cult Shows Ever" and most recently named by EMPIRE Magazine as one of the "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time," FARSCAPE is known for the overwhelming fan-based campaign that led to its miniseries production. The show has continued to find new audiences as it airs in syndication and is available on iTunes and DVD.



About BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.



About the Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets (the rights to which are now owned by The Walt Disney Company), Henson is the recipient of over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Credits include the Saturn Award-winning "Farscape" and the features "MirrorMask," "Five Children and It," "Good Boy!" and the recently released direct to DVD "Unstable Fables" features: "3 Pigs and a Baby" and "Tortoise vs. Hare." With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. Independently owned and operated by the five adult children of founder Jim Henson, the Company is also home to Jim Henson's Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry's top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state of the art and vintage equipment. The Company is currently completing production on 40 episodes of "Sid the Science Kid," a new science readiness animated series for preschoolers that debuted on PBS in September 2008, and recently premiered the preschool live-action puppet series "Pajanimals" on PBS KIDS SproutSM. The Company's Henson Alternative brand continues to produce "Puppet Up! - Uncensored," a live puppet improvisational show that has played to sold out crowds around the world and runs monthly at the Avalon Hollywood. The Company has also announced the creation of Jim Henson Designs, a merchandise collection inspired by Jim Henson's earliest sketches, and The Jim Henson Company: Discoveries, an acquisitions banner that celebrates outstanding third party produced independent film, television and video productions from around the globe embodying the Company's enduring legacy. www.henson.com