IMAGE EXCLUSIVES AT EMERALD CITY COMICON

Exclusive covers, prints, and T-shirts at the March 30-April 1 convention

Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2012, and Image Comics, commemorating its twentieth anniversary, is hitting the fan-favorite Northwestern convention in a big way. Previously announced was the programming guide cover and exclusive poster and T-shirt art by Marc Silvestri. Now, in advance of the March 30-April 1 convention, taking place at Seattle's Washington State Convention Center, Image Comics is announcing a trove of convention-exclusive covers, posters, prints, and T-shirts for some of their hottest titles.

A blood-smeared variant cover of BLOODSTRIKE #26, the relaunch of Rob Liefeld's Extreme title by Tim Seeley and Franchesco Gaston, pays homage to BLOODSTRIKE #1. The cover of the 1993 debut of the series invited readers to "RUB THE BLOOD!" This ECCC exclusive will be at the Image Comics booth, #310 for $5.00.

THE WALKING DEAD ECCC-exclusive T-Shirt will be the shirt to be seen in to show off your love of the undead, featuring an illustration by TWD artist Charlie Adlard. The T-shirt will be available in men's and women's sizes for only $20.00 at the ECCC show booth, #514.

The ECCC booth will also have the exclusive Marc Silvestri IMAGE HEROES T-shirt featuring  the line art of the image that graces ECCC's program guide. The unisex T-shirt is $20.00. The print featuring the full-color Silvestri art will be at the Top Cow booth, #414. The 11" x 17" print is limited to 300 copies and is $20.00.

An exclusive THE DARKNESS signed print by Jeremy Haun will be at booth #514 for $20.00. The 11" x 17" print is limited to 300 copies depicts Jackie Estacado, in the tendrils of The Darkness, atop the Seattle Space Needle, looking   at the nighttime cityscape below.

DEBRIS is a new Image Comics/Shadowline series by Kurtis Wiebe (Peter Panzerfaust, Green Wake) and Riley Rossmo (Rebel Blood, Green Wake) set to debut in July. ECCC attendees will get an advance look at it as Image unveils an exclusive free poster at booth #310.

A night vision variant cover of THE ACTIVITY #4, the espionage series by Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads, will be available at table #C-09 for $10.00. The elite Team Omaha takes on a drug lord in this issue of the cinematic series praised for its accuracy in its depiction of special ops missions, a great jumping-on point for new readers.

An exclusive hardcover edition of Gerry Duggan's and Phil Noto's retelling of The Odyssey, THE INFINITE HORIZON will be at table #P-03 for $20. The near-future interpretation of Homer's ancient epic is 186 pages long and not in stores until April 11, so attendees of ECCC will get an early chance to get the eagerly-awaited collection.

The third SKULLKICKERS adventure begins with issue #13, and ECCC is the first chance for readers to see it! A limited number of Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund sketch cover variant editions of SKULLKICKERS #13 will be available at table #C-11 for $10.00 before the regular issue even reaches stores.

In addition to these ECCC exclusives, Image will also debut the convention-exclusive ALPHA GIRL #2 cover. The first issue of the series by Jean-Paul Bonjour, Jeff Roenning, Robert Love, Dana Shukartsi, and Diego Simone sold out, and the second issue will be in stores on the Wednesday before the convention, March 28. The issue will be available at the Image booth, #310, for $5.00.

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

Telltale Games Releases First Trailer for The Walking Dead

Reveals Pricing, Release Date & Pre-Order Offer

San Rafael, CA – March 20, 2012 – Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman, the Eisner Award-winning creator/writer of The Walking Dead for Skybound/Image, announced today that the first trailer for their upcoming game, The Walking Dead, is available to view on the games’ official website. 

Created by animator and director Daniel M. Kanemoto, the trailer blends 2D and 3D imagery in stunning fashion as homage to the art of the original comic book world on which Telltale’s game is based. Kanemoto was asked by Telltale to create the trailer because of a “fan made" Walking Dead title sequence he had made, which can be seen at www.exmortisfilms.com.

The first of five monthly episodes of The Walking Dead is set for release in late April on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360® for 400 Microsoft® Points, on PlayStation®Network for $4.99 and on PC and Mac as a season pass for $24.99 from the Telltale Online Store and other digital outlets. Information on additional formats will follow.

Telltale has also revealed details of a limited time pre-order offer available via their online store. Pre-order customers will get the chance to join the cast of the game in episode four, where they will be modeled as a human survivor before being killed and then returned to life as a ravenous zombie. Pre-ordering also qualifies customers for a 10% discount (get the 5 episode season for $22.49; normally $24.99).

“This trailer really shows off how our artists have managed to take the 2D art style of the comic books and create a 3D world allowing fans to truly interact with Robert Kirkman’s world for the very first time,” said Dan Connors, Telltale co-founder and CEO. “We hope that fans will like what they see and be excited by the chance to join the cast of the game; we promise they’ll die horribly!”

“Telltale has done a phenomenal job in making a game that meets the expectations of fans,” added Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead.  “Running around with a gun isn’t what The Walking Dead is about; it’s about is how people caught in an apocalypse deal with facing their own death every day, and the horrible choices they have to make to survive. Telltale’s game series has captured the spirit of the comic books perfectly.”

The Walking Dead is set in the world of Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series. Lee Everett, a convicted criminal, has been given a chance for redemption in a world devastated by the undead. Players will experience events, meet people and visit locations that foreshadow the story of Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes. The Walking Dead offers a tailored game experience – player actions, choices and decisions affect how the story plays out across the entire series.

The Walking Dead is rated ‘M’ (Mature) for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language by the ESRB.

For more information on the game, visit the official website, Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@telltalegames). For more information on The Walking Dead comic books, visit www.skybound.com. 

About Robert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty years ago. He's the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, kid-friendly Super Dinosaur, The Astounding Wolfman, and new title Thief of Thieves, among many others. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011, taking four of the top spots.  He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 120 countries and 250 million households.  www.Skybound.com is your destination for all news and merchandise for Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles.
About Image
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of four major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

About Daniel M. Kanemoto

Daniel M. Kanemoto is a writer, director, and animator for Ex Mortis Films, a Los Angeles based studio that specializes in creative animation content. His 1999 debut, A LETTER FROM THE WESTERN FRONT, won the Gold Medal for Best Animated Short at the Student Academy Awards. His diverse body of work (from original films to national commercial campaigns) has been featured on Nickelodeon, MTV, the Discovery Channel, and film festivals around the world. His most recent film, ARTICLES OF WAR, can be seen online at http://www.articles-of-war.com. He is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts film program. Daniel can be contacted by email at exmortis@me.com.

About Telltale, Inc. 
Telltale is a leading independent developer and publisher of games for every major gaming platform and is the pioneer of the episodic delivery of digital gaming content. By developing games as series and successfully releasing on a schedule, they create longer consumer engagement than traditional games for each release. Founded in 2004 by games industry veterans with decades of experience, Telltale has quickly become an industry leader, establishing the model for successful episodic game creation and digital publishing. Telltale has sold more than 5 million episodes since 2005. Telltale’s reputation for quality has been established across more than 25 published releases, winning numerous awards including, "Adventure Game of the Year" accolades from publications such as IGN, PC Gamer, GameSpy, and Adventure Gamers. Telltale has also been recognized by mainstream outlets ranging from USA Today, to The New York Times and Variety. Telltale currently develops and publishes episodic series on Xbox 360®, Apple® iOS devices, PlayStation®3, PC, Mac, and Wii™. www.telltalegames.com

IDW Welcomes You to The Jungle With THE CAPE: 1969 The origin of the Eisner Award-nominated series is revealed in a new miniseries! San Diego, CA (March 20, 2012)—When a medevac helicopter is shot down over enemy territory against the raging, chilling backdrop of the Vietnam War, a crew of American soldiers must battle strange terrain and the cunning, native Vietcong for survival. As hours pass without hope for a rescue, both sides discover something more terrifying and deadly yet. Featuring a story by original Cape creators Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramella and art and colors by The Cape colorist/Road Rage artist Nelson Daniel, The Cape: 1969 is the origin of darkly thrilling, Eisner-nominated miniseries. “The Cape is one of my favorite miniseries we’ve ever published, and certainly one of the darkest,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’ Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “And it’s one I’m all too happy to revisit here, especially since this series is such an original extension of the storyline and not just re-treading what you’ve already seen. Also, I want to see what levels of depravity the characters—and the creators—sink to this time around.” Original series artist Zach Howard will also return to provide covers for the series and contribute some special images to the interiors as well. "Seeing the first mini-series for THE CAPE come together was electrifying: Jason Ciaramella, Zach Howard, and Nelson Daniel cooked up something wonderfully weird and nasty and surprising, a dark and powerful character story,” said Hill. “Also, they allowed a flying psycho to drop a baby grizzly bear on some cops. So that was awesome.”  “In that first run, the team explored what would happen if an incredible power fell into the hands of a sociopath,” Hill continued. “In this new one, Jason and Nelson join forces to reveal the dark origin of that power. I can't wait."  When desperate soldiers are pushed to their limits, what malevolent forces will come to the surface?

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

CMX-HD COMICS…TO SHARE
WITH COMICS BY COMIXOLOGY 3.1 UPDATE

New Version Sports new iPad ready HD Comics with Facebook, Twitter and Email sharing

With CMX-HD check out the highest resolution comics available

No upgrade fee or price hike for CMX-HD content

March 20^th - 2012 New York, NY - ComiXology, the world’s largest digital comics platform available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web with over 50 million comic and graphic novel downloads to date, is proud to announce a new High Definition Comics format — CMX-HD — to their award-winning iOS application just in time for the debut of the new iPad and taking advantage of the new resolution capabilities of the device. In addition to supporting this new, higher resolution comic book format, comiXology is also bringing social integration to their iOS app making it easier than ever for friends to share their favorite comics through Facebook, Twitter and Email.

CMX-HD comics and graphic novels will be a free upgrade for customers that have previously purchased content that is now available in the new format, with comiXology offering the new file format at the same price as previous content.
“We knew the moment Apple announced the new iPad with its stunning Retina display that we needed to meet the challenge of delivering the highest resolution comic content in the industry — and with CMX-HD we did just that,” said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “We know our fans will love this new format and it’s fantastic to be able to deliver CMX-HD at the same time we’re integrating social to the app. After hitting 50 million standard definition comic and graphic novel downloads recently, we look forward to our next 50 million high-definition downloads being driven through social sharing.”
Debuting today alongside the delivery of the new new iPad, CMX-HD content will inititally be available for a select group of comic books and graphic novels. "We will be working over the next few months to fill out the entire CMX-HD catalog,” said Marc Goldberg, comiXology CTO.

With Facebook sharing in 3.1, comic fans will be able to post their reviews and thoughts about comics they’ve discovered in the store, comics they just read, and their own collection on their wall or timeline.

With Twitter sharing, which uses iOS 5’s built-in tweeting functionality, titles are automatically placed in a tweet, ready to be broadcast to all your twitter followers. Fans will have full editing capability of their messages and even be able to input their location data.

With Email sharing, fans will be able to send comic covers and descriptions directly to friends in a formatted HTML email conveniently using Apple’s built-in Mail app.

The Comics by comiXology 3.1 iOS app also includes several updates to enhance the experience of reading comics and graphic novels on the platform. Here is a comprehensive listing for the update:

CMX-HD Comics
Now featuring High Definition capable comics for the new iPad — with twice the resolution. Look for the CMX-HD badge in the store to find these HD comics and graphic novels. Facebook Sharing
Finally, users also have the option of sharing comments via an individual's Facebook wall or Timeline.
iOS 5 Integrated Twitter Sharing
Comics now uses the new Twitter APIs on iOS 5 to enable social commenting on any Comic Book.
iOS Email Sharing
Users also have the option of sharing via Email.  The Email share view displays the iOS app email compose view, including an HTML formatted email.
In all cases, including Twitter, if no network is available then the user will not see any share options.  If an account is not yet set up for the chosen share method, then Comics will alert the user to setup that particular sharing account.
The “Read Now” Button
Immediately after purchasing a comic book that begins downloading, users will be presented with a "Read Now" button (replacing the former "Downloading" button).  Now users can begin reading comic books without waiting for the entire download to complete.
Miscellaneous Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements 
Additionally to the above feature enhancements we have made substantial improvements to bugs, crashes and stability in the Comics App.

About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world.  From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web — comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.

ARMORED CORE® V NOW AVAILABLE

IN NORTH AMERICA

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. Brings the Fight for Humanity to Gamers Today

SAN JOSE, Calif., (March 20, 2012) NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced ARMORED CORE® V is now available in North America for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system. 

ARMORED CORE V revolutionizes the series with massive online multiplayer battles designed around huge team-based skirmishes on a grand scale, a robust offline mode, and a completely new atmosphere. Featuring ACs or “Armored Cores” that are customized for more strategic gameplay, ARMORED CORE V focuses on tactics and effectively utilizing the geography of a level to maximize the devastating effects of attacks.

“With a greater focus on multiplayer, ARMORED CORE V adds a new layer of replayability and mech mayhem for gamers,” said Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc..  “Using highly customized mechs, friends can now team up and defend their territories from opposing Armored Cores, making for some intense battles in the war-torn environment.”

Developed by the acclaimed FromSoftware, Inc., the ARMORED CORE® franchise is renowned for its intense AC battles and customization, with ARMORED CORE V offering 10-player multiplayer battles and over 500 parts to customize ACs into personalized war machines.

ARMORED CORE V is now available in North America for $59.99 and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.  For more information on the game, as well as information on additional pre-order promotions, please visit: www.armoredcore-v.com and http://www.facebook.com/armoredcore.

About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., part of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content — including all major video game consoles, iOS, mobile and online.  The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN®, Tekken®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA®, RIDGE RACER® and ACE COMBAT®.  More information about the company and its products can be found at www.namcobandaigames.com or www.facebook.com/namco.

ARMORED CORE® V ©2012 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. ©1997-2012 FromSoftware, Inc. All rights reserved

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Press Release © 2012 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.

COMIC BOOK CLUB LIVE ANNOUNCED AS SHOW ON THE NERDIST YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Popular live comedy show will become a Nerdist original series

New York, NY, March 20, 2012 – Comic book and comedy fans alike will have much to enjoy in Comic Book Club’s new show when it premieres on the Nerdist YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/nerdist) on April 2, 2012. Based on Comic Book Club’s live shows in New York City, the series will showcase hosts and the hottest guests discussing comics in a talk show format.

Comic Book Club is a rising force in comic book geek culture hosted by Pete LePage, Justin Tyler and Alex Zalben. The live show has been attracting sold-out audiences for over five years in New York City, featuring guests from SNL, 30 Rock, Superbad, The Daily Show, Eli Stone and all corners of the comic book world. Star-studded panels at San Diego Comic Con 2007 and 2008 were completely sold out. At New York Comic Cons 2008-2011, Comic Book Club served as the on-camera talent for popular geek culture news site www.Newsarama.com and interviewed hundreds of TV and film celebrities, along with comic book professionals.

LePage, Tyler and Zalben previously hosted The Stack, a web series on Next New Networks’ comic book channel Pulp Secret. Running for over a year with a monthly viewership of 320,000, The Stack was Newsarama’s primary video feature and during conventions garnered over a quarter million views.

Past guests include:

Joe Quesada (Editor in Chief, Marvel Comics)

Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Superbad)

Seth Meyers (Saturday Night Live)

Scott Adsit (30 Rock)

Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (Mystery Science Theatre 3000, Film Guys)

Andrew WK (Rock Star)

Adam Rifkin (Writer/Producer/Director Detroit Rock City, National Lampoons Home Erectus)

Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show)

Ed Brubaker (Captain America, X-Men)

Perry Moore (Executive Producer, The Chronicles of Narnia, Author: Hero)

Marc Guggenheim (Writer, ABC’s Eli Stone, Amazing Spider-Man)

Bob Gale (Writer, Back to the Future trilogy, Amazing Spider-man)

Timmy Williams (Comedian, IFC's Whitest Kid's U Know)

ABOUT NERDIST CHANNEL

The Nerdist Channel is a YouTube original channel launching April 2, 2012. The channel’s nerd-centric content will span comic books, video games, movies, pop culture and more. Shows on the channel will feature well-known talent such as Harry Knowles, Neil Patrick Harris, Rob Zombie, Weird Al and Chris Hardwick himself. Nerdist Industries' partners in its premium YouTube channel include The Jim Henson Company, Broadway Video Entertainment and The Chernin Company.

ABOUT NERDIST INDUSTRIES

Nerdist Industries is a multi-platform creator of genre and popular-culture content – a true next generation media company. Founded in 2008, Nerdist is the brainchild of comedian, author, podcaster and new media personality Chris Hardwick. In 2011, Nerdist and GeekChicDaily merged to form Nerdist Industries with Hardwick serving as Founder and Chief Creative Officer and digital media entrepreneur Peter Levin, co-founder of GeekChicDaily, serving as Chief Executive Officer. Nerdist Industries investors include Legendary Pictures, Mandalay Enterprises, Machinima CEO Allen DeBevoise, Japanese media juggernaut Yoshimoto Kogyo and Revolution Studio’s Joe Roth. Nerdist Industries is headquartered at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood, CA. 

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES 6 NEW MANGA SERIES ON VIZMANGA.COM AND THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

BUSO RENKIN, THE EARL AND THE FAIRY, HIKARU NO GO, PSYREN, TEGAMI BACHI and YU-GI-OH! GX Join The

Extensive VIZ Manga Digital Library This Month!

VIZ Media delivers more digital manga (graphic novel) excitement to fans this month with the announcement of the launch of 7 new series are now available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch. The new series include BUSO RENKIN, THE EARL AND THE FAIRY, HIKARU NO GO, PSYREN, TEGAMI BACHI, and YU GI OH! GX.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.

BUSO RENKIN Vol. 1 · by Nobuhiro Watsuki  · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

BUSO RENKIN is the story of teenager Kazuki Muto, who dies trying to save a girl who was being attacked by an eerie monster. The next morning, however, Kazuki is left wondering whether it was all a dream. Lo and behold, the girl, the monster, and his death are all real! The girl, Tokiko Tsumura, was actually trying to slay the homunculus (a beast that can take the form of humans, and whose main source of food is people), but Kazuki got in her way. To revive Kazuki, Tokiko replaces his heart with a "kakugane," an alchemic device that allows him to summon a lance with which to fight the monsters. It turns out that Tokiko is a member of the Alchemist Warriors, an organization sworn to protect the world from the diabolical creatures. Soon, Kazuki joins Tokiko in her quest to terminate the sinister being that creates and controls the homunculus.

THE EARL AND THE FAIRY Vol. 1 · original concept by Tani Mizue, story & art by Ayuko · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

Lydia Carlton is a fairy doctor, one of the few people with the ability to see the magical creatures who share our world. During one of her rare trips to London to visit her father, Lydia’s quiet life is suddenly transformed when she is rescued from kidnappers by a mysterious young man! Edgar Ashenbert claims to be descended from the human ruler of the fairy kingdom, and he urgently needs Lydia’s help to find and claim his birthright, the legendary sword of the Blue Knight Earl. Things will never be the same for Lydia as she is pulled into a dangerous quest against dark forces!

HIKARU NO GO Vol. 1 · story by Yumi Hotta, art by Takeshi Obata · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

After stumbling across a haunted go board, Hikaru Shindo discovers that the spirit of a master player named Fujiwara-no-Sai has taken up residence in his consciousness. Sai awakens in Hikaru an untapped genius for the game, and soon the schoolboy is chasing his own dream – defeating the famed go prodigy Akira Toya!

PSYREN Vol. 1 · by Toshiaki Iwashiro · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Ageha Yoshina just got transported to a warped alternate dimension where you've got to fight your way back to our world – or die trying. "Save me!" Those were Sakurako Amamiya's last words to her friend Ageha Yoshina before she mysteriously went missing. Now Ageha's on a quest to find her. He's convinced that the mythical Psyren Secret Society has something to do with the recent rash of disappearances. And now he seems to be caught up as a player in their very deadly game...

TEGAMI BACHI Vol. 1 · by Hiroyuki Asada · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Amberground is locked in darkness. A man-made star casts only a dim light over the land. The pitch-black wilderness is infested with Gaichuu – colossal insects with metal exoskeletons. The Gaichuu make travel between the cities of Amberground extremely dangerous. But thankfully the Letter Bees, a brave corps of messengers, risk their lives in order to keep the hearts of Amberground connected.

YU-GI-OH! GX Vol. 1 · original concept by Kazuki Takahashi, story and art by Naoyuki Kageyama · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

Years after Yugi's legendary battles, the game is so popular that schools dedicated to the art of Dueling have sprung up all over the world. Join Jaden Yuki and his pals at the Academy for the adventures of the next generation of YU-GI-OH!

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop PC-enabled computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top app for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. Over 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps. 

THE END ON THE HORIZON

Duggan's and Noto's Epic The Inifinite Horizon Collected in April

The completion of Gerry Duggan's and Phil Noto's Odyssey-inspired THE INFINITE HORIZON hasn't taken quite as long as Odysseus's journey home, but the nearly five years since the publication of the first issue of the Image Comics series to the April publication of the 186-page trade paperback collection (FEB120448) have been a saga of their own.

"When Phil and I began the comic in 2007 we tried to imagine scenarios that would make make a soldier's ten-year journey home believable," said writer Duggan. "I hope we made some interesting choices about the loss of technology and a crippling energy crisis, but I know we did a pretty good job of imagining a world that's pulling itself apart. We could not have imagined the Arab Spring, but the fractured world of The Infinite Horizon seems much less fantastic just five years later."

THE INFINITE HORIZON takes place in the not-too-distant future, with a small group of abandoned soldiers being led home by one man: The Captain. To get back, he’ll have to cross half the globe and endure deadly encounters with mythic enemies.

The Captain escapes shipwrecks, beats a vicious opponent wearing a cycloptic combat armor...and resists the siren's call of a predatory society, all while encountering everywhere dying breaths of a great and horrible war. Artist Noto depicts the horrors of war and The Captain's long trek home with an understated palette, the violence taking on a haunting quality as The Captain sacrifices more and more of himself to return home.

Duggan found his inspiration both in Homer's 2700-year-old epic and current events in global conflict. "In the years following the 9/11 attacks I re-examined the poem and found it to be very fresh and relevant to our society," he said. "We're now living in a state of almost perpetual war. Contractors and drones will probably remain behind long after combat troops are withdrawn. The burden of these conflicts are not shared. Military families shoulder the load, and I have doubts about whether or not they are adequately supported for their service and sacrifice."

THE INFINITE HORIZON is a full-color, 186-page trade paperback for $17.99. It collects issues #1 - 6 of the series, as well as bonus material from Phil Noto. The final order cut-off for comic book retailers for this title is March 19, and it will be in stores on April 11.. Its ISBN is 978-1-582409-72-6. An advance PDF review copy is available; please email Jennifer de Guzman at jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com to request one.

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

STUDIO 407 MAKES IT EASIER
TO PRE-ORDER COMICS
FROM YOUR LOCAL COMIC SHOP
WITH THE
NIGHT PROJECTIONIST & GOLEM
PRE-ORDER SITES!

March 19, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – Studio 407 makes it easier than ever to pre-order THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST and GOLEM from your local comic shop with the Studio 407 pre-order sites. Check out this simple and quick way to let your local comic shop know you want Studio 407 comics!

http://www.studio-407.com/pre-orders/NightProjectionistPreOrderForm.php


http://www.studio-407.com/pre-orders/GolemPreOrderForm.php
Click on either of the two links above to pre-order our comics from a number of participating retailer across America! Just choose the retailer nearest you, complete the information form and we'll send an email to your chosen retailer to make sure you get your Studio 407 comic on the day of release. Its free, easy and takes only seconds!

Can't find a comic retailer near you? No Problem. You can submit the email of your favorite comic shop and Studio 407 will contact them to sign them up. Check back regularly as our list will constantly be updated.

For our international fans we've paired up with Things From Another World to be able to deliver THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST and GOLEM directly to your home wherever you may live, visit the pre-order sites to find out how.

So if you haven't told your local comic shop you want THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST and GOLEM from Studio 407 now's your chance. Don't delay, pre-order today!


THE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST TPB is written by Robert Heske (BONE CHILLER) and illustrated by Diego Yapur (PRIEST: PURGATORY). This graphic novel ships in May at a price point of only $12.99 and a Diamond code of MAR121187. Pre-order your copy at your local comic shop and through the NIGHT PROJECTIONIST pre-order site today!


GOLEM TPB is written by Scott Barkman and Alex Leung (NIGHT & FOG) with illustrations by Mark Louie Vuycankiat (TIGER & CRANE, THE EDGE). This graphic novel is the full continuation of the GOLEM one-shot previously published by Studio 407. This book ships in May at a price point of only $12.99 and a Diamond code of MAR121186. Pre-order your copy at your local comic shop and through the GOLEM pre-order site today!

THERE WILL BE FAST, FAST
SUPERHERO RIDES
AT PROFILES IN HISTORY'S
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
AUCTION AT THIS YEAR'S
CHICAGO COMIC AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD APRIL 14, 2012
 

LOS ANGELES- MARCH 19, 2012- Profiles in History is proud to announce the inclusion of some very fast and very cool superhero rides at their Captain America: The First Avenger Auction at this year’s C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60616 at 6PM Central Time on April 14, 2012.

First up is Steve Rogers’ hero motorcycle, pictured left. A contemporary Harley Davidson bike, modified, painted and dressed to reflect a WW2 military period look. The motorcycle is a detailed representation of the Harley Davidson classic WLA military motorcycles that the HD company began producing to US Army specs in 1940, it is the most period-correct Harley Davidson motorcycle available today. This custom replica is fashioned from a modern Harley Davidson with spring-mounted solo saddle and springer fork.  Steve Rogers as Captain America rides this bike into the heart of the Hydra Base, pursued by a troop of Hydra cycles in the final confrontation with Red Skull. The motorcycle is not operational and special shipping arrangements will apply. Estimated to fetch $12,000 – $15,000.

You can also bid on the hero Hydra Fastrac, pictured below. This imposing Hydra Fastrac is commandeered by the Howling Commandos during their liberation from the Hydra Factory. Constructed of a metal and fiberglass shell built on a JCB 3190, 4-wheel drive “Fastrac” tractor. The operating weight of the base vehicle is 17570.8 lb (7970 kg). The vehicle rides on four Michelin “Multibib” 540/65 R30 tires. The ominous, protruding cannon on the turret represents Hydra’s Cosmic Cube weaponry. The vehicle’s battery and fuel cells are located in a back compartment. This is a one-off hero vehicle in excellent condition and with expertly applied studio dirt and mud in the wheel wells. A spectacular, iconic, Daniel Simon design for the movie vehicle collector. The vehicle is not operational and special shipping arrangements will apply. Estimated to fetch $12,000 – $15,000.

Finally, up for auction is a Hydra Motorcycle. The motorcycle consists of a fiberglass, gunmetal-painted, lightweight, custom shell built on an actual Honda Motocross bike Model: CRF250X. The sleek Hydra shell features an embossed Hydra insignia on the gas tank and sides of the bike. The bike handlebars protrude from an opening in the top of the tank shell and there are two guns protruding from the front. There is a black, padded single-seat and the back of the bike features a wraparound frame, back wheel guard and rear foot pegs.  On the back lower frame, there is a rack fitted with three resin and rubber German grenade props. This machine is one of a group of Hydra bikes featured in the high-speed chase when Hydra troops are pursuing Captain America. The motorcycle is not operational and special shipping arrangements will apply. Estimated to fetch $4,000 – $6,000

Stay tuned for additional announcements.

ABOUT PROFILES IN HISTORY
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the nation's leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts.  Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph "Joe" Maddalena learned early on how to turn his passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Needing to support himself, Joe turned to his hobby of buying and selling historical documents as a potential way to earn revenue. On weekends he scoured old Hollywood bookstores for letters and rare books. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985. A lifetime member of the Manuscript Society, Joe is widely recognized as the nation's leading authority on entertainment memorabilia and historical documents. Profiles in History has established itself as the world’s largest auctioneer of original Hollywood memorabilia, having held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia and owning virtually every Guinness Book record prices for original screen-used memorabilia. With an extensive network of dealers, collectors, and institutions, Profiles in History is proud to play an important role in the preservation of motion picture history. Prior Profiles in History Hollywood auctions highlights include the "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); Steve McQueen's "Michael Delaney" racing suit from Le Mans ($960,000); a Panavision motion picture camera used by George Lucas to film Star Wars ($624,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds” dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes ($356,500); a King Kong 1933 six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); Luke Skywalker’s light saber from Star Wars ($240,000); Margaret Hamilton’s “Wicked Witch” hat from The Wizard Of Oz ($230,000); and The Invisible Man 1933 one-sheet movie poster ($230,000). Most recently from the history-making Debbie Reynolds Auction in June 2011, Profiles in History sold the Marilyn Monroe "Subway" Dress from The Seven Year Itch for $5.52M, the Marilyn Monroe signature red-sequined showgirl gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes for $1.44M and the Audrey Hepburn Ascot Dress from My Fair Lady for $4.44M. In addition, Joe Maddalena is the star of SyFy's hit show, Hollywood Treasure. With already 24 episodes aired, Hollywood Treasure is gearing up for an exciting return in May 2012.

DARK HORSE JOINS THE GEEK & SUNDRY PROGRAMMING SLATE WITH REVOLUTIONARY NEW MOTION COMICS! 

MARCH 17, ANAHEIM, CA—Today at WonderCon, it was announced that Dark Horse would be bringing their most well-known characters to Felicia Day’s all-new YouTube channel, Geek & Sundry, beginning on April 2!

This highly anticipated premium YouTube channel and company, founded by Felicia Day and the producers of the hit web series The Guild, today announced a lineup of six new original series premiering online starting April 2. The channel will present the very best of indie geek culture by exploring fun themes in comedy, gaming, comics, music, and literature that are sure to captivate audiences every week. Geek & Sundry will also provide a social destination and community for fans connecting online and offline about nerd culture worldwide (GeekAndSundry.com).

Alongside Felicia Day (The Guild, Dr. Horrible, Eureka), Geek & Sundry will feature compelling original content by Wil Wheaton (Star Trek, The Big Bang Theory), Veronica Belmont and Tom Merritt (Sword & Laser), and Paul and Storm (w00tstock), as well as the hit web series The Guild, and the very first Dark Horse motion comics. 

Dark Horse will air a new motion-comics episode every Wednesday, featuring characters like Hellboy, Conan the Barbarian, Usagi Yojimbo, and Gerard Way’s The Umbrella Academy. With all-new motion-graphics techniques and compelling storytelling, these are sure to set a new standard for motion comics. Directed by Erik Bruhwiler and produced by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse motion comics offer comics fans an experience unlike anything they have seen before.

“We’re so incredibly excited to produce and develop a channel based on what we think the fans will enjoy the most,” said Felicia Day, cofounder, producer, and star of Geek & Sundry. “From Dark Horse Comics to Wil Wheaton, there’s a killer team of talent on camera and off that will help build on the success of The Guild and Dragon Age: Redemption.”  

"This is an exciting new extension of our comics business. Our technology is state of the art and the tales are extremely engaging. Add Erik's genius to some of the greatest creators in the comics business and the project becomes irresistible." Said Dark Horse President Mike Richardson.

Dark Horse Motion Comics launches on April 2, 2012, on YouTube, with Mike Richardson’s forty-minute horror epic, The Secret!

Viewers can subscribe to the channel now at www.youtube.com/user/geekandsundry.