Chris Hardwick to Join the Star Wars Celebration VI Party

Nerdist Industries Honcho To Join Fellow Star Wars Fans as Special Guest Host at Celebration VI

Comedian, actor, podcaster, and Nerdist Industries founder Chris Hardwick joins Star Wars Celebration VI as a special guest host for the biggest party in the galaxy, August 23-26 2012 in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. While there will be three hosted stages full of programming throughout the four days of Celebration VI, there are additional can’t-miss special events planned, featuring Hardwick as the host.

Additionally, Hardwick is one of the masterminds behind “Course of the Force,” a Star Wars-themed charity relay run that will wind its way down the California coast to San Diego Comic-Con International this July 7-11th. This run, which celebrates the generosity of the Star Wars fan community, is a prelude to Hardwick’s participation in the ultimate Star Wars fan gathering this August.  Joining Hardwick in the “Course of the Force” run are such celebrity Star Wars fans as Drew Carey, Jim Gaffigan, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Alison Haislip and Alex Albrecht, with more to be announced soon.

“Every summer since 1977 has been a Star Wars summer for me, but this’ll be the one to remember,” says Hardwick. “The only thing that could top seeing Wookiees, stormtroopers and slave Leias jog for charity would be serving as one of the hosts for Star Wars Celebration VI.”

For more about Celebration VI visit www.starwarscelebration.com. For more about Hardwick and Course of the Force, visit http://courseoftheforce.com/ and for Hardwick’s recently launched YouTube Channel, visit http://www.youtube.com/nerdist

DARK HORSE COMICS ANNOUNCES

GHOST—THE SERIES!

APRIL 2, SEATTLE, WA–A thrilling announcement coming from Emerald City Comicon: the Dark Horse title Ghost will be returning to single-issue monthly format!  

Ghost debuted in 1993 as part of Dark Horse’s Comics’ Greatest World series. The fan-favorite title ran for ten years and featured crossovers with Hellboy, X, The Mask, and Barb Wire.

 Comic Book Resources recently broke the exclusive that Ghost would be returning this summer in Dark Horse Presents #13. This new incarnation of Ghost is written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Phil Noto. Fans can pick up the critically acclaimed series in September, beginning with a zero issue that collects the Ghost stories from Dark Horse Presents.

 “There’s something about her, something about the way Phil draws her . . . I think it’s in the eyes. It’s like he’s given her a soul. She’s equal parts charismatic and creepy for me to work with, honestly,” said DeConnick. “The new series is a fresh start, an alternative take. No prior knowledge of the character or the universe is necessary. There’s a good chance you’ll be into this one too.”

 Ghost #0 is on sale September 19, 2012!

Ghost #1 is on sale October 10, 2012!

For additional information, check out Kelly Sue on Newsarama!

About Dark Horse Comics

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

AXE COP FOR PRESIDENT 2012!

APRIL 2, SEATTLE, WA–Direct from Emerald City Comicon, mad-scientist brotherly duo Ethan and Malachai Nicolle are back with Axe Cop: President of the World!

 This brand-new, print-exclusive story written by eight-year-old Malachai Nicolle and drawn by his older brother Ethan Nicolle promises to be as wild as the last series. Upon its debut as a webcomic in December of 2009, Axe Cop was instantly hailed by the entertainment press as a hit.

 “The new Axe Cop miniseries President of the World is a follow-up to Bad Guy Earth. It picks up right where Bad Guy Earth leaves off, when Axe Cop is made the president of all presidents,” said Ethan. 

 Axe Cop has been appointed president of the whole world! But what will Axe Cop and his friends do in a world with no bad guys? Look to defeat the bad guys from outer space, of course! Axe Cop is commander in chief of hilarious adventures as only a kid could imagine.

 “This miniseries, much like Bad Guy Earth, was created during a monthlong visit with Malachai. It includes a lot of new characters, good and bad. It’s apocalyptic and charming just like a good Axe Cop comic should be. Obviously, way back when we wrote Bad Guy Earth we did not plan for an Axe Cop comic about his presidency to come out right in the middle of the elections, but that is what happened. Perfect timing,” Ethan explained. “I think anyone who loves Axe Cop will love this one. I really tried to make it a continuation from the last miniseries and not a ‘sequel’ that tries to top the last one. Malachai and I had a blast making it.”

 Praise for Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth:

“So engaging that you can't help but read this book all in one sitting.”—IGN.com

Axe Cop: President of the World #1 is on sale July 25, 2012!

About Dark Horse Comics

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

 

STEVE NILES’S CRIMINAL MACABRE RETURNS

WITH IRON SPIRIT GRAPHIC NOVEL!

APRIL 2, SEATTLE, WA–Reported from Emerald City Comicon, Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) will take his occult detective into a new hardcover collector’s format with Eisner winner Scott Morse of Pixar and TR!CKSTER fame.

 Brimming with terror, Criminal Macabre: The Iron Spirit is a perfect introduction for new readers. A haunted veteran leads monster hunter Cal McDonald to a creepy subterranean military base where mad-science experiments were conducted on US soldiers.

 “Iron Spirit combines all of my favorite things. I wrote it as prose and handed it to Scott Morse and now Dark Horse is publishing it. I think readers will be surprised at this oddly touching story about death and undeath and the responsibilities that come with both,” said Steve Niles.

 Praise for Criminal Macabre:

“Steve Niles has beaten up his main man, broken him down and now stands on the precipice of reinventing him with a conflict on the horizon that portends to be nothing short of epic.”—Newsarama

 Criminal Macabre: The Iron Spirit is on sale September 12, 2012!

About Dark Horse Comics

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

ANNOUNCING MICHAEL AVON OEMING’S

THE VICTORIES!

APRIL 2, SEATTLE, WA–As proclaimed at the Powered by Creators panel at Emerald City Comicon, Dark Horse Comics is set to publish The Victories, a very adult superhero adventure written and drawn by Eisner Award winner Michael Avon Oeming (Powers, Takio, Rapture).

 “The Victories sucked me in by taking the postmodern ‘mature readers’ superhero story to a brand-new place, which only a serious superhero fan like Mike could deliver, but which will appeal to people like me who thought the genre didn’t have much left to offer,” said editor Scott Allie. “Every few years a book comes along to push superheroes into a new place—Watchmen did it, and Powers did it. The Victories does it in a way that’ll make people uncomfortable. Not for the faint of heart.”

 Not long from now, all that will stand between you and evil are the Victories: Six heroes sworn to protect us from crime, corruption, and the dark. As one member cracks down on the violence, he discovers himself touched by a painful past through the physical powers of LINK. Will this trauma cause him to self-destruct or continue the fight?

 Advance praise for The Victories:

“Mike Oeming is one of the great people and comic artists on the planet Earth. I’ve been dying for Mike to write and draw his own book for years. And here it is! If you like Powers, you will love The Victories!”—Brian Michael Bendis

 The Victories #1 is on sale August 14, 2012!

About Dark Horse Comics

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

 

45^th ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL CELEBRATED

“POP CULTURE” STYLE IN JAPANTOWN WITH THE LATEST

NEW PEOPLE ARTIST VILLAGE Vol. 5

Eclectic Art Market Takes Over Dynamic J-Town Venue For Two Consecutive Weekends This Month With Works From A Talented Mix Of Local Asian And

Western-Influenced Artists

San Francisco, CA, April 2, 2012 – NEW PEOPLE, the dynamic San Francisco entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, teams up with BAZAAR BIZARRE SAN FRANCISCO to celebrate the 45^th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival and present the NEW PEOPLE ARTIST VILLAGE Vol. 5  – a fun and festive vertical arts and crafts show to be stationed throughout the spacious Japantown venue for two consecutive weekends – April 14^th / 15^th and April 21^st / 22^nd from 11:00am to 6:00pm each day.

The free event extends the Bay Area’s yearly celebration of Asian tradition with a dozen unique artists and merchants, stationed in colorfully decorated kiosks throughout the building, offering an eclectic mix of works by local artists. Visitors are invited to browse the many pieces for sale and explore the colorful, “pop”-inspired NEW PEOPLE environment.

ARTIST VILLAGE MERCHANTS INCLUDE:

Our House Vintage and Design: Handmade feather bow ties, earrings, and necklaces that combine bold colors, natural textures, and crystal accents.

Atelier: a selection of colorful pop-inspired artwork and stationary featuring whimsical characters created by Eunjung June Kim.

Daily San Franciscan: Beachy Jewelry made from hand-cut gemstones cut locally in San Francisco. Pieces are also offered alongside Double Infinity Jewelry, which features vintage crystals from around the globe incorporated into a modern, industrial design.

Animezingworld: A must for any hipster or anime fan! Custom designed t-shirts based on themes of Japanese anime/manga/gaming.

nerd JERK:  With a nostalgia for all things retro, nerd JERK inspires the geek in all of us by crafting old-school video game imagery into tangible textile art that includes cute crochet plush sculptures by esigner Steph Cortes.

Korrupt Label: An independent clothing line produced in West Oakland. Apparel includes edgy and deconstructed t-shirts and jackets influenced by old school punk and speed metal designs.

SOOMKA: SOOMKA offers apparel and interior accessories and toys made of materials that come from nature. All items are handmade, wet felted of natural fibers in their natural hues and shades, or hand dyed with plant dyes.

Zazu Faure: Artist Zazu Faure creates stuffed animals from repurposed sweaters and organic cotton stuffing from my original patterns. She strips down her plush designs to the essential form – rendering each animal's essential characteristics in a limited amount of moves.

Cuddlefish Press: Art and gifts for children (and kids at heart), handmade and hand printed in San Francisco by illustrator Erica Sirotich.

Dandy Craft: Handcrafted ceramic jewelry produced since 2006. The inventive line includes cuffs, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings.

Binary Winter Press / Cody Vrosh: Binary Winter Press (artist Cody Vrosh and writer Sheatiel Sarao) creates original art, books and artist designed shirts, scarves, and ties inspired by the things they love best, from Art Nouveau to robots, Steampunk to satellites.

Buluchu: Buluchu handmade handbags, scarves, and fashion accessories are created with passion and care. It’s a place where passion meets creation. The Little Red House love to keep doing art and spread the happiness through her art. Her mission is to bring everyone back to his or her cherished childhood moment.

The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the state’s most prominent celebrations of Asian culture. The Festival, now celebrating its 45^th year, is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. Each year, over 200,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community. More details on events are available at: http://nccbf.org

About Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco

Bazaar Bizarre began in 2001 in Boston as an offbeat entertainment extravaganza to showcase the DIY movement and handmade goods. Bazaar Bizarre has spread across the nation to places such as Los Angeles, Cleveland, Maker Faire Bay Area and Austin. Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco is a handmade market, indie entertainment extravaganza and D.I.Y. festival all under one roof. More information at: http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04.02.2012

PENNY ARCADE TEAMS WITH ONI PRESS FOR NEW COLLECTIONS

One of the longest-running and most successful webcomics in Fremont is partnering with one of the best-established and creatively progressive independent comics publishers. In August 2012, Oni Press will become the official publisher of the popular Penny Arcade comic strips, beginning with the release of the 8th volume in the series. Created by the legendary tag team of Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, Magical Kids in Danger collects every Penny Arcade comic from 2007. The book will feature new commentary by Holkins, a peek into Krahulik’s process for designing the cover, and a new forward by Cliff Bleszinski, design director for Epic Games, the makers of Gears of War.

“This was a no-brainer for us,” said Oni Press publisher Joe Nozemack. “The guys at Penny Arcade are driven by the same rebellious desire to create that led to our starting Oni Press. We emerged from the same zeitgeist. The first Oni Press comic was published at the end of 1997, and Penny Arcade hit the web in 1998. We aren’t just peers, we come from the same graduating class.”

“I’ve been a fan of Penny Arcade’s irreverent take on gaming culture for a long time,” George Rohac, operations director of Oni Press, added. “We always read their comics in the office, and for several years, our company has been exhibiting at PAX, the gaming festival the Jerry and Mike organize with their business partners. I’ve always felt the two endeavors were simpatico. The same people who read Penny Arcade and play video games are likely to dig Scott Pilgrim and The Sixth Gun, and vice versa.”

Penny Arcade is a daily comic strip starring Jonathan “Gabe” Gabriel and Tycho Brahe, the alter-egos of Krahulik and Holkins. The comics usually skewer current news and trends in the gaming community, as well as expanding out to make fun of Internet stupidity and the absurdity of pop culture. “Gabe and Tycho dismantle all kinds of nonsense with a razor-sharp wit and a fearlessness that few others possess,” Nozemack continued. “Their comic timing is impeccable, and Mike’s cartooning ends up being icing on the cake." 

The success of Penny Arcade is unrivaled in webcomics. The long-running serial boasts nearly 4 million readers, and in addition to the PAX conventions, it has spawned spin-off video games, a podcast, an iOS app, and an online reality show.  Penny Arcade, Vol. 8: Magical Kids in Danger is due for release on August 29, 2012. The 112-page, full-color book will cover the whole of 2007. It retails for $14.99.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04.02.2012

SCOTT PILGRIM LEVELS UP TO A DELUXE FULL-COLOR, HARDCOVER EDITION

This August, Oni Press and Bryan Lee O'Malley will be bringing the uber-popular Scott Pilgrim series back to store shelves, but this time as an ultra-swank, 6 X 9, full-color hardcover edition. Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover, Volume 1 reprints the Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life for the first time in full color. The digital coloring is by the Shuster Award-nominated artist Nathan Fairbairn, the colorist for Batman Incorporated and Swamp Thing, and the whole thing is capped with a new cover from O'Malley.

“Everybody loves Bryan's black-and-white artwork,” series editor James Lucas Jones explained, “but after seeing the few color stories he did with Scott and the gang, it was hard to avoid imagining a 'what if?' scenario. Now those wild dreams have come true. And to have one of the best colorists in the industry at the helm, that just seals the deal.”

“It's been eight years since the first Scott Pilgrim book was published,” Oni marketing director Cory  Casoni added. “Since then, the series has seen over twenty first reprints of the original format, with over a million copies of the first volumes sold. Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover, Volume 1 takes the familiar story from the original Scott Pilgrim series and gives it a new look. Plus it includes previously unpublished extras and bonus materials making this mighty tome one that’s required reading for Scottaholics everywhere!”

Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover, Volume 1 will be the first of six hardcover reprints to be published bi-annually.  Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover, Volume 2 is currently scheduled for an October 2012 release.

Each volume will be sized at 6” x 9”, making it bigger than the original versions, as well. “We're upgrading the presentation in every way,” Jones said. “The traditional black-and-white versions will be there for those who still prefer that option, but now everyone can have a choice. One, the other, or both!”

Scheduled for a August 8th, 2012 publication date,  Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover, Volume 1 will retail for $24.99.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE LI'L DEPRESSED BOY

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

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS

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

ABOUT CHILDISH GAMBINO

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

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

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

“CAMP” TOUR

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

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

April 7, Dallas, TX at Palladium Ballroom

April 10, Tucson, AZ at Rialto Theatre

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

April 16, Iowa City, IA at University of Iowa

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

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

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

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

May 10, Minneapolis, MN at Epic

June 5, Denver, CO at Ogden Theatre

June 7, St Louis, MO at The Pageant

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

June 12, Orlando, FL at Hard Rock Live

June 13, Miami, FL at The Fillmore

June 15, Indianapolis, IN at Egyptian Room

June 16, Cleveland, OH at House of Blues

June 18, Pittsburg, PA at Stage AE

June 19, Buffalo, NY at Town Ballroom

June 21, Boston, MA at Bank of America Pavilion

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

June 23, Baltimore, MD at Pier Six Pavilion

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

July 25, Kansas City, MO at Beaumont Club

July 27, Asheville, NC at The Orange Peel

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

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

July 31, Toronto, ON at Echo Beach

Aug 1, Montreal, QC at Metropolis

Aug 3, Detroit, MI at The Fillmore

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

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coasts Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘sPlatinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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


RED TAILS Blu-ray Combo Pack Special Features

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

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC

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

DARK HORSE TO RELEASE MIKE MIGNOLA

AND CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN’S NEW NOVEL

JOE GOLEM IN A DELUXE HARDCOVER EDITION!

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

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

As Fourth Season of MERLIN Comes to an End

With Friday’s Season Finale on Syfy,

Cast and Creator Offer a Look Back … and Forward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned.

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