A GLIMMER OF "HOPE"

Jackie Estacado's daughter the focus in THE DARKNESS #112 & #113

Jackie Estacado, crime boss and wielder of an ancient force called the Darkness, seemed to have his life under control. In the unfolding "Breaking Dark" story arc of Top Cow's long-running series THE DARKNESS, Jackie has used the power endowed by the Darkness to remake the world according to his will. But this act has had disastrous consequences. Jackie's doppelganger has taken over his crime organization, his wife's mind is slowly unraveling, and his daughter Hope is the most powerful vessel for the Darkness to ever have existed.

In this decaying world, Hope embarks on her own journey in THE DARKNESS #112, the first half of a two-part story that is a perfect jumping-on point for readers who want to enter the world of THE DARKNESS. Following a trail of blood that leads to a forest bordering her father's estate, Hope encounters all manner of monsters, sprung to life out of her favorite fairy tales — and the immortal forces known as the Ancient Ones.

And as the true extent of her powers begins to manifest, Hope starts to wonder if she is the scariest creature in the deep, dark woods.

Written by David Hine (THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN, STORM DOGS) and drawn by Jeremy Haun, Hope's story will widen the universe of THE DARKNESS even further, asking what role a girl coming of age will play in the eternal struggle of the forces Light and Darkness.

THE DARKNESS #112 will be in stores on April 10, to be followed by the second half of Hope's story in #113 in stores in May.

Tom Felton, Henry Winkler Added To Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con Celebrity Roster, March 22-23-24

'Draco Malfoy' From 'Harry Potter' Joins 'Happy Days' Actor, Successful Producer, Director As Additions To Inaugural Event At America's Center; Stan Lee, Laurie Holden, Billy Dee Williams, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton®, Superstar Comics Creators Also Headlining

NEW YORK and ST. LOUIS, February 20, 2013 – Tom Felton, best known for his portrayal of “Draco Malfoy” in the Harry Potter series, and Henry Winkler, who first became a pop culture icon as “The Fonz” in the classic TV series “Happy Days,” have been added to the standout celebrity roster at the inaugural 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, March 22-24 at America's Center.  The two join previously announced guests Stan Lee, Laurie Holden, Billy Dee Williams, WWE® Superstar Randy Orton®, James Marsters and Dean Cain among the headliners.

Felton, who began filming commercials at age eight and auditioned for the Malfoy role at age 12, appeared as the increasingly prominent villainous character in all eight films based on J.K. Rowlings' blockbuster fantasy series, from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in 2001 through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 2011.  He also appeared as “Dodge Landon” in Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011.

After taking the entertainment world by storm in his breakout role as “Fonzie” in the popular sitcom “Happy Days” (1974-84), Winkler established himself as an award-winning producer and director, mixing in a few well-placed acting roles like Scream, Waterboy and last year's Here Comes the Boom along the way.  After achieving success as “Fonzie,” originally written as a minor character but which soon earned him billing alongside other series stars Ron Howard and Tom Bosley, Winkler quickly transitioned to produce the successful television series “MacGyver” and direct the film Memories of Me, among dozens of off-screen credits over the past four decades.

Felton will appear at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con on Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, while Winkler is scheduled to attend all three days.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con show hours are Friday, March 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-stlouis.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
February 22-24 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
March 22-24 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World New York City Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

KABOOM! STUDIOS REPRINTS
ADVENTURE TIME #1-6
WITH 6 CONNECTING COVERS!

 

 

 

February 20th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – With the demand continuing to be incredibly high, and with multiple sell outs at the distributor level and comic book shops, KaBOOM! Studios is pleased to announce that ADVENTURE TIME #1-6 will be reprinted yet again with connecting covers illustrated by none other than ADVENTURE TIME cover artist, Chris Houghton.   
 

Did you miss out on the phenomenon that is ADVENTURE TIME? Now’s your chance to get the first six issues with these collectible reprints. Get the 4th printing of issue #1, the 3rd printing of issue #2, and the second printings of issues #3-6…all forming a massive Land of Ooo connecting cover image by Chris Houghton (REED GUNTHER)! Each cover spotlights a particular area of the Land of Ooo and a fan favorite character.

Comic book fans should keep in mind earlier printings of ADVENTURE TIME may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use www.comicshoplocator.com to find one!

ADVENTURE TIME #1 reprint has a Diamond order code of FEB130842. ADVENTURE TIME #2 reprint has a Diamond order code of  FEB130843. ADVENTURE TIME #3 reprint has a Diamond order code of FEB130844. ADVENTURE TIME #4 reprint has a Diamond order code of FEB130845. ADVENTURE TIME #5 reprint has a Diamond order code of FEB130846 and ADVENTURE TIME #6 reprint has a Diamond order code of FEB130847. Each issue carries a cover price of $3.99.

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphreys’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.

SHANNON WHEELER’S VILLAIN HOUSE

 BREAKS INTO DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

February 19, MILWAUKIE, OR–Shannon Wheeler returns to the pages of comics’ greatest anthology, Dark Horse Presents, with Villain House!

Villain House marks the creation of a new world of villains and villainy from the mind of Eisner Award winner Shannon Wheeler.

The first Villain House story is about two villains, the Pachyderm and the Squid, who break out of prison to go on a crime spree, albeit a short one. The ending is a tragic, below-the-belt plot twist that is more than a little heartbreaking. The second story is about a blind date gone bad involving Satan’s Son. The third story has multiple supervillains meeting up at the house of the Buzzard to plan a bank robbery.

“All the stories drip with irony and plot twists. Characters from one story are picked up in another story so that while each plot is independent there’s an odd overlap. For example, one of Satan’s Son’s henchmen from the second story shows up in the third story to help plan the bank heist,” noted Shannon Wheeler.

Catch Villain House appearing in Dark Horse Presents #21, on sale Wednesday, February 20^th!

About Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, 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 such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

February 19, 2012 -- For Immediate Release


BroadSword Comics wants to share their April 2013 pre-order possibility with a new edition of Holly Golightly's SCHOOL BITES, collecting the previous volumes 6 and 7, with a continued adventure of Cherry Creeper and her friends, living at the Shadow Academy and discovering all things new, laced with romance, secrets and cupcakes!


School Bites NEW! Independent Studies Collection

Story and Art By Holly G!
           
Class is back in session!

If you love Harry Potter but want a little more bite to it, then
this is the title you won't want to miss!

Join Cherri Creeper and her pals in this trade of vols 6: Private Lessons  and  7: Home Ec which continues their adventure into romance,
Vampires, Dark secrets and pink cupcakes.

This Independent Studies collection comes bagged with a bonus postcard sized colour pin up!

This Project is full of fun and awesome for Lovers of Goth, manga and all things cute.

FC128pgs + 1 postcard: $19.99




Never Read School Bites?! Here's a Crash Course!

The story itself centers around the main character, Cherri Creeper, once known by the Mortal name, Charlotte Webb. After being bitten and left for dead by a rouge vampire, Charlotte is lead by a love smitten bat named Bing into an alternate realm where the Shadow Academy resides.

The Shadow Academy is an institution were fledgling Vampires learn to drink responsibly. There, Charlotte is given her her new Vampire name, meets her classmates, teachers and begins her Vampiric education.

Unlike many Adventure or Vampire series or movies, School Bites does not dip into the ‘we must Save or Destroy the world!’ dramatics. It relies on personal experiences of the characters dealing with being different, coping with coming of age, being ageless, friendship and matters of the heart.

These Vampires do no live on blood alone. Because of a special elixir, they can live on sugary goodies for most of the time, giving them the ability to pick and choose their human meals more carefully without bloodlust clouding their decision.

Why do Holly's Vampires look somewhat different from each other? In School Bites there are many types and hybrids of Vampire. For example, Nostferatu are born Vampires, they are green in appearance and are usually of royal lineage. Where other Vampires have elf-like ears and different shades of lavender skin. This sometimes causes prejudice among Vampire clans which the school continuously strives to extinguish.

School Bites is For a 13 years+ audience. Buuut I do know alotta grown up dudes dig it too!

Please drop by and support Holly Golightly's SCHOOL BITES: www.schoolbites.net

NEW PEOPLE TRAVEL POSTS LATEST EDITION

FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH ICONIC JAPANESE POP CULTURE ARTIST YOSHITAKA AMANO

New Edition Features The Latest Installment Of An Ongoing Multi-Part Interview With Famed Final Fantasy Character Designer Yoshitaka Amano

San Francisco, CA, February 19, 2013 – NEW PEOPLE, Inc, a San Francisco-based entertainment company bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, has just posted its latest edition of NEW PEOPLE Travel, an intriguing free Japanese pop culture web magazine. Readers are invited to catch the latest installment of an ongoing multi-segment interview with famed anime creator, character designer, and pop culture artist Yoskitaka Amano. The interview is available now at: www.newpeople.jp/travel/eng/amano.html.

NEW PEOPLE Travel is a unique web magazine that introduces Western audiences to a variety of Japanese creators that work across borders and the diverse scenery of Japan and journeys they have experienced. It provides an opportunity to see Japan through the eyes of artistic visionaries recognized around the world.

In the latest exclusive NEW PEOPLE Travel interview segment, Yoshitaka Amano sheds light on his highly evolved creative process and how he conceives his designs. He interestingly cites diverse visual cues ranging from the world heritage site of the Kumano Shrine in Japan to the jewelry of Cartier to the intricate costumes of kabuki performers as memorable influences that he has incorporated into his work. 

In two previous NEW PEOPLE Travel interview installments with Yoshitaka Amano, the artist discussed his unabashed love for U.S. pop culture and concepts of Western fantasy. He went on to trace how he blends these motifs with traditional Japanese motifs and how concepts based on both Western and Asian mythology often permeate his work.

“Yoshitaka Amano personifies the essence of Japanese pop culture, drawing his influences from both modern and traditional influences, and his work has become internationally recognized for its striking visual power,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “These interviews are a rare opportunity for readers to gain insights into what moves and influences this icon of the pop art world. Don’t miss the new installment that just posted on New People Travel!”

Yoshitaka Amano was born on March 26, 1952 in Shizuoka, Japan and famously became a character designer at Tatsunoko Productions beginning at age 15 until going independent in 1982. In 1987, he worked on the concept designs for the Final Fantasy video game and gained a massive international following. He also collaborated with other artists and writers on several theater set designs and illustrations for novels. Around 1995, Amano began to do lithograph work and held solo exhibitions in 1997 and 1999 New York. Since 2002, he has gone on to exhibit in London, Paris, France, Germany, and Hong Kong. In 2009, his DEVA LOKA USA exhibition opened at NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco, California and displayed a never before seen colorful vividness and boldness captivating viewers with a daring depiction of the moment of creation, pulling out the definite presence of the infinite power of life. Amano’s latest work— DEVA ZAN – is now available through Dark Horse.

NEW PEOPLE Travel is now available at: www.newpeople.jp (select ENGLISH from the menu bar), or at: www.newpeople.jp/travel/eng/index.html.

More information on NEW PEOPLE is available at www.newpeopleworld.com.

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 as well as various forms of entertainment. 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.

###

Artist Yoshitaka Amano

Yoshitaka Amano’s Deva Loka

SNAPSHOT #1 GETS SNAPPED UP

Debut issue of Diggle and Jock miniseries gets second printing

SNAPSHOT #1 by Andy Diggle and Jock, the Image Comics debut of the renowned creative team, has sold out after hitting stores on February 6. A second printing (JAN138087) is set to be on shelves on March 13.

The four-issue, black-and-white mini-series follows Jake Dobson, an ordinary comic book nerd who becomes entangled in a bizarre murder plot when he finds a cell phone with a gruesome photo stored on it. Now, whoever is responsible for the killing depicted wants the phone back and Jack out of the way... permanently!

To celebrate the success of SNAPSHOT — and as a nod to its City-by-the-Bay setting —James Sime, owner of Isotope Comic Book Lounge in San Francisco, is launching a special SNAPSHOT contest for fans of the book!

Simply take a picture of a staged "murder" on your cell phone and post it to Twitter with the hashtag #snapshotcomic or on the Tumblr page snapshotcomic.tumblr.com. The pictures will be posted on the Tumblr page, and selected fans whose pictures are posted will receive a limited edition SNAPSHOT bookplate signed by the series creators. In addition, Diggle and Jock will choose their favorite picture as the grand prize winner, who will receive a piece of original art by Jock from SNAPSHOT!

"Diggle & Jock's SNAPSHOT is so great, definitely one of the best reads on store shelves!" said Sime. "And the action takes place in a comic store here in San Francisco? On Fell street at Gough?! The Isotope had to celebrate!"

The first issue has garnered excellent reviews:

"Reading Snaphot #1, the world that Jock draws has the paradoxical feeling of being both detailed and minimalistic at once. He is selective -- choosing to focus the reader's attention in certain places with densely rendered patches of texture and depth and in other places, using only a few lines to suggest space and presence. The reader gets a sense that every line was precisely placed and serves a purpose, just like how in good prose, every word counts."

- Comic Book Resources

"Jock and Diggle have established strong creative chemistry over the years, and Snapshot takes advantage of both creators' strengths to create a satisfying story with striking visuals."
-The A.V. Club

SNAPSHOT #2 will be in stores on March 6.

David Boreanaz, 'Angel,' 'Buffy,' 'Bones' Star To Attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 1-2 For First-Ever Public Signing

Joins Stan Lee, Summer Glau, William Shatner, WWE® Superstars John Cena® And Daniel Bryan® At Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, February 19, 2013 – Best known for starring roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” and the current Fox prime-time series “Bones,” David Boreanaz will make his first-every public signing at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2.  Boreanaz, who grew up in the Philadelphia area, played the vampire “Angel” in the Joss Whedon cult series and portrays “Special Agent Seeley Booth” opposite Emily Deschanel in “Bones.”

Boreanaz will meet Wizard World fans, pose for photo ops (solo, dual and with fellow “Buffy” cast alums James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, Juliet Landau and others also in attendance), sign autographs and conduct an interactive Q&A at Philadelphia Comic Con.  He will join fellow comics legend Stan Lee, Summer Glau (Serenity, “Firefly”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), WWE® Superstars John Cena® And Daniel Bryan® and Manu Bennett (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, “Spartacus: Vengeance”) as headliners scheduled at the event, held May 30 – June 2 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“David Boreanaz and Buffy fans have attended our shows for many years, and we are proud to have his first ever public signing at Philadelphia Comic Con 2013, his hometown crowd,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World president and CEO.  “We are striving to bring our loyal fans the guests they have been asking for, and David is at the top of that list.”

His first notable role was that of Kelly Bundy's boyfriend “Frank” in a 1993 episode of “Married with Children,” and after a few other bit parts was cast in “Buffy” from 1997-1999 and the spin-off “Angel” through 2004.  A year later, Boreanaz landed the “Bones” starring role, a series he has also produced and directed.  In 2006, Boreanaz ventured into the comics world with a voice role in the animated feature Justice League: The New Frontier, to which he gave a nod in an episode of “Bones” in which his character is seen reading the Green Lantern character that he had voiced.

Fans will also be able to purchase “David Boreanaz VIP” tickets, for the full experience including photos, autographs and reserved seating at the Boreanaz programming panel, sure to be an extremely popular event.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con show hours are Thursday, May 30, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, May 31, noon - 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
February 22-24 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
March 22-24 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World New York City Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

Wizard World, Inc. Announces Approval For Listing On OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB)

February 19, 2013 -- New York, New York – Wizard World, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCBB: WIZD), a producer of Comic Cons and pop culture conventions, is pleased to announce that it received approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for quotation and trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the stock symbol “WIZD”.  The Company’s common stock will continue to trade on the OTCQB.

Mr. Macaluso, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Having our Company approved for a quotation on the OTCBB is part of our ongoing efforts of increasing Company transparency and increasing our access to the investment community. In addition, we will continue moving forward on additional initiatives aimed at increasing consistent investor awareness with the ultimate goal of applying for a listing on a more senior exchange."
About Wizard World:

Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels and costume contests.

Wizard World’s full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relating to Wizard World, Inc.’s future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release, the words “will,” "future," "expect," "look forward to," similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Wizard World that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed or implied in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect Wizard World’s business is contained in its SEC filings, including its most recent reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting Jerry Milani, Public Relations, at (212) 209-3879.  All information set forth in this press release is current as of February 19, 2013. Wizard World undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

From the unhinged, yet lucid mind of Justin lee Fox and the cunning, contemporary art style of Jacob Crippen comes the action adventure Graphic Novel, "JET GIRL"!

This February, brace yourself for a new espionage/sci-fi extravaganza. JUSTIN FOX'S JET GIRL, holds true to the 30's silver screen serial with a modern feel and pop culture attitude. Dive head first into this full colored 80-page experience.

The project of JUSTIN FOX'S JET GIRL was originally written as 3 one-shots that correlated with one another but were separate adventures in themselves. The first chapter follows Audey/Jet Girl, as she is sent to destroy the Lunar Socialist's moon base. There, she confronts Junior Hitler, who is a failed clone of the Tyrant Dictator, and his nursemaid Ilsa, who was suppose to be the clone's queen, but since the experiment failed she is now his caretaker. In this first story we are introduced to Jet Girl herself and the mysterious English covert agent Magistrate Mod, along with her most feared enemies. Who may or may not have ulterior motives behind controlling the Lunar Nazi movement. Through, skill, luck and puberty Jet Girl saves the moon and the day while learning that Mod might know more than he lets on. The 2nd chapter takes us 2 months from the Moon incident where Isla and J.H. have hired the great great grandsons of the Red Barron; two bi wing pilots obsessed with David Bowie and Jet Girl. It's low-tech versus high-tech in this high flying adventure! All the while Audey/Jet Girl is being watched by a mysterious woman whose intentions are not yet clear, building up to the shocking answer that follows in chapter 3. The 3rd and final chapter of the 80-page Graphic Novel is the confrontation between Audey and the original Jet Girl Cassandra Roe. While earlier stories are very light-hearted this issue shows how Jet Girl can be very diverse in story and atmosphere. In this final conflict we learn the past of the "Jet Girl" program and the dark secrets that were hidden from our hero. A choice must be made by Audey/ Jet Girl while her views about the program and country are shattered. Only reading will you know what decision she makes for her future and involvement in the Jet Girl program.

As Fox says: "Through the years, I have seen a lot of comics/movies come out where the leading lady was either this un-killable beast or some prissy runway model. I hated that idea, I felt there was no middle ground. Why can't a female lead be strong and fragile at the same time? Like a Marion Ravenwood of Raiders of the Lost Ark fame. I wanted people to see Jet Girl as this bad ass spy, who at times, could be rescued or be the rescuer. That she wasn't already some unstoppable force, but through the story she learns to become something more and the reader could progress as she does.
What we wanted from all this was to, yes, selfishly show off our talents, and to create a character that women and men could find appealing and look up to, breaking the barrier of guys only read about guys and girls only read about girls. I wanted Jet Girl/Audey to be a hero for all, someone you could root for and also be fearful for, that she might die in the next issue. Jet Girl is a comic that can be enjoyed by any age.."

The only draw back to creating Jet Girl is that Jacob Crippen works a full-time construction job to support his family, while Justin Lee Fox is full-time caretaker for his 77-year old Grandmother, who had a massive stroke a year ago. They are two dreamers doing what we can to get by and make sure their families are taken care of, while still trying to bring to life a passion they have fought so hard for and have given massive amounts of effort into doing.

Justin continues to say: " The idea might be simple but it is far from unoriginal. We believe the draw of this book will be that the main protagonist is not only female, but one that does not intimidate a male audience nor turn off a female following because she is an overly girly character that just happens to also save the world. Also adding: " We wish to use Diamond to reach the mainstream comic book stores but it takes a few issues in the can, pre-ordered and paid for before we see any returns. All funds from our Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1950238544/justin-foxs-jet-girl) campaign, if successful, will go directly to completing and printing the first few books. Specifically, it will cover the costs of talent, production, printing, and promotion."

In a comic world saturated by male heroes it is refreshing to have a female character that does not try to be overly masculine, but is comfortable being a feminine figure while not not coming off as weak nor dependent on anyone but her self. Jet Girl is the heroine that keeps red lip stick in her 12-eyed boots. A girl who gets the dirtiest jobs done while still looking good doing so. She captures strength womanhood while staying classy, she is Hepburn and Kahlo, Bond and Bronson. A high stepping woman with a gun in her hand and a smile that keeps you guessing.

‘PULP’ DIRECTOR INKS NEW DEAL

Adam Hamdy, co-director of Pulp, has inked a deal to write and direct Anomaly, a science fiction thriller, for Los Angeles-based production firm Alexander Content and UK-based Dare Productions.

London, UK, 20^th  February , 2013 – Up-and-coming UK filmmaker, Adam Hamdy, whose feature, Pulp, has recently been acquired by Microsoft, and will become the first ever film to premiere on the Xbox platform, has signed on to write and direct his first solo feature film, Anomaly, an original science fiction thriller.  Anomaly will be produced by Alexander Content and Dare Productions.  Producers on the project will be Alexander Content principal, Rick Alexander, and UK-based, Phil Bland. 

Anomaly tells the story of Tom Richards, a young man who wakes up in hospital after a terrible auto accident, and his quest to discover the truth about what really happened to him. 

Rick Alexander said, “With Anomaly, Adam has created a suspenseful, contained thriller wrapped around a grounded sci-fi concept that organically sets up a scalable, ongoing franchise.  I couldn’t be more excited to be going on this ride with him.”

Phil Bland, who produced Hamdy’s first film, Pulp, said, “Adam and I had a great experience working together on Pulp and I’m excited to be doing our next film together.  Anomaly is a great story, and Adam has a strong vision that will enable us to deliver a compelling film.”

With casting set to begin shortly and principal photography scheduled for a September, 2013 start , the financing for Anomaly has been structured and secured by UK-based Smith and Williamson.  Anomaly is being executive produced by Syndicate Works principal Pat Nelson and Adam Hamdy.

About Adam Hamdy

Adam Hamdy’s feature film, Pulp, described as ‘Withnail and I meets Spaced’, was acquired by Microsoft to be the first movie to premiere on Xbox.  Adam honed his visual story telling skills as a comics creator.  His critically acclaimed debut graphic novel, The Hunter, has become one of the most widely read independent titles in recent years.  His second graphic novel series, Starmaker: Leviathan, was described by IndieComicReview as ‘lightning in a bottle’.   Hamdy’s critically acclaimed debut novel, Battalion, was published in 2012 and has been hailed as a ‘blistering techno thriller’.   

About Rick Alexander

Rick Alexander is the founder and CEO of multi-platform entertainment media production boutique Alexander Content, and a Producer of the upcoming comic book-based feature films Gravel from Legendary Pictures, and Casanova with Warner Brothers-based Mad Chance.  Also a screenwriter, Alexander's assignments have included “reimaginings” of Dressed to Kill for MGM and The Persuaders! for Canal Plus, and his work as a writer-producer on Sony’s long-running Lifetime Television scripted drama, Strong Medicine, garnered numerous industry awards.

About Phil Bland

Phil Bland is one of the UK’s most accomplished young producers.  Having successfully produced the critically acclaimed cult comic book comedy, Pulp, and hundreds of other projects, from award winning shorts to feature documentaries, Bland has a track record of delivering high quality filmed entertainment.  In addition to his film work, Bland is leading the way in online content generation, and oversaw production of more than forty episodes of the Pulp Interviews for the Pulp/AOL channel.  Phil is a founder of Reels In Motion, one of the UK’s most successful film and video production companies.   

About Smith and Williamson

Since its foundation over a century ago, Smith & Williamson has been managing the financial affairs of private clients and their business interests. Smith & Williamson is one of the top ten largest firms of accountants in the UK and its investment management business has over £12.5 billion of funds under management and advice (as at 30 September 2012).

About Pulp

http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/suspicions-of-mr-whicher-ii-pulp-on-xbox-itv-rebrands/#more-404545

http://www.screendaily.com/news/british-comedy-first-feature-to-premiere-on-xbox-360/5050677.article

BOOM! STUDIOS
REVEALS EMERALD CITY COMICON 2013
EXCLUSIVES 

February 19th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – BOOM! Studios proudly unveils its exclusive items for Emerald City Comicon 2013 including exciting new debuts and fan favorite series. Both BOOM! Studios and its all-ages imprint, KaBOOM! Studios, will be representing at the Washington State Convention Center in full force from March 1st through March 3rd with exclusives for ADVENTURE TIME, ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE, BRAVEST WARRIORS, PEANUTS, DEATHMATCH, and FREELANCERS. BOOM!'s newest limited series, ALIENS VS PARKER, co-created by comedian Paul Scheer (NTSF:SD:SUV::, THE LEAGUE, & HUMAN GIANT) and writer Nick Giovannetti will debut at the show with a pulse-pounding cover by Joe Quinones (WEDNESDAY COMICS, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN). And fans of the smash all-ages hit, ADVENTURE TIME, won't want to miss the exclusive wraparound cover by Dustin Nguyen (BATMAN: L'IL GOTHAM) of the ADVENTURE TIME MATHEMATICAL EDITION HARD COVER. To add to the excitement, BOOM! will be debuting two new projects featured in exclusive limited edition prints by Brian Stelfreeze and Mike Kunkel. Swing by the BOOM! (#2002) and KaBOOM! booths (#2102) for more information!

ALIENS VS PARKER #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY JOE QUINONES
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


DEATHMATCH #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY DAN PANOSIAN
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #11
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
DON'T MISS THE CHANCE FOR SERIES ARTIST JERRY GAYLORD TO SKETCH
A ZOMBIFIED VERSION OF YOU TO CREATE A UNIQUE, ONE-OF-A-KIND COVER.
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20


FREELANCERS #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY REILLY BROWN
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


FREELANCERS #1
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
GET A CUSTOM SKETCH OF CASS OR VAL FROM SERIES ARTIST JOSHUA COVEY
OR FROM YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST AT THE BOOM! BOOTH
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20


ADVENTURE TIME MATHEMATICAL EDITION VOLUME 1 HARD COVER
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY DUSTIN NGUYEN
GET THE OVER-SIZED, GORGEOUS HARD COVER EDITION OF THE SMASH HIT FEATURING
THE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY ISSUE ALONG WITH ISSUES #1-4, TONS OF EXTRAS,
AND AN EXCLUSIVE NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN STORY ENTITLED "HOW COMICS ARE MADE"
BY RYAN NORTH, SHELLI PAROLINE, AND BRANDEN LAMB.
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$50



ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY COLLEEN COOVER
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10


ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA & CAKE #1
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO GET A CUSTOM SKETCH
FROM YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST AT THE BOOM! BOOTH
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20


BRAVEST WARRIORS #1
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY SHELLI PAROLINE AND BRADEN LAMB
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10

BRAVEST WARRIORS #1
GET-A-SKETCH
2013 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVE
DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO GET A CUSTOM SKETCH
BY SERIES ARTIST MIKE HOLMES AT THE BOOM! BOOTH.
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$20


PEANUTS #6
ECCC EXCLUSIVE
ART BY VICKI SCOTT
(ONLY 500 AVAILABLE)
$10
 

 

 

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphreys’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sequart Research & Literacy Organization (sequart.org) is proud to announce the release of its newest book of comics analysis, Curing the Postmodern Blues: Reading Grant Morrison and Chris Weston’s The Filth in the 21st Century by Tom Shapira.

Published in 2002-2003, The Filth is disgusting, deeply disturbing, and a comic-book masterpiece that inoculates readers against the problems of the postmodern condition. So says Shapira, who also explores The Filth’s relationship to Morrison’s The Invisibles, to the 1999 film The Matrix, to the work of Alan Moore, and much more.

The book includes exclusive interviews with Grant Morrison, Chris Weston, and inker Gary Erskine, plus art from Weston that was censored in the printed comic!

Running 186 pages, the book retails for $12.99 in print and is available on Kindle for $5.99. Also, it sports a cover by Xeric winner Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I Rule the Night).

Curing the Postmodern Blues is part of Sequart’s growing library of Grant Morrison-related material, which also includes Timothy Callahan’s Grant Morrison: The Early Years, Patrick Meaney’s Our Sentence is Up: Seeing Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles, and the documentary film Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods.

About the Publisher: Sequart Research & Literacy Organization is a non-profit devoted to the study and promotion of comic books as a legitimate art form.  It publishes books and documentaries aimed at making comics scholarship accessible.  For more information, click here.

Legal Disclaimer: The Filth and related characters are trademarked Grant Morrison and Chris Weston.  This book is not endorsed by DC Comics / Vertigo.

ONE ADJECTIVE ISN'T ENOUGH FOR SKULLKICKERS IN MAY

All-New #1 is All-New, Secret

This May, Image Comics forces you to wonder why we keep pushing this silly comic book over and over again in a new adjective-laden comic called– THE ALL-NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS!

"We can't stop now. It... it has a life of its own. This reboot-itis has permeated our souls,” said Image PR and Marketing Director Jennifer de Guzman. "I hated it at first but now it feels kind of good. Warm... safe... In a darkened world full of uncertainty it's all we have left.”

THE ALL-NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS #1, written by promotional broken record Jim Zub and drawn by innocent mp3 Edwin Huang, continues the epic six-arc SKULLKICKERS storyline on a haunted island of mystery, apes and rampant violence. It's good.

"At this rate I figure we're still a couple months away from using up any goodwill I might have built up in this industry,” said series creator Jim Zub. "This is the kind of thing that can happen when you let creators write their own press releases.”
If you're a diehard collector of SKULLKICKERS who's sad that you won't have a SKULLKICKERS #22 to add to your collection, fret no longer. In addition to the regular "All-New Secret” cover we're offering a special "issue #22 variant” B cover to make sure your numbers stay in order. You can tell everyone you started reading "before they became horrible sell-outs.”

We're sick. We can't help it. Comic price guide makers will curse this stupid string of title changes for the rest of their natural lives. THE ALL-NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS #1 will be available in May wherever fine comics are sold. Pre-order it now from the March issue of Previews and stop the hurting.

ROY & WORDIE’S TIGER LUNG TO DEBUT IN DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

February 18, MILWAUKIE, OR–Set to hit the pages of Dark Horse’s Eisner-winning anthology, writer Simon Roy and artist Jason Wordie’s Tiger Lung is going back in time!

“The Tiger Lung concept is about taking the animist, shamanistic worldview of the hunter-gatherer and exploring what it would look and feel like to the shamans that literally lived within that worldview. Setting it in the ice age also gives us a chance to touch on more varied themes, too—mainly, how the world would have looked to humans who did not rule nature, but who were just a part of it,” explained Simon Roy.

Tiger Lung: Under the Ice is a story about Tiger Lung, an ice-age shaman, and his journey underneath a glacier and into the spirit world beneath it to retrieve the corpse of his father. But dark spirits abound beneath the ice, and should Tiger Lung fall, the souls of both him and his father will be trapped there forever. 

“We found the format for Dark Horse Presents to be very interesting. It seemed to be well suited for exactly what we wanted to do with a Tiger Lung story—classic adventure!” added Jason Wordie. “Being that the format is split into three parts, it insured that we kept it fresh and exciting every step of the way, including lots of twists and turns. We focused on old-school serialized adventure, while also trying to bring in some more modern ideas.”

Catch Tiger Lung appearing in Dark Horse Presents #21, on sale Wednesday, February 20^th!

About Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, 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 such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton’s Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

 

Los Angeles -- From the mind of Keu Cha (Witchblade, Rising Stars) comes a fantasy unheard off. Join Keu Cha this February as he uncovers a once great land, now steeped in darkness and decay.

As creator Keu Cha is contemplating his Kickstarter adventure (88% funded with 23 days to go) he explains: “The response on Kickstarter has been amazing so far, thanks to all our fans and friends, new and old, but we are still pushing hard to meet our initial goal as soon as possible and get to our stretch goals.  We want to reach as many people as possible and just get the word out that the first book is done and will be available soon.  This is just the beginning.”

And Keu Cha also tells about the special format of this new fantasy series: “First and foremost is the format very special.  Every page is a double page spread.  It allows the reader to submerge him or herself into the artwork and story and see how big our world really is.
Also, Hex is a serious story where good is pitted against evil, and heroes will die.”

On why Keu choose this special format, or rather the format choose him: “I always like drawing on larger scale and thought this book would be the perfect opportunity to do so. The concept is big, the characters are big and the big format allows me to express that.  Also I wanted our book not just to feel like a comic book but also an art book – something readers can really enjoy looking at.”
Keu Cha is really enthusiastic to reach his goal, but stretching the goals will be a new endeavor for sure!
“In addition to the art prints by phenomenal artists such as Joe Benitez, Billy Tan and Leinil Francis Yu, we do have in mind adding a few more stretch goals. For example, giving our 2nd issue comic book (when completed) to all who have pledged over $20 or more.  Another possible new stretch goal is upgrading the perfect bound, oversize 1st issue into a hard cover.  We do have more cool stretch goal ideas in mind but these are just the beginning.  Stay tuned to our progress on Kickstarter!”

Keu would like to address all the persons who have not yet pledged in saying: “Please come and check out Hex The Lost Tribe and you will see for yourself what I’m trying to put together. I will not publish any book that is not up to 100% of my standards. If you think these pages are awesome now, wait until we get further along in the story. “

Please visit the Kickstarter page (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2101706991/hex-the-lost-tribe) and see the exciting and exclusive opportunities to own a special oversize edition, variant covers of the 1st issue, limited edition prints, original art and access to Keu Cha!

Bear witness to the visual testimonies and continued support of comic industry greatest's like Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika, Weapon Zero, Soulfire) and Randy Queen (Darkchylde) and see a lettered preview of the LOST ISSUE attached.

A synopsis of the HEX THE LOST TRIBE shows the true fantasy setting of this new world and its aspiration:

A vast legion of undead soldiers, amassed from the remains of generations before, ravage the land. They are lorded over by an ambitious necromancer who will not stop short of domination over that is known.

LANA, princess of the last Kingdom to fall before this unholy army, must flee her home and travel into the black heart of the growing necropolis that the rest of the realm has become. Out there amongst the ruins lies perhaps the only chance for the world’s salvation: the mythical, mysterious Lost Tribe, a forgotten band of powerful woman warriors and their beastly companions.

Lana will come face-to-face with RUYN, the monster that has long haunted her dreams, a being consumed by his own uncontrollable rage. Does this creature hold the key to saving Lana’s people or will their encounter unleash an ancient evil capable of destroy creation itself?

Broadsword Comics is proud to announce the new "Tarot Witch of the Black Rose" issue #80, available for pre-order for May 2013 release.

Tarot Witch of the Black Rose #80

Story and Art by Jim Balent

MATURE READERS

The Dark Spiral
Part 6
Witch Storm

Lighting, hurricane gales and drenching rain assault Raven Hex and The Skeleton man as they close in on the Dark Faeries that abducted Tarot. The two get on each others last nerve as they invade each other's personal space.

Secrets are reviled in this too close for comfort situation.

As always Regular issue created with 2 Jim Balent covers.

www.jimbalent.com.

Reg:FC32 pgs.................$2.95


Tarot Witch of the Black Rose #80 Deluxe Litho Edition
Art By Jim Balent

MATURE Viewer

 Deluxe  Litho  Plate Edition Comes Bagged and Boarded includes a copy of Tarot#80 (either A or B Cover) and a b/w  6.5"x 10 "  litho of Raven Hex titled ,"If All You See...".

This Limited Collector's Litho penciled by the Artist himself, Jim Balent!

Comes Signed by Artist. Limited to a printing of 500.

www.jimbalent.com.

Deluxe Litho  Edition: FC32pgs plus Litho.................$19.99

 GRACE RANDOLPH'S SUPURBIA #1
SELLS OUT AGAIN
GOES TO THIRD PRINT 

 

 

 

February 18th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA – BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA #1 has completely sold out of its second printing at the distributor level and the publisher will be going to a third printing as BOOM! Studios works actively to meet market demand.

GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA #1 third print will be available through Diamond Comic Distributors in the February 18th Previews Plus.

Comic book fans should keep in mind second printings of GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use www.comicshoplocator.com to find one!

Meet the Meta Legion, the world’s foremost faction of crime-fighting capes. But what happens when the masks come off and the heroes are faced with the sordid problems of everyday life in the suburbs? From rising star writer Grace Randolph (Marvel’s NATION X, HER-OES) and hot new talent Russell Dauterman, GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA is a unique new twist on the superhero genre that appeals to both diehard fans and readers completely new to comics. New stories, new characters, new drama... Don’t miss out on what Bleeding Cool called “The Superhero Comic We’ve Been Waiting For”!

GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA #1 third print ships with a must- have all new cover by Joshua Covey with colors by Gabriel Cassata, with a Diamond order code of JAN138116

About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphries’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. KaBOOM! recently won an Eisner Award for its first original series Roger Langridge's SNARKED. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, won an Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.