Ralph Macchio Added To Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience Sunday

'Karate Kid,' 'My Cousin Vinny' Star To Make Rare Appearance At Basketball City (Pier 36); Also Scheduled For Wizard World Chicago Comic Con In August

NEW YORK, June 24, 2013 – Ralph Macchio, known to millions for his roles as “Daniel LaRusso” in The Karate Kid series, “Eugene Martone” in Crossroads and “Billy Gambini” in My Cousin Vinny, will make a rare appearance at Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience on Sunday at Basketball City (Pier 36) in Manhattan.  Macchio, 51, will also appear at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con in August at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

A Long Island native, Macchio first hit the national audience as “Jeremy Andretti” in the finals season (1980-81) of the series “Eight is Enough.”  He then appeared opposite young future stars C. Thomas Howell, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe and Matt Dillon in The Outsiders before hitting it big with The Karate Kid in 1984.

His first significant adult role came in My Cousin Vinny (1992) and was followed by strong performances in the film Naked in New York and the musical How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.  In 2011 he competed on "Dancing with the Stars," placing fourth overall in the competition, and last year appeared in the film Hitchcock.

Macchio will greet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo ops in New York, where he joins an all-star celebrity roster that includes comics legend Stan Lee, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” icon Patrick Stewart, four prominent cast members of “The Walking Dead,” including Norman Reedus, Laurie Holden, Michael Rooker and Chandler Riggs, “The Fonz” Henry Winkler and WWE® Superstar CM Punk®.

Wizard World Comic Con NYC Experience will be the fourth of eight events on the 2013 calendar, which also includes shows in Chicago (Aug. 8-11), Columbus, Ohio (Sept. 20-22), Nashville, Tenn. (Oct. 18-20) and Austin, Texas (Nov. 22-24).  Wizard World has also scheduled four 2014 dates: Portland, Ore. (Jan. 24-26), New Orleans (Feb. 7-9), St. Louis (April 4-6) and Philadelphia (June 19-22).

Wizard World 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, music, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) 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, creators, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, workshops, and costume contests.

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

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
June 28-30 – Wizard World Comic Con NYC 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
January 24-26, 2014 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
April 4-6, 2014 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
June 19-22, 2014 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

 BOOM! STUDIOS
ACQUIRES ARCHAIA

 
   

 

June 24th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios, the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic book and graphic novel publisher and two-time winner of Diamond Comics Distributors’ prestigious “Best Publisher” Gem Award, has merged with Eisner and Harvey Award-winning Archaia Entertainment, the publisher of graphic novels including Mouse Guard, A Tale of Sand, Rust, Spera, Cowboy, and Gunnerkrigg Court. BOOM! Studios will be the surviving company and the Archaia brand shall be maintained as a distinct imprint of BOOM!.
The addition of Archaia positions BOOM!’s catalog of intellectual property as the largest independent company-controlled comic book and graphic novel library, behind only industry titans DC Entertainment (Warner Bros.) and Marvel Entertainment (Disney). BOOM!’s comic books and graphic novels pioneer a new business model, sharing intellectual property ownership between the company and the creators who generate the content. BOOM!'s Chief Executive Officer and founder, Ross Richie, noted, "Our creator-friendly model ensures that creatives are rewarded financially as they generate the franchises of tomorrow. Archaia operates with the same philosophy and objectives, which is one of the many reasons this combination is such a great fit."
“We are thrilled and excited to join with BOOM!,” Archaia President and Chief Operating Officer Jack Cummins, who will continue in the same role, said. “BOOM! is very committed to maintaining the brand we’ve worked so hard to build and preserving our relationship with our creators, fans, and retailers. They’re fans of Archaia first and foremost, and are avidly working behind the scenes to expand our market penetration and carry our catalog deeper into retail channels. Archaia readers can expect the same editorial approach that has garnered industry-wide awards but we will have a much stronger platform to deliver our content in all forms and channels. I am personally looking forward to bringing our team together with the fantastic team Ross has built.”
Richie added, “Archaia has a terrific track record for creating award-winning, beautiful books with high production values. Jack Cummins, Stephen Christy, Mark Smylie, and the entire Archaia team have built an amazing publisher. With BOOM!’s resources, Archaia fans will see more of the books they love, while retailers will enjoy better business through stronger trade terms." The companies also plan to put key items from the Archaia catalog back into print.
BOOM! Executive Chairman Scott Lenet of the venture capital firm DFJ Frontier noted, "We are excited to be investors in a profitable, growing company with a fantastic early track record of creating, curating, and marketing properties that audiences genuinely love. We have ambitious plans to continue to fund the company's expansion in comics, graphic novels, and other media."

August 2nd sees the release of the first BOOM! Studios feature film, the Universal Pictures-distributed 2 Guns starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, based on the Steven Grant comic book published by BOOM!. The company is currently preparing its second feature film for production: Jeremiah Harm, based on the comic book by Keith Giffen, Alan Grant, and John Mueller, will be directed by Timo Vuourensola of Iron Sky (jeremiahharm.com).
Archaia has optioned Royden Lepp’s graphic novel Rust to Twentieth Century Fox. Among Archaia’s other announced deals are the development of Lucid (Warner Bros.), Bolivar (Warner Bros.), and Feeding Ground (Pressman Films).
Recently, legendary creators including writer Paul Jenkins (Wolverine: Origin, Inhumans) and artist Brian Stelfreeze (Batman: Shadow of the Bat, Wednesday Comics) have announced to the industry that BOOM! is their new publishing home. This summer BOOM! also launched the first original comic book Clive Barker has ever created and written, Clive Barker's Next Testament.
July sees the blockbuster release of Archaia’s Mouse Guard: The Black Axe, created by Eisner Award winner David Petersen, Cyborg 009 in partnership with acclaimed Japanese publisher Ishimori, and The Thrilling Adventure Hour based on the long-running stage play of the same name.

 

About BOOM! Studios
 

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey's SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos' FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis' POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 GUNS will be released as a feature film from Universal Pictures August 2nd, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel's HEROBEAR AND THE KID and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED.

 

About Archaia
Founded as a niche publisher in 2002, Archaia Entertainment, LLC has become the world renowned Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of Mouse Guard, Cowboy, Gunnerkrigg Court, Rust, Spera, Mr. Murder is Dead, Lucid, Artesia, and An Elegy for Amelia Johnson. At the core, Archaia is known for its great content. From its unparalleled reputation for publishing innovative, imaginative, and indelible stories, to its numerous industry awards and nominations, Archaia has proven time-and-time again that it has built one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. This sentiment has also been shared by countless industry news sources, including Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, which all honored Archaia as “Best Publisher” of 2010. Additionally, Archaia has built unmatched co-development relationships with some of the most recognizable brands in

Hollywood, including The Jim Henson Company where Archaia has built an entire graphic novel product line, including the multiple award-winning Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand and such beloved tales as The Dark Crystal, The Storyteller, and Fraggle Rock. (archaia.com).

The 2013 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL MAKES “KAWAII” UNIVERSAL AS IT EXPANDS TO S.F.’s UNION SQUARE FOR A SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE BY KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

San Francisco’s Biggest Japanese Pop Culture Celebration Expands Beyond Japantown For Special FREE Concert Also Featuring Harajuku Singer/Model Una, Sony Music Japan J-Pop Star Kylee,

And The Human Beat Box Phenomenon Daichi 

San Francisco, CA, June 24, 2013 – The 2013 J-POP Summit Festival, San Francisco’s annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, celebrates its 5^th anniversary by announcing its expansion – to Union Square – as celebrates this year’s theme, “Make Kawaii Universal!!” with a special live concert on Sunday, July 28^th from 2:00pm-4:00pm, featuring one of Japan biggest J-Pop stars – Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

Presented in partnership with Union Square Live presented by the City of San Francisco, the 2013 J-POP Summit Festival will take downtown San Francisco by storm with “cute” J-Pop as a complement to the Festival’s core location, taking place Saturday and Sunday, July 27^th and 28^th. A variety of live bands, fashion shows, anime and live-action film premieres, Guest of Honor appearances, vendors and a special POP GOURMET Sake Tasting event are scheduled. Additional details on J-POP Festival events and programming are available at:

www.J-POP.com.

An integral part of the theme of J-POP SUMMIT 2013, “kawaii” is a universally celebrated Japanese word that means “cute” or “loveable” and has become a prominent aspect of modern Japanese popular culture and expressed prominently in fashion, music, anime, games, characters, and cosmetics. The word has also become part of daily youth vernacular and is widely used to comment on style and fashion.

“The celebration of the J-POP Summit spreads beyond Japantown this year and we are very excited to bring a special edition of the festival to Union Square, led by one of Japan’s biggest pop stars, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “By having this opportunity to present the essence of Kawaii Culture to a mainstream and demographically diverse area of the city, we hope to deliver the spirit and creativity of this unique pop culture phenomenon to even more people.”

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu personifies the style and sound of Tokyo’s fashion Mecca – Harajuku.

Born in Tokyo 1993, she began as a model for several Harajuku fashion magazines when she was still in a high school and her unique looks and bizarre language and behavior caught Japan’s, and soon the world’s attention. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released her major debut, MOSHI MOSHI HARAJUKU in August 2011 from Warner Music Japan, and the music video for its single “PONPONPON,” has been played over 50 million times on YouTube. Her first full-album, Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, was released in May 2012. In February 2013, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began a world tour and recently released her sixth single, “Invader Invader,” in May.

Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career as a model by getting a snapshot taken by a fashion magazine in 2010. It didn't take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks, edgy style, and perfectly balanced body proportions, she represents a new type of Harajuku model capable of expressing not only kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. This iconic figure of the Harajuku street scene will also debut her first musical single, "Juicy Juicy," on August 14^th.

Kylee is an upbeat 19 year-old pop singer/songwriter currently signed to Sony Music Japan and has become a fast-rising multi-cultural star that is developing a major following in both the U.S. and Japan. Kylee has been featured in the U.S. on the Today Show, and her second single, "missing/IT'S YOU," released in 2010, was featured heavily in a commercial for online apparel retailer NISSEN. In 2011 she performed for an audience of more than 50,000 people at an official Major League Baseball game and has also sang for President Barack Obama.

The 22-year-old Japanese human beat-box, Daichi, began teaching himself his amazing skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, Daichi can make more than 50 different sounds using his voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody at the same time. Daichi is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers.

Founded in 2005, Union Square Live brings free music, dance, circus, theater, outdoor movies and other entertainment to Union Square Park for everyone's enjoyment. Held April through October, most programs are presented on Wednesdays at 12:30pm and 6pm and on Sundays at 2pm.

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion and DJ dance events, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2012, the two-day event attracted 65,000 attendees.

More information about the J-POP Summit Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

###

J-POP Superstar Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

One of the Original Anime Series on American TV

MARINE BOY:
THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Now Available via Warner Archive Collection


Alongside the heralded Speed Racer and Kimba: The White Lion, MARINE
BOY was one of the original handful of imported television series that
captured youngsters’ imaginations and put Japanese anime in the
stateside consciousness.

Now fans of the 1960s series, and an entire new generation of anime
appreciators, can experience the undersea hero’s aquatic adventures as
Warner Archive Collection distributes MARINE BOY: THE COMPLETE FIRST
SEASON.

Produced in Japan but intended for first-run syndication in the United
States during 1966-67, Marine Boy was one of the first color cartoons
to come from Japan. A teenager with some amazing inventions at his
disposal, Marine Boy battles evil on and under the seas on behalf of
the Ocean Patrol, aided by his father, Dr. Mariner, and the brilliant
Professor Fumble. Joining Marine Boy in his missions are his white
dolphin, Splasher, young mermaid friend Neptina, and fellow Ocean
Patrol agents Bullton and Piper.

The series even shared some pedigree with Speed Racer, most notably
featuring several members of the rival series’ voice cast – like
Corinne Orr, the voice of Marine Boy, Neptina and Clicli (as well as
Trixie on Speed Racer); Peter Fernandez as Piper and Dr. Mariner (and
the original voice of Speed Racer) and Jack Grimes as Professor Fumble
and Splasher (Chim-Chim). Jack Curtis provided the voice of the
narrator for both series.

If sea-faring adventure is your brand of fun, then Warner Archive
Collection has a vault filled with entertainment made for you. From
live-action thrillers like Man From Atlantis, City Beyond the Sea and
Captain Nemo and the Underwater City to the animated dramas SeaLab
2020 and The Pirates of Dark Water to the silliness of Jabberjaw and
Snorks, there’s something for every aquatic fan … including special
discounts during the current “Harpoon Sale.” Dive into
http://shop.warnerarchive.com/home.do today.

SPAWN UNIVERSE EXPANDING DIGITALLY Image Comics/Todd McFarlane Productions Release Five New Digital Titles

Image Comics and Todd McFarlane Productions (TMP) have announced the digital release of five TMP titles on comiXology. CURSE OF THE SPAWN, HAUNT VOLUME 4, HELLSPAWN: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION, SAM AND TWITCH: THE WRITER, and SPAWN: THE UNDEAD (as well as the collected edition) are all available for purchase now on the digital comics platform, and more titles will be released weekly in the coming months. “We're excited to make these once unavailable titles accessible to fans again in a modern-day format,” said TMP’s Managing Editor Jen Cassidy. “Todd McFarlane Productions' library is expansive, and we look forward to growing the digital collection.” CURSE OF THE SPAWN, set in a futuristic world in the throes of apocalypse, when Evil stands at the threshold of victory, is a 29-issue series. After the initial four-issue release on June 18, two additional issues will be made available for purchase each week. HAUNT VOLUME FOUR, written by Joe Casey (BUTCHER BAKER, THE BOUNCE) and drawn by Nathan Fox, continues the saga of the Kilgore brothers — one of them living, one of them dead, both of them united as the superhero Haunt — in this series created by Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman. The digital edition, available on now on comiXology, collects issues 19-24, the entire Casey and Fox run. HELLSPAWN re-defined McFarlane’s SPAWN mythos with stories by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve Niles (CHIN MUSIC), drawn by Ashley Wood and Ben Templesmith (TEN GRAND) in a stunning new vision of horror. The complete collected edition, which includes the entire HELLSPAWN series as well as bonus art, a cover gallery, and behind-the-scenes content, went on sale on comiXology on June 18. In SAM AND TWITCH: THE WRITER, the SPAWN universe’s favorite flat-foots, detectives Sam Burke and Twitch Williams, take on a serial killer with a literary bent as fear and snow alike descend on the city. Both the single issues (#1-4) and the collection are available now on comiXology. SPAWN: THE UNDEAD focuses on the HellSpawn once known as Al Simmons, with a self-contained story about the individuals who encounter him in the SPAWN world of urban horror in each issue. The complete nine-issue run and collection are up now on comiXology. Image Comics/TMP releases to come are the SPAWN: GODSLAYER one-shot, available on July 10, and SPAWN: THE DARK AGES, which will roll out new issues weekly starting on July 10.

“TEEN WOLF” RETURNS TO COMIC-CON FOR THE FOURTH YEAR AS PART OF “MTV GEEKEND”

“MTV Geekend” Also Includes First-Ever “MTV2 Party in the Park” in San Diego on Thursday, July 18 and One-Hour “Guy Code Honors” Special Airing

on MTV and MTV2 Sunday, July 21

MTV News’ Josh Horowitz and MTV Geek’s Steven Smith to Live Stream Exclusive News and Interviews with Fan Favorite Celebrities All Weekend

New York, NY (June 24, 2013) – MTV will be geeking out from Comic-Con International in San Diego all weekend long, beginning on Thursday, July 18 with the highly-anticipated return of a “Teen Wolf” panel featuring all five series regulars and new cast members who play the twin Alpha werewolves, Max and Charlie Carver. Additionally, the network, along with MTV2, MTV News and MTV Geek will be on the ground at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, for the first-ever “MTV2 Party in the Park.” Open to all Comic-Con badge holders, the July 18 event celebrating the die-hard fans in attendance at Comic-Con will feature live music performances, free food and drinks and the taping of “Guy Code Honors,” a one-hour special starring the casts of “Teen Wolf” and MTV2’s “Guy Code” that premieres Sunday, July 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV and MTV2.

The complete schedule for “MTV Geekend” on-air programming will include the following:  

• “Guy Code Honors” (Airs Sunday, July 21, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT): The cast of MTV2’s hit show “Guy Code” geeks out for one special night, saluting the best movies and TV shows that wowed the inner sci-fi, thriller and fantasy fans in all of us this past year, while looking ahead to the titles destined for greatness in the year to come. Filmed from San Diego during the MTV2 “Party in the Park,” the hour-long special will feature performances, celebrity appearances and advance looks at major upcoming films, all while “Guy Code” cast favorites Jon Gabrus, Jordan Carlos, Damien Lemon and Chris Distafano break down which movies, shows, actors, heroes and heroines rocked the hardest.

• “MTV’s Comic-Con Live!” (Thursday July 18 through Sunday, July 21): MTV News’ Josh and MTV Geek’s Steven will anchor MTV’s live streaming coverage of Comic-Con all weekend long, delivering hourly exclusive reveals of fans’ favorite shows and most-anticipated movies. “MTV’s Comic-Con Live” will feature interviews with the biggest names in movies, TV, comics and video games, while including comprehensive reports from the panels, the floor, the press rooms and the streets. The coverage starts on Thursday July 18 and leads into “Guy Code Honors” on Sunday night. Be sure to keep it locked to Comic-Con.MTV.com for the schedule and updates.

The complete schedule for on-the-ground events during “MTV Geekend” at Comic-Con will include the following:  

• “Teen Wolf” Comic-Con Panel (Thursday, July 18): “Teen Wolf” cast members Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien, Tyler Hoechlin, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden, Daniel Sharman, Max Carver, Charlie Carver and Executive Producer Jeff Davis are taking Comic-Con by storm again, and giving fans an exclusive first-look at an all-new trailer, along with the latest scoop from season three during the Q&A session. Jarett Wieselman, Editorial Director of ET Online, will moderate the panel.  The panel location and exact time will be announced at a later date. “Teen Wolf” airs Monday nights at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.  

• “MTV2 Party in the Park” (Thursday, July 18, 7:00 p.m. PT): The first-ever “MTV2 Party in the Park” will celebrate the fans at Comic-Con, paying tribute to them and honoring them with access to the hottest live musical performances, along with free food and drinks.  It all takes place Thursday, July 18 at Petco Park from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. PT. Performers will be announced at a later date.

• “MTV Presents: Creator Pitch LIVE!” (Friday, July 19): Join MTV Comics Executive Editor Tom Akel for the 2nd annual “MTV Presents: Creator Pitch LIVE!,” a live pitch competition between three of the top creators in the business. Last year's winner David Petersen (Mouse Guard) will be back to defend his crown against two new challengers. Creators are presented with a topic just a few weeks out from the convention and then develop original pitches that the fans vote on to determine the winner!

• MTV Comics Premieres Graphic Novel “The Gloom”: The first graphic novel from MTV Comics premieres at Comic-Con! From acclaimed writer Tony Lee (Doctor Who, Starship Troopers), and artist Dan Boultwood via Arcana Studios, comes the adventures of “The Gloom!” In 1940s Manhattan the vigilante The Gloom is America's last line of defense against the Nazis, classic pulp heroism, and common sense!  Tony Lee will be signing copies of “The Gloom” at Arcana's booth #2415.

MTV will host a “Teen Wolf” press room at Comic-Con on Friday, July 19.  For inclusion consideration, please contact Rayna Schwartz, Katie Magnotta and Lameka Lucas; contact details are below and exact details will be announced shortly.  For more information, visit MTVPress.com.

"Teen Wolf" was developed by Jeff Davis (creator, "Criminal Minds") who also serves as executive producer.  Additional executive producers include Russell Mulcahy ("Highlander," "Resident Evil: Extinction"), Marty Adelstein ("Prison Break"), René Echevarria ("Medium," "Castle"), Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley.  The pilot was written by Jeff Davis and Jeph Loeb & Matthew Weisman and directed by Russell Mulcahy.  The "Teen Wolf" series is based on a Screenplay by Jeph Loeb & Matthew Weisman.  Justin Levy is the MTV executives in charge of production.  The series is a co-production with, and distributed by, MGM, in association with Lost Marbles Productions, Inc., First Cause, Inc. and DiGa.

About MTV

MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV’s sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to http://www.mtvpress.com.

About MTV2

Available in approximately 80 million homes MTV2 is man's best friend. Since its launch in 1996, the network has reflected the subversive interests and behaviors of young men with a compelling and diverse programming line-up inspired by ordinary guys who do extraordinary things.  MTV2 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com or follow us on Twitter @MTVPress.

SnagFilms Opens Social Video Platform With More Free Films to the Public

The largest cross-platform provider of free-to-watch movies adds 5,000 more independent titles including the exclusive world premiere of Las Vegas comedy show, No Expectations

Washington, D.C. and New York, June 24, 2013 – SnagFilms Inc. announced today it opened its new social video platform to the public this week with more than 5,000 newly added independent titles including the exclusive world premiere of Jake Steinfeld's hit comedy show at the MGM Grand, No Expectations. The ‘Body by Jake’ fitness icon has received rave reviews for his one-man act on the Las Vegas strip, which becomes available online tomorrow for the first-time ever, only on SnagFilms.com.

SnagFilms is now the largest cross-platform provider of leading free-to-watch movies from independent creators, and already streams an average of 5 million films online per month. Beginning today, members of SnagFilms.com can discover, discuss and review a host of popular indie films that span across several major genres including action & adventure, comedy, documentary and film festival favorites. In addition to No Expectations, other titles added to the social video platform include the 1939 classic Stagecoach, Zach Galifianakis in the hysterical Visioneers, the genre-changing film Supersize Me, the 2004 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner, Primer, and thousands more.

“We believe that more than ever, people are seeking a wide variety of streaming video content, from well-known movies to those films that never received – but richly deserve – the spotlight,” said Rick Allen, Founding CEO of SnagFilms. “Rather than putting our resources into creating a few new series, we’ve roamed the world to bring the best of indie films to audiences now, free and on-demand.  And we’ve blended those great films, plus editorial excellence and a full suite of social media tools into a truly unique viewing experience.”

With deep roots in the independent film community, SnagFilms has successfully delivered content across every media from online, to mobile devices, to television, to major entertainment events, and holds one of the few brands that are consistently successful on every platform. As a result, members clamoring for its impressive library of thousands of critically acclaimed independent films are already watching more than 1 billion minutes of video on SnagFilms.com a year.

The new SnagFilms experience makes it possible for movie fans to simply and easily discover and watch new films via curated SnagFilms selections from film experts including Indiewire’s editors, users’ own network of trusted friends, a personalized recommendation engine and new special film collections like Lazy Sundays, Apocalyptic Indies or Top 20 Guilty Pleasures.

Users can access the entire library at SnagFilms.com, and join a rapidly growing community of over 4 million monthly visitors. The web version of the social video platform debuted to the public this week before rolling out to dedicated mobile applications by the end of the year.

To join the growing SnagFilms community and discover the world of indie films, please visit www.snagfilms.com          

About SnagFilms

SnagFilms is a premier, ad-supported, social video-viewing platform offering entertainment lovers an extensive library of free movies on demand.  The platform features world class discovery tools empowering members to discover, watch and recommend a wide range of professionally-produced, award-winning video content.  The SnagFilms viewing experience is available everywhere, including on over 110,000 affiliate sites and its sector-leading applications on mobile devices, set-top box and home entertainment devices.

Co-founded in 2008 by Ted Leonsis and Rick Allen, SnagFilms, Inc. was honored as one of Red Herring’s 2013 Top 100 technology companies in North America.  The company also counts Indiewire and SnagReleasing among its integrated business units.  Indiewire and its Blog Network offer the leading news, information, and networking service for the film and television world.  SnagReleasing is a full-service film distribution company bringing a selection of distinctive films to audiences worldwide through every release window, including theatrical, pay digital, TV and physical media.  SnagFilms, Inc. is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in New York and Los Angeles.  The company’s investors in addition to Leonsis include Steve and Jean Case’s Revolution Ventures, Comcast Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, Terry Semel’s Windsor Media, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Clark Investments.

 DAY MEN
RISES AT BOOM!
WITH BRIAN STELFREEZE


 

  
   

 

June 24th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA - This July, BOOM! Studios is thrilled to have industry legend Brian Stelfreeze join the BOOM! family with DAY MEN, a unique reinterpretation of the vampire mythos.

 

Created by Matt Gagnon (FREELANCERS) and co-written by Michael Alan Nelson (DC’s SUPERGIRL, HEXED), DAY MEN is a vampire noir that brings modern master Brian Stelfreeze back to drawing monthly comics for the first time since 2005!

“Brian Stelfreeze is a singular talent and we’re honored to be working with him on DAY MEN,” said BOOM!’s Editor-in-Chief, Matt Gagnon. “We’ve been building a world with this story that we can’t wait to share with readers. We’re describing the series as a Vampire Noir, and you’ll see what that looks like in July!”

 

For thousands of years, the world has been controlled by the “50 Families” -- a secret network of vampire covens engaged in a timeless struggle for power. But when the sun rises, the vampires are forced to employ the services of a human who acts as their daytime fixer and protector...Trained for centuries to be the mortal soldiers of their vampire employers, the Day Men go forth at sunrise, alone into the world, to do the bidding of their sleeping benefactors.

 

"Style, action,  and sex all wrapped in a noir package,” said Stelfreeze. “This book is practically a thesis on the things I like to draw and the stories I love to tell."

 

DAY MEN #1 will arrive in stores on July 17th with a cover by Brian Stelfreeze and carries a retail price of $3.99 under Diamond order code MAY130935. And don’t forget to ask your retailer about the Brian Stelfreeze “Night” Retailer Incentive cover, which will come signed by Gagnon, Nelson, and Stelfreeze.

 

About BOOM! Studios

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey's SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos' FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis' POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 GUNS will be released as a feature film from Universal Pictures August 2nd, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel's HEROBEAR AND THE KID and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED.

 

Sequart Research & Literacy Organization, in conjunction with Respect! Films, is honored and proud to announce that author Neil Gaiman will be the next subject in its expanding line of comics-centric documentaries.

In the tradition of Sequart’s Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods and Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts documentaries, the Neil Gaiman film will be an all-access look at the scribe’s illustrious, media-spanning career, from his first foray into published writing all the way up to the current signing tour for his new novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane. This unique profile will include footage from Neil’s performances with Amanda Palmer, lectures and readings from across the country, as well as extensive interviews with Neil and his fans, contemporaries, and closest collaborators.

The film will be directed by Patrick Meaney, produced by Jordan Rennert, and executive produced by Mike Phillips and Julian Darius. More details will roll at Sequart.org throughout the summer, but for the time being, please enjoy this little teaser trailer.

In addition to the Gaiman documentary, completion is just a few months away on two other Sequart documentary projects. The Image Revolution, chronicling the founding and history of the world’s most successful independent comic book company, Image Comics, is extremely close to completion, and will be playing at festivals this autumn. Comics in Focus: Chris Claremont’s X-Men is also nearly complete. The film reveals the behind-the-scenes story of Claremont’s landmark seventeen-year run on the title. It will be released this autumn.

And check out our two previous films, Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods and Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts, available on Special Edition DVD, each with over two hours of bonus material (or for download).

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.

Project: Rooftop Announces Winners Of  "Green Lantern: Emerald Ensemble" Redesign Contest   Longtime Green Lantern writer Ron Marz and internationally known artist/designer James White Work As Guest Judges

In April 2013, Project: Rooftop invited artists around the world to submit their own renditions of DC's Green Lantern for a unique redesign contest called Green Lantern: Emerald Ensemble. And now, the Project: Rooftop staff and guest judges Ron Marz and James White poured over the entries by 147 artists, we have our winners.

Winning First Place with a total score of 85 out of 100 is Lee Chen Fang with his redesign of the Green Lantern Guy Gardner.


"My version of Guy Gardner is a mixture of his Green Lantern, Warrior days and his Vuldarian bloodline," Fang said about his submission. "His costume is inspired by NFL Players and the Road Warriors. I included letter "G" Insignia that Guy used during his Warrior days on his costume and power manifestation."

Here's a sample of what some of the judges had to say:

"This is just bonkers in all the right ways." - James White, alternative art movie poster designer

"This is EVERYTHING I want from a Green Lantern uniform. It's character specific, but with elements that could carry recognizably across different GLs and costumes." - Rachel Edidin, writer for Wired

and former Dark Horse editor

You can read our judges' full thoughts, along with the 2nd and 3rd Place Winners over on our site. The rest of the Top 20 will be revealed on Wednesday, June 26th.

Thanks to James White for designing the logo for this contest. 

About Project: Rooftop 

Project: Rooftop (http://www.projectrooftop.com) is where cartoonists and illustrators bring their costume design skills to task in tribute to the superheroes and villains we've grown up with. This site is intended to promote the idea of superhero costume redesigning as a skill, specific to superhero media. We also aim to foster continued interest for these amazing characters and spotlight up-and-coming creators.

Couple-Up with Grell and Lustig in Last Kiss Caption Contest

Feeling funny? Team up with comic creators Mike Grell and John Lustig to write a gag in the Last Kiss Couple-Up Contest.

Readers are asked to write funny dialogue that fits with both the contest art and a tongue-in-cheek opening caption by Grell.

The grand prize includes some snazzy Last Kiss merchandise as well as a high-quality copy of the art with the winning dialogue lettered in and the name of the winner prominently displayed. Submissions can be made ‘til July 1, 10 p.m., PDT at http://tinyurl.com/kffbrfp

On July 5, the winning gag will be posted on www.lastkisscomics.com, www.gocomics.com/lastkiss and several other sites that carry Lustig’s popular Last Kiss webcomic.

 “Most comic fans who see the contest art are going to assume that the characters depicted are Green Arrow and Black Canary---two superheroes who are very associated with Mike,” said Last Kiss creator John Lustig.

“But the art is actually a recreation of an old romance comic book cover---Secret Romance #21 from 1972. Instead of superheroes, it’s two lovers dressed up for a sexy masquerade party!”

Lustig asked artist Diego Jourdan Pereira to recreate the cover for the contest. It was Pereira who suggested that Lustig ask Grell to write the opening caption for the contest.

“As soon as Diego said it, I went---of course! Mike’s the perfect choice!” said Lustig.

“Mike didn’t even blink when I asked him. While I was timidly explaining to him what I wanted, he started jotting something down on the back of a card. I thought he was just making notes. But he was actually writing the caption---and he finished while I was still explaining the contest to him!”

Contest Background:

Although there are other caption contests out there, the Last Kiss Couple-Up Contests are unique because they give readers a chance to interact with celebrity writers---and do so with classic comic book art.

Future Couple-Up contests will be held on a quarterly basis.

“For years, I’ve been taking old comic art and adding wacky dialogue to create Last Kiss webcomics,” explained Lustig. “I decided to give fans a chance to do the same. And, to make it even more fun, we’ll have different comics pros and celebrities writing opening captions for each contest.”

Comics pros who will be contributing to future contests include Roy Thomas (Conan the Barbarian), Tom DeFalco (Spider-Man), William Van Horn (Donald Duck), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and Andrew Pepoy (Katie Keen.)

This is the second Couple-Up contest. The first was in February 2013 for Valentine’s Day and featured an opening caption by another comics legend, Papercutz Editor-in-Chief Jim Salicrup.

Additional Info:

John Lustig info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lustig

Mike Grell info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Grell & http://mikegrell.com/news/

Jim Salicrup info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Salicrup