VINTAGE BOOKS TO PUBLISH NEW NOVELS BASED ON THE “VERONICA MARS” TELEVSION SERIES. THE FIRST NOVEL WILL BE PUBLISHED TO COINCIDE WITH THE RELEASE OF THE UPCOMING “VERONICA MARS” FEATURE FILM.

 

Rob Thomas, the show’s creator and the film’s director, will develop and co-write the books, which will feature the characters from his popular television series.

 

NEW YORK (July 15, 2013)– Vintage Books Publisher Anne Messitte announced today that Vintage has acquired from Alloy Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros, two books in an original mystery series featuring characters from the popular “Veronica Mars” television program. The books will contain completely new stories, and will be stand-alone novels that will appeal to fans of the show, as well as general mystery readers. The plot of the first book in the series will begin where events of the upcoming “Veronica Mars” film end, and will feature an adult Veronica Mars. Rob Thomas, the show's creator (and the author of several novels prior to his television career), will develop and co-write the book series.

 

The “Veronica Mars” television series (2004 - 2007) is set in the fictional town of Neptune, California, and stars Kristen Bell as a high school (and later college) student who moonlights as a private investigator under the eye of her detective father. One of the first noir series to feature a young-adult female sleuth, the show garnered critical acclaim, and was named one of the “Best Cult TV Shows from the Past 25 Years” by Entertainment Weekly, and one of the “Best 50 TV Shows of All Time” by Empire magazine.  Such luminaries as Joss Whedon and Stephen King praised the show, and King called it: “Nancy Drew meets Philip Marlowe, and the result is pure nitro.” Since going off the air in 2007, popularity for the show has continued to grow. The cult status of the show encouraged Thomas to start a Kickstarter-fueled campaign to bring the characters back in a feature movie with much of the original cast, which he will direct. Warner Bros. will release the film “Veronica Mars” in 2014.

 

“I started my career as a novelist. Veronica Mars was first imagined as a novel. I'm thrilled that I'm going to get the opportunity to continue telling Veronica Mars stories in a form I've loved and missed,” Thomas said.

 

“Veronica Mars has always been a one-of-a-kind character, and, as a longtime fan of the series, I've always thought there is an immense amount of story left to be told. Our goal for the book series is to appeal to fans of the show, but also to appeal to mystery readers and lovers of series featuring strong, intriguing female protagonist,” said acquiring editor Andrea Robinson.  “Veronica Mars is a contemporary update to the tradition of noir crime fiction that was established by Vintage’s Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, so it's exciting that we'll also publish her here.”

 

The first book in the series is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014.  The deal was negotiated by Jodi Reamer at Writers House, LLC.

 

Vintage Books is an imprint of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, which is a division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG, the international media company.  Known as an industry-leading paperback publisher, its roster of authors includes Stieg Larsson, Dan Brown, Jennifer Egan, Richard Russo, Jon Krakauer, Nora Ephron, Toni Morrison, Cormac McCarthy, Haruki Murakami, and Dave Eggers, among others.

 

Alloy Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Television Group, develops and produces original novels, television series, and feature films. More than seventy-five of AE’s books have been on the New York Times bestseller list, including The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, The Clique, The Lying Game, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Private, and The Luxe. AE has successfully adapted several of its top selling books into hit television shows for broadcast across multiple networks including The CW, ABC, ABC Family, and Nickelodeon. Current Alloy Entertainment television series include Pretty Little Liars, The Vampire Diaries, Lying Game, and soon to premiere Originals, Ravenswood, and The 100.

GHOSTED #1 SPIRITED AWAY

First issue of new Image Comics/Skybound title sells out, gets new printing

 

The debut of a new title from Robert Kirkman’s Image Comics imprint Skybound is always a highly-anticipated event in the comics market, and GHOSTED was no exception. The first issue of the ghost-heist caper by Joshua Williamson (MASKS AND MOBSTERS) and Goran Sudzuka (Y: The Last Man) has sold out and will receive a second printing. The reprint of GHOSTED #1 will be in stores on August 14, the same day as GHOSTED #2.   A classic Ocean’s Eleven-style story with a supernatural twist, GHOSTED sets up master criminal Jackson T. Winters with the greatest challenge he’s ever faced: stealing a ghost from a haunted house. Even with a team of paranormal experts, this may be a job even Winters can’t pull off.   The first issue landed in stores on July 10 to considerable critical praise:   “Ghosted is a horror book you need to read because it is horror done right. It’s part caper, part ghost story, and completely hilarious.” IGN   “GHOSTED #1 is a promising start to a different, but very cool new series.... It's fun and extremely fresh.” - Comic Vine   “Ghosted #1 from Joshua Williamson and Goran Sudzuka is every bit the pulpy thrill-ride promised by a series centering on a supernatural, ensemble heist. Well-executed from start to finish, this first issue makes use of pristine pacing, laying the foundation for a story that will grow more complex and intriguing with each turn of the page.” - Multiversity Comics   The second printing of GHOSTED #1 (JUN138032) can be pre-ordered now, as can GHOSTED #2 (JUN130543). A special exclusive edition of GHOSTED #1 will be sold at the Image Comics/Skybound booth at Comic-Con International in San Diego, taking place from July 18-21.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS

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

 

ABOUT SKYBOUND

Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, THE WALKING DEAD, long-running Invincible, all-ages SUPER DINOSAUR, THIEF OF THIEVES, and CLONE, as well as WITCH DOCTOR and INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, THE WALKING DEAD, and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com.

TRAVEL CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “STURGIS: 24/7 (wt),”

AND ONE-HOUR SPECIAL “NETHERWORLD” HOSTED BY ZAK BAGANS; PLUS NEW SERIES IN DEVELOPMENT “CELEBRITY LAYOVER (wt)”

NETWORK RE-UPS NEW SEASONS OF FOUR POPULAR PRIMETIME SERIES:

SEASON FIVE FOR BOTH “BIZARRE FOODS AMERICA” WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN, AND “THE DEAD FILES,” SEASON THREE FOR BOTH “TOY HUNTER” AND “TRIP FLIP,” AND ORDERS SIX ADDITIONAL EPISODES OF “AIRPORT: 24/7”

 Top row, left to right: Zak Bagans in “Netherworld”; “Sturgis: 24/7” (wt)

Bottom row, left to right: Andrew Zimmern of “Bizarre Foods America”; “Trip Flip” host Bert Kreischer; “Toy Hunter” Jordan Hembrough

CHEVY CHASE, MD (July 15, 2013) – Travel Channel greenlights two original productions – “Sturgis: 24/7 (wt),” a one-hour series that provides an up-close and personal view of South Dakota’s 73^rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – the largest motorbike rally in the world, as well as a one-hour special, “Netherworld,” which follows Zak Bagans (“Ghost Adventures”) as he travels to one of the world’s most mystifying locations – the Paris Catacombs.   In addition, the Network is in development for a new original series – “Celebrity Layover (wt),” featuring celebrities as they provide a unique local perspective on a destination in a window of 24 to 48 hours. The announcement was made today by Travel Channel President, Laureen Ong.

Travel Channel has also renewed four hit series for new seasons.  They include the fifth seasons of “Bizarre Foods America” with Andrew Zimmern and “The Dead Files,” and the third seasons of “Toy Hunter” and “Trip Flip.”  Additionally, the Network is adding six new episodes of “Airport 24/7: Miami” to the series’ current second season, extending its run through August.

“Travel Channel viewers are active trendsetters – they like to try new things, immerse themselves in cultural experiences and expand their knowledge of the world,” said Ong.  “We strive to reinvent the travel experience and look for ways to spotlight destinations from a unique lens – whether it’s from the seat of a motorcycle or with Zak Bagans as he explores the origin of supernatural based cultural customs.  Our diverse mix of entertaining programs will continue to inspire and inform.”

New program descriptions:

“STURGIS: 24/7 (wt)” (8 x 60)

“Sturgis: 24/7 (wt)” covers the 73^rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and follows a few of the most standout occurrences that take place in a normally sleepy town.  From bike builders to biker babes, Sturgis Lawmen to Sturgis Virgins, tattoo shops to the largest biker bar in the world – this series is an around-the-clock chronology of the most outrageous party on the planet.  Produced by Big Fish Entertainment with Travel Channel’s David E. Gerber as Executive Producer.

“NETHERWORLD” (1 x 60)

In “Netherworld,” investigator Zak Bagans explores one of the world’s most mysterious and iconic locations – The Catacombs of Paris.  In this special, his mission is to explore the history, the culture and the mysteries behind this eerie underground graveyard, as it relates to the most important questions of life and death. Produced by MY Tupelo Entertainment with Travel Channel’s Daniel A. Schwartz as Executive Producer.

“CELEBRITY LAYOVER (wt)” (6 x 30)

“Celebrity Layover (wt)” features a different celebrity taking on the place in the world they know and love most, sharing secret hot spots, exclusive know-how and personal insights.  Produced by Marc Summers Productions with Travel Channel’s Daniel A. Schwartz as Executive Producer.

Additional show descriptions:

“AIRPORT 24/7: MIAMI” (6 x 30)

“Airport 24/7: Miami” will roll out six additional all-new episodes to its current second season run. The series grants an all-access pass inside the intense and dramatic world of Miami International Airport (MIA).  This season goes deeper behind the scenes to reveal the inner workings and happenings at MIA, whether it’s intercepting drug smugglers, fighting terrorism, securing an Air Force One landing, handling medical emergencies or dealing with sting operations and aircraft malfunctions.  Produced by 2C Media with Travel Channel’s Bill Howard as Executive Producer.

“BIZARRE FOODS AMERICA” WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN (10 x 60)

In the fifth season of “Bizarre Foods America,” chef, writer and culinary explorer Andrew Zimmern is back as he continues his quest to taste the weird and wonderful foods that can be found right here in the US. This time around, Zimmern heads to some of America’s iconic cities including Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Atlantic City.  Produced by Tremendous! Entertainment, Inc. with Travel Channel’s David E. Gerber as Executive Producer.

“THE DEAD FILES” (13 x 60)

This fall, “The Dead Files” returns for a fifth season with the extraordinary paranormal investigative duo Steve DiSchiavi and Amy Allan. DiSchiavi, a retired NYPD Homicide Detective, and Allan, a physical medium, combine their unique skills to solve unexplained paranormal phenomena in haunted locations across the U.S. DiSchiavi and Allan come together only at the end, to reveal the results as they formulate into one shocking – and often terrifying – conclusion.  This season the team travels to Chicago; Cressona, PA; St. Clair Shores, MI; and more. Produced by Painless Entertainment, Inc. with Travel Channel’s David E. Gerber as Executive Producer.

“TOY HUNTER” (13 x 30)

Back for its third season in 2014, “Toy Hunter” continues to follow acclaimed toy and collectible expert Jordan Hembrough as he travels across the country buying and selling great iconic toys. This new season will feature more celebrities as the scope of this toy hunter’s travels expands beyond basements and attics taking him to bigger conventions, more Comic-Cons, and even overseas. Produced by Sharp Entertainment with Travel Channel’s Daniel A. Schwartz as Executive Producer.

“TRIP FLIP” (13 x 30) 

Premiering in 2014, professional fun-seeker and travel expert Bert Kreischer is back for season three of “Trip Flip.” Every week he convinces two random people to spontaneously agree to a three-day surprise adventure. Kreischer delivers an action-packed itinerary stacked with the kind of VIP-access, high-octane activities, unexpected twists and celebrity appearances that only Travel Channel can deliver.  Produced by High Noon Entertainment with Travel Channel’s Dale Roy Robinson as Executive Producer.

TRAVEL CHANNEL (http://www.travelchannel.com) is a multiplatform travel lifestyle brand with the core mission of providing inspiring and compelling programming that takes viewers beyond their everyday destinations, making the unfamiliar familiar, whether it's around the world or around the block.  A dual feed network that is also available in HD, Travel Channel is the world’s leading travel media brand, and is available in over 94 million U.S. cable homes.  Owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), Travel Channel has offices in Chevy Chase, MD, and New York, NY.  Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) also owns and operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.

Digital Comics Nearly Tripled in 2012

Helping make 2012 the Best Comics Market of the Millennium

Madison, Wisconsin (July 15, 2013) -- The comic market in 2012 was the best of the millennium, with digital comic sales nearly triple the previous year, according to a new report just released by ICv2 in Internal Correspondence #82 on the eve of San Diego Comic-Con.

The North American market for comics, including periodical comics, graphic novels, and digital, totaled $750 million in 2012, up from $665 million in 2011, a 13% increase, according to the ICv2 report.

There were dramatic changes in sales of every format, ICv2 reported.  Digital sales nearly tripled, to around $70 million, or around 9% of the total market, from $25 million in 2011.

Print sales, at $680 million, were back to 2009 levels, according to ICv2 data.  Sales of comic periodicals boomed, increasing 15% to around $345 million.  Graphic novel sales slipped a little, to $335 million from $340 million in 2011, but that small change was actually a combination of a jump in comic store sales and a 9% decline in bookstore sales.

About ICv2

ICv2, the #1 source of business information on Geek Culture, has been reporting the news and analyzing the markets for comics and graphic novels, hobby games, manga and anime, and movie and TV products since 2001.  Milton Griepp, its CEO, has sold over $1 billion worth of Geek Culture products in his career in the industry.  He brings his experience of over 35 years in geek culture distribution, retailing, publishing, and journalism, as well as the talents of an experienced staff, to ICv2's work in analyzing markets.  In addition to his role at ICv2, Griepp serves on the boards of directors of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and of Iconology, Inc., the parent of comiXology, North America's leading digital comics retailer.

BOOM! & ARCHAIA
UNVEIL SIGNING SCHEDULES
FOR COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

July 15th, 2013 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios and Archaia Entertainment are pleased to jointly unveil signing schedules for Comic-Con International in San Diego. Both BOOM! and Archaia will be exhibiting for the first time together in single space at booth number 2229. 

BOOM! Studios is pleased to host guests including a special signing with The League's Paul Scheer and co-writer Nick Giovannetti for Aliens vs. Parker on Saturday. Additionally, comic book luminaries Paul Jenkins (Deathmatch, Fairy Quest) and Brian Stelfreeze (Day Men, Wednesday Comics) will be on hand at their new comic book home throughout the show. And Steven Grant will be at the booth throughout the show, signing copies of his graphic novel 2 Guns, now a major motion picture from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.
 

KaBOOM! Studios is pleased to host a bevy of guests and sketch artists including a special signing on Friday with Regular Show creator J.G. Quintel. Please note that this signing is limited and ticketed. Tickets will be made available at the BOOM! booth on Friday morning when the show opens and will be given out one per person, first come, first served. Herobear and The Kid's Mike Kunkel will also be at the booth throughout the day sharing the magic of his touching original series with fans.

Archaia is pleased to host guests including a special signing with Charmed's Alyssa Milano, Marcus To, Ian Herring, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly for the upcoming graphic novel Hacktivist on Saturday. Plus, a massive all-star signing for The Thrilling Adventure Hour on Friday featuring Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, Marc Evan Jackson, Mark Gagliardi, Paul F. Tompkins, Autumn Reeser, Hal Lublin, Craig Cackowski, and Annie Savage. Several hardcovers debuting at Comic-Con that will feature signings include Cyborg 009 (F.J. DeSanto, Bradley Cramp, To, and Herring); The Reason for Dragons (Chris Northrop, Jeff Stokely); Mouse Guard Vol. 3: The Black Axe (David Petersen); The Killer Vol. 4 (Matz); Classic Space: 1999 - To Everything That Was (Andrew E. C. Gaska); and the Rubicon Slipcase Edition (Mark Long).

Please note: All signings and appearances are subject to cancellation or change.
 

BOOM! Studios

Signing Schedule

 
All Day Signing: 
Thursday-Sunday 
Mike Kunkel (Herobear & The Kid), Paul Jenkins (Deathmatch, Fairy Quest), Steven Grant (2 Guns), Michael Alan Nelson (Supergirl, Dingo, 28 Days Later), Eric Esquivel (Freelancers), and Caleb Monroe (Steed and Mrs. Peel, Ice Age)

All Day Sketching: 
Thursday-Sunday 
Shelli Paroline (Adventure Time), Braden Lamb (Adventure Time), Natasha Allegri (Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake), Jen Bennett (Adventure Time), Jerry Gaylord (Fanboys vs. Zombies), Pennie Gaylord (Adventure Time), Travis Hill (Adventure Time), Noelle Stevenson (Adventure Time), Allison Strejlau (Regular Show), Ian McGinty (Regular Show), and Kassandra Heller (Adventure Time).

Saturday-Sunday 
Jen Bennett (Adventure Time), Stephanie Gonzaga (Adventure Time), and Hannah Nance Partlow (Adventure Time).


Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - 6pm - 9pm 

7:00pm – 8:00pm – Mike Kunkel (Herobear and The Kid) 

7:30pm – 8:30pm – Brandon Seifert (Hellraiser: The Dark Watch, Witch Doctor)


Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 10am - 7pm 

1:30pm – 2:30pm – Sina Grace (L'il Depressed Boy, Regular Show) 

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Brian Stelfreeze (Day Men, Wednesday Comics)

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, Natasha Allegri (Adventure Time)

4:00pm – 5:00pm – Grace Randolph (Supurbia)


Friday, July 19, 2013 - 10am - 7pm  
 

9:30am – 10:30am – Grace Randolph (Supurbia)

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Mark Miller, Brandon Seifert (Clive Barker's Next Testament, Hellraiser: The Dark Watch)

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, Natashia Allegri (Adventure Time)

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Brain Stelfreeze (Day Men, Wednesday Comics)

5:00pm – 6:00pm – J.G. Quintel (Regular Show) - TICKETED (FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED FRIDAY MORNING)

5:30pm – 6:30pm – Bryan Turner (Adventure Time)


Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 10am - 7pm  

10:00am – 11:00am – Grace Randolph (Supurbia)

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, Natashia Allegri (Adventure Time)

1:30pm – 2:30pm – Bryan Turner (Adventure Time)

2:45pm – 3:45pm – Max Bemis (Polarity)

4:00pm – 4:45pm – Paul Scheer, Nick Giovannetti (Aliens vs Parker)

5:00pm – 6:00pm – Brian Stelfreeze (Day Men, Wednesday Comics)
 

Sunday, July 21, 2013 - 10am - 5pm  


11:00am – 12:00pm – Grace Randolph (Supurbia)

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Brian Stelfreeze (Day Men, Wednesday Comics)

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Bryan Turner (Adventure Time)

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, Natashia Allegri (Adventure Time)

ARCHAIA 
 

 Signing Schedule

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - 6pm - 9pm 

6:00pm – 7:00pm – Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999, Critical Millennium, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2), Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!, The Reason for Dragons) 

7:00pm – 8:00pm – Mike Kennedy (Bleedout), Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential), Royden Lepp (Rust)


Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 10am - 7pm 

10:00am – 11:00am – Whitney Leith (Fraggle Rock), Durwin Talon and Guin Thompson (Beautiful Scars) 

10:00am – 11:30am – Nichol Ashworth (Fraggle Rock), Royden Lepp (Rust)

11:00am – 12:00pm – Joshua Dysart (Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 2), Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX)

11:30am – 12:30pm – Joanna Estep (Fraggle Rock, The Thrilling Adventure Hour)

11:30am – 1:00pm – Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential)

12:00pm – 1:30pm – F.J. DeSanto, Marcus To, Ian Herring (Cyborg 009)

12:30pm – 1:30pm – Shane-Michael Vidaurri (Iron: Or, The War After)

1:30pm – 2:30pm – Megan Hutchison (An Aurora Grimeon Story: Will O' the Wisp), Blake Leibel (Syndrome)

1:30pm – 3:00pm – Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!, The Reason for Dragons) 

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Jeff Stokely (The Reason for Dragons)

2:30pm – 4:00pm – Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999, Critical Millennium, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2)

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Matt Marblo (Spera Vol. 1), Michael McMillian (Lucid)

4:00pm – 5:00pm – David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Royden Lepp (Rust), Charles Soule (Strange Attractors)

5:00pm – 6:00pm – Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential), Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!, The Reason for Dragons), Moro Rogers (City in the Desert), Shane-Michael Vidaurri (Iron: Or, The War After)

6:00pm – 7:00pm – Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX), Joanna Estep (Fraggle Rock, The Thrilling Adventure Hour), Blake Leibel (Syndrome), Durwin Talon and Guin Thompson (Beautiful Scars)
 

Friday, July 19, 2013 - 10am - 7pm  
 

10:00am – 11:00am – Durwin Talon and Guin Thompson (Beautiful Scars), Moro Rogers (City in the Desert), Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX), Shane-Michael Vidurri (Iron: Or, The War After)

11:00am – 12:00pm – F.J. DeSanto, Bradley Cramp, Marcus To, and Ian Herring (Cyborg 009), Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), Royden Lepp (Rust)

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Matz (The Killer), Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential), Khang Le (HAWKEN: GENESIS), Mark Long (Rubicon)

1:30pm – 3:30pm – Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, Marc Evan Jackson, Mark Gagliardi, Paul F. Tompkins, Autumn Reeser, Hal Lublin, Craig Cackowski, Annie Savage (The Thrilling Adventure Hour)

4:00pm – 5:00pm – Karen Prell, Nichol Ashworth, Heather Nuhfer, Paul Morrissey (Fraggle Rock), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), David Petersen (Mouse Guard)

5:00pm – 6:00pm – Dan Fogler (Moon Lake), Blake Leibel (Syndrome), Jeff Stokely (The Reason for Dragons), Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!, The Reason for Dragons)

6:00pm – 7:00pm – Matt Marblo (Spera Vol. 1), Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999, Critical Millennium, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2), John Chandler (The Skrumps)

Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 10am - 7pm  

10:00am – 11:00am – Matt Marblo (Spera Vol. 1), Joanna Estep (Fraggle Rock, The Thrilling Adventure Hour)

10:00am – 11:30pm – John Chandler (The Skrumps), Royden Lepp (Rust)

11:00am – 12:00pm – Moro Rogers (City in the Desert), Charles Soule (Strange Attractors) 

11:30am – 1:00pm – Dan Fogler (Moon Lake), Matz (The Killer)

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999, Critical Millennium, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2)

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Shane-Michael Vidaurri (Iron: Or, The War After), Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX)

1:00pm – 3:00pm – Alyssa Milano, Marcus To, Ian Herring, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly (Hacktivist) TICKETED (FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED FRIDAY MORNING)

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Heather Nuhfer, Paul Morrissey (Fraggle Rock), Durwin Talon, Guin Thompson (Beautiful Scars)

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Khang Le (HAWKEN: GENESIS), Mark Long (Rubicon)

3:30pm – 4:30pm – F.J. DeSanto, Bradley Cramp, Marcus To, Ian Herring (Cyborg 009)

4:00pm – 5:00pm – David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl)

4:30pm – 5:30pm – Jake Myler, Nichol Ashworth, Bryce Coleman, Whitney Leith (Fraggle Rock)

5:00pm – 6:00pm – Chris Northrop, Jeff Stokely (The Reason for Dragons), Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!, The Reason for Dragons)

5:30pm – 7:00pm – Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential), Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury)

6:00pm – 7:00pm – Megan Hutchison (An Aurora Grimeson Story: Will O' The Wisp), Mike Kennedy (Bleedout)


Sunday, July 21, 2013 - 10am - 5pm  


10:00am – 11:30am – Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX), Megan Hutchison (An Aurora Grimeon Story: Will O' The Wisp), Jake Myler (Fraggle Rock)

11:30am – 12:30pm – Moro Rogers (City in the Desert), Joshua Dysart (Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 2)

11:30am – 1:00pm – F. J. DeSanto, Marcus To, Ian Herring (Cyborg 009)

12:30pm – 2:00pm – Andrew E.C. Gaska (Space: 1999, Critical Millennium, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes), Chandra Free (The God Machine, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2)

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly (Hacktivist), Whitney Leith (Fraggle Rock)

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Chris Northrop, Jeff Stokley (The Reason for Dragons), Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!, The Reason for Dragons), Matt Marblo (Spera Vol. 1)

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Durwin Talon, Guin Thompson (Beautiful Scars), Moro Rogers (City in the Desert), Joanna Estep (Fraggle Rock, The Thrilling Adventure Hour)

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).

2013 Harvey Awards Nominees Announced!

Visit www.harveyawards.org for Ballots & Submission Details! 

BALTIMORE, MD (July 15, 2013) -- The 2013 Harvey Awards Nominees have been announced with the release of the final ballot, presented by the Executive Committees of the Harvey Awards and the Baltimore Comic-Con. Named in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, one of the industry's most innovative talents, the Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art. They will be presented September 7, 2013 in Baltimore, MD, in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con.

Nominations for the Harvey Awards are selected exclusively by creators - those who write, draw, ink, letter, color, design, edit, or are otherwise involved in a creative capacity in the comics field. They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. Thank you to all that have already participated by submitting a nomination ballot.

Final ballots are due to the Harvey Awards by Monday, August 19, 2013. Full submission instructions can be found on the final ballot.  Voting is open to anyone professionally involved in a creative capacity within the comics field.  Final ballots are available at www.harveyawards.org. Those who prefer paper ballots may e-mail harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com.

This will be the eighth year for the Harvey Awards in Baltimore, MD.  Look for more details soon as to how you can attend the Harvey Awards dinner.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 7-8, 2013.  The ceremony and banquet for the 2013 Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 7th.

Without further delay, the 2013 Harvey Award Nominees:

BEST LETTERER

____   Joe Caramagna, DAREDEVIL, Marvel Comics
____   Chris Eliopoulos, COW BOY: A BOY AND HIS HORSE, Archaia
____   Todd Klein, FABLES, DC Comics
____   Jack Morelli, ARCHIE, Archie Comics
____   Chris Ware, BUILDING STORIES, Pantheon

BEST COLORIST

____   Laura Allred, FF , Marvel Comics
____   Matt Hollingsworth, HAWKEYE, Marvel Comics
____   Tito Pena, ARCHIE, Archie Comics
____   Ed Ryzowski, GUTTERS, the-gutters.com
____   Fiona Staples, SAGA, Image Comics

BEST SYNDICATED STRIP or PANEL

____   CUL DE SAC, Richard Thompson, Universal Press Syndicate
____   DICK TRACY, Joe Staton and Mike Curtis, Tribune Media Services
____   GET FUZZY, Darby Conley, United Feature Syndicate
____   MUTTS, Patrick McDonnell, King Features
____   PEARLS BEFORE SWINE, Stephen Pastis, United Feature Syndicate

BEST ONLINE COMICS WORK

____   BANDETTE, Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover, http://www.monkeybraincomics.com/titles/bandette/
____   BATTLEPUG, Mike Norton, http://www.battlepug.com
____   THE DREAMER, Lora Innes, http://www.thedreamercomic.com
____   NIMONA, Noelle Stevenson, http://gingerhaze.com/nimona
____   SHELDON, Dave Kellett, http://sheldoncomics.com

BEST AMERICAN EDITION of FOREIGN MATERIAL

____   ABELARD, NBM
____   BLACKSAD: A SILENT HELL, Dark Horse
____   NEW YORK MON AMOUR, Fantagraphics Books
____   SHARAZ-DE: TALES FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS, Archaia
____   NAOKI URASAWA'S 20TH CENTURY BOYS, VOL. 22, VIZ Media

BEST INKER

____   Steve Ellis, ONLY LIVING BOY, Bottled Lightning
____   Jonathan Glapion, BATMAN, DC Comics
____   Klaus Janson, CAPTAIN AMERICA, Marvel Comics
____   Mark Morales, AVENGERS VS. X-MEN, Marvel Comics
____   Bob Smith, LIFE WITH ARCHIE, Archie Comics

BEST NEW SERIES

____   ADVENTURE TIME, KaBOOM! Studios
____   HAWKEYE, Marvel Comics
____   NEW CRUSADERS: RISE OF THE HEROES, Red Circle Comics
____   REVIVAL, Image Comics
____   SAGA, Image Comics

MOST PROMISING NEW TALENT

____   Jerry Gaylord, FANBOYS VS. ZOMBIES, BOOM! Studios
____   Dennis Hopeless, AVENGERS ARENA, Marvel Comics
____   Ryan Jampole, MEGA MAN, Archie Comics
____   Mark Mariano, Happyloo, MyPalMark.com
____   David Nytra, THE SECRET OF THE STONE FROG, Toon Books

SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS

____   Chad Lambert, THE POSSUM AT LARGE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CRAPTACULAR, Old School Comics
____   Ryan North, ADVENTURE TIME, KaBOOM! Studios
____   Dan Parent, KEVIN KELLER, Archie Comics
____   Chris Sparks, TEAM CUL DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Andrews McMeel
____   Jim Zub, IMAGE COMICS, Skullkickers

BEST ORIGINAL GRAPHIC PUBLICATION  FOR YOUNGER READERS

____   ADVENTURE TIME, KaBOOM! Studios
____   AMELIA RULES: HER PERMANENT RECORD, Simon and Schuster
____   COW BOY: A BOY AND HIS HORSE, Archaia
____   DRAMA, Schoolastic
____   SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES, DC Comics
____   THE SHARK KING, Toon Books

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED

____   ALIEN: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY, Titan Books
____   ARCHIE: THE MARRIED LIFE, BOOK 2, Archie Comics
____   CURSED PIRATE GIRL COLLECTED EDITION: VOLUME ONE, Archaia
____   HEADS OR TAILS, Fantagraphics
____   KING CITY, Image

BEST ANTHOLOGY

____   DARK HORSE PRESENTS, various, Dark Horse
____   DISTRICT COMICS, Matt Dembicki, Fulcrum Publishing
____   ONCE UPON A TIME MACHINE, Andrew Carl, Dark Horse
____   TEAM CUL DE DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Chris Sparks, Andrews McMeel
____   WOMANTHOLOGY: SPACE, Mariah Huehner, IDW

BEST DOMESTIC REPRINT PROJECT

____   BEST OF ARCHIE COMICS, VOL. 2, Archie Comics
____   CAME THE DAWN AND OTHER STORIES, THE EC COMICS LIBRARY, Fantagraphics
____   CRIME DOES NOT PAY ARCHIVES, Dark Horse Comics
____   DAVID MAZZUCHELLI'S DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN: ARTIST'S EDITION, IDW
____   POGO: BONA FIDE BALDERDASH VOL. 2, WALT KELLY'S POGO, Fantagraphics

BEST COVER ARTIST

____   David Aja, HAWKEYE, Marvel Comics
____   Steve Ellis, ONLY LIVING BOY, Bottled Lightning
____   Jenny Frison, REVIVAL, Image Comics
____   Adam Hughes, FAIREST, Vertigo Comics
____   Fiona Staples, SAGA, Image Comics

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL, or JOURNALISTIC PRESENTATION

____   ALTER EGO MAGAZINE, TwoMorrows Publishing
____   JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR, TwoMorrows Publishing
____   TEAM CUL DE DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Andrews McMeel
____   MARVEL COMICS: THE UNTOLD STORY, HarperCollins
____   ROBOT 6 WEBSITE, Comic Book Resources

SPECIAL AWARD for EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION

____   BUILDING STORIES, Chris Ware, Pantheon Books
____   CURSED PIRATE GIRL COLLECTED EDITION: VOLUME ONE, Jeremy Bastian, Archaia
____   DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI'S DAREDEVIL BORN AGAIN: ARTIST'S EDITION, Scott Dunbier, IDW
____   TEAM CUL DE DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Chris Sparks, Andrews McMeel
____   THE ART OF BETTY AND VERONICA, Victor Gorelick and Craig Yoe, Archie Comics

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM ORIGINAL

____   BUILDING STORIES, Pantheon
____   THE CARTER FAMILY: DON'T FORGET THIS SONG, Abrams ComicArts
____   MY FRIEND DAHMER, Abrams ComicArts
____   RICHARD STARK'S PARKER: THE SCORE, IDW
____   THE UNDERWATER WELDER, Top Shelf

BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES

____   BATMAN, DC Comics
____   DAREDEVIL, Marvel Comics
____   HAWKEYE, Marvel Comics
____   LOCKE AND KEY, IDW
____   RACHEL RISING, Abstract Studios
____   SAGA, Image Comics

BEST WRITER

____   Matt Fraction, HAWKEYE, Marvel Comics
____   Joe Hill, LOCKE AND KEY, IDW
____   Tim Seeley, REVIVAL, Image Comics
____   Scott Snyder, BATMAN, DC Comics
____   Brian K. Vaughan, SAGA, Image Comics
____   Mark Waid, DAREDEVIL, Marvel Comics

BEST ARTIST

____   David Aja, HAWKEYE, Marvel Comics
____   Greg Capullo, BATMAN, DC Comics
____   Mike Norton, REVIVAL, Image Comics
____   Chris Samnee, DAREDEVIL, Marvel Comics
____   Fiona Staples, SAGA, Image Comics

BEST CARTOONIST

____   Jaime Hernandez, LOVE AND ROCKETS: NEW STORIES, Fantagraphics
____   Jeff Lemire, THE UNDERWATER WELDER, Top Shelf
____   Terry Moore, RACHEL RISING, Abstract Studios
____   Chris Ware, BUILDING STORIES, Pantheon
____   Adam Withers and Comfort Love, RAINBOW IN THE DARK, uniquescomic.com

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR STORY

____   BATMAN # 12, DC Comics
____   BUILDING STORIES, Pantheon
____   HAWKEYE # 1, Marvel Comics
____   LOCKE AND KEY: GRINDHOUSE, IDW
____   THE MIRE, BeckyCloonan.net
____   SAGA # 1, Image Comics
____   TALES DESIGNED TO THRIZZLE #8, Fantagraphics

Congratulations to all of the nominees!  If you know a nominee, please pass on the good news using email, Facebook, and Twitter.

For additional information about Harvey Kurtzman and the Harvey Awards, visit www.harveyawards.org or harveyawards.blogspot.com.

The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 7-8, 2013. For more information, please visit the website, Twitter, or Facebook pages.

'Machete Kills,' 'Sin City' Director Robert Rodriguez To Attend Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

'Grindhouse,' ''From Dusk Till Dawn,' 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' Director Joins Pop Culture Festival At Donald E. Stephens Convention Center In Rosemont, Ill.; Featuring “A Conversation With... Robert Rodriguez” on Friday Evening, August 9 and Appearance on Saturday, August 10

NEW YORK and ROSEMONT, Ill., July 15, 2013 – Robert Rodriguez, director of the upcoming films Machete Kills and Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For, has joined the roster of top stars attending Wizard World Chicago Comic Con next month at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

Rodriguez, whose previous movies include Machete, Sin City, From Dusk Till Dawn and Once Upon a Time In Mexico, will conduct “A Conversation With... Robert Rodriguez” on Friday evening, August 9 featuring exclusive sneak peeks of Machete Kills and Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For, an exclusive presentation on The Art of Frank Frazetta, a preview of his upcoming Frank Frazetta project, Fire and Ice, a Q&A, plus special guest appearances.

In addition, Rodriguez will also be unveiling The Art of Frank Frazetta featuring 15 masterwork original paintings including “Death Dealer,” “The Barbarian,” “At the Earth’s Core,” and even Frazetta’s original “From Dusk Til Dawn” painting he made for the 1996 film.  The artwork will be available for viewing all four days of the convention, Thursday, August 8 through Sunday, August 11.

Rodriguez will also appear at the event on Saturday, August 10, where he will meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photo ops.

The innovative filmmaker first gained attention with El Mariachi in 1993, then had his first major release with Desperado two years later, starring Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas. Rodriguez followed that up with the vampire film From Dusk to Dawn, with megastars George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino (with whom he has collaborated on several film projects).  He also showed versatility with the family film Spy Kids in 2001, then had success with Grindhouse (2007) and Machete (2010).

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con (Aug. 8-11) is the fifth in the 2013 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

The longest-running and highest-attended show on the Wizard World calendar, 2013 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con will also feature Man of Steel co-star Michael Shannon (“General Zod”), Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, and “American Horror Story”), Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee, “Torchwood” and Zero Dark Thirty headliner John Barrowman, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead” and Boondock Saints, among dozens of top celebrities, as well as an array of superstar comics creators.

Additionally, all full price attendees will receive a free copy of the Exclusive Variant Cover of The Walking Dead #1 comic, available only at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con.

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 Chicago Comic Con show hours are Thursday, Aug. 8, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 9, noon – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

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, 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 *****
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

Oni Press Expands Marketing Team!

Publisher Welcomes John Schork and Shy Allott to the Fold

Portland, OR (July 15, 2013) – Oni Press, Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of their marketing team with the appointments of John Schork and Shy Allott to the roles of Director of Publicity and Director of Sales, respectively.

Schork (left) and Allott (right).

Schork and Allott both have backgrounds in the comics industry with Schork having worked in Dark Horse Comics’ Editorial department before most recently serving as IDW Publishing’s Associate Manager of Marketing and PR. Allott comes to Oni Press having banked invaluable experience as Sales Manager for Dark Horse Comics and as Development and Events Manager for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
 
“These are two stone cold pros with a ton of experience between them, and a lot of energy and passion for the work ahead of them, and I believe they will help take our company to new heights over the coming months and years,” said Oni Press’ Editor in Chief James Lucas Jones.
 
“I’ve always been a fan of Oni Press as a publisher and I’m really looking forward to digging in and working with the staff and their stellar roster of creators to spread the good word about their great books!” said Schork.
 
“I'm thrilled to be joining the dynamic team at Oni Press,” said Allott. “Their commitment to high-caliber, creator-owned titles and innovative storytelling has crafted them into a publisher I'm incredibly proud to be a part of."
 
The second half of 2013 and beyond is looking like a very exciting time for Oni Press. With a slew of intriguing titles entering the market and in production, plus an expanded marketing department, Oni Press is setting about doing what they do best: putting great comics in front of the best fans on Earth!