NAMCO BANDAI GAMES' SHIFTYLOOK BRINGS WONDER MOMO BACK WITH NEW ANIME, GAME AND MUSIC

Transmedia revival of 1987 arcade classic to feature creators and artists from Japan and around the world

TOKYO, JAPAN – January 29, 2014 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc. (TYO: 7832), announced today the return of its classic arcade franchise WONDER MOMO with a new line of products, including a web-based Japanese anime series animated by Graphinica, a side-scrolling beat 'em up game developed by WayForward Technologies, and original JPOP music tracks produced by NAMCO BANDAI Games. Revival follows up an ongoing webcomic launched in 2012 on NAMCO BANDAI Games' ShiftyLook website created by UDON Entertainment and uses creators from Japan, Canada and around the world. For the latest information, visit WonderMomo.jp.

“Since Wonder Momo is such a rich part of Japanese gaming history, it only made sense to give it a proper revival,” said Rob Pereyda, NAMCO BANDAI Games' ShiftyLook Producer & Editor-in-Chief and the producer of the WONDER MOMO series. “With such an incredible lineup of talent and a fresh take on the genre, we look forward to fans across the world enjoying it.”

New Products:

(all starring Yuka Fujiwara as Momoko/Wonder Momo and Misaki Komatsu as Akiho/Amazona, together known as FUJIKOMATUNE)

Japanese Anime:

Produced By: NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

Animation Studio: Graphinica, Inc.

Director: Yutaka Kagawa

Original Story: Erik Ko & Jim Zub

Script: Ayumi Inabe

Score: Alex Culang

Video Game:

Produced By: NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

Game Development Studio: WayForward Technologies Inc.

Director: James Montagna

Original Story & Script: James Montagna and Erik Ko & Jim Zub

Score: Jake Kaufman

Additional Music: Alex Culang

Platform: PC and Android console

JPOP Music:

Produced By: NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

“Wonder Wars”

Performed by Yuka Fujiwara feat. Area 11

Music: Sparkles*

Lyrics: Ayumi Inabe

“Picogram”                                               

Performed by Yuka Fujiwara and Misaki Komatsu feat. Tommy Pedrini

Music: Tommy Pedrini

Lyrics: Ayumi Inabe

“ticktack365”

Performed by Yuka Fujiwara and Misaki Komatsu feat. Decktonic and Anthony Seeha

Music: Christian Montoya and Anthony Seeha

Lyrics: Ayumi Inabe

“IROHA”

Performed by Misaki Komatsu feat. Space Town Savior

Music: Patrick Trinh

Lyrics: Ayumi Inabe

“Colors”

Performed by Anju Inami feat. Tommy Pedrini

Music: Tommy Pedrini

Lyrics: Ayumi Inabe

Additional Products:

Hardcover graphic novel from UDON Entertainment: April 2014

Apparel by Mighty Fine available at WeLoveFine.com: Available Now

For additional updates and exclusive information, follow ShiftyLook on Twitter (@ShiftyLook), Facebook (fb.com/ShiftyLook) and YouTube (http://youtube.com/user/shiftylooknbgi).

# # #

About NAMCO BANDAI Games

NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., a part of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive contents – including all major video game consoles, amusement machines (arcade products) and network platforms such as mobile and online. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN®, Tekken®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA®, RIDGE RACER® and ACE COMBAT®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcogames.co.jp/english/.

About ShiftyLook

Part of the Namco label at NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., ShiftyLook is all about bringing arcade classics back to life with webcomics, cartoons, games and more! With some of the coolest creators in the business, ShiftyLook publishes webcomics for classic games like KATAMARI, GALAGA™ and DIG DUG™, and introduces retro Japanese titles like BRAVOMAN™, WONDER MOMO, VALKYRIE and KLONOA™ to fans both old and new. ShiftyLook's animated series include BRAVOMAN™ and MAPPY™. More information on ShiftyLook can be found at http://shiftylook.com.

Q&A Sessions With Matt Smith, Stan Lee, Evening Parties, Meet-And-Greets, Costume Contests Highlight Programming At Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

WWE® Diva AJ Lee®, Michael Rooker, Manu Bennett, Alan Tudyk, Dean Cain, Robert Englund Q&A's, Comics Creator Sessions, Film Festival, 'Kids Day' Among Full Three Days Of Panels And Events

NEW ORLEANS, January 29, 2014 – Question-and-answer sessions with top celebrities like Matt Smith, Stan Lee, WWE® Diva AJ Lee® and Manu Bennett, meet-and-greets, adult and kids costume contests, film festival and an array of comics and pop culture themed panels comprise the robust featured programming schedule at Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, Feb. 7-9 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Most programming is included as part of the standard event admission.

Some of the highlights of the schedule include:

• Interactive Q&A sessions with Smith (Sat., 6:15 p.m.), Stan Lee (Sat., 2 p.m..), AJ Lee (Fri., 6:45 p.m.), Bennett (Sat., 2 p.m.), Michael Rooker (Sun., 1:45 p.m.), Alan Tudyk (Sat., 1 p.m.), Dean Cain (Sat., 12:30 p.m.), Robert Englund (Sat., 3 p.m.), Wil Wheaton (Sun., 2:30 p.m.), Jason David Frank (Sat., 1:30 p.m.) and other celebrities
• Informative discussions with noted comics creators Chris Claremont (Sat., 1 p.m.), Mike Mignola (Sat., 11:30 a.m.), Marv Wolfman (Sun., 1:30 p.m.), Travis Langley, Eric Bailey, Sherri Craig and Danny Fingeroth (Fri., 4:30 p.m.),
• “30 Years of Termination” with Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn, (Sat., 4:30 p.m.) followed by a screening of Terminator (Sat., 5:15 p.m.)
• Evening parties on Friday (“All Nerd Rock-A-Thon,” 8 p.m.; “Wizard World Creator Pro Am,” 8 p.m.); Saturday (“Wizard World Official After Party,” 9 p.m.)
• Costume contests for adults (Saturday, 7:15 p.m.) and kids (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.)
• Wizard World Art Auction presented by Neal Adams featuring exclusive artwork created by top artists
• Wizard World Comic Con Film Festival, featuring selected shorts and music videos (Fri., Sat.)
• Mario Kart 64 Tournament (Fri., 7 p.m.)
• Sci-Fi Speed Dating (Fri., 4 p.m.; Sat., 1 p.m., 4 p.m..; Sun., 1 p.m.) two hour sessions
• Meet-and-greets with Lee (Fri., 3:15 p.m.) and Frank (Sat., 11 a.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m.), (paid events)
• Kids Day (Sunday), with an array of kids and family activities designed just for the younger set, highlighted by the Green Ranger Power Hour with Jason David Frank (2 p.m.)

Unless noted, programming events take place in the designated General Programming Rooms at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities, as noted.

A full list of Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con programming is below; further details on each at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-neworleans.html (subjects, guests, times and rooms subject to change):

Friday, February 7
3:15 – 4:00pm Stan Lee Meet And Greet – Paid Event (Room 235)
4:00 – 4:45pm The Ghost Of New Orleans (Room 242)
4:00 – 4:45pm Krewe Du Who Presents: From Trenzalore, With Love: Confessions Of A Doctor Who Monster (Room 244)
4:00 - 6:00pm Love In The Air @ New Orleans Comic Con – Speed Dating Style (Room 335)
4:30 – 5:15pm Getting Respect: Comics Go To College (Room 338)
5:00 – 5:45pm Costumes + Playing = Cosplay! So What Does That Actually Mean? (Room 244)
5:00 – 8:00pm Wizard World Film Festival (Room 242)
5:30 – 6:15pm Amazing Spider-Man: The Return Of Peter Parker With Humberto Ramos, Chris Claremont, Marv Wolfman And Danny Fingeroth (Room 338)
6:00 – 8:00pm Gremlins At 30 With Zach Galligan/Gremlins Screening (Room 244)
6:45 – 7:30pm WWE® Diva AJ Lee® (Room 338)
7:00pm - ??? Mario Kart 64 Tournament (Barcadia, 601 Tchoupitoulas St.)
8:00pm - ??? All-Nerd Rock-A-Thon: Chewbacchus’ Comic Con After Party - $10 Entry (Howlin Wolf, 907 S. Peters St.)
8:30 – 10:30pm Creator Pro Am: Drink & Draw (Ohm Lounge, 601 Tchoupitoulas St.)

Saturday, February 8
10:30 – 11:15am Creating The Next Star Trek Television Show (Room 344)
11:00 – 11:45am Jason David Frank Meet And Greet – Paid Event (Room 235)
11:00 – 11:45am 1939: The Year That Changed Everything (Batman Was Just The Beginning!) (Room 238)
11:00 – 11:45am Saving The Day: Ghostbusters Propping And Volunteering (Room 240)
11:00 – 11:45am The Art Of Animation Production With Animator/Director Tom Cook (Room 242)
11:00 – 11:45am Vampire Lore And Other Urban Myths And Legends w/Dr. Rebecca Housel (Room 244)
11:30 – 12:15pm Cogs, Gears And Lace – Steampunk Culture And Couture (Room 338)
11:30 – 12:15pm Spotlight On Mike Mignola (Room 344)
12:00 – 12:45pm Creative Approach To Inking (Room 238)
12:00 – 12:45pm Anime/Manga 101 (Room 240)
12:00 – 12:45pm Cosplay & Fanfilms (Room 242)
12:00 – 12:45pm Doctor Who Fan Panel (Room 244)
12:00 – 12:45pm A Backstage Pass To Laika Animation Studio (Oregon) (Room 338)
12:30 – 1:15pm One-On-One With The Man Of Steel: Dean Cain (Room 344)
1:00 – 1:45pm How To Design A Fight Scene With Pere Perez (Room 238)
1:00 – 1:45pm The Idea Iceberg (Room 240)
1:00 – 1:45pm Grimm Fairy Tales Animated (Room 242)
1:00 – 1:45pm One-On-One With Alan Tudyk(Room 244)
1:00 - 3:00pm Love In The Air @ New Orleans Comic Con – Speed Dating Style (Room 335)
1:00 – 1:45pm Spotlight On Chris Claremont(Room 338)
1:30 – 2:15pm One-On-One With Jason David Frank: Power Ranger (Oregon Ballroom 344)
2:00 – 2:45pm Civil Rights As Reflected In Comics (Room 238)
2:00 – 2:45pm Gaming Of Thrones (Room 240)
2:00 – 5:00pm The Wizard World Film Festival (Room 242)
2:00 – 2:45pm One-On-One With Stan Lee (Room 244)
2:00 – 2:45pm One-On-One With Manu Bennett (Room 338)
2:30 – 3:15pm One-On-One With Pam Grier (Room 344)
3:00 – 3:45pm Free Drawings For Total Strangers (A Webcomic) (Room 238)
3:00 – 3:45pm How To Sell Your Game Design (Room 240)
3:00 – 3:45pm: One-On-One With Robert Englund (Room 244)
3:00 – 3:45pm Batman At 75 (Room 338)
3:30 – 4:15pm One-On-One With An Agent Of S.H.I.E.L.D. – J. August Richards (Room 344)
4:00 – 4:45pm How To Write Comics With Chris Claremont, Marv Wolfman And Danny Fingeroth (Room 238)
4:00 – 4:45pm The History Of Star Wars And Lego (Room 240)
4:00 - 6:00pm Love In The Air @ New Orleans Comic Con – Speed Dating Style (Room 335)
4:00 – 4:45pm Farewell Raggedy Man (Room 338)
4:30 – 5:15pm 30 Years Of Termination With Linda Hamilton And Michael Biehn (Room 244)
4:30 – 5:15pm Super Power Beat Down (Room 344)
5:00 – 5:45pm Sex, Love And Superheroes (Room 238)
5:00 – 5:45pm Ins-And-Outs Of Mold Making And Casting (Room 240)
5:00 – 5:45pm No Budget Filmmaking (Room 242)
5:00 – 5:45pm Superstar Artists Roundtable With J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco, Paris Cullins And More! (Room 338)
5:15 – 7:15pm The Terminator Screening (Room 244)
5:30 – 6:15pm The End Of The World Is Only The Beginning (Room 344)
6:00 – 6:45pm Evidence Revealed (Room 240)
6:00 – 6:45pm Comic Geeks (Room 242)
6:15 – 7:00pm One-On-One With The Doctor: Matt Smith (New Orleans Theater)
7:00 – 7:45pm How To Roll Winning Numbers (Room 238)
7:15 – 9:30pm Wizard World Costume Contest (New Orleans Theater)
9:00pm – Close Wizard World Official After Party (The Metropolitan Night Club, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr.)

Sunday, February 9
11:30 – 12:15pm Jason David Frank Meet And Greet – Paid Event (Room 235)
11:30 – 12:15pm From Totter’s Lane To Trenzalore: 50 Years In The Tardis (Room 338)
11:30 – 12:15pm Battle For Multicultural Heroes (Room 344)
12:00 – 12:45pm Getting Graphic In Library (Room 238)
12:00am - 12:45pm Storytelling With Michael Golden (Room 242)
12:00 – 12:45pm One-On-One With Elvira (Room 244)
12:30 – 1:15pm Create A Comics Story With Chris Claremont
12:30 – 1:15pm One-On-One With John Ratzenberger (Room 344)
1:00 – 1:45pm U Cre-8 Comics Presents: Character Crafters (Room 238)
1:00 – 1:45pm Hound Kids Presents Border-Pups: Crashbat And Super Space Sheriff’s Book Reading (Room 242)
1:00 – 1:30pm How To Survive A Killer Tv Show With Jon Bernthal (Room 244)
1:00 - 3:00pm Love In The Air @ New Orleans Comic Con – Speed Dating Style (Room 335)
1:30 – 2:15pm Spotlight On Marv Wolfman (Room 338)
1:30 – 2:15pm Kids Backstage Pass To Laika Animation Studio (Oregon) (Room 344)
1:45 – 2:15pm Michael Rooker Vs The Audience (Room 244)
2:00 – 3:00pm The Green Power Ranger Power Hour (Room 235)
2:00 – 2:45pm Secrets Of The Evil Vector Queen (Room 238)
2:00 – 2:45pm One-On-One With C. Thomas Howell (Room 242)
2:30 – 3:15pm One-One-One With Wil Wheaton (Room 244)
2:30 – 3:15pm Supervillains And Psychology (Room 338)
2:30 – 3:15pm Wizard World Kids Costume Contest (Room 344)
3:00 – 3:45pm Making Comics With Kody Chamberlain (Room 238)
3:00 – 3:45pm Gaming Industry Insider Hearsay Tales (Room 242)
3:30 – 4:15pm Jedi Academy (Room 344)

Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first served basis. We do not clear panel rooms unless you are seated in a section that is marked with a sign at the end of the row reading: ROW WILL BE CLEARED AT THE END OF EACH PANEL

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 New Orleans Comic Con show hours are Friday, Feb. 7, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

New Orleans Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event.  Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed –  will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.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.

 

  

#WhatIsThisPlace

 

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 was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures 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. In June 2013, BOOM! Studios acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, and other many great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.

Eisner Hall of Famers Neal Adams, Mike Mignola, Marv Wolfman, Stan Lee Among Top Comics Creators At Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, February 7-9

Mike Zeck, Humberto Ramos, Carlos Pacheco, Eric Powell Also Among Most Decorated Artists, Writers At Pop Culture Festival At Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

NEW ORLEANS, January 28, 2014 – Eisner Award Hall of Famers Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Mike Mignola (“Hellboy,” “The Avengers”), Marv Wolfman (“DCU Online,” “The New Teen Titans”) and Stan Lee (“Spider-Man,” “X-Men”) headline a roster of nearly 150 comics creators scheduled to attend Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, February 7-9 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The all-star lineup also includes such notables as Mike Zeck (“Punisher,” “Secret Wars”), Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Impulse”), Carlos Pacheco (“Captain America,” “Superman”), Eric Powell (“The Goon,” “Buffy”), Chris Claremont (“Uncanny X-Men,” “Daredevil”) and many others.

In all, six Eisner Award winners and five other nominees will populate the show floor, for one of the most decorated Artist Alleys ever in New Orleans. Local favorites like Eisner winner Rob Guillory (“Chew”) and Kody Chamberlain (“Sweets,” “Punks”) will also be prominent at the fourth annual event.

Fans will also be excited to meet other special guest creators such as Bob Layton (“Iron Man,” “Valiant Comics”), Dustin Nguyen (“Batman Beyond Unlimited,” “American Vampire”) Pere Perez (“Birds of Prey,” “Action Comics”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Greg Horn (“Marvel: War of Heroes” iPhone app, “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Michael Golden (“Hulk,” “Batman”), Tyler Kirkham (“Action Comics,” “Superboy”), J.G. Jones (“Green Lantern Corps,” “Before Watchmen”), Robert “Corpsy” Rhine (“Girls and Corpses Magazine,” “My Brain Escapes Me”) and Joe Eisma (“Morning Glories,” “Existence 3.0”).

Celebrities attending New Orleans Comic Con include Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Jon Bernthal and Michael Rooker of “The Walking Dead,” Matt Smith (“Doctor Who”), Robert Englund (“Freddy Kruger” of A Nightmare on Elm Street) and John Ratzenberger (“Cheers,” Toy Story). It is the second of 16 events currently scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, cosplay, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con show hours are Friday, Feb. 7, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place all three days at the event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Sunday, Feb. 9, is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

New Orleans Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.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.

Wizard World 2014 Schedule
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con

Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême 2014:

ComiXology Takes Comics Further at the 41st Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême in France

ComiXology brand ambassadors to showcase French publishers on comiXology and hand out codes for free comics

January 28^th, 2014 – Angoulême, France / New York, NY. – Celebrating their second year of attendance at the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême, comiXology – the revolutionary digital comics platform and recently named #1 Top-Grossing iPad Book App in France for 2013 – returns with panel presentations and brand ambassadors giving away free books during the entire Festival!
“It’s great to return to the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême as we continue to expand our global presence with some great announcements this week and beyond,” said comiXology co-founder & CEO David Steinberger. “And for all of those people that will be with us at Angoulême: be sure to get your free BD!”
Here’s a list of events & giveaways comiXology will have during the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême ‘14:
Thursday, January 30

PANEL – 4:00 – 5:00pm – A New Way To Think & Create Digital Comics With ComiXology, @ Pavillion Jeunes Talents
Speakers: David Steinberger (comiXology co-founder & CEO), Geoffo & Mast (Creators – Marvel, Thrillbent), Emily & Simon (Creators – MediaEntity, Éditions Delcourt)

Saturday, February 1

PANEL – 5:00pm – All Forms of Digital Comics With ComiXology @ Pavillion Jeunes Talents
Speakers: David Steinberger (comiXology co-founder & CEO), Jean-Luc Sala (Creator – Soleil Productions), Thomas Cadène (Creator – Delcourt, Dupuis, Casterman), Geoffo & Mast (Creators – Marvel, Thrillbent), Marion Amirganian (Publisher – Delcourt).

Here is a list of the free digital comics that will be handed out at the publishers’ booth:

• Les Légendaires tome 1 from Delcourt
• Okko tome 1 from Delcourt
• Les Naufragés d’Ythaq tome 1 from Soleil
• Les P’tits Diables tome 1 from Soleil
• Secrets Bancaires USA tome 1 from Glénat
• Special Branch tome 1 from Glénat
• Freaks’ Squeele : Rouge tome 1 from Ankama
• City Hall tome 1 from Ankama
• Kairos tome 1 from Ankama

ComiXology capped off 2013 by charting as iTunes’ #1 Top Grossing non-game iPad App for 2013 in the U.S., and the Top-Grossing iPad Book App for 2013 in France, Belgium, Germany, Spain and the UK!
At last year's Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême, comiXology first announced it’s intention to enter the French market by announcing the opening of Paris-based comiXology Europe, the company’s first overseas subsidiary, which is spearheading international language content acquisition across Europe. French language navigation, a precursor to full French localization, was added to comiXology’s iOS apps in June of 2013. The Franco-Belgian market is home to a ravenous base of comic book fans, which account for a $700 million annual market – roughly on par with the U.S. market.
This year marks comiXology’s second attending the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême. Now in its 41st year, the festival is considered the premier comics show in Europe with over 200,000 attendees every year and playing host to creators, cartoonists, publishers, and fans from around the world.
With over 45,000 comics and graphic novels from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers the widest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and unique Guided View reading experience is available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8, and www.comixology.com – making it the best digital platform for comic and graphic novel fans worldwide.
About comiXology
ComiXology has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View™ reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become one of iTunes top grossing iPad apps in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from the top 75 publishers, and including independent creators as well, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan. A privately held company, comiXology is based in New York City, with offices in Los Angeles and Paris. For more information, visit www.comixology.com.

GOKU RETURNS TO NORTH AMERICA AS

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES DRAGON BALL FULL COLOR MANGA EDITION

Experience Akira Toriyama’s Bestselling Martial Arts Action Adventure In Vivid Color

San Francisco, CA, January 27, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings Akira Toriyama’s classic manga (graphic novel) series DRAGON BALL back to fans in an entirely new way with the release of DRAGON BALL FULL COLOR Volume 1 on February 4^th.

The new edition from the Shonen Jump imprint features a special full-color treatment of the first DRAGON BALL Z manga volume in a larger 6 5/8" x 10 ¼” size. The volume is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN / £12.99 U.K. Future volumes will be published three times a year.

DRAGON BALL FULL COLOR Vol. 1 also will be available for digital download for $12.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

In the series, Son Goku is the greatest hero on Earth. Five years after defeating the demon king Piccolo, he’s grown up and has a family. But what is the real reason for Goku’s incredible strength? A visitor from outer space arrives bearing terrible news – Goku is an alien, and the visitor, Raditz, is Goku’s brother! When Raditz turns out to be a ruthless killer, Goku must fight his incredibly strong brother to save his family and the entire human race. A surprising alliance may be Earth’s last hope: Goku will team up with his old enemy Piccolo to save the world!

“Akira Toriyama’s bestselling manga series has thrilled generations of readers, and this new release lets fans revisit his groundbreaking martial arts action adventure in vivid full color,” says Mike Montesa, Editor. “Goku has become a skilled fighter, but new foes threaten his family and the Earth, and he must form new alliances in order to win the day. Fans current and new won’t want to miss the gorgeous new release of this classic series!”

Renowned worldwide for his playful, innovative storytelling and humorous, distinctive art style, Akira Toriyama burst onto the manga scene in 1980 with the wildly popular DR. SLUMP. His hit series Dragon Ball (published in the U.S. as DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z; both published by VIZ Media) ran from 1984 to 1995 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. He is also known for his influential design work on video games such as Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, Tobal No. 1, and Blue Dragon. His other manga works include COWA! (also published by VIZ Media), Kajika, Sand Land, Neko Majin, a children's book Toccio the Angel, and his newest series, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman.

For more information on DRAGON BALL, or other Akira Toriyama manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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DRAGON BALL © 1984 by BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA Inc.

Nexus Game Fair Set for Milwaukee Debut

Nexus Game Fair Returns Summer Gaming Conventions to Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, WI – After a 12 year hiatus, a summer gaming convention returns to the city of Milwaukee with the inaugural show of Nexus Game Fair which is set for June 19-22, 2014. With hundreds of individual even

“Gamers are interested in affordable, centrally located destinations,” says show founder Chris Hoffner, “and Milwaukee has both great history and nostalgia for game conventions, having hosted both the Gen Con and Origins Game Fairs.  Milwaukee is also a great travel destination, with an international airport, professional sports teams and internationally known breweries.”
Events Manager, Harold Johnson, is the former director of Gen Con who led that show to grow to over 20,000 attendees during the 1990s.  “We’re very excited about our inaugural year,” says Johnson, “and we’re confident in our ability to run a well organized, event focused show.  We’ve already committed to 3 years worth of show dates and look forward to extending our stay in Milwaukee indefinitely.”

Nexus Game Fair has already signed a number of industry special guests, including Jolly Blackburn (Knights of the Dinner Table), Mike Carr (Dawn Patrol), Chris Clark (Inner City Games Designs), Bob Coggins (Napoleon’s Battles), Dave “Zeb” Cook (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition), Jeff Easley (Staff Artist, TSR, Inc.), Todd Fisher (Revolution & Empire), Matt Forbeck (Deadlands), Ernie Gygax (Gygax Magazine), Tim Kask (Dragon Magazine), Dave Kenzer (Hackmaster), James Lowder (Author, Prince of Lies), Frank Mentzer (Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set), Merle Rasmussen (Top Secret), Jim Ward (Gamma World), Skip Williams (Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition) and more.

“We’re not just providing our attendees with the chance to personally meet these prestigious industry notables,” says Johnson, “but also to game with them.  Nexus Game Fair is committed to offering a variety of high quality events to our attendees.  We’ve partnered with demo and organized play teams from several industry leading companies, including Paizo’s Pathfinder Society and Catalyst Game Studios' Shadowrun Missions, in order to bring a phenomenal array of events to our show.”

For more information, please visit http://www.nexusgamefair.com

Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nexusgamefair

Follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nexusgamefair

DARK HORSE DONATES DIGITAL COMIC COLLECTION TO CHILDREN’S CANCER ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 24, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse Comics is turning pages for the Children’s Cancer Association with its digital comics. The entire Dark Horse Digital collection, which features over three thousand comics, will be made available for CCA’s program.  

The Children’s Cancer Association partners with six Portland-area health care providers, including Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and others, to offer programs and services free of charge to seriously ill children, teens, and their families. CCA’s programs and resources can now also be found in thirty-three pediatric hospitals across the nation.

Dark Horse Comics is also donating four Apple iPads to the charity for CCA’s use. These iPads will be loaded with Dark Horse content and will feature an age gate for kids twelve and under.

Dark Horse Digital offers its most popular titles at an unprecedented value, while providing the highest-quality reading experience possible. Through cloud-based technology, comics can be read and enjoyed on a laptop, desktop, mobile browser, and the Dark Horse Bookshelf app, available now on Google Play and iTunes.

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, such as 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, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, 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.

About Children’s Cancer Association

The Children’s Cancer Association didn’t start with a foundation, it started with a family. One who faced its own battle with serious pediatric illness almost two decades ago in Portland, OR. From that experience came a passionate commitment and focus: To deliver the resources, the friendship, and the healing power of music to families facing the same challenges.

Unlike many organizations dedicated to the worthy goal of someday finding a cure for cancer, CCA is all about today. We specialize on the moment, delivering immediate help to kids and teens facing life-threatening illness. When seriously ill children and their families need more than medicine, CCA's innovative programs create joy one moment at a time.

Learn more about CCA at JoyRx.org and MyMusicRx.org.

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UNDERTOW WILL PULL YOU IN

The new Atlantis pulp monster series’ variant covers you cannot miss

 

Image Comics is pleased to announce that the first issue of UNDERTOW by Steve Orlando and Artyom Trakhanov will feature a variant cover by Simon Roy (PROPHET) that will make the new pulp series a must-have for readers’ pull lists. The second issue of the series will also feature a variant cover with art by Aaron Conley.   Dive into the world of UNDERTOW, where Atlantis is a world superpower. Atlanteans Anshargal and his hostage-protege Ukinnu Alal hunt the Amphibian, a legendary creature that may be the key to an air-breathing life on land. In UNDERTOW #1, writer Orlando (MYSTERY IN SPACE) and artist Trakhanov bring pulp monster adventure to comics and debut a new take on Atlantis.   For more info on what UNDERTOW is and where the idea came from, check out this interview with Steve Orlando on the official Image Comics website, imagecomics.com.   Join Anshargal on his aquatic adventure in UNDERTOW #1, which will be available in stores on 2/19 for $2.99. Pre-orders can be placed using Diamond Code DEC130486, variant Cover B can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code OCT138321.   UNDERTOW #2 will be available on 3/19 for $2.99 and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code JAN140621. The variant cover for the second issue will feature art by Aaron Conley and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code DEC138395.

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.