2015 J-POP SUMMIT TO PRESENT A NEW EDITION OF 1000 TREASURE HUNTERS BY SCRAP

Ingenious Outdoor Scavenger Hunt/Puzzle Game Returns For The

Bay Area’s Biggest Japanese Pop Culture Celebration With A New Edition

San Francisco, CA, May 26, 2015 – The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, is proud to partner once again with SCRAP Entertainment to present – 1000 Treasure Hunters 2015 – a brand new incarnation of the popular outdoor mass puzzle solving attraction that will make its North American debut at the Festival. SCRAP is the Kyoto-based creative company that also developed the Real Escape Game which has become an international phenomenon.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT take places Saturday and Sunday August 8^th & 9^th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. This year, the Festival begins with an Opening Night Premiere Screening event on Friday August 7^th at The Castro Theatre, presented in partnership with the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. Tickets and V.I.P Passes to the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available now at: www.J-POP.com.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture, fashion, pop art, live music, technology and travel that will be complemented by celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cosplay and pop idol contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other programming.

The 1000 Treasure Hunters first debuted at the 2013 J-POP SUMMIT and quickly became festival favorite. Advanced tickets to 1000 Treasure Hunters 2015 go on sale on Tuesday, June 9^th through Friday, August 7^th for $30.00 each at: http://realescapegame.com/1000TH2015/; Day-of tickets purchased at J-POP SUMMIT will be $35.00 each. Each ticket also includes admission to 2015 J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason (limited to the day of participation in the game).

Legions of players of all ages are invited to take part in a unique interactive puzzle hunt and search for dozens of clues and puzzles ingeniously hidden throughout the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion grounds. Players begin at check-in with the J-POP SUMMIT Registration Reception Team, located at the entrance of the Festival, any time between 11:00am and 5:00pm during each day of the Festival. Players must bring a valid photo ID and their printed ticket with barcode or downloaded to a smartphone to pick up game materials.

Players will receive a “kit” containing clues, hints, and a detailed map of the Fort Mason Pavilion that will become the “game area.” This treasure hunt is not a “race to victory game.’ There is no time limit. No special skills are needed, just astute cognition skills and a keen sense of logic. Players should keep their eyes peeled because clues can be anywhere, in plain sight or hidden, both outdoors across the entire J-POP Summit Festival grounds. Players may work individually or in teams. As each clue is solved, players/teams will move on to the next location where the ongoing mystery leads. Game play runs between 2-4 hours depending on players/teams. A solution debriefing session and lottery to recognize the grand winner will be held on Sunday, August 9^th as the last event of daytime program on the J-POP SUMMIT Fort Mason Stage.

“The Real Escape Game and 1000 Treasure Hunters both made their U.S. debuts at J-POP SUMMIT and at the NEW PEOPLE venue in Japantown, which continues to host the Real Escape Game attraction,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of J-POP SUMMIT and Founder of NEW PEOPLE. “These games have thrilled, stumped and captivated thousands of players and drawn wide acclaim for their ingenuity. We look forward to new as well as veteran fans of 1000 Treasure Hunters joining us at J-POP SUMMIT for the fun of the latest edition.”

About SCRAP

Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, SCRAP has been creating immersive and adventurous puzzle events. In 2007, it invented the world’s first live action game called, REAL ESCAPE GAME (REG) in Japan. REGs have been held in Japan and other Asian countries in unique places such as schools, abandoned hospitals, amusement parks, stadiums, and churches, and the events have drawn widespread attention and positive reviews.

The first Real Escape Game in the U.S took place in San Francisco in 2012 at NEW PEOPLE. Another San Francisco game took place on board a ship, a world-first. Despite being highly challenging, with only a 2% success rate, tickets have continuously sold out. In Japan, a series of TV dramas, Real Escape Game TV, and movies have also been developed. SCRAP is now pioneering a new genre of Real World Adventure. SCRAP Entertainment Inc. is the US branch of SCRAP Co Japan. Real Escape Game by SCRAP™ is the registered trademark of SCRAP.

About J-POP SUMMIT

The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. In 2014, the two-day event attracted 125,000 attendees. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.

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1000 Treasure Hunters players at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT.

Top Shelf Announces Graphic Novel Of  Hunter S. Thompson’s FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS  Adapted By Troy Little “What were we doing out here...? What was the meaning of this trip? Did I actually have a big red convertible out there on the street? Was I just roaming around these Mint Hotel escalators in a drug frenzy of some kind, or had I really come out here to Las Vegas to work on a story?” — Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Marietta, GA (May 27, 2015) – Legendary journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s genius was rooted in his ability to blend reality with fiction, serious cultural analysis with madcap escapades, astonishing words with unforgettable images. In that spirit, and in proud partnership with the Thompson estate, Top Shelf Productions is pleased to announce Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a delightfully bonkers graphic novel by Eisner-nominated artist Troy Little adapting Thompson’s book of the same name. "I'm so pleased that one of the first collaborative projects to come out of the Top Shelf / IDW relationship will be Troy Little's inspired take on a true classic of American literature," said Top Shelf Editor-In-Chief Chris Staros. "One of the most unforgettable writers turned loose in one of my favorite cities! We can't wait to show you what Troy's done with it." The much-beloved Fear and Loathing, subtitled “A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream,” follows Thompson analogue Raoul Duke on the mother of all Vegas benders, as he and his attorney Dr. Gonzo cover a motorcycle race, crash a drug-enforcement convention, and rack up obscenely large room-service bills, all while dosed to the gills on a truly spectacular assortment of mind-altering substances. Troy Little’s faithful adaptation, scheduled for October 2015, will capture the full gonzo experience in a glorious full color graphic novel. Little is previously known for the Xeric-award-winning graphic novel Chiaroscuro and for his Eisner-nominated series Angora Napkin, both from IDW Publishing. Now, his irrepressibly energetic cartooning brings a new level of manic energy to Thompson’s rocket-fueled narrative. “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas comes to a store near you this fall! Title: Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (The Graphic Novel) Author/Artist: Troy Little Publisher: Top Shelf Productions, an imprint of IDW Publishing Distributor: Diamond Book Distributors Release Date: October 2015

About Top Shelf Productions Top Shelf Productions, based in Marietta, Georgia, has published critically acclaimed and popularly beloved graphic novels since 1997. Now an imprint of IDW Publishing, Top Shelf continues to showcase the vanguard of the comics medium, publishing works of literary sophistication, visionary artistry, and personal resonance. About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books and graphic novels, renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles. Based in San Diego, California, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the comics industry, and operates such acclaimed imprints as the Library of American Comics, Yoe! Books, IDW Artist’s Editions, and Top Shelf Productions.

 

Billy Dee Williams, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, WWE® Superstar Stardust™, Diva Paige™ Among Top Celebrities Scheduled To Attend Wizard World Comic Con Richmond, July 31-August 2

Michael Cudlitz, Kristin Bauer, Drea de Matteo, Henry Winkler, Taryn Manning, Joey Lauren Adams Also Headline Guest Roster; Talented Comics Creators, Variety of Exhibitors, Cosplayers, Robust Programming At Greater Richmond Convention Center

RICHMOND, Va., May 27, 2015 – Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) continues its 2015 schedule with its second visit to the Greater Richmond Convention Center at Wizard World Comic Con Richmond, July 31-August 2, 2015. Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back , Brian’s Song), Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings, Master and Commander; The Far Side of the World), Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings, The Goonies ), WWE® Superstar Stardust™ and Diva Paige™, Michael Cudlitz (“The Walking Dead,” “Southland”), Kristin Bauer (“True Blood,” “Once Upon a Time”), Drea de Matteo (“Sons of Anarchy,” “The Sopranos”) and Henry Winkler (“Happy Days,” The Waterboy ) headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza.

Williams, Boyd, Astin, Cudlitz, Bauer and de Matteo will appear Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2; Stardust and Paige are scheduled for Saturday; Winker will attend all three days of the event.

Other well-known Wizard World Comic Con Richmond guests include Taryn Manning (“Orange is the New Black,” “Sons of Anarchy”), Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy, Big Daddy), John Schneider (“Smallville,” “The Dukes of Hazzard”), Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Eddie McClintock (“Warehouse 13,” “Bones”), J. August Richards (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” “Angel”), Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”), Doug Jones (Fantastic Four, Hellboy) and Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes,” “Gotham”).

Wizard World is also the home of the most creative comics artists and writers on the planet. Artist Alley at Wizard World Comic Con Richmond will feature Mike Grell (“Green Arrow,” “Action Comics”), Billy Martin (“TMNT New Animated Adventures,” lead guitarist/keyboardist, Good Charlotte), Mike Zeck (“Spider-Man,” “Punisher”), Michael Golden (“Spider-Man,” “Daredevil”), Ken Kelly (“He-Man,” “Micronauts”), James O’Barr (creator, “The Crow”), Renee Witterstaetter (“She Hulk,” “Avengers”), Clinton Hobart (Disney fine artist), Marv Wolfman (“DCU Online,” “Crisis on Infinite Earths”), Danny Fingeroth (group editor, “Spider-Man” franchise) and many others.

In addition, all full-price Wizard World Comic Con Richmond attendees will receive a limited edition exclusive variant cover “The Walking Dead” comic, drawn by one of Wizard World's talented artist guests (to be announced shortly). Comics will be issued at registration while supplies last and VIP attendees will receive an additional black & white sketch version.

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, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 14th of 26 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World calendar, Richmond show hours are Friday, July 31, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, August 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, August 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wizard World Comic Con Richmond 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 and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night.

For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Richmond, visit www.wizardworld.com/home-richmond.html .

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (http://www.wizardworld.com) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2015 Wizard World Comic Con schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html .

 

Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines Attendees to Receive 'The Walking Dead #1' Limited Edition Exclusive Variant Cover By Phil Hester, June 12-14

‘The Wretch,’ ‘The Coffin’ Creator, Iowa Native Has Drawn 11th Cover In 2015 Series Available At Iowa Events Center For Full-Price Attendees; VIP Fans Get Additional B&W Sketch Cover At Registration

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 26, 2015 -- Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and Skybound, Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, today announced that The Wretch and The Coffin creator and Iowa native Phil Hester has drawn the 11th in a yearlong series of Limited Edition Exclusive Variant Covers of The Walking Dead #1 comic, to be provided free to all full-price attendees at Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines, June 12-14. Skybound’s The Walking Dead created by Kirkman, the groundbreaking, Eisner Award winning comic book series, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The exclusive The Walking Dead #1 edition will be produced in extremely limited quantities and is available at registration to fans at the Iowa Events Center only while supplies last. VIP attendees will receive an additional black & white sketch version of the comic.

Hester has been making comics for over two decades, beginning while a student at the University of Iowa. He spent many years on the indie comics scene, culminating in his Eisner Award-nominated series The Wretch . Phil broke into the mainstream with a long run as penciler on DC’s Swamp Thing. He also drew Kevin Smith’s revival of Green Arrow with long time inker Ande Parks. He created The Coffin with artist Mike Huddleston, and Firebreather with artist Andy Kuhn, now a television feature for Cartoon Network. Phil lives in rural Iowa with his wife and two children.

Phil’s more recent work includes writing Kirkman’s Invincible Universe, IDW’s THUNDER Agents, and Dynamite’s The Shadow , as well as drawing DC’s Batman Beyond and The Flash TV comic. He has also written Mythic for Image comics.

The artists for future books will be announced as they are selected. A similar series in 2013 featuring exclusives of The Walking Dead #1 proved to be wildly popular with fans. The full schedule of 2015-16 Wizard World shows is available at http://www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html.

The Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines celebrity roster includes “The Walking Dead” star Michael Cudlitz (“Sgt. Abraham Ford), as well as William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “T.J. Hooker”), Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Brian’s Song ), Cassandra Peterson ("Elvira, Mistress of the Dark"), Jewel Staite ("Firefly," “Stargate: Atlantis”), Alex Kingston ("Doctor Who," "Arrow"), WWE® Superstar Seth Rollins™ and Diva Paige™ and many others.

In addition to Hester, Artist Alley in Des Moines will feature Neal Adams (“Batman,” “Green Lantern”), Mike Zeck (“Spider-Man,” “Punisher”), Michael Golden (“Spider-Man,” “Daredevil”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), James O’Barr (creator, “The Crow”), Renee Witterstaetter (“She Hulk,” “Avengers”), Dean Haspiel (“Bored to Death,” “Billy Dogma”), Kenneth Rocafort (“Superman,” “Action Comics”) and more.

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, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The 12th of 26 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World calendar, Des Moines show hours are Friday, June 12, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-desmoines.html .

About Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman is the creator of many popular comic books, including the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur , and the new exorcism comic, Outcast which was released in June 2014 and recently received a pilot pickup for CINEMAX with Fox International.

Since entering the comics scene with his self-published cult-hit Battle Pope in 2000, the Kentucky native has risen to fame as one of the most successful names in comics and entertainment. In 2008, Kirkman became a partner at Image Comics, and in 2010, he opened Skybound, his own imprint at Image, which publishes his titles as well as other original work.

That same year, Kirkman continued to expand his presence in the entertainment industry, becoming a creator, executive producer and writer on The Walking Dead television show.

The show is in production on its fifth season and has become the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time. To date The Walking Dead is the #1 on television among the coveted 18-49 demo.

Kirkman is also slated to executive produce AMC’s upcoming The Walking Dead companion series.

Under the Skybound Entertainment umbrella Kirkman wrapped production on his first feature film, Air, starring The Walking Dead ’s Norman Reedus and Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.

About Skybound Entertainment

Since opening its doors in 2010, Skybound Entertainment has grown into a multiplatform entertainment company. Skybound CEO Robert Kirkman is creator of the award-winning The Walking Dead comic book series, the inspiration for the hit TV show of the same name where he serves as creator and executive producer. To date The Walking Dead is the #1 on television among the coveted 18-49 demo.

Skybound Entertainment and Kirkman just wrapped production on their first feature film, Air, starring The Walking Dead ’s Norman Reedus and Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou. The film is slated to be released in the spring of 2015.

Skybound released Kirkman’s new exorcism comic, Outcast , in June 2014 which recently got the green light for a television pilot with CINEMAX and Fox International. Kirkman will serve as creator and executive producer of the series.

Skybound Entertainment and digital entertainment company Maker Studios recently announced a deal for the studio to produce and air four digital series based off Skybound IPs.

Comic book titles published by Skybound include The Walking Dead, the superhero-comic Invincible, all-ages comic Super Dinosaur, the revenge drama Dead Body Road, and heist comic Thief of Thieves .

Skybound also creates a wide range of merchandise, including video games, apparel, board games, and action figures.

For more information, please visit Skybound online at www.skybound.com and www.thewalkingdead.com .

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (http://www.wizardworld.com ) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2015 Wizard World Comic Con schedule is available at: www.wizardworld.com/wizcon.html .