Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader?Neil Gaiman's swan song for the Dark Knight follows on the heels of Grant Morrison's "Batman R.I.P." and is both a good self-contained tale as well as a continuity fill in the blank.
The story opens with some of Batman's most familiar villains and allies arriving at the Dew Drop Inn in Crime Alley to attend his funeral as the voices of Batman and a mystery woman comment on all they see. The room quickly fills and a young Dick Grayson asks if anyone has a memory to share. An older Selina Kyle tells a decades spanning tale of her first encounter, subsequent romance and ultimately part in the hero's death. Alfred's story tells of Bruce Wayne beginning his crime fighting career but being met with nothing but failure, giving Alfred the idea of enlisting his former acting troop to pose as criminal master minds with the butler morphing himself into the World's Greatest Detective's archenemy. Wayne's discovery of the truth leads him to confront a fatal threat as one of Alfred's posers finally crosses the line.
Batman continues his observations as his numerous demises are recounted by heroes and villains alike such as Robin, Clayface, Ra's Al Ghul, Superman and even the Joker. As Superman ends his eulogy, Batman notices a door and is encouraged by the woman to enter. With his entry, The Dark Knight not only discovers the woman's identity but his own role in this infinite funeral.
This hardcover, collecting Batman #686 & Detective Comics # 853, allows Gaiman's writing to flow beautifully as he weaves a multilayer story that can be appreciated by one time readers and continuity buffs alike. As much as Gaiman's writing pays homage to the stories of yesteryear, Andy Kubert is to be commended for his adaptations of classic Batman artists like Dick Sprang, Brian Bolland and even Batman's creator himself Bob Kane. I personally hadn't seen an artist do this good a job since Jon Bogdanove's Zero Hour issue in Superman: Man of Steel #37. My only complaint would be the second part of this arc was more splash art then written word but Kubert's panels are only given that much more opportunity to be appreciated.
9/10
Rudy T.
Staff Reviewer
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The Doctor is definitely in..You cannot know how overjoyed I was to hear the news of an ongoing Doctor Who series being published monthly by IDW Publishing, in conjunction with the BBC. Fellow Whovian’s on this side of the pond have been asking for this for ages now, and just like the good Doctor himself, this new ongoing series arrives just at the right moment to fill the void left after the departure of the Tenth Doctor, and the actor playing him, David Tennant.
I must admit Doctor Who #1 sets a pretty high standard for the rest of the series to follow. As you read the current issue, you get drawn into this adventure. You can feel the doctor’s presence. It has all the charm and wit of a tenth doctor adventure, without sacrificing anything. In essence, this is what the fans needed, and what they truly deserved, for their loyal dedication and following of the saga of the last of the Time Lords.
Now, the premise behind this issues ties directly into the Doctor Who TV series finale “The Stolen Earth”. It was during this adventure where the Doctor saved his companion at that time, Donna Nobel, from the devastating effects of the “biological metacrisis”, which turned her into the Doctor-Donna hybrid. Unable to live with the mind of a Time Lord, the Doctor had to wipe Donna’s memories to protect her from the effects of the metacrisis. But before doing so, she had one last request. And this adventure is the result of that final request, which the Doctor partakes in honour of Donna, which I find very fitting for a first issue.
But don’t be alarmed if you’re a newcomer to the Doctor Who Universe. Even though this story is loosely based on that past episode, someone who has never seen the series can easily get wrapped up in this amazing adventure. It’s that good. And it will make you want to see that episode, and perhaps the entire run of the Tenth Doctor. Because such is the fate of any Whovian: the end result makes you want to follow the Doctor anywhere. I should know.
9/10
Goes on sale July 15th
Eddie R
Review Co-Editor
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Harry Potter Half-Blood Prince Action Figures Series 1 Set
After years of waiting, muggles are lining up for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, opening in theaters this week. How will Harry cope with the trials of year six? I guess we'll just have to wait and see! It's not like there's a book out there with the story in it, or anything.
Speaking of surprises, the Harry Potter Half-Blood Prince Action Figures Series 1 Set from NECA looks fantastic. Not only do you get particularly irate-looking figures of Harry and Draco, but the Ginny figure is pretty swell and Mad-Eye Moody looks excellent. Be sure to pick these up!
Harry Potter Half-Blood Prince Action Figures Series 1 Set
Description:
* Hogwarts is no longer safe!
* Set of four action figures from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
* These magical figures will cast a spell on your entire collection!
Lord Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the muggle and wizarding worlds, and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry Potter suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing the young wizard for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Join the excitement with these magical, 7-inch tall action figures from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They will cast a spell on your entire collection!
This Series 1 set of 4 action figures includes (subject to change):
1x Draco Malfoy
1x Harry Potter
1x Ginny Weasley
1x Mad-Eye Moody
Will Harry triumph yet again? The answer lies with you!
Harry Potter Opens This Week
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Leading graphic novel properties to get wider distribution including Disney PIXAR and The Muppets
HarperCollinsCanada and BOOM! Studios announced an agreement today that will see BOOM!’s original and licensed graphic novels distributed through HarperCollins to book retailers across Canada. Shipments from the HarperCollinsCanada warehouse will begin in July.
Founded in 2005, BOOM! Studios publishes both periodical comic books and graphic novels. Within four months of publishing its first comic book, BOOM! Studios was named Best New Publisher by Wizard Magazine. In 2007, industry legend Mark Waid, writer of one of the best-selling graphic novels of all time, Kingdom Come, came aboard as Editor-in-Chief. This fall will see BOOM! Kids — publishing well known licensed Disney properties as The World Of Cars, Toy Story, The Incredibles and The Muppet Show — release a series of graphic novels for kids to the mass market. BOOM! continues to grow and explode, finding a wider and wider audience.
"We are extremely excited about this alliance with HarperCollinsCanada," BOOM! Studios CEO Ross Richie said, "The team at the company is an exciting, powerful group that will take BOOM! to the next level, building on our Direct Market and newsstand presence and allowing us to focus on the Canadian market in a smart, targeted way with some of the biggest and best brands in the world, such as our Pixar and Muppets comic books, as well as Farscape, Philip K. Dick's science fiction classic Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and upcoming blockbusters like Die Hard."
“BOOM! has gathered some of the world’s most cherished characters and storylines under their imprint,” said Leo MacDonald, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at HarperCollinsCanada. “We are excited to be able to bring such high-quality product to a wider Canadian marketplace.”
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Blast off to your local comic book store and pick up Ender’s Game: Battle School Premier Hardcover and Ender’s Shadow: Battle School Premier Hardcover, on-sale tomorrow!
You can’t miss the acclaimed graphic fiction adaptation of the New York Times best-selling series by Orson Scott Card! Follow the sci-fi saga of Ender Wiggin as he prepares for the most challenging game of his life in Ender’s Game: Battle School. Can Ender stop the oncoming war? More action awaits readers as the mysterious orphan Bean ventures through the Battle School in Ender’s Shadow: Battle School. Will Bean prove his worth and save mankind? Now’s your chance to take part in the epic adventure Daniel Crown of IGN.com calls “one of the most impressive undertakings I’ve ever seen.”
With the world in danger, do Ender and Bean have what it takes to survive Battle School and save Earth from eminent destruction? Find out by purchasing a copy of Ender’s Game: Battle School Premiere Hardcover and Ender’s Shadow: Battle School Premiere Hardcover on sale tomorrow!
Want to read Ender’s Game: Battle School #1 and Ender’s Shadow: Battle School #1? You can check them out for free, courtesy of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, at Marvel.Com’s Ender’s Game Landing Page (www.marvel.com/endersgame)!
For more on Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow, please visit www.hatrack.com
ENDER'S GAME: BATTLE SCHOOL PREMIERE HC (MAY090574)
Creative Director ORSON SCOTT CARD
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST
Penciled by PASQUAL FERRY
Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
Parental Advisory …$24.99
ON SALE 7/15/09!
© 2009 Orson Scott Card. All rights reserved.
ENDER'S SHADOW: BATTLE SCHOOL PREMIERE HC (MAY090573)
Creative Director ORSON SCOTT CARD
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by SEBASTIAN FIUMARA
Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
Parental Advisory …$24.99
ON SALE 7/15/09!
© 2009 Orson Scott Card. All rights reserved.
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After the stunning events of Amazing Spider-Man #600, Spider-Man’s life is more unpredictable than ever—and it’s about to get even more tangled in the all new ongoing Web of Spider-Man, launching this October!
That’s right, it’s the first new Spider-Man monthly series in two years and it kicks off with a bang, as one of Spider-Man greatest—and most controversial—foes returns! Each extra-sized issue of Web of Spider-Man features your favorite Spider-Man writers and artists presenting can’t-miss Spidey stories!
“With the ‘Gauntlet’ storyline starting up and many classic adversaries of Spider-man coming back to the book, we wanted to find a place to tell you more about them without it eating up too many pages of the thrice-weekly Amazing Spider-Man,” explained series editor Steve Wacker. “So while were tossing ideas around on where to best put that stuff, beleaguered assistant Tom Brennan came up with the notion to bring back the “Web” title as a way to give a home to stories to people caught up in Pete’s life. Starting with the first issue’s Kaine story by JM DeMatteis and then continuing onto stories about Electro, the Rhino, the Lizard and many more by Web-Head Fred van Lente and regular Spidey artist Barry Kitson, the stories here directly impact what we’re doing in Amazing Spider-Man!”
Plus, don’t miss the continuing adventures of Spider-Girl in this all-new ongoing series! Every month, Web of Spider-Man is your place to get the new adventures of Mayday Parker as brought to you by the incomparable team of Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz! What’s next for the Spectacular Spider-Girl? Fans, new and old alike, will be thrilled by the answers!
Spider-Man’s got everyone’s spider-senses tingling with the thrice monthly Amazing Spider-Man, but now you can get even more Spider-action in Web of Spider-Man #1, arriving in stores this October!
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #1
Written by J.M. DEMATTEIS, TOM DEFALCO & MORE!
Penciled by VAL SEMEIKS, RON FRENZ & MORE!
Cover by PASCUAL FERRY
Zombie Variant by MIRCO PIERFEDERICI
Rated A…$3.99
ON SALE IN OCTOBER!
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Hybrid Tees and Random House Join Mattel, D3Publisher and Warner Home Video as Launch Partners for Hit Fantasy-Adventure Series with Products Rolling Out at Retail this Summer
The secret is out: Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) has assembled an impressive team of launch partners for the upcoming consumer products debut of the hit fantasy-adventure series, The Secret Saturdays. Thelicensing and merchandising arm of the kids’ cable network announced today that Hybrid Tees and Random House will join Mattel, D3Publisher and Warner Home Video, to round out a robust, fully-immersive consumer products launch for the popular Cartoon Network original series that will launch at retail starting this summer. Hybrid Tees will create a line of boys
t-shirts and sweatshirts drawing upon the main characters and Crypids made popular in the series, with product launching in time for this holiday season across all tiers of retail. Additionally, building on an existing relationship with its Del Ray Manga imprint, a full publishing program featuring chapter books, activity books and a Cryptid field journal will be released by Random House.
“There is a great deal of excitement and anticipation surrounding the retail launch of The Secret Saturdays this summer,” said Christina Miller, vice president, CNE. “Our strategy for the brand was to create an immersive program that gives fans the true Saturdays’ experience to battle, collect and discover and with the partners we have on board, we have done just that.”
As master toy partner for The Secret Saturdays, Mattel, Inc. willmanufacture, market and sell a wide range of toys inspired by the new series, including action figures, playsets, role-play items, and more. Available at mass retailers starting this summer, key items in the line include:
- Secret Saturdays Zak's Cryptipedia – The ultimate Secret Saturday accessory for Cryptid hunters is the handheld Cryptipedia. Kids can unlock secret facts about the Cryptid collectables and action figures - just like Zak! The action becomes more intense when the Cryptipedia is used as a tracking device to find nearby invisible Cryptids. Each Cryptipedia includes an exclusive Komodo figure with collectable card. (ARP: $29.99; Ages 4 and up)
* - The Secret Saturdays Cryptid Claw – Battle mysterious Cryptids with the power of Zak Saturday’s life-sized Cryptid Claw, just like the one he uses on the show. Kids can make the Claw extend to over 2 feet and pick up Cryptid figures. The specially designed Claw features flashing LED lights and cool battle sounds that capture the excitement and adventure of the hit animated show. (ARP: $19.99; Ages 4 and up)
*
* - The Secret Saturdays Fire Sword – Watch out Argost! With this role play item, kids can get in on the action and play as Zak Saturday using the Fire Sword, as he unlocks the secret fire! With three pop-out "flames" and battle sounds, young cryptozologists are sure to scare off Argost and protect mankind! (ARP: $14.99; Ages 4 and up)
*
* - The Secret Saturdays Action Figure and Cryptid Assortments – Kids can re-enact the fantasy adventures of the Saturdays with a wide assortment of articulated hero and villain characters. Each figure is battle ready with its own unique weapon or accessory and comes equipped with a collectable card which can be used with Zak's Cryptipedia handheld accessory for exciting action and adventure. The hero assortment debuts with Zak, Doc, Munya and more while the Cryptid assortment launches with Zon, Naga, Amarok and others. (6” Action Figure Assortment ARP: $8.99; 4” Cryptid Assortment ARP: $4.99; Ages 3 and up)
This fall, D3Publisher will release the first interactive title for the brand with THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN for Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. In THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN, players will adventure through 10 action-packed levels ranging from dangerous jungles to lost undersea cities to collect and interact with more than 30 never-before-seen Cryptids. Playing as Zak Saturday and the rest of the Saturday family, players will navigate through fun puzzle elements to locate hidden Cryptids and discover new paths as they fight recognizable enemies from the show including Van Rook, Piecemeal, Munya and the evil V.V. Argost.
Today’s announcement of a full publishing program from Random House is an extension of an existing partnership with CNE and the publisher’s Del Rey Manga imprint to release two titles. Debuting this fall, The Secret Saturdays film-comic will feature detailed, full-color stills straight from the animated series and will be rated for all ages. Del Rey Manga will also publish an original black and white, manga-inspired graphic novel based on the series, which reaches stores in Fall 2010, while under this extended deal, Random House will add to chapter and activity books as well as a Cryptid field journal and more to the brand’s publishing program.
Finally, Warner Home Video will debut five episodes from the television series’ first season with the DVD release of The Secret Saturdays - Volume 1 on July 21st. With a suggested retail price of $14.98, the DVD will contain a mix of bonus features including deleted scenes, a photo gallery and animatics.
From creator Jay Stephens and producer Fred Schaefer, The Secret Saturdays is produced at Porchlight Entertainment in Los Angeles, Calif. The character-rich and content-driven series launched on Cartoon Network in October and has emerged as a favorite among boys 6-11 in the network’s fantasy/adventure programming block on Friday nights. New episodes of The Secret Saturdays air on Cartoon Network on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) as the lead-in to the top-rated Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series.
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FARSCAPE CREATOR ROCKNE S. O'BANNON TO SIGN EXCLUSIVE COMIC-CON '09 FARSCAPE VOL. 1 "SCORPIUS EDITION" HARDCOVER LIMITED TO 500
FARSCAPE COMICS' SCRIPTER KEITH R.A. DECANDIDO TO ALSO APPEAR AT BOOM! BOOTH
BOTH TO APPEAR AT FARSCAPE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PANEL AND FARSCAPE COMICS PANELS!
FARSCAPE VOL. 1 COMIC-CON '09 EXCLUSIVE ONLY AVAILABLE AT BOOM! STUDIOS BOOTH #2543
ROCKNE S. O'BANNON SIGNING AT BOOM! BOOTH #2543
FRIDAY 2pm AND SATURDAY AT 3:45pm
Don't frelling miss this! FARSCAPE creator Rockne S. O'Bannon will be signing a one of a kind collector's “Scorpius Edition” of the FARSCAPE Vol. 1 Hardcover that is exclusive to Comic-Con 2009 attendees. This exclusive hardcover edition will be limited to 500 copies and is priced at $50. This exclusive will only be available at the BOOM! Studios Booth (#2543) —where you can find Rockne S. O'Bannon signing Friday at 2pm and Saturday at 3:45pm!
O'Bannon will be joined with FARSCAPE comics scribe Keith R.A. DeCandido — who will be at the BOOM! Studios booth all week during Comic-Con signing a limited supply of single issues of the multiple sell-out, critically acclaimed mini-series FARSCAPE, FARSCAPE: STRANGE DETRACTORS, and FARSCAPE: D'ARGO'S LAMENT. DeCandido will also be available to sign during O'Bannon's scheduled signing times.
Rockne S. O'Bannon will also be appearing as part of the FARSCAPE 10th Anniversary Panel during Comic-Con '09 on Friday, July 24th at 10:15am in Room 6BCF with FARSCAPE television show stars Ben Browder (John Crichton), Claudia Black (Aeryn Sun) and executive producer/director Brian Henson. DeCandido will be moderating the 10th Anniversary Panel which helps celebrate the re-release of the critically acclaimed TV show to DVD this coming November.
In addition, O'Bannon and DeCandido will appear on Saturday, July 25th at 2:30pm for the BOOM! Studios FARSCAPE Comics Panel in Room 10 to talk about the smash hit comic series of 2009 with FARSCAPE comics editor Ian Brill.
Following both panels, O'Bannon and DeCandido will appear together at the BOOM! Studios booth (#2543) to sign the Exclusive Comic-Con '09 FARSCAPE Vol. 1 "Scorpius Edition" Hardcover. Keith R.A. DeCandido will be appearing at the BOOM! Studios booth throughout the show.
While 2009 sees the 10th Anniversary of the celebrated sci-fi action series; this year has also seen a resurgence of the FARSCAPE franchise in comic book form from Top Ten comic book publisher BOOM! Studios.
Premiering with a four-issue FARSCAPE series in December of 2008, the FARSCAPE comic book took fans by storm as the series saw unanimous critical acclaim and multiple sell-outs and reprints. The initial FARSCAPE comic series was quickly followed up by FARSCAPE: STRANGE DETRACTORS, FARSCAPE: D'ARGO'S LAMENT and the forthcoming FARSCAPE: D'ARGO'S TRIAL.
The initial FARSCAPE four issue series and FARSCAPE: STRANGE DETRACTORS picks up directly where the television miniseries FARSCAPE: THE PEACEKEEPER WARS left off. Fans everywhere have enjoyed show creator O’Bannon steering their favorite characters into new and original stories, keeping with the existing canon — and extending it! Using O'Bannon's unique vision and richly detailed story, DeCandido has worked with BOOM! Studios and The Jim Henson Company to bring fans the best comic this or any universe has ever seen!
Under the watchful eye of O'Bannon, DeCandido has brought two all new D'Argo stories — completely told in series continuity — with the smash hit mini-series FARSCAPE: D'ARGO'S LAMENT and the soon-to-be-released FARSCAPE: D'ARGO'S TRIAL.
Debuting on the SCI-FI Channel in 1998, FARSCAPE follows the adventures of astronaut John Crichton, who has a freak accident during an experimental space mission that catapults him across a thousand galaxies to an alien battlefield. Suddenly, he’s trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology - a battle that 20th century sci-fi pop culture never prepared him for. Hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton begins his quest for home from a distant galaxy.
A groundbreaking award-winning sci-fi production, FARSCAPE from The Jim Henson Company and [HALLMARK] has become a global favorite. Named by TV Guide as one of television’s “Best Cult Shows Ever” and most recently named by EMPIRE Magazine as one of the “50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time,” FARSCAPE is known for the overwhelming fan-based campaign that led to its miniseries production. The show has continued to find new audiences as it airs in syndication and is available on iTunes and DVD.
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Inaugural Licensing Deal Between the Two Companies Introduces the First Range of Construction Toys Based on the Top-Rated Ben 10 Television Series, Launching Globally in Spring 2010
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) and The LEGO Group today announced a global agreement that adds the Ben 10 franchise to the world’s leading construction toy manufacturer’s portfolio of only the best licenses in construction toy form. The deal marks the first time the two companies have partnered on product development, and will bring Cartoon Network’s global sensation boy brand to life in a full line of construction toys based on the popular Ben 10 Alien Force adventures.
Featuring never-before-seen LEGO® elements and a new twist on the LEGO building system, LEGO Ben 10 Alien Force is sure to bring novelty and excitement to the construction toy category and provide a dynamic way to engage consumers in the core propositions of transformation and action for which the Ben 10 property is known.
“Over the past four years, Ben 10 has established itself as a global brand that continues to expand and thrive in different categories and markets,” said Christina Miller, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises. “Expanding this relationship with LEGO, the leading construction toy brand, is an exciting opportunity for Ben 10 that will continue to build towards years of future success at retail.”
”We’re thrilled to expand our very successful partnership with Cartoon Network to now include licensing and product development,” said Jill Wilfert, vice president of licensing and entertainment for LEGO Group. “There is such a natural synergy between fans of the LEGO brand and the loyal audience that Cartoon Network engages, and Ben 10 Alien Force is the perfect property on which to base a new way to build and play with LEGO elements.”
The LEGO Ben 10 Alien Force line is scheduled to launch in the construction toy aisles in the U.S. in spring 2010, and will roll out in additional territories thereafter.
As one of the top-rated Cartoon Network original series for boys since debuting in April 2008, Ben 10 Alien Force is the latest chapter in the continuing Ben 10 saga and picks up the story five years later when 15-year-old Ben Tennyson chooses to once again put on the OMNITRIX and discovers that he can transform him into 10 all new aliens. Joined by his super-powered cousin Gwen Tennyson and his equally powerful former enemy Kevin Levin, Ben is on a mission to find and save his missing Grandpa Max by defeating the evil DNALIENS, a powerful alien race intent on destroying the galaxy, starting with planet Earth.
The first-ever CNE licensed product in the LEGO portfolio builds upon an existing and powerful relationship between the toymaker and Cartoon Network. Most recently, they partnered to promote the LEGO CITY Building Competition via on-air promos driving children to the LEGO CITY website (http://city.LEGO.com) to build and submit their creations for a chance to star in an upcoming LEGO CITY initiative. In October 2008, Cartoon Network featured an exclusive BIONICLE® on-air video and an exclusive online game at CartoonNetwork.com to promote the toy line at the start of the holiday shopping season. LEGO Group has also premiered two exclusive mini movies – LEGO Indiana Jones™ and the Raiders of the Lost Brick and STAR WARS™ Revenge of the Brick – as commercial events on the network while also creating custom games on CartoonNetwork.com, all supported by on-air promos.
In the U.S., new episodes of Ben 10 Alien Force debut on Cartoon Network on Friday nights at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT) with replays throughout the week. Globally, the Ben 10 television series franchise, which includes both Ben 10 and Ben 10Alien Force, is currently seen in 160 countries throughout the world.
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Tor Books is proud to announce the November 3rd, 2009 on-sale date for The Gathering Storm, Book Twelve of The Wheel of Time and the first of three novels that will make up A Memory of Light, the stunning conclusion to Robert Jordan’s beloved and bestselling fantasy series. A Memory of Light, partially written by Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson, will be released over a two-year period.
Robert Jordan, one of the greatest storytellers of the 20th and early 21st centuries, passed away in 2007 after a courageous battle with the rare blood disease amyloidosis. Brandon Sanderson, the New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn books, was chosen by Jordan’s editor—his wife, Harriet McDougal—to complete the final book.
The Wheel of Time series has sold over 14 million copies in North America and over 30 million copies worldwide with translations into 28 languages. The last four books in the series were all #1 New York Times bestsellers, and for over a decade readers have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the epic story.
Harriet McDougal said on the process behind A Memory of Light: “The scope and size of the novel was such that it could not be contained in a single volume. It was a piece of marvellous good fortune that Brandon Sanderson undertook the work. He is a great pleasure to work with, as well as a wonderful writer.”
President and Publisher of Tor Books, Tom Doherty, also expressed his happiness with A Memory of Light, saying: “It is a magnificent closure to a great American epic fantasy whose journey began almost twenty years ago. There is no way Robert Jordan would have squeezed it to a single volume, and somehow it seems fitting that what began as a trilogy will also end as one.”
The first ever JordanCon will take place this April 17th – 19th, 2009 in Alpharetta, GA. Harriet McDougal, Tom Doherty, Brandon Sanderson, and other members of “Team Jordan” will attend as featured guests and speak personally on The Wheel of Time and The Gathering Storm and the stories behind the rich literary legacy of Robert Jordan. JordanCon will also include a special preview of The Gathering Storm.
This year will also see major publications of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time comic books and graphic novels with the launch of The Eye of the World comics in May and the New Spring graphic novel with bonus material in November. The Dabel Brothers will be releasing the comic book series, which will then be collected and published as graphic novels by Tor Books.
Universal Pictures acquired the movie rights to The Wheel of Time in August 2008, and currently plan to adapt The Eye of the World as the first movie.
For more on the process behind completing The Wheel of Time series: http://www.brandonsanderson.com/article/56/Splitting-AMOL.
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A day to day look at Tor books @ San Diego Comic-Con 2009 featuring Brian Herbert (Dune) as guest of honor!
Tor Books, the largest publisher of science fiction in the world, is pleased to announce its participation at Comic-Con 2009 featuring Brian Herbert as guest of honor! Frank Herbert’s Dune is arguably one of the most influential novels in science fiction. This enduring franchise masterfully reinvents itself through the works of Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, and fellow New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson. Look for Herbert and Anderson at the following panels:
Thursday, July 23rd
• 3pm “Spotlight on Brian Herbert” Room 2
• 4pm Book signing in the autographing area (1 hour)
Friday, July 24th
• 3pm “Spotlight on Kevin J. Anderson ” Room 2
• 3:30pm “Care and Feeding of a Series” with Brian Herbert
• 4:30 pm Book signing in the autographing area (1 hour)
Saturday, July 25th
• 11am Dune Panel w/ Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson Room 7AB
• 12pm Book signing in the autographing area (1 hour)
Stop by the Tor Booth (#2649) and pick up a free Winds of Dune slingsack while supplies last!
Game Tie-ins
Tor Books has expanded a program of stand-alone science fiction and fantasy novels that flesh out dynamic virtual worlds with original stories through partnerships with industry-leading videogame developers and established writers. Three novels published within the Halo universe (Microsoft/Bungie Studio’s popular shooter franchise) was just the beginning.
In 2009-2010 Tor Books will continue to develop existing partnerships as well as new opportunities with prominent gaming studios like Bethesda, 2KBoston, CCP Games, and others, as they position themselves as the industry leader within this burgeoning subgenre of science fiction publishing.
Stop by the Tor Booth (#2649) and pick up the following game tie-in novels while supplies last!
Thursday, July 23rd
• 2:30pm – 5pm HALO: Ghosts of Onyx
• 5pm – 7pm EVE: The Empyrean Age
Movie & TV Tie-ins
Tor’s success with I Am Legend, V: The Original Miniseries and American Gangster have been the foundation of our continuously growing movie and TV tie-in program. Fall 2009 will bring the release of the official tie-ins to ABCs Flash Forward, based on Robert J. Sawyer’s novel, and Warner Brothers The Box (Starring Cameron Diaz and directed by Richard Kelly) based on the classic Richard Matheson short story, Button Button.
Friday, July 24th
• 11:45am “Flash Forward” panel Room 6A
Saturday, July 25th
• 5pm – 7pm Button Button: And Other Stories give away @Tor Booth (while supplies last)
SEVEN SEAS – Manga BOOTH #2649
In December 2008, Tor joined forces with Seven Seas to create the Tor/Seven Seas manga imprint. Titles include Takashi Okazaki's popular Afro Samurai series; Inukami by Mamizu Arisawa with art by Mari Matsuzawa; and the wildly popular juvenile fantasy prose series Avalon. Author RACHEL ROBERTS will be just one of the authors participating in an in-booth signing. Read on for the full schedule!
New books on sale:
Avalon: The Warlock Diaries Vol. 1, It Takes A Wizard, 10 Beautiful Assassins, Kashimashi Omnibus 1, Amazing Agent Luna Omnibus 1, Aoi House Omnibus 1 & 2, Dance in the Vampire Bund Vol. 1-4
Giveaways:
Avalon: The Warlock Diaries manga posters
Friday, July 24th
• 2:30 - 3:30 pm Amazing Agent Luna & Destiny’s Hand signing with writers
Nunzio Defilippis & Christina Weir
• 3:30 - 4:30 PM Aoi House signing with writer Adam Arnold
Saturday, July 25th
12:00 - 1:00 PM Amazing Agent Luna & Destiny’s Hand signing with
writers Nunzio Defilippis & Christina Weir
• 5:30 - 6:30 PM Aoi House signing with writer Adam Arnold
Sunday, July 26th - Kid’s Day!
• Noon – 2:30pm My Rotten Life by David Lubar galley, poster and door hanger give away (while supplies last)
• Noon - 3:00pm Avalon: Web of Magic signing with author Rachel Roberts
Stop by the Tor booth for a full schedule of all the give aways and hear the latest news about Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time finale and a chance to pick up a free copy of Eye of the World and Mistborn!
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New graphic novel of Harvey-nominated webcomic in stores July 15th
IDW Publishing is proud to release the first graphic novel collection of the award winning webcomic and acclaimed IDW miniseries The Dreamer by creator and author Lora Innes. A romantic and rich story told with well-researched historical detail, The Dreamer has been honored with two Harvey Award nominations for “Best New Series” and “Best New Talent,” plus a nomination for the Web Cartoonists’ Choice Award for “Outstanding Newcomer Comic” in 2008.
Equal parts 21st-century teenage slice-of-life tale and 18th-century adventure, The Dreamer tells the story of seventeen-year-old Beatrice Whaley, a student who begins having vivid dreams about a brave and handsome soldier in the chaos of the American Revolution. Prone to keeping her head in the clouds, Bea welcomes her nightly adventures, but it is not long before Beatrice questions whether her adventures are simply dreams… or something more.
With great historical detail, The Dreamer tells the story of the American Revolution through the eyes of a group of ordinary farmers, schoolteachers and young boys turned citizen soldiers — and reminds us all that the fate of America in 1776 was anything but certain.
“Helping the miniseries come together into the trade paperback collection was a real pleasure,” said IDW editor Justin Eisinger. “Lora is very talented, and it’s clear she cares a great deal for the characters who inhabit The Dreamer. She and her story have earned these nominations and honors.”
The recipient of “Best Adventure Story,” “Best Digital Art” and “Best Romance” from the Drunk Duck Awards, The Dreamer has garnered a reputation amongst creators and readers alike as the pinnacle of quality in webcomics for both artwork and writing.
“I have been ecstatic to work with IDW to bring The Dreamer to print. Their attention to detail and quality has been a huge strength in publishing the miniseries and we’ve definitely raised the bar with the graphic novel,” says Innes. “The miniseries has already helped introduce The Dreamer to a whole new audience, and I look forward to the opportunity to expand the readership further with this gorgeous graphic novel."
The Dreamer TPB will be available in stores on July 15, 2009. Diamond order code MAY09 0941.
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Highlights include parties with Stan Lee, Jim Lee, Darwyn Cooke, and the premiere release of Hero Comics
Hero Initiative travels to the 40th annual San Diego Comic-Con July 22-26 at the San Diego Convention center! Come celebrate with us and help us raise money for our cause. Hero will be at booth #907 all weekend with a great variety of guests, and the weekend is highlighted by three great parties featuring the top names in comics, and the premiere release of Hero Comics!
World-famous storyteller Jim Lee (All-Star Batman and Robin) has graciously agreed to host a cocktail party for five lucky fans benefiting Hero Initiative on Thursday July 23 at 4:15 pm at a four-star hotel located near the convention center.
In addition, the wildly talented Darwyn Cooke (DC: The New Frontier) has also agreed to have a few cocktails with five adoring fans on Thursday at 5:45 pm. And each winner gets a brand-new copy of Cooke's latest work, Parker: The Hunter from IDW Publishing!
And last but most certainly not least, the godfather of comics and co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Man, The Fantastic Four and so many more returns! That's right-Stan Lee will board the ComicBookResources.com yacht on Friday July 24 at 5pm. Five lucky fans will be personally escorted to the yacht to enjoy drinks and chat with the legend himself. In addition, each guest will have the opportunity to participate in a video interview on the yacht broadcast on ComicBookResources.com
To check out and bid on ALL the auctions for admittance to these parties, please visit Hero's eBay store at: http://qurls.com?i=47916
And in collaboration with IDW Publishing, Hero Initiative also proudly premieres the highly anticipated Hero Comics at San Diego! This 32-page, no ads extravaganza features a bevy of great comic talent, and will be supported by a mega-signing with seven of its creators on Thursday, July 23rd from 3:30-5:30. Hero Comics will be on sale all weekend at the Hero booth, while supplies last.
As always, our amazing line up of guests will be on hand at Hero's booth, #907:
WED., 22 JUL (CON HOURS 600-900 PM)
630-900 PM: Scott "Kaiser" Koblish
THUR., 23 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-700 PM)
1000-1130: Tim Seeley
1130-130: Dan Jurgens
130-330: Daniel Way
330-530: Hero Comics mega-signing w/Gene Colan, JG Roshell/Richard Starkings, David Lloyd, Bill Willingham, Art Adams, Laura Martin
530-700: Phil Hester
FRI., 24 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-700 PM)
1000-1130: Tony Parker
1100-1200: Chris Bachalo
130-330: Ron Marz + Stjepan Sejic
230-330: Mark Waid
SAT., 25 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-700 PM)
1130-130: Josh Middleton
130-330: Kaare Andrews (of Hero Comics)
330-530: Jim Valentino
530-700: Ken Lashley
SUN., 26 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-500 PM)
1000-1130: Kaare Andrews (of Hero Comics)
1130-130: Josh Middleton
130-230: Jimmy Palmiotti
About The Hero Initiative
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.
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COMICRAFT'S RICHARD STARKINGS SIGNING SPECIAL EDITIONS OF: DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? #1 ONLY AT COLLECTOR'S PARADISEEXCLUSIVE COLLECTOR'S PARADISE EDITION OF ISSUE #1 WILL BE AVAILABLE!
THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 15th, 1PM-8pm ONLY AT COLLECTOR'S PARADISE
Richard Starkings will be on hand to sign exclusive Collector's Paradise editions of DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? #1. There will also be the EXCLUSIVE premiere of the newest ELPHANTMAN GN (out elsewhere in 2 weeks), as well as all ELPHANTMAN graphic novels in stock, with an extra 10% OFF!
Don't miss your chance to meet one of the most revered and important people in our industry!
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