Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Comic News: MASS EFFECT #2 SELLS OUT!



WITH THE LAUNCH OF MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION ON iTUNES, AND THE CONTINUED POPULARITY OF THE GAME, MASS EFFECT #2 SELLS OUT WITHIN A WEEK!



Following up on last week’s news of the explosive first issue of Mass Effect: Redemption disappearing out of stores across the country, Dark Horse and EA announce that the series’ second issue will be reprinted as well.

Mass Effect: Redemption tells the exciting back-story that led up to the events of Mass Effect 2, the recently released video game developed by the award-winning creative team at BioWare. The game’s lead writer Mac Walters takes up the pen to give fans exclusive insight into the events that unfolded between the conclusion of the original Mass Effect, and the beginning of Mass Effect 2. Scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy), this four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science fiction landscape.

The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding a crew of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, stunning space exploration and emotionally engaging characters, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Mass Effect 2 was released on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29, 2010 in Europe and has been rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI (please visit www.esrb.org and www.pegi.eu for more information on ratings). For more news from the development team, please follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect2 or visit the game’s official website at http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

“We knew we had something special on our hands with Mass Effect” said Dark Horse Director of Public Relations, Jeremy Atkins. “Even still, watching this series sell out issue by issue is exciting, indeed!”

For those who have yet to read the explosive first issue, it is also currently available for download on iTunes for just 99 cents.

Mass Effect: Redemption is the fifth title to arrive in Dark Horse’s ever-growing stable of comics available on the iPhone platform. Other titles available now include Gerard Way’s smash hit Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite, Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, Terminator: Death Valley, and multiple titles the critically acclaimed line of Star Wars comics.

For more information, please visit http://www.darkhorse.com/Features/Mobile.
Read more...

Read More

Toy News: Shocker Toys at Toy Fair 2010!



Shocker Toys will be shocking the 2010 American International Toy Fair with new concepts and products that are sure to please!


Shocker Toys LLP will celebrate its tenth anniversary by exhibiting at the American International Toy Fair in New York City at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, booth #4924. Shocker Toys can be found in the new Action Figure aisle in the lower level of the Jacob Javits and will feature fun, interactive products, samples and a great sales team.

"This year, Shocker Toys looks to grow and add to our experience across a diverse range of products," said Geoff Beckett, CEO. "We are finishing great new toy lines and making fun, new concepts also. Our newly designed Indie Spotlight line will please all comic and action figure fans and our new 5” marshmallow themed designer line will expand into new markets including lines for girls as well."

The company will showcase a number of new toys that offer new styles of playability and creativity, a re-growing trend within the industry. Products combined with paint, new designs and comics will enhance the overall play experience. These products include Indie Spotlight, a comic book universe action figure line as well as Mallows the designer line featuring articulation, big licenses and a fun factor like no other.


On Display At Toy Fair:

Indie Spotlight
Indie Spotlight Comic Book Heroes, which was released in 2009 and hit mass retail in 2010, is an ever-growing comic book universe action figure series from Shocker Toys. Presenting independent comic book characters in hyper-posable 6” scale for collectors to fit in with their other favorite lines, the line features collector friendly packaging and accessories.

Series 1 features: Jim Valentino’s ShadowHawk and ShadowHawk black costume variant, Rob Schrab’s 'SCUD, The Disposable Assassin' and variant 'SOL', Terry Moore's Katchoo of "Strangers in Paradise", David Mack’s Kabuki, and MTV’s The Maxx (an 8 inch mega figure). Each figure in Series 1 or, "The Maxx Series" also includes an Isz, a small monster from the Maxx's world, with each figure. As an added bonus. upon collecting all of Series 1 and mailing in the UPC's the customer can get a FREE mail away figure (Mr. Gone) from the Maxx's comic world.

Series 2 features: Dick Tracy and Dick Tracy with Tommy gun and overcoat, King Zombie (from "Deadworld") and a King Zombie variant, Jack Staff, Ignacia (from "Wildguard") and The Tick. Each figure in Series 2 or, "The Tick Series" also includes an accessory from the Tick's world. As an added bonus the Series 2 free mail away figure will be Arthur from the Tick's comic world.

Series 3 features: (The Phantom, Zorro, Grendel, Fist of Justice and Nira-X)

Indie Spotlight Golden Age Series 1 features: (Dan Garret's Blue Beetle, The Arrow, Black Terror, Daredevil and The Heap)

Indie Spotlight Two Packs: Two Packs Series 1 (Captain Action and Zen), Two Packs Series 2 (Lazerman and Classic Madman)

Mallows
Mallows are a new 5” marshmallow themed designer figure, featuring up to 10 points of articulation and up to 7 interchangeable parts. They will be sold in licenses such as Madballs, My Pet Monster, Sushi Pack, Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood, Soul Eater, Johnny Test, Monster in my Pocket and more. They will also be a girls only line called Go-Girlz and a featured artist designer series plus blank color bodies for customers to create their own characters.




Read more...

Read More

Comic News: I Am A Secret Avenger




Don't miss the brand new Secret Avengers #1, from the superstar creative team of Ed Brubaker and Mike Deodato, this May!

Read more...

Read More

Toy News: Toy2R x o.d.m. Qee Collection



Time to check out the newest Toy2R Qee collaboration!



O.D.M. and Toy2R have joined forces to release a new collection of fashionable fun watches. Presenting the Qee Collection featuring colorful watchbands and pendant timepieces from O.D.M., one of the world's trendiest manufacturers of fashion forward watches. While each watch sports artwork inspired by Qee, there's also the new 2.5" O.D.M. Qee available!

The collection is being launched through various Hong Kong retailers like Silvercord, LCX and SOGO and will be featured throughout more than 160 fine boutiques in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, France and Italy.

Never Too Late with O.D.M. and Toy2R!

Read more...

Read More

Toy News: UGLYDOLL Creator Signing Event at FAO Schwarz Sunday, 2/14/10




Read more...

Read More

DVD News: Warner Home Video gives a new glimpse of "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths"; Limited media seating remaining for premieres in NY (2/16)



Below you will find an action-packed clip featuring the first encounter between the Justice League and the Crime Syndicate in "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths."




To save our world and all those like it, Superman, Batman and their caped colleagues must go toe-to-toe with their evil mirror images in "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths," an all-new DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movie coming February 23, 2010 from Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation.

Warner Home Video, Newsarama.com and The Paley Center for Media proudly present the bi-coastal World Premieres of "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths," the highly anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies, in New York on February 16 and in Beverly Hills on February 18. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast are expected to attend both events.

On February 16, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths will screen at The Paley Center in New York City (25 West 52nd Street) with a screening commencing at 6:30 p.m. A panel discussion with filmmakers and voice cast will follow the screening.

On February 18, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths will screen at The Paley Center in Beverly Hills (465 North Beverly Drive) with screening commencing at 7:00 p.m. A panel discussion with filmmakers and voice cast will follow the screening.

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is an original story from award-winning animation/comics writer Dwayne McDuffie (Justice League)rooted in DC Comics’ popular canon of “Crisis” stories depicting parallel worlds with uniquely similar super heroes and villains. Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday, Green Lantern) is executive producer. Lauren Montgomery (Wonder Woman, Green Lantern) and Sam Liu (Superman/Batman:Public Enemies) are co-directors.

The movie features an all-star voice cast led by Mark Harmon (NCIS) as Superman, James Woods (Ghosts of Mississippi) as Owlman, Chris Noth (Sex and the City, Law & Order) as Lex Luthor, William Baldwin (Dirty Sexy Money) as Batman, Gina Torres (Serenity, Firefly) as Superwoman and Bruce Davison (X-Men) as the President.

Warner Home Video will distribute the full-length animated Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths on February 23 as a Special Edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def, as well as single disc DVD, and On Demand and Download.

Read more...

Read More

Toy News: New York Toyfair 2010



Kotobukiya is excited to announce that they will be attending NEW YORK TOY FAIR 2010 (Feb 14th-17th) for the first time at the Javits Convention Center. With a larger display area and extensive new product offerings, Koto has relocated to Javits, where access is more convenient for attendees - allowing for more Toy Fair fun for everyone!


Special Message from Jeffery Kashida, CEO of KOTO INC.
“The 2010 NYTF has a special significance for Koto Inc. Not only does it mark the 10-year anniversary since Kotobukiya entered the U.S. market, but it also reveals the fusion of Kotobukiya's heritage of fine craftsmanship with the profundity of the minds of U.S. collectors. All of Kotobukiya's efforts and enthusiasm in the U.S. market for the past 10 years has been brought to fruition. This is what the 2010 NYTF signifies to us.

Last year, Koto created a highly capable product development team (K3) with a brilliant and outstanding track record of producing extremely reputable masterpieces worldwide. K3 and the tradition of Kotobukiya have come together in the modern realm of fine arts by unifying both of the eastern and western arts and their spiritual depths.

The outcome of this "synergy" will be on display at the show in the form of our new product lines. We will also have exciting announcements about new licenses. I am thrilled at the chance to show you all we have to offer at the upcoming NYTF, which I believe truly marks the beginning of a new era for Kotobukiya!!”

-Jeffrey Kashida

Kotobukiya is scheduled to announce various new products and licenses during the show including:

  • New Marvel (Fine Art Statue/ARTFX Statue/Bishoujo) products!
  • New license agreement with DC – exciting new product categories!
  • A whole new chapter of Star Wars collectables!
  • A first look at the Bayonetta ARTFX statue!
  • Capcom's Lost Planet 2 action figures - on display for the very first time outside of Japan!
  • New publication announcement - OTACOOL 2: World Wide Cosplayers!
  • New Ani*Statues and model kits!
  • And much, much more!

Kotobukiya will be making further announcements at their official English site: http://www.kotous.com/ Keep updated with the latest Toy Fair news as it breaks!
Read more...

Read More

DVD News: Warner Home Video offers new clip from "Halo Legends"; limited seating available for exclusive San Francisco screening on February 10



Below you will the first 91 seconds of the "Halo Legends" episode entitled “The Prototype,” which was animated at Bones Studio in Japan under the creative supervision of co-directors Tomoki Kyoda/Yasushi Muraki.




"Halo Legends," an all-new, CG and traditional anime PG-13 experience that presents enthralling new stories from one of the world’s most popular video game franchises, will be distributed February 16, 2010 by Warner Home Video as a Special Edition 2-disc version on DVD and Blu-Ray™, as well as single disc DVD, On Demand and Digital Download. "Halo Legends" is produced by 343 Industries, a part of Microsoft Game Studios.



In "The Prototype," human marines struggling to defend a secret weapons research facility from invading Covenant troops are finally ordered to destroy everything rather than let the weapons and valuable navigational data fall into the hands of the Covenant. In a desperate but noble sacrifice, a war-torn officer dons the prototype suit of powered armor being developed at the facility in a last-second gambit to buy time for his soldiers to escape. The episode plays to the strengths of Bones’ impressive ability to represent aerial and mecha-style combat.



"The Prototype" is one of seven stories -- told across eight episodic films -- within "Halo Legends," which will receive its United States Premiere on Wednesday, February 10 in San Francisco. A select group of lucky fans. Limited seating is still available for this exclusive event.



Presented by IGN, in conjunction with Warner Home Video and Microsoft Game Studios, the Halo Legends premiere will take place at the AMC Metreon (101 4th Street, San Francisco) with film screening at 8:00 p.m.



A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public. Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the event should RSVP via email to halolegends@ign.com. Tickets will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis.

Halo franchise development director Frank O’Connor will discuss the film in an informal, in-theatre Q&A following the screening.
Read more...

Read More

Comic News: Pantheon Arrives in April



First comic series by award-winning actor Michael Chiklis debuts at WonderCon



IDW Publishing and award-winning actor and WonderCon special guest Michael Chiklis are pleased to announce that the comic book series, Pantheon, will launch in April at WonderCon, one of the country’s leading comics and pop culture conventions, held April 2nd through the 4th. Created by Chiklis, Anny Simon Beck, and acclaimed comics writer, Marc Andreyko, Pantheon is a dark and stylized story of ancient Greek gods returning to a ravaged, chaotic near-future Earth, where they battle for the fate of mankind.

“As a kid, Greek Gods were very real to me, so the chance to bring my childhood heroes and villains to life in the modern world is irresistible,” said Chiklis, a third generation Greek-American. “Besides, I couldn’t say no to Zeus. . . no one in the family would ever talk to me again.”

The five-issue series pits Zeus’s fellow gods against the Titans in an epic battle of good versus evil, and father versus son. Breaking the golden rule of Greek mythology – to never reveal themselves – the gods Zeus, Aphrodite, Pandora, Cronus, Prometheus and Jason return to their timeless battles, as Armageddon nears.

Working closely with Chiklis, Beck and Andreyko will be rising star artist, Stephen Molnar, while the Sharp Brothers provide striking covers for the series. Launching at WonderCon, IDW, Chiklis, and Andreyko will host a signing as well as a panel for Pantheon at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Stay tuned to IDWPublishing.com for exact times and locations.

Pantheon #1 (of 5; $3.99, 32 page color) will be available in stores in April. Diamond order code FEB10 0961.

Read more...

Read More

TV News: Smallville clips from Warrior!



Check out these cool clips from this Friday’s episode of Smallville entitled “Warrior.” Allison Mack directed this episode.




Smallville Webclip - Warrior



Smallville Trailer - Warrior

Read more...

Read More