A trifecta of new comics starts in November
After the huge success of this summer's blockbuster TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN movie, IDW is keeping the excitement going with three new TRANSFORMERS series. Under license from Hasbro, IDW is proud to offer fans The TRANSFORMERS, the first ongoing series in years, written by the critically-acclaimed Mike Costa. Coming in November, TRANSFORMERS #1 starts things off with not one, but two, huge events so CYBERTON-shattering that the lives of the TRANSFORMERS characters will never be the same.
Spinning out of the events of the new ongoing series will be two miniseries. The four-issue TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE puts BUMBLEBEE between a rock and a hard place with his own friends, while TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers plots the course of AUTOBOTS in space as they confront a new foe who just might tear the (Dave do these need all caps? CAPS ARE BEST) Springer, Kup, and their cadre of AUTOBOT heroes apart.
"This is the first ongoing TRANSFOMRERS series for IDW, and there's a good reason to do it now. These stories are too big and too important to contain in even several volumes of miniseries. And it all starts with events in TRANSFORMERS #1," said IDW's TRANSFORMERS editor, Andy Schmidt. "This is the best jumping on point for new comics or TRANSFORMERS fans in years. We're embarking on a whole new journey and an exciting new direction."
The TRANSFORMERS will debut in November, helmed by Mike Costa with art and covers by returning, fan-favorite, artistic dynamo Don Figueroa. This series is the basis for the two new miniseries, creating an unstoppable combination of new TRANSFORMERS comics.
Debuting in December, writer Zander Cannon and artist Chee masterfully create Bumblebee's story in this four-issue miniseries. TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE spins out of the ongoing series and is a must-read for any fan. TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers is set in space concurrent with the ongoing series. Shedding light on the conflicts outside of Earth, long-time TRANSFORMERScreator Nick Roche masterfully foreshadows upcoming events in the ongoing series, while taking fans on a wild ride.
The TRANSFORMERS will be available in stores in November.
TRANSFORMERS: BUMBLEBEE will be available in stores in December.
TRANSFORMERS: Last Stand of the Wreckers will be available in stores in January.
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New York Times Best Selling author to write miniseries
Another great boon in an already banner year for G.I. JOE, IDW is delighted to announce that New York Times best selling author of World War Z and Zombie Survival Guide Max Brooks will be writing a G.I. JOE miniseries in 2010.
An Emmy-winning writer, Brooks has brought his own unique style to both TV and print. Brooks was part of the writing team for “Saturday Night Live” for forty episodes from 2001 to 2003 and began acting in the 1980s. Brooks’sThe Zombie Survival Guide was released in 2003 and immediately became a fan-favorite. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War followed in 2006 to both critical- and fan- acclaim, including four weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.
“Both Chris Ryall (IDW Editor-in-chief) and I read World War Z and we knew we had to try to get Max to write something for us. What we didn’t know is that Max is a huge G.I. JOE fan and had expressed interest in writhing G.I. JOE to (COBRA writer) Christos Gage,” said Andy Schmidt, IDW’s G.I. JOE editor. “Synchronicity ensued and G.I. JOE has never looked or read so well! We’re very pleased to add Max’s vision to the G.I. JOE canon.”
The five-issue miniseries will be the first G.I. JOE comic for Brooks, and his first partnership with IDW.
“I’m thrilled to be working on an icon of my youth, and after this, my next project will be Different Stokes 2.5,” said Brooks.
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All fanboy stand up comedy at the geek epicenter of the universe: COMIC-CON!
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: San Diego Convention Center
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WARNER PREMIERE CONTINUES TO LEAD THE MOTION COMICS CATEGORY WITH THE DEBUT OF “SUPERMAN: RED SON,” “BATGIRL: YEAR ONE” AND “BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE” COLLECTION 2 First Episode of Superman: Red Son Available for Free via iTunes for Limited Time Three All-New Motion Comic Series Announced Today During Comic-Con PanelComplete Motion Comics Series for “Batgirl: Year One” and “Batman: Black and White” Collection 2 Debuts
Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced three new additions to the best-selling Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate. Classic graphic novels Superman: Red Son and Batgirl: Year One, as well as graphic album Batman: Black and White Collection 2 entered the digital age as Warner Premiere Motion Comics on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com). Also announced today comrades everywhere, for a limited time, can download the first glorious episode of Superman: Red Son for free and see how Stalin’s most powerful weapon swayed the balance of power during the Cold War (http://tinyurl.com/SmanRedSonPR).
Continuing to lead the motion comics experience, Warner Premiere’s Motion Comics connect comic fans to authentic DC characters through short-form content. The Motion Comics slate draws on a deep reservoir of source material to bring a visually engaging experience to life through the use of subtle movements, voice-overs, sweeping music scores and stunning comic book artwork.
“Last year we debuted our Motion Comics slate and saw the voracious appetite graphic novel fans had for this digital content,” said Diane Nelson, president, Warner Premiere. “One of the reasons for our success is Warner Premiere working closely with DC Comics to determine if a story naturally lends itself to becoming a motion comic. Another key is the process we use to select the studios that ultimately create these motion comics. They are very passionate comic book fans so creating these motion comics really are a labor of love. We’re very proud of our success and look forward to bringing more titles to comic fans in the future.”
Superman: Red Son
Warner Premiere Motion Comics is proud to bring “Superman: Red Son” to its Motion Comics slate. Based on the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel written by Mark Millar and drawn by Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett “Superman: Red Son” takes viewers back in time to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union where Superman is fighting for the Communists. In this alternate universe, Superman lands in Russia rather than the United States andSoviet Union's greatest weapon as the world is transformed into a communist state opposed only by a crumbling capitalistic AmericaLex Luthor. Now as Superman stands on the brink of ultimate power, three heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, each make a valiant stand to destroy the reign of the Man of Steel. The Superman: Red Son Motion Comic was animated by New Zealand-based Karactaz. grows to become the and its President
For a limited time, the first episode of Superman: Red Son is now available on iTunes for free. To download, visit www.itunes.com or (http://tinyurl.com/SmanRedSonPR). Future episodes will debut once a week and fans are encouraged to sign up for a Season Pass to automatically receive future episodes.
Batgirl: Year One
Barbara Gordon comes to the digital age with Batgirl: Year One Motion Comics, based on the popular series. The story begins with our heroine having an internal monologue while batting Killer Moth and his henchmen. Wearing a female version of Batman’s costume, she makes an appearance at The Gotham City Police Department’s “Million Dollar Masquerade Ball.” Soon after arriving she rushes to aide her adoptive father Police Commissioner James Gordon who has been attacked by a villain. While the Chief lies unconscious, she prevents Bruce Wayne from being hit with the same energy weapon that injured her father. Flashbacks within her mind retell the series of events which have lead to her first battle with a super villain.
Created by Perpetual Notions, the complete Batgirl: Year One Motion Comics series is now available on iTunes.
Batman: Black & White Collection 2
The second series of Warner Premiere Motion Comics slate, “Batman: Black & White” is taken from three award-winning collections of short stories starring the Caped Crusader. The Motion Comics reflect the original and diverse visions of various artists and writers as they tell stories in the now-infamous world of Gotham City.
The “Batman: Black & White” stories are told from the perspective of Batman and range in theme from the unsettling drama of solving a brutal murder to the light comedy of fighting bad guys with a broken nose. These short episodes also touch on elements of romance, mystery and even the supernatural. And like any exciting Batman story, classic villains such as The Joker, Harley Quinn and Two-Face make heralded appearances. It’s Batman as seen through the prism of some of today’s most eloquent graphic artists and writers.
Batman: Black & White Collection 2 Motion Comics series includes the following titles:
I’ll Be Watching
Written by: Ed Brubaker
Illustrated by: Ryan Sook
The Call
Written by: Mark Schultz
Illustrated by: Claudio Castellini
Monsters In The Closet
Written by: Jan Strnad
Illustrated by: Kevin Nowlan
A Game of Bat and Rat
Written by: John Arcudi
Illustrated by: John Buscema
Hands
Written by: Scott Peterson
Illustrated by: Danijel Zezelj
Sunrise
Written by: Alex Garland
Illustrated by: Sean Phillips
In Dreams
Written by: Andrew Helfer
Illustrated by: Liberatore
Heroes
Written by: Archie Goodwin
Illustrated by: Gary Gianni
Legend
Written by: Walter Simonson
Illustrated by; Walter Simonson
Blackout
Written by: Howard Chaykin
Illustrated by: Jordi Bernet
The complete second collection of Batman: Black & White Motion Comics are now available on the iTunes Store.
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New TRANSFORMERS movie-inspired miniseries launching in early 2010
The new TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN movie has already hit theaters but the saga continues with IDW’s new miniseries,TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious. Scripted by Simon Furman with art by Carlos Magno, this six-issue series follows a shadowy organization with devious designs on the TRANSFORMERS.
“The latest TRANSFORMERS movie added several very cool elements to the tapestry—SOUNDWAVE and RAVAGE being my favorites—and we’re keen to explore them,” said Andy Schmidt, IDW’s TRANSFORMERS editor. “Our story tracks a new organization with ‘nefarious’ designs on the robots in disguise. Their technology gives them a tactical advantage not yet seen in the films.”
Fan-favorite TRANSFORMERS scribe Simon Furman crafts an action-packed tale that pits the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS against an unseen enemy, while Carlos Magno draws suspense into every panel. Brian Rood will also contribute variant covers for the miniseries.
TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious will be available in stores in early 2010.
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Becomes Senior Editor on October 5th
Once again expanding its team of talented creators and editors, IDW is proud to announce that industry legend Robert Schreck will be joining the company on October 5th. Schreck, a thirty-year veteran of comics and publishing, will become a senior editor for IDW, and focus on developing new projects and bringing new creators to the company’s existing brands.
During his ten-year run as group editor at DC Comics, Schreck’s illustrious career has included heading up the award-winning All Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, and ushering in the return of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley to Batman, with the release of The Dark Knight Strikes Again. Schreck has worked with some of the best creators in the industry, such as Arthur Adams, Neal Adams, Harlan Ellison, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Jim Lee, Brad Meltzer, Miller, Morrison, Paul Pope, Quitely, George Romero, Dave Stevens, Kevin Smith, Varley, and Judd Winick, among many others.
“Bob has an amazing talent for finding and making great books,” said Ted Adams, IDW’s CEO. “The combination of his innate skill and impressive experience make Bob a very valuable addition to the IDW team and we are thrilled to have him with us.”
In the last two years at DC Comics, Schreck’s efforts focused on developing new projects for the Vertigo line for Karen Berger, wherehewas also the editor of this year's Eisner Award-nominated Madame Xanadu series by Matt Wagner and Amy Hadley, and the newly published graphic novel, The Nobody, by the critically acclaimed writer and artist, Jeff Lemire.
“I am very excited to be joining Ted and the entire IDW team,” Schreck commented. “He and I go way back, and I’ve had my eye on the company’s savvy approach to publishing, which has secured them the number three position in today’s very competitive marketplace.” Schreck concluded, “I love finding and nurturing new talent, and exploring new concepts for the comics medium to tackle, and IDW seems to value those aspirations, as well. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter of my career.”
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IDW will publish Vitrol the Hunter by Billy Martin and Brent Allen
Already a graphic artist, clothing designer and guitarist for the band Good Charlotte, Billy Martin will now turn his considerable talents to comics with Vitriol the Hunter, an all-new comic book series co-written by Brent Allen and featuring Martin on interior art, as well. This futuristic tale of a vigilante is slated to launch in February 2010.
Vitriol the Hunterwas co-created by Martin and Allen, and draws on the folklore and old monster myths prevalent in today’s society, twisting them into a macabre-style story reminiscent of classic horror movies. A self-proclaimed vigilante, Vitriol embarks on a quest to save his city from the monsters that have overtaken it, led by a brutal tyrant vampire.
“Billy and Brent have created a great story in Vitriol,” said IDW Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall. “The book takes the best parts of monster movies and epic journeys does things with them that can only be done in comics. Martin’s art really shows his love of these concepts as well as comic books.”
Set in the fictional city of Basilika, Vitriol the Hunter chronicles our hero’s journey as he encounters government-bred werewolves, hordes of hellions and other walking myths. The series is slated to run for six issues.
“I grew up always thinking I’d draw comic books for a living. I’m grateful for the success I’ve had as a musician, but this really feels like fulfilling a dream for me,” said Martin. “I truly love drawing and can’t wait for people to see this book.”
Fans can get their first look at Martin’s art and the characters in the series at Comic-Con, where both Martin and Allen will be signing t-shirts and promo cards at IDW’s booth, #1705.
“Billy and I have done numerous writing projects together and this is definitely our best work to date,” added Allen. “Being from Baltimore, Edgar Allan Poe is a hero of mine and I can only hope to step foot in part of his shadow on this project. We are both really excited to hear how the readers take to the world we created.”
Vitriol the Hunter #1 (of 6) debuts in February 2010.
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Five years ago, the entire fast food industry was changed by a single movie. Super Size Me awakened consumers to the dangerous consequences of a fast food diet, irreparably shifting the consciousness of a nation. Independent filmmaker Morgan Spurlock became an international success as audiences across the world were shocked by the dramatic toll the thirty-day experiment took on his body.
Today, Dark Horse is proud to collaborate with Warrior Poets and Morgan Spurlock on an original graphic novel companion to the Academy Award–nominated film. Supersized: Strange Tales from a Fast Food Culture expands on some of the bizarre stories not featured in the original film. Written by Morgan Spurlock, and scripted and drawn by a variety of creators, the graphic novel is set for a spring 2010 release in conjunction with the anniversary of the original film.
Championing proper nutrition, Supersized: Strange Tales from a Fast Food Culture will act both as an entertaining—and at times gut-wrenching—series of stories and as an educational mirror for society to examine its potentially destructive culture. A perfect companion to Super Size Me, but also a powerful, standalone tool for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of healthy eating habits, the graphic novel will bridge the gaps between humor, fact, and heart, while peering behind-the-scenes of the fast food world.
“Everyone here at Dark Horse is excited to be working with Morgan and Warrior Poets,” stated Dark Horse Senior Editor Dave Land (Achewood, Indiana Jones, Tony Millionaire’s Sock Monkey), who will be overseeing production on the upcoming graphic novel. “We’re all looking forward to what will be both an informative and entertaining comic.”
Supersized is the first planned released of a potential ongoing program between Dark Horse, Morgan Spurlock, and his New York–based Warrior Poets, who look to create original graphic novels that tie into Spurlock’s future films.
“I couldn’t imagine a better partner than Dark Horse Comics to help us make the jump into the world of graphic novels,” said Morgan Spurlock. “I’m thrilled that Dark Horse sees the intrinsic value of nonfiction stories, and I’m incredibly excited that we have such a fantastic partner to help expand the audience and reach of our projects. Being the geek that I am, I can honestly say this is a dream come true.”
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New partnership with Weekly World News kicks off in January
For years, Bat Boy and the other bizarre denizens of the Weekly World News delighted millions in the long-running tabloid newspaper. Now, those same creatures are headed to full-color comic books for the first time. IDW Publishing is proud to announce a new partnership with the Weekly World News to bring those characters to comics, in the form of a new 4-issue miniseries kicking off in January 2010.
In the first-ever Weekly World News miniseries, “The Irredemption of Ed Anger,” the beloved Bat Boy is joined by the far-right-wing columnist Ed Anger (“pave the Rain Forest!”), PhD Ape (simian psychologist to the stars), UFO Alien (presidential-predicting pundit from the stars), Manigator (half-man/half-gator reptilian good ol’ boy), Lemmie (the Lake Erie Monster); Chaos Cloud (unpredictable weather front with the face of François Mitterand); and even Freeze Dried Baby (surly 95-year-old-looking baby) in an adventure that divides and unites, the group.
The series will be written by IDW’s Publisher/Editor-in-Chief and Eisner-nominated writer Chris Ryall (Groom Lake, Zombies vs Robots), with art by Alan Robinson (Terminator Salvation Movie Prequel). Robinson will also be contributing covers that emulate classic Weekly World News covers, and artist Joe Corroney (Star Trek) will be providing special variant covers for the series. Each issue will also contain classic newspaper stories featuring these characters as back-up material, too.
The Weekly World News, which carried the tagline “The World’s Only Reliable News” and spent years living up to that description, launched in 1979 as a supermarket tabloid focused on sensational stories.
“This tells you something about my dreams when I say that this really is a dream project for me,” said Chris Ryall. “I’ve followed Bat Boy’s exploits for over a decade, so it’s just great to be a part of the effort to expose him to an all-new audience and do monthly Weekly comics. WWN’s other characters make it that much better in terms of writing and in terms of offering up bizarre imagery for readers, too. ”
“The Chaos Cloud is scheduled to destroy Earth in 2014, so we figured if we were going to do comics, we should better hurry up and get with IDW,” said Neil McGinness, Weekly World News CEO. “IDW makes for a great partner as they have had terrific success with leading entertainment brands. Plus, we have admired Chris Ryall's work on Groom Lake and are very much looking forward to working together to bring the Weekly World News brand and all of our characters to life in comic book form.”
Weekly World News #1 (of 4), a 32-page, $3.99 comic book, debuts in January 2010.
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J. Scott Campbell’s hit series given deluxe treatment.
IDW Publishing is proud to announce Danger Girl, J. Scott Campbell’s sexy spy-genre classic, has joined the IDW family of books. The best-selling first mini-series will be collected in an oversized, deluxe hardcover edition, along with never before published extras, and released in spring 2010. New Danger Girlstories are also being planned, with Campbell providing covers.
Additionally, expanding its already impressive digital catalogue, IDW is pleased to announce an eight-page Danger Girl preview, available as a free application for iPhones and iPod Touches now on iTunes. The first digital issue of the hugely popular series will be available for purchase in the coming weeks, and subsequent issues, each featuring a full-length issue, will be released regularly.
“Danger Girl is a project near and dear to my heart,” said IDW Special Projects Editor, Scott Dunbier. “It’s a fun action-adventure story, and Jeff Campbell is just a great artist and storyteller—check out the free iPhones preview app and you’ll see what I mean.”
Created by Campbell and Andy Hartnell, Danger Girl is a sexy take on spy comics, combining humor, suspense and action, coupled with a bevy of sexy heroines.
“I’m very happy to bring Danger Girl to IDW,” said Campbell. “Their printing is extraordinary, and I wanted to work with Scott again. There really was no reason not to come here.”
Danger Girl #0 is now available as a free application on iTunes.
Danger Girl will be available in stores in 2010.
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THE WORLD’S HEAVIEST ANIMATED BAND FROM ADULT SWIM ARRIVES IN AN ALL-NEW SERIES FROM DARK HORSE!
Following the release of the highly anticipated Dethklok vs. The Goon, Dark Horse Comics and Adult Swim announce a brand-new comics series based on the immensely popular animated show Metalocalypse. The band’s five members—Nathan Explosion, William “Murderface,” Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth, and Pickles—will be featured in a full publishing program created by series co-creator Brendon Small and a collaborative team of Metalocalypse and Dark Horse artists and writers.
Co-created by Tommy Blacha and Brendon Small, the Metalocalypse television series follows the on- and off-stage adventures of the world’s most brutal band as they create a wave of mayhem, death, and destruction wherever they go. Since debuting on Adult Swim in 2006, the series has become one of the network’s highest-rated original series, and the second season was watched by more than five million 18 to 34-year-old viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. This animated band has also had a lot of very real success, as the band’s debut CD, Dethklok: The Dethalbum, is the fastest-selling death-metal album of all time since debuting at #21 on Billboard’s Top 100 list, and a real-live version of the animated band has completed nearly sold-out tours. The follow up album, Dethklok: The Dethalbum II, will be released on September 8th from Williams Street Records.
“This collaboration with Dark Horse Comics is a great opportunity for us to partner with a company that has a shared sensibility and fan base with one of Adult Swim’s most popular brands,” said Christina Miller, vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises. “Combining the pool of artistic talent of both companies, we have created a great publishing program that will both deliver the quality, entertaining content that our fans look for and will expose the hilarious antics of Dethklok to a new group of potential fans.”
“I am a huge fan of Eric and of The Goon,” says Dark Horse President Mike Richardson. “Eric, it turns out, is a huge fan of Metalocalypse. Once Eric suggested this team up, we began discussing the project and it seemed like a natural fit. We couldn't be more excited about introducing these characters to the comics world.”
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Today at Comic-Con, Google introduced a new collection of iGoogle themes focused on comics (www.google.com/comicsthemes). iGoogle is all about personalizing your homepage the way you want it with the stuff you like.
We've teamed up with more than a dozen comics publishers and wide range of artists to create a collection of over 50 themes in total, giving them a new canvas to bring their comics to life in millions of iGoogle pages. With these new themes, our comics partners have an opportunity to connect with their communities and fan bases through a new dynamic medium. Whether users are hardcore comic readers or simply admirers of the illustrations and graphics, we hope the visuals from nostalgic comics like Charles Schulz's Peanuts, iconic heroes like DC's Superman and Marvel's The Hulk, colorful manga stories like Rumiko Takahashi's RIN-NE, and work from alternative comics creators like Dan Clowes will provide them with more choices to reflect their personal style and interests.
Participating comics creators in this theme collection include:
Partners:
Dark Horse Comics - Hellboy
DC Comics - Blackest Night, Superman: World of New Krypton, Batman Reborn, Fables, Vertigo, WildStorm, Women of the DC Universe, Zuda Comics
Diesel Sweeties - Richard Stevens 3
Fantagraphics - Daniel Clowes, Popeye by E.C. Segar, Krazy & Ignatz by George Herriman, The Museum of Love and Mystery by Jim Woodring, Kim Deitch, Jaime Hernandez, Megan Kelso: Dinosaurs
First Second Books - A.L.I.E.E.E.N., American Born Chinese, Drawing Words and Writing Pictures, The Professor’s Daughter, Adventures in Cartooning, The Eternal Smile, Robot Dreams
Lark Pien - Lark Pien
Marvel - Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, Spider-Woman
MUTTS - Patrick McDonnell
Oni Press - Oni Press Illustrators
Picture Box - Lauren Weinstein
Secret Acres - Minty Lewis
Sparkplug - Hellen Jo
TOKYOPOP - TOKYOPOP Kawaii, TOKYOPOP Kakoii
Top Shelf - Jeffrey Brown, Johnny Boo by James Kochalka, Owly by Andy Runton, Renée French
Uclick - Garfield by Jim Davis, TMNT, Ziggy by Tom Wilson
United Media - Dilbert, Peanuts, Pearls Before Swine, Nancy
Viz Media - RIN-NE by Rumiko Takahashi, Children of the Sea by Daisuke Igarashi, Beat Girl by Shojo Beat
For more information, you can read the blog post on the announcement http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/its-birdits-planeits-igoogle-comics.html
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Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) will preview at San Diego Comic-Con 2009 a new line of action figures based on Twentieth Century Fox’s upcoming epic action-adventure film, “Avatar,” that will incorporate augmented reality technology, marking the first time this technology will ever appear in a retail toy product.
The toy line, developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox Licensing) will feature heroes, creatures and vehicles straight from James Cameron’s much-anticipated film, which is set for release in December 2009.
Each action figure, vehicle and creature in the product line will come with a 3-D web tag, called an i-TAG, which consumers can “scan” using a home computer’s webcam. Scanning the i-TAG will reveal special content onscreen unique to the corresponding product. Exact content varies for each item, but could include biographical information, additional images and animated models of the figures. When the i-TAG for deluxe figures, vehicles or creatures are placed under a webcam, animated 3-D models will “come alive” through engaging, evading or defending moves. Place two i-TAGs from the “Battle Pack” together and the 3-D images will interact with each other.
“The development of our ‘Avatar’ toy line with the integration of the augmented reality technology marks an entirely new level of innovation in toys,” said Doug Wadleigh, Vice President for Boys Action Play Marketing, Mattel, Inc. “Boys will be able to play with the ‘Avatar’ figures and vehicles in ways that previously could only be imagined.”
Lora Cohn, Vice President, Fox Licensing, added, “This is going to be a ground-breaking moment for both film and toy with the introduction of one of the most innovative 3-D experiences ever conceived. Mattel has created the perfect complement to a film that is going to wow audiences the world over with its bold new vision.”
The i-TAG technology was developed by Total Immersion, the global leader in augmented reality. Total Immersion’s patented augmented reality technology integrates real time interactive 3-D graphics into live video. Once the object is recognized by the webcam, the product comes to life on screen.
“Augmented reality is a software solution that has significantly gained momentum and popularity with advertisers, retailers and marketers over the past several years because of its unique ability to engage consumers in their experience with a brand,” said Bruno Uzzan, CEO and co-founder, Total Immersion. “The launch of Mattel’s ‘Avatar’ toy line is truly groundbreaking, as this marks the first time augmented reality has been featured in a mainstream consumer product line.”
The Mattel line of “Avatar” action figures, creatures and vehicles will be available at retail stores nationwide in October 2009.
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Hasbro’s Star Wars team is very excited to announce the launch of its STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS DIORAMA CONTEST – and we’d love your help spreading the word!
Star Wars fans, both young and “the young-at-heart,” are encouraged to participate in Hasbro’s STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS DIORAMA CONTEST for a chance to win more than $1,000 in Hasbro Star Wars product AND have their winning diorama displayed at the next Star Wars Celebration!
Hasbro’s STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS DIORAMA CONTEST runs from 7/23/09 thru 9/25/09. Please visit starwars.hasbro.com for official rules, entry and prizing information.
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Underground Toys are very excited to now present their second wave of Doctor Who exclusive action figures: The Third Doctor, Jon Pertwee 2 Packs.
The 3rd Doctor figure with Sea Devil from ‘The Sea Devils’ and The 3rd Doctor figure and Dalek from ‘Death to the Daleks’.
These fantastic collector items will be available exclusively through Underground Toys in the US and through Forbidden Planet in the UK.
Product samples of these great Jon Pertwee 2 Packs will be unveiled at San Diego Comic Con at Underground Toys booth #3949 at 2.30pm on Thursday 23rd July!
The 3rd Doctor figure with Sea Devil from ‘The Sea Devils’The Doctor and Jo visit the Master in his high-security prison on an island off the south coast of England and hear from the governor, Colonel Trenchard, that ships have been mysteriously disappearing at sea. Investigating, the Doctor learns from the Naval base commander that the sinkings are centred around an abandoned sea fort. Visiting the fort, the Doctor and Jo are attacked by a “Sea Devil” - an amphibious breed of the prehistoric creatures or “Silurians” encountered by the Doctor not long before.
The Master is secretly building a machine to wake the Sea Devils from their hibernation, so that they can reclaim Earth from the human population. The Doctor tries to broker peace between them and humankind, but is captured by the Master. As the time approaches, the Doctor’s only hope to save the human race lies in sabotaging the device and entombing the Sea Devils.
Contents
This set features an exclusive Underground Toys action figure of the dynamic 3rd Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee with a magnificent Sea Devil figure with brand new and updated decoration. The Doctors cloak is removable and he comes with his trusty Sonic Screwdriver.
The 3rd Doctor figure and Dalek from ‘Death to the Daleks’
The Doctor and Sarah Jane arrive on the planet Exxilon, where all electrical energy is drained off by an unknown force. The Doctor meets a Marine Space Corps expedition from Earth, stranded by the energy drain, who tell him that a plague is sweeping the galaxy and that the antidote, parrinium, can be found only on Exxilon. Sarah meanwhile discovers a magnificent white edifice with a flashing beacon on top, but is captured by a group of savage Exxilons to be sacrificed for defiling their city.
The Doctor and the humans enter into an uneasy alliance with a group of Daleks who also land on the planet and whose weapons are also drained of energy. Rescuing Sarah, the Doctor and Marines escape into the tunnels around the city with Bellal, an enlightened native, as the Daleks reinforcements arrive, blazing machine guns in place of their energy weapons.
Contents
This set features an exclusive Underground Toys action figure of the dynamic 3rd Doctor as played by Jon Pertwee with Blue jacket and high boots. It also features a splendid looking Dalek resplendent in Silver and black livery and sporting a machine gun. The Doctor comes with his trusty Sonic Screwdriver.
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Konami and Cartoon Network Enterprises Partner to Bring the Brutal Adventures of Dethklok to Next Generation Consoles This Fall
Konami announced today that a video game based on the hit Adult Swim series Metalocalypse is currently in development for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network. Created by series co-creator Brendon Small and based on the top-rated Adult Swim animated series, the upcoming Metalocalypse: Dethgame will immerse players into the world of Dethklok, the world’s most brutal Norwegian heavy metal band.
“Konami is excited to partner with Cartoon Network Enterprises on Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse,” said Careen Yapp, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development for Konami. “Our position as industry leader in creating unique gaming experiences through licensed material coupled with Adult Swim’s pedigree as leader in creating ground-breaking programming is what is going to make Metalocalypse such a great project for us to publish.”
“Since its debut on Adult Swim, Metalocalypse has built a solid fan base and become synonymous with two things – animated destruction and metal,” said Christina Miller, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of Adult Swim. “Working closely with Konami and the show’s creators, we have found a way to incorporate both of those qualities into our first video game for the brand and provide a truly authentic gaming experience.”
“We have gone above and beyond and found the biggest nerds in the industry to help develop and deliver what will without a doubt be the most successful downloadable cartoon death metal game in recorded history,” said Small. “I defy anyone to find another death metal cartoon that can claim the same. But I think the most important thing to remember beyond the record setting CD sales and astounding ratings and growing rabid fans around the world is that this game is going to be a blast to play. I am very excited to be a part of making video games metal."
In Metalocalypse: Dethgame, players will be immersed in the world of Dethklok. As a Klokateer, one of the band’s loyal roadies, players will be unleashed on a heinous rampage against rabid mutant fans in brutal combat. Fight mutants, explore the rooms and dungeons of Mordhaus and protect the METAL faithful. All of this action set to the music of Dethklok, including tracks from the best-selling Dethklok: The Dethalbum. Additionally, the game will feature three all-new songs from Williams Street Records’ Dethklok 2 which will be available later this fall. Complete with mini-games, Metalocalypse provides an optimal gaming experience rarely seen in a downloadable game.
Developed by Frozen Codebase, Metalocalypse is slated for release in Q4 2009. For more information on Metalocalypse, please visit: www.konami.com/metalocalypse
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GALE ANNE HURD’S VALHALLA MOTION PICTURES, PLATINUM STUDIOS AND TOP COW PRODUCTIONS HAVE ATTACHED RYUHEI KITAMURA TO DIRECT AND HOLLY BRIX TO WRITE “MAGDALENA”
Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Motion Pictures and Platinum Studios, Inc. (OTCBB: PDOS), an entertainment company that controls an international library of more than 5,600 comic book characters which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media and Top Cow Productions, an entertainment company specializing in building intellectual properties through comic book and graphic novel publication, have attached Ryuhei Kitamura to direct and Holly Brix to write the feature film “Magdalena” based on Top Cow’s comic book character “Magdalena.”
Kitamura previously directed “Midnight Meat Train” for Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment, and he has directed numerous Japanese films including “Godzilla: Final Wars,” “Love Death,” “Sky High” and “Azumi” among many others.
“Brix previously wrote “The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations” released in January by Lionsgate and After Dark Films, adapted thriller “The Lost Girls” for MTV Films with Michelle Manning producing, rewrote “Smooth Operator” at Warner Bros for Jerry Weintraub Productions, and wrote “Mile Zero” set up at Phoenix Pictures with Marcel Langenegger directing and Milla Jovovich starring.
Gale Anne Hurd and Platinum Studios’ Chairman and CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg are set to produce. Top Cow’s CEO Marc Silvestri (“Witchblade,” “Darkness”) would serve as executive producer as would former Universal Pictures senior executive Randy Greenberg of The Greenberg Group, who helped negotiate the deal. Matt Hawkins, President of Top Cow Productions, is set to co-produce.
“Both Kitamura and Brix bring very unique visions to ‘Magdalena,’” said Hurd. “Kitamura’s visual style coupled with Brix imaginative narrative will truly make ‘Magdalena’ a compelling film on screen” added Hurd.
“We have wanted to work with Kitamura for some time and his appetite for the material is infectious,” said Rosenberg. “Brix has been on our radar, and we are thrilled that she has agreed to be a part of this project.”
“Magdalena is a very complex but visually stunning world and we believe that Kitamura and Brix are the right talents to bring this to life” said Silvestri.
Gale Anne Hurd and Valhalla Motion Pictures most recently produced the blockbuster feature The Incredible Hulk for Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures and Punisher: War Zone for Lionsgate and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Hurd has produced more than two dozen feature films that have generated billions of dollars of revenue. Her other credits include The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, Aeon Flux, The Punisher, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator 3: Rise of The Machines among others. Hurd is also producer of the feature film “The Boston Stranglers” to be directed by Brian De Palma. She is executive producer of the upcoming Lifetime Movie Network project “The Wronged Man” starring Julia Ormond for Sony Pictures Television which premieres in November 2009.
Platinum Studios’ film and TV division is developing “Cowboys & Aliens” with producers Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer and DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Kurtzman/Orci (the writing team behind the “Transformers” franchise and the resurrected “Star Trek” franchise). In addition, Platinum is developing with “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman, “Unique” at Walt Disney Pictures, “The Witchblade” with “Wanted” executive producer Marc Silvestri, Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Arclight Films, “Atlantis Rising” with DreamWorks, Kurtzman/Orci and director Len Wiseman (“Underworld” and “Live Free and Die Hard”) , and an untitled project at Sony Pictures Animation.
Top Cow turned Wanted, an award winning series created by Mark Millar and JG Jones and published by Top Cow from 2003-2005, into a $340 million plus worldwide 2008 blockbuster directed by Timur Bekmambetov and starring James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie from which Warner Brothers Interactive released a top selling video game in March 2009. Their hit comic book series Witchblade was a live action TNT series from 2000 to 2002 and an award winning 24 episode anime series in Japan that were both released last year on DVD worldwide. 2K Games, Starbreeze Studios and Top Cow turned the Darkness into a million plus selling video game in July 2007 with a planned sequel in development.
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"The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!," Panel At Comic-Con In San Diego On Thursday, July 23
From 7:00-8:00 P.M. PT With Creators, Writers And Executive Producers Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser And Stars Cree Summer (Foxxy Love), James Arnold Taylor (Wooldoor Sockbat; The Jew Producer), Abbey McBride (Ling-Ling), Jess Harnell (Captain Hero) and Tara Strong (Toot Braunstein and Princess Clara)
From the warped minds of creators, writers and executive producers Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser, comes the most reprehensible and most guilty-pleasure movie of all time…"The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!," it was announced today by Lauren Corrao, president, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL. Currently in production, the first animated film based on the "Drawn Together" series will be released by COMEDY CENTRAL Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment in March 2010.
"'Drawn Together's' reunion with COMEDY CENTRAL is like marrying an old ex-girlfriend," said Silverstein and Jeser. "I mean, are we doing this because we love each other and are destined to be together? Or is it because neither one of us could do any better? As is often the case, it's probably both."
"Matt and Dave are a creatively talented duo with a twisted sensibility that is completely uninhibited and admirable," said Corrao. "Without the constraints of producing for basic cable, this movie will showcase their chops the way fans of the show have been waiting for."
"The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!" stars the incorrigible cast of the most hilarious animated reality show ever to air on basic cable. When the mystery-solving musician, Foxxy, notices she and her fellow housemates can curse without being bleeped - something they’ve never been able to do before - they realize that their show has been cancelled. Determined to get back on the air, they venture to such far-off lands as Bedrock, a Fairy Tale Village and the fantastical Make-a-Point Land, all the while outrunning their enemies who are hell bent on keeping them off the air and are prepared to use any means necessary to do so.
"The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!" is bigger, badder and uncensored and certainly lives up to its tainted heritage and provides the audience with a not-so-healthy heaping of what everyone has come to know and secretly love from the show. Namely, copious amounts of drunken-revelry, taboo-busting and cartoon-on-cartoon violence.
A "The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!" panel will be held at Comic-Con in San Diego on Thursday, July 23 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. PT in room 6BCF. Join Silverstein, Jeser and stars Cree Summer (Foxxy Love, "Transformers: Animated"), James Arnold Taylor (Wooldoor Sockbat/The Jew Producer; "Star Wars: The Clone Wars"), Abbey McBride (Ling-Ling), Jess Harnell (Captain Hero) and Tara Strong (Toot Braunstein and Princess Clara) as they discuss their new film and host a round table discussion on the politics of religion in the workplace and where to get a decent sandwich.
"Drawn Together" premiered on the network in October 2004 and aired for three seasons and 36 episodes. The series presented a world where cartoon characters from various genres of animation were brought together to live under one roof. The characters left their animated "reality" and entered a new world where their cartoon universes collide with a bang, combining different styles of animation and different personalities, all "drawn together." This was COMEDY CENTRAL's first original animated series that was drawn traditionally and in 2-D digital ink and paint animation.
The eight stars/housemates represent iconic archetypes from the world of animation and include: "Captain Hero," a not-so-moral do-gooder reminiscent of the Saturday morning TV super heroes of the 70's; "Clara," a 20-year-old sweet and naive fairy-tale princess; "Toot Braunstein," a black-and-white pudgy heart throb from the 20's; "Foxxy Love," a sexy mystery-solving musician; "Spanky Ham," a foul-mouthed Internet download pig; "Ling-Ling," an adorable Asian trading card mini-monster; "Wooldoor-Sockbat," a wacky Saturday morning whatchamacallit; and "Xandir," a strong young gay video game warrior.
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Raimi, acclaimed director of the blockbuster Spider-Man series, will bring the forces of the Horde and the Alliance to life in epic live-action film. Charles Roven's Atlas Entertainment will produce alongside Raimi's Stars Road Enter
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and Legendary Pictures announced today that Sam Raimi has signed on to direct the eagerly-anticipated major motion picture based on Blizzard Entertainment®’s award-winning Warcraft® universe. Raimi has, in the course of his career, clearly demonstrated a genius for developing and adapting existing fictional universes for mainstream audiences while staying true to the spirit of the original content.
Raimi directed the Spider-Man trilogy, which has broken box-office records around the world and garnered five Academy Award® nominations. Known for his imaginative filmmaking style, richly drawn characters and offbeat humor, Raimi wrote and directed the cult classic, The Evil Dead and produced 30 Days Of Night. He most recently wrote and directed the supernatural thriller, Drag Me To Hell.
“At its core, Warcraft is a fantastic, action-packed story,” said Raimi. “I am thrilled to work with such a dynamite production team to bring this project to the big screen.”
Charles Roven’s producing talents were recently seen with last summer’s blockbuster The Dark Knight, which grossed in excess of $1 billion, was nominated for eight Academy Awards® and won two. His body of work also includes the widely acclaimed Batman Begins and the sci-fi classic 12 Monkeys. Roven, with Atlas producing partner Alex Gartner, will be producing with Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull, Legendary’s Chief Creative Officer Jon Jashni, Raimi and Raimi’s producing partner Joshua Donen. Raimi’s partner, Robert Tapert, will be an Executive Producer and Blizzard Entertainment’s Senior Vice President of Creative Development, Chris Metzen, a Co-Producer.
“Partnering with Sam Raimi exemplifies Legendary's mandate of marrying the highest quality intellectual property to world-class filmmakers,” said Legendary’s Tull. “Sam's passion for 'Warcraft' is undeniable and we know that he will create an incredible film worthy of Blizzard's phenomenal franchise. We look forward to collaborating with our partners at Warner Bros. and continuing our successful relationship with Chuck in bringing this rich new world to the screen.”
“Blizzard Entertainment and Legendary Pictures have a shared vision for this film and we searched at length to find the very best director to bring that vision to life,” said Paul Sams, chief operating officer of Blizzard Entertainment. “From our first conversation with Sam, we could tell he was the perfect choice. Sam knows how to simultaneously satisfy the enthusiasts and the mainstream audience that might be experiencing that content for the first time. We're looking forward to working with him to achieve that here.”
“Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft has become a second home for millions of players and Sam’s experience and talent make him the perfect director for this remarkable and action-packed world,” said Atlas’ Roven. “Alex and I are proud to be working with Sam and re-teaming with our friends at Legendary and Warner Bros.”
The film will fall under Legendary Pictures’ co-production and co-financing deal with Warner Bros. “Warcraft is emblematic of the kind of branded, event films for which our studio is best known. We have enjoyed great success with our partners at Legendary, and this is an incredible opportunity for us to work with Sam on a project that is so eagerly anticipated by so many,” said Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft universe is a rich fantasy setting that revolves around the epic conflict between the opposing forces of the Horde and the Alliance. Since its debut in 1994, Warcraft has developed a loyal following across the globe, with several bestselling, award-winning PC games and a range of popular licensed products including novels, action figures, apparel, comic books, board games, and more. World of Warcraft®, Blizzard Entertainment’s subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the Warcraft universe, is the most popular game of its kind in the world. Its most recent expansion, Wrath of the Lich King™, is the fastest-selling PC game of all time, with more than 2.8 million copies sold in its first 24 hours of availability and more than 4 million in its first month.
Further details about the upcoming Warcraft movie, including cast and targeted release date, will be revealed as development progresses.
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The Palm Restaurant at 615 J Street in San Diego is quickly becoming known for more than its great food. It’s becoming a work of comic art, thanks to Marvel Comics and San Diego Comic Con.
That tradition continues on Thursday at 12:00 noon, PST, so come and be a part of it all! For the past 4 years, red-hot superstars have added to a growing mural of mighty Marvel characters as fans watched their process. Adding to the mural this year are fan-favorite creators Steve Epting (Captain America), and the team of Michael Ryan & Christina Strain (Runaways). The characters they will be drawing are top secret, so you’ll have to make like Spider-Man and swing by The Palm!
Fans will get the chance to watch artists make history, talk to the creators, and enjoy some amazing food as this living work or art gets two new additions! Come to The Palm and make yours Marvel!
When: Thursday 12:00-2:00 P.M.
Where: The Palm Restaurant
615 J Street
(619) 702-6500
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