Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino To Attend Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
May 16, 2012Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino Fist-Pumping His Way To Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 11
It’s a “Situation” as the Reality TV Star & Future Comic Book Superhero Turns Up The Heat In the Windy City!
NEW YORK and ROSEMONT, Ill., May 16, 2012 – Pop culture icon, reality TV star and soon-to-be comic book superhero Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino will take his “GTL lifestyle” to the Midwest this summer when he attends Wizard World Chicago Comic Con on Saturday, August 11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. “The Sitch” will meet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs, and maybe even give a sneak peek at what his new comic book might look like.
Last month, Sorrentino and Wizard World announced a publishing and development deal to create a comic book superhero based on “The Situation” and his family. The series will be written and drawn by some of the comic book industry’s leading artists and writers.
In Chicago, Sorrentino joins an impressive list of celebrities like William Shatner, Bruce Campbell, Stan Lee, Tom Felton, Nina Dobrev and WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ attending what is shaping up as the biggest Wizard World show ever and the Midwest’s No. 1 Pop Culture Convention.
“We are thrilled to welcome our partners Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino and his family to their first Wizard World show,” said John Macaluso, CEO, Wizard World. “Chicago is our largest event, which is perfect for someone like Mike, who knows a thing or two about big crowds and enthusiastic fans.”
“I am looking forward to being a part of the Wizard World experience,” said Sorrentino, who grew up as a comic book fan. “It’s exciting to think about how many fans of comics, TV and pop culture will be there, and I’m honored to be included with stars like William Shatner, Stan Lee and Bruce Campbell.”
Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
For more on the 2012 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****
May 31 – June 3 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 – December 2 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
TBD 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con
Wil Wheaton Defends BitTorrent
May 16, 2012Wil Wheaton, he of Star Trek: The Next Generation and “Don’t be a dick” fame, took to his blog on Monday to defend BitTorrent and stand up for Net Neutrality. In the post he shows the positives of using Torrents such as increased download speeds, but it’s his commentary on the entertainment industry that’s the most intriguing. The post opens:
I frequently find myself in an unpopular position in the entertainment industry: I believe in network neutrality, I don’t believe that piracy is the end of the world as we know it (I particularly don’t believe that a download or file shared automatically equals a lost sale*) and I don’t believe in crippling the Internet to protect a business model that desperately needs to change.
In his post he goes on to say:
Some ISPs are blocking all bittorrent traffic, because bittorrent can be used to share files in a piratical way. Hollywood lobbying groups are trying to pass laws wich would force ISPs to block or degrade bittorrent traffic, too. Personally, I think this is like closing down freeways because a bank robber could use them to get away, which I know is an imperfect comparison, but is the best I can do after a night of not-especially-good sleep.
This comes out around the same time the band Counting Crows is using the torrent service to spread some of their latest album in hopes of gaining more fans. We’ve seen some comic book creators take to torrents to promote their works, it’ll be interesting to see if more are to follow.
Hunt For Hope In Avengers Vs X-Men #4 – On Sale Now!
May 16, 2012Hunt For Hope In AVENGERS VS X-MEN #4 – ON SALE NOW!
The war is here! Today in Avengers VS. X-Men #4, by the blockbuster creative team of Jonathan Hickman and John Romita Jr., both the Avengers and the X-Men have lost Hope! With Wolverine out of commission, and fights breaking out all across the Marvel Universe – do the X-Men have the upper hand to find the Mutant Messiah? And can Thor’s team in space stop the Phoenix Force?
Plus! Join the Marvel ReEvolution as Marvel brings fans a new comic reading experience! Every issue of Avengers VS X-Men comes packaged with a code for a FREE digital copy on the Marvel Comics app and Marvel Digital Comics Shop.
And that’s not all! Take the Avengers VS X-Men enjoyment even further by unlocking access to exclusive behind the scenes extras utilizing special augmented reality technology with the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma. This is exciting bonus content that you cannot access anywhere else!
Which team will reign supreme? Join the conversation on Twitter with #AvX!
Here comes the pain as all your favorite super heroes enter the fight—and only one team will emerge victorious! Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime comic event in, Avengers VS X-Men #4, on sale now in comic shops everywhere, on the Marvel Comics app, and the all-new Marvel Digital Comics Shop!
For more on Avengers VS X-Men, please visit http://avx.marvel.com
AVENGERS VS X-MEN #4 (MAR120534)
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Pencils by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
Rated T+…$3.99
ON SALE NOW!
Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Announces Programming
May 16, 2012Chris Hemsworth, Stan Lee, ‘Star Trek’ Captains Q&A’s, Screenings, Comedy, Evening Parties To Highlight Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Programming
Packed Schedule Includes 20-Year “Buffyfest” Reunion, Sessions With James Marsters, WWE® Superstar CM Punk™, Costume Contests, Kids’ Activities, Sci-Fi Speed Dating, Jedi Master Classes and More, May 31 – June 3 at Pennsylvania Convention Center
NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 15, 2012 – Interactive Q&A sessions with top stars like Chris Hemsworth, Stan Lee, William Shatner and three other “Star Trek” captains, WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and more than a dozen others, movie screenings, evening parties, kids activities, comedy and costume contests are among the wide variety of programming offerings at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Panels are scheduled for all four days, spanning the entire pop culture spectrum.
Highlight programming at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con includes:
- Individual celebrity Q&A’s featuring Hemsworth, Lee, WWE® Superstar CM Punk™, Sam Witwer, Hayden Panettiere, Bruce Campbell, Jeri Ryan, Dean Cain and more
- Four “Star Trek” captains reunite as Shatner (“Captain Kirk”) Scott Bakula (“Captain Archer”), Avery Brooks (“Captain Sisko”), and Kate Mulgrew (“Captain Janeway”) compare stories of their respective times at the command
- James Marsters and Juliet Landau, known to most of the geek world as “Spike” and “Drusilla” from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” share the stage in an entertaining discussion of their Joss Whedon experiences and other roles
- The Boondock Saints trio of Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and David Della Rocco rekindle memories of the popular 1999 cult movie and sequel 10 years later
- Screenings of the 2009 film The Loved Ones and last year’s Lloyd the Conqueror
- Party with fellow Wizard World revelers at the Drink & Draw on Friday at the Convention Center and the GeekNation Launch party at The Field House (1150 Filbert St.)
- Love is in the air with Sci-Fi Speed Dating, for those looking to “Terminate” their single lives
- Kids Day on Sunday, with a full slate of activities specially designed for the youngsters
- Laugh out loud (but hide the kids from this one) when Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling brings his unique brand of comedy – forged by many years on “The Howard Stern Show” and “Jackie’s Joke Hunt” on Sirius XM Radio
- It wouldn’t be Wizard World Comic Con without cosplay and costume contests – adults on Saturday night, kids on Sunday
Unless noted, programming events take place in designated rooms at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Many are included as part of standard Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con admission; VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. Programming subject to change; attendees should check the schedule board on site for updates.
Programming at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con is available at http://www.wizardworld.com/programming-pa.html, and scheduled as follows:
Thursday 5/31
5-9 p.m.: Superhero Pub Crawl
7-8:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
Friday 6/1
Noon-12:45 p.m.: How To Fail In Comics: Big City Comics (Room A)
Chalk Talk With Mike Deodato Jr (Room B)
Noon-1:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
Noon-8 p.m.: Superhero Pub Crawl
1-1:45 p.m.: Batman And Psychology: A Dark And Stormy Knight (Room A)
James Hong (Room B)
2-2:45 p.m.: Funky Winkerbean’s 40th Anniversary (Room A)
Dean Cain Q&A
2-3:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
3-3:45 p.m.: Vampire Lore And Other Urban Myths And Legends (Room A)
Star Wars Q&A (Room B)
4-4:45 p.m.: James Marsters And Juliet Landau Q&A (Room A)
Philadelphia Ghostbusters (Room B)
Knife Demonstration (Show Arena – Show Floor)
5-5:45 p.m.: Sam Trammell Q&A (Room A)
Sci-Fi Speed Dating (Room C)
Behind The Magic With Jeff Menges, Winona Nelson And Phil Foglio (Room B)
6-6:45 p.m.: Sam Witwer Q&A (Room B)
6-6:45 p.m.: Stan Lee Meet & Greet (Room C) * Paid Event
Cosplaying Costuming And Fan Films (Room A)
7-7:45 p.m.: Wizard World Cosplay Photo Shoot Meet Outside Of Room A
The Dos And Don’ts Of A Career In Comics (Room B)
7-9 p.m.: The Loved Ones Screening (Room A)
8-11 p.m.: Wizard World Drink & Draw (Room B)
Saturday 6/2
11-11:45 a.m.: Stan Lee Q&A (Theater Room)
Greg Capullo Workshop (Room A)
Torchwood Q&A (Room B)
Noon-12:45 p.m.: Hayden Panettiere Q&A (Room A)
Troma Entertainment (Room B)
Noon-1:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
1-1:45 p.m.: How To Create Comics – Breaking In With Dave Campiti (Room B)
Dualing Superheros (Show Arena – Show Floor)
1:15-1:45 p.m.: Chris Hemsworth Q&A (Theater Room)
2:00-2:45 p.m.: The Vampire Diaries Q&A (Room A)
Comic Con Costuming With The 501st (Room B)
Stan Lee Meet & Greet (Room C) *Paid Event
2-3:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
3-3:45 p.m.: Bruce Campbell Q&A (Room A)
Comics To Ca$H With Mile High Comics (Room B)
Knife Demonstration (Show Arena – Show Floor)
4-4:45 p.m.: Star Trek Captains Q&A (Theater Room)
Evil Dead Q&A (Room B)
4-5 p.m.: Cosplay Photoshoot Meet Outside Of Room A
5-5:45 p.m.: Breaking Into Comics: International Invasion (Room B)
Boondock Saints Q&A (Room A)
Sci-Fi Speed Dating (Room C)
5:30-6 p.m.: WWE® Superstar Cm Punk® Q&A (Room B)
6:30-9 p.m.: Wizard World Adult Costume Contest (Room A)
9:30-11 p.m.: Jackie “the Joke Man” Martling Comedy Show (Room B)
9 p.m.: Geeknation Launch Party Presented By Wizard World (Field House)
Sunday 6/3
10-10:45 a.m.: Georgia Ball Strawberry Shortcake Reading (Room A)
Shannon Elizabeth Q&A (Room B)
11-11:45 a.m.: Jeri Ryan Q&A (Room A)
Theater Group (Roomb)
Noon-12:45 p.m.: Buffyfest 20th Anniversary Q&A (Room A)
Red Rocket Farms (Room B)
Noon-1:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
1-1:45 p.m.: Quantum Leap Q&A (Room A)
Wizard World Kids Costume Contest (Room B)
2-2:45 p.m.: Melissa Joan Hart & Joey Lawrence Q&A (Room A)
Writing And Editing In Comics (Room B)
2-3:30 p.m.: Jedi Lightsaber Master Class (Show Arena – Show Floor)
3-3:45 p.m.: Spartacus And Legends Of The Seeker Q&A (Room A)
3-4 p.m.: Sci-Fi Speed Dating (Room C)
3-3:15 p.m.: Federation Fitness(Room B)
3:15-4 p.m.: Wrestling Panel (Room B)
Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
For more on the event, including hours, celebrities, creators, vendors, VIP and photo opportunities, programming schedules, evening entertainment, autographs, sponsorship and volunteer information and more, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-pa.html.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.
***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****
May 31 – June 3 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 – December 2 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
TBD 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con
IDW Publishing Previews – 5/16/12
May 16, 201230 Days of Night: 10 Bloody Years Treasury Edition
Steve Niles (w) • Ben Templesmith (a) • Ashley Wood (c)
It’s the 10th anniversary of 30 Days of Night’s groundbreaking first issue! To properly commemorate this momentous comic, we’re releasing the entire miniseries by Niles and Templesmith as an oversize Treasury Edition! See the story that established IDW and the creators as forces to be reckoned with!
FC • Cardstock • $9.99 • 72 pages • 9.25” x 14.25”
Complete Dick Tracy, Vol. 13
Chester Gould (w & a & c)
Dick and Tess’s house fire bombed! B.O. Plenty riddled with bullets! Sam Catchum apparently crushed to death! This volume’s villains include Blowtop, T.V. Wiggles, Dr. Plain, and Empty Williams. Plus a baby named Bonnie Braids is born, Vitamin Flintheart returns, and who’s the mysterious woman named Crewy Lou? Contains all strips from March 26, 1950 – September 15, 1951.
HC • PC • $39.99 • 252 pages • 11” x 8.5” • ISBN 978-1-61377-198-3
Jurassic Park: Dangerous Games
Greg Bear & Erik Bear (w) • Jorge Jimenez (a) • JK Woodward (c)
It is eleven years after the events of the Jurassic Park movies and CIA agent Daniel Espinoza is working undercover to infiltrate infamously brutal Nicaraguan drug lord Gabriel Cazares’ drug ring. Cazares and his henchmen have taken over Isla Nubar and converted the main facility into a walled fortress and pleasure palace in the center of a primeval jungle filled with savage monsters. When his deep cover is blown, Espinoza finds himself lost and alone on the dangerous island, hunted by both armed thugs and prehistoric monstrosities. And there is someone else watching him, too—a mysterious figure in the shadows who could be Espinoza’s only hope for survival… or the bringer of his ultimate doom.
HC · FC · $24.99 · 112 pages · ISBN 978-1-61377-002-3
Last Unicorn: The Deluxe Edition
Peter Beagle & Peter Gillis (w) Renae DeLiz & Ray Dillon (a) Renae DeLiz (c)
Whimsical. Lyrical. Poignant. Adapted for the first time from the acclaimed and beloved novel by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn is a tale for any age about the wonders of magic, the power of love, and the tragedy of loss. The unicorn, alone in her enchanted wood, discovers that she may be the last of her kind. Reluctant at first, she sets out on a journey to find her fellow unicorns, even if it means facing the terrifying anger of the Red Bull and malignant evil of the king who wields his power. Adapted by Peter B. Gillis and lushly illustrated by Renae DeLiz and Ray Dillon.
HC · FC · $50.00 · 200 pages · 8” x 12” • ISBN 978-1-61377-135-8
Locke & Key: Clockworks #6 (of 6)
Joe Hill (w) • Gabriel Rodriguez (a & c)
As a storm thunders up the coast to Lovecraft, Massachusetts, the Keepers of the Keys face Dodge a final time, under three hundred feet of stone, in the darkness before the Black Door. Here, water will mix with blood and The Drowning Cave will become a colossal grave, in the final issue of the CLOCKWORKS storyline.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Thief of Thieves #1 Gets Fourth Printing
May 16, 2012THIEF OF THIEVES GETS FOURTH PRINTING
Robert Kirkman series continues strong
The Image Comics/Skybound series THIEF OF THIEVES, Robert Kirkman’s cinematic crime comic has no zombies, no superheroes, and no larger-than-life arsenal — and it has become one of the best-selling independent comics hits of the year. The first three issues are now entering their fourth printings, with the fourth issue not far behind with a third printing.
With a story overseen by Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE), scripts by Nick Spencer (MORNING GLORIES) and art by Shawn Martinbrough, THIEF OF THIEVES is the story of a master thief, “Redmond,” who tries to leave a life of crime to reclaim his “real” life and family as Conrad Paulson. Or is it his real life? An estranged wife, a son set on following in his footsteps — Paulson is finding that identities can’t be changed as easily as suits.
The third printing of THIEF OF THIEVES #1 will be in stores this week, on May 16, and the third printings of #2 and #3 and the second printing of #4 will be in stores the following week, on May 23. The most current printings will land on shelves on June 13 and can be pre-ordered from comic book stores now. THIEF OF THIEVES is an ongoing series, and issue #5 will be stores on June 6.
Previews of each new THIEF OF THIEVES, which is published by Image Comics under Kirkman’s Skybound imprint, appear on The Hollywood Reporter website exclusively on the Friday before its release. It is available in comic book stores and digitally from multiple platforms. AMC has optioned the title as a series with Kirkman and Chic Eglee (Dexter) serving as Creators/Executive Producers/Writers.
ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
ABOUT ROBERT KIRKMAN
Robert Kirkman’s success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company’s inception twenty years ago. He’s the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, kid-friendly Super Dinosaur, The Astounding Wolf-Man, and new title Thief of Thieves, among many others. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011, taking four of the top spots. He’s the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit television show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 120 countries and 250 million households. www.Skybound.com is your destination for all news and merchandise for Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products Announces Iconic Images Branded On Toasters Only From Dynamic Forces In 2012
May 16, 2012WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES ICONIC IMAGES BRANDED ON TOASTERS ONLY FROM DYNAMIC FORCES IN 2012
May 15th, 2012 – Runnemede, NJ – Dynamic Forces is proud to announce our newest license with Warner Bros. Consumer Products for a line of collector toasters!
The new toaster collection will showcase iconic imagery featuring Warner Bros. properties ranging from classic movies to hit television series. The license includes such properties as The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Story, Where the Wild Things Are, The Goonies, Gremlins, Little Shop of Horrors, Watchmen, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Mad Magazine, Friends, AND MORE! The first toaster is scheduled to be on sale September 2012.
These collector toasters will imprint iconic images from your favorite Warner Bros. films and television series onto slices of bread to make a fun impression on your breakfast, lunch or midnight snack! The extra-wide slots allow you to not only toast bread, but also bagels and more. UL tested and approved, it includes illuminated function buttons for cancel, reheat and frozen. The toaster design is a beautiful glossy black finish featuring the logo from the film or television series, and is a compliment to any counter top.
This makes a great gift for any fan of these classic films and TV shows! Once the timer dings, it’s all fun with your Warner Bros. favorites right in the middle of your morning slice of toast. Collect them all, starting September 2012!”Dynamic Forces is excited to work with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to release these collectible image toasters that capture the spirit of some of Warner Bros.’ most admired properties and timeless brands,” states President of Dynamic Forces, Nick Barrucci. “We’re thrilled to give fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite brands and characters in a new way.”
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™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.(s12) ™ & © Turner Entertainment Co.(s12) ™ & © DC Comics.(s12)
™ & © New Line Productions, Inc.(s12) ™ & © E.C. Publications.(s12)
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
ABOUT DYNAMIC FORCES
>Dynamic Forces is the comic-book and collectible industry’s top producer of limited-edition and autographed memorabilia, including comic books and lithographs. DF functions as a packager of comics, ranking as high as one of the top five suppliers of Diamond Comic Distributors. It is also a premiere comic and entertainment supplier for the United States and international multimedia retailers.
DF continues to set the pace in the comic collector and comic memorabilia markets. Recent product line expansions includes: action figures, vinyl and poly resin statues, trading cards, lithographs, giclees, apparel and much more.
For updated information on Dynamic Forces specialty merchandise, product art, exclusive creator interviews, columns and upcoming product releases, please visit the Dynamic Forces website at www.dynamicforces.com.
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Graphic Policy believes in journalistic integrity and transparency. We will disclose when a product has been given for free for review and/or when no cost has been incurred to the staff so that you may be able to make a fully informed decision as to the opinions provided.
