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DC Comics Announces Historic Renumbering of All Superhero Titles and Landmark Day-and-Date Digital Distribution

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

DC Comics Announces

Historic Renumbering of All Superhero Titles

and Landmark Day-and-Date Digital Distribution

This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.

On Wednesday, August 31^st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31^st: the final issue of this summer’s comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry’s premier superhero team.

In the hours, days and weeks to come, we’ll have more news about the other titles. Tomorrow, we’ll hear from Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee about this momentous occasion. Keep checking THE SOURCE for updates about the other first issues.

This year, make history with us.

Comic Book Fans on Facebook – May 31, 2011

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Brett

We continue to track the number of comic book fans on Facebook. This week’s entry is a head scratcher as the overall count of people identifying themselves as comic book fans has increased but demographic info like the education took dip.

Total Estimated United States Comic Book Fan Facebook Population = over 1,864,140. This is an increase of 3,100 over the week. Below is the usual further breakdown.

Men vs. Women

While both men and women dipped about 70,000, the “unknown” category for gender skyrocketed by 130,000. It’s completely unknown as to why this is the case. Education also dropped across the board, which is strange. My guess is this can be chalked up to glitches in the mechanism to get this information, but we’ll see next week if the numbers change more like last week’s.

Age

Again the age stats are a bit odd like the education ones. The universe for those under the age of 17 increased as well as those 34-37. Overall, everything else dipped.

Relationship Status

Again showing how odd these numbers are the stats for the gender breakdown do not add up to the overall total. The numbers were looked at multiple times, each bringing back the same results. The reason, who knows.

Gender Interest

Numbers continue to be all over the place as the percentages have dropped overall for everything. Could it be that it’s summer and people are hiding their status in hopes of meeting that special someone?

The numbers this week are bizarre. I can’t explain why they’re all over the place and will have to wait until next week to see if they bounce back.

Wizard World Inc. appoints John D. Maatta to its Board of Directors

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD) appoints John D. Maatta to its Board of Directors

Maatta Brings a Significant History of Entertainment Industry Experience to the Wizard World Board

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, May 25, 2011 Wizard World, Inc. (symbol: WIZD) (the “Company”), a digital entertainment and event company, today announced that John D. Maatta, current COO of the CW Television Network, and an entertainment industry executive with 25 years of experience, has been appointed to its Board of Directors (the “Board”). The appointment of John D. Maatta to the Board follows the recent Board appointments of Greg Suess from ROAR and John Macaluso, and signals another step forward for the Company’s planned expansion in the pop-culture space.

Michael Mathews, Wizard World’s Chairman, said: “John brings a track record with many years of operating experience in the entertainment industry. We’re looking forward to benefiting from John’s unique insights and advice as we move forward and continue to grow our media and entertainment company.”

John D. Maatta, said: “When I was first introduced to Wizard World, I was extremely impressed by both the significant space that the Company currently occupies in the pop-culture world, as well as how well-positioned the Company is in its sector.”

Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO, said: “John will be a tremendous addition to the Wizard World Board. Because of his years of experience and increasingly responsible positions in the entertainment industry, John’s knowledge and intuition will make him a valued voice on our Board, we couldn’t be more excited!”

Maatta is the Chief Operating Officer of The CW Network since its launch in January 2006, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, The CW went on air Sept. 20, 2006 as America’s new fifth broadcast network and the only network targeting young adults 18-34. Maatta oversaw the formation and launch of The CW, which included, under his guidance, building a stronger distribution system than any new network has ever had. Prior to The CW, Maatta served as the Chief Operating Officer for The WB, a position he held since September 2005. As COO of The WB, Maatta served as the network’s General Counsel, as well as having direct oversight of all business and operations departments, such as business affairs, finance, network distribution, which included The WB 100+ station group, technology, legal, research, network operations, broadcast standards and human resources. He earned the distinction of being The WB’s very first employee, making many of the initial distribution deals, he has also been in the Warner Bros. family since 1986 when he joined Lorimar Telepictures Corporation; subsequently at Warner Bros. Television, Maatta held the positions of Senior Attorney and Vice President, before he moved to The WB in 1993.

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. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

Wizard World’s full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relating to Wizard World, Inc.’s future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects are “forward-looking statements” and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release, the words “will,” “future,” “expect,” “look forward to,” similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Wizard World that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed or implied in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect Wizard World’s business is contained in its SEC filings, including its Form 8-K/A filed on February 18, 2011, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.” Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting Joe Favorito, Public Relations, at (917) 566-8345. All information set forth in this press release is current as of May 25, 2011. Wizard World undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

Press Release

Around the Tubes

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Brett

Yesterday was #comicmarket on Twitter and as usual the conversation was interesting and fantastic. Today’s new comics day and there looks to be some good releases. What are you looking forward to this week? Why you ponder that, here’s all the news you might have missed while you were chatting on Twitter.

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – Why The Kick-Ass 2 Movie Probably Won’t Ever Happen – Or the money just isn’t there….

Bleeding Cool – Matthew Vaughn Tells Us Which Hot Potato An X-Men: First Class Follow Up Could Juggle – The series is all about the political subtext, embrace it people….

GeekWeek – Two More Actors Added To THE DARK KNIGHT RISES – I’m still waiting for my phone call….

Comicvine – Warner Bros. TV CEO on Why Wonder Woman Pilot Failed – I’m still torn on this one.

Comics Alliance – DC and Marvel Lose Digital Comics Executives at the Same Time – I’m available folks….

Comicvine – Superheroes and Social Media: #Savingtheday, One Tweet at a Time? – I just had a great conversation about this with a friend over the weekend.

Bleeding Cool – Matthew Vaughn On His Mark Millar/Dave Gibbons Super Spy Project – The legal clearance has me intrigued.

Con Coverage:

Phoenix NewTimes – Gearing up for Phoenix Comicon

Around the Tubes Reviews:

Comics Girl – Remake Special

Archaia Announces New Distribution Deal with PGW

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

ARCHAIA ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS WITH PGW
Rising Graphic Novel Publishing Star Finds New Home for Book Trade Market and Beyond

Berkeley, CA (May 23, 2011) –Archaia Entertainment, LLC and Publishers Group West (“PGW”), a Perseus Books Group company, announced today that PGW will begin distributing Archaia titles in the US and Canada beginning June 20, 2011. The deal encompasses all of Archaia’s backlist titles, which include fan-favorites: Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, and The Killer, plus over 40 frontlist titles for the second half of 2011. Included are two major media tie-in releases: the illustrated prose edition of The Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes in July and an original graphic novel anthology to Relativity Media’s Immortals in September.

PJ Bickett, Archaia’s CEO, said, “We are forging powerful partnerships with industry leaders in all aspects of our business, underscoring Archaia’s arrival as a substantial player within the publishing world. PGW will be a key partner in our success, and with their world-class distribution they will allow Archaia to continue to expand our presence across the book trade, as well as in educational, library and international markets.”

“Archaia is a publisher to be reckoned with. They are consistently developing some of the most beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written titles across genres,” said Kevin Votel, PGW’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “In a short time, they’ve become a leading brand and we’re thrilled to be working with their list.”

About Archaia Entertainment
Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 50 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Gunnerkrigg Court, Awakening, The Killer, Days Missing, Tumor, Syndrome, Artesia, Engineer, and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year according to Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, and was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations. Archaia has also successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media.

About PGW
PGW, a member of the Perseus Books Group, is a one-stop solution for world English language sales and marketing for independent publishers. Established in 1976, PGW is headquartered in Berkeley, CA, with a national sales office in New York City and a distribution center located in Jackson, TN.

One of the top ten book vendors in the country, PGW represents more than 100 independent publishers, who together are publishing some of the most topical, innovative, literary, and award-winning books available today. Major national and international bestsellers from PGW client publishers include Matterhorn (Atlantic Monthly Press), The Power of Now (New World Library), Strengthsfinder 2.0 (Gallup Press), and the Rick Steves Guidebooks series (Avalon Travel Publishing).

About the Perseus Books Group
The Perseus Books Group is an independent company committed to enabling independent publishers to reach their potential whether those publishers are Perseus-owned, joint ventures or owned by third parties. Member publishing programs include Avalon Travel, Basic Books, Basic Civitas, Da Capo Press, Da Capo Lifelong Books, Running Press, Seal Press, Vanguard Press and Westview Press, as well as partnerships with PublicAffairs and with Nation Books. Through Consortium, Perseus Distribution and Publishers Group West, the Perseus Books Group is the leading provider of sales, marketing, distribution, and digital services to independent publishers. For more information, visit our websites at www.perseusbooks.com, www.perseusdigital.com/constellation.

What the Fans Say About the #comicmarket

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Brett

On Twitter I recently recounted my experience at three different comic book shops in the Washington, DC area and the vast difference of customer service I received to the #comicmarket. While much in that Twitter conversation has to do with what comic book shops would like to see from publishers, but what is it the fans want to see?

Comic book fans on a listserv were asked to share their thoughts as to “What pisses me off about the industry?” Here’s their answers.

“pretty much everything. I’m mad for comic books but the entire infrastructure of print comics and comics stores seems to be tailor designed for self foot-shooting. Many stores still retain a snide and socially awkward clique staff; the quality of artwork, dialogue and overall thematics of titles ostensibly set up as landmark series (such as Astonishing X Men) vary wildly; physical store product, layout and content scare off new female readers: and editorship is laden with gimmickry and misogyny.”

“Long-term readers are punished with senseless retcons and new readers lack an access point outside of the cinema.”

“What tweaks me about the industry: tunnel vision.”

“The sheer volume of insipidly monotonous content dressed up with great visuals, definitely the lack of diversity, and the dearth of informative, engaged (in a social/political sense) work being produced, though this is changing (albeit slowly).”

“the invisibility of cartoonists in most media coverage. Talk shows interview authors (often boring academic ones!) but rarely cartoonists.”

“The industry’s distribution, format and diversity tunnel-vision is beyond frustration. Also. I’d say the lack of the kind of rich critical establishment that you get spoiled by being a music nerd, is fairly depressing.”

“The endless number of spin-off series that go along with a big event series from Marvel/DC but don’t really add anything to the story, racism/sexism/homophobia in comics — particularly if it’s hidden, anything conservative making it into the comics realm, lazy storytelling and art, the fact that the industry might destroy itself and I won’t get to read the stuff I like anymore…”

“Lack of genre diversity in comics.”

“i don’t really give the industry as much thought as i should.”

“Mainstream industry is not very supportive of women, POC.”

“Retcons and needless event deaths (say, offing Blue Beetle and/or turning Maxwell Lord into an evil criminal mastermind after all these years.)”

“Editorial cartooning is dominated by horrible work based on lame gags and labeled metaphors. I hate it. And the general reluctance of magazines and websites to run editorial cartoons or comics journalism.”

Having worked in a comic book shop, worked retail for a major game publisher, and now get to sit on the outside as a fan, I can tell you the stores bare as much responsibility for the state of the industry as publishers. Shops should be professional, but as I showed in my visit at three stores, that’s simply not the case. Shops need to step up, use the resources at their disposal and do everything they can, especially before laying blame towards publishers. It’s a tandem effort.

I asked #comicmarket what stores were doing to get their customers to market for them. The response was crickets. I see discussion of how stores are marketing to their customers through events and some are using social networks, but what are those stores doing to get their customers to talk to their friends? Are stores building an email list to market to? Are they advertising on Facebook? But more importantly, are they professional when customers enter the store.

I worked for a major game publisher that had stores of their own. It was a workshop of sorts (figure it out yourselves). Every Sunday, the staff of the store was brought together to go through sales scenarios. We were drilled to engage customers. We had an employee handbook we needed to follow. Is your store doing that?

The typical comic book store stereotype is they’re dark, smell, dirty and feature an register jockey who can’t engage customers. Forget what publishers are doing, what are we all doing to make sure we break that stereotype?

Comic Book Fans on Facebook – May 24, 2011

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Brett

It’s the latest entry of our series looking at the demographics of comic book fans on Facebook. This ongoing series looks at 29 different “likes” having to do with comic books. These likes include publishers and general terms and does not include individual series, writers or artists.

Total Estimated United States Comic Book Fan Facebook Population = over 1,861,040. This is an increase of 58,540, a sizable difference than the previous week’s gain of 2,220. Below is the usual further breakdown.

Men vs. Women

Both genders saw a gain of about 30,000 individuals. It’s interesting that the gain was so even between the two, making me think there might have been issues earlier with Facebook’s indexing of the data, but we’ll see next week if this holds up.

Education shifted a bit as expected, but nothing that really stands out. I’d expect we’ll see some shift of high school to college and college graduates, but we’ll see how that goes.

Age

Again, we see overall gains no matter the age bracket. There was some strong gains with women over the age of 58.

Relationship Status

There were gains overall as expected, but the Married status made the most gains out of everything. Single still makes up the majority but there’s a lot less single geeks out there this week.

Gender Interest

Again, gains all around for this statistic. The largest gain was men interested in women and second highest is women interested in men. Men interested in men also has come close to breaking the 2% mark.

We’ll wait to see next week’s results to make sure this week wasn’t an anomaly.

Thor Drops to Third While Priest Needs a Miracle

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Brett

As expected the movie Thor lost it’s first place standing this weekend as the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie debuted. Thor fell to third place behind Pirates and Bridesmaids as it’s earnings dropped 55% and brought in $15.5 million. The movie has brought in $145.4 million in the United States and $237.5 million overseas. The cumulative $382.9 million is well above it’s cost of $150 million to make. That ensures we’ll be seeing a sequel at some point.

The other big name comic book movie debut Priest hasn’t fared as well. In it’s second week it dropped 69.2% and earned $4.6 million. In the United States the movies has earned $23.6 million and cost $60 million to produce. That means the movie will rely on DVD sales to make up the difference. Unless those sales are lucrative, we won’t likely see a sequel.

Around the Tubes

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Brett

I don’t know what the Graphic Policy readership is like, but I’m guessing many will still be here to read this blog if the Rapture actually happens today. And, while you were planning the post Rapture looting, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

CNN International – The top five political comic books – CNN doesn’t break any ground or go out on a limb with this one.

Bleeding Cool – Another Year, Another Job As Executive VP – I’m going out on a limb to say I can do this job and be successful at it.

Gamers Hell – America’s Army – The Graphic Novel Third Chapter Released – Why didn’t I get the press release….

Comic Book Resources – Tom Cruise Signs On For Radical’s “Oblivion” – Interesting….

ICv2 – ‘Fantastic Four’ #1 Goes for $300,000 – I had some loose change in my couch and figured “why not.”

Comic Book Resources – “X-Men: Destiny” Introduces Grant Alexander – I’m interested in seeing what this game has to offer and it’ll be interesting to see if any of the original material makes it into the comic universe.

Kotaku – For an Ass-Kicking Norse God, Thor Sure Has a Soft, Artistic Side – The movie laid on amazing visuals, so it’s expected the video game would be just as impressive to look at.

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Last Mortal #1

Saffron Walden – Noche Roja

My Comic Shop DocumentARy Trailer

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Brett

One of the fond memories I have is working in a comic book shop during high school and college. The stories from my time being a counter jockey are numerous and most are entertaining, and if I could of made of living out of it, I probably would have continued. Filmmaker Anthony Desiato found it fascinating too and decided to make a documentary My Comic Shop DocumentARy which explores Alternate Realities Comics in Scarsdale, NY and its owner, Steve Oto.

In 1992, one man embarked upon a journey from lawyer to comic book retailer. It has been a journey filled with accomplishment and disappointment, friendship and heartbreak…and a dream that would become a nightmare. “My Comic Shop DocumentARy” is an independent, feature-length film shining a light on the colorful community that calls one New York comic shop home.

I can’t wait to see it.

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