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Pantheon at SDCC!

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Official Press Release

Pantheon Books will be at this year’s San Diego ComicCon (July 20-24), and we would love to see you there. We will be at Booth #1515.

We have two Pantheon authors joining us at ComicCon this year: Craig Thompson/HABIBI (onsale 9/20) and Chip Kidd/BAT MANGA!. Both will be appearing at our booth and on author panels, and I would love to set up interviews for you with them in advance of or during the event. Thompson is available for on-site interviewson Friday (7/22) and Saturday (7/23), and Kidd will be available for interviews throughout the convention. More information about the artists may be found below.

Also, just a note that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer-Prize winning Maus, and in the fall Pantheon is publishing Spiegelman’s METAMAUS (onsale 10/4), a studied look at the genesis of Maus, accompanied by a DVD with never-before-seen panels, a home movie, and other objects relating to the original publication of Spiegelman’s groundbreaking original comic book. We will have METAMAUS buttons on hand for giveaway throughout the convention.

Finally, next spring, Pantheon’s sister imprint Schocken Books is publishing its first ever graphic novel: UNTERZAKHN (onsale 3/20/2012) by Leela Corman, a mesmerizing, heartbreaking story of immigrant life on New York’s Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. In anticipation of this exciting release, we will be giving away women’s panties at the Pantheon booth, since, as some of you may know, the word “unterzakhn” is Yiddish for “underthings.” How’s that for a buzz-worthy giveaway item?

Craig Thompson’s previous graphic novels include Blankets (for which he received three Harvey Awards for Best Artist, Best Graphic Album of Original Work, and Best Cartoonist; and two Eisner Awards for Best Graphic Album and Best Writer/Artist); Goodbye, Chunky Rice; and Carnet de Voyage. He lives in Portland, Oregon. Advance praise for HABIBI: “This is not just an epic that sprawls from desert to harem to modern urban waste…it’s a look at how the first and third worlds are divided, Islam and Christianity united, and humanity too separated from the natural world. Ambitious.” —Library Journal

Chip Kidd is a graphic designer and writer in New York City. His previous books about comics for Pantheon were Bat Manga!, Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz, and Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross. Two won the Eisner Award and were national bestsellers. As an editor, Kidd has most recently overseen the publication of Alex Ross’s Rough Justice (3/30/2010). http://goodisdead.com/

Pantheon Books works with some of the most iconic and innovative graphic novelists on the scene. Charles Burns, Dan Clowes, David Mazzucchelli, Alex Ross, Marjane Satrapi, Art Spiegelman, and Chris Ware are just a few of the many talents we publish, and information about them will be on hand at our booth.

World Renowned Artist Ashley Wood Special Guest at San Diego Comic-Con

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World Renowned Artist Ashley Wood Special Guest at San Diego Comic-Con

Appearance includes signings at IDW booth #2643, exclusive robots and books, spotlight panel, and more

[Popbot Book Cover]San Diego, CA (June 30, 2011)—At this year’s San Diego Comic Con, art and comic fans have one more must on their lists, as IDW Publishing announced today that world-renowned artist and creator Ashley Wood will be a special guest at the convention. Headquartered at the IDW Booth #2643, Ashley will hold regular signings, and be featured in a spotlight panel, hosted by IDW’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Ted Adams. Ashley fans can also look forward to an impressive array of exclusive or hard to find items, including toys and books.

“Ash and I have worked together for more than 15 years. We met when I was running Todd McFarlane’s comic books and the first book IDW published was Ash’s first art collection, Uno Fanta. I’m looking forward to chatting with him about his career during his spotlight panel and the two books we’re launching at SDCC are flat-out amazing,” said Adams.

Before Comic-Con kicks off, fans can pre-order several limited edition Ashley Wood items through IDW, including POPBOT BIG BEAUTIFUL BOOK, which collects the long sold-out POPBOT Volumes 1 through 8. This huge 11″ x 14″ hardcover collection showcases over 400 pages of Ashley Wood art and comes with a slipcase. Strictly limited to 500 copies.[Fat Tarino Cover]

Also available for pre-order is FAT TARINO, offering the impossible to find art books UNO TARINO, DOS TARINO and TRES TARINO, all in one gorgeous hardcover. This slipcased edition features over 350 pages of Ashley Wood art and is strictly limited to 500 copies.

Zombies vs Robots fans are also in for a treat, with the exclusive new hardcover edition of the COMPLETE ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS. The acclaimed, 160-page volume, written by co-creator Chris Ryall and fully illustrated by Ash, is now available in an exclusive hardcover for only $29.99, and is limited to approximately 400 copies.

During San Diego Comic-Con, fans can meet Ashley at any of his scheduled signings at the IDW booth, as well as attend his Spotlight Panel, on Friday, July 22 at 4.30 p.m. in room 24ABC. Stay tuned to IDWPublishing.com for Ashley’s signing schedule.

POPBOT BIG BEAUTIFUL BOOK ($125, hardcover with slipcase, 424 pages, 11” X 14”) is available for pre-order through IDW Publishing, for pick up at San Diego Comic Con or delivery after August 1.

FAT TARINO ($100, hardcover with slipcase, 360 pages, 12” X 12”) is available for pre-order through IDW Publishing, for pick up at San Diego Comic Con or delivery after August 1.

COMPLETE ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS ($29.99, hardcover, 160 pages) will be available at San Diego Comic-Con through IDW Publishing.

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The Transformers and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio; and is the print publisher for EA Comics.

IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

About Ashley Wood
Australian artist, designer, and creative director Wood has worked in the fields of art, design, advertising, and comic books since 1990. The creator of Popbot, World War Robot, and Lore, Ashley has a long running partnership with IDW Publishing, and has worked for nearly other every major comic book company. Wood and now runs his own toy and publishing company ThreeA, with legendary HK toy maker Kim Fung. Wood also heads up Australian production house 7174 with his writing partner and wife T. P Louise. Together they have made the jump into Hollywood, with WWR, Popbot, Lore, and Zombies vs. Robots all currently in production to be major motion pictures.

CBLDF Cheers Free Speech Victory in Brown v. EMA!

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Official Press Release

CBLDF Cheers Free Speech Victory in Brown v. EMA!

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund applauds today’s Supreme Court decision to affirm the First Amendment rights of creators, readers and retailers by denying states the ability to create new restrictions on violent content in Brown v. EMA.  In a 7-2 decision, the high court struck down a California law that would have banned the sale and rental of violent video games to minors, and would have made violence a new category of unprotected speech.

The CBLDF was active in opposing the law, and filed its own amicus brief arguing that the California law was unconstitutional by citing a history of moral panics, most notably the anti-comics fervor that nearly dismantled the comics industry in the 1950s. The arguments presented in CBLDF’s brief were part of the discussion in oral arguments, and cited in the Court’s majority decision.

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein says, “We’re extremely pleased that the Court’s decision preserves the First Amendment rights of the users and creators of video games, and that they resisted California’s desire to establish new categories of unprotected speech. We’re also gratified that our discussion of the comics industry’s painful experience with moral panic and legislative meddling helped inform the positive outcome we see this morning.”

CBLDF legal counsel Robert Corn-Revere of Davis Wright Tremaine wrote the brief.  He says, “The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. EMA applied well-established First Amendment principles to find the California law is unconstitutional.  In reaching his conclusion, Justice Scalia’s majority opinion noted the crusade against comics led by Dr. Frederic Wertham and observed that it was inconsistent with our constitutional traditions.  It traced the long history of censorship involving media the government claimed ‘corrupted youth — from movies to comic books — and held that such crusades cannot be reconciled with the First Amendment.”

Please visit www.cbldf.org for more news and analysis on this important decision, including analysis by Mr. Corn-Revere to be published later this afternoon.  Please support the CBLDF’s defense of free speech issues like this by making a donation today!

About CBLDF
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community. They have defended dozens of Free Expression cases in courts across the United States, and led important education initiatives promoting comics literacy and free expression. For additional information, donations, and other inquiries call 800-99-CBLDF or visit them online at www.cbldf.org.

Breaking – U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Video Games as Free Speech

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Just moments ago, the United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the video game industry and retailers in Brown v. EMA (it used to be Schwarzenegger v. EMA).  The full opinion can be found here.

Justice Scalia who wrote the opinion stated:

…the act forbidding sale or rental of violent games to minors does not comport with the 1st Amendment.

Alito concurred with the judgement, and was joined by Chief Justice Roberts.  Justices Thomas and Breyer were the ones who dissented in an opinion written by Thomas.

The court had to decide if a state law restricting the sale of violent video games to minors was a violation of the protections of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment.  The Ninth Court had ruled in favor of the video game industry.

From the opinion:

Video games qualify for First Amendment protection. Like protected books, plays, and movies, they communicate ideas through familiar literary devices and features distinctive to the medium. And “the basic principles of freedom of speech . . . do not vary” with a new and different communication medium.

Further the opinion delivers a blow to those claiming video games cause psychological harm to children including increasing aggressive behavior.

Psychological studies purporting to show a connection between exposureto violent video games and harmful effects on children do not prove that such exposure causes minors to act aggressively. Any demon-strated effects are both small and indistinguishable from effects pro-duced by other media. Since California has declined to restrict those other media, e.g., Saturday morning cartoons, its video-game regula-tion is wildly underinclusive, raising serious doubts about whether the State is pursuing the interest it invokes or is instead disfavoring a particular speaker or viewpoint.

Update 1 – To me this really sums up the decision:

Like the protected books, plays, and movies that preceded them, video games communicate ideas—and even social messages—through many familiar literary devices (such as characters, dialogue, plot, and music) and through features distinctive to the medium (such as the player’s interaction with the virtual world). That suffices to confer First Amendment protection. Under our Constitution, “esthetic and moral judgments about art and literature . . . are for the individual to make, not for the Government to decree, even with the mandate or approval of a majority.”

Update 2: The CBLDF’s arguments were also cited in the majority decision:

Many in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s blamed comic books for fostering a “preoccupation with violence and horror” among the young, leading to a rising juvenile crime rate. See Note, Regulation of Comic Books, 68 Harv. L. Rev. 489, 490 (1955). But efforts to convince Congress to restrict comic books failed. Brief for Comic Book Legal Defense Fund as Amicus Curiae 11–15.5 And, of course, after comic books came television and music lyrics.

Oni Press at Free Comic Book Day!

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Official Press Release

Oni Press at Free Comic Book Day!

That’s right, Oni Press is giving away the first issue of the highly anticipated new series from Joe Harris and Brett Weldele for free!

Driven to discover the truth regarding his father’s mysterious death many years prior, Melvin Reyes seeks to prove the existence of Spontaneous Human Combustion after fresh outbreaks of the phenomenon reveal a pattern only he can see, a predictability model only he can read, and the terrifying realization that whatever phenomenon consumed his father is also boiling inside of him, just waiting for release.

Joe and Brett will be talking with fans and signing copies of the FREE SPONTANEOUS at Dragon’s Lair in Austin, TX this Saturday. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

Coming your way this Free Comic Book Day: the Oni Press Rated Free for Everyone! This all-ages anthology packs in two exclusive previews from upcoming books POWER LUNCH by J. Torres & Dean Trippe and SKETCH MONSTERS by Josh Williamson & Vinny Navarette.

J. Torres will be signing copies at Comic Book Addiction in Whitby, Ontario from 10 – noon and then at the Toronto Comics Art Festival from 1 – 5.

Dean Trippe will be signing at A World of Heroes.

Josh Williamson will be signing at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach from 11-3 then Pulp Fiction in Long Beach from 3-5.

Vinny Navarette will be at Bridge City Comics in Portland OR from 11-1

You also have a chance to meet some of your other favorite Oni creators on Free Comic Book Day. Just take a look at this list of talent:

Matthew Southworth will be at Comic Stop U-District (formerly Zanadu) from 10 – 1

Greg Rucka will be at Olympic Cards and Comics from noon – 4.

Jen Van Meter will be at Olympic Cards and Comics from noon – 4.

Steve Lieber will be at Things From Another World, Hollywood from 2 – 5.

Ray Fawkes will be at the Toronto Comics Art Festival.

Kelly Sue DeConnick will be at Things From Another World, Beaverton from noon – 3.

Steve Rolston will be at Metropolis Comics & Toys from noon – 5.

Ross Campbell will be at the Toronto Comics Art Festival.

Remington Veteto will be at Criminal Records from 1 – 6.

Cara McGee will be at Criminal Records from 1 – 6.

Wook-Jin Clark will be at Criminal Records from 11 – 1 and at Oxford Comics from 1 – 4.

Jeremy Haun will be at Hurley’s Heroes from noon – 8.

Christopher Mitten will be at Challengers Comics + Conversation from noon – 3.

Matt Loux will be at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival.

Robbi Rodriguez will be at The Comic Bug from noon – 7

Tyler Crook will be at The Comic Bug from noon – 3.

Brian Wood will be at Brooklyn Comics & More from noon – 1:30 and at Manhattan Comics from 3 – 4:30.

Cullen Bunn will be at Elite Comics from 10 – 4.

Brian Hurtt will be at Elite Comics from 10 – 4.

Meredith MccLaren will be at Samurai Comics.

Monica Gallagher will be at Collector’s Corner from 9 – 3.

Chris Schweizer will be at Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find from noon – 6

Oni Free For All CoverSpontaneous

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day With Boom! Studios

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Official Press Release

CELEBRATE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY WITH BOOM! STUDIOS AT A LOCAL COMIC SHOP NEAR YOU!

BOOM! STUDIOS
CELEBRATES
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, MAY 7th, 2011 WITH
ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST FREE COMIC BOOK DAY EDITION &
DARKWING DUCK #1 / CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS #1
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY FLIP BOOK

May 6, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA – Celebrate Free Comic Book Day at a local comic shop near you! This Free Comic Book Day, Saturday May 7th, 2011, request your Free Comic Book Day editions of ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST and DARKWING DUCK #1 / CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS #1 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY FLIP BOOK!

ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST FREE COMIC BOOK DAY EDITION features an original prequel story by New York Times bestseller and SUPERMAN writer Chris Roberson with art by Francesco Biagini and cover art by Erik Jones that leads directly into the first issue of the new ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST this July.

And while you’re there, be sure to check out our special $1 BOOM! BLASTS featuring the #1 issues of some of our best selling titles.

IRREDEEMABLE #1 / INCORRUPTIBLE #1 $1 BOOM BLAST

DRACULA: THE COMPANY OF MONSTERS #1 $1 BOOM BLAST

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SCROOGE MCDUCK $1 BOOM BLAST

BOOM! Studios will be out in full force as BOOM!/KABOOM! creators will all be out signing their books and meeting fans all across the country!

STARBORN, DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?: DUST TO DUST and ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST
writer Chris Roberson
@ Austin Books and Comics
5002 North Lamar Boulevard Austin, TX 78751
Event from 8AM to 7PM
http://www.austinbooks.com/pages/events.phpDARKWING DUCK writer Ian Brill
28 DAYS LATER writer Michael Alan Nelson
and CBGB’s writer Sam Humphries
@ 4 Color Fantasies
7172 Archibald Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
Event from 11AM to 4PM
http://www.4colorfantasies.com/

DARKWING DUCK artist James Silvani
@ Nuclear Comics & Skate
28985 Golden Lantern #B107
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

TOY STORY and CARS’ artist Travis Hill
@ Pop City Comics
2114 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804
http://www.popcitycomics.com/popcitycomics.htm

Find your local comic book retailer with http://www.comicshoplocator.com

About BOOM! Studios
Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent, including Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE, Stan Lee’s SOLDIER ZERO, THE TRAVELER, and STARBORN (the first new series in print from the industry icon in 20 years), new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker as well as 20th Century Fox’s PLANET OF THE APES, 28 DAYS LATER, and DIE HARD, Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, and The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE. BOOM!’s recently rebranded all-ages imprint, KABOOM! will see publication of PEANUTS, SPACE WARPED, Roger Langridge’s SNARKED!, Scholastic’s WORDGIRL and DUCKTALES, as well as continuing to publish fan-favorite Disney Afternoon series DARKWING DUCK, CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS along with Disney standards MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE, and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES.

Wizard World Inc. Announces Los Angeles Comic Con

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Wizard World Inc. Announces Los Angeles Comic Con

Famed Brazilian Artist Mike Deodato Jr. To Be Premier Guest of Honor

Wizard World Los Angeles Comic ConNEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2011 – Gareb Shamus, President and CEO of Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD)(“Wizard World”), today announced the addition of a Los Angeles Comic Con to Wizard World’s 2011 lineup.  The show will take place on Sept. 24-25, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Superstar Mike Deodato Jr. is the first guest of honor at the event.  The Brazilian artist, well known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man, Captain America, The Mighty Thor, Wolverine, X-Men, The Avengers, and Batman, will be making a rare U.S. appearance.

“We are ecstatic to come to the rejuvenated downtown area of Los Angeles to celebrate the best of pop culture – graphic novels, TV, movies, toys, games, genre properties and of course, comic books,” said  Shamus. “You can always trust Wizard World to bring the most diverse and robust collection of artists, writers, creators and celebrities anywhere.”

Clare Kramer, of Buffy: The Vampire fame, will also be in attendance. A popular guest at several of the Wizard World Tour stops, Kramer will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take photos. “When I found out that Wizard World was coming to Los Angeles, I was so excited. They are one of the most professionally run organizations out there, and I just love every minute of it,” said Clare Kramer. “The fans, Wizard World, guests and vendors always have a blast at these shows, which is why I keep coming back for more!”

This event brings more of what the fans love about the Wizard World Tour. “There is a real need for a Fall event that encompasses all the best that pop culture has to offer,” said Mike Mathews, Chairman of Wizard World Inc. “We’re listening to our customers and giving them the show they’re asking for located in the entertainment mecca..”

The Big Apple Comic Con, which had been previously scheduled on those dates, will be permanently moved to the Spring.  The 2011 Big Apple Comic Con Spring Edition remains set for May 21-22 at Penn Plaza Pavilion. As part of the realignment, Wizard World is also rescheduling the planned 2011 Atlanta Comic Con, with dates to be announced. The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World, Inc. 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 feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers and events such as premiers, gaming tournaments, exhibitors, retailers, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World, Inc. also produces Wizard World Digital an influential online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

Five Prominent Video Game Composers To Attend Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, April 29-May 1

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Five Prominent Video Game Composers To Attend Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, April 29-May 1

Greg Edmonson, Sean Murray, Garry Schyman, Kevin Sherwood, Inon Zur To Meet Fans At Anaheim Comic Con

NEW YORK and ANAHEIM, Calif., April 19, 2011 – Music has been a huge part of video game production for years, and five composers who have created memorable themes and soundtracks for major releases such as “Bioshock,” “Dragon Age,” “Uncharted” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops” will be in attendance at next weekend’s Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con.  Greg Edmonson, Sean Murray, Garry Schyman, Kevin Sherwood, and Inon Zur will meet fans, sign autographs throughout the weekend and share some of their experiences in a special panel at the event, set for April 29 – May 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The interactive panel and demonstration session with the five will take place on Sunday, May 1, at noon.

Greg Edmonson is perhaps best known for composing the soundtrack to the cult space western TV series “Firefly,” written and directed by Joss Whedon.  He is also the composer for the PlayStation 3 blockbuster video game series “Uncharted,” winner of Best Original Music from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Sean Murray has provided the emotional and memorable dramatic musical scores for numerous international films as well as hit television series and blockbuster video games spanning diverse genres from the gothic horror of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and urban action of “True Crime: Streets Of L.A.” to the emotionally intense themes of “Call of Duty: World At War” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” the biggest entertainment series in history.

Garry Schyman has emerged as one of the medium’s foremost composers, creator of the music for the multiple award-winning video game “BioShock,” winner of Best Original Score from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, SPIKE TV’s Best Original Video Game Score Award, and G4 TV’s Soundtrack of the Year Award. That success led his being assigned by Electronic Arts to create the hellish, dramatic score for Visceral Games’ adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, “Dante’s Inferno.”

Kevin Sherwood is the composer, musician and sound designer for “Treyarch,” in which he displays his trademark heavy guitars.  He wrote the Nazi Zombie songs “Lullaby for a Dead Man,” “The One,” “Beauty of Annihilation,” “115” and “Abracadavre.”  Additionally, he wrote several of the “Dead Ops” chip tune songs and is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Inon Zur composes emotionally dynamic music for film, television, anime and video games. His  credits include hundreds of episodes of “Escaflowne,” “Digimon” and “Power Rangers”  as well as blockbuster videogame franchises such as ”Dragon Age,” “RIFT,” “TERA,” “Prince of Persia,” “EverQuest,” “Lineage,” “Crysis” and “Fallout,” for which he has received award nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and SPIKE TV as well as top honors at the Hollywood Music In Media Awards.

Anaheim Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Among the celebrities scheduled to attend are Tricia Helfer, Alaina Huffman, Harry Hamlin, Michael McMillian, John Schneider, Adam West, Burt Ward and Chase Masterson.

Anaheim Comic Con is the fourth stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled.  Hours are Friday, April 29, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m..  Tickets are available in advance online at www.wizardworld.com/anaheim.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult).  VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World is a producer of pop culture and multimedia conventions across North America that markets movies, TV shows, video games, technology, toys, social networking/gaming platforms, comic books and graphic novels. It has the rights to the names, marks, domains, customer lists and production rights for a portfolio of pop culture and multimedia conventions.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become an Anaheim Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con

Eighteen Eisner Award Winners, Nominees To Attend Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, April 29-May 1

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Official Press Release

Eighteen Eisner Award Winners, Nominees To Attend Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, April 29-May 1

Jim Krueger, Kevin Maguire, Bill Sienkiewicz, William Stout Among Top Creators At Anaheim Comic Con


NEW YORK and ANAHEIM, Calif., April 18, 2011 – Eighteen Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards winners or nominees are among the more than 200 comic creators already scheduled to attend Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, April 29-May 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center.  Seven superstar artists and writers who have won the prestigious Eisner Award who will be on site include Jim Krueger (“Earth X,” “Project Superpowers”), Steve Lieber (“Detective Comics,” “Hawkman”), Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential,” Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra”), and William Stout (paleontological reconstruction artist), Derek Kirk Kim (“Same Difference and Other Stories,” “Lowbright”) and D.J. Kirkbride (“PopGun,” “Do You Believe in Ninjas?”).

Eisner nominees scheduled to appear include James Andrew Clark (“The Guns of Shadow Valley: Scar Tissue”), Chyna Clugston Flores (“Blue Monday,” “Brave & The Bold”), Nat Gertler (“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a GN”, “The Factor”), Eliza Frye (“The Lady’s Murder,” “Lucky House”), Paul Gulacy (“Valkyrie,” “Batman”), James Hudnall (“Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography,” “Harsh Realm”), Barbara Kesel (“Star Wars,” “Action Comics”), Kazu Kibuishi (“Flight,” “Copper”), Ethan Nicolle (“Chumble Spuzz,” “Axe Cop”), Ethan Van Sciver (“Green Lantern,” “Superman/Batman”) and Judd Winick (“Batman and Robin,” “Power Girl”).

The creators will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and sketch.  Many California-based artists will be in attendance as well.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are considered the “Oscars” of the comic book industry. Established in 1987, they are named for renowned cartoonist Will Eisner (creator of “The Spirit” and several award-winning graphic novels).

Anaheim Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Among the celebrities scheduled to attend are Tricia Helfer, Alaina Huffman, Harry Hamlin, Michael McMillian, John Schneider, Adam West, Burt Ward and Chase Masterson.

Anaheim Comic Con is the fourth stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled.  Hours are Friday, April 29, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m..  Tickets are available in advance online at www.wizardworld.com/anaheim.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult).  VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World is a producer of pop culture and multimedia conventions across North America that markets movies, TV shows, video games, technology, toys, social networking/gaming platforms, comic books and graphic novels. It has the rights to the names, marks, domains, customer lists and production rights for a portfolio of pop culture and multimedia conventions.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become an Anaheim Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con

‘Grease’ Cast Sing-A-Long, ‘Batman,’ ‘The Guild’ Panels Highlight Anaheim Comic Con Programming

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Official Press Release

‘Grease’ Cast Sing-A-Long, ‘Buffyfest’ Q&A, Panels Featuring ‘Batman’ ‘The Guild’ Actors, Tricia Helfer Highlight Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con Programming

‘Secrets of Pro Wrestling,’ Wizard Spotlights, ‘Wizard School,’ Voice Actors, Musical Intermissions and Costume Contests Also On Tap For April 29 – May 1 at Anaheim Convention Center

NEW YORK and ANAHEIM, Calif., April 14, 2011 – Wizard World Anaheim Comic Con today announced its diverse programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A’s, music, screenings, artist schools and more for the event, set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 29 – May 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Some of the highlights include:
–A Grease cast Sing-A-Long, featuring original movie director Randal Kleiser, cast members Jamie Donnell (Jan), Annette Cardona (Cha Cha) and Jeff Conaway (Kenickie)
–Popular “Batman” panel with Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar and Lee Meriwether, helping commemorate the 45th anniversary of the start of the iconic television program
–Rare Q&A session with Tricia Helfer, discussing her roles in “Battlestar Galactica,” “Burn Notice” and other appearances
–Special screening of Disney’s “Messenger from Hell,” the first episode of the important new Stan Lee/Neal Adams motion comic “They Spoke Out: American Voices of Protest Against the Holocaust”
–“Buffyfest” Q&A with Nicholas Brendon and twin brother Kelly Donovan
–Wizard Art School and Q&A’s featuring leading artists like Michael Golden, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Grell, Greg Horn and others
–Music and entertainment intermissions by “Jedi Elvis,” the L.A. Dance Co., and “The Force Experience”
–Stars of “The Guild,” Amy Okuda, Vincent Caso and Robin Thorsen talk about the popular Web series
–The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Unless noted, Anaheim Comic Con programming will take place in Room A and Room B at the Anaheim Convention Center, and is included with admission to the event.  Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels.

The full schedule is below:

Friday

6:00-6:45PM
Exposed: Secrets Of Professional Wrestling
Ted DiBiase and Virgil give fans the low down on what’s real and what’s not in the world of professional wrestling. (Room B)

7:00-7:45PM
Behind The Scenes With Dan Fogler
Actor Dan Fogler (Take Me Home Tonight; Kung Fu Panda; Mars Needs Moms) sits down dish on everything from the on-set shenanigans, to what it’s like behind the scenes of a Hollywood set. (Room B)

8:00-8:45PM
Way Of The Nerd (Room A)
Join Way of the Nerd author Ken Goldstein as he talks about the book and how it teaches people how to reach extraordinary goals, with an emphasis on making a living as an artist in video games, comic books and toys (Room A)

9:00-10:00PM
“SNAKE And Mongoose” Preview Screening (Room A)

Saturday

10:45-11:00AM
L.A. Dance Co. Intermission
Come watch this L.A. dance troupe heat up the dance floor. (Room A)

11:00AM-7:00PM
Neko Press Comics Presents: Live Art Demo With Billy Martinez
Witness a masterpiece in the making from start to finish with a cutting-edge painting exhibition. Join Billy Martinez (Wildflower; The Deepest Dark) as he pulls back the curtain on his creative process, transporting you directly into his art studio with a musically-infused live art demo. (Booth 571)

11:00-11:45AM
Claudia Christian Q&A
“Babylon 5” beauty Claudia Christian shares the secrets to her multi-faceted success, and previews a sneak peek of her new Showtime series “Look.” (Room A)

Voice Acting Panel W/ Matthew Wolf, Neil Kaplan, And Charles Fleischer
Join some of the voices behind some of your favorite characters for this interactive panel. (Room B)

11:45-12:00PM
L.A. Dance Co. Intermission
Come watch this L.A. dance troupe heat up the dance floor. (Room A)

12:00-12:45AM
Grease Cast Sing-A-Long
“Oh Those Summer Nights!” Join the director of the film, Randal Kleiser, along with cast members Jamie Donnelly (Jan), Annette Cardona (Cha Cha) and Jeff Conaway (Kenickie), as select musical scenes are screened and the cast leads the audience in a true sing-a-long. Now is your chance to not only sing-a-long fellow GREASE fans, but alongside cast members from the film. Be part of the magic, don’t be shy! Cast Q&A to follow. (Room A)

Wizard Writing School: DJ Kirkbride, Jim Kreuger And Nathan Edmondson Q&A
Don’t miss this panel with award-winning writers DJ Kirkbride (PopGun), Nathan Edmondson (PopGun; Who is Jake Ellis?) and Jim Kreuger (Earth X) as they give their tips on writing for comics. (Room B)

12:45-1:00PM
L.A. Dance Co. Intermission
Come watch this L.A. dance troupe heat up the dance floor. (Room A)

1:00-1:45PM
Power Rangers Q&A
Join the colorful cast of characters from the popular series and its spin-offs as they discuss life before and after “The Power Rangers.”  (Room A)

Harry Hamlin And Lisa Rinna Q&A
Celebrity husband and wife Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna dish on how they conquered everything from TV and movies to Broadway, and share their secrets to maintaining a successful marriage and family under the bright lights of Hollywood. (Room B)

1:45-2:00PM
L.A. Dance Co. Intermission
Come watch this LA dance troupe heat up the dance floor. (Room A)

2:00-2:20PM
“The Force Experience” Saber Show W/ The Saber Guild (Wizard Arena)

2:00-2:45PM
Buffyfest Q&A With Nicholas Brendon And Kelly Donovan
“Buffy The Vampire Slayer” star Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris) sits down with his on and off-screen twin brother Kelly Donovan to take fan questions about life during and after the pop culture phenomenon. (Room A)

Breaking Into Comics With Phil Jimenez And Alé Garza (ROOM B)
Fan favorites Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman; Astonishing X-Men) and Alé Garza (Superman/Batman) team up to give out their tips on refining your art, pitching to publishers, and any other sound advice they can think of about working in comics.

2:45-3:00PM
Jedi Elvis Intermission
Eric Cajiuat is…“Jedi Elvis”- an Elvis tribute artist who specializes in Elvis songs with Star Wars-themed parody lyrics. Catch him and his band The Rebel Alliance as they perform “Death Star Rock,” “Viva Mos Eisley,” “In The Desert” and more.  (Room A)

3:00-3:45PM
Sound Of Musical Interlude With Ethan Van Sciver
The halls are alive with the sound of…“music.” Ethan Van Sciver (Flash: Rebirth) invites you to spend the hour trapped in a small room discussing cannibalism, Wolverine, deviancy and all manner of filth and disease through the art of song. Not since Liberace has anyone tickled the ivories with such aplomb. Well, Richard Marx was good… but Ethan is good too! Come and see!  (Room A)

Smallville Q&A W/ Alaina Huffman And John Schneider
“Smallville” stars Alaina Huffman (Black Canary / Dinah Lance) and John Schneider (Jonathan Kent) answer fan questions about the popular TV series, and discuss their newest TV conquests.  (Room B)

3:45-4:00PM
Jedi Elvis Intermission
Eric Cajiuat is…“Jedi Elvis”- an Elvis tribute artist who specializes in Elvis songs with Star Wars-themed parody lyrics. Catch him and his band The Rebel Alliance as he performs “Death Star Rock,” “Viva Mos Eisley,” “In The Desert” and more.  (Room A)

4:00-4:45PM
Batman And Robin Q&A W/ Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar And Lee Meriwether
The ’60s Dynamic Duo reteams with their former first ladies for the 45th anniversary of the original hit show. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where Batman and Robin drop their masks and talk about their lady co-stars, the villains they faced and the wild nights after the show! (Room A)

Storytelling With Michael Golden
No matter if you’re a writer, artist or a reader of comics, come for this sit-down with one of the most renowned storytellers in the business, Michael Golden, as he tells you a few tricks of the trade that will help you no matter what type of story you tell or enjoy, in whatever medium. It’s a rare opportunity to talk with the co-creator of X-Men Rogue, and groundbreaking penciler on such projects as Bucky O’Hare, The ’Nam, Micronauts, G.I. Joe, and much more.  (Room B)

4:45-5:00PM
Jedi Elvis Intermission
Eric Cajiuat is…“Jedi Elvis”- an Elvis tribute artist who specializes in Elvis songs with Star Wars-themed parody lyrics. Catch him and his band The Rebel Alliance as he performs “Death Star Rock,” “Viva Mos Eisley,” “In The Desert” and more.  (Room A)

5:00-5:45PM
Tricia Helfer Q&A (Room A)
Tricia Helfer – also known as humanoid Cylon ‘Number Six’ on the critically acclaimed sci-fi series “Battlestar Galactica”- is making a rare appearance at the Anaheim Comic Con, so don’t miss your chance to chat with this multi-talented actress and model!

Wizard Writing School: Screenwriting W/ Adam Glass, Mike Benson And Zeb Wells
When they aren’t screenwriting for hit TV shows, Mike Benson (“Entourage”), writer/producer Adam Glass (“Supernatural”), and Zeb Wells (“Robot Chicken”) are writing your favorite comics. Get your questions together for this all-star panel, as they dish on making it in the industry. (Room B)

6:00-6:45PM
Kids Costume Contest
Bring kids 10 and under for this special event with great prizes just for families and the youngsters. (Room A)

6:45-8:30PM
Costume Contest
Get your best costume together and come on down to Wizard World’s Anaheim Comic Con costume contest for huge prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend.  (Room A)

7:00-9:00PM
Matt Cohen’s Smodcastle
Join Matt Cohen and a special celebrity guest host as they ponder and pontificate the finer points of existence… and generally offend a whole bunch of people. The show records live in front of an audience every Wednesday at The SmodCastle in Hollywood, and is brought to you by the SmodCast Network and Golden Apple Comics. It can be heard for free each Saturday at Smodcast.com and iTunes. For mature audiences only. (Room B)

Sunday

11:00AM-5:00PM
Neko Press Comics Presents: Live Art Demo With Billy Martinez
Witness a masterpiece in the making from start to finish with a cutting-edge painting exhibition. Join Billy Martinez (Wildflower; The Deepest Dark) as he pulls back the curtain on his creative process, transporting you directly into his art studio with a musically-infused live art demo. (Booth 571)

11:00-11:45AM
Special Presentation: Stan Lee, Neal Adams And Disney Take On The Holocaust
Comic book legends Stan Lee and Neal Adams have teamed up with Disney Educational Productions and Holocaust historian Dr. Rafael Medoff to create “They Spoke Out: American Voices of Protest Against the Holocaust,” a series of motion comics that are changing the way the Holocaust is taught in the United States.  On Sunday, May 1, we will commemorate international Holocaust Remembrance Day with Dr. Medoff presenting the first episode of this remarkable new series, narrated by Lee and illustrated by Adams. “Messenger from Hell” tells the amazing story of a Polish courier who smuggled himself into a Nazi death camp, and then made his way to the U.S. to alert Americans about the genocide. (Room A)

The Guild Q&A
“The Guild” stars Amy Okuda, Vincent Caso and Robin Thorsen sit down to talk about the popular web series, and dish about all of the behind-the-scenes drama that you never saw on-screen.

12:00-12:15PM
“THE Force Experience” Saber Show W/ The Saber Guild (WIZARD Arena)

12:00-12:45PM

Video Game Music Composition With Kevin Sherwood
(Room A)

Mike Grell Q&A
The “X-Men” and “Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace” star engages fans in this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where he discusses his extensive film biography and his evolution to genre icon. (Room B)

1:00-1:45PM
Digital Art School W/ Greg Horn
Superstar Marvel and DC artist Greg Horn (Blackest Night covers) leads a discussion on digital art and
takes you through his creative process. (Room A)

Con Costuming With The Rebel Legion
The Rebel Legion costuming group shares their tips, skills and ideas on how to build and improve your comic con costumes. Whether you’re a Jedi, Rebel Pilot, Trooper, or Princess, they will share their knowledge on how to make sure your costume is the best. (Room B)

2:00-2:45PM
Ray Park Q&A
The “X-Men” and “Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace” star engages fans in this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where he discusses his extensive film biography and his evolution to genre icon. (Room A)

Wizard Art School With Bill Sienkiewicz
Join Eisner Award winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz (Batman: The Widening Gyre covers), as he gives an insiders’ look at his art processes, and gives advice on his personal do’s and don’ts of the trade to new creators interested in sequential storytelling. (Room B)

3:00-3:30PM
Split Decision Improv Group

Anaheim Comic Con is the fourth stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled.  Hours are Friday, April 29, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m..  Tickets are available in advance online at www.wizardworld.com/anaheim.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are $25 ($30 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($50 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult).  VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World is a producer of pop culture and multimedia conventions across North America that markets movies, TV shows, video games, technology, toys, social networking/gaming platforms, comic books and graphic novels. It has the rights to the names, marks, domains, customer lists and production rights for a portfolio of pop culture and multimedia conventions.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become an Anaheim Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

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