Archaia Entertainment and Meteor Entertainment announced their plans to promote the upcoming Hawken video game and prequel graphic novel at New York Comic Con.

At the Archaia booth, #1520, Meteor Entertainment and Adhesive Games will set up a playable, multiplayer demo of Hawken, a first-person mech shooter that is catching a lot of buzz as one of the most anticipated, free-to-play titles coming to PC. Attendees will get to pilot their mech to collect energy, protect their base, and take out their enemies in this fast-paced game.

Fans can also meet Adhesive Co-founder and Creative Director Khang Le as he signs free, limited-edition Hawken autograph cards, the fourth in a series of four. You can check at the Archaia booth for a signing schedule.

Le will also be demoing in the Wacom/Epson booth #1765 on Thursday and Friday from 5-6pm.

In addition, famed rock poster artist Justin Hampton will have an exclusive silk-screen Hawken poster for sale in Artists Alley at booth DD6 for $40 each. Hampton’s poster is the first piece of art available to the public as part of the transmedia approach for Hawken.

Two, separate panels at New York Comic Con will further the Hawken experience. “Meteor Entertainment Presents Hawken” panel will take place on Friday, Oct. 12 from 6:45-7:45pm in room 1A07. Attendees will receive closed beta access for Hawken and get to take a walk through the game and hear about the various transmedia components for the game from Khang Le and other panel participants. And at the “Archaia Presents: Transmedia in Graphic Novel Publishing” panel—taking place Saturday, October 13 from 6:30-7:30pm in Room 1A06— attendees will hear from Khang Le and Archaia Publisher Mike Kennedy the latest developments on the Hawken: Genesis graphic novel, an original story Archaia will publish in March 2013 that will delve into the world of the game and enhance the user’s experience. Never-before seen pages from the book will be presented for the first time for fans, so this is your opportunity to get a glimpse of the work in progress!

ARCHAIA BLOWS INTO THE WINDY CITY FOR C2E2 2012

Over Two Dozen Creators, Two Panels and a Large Booth Highlight the Publisher’s Presence at the Midwest’s Largest Comic Book and Pop Culture Event

Chicago, IL (April 12, 2012) – Award-winning graphic novel publisher Archaia Entertainment announced its plans for the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) (www.c2e2.com), which includes a 20’ x 30’ display with a huge selection of product for sale on the show floor; hosting over two dozen creators for free autograph signings, including Chad Michael Murray (Everlast), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Jim McCann and Janet Lee (Return of the Dapper Men), Nate Cosby (Cow Boy), Ramón K. Pérez (Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand), and Royden Lepp (Rust: Visitor in the Field); presenting two panels, one making several exclusive announcements and one to advise aspiring storytellers on proper world-building; and distributing thousands of free giveaways, including single issue comics, mini-posters, and bookmarks. C2E2 will take place April 13-15, 2012 in the North Hall of McCormick Place in downtown Chicago.

In addition, C2E2 will mark the debut of exclusive, limited signed editions of the highly anticipated, all-ages graphic novel hardcover, Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse, by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos. Attendees can also obtain the first of four, limited-edition Hawken posters featuring art by Eisner Award-nominated writer/artist Khang Le. Hawken is an upcoming, free-to-play mech FPS developed by Adhesive Games and published by Meteor Entertainment (12-12-12), and Archaia is producing an original graphic novel prequel (March 2013). The other three posters will be distributed at other key conventions later this year, and together, all four posters will join to form a QR code that will lead fans to a special feature when the game’s closed beta release debuts in October 2012.

Creators scheduled to appear at the Archaia booth (#529) throughout the weekend include:

–Andrew E.C. Gaska, writer, Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes, Critical Millennium, Space: 1999: Aftershock and Awe
–Andrew Rostan, writer, An Elegy for Amelia Johnson
–Ben Templesmith, artist, Bleedout, Immortals: Gods and Heroes
–Brandon Thomas, writer, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury
–Brent Schoonover, artist, Mr. Murder Is Dead
–Chad Michael Murray, writer, Everlast
–Chandra Free, writer/artist, The God Machine, Fraggle Rock
–Charles Soule, writer, Strange Attractors
–Dave Rodriguez, writer, Starkweather: Immortal
–David Petersen, writer/artist, Mouse Guard
–Dennis Calero, artist, Immortals: Gods and Heroes, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller
–Gene Ha, artist, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard
–Janet Lee, artist, Return of the Dapper Men, The Wonderland Alphabet: Alice’s Adventures Through the ABC’s and What She Found There
–Jeremy Bastian, writer/artist, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, Cursed Pirate Girl
–Jim McCann, writer, Return of the Dapper Men
–J.K. Woodward, artist, Everlast
–Joanna Estep, artist, Fraggle Rock
–Joe LeFavi, writer, Fraggle Rock
–Katie Cook, writer/artist, Fraggle Rock, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard
–Mike Kennedy, writer, Bleedout
–Nate Cosby, writer, Cow Boy, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller
–Phil Hester, writer, Days Missing; artist, Immortals: Gods and Heroes
–Ramón K. Pérez, artist, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand
–Royden Lepp, writer/artist, Rust
–Sam Humphries, writer, Fraggle Rock
–Sean Rubin, artist, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard; writer/artist, Bolivar
–Tom Pinchuk, writer, Hybrid Bastards!
–Yehudi Mercado, writer/artist, Pantalones, TX

Visit this link for a complete schedule of signing times: http://www.archaia.com/2012-c2e2-signing-schedule/. (Times and appearances are subject to change.)

Here are the descriptions of the two panels Archaia will present at C2E2:

Friday, April 13
Archaia Presents:  Coming Soon from Archaia Entertainment…
Room: S401abc
Time: Friday, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
The publisher behind Mouse Guard, The Killer, Return of the Dapper Men, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, and other great titles is gearing up for another spectacular year, and here’s where you get to hear all about it! Get the inside scoop on upcoming titles, new projects, and exclusive announcements as Archaia sets its sights on the rest of 2012 and beyond. Join Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy, Nate Cosby (Cow Boy), Andrew E. C. Gaska (Space: 1999: Aftershock and Awe), Joe LeFavi (Hawken), Janet Lee (The Wonderland Alphabet: Alice’s Adventures Through the ABC’s and What She Found There, Time of the Dapper Men), Royden Lepp (Rust Vol. 2: Secrets of the Cell), Jim McCann (Time of the Dapper Men), David Petersen (Mouse Guard Vol. 3: The Black Axe, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Vol. 2), and Charles Soule (Strange Attractors) as they give you a sneak peek of what’s to come!

Sunday, April 15
Archaia Presents: How to Tell a Better Story Through World-Building
Room: N427bc
Time: 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Are you an aspiring storyteller? Want to know the keys to world-building and telling a good story? David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), and Sean Rubin (Redwall, the upcoming Bolivar), three accomplished storytellers that have published or are publishing books through Archaia, present an informative, entertaining panel to see how world-building can help you write and/or draw a better story.

“For the third year in a row, we are excited to return to C2E2 in Chicago with a strong presence to show our Midwest-area fans how much we appreciate their support,” said Archaia Marketing Manager Mel Caylo. “We look forward to a fantastic weekend, and hope you can join us!”

About Archaia

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, The 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.

Official Press Release

SUPER SUMMER

It’s going to be a super summer with a double dose of the Super Teens! First, in ARCHIE AND FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #7, the Super Teens spring into super heroic action as they face the villainous Ice Cube and the evil Witch Doctor to save Mr. Lodge. And then in BETTY #193, Archie returns as “Pureheart the Powerful” when Betty fantasizes what it would be like to be the girlfriend of the world’s greatest super hero.
Don’t miss all the heroic adventure. Reserve your copies today!

ARCHIE AND FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #7

“Cold Cash”

It may be summer, but it’s getting cold! When the Ice Cube and The Witch Doctor to rob Lodge Industries it’s up to Riverdale’s greatest superhero, Pureheart to stop them in their tracks! Can Pureheart save Mr. Lodge’s millions and bring the heat to Ice Cube’s plans?

SCRIPT: FRANK DOYLE

ARTIST: BOB WHITE, MARIO ACQUAVIVA

COVER: FERNANDO RUIZ, BOB SMITH

Shipping Date: 7/6/2011

On Sale at Comic Shops: 7/20/2011

Newsstands: 7/26/2011

Digest, 160 pgs, 30 lb newsprint, Full-Color

$3.99 US

BETTY #193

“Fantasy Flair”, “Just Relax”, “Shell Belle” and “Love the One You’re With”

In “Fantasy Flair”, Betty dreams of Archie being a superhero and sweeping her off her feet literally! Next, In “Just Relax”, Betty and Midge take a vacation with Betty’s parents and find out there is more than one way to relax! Then, in “Shell Belle” Betty takes her brownie troop to the beach to collect shells to make some fun crafts. Finally in “Love the One You’re With” Betty and Dilton find themselves with the same situation.

SCRIPT: GEORGE GLADIR, MIKE PELLOWSKI, JOHN ROSE

ARTIST: KENNEDY BROS., JACK MORELLI

COVER: FERNANDO RUIZ, BOB SMITH

Shipping Date: 7/20/2011

On Sale at Comic Shops: 8/3/2011

Newsstands: 8/9/2011

Comic, 32 pages, 40 lb. glossy stock, Full-Color

$2.99 US

It was #comicmarket Tuesday yesterday on Twitter and lots of great discussion of the comic industry occurred.  The big question is always what can be done to help and promote comic books?  The easiest answer is to go out to your local shop and get this week’s new releases!  So, what are you picking up today?

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – The Dark Knight Rises Plot Thickens: Batman’s First Encounter With John Blake Revealed – Joseph Gorden-Levitt’s role is revealed, and everyone is now really confused.

Bleeding Cool – After The Avengers? Kevin Feige Spills On Marvel’s Plans – Can we first see if this summer’s movies are any good?

Etsy – Marvel USB Drives – So cute, sadly I don’t need a new USB drive.

An Improvised Blog – 2011 is Year of the Nerd – Lets face it, the Nerds won and took over the world.  Sorry Alpha Betas, you lost.

Newsarama – New Publisher Mike Kennedy Talks ARCHAIA’s Digital Future – This site named Arachaia the Top Publisher of 2010, so can’t wait to see what the digital future holds for them

Con Coverage:

The Beat – MoCCA thoughts: the indie evolution

Official Press Release

Archaia Entertainment Names Mike Kennedy As Publisher
Leading Graphic Novel Publisher Appoints Respected Comic Book Writer And Videogame Veteran To Top Post

Chicago (April 14, 2011) – Leading graphic novel publisher Archaia Entertainment, LLC has named distinguished videogame veteran and comic book writer Mike Kennedy as Publisher, as recently announced by PJ Bickett, CEO. Kennedy’s appointment comes at a time of dramatic growth for Archaia, as the company has successfully grown into an award winning house of original content, which includes such breakout hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, and Tumor. Kennedy’s experience will play a key role in Archaia’s expanded focus on device- and app-based publishing, as well as digital and interactive development.

Kennedy joins Archaia with a distinguished 20-year career in the comic book and videogame industries, including high-profile writing assignments with such leading comic book publishers as Dark Horse and DC. His writing credits encompass numerous notable and high-profile titles such as Star Wars (Dark Horse); Superman (DC); Aliens Vs. Predator (20th Century Fox/Dark Horse) and Aeon Flux (Dark Horse/MTV). Kennedy has also earned industry-wide recognition for his innovative work developing original videogame IP’s for such major players as Electronic Arts, Namco, Activision and 3DO.

“Since day one, our focus has been on recruiting the best talent for all facets of our business. Mike fits well within that core objective, which includes a proven track record of leadership that he now brings to Archaia. We are pleased to welcome Mike aboard as Archaia’s publisher,” said Bickett.

As publisher, Kennedy will oversee and manage all aspects of Archaia’s production schedule, marketing initiatives and distribution process, including significant digital outreach, reporting back to Bickett.

About Archaia Entertainment
Archaia Entertainment, LLC 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. As a result of its publishing prowess, Archaia is the reigning 2010 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.

Official Press Release

CARBON GREY #2

story HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS, PAUL GARDNER & MIKE KENNEDY, art & cover HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS & KINSUN LOH

32 PAGES, FC, $2.99

The General moves to arrest the sisters, as the twins turn to their mentors. The Baron has a hand in Pepper and Dina’s escape, and Howard is convinced he is blessed. As the Greys search for Giselle, Eva becomes concerned about her sister’s allegiances. Who is manipulating the Kaiser’s legacy?

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Read More…

Official Press Release

CARBON GREY #1

story HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS, PAUL GARDNER & MIKE KENNEDY art & cover HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS & KINSUN LOH

32 PAGES, FC, $2.99

To a noble family twins are born: Mathilde and Giselle, the Sisters Grey. For generations the Sisters have protected and counseled the Kaiser, ruler of Mitteleuropa. But this is a different time. At the birth of the industrial age a great war is raging. When the Kaiser is assassinated, Giselle is accused. Pursued by her sisters and hunted by the enemy, Giselle must unravel the prophecy of the Carbon Grey before history itself is rewritten.

RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Read More…

Official Press Release

SISTERS AT WAR

Image Comics goes to war this March with CARBON GREY

Berkeley, CA – 4 January 2011 – At the birth of the industrial age, a great war is raging. Sister hunts sister as gods are betrayed and enemies ascend to power…

In March, Image Comics enters the maelstrom with the release of CARBON GREY #1, a stunning foray into our world’s secret history. Hoang Nguyen (Punisher War Zone, Metal Militia), Khari Evans (Shanna the She-Devil), Paul Gardner, and Mike Kennedy (Aeon Flux, Lone Wolf and Cub 2100) pen the thrilling tale. The indescribably gorgeous artwork for the series is courtesy of Nguyen, Evans, and Kinsun Loh.