Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music have announced The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert, a special live event taking place Thursday, July 23, at House of Blues San Diego during Comic-Con week. The concert is part of Hasbro’s “Apology Tour,” a playful, year-long campaign celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie and acknowledging the moment fans still haven’t quite recovered from.
Featuring music from The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Reformatted Edition performed live by Knights of Unicron, along with a special performance of “The Touch” by Stan Bush, the concert pays tribute to the soundtrack that helped turn an animated movie into a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.
The concert also features a powerhouse lineup of fan-favorite performers, including Vince DiCola, whose legendary score helped define the sound and spirit of The Transformers: The Movie; Cold Slither, who returns to the stage after last year’s live debut at Comic-Con, bringing their loud and rebellious sound straight from the world of G.I. JOE; and Britta Phillips, the original singing voice of Jem from Jem and the Holograms, whose glitter, glam and truly outrageous pop flair makes every performance unforgettable. Together, these performers will turn the evening into a full-scale celebration of iconic Hasbro music and entertainment fandom that is… More Than Meets the Eye!
Additional special guests and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Event Details – THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Concert
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: Doors at 7 PM | Show at 8 PM
Venue: House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Hasbro is celebrating the third annualInternational Day of Play (IDOP) on June 11, 2026 by inviting players everywhere to connect, learn, and play together.
Recognized by the United Nations as a global call to action, International Day of Play champions play as a fundamental human right; advocating for more time, space, and access to play for all.
This year, Hasbro is turning that call into action: expanding access to play through beginner-friendly experiences, community-driven events, and connected digital activations across Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. Powered by a global network of more than 10,000 Wizards Play Network retail locations, Hasbro is bringing play to life at scale—meeting players wherever they are and inspiring a lifetime of play.
As part of its Playing to Win strategy, Hasbro is focused on expanding access to play and growing its communities around the world; bringing its “Everyone Plays” philosophy to life by lowering barriers and creating welcoming, social experiences for all.
Hasbro’s 2026 IDOP highlights:
Magic: The Gathering – Bring a Friend, Build a Community
Magic: The Gathering is transforming IDOP into a community-powered play moment, anchored by in-store events across the Wizards Play Network and amplified through MTG Arena, including:
Avengers Academy is a Magic: The Gathering| Marvel Super Heroes learn-to-play experience designed to help players introduce friends to Magic in a fun, low-pressure environment
Social formats like Commander and Two-Headed Giant, where players team up, play together, and build confidence
Welcome decks and in-store rewards for new players and those who bring a friend
A global MTG Arena activation, including a phantom event and limited-time digital rewards
Dungeons & Dragons – Start Your Story
Dungeons & Dragons invites players everywhere to step into a world of imagination and adventure with Borderlands Quest: Dagger Danger, a beginner-friendly experience available globally.
A guided adventure designed for first-time players and Dungeon Masters
Pre-made characters, simplified rules, and a clear narrative path to make getting started easy
Available digitally on D&D Beyond at no cost to DDB account holders, and brought to life at participating Wizards Play Network locations worldwide
Whether playing at home or in-store, D&D’s IDOP activation makes it easy for anyone, anywhere to start playing together.
Play Around the World
Across its global offices, Hasbro is bringing International Day of Play to life through employee engagement and community impact:
A global “Power Down to Play” moment encouraging employees to step away from work and connect through play;
Friendly Connect 4 tournaments across seven global hubs, complete with brackets and championship moments;
A “donate to play” model supporting local nonprofits that expand access to play;
Volunteer opportunities connecting employees directly with communities through play-based experiences that directly support local organizations around the world, including:
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Hasbro volunteers will host a CampOut Family Game Night for children and families from The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a year-round program that provides free, medically supported camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families;
In Boston, Massachusetts, Hasbro volunteers will join longstanding partner Playworks to host an IDOP activation bringing classic recess favorites to life alongside the City of Boston;
In Renton, Washington, volunteers from Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast will bring joy to hundreds of middle school students at Showalter Middle School during a Magic and D&D Game Day.
A Global Movement for Play
International Day of Play, adopted by the United Nations in 2024, is a global advocacy day dedicated to protecting and promoting every person’s right to play. Celebrated annually on June 11, it calls on governments, organizations, and communities to ensure all children have access to safe, inclusive, and meaningful play opportunities.
Don’t miss the Baltimore Comic-Con at the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center this September 25-27, 2026. Baltimore Comic-Con welcomes Zeea Adams, Steve Englehart, Erik Larsen, Andy Price, James Robinson, and Jim Starlin as guests of the 2026 event! You can get your tickets online now!
Zeea Adams is best known for coloring the art of Neal Adams on DC, Image, and Dynamite covers such as Deadman, Batman, Killadelphia, Mighty Mouse, and her first ever variant cover, Squish & Squash #1. Her most popular convention request is her color on commission art and her line of Voodoo Doll art. Zeea is fresh from her NYC gallery exhibition of Ben Casey hot girl paintings.
Steve Englehart‘s take on The Batman and the Joker established superheroes for grown-ups, first in comics, then in the film adaptation, the animated series, and the later movies. His take on Captain America rescued Cap and then rescued the MCU from fan service. His Wanda and Vision established Disney+. His Guy Gardner helped anchor James Gunn’s DCU. His Luke Cage and Hellcat helped solidify Netflix. His Night Man ran on regular TV. Plus, Star-Lord, Mantis, Doctor Strange, Shang-Chi…and The Avengers, The Defenders, The West Coast Avengers, The Green Lantern Corps, The JLA, Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, Hulk, Mister Miracle, Coyote, Scorpio Rose, The Strangers, Shadowman, Vampirella, Kilowog, John Stewart, and Silver St. Cloud.
Erik Larsen has been in the comics business for over 40 years. He’s worked on every book you’ve ever loved, including Savage Dragon, Spider-Man, Thor, The Punisher, Doom Patrol, Aquaman, Wolverine, Nova, Spider-Man Noir, Spawn, Captain America: The End, Fantastic Four: The World’s Greatest Comics Magazine, SuperPatriot, Freak Force, and Ant. He is the creator/writer/artist of Savage Dragon and was one of the seven founders of Image Comics.
Illustrator and writer Andy Price has been the lead artist for the record breaking My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic books from IDW Publishing. Andy is a graduate of the Joe Kubert School, and works in most mediums. His art runs from cute cartoon animals to superheroes to horrific terrors. Past work includes IDW Publishing, DC Comics, Marvel, Image, Storm King Productions, LEGO, and Archie Comics. Andy is also the illustrator for The Unofficial Horror Movie Coloring Book and the Cryptid Creatures Coloring Book, both available from Adams Media. He lives in the USA, where he watches horror films, scoops cat boxes, and celebrates James T. Kirk’s birthday.
James Robinson was born in Great Britain but has lived in the U.S. since 1989 where he began working in comics initially for DC and Dark Horse Comics. Among his more known and regarded works are Grendel Tales: Four Devils, One Hell, sundry Legends of the Dark Knight arcs, Superman, Justice League of America, Batman, Detective Comics, Wonder Woman, and Earth 2. He is perhaps most well-known for his award-winning runs on both Starman and Leave It To Chance.
After a long working relationship with DC Comics, James made the switch to Marvel Comics where he wrote All-New Invaders, the Fantastic Four, Nick Fury, and the Scarlet Witch among other titles. He also wrote Airboy for Image Comics, and Grand Passion and Felix Leiter for Dynamite Comics.
James work in films includes scripts for every major studio, including The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen for 20th Century Fox. He also wrote and directed the black comedy Comic Book Villains for Goldcrest. In TV, James was a writer/co-exec producer on Stargirl for the WB for three seasons.
After that, he returned to comics with several creator-owned series for Dark Horse including ‘Patra, Welcome To The Maynard, Los Monstruos, and The Adventures of Lumen N. He is also writing an on-going Kickstarter comic, Rogues’ Kingdom.
His first novel, The Singular Pair will be published this year.
James resides in Las Vegas with his wife Alyson and their dogs.
The multi-talented Jim Starlin has worked on both writing and creating art for some of the most noteworthy creations since his entry into the field of comics in the 1970s. The mind behind the Marvel character Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, he is also responsible for a number of noteworthy cosmic characters in the Marvel Universe, including Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and the villainous Thanos, all of whom are featured in the major motion picture, Guardians of the Galaxy. He developed noteworthy runs on Marvel’s Captain Marvel, Warlock, and Silver Surfer, Marvel mini-series Infinity Gauntlet, Infinity War, and Infinity Crusade, and DC Comics’ Batman, The Weird, and Cosmic Odyssey. His Death of Captain Marvel was the first Marvel graphic novel to be published. More recently, he has provided writing and art for DC’s Stormwatch and writing on Green Lantern: Mongul, and he returned to his classic villain with Marvel’s Thanos: The Infinity Revelation.
This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Zeea Adams (Deadman), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Russ Braun (The Boys), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jeffrey Burandt (Gonad the Ballbarian), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Becky Cloonan (War), Michael W. Conrad (In Bloom), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Vito Delsante (Stray), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Scott Dunbier (DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition), Steve Englehart (Captain America), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Larry Hama (GI Joe: A Real American Hero), Scott Hanna (Amazing Spider-Man), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Dean Haspiel (Chest Face), Glenn Hauman (They Keep Killing Glenn), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Marc Hempel (Sandman), Jamal Igle (Superman), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Nate Lovett (Commander Tomorrow), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Shawn Martinbrough (Red Hood: The Hill), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Star Wars: Darth Vader), Andy Price (My Little Pony), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), James Robinson (Starman), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Andy Runton (Owly), Stuart Sayger (Red Sonja), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, courtesy of Flesk Publishing), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Don Simpson (Megaton Man), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (Friday and Sunday only, DC K.O.), John K. Snyder III (Suicide Squad), Mark Sparacio (Liberty Girl Deluxe), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Martha Thomases (Dakota North), Billy Tucci (Shi), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Steve Walker (Pay the Devil), Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), and Thom Zahler (Long Distance).
KENNER CLASSICS THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO-GLOW GLOW COPTER VEHICLE
(HASBRO \ Nintendo | Ages 4 & Up | Approx. Retail Price: $67.99 | Available exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con. Limited quantities will be available to order on HasbroPulse.com after the convention. While supplies last.)
Thirty-five years later, the unreleased Glow Copter is finally cleared for takeoff! Better late than never, right? A coveted Kenner deep cut, this long-lost vehicle arrives to complete The Real Ghostbusters Ecto-Glow lineup in a gloriously ghostly style. The Real Ghostbusters’ eye in the sky lands as a standout collector piece. With vintage-inspired Kenner styling, glow-in-the-dark deco, a spinning rotor, and a ghost bomb, the Ecto-Glow Glow Copter Vehicle set brings lost toy history straight to the shelf.
Authentic Kenner Heritage: Design inspired by the 1980s Kenner The Real Ghostbusters line.
Collector-Ready Lineup: Includes Ecto-Glow Hero Louis Tully and Meanie Weenie Ghost figures.
Signature Glow Deco: Vehicle, action figures, and select accessories glow in the dark.
Crunchyroll announced an entertainment-industry-defining Anime Expo lineup—and it’s all for the fans. Crunchyroll is bringing anime fans closer to their favorite series and previewing their next anime obsessions across more than twenty blocks of programming packed with iconic creators, beloved voice actors, exciting announcements and first looks.
CRUNCHYROLL TAKES OVER PEACOCK THEATER
On Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, Crunchyroll is set to completely transform the Peacock Theater into a dedicated anime destination featuring the most prominent titles in the medium. Fans that can’t handle the wait can hear from the talent behind the upcoming mysteries in The Apothecary Diaries; and see what’s next in Gachiakuta. Additionally, fans can fall further in love with this season’s standout series by diving into Daemons of the Shadow Realm; and joining a magical chat with the creator and cast of Witch Hat Atelier.
Also, celebrate the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle at Anime Expo 2026 on July 3 at the Peacock Theater! Join us for a special event looking back on the theatrical release of Infinity Castle, featuring members of the hit film’s voice cast. Fans of studio ufotable, the studio behind the franchise, won’t want to miss a special video of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle! Plus, there will be a sneak peek of footage from ufotable’s newest film project!
There’s a moment dedicated to every anime fan across panels that include insights into the direction and creation of Clevatess, a tenth anniversary celebration of Mob Psycho 100, voice cast hijinks for You and I are Polar Opposites, and many more. There will also be early screenings of Mushoku Tensei Season 3, Returner’s Magic Should be Special 2, Reborn As a Space Mercenary and more.
HUGE INCOMING ANIME NEWS
Save the date for July 3 at 1:30 PM: the Crunchyroll Showcase at the Peacock Theater will outline what is next for the exciting world of anime fandom. Fans can grab a seat to see newly announced anime, sneak peeks, world premiere trailers and more.
NEWLY REVEALED TITLES COMING TO CRUNCHROLL
Crunchyroll revealed a massive slate of titles set to stream on the platform and fans at Anime Expo will get the first look. Attendees can catch these exciting titles across special guest panels, world premieres, advance screenings and exclusive sneak peeks.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3
Firefly Wedding
Gachiakuta Season 2
I Became a Legend after My 10 Year-Long Last Stand
Overgeared
Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2
Sasaki and Peeps Season 2
The Oblivious Saint Can’t Contain Her Power
The Ogre’s Bride
The Villager of Level 999
Victoria of Many Faces
Crunchyroll also revealedGoodbye, Lara and Tomb Raider King are coming to the platform this July. These exciting titles will also be featured at Anime Expo.
CRUNCHYROLL’S BOOTH: IMMERSION, VOICE ACTING, AND SWAG
Over at Booth #2526, theCrunchyroll is bringing the Dubbing Dojo voicing acting experience to the Anime Expo show floor for the first time! Fans can step behind the mic to experience the art of voice acting with scenes from Attack on Titan, BLUE LOCK, Sentenced to Be a Hero, Solo Leveling, and more.
Crunchyroll Booth will also have its most immersive anime experiences ever. Dive headfirst into Daemons of the Shadow Realm as well as Witch Hat Atelier—streaming on Crunchyroll now. More info coming soon.
Crunchyroll News and Newtype magazine are collaborating once again this year for a summer 2026 special issue available for free at the Crunchyroll Booth at Anime Expo 2026 while supplies last. The special issue will include exclusive art, interviews and more on the latest series streaming on Crunchyroll. The magazine will feature insight from the cast and staff behind Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Black Clover, and other hit anime series, alongside messages from ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION and TK from Ling tosite sigure.
The National Cartoonists Society will hold the 80th Annual Reuben Awards on August 7 in Columbus during its conference running that weekend. Not only will the winners be announced for this year’s awards, numerous individuals will be honored at the event for their contributions.
Jeff Smith will receive the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award, It celebrates his extraordinary and lasting impact on the art of cartooning. Named for Terry and the Pirates creator Milton Caniff, this award is bestowed by unanimous vote of the NCS Board to recognize a lifetime of outstanding and accomplished work.
Smith grew up on comic strips, comic books, and animation and in 1991 founded Cartoon Books to self-publish Bone. That series would turn into a 55-issue epic fantasy considered a modern classic. The series follows three cousins exiled from Boneville and set off on adventure full of danger. It’s a beloved all-ages series that has gone on to win numerous awards and is considered a “gateway” graphic novel that is an entry point for kids to discover the wonderful world of comics.
Smith co-founded Columbus’ Cartoon Crossroads Columbus Festival and has served on the board of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
The Berndt Toast Gang (aka NCS Long Island Chapter) will be honored with the Gold Key award. It’s awarded by a unanimous vote of the NCS Board of Directors.
Instead of one individual, this years award goes to the Berndt Toast Gang will celebrates 60 years of cartoonists gathering every month on Long Island. The award highlights the group’s sense of community, energy, and spirit that makes it special. The award will be accepted by Chapter Chair Adrian Sinnott on behalf of the chapter and passed along to future leadership.
Finally, Ed Steckley will receive the Silver T-Square Award. Steckley is a longtime member of the National Cartoonists Society and the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the NCS and a deep dedication to the profession of cartooning.
Steckley has helped guide the NCS through organizational changes, bylaws revisions, NCS Fest, the pandemic, and implementing new technology. He has been a National Representative as well as Vice President and helped the organization numerous ways behind the scenes. He’s also a sought-after illustrator specializing in children’s books, magazines, and advertising.
Ed exemplifies the spirit of the award with outstanding service delivered with humility, reliability, and genuine care for the cartooning community.
Symbiote Studios will be returning to San Diego Comic-Con July 22-26, bringing with them their largest ever assortment of Transformers plush toys, pins and apparel that fans won’t want to miss! Officially licensed by Hasbro, Symbiote Studios’ Transformers plush toys bring to life the iconic characters that fans have loved for decades in bold and colorful designs.
These all-new Transformers plush toys will be available in the Symbiote Studios booth (#5629) while supplies last.
Grimlock G2 plush (show exclusive): Building upon Symbiote Studios’ fan-favorite lineup of Transformers Dinobots plush toys, a show exclusive version of Grimlock with his blue-forward G2 color scheme will be available in limited quantities. [$29.99]
Soundwave X Catnip Bravo t-shirt (show exclusive): Soundwave is indeed supreme, and he’s teaming up with Symbiote Studios own mascot Catnip Bravo in this show exclusive t-shirt featuring original artwork. [$24.99]
Ravage magnetic plush (premiere): Symbiote Studios’ first-ever Ravage plush is sure to be a popular sight at the Con, as it includes a magnetic attachment on its base that allows it to securely on your shoulder or hat. The magnetic plush will make its premiere at Comic-Con and will also be available from the Symbiote Studios online store starting July 22 at 5:30pm PT. [$24.99]
Transformers Dinobots pins (premiere): A new assortment of pins featuring the Transformers Dinobots will premiere at the show. The pins are approximately two inches wide and showcase the Dinobots in their G1 designs. [$14.99 each or three for $30]
Those who have visited the Symbiote Studios booth in previous years know that a highlight of the show is the Catnip Bravo Rock-Paper-Scissors fan competition, which will return again this year. Beat Catnip Bravo in this ultimate game of skill to win a free pin! Competitions will take place each day of Comic-Con, with specific times to be announced in the coming weeks. Catnip Bravo fans will also have a new way to take him home with them this year with Symbiote Studios first-ever blind box bag charms [$19.99]. Each box will contain one of three unique Catnip Bravo designs, with one rarer than the others.
In addition to the many plush toys available for purchase, the Symbiote Studios booth will be the only place to get a first look at never before seen plush toys that will debut later this year, featuring new Transformers and My Little Pony plush toys.
The Baltimore Comic-Con makes its triumphant return to the Inner Harbor’s Baltimore Convention Center on September 25-27, 2026. The Baltimore Comic-Con has announced that Jason Aaron, David Baron, Dan Goldman, Stuart Sayger, John Stanisci, and Joe Staton as guests of the 2026 event! Purchase your tickets now!
Jason Aaron is an award-winning writer who has created some of the most celebrated comic books of the last twenty years. Best known for his work with Marvel Comics, including Star Wars, Wolverine & The X-Men, Doctor Strange, The Avengers, and a landmark seven-year run on Thor, Aaron is currently spearheading the red-hot Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW and Absolute Superman for DC Comics. His critically acclaimed creator-owned work includes the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning Southern Bastards from Image Comics and the New York Times best-selling Scalped from DC/Vertigo, plus the brand new hit series Bug Wars for Image. Aaron was born and raised in Alabama and currently resides in Kansas.
David Baron’s first time in Baltimore! A celebrated comic book colorist and writer with over three decades in the industry, David has brought his vivid, cinematic style to some of comics’ biggest titles, including Batman, The Batman Who Laughs, Superman: Last Days of Lex Luthor, The Authority, Justice League, Green Arrow, and the new Heavy Metal. His creator-owned sci-fi hit STAINED showcases his talents not just as a colorist, but as a writer and world-builder. Known for bold palettes and storytelling through color, David’s work turns every page into an unforgettable visual experience. Don’t miss your chance to meet him, get your books signed, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most dynamic talents in comics today!
Dan Goldman is a writer-artist working in prose, comics, and video games. He is the creator of Red Light Properties, a tropical horror comic series about haunted Miami real estate. He is also co-creator of the graphic novels Chasing Echoes (Humanoids), the Priya’s Shakti series, the non-fiction political docu-comic 08: A Graphic Novel of the Campaign Trail (Three Rivers), and the Eisner-nominated Shooting War (Grand Central). Dan has also worked in game narrative, including the Emmy-winning Silent Hill: Ascension (Genvid) and The Division: Resurgence (Ubisoft). He currently lives in South Florida where he’s producing all-new RLP stories.
Stuart Sayger is known for his dynamic cover art for Red Sonja, Conan, Vampirella, Batman, Joker, G.I Joe, Transformers, Lego Bionicle, and much more! Visit www.stuartsayger.com to see more of his work!
John Stanisci is a 30-year comic veteran whose work has appeared in DC, Marvel, IDW, and now Heavy Metal Magazine. Currently, John is THRILLED to be writing and drawing his own original ongoing series Gladiatrix for Heavy Metal Magazine. Other credits include Batman #150, which was a top seller for the month of July. John had a story in Superman: Red and Blue which received an Eisner Nomination for Best Anthology. John was part of DC Comics’ Batman Beyond: Hush Beyond which premiered at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels. Other characters include work on Spider-Man, Batman, Catwoman, Vigilante, Superman, and many more. Outside of comics, John has just completed work on his debut sci-fi novel, Lifedeath (announcements coming soon!) and is currently working with film/TV producers Zero Gravity Entertainment (Ozark on Netflix) and Echo Lake on new TV series and a feature films. www.johnstanisci.com
Joe Staton has been drawing comics since he started working for Charlton Comics in 1971, where he co-created E-Man and Michael Mauser. Though the bulk of his work has been for DC Comics, at last count, Staton has worked for at least 30 publishers and 100 different editors. Among his many comics credits are Action Comics, Green Lantern, The Legion, Classics Illustrated, and various incarnations of Batman. During his time on Green Lantern, he co-created several GLs, including Kilowog, Arisia, and Salakk. He also designed GL Guy Gardner’s “bad boy” look. More recently, with his writer-wife Hilarie, he produces medical comics such as Pete Learns All About Crohn’s and Colitis and Amy Goes Gluten-Free. In 1998, he received the Eisner Award for his work on World’s Finest: The Superman-Batman Adventures. He penciled over 100 issues of the Cartoon Network’s Scooby Doo comic. He illustrated a graphic novel adaptation of Ayn Rand’s Anthem for NAL and a graphic biography of Ronald Reagan. Starting in 2011, working with writer Mike Curtis, Joe was the regular artist for the long-running Dick Tracy newspaper strip (available online at www.gocomics.com/dicktracy). Dick Tracy received Harvey Awards in 2013, 2014, and 2015 for Best Syndicated Strip or Feature.
This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Zeea Adams (Deadman), Marty Baumann (Pixar artist), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Russ Braun (The Boys), Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jeffrey Burandt (Gonad the Ballbarian), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Richard Case (Doom Patrol), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Becky Cloonan (War), Michael W. Conrad (In Bloom), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Olivia Cuartero-Briggs (The College Try), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Vito Delsante (Stray), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), Colleen Doran (The Sandman), Scott Dunbier (DC Silver Age Covers and Stories Artist’s Edition), Steve Englehart (Captain America), Garth Ennis (The Boys), Trish Forstner (Feral), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Chris Giarrusso (Mini Marvels), Randy Green (Witchblade), Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman), Gene Ha (Mae), Bob Hall (West Coast Avengers), Larry Hama (GI Joe: A Real American Hero), Scott Hanna (Amazing Spider-Man), Tony Harris (The Whistling Skull), Dean Haspiel (Chest Face), Glenn Hauman (They Keep Killing Glenn), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Marc Hempel (Sandman), Jamal Igle (Superman), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Infernal Hulk), Dan Jurgens (Action Comics), Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance), Peter Krause (The Power of Shazam, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Nate Lovett (Commander Tomorrow), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Shawn Martinbrough (Red Hood: The Hill), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Jose Marzen Jr. (Y: The Last Man), Mike McKone (Teen Titans), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Adriana Melo (Fantastic Four), Pop Mhan (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Mark Morales (Thor), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Trevor Mueller (Bat Pat), Sarah Myer (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Phil Noto (Fantastic Four: First Foes), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (The Punisher), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Margeaux Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Star Wars: Darth Vader), Andy Price (My Little Pony), Tom Raney (Incredible Hulk), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), James Robinson (Starman), Tone Rodriguez (Feral, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (The Perhapanauts), Andy Runton (Owly), Stuart Sayger (Red Sonja), Joe Schmalke (We Don’t Kill Spiders), Erica Schultz (Rogue), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, courtesy of Flesk Publishing), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Matthew Dow Smith (DC’s Misfits of Magic), Scott Snyder (Friday and Sunday only, DC K.O.), John K. Snyder III (Suicide Squad), Mark Sparacio (Liberty Girl Deluxe), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther), Martha Thomases (Dakota North), Billy Tucci (Shi), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and the Big Hero Six), Mark Waid (Action Comics), Steve Walker (Pay the Devil), Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Bob Wiacek (All-New Wolverine, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways), Chuck Wojtkiewicz (Justice League, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Rich Woodall (Sgt. Werewolf), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who), and Thom Zahler (Long Distance).
This summer, Crunchyroll is collaborating with Three Ten Merchandising Services, an imprint of Ceremony of Roses, to bring the extraordinary worlds of anime to life at The Loop, an all-new rotating retail destination featuring immersive activations, exclusive merchandise, collectibles, themed environments, and fan experiences inspired by the biggest entertainment brands in anime, entertainment, gaming, music and pop culture. The Loop will make its grand opening in mid-June at Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park, CA, further expanding the center’s growing roster of immersive entertainment and culture-driven experiences in Los Angeles.
The first wave of featured entertainment brands will be the fan-favorite anime series Solo Leveling, Sentenced to Be a Hero, and Bananya, available to watch now on Crunchyroll, with three additional anime activations debuting later this Summer. Visitors can expect to be transported into each anime series through three unique immersive rooms that will include captivating photo opps, audio/visual installations, iconic replica props, and more.
Solo Leveling: Do you have what it takes to become a hunter? Enter the Hunters Association to test your mana levels to discover your rank, class, and skills.
Sentenced to Be a Hero: Fight alongside Penal Hero Unit 9004 and join the war against the demon blight.
Bananya: Peel away from the action to find Bananya and its lively bunch of friends at a summer festival filled with various games and even a photo opp with an adorable plushie wall. Don’t forget to stay for the fireworks!
The retail shop will host a collection of products from each of the featured anime, ranging from apparel and figures to plush and home goods, which will be exclusively available at The Loop. Limited run Crunchyroll branded items will also be available for purchase.
General admission for the immersive experiences in The Loop is free, with a standby line when the space is at capacity. Crunchyroll subscribers will be granted special early access to the experience, with details to come. There will also be a special limited edition 3-pack of pins for $15 that features each anime series that will allow visitors to skip the line with a day-of fast pass access.
Visit DiscoverTheLoop.comfor more info, and sign up for email alerts for the exact date when The Loop will officially open. Activations for Solo Leveling, Sentenced to Be a Hero, and Bananya will run until August, after which The Loop will refresh with three new anime series to be announced at a later date.
Celebrate the release of the 5th issue on Friday June 5, with book readings by Stephen Pellnat, joined by Quinn Amacher and Emilie Kelly. Great readers and good vibes guaranteed!
Upstate follows Ryan Essen, a 31 year old in 2018, returning to her childhood home in the fictional Hudson Valley town of Heinrichville, New York. Her father is dying, her home is changing, and like so many millennials, she feels like the best years of her life are far behind her.
In the latest issue of Stephen Pellnat’s series, a German veteran of the First World War arrives in the early American twentieth century, distant from even himself. An unexamined life echoes forward in time, through an entire family; its present day iteration afflicted by patterns of behavior that are not quite the same, not quite different. Overlapping shades of the generational and the personal coalesce as the Upstate Winter Cycle draws to a close.
WHO: Stephen Pellnat, Quinn Amacher, Emilie Kelly WHAT: UPSTATE #5 release party and book reading WHEN: Friday June 5, 5pm WHERE: Floating World Comics, 1223 Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon
