Tag Archives: classic media

Richie Rich® Comics Go Digital!

Posted on by

Official Press Release

RICHIE RICH® COMICS GO DIGITAL!

First-Ever Richie Rich® Digital Comic Series Debuts in the App Store

SAN DIEGO, CA – December 19, 2011 – Ape Entertainment and Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family entertainment brands including Casper the Friendly Ghost® and Where’s Waldo?®, today announced the digital comic debut of Richie Rich®, “the poor little rich boy,” in the Apple App store. The app will feature the digitally restored and color corrected original master copies of the comic as well as new adventures under the title of Rich Rescue for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Developed by Ape Entertainment’s digital partner iVerse Media, the Richie Rich digital comic app is free to download and features a preview of the first issue at no additional cost. The app includes four full-color issues of the all-new Rich Rescue series for $1.99 each and the Richie Rich Classics series for $.99, each with a color cover, one 5-page story in color and the rest in classic black and white.

Ape Entertainment’s new Rich Rescue series features an updated look that emphasizes the character’s altruistic side as the world’s richest kid becomes a globe-trotting adventurer who uses his wealth to help people in need around the world. These new adventures are available digitally within the app as well as in print at local comic book shops nationwide.

“I grew up reading Richie Rich comic books and am proud that Ape Entertainment is now offering the first-ever digital version of this classic on iOS,” said Brent E. Erwin, Ape Co-Publisher. “Working with Classic Media and iVerse has been an extremely great experience and we’re looking forward to offering fans another way to enjoy Richie Rich.”

The first four new adventures include:

  • Richie Rich®: Rich Rescue, Issue #1: “The Boon Under The Bay!” – Story by Bill Williams, Art by Marcelo Ferreira & Dustin Evans, Cover by Jack Lawrence – After learning of a long lost treasure buried deep beneath the waters of the pacific south coast, Richie and the gang investigate, only to learn that there are other interested parties privy to the prizes, including a mysterious enemy and his band of modern day pirates! Also included: A brand new ‘classic style’ Richie Rich story “Of Demise and Men” by his creator, Sid Jacobson with art by Ernie Colon and more Rich Rescue stories, “Welcome to Rich Rescue” and “Professor Keenbean’s Corner”
  • Richie Rich®: Rich Rescue, Issue #2: “The Pursuit of Pesos!” – Story by Buddy Scalera, Art by Marcelo Ferreira & Dustin Evans, Cover by Jack Lawrence – While on a mission in South America, Richie and the gang stumble on a map that leads to ancient ruins and a conquistador’s mystical, long-hidden treasure! When Reggie accidentally triggers an ancient time traveling device, it launches the crew back to the time when the ruins were first built…and dinosaurs ruled the Earth! Will Richie Rich be able to figure out how to get the gang back to the present, or will they be trapped in the past…forever! Also included: “Ma Ma My iRona”, “Hello Fellow Hostages, Are You Ready to Rock?”, and another “Professor Keenbean’s Corner”
  • Richie Rich®: Rich Rescue, Issue #3: “Just Desserts Deserts” – Story by Quinn Johnson, Art by James Silvani & Jake Myers, Cover by Jack Lawrence –While exploring Egypt, Richie and the gang find a previously undiscovered pyramid…built upside-down into the ground! Traveling into the inverted wonder is not easy, and making it even more difficult is an army of undead mummies….mummies who may never have been human to begin with! Also included: “Laughter is Not Always the Best Medicine”, “Uncommon Cents” and another “Professor Keenbean’s Corner”
  • Richie Rich®: Rich Rescue, Issue #4: “Yen for a Yeti!” – Story by Jason M. Burns & Nate Sharir, Art by Marcelo Ferreira & Dustin Evans, Cover by Jack Lawrence –While hiking through the snowy Himalayas, Richie and the gang uncover a group of exotic animal poachers who have captured the elusive Yeti for profit. Vowing to rescue the creature and return it to the wild, the team learns the hard way that they aren’t the only ones interested in freeing the creature. They must contend, not only with the poachers, but with a mystic order of ninja monks! Also included: “Give a Dog a Bone,” another “Professor Keenbean’s Corner” and an all-new ‘classic style’ Richie Rich story by his creator, Sid Jacobson “Unhappy…uh, HAPPY Birthday!”

With the addition of app enhancements, included in the digital downloads of the comics to assist consumers in locating their nearest comic book retailer, Ape hopes that Richie Rich will inspire new readers to discover the exciting world of comics through their local comic book shops.

For more information, please visit http://www.ApeComics.com or www.KiZoic.com.
Art available at  http://www.apeprinting.com/images/Richie_Rich_App_Icon.jpg

About Richie Rich®

A born leader with a heart of gold, Richie Rich made his comic book debut in 1953 and went on to headline his own comic book series, syndicated comic strip, and animated TV series.  With more than fifty comic titles and 2,000 issues under his name, Richie Rich is one of the most published cartoons of all time. The world’s richest kid was also the star of a live-action feature film and direct-to-video sequel from Warner Bros. Pictures in 1994.

About Ape Entertainment

Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E. Erwin.  Ape Entertainment is the comic book home to innovative new titles as LITTLE GREEN MEN, SCOUTS, and HEROIC.  Ape is also the North American publisher for licensed properties SHREK, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, and CUT THE ROPE. Visit Ape Entertainment online at http://www.ApeComics.com.

About Classic Media

Classic Media, one of the world’s largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost®, Where’s Waldo?®, Lassie®, The Lone Ranger®, and new brand Life With Boys™. Big Idea Entertainment, a member of the Classic Media family, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s programming, including the best-selling animated series, VeggieTales®. Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music.  Visit us at www.classicmedia.tv

Voltron #1 Sells Out!

Posted on by

Official Press Release

VOLTRON® #1 SELLS OUT!

New Comic Based on the Fan Favorite ’80s Series

Headed to Immediate 2nd Printing

RUNNEMEDE, NJ (December 12, 2011) – On the heels of their recent string of sell-outs, Dynamite Entertainment continues the trend as their new comic, Voltron®, has sold out and is going to an immediate second print!

Under a series of amazing covers by master painter, Alex Ross, and written by Dynamite’s own up-and-coming writer, Brandon Thomas, Dynamite presents all new adventures of the mighty robot hero, Voltron. Originally released in 1984, Voltron: Defender of the Universe® quickly skyrocketed to be the number one children’s program in the United States. Merchandising rapidly followed and more than 100 different Voltron products hit shelves around the world.

The original TV series featured a team of five young pilots – the Voltron Force- who commanded five robotic lions that could be combined to form the mighty robot warrior, Voltron. They protected the planet Arus, ruled by Princess Allura, from the evil King Zarkon of Planet Doom and monsterous Robeasts.

In “Voltron #1”, ultimate victory has never been closer for the Voltron Force. King Zarkon’s brutal regime has been pushed to the edges of the galaxy, left to wage a series of desperate and losing battles to claim innocent victims while they still can. But Zarkon knows something—a secret about Voltron over a hundred years old that could change everything for the Galaxy Alliance. This isn’t the Voltron we all know, but one redefined and re-imagined by those he and his adventures have inspired over the years. This is Generation Voltron…

Classic Media represents Voltron worldwide in collaboration with creator World Events Productions.

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit

For art and more information, please visit:
www.dynamite.net

About Voltron®

In a galaxy plagued with chaos and evil, five robotic lions, piloted by a team of brave space explorers, combine to form the mighty robot hero, Voltron®. After blazing onto TV screens in 1984, Voltron: Defender of the Universe quickly became a top-rated animated series. The hit series inspired a best-selling toy line and made Voltron a pop-culture icon. An all-new 2D/CGI animated series, Voltron Force®, currently airing in the U.S. on Nicktoons.

About Dynamite Entertainment

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENTwas founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, Green Hornet, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, Game of Thrones and more!

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Michael Avon Oeming, Mel Rubi, Marc Guggenheim, Stephen Sadowski, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent!

DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles – including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger’s PROJECT SUPERPOWERS – have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. Several of their titles have also hit The New York Times Best-Sellers list: The Boys, Vampirella Archives, Robert Jordan’s New Spring and Wheel of Time graphic novels. In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%). The company has also been nominated for several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award.

About Classic Media

Classic Media, one of the world’s largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost®, Where’s Waldo?®, Lassie®, The Lone Ranger®, and new global brand Life With Boys™. Big Idea Entertainment, a member of the Classic Media family, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s programming, including the best-selling animated series, VeggieTales®. Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music. Visit us at www.classicmedia.tv

About World Events Productions

St. Louis-based World Events Productions, Ltd. (WEP) has produced and distributed children’s animation for over 25 years. WEP is the IP holder for shows including: Voltron, Defender the of the Universe, Voltron: The Third Dimension, Denver the Last Dinosaur, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs and Vytor the Starfire Champion, among others. WEP is a Koplar Communications company. WEP is represented by United Talent Agency. For more information visit www.wep.com and www.voltron.com.


The Lone Ranger Returns At Dynamite Entertainment!

Posted on by

Official Press Release

THE LONE RANGER® RIDES AGAIN AT DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

NEW COMIC BOOK SERIES AVAILABLE IN JANUARY 2012

Runnemede, NJ (October 26th, 2011) – Dynamite Entertainment and Classic Media welcome the return of America’s quintessential Western hero-The Lone Ranger® to the comic world! The masked man returns with a new #1 in January 2012 as an ongoing series. This new The Lone Ranger comic series kicks off with a six-part story called “Hard Country.” To allow new fans to jump into the series, the first two issues will be included within a larger story.  It will then move into a longer, serialized tale, respecting the excellent template provided by Brett Matthews and Sergio Cariello with John Cassaday, setting off on a new trail.

At the end of the Matthews series, The Lone Ranger and Tonto were ready to strike out in the old west, fighting for what is right and helping those in need. “Hard Country” is about the old west striking back – a harsh environment where only the tough really make it. This is the story about these two American legends, early in their development, as they learn this bleak reality. While they’re not going to fold, they will come to see that this is a hard task they’ve set for themselves. A hard task in a vast “hard country.”

“The Lone Ranger #1 begins our Hard Country arc with a heart-breaking tale of loss that holds a mirror up to John Reid’s past,” says writer Ande Parks.  “The man John Reid has become in his The Lone Ranger identity was shaped by tragic loss. Now he sees that loss on the faces of a new generation. Can one man make a difference in the lives of a father and his children whose world is crumbling? The Lone Ranger is damn well going to try!”

“Kudos to Ande and Esteve doing an incredible job leading in to The Lone Ranger #1 and following up Brett, Sergio, and John’s series so successfully with The Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro series, which has received a considerable amount of critical acclaim,” said Dynamite President and Publisher Nick Barrucci.  “The Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro showed fans that Ande and Esteve were the right successors for the series.  They “know” The Lone Ranger, and are making the series their own.  Fans will be excited when they read the first issue, and with covers by Award-Winning artists including an Alex Ross painted cover and Francesco Francavilla as the ongoing cover artist, The Lone Ranger will be a must-read book!”

“The Lone Ranger is arguably the most popular Western character of all time and we are thrilled to team up with Dynamite Entertainment to introduce fans to another adventure,” said Nicole Blake EVP, Global Marketing & Consumer Products, Classic Media.

Here are some of the critic’s reactions for The Lone Ranger: Death of Zorro series:

“Anyone who naturally finds themselves drawn to the legends of Zorro or The Lone Ranger will be enraptured by this crossover.” – Comics Bulletin

“The Death of Zorro is a solid read!” – Major Spoilers

“The Lone Ranger: The Death of Zorro is, at its heart, the epitome of a good western story. It’s the story of good people struggling against bad people. It’s the story of a road dusty hero avenging a fallen hero.” – Invest Comics

“A few months back I mentioned in a review that Dynamite currently publishes the finest comics. The Death of Zorro is another clear example proving that point..” – Inside Pulse

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com For art and more information, please visit: www.dynamite.net

About Dynamite Entertainment:

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, Green Hornet, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, Game of Thrones and more!  In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Michael Avon Oeming, Mel Rubi, Marc Guggenheim, Stephen Sadowski, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent!  DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles – including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger’s PROJECT SUPERPOWERS – have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. Several of their titles have also hit The New York Times Best-Sellers list: The Boys, Vampirella Archives, Robert Jordan’s New Spring and Wheel of Time graphic novels.  In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%). The company has also been nominated for several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award.

Voltron Is Back!

Posted on by

Official Press Release

dynamite logoVOLTRON IS BACK!

VOLTRON RETURNS AT DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT!

September 22, 2011, Runnemede, NJ – This December, the pop culture phenomenon known as Voltron is returning to a comic book store near you!  Under a series of amazing covers by master painter Alex Ross, and written by Dynamite’s own up and coming writer Brandon Thomas, the series is destined to be a sure fire hit! Dynamite will present all new adventures of the classic robot super-hero! Originally released in 1984, Voltron: Defender of the Universe quickly skyrocketed to be the number one children’s program in the United States.  Merchandising rapidly followed and more than 100 different Voltron products were on shelves around the world.

“Voltron is one of the most well-known cartoons of all-time,” says Dynamite President Nick Barrucci. “Classic Media and World Events Productions are working with a wide-range of licensing partners to ensure Voltron’s success.  With the upcoming cartoon and a feature film in the works, now is the perfect time to launch a Voltron comic book for a new era, which will feature amazing Alex Ross covers! Our acquisition of this incredible brand is another step in Dynamite’s exciting growth and builds on the ongoing success of our line.”

“I grew up loving the big robots from Japan,” says legendary artist Alex Ross.  “And Voltron is one of the coolest-looking of them!”

Voltron featured a team of five young pilots commanding five robot lions which could be combined to form Voltron. In an undefined future era, the Voltron Force was in charge of protecting the planet Arus (ruled by Princess Allura) from the evil King Zarkon (from planet Doom), his son Lotor, and the witch Haggar, who would create huge Robeasts to terrorize the people of Arus.

“We’ve been given a lot of latitude by our partners at Classic Media and World Events,” said Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt. “Nothing is off the table and if you’ve followed our releases featuring pop culture icons, you know that we take the best and add the new and create something unique and special on its own. Expect no different from Voltron.”

Founded in 1982 to meet the ever-growing need for the development of quality television entertainment, World Events Productions has continued to be a leader in technological innovation and programming excellence ever since.  Headquartered in St. Louis, WEP has been on the cutting-edge of top quality entertainment production and international distribution.

World Events’ more recent program, Voltron: The Third Dimension, was the first full 3D CGI series produced solely in the United States.  However, classic Lion Force Voltron remains the general favorite among fans.  And fans have much more to look forward to in the future as the Voltron Universe continues to expand.

Stay tuned for more news on Voltron!

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com

For art and more information, please visit:

www.dynamite.net

About Dynamite Entertainment:

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, Green Hornet, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, Game of Thrones and more!

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and best selling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Michael Avon Oeming, Mel Rubi, Marc Guggenheim, Stephen Sadowski, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner and a host of up and coming new talent!

DYNAMITE is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles – including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger’s PROJECT SUPERPOWERS – have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005 Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%). The company has also been nominated for several industry awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award.

About Classic Media

Classic Media, one of the world’s largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo?, The Lone Ranger , Lassie , Postman Pat , and new global brands Tinga Tinga Tales and Guess with Jess.  Big Idea Entertainment, a member of the Classic Media family, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s programming, including the best-selling animatedseries, VeggieTales. Classic Media programming is distributed in more than 170 territories worldwide and showcased in multiple formats, including TV, film, home video, consumer products, publishing, digital, and music. Visit us at http://classicmedia.tv.

About World Events Productions

St. Louis-based World Events Productions, Ltd. (WEP) has produced and distributed children’s animation for over 25 years.  WEP is the IP holder for shows including: Voltron, Defender the of the Universe, Voltron: The Third Dimension, Denver the Last Dinosaur, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs and Vytor the Starfire Champion, among others.  WEP is a Koplar Communications company.  WEP is represented by United Talent Agency.  For more information visit www.wep.com and www.voltron.com.