Poster for "A Walk in the Woods" Debuts; Stars Robert Redford

Posted by Leroy on Patreon

A WALK IN THE WOODS starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson Trailer and Poster are now!

To watch the trailer exclusively on Moviefone: http://news.moviefone.com/2015/05/27/robert-redford-walk-in-the-woods-trailer

In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson (Academy Award winner Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award winner Emma Thompson), and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail - 2,200 miles of America’s most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine.  The peace and tranquility he hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek - his long lost and former friend Katz (Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte), a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law – sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, “adventure”. Now they're about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.

Official site: www.WalkInTheWoodsMovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awalkinthewoodsmovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/awalkinwoodsmov

A WALK IN THE WOODS will be in theaters nationwide on September 2nd

#TakeAHike


-----------------

Comic Book Adaptation of "Fear and Loathing" Due October 2015

Top Shelf Announces Graphic Novel Of Hunter S. Thompson’s FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS Adapted By Troy Little

    What were we doing out here…? What was the meaning of this trip? Did I actually have a big red convertible out there on the street? Was I just roaming around these Mint Hotel escalators in a drug frenzy of some kind, or had I really come out here to Las Vegas to work on a story? — Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Marietta, GA – Legendary journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s genius was rooted in his ability to blend reality with fiction, serious cultural analysis with madcap escapades, astonishing words with unforgettable images.

In that spirit, and in proud partnership with the Thompson ​Estate, Top Shelf Productions is pleased to announce Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, a delightfully bonkers graphic novel by Eisner-nominated artist Troy Little adapting Thompson’s book of the same name.

“I’m so pleased that one of the first collaborative projects to come out of the Top Shelf / IDW relationship will be Troy Little’s inspired take on a true classic of American literature,” said Top Shelf Editor-In-Chief Chris Staros. “One of the most unforgettable writers turned loose in one of my favorite cities! We can’t wait to show you what Troy’s done with it.”

The much-beloved Fear and Loathing, subtitled “A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream,” follows Thompson a​lter-ego Raoul Duke on the mother of all Vegas benders, as he and his attorney Dr. Gonzo cover a motorcycle race, crash a drug-enforcement convention, and rack up obscenely large room-service bills, all while dosed to the gills on a truly spectacular assortment of mind-altering substances.

Troy Little’s faithful adaptation, scheduled for October 2015, will capture the full gonzo experience in a glorious full color graphic novel. Little is previously known for the Xeric-award-winning graphic novel Chiaroscuro and for his Eisner-nominated series Angora Napkin, both from IDW Publishing. Now, his irrepressibly energetic cartooning brings a new level of manic energy to Thompson’s rocket-fueled narrative.

“Buy the ticket, take the ride.” Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas comes to a store near you this fall!

Title: Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (The Graphic Novel)
Author/Artist: Troy Little
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions, an imprint of IDW Publishing
Distributor: Diamond Book Distributors
Release Date: October 2015

-------------------

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for May 24th to May 31st, 2015 - Update #16

Posted by Leroy Douresseaux - support on Patreon

NEWS:

From THR: Amandla Stenberg ("Rue" from Hunger Games) speaks out on the approbation of black culture and speaks some truth.

---------------
From RadioTimes:  Simon Pegg says sci-fi movies are "dumbing down" cinema.

---------------
From Vulture:   Geof Darrow on Frank Miller and The Matrix.

---------------
From TheWrap:  It's still being talked about and has no official release date, but we know a little more about "The Legend of Conan."  The film will be a direct sequel to 1982's Conan the Barbarian, and will take place 30 years later.  The film will also star Arnold Schwarzenegger.

---------------
From YahooMovies:  First, the very idea of a utopia as envisioned by Walt Disney is troubling, to say nothing of a movie inspired by that.

---------------
From EW:  Based on early estimates, Tomorrowland leads the Memorial Day 2015 weekend with an estimated haul of $32.2.

---------------
From EW: First look at Matt Damon in Ridley Scott's The Martian.

---------------
From Vulture:   At the 2015 iteration of the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d'Or goes to the film, Dheepan, directed by Jacques Audiard.


COMICS - Books and Movies:

From THR: Marvel apparently screen-testing actors who will be the next Spider-Man near the set of "Captain America: Civil War."

---------------
From Vulture:  Tilda Swinton cold be in Marvel's Doctor Strange movie.

---------------
From Vulture:  Fox is apparently reviving "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."

---------------
From Collider:  Chris Pine in talks to appear in Warner's "Wonder Woman" movie.

--------------
From Vulture:  A history of Marvel Comics' "Ultimate" universe.

---------------
From YahooTV:  Michael B. Jordan talks about the online racist reactions to him being cast as "Johnny Storm."  It's not about you, Mike.  It's about "white fragility."

---------------
From YahooMovies: Tyler James Williams would be cool about being Miles Morales in a film.

---------------
From YahooFinance:  Is Flash the most important character in the DC Universe.


OBITS:

From TheWrap:  Anne Meara, the actress and comedian, has died at the age of 85.  She was the wife of Jerry Stiller and the mother of writer-actor-director, Ben Stiller, and daughter, Amy.

---------------
From TheWrap: The Nobel Prize-winning mathematician, John Forbes Nash, Jr. has died.  Nash's life inspired the film, A Beautiful Mind, which won the best picture Oscar-winner for the year 2001.  Russell Crowe played Nash in the film.  Nash, who was 86, and his wife, Alicia (82) died in a taxi crash on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Review: "Magic in the Moonlight" Does Not Cast Much of a Spell

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 23 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux (support on Patreon)

Magic in the Moonlight (2014)
Running time:  97 minutes (1 hour, 37 minutes)
MPAA –  PG-13 for a brief suggestive comment, and smoking throughout
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Woody Allen
PRODUCERS:  Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, and Edward Walson
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Darius Khondji
EDITOR:  Alisa Lepselter

COMEDY/ROMANCE

Starring:  Colin Firth, Emma Stone, Simon McBurney, Eileen Atkins, Hamish Linklater, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver, Jeremy Shamos, Erica Leerhsen, and Catherine McCormack

Magic in the Moonlight is a 2014 period romance and comedy from writer-director, Woody Allen.  The film focuses on an Englishman who travels to the south of France, where he becomes smitten with the young woman that he plans to reveal as a fraud.

Magic in the Moonlight opens in Berlin, 1928, where we meet the world famous illusionist, Wei Ling Soo (Colin Firth).  Soo is actually the Englishman, Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth), in disguise.  After a performance, Stanley receives a visit from his old friend, Howard Burkan (Simon McBurney), a fellow illusionist.  Burkan wants Stanley to accompany him to Côte d'Azur where Stanley can make use of the other talent that has made him famous.  Stanley can see past and also reveal the tricks of those who claim to have magical or supernatural powers.

In Côte d'Azur, a rich American family, the Catledges, are being taken in by a clairvoyant and mystic named Sophie Baker (Emma Stone).  In fact, the son of the family, Brice Catledge (Hamish Linklater), is so in love with Sophie that he wants to marry her.  Howard wants Stanley to debunk Sophie as a charlatan mystic.  Although he initially thinks that it will be easy to reveal Sophie as a fraud, Stanley soon finds himself smitten with her.

Magic in the Moonlight is not one of the better Woody Allen films.  It falls in the class of mediocre, hapless Allen films that have been prevalent since the turn of the century.  The casting is not particularly special, and the characters are mostly uninspired.  Emma Stone seems out of place as Sophie Baker, but there is not enough of Marcia Gay Harden as Sophie's mother, Mrs. Baker.

Magic in the Moonlight is not well-written, which is disappointing considering that Allen has won three Oscars for his screenwriting.  Allen's directing is mostly... well... uninspired.  However, the film does spring to life in its last half-hour, and it suddenly seems like a different film.  Why?  I think that Magic in the Moonlight lacks a true antagonistic relationship, although the film is ostensibly about one, being that Stanley Crawford is trying to prove that Sophie is a fraud.  Perhaps, Allen makes them fall in love with each other too soon.  Once betrayal is introduced into the narrative, the film has a real conflict and that brings it to life – too late, of course.

I will recommend Magic in the Moonlight to die hard Woody Allen fans who simply have to see each and every one of his films (like me).  Beyond that, there is no amount of magic in the moonlight that will make this movie of interest to people who are not fans of Allen.

5 of 10
C+

Thursday, May 28, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Archie Comics Announces New "Jughead" Comic Book Series

JUGHEAD #1 Cover by Erica Henderson

ZDARSKY AND HENDERSON SET THE TABLE WITH NEW JUGHEAD SERIES

New ongoing comic book series to be set in same world as new ARCHIE from Waid/Staples

Hamburgers and a crown made of paper. The mysterious “S” shirt and a dog named Hot Dog. Did we mention Hamburgers? All of these things are synonymous with the greatest comic book character of all time: Jughead! This October, Archie Comics is launching a new ongoing JUGHEAD series by the unbeatable team of Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson.

Featuring the adventures of Archie’s hamburger-loving best friend, the new series will debut with an all new #1 issue from two of the comic book industry’s brightest stars. Zdarsky, known for his work on the hit Image series Sex Criminals, will bring his unique brand of comedy to comics’ biggest jokester.

“Jughead is the one character that I totally attempted to emulate when I was younger,” said Zdarsky. “Cool without being cool, voracious appetite, a slacker who doesn't always live up to his potential.”

Joining Zdarsky on JUGHEAD will be Erica Henderson, best known for her work on Marvel’s Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, whose emotive artistic style and knack for capturing characters in their silliest moments perfectly suits the gluttonous teenager.

The new series will run alongside the upcoming ARCHIE series, launching on July 8, by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples, telling off-the-wall and hilarious stories in the new and revamped Riverdale.
On getting inside of Jughead’s head, Zdarsky said, “He has moments where he shines and then goes back to being cool and zen. I love Jughead. He's the teen who's comfortable with himself, which is such rare, weird thing.”

JUGHEAD #1 will be available in comic book stores and digitally on October 7.

-------------------

"The Game" Begins Its Final Season Wednesday, June 3rd on BET

“THE GAME” Heads into Overtime with the Final Season Premiere on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 PM ET/PT on BET

“FRANKIE & NEFFE” Season 2 Premieres Directly Following “THE GAME” at 10:30 PM ET/PT with BET’s New Recap Show “P.S. THE BET POST SHOW” Rounding up the Night at 11 PM ET/PT

“BEING” Returns with All New Episodes Beginning Monday, June 1 on Centric

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Next week is a touchdown with the final season premiere of “THE GAME.” After 9 seasons, “THE GAME” heads into the final quarter of its record breaking run. Directly following “THE GAME” is the return of “FRANKIE & NEFFE.” Season 2 picks up where “KEYSHIA COLE: ALL IN” left off, as viewers get a deeper glimpse into the complex lives of her wildly entertaining mother, Frankie and sisters, Neffe and Elite.

"THE GAME" - **FINAL SEASON** Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on BET.

The final season of “THE GAME” (Season 9) continues to focus on the San Diego Sabers and the team’s experience. Focusing on both the players and previous fans the drama continues develop. When Blue discovers Keira and Malik together he initiates a brawl with Malik that is caught on surveillance tape. While Tasha is trying to cover up the Blue and Malik situation, Chardonnay attempts to expose Jason’s steroid use on national television. Guest stars include Bria Murphy and Deborah Norville.

“FRANKIE & NEFFE” – Season premieres Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 PM ET/PT on BET.

Season 2 of “FRANKIE & NEFFE” picks up where “KEYSHIA COLE: ALL IN” left off, as viewers get a deeper glimpse into the complex lives of the wildly entertaining mother and sisters of R&B singer, Keyshia Cole. While sisters Neffe and Elite are determined to launch successful careers, they continue to struggle with Frankie, as her instability is a constant source of friction with her daughters. Whether they enter laughing or come out swinging, these funny, raw, unforgettable women fascinate us, and keep us rooting for their success.

“P.S. THE BET POST SHOW” – Season premieres Wednesday, June 3 at 11:00 PM ET/PT on BET.

Hosted by comedian Amberia Allen, “P.S. THE BET POST SHOW” is a LIVE half-hour series that will recap new episodes of “THE GAME” and “FRANKIE & NEFFE” every Wednesday at 11 PM ET/PT on BET. From live on-air commentary to social media updates of what fans are buzzing about to celebrity interviews this new interactive series will be your source for all of your favorite and hottest BET shows.

"BEING" – Season premieres Monday, June 1 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Centric.

“BEING” is a one-hour documentary series that highlights the careers of seminal soul and vintage hip hop artists. In the season premiere, K. Michelle gives an intimate perspective on her ambition, spirit and work ethic being a southern girl from Memphis. The series focuses on a variety of individuals seen as beating the odds and rising from tough environments, “BEING” captures compelling and unknown stories that inspire our audience. Throughout each episode we get to hear what its’ like “BEING” them at different points in their career and life.


About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, the first network designed for Black women;; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

------------------

Dark Horse Comics Announces Third and Final "Colder" Series.

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES NEW ‘COLDER,’ SERIES AT PHOENIX COMICON

TOBIN & FERREYRA’S HORROR SERIES RETURNS FOR A FINAL SCARE

MILWAUKIE, OR—As part of its announcement slate for Phoenix Comicon 2015, Dark Horse Comics has announced the final installment of  Eisner-nominated horror series Colder.

Colder: Toss the Bones sees the return of the Eisner-nominated horror series by Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra. Set to debut in September, the final chapter of the Colder trilogy follows a newly resurrected Nimble Jack, as he skips back and forth between the Hungry World and our own reality, recruiting agents of madness and unifying them with a single objective: the death and consumption of Declan.

Colder: Toss the Bones #1
Paul Tobin (W), Juan Ferreyra (A/Cover)
$3.99
Available in September at your local comic shop

Also available:
Colder Volume 1
$17.99, 978-1-61655-136-0
​Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Colder Volume 2: The Bad Seed
$17.99, 978-1-61655-647-1
Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound


About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

------------------

All Six Episodes of "Catastrophe" Will Premiere June 19th on Amazon Prime

Season One of the Amazon Original Comedy Series Catastrophe Will Launch Exclusively for Amazon Prime Members in the US on June 19
All six episodes, about an American man and Irish woman who make a mess out of falling in love in London as they deal with an unexpected pregnancy, will premiere on June 19 in the US and come to Amazon Prime in the UK later this year

Catastrophe is created by and stars comedian and bestselling author Rob Delaney (Key & Peele) and award-winning actress Sharon Horgan (Pulling), with guest stars Carrie Fisher (Star Wars) and Tobias Menzies (Outlander), and is Executive Produced by Richard Allen-Turner (Workaholics), Kara Baker (Iliza Shlezinger: Freezing Hot), Delaney, Horgan, and Jon Thoday (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver)

Series also stars Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty), Mark Bonnar (Shetland), Jonathan Forbes (Titanic: Blood and Steel), Daniel Lapaine (Zero Dark Thirty), Marta Barrio (The Trip), and Sarah Niles (Beautiful People)

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ:AMZN)—Amazon today announced it will premiere all six episodes of season one of the Amazon Original Series Catastrophe on Friday, June 19, 2015 exclusively for Amazon Prime members in the US. Written by comedian and bestselling author, Rob Delaney (Key & Peele), and award-winning actress, Sharon Horgan (Pulling), Catastrophe is a half-hour comedy set in London about an Irish woman and American man struggling to start a relationship after their clumsy lust leads to pregnancy. Already a critical hit in the UK, Catastrophe is an Avalon Television production with co-producers Birdbath Productions and Merman and is Executive Produced by Richard Allen-Turner (Workaholics), Kara Baker (Iliza Shlezinger: Freezing Hot), Delaney, Horgan, and Jon Thoday (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver). The series will be available exclusively for Prime members in the U.S. and will come to Amazon Prime in the UK later this year.

    “We are delighted Catastrophe will be available on Amazon Prime and joining their impressive line-up of critically acclaimed TV shows”

In Catastrophe, two different worlds collide as Rob (Delaney) decides to move to London to become the father he never had, while Sharon (Horgan) questions whether this will be her last chance at motherhood. Together, Rob and Sharon must steer through increasingly thorny situations and navigate the choppy waters of their ever-more-complicated lives, while also learning to deal with Sharon’s intense Irish family, her rather unpleasant friend, Fran (Ashley Jensen, Ugly Betty) and Rob’s eccentric Bostonian mother, Mia (Carrie Fisher, Star Wars).

Beginning June 19, Amazon Prime members can watch the entire first season of Catastrophe using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/AIV. Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at Amazon.com/prime.

“We look forward to bringing this honest and smart series to our customers,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “Sharon’s irreverent humor plays into Rob’s fish-out-of-water experience and, together, their chemistry makes for a universally witty comedy.”

“We are delighted Catastrophe will be available on Amazon Prime and joining their impressive line-up of critically acclaimed TV shows,” added Jon Thoday, Joint Managing Director at Avalon Television.

Catastrophe also stars Mark Bonnar (Shetland) as Chris, Jonathan Forbes (Titanic: Blood and Steel) as Fergal, Daniel Lapaine (Zero Dark Thirty) as Dave, Marta Barrio (The Trip) as Mallandra, and Sarah Niles (Beautiful People) as Melissa, and also guest stars Tobias Menzies (Outlander) as Dr. Harries. The series is produced by Jack Bayles (Russell Brand’s Ponderland) and directed by Ben Taylor (Cuckoo).


About Prime Instant Video
Amazon Prime members have instant access to stream tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including award-winning Amazon Original Series, available at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, new release movies like Gone Girl, Boyhood and Birdman as well as classics like the Star Wars saga along with in-season shows like The Walking Dead, Scandal and Better Call Saul are also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video for all customers to stream and enjoy.

Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV. Prime Instant Video is also the only U.S. online-only subscription streaming service that enables offline viewing—on a plane, on vacation, and anywhere else where you may not have Wi-Fi.

Amazon Prime members have exclusive access to popular TV series at no additional cost to their membership. Prime members can enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series’ airing now such as multi-Golden Globe winning series, Transparent, the hour-long drama, Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, the Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman comedy, Mozart in the Jungle and the political comedy starring John Goodman, Alpha House, in addition to HBO favorites like The Sopranos, True Blood and Six Feet Under, and popular primetime series including 24, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Extant, Falling Skies, Grimm, Hannibal, Justified, Orphan Black, Teen Wolf, The Americans, Under the Dome and Veronica Mars. Prime members also have access to an exclusive collection of kids shows now airing including Amazon Original Series’ Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Blue’s Clues and The Bubble Guppies.

In addition to tens of thousands of titles to instantly stream, the Amazon Prime membership (www.amazon.com/primevideo) includes one million songs and hundreds of playlists with Prime Music, unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items, early access to select Lightning Deals, unlimited photo storage, and access to more than 800,000 books all for $99 a year.

About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

---------------------

BOOM! Studios Re-ups with Diamond Comic Distributors

BOOM! Studios Renews Distribution Agreement with Diamond

(BALTIMORE, MD) — Diamond Comic Distributors has announced that BOOM! Studios has renewed its distribution agreement with the company, making Diamond the worldwide distributor of BOOM’s comics and graphic novels to the comic book specialty, hobby and gaming markets, as well as international book markets, excluding the UK and Ireland.   

“Diamond is pleased to continue its association with BOOM! Studios,” said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing, John Wurzer. “We look forward to working with the entire BOOM! team on maximizing their sales and marketing efforts to reach comic book readers worldwide.”

BOOM! Studios continues to create a vast library of best-selling and award winning titles through its BOOM!, KaBOOM!, BOOM! Box, and Archaia imprints with such titles as Adventure Time, Mouse Guard, The Woods, Big Trouble in Little China, Lumberjanes and many more. BOOM! Studios was recognized with a Diamond GEM Award as Best Publisher-Under 4% Market Share for 2014, and has won the award 5 of the past 6 years. The new distribution agreement allows BOOM! Studios additional opportunities to have their growing library of titles reach international markets worldwide through Diamond’s book market wing, Diamond Book Distributors. 

“We’re happy to have renewed our distribution agreement with Diamond,” said BOOM! Studios CEO and Founder, Ross Richie. “Diamond is, and has been, one of our most critical partners for the first decade of our business and this newest agreement is a great reinforcement of Diamond’s continued support of our growth in the direct market and beyond.”

New retailers interested in purchasing BOOM! titles are encouraged to contact Diamond’s New Accounts Department at newaccounts@diamondcomics.com or via phone at 443-318-8001. To find BOOM! Studios comics and graphic novels, visit your local comic book shop. To find a comic shop, go to www.comicshoplocator.com.


ABOUT BOOM! Studios – Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints. The original Studios imprint is home to Mike Carey's Suicide Risk; James Tynion IV's The Woods; Mark Waid's Irredeemable; Sons of Anarchy; and Big Trouble in Little China. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 Guns was released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ Peanuts; Jim Davis’ Garfield; Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe; Mike Kunkel’s Herobear and the Kid; and Natasha Allegri's Bee and PuppyCat. BOOM!'s experimental imprint BOOM! Box publishes The Midas Flesh and Lumberjanes. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of Mouse Guard, Cow Boy, Gunnerkrigg Court, Rust, and Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. In August 2014, BOOM! Studios began a similar first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox TV to develop properties for the small screen


ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.

ABOUT DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS (DBD)—DBD is a division of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., and is dedicated to making a wide selection of graphic novels and other pop culture merchandise available globally to bookstores, libraries, schools, online retailers, mass merchants and others. DBD is the home to a number of world class publishers including IDW Publishing, publisher of 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, My Little Pony, G.I. Joe and Transformers; Image Comics, publisher The Walking Dead, Saga, Chew, and Morning Glories; Oni Press, Top Shelf Productions, and many others.  For more information, visit Diamond Books on the web at www.diamondbookdistributors.com.

© 2015 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, and PREVIEWS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.

----------------------

Tracy Morgan and WalMart Settle Lawsuit

Walmart and Tracy Morgan Announce Settlement of Lawsuit Regarding New Jersey Turnpike Accident

BENTONVILLE, Ark. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart and Benedict P. Morelli, attorney for Tracy Morgan, Ardley Fuqua, and Jeffrey Millea, today announced a settlement agreement, ending a lawsuit against Walmart arising out of a multi-vehicle accident involving the men on June 7, 2014, on the New Jersey Turnpike. The terms and conditions of the settlement with Morgan and the other plaintiffs remain confidential.

    “Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”

"Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone that was involved in the accident," said Greg Foran, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. "While we know there is nothing that can change what happened, Walmart has been committed to doing what's right to help ensure the well-being of all of those who were impacted by the accident. We worked closely with Mr. Morelli, and we are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement that ends this litigation. We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved."

Benedict Morelli stated, "Walmart and I worked diligently to reach this settlement for the plaintiffs and their families. Walmart took full responsibility for the accident, which we greatly appreciate."

Tracy Morgan said, "Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably."

------------------

VIZ Media to Attned First "Bay Area Book Festival"

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION IN 2015 BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL

The Largest Manga Publisher In The U.S. Will Showcase A Wide Variety Of Manga, Art Books And Other Acclaimed Titles At Literary Festival Taking Place In Berkeley, CA Next Month

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, proudly announces its support and participation in the first-ever Bay Area Book Festival, set to take place the weekend of June 6-7, 2015 in downtown Berkeley, CA.

VIZ Media will exhibit and offer for sale a wide selection of its published titles throughout the festival, including art books, graphic novels, manga and other noteworthy releases from the Perfect Square, Studio Ghibli and Haikasoru literary imprints, as well as contemporary titles from the VIZ Signature collection.

The Bay Area Book Festival is FREE to attend and will take place from 10:00AM to 6:00PM at Civic Center Park and 12 surrounding themed blocks in downtown Berkeley. Exhibitors will include publishers, indie bookstores, literary and literacy organizations, library services, writing programs, book artists, authors, and more. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities and exhibits aimed at adults, teens and children also will be offered. More than 150 local, national, and international authors will be reading, debating, and presenting in great spaces, both indoor and outside, throughout the Downtown Arts District as well as selected venues on the UC Berkeley campus. Full details on the Bay Area Book Festival are available at: http://www.baybookfest.org.

VIZ Media titles to be offered at the 2015 Bay Area Book Festival include:

THE ART OF PRINCESS MONONOKE · $35

This special hardcover edition features insightful interviews, concept sketches, character art and finished animation cels from the critically acclaimed fantasy action film by Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1997, Princess Mononoke was the first Hayao Miyazaki film to break into the American mainstream. The journey from initial idea to the big screen is captured here in stunning detail and also includes a look at Miyazaki’s original concept art and the use of computer graphics technology in the film’s production.

PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY, by Hayao Miyazaki · $35

An oversized, lavishly illustrated storybook featuring original watercolor art by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, This is the original Princess Mononoke story created by Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would later be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat – a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...

BATTLE ROYALE: REMASTERED, by Koushun Takami · $17

In a dystopian future Japan, forty-two junior high school students are outfitted with weapons and bid to kill one another until there is only one left standing! Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violent exploitation when it was first published in Japan – where it became a runaway best seller – Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world.

THE BATTLE ROYALE SLAM BOOK: Essays on the Cult Classic Novel by Koushun Takami · $16

The cult phenomenon Battle Royale has been lauded as a masterpiece and decried as exploitative gore, but it’s always remained in the public consciousness. This collection of essays by some of the best science fiction, horror, and thriller writers working today, including Brian Keene, John Skipp, and Catherynne M. Valente and more. Each essay explores the depth, details, and controversies surrounding BATTLE ROYALE in an intelligent, highly accessible fashion.

HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40: A CELEBRATION IN 40 STORIES · $30

The hardcover full-color anthology features a notable line-up of some of Hello Kitty’s biggest fans paying tribute in the best way they know how: through their stories and art. Contributors include the award-winning creators of the Tiny Titans series, Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani; Brian Smith, co-creator of the New York Times bestselling series Stuff of Legend; Gene Luen Yang, award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints, and Uglydoll co-creator David Horvath. Everyone has a tale to tell about the cute little girl who speaks from her heart. Matt and Jennifer L. Holm, award-winning creators of the Babymouse series also authored the introduction.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA A LINK TO THE PAST · $20

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST is based on the beloved, internationally bestselling video game originally released for Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System™. This comic book version by Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider) was first serialized in Nintendo Power magazine and later collected into a graphic novel. Long out-of-print, this stunning, full-color edition is available once again for the first time in more than two decades!

not simple · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · $15

Manga creator Natsume Ono’s not simple follows Ian, a young man with a fractured family history, as he travels from Australia to England and on to America in the hope of realizing his dreams and reuniting with his beloved sister. His story unfolds backwards through the framing narrative of Jim, a reporter driven to capture Ian's experiences in a novel titled not simple.

SUNNY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · $15

What is SUNNY? Sunny is a car. Sunny is a car you take on a drive with your mind. It takes you to the place of your dreams. SUNNY is the story of beating the odds, in the ways that count. It’s the brand-new masterwork from Eisner Award-winner Taiyo Matsumoto, one of Japan’s most innovative and acclaimed manga artists. The new release is translated by noted visual effects artist and Tekkonkinkreet film producer Michael Arias (The Abyss, Princess Mononoke, The Animatrix).

VAGABOND, VIZ Big Edition Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · $20

Shinmen Takezo is destined to become the legendary sword-saint, Miyamoto Musashi – perhaps the most renowned samurai of all time. For now, Takezo is a cold-hearted killer, who will take on anyone in mortal combat to make a name for himself. This is the journey of a wild young brute who strives to reach enlightenment by way of the sword--fighting on the edge of death.

For more information on these and other award winning manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

----------------------

Webcomics Update: Grumble #2, Page 6

Grumble Chapter Two, Page 6 is here:  http://www.comicbookbin.com/grumbletwopage006.html

NOTE:  Last year, I printed some promotional copies of Grumble: Chapter One through a POD printer.  I will sign and number a copy of this "rare" comic book for $5 post paid, which you can purchase here or http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/p/i-reads-shopping.html

I am also on Patreon.

The Killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson - May 2015 Edition - Update #30

From Politico:   Policing scandals threaten to overwhelm the Justice Department... Ha!

From TheVox:  For me, it's not so much the picture, but the future behavior of the two cops in the photo.

From teleSUR:  Beyonce and Jay Z post bail for "Black Lives Matter."

From GuardianUK:  A Klan jury... I mean grand jury actually indcits all six killer cops involved in the death of Freddie Gray.

From DemocracyNow:  Matt Taibbi on police engaging in an endless campaign of harassment.

From Esquire: What the Cleveland PD had planned to do to Tamir Rice... after they'd already killed him.

From YahooNews:  He stood on the hood of car and fired 49 shots through the windshield at two unarmed occupants and the judge acquitted him.

From YahooNews:  Why aren't the bikers who got into a gun battle with cops after rioting amongst themselves called "thugs?" Hmm...

From GuardianUK:  Obama combats the militarization of American police departments.

From YahooNews:  As far as I'm concerned, these guys have been coddled by law enforcement for too long, either that or law enforcement is afraid of them.

From RSN:  Miami cops sent racists and pornographic emails?  They're just showing their true colors.

From the New York Times via RSN:  Police unions experience the loss of their privileged position.

From GuardianUK:  Brian Rice, one of the Baltimore cops charged in the death of Freddie Gray, has twice had his police weapons confiscated because of behavior.

--------------
From TheDailyBeast:  George Zimmerman's blood feud.

From YahooNews:  Almost there...
--------------

From TheGuardian:  New Attorney General Loretta Lynch opens federal probe of Baltimore PD.

From the ACLU: The group likes the city of Newark's cop watch accountability board.

From BuzzFeed:  Racist emails by San Francisco cops causes a review of 3000 arrest.

From the SacramentoBee:  California state senators seek to keep grand juries from investigating cases in which people are killed by police excessive force.

From GuardianUK:  Reporters get beat-downs and locked-up covering Freddie Gray protests.

From TheDailyBeast:  Cops can't stop stopping Chris Rock.

From TIME:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Walter Scott.

From Truthout:  Mumia on Walter Scott shooting.

From RollingStone:  Matt Taibbi on how cell phones are changing the narrative.

From TPM:  How to destroy a black life.

From teleSUR:  That number, in six years, may exceed the number of lynchings over a 100-year period.

From Alternet:  Racists pretending to be Baltimore protestors.

From TheBaltimoreSun:  Six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray - officers' arrest photos with specific charges.

From RSN:  The terrorism we suffer from police - Morgan Freeman.

From TheVillageVoice:  In light of Freddie Gray, New York's "antiquated" knife law.

From RSN:  Baltimore explained.

From RSN:  Cop beats his wife at Chicago PD black site, Homan Square.

"Hip Hop Family Tree" Grows into a Monthly Comic Book

Ed Piskor's Hip Hop Family Tree to Drop Monthly

Deconstructed: The New York Times best-selling book series, Hip Hop Family Tree, is making its debut as a monthly comic book with new covers, splash pages, a "director's commentary" by Ed Piskor that traces the creator's motivations, processes, and research involved in making this masterpiece-plus other surprises!

Hip Hop Family Tree is the first monthly comic in Fantagraphics Books' 39-year history. The first issue traces the very beginning of hip-hop: it spotlights the breakdancers, graffiti artists, DJs, and MCs who formed hip-hop culture in the tenement rec rooms of the south Bronx in the 1970s. Readers will discover who invented the term "Hip-Hop," and cultural pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa will make appearances...every month!

Hip Hop Family Tree is the history of hip-hop as told through comics. Piskor can't stop, won't stop until the entire story is told. Painstakingly researched, Ed Piskor is delivering the most thorough account of the who, what, where, and when of the most infamous music genre the world has ever seen.

This collectible rerelease will be available exclusively through Diamond Comics Distributors and on the remastered Fantagraphics website.

"We've found that the existing treasury editions are most popular through the book trade and we thought it would interesting to make an effort to do some outreach with the direct comic shop reader," says creator Ed Piskor. "Our Free Comic Book Day editions were highly sought after at the comic shops who carried it and we took this as a good sign to try some unprecedented moves."

The series will also mark another first for Fantagraphics: exclusive variant cover editions by Piskor produced for retail partners ordering 1000 copies. This will include the Eh! Variant edition, featuring a Slick Rick cover that will be available exclusively from Gotham Central Comics and Collectibles in Mississauga, Ontario.

Likewise, the Third Eye variant, featuring Eazy E on the cover, will be available for purchase this summer at Third Eye Comics locations and online at www.thirdeyecomics.com/hiphopfamilytree. Piskor will be making an appearance at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, Maryland to sign the variant at a date in August t.b.a.

Each variant cover by Piskor riffs on the beloved Marvel 25th Anniversary cover promotion from 1986 and spotlights a different figure from the history of Hip Hop. Fantagraphics and Piskor will also be producing a convention exclusive variant available only from Fantagraphics or Piskor himself.

"If you would have told me a year ago that we were going to publish a monthly comic book for the first time ever, with variant covers no less, I would have made a face," says Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds. "But Ed is a singular talent, and Hip Hop Family Tree has proven to be a singular property. When Ed first floated the idea of a comic book series, we jumped. I knew he could pull it off in the way that few ever could."

Hip Hop Family Tree #1 will be solicited in the Previews for items shipping in August 2015. August will also see the release of Hip Hop Family Tree Book 3: 1983-1984, the latest volume of the best-selling book series, which spotlights The Beastie Boys, Run DMC, The Fat Boys, and many more.

HIP HOP FAMILY TREE #1
by Ed Piskor
$4.99 / Comic / 32 pgs / 6.5 x 10

--------------------

Dark Horse Takes "Heart in a Box" Graphic Novel Digital

GET READY TO OPEN UP A DIGITAL ‘HEART IN A BOX’

KELLY THOMPSON AND MEREDITH MCCLAREN’S OGN TO BE SERIALIZED ON DARK HORSE DIGITAL PRIOR TO RELEASE

MILWAUKIE, OR—Before fully opening Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren’s Heart in a Box in September 2015, become one of the first to get a FREE glimpse at the duo’s original graphic novel via Dark Horse Digital.

As a special advance look, Dark Horse will serialize Heart in a Box in seven chapters over the next six weeks, with the first two chapters available now on Dark Horse Digital. The first chapter is FREE for all users, and all subsequent chapters will be priced at an affordable $0.99.

In a moment of post-heartbreak weakness, Emma wishes her heart away, and a mysterious stranger—who may or may not be totally evil—obliges. But emptiness is even worse than grief, and when Emma learns that her heart can be regained piece by piece, she takes the strange bargain. But will the cost of her heart be her soul?

A fresh, funny, and action-packed take on heartbreak, Heart in a Box is Thompson and McClaren’s first graphic novel collaboration and comes hot on the heels of Thompson’s novels, The Girl Who Would Be King and Storykiller; as well as her critically acclaimed work on Jem and the Holograms.

“We couldn’t wait to share Heart in a Box with readers, so we’re very excited to get it out early through our digital platform,” said Dark Horse editor Brendan Wright. “Kelly and Meredith have created something truly special, and after fans read it digitally, they’re definitely going to want to have a copy for their shelf.”

Heart in a Box chapter one and chapter two are available now on Dark Horse Digital.

Heart in a Box
Kelly Thompson (W), Meredith McClaren (A/Cover)
$14.99, 978-1616556945
On sale September 29, 2015


About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

-----------------

Negromancer's Fave Poli-Reads - May 2015 Edition - Updated #14

From RSN:  I voted for him, but I always thought that he was a bit of dishonest cretin.

From TheVox:  Kansas is at war against the poor.

From Haaretz:   Wow!  No wonder they were supportive of South Africa.

---------------
From the LondonReviewofBooks:  Seymour Hersh calls into the question the official account of the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

From Salon: Hersh says he's not backing down on anything he said about Osama raid.

--------------

From AlJazeera:  Oppression, segregation, anti-free speech: so much for the MidEast's only democracy.

From BloombergBusiness:  Harold Hamm, a billionaire oil CEO, wanted the University of Oklahoma to dismiss earthquake scientists and he wanted to sit in on the interview process to pick a new head of the geological survey.

From TPM:  He should blame the party he supports.

From TheDailyBeast:  Details on De Blasio's contract with America.

From CommonDreams:  Another financial meltdown looms as many of the practices that caused the 2008 financial crisis remain in practice.

From CNN:  The poor in the U.S. are not the envy of America.

From RSN:  No a black man will not win the GOP nomination.  That means not you, Ben Carson.

From YahooNews:  Poverty is creeping into the 2016 Presidential race, putting Republicans in a tenuous position.

------------------------
From CNN:  Carly Fiorina is running for President.

From TIME:  Why Fiorina is controversial.
------------------------

From BuzzFlash:  5 steps to privatizing everything.

From RSN:  An actual socialist is running for President.

From Consortium:  The day after Damascus falls.

From RSN:  Bernie Sanders is running for the Democratic nomination in 2016.

From TheIntercept:  There is a protest over a PEN Award to Charlie Hebdo.

From AlJazeera:  Killers on Blackwater payroll get long prison sentences...  their boss needs to follow them to jail.

From RSN:  Free range parenting vs. busy body servants of the police state.

Review: "Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness" is Rather Tame

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 22 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux (support on Patreon)

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness (2015) – Video
Running time:  72 minutes (1 hour, 12 minutes)
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR:  Paul McEvoy
WRITER:  Mark Banker
EDITOR:  Kyle Stafford
COMPOSER:  Andy Sturmer

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn, Diedrich Bader, Eric Bauza, Jeff Bennett, Jennifer Hale, Mark Hamill, Malcolm McDowell, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Fred Tatasciore

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness is a 2015 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 23rd animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Moon Monster Madness, Mystery Inc. travels to an elaborate moon base where they attempt to unravel the mystery of an alien monster.

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness introduces the billionaire Sly Baron (Malcolm McDowell).  His latest venture is to make “space tourism” more readily available.  To that end, Baron and his brother, Hudson (Fred Tatasciore), create the first space cruise ship, the “Sly Star One.”  Baron has picked an elite crew to accompany him on the Sly Star One's maiden voyage:  hero astronauts: Zip Elvin (Mark Hamill) and Colt Steelcase (Jeff Bennett); rising astronaut star, Shannon Lucas (Jennifer Hale); self-proclaimed alien hunter, Ridley (Jennifer Hale); football star, Uvinious Botango a.k.a "U-Boat" (Kevin Michael Richardson); and H.A.M. (Diedrich Bader), a robot who just wants to be useful and to be liked.

Baron also creates the “Sly Me to Space” sweepstakes, a lottery that give the last 5 seats on the Sly Star One to ordinary folks.  And the winners are Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Velma Dinkley (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker).  The cruise is not filled with fun, however, as rivalry, jealousy, and hero worship cause trouble.  And the space tourists soon discover an alien monster wants to ruin their trip to end their lives.

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness is somewhat inventive.  It is sometimes funny.  It references and has allusions to famous science fiction movies and films about space travel, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), and The Right Stuff (1983).  The problem is that Moon Monster Madness just does not come together.  It is a little too long; has too many guest or supporting characters; and does not fully utilize many of the characters or sub-plots and themes.  Personally, I would have liked more screen time for “U-Boat” and H.A.M.

To be honest, it is also possible that I had high expectations for Moon Monster Madness coming off the previous Scooby film, Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy, which I loved so much, to an extent that still surprises me.  Still, I will recommend Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness, because... well... I always recommend Scooby-Doo movies.

5 of 10
B-

Monday, May 25, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Dark Horse at Phoenix ComicCon 2015 - Full Schedule

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES PHOENIX COMICON 2015 SIGNING & PANEL SCHEDULE

Visit Dark Horse Comics at Phoenix Comicon at booth #7052 for free swag, such as comics, buttons, posters, and more! Check out our show exclusives, signings, and panels, too!

PHOENIX COMICON EXCLUSIVE
Archie vs. Predator #1 Phoenix Comicon exclusive variant cover by Darick Robertson (500 copies).

A set quantity will be available at opening each day of the show. Limit of 5 per person per day while supplies last. Each comic is $5.00.

We’ll also have a variety of Dark Horse comics, graphic novels, art books, and collectibles for sale in our booth.

SIGNING SCHEDULE
All creators signing in our booth offer their autographs for FREE. FREE prints, comics, or posters are provided for signings (while supplies last). You may purchase or bring items to be signed; however, we may restrict the type or number of items to be signed as necessary. Please note that some of the titles listed below have not been released for sale yet—in those cases, special prints will be available.

Lines may also be closed for some signings due to crowding or time restrictions.

All events are subject to change. Some restrictions apply. Please ask the Dark Horse Comics staff if you have questions.

THURSDAY, MAY 28
5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR, GRINDHOUSE: Alex de Campi
Archie vs. Predator #1 Phoenix Comicon exclusive variant cover by Darick Robertson available for purchase.

7:00 p.m.–7:50 p.m. MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

FRIDAY, MAY 29
11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.  MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. THIS DAMNED BAND: Paul Cornell, Tony Parker

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. TWO BROTHERS, DE:TALES, PIXU, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY: Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. EI8HT, X, B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH: Rafael Albuquerque

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. GRINDHOUSE, ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR: Alex de Campi
Archie vs. Predator #1 Phoenix Comicon exclusive variant cover by Darick Robertson available for purchase.

SATURDAY, MAY 30
11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m. TWO BROTHERS, DE:TALES, PIXU, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY: Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR, GRINDHOUSE: Alex de Campi
Archie vs. Predator #1 Phoenix Comicon exclusive variant cover by Darick Robertson available for purchase.

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m. MASS EFFECT, X: Tony Parker

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. THIS DAMNED BAND: Paul Cornell, Tony Parker

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. EI8HT, X, B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH: Rafael Albuquerque

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

SUNDAY, MAY 31
11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.  THIS DAMNED BAND: Paul Cornell, Tony Parker

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.  MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.  EI8HT, X, B.P.R.D. HELL ON EARTH: Rafael Albuquerque

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. GRINDHOUSE, ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR: Alex de Campi
Archie vs. Predator #1 Phoenix Comicon exclusive variant cover by Darick Robertson available for purchase.

PANEL SCHEDULE
Please join us at the panels below, brought to you by Dark Horse Comics and friends! Please visit http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/programming for more panels featuring Dark Horse creators, as well as guidelines for attending panels.

FRIDAY, MAY 29
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.  North 121  Dark Horse Comics!

For years, Dark Horse has brought the creations of the most talented creators in the comics industry to the stands—and now’s your chance to jump onboard! Join Dark Horse PR coordinator Steve Sunu as he heads up a panel of Dark Horse’s incredible creative talent, including Rafael Albuquerque (EI8HT), Paul Cornell (This Damned Band), Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator, Grindhouse), and more!

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. North 121 Spotlight: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon

From The Umbrella Academy and Casanova to Daytripper and De:Tales, Eisner Award–winning duo Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon are two creators at the forefront of innovation in comics and graphic novels. With their newest anticipated graphic novel, Two Brothers, coming soon, join the twin brothers for a special spotlight panel discussing their careers, the joy of creating comics, developing Two Brothers following their incredible success with Daytripper, and much more.


SATURDAY, MAY 30
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. North 122 Spotlight: Rafael Albuquerque

Rafael Albuquerque is the Eisner and Harvey Award–winning co-creator of Crimeland, Mondo Urbano, and the New York Times best-selling series American Vampire (written by Scott Snyder and Stephen King). Come find out what Rafael is up to next!

----------------

2015 Baltimore Comic-Con Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets are Now On Sale for the 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con and Harvey Awards

Prices Remain Unchanged

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce that tickets are now on sale for this year's show, taking place the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center in downtown Baltimore.

Tickets that are now on sale include: Weekend General Admissions; General Admission for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; VIP Package; and Harvey Award Banquet tickets.

Ticket prices are:
    Weekend - $55
    Friday - $25
    Saturday - $30
    Sunday - $25
    VIP* - $149
    Harvey Awards** - $125

As always, children 10 and under are free for general admission with a paid adult general admission!

* VIP packages are a separate purchase from General Admission tickets (which will be required to participate in any VIP offerings). VIP ticket holders receive exclusive early admission to all 3 days of the show, as well as a gift package that includes a show t-shirt, the 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con yearbook, and more!

** Harvey Awards tickets include full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner (featuring a Baltimore Crabcake!), awards ceremony, and a gift bag.

"We are proud to be able to offer the same prices for admission to this year's show as we did last year," said Marc Nathan, show promoter for the Baltimore Comic-Con. "We've gotten a great jump on our guest list already (with more to come), and our show floor should be jam-packed with fantastic exhibitors and retailers, plus we'll be adding a few new twists to the excitement as well -- stay tuned!"

Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets!

In addition to on-site CGC grading, this year's confirmed guests for the show include: Neal Adams (All-New Captain America); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); John Beatty (Secret Wars); Christy Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Richard Case (Doom Patrol); Sean Chen (Secret Origins); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl); Steve Conley (Bloop); Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn); Katie Cook (Gronk); Darwyn Cooke (Richard Stark's Parker); Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts); Ramona Fradon (Spongebob Annual-Size Super-Giant Swimtacular); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman '66: The Lost Episode); Cully Hamner (Convergence: The Question); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Russ Heath (G.I. Combat); Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets); Klaus Janson (Superman); Dave Johnson (Inhumans: Attilan Rising); JG Jones (Strange Fruit); Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance); Denis Kitchen (The Best of Comix Book: When Marvel Went Underground); Barry Kitson (Empire: Uprising); Paul Levitz (Convergence: World's Finest Comics); Nate Lovett (Midnight Tiger); Mike Manley (Darkhawk); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Ron Marz (Convergence: Batman and Robin); Terry Moore (Rachel Rising); Tom Palmer (The Avengers); Jimmy Palmiotti (The Con Job); Dan Parent (Archie); Andrew Pepoy (Afterlife with Archie); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Khoi Pham (X-Men Legacy); Ron Randall (Convergence: Catwoman); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Craig Rousseau (Batman Beyond); Andy Runton (Owly); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Matteo Scalera (Black Science); Bart Sears (Bloodshot); Louise Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Walter Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Andy Smith (Earth 2); Charles Soule (Uncanny Inhumans); Marcio Takara (Armor Wars); Ben Templesmith (Gotham by Midnight); Frank Tieri (Suicide Squad); Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Billy Tucci (Shi); James Tynion (Constantine: The Hellblazer); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); Charles Vess (Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream); Mark Waid (Daredevil); John Watson (Red Sonja); Matt Wieringo ('Ringo Scholarship Fund); Rich Woodall (Kyrra); Kelly Yates (Doctor Who); Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friends Forever); and Mike Zeck (Secret Wars).

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 15th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

---------------------

The Incredible Jose Luiz Garcia-Lopez to Appear at Baltimore Comic-Con 2015

Baltimore Welcomes Comics Legends Adams,Garcia-Lopez, Heath, and Simonsons

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Come to Baltimore's Inner Harbor on September 25-27, 2015 for the 16th annual Baltimore Comic-Con. We are thrilled to announce legendary members of the comics creative community: Neal Adams, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Russ Heath, Louise Simonson, and Walter Simonson.

Neal Adams' work on such DC Comics characters as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow redefined an era of comics, bringing a photorealistic feel to the pages of their respective books. In the late-'60s, while freelancing for DC Comics, Adams also began working at Marvel Comics on X-Men with Roy Thomas. He continued to work for DC and Marvel throughout the late-'60s and '70s, working on The Avengers, Detective Comics, and Green Lantern/Green Arrow. More recently, Adams worked on the 7-issue second volume of Batman: Odyssey for DC Comics, handled art duties on Marvel Comics' First X-Men, and can be seen on variant covers from Marvel's All-New Captain America.

Originally hailing from Spain, artist extraordinaire Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez has spent the vast majority of his illustrious career providing art at DC Comics. He has worked on characters large and small, ensemble casts and individual characters, and has received praise from his writers and editors alike. Some of his noteworthy work includes Jonah Hex, DC Comics Presents, New Teen Titans, Road to Perdition, Twilight, and Wednesday Comics. You can find recent work from Garcia-Lopez on All-Star Western, the Adventures of Superman: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez hardcover, Batman '66: The Lost Episode, and covers of Justice League: Gods and Monsters.

Russ Heath's storied career began when he was still in high school, freelancing as a penciller and inker on Captain Aero Comics from Holyoke publishing in the 1940s. After his time in the Air Force in WWII, Heath found work as a staffer at Timely Comics where he worked on many westerns, like Wild Western, All Western Winners, and Black Rider. His work expanded throughout the wide range of genres offered by Timely, including the war comics for which he became reputed. He went onto work for other publishers, like EC Comics (Frontline Combat), St. John Publications (3-D Comics), and DC Comics (Our Army at War, G.I. Combat, and Star-Spangled War Stories). Heath was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2009, and has received the National Cartoonists Society's Milton Caniff Award in 2014.

Louise Simonson has, like her husband Walter, contributed significantly to the comic book industry. "Weezie", as she is known, began her comics career as an editor at Warren Publishing before leaving for Marvel to edit titles including X-Men, New Mutants, and Star Wars. Departing the editorial role in favor of writing, Weezie has contributed to storylines in Marvel's Marvel Team-Up, Web of Spider-Man, and Red Sonja, and was responsible for the introduction of Apocalypse in X-Factor as well as the launch of Power Pack. At DC Comics, she worked on Superman: The Man of Steel and The Adventures of Superman. She has lately been writing for DC Comics' Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel.

Walter Simonson has made vast contributions to comics publishing, as a writer, an artist, and even in founding publishing imprints. He was recognized in 2012 at the Harvey Awards in Special Award for Excellence in Production/Presentation and Best Domestic Reprint Project for Walt Simonson's The Mighty Thor, Artist's Edition from IDW, and in 2013 for Alien: The Illustrated Story from Titan Books for Best Graphic Album of Previously Published Work. He also received the Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 at the Harvey Awards. Walt's career began in the 1970s at DC Comics, where he worked on titles such as Weird War Tales, Manhunter, Metal Men, Orion, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Vigilante, and Hercules Unbound. Over at Marvel Comics, Simonson has had numerous noteworthy runs, including The Rampaging Hulk magazine, X-Factor, Fantastic Four, and Thor, on which he was responsible for the introduction of Beta Ray Bill and Thor as a frog. You can find his artwork gracing the covers of DC's Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel.

"The contributions these 5 guests have made to the comics industry are unparalleled," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Our show in September will be a unique opportunity for their fans to meet and interact with them all in one place."

This year's confirmed guests for the show include: Neal Adams (All-New Captain America); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); John Beatty (Secret Wars); Christy Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Sean Chen (Secret Origins); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl); Steve Conley (Bloop); Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn); Katie Cook (Gronk); Darwyn Cooke (Richard Stark's Parker); Ramona Fradon (Spongebob Annual-Size Super-Giant Swimtacular); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman '66: The Lost Episode); Cully Hamner (Convergence: The Question); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Russ Heath (G.I. Combat); Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets); Klaus Janson (Superman); Dave Johnson (Inhumans: Attilan Rising); JG Jones (Strange Fruit); Denis Kitchen (The Best of Comix Book: When Marvel Went Underground); Barry Kitson (Empire: Uprising); Paul Levitz (Convergence: World's Finest Comics); Mike Manley (Darkhawk); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Ron Marz (Convergence: Batman and Robin); Terry Moore (Rachel Rising); Tom Palmer (The Avengers); Jimmy Palmiotti (The Con Job); Dan Parent (Archie); Andrew Pepoy (Afterlife with Archie); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Khoi Pham (X-Men Legacy); Ron Randall (Convergence: Catwoman); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Andy Runton (Owly); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Matteo Scalera (Black Science); Bart Sears (Bloodshot); Louise Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Walter Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Andy Smith (Earth 2); Charles Soule (Uncanny Inhumans); Marcio Takara (Armor Wars); Ben Templesmith (Gotham by Midnight); Frank Tieri (Suicide Squad); Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Billy Tucci (Shi); James Tynion (Constantine: The Hellblazer); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); Charles Vess (Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream); Mark Waid (Daredevil); John Watson (Red Sonja); Kelly Yates (Doctor Who); Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friends Forever); and Mike Zeck (Secret Wars).

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com- for exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 16th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

--------------

"Dheepan" Wins Palme d'Or at 2015 Cannes Film Festival

The 68th annual Cannes Film Festival was held in Cannes, France from May 13 to May 24, 2015.  The closing ceremony and the 2015 awards ceremony were held on Saturday, May 23, 2015.

I have included a list of winners from the “In Competition” categories; this is the main competition in which films compete for the festival’s top prize, the “Palme d’Or” (Golden Palm).  I’ve included the winners from other Cannes award competitions, including “Un Certain Regard” and the “Golden Camera.”

The “Grand Prix” is the second most prestigious prize given at Cannes, after the Palme d’Or.  The competition known as “Un Certain Regard” is a part of Cannes that runs parallel to the competition for the Palme d’Or.

2015 / 68th Cannes “In Competition” winners:

Palme d'Or: "Dheepan," Directed by Jacques Audiard

Grand Prix: "Son of Saul," Directed by Laszlo Nemes

Best Director: "The Assassin," Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien for

Best Screenplay: "Chronic," Written by Michel Franco

Camera d'Or (Best First Feature): "La Tierra y la Sombre," Directed by Cesar Acevedo

Jury Prize: "The Lobster," Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Best Actress: Rooney Mara for "Carol" and Emmanuelle Bercot for "Mon Roi" (Shared Prize)

Best Actor: Vincent Lindon for "The Measure of a Man"

Palme d'Or (Short Film): "Waves '98," Directed by Ely Dagher


Judges for the Main Competition – “In Competiton”:
Joel and Ethan Coen, American film directors. Main Jury Presidents
    Rossy de Palma, Spanish actress
    Sophie Marceau, French actress and film director
    Sienna Miller, English actress
    Rokia Traoré, Malian singer-songwriter and composer
    Guillermo del Toro, Mexican film director
    Xavier Dolan, Canadian film director and actor
    Jake Gyllenhaal, American actor


UN CERTAIN REGARD:
Prize of Un Certain Regard - HRÚTAR (RAMS) Directed by Grímur HAKONARSON

Jury Prize - Un Certain Regard - ZVIZDAN (THE HIGH SUN) Directed by Dalibor MATANIC

Directing Prize of Un Certain Regard - KISHIBE NO TABI (JOURNEY TO THE SHORE) Directed by KUROSAWA Kiyoshi

Un Certain Talent Prize - COMOARA (THE TREASURE) Directed by Corneliu PORUMBOIU

Promizing Future Prize Ex-aequo:
NAHID Directed by Ida PANAHANDEH
MASAAN Directed by Neeraj GHAYWAN

CINEFONDATION:
1st Prize Cinéfondation - SHARE Directed by Pippa BIANCO

2nd Prize Cinéfondation - LOCAS PERDIDAS (LOST QUEENS) Directed by Ignacio JURICIC MERILLÁN

3rd Prize Cinéfondation Ex-aequo:
VICTOR XX Directed by Ian GARRIDO LÓPEZ
THE RETURN OF ERKIN Directed by Maria GUSKOVA

GOLDEN CAMERA:
Caméra d'or - LA TIERRA Y LA SOMBRA Directed by César Augusto ACEVEDO

--------------------------