Universal Cable Productions Expands Comic Book Development Roster with Three New All-Star Deals
Signs Renowned Graphic Novel Writer Warren Ellis To Develop His First Original TV Series; Options Horror Comic Book “Night Mary” And The Kickstarter, Breakout Hit “Five Ghosts”
Comic-Con 2014
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Comic-Con International 2014 #CCSD kicks off in San Diego, Universal Cable Productions (UCP) today announced three new deals that will bolster UCP’s genre library and generate excitement among comic book enthusiasts. UCP has signed award-winning graphic novel writer Warren Ellis (New York Times best-seller “Gun Machine”, and “Iron Man: Extremis” - the Marvel Comics graphic novel and basis for “Iron Man 3”) to develop Ellis’ first original TV series in collaboration with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment (“The Walking Dead”, “Terminator”).
“There are very few writers who have been able to so completely influence a medium as Warren has with comic books. I am very excited to be able to collaborate in bringing his unique vision to television for the first time”
Additionally, UCP and IDW Entertainment have optioned the horror comic book “Night Mary” with the intent to co-develop it as a live action TV series. UCP has also optioned the Kickstarter funded, breakout hit “Five Ghosts” written by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham from Black Mask Studios to develop it as an original TV series.
“We love genre at UCP and thankfully so do audiences. We've made it a priority to seek out great properties that will attract equally great creators to adapt them,” said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development, Universal Cable Productions. “From Warren’s dynamic plots and complex characters to the dark and suspenseful world of ‘Night Mary,’ and the creative mash-up of five literary icons in the cult hit ‘Five Ghosts,’ they are all provocative, distinctive and have the promise to be a whole lot of fun.”
Based on the acclaimed IDW Publishing property created by Rick Remender and Kieron Dwyer, “Night Mary” follows a young woman trained to be a lucid dreamer. Her father owns a sleep disorder clinic where she enters the dreams of his patients. When a patient is revealed to be a serial killer, she is placed in jeopardy as nightmares and reality become frighteningly intertwined. John Pogue (“The Quiet Ones”) has been tapped to write and direct the pilot. Ted Adams and David Ozer from IDW Entertainment and David Alpert and Rick Jacobs from Circle of Confusion (“The Walking Dead”) will serve as executive producers along with John Pogue.
“Five Ghosts” is the stylish, pulpy adventure by Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham that tells the story of a 1930s-era treasure hunter possessed by five literary ghosts (Merlin, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Musashi, and Dracula) whose unique abilities he can draw on during his adventures. “Five Ghosts” was funded on Kickstarter in 2012 and previewed at San Diego Comic Con that year when Matt Pizzolo (who would later co-found Black Mask Studios) shared his San Diego Comic Con table with then-unknown writer Frank Barbiere. “Five Ghosts” was picked up by Image Comics and premiered at Emerald City Comic Con becoming one of the breakout hits of 2013. UCP has optioned the TV series rights from Black Mask and has signed on Evan Daugherty (“Snow White And The Huntsmen”, “Divergent”) to write the pilot and serve as executive producer. Chris Bender and Jake Weiner from Benderspink (“Horrible Bosses 2”, “The Hangover”) will also serve as executive producers along with Jake Wagner as producer, and Matt Pizzolo and Brett Gurewitz as co-executive producers.
UCP’s currently untitled Warren Ellis project with Valhalla Entertainment marks the renowned writer’s first foray into television. "I've been strongly drawn to television over the last few years, and working with brilliant and determined collaborators like Gale and the UCP team, I'm delighted at the opportunity to add my voice to the new, novelistic TV form that's evolved so dramatically," said Ellis.
“There are very few writers who have been able to so completely influence a medium as Warren has with comic books. I am very excited to be able to collaborate in bringing his unique vision to television for the first time,” added Hurd.
Ellis is the award-winning writer of graphic novels TRANSMETROPOLITAN, FELL, MINISTRY OF SPACE and PLANETARY, and the author of the NYT-bestselling GUN MACHINE, currently in development at Microsoft, as well as the “underground classic” novel CROOKED LITTLE VEIN. The film RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer 2013. His GRAVEL books are in development for film at Legendary Pictures, with Tim Miller attached to direct. IRON MAN 3 is based on his Marvel Comics graphic novel IRON MAN: EXTREMIS. Warren Ellis is currently working on a non-fiction book about the future of the city for Farrar Straus Giroux. His newest publication is the digital short-story single DEAD PIG COLLECTOR, from FSG Originals. His next book will be the novella NORMAL, also from FSG, and his most recent comics project is TREES from Image Comics. A documentary about his work, CAPTURED GHOSTS, was released in 2012.
About Universal Cable Productions
Universal Cable Productions (UCP) creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across media platforms for domestic and international distribution. UCP’s content library spans classics such as Emmy-award winning, “Monk,” and cult favorites “Psych,” “Battlestar Galactica” and “Warehouse 13.” UCP’s programming can be seen across various networks, including: “Covert Affairs,” “Dig” (fall 2014), “Playing House,” “Royal Pains,” “Satisfaction” and “Suits” on USA Network; “Ascension” (fall 2014), “Defiance,” “Dominion,” and “12 Monkeys” (2015) on Syfy; “Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce” (fall 2014) on Bravo; “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” on Machinima Prime/YouTube, Syfy and DVD/Blu-Ray; and “Side Effects” on Awesomeness TV/YouTube. Universal Cable Productions is a part of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. Follow us @UCPisTV.
About IDW Entertainment
IDW Entertainment launched in November 2013 to fund and develop film and television properties based on IDW's extensive catalog. The division is currently in development on a slate of properties including Chuck Dixon’s epic Winterworld, being developed with Xbox; V Wars by New York Times best-seller Jonathan Maberry with writer/executive producer Tim Schlattman (Dexter, Smallville); action packed comic series Pantheon with co-creator Michael Chiklis (The Shield); Life Undead, with showrunner Paul Zbyszewski (S.H.I.E.L.D., Hawaii Five-O, Lost); and Brooklyn Animal Control, based on the darkly thrilling comic from writer/director J.T. Petty (Splinter Cell, Hellbenders). IDW also has several active theatrical projects in development: Lore, at Warner Bros. with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson set to star; World War Robot, with Jerry Bruckheimer producing at Disney and Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay; and Zombies vs. Robots, at Sony with Platinum Dunes and Circle of Confusion producing.
About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist's Edition imprint. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.
About Black Mask Studios
Black Mask Studios (www.blackmaskstudios.com) is a publishing/production company that specializes in utilizing 'transmedia storytelling' to expand comic book creators' audiences across multiple media platforms. Launched in 2013 by musician/entrepreneur Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion, Epitaph Records, ANTI- Records), writer/director and producer Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller, Occupy Comics, Wired Magazine's "World's Most Wired in Comics"), and comic book writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), the company's mandate is to bring comic book storytelling to new frontiers. Black Mask's initial slate included the political, not-for-profit Occupy Comics (founded by Pizzolo with Alan Moore, Charlie Adlard, Art Spiegelman, Molly Crabapple, Ben Templesmith, and dozens more), the animal-rescuing vigilantes story Liberator, Adam Egypt Mortimer and Darick Robertson's transreal, cyberpunk adventure Ballistic, and the multi-platform gangster odyssey 12 Reasons To Die by Ghostface Killah and RZA. Black Mask will unveil its Year 2 Slate at San Diego Comic Con in July 2014.
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Thursday, July 24, 2014
"Star Wars Rebles" and HitFix Invade San Diego Comic-Con International 2014
HitFix and Star Wars Rebels Kick Off Comic-Con
5TH annual event will celebrate the new animated Disney XD series
Comic-Con 2014
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HitFix (www.hitfix.com), the fastest-growing entertainment news brand in the US, is teaming up with Lucasfilm and Star Wars Rebels (www.starwars.com/rebels) to bring the Force to San Diego Comic-Con International Wednesday night.
“The kick-off party has become so popular that our staff is asked about the event year-round. We are very pleased to partner on this year’s event with a show as highly anticipated as Star Wars Rebels.”
An annual Wednesday night tradition since 2009, HitFix began the kick-off event for members of the entertainment industry from around the world to catch up before the convention officially opens its doors on Thursday, July 24. Held at the Hotel Solamar in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this is now one of the most anticipated events on the Comic-Con calendar.
“As HitFix has grown, so has our Comic-Con presence,” said Jen Sargent, HitFix CEO. “The kick-off party has become so popular that our staff is asked about the event year-round. We are very pleased to partner on this year’s event with a show as highly anticipated as Star Wars Rebels.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with HitFix at Comic-Con this year to kick off a variety of great activities and events for Star Wars Rebels,” said Lucasfilm’s EVP and Head of Production and Development, Tony To. “Star Wars has a long history with Comic-Con dating back to 1976, and we’re really excited to be carrying on that tradition with tonight’s Star Wars Rebels kick-off party.”
Star Wars Rebels is a new 3D animated adventure set in the era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. It debuts this Fall on Disney XD.
HitFix’s premier editorial team will once again cover Comic-Con from one corner of the San Diego Convention Center to another. Fans looking for breaking entertainment news on their favorite TV shows or movies should follow @HitFix on Twitter, like HitFix on Facebook and visit HitFix.com for the latest.
A special thanks to Star Wars Rebels licensees Turtle Beach, Jakks Pacific, Santa Cruz, and Rubies Costumes for supporting this exciting kick-off event!
About HitFix
HitFix is the fastest growing provider of authentic entertainment news and video on movies, music, TV and events, reaching one of the highest compositions of 18-to-34-year-old consumers in entertainment. With their influential editorial voice and engaging journalistic and video content, HitFix’s nationally recognized team drives consumer discovery, conversation and choices around what’s next in entertainment. HitFix delivers the influential content consumers want, and advertisers need, across millions of screens daily. Delivering 97 million monthly videos streams and driving the entertainment choices of 300 Million monthly viewers both in their home and on the go, HitFix is rapidly becoming The Entertainment Authority. Everywhere.
About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.
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5TH annual event will celebrate the new animated Disney XD series
Comic-Con 2014
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HitFix (www.hitfix.com), the fastest-growing entertainment news brand in the US, is teaming up with Lucasfilm and Star Wars Rebels (www.starwars.com/rebels) to bring the Force to San Diego Comic-Con International Wednesday night.
“The kick-off party has become so popular that our staff is asked about the event year-round. We are very pleased to partner on this year’s event with a show as highly anticipated as Star Wars Rebels.”
An annual Wednesday night tradition since 2009, HitFix began the kick-off event for members of the entertainment industry from around the world to catch up before the convention officially opens its doors on Thursday, July 24. Held at the Hotel Solamar in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this is now one of the most anticipated events on the Comic-Con calendar.
“As HitFix has grown, so has our Comic-Con presence,” said Jen Sargent, HitFix CEO. “The kick-off party has become so popular that our staff is asked about the event year-round. We are very pleased to partner on this year’s event with a show as highly anticipated as Star Wars Rebels.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with HitFix at Comic-Con this year to kick off a variety of great activities and events for Star Wars Rebels,” said Lucasfilm’s EVP and Head of Production and Development, Tony To. “Star Wars has a long history with Comic-Con dating back to 1976, and we’re really excited to be carrying on that tradition with tonight’s Star Wars Rebels kick-off party.”
Star Wars Rebels is a new 3D animated adventure set in the era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. It debuts this Fall on Disney XD.
HitFix’s premier editorial team will once again cover Comic-Con from one corner of the San Diego Convention Center to another. Fans looking for breaking entertainment news on their favorite TV shows or movies should follow @HitFix on Twitter, like HitFix on Facebook and visit HitFix.com for the latest.
A special thanks to Star Wars Rebels licensees Turtle Beach, Jakks Pacific, Santa Cruz, and Rubies Costumes for supporting this exciting kick-off event!
About HitFix
HitFix is the fastest growing provider of authentic entertainment news and video on movies, music, TV and events, reaching one of the highest compositions of 18-to-34-year-old consumers in entertainment. With their influential editorial voice and engaging journalistic and video content, HitFix’s nationally recognized team drives consumer discovery, conversation and choices around what’s next in entertainment. HitFix delivers the influential content consumers want, and advertisers need, across millions of screens daily. Delivering 97 million monthly videos streams and driving the entertainment choices of 300 Million monthly viewers both in their home and on the go, HitFix is rapidly becoming The Entertainment Authority. Everywhere.
About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The 75th Anniversary of Batman Digital Comics Sale Kicks Off
DC Entertainment Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Batman with Largest Digital Sale Ever
Just In Time For Batman Day And Comic-Con International: San Diego, 750 Batman Titles Available July 22-29 For Only $.99 Across All Digital Platforms
Comic-Con 2014
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of their ongoing celebration of Batman’s 75th anniversary, DC Entertainment (DCE) announced today that 750 Batman titles will be made available for digital download for $.99 each. For one week only beginning on July 22, fans can become immersed in the adventures of the world’s most popular Super Hero. The special sale coincides with “Batman Day” on July 23 and Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 activities, which will also shine a spotlight on the iconic comic idol.
“Now, thanks to this mammoth 75th anniversary sale DCE is making it easier than ever to collect an incredibly broad range of Batman’s best stories, at a price that doesn’t require a Bruce Wayne-sized budget.”
The largest English-language publisher and the leader in digital comics innovation, this marks a first-of-its-kind offer for DCE across all digital platforms including comiXology, Google Play, iBooks, Kindle Store and Nook Store. Key Batman titles and storylines featured in the sale include Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: The Long Halloween, Batman: No Man’s Land, Batman: Year One, Batman: Hush, Batman: The Court of the Owls, All Star Batman & Robbin the Boy Wonder and many, many more!
“Digital comics make it possible to get Batman anytime, anywhere and this sale is the perfect opportunity for fans to dive into the world of the Caped Crusader,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. “Now, thanks to this mammoth 75th anniversary sale DCE is making it easier than ever to collect an incredibly broad range of Batman’s best stories, at a price that doesn’t require a Bruce Wayne-sized budget.”
To further mark its July 23rd Batman Day activities taking place at hundreds of comic book retailers nationwide, DCE will also launch a 24-hour eBook sale that day only across all digital partners – offering 10 essential Batman graphic novels for only $2.99 each.
For more information on DCE’s digital comic offerings, please visit www.readdcentertainment.com and all digital platforms. For the latest information including exclusive content celebrating Batman’s 75th anniversary, please visit www.batman75.com.
About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.
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Just In Time For Batman Day And Comic-Con International: San Diego, 750 Batman Titles Available July 22-29 For Only $.99 Across All Digital Platforms
Comic-Con 2014
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of their ongoing celebration of Batman’s 75th anniversary, DC Entertainment (DCE) announced today that 750 Batman titles will be made available for digital download for $.99 each. For one week only beginning on July 22, fans can become immersed in the adventures of the world’s most popular Super Hero. The special sale coincides with “Batman Day” on July 23 and Comic-Con International: San Diego 2014 activities, which will also shine a spotlight on the iconic comic idol.
“Now, thanks to this mammoth 75th anniversary sale DCE is making it easier than ever to collect an incredibly broad range of Batman’s best stories, at a price that doesn’t require a Bruce Wayne-sized budget.”
The largest English-language publisher and the leader in digital comics innovation, this marks a first-of-its-kind offer for DCE across all digital platforms including comiXology, Google Play, iBooks, Kindle Store and Nook Store. Key Batman titles and storylines featured in the sale include Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: The Long Halloween, Batman: No Man’s Land, Batman: Year One, Batman: Hush, Batman: The Court of the Owls, All Star Batman & Robbin the Boy Wonder and many, many more!
“Digital comics make it possible to get Batman anytime, anywhere and this sale is the perfect opportunity for fans to dive into the world of the Caped Crusader,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. “Now, thanks to this mammoth 75th anniversary sale DCE is making it easier than ever to collect an incredibly broad range of Batman’s best stories, at a price that doesn’t require a Bruce Wayne-sized budget.”
To further mark its July 23rd Batman Day activities taking place at hundreds of comic book retailers nationwide, DCE will also launch a 24-hour eBook sale that day only across all digital partners – offering 10 essential Batman graphic novels for only $2.99 each.
For more information on DCE’s digital comic offerings, please visit www.readdcentertainment.com and all digital platforms. For the latest information including exclusive content celebrating Batman’s 75th anniversary, please visit www.batman75.com.
About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.
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VIZ Media's "Perfect Square" Imprint Prepared to Delight at San Diego Comic-Con International 2014
2014 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
All-Ages Imprint Celebrates The Launch Of CATBUG And The HELLO KITTY Brand’s 40th Anniversary With In-Booth Artist Appearances, Photo Opportunities, Advance Copies Of Forthcoming Titles And Much More At The Nation’s Largest Comics And Pop Culture Event
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, prepares to delight the young and young at heart with a variety of engaging activities, in-booth artists signings and other fun events presented by its Perfect Square imprint and aimed at fans of all ages at the 2014 Comic-Con International.
Comic-Con International is the nation’s biggest comic book, science fiction and pop culture event, and takes place July 23rd-27th at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2813. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at: www.comic-con.org.
Perfect Square will present a range of activities and attractions each day throughout Comic-Con. Fans will also be able to purchase advance copies of several forthcoming Perfect Square titles ahead of their scheduled release dates later this summer. Notable titles that will be available during Comic-Con at the VIZ Media booth include BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG ($30.00) a special Comic-Con limited edition with foil-accented cover and gilded pages - only 250 made - don’t miss the chance to have it autographed by many of the CATBUG artists, including official Bravest Warriors comics artist Ian McGinty, Codename: Kids Next Door creator Mr. Warburton and Ben 10 Omniverse artists Jon Chad and Corin Howell (and more!) at exclusive in-booth signings; BRAVEST WARRIORS: CATBUG'S TREASURE BOOK ($13.00), a pictures-and-words journal, will be sold with a limited edition poster; HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40, a commemorative art book ($50.00) a special Comic-Con limited edition with foil-accented cover and gilded pages - only 250 copies printed - don’t miss the chance to have it signed by HELLO KITTY artists at the exclusive in-booth signing. Fans can also catch a variety of freebies and promo item giveaways throughout the convention along with manga samplers, posters, temporary tattoos, posters, postcards, buttons and more. Also don’t miss the return of the VIZ MEDIA convention tote bag, FREE with any purchase and available in four amazing colorful designs, including HELLO KITTY and UGLYDOLL!
Perfect Square Comic-Con Panels & Special Events:
Thursday July 24th
10:00AM & 4:00PM -UGLY DOLL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Drop by the VIZ Media booth for a photo with an UGLYDOLL pal!
Friday July 25th
10:00AM & 1:00PM - CATBUG VOICE ACTOR SAM LAVAGNINO
In-Booth Signing & Personal Appearance
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Meet the voice of Catbug, the breakout star of YouTube hit Bravest Warriors, and receive a signed art card!
4:00pm – 5:00pm - BRAVEST WARRIORS ARTIST SIGNING
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Meet talented artists including Stu Livingston, Mr. Warburton, Ian McGinty, Jon Chad and Inori Fukuda Trant for their brand new book, a seek-and-find style artbook featuring Catbug, the breakout star of the YouTube smash-hit BRAVEST WARRIORS series and get your VIZ Media BRAVEST WARRIORS book or sampler signed!
Saturday July 26th
10:00AM – 11:00AM -HELLO KITTY PHOTO OP & ARTIST SIGNING
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Join Hello Kitty and a team of talented artists from the forthcoming HELLO KITTY: HELLO 40 commemorative art book including Eisner-Award winning team Art & Franco, Babymouse creators Jennifer and Matt Holm and Long Tail Kitty creator Lark Pien for a special signing and photo opportunity!
Sunday July 27th
10:00AM – 11:00AM - HELLO KITTY PHOTO OP & ARTIST SIGNING
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Join Hello Kitty and her artist friends for a special second signing and photo opportunity. Fans can meet artists including Brianne Drouhard, Stephanie Gonzaga, Martin Hsu, and Chynna Clugston Flores. Copies of the forthcoming HELLO KITTY: HELLO 40 art book will also be available for sale and fans can have it autographed by the appearing artists.
1:00PM – 2:00PM - HELLO KITTY ARTIST SIGNING
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Meet talented HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 contributors Corin Howell, Susie Ghahremani, Debbie Huey and Jacob Chabot, and get your limited edition copy signed!
2:00PM – 3:00PM - PERFECT SQUARE PRESENTS – MAKING KIDS COMICS AWESOME
Panel Discussion Room 32AB
Bring your kids and join creators and editors from across the industry for a lively roundtable. What are the challenges of entertaining different age levels at the same time? Kids can also try their hand at pitching ideas, and hear how the panelists would craft those ideas into real comics, during a one-of-a-kind interactive Q&A. Featuring as moderator writer Tom Pinchuk (MAX STEEL) and as panelists, writer/artist Katie Cook (My Little Pony), writer Jenni L. Holm (Baby Mouse), editor Shannon Watters (kaBOOM!, Adventure Time), editor Sarah Gaydos (IDW Kids Comics) and writer/editor Joel Enos (BEN 10, Perfect Square).
VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga (graphic novels) and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.
Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.
For more information on other 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, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, 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.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014
CraveOnline Celebrates TNT's "The Last Ship" at San Diego Comic-Con International 2014
CraveOnline and TNT’s The Last Ship Storm Comic-Con by Sea with Exclusive Concert Event, Featuring MGMT and Grimes, on the USS Midway
Comic-Con 2014
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evolve Media’s CraveOnline Media (http://www.craveonline.com), the largest online male lifestyle publisher, announced today their all new Comic-Con activation aboard San Diego’s USS Midway: CraveOnline Conquers the Con, in conjunction with TNT’s The Last Ship. On Friday, July 25, select guests will board the Comic-Con-adjacent aircraft carrier to enjoy cocktails, games, and most notably, performances by MGMT and Grimes. This is CraveOnline’s third online/offline co-promotion with TNT, and the second to take place at Comic-Con.
“Throughout the entire planning process, our goal was to build an event that would not only cater to CraveOnline’s massive music and entertainment audiences, but to create an unforgettable experience—one that would distance us from the usual distractions surrounding Comic-Con”
Upon boarding the USS Midway, guests will step into a fully branded entryway, immersing themselves into the world of The Last Ship—TNT’s hit new post-apocalyptic series about the crew of a Navy destroyer searching for the cure to a global pandemic. Guests will then head through the similarly themed Science Lab, where footage from the show can be viewed. From there, they can partake in the Laser Maze, a laser-tag style target practice meant to take down intruders who threaten the cure. For a select group, refuge can be found in the TNT-hosted VIP Hangar Bay Lounge. Meanwhile, all guests are invited to peruse the Loot Lounge for specialty cocktails—and to then head to the main deck to have their photo taken in front of real fighter jets.
The evening will culminate with an opening DJ set by Grimes, followed by an exclusive performance from the Grammy Award-winning group MGMT on the CraveOnline stage.
Readers at home can keep up with complete coverage of the event, along with all Comic-Con news, on CraveOnline.com—which will display branded takeovers by TNT’s The Last Ship.
“This party is the perfect way to celebrate TNT’s The Last Ship, this year's #1 cable series,” said Tricia Melton, Senior Vice President of Entertainment Marketing and Branding for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “We're excited to be joining forces with CraveOnline for a truly unique event onboard a vessel that mirrors the program perfectly. This party is certain to be an experience unlike any other at Comic-Con.”
“Throughout the entire planning process, our goal was to build an event that would not only cater to CraveOnline’s massive music and entertainment audiences, but to create an unforgettable experience—one that would distance us from the usual distractions surrounding Comic-Con,” said John Keefer, General Manager of CraveOnline and Vice President of Evolve Media. “Securing the USS Midway was crucial to visually set us apart, while our loyal friends at TNT have made it easy—and fun—to create a fantastically immersive experience. Exclusive concert sets by MGMT and Grimes will provide an exhilarating ending to an extraordinary night.”
For complete coverage of Comic-Con, as well as photos and videos of the event, please visit: http://www.craveonline.com/hub/comic-con.
About TNT's The Last Ship
This summer, TNT is topping the charts with its new action-packed drama series The Last Ship, starring Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy) and executive-produced by blockbuster filmmaker Michael Bay (Transformers). Airing Sundays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), The Last Ship ranks as basic cable's #1 new series so far this year. The show takes place in the midst of a global catastrophe that nearly decimates the world's population. Because of its positioning, the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Nathan James avoids falling victim to the devastating tragedy. But now the crew and its captain must confront the reality of their new existence in a world where they may be among the few remaining survivors.
Dane stars as Captain Tom Chandler, a career Navy man who is authoritative and decisive, but also fair and courageous. A born leader and a loving father and husband, Chandler is respected and loved by the men and women under his command. The Last Ship also stars Rhona Mitra (Strike Back) as Rachel Scott, a strong-willed, intelligent and fearless paleomicrobiologist assigned to the Nathan James to investigate the cause of billions of deaths worldwide. Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck) is Slattery, the ship's second-in-command who worries deeply about his family and occasionally clashes with Dane's Captain Chandler over the best course of action. The series also stars Travis Van Winkle (Heart of Dixie), Charles Parnell (Pariah), Christina Elmore (Fruitvale Station), Sam Spruell (Snow White and The Huntsman) and Marissa Neitling (Leverage).
The Last Ship is based on William Brinkley's popular novel and comes to TNT from Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes and its partners, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, whose credits include the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Bay, Fuller and Form serve as executive producers, along with showrunner Hank Steinberg (creator of Without a Trace, The Nine), Steven Kane (The Closer) and director Jack Bender (Lost).
About CraveOnline Media, LLC
CraveOnline (www.craveonline.com) is the #1 male lifestyle destination reaching men ages 18-34 featuring video, movies, TV, music, sports, games, cars, humor and more. As the largest male lifestyle publishing company, CraveOnline Media attracts over 26 million unique visitors per month. CraveOnline strives to get users the most up-to-date and coolest content on the web. For advertisers, CraveOnline produces custom, integrated media programs that leverage rich media, video, mobile and social in ways that allow the marketing message to be an uninterrupted part of the user experience. Recent brand advertisers include Schick, Wrigley, IKEA, Universal, LG, Nikon, Coke, Pepsi, Unilever. The company is based in Los Angeles with sales offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto. CraveOnline is part of Evolve Media (www.evolvemediallc.com).
Comic-Con 2014
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evolve Media’s CraveOnline Media (http://www.craveonline.com), the largest online male lifestyle publisher, announced today their all new Comic-Con activation aboard San Diego’s USS Midway: CraveOnline Conquers the Con, in conjunction with TNT’s The Last Ship. On Friday, July 25, select guests will board the Comic-Con-adjacent aircraft carrier to enjoy cocktails, games, and most notably, performances by MGMT and Grimes. This is CraveOnline’s third online/offline co-promotion with TNT, and the second to take place at Comic-Con.
“Throughout the entire planning process, our goal was to build an event that would not only cater to CraveOnline’s massive music and entertainment audiences, but to create an unforgettable experience—one that would distance us from the usual distractions surrounding Comic-Con”
Upon boarding the USS Midway, guests will step into a fully branded entryway, immersing themselves into the world of The Last Ship—TNT’s hit new post-apocalyptic series about the crew of a Navy destroyer searching for the cure to a global pandemic. Guests will then head through the similarly themed Science Lab, where footage from the show can be viewed. From there, they can partake in the Laser Maze, a laser-tag style target practice meant to take down intruders who threaten the cure. For a select group, refuge can be found in the TNT-hosted VIP Hangar Bay Lounge. Meanwhile, all guests are invited to peruse the Loot Lounge for specialty cocktails—and to then head to the main deck to have their photo taken in front of real fighter jets.
The evening will culminate with an opening DJ set by Grimes, followed by an exclusive performance from the Grammy Award-winning group MGMT on the CraveOnline stage.
Readers at home can keep up with complete coverage of the event, along with all Comic-Con news, on CraveOnline.com—which will display branded takeovers by TNT’s The Last Ship.
“This party is the perfect way to celebrate TNT’s The Last Ship, this year's #1 cable series,” said Tricia Melton, Senior Vice President of Entertainment Marketing and Branding for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “We're excited to be joining forces with CraveOnline for a truly unique event onboard a vessel that mirrors the program perfectly. This party is certain to be an experience unlike any other at Comic-Con.”
“Throughout the entire planning process, our goal was to build an event that would not only cater to CraveOnline’s massive music and entertainment audiences, but to create an unforgettable experience—one that would distance us from the usual distractions surrounding Comic-Con,” said John Keefer, General Manager of CraveOnline and Vice President of Evolve Media. “Securing the USS Midway was crucial to visually set us apart, while our loyal friends at TNT have made it easy—and fun—to create a fantastically immersive experience. Exclusive concert sets by MGMT and Grimes will provide an exhilarating ending to an extraordinary night.”
For complete coverage of Comic-Con, as well as photos and videos of the event, please visit: http://www.craveonline.com/hub/comic-con.
About TNT's The Last Ship
This summer, TNT is topping the charts with its new action-packed drama series The Last Ship, starring Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy) and executive-produced by blockbuster filmmaker Michael Bay (Transformers). Airing Sundays at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), The Last Ship ranks as basic cable's #1 new series so far this year. The show takes place in the midst of a global catastrophe that nearly decimates the world's population. Because of its positioning, the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Nathan James avoids falling victim to the devastating tragedy. But now the crew and its captain must confront the reality of their new existence in a world where they may be among the few remaining survivors.
Dane stars as Captain Tom Chandler, a career Navy man who is authoritative and decisive, but also fair and courageous. A born leader and a loving father and husband, Chandler is respected and loved by the men and women under his command. The Last Ship also stars Rhona Mitra (Strike Back) as Rachel Scott, a strong-willed, intelligent and fearless paleomicrobiologist assigned to the Nathan James to investigate the cause of billions of deaths worldwide. Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck) is Slattery, the ship's second-in-command who worries deeply about his family and occasionally clashes with Dane's Captain Chandler over the best course of action. The series also stars Travis Van Winkle (Heart of Dixie), Charles Parnell (Pariah), Christina Elmore (Fruitvale Station), Sam Spruell (Snow White and The Huntsman) and Marissa Neitling (Leverage).
The Last Ship is based on William Brinkley's popular novel and comes to TNT from Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes and its partners, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, whose credits include the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Bay, Fuller and Form serve as executive producers, along with showrunner Hank Steinberg (creator of Without a Trace, The Nine), Steven Kane (The Closer) and director Jack Bender (Lost).
About CraveOnline Media, LLC
CraveOnline (www.craveonline.com) is the #1 male lifestyle destination reaching men ages 18-34 featuring video, movies, TV, music, sports, games, cars, humor and more. As the largest male lifestyle publishing company, CraveOnline Media attracts over 26 million unique visitors per month. CraveOnline strives to get users the most up-to-date and coolest content on the web. For advertisers, CraveOnline produces custom, integrated media programs that leverage rich media, video, mobile and social in ways that allow the marketing message to be an uninterrupted part of the user experience. Recent brand advertisers include Schick, Wrigley, IKEA, Universal, LG, Nikon, Coke, Pepsi, Unilever. The company is based in Los Angeles with sales offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto. CraveOnline is part of Evolve Media (www.evolvemediallc.com).
This is What VIZ Media Will Be Doing at San Diego Comic-Con International 2014
VIZ Media Hosts NARUTO Japanese Voice Actor And Offers A Weekend Of Collectable Giveaways, Convention Exclusive Items, Fun Booth Activities, Panel Discussions And Much More At The Nation’s Largest Comics And Pop Culture Event
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, delivers a cornucopia of anime and manga delight to fans of all ages this year at the 2014 Comic-Con International. Attendees are invited to join a fun weekend in San Diego jam-packed with special events, in-booth giveaways, informative panel discussions, and other fun activities and convention exclusives.
Comic-Con International is the nation’s biggest comic book, science fiction and pop culture event, and takes place July 23rd-27th at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2813. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at: www.comic-con.org.
VIZ Media will host an array of panel discussions detailing a host of forthcoming releases, new acquisitions and other surprises from the company’s animation and publishing teams. Fans will not want to miss a very special appearance by Junko Takeuchi, the Japanese voice actress who provides the original voice for Naruto in the popular anime series. She will join the staff of VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP for a special panel discussion on NARUTO on Thursday, July 24th. Fans are also invited to attend the official SAILOR MOON panel, which will offer new information on the return of the legendary animated series to North America!
VIZ Media’s Booth 2813 on the Main Show Floor will be a continual hub of activity with special in-booth photo opportunities with an UGLYDOLL on Thursday, July 24th and everyone’s favorite cat-type robot from the future, DORAEMON, on Saturday July 25th. Fans can also catch freebies and promo item giveaways throughout the convention including posters, temporary tattoos, posters, postcards, buttons and more for popular series such as BLOOD LAD, DEADMAN WONDERLAND, SAILOR MOON and ONE-PUNCH MAN. And don’t miss the return of the VIZ MEDIA convention tote bag, FREE with any purchase, available in four amazing designs (while supplies last)!
Collectors also can browse an array of limited edition items and special convention exclusives that will be offered for sale in the VIZ Media booth throughout Comic-Con (while supplies last). Notable items include ONE PIECE Exclusive Replica Manga Art ($15.00); Limited Edition BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG ($35.00), with foil-accented slipcover and gilded page edges only 250 made - don’t miss the chance to have it signed by the artists at the exclusive in-booth signing; BRAVEST WARRIORS: CATBUG'S TREASURE BOOK ($15.00); HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 Commemorative Art Book (50.00) only 250 printed with foil-accented slipcover and gilded page edges - don’t miss the chance to have it signed by HELLO KITTY artists at the exclusive in-booth signing; exclusive Gecco NARUTO SHIPPUDEN figure ($150.00); and Cryptozoic’s NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Trading Card Game Presale ($50.00).
Also catch special advance pre-sales of several forthcoming new VIZ Media titles including FOOD WARS, Vol. 1 ($10.00), BLACK ROSE ALICE ($10.00) and THE ART OF PRINCESS MONOKOE ($35.00) ahead of their street date releases later this summer. Don’t miss the latest WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Jump Pack ($20.00) that contains more than 100 pages of the world’s most popular featured series and a limited edition YU-GI-OH! card “Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Evening Twilight,” as well as a special bonus exclusive game mat free with purchase (while supplies last)!
VIZ Media Comic-Con Panels & Special Events:
Thursday July 24th
10:00AM and 4:00PM - UGLYDOLL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Drop by the VIZ Media booth for a photo with an UGLYDOLL pal!
10:00AM – 11:30AM - SHONEN JUMP PRESENTS: NARUTO
Room 8
NARUTO is one of the world’s most popular manga series, with over 60 best-selling volumes published. Get all the latest news and more at this super-sized panel, featuring guests from VIZ Media, Bandai Namco Games (Daisuke Koumoto, producer of the upcoming NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM REVOLUTION) and a special guest Junko Takeuchi, Japanese voice of Naruto!
4:00PM – 5:00PM - VIZ MEDIA PANEL
Room 7AB
Get the latest updates & exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime! There will be free manga for attendees (while supplies last)!
Friday July 25th
10:00AM – 1:00PM - CATBUG VOICE ACTOR SAM LAVAGNINO
In-Booth Signing & Personal Appearance
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Meet the voice of Catbug, the breakout star of YouTube hit Bravest Warriors, and get a signed art card!
10:00AM – 11:00AM - VIZ MEDIA ANIMATION PANEL Feat. NEON ALLEY
Room 25ABC
Find out all that's new and awesome with the VIZ Media animation team and the free streaming site Neon Alley! Bring all your anime questions because they will be there to answer them!
Saturday July 26th
12:30PM – 1:30PM - OFFICAL SAILOR MOON PANEL
Room 5AB
VIZ Media is releasing the complete classic SAILOR MOON series for the first time on Blu-ray and with an all-new English dub! Join members of the VIZ Media animation team and learn all about this legendary anime series!
12:30PM - DORAEMON PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
VIZ Media Booth #2813
Get a hug and take a picture with everyone’s favorite cat-type robot from the future, DORAEMON!
Sunday July 27th
2:00PM – 3:00PM - PERFECT SQUARE PRESENTS – MAKING KIDS COMICS AWESOME
Room 32AB
Bring your kids along, or just your inner child, and join an eclectic group of creators and editors for a lively roundtable that will get you laughing, learning and looking at the craft of all-ages comics in a whole new way!
Other Notable VIZ Media In-Booth Events:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Deck Building Game Demo
Check the daily booth schedule for a chance to try out the new card game debuting from Cryptozoic at SDCC!
In-Booth Signing and Photo-Op: HELLO KITTY
Join Hello Kitty herself and graphic novel artists for a special signing and photo opportunity!
Saturday, July 26th 10AM: features Jenni Holm, Matt Holm, Art Baltazar, Franco Aureliani, Lark Pien
Sunday, July 27th at 10AM: features Brianne Drouhard, Stephanie Gonzaga, Martin Hsu, Chynna Clugston Flores, Susie Ghahremani
Jacob Chabot will also be available Sunday July 27th at 1PM!
In-Booth Signing: BRAVEST WARRIORS
Meet the talented contributors for the brand new books based off of the YouTube smash-hit series and get your VIZ Media BRAVEST WARRIOR book or comic sampler signed!
Friday, July 25th at 4:00PM: features Stu Livingston, Tom Warburton, Jon Chad, Ian McGinty
Sunday, July 27th at 1:00PM: features Corin Howell and Inori Fukuda Trant,
In-Booth Signing: NARUTO Figure Sculptor Shin Tanabe
Thursday, July 24th & Friday July 25th at 2:30PM
Meet Gecco figure Sculptor Shin Tanabe, creator of the Comic-Con exclusive NARUTO SHIPPUDEN figure and get your limited edition figure signed!
RANMA ½ Plinko
Available Throughout Comic-Con
Try your luck at our RANMA ½ Plinko board for a chance to win a limited edition Comic-Con only RANMA ½ water bottle! Check the daily booth schedule for times to play!
For more information on 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 INUYASHA, 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.
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