Sunday, May 3, 2015

TwoMorrows Announces New Printing of "Will Eisner: A Spirited Life"


The Spirit's creator is immortalized in TwoMorrows' Deluxe Edition of Will Eisner: A Spirited Life

Will Eisner's influence has been felt by such diverse talents as Batman creator Bob Kane and Marvel Comics legend Jack Kirby, as well as underground comics legend R. Crumb and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists Jules Feiffer and Art Spiegelman—all have hailed Eisner's cinematic approach to comics, and his enduring character The Spirit. This week, TwoMorrows Publishing is re-releasing the definitive biography of the man who changed comics storytelling forever, Will Eisner: A Spirited Life.

So much more than just a new printing, this remastered and expanded, full-color hardcover Deluxe Edition of Bob Andelman's long out-of-print biography explores the fascinating life of Will Eisner, detailing a more than 70-year career that in which he spearheaded comics for adult readers and created the first widely accepted graphic novel, A Contract with God.

From his childhood to famously turning down a proposal for Superman, to educating Army soldiers in P.S. Magazine and creating The Spirit, Eisner's personal and professional life is told in dramatic detail. Andelman spent almost three years interviewing Eisner prior to his passing, researching his life and work and interviewing friends, family, and colleagues including Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Neil Gaiman, Denis Kitchen, Joe Kubert, Stan Lee, Jules Feiffer, Neal Adams, and Patrick McDonnell.

"This full-color hardcover is what I always envisioned the book to be, with expanded text, gobs of luscious Eisner art, and a beautiful presentation that makes it a totally different book than its original incarnation," declared author Bob Andelman, who is currently embarking on a book signing tour, which includes his not-to-be-missed talk/slideshow presentation on Will’s life and career. New dates are being added, and interested venues are encouraged to contact TwoMorrows Publishing to arrange signings.

In addition to dozens of full-color images from Will's archives and private collections (not found in the original edition), this expanded Deluxe Edition includes a series of new interviews with Drew Friedman, Howard Chaykin, Darwyn Cooke, Sergio Aragones, Michael Uslan, and others, which clear the air on some topics left unfinished by the first edition, and add depth to the reader's knowledge of Eisner’s body of work. It features an insightful introduction by Michael Chabon, and a Foreword by Neal Adams.

This full-color hardcover is 256 pages long, and retails for $39.95. It is available now in both print and digital editions, through TwoMorrows website (www.twomorrows.com), comic and bookstores through Diamond Comic/Book Distributors, on Amazon.com, and through the company's app on the Apple and Android platforms.

Will Eisner: A Spirited Life (Deluxe Edition)
(256-page FULL-COLOR HARDCOVER) $39.95
(Digital Edition) $12.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-60549-061-8
Diamond Comic Distributors Order Code: DEC141691

A free preview of the book is available at the publisher's ordering link:
http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=133&products_id=1197

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


Saturday, May 2, 2015

Josh Trank Departs (is Fired from) "Star Wars" Anthology Film


Josh Trank Departs Star Wars Anthology Film
Josh Trank, who was attached to direct the second Star Wars Anthology film, has decided to depart the project.

Trank said, “After a year of having the incredible honor of developing with the wonderful and talented people at Lucasfilm, I’m making a personal decision to move forward on a different path. I’ve put a tremendous amount of thought into this, and I know deep down in my heart that I want to pursue some original creative opportunities. That said, the Star Wars universe has always been one of my biggest influences, and I couldn’t be more excited to witness its future alongside my millions of fellow Star Wars fans. I want to thank my friends Kathleen Kennedy, Kiri Hart, Simon Kinberg, and everyone at Lucasfilm and Disney for the amazing opportunity to have been a part of this. May the Force be with you all.”

Lucasfilm VP of Development Kiri Hart said “It was a privilege to collaborate with Josh.  We are grateful for the energy and love of Star Wars that he brought to the process, and we wish him all the best.”

The Star Wars team is continuing to develop the project.

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


"Mayday" Comic Book Headed to Television


Heroes' Tim Kring, Imperative Entertainment & Black Mask team for 'Mayday' Adaptation

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Imperative Entertainment, the company run by "Heroes" creator, Tim Kring, as well as Dan Friedkin, Farrelly Brothers producer Bradley Thomas, and Zak Kadison, is joining forces with Black Mask Studios for a scripted TV adaptation of MAYDAY, the new comic from red-hot writer Curt Pires (POP, THEREMIN) and breakout artist Chris Peterson (GRINDHOUSE, upcoming BROKEN WORLD), which Black Mask co-founders Matt Pizzolo and Brett Gurewitz will executive produce alongside Imperative.

The intent is to adapt the material for a scripted television series.

MAYDAY lives in the underbelly of the Hollywood scene, where a washed-up, drug-addicted screenwriter and a transgender bartender stumble onto a Satanic cult’s plan to sacrifice people all across LA and bring on Armageddon. As our damaged heroes embark on a suicide mission to stop the crazy cultists, they begin to wonder if this is all really happening or if they're just plain crazy… Probably both.

MAYDAY marks Black Mask's latest foray into TV, joining the adaptations of Steve Niles and Christopher Mittens' THE DISCIPLES in development with Wes Craven at Universal Cable Productions and Frank Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham's FIVE GHOSTS in development with UCP and BenderSpink at Syfy where Evan Daugherty (Snow White And The Huntsman) is writing the pilot.

Imperative and Black Mask are currently out to writers to adapt MAYDAY. Imperative sees the show as a perfect fit for their multi-platform business model, which includes the ability to finance the series, feature films, book series, and video games.

MAYDAY #1 hit stores on April 29, 2015. It's currently sold out at Diamond Distribution, but still available at some retailers. If your local comic shop is sold out, ask them to back-order it using Diamond order code JAN151091.


About Black Mask Studios
Black Mask Studios is a publishing/production company that specializes in working with creators interested in utilizing technology to reach a range of audiences across multiple media platforms. Launched in 2013 by Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion, Epitaph Records, ANTI- Records), Steve Niles (30 DAYS OF NIGHT), and Matt Pizzolo (GODKILLER), the company's mandate is to support unique creators and expand their audiences. Black Mask is currently developing the scripted series FIVE GHOSTS at UCP and Syfy and THE DISCIPLES with Wes Craven at UCP, and recently launched its 2015 publishing slate which features new works by Grant Morrison, Vanesa Del Rey, Matthew Rosenberg, and Steve Niles.

About Imperative Entertainment
Imperative Entertainment is a next generation entertainment studio focusing on the development, production, and financing of original & branded entertainment across all media including film, television, video games, books, comics, and new media. Imperative was founded by Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Zak Kadison and Tim Kring in 2014. Imperative is currently producing HEROES REBORN for NBC among numerous other projects.

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


Jamal Igle Needs Help with "Molly Danger: Book Two"

Jamal Igle needs your assistance.

Jamal Igle is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to produce the second book in the Molly Danger series. This is the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mollydanger/molly-danger-book-two-graphic-album-and-audiobook.

---------


Friday, May 1, 2015

DC Comics Announces Pivotal #40 Issues for "Superman," "Batman" and "Justice League"


Earth-Shattering New Issues of BATMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, SUPERMAN and THE MULTIVERSITY Hit Shelves Leading to Blockbuster Free Comic Book Day Release
The Biggest Super Heroes in History Present Momentous, Oversized #40 Issues Today, Intersecting in Free Comic Book Day Special Issue May 2

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arriving on store shelves, oversized issues of the bestselling DC Comics series BATMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE and SUPERMAN deliver breathtaking events that will forever change the fate of the most revered characters ever created, and set the stage for further events in the special Free Comic Book Day issue DC COMICS: DIVERGENCE, arriving at comics retailers nationwide on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Comic fans can also experience the final chapter of Grant Morrison’s super hero epic, THE MULTIVERSITY.

The bestselling writer/artist team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo debuts the harrowing finale of “Endgame” in BATMAN #40 in which the Dark Knight and his allies (including some of his greatest foes) try to cure a Joker virus-infected Gotham City full of grinning maniacs. Batman has the ultimate showdown with The Joker to get the cure and save the city in a finale that’s shocking, game-changing and not to be missed!

As one climatic battle ends, an intergalactic war begins in JUSTICE LEAGUE #40 from celebrated writer Geoff Johns and artist Jason Fabok. The iconic team of Super Heroes face off against the most powerful entities in existence as a riveting, canon-changing adventure unfolds in this prologue to the blockbuster event, “The Darkseid War.”

He’s continued to bring Superman to life through his celebrated artwork, and now John Romita, Jr. will also write the newest issue of the bestselling series for the very first time in SUPERMAN #40. Writing and drawing this very special issue, Romita will helm the newest adventure when Superman tests his new power against an unlikely enemy – The Justice League.

All three of these fan-favorite series will intersect May 2 in the must-read Free Comic Book Day special issue, DC COMICS: DIVERGENCE. Not only will the results of the canon-changing events from these three issues unfold in this special issue, but award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang will also premiere his first installment as the new writer for SUPERMAN. Additional details, including a list of participating locations, can be found at www.freecomicbookday.com.

In THE MULTIVERSITY #2, Mastermind Grant Morrison teams up with Ivan Reis to bring fans the final chapter in the most mind-blowing super hero adventure of all time. THE MULTIVERSITY brings together the greatest and bravest heroes of the DC Multiverse to fight one last battle. But more than just a mere cabal of Super-Villains, they face the greatest evil that ever existed; an evil so massive, not even the magnitude of DC’s multiverse stands a chance against it! The final fates of the mystic hero Super Demon, the nightmare henchmen known as The Gentry and Nix Uotan, the Super-God, will all be revealed in this stunning finale to Morrison’s ultimate super hero tale.


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.

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


SuBLime Manga Puts Yaoi on the "Love Stage"


GLOBAL YAOI PUBLISHER SuBLime LAUNCHES THE ROMANTIC COMEDY MANGA SERIES LOVE STAGE

An Average Guy With A Family Full Of Celebrities Dreams Only Of Becoming A Manga Creator Until Romance Intervenes And Catapults Him Back Into The Life Of A Cute Actor He Knows From Childhood

San Francisco – SuBLime, the leading global yaoi manga publisher in the English language, is proud to announce the launch of the romantic comedy LOVE STAGE!! on Tuesday, May 12th, 2015.

The yaoi manga series by noted creators Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou will be released in print and digital and is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers. Individual print volumes will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

A digital version of LOVE STAGE will also be available for an MSRP of $5.99 U.S.  each and will offer fans digital access to all volumes in two ways on SuBLimeManga.com – a DRM-free downloadable PDF that is viewable on any enabled eReader device and computer as well as via the online manga viewer found on the web site.

Though his family is packed with famous celebrities, Izumi Sena is just your average guy. Currently a college student, he is a huge otaku with aspirations of becoming a manga creator. But one day he gets roped into filming a TV commercial and meets hot young actor Ryoma Ichijo. Could this be the same boy he starred in a commercial with over ten years ago?!

LOVE STAGE!! has been adapted into a drama CD as well as a popular 10-episode anime series that is available both on DVD and via streaming in the U.S. The creators of the manga also publish doujinshi (independent comics) under the name "Kozouya.” Fans can find out more about Eiki Eiki and illustrator Taishi Zaou at their website, http://www.kozouya.com/.

“Fans have been very excited for this release ever since we first announced during our manga panel at last year’s YaoiCon plans to publish LOVE STAGE!!,” says SuBLime Editor Jennifer LeBlanc. “The series’ creators, Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou, are renowned among legions of yaoi and shojo manga fans for their collaborative works and we are thrilled to debut their first title for the SuBLime imprint!”

Eiki Eiki is the creator of numerous yaoi and shojo manga. Her previous English-language releases include Train★Train, Millennium Prime Minister, and The Art of Loving.

Manga illustrator Taishi Zaou’s works have been published in English, French, and German. Her previous English-language releases include Green Light, Fevered Kiss, Living For Tomorrow, Mysterious Love, and Electric Hands.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga, Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga, and Tumblr at SuBLimeManga.tumblr.com.


About SuBLime
SuBLime is a global yaoi/boys’ love manga publisher that presents English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime offers titles digitally worldwide available at www.SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in download-to-own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide.

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


LEGO, DK, and TNT's "The Last Ship" Sponsor Free Comic Book Day 2015

Free Comic Book Day 2015 is in one day!

Diamond Comics Distributors is happy to announce that DK, TNT’s "The Last Ship" and LEGO are sponsoring Free Comic Book Day by providing prizes for FCBD fans to enter to win on the FCBD Facebook page now through July. DK prizes include graphic novels for both adults and kids, LEGO is providing DC and Marvel Super Heroes sets and an exclusive The Last Ship comic will be distributed for free at certain participating FCBD comic shops on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015.

In case you didn’t see them, below are links to all the FCBD 2015 celebrity videos, encouraging fans to participate in Free Comic Book Day.

http://bit.ly/MarkHamill_FCBD2015

http://bit.ly/FCBD15_ComicBookMen

http://bit.ly/RobinLordTaylor_FCBD2015

http://bit.ly/FCBD2015_JasonMewes

http://bit.ly/FCBD2015_LawrenceGilliard

http://bit.ly/FCBD2015_ChadColeman