Archie Comics Relaunches "Archie" and Heads to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International

Archie Comics Relaunches Flagship Title with All-New Archie #1

Landmark comic book arrives as company showcases unprecedented presence at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archie Comics, the acclaimed and bestselling comic book publisher that is home to some of the best-known pop culture creations in the world, including Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Josie & The Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the hit AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE series, today unveiled plans for an expansive and ambitious presence at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—timed to the launch of an all-new ARCHIE #1 from the all-star creative team of writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples.

    “ARCHIE #1 is a milestone for this company, in every way”

ARCHIE #1, hitting comic shops and digital retailers on Wednesday, July 8—the same day doors open on Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—reimagines the classic character and his friends Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Reggie and more, infusing them with a modern day sensibility that still harkens back to the roots of the long-running comedy series. It’s a story for all ages that reiterates the vibrancy, relevance and quality that fans have come to expect from Archie Comics as the company heads into its 75th year.

“ARCHIE #1 is a milestone for this company, in every way,” said Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics Publisher/Co-CEO. “We are pulling back the curtain and showing fans the true origin of Archie, the love triangle and so much more, under the watchful eye of two of the absolute best comic book creators on the planet – Mark Waid and Fiona Staples. Not only are they brimming with talent, but they’re huge Archie fans—once again showing how impactful these characters have been and proving that not only will Mark and Fiona create a legendary story, but they will honor the past while building a new, exciting future for Archie and friends.”

The new ongoing comic book series is the first of three “New Riverdale” titles set to roll out over the next 12-18 months, including a new JUGHEAD title in October, spotlighting Archie’s burger-loving best friend, from writer Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals) and Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) and BETTY AND VERONICA next summer, taking readers deeper into the friendship and rivalry between the beloved teen characters, from legendary writer/artist Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan).

The relaunch sets the stage for an amazing week of events, giveaways, exclusives and announcements at the biggest pop culture event in the world, Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—including two exclusive-to-the-show variant cover editions of ARCHIE #1 and a chance to win a free copy of the landmark issue by attending the Friday Archie Comics Forever panel in Room 4.

Archie Comics Panels at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015

Archie Forever, Friday, 7/10/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 4

Hot off the blockbuster launch of the first Archie #1 in over 75 years, this is one panel Archie fans can’t miss! Get exclusive news on the Archie Horror titles, the new JUGHEAD ongoing series, and more! The panel features Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), Victor Gorelick (co-president/editor-in-chief), Mike Pellerito (president), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer/writer of Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Mark Waid (writer of Archie), Chip Zdarsky (writer of Jughead), Adam Hughes (writer/artist Betty & Veronica), Dan Parent (writer/artist, Life With Kevin, Archie vs. Sharknado), Anthony C. Ferrante (writer of Archie vs. Sharknado), and moderator Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing/editor of Dark Circle Comics). Plus, an exclusive gift bag ticket and a FREE copy of the all-new ARCHIE #1 for all attendees!

Dark Circle Comics, Saturday, 7/11/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 29AB

Get in on the ground floor of 2015’s most ambitious comics imprint as Alex Segura (editor of Dark Circle Comics), Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), ( Mike Pellerito (president of Archie Comics), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer), and key talent like Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig (co-writers, The Shield), and Frank Tieri (writer, The Hangman) expand the cinematic and literary universe of titles coming from Dark Circle Comics, including The Black Hood, The Shield, and The Hangman!

Archie Action, Sunday, 7/12/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 32AB

What do the heroes of SEGA and CAPCOM do when facing unbeatable odds? They unite their forces! Find out more about this summer’s blockbuster Archie Action crossover event, WORLDS UNITE, as Vincent Lovallo (Editor of Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man) is joined by Mike Pellerito (president of Archie Comics), Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing), Evan Stanley (writer/artist Sonic Universe), and Edwin Huang (artist of Mega Man) to take you behind the scenes and break the latest news and announcements!

Archie Comics Creator Signing Schedule (Booth #1829)

Thursday:

4-5pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller)

5-6pm: Evan Stanley, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, Edwin Huang (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man)

Friday:

12-1pm: Adam Christopher (The Shield)

2-3pm: Mark Waid (Archie, The Fox)

3-4pm: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)

4-5pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller), Bill Galvan (Archie)

5-6pm: Evan Stanley, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man)

Saturday:

11am-12pm: Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator)

12-1pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller), Bill Galvan (Archie)

2-3pm: Frank Tieri (The Hangman), Adam Christopher, Chuck Wendig, Drew Johnson (The Shield)

3-4pm: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)

4:30-5:30pm: Mark Waid (Archie, The Fox)

5:30-6:30pm: Evan Stanley, Bill Freiberger, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, Edwin Huang (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom, Mega Man)

Sunday:

12-1pm: Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator)

2-3pm: Evan Stanley, Bill Freiberger (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom)

3-4pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller)

Archie Comics Exclusives

ARCHIE #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant A

Get in on the ground floor of this summer’s most-talked about comic book relaunch from the superstar creative team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples with this Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive ARCHIE #1 variant cover! Featuring brand-new cover artwork from series artist Fiona Staples depicting Archie, Betty, and Jughead enjoying the outdoors, this variant is extremely limited and a must-have for all attendees!

Price: $20.00

ARCHIE #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant B

Get in on the ground floor of this summer’s most-talked about comic book relaunch from the superstar creative team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples with this additional Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive ARCHIE #1 variant cover! Featuring cover artwork from series artist Fiona Staples depicting the gang outside of Riverdale High, this variant is extremely limited and a must-have for all attendees!

Price: $20.00

Also available at the Archie Comics Booth:

ARCHIE #1 Fiona Staples Regular Cover

ARCHIE #1 Blank Sketch Cover

MEGA MAN #50 “Worlds Unite” SDCC Exclusive Sketch Variant

Celebrate 50 issues of Mega Man with the latest chapter in the globe-smashing Sonic/Mega Man crossover event featuring a Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive cover! This special edition anniversary comic showcases in-progress cover artwork by Archie Action Legend Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante! Don’t miss out on this limited edition comic featuring everyone’s favorite super fighting robot!

Price: $10.00

SDCC Exclusive Dark Circle Comics Poster

Featuring a stunning pin-up of 2015’s hottest new comic book series THE BLACK HOOD, THE FOX, THE SHIELD and THE HANGMAN by THE SHIELD artist Drew Johnson!


ABOUT ARCHIE COMICS:
Archie Comics is the leading mass market comic book publisher in the world and the home to a wide array of the most popular humor, action-adventure and superhero characters in entertainment, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Reggie, Kevin Keller, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Afterlife With Archie, the Dark Circle Comics superhero characters (The Black Hood, The Fox, The Shield and more), Li’l Jinx and many more. Archie Comics have sold over 2 billion comics worldwide and are published around the world in a number of languages. In addition to comics, Archie characters have been featured prominently in animation, television, film and music. Follow Archie Comics on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the Archie Comics Store.

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

"Sina Grace" Graphic Novel Due September 2015

Sina Grace is SELF-OBSESSED

Sina Grace is returning to his slice-of-life roots in SELF-OBSESSED, a new graphic novel memoir from Image Comics. Spawned from the one-shot of the same name, SELF-OBSESSED debuts over 80 pages of new material, providing readers an intimate peek into the brain of an artist asking himself what depths he’ll need to plumb to be anybody’s somebody.

After a critically successful run on two BURN THE ORPHANAGE miniseries, a return to the cult favorite LI’L DEPRESSED BOY, and the launch of the all-ages series PENNY DORA & THE WISHING BOX, Grace thought 2014 was his year to shine. Unfortunately, a number of personal tribulations—including a death in the family and the end of a longterm relationship—derailed all momentum and sent him spiraling into a depression. After leaving his hometown of Los Angeles and traveling across the American Southwest, Grace found his passion project for 2015: himself.

“It felt like the world took away every incentive to live, love, and make stories,” Grace said. “After a lot of grieving and introspection, I decided that all I wanted to do was tell stories that were 100% the realest me I could give the reader. #YOLO.”

Influenced by nights spent poring over Joan Didion, Arthur Rimbaud, and Anders Nilsen, the scope of stories in SELF-OBSESSED reflect the ups-and-downs of breaking into comics, reconciling relationships past, and discovering what true selfhood looks like. Mixed with long-forgotten strips unearthed from the creator’s messy archives, conversations with contemporaries Ryan O’Connell and Colleen Green, as well as essays exploring gender, identity, and pursuing one’s dreams, Grace brings a whole new spin to memoir for the Twitter age.

SELF-OBSESSED (ISBN: 978-1-63215-449-1, Diamonde Code: JUL150640) arrives September 30, 2015 and will be available for $9.99. The graphic novel will include an introduction from Jeff Lemire (DESCENDER, Sweet Tooth), as well as a free audiobook download. 

For more information, please visit: sinagrace.com/selfobsessed

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

Kevin Maguire Among Latest Guests at 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Award-Winning Guests Buckingham, Maguire, Martin, and Runton Come to Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Celebrate the 16th annual Baltimore Comic-Con the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Buy your VIP and General Admission Tickets now and avoid ticket lines! Baltimore Comic-Con is privileged to host industry award-winning creators Mark Buckingham, Kevin Maguire, Laura Martin, and Andy Runton.

Mark Buckingham, who is best-known and most-celebrated for his work on the long-running Vertigo title Fables, began his career in 1990 working with Neil Gaiman on Miracleman from Eclipse Comics. Working on such titles as 2000 AD, Hellblazer, and Shade, the Changing Man, he became a mainstay at DC Comics after taking over art duties on Fables with issue #6. His run on the popular imprint title has earned him four Eisner Awards, including Best New Series in 2003, Best Serialized Story in 2005 and 2006, and Best Artist/Penciler/Inker in 2007. You can find his recent work on DC Comics' Convergence: Justice League, Marvel's Miracleman by Gaiman and Buckingham, and Archaia/BOOM! Studios Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard.

Kevin Maguire acquired notoriety working on a number of DC titles including Justice League, Formerly Known As Justice League, JLA Classified, and Doom Patrol, as well as Marvel's Defenders. He is one of the artists credited with the relaunch of DC's Teen Titans and alternated art duties on the relaunched World's Finest. Maguire has recently been seen on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Superior Spider-Man, and DC's Justice League, He won the 2004 Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication for his work on Formerly Known as the Justice League.

Laura Martin is one of the comics industry's most lauded colorists. Recipient of Harvey, Eisner, Eagle, Squiddy, and Comics Buyer's Guide Awards, She was the Eisner Awards' Best Colorist/Coloring category in 2000 and 2002, and was the Harvey Awards' Best Colorist in 2006, 2008, and 2010, Martin is regularly assigned high-profile and event-oriented comics on which to bring her palate to bear. Her work can be found in DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, Virgin, and CrossGen comics through the years, and she is lately working on DC's Aquaman, Dark Horse's Serenity: Leaves on the Wind, Valiant's Armor Hunters, and Marvel's A-Force, Star Wars, and Avengers & X-Men: AXIS.

Andy Runton is the creator behind Owly, a kind-hearted owl who experiences various adventures with his other animal friends. Published by Top Shelf, Owly has received numerous industry accolades, including the Harvey Award for Best New Talent in 2005, the Ignatz Award for Promising New Talent in 2005, another Ignatz in 2006 for Outstanding Series, a 2006 Eisner Award for Best Publication for a Younger Audience, and the Howard E. Day Memorial Prize for outstanding achievement in self-publishing in 2005. Runton also publishes Owly and Wormy books through Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. In addition to his ongoing work with Owly, you can see Runton's recent work on Valiant Entertainment's X-O Manowar.

"We are so honored to host such highly-respected and high caliber creators," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "These individuals have crafted works that have been formally recognized by the public, the industry, and their peers, and we couldn't be prouder."

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

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 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.

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

First Trade Collection of "The Dream Merchant" Comic Book Due in July

THE DREAM MERCHANT a sleeper hit this July

The fantasy series will be collected into trade paperback

The hit fantasy series THE DREAM MERCHANT by Nathan Edmondson (WHO IS JAKE ELLIS?) with art by Konstantine Novosadov, Anthony Hope-Smith, and Stefano Simeone will be collected into trade paperback and available this July.

THE DREAM MERCHANT follows Winslow, a troubled boy with a recurring dream. When mysterious alien figures show up to literally dissolve the memories out of Winslow’s mind, Winslow realizes that his dream may be the most important memory in the world, and one that has been wiped from the collective minds of everyone on Earth.

THE DREAM MERCHANT (ISBN: 978-1-63215-436-1) hits comic book stores on July 22, 2015 and bookstores on August 4, 2015 and will be available for $15.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code MAY150535.

Select praise for DREAM MERCHANT:

“Go read The Dream Merchant. That's the recommend. ” —Entertainment Fuse

“Edmondson and Novosadov have great chemistry.” —Comicosity

“A pleasant addition to Winslow's story is Anne, the girl who works at his mental hospital. The second you start to wonder why she's behaving the way she is, Edmondson craftily reveals that there's more to her than meets the eye. After that scene, I knew I liked this book for sure because the characters were worth getting invested in.” —IGN

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

Dark Horse at 2015 Comic-Con International - Creator Signing Schedule

MILWAUKIE, OR— San Diego Comic-Con 2015 is almost here, and Dark Horse Comics is delivering a full slate of signings from your favorite creators.  The convention run from Thursday, July 9th to 12th, 2015.

DARK HORSE COMICS | SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2015 | BOOTH #2615

SIGNING SCHEDULE:

All creators signing in our booth offer their autographs for FREE. FREE prints, comics, or posters are provided for most of our 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.

Some signings require a wristband for entry, as noted on the schedule. Drawings for wristbands for these events will begin at show opening the day before and day of each signing. Come to the Dark Horse booth early for the best chance to join these events.

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

We have two signing stages. One features art by Dave Palumbo for our Prometheus/Aliens/AVP/Predator: Fire and Stone crossover comic event. The other features art by E. M. Gist for Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Strain. The location of each signing is indicated by the following abbreviations:

FS = Fire and Stone Signing Stage  ST = The Strain Signing Stage

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

THURSDAY, JULY 9

11:00 a.m.-11:50 a.m.     ST WEB COMICS: TARZAN, JOHN CARTER AND MORE:  Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.  FS THE ART OF HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, SUNDOWNERS: Tim Seeley

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m. FS REXODUS: James Farr, Eric Lee, Paul Wizikowski, Mark Steele, Kevin Anderson

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m. ST MAE: Gene Ha

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. FS BARB WIRE: Chris Warner, Adam Hughes, Gabe Eltaeb, Michael Heisler

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ST BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: Christos Gage

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. FS TBA!

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. ST PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES: Jeremy Vanhoozer, Paul Tobin

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. FS THIS DAMNED BAND: Paul Cornell, Tony Parker

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. ST THE TOMORROWS: Curt Pires

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. FS DARK MATTER CAST SIGNING: Melissa O’Neil (Two), Anthony Lemke (Three),
  Jodelle Ferland (Five), Roger Cross (Six) 

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. ST BANDETTE, COLDER: Paul Tobin, BANDETTE: Colleen Coover

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m. FS FIRE AND STONE (PROMETHEUS, ALIENS, ALIEN VS. PREDATOR, PREDATOR,
  PROMETHEUS: OMEGA): Paul Tobin, Chris Roberson, Joshua Williamson,
  Kelly Sue DeConnick, Dave Palumbo

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m. ST THE LAST OF US, THE ART OF THE LAST OF US, THE ART OF UNCHARTED
  TRILOGY: Neil Druckmann

FRIDAY, JULY 10

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.  FS USAGI YOJIMBO, 47 RONIN: Stan Sakai

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. ST ELFQUEST: Richard Pini, Wendy Pini

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m. FS THE SHAOLIN COWBOY, THE BIG GUY AND RUSTY THE BOY ROBOT: Geof Darrow

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m.  ST THE WITCHER: Paul Tobin, Rafał Jaki, Damien Monnier

12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.  FS AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, THE LEGEND OF KORRA: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Gene Luen Yang (WRISTBAND REQUIRED)

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. ST THE COURAGEOUS PRINCESS: Rod Espinosa
                                           AGE OF REPTILES: Ricardo Delgado

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m. ST THE PAYBACKS: Donny Cates, Eliot Rahal

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. FS HELLBOY IN HELL, HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D., BALTIMORE: Mike Mignola

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ST EI8HT: Rafael Albuquerque, Mike Johnson

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. FS DARK MATTER CAST SIGNING: Melissa O’Neil (Two), Anthony Lemke (Three),
  Jodelle Ferland (Five), Roger Cross (Six)

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m. ST ARCHIE VS. PREDATOR: Alex de Campi, Colleen Coover

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. FS THE STRAIN: Guillermo del Toro, Mike Huddleston, E. M. Gist (WRISTBAND REQUIRED)

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. ST CONCRETE PARK: Erika Alexander, Tony Puryear

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. FS GRENDEL VS. THE SHADOW: Matt Wagner, Brennan Wagner

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. ST LADY KILLER: Joëlle Jones

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m. FS KING TIGER: Randy Stradley, Doug Wheatley, Michael Heisler

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m. ST TOMB RAIDER: Corinna Bechko

SATURDAY, JULY 11

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. ST JUNGLE TALES OF TARZAN: Sergio Cariello, Steven E. Gordon, Diana Leto,
   Carlos Argüello-Süllow, Mark Wheatley, Daren Bader, Thomas Yeates

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m. FS ELFQUEST: Richard Pini, Wendy Pini

11:00 a.m.–11:50 a.m. ST COLONUS: Ken Pisani

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. FS THE GOON, CHIMICHANGA: Eric Powell

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m.  ST DEATH HEAD: Nick Keller, Zack Keller

1:00 p.m.–1:50 p.m.  ST TBA!

1:30 p.m.–2:50 p.m.  FS SERENITY, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, ANGEL & FAITH: Joss Whedon
   (WRISTBAND REQUIRED)

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.  ST MASS EFFECT: Mike Gamble, Chris Wynn, Ian Frazier, Reid Buckmaster

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.  FS MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: Drew Edward Johnson

3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.  ST MIRROR’S EDGE: Christofer Emgård

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.  FS CREEPY, EERIE: Dan Braun

4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.  ST DRAGON AGE: Mike Laidlaw, Ben Gelinas, Nick Thornborrow

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m.  FS GIRLFIEND: Jacob Pander, Arnold Pander

5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m.  ST HARROW COUNTY: Cullen Bunn

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m.  FS MULAN: REVELATIONS: Marc Andreyko, Robert Alter

6:00 p.m.–6:50 p.m.  ST MIND MGMT, PAST AWAYS, 2 SISTERS, PISTOLWHIP: Matt Kindt

SUNDAY, JULY 12

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. FS ITTY BITTY HELLBOY, AW YEAH COMICS!, GRIMMISS ISLAND: Art Baltazar, Franco

10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m. ST EMPOWERED: Adam Warren

11:00 a.m.–12:50 p.m. FS FIGHT CLUB 2: Chuck Palahniuk, Cameron Stewart, David Mack (WRISTBAND REQUIRED.  One minicomic per wristband will be provided, or you may bring a Fight Club 2 comic. No other items allowed. Other restrictions may apply.)

12:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. ST EMILY AND THE STRANGERS: Rob Reger, Buzz Parker

1:00 p.m.-1:50 p.m. FS LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS, TOMB RAIDER: Gail Simone 

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. FS TWO BROTHERS, DE:TALES: Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ST MASS EFFECT: Mike Gamble, Chris Wynn, Ian Frazier, Reid Buckmaster

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

Robert Zemeckis' "The Walk" Takes a Stroll on IMAX 3D

IMAX® 3D AUDIENCES TO EXPERIENCE "THE WALK" FIRST WHEN THE FILM IS RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 30; WIDE RELEASE TO BEGIN OCTOBER 9

CULVER CITY, Calif. – Audiences at IMAX® 3D and other select theaters will have the chance to be the first to experience The Walk, the new motion picture event from Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis, when it is released exclusively in those theaters on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. The film, which has also been chosen as the opening night selection of the New York Film Festival, will then enter wide release on October 9, 2015.

Twelve men have walked on the moon. Only one man has ever, or will ever, go where The Walk will take moviegoers. In The Walk, Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis, the master director of such marvels as Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Polar Express and Flight, again uses cutting edge technology in the service of an emotional, character-driven story. With innovative photorealistic techniques and IMAX® 3D wizardry, The Walk is genuine big-screen cinema, a chance for moviegoers to viscerally experience the feeling of reaching the clouds. It is also one of the rare live-action films that is a PG-rated, all-audience entertainment for moviegoers 8 to 80 - and a true story to boot. It is unlike anything audiences have seen before, a love letter to Paris and New York City in the 1970s, but most of all, to the Towers of the World Trade Center.

Commenting on the announcement, Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President of IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment, said, "We're excited to be part of Sony's exclusive release for The Walk, which was designed for and makes brilliant use of IMAX 3D. No one understands IMAX better than our longtime partner Bob Zemeckis - he is an artistic genius who uses all of his expertise to give audiences an edge-of-your-seat thrill that will make moviegoers feel like they are out on the tightrope themselves. We're excited that our audiences will have the chance to see it first."

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the screenplay is by Robert Zemeckis & Christopher Browne, based on the book "To Reach the Clouds" by Philippe Petit, and produced by Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, and Jack Rapke.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

ABOUT IMAX CORPORATION
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of March 31, 2015, there were 943 IMAX theatres (820 commercial multiplexes, 18 commercial destinations and 105 institutions) in 63 countries.

IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX nXos® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

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

VIZ Media Leads Group Acquisition of "One-Punch Man" Anime Series' Media Rights

VIZ MEDIA, VIZ MEDIA EUROPE AND ANIME CONSORTIUM JAPAN ANNOUNCE ACQUISITION OF MULTI-TERRITORY MEDIA RIGHTS TO ONE-PUNCH MAN ANIME SERIES

Action-Driven Superhero Series By Studio Madhouse Based On The Bestselling Manga Series About A Superhero Who Just Needs A Villain Strong Enough To Take Him On

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has teamed with VIZ Media Europe S.A.R.L. (VME), the leader in Japanese Entertainment content in Europe, and Anime Consortium Japan Inc. (ACJ), the Japanese company for official anime streaming, to jointly announce the acquisition of the multi-territory media distribution rights for the anime series, ONE-PUNCH MAN.

Announced earlier this year, the ONE-PUNCH MAN anime is based on a bestselling manga series, created by writer ONE and artist Yusuke Murata, about an average-guy-turned-superhero who packs quite the punch! Three content distribution companies will join force to manage the digital distribution, home media, merchandise, and TV rights to the newly produced anime series for their respective territories.

    VIZ Media will manage the master license for ONE-PUNCH MAN in North America, Latin America and Oceania, as well as stream the series in the U.S.
    VIZ Media Europe will oversee & stream the property for EMEA, including Russia
    In addition, ACJ will stream the subtitled version of the program in all above territories

Additional details about availability will be forthcoming.

“ONE-PUNCH MAN is a beautifully produced, action-driven series, and we will leverage our expertise in developing anime content across all major consumer formats with a savvy combination of proprietary and partner distribution channels to bring this series to audiences on the widest possible range of media devices and platforms,” says Brad Woods, Chief Marketing Officer, VIZ Media.

“We are very excited to bring ONE-PUNCH MAN to European audiences. Our extensive distribution and licensing infrastructure across the region will ensure that fans will be able to catch every episode localized for their countries and across an array of multimedia platforms and a variety of licensed goods ” says Pascal J. Bonnet, Senior Director TV Sales & Licensing, VIZ Media Europe

“We are very pleased to add ONE-PUNCH MAN to our anime digital media streaming service, and look forward to delivering this extraordinary superhero action series to our users around the world,” says Ririko Kubo, Sales Promotion Division, Anime Consortium Japan Inc.

VIZ Media also publishes the ONE-PUNCH MAN manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) under its Shonen Jump imprint. The series is currently serialized in VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine, and full volumes are available digitally first in North America via the VIZ Manga platform and partner digital storefronts. The series launches in print in September.

ONE-PUNCH MAN was animated by the renowned Japanese studio, Madhouse, and helmed by famed anime director, Shingo Natsume, (Space Dandy, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos) and features character designs by Chikashi Kubota (From the New World, Robotics:notes). In the series, Saitama is a hero who only became a hero for fun. After three years of “special” training, though, he’s become so strong that he’s practically invincible. In fact, he’s too strong—even his mightiest opponents are taken out with a single punch, and it turns out that being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. With his passion for being a hero lost along with his hair, yet still faced with new enemies every day, how much longer can he keep it going?

Manga creator ONE began ONE-PUNCH MAN as a web comic, which quickly went viral and garnered over 10 million hits. Japanese manga publisher (and VIZ Media parent company) Shueisha eventually secured the publishing rights to the series which has sold more than 4.5 million copies to-date. In addition to ONE-PUNCH MAN, ONE writes and draws the series Mob Psycho 100 and Makai no Ossan.

Yusuke Murata is a highly acclaimed and skilled manga artist best known for his work on the football series, EYESHIELD 21 (also published in North America by VIZ Media). In 1995, Murata won the prestigious 122nd Hop Step Award for his series, Partner, and placed second in 1998 in the semi-annual Akatsuka Awards for Samui Hanashi.

For more information on ONE-PUNCH MAN or other anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com/opm/.


About Anime Consortium Japan Inc.
Anime Consortium Japan Inc. was established on November 7, 2014. The new company was created to develop a platform that will provide streaming service of official Japanese anime content and operate an e-commerce site to offeranime character-related goods to overseas fans. The major shareholders are BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., Cool Japan Fund Inc., ASATSU-DK INC., Aniplex Inc., TOEI ANIMATION Co., Ltd., Sunrise Inc., TMS ENTERTAINMENT CO.LTD, NIHON AD SYSTEMS, INC. (NAS), and DENTSU INC. as of December 25, 2014. Anime Consortium Japan (ACJ) has merged with Daisuki and is taking over their business and remodeling and upgrading all services. DAISUKI.net is currently streaming titles such as MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THE ORIGIN, SWORD ART ONLINE 2, M3 the dark metal, Persona 4 the Golden Animation, Kill la Kill, SUSHI NINJA, and more. Visit http://www.daisuki.net to see the full selection of titles.

About VIZ Media Europe
Headquartered in Paris, France, VIZ Media Europe (VME) specializes in managing the development, marketing and distribution throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa of Japanese animated entertainment and graphic novels (manga). Owned by three of Japan's largest creators, publishers and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VME handles the comprehensive distribution, licensing and promotion of some of the most popular Japanese manga and animation properties for consumers of all ages. VME administers an integrated product line including graphic novels, consumer products, DVD and music. Current VME animated properties include: BLEACH, BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE, DORAEMON, HAMTARO, INAZUMA ELEVEN  France), JEWELPET (France), KUROKO’S BASKET, MAGI, RINNE, TENKAI KNIGHTS, TERRAFORMARS,  and YO-KAI WATCH.

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.

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