Monday, September 26, 2016

NC Comicon 2016 to Be a New Talent Showase

DC COMICS, OTHER TOP PUBLISHERS LOOK FOR NEW TALENT AT NC COMICON

Many of the comic industry’s top publishers – including DC Comics, Valiant Comics, Action Lab Entertainment, and Insight Comics – will be on the hunt for new talent and emerging creators at this November’s NC Comicon in Durham, North Carolina. Artists are encouraged to bring their best work to show to editors at official portfolio reviews for feedback and a shot at drawing some of today’s best-selling books.

Illustrator and NCC co-owner Tommy Lee Edwards offers a helpful hint for artists hoping to make the most out of their review: “Edit your portfolio down to only your best work. The more storytelling skills you can show off, the better, so bring sequential pages, not a bunch of pinups.”

“New and aspiring creators are what the NC Comicon is all about,” says the show’s Creative Director, comics author Brockton McKinney. “At NCC not only do you have the chance to meet your favorite artists and writers, you have a chance to become your favorite artists and writers. We invite creators of all ages and experience levels to come out, have a blast, and learn alongside a great community of fans and professionals.”

It all takes place in the heart of the Bull City, November 11-13, 2016. Each review is limited to twelve slots per day, so plan to come to early. For the full review schedule, tickets, VIP info, and more, go to: www.nccomicon.com.

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I Reads You Review: SPIDER-MAN #1

SPIDER-MAN No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: Sara Pichelli
INKS: Sara Pichelli with Gaetano Carlucci
COLORS: Justin Ponsor
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor
VARIANT COVERS: Mark Bagley and Dexter Vines with Andrew Crossley; Michael Cho; Skottie Young; Adi Granov (Hip-Hop variant)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (2016)

Rated T

In 2011, Marvel Comics and writer Brian Michael Bendis introduced a Black, Brooklyn teenager as the new Spider-Man.  Specifically, Miles Morales, of African-American and Latino heritage, was the new Ultimate Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler and web-slinger of Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics (or universe).

Miles has starred in two comic books series, Ultimate Spider-Man (or Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man) and Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man.  As part of the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Miles gets a new comic book series, simply entitled Spider-Man.  It is written by Brian Michael Bendis; drawn by Sara Pichelli; colored by Justin Ponsor; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Spider-Man #1 opens with Spider-Man facing Blackheart – “Son of Mephisto” and “Prince of the Underworlds.”  Let's go back a bit.  At Brooklyn Visions Academy, Miles has failed with Julie, the gorgeous girl he wants to date.  He is also failing in school, which angers his mother (!), but does not really concern his father.  Back to Blackheart, who has killed several Avengers, so what's going on?

I really missed Sara Pichelli when she was not the artist on Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man, although David Marquez, the artist on that series, was quite good.  Still, only three pages into Spider-Man #1, and I was reminded of why Pichelli and colorist Justin Ponsor are such a damn good art team.

As for Brian Michael Bendis: the teen Spidey drama is as good as always; there aren't many pages of it, but Bendis does character drama in superhero comics better than it has ever been done – ever.  The action around Blackheart is hugely intriguing, so I have no complaints, just the need for more.

Of course, I am recommending this...

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for information on reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Image Comics Announces "Switch" Collection

PARANORMAL YA SWITCH HITS THIS DECEMBER

Volume one will collect issues #1-7 of the series

For those who have enjoyed Brian Michael Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man or G. Willow Wilson's Ms. Marvel, I'd strongly recommend.” —Newsarama

From the #1 Amazon.com bestselling creator of SUNSTONE, Stjepan Sejic returns with SWITCH, the paranormal teen series that garnered millions of views on Deviant Art before hitting print. SWITCH, VOL. 1 will collect issues #1-7.

In SWITCH, VOL. 1, a teen girl with enough normal problems just trying to fit in (stand out?) in high school stumbles upon an medieval and transformative power. This haunted artifact possesses mysterious, immense powers. High school just got a lot more complicated…

A witty reimagining of the classic WITCHBLADE, but skewed for a teen audience, SWITCH is the heartfelt, deadpan-humored story of a girl who must navigate the usual high school dramas with the added burden of possessing an ancient power. Readers won’t need to be a WITCHBLADE fan to appreciate it, but those who are will enjoy some clever nods to the series and cameos of other characters from the universe.

SWITCH, VOL. 1 trade paperback (Diamond Code: AUG160704, ISBN: 978-1-63215-712-6) will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, December 21st and bookstores on Tuesday, December 27th. The final order cutoff for comics retailers is Monday, November 7th. It is also available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indiebound.

Select praise for SWITCH:

Gorgeous art, an interesting plot, and woman-empowering message.” —PopOptiq

If you're even remotely a fan of Witchblade you should check Switch out. Now the big question is, ‘what if you're not a fan of Witchblade?’ That's easy, you should definitely check it out.” —Comic Bastards

An ambitious, energetic approach to the worlds of the Darkness and Witchblade.” —Comic Book Resources


ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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"Star Trek Beyond" Arrives on Blu-ray November 1st

From Director Justin Lin and Producer J.J. Abrams Comes One of the Best-Reviewed Action Movies of the Year, Star Trek Beyond

The All-New Star Trek Adventure Takes Off on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™ Combo Packs November 1, 2016 and on Digital HD October 4, 2016

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The intrepid crew of the USS Enterprise returns in “the best action movie of the year” (Scott Mantz, “Access Hollywood”). The “highly entertaining” (David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter) new installment in the iconic franchise, STAR TREK BEYOND sets a course on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray Combo Packs, DVD and On Demand November 1, 2016 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The sci-fi adventure will also be available as part of the STAR TREK TRILOGY Blu-ray Collection. The film warp speeds to Digital HD four weeks early on October 4, 2016.

    STAR TREK BEYOND on 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray 11.1 & Digital HD 10.4 #StarTrekMovie @trailingjohnson @bad_robot

Director Justin Lin (Fast & Furious) delivers “a fun and thrilling adventure” (Eric Eisenberg, Cinemablend) with an incredible all-star cast including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, as well as newcomers to the STAR TREK universe Sofia Boutella (Kingsman: The Secret Service) and Idris Elba (Pacific Rim). In STAR TREK BEYOND, the Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.

The STAR TREK BEYOND 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray Combo Packs are loaded with over an hour of action-packed bonus content, with featurettes from filmmakers and cast, including J.J. Abrams, Justin Lin, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto. Go beyond the movie’s incredible edge-of-your-seat action and see how an unprecedented 50 new alien species were created, including STAR TREK’s newest villain Krall and the rebellious warrior Jaylah. Journey through the iconic franchise in celebration of STAR TREK’s 50th Anniversary, enjoy a hilarious gag reel and explore deleted scenes you didn’t see in theaters. In addition, the sets include tributes to actors Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin. The film also boasts a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack* remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead.

Star Trek Beyond Blu-ray Combo Pack
The STAR TREK BEYOND Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The DVD in the combo pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The combo pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray
    Feature film in high definition
    Bonus Content:
  •         Deleted Scenes - Go Beyond the final cut of the movie with scenes you didn’t see in theaters.
  •         Beyond the Darkness - Meet visionary producer J.J. Abrams, director Justin Lin and co-writers Simon Pegg and Doug Jung as they discuss the inspiration for the Star Trek Beyond storyline and how it came to life.
  •         Enterprise Takedown - Experience edge-of-your-seat action and see how a shocking attack destroys the USS Enterprise.
  •         Divided and Conquered - Learn how filmmakers pushed the boundaries in Star Trek Beyond by forcing the Enterprise crew into their most challenging situations yet.
  •         A Warped Sense of Revenge - Meet Star Trek’s newest villain, Krall, as actor Idris Elba reveals the backstory behind his character’s terrifying ambitions.
  •         Trekking in the Desert - Go on set to Dubai and discover how its futuristic architecture became the foundation for the most innovative Starbase yet.
  •         Exploring Strange New Worlds - Tour the incredible production sets of Star Trek Beyond with director Justin Lin.
  •         New Life, New Civilizations - See how special effects designers met the challenge to create an unprecedented 50 new alien species for the film to celebrate Star Trek’s 50th Anniversary.
  •         To Live Long and Prosper - Journey through the past 50 years of Star Trek with J.J. Abrams and the cast as they reflect on the evolution of this iconic sci-fi series.
  •         For Leonard and Anton - Watch a touching tribute to the legendary Leonard Nimoy and beloved crew member Anton Yelchin.
  •         Gag Reel - Join in on the fun with this hilarious gag reel of on-set bloopers.

DVD
    Feature film in standard definition

Star Trek Beyond Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack
The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack includes all of the above, as well as a Blu-ray 3D presented in 1080p high definition with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Blu-ray 3D disc includes the feature film in high definition and 3D. The Combo Pack also includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film.

Star Trek Beyond 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack
Fans can enjoy the ultimate viewing experience with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes the Blu-ray detailed above, as well as an Ultra HD Disc presented in 4K Ultra HD with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Combo Pack also includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film.

Star Trek Trilogy Blu-ray Collection
The STAR TREK TRILOGY Blu-ray Collection includes Blu-ray Discs™ of STAR TREK (2009), STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS and STAR TREK BEYOND with access to a Digital HD copy of each film.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack available for purchase include a Digital Version of the film that can be accessed through UltraViolet™, a way to collect, access and enjoy movies. With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them—reliably and securely—to a variety of devices.

Star Trek Beyond Single-Disc DVD
The single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The disc includes the feature film in standard definition.

Paramount Pictures and Skydance present a Bad Robot/Sneaky Shark/Perfect Storm Entertainment production of a Justin Lin film: “Star Trek Beyond.” Starring John Cho, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, ZoĆ« Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin and Idris Elba. Music by Michael Giacchino. Costume designer Sanja Hays. Edited by Kelly Matsumoto, Dylan Highsmith, Greg D’Auria and Steven Sprung, A.C.E. Production designer Thomas Sanders. Director of photography Stephen F. Windon, ACS, ASC. Executive producers Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Tommy Harper. Produced by J.J. Abrams, p.g.a., Roberto Orci, Lindsey Weber, p.g.a. and Justin Lin, p.g.a. Based upon “Star Trek” created by Gene Roddenberry. Written by Simon Pegg & Doug Jung. Directed by Justin Lin.


About Paramount Home Media Distribution
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB) (NASDAQ: VIA), home to premier media brands that create television programs, motion pictures, consumer products, and digital content for audiences in 180 countries and territories. The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.
               

STAR TREK BEYOND
Street Date:
  • October 4, 2016 (Digital HD)
  • November 1, 2016 (Blu-ray, DVD, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Trilogy Blu-ray Collection and VOD)
U.S. Rating:             PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence
Canadian Rating:             PG for violence, coarse language
           

* To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar; however, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.

http://www.StarTrekMovie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarTrekMovie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTrekMovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StarTrekMovie
iTunes: http://j.mp/STBWebsite
Amazon: http://j.mp/OwnSTBeyond
#StarTrekMovie

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Saturday, September 24, 2016

Image Comics Announces Jonathan Hickman's "Frontier"

READERS TO EXPLORE A NEW FRONTIER

An all-new series written and drawn by Hickman

Image Comics is pleased to announce that for the first time in eight years, Jonathan Hickman (THE BLACK MONDAY MURDERS, EAST OF WEST) will both write and draw an all-new ongoing series, FRONTIER, which will launch this November 2016.

A somber science-fiction epic in the same vein as Star Trek, FRONTIER #1 will embark on on a vast, world-building story about utopia lost, and how humanity might just gain it back.

“I’m so excited about this book,” said Hickman. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so glad I’m a working cartoonist again. I really think people are going to get a kick out of both what Frontier looks like and where the story takes them. I can’t wait!”

Readers will enjoy a double-sized first issue and each issue in the series will contain galaxy-expanding bonus content like star maps, breakdowns of alien races, interstellar factions, and detailed spaceship schematics.

FRONTIER #1 (Diamond Code SEP160623) hits stores on Wednesday, November 16th, 2016. The final order cutoff for comics retailers is Monday, October 24th, 2016.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from September 18th to 24th, 2016 - Update #25

Support Leroy on Patreon.

POLITICS - From ThinkProgress:  First the Mus-lambs hated white people because of their freedoms.  Now, the darkies hate white people because of their success.

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OBIT - From YahooMovies:  The actor Bill Nunn has died at the age of 62, Saturday, September 24, 2016.  He was best known for playing "Radio Raheem" in Spike Lee's 1989 film, "Do The Right Thing."  He also had a minor role in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" trilogy.

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  The baby on the iconic cover of Nirvana's "Nevermind" album is now 25-years-old.  He's never made a dime on an LP that has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan join acclaimed actor Paul Dano's directorial debut, "Wildlife."

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  Brad Pitt tells his side of the messiness.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  More on allegations about substance abuse, spousal abuse, and more in the ongoing Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

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ECO - From Variety:  Shailene Woodley to be honored at Environmental Media Association Awards.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  How Angelina Jolie told Brad Pitt it was over.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From TheFreeThoughtProject:  Massachusetts state supreme courts says Black men justified in running away from cops.

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SPORTS - From Steelers:  Terry Bradshaw talks about playing QB for the Steelers and his biggest regrets.

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COMICS - From ScreenRant:  Is Agents of SHIELD connected to "Doctor Strange?"

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MOVIES - From RSN:  Can Oliver Stone's film, "Snowden," help Edward Snowden gain a pardon?

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CRIME - From RSN:  Connecticut cops are caught on camera fabricating criminal charges against a man who was recording them at a DUI checkpoint.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Rooney Mara to star in pop drama, "Vox Lux."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Deadpool villian, Ed Skrein, in talks to join "Alita: Battle Angel," which Robert Rodriguez is directing and James Cameron is producing.

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CELEBRITY - From TMZ:  Angelina Jolie files for divorce from Brad Pitt.

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OBIT - From Deadline:  Screenwriter and director Curtis Hanson has died at the age of 71, Tuesday, September 20, 2016.  He won an Oscar for his screenplay for his 1997 film, L.A Confidential.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From YahooNews:  African-American Terence Crutcher was unarmed and did not shoot at the cops, but was shot to death by a white cop.

CRIME - From YahooNews:  Ahmad Khan Rahami planted bombs in New York City and shot at the cops, but he is still alive.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Jamie Dornan will play "Will Scarlet" in "Robin Hood: Origins."

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Johnny Depp's thriller "Labyrinth" has a distributor.

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STAR WARS-COMICS - From YahooMovies:  Marvel's "Star Wars" comics will dig into Yoda's history.

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POLITICS - From Truthout:  Here, what's (who's) in Donald Trump's "Basket of Deplorables."

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EMMYS - From LATimes:  A complete list of 2016 Emmy Award winners.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 9/16 to 9/18/2016 weekend box office is Sully with an estimated take of $22 million.

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EMMYS - From TheWrap:  In case you missed it, Night 1 of the 2016 Creative Arts Emmys - from last week.

From Deadline:  Night 2 of those 2016 Creative Arts Emmys.

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OBIT - From TMZ:  Charmain Carr, who played one of the Von Trapp children in "The Sound of Music," has died at the age of 73, Saturday, September 17, 2016.

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POLITICS - From ThinkProgress:  Donald Trump trying to rewrite his Birther history about President Obama.

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COMICS-FILM - From WeGotThisCovered:  See Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons as "Commissioner James Gordon" in next year's "Justice League."

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COMICS-TV - From ScreenRant:  The "Ghost Rider" is a different kind of threat on this season's "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD."

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POLITICS - From teleSUR:  Julian Assange offers himself in exchange for Chelsea Manning's freedom.


Dark Horse Announces Special "Serenity" Comic Book for Local Comics Shop Day


FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA PROVIDES “SERENITY” VARIANT COVER FOR LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY

Dark Horse proud to support Local Comic Shop Day

MILWAUKIE, Ore.—Dark Horse is excited to support comic shop retailers through Local Comic Shop Day with a breathtaking Serenity: No Power in the ’Verse variant cover from the legendary Francesco Francavilla (The Black Beetle). 

This year’s Local Comic Shop Day falls on November 19, 2016. An annual event sponsored by ComicsPRO, Local Comic Shop Day is the only comic book industry event developed and conducted by retailers for retailers. In 2015, nearly 400 comic shops participated in Local Comic Shop Day.

Dark Horse’s contribution to Local Comic Shop Day is a special exclusive of the highly anticipated first issue of Serenity: No Power in the ’Verse. This new miniseries is written by Chris Roberson (iZombie, Witchfinder: City of the Dead) and illustrated by Georges Jeanty (Buffy Seasons 8 and 9, Serenity: Leaves on the Wind).

No Power in the ’Verse finds Malcolm Reynolds and his Serenity crew struggling through some difficult times. Tensions are at an all-time high when the crew receives a call to help find a missing friend. The crew must come together to discover the answers to her mysterious disappearance. Will they find her in time?

No Power in the ’Verse is preceded by the Serenity comics Those Left Behind, Better Days, The Shepherd’s Tale, and Leaves on the Wind.

The Francesco Francavilla Serenity: No Power in the ’Verse variant cover code is AUG168220.


About Dark Horse

For thirty years, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, the company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman, and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X, and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga, and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

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