Showing posts with label Business Wire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business Wire. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

DC Comics Releases More Details on "The Sandman's" Return

DC Entertainment’s Vertigo Reveals Details Surrounding Neil Gaiman’s Highly Anticipated Return to THE SANDMAN

Bestselling author will revisit groundbreaking comic book series in October with new story

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This October, author Neil Gaiman returns to the realm of the Endless for an eagerly anticipated tale that will bring readers back to one of the most critically-acclaimed comic book series ever. THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will unite Gaiman with visionary artist J.H. Williams III and reveal a previously untold story in THE SANDMAN mythos. The announcement was made today by Shelly Bond, Executive Editor of Vertigo, an imprint of DC Entertainment.

One of the most popular, groundbreaking, bestselling and award-winning comic books of the last twenty-five years, Gaiman’s THE SANDMAN stands tall as one of the few graphic novel series ever to be on the The New York Times Best Seller list and lauded by critics the world over for its transformative storytelling in the comic book industry.

On October 30th, Gaiman returns to his beloved universe for the first time in more than 10 years since ending the series. The story will explore Morpheus’ world before he was captured, which is bound to captivate the hearts and imaginations of the most loyal fans and new readers alike. Brought to life by renowned artist J.H. Williams III (BATWOMAN, PROMETHEA), THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE #1 will be an oversized issue and will showcase his talent with a spectacular interior gatefold.

“This is the one story that we never got to tell,” Gaiman told The New York Times today. “In SANDMAN #1 Morpheus is captured somehow. Later on in the series, you learn he was returning from somewhere far, far away - but we never got to the story of what he was doing and what had happened. This is our chance to tell that story, and J.H. Williams III is drawing it. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”

"Neil Gaiman returning to the lush, evocative world he created with Sandman is a literary event," said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. "We're honored to have Neil back for a story only he and J.H. can tell. It's a testament to the lasting power of Vertigo, Sandman and Neil's amazing creativity. "

THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will be published bi-monthly with issue #1 arriving on October 30th, 2013. Each issue of THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will feature stunning covers by Williams and original series cover artist Dave McKean and will be published on the same day digitally.

Also bi-monthly and alternating with the main OVERTURE series, Vertigo will publish THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE Special Edition. These deluxe issues will include original scripts by Gaiman, additional concept art and sketches by Williams, Q&As with the creative team and more, starting in November.

More details about the series – including artwork - will be revealed at this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013. Gaiman, Williams and McKean are special guests of the convention, during which Vertigo will host a 25th Anniversary all-star panel featuring Gaiman, Williams and artists Dave McKean and Sam Kieth. Gaiman will also be spotlighted at his own standalone panel. Additionally, the cover of the Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 Souvenir Book features all-new Sandman art by Dave McKean, which will also be featured on an official convention T-Shirt.


ABOUT THE SANDMAN:
With more than 7 million copies sold in nine different languages, Gaiman’s multi-volume magnum opus THE SANDMAN features literature’s Endless family—Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction, Destiny and Dream. The critically acclaimed Vertigo fantasy series transformed the landscape of comics, helping usher in an era of more compelling and sophisticated storytelling. Combining mythology and literature in an epic story, it is one of the most popular, groundbreaking, bestselling and award-winning comic books of the last twenty-five years. It has garnered nineteen Eisner and six Harvey Awards and is the only comic book to win the World Fantasy Award.

ABOUT NEIL GAIMAN:
Neil Gaiman is the New York Times best-selling author of this summer’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane, as well as the Newbery Medal-winning The Graveyard Book and Coraline, the basis for the eponymous hit movie. His other books include Anansi Boys, Neverwhere, American Gods and Stardust (winner of the American Library Association’s Alex Award as one of 2000’s top novels for young adults) and the short story collections M Is for Magic and Smoke and Mirrors. He is also the author of The Wolves in the Walls and The Day I Traded My Dad for Two Goldfish, both written for children. Among his many awards are the Eisner, the Hugo, the Nebula, the World Fantasy and the Bram Stoker. Originally from England, he now lives in the United States.

ABOUT J. H. WILLIAMS III:
Williams is the co-writer as well as the co-artist of the GLAAD Award-Nominated title BATWOMAN for DC Comics-The New 52 and the artist on PROMETHEA, DESOLATION JONES and other titles. His many accolades include two Eisner awards for his spectacular, visionary artwork as well as a pair of Harveys for his work on BATWOMAN and PROMETHEA.

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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Superman Leads Latest "We Can Be Heroes" Charge

Superman Takes Centerstage as DC Entertainment Kicks-Off “We Can Be Heroes” Crowdfunding Campaign to Benefit Horn of Africa

Fans Get One-of-a-Kind Items by Donating to the Cause Including Limited Edition Commemorative Artwork, Access to Comic Creators and Other Rare Comic Collectibles

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A hometown visit by a legendary comic book artist who will paint a one-of-a kind art piece on an entire wall, sneak peeks at one of the industry’s most anticipated video games and a custom bedroom designed for the kid that always wanted their own Fortress of Solitude. This is just some of what lies ahead in the Superman-themed wave of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros.’ We Can Be Heroes charitable giving campaign announced today by DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson.

Following the success of the campaign’s first Batman-themed wave in April and May, the second installment is focused entirely around the Superman character, aligning with the June 14 premiere of the Man of Steel film and ongoing activities in 2013 celebrating the global icon’s 75th Anniversary.

The “perks” that will be made available to DC Entertainment fans over the next four weeks are a dazzling array of the assets and talent that make up the DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. universe. The perks range from unlimited items at $10 apiece to once-in-a lifetime opportunities for $25,000. As with the first wave, the campaign will be hosted on Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform (www.indiegogo.com/at/WeCanBeHeroes).

“The generosity from the fans of DC Comics during the Batman wave was outstanding and challenged us to create another wave of unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Nelson. “The first wave of the campaign eclipsed its initial goal of $50,000 in just three days and ultimately raised more than $150,000 in less than six weeks. We continue to be overwhelmed and appreciative of our fans who are helping to make a difference in millions of lives.”

Among the perks highlighting the Superman wave of We Can Be Heroes are:

•A hometown visit by legendary DC Entertainment artist Jim Lee, who will paint larger than life, custom artwork on a 10x10 wall

•More than 50 beta keys providing advance access to the upcoming Infinite Crisis video game

•A Superman-themed dream bedroom for kids

•The opportunity to be drawn into an issue of Action Comics

•Scores of signed issues of iconic Superman comics and theatrical posters from “Man of Steel”

In its second year, We Can Be Heroes (http://www.WeCanBeHeroes.org) is the largest charitable initiative in the history of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. The funds raised will benefit the campaign’s nonprofit partners (Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps) to deliver food, medicines and other resources critical to the survival of people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Batman Leads DC Comics in May 2013

Batman Continues to Be DC Entertainment’s Best-Selling Comic in May - as June Looks to Be All Things Superman

New digital and print publishing initiatives solidify DC Entertainment’s place as industry leader, innovator

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BATMAN #20 continued the popular comic book's three-month reign as the top-selling DC Entertainment periodical, according to Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest comic book distributor in the world.

The Batman story by the bestselling team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo features the conclusion of the Dark Knight's two-part battle with the shape-shifting villain Clayface and serves as a prelude to June’s BATMAN #21 – the first part of “Zero Year,” the modern re-telling of Batman’s classic origin. Additionally, the month saw GREEN LANTERN #20, the critically-acclaimed conclusion of writer and DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns’ epic nine-year run on the series, clock in as the top DC book in total dollars and the softcover graphic novel SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 1 as the top DC Entertainment collection in sales to comic shop retailers, according to Diamond.

In celebration of Superman’s 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment revealed plans befitting the most popular and enduring super hero of all time. The celebration kicks into high gear next Wednesday, June 12 with the launch of SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1, also from writer Snyder and legendary artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee.

Ahead of the theatrical release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Man of Steel” on June 14, DC Entertainment announced a partnership with comic book retailers, libraries and bookstores across America to declare Wednesday, June 12 “‘Man of Steel’ Day.” Fans visiting their local comic book retailers on “‘Man of Steel’ Day” will receive a free copy of an ALL STAR SUPERMAN #1 Special Edition comic book, one of the most acclaimed Superman stories ever by the award-winning and beloved creative team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly.

“It’s a great time to be a fan of both Batman and Superman,” said Diane Nelson, President DC Entertainment. “The continued success of these iconic characters is further proof that DC Entertainment is the home to the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. For Superman’s 75th anniversary, we’re showcasing the character’s enduring greatness, from the first panel of ACTION COMICS #1 to next week’s SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1.”

This week also saw the company make two game-changing announcements in the areas of digital and print publishing. Earlier this week, Nelson and Lee unveiled DC2 and DC2 Multiverse — new digital innovations that will take comics to the next level of interactivity — at Time Warner’s “The Future of Storytelling” exhibition at the Time Warner Media Lab in New York. DC2 is a new feature that layers dynamic artwork onto digital comic panels, adding a new level of dimension to digital storytelling. DC2 Multiverse allows readers to determine a specific story outcome by selecting individual characters, storylines and plot developments while reading the comic, creating multiple options and end results for each digital comic chapter, leading the way in interactive comic book storytelling.

Additionally, plans were revealed for an epic month of September and beyond, as Lee and fellow Co-Publisher Dan DiDio announced that the company’s legendary villains would be taking over the entire publishing line as part of a month-long event aptly titled “Villains Month,” spearheaded by the seven-issue limited series FOREVER EVIL, from the powerhouse creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artist David Finch, and spinning out of the conclusion of TRINITY WAR, a two-month crossover involving the three ongoing JUSTICE LEAGUE titles this summer. Each of the “DC Comics – The New 52” regular comic book series for September will focus on a key foe and answer the question: “What happens when the villains win?” Each “Villains Month” book will also feature a never-before-seen printing innovation: 3-D Motion covers. Featuring five layers of visual scenery and completely lenticular stock cover, the groundbreaking initiative creates an unparalleled sense of visual depth and brings to life the most beloved – and evil – characters in the DC Entertainment pantheon of characters. The 3-D Motion covers - paired with the universe-spanning saga that is FOREVER EVIL and “Villains Month” - give comic shop retailers and core fans of the company’s print business a great event with lasting value and an engaging story.

Vertigo kicked off the summer in fine form, with the launch of the horror-tinged THE WAKE, from Snyder and writer Sean Murphy in May and this week’s ASTRO CITY #1, from the classic creative team of writer Kurt Busiek, artist Brent Anderson and cover artist Alex Ross. The series leads a pack of notable debuts coming down the line for the genre-defying imprint, including this month’s 100 BULLETS: BROTHER LONO #1 from the legendary team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso, July’s sci-fi adventure COLLIDER #1 by rising star writer Simon Oliver and artist Robbi Rodriguez and renowned writer/artist Jeff Lemire’s TRILLIUM #1 in August. More Vertigo news – including details about Neil Gaiman’s much-anticipated return to the world of SANDMAN - will be announced throughout this year.

Just a few weeks ahead of the debut of the BEFORE WATCHMEN deluxe collections, digital sales of the classic WATCHMEN paperback increased in May during a two-week promotion with partner Kindle. This uptick was also seen in overall physical sales.

The New York Times Graphic Novel Bestseller lists also featured a number of new additions from the DC Entertainment library, including DC Comics’ AQUAMAN VOL. 2: THE OTHERS, the second top-selling volume by JUSTICE LEAGUE’s dynamic creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artistic collaborators Ivan Reis and Joe Prado and THE AUTHORITY VOL. 1, from the iconic creative team of writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch.

MAD continues to bring humor to our lives daily on The Idiotical with parodies like “Drone Ranger” and “Obama and Christie: Jersey Shore BFFs.” And MAD Presents Superman #1, the Super Spectacular Summer issue featuring some of the most beloved Superman parodies and includes 7 new pages that put a uniquely MAD spin on the upcoming film, arrives in stores June 12.

The coming weeks will also see a refreshed and streamlined DC Entertainment website, featuring a homepage redesign, a more robust video section and enhanced, daily coverage and features of our products and news.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

DC Entertainment Unveils "DC2" and "DC2 Multiverse"

DC Entertainment Brings Digital Comics to the Next Level with New DC2 and DC2 Multiverse Innovations

Super Hero Worthy Digital Reading Enhancements Debut at Time Warner’s “Future of Storytelling” Exhibition

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment, the most prolific digital comic book publisher, unveiled two new digital innovations today that will take its comics to the next level of interactivity. DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson and Co-Publisher Jim Lee unveiled DC2 and DC2 Multiverse at the opening of Time Warner’s “The Future of Storytelling” exhibition at the Time Warner Medialab in New York.

DC2 is a new initiative that layers dynamic artwork onto digital comic panels, adding a new level of dimension to digital storytelling. DC2 Multiverse technology allows readers to determine a specific story outcome by selecting individual characters, storylines and plot developments while reading the comic, meaning one chapter of a digital comic has dozens of possible story outcomes.

“Since we made the game changing decision to go Same-Day-Digital with the launch of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52, we very strategically built our digital business to have the broadest distribution and most extensive Digital-First content line-up, and now we’re at the forefront of innovation,” stated Nelson. “DC2 and DC2 Multiverse leverages technology to make iconic characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Green Lantern even more relevant through highly interactive storytelling.”

DC2 will first appear in the highly anticipated new Digital-First title BATMAN ’66, based on the popular 1960s television show, and the dynamic artwork features will bring the show’s action and retro attitude to life for comic readers. Readers will experience an expanded storytelling canvas as each comic panel tells a multi-dimensional story through layered artwork and sequences.

Digital-First title BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS, based on the upcoming video game from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, will be the first to showcase DC2 Multiverse. DC2 Multiverse features dynamic artwork, along with action sounds and the ability to integrate a soundtrack – all while allowing readers to determine the fate of each storyline and character, including Super Heroes and Super Villains, with multiple options and end results available in each comic chapter. Only with DC Comics’ compelling rogues gallery will fans be just as excited to see what happens to Black Mask as they are to follow Batman’s adventures.

“Digital comics have proven to be a driving force in attracting new readers; in fact, since the onset of Same-Day-Digital, our print and digital sales have both risen by double and triple digits, respectively,” stated Lee. “With Digital-First titles we’ve created a successful formula of pairing comics with other media forms like TV shows and video games. Today’s announcements demonstrate how we can tie innovations that organically fit and enhance comics – for example with BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS you can choose the destiny of your character by playing the game and reading the comic.”

In addition to offering its Same-Day-Digital print line-up, DC Entertainment’s unparalleled line-up of Digital-First titles includes INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, ARROW, LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, SMALLVILLE: SEASON 11, the BEYOND series, BATMAN: LIL’ GOTHAM and upcoming titles BATMAN ’66 and BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS. Additionally, last year DC Entertainment secured the most expansive digital distribution of all comic publishers by forging new deals with Kindle Store, iBookstore and Nook Store, in addition to its previous distribution on all comiXology platforms.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS software © 2013 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Monday, June 3, 2013

New Superman 75th Anniversary Logo Revealed



Warner Bros. Entertainment & DC Entertainment Celebrate Superman’s 75th with New Logo and Company-Wide Commemoration for Beloved Iconic Character’s Milestone Anniversary

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Superman, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment have revealed plans befitting one of the most popular and enduring Super Heroes of all time.

To honor Superman—the world’s first Super Hero—for reaching such an incredible milestone, the companies are kicking off a year of celebration including a new commemorative Superman 75th anniversary logo as well as an animated short tribute chronicling the rich 75-year history of the character, it was announced today by Kevin Tsujihara, Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. Entertainment.

First appearing in the comic book Action Comics #1, dated June 1938, Superman quickly became a cultural icon, winning fans around the world in live-action and animated form in nearly every known entertainment medium. In feature films, TV shows, radio, video games, publishing and merchandise, he has battled some of the greatest villains ever created in his endless pursuit of truth, justice and the American way.

Tsujihara stated, “Warner Bros. is privileged to be home to the global Superman brand, which has had an unparalleled impact on popular culture for 75 years. We are proud to commemorate this milestone with exciting entertainment across the entire Studio and across the globe, ensuring this enduring icon reaches new generations of audiences.”

DC Entertainment and the Studio’s various divisions, including Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, will mark this extraordinary anniversary with a range of highly anticipated events and products, kicking off with the release of the much anticipated summer-blockbuster “Man of Steel.”

The new animated short, currently in production, is being produced by Zack Snyder and pays homage to Superman and many iterations of the Super Hero throughout his 75 years. A sneak peek of this short is planned for Comic-Con International: San Diego in July and the finished version will debut late summer.

The new commemorative logo takes its cue from the iconic Superman costume, featuring predominantly blue coloring with a splash of red and highlights a bold silhouette of the Man of Steel with his cape waving behind him and the block-style lettering of “75 Years.” The mark will be rolled out by all the divisions on Superman-related promotions, products and initiatives. DC Entertainment will be the first to feature the new logo on the upcoming Superman Unchained comic book by artist Jim Lee and writer Scott Snyder, on sale Wednesday, June 12.

“Superman is undeniably the greatest Super Hero in the world and likely the most influential comic book character of all time,” according to Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment. “In addition to being an enduring presence in pop culture for the last 75 years, he continues to be a commanding global icon. DC Entertainment and all of Warner Bros. look forward to celebrating this important, year-long anniversary for Superman.”

In tandem with the various special celebrations comes the release of this summer’s tent pole action adventure feature “Man of Steel,” opening in theaters nationwide June 14.

Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group, stated, “Superman is a larger-than-life figure, making the big screen the perfect place to experience his adventures, and ‘Man of Steel’ delivers with first rate story-telling that is broadly entertaining. It couldn’t be more fitting that the centerpiece of our summer slate hits theaters during this commemorative year.”

“It’s a great honor for all of us involved in ‘Man of Steel’ to carry on the tradition of Superman for longtime fans as well as a new generation of moviegoers,” director Zack Snyder said. “I’m so excited to share the movie with them and to be a part of this celebration.”

Superman enthusiasts can also look forward to much more, including:

•“Injustice: Gods Among Us,” a new fighting game franchise that allows players to experience the power, gadgetry and unparalleled strength of some of the most popular DC Comics Super Heroes and Super-Villains such as Superman and Lex Luthor, was released on April 16 from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

•“Superman: Unbound,” an all-new DC Universe Animated Original Movie that pits Superman against Brainiac—a devastating force of flesh and machine with Earth squarely in his sights—was released on May 7 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

•“Man of Steel” and Superman products are available for fans of all ages, including toys, costumes, apparel, party goods and publishing from Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

•“Superman Unchained,” the much anticipated new comic book series that centers on a mystery that is frustrating the hero in both the Superman and Clark Kent aspects of his identity ultimately revealing a brand-new villain, debuts on June 12 from DC Entertainment.

•“Infinite Crisis,” an all-new multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that delivers a heart-pounding competitive player vs. player battle experience set in the legendary DC Multiverse, a world in which familiar DC Comics characters such as Superman have been reimagined in startling ways, debuts in fall of 2013 from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

•“DC Nation” Superman Shorts, a series of all-new Superman-themed animated shorts produced by Warner Bros. Animation and airing on Cartoon Network’s DC Nation block throughout the year.

•DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign launches its second crowdfunding initiative in June focused on Superman and featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and limited edition merchandise to engage, excite and empower legions of fans. Get something good. Do something great.

To stay up-to-date on all things Superman and the celebration activities, please visit www.Superman75.com.


About Warner Bros. Entertainment:
Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based Studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD and Blu-ray, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, and broadcasting.

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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

"Batman #19" Tops April 2013 Diamond Comic Distributors Charts

BATMAN #19 Tops All Comic Book Sales for April

On the eve of historic ZERO YEAR storyline, Batman titles remain firmly planted atop comic book shop, bookstore and The New York Times bestseller lists

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The dark, evocative and dramatic Batman stories of critically-acclaimed writer Scott Snyder and superstar artist Greg Capullo continued to catapult the iconic vigilante to the top of the sales charts in comic shops and bookstores in the month of April, announced DC Entertainment, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world. April 2013 saw BATMAN #19 and DETECTIVE COMICS #19 clock in as the top-selling periodicals in units and dollars, respectively, to comic shop retailers, according to the world’s largest comic book distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors.

Batman’s success in the bookstore market was also impressive, with the Dark Knight taking four of the top 20 graphic novels in dollars and units, according to Nielsen Bookscan – including BATMAN VOL. 2: THE CITY OF OWLS, BATMAN VOL. 1: THE COURT OF OWLS and BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE OWLS – all featuring the work of the unstoppable team of Snyder and Capullo.

“Greg and Scott know Batman. Their work on the character falls under ‘instant classic’ – edgy, cinematic and suspenseful. They get to the core of what fans look for in a Batman story, and the response has been amazing. The best part? They’re just getting started,” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “At the same time, Batman as a character and icon continues to be one of our hottest sellers, whether it’s a digital title or game like INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, the epic anniversary issue that was DETECTIVE COMICS #19 or graphic novel collections of his adventures. If it’s Batman, it’s a success.”

BATMAN #19 was the first of a two-part tale spotlighting the New 52 debut of a key Batman rogue, the mysterious Clayface, and set the stage for BATMAN #21 – the beginning of the sure-to-be-historic BATMAN: YEAR ZERO storyline, a modern reinterpretation of Batman’s iconic origin, also by Snyder and Capullo. The storyline promises to give fans a unexpected look at how Bruce Wayne took his first steps toward becoming Batman.

As if pulling back the curtain on Batman’s formative days wasn’t enough in June, Snyder will be joining forces with DC Comics Co-Publisher and legendary comic book artist Jim Lee for SUPERMAN UNCHAINED, a new series featuring the hero’s classic supporting cast, villains and an all-new, all-powerful threat. Fans can get a glimpse of what’s to come in the series at their local comic shops tomorrow, as participating stores will be distributing copies of DC Comics’ Free Comic Book Day titles, which include the SUPERMAN LAST SON OF KRYPTON SPECIAL EDITION #1 (featuring a lead story by DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns) and the DC NATION SUPER SAMPLER #1, for our younger readers.

Batman’s presence was also felt in the accolades department, as BATMAN VOL. 2: CITY OF OWLS and DETECTIVE COMICS VOL. 2: SCARE TACTICS made The New York Times Hardcover Bestseller lists. Also on the list were the DC Comics titles EARTH 2 VOL. 1: THE GATHERING, and Vertigo titles AMERICAN VAMPIRE VOL. 5 and 100 BULLETS: THE DELUXE EDITION BOOK FOUR. Making their debuts on The New York Times’ Paperback Bestsellers lists are DC Comics titles SWAMP THING VOL. 2: FAMILY TREE and WORLDS’ FINEST VOL. 1: THE LOST DAUGHTERS OF EARTH 2, and Vertigo titles PUNK ROCK JESUS and THE UNWRITTEN VOL. 7: THE WOUND.

On the digital side, INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US dominated the sales chart in April, taking each spot of the top 15 selling titles. INJUSTICE is a true phenomenon, driving double digit sales percentage increases for the top 20 titles across all major distribution platforms: comiXology, Kindle Store, iBookstore and Nook Store. INJUSTICE print issues also continue to sell well, with each issue released to-date going back for additional printings.

Also in April, DC Entertainment launched a first-ever crowdfunding initiative for its We Can Be Heroes giving campaign. The crowdfunding initiative has already raised more than $120,000 by offering fun donation perks for fans, as well as once-in-a-lifetime experiences like hanging out with Geoff Johns at San Diego Comic-Con and a private hometown screening of MAN OF STEEL. For more information on We Can Be Heroes, visit www.WeCanBeHeroes.org


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched www.WeCanBeHeroes.org —a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League Super Heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Batman Publications are March 2013 Bestsellers

BATMAN Dominates with Two of DC Entertainment’s Best-Selling Comic Books in March

White-hot writer Scott Snyder pens both top-selling BATMAN periodical and collection

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, announced today that BATMAN Vol. 2: THE CITY OF OWLS was the best-selling graphic novel and BATMAN #18 was DC Entertainment’s top-selling periodical to comic shop retailers in March 2013, according to the world’s largest comic book distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors.

Writer Scott Snyder – a lifelong fan of Batman – has brought a dynamic and frenetic energy to his portrayal of The Dark Knight, and it’s resonated with readers. Paired with fan-favorite artist Greg Capullo, Snyder’s depiction of Batman has helped cement DC Comics’ line-wide “The New 52” initiative as essential reading for fans of the iconic hero.

Snyder’s hot streak is far from over. In June, the writer will add Superman to his resume, as he launches SUPERMAN UNCHAINED, an all-new, ongoing series with superstar artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee.

“Who’s cooler than Batman?” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “Year in and year out, we continue to be amazed by the power of Batman as a pop culture icon. The latest numbers from our channels support that: people love the character, and love the adventure, excitement and drama Scott, Greg and all our talented creators bring to the books each month. Coupled with strong comic shop, book trade and digital sales and continued positive award and review attention, it’s clear March was a strong month for DC Entertainment.”

“Anyone who knows me knows Batman is my favorite character, hands down,” Snyder said. “When I took over writing Batman, the one question I asked myself was ‘if this was my only chance at the character, what would my story be?’ I’m so honored and proud that fans have responded and made the work that artist Greg Capullo and I have done a best-seller in book and periodical form.”

DC Entertainment’s book trade sales continued to be strong, as new titles expanded and supported the already impressive DC Entertainment library of graphic novels and collections. Titles spinning out of DC Comics’ game-changing “The New 52” relaunch have seen marked success and are experiencing the biggest increases through digital and bookstore channels.

Hitting The New York Times Hardcover Bestseller lists in March at #1 are the Vertigo titles SLEEPER Omnibus and FABLES Deluxe Edition Book Six, while the DC Comics titles BATMAN Vol 1: THE COURT OF OWLS, BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE OWLS, and JUSTICE LEAGUE Vol. 2 also landed on the list.

On The New York Times Paperback Bestsellers lists DC Comics titles CATWOMAN Vol. 2 and BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR and backlist favorite WATCHMEN all made appearances in March.

The INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US digital-first comic, based on the hugely-anticipated video game hitting stores on April 16, continued to dominate digital sales, taking six out of the top 10 spots, including No. 1, and 11 out of the top 20 bestselling titles for the month. Rounding out the digital top 10 was BATMAN #18, BATMAN AND ROBIN #18, JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 and BATMAN INC. #9. The shocking events of BATMAN INC. #8 continued to drive interest and sales with the book ranking in the top 20 for the second consecutive month.

The top-selling March products for DC Collectibles, the exclusive line of toy and collector items from DC Entertainment, include the We Can Be Heroes Justice League seven-pack box set, Vertigo Cover Girls Death statue, Justice League Superman action figure, DC Comics – The New 52 Green Arrow action figure, and the first Lee Bermejo statue from new Superman: The Man of Steel product line.

DC Entertainment titles continue to garner accolades and award nominations, with the latest praise coming for Vertigo’s SAUCER COUNTRY, written by Paul Cornell with art by Ryan Kelly. The first collection of the series was nominated for science fiction’s most prestigious award, the Hugo. Also, BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE artist Amanda Conner was nominated for the prestigious National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award.

On April 1st MAD celebrated Alfred E. Neuman’s 12th birthday (again). In celebration of the momentous occasion, various DC Comics titles will have MAD themed variant covers throughout the month of April, injecting the magazine’s unique blend of humor and satire into “The New 52.”

Earlier this week, DC Entertainment kicked-off year two of their We Can Be Heroes giving campaign. The second year of the biggest philanthropic initiative in DC Entertainment and its parent company, Warner Bros.’ corporate history, is designed to raise funds to benefit the more than 8 million men, women and children in the Horn of Africa. The first initiative started this week with the launch of a Super Hero-themed crowdfunding campaign hosted by Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform. Made up of several mini-campaigns throughout 2013, the initiative kicked off with exclusive, one-of-a-kind Batman-themed experiences. For more information on We Can Be Heroes, visit www.WeCanBeHeroes.org.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched www.WeCanBeHeroes.org — a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League Super Heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.


Friday, April 5, 2013

DC Entertainment Announces "We Can Be Heroes" Year Two

DC Entertainment Kicks-Off Year Two of We Can Be Heroes Giving Campaign

We Can Be Heroes offers one-of-a-kind experiences and limited edition items designed to unlock the giving power of fans and raise funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Get something good. Do something great.

This is the theme of the second year of DC Entertainment’s We Can Be Heroes giving campaign designed to raise funds and awareness for the devastating hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Inviting fans to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Super Heroes of the Justice League and the creators who bring them to life, DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson today proudly announced a collection of exciting new initiatives that will support the continued success of the We Can Be Heroes (http://www.WeCanBeHeroes.org) giving campaign.

“We hope to build upon last year’s very successful inaugural campaign, which raised more than $2 million and helped change the lives of more than 5 million people,” said Nelson. “You don’t need a super power to be a hero. One small act can make you a hero and a lot of small acts can save millions of lives.”

This is the second year of the biggest philanthropic initiative in DC Entertainment and its parent company, Warner Bros.’, corporate history. It is designed to raise funds to benefit more than 8 million men, women and children in the Horn of Africa. The various 2013 program initiatives offer unique Super Hero experiences and limited-edition merchandise to engage, excite and empower legions of supporters.

The first of such initiatives starts Tuesday, April 2 with the launch of a Super Hero-themed crowdfunding campaign. Made up of several mini-campaigns throughout 2013, each will feature members of the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg – and will be hosted on Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform (www.indiegogo.com/at/WeCanBeHeroes).

The first phase of the campaign (April 2 through May 7) will focus on Batman, featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and limited edition items related to one of DC Entertainment’s most popular Super Heroes. Additional phases will follow, featuring other members of the Justice League. Several levels of donation incentives have been created in order to encourage participation. From signed graphic novels and video games, to the opportunity to meet your favorite creators, to being drawn into a Batman graphic novel, there is something for every fan.

“Crowdfunding is the perfect platform for We Can Be Heroes. The more fans contribute, the more they can get! Those with fewer dollars to offer will find there is something that shows their support for the campaign and their love of these Super Heroes, and those with more to donate will find that their contribution level directly ties to the level of collectability and special access offers that every fan wants,” said Nelson.

Donation Incentives Include:

•“Batman: Earth One Vol. 1” hardcover (signed, sketched, and numbered by the writer and artist)

•We Can Be Heroes t-shirt featuring original Batman artwork by Jim Lee

•Warner Bros. Animation studio tour featuring a meet and greet with the legendary creators behind “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Batman Beyond,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and “Beware the Batman”

•Invitations to the exclusive DC Entertainment VIP Event at 2013 Comic-Con International: San Diego

•Comic-Con International: San Diego Experience with Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, including two passes to the already sold-out event, airfare and hotel room. Opportunity to be drawn into a Batman graphic novel and receive the original art of appearance (personalized & signed by the artist)

Additional elements of the We Can Be Heroes giving campaign include Super Hero-inspired vehicles, an online auction and digital bundles – all designed to harness the passion fans have for their favorite Super Heroes and transform it into critical funding to fight the hunger crisis:

•Justice League-inspired vehicles: Over the last six months, DC Entertainment has partnered with KIA Motors to bring the World’s Greatest Super Heroes to life by combining automotive styling with comic book art. The partnership, which has yielded seven individually customized vehicles to date, harnesses the talents of legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, who has collaborated on the design of each car with his vision for each iconic member of DC Comics’ Justice League.

•In addition to the seven KIA vehicles inspired by the individual Super Hero characters, the DC Entertainment-KIA partnership will culminate with a fully-drivable custom car, also designed by Jim Lee, that encompasses each member of the Justice League to be auctioned off at 2013 Comic-Con International: San Diego to raise money for the cause.

•Online Auction: The online auction will also include other highly unique items such as a collection of original pieces of comic book character artwork, entitled Darkness & Light, which was custom commissioned and created by contemporary artists for the benefit of We Can Be Heroes.

•Digital Bundles: An online fundraising initiative that offers fans a suite of popular digital comic books, movies, games, and music from DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. with the opportunity to set a percentage of the purchase price to go to the We Can Be Heroes campaign.

All funds raised will benefit the campaign’s humanitarian aid partners - Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps - to deliver food, medicine and other resources critical to the survival of people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.

For more information on We Can Be Heroes, visit www.WeCanBeHeroes.org. For more information specifically on the Batman Crowdfunding Campaign on Indiegogo, log on to www.indiegogo.com/at/WeCanBeHeroes.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched www.WeCanBeHeroes.org —a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League Super Heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

"Justice League of America #1" Leads DC Comics' Feb. 2013 Charge

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 Tops February Comic Book Sales

DC Entertainment sees strong February numbers

BookScan numbers up 65 percent from 2012

Digital-to-print series INJUSTICE sells out in comic shops

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment (DCE), the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world announced today that JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1, written by the acclaimed Geoff Johns and drawn by superstar artist David Finch, was the best-selling comic book to specialty retailers in February 2013, according to information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors. This caps off a hugely successful month for DCE – with robust sales coming via comic retail, book trade and digital channels.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 launched in February with a cover featuring the U.S. flag along with 52 variant covers, one for every state plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. DC Comics is currently sold out of 14 state covers, the digital combo pack and the collector’s bundles containing all the covers.

On the bookstore side, February saw DCE publish 15 out of the top 50 titles according to Nielsen Bookscan. Additionally, overall February book trade sales were strong, up 65 percent from last year. Notable sellers include: BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE OWLS, FABLES: CUBS IN TOYLAND Vol. 18 and JUSTICE LEAGUE Vol. 2.

On the digital comics front INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, the weekly digital-first comic based on the upcoming video game from Warner Bros. Interactive, continues to dominate the charts, selling four out of the top five digital books for the month and seven out of the top 10. BATMAN INC. #8, BATMAN #17 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #17 were also top sellers.

“February was a tremendous month for DC Entertainment, and the numbers show that fans are engaging with our stories across all platforms – from digital to retail,” said Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment. “We had a record-breaking 2012 in terms of sales, critical acclaim and visibility, including a near 50 percent increase in fan reach through our websites. Last year also represented our first full year of support and commitment to We Can Be Heroes, our philanthropic initiative to raise funds and awareness for the famine-stricken Horn of Africa. We are incredibly proud of where the business is and where we are headed in 2013.”

Hitting The New York Times Hardcover Bestseller lists in February, DC Comics titles included JUSTICE LEAGUE Vol. 2 appearing at #1, WONDER WOMAN Vol. 2, BATWOMAN Vol. 2, GREEN LANTERN: REVENGE OF THE BLACK HAND, BATMAN: THE COURT OF OWLS, Vertigo’s THE BOOKS OF MAGIC: DELUXE EDITION, and backlist favorites like BATMAN THE KILLING JOKE and ABSOLUTE BATMAN & ROBIN: BATMAN REBORN.

While over on The New York Times Paperback Bestsellers lists Vertigo’s FABLES vol. 18 arrived on the list at #1 and DC Comics JUSTICE LEAGUE vol. 1, SUICIDE SQUAD Vol. 2 and backlist favorite WATCHMEN all made appearances in February.

Earlier this month, DC Entertainment was acknowledged as the recipient of several Gem Awards including Comic Book Publisher of the Year, Backlist Publisher of the Year and Toy Manufacturer of the Year for 2012 for DC Collectibles. Notably, DC Collectibles spotlighted the We Can Be Heroes initiative with their We Can Be Heroes Justice League 7-Pack, which saw 10 percent of proceeds go to providing relief for the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa. The Gem Awards are recognized within the comic book industry as the pinnacle of sales achievement from Diamond Comic Distributors, the world's largest distributor of comics, graphic novels and pop culture merchandise.

The print comic book version of INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US #2 went back to press for a second printing, while over at DC Comics’ mature readers imprint Vertigo, DJANGO UNCHAINED #1, based on the Academy Award-winning Best Original Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, went back to press for a third printing.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Friday, March 8, 2013

DC Comics Launches Blog for Parents

Parents Get a New, Not-So-Secret Headquarters with Launch of DC Comics Fan Family Blog

New Online Destination Brings Family-Friendly Fun with Exclusive News, Giveaways, and FAN-tastic Super Hero Features and Activities

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fans both young and young at heart will get even more of the iconic characters they love as DC Entertainment unveils the DC Comics Fan Family blog (www.dccomicsfanfamily.com). This new family-friendly site is designed to deliver the best of the celebrated Super Heroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman with a slew of fun, family-oriented content for parents to share with their kids.

The DC Comics Fan Family blog will serve as an online hub for all DC Entertainment family-friendly news and information, and offer readers a variety of content including DC Comics-themed activity sheets, DIY craft projects, guest blog posts featuring DC Comics talent, the chance for fans to see their own artwork featured with a variety of creative submission contests, and much more!

The blog will also feature the recently announced nationwide contest with Capstone, “Be a Super Hero. Read!” in which students in grades 3-6 are encouraged to write about the real heroes in their lives.

“Our fans are parents too and we want to give families the opportunity to create new memories by sharing the DC Comics experience in a fun and family-friendly environment,” said Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment. “The DC Comics Fan Family blog is the perfect destination for parents to discover new ways to interact with their favorite Super Heroes – from building a Batman jetpack to cooking a Green Lantern-themed breakfast.”

To learn more about the DC Comics Fan Family blog, please visit www.dccomicsfanfamily.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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes — a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes — to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Friday, November 9, 2012

DC Comics Now Available at iBookstore, Kindle, and NOOK Stores

DC Entertainment Digital Comic Books Now Available on Kindle Store, iBookstore and NOOK Store™

DC Comics’ Entire Line-up, Including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batgirl and Many Others, Now Available for Direct Download from All Major e-Bookstores

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment, the #1 comic book publisher in the U.S., announced today its entire line of periodical comic books are now available for download from the top three e-bookstores including Kindle Store, iBookstore and NOOK Store™. The precedent setting new digital availability brings bestselling DC Comics and Vertigo periodical titles, including JUSTICE LEAGUE, BATMAN, SUPERMAN, DETECTIVE COMICS, ACTION COMICS, BATGIRL, WONDER WOMAN, GREEN LANTERN, FABLES and AMERICAN VAMPIRE, among many others, to an even broader audience of digital readers.

“As e-readers and tablets continue to explode in popularity it’s important for us to offer consumers convenience and choice in how they download digital comics and graphic novels and these new distribution deals with the top three e-bookstores do just that,” said Jim Lee, co-publisher, DC Entertainment. “We’re very excited to work with Amazon, Apple and Barnes & Noble to bring bestselling DC Comics and Vertigo periodicals to their e-bookstores.”

DC Entertainment is now the only comic book publisher to offer its periodical line-up across all major e-bookstore platforms. The deals reinforce a long track record of digital comics industry leadership and innovation from DC Entertainment that dates back to its game-changing decision to make its entire line available same-day digital with the launch of DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 in Sept. 2011. That launch is widely seen as reinvigorating the comic book industry, and has led to increased sales of both digital and print comics.

Lee continued, “We were the first to offer our entire comic book line same-day digital and now we are the first to offer fans the convenience of multiple download options.”

In addition to now being available for direct download through the top three e-bookstores, DC Entertainment will continue to deliver periodical comics online at www.readdcentertainment.com, through the DC Comics and Vertigo apps, and all comiXology platforms.

Prior to this announcement only DC Entertainment graphic novels were available through the top three e-bookstores.


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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

DC Comics Super Heroes Inspire Fine Art and Tour

From left to right: Movie director Zack Snyder, DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee in a May 22 2012 Business Wire photographic image.


Original Fine Art Inspired by the Universe of DC Comics Super Heroes Kicks Off a Multi-City Tour

The “Darkness & Light” Art Exhibit Features an Awe-Inspiring Collection of Pop-Culture and Fine Art Interpretations of the World’s Most Iconic Heroes as You’ve Never Seen Them Before

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment yesterday premiered “Darkness & Light: Art Inspired by Heroes & Villains, Hope & Heroism,” a collection of original artwork inspired by the universe of DC Comics and its iconic characters, including JUSTICE LEAGUE super heroes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, and re-imagined by exceptional contemporary artists from around the world. To celebrate the unveiling of this one-of-a-kind collection, DC Entertainment opened the doors to its new Burbank headquarters at The Pointe with an open house and private reception.

“We work with many of these amazing artists day-in and day-out. With this project, we gave them the free rein to interpret the universe of DC Comics super heroes as they see them in their medium of choice. What we got back was a fascinating collection of visually stunning pieces, each offering a completely unique perspective on these universally recognized characters,” said Brian Deputy, Vice President of Creative Worldwide for Warner Bros. Consumer Products and curator of the “Darkness & Light” exhibit.

The collection, which includes more than 100 original works from artists spanning the globe and ranging in various forms, from graphic designers and painters to sculptors, will also raise awareness for DC Entertainment’s WE CAN BE HEROES giving campaign (http://www.wecanbeheroes.org/).

The participating artists hail from around the globe—as well as within the halls of Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment—and bring their diverse backgrounds, unique artistic styles and perceptions of the universe of DC Comics to this collection. Some key artists involved include Kiyoshi Nakazawa, Martin Ontiveros, Mike Palermo, Nathan Sawaya, Bwana Spoons and Amanda Visell.

The collection includes a piece by Martin Ontiveros called “Order/Chaos,” which depicts good and evil together, rendered in ink and paint on board; Kiyoshi Nakazawa combined various media in his dramatic interpretation of Batman in “A Great Sense of Humor”; working in steel, wood, paper, plaster and resin, Mike Palermo created "Man of Steel" that shows that there is a hero in everyone; Amanda Visell’s piece, “Wonder Woman,” uses paint on board to show this female super hero’s stoic but sexy power; and an oversized original work of art by legendary comics artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, which utilizes spray paint and acrylic on canvas to highlight the profile of Batman with a color scheme inspired by the colors of Africa – yellow, green, red and black.

“This distinctive collection unites the comic industry with contemporary artists, highlighting each artist’s individuality and style,” continued Deputy. “The creators each had a deep connection to the characters and worlds of DC Comics and this passion is brought to life and captured for all to see through this incredibly vivid collection.”

Up next, “Darkness & Light” will take to the road with a series of public exhibitions that will continue to benefit and raise awareness for WE CAN BE HEROES, including a showing in San Diego at the premier Michael J. Wolf gallery during Comic-Con International from July 13-15. Additional exhibition dates and locations to be announced this summer.

WE CAN BE HEROES utilizes the iconic JUSTICE LEAGUE to help raise awareness and funds for three nonprofit partners – Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps – who are delivering aid to millions of people in need of critical assistance in the famine-ravaged Horn of Africa. For more information on DC Entertainment’s WE CAN BE HEROES campaign, please visit http://www.wecanbeheroes.org/.

To learn more about DC Entertainment and its iconic characters, please visit http://www.dccomics.com/.


About Warner Bros. Consumer Products:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

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. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Avengers to Assemble for Free Comic Book Day 2012

National Free Comic Book Day Hits Saturday, May 5th; Over 3.5 million comics to be given away free to comic shop customers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On May 5th, over two thousand comic book shops across North America and around the world will share the magic of comic books with their communities when they give out over 3.5 million comic books—free of charge—during Free Comic Book Day, which marks its eleventh anniversary this year.

There’s literally a free comic book available for everyone’s taste, including such favorites as The Avengers, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Transformers…there’s even a comic book on Animal Planet’s The World’s Most Dangerous Animals.

Comic book publishing heavyweights Dark Horse Comics, DC Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, and Marvel Comics are among the many sponsors creating special titles for Free Comic Book Day 2012. The free books are designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes, including action-packed super-hero stories featuring Superman and Spider-Man; sci-fi adventures set in the universes of Star Wars and Transformers; classic tales starring Charles Schulz’s Peanuts and Walt Disney’s Donald Duck; and great kids comics for younger fans featuring The Smurfs, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Owly.

“Free Comic Book Day is a perfect occasion for customers to discover comic books,” said FCBD spokesperson Leslie Bowser, “especially if they’re new to the wide variety of titles that are being published today. On May 5th, we encourage new and current readers to use Free Comic Book Day as an opportunity to learn about the great comic books and pop-culture merchandise to be found at their local comic book shop. Hopefully, they’ll walk away with free comics they can't wait to read, then keep coming back to their local shop for more!”

Along with free comics, many comic book shops will feature events during the day including creator signings, appearances of favorite super-heroes or cosplayers and great deals on exclusives and sale items.

Customers can check out the full list of available titles on the Free Comic Book Day website, http://www.freecomicbookday.com/, and use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating comic book shop in their area.

Look for more FCBD news and updates on the FCBD website, www.freecomicbookday.com; become a fan at Facebook (www.facebook.com/freecomicbook); and follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/freecomicbook.


ABOUT FREE COMIC BOOK DAY— Celebrating its eleventh year, Free Comic Book Day is an annual event where participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. The event is held the first Saturday in May and is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the many worlds of wonder available at local comic book shops. From super-heroes to slice of life to action/adventure and beyond, Free Comic Book Day has a comic book for everyone!

© 2012 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. and Free Comic Book Day, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Disney Comics App Launches and It's FREE

Disney Publishing Worldwide Launches Disney Comics App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

Over 80 Years of Disney Comics Are Now Available to Readers Digitally, Including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Cars 2 and More

Fans can Tweet the Release Using the #DisneyComics Hashtag

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Publishing Worldwide announced today its new Disney Comics App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is now available on the App Store. Disney Comics gives readers instant access to one of the most extensive collections of comics, short stories and graphic novels ever created, ranging from classic adventures starring Mickey Mouse to brand new comics from Toy Story and Cars 2.

The launch collection includes more than 50 comics for readers of all ages and features Disney classic characters like Donald Duck; Disney-Pixar comics featuring Toy Story’s Buzz and Woody; Disney Channel-inspired content including High School Musical; and feature film-based comics based on Tron: Legacy and Tangled. Disney Publishing will release two new titles each week following the launch.

The Disney Comics App will launch in the U.S. and will also be available on the App Store in over 80 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Additional markets will launch Disney Comics later this year.

“Comics are a tremendous part of our heritage and we see great potential and interest in bringing our extensive catalog of Disney Comics to mobile devices,” said Russell Hampton, President, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “We create over 25,000 original comic pages each year and it’s critical that we deliver this content to our readers around the world. We have over 1 billion Disney comic readers today, and our Disney Comics App will further broaden that audience.”

The Disney Comics App offers a new, director-style reading experience; readers can choose portrait or landscape mode, automatic or manual smart paneling, and can view double spreads. Disney Comics also enables readers to preview comics before making a purchase, share their stories with Facebook friends, and save all content to their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for offline reading. An added feature lets readers receive automatic updates when stories relating to a favorite Disney character become available.

The Disney Comics App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, or at www.itunes.com/appstore. Individual stories are $.99 and themed bundles are available for $3.99 through In-App Purchase.

For more information, visit www.disney.com/disneycomics and www.facebook.com/DisneyDigitalBooks, or follow @DisneyDigiBooks on Twitter.

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, with over 250 million children’s books and over 400 million children’s magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children’s magazines globally including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey, and Donald Duck, as well as family titles in the U.S. which include Disney FamilyFun and Phineas and Ferb. Disney English is DPW’s English language learning business which includes Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. DPW’s digital products include bestselling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit http://www.disneypublishing.com/.

Friday, June 17, 2011

"Green Lantern" Star Honors Military Dads

Warner Bros. and Ryan Reynolds Join Forces to Honor Military Dads

“Green Lantern” Star Flies by Miramar to Kick Off Father’s Day Weekend with Advance Screening

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ryan Reynolds, the star of Warner Bros. Pictures’ epic action adventure “Green Lantern,” made a special appearance at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar today to herald the opening of the new film and introduce an advance screening in the on-base Bob Hope Theater. In appreciation of our troops, he also announced that the Studio will be hosting Father’s Day weekend showings at 12 additional military bases around the country, in recognition of the “Joining Forces” campaign initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden (www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces).

At today’s screening at Miramar, Reynolds announced that screenings will be held on Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, for the servicemen and women and military families who are currently stationed at Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard bases from coast to coast. Screenings will take place on either Saturday or Sunday at the following locations:

Army: Ft. Belvoir, Alexandria, Virginia; Ft. Campbell, Clarksville, Tennessee; and Ft. Huachuca, Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Air Force: F.E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville, Arkansas; and Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldboro, North Carolina.

Navy: NAS in Fallon, Nevada; NAF in El Centro, California; and NAS JRB in Fort Worth, Texas.

Marine Corps: MCAB in Yuma, Arizona; and MCAS in New River, North Carolina.

Coast Guard: USCG in Petaluma, California.

“Green Lantern” opens nationwide in 3D and 2D tomorrow, June 17, 2011.


About the Film:
In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, an elite, powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. Warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him the ability to create anything his mind can imagine. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” was directed by Martin Campbell, from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, screen story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.

“Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett and Tim Robbins. The film was produced by Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas served as executive producers, with Lucienne Papon and Geoff Johns co-producing.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, a De Line Pictures production, “Green Lantern.” The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Green Lantern” has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.

http://www.greenlantern.com/

Friday, June 10, 2011

Warner Bros. Wants You to Join the Green Lantern Corps

Secret Locales Illuminated by “Green Lantern” Symbol Will Recruit Fans in 11 North American Cities to Join the Corps

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of the June 17th theatrical release and big-screen debut of the popular superhero “Green Lantern,” Warner Bros. Pictures will electrify 11 North American cities on Monday, June 13, encouraging people to Join the (Green Lantern) Corps. Markets include: Los Angeles, New York City, Vancouver, San Diego, Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Kansas City, Sacramento, St. Louis, and New Orleans, where the film was shot.

To Join the Corps, fans will be invited to decipher local clues leading them to a secret location where the “Green Lantern” symbol will be projected from dusk until midnight. Those attending the events, sponsored by Kodak, will have the chance to win fantastic prizes, including an opportunity to be among the first to see the film at local preview screenings, limited edition T-shirts, light-up “Green Lantern” rings, “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” Blu-ray combo packs and more. And some people who are photographed with the projected symbol behind them will have their photos posted on the movie Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/greenlanternmovie. Select markets will also give people the chance to record the “Green Lantern” oath which will be added to the Infinite Oath app on the movie website: http://www.greenlantern.com/.

“Green Lantern” opens in theaters nationwide in 3D and 2D on Friday, June 17, 2011. The film has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action.


ABOUT “GREEN LANTERN”
In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, an elite, powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. Warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him the ability to create anything his mind can imagine. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Bringing the enduringly popular superhero to the big screen for the first time, “Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role, under the direction of Martin Campbell. Campbell directed the film from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The film also stars Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett and Tim Robbins. “Green Lantern” was produced by Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas served as executive producers, with Lucienne Papon and Geoff Johns co-producing.


Friday, May 6, 2011

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday May 7th

National Free Comic Book Day Hits Saturday, May 7th; Celebrating Ten Years of Giving Away Free Comics to Customers!

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On May 7th, over two thousand comic book shops across North America and around the world will share the magic of comic books with their communities when they give out over 2.7 million comic books—free of charge—during Free Comic Book Day, which marks its tenth anniversary this year.

There’s literally a free comic book available for everyone’s taste: from Spider-Man, Green Lantern, and Avatar: The Last Airbender to Kung Fu Panda, Archie Comics, and Star Wars…there’s even a comic book on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Sharks.

Comic book heavyweights Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, and Marvel Comics are among the many publishers creating these special titles for Free Comic Book Day 2011, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2011. The free books appeal to a broad range of tastes, from exciting super-hero adventures to cool kid’s comics and even cutting-edge graphic fiction for adults.

“With Free Comic Book Day celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2011, I think it's fitting that this is one of the strongest line-ups of comics the event has ever enjoyed," said FCBD spokesperson Leslie Jackson. “There are thirty-seven very different comics to choose from, and that will hopefully mean customers of all ages will walk away from a comic shop on May 7 with a free comic they can't wait to read.”

Along with free reading material, comic book shops will feature events during the day including creator signings, appearances of favorite super-hero or comic book characters and special sales.

Customers can check out the full list of available titles on the Free Comic Book Day website, http://www.freecomicbookday.com/, and use the FCBD Store Locator to find a participating comic book shop in their area.

Look for more FCBD news and updates on the FCBD website, http://www.freecomicbookday.com/; become a fan at Facebook (www.facebook.com/freecomicbook); and follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/freecomicbook.


ABOUT FREE COMIC BOOK DAY— Celebrating its tenth year, Free Comic Book Day is an annual event where participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. The event is held the first Saturday in May and is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the many worlds of wonder available at local comic book shops. From super-heroes to slice of life to action/adventure and beyond, Free Comic Book Day has a comic book for everyone!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

WonderCon Goes Green - as in "Green Lantern" Movie

“Green Lantern” Shines Bright at WonderCon

Stars of the Upcoming Film—Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard—Kick Off the Weekend and the Super Hero’s Multi-Platform Presence at the Con

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fans attending on Friday, April 1st, the first day of WonderCon, will be treated to a special “Green Lantern” talent signing and panel featuring the stars of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard. The signing begins at 4 p.m., followed by the panel discussion at 5.

The highly anticipated “Green Lantern” movie, in theatres on June 17, 2011, will be the first live-action feature film to star the popular DC Comics character. The film relates the origin story of alter ego Hal Jordan (Reynolds), a test pilot and the first human chosen to wear the ring that provides him his superpowers.

Following the opening day panel, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps will have a deep and diverse presence throughout the weekend due to the combined efforts of DC Entertainment (DCE) and the various divisions of Warner Bros. Entertainment, including Warner Home Video (WHV), Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP).

WHV will present the World Premiere of the Blu-ray and DVD feature “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” on Friday evening in the Esplanade Ballroom, immediately followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers and voice cast members. Panelists will also take part in an autograph session on Saturday. The all new DC Universe Animated Original Movie weaves six interlocking stories of the Green Lantern Corps’ rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy.

Also on Friday, DC Comics will host a panel about the Green Lantern comic books and the 2011 War of the Green Lanterns crossover event. The DC booth will host Green Lantern-themed signings and giveaways throughout the weekend.

WBIE and DCE will showcase “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters,” an action-adventure videogame that will be available in conjunction with the theatrical release of “Green Lantern.” Throughout the Con, visitors to the DC Comics booth will be able to get hands-on time with the game that delivers an immersive experience for Green Lantern fans of all ages.

WBCP’s worldwide licensing program for the highly anticipated “Green Lantern” film has already taken the industry by storm. Product manufacturers around the world have come together to capture and unleash the power of Green Lantern, who lit the way at this year’s Toy Fair, with master toy licensee Mattel bringing to life a comprehensive toy line inspired by the upcoming film. Visitors at WonderCon will get a sneak peek of the toy line, along with the opportunity to be “chosen” to win some of the popular products, long before they hit retail shelves.

All this and more begins with the “Green Lantern” signing at 4 p.m. and panel at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011. WonderCon opens the doors to the main floor at noon. The event runs all weekend, through Sunday, April 3rd, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Go to http://www.comic-con.org/wc/ for tickets to the “Green Lantern” opening day panel and for information about all of the Warner Bros.- and DC Entertainment-related events.


About the feature film “Green Lantern”
“Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Jay O. Sanders, Temuera Morrison, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Angela Bassett and Tim Robbins. Martin Campbell directs the film from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in magazines published by DC Comics. The film is being produced by Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas serve as executive producers. The film will open in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011. “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.greenlantern.com.

About “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights”
As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Nathan Fillion) mentors new recruit Arisia (Elisabeth Moss) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal’s comrades, including Abin Sur, Kilowog, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona. The cast also features actor/spoken word artist Henry Rollins, Jason Isaacs, legendary professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Arnold Vosloo, Kelly Hu and Wade Williams. Bruce Timm is executive producer, and the directors are Lauren Montgomery, Jay Oliva and Christopher Berkeley. Penned by comic book luminaries Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Peter J. Tomasi, Eddie Berganza, Alan Burnett, Todd Casey and Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” will be distributed June 7, 2011 by Warner Home Video as part of the build up to the release of the highly anticipated live action film, “Green Lantern,” in theatres June 17.

About “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters”
The game is inspired by the feature film. Players will utilize over a dozen constructs and take flight across the deepest parts of the universe to restore intergalactic order by wielding the ultimate weapon: the Green Lantern power ring. The game will be available this summer for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ and delivers an immersive experience for Green Lantern fans that the entire family will enjoy. For more information, visit http://www.greenlanternvideogame.com/.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Announcing the Birth of Stan Lee Comics

A Squared Entertainment (A2), Archie Comics and the Legendary Stan Lee Team Up to Create Stan Lee Comics

Stan Lee to Create, Write, Produce and Lend His Voice and Likeness to New Comic Book Superheroes

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Squared Entertainment (A2), a full-service brand entertainment company, Archie Comics, the leading producer of comic book entertainment, and Stan Lee, founder, chairman and chief creative officer (CCO) of POW! Entertainment (Pink Sheets: POWN) announced today at Comic-Con a new 21st century comic book label, Stan Lee Comics.

Stan Lee Comics, based on new and original creations from Lee, will be published across both print and digital formats. Alongside the comic books, the franchises will be produced as both animated and live action entertainment, including webisodes and companion games. The new Lee creations will also be licensed and merchandised globally, across toys, video games, publishing and apparel, thereby creating a worldwide network of community support across a fully integrated brand. The first series, “Stan Lee and the Super Seven,” will also debut with an original made-for-video animated motion picture.

In 2010, Stan Lee Comics introduces three new superhero franchises including the world’s first reality comic book. Stan Lee makes his debut as a featured character in “Stan Lee and the Super Seven” when he befriends seven aliens who find themselves stranded after their spaceship crashes. The second, ”Airwalker,” was teased in last week’s episode of HBO’s hit series, “Entourage.” This Sunday’s episode will continue the story line with a cameo appearance by Lee. The third franchise of Stan Lee Comics will be announced in October 2010.

“This has been a lifelong dream for myself, Stan Lee and Jon Goldwater,” said A2 Entertainment co-founder and CEO, Andy Heyward. “We have known and respected each other’s work for years. A2 Entertainment is honored to collaborate and create the next great label of superheroes with a living legend in this field.”

"Creating this comic book line has been a humbling experience," says Archie Comics Co-CEO, Jon Goldwater. "With this project we’ve brought together the most successful creator of comic book characters of all time, the most prolific producer of children's entertainment and one of the most successful comic book publishers of all time to create a new series of superheroes that will influence generations to come.”

“For many reasons, Stan Lee Comics is an especially important venture for me,” says POW! Chairman and Founder Stan Lee. “With this new line, I have the chance to be intimately involved with the creation of a new world of superheroes and the opportunities are limitless with the Web, TV, film and more. Although the mediums may change, this proves there will always be a place for superheroes in the world of entertainment.”

A2 will manage the animated and live programming, as well as the global licensing and merchandising. Archie Comics will be responsible for the publication of the comics, in both the print and digital formats. Lee will be involved with all creation and creative for Stan Lee Comics.


About A Squared Entertainment (A2) LLC
A Squared Entertainment (A2) is a full-service brand entertainment company that creates, develops, produces, programs, markets, merchandises and distributes content across all channels: online, offline, on-air and at retail outlets.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, A2 Entertainment was created by Co-Presidents Andy Heyward and Amy Moynihan Heyward in 2009. Having spent the last quarter of a century in the kids industry, the two created A2 Entertainment with a mission to develop meaningful entertainment in various formats and recreate the way brands are managed and brought to market in a multimedia, multi-tasking world. A2 Entertainment is currently producing the “Secret Millionaire's Club” with billionaire Warren Buffett, “Gisele & the Green Team” with supermodel Gisele Bündchen and “Martha & Friends” with American media mogul and business magnate Martha Stewart.

About Archie Comics
The Archie Comics line of comic books is one of the most successful, longest running brands in the history of the comic industry. Archie Comics have sold 1.5 billion comics and are published in a dozen different foreign languages and distributed all over the world. Archie Comics has spawned characters whose popularity has spilled over into other media and who have become part of popular culture. SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH and JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS are just some of the many legendary franchises that are part of the Archie Comics Library.

About POW! (PURVEYORS OF WONDER) ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (Pink Sheets: POWN)
An advanced media and entertainment company, POW! was founded by Stan Lee, together with award winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property attorney Arthur Lieberman, Esq., to create, produce and license original intellectual properties. POW! Specializes in franchises for the entertainment industry, including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion.