That Venomous Comic Called Deadlocke

This week, Dark Horse Comics released, Deadlocke, the comic book tie-in to the young adult novel, Venomous, which is also apparently currently being adapted into film. This must be a big deal, because not only has Dark Horse done press for this comic book, a media relations company, Razzle media, has also been sending out press releases for Deadlocke, including the following:

About Deadlocke: In modern-day New York City, a ragtag group of rebellious teens throws its annual raucous Weimar bash filled with debauchery, booze, and bloody knuckles. Going for the first time is Locke Vinetti, a newcomer to this band of bored rich kids--a loner who usually prefers to escape into the world of his alter ego comic book creation, Deadlocke.

Under the tutelage of the group's charming but unpredictable ringleader Casey, Locke has learned to express his art, and his angst, in ways he never thought possible. As the violent energy of Deadlocke continues to storm up inside of him, Locke must learn to control his newfound strength at the risk of losing Renee, the darkly beautiful girl of his dreams. Determined to prove that Deadlocke's rage will overpower Locke's love, Casey provokes Locke in a brutal rooftop battle where their lives, and their souls, hang in the balance.

Based on the Simon & Schuster young adult novel Venomous by Christopher Krovatin, Deadlocke teams comic writer Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi, Kull) with Nick Stakal (Criminal Macabre) in a story of a young man coming to terms with his own demons in a search for his true identity. [END]

Orion Books to Release Joshua Smeaton's Haunted

Press release from Joshua Smeaton:

Haunted, the Xeric winning debut graphic novel by Joshua Smeaton is now available for preorder from Orion Books.

What did you do for Halloween when you were 12? Trick-or-treat, bob for apples or run from a psychotic ghost bent on ripping out your soul?

It was supposed to be a night of carefree fun for a group of jr. high friends. All they had wanted was to sneak into the high school Halloween party thrown at an abandoned mansion. Unfortunately they aren’t the only uninvited guests.

Haunted is an adventure story about a group of kids that get trapped in a mansion with a murderous ghost. The story is a fantastical thrill ride with moments of calm made all the more enjoyable with its colorful vibrant art.

Haunted is a 104-page full color graphic novel priced at 12.95, ISBN 978-0-615-31563-8. Scheduled to be released January 2010. It is available in the November Previews catalog. Order Code: NOV090896.

www.hauntedcomic.com

Boys' Love Supernatural

I finished reading Night Head Genesis 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

The Boy Dylan Illustrated Songbook

I finished reading Bob Dylan Revisited

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

I Do So Want a Copy of The Polar Express

Press release from Business Wire:

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Celebrates 25th Anniversary of The Polar Express

Interactive holiday calendar marks 25th year of holiday classic

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced the 25th anniversary of award-winning children's book creator Chris Van Allsburg's classic book, The Polar Express. This first-person narrative of a magical Christmas Eve journey, richly illustrated with Van Allsburg's lush artwork, tells a heartwarming story of childhood faith that has become a cherished part of millions of families' holiday traditions.

To honor this landmark anniversary, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has created an interactive online Polar Express Activity Calendar, based on the book, to count down the 25 days until Christmas. The calendar's daily family-friendly delights include a recipe for Polar Chocolate Nougat Caramel Squares, reindeer craft instructions, online games and mazes and the chance to win holiday bells and signed books. A free Calendar widget, embeddable on blogs and websites, is also available at http://www.polarexpress.com/.

"We couldn't be more proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic picture book," said Betsy Groban, senior vice president and publisher of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group. "After all these years, I still get goose bumps every time I read it. Happy anniversary to The Polar Express and to its genius creator, Chris Van Allsburg."

The Company has also published an anniversary hardcover edition of The Polar Express that includes a letter from the author, companion CD with narration by actor Liam Neeson and a new keepsake ornament featuring Van Allsburg's first-ever full-length illustration of the story's Conductor.

In the quarter-century since The Polar Express was first published, this simple story of belief and hope has sold millions of copies worldwide, received a Caldecott Medal and been adapted into a feature film. Most important, it remains a steadfast reminder to readers young and old of the true magic of Christmas.

To view the Polar Express Activity Calendar, share family holiday traditions, and preview Van Allsburg's works, visit http://www.polarexpress.com/. For author information, visit http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/.

About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company is a global education leader and the world's largest publisher of educational materials for pre-K–12 schools. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of best-in-class educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards — based assessments for students and educators. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit http://www.hmhpub.com/. [END]

Full Meal Alchemist

I finished reading Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 21 (Fullmetal Alchemist (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Mean Joe Gets Clio... Finally!

Pittsburgh Steelers "Mean" Joe Greene won advertising's prestigious Clio Award for his famous toss-the-jersey-at-the-kid commercial, but he'd never received the trophy, until recently. Who had that damn trophy for three decades! - L

Press release from Business Wire:

Coca-Cola Presents Steelers Legend “Mean” Joe Greene with Overdue Accolade for Iconic Commercial

Greene Reunites with Co-Star from Classic 1979 Ad

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Mean” Joe Greene, star defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the team’s first four Super Bowl championships, was honored before the Steelers-Bengals game on Nov. 15 for some of his most celebrated work OFF the field.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the iconic “Mean Joe” TV ad for Coca-Cola, which featured the feared lineman limping down a tunnel to the locker room, followed closely by then-nine-year-old Tommy Okon, who offered a battered Greene his ice-cold bottle of Coca-Cola. As a gesture of thanks, Greene tossed his coveted jersey to the boy, who stood in amazement after encountering his hero.

For his role in the commercial, Greene earned the prestigious Clio award in 1980, recognizing creative excellence in advertising. However, he wasn’t available to accept the award at the time and never received the hardware during the ensuing 30 years. Coca-Cola recently secured the trophy and joined Steelers President Art Rooney II in presenting it to Greene in a special pre-game ceremony at Heinz Field. As part of the event, Greene and Okon, the former child actor who co-starred in the commercial, reunited for the first time in years.

“It was a special moment when we were able to finally present this Clio award to Joe,” said Bea Perez, senior vice president of integrated marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “His work in our 1979 commercial tugged at people’s heartstrings and created tremendous affection for both Joe and Coca-Cola. His accolades are well-deserved and long-overdue, and we’re proud to help get the award in the hands of its rightful owner.”

“The Coca-Cola commercial was a defining point in my life,” said Greene.

“Before, football fans knew who I was and talked about my performance on the field. Afterward, all of America seemed to know who I was and people still talk to me about it nearly every day. It was a great experience, and finally receiving the Clio is the icing on the cake.”

Since its original airing, the ad has been universally lauded. TV Guide named it one of the best commercials of all time, and it was listed among the most innovative, creative and effective commercials by the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Tens of thousands of people sent letters to The Coca-Cola Company in response to the ad, leading Coca-Cola to launch a promotion called “Win the Shirt Off My Back” which gave replica jerseys to fans by the thousands. Hollywood producers also capitalized on its popularity and developed a made-for-TV-movie called “The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid.” In it, Greene and his fictional football team adopt a nine-year-old boy who dreams of one day becoming quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In fact, the ad struck such a chord with fans in the United States, Coca-Cola repeated the concept with sports standouts in nations around the world, including Italy, Thailand, Argentina and Brazil. In January 2009, Coke Zero took a new twist on the beloved spot, creating an ad featuring current Steelers great Troy Polamalu which debuted during the Super Bowl.

“Mean” Joe Greene
Greene, who made up one quarter of the vaunted Steel Curtain in the 1970s, has six championship rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers – four as a player and two as a special assistant for player personnel. Following his Hall of Fame playing career, Greene spent 16 years as an assistant coach for the Steelers, Dolphins and Cardinals.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/. [END]