Sold Out "Black Dynamite" Comic Book Has Second Printing

BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND SOLD OUT!

San Diego, CA - Ape Entertainment announced today that a second printing of BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND will soon be on the way. The second printing, scheduled for an early May release, will give fans who missed the instant sell out debut of BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND a chance to check out what is soon to be the most talked about comic of the year. Please note that Copies of the first printing may still be available at your local retailer.

“We just want to thank all the fans of the book, old and new, for giving BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND a try” said David Hedgecock CEO of Ape Entertainment. Hedgecock went on to say “We know there are a lot of you who missed out on the first printing and we are moving as quickly as we can to make sure all of you who still need a copy will be able to get one with as little delay as possible.”

“Between the streets, Vietnam and the C.I.A., Black Dynamite thought he had seen it all. But nothing could have prepared him for his most dangerous mission yet! In BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND, the world’s greatest Blaxploitation sensation uses his fists of fury to shut down a secret island where The Man still plays by 1850’s rules!” Inspired by the 2009 feature film BLACK DYNAMITE, SLAVE ISLAND is based on a story by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns and Scott Sanders; written by Brian Ash (The Boondocks), with art by Jun Lofamia.

“We couldn't be happier with the response the book is getting,“ says author Brian Ash. “What's even more exciting is it’s just the tip of the iceberg for what's in store for the fans. The movie's cult following seems to be growing by the day and with the Animated Series coming to Adult Swim next year, we're looking forward to exploring this character in all his iterations.”

For more updates on Black Dynamite, visit www.blackdynamite.com or become a fan on Facebook.

For second printing pre-sales, visit: http://www.blackdynamitemovie.com/store/comics/black-dynamite-slave-island

For more information on Ape Comics, visit http://www.apecomics.com/.

Follow us online on twitter: twitter.com/apecomics.

Friend us on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/ape-entertainment.


About Ape Entertainment:
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E Erwin. Ape Entertainment is home to such popular titles as WHITE PICKET FENCES, LITTLE GREEN MEN, GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, and SCRATCH9 and is also the North American publisher for DreamWorks Animation’s KUNG FU PANDA and THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR; Classic Media’s RICHIE RICH and CASPER SCARE SCHOOL; and American Greetings’ STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE.

About Ars Nova:
Ars Nova is a New York-based production company specializing in multi-platform programming for film, television, web and live entertainment. Upcoming projects include: BLACK DYNAMITE: THE ANIMATED SERIES and a live-action adaptation of Rick Veitch’s BRAT PACK. http://www.arsnovaent.com/

"Black Dynamite" the Movie Screens to Promote Black Dynamite Comic Book

The Crest: Black Dynamite Screening

ASR Innertainment to host film screening of Black Dynamite to promote Black Dynamite Comic Book from Ape Entertainment

April 13, 2011: Released in 2009, Black Dynamite quickly became a cult smash and received a comic book treatment from Ars Nova and Ape Entertainment. Black Dynamite: Slave Island, everyone’s favorite Blaxploitation sensation will appear in a one-shot, bringing his Kung-Fu fighting skills in this sequential page as he shuts down the mysterious island where Black slavery still exists.

“Fans of the film will feel right at home with the comic,” states Ape Entertainment founder and co-publisher Brent E. Erwin. “It has all of the elements that made the movie a cultural phenomenon, and Black Dynamite himself is still as much of a bad dude on the page as he is on the screen.”

Black Dynamite was directed by Scott Sanders and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009. The film stars Michael Jai White as Black Dynamite, a Kung-Fu fighting, gun blasting ladies’ man willing to fight from the ghetto streets all the way to the White House in his efforts to take down “The Man”.

“Although written for film, Black Dynamite was always meant to move beyond the camera,” continues Sanders. “As a medium, comic books seemed like such a logical step in Black Dynamite’s development as a character, and what better way to start then having him bring down the infamous Slave Island.”

Black Dynamite: Slave Island is based on a story by Michael Jai White, Myron Minns and Scott Sanders. Written by Brian Ash with pencils by Jun Lofamia, the 48-page on shot hit stores in February 2011.

As part of ASR Innertainment’s The Crest: Movie Series, the company will be holding two screenings of Black Dynamite. The first screening will be at the Crossroads Theater 2590 Washington Street Denver, CO. on Friday, April 15, 2011, from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, film starting at 7:45pm sharp. A reception will precede the first screening with food and beverages, with sounds provided by DJ Cavem (http://www.djcavem.com/).

The second screening with be next door at Coffee at The Point 710 East 26th Avenue, from 10:00pm to 2:00am for a midnight screening of Black Dynamite. Sounds will be provided by The Girl Grabbers (www.facebook.com/girlgrabbers) from 10:30pm to 11:30pm. A closing reception will follow the second screening with food, beverages and promotional materials, including limited copies of the limited edition comic book, Black Dynamite: Slave Island, as well as Black Dynamite merchandise for purchase at booth screenings.

For More Information on ASR Innertainment, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/ASR-Innertainment/132894606761823?sk=wall

For More Information on Black Dynamite, visit http://www.blackdynamite.com/.

For More Information on Ape Entertainment, visit http://www.ape-entertainment/

For More Information on Ars Nova, visit http://www.arsnovaent.com/

Leroy Douresseaux Revews "BLACK DYNAMITE: Slave Island"

BLACK DYNAMITE

APE ENTERTAINMENT/ARS NOVA

WRITER: Brian Ash

STORY: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Scott Sanders
ARTIST/COVER: Jun Lofamia
COLORS: JM Ringuet
PREVIEW PIN-UP: Ed LaRoche and Dustin Evans (colors)
ADDITIONAL ART: Scott Fuselier and Brian Ash
46pp, Color, $5.95

The next great Black comic book character may be a character that originated in film. But this character’s first comic book appearance is so damn good that his cinematic origin in not a hindrance for his place in comic books. We need comic book super Negroes wherever we can get them. Let’s welcome Black Dynamite.

Black Dynamite was a 2009 independent feature film that was simultaneously a send-up of and homage to the Black exploitation (blaxploitation) films of the 1970s. The film starred Michael Jai White as the title character, Black Dynamite, a cross between Shaft and Marvel Comics’ Luke Cage, out to stop a plot to rob Black men of their manhood.

In fact, the film’s director, Scott Sanders, guides the film so smoothly that Black Dynamite also works as a straight action comedy. The script, written by Sanders, Michael Jai White and Byron Minns, even manages pointed political commentary and some rather subversive and occasionally racially charged humor.

Published by Ape Entertainment, Black Dynamite brings the character from the world of film to the world of comic books. Also known as Black Dynamite: Slave Island, the comic book is written by Brian Ash (from a story by the film’s screenwriters, Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, and Scott Sanders) and drawn by Jun Lofamia. Slave Island is also a direct sequel to the movie.

The story begins when Black Dynamite gets a call for help from a doctor friend of his, Alex Haley (seriously). From one of Haley’s patients, Black Dynamite learns about an impossible resort named Slave Island. There, the evil slave owner, Noah Hicks, runs a plantation as if it were a hellish Disney resort or bizarre bed and breakfast. There, slaves will wait on guests, and guests can watch slaves work in fields or get beaten with a whip. Black Dynamite is determined to burn the place down, but he can’t do it alone. Perhaps, the buxom lady Mandingo, Betty, will help him start a revolution.

If you liked Black Dynamite the movie, but don’t like the comic book after reading it, then, you just don’t like comic books, because this is one dynamite comic book. Slave Island has the exact same comical tone as the film, and the style, wit, and subversive humor of the comic book is a carbon copy of the film. I don’t know Brian Ash, but I do know that he has written one bad mutha f****ing comic book, and he has scripted a Black Dynamite tale that should make this character’s creators happy.

Meanwhile, artist Jun Lofamia has channeled 1970s Marvel. Lofamia’s cover for Slave Island recalls Luke Cage comic book covers, and his interiors recapture all the funky glory of Marvel’s “black” comic books like Black Panther and the various Blade comics. Lofamia’s storytelling is strong thanks to his compositional and design skills.

Black Dynamite: Slave Island is a one-shot, but hopefully there will be more.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux - support on Patreon.

You can read my review of the movie Black Dynamite here.

Law and Order SVU's Christopher Meloni at New York Comic-Con

Law & Order SVU Star To Sign At Ape Entertainment Booth

Christopher Meloni on hand at NY Comic Con to support upcoming comic

October 7th, 2010: Christopher Meloni, star of Law & Order: SVU, OZ, and the Harold and Kumar movies, will be signing limited edition posters of his upcoming comic book, AvaTom, at the Ape Entertainment booth (#2105) on Saturday October 9th from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Writer Jason M. Burns will also be on hand.

Due in 2011, AvaTom is a dark and edgy thriller about a young software developer who creates a lifelike avatar system, only to realize that the avatar he created has made the conscious (and deadly) decision to take over the developer’s life. The series is written by Burns and drawn by Ramon Espinoza.

For more information on Ape Entertainment, visit http://www.ape-entertainment.com/.

Scratch9 #3 Solicited

"Scratch9" #3 is now available for preorder through Diamond Distributors via your local comic book shop:

The solicitation copy:

(W) Rob M. Worley
(A) Jason T. Kruse

Scratch is deep in the heart of C.R.U.E.L. HQ and determined to rescue his pals Marco and Pollo. He'll need the theatricality of Beeslebohm, le bonne chance of D'Argent and with witchcraft of Writh to prevail. But what happens when Scratch's girl Penelope comes face-to-face with Dr. Schrodinger? (AUG10 0753)

And the first issue arrives in comic shops this month (JUN10 0739)!

"Freakshow" Preview at Comic-Con International

Ape Entertainment To Preview Freakshow at SDCC

Ape Entertainment announced today that it will provide attendees at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con with an advance look at FREAKSHOW, a new title co-created by David Server & Jackson Lanzing with art by rising star Joe Suitor (Spider-Man: Fear Itself, GI Joe: Helix).

The three-issue limited series follows the story of five mutated survivors after a devastating chemical explosion, which has left the world’s only superhero dead and his city trapped in a dangerous and mysterious quarantine. In the wake of the disaster, these five refugees must decide whether to use their powerful but defective new abilities to save the remains of the city or extract their revenge on those responsible.

“As readers, we’ve always gravitated towards the creatures and outsiders in comics, and this story comes from wanting to deconstruct those archetypes,” says Server. “When you’re born out of the most nightmarish origin you can imagine, where does that leave you? If your identity is ripped away and you’re left a monster, what might anyone be capable of?”

“While we're playing with the iconography of superheroes, our characters aren't traditionally ‘super-heroic,’” adds Lanzing. “They're freaks, survivors of literally apocalyptic trauma. What we're trying to do is let the reader into the mind of these damaged characters and challenge their expectations. FREAKSHOW is about finding heroism in yourself, even when it seems like there's nothing left to save.”

Though the series won’t arrive in stores until early 2011, advance copies of FREAKSHOW #1 will be available for purchase at the Ape Entertainment booth (#2104) on the convention floor. The issue features a cover by Suitor, as well as a special variant cover by comic industry legend Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys).

For up-to-date information on Freakshow, please visit http://www.freakshowcomic.com/

For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://www.apecomics.com/


Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E Erwin. Home to such popular titles as GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, SUPERHUMAN RESOURCES, BLACK COAT, ATHENA VOLTAIRE, and THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS, it is also the North American publisher for Dreamworks Animation licensed properties SHREK and THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR.

Scratch9 to Debut at Comic-Con International

Press release:

All-New Young Readers Comic SCRATCH9 To Debut at Comic-Con

Nine out of Nine Cats Approve of Ape Entertainment/KiZoic title!

Ape Entertainment and KiZoic announced today that the all-new young readers title SCRATCH9 will enjoy an early debut at Comic-Con International in San Diego this week.

Created by writer Rob M. Worley and illustrated by Harvey Award nominee Jason T. Kruse, SCRATCH9 is a four-issue series which features the adventures of a rascally house cat who gains the ability to summon any of his nine lives to his side to aid him in his adventures.

Issue #1 arrives in comic shops this August, but fans who stop by the KiZoic booth (#1703) at the convention will be able to pick up an advance copy of the fun-filled new title, complete with a cover by superstar artist Mike Kunkel.

"SCRATCH9 has been a dream project of mine for so many years. We've gotten such a positive response to the previews and I'm so excited that people will actually be able to see the completed first issue for the first time at Comic-Con," Worley said.

Here's what people are already saying about SCRATCH9:

"An adventure for all ages, Scratch9 is what we need more of in comics." -- Jimmy Palmiotti, writer of Supergirl and Power Girl.

"Scratch9 is a book to get behind not only for its lovable nature but also for its wit and upbeat attitude." -- Avril Brown, Comics Waiting Room

"The art is lively, the characters have a lot of personality, and this looks like it will be a really fun series" - Brigid Alverson, Robot 6 at Comic Book Resources

"Scratch9 Rocks!" -- Art Baltazar, writer and artist of Tiny Titans

"Adult readers will enjoy a level of sophistication that kids won’t realize exists. Kruse’s animation-style art is playful and sweet." -- Karen O’Brien, Comics Buyer’s Guide

"Scratch9 is a perfect 'read-together' comic for both child and parent." -- Eric Anderson, The PullBox.com


Convention Activities:
Worley and Kruse will be signing copies of issue #1 at the KiZoic booth (#1703) on Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:15pm. Kruse will also be signing at the booth on Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The creative team is also conducting a "How To" panel on Saturday at 4:30pm in Room 18

Finally, the New Children's Museum of San Diego is hosting a week-long exhibit of artwork from Ape Entertainment's KiZoic titles, including original art from Scratch9. The museum is located at 200 West Island Avenue, just a few blocks from the convention center and the exhibit is free to anyone carrying a comic-con pass.

Interested readers who can't make it out to this year's Comic-Con are encouraged to ask their local comics retailer to make sure they have copies of the book in August. The Diamond Distribution ordering code is JUN10 0739 (for issue #1) and JUL10 0753 (for issue #2).

For up-to-date information on Scratch9, please visit http://www.scratch9.com/

For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://www.apecomics.com/

Scratch9 Gets New Look

Scratch9 Gets A Wondrous New Look For the 21st Century!

Ape Entertainment and comics creator Rob M. Worley announced today that Scratch, the lead character in the soon-to-be-top-selling-someday comic SCRATCH9 is about to undergo one of the most dramatic changes in his yet-to-be-started publication history.

"When he makes his debut in August, Scratch will be pretty much wearing the same outfit for four full issues," Worley said. "Which is to say, he's completely clothing-free throughout. I mean, he's a cat, so he's kind of resistant to putting on clothes."

Worley continued, "The publishers and I talked it over. Scratch is going to be participating in adventures and antics and tomfoolery --"

"Don't forget hijinks," series artist Jason T. Kruse added.

"Right. Hijinks too," confirmed the writer. "With all that going on we've decided that, after the upcoming mini-series, Scratch will need a wondrous new costume for the 21st century."

The result is a new look designed to be taken seriously as a warrior cat and in partial to answer many cat fans who wonder how he can adventure about with his furry bum showing.

"Besides what cat goes without clothing for his entire career?" Worley asked hypothetically.

"Most of them, actually," Kruse offered.

"So a new costume it is then!" Worley proclaimed.

Scratch's new costume is very versatile. He can open the jacket up for hijinks, or close it up to pass unnoticed as a cat in woman's clothing. The look incorporates the classic design -- he's still completely nude underneath – while adding a tough, elegant, street-fighter look.

"Nothing says street-fighter to me more than a cat wearing a tiara," exclaimed Kruse.

While modeling the new costume Scratch, the star of the book, seemed at a loss for words and simply lay on the ground moaning piteously.

Accompanying the new look is a SCRATCH9 continuity fix. After four issues things are bound to get a bit confusing for fans. Unchecked cat stories can breed out of control. In fact, the growth in the population of cat stories will rapidly outpace the number of good homes for them.

"Fixing SCRATCH9 is the responsible thing to do," said Worley.

The first issue of SCRATCH9 arrives in comic shops this August! (#JUN10 0739, #JUL10 0753)
For information on spaying and neutering, please visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/

For up-to-date information on Scratch9, please visit http://scratch9.com/

For the latest on Ape Entertainment’s KiZoic line, please visit http://kizoic.com/

For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://apecomics.com/


About Scratch9
Scratch9 is a four-issue comic book series for young readers featuring a cat who gains the ability to summon any of his 9 lives to aid him in his adventures. Created by Rob M. Worley, with artwork by Jason T. Kruse and covers by Mike Kunkel, the comic is published by Ape Entertainment under their KiZoic imprint. The first issue debuts in August!

About Ape Entertainment
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of comics devotees David Hedgecock and Brent Erwin and is home to such popular titles as, GO-GO GORILLA AND THE JUNGLE CREW, SUPER HUMAN RESOURCES, BLACK COAT, ATHENA VOLTAIRE, SULLENGREY and THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS. Ape Entertainment is devoted to the production of high-quality original graphic novels, comic books, and illustrated fiction.

Robin Zander of Cheap Trick at Comic-Con International

Cheap Trick Frontman To Sign At Ape Entertainment Booth

Robin Zander on hand at SDCC to support new graphic novel

Robin Zander, lead singer of the seminal American rock band Cheap Trick, will be signing copies of his original graphic novel, The High Priest of Rhythmic Noise, at the Ape Entertainment booth (#2103-05) on Thursday July 22nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Premiering at Comic-Con, The High Priest of Rhythmic Noise follows Sam, a pirate radio DJ who lives in the near future where one company runs the entire entertainment industry. Being without a proper license, he is arrested and thrown in jail only to escape and discover that there is more to this company than meets the eye, including the Dream Police, whom he must battle in a last stand of epic proportions.

Formed in 1974, Cheap Trick’s career has spanned more than three decades and countless hit songs, including “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police,” and “The Flame.” Their latest album, Latest, was released in 2009.

For more information on Ape Entertainment, visit http://www.ape-entertainment.com/.

"Scratch9" #2 Now Available for Preorder

Scratch9 #2
(W) Rob M. Worley
(A) Jason T. Kruse

Scratch has escaped Dr. Schrodinger but his friends are still in the clutches of the C.R.U.E.L. Corporation. Can even his past incarnations as Bektah (the Pharaoh's cat) and Ichirou (the Shaolin cat) save them? And what's this? Not all his other lives are from the past! New paw-sibilities this issue! (JUL10 0753)

Celebrity Zombie Killers Arrives in March

Press release from Invisible Hand/APE Entertainment:

CELEBRITY ZOMBIE KILLERS (CZK) – March 31st 2010 (DCD Item # JAN100715)

The clueless young celebrities that rule Hollywood have a new adversary in town—ravenous cannibal zombies!!! Can our self-absorbed, dumbass celebutants dig down deep enough to emerge as heroes or will the zombies win out?!?! Acclaimed Film & TV writer Rick Copp (TV’s TEEN TITANS and THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE) has created a twisted and hilarious mash-up of genres that will have readers scared and laughing at the same time. This is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for today’s young adults.

A mysterious virus has turned everyone in Los Angeles into ravenous zombies, except one group of young celebrities who barely stop partying long enough to notice. Baby Love, a washed-up pop princess and Julio, a disgruntled bodyguard to nefarious playboy Leather Bear, must join together to lead a motley group of celebutants to safety. Not only will this hot twosome battle the undead, but they’ll also battle their feelings for each other.

You might think celebutants are brainless, but the brain loving zombies in Celebrity Zombie Killers don’t! Rounding out the team are reality show frenemies Petite and Paprika, twin phenoms Merlot and Chablis, R & B crooner, Jivin’ and tween mega star Gavin. Can our glamorous rich and famous crew get it together or will the zombies win out? Everyone knows Hollywood’s a dog-eat-dog town, but this ridiculous.

Fanboy fave, artist Sanford Green (WONDER GIRL, MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDERMAN), brings these hip contemporary characters to life with his fluid style. [END]

Ape Entertainment to Publish "Scrach9" Next Summer

Press release from Ape Entertainment:

Ape Entertainment today announced plans to publish the all-new young readers comic book miniseries Scratch9, in the summer of 2010 as part of its newly-unveiled KiZoic imprint.

Created by writer Rob M. Worley, Scratch9 features the adventures of a rascally house cat who gains the ability to summon any of his eight other lives to his side to aid him in his adventures.

"I've seen what today's cats are reading and frankly I'm concerned. They're all walking around saying, 'LOL,' and, 'I can has cheezburger,' when they don't even know how to spell 'cheeseburger,'" said Worley, author of the critically-acclaimed junior novel Heir to Fire. "It's about time we put forth a positive role model for cats. That's what we're doing with Scratch9."

Illustrating the book is Harvey Award nominee Jason T. Kruse, creator of the graphic novel series The World of Quest which has gone on to become a cartoon airing on CW4Kids, Teletoon and Cartoon Network UK.

The four-issue series features covers by Eisner-winning artist Mike Kunkel, creator of Herobear & the Kid and artist on DC Comics' Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam!

"The second that co-publisher Brent Erwin and I saw 'Scratch9,' we knew it was a hit in the making," said Ape Entertainment Co-Publisher David Hedgecock. "Perfect premise matched by an outstanding creative team. We can't wait to get this into the hands of young readers!"

The book is the second announced offering in Ape Entertainment's KiZoic line, following Mecha-Nation. KiZoic specializes in content aimed primarily at young readers.

"I couldn't be more excited to be doing this book with Ape. They've been doing kids comics since day one and I knew Scratch9 would fit right in," Worley said. "And there are some huge things coming from KiZoic. My little cat is going to be keeping some amazing company there."

Current plans are to solicit Scratch9 in the Diamond Previews catalog early next year with the book arriving in comic shops in the summer.

For up-to-date information on Scratch9 please visit http://scratch9.com
For the latest on Ape Entertainment's KiZoic line, please visit http://kizoic.com
For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://apecomics.com [END]

Ape Entertainmet to Publish "A Second Chance at Sarah"

From Ape Entertaiment:

About A Second Chance at Sarah:
Solicitations information:
A newborn son, a dying wife, and an arcane talisman, that’s what Johnny stares at when he considers the demon’s deal – Johnny’s soul in exchange for a chance to save his wife (whose soul has just been collected.) Johnny nods and instantly, he’s a teenager again, a child of the 90’s, and now he must relive a day from his youth. Johnny has the next twenty-four hours to befriend his future wife, uncover her secret past, and stop her from selling her soul to the demon.

As Johnny gets pulled into his wife’s hidden history, he starts questioning whether he can, or even should, put a stop to her supernatural deal.

From writer Neil Druckmann (co-writer of the award winning videogames: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves) and acclaimed digital painter Joysuke Wong comes this gripping supernatural adventure about love, loss, and time-travel.

Written by: Neil Druckmann
Art by: Joysuke Wong
Cover : Joysuke Wong
Duration: OGN
Page Count: 94 Pages
Price: $12.95
Publisher: Ape Entertainment [END]

Jay Fosgitt to Unleash "Dead Duck"

I received this press release:

GRAPHIC NOVEL “DEAD DUCK” DELIVERS DARK, SEXY FUN

Book Is First From Cartoonist Jay Fosgitt

Stop thinking of death as an abstract concept. Death isn’t an idea. He’s a living, breathing dude. Well, maybe not living. More like un-living …

Graphic novel “Dead Duck” chronicles the story of an undead duck of mysterious origin who, with the help of his sidekick, Zombie Chick, delivers the recently deceased to his boss, Death. “Dead Duck” is the first graphic novel from cartoonist Jay Fosgitt, published by San Diego-based publisher Ape Entertainment.

Dead Duck’s task of retrieving the dead is not an easy one. The “pick-ups” — grumpy deities, malevolent ghosts and mythological characters — do not always come along quietly. That’s why Dead Duck is paired up with Zombie Chick, who serves as Dead Duck’s sexy bodyguard, personal assistant and all-around girl Friday. Unfortunately forDead Duck, Zombie Chick’s heart is bigger than her brain, and she frequently gets him into almost as many scrapes as she gets him out. Troubles also unfold when the duo’s work implicates deaths of historical significance.

“With ‘Dead Duck’ I want to make people laugh, and to laugh at death in any situation is a powerful thing,” Fosgitt said. “I wanted to create a book that covered the wide gamut of my interests: horror movies, folklore, pop culture, sexy girls, and the list just goes on.” Fans of comics such as “Hellboy” by Mike Mignola, “Groo the Wanderer,” by Sergio Aragonés and “Flaming Carrot” by Bob Burden will enjoy the dark, surreal and humorous episodes of “Dead Duck.”
The graphic novel has earned the praise of cartoonists such as Dave Coverly, creator of the syndicated comic “Speed Bump” and recipient of the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year for 2009. “What makes ‘Dead Duck’ great — and what sets it apart — is that it’s a joy to read. Not just look at (anddrool), but really read,” Coverly said. “It’s dark, and it’s goofy, and it’s consistent, but most of all, it’s witty.”

“Dead Duck” is more than a comic to Fosgitt — it’s the realization of a childhood dream. Fosgitt has invested 20 years creating the novel’s characters and concept. But Fosgitt did not seriously consider publishing “Dead Duck” until a chance meeting with famed “Mad Magazine” cartoonist Aragonés. “Sergio immediately identified with my characters and fell in love with Zombie Chick,” Fosgitt said. “His encouragement and appreciation of my ‘Dead Duck’ characters is what pushed me to seek out a publisher.” Soon after Fosgitt hooked up with Ape Entertainment and found a home for his creation, which he dedicated three years to writing, illustrating, coloring and packaging.

The graphic novel features a foreword from actor Doug Jones, who played the characters Abe Sapien in the “Hellboy” films and Faun and Pale Man in “Pan’s Labyrinth.” “Jay’s sarcastic, puns-a-plenty, hilarious writing style and colorfully whimsical artwork has created characters that make me chuckle a lot,” Jones said.

“Dead Duck” will be available for sale on Nov. 25 in comic book shops and bookstores. Pre-orders are available in Previews Magazine (order number: sept090577) during September. In December, the book will be available for sale on http://www.amazon.com/ and Ape Entertainment’s Web site, http://www.ape-entertainment.com/.

“‘Dead Duck’ is hip, quirky, sexy, creepy, pop referential and, above all, funny,” Fosgitt said. “This isn’t a book for your kids. This is a book for you.”

INFORMATION SHEET FOR “DEAD DUCK” AND JAY FOSGITT

WHAT IS “DEAD DUCK?”“Dead Duck” is the first graphic novel from cartoonist Jay Fosgitt. “Dead Duck” chronicles the story of an undead duck of mysterious origin who, with the help of his sidekick, Zombie Chick, delivers the recently deceased to his boss, Death.

WHO IS JAY FOSGITT?Jay Fosgitt is the creator of “Dead Duck,” published by Ape Entertainment. Fosgitt is a member of the National Cartoonists Society. He lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. with his wife, Laura.

WHAT IS APE ENTERTAINMENT?Ape Entertainment is the publisher of “Dead Duck” and other graphic novels such as “Teddy Scares.” Ape Entertainment is based in San Diego.

WHERE AND WHEN WILL DEAD DUCK BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE?“Dead Duck” will be available for sale on Nov. 25 in comic book shops and bookstores. Pre-orders are available in Previews Magazine (order number: sept090577) during September. In December, the book will be available for sale on http://www.amazon.com/ and Ape Entertainment’s Web site, http://www.ape-entertainment.com/.

HOW MUCH DOES “DEAD DUCK” COST?The cover price for “Dead Duck” is $12.95.

HOW MANY PAGES IS “DEAD DUCK”?“Dead Duck” is 148 pages.

WHERE CAN YOU GET A SNEAK PEEK OF “DEAD DUCK?”You may view select pages of “Dead Duck” at www.apeprinting.com/preview/DEAD_DUCK_PREVIEW.pdf
MAY YOU USE SELECTED ART FROM “DEAD DUCK” FOR YOUR PUBLICATION OR WEB SITE?Yes. Jay Fosgitt is the sole copyright holder of “Dead Duck.”

PRAISE FOR “DEAD DUCK” AND JAY FOSGITT

“So, right, ‘Dead Duck’ is beautifully rendered and all that. I mean, it’s I’m-throwing-my-own-pencils-in-the-trash because- I-can’t-compete kind of beautifully rendered. But that doesn’t need to be said because it goes without saying. What makes ‘Dead Duck’ great — and what sets it apart — is that it’s a joy to read. Not just look at (and drool), but really read. It’s dark, and it’s goofy, and it’s consistent, but most of all, it’s witty. Fresh witty, too, not tired and ‘clever.’ It reads as though it’s written by someone who’s having an immensely good time writing it, which is why I had an immensely good time reading it. And I have a lot of time to read, now that my pencils are in the trash — so keep ’em coming, Fosgitt, keep ’em coming ....” — Dave Coverly, creator of the syndicated comic “Speed Bump” and recipient of the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year for 2009.

“With ‘Dead Duck,’ Jay has created a world of funny, where ‘Death’ is a personality which has turned people’s passing into a huge corporate industry needing its own city. ... Rigormortitropolis is to death what Detroit is to cars. Jay’s sarcastic, puns-a-plenty, hilarious writing style and colorfully whimsical artwork has created characters thatmake me chuckle a lot.” — Doug Jones, actor who played the characters Abe Sapien in the Hellboy films and Faun and Pale Man in “Pan’s Labyrinth.”

“Jay has a remarkable sense of humor, blending together the sensibilities of the Muppets, the Marx Bros, Monty Python and Benny Hill. ‘Dead Duck’ is a wringing out of his sponge-like mind for pop-culture, both past and present, with an aim to poke as much fun at it as possible.” — David Petersen, creator of The New York Times Best Sellers list graphic novel “Mouseguard.”

“Jay Fosgitt is one of the most talented cartoonists I’ve come across in a long time. His unique take on the medium is a real treat for the eyes and ‘Dead Duck’ a real treat for the funny bone. You’d be a fool to miss out on such a great mix of art and humor, a fool I tells ya’!” – Katie Cook, professional cartoonist and http://www.starwars.com/ Web-comic artist.

Information on Sullengrey: Sacrifice #1

Received this press release:
About Sullengrey: Sacrifice #1:

Issue #1 Solicitations information:

The gory and critically-acclaimed coming of age zombie tale continues! Salam Jones comes home to find her boyfriend eviscerated, and a little girl trying to find her missing dog are the only keys to the nightmare lurking under her roof! Also, the promoter of the spookiest club in Autumn's Grove learns that living in a town that ignores it's fears is always a dangerous proposition!

Written by: Jocelyn Gajeway
Art by: Drew Rausch (penciler), Chandra Free (colorist); Cover A: Drew Rausch & Drew Berry; Duration: 2 issue mini-series. Page Count: 64 Pages; Price: $4.95 per issue; Publisher: Ape Entertainment; Previews Order Code: JUL09 0664

Drew Rausch’s Artist Credits: The Dark Goodbye (published by Tokyopop); The Haunted Mansion (published by Slave Labor Graphics); Cthulhu Tales and Zombie Tales (published by Boom! Studios)

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