Saturday, July 31, 2010

Two Bluewater Titles to Become Radio Programs

Press release:

COLONIAL RADIO THEATRE TO PRODUCE “LOGAN'S RUN - LAST DAY” & “VINCENT PRICE PRESENTS” RADIO PROGRAMS

Colonial Radio Theater on the Air announced today that they have entered into an agreement with the comic book publishers Bluewater Productions to produce “Logan's Run - Last Day”. Based on the the comic books from the novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, and a screenplay by Paul J. Salamoff. CRT'S audio play will bring this incredible story to life with a full cast, full music score, and thousands of sound effects. “We're very excited to have this opportunity to do 'Logan's Run' the way it should have been done - as the author originally envisioned it,” said producer Mark Vander Berg.

Also slated is Bluewater's cult comic book anthology series “Vincent Price Presents”. One of classic Hollywood's most famous scary men, Vincent Price made a name for himself in classic mysteries and thrillers throughout the 1940's, 50's and 60's. Now Vincent Price Presents comes to Bluewater Productions as their 1st ongoing monthly series. The series will feature some of Prices's films as well as developing new frightening ones with his estate.

Explained producer Jerry Robbins: “Audio drama is very close to what the author intended. When reading a book, people have a certain image of the characters, the setting, the action. When it's made into a movie it's all shattered because it doesn't look like what's in their mind. The good thing about audio is that it looks just like you pictured it. Your vision is perfectly intact. This is the Theatre of the Mind - you supply the vision, we supply the sound.”

Celebrating it's 15th year, the award winning Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air's goal is to resurrect an old medium - making it modern and relevant - in a new and unique way for people to enjoy. With people's busy schedules keeping them on the road and limiting their time to read, “This is the future,” said Vander Berg, “audio drama is the next wave.”

The production of “Logan's Run” continues an increasingly strong science fiction addition into CRT's lineup of historical dramas, classic literature, fairy tales, and westerns with upcoming releases by both Ray Bradbury and Walter Koenig. Unlike video, when audio is digitally recorded now as CRT does it - with the best talent in the industry - it will never become dated by passing fashion and film techniques.

”Logan's Run - Last Day” depicts an ageist future society in which both the population and resources are maintained by requiring the death of everyone reaching a particular age. The story follows Logan, a man charged with tracking down and killing citizens who "run" from society's lethal demand - only to end up "running" himself.

“Logan's Run - Last Day” is expected to be released in early 2011 on Sirius/XM Radio, by download on the internet, and on Brilliance Audio CD available at retail outlets. “Vincent Price Presents” will be released in October 2010.

More information can be obtained by visiting http://www.colonialradio.com/


About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

For more information, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/.

VIZ Media Offers Summer of Diversity

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW SUMMER MANGA SERIES TO DELIGHT FANS OF ALL INTERESTS

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has provided details regarding the launch of brand new manga series set for release this summer. The series will tantalize the most discriminating manga tastes and features romantic dramas, fantasy driven action, the trials of aspiring manga creators, and a tasty slice of life story set in a romantic bistro in Rome.

Bakuman。· Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN · Available August 3rd

By the creative team that brought you DEATH NOTE! Average student Moritaka Mashiro enjoys drawing for fun. When his classmate and aspiring writer Akito Takagi discovers his talent, he begs Moritaka to team up with him as a manga-creating duo. But what exactly does it take to make it in the manga-publishing world?

DENGEKI DAISY · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN · Available Now

After orphan Teru Kurebayashi loses her beloved older brother, she finds solace in the text messages she exchanges with DAISY, an enigmatic figure who can only be reached through the cell phone her brother left behind. Meanwhile, mysterious Tasuku Kurosaki always seems to be around whenever Teru needs help. Could DAISY be a lot closer than Teru thinks?

GENTE · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $12.99 US / $16.99 CAN · Available August 17th

Buona sera! Welcome to Casetta dell'Orso, a quaint little restaurant in the heart of Rome. The food's delicious, but the handsome staff of bespectacled gentlemen is the real draw. Follow these dashing men home and witness their romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams in this delightfully whimsical continuation of Natsume Ono's beloved Ristorante Paradiso.

HYDE & CLOSER · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN · Available Now

Shunpei Closer is your average... well, slightly below average kid in junior high who finds himself in the middle of a great battle of dark sorcery. With cursed dolls coming after him one after another, Shunpei's life is in constant danger! If that weren't enough, Hyde, the teddy bear given to him by his grandfather, suddenly comes alive to rescue him. Hyde was a gift from Shunpei's grandfather, Alsyd Closer, who was the King of Sorcerers. After a mysterious attack, Shunpei also learns that he is the target of sorcerers all over the world. With Hyde as his main protector and teacher, Shunpei must learn how to gain confidence in himself and use the magic that he has inherited to battle the dark forces that now threaten him.

Seiho boys’ high school! · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN · Available August 3rd

Remote, lonely and surrounded by the ocean… This isn't Alcatraz we're talking about--it's Seiho Boys' High School, where the student body is rife with sexually frustrated hunks! How can these young men get girlfriends when they're stuck in the middle of nowhere? These are the stories of the students of Seiho High and the trouble they get into as they awkwardly pursue all girls who cross their paths.

For more information on Bakuman。and other Shonen Jump titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.shonenjump.com/.

For more information on DENGEKI DAISY, SEIHO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL, and other Shojo Beat titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.shojobeat.com/.

For more information on HYDE & CLOSER and other Shonen Sunday titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.shonensunday.com/.


Alex Ross to Cover Archaia's New "Days Missing" Series

FIVE SUPERSTAR COVER ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR ARCHAIA AND RODDENBERRY’S ‘DAYS MISSING: KESTUS’

ALEX ROSS, DALE KEOWN AND DAVID MACK AMONG THE ARTISTS ILLUSRATING THE COVERS TO THE SECONG VOLUME OF THIS HIT MINISERIES

At the Archaia: Black Label panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Archaia Entertainment and Roddenberry Productions proudly announced the all-star lineup of cover artists contributing to the second volume of the critically acclaimed comic book series DAYS MISSING.

A different artist will illustrate each of the five upcoming covers of Days Missing: Kestus, which launches in September. As previously announced, Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, Astro City) will be creating the cover for issue #1. Jorge Molina (Marvel Superhero Team-Up, What Is? Spiderman: House of M) will design the cover of issue #2, and Ryan Benjamin (Grifter/Midnighter, New Mutants) will lend his talents to the cover of issue #3. David Mack (Daredevil, Atomika) has signed on to draw issue #4’s cover, and Dale Keown (The Darkness, Pitt), who illustrated all of the covers for Days Missing volume 1, will return to illustrate the cover to issue #5.

“Each talented cover artist brings his own perspective of The Steward and Kestus to the series, which creates a richer, deeper understanding of these multi-layered characters,” said Roddenberry Productions Head of Development Trevor Roth.

Artist David Marquez (Syndrome: The Graphic Novel) will illustrate the pages of all five issues of the continuing epic, which fan-favorite and Eisner Award-nominated author Phil Hester (Firebreather, The Darkness, Green Arrow) will write.

Days Missing: Kestus continues the tale of The Steward, a mysterious being who has the ability to literally “fold” days of time, secretly removing critical days from history. At the end of the first series, hints were dropped that The Steward was not alone in his powers. The second series will focus on his relationship with a new being, Kestus, as well as more days for him to “fold.”

Hester and Marquez joined Archaia’s SDCC panel along with Roddenberry Productions’ CEO Rod Roddenberry. Fans were treated to a limited run, complimentary preview book written by Creator Trevor Roth and drawn by David Marquez.

“Archaia and Roddenberry Productions have assembled five of the best cover artists in the industry today to lend their talents to this exciting franchise,” said Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy. “It just goes to show that Days Missing is one of the best science-fiction comics out there, and this new set of issues will not only just add to its popularity, but bring in new fans!”

Days Missing: Kestus will be published under Archaia’s new Black Label line of titles, which specializes in co-developing intellectual properties with prestigious partners who are seeking to flesh out and realize their original ideas through the use of Archaia’s resources.

Issue #1 of Days Missing Vol. 2: Kestus (five-issue miniseries, full color, $3.95, 32 pages, Diamond Order Code JUL10 0764) is set to debut in September wherever comic books are sold.

Future updates on the series, including preview images and other behind-the-scenes material, can be found at http://www.daysmissing.com/.


About Archaia Entertainment
Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. Archaia is: An Elegy for Amelia Johnson, Artesia, Awakening, Beautiful Scars, Berona’s War, The Black Knight, Critical Millennium, Cyclops, The Dark Crystal, Dark Fall, Days Missing, The Devil’s Handshake, The Engineer, Everlast, Feeding Ground, Fraggle Rock, God Machine, The Grave Doug Freshley, Gunnerkrigg Court, Hybrid Bastards!, Inanna’s Tears, The Killer, Killing Pickman, Labyrinth, The Lone and Level Sands, Lucid, Miranda Mercury, Moon Lake, Mouse Guard, Mr. Murder Is Dead, Okko, One in a Million, Primordia, Return of the Dapper Men, Robotika, Saga, The Secret History, Some New Kind of Slaughter, Starkweather: Immortal, Syndrome, Titanium Rain, Trial By Fire, Tumor and 10 more new titles in 2010.

For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com or the Archaia Facebook page at facebook.com/archaiacomics. Follow Archaia on Twitter at twitter.com/archaiacomics.

About Roddenberry Productions
Roddenberry Productions is a science-fiction leader with a tradition of groundbreaking entertainment and quality merchandise. Originally founded in 1967 by Gene Roddenberry, the company has since led a steady stable of science fiction successes including Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and, most notably, the Star Trek brand. Roddenberry Productions continues to produce entertainment for all audiences, employing a viewer-centric creative process and resulting in insightful visions of humanity. Its merchandising business is based on quality and authenticity providing memorabilia for fans in today’s new multimedia generation. Roddenberry Productions has set itself apart by creating content that surpasses mere entertainment; it acknowledges the intelligence of audiences by challenging them to think, question and explore the world, and those potentially beyond.

For more information on Roddenberry Productions please visit www.Roddenberry.com. Roddenberry Productions can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/roddenberrycom) and Twitter (twitter.com/roddenberry).


Free Lunch Comics Announces Latest Graphic Novel

Independent comics publisher Free Lunch Comics is proud to announce their latest graphic novel, Sky Pirates of Valendor: Volume 1!

Sky Pirates of Valendor: Volume 1 available for pre-order through Diamond Distribution. The 148 page graphic novel appears on page 284 of the August Previews Catalog and carries the order number: AUG101028 SKY PIRATES VALENDOR GN.

Sky Pirates of Valendor recounts the debut adventure of Pirate Captain Tobin Manheim and the rest of the crew of the Rogue's Revenge. Set in the fantasy world of Valendor where giant continents float on oceans of sky! A mix of steampunk and high fantasy where magic co-exists with futuristic technology, Valendor is a fully realized world, with complex social structures, a guild-driven economic system, and a host of political intrigue.

Sky Pirates is the brainchild of Everett Soares, the award winning author of several stories appearing in Comicbook Artists Guild's publications. He has won the Best Writer Award in CAG for the last two years. Sky Pirates debuted in and placed as the runner up in the 2007 Edition of Small Press Idol, a talent competition for independent comics projects run by Ian Shires. Shortly after the competition, Sky Pirates secured a publishing deal with Free Lunch Comics.

Penciller Brian Brinlee illustrated the epic story. Soares and Brinlee have collaborated for years on Sky Pirates of Valendor and other projects. The inking team consists of Michael W. Kellar, Alex Rivera and Keith Murphey. New York City based illustrator James Rodriguez provided the cover art for the graphic novel.

Free Lunch Comics has been publishing since 1998 and features several titles in addition to Sky Pirates, including: Bigger, Only in Whispers, Pork 'N Beans, Beyond the Kuiper Belt, The Original Nutty Funsters, Cookie Bear and the Good Girl Art of Norman Katz.

To celebrate the inclusion of Sky Pirates of Valendor in the Previews Catalog, the various creators of the book will be appearing at comic stores throughout New York and New England. A partial list follows:

July 28, 2010 Friendly Neighborhood Comics, Bellingham, MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
July 31, 2010 Harrison’s Comics, Salem MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 4, 2010 Most Excellent Collectibles, Enfield CT with Free Lunch Comics President Matt C. Ryan
August 7, 2010 Casablanca Comics, Portland, ME featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 8, 2010 Double Midnight, Manchester, NH featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 14, 2010 Comic Monstore, Salisbury NC with Michael W. Kellar, contributing Inker
August 14, 2010 That's Entertainment, Worcester MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 21, 2010 New England Comics, Brockton MA featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 22, 2010 Modern Myths, Northampton MA with Keith Murphey, contributing Inker and Art Director
August 22, 2010 Alternate Universe, Milford CT featuring Creator Everett Soares
August 28, 2010 Jetpack Comics, Rochester NH featuring Creator Everett Soares

More dates and locations to be announced

Once again, the order code is AUG101028 SKY PIRATES VALENDOR GN. Use this number to pre-order your copy of the book through your local comic store. Use http://www.comicstorelocator.com/ to find the store nearest you!

Slam Dunk Even a Fluke

I read Slam Dunk, Vol. 11

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has apps for the iPhone and Palm smart phones and they're FREE!).


Friday, July 30, 2010

Top Cow in da House at Baltimore Comic-Con

Top Cow Brings Top Talent to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con!

Top Cow Productions is excited to be returning to the Baltimore Comic-Con in 2010 for its 11th annual show. A recurring exhibitor at the annual comic book event, the premiere publisher will be bringing some of their star writers and artists, as well as an exciting show exclusive.

Stop by the Top Cow booth to meet Angelus, Artifacts, Magdalena, Velocity, and Witchblade writer Ron Marz, Artifacts and The Darkness artist Michael Broussard, Velocity and Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer artist Kenneth Rocafort, and upcoming Pilot Season: The Asset writer and Top Cow Productions Publisher Filip Sablik.

"Baltimore Comic-Con is my hometown show and one of my personal favorites to exhibit at each year," stated Top Cow Productions publisher Filip Sablik. "This year, we're thrilled to be coming back to Baltimore with the Artifacts team of Ron Marz and Michael Broussard as well as artist of Velocity, Kenneth Rocafort. The Baltimore fans know how to treat creators right and so these guys were all too eager to make a return appearance!"

Top Cow will also be offering an exclusive Velocity #1 variant by Michael Broussard with interiors by Kenneth Rocafort at the show as well.

In addition to Top Cow Productions, publishers exhibiting in 2010 include Archaia Comics, Adhouse Books Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image Comics, and Top Shelf Comix.

Our guests include: Dave Aikins (SpongeBob Squarepants), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis: The Imposters), Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers: Luke Cage), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Sean Chen (Nova), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Mike Choi (X-Force), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Dan DiDio - Sunday only (The Outsiders, Co-Publisher, DC Comics), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet: Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Ron Garney (Wolverine: Weapon X), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602: Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer), Geoff Johns - Sunday only (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Norman Lee (New Mutants), Steve Lieber (Underground), Joe Linsner (Dawn: Not To Touch The Earth), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Clay Mann (X-Men Legacy), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Todd McFarlane - Saturday only (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Pop Mhan (Ender's Game: Mazer In Prison), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Sean Murphy (Joe the Barbarian), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Avengers: The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Eric Powell (The Goon), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow: Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker's Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team: Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority: The Lost Year), Paul D. Storrie (Twilight Crusade: Gabriel), Karl Story (Zatanna), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Mark Texeira (X-Men: Origins), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Timothy Truman (Conan the Cimmerian), Billy Tucci (Shi), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft: Horde), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet: Year One), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Chief Creative Officer, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), John Workman (Heavy Metal), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Doctor Who: 2010 Annual), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love).

Regretfully, Al Feldstein will be unable to join us due to illness, but looks forward to returning next year!

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Thursday, July 29, 2010