Dark Horse to Release Mignola and Golden’s JOE GOLEM AND THE DROWNING CITY Deluxe Edition!

In conjunction with the release of Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s latest collaboration earlier this week, and Mignola’s appearance at this weekend’s World Horror Convention, Dark Horse is pleased to announce a limited-edition hardcover release of Joe Golem and the Drowning City.

After a séance gone horribly wrong, strange men wearing gas masks and rubber suits abduct the aging psychic Orlov the Conjuror, sending his young assistant Molly McHugh racing through the canals of a submerged Manhattan. As Molly flees her captors through a sunken city full of scavengers, her one hope comes in the form of two strange men: Simon Church, a Victorian-era detective kept alive by clockwork gears and magic, and his assistant, Joe, whose mysterious past is hinted at in dreams of stone and witches.

“Joe and his world are made up of all those things I love: crumbling ruins, strange Victorian devices, and unknowable supernatural forces,” said cocreator Mike Mignola. “These are the very same elements that went into the creation of Hellboy, but here hammered into different shape and relocated to New York City. Hellboy is Joe’s country cousin.”

The deluxe limited-edition collection features multiple illustrations by Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, as well as a signature plate signed by both Mignola and Golden, and is presented in a handsome slipcase. Additionally, only the Dark Horse edition will feature the previously unpublished story “Joe Golem and the Copper Girl.”

The deluxe hardcover edition of Joe Golem and the Drowning City will be released in an extremely limited edition of only 1,000 copies on September 26, and will retail for $99.99.

via Dark Horse Press Release

The Walking Dead Compendium Hardcover SDCC 2012 Exclusive!

It looks like this will be an exclusive for Comic-Con 2012. After 100 copies being available for sale for at ECCC this past weekend. The Walking Dead Compendium Volume 1 is hard-bound with gold embossing, featuring the first 48-issues (over 1000 pages!). It also features a new cover illustration by Charlie Adlard.

The Compendium sells for $100. This will definitely be cheaper than trying to find all of the original comics! So save up now! I need to get one of these myself and then find Robert Kirkman at SDCC!

via Image Comics

Image Comics Programming and Signing Schedule for Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) 2012

Image Comics is showing up in a big way at Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) in Seattle, Washington this March 30 through April 1, with a slew of convention exclusives (announced here) and an extensive signing and programming schedule. Many Image creators will be at the Image, Skybound, and Top Cow booths, as well as manning their own tables in the Washington State Convention center.

A panel schedule, signing schedule, and full list of Image creators attending ECCC follow. If you are interested in scheduling an interview with any of the Image creators regarding their Image titles, please contact Jennifer de Guzman at jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com.

PROGRAMMING

Creator Spotlight: Marc Silvestri
Join Top Cow founder, Image partner, movie producer and top industry artist Marc Silvestri (THE DARKNESS) as he takes a retrospective look at his legendary career spanning three decades. Moderated by Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, Silvestri will look back at everything from his early years on such top titles as X-Men and Wolverine to the founding of Image Comics and Cyberforce to the redefining of his company and the creation of mini-icons like Witchblade and The Darkness. Friday, 4pm, Room 211

Robert Kirkman Q&A
Kirkman, one of the most successful writers in comics today, best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Super Dinosaur, will offer fans some insight into the genius behind their favorite hit comics. After becoming an Image Comics partner in 2009, introducing the internationally renowned hit TV show based on the comic, “The Walking Dead” on AMC, and recently announcing an upcoming video game adaptation of the same series from TellTale Games, he has proven to be an unstoppable creative force. Friday, 7pm, Room 4C1-2

Image Comics – 20 Years of Creator-Owned Independence
Some of the most exciting rising stars in comics today and established creators alike will be coming together to talk about the past, present, and future of Image Comics. Join Ed Brubaker (Fatale), Joe Casey (Butcher Baker, Officer Downe, Haunt), Brandon Graham (King City, Prophet), Joe Keatinge (Glory, Hell Yeah), Emi Lenox (Emitown), Nathan Edmondson (Who Is Jake Ellis?, The Activity, Dancer), and Natalie Nourigat (Between Gears) to experience this lively conversation and be among the first to hear some big announcements! Saturday, 12pm, Room 4C3-4

Top Cow’s REBIRTH: The Beginning
Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik as he leads an informative and lively discussion about the 20th Anniversary of Top Cow and the REBIRTH of the Top Cow Universe in 2012 with creators including Marc Silvestri and Jeremy Haun. Be the first to hear exciting new announcements, get added insight into the state of the Top Cow Universe, and get your questions answered! Saturday, 1pm, Room 4C1-2

Talkin’ Dead with Jon Bernthal & Laurie Holden
A “lively” discussion with The Walking Dead stars Jon Bernthal and Laurie Holden. Join them as they talk about the show’s record breaking viewing numbers, what it’s like to film in an apocalyptic, zombie filled world and what the future holds for Shane and Andrea. Hosted by David Boze (KTTH 770 AM). Saturday, 1 pm., Room 4A

Take to the Sky: Skybound and the Next Generation of Independence
Things continue to look up for Skybound, Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics. The premiere original Witch Doctor has sold out nationwide, the all-ages hit Super Dinosaur  continues to soar, and And Kirkman’s first-ever writers’-room-driven crime drama, Thief of Thieves, is a critical success… what’s next? Join Robert Kirkman as he discusses the future of the imprint with his stable of creators, including the creative teams behind Witch Doctor, Thief of Thieves, and more! Expect only AWESOMENESS. Sunday, 12pm, Room 4C3-4

SIGNINGS – At the Image Booth – #310

Friday

• 2:00-3:00 – Sina Grace (Li’l Depressed Boy)
• 3:00-4:00 – Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Witchblade, Bloodstrike)
  This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.
• 4:00-5:00 – Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther)
• 5:00-6:00 – Nathan Edmondson & Mitch Gerads (The Activity)
• 6:00-7:00 – Landry Walker (Danger Club)
• 7:00-8:00 – Jean-Paul Bonjour, Robert Love & Dana Shukarsi (Alpha Girl)

Saturday

• 10:00-11:00 – Joshua Williamson (Xenoholics)
• 11:00-12:00 – Gerry Duggan & Phil Noto (The Infinite Horizon)
• 12:00-1:00 – Landry Walker (Danger Club)
• 1:00-2:00 – Nathan Edmondson & Mitch Gerads (The Activity)
• 2:00-3:00 – Kurtis Wiebe & Riley Rossmo (Green Wake, Debris)
• 3:00-4:00 – Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Witchblade, Bloodstrike)
• 4:00-5:00 – Jean-Paul Bonjour, Robert Love & Dana Shukarsi (Alpha Girl)
• 5:00-6:00 – John Layman (Chew)
  This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.
• 6:00-7:00 – Nick Spencer & Joe Eisma (Morning Glories)
  This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

Sunday

• 10:00-11:00 – Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther)
• 11:00-12:00 – Jean-Paul Bonjour, Robert Love & Dana Shukarsi (Alpha Girl)
• 12:00-1:00 – Nick Spencer & Joe Eisma (Morning Glories)
• 1:00-2:00 – Richard Starkings (Elephantmen)
• 1:00-2:00 – Lisa Wood (Thought Bubble Anthology)
• 2:00-3:00 – Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Witchblade, Bloodstrike)
• 3:00-4:00 – John Layman (Chew)
• 4:00-5:00 – Joshua Williamson (Xenoholics)

At the Skybound Booth – #310

Friday
4:00-5:00 – Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible, Thief of Thieves)
This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

Saturday
5:00-7:00 – Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible, Thief of Thieves)
This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

Sunday
3:00-4:00 – Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible, Thief of Thieves)
This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

At the Top Cow Booth – #414

Friday
1:00-2:00 – Dennis Calero (Netherworld, City of Refuge)

5:00-6:00 – Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Witchblade)
This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

6:00-7:00 – Marc Silvestri (Witchblade, The Darkness)

All Day

• Phil Hester (The Darkness)
• Filip Sablik (Last Mortal)
• Matt Hawkins (Think Tank)

Saturday
11:00-12:00 – Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Witchblade)
This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

3:00-5:00 – Marc Silvestri, Phil Hester & Jeremy Haun (The Darkness)

All Day

• Phil Hester (The Darkness)
• Filip Sablik (Last Mortal)
• Matt Hawkins (Think Tank)

Sunday
12:00-1:00 – Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Witchblade)
This is a ticketed signing, limited to one ticket per person. Tickets will be available at Image Booth #310 the day of the signing.

1:00-2:00 – Jeremy Haun (The Darkness)

All Day

• Phil Hester (The Darkness)
• Filip Sablik (Last Mortal)

Special Guests of ECCC

• Mike Allred (Madman) – C-08
• Ed Brubaker (Fatale) – M-05
• Chris Burnham (Hack/Slash) – F-18
• Greg Capullo (Spawn) – N-06
• Joe Casey (Butcher Baker) – K-02
• Keu Cha (The Darkness, The Magdalena, Witchblade) – B-02
• Marian Churchland (Elephantmen) – C-05
• Camilla d’Errico (Sky Pirates of Neo Terra) – A-01/02
• Gerry Duggan (The Infinite Horizon) – P-03
• Nathan Edmondson (The Activity, Dancer) – C-09
• Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) – C-07
• Jay Faerber (Near Death) – 310
• Mitch Gerads (The Activity) – F-17
• Chris Giarrusso (G-Man) – C-04
• Bryan JL Glass (Mice Templar) – O-04
• Brandon Graham (King City, Prophet) – C-05
• Brian Haberlin (Witchblade) – K-06
• Tony Harris (War Heroes, Chin Music) – 310
• Jeremy Haun (The Beauty, The Darkness) – 414
• Phil Hester (The Darkness) – 414
• Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther) – 402
• Jason Howard (Super Dinosaur) – I-12
• Joe Keatinge (Hell Yeah, Glory) – C-06
• Robert Kirkman (Image Partner – The Walking Dead, Invincible, Thief of Thieves) – 310
• Erik Larsen (Image Partner – Savage Dragon) – C-03
• Emi Lenox (EmiTown) – C-06
• Steve Lieber (Underground) – M-03
• Tony Moore (The Walking Dead) – P-01
• Steve Niles (Crime and Terror, Chin Music) – G-01
• Justin Norman (Elephantmen) – C-05
• Phil Noto (The Infinite Horizon) – P-03
• Natalie Nourigat (Between Gears) – 222
• Michael Avon Oeming (Mice Templar) – O-03
• Ryan Ottley (Invincible) – I-12
• Jeff Parker (Underground) – F-21
• Riley Rossmo (Green Wake, Rebel Blood) – C-07
• Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Bloodstrike) – 310/414
• Brandon Seifert (Witch Doctor) – C-09
• Marc Silvestri (Image Partner – Witchblade, The Darkness) – 414
• Charles Soule (Twenty-Seven) – C-10
• Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Infinite Vacation) – 310
• David Hahn (All Nighter) – 222
• Ben Templesmith (Pigs) – D-15
• Jim Valentino (Image Partner – Shadowhawk) – 310
• Matt Wagner (Mage) – H-05
• Shane White (Hack/Slash) – F-08
• Kurtis Wiebe (Green Wake, Peter Panzerfaust) – C-10
• Joshua Williamson (Xenoholics) – 802
• Brian Wood (Mara) – K-01
• Jim Zub (Skullkickers) – C11

via Image Comics Press Release

Dark Horse Panel Schedule for Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) 2012

Here is the schedule. Dark Horse Creators, Projects and Products Panels are in GREEN. Dark Horse Comics Panels are the ones that are NOT green.

Friday • March 30^th

 ECCC Spotlight Series: Brian Wood
  Room: 211 
Time: 3:00 – 4:00
The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, join creator Brian Wood as he talks about his work on Conan, DMZ, Northlanders and many others.

Falling Skies Screening and Q&A
  Room: 4C1-2 
Time: 3:00 – 4:00
TNT’s epic drama Falling Skies makes its debut appearance at Emerald City Comicon this year. Watch a never-before-seen clip from the season 2 premiere episode and hear from the show’s actors and producers about the new season. Falling Skies, basic cable’s #1 new series of 2011, is set to return this June to continue its extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle (ER) stars as Tom Mason, a former college professor and father of three, who has become an unlikely leader for the 2nd Massachusetts civilian resistance group. The series chronicles the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. Falling Skies comes to TNT from DreamWorks Television and is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. Remi Aubuchon and Greg Beeman also serve as executive producers.

Drawing Inspiration: The Art of the Whedonverse  
Room: 4C1-2
 Time: 5:00 – 6:00
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-panels look at the dynamic artwork of Dark Horses Joss Whedon titles, from pencils to inks to colors to print. Dark Horses public relations director, Jeremy Atkins, will lead a discussion with artists Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Phil Noto (Angel & Faith, Dollhouse), Chris Samnee (Serenity), and inker Andy Owens (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for an inside look at the artists processes. We’ll be showcasing a variety of art from past and future issues of these best-loved titles, including exclusive reveals and first looks!

ECCC Spotlight Series: Camilla d’Errico
  Room: 211
Time: 6:00 – 7:00
The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, Camilla d’Errico talks about how she made her dreams reality by giving up on the 9 to 5 grind and becoming a full time artist.

EXPANDING THE EXPERIENCE: VIDEO GAMES TO COMICS AND BACK AGAIN
  Room: TCC 102
 Time: 6:00 – 7:00

When Dark Horse partnered with BioWare to expand the Mass Effect story line into comics, video-game tie-in comics were finally legitimized. Now, Dark Horse is widely recognized as the leading publisher of video-game comics, with launches throughout 2012 digitally and in print. Join us for an hour long preview of what’s to come this year, with exclusive news and announcements on current and upcoming projects with BioWare, Valve, and Activision!

Saturday • March 31^st

ECCC Spotlight Series: Rick Remender
 Room: 211 
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour Uncanny X-Force writer Rick Remender joins us. Rick is also the writer/creator of comics such as Fear Agent, The End League, Strange Girl, Black Heart Billy, Last Days of American Crime, Sea of Red, Sorrow, Night Mary, XXXombies and Doll and Creature.

Dark Horse Comics: Powered By Creators 
Room: 4C1-2
 Time: 4:00 – 5:00
Just over twenty-five years ago, Dark Horse stepped into the comics-publishing arena with a different agenda. While the publisher has gained much notoriety for its popular licensed titles, like Buffy and Star Wars, one mission remains the same: to give comics top creators a venue for showcasing their work and retaining their ownership of it. Join Dark Horse’s public relations director, Jeremy Atkins, along with a cast of premier talent, for news on all of Dark Horse’s 2012 publishing launches and new Dark Horse Presents stories. Guests include Steve Niles(Criminal Macabre), Steve Lieber (Alabaster), Francesco Francavilla (Black Beetle), Sanford Greene (Rotten Apple), Ethan Nicolle (Axe Cop), Adam Warren (Empowered), Paul Tobin (Falling Skies), and Brian Wood (The Massive), and a few surprise drop-ins!

Sunday • April 1^st

ECCC Spotlight Series: Steve Niles 
Room: 211 
Time: 12:00 – 1:00
The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, modern master of horror, Steve Niles, talks about what it takes to craft a good horror story, working with artists like Sam Kieth and Ben Templesmith and how his creation of 30 Days of Night changed the face of horror comics.

Axe Cop
 Room: 3AB
 Time: 1:00 – 2:00
Ethan and Malachai Nicolle, creators of Axe Cop, will do a live Q&A, show images and videos of new Axe Cop material, etc. Always a fun and highly interactive panel.

Mythic Fiction Comics: The Next Mega-Genre?
Room: 3AB
 Time: 12:00 – 1:00
From Mage, Sandman and Bone to Fables, Castle Waiting, Hellboy and more, mythic fiction has been a fascinating — and growing — presence in comics. What is mythic fiction? Why is it so popular? And could it really become the next big thing in the comics field? Join moderator Kurt Busiek (Arrowsmith), Matt Wagner (Mage), Rachel Edidin (Dark Horse Comics), Bill Willingham (Fables) and Chris Roberson (Memorial) for a lively discussion about mythic fiction in comics, from its roots to it future.

ECCC Spotlight Series: Brandon Graham and Adam Warren in Conversation
  Room: 211
 Time: 1:00 – 2:00
The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators.Brandon Graham and Adam Warren join you this hour for a conversation talking about finer points of their work. Their western takes on manga have delighted readers locally and abroad. Expect a vivid and lively discussion.

Images from Tim Burton’s DARK SHADOWS with Johnny Depp

Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series Dark Shadows to the big screen in a gothic comedy featuring an all-star cast, led by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter.

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.

Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles.

Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth’s ne’er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger’s precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David’s new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.

Burton is directing “Dark Shadows” from a screenplay by Seth Grahame-Smith, story by John August and Grahame-Smith, based on the television series created by Dan Curtis.

Also producing are Oscar® winner Richard D. Zanuck (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Driving Miss Daisy”), continuing his long association with Burton; Oscar® winner Graham King, (“Rango,” “The Departed”), continuing his collaboration with Depp; Johnny Depp, Christi Dembrowski, and David Kennedy. The executive producers are Chris Lebenzon, Tim Headington, and Bruce Berman.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel, Oscar®-winning production designer Rick Heinrichs (“Sleepy Hollow”), Oscar®-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Alice in Wonderland”) and editor Chris Lebenzon (“Alice in Wonderland”). The score is composed by Danny Elfman.

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, an Infinitum Nihil/GK Films/Zanuck Company production, a Tim Burton film, “Dark Shadows” is slated to open on May 11, 2012, and will be distributed worldwide in theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Comic-Con 2012 Hotel Reservations Will Open TODAY March 29 in ONE HOUR! (at 9:00am Pacific Time)

HOTEL RESERVATIONS OPEN TODAY IN ONE HOUR!

MARCH 29, 2012 at 9:00 AM Pacific time (12:00 PM Eastern time).

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS:
Go to www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_hotel.php or call 1-877-55-COMIC (1-877-552-6642) or 212-532-1660, Monday–Friday 9:00 am–7:00 pm Eastern time.

• There are more hotel rooms available than ever before. Many of them are on the Comic-Con Shuttle routes.
• Once confirmed, all hotel reservations will require a deposit of two nights’ room and tax for each room booked. This will encourage people to release unwanted rooms in advance so people on the wait list can reserve them.
• Hotel reservation deposits are fully refundable until May 4, 2012.
• For cancellations from May 5 to June 1, 2012, a cancellation fee equal to one night’s room and tax will be charged. The cancellation fee will be deducted from your deposit.
• Starting on June 2, 2012, ALL DEPOSITS ARE NONREFUNDABLE.

For More Information refer to this page or go to Comic-Con’s Hotel page!

Good Luck to Everyone!

Get THE WALKING DEAD Volume 1 FREE at Emerald City Comic Con 2012 (ECCC)

ComiXology and Skybound partner up to give out 2,500 free digital copies of The Walking Dead Vol. 1

Following the unprecedented demand for the free Walking Dead Vol.1 giveaway at WonderCon ’12 earlier this month, comiXology – the world’s largest digital comics platform available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web– will be at Emerald City Comicon’12 doing it again! So make sure you visit comiXology (booth #308) during Emerald City Comicon at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington from March 30^th-April 1^st to get one of 2,500 free digital comic giveaway codes for The Walking Dead Vol.1.

Teaming up once again with The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman’s Skybound, comiXology is out make ECCC’12 unforgettable for comic fans with a free “taste” of the first graphic novel — regularly $8.99 for 140 pages —that the hit The Walking Dead TV show is based on. The first 2,500 Emerald City Comicon’12 attendees to come by comiXology’s booth (#308) will receive a limited edition promotional postcard imprinted with a unique download code redeemable for The Walking Dead Vol. 1 exclusively on comiXology.com in exchange for an email sign up.

In addition to the must-have The Walking Dead Vol. 1 giveaway, comiXology will be providing a hands on demonstrations of it’s Comics by comiXology digital comics platform at their booth all weekend long. Comic fans should not miss their chance to get a look at the all new 3.1 iOS upgrade that includes the CMX-HD digital comics format for the new iPad and features new sharing capabilities.

All ECCC ’12 attendees are invited to attend the special “ComiXology Open Discussion Panel” where comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger will answer questions from the audience on “Everything Digital” with no topic off limits. The “ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital Panel” will be on Saturday, March 31^st from 2:00pm- 3:00pm in Room 3.

Most recently, comiXology was in the news for their Comics by comiXology 3.1 iOS update. This update featured not only new sharing capabilities but also the debut of CMX-HD digital comics format to meet the challenge of the new iPad screen. ComiXology debuted 3.1 with a little over 100 titles in this new format. And, only five days later, comiXology was able to offer over 1,000 titles in CMX-HD format. CMX-HD upgraded files are a free upgrade to those who have previously purchased and at no additional cost for new purchases.

Shortly before the 3.1 announcement, comiXology announced they had surpassed 50 million comic books and graphic novel downloads since the inception of their Comics by comiXology digital comics platform – with 5 million of those downloads happening in this past December alone. In addition, this past October saw Comics by comiXology start to consistently chart as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store on new comics release day — a trend that has continued throughout 2012. Then in November, Comics by comiXology was selected as a pre-loaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire alongside Facebook and Twitter. By the end of 2011, comiXology had powered three of the top 20 grossing iPad apps — with Comics by comiXology coming in at number 11 for the entire year.

What: Emerald City Comicon 2012

When: March 30^th – April 1^st, 2012

Where: The Washington State Convention Center, Seattle WA
Booth #: 308

Giveaway: Limited edition promotional postcard imprinted with a unique download code redeemable for The Walking Dead Vol. 1 exclusively on comiXology.com in exchange for an email sign up.

Panels: Saturday, March 31^st from 2:00pm – 3:00pm – ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital Panel with comiXology’s David Steinberger – Room 203.

About comiXology
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web— comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.
.
About The Walking Dead: “The Walking Dead” is a monthly black-and-white comic book series created by Robert Kirkman that follows a group of survivors through a world overrun by The Walking Dead as they struggle to survive an even deadlier threat: Living humans so terrified about their own survival that they are willing to sacrifice everything else. Winner of the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series, the Skybound comic has been translated into more than 30 languages, and is available in over 50 countries worldwide. IGN called it “one of the best monthly comics available” and Complex hails it as “one of the best comic series of all time.” It’s also become the highest-rated drama on basic cable of all time. The AMC television series, with Kirkman serving as a writer and executive producer, had 11 million viewers for the season two premiere and was instantly renewed for a third season. As the first TV drama to be launched around the world simultaneously, it’s in 120 countries, translated into 33 languages and is in 250 million households. The Walking Dead also dominated the New York Times’ bestseller lists for graphic novels and was the top seller for 2011. www.Skybound.com is your destination for all news and merchandise for Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles.
.
via comiXology Press Release

Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran and Jaime Murray Join the Cast of Syfy’s Groundbreaking Series DEFIANCE

Syfy has announced additional casting for its upcoming epic science fiction drama Defiance, inking Julie Benz, Stephanie Leonidas, Tony Curran and Jaime Murray to co-star in the first-ever series to unite television and MMO gaming. The pilot, slated to commence production this April in Toronto, is directed by Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest), and written/executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon (Farscape), Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives, Caprica; Hellcats) & Michael Taylor (Battlestar Galactica). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner.

Defiance is a visionary enterprise in collaboration with Trion Worlds, with the Syfy series and Trion’s multi-platform shooter MMO poised to debut simultaneously. Set in the near future, Defiance introduces a completely transformed planet Earth, inhabited by the survivors of a universal war. Forced to co-habitate, the disparate group struggles to build a new society among the devastation. The dramatic tapestry of the series and the intense action of the game will exist in a single universe where their respective narratives will inform one another and evolve together into one overall story. Defiance is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

Benz portrays Amanda Rosewater, the idealistic mayor of a bustling mining boomtown, one of the world’s few oases of civility and inclusion. As the newly appointed mayor, she is determined to maintain peace in the community, an ambitious task in this deadly new world.

Leonidas plays Irisa, an exotically beautiful warrior who is part of an alien race called the Irathients. After Nolan (Bowler) killed her criminal father, he adopted the girl and raised her as his clever—and lethal—right-hand.

Curran will portray Datak Tarr, part of an elite alien race known as the Castithans. Datak grew up in the slums of his home planet, but despite being part of the under-privileged class, he schemed his way onto one of the alien arks, saving himself before his home planet was destroyed.

Murray portrays Datak’s beautiful and proper wife, Stahma, a high-ranking Castithan before her home planet ceased to exist. Clever, imaginative and darkly opportunistic, Stahma is perhaps more dangerous than her husband.

The four join New Zealand born actor Grant Bowler, who is well-known for the recurring role on Ugly Betty (2008) as Wilhelmina Slater’s love interest, Connor Owens, and for the role of Cooter, the leader of the werewolf biker gang in the HBO series True Blood (2010) and Captain Gault in ABC’s Lost (2008). Bowler plays Nolan, the new law keeper in the boomtown and former Marine who fought in the alien conflict. After losing his wife and child in the war, he becomes a wanderer in the dangerous new world, eventually joined by Irisa, a young Irathient he raises as his own and as his lone companion in the lawless badlands.

The versatile and dynamic Benz is known for her wide variety of film and television roles, in 2006 winning a Golden Satellite Award for Best Supporting TV Actress for her role as beloved ‘Rita Bennett’ on Showtime’s award-winning series Dexter. Last fall, Benz recurred on the CBS medical drama A Gifted Man, opposite Patrick Wilson and last spring starred in the ABC series No Ordinary Family, opposite Michael Chiklis. In 2010, she starred on ABC’s smash hit Desperate Housewives for a multi-episode arc as “Robin,” a stripper with a heart of gold and a master’s degree in education. Throughout her career, Benz has won the hearts of many devoted fans starring in an array of genre classics including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Roswell, as well as the Steven Spielberg-produced miniseries for Syfy (then SCI FI Channel), Taken. In addition, she has guest starred on many hit TV shows, among them Royal Pains, Supernatural, CSI and Law and Order. On the big screen, Benz starred in the Roadside Attractions film Answers to Nothing, opposite Dane Cook, which was released in December 2011. Benz also had a great turn with Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets and starred with Rose McGowan, Pam Grier, Judy Greer and Rebecca Gayheart in Jawbreaker, the first of many cult-hits that would soon follow.

British actress Leonidas is known for her many television appearances, most recently in Whitechapel, Eternal Law, and the BBC’s Dracula, as well as the award winning ITV film for television Wall of Silence. Stephanie made her film debut in Sally Potter’s Yes, followed by Ate de Jongh’s Fogbound. Other film credits include the lead role of Helena in David McKean’s Mirrormask, Luis Llosa’s feature film Feast of the Goat, Ben Sombogaart’s Crusade in Jeans: A March through Time, Luna and most recently Andrew Douglas’ U Want Me To Kill Him. Stephanie has also appeared on stage in the lead role of Dani in Marianne Elliott’s The Sugar Syndrome at the Royal Court, receiving rave reviews, and most recently portrayed Adela in Gadi Roll’s House of Bernarda Alba. She is repped by Thruline and ARG in the UK.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Curran rose to fame in the BBC series This Life. Since then, the actor has appeared in a number of major film and television roles including The Invisible Man, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Guillermo de Toro’s Blade II. Curran is a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Murray is an English-born actress best known for playing Stacie Monroe in the BBC series Hustle and Lila Tournay in season two of the Showtime series, Dexter. She has also had recurring roles as H.G. Wells in Syfy’s Warehouse 13, Gaia in the Starz series Spartacus: Gods in the Arena and Olivia Charles in The CW series Ringer.

via Syfy Press Release

Terry Moore’s Harvey Award-Winning ECHO Makes its Digital Debut on comiXology

For the first time ever, legendary comic book creator Terry Moore brings his critically acclaimed, Harvey award-winning, Eisner nominated series Echo to comiXology — the world’s largest digital comics distributor — this Wednesday March 28^th, 2012. The first half of Moore’s fan favorite, science-fiction, action adventure series will be available across comiXology’s entire platform, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web with the rest of the series appearing on comiXology’s platform the following week.

“Terry Moore is a giant in the comic book field,” says comiXology CEO and co-Founder David Steinberger. “Being able to deliver the complete run of Echo to comic book fans across the globe all on the same day — at just the click of a button — is why we created comiXology in the first place. Nothing makes me more proud than expanding the audiences able to experience this great comic series.”

“I’m excited to debut Echo digitally on comiXology and capture an entirely new audience for my work,” said Echo creator Terry Moore. “As an independent creator, it’s important to have my work on every outlet available. ComiXology is the proven leader in digital comic book and graphic novel distribution and it’s the perfect place to digitally debut Echo.”

Terry Moore’s Echo has gained critical acclaim from all quarters since it’s original print debut back in 2008, including winning the 2009 Harvey Award for Best New series.  Also in 2009, Producer Lloyd Levin — most widely known as the producer for Watchmen, Mystery Men and Hellboy — optioned the rights to Echo with an eye toward film production.

Echo follows the tale of photographer Julie Martin after she inadvertently becomes linked to a mysterious metal alloy capable of granting her strange powers. On the run from a government out to harness the alloy for reasons unknown, Julie must discover the secrets of the metal for herself while protecting those closest to her before it’s too late.

The digital debut of Echo, follows on the heels of the success of the same day as print release of Moore’s current ongoing series Rachel Rising #6 on comiXology, Moore continues to pave the way for independent creators and publishers seeking a new audience among digital readership.

Echo will be released in both single issues and in collected digital trades, offering fans the chance to experience this outstanding comic book in the way that works best for them.

Comic fans everywhere can start adding Terry Moore’s Echo to their digital comic libraries this coming Wednesday March 28^th only on the Comics by comiXology platform.

About comiXology 
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology — in just five short years — has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. From creating the industry leading platform for digital comics to tools and services for brick and mortar retailers, comiXology has lead the charge in exposing new audiences to the rich history and culture of comic books. With the development of the Comics by comiXology digital comics platform — available across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web— comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics at just the click of a button! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, Comics by comiXology was recently selected as a preloaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire. Providing digital comics across multiple platforms, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the earth has been turned into a comic book fan.

via comiXology Press Release

New “Mousemask Murphy” Figures by Ron English

The new Ron English 10″ Mousemask Murphy vinyl figure is now available on the Garage Works website. The figure comes in an “international” color edition and a Japanese ZacPac Grey tone edition. Due to limited nature of these figures, only two figures can be sold per customer at the retail price of $140 each. Email them at info@garageworksindustries.com if you are interested in obtaining one or two figures!