Fascinating Look At Art Of Sushi Offered In SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY From VIZ Media

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing delivers a mouth-watering guide to sushi with the release of SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY on October 11^th. SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY is a unique new culinary guidebook that presents an extraordinary journey through the delectable seasonal offerings at Japan’s most famous sushi restaurant, Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro, featured in the award-winning documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi. SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY will be released with a print MSRP of $14.99 US / $16.99 CAN.

Succinct yet comprehensive, this little jewel of a book takes you through the seasonal offerings at Jiro Ono’s famed Tokyo restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro. Descriptions of each type of sushi, featuring commentary from master Ono, are accompanied by beautiful full-page photography. Readers can learn the seasons in which the sushi is best served, the correct methods of eating it with either fingers or chopsticks, and how and when to use condiments.

“Compact, portable, and stylish, SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY is the distillation of a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and a great companion for sushi lovers everywhere,” says Leyla Aker, VIZ Media Senior Vice President of Publishing. “We have given this release a high-quality presentation befitting the subject matter, with a gorgeous press-varnished book jacket, custom endpapers, and scores of mouth-watering, full-color photos. This new release is a must-read for any fan of sushi or lover of world-class cuisine.”

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture on the coast of Japan, master chef Jiro Ono began apprenticing to become a sushi chef at a young age. In 1965 he opened Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro, widely considered to be one of the best sushi restaurants in the world. In 2011 the chef and his restaurant became the subject of the award-winning documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

For additional information on SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY and other titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

IDW's Newest ‘It’s Alive!’ Imprint Pushes Forward with Reprints and More

Following two successful Kickstarter campaigns, and the release of several limited edition art prints, signed by Sam Glanzman, It's Alive! has hit the ground running with plenty more on the horizon.Red Range by Joe R. Lansdale & Sam Glanzman, the debut title to be published under the It's Alive! imprint raised almost $20K ($5K more than the Kickstarter goal paving the way for the stretch goal of a hardcover) and is currently in production with the addition of new colors. Estudio Haus’ colors are breathing new life into Glanzman's Red Range pencils and inks originally completed nearly two decades ago. Red Range by Joe R. Lansdale & Sam Glanzman, the debut title to be published under the It's Alive! imprint raised almost $20K ($5K more than the Kickstarter goal paving the way for the stretch goal of a hardcover) and is currently in production with the addition of new colors. Estudio Haus’ colors are breathing new life into Glanzman's Red Range pencils and inks originally completed nearly two decades ago.Dope by Trina Robbins, which raised over $12K ($2K over the Kickstarter goal, again making the stretch goal of a hardcover possible), concluded its Kickstarter less than a month ago, and will be seeing the light of day in early 2017!

Dope by Trina Robbins, which raised over $12K ($2K over the Kickstarter goal, again making the stretch goal of a hardcover possible), concluded its Kickstarter less than a month ago, and will be seeing the light of day in early 2017!It's Alive! has also begun to release very limited edition 12 x 17 art prints, signed by Sam Glanzman and embossed with his initials. Having nearly sold out, there will be more prints coming soon from Glanzman and other creators to meet the demand. Available prints can be found HERE. (http://itsalive.bigcartel.com/)

It's Alive! has also begun to release very limited edition 12 x 17 art prints, signed by Sam Glanzman and embossed with his initials. Having nearly sold out, there will be more prints coming soon from Glanzman and other creators to meet the demand. Available prints can be found HERE. (http://itsalive.bigcartel.com/)It’s Alive! founder Drew Ford said, “I’m incredibly humbled by the intense interest and support for this new imprint, and the reprint collections we will soon release. And speaking of collections, It's Alive! will be announcing the launch of its third Kickstarter very soon. Want a hint? Two words...atomic sub! Keep your eyes peeled for the big announcement!”

It’s Alive! founder Drew Ford said, “I’m incredibly humbled by the intense interest and support for this new imprint, and the reprint collections we will soon release. And speaking of collections, It's Alive! will be announcing the launch of its third Kickstarter very soon. Want a hint? Two words...atomic sub! Keep your eyes peeled for the big announcement!”

Pre-Cheetah Barbara Ann Minerva to be Featured in Wonder Woman #8

Fans of Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott and Liam Sharp’s epic Wonder Woman storylines can anticipate an added bonus to the “Year One” storyline by Rucka and Scott, in the form of a one- shot interlude (WONDER WOMAN #8, on sale October 12th, 2016) focusing on Barbara Ann Minerva, aka The Cheetah, written by Rucka with art and cover by Bilquis Evely (SUGAR & SPIKE). In a tale that spotlights Cheetah’s past, young Barbara Ann Minerva is sent on a quest to find answers to the Amazons’ most ancient secrets! "The ‘interlude' issue arose very organically out of the stories we’ve been telling in both Year One with Nicola Scott, and The Lies, with Liam Sharp,” said Rucka. "The opportunity to focus on Cheetah, on the origins of Barbara Ann Minerva, is one of those decisions that I think is going to add even more to what we’re doing.”

"This story is very thoughtful and human,” said Evely, "and I'm trying to bring this to the pages as well. We visit a lot of different places and archaeological reference points, which means I get to have a lot of fun! I think the readers will never see Barbara Ann in the same way again, after what Greg has been doing here! This is a singular opportunity I couldn’t pass up."

"The fact that we’ve got Bilquis Evely drawing this issue just makes this all the sweeter,” continued Rucka. "I am such a fan, and her work is so consistently wonderful—everything from her characterization to her linework to her laser-sharp storytelling. So when her name came up, I pretty much fell over myself saying yes. One of the greatest joys about working on Wonder Woman has been the privilege of working with such tremendous collaborators, everyone from Laura Martin and Romulo Fajardo Jr to Jodi Wynne to the entire editorial team and, of course, Nic, Liam, and now Bilquis. I’m really hoping people will enjoy this issue as much as we do.”

WONDER WOMAN #8 arrives October 12th, 2016.

New Edition Of SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES Graphic Novel Debuts From VIZ Media

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, proudly announces the return of SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES as the long out-of-print graphic novel receives an October 11^th release. Fans in New York can join in the celebration by attending the Launch Party at Nintendo NY, located in Rockefeller Center on Friday, October 7^th from 6PM - 8PM. The festivities will kick off with themed cupcakes for attendees, a photo-op with Mario^TM and Luigi^TM, an autograph and Q & A session with VIP guests from VIZ Media and more! Attendees who purchase a copy of SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES at the event will receive an exclusive poster as a gift with purchase, while supplies last. Visit: www.Nintendonyc.com and @NintendoNYC on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for details.

Presented in full color and inspired by the bestselling Nintendo^® video game franchise, SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES is a riotous and wacky tale featuring beloved characters Mario and Luigi (and Yoshi^TM!), with a story by Kentaro Takekuma and artwork by Charlie Nozawa. The comics originally ran in Nintendo Power^TM magazine in 1992-93.

SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES collects the full series into a single-volume edition that will receive a remastered full-color print release with an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN.

In the story, the peril-plagued Princess Toadstool is kidnapped by the diabolical deadbeat Bowser^TM but super plumbers Mario and Luigi hatch a plan with their new friend Yoshi to rescue her. Are the Super Mario Bros.’^TM plans a pipe dream? Can they stop the Koopa King before he forces the Princess to be his bride?!

“This fantastic new edition will delight legions of video game, pop culture and comic fans with imaginative adventures inspired by Mario and Luigi from the classic Super Mario Bros. games,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director for VIZ Media. “Join the fun as gaming’s most legendary pair of brothers attempt to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the Koopa King!”

Created by Nintendo, the Mario character first appeared in 1981 in Nintendo’s original Donkey Kong^TM arcade game. The red-capped, mustachioed character has become one of the most popular among fans and video games featuring Super Mario™ have sold more than 310 million units globally. Nintendo marked the official 30^th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. in 2015 and the Mario character continues to be featured on a wide array of new consumer products each year.

SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES story writer Kentaro Kawamoto is best-known for co-authoring Even a Monkey Can Draw Manga and his most well known manga work published in English is Super Mario Adventures, which originally ran in Nintendo Power magazine and was collected in 1993 into a graphic novel edition of the same name.

SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES artist Charlie Nozawa published manga under the pen name Tamakichi Sakura. His most notable works include Shiawase No Katachi (Shapes of Happiness) and Oyaji No Wakuse (Dad’s Planet).

For additional information on SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

Comic Industry: Andrea Colvin is now Roar Comics Senior Editor

Lion Forge Comics announced today the addition of Andrea Colvin to their already impressive line-up of talent as Roar Comics Senior Editor. Colvin’s experience includes VP of Content, Book Division, for Andrews McMeel, Director of Publishing Operations for Open Road Integrated Media, as well as Executive Managing Editor for ABRAMS. Colvin was an Adjunct Professor in NYU's Graduate Publishing Program in 2011 and completed the Yale University Publishing Course in 2013. Lion Forge President Geoff Gerber remarked, “Lion Forge wants parents and young people to find what they are looking for in both comic shops and bookstores. That means thinking creatively about graphic literature and helping creators connect with their audiences. Andrea Colvin’s experience working with creators and actively engaging change in the industry make Lion Forge better on delivering its promise of ‘Comics for Everyone.’ Her passion for comics, children’s literature, and innovation in publishing make her the right person to lead our efforts with children and young adults.”

VIZ Media Details New September Digital Manga Update & New Series Debuts

VIZ Media opens September with a fresh digital manga update highlighted by the latest entry in the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP lineup as well as new additions to scores of other popular continuing titles. Shojo and classic manga fans won’t want to miss September’s special digital sale. The Classic Shojo Beat Fantasy Sale covers entire series runs for timeless shojo fantasy titles and takes place each week throughout the month. Check in each week for the latest shojo series featured in the September sale!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP readers can look forward to Jump Start series, THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, officially joining the magazine’s lineup this month. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is the world’s premier manga brand and leading international weekly manga magazine. The first three chapters of THE PROMISED NEVERLAND will also be available on the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP website’s free section along with the continued serialization of ASTRA LOST IN SPACE, a new science fiction survival epic from Kenta Shinohara, the creator of Sket Dance! Other series currently available in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP’s free section include THE EMPEROR AND I, HAIKYU!!, ONE-PUNCH MAN, NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE’S SHARINGAN LEGEND and more!

In THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, life at Grace Field House has been good for Emma and her fellow orphans. While the daily studying and exams they have to take are tough, their loving caretaker provides them with delicious foods and plenty of playtime. But perhaps not everything is as it seems.

Classic Shojo Beat Fantasy Manga Promotion

VIZ Media celebrates classic shojo fantasy manga series throughout September! Specially curated digital sales will discount every available volume of a featured series to $4.99 each and will be available across all digital platforms for a limited time.

CERES: THE CELESTIAL LEGEND · Digital Sale Available Sept. 6^th–12^th

• Vols. 1-14

Check VIZ.com each week throughout the rest of the month for additional shojo fantasy manga titles to be featured in this month’s digital sale!

New September 2016 Digital Manga:

Digital manga updates for September include new volumes for 14 continuing VIZ Media series. Notable new releases this month include not-to-be-missed volumes for GOODNIGHT PUNPUN (Vol. 3), HAIKYU!! (Vol. 3), and NISEKOI (Vol. 17). New shojo manga additions include BLOODY MARY (Vol. 4), EVERYONE’S GETTING MARRIED (Vol. 2), IDOL DREAMS (Vol. 3), KIMI NI TODOKE (Vol. 25) and SKIP BEAT! (Vol. 37). Several notable titles also reach their exciting respective series conclusions this month including KOMOMO CONFISERIE (Vol. 5) and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL (Vol. 9).

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the ComiXology, iBooks and Google Play Stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of most series. For more information, please visit VIZ.com.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

Warren Ellis & Colleen Doran Reteam for Digital Comic Series Finality - Exclusively on LINE Webtoon

LINE Webtoon (http://www.webtoons.com), the popular digital comics publisher pioneering the development and distribution of comics worldwide, announced today a new comic series from legendary comic duo Warren Ellis (Red, Iron Man: Extremis, Gun Machine) and Colleen Doran (Sandman, The Amazing Spider-Man) entitled Finality. Finality is a heightened crime drama about Felicity Rockall, the world's greatest criminal investigator, and Amy Ash, the young DCIS special agent assigned to try and control the eccentric genius as they deal with a frightening murder mystery that may prove to be Felicity's final case. The series will launch in 2017. The series reunites Ellis and Doran after more than a decade since they first worked together on the acclaimed graphic novel series Orbiter for DC Comics’ Vertigo banner. Ellis, one of the true legends in graphic fiction, is best known for RED – which was adapted to a hit feature film franchise, and graphic novels Transmetropolitan, Fell, Planetary, and Global Frequency, as well as Iron Man: Extremis, which the film Iron Man 3 is based upon. Doran is amongst today’s most decorated comic artists with a wide range of credits including unforgettable runs on DC’s Sandman, Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man, her ambitious space opera Distant Soil, and her illustration work on Stan Lee’s New York Times bestselling graphic memoir Amazing Fantastic Incredible. Doran has been awarded the most prestigious accolades in comics including the Eisner and the Harvey awards.

“We are thrilled that Warren Ellis and Colleen Doran, two comic legends, are launching their new crime drama series on LINE Webtoon, and we know that our readers are going to be waiting in suspense each week as the mystery of Finality unfolds”, said JunKoo Kim, Founder and Head of LINE Webtoon.

Finality will follow Rockall, an eccentric recluse and fiercely intelligent woman, and Ash, a young agent reluctant to take the case, as they’re thrown into an appalling series of complex murders that seem to be linked to Felicity’s mysterious past. Finality will leave readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Rockall and Ash’s journey from beginning to end. Told from Ash’s perspective in the present as she tries to make sense of the events passed in a series of flashbacks, readers will be dying to know what comes next as the story navigates through suspenseful and thrilling unexpected plot twists.

“Colleen is one of the greatest talents in the artform, and it's a rare pleasure to get to write for her again, as well as to be working in digital-first comics again, thanks to LINE Webtoon,” said Ellis.

“It’s been great to be working with Warren again. Drawing digital comics on the vertical format is a new challenge for me that I am excited to be undertaking with him and LINE Webtoon. I think fans are going to be really excited about what we have created with Finality,” said Doran. 

A 26-episode weekly series, Finality will take advantage of LINE Webtoon’s vertical scroll and mobile optimized reading experience to bring Ellis and Doran’s action-packed thriller to over 35 million monthly readers.

Last month LINE Webtoon announced two exciting new partnerships with Patreon and DeviantArt - both of which tie back to LINE Webtoon’s unwavering dedication to discovering, nurturing and supporting emerging talent and foster fresh voices in digital comics.  

Readers can check out LINE Webtoon’s thousands of digital comic series at Webtoons.com and on the official LINE Webtoon app by visiting the Apple App Store and Google Play.

VIZ Media Celebrates Director Hayao Miyazaki With THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, presents a special new offering to fans of the work of famed anime visionary Hayao Miyazaki with the release of THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY on October 18^th. This beautiful hardcover edition joins VIZ Media’s highly commended series of art books showcasing Studio Ghibli films. THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY’s debut also coincides with the 30^th Anniversary of the original release of the film. THE ART OF CASTLE IN THE SKY will carry an MSRP of $34.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky was the first feature film produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli. Sheeta, a girl who has the power to defy gravity, is on the run from pirates when she meets the young inventor Pazu. Together they explore the secrets of Laputa, a flying city constructed by a long-lost race of people. All of Miyazaki’s major themes – the power of flight, the bravery of young women, and a world wrecked by change – are captured with beautiful animation and joyous storytelling.

“We are proud to release this gorgeously illustrated book that celebrates the extraordinary artwork of Hayao Miyazaki’s groundbreaking film,” says Masumi Washington, Senior Editorial Director. “This comprehensive edition is packed with the film’s art, from conception to final release, as well as commentary and insights from Miyazaki himself. It makes a fitting addition to our extensive Studio Ghibli library.”

Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan's most beloved animation directors. His first feature, The Castle of Cagliostro, was released in 1979 and his critically acclaimed film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which was based on his own manga, was released in 1984. In 1985, Miyazaki cofounded Studio Ghibli, through which he directed the box office smashes Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001), which won the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival and the Academy Award^® for Best Animated Feature Film in 2003. Howl's Moving Castle (2004) received the Osella Award for technical achievement at the 2004 Venice International Film Festival. In 2005, VIFF awarded Miyazaki the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Miyazaki’s other acclaimed films include My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service and Ponyo. Miyazaki's essays, interviews and memoirs have been collected in STARTING POINT: 1979–1996 and TURNING POINT: 1997–2008. His final film, The Wind Rises, was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award^®. In November 2014, Miyazaki received an honorary Academy Award^® at the academy's sixth annual Governor's Awards.

For information on other award-winning anime and manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

Titan Announces "Norman: The First Slash"

Titan Comics are excited to reveal Norman: The First Slash #1 - a newly released series written and illustrated by visionary creator Stan Silas (Biguden). Norman: The First Slash reveals the origin of the kid killer and unveils even more of his dark secrets. The series is newly released for the US singles format with some amazing covers from top industry talents like Marc Ellerby (Doctor Who), JAKe (How to Speak Wookiee), Rachael Smith (House Party, Doctor Who), Sonia Leong (I, Hero) and Amoona Saohin.

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ABOUT NORMAN: THE FIRST SLASH Writer/artist: Stan Silas FC - 32pp - $3.99 - On sale: December 7, 2016

The razor-sharp tale of Norman's origins! A member of the class has disappeared, and Norman is to blame! This bloodthirsty kid's penchant for killing knows no bounds! With his classmates also out for blood, maybe he should just rid himself of them all, one by one...

COVER A: Marc Ellerby COVER B: JAKe COVER C: Rachael Smith COVER D: Sonia Leong COVER E: Amoona Saohin

Oni Press Announces THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY by Katie O'Neill

Portland’s premier independent comic book publisher, is excited to announce THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY, the next original graphic novel by Katie O'Neill, creator of PRINCESS PRINCESS EVER AFTER (currently ranked the #1 Best Seller on Amazon.com's Gay & Lesbian graphic novels category, and #10 in the Fantasy Graphic Novel category)! “The Tea Dragon Society is about a young blacksmith apprentice, Greta, who is learning her craft but isn’t entirely sure what use it has in modern society,”O'Neill told The Mary Sue in today's announcement. “When she encounters a tea dragon and becomes closer to those who raise them and grow their tea, she learns about the dying art form and how it enriches the lives of those she meets—and eventually her own. With the experiences and the memories she makes, she begins to wonder if there’s a value in craft all of its own.”

The announcement follows yesterday's release of O'Neill's debut graphic novelPrincess Princess Ever After, adapted from her popular webcomic about two very different princesses on a journey to find out what “happily ever after” truly means.

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THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY will be available in local comic book shops and bookstores in November 2017. It will be available to order through Diamond, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.

PRINCESS PRINCESS EVER AFTER is available now in local comic book shops and bookstores, and ComiXology. It is available for pre-order at Amazon,Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million, on sale September 20. It is available to order through Diamond, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.

O'Neill will post weekly teaser pages of The Tea Dragon Society starting onWednesday, September 14, at http://teadragonsociety.com/.

Comic Industry: James Pruett Announced as New Publisher for Scout Comics

SCOUT COMICS AND ENTERTAINMENT, a month away from celebrating its one-year anniversary at New York Comic-Con, proudly announces that industry veteran JAMES PRUETT has joined the company as Publisher, effective immediately. James brings extensive industry experience stretching over two decades. He began his career as one of the co-creators of the Eisner Award-nominated anthology series NEGATIVE BURN before becoming the Managing Editor/Associate Publisher of Caliber Comics. During his time there, he was instrumental in propelling Caliber to its height as a top ten comic publisher. 

In addition to editing hundreds of titles, James also created and/or wrote the comic series THE APPARITION, BLACK MIST, BOOK OF ANGELS, NEW WORLDS ANTHOLOGY, and CALIBER CORE, as well as co-scripting the fan-favorite KAOS MOON series and penning an issue of X-MEN UNLIMITED with Mike Deodato for Marvel.

Brendan Deneen, CEO of Scout Comics, says, "The addition of Jim to the Scout team has already proven to be a huge coup for us.  He brings a level of publishing expertise that we needed and as Scout enters its second year, I am extremely excited to work closely with Jim to break our company out in an even bigger way than we did in our first year."

“I’m excited to become a part of this dynamic new comic company, “said James. “I had stepped away from the industry for a time to concentrate on my corporate career and to help raise my two kids, but the calling of the creative freedom and expression of the comic book industry—my first love—and seeing the success that my twin brother, Joe, has had with the founding of AfterShock Comics, led me back home. I saw so many amazing things happening with Scout Comics that I realized I couldn’t stay away, knowing that I had found like-minded people with the same vision and appreciation for the comic medium I have.”

Scout Comics & Entertainment, the home of critically-acclaimed titles such as HENCHGIRL, ONCE OUR LAND, SOLARMAN and other exciting series, develops, publishes and launches creator-owned comics. By consistently bringing exciting new, talented voices and their Intellectual Property to market, Scout has established itself as a pipeline to major studios and producers for some the of best new characters, ripe for development in TV, Film, Digital, Mobile, VR, and video games.  With deep knowledge and relationships in Hollywood (across Film, TV & Digital), Scout's mission is to discover, develop, and support content creators and help build successful careers for them while translating their projects to different platforms and mediums. By way of example, SOLARMAN is in development as a feature film with producer Debra Martin Chase (COURAGE UNDER FIRE, THE PRINCESS DIARIES) while HENCHGIRL is in active development as a network television series.

You Can Now Get Judge Dredd Martial Arts Kits

It can be tough on the streets of Mega-City One and now martial arts fans can protect themselves with The Law – thanks to a new range of clothing from Scramble and 2000 AD. 2000 AD and Scramble are pleased to announce a new range of licensed martial arts clothing and compression wear which draws on the rich history of the Judge Dredd universe – featuring classic images of the ultimate lawman himself to other characters such as Judge Anderson, The Simping Detective, and many more!

The range will include licensed jiu jitsu gi (kimono), rashguards, hoodies, T-shirts, and woven gi patches.

The new products will be released through dedicated stores in the UK and USA, with wholesalers carrying the full range.

Matt Benyon, creative director and owner of Scramble, said: "Judge Dredd has long been one of my favourite characters, and the fact that Dredd is a born-and-bred British comic resonates with us a British brand. As a kid I would practice drawing Dredd until I got the lines just right; now it's my great pleasure to have the official license and to create some amazing products using the iconic image."

Scramble is a technical apparel brand with its roots in the martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling. Starting in 2009, Scramble has been very successful in making clothing and equipment that transcends the sport. They are particularly renowned for their collaboration T-shirts with famous figures and licenses, as well as compression wear and BJJ kimonos.  www.scramblestuff.com

2000 AD is the legendary weekly British anthology comic and home of Judge Dredd, as well as a galaxy of original sci-fi, fantasy, and horror action stars. As well as producing innovative and provactive comics for almost 40 years, it has brought the industry some of its biggest talents, from Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, and Mark Millar, to Jock, Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, and many more. Published in print and digital every Wednesday, 2000 AD is the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic and remains at the industry’s cutting edge. www.2000ADonline.com

Terrible Crackle Show SuperMansion Now A Comic Book

SuperMansion is unwatchable so while I won't bag the comic instantly, given the source material... it's going to be an uphill battle. Also, when did Titan turn into the U.K. IDW branch? I don't even know if they have a single non-licensed property on their release slate anymore. From Titan:

Titan Comics is excited to announce that Crackle’s “SuperMansion,” the hit stop-motion animated comedy series from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios with Bryan Cranston (Trumbo, “Breaking Bad”), Seth Green (Buffy,“Robot Chicken”), and Jillian Bell (“Workaholics”), as well as Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele) and Chris Pine (Star Trek Beyond, Wonder Woman) who both earned Emmy nominations in the Character Voice-Over Performance category, is coming to comics!

For release in early 2017, this brand-new comic book series is based on the stop-motion superhero animated comedy series from Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.  Since premiering on Crackle, the series has captured audiences with its playful, yet acerbic commentary on the superhero genre. “SuperMansion” follows the adventures of Titanium Rex (voiced by Cranston, who’s also the series’ executive producer) as he struggles to live with and fight alongside the Millennial-aged, often lackadaisical members of The League of Freedom.

"SuperMansion” has it all; playful, yet acerbic commentary on the superhero genre, a group of bungling caped crusaders called The League of Freedom and that age old struggle to stay relevant in a changing world!" said editor David Leach. “Titan are thrilled to be publishing SuperMansion comics and promise to bring the same level of wit, and humor to our series, or my name isn't Jefferson McMinty."

“I'm excited to get back into the world of comics with Titan and the characters we created for SuperMansion. It's going to be a wild ride and I can't wait to get started!” said Zeb Wells Co-Creator/Director/Writer/Executive Producer of“SuperMansion.”

The second season of “SuperMansion” is scheduled to make its return to Crackle in early 2017.  You can binge-watch all 13 episodes of the first season on Crackle and download the uncensored digital version on October 10th or pick-up the DVD on October 11th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Titan’s SuperMansion series are set to debut in 2017.  Keep watch on the skies for more about the creative team soon.

Titan Announces Scalebound Comic

Taking flight in 2017, Titan Comics is thrilled to announce it will team-up with the renowned video game developer, PlatinumGames (Bayonetta, Wonderful 101, Metal Gear Rising) and Microsoft Studios to publish comics based on the upcoming and highly anticipated dragon-riding action RPG Scalebound video game. PlatinumGames are trailblazing through the video game industry since being founded in 2006. The developer gained industry recognition for their 2009 release, Bayonetta, which scored high scores with fans and critics alike.PlatinumGames have produced numerous games across many different properties and licenses from original property like Bayonetta and Wonderful 101 to licensed property like Metal Gear Rising and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan. PlatinumGames have been said to have perfected the frenetic ‘hack-and-slash’ action gameplay and married it with enthusiastic storylines, and gorgeous landscapes that demonstrate their passion for game design.

This passionate approach continues in their upcoming release Scalebound, an action RPG published by Microsoft Studios and currently scheduled for release in 2017 on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC. In Scalebound, you will experience the journey of a young loner, Drew, who is pulled into the strange, beautiful and dangerous world of Draconis. There Drew is bonded to a fearsome and noble dragon, Thuban, the last of his kind. These two, lone-wolf heroes thrown together by fate must learn to fight as one to defeat the powerful enemies that threaten Draconis and Earth.

“We are thrilled to team up with one of the hottest developers in the video game industry to create Scalebound comics!” said Sales and Marketing Manager Ricky Claydon, “These comics will expand the lore of the games to appeal to an even wider audience!”

Announced at the Diamond retailer summit in Baltimore, the partnership between Titan and PlatinumGames will see the publication of brand-new comic stories featuring the characters in the game, exploring the rich, fantastical world and captivating lore of the story.

Titan Books will also release their in-universe Scalebound lore book, ‘The Book of the Sages’, in 2017.

Valiant Joins Local Comic Shop Day® 2016 with HARBINGER RENEGADES #1 and BLOODSHOT U.S.A. #1

Valiant Entertainment will be supporting Local Comic Shop Day® 2016 on November 19th, 2016 by offering special editions of BLOODSHOT U.S.A. #1 (of 4) – the highly anticipated standalone event by New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (BLOODSHOT REBORN, Moon Knight) and blockbuster artist Doug Braithwaite (Justice) – and HARBINGER RENEGADES #1 – the all-new ongoing series for Valiant’s subversive teenage superteam by multiple Harvey Award nominee Rafer Roberts (A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and comics superstar Darick Robertson (The Boys, Transmetropolitan) – to participating retailers! Spotlighting two major releases from “THE FUTURE OF VALIANT” initiative – an all-new wave of ongoing series and prestige projects from the largest independent superhero universe in comics  – find out why Valiant has established itself as the most critically acclaimed publisher in comics today with this pair of perfect introductory jumping-on points, available only on Local Comic Shop Day® 2016!

Limited to just 1,000 copies, the BLOODSHOT U.S.A. #1 LCSD VARIANT will feature an all-new, never-before-seen cover by renowned artist Antonio Fuso (Cobra), created especially for Local Comic Shop Day® 2016! From the Bronx to Broadway, an unstoppable, nanite-enhanced pathogen is about to turn New York City’s populace against itself…and Bloodshot is the only soldier tough enough to lead a one-man invasion of the city that never sleeps! Join the firefight here as superstar creators Jeff Lemire and Doug Braithwaite unleash a perfect entry point into Valiant’s award-winning publishing line with the self-contained action event of the fall!

Then, acclaimed creators Rafer Roberts and Darick Robertson activate the most-demanded, most dangerous superteam in comics in the HARBINGER RENEGADES #1 LCSD VARIANT – featuring an explosive new cover by action-packed artist Stephen Segovia (Action Comics)! They’re in your towns. In your schools. And inside your mind…Now, with a revolutionary upheaval in motion all across America, Kris Hathaway, John “Torque” Torkelson, Faith “Zephyr” Herbert, and Peter Stanchek are about to discover their calling. Together, the HARBINGER RENEGADES are moving from town to town, building their ranks, and subverting authority one mind at a time…and setting out to prove once and for all that behind their power, there has always been a purpose. Don’t miss a moment as the Renegades come roaring out of the underground and into the streets for an uncompromising new ongoing series, right here on Local Comic Shop Day® 2016!

“We’re very happy that Valiant is once again supporting Local Comic Shop Day®,” said Marco Davanzo, ComicsPRO Executive and owner of Alakazam Comics in Irvine, California. “Valiant is very retailer and fan-friendly, and has always been a HUGE supporter of local comic shops.”

Local Comic Shop Day® shines a bright spotlight on locally owned independent comic book specialty stores and their role in shaping the pop culture market. This year, Local Comic Shop Day® will beSaturday, November 19th, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

On Local Comic Shop Day®, participating retailers will have exclusive, and in some cases, limited items debuting from supporting publishers. The goal of Local Comic Shop Day is to jump start the holiday buying season for storefront comics specialty retailers by giving comics fans more of what they most desire.

ComicsPRO - the trade organization of comic book specialty stores and the organizer of Local Comic Shop Day®, invites all brick and mortar comic book specialty stores to be part of Local Comic Shop Day®. To register, please visit www.comicspro.org/lcsdstore2016

Comic Industry: Valiant Promotes Hunter Gorinson to VP Marketing & Communications

Valiant Entertainment today named Hunter Gorinson to the position of Vice President of Marketing & Communications. A member of the management team that relaunched Valiant's publishing operations to record-setting critical and commercial success, Gorinson joined the company as Marketing & Communications Manager in 2011 and was subsequently promoted to his previous position as Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital Media in 2013. Gorinson's new appointment reflects his integral strategic and managerial position within Valiant, where he has a played a key role across all facets of the company's marketing and public relations in publishing, licensing, digital media, and film since its widely acclaimed return in 2012.

In the years since, Valiant's publishing roster has continued to grow with repeatedly sold-out and celebrated new titles, including 4001 A.D., BLOODSHOT REBORN, BOOK OF DEATH, DIVINITY, NINJAK, THE VALIANT, and, most recently, FAITH – the latter of which generated worldwide media attention from outlets including The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan, The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter,The Huffington Post, MTV, The New York Times, NPR, PBS Newshour, People, Today, Vox, The Washington Post, and many dozens more.

Most recently, Valiant has continued to innovate within the comics arena with a multitude of achievements. In 2014, Valiant became the first comics publisher to broadcast live from Twitter headquarters in San Francisco with the inaugural #ValiantSummit event – now a yearly reoccurring feature of the publisher's marketing operations. Consistently rated year over year as the most acclaimed comic book publisher in the industry today, Valiant has received hundreds of awards, nominations, and critical accolades, culminating in 2016 with a record-setting 50 Harvey Awards nominations – the most ever received by a single publisher in the history of one of the comic book industry's most prestigious awards.

“Valiant's reputation for innovative marketing with tremendous reach within the world of comics and to the general public is in no small part due to Hunter's leadership,” said Valiant CFO & Chief Operating Officer Gavin Cuneo. “His increased responsibility and seniority at Valiant is well deserved.”

Originally founded in 1989, Valiant Entertainment is one of the most successful publishers in the history of the comic book medium with more than 80 million units sold and the third largest library of superhero characters in comics. In 2012, Valiant roared back to the fore with four new titles released under the banner of "The Summer of Valiant" – a relaunch that quickly established itself as the biggest debut of a new comic book publisher in more than a decade. Beginning with X-O MANOWAR #1 by New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord, which ranked as the year’s best-selling new series from any independent publisher, Valiant has consistently produced some of the highest selling and most critically accoladed comic titles anywhere in the industry. During the same period, the resurgent Valiant was also awarded a coveted Diamond Gem Award for Publisher of the Year after just seven months of publishing, marking the fastest time that any new publisher had been named to one of comics' highest honors.

After successfully revitalizing the largest independent superhero universe in comics, Valiant expanded its publishing roster with a successful slate of new titles, characters, and concepts, beginning with 2013's UNITY #1 by New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite – an issue that was recognized as the biggest independent comics launch in more than five years. Also in 2013, Valiant released HARBINGER WARS #1 – the beginning of Valiant's first inter-title crossover event, which in turn inspired a five-film plan for Valiant's BLOODSHOT andHARBINGER franchises as feature films at Sony Pictures.

"Valiant has one of the most dedicated, formidable and experienced management teams anywhere in the entertainment industry. Hunter distinguished himself early on as a key member of that team, and his influence and ideas have been integral to the company’s many unprecedented successes over the past five years,” said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. “As a co-architect of Valiant’s resurgence, there is no better voice to oversee this crucial division as the company prepares to enter a new and expansive period across publishing and all facets of entertainment.”

Gorinson's experience prior to Valiant includes Marvel Entertainment and Showtime Networks, as well as several years as a reporter and columnist covering entertainment and local politics in Washington, DC. He holds a B.A. from New York University and an M.S. from The New School.

Oni Press Announces BAD MACHINERY Pocket Editions

Oni Press, Portland’s premier independent comic book publisher, is excited to announce the Pocket Editions of BAD MACHINERY, the widely acclaimed series by Eisner-nominated writer John Allison (Giant Days). Allison’s witty series about English schoolchildren solving mysteries is re-releasing in a new, easier-to-read (and easier to shelve) size.

Allison spoke with School Library Journal's “Good Comics for Kids” about the decision to re-release Bad Machinery in a new, smaller format: “The large format is divisive. They’re great-looking library books. Kids love the big books, adult readers don’t so much, and Bad Machinery has something for both groups. I’ve met readers aged six, and aged 70. I think smaller versions will play well with a large part of that range.”

Originally printed as large 9″ x 12″ books, these smaller 6″ x 9″ books will contain the same content as the larger editions, and will feature brand new covers illustrated by Allison. Bad Machinery will continue to print in both the original larger format and as the Pocket Editions.

The Pocket Edition of BAD MACHINERY VOLUME 1: THE CASE OF THE TEAM SPIRIT goes on sale March 15, 2017, and will be priced at $10.00. It will be available to order through Diamond, Ingram, and Baker & Taylor.

The Case of the Team Spirit introduces readers to Jack, Linton, Sonny, Shauna, Charlotte, and Mildred: six kids navigating the treacherous waters of school and adolescence while also exploring the strange mysteries that abound in their peculiar English town of Tackleford. Jack, Linton, and Sonny look for cures to their football club's unexplainable woes, while Shauna, Charlotte, and Mildred try to find a way for compassion and justice to triumph in the face of die-hard sports fanaticism. But all of them should probably be more concerned with keeping on the good side of their history teacher, Mr. Bough. That is, if he has a good side...

See The First-Ever Spawn #265 Variant Sketch Cover

SPAWN, the best-selling independent comic of all time has released two extremely limited variant comics covers for SPAWN issue 265 being sold only by Scorpion Comics. Spawn 265 Gold Blank Variant Cover - This unique covers feature a gold Spawn logo, the traditional markings, borders and bleed lines of the Image Comics art board used by the artist and an extremely rare printing of only 666.

Spawn #265 Red Blank Variant Cover - A classic sketch cover, perfect for your favorite’s artist sketches or signatures. Features a red Spawn logo and a limited print run of only 1500. There have never been variant sketch covers like these before and now fans and collectors can own these limited sketch covers available only at

There have never been variant sketch covers like these before and now fans and collectors can own these limited sketch covers available only at http://www.scorpioncomics.com

Dark Horse Releases Trade Paperback of Fantastic First Issues

Dark Horse is making it easy for you to find your next favorite series! Dark Horse is excited to announce the Dark Horse Number Ones trade paperback, which will allow readers to familiarize themselves with some of our most talented creators in a value-priced collection. Dark Horse Number Ones opens the door to new storytelling worlds with eight first issues from a diverse selection of genres:

• Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s The Umbrella Academy is the story of a group of superpowered children, born on the same day and subsequently adopted and raised by a scientist as secretive as he is wealthy.
• Mike Mignola’s Hellboy in Hell finds Hellboy dead and in Hell, where a throne awaits him—along with familiar faces.
• Joëlle Jones and Jamie S. Rich’s Lady Killer showcases a 1960s homemaker who is also a ruthless assassin for hire!
• Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston’s Black Hammer finds a group of superheroes banished and trapped in a small town as they struggle to return home.
• Matt Kindt and Sharlene Kindt’s Dept. H follows a special investigator assigned to uncover possible sabotage taking place at a deep-sea research station.
• Brian Wood and Mack Chater’s Briggs Land introduces the Briggs family, the leaders of an antigovernment secessionist movement in the United States, as the matriarch, Grace Briggs, attempts to take control from her incarcerated husband.
• Kurtis Wiebe and Mindy Lee’s Bounty features galactic bandits turned bounty hunters as they fight their way across the galaxy.
• Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook’s Harrow County features a young girl who learns about her origins and discovers her supernatural powers.

At over 200 pages, the Dark Horse Number Ones trade goes on sale March 29, 2017, for an unheard-of price of just $5.99! Comics fans, prepare to find your next obsession!

Image Announces "One Week in the Library"

Writer W. Maxwell Prince and artist John Amor (Judas: The Last Days) bring an original graphic novella, ONE WEEK IN THE LIBRARY, to Image Comics this December.ONE WEEK IN THE LIBRARY is an experimental graphic novella which recounts a troublesome week in a magical Library via seven short stories—one for each day—that use comics, infographics, prose, and poetry to play with the graphic medium and explore the multivalent world of living narrative. “Telling stories isn’t easy for me,” said W. Maxwell Prince. “I often find myself really interested in one thing, but then boring of that quickly and moving on to something completely different. This book allowed me to embrace that attention deficit while simultaneously building something with a solid center. The end result, I think, is really fun. It doesn’t move in the ways that comics usually do, but it’s still identifiably a comic book. Except for when it’s not, of course.”

Welcome to the Library. It’s here that every story ever written is cataloged and monitored by a single man, who’s begun to notice something strange: the books are rebelling.

ONE WEEK IN THE LIBRARY with cover art by Frazer Irving (Diamond Code SEP160780) will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, December 7th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, October 24th.

ONE WEEK IN THE LIBRARY trade paperback (ISBN 978-1-5343-0022-4) can also be pre-ordered on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.